#bnd x you

[txtsoobean]

This was so cute! I love how you described her slowly getting to know Taesan and realizing her feelings for him.

i'll be the sun // taesan

The last person Taesan - the leader of the school band - expected to bond over music with was you, the head of the Maths club.

➳ Characters: high school senior!Taesan x high school senior!female reader/you

➳ Genre: high school au, rich kids au, slow burn, coming of age, fluff, some real-life bittersweet parts

➳ Words: 8.1k

➳ Warning: mentions of parental pressure, insecurities, reader had a fall-out with her ex best friend, crying

➳ A/N: This story had the most votes in my recent poll, so here it is! I had a lot of fun writing it because music, Taesan and slow burn stories are a good combo.

This is also a spin-off to my Leehan story, but you don't have to read that one to understand Taesan's part

➳ Dedicated to: @dat-town ❤️

VOTE HERE IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN A TAESAN POV CHAPTER!

You couldn't say that you were looking forward to senior year to start. Moreso, you were looking forward to it to end.

After all, if it was over, you would be over your exams, and if the exams were over, you would be closer to your dream university. Until then, all the assignments seemed daunting, all the extracurricular activities seemed bothersome, and all the tests seemed life-changing. The last thing you expected was to fall in love along the way, but alas, life had a funny way to change your plans.

It all started on a Tuesday. At least, for you, it did.

Since you were the head of the Maths club, you left school later on Tuesdays because that's when you had your weekly club activity. After wrapping things up, you usually stayed behind to print out some more materials for next week and to organise the ones you collected. You also cleaned out the classroom you booked since the cleaning lady usually cleaned the basement during your time slot, not after.

So it was well past 7PM when you made your way back to the homeroom to pick up your PE bag because you didn't want to drag it with you all the way to the basement. You had some books left on your desk either way.

You stepped inside the classroom mindlessly, but you stopped dead in your tracks when you caught sight of someone already there. Taesan was leaning against his seat in the last row, playing on his guitar and bobbing his head to a song with his earphones in. He turned towards the windows with half of his body, so he didn't see you coming in. You noticed that he also closed his eyes while he was playing.

You weren't afraid of Taesan's reaction as per se, but he seemed like he was in his own bubble, and you didn't want to burst it. Alas, you had to get your bag and books, so you tiptoed into the classroom, hoping that the boy wouldn’t hear you moving.

You scooped up your books and threw the sports bag over your shoulder, and not until you turned around, did you realise that you knew the song Taesan was playing. You knew it all too well, and the momentary realisation made you halt just in time for Taesan to open his eyes and take in your presence. He removed his earphones and gazed at you - a bit tentative, but mostly curious.

For a moment, you had no idea how to react. The boy was as unbothered as you were, but there was still some awkwardness lingering in the air, not because it was embarrassing to be in the classroom with someone you didn’t usually talk with, but because you two were very different students on the verge of adulthood, and it was awkward to get caught up in a situation like this.

Not to mention that it felt a bit like déjavu, the flashback from the summer class trip pulling you back to reality.

“It was ‘I Don’t Love You’, right?” You found yourself asking, holding onto the straps of your sports bag to hold onto anything, except the memory from that night during the class trip.

Something flashed in Taesan’s eyes, and you knew immediately that you were right, though there was no reason to deny it. Even though Taesan was the leader of the school band, thus he knew quite a lot about the technical parts of making music, you had never heard him make a comment on anyone’s music taste. What he thought internally was a different question.

“Do you listen to MCR?” He quirked an eyebrow, and still, there was no malice in his voice. If anything, his interest was piqued.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Cool. Me too,” he bobbed his head casually, and you were about to say that you had a feeling that he did since he was playing the band’s song when the cleaning lady marched into the classroom, and made her presence very much known with her high-pitched exclamation: 

“What are you doing here at this hour, kids? Go home!”

You heard Taesan scoff behind you, but you didn’t object. You both packed up your stuff and headed out of the classroom, the now empty corridor filled with the cacophony of your footsteps. As far as you could remember, you had never walked side by side with Taesan like this. You had very different interests, he had his own friend group and well… you didn’t, so your interactions were limited to strictly school-related things like group projects, helping out the boy with a Maths task, and being sat beside each other on a class trip.

Yet, it seemed that you now had something to talk about, and Taesan took advantage of that.

“What’s your favourite MCR song?”

You didn’t even have to think twice about the answer.

“ ‘Teenagers’. You might find it funny, but whenever I step foot into the school, this song comes to mind,” you shared with him as you craned your head to look up at him, just in time to catch an amused smile playing along his lips. You had a feeling you didn’t need to tell him why, all those teenagers at school really did scare you sometimes. “What about you?”

“My favourite one is ‘I Don’t Love You’, but since you recognised it, you must know it already,” he answered a bit shyly, scratching the back of his neck as if he was embarrassed.

It was a new sight for you since Taesan was usually straightforward and confident, someone who seemed to be totally at ease with himself. You sometimes envied the way he carried himself; so coolly as if nothing could bother him, and as if he knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. When you looked into the mirror, all you could see was anxiety and question marks floating around your head, and even though you thought you would gain some confidence from being a straight-A student, it did just the opposite. It fuelled your insecurities even more.

You directed a half-smile at the boy, not sure what to do with his reaction, and kept walking towards the entrance on the ground floor. Taesan inquired what kind of artists you listened to other than MCR, and he seemed so excited to talk about his favourite ones that he barely realised that he was waiting with you at the wrong bus stop. You knew that he usually went home with the bus departing from the stop opposite yours because having no friends anymore meant that you were observant like that.

“Oh sorry, I have to go,” he excused himself when you pointed out that his bus was coming. “See you tomorrow!” He bid his farewell while already running towards the vehicle, his guitar case rhythmically hitting his side and his school bag sliding down his right shoulder.

You watched him leave and take a seat on the bus while panting, his hair dishevelled, his tie loose around his neck. He was so different from you who knew the whole bus timetable by heart, never ever even ran after a bus, and always kept herself in check. However, as he caught you staring and gave you a little wave of his hand, you realised that deep down, you wished to be more like him.

And what was sad about it was that you knew that the only one holding you back from being more like him was actually you.

With the third week of the new term starting came the announcement of the random draw for the annual sports’ day. KOZ International High’s sports’ day was your school’s version of ISAC, and even though you were all coming from influential families and all the students had probably enough money to attend the Olympics games in the VIP section, no one complained about the event. In fact, it was all the school magazine and school radio could talk about for almost two months, and everyone tried to put effort into practising for their own games to not lose face.

Each year, all the classes participated in four different categories - mixed 4 x 100 m relay, archery, swimming and dance -, going up against one another within each year. The only category that allowed students to sign up for was dance as only groups could participate, and they needed to be formed in time to seem somewhat professional. Each year, this was the competition everyone was looking forward to the most since usually professional dancers signed up - like Baekseung, Minwoo and Haruto who always won the dance category in your year.

For all the other categories, there was a random draw during homeroom where your teacher announced who should be participating in which category. For freshman and sophomore year, you had been selected for swimming, last year for archery, and this year, you were asked to do the mixed relay with Millie, Pierre and Taesan. Which wouldn’t have been a problem if Pierre hadn’t insisted on making a groupchat for you all and having practice sessions each week to prepare for the sports day at the end of October.

“We can practise in our own free time. I don’t understand why we should all be gathering in one place each week,” you pointed out matter-of-factly when you had your first “team meeting” on the day of the draw.

“Because it’s about team spirit, you know? You might feel more motivated to run your part if you can see others cheering you on,” Pierre pointed out with unnecessarily grand hand gestures, and you needed to hold yourself back from rolling your eyes. However, you caught Taesan watching him with an unamused stare, and the sight made you feel less edgy.

“Besides, we need to practise giving each other the baton. I’ve heard that it can make or break a team’s performance,” Millie chirped in, looking up from her phone on which she was typing up until this moment.

This was exactly the reason you had enjoyed doing archery and swimming for the past 3 years. You had been alone with no team to weigh you down or ask you for unnecessary team meetings. You had practised in your own time at your own pace, problem solved. However, the first obstacle came already when you realised that there was not a single day during the week when you could all be free after classes.

“Can’t you just change the time for your band or club activity?” Pierre asked Taesan and you because you two had your extracurriculars on the same day, the only day when Millie and Pierre would be available.

“No.”

“No way,” you said at the exact same time as Taesan did, and you exchanged a glance, knowing all too well what those Tuesday after-school hours meant to both of you.

“Well, can’t you schedule your family dinner for the weekend, Millie?” Pierre tried again, and the deadly glare she got from the British girl was more than enough to shut him up. Even though none of you had a scheduled weekly family dinner, you knew how it was with rich families: studies and family came first, anything else second.

You brought your notebook closer to your face to examine your notes, and tried to calculate which day could work for everyone. Apparently, none did, so you came up with a different idea:

“Why don’t we practise in pairs? Since you and Millie are free on Tuesday afternoons, you can practise then. Taesan and I are free on Thursday afternoons, we can do it then.”

“But then it won’t be the saaaaame,” Millie pouted as if she had been told something awful, to which Taesan said dryly:

“That’s the only option.”

That managed to convince the two of them, and after a few more minutes of painfully cringe team spirit quotes, you could go on your own way. You immediately bolted off, having had enough of this nonsense, but Taesan fell in step with you, and asked if Thursday was really okay with you.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I just don’t want to sacrifice too much time for this, so maybe 30 minutes will do?”

“I was just about to suggest that,” Taesan nodded, a lopsided smile invading his lips, and it felt so easy, so light to talk to him that it actually surprised you. For a second too long, you watched that smile bloom on his lips, and for the first time in four years, you took in the boy’s pitch-black locks that sat messily on top of his head, his equally dark almond-shaped eyes, the defined features of his that were becoming more prominent by the day the closer he got to adulthood, and there was his lanky built, too…

Taesan caught you staring, and you immediately averted your eyes to the mess of the corridor around you instead of the boy’s face because for the first time, it felt scary to feel so light beside someone.

Pierre was very much not the leader type, but he could complain and spam the group chat with gifs of idols running (and failing sometimes). You didn't know what he was doing with all those hagwon classes he claimed to have which made your 4-member practices not work out because you all had hagwon after school, but he was chronically online. You noticed that from the class group chat either way, but it was different when there were only four of you this time and one of them was Taesan, the other one you - the two students who rather focused on their own duties, not this particular group chat.

It was all what students talked about though. Haruto chirped everyone's ears off about their (supposedly jaw-dropping) choreography, Leehan couldn't stop pouting that he and the class president didn't get selected for running, so that they could be in the same team - since they had officially started dating after the summer trip -, and the usual banter between classes started about who would win. This year, Anton - the national swimming champion - didn't get selected for swimming unlike last year, so even that would be an unpredictable competition for the boys.

Honestly, you weren't one for running, but it was something that you could enjoy at times because it helped you concentrate on something other than school. Other times, running around the field wasn't enough to take your mind off the deliberating amount of school work. Especially not when your ex best-friend, Selina, showed up on the field to practise the choreography she and two other girls had come up with for the dance competition.

It was like she was a completely new person - wearing a noticeable amount of make-up instead of her usual no make-up make-up, trying out dancing that she had never dared before and hanging out with girls she had claimed to not particularly like -, and it hurt to see that. Not because you felt envious because of the 180-turn of hers, but because she had said on that one night during the summer trip that she was sick of feeling like second place beside you.

Just because you usually performed better than she did, you had never ever looked at her like a competition, like a charity case. What's more, you enjoyed studying together with her because you were around the same level. Even though your mother cared about your 2nd place at school (after the class president who was always 1st), you had never cared about Selina's 3rd or 4th place.

Clearly, she felt differently.

"Is everything okay?" Taesan's raspy yet gentle voice brought you back to reality, and you immediately turned your head towards him.

"Yeah. Everything's fine," you answered, though you could feel how uncertain the words sounded. How feeble you sounded. "I just... I think it's enough for me for today," you announced, looking down at your wristwatch that indicated that you had started running only 10 minutes ago. You were nowhere near the end of your usual 30-minute session.

"That's fine. I don't really feel like doing it anymore today," the boy shrugged nonchalantly, and you wondered if it was true, or if he was just trying to make you feel better. Either way, you felt grateful for his cool attitude, and went to the changing room without as much as looking back at Selina and the two other girls.

After you got changed and grabbed your stuff, you still found yourself walking towards the windows that were overlooking the school field. Selina did seem a bit awkward, her limbs not catching up with the rhythm, but you couldn't tell whether she actually enjoyed it or not, and that was what gawked at you. The fact that it had been mere months, and you already couldn't tell how she was feeling. Were you always this bad at recognising her feelings? Was this why you had never noticed her feeling like she was someone less worthy than you? Was she right? Had you really made everyone feel insignificant around you?

Something broke in you at the thought, and you found yourself breathless for a moment, holding onto the windowsill for support. You felt tears pricking your eyes, but you were too preoccupied with the tightness of your chest to care. You tried so hard to hold it back, to hold your feelings back ever since the term started that you believed that you could do it without breaking down.

Turns out you were wrong.

"Hey, Y/N! What's wrong?"

Even though Taesan was only a few steps away, his voice felt like it was coming from many miles away. You didn’t look up at him, you didn’t dare to because you didn’t want him to see your tears. Have you ever achieved anything by crying? No. Just more humiliation and more disapproving words from your parents.

“Gosh, this is so embarrassing,” you mumbled, hoping that Taesan would just leave. On the other hand, Taesan didn’t budge for a few seconds, but then, he gently directed you to the closest room and closed the door behind you two.

Suddenly, you were surrounded by the smell of leather and there was this unmistakable smell of a storage room coming from all the different types of sports equipment you used for PE classes. You had rarely been here before since it was usually the class-president and vice-president who had the duty to collect the equipment for class, but it was quiet, and there were no curious eyes around, just Taesan’s concerned ones.

You were waiting - no, anticipating would be a better word - for the boy to speak up, to tell you to stop crying, but he stood there, looking up from under his long eyelashes, orbs shining worriedly. He then reached into the pocket of his bag and reached out a few crumpled yet clean tissues.

His gesture just made everything hurt tenfold.

“Why aren’t you telling me that it’s indeed embarrassing, and to stop crying?” You inquired, confused, eyeing the tissues in his hands. The boy looked taken aback by your question at first, eyes furrowed, creases deeping on his forehead, before his features smoothened out, softened to a gentle degree.

“I can’t tell you how you should feel. If that’s how you feel, I don’t have the right to go against it, but personally I don’t feel embarrassed by the sight of you crying,” he confessed so genuinely, so honestly that you teared up immediately. It was like something awakened inside of you, a part of you that you had hidden so deep that now that it surfaced, it felt unfamiliar and wrong.

You reached for the tissues to dry your eyes, but the tears just kept falling, and somewhere along the way, accompanied by your pained sobs, you found yourself telling Taesan the story behind your argument with Selina. He had been there at the peak of it anyway - just trying to tell you and your ex-best friend that you could come down for the bonfire, but Selina hadn’t heard him behind her and kept on going. She had told you that you had been a terrible friend for not feeling sorry for her when she had always been a worse student than you, and that you didn’t see that you made everyone feel insignificant beside you, that’s why you had only her.

It had started so innocently, not even an argument, just talking about your senior year, but it spiralled down way too quickly, you had just stood there, listening to the girl you had called your best friend for 3 years tell you everything as if you had forced her to bottle things up. Back then, you had been too shocked to react in any way other than numbing your feelings, but now it all burst out. It was ugly, it was messy, but it was also very human, and Taesan didn’t say a derogatory word, he hummed at times to indicate that he was listening, but let you speak freely.

Which was odd, and at first, you didn’t even know what to do with it. Usually, your parents stopped you when you started complaining, and said that you shouldn’t overreact things. However, he didn’t interrupt you even when you were searching for words or blowing out your nose between sobs. He also kept giving you tissues, though he ran out of them after a while, and tucked his hands into the back pocket of his jeans to cover up his awkwardness.

By that time, you were feeling better but also worse. You were lighter than minutes ago, but you were also very, very tired. Maybe holding everything back was actually more exhausting than letting everything out in time.

“Thank you.”

You let the words hang between you two, let Taesan ruminate over it, but he just nodded as if it was nothing, and said with all the confidence in the world:

“Anytime.”

You couldn’t tell if it was intentional or accidental, but after a while, you and Taesan started walking towards the bus stop together on Tuesdays after both of you wrapped up your extracurricular activities. You talked about school to a certain extent, but more often than not, you exchanged song recommendations, sharing not just your favourite ones, but explaining which part was your favourite and why. Taesan was obviously more eloquent when it came to music, but he was always interested to hear your opinion, and didn’t put you down even if the best you could mutter sometimes was that the song made you feel something, though you couldn’t tell what.

You also had your relay practices on Thursday afternoons, and after the first two relatively quiet sessions, you developed the habit of cheering for the other when you measured your time, to see how much you improved. Pierre and Millie did the same, sharing their records with you in the groupchat, so that you could decide in which order you would be running at the event. It was going well, and even though it was exhausting to do this on top of schoolwork, at least you were with Taesan, not Pierre. Sharing silence with Taesan didn’t feel awkward, but you were sure that it would have felt horrible with Pierre.

September passed some lingering sunshine onto October, but as the weather turned colder, you chose to run in the gym hall instead of outside on the sports field. That day, Anton and Jungwon were practising archery together while you were running, but you were the first two to leave with Taesan.

You had heard that it would rain that day, so you had packed an umbrella with you, and how smart of you! You noted that it was indeed pouring inside while walking from the changing room to the entrance of the school. Your steps echoed the way the raindrops were hitting the ground on the other side of the big windows, a constant, never-ending melody. Drip drop, drip drop, step by step, step by step…

You halted only when you pushed the front door open, and found Taesan leaning onto a pillar, his hands tucked into the pockets of his pants. The tip of his Converse shoes was not fully covered by the roof he was standing under, thus, it got dotted with raindrops. He didn’t seem to notice. He did notice you though, and snapped his head back when he heard you take a few steps towards him.

“Are you waiting for someone?” You inquired casually. Not many of you commuted by public transport because most students lived in the student halls on campus. As it was an international high school, and the school attracted talent from all over the world, there were always enough rooms to accommodate every single student if they wished to make use of them. However, since you were from Seoul, and your parents liked to keep an eye on you during term time, you commuted, but it wasn’t bad, only a 25-minute bus ride.

On the other hand, you had always seen Taesan take the bus, so you wondered if it was different this time. Or maybe he was just trying to wait out the rain.

“Ah no,” he shook his head. “I just stopped to check my messages,” he held up the phone in his hand, and you nodded. He scratched the back of his neck, looking up at you with those big, affectionate eyes, and some icy part of your heart melted, drops of water accumulating around it like the puddles on the ground.

“Do you want to walk together? I have an umbrella,” you offered as you pointed at the big black umbrella in your left hand. Taesan looked at it, then back at you, and his lips curled upwards ever so slightly. From him though, that curve was equal to a grin.

So you opened your umbrella, holding it so that it would cover the boy who was taller than you, and it meant that you instinctively started leaning towards him. It didn’t go unnoticed by him, not when your shoulder bumped into his as you came to a halt at a crossroads. You exchanged a gaze, something that you broke almost immediately because you were sure that your face was flushed. You usually didn’t have a problem with closeness like this, but with him, it was different. It was somewhat more intimate.

“Your shoulder is getting wet,” he pointed out when he averted his eyes to your left shoulder, and caught sight of the raindrops sitting on your autumnal coat.

“It’s nothing, really.”

“Let me…” He mumbled as he reached for the handle, and you let him hold the umbrella over you two instead. He was taller either way, you decided, but then you saw that it was his shoulder that got rained on because he was holding it over you way more than he did it over himself.

“Gosh, you aren’t any better,” you huffed, not letting it slide. You grabbed the handle of the umbrella, but Taesan didn’t let go, so you just stood there, staring at each other in beautiful agony, your hands touching. Your heart fluttering, heat reaching your cheeks, you yanked your hand away, but stepped closer to the boy instead. “See, we can fit under it if we stand close enough to each other.”

“Is it close enough now?” He quirked an eyebrow, and there was a twitch in the corner of his mouth. You couldn’t decide whether there was a teasing edge to his words or a flirtatious one, and you weren’t sure which one would be better.

You gulped, looking away, and noticed the traffic lights turning green. Hence, you prompted the boy to start walking, so you could fall in step with him. He shook his head, and you swore there was an amused smile playing along his lips, but you were too focused on your own thumping heart to care.

You asked Taesan for a new song recommendation if he had any, and you shared one of your new favourite songs, too. It was ‘Beaches’ by beabadoobee, and for some reason, this song reminded you of the times you spent with the boy: light-hearted, reassuring, comforting. Like the first signs of spring - awakening, blooming, bringing warmth - after a long winter.

Of course, you didn’t tell him that, just that you liked the lyrics and the instrumentals used, but you were curious about his opinion. That’s what you did after all: sharing song recs, the other jotting it down in their notes app, listening to it and sharing their opinion on it either the next time you met in person or via Kakaotalk. This way, you always had something to look forward to in your days, and it was like a little safe haven from all the studying.

For the first time in forever, you didn’t even go through the timetable in your head to calculate when your bus would be coming, you only noticed it when it was already there.

“See you tomorrow,” Taesan said as he handed the umbrella back to you, and you found yourself smiling at his words. How reassuring it was to know that you would be meeting the next day as well.

“See you tomorrow,” you echoed with a lighter heart, watching while he was running to the other side of the road to hide from the rain under the bus stop’s shelter.

It was odd how your perception of Taesan could change in a matter of weeks. You felt a certain kind of fondness towards him now that you couldn't really put your hand on because you had never felt this way before, but you wanted only good things for him. You really wished he could become a musician one day because he truly deserved it. His band 'Insomnia' already uploaded covers onto Youtube, and had a fair share of views, and you liked to indulge yourself in their videos more often than you would admit. Even though all of them were very talented - Jungwon on the drums, Gyuvin on the synthesiser, Yechan and Taesan on the guitar -, your attention always gravitated towards Taesan and his voice. His voice was similar to his personality: multiple layered with many unexpected charms and softness hidden behind that edgy tone of his.

Though Taesan once inquired if you heard their songs and you admitted that you did, you thought that it wasn't that big of a deal. Most girls - and even guys - at school listened to them because they were fairly popular. Though Leehan was the most popular boy in your year, followed by Yechan with his jokester personality and ever-growing Youtube channel, the other members of the band also had their fair share of popularity. Then, there was Anton who was a national swimming champion, so naturally, everybody knew him, but he didn't really let his presence be known outside of the swimming pool, so it was a quiet kind of fame in his case.

Not that popularity really mattered in your eyes, but you found it somewhat heart fluttering that Taesan would be interested in your opinion regarding their band, and your conversations didn't stop even after the sports day when you came in second with your team. Only Pierre made a ruckus about it though, you and Taesan merely exchanged high-fives, and agreed that you were glad that it was over.

However, you didn't think that the boy would one day ask you if you wanted to hear a snippet of a song he was working on.

“Sure. If you don't mind,” you told him after a few seconds of silence while you were contemplating whether he was serious about asking for your opinion.

“It's not finished yet, I'm still trying to see what direction it should go in, but I'm curious what you think about it,” he explained as he brought his earphones out of his pocket, plugged it into his phone, tapped something on the screen and reached it out to you.

It was just you and him in the classroom as usual on Tuesdays, Taesan sitting in the seat behind yours. You turned around to face him, reluctantly grabbing his earphones and putting them into your ears. There was just something so intimate about this gesture of his: sharing his own song idea with you and sharing his own earphones with you that you needed to pacify your crazily beating heart to actually hear the song.

The snippet that you heard seemed to be the beginning of a love song, and the first thing that came to your mind was how cosy it was, and how easy it was to listen to it. It was something different from Insomnia’s usually punk-rock heavy songs, but the instrumentals were still there, just softer. Like how he had been acting around you despite his seemingly colder facade. The lyrics were about keeping ‘you’ in their memories, and promising to protect ‘you’ which sent a chill down your spine because for a moment, it felt like he was really singing to you.

Taesan kept his eyes on his phone's screen to see where the recording was at, so he immediately looked up when the song finished. He quirked an eyebrow in question while you took out the earphones.

“So…” He cleared his throat before continuing, albeit rather reluctantly. “How did you like it?”

“I liked it, I really did. It was softer than the songs you usually play, but I liked this side of you,” you remarked with a gentle smile, and something caught in his eyes which made you falter. If he was more shocked or just intrigued, you couldn't tell, but you... you were horrified. “I mean, this side of your music... uhmm... your music style.”

You were sure that you were blushing like crazy because how could that have just slipped out? Gosh, this was so embarrassing…

“But I would have made the beginning part a bit longer, so that it could stand out a bit more,” you added, hoping to save yourself from further embarrassment.

You averted your eyes to the desk instead of his face, so you couldn't tell how he reacted, but he jotted down your opinion nevertheless.

“Thanks. I was actually thinking of changing up that part, so thanks for reinforcing that idea.”

You dared to look up at him at this time, and there was this soft smile playing along his lips that made your stomach do somersaults. It was so rare to see him smile like that, and when you were the reason for it, all of your tenseness regarding your own actions melted away.

“Actually, I wanted to show you this song because…”

“Is it you two again?” Came the cleaning lady's indignant voice from the classroom door, and you both snapped your heads back to look at her. Hands on her hips, eyebrows furrowed, the elderly woman didn't seem too happy to find you two in the classroom after 7 o’ clock yet again.

You had to suffer through a few more reprimanding sentences of hers while you were packing up your stuff to leave. Once outside of the school, you asked Taesan what he was trying to say before.

“Ah nevermind,” he shrugged, looking away, and you didn't push him to tell you.

So you continued your walk to the bus stop like always, as if nothing happened, as if he hadn't just showed you a song that could make you question your own feelings towards him, and ultimately, his own feelings towards you.

On Tuesdays, it was usually you who finished sooner, and Taesan was already in the classroom by the time you made your way back there. Not this time though.

You managed to bump into the whole band when you walked out of the room you booked for the Maths club. Unbeknownst to you, you halted in front of the four boys, your eyes darting between Taesan and the rest of the guys.

“Oh hey, Y/N!” Yechan cheered excitedly, grinning widely. You reciprocated his greeting and his smile, holding the notebook and the folder you used to your chest.

“Done with the Maths club for today?” Gyuvin inquired, and you immediately confirmed that you did, but then you realised that he didn’t necessarily have to know what you were doing there. After all, if it hadn’t been for Taesan, you wouldn’t have known that Insomnia was practising on Tuesdays at this time around.

“How do you know that?”

“Oh well,” the boy boasted a childish grin, gazing at Taesan from time to time to signal his answer to you, but the head of the school band appeared nonchalant. “Somebody did tell us about it.”

“Not even just once, but multiple times,” Jungwon chimed in, sharing the boys’ teasing, and you had to sniffle a giggle at Taesan’s reaction. The boy tried so hard to seem totally unaffected by the obvious callout, but he was avoiding your eyes, chewing on his lower lip, his hands flying to the back of his neck to scratch it. Something that he did when he was ever so scarcely embarrassed.

“I see,” you hummed knowingly, amused by the guys’ little display of playfulness before Yechan smacked his head.

“Oh guys, I think we need somewhere to be! You know, the thing I told you about before practice…” He announced out of the blue, and even though a flash of surprise crossed Gyuvin’s face, he recovered quickly, and both him and Jungwon acted like they knew exactly what he was talking about. Taesan, on the other hand, seemed awfully perplexed with his furrowed eyebrows and forehead creases.

“Now let’s go, let’s not waste any time. See you at school tomorrow, Taesan! And Y/N, of course,” Yechan hollered before exiting the scene, followed by the grinning Gyuvin and a smiling Jungwon who looked like he came straight out of a toothpaste commercial.

You watched them leave with a light-hearted smile, then looked at the boy in front of you who seemed awfully nervous. It was vastly different to who he really was - the usually cool and composed Han Taesan, the leader of Insomnia, someone who had never lost his patience before. Now, he seemed like a lost kitten who couldn’t find their way around an alley, and the thought made your lips curve upwards.

“Heading to the bus stop?” You asked matter-of-factly, hoping to ease the slight awkwardness in the air.

Taesan’s shoulders visibly dropped when he caught your gaze, and he was about to open his mouth, but closed it in the end. You quirked an eyebrow, suddenly confused by his gesture, but then he spoke up:

“Actually, do you remember that song of mine I showed you last time? Do you want to hear the final version? I finished it yesterday,” he suggested casually, but there was a hint of doubt lacing his words. On the other hand, you couldn’t have been more sure of an answer, so you nodded, and followed him into the practise room they usually occupied.

Even though the room already boasted many musical instruments, the boy got his guitar out of his case with as much elegance as only a well-practised artist could. After setting it up, so that he could play comfortably, he started playing the song from last time. He did work on making the beginning of the song longer, and there were parts that he changed a bit, but overall, it had the same cosy vibe. The lyrics were also extended, him singing that he wanted to be a hero, an angel or whatever you wanted to call someone you could lean on to ‘you’, and when the words left his mouth, a pleasant shiver ran down your spine.

You were totally caught up in your feelings - as if the melody wrapped you up, and you were just spinning inside the hurricane of his, going round and round with each passing second. There was nothing else around you, just him and the song. It felt a bit like you were in your own world, something that just the two of you had, that’s why the silence that followed the last accords felt so striking.

Taesan put his guitar to the side after he finished, and you found yourself clapping instinctively. You didn’t think too much into the gesture, but the boy was fighting a smile, and eventually failed. A beautiful, grateful smile blossomed in its wake.

“Before you ask, I liked it a lot. It felt light and comforting,” you admitted before asking about the inspiration behind the song because you were genuinely curious about it. He had mentioned before that a lot of his songs were inspired by books, movies and stories he heard from others, so you wondered if it was the same this time as well.

His eyes widened a bit hearing your question, and for a moment, you thought that you asked something intimate. Then, he sucked in a deep breath before confessing:

“It was inspired by you.”

“By me?” You repeated, exasperated.

“Yeah. I started working on it after I saw you crying that day,” he started, and even though his voice didn’t waver, you could feel that he wasn’t completely confident in his answer. “I don’t think I was the best at reassuring you back then, so I wrote this song because this is what I wanted to say then. I’m just not really good with words, you see,” he let out a little, somewhat ashamed giggle by the end, averting his eyes from your face to the strand of cotton he was currently picking on his pants.

You were speechless for a few seconds, digesting his words - or rather his confession. You were convinced that he had been the best kind of reassurance he could have been at the time, and you appreciated that he had listened to you, that he had told you that you could feel however you wanted, he wasn’t embarrassed by the sight of you crying, and then there had been his crumpled tissues, too.

The reason you didn’t mind spending time with him, rather, you felt comforted by his presence was because of that night: because he had seen you at such a low point, he had heard your sob story regarding Selina, and he hadn’t turned his back on you. Not out of pity because Taesan would be the last person who would do something like that out of pity, but because he truly wanted to get to know you better.

“I… I think you did enough back then. I was the one who felt ashamed because I thought I said too much, and I didn’t want to open up to someone in case…” In case they would leave you like Selina did. In case they felt insignificant, and called you a horrible person. In case they broke your heart just enough to make you never want to lend it to another person, ever again.

Taesan hummed, playing with his fingers resting in his lap before finding your eyes, and he gave you that soft smile that you were so grateful to see on him.

“You don’t have to worry about that. As I’ve said in the song, you can lean on me,” he reassured you gently, and everything ceased to exist in that moment, even time itself. It felt like your heart - that had not been thumping before - now beat for the very first time, awakening from its deep, deep sleep.

And you welcomed this warm, fuzzy feeling inside your chest with open arms.

To be honest, you were scared of this newfound feeling at first. It was as if everything was so easy, so natural. Nothing ever felt forced with Taesan. Sometimes you had lunch together at the canteen, sometimes you didn’t. Sometimes you stopped by each other’s desk in the morning to talk, sometimes you didn’t. Sometimes he asked you to help him with a Maths problem, sometimes you talked about anything but school.

On top of that, you were scared of this feeling because of the timing as well. Senior year seemed like the worst possible time to fall in love. However, after a while, you couldn’t deny it. You tried, you really did try to push these feelings aside, and Taesan was gentle enough to not push you for an answer. Even though he hadn’t confessed as per se, you highly doubted that a song like his would be inspired by someone who was just a friend.

As time went by, Christmas break rolled around, and you didn’t see him for some time. Then, he didn’t show up at school the following week because he had come down with a cold or so you were told by Leehan. So the next time you saw him, you had every reason to be looking forward to seeing him, and it was just your luck that it was a Tuesday as well, so you were more than sure that you would leave the school together.

You were right, but as you were leaving the building, you stopped the boy, and reached a knitted wool scarf out to him, something that matched his dark winter coat. Taesan eyed it for a few seconds before you broke it down to him:

“It’s for you. I wouldn’t have to give you one if you just got yourself a scarf, especially after being sick last week,” you told him, and you realised that you were almost reprimanding him. How could you not though? He was still not wearing a scarf, and it was freezing cold now.

“It was just a cold,” he justified, but there was an amused smile in the corner of his lips. Mind you, this was not a usual behaviour from you, but last week, you had enough time to ponder about his whereabouts before asking Leehan. Because apparently, it was embarrassing to tell you through Kakaotalk that he was sick, so you had to ask his best friend.

“Still, I was worried when you didn’t show up on Monday.”

“Oh, so you were worried about me?” He raised an eyebrow, playfully leaning closer to you while grabbing the scarf. For a few seconds, you two just stared at each other, stared into each other’s eyes, and it was so easy to get lost in those deep, dark galaxies. Then, you willed yourself to tear your gaze away, and pushed the scarf into his hands once and for all, a bit more forcefully than you intended.

“This is not funny, Taesan. I just don’t want you to get sick again, okay? I couldn’t help but worry about you last week, and I’ve missed spending time with you, so if you don’t want to skip out on that, I suggest you take that scarf and dress warmly.”

“You missed spending time with me?” Taesan repeated, the playfulness slowly leaving his voice, his tone taking on a more serious and curious layer. He eyed you for a good second before asking: “Why?”

“Because I like you, why else?” You threw your hands into the air, exasperated, because you had enough of his teasing for the day, but when you realised what you had just said, your hands flew to your mouth.

You didn’t expect to tell him that so straightforwardly, let alone do this just in front of the school with the scarf you had gotten him still in his hand, but it just burst out, and there was no stopping it. Not that Taesan seemed to mind as his lips slowly curled upwards in a somewhat coy manner, and his reaction immediately made you feel relieved.

“That’s good… because I like you, too,” he confessed, and put the scarf around your neck to pull you close to him. You smiled into his embrace as his arms slowly enveloped you, and although it was winter, it felt like being embraced by the sun.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this story of mine! Let me know what you think! 😊

Click here for my BND masterlist

If you want to read more stories of mine, let it be for BOYNEXTDOOR or for other artists, consider signing up for my taglist here. 🥰

Also, some fun little details and researches because they heavily inspired the story:

Title taken from Taesan's self-composed song called 'sink into the memory' which is also the song that was inspired by reader in the story (when Taesan finishes the song in the story, the lyrics' interpretation is totally made up by me)

Here is Taesan singing MCR's 'I Don't Love You'

Here is Taesan talking about his top 3 MCR songs

Header taken from this WHY Concept Film

Hope you have a lovely day/night! Take care! ❤️

[hangup119]

don't get the deal | h. taesan (TEASER)

being the shoulder to cry on is no easy task - especially not for han taesan, who has lived almost half of his life painfully smitten over someone he is confident would never, ever think of wanting him as more than just a friend. he wonders if he will ever get out of this so-called "friend zone," or maybe he just doesn't get the deal at all.

pairing. han taesan x fem. reader

genres + warnings. friends to lovers, idiots to lovers, one-sided pining, eventual happy ending, slight angst + profanity, taesan is bad at feelings, reader is even worse

playlist. don't get the deal by beabadoobee; but i like you by boy next door; somethin' stupid by frank sinatra; about a girl by nirvana; disasterology by pierce the veil; if i'm james dean, you're audrey hepburn by sleeping with sirens

expected word count. 7k-10k words | teaser word count. 1.3k words

author's note. hey goisss... ive had this in the drafts for so so long but for some reason i started working on it again and im nearing the end so hopefully this will be out very soon !!! dont quote me on that tho live laugh love user hangup119's work ethic <3 ALSO btw this teaser is like a flashback kinda thing but the real story actually takes place in their college days

@onedoornet | reblogs appreciated!

IT WAS HIGH SCHOOL WHEN YOU RUINED TAESAN'S LIFE FOREVER.

To be more specific, it was during your last year of high school when he realized that there was simply no way he was ever going to win you over. Not now, and certainly not ever.

Because here’s the thing: Taesan was not a bad-looking guy, he’s far from it, actually. In fact, he had enough business cards from agency recruiters that could fit a whole shoe box, so his looks clearly were never the problem here. Was it his personality, then? Probably not that, either. He was pretty chill most of the time, and he had never really acted up around anyone unless it truly called for it. He always made sure that he wasn’t making a fool out of himself around you, and there were never really incidents that could have painted him in a bad light in your eyes. He had decent grades, so he wasn’t stupid either, which was one of your major turn-offs. And he was sporty—he participated in the school’s soccer team, and he even had a bunch of fans giggling over him whenever he so much as passed them by while chasing after the ball, so his popularity was pretty decent too.

Was he simply not… your type? But that couldn’t be—you were always making heart eyes at Park Sunghoon who was two grades above, and he was told all the time that he was basically a lookalike of the guy! Not to mention you were always at Jung Sungchan’s games, cheering his name even when the guy was literally being benched. Taesan never got benched. He was the star player of his soccer team. You fawned over Park Wonbin when he performed at the school’s talent show, but Taesan could also sing and play the electric guitar just as well. You squealed over Lee Sohee because he was sooo cute! but Taesan knew how to get real fucking adorable, too! He practically had all of their qualities combined into one, and not once did you ever look back at him. 

And that’s when it hit him. 

It was prom that night, and he was off at the corner drinking from a cup of water instead of jumping along with the fray and bouncing up and down to some Drake song when his friend, Kim Leehan, approached him. 

“I’m not slow-dancing with you, Leehan,” he muttered, taking another sip of his bland water. “Piss off.”

Leehan raised his arms in response, smiling in a way that was just so Leehan-like of him. “Woah, woah, I get it. Someone pissed in your cup, or something? Literally and figuratively,” he laughed, leaning against the wall next to him. “Lighten up for once, ‘san. It’s your first and last prom, you know?” 

Taesan only grunted in return. 

“Look at you; so emo tonight,” Leehan said, defeated. He followed the other’s gaze towards the dance floor, where everyone is packed together like a can of sardines. “But you’re always so normal around Y/N.” 

Taesan paused.

Leehan laughed again. “Hm, maybe not?” 

Sometimes, it was both a blessing and a curse to be friends with someone like Kim Leehan. 

“Stop talking about things you already know,” Taesan murmured, chucking the water cup into the trash can a few meters away. He placed his hands inside his pockets, looking straight ahead amidst the dizzying lights and the dispersed crowd now that a slow song started playing.

“Why don’t you go ask her for a dance?” Leehan suggested, signaling towards the dance floor. 

“She’s literally holding hands with Yang Jungwon right now,” Taesan deadpanned. “Are you kidding me? How’d she get him of all people as her prom date?” 

Scoring the smartest and the most popular student in your school has got to be the biggest flex of your high school career. Taesan had almost no complaints except for the fact that Yang Jungwon was your date instead of—him! Any moment now and he’d be losing his mind. Actually, scratch that, he probably already was. 

Leehan hummed. 

“Do you think,” he began, slowly, darting his line of sight between you who’s giggling at something Yang Jungwon said, before turning back to Taesan, the angstiest kid he’s ever known. “That, maybe, if you had just asked her out to prom with you… then maybe she’d have said yes?” 

Finally, the gears inside Taesan’s head started to turn. Leehan smiled at the sight.

Taesan quickly scoffed. “No way,” he denied, crossing his arms. “Why would she go with me when she’s got Yang Jungwon as her date? It’d only happen in my dreams.” 

He figured it out anyway. It wasn’t because he wasn’t as handsome as Park Sunghoon, or as sporty as Jung Sungchan, or as musically talented as Park Wonbin (though he’d beg to differ), or as cute as Lee Sohee. Heck, it wasn’t even because he wasn’t as smart or as popular as Yang Jungwon. 

Maybe it was never because of those things that made you look at them instead of him. 

Maybe you were just never interested in him at all. 

And Taesan will have no other choice but to live with that fact forever. 

Leehan’s smile dropped, and he peeled himself away from the wall. Just as he was about to leave, he stopped for a second just to say: “You’re so—stubborn.” 

Taesan looked at him indignantly. “...What’s that supposed to mean?” 

Leehan shrugged, finally walking away. “You tell me, dude.” 

And then he was gone, rushing off to join the rest of their friends while Taesan stayed in the back, alone and miserable all because of his newfound epiphany. Though he supposed he was already miserable the moment you entered the venue with Yang Jungwon right beside you. 

It was a time of new beginnings for Taesan; a time to finally move on from you. 

Though, if only it was that easy.

Two weeks later, when you were working on a final project with him, you unexpectedly dropped the news that you and Jungwon have broken up. Because Jungwon was going to some Ivy League, and you were decidedly… not. You couldn’t handle the thought of being long-distance, so you decided to just cut things off with him since it can’t be helped, you know? And then you proceeded to laugh it off with that huge, idiotic smile of yours before continuing on with the project. Taesan didn’t know what was so funny.

Eventually, he had to share his water with you when you started sobbing hysterically inside of the library, hiccuping and all. 

He admittedly felt awful seeing you cry over Yang Jungwon, your high school boyfriend of probably only two months, but most importantly, he felt awful because of the relief that suddenly washed over him. 

…And what did that make Taesan?

So, really, maybe it was for the better that you would never look at Taesan the way he wished you would. That no matter how many times he has lent you an ear to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, you never bothered to stop for a moment and think that hey, maybe this guy likes me to some capacity, and maybe I should give him a chance. Because what kind of friend is he to feel relieved at the fact that you had gotten dumped by your boyfriend? That when your heart was broken, he could only rejoice at the fact that he now has a higher chance of getting with you once again even when it is so clear that he never once did? 

How could he sit next to you and think such thoughts? 

And yet, even when you keep jumping from one person to another, falling for someone, crying over another—Taesan will always be there for you when it all comes crashing down. A friend to cheer you on, to lift you up, to steady you—because that’s all he’ll ever be to you. 

Han Taesan was only seventeen years old when you ruined his life. 

And for what it is worth, he is still in love with you.

story by hangup119. do not steal.

[astrae4]

HAN TAESAN | happy wife, happy life

pairings — idol!han dongmin x idol!reader

warnings — hanging joke, saying marriage but not actually married yet(?)

genre — FLUFF & romance hehe (wc. 789)

note — mentally not the best so im rlly inconsistent but it’s okay for now guys 😎👍 if u have any requests i’d be very happy to make it for u 😘😘 plspls like repost n follow 🙌

more works — navigation | bnd!masterlist

DING! DING! DING!

The buzzing notification sounds echoed loudly in a busy cafe, making some customers look at the victim responsible for these noises.

Said victim hurries to turn their notification sounds off, before checking his messages—only to see 6 missed calls and 14 messages from ‘manager 😫🔥’.

manager 😫🔥: WHERE ARE YOU???

manager 😫🔥: WE’RE THREE HOURS LATE ALREADY!!!!

you: im On the Way!

you: gimme a bit

manager 😫🔥: dont lie. I literally see your location and it isn’t moving AT ALL.

you: okay im actually almost done.

you: seriously, the line’s almost over

you: [picture attached]

manager 😫🔥: fine. Come back faster! We need to hurry up to isac bc u guys already missed the track comp.

you: 👍👍

“Order 1140, Mr. Woonhak!” Called a server.

Nobody reacted to that call for a few seconds, before the 180-ish-cm man jolted, remembering that he was supposedly Woonhak.

(Ever put a name in your order and forgot about it? Yeah, it happens to me all the time.)

“Here!” He replied, coming to the counter in a hurry.

“Matcha cake with pink frosting and custom lettering?” They asked to be sure.

“Yes, thank you so much!” Replied “Mr. Woonhak” as he takes the takeaway-boxed cake and hurried out the door.

He practically jumped in the car (gracefully though) with how fast he was going.

“Yah!” shouted Woonhak, “why’d you take so long!?”

“Don’t you see the line?” Replied Taesan, his eye rolling as he holds the cake with care.

“Yeah but why do we have to go get this cake? Just get it at any other bakery so we wouldn’t be late to ISAC—we already missed the track race!”

Someone (Leehan) suddenly sat up from the backseat, glasses crooked on his head as if he just woke up (he did), “That’s because it’s y/n’s favorite cake.”

“Yeah Woonhak,” butted another menace (jaehyun), “It’s their 2nd anniversary— but of course youuuu wouldn’t understand since you’ve never had a woman’s touch before other than your mom and sister.”

“YAH!” screamed Woonhak.

Thus, another bonekdo quarrel emerge.

(Woonhak lost once again. Give me a dab in the comments; one dab = one hp for our maknae’s patience)

EXCLUSIVE: BOYNEXTDOOR’S TAESAN MISTAKES ISAC FOR WE GOT MARRIED?

In the ISAC 2024, k-pop boy band BOYNEXTDOOR (under KOZ) arrives 5 hours late to the venue, earning some attention from netizens. Onedoors (Boynextdoor’s fans) called them hilarious, especially with that spectacular entrance, consisting of the members wearing sunglasses and strutting in the building as if they won the games (they will then lose really badly in archery) in a proud manner.

Despite the many games and groups competing in the games, what went most viral was surprisingly not sports-related, and we’re here to tell you the scoop!

Boynextdoor’s Taesan is widely known for dating [reader] of [group name] since the very beginning of their debuts. They also went trending many times for that—like a fresh breeze in the very tense atmosphere of idol-relationships. This time, it seems that Taesan decided to take it up a notch with his display of public affection and prove to everyone that romance is very much not dead!

Running in the building—and then sliding on his knees to stop in front of [reader]’s view—before procuring a bouquet of pink lilies for her all the while his very supportive members threw confetti at them!? Gosh, me when! After that, he also gave [reader] an exclusive cake from [reader’s favorite cake shop] to celebrate what seemed to be their 2nd year Anniversary.

Other idols in the building such as ZEROBASEONE and THE BOYZ’s Younghoon gave their support by cheering on the couple—as well as many others. Later on, it was even said by Zerobaseone’s Gunwook jokingly in his group’s vlog that he was jealous of their relationship, haha!

When asked about it later on in a live, Taesan responded that it was simply because it was their anniversary, and he wanted to make it special for them. In addition, he said a catchphrase that went viral— saying “Happy wife, happy life”, despite them not being married yet. [reader’s group] have not yet responded to this statement.

Many netizens are reacting to this viral video, saying that it’s so fresh and sweet of them two—some even joking and saying that “I’m the guy h*nging in the lights behind them” (source) in Tiktok and Instagram. All in all, netizens seem to think that it’s extremely sweet and wishes them both to remain happy and strong in the relationship!

What do you think about it?

Comments (19.99) | open

More related searches… BOYNEXTDOOR comeback September 25 | Sungho’s so hot in the new concept photo: twenty ver.

TAGLIST @ja4hyvn @flwoie @sulkygyu @xiaoderrrr @ineedaherosavemeenow @lonewolfjinji @teddywonss @taerae-verse

NETWORKS @onedoornet @k-labels

© astrae4 2024 | please don’t copy, translate, or plagiarize my works on all platforms!

[xdinaryvamp]

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ 🩷 ` teasan "never seen before"!!

where a mysterious stranger starts leaving notes in the books you read, hoping you'll write to him at the number he gave you.

genre : fluff, "secret" ( non so much ) admirer, gn reader.

pairings : bookwarm!taesan × bookwarm!reader.

if there was one thing you loved with all of your being it was reading.

you loved getting lost in the pages, traveling on ink and imagining worlds. you loved that fictional world much more than the real world, and you took refuge in it whenever you could.

books had made you know thousands of things, allowed you to experience emotions you had never felt before and created a corner that was just yours. the problem? they had also made you a hopeless romantic.

the characters in the stories were very different from the people who populated your daily reality, yet so plausible that you confused them with something possible in your everyday life. but it wasn't like that.

real people were much less predictable, more selfish, and less intelligent. not to mention the fact that you couldn't form an opinion of them at the end of the book, you had to get hurt to really get to know them, and you didn't want to suffer.

yet, even though you were aware of this rift between your two worlds, you continued to hope for that love similar to the fiction you read.

that's why that afternoon you had to do your best not to start laughing like an idiot all by yourself.

it was a day like any other, and taking advantage of the free time you took refuge in the library. not that you didn't like reading on your own at home, but there was an atmosphere in that building that made you feel at ease, so you went there as much as possible, even several times a week.

that particular day, you had to go to the bathroom, so you momentarily left the book you were reading on the table that was in front of you.

upon returning, inside the book you found a note, folded in two and hidden inside the page you were reading.

----- ☆

“i certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those i have never seen before.”

i've seen you reading ‘pride and prejudice” two times this month, so i read it too, it was beautiful. you intrigue me, but i don't like starting conversations with people ( the quote should already be explanatory of this ). would you like to write to me first? i want to know more about you, besides your pretty face.

my number: ××× ××× ××××.

----- ☆

on average you wouldn't have done it, but the note in the book was too cliché that it didn't make you smile, and besides it made you curious.

you wrote to him. he had a photo of kurt cobain as his profile picture, so you had no idea what his face looked like. but you didn't care, you wanted him to remain a mystery.

you talked all day about books and music, and you were fascinated by his calm manner which was even noticeable in the messages. he would ask you what your favorite books were, and then he would read them. he would send you his playlists, and you would listen to them until you fell asleep.

he also complimented you from time to time; “you look beautiful”, “i loved the way your hair were styled today”, “i couldn't read anything, you were too distracting”.

you, on your side, never turned to see who those messages were from. you had an image of him, and you didn't want to ruin it.

teasan -that was his name- was your personal fictional boy, the crush you always wanted to have. what if meeting him ruined everything? you would have been destroyed by this.

you continued to talk to him for months, finding, those few times you left your seat, little notes and pieces of poetry in the book you were reading. they were never too romantic, but they still made your heart beat.

you always had to try your best not to react too much to these small gestures, especially when there were people around you.

like that morning, where the seat next to you was occupied by a beautiful boy busy reading a book by murakami. he looked like one of the male leads of a fantasy romance, with his soft black hair and a serious expression. in another circumstance you would have paid more attention to his appearance, but not that day, because in the moment in which you went to get a coffee from the coffee machine, another piece of poem had been inserted into your book.

----- ☆

[ . . . ] those rare strangers

who make me

catch my breath

the first time we meet.

[ . . . ] i am drawn to them

but do they see me?

or am i just part of

the wallpaper of their life?

susan ash. “first encounters”

----- ☆

you did your best to except smile as you placed the piece of paper in the pocket of your jeans. you had saved them all, and kept them in a box in your bedroom.

“i certainly have not the talent which some people possess, of conversing easily with those i have never seen before.” the boy next to you spoke, without moving his eyes away from the book he was reading.

your heartbeat lost a beat recognizing that words. “i'm sorry, what?”

he looked up from the book, and you were enchanted by the beauty of his eyes. you wanted to believe that he was the notes boy, that he was taesan, the guy you had a crush on, but you didn't want to disappoint yourself.

he smiled, and then he closed the book he was reading. “i don't want to be just the wallpaper of your life anymore, y/n.” he said, and you convinced yourself that it was really him.

“i would like to be a more tangible part of your life, if you'll let me.”

and of course you agreed. you were already in love with him, and by now the fear of the first meeting had vanished. there was nothing that could stop you from living your real fictional story with him.

[soubeomies]

pairing ; leehan x gn!reader

genre ; obviously fluff!! :3

warnings ; none (probably)

a/n ; hi im back hehe SORRY I TOOK A HUGE SUDDEN LEAVE LOL, but i hope i can be more active <3

you and leehan had been dating for a little over a year now. though you both havent hung out for awhile since his schedule was so packed due to his idol duties. you always texted him asking when he would be able to hang out again, but of course, he would either be in dance practice, recording variety shows, recording new songs, or he would be on tour. you knew he always tried his best to make time for you, but its especially hard because of his schedule. you knew it wasnt his fault, but you couldnt help but feel sad.

you woke up this morning, ready to just spend another day with your usual cycle of doing absolutely nothing but scrolling through your phone all day.. and maybe waiting for a text from leehan?

you had just finished breakfast, you were just sitting on your couch as you scrolled through tiktok while sipping on your coffee ( or any preferred drink! ). you were mindlessly scrolling, until .. ding! a notification– FROM LEEHAN?!?!?!

–

–

and just like that, he left you on read. you chuckled to yourself, “where could he be taking me?” you muttered to yourself with a small grin on your face. you got ready, dressing up, but not too much. you looked at yourself in the mirror as you did your hair, and put on multiple accessories to see which ones suited you better. you finished up as you smiled, you cant help yourself but feel super excited cause leehan was finally taking you out!

you waited for him as you made sure you had everything you needed in your bag, powerbank, hairties, bottled water, hand sanitizer, tissues, and–

ding dong! the sound of your doorbell. you quickly zipped your bag up and dusted your clothes off before getting up and rushing over to the door. you practically yanked the door open as you saw your boyfriend, leehan, standing at your doorstep with a bouquet of flowers.

he had a slight rosy hue on his cheeks as he smiled, “flowers.. for you?..” he muttered as he handed them to you in a flustered manner. you smiled at him and leaned in and hugged him tightly. he couldnt help himself but hug you back. “i missed you..” he muttered into the crook of your neck as you feel his warm breath against your skin. you both pull away gently.

“soo.. where are you taking me, hm?” you said as you trailed behind him to his car which was parked in your driveway. “just wait and see!!” he replied, he seemed really excited. you were still curious as he didnt budge to tell you where he was taking you.

–

an hour of driving passed as you arrived to a building.. it was an aquarium! you smiled as you looked at him. “aquarium date?” you said to him with a small smile on your face. “mhm! are you excited?! i’ve always wanted to take you to an aquarium!” he said as he drove to the parking lot. he parked the car and unbuckled his seatbelt as he got out of the car and opened your door aswell. he held you hand as he helped you out of the car as you both walked into the building.

upon entering, he opened his phone and showed it to the security as they scanned the qr for the tickets as they both let you in. hand in hand, you both admired the aquarium and its atmosphere together. even though it was rather crowded, you both felt like it was just the two of you. as you walked, leehan kept talking about the fishes there, giving you fun facts and everything. you didnt even have to read the descriptions of the fishes anymore, cause leehan had it all covered :) 

[mirisss]

Puppy smile & Cat eyes

academic rivals, enemies to lovers (kind of)! non idol!Myung Jaehyun x afab! reader

Warnings: Some swearing, fainting, stressing over grades, slight jealousy, I think that’s it

Wordcount ≈ 9.6k

Please reblog! 

Third Person POV

The sun streamed through the large windows of the lecture hall, illuminating the faces of eager students hunched over their notes. Among them sat Myung Jaehyun, a whirlwind of energy. His laughter, bright and infectious, bounced off the walls like a melody, drawing smiles from everyone around him. With tousled hair that never seemed to fall out of place and an easy confidence that turned heads, Jaehyun was the quintessential golden retriever in human form—radiating warmth and charm. 

“Did you finish the reading for today?” he asked a classmate with an inviting grin, the corners of his eyes crinkling with sincerity.

Meanwhile, at the back of the room, (Y/n) leaned against her desk, her expression as inscrutable as ever. She focused intently on her notes, meticulously crafting her understanding of the material while Jaehyun’s laughter fluttered in the background. The air around her felt heavy with tension; the energy he exuded grated on her nerves. To her, Jaehyun was the embodiment of everything that was frustratingly easy in life. Where she had to claw her way through endless late nights and countless coffee cups, he seemed to breeze through with little more than a smile and a wink. 

“Why does he always have to be so cheerful?” she thought, clenching her pencil as she watched him from the corner of her eye. “It’s infuriating. I mean, does he even study? He probably just glances at the textbook and calls it a day.” 

Jaehyun, oblivious to her glare, continued chatting with friends, his laughter punctuating the lecture like an unwanted soundtrack. He noticed (Y/n)’s seriousness and couldn’t help but feel a spark of curiosity. “She’s smart, no doubt about that,” he mused, though he found her cold demeanor perplexing. “It’s like she’s allergic to fun.” 

As the professor began the lecture, Jaehyun’s gaze drifted back to (Y/n). He wondered why she seemed so distant, why she always wore a frown when he approached her. “Maybe I’ll crack her shell one day,” he thought, a challenge forming in his mind. 

For (Y/n), however, that was the last thing she wanted. The thought of Jaehyun breaking through her carefully built walls felt as welcome as a sudden downpour on a bright day. “I don’t need his charm or his stupid smile,” she thought, resolutely turning her attention back to her notes. “I’ll show him just how hard I can work. Maybe then he’ll see that it’s not all fun and games.”

### Scene

The next class started, and Jaehyun couldn’t shake the thought of (Y/n) from his mind. Determined to bridge the chasm between them, he took a deep breath and walked toward her desk, his usual grin plastered on his face. 

“Hey, (Y/n),” he began, his voice light and friendly, “I was wondering if you wanted to study together for the upcoming exam. I could use a little help in understanding some of the concepts.”

She glanced up, her expression icy, and for a moment, he hesitated. “I don’t need to study with you,” she replied flatly, her tone curt and dismissive. The words struck him harder than he anticipated.

“Why not? I mean, we’re both top students. It could be fun!” he insisted, trying to inject some enthusiasm into the conversation.

“Fun?” (Y/n) raised an eyebrow, her lips curling slightly in disdain. “You think this is a game? Some kind of social event where we exchange laughs over formulas?”

Jaehyun’s smile faltered. “I just thought—”

“That’s the problem, isn’t it?” she interrupted, her gaze piercing through him. “You think everything comes easy, like it’s all just a joke. But for some of us, it’s not.”

The energy in the air shifted, and Jaehyun felt an unexpected surge of frustration rising within him. “I’m not trying to make fun of anything, (Y/n). I’m serious about my studies. I just thought we could help each other out.” 

“Help each other?” she echoed, a smirk dancing on her lips. “You mean you want to spend more time giggling and getting distracted while I do all the hard work? No, thanks.”

He clenched his fists, the familiar warmth he often radiated turning to an uncomfortable heat. “You don’t even know me,” he shot back, his tone sharper than intended. “I study hard, just like you.”

“Really?” (Y/n) crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair as if daring him to prove her wrong. “Because it doesn’t look that way from where I’m sitting. It looks like you’re more interested in being the class clown than a dedicated student.”

Jaehyun felt a flash of anger ignite. How could she judge him so quickly? “Maybe if you opened your eyes for once, you’d see that I’m not just some puppy you can dismiss,” he retorted, struggling to keep his voice steady.

For a moment, the tension hung thick between them, the sounds of the classroom fading into a muffled background. Jaehyun could feel the eyes of their classmates drifting toward them, but he didn’t care. All he felt was the intensity of (Y/n)’s stare, like a storm brewing, and it both infuriated and intrigued him.

“Fine,” she said finally, breaking the silence. “You want to study together? I’ll do it on my terms. No distractions. No nonsense.”

Jaehyun blinked, taken aback by her sudden willingness, but he couldn’t help the spark of excitement igniting within him. “Deal,” he said, a determined smile creeping back onto his face. “Just don’t expect me to be boring.”

As (Y/n) rolled her eyes, Jaehyun couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this rivalry was about to take an interesting turn.

### Scene

The library was a quiet sanctuary, filled with the soft rustling of pages and the occasional whisper of students deep in thought. Jaehyun found a spot at a large wooden table, stacking his textbooks and notes with a mix of excitement and nerves. He glanced around, the air thick with the scent of aged paper, but his focus remained on the entrance, waiting for (Y/n).

When she finally walked in, she was a study in contrasts—clad in dark colors, her long hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, exuding a quiet intensity. Jaehyun's smile widened as he waved at her, but the warmth of his greeting collided with the icy aura she carried.

“Hey, (Y/n)!” he said brightly, pushing his books aside to make room for her. “Ready to tackle some of this material together?”

She nodded curtly, sliding into the chair across from him without uttering a word. Her coldness hung between them like a barrier, and Jaehyun couldn’t help but notice how her gaze flicked over his textbooks with a mixture of disdain and determination.

As he began to explain a particularly tricky concept, Jaehyun couldn’t shake the feeling that (Y/n) was sizing him up, her dark eyes narrowing slightly with each word he spoke. He tried to keep his tone light, but he could feel the chill radiating from her side of the table.

Inside, (Y/n) struggled to ignore the smile that never seemed to leave his face. It was infuriating, the way it made him look effortlessly charming, almost magnetic. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to concentrate on the notes before her. Why does he always have to look so handsome? she thought bitterly. It’s just a stupid smile. It doesn’t mean anything.

“Okay, so if we look at the equation here—” Jaehyun pointed to a complex formula, his enthusiasm unwavering. “—it’s really about understanding how these variables interact. I think if you break it down, it’s not as complicated as it seems.”

Her eyes flicked to his face, the way his expression lit up with genuine excitement. A flicker of annoyance shot through her. “It’s not complicated for you because you’ve probably memorized it by now. Some of us have to work harder to get it,” she replied, her voice sharp.

Jaehyun’s smile faltered for a moment, a flash of hurt crossing his features. “I’m not trying to show off, (Y/n). I just want to help.” He leaned forward, earnestness etched into his face. “If you just let me explain it, you might see it differently.”

“It’s easy for you to say that,” she snapped, unable to hide the bitterness in her voice. “You don’t know what it’s like to struggle with this stuff.”

He paused, the air thickening with unspoken tension. “I may not know exactly what you’re going through, but I’m here to support you, not to belittle you. I want us both to succeed.”

For a heartbeat, (Y/n) considered his words. The sincerity in his eyes made her chest tighten. No, don’t get swayed. She shook her head, returning her focus to her notes. “Let’s just get back to studying,” she said curtly, fighting the fluttering feeling in her stomach.

“Right,” Jaehyun replied, biting back his frustration. He straightened up, his smile reappearing, though it was tinged with determination. “Okay, let’s go through it step by step.”

As they delved into the material, (Y/n) couldn’t help but catch glimpses of Jaehyun’s enthusiasm. Despite her best efforts to remain unaffected, she found herself begrudgingly impressed by his ability to explain the concepts clearly, and a small part of her wondered if perhaps there was more to him than she had initially thought.

Yet every time his smile flashed in her direction, that small, annoying voice in her head whispered, He’s just a distraction. And with that thought firmly in place, she forced herself to focus on the equations, determined not to let anything—especially him—get in the way of her success.

### Scene

The cozy café hummed with the chatter of students, the rich aroma of coffee wafting through the air. (Y/n) sat across from her best friend, Sungho, a familiar sense of comfort settling over her. He was the one person who always knew how to make her feel better, no matter how tangled her thoughts became.

“So, what’s bothering you?” Sungho asked, leaning back in his chair, a knowing smile playing on his lips. His easy demeanor had a way of easing her tension.

With a sigh, (Y/n) stirred her coffee absentmindedly, the swirling cream mirroring the chaos in her mind. “It’s Jaehyun. He’s so… infuriating!” she burst out, the frustration spilling over. “I can’t stand how he breezes through everything like it’s a joke!”

Sungho raised an eyebrow, his expression turning serious. “I’ve seen you two in class. He seems friendly enough. What’s really going on?”

“Friendly?” she scoffed, her eyes narrowing. “He’s overly friendly. It’s like he thinks he can just charm everyone with that stupid smile of his! I mean, how can he be so confident when I have to work twice as hard just to keep up?”

Sungho chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Sounds like someone’s a little jealous.”

“Jealous? Me? Of him?” (Y/n) huffed, crossing her arms defensively. “I just… I don’t get why he’s so effortless about it all. It’s frustrating. I want to succeed because I earn it, not because I’m cute or charming.”

“I get that,” Sungho said, nodding in understanding. “But you know, it’s not like he’s trying to undermine you. Maybe he genuinely wants to help.”

“Help?” she repeated, rolling her eyes. “He thinks he’s some kind of genius just because he can explain things in a way that sounds easy. But it doesn’t help me feel any less annoyed.”

Sungho leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “What if you tried looking at it differently? Maybe you can use his help to your advantage. You know he’s good at this stuff.”

“Sure, but at what cost?” (Y/n) retorted. “Every time I see him, it’s like I have to remind myself that I’m here to study, not to indulge in some competition about who’s better at being a student.”

“Competitions can be good sometimes, though,” Sungho said with a teasing grin. “They can push you to be even better. Just don’t let it get to your head.”

She sighed, taking a sip of her coffee as she contemplated his words. “You don’t understand, Sungho. It’s not just about academics. It’s his whole vibe. That damn smile. It makes me feel like I’m losing my focus. Like I’m being pulled into something I don’t want.”

“Admit it, though,” he said, leaning back with a playful glint in his eye. “You find him attractive.”

“Ugh, I do not!” she protested, her cheeks flushing slightly. “He’s just… infuriatingly handsome. It doesn’t mean anything!”

“Sure, keep telling yourself that,” Sungho teased, chuckling. “But honestly, if you’re spending this much time thinking about him, maybe there’s more to it. What if you let down your guard a little? You might find you enjoy his company.”

“I just can’t,” (Y/n) replied, shaking her head resolutely. “I won’t let him distract me from my goals. I’m here to succeed on my own terms.”

Sungho smiled knowingly. “I believe in you, but don’t be afraid to loosen up. You might surprise yourself.”

As they finished their drinks, (Y/n) couldn’t shake the feeling that Sungho was right in some way. But how could she reconcile her determination with the undeniable tension that seemed to crackle whenever Jaehyun was around? With that thought lingering in her mind, she resolved to face the next study session with a renewed focus, even if it meant confronting those feelings she was desperately trying to ignore.

### Scene

As Jaehyun strolled past the café, the familiar buzz of conversation enveloped him. He had just finished an exhausting study session in the library and decided to grab a coffee for a little pick-me-up. But as he glanced through the large glass windows, his gaze landed on (Y/n) sitting across from Sungho, her laughter ringing clear as he leaned in, clearly enjoying a moment that felt intimate.

A jolt of something sharp pierced through Jaehyun—something he couldn’t quite place. **Are they on a date?** The thought hit him like a cold wave, and he stood frozen, watching as (Y/n) tossed her head back, her hair catching the sunlight, her smile illuminating her face in a way that made his heart clench. 

He didn’t realize how long he lingered until a couple of students bumped past him, breaking him from his trance. As he walked away, his mind raced with conflicting emotions. **Why did it bother him so much?** He hardly knew her. They were just rivals, right? 

But for the next two days, that nagging feeling wouldn’t leave him alone. He found himself distracted in class, his thoughts drifting back to that café moment, the way she smiled, the way Sungho leaned in close. Every time he tried to study, his mind would wander, replaying the scene over and over. 

The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became. **Why does it even matter?** He told himself it was just jealousy over her friendship with someone else, that they had a connection he didn’t understand. But deep down, something else was gnawing at him—a longing he hadn’t recognized until now.

Finally, as he lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, it hit him like a revelation. **I like her.** The realization washed over him, both exhilarating and terrifying. The girl who challenged him in every way, who matched his energy with her cold demeanor, had somehow found a place in his heart. 

Jaehyun sat up, the truth crashing down on him. **Of course I’m jealous.** He had never expected to feel this way about his rival. Every interaction, every heated debate, every study session filled with tension and unspoken words had transformed into something deeper. 

His mind raced through the possibilities. Would she even feel the same? Was it too late to change the dynamic? And what about the way she looked at him—was it just disdain, or could there be a hint of something more beneath that icy exterior?

The next day, Jaehyun entered the lecture hall with a newfound resolve. He spotted (Y/n) at her usual seat, focused on her notes, her expression serious. He took a deep breath and approached her, determined to navigate this newfound territory. 

“Hey, (Y/n),” he called out, forcing a smile that felt a little less effortless than usual.

She looked up, her brow furrowing slightly. “What do you want, Jaehyun?”

He hesitated, searching for the right words. “I wanted to see if we could study together again. I know you said you didn’t want distractions, but…” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “I think it might help us both.”

Her gaze flickered with skepticism, but he pressed on, trying to sound more confident. “I mean, I realize we’re rivals, but I think we could actually help each other out. And maybe… I don’t know, it could be fun?” 

“Fun?” she echoed, crossing her arms, her expression unreadable.

“Yeah,” he said, a hint of playfulness creeping in. “Or at least less miserable than just studying alone.”

To his surprise, (Y/n) considered it, the tension hanging in the air palpable. He watched her expression soften just a fraction, a glimmer of curiosity sparking in her eyes.

“Fine,” she replied slowly, her tone still guarded. “But no distractions.”

Jaehyun nodded eagerly, unable to hide his smile. “Deal.” 

As they settled into their study session, he felt a sense of hope. Maybe this was the beginning of something different—something more than just rivalry. And for the first time, he didn’t mind that she was still guarded; he was ready to break down those walls, one smile at a time.

Jaehyun sat at his usual spot in the campus café, a half-finished cup of coffee in front of him and his textbooks spread out haphazardly across the table. But his focus was nowhere near the equations staring back at him. Instead, his gaze was fixed on (Y/n), who was sitting at a nearby table with Sungho, their heads bent together in quiet conversation. 

As he watched her laugh at something Sungho said, a mix of admiration and frustration churned in his stomach. Why does she have to look so carefree? Jaehyun thought, feeling a familiar ache at the sight. Why does he get to make her laugh?

“Dude, you look like a lost puppy,” Taesan said, breaking Jaehyun from his reverie. He and Riwoo had just returned from the counter, coffee cups in hand. Taesan leaned over to nudge Jaehyun, a teasing grin plastered on his face. “You’ve been staring for like ten minutes.”

Jaehyun straightened up, feigning nonchalance as he tried to look back at his notes. “I’m just… studying.”

“Studying what?” Riwoo chimed in, taking a sip of his drink. “The art of longing? Because you’re nailing it.”

“Shut up,” Jaehyun shot back, but the flush creeping up his neck betrayed his embarrassment. He glanced back at (Y/n), who was now chatting animatedly with Sungho, her eyes sparkling with warmth. 

Taesan chuckled. “You’ve got it bad, man. Just ask her out already.”

“I can’t just ask her out,” Jaehyun replied, exasperation lacing his tone. “We’re not even that close.”

“But you keep hanging out,” Riwoo pointed out, raising an eyebrow. “What are you waiting for? A formal invitation?”

“I don’t know, maybe,” Jaehyun muttered, his thoughts racing. He felt like a tangled ball of nerves. What if she says no? What if she likes Sungho?

“Look, all I’m saying is that it’s not going to get easier if you keep sulking over there,” Taesan urged, leaning back in his chair. “You’re wasting your time thinking about it instead of just talking to her.”

Jaehyun sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know, but what if she doesn’t see me that way? What if she thinks I’m just her study buddy?”

“Then you need to change her mind,” Riwoo said, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Get in there and show her you’re more than just a puppy waiting for scraps.”

Jaehyun shot him a glare but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “You guys really think it’s that simple?”

“Why not?” Taesan shrugged. “You’re charming, even if you don’t realize it. Just be yourself. Stop acting like you’ve lost your favorite toy.”

“Yeah, because nothing says ‘I like you’ like looking miserable from a distance,” Riwoo added, rolling his eyes playfully. 

With a huff, Jaehyun shifted in his seat, feeling a mixture of determination and fear bubble inside him. Maybe they were right. Maybe he needed to take a chance. But as he glanced back at (Y/n), her laughter ringing through the air, he felt that familiar wave of uncertainty crash over him again.

“Okay, okay,” he finally said, glancing between his friends. “I’ll try to talk to her more. Just… give me a little time.”

“Time? You’ve had a month!” Taesan exclaimed, smirking. “At this rate, you’ll need a miracle to get her attention.”

Jaehyun rolled his eyes, but deep down, he knew his friends were just looking out for him. With a renewed sense of purpose, he took a sip of his coffee and focused on (Y/n) once more, determination building within him. Maybe it was time to stop just watching and start doing.

After their next shared class, Jaehyun's heart raced with determination. He spotted (Y/n) gathering her things, her hair falling in soft waves as she concentrated on organizing her notes. This was his chance. He took a deep breath and approached her, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Hey, (Y/n),” he said, forcing a smile that he hoped masked his nervousness. “I was wondering if you wanted to have another study session? I could use your help with the next topic. You know, it being your favorite and all,” 

(Y/n) looked up, and for a moment, Jaehyun thought he saw a flicker of surprise in her eyes. But then, just as quickly, her expression shifted to one of gentle disappointment.

“Ah, I’m sorry, Jaehyun,” she replied, her tone apologetic. “I already have plans with Sungho.”

The words struck Jaehyun like a punch to the gut. He tried to mask his disappointment, but he could feel his heart sinking. Of course. Sungho again. He nodded, forcing a smile that felt increasingly difficult to maintain. 

“Oh, right. No problem,” he said, trying to sound casual, but his voice wavered slightly. “Maybe next time, then.”

As (Y/n) gathered her things, Jaehyun couldn’t help but steal glances at her, wishing he could find the right words to keep her from leaving. This was the first time she had seen him look genuinely sad—his usual exuberance dimmed, replaced by a quiet disappointment that was hard to ignore. 

For (Y/n), it was a moment of revelation. The carefree, golden retriever persona she often saw in him faltered, and she felt a pang of empathy. Maybe he’s not just a happy-go-lucky guy. She shook her head internally, trying to push the thought away. Focus, (Y/n). You can’t let this distract you.

But as she looked at Jaehyun’s puppy-like expression—eyes wide and hopeful, yet overshadowed by the weight of rejection—something in her shifted. She didn’t like the idea of him feeling this way, especially not because of her.

“Hey,” she said, her voice softer now, “if you ever want to review something else, just let me know. I’m sure we can find time.”

“Yeah, sure,” he replied, his voice quiet, though a hint of gratitude flickered in his eyes. 

“See you around?” she asked, feeling a strange mix of concern and guilt.

“Yeah, see you,” Jaehyun said, watching her leave with Sungho, their laughter fading into the distance. 

As she walked away, (Y/n) couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just seen a side of Jaehyun that was raw and unguarded. But she had her own goals to focus on, her own studies to tackle. She knew she couldn’t get distracted, even if that fleeting glimpse of vulnerability tugged at her heart.

Meanwhile, Jaehyun stood there for a moment, watching (Y/n) walk away. He felt a mix of frustration and sadness, but also a new resolve building inside him. I need to step up my game. The thought echoed in his mind as he headed back to his own study materials, determined not to let this setback hold him back.

Exams loomed just around the corner, and the atmosphere on campus was thick with tension and determination. (Y/n) was in full study mode, her focus laser-sharp as she buried herself in her textbooks. She was determined to be at the top of the class, fully aware of the fierce competition that Jaehyun represented. He was charming, likable, and annoyingly good at academics. But this time, she was ready to give it her all.

Surrounded by notes and highlighted textbooks, (Y/n) tuned out the world around her. Her desk was a fortress of study materials, and the library became her sanctuary. Each page she flipped, each problem she solved, felt like a step closer to achieving her goal. But as much as she tried to concentrate, there was an undercurrent of anxiety gnawing at her—what if she didn’t measure up? 

Across the room, Jaehyun was also studying, but his concentration was faltering. He sat at a table, a pile of books in front of him, but his attention was drawn irresistibly to (Y/n). She sat with her brows furrowed, scribbling notes with fierce determination, and he couldn’t help but admire her. She looks so dedicated.

But the memory of their last conversation echoed in his mind, where (Y/n) had firmly declared, “No distractions until exams are over!” It had been a lighthearted remark, but it stung nonetheless. He knew she was right; they both needed to focus. So, he complied, even as he sat there, longing to be near her.

He shifted in his seat, trying to immerse himself in his studies, but every time he glanced up, his heart would race at the sight of her. She was engrossed, flipping through pages with purpose, and the way she bit her lip in concentration made him ache with admiration. 

Why can’t I just focus? Jaehyun thought, running a hand through his hair in frustration. His eyes betrayed him, wandering back to (Y/n) like a moth to a flame. He felt a mix of admiration and helplessness. He wished he could approach her, share a quiet word of encouragement, or even just tell her how much he respected her drive. 

Instead, he remained in his corner, watching her from afar like a hopeful puppy yearning for attention but knowing it wasn't his time. As he sat there, the reality of the situation sank in—exams were coming up, and both of them had their goals to achieve.

Despite the distance, there was a strange sense of connection in the air. Jaehyun could sense (Y/n)’s determination, and it ignited something within him as well. If she can push herself this hard, then so can I.

With that thought, he forced himself to return to his books. He could at least match her intensity, even from across the room. And while he couldn’t speak to her directly, he hoped that, once exams were over, they could return to the comfortable camaraderie they had begun to build.

For now, he just needed to focus, and maybe, just maybe, they’d find themselves on the other side of these exams as something more than just rivals. With renewed determination, Jaehyun opened his textbook and immersed himself in the material, though every so often, he stole glances at (Y/n), drawing inspiration from her unwavering focus. 

The day the exam results were posted was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of the semester. (Y/n) stood in front of the bulletin board, her heart racing as she scanned the crowded hallway, filled with students eagerly checking their scores. Sungho was right by her side, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of anxiety.

As (Y/n)’s eyes darted over the list, she felt her breath hitch in her throat. Please, please let me be number one, she thought, desperation clawing at her. She had put in every ounce of effort, every late night and early morning. She had to be at the top.

Finally, she spotted the results and her heart sank. There it was—Jaehyun, bold and triumphant at the top of the list. Number 1: Jaehyun.

Her vision blurred as tears prickled at the corners of her eyes. The realization hit her hard, like a punch to the gut. Sungho, sensing her distress, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, offering silent support. 

“I’m so sorry, (Y/n),” he murmured, watching as her emotions unfolded. “You worked really hard. You’ll get it next time.”

But (Y/n) couldn’t hear him; her thoughts spiraled as the weight of disappointment settled heavily on her chest. She blinked back tears, but they spilled over anyway, trailing down her cheeks. 

From a distance, Jaehyun observed the scene, feeling a mix of emotions as he stood off to the side. He had come to celebrate, to share his joy with friends, but now he felt like an intruder in this moment. He wanted nothing more than to reach out to (Y/n), to comfort her and let her know that her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. But he also understood that right now, he was the last person she wanted to see.

Watching Sungho gently hold (Y/n) as she cried twisted something in his chest. He felt helpless, as if there was an invisible barrier separating him from the comfort he wished he could provide. She deserves better than this moment of sadness.

Jaehyun's heart ached, knowing how much effort she had put in. He felt guilty for achieving the rank she so desperately sought. Maybe if I had just worked a little less hard… But deep down, he knew that wasn’t how it worked.

He took a step closer, then hesitated, unsure if he should intrude on their moment. Instead, he forced himself to stay put, to respect (Y/n)’s feelings, and to be a silent witness to her disappointment. 

As Sungho continued to comfort her, Jaehyun felt a resolve forming within him. Next time, I’ll help her. I’ll make sure she knows how talented she really is.

For now, he would let (Y/n) have her moment, and when she was ready, he would be there to support her, whether as a rival or something more. With a heavy heart, he turned away from the bulletin board, his mind swirling with thoughts of how to approach her when the time was right.

After the exam results were posted, Jaehyun felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach whenever he thought about approaching (Y/n). The way she had reacted to the results still stung, and he couldn’t shake the fear that she would be just as cold as before. Often, he would catch sight of her in the library or around campus, wanting to reach out but ultimately chickening out at the last moment. 

Meanwhile, (Y/n) noticed his distance. She saw him lingering at the edge of her vision, a familiar figure she had come to associate with her study sessions. Part of her missed his cheerful presence, the way he effortlessly brightened the atmosphere. Yet another part felt relieved he wasn’t there to distract her anymore. She could focus on her studies, free from the competitive energy that had colored their interactions.

As days turned into a week, (Y/n) found herself reflecting on their last conversation. The tension had been palpable, but beneath her frustration was a flicker of something else—something that made her think about Jaehyun more than she cared to admit. Still, she convinced herself that keeping her distance was best. She didn’t want to be distracted again.

One afternoon, while deeply engrossed in her textbooks, she sensed someone nearby. She glanced up to find Jaehyun standing there, looking both hopeful and hesitant. He seemed to want to say something, but the hesitation in his posture was clear.

“Jaehyun,” she said, trying to sound indifferent but unable to hide the slight tremor in her voice.

He took a tentative step closer. “Hey, (Y/n). Can we talk?”

“Actually,” she interjected, her voice sharper than intended, “I’d prefer it if you went away.”

His expression shifted instantly, the brightness in his eyes dimming. Jaehyun's lower lip trembled slightly, and for a brief moment, tears glistened at the corners of his eyes. The sight of him looking so vulnerable tugged at (Y/n)’s heart, but she pushed the feeling aside.

“Okay…” he whispered, shoulders slumping. He turned to walk away, casting one last glance over his shoulder as if hoping she’d change her mind.

Watching him leave, (Y/n) felt an unfamiliar ache in her chest, but she steeled herself. This was for the best, she told herself. It had to be.

Jaehyun trudged across the campus, his heart still heavy from (Y/n)’s rejection. As he made his way to the sunlit courtyard, he spotted his two best friends, Taesan and Riwoo, lounging on a blanket, a couple of books spread out beside them, music playing softly in the background. The warmth of the sun contrasted sharply with the chill in his heart.

He approached them, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders. Without a word, he laid down on the blanket, facing the ground, wishing he could disappear into the grass.

“Hey, Jae,” Taesan said, noticing the unusual silence. “What’s up? You look like someone just kicked your puppy.”

“Yeah, man, you okay?” Riwoo added, peering at him with concern. “You’ve been out of it lately.”

Jaehyun sighed deeply, the weight of his emotions too heavy to hide. “I just… I talked to (Y/n) today.”

“Oh?” Taesan leaned forward, intrigued. “Did it go well?”

Jaehyun shook his head, his voice muffled against the blanket. “No, she told me to go away.”

The air around them shifted as his friends exchanged worried glances. “Dude, that sucks,” Riwoo said gently. “I’m sorry. She doesn’t know what she’s missing.”

Jaehyun felt a pang of frustration. “It’s not that simple. She’s been so focused on beating me in class. I think I just annoy her.”

“You’re not annoying!” Taesan protested, sitting up straighter. “You’re one of the best people I know. If she can’t see that, it’s her loss.”

“But she’s so brilliant, and I just…” Jaehyun’s voice trailed off, the weight of self-doubt creeping in again. “I don’t want to be a distraction for her. I just wanted to be friends.”

“Look, relationships are complicated,” Riwoo said, trying to offer some comfort. “It’s normal to feel this way. You two just need to communicate better. Maybe she’ll come around once she realizes how much you care.”

Jaehyun turned his head slightly to peek at them, the corners of his mouth twitching in a half-smile. “You really think so?”

“Absolutely,” Taesan affirmed, giving him a reassuring nudge. “But you’ve got to give her some space. And in the meantime, we’re here for you.”

With a heavy sigh, Jaehyun pushed himself up to sit, the warmth of the sun slowly melting away his sorrow. “Thanks, guys. I just hate feeling like this.”

“Let’s distract you,” Riwoo suggested, grinning. “How about we read some ridiculous books and laugh at them together?”

Jaehyun couldn’t help but chuckle, the heaviness in his chest lifting just a little. “Alright, I’m in.”

As they settled in together, the music filling the air and the warmth of the sun surrounding them, Jaehyun felt grateful for his friends—his heart might still be aching, but at least he wasn’t alone.

(Y/n) buried herself in her studies, her textbooks sprawled across her desk like an insurmountable mountain. The pressure to be the best consumed her, and the fear of returning home with anything less than top marks loomed over her like a dark cloud. Her parents had always been strict, and she couldn’t bear the thought of their disappointment. 

Days turned into nights, and as time passed, her dedication morphed into an unhealthy obsession. She barely slept, skipping meals, convinced that distractions would lead her away from her goals. The exhaustion was palpable, but she pushed through, telling herself it was just a phase she had to endure.

As Jaehyun walked through campus one day, he noticed her at a study table in the library, her face pale and eyes sunken. He frowned, feeling a sense of worry creep in. It was unusual for (Y/n) to look so worn down; her usual intensity seemed muted, replaced by an almost fragile demeanor. He exchanged glances with Sungho, who had just arrived.

“Is she okay?” Jaehyun asked quietly, nodding toward (Y/n).

Sungho sighed, his brow furrowed with concern. “I don’t think so. She’s been at it for days without a break.”

“I want to say something, but… I don’t know how,” Jaehyun admitted, feeling a mix of anxiety and helplessness. He had always admired (Y/n)’s drive but couldn’t shake the feeling that she was pushing herself too hard.

Just then, (Y/n) swayed slightly in her chair, her hand trembling as she reached for her notes. Before either of them could react, she suddenly collapsed, the sound of her books hitting the floor echoing in the quiet library.

“(Y/n)!” Jaehyun and Sungho rushed to her side, panic flooding their senses. Sungho knelt down, checking her pulse while Jaehyun fumbled for his phone to call for help.

A few moments later, they found themselves in the nurse’s office, (Y/n) lying unconscious on the bed. The nurse was tending to her, but Jaehyun could only focus on the fear gnawing at him.

Sungho sat beside her, his expression a mixture of worry and guilt. “I should have noticed sooner. She’s been under so much pressure.”

Jaehyun looked at him, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Her parents… they expect her to be perfect,” Sungho explained quietly, glancing at (Y/n) as she lay there, pale and still. “They’re really strict about her grades. Second place is never good enough for them.”

Jaehyun’s heart sank. “I had no idea. I thought she just wanted to win against me.”

Sungho shook his head. “It’s more than that for her. She feels like she has to prove herself, and it’s tearing her apart. She never wants to let anyone down.”

Jaehyun felt a knot in his stomach as he processed Sungho's words. “I thought you two were… you know, together.”

“No, we’re just friends,” Sungho replied, looking down. “I care about her, but it’s tough for me to get through to her when she’s so focused on her studies. I wish I could help her more.”

Feeling a sense of urgency, Jaehyun leaned forward. “We have to make sure she knows she doesn’t have to do this alone. She deserves better than this pressure.”

Sungho nodded, determination in his eyes. “Agreed. When she wakes up, we’ll talk to her. She needs to understand that she can lean on us.”

As they sat there, the weight of their shared concern hung heavy in the air. Jaehyun glanced at (Y/n), wishing he could reach out and tell her everything would be okay. They just had to help her find her way back to herself.

Four hours later, (Y/n) slowly stirred awake, the dim light of the nurse’s office filtering through her heavy eyelids. As she blinked into focus, she was surprised to find Jaehyun sitting beside her, his expression a mix of worry and relief. His eyes were glossy, and for a moment, she just laid there, taking in the sight of him. 

Gone was the puppy-like exuberance that usually characterized his demeanor. Instead, he looked vulnerable, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. For the first time, she noticed how handsome he truly was—not with anger or jealousy, but with a strange sense of admiration, maybe even something deeper.

Jaehyun didn’t notice her waking at first, his gaze lost in thought. But when he finally met her eyes, his expression shifted instantly. “(Y/n)!” he exclaimed, relief flooding his voice. “What happened? Are you okay?”

She hesitated for a moment, feeling the warmth of his concern envelop her. “I… I guess I overdid it a bit,” she replied softly, avoiding his gaze as embarrassment washed over her. 

“Overdid it?” Jaehyun echoed, his brow furrowing in concern. “You collapsed! You need to take care of yourself.”

A lump formed in her throat at the sincerity in his voice. “I know. I was just trying to be the best. I thought if I worked hard enough, it would all pay off.”

He shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice. “You don’t have to do this alone, (Y/n). You’re already amazing, and no one is expecting you to be perfect.”

She met his gaze, the warmth in his eyes contrasting sharply with her own self-doubt. “It’s not just about me,” she whispered, feeling a wave of vulnerability wash over her. “I can’t let my parents down. They want so much from me.”

“I get that,” Jaehyun said, his tone softening. “But you’re more than just your grades. You have friends who care about you—friends who want to support you, including me.”

At his words, a flicker of something new ignited in her chest, a feeling she hadn’t allowed herself to acknowledge before. Maybe it was a growing fondness, or perhaps even the start of something deeper.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured, finally allowing herself to take in the concern etched on his face. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Jaehyun smiled, though it was tinged with sadness. “Just promise me you’ll take a break and let us help you. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

“Okay,” (Y/n) replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I promise.”

As the two shared a moment of understanding, something shifted between them—a connection forged in vulnerability and care. She couldn’t shake the warmth blooming in her chest, and as she looked at Jaehyun, she felt a sense of comfort she hadn’t realized she needed.

After that day in the nurse's office, Jaehyun made it his mission to ensure (Y/n) took care of herself. He often found her at the library or in the café, surrounded by textbooks and notes, and each time he spotted her, he felt a surge of determination to help her find balance.

“Hey, (Y/n),” he greeted one afternoon as he approached her usual study spot. She looked up, surprise flickering across her face. “I brought you lunch.”

She blinked at the small container he set down beside her. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said, though the hint of a smile betrayed her appreciation.

“I know, but you need to eat,” he replied, flashing a bright smile. “Studying on an empty stomach isn’t a good idea.”

She hesitated but then relented. “Okay, just a little.”

As she opened the container, Jaehyun settled down beside her, digging into his own lunch. They shared a comfortable silence for a moment, the ambient sounds of the café surrounding them.

Deciding to lighten the mood, Jaehyun broke the quiet. “So, what’s your favorite childhood memory?” he asked, genuinely curious.

(Y/n) looked thoughtful, her fork pausing mid-air. “Hmm, that’s a tough one. I think it would be the summer I spent with my cousins at my grandparents’ house. We built the craziest forts in the backyard out of blankets and chairs.”

Jaehyun grinned, leaning in. “That sounds awesome! What kind of forts did you make?”

“On the last day, we made this huge castle,” she recalled, a nostalgic smile spreading across her face. “We even pretended to be knights and princesses, complete with cardboard swords. I still remember how silly we looked.”

“I love that! I used to do something similar with my friends,” Jaehyun said, his eyes lighting up. “We’d build spaceships out of old boxes and pretend to go on intergalactic adventures. I was always the pilot.”

“Of course you were,” (Y/n) teased lightly, her expression softening. “Did you have a special spaceship name?”

“Absolutely! It was the Star Chaser,” he said, puffing out his chest in mock pride. “We would save the universe from aliens and go on wild missions. It felt so real back then.”

“Sounds like you had quite the imagination!” (Y/n) chuckled, feeling the weight of her worries lift a little. “I miss those carefree days.”

“Me too,” Jaehyun replied, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. “Life seemed so simple back then. But I guess we can still create fun moments, right?”

“Definitely,” she agreed, her heart warming at his words. “I’d love to go on some sort of adventure like that again, even if it’s just a picnic in the park or something.”

“Count me in! I’ll bring the snacks,” he said, excitement bubbling in his voice. “It could be like our own little mission.”

As they continued to share childhood stories—memories filled with laughter, imagination, and innocence—(Y/n) found herself laughing more, the pressure of her studies momentarily forgotten. 

With each story Jaehyun shared, her fondness for him deepened, sparking a connection that felt both new and comfortable. It was a strange and wonderful sensation, one that made her heart flutter in ways she hadn’t anticipated.

Two weeks had passed since Jaehyun first began his mission to ensure (Y/n) was taking care of herself. He was relentless in his efforts to make her eat and take breaks from her studies, bringing her lunch, snacks, and even the occasional dessert. With each passing day, their conversations deepened, and a connection blossomed that Jaehyun found both exhilarating and terrifying.

As he sat in his favorite spot in the café, his friends Taesan and Riwoo flanking him, Jaehyun couldn’t shake the nervous energy buzzing in his chest. He fiddled with the edge of his napkin, his mind racing as he contemplated the idea of asking (Y/n) out on a date. 

“You’re overthinking it, man,” Taesan said, breaking into his thoughts. “Just go for it!”

“Easy for you to say,” Jaehyun replied, glancing at his friends. “What if she says no?”

Riwoo leaned in, a teasing grin on his face. “Then you’re back to being friends. But at least you won’t be stuck wondering ‘what if’ for the rest of your life.”

“I don’t know, guys,” Jaehyun mumbled, feeling his anxiety bubble up again. “What if I ruin everything? We’ve been getting closer, and I really like where we are.”

Sungho, who had joined them after grabbing a drink, chimed in. “You like her, right? You know she’s single, so just be honest with her. You have my support, dude.”

Jaehyun sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know, but… what if she doesn’t feel the same? I mean, she’s been through so much already. I don’t want to add more pressure.”

“Dude, you’ve been there for her through thick and thin. If anything, she’ll appreciate your honesty,” Taesan encouraged. “Plus, she’s been smiling more since you’ve been hanging out. That has to mean something.”

Jaehyun couldn’t help but recall the way (Y/n)’s eyes sparkled when she talked about her favorite memories. Those moments, filled with laughter and warmth, fueled his resolve. But still, he felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him.

“I just need the right moment,” he murmured, glancing toward the door as (Y/n) entered the café, her hair catching the light in a way that made his heart skip. She looked tired but brighter than usual, and Jaehyun felt his breath hitch.

“Look, there she is!” Riwoo said, nudging him playfully. “You’ve got this, Jaehyun!”

As (Y/n) made her way to their table, Jaehyun’s nerves surged, and he fought the urge to back out. She greeted them with a smile, and for a brief moment, he forgot all his doubts. But as she settled into the seat across from him, his heart raced with the weight of what he was contemplating.

“Hey, what are you all talking about?” she asked, a curious smile playing on her lips.

“Oh, just plotting world domination,” Jaehyun joked, trying to ease the tension in his chest. But even as he laughed, he felt the growing urgency to take the next step. 

With his friends rallying behind him and (Y/n) sitting just a few feet away, he knew he couldn’t let this chance slip away. But for now, all he could do was savor the moment and hope for the courage to come.

Jaehyun paced nervously in his room, the bright afternoon sun streaming through the window. He had come up with a plan that made his heart race—he would ask (Y/n) to be his date for the upcoming dance. Sungho had mentioned that several others had asked her already, but she’d turned them down, saying she was waiting for someone else. 

That “someone” was going to be him.

Determined to make it memorable, Jaehyun spent the day preparing something special. He picked out a bouquet of vibrant flowers—bright sunflowers and cheerful daisies—and added a cute golden retriever plushie, knowing it would remind her of his playful spirit. Finally, he crafted a big sign that read, “Wanna go with this puppy to the dance?” 

With everything packed neatly into a bag, he headed to (Y/n)’s favorite café, where he knew she often studied. His heart raced with each step, excitement and anxiety intertwining as he approached the familiar entrance.

As he entered, he spotted her at a corner table, her nose buried in a book. Jaehyun took a deep breath, reminding himself of Sungho's words—she was waiting for him. This was it. 

He approached her table, trying to keep his nerves in check. “Hey, (Y/n)!” he said, forcing a casual tone.

She looked up, her expression shifting from surprise to something more guarded. “Oh, Jaehyun. What’s up?”

With a flourish, he set down the flowers, plushie, and the sign on the table. “I have a question for you!” 

(Y/n)’s eyes widened slightly as she took in the colorful display. “What’s all this?” she asked, trying to maintain her usual cool demeanor, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her.

“Wanna go with this puppy to the dance?” he asked, his voice brimming with hope as he gestured to the sign.

For a moment, (Y/n) tried to keep a straight face, her expression almost icy as she processed the surprise before her. But the warmth radiating from Jaehyun’s smile was infectious, and she felt her resolve slipping. 

“Jaehyun…” she began, struggling to keep her tone neutral, but her heart was racing. “This is… very unexpected.”

His eyes sparkled with anticipation, clearly waiting for her answer. “So, what do you think?”

Her façade faltered, and a genuine smile broke through as she looked at the flowers and the plushie. “You’re ridiculous,” she said, unable to hide the happiness blooming inside her. 

“But you like it?” he pressed, hope hanging in the air.

“I—” she started, then paused, glancing at the other customers in the café who were now watching their interaction. She felt a mix of embarrassment and excitement, her heart racing at the thought of saying yes. 

Jaehyun leaned in slightly, his expression earnest. “I just wanted to do something special, and I really like you. So, what do you say?”

Caught between wanting to maintain her “black-cat” demeanor and the undeniable joy his gesture sparked, (Y/n) found herself at a crossroads. She took a deep breath, her cold exterior wavering under his bright smile. “I... need a moment to think about it.”

Jaehyun’s smile dimmed slightly, but he nodded, understanding her need for space. “Of course. Just know that I’d really love to go with you.”

As he turned to leave, (Y/n) couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through her chest. The idea of going to the dance with Jaehyun felt thrilling, even if she tried to mask it. As he walked away, she couldn’t shake the smile that threatened to break free—after all, who could resist that infectious grin?

Jaehyun stepped out of the café, a mix of disappointment and anticipation swirling in his chest. He had tried so hard to muster the courage, and now, as he walked away, he felt a weight settling on him. Just as he reached the sidewalk, he heard a familiar voice call out.

“Jaehyun!”

He turned around, his heart racing as he saw (Y/n) sprinting toward him, flowers and the plushie clutched tightly in her hands. The determination in her eyes made him pause, a spark of hope igniting within him.

Before he could say anything, (Y/n) closed the distance, grabbing his face and kissing him passionately. The warmth of her lips took him completely by surprise, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

When she pulled back, breathless and glowing, she smiled playfully. “I want to go with you to the dance,” she said, the words flowing effortlessly.

Jaehyun’s heart soared, a wave of joy crashing over him. “Really? You mean it?” he exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. “I thought you were going to say no!”

“Why would I say no?” she teased, her eyes sparkling. “It took you long enough to ask, though!”

His excitement bubbled over as he stepped closer, his heart racing. “So it’s really a date? I can’t believe this!” 

“Yes, it’s definitely a date,” she confirmed, her laughter infectious.

With that, Jaehyun couldn’t contain himself any longer. He leaned in and kissed her again, this time filled with joy and the promise of everything to come. As they pulled apart, both of them were grinning like children, the world around them bursting with possibilities.

“Okay, let’s plan something amazing!” he said, his eyes shining with excitement. He could hardly believe this was real. 

After the exhilarating kiss, Jaehyun stepped back, his heart still racing. As he looked into (Y/n)'s eyes, a thought struck him. “Wait, you said it took me long to ask you!” he exclaimed, a playful pout forming on his lips. “I mean, I really tried to gather my courage!”

(Y/n) chuckled, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Well, you did keep me waiting.”

Jaehyun ran a hand through his hair, feeling a rush of emotions. “You have no idea how hard it was for me! I was terrified of being rejected—especially by you. I mean, academics come easily to me, but love? That’s a whole different story.”

She watched him, her expression softening. “I had no idea you felt that way. You always seem so confident.”

“Confident? Me?” Jaehyun laughed, shaking his head. “I’m like a puppy trying to chase a shadow half the time! When it comes to you, I didn’t want to mess it up.”

(Y/n) smiled, her heart warming at his sincerity. “Well, you didn’t mess it up. You’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

“Yeah, but for a while, I thought I’d never get the chance to ask,” he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. “I kept seeing you with those other guys, and I thought, ‘What if she chooses someone else?’”

“But you didn’t give up,” she said softly. “You kept trying.”

“Because I really like you,” he replied earnestly, his eyes locking onto hers. “I didn’t want to just be friends anymore. I wanted more, and I was scared that if I failed at this, I’d lose you altogether.”

(Y/n)’s heart fluttered at his words. “You don’t have to be scared anymore,” she said gently. “We’re going to figure this out together.”

Jaehyun beamed, feeling a surge of hope. “Together,” he echoed, his excitement returning. “I can’t wait for the dance, and now I can finally relax knowing I didn’t mess it up.”

As they walked side by side, (Y/n) couldn’t help but tease him. “So, I guess you really are a lovesick puppy now, huh?”

Jaehyun laughed, a lightness in his heart. “Guilty as charged! But you know, I think I wear it well. What do you think? Am I pulling off the puppy look?”

“Oh, definitely,” she replied, smirking. “Just don’t start barking or wagging your tail in public.”

He feigned shock, placing a hand over his heart. “Barking? I would never! Maybe just a little excited yipping when I see you, though.”

(Y/n) chuckled, shaking her head. “I can’t believe I’m going to the dance with such a dork.”

“Hey, dorkiness is part of my charm!” he said, puffing out his chest playfully. “And I’ll make sure to bring my best puppy eyes to win you over even more.”

“Just don’t overdo it,” she teased. “I might get overwhelmed by all that adorableness.”

Jaehyun grinned, the warmth between them making the world around them feel brighter. “Adorableness is my specialty, especially when it comes to you.”

She smiled back, feeling a flutter in her chest. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to see how adorable you can be at the dance.”

“Challenge accepted!” he declared, his excitement palpable as they continued walking, both of them looking forward to what lay ahead.

[yawn-junn]

♡︎No Will No Way - Jaehyun♡︎

♡︎Special Thanks Too: pamhhanni, Jaehyun, BOYNEXTDOOR

♡︎Note: merry Christmas!! This may be out extremely late 😔 but at least it's out! I'm so sorry you had to wait so long, hopefully it meets your standards

♡︎CW: Jaehyun teasing : food : competitive reader : cursing (1) :

♡︎Prompt: Gingerbread Competition

♡︎Taglist: @mxlly143 - @cherriruto - @bunnie-stay-p1ece - @soul-is-a-strange-kid

12-25-23

You and Jaehyun were often competitive to one another, not in a toxic way, but an endearing way. Jaehyun loved turning your cogs, maybe even more than you loved turning his. "Mines gonna be way better" Jaehyun said a hint of slyness in his voice, pausing you turn to look at him, a competitive glint shining in your eye.

"No way" you said glaring at him, Jaehyun smiled "if there's a will there's a way" he shrugged making you scoff, "there is no will and there is no way" you commented pettiness lacing your words, Jaehyun bit back a laugh.

More back and forth between you and Jaehyun went on for almost 20 minutes, till you guys actually started, placing a blinder between the two of you, the blinder being a big box from something Leehan ordered. Making sure neither of you could see one another's houses, immediately you started, working hard putting your blood sweat and tears into the small gingerbread house.

"And time!" You and Jaehyun yelled in sync as the timer went off, both of you laughed, Jaehyun reached to move the blinder while you turned the timer off. Settling back into your spot, you glared at Jaehyun's house, nothing on how it looks oddly similar to yours, "wait" Jaehyun laughed, "how did we manage that" you commented looking between yours and Jaehyun's house, the only difference is, yours has a tiny man and his doesn't.

You and Jaehyun spent 10 minutes in awe, wondering how you both did the same design. "Ok wait" you breathed leaving the kitchen grabbing Woonhak, dragging him by his hoodie into the kitchen, "tell me which is better without knowing who's is who's so you can't pick favorites" you demanded, Woonhak looked between the identical houses "but they look the same-" he said confused.

"Doesn't matter pick one" you said, he nodded pointing towards yours "fuck yeah! See I told you there's no will no way!" You yelled doing a mini celebration dance, Woonhak looked confused before leaving the kitchen, Jaehyun rolled his eyes grabbing his phone from his pocket, wiring you $20 "this is so stupid" he mumbled making you laugh, Jaehyun dropped his fake salty attitude, joining your laughter, the both of you spent your time eating your gingerbread houses you worked so hard on, while you gossiped and joked.

[serejae]

YOU KNOW I GOT A SOFT SPOT | BND

in which bnd has a soft spot for you

bnd x reader

genre ; fluff | @onedoornet (i mised u)

w.c : 302

sungho always manages to complain somehow when the other members take his photo. he always claims it toos blurry, too low, or just bad. but with you, he keeps his mouth shut.he doesnt say anything even when you take the worst photo of him because to him, anything you do is amazing

riwoo is always getting begged by the members for him to make jewelry for them, and in response they always get the same answer. “im busy”, but for you? he always manages to make you a extra matching piece of jewelry that compliments his homemade jewelry because youll always be apart of him

jaehyun is always putting on a persona of being the “sunshine” friend. but he admits hat it gets tiring, despite that he keeps going to keep the people around him happy, like he owes them something. with you?, he knows he can relax, not because hes not excited or happy around you but rather because he feels safe

taesan hated one thing in the entire world, he hated when people barged into his studio without permission. whenever the members walk in he groans and tells them to get out. often they joke that its his home since hes so protective over it. he let no one come into his “home” besides you. whenever you come in he turns his chair and opens his arms for a hug, because you are his home. over any studio

leehan has a pet peeve of people messing with his hair especially when he already styled it. his hand is like autopiloted to swat hands away when the members or anyone try to play with his hair. anyone but you, he leans into your touch in fact. he can never feel like youre gonna ruin his hair, because you never ruin anything.

[000-pawz]

tied to you (bnd legal line) ˚ · .

bnd as submissives , bnd x fem!reader , nsfw (mdni!!!), headcanons/ramble

warnings: dom/sub dynamics, restraints, collars, some degradation, slight masochism (nothing too crazy), hand stuff, oral (giving and receiving)

a/n: i think this is my first official nsfw post omg <3 this was supposed to just be a small ask answer but i think i indulged a litttllleee too much >3< also, a lot of this was influenced by their charts (once again) so yeah! thank u for ur request anon :0

sungho ˚ ⋆｡˚

as someone who likes to control almost every aspect of his life, it'd take a little coaxing to get sungho to submit to you. he'll only submit when he feels fully safe and thinks he can be completely vulnerable around you and sungho is most likely to submit when he's really stressed out or tense. he can get really self-conscious about relinquishing control, so he might come to you casually and try to subtly hint that he wants you to dom him. it might be when you're laying in bed scrolling as he gets home, and he just drops everything at the door and curls up to you. he melts when you stroke his hair, and you'll notice him getting riled up, nuzzling into your neck like a kitten. <3

when sungho submits, the only thing on his mind is pleasing you. i think he's more of a service top and his only goal would be to cater to your needs. he'll eat you out for as long as you'd like, trying his best not to cum in his pants because you told him not to! he likes it when you ride him, using his body as a toy for yourself, and all he can do is let you take whatever you want from him <3

sungho would like to submit to you nonsexually as well. he feels most at ease when he feels as if you are at ease, so he will be at your every beck and call. if you are hungry, he's going straight to the kitchen to make you something. he'll wash all of the dishes, do all of the laundry, and rub your back and feet if you've had a long day. he'll like it when he's able to take control outside of the house, but as soon as you guys get home, everything goes by your word.

sungho is incredibly sensitive! he loves when you worship his body, placing little kisses on his stomach, complimenting all of his hard work in the gym. he could cum untouched by you simply running your fingers over his pecs and thighs. he's a huge lover of foreplay too. when you're kissing up and down his neck, touching him everywhere except the place he needs you most <3 he'll try his best to keep his hands to himself if you tell him to, but sometimes he just can't resist. when he doesn't listen, he likes it when you push him into the bed, holding his hands above his head. he knows that he's stronger than you and can take back control if he wants to, but something about that turns him on even more.

his favorite names to be called in bed are kitty, doll, and pretty. if you whisper, "look at you, doll. you're so pretty like this. just a bit longer and i'll let you cum, okay?", he'll be sinking deep into subspace, just wanting to please you and make you happy.

he can get pretty shy when it comes to making noise in bed, so i see him biting his lip and covering his mouth a lot to stay quiet, turning his head to hide his face and stuff <3 he starts to get loud when he's close to cumming, muttering out "please please please" as he grips the sheets, his body racking with shivers.

for aftercare, he'd like bathing together with you as the big spoon, helping him wash up. he might even fall asleep as you massage shampoo into his hair, leaning in to press tiny kisses to his cheek and the back of his neck. he needs lots of reassurance as well. tell him that he did so good for you, that he made you feel good, and that you love him. he needs to hear it or else he might get really insecure and start to overthink. when it's time for bed, let him be the big spoon so he can burrow himself in the back of your neck and hold you close to him <3

˚ ⋆｡˚ riwoo

i see riwoo as a natural submissive. he loves you so deeply and he's willing to do anything you ask of him. riwoo definitely slips into subspace the fastest and deepest. you guys could be watching a movie when you start to rub him through his pants nonchalantly. he'll look at you with wide eyes and you'll just say, "keep watching the movie." he'll try so hard not to buck up into your hand or make any noises, but he ultimately fails because you always make him feel so good. he can't help it </3

he would get so embarrassed when you tease him in public, muttering "we shouldn't do this here" when you pull him into a bathroom to quickly suck him off because he looks so good in that outfit. in less than a few seconds of being inside of your mouth though, he's a whining mess, head tipping back against the wall, biting his fingers to keep quiet <3

riwoo likes when things are really intimate and really personal. he'd enjoy it when you hold him from behind, speaking directly into his ear as you stroke his cock. his head will be buried in your neck, soft whimpers leaving his mouth <3 he won't know what to do with his hands, so they'll be on your thigh, fisting the sheets, resting on his stomach, holding your arm... anywhere they can reach! he gets really squirmy too, so you'll have to hold him still sometimes.

he has a hard time asking for what he wants, but you know him well enough to read when he needs to be taken care of. you notice when he starts to get a little more clingy, following you around the house, kissing your neck and shoulders when your back is turned to him. if you're sitting on his lap, he'll start to subtly grind up into you, wrapping his arms around your middle, asking quietly for you to help him.

riwoo would love to be called angel and baby boy. sue me, but he definitely has a slight (not-so-slight) mommy kink, even if his partner isn't older than him. he likes nurturing partners who can take care of him, so when you say "shh, i've got you, angel. my pretty baby boy, doing so well for me", he's a goner. as i said, he slips really deep into subspace and he may just stop talking, communicating only with single words and noises. you'll need to find other ways to go about safe words like him tapping you a certain amount of times because he'll be too floaty to respond verbally.

the quickest way to turn him on would be soft kisses to his neck and ears! he gets that fluttery feeling and becomes needy quick. he's into overstimulation where you try to coax him past his limits, telling him that he can cum again, even if he tries to deny it (and he does always end up cumming again). he also has an oral fixation, so he likes when you stuff your fingers in his mouth when he's fucking you, or sucking on your boobs when cuddling. he might mouth at your skin a lot and get drool everywhere too <3

when it comes to aftercare, the first thing he needs is cuddles. he feels most safe when wrapped up in your arms, surrounded by you. he'll doze off as you whisper praise and reassurance. with a little insistence, he'll finally get up to shower with you, his body still glued tightly to your skin. (he might even get hard again just from the gentle way you wash him off <3). as soon as his head hits the pillow, he's sleeping soundly, knowing that you're always there to take care of him. <3

jaehyun ˚ ⋆｡˚

jaehyun #1 puppy sub. he's extremely devoted to you, straightforward, and never afraid to ask for what he wants. even though he can unintentionally get pretty whiny and bratty, it's easy to put him in his place! he hates it when his dom is upset at him, and he hates punishments even more, so he listens to whatever you say really well <3

in a way, he's kind of always on go-mode. he loves it when you suddenly push him up against a wall to kiss him, your hand traveling down to palm at his cock <3 if you decide that you want to fuck against the kitchen counter, he's ready, putting down his cup of coffee in an instant to please you. he loves quickies before he has to go to work in the morning, spooning you from behind as he kisses and laps at your neck, moaning against your skin. his sex drive is pretty high, so he needs a dom that can match that.

jaehyun is really attracted to people with an authoritative aura. someone who can order him around without a second thought and who he can fully submit to. he's always willing to please and simply needs to feel safe and taken care of in return. he likes to sit at your feet while you play with his hair mindlessly, nuzzle into your belly, and cuddle you face to face so he can kiss you whenever he wants. he might even wear a collar with "property of ____" on it around the house <3 loves when you tug him by his leash to eat you out or pull him in for a kiss!

jaehyun likes slight degradation too! he gets so turned on when you call him a dumb puppy, telling him that he doesn't know how to use his cock right, and he'll be jumping up to prove you wrong because he just wants to be good for his owner. he can get pretty defiant when you're a little too mean to him, though. if you won't let him cum while he's eating you out, he'll rut against the bed and end up cumming in his pants like the needy puppy he is. or if you won't kiss him in public, telling him he needs to wait until you guys get home, he gets so pouty!

he can get pretty loud in bed. sometimes he doesn't even realize how loud he's being because he just feels too good! he'll be rutting into you, whining about how good your pussy feels, asking if he's doing good, begging for more and more. he might even start crying when he gets so overwhelmed, dropping his head onto your shoulder, his thrusts messy and uncoordinated <3 poor puppy can't control himself!

he also has a habit of biting when he feels too good!!! he'll bite your shoulder and accidentally leave teeth marks, nip at the inside of your thighs, and bite your lower lip when making out. the best way to prevent a biting jaehyun is to stuff something in his mouth like a pillow or your panties to keep him at bay <3 he'll whine and complain, but he'll quickly stop when you give him that look that always makes him behave.

aftercare with jaehyun is full of kissing, snuggling, and giggles. he'll want to just lay in your arms, slowly making out as his hands travel all over your body with loving touches. he's not trying to get you riled up again! he's just very touchy and needs that skin-to-skin contact afterward. he'd want to bathe together so he can play with the bubbles and hold you against him before heading straight to bed with your head resting on his chest <3

˚ ⋆｡˚ taesan

taesan submitting will take some time. he won't easily share his deeper, more vulnerable desires unless he fully trusts someone. but when he does, all focus is on him <3 all he wants is to be the center of attention, and he likes for things to go his way, whether he's domming or subbing!

when taesan submits, he's usually in need of some confidence and care. he wants to be all yours, and he wants to be the best. he will eat you out until his jaw hurts and his face is covered in your slick, panting for air with a smile on his face as you tell him he's doing amazing. he likes when you tangle your hands in his hair to push him further into your cunt, basically riding his face and using his tongue for your own pleasure. nothing gets him off more than the thought of you using him out of everyone else in the world <3

the fastest way to turn him on is to kiss and suck at his neck while your fingers play with the hair at his nape. anything to do with his neck, and he's on his knees for you, literally. he's also really sensitive around his chest! you can probably make him cum by just playing with his nipples and pecs, squeezing and pinching them as he ruts up into the air, whining and moaning for more. <3 he likes it when you tie him up too, whether it be with rope or silk. anything that leaves a temporary mark afterward!

taesan can get upset when you're not paying him a lot of attention. if you're busy doing work on your computer, he will drop down to his knees and rest his head on your thigh, pawing at your leg for attention with the biggest pout on his face. he could be fucking into you and you'll close your eyes for a few seconds before he starts whining, leaning down to kiss you before muttering, "please, please, watch me. am i making you feel good? yeah?"

he's definitely into praise more than degradation, but he wouldn't mind being called a slut and a whore; as long as he's your slut and your whore <3 you'll have him pushed up against the wall of the shower, pumping his cock as he whines into your ear for you to go faster. "faster? you're such a greedy slut, aren't you?" and he'll nod feverishly, his wet hair falling into his eyes as he bites his lip, fucking up into your fist.

taesan loves provoking you and talks back a lot. you could be at a restaurant with friends and you'll feel his hand trail under your skirt, his fingers rubbing against your panties as you try to have a conversation with someone across from you. you'll tightly grab his wrist to stop him, and as soon as the conversation ends, you'll whisper, "what the fuck do you think you're doing?". he'll just give you a teasing smile, cock his head to the side, and say "hm? i'm not doing anything, baby." he'll be all giddy on the inside when he sees how angry you get, knowing that he'll be punished as soon as you guys get home.

for aftercare, taesan wants to be doted on. he wants you to brush the hair out of his eyes and pepper his face with kisses! he's the softest when he's like this, so you indulge as much as you can. he'll probably get really sleep really fast, so he'll fuss when you say you have to shower. he presses lazy kisses to your shoulder with his arms around your middle as you wash him up, mumbling about how you "sucked the life out of him" and you can't help but laugh at his dramatics. in bed, he'll relax once you're fully situated in his arms, massaging his scalp until he falls asleep. <3

leehan ˚ ⋆｡˚

leehan usually likes to be in control in my opinion, but when he is really in love with someone, he can be the biggest giver sub ever. and by "giver" in this context, he is literally giving himself to you. his main goal is to keep you happy and he'll have a one-track mind of his dom and only his dom. he'll let you pick out his outfits, what hairstyle he'll wear for the day, and where you guys are going for a date; everything will be up to you.

he's the type to say yes to everything. if you tell him you want to ride his face, he's already taking his shirt off and laying down, making grabby hands toward you. if you suddenly push him into a chair to suck his cock, he's folding his hands behind his back and letting you do whatever you want to him. what you say goes, always, and he rarely ever talks back.

leehan likes things to be a little more on the rough side, he would probably try to seduce you/rile you up to get you to snap on him. if you're scrolling on your phone in bed and he gets needy, he'll move down to trail open-mouth kisses up your exposed leg until you roughly grab his hair and tug him up to meet your eyes. he'll have the biggest (cutest) smile on his face as you push him onto his back before straddling him, wrapping your hand around his throat as you lean down to kiss him and give him what he truly wants <3

i see him as the type to want to take a lot of pictures of your intimate moments (for his and your eyes only). he'll like pictures of your hand around his neck, him on his knees at your feet, your hand gripping his jaw as you kiss him, and stuff like that <3 he'll have a private folder of them all to look through when he misses you. and please mark him up! he likes when you give him marks in places only he sees, like his hips, his thighs, or his chest. he thinks they're so pretty and he gets sad when they start to fade, so he'll shyly ask you for new ones!

leehan loves orgasm denial. you'll have him on his back with his hands above his head, tied to the headboard as you jerk him off. when you notice that his breathing is starting to pick up, you quickly pull your hand away, watching as he ruts into the air, his cock red and dripping precum. he'll whine quietly, giving you puppy dog eyes as your fingers trail down his thigh. "can i cum, please? i—i can't..." he'll trail off, throwing his head back when you grab ahold of his dick again. "you can take a little more, can't you?" and he'll nod pathetically, unshed tears brimming in his eyes.

aftercare with leehan would be pretty relaxing. a quiet bath together with the lights dimmed low and soft music playing as you clean him up, your back to his chest. he'll want to help wash you off too, his movements extremely gentle and intentional. when he pouts his lips for a kiss, you can't help but to give in, immediately taking the lead as you drag your tongue over his bottom lip. he softly moans into your mouth, holding you closer to him, just needing to know that you're real and there. in bed is when he quietly asks if he did okay, and you're quick to reassure him that he was lovely <3 he always is.

reblogs are greatly appreciated! thank u...<3

masterlist

[restlessmaknae]

favourite sight // leehan

When the annual summer class trip means a visit to Busan and staying at Leehan’s family’s hotel, you know that it will be total chaos, you just don’t expect to fall for your arch nemesis, the most popular boy of the year - Leehan himself.

➳ Characters: class vice-president!Leehan x class president!female reader/you

➳ Genre: boarding school au, summer class trip au, enemies to lovers (but not really), rich kids au, fluff, comedy

➳ Words: 6.7k

➳ Warning: mentions of food, reader can't swim and almost drowns in one scene, academic pressure, playful banter between reader and Leehan in which Leehan is called a show off, stupid tall with stupid long eyelashes and stupid long legs (because she's oblivious duh)

➳ A/N: This story is the second installment of my 'love map' multifandom series which features 3 different idols and 3 different stories that take place in 3 different countries. The stories can be read on their own though.❤️

Header taken from this WHY Concept Film

➳ Dedicated to: @dat-town ❤️

➳ Taglist: @s00buwu, @emmylksblog, @0310s, @hansuo

When the annual summer class trip means a visit to Busan and staying at Leehan’s family’s hotel, you know that it will be total chaos, you just don’t expect it to be this chaotic. Alas, you also end up falling for your arch nemesis, the most popular boy of the year - Leehan himself.

You weren’t supposed to stay at the hotel of Leehan’s family. You were supposed to go somewhere else, some place that had nothing to do with him, but the arranged accommodation went back on your request when they decided to take on organising a business event for an international company. Not that you could blame them; they were probably better off serving cocktail after cocktail to rich business people than babysit students who were not allowed to drink alcohol and bring in any either.

Like the show-off he was, Leehan rang his parents the moment your homeroom teacher announced that she would need to look for another accommodation, and asked for your help - you as class president and Leehan as vice-president. The boy was done within a few minutes, and your homeroom teacher looked like she was on the verge of crying when he confirmed that his family’s hotel had enough rooms for their class. She had already been stressed over organising this whole trip to Busan on her own while trying to accommodate all the parents’ requests, she probably already thought that she had to cancel the whole trip because of this.

The only reason you held yourself back from snorting was because of Miss Lee, otherwise, you would have made a comment on how Leehan always ended up playing the hero, and how he knew ‘someone’ wherever he went. Sure, everyone was famous and rich in one way or another at KOZ International High School as it was a private boarding school, the number 1 for university admission rate success in Asia and number 5 worldwide, but he just seemed to be everywhere.

Plus, since you were the class president and he was the vice-president, you just had to put up with it all the time. Even if it meant having to shoo away shrieking girls when they caught sight of him in the library as you two were picking up books for the next class or rolling your eyes when you collected mobile phones at the beginning of the day and yet another girl made a joke about how Leehan could keep their phone if it meant that they could have his heart.

You already knew that this class trip would be about him when Busan came out as the most voted destination in this year’s poll, the first Korean city after the last two years - it was Hanoi the summer after freshman year and Shanghai the summer after sophomore year. You just didn’t expect that it would be about him to this extent.

“Were your rooms really not sold out for that week during summer?” You quirked an eyebrow as you exited the teachers’ room, shooting the boy a glance. He didn’t seem to be offended by the implication behind your words, he merely said:

“The hotel has a separate building for events where mostly weddings take place and wedding guests can sleep, and it was coincidentally not booked yet. Wedding season starts a bit later into summer.”

“Of course,” you mumbled under your nose, not like you knew anything about the hospitality industry. Your parents owned a private clinic, the furthest thing from his family’s line of work.

“I’d say it was supposed to happen this way,” he shrugged his shoulders casually, the tie around his neck a bit looser than usual, and you had this inexplicably annoying urge to reach out and fix it for him. You wanted to save your dignity though, you could already imagine the teasing remarks you would get if you willingly did something like this for him, so no thanks, you would rather jump off a cliff.

“Are you that happy to go to Busan?”

“I mean, there’s the seaside, there’s my parents’ hotel, what’s there not to love?”

Everything, you wanted to say, but when you turned a corner, the hustle-bustle of the corridor filled with the students’ chatting blocked out all of the snarky thoughts in your head, and instead, you saved yourself from another 15 minutes of having to witness the boy’s popularity to yourself, and told him that you would go ahead and set up the Physics lab for next class, he could do it next week.

He didn’t protest, he merely gave you a bob of his head and a lazy half-smirk, something that made girls go crazy over him, except you.

The hotel was enormous, to say the least, and you weren’t even in the main area. You really had a separate building to yourself that had a dining room, a dance room and a karaoke room on the ground floor. You had the feeling that they turned a bar into the latter because there were shelves that seemed similar to shelves that held fancy bottles of alcohol, but nothing seemed out of place. You even had an outside pool and a direct view of the seaside, something that made everyone impressed.

“Dude, why didn’t you tell us about this place in the previous years? We should have come here every summer before,” Yechan exclaimed as he took out his phone and started recording, probably filming a new video for his Youtube channel. It seemed that every mundane person was either too curious or too bored to get a glimpse into a boarding school student’s daily life because his channel had already accumulated 2 million followers, and he had only started last year. Though it definitely helped that he was half Canadian, half Korean, so he could speak both English and Korean and provide subtitles for both languages.

“I thought you said you wanted us to go to your parents’ hotel next time,” Jungwon chirped in, but the Canadian boy shook his head.

“Nah, Toronto is too cold for summer trips.”

“Can we use the pool too, Miss Lee?” Millie inquired after the two boys settled on dismissing Canada as a possible destination for next year’s class trip. Thank God next year’s trip will be the last one, you didn’t know how you would survive these events any longer. Plus, all the money that you spent on this summer trip should have been donated to charity in your opinion, but alas, it was mandatory.

“Of course, but only until 10 PM, and obviously, be responsible. Some of you can’t swim, so no pushing, alright?”

“Who can’t swim?” You heard Gyuvin ask with his jaw comically dropping, but his question was muffled by the cacophony of suitcase spinner wheels, dropped bags and the usual lively chit-chat of soon-to-be senior year students.

“How do you like it?” Leehan asked, leaning closer to you, so you could hear him, but you gave him a death glare for doing so, and stepped backwards. Too bad that a lamp pole was also there, and you almost bumped your head into it if it hadn’t been for Leehan’s hand taking the hit.

For a moment, you just blinked up at him and his stupid height, too embarrassed for your own good. You were the class president, for God’s sake, you were the person of order and responsibility, you couldn't randomly bump into lamp posts!

You could see from the corner of your eyes that Taesan - Leehan’s friend - thought better of waiting for him, and awkwardly turned around to walk towards the hotel, but you didn’t dare look for his full reaction. You were sure that your face was flushed as it was, you didn’t need anyone else’s reaction on top of Leehan’s.

“Are you okay?” The boy asked uncharacteristically gently, his voice void of any playfulness, which was almost a first for him. Why did he even have to have stupid long eyelashes? Ones that fluttered oh so beautifully while he was looking down at you.

“I’m fine. Never been better. You should just… keep your distance from me,” you warned him as you pushed him away, at least enough, so that you could grab your suitcase again and start walking towards the hotel. It didn’t take him long to catch up to you with his stupid long legs.

“I can see that my closeness is having an effect on you even though you clearly claimed in sophomore year that you are immune to boys like me.”

“I am. It’s not my fault that you sneaked up to me like that, and that lamp post was there behind me,” you pointed out defensively, and kept your eyes on the back of the last two students from your class.

Miss Lee got Mr Brown with him - your English teacher -, so that they could supervise your class, but they were at the front, and you and Leehan were always at the back at events like this, so that no one could get lost (like Yuma and Jo on a company visit to Samsung in sophomore year) or hide in a bush ever again (Gyuvin once tried that during a class trip).

“Well, this is my city, and I’m going to make sure everyone has the time of their life, including you,” Leehan announced triumphantly, flashing a smile at you that was akin to the ones he used when he was campaigning to be voted as the vice-president again after last year. No wonder Rei didn’t get the title even though you would have preferred to have her instead of Leehan.

“Sure. Good luck with that,” you wished with an eye roll, and urged Ricky in front of you to keep moving instead of checking his hair in the hotel’s glass door.

If Leehan’s idea of having the time of your life was handing out shark-shaped gummies and bringing giant Sony party speakers to the pool - the ones that even had microphones attached to them, so you could have a karaoke - on the second night, you would have a pretty miserable life.

Nevertheless, you were only there because Miss Lee and Mr Brown were on duty at the entrance, checking if no one tried to sneak alcohol into the hotel, so you didn’t even bother with a swimsuit, you merely wore a flowery summer dress. Much to some girls’ dismay, most of the boys didn’t go shirtless, they had long-sleeved yet tight swimwear and shorts, the ones people used for some water sports. Though since Ricky’s parents owned the brand they wore, you had an idea why.

Anton was on lifeguard duty since he was on the national swimming team, and he would probably rather jump in to save a drowning student than manoeuvre himself around guys playing with plastic water guns and girls chatting in the pool instead of outside of it. You asked him if he needed anything - something to drink or to take a break -, but he said that he was fine, so you didn’t need to worry.

You acknowledged his answer with a bob of your head, and turned around just in time to be splashed by a huge amount of water by Pierre who had just jumped in. You stood there, frozen, your summer dress completely sticking to your body, and you were in the middle of blinking the water out of your eyes when you heard someone yell ‘class president’ and then you were pushed into the water with the kind of force that you could not resist.

It’s not like you couldn’t get any wetter than this, but you couldn’t swim, and your flailing hands didn’t do a thing to keep you up. You were about to throw every kind of rationality out of the window as your basic survival instincts kicked in, but you could feel strong hands pulling you to the surface in no time, Anton’s body emerging from the water beside yours.

“Are you okay?” The boy inquired with big, bright eyes, his damp hair hiding most of his face before he reached out to push his hair back. 

Still struggling to breathe properly, you mumbled something akin to an answer, and blinked rapidly, taking in the silence around you and the concerned or curious eyes of your classmates.

The only one who wasn’t surprised to see you struggling was Anton since he had gotten the names of students who couldn’t swim in case no one else would jump in to save a drowning student - a list you had volunteered to put together and pass onto him. Never in your wildest dreams would you have thought that you would be the first one who had to be rescued by him, and that the whole class would know about the fact that you couldn’t swim already on the second day of the trip.

You, the straight A-student, class president since sophomore year, speaking three languages fluently and playing the violin professionally. You, the daughter of the owners of the most prestigious private clinic in not only Seoul but the whole country. You, who was not supposed to have any weakness or fear.

You could faintly hear someone apologise and Anton asking if you needed him to ask for a medical staff, but you shrugged everyone off. Your flip-flops were probably in the pool somewhere after your fall, and you couldn’t be bothered to go back and fetch them. Instead, you furiously trampled back into the hotel barefoot.

It wasn’t just the dress sticking to you, it was humiliation too, something that you had not experienced on such a wide level after being told in front of the whole class that you had messed up a basic equation during a Maths test. No one would have guessed that you had been ill the whole week before the test because you had not let them know about it.

When you heard footsteps behind you, you already knew who it was before you turned to face him in all your wet glory, pitiful compared to his beautiful shoulder-length hair, softest of the brown of chestnuts and fluffiest of the ruffable kind.

“What do you want? I can go to my room on my own, thank you so much,” you told him off before he could have given you an answer, but then, he draped a towel over your body without saying a word.

You were about to shrug it off, but he pulled it tighter around you, holding the ends of the towel with his fists. You looked up at him, eyes throwing angry daggers, and maybe that was what prompted him to justify his actions.

“Your dress… it’s kind of see-through now,” he blurted out as if it was difficult for him to say something that could have been - under different circumstances - borderline flirty. But this was in no way a time and place where you would have wanted to be told that the white flowery dress of yours that should have not been in contact with any kind of liquid was now showing everyone what was underneath. How stupid of you, how stupid of those stupid boys to still act like dumbass kids and push others into the water.

Even if it was not Leehan who did this to you, his remark set something off within you, like when the countdown is up on a ticking time bomb or the trigger is pulled.

“You see, that’s why I didn’t want to come here. It’s not enough that now the whole class knows that I can’t swim but they also saw my underwear. Great. I’m really having the best time of my life, Leehan,” you spitted out furiously, pushing his hands away before pulling the tower tighter around your body, and walking back to your room, drops of water and mortification following your barefoot steps.

Of course, the news of the incident reached your teachers pretty quickly, and both Miss Lee and Mr Brown were knocking on your door as soon as you managed to get changed and hide the remains of your tears with an embarrassing amount of concealer. You reassured them that you were fine, but they told you to take it easy for the rest of the night, they would ask Anton to look over the students in your place since he was already monitoring the pool either way.

Then, Noah also came by to apologise for pushing you into the water. It wasn’t even the most embarrassing part that he had to come by to do it, the most embarrassing part came when he gave you that pitiful look, that ‘oh, I didn’t know you can’t swim’, something that almost made you curse him out right on the spot. Instead, you told him to keep himself in check for the rest of the trip because you wouldn’t help him out in Biology if you ever heard him joke about this incident. He scurried away like a wounded animal, but at least, he came by.

When the third knock on your room came, you seriously contemplated not opening the door. After all, you could be listening to music with your noise-cancelling headphones on, or you could already be sleeping, or even crying in the bathroom like you had done so an hour ago. In the end, you didn’t want to be a coward, and opened the door, but the last person you wanted to see there was Leehan.

“Look, before you ask what I’m doing here, I want to say that I got some stuff for you from the kitchen because Miss Lee said that you didn’t come down for dinner, and I thought you might be hungry,” he started, holding up his hands in front of his chest as if saying that he knew you were about to ask him these questions. You were, and even if he thought that  you were moping in your room (which you did) because you were still embarrassed about what had just happened (which you were), you didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of agreeing to him.

However, he beat you to it, and continued his monologue before you could even open your mouth to protest.

“It’s not because I think you wouldn’t come down after what happened, but if you’re worried about the others, don’t worry. There is already bigger news such as Kit confessing to Millie and Gyuvin stepping on a bee and getting stung, so everyone’s already over what happened with you. Maybe except Anton who kept asking if you were alright, but that boy is too kind-hearted not to do so,” he said so in such a conversational manner that someone walking by might have thought that you were talking about the weather.

Maybe it was the drowning experience getting to you or the genuine consideration in his words and actions, but you found yourself smiling, and before you could hide it, Leehan also noticed it.

“Oh great, you’re smiling! Now, eat your dinner or you won’t get tall,” he teased you as he reached out the plate of food he brought. There was a sandwich, some veggies, crisps and a napkin on it, plus a bottle of smoothie in his other hand.

“Yah, I take after my mother in terms of height. She would be sad if she heard you criticising my height,” you pointed out, puffing your chest out like you wanted to take pride in your frame. Not everyone could be so stupidly tall as him (and many other boys in the class, by the way).

“Alright, alright, I’ll take it back.”

“Well, thank you,” you retorted a bit playfully before looking down at the plate in your hand. “And for the food, too,” you added a bit more seriously while you looked back at him. He just kept staring at you, the ends of his lips curling upwards in somewhat of an affectionate gesture, and it was so unlike the Leehan that you knew that you found it difficult to form coherent words.

“And the towel, too,” you found yourself admitting, a bit struck by that never-seen-before smile of his. Even his dimples popped off when the smile reached a certain height, and suddenly, you had no idea what to say.

“Well then, I guess my duty’s done for today. Good night, Y/N!” Leehan broke the silence first, breaking the serene moment, but you were actually thankful for him. For a second, you were scared that if you saw more of this side of him, you would start falling for him, and you couldn’t allow yourself to.

“Good night, Leehan!” You wished with a smile that you would not take responsibility for, before closing the door on him.

It’s not that you and Leehan were enemies as per se. It’s more like you were usually of a different opinion, and as class president and vice-president who had to work together pretty much all the time, it was quite bothersome to put up with it. Not to mention the crowd of fangirls following him everywhere.

At first, you thought that he was just a pretty face, joyfully swimming in his glory, but from time to time, you could catch a glimpse into how taxing it was to act like he did so on the daily - reacting to girls with a kind smile no matter what they said, playing along with their flirty remarks and always trying to say the right words to avoid getting into trouble. When some students’ inquiries were far too personal or pushy, you tried to step in, and made excuses for you two, so that you could leave the scene, and far too often, Leehan thanked you for it. He didn’t have to know that you didn’t do it for yourself (which you claimed that you did) but for him.

However, after the events on the second day, you didn’t know what to do with yourself when you were around him. After all, he had no reason to pay you a visit and to bring you dinner. He didn’t even have to confirm it with Miss Lee that you hadn’t come down to get dinner. So why was he going the extra mile? Your first thought was that he wanted something from you, but when the next day passed by without any favours, just a day of going to the aquarium, walking along the seaside and a moderate pool party at night, you grew suspicious.

On the fourth day, when you were done with sightseeing for the day, the teachers gave you three hours of free time to look around by yourselves, and it was the perfect chance to ask the boy about it while the students around you were busy deciding on their activity.

“Do you want something from me?” You posed the question at Leehan straight-forwardly, and the boy furrowed his eyebrows in question, appearing perplexed.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I mean… you’re awfully kind to me these days. Perhaps… did you do something to my locker before we left for the trip?” You guessed suspiciously, suddenly being reminded of the time he put a heart-shaped sticker on your locker with the words ‘class president’ written with ink in the middle of it. It was after you were selected class president for the second consecutive year, and it was his first time being the vice president beside you. Needless to say, it was impossible to remove that sticker no matter how hard you tried, you could only manage to wash off the ink, and now it seemed even more embarrassing to have a random heart-shaped ticker on your locker from no other than Leehan.

The boy must have found it extremely amusing to see you suspecting him like that because he let out that endearing giggle of his that was both boyish and innocent.

“Now that you mention it, maybe I should have…” He teased you with a lopsided grin, and you were about to smack him in the side when Gyuvin, Ricky and Taesan came up to you to ask where you were thinking of going in your free time. You heard Millie, Liv and Selina say that they would go shopping, and Leo said something about wanting to try fishing (though you had no idea if it was allowed at this part of the seaside), you didn’t know about others’ plans.

Truth to be told, you had no idea about yours either, you would probably just find yourself a cosy little café and take a breather because it was hot and stuffy out here, but you didn’t want anyone else to follow suit, so you didn’t say a word.

“Taesan, you know that place that I’ve told you about? You should go ahead with the guys, we need to discuss something with Y/N about tomorrow’s activities,” Leehan answered first, and you gave him a side eye. What more did you need to discuss with him other than the ones you already did?

Taesan seemed somewhat perplexed for a moment, but then, his features smoothened, and he coolly told the others to follow him. Even though Gyuvin suggested that they could wait for you, Ricky patted his shoulder and dragged the lanky boy with him, so it was just you and Leehan again.

“What more do we need to discuss?”

“I want to show you something,” he announced, scratching the back of his neck a bit shyly. Since you were awful at reacting normally to surprises, you merely said:

“Is this the part where you will take me to an abandoned warehouse and leave me there, so that you can be the class president next year?”

Leehan let out a deep, joyous laughter hearing your question, and reassured you that no, he wouldn’t want to run for class president because that was your title, and no, he wouldn’t take you to an abandoned warehouse. He explained that the guys might not enjoy what he was about to show you, but if he remembered correctly, you would do so.

You eyed him for a good thirty seconds before letting him take you where he wanted. After all, it was his city, he knew his way around, so you followed him, and soon enough, you found yourself in the Busan Arboretum with one of the prettiest glasshouses you had ever seen in real life.

You were waiting for the boy to crack a joke or say something teasing, but instead, he merely declared:

“I remembered you making a presentation about the functionality of glasshouses and ending it with different glasshouses in the country, and I don’t know if you remember, but this was one of them.”

“I do, but how do you remember that?” You turned the tables, turning to look at him, to look him in the eyes because you didn’t get it. How did he remember such an insignificant detail from a presentation you had given years ago?

Leehan smiled at you gently as if he was looking at a child, ready to say something, but then, he decided otherwise and averted his eyes to the plants in front of him. After a few seconds, he cleared his throat and asked if you wanted to take pictures. So you let him take a few shots of you in exchange for doing the same for him, and it was all fun and games, acting silly and joking about pushing the other into a cactus when a sudden realisation hit you like lighting:

Were you falling for Leehan?

On the fifth day, you went to the Gamcheon Culture Village with its picturesque murals and quaint alleys, soaking up a mixture of art and history while listening to the tour guide who was assigned to your group. There were many pretty stairs, vibrant art installations and even a statue of the Little Prince and its Fox looking over the houses that were clumped together as if they were meant to be. The tour was supposed to last 4 hours, but it was close to 5 hours by the time everyone stopped posing for pictures and halting at every possible corner.

You must have been visibly in awe because Leehan joked that you should close your mouth, but when you admitted that you didn’t expect Busan to be this diverse, you caught sight of a proud smile stretching across his lips. He reminded you that he told you that he would make sure everyone has the time of their life, but you rebutted by stating that the itinerary was mainly Miss Lee’s work, not his. To that, he didn’t say anything, just kept smiling to himself like a fool, giving yet another reason for Taesan to give him a side eye.

After finishing the tour with a lunch break in between, you picked up some ice cream before the tour bus picked you up and took you back to the hotel. That night was BBQ-themed and there was also a campfire, something so movie-like and childish, yet it had a special feel to it because most of you had never had a campfire. Your families weren’t the typical families that took you camping for vacation. Most of you flew to other countries to visit a store from your parents’ chain or to accompany your relatives to important events. Having a BBQ where you could take part in grilling the meat, preparing the veggies and side dishes, and singing songs around the campfire weren’t exactly the kind of activities that you were used to, but no one complained. Not even Ricky who ate his hamburger with a knife and a fork because he hated getting his hands dirty.

It was also fun listening to all the different songs your classmates sang in all the different languages - from French to Spanish, Vietnamese to Korean -, how different they sounded, yet how much you enjoyed them all despite not understanding the words. One thing that you liked about your school - and your class - was that it was so diverse, you never had to worry that you would stand out because of your skin colour or hair, everyone was welcome. Whilst that didn’t lift the weight off your shoulders that the academic pressure put on, you were grateful that you had the chance to be exposed to such a supportive learning environment.

“Wanna play Truth or Dare?” Zack asked enthusiastically after it seemed like everyone was out of songs, and even Miss Lee dared to sit beside Mr Brown, reassured that no one would set the grill on fire (though Leo was close to it at one point).

“Really? We are almost seniors, that’s for kids,” Yechan refuted with a huff, rolling his eyes in a sassy way.

“Does that mean you have something to hide?” Wonyoung asked with a playful grin, and that was all it took for Yechan to give in and join the game. You passed on it, not wanting to be the victim of any of the ‘dares’ which - based on last years’ games - always included doing aegyo, a popular girl group dance (for both boys and girls), reenacting drama scenes, doing 50 pushups, chugging down Coke within 1 minute or kissing someone. You didn’t want to be a victim of any of it.

The others only protested for like a minute before they forgot about it, and let you walk away from the circle of students sitting around the campfire. You walked up to the edge of the property, leaning against the railing and taking in the scenery. You were so used to the huge skyscrapers in the capital city and the magnificent walls of your boarding school that times like this reminded you that there was a world outside of the little bubble you existed in for most part of the year, or at least the school year.

“Guests always get surprised when they see this view because they initially think our description of a beautiful view of the sea is an overstatement,” Leehan remarked in a conversational manner while he was walking up to you, and halted beside you, only an arm's length away. His hair was seemingly freshly washed, some unruly locks escaping his earlobe and falling into his eyes instead. Even though he did tuck them behind his ears dutifully, you were itching to do the same for him.

Gosh, you were really going insane, weren’t you? And yet… falling for him never seemed so thrilling.

“There are a lot of scams nowadays,” you hummed, pointing out that a lot of accommodations did indeed lie about beautiful views and such, so that people would choose them. His family didn’t lie though. “It’s so pretty,” you admitted quietly, watching as the setting sun painted different streaks onto the surface of the water, colours ranging from grape purple to princeton orange. You usually didn’t notice the sunrise or the sunset when you were scooped up in your room or the library, so having to witness such beautiful installations in the sky for the past week was kind of moving.

“You are prettier.”

When the words rolled off Leehan’s tongue, you snapped your head back to look at him, but just like his tone, his expression was gentle, too. He appeared so soft, so dreamy in that moment with the sunset painting colours onto the canvas of his skin, that for the first time in a while, you were completely speechless beside him. As if you were enchanted or starstruck. Both of which could actually be true.

Leehan though, he took note of your silence, too.

“I don’t even get an “oh, that’s too cheesy, stop it”?” He asked, now with a lopsided grin, and you let out a light-hearted giggle in return. Something weightless bubbled up inside of you when you simply stated:

“I would tell you that if I didn’t know that you like me.”

The boy’s eyes widened to almost twice their size, his lips slightly parting. He looked so baffled, almost as if you had told him that you wouldn’t run for class president next year - something that everyone took for granted after your first year together.

“Y-you know?”

“I mean, I had a feeling after the second day when you checked up on me and brought me dinner, but I became certain after the arboretum visit,” you confessed, somewhat easier now that you saw his reaction, and he didn’t deny it. Maybe the only one who needed convincing about one’s feelings was you about your own. “You didn’t even tell me why you remembered that glasshouse presentation of mine, so after I did some analysing and calculating of our three years together, that’s the conclusion I reached.”

Despite your voice not wavering, your heart was going wild, thumping against your ribcage. You didn’t know why because you knew he liked you, and you liked him too, but still… You could barely process your own feelings, let alone his feelings towards you, and now you saw all the little interactions you had with him before in a whole new light.

“And is that a satisfactory conclusion for you?” He quirked an eyebrow, both amused and uncertain, and the way he played along was all there was to say about your dynamics.

“Yes, because I feel the same way.”

“What kind of same way?” Leehan teased as he took a step closer to you, purposefully making you say it out loud. You heaved a sigh, looking away from his gorgeous face to be able to pull yourself together before you looked back and said:

“You know… I like you, too,” you blurted out as fast as you could, and you were awarded with his cutest toothy smile, dimples popping out, eyes turning into little crescents. Something that you had not seen him display around any girl before, and the fact that it was for you made you feel a bit emotional.

“Of course,” he mused as he reached out, and his fingers started playing with yours resting on the railing, testing the waters. Maybe a few days ago you would have said that you were unable to move because it was so sudden, so unexpected, but now you knew that it was because it was him, and because one touch of his electrified you from head to toe. “I knew you weren’t immune to me either,” he added playfully, and you were about to smack him in the chest, but he caught your hand, and intertwined your fingers instead.

And you let him tease you as much as he wanted, at least for now.

Next day rolled by quickly, and it was already time to leave. You couldn’t deny that you came here, hating even the idea of being in this city, let alone Leehan’s family’s hotel, but now, you were reluctant to leave because leaving meant leaving him behind.

“It’s just for the summer, Leehan,” you reminded him when he was sulking to you in the hotel lobby, but it seemed like he wasn’t convinced. He tried to make you stay for at least a few more days because he wouldn’t go back with the rest of you to Seoul, but you told him that you were invited to a few events with your family in the next week, so you had to go back. Plus, you were volunteering during the summer at the children’s ward in a local hospital, but you reassured him that you could squeeze some time in to come back to Busan.

“But still… we’ve only just begun,” he whimpered like a child, his fingers playing with yours as you were standing face-to-face. Even yesterday, he could barely let go of you when he walked you back to your room, and today, he was being clingy, too. No wonder the whole class knew by now that you two were together.

“You know, there’s this thing called technology. We can text, videochat, whatever you want.”

“But it won’t be the same as seeing my pretty girlfriend in person,” he protested with an all too cute pout, and even though you should have been prepared for compliments like this from him, you weren’t.

Yechan walked by you with an audible cough, followed by Ricky and Gyuvin. Gyuvin’s eyes widened comically when he saw Leehan’s fingers holding onto yours, and he turned to his friends, asking since when you two were a thing.

“Dude… you’re like three years behind,” Yechan snickered into his hands, watching Gyuvin’s meme-like surprised face with amusement. Ricky just looked at him, probably wondering how they ended up becoming friends.

“Wait! Have they been together all these years?”

You couldn’t help a laughter bubbling up in your chest as the three of them walked out of the hotel. There were a few girls afterwards who giggled when they saw you two so close to each other, but no one said anything hurtful. Maybe they indeed knew all along.

“I really gotta go now. You know, since my vice-president won’t be with me, I’ll have to do the attendance check alone.”

“Since when was I ‘your’ vice-president, hmm?” Leehan asked with a smirk, leaning closer to you to watch your face crumble from up-close, then flush, dressing your cheeks in a ruby-red cover.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Oh, you did.”

“I didn’t, you heard it wrong.”

“I heard it very clearly, you called me your vice-president, and I-”

Whatever Leehan was about to say was muffled by the kiss you planted on his left cheek in an attempt to shut him up and leave the topic as it is. However, the boy completely froze, and he only managed to pull himself together when you eventually walked away from him to get on the school bus.

Then, he was in full-on puppy mode, waving at the bus with his toothy smile, his eyes turning to little crescents again. Your favourite sight, you decided right then and there.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this story of mine! Let me know what you think!

Click here for my BND masterlist

If you want to read more stories of mine, let it be for BOYNEXTDOOR or for other artists, consider signing up for my taglist here.

Hope you have a lovely day/night! Take care! ❤️

[hangup119]

when pigs fly? 11. burn at the stake

prev | masterlist | next

you will only admit that you actually like kim leehan when pigs start to fly. for now, though, everyone else will just have to suffer the push-and-pull that happens whenever the two of you are near each other's vicinity.

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[bellasfortuna]

boy next door Johnny who doesn't speak much to you, but he's always around in some capacity

bnd!Johnny who, as the older brother to one of your classmates/school friends, doesn't speak much to you directly at school, but he's always there to say hello when you come over to visit your friend and ask about your day

bnd!Johnny who, despite being a few years older, jokes with you when your friend (his younger sister) starts dating another classmate; "best if we both keep an eye on 'er, aye bonnie?" eyes twinkling with some unsaid joke only he's in on, not saying much else but he always seems to orbit around whenever you, his sister and her new boyfriend are somewhere

bnd!Johnny who, when you miss a day or seem particularly quiet in the halls, goes out of his way to discreetly ask his sister or your other friends if you're doing okay; "'ave ya checked on 'er?", "under the weather? orz someone botherin' 'er?" face congenial and relaxed despite the slight set to his jaw, eyes analyzing the absence of where you should be

bnd!Johnny who, when your date to formal goes a bit south towards the end of the night, offers (of course) to drive you and his sister home, you live right next door so it's really no problem (truly, bonnie), murmuring lowly, "ya look very stunnin' tonight" as you slip into his backseat

bnd!Johnny who, coincidentally, goes to the same university as you, just three years your senior, and gives you an almost wolfish smile the first time he spots you, slinging an arm around your shoulders and pulling you so close you can feel the heat from his body, "didnae ken ya went here too, bonnie, great minds think alike yeah?"

[weoris]

- IDOL BOYFRIEND LEEHAN! 🎀 🐶 🩶

· boynextdoor | idol!kim donghyun x idol, gn!reader · other. fluff, forehead kisses, skinship, crying, ‎ ‎ wounds, hate comments. getting caught together. ‎ ‎ requested! not proofread. 721 words.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ daily click!

BOYNEXTDOOR LEEHAN! who you had been crushing on for a while, falling for him ever since you were a guest mc on music bank.. so who could blame you when your eyes were glued to him? who giggled slightly when you got the dance point for ‘one and only’ wrong..

ONEDOORS! who along with your fans and other netizens went crazy in Twitter after, making shipping comments that only made you blush and giggle when you got back to your dorms.

“It’s only our first week as idols and he already has a dating scandal?!” Woonhak huffed. Leehan shook his head, hiding the blush on his cheeks.. “Hey.. he’s blushing~” Taesan teased, making Leehan roll his eyes and push them off, going back to his room ( to text you.. )

IDOL BOYFRIEND LEEHAN! whose members or staff, and not even your members knew about your relationship. who’d text you cute little messages even when he was a trainee, a far cry from his usual quiet, 4D aura..

IDOL BOYFRIEND LEEHAN! who liked to visit your dorms when all your members had left, too scared to let anyone find out.. giving you hugs and kisses and giggles.. then immediately going away to gaze at your fish tank for 2 hours.. ( sometimes you regretted getting fish after dating him )

would give you subtle glances when you passed him in music shows, almost like he didn’t know you at all.. but immediately went to texting you right after. would look up at the screen at your performance, admiring how lit up you looked on stage.. but noticed how you seemed less bright on your ending fairy..

IDOL BOYFRIEND LEEHAN! who left right after his performance to comfort you when you were sent back early to your dorms, who kept an arm around your shoulder and kissed your forehead softly as you cried on his shoulder.. who patched up the wound on your knee and comforted you the best he could.

“Babe, why are you crying? does it hurt?” He cooed lowly. “N-not as much.. but.. what if they say I’m not a good performer again? I kept making mistakes..” You cried and whimpered out. “Shh.. I know.. don’t worry, y/n, the fall wasn’t on camera.. a-and.. you did really good!”

who didn’t really know how to comfort you well, but tried his best.. and it made you feel so cared for. you wrapped your arms around his neck slowly while sniffling, making him sigh and pat your back softly.

who was usually scared to death of getting caught, but when your members entered the dorm and gasped at the sight of you two, he couldn’t care less..

who didn’t even talk to your members or anyone else that night, just came back to your room with your favourite snacks and snugly hugged you and kissed your forehead..

IDOL BOYFRIEND LEEHAN! who loved the little gifts you’d leave for him when you stayed over or visited secretly. Who gasped and widened his eyes when you surprised him with another fish. who immediately hugged you and lifted you off the ground, giggling and pressing a thousand kisses to your face.

“Y/n?! ..Leehan?!” Woonhak exclaimed, with Taesan and Riwoo by his side, hands filled with take out as their jaws dropped, seeing you in Leehan’s arms as he paused from kissing your neck again. “Oh.. hey.” he said, not caring for their shock and going back to kissing your neck and giggling..

IDOL BOYFRIEND LEEHAN! who ever since that day, was less of a nervous wreck to have you around him even with his members in the dorms, to smiling at you in the halls and having his arm around you.

but who still blushed and rolled his eyes when they made teasing comments towards you both, who even after the changes of his friends and close ones finding out, stayed in your dorm just to watch your fish swim around for hours..

“Hey, what about onedoors and (insert fandom name~)? Aren’t you worried about how they’d react?” Taesan said, making Leehan choke on his food and widen his eyes. You sighed and patted his back. “Relax..” you cooed at him.. “he was scared to death of you guys finding out alone, try not to mention anything about the public finding out..” you whispered to Taesan..

© weoris | tumblr — 2024

TAGLIST. 自信心清。 fill in this google form, send an ask or comment to be added! 🐇🪽

WORD FROM HER. 後悔はない。 reblogs and feedbacks are appreciated and encouraged! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡ if u couldn’t tell, I really love writing idol aus huhu ^^ leehan being my first bias since debut, he has a soft spot in my heart ~

[4ranghaes]

ੈ✩‧₊˚ bnd as subs!

bnd legal line x reader [smut, separate classifications on each, SMUT!!!! mdni!!!!!]

a/n - i have requests to complete but i also have bnd sub brainrot

sungho 🎀 [feminisation, gender neutral!reader, softdom!reader, just good boy!yeppi]

“oh you look so pretty, baby!” you cooed, watching sungho exit your en-suite and enter into your bedroom. he was wearing a white crop top, oversized, so it hung around his body, showing off his thin waist. accentuating the crop top was a pair of black panties, doing nothing to hide how turned on he really was by the whole situation.

“really?” he pouted, walking towards the bed where you were sat. his chestnut hair had grown out, the layers framing his face beautifully as it flowed down his neck and cascaded around his ears.

“yes!” you smiled, walking over and slinging your arms around his neck, kissing at his jaw, “my yeppi.”

sungho whined, moving closer so his bulge could be felt against your body, grinding slowly once he felt the gratification, “y/n… please…”

“what, baby?” you pouted, pulling away and tucking his hair behind his ears. his eyes were big and sorrowful, his lips in a pout.

“need you to touch me.”

“yeah?” you cooed, leading him over to the bed and instructing him to lie down on his back, “since you asked so nicely, yeppi.” sungho smiled proudly, once he was in the sub role, he loved being called by the once embarrassing nickname. he was pretty, and he was your yeppi.

your hands rested on his slim waist, licking a stripe up his black panties as he whimpered, hands finding purchase in your hair.

“y/n… please,” he whined. you smiled, moving your hands down to start pulling down his panties, leaving them around his knees; the knowledge that he was bound even a little bit had wetness pooling in your panties.

“i’m sorry, baby,” you cooed, finally moving back to his upper body. the removal of his panties had caused his cock to spring up, slapping against his lower stomach where it was now laying in a pool of pre-cum which didn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. “oh yeppi, you’re so wet.”

you swiped a finger through the precum, sucking it off with a pop as sungho moaned, clutching at the sheets. he felt your breath get closer to his cock once again, before you started kissing at his lower stomach. he whined loudly, his head thrashing around on the pillow.

“okay, okay,” you laughed, dragging your fingertip up his length, making him shiver, “my yeppi. i’ll give you what you want.”

.🦦🍡

riwoo [humiliation, harddom!reader, gender neutral!reader BUT, slight mummy kink, dacryphilia]

riwoo let out a loud whine, his head flying back against the back cushion of the sofa as his hand worked tirelessly on his cock. he was sat like any other day, anyone entering could think he was just watching the tv - if it wasn’t for his cock, an angry shade of red, precum constantly leaking from the tip, as it stood up, totally bare.

you sighed, “have i ruined you so much that you can’t even get yourself off?”

riwoo shook his head desperately, his eyes squeezed shut. “i just— i-it hurts!”

“so? it’s your cock, you know what to do with it.”

he continued shaking his head from side to side, tears falling from his eyes as they opened again, looking at you sorrowfully.

“y/n…” he whimpered, “please…”

“please, what, baby?” you asked, moving yourself onto his lap and beginning to kiss all over his face, his cock now squeezed in between your bodies as his arms flopped to his sides in defeat.

“please touch me,” he sobbed, resting his head on your shoulder. before you could correct him, he continued with a sorrowful whine, “touch my cock, y/n, please. i need you!”

you smiled, cupping his face in your hands and moving it so he was looking at you. he looked a mess; his eyes red from all the tears, his lips pouty and covered in spit from all the biting and licking. moving your hand off his face, you spat into the palm, wrapping it round the base of his cock. however, the added spit among the non-stop pre-cum spilling out and that which had been already spread around made it hard to grip.

you rolled your eyes, sighing, “you’re so wet, riwoo. you’re making it hard for me.”

riwoo’s breath caught in his throat, barely able to make any sounds as your hand slipped and slid around his cock. with a dramatic sigh, you got off his lap and onto your knees. his eyes snapped open at feeling your hot breath on his sensitive length.

“i guess i’ll have to get this all off somehow, hmm?” you teased, gathering a dollop of liquid on the tip of your finger, “i think sucking it off will be better, right?”

riwoo whined loudly, “thank you, thank you… oh my god, thank you mummy.”

🪻🐕

jaehyun [brat!jaehyun, fem!reader, hard dom!reader, mentions of edging and chastity cage]

“jaehyun!”

“y/n,” he whined, his voice loud, but covered by even louder whimpers as he looked up at you with big brown eyes, sparkling with tears, “help me!”

you looked furiously at your boyfriend, arms crossed as you stood at the door, trying to hide how turned on you were. jaehyun was on your bed with his face buried in, what you recognised to be, your dirty underwear; your pillow between his legs as he humped at it furiously.

“why should i help you, when you’re blatantly disrespecting my rules?!” you asked, walking over to the bed and putting your finger under his chin, pulling his head to look at you.

“i–i’m not,” he panted, not even attempting to still his hips, “yo-your rule is to– to not touch myself! i-i’m not, i swear!”

you scoffed, balling up the dirty panties that he’d been sniffing and shoving them in his mouth before ripping the pillow out from under his body, the friction of the material on his hard cock making him moan.

“jaehyun, stop!” you commanded, pushing him over so he was laying on his back, his hips finally stilling.

“y/n, please,” he whined, grabbing at your waist as you climbed over his body, “i’m so hard, look! i need you so badly, please…”

his big brown eyes were staring up at you like a puppy, his hands desperately clawing at your clothes. you sat up, legs straddling his hips, hand splayed on his tummy to keep his writhing body down.

jaehyun’s t-shirt had started riding up, displaying the bottom of his soft tummy, his boxers doing a laughable job at hiding his hard length, a wet patch appearing on the front of the light fabric.

you hummed, taking your hand off of his stomach and instead using it to pull your panties to the side, revealing your wet clit to him. you started circling it slowly with your other hand, moaning as you did so.

jaehyun’s lip was held tightly between his teeth, his eyes hooded as he barely blinked, watching where your fingers met your cunt so intensely. he suddenly reached forward, grabbing his leaking length out of his boxers and swiping the tip against your cunt.

you lurched forward, grabbing both his hands as you went and holding them above his head.

“don’t you dare touch yourself,” you hissed, “puppy, you’re not gonna be cumming for a long time, you know that, right?”

myungjae whimpered as you grabbed one of the pieces of ribbon you had stashed out of the bedside table, tying his wrists together before tying them to the bedpost.

“tonight, you’re gonna watch me make myself cum,” you murmured, your mouth hovering over his ear, “then, i’m going to edge you until you’re shaking and begging me to let you cum. then, i’m going to leave you until morning - and i will use the cage if necessary. got it, myung-ah?”

🐈‍⬛🎸

taesan [soft dom!reader, gender neutral!reader, BUT major mummy kink, blowjob]

“i’m just tired, tonight, i’m sorry,” your boyfriend fake-smiled with a shrug.

“you don’t need to be sorry!” you exclaimed. you weren’t feeling anything negative when taesan had rejected your attempts at starting something heated; he’d had schedules all day and you knew he was tired, but now he seemed like he had a cloud looming over him. “i’m just worried about you.”

taesan was silent for a few moment, before he swallowed a rising lump in his throat, sparing a glance down to you before looking forward. “do you ever– hmm. um, uh… are you– no, forget it.”

“no! please, say,” you said, sitting up and placing your hand on his cheek. taesan nuzzled into your hold slightly, whimpering quietly. you bit your lip, that was hot.

“i just…” he hesitated, sighing before he closed his eyes and got it all out in one go, “i sometimes wish i could be a sub when we have sex—but i’m really embarrassed about it— and i don’t really want to address it, but sometimes i just want to be taken care of.”

you smiled, nodding, pretending as though you hadn’t even heard his words as you started pressing soft kisses to his face. from his forehead, to his nose, cheeks, lips, jaw; finally you headed down, taking off his shirt to gain access to his beautiful torso.

“is this okay?” you murmured, taesan nodding stiffly as he laid further down, starting to let you take care of him.

your kisses stopped at his chest, your nails suddenly raking down his waist as he shivered. you stopped your hands at his sweatpants.

“can i take care of you, baby?” you asked, cupping his face with one hand while the other dipped below his waistband. taesan shivered, nodding quickly.

you pulled down his sweatpants, his cock springing out, already half-hard at the feeling of you babying him.

“my baby,” you cooed, coming back up to his face as you ran your hands through his hair, “you just wanna be taken care of, right? well don’t worry your pretty little head, okay? just lay back and i’ll do all the work tonight.”

“okay,” taesan squeaked in a tiny voice, “thank you mummy.”

you smiled at the nickname, moving back down his body, dragging your fingers as you went. taesan played with your hair delicately, twirling the strands round his fingers as you started to kiss his length, starting at the base and moving up until you pressed a kiss to the tip. the boy shuddered, his hips bucking into the air in a feeble attempt to gain more contact.

“tell me when you’re about to cum, okay, baby?” you cooed, looking up at your boy’s pretty face, “you can’t cum without mummy’s permission tonight.”

taesan nodded quickly, eager to please, as you spat on the head of his cock, using your hand to spread the glob around, before sinking your mouth over his length.

taesan moaned at the contact, “thank you, mummy, thank you!”

🪸🐠

leehan [soft dom!reader (i think), edging, mentions of exhibitionism, loud+whiny!leehan, name calling]

“donghyun-ah,” you laughed, slamming your hand over his mouth, his full lips pressing against your palm, “shh! you need to be quiet.”

“c-can—ah! can’t help it, y– shit! y/n,” he panted, his hips constantly bucking up and down as your hand jerked him off. he was so slick with your spit that the wet sound could be heard throughout the room, alongside leehan’s incessant moans, “fe— feels so— ugh! feels so good, fuck!”

“mm, i’m sure it does baby,” you cooed, kissing the side of his lips gently, “but your members are right outside, aren’t they? and you don’t want them to know what a big baby you are, do you?”

leehan shook his head quickly, still moaning loudly, despite your words, as your hand stroked his slit.

“donghyun!”

“i’m sorry!” he cried, suppressing a sob as tears formed at his waterline. his hands were gripping at the sheets, his hairline wet with sweat, and his forehead resting against yours as he whispered, “y-y/n, please let me cum now—please.”

you sighed, “i don’t know, hyunnie, baby. you haven’t obeyed me at all, have you? being all loud so anyone can hear you.”

leehan bit back a moan, a suppressed low noise escaping his throat. “p-please.”

“how many have passed now?” you hummed.

“uhmm,” leehan could barely think straight, let alone remember what had happened over the last hour. he had to throw out a number, “four?”

you smiled, speeding up as you saw his length twitching, “it’s actually only been two, baby boy, but if you want four that bad…”

“i’m gonna cum! i’m cum—” you ripped your hand away, leehan’s hips flailing as he rides out an orgasm that was slipping away from him, “ah! no! y/n! please! hurts, oh my god!”

you giggle, kissing him to swallow his moans. pulling away, he still lets out a loud whine as you roll your eyes. “you’re such a loud little slut, you know that?”

“please, y/n,” leehan said, his big boba eyes looking up at you, eyelashes full of tears as you brush your hand through his hair, the sweat making it stick back, “let me cum…”

[arafilez]

ONCE MORE WITH SUMMER ㅤㅤㅤ☆ ㅤ —﹙ H.TS ﹚

MOVING ㅤ,ㅤ back to your hometown brings you memories and your childhood friend taesan !

ᶻzㅤ( x fem!reader ) 𓂃 ㅤ fluff, childhood frnds, summer romanceㅤ warnings kissing, nicknames ㅤ⋆ ( 5.5k wc ) ㅤ

onedoornet summer with you ❟ㅤ library ㅤ bnd shelfㅤ navi

A cool breeze hits your face through the open window of your car as you let the summer sun hit your skin. You smile in contentment when you enter the familiar area and look at the neighbourhood you have grown up in. Not much has changed in the four years but you feel a fresh wave of nostalgia hit when you see everyone you knew on their regular work schedule.

It really is good to be back home!

Steering the car onto your parent’s porch you skip towards the steps ringing the bell. The house that was re-painted just before you left now doesn’t look that bright, with some dark patches visible if you look closely enough. You hear the door click, and your mom instantly hugs you as soon as the door opens.

Passing a high-five to your dad, you go up to the car to bring your university stuff in. With some very stupid questions from your dad and cute attempts to get you to eat everything your mom had made they leave you alone to go to their own work. The quietness of the house settles around you, a stark contrast to your loud roommates back in Uni as you make your way upstairs to your old room to unpack.

Before you can even start unpacking the doorbell rings making you sigh. You get up grudgingly, still hating the idea to go downstairs even though it has been six years. You turn the knob without much thought knowing it might be some kind of delivery.

“’Sup?” he asks and you still in your tracks hearing the voice. With jet-black long hair with Oreo shades and his signature smirk, there was Taesan wearing a light white t-shirt and shorts standing at your door. You stand in confusion for a while before screaming, “Taesan?”

“Wow you are still blind because I don’t see anyone else here,” he deadpans pretending to look back before he yells lightly as you slap his arm. For a moment it’s all quiet, the sound of quiet breaths filling the void and it almost feels unnatural before he speaks up.

“Still have tortoise feet?” You choke on air at his question glaring at the tiny smirk adorning his face and grit out, “I never had tortoise feet, asshole.”

“Do I need to search up pictures to prove you again?” he grins making you push his chest which he easily dodges. “What? You want me to be nostalgic when we literally messaged last week?”

“You can at least be a little cordial,” you scoff as he enters your house murmuring, “Cordial, my ass, but sure, how have you been my dear tortoise-feet friend?”

“Genuinely, fuck you,” you grit out, pursing your lips and smiling as he turns coyly and says, “No can do too busy honey.” Your eyes widen as you plop down on the couch and look at him asking, “Did you and Reah finally do it? I thought it would at least take ten years with the pace you two were moving with.”

“I broke up with her eleven months ago,” he shrugs nonchalantly as you choke on air for the second time today and scream, “How could you not tell me?”

“You didn’t ask,” he makes a face making you gasp at his answer before you shrug. Taesan has always been like this so deep down you are aware he didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. He once fell from the swing set because you pushed too hard and even though six-year-olds are major tattle tales he didn’t utter a single thing about how he scraped his knees to his mom or you.

You came to know months later that his knee had been bloody making you feel extra bad because he kept quiet. This incident is almost as same as this but you avoid the “why” and go on, “So who is the new one?”

“We broke up because I realised I just liked her for being the exact similar to me but slowly I realised we have a lot of differences we can’t mend and that led to us breaking up,” he replies, sitting down beside you and shrugs at your wide eyes saying, “You were thinking it, weren’t you?”

You avoid his eyes as he chuckles still training his eyes on your face before he says, “Well you are still bitchless.” “How would you know that?” you scoff knowing full well he is right, that in fact, you don’t have anyone right now.

“You would scream-text me if you get a boyfriend like you have done before,” he smirks knowing he has the upper hand in knowing all your tiny habits all so well. You show him the middle finger before crossing your legs and leaning back saying, “Then how are you too busy, Mr. Han?”

“You’re wrong there, I said I am too busy to fuck you, not anyone else,” he leans over to you, face close to yours, the little smirk that you feel is permanently attached to his face on display making you stare back.

Your eyes lock with his and you can slowly feel the air drain out of your lungs and the familiar ache return. You purse your lips looking away and try to slap yourself to reality. It has been four years and the summer you return is not the time to rekindle your feelings.

Four years ago when you had incessantly teased Taesan for being bitchless he revealed he actually had a girlfriend which had left you choking on air. You had not expected him to have anyone and secretly hoped your wishes come true. But he got a girlfriend and you knew you had to suppress those feelings one way or another and never tell them to Taesan.

You did not want to burden him further and on the other hand, you would get incessantly teased for a lifetime by his over-inflated ego. And you definitely did not want the second one.

“Girl,” Taesan’s voice reaches your ears making you jump up and you realise you had zoned out. “Sorry,” you murmur softly before turning towards him and getting another light jumpscare from how close Taesan is sitting.

He, too, gets hyper-aware of the proximity before he moves away quietly. A thick silence falls in the air as you two keep quiet adding another layer of tension to it. Taesan clears his throat suddenly as you sit up straight knowing he will say something.

“Do you want to go to the drive-thru movie tonight?” your eyes widen as soon as the question leaves his mouth and you excitedly sit up yelling, “Yes.” You two were never allowed to go to these movies without parental supervision or a group of friends before in high school and now the idea seems too thrilling to miss out on,

And your parents don’t have restrictions on you now.

“And get all that greasy popcorn and burgers to go?” Taesan asks again, his eyes glinting with mischief and you deadpan, “Is that even a question Han Taesan?” He laughs as you start bouncing on your seat with excitement.

“Meet you tonight?” he asks as you nod watching him leave through the door. You knew exactly where to meet him!

“You do know our parents won’t tell us anything if we properly went out, right?” You giggle as you jump down on the soft mound of dirt in your backyard as Taesan shrugs saying, “For old time’s sake.”

“If you are really stuck up on that then let’s call your mom and tell her to catch us and get us grounded for two weeks,” you smile as he laughs at you. Back when you two were eighteen you had once snuck out to go to a drive-thru movie alone. Taesan had just got this license and he needed to put that to good use. But everything came to an end when Taesan’s mom stood at her gate ready to greet you two and she even called your mom. You two never knew how she was aware of it but you were aware of being dragged back home as you glared at Taesan the whole way back and then got grounded.

You smile at the memory as you follow him out watching him walk out the backyard towards his car. You look at him properly for the first time properly in six years, slowly realising that he has lost most of his teenage features. He already had puberty hit him like a Mac truck but now when you slowly see his adult features you realise how much you all have grown.

But that was the problem with Taesan and your feelings for him. You had them when he fell of a swing set, had a runny nose, when he was a scrawny teen, when he changed in his puberty, and you realise now they were slowly coming back.

But unlike in the morning, you didn’t want to deny and suppress them anymore, instead, you wished he saw you in the same light you saw him. You are aware that might be a big delusion you are walking on but the night was young and you are willing to give everything a try.

“You are being exceptionally quiet, you know? Did university turn you into some thinker or shit?” Taesan breaks the silence looking at you making you roll your eyes at him. You sit down on the passenger seat and take in a deep breath inhaling the way his car smells so him.

Slipping into the driver’s seat, he notices you distracted because you haven’t talked back to him about his comment and right now you are blankly staring at the streetlight in front of you. He sighs, knowing better than to poke you about it, he would definitely do it if you two were kids, but you grew up.

And he knows that he can’t be the same as he was before.

He waits for a while watching you intensely stare at the streetlight before leaning over and pulling the seatbelt over your body. The sudden figure blocking your sight finally breaks your trance as you are surprised to see Taesan’s body so close to yours. You gasp lightly as you feel him tighten the belt and look away to do anything to remove the idea of him over you from your mind.

You feel your breath hitch as his body continues to hover over yours making you wonder what is taking him so damn long to get a seatbelt. You look up slowly, eyes tracing along his face and loving every small feature that is accentuated in the low light.

“What are you doing?” you whisper when you feel your breath back in your throat and regret it immediately as he turns his head directly over your face and snickers, “What do you think?”

The moment is broken instantly as he sits back down with a thud and replies, “Little miss passenger princess cannot tie her own seatbelt.” “Shut the fuck up, I can,” you retort hating and loving how he is back to his usual routine of making fun of you by calling you a ‘princess’.

“Sure! That is exactly why you complained about your roommates first day after moving out,” he smirks as you gasp saying, “They were insufferable and you are aware of it.” He grins at your sentence knowing well he does know it because he trusts you with his heart. Some people might call him blind but he knows his childhood friend better than she knows herself and he would actively ignore those people.

He starts driving out of the alley with one hand on the steering wheel which you find oddly attractive making you slap yourself internally. You need to wake up before you regret doing something you only have ever dreamt of. Your eyes stick to his side profile again as you trace your eyes down his arms to the wheel and then back to his face smiling a little at the familiarity of the situation.

You feel like you are seventeen again when you couldn’t drive and he would drive you around, which slowly started with mere neighbourhoods before it escalated to secret escapades. The last part has always been a secret between you two unless well he has told any of his exes.

“Man I missed you driving me around and running errands for me,” you sigh, realising how much you actually missed this making him snicker as he replies, “Aww, the princess had no one to drive her around in uni?”

You roll your eyes at his teasing as you retort, “Hey it is your fault to make me like this, always driving me around.” He locks eyes with you in the rear-view mirror replying, “And have you ever once heard me complaining?”

The soft smile that follows that question has you breathless for the nth time that night before you watch him slowly look away. Your eyes rest on the road in the front watching the dark and familiar neighbourhood before your eyes train to the sign of the drive-thru that you are seeing after a decade.

“Wow the sign is still tacky,” you comment and Taesan speaks, without missing a bit, “Just like someone I know.” You glare at him as he shrugs saying, “I did not mention any names though,” a small smirk making its way into his face.

You smile sarcastically at his comment waiting for him to park the car at an empty spot. “What are they playing tonight?” you ask in a sing-song voice making Taesan hitch a breath wondering why didn’t you say anything to his last comment.

“Ooh, Mean Girls, love that,” you pucker your lips looking at him as he chuckles nervously as he parks his car in an empty spot between two cars and stops the engine.

“You know what else I love?” you ask and he side-eyes you wondering what lunatic he has as a friend and you giggle maniacally as you suddenly move over to his side and strangle him as he catches your hand trying to stop you.

He is strong, you will give him that, as he tries to restrain you, choked voice leaving his tongue before he finally grabs your hands and forces them apart and looks up at you. You glare back at him, faces inches apart as he breathes heavily.

You stay quiet, mind in a haze at the lack of distance and not processing anything. Taesan’s hands still wrapped around your wrist you stare at him shamelessly. Taesan is not much better as he licks his lips and holds your wrists properly so you don’t fall.

The intro of the movie plays suddenly making you and Taesan both jump as you quickly shift to your seat laughing awkwardly as Taesan’s eyes fix in the screen in front of you.

“You’re still ugly,” you hear him snicker after a while as you chuckle saying, “I will really choke you to death this time.” He rolls his eyes as you deadpan before he holds out a greasy burger in front of you. That shuts you up in an instant as you snatch it away from his hand moaning in delight.

“Wow, I did not want to hear that,” he murmurs and you snicker making the sound three more times just to annoy the shit out of him while looking at him with sparkling eyes. He lightly slaps your cheek as your attention finally snaps to the screen.

You lean back as he does too before you two start judging the cheap choices that the characters make and laughing uncontrollably. Just like old times!

You don’t remember when you got home last night but your mom’s scream gets through your ears as you hurriedly sit up to see her standing at the door and say, “If you don’t come down in five minutes, forget breakfast exists.”

You whine in a groggy voice as you reluctantly get out of bed to freshen up. As soon as you reach downstairs your smile drops seeing Taesan being all smiley and helping out your mom as she animatedly talks to him.

God forbid she treats him better than she will ever treat you. You roll your eyes as Taesan passes you a smile which is ninety percent evil and sit down at the table. You hear your mom groan as she sits down and says, “My back hurts so bad.” Your breath hitches as soon as you hear that knowing very well that is her way of getting you to run her errands.

And with Taesan here, she is gonna exaggerate it to make sure you are the one who gets it done. Your eyes thin at her as she locks eyes with you before smiling and continuing, “How will I do my gardening today?”

You purse your lips cursing her internally. Your mom knows you hate gardening like hell and she was down to make you love it and you can’t believe she pulled that one trick on her old book.

“We will do it for you,” Taesan replies without missing a beat and your head is instantly in your hands. You hear your mom gasping and thanking Taesan as you chuckle sarcastically making a mental note to get her back for it.

That is how you land with rubber gloves and a shovel in your hand at your family garden while Taesan holds the dirt in one of his hands and some small flower plants ready to be sowed.

“Fuck you and your best child mindset,” you curse at him before walking ahead as he smiles at your attitude. He loved your chaotic personality more than he cared to admit and he is glad that it didn’t change in the last four years. A lovesick smile plasters over his face as he sees you angrily plant the shovel into the soil and stomp in your plastic boots.

“You still hate gardening?” he chuckles and you deadpan saying, “I didn’t go to Uni to do a gardening major now did I? So of course I still hate it, you idiot.” He snickers at you throwing the dirt bag close to your feet making you glare at him.

The planting part is quiet before Taesan breaks it with his dumb question, “So princess how is it? Getting your hands dirty and doing the peasant work?” You snicker shaking your head lazily; Taesan did a wrong thing asking that because the next thing he gets is you throwing a ball of dirt towards his face.

It happens so fast he cannot dodge it as he gasps wiping the dirt off his clothes and wiping his hands on yours. “Yah, Han Taesan,” you screech as he giggles menacingly and gets up running to the other side of the garden. It takes a while for you to get up but once you do you run, laughing as you see him try to hide behind the bushes.

“You think you can escape,” you smile like a lunatic and then laugh as you pick up the hose pipe and kick the tap open. Taesan fills a huge hit of water before he can run as you run with the pipe behind him.

The summer heat gets in your system, making you sweat profusely but you wish you cared as much as you do to annoy Taesan. So you are frankly surprised when you feel the cool water splash to you from all directions making you scream.

“Having fun?” you hear Taesan’s voice and laugh before you can decipher how the heck he turned on the sprinklers. “Not yet,” you yell back running behind him as you spray him one last time before tackling him to the ground.

He makes a groan as his back hits the ground followed by you on top of him as you laugh. Your full body is soaked as you grin looking at the Oreo hair sticking to his head. His giggles reach your ears as his hands wrap around your waist and you two shake while laughing.

When you finally stop you realise the proximity you are in and your smile drops. You are literally on top of him, while his hands are wrapped around your waist as your elbows rest on the ground. Taesan is still smiling as he looks at the messy garden.

He looks back at you and suddenly is hyper-aware of the proximity too. You stare down at his brown orbs, your rational mind telling you to move away but your body not allowing you to. Meanwhile, Taesan has somehow short-circuited not knowing how to process the current situation.

You are so tempted to look at his lips, but you force yourself not to before reality strikes and you hurriedly get off him.

You laugh awkwardly as you say, “We should be glad we didn’t ruin the good part of the garden.” He laughs too, awkwardness filling the air, as he looks back at the wet bushes and ground, willing to look anywhere but your eyes.

You get up, and he finally looks up as you stand awkwardly, and his eyes widen saying, “You should go change.” “What? Who will help you then?” you ask, offended. Did he think because you were a girl you couldn’t help him do the heavy work?

His eyes shift awkwardly to your other neighbour who was at his door before he towers over your figure gritting his teeth and says, “Just listen to me for once and go change.”

“You’re annoying as fuck,” you murmur but go anyway. If he wants to do more work, then fine, he should suit himself. You like lying down anyway. You curse him again as you enter your room when your eyes finally land on your figure and you realise why Taesan forced you.

Your pink bra is fully visible through the white shirt you are wearing and you realise why he kept pressuring you. Your face heats up at the thought of him looking at you while you look like that before you hurriedly peel off the clothes off your body.

The faster the moment of embarrassment is gone, the better. Isn’t it?

It definitely isn’t as you hear Taesan making fun of you for the fifth time that night as you sit in your favourite Tteok-bokki place. “Okay enough,” you grit through your teeth as your face turns a permanent shade of pink for the night.

Taesan laughs again and this time you take a handful of your food before stuffing his face with your food and watch him choke lightly. “Lunatic,” he mouths before he gulps them down and you grin menacingly. You inhale the food scent loving again to be back home.

It has been three weeks and you already don’t want the summer to end. You wish you could stay here and not go away but you know you have to when you see the email notification hanging on your phone.

But first, you decide as you remove the notification, you need to enjoy the summer.

“We haven’t really done any summer activities, you know?” you speak as you put another serving of tteok-bokki in your month and Taesan hums before saying, “Yeah, but it is our summer, do we really need to religiously do any summer activities?”

You nod quietly, hating he makes sense as he chuckles, “You hate that I made sense right now, don’t you?” Your smile drops as you sigh. Why does this boy know you so well? He could know you a bit less well and it would be way easier for you.

“Fine, since you want to do some summer activity we can go the park from here and see the stars,” he murmurs, regret hitting him instantly as the sentence leaves his mouth. He had promised to never ever do this kind of romantic stuff with you. It doesn’t help his heart at all but his mouth definitely doesn’t know when to shut up.

He looks up, hoping you are so engrossed in your food you didn’t hear it but it all goes in vain as you stare at him with round eyes. Those eyes, those stupid damn beautiful eyes that were always his biggest weakness.

That is a damn lie! Every part of you is his weakness and he knows it. He tried, he genuinely tried to move on as he didn’t want to ruin the friendship at all. Every time you two made fun of the rumours of you two dating, he secretly hoped there was a part of you that didn’t take it as a joke.

Little did he know, your heart was hurting too, watching him smile at something you wish was true.

So he tried, he got a girlfriend, and he loved her but they broke up and it followed the same pattern for all his exes. He just fell out of love! And it sucked, because the only one he knows he would never fall out of love with, is you. And you are out of his reach!

“Sure,” your small voice breaks him out of his trance as he watches you quietly get back to your food.

Sure enough, you two walk to the park silently, feeling the night breeze hit your bodies. The park is silent as you two lie down and not a single word passes as you two look up.

The stars sparkle brightly as you look up from the dark park grounds. The swing set lightly sways in the wind as you hear the metal creak on its joints.

“I have never done this before,” you whisper as he laughs nervously saying, “Why not? You are a hopeless romantic, I thought you would have at least done it once with your every ex.”

You turn towards him, resting your head on your elbow as a pillow and say, “Yeah but he has to be really special, and none of them really were.” He turns his head sideways, not knowing why his heart calms down and gets excited at the same time. He is glad knowing he is the first one you are doing this with.

On the other hand, you just said a sentence that might make him rip all his hair and take a dunk in the pool to get his mind cleared. “So you think I am special?” he jokingly asks, half wishing you don’t answer.

You gulp as his eyes lock with yours and you hum lightly as you turn back towards the sky. You cannot possibly hold eye contact with him or he will know all those feelings you had kept hidden for years.

You gulp again looking up and changing the topic as you say, “It is really pretty.” Taesan hums in approval, eyes not leaving your face as he replies, “It is.”

Things have been a little awkward since that night, but you wish you overcome it soon. You definitely do not want to fuck up your friendship in the last few weeks left.

You jump when you hear a tap on your window and then two more before you get up from your bed and look down. You are hit with a paper ball in your face as you close your eyes and take a deep breath before yelling, “Yah Han Taesan.”

He giggles as you shut the window and get down the stairs to teach his unserious ass a lesson. “We are not kids anymore you know,” you reason as you shut the door loudly as he shrugs throwing another paper ball towards you which you skilfully dodge.

You run towards him as he giggles running out to the street and you scream at him to come back. You catch up with him pretty easily as he runs lazily and wrap your arms around his waist tightly to prevent him from getting away.

He turns around laughing and holding the paper balls high enough to be out of your reach as you whine saying, “Not fair.” “Why not?” he whines back mocking your tone as you jump up to get the paper balls but all is in vain as he keeps them skilfully out of your reach.

Suddenly drops of rain hit your skin as you look up to see the clouds forming. “Fuck,” Taesan murmurs under his breath wanting to go to a shade as soon as possible but you clutch at his sleeves stopping him.

“What?” he asks, as the rain increases as you reply, “Let’s get drenched.” He laughs at your face before realising you are serious and says, “You know we might get killed, if our moms find us getting purposely drenched, don’t you?”

“Fuck I wish I cared,” you reply back closing your eyes to get the summer rain in your system. Taesan smiles, mesmerised by you as he watches you twirl around and jump lightly.

He chuckles when he hears you giggle along, lovesick eyes training on your figure as you dance like a crazy person on the street.

You let the rain hit your skin but maybe you were too mesmerised to realise the puddle was nearby as you slipped. You grasp on thin air, a short yelp leaving your throat but before you can hit the ground you feel Taesan’s arms around your waist as he pulls you to his chest and hugs you.

“Be careful,” he murmurs as you stand awkwardly with him half-hugging you and your chest heaves up and down at his voice. It is weird, you have never heard this tone from him, this protective tone or maybe you have never realised he had used it before.

You look up and before you can stop yourself your hands are working their way up to part his wet hair lightly from his forehead as he stares down at you smiling.

Taesan knows it is now or never. He should not keep quiet, he needs to tell you right now! Maybe it is the high of the summer rain, or you looking up at him with your wet lashes or the fact that you are held so closely to him he finds himself spilling what he wanted to do for decades.

“I like you,” he whispers and your hand stills as you look back at him, wishing you weren’t hearing things. The silence that takes over is deafening as you gulp and ask, “What?”

Taesan takes a deep breath before he says, “I like you, I have liked you for so long, but I never had the courage to tell you and I saw you getting so happy when I announced my first girlfriend, like you never wanted us to be a thing because you cringed at our rumours. But god, have I loved you all through my life, even through your awkward emo phase and god, I tried, I tried so hard to move on, but I couldn’t but I wished I could because you never liked me did you, and even now-“

He shuts up when he feels your lips on his and it is gone as soon as it comes as you stare at him even in shock that you did that. His eyes lock with yours before he grabs you by your waist and pulls you towards him and places his lips on yours without wasting a single moment.

The kiss is not awkward instead, it feels familiar, like you have done it a thousand times before and it feels close to home. So close, that it felt like home! Your fingers intertwine with his as you giggle when you feel him smile in the kiss. The summer shower gets into your lips, messing it up in the most perfect way possible.

When you part you punch him lightly saying, “Stupid, I thought you were the one who didn’t like me back,” as he shrugs and says, “Guess we are the original dumb and dumber duo.” You laugh loudly at him before you hear your mother’s voice screaming.

You two look back to see both your mothers standing at a distance, probably yelling at you two as to why you were getting purposely drenched. But you can’t hear anything over the buzzing excitement in your ears and a loud thumping heart.

“Should we do it?” Taesan whispers in your ear, mischief sparkling in his eyes as he holds you close with a hand wrapping around your wrist while the other casually rests on your waist.

“Run? Yes definitely!” you answer your own question giggling as you look up at his brown orbs that hold so many memories. All the love, lies and hate, all the times you had looked at them and wished he was yours. From childhood to now!

And that is finally true!

“Once more with summer, right?” he asks as your eyes focus on his figure, slowly making the haze of your mother’s figure get closer and closer to you two.

“Once more with summer,” you confirm, smiling and biting your lips as his grip tightens around your wrist and you two run, laughing loudly. 

ARA'S NOTES ㅤ,ㅤ if you can't already tell, i have been religiously watching "love next door" because omg am i a sucker for childhood friends to lovers. anywaysss i hope you enjoyed this story that took two months to finish (i wrote 4k today itself shh). summer romance why can't you happen for me !

ㅤㅤ ᶻzㅤ( TAGLIST ) 𓂃ㅤ fill this or comment or ask to be added.

@slytherinshua @gong-fourz @emmylksblog

@aaa-sia @haneagerr @yeosayang @weird-bookworm

nets : @onedoornet @k-labels @k-films

ㅤㅤ(ㅤㅤ© arafilez on tumblrㅤㅤ)

[hollyoongs]

Let's go to the beach-each (nicki minaje - starships) Let's go get a wave

ᨓ 。kim donghyun x fem reader ꒰🌊꒱ ﹕fluff ﹕+8.5k contains: surfer!leehan and lifeguard!fem reader, slight enemies to lovers and slight slowburn, mention of the rest of BND members THIS IS FOR THE #SWY EVENT COMING 2 U BY @onedoornet ┈─★

The sun blazed overhead as you stood at your lifeguard post, scanning the ocean for any signs of trouble. Busan’s beach was packed, as always, with tourists and locals soaking up the summer heat. You squinted against the sunlight, and there he was—again.

Leehan, the surfer who consistently defined the rules.

Leehan was the type of surfer who thrived on teasing and stirring up playful trouble, especially with anyone who dared to challenge him. He had a natural, effortless charm, the kind that made people—especially girls—think they had his attention when, in reality, he was always a step ahead, never letting anyone get too close.

His laid-back attitude, paired with his sharp wit, made him irresistible to most, and they often mistook his flirtatious smirks and lighthearted jabs for something more. But Leehan wasn’t one to be tied down or caught up in romantic expectations. To him, the fun lay in the game, not in the commitment, and he enjoyed keeping people guessing, always in control, never truly letting anyone see past the surface.

He rode a wave effortlessly, his form sharp and perfect as he carved through the water. It would’ve been impressive if it weren’t for the fact that he always surfed in the restricted areas, despite your repeated warnings. You huffed, standing up and blowing your whistle loud enough for him to hear, waving your arm to signal him back to the safe zone.

But instead of acknowledging you, he threw you a cocky smirk while waving his hand, returning the gesture, and kept riding the wave. Your blood boiled. This was the third time this week.

After what felt like an eternity of him ignoring you, he finally paddled back to shore, dripping wet and grinning as if nothing was wrong. He sauntered up to where you stood, his surfboard tucked under his arm.

"Something wrong, lifeguard?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, feigning innocence.

"Yeah, there is," you snapped, crossing your arms over your chest. "That area is off-limits. You know that."

Leehan shrugged, flicking his wet hair back, and your eyes couldn't lose the opportunity to see his neckbone stretch out, his Adam's apple on full display. "I wasn’t causing any trouble. Just catching a wave."

"You’re going to cause an accident," you retorted, standing your ground. "If you don’t follow the rules, I’ll have to ban you from the beach."

He grinned wider, clearly not taking you seriously. "You think you can handle that?"

Your irritation flared. "Don’t test me, Leehan. I’m here to keep people safe, not babysit rebellious surfers."

"Whatever you say, lifeguard," he said, mocking with his tone, turning away as if the conversation was over. "Just try not to get too worked up over little things."

His winked at you as he left; you watched him walk off, fuming. You sighed and sank back into your chair, the familiar sound of waves crashing against the shore doing little to calm your nerves.

Busan Beach was supposed to be a peaceful escape, a break from the chaos of Seoul, where you could spend the summer doing something productive, just like your grandfather had encouraged. Instead, it felt like you had signed up for a full-time job babysitting an unruly, reckless surfer.

Mingyu, the head lifeguard, had warned you about Leehan the first day you showed up in your red lifeguard suit, excited and ready to take on the challenge of keeping the beach safe. He’d pulled you aside and told you in no uncertain terms, “Watch out for Leehan. He’s… persistent.”

You’d laughed it off back then, thinking it couldn’t be that bad. But after a few encounters with him pushing every boundary, you finally understood the exhausted look Mingyu had given you. Leehan wasn’t just persistent—he was relentless.

This rivalry had been building for weeks, and no matter how much you enforced the rules, Leehan never seemed to care. He was infuriating—arrogant, reckless, and completely unaware of how much he got under your skin.

The next day, it was the same routine. You on the tower, keeping an eye on everyone, and him in the water, pushing every boundary he could. By noon, you’d had enough and stormed over to where he was setting up his board.

"Do you enjoy making my job harder?" you asked, voice sharp.

He looked up at you, clearly amused by your frustration. "Maybe I just enjoy getting a rise out of you."

You opened your mouth to fire back, but before you could, a sudden scream cut through the air. You both turned toward the water, where a young boy was struggling in the strong current.

Without hesitation, you dropped everything and sprinted toward the water, adrenaline surging through your veins. You dove in, swimming as fast as you could to reach him, your training kicking in automatically.

Just as you reached the boy and grabbed him, you saw Leehan beside you, his strong arms helping to keep the boy afloat. You exchanged a brief, surprised glance before focusing on getting the boy back to shore.

Once on land, you both worked together to make sure the boy was okay, adrenaline still pumping through your veins. As soon as the boy’s parents arrived, you finally allowed yourself to breathe.

"Oh my God, I told you to not go there without dad! Thank you so much, darling." The mother of the boy hugged you so tight that you thought you were about to have a lack of oxygen anytime soon. You heard claps from the people that saw everything, and you blushed, bowing at them and returning to your tower, not noticing that Leehan was behind you.

You climbed back up to your lifeguard tower, your heart still racing from the rescue. The adrenaline had yet to leave your system, and you were trying to calm yourself when you felt someone’s presence behind you. You didn’t need to turn around to know it was Leehan; his familiar energy was unmistakable.

"What now?" you asked, not bothering to look at him as you plopped down into your chair, hoping the waves could drown out your lingering frustration.

Leehan’s voice came from closer than you expected. "That was impressive."

You blinked, surprised by the compliment. Turning slightly, you saw him standing there, no cocky smirk, no playful teasing. Just genuine respect in his eyes. It threw you off.

"You helped," you said, slightly begrudgingly but acknowledging the fact that he had been right there in the water with you, making sure the boy was safe. It was the first time you’d seen him take something seriously.

He shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Guess I’m not always causing trouble, huh?"

You huffed, leaning back in your chair. "Don’t get used to it. You’re still on thin ice with me, surfer."

Leehan chuckled, the sound softer than usual. "I can live with that." He tilted his head, looking at you with curiosity. "You ever think maybe you’re a little too uptight? Not everything has to be a battle."

Your jaw clenched. "Not everything is a joke, Leehan. Some of us have responsibilities."

"And some of us know how to enjoy life while still being responsible," he countered, that familiar teasing edge slipping back into his tone. "Maybe you should try it sometime."

"Go to hell," you said, and he laughed at you. Well, at your answer. "Thankfully, I will only deal with you for the next two months."

"Two months?" you nodded, answering him while looking at the horizon, seeing how the majority of people were already leaving as a cool breeze started to feel.

"I'm going back to Seoul. Only coming here for my summer vacations and my grandpa." You look to your left, his body leaning against the balcony through which you could see everything, his gaze fixed on you.

You started to take your things, cleaning in the process some of the food you had eaten and writing a report for Mingyu—all of that in the presence of Leehan, who was giving you space.

Both of you left the tower; you left Leehan there, not thinking that he would only take his surfboard and run to you, catching you up.

"Where are you going?" Your eyes narrowed, feeling weird out for his drastic change of behavior.

"My grandpa's house." You pointed at the colorful house; you knew your dad was in the neighbor's house playing cards, so he won't embarrass you with a comment in the presence of Leehan.

The boy next to you let out a sigh. "I only have two months to bother you."

"You already bothered me for a month; I think I can handle two months, sadly."

"Oh, please, you love nagging me. You love me." He sang the "love" word, and you pushed him; he laughed as you once again left him behind. You reached the door of the house, your key opening it easily. Leehan left his surfboard on the sand and putted a hand on your door as you were about to close it. "I'm sorry."

"You wanna know something, Leehan? I love making memories at the beach, but right now you're causing me stress. Please, let me have a peaceful two months," he put a thinking face, looking at you short after.

"I will help you with that," your eyes shinned.

"You're not coming to the beach?" He scoffed at your answer.

"No, but I will help you make memories. Ones that you won't forget." You both stood there, his hand coming to your vision as he put a string of your hair to the back of your right ear. "Only if you let me."

"Good night, Leehan."

As the door clicked shut, you leaned your back against it, your heart still racing. Leehan's words echoed in your mind, that teasing tone now laced with something deeper, something unfamiliar. He'd always been a thorn in your side, a source of frustration, but tonight, something had shifted. His offer—no, his promise—lingered in the air.

"Only if you let me."

You shook your head, trying to shake off the warmth blooming in your chest.

The next few days went by in a blur of routine—keeping an eye on beachgoers, making sure everything was running smoothly. Leehan acted like nothing happened, and so did you. He wasn’t causing trouble like before. In fact, he stayed in the safe zones, and whenever you crossed paths, he’d flash you a soft grin. Keyword, soft.

If he wasn't in the safe zones, he was relaxing under the umbrella; even sometimes he would come to talk to you; no bickering and no fighting. You even got to know more about him; he was applying to an university in Seoul with his best friends; he had a dog; he got his first surfboard at the solid age of six; knowing small things makes you see him less insoferable.

This was one of those days, a small lunch break as he talked to you.

"Hey, can you not go at the same time as always?" You cleaned your mouth with a napkin, your eyebrows frowning.

"Why would I not do that? My shift is over by that." He put a finger between your brows, and you relaxed them.

"You said you want to make memories. Right?"

"Hey, Leehan!" You both heard a male scream. Looking from the balcony, there were five boys, all of them waving at the boy, and for the first time, you could see a big smile on his face.

"Sungho!" He looked at you as he stood up. "Meet me outside the tower. My friends came to surf." You didn't even have time to answer; he left, and you could see through the balcony how he jumped to his friends, making you smile at the brotherly view.

Time flew really slowly, watching the people and Leehan with his friends. You wouldn't admit it, but his friends were as handsome as him, but there was something about Leehan that simply made you look at him more. Just like he said, as you were going down the mini stairs the tower had, you could look at him in the distance with not one surfboard but with two. A few minutes past when he stood in front of you, the surfboards in both of his sizes.

"What are you doing?"

"More like, what are we doing?" He gently gave you a surfboard with a smile. "We are surfing."

"Yeah, there's no way I would do that." You pointed the surfboard, and he opened his eyes.

"Come on! It would be fun; what's stopping? Because, as far as I know, you are on vacation." You gulped, looking down at the sand.

"I don't know how to surf."

Leehan's lips curled into a teasing grin, his eyes lighting up. "You don't know how to surf? You’ve been a lifeguard this whole time and never tried."

You felt your cheeks flush with embarrassment, but you held your ground. "It's not like I haven’t thought about it. I just never had the chance, and I didn’t want to."

"Embarrass yourself?" He finished, stepping closer; the surfboard balanced easily under his arm. You looked away, feeling the warmth of his presence. "Don't worry. I’ll teach you."

You rolled your eyes, crossing your arms. "I don't need a cocky surfer trying to teach me something I’ll probably fail at."

Leehan tilted his head, his expression softening. "I'm not that bad of a teacher, you know. And I won't let you fail. Besides," he added with a wink, "you can’t leave here without making at least one memory that you’ll actually want to keep, right?"

You hesitated, watching as his teasing demeanor slowly faded into something more sincere. The offer was genuine. And there was something in his eyes—something that made you believe, for just a moment, that this wasn’t a game to him anymore. He was serious about making a memory with you.

"Fine," you sighed, taking the surfboard from his hand, the weight of it heavier than you expected. "But if I wipe out, it's on you."

Leehan laughed; the sound was warm and carefree. "Deal."

He guided you toward the water, explaining the basics as you walked side by side along the shore. His usual teasing was gone, replaced by patient instructions as he showed you how to balance, how to paddle, and how to read the waves. For the first time, you saw him differently—not as the rebellious, rule-breaking surfer who drove you crazy, but as someone who was genuinely passionate about the ocean and everything that came with it.

The sun was starting to set, casting a golden glow over the beach as you finally paddled out together. The waves were gentle, and Leehan stayed close, his eyes on you the entire time. "You ready?" he called out over the sound of the surf.

You nodded, heart pounding in your chest as you focused on staying steady.

"Okay, when the next wave comes, I want you to pop up and keep your knees bent. Don’t overthink it, just feel it," he said, his voice calm and reassuring.

You waited, your breath catching in your throat as the wave approached. Leehan gave you a nod, and with all the courage you could muster, you popped up, your legs shaky but holding. For a brief, glorious moment, you were riding the wave, your heart soaring.

Then, just as quickly, you lost your balance and tumbled into the water with a splash.

When you resurfaced, sputtering and laughing despite yourself, Leehan was right there, grinning at you like he’d just witnessed the most impressive feat in the world. "Not bad for your first try!"

You playfully splashed water at him. "I wiped out."

He shrugged, still grinning. "You got up. That’s what counts."

You couldn’t help but smile, your earlier frustration melting away. There was something about the way he looked at you in that moment—like he was genuinely proud of you—that made your heart skip a beat.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, you paddled back to shore, the soft sand welcoming your tired feet. Leehan walked beside you, the atmosphere between you lighter, more relaxed. For once, there was no teasing, no arguments—just an unspoken understanding.

"You did good today," he said, his voice softer than usual as he set his surfboard down.

"Thanks," you replied, brushing some sand off your arms. "I guess you’re not such a terrible teacher after all."

Leehan chuckled, but then his smile faded slightly as he looked at you, his gaze lingering longer than usual. "You know, I wasn’t kidding about what I said before."

You tilted your head, curious. "About what?"

"About making memories." He stepped closer, his expression more serious now, the playful, carefree surfer gone. "I want you to remember this summer… with me."

The sincerity in his voice caught you off guard. This wasn’t the cocky surfer who loved pushing your buttons. This was Leehan, standing in front of you, vulnerable for the first time. You could feel the weight of his words, the way they hung in the air between you.

"I…" you started, unsure of how to respond. Your heart was racing again, but this time, it wasn’t because of the adrenaline from the waves.

He reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of your hair behind your ear, his fingers brushing against your skin. "I think I’ve been spending so much time trying to get a rise out of you because…" He trailed off, his gaze dropping for a moment before meeting yours again. "I like being around you, lifeguard."

You blinked, the confession catching you completely off guard. "Leehan…"

He gave you a small, nervous smile—something you’d never seen from him before. "I know I can be a pain, but… I think we’re past that now, don’t you?"

For once, you didn’t have a sharp comeback. Instead, you found yourself nodding, your heart pounding in your chest as you took in the sight of him standing there, more open and vulnerable than you’d ever seen him.

"Yeah," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the sound of the waves. "We are."

Leehan’s eyes softened as he stepped closer, the teasing smile replaced by something warmer, more genuine. "Good," he said quietly, his hand lingering on your arm for just a moment longer than necessary before he pulled away, his eyes still locked on yours. "Then let’s make this a summer to remember."

— : ☆

Another month and a half has passed, and you can’t count how many times you’ve gone out with Leehan. Each time surprises you—once, you were at an aquarium where he wouldn’t stop talking about fish (which was a pretty big surprise, considering how much he loved marine life), and another time you were decorating cookies at his house with his lovely grandma, who adored you.

Leehan had invited you to a quiet café hidden on the outskirts of the beach town, one with a view of the ocean but far away from the usual crowd of surfers and tourists. It was intimate and cozy, with soft music playing in the background and large windows that let in the golden light of the setting sun.

“So, this is one of my favorite spots,” Leehan said as you both settled into your seats. He smiled, but there was a nervousness behind it, like he was waiting for your reaction.

“It’s beautiful,” you said, gazing out at the waves. “I didn’t even know this place existed.”

He grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Told you I had good taste.”

You spent the next hour talking about everything and nothing—about university, future plans, the places you’d want to visit. Leehan opened up more than usual, telling you about his worries about moving and not being accepted for university, about missing the place that made him grow, and about how he wasn’t sure if he was ready to leave behind this part of his life.

“I mean, I love surfing, but it’s not just that, you know?” he said, his voice softer than usual. “It’s… everything. The people. The memories. This summer.”

You glanced up at him, your chest tightening at the way his eyes softened when he looked at you. "You’ll miss it, won’t you?"

“Yeah.” He smiled faintly, his gaze lingering on yours for a moment before looking out at the ocean. “But I’ll miss you more. I like your personality, lifeguard.”

The words hung in the air between you, heavier than they should have been, making your pulse quicken. He wasn’t teasing. There was no playful glint in his eyes, no mischievous grin on his lips. It was just… him. Honest. Vulnerable.

You opened your mouth to respond, but the words didn’t come. Instead, you smiled softly, reaching across the table to lightly tap his arm. “I’ll miss you too, Leehan. I like your personality too, surfer.”

He looked down at your hand on his arm, his expression unreadable for a moment before he turned back to you. His hand slid over yours, gentle and warm, sending a shiver down your spine. “This summer,” he began, his voice trailing off as he searched for the right words. “It’s been different. Because of you.”

Your heart raced, the air between you thick with unspoken feelings. You wanted to say something—anything—to fill the silence, to break the tension, but you couldn’t. Instead, you stayed there, your hand still under his, the weight of his touch grounding you in the moment.

Before you could fully process what was happening, the waiter came by with your drinks, breaking the spell. Leehan pulled his hand away slowly, almost reluctantly, and you both shifted back into the comfortable rhythm of your conversation.

But the atmosphere had changed. There was a tension now, a soft, electric current running between you that neither of you could ignore.

As the evening went on, you wandered down to the beach together, the cool sand beneath your feet and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. The sky was a blend of purples and oranges, the last remnants of the sunset painting everything in a dreamy haze.

Leehan walked beside you in silence for a while, his hands tucked into his pockets. You glanced over at him, noticing the way his brow was furrowed slightly, like he was deep in thought.

“Are you okay?” you asked softly, nudging him with your elbow.

He blinked, looking over at you with a small smile. “Yeah. Just thinking.”

“About what?”

He hesitated for a moment before turning to face you fully, his gaze intense. “About creating your next memory”

You looked up at Leehan, your heart fluttering at the sincerity in his eyes. The evening had been perfect, filled with quiet moments and laughter, and now, as you stood together on the beach with the ocean breeze swirling around you, his words felt like a promise.

“Creating my next memory?” You asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Leehan nodded, his smile softening. “Yeah. I want us to have more moments like this, you know? I want us to remember this summer not just as a time when we were friends but as something more.”

You took a deep breath, trying to steady the rush of emotions that were flooding over you. The way he spoke made it clear that this wasn’t just about summer or surfing; it was about something deeper, something real.

“What do you have in mind?” you asked, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Leehan’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and affection. “It's a secret. And it will take time.”

"Really?" Leehan nodded as he took the stairs to your house along with you.

"Yeah, so you'll be free from me," you said, making a small pout.

"I started to get used to your annoying ass." You opened your door quietly; it was pretty late, and you knew your grandpa was sleeping.

Leehan put his palms on the door frame once I was inside, his face stretched to match mine. "Once again, you prove to me that you…"

"Don't do-"

"Love me." Like the first time, he sang the first word, but on the contrary, one month ago, this time you rolled your eyes with a smirk on your face, pushing him out as he gave you a smile.

"Goodnight, Leehan." You gave him your back to go to the kitchen, but his hand caught your waist and made you spin. Now you were face to face, your hands on his chest for support due to the sudden movement.

The moonlight bathed Leehan in a soft glow, casting a halo around him that made your heart skip a beat. His fingers lingered on your waist, his touch warm and gentle, as if he were testing the boundaries of the moment, unsure if he should take it further or let it fade.

You held your breath, feeling the weight of the unspoken tension between you. The electric current that had been building all evening was finally reaching its peak. His eyes searched yours, dark and intense, as though he was trying to find the courage to say what had been left unsaid for weeks.

“I’m serious,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “I'm going to make this last week with you memorable. I'll give you my word.” Your heart hammered in your chest, and you felt yourself leaning in, pulled toward him like the tide to the shore. His face was so close now, close enough that you could see the way his breath hitched. His lips went to your cheek in the softest way possible.

He took his hands off your body, now a soft smile in his face as he watched you. So ethereal, so beautiful, so unique.

"Good night, lifeguard."

— : ☆

It wasn’t like him to go radio silent, especially after what had happened that night at your house. You found yourself constantly checking your phone, hoping for a text, a call—anything that would explain why he was gone so suddenly. But there was nothing. The beach felt different without him—quieter, lonelier. Even the familiar sounds of the waves crashing against the shore weren’t enough to drown out the thoughts swirling in your mind.

Had something changed between you? Had you crossed a line that couldn’t be undone?

Your grandpa had noticed your distraction, but as always, he kept his words to himself, only offering the occasional knowing smile whenever you seemed particularly lost in thought. It was a week later, though, when he came to you, holding a package wrapped in delicate, sea-blue paper.

“This arrived for you,” he said, his eyes twinkling with a quiet amusement.

You blinked, looking between him and the package. “For me?”

He nodded, handing it over. “From Leehan. He said you’d know when to wear it.”

Your heart fluttered at the sound of his name, and with trembling fingers, you carefully unwrapped the package, noticing something written in the wrap paper.

"Tonight. Be ready at 7. I’ll be waiting on the beach."

Inside was a dress—a beautiful, flowing white dress, simple yet elegant, with delicate lace details around the neckline. It was the kind of dress that felt timeless, like something out of a fairytale.

"How does he know my size?" you whispered.

"I called your mother, and she gave it to me." Your grandpa surprised you, and he simply winked, leaving your room as you admired the dress.

By the time the sun began to set, you were standing at the edge of the beach, your toes sinking into the cool sand. The dress flowed softly with the breeze, and for a moment, you felt like you were in a dream, like you had stepped into one of those romantic movies where the ending was bittersweet but beautiful.

Ahead, you saw it—the soft glow of string lights hanging between two palm trees, illuminating a small table set for two. The sound of distant laughter carried through the wind, and as you got closer, you spotted Leehan’s friends: Woonhak, Taesan, Jaehyun, Sungho, and Riwoo. They were busy setting up the final touches, but the moment they noticed you, they gave you a wave before retreating, leaving the scene just for the two of you.

Leehan stood by the water’s edge, his back turned toward you, his hair ruffled by the wind. He was wearing a white shirt that matched the dress he had chosen for you, and as he turned to face you, his eyes softened. The moon had begun to rise behind him, casting a silver light over the beach, making the whole scene feel like something out of a storybook.

“You look…” His voice trailed off, his gaze lingering on you as if words weren’t enough to capture what he wanted to say. “…perfect.”

You smiled softly, stepping closer. “This is beautiful, Leehan. I can’t believe you did all this.”

He scratched the back of his neck, looking a little sheepish. “I had some help,” he admitted, nodding toward the group of friends who were now disappearing down the beach. “But I wanted tonight to be special.”

You glanced around at the lights, the candles flickering on the table, and the waves gently lapping at the shore. It was special—more than you could have ever imagined. But beneath the beauty of it all, there was a bittersweet undercurrent, a silent understanding that this summer, this moment, was coming to an end.

As you both sat down at the table, the conversation flowed easily at first—lighthearted, filled with laughter, stories of the past few weeks, and jokes about the lengths he went to keep the evening a surprise. But as the night deepened and the stars began to dot the sky, the mood shifted.

There was a heaviness now, a shared sadness that neither of you could ignore.

Leehan's eyes lingered on yours longer than usual, the weight of everything unsaid pressing down on the both of you. The breeze carried the scent of saltwater, the distant hum of the ocean a constant reminder of the fleeting nature of this moment. You took a deep breath, feeling a lump form in your throat as the reality of the situation settled in. Two days. You had two days left together.

“I still haven’t heard back from the university,” Leehan said softly, breaking the silence. His voice was quieter now, vulnerable in a way you hadn’t seen before. “I keep checking my email, waiting for something, but nothing yet.”

Your heart clenched. You knew how much he wanted this, how hard he had worked to get to this point, and yet here he was—stuck in limbo, waiting for a future that still seemed so uncertain.

“I’m sure it’ll come,” you said, your voice gentle. “Maybe they’re just taking longer than usual.”

He gave a small, tight smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah. Maybe.”

You both fell into silence again, the weight of the situation settling heavily between you. The string lights above flickered softly, casting warm, golden hues over the table, but they couldn’t chase away the growing ache in your chest.

Leehan leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair, his gaze fixed on the ocean. “You’re leaving in two days.”

It wasn’t a question, just a statement—a fact that hung in the air like a cloud over the evening. You swallowed hard, nodding.

“I know,” you whispered, your chest tightening. “It feels like this summer went by too fast.”

He nodded, still not meeting your eyes. “I didn’t want it to end like this. I didn’t want… us to end like this.”

The words hit you like a wave, crashing over you with a force you hadn’t expected. Us. He had said it—acknowledging what had been growing between you all summer, the connection that neither of you had dared to put a name to.

“You know,” you began, your voice trembling slightly. “I don’t want this to end either.”

Leehan’s eyes finally met yours, and in that moment, the vulnerability in his gaze mirrored your own. The emotions you had both been holding back all summer—fear, excitement, longing—were laid bare, unspoken but undeniable.

“Then why does it feel like we’re both saying goodbye?” His voice was barely above a whisper, the sadness in his tone echoing the ache in your own heart.

You didn’t have an answer. You didn’t know how to explain that sometimes things were too perfect to last. Sometimes, no matter how much you wanted to hold on, life had other plans. You reached across the table, your hand finding his, the warmth of his touch grounding you, even as everything else felt like it was slipping away.

“I’m going to miss you, surfer.” You whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “More than you know.”

Leehan squeezed your hand, his eyes never leaving yours. “I’m going to miss you too, lifeguard.”

The silence that followed was heavy with the weight of all the things you couldn’t say—how much you had come to care for him, how much this summer had changed you. But there was no need for words anymore. You both knew. The feelings were there, just beneath the surface, waiting to be acknowledged.

But you wouldn’t say it. Not tonight. Not when the thought of saying goodbye was already too much to bear.

Instead, Leehan stood up, offering you his hand. “Come on,” he said softly. “I have one last surprise.”

You let him lead you down to the water’s edge, the cool waves lapping at your feet. The moon was high in the sky now, casting a silvery glow over the ocean, and for a moment, it felt like you were the only two people in the world.

He pulled you into a slow dance, the sound of the ocean and the distant music from a small speaker he installed, blending together into a soft, romantic melody. You rested your head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath your cheek. His arms wrapped around you, holding you close, as if he were trying to memorize the feel of you in his arms.

“Thank you for this,” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

He didn’t respond with words. Instead, he pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head, his arms tightening around you. And in that moment, you knew. You both knew.

You were in love.

But it was a love you couldn’t hold on to, not right now. Not when the summer was ending and life was pulling you in different directions.

So, for tonight, you danced. You held on to each other as the waves whispered their goodbyes, as the stars blinked down from the sky, and as the world around you faded away. Because in this moment, you didn’t need to say anything.

— : ☆

You stood in the doorway, phone in hand, staring at the screen longer than you should have. The familiar weight in your chest grew heavier, pressing against your ribs as you swallowed down the lump in your throat. The house felt quieter now, the warmth of last night’s memory still lingering in the air. It was hard to believe that just hours ago, everything felt timeless, like your summer would never end. But now… it was real. You were leaving.

Taking a deep breath, you pressed the voice message icon and tried to keep your voice steady.

"Hey, Leehan. Sorry for bothering you. I know you're probably still sleeping, but my mom came earlier than expected, and…" Your voice wavered, but you forced yourself to continue. "I'm leaving right now for Seoul."

A wave of sadness washed over you as you spoke, each word feeling heavier than the last. You paused, trying to collect your thoughts, to say something meaningful, something that could capture the bittersweet emotions flooding your heart. You wanted to thank him for everything—for all the memories, for the way he made this summer feel like something out of a dream.

"Thank you for everything, Leehan. For the beach, for the laughter, for… for making this summer unforgettable." You hesitated, unsure of how to end it. "I’ll miss you."

The words hung in the air, final and inevitable. You released the button, watching the message send with a soft whoosh. It felt like letting go of something precious, something you weren’t quite ready to part with.

You pocketed your phone and turned to face your grandpa, who stood in the doorway watching you with a sad but understanding smile. His arms opened, and without a word, you wrapped yours around him, squeezing tightly. The scent of the sea, the warmth of his flannel shirt—everything about him reminded you of this place, of home.

“I’ll miss you so much, grandpa,” you whispered, your voice breaking just a little. Tears pricked your eyes, but you blinked them away, not wanting this moment to end in sadness.

He patted your back softly, his voice steady. "I’ll miss you too, kiddo. But you’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Don’t forget that."

Pulling back, you offered him a watery smile, nodding as you wiped at your eyes. He glanced over at your mom, who was waiting in the car, then back at you.

"You can always come back, you know. This town… it’ll always be here. And so will I."

You nodded, but the heaviness in your heart remained. It was never just about the town. It was about everything that had happened here, the memories you were leaving behind—memories you weren’t ready to let go of, not yet.

With one last look at the house, the beach in the distance, and the path you had walked so many times with Leehan, you climbed into the car. Your mom smiled softly as you buckled in, but you couldn’t return it. Not yet.

The engine started, and as the car pulled away, you found yourself turning back, looking through the rearview mirror at the small beach town fading in the distance.

Leehan stood by your grandpa, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath, the bouquet of flowers cradled protectively in his arms. His eyes darted to the road where the car had just disappeared, his face pale with the weight of realization—he was too late. He gripped the flowers tighter, his knuckles white against the delicate petals.

Your grandpa placed a hand on Leehan’s shoulder, his expression soft, filled with the kind of understanding that only comes with age. “You didn’t miss her by much, son. She just left.”

Leehan nodded, but the words didn’t bring him comfort. The ache in his chest only grew as he looked down at the flowers, the card tucked neatly between them, filled with all the words he hadn’t been able to say to you. Five pages, front and back, confessing everything he had felt all summer—everything he had been too afraid to voice.

“I wanted to tell her,” Leehan murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “I thought I had time.”

Your grandpa sighed, his hand still resting gently on Leehan’s shoulder. “Sometimes, we think we have all the time in the world. But life… it doesn’t always wait for us.”

Leehan’s gaze lingered on the empty road, his heart heavy with regret. He had planned everything so carefully—every detail of the beach date, every moment leading up to his confession. But now, it felt like it had slipped through his fingers like sand.

"Leehan!" he heard the familiar scream of Jaehyun; actually, all of his friends were running to him with smiles on their faces. Jaehyun was faster than the rest, a paper in his hand shoving in his face.

"God, MyungJae, what is that?"

"Read it!" He took the paper and read it, his energy below zero slowly going up. He could feel the relief when he read, "We are glad to have you, Kim Dong Hyun, at our university."

"I got in," he said, a small smile on his face.

"We all did! We're going to Seoul, baby!" Woonhak screamed, and that's when a bulb turned on Leehan's head. A soft touch on his shoulder made him look at the old man.

"I think you actually have a chance to give her the flowers."

Leehan’s heart raced as the realization hit him. Seoul. He was going to Seoul. The very place you were headed. He had a chance—maybe not to stop you from leaving, but to find you again, to tell you everything he had kept bottled up all summer.

He looked at his friends, who were all celebrating, but his mind was already somewhere else. Turning to your grandpa, who still had that knowing smile on his face, Leehan felt a surge of determination.

“I need to go after her,” he said, voice shaky but full of resolve.

Your grandpa chuckled softly, nodding. “I figured as much. Go on, son. She’ll be glad to see you.”

— : ☆

A month. That’s how long it had been since you last saw Leehan. No messages, no updates from your grandfather—just an aching silence that grew heavier with each passing day. And now, here you were, standing on the familiar beach in Seoul, the same place you came to clear your head. The sky was a fading blend of soft orange and pink, slowly surrendering to the approaching night.

The dress you wore felt like a relic from a time that felt both distant and painfully close—the same dress from that unforgettable beach date with Leehan. Nostalgia coursed through your veins, memories of that night replaying in your mind as the sound of the waves whispered around you.

You sighed, kicking at the sand as you walked closer to the water, unsure why you had returned here tonight. It was as if some invisible thread had pulled you back to this place, as if the universe wasn’t quite done with the story between you and him.

The soft crash of waves filled the silence, and for a moment, you let yourself get lost in the rhythm of the ocean, your thoughts drifting like the tide.

"That area is off-limits, young lady."

Your heart skipped, your breath catching in your throat as you whipped around at the familiar voice. And there he was, standing a few feet away, wearing that same teasing, lopsided smile that had made you fall for him in the first place. Leehan.

He looked a little different now—more mature, like the month apart had shifted something in him. But his eyes still held that spark, that mischievous glint you had come to adore.

“Leehan?” You breathed, your heart pounding so hard you thought it might burst from your chest.

He gave you a small shrug, his hands tucked casually in his pockets as he took a step closer. “What? You didn’t think I’d just disappear, did you? Especially after all the trouble I went through for that beach date.”

You couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips, your chest filling with warmth. “I thought you might’ve forgotten about me.”

His eyebrows shot up, a look of mock offense crossing his face. “Forgotten? You, lifeguard?” He stepped even closer, until he was standing right in front of you, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. “Impossible.”

Your heart swelled at his words, and for a moment, all the hurt and uncertainty from the past month seemed to melt away. But there was still one question you couldn’t shake.

“What are you doing here, Leehan?” You asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled, that teasing grin never leaving his face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bouquet of flowers. “Well, your grandpa might’ve told me a little secret. Something about how you always come here when you need to think.”

You blinked, your chest tightening at the thought of your grandpa playing matchmaker. “He told you where to find me?”

Leehan chuckled, shaking his head as he handed you the flowers. “Yeah, he’s pretty sneaky for an old guy.”

You took the bouquet, feeling the softness of the petals between your fingers, your heart racing at the thought that he had come all this way just for you. But before you could say anything, Leehan stepped closer, his expression softening, his voice turning serious.

“I’m so sorry,” he blurted out, his voice rough with regret. “For not calling, for not texting… for disappearing. I—I wanted to. Every single day, I wanted to reach out, but I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know if you’d even want to hear from me after I let you down.”

Your heart clenched at the sincerity in his voice. You had been angry at first, hurt by his silence, but now, seeing him like this, so vulnerable and broken by his own mistakes, you couldn’t hold on to that anger.

“I missed you,” you said softly, the truth of it spilling from your lips before you could stop it. “I missed you so much, Leehan.”

His eyes softened at your words, but the guilt in his expression remained. “I missed you too. Every day. And I hated myself for not telling you, for letting my own fear keep me from you.”

He took a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup your cheek. His touch was warm, familiar, and it sent a shiver down your spine.

"I messed up," he started, his voice quiet but heavy with emotion. "I should have called you the moment you left. Every day, I wanted to text you, to hear your voice, to know how you were doing… but I didn’t. I thought giving you space was the right thing. I thought I was being respectful, but honestly, I was just scared."

His thumb grazed over your knuckles, his touch soft, almost hesitant. "I was scared that maybe you'd moved on. Maybe I was just some summer fling to you and that the second you left for Seoul, I’d be forgotten. But I never forgot you. Not for a single second."

His voice cracked, and he paused, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Every time I looked at the ocean, I thought of you. I thought about the way you used to look at it, like it was a part of you, and all I could think was how much I missed you. How much I miss us."

You felt your heart tighten at his words, the weight of his confession sinking deep into your chest. He let out a shaky breath, stepping closer, his hands still holding yours as if he were afraid to let go.

"You have no idea how much I regret not picking up the phone and telling you how I felt. Because, God, I am so in love with you. I love the way you laugh when you think no one’s listening, the way you get lost in your thoughts when you're staring at the waves, the way you make everything feel right. I’ve loved you for so long, and I can’t keep pretending that I don’t."

His gaze softened, and his voice grew even quieter. "I’m sorry for making you think I didn’t care, for being such a coward. But I can’t let you walk away again without telling you how much you mean to me."

He took a deep breath, his grip tightening just a little as he leaned in, his voice steady but filled with an overwhelming tenderness.

"I love you, lifeguard."

The world seemed to fall away in that moment, the weight of his words settling over you like a gentle breeze. Your heart pounded in your chest, a mix of emotions swirling inside you—joy, relief, and love. You had waited so long to hear those words, and now that they were here, everything felt right.

A slow smile spread across your lips as you looked up at him, your hand tightening in his. “I love you too, Leehan.”

His eyes sparkled with happiness, and before you could say anything else, he closed the distance between you, his lips brushing softly against yours. The kiss was gentle at first, filled with the sweetness of first love, but as the moments passed, it deepened, filled with all the emotions you had both kept hidden for so long.

When you finally pulled away, Leehan rested his forehead against yours, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You know, I’ve been waiting a long time to do that.”

You laughed softly, your heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. “I’m glad you finally did.”

He chuckled, his arms wrapping around you as he pulled you close. “Get used to it, lifeguard. I’m not going anywhere this time.”

"What do you mean?" He cleared his throat and looked at you.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. I got in, to the university."

Leehan laughed as you wrapped your arms around him, your excitement evident as you squeezed him tightly. The bouquet of flowers had tumbled onto the sand, their petals scattered around as you held him close.

“You got in?” You asked, your voice muffled against his chest.

He nodded, a bright smile on his face. “Yep. Me, Jaehyun, Woonhak… all six of us got in. Last month was moving everything and paper work. So, it looks like we’re both headed in the same direction.”

You pulled back slightly to look up at him, your eyes wide with surprise and joy. “You’re really here.”

Leehan’s grin widened as he nodded again. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

A wave of happiness washed over you, the feeling of his presence comforting and reassuring. “I’m so glad you’re here, Leehan.”

"And you know why?" You had a feeling of what was about to come. "Because you love me," he said, doing a small dance in front of you. This time, you laughed, your heart jumping in joy.

"Yeah, I do love you, surfer." He kept on dancing, so you took him by the collar of the shirt and kissed him once more.

Leehan’s laughter mingled with the rhythmic sound of the waves, filling the evening air with a playful melody. He stopped dancing when you pulled him closer, your lips meeting his in a kiss that spoke volumes. His lips were warm, and the kiss was both tender and teasing, full of the longing you both had felt over the past month.

As you broke away, he looked at you with a smirk. “You know, I’ve been practicing my dance moves just for this moment.”

You laughed, your eyes sparkling. “And here I thought you were just trying to impress me.”

Leehan’s grin widened, his fingers tracing light patterns on your arm. “Oh, trust me, impressing you is just the beginning. I’ve got a whole repertoire of moves I’ve been saving for our next date.”

Your heart skipped a beat at the thought of future moments with him. Hand in hand, you both walked along the shore, the waves gently lapping at your feet. The night was filled with laughter, flirtatious glances, and the promise of a future together. The summer might be ending, but with Leehan by your side, every moment felt like the beginning of a beautiful adventure.

↷ 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚢'𝚜 note: After contasntly debating into wi¿hich one to put out to the world, here I am giving not only to the network but to the onedoorblr/bndblr my second work! I promise I will post more of my boys, I truly will (and pls the song in the intro has NOTHING to do with it LMAO, I forgot the song I chose before)💗