#crescent-iak

[smoll-tangerine]

ten reasons why i hate you: reason #6

SYNOPSIS. while you admittedly didn’t refuse the arranged marriage between you and jung jaehyun, that didn’t mean that you’d allow him to treat you like a doormat. for the emotional distress he had put you through during the months leading up to your engagement party, you ensure that he will pay for the way he had been treating you for the rest of his life. 

PAIRING. rich boy!jaehyun x rich girl!reader GENRES. romance, angst, drama, rich kid!au CHAPTER WORD COUNT. 1434

WARNINGS. none. 

DISCLAIMER. this is a work of fiction based on fictional events and characters. it is unrelated to any real people, organisations, locations, and events. the laws, and legal and medical interpretations in this work have also been modified for storytelling purposes.

TAGLIST. @crescent-iak​ @moonchele​ @ahtisa02​ @ghostfacefricker6969​ @jaehyunnie77​ @jungish​ @anya-writes-stuff​ @hey-won @ishireads​ @xxxx-23nct​ @peachibevuti @shepeelsoranges​ (bolded = unable to tag)

[a/n]: hello, everyone!! this was supposed to be posted in january, but i didn’t have the time. today’s also my birthday, so here’s a gift to you all to celebrate it hehe!! i already have the rest of the story mapped out (in my head), so if everything goes well, i should be back to my usual weekly updates, but no promises! hope you’ll enjoy this chapter♡ 

← REASON #5 || MASTERLIST || REASON #7 → 

REASON #6 

He’s good with kids. 

You tried not to show your emotions (or your thoughts, really) on your face as you watched Jaehyun play with the kids from the orphanage. 

You were done giving a quick check-up to the children, so you and Jaehyun decided to play with them before you leave. You quickly ran out of energy so you decided to take a seat on the stairs of the orphanage’s building, while Jaehyun was playing what seemed to be a round of tag with the children. 

“That’s not the same man you’ve brought over last time.” 

Startled, you looked up and saw the director of the orphanage smiling down at you with a knowing look. 

It annoyed you the slightest when she asked the same question as Ernesto. 

Was this a sign to stop bringing men to your favourite places, in general? They seem to always come back to bite you in the ass. 

“The children seem to be doing well.” 

“Avoiding my question, are we?” she replied with a mocking chuckle. “And yes, the children are doing fine. Thanks to you and Doyoung.” 

“That wasn’t a question that you asked, but rather a statement, wasn’t it?” 

You were surprised to hear from the director that Doyoung was still a donor. After all, this was something you two started when you were still dating. A part of you didn’t expect him to continue this tradition of yours.

“Doyoung visited a couple of months ago to check up on the kids,” the director continue. “He never mentioned that you two broke up.” She then glanced at the ring that adorned the fourth finger of your left hand. “Or that you were getting married to someone that was not him.”

You took a look at your ring before folding your arms, suddenly uncomfortable that she had seen your ring, for some odd reason. “Well, he never mentioned to me that he visited you guys.” 

There was a small moment of silence that ensued following your small exchange. The children’s laughter echoed throughout the whole square, mixed in were screams of delight as your now-husband captured them in his arms. 

Jaehyun’s deep laughter was one that clearly displayed his joy. 

But it was also one that you, admittedly, never heard much before until today. 

“Are you happy?” 

You remained silent as you knew that whatever answer you would give her, the director would able to notice your lie. 

“I don’t know.”

But regardless of what she thought, you also didn’t want to lie to yourself. 

“Will you be happy?” 

“I don’t know.” 

Her brows furrowed in slight worry. 

“Then, what are you going to do?” 

You took a deep breath and exhaled sharply through your nose. 

“I don’t know.” 

“I don’t know what I expected, but what we did today was not what I expected.” 

You glanced up from the medical article that you were reading, while Jaehyun emerged from the bathroom. He ruffled his wet hair and took a seat at the corner of the bed. Not close that he would be infringing upon your private space, but close enough that it did make you raise your eyebrows at his proximity. 

You were too jet-lagged yesterday night to realise what happened. 

But... you shared a bed with Jaehyun? 

And you were about to do the same for the rest of your honeymoon? 

“So, what’s the story?” he asked you with a shy smile. “Behind the orphanage? You seemed close with the director and the children. That kind of relationship must have been–” 

“You don’t have to do this, you know?” 

He seemed taken aback with your question. “W-what do you mean?” 

You set your iPad aside and motioned the empty space between the two of you. “Pretend that you like me just because you suddenly found out that I’m actually a nice person or something.” 

He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. His ears turned slightly red in what you assumed to be embarrassment. “I-it wasn’t something sudden. And also, I am genuinely curious. What’s the backstory? Don’t tell me you’re using the orphanage as a front to avoid paying taxes.” 

You made a face, unimpressed. You then looked away, trying not to show any annoyance on your face and said with a resigning sigh, “My best friend came from that orphanage.” You paused, unsure as for why would you even tell Jaehyun this story. “She passed away a couple of years ago. Right after we finished our residency.” 

“...How did you two meet?” 

“We met in med school.” The answer came to you easily. “Doyoung introduced us and well, the rest is history.” 

You knew the look in Jaehyun’s eyes, which was a mixture of sadness and pity and conflict. He looked liked he wanted to give you a hug but at the same time, he also seemed like he wanted to ask you another question. You could probably guess that he probably wanted to know how she passed away. 

But that wasn’t something you could easily share with him. 

“Doyoung and I donate to the orphanage in her honour.” You tried to change the subject. “I try to visit once or twice a year to give them a small check-up. Doyoung does it too, apparently.” 

Jaehyun’s jaw slightly clenched at your words. There was some sort of tightness to his face that immediately melted away when he noticed the inquisitive look you were giving him as he fell silent. 

“You and Doyoung must be close, huh.” 

That statement made you pause a little. 

“Was that meant to be a question?” 

“No, just... you two seem to be close even though you two are exes.” 

You felt irritated by his words, for some odd reason. Who was he to talk about your relationships when he wasn’t even in a position to do so in the first place? 

“Are– Are you trying to imply something?” you asked with a scoff. “Because if we were to imply anything, I think you’re the one we should be concerned here. Because I wasn’t the one who was—still is—in a relationship when we got married.” 

The cat was out of the bag as you finally revealed your thoughts. You never voiced out your displeasure at the fact that Jaehyun was still seeing Chaeyoung behind your back due to the fact that you felt guilty at the beginning, for dragging him into this arranged marriage, but wasn’t cutting things off the least he could do if he actually respected you? 

But your pride, out of all things, actually prevented you from doing so. 

No matter your thoughts about the subject matter, you would never ask Jaehyun to cut his relationship with his girlfriend. 

Because to do so meant that you were admitting your feelings for him. And that was something that could never happen. 

“I’ll break things off with her,” Jaehyun blurted out of nowhere. “With Chaeyoung. I’ll break things off with her the second we’re back in Seoul.” 

You forced yourself to remain impassive. The most you allowed was just a slight widening of your eyes, followed by an obnoxiously loud chortle. 

“Yeah, okay, I didn’t think you were someone with a sense of humour.” 

“I will!” he retorted. “What, you think I won’t?” 

You rolled your eyes. “What’s the catch?” 

“Huh?” Jaehyun replied dumbly. “What do you mean?” 

“Jaehyun, I’m not stupid,” you said with a sarcastic laugh. “Why on Earth would you break things off with your long-term girlfriend? Not to mention, everything we put each other through because of your relationship with her? So yeah, what’s the catch?” 

Was it so wrong of you to be cynical? 

For wanting to protect your feelings? 

“Give me some time.”

There it was. 

The catch. 

“Give me a year– No, five months. Give me five months to get over Chaeyoung. After five months, I’ll be a devoted husband to you and to you only. I promise that I’ll make this marriage work.” 

You couldn’t believe you were this close to fall for his sweet words. But wasn’t this a reasonable request? After all, he had to break up with someone he was in love with. 

But you couldn’t help but still be hurt by his words. Because he didn’t say that he was going to try and love you. He was doing this because he was married to you. Because he pitied you. Not because he was developing feelings for you.

“I’m sensing a but.” 

Jaehyun nodded and took a deep breath. 

“Cut all ties with Kim Doyoung.” 

Ah. 

There it was.

The real catch. 

← REASON #5 || MASTERLIST || REASON #7 →

[kpopfanfictrash]

@crescent-iak THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed 🥺 💜

Until Death (M)

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Creative Contributor:@baebae-goodnight​ for this unbelievable moodboard truly, like, WHAT

Genre: Green Bone Saga!AU || Organized Crime / Forbidden Romance / Suspense + Action

Author’s Note: This one shot is set in the Green Bone Saga universe, written by Fonda Lee. You do not need to have read this series in order to read this one shot (I explain concepts/terms), but I do HIGHLY encourage you to read this series at some point because it’s absolutely amazing!! Anyways, Yoongi dropped the Haegeum MV and I was like…. did he read Jade City lol. Further disclaimer this is not a retelling of the books, nor does the Kaul family exist in this version of Kekon (although the No Peak clan does)

Pairing: Yoongi / Reader

Synopsis: Jade has always shaped the island of Kekon. Mined from the mountains, it enhances the abilities of Green Bone warriors who wear it and allows them protection from outside harm. No one understands these threats better than you do, second-in-command of the mighty No Peak clan. 

When a new danger appears, seeming to come from within, everything you once took for granted is called into question. Including the bonds you’ve made, some more dangerous than the others. None more so than Min Yoongi, head of No Peak and the only one capable of destroying your heart.    

Rating: 18+

Warnings: graphic violence, fight scenes and mature content (character dies in the story; not main character) 

NSFW Warnings: dirty talk, nipple play, fingering, spanking, oral (female), multiple orgasms, possessiveness, unprotected sex (couple is monogamous), spit, hand job

Word Count: 17,650

Keep reading

[veiledpeaches]

I'M SAVING A SEAT ! 🤪

HAHAHAH of course u r !! thank u for taking ur time to read this :-)) 

[sehunniepotwrites]

Thank you for reading despite not being a fan of angst; that means a lot ;;;

I’m so glad someone caught that reference-- it was definitely intentional, I was trying to find the best way to fit the line into the fic. The song was on repeat while I was writing that scene so I wanted to throw it in.

Thank you thank you thank you for this review-- you just made my day!

i’ll send all my loving to you | jh.s

💌  part of the OF FIRST SNOWS AND SOULMATES collaboration with @ppangjae​, @smoll-tangerine​, and @jeongvision​ 

💌 SYNOPSIS: When your collection of unsent love letters and heart-wrenching poems becomes a best-seller, you are left with the pressure of releasing another collection that is better than the last. In search of inspiration, you return home for the holidays only to run into Johnny Suh– the very man who broke your heart, and discover a variety of letters convincing you to change your fate.

So, riddle me this: if you had a chance to change your fate, would you take it?

💌 WORD COUNT: 24.8k+ 💌 GENRE: holidays!au, college!au, soulmate!au, friends-with-benefits!au,  friends-to-lovers!au, romance, angst, fluff, humor, slow burn 💌 PAIRING: photographer!johnny suh x (female) poet!reader

💌 WARNINGS: cursing, alcohol consumption, mentions of sex and divorce, odd references to sci-fi shows and movies

💌 PLAYLIST. lover by taylor swift • for life - english version by exo • unless it’s with you by christina aguilera • i don’t wanna see you cryin’ anymore by adam melchor • love letters by juris • sick of losing soulmates by dodie clark • best friend by jason chen • popo (how deep is our love?) by yerin baek • sun&moon by nct 127 • i’ll like you so much you’ll know it by wan junqi • if by juris • anyone else by joshua bassett • hate everything by golden

Keep reading

[sooibian]

Dittany

✨ part of the Spellbound collab series with insanely talented writers @hkynm ​ @fullsuninbloom​ @blackberrykai​ and @j-pping​

✨ pairing: hufflepuff!kyungsoo x ravenclaw!oc/reader ft. ravenclaw!chen

✨ themes: fluff, mild angst, slow burn, cheesy couples

✨ genre: hogwarts!au

✨ description: broken bones and a tedious detention - can I still say that this is the best christmas i've ever had? it’s because I found magic in him - the big eyed, dark haired, hufflepuff boy. funny I say that as a witch! but sadly, good things don’t last forever.

✨ word count: 16.5k

✨ tag list: @eggsodose @christiandosworld @imgonweast @is-that-baekhyuns-shirt @changshapatrol @thatanonymousgirl-as14 @his-mochi-cheeks @charmedbaek @xiusoomygod @crescent-iak @gdaystays @mangobaek @keonaforever21 @staryyugy @hyckrens @yixing-jaebeom @halfbloodkjm @thepoeticfirefly​

With a baggie of Caramel Cobwebs grasped between her fingers, he saw her head towards Gladrags Wizardwear. He feigned untied shoelaces as his friends Baekhyun, Chanyeol and Chen made a beeline for a table at The Three Broomsticks. He stayed just so that he could see her for just a little bit longer as she walked down the quaint but bustling lane of Hogsmeade. It baffled him how different she looked to him every time he saw her. 

Yet she looked so familiar.

A sound of girls giggling reached his ears suddenly making him more aware. A jet of purple light shot in her direction and she stood frozen, right in the middle of the street, face buried in hands.

It enraged him to see her like this, weak and lost. With a flick of his wand he unbound her legs. Misty eyed, she hesitantly looked over her shoulder for a fleeting moment before hurrying into the safer confines of the shop as though nothing had happened.

This was their first ever trip to Hogsmeade and he thought J. Pippin's Potions worth the detour. 

Rat tails. Porcupine quills. Billywig stings.

The Hair Raising potion had its benefits, after all. 

A few drops of it in their pumpkin juice and those girls went around school with their hair standing on end. It made them the laughing-stock and not a single soul suspected the innocent looking, third-year Hufflepuff boy.

.

.

.

Professor Trelawney's got me feeling like I’ve downed an entire flask of Felix Felicis.

Maybe it was the fine sherry I brought her for Christmas and if I'm being honest she was most likely under the influence of some at the time - a bit too early in the day for such an indulgence but that’s just my opinion. Anyway, she has prophesied that today’s going to be a momentous day for me. She said it would “change the course of my destiny”. Jupiter has entered Pisces owing to which I’ll be able to open myself up more to the world. I shudder at the thought but her comically large, moony eyes bore a distinct hint of euphoria so I’ll take her word for it. And I don’t care what “opinions” other students - or even Professors for that matter - have of her but I’ll always believe that Divination is a highly compelling (albeit misunderstood) branch of magic. 

And Professor Trelawney is a truly gifted Seer.

With a spring in my step, I'm practically galloping down the Great Hall after a hearty breakfast and Professor Flitwick is unfeignedly in his element. A peppy tune on his lips, he blossoms golden baubles out of his wand, trailing them over the branches of the new dozen of frost covered fir trees akin to a Maestro weaving a symphony with his baton. Christmas has always been an ethereal treat for the eyes at Hogwarts. The Castle is covered in several feet of silver snow, in the Great Hall thick streams of holly and mistletoe criss-cross the ceilings and enchanted snow falls warm and dry from it. While I do feel a little lonely sometimes, I'd rather spend the holidays here than back home with Gran.  

Fourteen years of having to raise me all by herself after Mum and Dad passed away couldn’t have been easy. I reckon she could do well without having to unnecessarily fret over me during the holidays. And I could do very well without her persuasions, asking me to live up to the dreams my parents had had for me. Hopefully, she's enjoying herself with a cup or two of Firewhisky in the evenings in the company of her Ministry friends and gorging on those delicious Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookies and Liquorice Wands that she so relishes!

"Looks great, Professor!" I say to Professor Flitwick and with a cheery laugh he waves his wand bearing arm at me. I duck at the sudden attack of tinsels but one golden bauble nests in the loop of my topknot anyway. I think I'll keep it and use it for Hagrid's gift.

Hagrid!

A glance out the window behind the staff table and I resolve to brave the weather and pay him a long overdue visit. I have a little something for him and old Fang. I won’t lie, it helps to be the granddaughter of an influential woman for Hagrid’s Christmas presents don’t come easy. 

Another great thing about Christmas is that I have the castle all to myself. The dormitory is vacant and the Common Room is far emptier than usual. And I’m spared the everyday torment of hushed whispers and giggles and the occasional “practical jokes”. Carefully, I bring Hagrid’s present out of its little pen to measure it up against the stray bauble. Not his size. He rapidly blinks his beetle brown eyes at me and crawls up my arm with a certain urgency, nestling into the crook of my neck. “Aww Mr. Twiggles”, I plop the Bowtruckle down onto my lap and wrap a pink ribbon around its knobbly brown arm. Placing him under an airy bronze cloche, alongside a huge slab of butterbeer fudge, I bid him adieu. 

***

My butt is freezing, I’m pretty sure I heard something crack and it was definitely not the ice. A terrified Bowtruckle is smack in the middle of my face while I lie amidst crumbs of Butterbeer Fudge. Since this could be his only shot at freedom, Mr. Twiggles scuttles into the Forbidden Forest. Taking stock of the situation I realise that Fang’s present has now become one with the snow, I’ve lost Hagrid’s present to its natural habitat and probably snapped a few of my bones in the process. 

But this is the least of my concerns. 

My literal fall further down the school’s social structure has a witness - the Muggle-born Hufflepuff boy, who belongs to probably one of the most influential cliques in school. I don’t think much of them, to be honest. They’re just a babbling band of bumbling baboons. But can’t I have a day go by without being humiliated? Is that a lot to ask? Hagrid’s hut is barely ten feet from here. I wouldn’t mind breaking all of my bones in his company. He would’ve probably offered me some tea and his infamous rock cakes before carrying me to the Hospital Wing. Out of all the places in Hogwarts... out of all the places in the world...did this wide-eyed bloke really have to be here? Exactly in this moment? And just how many students is Hagrid friends with anyway? And why him? I swear I’ve never seen the boy smile. Not even when he’s with his rowdy friends. 

This can’t be it. 

This can’t be the ‘momentous day that changes the course of my destiny’. This is just like...any other rubbish day and it’s crushing my soul. I'm starting to believe that Divination is a whole lot of hogwash and Professor Trelawney is indeed a fraud. But at this point, I can’t feel my limbs and I really, really could use some help.

Squinting hard, the Muggle-born rushes to my aid. My lips begin to quiver and I feel warm tears trickle down my temples, further wetting my already damp hair. He stoops down and his eyes widen with surprise and recognition and he scoffs at my immobilized state. As he’s helping me up, I wrap my right arm around his shoulders. An imperceptible smile tugs at his lips as his left arm firms around my waist and before I know it, I’m standing on my own two feet - or one. My weight is supported by him and my good right leg. But before I can begin to thank him, a sharp pain shoots to my head and I see little stars buzzing around his ears. Maybe they are real! 

“Wrackspurts”, I mumble and observe his lips form the shape of a heart when curved into a wide smile. His smile is….bewitching.

And it's the last thing I see.

***

Madam Pomfrey strongly insists on keeping me caged in for the night. She’s implacable and my protests are met with a standard taut response, “Broken bones are particularly dangerous in winters. You’re staying the night.” How do I explain that I feel fine and keeping me in will only make matters a LOT worse for me.

I have to go see the Hufflepuff boy.

I have absolutely no memory of the events that unfolded after I literally started seeing stars. Not Wrackspurts. Did he perhaps carry me to the Hospital Wing? I have no answers and this isn’t exactly the kind of topic I wish to broach with Madam Pomfrey. My throat dries up at the thought of him struggling to bring me all the way up here and it makes me actively consider a transfer to Beauxbatons - if that is indeed possible. Because this cannot be happening right now! Sixth year has been quiet and I’d like to keep it that way, thank you very much. 

I don’t know if the Hufflepuff boy will keep it down for me. Will he tell his friends about it? Will I become the talk of the town even before school resumes? Will he keep it to himself if I cut a deal with him? I don’t mind helping him out with schoolwork or something.

My delirious train of thought is interrupted by three rhythmic knocks on the slightly ajar double door.

It’s him.

He’s standing in the doorway, twiddling a rectangular purple box in his hands, shifting his weight nervously from one foot to the other. Does he expect me to invite him in? What’s the protocol? Smoothing out the wrinkles in my blanket, I sit up slightly and crane my neck to find Madam Pomfrey who seems to be in her Office. Pursing my lips into an awkward smile, I turn to look at him and shrug noncommittally. He takes it as his cue to enter.

“This is for you.” He says in a low mellifluous voice which tastes like honeyed milk and gingerly places the box at the edge of my bed. Caramel Cobwebs. My favourite! He finds a seat at the edge of the other end of my bed.

“Thanks, you didn’t have to...and thank you for everything. I -”

His deep brown eyes suddenly meet mine and I lose all sense of speech.

“It was Hagrid who brought you here”, he says nonchalantly, drumming his fingers on his knees while allowing his large eyes to survey the sterile, sprawling infirmary.

Then why is he here?

“Aren’t you missing lunch?” I ask, unwrapping the box and offering the constellate of bite sized confectionery to him. “I’m not too hungry”, he says, guzzling down a few anyway. A soft smile touches the corners of his mouth. 

Silence echoes in the Hospital Wing, save for our muted nibbling. It’s soothing in its sense of comfort as neither of us is particularly chatty. And that’s just as gratifying as the sweet treats.

“Looks like we have company!” The stern but kind Matron swooshes out of her office, scrutinizing the boy from top to bottom, making him shift uncomfortably in his seat. She’s never been too fond of visitors. I remember the day I tagged along with Chen last year to visit his human banshee of a friend - Baekhyun. 

A doxy had apparently sunk it’s double row sharp front teeth into his arm, injecting him with its venom. His dense idea was to experiment with doxy venom to appear ill just so that he could cut a couple of lessons with his dimwitted oaf - Chanyeol. While the latter went unscathed and even managed to extract an ounce of venom out of the doxy (cute fairies he liked to call them), the human banshee had to be brought into the Hospital Wing to be administered the Antidote to Uncommon Poisons. I only visited the boy who cackles like a goose to get a little look-see of what doxy venom could do to a person. But to my absolute dismay, he looked... peachy, with an annoying boxy grin plastered across his face. The Matron shooed Chen, me and the big oaf out in a matter of minutes. It’s not that I blame her. I would’ve probably done the same in view of the racket that ensued amidst their boisterous conversation.

Madam Pomfrey brings out a small vial of brown liquid and applies a few drops of it on my elbow. I hadn’t noticed the nasty wound my fall had left on it, up until then. A greenish smoke billows upward and it quickly clears out to make the wound look several days old and new skin stretches over what had been a deep cut.

“Dittany!” The Hufflepuff boy and I say in unison.

“Well done! 5 points each to Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw!” Madam Pomfrey jokes as she peers over her spectacles and her gaze flits between him and me. I catch his heart shaped smile again. And for some reason, makes my stomach contract and my heart go into a somersault. Or maybe it’s the effect whatever Madam Pomfrey’s got me under.

The Matron raises her wand and points it at the table adjoining my bed. A large plate of sandwiches, two silver goblets and a jug of a cold beverage appear with a pop.

It's honeyed milk. 

She retracts into her office without pressing on him to leave and for that I am grateful. We share sandwiches in silence as a mildly bitter citrus aroma of Dittany wafts through the space between us. The plate endlessly refills itself but we’re both satiated by the third fill.

“I’m Kyungsoo, by the way. Sixth year.” He says in his dulcet tone and I take a huge gulp of the sweet nectar out of the goblet.

***

Madam Pomfrey sets me free with not one but two warnings. Avoid slippery outdoors if you’d like to enjoy the Christmas feast and Don’t count your owls before they are delivered. I’ll admit the second one is a bit difficult to stomach since I had my eyes trained on the door for the better part of the morning. It comes in fine print at the bottom of the letter of acceptance - steer clear of parent-less weirdos who believe in Divination and Nargles. Of course the sweet and quiet Kyungsoo received the same letter. 

After having sent Hagrid a Christmas greeting via an owl, I head over to the library. Its musty fragrance clears my mind off trivial sentiments. Sixth year is no child’s play and I need to read up on Apparition to avoid having a limb splinched especially after yesterday’s disaster. 

“Umm...HI!”, a chirpy voice startles me and I almost collapse into the Restricted Section. This voice is a little too sprightly for a deserted library and its owner looks like someone who does not belong in school during the holiday season. Her dazzling smile perfectly complements the twinkle in her eyes. She’s one of those girls but she seems nice? My puzzled expression asks her the obvious questions.

“Sorry! Professor Slughorn asked me to give this to you.” She hands me a rich parchment. It’s a letter addressed to me in the most exquisite cursive inviting me to dinner held by Professor H.E.F Slughorn.

Bleaaargh!

The girl is still here, eyes beaming with curiosity, “It’s for the Slug Club, right? What’s it all about? Well... I’ve always wondered.” Her voice trails off in an awkward giggle.

“Be my guest!”

It’ll help to have a slightly known, apparently friendly face in an obnoxious crowd.

***

I’m no stranger to the opulent ways of prestigious wizarding families but this isn’t something one would expect to see in a Professor’s office at Hogwarts. It’s barely even an office! It’s an enormous tent bathed in a dim orange of the sunset with its ceiling and walls draped in emerald hangings. The deep melody of violins drowns the frantic squeaking of house elves who are obscured by the heavy silver platters of the finest hors d'oeuvres.  

A circular dining area is set up right in the middle of the room where most of the invitees have taken their seats. There aren’t too many compared to last year. No Warlocks, no Vampires. Just a handful of students with their guests and a couple of past students - Slughorn’s proteges of course - who’ve managed to carve a name for themselves all thanks to the powerful connections he’d helped them forge through this very same Club. Or so he’d rather believe.

The tap on my shoulder strikes me with the realization that I’m still stood at the entrance. It’s my chirpy guest! The fifth year Gryffindor Prefect. One awkward small talk later, we find our seats at the ostentatious table.

Despite the grandiose, this is a rather intimate gathering. But judging by Professor Slughorn’s enthusiasm, the turnout is certainly not off-putting to him. He drones on about his overachieving handpicked students and I let my mind wander into the distance while Miss Prefect is certainly taken by the charms of this first-class motley. Well, at least someone’s liking it here.

“Kyungsoo, m’boy!” Slughorn jumps mid-feast at the sight of the newest entrant to this coalition, almost causing me to choke on my roast duck, “Welcome, welcome!” 

At a gesture from Slughorn, he sits down in the empty chair next to me and mutters a velvety ‘hullo’ in my direction and I’ve suddenly lost my appetite thanks to the butterflies in my stomach. He’s dressed casually in blue denims and a beige knit sweater yet he’s shining brighter than Sirius among all these boys in their finest ensembles.

“This young man is the only sixth year I’ve ever seen who’s managed to concoct the Draught of Living Death”, he takes a dramatic pause to peer at his guests over his spectacles before meeting my eyes, “flawlessly!”

Almost everyone at the table acknowledges Kyungsoo with a smile or a slight nod, save for a few overtly arrogant Purebloods who merely grunt in response or completely ignore his accomplishment. I, on the other hand, have my eyes trained on the roast duck to keep my erratic heartbeat in check.

Slughorn gears up for another act, “So tell us, Mister Doh, what exactly does your family do in the Muggle world?” His smile is cold, unwelcoming.

“My Mum is a chef, Professor...my parents own a restaurant.” Kyungsoo answers.

Slughorn contemplates on his answer for a while with a ‘hmm’, “A Muggle-born, eh?”, he lifts an eyebrow, “But the fumes from his cauldron almost lulled this old man into a deep slumber”, he chortles, wagging a sausage like finger, only to receive cold silence in response from everyone else except one invitee.

The feline eyed man laughs the loudest at Slughorn’s pathetic joke. One might think it’s probably out of sympathy. But it’s not. He seems to have actually found that funny.

Slughorn introduces him as Minseok Kim and goes on to sing praises about this former student of his. Slytherin. Excellent potioneer. One of the youngest registered animagi. 

His animagus is a cat. 

Minseok interrupts Slughorn’s discourse with an uncomfortable laugh showcasing his wide gummy grin, “You give me too much credit, Professor!”

“You’ve made me proud, my son! So tell us how your career as a Magizoologist is treating you? Well, I hope? Your uncle Soo Man Lee, a notable Warlock and a dear friend of mine, wrote to me saying that you happened to cross paths with an obscurus during one of your recent travels! That must have been...” Professor Slughorn shakes his head in horror and awe as his voice tails away.

“It’s certainly a story for a different occasion, Professor. Although, it happens to be one of my most memorable experiences.” Something about Minseok’s discomfit demeanour tells me he’d rather have a tête-à-tête with the obscurus than with Professor Slughorn. I take an instant liking to this man. 

“Minseok, we happen to have an aspiring Magizoologist in our company”, I loathe the nickname. It’s a garb. It’s a lie. But the conversation seamlessly steers towards me as a dozen pairs of eyes follow Professor Slughorn’s snivelling gaze. Clearing my throat, I say to Minseok, “I’m delighted to meet you - ”

“My dear, if I may ask and I hope you won’t mind”, Professor Slughorn interrupts me, per usual. Kyungsoo lets out a barely audible annoyed grunt and I hold my breath in anticipation of what he’s about to say next. Slughorn has a knack for broaching treacherous territories with utmost eloquence. I didn’t think it was possible for me to despise this gathering any more than I already do. I know where he’s going. I know what he’s going to say next. He’s going to play the Devil’s (Gran’s) Advocate. 

This is not a party. It’s an intervention which serves as an offhanded reminder of my parents’ gruesome deaths.

“You come from a lineage of Aurors par excellence. Your grandparents with whom I had the great fortune of exchanging notes and secrets in these very same classrooms. Your parents…. a tremendous loss to our world…” 

At this point, I’ve lost Professor Slughorn. 

He’s testing me again to see if I have any of my parents’ flair. I do not. Magizoologist is just a veil that conceals my seemingly purposeless life. I’m not sure what I want to be. Or who I want to be. If there’s one thing I know it’s that I don’t want to end up like my parents. Neither am I brave nor am I self sacrificial. Their deaths, I’ve come to terms with. It’s the torture they went through that keeps me up most nights - the unimaginable pain of the Cruciatus Curse before they were engulfed in blinding green light. My throat seizes up and I chew on the insides of my cheeks to feel pain that’s more superficial.

My sweaty palms clutch at the hem of my silk lilac dress. I feel hesitant fingers gently graze the back of my left hand, steadying the tremble. Judging by my lack of protest, Kyungsoo’s grip around my hand courageously strengthens. 

In subliminal comfort. 

I don’t feel cornered anymore.

.

.

.

KYUNGSOO

Oh I shouldn’t have. 

OH BOY I SHOULD NOT HAVE!

I’m not a pervert. In my defense her hand was right there! Trembling. Astray. Seeking shelter.

Asking to be held.

She didn’t say a word to me after that ridiculous party. I couldn’t muster the courage to say anything to her, either. What could I have said? I’m sorry? That would’ve been dishonest. I wasn’t sorry about it at all. Are you alright? I didn’t want her to feel any more uncomfortable than she already did. So I left it at that. Like I always do. 

Because I’m a coward. 

She swooped out with her friend as soon as the snoozefest was over, leaving her food completely untouched. In fact, I didn’t catch her taking a bite out of anything ever since I arrived. Her slender fingers were gracefully wrapped around a silver goblet the entire time.

It’s always been like that with her. She always needs something or the other to physically hold on to. The straps of her bag, books, remembralls, whatever she can find. I notice these little things about her. I always have. But to her I’m only a face in the crowd. The very same crowd she fights shy of. I don’t blame her. It is quite rare for pretty girls to notice me. 

And she’s ethereal.

Year One

My heart was hammering in my chest as I was ridiculously close to missing the Hogwarts Express. Partially because the oddly named Platform was nowhere to be found and I was starting to think of the entire thing as an elaborate prank. And when we did end up finding the way to the Platform by following a snooty wizarding couple who seemed to be seeing their daughter off, I quite frankly lost my mind at the prospect of having to run through a solid wall to get to it.

I said a final word of my goodbye to my teary-eyed mother.

Earlier in the day, her theatrical sobfest went on for hours after she progressed from outright denial and came to terms with the fact that witches and wizards do exist and that her only son is in fact a wizard. He wasn’t going to take over his parents’ restaurant business like she’d always hoped he would. Honestly, at this point he’s not entirely sure what his future beholds but he’s a wizard and is indeed very happy about it.

But I didn’t dare say this to her. 

I pretended to be upset about having to practically move out at the age of eleven. In all honesty, I was mildly upset but far more excited about this school I’d, obviously, never heard of before the Letter arrived - Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

But it wasn’t long before all of my bubbling excitement was reduced to a pile of rubbish.

I had lost my little pouch of wizard money which I thought I'd carefully tucked into the back pocket of my jeans only to find out about it seconds prior to having to pay for the strange but oddly tempting treats. I felt myself shrink under the kind old lady’s sympathetic gaze as I put my little confectionery treasure back to where it belonged. On the top of her trolley. Suddenly, the embarrassing rumble of my stomach was drowned by a welcome jingle of coins.

The second year boy in my compartment - who later introduced himself as Baekhyun Byun - paid for the treats instead. I didn’t like him at first since he had a permanent smile plastered across his face, was giggly and extremely chatty. He’d told me all kinds of sorting stories which made me want to take the same train back home. I discovered his annoyingly loud chewing habits while sharing a stack of Cauldron Cakes with him. But I guess a happy stomach makes one truly tolerant.

We tried to offer Pumpkin Pasties to the girl in our compartment who had her face buried in a book right since the moment she boarded. Baekhyun even tried to strike up a conversation with her, multiple times, but to no avail. She’d only respond in nods and slight smiles.

After a point, we gave up. There’s no cure to snobbery.

There was an empty feeling in the pit of my stomach even after having annihilated five Chocolate Frogs, a dozen Liquorice Wands, six Pumpkin Pasties and two Cauldron Cakes. It wasn't even the first day yet and I’d lost ten Galleons in wizarding money which equalled fifty Pounds in muggle money which equalled two meals at our restaurant.

The rain thickened as the train sped further north. Baekhyun pulled on his long black robe, gave me all of his Chocolate Frog cards and scurried ahead with his trunk leaving me alone with the oddball. We were nearly there.

“Here”, she said, thrusting a heavy, knotted pink cloth in my hands before exiting the compartment in a rush.

It was five Galleons neatly wrapped in a cloth that smelled exactly like the “farewell” cake Mum baked me. 

Vanilla.

***

We didn’t have to wrestle a troll or turn a fat rat yellow for the Sorting Ceremony like Baekhyun said we’d have to.

“RAVENCLAW!” the Hat bellowed and the girl from the Hogwarts Express found her place amidst the brains at Hogwarts (as Baekhyun liked to call them) and that didn’t leave me surprised at all.

When the strict witch called out my name I almost stumbled upon a step on my way up to the wooden stool. For no particular reason the word “Ravenclaw” rolled off my tongue and the Hat contemplated, “Intelligent and hard-working, eh? Hmm….where should I place you...I see. I see! HUFFLEPUFF!”

The table next to Ravenclaw cheered me on as a ghost, the Fat Friar, swooshed past me in what was supposed to be a bone chilling embrace. I caught her eyes and she gave me a little wave.

Ravenclaw...at least I knew where to find her. I’ll return her money but not the piece of cloth.

It is a reminder of home.

Year Two

Am I invisible to her?

Every time I’ve so much as smiled at her she’s returned it with an unreadable expression like that lady in the fake painting at our restaurant. If I approach her and she doesn’t recognize me, I’ll be making a complete ass out of myself. Anyway, she probably thinks I’m not good enough to be seen around with but third-year Chen is. People say she belongs to one of the oldest wizarding families and she sure does act like royalty. I guess, five Galleons to her is nothing but a drop in the ocean.

***

While Professor Sprout thinks I’m the next Tilden Toots - a celebrity Herbologist and Potioneer, Professor Snape’s way of expressing his satisfaction with my abilities in Potions was with a scowl and a barely audible “five points to Hufflepuff.”

Most of the students think of Potions as a lot of hard work but to me, it’s really not. I don’t entirely blame them. The classes are held in a dungeon and the Potions Master looms over us with a murderous intent but if you ignore all of that it’s just intricacies of timing and stirring techniques.

The Hair Raising potion was disgusting to concoct especially since one of the key ingredients was rat tails and three counter clockwise stirs left the cauldron with a sickening green residue causing the entire dungeon to smell like a dead rat.

I must admit, Hogwarts is one weird school. What on earth would I need this potion for?

Year Three

Whenever I’ve tried to avoid the joined at the hips duo Baekhyun and Chanyeol, I’ve found myself in their ear splitting company. By now, I’ve resigned to my fate. My fellow Hufflepuff Yoongi isn’t up for much these days. To be honest, he’s always liked to stick to the confines of the Hufflepuff dorm and that’s kind of a downer.

So I spend almost all of my free time in the company of the Perpetually In Detention duo and their Ravenclaw friend Chen. And I realise that I can never be Chen. Chen is perfect in every way. He’s polite, he’s intelligent, and at such a young age he’s got his life planned out. He wants to work for the Ministry of Magic. Which, I believe, is a cakewalk for the likes of him. He’s also kinda good looking. While we’re all struggling with embarrassing bulk sticking out of odd places and less than appealing skin, he could very well replace Gilderoy Lockhart for the next issue of Witch Weekly.

***

When I saw her head toward Gladrags Wizardwear, fingers clutched at a baggie of Caramel Cobwebs, I feigned untied shoelaces as Baekhyun, Chanyeol and Chen made their way into The Three Broomsticks. Suddenly, a jet of purple light shot in her direction and a sound of girls giggling reached my ears. She stood frozen in the middle of the street, face buried in hands and with a flick of my wand I unbound her legs. Misty eyed, she hesitantly looked over her shoulder for a fleeting moment before hurrying into the safer confines of the shop as though nothing had happened.

This was our first ever trip to Hogsmeade and I thought J. Pippin's Potions worth the detour.

Rat tails. Porcupine quills. Billywig stings.

The Hair Raising potion had its benefits, after all. 

A few drops of it in their pumpkin juice and not a single soul suspected the innocent looking, third-year Hufflepuff boy.

Year Four

Hagrid seemed quite proud of his crate full of Blast-Ended Skrewts. They were cuddly creatures, very useful and made for exceptional pets. 

If you looked at them with Hagrid’s beady brown, affectionate eyes.

Everyone in class was visibly disturbed at the sight of them. Yoongi was quite close to disappearing into the Forbidden Forest. But that’s just him - slimy, foul smelling, shell-less lobsters or not. I wouldn’t be surprised if he chose, out of the blue, to live as a hermit in the company of centaurs. Not sure if he’s aware that they’re averse to humans.

Smiling, she took two graceful steps towards the crate as the rest of us took two steps back. Then four, then six as her waist length hair rippled down her shoulders and sunlight bounced off the silver trinkets in her ears. Perhaps motivated by her deep affection for Hagrid and anything non-human, she dipped a piece of frog liver to tempt the freshly hatched Skrewts.

It was pointless. Skrewts don’t have mouths. Mine is carefully locked away in a little pen under my bed. Honestly, I don’t care whether it survives the semester or not. 

Anyway, she ended up earning a roaring applause from Hagrid and ten points for Ravenclaw.

I found myself following her to the hideous crate like my legs had a mind of their own while Yoongi gaped at me in horror. I don’t know what struck me but I’m pretty sure that I don’t love Hagrid enough to get stung by an ugly lobster. 

But she had her eyes lovingly trained on the Skrewts the entire time and my valiant battle against a six inch burning, biting and stinging hybrid went completely unnoticed by her. 

Would I have to transfigure into an ugly Skrewt to get her attention? Or gulp down a vial of Polyjuice Potion to look like Chen? 

I’d still lack his charm.

Year Five

How Chanyeol and Baekhyun managed to advance to the sixth year is anyone’s guess, really. 

Because at this point I wish I had a Time Turner. Twenty four hours in a day are not enough for what the O.W.L.s demand. I’ve got Potions, Arithmancy, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, History of Magic and Defence Against The Dark Arts. 

And Divination is entirely her fault.

There’s one thing, though, that Trelawney’s “Inner Eye” was right about - Everything is not as bad as it seems, my dear. It’s true. Professor Slughorn isn’t half as bad as Professor Snape. Although he’s a little vain and self-serving, I have a better shot at earning an O in Potions with him than I could have ever had with Snape. Where Snape would dismiss my nearly perfect brews with a grunt, I manage to earn some real points for Hufflepuff with Slughorn.

Professor Sprout, ever so confident in my abilities, had laughed away my Career Advice session by calling me the next Tilden Toots. Her face fell slightly when I told her that I aspired to be Tilden Toots the Potioneer and not Tilden Toots the Herbologist.

But my dreams won’t materialize if I don’t have near perfect scores in Charms and Arithmancy and these are the two subjects that have kept me away from my “happening” social life.

I’d been haunting the Hufflepuff common room with my fingers in my ears, muttering soundlessly and my dear friend Yoongi chose to “take a quick catnap for a refreshed mind” every chance he got. I haven’t seen them in a while - Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Chen and their Quidditch friends Kai and Sehun. With twelve (failed) study schedules strewn on the floor and six weeks left until the exams, I seized my copy of Defensive Magical Theory and stepped out of the dorm for some fresh air and mindless chatter.

Last I’d heard, they’d managed to earn themselves a week’s worth of detention for setting off Filibuster’s Fireworks in Filch’s office. 

What I witnessed in the corridor on my way out made me stop dead in my tracks. Chen had his arm around her shoulders as they walked along the hallway laughing and talking animatedly. This was the happiest I had ever seen her in all these years. At the sight of them, I felt a paralyzing dread seep into my consciousness. 

I hated it.

I hated to see her happy. With him. A part of me saw this coming but I could’ve never prepared myself for it and I immediately regretted leaving the unwitting confines of my Common Room. 

Seething, I went in the other direction, taking a detour for the Quidditch pitch, to find those clowns. 

With them, I could very well drift in and out of conversations. While I lacked patience for most of their rubbish and I usually brought my earmuffs along, today was different. I needed to hear something refreshing to get my mind off the horrible fragmented flashbacks of what I’d witnessed just minutes ago. It’s probably nothing and they’re just friends but the nagging rebuttal to my ‘just friends’ argument is making me restless.

To my absolute horror, Chen breezed into the pitch with an annoying grin on his face, cheeks flushed. I felt the knot in my stomach tighten.

“Guys! I asked her out and she said yes!” He announced to the world in his usual thunderous scream invoking a deafening response from the rest of them. Slamming my copy of Defensive Magical Theory shut, I rushed to the common room, ignoring Kai calling out for me.

Year Six

Study hard and you will be rewarded. Fail to do so and the consequences may be... severe.

And rewarded, I was. With 6 Os, 2 Es (Arithmancy and Defence Against the Dark Arts) and 1 A (Divination). Yoongi had managed to scrape through with a decent O.W.Ls score as well. And “Chen’s girlfriend” had topped the year, per usual. With 8 O’s and 1 E in Defence Against The Dark Arts, having messed up one counter jinx in the practicals.  She’s strangely under confident when it comes to this subject.

My house-elf friend Winky smuggled in a congratulatory vanilla cake - a Muggle recipe I’d helped her recreate.

***

So turns out “Chen’s girlfriend” isn’t Chen’s girlfriend. 

I mean, Chen has a girlfriend but it’s not the girl from the Hogwarts Express. It’s the Ravenclaw Head Girl. Because I spent nearly half a year sulking, slogging away in the library, feeling betrayed for no particular reason, despite my well above average O.W.Ls score I felt like a complete idiot.

The bearer of good news was Chanyeol Park.

Who enraged me and made me want to kiss a Blast-Ended Skrewt on its non-existent mouth at the same time with, “Of course he’s not dating that Ravenclaw oddball. He’s dating the Ravenclaw Head Girl.”

Smacking him on the head with my copy of Advanced Potion Making, I decided to spend the upcoming Christmas at school. 

It’s now or never.

***

She’s SUCH an idiot!

A freezing, injured, drenched, clumsy idiot. 

A Bowtruckle whirred past me into the Forbidden Forest as I rushed to help her off the ground. Tergeo, I muttered to siphon the blood off her elbow and hoisted her up not long before she collapsed into my arms.

She’s a cute idiot whose pain is… my gain.

.

.

.

“Why aren’t you home for the holidays?”

Howling, a chilly breeze engulfs us but the panoramic view of the landscape from the Wooden Bridge is well worth it. As is the mildly attractive Hufflepuff boy who’d asked, very shyly, if he could see me here.

“My parents are always busy with the restaurant during the holidays, anyway. Thought I’d use this time to prepare better in advance for N.E.W.T.s”, says a red-nosed, shivering Kyungsoo.

He’s ambitious as he is kind. “So, are you?”

“Hmm?”

“Preparing for... N.E.W.T.s?”

“No. Something’s kept me busy.” An imperceptible smile tugs at his lips and I find myself unconsciously mirroring him. It’s freezing out here but my cheeks are ablaze.

“What has?” My tone is unwavering but his rich pause has me dreading as well as anticipating the answer.

“The Patronus Charm”, he says, “All I can manage is formless silver vapour.”

Oh.

“I could help if you like.” I turn to face him to find his confused expression uncoil into a toasty smile.

“You can conjure an actual corporeal Patronus?” His excitable voice is not as deep as his regular talking voice but it’s melodic anyway.

Nodding, I say, “Let’s go.” 

Kyungsoo’s eyes aren’t exactly trusting. I’ve brought him to the seventh floor and we’re gawking at a tapestry of trolls ridiculously bent in a plier. If I were him, I wouldn’t trust me either. But Hogwarts is an ancient castle and I’ve spent a good amount of time recceing it’s rooms, hallways, and everything in between. Yet, I discover something new, every time. 

Last year, I discovered this - The Room of Requirement - or as Meady likes to call it - the Come and Go Room.

“Okay, so we’re going to walk past the area of this door, thrice, thinking clearly of what we need.” Pointing at the wall opposite the funny tapestry, I say to Kyungsoo but a look of sheer confusion mixed with worry clouds his face.

“We’re going to think of a large, dingy classroom where we can have our lessons without anyone disturbing us.”

His expression is short of saying, ‘You’re crazy. Goodbye.’ Despite that, he valiantly follows my instruction.

After the third pass we’re in a spacious classroom completely devoid of any furniture, save for two desks.

“Ahhh”, hands on hips, he gapes in surprise surveying the dimly lit room, “but...we could’ve practised anywhere. Why here?”

“For the effect?” My fingers clutch at the edge of the desk as a knot tightens in my stomach and I find myself hoping that he stays.

His ha-ha-ha echoes in the room and his voice is at it’s high pitch again, “Shall we?”

Nodding, I take the centre of the class, “So the incantation is ‘Expecto Patronum’”

“Of that, I am aware.”

“Great now concentrate hard on a happy memory. I know it’s going to be tough without an actual Dementor or even a Boggart to practise on. But let’s give it a try, alright? Professor Flitwick taught me using a Boggart last year. I didn’t leave him alo -- sorry I’m rambling. Okay, happy memory... now...go!”

Kyungsoo squeezes his eyes shut and his face screws up in concentration. With a swish of his wand he stutters, “Ex-expecto Patronus!”

Nothing except peals of laughter echo in the room.

“Lets go again. Together now.” I say patting his shoulder.

Signalling each other with a nod we try again, “Expecto Patronum!”

A lynx rises out the end of my wand, trotting across the room before diffusing into nothingness. While Kyungsoo manages to issue a not so tangible cloud of silver.

A few tries later, he manifests something visibly stronger but he’s not quite there yet. And we’re both exhausted. I fish for a Chocolate Frog in the pockets of my cardigan and hand it to him.

“This charm is ridiculously advanced! How about we try again after Christmas?” Leaning on one of the desks, he offers dejectedly, nibbling at the Frog’s head.

I gladly accept it.

***

Owing to the small number of students that have stayed back this year, the House tables have been put aside and a single table has been set up for the Christmas feast. As if it were the most natural thing to do in the world, Kyungsoo comes and sits next to me. I hope he doesn’t hold my hand like he did during Slughorn’s party or maybe I hope that he does. I hope we do get to hold hands often and discuss what happened at the party. But we’re both great at pretending that nothing unusual did. The Gryffindor Prefect is somewhere on the other end of the table, chatting to a fellow Gryffindor. And the spread, as always, is sumptuous. 

Digging into a delectable roast turkey I ask Kyungsoo, “What’s Christmas like in the Muggle world?”

“Isn’t half as exciting as it is here. For starters, we have no Wizard Crackers. Or silver Sickles hidden within puddings.” He says toying with the cardboard tube moments before it went off like a canon, covering him in a cloud of blue smoke. A flurry of white mice scamper down his legs and scurry out of the Great Hall.

His mouth drops, inviting a roar of laughter from the rest of the table and he chooses to steer clear of the Crackers for the rest of the Feast.

He insists on dropping me off to the Ravenclaw Common Room, “I’ll see you again tomorrow? Six in the evening, the Room of Requirement?”

It’s a date?

***

Today’s class wasn’t nearly as bad as the previous one but God knows Kyungsoo’s in a dire need of practise.

We sit on the floor after two scarcely productive hours with our stash of Chocolate Frogs pooled in the space between us.

“Here’s something I don’t get about Muggleborns. How are your parents okay with sending their children away to an entirely different world? Doesn’t matter what Professor Dumbledore has to say, I refuse to believe Hogwarts is one of the safest places in the world. We have moving staircases, a murderous tree, Quidditch, and Filch!”

His laugh reverberates in the empty classroom, “It’s not much of a trade off, really. The Muggle world has its own set of issues.” He unwraps a Chocolate Frog and offers it to me, “You live with your grandmother, right?”

“My fierce, retired Auror, grandmother. Yes. And you?”

“With my parents. I’m an only child. And you’re right. My mother wasn’t very keen on sending me away but she couldn’t risk their restaurant being reduced to a pile of ash every time I threw a temper tantrum.”

“You don’t look like the temper tantrum sort.”

“Ah you underestimate me.” He chuckles, “so the holidays end soon and I don’t have a Patronus which means our classes will have to continue. You’re okay with that, right?”

“Very much”, I nod but an upsetting finality pulls at me.

“Is there anything...you’d like to do on the last day of the holidays?” He fixes his gaze on my feet.

“Do you have something in mind?”

“Do you want to...well I was thinking if...I need to procure some Wolfsbane from the Forbidden Forest would you like to come with?”

“Are you daft? Do you have any idea what sorts of -”

“Creatures dwell in the Forest? Yeah, I’ve been there, multiple times.”

“And you haven’t been caught? Mauled? Battered?”

He sighs, “Unfortunately, not once.”

Meeting his unflinching gaze I welcome my impending doom, “Okay...maybe I’ll end up finding Twiggles in one of those Wiggentrees but don’t abandon me if Werewolves come for us.”

***

I guess there’s a first time for everything. But it’s my first time flouting a rule and getting caught. My adventurous friend from Hufflepuff seems absolutely unperturbed by the ghastly smile that’s spread across Filch’s face. And anything that makes Filch this happy can’t be good news. Kyungsoo shoves the bunch of Wolfsbane down the pocket of his jeans and I just stand there as an unwitting accomplice to his dumbassery. To my dumbassery. I should’ve never agreed to this. I didn’t even have any luck with Twiggles. But then again Bowtruckles are master camouflagers. What was I expecting?

“Follow me”, the sadistic old man wheezes and my legs feel bound by shackles. Kyungsoo tugs at my arm and teary eyed, I slowly shake my head. He laughs mouthing, ‘It’s nothing.’ Maybe it’s nothing to him considering the company he keeps. What if I get expelled? Where will I go? It’ll be enough reason for Gran to disown me but this bespectacled charming boy doesn’t have a lot to lose now, does he? He can waltz back into his Muggle world and work in his ‘restaurant’. Of course he’s an exceptional cook if he trades recipes with freaking house-elves! I can’t end up having a life worse than squibs. Boys are trouble unless they’re Chen. I literally never should’ve. What of this was a trap all along? I’m SUCH a fool!

I find myself in the part of the vast echoing Entrance Hall I’ve deliberately avoided in all these years. It’s foul smelling, really dull and a cat menacingly meows at us while curling around her Master’s feet. 

Room 234-00. Filch’s office.

Coughing, the caretaker points at the chains and manacles that are hung from the ceiling, “I keep ‘em well oiled in case they’re needed. The Forbidden Forest, eh? Brave enough for Acromantulas and Werewolves, are we?” His face is barely inches away from Kyungsoo’s and I feel a sudden pump of adrenaline, “Sir, please, it was a mistake. We promise to never venture into the Forest again. We promise to never venture out of our own dormitories again. Please, please just let us go!”

Filch is taken aback by my plea and Kyungsoo has pursed his lips, holding in a laugh and I feel stupid.

With the sound of a crack, Filch’s equipment of torture comes crashing to the floor. Mrs Norris’ tail shoots up in fear and a raucous laugh echoes in the room souring Filch’s mood, “PEEVES!”

“Nasty Filch! Leave the luuuuurve birds alone! Leave them alone! Loony woony filthy Filch!” An invisible Peeves’ annoying cackle resounds before ceasing with a deafening crack. 

Filch is boiling in rage. I tilt my head to look at the slightly experienced in disciplinary matters Kyungsoo and judging by his sullen expression, we’ve had it.

.

.

.

Does he think that I somehow jinxed his great expedition to the Forest? Because it’s been two days since the start of semester and there’s no sign of Kyungsoo. Neither in the Great Hall, nor in the classes I share with Hufflepuff. Is he avoiding me now that his friends are back? The lump in my throat aches.

“Oww!” 

Chen greets me with a smack of a book on my head, “I MISSED YOU, GOBLIN!”

I’ll never get used to Chen’s incessant need to announce everything to the world to get his point across but seeing him makes me realise just how much I’d missed him, too. Despite his dig at my height and an underhanded compliment to my brain. He slumps into the chair next to me, activating his ability to speak like a banshee. Not very different from his white haired Gryffindor friend. 

“So tell me. How was Christmas? Did you get the set of Wizard Chess I sent you? We should play sometime. Thanks for the Floo Connection, by the way! It was really thoughtful of you and I love it! My darling loved it a lot, too but I had a tough time explaining it to my folks. So how was Christmas?”

I wait patiently for my closest friend in school to finish babbling before telling him what I think he’d like to hear about my little adventures. Or the information Kyungsoo would rather have me share. The nagging feeling that he’s been avoiding me weighs me down like a rock. 

 “So you broke your leg, told Slughorn off and earned yourself Detention with a Hufflepuff boy who happened to be in the Forest at the same time as you. All of this in a matter of two weeks? Wait, why were you in the Forest again?” Chen is amused but also a little suspicious.

“I told you! I was bored. I went looking for the Bowtruckle!” I argue, needlessly.

“Bored? Didn’t you have to read up on Apparition? Also, you of all the people should know how elusive Bowtruckles are, Miss Magizoologist!” I cringe at the nickname. “And who is this Hufflepuff boy?” I wouldn’t be surprised if Chen were a Legilimens.

Letting out an exasperated sigh I answer, “Some Kwangsoo something?”

“Glasses? Kinda short? Squints a lot? Brooding?”

“So you know him, Mister Tall Guy?” I ask, inviting another smack on my head.

“Yes, through Baekhyun. I mean, haven’t you seen him with us? His name is Kyungsoo, by the way.” Chen’s not particularly suspicious now which bolsters my confidence to spew rubbish.

“No I haven’t. It’s probably because I can hear you guys before I can see you and I prefer not to violate my eyes like I do my ears when I’m around any of you. I hope this answers your question.” I think it was a bit much but Chen breaks into a fit of laughter.

“Then you’ve probably not heard him, either. He isn’t a lot like us.” He contemplates, “but don’t you look around in class? You haven’t ever noticed him before? He’s in the same year as you! You’re ridiculous!”

Of course I’ve noticed him. 

Every time he’s tried to talk to me, return my money, earned points for his house or even a sneer from Snape. Every time Madam Pomfrey has cooed at him. Even when he braved feeding a Skrewt. I’ve seen him in the hallways, in classes, in the Great Hall. 

But to know someone is to invite heartache and I’ve had my fair share of it.

“You mean he isn’t noisy like the rest of you. And no I haven’t. It’s probably because he’s not as attractive as a Merperson or as lithe as a Basilisk.” I lie. He’s not anything like the magical creatures I’ve studied about. He is a human. And humans are too tricky for my liking. Two weeks with him, two days without him and I seem to have lost my marbles. 

Guess, I am pathetic if not ridiculous.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him around either”, Jongdae ponders.

***

“You’ve been avoiding me.”

Maybe it was too direct but I need to get this weight off my chest. I can’t spend every Saturday until the end of term with him in close quarters, clearing out Filch’s old files (the Muggle way) with animosity looming between us. Peeves is enough trouble with his water bombs already. And Kyungsoo’s silent treatment is simply too much. 

He brings me Caramel Cobwebs, holds my hand and refuses to talk about it, insists on being tutored, spends Christmas with me, lands me in Detention and starts avoiding me as soon as his friends are back.

“I caused you trouble and you seemed so disturbed by it. I’m sorry. I’ve not been avoiding you...I just thought maybe you wouldn’t like to see me again.” Mumbles Kyungsoo, dropping Filch’s File Number 27 on the floor, leaving a mess of loose, dusty papers.

‘Butterfingers’ here isn’t right at all. I’ve been dying to see him.

I help him clear the mess by re-filing the records of the 27th file in alphabetical order. 

“I’m not mad at you. I was a tad bit worried, that’s all. This is my first time being...punished and none of this is your fault. I’m sorry if I made you feel like that.”

His little smile and an understanding nod makes my heart flutter. Snapping out of it, I read out an amusing record from a random file, “at least we’re not pickling rat brains in the dungeons.” 

His eyes grow wide in horror, “What?”

“Sehun Oh and Kai Kim for bewitching snowballs to hit Professor Snape!” I summarise.

Kyungsoo guffaws, “Yes! This was last year. Baekhyun had dared them to it and those idiots thought Snape wouldn’t notice. They ended up reeking of dead rats for two weeks after that. Nobody would go near them! Not even Baekhyun.”

I put the file back with an ‘ahh’, “So Kai Kim, Sehun Oh, Baekhyun Byun are your friends right? And Chen, too?”

“Yeah, Chen and Chanyeol Park. Why?”

Of course, the Great Oaf.

“Nothing, you’re quite different from them.”

“How so?” Resting his chin in his hand, Kyungsoo inquires and avoiding his eyes I reply, “Well, you’re not very noisy or mischievous?”

He chuckles, “I’m not noisy that’s true. But I literally took you to the Forbidden Forest and it’s the reason why we’re here today sifting through these records. Will you still say that I’m not mischievous, Miss Ravenclaw?”

“I take back my words, Mister Hufflepuff”, I need to get away from this sweet talker, “Now let’s look for more, shall we? Filch certainly has your friends’ adventures chronicled in these files.”

“We’ll probably find something on Chen, too.” He says quietly.

“No wayyy! Chen’s perfect.” I protest.

He throws a file onto the desk, creating a cloud of dust, “What if we do end up finding something about him here, in these records? Then what?”

“Then I’ll….do whatever you ask!” 

Why! Why?

“It’s a deal!”

***

Kyungsoo and I have been seeing each other fortnightly for the sake of Dementors. Let’s just say if he were required to actually fight one off today, he’d end up having his soul sucked out. Does the boy have no solid happy memory or what? Or maybe I’m just a terrible guide.

In class, we’re cordial. But somewhat distracted.

We spend all of our Saturdays together. Turns out he’s a couple of weeks older than me which means we both qualify for  Apparition Lessons. The lessons are scheduled for Saturday mornings and we spend the rest of the day in Detention.

The first lesson was...quite unforgettable. 

For Kyungsoo, me and whoever was witness to our idiocy. Professor Flitwick positioned Ravenclaws into a line as did Professor Sprout with Hufflepuff which had Kyungsoo and me standing next to each other with the requisite distance of five feet between us. The Instructor from the Ministry waved his wand and old-fashioned wooden hoops appeared on the floor in front of us.

“Destination. Determination. Deliberation!” The man who was a white wispy version of humans, squeaked.

“Concentrate upon the destination now. Which is within the hoop. Then focus on your determination to occupy the visualized space. And when I give a command, on three, turn on your spot, feeling your way into nothingness, moving with deliberation!”

Kyungsoo gave me one furtive glance and I lost all sense of Destination and Determination.

“On my command….one….”

I spun on the spot, lost my balance and fell over and Kyungsoo crash landed into my wooden hoop. With our Professors’ eyes on us, I felt myself melt into a puddle of embarrassment.

The inexplicable tension crowding the office during Detention that day left hardly any room for conversation. Which was kind of okay considering the ground we covered with Filch’s wretched files.

Although, the next lesson found us positioned at the two opposite ends of our respective House lines by Professor Flitwick. 

Despite being in the same room, I missed Kyungsoo.

Transfiguration hasn’t been particularly eventful with Kyungsoo. With Professor McGonagall’s hawk-like eyes on us, we don’t dare to so much as shoot a glance in each other’s direction. 

But last week was different.

In a lesson that included conjuring a flock of birds out of our wands, the entire class managed a few feathers, some gross mutations, and severed heads. Everyone except Kyungsoo. He’d succeeded in creating several twittering birds in his third try. Which was not so great for me since the little yellow chirpers zoomed in my direction and circled around my head, singing merrily. This continued even after most of the class, including Professor McGonagall, had already left. His idea of an apology for the inconvenience was flashing his heart-shaped smile. 

I guess it doesn’t take a lot for me to forgive him.

***

It’s nearing the end of the third month of the semester and there’s no dirt on Chen. 

Like I’d said, he’s perfect. We’ve found volumes on the other two, though. Chanyeol and Baekhyun. How they’ve not been expelled yet is anyone’s guess. These delinquents make my little Forest excursion look like a joke.

They’ve set off dungbombs in Snape’s dungeon, cursed each other and ended up having a slug attack right in the middle of their Astronomy practicals, got caught sneaking out of their dorms after curfew only eleven times, transfigured McGonagall’s desk into a ferret to ‘showcase their Transfiguration prowess’, set off Filibuster’s Fireworks in Filch’s office, distracted Filch by jinxing Mrs Norris with Tarantallegra - her legs spasmed wildly out of control, making her appear as though she were dancing. 

No wonder they’re the only students Peeves gets on with.

This little vault of information made Kyungsoo exceptionally happy after moping around for not having anything on Chen, yet. He’s going to use these embarrassing incidents (one of the punishments included cleaning out the bedpans in the Hospital Wing without using magic) against the two of them, he says. 

Detention and shared classes is the only time Kyungsoo and I get to see each other since sixth year is no cakewalk. 

Free periods come by few and far between and are used to keep up with the vast amount of homework we’re being set. We’re studying as though we have exams everyday and lessons themselves are far more demanding than they used to be. Especially since we’re required to use Nonverbal spells now in every lesson that requires incantation. I often catch Kyungsoo’s motley around school. Somehow, they’re everywhere but he’s hardly ever to be seen with them. Working hard towards his ambition to become a Potioneer, I suppose. I wish I were just as passionate about something.

.

.

.

Sixth year is an anomaly. 

Professor Sprout says we’re allowed to swear loudly in today’s lesson since we’re going to be dealing with one of the most dangerous plants ever - Venomous Tentacula - a green, spiky, toothsome magical plant with mobile vines that tries to grab living prey. Kyungsoo quietly stations himself next to me in the greenhouse inviting snarky sideway looks and hushed whispers from a couple of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws around us. “She’s latched on to him now”, sniggers a Ravenclaw boy and I notice Kyungsoo ears turn scarlet. 

A pair of thick gloves on, Professor Sprout takes her place behind a trestle bench in the centre of the greenhouse, “We’ll be extracting Venomous Tentacula’s essence for Professor Slughorn’s experimental Potion No 7 today. Now, who can tell me how we should proceed to extract essence out of a plant that could try to strangle you?”

Kyungsoo’s hand rose in the air like it always does during Potions and Herbology, “By using the Severing Charm, Professor.”

“Excellent. Ten points to Hufflepuff”, Professor Sprout beams at her favourite student, “We’ll use the Severing Charm but Nonverbally. Which will stun Venomous Tentacula and sever its mobile vines. Along with me, on three. One...two...”

I nearly squeal as one of the Tentacula’s sharp fangs grazes my arm. Kyungsoo notices and in a state of panic tries to stun my plant for me only to get seized and bitten by his own. “Diffindo”, I flick my wand at Kyungsoo’s plant, flailing it and flouting the nonverbal spell rule but it’s too late for any of that. The plant’s poison, although non-fatal, has started working on Kyungsoo. 

His skin turns bright purple, knocking the wind out of me.

Professor Sprout rushes him to the Hospital Wing.

***

On Professor Sprout’s special request, Filch has begrudgingly exempted Kyungsoo from this week’s Detention. I saw him for Apparition this morning and we’d both managed to, with Destination, Determination and Deliberation in mind of course, land into our own hoops. 

Kyungsoo looked perfectly fine. Which is to say the purple of his skin from yesterday has been washed over by the roses of his cheeks and the honey of his skin. Madam Pomfrey was required to keep him in only for the day as Professor Sprout was quick to act and the poison hadn’t caused much harm. I feel like a bad friend for not having visited him since lessons ended in the a.m. with Astronomy but he says he was out in a couple of hours at most. 

He’s planned to spend the rest of the day with his friends who he’d not had a chance to catch up with off lately.

By late afternoon I’d unexpectedly fallen into a state of blissful slumber on one of Filch’s old files. Coughing, I woke up engulfed by dust. I had to admit, Detention was boring without Kyungsoo and it’s honestly starting to scare me how used to I gotten to his presence, the faint scent of eucalyptus that trails after him and the ambrosial warmth that infiltrates through his seemingly tougher exterior.

But at the same time I regret misreading him. Mistrusting him or sometimes trusting him too much. He’s nothing like I thought he’d be. His simplicity is comforting but at the same time it is truly baffling. Maybe it’s okay to not give it much thought and let Jupiter do its celestial dance while I do mine by recreating damaged detention records.

#1116

>> Chen Kim

>> Lack of concentration in Charms resulting in production of a hoselike jet of water instead of a fountain from his wand, knocking Professor Flitwick flat on his face in the process

>> Lines - ‘I am a wizard, not a baboon brandishing a stick.’

>> Issued by Professor Flitwick

>> Points taken: None

I do a double take when I read the name. 

Chen! Chen? Chen in Detention? How did I never know about this? Even if it’s just lines it is still a punishment. And how did The (then) Ravenclaw Prefect Chen mess up a Charm in Professor Flitwick’s class? I must know. But Kyungsoo’s got to see this first! I quickly replicate the record on a spare parchment and shove it in my bag and with a flick of my wand, I place everything exactly where it belongs in Filch’s office. What’s he going to do about it when he finds out? Give me another detention? Bring it on!

Throwing caution to the wind I allow my feet to take me where Kyungsoo said he’d be. Swiftly descending down the staircase, I exit out the side door down the corridor off the Entrance Hall and run towards the courtyard feeling the harsh winds tugging against my skin.

It’s unusually cold for the first day of April.

Seated between Chanyeol and Baekhyun, he’s laughing away seemingly at the two lanky boys - Kai and Sehun who’ve got their wands at the ready. The courtyard is oddly vacant, save for these four rioters and Kyungsoo. 

Even Chen’s not here. 

All banter comes to an abrupt halt when Kyungsoo’s eyes meet mine, his expression solid as a rock. With a barely perceptible shake of his head he’s signalling me to walk away from here and maybe this is what it feels like being punched in the gut. Four curious pairs of eyes flit between Kyungsoo and me and I feel too numb to even get out of there. Did I make a mistake being here? Is he too embarrassed to acknowledge me in front of his friends? The frigidity of his expression is eating away at my insides. Moments of complete stillness later I sprint out of the courtyard amidst wolf whistles and peals of laughter.

Throwing my bag over my shoulder, I wipe the angry tears rolling down my cheeks and vow to never see this doe eyed pretender again.

KYUNGSOO

It’s been two weeks since the incident. 

Two whole weeks of her arriving after and leaving before me for our shared lessons. She’s even charted up a Detention routine which limits our interactions to curt nods and dismissive grunts. Needless to say, I still don’t know how to conjure a corporeal Patronus. She thinks she’s the only one I could’ve asked? Not Baekhyun. Not Chanyeol’s Slytherin friend. Just her?

So much for her big Ravenclaw brains. 

She walks around all high and mighty displaying her knack for embarrassing honesty but in the moments of truth she plays ostrich. I wasn’t trying to avoid her. I would never. But she’s a complete idiot who’d rather believe otherwise. An idiot who’ll never look into my eyes to feel what I feel. Even if she does, she’d just never accept it. It took me five and a half years to get her to talk to me. And if it takes just one misunderstanding to drive her away like that, I’m not sure if I want to try again.

.

.

.

The only two things I’ve gained out of my short lived acquaintance with Kyungsoo Doh are Detention and a new foul nickname “the girl who follows Kyungsoo around.”

I hear it everywhere I go. The Great Hall, the corridors and the Common Room isn’t very forgiving either. So all thanks to Kyungsoo, I’ve retracted into my wretched shell. I arrive late for lessons and swoop out like an owl as soon as it’s over. I spend every free period in one corner of the Library and try to avoid the Common Room as much as I can.

All these years I spent pretending like the cute, short, portly boy I met on the Hogwarts Express didn’t exist were far better than the last couple of months of letting him into my small Universe. In all honesty, I’ve started to loathe him. It takes immense self control for me to not have his pretty face eat slugs every time I cross paths every time I lay my eyes on it.

“Now, this one here….who can tell me what this is. My dear boy, Kyungsoo?” Holding a vial of liquid pearl in the air for us to see, play-acts Professor Slughorn. Another potential victim of my out-of-character slug attack.

“It’s Amortentia”, Kyungsoo’s voice reaches my ears from the far end of the dungeon. 

“It is indeed. It almost seems foolish to ask”, he says, bringing the vial to my eye level, “but I assume you could tell me what it does?”

“It’s a love potion, Professor.” I say.

“It’s not just a love potion, sir. It’s the most powerful love potion in the world.” Kyungsoo offers and I feel the heat rising up my cheeks. I hate having this volley regarding a love potion with Kyungsoo.

“Excellent! And how did you recognize it, my dear?” Slughorn directs his question to me.

“By its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen.”

“And?” His theatrics redirect to Kyungsoo.

“And the steam rising in characteristic spirals.” His dulcet tone echoes in the gloomy dungeon.

“Well, well, take ten well-earned points each for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw”, says Slughorn genially, “would you two please be kind enough to come forward?”

Kyungsoo and I take, in what it seems like, ages to be stood on either side of Slughorn, arms over our chests, looking in opposite directions.

“There is one more key characteristic --”

“It’s supposed to smell differently to each of us, according to what attracts us”, Interrupting Slughorn, Kyungsoo and I garble.

“So to demonstrate”, Slughorn brings the vial closer to my face, “my dear?”

Consumed by the heady steam rising out of the potion, I clear my throat, “I can smell honey and...eucalyptus and….” Dittany. But I leave it at that, “That’s all Professor.”

“Very well, Mister Doh?” Slughorn quizzes.

“Sleekeazy’s Hair Potion…..Vanilla and …..Dittany.”

***

‘Evanesco!’ 

With that my last bottle of Sleekeazy vanishes in thin air.

“What are you doing up so late?” Chen’s groggy voice makes me jump but I counter, “What are you doing up so late?”

“Early. Up so early. It’s three in the morning”, yawning he waves his Charms textbook in front of my face, “Protean Charm.”

“Vanishing Spell”, I say pointing my wand at the empty table in front of us.

Chen relaxes into the chair next to mine and I let my gaze wander around the deserted Common Room. It really is a work of art encapsulated in all the blue and bronze. The stars painted over the domed ceiling, shine the brightest at this hour of the night, waltzing gracefully across the midnight blue carpet. If they were my stars, they’d wobble and fall owing to their two left feet. Could they, in the very least, give me a reason for this nagging ache in my chest?

‘Aguamenti!’

Drenched and dishevelled by a jet of cold water that shot out of Chen’s wand, I silence his raucous laugh and shower him with the choicest expletives before lifting the spell and drying myself.

“WHAT WAS THAT FOR!” I demand.

“You seemed so lost I was tempted. It’s what my dad uses to wake me up when I oversleep, you know? A nice cold bucket of water.” Chen’s snicker causes me to silence him again and he continues to blather soundlessly. How is this idiot so energetic at three in the morning!

“I’m going to bed”, wearily, I get up to leave and wave my wand at him.

“Wait! Stay”, says Chen, “It’s been quite a while!”

Groaning I slump back into the chair without further protest, “You’re right...so how’s our Head Girl doing?”

“She’s doing great. We’re doing great! She’s signed up to intern with the Ministry this summer under a certain Arthur Weasley...The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office.” Chen beams and making me want to pinch his cheeks in adoration.

“Congratulations Chen! Ah but I’m not surprised. She’s always been as bright as a button.” I can’t help but coo at these lovebirds. At how absolutely smitten they are with each other while I suffer with an inexplicable tug of longing.

“And you, not so bright. Stopped following Kyungsoo around, have we?” Putting on his ‘big brother cloak’ he quizzes me with a raised eyebrow and I shrink back into my chair out of embarrassment, “You know about it?”

“The whole school’s talking about it!”

“I’ve stopped ‘following him around’ now why isn’t anybody talking about that, eh?” My anger is misdirected at Chen.

“He’s been talking about that. About how you’ve been acting like he’s invisible. A notch below satisfactory behaviour, am I right?” The low rumble of his voice thunders.

“You’re defending your stupid friend here! So much for being unbiased, hah!” Seething, I argue.

“You’re absolutely right Dung Brains I am defending my stupid friend here which is you. Now tell me, airhead, what’s it called when two wizards have their wands pointed at each other, in a combative position.”

I groan, he can’t really be asking me that but the urging silence is uncomfortable.

“A duel”, I mumble.

“You, my dear, were walking straight into a battlefield of hair-brained blokes who were surrounded by stink pellets, dungbombs and fireworks. It was only natural for Kyungsoo to ask you to skedaddle, make a run for it...save your life! If only you’d have let him explain?”

Guilt courses through my veins and I find myself in the defensive, “But then why didn’t he just tell me instead of giving me that terrifying look? I thought he’s ...I thought he didn’t want to see me...and..and why didn’t he do anything when those great prunes started laughing at me? Also why do they keep causing trouble everywhere they go? Do they want to fill up Filch’s office with their records before they graduate? It only means more work for me. And for Kyungsoo.”

“They were celebrating a Muggle custom, April Fools’ Day as per the wise counsel of their frog brained leader Baekhyun and Kyungsoo was only trying to protect you. And you were too obtuse to see that. Why won’t you give him a chance? He’s one of the good ones, you know? And those prunes aren’t too bad either. They were laughing not at you but at him...they’re just happy for their friend.”

“Happy? Why?” My heart goes into a wild frenzy.

“You should ask him that. We’re going to be at the Three Broomsticks for Baekhyun’s birthday celebration on our trip to Hogsmeade this Saturday. So naturally, your Detention is suspended for the week. Come along?” He eyes me expectantly.

“Not in a million years”, I deadpan.

“Don’t be stupid”, with a flick of his wand he makes the three bottles of Sleekeazy’s Hair Potion reappear, “and live a little.”

***

On Saturday morning I went down for breakfast feeling thoroughly depressed but trying my best to act normal. Kyungsoo was seated with Yoongi at the Hufflepuff table. He was stealing glances at the Ravenclaw table before his eyes met mine. Pursing his lips he nodded slightly in acknowledgment. For a fleeting second I had a strange desire of joining him at the Hufflepuff table but I quietly slipped into my seat besides the fifth year girl who’s been tutoring Kyungsoo’s friend Kai and has been a tad chipper ever since.

The largest portion of my headspace has been occupied with an internal debate on whether I should apologize to Kyungsoo or not. But I’ve noticed how he’d not been trying too hard either. If I handed him the Detention routine he went along with it without a single word of protest. If I’ve been ignoring him in class he hasn’t been exactly forthcoming. The familiar sense of finality sets deep into my bones and I’ve lost my appetite. I gulp down my tea and slip out of the Great Hall to pay Hagrid a long overdue visit.

.

.

.

They never tire of it. 

The two boys from Slytherin provoked me to strike them with the Twitchy-Ear hex. They’d found it particularly amusing to call me by my stale nickname as I made my way down to Gladrags Wizardwear to buy Hagrid a new moleskin robe. 

He’d been exceptionally understanding despite my despicable behaviour. Not having visited him in nearly six months and communicated with him only via a flurry of owls, I had no idea Fangs had been suffering with distemper. Kyungsoo’s been helping out with a self prepared brew to keep him stable. Explains why he’s been frequenting Hagrid’s hut. Also explains why he didn’t come see me on the second day that I’d spent in the Hospital Wing.

And my attitude towards him explains exactly why he chose to keep the truth about helping me get to the Hospital Wing that day. 

I don’t know how to thank him or apologize to him. Maybe he’s just better off without me. 

I am here in Hogsmeade on a whim. 

As the sun fades into a deeper blue my feet stop outside The Three Broomsticks and I’m desperate to see him. But he’s at a friend’s party and I’d only be making it awkward for everyone.

“Hullo”, a familiar honeyed voice reaches my ears making me stop dead in my tracks.

Taken by surprise, I turn and tip my head back slightly to look up at the large eyed boy, his face bearing that lethal heart shaped smile. I hug myself despite the warmth of May wishing I could make myself smaller.

Having rehearsed an entire apology speech in the shower in the morning, I found myself strangely tongue tied at the sight of him. He prods me to walk the quaint streets of Hogsmeade by his side.

“I’m sorry”, staring into the distance, I muster with a giddy head and a seized up throat.

“No. I’m sorry”, says Kyungsoo as his hand slowly finds mine, inviting stares from passersby, “I should’ve...communicated better. But promise to never shut me out again? I couldn’t take it.”

Fireworks go off in my head at the sudden contact, “No, no I’m sorry I should’ve trusted you and… I promise to never shut you out again.” I couldn’t take it either.

“So what are we now?” He interjects, lacing his warm fingers with mine.

If only he could hear the thunder of my heart, “We’re friends again?”

“Friends who fancy each other? Isn’t that a bit odd?”

“I-- umm, I--”.

“I --- umm?” He teases, “Okay...I fancy you. I always have. In case you hadn’t noticed.”

Going up on my toes I plant a little kiss on his jaw, I don’t know what came over me. Maybe I’ve finally gone mad.

His fingers run over his jaw lightly and he chuckles, “If you attack me like this again I’d have to report you to Professor Sprout.” Letting go off my hand he wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. I feel a tingling sensation run down my spine.

Having circled the rural settlement for nearly an hour, we’re famished. We find ourselves on the High Street, right outside of Honeydukes, “After you, M’lady!” Crouching down in a bow, Kyungsoo gestures me to walk in.

M’lady?

Together we stare in wonder at the shelves upon shelves of the most succulent looking sweets imaginable. We’ve both, individually, been here countless times but together we feel like children lost in wonderland. I realize how light my pockets feel as Kyungsoo’s eyes wander around the shop ambitiously.

“Kyungsoo, I only have enough for Hagrid’s moleskin robe. I didn’t think I’d need a lot of gold for this trip...I could make a quick run to a Cashpoint first”, embarrassed, I admit.

“If we were to compound the five Galleons that I’ve owed you for six years now, I’m certain I could buy you half the shop!” The portly Ambrosius Flume, the owner of Honeydukes, clears his throat in annoyance at Kyungsoo’s comment, eyeing us suspiciously. 

Buy half the shop we did. 

Kyungsoo wasn’t entirely lucky with all the flavours of Berti Botts having sampled soap, dirt and earwax while I almost choked on a rotten-egg flavoured one. The Pepper Imps had us breathing fire at each other and a lock of my hair got caught in the line which Kyungsoo doused just in time and saved my scalp from going up in flames. We pigged on Peppermint Toads which made us sick after they literally started hopping frantically in our stomachs. 

Kyungsoo suggested we make a quick stop at Dogweed and Deathcap for a handful of leaves of a very foul smelling plant that were supposed to help us keep our barbaric fare down. When I absolutely refused to chew on them, Kyungsoo force fed me. The weird red dotted black leaves made our mouths go completely dry and left us with a pungent after taste.

“If you wanted me dead, you could’ve just used the Unforgivable Curse instead!” I cried.

We realized if we weren’t quick about it, we’d just end up breaking curfew so we sprinted to Gladrags Wizardwear to pick up Hagrid’s robe only to be tempted to by the thought of staying longer in each other’s company. Going back to Hogwarts meant being held hostage by the blue and bronze and the yellow and black. I’ve never appreciated Hogwarts’ divisive House system, even more so now.

“We’ll make it in time if we leave exactly at 9:30 p.m.” Kyungsoo reasons.

“How much longer do we have now?” I ask, dreading the answer.

“20ish?” he says sheepishly.

Burying my face into his warm and fuzzy sweater, I whine, “That’s not a lot.”

Squeezing me in a hug he says, “Then let’s make the most of it!”

We enter the shop that’s apparently been dressing ‘the Elegant Wizard’ for over two centuries with lurid socks and flashy robes. I chance upon a moleskin one which I quickly set aside for Hagrid and a furry red one with silver and gold stars that bounced off of it. I egged Kyungsoo to try it on over his all black Muggle clothing along with a bright yellow hat made out of chicken and pheasant feathers. He on the other hand picked out a black velvet robe with a high collar, a set of fake fangs and dragon hide boots that made me look like a vicar at something that the Muggles call a “rock concert.”

The disapproving help at the shop agreed to get our magazine cover worthy looks on camera. She said she’d get them printed and that we could get a copy on our next visit for fifteen Sickles.

Along with Hagrid’s robe, I purchased a pair of socks for the birthday boy Baekhyun. They were patterned with wolves that howled when the socks got too smelly.

And then, just like that, it was time for us to go back to Hogwarts.

***

Which came first; the Phoenix or the Flame?

The eagle knocker drawls and for the first time in six years I have no clue what it’s talking about. I’ve lost all ability to reason and all I want to right now is run over to the Hufflepuff Tower. A tall, thin boy who stood leaned against the wall next to the door comes out of the shadows ‘tsk-ing’ at me.

“Aren’t you supposed to be one of the smart ones? Did Kyungsoo really manage to dumb you down?” He chuckles before proceeding to answer the knocker, leading us into the Common Room. 

I choose to not answer him but he continues to look at me questioningly. He extends his arm and says, “I’m Sehun Oh, fifth-year.”

“I know”, I say, “I’m --”

“I know who you are. The pretty girl who’s captured Kyungsoo’s heart thus breaking mine.” He dramatically clutches at his chest, falls and rolls over on the floor. 

Excusing myself, I softly apologize to the elongated Flobberworm and head over to the Dormitory.

“Wait!”, he calls out, “I didn’t mean to weird you out! Are you up for a game of Chess? You’re practically a friend now… considering what you have going on with Kyungsoo. And I’m really bored.”

What do I have going on with Kyungsoo and what does Flobberworm know about it?

Unsure of my role here as a friend or an entertainer, I decide to indulge him with, “...just one game!”

“Wicked! Let me call Chen and you can ask his girl to join.. also Miss Ravenclaw!”

“Aren’t we all Ravenclaw?”

“Sorry...you know the girl who’s tutoring Kai?”

This is by far the most eventful day I’ve had in all of my six years at Hogwarts.

***

Resting his chin on my shoulder, he’s circled his arms around my waist as we stare into the distance from the Wooden Bridge. Every free period finds us together, somewhere very far away from prying eyes. The seventh floor and the Bridge are our usual haunts. Although, we think of these excursions as extremely detrimental to our upcoming exams, we realize there’s nothing to be gained out of fighting a troll. That is, our intense feelings for each other. But I’m not that brave and honestly neither is he. The shadows underneath his eyes are self explanatory.

“We need to chart up a study schedule. We barely have any time left!” I say bursting out of our saccharine bubble.

“Sure”, he nods, “whatever you say.”

“Kyungsoo!” Freeing myself from his embrace I turn around to face him, “We need to make it to the seventh year!”

“Who says we won’t?”

He’s loopy.

“Kyungsoo!”

“That’s me.”

“Kyungsoo!” 

He pulls me into a hug again and I’m close enough to see the constellation of moles on his neck. “Mmm Sleekeazy”, he hums, sniffing my hair. Distracting me.

“Do you need some?” I ask, immediately realising how his hair seems to be getting shorter each day. I run a hand over his head, “guess you don’t. What do you keep doing with your hair?”

“I like it like that. It’s more comfortable”, he sighs, “Wait! You don’t like it?”

“I can learn to live with it. Besides, more Sleekeazy for me. Keeps my hair from looking like a bunch of Flobberworms!”

Flobberworm! 

I have a Chess game to win!

“Kyungsoo! I have to go. I need to win this time. That Sehun boy is ridiculously good at Chess. Even Chen and I together don’t stand a chance against him.”

“Wait! You’re abandoning me for Sehun?” He asks, mock angrily.

“Noooo! I just….have to win this time. And you need to go chart up a study schedule for us. Also, what are you doing next week?”

“Whatever you’re doing next week”, he says, batting his eyelashes. And I try to suppress a smile.

“Have you ever watched a Quidditch match before?”

“Baekhyun’s Captain of Gryffindor, Kai is the Keeper. Chanyeol is the captain of the Slytherin team and Sehun’s the Seeker for Ravenclaw. And Yoongi is a lousy Beater. So yes, I have. Except I’ve never found myself rooting for my own House. And if you tell those Mandrakes this, I’m afraid I will have to break up with you despite you being the prettiest, smartest, nicest girl I’ve ever met. I’m sorry I don’t make the rules.” 

“Aww”, I tease, “Noted. And you could’ve just said yes. Let’s watch the Hufflepuff vs Ravenclaw match next week?”

“We’ll be in different stands!” He cries.

“Oh! That’s absolutely terrible but can we go anyway? I finally have someone to root for.”

“You’ve always had Ravenclaw to root for!”

“No, silly! Sehun Oh.”

“Ah! Of course”, he says, putting his arms around me. Again.

***

On the morning of the match, I had my game face on. I don’t even know why.

Having successfully followed the study schedule that Kyungsoo had laid out for us, our mood was light, and we were ready to let our hair down. Which, for all practical purposes, wasn’t something Kyungsoo was capable of. We were walking up to the pitch until it was time for us to go our separate ways.

“You turn right and I’ll go left”, I instruct Kyungsoo.

“I’m aware of where the Hufflepuff stands are. Thank you for your consideration.”

“Okay then”, I giggle, “see you later?”

“No...you’re joining me in the Hufflepuff stands.”

“Do you want me to get expelled? Was that your grand scheme all along?”

“Of course they’re going to expel you for this. And if they do, I promise to voluntarily drop out.”

“What will we do then? Deal in stolen artefacts?”

“Looks like you have it all planned out.”

“No, I just know someone...great we’re off on a tangent again! No, I’m not joining you in the Hufflepuff stands. Bye bye Kyungsoo Doh. See you later!”

“You’re bound by law to break the law”, he hands me a neatly folded parchment, “Chen’s detention record. When you came to see me that day, it made me wonder. What was so important? So I went back to sift through the records you’d worked on and voila!”

“What’s ‘voila’?”

“Don’t digress. Come along, house-elf and find me a good seat.”

“Yessir”, I give up. And covering all the blue and bronze of my uniform with the black robe, I sneak into the Hufflepuff stands. 

The things I do for this bald idiot.

The pitch is pulsing with a contagious energy and I find myself completely engaged as soon as Madam Hooch’s first whistle sounds. All the whizzing and whirring players make my head spin so I have my eyes trained on the Ravenclaw goalpost except for when I’m checking up on Sehun’s progress with the Snitch. Ravenclaw hasn’t been doing too well and with the game down to it’s final few minutes, Sehun really is their only hope. Kyungsoo pulls me down everytime I jump or squeal for the Ravenclaw side, “Do you want to get thrashed?” he whispers.

And just then the commentator shouts, “Ravenclaw’s Seeker Sehun has caught the Snitch! RAVENCLAW HAS WON THE MATCH!”

My voice is hoarse from all the screaming. I turn around to face Kyungsoo pulling him in a tight hug annoying all the Hufflepuff fans around us. 

In a fleeting moment of exhilaration, his lips are on mine and the world stops.

***

"Happy memory!" I parrot for our last lesson before the year ends but Kyungsoo seems to be awfully distracted. That teasing smile on his face he's trying not so hard to contain is making my heart thump against my ribcage.

"Focus", I croon once again with mock annoyance but my brain is mush and I feel like I'm levitating because there's no way my jelly legs could be supporting my stance right now. He sways closer to give me a quick peck on the nose. 

"Happy memory", he whispers as his eyes search mine. Brushing a stray lock of hair away from my face, he allows his thumb to softly caress my cheek. His fingers pry for mine before they're intertwined in a steady grip. 

We take our positions, raise our wands and yell with a flick, "Expecto Patronum!"

Two lynxes dance around the Room of Requirement illuminating it with the gleam of their silver.

Dumbstruck, I tilt my head to face Kyungsoo, “Your Patronus...”

“Our Patronuses”, he whispers.

“We have the same --”

Kyungsoo reaches for my waist and draws me close, his plush lips an agonizing touch away from mine. Twirling my fingers in the seams of his robe, I close my eyes and feel my breath hitch in my throat. A tingling sensation spreads through every fragment of my being as his hand finds the back of my neck and his lips meet mine in a dizzying kiss.

.

.

.

Two Years Later

My house looks wonky.

And, no. It’s not the after effect of Apparating here. A wonky house held up by charms in the middle of nowhere was the only thing Kyungsoo and I could afford with his meagre pay at J. Pippin’s Potions and the modest “severance” I received after being practically disinherited by Gran for wasting my time with a Muggle-born.

I trudge the short distance from the shabby front garden to the main door, weary from my dismal performance in today’s Stealth and Tracking lesson. 

The door swings open and the pungent odour coming out from Kyungsoo’s makeshift Apothecary in our basement makes me want to barf. Putting a bubble around my head to avoid the smell, I traipse to the basement.

A bald Kyungsoo is bent over a cauldron, the steam from which has fogged up his glasses and has apparently made him go deaf. I poke him on his shoulder to grab his attention, making him jump. Therefore causing his little vials to smash on the floor.

I just set us back by twenty Galleons.

Kyungsoo is quick to clear the sloppy and shard-y mess I’d made and reverse the Bubble Head charm I’d put myself under. He covers up the putrid cauldron immediately.

Tears well up in my eyes and I lean into his chest. 

The world is bleak.

“You’re home”, he coaxes, gently running a gloved hand over my head.

“Remind me again why I chose to become an Auror? I could’ve done anything with my perfect N.E.W.T. scores. I’m disastrous at this!” I’m sobbing against his soft ‘t-shirt’ as he comforts me with a ‘shhh..it’s okay’. “The chickens have made such a mess in the coop, Soo and I haven’t heard back from the Auror Office on the internship yet. We have a piteous stack of gold in our vault at Gringotts….” sniffling I continue, “You know we could just keep our money in a safe here..those clever Goblins are making so much money out of our money! The vault is a bad decision...we’re losing more money because of it. I hate the vault and the chickens and this house! What if it crumbles down while we’re asleep? What will we do then?” I pull away from him, my wide eyes demanding answers.

“We won’t have to worry about much if the roof comes crashing on us”, He reasons with a slight teasing smile. 

“The very stringent Auror Office accepted you because you’re a brilliant witch and right, I believe you enrolled with them only to spite Gran. And honestly my love, you’re being too hard on yourself. You did really well on the Concealment and Disguise training, didn’t you?” He says, lifting my chin up.

“Also on the Memory Charm”, I offer quietly, making him chuckle.

“Exactly! What else is bothering you? Ahh the chickens and the vault?” 

“Also the fact that Gran hates you and your parents think I’m a sinister witch who has tied their son down”, my lips begin to tremble again.

He sighs.

“I promise to take care of the chicken situation tomorrow and my love, we finally have a reason to keep that vault”, his eyes enlarge into beautiful brown circles and his plush lips stretch into a heart. A shrill pitch betrays his otherwise deep, calm voice, “Dogweed and Deathcap has offered me a job with a pay raise and a free supply of ingredients! Which is a great thing because ever since you’ve started your Auror training you’ve practically emptied my Dittany stores!”

“KYUNGSOO! I’m so happy for you!” Screaming, I jump into his arms and he twirls me around, dancing and giggling.

Panting, he says excitedly, “Wait! There’s more. Apparently the article on the benefits of Confusing Concoction I co-authored with Slughorn’s Warlock friend’s daft grand nephew?”

I nod vigorously.

“That article really took off! One of the reviews called me a ‘promising Potioneer’! Gran apparently got a whiff of that article...”

My expression soured, “And?”

“She’s invited us home to discuss it!” He rummages for a letter in his desk drawer and hands it to me, “Take a look at this!”

The letter reads in Gran’s shrewd yet artistic handwriting. She mentions, to the best of her abilities, how proud she is of me for following my parents’ footsteps and that she’d like to see us for dinner to discuss our ‘future’.

“She’s coming around”, Kyungsoo crouches to peer into my blank eyes.

“Took her long enough.”

“There’s one more thing”, he says sheepishly.

It looks like an evening full of surprises. 

Kyungsoo gives me a glossy magazine with a still picture of a woman in the most garish outfit I’ve ever seen with the word VOGUE sprawled across her scrawny frame in big bold white letters.

“Soo, why are you giving me a Muggle magazine?”

“For Muggle clothing inspo.”

I hate it when he uses these ridiculous foreign terms like “inspo” and “voila”. “Voila” is definitely his favourite.

“Why would I need clothing inspiration, Soo? Do you not like what I wear?”

“I love what you wear. Even when you don’t wear --”

“Soo!”

“Okay umm we have to take a trip to London...my parents would like to have us over for the weekend….you’re”, he pauses, “you’re okay with that right?”

It’s a lot to process. 

What if they prosecute me by hanging? I’ve read about what Muggles do to witches. Idly running through the pages of the magazine which suddenly seems too heavy for my arms, I buy time. Kyungsoo patiently waits for my answer.

“What’s ‘goss’?” I mumble, eyes trained on ‘Vogue’.

“Gossip?”

“Ahh...I have some ‘goss’ on Baekhyun and his girlfriend.” I digress and let me.

His brows crinkle in concern, “Oh-kay?”

“They were caught snogging in one of the Training Rooms yesterday...”

“And what became of them?”

“I don’t know.” They were made to clean all the Training Rooms the Muggle way. “Kyungsoo, I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He pulls me into his arms and presses his soft lips to my forehead, “We’ll get through this.”

“Of course, we will. We’re soulmates”, I say into his chest, reminiscing the time we’d kissed while two lynxes waltzed around us.

Suddenly, with a loud boom, Kyungsoo’s cauldron went flying in the air. It’s bubbling hot contents splattered on the walls of our basement. The impact made us duck under his desk.

“I forgot to turn off the burner.”

[parkertorrence-blog]

NecroManIcon part 1.2

Book of the Black Dragon

Part One chapter two :: Tiamat

According to Assyro-Babylonian mythology, at the beginning of the world there were two primordial beings-Apsu, the male incarnation of fresh water and space; and Tiamat, the female incarnation of the sea and chaos. [Dragons A Natural History by Dr. Karl Shuker, Simon & Schuster 1995]

The coming of order-the division of light from darkness, of the heavens and the earth from the waters-required that the first dragons be conquered, since they were demons of disorder. Their foes were gods, not men, for these leviathans existed long before humankind appeared. [DRAGONS (The Enchanted World) by the Editors of Time-Life Books 1984] On that very day when the Unicorn drew forth from barren rock a gushing spring of life, the seeds of doom were sown as well. For even as those shining waters spread their fertile mosture, they poured into unlighted fissures and trickled down to secret, burning caverns that wound among the mountains' roots. There, in those abysmal chambers, the sacred waters' life-bestowing charge was first expended in raising up a living thing. And thus in fire and in darkness was the Dragon born. Her nature bears everlasting testimony to the uneasy birth, and ever after, no other creature has possessed the same measure of strength and cunning. Now the first dragon was Yaldabaoth (though she is called Tliamat as well, and many other names besides). She was fearsomely wrought, with darting, lidless eyes; and the first sight caught in her unblinking gaze was her own image, reflected in the dark waters. She worshipped the sight, and a secret lust for that selfsame image consumed her heart for all time since. And Yaldabaoth grew great and spawned others like herself: Nagamat and Kaliyet and Orkus, Tarasque and Serpens; and many more besides. Now while dragons are of many sizes and shapes, all are swift and sharp of intellect, and thirst after knowledge. While the Unicorn seeks to divine the secrets of creation that he may more perfectly know the Creator, the Dragon desires the same that it may gain dominion over all the world, and thereby conquer death. [Quest: In Search of the Dragontooth by Michael Green, Running Press 1994] Poets of every ancient land spoke of the titanic patterns of their conflicts. From the fertile crescent of Mesopotamia, formed by the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, came the earliest tales. There, thousands of years ago, an unknown scribe in the land of Babylon set down on seven clay tablets a story of creation that had already descended through generations of his people by word of mouth. In the beginning, wrote the scribe, when all was dark and formless, two primal beings came into existence. One was male, the spirit of fresh water and the void, and it was called Apsu. The other was female, the spirit of salt water and chaos, and it was a dragon, composed of elements of dangerous creatures yet to come: It possessed the jaws of a crocodile, the teeth of a lion, the wings of a bat, the legs of a lizard, the talons of an eagle, the body of a python, the horns of a bull. The dragon's name was Tiamat.     The union of these two creatures, wrote the scribe, spawned the gods, and one of them killed his father, Apsu. [DRAGONS (The Enchanted World) by the Editors of Time-Life Books 1984] ABSU rose up to slay the Elder Gods by stealth. With magick charm and spell ABSU fought, But was slain by the sorcery of the Elder Gods. And it was their first victory. His body was lain in an empty Space In a crevice of the heavens Hid He was slain, But his blood cried out to the Abode of Heaven. [Necronomicon by Simon, Avon Books 1980] Then in her dragon's fury, Tiamat gave birth to a new kind of offspring, a menagerie of monsters to afflict her first brood. She brought forth scorpion men and demon lions, giant serpents and-lesser versions of herself-glittering dragons. Chaos reigned in the formless void. In order to defend themselves, the gods called one of their own number as a champion. [DRAGONS (The Enchanted World) by the Editors of Time-Life Books 1984] MARDUK was chosen of the Elders to fight KUR and wrest power from the Great Sleeping Serpent who dwells beneath the Mountians of the Scorpion. MARDUK was given a weapon, and a Sign, and Fifty Powers were given to him to fight the awful TIAMAT. [Necronomicon by Simon, Avon Books 1980] This was Marduk, who would become lord of the universe. Armed with a net and a club, with poison, with bow and arrow and a quiver of lightning bolts, the god Marduk mounted a storm chariot drawn by four swift and violent steeds. He was escorted by the four winds and a mighty hurricane. Thus arrayed in terror, Mardruk searched the universe for Tiamat, his dragon mother. [DRAGONS (The Enchanted World) by the Editors of Time-Life Books 1984] Transported by the power of a tumultuous, raging tempest, he swiftly reached the appointed battlefield, and at once the massed forces of Tiamat arose to destroy him. [Dragons A Natural History by Dr. Karl Shuker, Simon & Schuster 1995] She summoned the Viper, the Dragon, and the Winged Bull, The Great Lion, the Mad-Dog, and the Scorpion-Man. Mighty rabid Demons, Feathered-Serpents, the Horse-Man, Bearing weapons that spare not Fearless in Battle, Charmed with the spells of ancient sorcery, ...withal Eleven of this kind she brought forth With KINGU as Leader of the Minions. [Necronomicon by Simon, Avon Books 1980] But as Tiamat approached, with her troops in her wake, Marduk flung his net over this vast monster, enveloping her in an inextricable tangle of mesh that bound her so tightly she was unable to break free. Immediately, Marduk directed the wild fury of the hurricane into her face, and as expected, Tiamat opened her colossal jaws in a frenzied attempt to engulf her persecutor. The hurricane surged into her moth, exerting the full force of its raging power to prevent her from closing her jaws again, gripping her heart with chill fingers of ice and inflating her belly with its vigorous breath. [Dragons A Natural History by Dr. Karl Shuker, Simon & Schuster 1995] Then, taking aim with his bow, Marduk shot an arrow between Tiamat's open jaws, straight down into her heart. "Her inner parts he cleft," wrote the scribe. "He split her heart. He rendered her powerless and destroyed her life. He felled her body and stood upright on it." The death of Tiamat threw her beast-brood into confusion, and they fled for their lives. But Marduk caught them all in his net and put them in chains and threw them into the infernal regions. [DRAGONS (The Enchanted World) by the Editors of Time-Life Books 1984] The old order was no more. Once he had annihilated all her panic-stricken followers, too, Marduk set about creating an entire world from the carcass of Tiamat. After cleaving her body in two, he fashioned one half into the heavens, and molded the other into the earth. He set the stars in the heavens and garnished the earth with fields, forests, rivers, and mountains, populating them with a teeming myriad of wildlife. [Dragons A Natural History by Dr. Karl Shuker, Simon & Schuster 1995] From the Blood of KINGU he fashioned Man. He constructed Watchtowers for the Elder Gods Fixing their astral bodies as constellations That they may watch the Gate of ABSU The Gate of TIAMAT they watch The Gate of KINGU they oversee The Gate whose Guardian is IAK SAKKAK they bind. All the Elder Powers resist The Force of Ancient Artistry The Magick Spell of the Oldest Ones The Incantation of the Primal Power The Mountain KUR, the Serpent God The Mountain MASHU, that of Magick The Dead KUTULU, Dead but Dreaming TIAMAT, Dead but Dreaming And shall their generation come again? [Necronomicon by Simon, Avon Books 1980] The world turned dark and I believed I swooned, though somehow I did not fall. Mind reeling, I gained my wits, and saw that I stood no longer above a hissing sea, but in a craggy wilderness overlooking a shadowy plain! The ramparts above us were gone; there was not the slightest sign of human habitation. I turned in utmost confusion to my host, and he responded with a look of grave intensity. "Behold Magh Dá Cheo, the Plain of the Two Mists," he said. "Follow, if you wish to know the beginnings." I followed. The ground was moist, and a rich damp fragrance filled the air. Wild mountains rose beyond the plan, and the sun hung at the horizon just as in the world we had left behind us. My host moved quickly forward down a narrow defile, for light was waning. We threaded our way along a path between jagged outcroppings, all overgrown in places with a rich cloak of fern and moss glowing like jewels in the last golden rays of the sun. There seemed to be ancient languages writ in the delicate wrinkles that adorned the rocks, but I cannot say for sure. My spirit rose in gladness, for I had found my way into the magic hidden realm! The dying light illuminated a great and convoluted thing hanging in the darkness. Along moment I regarded it in puzzlement, until with a start I saw it was a monstrous skull unlike any creature that I knew. Its forehead was fully three spans in width, and armed with horns and tusks. Yet it was also a thing of fierce and efficient beauty, and I knew suddenly that through the flesh was gone a refined and ancient will remained. Like a shining sword, it was both supremely rational and mystical. It would accept no obstacle; it would penetrate every opposing strategy in pursuit of higher purpose. [Quest: In Search of the Dragontooth by Michael Green, Running Press 1994]

[smoll-tangerine]

ten reasons why i hate you: reason #7

SYNOPSIS. while you admittedly didn’t refuse the arranged marriage between you and jung jaehyun, that didn’t mean that you’d allow him to treat you like a doormat. for the emotional distress he had put you through during the months leading up to your engagement party, you ensure that he will pay for the way he had been treating you for the rest of his life. 

PAIRING. rich boy!jaehyun x rich girl!reader GENRES. romance, fluff, angst, drama, rich kid!au CHAPTER WORD COUNT. 2621 

WARNINGS. (spoiler alert!!) someone got cancer, use of the term “bitch.”

DISCLAIMER. this is a work of fiction based on fictional events and characters. it is unrelated to any real people, organisations, locations, and events. the laws, and legal and medical interpretations in this work have also been modified for storytelling purposes.

TAGLIST. @crescent-iak @moonchele @ahtisa02 @ghostfacefricker6969 @jaehyunnie77 @jungish @anya-writes-stuff @hey-won @ishireads @xxxx-23nct @peachibevuti @shepeelsoranges @hopefulchick​ @baehaechannie​ @ya-lame​ @yumilovesavocado (bolded = unable to tag) 

[a/n]: a fair warning, this will be the last fluffy chapter for the rest of the series. enjoy it while you can hehe. super long chapter ahead to make up for my long hiatus!! i also really, really enjoyed writing this chapter. idk if it’s because it’s just little blurbs of moments. pls pls comment!! i love reading your feedback�� a reminder to send me an ask if you want to be on the taglist~

← REASON #6 || MASTERLIST || REASON #8 → 

REASON #7 

You didn’t understand what compelled you to accept Jaehyun’s ridiculous request in the first place. 

Scratch that. You didn’t really accept Jaehyun’s request. 

At least, not without a condition of your own. 

You could tell from the look of frustration on Doyoung’s face that he also didn’t understand the reasoning behind your decision. 

“Who does he think he is?” he scoffed at Jaehyun’s condition and then gave you a small glare. Though you knew that he wasn’t truly mad at you. He could never. “What were even you thinking?”

You shrugged nonchalantly. “In the end, I won’t lose anything.” 

“Our relationship isn’t something worth considering?” 

You raised a brow at his snarky remark, silently asking him if he truly meant what he said, considering the fact that he was the one who dumped you in the first place. 

“Let’s be honest, Doyoung, do you really think that Jaehyun’s going to be able to actually break things off with her?” you replied. “That’s why I included a condition of my own. I’m only going to cut all ties with you after the five months are up.” 

Doyoung still seemed displeased with the situation. “Do you really think that you can cut all ties with me?” 

You scoffed. “Of course not. Not only our families are friends, we work at the same hospital. I’m not about to drop everything just because of a boy who made me cry.” 

A pregnant silence fell upon you two. 

It didn’t hit you how much your words rang true until you realized how silent Doyoung was being, considering how much he had to say about the situation. 

He let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah. That’s always how you’ve been.” 

You frowned at his statement, but did not refute. 

“You’ve never let anything—anyone—deter you from your goals. That was one of the reasons why I fell in love with you in the first place,” he continued. “But also one of the reasons why we had to break up.” 

“What are you trying to say, exactly?” 

Doyoung shrugged nonchalantly, allowing you to see that he meant no harm nor did he mean to offend you. “Sometimes, I can’t help but think what if you were just more... flexible? Would that have helped salvage our relationship?” 

“Perhaps,” you mused. 

He turned to you with a bitter smile. “Let’s say he meant it. Meant every word he said about breaking things off and needing—what, five months?—to make things right by you. And you can see that he’s truly making efforts to make your marriage work. Would you abandon your plan?” 

You chuckled at his words and tilted your head in curiosity. “Where is this coming from?” 

“My personal feelings aside,” he explained, “you’re still one of my closest friends. I still care about you, regardless of what happened between us. I only wish for your happiness. And I can see how it’s not this marriage with Jaehyun that’s draining you, but also this plan of yours to take him down. To make him regret.” 

Doyoung poked the little space between your brows and gave you his signature bunny smile. You couldn’t help but smile back in response. 

“I’m just saying.” 

“Yeah?” 

“It wouldn’t hurt to be more flexible in this case.” 

FIRST MONTH

“What is this?” 

You were slightly taken aback by the appearance of Jaehyun’s silver McLaren Speedtail parked in front of the hospital you worked at. As much as you disliked him, you couldn’t deny that he had taste in cars. 

Jaehyun smiled at you as he opened the door to the passenger seat for you and motioned you to get in. 

“What are you doing?” 

“I’m picking you up?” 

“Yeah, why exactly are you picking me up?” 

He let out a small huff through his nose. “Why would I not pick up my wife from her workplace after a long day?” 

You almost choked on your own spit as you couldn’t believe the words that came out of Jaehyun’s mouth. 

Did he just call you... his wife? 

You wordlessly entered his vehicle in a slight daze, unsure of what just occurred. You almost had to pinch yourself to make sure that you weren’t dreaming about the current situation you were in. 

It was just some weeks after he made you that promise on your honeymoon, but you didn’t expect him to spend time with you in addition to break things off with Chaeyoung. 

Sure, he said that he was going to try and make your marriage work. But this seemed like a complete 180 of his usual behaviour towards you that it almost gave you whiplash at how nice he could be. 

It reminded you of that time Chaeyoung told you that Jaehyun truly was a nice person, but you simply brought the worst out of him. 

It made you wonder if she was right. 

But the slight giddiness caused by Jaehyun’s actions and your lack of mental energy from work caused you to drop that question completely. 

It wouldn’t hurt to bask in this slight happiness, wouldn’t it? 

MONTH 2 

“Did you start the movie without waiting for me?” Jaehyun shouted in pure disbelief from your kitchen as he was busy making popcorn for the two of you. 

“No?” you shouted back, feigning innocence. 

Movie nights were now almost a weekly occurrence. 

Jaehyun would pick you up from work and you two would head back to your place. It first started with an episode from a series, then a short film, and then a whole movie marathon. You two never really set up a date or anything of the short. It just became something that was... natural. 

It honestly scared you just how natural things felt between you and Jaehyun. 

It was scary to see how well you actually got along with him. 

You didn’t expect to have this much in common with him. Your parents reassured you prior to your engagement that you would love the guy they had set you up with. You didn’t actually expect them to be right to this extent. 

“Scoot over,” he said to you. 

“No,” you refuted and sprawled over your couch, ensuring that he doesn’t have any space for him to sit. 

“I will sit on you!” 

“No, you won’t!” 

You let out a small screech as he actually sat on you. But you could tell that he didn’t put his full weight on you. 

“Get off me! You’re so heavy!” 

“I told you to scoot over!” 

You threw your head back in laughter, slightly wondering in the back of your mind when was the last time you’ve felt this way. 

Whatever it was, you wouldn’t mind continuing feeling this way. 

MONTH 3 

“So, when can we expect a grandchild?” 

Both you and Jaehyun choked on your food and immediately reached for your glass of water.

It was uncanny how you two started mirroring each other’s actions. 

Due to how busy everyone was, both of your families set up mandatory bi-weekly dinners. To get to know each other as in-laws but also in hopes of you and Jaehyun getting closer and less awkward in a stressful environment such as dinner with both families. 

“Your mother-in-law is right,” your mum dabbed a side of her mouth with a napkin. “It’s been almost four months since your honeymoon. Are there going to be any good news in the near future?” 

“How many children are you two planning on having?” 

“It’d be best to have the children at the beginning of your marriage before you two get too old for it.” 

Your tongue poked your inner cheek and you sighed in slight annoyance. That single bottle of red wine will not last you long enough. And you could tell from the look that Jaehyun gave you cheekily that he shared the same thoughts. 

To be honest, you didn’t even know if children were in the plans. 

Your relationship with Jaehyun wasn’t at a stage where you two can discuss this matter freely. Just thinking about it, even by yourself, was embarrassing. 

Hell, your relationship with Jaehyun wasn’t even at a stage where you two can even produce the very children your parents were talking about. 

“To be honest, I think that three children is perfect,” Jaehyun said with a smile. “But I think that also depends on my wife since she’s the one giving birth. What do you think, honey?” 

You coughed at the nickname that he used that came out of his mouth so naturally. As if that was something he always called you by. 

You froze in your seat as all eyes were on you, impatiently waiting for your opinion about the matter. You quickly turned to Jaehyun, eyes wide in panic as you had no idea what to say. 

He gave you a teasing smirk and sipped on his wine, probably enjoying this situation more than he should. But he still made no move to help you out despite your silent plea for help. 

“Yeah, three children sounds good to me?” you squeaked. 

All the elders erupted in laughter at your response and proceeded to discuss your future without the two of you. 

“So, three children, huh?” 

Jaehyun’s voice was ticklish in your ear.

“Guess we should start pretty soon.” 

MONTH 4 

It was a bit crazy to see the evolution of your relationship with Jaehyun. 

True to his words, Jaehyun did really try his best to make this marriage work. Because of that, there was some sort of tension between the two of you whenever you’d spend time together alone. You didn’t know whether it was sexual or platonic, but you dared to say that there was some sort of connection. 

You two often spent time together. If not spending time watching movies together, then it would be grabbing lunch or dinner, or going on small dates whenever you could. It took you two four months before you two finally held hands, but considering how your relationship first started, you’d like to think that it was immense progress. 

You two were now even making plans about moving in together. 

It made sense for the two of you to live together since you two were married. Not to mention there was no way you were going to move back in with your parents. It was actually Jaehyun’s suggestion that the two of you moved in together, surprisingly. You didn’t expect him to make such suggestion, but you guessed that just showed how dedicated he was to his promise to you. 

“Hey, where are you?” you called him as he was almost ten minutes late. “Are you still picking me up?” 

“Hey, yes! Sorry, something happened,” he replied, evidently in distress. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to pick you up today. I will send over one of my drivers so–” 

“Is everything alright? You don’t sound too good.” 

“Yes, everything is alright,” he continued. “I’m sorry that I can’t pick you up. I know we said that we were going to go furniture shopping today.” 

“Don’t be. We can always go another time,” you told him. “And don’t worry about the ride. I’ll ask Doyoung to give me a ride home or something.” 

You almost gasped at your words, remembering that Jaehyun didn’t like it whenever you would hang out with Doyoung. You knew that he didn’t mean to be controlling over who you hung out with. But to be fair, Doyoung was your ex-boyfriend and your colleague. 

You thought that Jaehyun would say something, especially since he would always grumble about how you had to meet up with Doyoung at some times. But he didn’t, which admittedly, was more surprising than expected.

“Okay, sounds good. I’ll call you later tonight!” 

If anything, it seemed like Jaehyun was so preoccupied that he didn’t even register who were you going to ask a ride from. 

Jaehyun was never one to reschedule things. He disliked being flaky. If anything, he would always tell you in advance if plans needed to be changed. 

You had a gnawing feeling at the pit of your stomach, eating you away for some odd reason. 

But you pushed it down as you told yourself that it was probably nothing. If it was anything important, Jaehyun would definitely let you know. 

If only you had listened to your guts that night. 

LAST MONTH  

“I’m sorry to ask this of you.” 

You wanted to laugh at the pitiful situation you were in, but you could only stare at Jaehyun and Chaeyoung in disbelief. 

The room was unbearably silent. Jaehyun’s apology echoed in your ears. The ticking sound that the clock in your office made sounded louder than usual. Blood rushed to your ears, the rhythmic thumping of your heartbeat was somehow comforting yet agonizing at the same time. 

“You’re one of the best surgical oncologist in the country,” Jaehyun continued. “I didn’t know who else to ask.” 

Anybody but me, you wanted to say. You could have asked anybody but me. 

“The other doctors we’ve seen so far all recommended that we come and see you. They say you’re the best there is, and if we were to treat a tumour of this size, only you could do it.” 

Shut up. Please shut up. 

You weren’t one to believe in karma. But you also liked to believe that due to everything—the hell—you had been through due to Jaehyun and Chaeyoung, that you wouldn’t be on the receiving end of karma. 

But karma was a bitch. 

And, so was cancer. 

“Please.”

Don’t ask me to treat her.

Please don’t ask me to treat her. 

“Please save Chaeyoung,” Jaehyun begged. “I will do anything. Anything you ask me, if you can just save her.” 

You stole a glance over at the circled number on your calendar, wondering if Jaehyun even knew what day it was. If he was just the slightest aware of what exactly was he asking of you. 

You knew you should have listened to your guts last month. 

You knew that you should have probed him further. 

You should have known the second he started picking you up less often. Started calling you less often. Started spending less time with you often. 

You should have known. 

And you hated yourself for trusting Jaehyun. 

For trusting his word. 

“Today’s the last day of the five-months mark you gave me.” 

Jaehyun’s eyes widened in horror, as if just realizing the dire, sticky situation he was in at the moment. There was the slightest hesitation in his brown orbs, but quickly blinked it away just like a mirage. 

He forgot. 

Of course, he did. 

“I’m sorry.” 

You needed him to stop apologizing. 

You needed him to stop apologizing when– 

“–you don’t even mean it.” 

Jaehyun looked away from your stare, unable to face you. Chaeyoung was the same, her eyes facing her lap, as if humbled by her situation. 

But you took an oath. 

Your professional feelings overtook your personal ones. And for the first time, you hated that part of yourself. That rationality that allowed you to cut off your emotions just like that. 

Because the only thing you wanted to do at the moment was to scream and crawl into your bed, to hide yourself away from the reality that was presented to you. 

“Go see the nurse outside of my office. She’ll set up an appointment for you.” 

Both of them sighed in relief. 

You never hated a sight so much before. 

You never hated yourself so much before. 

“And Jaehyun?” 

His delighted smile momentarily dropped the second he saw the serious expression that you were sporting, all signs of hope and amusement gone. 

“Don’t you dare talk or contact me ever again.” 

← REASON #6 || MASTERLIST || REASON #8 →

[smoll-tangerine]

ONE YEAR WENT BY SO FASTT ????? CONGRATS MY BABYYY. You've done so amazing, and I couldn't be more proud of you ! besides you know what 🤪🤪 Sniffling because I've followed your writing journey and sighsss, you're fucken out of this world !

Whenever you stop simping over Jaehyun and not overloaded with uni, can i please request :

Doyoung , Hogwarts!au with , “If the choice comes down to my life or yours, I’m always going to choose yours.” 

I wonder if my selection comes as a surprise?? idkk hahaha. I lowkey see this going two diferent ways and 👀👀👀 we'll see if I jump on a plane to hunt you or give you all my love.

PLEASE TAKE BREAKS, MAKE SURE YOU EAT AND SHIT. YOU'VE DONE SO MUCH THIS PAST YEAR. SENDING YOU ALL MY LOVE AND HUGS 💛💛

[a/n]: ANGIEEEEE!! 💛💛 words cannot express how grateful i am for your friendship and how much i adore you. you stuck with me since the beginning of my writing career on AFF, went through my cringey 15-year-old writing (and still somehow stuck with me??), and you've always supported me no matter what!!

you KNOW i'm never going to stop simping over jaehyun, but aHHHHH A HOGWARTS!AU WITH DOYOUNG!! i had so much fun writing this so i hope you like this request and i'll pick you up at the airport, text me when you land💛 ilysm!!!!!

PAIRING. ravenclaw!doyoung x slytherin!female reader GENRES. romance, slight angst, established relationship!au, hogwarts!au PROMPT. "if the choice comes down to my life or yours, i'm always going to choose yours." WORDS. 817

WARNINGS. the story takes place during harry potter and the deathly hallows, so the events mentioned in this drabble are canon. you don't necessarily have to have read the books/watch the movies to understand what's going on but it might provide some bg info(?) + swearing!

A comfortable silence enveloped you and Doyoung as you two stood idly in the middle of the Room of Requirement, the famous Mirror of Erised in front of you two. You heard much about it, from both your headmaster Dumbledore and your friend Harry Potter.

It wasn’t any of your intentions to find the said Room or the Mirror. But the Carrows were ruthless against students who were either not part of Slytherin or not purebloods.

As Head Girl from the House of Slytherin, and considering your pureblood status, Neville Longbottom deemed you to be the best option to scour the school and find a suitable place for your fellow students to hide from the two professors.

Doyoung, your boyfriend and Head Boy from the House of Ravenclaw, insisted on accompanying you on this mission. Both of you wished to find a safe place for the students to hide from the Carrows, and that was how the Room of Requirement appeared.

You hadn’t thought much about it, just hoping to find a hideaway. Perhaps that was why such a generic room appeared in front of you two.

“Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi,” Doyoung read the inscription before translating it. “I show not your face but your heart’s desire.”

Your eyes squinted at the mirror, wondering what exactly it would show you. With what could possibly be the Second Wizarding War happening outside of Hogwarts walls, your missing friends, and the loss of security at where you thought was the safest place in the world, there was much you desired.

You quickly stole a look over at your boyfriend, who seemed to bear the same scrutiny as you for the mirror, before a look of curiosity took over his face. You tried not to snort at him. Typical Ravenclaw.

“What do you see?” you asked him, curious.

Doyoung turned to you and gave you a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. You knew that the past few months had been more than difficult for him, and yet, here he was, still trying to pretend to be strong in front of you. At that thought, the mirror shimmered and finally revealed what you desired the most.

It showed you and Doyoung growing old together and sending your children off to Hogwarts on the 9¾ platform, and your heart broke the tiniest at the vision the mirror showed you.

You knew that it was intrinsically inherent for human nature to desire something greater than one’s own self; meaning that an event wherein the mirror fails to carry out its intended purpose rarely, if at all, happens. With the numerous events happening, you wouldn’t – shouldn’t – be surprised that your deepest desire was one that could not be easily fulfilled.

Doyoung took your hand in his and squeezed it tightly.

“What’s wrong?” you asked him as you gently squeezed his hand back.

“Just…” he sighed and his dark orbs stared right at you, unflinching. “If the choice comes down to my life or yours, I’m always going to choose yours.”

You didn’t understand why he was telling you this. You shook your head at his words, almost erratically. “No, you take those words back. You can’t just say that. You promised – we promised to each other that we were going to get through this together. What happened to that?!”

Doyoung pulled you into a tight hug, hoping to calm you down a little.

“Of course I’m keeping my promise,” he reassured you. “But just in the event that something does happen and we’re forced to pick, I will always pick you.”

“You’re fucking stupid for saying that,” you mumbled, your head buried in his chest. “No way am I even going to let you make that dumb decision. I’ll fight Voldemort, if I have to.”

A moment of silence passed while you two spent it in each other’s arms, not knowing when exactly you would have this private time to yourselves again. It didn’t take long for Draco Malfoy, your fellow prefect, to look for you.

You sighed. Draco was persistent.

“You should go,” Doyoung mumbled.

You nodded in agreement. You turned one last time to Doyoung, who stayed behind so that you two wouldn’t get caught together, and he gave you a half-smile when you were about to leave the Room of Requirement.

“I love you,” you said. “You know that, right?”

Doyoung perhaps didn’t expect you to say those words to him at the moment. You were not a person of much words and preferred to show your love through actions, and Doyoung knew that.

He chuckled under his breath and shook his head, knowing he had never been able to keep up with you ever since the start of your relationship. Doyoung nodded determinedly. He then gave you a genuine smile – the most genuine you’d seen in a while – and said,

“Always.”

[smoll-tangerine]

i love you and miss you 🌜

ANGIE STOP✋🏼IM GETTING ALL EMO NOW. but i miss you too🥺 love you to the 🌙 and back

[smoll-tangerine]

DIHEJSJDKSJDDJA ANGIEEEE

Your review 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 thank you so much for reading my story even though I KNOW you don’t like angst and i pretty much forced you to read it SKDHSKJDKSHDJE

you are my strongest soldier because you’ve been enduring my bullshit since 2014❤️ ily

come morning light

PAIRING. king louis xiv!hendery x female!reader (feat. molière!sicheng) GENRES. romance, angst, drama, love triangle, historical!au  WORD COUNT. 30k

part of the NCT HISTORICAL COLLAB hosted by @puppywritings​​ 

SYNOPSIS. king louis hendery XIV, king of france, had always reassured you ever since you were children that you were to be his wife and the future queen of france when you became his one and only significant other at the tender age of sixteen years old. but when a war that seemed to never end threatened the existence of the kingdom, he had no choice but to put your promise together temporarily on hold. 

and you were left wondering if there was even a happy ever after with him to begin with.

WARNINGS. love triangle/square?, arranged marriage, cheating, explicit language, kinda toxic relationship, mentions of war, alcohol consumption, implied nsfw but nothing explicit. 

DISCLAIMER. while the story contains some historical facts, it is purely fictional and any similarities are coincidences.

PLAYLIST. salvatore by lana del rey • yes to heaven by lana del rey • la vie en rose by édith piaf • je te laisserai des mots by patrick watson • rêverie, l. 68 by debussy • aphrodite by honey gentry • moi c’est (slowed version) by camelia jordana • a thousand years by christina perri 

TAGLIST. @crescent-iak​ @kunrengui​

[a/n]: i would like to give a biG FAT THANKS TO MY FAVOURITE VIRGO @jeongvision​ for not only proofreading this fic, but for also brainstorming and screaming about this monster at 2-3am in the morning. thank you so much em for pushing me through this process and helping me flesh out this whole thing! ilysm, i cannot thank you enough for supporting me through this!!

it’s been a while since i’ve last posted and written something this long. it’s also been a while since the last time i’ve felt proud about a story, so, i really hope you will all enjoy this story as much as i enjoyed writing it! and pls let me know your thoughts and comments! ♥ 

Louis Hendery Dieudonné, son of King Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, was regarded as a divine gift and his birth, a miracle of God, as his mother had experienced four stillbirths before giving birth to him. To his parents, he was their precious heir. To the people, he was a divine wonder. 

But to you, he had always been just Hendery.

Keep reading

[veiledpeaches]

‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ When i said Johnny would play an important role, I was praying he didn't have feelings for Haewon because I just knew, the minute he moved to Seoul to "look over her" there was feelings but OMGOMGOMGOMG. My heart and soul is a mess.

AHHHHHH so you guessed it dear 😭 me too my heart and soul is just *inserts car crash noise* 

[veiledpeaches]

When I say my heart was beating so fast during her confession, I mean it. I did not expect that at all. Doyoung doesn't appear much, more so when others are talking about it, so its kinda hard to decipher what's going through his head. But I have some theories in my head that I would like to see if its true with the upcoming chapters.

omg if you have theories, please share them! i would love to hear what my readers think. same - one minute i was writing and... honestly, this chapter wrote itself haha. yes, Doyoung’s a mystery, isn’t it? :-)) 

[smoll-tangerine]

ten reasons why i hate you: reason #5

SYNOPSIS. while you admittedly didn’t refuse the arranged marriage between you and jung jaehyun, that didn’t mean that you’d allow him to treat you like a doormat. for the emotional distress he had put you through during the months leading up to your engagement party, you ensure that he will pay for the way he had been treating you for the rest of his life. 

PAIRING. rich boy!jaehyun x rich girl!reader  GENRES. romance, angst, drama, rich kid!au  CHAPTER WORD COUNT. 2261

WARNINGS. none. 

DISCLAIMER. this is a work of fiction based on fictional events and characters. it is unrelated to any real people, organisations, locations, and events. the laws, and legal and medical interpretations in this work have also been modified for storytelling purposes. 

TAGLIST. @crescent-iak​ @moonchele​ @ahtisa02​ @ghostfacefricker6969​ @jaehyunnie77​ @jungish​ @anya-writes-stuff​ @hey-won @ishireads​ @xxxx-23nct​ @peachibevuti @shepeelsoranges​ (bolded = unable to tag) 

[a/n]: thank you all so much for your comments!! i’m always so giddy when i read them hehe. this chapter doesn’t have any angst and it’s more fluffy(?) and it’s probably going to be the fluffiest of the chapters, so enjoy it while you can!! ♡ the honeymoon is broken down in 2 parts/chapters, so the next chapter will also be set during their honeymoon. 

also, italicized sentences = spoken in italian because i was too lazy to actually write in italian. Also, fun fact, Vini Da Arturo is an actual restaurant in Venice and its owner’s name is actually Ernesto lol 

← REASON #4 || MASTERLIST || REASON #6 → 

REASON #5  

You didn’t need a bachelorette party, but your friends digressed. 

Jennie took the liberty of charting your private jet for a small girl’s trip to Paris. Though, you were pretty sure she just wanted to go to visit the Chanel store on Champs Élysées. 

“So, spill the tea,” Jennie said to you with her famous feline-like smile. “How does it feel to be married to Jaehyun?” 

Your tongue poked your cheek and you tried to refrain yourself from huffing out in frustration. “We’re not married yet.” 

“Engaged, soon-to-be-married, married—in the end, isn’t it all the same?” Krystal commented with an air of nonchalance. “All of those specifics are not going to matter anymore in a matter of–” she glanced at her watch. “–thirteen hours and twenty two minutes.”

“No, it’s not the same.” 

Your two friends noticed how the tone of your voice didn’t match with one of a happy bride that was about to get married in a day. They shared a look of concern and scooted closer to you. 

“I thought the purpose of flying my jet instead of commercial so that we’d have our own personal space,” you mumbled tiredly. 

You could practically feel the hesitation behind their words and actions, and you sighed. You never meant to turn the atmosphere into one where your best friends needed to tiptoe around you. 

You wondered whether you should tell them the truth about the whole situation. While they knew that your marriage was most likely arranged (a common occurrence in your world), they were also clueless to a number of details such as the fact that Jaehyun was still very much with his girlfriend, that you only went through with the engagement to spite him, and that Jaehyun hated your guts. 

Or did he? 

After the conversation you two had in your penthouse, you never saw each other again, other than just for a few dinners with the two families. You two never spoke to each other properly since then, so to speak. That was about almost a month ago. 

You also took in more surgeries than usual to avoid thinking about the what-if’s and the nature of your relationship with Jaehyun. 

Were you two now... friends? 

You rid yourself of that idea. As long as you were going to stay married to him, preventing him from being with Chaeyoung, the idea of you two being friends was simply not feasible. 

Not to mention your lingering feelings for him was an obstacle to whatever relationship you two might potentially have. 

You bit your bottom lip in slight apprehension. 

Jaehyun was no stranger to your feelings, whether they be romantic or negative. But wouldn’t it be better for your mental health and well-being if you two were to be civil with each other? 

Your two feelings were not only at the opposite ends, but they were also clashing. And thinking about the way you had to treat Jaehyun onwards was more complicated than it seemed. 

You thought that your romantic feelings for your fiancé was gone once and for all after your engagement party. But the way they so quickly resurfaced, like taking a breath of air after being underwater, showed that what you did was just bury them in hopes that they never recover. 

Your efforts proved to be futile. 

“Say, have you already gotten Jaehyun a wedding gift?” Jennie asked when she sensed that you had calmed down. 

Your fingers tapped against the arm rest, thinking about the olive branch Jaehyun had extended to you. The one that made you think whether you’d be a monster for refusing it. 

“Mhm,” you hummed as you came to a conclusion. “I think I know what I will get him.” 

The wedding ceremony was kept relatively small, despite the media’s attention. 

You wondered if that was how your wedding was supposed to be, because it certainly did not match with the vision you once had. 

You glanced at your wedding band, one that you were certain that Jaehyun asked his secretary to get. 

For some odd reason, it reminded you of Doyoung, of how he was also someone you were supposed to marry. 

Only, your engagement fell through when you refused to go with him to Germany. 

You glanced at Jaehyun who was sitting in front of you, and you felt an odd sense of déja vu. What was the point of using your private jet again if you weren’t given the space you hoped you would get? You would have thought that Jaehyun of all people would select a seat that was away from you, but contrary to your expectations, he didn’t. 

If anything, he looked excited to be going on the honeymoon with you. 

“What should we do when we land?” Jaehyun asked you as he was looking through a brochure on things to do in Venice. “I heard that Venice is always packed with tourists. But since it’s slowly sinking into the lagoon, it’s good that we get to visit it before it completely disappears, right?” 

His excitement was unnerving to you. 

“...Venice is sinking because of climate change and tourism,” you muttered as you looked outside, the jet slowly descending to land in the Venice Marco Polo Airport. “And besides, who says that I was going to spend time with you?” 

Jaehyun seemed surprised by your statement. “What do you mean? Aren’t we on our honeymoon?” 

“I don’t recall saying that we aren’t?” 

“Then, why are we not spending time together?” 

“Why do you even want to spend time with me?” you refuted almost in annoyance. “I know it’s not enough that we’re now married against your will, so shouldn’t you thank me that I’m giving you space?” 

Jaehyun fell silent. 

You immediately felt awkward at his reaction, not expecting him to be disappointed by the fact that you wanted to be away from him. 

But shouldn’t he be happy that you were giving him freedom? He could do whatever he wanted! 

But this was one of the times where your feelings for him took over whatever hatred that was left in your heart. 

You sighed through your nose. “There’s a little bit of time before check-in and we haven’t eaten lunch yet. Let’s go grab a bite together.” 

His face instantly brightened up at your words and went back to his brochure. “Oh, we can–” 

“Drop the brochure,” you said with a small smile. “I’ll bring you to my favourite place in Venice.” 

Your favourite restaurant in Venice was a very small and cozy restaurant nestled in a side alley called Vini Da Arturo, a gem of a place you have found before you became a surgical intern. 

“Ernesto!” you exclaimed happily as you two finally arrived at the restaurant. “Ciao!” 

“Ah, bella!” Ernesto replied with the same enthusiasm. “The usual?” 

“Yes, thank you.” 

Ernesto glanced at Jaehyun who only smiled obliviously. “That’s not the same man I saw you with last time.” 

While Jaehyun was not fluent in Italian, you remembered that he was fluent in Spanish instead. And those two languages were practically the same. Yet for some reason, you hoped that Jaehyun didn’t understand what Ernesto just said to you, even if you had a feeling that he probably wouldn’t care. 

“This is my husband, Jaehyun,” you said not exactly answering his question. “Jaehyun, this is Ernesto, the restaurant’s owner.” 

“It’s nice to meet you, Ernesto,” Jaehyun greeted him. “I look forward to your food.” 

“You won’t be disappointed!” 

Ernesto brought you to your favourite table, which was the second to last booth from the back. Close enough to the kitchen that you could hear what was going on, but not close enough that you’d be bothered by the kitchen commotion. 

“Do you know why Ernesto’s restaurant is so special compared to the other restaurants in Venice?” you asked giddily, ignoring how conflicted Jaehyun’s eyes seemed at the moment. 

“Jaehyun?”

“Huh, yeah?” 

“Did you hear what I said?” 

He closed his eyes for a moment. “Yeah, no, sorry, could you repeat that?” 

“I said, do you know why Ernesto’s restaurant is so special compared to the other restaurants in Venice?” 

He shook his head. 

“Ernesto’s restaurant doesn’t serve fish dishes,” you answered. “Only meat.” 

“A small restaurant in Venice that doesn’t serve fish dishes?” Jaehyun questioned. “Pardon my language, but is he mad?” 

You laughed. “A mad genius! Trust me. You’ll see when you taste his pork chop and eggplant salad.” 

True to your words, Jaehyun did call Ernesto a mad genius as soon as he took a bite of the pork chop. 

After eating, all you wanted to do was get back to your hotel and sleep off your jet lag. But Jaehyun’s eyes begged you to hop on a gondola and tour around Venice. You understand that it was, surprisingly, Jaehyun’s first time in Venice, but you were staying a whole week in Venice—he’ll have enough time to tour the city on a gondola. 

So, the compromise you two came up with was a water taxi. Though, because the hotel you were staying in was already so close and at a walking distance from the restaurant, you two had to walk back to the S. Toma’ “A” ferry terminal—located around ten minutes walking-distance away from Vini Da Arturo—so that Jaehyun could fully enjoy the water taxi ride. 

Twenty-five minutes later, your water taxi arrived at Hotel Danieli, your favourite hotel in Venice. You loved it due to its rich history and architecture. While the outside looked like the rest of the city, it was the interior décor and architecture that always blew your mind away. 

“Welcome back to Venice, signora,” the hotel concierge greeted you. “The Doge Dandolo Royal Suite has been prepared for you and your guest.” 

You smiled in thanks and handed over your passports. “Our documents.” 

“Thank you,” he said as he processed everything. “The hotel would like to offer you a complimentary night free of charge, as one of our most esteemed guests. Would you and your guest like to stay for another night?” 

You didn’t know Jaehyun’s schedule, but you weren’t about to refuse the offer. 

“We’ll stay.” 

“Wonderful,” the concierge continued. “Will everything be charged to the card we have on file?” 

“Yes, please.” 

“Amazing,” he said and handed you the keys to your room. “Enjoy your stay.” 

You followed the bellman to your room and tipped him as soon as he dropped off your luggage. Jaehyun’s jaw evidently dropped at the grandiosity of the room. The Doge Dandolo Royal Suite was exquisitely decorated, reminiscent of 14th century Italian Renaissance-style. 

Perhaps the opulence of the room scared Jaehyun a little as he stuttered out timidly, “S-so, h-how much d-does it cost for a whole w-week here?” 

You stretched your whole body as you walked across the room, taking everything in. “I don’t know, it costs around 9500 euros a night so do the math.” 

“9500 euros?” he exclaimed in disbelief. “Wait, so that’s about 67 000 euros for a whole week?” 

“I mean, they’re giving us a complimentary night so it’s technically for eight nights.” 

Jaehyun glared at you. His glare was so fierce that it reminded you of when you two first found out that you were engaged to each other. 

“Do we have to stay in such a luxurious suite?” 

You found Jaehyun’s attitude curious and intriguing. 

While Jaehyun would be considered as nouveau riche, he certainly didn’t act like one. Most of the nouveaux riches you knew loved flaunting their newly accumulated wealth. 

Aside from a few of his expenses, Jaehyun was quite particular with his money. It almost made you chuckle as you remembered just a couple of months ago, he was screaming at you that you shouldn’t look down at him for having less money than your family and that contrary to your beliefs, he indeed was able to afford the lunch at Yuta’s hotel. 

“You and your family paid for the wedding,” you answered easily. “My family and I can pay for the honeymoon.” 

It took a moment for him to accept this compromise, but Jaehyun seemed satisfied with your answer. 

“Okay,” he said. “Also, have you thought about what you want to do tomorrow?” 

You looked back at him with a weird expression. “...You want to spend time with me tomorrow too?” 

It was probably the first time you’ve ever seen Jaehyun blush in front of you. “Well, whether I like it or not, we are married and are on our honeymoon! Shouldn’t we spend some time together before we head back home?” 

This was unexpected. 

You planned your honeymoon around the fact that Jaehyun didn’t want to spend it with you. 

Did this mean that he didn’t hate you anymore? 

“I don’t.” 

“Huh?” You realised belatedly that you might have asked that question out loud and Jaehyun heard it. 

“I don’t,” he repeated, “actually hate you.” 

“Oh,” you answered dumbly. “That’s... good.” 

“So, tomorrow?” 

You shrugged and went to the bathroom to take a shower. 

“We’ll see.” 

Whether you liked it or not, Jaehyun’s sudden shift of attitude towards you was one that made you question his true intentions. 

You constantly reminded yourself that just barely month ago, this man hated your guts with a fury for supposedly ruining his life. And one small and insignificant action on your part suddenly made him think of you differently? 

What kind of game was he playing? 

You didn’t know, but one thing you knew for sure was that you would emerge as the game’s winner. 

← REASON #4 || MASTERLIST || REASON #6 →

[sehunniepotwrites]

omg 🥺

i’m so glad you thought so!! happy this fic is getting the love uwu

let’s break the ice | m.l

🏒  SYNOPSIS— in which you’re attending your college team’s hockey practice with your best friend and embarrassment ensues.  🏒 GENRE— fluff, humor, crack, college!au, hockey!au 🏒 PAIRING— hockey captain!mark lee x reader 🏒 WORD COUNT— 1.4k

🏒 WARNINGS— sexual innuendos made!  🏒 AUTHOR’S NOTE—i would like to thank whitney for tweeting the inspiration for this fic and my chaotic ass group chat for all the ideas. i also know nothing about hockey. (read through it twice to edit but i might’ve missed some errors!)

i’m also currently taking requests (if you read and follow all the rules) through a prompt drabble game! click here if you want to play, i’m closing requests on sat, nov 21st! 

Keep reading

[smoll-tangerine]

ten reasons why i hate you: reason #4

SYNOPSIS. while you admittedly didn’t refuse the arranged marriage between you and jung jaehyun, that didn’t mean that you’d allow him to treat you like a doormat. for the emotional distress he had put you through during the months leading up to your engagement party, you ensure that he will pay for the way he had been treating you for the rest of his life. 

PAIRING. rich boy!jaehyun x rich girl!reader GENRES. angst, drama, rich kid!au CHAPTER WORD COUNT. 3200

WARNINGS. none. 

DISCLAIMER. this is a work of fiction based on fictional events and characters. it is unrelated to any real people, organisations, locations, and events. the laws, and legal and medical interpretations in this work have also been modified for storytelling purposes.

TAGLIST. @moonchele @crescent-iak​ @ahtisa02 @ghostfacefricker6969 @jaehyunnie77 @jungish @anya-writes-stuff @hey-won @ishireads @neoculturetingz @xxxx-23nct​ @peachibevuti​ (bolded = unable to tag)

[a/n]: apologies for taking so long with this chapter!! i’ve been super busy the past two months and lowkey went through another writing burnout for putting out too many stuff at the same time. i hope this long chapter will make up for it. next chapterf will be the wedding! pls leave feedback and comments, they keep me motivated♡♡ 

and if you’d like to be part of the taglist, pls send me an ask! it’s easier for me to see and keep track as opposed to directly commenting since these get lost in notifs :)

← REASON #3 || MASTERLIST || REASON #5 →

REASON #4

“How are you feeling?” 

You refrained yourself from scoffing at Doyoung’s seemingly harmless question as he drove you back to your place from the hospital (i.e. your penthouse at Yuta’s hotel). Although you were the one who came up with this ‘revenge’ plan, you were starting to regret your recklessness as the plan was slowly taking a toll on you and your mental health. 

“What do you think?” you replied with a small snark. 

Doyoung’s jaw slackened at your question, one that was meant to be rhetorical. But somehow, he decided to answer it regardless. 

“I think this is your worst idea so far.” 

You closed your eyes and leaned back against the headrest. “What? Beating out the fact that I let you break up with me? I would have thought that you’d think that that was my worst idea.” 

An awkward silence ensued as you brought back a fact that you and Doyoung seemed to have kept under wraps for a while. Even though it had been close to three years since you two broke up. 

Or should you say, got your ass dumped by Doyoung?

You wondered whether the bitterness hidden behind the tone of your voice was because you were, in some way, still not completely over the break-up, or because you were annoyed and hated how Doyoung acted as if he was still your significant other. Either way, both things were in the past. Both of you should move on. 

“Ignore what I just said,” you mumbled. “Let’s just leave bygones be bygones.” 

You didn’t miss how he tightened his hold around the steering wheel as the rest of the car ride was spent in utter silence. You thought that the conversation was over, and you were about to bid Doyoung goodbye until he suddenly pulled you back as you were about to leave his car. 

“We need to talk,” he said with an unwavering gaze. “About us, your engagement to Jaehyun—everything.” 

You hesitated the slightest. After all, what was there to talk about, really? But you found yourself to nod at his request. 

“Tonight,” you replied. “Let’s talk tonight, after the charity auction.”

You quickly headed up to your penthouse and immediately lied down on your bed the second you came back home, the hospital shifts and your engagement taking a toll on you.  

As your engagement progressed, you started developing a knack for pissing off your future husband whenever the opportunity arises. Unfortunately for you, Jaehyun was the same. The relationship between the two of you became a pissing contest, one that is always about one-upping the other. 

It made you wonder just how exactly would you be able to fool all the paparazzi that will be present at the famous Nakamoto Group’s charity auction, held annually at the hotel that you were stubbornly staying at to spite your parents. 

“You look like you’re constipated,” you muttered through your smile to Jaehyun, who truly did look like he was constipated as he was forced to wrap an arm around your waist and pull you close to fool the photographers who were gobbling up the scene. 

“God, I can’t wait for this to be over,” he replied, stuck with the same expression as you. 

With the pictures over, you were brought over to your table where the rest of your group of friends were also sitting. You greeted Jennie and Krystal with kisses on the cheek, and said hello to Taeyong and Johnny, then hugged Yuta and then Doyoung (whose seat was conveniently next to yours). 

Krystal didn’t fail to miss how awkward the interaction between you and Doyoung was and shot you an inquisitive look from across the table, to which you ignored. You quickly took a seat and perused through the list of auctioned items, hoping that nobody else was as perceptive as Krystal. 

Meanwhile, Jaehyun kept fidgeting in his seat and stole glances around the room. It was only due to his weird behaviour that you noticed that the seat on his other side was empty. You looked around the table and saw that all of your friends were present. So, who— 

Ah. 

Of course he had to keep a spot for his girlfriend, huh. 

You made a mental note to yourself to have a little talk with Yuta later. 

Chaeyoung finally arrived fifteen minutes later. She seemed breathless almost as if she ran over here, and quickly apologised for being late. Her hair was in disarray and her clothes were disheveled. You kept your face neutral and refrained yourself from making any comments. The last thing you wanted was to get in a fight with Jaehyun’s girlfriend. If he were to invite her, then the least that asshole could have done was to at least provide hair and makeup to her. 

However, Jaehyun seemed taken aback with her presence and stuttered as he asked her what she was doing at the event. Chaeyoung mirrored his expression. 

“I received the invitation by mail a couple of days ago, addressed to me from you,” she answered meekly. “I thought...” 

If Jaehyun didn’t invite her, then who did? 

You locked eyes with Yuta, who raised his glass of wine at you with a small smirk. 

Who else, if not the person responsible for the event?

You mentally sighed at his unnecessary action—you can fight your own battles. You didn’t even want to think how Jaehyun would react if he were to find out, or worse, think that you were the one who invited Chaeyoung. 

Besides, Jaehyun should know better—why on Earth would you invite the girl, when you didn’t even care for her or her existence? Not to mention the headache you already have from dealing with Jaehyun. 

However, the obvious glare and slackened jaw were all you needed to know that Jaehyun thought that it was you who orchestrated this whole thing. 

And while you didn’t really want to be blamed for something that you didn’t even do, you also didn’t want Yuta’s friendship with Jaehyun to sour even though you were pretty sure that Yuta could care less. He’d always been the kind of person who didn’t care about the consequences of his actions, even the ones that would burn bridges. 

The auction finally started after a few more minutes of waiting. A lot of rare items and art pieces went up for auction, but no one at your table raised their paddle number.

“Come on,” Yuta whined jokingly. “You guys are my friends—don’t embarrass me like this.”

“If you want us to spend some money, tell your employees to put up something that actually catches our attention,” Jennie huffed and waved her chequebook around. “You think I want to come out of a Nakamoto auction empty-handed?”

Jennie had a point. The Nakamoto Group’s charity auctions—while cannot be compared to the likes of Christie’s and Sotheby’s—would once in a while auction pieces that the two most famous auction houses couldn’t acquire. Judging by the glint in your friend’s eyes, you suspected that Yuta probably had something up his sleeve.

“Don’t worry,” Yuta reassured you all. “I made sure that you’d have to spend your money this time around.” He then turned to you with an accusing finger. “Including you and your picky taste.”

You shrugged. “Sue me for having expensive taste.”

“Your taste is on a whole other level of expensive,” Doyoung said with a small chuckle.

“Oh, my God, yes!” Krystal gasped. “Remember when Doyoung got you a Montblanc Papillon Limited Edition of their Bohème fountain pen for your birthday? How much was it already?”

“I think each of them fetches for around $200 000 nowadays?” Taeyong said.

Chaeyoung choked at Taeyong words and exclaimed, “$200 000 for a fountain pen? Are you all mad? Why on Earth would you give someone such an expensive gift? Not to mention when you could buy any other fountain pen for way cheaper? Or you know, just a regular pen?”

You cleared your throat, hoping the dissipate the slight tension caused by Chaeyoung’s words. Neither of your friends expected Chaeyoung to understand how you all manage your money. However, they also didn’t expect her to judge them for it either.

“Well, it’s the thoughts that count,” you answered with a tight smile and attempted to explain why a fountain pen would cost so much. “But, when Montblanc came out with that specific limited edition, only six of them were created in total. Hence, the price.”

Yuta snorted. “If you think that’s expensive for a fountain pen, wait until you hear that it’s not even the most expensive one that exists.”

“Up next is the Heaven Gold Fountain Pen created by Canadian Anita Mai Tan of ALGems,” the auctioneer then said to his mic.

Your jaw slightly dropped at the news and you turned to a very smug-looking Yuta who motioned your bag, where your chequebook had been left untouched.

“Time to pull it out, I believe,” he said with a small wink.

“The Heaven Gold Fountain Pen drew inspiration from the changing alignments of the planets, an event that occurs only approximately every 500 years. This pen is constructed from pristine 24k rose gold, with its most remarkable feature being its cap—with its crest composed of 161 coloured diamonds that encircle a rare Tsavorite gemstone. A 5-petaled flower, a diamond, and a heart shape align to cascade down the pen clip. A total of 1888 diamonds are displayed on the Heaven Gold Fountain Pen.”

“Yuta, how on Earth were you even able to get this?” Taeyong asked in disbelief.

“Only 8 models of the Heaven Gold Fountain Pen were created,” the auctioneer continued. “Due to its feminine symbols and pink coloured gold body, this writing instrument is said to be designed by a woman for women.”

“Close your mouth, you’re practically drooling,” Doyoung whispered to you, unable to hide his laugh.

But before you could even retort, Krystal jumped in and dragged Jaehyun into the conversation (who, admittedly, you forgot was even there because of how silent he was). “Hey Jae, why don’t you get that for your fiancée as a wedding gift?”

Jaehyun who was silent from the beginning remained stoic as ever. You wondered if it was even possible for him to be quieter. His silence created an awkward tension. You were about to come to his defense when Doyoung decided to interject.

“It might be a little bit outside of Jaehyun’s budget,” Doyoung commented offhandedly. “Don’t force a man to buy something if he can’t afford it.”

Perhaps mentioning money (or his family’s) was a sore spot for Jaehyun. Although your circle was among the top 1% of the country, Jaehyun’s was in a way, the poorest of you all. It was no fault of his as the pharmaceutical industry and its modernisation was relatively new, and it was also no secret to any one in your circle that his family was desperate for a partnership with yours. 

They simply didn’t know that Jaehyun hated your guts with a passion. They probably knew who Chaeyoung was, but they probably didn’t expect him to still be with her while getting engaged then married to you.

“I can afford it,” Jaehyun grunted.

“Then why the hesitation?” Doyoung refuted back with a smirk.

You only sighed and took a sip of wine as you waited for the auctioneer to state the starting bid price. You could tell that the others (minus Chaeyoung) were enjoying the back-and-forth between the two men sitting at your sides, but honestly—

Didn’t they know that you could afford to buy the fountain pen yourself?

“Let’s start with $500 000.” 

Without hesitation, Jaehyun raised his bidding paddle, followed by Doyoung who raised the bid price to $550 000. You gave Yuta an exasperated look, silently asking him if he was happy with the situation, to which he simply snickered and continued to enjoy the scene that was happening in front of him. 

The back-and-forth between Jaehyun and Doyoung went on for a while, until the price for the fountain pen was raised up to $950 000. You puckered your lips in ponderation, knowing that the pen is originally valued at approximately $995 510. You then sneaked a look at your opponents who, at the beginning seemed very adamant in buying the pen, but were now starting to look very hesitant as the bid price slowly getting closer to the seven figures. 

You scoffed and rolled your eyes at them.

Men. 

“One million dollars!” Jaehyun burst out as he waved his bidding paddle around. 

You swore you could see Yuta’s eyes glint in pure delight. Not only was the charity auction he organised raising a lot of money, he had the front-row seat to the most amusing dogfight he had ever seen in his life, all that without barely lifting his pinky. 

A million dollars for a mere fountain pen. 

While you didn’t question whether Jaehyun could actually afford that pen or not (you were certain that he could), you also didn’t want your wedding gift from your, albeit detestable, fiancé (your fiancé, nonetheless) to be one that was given due to peer pressure. 

Your feelings aside for Jaehyun, wouldn’t anyone want to receive a wedding gift that was sincere and from the giver’s heart? 

But you also had a gut feeling that Jaehyun would come to regret his purchase. Even if you were all heirs and heiresses, not all of you carried that much money around, perhaps aside for you, Yuta, Doyoung, and Jennie. 

And your gut feeling proved to be right when you saw the way Jaehyun bit his upper lip out of nervousness and the way his eyes shifted anxiously at the number of extra zeroes. 

You sighed through your nose and lifted your bidding paddle. 

As much as you hated to admit, it wasn’t easy for you to be rid of your feelings for Jaehyun. After all, wasn’t there a fine line between love and hate? 

“Two million dollars,” you stated calmly as the room buzzed at your bid. 

Were you overbidding? 

Perhaps. 

But anything to stop this ridiculous pissing contest between your ex and your fiancé. 

“Two million dollars for bidder #27!” the auctioneer exclaimed. “Anyone want to bid $2.5 million? Going once. Going twice. And sold! For bidder #27. Congratulations!” 

Your whole table applauded at your new purchase, with Yuta pretending to tip a hat in thanks as your bid brought him in a lot of money. Given how happy your friend looked, you supposed that your talk can be postponed to another time. 

The charity auction eventually ended, and true to your promise, you and Doyoung had your talk as he walked you back to your penthouse. 

“There’s nothing else to say, really,” you told him as you two got off from the elevator. “Our relationship was over years ago.” 

But Doyoung didn’t seem to share the same views. 

“You know that I never wanted us to break up,” he told you almost sternly. “But–” 

“But, what?” you cut him off. “But what, Kim Doyoung? I should have moved with you to Germany?”

He slowly fell silent and seemed to hesitate to speak up. When he was finally able to put his thoughts into words, Doyoung refrained himself from talking again when he noticed that you two weren’t alone anymore. 

You followed his line of vision and was slightly surprised to find Jaehyun standing in the middle of your penthouse. You raised a questioning brow at him, not mad that he was there, just evidently very shocked, but Jaehyun seemed to have misinterpreted your look. 

“Y-Yuta gave me access,” Jaehyun quickly stuttered out. 

His presence aside, why on Earth would Jaehyun want to come see you at your place? Especially without looking like he wanted to get in a fight with you. The whole situation seemed awfully suspicious to you, but you figured you’ll entertain him a little. 

“S-should I come back at another time?” he asked awkwardly and spared a glance at Doyoung who, to his credit, managed to keep his annoyance in check. 

“It’s fine,” Doyoung replied with a tight smile and turned to you. “Let’s talk at the hospital tomorrow during our lunch break.” 

You hesitantly nodded and sent him off. 

“So.” Jaehyun cleared his throat awkwardly. “You and Doyoung, huh?” 

You raised a skeptical brow at him as you threw your bag on the sofa. “It’s old news and everyone in our circle knew about it.” You paused. “I’m surprised you didn’t.” 

“I met Doyoung when he was studying in Germany.” 

“Ah.” 

A painfully awkward silence befell upon the two of you. Although you were secretly grateful that, for once, your conversation with Jaehyun wasn’t one that led the two of you to either argue with each other, you didn’t like the fact that he entered your personal space—crossed your boundaries—without permission. 

“Why are you here, Jaehyun?” you asked with a tired sigh. “What do you want?” 

He seemed taken aback with your blunt attitude, but for once he didn’t refute back with the same spite. Instead, he rubbed the back of his neck and explained, “I was originally going to confront you about inviting Chaeyoung–” 

You heaved another irritated sigh. “I didn’t invite her–” 

“I know!” he exclaimed. “I know. Yuta told me everything.” 

Well, what do you know. Yuta does know what guilt felt like. 

Knowing your friend, it was probably due to your generous purchase that he spilled everything to Jaehyun. It made you wonder how he would have reacted if you didn’t bid for the fountain pen. But you learned not to look a gift horse in the mouth. 

“I see,” was your only answer. 

You glanced at your watch. It was close to midnight and you had an early shift tomorrow. 

“Is that all? If so, then I’m not going to walk you out. I have an early morning tomorrow and I need a shower.” 

But to your utmost surprise, Jaehyun didn’t budge. He looked like he had more to say but he kept fidgeting in his spot, like a little shaky lamb. 

Were you that scary? 

“You... have something else to say?” you asked in what you hoped to be a softer tone. 

Sure, you were on a warpath to destroy Jaehyun, but you weren’t a monster. 

“...Thank you,” he finally said, “for earlier.” 

You tilted your head in slight confusion. 

“Doyoung’s comment– It’s not the first time that I’ve heard comments like that,” he admitted. “And it got to me. I got a bit hotheaded and got into something that would have left me in deep shit with my father if it wasn’t for your help, so... Thank you.” 

You refrained yourself from looking too surprised at Jaehyun’s words and wordlessly nodded at them. It seemed to be enough for Jaehyun who then extended his hand for you to shake. 

“I think we got off on the wrong foot,” he said and smiled at you. “I’m Jaehyun.” 

An olive branch. 

Would you really be a monster for refusing to take it, though? 

“Nice to meet you,” you said after introducing yourself. 

Guess you’ll figure it out soon enough. 

← REASON #3 || MASTERLIST || REASON #5 →

[smoll-tangerine]

ten reasons why i hate you: reason #3

SYNOPSIS. while you admittedly didn’t refuse the arranged marriage between you and jung jaehyun, that didn’t mean that you’d allow him to treat you like a doormat. for the emotional distress he had put you through during the months leading up to your engagement party, you ensure that he will pay for the way he had been treating you for the rest of his life. 

PAIRING. rich boy!jaehyun x rich girl!reader GENRES. angst, drama, rich kid!au CHAPTER WORD COUNT. 1452 

WARNINGS. none. 

DISCLAIMER. this is a work of fiction based on fictional events and characters. it is unrelated to any real people, organisations, locations, and events. the laws, and legal and medical interpretations in this work have also been modified for storytelling purposes.

TAGLIST. @crescent-iak​ @ahtisa02​ @ghostfacefricker6969​

[a/n]: lowkey surprised by the number of people actually interested in reading a series that contain no romance fksjfksjfksjf i guess everyone got a petty side to them too haha. send me an ask if you want to be part of the taglist and enjoy this chapter! 

← REASON #2 || MASTERLIST || REASON #4 → 

REASON #3

You supposed this was Jaehyun’s way of getting back at you for what you pulled with his parents. 

But out of all days he could do this to you, he decided to do it on a day your families had asked you two to spend time together so that the paparazzi could take pictures, who happened to have lunch at the very restaurant on the 30th floor of the hotel you were currently residing in.

You tried not to roll your eyes at the way Jaehyun was smirking at you, almost as if he was proud of his little plan. Sure, that was annoying of him. Not to mention he found a little loophole in your prenup—there was nothing that said that the cheating scandals should only be avoided before the marriage.

You took a sip from your cup of tea as you subtly glanced over at Chaeyoung and the numerous paper bags that laid next to her, all of them from high-end luxury stores. You then looked at the said girl. You didn’t hate her, but rather pitied her instead. Here she was, being with a guy who was never going to be legally single because of your plans of making him suffer.

You didn’t know whether you admired her or found her foolish. You avoided all interactions with her as you actually felt awkward towards her. As if having lunch wasn’t awkward enough, Chaeyoung was having lunch with the woman who was marrying her boyfriend and that happened to be you.

“Lunch is on you, right?” Jaehyun said with a raised brow. “Since you’re the one who invited us out.”

You snorted into your cup. “Your mother was the one who forced us into doing this, actually. I wouldn’t mind paying for now, but should I bill it to your place after? Your mother wouldn’t want to know that her son forced a lady to pay for lunch, wouldn’t you? Especially not when that lady is her future daughter-in-law.”

“You’re despicable.”

You scoffed. “That’s rich, coming from you.”

“I can pay for myself.”

Both of your heads turned to Chaeyoung who spoke up for perhaps the first time during this whole lunch. Then again, all three of you barely interacted. You nodded once and waved the waiter over. The waiter brought over each of your checks. Jaehyun handed over his black card without even taking a glance at how much he had to pay, but you noticed that Chaeyoung’s eyes shifted in panic.

“Just charge everything to my room,” you said to the waiter before getting up from your seated and headed over to the elevator. Your phone vibrated with an incoming message from Yuta saying that he will arrive in the next five minutes or so.

“I didn’t ask you to pay for us,” Jaehyun angrily told you as he followed you to the elevator, Chaeyoung close behind. “We could have easily paid for ourselves—are you looking down on me now that I’ve signed your stupid prenup? You think that my family is desperate for more money?”

God, could Yuta come any faster?

“Jesus Christ, you wanted me to pay and now you’re complaining about the fact that I paid for everyone?” You rolled your eyes and entered the elevator before pressing the button for the main lobby. “Pick a damn struggle already.”

You couldn’t believe you took the time out of your busy schedule to entertain him. You enjoyed these small breaks in your schedule as you usually spent most of your days inside an operation room, but now you were slowly starting to regret asking for a day off.

You immediately stormed off to the exit, hoping that Yuta kept his word and that he was already waiting for you in front of the hotel. But of course by the time you got out, Yuta nor his car were nowhere in sight. 

Some friend he was.

“I hope I won’t get to see you again for the rest of the week,” Jaehyun said to you. “Seeing you once a week is more than enough.” 

You flipped him off without even sparing him a glance as he walked away to get his car. You weren’t sure if it was because he wanted to avoid you or he truly didn’t ask for valet parking, but regardless, you were grateful that you didn’t have to spend any more of your time with him. Truthfully, you had no idea how you even came to like Jaehyun, considering how nasty his personality was.

“You know, Jaehyun’s actually a very nice person,” Chaeyoung said from your side as you two waited for your respective rides on the hotel’s curbside. “But it seems like you bring out the worst in him.”

You raised a brow at the slight condescending tone behind her voice, but kept your eyes firmly on your phone as you didn’t want to give away your true reaction. While you didn’t appreciate her tone, you kept reminding yourself that it wasn’t Chaeyoung’s fault that she was in this position.

“Yes...” you replied coolly. “It seems that he brings the worst in me, too.”

A pregnant silence ensued before it was broken by Chaeyoung.

“You know, I could have paid for my lunch myself.”

Your brows furrowed. “I don’t think I’ve ever questioned your ability to pay for your lunch.”

“And whatever you pulled last time, at my workplace,” she continued, ignoring your words. “That wasn’t very nice of you.”

Your patience was wearing thin. While, admittedly, the way you treated her was certainly not befitting of you, you also couldn’t stand the way she spoke to you, as if she was better than you. Here, you were feeling just an ounce of pity for that girl—you were even considering, perhaps, befriending her. But her holier-than-thou attitude she was sporting was getting on your last nerve.

“Well, the tone you’re using right now to speak to me isn’t very nice either,” you replied snarkily. “So, I guess we’re even.”

“No, we’re not.”

Oh? This was slowly getting interesting. But you still mentally begged for Yuta to arrive faster.

“We’re not the same,” Chaeyoung added.

You huffed through your nose. “Of course we’re not.”

“I’ve worked my way up and wasn’t born with a diamond spoon in my mouth like you.”

While you agreed that you were certainly born with a privilege, you didn’t like that she insinuated the fact that you didn’t work hard for your job and position. 

How many times in a row had she insulted you now? 

Since you’d lost count, you thought to yourself that you held yourself back enough for her sake.

“It’s pathetic of you to lock Jaehyun down like that with an arranged marriage,” Chaeyoung continued. “You- you could have any man you want, so why choose someone who is already taken?” 

You crossed your arms as you ponder her question. You didn’t understand why she was so intent on painting you as the villain of the story. The only possible and logical explanation was that Jaehyun must have not given her all the story’s details. You refrained yourself from laughing out loud at the realization—what else was Jaehyun hiding from his girlfriend? 

Right on time, Yuta’s shiny black Aston Martin Victor came in sight and you evidently sighed in relief, glad to be rid of this situation. 

“I believe you just answered your own question,” you replied to her with a small smirk just as Jaehyun’s silver McLaren Speedtail arrived right behind Yuta. “Why, exactly, do I want to marry Jaehyun when I can have any man I want, as you said? But, I think you should ask yourself, why Jaehyun would even want to marry another woman when he has a girlfriend?”

“T-that’s because you like him!” she exploded. “You forced him into agreeing to the arranged marriage.” 

You tsk-ed and shook your head, before opening the door to Yuta’s passenger seat. “Don’t you know that it takes two to tango?” 

You immediately shut the door, not allowing Chaeyoung to retort. You believed that you let her speak too much, and the whole conversation you just had with her gave you a massive headache. Yuta snorted at how you were rubbing your temples, but chose to ignore the elephant in the room (which was the lunch date you had with Jaehyun and Chaeyoung). 

“So, when are you going to move out from the hotel and move back in again with your family?” he asked, instead. 

“Why?” you mumbled. “You don’t want me in your hotel anymore?” 

“You know that’s not why.” 

You shrugged nonchalantly. 

“Not anytime soon,” you answered. “I still haven’t punished them enough for this arranged marriage.” 

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