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i2sunric · 8 months ago

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𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑 (p.sh)

“fucking all the time is wrong when you're not mine, baby"

PAIRING: boyfriend's best friend!sunghoon x reader (f)

SUMMARY: just like eva did in the garden of eden, you fell under the serpent's court and now are under his spell. you knew you shouldn't betray your boyfriend, jake, like that when he was (not) so right for you, but seeing that he spent more time out for work made you seek the love and affection you needed, and who if not sunghoon could give you what you deserved?

WARNINGS: cheating (don’t like, don’t read). unprotected sex (don’t be silly, wrap your willy), they fuck everywhere and i mean it, toxic, creampie, masturbating, pussy eating, fighting, kissing, jealousy, doggy, missionary, rough blowjob, angst if u squint? jake is a toxic bf, sunghoon low-key corrupts reader, reader is designed with a weak personality. lmk if more. NOT PROOFREAD.

(RE)PUBLISHED: 6th August 2024

WC: 13.6k

TAGLIST: (permanent) @stolasisyourparent @jaeyunsbimbo @jwnghyuns @bangtancultsposts @shawnyle @jooniesbears-blog @skzenhalove @ro-diaries @onlyhyunjin (oneshot) @mitmit01 @lilyuwon @whoslai @simhinata @ihrtantn @deobitifull @heeswif3y @skylalyla @lanapaz @run2min @rizz00 @yeorns @rayofsunshineeee @kim2005bomi @lhspeachie @star4rin @nyxtwixx @skipiuki @camprock101 @acolytees @hoonsdrnkdzd @jjklvr9 @sophi-ee @iamliacamila @nctislifue @dengenej @yorukoshii @nshmrarki BOLDS COULD NOT BE TAGGED

a/n: before some loser tries to throw shit at this i have to say that no, cheating is NOT hot and this is purely fictional. this isn’t the only fiction with cheating as a trope and it comes from a project that IS supposed to have heavy and bothering themes, mostly because it comes as inspiration from a song (go listen to it, daniel di angelo ‘GET YOU BETTER’) that gives me toxic vibes. anw, LIKE & REBLOG please and lmk your thoughts (again) on this fic <3

“Again?” You asked with a deep frown after hearing that your boyfriend had yet to go to another work trip, despite having just returned from one “I know baby, what can I do? They need me.” He said it as if you were complaining already.

But could he blame you? You had spent two summer weeks alone and bored without Jake and now you had to go through another couple of weeks.

“Why you? They have other workers.” You commented, raising a brow.

Jake sighed and walked closer to you “Because I’m good, aren’t you proud of me?” You looked away and murmured “Of course i’m proud of you.”

Jake noticed your sudden change of mood and turned you to look at him “Come on, I'll be back before you even realise it.”

You rolled your eyes at his statement, something that Jake did not like “Don’t be selfish, I need to work to have money.”

“I'm not being selfish,” You reminded, tone cold. “I just miss my boyfriend who’d rather be miles away from me.” You snapped, stepping back and crossing your arms to your chest.

Those words had been left unspoken on your tongue for too long to be able to hold them back anymore.

“We both know that’s not true.” He hissed, rubbing his temples “Do we?” You scoffed

Jake clicked his tongue, “Listen, I'm just asking you to understand.”

You frowned again at him “I understand Jake, I've always done it!” Your voice raised out of frustration “So why can’t you understand me?”

“You?” His frown matched yours, a few wrinkles appearing on his forehead “What is there to understand about a needy and clingy girl?”

As soon as those words left his mouth your eyes saddened. Were you really being that whiney? So many questions formed inside your head while Jake regretted ever speaking.

You were just being honest, that’s what Jake always wanted from you; honesty, to voice out your feelings, so why was he mad at you?

“Taking many short distance flights is also not good for your body…” You murmured, bitter tears running down your cheeks, your gaze locked on the ground

Jake’s face softened, realising that you weren’t complaining— you were worried for him “Baby I—“

You shook your head “Save it.” And walked away, disappearing in the bedroom. Jake ran a hand through his hair in frustration, leaving you to cool down.

However you both were two stubborn beings so, instead of resolving it, you laid on opposite sides of the bed with heavy hearts, hoping the night to wash the annoying feelings away.

Heleft early in the morning, without a single message or a note and not even a kiss on your shoulder.

Whenever he had a flight in the night or early morning to catch and you would still be asleep, he used to kiss you softly on the shoulder, but this time he hadn’t.

Had you been too harsh with him the day before? Were you really being selfish?

You glanced at the clock and noticed you had already slept the morning away so you decided to get something done.

You stretched your limbs and exited the bed, doing your usual routine and some chores as well, trying your best not to think about jake. If he wanted to stay mad, so be it.

When you were cleaning the living room’s floor you heard your doorbell ring, so you went to open the door.

In front of you a tall man with a sheepish grin stood, waving his hand “Hi, Y/N.” He greeted warmly

“Hi, Sunghoon.” You said back, stepping aside to let him enter. you closed the door behind your back and walked him to the living room “What’s the occasion?” You asked, smiling

Sunghoon looked around the house “Is Jake home?” You shook your head in reply “He’s on a work trip.”

Sunghoon’s eyes widened “Again?” He asked and you couldn’t help but chuckle, you two had the same reaction to the news of Jake's departure “Again.” You nodded

“Aw, man.” He sighed, “I haven’t seen him in forever since he changed job.” You wanted to reply that you too hadn’t seen him since he decided to pick a job that required to travel around the world, but Sunghoon didn’t need to know that.

Sunghoon tilted his head, looking you up and down “So, home alone?” You smiled sadly “unfortunately.”

He gave you a wide smile, one that showed his two fangs “I took a couple of weeks off work because I had to go on vacation but the hotel shut down,” He seemed to debate whether to continue, but then added “I can keep you company.”

You blinked faintly at his offer, you two weren’t really close, you never really hung out apart from Jake’s friend group so it’d be awkward.

However , loneliness made you desperate so you just smiled in return “why not?”

Little did you know that Sunghoon had another plan in store for you.

⪩⪨

“Good morning, Y/N.” Sunghoon greeted a few days later, entering your house with his awkward yet comforting demeanour.

“Morning.” You said back, guiding him to the kitchen and placing down the casket of fruits he had brought you “You didn’t have to..”

“Dot’t be silly, it’s a pleasure.” Sunghoon smiled, sitting on a chair “Can i help you with anything?”

You quickly shook your head “No, no,” You took a pear and showed it to him “I'll cut this so we can eat and chat?” “Sounds good.”

It had become a small occurence that you’d sit together and talk about anything. You two had got to know each other, and you realised you had a completely different prejudice of him.

At first, you thought he was cold and awkward, but he actually was very soft spoken and kind. your heart always felt content when you were with him, but you chose to ignore that detail.

It was probably just because Jake hadn’t replied to your texts since he left the country, your heart was just pulling tricks on you.

You placed a small plate on the table with the pieces of pear and began to talk with him, laughing at a story of his dog scaring Jake's family dog, despite being a lot smaller.

“Layla and Jake are so alike,” You commented, chuckling “Indeed, I see no difference between them. like an owner like a pet." Sunghoon replied, taking a bite of the pear.

A small drop of the fruit’s juice rolled down his cheek, reaching his jawline. You had never paid attention to his features so closely, but he was so attractive. His jaw was sharp, you thought that if you ran your finger on it, it’d cut.

His skin was pale, porcelain-like and his eyes were so dark in contrast, his eyebrows thick and hair that seemed so fluffy.

Before the drop could fall down, you quickly extended yourself and dried it with your thumb, making both of you stop in your tracks. Sunghoon ‘s deep eyes widened and you pulled away “I—I’m sorry..” you stuttered, embarrassed

But Sunghoon didn’t seem to mind “It’s alright, thank you.” He reassured, resuming to tell his story. You try to shake the awkward feeling but get sidetracked when your phone screen lit up.

You quickly took it, hopeful that it was finally a message from your boyfriend, but your face fell when you realised it was just a notification from YouTube.

You sighed and looked so gloomy, like a whole storm fell over your shoulders, Sunghoon blinked faintly “Are you ok?”

You didn’t want to annoy him with your problems, you two had just started to be friends, but you just needed someone.

All your friends were busy working or living their adulthood somewhere, while you had been inside that house too much it felt almost sickish.

You sighed “It’s just that Jake and I had a small argument, right before he left.” Sunghoon’s eyes were so attentive you felt exposed, so kind and gentle.

“Is that so?” He asked, letting you know that he was listening “Yes,” You breathed out “We said harsh things and now he won’t even reply to my texts.”

Sunghoon’s jaw clenched at your admission, How could Jake ever ghost you? He could be mad all he wanted, but he was on the other side of the earth, for Christ’s sake, he could at least reply to your texts just like he did to Sunghoon a few hours before.

Seeing you so sorrowful made his heart ache; he wouldn’t admit it out loud but he had always found you attractive, since the first day he saw you on campus.

Screw his introverted personality, he never tried to speak to you, only admired from afar.

However, when he learnt that his best friend had found a girlfriend and the so-called girlfriend was you, he couldn’t help but blame himself.

Especially since jake was treating you like you weren’t worth anything.

You were worth it, you were everything Sunghoon dreamt of— if only you knew how better he could get you. good for him, he had two weeks to prove you so.

⪩⪨

“You just didn’t strike me as someone who likes doing grocery shopping.” You commented, putting milk inside the cart Sunghoon was gently pushing for you

Truth to be told, Sunghoon hated grocery shopping. He’d rather starve himself than get out of bed to buy himself food, which was why his friend Jay and his mother would often bring him food or just something enough to survive.

But it was for you and you needed to eat to be healthy, he could do an exception.

“I don’t have anything better to do, do I?” He said, chuckling at the sight of you trying to take a bag of chips which was on the top shelf, clearly too high for you.

You felt his figure hovering over you, the warmth of his body surrounding yours, his chest caressing your back as he took the chip for you.

That movement lasted no longer than five seconds but to you, it felt as if time had stopped.

You snapped out of your trance at the sound of the bag of chips being thrown inside the cart and Sunghoon moving forward.

You failed to notice the smirk on his lips, but the man was quick to hide it before his undercover was caught.

“What’s left on your list?” He asked, scanning the cart’s contents to see if he mentally remembered

“Uh—“ You quickly took the grocery list that was crumpled inside your pocket and cleared your throat “Just… donuts.” You said quietly.

You weren’t usually one to overeat, but since your heart was upset, your stomach was the same and you craved junk food.

You waited for Sunghoon to make a comment over it, to call you ‘gross’ the same way Jake once did when he saw you putting a bag of chips — the same type Sunghoon helped you take — inside the cart. You waited for it, but nothing came.

Instead, Sunghoon pushed the cart a little further in the lane until he reached the snacks section and eyed the shelves “There’s strawberry, brown chocolate and oreo.” He turned toward you and looked genuinely interested in your choice.

“Which one do you want?” You blinked faintly, unsure on how to handle that situation. He raised a brow, awaiting your answer “Strawberry.” You murmured.

“Strawberry it is.” He took the donuts and placed them in the cart “Do you want something?” You asked, reaching for him with a smile.

“Me?” You nodded in reply “Yes, take something you like, I’ll sugar mama you.” You joked nudging his shoulder.

Sunghoon stayed silent a few beats, “No.” He said sternly, “I’ll buy this for you.” He pointed to the food you wanted to purchase.

Your brows furrowed “What?” Sunghoon smiled, a wicked grin creeping on his lips “I’ll sugar daddy you.”

It seemed like you had hurt his pride trying to say you’d pay for his food, but you still didn’t want him to spend money on you, so you shook your head “That’s not necessary.”

“I insist.” He took another small cartoon of donuts and placed it in the cart, hurrying away before you could talk back. You reached him again “No, Sunghoon.”

“Yes, Y/N.” He kept taking useless things from the shelves and you kept putting them back, this went on for almost two whole lanes until you placed yourself in front of the cart.

Sunghoon tilted his head “What?” You narrowed your eyes, clearly upset. Seeing your change of mood made Sunghoon freeze. Did he overdo it?

He let out a small sigh “Alright, I’ll stop adding things.” You nodded satisfactorily, placing yourself back by his side.

“But I’ll pay.” Your head snapped back to him and Sunghoon chuckled “It’s the least I can do, you invite me to your house and I pay for your groceries, it’s even.”

Arguing with Sunghoon seemed to be a losing battle, so you just nodded your head and smiled back at him “Okay, thank you.”

“Anything for you.” They were just three words, but they were the most sincere you’ve ever heard.

After paying for your groceries, you two made your way towards the parking lot, you walked in front of a window, a crimson short dress on a mannequin.

You stopped to glance at it for a few seconds, your eyes sparkling. Sunghoon noticed you stopping and took a few steps back “Like it?” He asked, smiling at you

You were so stunned you just nodded in reply, eyes still glued to the dress. It seemed so perfect, sleeveless and not too short but not too long as well. You could see strings on the back, leaving it a little exposed.

“You want to try it?” At his question you snapped out of thoughts, turning to face Sunghoon (who was also a rather nice view).

“No, no, we should go home.” Sunghoon frowned at your reply “But you like it.”

You sighed softly and chuckled “Yes, but that doesn’t mean I should try it.” He eyed the dress and then you, studying you from head to toe “Even if I want to see you in it?”

His words took you by surprise and you widened your eyes “W-what?” He smirked, his fangs showing from the corner of his lips “Let’s enter.” He took your hand and dragged you inside the shop.

He sat on a small sofa in front of the dressing room, patiently waiting for you to try that dress on.

The way your eyes seemed to light up made him want to buy you anything if it meant to see your pretty face smile and be bright.

He knew you were still shaken from your argument with Jake, and by the fact that the bastard was obviously ghosting you, and he’d do anything to take that sorrow away from you.

“Ready?” He asked after a few minutes of not hearing anything from you.

You carefully opened the curtain and lord if he didn’t get an erection on the spot.

Seeing that tiny dress hugging your perfect curves, the shy blush on your cheeks and still that perfect smile on your lips “It’s so beautiful.” You commented

“Give me a twirl.” He asked and you complied, twirling gracefully “You’re beautiful.” Your smile lit up the whole room, you nodded in reply “I think it’s pretty nice.”

Sunghoon stood up and walked toward you, his arms raising and taking your hair away from your back.

The proximity between you two made your breath hitch once again. You could smell his manly cologne and the fabric softener of his hoodie.

“This should be tied.” He murmured in your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. His breath hit your skin, so warm. You closed your eyes, waiting for him to finish tying the lace behind your back.

He placed your hair back where they were and placed one strand behind your ear. He pulled away satisfied and smiled “Now, that’s even better.”

You looked at yourself in the mirror of the dressing room and Sunghoon brought his hands on your shoulder. He leaned beside your ear and whispered huskily “Let me buy it for you.”

Your brows shot up and you quickly shook your head “I can’t let you do that.” Sunghoon gave you a mesmerising smile from the mirror “Why not?”

“Because you already paid for the groceries.” Sunghoon tsked at your reasoning “And?”

“And it’d be too much if you also bought this dress. Besides, I don’t even have a reason to wear it.”

“We’ll make one.” You felt a sudden rush of coldness when his breath left your skin and he stepped away “It’s settled, I’ll buy it.”

You turned around, “But—“ He brought a finger to your lips “Sh, I said I’d sugar daddy you and I always keep my word.”

⪩⪨

Y/N: Please Jake, can you reply to me?

Y/N: It’s been five days, at least let me know you’re fine.

You sighed and dropped the phone on the mattress beside you, tired of reading ‘delivered’ beside your messages. Had you crossed the line when you argued? Personally, you thought what Jake said was far worse, but you were ready to forgive him if only he swallowed his pride.

You bit your bottom lip, your body craving to be touched and screaming for release.

Not only had you and Jake not spent time together, but it had also been more than a month since you last had sex.

You tried to ignore your primal urges, however your hips unconsciously moved back and forth, trying to soothe the aching feeling between your legs.

Your breath got heavier as you let your palm wander under your nightgown, touching, trying to turn yourself on.

You bit your bottom lip, your hand reaching down to touch your clit, circling it with your fingers; using your slick to wet it more.

You slid one digit inside of you, fingering yourself for what seems like ten minutes, trying to find that one spot that makes your head spin— it didn’t feel good.

You decided to try and squeeze your breasts, fingering yourself at a fast speed… nothing seemed to work out.

Frustrated, you pulled your fingers out and curled yourself in a small ball, checking your phone just to see that again, Jake had not texted you.

At that moment, a new message popped on your screen.

Sunghoon: Hey Y/N, movie night tomorrow?

You unconsciously smiled and replied with a positive answer, feeling strangely giddy at the thought of having another plan with him.

Y/N: Sounds good.

It didn’t take much for him to text you back, only a few seconds needed.

Sunghoon: Awesome. Tomorrow @ 9pm?

Y/N: Yup. I’ll make sure to do some pop corns.

Sunghoon: Haha ok

You turned off the lights, placed the phone back on the bedside table and tucked yourself under the covers, ready to fall asleep when it buzzed again.

You took it, the screen light too bright for your poor eyes. You narrowed them, trying to read the new messages

Sunghoon: What are you doing now?

Your cheeks flushed at the thought of what you had been doing before he texted you.

Y/N: About to sleep

Sunghoon: Aw :(

Y/N: Why the sad face?

Sunghoon chuckled at your innocence and kind self. He bit his bottom lip and leaned back on the chair, typing his reply.

Sunghoon: I was playing a game and wanted some company.

Y/N: I’m not really sleepy

His eyebrows raised, he thought you’d just turn him off.

Maybe his plan was working.

Sunghoon: Can I call you?

You jolted up, sitting on the bed and looking around in panic.

Y/N: Voice call?

Sunghoon: Anything you want, x

The way Sunghoon was treating you wasn’t the way you treated fiends, but you decided not to overthink it much. Sunghoon’s contact name flashed on your screen as he called you.

You cleared your throat and tapped on the green button.

“Hey,” His voice came out as hoarse from the other line “Hi.” You whispered back, hugging your knees to your chest and fidgeting with the sheets

You could hear some keyboard tapping and asked “What are you playing?” Sunghoon chuckled “League of Legends.”

You hummed “I’ve never played.” Sunghoon let out a sound of disbelief “Never? Jake never let you play with him?”

Jake would always complain when you ever interrupted his gaming nights with friends, “No.” You replied simply.

“Shoot!” He exclaimed from the other line, making you jump in surprise and gasp “Sorry about that— I didn’t mean to startle you.” He was quick to apologise.

“It’s okay,” You reassured, not wanting him to feel guilty about that. “So, how was your day?”

You two started talking about everything and anything, laughing and just enjoying each other's company.

You hadn’t even realised you had fallen asleep, your light snores and deep breaths probably became Sunghoon’s favourite sounds.

Because he never hung up, not until you woke up the next morning and did it yourself.

⪩⪨

Something didn’t feel quite right that day, you let Sunghoon inside your apartment and the two of you prepared the living room for the movie night… but he had something different. Perhaps, the other night something changed between you two.

Maybe it was his not-combed hair, all fluffy and wild, or the white tee he was wearing that showed the shadow of his muscles and abs— or maybe the grey sweats he was wearing. You gulped down, it was you, you were the one off.

Not cumming for so much time did tricks to your brain.

You decided to ignore it and you two sat side by side, but still keeping distance “What movie do you wanna watch?”

Sunghoon asked, lazily eating a pop corn while scrolling through Netflix “Cause I had one in mind, but we can watch something else if you want.”

You hummed “What did you have in mind?” Your voice was softer and quieter, making Sunghoon feel goosebumps all over his skin.

Oh, the effect you had on him.

He took one pillow and sneakingly placed it on his laps, hoping it wasn’t obvious that he was trying to cover his growing bulge.

“How to lose a guy in ten days?” He asked, faking innocence when you widened your eyes and physically squeaked “I love that movie!”

“Is that so?” Sunghoon asked but he already knew the answer. you had said that one day when you were having a group hang out with the others.

He remembered, actually, he remembered every detail of you— even the ones you may think of stupid.

“Then, let’s watch it.” He said and clicked play, the movie beginning peacefully.

It all went alright until Sunghoon’s knee got closer and closer, touching yours.

He acted oblivious, focusing on the scene unfolding in front of him but he was painfully aware of you.

Maybe it was also because of your exposed thighs, the shorts hugging your legs so perfectly, making him almost drool. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

Seeing that you didn’t reject his touch, Sunghoon grew a little bolder and placed his hand on your thigh, caressing it.

An alarm inside your conscience screamed danger! stop! but something told you that his touch was safe, soothing and so attractive.

Your mind went to Jake, how he would react if he ever saw your best friend touching your thigh, too close to where he shouldn’t be touching.

Nonetheless, Jake was so far away and Sunghoon so close to you, his hand slowly creeping closer to where you ached, where you just needed him.

Your breath hitched and your stiff state made sunghoon smirk sly. his plan was working smoothly.

His hand squeezed the flesh beside your thigh as your gaze was still fixed on the tv; however your attention was all on the coldness of his fingers, the way they felt on your skin.

“Sunghoon.” You wanted to say sternly but only a small whisper left your lips “Hmm?” He hummed, his dark eyes back on you

You gulped down and turned your head to meet his face, you glanced at the hand on your thigh and shook your head “You should stop.”

“Stop?” Sunghoon asked, his voice teasing and soft “It seems to me that you are enjoying my touch.”

Deny was what your brain told you to do but his hand moved even closer, resting just below the hem on your shorts.

Your hesitation made Sunghoon’s smirk turn more cunning, “What is on your mind?” He asked, his position shifting so his whole body was facing yours, the pillow falling on the floor.

You didn’t move a bit.

“That it’s weird…” You murmured “What you’re doing.”

“Yeah?” He cooed “And why do you think that?” He asked and his finger tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, making a small tint of blush appear on your cheeks

You weren’t naïve, you knew what Sunghoon was hinting at with his actions and words.

You knew it, yet you didn’t want it to stop.

“Because Jake wouldn’t like it.” At your words, Sunghoon’s smirk fell.

You were loyal and that was admirable, but it was only because his best friend made a move on you first, before he built the courage to talk to you.

Though Jake wasn’t treating you like you deserved, like Sunghoon would.

“Don’t think about him,” He said, his voice harsher than he intended to “Think about me.”

You watched him with hooded eyes as his hand that was tucking the small strand of hair behind your ear slowly slid down your shoulder.

Your heart was pounding so hard you could feel it in your throat and your breath heavier than before.

“This is wrong.” You whispered, unable to voice out the coherent thoughts forming in your brain with his hands touching you ever so gently “we shouldn’t do this.”

Sunghoon gave you a smile that was meant to be reassuring even if it was just victorious.

He knew you’d give in to him, sooner or later.

“It's wrong only if Jake finds out.” He looked down at your body, the way your nipples hardened and their outline could be seen from the shirt, he licked his bottom lip “Besides, don’t act like you don’t want it to happen as well.”

Silence filled the room except for the sound of the long forgotten movie, Sunghoon could sense your hesitation and your pretty brain overthinking, so he let out a small sigh “I’ll try something, you can tell me to stop if you don’t want to.” He said but remained still, waiting for your permission

“Try what?” You asked, your voice so soft and quiet it made his cock harden inside his sweats

“This.'' His voice sounded more like a growl, Sunghoon cupped the back of your neck while his other hand hooked around your waist, bringing you close; his lips connected to your neck, leaving wet kisses all over.

You instantly closed your eyes and a shaky breath left your lips, Sunghoon took it as a clue to add more pressure and suck small spots, careful not to do anything sudden.

One of your hands raised and placed on his forearm, feeling the muscle of his arm, Sunghoon smirked on your skin and detached himself just enough to talk “Do you want to stop?”

You sighed softly and grasped his hair with your other hand, bringing his mouth down on your neck “Keep going.” You said and sunghoon felt as if he was the luckiest man on earth.

His kisses grew hungrier, not leaving even a single spot untouched by his lips. one hand grasped your hair back, bringing it back to have more room while the other groped your breasts from outside the shirt.

You squeezed your thighs together, trying to find relief. “N-no marks.” you said as he sucked a spot for too long, he pulled away and bit his bottom lip, repressing a chuckle “Too late.”

Before you could reply, his lips found yours in a heated and desperate kiss, it was so wrong but it felt too right to stop.

You let your hands slip under his shirt and roam freely, feeling his sculpted chest under your palms, earning a deep groan from sunghoon.

His tongue slipped inside your mouth, he was the one in control of the kiss but you didn’t mind. You just craved to be taken care of.

He pulled away from you and began to lift your shirt up, too eager to feel your whole body— to make you his even if you didn’t belong to him.

He threw the shirt on the floor and widened his eyes as he saw your naked upper body.

Sunghoon stared in trance at you, but it made you feel self conscious and your arms wrapped around your chest.

Sunghoon frowned, taking your hands away “Never,” He murmured, kissing your lips once more “Never cover yourself from me, understand?” You nodded in response “Yes, Hoon.”

He squeezed your tit and lowered his lips to the other one, sucking on your abused nipple “Such pretty tits.” He commented and you unconsciously grind on the sofa, the wetness of your pussy glistening your panties.

He left one breast to pay attention to the other, sucking and flicking his tongue on it, making you whine “Mhhh.. Hoon.” You encouraged him to continue

Sunghoon smirked and looked at you, moving your hips while your eyes were closed and your mouth slightly opened, soft whimpers exiting it.

“Lay down, princess.” He ordered and you complied. His voice was so low and demanding you thought you’d do anything he asked without contemplating anything. Maybe he truly did a spell on you.

His fingers hooked under the hem of your shorts and he looked at your eyes, waiting for your approval. “Don’t ask,”

You said, trusting him and knowing he’d stop if you ever asked, but Aunghoon pecked your lips “Are you sure you want this?” He asked, because no matter how hard he wanted you, he’d never force himself on you.

You nodded, your mind hazy and you body in need to be touched “Yes— I need you, Hoon.” Your soft pleading made blood rush straight to his cock, the visible bulge pocking through his pants.

“Fuck, Y/N.” He groaned and pulled your shorts down, discarding them on the floor “You’ll be the death of me.” He stared at your body like you were a sculpture to admire at a museum, his hand tracing your curves.

“My gorgeous baby,” Sunghoon noticed the wet patch on your panties and smirked widely “So wet for me? We haven’t even started.” He cooed as he tucked the hem down, leaving you completely bare in front of him.

With one finger he gathered your juices and took his digit inside his mouth, humming in approval “Tastes good, so fucking good.”

At such a sight you couldn’t help but let out a small whine “Hoon..” You murmured and his attention immediately snapped back at you “Yes, baby?”

You moved your hips closer to him “Touch me please.” And how could he say no when you asked so politely?

“Want me to touch you?” His finger went down and played with your clit, making you arch your back “Want me to make you feel good, s’that what you want baby?”

He cooed, one finger slipping inside your needy and wet hole, your walls squeezing around it “Fuck, you’re so tight.”

He frowned, working his finger in and out your hole while you moaned under him “Does jake even touch you, uh?” He scoffed

He added another finger, keeping your legs opened with his other hand.

The movements of his fingers inside of you made you see stars, he was so skilled it almost made you forget you had a boyfriend that should do such filthy things to your body.

Not that you cared at that moment, and neither did Sunghoon.

Your hips moved back and forth to match his digits, deep inside of you.

He curled them and caressed your g-spot, making you squeeze your eyes and pant heavily “Faster.” You asked “Please Sunghoon— feels s’good.” His fingers moved faster and faster, the knot in your stomach about to snap when he abruptly pulled away.

You opened your eyes and whined, looking at him with a huge frown which made Sunghoon smile.

You were so cute like that, face all flushed in desperate need to cum “Don’t worry.” He reassured, pulling his sweat and boxers away “Just wanted you to cum all over my cock.”

You smiled but it soon transformed into a huge jaw drop as you saw how big and fat his cock was. it pulsed, angry red and thick, up on his stomach.

Sunghoon chuckled at your reaction, “Too big for you?” He asked, taking your chin in his hands and bringing your face slightly closer to him “Jake isn’t as big as me, is he?”

“That’s… never gonna fit.” You whispered, embarrassed “We’ll see that.” He pulled your head down on the sofa again and he fisted his shaft, your juices that still coated his fingers acting as lube.

He pressed the tip of his dick by your entrance, teasing it “Hurry.” You whined

Sunghoon smirked “Such a needy girl,” He scowled at you and pushed his cock into you in one deep thrust, making you gasp. you felt so stretched, your walls hugging his member, making his eyes roll back “Shit, princess,” He panted “You’re really so tight,” he pushed himself deeper, already bottoming out.

You whined in a mixture of pain and pleasure, gripping the sofa beneath you, Sunghoon noticed you and connected your lips with his, trying to distract you “Relax,” He cooed, one of his hands caressing your forehead with his thumb “It’s all good, you’re doing so well.”

His sweet words made you instantly relax, you looked at him through your teary eyes and he smiled warmly, pecking your lips once more.

He started moving inside of you, slowly at first and when the pain subdued to pleasure, you moaned “S’deep,” You breathed out, gripping his arm.

Sunghoon couldn’t hold back anymore, his hips started moving faster, your skin slapping together as he tsked “Bet he can’t fuck you like i do,”

He circled your clit with his free hand, while his other snuck around your neck, adding small pressure, just enough to make your mind hazy.

He groaned, trying his best not to cum right there as he heard your sweet moans, your tits moving back and forth alongside your body as he pushed his cock so deep he could see the shadow his bulge in your stomach.

“I’m the only one who can fuck you like you deserve,” He kept saying nonsense while you laid under him, the knot in your stomach about to snap.

You nodded at his statement, not registering his words at all “Hoon— s’close, i’m close.” You said, your voice cracked and quiet.

“I know baby,” He circled your clit faster “Can feel you squeeze me— fuck— squeeze my cock.” He threw his head back to move the bangs sticking to his sweaty forehead, revealing an image of every girl’s erotic dream.

He felt your walls squeezing his cock, signalling that you were about to fall apart and so he hurried his movements “Don’t cum yet,” He ordered but you shook your head, unable to resist anymore as you came, your orgasm hitting like a crashing wave, making your body squirm underneath him.

Sunghoon slowed his thrusts but never faltered, he helped you ride out of your high until you were able to open your eyes again, your breath so heavy.

He kissed your lips, holding your chin in his fingers while he resumed his speed, trying to reach his own release

You moaned louder, probably even your neighbours could hear you but Sunghoon pushed you to overstimulation, “Gonna cum, just a little more baby.” He panted, gripping both your hips and rutting inside of you until he pulled out and came all over your chest and body, shots of white seed painting you.

You spread it all over yourself, waiting for him to calm down as the realisation of what you had just done hit both of you.

You exchanged no words but Sunghoon carefully scooped your figure from the sofa and carried you bridal style to the bathroom, making you sit as he prepared you a warm bath.

“Hoon..” you murmured, guilt eating you alive. Sunghoon turned around and saw the state you were in.

Ignoring the hard-on he had again at the sight of you all dirty in his cum, he pressed a featherlight kiss on your forehead “Don’t overthink it,” He said gently “it’ll be alright if he doesn’t know, and you can keep a secret, can’t you?”

Sunghoon asked and you nodded “That’s a good girl.” He pecked your lips but you brought him into a deeper kiss and before you knew, his tongue was inside your mouth again.

He reluctantly pulled away, shaking his head, feeling like he’d be taking advantage of you.

Sunghoon closed the tab of the bath and helped you in, despite your legs that were like jelly, you felt refreshed and happier.

He let go of your hand but you didn’t, keeping it secured in yours. He looked at you with a puzzled expression.

“Get inside.” You beckoned to the bath and he shook his head again “I’ll take a shower later.”

You pouted “Let’s save water.” Your eyes were so soft and glossy he couldn’t help but comply and he entered the bathtub with you.

Nedless to say, you found yourself on his laps, needy grinding against his hard cock as you two made out with the warm water around you both.

Maybe you could do more than that while Jake was away.

⪩⪨

The next morning you woke up to a strange sensation between your thighs, it felt hot but also good, waves of pleasure rushing through your body.

You slowly opened your eyes and looked down, seeing a ruffled head buried between your legs, two strong hands pinning you down the bed.

“Hoon..” You breathed out, your mind still hazy and eyes too heavy to keep open.

Sunghoon momentarily detached himself from your cunt, your wetness coating his chin “Mh, hey princess.” He smiled as if he wasn’t eating you out for breakfast “Just relax, let me take care of you.”

You already weak heart melted at his statement and you just nodded, resting your head back on the pillow while Sunghoon flicked his tongue on your tongue, stimulating it with his fingers as well.

You closed your eyes and placed one hand behind sunghoon’s head, grasping his hair, trying to bring him closer, needing him closer.

The phone on your bedside table started ringing, making you take it and frustratedly checking who was ruining your moment.

You would’ve jerked away if it wasn’t for Sunghoon’s grip at the sight of Jake’s contact name “It’s Jake.” You half-whispered, half-screamed, trying to pull Sunghoon’s head away from your pussy.

He reluctantly let go and nodded “Answer.” Though his tone said that was the last thing he wanted you to do. With shaky hands, you took the call and placed the phone beside your ear “Hello?”

“Y/N, hi… it’s morning there, did I wake you up?” Jake’s voice seemed to foreign to your ears it felt strange at first; as you were about to reply, Sunghoon’s lips attached to your pussy once more, making you gasp.

“You good?” Jake asked from the other line, worry lacing his tone “All good!” You exclaimed, a little too high pitched.

No matter how hard you grasped Sunghoon’s hair, the man was not going to pull away from your pussy and the way he pinned you more down on the bed confirmed your thoughts.

Instead, you bit your bottom lip and tried your best not to give away the pleasure your boyfriend’s best friend was giving you. “Listen, I'm so sorry.” You frowned, confused “What are you sorry for?”

A whimper died down your throat when Jake answered “How I left things, I shouldn’t have ignored your texts..” He sighed softly “I was just mad, I needed some time alone, but it isn’t an excuse.”

No, it wasn’t, but you had forgotten about the fight thanks to Sunghoon’s magic bed skills, so you just shrugged it off.

“I understand.” You breathed out as Sunghoon inserted a finger into your sticky walls, fingering you while his tongue worked on your clit.

Jake sighed at your answer “I said hurtful things to you, can you forgive me?” You moved your hips, fucking yourself on sunghoon’s tongue, earning a hum of approval that sent waves through your body.

“Yes,” you replied, though you didn’t know if it was meant for Jake’s question or to incite Sunghoon in his act “Really?”

Jake’s voice sounded surprised, you usually took things personally, so why brush it all off? He wasn’t going to complain, though.

“How are things going there?” He asked “Alright,” You murmured, Sunghoon’s skilled tongue making you see stars.

“There?” You managed to ask without letting your voice shake when Sunghoon added a second digit inside of you, curling them like he had already memorised where your sweet spot was.

And he probably did.

“Well.” Jake chuckled “But I miss you so much,” You felt a pang of guilt, because since Sunghoon occupied your daily life, your mind had started to drift toward Jake less.

“Miss you too,” You whispered, your words making Sunghoon’s fingers move faster. You bit down on your fist to prevent yourself from making unwanted noises.

You heard a second voice from the other line but couldn’t quite understand what it said, and then Jake sighed sadly “I have to go baby, I'll text you when I finish this meeting.”

You hummed, your back arching “I love you.” Jake said sweetly and you answered with a quick “Me too.” Before hanging up, throwing the phone on the mattress.

You pulled sunghoon’s head away and pushed it on the bed, strangely he let you do it, not fighting you.

He laid on the bed while you crawled on top of him, hovering just above his face “You’re so hot when you’re pissed.” he teased, knowing that you would’ve been anxious about being discovered.

That was what added the thrill to Sunghoon, it would be boring otherwise.

“Shut up,” You shushed, lowering yourself on his lips and gripping his hair, pulling his lips on your pussy, the sweet sensation appearing again.

You bucked your hips down, riding his face while you moaned, trying to reach your orgasm.

Sunghoon’s tongue found your entrance, fucking your hole, drinking all your wetness like you were his last meal.

On other occasions you would've been scared of choking him, but with the pre-orgasm bliss, your selfishness appeared and you just worried about cumming.

His nose poked your clit, his tongue fucking in and out and his hums of approval to let you know that he was, at least, still breathing made you reach your high, legs shaking.

He helped you ride out of your orgasm, your breath still hard as you laid down on the bed again, chest raising up and down.

He sat up and kissed your lips, tasting your cum on his tongue “Morning, Y/N.” He murmured in a hoarse voice.

“Morning, Sunghoon.” It was the same thing you two had been telling each other for a week, only this time, it meant so much more.

⪩⪨

“Let me see them, come here.” He demanded as you two got home from your nail salon appointment, which he insisted on paying.

You smiled widely and walked closer to the sofa where he was sitting — or rather, manspreading — and happily showed him your pinkish nails.

“I love them.” You confessed, the small brush of Sunghoon’s thumb on your knuckles making your breath hitch “Pretty nails for a pretty girl.” He smirked when he noticed the effect he had on you.

Sunghoon was no innocent man, despite his shy appearance.

When he said he’d do anything for you, he meant it, even betray his best friend for you.

Maybe you didn’t want to dump him because Jake was, in fact, a good boyfriend if you didn’t count the bad moments you had together.

But Sunghoon was better than him, and he was planning on showing you.

He let go of your hand and patted his lap, beckoning you to sit on it.

Complying, you straddled him and wrapped your arms around his neck “But you didn’t have to pay for them.” You murmured, feeling guilty that he spent so much for you, along with the necklace and earrings he bought you as a gift

“Shhh,” He hushed you, pressing a finger on your lips, brushing his thumb over your bottom one.

“I want to spoil you baby, you deserve it.” His voice was barely a whisper, so deep and husky.

Your lips hitched with the urge you had to put them on his, kissing until you grew sick of it— but you couldn’t.

“Actually,” You mumbled and pulled away, just enough to resist your deepest thoughts “I don’t want to send you away, but Jake wanted to FaceTime me,” You gulped, fidgeting with his shirt

Sunghoon tilted his head, his hands securing around your waist, protectively keeping you close “So?”

“So, I thought it’d be better if he didn’t see you here.” You added, nodding at your own statement

Sunghoon frowned, “I can hide in the bathroom until you’re done.”

“Hoon— you’ve been sleeping here for four days..” His jaw ticked “Am I bothering you?”

You were quick to shake your head “No, never.” You bit your bottom lip, afraid to voice out your feelings since that useless argument you had with Jake

He sighed softly and took your chin in his fingers, making you look inside his eyes “What’s wrong, baby?” He asked, holding you so gently you thought you’d shatter right there and he’d be able to pick up all your pieces

“I—“ You shook your head, but Sunghoon’s grip tightened on your chin “Tell me.” He demanded, not harshly.

“I just… I don’t think Jake would like it if he knew about this and I feel so guilty.” Sunghoon felt his anger rise, because he wanted to tell you that your relationship was more off than on, he wanted to tell you to just break up with Jake and live with him, spend your day tucked under his protections so that no one could hurt you anymore.

But, you weren’t his and he couldn’t do anything about it… yet.

“What we’re doing isn’t bad, alright?” He tried to sooth your worry “We’re just two adults trying to satisfy each other’s needs,” Sunghoon licked his bottom lip, looking at your glossy and innocent eyes made his dick harden inside his jeans.

“And I want to take care of you..” He whispered, his hand slipping under your shirt, groping your breasts, earning a small whimper from you “Will you let me?”

Were the necklace and earrings he gave you cursed? Because no matter how much you knew this was wrong, you only craved for more.

“Yes,” You whispered, “I want to make you feel good too.” Sunghoon’s eyes softened, you were so cute and innocent and so his to ruin “Is that so, princess?” You nodded in response

“Want to make me feel good?” You hummed and Sunghoon got close to your ear, purring “Get on your knees.”

You complied right away, climbing down his laps and placing yourself between his legs “Need those pretty hands around my cock,” He said and you unzipped his jeans, palming his already hard length through the fabric

“Do you know how to give a blow?” He scoffed, almost being degrading “I bet Jake couldn’t even teach you properly.” Sunghoon caressed the side of your cheek and then his hand gripped your hair, pulling your head toward his hips “Hurry up, sweetheart.”

Not wanting to make him wait, you quickly pulled the hem of his boxers down and let them fall to his ankles.

His cock sprung free, veiny and thick, you let your tongue trace it, giving kitten licks to the tip.

Sunghoon groaned, holding your hair up to a semi-ponytail so they wouldn’t bother you.

You circled your tongue all over the tip, tasting his bittersweet precum.

“Stop teasing.” he warned, pulling your hair back and looking into your eyes, his tone softening, “Understood, baby?” You nodded in approval and took him whole inside your mouth in one swift movement, his long shaft hitting the back of your throat, making you gag.

He ard your slight gag but the sensation of your warm mouth wrapped around him was enough to cloud his mind. you bobbed your head back and forth, filthy sounds filling the room.

“Shit princess, you feel so good.” He groaned “Mh— could just cum right here.” His praising fuelled your confidence, so you gripped both his hips and moved your head faster, trying to provide him pleasure

You palmed his balls as well, gripping them gently as Sunghoon let out a low moan, throwing his head back on the headboard on the sofa.

You spied him from your eyelashes, he looked like the epitome of erotic: mouth hanging open, eyebrows furrowed and eyes squeezed shut.

He pushed your mouth further, trying to bottom out when your phone started ringing. You got distracted, looking to the side, about to pull away as you knew it was Jake.

“Don’t you dare.” Sunghoon groaned, standing up and pushing his cock deep inside your throat, you gagged, it being too big to fit.

You tried to push him away to catch your breath but Sunghoon didn’t seem to care. Only when he saw your teary eyes did he give you the chance to breathe.

You panted heavily, spit rolling down your cheeks and wetting your shirt.

Your ringtone started once again and Sunghoon watched you wild his eyes, he took your chin in his hands and raised a brow “You going to answer?”

Your eyes were glossy and the tip of your nose red, you shook your head in reply “That’s what I thought.” he smirked and yanked you by your hair, snatching them to push his fat cock inside your mouth once again.

The way you were just staring at him with those eyes made him grin, the sweat dripping down his forehead added a small spark to the whole situation.

Your phone rang once more and he let out an annoyed groan, taking it in his hands “Maybe I should just show your boyfriend what you’re doing right now, uh?” You panicked and shook your head, trying to pull away from him.

“Keep sucking,” he warned, maintaining his grip on your hair. He showed your phone screen to you, Jake’s contact name appearing before your eyes.

You murmured, trying to tell him not to do anything reckless but that only sent waves of pleasure to his length.

“Shit Y/N.” he panted, throwing your phone back on the sofa, not caring about its ringtone anymore.

“Always ruining the moment, that fucker.” He murmured, holding your head with both his hands and pushing his dick in and out your warm and went mouth

“I’m so close baby,” You nodded, dropping your arms on your side and letting him do what he needed to reach his high. His moans were low, more like growls which made the wetness between your legs grow more uncomfortable as time passed.

You liked when he acted so possessive, when he acted like you belonged to him.

You wished you did.

“Fuck, Fuck, Fuck.” He chanted, eyes rolling back “Such a good girl for me,” He groaned once more, pushing one last time, deeper until released his seed inside your mouth.

He took deep breaths, trying to calm down “Swallow.” Sunghoon ordered, his eyes so dark and red.

You gulped down and then stuck out your tongue to show him that no trace of his cum was left “Good girl.” He smiled, helping you up.

He helped you up and was about to pull your body closer when you shook your head “What’s wrong?” He asked, confused at your sudden coldness

You glanced at your phone on the sofa and smiled faintly “I think I should call Jake back.” You took it and bit your bottom lip, “I’ll be back later.”

You didn’t spare Sunghoon a glance and just disappeared in your bedroom, closing the door behind your back, leaving Sunghoon in the living room with the realisation that your heart still belonged to Jake.

⪩⪨

Jake was a total asshole. He had always known that, but realisation hit him the moment he saw you coming out of that room bawling your eyes out.

Despite not wanting to tell him, he had a feeling it meant Jake’s foul mouth said things he shouldn’t have.

And as he rocked you to sleep, whispering sweet nothings while gently caressing your body, he was more than determined to take you away.

What made it worse was that you took your time to clean the drool from your cheeks, combed your tangled hair and even put some mascara on to be pretty.

Jake didn’t even consider that, or didn’t try to think how happy you’d be to talk to him and harshly destroyed your mood.

The next morning you woke up feeling groggy, your eyes were puffy and tear stains lined down your cheeks.

You looked at yourself in the mirror and sighed, trying to fix the damage that was your appearance.

After washing your face and doing your needs, you exited the bathroom thinking you’d be alone and mentally preparing to make something for yourself to eat when you came across a tall male figure cooking.

You stopped in your tracks, eyes wide as you drank him in. Sunghoon was toasting something with the pan, his forearms flexing as he twisted the bread.

He was quietly humming a melody, quiet enough not to wake you up, the smell of caramel and first loves filling the air.

You felt a sudden peace of mind, dreaming about waking up like this every day, lazy sunday mornings spent in, cuddling and just being with each other.

Your dream was crushed when you remembered you actually had someone to do that with you, and he wasn’t Sunghoon.

You walked towards him and hugged his waist, your small arms wrapped around his toned torso. He stiffed for a second before realising it was you “Morning sleepyhead.”

“Morning Hoon.” You said back, snuggling your face closer to his back. He turned off the stove and turned around, his arms wrapping around your waist, pulling your body closer

“Slept well?” Sunghoon asked, placing the palm of his hand on your cheek, his thumb giving it gentle strokes.

The way he talked and looked had you so weak and vulnerable and the only place you wanted to be in was the space between his arms, pressed in so close and so tight.

“Yes, thanks to you.” You gave him a sincere smile. His lips twitch up into a smile and you can feel the warmth of his gaze on your face.

He shook his head and placed a featherlight kiss on your head “I did nothing, really.” He did what Jake should’ve done, instead he chose to be the reason for your hurting.

You were about to answer when he held your waist tightly and placed you to sit on the kitchen counter, you blinked faintly in confusion. Sunghoon smiled and pecked your nose “Breakfast will be done soon.” He announced, winking at you.

He turned back to the stove and placed the toasts on a small plate; he walked to the fridge and took some jam along with butter.

You followed all his movements with your gaze, noticing how his muscles twitched at his every movement. He was wearing a t-shirt that was supposed to be Jake’s, though you had to admit it looked way better on Sunghoon. You shook your head, getting rid of those (not so) untrue allegations.

Sunghoon finished making the toasts and turned towards you, his fang smile so addictive. “Are you hungry?” He asked “I made toast and found strawberries in the fridge.”

“I think you’d like to eat something else.” You murmured, voice still hoarse from sleeping.

Sunghoon’s gaze darkened as he registered your words, placing himself between your legs “And what is it?” He questioned, face so close to yours you could feel his hot breath hitting your skin

With one hand you held yourself on the counter and wrapped the other around Sunghoon’s neck.

You two had only four more days together, and you chose to make the best of them.

You’d deal with Jake when he came back and could talk face to face.

“I have a perfect meal for you.” You smirked, looking down at your lower body. Sunghoon let out a soft sigh, his bulge already poking from his shorts “My favourite.”

His palm traced all the way from your breasts, down to your stomach and hem of the shorts.

He slipped one finger inside and cursed under his breath when he realised you were wearing no underwear

You chuckled at his reactions and Sunghoon attacked your lips with his, sucking on your bottom lip, making you squirm.

He squeezed your breasts and simultaneously played with your clit, touching you in only ways he could.

He detached his lips from yours and lowered himself, kneeling in front of you.

He kissed your clothed core, smelling the scent of you, so addicting.

You felt your pussy clench around nothing, the usual warm feeling building inside your body.

You looked down at Sunghoon with pleading eyes and he was more than happy to satisfy you “On it, baby.” He licked his lips as he pulled your shorts down, the cold air of the room hitting your sensitive skin, making you shiver.

Sunghoon placed kitten kisses all over your thighs, so close to where you needed him but not exactly there.

“Hoon.. please.” You whined, pulling him by his hair closer to your core. Sunghoon flicked his tongue on your clit, making you gasp out.

He continued to lick your pussy like a popsicle, his skilled tongue brushing against your shaven mound, making your head hazy.

Your breath grew heavy and you couldn’t help but throw your head back, desperately pushing Sunghoon closer, trying to find satisfaction.

Sunghoon rewarded your bravery by inserting one finger inside your hole, brushing it against your g-spot “Fuck— Hoon, yes” You moaned out

“Pussy tastes so good.” he purred, diving again between your thighs “All mine, this is all mine, got it?” in your blissful state you nodded your head in reply, bucking your hips to meet his movements

As Sunghoon’s fingers kept brushing against a certain spot that had your eyes roll back, you felt something snap inside of you and liquid spurred out of your pussy.

You widened your eyes, looking down at him with an apologetic look.

“I— I’m sorry.” You said, taking in the sight of said liquid dripping down Sunghoon’s chin and having wetted his shirt.

Sunghoon, on the other hand, seemed to be on cloud 9 “That was so hot, Y/N.” He said with sparkling eyes “Squirt on me again baby, please.”

He was really pussy drunk, drinking all your juices, fucking you with his tongue and fingers.

He raised himself on his feet and brought you into a sloppy and messy kiss, you could taste yourself on his lips.

His painful clothed bulge pressed against your core, rubbing against it.

Sunghoon made his shorts and boxers fall down to his ankles and rubbed his red tip on your wet folds, gathering your sweet juices.

He pushed his thick cock inside you and your breath hitched, its length still something you weren’t used to.

You propped yourself on your elbows and took deep breaths, trying to distract yourself from the burning stretch.

Sunghoon moved slowly, rubbing your clit to make you even wetter so that he could slip in and out without hurting you.

He held your face with one hand, his thumb inside your thumb while you sucked on it “You’re so dirty.” he smirked “My dirty girl.” He got close to your face and hurried his thrusts

“Tell me baby— shit— you mine, uh?” He asked, voice husky

“I’m not y-yours.” Ah, wrong answer. He stilled his movements, looking down at you with a raised brow “Not mine?” He scoffed, “Then you don’t deserve to cum.”

You felt him pull out and panicked, gripping his forearm desperately “No!” You exclaimed “Please Hoon.”

He gave one deep thrust, making you whimper “What did you say?” You blinked faintly “Please..” He shook his head “Nah ah.”

You sighed “I’m yours, Hoon.” His lips twitched into a sly smirk “Good girl.” Sunghoon praised as he gripped your waist.

You raised your top just enough to let your breasts run free and squeezed your nipple, stimulating your body.

Sunghoon joined you and squeezed the other one, bringing his lips down to circle it and send waves of pleasure through your body.

Sunghoon took hold of your hips, raising you from the counter while your hands were still gripping it, moving your lower body to meet his in quick and deep thrusts.

“Fuck, get down.” he helped you down the counter and manhandled you, turning you as he pleased.

He took your arms and hooked them around one of his, your back pressed against his chest.

Sunghoon entered your body once more, his movements so fast. You clenched around him, your moans so loud.

“You were made for me.” He groaned in your ear, kissing your shoulder “Mine to fuck, mine to own, mine to love.”

You felt the knot in your stomach tighten, crying out in pleasure “S-sunghoon.” He breathed out “I know baby,” the speed of his thrusts hurried, rutting inside of you as he hit the sweet spot “Cum for me.”

At his words your eyes rolled at the back of your head, mouth agape as you came apart on his cock.

He looked down, the white circle forming around his shaft, almost making him cum as well on spot.

Your legs started shaking, his thrusts never faltering even as you squirmed in his grip. He circled your clit with one hand, your eyes getting watery.

“Shh,” He soothed, letting go of your arms to make you stabilise yourself by gripping the counter; his hands grasped your hips, grip so tight it would probably leave marks by the next day as he thrusted inside of you, trying to reach his release.

“I’m gonna cum,” Sunghoon panted, the speed of his movements increasing even more “Inside—“ You choked out “Cum inside me.” Your words made him release his seed right there, coating your clenching walls with his warm cum.

He hugged your back, lips brushing against your shoulders as he fucked his cum right back into you, not wanting a single drop to fall out.

He raised from your figure but still not pulling out, turning your head by your chin and connecting your lips.

The kiss was sloppy and uncomfortable due to the position, but it held so many feelings it made you melt.

Sunghoon’s fingertips caressed your stomach, holding you close while gentle thrusts kept uniting your bodies “You begging me to cum inside really did something to me, pretty girl.” He chuckled, kissing your jawline.

“Fortunately,” You started, still out of breath “I’m on the pill. Sunghoon chuckled huskily, “I wouldn’t have minded even if you weren’t.”

He pulled out, drops of his cum running down your thighs. He turned you around and kissed you deeply once more “Let’s get you cleaned up, then we can eat.”

You gave him a weak smile, you were sticky and sweaty, probably your hair was also messed up, but Sunghoon still looked at you like you were the most beautiful person in the world. “Yeah. Let’s do that.”

He kissed the tip of your nose and chuckled “I’m taking you out for the night, so prepare that dress I bought you.” Euphoria took over your face as you nodded happily “Thank you, Hoon.”

“I already told you I’d do anything for you.”

⪩⪨

You were putting the earrings he had bought you, the crimson dress hugging your body.

You stood in front of the full-length mirror inside your room, trying your best not to poke another hole in your ear.

You felt a pair of strong arms wrapping around your waist, Sunghoon’s head snuggled in the crook of his neck. The familiar cologne filled your nostrils, bringing a sense of peacefulness inside you.

Sunghoon kissed the back of your shoulder, his arms bringing you to his body. You felt his erections pressing between your ass cheeks, making you chuckle “You’re gorgeous.” He whispered in your ear, his kisses raising toward your jaw

You let out a shaky breath as he started slowly grinding against your ass “Hoon… We have a reservation.” You cleared your throat, trying not to think at the wetness between your legs

“So?” His voice was so low it made you shiver in his embrace. His hands moved towards your breasts, squeezing them from outside the fabric of your dress. “I’ll be quick, I promise.”

You shook your head “We’re going to be late.” He pressed your lower body even closer to his, rutting his clothes cock on your ass “Please baby…” He groaned, “I’m so hard it hurts.”

His eyes locked with your from the mirror and you couldn’t deny him when he looked so desperate for you.

You loved it, you loved the way he seemed to be so obsessed with you.

You nodded “Alright.” He didn’t waste time and flicked your skirt up, pushing his pants and boxers down and pushing your panties to the side. As his cock sprung free, you could feel it rubbing against you, so hot and hard.

He took your arms and held them in his hand, rubbing your folds with his shaft with the other. With one swift movement, he entered you, moving fast already.

Your moans were music to his ear and the sight of you rolling your eyes from the full-length mirror made his cock twitch inside of you.

Sunghoon groaned, sweat coating his forehead as he sped up, letting go of your arms to grip your hips and use your body as he pleased.

You put one hand behind his head and pressed yourself closer to him, your back tightly against his chest.

“My perfect girl,” He chanted, biting his bottom lip, trying his best not to cum just there “This pussy was made for me, uh?”

His heavy breath sent shivers through all your body, the sweet feeling of his dick bottoming out, hitting your cervix repeatedly made your legs shake.

“Close already?” He asked, the sound of skin slapping and the wet sounds from your cunt filling the room “Y-yes.” You managed to say, the feeling of euphoria approaching you.

“Fuck— me too.” He let out a few breaths, hurrying his speeds “Let’s cum together baby,” Sunghoon hugged your body from behind, spooning you while standing up as he rutted fast your abused pussy

“You’ll let me cum inside, right?” You nodded your head, “Please.” You breathed out “Want you to fill me up.”

Your words were enough for Sunghoon to empty his load inside of you, your own hand went down to circle your clit and you came right with him.

Your walls pulsed around him and his cock twitched, with slow and deep thrusts. He kissed the back of your shoulder, his breath calming down.

“You did amazing,” He whispered, pulling out and covering your folds with your underwear.

He pulled his pants and boxers up and pulled you by your waist, kissing you hungrily “Now, you’re going to dinner with my cum inside,” He murmured on your lips “And after we come home I’ll fuck it right back, filling you up again.”

You were still dazed from your orgasm, or maybe it was the spell he gave you, because all you could manage to do was nod blissfully. Sunghoon’s plan was indeed working.

⪩⪨

Saying that you two had been fucking like two rabbits was an understatement.

Sunghoon took you in the kitchen again, then on the sofa, in the bathtub and so many times in the bedroom.

Like now, you had the insane idea to blow him around three am, the day before Jake was coming home.

Nobody could blame you, though, because the way he was sleeping with his lips open, bare chested and hands ruffled turned you so on you wanted to give him the sloppiest and messiest head of his life. And so you did.

Sunghoon was now cuddling with you, his fingertips brushing against your sensitive skin, the quiet of the night too comfortable as you laid in his embrace.

His breath was even and soft, his body heat should’ve been bothering you since you were in July but it only made you seek more. Maybe it was the fact that the day before, it would be gone forever.

“Hoon?” you asked, tone gentle “Hmm?” he murmured sleepily, sniffling his head closer to your shoulder

You stayed silent for a couple of seconds, trying to gather your thoughts “When tomorrow comes, can you give me some time alone?”

Sunghoon frowned “What?” You gulped, looking down at him, smelling your shampoo scent in his hair. “I need some time to figure things out.”

Sunghoon was scared to feel hopeful by your words, he still said “Figure what?”

“My feelings.” You answered, sighing softly “It’s just that, I’ve never felt so happy like when I’m with you.” At those words, he raised his head, his tired dark eyes meeting yours

“With Jake, everything feels on autopilot, we just live our lives as if we were two roommates.” He caressed your shoulder, letting you know that he was with you, that he had got you

“But with you— you made me rediscover how love feels like, how it feels to be someone’s first choice.”

“Y/N..” He whispered, feeling a sudden urge to protect you “But I’m saying this after spending basically one month without my boyfriend.” Hearing you utter those two words felt like a punch in the stomach, even though you were just stating the truth.

Sunghoon had just been a replacement for you, something to fill the void created by Jake.

“I need to see it for myself if I really have no feelings left for him or if..” He interrupted you before you could finish “I understand.”

You blinked faintly, “You do?” Sunghoon nodded, a smile forming on his lips “Of course, I’ll wait for you and understand if you choose to be with Jake.”

Your eyes sparkled at his words, he was so gentle despite the fact that his heart was breaking.

But that wouldn’t happen, because as he held you close to him, he knew his spell had worked.

No matter how much you tried, you wouldn’t be able to get away from him.

“I’ll always be there for you.” No matter how many times he repeated it, you always felt the sincerity of his words.

⪩⪨

“I’m back.” Jake announced, entering the front door with his huge luggage “Y/N?” He asked, walking into the living room

“Hey,” You smiled, reaching him “Welcome back.” Jake smiled wrapped his arms around you “How is my love?” He asked rather happily

“Layla’s alright, I think.” Your answer sounded harsh, still not fully having forgiven him for the horrible things he said on FaceTime.

Jake frowned, knowing his sins “I’m so sorry, baby.” You sighed, pulling away from his embrace “I know.” You just said and took his luggage “I’ll put the dirty clothes in the laundry.”

Everything went smoothly, he had talked to you all about his journey, how awesome Los Angeles was, everyone was so kind and supportive towards him. And, not a single question on how you had been the past two weeks.

Shaking the feeling off and trying not to think about Sunghoon anytime Jake brushed his fingers against your skin, you successfully managed to get through three days.

What you told Sunghoon was true, your life went on autopilot when you were with Jake.

You woke up, went to work, did the chores and then went to sleep. You barely spoke to each other and the awkward silence in the house was always present.

“Baby?” He asked while you were cooking by the gas stoves, you hummed in response, not turning around.

“Since when did you buy all those jewellery and clothes?” He raised a brow, leaning against the counter “They’re pretty expensive, they’re from Pandora.”

“Oh?” You turned around and looked at the jewel case in his hands, trying to suppress a smile at the memory of Sunghoon buying you all the things you liked. Honestly, you wouldn’t even care if he had bought you diamonds or just paper rings, you’d take anything he’d give you.

“I liked them, so I bought them.” You shrugged, turning back to stir the soup inside the pot

“You’re so rich you can buy anything you want now?” He scoffed, placing the jewel case on the table and crossing his arms.

You stopped in your tracks, raising a brow “What?” Jake clicked his tongue “Did you pay the rent?” You nodded “Of course I did, last week.”

He let out a satisfied sound “What about the car insurance?” Now did you turn around and stared at him in disbelief “It’s your car, I’m not going to pay for you.”

Jake sighed “Come on baby, I’ve spent all my money on the trip.” You narrowed your eyes, dots collecting inside your brain “It’s a business trip, the company should’ve paid for you.”

Jake widened his eyes, stuttering “I— I meant the food and…” He trailed off. You weren’t going to buy it, you didn’t want to hear his excuses anymore.

“I don’t care, it’s your car. I don’t use it.” You informed, cleaning your hands in the apron and crossing them on your chest “But I’m your boyfriend.”

Your brows furrowed at his statement “Only when you want to.” Jake rolled his eyes “Here you go again.” He ran a hand through his hair “Could you stop being so over dramatic?”

“Oh, so now I’m over dramatic.” You said sarcastically “Yes! Yes you are.” He snapped

You didn’t flinch or look away this time, you weren’t going to show your weak side. Jake always took advantage of it, and you weren’t going to let him.

“Sunghoon was right.” You murmured and Jake’s head snapped back toward you “What?”

“You’re an asshole.” You narrowed your eyes but Jake just dismissed your “Yeah, ok. What about Sunghoon?”

“I’ve spent a lot of time with him lately,” Jake laughed at your statement, seeming genuinely thrilled at your information “You and that weirdo?”

Your mouth hung open “What did you say about him? He’s your best friend.”

Jake tsked, “That’s what he thinks. He was a loner and I just talked to him. He has stuck with me since then and I’m growing pretty sick of it.”

“How dare you talk about him like that?” Jake’s brow raised “Why do you care?”

“Because he is ten times better than you.” Jake chuckled again “Oh, he is? Baby, I’m better than him or you would’ve been his girlfriend by now.”

He leaned back against the counter “And what have you two been doing, eh? Reading books? Watching corny films? Playing table games?”

“Sex.” You replied, your tone monotone, having had enough of his bullshits. His chuckle died and he frowned, looking up at you.

“You heard me, I slept with Sunghoon.” His jaw dropped, anger building inside of him “So you just go around and act like a slut? Is that what you do when I’m not home?”

“Don’t you dare call me a slut.” You snapped, your voice raising for the first time in three years “You cheated on me, Y/N. When were you going to tell me?”

“I needed a few days to figure my feelings out, and thank you for making me realise how much of an asshole you are.”

Jake scoffed “You're the one who slept with another man when you’re supposed to be my girlfriend.”

“You’re right, and I’m sorry for cheating.” His face held some victorious feelings that quickly died as you added “Because I should’ve dumped you before.”

“And that’s what I’m doing right now, Sim Jaeyun, I’m breaking up with you.”

“You can’t do that.” His face filled with anger, but no regret could be found.

You were glad you opened your eyes before you were stuck with him “You’ve sucked my happiness out, you took the life out of me. Now I’m going to take it back.” You took off the apron, throwing it at his chest “I’ll come and get my things tomorrow.”

You heard him throwing other harsh words to you, but you didn’t care. You didn’t even wear your shoes, just ran out of your old apartment in slippers, towards the only place you knew would always have space for you.

⪩⪨

“Don’t shoot me!” Sunghoon was playing with his friends at a video game, the sound of keyboard taps filled the whole house along with his shouting.

It was strange his neighbours hadn’t come to complain already.

“At your back!” Jay informed him, Sunghoon was taking the aim to kill the enemy but his doorbell ringing distracted him, making his shoot pointless. “Shit man, I think it’s Miss Choi again.”

Jay snorted, “Alright, go deal with her.” The friends exchanged goodbyes and Sunghoon got up, the doorbell kept ringing, making Sunghoon groan

“Here, Here.” He sighed as he opened the door only to widen his eyes when he realised it was you in front of him— not his neighbour.

“Y/N—“ He couldn’t even finish saying your name when you threw yourself on him, lips meeting his. Sunghoon was taken aback at first but soon enough kissed you back, your lips touching and moving together.

You pulled away, panting heavily “What are you doing here?” He asked, taking in the sight of you.

Home clothes, slippers on and heavy breaths…

“Did you run here?” You took several deep breaths before speaking “I’m so sorry I made you wait.” Sunghoon blinked faintly at your sudden apologies

“Why are you—“ You shook your head “Please let me finish first.”

Sunghoon nodded slowly, waiting for you to continue. “When I first met Jake, I had never experienced love, so I thought what he did was normal…” You recalled in your mind all the times he and treated you unfairly for a span of three years and shivered

“But you made me realise how love actually feels, and I want to learn all the other forms it comes with.” You looked up at his eyes “He called you names and said he’d only been your friend for pity.”

You continued “I just wanted you to know that you are not pitiful, in fact, you're the best person I’ve ever met. Please, don’t listen to him.”

Sunghoon couldn’t care less about Jake’s opinion about him. But a small smile appeared on his face at the way you seemed to be so annoyed by the fact that he had insulted him.

“You defended me?” He asked softly, and you nodded as if it was the most obvious answer “I also dumped his unworthy ass.”

Sunghoon’s brows shot up in surprise and a smirk crept on his lips “That’s my girl.”

He brought his arms around your waist, pressing your body on his “I want to make it right, Sunghoon, I want to be happy and I want you.” You bit your bottom lip “If you want me too?”

Sunghoon chuckled and twirled you in the air, your giggles filling his usual lonely apartment “I’ve always wanted you, from the first day I saw you, I knew you were the one.”

His answer surprised you, “You liked me?” Sunghoon booped your nose, you looked so cute, all rebel wannabe just for your insecurities to stop you again “I think I love you.”

Your breath hitched, those words leaving his lips made you feel so warm on the inside, your heart skipping so many beats you weren’t sure it was still working “I think I love you too.”

Sunghoon kissed you deeply, his tongue entering your mouth as he claimed you, finally able to call you his.

You pulled away and chuckled, wrapping your arms around his neck.

You tilted your head, tone flirty “So.. You’ll let me stay for the night?” Sunghoon secured your waist in his grasp “I’ll let you stay forever.”

4K notes · View notes

bettys-redwinesupernova · 4 months ago

Text

I THINK HE KNOWS

drew starkey x fem!reader

(mood board does NOT depict reader’s appearance!)

SUMMARY: daniel craig introduces his daughter to his co-star drew starkey at the after party for the ‘golden globes,’ and they do more than just hit it off.🫣

based on this ask !! i got a little carried away with this one and i could genuinely write a WHOLE fic with drew x daniel craig’s daughter😫 i have so many ideas for this pairing, so lmk if you wanna see more !! i hope you enjoy this @drewstarrrkey <3

WARNINGS: fluff & smut (18+, MDNI!), cursing, alcohol consumption, flirty!reader, cursing, p in v, fingering, unprotected sex (wrap it before ya tap it😣), switch!drew (mostly dom), like one (?) use of ‘good girl,’ body worship, LOTS of foreplay😝. (lmk if i missed anything!!)

WORD COUNT: 5.2k (i got REALLY carried away😭)

THIRD PERSON +

The energy of the Golden Globes after-party was electric. The clinking of glasses, low hum of laughter, and faint music filled the space. Celebrities mingled under the soft glow of chandeliers, conversations buzzing with excitement about the evening's wins.

Drew Starkey sat at the bar nursing a glass of champagne, still slightly stunned from his earlier win. He'd barely had time to process the moment—his first major nomination and now his first big award.

The crowd was overwhelming, but his co-star, Daniel Craig, had insisted he celebrate properly. Drew watched as Daniel cut through the party with his unmistakable presence, shaking hands, embracing friends, and flashing that rare smile that could light up a room. Behind him, someone followed, and Drew's attention lingered just a little too long.

"Starkey!" Daniel's voice carried above the noise. Drew straightened instinctively, placing his glass back down as Daniel approached.

"Hey!" Drew smiled. "Congrats again. Well deserved, man."

"Thank you. Same to you." Daniel clapped him on the shoulder before stepping to the side. "I want you to meet someone."

Stepping forward with a confident stride was a young woman, poised but relaxed in a way that suggested she belonged in a room like this. Daniel turned to her with an almost affectionate roll of his eyes.

"This is my daughter, Y/N."

Y/N smiled and offered her hand to Drew. "Hi. I've heard so much about you."

Drew shook her hand, his mind scrambling for composure. "You too. I mean—I haven't heard about you in that sense, but your dad's mentioned you. Not in a bad way—uh, I mean—" He stopped, exhaling with a self-deprecating laugh. "Sorry, I'm a bit flustered. It's nice to meet you."

Y/N grinned. "Quite the introduction, Drew."

Daniel raised a brow at them both, clearly amused. "Well, I'll leave you two to it. I see a few friends I need to go bother." He glanced at Drew. "Behave yourself."

Drew let out an awkward laugh. "Of course. Always."

Daniel walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Y/N turned back to Drew, tilting her head slightly as she observed him. "He's very fond of you, you know."

"Is he?" Drew replied, trying to play it cool. "He's great. Working with him was... surreal, honestly."

"I'd imagine. I've seen the movie, of course. You were phenomenal." Her tone was warm, genuine, and Drew found himself smiling at her praise.

"Thank you. That means a lot."

She leaned against the bar, signaling to the bartender for a drink. "You look surprised."

"I guess I just... still don't know how to take compliments," Drew admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's all been a bit overwhelming."

"You shouldn't be so modest. Your performance was stunning. And you've got the trophy to prove it." She shot him a teasing smile. "Don't let it go to your head, though."

Drew laughed, finally feeling himself relax. "I'll try my best. And you—your dad said you're an actress as well? And a model?"

"Here and there. I've done some niche indie films—ones that play in small theatres no one ever goes to." Her voice was light, self-deprecating but playful.

"Niche or not, that's impressive." Drew met her gaze. "What kind of roles?"

Y/N paused as the bartender slid a glass of wine her way. "I guess you could say I play a lot of brooding, lost souls. The ones who always seem to sit by windows and stare out dramatically."

"Ah, very serious. Lots of silent contemplation?"

"Exactly." Y/N laughed softly. "But enough about me. Tell me about Queer. It must've been... intense to film."

"It was." Drew nodded, leaning his elbow on the bar as he turned toward her. "Luca Gaudagnino has this way of making you feel completely vulnerable. It was a challenge, but I trusted him. There's this scene—I'm sure you remember it—where my character completely unravels."

"How could I forget?" Y/N said softly, her eyes locked on his. "You were so raw in that moment. It was almost uncomfortable to watch because it felt so real."

Drew blinked, feeling his ears heat. "That's what Luca wanted. He kept pushing me to 'stop acting,' as he put it. He'd say, 'Feel it. Don't pretend to feel it.' I'd never worked like that before."

"Well, it paid off. Watching you was like watching someone break open right in front of me. Vulnerable, stripped back..." She paused, taking a sip of her wine. "And now here you are, Golden Globe in hand."

Drew looked away, smiling sheepishly. "I'm still processing it."

"You deserve it," Y/N replied firmly. "And no one here is going to let you forget it."

Drew looked at her again, unable to ignore the spark in her gaze. She was bold—not just in what she said, but how she carried herself. It was disarming. "You've got a way with words."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Y/N smiled mischievously. "So tell me, Drew Starkey... how's the fame treating you?"

He groaned playfully, shaking his head. "You're going to make me sound insufferable."

"On the contrary, I think you're handling yourself rather well."

"You say that now," Drew teased. "Talk to me in six months when I've gone completely Hollywood."

"Mm, I don't think that's in your nature." Y/N tilted her head thoughtfully. "You seem far too grounded for that."

"You don't know me yet," Drew countered.

"Well, I'm a very good judge of character. Comes with the territory of being Daniel Craig's daughter—lots of egos to sift through."

Drew raised his brows, amused. "Is that right?"

"Absolutely. I'm rarely wrong." She gave him a sly look. "And my read on you so far is: humble, charming, and maybe a little too hard on yourself."

Drew chuckled, caught off guard. "You're bold."

"Life's too short not to be."

Drew shook his head with a small smile. "And what's your read on yourself?"

Y/N leaned in slightly, her voice dropping just enough to feel conspiratorial. "That would spoil the fun, wouldn't it?"

Drew swallowed, the teasing lilt in her voice setting him slightly off balance. There was a beat of silence between them, the kind that crackled with unspoken tension. He cleared his throat, reaching for his champagne. "You're a mystery, Y/N."

"And you're still a little flustered," she teased, her grin widening. "Do I make you nervous, Drew?"

"Maybe." Drew gave her a crooked smile, holding her gaze. "But I think you like that."

Y/N laughed, the sound light and rich. "I do. I'm not afraid to admit it."

Drew shook his head in disbelief. "You're something else."

"So I've been told." She took another sip of wine, her expression softening just a touch. "But really—what's next for you? After all this?"

Drew shrugged, glancing around the room as if the answer might be hidden somewhere among the guests. "I don't know. This feels like such a huge moment, you know? I almost don't want to think about what's next. I just want to enjoy this."

"As you should." Y/N nodded approvingly. "Don't let anyone rush you."

"I won't." Drew paused, meeting her eyes again. "But... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared of what comes after. What if I can't live up to it?"

"You will," Y/N said softly, her tone sincere. "You've got the talent, Drew. The rest will follow."

Drew studied her for a moment, his chest feeling strangely warm. "You're very good at this."

"At what?"

"Making people feel seen."

Y/N smiled, her expression unreadable. "Maybe you just needed someone to see you tonight."

Drew felt his heart skip, the weight of her words settling between them. Before he could respond, Y/N placed her empty glass on the bar.

"Come on," she said, standing. "You're far too interesting to spend the whole night glued to this bar stool."

"Where are we going?" Drew asked, standing to follow her.

Y/N looked over her shoulder with a mischievous smile. "You'll just have to follow me."

And he did. Without hesitation. A “Yes, ma’am,” slipping from his lips.

Drew followed Y/N as she led him away from the bar, weaving effortlessly through the crowd. She moved with a sort of practiced ease, as if she'd spent her whole life in rooms like this—grand, glittering, and full of famous faces. Drew, still buzzing from the champagne and the residual adrenaline of the evening, was mesmerized.

"I'm dying of curiosity here, where exactly are we going?" Drew asked, his voice tinged with amusement as they turned down a quieter hallway leading away from the main party.

"Somewhere a little less chaotic," Y/N replied, glancing back at him. "Unless you'd rather keep bumping elbows with half of Hollywood."

"No complaints here," Drew said, matching her steps. "I think I've shaken enough hands tonight to last me the rest of the year."

Y/N pushed open a door at the end of the hall, revealing a small terrace overlooking the city. The night air was cool, crisp against their skin as they stepped outside. The noise of the party dulled behind them, replaced by the distant hum of Los Angeles and the quiet rustling of trees in the breeze.

"Better?" Y/N asked, turning to face him.

Drew exhaled, his shoulders relaxing as he looked out over the skyline. "Much better. Thanks."

Y/N leaned against the railing, watching him with an unreadable expression. "You looked like you needed an escape."

"I guess I did." Drew joined her, leaning beside her, their arms nearly brushing. "It's a lot, you know? I'm grateful—don't get me wrong—but... I don't think I'm cut out for the whole schmoozing thing."

"Most people aren't. They just pretend they are." Y/N's lips curled into a small smile. "Besides, you've already done the hard part tonight. The rest is noise."

Drew glanced at her, the city lights reflecting in her eyes. "You're good at this—reading people."

She shrugged lightly, her tone playful but laced with truth. "It's my party trick."

"Anything else I should know about you?" Drew teased. "Other hidden talents?"

"Plenty," she replied with a grin and a cheeky wink. "But I'm not about to give them all away at once. That would ruin the mystery."

Drew shook his head with a laugh, tucking his hands into his pockets. "You're impossible."

"I get that a lot," she said, unfazed. "But you haven't run off yet, have you?"

"No," Drew admitted, his smile softening. "I haven't."

Y/N's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she looked back out at the city. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Did you ever think you'd end up here?" She gestured vaguely to the world around them. "Holding a Golden Globe, being the name on everyone's lips?"

Drew was quiet for a beat, choosing his words carefully. "I don't think it ever felt real enough to imagine. I wanted it, of course—I worked for it—but this? This feels like someone else's life."

"And yet, here you are."

"Here I am," he echoed, looking at her. "What about you? You've grown up in all of this. Does it ever lose its shine?"

Y/N's expression faltered, just for a moment, as if the question touched on something deeper. "Sometimes," she admitted. "It's easy to feel like you're just a part of the machinery—another face in a sea of them. But then you meet someone who reminds you why you love it, why it's worth it."

Drew tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Is that why you act? Because you love it?"

"Because I can't not do it," Y/N said simply. "Even when it's thankless, even when no one's watching... I need it."

Drew understood that. It resonated deep within him—the need to create, to express, to push boundaries for reasons that weren't always tangible.

"I get that," he murmured. "The best moments are the ones no one else sees. The ones you do for yourself."

Y/N turned to face him fully, her eyes sharp and intent. "Exactly. And that's what makes what you did in Queer so powerful. It didn't feel performative. It felt real, like you gave a part of yourself away for it."

Drew swallowed, her words hitting him harder than he expected. "I'm honoured. That's... the best compliment I've ever gotten."

"It's true," she said softly. "And for what it's worth, I think you're just getting started."

Drew looked at her, something shifting between them in the quiet. He felt seen—more than that, he felt understood. Y/N Craig, with her razor-sharp wit and unwavering confidence, had peeled back his layers in a way no one else had managed all night.

"You really don't hold back, do you?" Drew said, his voice low.

Y/N smirked, stepping closer. "Why should I? Life's too short for subtlety."

Drew's breath hitched as the space between them narrowed. She was close enough now that he could catch the faintest trace of her perfume—something heady and elegant that suited her perfectly.

"You're dangerous," Drew said, his voice a little unsteady.

Y/N arched a brow, clearly amused. "Am I?"

"Yeah." Drew's lips curved into a small smile. "The kind of person who makes you forget to play it safe."

Y/N tilted her head, her eyes locking with his. "And do you always play it safe, Drew Starkey?"

Drew hesitated for just a second before answering. "Not tonight."

Y/N's smile widened, a knowing glint in her eyes. She reached up, her fingers brushing the lapel of his suit jacket. "Good."

The air crackled between them, thick with unspoken possibilities. Drew could feel his pulse quicken, every sense heightened as Y/N held his gaze. She was testing him, waiting to see what he'd do.

And for once, Drew didn't think—he just acted.

"Do you want to get out of here?" he asked, his voice low and rough.

Y/N's smile was slow and deliberate. "I thought you'd never ask."

Drew grinned, a mix of nerves and excitement flickering across his face as Y/N tugged him by the hand, leading him back through the terrace door. The pair slipped back into the hallway unnoticed, the music and chatter of the afterparty drowning out their hasty footsteps.

"Are we seriously sneaking our way out right now?" Drew whispered, though the grin he wore betrayed any hesitation.

"Unless you'd rather stay and talk to George Clooney about his favorite vineyards," Y/N teased, looking back at him with a mischievous smile. "Then we need to make haste!"

Drew huffed a quiet laugh. "Okay, fair point. Let's go."

They moved quickly, dodging small clusters of guests and waitstaff like a pair of teenagers sneaking out of school. Every time their eyes met, a fit of laughter threatened to spill out of them.

"Act natural," Y/N mock-coached as they passed one of the party coordinators.

"Yeah, because that's going well," Drew shot back, trying to suppress his smirk.

Finally, they pushed through a side exit and found themselves in the cool night air, away from the golden haze of the afterparty. The parking area was quiet, save for a valet who barely looked up as Y/N called for a car.

"God, I feel like we just got away with murder," Drew muttered, running a hand through his hair as he stood beside her.

Y/N grinned up at him, her cheeks flushed. "Feels kind of good, doesn't it?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah... yeah, it really does."

The car pulled up, and Y/N wasted no time climbing into the backseat. Drew followed, sliding in beside her and shutting the door. The silence in the car was loaded, broken only by the faint hum of the radio and the distant sounds of the city.

"Your hotel, I assume?" Y/N asked, glancing at him.

"Yeah." Drew cleared his throat, suddenly feeling the weight of what they were doing hit him. He glanced at her and added softly, "If that's okay."

Y/N gave him a teasing look. "Wouldn't be here if it wasn't, would I?"

Drew felt the heat rise to his cheeks, and he covered it with a laugh. "Right. Fair point."

The ride to the hotel felt like a blur, the two of them making light conversation as they both tried to ignore the electric undercurrent running between them. When the car finally pulled up to Drew's hotel, he shot Y/N a nervous glance.

"You sure about this?" he asked quietly.

Y/N's lips twitched into a smirk as she leaned closer, her voice low and teasing. "You're not getting cold feet, are you?"

"Definitely not," Drew said quickly, earning another quiet laugh from her.

They hurried through the lobby—heads down, hands brushing but never fully touching. Drew felt like his heart was pounding in his ears as they reached the elevator. The moment the doors slid shut, Y/N let out a giggle, biting her lower lip.

"We look so suspicious right now," she whispered.

"You look suspicious," Drew shot back with a grin. "I look like someone trying not to have a heart attack."

She rolled her eyes playfully, stepping closer to him. "Relax, Golden Globe winner. No one's paying attention to us."

"That's the problem," Drew muttered under his breath, earning another soft laugh from her.

The elevator dinged, and they stepped onto Drew's floor. He fumbled briefly with the keycard as Y/N watched, clearly entertained by how flustered he'd become.

"Need help?" she teased.

"I've got it," Drew replied quickly, finally getting the door open. He held it for her as she stepped inside, and he followed, shutting it behind them.

The hotel room was simple and sleek, the lights dim as Drew tossed his keycard onto the desk. He turned to find Y/N standing near the window, looking out at the glittering cityscape. She turned to face him, her expression softer now, though still full of that familiar mischief.

But it was like something had switched in the air. Drew leaning back against the door as he studied her.

"So," he began, his voice quiet but laced with an edge that made her stomach twist, "I bet you think you're calling the shots tonight?"

Y/N raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. "I mean, I guess we'll see who's running this show, won't we?"

Drew pushed off the door, taking a slow step toward her. His movements were deliberate, almost predatory, and Y/N found herself instinctively taking a small step back. But she wasn't about to let him see her falter. She leaned forward slightly, her lips quirking into a smirk.

"You walk like you own the place," she said, her tone teasing. "But I bet you're all talk."

Drew stopped just inches away from her, his breath warm against her skin. He lifted a hand, brushing a strand of hair away from her face, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone who seemed so intent on dominating the situation.

"Careful, Y/N," he warned softly, his voice almost a whisper. "You might be surprised at what I'm capable of."

His fingers trailed down her neck, and she shivered despite herself. What is this? she wondered, her earlier confidence beginning to waver. There was something magnetic about him, something that pulled her in despite her best efforts to maintain control.

"Or maybe," she countered, tilting her chin up defiantly, "you're just trying to scare me."

Drew's lips twitched into a smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Maybe I am," he admitted, his voice dropping lower. "But why don't we find out?"

Before she could respond, his hands were on her hips, pulling her closer until their bodies pressed together. Y/N gasped softly, her pulse quickening as his proximity overwhelmed her senses. His lips were so close to hers, his breath mingling with hers, and she couldn't help but tilt her face upward, drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

"You're playing a dangerous game," he murmured, his voice rough and intimate. "And I'm not one for playing games."

Y/N swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how much taller and stronger he was than her. But she wasn't about to back down. "Good," she said, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "Because I like a challenge."

Drew's eyes darkened, and without warning, he dipped his head, capturing her lips in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was commanding, urgent, and left no room for doubt about who was in charge. Y/N's hands flew to his shoulders, gripping tightly as she tried to steady herself against the wave of desire that washed over her.

His tongue traced the seam of her lips, demanding entry, and she parted them instinctively, allowing him access. The kiss deepened, grew more intense, and Y/N felt her knees weaken. Drew held her firmly, his hands sliding up her sides to cup her face, angling her head to deepen the connection.

When he finally pulled away, Y/N was breathless, her cheeks flushed and her chest rising and falling rapidly. She blinked up at him, dazed and disoriented, and realized with a jolt that she'd completely underestimated him.

"As wonderful as that was," Drew said, his voice husky and raw. "I think I need to go slower. Test your limits."

Y/N's heart pounded in her chest as she stared up at him, realisation dawning. He's not bluffing, she thought, her earlier confidence faltering. Drew was lethal, charming, and utterly in control, and she had walked right into his trap.

"What do you want from me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Drew's lips curved into a wicked smile as he leaned in, his breath hot against her ear. "Everything."

His hand slid from her hip to the small of her back, pressing her closer against him. The heat between them was electric, a palpable tension that threatened to ignite at any moment.

Y/N's breath came in short bursts as she tilted her head up, her lips parted in anticipation. He's not going to kiss me, she thought, not yet. But the way his eyes darkened, the way his fingers flexed against her skin, told her she was wrong. He was going to do exactly what he wanted, and she was going to let him.

"Tell me what you want," he murmured, his lips hovering just inches from hers. "Tell me how much you like this."

She hesitated for a split second, but only a split second. Her boldness was ingrained, a survival mechanism honed by years of attention and expectation. "I like it," she said, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. "I like that you're taking control."

Drew's smile was slow, predatory. "Good girl," he said, the words soft but laced with authority. He kissed her then, a deep, bruising kiss that left no room for doubt. His tongue swept into her mouth, demanding, exploring, claiming. Y/N melted into him, her hands gripping his shoulders for balance as the world around her dissolved into sensation.

When he finally pulled away, they were both breathless. Drew stared down at her, his blue eyes gleaming with something that made her stomach twist. "You're not in control here, sweetheart," he said, his tone conversational but firm. "Not anymore."

Y/N swallowed hard, her earlier confidence faltering. He's right, she realised. I walked into this thinking I could handle him, but he's handling me. And God, it was intoxicating.

Drew didn't wait for her response. Instead, he turned her gently, positioning her with her back to him. Her heart raced as she felt his body press against hers, his chest warm and solid against her spine. His hand cupped her breast, thumb brushing over her nipple through the fabric of her dress. She gasped, arching into his touch.

"Do you trust me?" he asked, his voice rumbling against her ear.

She nodded quickly, too caught up in the sensations to form words.

"Good," he said, his grip tightening momentarily before he released her. Y/N blinked, confused, as Drew stepped back. He moved to the bed, sitting down and leaning back on his elbows, his legs stretched out in front of him. His gaze was intense, predatory, as he watched her.

"Take off your dress," he said simply.

The command hit her like a bolt of lightning. Y/N hesitated, her hands moving instinctively to the zipper at the back of her gown. She glanced at Drew, expecting... something. A smile, maybe, or a reassuring word. But his expression remained unchanged, a mask of calm dominance.

He's serious, she thought, her pulse quickening. He wants me to do this for him.

Slowly, deliberately, she began to unzip her dress. The fabric slid down her shoulders, pooling at her hips. She shrugged it off, letting it fall to the floor in a heap. Beneath it, she wore only a lace bra and matching panties, the delicate garments doing little to conceal her arousal.

Drew's eyes roamed over her body, lingering on the curve of her waist, the swell of her breasts, the slight tremble in her thighs. "Beautiful," he murmured, his voice thick with approval. "But not enough."

Y/N's brow furrowed. "What—"

"Shh," he interrupted, raising a hand to silence her. "Don't talk. Just listen."

Her breath caught in her throat as Drew leaned forward, his movements fluid and precise. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the strap of her bra. With a flick of his wrist, he sent it sliding down her arm. Her nipples tightened immediately, peaking under his scrutiny.

"Perfect," he said, his voice a low purr. He cupped her breast in his hand, squeezing gently. Y/N bit her lip to stifle a moan, her legs trembling beneath her.

Drew's free hand reached for the waistband of her panties, tugging them downward until they clung to her hips. He paused there, his fingers tracing the edge of the fabric before hooking his thumbs into the sides and pulling them down her legs.

Y/N stood before him completely exposed, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and arousal. Drew's gaze was relentless, unapologetic, as he took in every inch of her.

"Turn around," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

She obeyed, her movements stiff with nervousness. When she faced away from him, Drew's hands returned to her body, one stroking down her spine while the other traced the curve of her ass.

"So beautiful," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. He pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck, his lips lingering as his hands explored her body with increasing boldness.

Y/N's knees nearly buckled beneath her. This is happening, she thought, her brain struggling to keep up with the intensity of the moment. He's really doing this.

Without warning, Drew spun her around and pushed her backward onto the bed. Y/N landed with a soft thud, her heart pounding as she looked up at him. Drew loomed over her, his expression dark and commanding.

"Spread your legs," he ordered, his voice sharp and clipped.

Y/N hesitated, her mind racing. Is this what I want? The question flashed through her mind, but the answer was already there, buried beneath the haze of desire clouding her judgment.

She spread her legs, her breathing shallow and uneven. Drew's eyes flicked down, noting her readiness with a smirk.

"Good girl," he said, the words dripping with approval. He knelt between her thighs, his fingers skimming the inside of her knee before moving upward. Y/N's breath hitched as his touch neared her core, her body tensing in anticipation.

And then, quite suddenly, he stopped.

"Wait," he said, his voice firm.

Y/N blinked up at him, confusion and frustration warring within her. "What?" she managed to whisper.

Drew's smile was wicked, almost cruel. "I need to hear you say it."

"Say what?"

His fingers pressed against her inner thigh, applying just enough pressure to make her squirm. "Tell me what you want," he demanded. "Tell me how much you need this."

Y/N's cheeks flushed crimson, her confidence faltering under his unrelenting gaze. "I... I don't know," she stammered, her voice barely audible.

Drew's expression hardened, his hand withdrawing from her thigh. "Then we're done here."

"No!" she cried, desperation clawing at her throat. "Please, Drew, I—"

"Say it," he interrupted, his voice a low growl.

She hesitated, her pride warring with her need. But she needed this, more than she cared to admit. "Please," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I... I need you to fuck me."

At her admission, Drew's control snapped. His hands and lips were everywhere, leaving no part of her untouched, no moment unexplored.

And within a split-second, he pushed into her, filling her completely. She gasped, her body adjusting to his size, her muscles tightening around him. Drew began to move, his rhythm slow and steady, building the tension once more. He watched her face intently, reading every twitch and moan, adjusting his movements to maximise her pleasure. It was as if he could feel every sensation she was experiencing, as if they were connected in a way that went beyond the physical.

He leaned down, capturing her mouth in another bruising kiss. His hand found her clit, his thumb circling it in time with his thrusts.

The cacophony of sounds filled the room: slick skin connecting, Y/N's breathless whimpers and cries of pure pleasure, Drew's soft moans. But to them it sounded like a symphony; a truly bewitching one.

"Y/N," Drew said her name like a prayer, his voice ragged with volatile emotions. "Look at me."

She obeyed, meeting his gaze as tears of ecstasy blurred her vision. This was it, she realised. This was what she'd been missing. The raw, unfiltered connection, the trust, the surrender.

"Don't look away," he commanded, his voice fierce but tender. "Stay with me."

She nodded, her breathing shallow as she clung to him, her body tense with anticipation. And then, as if on cue, her climax hit her like a tidal wave, her entire body convulsing with pleasure as she screamed his name.

Drew followed soon after, burying his face in the crook of her neck as he poured himself into her, his body shuddering with release. For a moment, they lay there in silence, their hearts pounding in sync.

"So," she said quietly, breaking the silence. "Not a bad way to celebrate your first Golden Globe win, is it?"

Drew let out a soft laugh, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Not bad at all."

Y/N grinned, lifting her head to look at him. "Good. Because I plan on reminding you about this night for years."

Drew rolled his eyes, though he was smiling. "You're never going to let me live this down, are you?"

"Not a chance."

Drew shook his head, pulling her closer. "You're the worst."

"And yet, here we are," Y/N teased, settling back against him.

Drew couldn't argue with that. As he lay there, listening to her quiet breathing and staring up at the ceiling, he couldn't help but think that this was, without a doubt, the best night of his life.

(dividers by @kodaswrld !!)

betty’s notes ౨ৎ ⋆｡˚

i had SO much fun writing this request and i REALLY got carried away XD i hope this wasn’t too long, and was exactly what you wanted my lovely :) request are going to be open for the next 24 hours so get some in if you have anymore everyone !! <3

thinking of starting a tag list if anybody’s interested? as always, hearts and reblogs are always appreciated <3

#rafe cameron #drew starkey #fluff #outer banks #bettys asks !! ౨ৎ ⋆｡˚#drew starkey x reader #drew starkey x you #drew starkey x y/n #drew starkey ౨ৎ ⋆｡˚#drew starkey outer banks #drew starkey one shot #drew starkey fluff #drew starkey smut #smut #bettys work !! ౨ৎ ⋆｡˚

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desthen · 2 years ago

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Armchair psychologists, why do i desperately want to socialize, but then an acquaintance asks to hang out and brain goes UGH. Is it just that the people who ask aren't who I really wanna hang out with? Cause I'm not close enough to them? It doesn't happen with really close friends. Just regular friends. Brain go ugh not you. You're nice and all but the mental and physical energy I'd expend is too much. Only a select few don't use alot of social energy and those fuckers are introverts. How do I get enough mental energy to hang out with aquaintences to fill my social wants. Or do I not even really want to see people. I'm just lonely. Google help.

#There is no answer to this #I'm just venting #Dylan you're a cool person but I don't wanna expend the energy to hang out #Same goes for Danielle tbh #And a bunch of others #I wanna talk to people but they don't make it easy for me #Stop making me drive out to see all you fucks #I'm so damn tired of driving everywhere #Fuck I don't know how to host people at my house either tho #And I don't have the money for an inbetween #There is no winning #I'm just always always always tired #Fuck #I'm in a good mood #But tired #So tired

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no-144444 · 2 months ago

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the grid: valentine's day!

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featuring: Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, Daniel Riccardo, Liam Lawson, Max Verstappen, Charles LeClerc, Lewis Hamilton, Ollie Bearman, Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto, & Paul Aron

this is 18+ so mdni please! smut and suggestiveness in some of them!

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Oscar Piastri: Simple, lowkey, sweet

He’d decided instead of trying to make it a huge deal, both of you would much rather have a slow evening.

“What should I wear?” you asked as you sat at your vanity in just a bra and underwear.

“That,” he whispered under his breath, his eyes taking you in. You heard him (obviously) and rolled your eyes.

“Be serious, what are we doing?” you chuckled.

He smiled and pressed a kiss to your cheek. “Wear whatever you want, no climbing or long walks tonight,” he told you.

You gave him a sceptical look. “I hate when you plan things,” you sighed, getting up and going to your closet.

“Is it because you’re slightly a control freak?” he teased and you scoffed at his words.

“I’m not that bad!” you scoffed, pushing him out of your room. “Now you don’t get to enjoy the view!”

He rolled his eyes from the other side of the door, but he couldn’t help the smile on his face. He’d planned tonight exactly how you’d want it. Your favourite romcom in a private screen with just the two of you, then dinner at your favourite restaurant, then home. He’d already gotten you flowers earlier in the day (as you had him, which made him feel quite special), and you’d been working, so he’d been busy with training. He had a beautiful necklace (one he’d let you pick out months ago that he was sure you’d forgotten) for you, and he knew what you’d gotten him already. He knew he was a nuisance to buy for, but somehow, you always got it right. He’d accidentally opened the package when it came to the door, to find vintage Australian cricket jerseys of his three favourite players. You knew him so well.

You came out in his favourite dress of yours, looking stunning. He wrapped his arms around your waist and smiled into a kiss.

“I have lipgloss on,” you chuckled, rubbing it off his lips.

“I don’t mind,” he shrugged, kissing you again as you chuckled. You kissed him back, all too happy to oblige him.

“Shall we?” you asked, pulling away and wiping his mouth of your lip gloss.

“We shall,” he smiled, taking your hand and leading you out of your shared Monaco apartment.

It was going to be a good night.

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Lando Norris: airport blunder

He’d decided he wanted to whisk you away for Valentine’s day, but the reality of you having a regular job and him having testing to do meant you at least had to wait until extremely late to get to the airport, and you were both in shitty moods, too tired to be flying to Greece at 11pm, with another hour of your delay to sit through.

“Was this a bad idea?” he asked, his voice small and dejected.

You turned to him and took his hand. “It was a sweet idea Lan, I love it, but right now we’re both exhausted and not in the best mood, but think about tomorrow. When we get to wake up in Greece at 2pm and have the most amazing sex, we’ll be in better moods,” you chuckled, making him smile. “Right?”

“We could also just go have sex in the bathroom?” he offered, pushing his luck and leaning in, his face against your neck.

You laughed and pushed him back. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m in love!” he argued, leaning in again and pressing soft kisses to your neck. “And you’re in a white tank with no bra,” he groaned. “You’re so hot.”

You laughed, embarrassed by his antics in a public airport. “Behave.”

“So… bathroom?” He tried his luck again.

You rolled your eyes, trying to ignore the way your resolve was failing, mostly because of the way he was kissing your neck. “If it’s clean.”

He grinned like an idiot. “You’re perfect.”

You chuckled. “Idiot.”

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George Russell: double date

You had no idea that ‘bowling’ meant going out for dinner with Toto and Susie, and then going bowling with them too. At first, you were slightly put off by the idea, you had kind of been hoping that tonight would be about just you two, since you two hadn’t really had a date alone in a while. It grew on you though, watching how like Toto George was. It was weird, like father and son, and you enjoyed talking with Susie for half the night.

As the double date came to a close, he held your hand, your head leaning on him. “I thought I wasn’t going to enjoy tonight,” you admitted. “I had a bunch of fun though.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad. So did I.”

“You’re so shit at bowling,” you teased. “How do you miss every single one of them, three times in a row?”

He scoffed, shocked at your rudeness. “I wasn’t that bad!”

“You were,” you laughed, and he wrapped his hand around your waist instead, tickling you, picking you up and putting you over his shoulder as you squealed. “George! Put me down!”

“Nope,” he smiled. “I have my plans with you,” he smirked, opening the door to your Monaco house.

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Kimi Antonelli: nervous nelly

Since it was your first Valentine’s, Kimi was shitting bricks. He had this whole dinner planned, pulling out all the stops for the big day, but at dinner, he was more worried about how it all was than actually celebrating your relationship and each other.

You chuckled as you looked up from your meal, only to see him staring at you, again. “Are you ever going to actually eat?” you asked. His eyes snapped down to his own meal, his face getting red as he realised you noticed him looking.

“I-Yes,” he smiled awkwardly, finally grabbing his fork and digging in.

“Kimi, it’s alright, you don’t have to be nervous. Tonight has been perfect,” you smiled, taking his other hand. A sigh of relief left his lips.

“I just, I wanted this to be perfect,” he admitted, squeezing your hand.

“It is,” you smiled reassuringly. “Once you’re also having fun?”

“Of course I am,” he smiled, finally looking you in the eye again. “I’m here with you.”

“Well I’m glad I make such good company,” you smiled. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he smiled before leaning over the table and planting a soft kiss on your lips.

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Alex Albon: busy but present

You were busy with work and so was he, but regardless he made you feel special. He sent flowers right to your room with a beautiful note, had your gift delivered (a jellycat heart and bag that you liked), and sent you photos, videos, and texts about his day, throughout the day. Small messages about his engineers, or what he was having for lunch, a picture of the flowers and the gifts you’d sent him, and even a video of him, George, and Lando going for a run together. You sent him messages throughout the day too. Tid-bits about what you were working on, photos of you with your co-workers, and a video of you dressed up for your ‘galentine’s’ dinner. As much as you both missed each other, you still made each other feel special, even thousands of miles away.

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Carlos Sainz: freaky wit it

“I’ve been waiting for this all night,” he groaned as you pulled on his hair. To be honest, both of you had been waiting all night for this. Quickly, he started unzipping your dress, the long navy fabric had been driving him insane all night, you had been driving him insane all night. The way you smiled at him, the way you walked, talked, ate, and drank, he wanted you so badly, and he had to wait a whole two hours to have you. Next your heels were discarded on the floor and he lifted you up and threw you on the bed, making you laugh. Now, in front of him, you were lying on the bed with a navy two-piece, and something new on your skin. Just above your hip bone, shown off beautifully by the lingerie, there was a small ‘55’ tattooed on you. “Mi Amor,” he choked out, winded by the sight of you. “Is it real?”

“Felt you might’ve needed a reminder that someone is always in your corner,” you whispered seductively, pressing your lips to the shell of his ear. “Williams blue and a 55. Like it?”

“I love it,” he smirked back, pulling your underwear down harshly. “Love you,” he gritted out, kneeling in front of you. “Can I have my dessert now, tesoro?” he looked up through hooded eyes and you knew you were soaked.

“Fuck yes,” you sighed out in content, before a long, long night began.

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Daniel Riccardo: sweet morning

Daniel had been lying in bed staring at you for a good 40 minutes. He was just so… captivated by you. He loved to just watch you do anything (including sleep, apparently). He thought about all the tough moments you’d had together, and how you’d been strong enough to carry him during his darkest times. He thought about how you made him smile every single day, and how he never wanted it to stop. He thought about the fetus you had growing inside of you, the one that would be your kid. He was so excited, so happy, so ready for the future. Even though he wasn't in F1, he felt complete with you beside him.

You woke up smiling, ready for the day ahead. Both you and Daniel had taken the day off to have a nice long weekend and spend some time together.

“Morning beautiful,” he smiled, pressing his lips to yours.

“Morning,” you yawned. “Alright?”

He smiled. “Alright. Just love you.”

You smiled at him. “I love you too,” you grinned, wrapping your arms around his neck and letting his roll over onto his back, you on top of him. “Happy Valentine’s day.”

“Happy Valentine’s day,” he nodded before kissing you again.

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Liam Lawson: helping hand

“Ready?!” you called out to him, checking your watch again.

“I just want to make sure my hair is good-” he started but you cut him off with a groan.

“Liam, your hair always looks good, come here and I’ll fix it if you want,” you offered and he came running. In front of you, your boyfriend was standing wearing a pair of shorts and a shirt, perfect for your picnic date that he’d planned. He knelt down in front of you, giving you full access to his head as he wrapped his arms around your midriff, pressing gentle kisses there over your clothes. Gently, you eased the pomade into his hair, spiking it up how he liked it. “Good?” you asked, showing him by using your phone as a mirror.

“Perfect,” he smiled, getting up and pressing a kiss to your cheek. “Even better because you’re not wearing panties,” he muttered into your ear as you both walked out of the house.

You just smirked back at him.

You would be the death of him one day, he was sure of it.

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Max Verstappen: not big but that’s how you both like it

Max walked into the hotel room with a bouquet in his hand and a bakery bag in the other. In all honesty, you would’ve been fine if he hadn’t done anything. Yes, you’d gotten him some flowers and chocolates, but neither of you were very big ‘celebration’ people, and a date was just a date, which wasn’t feasible with testing going on anyways. He fell into bed beside you, a tired look in his eyes.

“For you,” he smiled, holding out the flowers. You took them and kissed his cheek.

“Thanks baby,” you grinned. “What’s in the bag?”

“Brownies,” he smiled mischievously. “I got two.”

“Not willing to share with your wife?” you faked offence as he laughed at you.

“Nope, just smart enough to know you wouldn’t want to share,” he chuckled and kissed you on the cheek again. “I love you,” he pressed a kiss to your lips, then your growing belly. “I love you too,” he whispered.

“She’s going to enjoy this,” you smiled, holding up your brownie to cheers with his, then you both took a bite. The moan you let out could only be described as pornographic, but he just chuckled, more than happy to supply you with all the brownies you two needed. He just needed you.

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Charles LeClerc: proposal

Charles was sweating buckets. He felt practically faint as you walked onto the beach, enjoying the dark night sky and the soft waves under your feet. It had been the most romantic night, dinner on his yacht far out with the most magnificent views, then coming back in for a walk on the beach after you got ice cream from a local ice cream shop. You were ranting about something at work, but he couldn’t focus, his mind weighed down by the small red box in his pocket. It was now or never.

“Char?” you asked, turning to him when you saw the row of candles further down the beach. He smiled nervously at you and took your hand. Holy shit. He was proposing.

“I have something I want to ask you,” he whispered, leading you towards the beautiful proposal sight. It was a path of candles to a beautiful circle, where you would be getting engaged. Of course that’s why he wanted you to wear your white dress, why he’d insisted on you getting your nails done this week, why he’d been so secretive. He led you into the center of the circle, his eyes already clouding with tears, and got down on one knee. “My love,” he started, taking your hand in his. “You have been with me for everything. I never thought I would be lucky enough to find someone as caring and kind as you. I love you, more than anything. You’re my biggest supporter, best friend, and favourite person, and I cannot go another day without you knowing how I truly feel about you. I want a life with you, I want a family, I want it all. The best part of my day is waking up next to you, seeing your texts and calls, seeing you at the barricade, or just getting a simple kiss from you. I want you for life, if you’ll have me,” he smiled, squeezing your hand before letting go to get the ring out of his pocket. He opened it, a beautiful cartier engagement ring, simple with a beautiful diamond in the middle, exactly what you wanted. You hadn’t even realised you were crying until you felt it fall onto your hand. You quickly brushed the tears away and smiled. “Will you marry me?” he asked, tears in his eyes but that same goofy, beautiful, Charles smile that you’d fallen in love with.

“Yes Char, of course I will,” you smiled, pulling his face to yours to seal it with a kiss.

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Lewis Hamilton: away from the kid for the first time

Both of you were pretending to enjoy the dinner, but both of you were feeling the guilt of leaving your 3 month old, Ellie, for the first time. Under the table you had her baby monitor up, and he had been texting the babysitters (aka Charles and Alexandria) every few minutes for updates. The meal was lovely, and yes, it was nice to spend some time with Lewis, but you could’ve done it at home.

“I feel so guilty,” you finally rushed out as you perused over the dessert menu.

Lewis let out a breath of relief. “Me too,” he chuckled, taking your hand. “I’ve been texting them every few minutes,” he admitted.

“I have her monitor up on my phone,” you laughed, putting your phone on the table to show him. You both laughed for a few minutes, watching your perfect bundle of light play with Charles and Alex.

“Home?” he offered, turning to you.

“Home,” you nodded. You quickly got out of there, Lewis paying, and then probably driving over the speed limit on the way home, but neither of you cared. You were too excited to see Ellie.

Charles and Alex were pretty amused by the situation, and left soon after you two came home, leaving you two to put her to bed. You both held her for a few moments, soothing her to sleep as she yawned, making all those perfect little baby noises.

“I missed her,” you admitted. “We were gone for 2 hours.”

“Me too,” he chuckled. “It’s hard being away from her,” he sighed, bouncing her in his arms as she fell to sleep. You watched him for a moment, enjoying the sight of him with your perfect little baby. “Want another?” he suddenly said, smirking.

You looked at him, deadpan. “Shut the fuck up.”

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Ollie Bearman: cutie

He’d set up an elaborate valentine’s dinner in your apartment since the past few years you’d been apart for Valentine’s, having to just facetime or text. He set up heart balloons, roses all over the place, candles, the whole shabang. Small problem, he cannot cook to save his life, so he ended up burning the food, then just ordering from your favourite place instead. You walked in after work, exhausted (and not expecting to see Ollie since he was supposed to be doing testing), and there he was.

You ran up to him, dropping your bag at the door with a thump as you ran into his arms. “What the fuck are you doing here?!” you squealed, hugging him tight.

“Happy Valentine’s day,” he smiled, hugging you just as tight. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” you pulled back, only to replace the hug with a hungry kiss. “Fucking hell it’s so good to see you,” you cursed, pulling him as close as you could.

Quickly the kiss turned a bit more passionate than intended, and you ended up in your bedroom…

It was probably his favourite Valentine’s Day ever.

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Jack Doohan: cooking disaster

Was a cooking class as a Valentine’s date probably a bad idea in hindsight? Yes. Jack was not a chef. He could cook scrambled eggs, and he was pretty prolific with a pancake or two, but sushi? Who did he think he was? You, on the other hand, were doing amazing. Every single one of your pieces looked exactly like the head chefs’, and he felt a sense of pride blossom in his chest when he watched you get complimented by the chef. That sense of pride was quickly overshadowed by the way she would look at his sushi (basically a pile of the ingredients, he was too busy staring at you to pay attention to method).

“Want help?” you offered as you finished off your last roll. Jack hadn’t even started, too busy watching you concentrate.

“Huh- Yeah! Yes please,” he snapped back to reality and let you take over his station, standing just behind you with his hands around your waist, his gloves long discarded. “You’re great at this,” he murmured, pressing a kiss against the shell of your ear.

You beamed at his compliment. “Thanks baby.”

“You look sexy in an apron,” he whispered and you laughed out loud.

“I seriously doubt that,” you laughed, looking down at your ‘bright pink with red hearts’ apron. He shrugged.

“It’s working on me,” he chuckled, pushing you back into him.

“You’re disgusting,” you giggled. “We’re in public.”

“Bathrooms exist for a reason,” he smirked.

“Yeah, pissing and shitting,” you reminded him. “I’ll be all yours once we get home,” you smirked, seductive as you led one of his hands to your thigh. “Maybe in the car too.”

He groaned. “So perfect,” he nipped at the back of your neck. “So fucking perfect.”

“Love you too,” you teased.

“I love you so much,” he whispered, his voice gentler than usual. “So fucking much baby.”

“I feel it,” you smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “All the time.”

He felt quite accomplished at that.

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Franco Colapinto: charmer

Franco was busy with Alpine duties which meant you’d be apart for Valentine’s, and while you’d accepted it, it still sucked to not wake up beside your boyfriend. You had a slow morning before going to work, sluggishly getting ready for work, until the doorbell rang. It was the postman. He handed you a letter, and you immediately recognised the writing, quickly thanked him and ran back inside.

My love,

I know we’re missing this day together, but I still wanted you to know I care. I adore you. You are and will always be the best thing that has ever happened to me. You continue to surprise and excite me even after these years together, even when I think I know everything about you. I love you. Every freckle. Every spot. Every hair on your head, everytime you smile at me, every laugh, every giggle, every word. Everything. You’re my everything, and as much as I wish I was there with you, I’m only a phone call away. I can’t wait to continue loving you until we’re both old and wrinkly, but before then, I love you now, then, and always.

My beautiful girl, my life, my love.

Happy Valentine’s Day

- Your Franco

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Paul Aron: reuniting

He waited at the arrivals terminal, refreshing the web page that had all the information about your flight every three seconds. Other than that, his eyes were glued to the door, prepared to run the second you walked through those doors.

A few minutes of waiting elapsed, and there you were, clear as day, probably tired after your long day of travel, but you were there. He ran up to you, picking you up to allow you to wrap yourself around him, grabbing your suitcase with the other hand. “Hey baby,” he smiled, letting you back down again.

“Missed you,” you said before grabbing his face and kissing him. You were anything but gentle, but he didn’t mind. He was just glad you were there. All his for a whole two weeks.

“Missed you more,” he whispered between kisses. “So fucking much.”

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𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥’𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠.

your parents always come crawling back to you when they can’t fix their own messes. or daniel’s.

s10!cold!reader ❅ 7.8k ❅ series masterlist. ❅ main masterlist.

CW | reader has a bit of a dysfunctional connection with her family (she’s a bit of a glass child), she’s really dismissive of her parent’s worries (see: boy who cried wolf), mentions of drug usage and violence, injury descriptions, kidnapping, you have a brother now congrats

The morning starts off on a rare high note.

You woke up warm, tangled in Spencer’s sheets, the scent of coffee already drifting from the kitchen. He’d left a note on the bedside table—Didn’t want to wake you. There’s coffee. See you at work :)—his handwriting the same precise scrawl you’ve seen a thousand times in his case notes.

For once, nothing feels out of place. No lingering exhaustion from back-to-back cases, no unease gnawing at your ribs. Just the quiet satisfaction of a night spent somewhere that isn’t your own apartment, in the company of someone who—despite all logic and probability—seems to genuinely care.

It’s enough to keep you in a good mood through the first half of the workday. You don’t even mind when Morgan teases you for being suspiciously cheerful during the morning briefing.

That feeling lasts right up until you step out of the conference room and see your parents standing in the middle of the bullpen.

Your stomach drops.

They’re out of place here. Your mother, still graceful but slightly frazzled, twisting her hands together in that nervous habit she’s had since you were a child. Your father, all stiff posture and quiet authority, his expression unreadable.

You freeze for a fraction of a second before forcing yourself forward. They haven’t noticed you yet, scanning the faces around them, their unease evident.

“What are you doing here?” you ask, keeping your voice level.

Your mother turns first, relief flashing across her face. “Sweetheart—”

Your father cuts in, getting straight to the point. “Daniel’s missing.”

There it is.

Any lingering hope that this visit was something else—anything else—vanishes. Of course they only come to you when he’s in trouble. Not for a visit, not to check in, not even a damn phone call unless it’s about him.

Your fingers curl into your palms. You should’ve seen this coming.

You school your expression into something neutral. “And?”

Your mother’s eyes widen slightly, like she wasn’t expecting that reaction. “And we need your help,”

“He’ll turn up,” you say flatly.

Your father exhales sharply, already frustrated. “You haven’t even heard what happened,”

“I don’t need to.”

You don’t want to. Because you already know how this goes. Daniel disappears, your parents panic, and—like always—they expect you to be the one to fix it.

Your mother steps closer, lowering her voice like she’s trying to calm you down. “Please. He’s been struggling again, and this time—”

“—this time it’s different?” you interrupt, the bitterness slipping out before you can stop it. “Right. Just like last time. And the time before that.”

A muscle in your father’s jaw tightens. “You don’t even care, do you?”

You cross your arms. “No, I don’t care. Because he’s an adult, and if he’s run off again, that’s his problem.”

“He’s your brother.”

The weight behind those words is suffocating. Like you owe him something. Like years of being the afterthought should mean nothing because he shares your blood.

Before you can say anything else, someone steps up beside you.

Spencer.

You glance at him, caught off guard. He was probably looking for you—right, the statistics meeting. The reminder is in his hand, a folder tucked under his arm, but his focus shifts from you to your parents, taking in the tension.

“Everything okay?” he asks, his voice careful.

Your mother seizes on his presence immediately. “Are you an agent?”

Spencer hesitates. “Uh, yes—”

“Then maybe you can help,” she interrupts, desperate now. “Our son is missing, and—”

“No.” you say sharply.

Both your parents and Spencer turn to look at you.

Your mother’s expression is open, pleading. “You don’t understand, he—”

“I do understand,” you snap, the patience you were barely holding onto slipping. “I understand that every single time he screws up, you come running to me to fix it. I understand that I only exist to you when it’s about him.”

Your father’s eyes darken. “That is not fair.”

You let out a sharp breath. “No? Because it sure as hell feels like it.”

Spencer shifts beside you, the full weight of the situation settling in for him. These are your parents. He’s never met them before—probably imagined something different. But now he’s watching them in real-time, watching you talk to them like they’re strangers instead of family.

And you know he’s thinking that this isn’t just you being you. It’s something deeper.

Your mother tries again, her voice softer now. “Please. We wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t serious.”

You drag a hand over your face, exhaling slowly. You want to tell her to go home, to let Daniel fix his own mess. But the part of you that still cares—deep, buried under layers of resentment—keeps you from walking away.

“Fine,” you mutter, already regretting it. “I’ll look into it.”

Relief floods your mother’s face. Your father doesn’t look as convinced, but he says nothing.

You turn on your heel and stalk toward the conference room, barely giving them time to follow.

The team is still mid-discussion when you throw open the door. They all glance up, surprised.

Morgan raises an eyebrow. “How nice of you to show up, was starting to think you’d forgotten about us,”

You cross your arms, keeping your tone clipped. “My parents are here. Apparently, my brother is missing.”

A beat of silence.

Then, from Morgan again, “Wait. You have a brother?”

You grit your teeth. “Yes. And before you ask—no, I don’t want to talk about it.”

Your mother catches up behind you, visibly shaken but pulling herself together. “His name is Daniel. He’s… he’s been struggling for a while,”

Emily glances between you and your mother before leaning forward. “Tell us everything you know,”

You listen, but only half-heartedly, arms crossed and leaning back in your chair, pretending to focus. This is just another one of Daniel’s stunts. He’s done this before. Disappears for a while, doesn’t answer his phone, only to resurface weeks later, looking for more handouts.

“He’s been missing for three days,” your mother says, her voice trembling just slightly. “I went to his apartment to check on him. I was supposed to do his laundry and help with his rent. But when I got there, he wasn’t home. His phone kept going to voicemail,” She pauses, her face clouding over. “The apartment... it was a mess, but worse than usual. Like something had happened. The place was so... dirty. And there were signs of trouble, real trouble,”

You don’t need to hear any more. You can already picture it—the apartment in its usual state of chaos, the remnants of his latest bad decisions littering the floor, and Daniel nowhere to be found. He’s an adult, for God’s sake. This is just another one of his disappearances. He always finds a way to make it someone else’s problem, and you’re done picking up the pieces.

You can feel the familiar resentment bubble up, but you bite it back. You’re tired. Tired of being the responsible one, the one who always has her life together. Tired of being the fallback for Daniel, even though, to everyone else, he’s just a “problem child,” someone who needs help.

“I’m sure he’ll turn up,” you mutter, hoping the words will settle into your bones and make it true.

“He’s not going to turn up if we don’t do something about it,” your mother counters, her voice rising just a touch. “He needs us. He’s lost.”

You feel a muscle in your jaw tighten. “Mom, he’s not lost. He’s just avoiding you like he always does. He’s fine.”

“No, he’s not fine,” your mother snaps, her voice sharp now, just short of pleading. “He hasn’t been fine for a long time, and you’re the only one who’s in a position to do something about it.”

“I am not the one who raised him. Maybe if you and Dad hadn’t been so busy enabling every shitty decision he’s made, he wouldn’t be this way.” You can’t help the words from slipping out, the accusation heavy on your tongue, but it’s the truth.

Every single one of these situations has always fallen into your lap. You were the one they trusted to handle it all because you were the smart one, the responsible one. You’ve always been the one who had it together—except when it comes to them, when it comes to your brother.

Your mother flinches at the sharpness of your words, but before she can respond, your father steps in, his tone steady but firm. “He’s your brother, and you should care. This isn’t about what’s fair—this is about family.”

You feel the heat of his words like a punch to the gut. Of course, it’s about family. It always comes back to that. But you’re so fucking tired of being the good one, the one who always gets the lectures, always does the right thing, always shoulders the weight.

You want to scream at them, tell them you don’t owe him anything, that he can handle his own damn life. Instead, you swallow down the bitterness. “I don’t think this is something the FBI needs to get involved in. He’s just off on another one of his little binges. He’ll show up when he’s good and ready. That’s how it always goes.”

Your father’s face hardens. “So you’re just going to pretend like you don’t care?”

You stare back at him, defiant. “I’m not pretending. I just... I’m not going to be the one to clean up his mess anymore. He’s an adult. He has to start facing the consequences of his own actions.”

The room goes silent, and you feel the weight of their eyes on you, the disappointment simmering beneath their concern. You’re used to it. It’s been there since you were a kid—the sense that they thought you were better, that you should have it all together. But it’s never been that simple, and it’s certainly not simple now.

It’s Spencer who breaks the tension. He’s been standing off to the side, watching the conversation unfold like a silent observer, his brow furrowed. “I think we need to take a step back,” he says gently, his voice calm but firm. “There’s a lot of emotion here. It might be better to take a break for a minute,”

You don’t want to admit it, but Spencer’s right. Your chest feels tight, your head full of noise, and you’re struggling to keep your anger in check. The argument has gone on long enough.

“Fine,” you mutter, standing up abruptly. You don’t make eye contact with your parents, just turn and walk out of the room.

—

The tension hangs thick on the jet as the team prepares for the flight to California. the team are seated around you, all quiet for a moment as the plane hums steadily beneath you. But you know they’re all aware of the undercurrent of unease between you and your parents.

It’s not hard to see.

“You’ll need to book a commercial flight.” You’d said, as Hotch readied everyone for the plane. “The Jet’s Agents only.”

Emily’s eyes flick to you once, but she doesn’t ask any questions. Not yet, anyway. Morgan is a little more direct, leaning forward with a grin that’s clearly an attempt to lighten the mood. “So, what’s the deal? You’ve got a brother, huh?”

You stare out the window, not answering immediately. You really don’t want to talk about this right now, but you know it’s inevitable. They’ll all want to know.

“He’s a mess,” you finally mutter, voice low. “Always has been. Getting into trouble. Running away. Drugs. Fights. You name it. And every time, my parents come to me. It’s exhausting.”

You feel a pang of guilt as soon as you say it. You didn’t mean to sound like that. You don’t want to be the bitter, resentful one, but sometimes it feels like there’s no other option.

“So, you don’t think he’s really missing?” Morgan asks, his voice curious but not pushing.

“No. I don’t.” you reply, tapping your fingers against your knee. “Have you ever heard of the boy who cried wolf? Practically his fucking biography.”

Emily doesn’t press, but she exchanges a look with Hotch, who gives a single, knowing nod. You can feel their sympathy, but you don’t want it. You just want to get this over with.

The jet hums on as you remain silent, your mind swirling with frustration. This is a waste of time. Daniel is fine, as he always is. He’ll come back when he’s ready. It’s always the same pattern. He disappears, and then he reappears when it’s convenient for him.

But as much as you tell yourself that, a tiny voice in the back of your head whispers that you should care more. That this time, maybe it is different. But you push it away.

You look up when you realise the conversation has gone quiet again. Everyone’s waiting for you to say something more. You can feel their eyes on you, patient but probing.

“Look,” you say, finally meeting Spencer’s gaze, “I don’t need a therapy session right now. I’ll go through the motions. I’ll help you guys figure this out. But Daniel will show up. He always does.”

No one says anything for a moment. You’re grateful for the silence, for the way they all let you have this. You’ve said it enough times, and maybe you need to believe it too.

But the knot in your stomach tells you otherwise. And deep down, you know that something might be different this time.

But you won’t let yourself admit it. That means your parents are right.

—

When the team arrives at Daniel’s apartment, it doesn’t take long for the scent to hit you—an overpowering stench of stale beer, unwashed clothes, and something else, something darker. The hallway outside the door smells like a combination of mold and rot. You push the door open with a reluctance that sits heavy in your chest, and the scene inside immediately confirms all your worst fears.

The place is a disaster. More so than usual. Piles of dirty laundry are scattered across the floor, the walls are smudged with dark stains, and the couch is more of a heap of old blankets and discarded clothing than an actual place to sit.

The kitchen counter is covered in empty beer bottles, takeout containers, and half-eaten food that looks like it’s been left to rot for days. The stench is overwhelming, and for a moment, you almost gag. But you swallow it down, stepping further inside.

“Jesus,” Morgan mutters under his breath, surveying the wreckage. He takes a long, slow breath, trying to ignore the smell. “This is... bad.”

You already knew it would be, but something about seeing it in person hits harder. You can almost feel your blood pressure rise as your gaze sweeps the apartment. This was Daniel’s life. A mess. His own mess. You shouldn’t care, but you do, even if it’s only because of the weight of your parents’ concern.

“He’s never let it get this bad,” your mother says, her voice almost desperate as she steps into the apartment behind you, clutching her purse like it’s a lifeline. “This is... this is worse than it’s ever been.”

You roll your eyes, already feeling the familiar swell of frustration. Of course, it’s “worse” now. But it’s not like this is new. The clutter, the mess, the irresponsibility—it’s all been part of Daniel’s act for years. You almost want to yell at your mother for coddling him like this, for not seeing the pattern.

“Yeah, sure it’s worse now. Just like it was last time, and the time before that.” Your voice comes out sharper than you intend. You can feel Spencer’s eyes on you, but you refuse to meet his gaze. You’re not in the mood to talk through your issues with him right now.

But your mother doesn’t seem to hear your sarcasm, or if she does, she doesn’t let it deter her. “No, honey. You don’t understand. I know him. Something’s wrong. He would never leave things like this. He’s always been messy, but not like this.” Her voice cracks a little as she speaks, and your stomach tightens at the sound of it.

She’s right, though. You know that. The apartment looks like a warzone. But it doesn’t change the fact that Daniel’s life has always been this chaotic. He’s always been this irresponsible. Still, part of you can’t help but wonder—maybe this time is different. But you shut that voice down. He’s fine. He always comes back.

Spencer, who’s been standing quietly off to the side, speaks up, his voice calm but insistent. “Let’s do a proper search. See if we can find anything that might help us understand what’s really going on.”

You nod sharply, forcing the uncomfortable feeling in your chest back where it came from. Spencer always knows how to handle things, even if you’re still not ready to admit how much you depend on him.

You begin to methodically check through the rooms, opening drawers and cabinets, inspecting the bathroom. It’s more of the same—filthy towels, a cluttered sink, old razors. The bathroom garbage is full, overflowing with used syringes. The sight of them makes you flinch, and you can’t help the wave of disgust that floods over you. You’ve known about his drug use, but seeing it so starkly laid out like this? It makes it real in a way it never has before.

You turn away from the bathroom, your face unreadable, as you hear Morgan and Hotch talking in the living room. “We need to look for signs of a struggle,” Hotch says, his tone authoritative, commanding. You don’t need to be told twice. The urgency in his voice tells you everything you need to know.

And then you find it.

Near the entrance, just by the door, you notice something strange. Fresh scuff marks on the floor, like something—or someone—was dragged across the room. The marks don’t make sense. Daniel’s never had visitors who would do that to the place. Or visitors at all. There’s also a faint bloodstain on the carpet, still slightly wet. It’s small, but it’s there.

Your heart skips in your chest.

“Hotch,” you call out, your voice suddenly thick with tension. “There’s something here.”

He’s at your side in a second, kneeling to examine the marks and the stain. His expression tightens. “This wasn’t just a runaway situation.”

You don’t need him to say it for you to know what it means. Daniel’s missing. And now, it looks like someone took him.

The team immediately goes into investigative mode. Your mother, however, seems in denial, still clinging to the idea that Daniel could just be lost. “No, no, this isn’t right. Something can’t have happened to him. We have to find him. Please, we need to find him.”

You open your mouth to respond, but Spencer gets there first. He’s clearly playing mediator, trying to keep the peace while the investigation escalates. “We’re doing everything we can, ma’am. But we need to focus. We’ll figure this out.”

You’re thankful for Spencer’s calm demeanor, though part of you still wants to snap at your mother. But you keep your cool. For now.

When the team finally regroups, they decide it’s time to interview your parents properly. The room is tense, charged with the urgency of the situation. You can’t help but notice how much your mother is still trying to hold on to the illusion that Daniel is just lost, just going through a rough time. She’s clinging to the hope that he’ll walk through the door any minute. But you know, and they know, that’s not happening. Not now.

You’re sitting in the background as the team starts to ask your parents questions, but you’re too impatient for this. You can already see where the conversation is going, and it’s not helping. Your mother starts talking about how Daniel was always different from the other kids, how he needed more help, how she was always worried about him. And that’s when you can’t take it anymore.

“Mom,” you interrupt sharply, “we don’t have time for the backstory. We need to focus on what’s happening now.” You look at Spencer for a moment, then back to your parents, who look a little stunned at your outburst. “He’s gone. Something happened. You have to tell us what you know.”

Your mother opens her mouth, but you cut her off again. “Forget the excuses. What happened before he disappeared?”

Your father shifts uneasily, but he knows better than to intervene.

That’s when your mother finally mentions the car. “I remember seeing a car outside his apartment a few days ago,” she says slowly, the words heavy in her mouth. “It was a nice car. I thought it was strange. But I didn’t think much of it at the time.”

“Do you remember what kind of car?” Spencer asks, his voice low and deliberate.

“A black SUV,” she replies, biting her lip. “It had tinted windows, and it looked new. I can’t remember the make, but it didn’t fit in with the other cars.”

“Do you remember the license plate?” Hotch asks, his voice businesslike.

She shakes her head. “Just part of it. It had a ‘G’ in it. And the number 17. That’s all I remember,”

Garcia works her magic from her station back at headquarters, narrowing down the registration with the partial plate. Within moments, she’s sending over the details.

“A guy named David Wesson,” Garcia’s voice crackles through the speaker. “White, mid-thirties. Criminal record. Multiple charges for drug trafficking, assault... pretty violent history.”

“Sounds like someone who might have had business with Daniel. Wesson might’ve been his dealer,” Spencer exchanges a glance with Hotch.

“You said he was behind on rent before, It could be a violent repayment issue,” Spencer adds, his brow furrowed as he puts the pieces together. “Wesson might’ve taken him.”

Your heart races, and your thoughts turn frantic. The timeline is getting tighter now. Every minute they waste, Daniel could be in more danger.

“Let’s move,” Hotch says. “Time’s running out.”

And just like that, everything shifts. The investigation goes from a missing person’s case to a race against time to find Daniel before it’s too late.

—

The team moves quickly, urgency in every step. Garcia has done her magic again, and the address attached to the vehicle registration leads them to a run-down apartment complex on the outskirts of town. The area is as desolate as they come, the kind of place you’d never want to be caught alone after dark. It’s clear that whoever David Wesson is, he’s not someone who cares much for cleanliness or safety. You push through the growing anxiety in your chest as you prepare for what’s next.

Hotch leads the way as always, eyes sharp, voice steady. You, Emily, and Morgan follow closely behind, each of you silent but alert. Every creak of the floorboards beneath your feet seems to amplify in the stillness of the building. The tension is thick, suffocating, as you approach the door where you know something is wrong, even before you hear the muffled voices on the other side.

“Do you hear that?” Morgan whispers, pausing for a split second. He tilts his head toward the door, his face hardening with recognition.

You nod, your pulse quickening. You recognize the voice too.

“Daniel,” you mutter under your breath, barely believing the words as they leave your mouth.

The voices are arguing, one unknown male, one unmistakably Daniel’s. You can’t make out everything they’re saying, but you can hear the desperation in Daniel’s voice, the way it cracks with fear. It takes all of your willpower not to rush forward, but Hotch is in charge, and his focus is unwavering.

Hotch looks at each of you, eyes locking with yours. “On my signal. We move fast. No one gets hurt.”

You feel the familiar tension in your shoulders, the urge to act, but you keep your hands steady. There’s no room for mistakes now. The only thing that matters is getting Daniel out of this alive.

A nod from Hotch signals the start of the operation. Without another word, Morgan kicks down the door, and the room is suddenly flooded with the harsh light of tactical flashlights. It’s chaos for a moment, as the team pushes forward, guns raised, ready for whatever might come next.

“FBI! Hand in the air!”

The man who was with Daniel—Wesson, you assume—shouts in surprise, but it’s too late. Within seconds, Morgan and Emily have the man restrained, while Hotch swiftly moves toward the back room, where Daniel’s voice had been coming from. You follow close behind, your heartbeat in your throat.

The room is small, sparse, and dim. Daniel is huddled in the corner, bloodied, bruised, and covered in dirt. He doesn’t look like himself—his face swollen, eyes half-lidded with pain. But he’s alive. That’s all that matters.

You rush forward, ignoring the tightness in your chest as you kneel beside him. He looks up at you, eyes wide with confusion, his breath coming in shallow gasps. For a moment, the world seems to pause.

“Daniel,” you say, your voice rougher than you intended. “You're alive.”

His gaze flickers to you, recognition registering slowly. “Mom called you…” His voice is weak, shaky, like he hasn’t spoken in days. But the relief that flickers in his eyes is enough to break you.

Morgan and Hotch quickly move to secure the rest of the apartment, making sure there are no other threats. Emily is already on her phone, radioing in the necessary medical support.

As they check Wesson, you can’t tear your eyes away from Daniel. The cuts and bruises on his face, the way his body trembles, make it all feel too real. This wasn’t just a stunt. This wasn’t another one of his usual disappearances. He’d been in real danger. And you barely spent a single second actually worrying about him at all.

The paramedics arrive within minutes, and the scene turns into controlled chaos. They quickly get Daniel on a stretcher and begin working to stabilise him, but he’s still conscious, still able to acknowledge you. There’s something about that—his ability to stay aware even through all the pain—that makes the whole situation feel even more surreal.

As they load him into the ambulance, you exchange a quick glance with Hotch. He knows. He’s always known. That unspoken connection between you both doesn’t need words to be understood. But even in the midst of all this, you feel the weight of everything settle over you.

—

Hours later, you find yourself in a sterile hospital room, standing just outside the door, watching as Daniel is hooked up to machines. Your parents are already there, hovering over him like he’s some fragile thing. They’re doting on him, feeding him reassurance and attention, as if he’s the only person in the world who matters right now.

This is their son—the one they’ve been worrying about for years—but it feels like they’ve never been more obsessed with him. More so than ever before.

Your mother is sitting by his side, her hands gently patting his arm. “Oh, Daniel, baby, you’re going to be okay. You’re safe now. We’re here,” Her voice cracks with emotion, and her face is tear-streaked. It’s a scene that’s as familiar as it is uncomfortable. She’s always been like this with him, protective to a fault, and it stirs something in you, something you don’t know how to deal with.

You cross your arms, standing in the hallway, keeping your distance. This is a part of your life you’ve never been able to fully reconcile—the way they fawn over Daniel, the way they still treat him like a child when he’s a grown man. You’ve never really understood it.

Your father stands behind your mother, his large frame towering over her. He’s trying to keep his composure, but there’s something different in his eyes now. He’s relieved, but there’s a trace of guilt there too, something you can’t quite put your finger on. His eyes flicker over to you for a moment, but you don’t meet his gaze.

The door opens and Spencer steps into the room, his expression gentle, but he’s clearly as affected as everyone else. He looks at you first, and then at Daniel’s parents, before finally walking to your side.

“He’ll pull through,” Spencer says quietly, almost to himself. His gaze doesn’t quite meet yours, but you both know what he’s referring to. You don’t have to say the words aloud, but you both know the truth. The strain on your family, the tension that’s always been there—it hasn’t gone anywhere.

You nod, your jaw tight, the weight of everything pressing in on you.

“I know.” you finally say, your voice barely human-adjacent.

Spencer doesn’t respond immediately. He just stands beside you, his presence both comforting and uncomfortable all at once. You’re grateful for him, for his steadiness, but there’s a part of you that feels like you’re about to collapse under the weight of it all.

You look through the small window in the door at Daniel, who’s lying in the hospital bed, surrounded by his parents. They’re speaking to him in soft tones, reassuring him, as if he’s their precious child once again. It makes something inside you stir—resentment, maybe.

Or maybe it’s just frustration, years of holding back everything that’s ever bothered you about your relationship with them, about Daniel, about all the things you never had a chance to say.

But now, as the reality of the situation settles in, you can’t help but feel something else too. Maybe it’s relief. Maybe it’s the smallest hint of something softer than anger. But it's fleeting, easily swallowed by the sharp, familiar frustration you've always carried with you. The stress of the day, the tension with your parents, and the unspoken resentment you've been holding on to for years, weigh on you like a heavy coat you can’t shed.

Spencer’s quiet voice breaks through your thoughts, as he steps closer, his hand settling gently on your shoulder. “You should talk to him,” he says, his voice calm, but his words deliberate, as if he’s trying to gauge your reaction.

You bristle instinctively, pulling away from him slightly. “Why? So I can lecture him on his poor life choices? What’s the point?”

Spencer doesn’t back down, though. He knows how to push you, how to get you to do what you don’t want to do without making you feel cornered. He lowers his voice even further, his tone just soft enough that it isn’t a demand. “He’s your brother. He’s alive. He needs you. Whether you want to admit it or not,”

You stare at him for a long beat, the words pulling at you in a way you wish they wouldn’t. You know he’s right. You’ve never been able to deny that when it comes to Daniel, deep down, you’ve always been torn.

Part of you wants to hold him accountable for his choices—wants him to face the consequences of his actions. Another part of you just wants him to finally be okay, to break free from the suffocating grip of their expectations.

But you’re not ready for that, not yet. So you shake your head, though your voice cracks slightly as you speak. “I’m not the one he needs. He doesn’t need me.”

Spencer gives you an unreadable look, his gaze soft but unwavering. He doesn’t push you any further, but the weight of his unspoken encouragement hangs in the air.

A few moments of silence stretch between you, until finally, you sigh in frustration and turn toward the hospital room door. “Fine. Fine,” you mutter, more to yourself than to him. “I’ll talk to him. Stop looking at me like that.”

You take a deep breath as you step inside the room, but the moment you see Daniel lying there—so fragile, so small under the hospital sheets—it makes your chest tighten. His eyes flicker toward you as you enter, but there’s no immediate recognition in his gaze. He’s still groggy, still recovering, but the faintest glimmer of relief crosses his features when he sees you.

“Hey,” you say, your voice a little harsher than you intended. He doesn’t react to your tone, his eyes focusing on you slowly as if trying to make sense of your presence.

His parents hover nearby, their expressions a mix of concern and adoration. His mother looks up at you, her face full of warmth, but it’s not the time for warmth—not for you, at least.

“Can you give us a minute?” you ask quietly, though it comes out a bit sharper than you meant. Your eyes flicker to your mother, then your father, unwilling to acknowledge the tension in the room as you ask them to leave.

Your mother looks like she might protest, but your father quickly places a hand on her arm. His voice is low but firm, as he speaks to her. “Let her talk to him.”

You watch them leave, the door clicking shut behind them. Once you’re alone with Daniel, the air feels heavier, more suffocating, but you force yourself to stay standing, your back straight.

“You know, I don’t really know where to start,” you begin, though the words feel like lead on your tongue. “I guess you could say I’m... disappointed in you, Daniel.”

His lips curl up into a half-smile, but it’s laced with bitterness. “Yeah? Figures. That’s what you always say.”

“Because it’s true,” you snap, the words coming out more harshly than you intended. But you can’t stop it, the years of pent-up frustration bubbling over. “You’ve been a mess for as long as I can remember. I always had to pick up the pieces when things went wrong. You’ve never done anything for yourself. I’m sick of it.”

Daniel's eyes flash, and for a moment, you think you’ve broken through. But then he scoffs, his weak laugh more like a hiss of frustration. “You really think you’re the perfect one, don’t you? The one with all the answers. The PhD, the fancy job... You’ve got it all figured out, and I’m just the screw-up.”

Your breath catches in your throat, and for a second, you freeze. You hadn’t expected him to lash out like this, to throw the resentment back in your face. You’d always tried to be the good one, the one who did everything right, but maybe he was right this time.

“What do you want from me?” you ask, your voice low, too tired to fight anymore. “Do you want me to say I’m sorry for everything? For not fucking up my life?”

Daniel turns his face away, but you can hear the bitterness in his voice. “You don’t get it, do you? You think I like being the screw-up? But it’s like I’ve never had a chance. Mom and Dad have never let me out of there sight. They’ve never trusted me to take care of myself. And every time I mess up, you’re there with your judgment, your ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude. It’s suffocating.”

You feel something shift inside of you, something you hadn’t been willing to admit before. It’s not just anger anymore.

You swallow hard, the words tumbling out before you can stop them. “I was always worried about you, Daniel.”

He doesn’t look at you, but you can feel the way his body stiffens at the admission. The words hang between you, a fragile truce forming in the air.

“I was,” you repeat, quieter this time. “But I didn’t know how to help you. I didn’t know how to fix you. I tried. I went to Stanford, I researched every psychological phenomenon I could think of,” You furrow your eyebrows in a show of your defeat. “I can’t, do anything.”

Daniel’s eyes flicker back to you, and there’s something softer in his gaze now. The anger, the resentment—they’re still there, but they’re no longer all-consuming. The tension between you starts to ease, bit by bit, as you continue.

“You’re not a lost cause, Daniel,” you continue, your voice thick with emotion. “But you have to stop letting Mom and Dad fix everything for you. You have to stop hiding behind their expectations and start taking responsibility for your own choices.”

His eyes narrow, but this time, he doesn’t argue. Instead, he just sighs heavily, rubbing a hand over his face. “I know... I know, okay? I just... I needed control over something for once.”

You lean forward, your voice low but steady. “Then make them see that. You don’t need to keep running to them for help every time you mess up. You need to get help... real help. Not just running away or hiding from it.”

Daniel looks at you for a long moment, and for the first time, there’s a flicker of hope in his eyes. It’s faint, but it’s there.

“I promise,” he says quietly, his voice raw, “I’ll try.”

You don’t know if he’s just saying it because he knows it’s what you want to hear, or if it’s because he actually believes he can change. But you’re willing to take him at his word—for now. And that’s all you can do.

“I’m serious, Daniel. Get help. Do it for yourself.”

He nods, the faintest hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I will. I’ll... I’ll try.”

The silence that follows is different now, more comfortable. You don’t have all the answers, and neither does he. But for the first time, you both seem to understand each other, if only a little.

He doesn’t feel like so much of a stranger anymore.

—

Outside the hospital room, Spencer waits, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. He’s patient—he always is—but there’s a quiet tension in his stance, his fingers fidgeting slightly as he watches the door.

You’ve been in there a while. Longer than he expected.

The weight of the day sits heavy on him, but it’s different from the exhaustion of a case. This is something else entirely. It’s personal in a way he wasn’t prepared for.

The sound of footsteps pulls his attention, and he glances to the side just as your father steps up beside him. The older man doesn’t say anything at first, just looks through the small hospital window, watching as you and Daniel talk.

Spencer follows his gaze.

Inside, you’re still standing by Daniel’s bed, arms crossed, but there’s something different about your stance now—less rigid, less closed off. Daniel looks up at you, exhaustion in his eyes, but there’s no hostility in his expression. Just something... almost like understanding.

Spencer shifts, feeling the weight of the moment settle between him and your father.

Your father exhales, shaking his head slightly. “First time they’ve had a real conversation in eight years,” he mutters, his voice carrying the disbelief of someone who never thought he’d see the day.

Spencer doesn’t respond right away, just absorbs the words, the meaning behind them. He doesn’t know everything—he doesn’t know the full weight of what those eight years meant, or how many unspoken words had passed between you and your family.

But he knows enough.

And he knows you.

Your father exhales again, slower this time, and turns to look at him. “Thank you.”

Spencer blinks, startled by the sudden sincerity. He shifts on his feet, glancing at your father with clear confusion. “For what?”

Your father exhales slowly, rubbing a tired hand over his face before letting it drop back to his side. He doesn’t meet Spencer’s eyes, just keeps staring at the closed door as if watching you through it.

“My wife and I…” He hesitates, jaw tightening like he’s bracing for something. “We should’ve shown her how much we loved her more often. How proud we are.”

Spencer watches him carefully, the way his fingers twitch slightly, the way his shoulders sink under the weight of a realisation that’s come too late.

Your father shakes his head slightly, as if frustrated with himself. “We were always so focused on Daniel. He needed us more, or at least, we thought he did. And she—” He huffs a quiet, bitter laugh. “She never asked for anything. Never needed us like he did. So we let ourselves believe that meant she was okay. That she knew we loved her, even if we didn’t say it enough,”

Spencer doesn’t respond immediately. He just lets the words settle, lets them sink into the space between them.

Then, your father finally looks at him—really looks at him—and there’s something raw in his expression. Something vulnerable.

“I’m glad she has someone to do that now,” he says simply.

Spencer’s throat goes dry.

There’s a sharp pang in his chest, something warm and aching all at once, because he knows exactly what your father is saying—what he’s admitting.

It’s not just about gratitude. It’s recognition.

Your father sees the way Spencer looks at you. The way he cares for you. The way he stands beside you even when you push people away.

Spencer swallows, shifting slightly where he stands. He doesn’t know how to respond to that—not without fumbling over his words, not without letting too much of his own feelings spill out into the open.

So instead, he settles for something lighter. Something that doesn’t make his heart hammer quite so loudly in his chest.

“Is it really that obvious?” he murmurs.

Your father lets out a breath, something almost amused crossing his expression, though it’s tinged with exhaustion.

“She’s my little girl,” He nods slightly, eyes flickering back to the hospital door. “I notice the details,”

Spencer doesn’t know what to say to that, so he says nothing at all.

The door creaks open, and both men straighten slightly as you step out. Your eyes flicker between them, brow furrowing slightly as if you can sense the conversation that just took place.

Spencer meets your gaze, offering you a soft, reassuring smile. And for the first time today, you let yourself return it—just a little.

“Where’s everyone else?” you ask, your voice quieter than usual as you step closer to where Spencer and your father are standing.

“They already left for the hotel,” Spencer says, tilting his head slightly, studying you like he’s trying to gauge how you’re feeling.

You nod, exhaling slowly. Of course they did. No point in all of them crowding around when there’s nothing else to be done here.

Spencer moves before you can—his hand reaching out for yours, fingers just barely brushing against the back of your hand in a silent question.

For a split second, you consider pulling away.

Not because you don’t want to take his hand, but because it feels like crossing some invisible line. You’ve spent so long keeping your personal life separate from everything else. But right now? After everything?

You don’t care.

So instead of avoiding his touch, you let your fingers slip between his, lacing them together. His palm is warm against yours, grounding.

You hear the quietest inhale from your father, but when you turn to look at him, there’s no surprise. No disapproval. Just something soft in his expression, something fond.

He doesn’t say anything about it, not directly. Instead, he nods slightly, eyes meeting yours.

“I’m proud of you,” he says simply.

The words hit harder than you expect them to.

You aren’t sure what to say, so you just nod, gripping Spencer’s hand a little tighter. “Thanks. Dad.”

Spencer squeezes back.

“Come on,” he murmurs, tugging you gently toward the exit. “Let’s get out of here,”

You don’t look back as you leave the hospital behind, walking side by side with him into the night.

#cold!reader ᝰ.ᐟ #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid #criminal minds #criminal minds x reader #mgg #spencer reid angst #criminal minds angst

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motorsportbarbie13 · 3 months ago

Text

Aftermath - Chapter 4

When Lando leaves you heartbroken after you get tired of trying to make something out of nothing for far too long, Max steps in to help you pick up the pieces.

warnings: this chapter contains language and descriptions that illustrate abuse (mental and emotional). please don't engage with my work if you find any of the topics triggering. lando is, once again, an absolute asshole in this. i'd also like to point out that this is a character i am writing, i in no way am insinuating or implying the real lando is like this in any way. pairing: max verstappen x leclercsister!reader word count: 6k words (whoooooopsie!!)

(Extra special thank you to @lestapiastrisgirl for beta reading and entertaining my texting at 2am when plot inspo hits! 🤭🫶🏻)

Aftermath - Chapter 1 Aftermath - Chapter 2 Aftermath - Chapter 3 Master List

f1.gossip.source posted

1,384 likes liked by user349, lando, user000, and others f1.gossip.source Charles LeClerc was seen walking into Monaco's La Tavernetta Thursday evening with his girlfriend and little sister in tow. The three arrived together early in the evening and stayed for several hours tucked away from prying eyes a back room. Also in attendance at the impromptu dinner were Arthur and his partner Jade, brother Lorenzo and strangely enough, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. user088 once again, @/missleclerc and max in the same place, without lando... >>>user8127 lando over here in the likes though. wonder if his invite got lost in the mail? user112 has ANYONE seen her and Lando together in the last few months??? Are they even still together???

The restaurant that Max picked out turns out to be one of your favorites. La Tavernetta is a small, hole-in-the-wall Italian place that you’ve been coming to for years with your family where the owners know you by name and always greet you with a hug and freshly baked bread, straight from the oven. The place is small but cozy with the smell of onions and garlic hanging heavy in the air. As you weave your way though the closely situated tables, all covered in freshly starched white linen and silver flatware, photos of the large family that’s owned the place for generations stare down at you like sentries from another world. With candles dotting each table and the overhead lights turned down to a dim glow, the mood in the restaurant is calm and serene, an atmosphere that has your frayed nerves smoothing out around the jagged edges. It’s almost as if Max picked this place out with you in mind after the day you’d had.

Your group tonight is big, something that you’re not used to anymore because of how isolated Lando’s kept you recently. Max had gone ahead to meet Daniel while you had gotten ready before Charles and Alex had stopped by the apartment to pick you up. Lorenzo, Jade and Arthur complete the group and meet you in front of the small building. By the time the group all tumbles into the private room the owner always sets aside for the LeClerc’s, you’ve found yourself seated near the corner of the table, nestled between Max on one side and Lorenzo at the head.

Several of bottles of wine and appetizers are ordered the moment everyone is seated. Max catches up with his former teammate as you chat with your brother but when your favorite bottle of white is placed in front of you, he pours you a glass without even pulling his attention away from his friend. The way he’s attentive to you without being overtly showy about it has something twisting in your chest.

“Thank you, Max.” You murmur before taking a sip of the wine, savoring the way the tang of the dry wine bursts across your tongue.

Max turns to you then, eyes crinkling at the corners as he grins back at you. It settles something in him, seeing you lean back in your chair, allowing your body to relax in the warm back room of the small restaurant. Your body language is totally different than it was earlier in the day and Max is surprised to find himself reading you so well. He shouldn’t be, with how well he used to know you, pre-Lando. He could tell how you were feeling when you were younger just by a quick scan of your posture and it made his chest squeeze when he realized he was slowly getting that ability back.

You allow yourself to be a little lost to the chatter to the room after everyone orders their dinners, the lively discussion between Charles and Daniel drowning out the anxiety that has started to creep up the back of your neck as the evening wears on. You had left your phone at home but the last time you had looked at it, Lando had started texting you again and they weren’t much nicer than anything he had sent you earlier in the day.

Out of the corner of his eye, Max senses the tension growing in your body by the way your shoulders stiffen just the slightest. He’s determined to make sure you have a good night, he was the one who suggested this whole thing after all and he knew that you were probably thinking about what Lando was doing, spinning in circles when you didn’t answer him like he expected.

“Do you remember that time you snuck out of your hotel room when Cha and I were racing in Italy?” Max asks in an attempt to distract you. He leans in, shoulder gently brushing your bare skin, simply so you can hear him better over the din of Charles and Arthur arguing. No ulterior motive whatsoever.

Heat floods your cheeks, gasp flying from your lips as you laugh despite yourself. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!” You hiss indignantly, but there’s no venom in your tone.

Max smirks at you over his gin and tonic, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’m pretty sure you do. You snuck out of the hotel to hang out with us because Pascale grounded you for being sassy the day before.”

“You two were always leaving me out and I was tired of it.” You sniff, smile teasing the corner of your mouth.

“You took the bus across town by yourself!” Max laughs.

“I was an independent child, what can I say?”

“You were nine!” Max chuckles, unable to ignore the spark of fire that has lit into your eyes as you replay the memory in your head. Yep, he thinks, there’s the girl that had no fear and took no shit. She’s still in there. He didn’t break her.

Rolling your eyes, you grin into your wine glass, enjoying the way Max’s gaze feel as they skate over your skin. “I managed, didn’t I? You guys didn’t question it when I just turned up at the track either, so really was it that surprising?”

“You told us Maman forgave you and dropped you off in the carpark, Little Dove!” Charles scolds from his seat opposite you. “Of course we didn’t question you!”

He’d been watching the interaction between you and Max since everyone sat down and he makes a mental note to thank the Dutch driver. The way he gently coaxes you out of your shell is something he hadn’t been able to do himself lately. He’d been surprised to watch Max be totally in tune with the way your mood shifted before he brought that story up, had been watching fearfully when he saw that flicker of anxiety settle over your features. But he hadn’t needed to step in because as quickly as Charles clocked it, so had Max and he’d stepped in before your own brother had even had a chance.

“I’ll never forget the look on Pascale’s face when she spotted your little brown braids trailing behind us after the end of the practice sessions.” Max muses, taking a long sip of his drink.

“I don’t think I’d ever seen her so angry.” Giggling, you nudge Max’s shoulder with your own. “And then you came to my defense, telling her how clever I was for figuring out the bus system in a country where I didn’t even speak the language.”

“I mean, was I wrong? It was a rather impressive thing for you to pull off.”

You preen at the compliment, leaning a bit further into the warmth of Max’s body. “No, no you’re right. I was an impressive child.”

Max opens his mouth to say something about how you’re still impressive, not even attempting to hide the fact that he’s shamelessly flirting with you when the temperature of the room suddenly drops to just above freezing. The air goes still as someone clears their throat in the doorway of the small private room your group is tucked away in.

The sound sends a chill down your spine and you drop your hand below the table, instinctively grasping at the warmth that’s pressed up against your knee. Max feels your fingers reach for his thigh, sucking in a breath at the sudden touch from you. His hand drops below the table, covering your hand with his without a second thought.

From across the room, Lando grinds his molars together as he clocks the subtle movement from Max. He quickly recovers though, yanking that practiced good boyfriend mask right back into place. “Baby!” He says, a sigh of relief tumbling from his mouth. “I’m so glad I found you, I’ve been worried sick.”

“How did you find us?” Jade wonders from her spot to his left.

“Monaco is a small town, news travels fast.” He mumbles under his breath. Not even sparing Jade a glance, Lando crosses the room to grab a chair from the corner before plopping it down right between Lorenzo and yourself.

There’s not much room in the corner of the small room and Lorenzo is forced to move over several inches to avoid being impaled by one of the chair legs Lando now sits on. Leaning over, Lando presses his lips directly to your cheek in an overt display of affection you’re simply not prepared for. Max’s blood boils at the way you flinch away from his touch and it takes every ounce of control he’s honed over the years of driving in F1 to keep from punching Lando outright.

“I guess my invite got lost in the mail, huh?” His tone is light but you can sense the edge of anger in his voice with the way his words are just a touch too clipped.

“We didn’t think you’d want to come after the texts you sent her earlier.” Max fires back, giving your hand a squeeze under the table.

Beside him, Daniel shifts uncomfortably in his chair, glancing away. Tension crackles in the air, a live wire of electricity ready to explode at even the slightest spark.

“What kind text messages?” Arthur’s eyes go sharp at Max’s tone of voice.

Lando waves a hand, dismissing Max’s comment. “I was worried about her, that’s all. I come home after a week away and all of her stuff is gone, treadmill, clothes, Peloton bike. Everything! No note? What was I supposed to think when she wouldn’t answer her phone?”

Max doesn’t miss the challenge in Lando’s eyes and he takes a steadying breath. “Maybe you should have taken the hint that she was finally done with you?” He spits.

Lando swallows hard, eyes going dark as he stares down his on-track rival. You can see the mask slipping and you know he’s almost at his tipping point. The room is silent around you, no one daring to push Lando further than Max has already done. “Well if that was the case, I would hope she’d be adult enough to talk to me first instead of just abandoning a three year long relationship.”

“Lando, we can talk about this tomorrow.” You lean forward, blocking his line of sight to Max in hopes of quelling this pissing match the two men seem to have fallen into. “Now is not the time to do this.” You can sense the frayed rope of control that Lando is barely holding onto and desperately maneuver to diffuse the situation.

“I don’t think this should wait.” He says simply, dismissing your request with a wave of his hand.

“And I think you should respect her wishes and discuss this later.” Max stands then, sending his chair scraping loudly against the wood floors beneath him.

Your eyes go wide when Lando stands too but Max is much taller than the British driver and you’re trapped in the middle.

Oh fuck.

It’s your turn to stand now, drawing strength from the way Jade and Alex are both looking at you from across the table. You can do this, you tell yourself as you put yourself in between Max and your ex-boyfriend. “Lando.” Your tone is surprisingly firm and Max nearly smirks. Yep, there’s that fire he knew you never lost. “Now is not the time. I’m trying to have a nice dinner with my friends. I will call you when I’m ready, alright?”

Lando’s eyes bounce from yours to Max’s and then to Charles before finally flickering back to yours. You manage to hold his gaze despite everything in your body screaming to look away. From the set of your shoulders, Max can tell you’re not going to back down on this and the pride that surges in his chest catches him fully off guard.

“Fine.” He huffs, knowing that tonight is a lost battle. “But this isn’t over.” He growls before shoving his chair back so hard it clatters against the wall.

When Lando finally sweeps out of the room, you collapse into your chair, breathing a sigh of relief. You’re not entirely sure how you managed to finally stand up to Lando’s bullying because if this scene had gone done even just a day earlier, you’re fairly certain that it would have ended much differently. Max settles down in his chair again and is surprised to feel the warmth of your hand find his. He glances over at you, gaze meeting yours as the chatter around the table picks back up. There’s so much hanging between you in that moment that it’s almost suffocating. You mouth a quick ‘thank you’ as he nods in reply, his thick fingers tangling with yours underneath the white linen tablecloth as he gives you another reassuring squeeze.

Across from you, Charles smirks into his wine as he watches the entire exchange before he turns his attention back to what Alex is telling him, comfortable enough knowing that you’re in good hands with Max.

missleclerc posted

23,018 likes liked by maxverstappen1, charlesleclerc, mamanleclerc and others missleclerc its always a good night when no one throws a punch ;) mamanleclerc i quite like La Tavernetta, can we please not get the family permanently banned by throwing punches? why is this an accomplishment? user9382 lando in the likes of the gossip post, but not here. uhh... >>>user029 and no one throwing punches? was there tension at dinner??? maxverstappen1 for the record, i kept my hands to myself. for the most part, at least. >>>missleclerc MAX. >>>maxverstappen1 :) >>>user928 MAX EMILIAN VERSTAPPEN WHAT. DOES. THIS. MEAN. >>>user029 max being messy in the comments. i am HERE for it.

Lando goes radio silent after the night at the restaurant. An outsider might think it was just him respecting your wishes and think that he was doing it in an effort to give you the space you had asked for but they would be wrong. You knew better though. You knew what he was doing and you were determined not to fall into his trap again. You knew that Lando was giving you the silent treatment as punishment for making a fool of him in front of everyone. You knew and you while there was a haze of anxiety that hung around you for the first two days as you waited for him to grow tired of the punishment, eventually you settled down.

There as a race the weekend after the dinner and most of your circle left Monaco for Austria. Everyone except you. You weren’t ready to go to a race yet, not with the knowledge that Lando would be there and you’d have to inevitably answer questions on why you weren’t splitting your time between Ferrari and McLaren like you usually did when you attended races. You also knew your resolve in resisting Lando was strong when he wasn’t physically near you but if you allowed yourself to get too close too quickly, you’d waver and allow him back in. You couldn’t do that to yourself.

So instead of going to Austria like your brother had asked you, you stay at home and throw yourself into your work. You don’t have any shows coming up but there’s always demand for your art and since leaving Lando, you’ve felt more inspired than ever to dive into a new study. Landscapes have always been your favorite and your go-to but something in you feels pulled to do something different. You’ve always been heavily influenced by the impressionists but something feels too soft about them for the mood you’ve been in since standing up to Lando. Like you need to do something bolder, more out of your usual style and for the first few days that you’re alone in your studio, you spend most of your time experimenting.

Eventually though, something starts to take shape. It’s Saturday afternoon when the inspiration accidentally hits you. Like most of your work, you don’t quite know what’s happening or where it’s going until you’re knee deep in a painting. The low hum of the engines playing on the TV you have set up in the small sitting room on one end of your studio serves as the perfect backdrop for your current inspiration. Half-way through Q2, you take a step back to study the canvas you had prepped earlier in the morning. The sketch that stares back at you has your head tilting to the side, observing it like it’s a foreign object that you didn’t just spend almost an hour sketching.

It’s going to be bold you decide, splashes of navy and red and yellow are in order, colors that are totally outside your wheelhouse normally but you can tell this is going to evolve into a series that is totally different from anything you’ve ever painted before.

You spend the rest of the afternoon working on it, locked away in your studio alone while Taylor Swift pours out of the speakers that you had insisted Charles and Arthur install for you when you first rented the space a few years ago. It feels like home here, more so than any place you’ve ever lived. There are paintings everywhere, some more completed than others. A large drafting table sits under the giant bay window that faces north, providing you with all day sunlight that is perfect for working in. A small seating area is tucked away in the corner near the kitchenette where you have a small electric kettle and microwave for those times you don’t want order out or go home to eat but need food. The floor is a light hardwood, contributing to the perfect light and airy ambiance you crave when you’re working.

You work late into the night Saturday, completely forgetting to even glance at your phone or worry about what Lando was up to. It’s the first time in over a year that you’re not concerned about what might happen if you lose yourself to your painting and accidentally ignore him. The feeling is so freeing, so liberating, you almost don’t know what to do with yourself. You’re tempted to spend the night on the couch in your studio but know if Charles finds out, you’d have hell to pay so instead you call your mother on your way home to make sure you’re safe.

Sunday is another day spent in your studio and you get there bright and early. Charles calls you first thing, just to check in and he’s pleased to hear the absence of anxiety in your voice. He breathes a sigh of relief when you tell him you’d already been up to work out and are on your way to spend another day painting, so many ideas popping up over night thanks to that one painting you’ve nearly finished. You refuse to tell him what it’s of though, you’re a bit superstitious when it comes to talking about your work before its finished. All you tell him is that it’s different from what you normally paint and you have an idea for an entirely new series based on this one painting.

The race plays through your speakers and you constantly are checking the running order while you put the finishing touches on the painting you started the day before. Normally, it takes you longer to finish a piece like this but for some reason, the inspiration hit you and you find yourself moving at a pace that is wholly abnormal for you. By the time the race finishes and Max, Charles, and Oscar are celebrating on the podium, you’re putting the finishing touches on one of the boldest pieces of art you’ve ever created.

Monday is spent in the studio again, starting on a second piece. Something bold and red and even bigger than your last painting but just as out of the norm for you. You spend all day working on getting the sketch of the new piece on the large canvas and only break once the sun is hanging low in the sky. Your stomach rumbling and reminding you that you haven’t eaten since breakfast earlier in the day is the only thing that manages to pull you from your work.

Someone holds the elevator for you when you finally make it back to your building as the sun begins to set over the water at your back and you jog to ensure they’re not waiting for you for too long.

“Hey you.” A smooth, deep voice greets you the moment you step into the lift.

“Max!” You’d give the Dutch driver a hug but your arms are currently occupied with a large bouquet of roses that had been delivered to your studio that morning. “Congratulations on the win yesterday! You drove so well.”

Max takes matters into his own hands, pushes the button for your floor before slipping one arm around your shoulders in a casual show of affection. “Thanks, Dovie.” He grins down at you, unable to quell the flutter in his chest at the smile that dazzles up at him. “It was a good weekend, wasn’t it?”

“From pole to P1? I think you could count that as successful, yes.” You chuckle, leaning into his frame a bit more than you normally would. You won’t admit it to anyone but you had missed Max while he’d been away. It feels entirely too soon to be having any sort of feelings for anyone, especially after what you’ve gone through with Lando recently, but you can’t help the undeniable chemistry you feel with your long-time friend.

Max glances down at the large bouquet of roses cradled in your hands and lifts an eyebrow. “Roses?”

You heave a sigh and roll your eyes, “Lando.” You say by way of explanation. “This is the fourth bouquet he’s sent since he left for Austria Thursday.”

“But you hate roses.” Max says, rubbing at his stubbled chin with the palm of his hands.

You’re surprised by Max’s words but he’s not wrong. “They’re not my favorite.” You admit, small smile playing on your lips.

“Tulips are.” He says softly as the elevator dings and the doors slide open. “That engineer Charles set you up with when he was at Sauber brought you roses for your first date and you laughed in the hotel lobby afterwards. You said how you hated how cliche roses were and that tulips were prettier and lasted longer. Pink ones though, not red.”

You stand there for a moment, stunned, blinking up at Max. The date with the Sauber mechanic had been years ago, before Charles had even been at Ferrari. You didn’t even remember Max being in the lobby with you when you had said that.

Max’s cheeks heat as you stare up at him, eyes narrowed a touch and soft smile on your lips like you can’t quite wrap your head around what he’s just said. Maybe he’s said too much, admitted he’s been paying too much attention to you for too long. He second guesses his words, wondering if he’s taken it a step too far, pushed you too far out of your comfort zone. He’s desperate for you to say something, anything to confirm that you’re not freaking out.

The elevator dings once again, protesting at being held for so long at one floor. “You must be exhausted.” You murmur as you step out of the elevator, looking back at him. “Do you want to come over for dinner tonight? I was going to make some salmon and veggies. Nothing fancy but I know I bought way too much.”

Max rubs at the back of his neck, relief surging through him at your offer. “I would love to. Let me go change and I’ll bring down a bottle of wine?”

“I’ll get everything in the oven.” You confirm before turning around and walking away, leaving Max staring after you, unsure of what the rest of the night is going to hold.

“We could watch Drive to Survive.” You say with a smirk, tucking your feet underneath your legs as you settle down on the couch a few hours later.

Max shoots you a look, wrinkling his nose. “Absolutely not.”

“I started the new season of Great British Baking Show the other night, I’m only up to bread week!”

“So Saving Private Ryan is off the table?” Max jokes, plucking a green bean off of your plate before you can stab his hand with your fork.

“Are you insane?” You laugh.

“Fine, British Baking Show it is, I guess.”

“It’s The Great British Baking Show, Maxie.”

Warmth blooms in Max’s chest at the nickname but he just rolls his eyes at you, watching while you flip through Netflix to turn the next episode on. A comfortable quiet settles over the living room then as you both eat the dinner you’d spent the last hour cooking. Max isn’t much of a cook so having a homemade meal that doesn’t come from his nutritionist is a treat, so he enjoys the salmon that you’ve seasoned to perfection.

“How was your weekend?” Max asks after a few quiet moments.

You turn to him, a bit caught off guard. You hate that your knee jerk reaction to the question is to compare it to what Lando would’ve done, which is not even bother to ask after your weekend at all. He did at first, of course. Lando had always been so attentive when you first started dating but like everything else in your relationship, slowly that attentive energy just stopped. You can’t help but wonder if that’s normal in long term relationships and maybe you had been asking for too much from your now ex-boyfriend.

Shaking off the heavy thoughts, you smile back at Max instead. “Quiet but I got a lot of work done. I can’t remember the last time I spent so much time in my studio all at once.”

“That’s good, anything special you’re working on.”

You smirk, “I started a few new pieces. Finished one that I think turned out really good and got started on a second. I don’t usually finish pieces so quickly but I felt…” You pause, searching for the right word that doesn’t sound too cliche. “Inspired.”

Cliche it is.

“Can I see?” Max knows how protective you are over your art and knows he’s pushing his luck but as he looks at you settled on the other side of the couch from him, curled up and shoulders relaxed he thinks you might just let him in.

“You can see the second one.” You say vaguely, not wanting to show anyone the one that took you most of the weekend to complete.

Max narrows his eyes as he watches you place your finished plate on the coffee table in front of you. Plate discarded, you reach for your phone where it sits next to you on the arm of the couch before scooting over so you’re closer to Max. Your sudden closeness sets Max’s teeth on edge as the scent of your perfume washes over him. At first it smells like warm vanilla but there’s a back note of something spicy that he can’t quite identify but whatever it is, the scent fits you perfectly.

Your arm presses up against his side as you lean over, passing over your phone where you have your photo gallery already pulled up. Max finds it difficult to concentrate on what you’re showing him at first, the scent of your perfume mixing with the warmth of your breath he can feel dust over his skin you’re so close. He’s not sure if you’re doing it on purpose but he thinks you might be trying to kill him when you lean into him even more, flipping through the gallery casually.

“It’s not like anything I’ve done before.” Your silky voice yanks him out of his spiral and his eyes snap up to yours before quickly dropping back down to your phone. The painting in front of him is spectacular, vivid reds and yellow practically jumping off the canvas at him.

“The phone doesn’t do it quite enough justice, I know, but you get the idea.” The nerves in your stomach have your voice wavering as you realize you care more about what Max thinks about how well you’ve captured your brother’s Ferrari coming in for a pit stop.

“It’s…” Max reaches for the correct word to describe how impressed he is. “Dovie, it’s a masterpiece.”

The flattery has a crimson blush creeping across your cheeks and you’re incredibly thankful for the golden twilight that keeps your living room fairly dim around you. “I mean, I don’t know if I’d go that far.”

“Well I would. Has Charles seen it?”

You shake your head as you watch Max zoom in on the painting to see the details better. Usually watching people observe your artwork for the first time is an exercise in wrecked nerves and anxiety but you find yourself strangely calm as Max continues to study the painting.

As your phone is still in Max’s hands, a phone call flashes across the screen causing your heart to stutter to a near complete stop.

LANDO CALLING

Fuck.

He’d left you alone for so long you had began to get a bit too comfortable, a bit to relaxed with the fact that maybe, just maybe, he’d given up on getting you back. You should have known better.

“You don’t have to answer.” Max murmurs, noting that you don’t make attempt to move back to where you were sitting before you had shown him your painting.

“Maybe if I do, he’ll finally leave me alone.”

Both of you know that’s not even a possibility.

“I’ll leave if you want me to.” He offers but you shake your head.

“Please stay.”

Max nods, watching as you draw your legs up towards your chin, tucking yourself up into a ball. He sucks in a breath when you lean further into his side for a bit of strength though.

“Hi Lando.” You answer, your eyes darting away from Max’s.

“Took you long enough to answer.” His voice is rough and angry, sending a shiver down your spine. Max can hear his voice clearly despite it not even being on speaker. “Had to make sure your date was out of earshot before you picked up, huh?”

You sigh, not wanting to entertain the jealousy tonight but something sticks in your ribs at the fact that Max is over and you’re practically cuddled up on the couch with him. It’s almost like Lando can sense that you’re busy with someone else. Brushing away the guilt that you know is misplaced, you shake your head as if he could see you. “No, I was just watching tv and didn’t notice you were calling.”

Lando hums as if he doesn’t believe you but lets it go. “Are you done throwing your tantrum yet? I just got back from Austria and you’re still not home. What do I have to do to get you to come back to me?”

“I thought I made myself clear by moving all of my stuff out, Lan.” Beside you, Max shifts uncomfortably. He wants to be there to support you but he doesn’t know if he would be able to sit by and listen to you two get back together, not after the extra time he’s been spending with you lately. He knows he’s getting ahead of himself, hoping that you feel that spark that is undeniable between you, but he can’t help it.

“Since when are you so confident with your choices, love?” His voice is taunting, as if Lando knows how easily you waver when it comes to him.

“Don’t call me love.” You snap and Max finds himself reaching for your hand that’s resting on your knee.

“Oh, I like this new attitude you’ve got going on. A side effect from spending so much time with Jade and Alexandra I guess.”

“Lando.” You sigh, suddenly exhausted by this entire conversation. “What do you want?”

“I want us to sit down and have a discussion like two adults about what I have to do to get you back.”

“I’m not coming home, Lando. We’re not getting back together.”

Max hates the wash of relief that crashes over him at your words. Why is he rooting for your heart to break? He knows you love Lando still, despite how poorly he treats you. He doesn’t get it, not really, but he knows you do and he understands how hard it is to love someone who you shouldn’t.

“So you’re really just going to throw away three years without even so much as a discussion?” He presses and Max finds himself leaning forward, hanging on your response.

“I will meet with you in public to discuss whatever you want, but we are not getting back together, am I clear?”

“In public?” He scoffs and Max’s stomach twists at the antagonizing tone of his voice. “So you can get more attention from this? I’m already getting eaten alive on socials over this, why the fuck should I allow you more good will from the public?”

“Lando, if you’re getting backlash from how you’ve treated me lately, that’s not my problem. Maybe you need to do some self reflection.” You’re so tired now and so done with talking to this full grown man so carefully. He’s exhausting and you’re about at your breaking point.

“This is your fucking fault!” He explodes before catching himself, almost like he realizes how far he’s pushed you. A sigh blusters over the line as you wait patiently for Lando to get himself under control. “Please, just come home and we can figure out how to move forward from this.”

“No.” You say firmly. “I will meet you in public if you want but that’s all I’m prepared to do right now.”

Max tries not to allow the anxiety to take over at the last two words of your sentence.

“Fucking hell woman, why are you so difficult?” Lando shouts, forcing you to hold the phone several inches away from your ear.

“Alright, we’re done here. If you want to have a civil conversation later, we can but I’m done Lando. Good bye.”

Without even waiting for him to answer, you stab at the ‘end’ button on your phone and toss it on the coffee table where it clatters loudly against the wood.

Max is quiet, unsure of what you need from him in that moment but he fights the shock that reverberates throughout his body when you lean back against the couch, settling your head in on his shoulder. He recovers quickly though, slipping his arm around your shoulders.

“I’m sorry you had to be there for that.” You whisper, idly wondering why Max always seems to be around when Lando pulls his shit.

“You did so well handling that, schat. I’m proud of you.” With his free hand, Max reaches down and pulls your legs over his lap so you’re a little less balled up like a tightly wound ball of wire.

“He’s so exhausting.” Is your reply and you just shake your head, trying hard to ignore the way your body responds to having Max’s hands on your legs. It’s a jarring juxtaposition, the way you feel when you’re talking to Lando compared to how Max makes you feel and it makes you nervous.

“Are you going to hear him out?” Max asks carefully, fingers toying with the soft fabric of your sweatpants.

You shrug, “I said I would but I don’t know what he could say to get me to change my mind.”

It takes every ounce of tightly wound up control that Max possess not to heave a sigh at your words and he hates himself for the predatory way it makes him feel. “He’s no good for you, Dovie.”

All you can do is nod, a wave of exhaustion suddenly sweeping over you. Max sees it, the way your eyes flutter shut for a moment longer than they should and adjusts his hold on your legs. “Hey, we don’t have to talk about it anymore, okay? Let’s just watch the rest of this show and take a break.”

Pulling your legs out of Max’s lap, you readjust yourself so you’re once again leaning into him, the warmth of his body settling the frayed nerves that Lando’s caused to go jagged once again. “Thanks Max.” Is your only response right before your eyes shutter closed, allowing the exhaustion pull you under.

missleclerc posted

23,498 likes liked by charlesleclerc, maxverstappen1, mamanleclerc, and others missleclerc weekend snippets alexandrasaintmleux missed you this weekend pretty girl! >>>missleclerc i know! hoping i'll feel up to a race soon tho user928 the ferrari painting!!! omg!!! (liked by author) maxverstappen1 hope you like the replacement flowers, dovie. can't wait to see that other painting in person... >>>user9388 uhhhh... >>>user111 lando nowhere to be seen and then we get THIS??? Replacement flowers??? >>>user443 what in the grid love triangle is going on here? user928 your studio space is an absolute dream!!!

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themultifanshipper · 11 months ago

Text

This is my main Masterlist (of drivers currently on the grid)

You can also check out my Not currently on the grid masterlist, series masterlist , WAG masterlist, GIF Blurbs, Halloween Event masterlist, EOC Masterlist and Prompt list

Warning: these are all smut, see bottom of post for notes and answers to asks/thoughts.

Lando Norris

Landoscar Masterlist (x other people)

More to love - Plussize!reader ~ 1.1k

Bend over - gn!reader ~ 0.6k (pt2) ~0.7k

Always the quiet ones - innocent!reader ~1.5k

Logan needs some love - Loscar x reader ft. Lando ~ 3.5k

How to tame your brat ~ 3.4k

The Hilton cuck chair - Lando x reader ft Max F ~ 2.1k

Post F175 - blurb

Max Verstappen

Make the boy jealous ~ 1.3k

S(t)imulation racing ~ 1.6k

Hospital blues - driver!reader ~ 1k

Option two - Max x franco x reader ~ 3.7k

The one ~ 2.2k

Ode to the Vertitties - gn!reader ~ 0.6k

Charles Leclerc

Post Race sex (with a twist) - gn!reader ~0.3k

You speak french ??? - gn!reader engineer!reader french!reader~ 1.5k

Making headlines - journalist!reader ~ 2.8k

"It is I, Leclerc" - ferrari!wife!reader ~ 1k

More than friends - driver!reader x Charlos ~ 4.8k

Perverts - OnlyFans!reader ~ 4.4k

Meanwhile at Ferrari - teammate!reader ~ 1.3k

Daddies - Charlos x reader ~ 2.2k

Opportunities - Charlos x divorced!reader ~ ?

Liam Lawson

I hate you (Liam's version) - gn!reader ~ 1.6k

Idiots - lawsunoda ~ 4.5k

George Russell

Love at first fuck ~0.7k

The problem with George - Galex+Lily ~ 2k

Familiar voice - raceengineer!reader ~ 1.4k

Make you a mother ~ 1.6k

Compensating ~ 1.4k

Oscar Piastri

Landoscar Masterlist

She's the best - loscalex x reader ~1.9k

Good Friend ~ 1.2k

Rivalry is the best aphrodisiac ~ 2k

Take it out on my puss me ~ 1.6k

The video ~ 1.3k

Too tired to get naked - gn!driver!reader ~ 0.7k

Logan needs some love - Loscar x reader ft. Lando ~ 3.5k

Hidden depravity -innocent!reader ~1.9k part2

Stress relief - Loscar x reader ~ 0.7k

I hate you (Oscar's version) - ex!reader ~ 3k

Perfect to me - pregnant!reader ~ 1.3k

Punishment - Carcar ~ 2k

Golf lessons - Carcar ~ 2.7k

Mr Army Man - Military!Oscar & reader ~ 3.6k

Aussie kisses - Daniel x Oscar x reader ~ 3.1k

The football AU ~ 2k

Fernando Alonso

Giving head - gn!reader ~ 0.420k

Something in the air that night ~ 2k

Carlos Sainz

Podium celebration - carlandoscar x reader ~0.8k

Not in the mood ~ 2k

The untitled foursome - Carlos x Oscar x Lando x reader ~ 2.3k

More than friends - driver!reader x Charlos ~ 4.8k

Punishment - Carcar ~ 2k

Golf Lessons - Carcar ~ 2.6k

Daddies - Charlos x reader ~ 2.2k

Jealous of the twink - Carlos x Franco x Nano x reader ~ 4.1k

Opportunities - Charlos x divorced!reader ~

Yuki Tsunoda

Anniversary dinner ~ 1.3k

Insatiable - Nyukierre ~ 1.6k

Idiots - lawsunoda ~ 4.5k

We'll always have Shanghai - Yuki x Isack ~ 1.8k

She's the best - loscalex x reader ~1.9k

Alex Albon

The hitman and the spy ~ 2.4k

The problem with George - Galex+Lily ~ 2k

Birthday boy ~ blurb

Ollie Bearman

All tied up ~ 1.1k

Riding on the edge ~ 1k

A Better Offer - Ollie x Franco x reader ~ 4.2k

Pierre Gasly

Insatiable - Nyukierre ~ 1.6k

Jack Doohan

Sports Car - gn!reader ~ 0.7k

Thoughts/asks:

-> George is a boob man, pass it on

-> Oscar needs to get fucked until he cries

-> Writing an explicit song about your bf

-> Using his wealth to have fun wherever you want

-> Are they service tops/doms?

-> more top/bottom discourse

-> Cuddles and kisses with needy Oscar

-> Liam being mean (various drabbles)

-> Max x Yuki (part of the mean Liam AU)

-> Ode to the Vertitties

-> Sending them a spicy pic / rookies version

-> What the old men think about tits

Notes:

See my rules for requesting in the wip masterlist

Even though my reader characters usually have vaginas, I do my best to not gender them so anyone can read them (I also never talk about weight, height or skin colour).

I also have a few actual gender neutral works that are clearly marked above, or you can look for them in the tag # gn reader :)

Also I don't use names or Y/N or anything bc i hate writing with that even though i don't mind reading it (idk i'm weird like that)

#masterlist #my thots #gn reader #formula 1 #f1 #lando norris smut #charles leclerc smut #max verstappen smut #george russell smut #oscar piastri smut #fernando alonso smut #liam lawson smut #yuki tsunoda smut #alex albon smut #sebastian vettel smut #pierre gasly smut #nyck de vries smut #carlos sainz smut

1K notes · View notes

amirasainz · 6 months ago

Note

Helllooo,

Would it be alright if I request a platonic grid x reader, where the reader is also a driver and gets into a crash, and all the drivers get protective over the reader and are very dotting towards her

Enjoy reading and send some requests

-xoxo, Babygirl 💋

Broken arm

The atmosphere at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya was electric as the F1 cars roared to life for the final laps of the race. The sun shone brightly over the crowd, casting a warm glow on the track, but for Yn, the youngest driver on the grid and the pride of Red Bull Racing, this race was becoming increasingly tense. She was battling hard, fighting for her first podium, when disaster struck.

Coming out of Turn 3, Yn miscalculated her entry, her rear tires sliding dangerously. She tried to correct, but it was too late. The car spun violently, hitting the barriers with a sickening crunch that echoed through the stands. The red flags waved immediately, signaling the end of the race. Panic washed over the paddock as other drivers slowed down and began making their way back to the garages.

Inside the Red Bull garage, the mood shifted from excitement to dread. “Did you see that? She was flying!” Daniel exclaimed, his eyes wide with concern. “I hope she’s okay.”

“Keep calm, Dan. They’ll get her out,” Max replied, trying to mask his worry, but his voice was tight with tension.

As the teams packed up their equipment, everyone’s focus remained on the screens showing the crash. The cameras zoomed in on Yn’s car, which was now stationary, surrounded by marshals and medical personnel. The sight of her crumpled car sent a chill through the drivers’ hearts.

“I can’t watch this,” Lando said, pacing back and forth in the McLaren garage. “Someone needs to go check on her.”

“I’ll go,” Carlos volunteered, but he was stopped by Lewis. “Wait, we need to see if she’s out of the car first.”

Finally, the moment everyone had been dreading came. The cameras caught Yn slowly emerging from the wreckage, with help from the medical team. She was cradling her left arm against her chest, her face pale but her eyes still fierce. The sight of her injuries sent a wave of anxiety through the drivers watching from their respective garages.

“She’s out!” Pierre shouted, relief flooding through him, but the worry remained etched on every driver’s face.

The teams moved in silence, their minds racing. “We should go to the hospital after the race,” Charles suggested. “She’ll need us there.”

“Absolutely,” George agreed, glancing at his teammates. “She’s one of us, and she’s going to need all the support she can get.”

The race had concluded, but the drivers' minds were not on their standings. They jumped into their cars and made their way to the hospital. The atmosphere was tense, each driver lost in their thoughts, reflecting on the fragile nature of their sport.

In the hospital waiting room, the mood was somber. They had gathered a few massive bouquets of flowers, bright colors spilling from the paper, trying to lift Yn’s spirits. “I hope she’s not too badly hurt,” Daniel said, biting his lip nervously.

“She’s tough. She’ll bounce back,” Max reassured, though his own anxiety lingered. “I mean, she’s always giving us a run for our money out there.”

Finally, the nurse appeared, a kind smile breaking through the tension. “You can see her now. She’s awake, but she’ll need some time to rest.”

The drivers filed in one by one, entering Yn’s hospital room. The sight of her lying in the bed with a cast on her arm tugged at their hearts. “Hey, superstar,” Daniel said softly, his smile brightening the dim room. “You scared us half to death out there.”

Yn looked up, her expression a mix of pain and amusement. “Well, at least I made it exciting,” she joked, though her voice was strained. “I think I broke the car more than my arm, though.”

“Stop joking around. We were all freaking out,” Lando said, shaking his head. “You should have seen us in the garages. I thought we’d lose it!”

“I was more worried about you than my race,” Charles added, leaning closer. “Just seeing you get out of that car…” He trailed off, remembering how terrified he felt.

“Yeah, you’ve got to stop trying to drive like us old guys,” Lewis teased, trying to lighten the mood. “You’re still young; it’s okay to take it slow once in a while.”

“Yeah, Yn,” George piped up, crossing his arms. “You’re supposed to make us look good, not give us heart attacks.”

As they all settled into the room, Carlos placed the massive bouquets of flowers on the bedside table. “These are for you. Just a little something to brighten your day.”

“Wow, you guys are so sweet,” Yn replied, her eyes sparkling with gratitude, though the pain in her arm reminded her of her predicament. “I might have to keep you all around to spoil me more often.”

“Only if you promise to get better and come back stronger,” Max said, his tone serious. “We need you out there, pushing us. It’s not the same without you.”

“I promise,” she said, her voice steady despite the pain. “But you all have to promise to drive safely. No more crazy moves, okay?”

“Deal,” they all chimed in unison.

As the hours passed, the drivers took turns keeping Yn company, sharing stories and laughter, and even some embarrassing moments from their racing careers. They joked about their first crashes, and as the sun began to set outside the hospital window, a sense of warmth enveloped the room.

“Next time, I’ll win a race just for you,” Yn declared, a determined glint in her eyes.

“Make it happen,” Lando replied, bumping her foot playfully. “But for now, let’s focus on healing that arm. We can’t have you holding us back when we race again.”

“Okay, okay, you’ve convinced me,” she laughed softly, her heart swelling with affection for her fellow drivers. “Thanks for being here. You guys really are the best.”

As they prepared to leave, each driver gave her a reassuring hug, careful not to bump her injured arm. “We’ll check on you tomorrow,” Lewis said, a protective gleam in his eyes. “Rest up.”

The group exited the room, the weight of their worries lightened slightly by their shared moments with Yn. They knew she would be back, stronger than ever, and they would be right there, cheering her on. Racing was a dangerous sport, but in that hospital room, they found comfort in each other and the bond that made them not just competitors but a family.

#formula 1 #formula 1 x reader #xoxo babygirl 💋#max verstappen x reader #daniel ricciardo x reader #lewis hamilton x reader #charles leclerc x reader #carlos sainz x reader #lando norris x reader #pierre gasly x reader #george russell x reader #driver!reader

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nor-4 · 10 months ago

Text

The "B" word trend - Formula one and Reader

A/N: @23victoria when i saw her posts i immediately think of this one so thanks to her! Love her works sm

⋆.˚ Max Verstappen

"Hey everyone, love say hi to the camera." You informed max as you touched his legs to catch his attention, "Hi guys" He waved into the camera throwing out a smile.

"So i saw this trend on tiktok.." You started talking while arranging your bag that is on your lap trying to distract you from nervousness, "Yes.." Max nodded as he turns to look at you.

"If i gave you the permission to say the B word, how would you call me?" You stated as you were looking out the window and back to him.

"What i always call you beautiful, what do you mean permission?" Max looked at you with his typical confused look, "No babe what. I meant by you know the curse word." You giggled as you lightly pushed his face away who was about an inch away from you.

"Oh that, i would never say that to you even you say that to me." He shrugged laughing too, "Called me once a bitchy whore for wearing my suit and an attitude." he faced the camera as if he is complaining to the viewers before ending the video.

⋆.˚ Logan Sargeant

"If i let you say the B word, how would you say it?" You asked him on ig live while eating beside him, "B word? Bookie? Bookie you look good and shit." Logan continued as he is looking for an answer on your reaction. He isn't fond to these kind of trends but he knows damn well what pookie and bookie is.

"You know bookie but you don't know the b word." You questioned him.

username11: Bye i didn't know this is how the trend is supposed to go

loganlover34: Logan chronically online confirmed?

⋆.˚ George Russell

"So if i let you say the B word, how would you say it?" You asked george and oh boy he is ready as he already seen that trend earlier this morning.

"Okay it's something like this. Biiitch you look so fucking gorgeous or Bitch! You look so fucking gorgeous girl." George sassed waving out his fingers infront of you, "Aw you look like a little twink georgeyy." You stated pressing the e on the nickname as you know how much it cringe him off.

"Eugh, you are taking a piss." George pointed out at you with a disgust changing out his mood, til this day it still makes you laugh on how he acts like the videos of Paul and Morgan on tiktok.

⋆.˚ Lando Norris

: Babe, random thought. If i let you say the B word to me, how would you say it?

Lando reading the text out loud for the stream cause he couldn't show to everyone what contains you conversation. "Oh i think i know this one, It would be like. I love you bitch, ain't never gonna stop loving you bitch." He is saying what he is typing as his friends talk to the background.

Lando: It would be liek. I love you bich, ain't never gona stop loving you bicht.

: You are typing bich baby, that doesn't count.😭😭😭

"You are typing bich. Like bich, what the hell is that spelling right there. That's so british." He yelled at the mic reading out that one typo and ignoring the other.

⋆.˚ Carlos Sainz

"So would you call me the B word if i let you?" You asked facing the phone at him, he is very familiar of this kind of trend as the ferrari hospitality is flooding him with trends especially the "Watch carlos for a second" video.

"Bello. That's the b word i will call you." He smiled very proud of his answer, "Noo you know what b word I'm talking about carlos."

"Bebita, you know papa will kill me if he ever found out I'll call you something like that." It's true though Carlos senior already threatened him about saying things like that around you and to you. "But you know-"

"No. Bello that's the word." he cut you off.

⋆.˚ Daniel Ricciardo

"I already told you danny i wouldn't do anything if you say it." You have been laughing for solid straight 10 minutes now ever since you asked that question, "Bii... Honey i really can't say it." Daniel is like that one Noah and Lori video and that's why you are laughing because of the resemblance.

"Come on, do you want me to cheer for you?" You teased him as he has been jumping, walking, running or just doing anything other than saying the B word.

"Sorry i just couldn't bring myself to say it, okay i lost." He shrugged defeated before slumping down to your feet resting his head on your lap hugging your legs as if his life depends on it.

⋆.˚ Lewis Hamilton

"So how would you say the B word to me?" You have been asking the same question for fifteen times now as he is trying to avoid that question by changing the subject or asking something back at you.

"No i wouldn't say it it's either you will cry or you will be aroused." Lewis said before slumping down the sofa beside you and roscoe beside you.

"Lewis, what?"

"What, who said that?" him acting cool as he wrap his arm around you waist eventually reaching up to roscoe cuddling up the both of you as if you guys are the most fragile and comfortable thing ever in the world.

⋆.˚ Charles Leclerc

"If i gave you permission to say the B word, how would you say it?" You asked charles and yes it is a very easy question for him as cursingg at your significant others isn't a thing for him it will never be and he thinks that everyone thinks like that too.

"Hello beautiful." He answered before biting into his food, "That's sweet, but not that b word. The other one you know" You corrected him leaving out your food for a second for his reaction.

"Oh i didn't know you are into degrading when it comes to intimate stuff." Charles said before giggling like a teenager, "Cha you know that's not what i meant."

"Yeah but you are into it though"

⋆.˚ Fernando Alonso

Oh girl we didn't see that asking this on live is very bad idea. "If i gave you permission to say the B word, how would you say it?" You asked him placing the phone infront of both of you.

"My belleza? It's the best b word, it fits you." Nando confidently said placing a hand on your back rubbing it, "No i mean by the bad b word." You cleared him.

"My bitch, doesn't sound good. I prefer my belleza more, it fits you well especially when you look under-" You slap Fernando's mouth before everything went down for you as how it is already, "We are on live you oldie." you joked before jokingly throwing his head away.

username3: Got that on screen record lmao

username4: Fernando you nasty girl😝

⋆.˚ Oscar Piastri

"Oscah if i gave you permission to say the B word to me, how much say it?" You asked out of nowhere which made him give you a stank eye once again, "You know you are the B word but i will never say it to you." He rolled his eyes before continuing to type on his phone for his twitter post.

"So if i am there's still a possibility you will say it?" You asked once again pretty same question cause we know you are not gonna let it go, "No, leave it now miss girl before i make you." you know what he means by that and because of that you wouldn't leave him alone.

⋆.˚ Zhou Guanyu

"babe if i gave you permission to say the B word, how would you say it?" The first thing you asked in the early morning after a tiring night, "Woman i know this is a trap stop it right now." Zhou finally learned with all these stupid question you asked after failing many times and completely losing his mind.

"I'm just a woman to you know?" You pouted before turning your back at him deciding to cuddle sweetcorn who is sleeping beside you, "Of course not love, you're my woman." he stated before sneaking his arms around your waist and petting sweetcorn.

⋆.˚ Pierre Gasly

"If i gave you permission to say the B word-" yeah he knows it another chronically online men.

"No baby." Pierre said shaking his head from side to side, "I didn't even finished." You raised your eyebrows looking at him as if you suspicion him of something.

"Did your other bitch ask you this question? Why do you know this trend?" You asked pierre as he turned his head at you as if you are going crazy or something, "Are you okay? Literally every post i upload on Instagram your face is there." he tried defending moving his arms in the air while talking.

"So you are getting tired of it?" You asked again feeding his frustration as he just look at you with mouth agape.

#max verstappen x reader #logan sargeant x reader #lewis hamilton x reader #pierre gasly x reader #daniel ricciardo x reader #carlos sainz x reader #charles leclerc x reader #zhou guanyu x reader #fernando alonso x reader #oscar piastri x reader #george russel x reader #lando norris x reader #formula one x reader #formula 1 x reader

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coolemmasulivan2 · 11 months ago

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It's Always You

Pairing: Lando Norris x Reader

Summary: You and Lando share a mutual attraction, but you've kept things professional due to career implications. However, after his first win race, things may change, blurring the lines between friendship and something more.

Word count: 6013

Author's note: First time writing about Lando. I started writing this on the day of the Miami Sprint and then when he won the next day I told myself I would publish it. Tell me what you think.

It's you, it's always you Met a lot of people, but nobody feels like you So please don't break my heart, don't tear me apart

Miami heat wrapped around you like a steamy August day and even if American tracks weren't your thing, the paddock was definitely one of your favourites.

Working with McLaren since 2019 felt like winning the lottery. Travel, new faces, and a taste of different cultures – it was everything you dreamed of. Hospitality put you in the middle of it all – the team, the fans, even the families. Being young, you clicked quickly with the drivers: Carlos and Lando from the start, and Oscar when he joined.

Carlos was your rock, a protective older brother even after his move to Ferrari. Daniel was a blast, always making you laugh with his great sense of humor, and Oscar's calm personality mirrored yours. He became your trackside best friend, sharing everything over coffee and off-track adventures with his girlfriend, Lily.

Then there was Lando. Your relationship with Lando was different. Unlike Carlos, you saw him not as a brother, but as a friend... friends that had feelings for each other.

He was shy at first, stealing glances when you weren't looking. But time made his shyness disappear. Flirting became his game, playful touches here and there and unexpected hugs wherever he felt like it. You ignored the signs until his confession left you speechless in the middle of the night in Monaco.

"I have something I need to tell you." He said.

It was 2020. Monaco was hot that night. Everyone at the team dinner was buzzing about the upcoming classic Monaco Grand Prix. Like always, after the dinner, Lando offered to walk you back to the hotel where the team was staying – nothing new. You even joked about Carlos doing the same thing.

Like all the other times, you didn't think much about the gesture. It was something he used to do, and in your head, it was just a friend helping the other. After all, Carlos did it from time to time. Why should it be any different with Lando?

"What's up?" You asked, the streetlights shining on his face. "Getting nervous about the race? The car feels amazing, right?"

Lando messed with his hair. Your voice, normally like music to him, made him forget what to say. "Uh, no, not the race."

"Then what is it? Now I'm the one freaking out." You tried to lighten the mood with a laugh. "Did you lose your house key again? You're not staying with me."

He wished you'd just be quiet. "Fuck, Y/N!" He blurted out. "I like you." The words came out fast, just like his orange F1 car. Did you hear him right? When he saw the surprise on your face, he knew you had. "I, uh, I mean more than a friend." He stammered. "Like, a lot. You're always in my head, even in my dreams. All the fucking time. I can't even look at other girls because you're all I see. I just had to tell you. I couldn't keep it in any longer."

You suddenly froze, your heart pounding like a drum solo. Time seemed to slow down, with only the two of you and the warm glow of the streetlights as the real things around. You wanted to speak, but the words simply wouldn't come out.

"Please say something!" Lando begged, his voice shaky. "Anything! Even if you don't like me back, just tell me. But don't let this mess up our friendship!"

It didn't destroy your friendship, but it sent your world spinning. You realized your little crush on the driver was a full-blown fire, and with each passing year, the flames only licked higher. But every time Lando flirted, the same words you had said to him tumbled out: "It's inappropriate."

He hated those words. He'd always argue with you about it. "Come on, I like you and I know you like me too. I know it! Who cares about work? We can keep it quiet. It can be our secret." He always had a solution for every worry, but you remained strong.

You wanted to believe that you could remain strong.

The problem was, your feelings were turning into a rebellion. Keeping them bottled up was a losing battle, and you weren't sure how much longer you could resist the pressure from the driver.

Lando strutted into the paddock beside you, his black clothes and crisp white shirt doing nothing to hide his cocky grin. "Finally figured out why I haven't won a race yet." He announced, his cologne a heady wave in your direction.

You peeked over your sunglasses. "Oh yeah, Sherlock? What's the conclusion?"

He leaned close, his voice a low rumble. "No good luck kiss from you, that's what! Maybe we should fix that? Make it a tradition if it works."

A laugh escaped you. "So it's my fault, huh?"

"Exactly!" He grinned. "And if I lose again without a kiss, everyone's gonna hear about it."

"That's your best shot at flirting?" You teased. "Seriously, Lando, you're terrible."

A playful smirk tugged at his lips. He draped his arm around your shoulder, leading you towards the McLaren hospitality area. "The only girl I flirt with is you, love. Guess you'll have to show me how to improve."

Heat flooded your cheeks, betraying your fake indifference. Lando wasn't an idiot. He knew you felt the same way, a truth as clear as the Miami sunshine.

A booming voice shattered the playful tension. "Whoa there, puppet, keep your hands off of her!"

Carlos emerged behind you, clad in his new Ferrari blues. You turned to see him glaring at Lando, who simply scoffed and moved away, the arm around your shoulder replaced by Carlos's protective arm.

He leaned down, a quick peck on your head followed by a wink aimed at Lando, who rolled his eyes with a playful huff.

"Or what?" Lando challenged.

Carlos pretended to consider, then grinned. "Or I'll run you off the track at the race. And don't even think about getting jealous. It's a bad look on you."

Agree to disagree, you thought. Jealousy did look good on him. The way he tapped his foot impatiently, the way he chewed his lip with a focused intensity – those were the subtle giveaways that made your heart skip a beat.

"Leave him alone, Sainz!" You swatted playfully at Carlos' chest, the contact sending a blush blooming across your cheeks.

"Oh, look who's defending the love bird." He teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

You blushed once again. "Shut up." You whispered.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Lando fighting a smile as you continued towards McLaren hospitality. A quick goodbye to Carlos later, you disappeared inside, ready for your daily tasks. Lando watched you go, his gaze lingering long after you were out of sight.

When he finally turned back to his friend, Carlos was waiting, arms crossed, a knowing smirk plastered across his face. "What?"

"Ugh, the both of you." Carlos rolled his eyes. "All this mooning and staring, it's getting pathetic. Just take her out, will you?"

Lando sighed. "I've been trying for years. It's always 'inappropriate.'"

"Well, try harder!" Carlos pressed. "Last thing you need is someone else catching her eye."

Lando's playful demeanor vanished. "What do you mean?" He pressed, a sudden seriousness tightening his features. Carlos simply offered him a pat on the shoulder before walking away, leaving Lando with a gnawing sense of unease. "Hey, what do you mean?"

The sprint had been a disaster. It all ended so quickly that it didn't give him enough time to think, no chance to catch Max and the others at the front. To make matters worse, the Stewards imposed a heavy fine of €50,000 for crossing the track while the rave was still ongoing.

Later, back at the hotel, he was torn between feeling exhausted and frustrated. A cold shower did little to wash away the bitter taste of defeat. He pulled on fresh clothes and collapsed onto the bed. Closing his eyes, he focused on the tension leaving his body, hoping for a moment of peace.

A loud ringing sound shattered the silence and startled him out of his daze. He groaned as he searched for his phone, buried somewhere in the crumpled sheets.

Y/n: Hey, Oscar and I are planning to watch a movie and grab some food. Wanna join us? We're in my bedroom.

Lando smile, looking at your text.

Lando: You know I like you. You shouldn't tell me when you have other guys in your bedroom. It breaks my heart.

Although he couldn't see you, he was certain you were rolling your eyes after reading his message.

Y/n: Shut up and get your ass here.

A laugh escaped Lando's lips as he pushed himself out of bed. He stalked over to the mirror, running a hand through his damp curls. With a flick of the switch, the room dropped into darkness, and Lando walked out of his room.

Your room was on a different floor, but soon a familiar knock came at your door. Your heart kicked into a familiar rapid-fire beat as you swung the door open.

"Hi!"

"Hey, beautiful." He cupped your cheek, his touch sending a shiver down your spine. "Osc!" He jumped in your bed and in one smooth motion, he snagged a chip from the bowl you'd set on the nightstand.

"Hey. What do you feel like watching?" He quickly looked through your Netflix library, skipping over the typical romantic comedy options.

"Anything but that mushy stuff." Lando declared, earning a playful jab from you.

"Take your shoes off the bed, Lando!"

He chuckled, kicking off his sneakers. He leaned back against the headboard, his gaze lingering on you for a second too long. You were a black Simpsons shirt and matching sporty shorts, your bare feet resting comfortably on the cool sheets. A small anchor could be seen on your ankle, sparking his imagination about what other hidden treasures lay beneath your clothes.

The spell was broken by a knock on the door. With a quick smile, you ran toward the door, returning moments later with a stack of takeout boxes.

You settled next to Lando on the bed, while Oscar sprawled out at the foot like a contented cat. With the Avengers movie playing softly in the background, you devoured your food, a comfortable silence settling around the three of you.

Two hours passed by quickly as the credits rolled. Oscar groaned and got off the bed. You mimicked his stretch, feeling the pleasant ache of a relaxed evening.

"Looks like someone's having a sleepover!" Oscar teased, pointing a playful finger at Lando. The driver was sprawled across your pillow, a peaceful look on his face.

A soft gasp escaped your lips. "Oh, Lando!" you whispered, torn between amusement and a flicker of panic. He looked undeniably adorable, a mess of soft curls framing his face. You glanced at Oscar, who was already pulling on his sneakers. "We have to wake him up, right?"

Oscar chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "We? Seems pretty comfy to me, Y/N. Let the man enjoy his rest." He started towards the door, but you reached out.

"Wait, where are you going? He can't stay here." Panic bubbled in your chest. The thought of him sleeping in your bed sent shivers down your spine.

"So wake him up!"

Your cheeks flushed crimson. "I… I don't want to wake him." The words came out a soft mumble, barely audible.

Oscar leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Then don't. Trust me, asleep is the only state he'll stay put. Besides, wouldn't you rather wake up to a grateful cuddle buddy in the morning?"He winked, leaving you speechless, alone with the British driver.

Oh my god, you screamed to yourself.

You tiptoed around the room, unsure of your next move. Finally, drawn by a strange magnetism, you found yourself kneeling by the bed.

Lando's serene face was illuminated by the soft bedside lamp. His chest rose and fell gently in sleep, a single black curl escaping the gentle mess of his hair.

An irresistible urge to touch him washed over you. Without thinking about it, your fingers reached out, tentatively brushing against the perfect curl. As if sensing the intrusion, Lando stirred, and his brow furrowed slightly. You quickly retreated to the bathroom, heart pounding as you slammed the door carefully behind you.

Leaning against the door, you let out a shaky breath. You hurriedly changed into pyjamas, suddenly aware of how thin they felt compared to your day clothes. But it was hot, and you hadn't brought anything else.

Peeking through the crack in the door, you peeked out, praying for the best. Relief flooded you when you saw Lando, thankfully still asleep, but now facing the other side of the bed.

You were wondering if that little couch in the corner was worth sleeping on. It looked quite small and uninviting. Sleep on that uncomfortable excuse of furniture, or share the bed with Lando? The answer, realistically, was obvious.

You climbed in, scooting over as far as possible to create a respectable amount of distance from the body next to you. Sleep, thankfully, came quickly. Maybe it was the exhaustion from the day, or perhaps the unexpected warmth and sense of security that came with having Lando beside you, but you drifted off faster than usual.

Sunlight, snuck into the room, painting stripes across Lando's face. He blinked, momentarily disoriented. Hadn't he closed those curtains last night? He sat up, surprise jolting through him as he realized he wasn't in his own bed.

Even more shocking was the sight beside him. You, cuddle against him, your thin pyjamas offering little to make him look away. One of your legs peeked out from under the discarded sheet, and Lando felt a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the morning sun.

What in the world? How had he ended up, tangled in your sheets? A quick glance around revealed his phone abandoned on the nightstand. It was still early, but Jon would be expecting him in his room soon. He needed to get out, get cleaned up and get ready for the day. But leaving felt like ripping himself away from something precious.

He stole a glance at you. Your face, relaxed and peaceful, was turned towards him. A stray strand of hair tickled your cheek. Hesitantly, he reached out, tucking it behind your ear. The touch, light as a feather, was enough to stir you awake.

Lando didn't flinch and when you fluttered your eyes open, his face was inches away. A wave of yearning swept through you, a desire for more mornings waking up beside him.

"Did I die and go to heaven last night?" His voice, husky with sleep, sent shivers down your spine.

"You fell asleep." You admitted, your voice barely a whisper. "And I didn't have the heart to wake you up."

"Right." He breathed the word out, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. His hand reached out, cupping your cheek with a tenderness that both surprised and delighted you. A blush crept up your neck as he murmured, "Lucky me." Then, a sigh escaped his lips. "I have to go. Jon will be at my room any minute."

You nodded and smiled, despite the disappointment tugging at your heart. You watched as he hesitately rose, groaning at leaving your bed. His hair was a mess of adorable curls, and his rumpled clothes added a touch of vulnerability that made him look even more adorable.

He grabbed his phone and sneakers and then paused, a playful smirk on his face. "So, about that lucky kiss for good luck?" He teased, a hint of hope lacing his voice. "We already slept together!"

"Go!" You muttered.

"Fine, fine." He chuckled. "See you later, love."

He turned towards the door, and an impulsive urge surged through you. Before you could overthink it, you were out of bed and racing towards him. He reached for the doorknob, but you were faster, grabbing his arm and spinning him around.

For a moment, confusion clouded his features, but it quickly melted into surprise as you planted a kiss on his cheek. It was a chaste kiss, lingering just a beat too long to be considered entirely platonic. When you pulled away, his eyes held a mixture of shock and something deeper.

"There's your lucky kiss." You whispered, your voice barely above a breath. "Now go."

Lando stood speechless for a moment, the kiss still tingling on his skin. Then, a slow smile spread across his face "Today is a day full of opportunities." He declared.

With one last lingering look, he opened the door and disappeared into the hallway. You leaned against the wall, your heart pounding against your ribs.

You had never felt more nervous before in a race. At the start, it seemed like Oscar could give Verstappen a run for his money, but then the safety car came out and it felt like you were barely moving until the end of the race, with Lando being P1. It wasn't until the checkered flag waved that you finally exhaled, a shaky breath that escaped with a nervous laugh.

The McLaren hospitality buzzed with excitement. Lando had finally done it. His first F1 victory, a triumph long overdue. You joined the celebrations, a wide smile plastered across your face, not just for the team, but for Lando himself. It was a moment he deserved.

"Great race, Oscar!" You exclaimed as the Australian driver entered the hospitality area and hug you. "You had Red Bull sweating for a while there!"

He chuckled, pulling you into a brief hug. "Thanks, Y/N. I gave it my all, but the real winner tonight is Lando." He winked. "I'm sure your champion will be here any minute, looking for his girl."

You slapped his arm playfully, a blush creeping up your neck. "Don't say that in here!"

"Everybody knows." He whispered back.

As if on cue, Lando appeared. His eyes scanned the room, a triumphant grin splitting his face when they landed on you. You saw as he and Oscar hugged each other and the rest of the team.

He weaved his way through the crowd, a trail of congratulations and backslaps following him, but it was you he was drawn to. Everyone else faded into the background as he reached you, his victory grin melting into a tender smile reserved only for you.

You welcomed him into a hug, a sweet and loving embrace. He buried his face in your neck, the scent of champagne and his signature cologne an intoxicating mix.

"We did it!" He murmured, his voice filled with emotion.

"You did it!" You corrected, pulling back to cup his face. "I'm so proud of you."

Everyone was engaged in their own celebrations as he took your hand. He led you away from the loud crowd, a silent understanding passing between you. As you slipped inside his driver's room, he locked the door behind him, a thrill of nervousness ran through you.

He closed the distance between you, his eyes roaming your face before settling on your lips. With a tender touch, he cupped your cheek, his thumb tracing a seductive path across your lips.

"Please!" He pleaded, his voice low and urgent. "Just this once…" You knew exactly what he craved.

"Lando--" You began.

"Please!" He repeated, his voice laced with a desperation that mirrored your own.

You swallowed the lump in your throat. A part of you, the part that had spent months pushing him away, hesitated. But the other part yearned to give in. You nodded.

He cupped your face in his hands and pressed you against the wall. The next moment, his lips were on yours, the taste of champagne a sweet surprise against yours. The kiss was hungry and desperate. You clung to his fireproof shirt. The world melted away, replaced by the intoxicating sensation of his lips moving against yours. All the reasons you'd held back faded away.

But just as the kiss deepened, a knock on the door jolted you both back to reality. You broke away, gasping for breath.

Lando groaned. "Yeah?" The voice from the other side told him they were expecting him. Lando rolled his eyes. "Just give me a minute."

When you heard the footsteps fade away, you reached for the doorknob, but Lando's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping firmly around your wrist.

"Stop it, Lando." You whispered.

"Don't!" He pleaded. "You can't tell me you didn't like it. I could feel it, Y/N. Don't deny it."

"I'm not denying it." You admitted your voice barely a whisper. "But you know why this can't happen."

Lando's jaw clenched. "It's NOT inappropriate! Look," he said, his voice softer now, "I waited this long for my first win. I can wait for you, just as long."

He cupped your jaw and before you could react, he leaned in and kissed the corner of your lips. He unlocked the door in one swift motion and stepped out, leaving you breathless.

You'd politely declined Lando's after-party invitation at the strip club near the hotel. You weren't the nightclub type, and deep down, Lando knew that. You assured him that you hadn't rejected it because of the kiss, but the way the call ended, left a pit in your stomach.

"He's mad! I know it." You mumbled to Oscar, who sat beside you at the hotel bar. The rest of the team was split between a game of darts in the back and loud conversations over drinks by the pool. "He didn't say 'bye, love' or 'see you later, beautiful', we just said bye."

Oscar facepalmed as he looked at his drunk best friend rambling about their mutual friend who was likely doing the same thing at the party.

"You're his friend, Y/N, not his girlfriend." He teased, sending a blush creeping up your cheeks. You stammered a reply, but the words got tangled up in your throat. "He's probably getting lucky tonight." He continued. "Deserves it after that win."

The implication hit you like a punch to the gut. "Lucky? You think he'll...?"

A mischievous glint danced in Oscar's eyes. "Oh, absolutely."

You downed the last of your drink, feeling a hollowness in your chest. "Good for him." You mumbled, the words lacking conviction.

Oscar groaned, frustration etching lines on his forehead. "Jesus, Y/N! The only girl he wants to get lucky with is you. Stop playing these mind games and making yourselves miserable!"

You rested your head on your hand, a wave of emotions crashing over you. "Oscar," You confessed, looking him straight in the eye. "I really like him. Like, never liked anyone this way before."

A slow smile spread across his face. "Then do something about it."

Lando was having the best time of his life, celebrating his first win with his friends. He felt his chest vibrate with every beat of the bass, as he laughed with his friends. Despite the fun he was having, he was also experiencing a dull ache. Your absence stood out.

He'd downed a few too many drinks to drown the disappointment steaming inside. When you declined the club invitation, his frustration boiled over into a harsh goodbye, which he quickly regretted.

"Did you see who just walked in?" Max shouted into his ear over the loud music.

"What?" Max pointed towards the entrance, causing a frown to appear on Lando's forehead.

Your arrival sent a jolt through him, he felt a surge of adrenaline and his earlier frustration vanished as a smile stretched across his face.

"Go get your girl, champ!" Max patted his shoulder with a wink.

Lando needed no further encouragement. He navigated his way through the crowd, his eyes fixed on you.

You scanned the room with a hint of apprehension. Even in your tipsy state, a voice of reason whispered in your head, questioning this impulsive move.

Just as you turned to leave, a warm hand closed around your wrist. You didn't need to see his face to know who it was. His familiar touch sent a familiar spark across your skin.

He wore a playful smirk, but his eyes held a hint of concern. "I thought you weren't coming."

You tried to appear casual, but your voice betrayed you. "I wasn't."

"How much did you have to drink?" He asked you, and you furrowed your eyebrows. How did he know what you had been doing? You stuttered in response, unsure of what to say. "Did Oscar let you come here drunk?"

"I'm not drunk! And how do you know I've been drinking?"

"Then why the sudden change of heart?" His gaze softened, searching your face. "And Oscar's been keeping me updated."

"Why doe--"

"Why are you here, Y/n?" He asked you.

You felt your face getting hot as you looked around the club, the among of bodies suddenly overwhelming. "I, uh..." You cleared your throat, the words catching in your tight throat. "I need a drink."

As you made your way towards the bar, Lando followed closely behind. You approached the counter and asked the bartender for a drink. He nodded and began to mix your order. Lando stood by your side, looking a you.

"How did you get here? Does Oscar know?" The concern in his voice sent a shiver down your spine.

You nodded and then drank the entire drink that was placed in front of you all at once. "Yes. He called me an Uber and told the guy to drop me here." Lando looked surprised as he noticed the empty glass in your hand. You hadn't intended to drink it so quickly, but your nerves got the best of you.

"Whoa, slow down there."

"I thought you wanted to celebrate!" You said to him as the bartender handed you another drink. You took it and walked away. Lando's face was adorned with a smile, but worry still lingered in his mind. Despite that, there was a sense of happiness as the night was finally complete.

You leaned heavily against Lando, his arm wrapped securely around your waist, as the elevator ride made you feel dizzy. He, somehow, seemed frustratingly sober.

"Hey," He chuckled, his voice warm despite the coolness of the metal walls. You managed a watery smile, lifting a hand to touch his cheek. "What are you thinking about?"

"Dogs." You mumbled. "Do you think they dream about bones?"

Lando's laugh filled the small space. "Maybe. I don't know beautiful."

"Do you think I'm beautiful?" You blurted out, smiling innocently.

He stopped in front of your room, his gaze holding yours. The concern that had flickered in his eyes earlier was gone, replaced by something more intense. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." A giggle erupted from your lips. Lando reacted instinctively, clapping a hand over your mouth. It was late, and the last thing they needed was a noise complaint. "Shh." He murmured. "Gotta be quiet, love."

You nodded. "Okay!"

"Where's your key?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of exasperation. You shrugged, the simple action requiring more effort than you cared to admit.

"Lando?" You whined. "Sleepy..."

He cursed under his breath, scanning the empty hallway. Walking up to the front desk for a key wasn't exactly his ideal scenario.

"Alright, you're coming with me." He said gently, scooping you up in his arms. A sleepy protest tumbled from your lips, but you clung to him instinctively as he carried you back towards the elevator.

"Can we go to the beach?" You mumbled as the doors closed.

"The beach will be there in the morning." He replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's almost five am."

A giggle escaped you. "Naked swim?"

He cleared his throat, the sound a little rough. You'd been a delightful firecracker all night, and he was struggling to keep his cool. "The shower's a much better option right now."

The elevator doors slid open, and with a sigh, he carried you out, your head chilling against his shoulder. He fumbled with his keycard, finally pushing the door open with his foot.

In the room, he gently laid you on the bed, the soft sheets making you relax and close your eyes.

For a moment, he stood there, watching you. The urge to pull you close, to feel your warmth against him, was killing him. But your vulnerability state held him back.

"Hey, love?" He said softly, his voice laced with concern. "Can I take off your shoes?"

You mumbled something incomprehensible but managed a weak nod. He carefully removed your heels, his fingers brushing against your ankle for a fleeting moment that sent a jolt through him.

"Maybe a shower would be good." He suggested, his voice gruff. "You'll sleep better."

"With you?" She asked him, excited.

Lando, still feeling the effects of alcohol, ran his fingers through his hair, feeling hot.

"You can't imagine how much I want to say yes... But no, not tonight." You pouted. Grabbing your hands, he pulled you up. "Ask me again tomorrow!"

He gently led you to the bathroom and helped you sit down. He waited for the water to warm up, and when it was ready, he turned around. Suddenly, Lando's breath caught in his throat.

Without him realising, you had taken off your clothes. You stood bathed in the soft glow, vulnerability etched on your face, wearing only your black lace lingerie.

He tore his gaze from you. His heart beat a frantic rhythm against his ribs, mimicking the feel of the alcohol in his veins. Only if you weren't drunk...

"Are you okay?" Your voice was so gentle and innocent, nothing like it normally sounded. You reached out and touched his back. He flinched the innocent gesture a powerful trigger for his already steaming desire.

"Y/N, please!" He pleaded. "If you keep touching me..." The sentence trailed off, the implication hanging heavy in the air. The more he looked at you, the more his willpower crumbled. Shame washed over him. "Love, just take a shower. You need to sober up." He gestured to a pile of clothes on the counter. "There are some of mine there. I'll be outside when you're done."

You stayed in the shower for a while, the hot water feeling good against your skin. You weren't completely sober, the world still held a gentle sway, but the edge of drunkenness had dimmed.

Stepping out, you wrapped yourself in a fluffy towel Lando had left out.

As you dried your hair, you caught your reflection in the mirror. Even in the state of mind you were, you knew you were going to regret it in the morning. You put on the clothes he had left you and shoved the feeling down.

Lando, scrolling through his phone on the bed, looked up when the bathroom door creaked open. Relief washed over him as he saw you wrapped in his clothes.

"Feeling better?" He asked. You offered a small nod, leaning weakly against the doorframe. The playful energy that had fueled you earlier had dimmed, replaced by exhaustion. "Good!" He said, a hesitant smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Sleepy?" You simply nodded again. He cleared his throat, the silence growing heavy in the room. "So... Are you comfortable sharing the bed, or...?"

"It's fine." You mumbled. A playful glint flickered in your eyes. "And I promise I won't, uh, bite."

Lando chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Don't get me wrong, love," He said, his voice dropping to a raspy whisper. "You could do whatever you wanted most nights, believe me. But not tonight."

He gestured to the empty spot beside him on the bed, inviting you to join him, an unspoken tension lingering in the air.

You waddled across the room, the oversized t-shirt hanging loosely on your body. Climbing onto the bed, you scooted closer to him, a nervous feeling running through you, despite the lingering effects of the alcohol still dancing through your veins.

"Can we at least...?" You trailed off, your voice barely a whisper. "You know... a goodnight kiss?

"You're a menace when you're drunk, you know that?" He teased, a playful sparkle in his eyes.

You batted your eyelashes in a way you knew usually worked. He sighed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Alright, alright!" He complied. "But on the cheek. Lips are off-limits tonight."

You couldn't help the grin that spread across your face. As he leaned in, the faint scent of his cologne filled your senses. He placed a soft kiss on your cheek, sending shivers down your spine.

"Goodnight, Y/N!" He murmured, his voice sending a flutter to your heart. "Hope you'll remember this tomorrow morning."

"Goodnight, race winner." You replied, a hint of sleepiness in your voice.

Sunlight pierced through the blinds, finding your eyelids and forcing them open with a groan. Your head felt like a maraca that had been shaken all night, and your mouth tasted like a desert. Sitting up cautiously, you winced at the throbbing in the back of your head.

Memories and fragments started to come back. The kiss, the club, the dancing, Lando's strong arm around you... and then... a complete blank. Panic started to rise in your chest. What had you done? Had you said something stupid or done something worse?

The bedroom door creaked open and Lando entered, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. He looked like a vision with his rumpled hair and a smile breaking out on his face as soon as he saw you awake.

"Good morning, sunshine!" He said, his voice sounding awful to your pounding head.

"Don't yell!" You mumbled. "Water?"

He chuckled, handing you a bottle of water. He sat on the edge of the bed, his concern evident in his eyes. You took a grateful sip, the cool liquid easing the dryness in your throat.

"Do you remember anything from last night?" He asked you, sitting on the edge of the bed, his concern evident in his eyes.

You took a deep breath. "I remember... bits and pieces." You admitted, shame creeping up your cheeks. "Lando, I am sorry if I did something or said something wrong... I must have been awful. I was very, very drunk."

He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Honestly? I wish you felt that comfortable around me all the time." Lando reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. His touch sent a jolt through you. "You know how much I like you... Y/n, I'm in love with you."

Your heart hammered against your ribs at his confession. A real and pure confession.

"Lando--" You breathed, your voice thick with emotion.

He took your hand in his, his eyes filled with a gentle understanding. "I know..." He said, his voice a soothing balm. "Just know that I'll wait for you. However long it takes." He squeezed your hand.

Tears welled up in your eyes. The years of running, of pushing him away, suddenly seemed pointless. All you wanted was to be here, with him.

Leaning forward, you met his gaze. Then, you cupped his face gently and placed a soft, sweet kiss on his lips. It was a kiss filled with apology and relief.

"I'm tired of running." You whispered against his lips. "I'm in love with you too. I've always have."

Lando couldn't help but grin as you hugged him. First, the win, then the kiss and now the girl of his dreams confessing her feelings. Yeah, you could definitely say it was a very good day for Lando No Wins.

"I love you, Y/n." You smiled, a genuine, heart-melting smile.

"I love you too, Lando." You knew, at that moment, hugging the person you had been in love with for years, that you were finally home.

#lando norris #lando x reader #lando norris x reader #lando norris x you #lando norris x y/n #f1 #f1 x reader #f1 fanfic #f1 imagine #f1 fic #ln4 #ln4 imagine #ln4 x reader #ln4 fic #lando norris imagine

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aceyalonso · 4 months ago

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f1 drivers & how they express their love

drivers : oscar piastri, lando norris, charles leclerc, lewis hamilton, carlos sainz, max verstappen, george russell, franco colapinto

warnings/notes : none!

song: hold me down - daniel caesar

a/n : i love this song so much

main masterlist | taglist form

ʚ oscar piastri - remembering the little things

oscar always made it a point to remember the little things. whether it be how you prefer coffee or tea, or how you told him you fell off a chair as a child when you two were still friends, he will remember it.

he gets very shocked when you ask him how he still remembers something you said like 3 years ago and just stares at you like "so I was just supposed to forget about that???"

you end up just staring at him, not sure how to react because why the hell is his memory so good? you definitely won’t do anything embarrassing around him for a while because you’re scared he’ll remember it for the next 10 years (he will)

ʚ lando norris - giving gifts

i feel like lando is a giver (in terms of relationships). he's always getting you random stuff from whatever race you can't go to, he'll be complaining about how his luggage is too heavy but he's so willing to carry it because his gift is inside

he could be calling you, waiting on a couch for his next flight, talking about how the race was, what happened on the track, etc. when he suddenly starts complaining about how it's so heavy (and accidentally reveals his surprise gift) "yeah! and then- this bag is so damn heavy... you're so lucky I'm willing to carry this bag I got you"

the moment he realizes he accidentally told you about the (not so) surprise, he just starts freaking out like “WHAT??? WHAT BAG? HAHAHA WHAT? 😅😅😅 WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT” (some fans have caught this on camera at the airport; some drivers still clown him about it)

ʚ charles leclerc - name a song after you

charles has always been a romantic, planning dates, making sure he spends enough time with you, making sure you feel loved and seen, so what better way to show that by naming a piece he made after you?

if he would get asked why he named that song after you he'd simply say "oh, uhh, I named it after my girlfriend, but you guys already knew that- I named it after her because, well, she reminds me of a soft but loving melody, it took me a while to get it perfect- to make sure each note would be perfect."

the fans 100% gush over it, but you’re not too shocked. charles has always been one to think out each gift, each little detail, and how each would fit with the one he’s giving/dedicating it to.

ʚ lewis hamilton - leaving little notes

lewis is always at work, whether it be to race, to train, to do photoshoots for some magazine or interview, he's always never home. since the start of the relationship he has always insisted that you stay at his place, so roscoe can keep you company and whatnot. so during the times he has to leave early for work and you’re staying at his place he’ll always leave little post-notes around the house

when you wake up and he’s already gone, there’s a small note on your phone or glasses, “hi sweetheart, already left for work, love you!”, then when you’re in the kitchen there’s another note saying “made your favorite food earlier, make sure to heat it up :)”

or maybe when he can tell you’re a bit down or not in the mood, he’ll leave little motivational messages/reminders throughout the house like “make sure to take a break” or “don’t forget to eat and drink water”

ʚ carlos sainz - keeping your picture in his wallet

to carlos, it’s his way of subtly saying “i have a girlfriend”. he has this polaroid picture of you, it was a picture he took on your guys’ first anniversary, and it’s one his many favorites too

he also thinks of it as like… taking you with him when you have work, he ends up calling it his lucky charm too, saying it gives him financial luck and stability (even though you’re probably the reason he will go broke one day)

one of the paparazzis spotted him one day, he was out with his family, and paid for something, the paparazzi ended up capturing a glimpse of his wallet, the polaroid tucked in a clear ID/card holder. he was very happy to explain it the reporter that asked him about it. “ah… i keep her photo there for goodluck. she can’t be with me for every race because she’s working, so this is the best i could do.”

ʚ max verstappen - protective instincts

in max’s eyes you were something worth protecting- like some precious jewel. with that said, he always makes sure you’re safe.

for example, you guys are walking on the sidewalk, on the way home from a date and he just says“liefje, can you move to this side?” or when you’re leaning down and there’s a sharp counter corner, and he places his hand over it so you won’t hit your head

he is also REALLY protective of you when it comes to people he doesn’t really like/know. a random man could be flirting with you and he’d come up behind you, saying “hey, there’s an emergency with the car, can you come with me?” but when you both get to the car he just tells you “we’re going home, i don’t like the way he was looking at you.”

ʚ george russell - meaningful gestures

george is one of the few drivers on the grid that openly show how much they love their girlfriend, with that said, george’s way of showing affection isn’t limited to just giving you a brand new coach bag or taking you on a 2 week trip to some tropical island.

he says that he wants to show his love in a more “chivalrous” or “traditional” way, and so he does. he holds open the door for you, walks you to the car door, opens said car door, and sometimes cook for you when he’s not that busy with work

also, he would definitely lend you his jacket but not without giving you a little sermon about it. “see? i knew you’d get cold- i told you again and again, ‘bring a jacket, bring a scarf’ but you didn’t, so now here we are.” while he’s putting his jacket on you and wrapping the scarf around your neck

ʚ franco colapinto - secret handshakes & inside jokes

franco is 100% the type to fall in love with his bestfriend, and he’ll tease his girlfriend every chance he gets, he’s the type of person that sees his partner as his equal, his bestfriend, his partner in crime

you two already had many inside jokes and secret handshakes, i mean you two were bestfriends friends before you were lovers so when you posted a tiktok of you guys recreating some old videos from when you guys were in elementary or highschool

in an episode of team torque, alex brought up the fact that lily made him do some tiktok trend, franco takes the chance to talk about you too “ah yeah, my girlfriend made me recreate the video our parents took of us when we graduated, it was the handshake we made when were like… 7? 9? the last part where we slap each other is an inside joke we added 1 month before graduation”

taglist:

@nepobbylver @wobblymug @xoscar03 @irishmanwhore @nitiii

@anamiad00msday @morgrinha @zestytimbit @si1ver06 @lilorose25

@livsturnioloo @callsignwidow @tgif5577

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bombiikki · 1 month ago

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𐙚⋆.˚　──── butterflies in the rain °｡⋆⸜

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ – loser!haerin x popular!reader !!

synopsis: as the popular kid at school, you were constantly put in the spotlight. but, you never liked it. you never felt truly seen by people and it was exhausting. walking in the rain was never a problem for you—you always carried your umbrella on you. so, why did you give it away to some girl you didn’t know the name of? and why did she make you feel human?

contains:fluff, slowburn except i dont rlly know how to slow the burn, pianist x artist, theyre both each other’s muses, umbrellas and rain mentioned a lot, and butterflies, and a lil unwanted angst but idk how to write angst bc i js decided i didnt want them to be happy without a lil miscommunication first, miscommunication!

wc: 20.9k 😸😸

a/n: pretend everyine is aorund the same age please i forgot abt all the age gaps so 😿 does the synopsis even make sense?? also this was written over like 2 months while i was constantly in and out of falling asleep so i apologise if everything is lwk inconsistent or js badly paced 😓i was literallt one bad mood away from scrapping this entire thing

you walk through the damp streets of your neighbourhood, trying to find your way home through the heavy rain. with an umbrella over your head, you made a turn onto another street. why did you have to walk home today out of all days? you’re not so sure yourself.

you look out into the heavy rain, noticing a figure completely soaked in the rain. she has a school blazer over her head—you recognise it as your school blazer. you watched as the soaked girl continued to walk in the pouring rain, socks probably damp and cold. did you do anything about it? well, you couldn’t. the rain had begun to clear up as soon as you took another step forward. talk about bipolar weather.

the sun shone brightly against the girl, but she didn’t turn around enough for you to see her face. you watched as she lowered the school blazer. a butterfly had come out of hiding and was now fluttering around you. you watched it with curious eyes as it fluttered towards the girl. though you didn’t have the clearest view, you watched as the butterfly seemed to have perched on the girl’s finger.

“the rain yesterday was insane!” yunjin exclaimed, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. you smirked as you ducked your head, the familiar weight of attention already crawling up your neck.

“i’m guessing you ran home as soon as you felt a single water droplet,” you snickered. yunjin scoffed, nudging your side playfully.

“i don’t know about her, but i did,” hyein grinned, rushing over to your side. you watched danielle approach from behind, her expression warm and gentle.

“did you make it home safe? didn’t trip in the rain?” danielle asked, genuine concern lacing her voice.

hyein looked at her with big eyes and a beaming smile. “yep! not a single scratch!”

yunjin shifted to your other side, diving into a conversation with hyein and danielle. you found yourself smiling automatically, even as your mind drifted elsewhere—tuning out the laughter and chatter that surrounded you.

the four of you wove through the crowded hallways, passing students who glanced your way like clockwork. some offered quick smiles; others whispered just out of earshot. you returned the polite gestures out of habit, but it all felt distant—like watching someone else’s life from the outside.

being popular wasn’t something you asked for. it was a label that stuck to you like static, a side effect of being that person—good looks, successful parents, and just enough charm to draw people in. you never resented it, but the constant attention was exhausting. every smile felt like a mask, every conversation weighed with expectation.

in those moments, you longed for quiet. the kind of silence where no one expected anything from you.

that’s when you noticed her—the outlier in the sea of eyes trained on you.

she had long, dark hair falling over her shoulders, feline-like eyes hidden behind thick glasses. unlike everyone else, her focus wasn’t on you. there was no curiosity, no recognition. just quiet exhaustion, reflected in the red tint around her nose and the pout of her lips. she didn’t look like she belonged to the noise of the hallway, and somehow, that made you notice her even more.

the bell rang, snapping you from your thoughts. you waved goodbye to your friends, slipping into your classroom with the practiced ease of someone used to being watched.

and yet, the girl followed—figuratively, at least. she sat in clear view from your seat, unknowingly pulling your attention back toward her. for once, your sketchbook wasn’t filled with vague ideas or forced inspiration. this time, your pencil found its own direction, tracing the sharp curve of her jaw, the subtle tension in her eyes, the softness of her lips.

she didn’t know your name. she wasn’t impressed by your reputation. you weren’t popular to her. you were just another student in a classroom. and for the first time, that thought made you feel human.

the girl got up to blow her nose, your eyes now avoiding her at all costs. you didn’t even know this girl’s name, but you were already enamoured.

the bell rang for lunch, and as you packed up your things, you could already feel the weight of expectation gathering around you like a cloud.

smiling faces, casual greetings, students brushing past just to be seen near you—it was always the same routine. polite nods, quick conversations, all shallow interactions that left you feeling more like a concept than a person.

you slipped through the hallways like a shadow, ducking away from the growing crowd. no explanations to your friends, no excuses—just a quiet retreat to the one place you hoped would offer silence. the library.

the moment you stepped inside, the pressure in your chest eased. here, surrounded by the soft shuffle of pages turning and the faint scratch of pens against paper, you weren’t anyone special. you were just you.

that’s when you saw her again.

seated by the window, framed by the steady patter of rain against the glass, she was completely absorbed in her book. the same girl with sharp eyes and thick glasses, her focus unwavering even as you quietly took a seat nearby.

she didn’t notice you. no sideways glances, no stolen looks—just silence. for once, you weren’t the center of attention. and it was peaceful.

your hands moved almost without thought, sketchbook opening to a fresh page as your pencil danced across it. the lines came easier this time—her focused expression, the furrow of her brow, the way her lips pressed together as she read.

your pencil tapped absently against the table as you got lost in thought, and finally, she noticed. she glanced at you, not with recognition but curiosity.

“sorry if i’m bothering you with the pencil tapping,” you mumbled, offering a small, sheepish smile.

“it’s okay,” she replied, voice quiet but steady. “you weren’t bothering me.”

that was it. no forced small talk, no polite admiration. just a moment of shared quiet. for the first time in a long while, you didn’t feel like you had to perform. you didn’t need to be charming or likable. you could just exist. and that, somehow, was the greatest relief of all.

you were walking home, and it was raining once more, your feet splashing in the forming puddles of the streets. the rain was heavy, making everything foggy and dark. you turned a familiar corner to see a girl up ahead, completely soaked and maybe even shivering.

you took a big sigh before running up slowly to the girl down the street. you slowed down as you tilted your umbrella over her head, tilting it away from your head. you felt small drops of rain hit your head, soaking you completely within a matter of seconds. the rain that hit your shoulders made them feel heavy and cold.

the girl under your umbrella turned around to look at you, moving a little closer and holding your hand to position the umbrella over the both of you. you watched her lower her soaked blazer from her head over her shoulders.

the girl with soaked dark hair looked at you with her completely rain-covered glasses. she took off her glasses and wiped them with her shirt before looking back at you—a glimmer of confusion in her eyes. you recognised those sharp eyes.

“how did you see with the rain all up on your glasses?” you chuckled. the girl in front of you shrugged slightly.

she stood in front of you with a blank stare on her face, watching as you seemed to warm up quickly. you could feel her body warmth radiating against yours due to the close proximity.

“you shouldn’t be out in the rain like that, especially without an umbrella,” you said, your small smile turning into a small frown.

“i walk home in the rain every day, it’s okay,” the girl said with furrowed brows.

you shook your head with a frown, noticing the slight red tint of her nose. “but you’re sick from the rain, aren’t you?”

as if on cue, the girl turned her head to the side to sneeze—sniffling before looking back into your eyes with tired eyes.

you felt the corners of your lips twitch into a soft smile. “so, are you going to take the umbrella or not?”

the girl looked at you with a confused look. “why would i take your umbrella?”

“because you need it to shelter you from the rain,” you said flatly.

you took her hand and brought it up to the handle of the umbrella, passing it over to her. you took her other hand and secured it over the other. you had wished to hold onto her hands for longer, they were warm despite the coldness of the rain.

“see? wasn’t that hard was it,” you smirked. the girl continued to look at you with a confused look, her eyebrows furrowing once more.

“what about you?” the girl asked.

“what about me?” you replied with a small laugh.

“how will you get home in the rain?”

you looked out into the rain, then back to the girl in front of you.

“i guess i’m gonna have to run,” you smiled softly, sighing at the situation you put yourself into. you just knew you had to take the warmest shower when you got home.

“i thought you said i shouldn’t be out in the rain without an umbrella. shouldn’t that apply to you too?” the girl said with a frown.

you nodded and opened your mouth, then you closed it again at your hypocrisy. you really didn’t want to run in the rain, but you had already given your umbrella to the girl in front of you—you couldn’t just take it back.

“well,” you began, “better me than you.”

you took your blazer off quickly and put it up over your head. you looked back at the girl with a small smile.

“i’ll be fine,” you said with a shrug.

the girl watched you as you stepped away from the shelter of the umbrella and into the rain, the rain immediately soaking up every inch of your body. she watched as you gave a small wave before running down the street.

turns out, raining in heavy rain with just a blazer for shelter did not stop you from catching a cold—even after taking a warm shower too. you took two days off of school before returning.

“catching a cold in the big ol’ 2025 is crazy,” yunjin snickered, messing up your hair from next to you.

it was lunch and you had decided to walk around campus with your friends, not feeling particularly hungry. other students had noticed your absence, bombarding you with questions in the morning. you greeted person after person with a tired but still wide smile, shrugging off your absence as nothing major. you didn’t want to continue dealing with people so maybe that was also a partial reason why you decided to walk around with your friends.

“whatever man. i didn’t have my umbrella,” you mumbled back, sniffling a little from what was left of your cold.

“you didn’t have your umbrella?” danielle sighed. she shook her head slowly with concern in her eyes.

“ooo y/n’s in trouble with dani,” hyein teased with a grin.

you smiled softly, rolling your eyes and pushing hyein from the side. danielle looked back at you with her concerned eyes.

“why didn’t you have your umbrella?” she asked sternly.

“i gave it to some girl in my class. she was way more soaked than i was,” you shrugged.

your friends began whispering between themselves. all you could take out of it were the words “haerin” and “asked”. you looked up from the page to look at your friends with a confused expression.

“what are you guys whispering about,” you snickered.

you watched as yunjin wore a shit-eating grin before she began to talk. “the first day you were gone, this girl came up to us—her name was haerin. she’s friends with one of dani’s friends or something. but, she came up to us and asked about you. she had an umbrella in hand too.”

“oh, so her name’s haerin,” you nodded slowly, humming softly.

“is that all you got from that?” hyein giggled. you looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “that’s all i needed to know, no?”

“did you not know her name before?” yunjin laughed.

you lowered your head, mumbling a little “maybe” as yunjin continued to laugh at you.

“c’mon yunjin, stop laughing at y/n, ” danielle smiled. “we all gotta get to class soon too by the way—bell’s gonna go soon.”

the four of you began to walk to your respected classrooms right before the bell. you waved goodbye to your friends as you slid open the door to the classroom, finding a few students already sat at their desks—one of them being haerin.

you walked over to your own desk, noticing your umbrella sitting on top of it with a note.

“You’re terrible at following your own advice. Don’t get sick next time.”

you felt a small smile tug at your lips, your eyes finding the back of haerin’s head. she had her eyes locked towards the front of the class, her fingers tapping her desk rhythmically.

the warmth of late afternoon sunlight streamed lazily through haerin’s bedroom window, casting soft, golden patterns across the walls. the peaceful quiet was quickly shattered as hanni burst into the room, all energy and sunshine, her smile as wide as ever.

“hae! i feel like i haven’t seen you in forever,” hanni exclaimed dramatically, tackling haerin into the mattress.

“you see me every day, hanni. you’re literally impossible to miss,” haerin scoffed.

“yeah, well, you disappear into the library every now and then so,” hanni mumbled, a small pout plastered on her face.

minji followed in—dropping onto the mattress with a small bounce. her playful pout didn’t quite mask the mischief in her eyes. “can’t we miss our best friend in peace without getting judged for it?”

haerin rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “nope. in fact, i should probably kick you both out now while i still have the energy.” she sat up, making a half-hearted attempt to shoo them toward the door.

hanni, swift as ever, caught the back of haerin’s shirt and yanked her back down with a disapproving look on her face. “absolutely not. you promised we could hang out today. breaking promises is illegal in this friendship.”

minji let out a laugh, watching as haerin surrendered and flopped back onto the bed with a dramatic sigh. the familiar comfort of their friendship settled over the room like a soft blanket—easy, effortless, safe.

they lay there, limbs tangled together in the lazy sprawl that only close friends could manage—the quiet hum of the world outside distant and unimportant. hanni broke the comfortable silence first, her voice softer this time.

“so, haerin. what’s going on with you lately?”

haerin stared at the ceiling, watching the light shift across the plaster. “nothing much,” she mumbled with a shrug. “why?”

hanni shot her a questioning glance, raising her eyebrow. “just checking in. you’ve seemed… distracted these past few days.”

there was a pause—a beat of hesitation—before haerin spoke again, her voice low but thoughtful.

“it’s probably nothing, but there’s this girl.”

minji immediately sat up, her curiosity sparked. “a girl? you’re telling me you’ve been holding out on us?”

“it’s not like that,” haerin muttered, cheeks warming despite herself. “it’s y/n. the—uh—you know, the one everyone’s always talking about.”

hanni blinked, recognition dawning quickly. “like, y/n y/n? the popular girl who’s always with dani and stuff?”

“yeah,” haerin admitted. “she gave me her umbrella the other day when it was raining. completely soaked herself in the process and then just… left.”

the room went quiet for a moment, the weight of her words settling between them.

“that’s… weirdly sweet of her,” minji said, her voice cautious but intrigued. “what happened after that?”

haerin shrugged again, trying to seem indifferent. “nothing much. she’s missed the last two days of school—probably caught a cold from the rain.” her fingers stilled, the memory of their brief encounters flashing uninvited in her mind. “she doesn’t seem like everyone says she is. she seems real.”

hanni and minji exchanged a knowing glance that didn’t go unnoticed.

“what?” haerin asked, narrowing her eyes.

“nothing,” hanni said, a teasing smile creeping across her lips. “just—maybe—‘nothing much’ is actually something after all.”

haerin rolled her eyes, but the warmth blooming in her chest told her they weren’t entirely wrong.

“hey, just saying. if you wanna hit her up, i can set you up through dani,” hanni’s teasing smile only increasingly growing wider.

“having a popular friend must be fun,” minji rolled her eyes.

“do not classify danielle as just a popular friend,” hanni frowned.

another school day flew by quickly—the bell signifying the end of the day, students crowding the hallways and walking off campus. haerin was not one of these people. she found herself in the music room instead, drawn by the piano that was sitting untouched.

“let’s see if i remember how to play this one,” haerin whispered to herself. she placed her hands onto the keys and her fingers began to move slowly.

haerin began to play the first few notes quietly, slowly building up the volume but still keeping it soft. haerin melted with the music, feeling at peace. she continued to play, softly and soothingly until she made a mistake—her hands pausing into place when she did. haerin mumbled out a curse before pushing her hair back.

“don’t stop there. keep playing, it sounded nice.” you said from behind her. haerin jumped a little before slowly turning towards the sound of your voice. as haerin turned her head, you stood against the closed door of the room. haerin grew a confused expression on her face.

you smiled a little before slowly walking towards haerin.

“can i sit with you?” you asked softly. haerin didn’t say anything but made space for you on the stool.

you sat yourself onto the stool gently, haerin feeling the warmth of your body radiating despite the gap between the two of you.

“do you come here often?” you asked softly, placing your bag down by the side of the stool.

“no, not really. do you?” haerin asked you back. you nodded in response.

“i didn’t know you played piano,” haerin added. you saw a small smile on her face as you scratched the back of your head.

“hate to break it to you, but i don’t. i’m actually really ass at it,” you chuckled nervously.

“you can’t be that bad,” haerin replied.

you brought your fingers up to the keys and tried playing as much as you remembered of ‘twinkle twinkle little star’. you watched as haerin winced everytime you pressed the wrong key. she adjusted her glasses up her nose bridge as you finished your little performance.

“so, you’re that bad,” haerin hummed. you chuckled softly at her comment, taking your fingers off the key. “why are you here then?”

a smile began to grow on your face. “well, i like to draw,” you said softly. “and no one really uses the music room. it’s peaceful to sit in this room and just—draw.” you reached down for your bag and took out your sketchbook as proof.

haerin nodded slowly at your response. “i should leave then—i don’t want to bother your drawing time,” she said with thin lips, getting up from the stool.

you went to grab her wrist, her head turning back to look at you in the eye. she tilted her head to the side in confusion. you quickly let go of her wrist, not wanting to seem overly pushy.

“sorry for grabbing you all of a sudden. i don’t mind if you stay—your playing gives a better atmosphere rather than me drawing in silence,” you said sheepishly.

luckily for you, haerin slowly descended onto the stool and placed her fingers on the keys. you moved yourself onto a spare chair off to the side, leaving haerin in front of the piano by herself. haerin felt her side grow colder without your warmth next to her. to say she liked having you in her personal space was not something she wanted to admit just yet. you told her it was so she could have free reign over her space but you also wanted to give yourself some space to draw freely.

you brought a foot up onto your chair, your knee serving as the surface to hold up your sketchbook. you listened as haerin began to work her magic, a soft melody playing in your ears. the room was now filled with the sounds of your pencil scratching over the paper of your sketchbook and the sweet melody haerin was playing.

“what are you playing?” you hummed softly, still sketching away against the paper. haerin continued to play, not missing a beat, as she responded “gymnopédie no.1”.

“sounds fancy,” you chuckled softly.

“it’s french,” haerin hummed back softly.

a smile tugged onto your lips. you began to flip through the pages of your sketchbook. it was filled with little doodles, but there seemed to be a recurring theme of cats. there were multiple pages filled with sketches of haerin too, but you didn’t want to show anyone those sketches just yet.

you smiled softly as you found yourself sketching haerin at the piano. you doodled a few butterflies around the finished sketch, feeling butterflies in your own stomach as you looked up at haerin. she wore a soft smile as she played, the sound rich in your ears.

the sun hung lazily in the sky as lunchtime rolled around—its warmth spilling through the windows of an empty classroom tucked away from the usual chaos of the schoolyard. you always loved camping out in empty classrooms—they felt like your quiet place where the noise of expectations couldn’t reach you.

the room buzzed softly with the hum of a distant lawn mower outside and the occasional creak of old wooden chairs shifting under familiar weight.

you sat cross-legged at a spot by the window, sketchbook balanced on your knee, pencil tapping thoughtfully against the paper. you were mindlessly sketching out the same face that blessed your thoughts. whenever you were lost in your own mind, you thought about that day in the music room a lot—the way you and haerin sat in the room in comfortable silence, and the way her lips curled up into a soft smile as she played. it had been a few days since that day but the memory still lingered in your thoughts—butterflies thrashing around in your stomach and cheeks growing warmer when you did.

across from you, yunjin, hyein, and danielle lounged in their own chairs, half-eaten lunches abandoned as their attention slowly shifted toward you. you didn’t notice the way their eyes narrowed in amusement as you absently smiled at whatever filled your page—until yunjin’s voice cut through the comfortable silence.

“okay, spill,” she said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “who is she, and why do you look like you just walked out of a rom-com montage?”

you didn’t even bother looking up, pretending to focus on a stray line in your sketch. “you’re imagining things. i’m literally just sketching.”

but hyein was quicker than you, snatching the book from your lap before you could react. she flipped through the pages with a sharp eye until a knowing smirk spread across her lips. “just sketching, huh? then why are half these pages full of the same person? wait… is this haerin?”

your stomach twisted as danielle leaned over to peek, her gasp filling the room with exaggerated drama. “no way. you? making a new friend? since when do you let anyone past the ‘i’m too cool for this’ wall?”

you snatched the sketchbook back, cheeks burning despite the indifference you tried to force into your voice. “she’s not just—ugh, it’s not like that. we just hang out sometimes. she plays piano, i draw. that’s all.”

yunjin raised her eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “yeah, just hang out. that’s why you’re blushing like we just caught you confessing to your high school crush.” her smirk softened into something gentler.

“you never let anyone sit that close to you without acting like they’re invading your personal bubble.”

you let out a small sigh, leaning back in your chair and letting your gaze fall to the dust motes floating lazily through the sunlight.

“it’s not a big deal,” you muttered. “she doesn’t care about—y'know—all this. she talks to me like i’m just another person, not someone to be put on a pedestal.”

hyein’s teasing expression faded into something more thoughtful. “not like the untouchable, super-talented, way-too-popular-for-her-own-good artist everyone else sees, huh?” her voice softened at the end, and it struck a chord somewhere deep in your chest. “must feel nice.”

you stared at the table for a second, the silence growing heavier around your next words. “yeah. it’s… weird. being around someone who doesn’t expect anything from me. she’s just there. no pressure, no expectations. just comfortable and quiet.”

danielle reached out and nudged your shoulder gently. “you know we’re not expecting anything from you either, right?”

you glanced up at her, and a small, genuine smile tugged at the corner of your lips. “i know. you guys are different. you’ve always been around. you’re home.” your voice dropped lower. “but everyone else? they just see what they want to see. haerin doesn’t do that.”

yunjin let out a low whistle, though her expression had softened into something almost proud. “so, she’s special then? the ‘cool, detached’ y/n finally found someone who doesn’t treat her like she’s made of glass?”

groaning, you buried your face in your hands, the heat in your cheeks impossible to hide now. “can we not do this right now?”

hyein let out a soft laugh, resting her chin in her palm. “too late. we’re invested. this is the most human you’ve looked in weeks.”

danielle’s voice, warm and reassuring, cut through the teasing. “just don’t push us away, okay? we’re happy you’re letting someone new in but we’re still your people.”

your heart softened, the teasing and warmth of your friends wrapping around you like a familiar blanket. “i know,” you said quietly, voice full of gratitude. “you always will be.”

the teasing faded, replaced by a comfortable silence, the kind that only exists between people who know you—really know you. you flipped your sketchbook back open, pencil poised over a fresh page, and let yourself sink into the ease of the moment. lines began to take shape on your page—but this time, it didn’t shape into a sketch of haerin. this time, you found yourself drawing yourself with your friends—flashing smiles drawn on all your faces.

the hallway buzzed with the usual end-of-day chaos as everyone rushed to their last class. you barely had time to react before your friends—yunjin, hyein, and danielle—were ushering you forward, practically steering you like a ship toward the classroom door. the room was nearly full, heads turning as they whispered something to you, their smirks just as loud as their voices were soft.

you could feel it—your cheeks growing warm, eyes wide as you tried to resist their playful shoves. but they didn’t let up, and soon enough, you were standing awkwardly just past the doorway, all too aware of the eyes on you.

“you better do it, y/n. i have eyes everywhere,” yunjin whispered like a villain in a cheesy movie, her grin sharp with mischief.

and then the real walk of shame began. instead of your usual seat in the back—safe, unseen—you were walking toward the front, stopping right next to haerin. you could feel every stare burning into the back of your head. why were they all watching you? what were they thinking?

as you sat down, your shoulders nearly touched hers. the whispers behind you grew louder, each one tightening the knot of discomfort in your chest. your body slumped, shrinking under the weight of it all.

and then you heard a soft voice. “oh, hi y/n,” haerin’s voice cut through the noise, gentle and a little confused.

“hi, haerin,” you mumbled, trying to keep your voice steady.

she tilted her head slightly, brows furrowed in quiet concern. “you okay?”

you nodded, pretending to focus on the teacher walking in, though your heart was nowhere near the lesson. your friends’ idea of strengthening your friendship with haerin suddenly felt more like social torture.

still, you figured if you were stuck here, you might as well do something. you ripped a piece of paper from your notebook and sketched a quick cat, its round eyes softening your own mood. under it, you scrawled the words:

“hai :3”

you slid the paper toward her and waited. haerin blinked, then unfolded it carefully. a small snort escaped her, her shoulders shaking with quiet laughter. she scribbled back:

“did all your penmanship go to your art? your handwriting is ballz”

“is that a compliment on my art? :D”

“maybe maybe not who knows it’s cool, i guess”

“COOL U GUESS? i see that you can’t escape my amazing eyes”

“u better write bigger before i steal ur eyeballs. i’m blind enough with these stupid glasses”

“well i think your glasses are cute”

you watched from the corner of your eye as haerin opened the paper. her blush was obvious, dusting her cheeks like soft pink watercolor. she scribbled fast:

“write bigger.”

“sorry!”

“so why were u being so somber like 5 min ago?”

you hesitated, then wrote back:

“i just lowkey hate attention and everyone staring at me was too much”

“that’s so real. being stared at never gets easier.”

“OMG U GET ME i thought u would’ve figured since i’m ‘miss popular’ i’d be used to it or whatever”

“you think too lowly of me. i see how uncomfortable you get around people. that’s not the face of someone who likes attention”

you stared at her note for a second longer than necessary—a small, genuine smile tugging at your lips. for once, you didn’t care if anyone else noticed.

“u’re cool haerin”

“thank you. i think u’re really cool too”

it was a gloomy day, the sky darkened with grey clouds, threatening to rain. you sat on a bench facing out into the field, losing yourself in your thoughts. your thoughts seemed to be on overdrive, yet they also seemed to be so cool and collected—you were thinking of everything, yet nothing at all.

it's too much. you should be used to this by now. smile, nod, laugh—don’t let them see it gets to you. there’s always noise. people calling your name, expectations hanging heavy in the air. you know the routine. the effortless charm, the carefully measured responses, the way you have to be on all the time. popularity is supposed to be a good thing, isn’t it? people want to be around you, want your attention, want to claim a piece of you.

but sometimes, it feels like you don’t belong to yourself anymore. do they even like you? or just the idea of you? you feel like you’re being watched, even when no one is looking. your every move—picked apart, analysed, turned into a story by people who don’t actually know you. admiration turns into expectation. you can’t slip up. you can’t afford to be anything less than what everyone wants you to be. what if you disappoint them? what if you’re not as interesting as they think?

and then there’s haerin.

haerin, who doesn’t look at you like you’re something to be impressed by. who doesn’t try to pull you into the spotlight or demand anything from you. around her, the pressure loosens just a little. you don’t have to perform. you can just be. but at the same time, that scares you. because if haerin is the only one who makes you feel real, then what happens if she leaves too?

you felt a drop of rain slide down from the corner of your eye and down your cheek. more raindrops continued to drop down on your cheeks—the sound of the rain falling against the ground soothing your emotions. you just hoped you could sit out in the rain for the rest of the day, to never be found and to have some time to yourself.

you leaned back on the bench, embracing the raindrops that fell straight onto your face. you closed your eyes to soak up the rainy atmosphere. that was until you no longer felt the rain hit your skin. you opened your eyes with furrowed brows to see haerin standing over you, umbrella over her head.

“for someone who told me i shouldn’t be out in the rain, you’re pretty bad at avoiding the rain yourself,” haerin chuckled. her small smile soon faltered as she saw your unchanging expression. you looked empty, like there wasn’t a soul behind your eyes.

“are you okay?” haerin asked, sitting next to you on the damp bench as she kept the umbrella above both of your heads.

she didn’t press you for an answer. she just sat there, silent, as if she knew you didn’t have the words to explain it.

“finally got yourself an umbrella, huh?” you smirked softly. you heard a small chuckle from haerin as she continued to sit with you in silence.

you were quiet for a moment, staring at the ground before glancing at her. “how did you find me?”

haerin shifted slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “saw you from the classroom.”

your brows knot together. “classes have already started?”

she gave a small shrug. “yeah.”

“then why are you here with me? shouldn’t you be in class?”

haerin looked at you, her gaze steady, as if the answer was obvious. “well, you looked like you needed company. i’d rather be here with you than in class anyway.”

your breath hitched slightly at her words. a warmth spread through your chest at her words, but you didn’t know what to say, so you just nodded. you turned your gaze back to the field, letting the soft patter of rain fill the silence between you.

the two of you sat in comfortable silence, the sound of raindrops filling the air. after a moment, haerin shifted closer, pressing her shoulder gently against yours. you let out a quiet sigh and leaned into her, letting yourself relax against her presence.

your hands brushed, fingers barely touching. without a word, haerin reached for your hand, her fingers lacing gently with yours. her grip was warm, steady—not demanding, just present. you almost flinched at the unexpected touch, but you didn’t pull away. something about it made your chest tighten in a way you didn’t quite understand. you squeezed back, grounding yourself in her quiet presence. neither of you spoke. you didn’t need to.

the silence wasn’t heavy, wasn’t filled with expectation or pressure. it was just the two of you, sitting there with shoulders brushing, hands intertwined, leaning into each other as the world carried on around you.

the rain continued to fall, steady and rhythmic, a quiet shield against the rest of the world. haerin never let go of your hand. she never asked you to say something. she was just there.

the two of you sat and watched as the rain slowed down. it was still present, but much softer. in an agreed silence, you both decided to run away to the music room instead of your normal classes.

the music room was quiet except for the soft hum of the rain against the windows. the air smelled faintly of old wood and sheet music, the piano keys reflecting the dim light from outside. you sat on the floor, your back against the piano, knees drawn up slightly. haerin sat beside you, legs crossed, close enough that your shoulders brushed.

“do you ever feel like… people see what they want to see?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

haerin turned to you, waiting. you hesitated before continuing. “like, no matter what you do, you’ll always be some version of yourself that they’ve already decided on?”

she nodded slowly, her gaze unreadable. “yeah.”

“it’s just… sometimes it’s exhausting,” you admitted. “everyone has expectations. everyone thinks they know me. and i feel like… if i stop being what they want, i’ll disappear.”

haerin was quiet for a moment, then she said, “you don’t have to be anything for me.”

you swallowed, your throat suddenly tight. “what if i don’t even know who i am when i’m not being something for everyone else?”

she thought about that, then said, “then you take your time figuring it out. and i’ll be here.”

you turned to look at her. her face was calm, but her eyes—her eyes held something deeper, something steady. she wasn’t saying it just to make you feel better. she meant it.

“has it ever been like that for you?” you asked. “like you’re expected to be someone you’re not?”

haerin hesitated, then nodded. “when i play piano. sometimes it feels like people only see me for that. they think i’m only the quiet girl who plays well. but there’s more to me than that. just like there’s more to you than what everyone else thinks.”

her words settled into your chest, grounding you. you looked down at your intertwined hands, at the way she held onto you like she wasn’t planning on letting go.

“thank you,” you murmured.

haerin squeezed your hand gently. “i see you. you don’t have to wear a mask around me.”

a quiet exhale left your lips. for the first time in a long time, the weight on your shoulders felt a little lighter.

haerin watched you, and something shifted in her expression—something almost imperceptible, but real. this was the moment she realized. that the way she felt around you, the way she wanted to stay, to understand you, to be the one you trusted—this was something deeper. this was something she couldn’t ignore anymore.

haerin seemed to feel more open towards you, like it was the most natural thing to just melt around you. your presence was a little intimidating—constantly surrounded by people and big names. but haerin knew better, she knew the language of your soul. she admired you and the melody that would ring in her ears every time you were near her.

haerin found herself in the music room, alone this time. she had no sheets to reference off of, just her heart and emotions. the thought of you carried her fingers around the keys. haerin played and she played, not stopping as she felt her soul overflowing at the thought of you.

then, a knock at the door. haerin turned around to see minji peeping through a crack in the door, her knuckles rested against the door.

“hey, can we come in?” minji smiled softly. haerin nodded, taking her fingers off the keys.

she watched minji step into the room, hanni following in from behind her. haerin watched as minji and hanni strolled into the music room, their expressions immediately turning mischievous as they took in the sight of her sitting at the piano.

“you’ve been playing without us?” hanni gasped dramatically, clutching her chest like she’d been personally betrayed. “the audacity.”

“not even a ‘hey guys, come listen to my soulful masterpiece’ text?” minji added, shaking her head in mock disappointment. “haerin, we thought we meant something to you.”

haerin sighed, already regretting letting them in. “i was just playing,” she said simply, fingers hovering over the keys before pulling away.

“you say that like you weren’t in here pouring your heart out or something.” minji teased, nudging hanni who nodded in agreement. “anyway, we wanted to ask you something.”

haerin raised a brow, waiting.

“you know the arts festival is coming up in a few months, right?” hanni started, plopping onto the chair beside her.

“they’re making it a big deal this year. they’re expanding it to include all kinds of performances—visual art, drama, music, stuff like that. are you gonna do something for it?”

haerin hesitated, fingers brushing lightly over the piano keys. “i might not.”

minji gasped, seeming actually offended. “what? why not? whatever you were playing before was, like, stupidly good.”

haerin shrugged, eyes flickering down to the keys. “it’s… personal. it’s not meant for an audience.”

minji and hanni exchanged a look before minji smirked. “ohhh, so it’s meant for a specific pair of ears?”

haerin shot her a glare, but the slight redness creeping up her ears gave her away. “shut up.”

hanni grinned, leaning in. “so it’s y/n, isn’t it?”

minji turned to haerin, wiggling her eyebrows. “you’re playing just for y/n now?.”

haerin rolled her eyes, but her ears tinged pink. “it’s nothing special.”

“awww,” minji cooed, clasping her hands together. “our little haerin is a romantic.”

“gross,” haerin muttered, shoving hanni’s shoulder lightly when she giggled.

“no, that lowkey is really romantic of you haerin,” hanni said, grinning. “but fine, whatever. just know that you’re wasting a perfect opportunity. imagine the school watching you perform, totally captivated by your artistry, utterly—”

“no,” haerin cut in flatly, shaking her head.

hanni huffed. “fine, be mysterious. but speaking of performances, i heard something interesting.”

haerin glanced at her, waiting.

“dani told me that y/n has something big planned for the festival. like, really big. and you know how word spreads—people are already talking about it.” hanni leaned in dramatically. “apparently, it’s supposed to be some artsy masterpiece or something.”

haerin’s fingers unconsciously tapped against the piano, her mind flickering to you. you hadn’t mentioned anything about showcasing art. she wondered what you had in store.

“sooo,” minji drawled, nudging haerin with her foot. “if y/n’s doing something, shouldn’t you? just saying, it’d be cute.”

“oh, so cute,” hanni agreed. “a romantic piano piece to match y/n’s grand artistic display? imagine the tension, the longing gazes, the—”

“you two are unbearable,” haerin muttered, shaking her head, but a small smile tugged at her lips. she wasn’t going to perform—but now, she was even more curious about what you were planning.

hanni and minji exchanged another glance before hanni grinned. “wow. you really are down bad.”

haerin groaned, shoving hanni off the bench. hanni yelped as she tumbled onto the floor, but her laughter filled the room as minji doubled over beside her.

“okay, okay,” minji gasped between laughs, “but actually, what if y/n’s showcasing something for you?”

haerin went silent at that. the idea had never crossed her mind before. hanni, still on the floor, smirked at her. “now that’s something to think about.”

the art room smelled like paint, faint traces of glue, and frustration—your frustration, specifically. you stared at the half-finished canvas in front of you, the colors all wrong, the lines stiff, the whole thing a disaster. you weren’t even sure why you cared this much—except, no, you did. because this was for haerin.

you sat at one of the tables, surrounded by scattered sketches, crumpled concept papers, and half-finished ideas that felt more like failures than progress. your head rested in your hands as you stared at your notes like they would magically form a coherent plan on their own.

"you know," yunjin started, chewing on the end of her pen, "you have, like, two months. why are you acting like this is tomorrow?"

"because it has to be perfect," you groaned. "i need it to be grand. i need it to be something unforgettable."

"who are you trying to impress?" danielle asked, smirking as she leaned forward. "or should i say, who are you dedicating this to?"

hyein gasped dramatically, putting a hand over her heart. "oh my god. y/n, is this a love confession?" she grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"no, i don’t want to woo haerin," you muttered, slumping over your sketchbook. "i just want to show my appreciation for her kindness."

"uh huh. i didn’t even mention a name," hyein drawled, exchanging a look with danielle. “just appreciation. totally not a secret grand romantic gesture or anything."

before you could argue, the sound of voices outside the art room made hyein perk up. she quickly got up and moved towards the door, peeking out before shutting it slightly.

"you’ve got an audience," she whispered. "why do people even hover around this room like it's a celebrity meet and greet?"

"because it is," danielle snorted, nudging you. "this is what you get for being you."

"can we focus, please?" you sighed. "ideas. i need ideas."

"what if you make a huge banner that says ‘thank you haerin’ and just drop it from the rooftop?" hyein suggested, grinning.

"or perform a full musical number dedicated to her with backup dancers and fireworks," yunjin added, clearly entertained.

"not helping! i’m a painter, not a serenader," you groaned, dragging a hand down your face. "i need something meaningful, something personal—"

before the conversation could go any further, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. everyone groaned in unison before scrambling to gather their things. you grabbed your sketchbook and notes, shoving them into your bag with less care than usual.

"we'll brainstorm more later!" danielle called as everyone rushed toward the door.

but you were already gone.

weaving through the hallways, you dodged the greetings and voices calling your name, keeping your head down and focusing only on moving forward. you weren’t in the mood to be stopped, not when your thoughts were racing faster than your feet. but then—

"hey."

you skidded to a stop, nearly colliding with haerin in the middle of the hallway. her eyes met yours, calm as ever, but there was a flicker of curiosity behind them.

"hi," you breathed, trying to gather yourself. "uh—are you going to the art festival?"

"haven’t decided yet," she replied, tilting her head. "why?"

"because you should come," you said quickly. "i’ll have something ready for you. and i want you to be there to witness it."

haerin blinked. her expression remained unreadable, but you swore her eyes softened just a little.

"for me? what happened to miss l/n who didn’t like attention?"

"yeah—well—i wanted this to be different." you hesitated for a second before gathering the courage to continue. "and, um… would you want to accompany me personally on the day of the festival?"

she studied you for a moment, and for once, you couldn't tell what she was thinking. then, slowly, she nodded.

"okay," she said simply.

and just like that, your heart was racing for an entirely different reason. you felt butterflies begin to flutter in your stomach.

the powerpuff girls

hanni HAEEEE R U STILL IN RHE MUSIC ROOM? haerin yeah i am are u going to come bother me? cuz if u are then im not here hanni ok thats so rude i cant hang out with my bestie anymroe? haerin im ur best friend?? 😿😿 thats honestly really sad for minji minji yeah cuz why is hae ur bsf what abt me dude 😡😡 hanni hey haerin did u hear smth? minji OK WOW RUDE ASL hanni what r u gonna do abt it jump me? music room in 5 come if u dare 😒😒 haerin leave the jumping out of the music room please i dont need u jumping each other in front of my piano minji MAKE THAT 2 MINUTES

haerin exhaled slowly, setting her phone down beside her on the piano’s polished surface. the screen dimmed, swallowing the unread message she had been staring at for the past few minutes. instead of dwelling on it, she let her fingers drift over the keys, pressing down softly as she eased into a quiet, familiar melody.

the room was silent except for the soft, melancholic tune that filled the space the gentle notes barely had time to settle in the air before the door to the music room swung open with a loud bang.

“there's no way she likes you more than me! i’m—like—120% cooler than you,” minji’s voice rang out, cutting through the silence like a blade.

haerin sighed through her nose, her fingers freezing on the keys. she turned just in time to see minji stride inside, looking thoroughly indignant, while hanni trailed behind her with a triumphant grin, sticking out her tongue in response.

haerin didn’t flinch. she simply let her hands fall from the keys, turning her head just in time to see hanni stick her tongue out at minji before sprinting forward, practically throwing herself onto the piano bench beside her.

"haerin, who's your favorite?" hanni demanded, eyes wide with faux innocence as she leaned in uncomfortably close.

haerin blinked, tilting her head slightly as if actually contemplating the question. she let the silence hang for a moment before finally nodding to herself, as if reaching a conclusion.

"you both suck," she said simply.

hanni and minji turned to each other at the same time, expressions mirroring each other's perfectly—eyes widened, mouths slightly agape, pure betrayal written across their faces. hanni gasped, clutching at her chest like she had just been fatally wounded, while minji scoffed, shaking her head in betrayal.

“wow. uncalled for,” minji muttered, crossing her arms.

before either of them could launch into more dramatic rebuttals, the door burst open again, this time accompanied by the sound of rushed footsteps and a breathless voice.

“hey, haerin, i think i forgot my sketchbook here—”

your breath was uneven as you bent slightly at the waist, one hand braced against the doorframe. it was clear you had rushed over in a hurry, strands of your hair slightly out of place from your run. as you straightened up, your gaze landed on the two unfamiliar faces in the room. your eyes flickered between them for a second before a polite smile crossed your lips.

"oh, hey guys! minji and hanni, right?" you greeted with a smile.

hanni brightened immediately. "yeah! i’m hanni and she's minji! nice to meet you too, y/n. we've heard… a lot about you from hae."

haerin, who had been sitting quietly at the piano, tensed slightly. her expression barely changed, but you caught the way her fingers curled against her palm in warning.

you chuckled softly at the sight. “your friends call you ‘hae’?”

haerin finally met your gaze, her expression as blank as ever. “yeah. it’s stupid.”

"i think it’s cute." you mused. "when can i call you hae?" you tilted your head slightly, letting your smile linger.

haerin let out a small scoff, rolling her eyes, but you didn’t miss the way her lips twitched ever so slightly—like she was fighting the urge to smile. minji and hanni exchanged looks again, subtle but not subtle enough to go unnoticed.

you cleared your throat, remembering the reason you had rushed over in the first place. "um… so, do you know where my sketchbook is?" you asked softly, scratching the back of your neck.

haerin didn’t respond right away. instead, she just stared at you, her eyes slightly narrowed in thought. then, without a word, she reached over to the side table, plucked up the familiar worn-out sketchbook, and held it out to you.

"you left it here last time. i figured you'd come back for it."

you took the sketchbook from her hands, flipping through the pages quickly before stopping at one in particular. you frowned slightly, tracing the lines of a half-finished sketch with your finger.

"i need this for the arts festival," you muttered more to yourself than to anyone else. "i was trying to come up with ideas earlier, but nothing feels right yet."

haerin watched you for a moment, taking in the way your brows furrowed in concentration.

"you have time," she finally said. "don’t force it. it’ll come to you."

you glanced up at her, something warm settling in your chest at the quiet reassurance. "yeah. maybe you're right."

“are you working on something for the art festival?” hanni asked, leaning in slightly as if trying to catch a glimpse of the sketches.

you hesitated for a second before snapping the sketchbook shut. “maybe.”

minji raised an eyebrow. “that sounds suspicious.”

you only smiled, tilting your head playfully. “it’s a secret.”

you could feel haerin’s eyes on you again, a quiet, unwavering presence. when you finally looked back at her, her expression was unreadable, but there was something about the way she was watching you that made heat creep up the back of your neck. the way haerin's eyes lingered on you made your heart skip a beat. there was something unreadable in her gaze—something soft, something knowing. before the silence could stretch on too long, you clapped your hands together.

you cleared your throat, suddenly feeling like you had overstayed your welcome. “i should probably head home.”

turning toward the door, you hesitated for a second before looking over your shoulder at haerin, ignoring the two lingering stares of her friends. you lifted a hand, fingers curling slightly in a casual wave.

"thanks for keeping this safe for me, hae. see you soon" you said, deliberately testing the nickname. then, with a slight smirk, you winked before stepping out the door. the soft click of the door closing left a lingering silence in the room.

hanni and minji slowly turned to each other, processing what had just happened. then, in perfect sync, they turned to haerin, their jaws slightly ajar.

“did haerin just bag a baddie?” hanni muttered, still staring at the door.

minji folded her arms. “wild.”

haerin let out a breath she didn’t realise she was holding. her fingers hovered over the keys, barely touching them, before pressing down on one—sharp, off-key, wrong. she didn’t correct it. instead, she sat there, unmoving, staring at the door long after you were gone.

it had been a week since the last time the both of you were in the music room. but today, as haerin walked down the familiar path home, she found herself thinking of you more often than usual. it was a quiet afternoon, the kind where everything felt almost suspended in time. the light drizzle from earlier had left a soft sheen on the pavement, and the air had that fresh, earthy scent that only rain could bring. haerin walked slowly, allowing the quiet to settle around her, her thoughts swirling like the leaves that occasionally brushed against her feet.

a butterfly suddenly caught her eye, its wings delicate and soft as it fluttered in front of her, moving almost lazily through the damp air. haerin stopped in her tracks, drawn to the butterfly’s graceful movements. it hovered for a moment, and she instinctively raised her finger, a silent invitation. after a few more moments, the butterfly fluttered toward her and gently landed on her finger. she held her breath, watching the small creature with a sense of wonder.

for a moment, the world felt incredibly still, the soft rain almost becoming a distant hum. haerin’s heartbeat picked up, not because of the butterfly, but because she could feel something—something familiar, and yet new—stirring in her chest. as she stood there, lost in the moment, a sound broke the silence. footsteps. steady and approaching.

“hey,” came a voice, warm and familiar, drawing haerin’s attention. she turned to find you standing a few paces away, a gentle smile already spreading across her face. the butterfly still rested on haerin’s finger, and your eyes softened as you looked at it.

“seems like you’ve made a friend,” you said, her voice light and teasing, but there was something more in your gaze. something quiet, almost tender.

haerin’s smile softened, and for a brief moment, she forgot about the rest of the world around her. her attention was fixed on the warmth in your eyes, the way you stood just a little closer than usual, how your presence made the atmosphere feel heavier, yet lighter at the same time. the butterfly, seemingly sensing the change in the air, fluttered its wings and took off into the cool breeze just as the first few raindrops began to fall.

“aww,” you sighed, your shoulders drooping slightly, “that’s a shame.”

you shook your head, but your smile remained. “i guess the rain really likes to see us together.”

haerin looked up at the sky, and the soft patter of the rain grew louder as it started to fall more steadily. you pulled out her umbrella from your bag, unfolding it with a flick of your wrist. you moved closer to haerin, holding the umbrella over both of you. haerin stepped in without a word, her shoulder brushing against yours as they began walking, side by side.

the rain was light, but there was a heaviness in the air, like everything was just on the edge of something. haerin was acutely aware of the proximity between you, of how the umbrella kept you just close enough, but not too close. you both walked in comfortable silence, the rhythm of your footsteps blending with the soft tapping of raindrops on the umbrella.

after a few moments, haerin broke the silence, her voice low and almost pensive. “did you know when it rains, butterflies seem to disappear?” she glanced at you—your gaze was focused straight ahead, a slight grin tugging at the corner of your lips.

“they hide and seek shelter, because the rain affects their ability to fly,” haerin continued.

you chuckled softly, your breath misting in the cool air.

“that’s like… common sense, though,” you teased, her voice light. but then, without thinking, your words drifted out, almost absent-mindedly.

“well, my butterflies don’t disappear when i’m around you, even in the rain.”

haerin froze for a split second, her heart suddenly hammering in her chest. she looked at you—flushed a deep shade of red, clearly realising what you had just said. haerin blinked, trying to collect herself.

“what did you just say?”

your face turned an even brighter shade of red, and you stammered. “huh? um, nothing! i… see you later, hae! i gotta—i have to… go home!”

you thrust the umbrella into haerin’s hands and, before haerin could respond, you turned and dashed off into the rain, disappearing into the mist of water and air.

haerin stood there, rooted to the spot, the umbrella still in her hands as the rain began to fall heavier. she stared at the space where you had been, her heart still racing. did she really just hear that? did you really just say that? the words echoed in her head, and she couldn’t help but giggle softly to herself.

“huh… so she’s really stuck with calling me hae.”

the umbrella, still in her hands, seemed to grow heavier by the second. haerin stood there for a moment longer, her mind spinning as the sound of raindrops drowned out everything else. maybe you were more like her than she realised. and maybe, just maybe, haerin was starting to understand why she felt so different around you.

as the rain continued to fall, she couldn’t help but smile to herself, a quiet, soft smile that she kept hidden under the umbrella.

you bolted inside, slamming the door behind you as you strip off your wet clothes, already cursing your decision to run home in the rain. great. now you’re soaked, and the chill is creeping under your skin. you hurried to the bathroom, throwing your damp clothes in a pile by the door and stepping into the shower. the hot water hit your back like a relief, a sharp contrast to the cold rain you just ran through. you let out a sigh, closing your eyes and letting the water relax your muscles, but your mind kept replaying the same moment over and over.

that moment with haerin, the way she was so close to you under the umbrella, how her fingers brushed against yours, and that stupid butterfly. but mostly that comment. "well, my butterflies don’t disappear when i’m around you, even in the rain."

you groaned inwardly, slapping your forehead, even though you knew no one can see you. ugh, why did you say that? you can't even begin to explain why it slipped out, but the warmth on your cheeks is making it pretty obvious: you’re so not over it.

when you finished your shower, you wrapped yourself in a towel and made your way to your room, settling down at your desk with a determined look. you needed to focus. you grabbed your sketchbook and opened it to the page you’d been working on. the art festival was coming up, and you’d decided that you were going to dedicate your project to haerin. she deserved it, right? after all, she’s the one person who’s treated you like you’re just you. not some celebrity, not some spoiled rich kid—just a person.

you started sketching out more ideas, but before you can really settle into the work, your phone buzzed on the desk. the groupchat.

“hey, what’s up?” you answered, trying to sound casual, but you could already hear the teasing tone in yunjin’s voice.

“so,” she drawled, “why are you making a painting for haerin again? honestly, i still don't get it."

you paused, flipping through your sketchbook to find the page you were working on. "well. i just wanna say thank you for treating me like a normal person, you know? not like some… god or whatever."

hyein snorted on the other end of the line. "so basic human decency, huh? is that all she did for you?"

"yeah, pretty much," you said, a little embarrassed but not backing down. "i mean, not everyone does that."

“wait, wait,” yunjin interrupted, her voice shifting to something a little more serious. “are you sure there’s nothing more to this? like, you’re not making this whole painting for her because you’ve got a little crush, do you?”

your face burned again. a crush? you knew exactly what she’s talking about, and the thought made your stomach do that little flip again, the one you definitely don’t want to think about.

"ugh, no. it’s not like that at all. i’ve told you before—she doesn’t care about all the popularity, and that's—that's really refreshing, you know? i just want to repay her for making me feel like just another person. nothing weird about it."

“okay, so your grand gesture is painting a whole canvas for her and leaving it on display for everyone to see? cool, cool,” yunjin teased. "what’s next, are you going to hang it in the school hallway or put it on the main stage?"

you laughed awkwardly, trying to hide the fact that she’s kinda right. “yeah, well, it’s not like i need attention, you know? i just want people to recognise me for my art, not for my family’s money or popularity or whatever.”

“okay, but why is it your way of ‘repaying her’?" you heard from danielle, her voice cutting in.

you started doodling absentmindedly in the corner of your sketchbook, rolling your eyes.

"well, i mean, just because my parents own a large company doesn’t mean i should be treated like some kind of charity case, you know? people are always like, ‘oh, y/n’s so lucky,’ and i want to show them who i really am. i want them to see that i have my own talents. something that’s mine. i want people to see my art, not my family’s reputation."

you felt the weight of your words. maybe you had never actually said them out loud like this before. it felt good to get it off your chest. danielle didn’t let you stew for long.

“and it’s not just for the fame, huh? it’s because there’s something about haerin that makes you feel like she gets it, right?"

"yeah," you said, quieter now, your focus shifting back to the sketchbook. “she does. and i want to be seen for who i am. not what people think of me. it’s like—art can do that. it’s my way of showing who i really am. it’s not about the attention, it’s about the expression.”

“and the ‘expression’ is for haerin, huh?” yunjin chimed in with a teasing tone. “sure, sure, we believe you.”

you sighed, leaning back in your chair, feeling the weight of your friends’ words but also feeling more grounded in your reasons. "can’t you just let me do something nice for once? this is important to me."

“oh, we’re letting you,” hyein said, speaking up. “but if this ends with you making heart eyes at her every time you see her, we’ll be here for that too.”

“as if she doesn’t already do that,” yunjin added.

you couldn’t help but roll your eyes, but the smile that tugged at your lips was a mix of embarrassment and warmth.

“whatever, i’m gonna hang up on you guys if you keep talking about this.”

you heard all your friends express their protests before changing up the topic. they talked about nothing in particular and everything all at once. you didn’t need to focus too hard on the words—they were just there, comfortable in the background as you worked. the conversation flowed easily, like it always has, and the sound of their voices kept you grounded.

you realised that hours had passed before any of you say goodbye. it wasn’t a deep or life-changing conversation. there were no major revelations. but it didn’t matter. what mattered was the feeling of belonging that washed over you as you stayed on the call with them. their voices, full of familiarity and warmth, wrapped around you like a blanket. no pretences. no expectations. just a bunch of friends, talking until the early morning, as you lost track of time.

the time between planning for the festival to the actual day passed by in a flash. the festival was in full swing, and the atmosphere in the gym was a perfect mixture of excitement and the mild chaos of last-minute preparations. the walls were lined with bright banners, and tables were covered with an eclectic mix of artwork, ranging from paintings to sculptures, each representing the unique creativity of the students. the hall buzzed with voices, the sound of laughter, and occasional clinking of display stands being adjusted. amidst it all, you and haerin worked together, preparing for the final touches of the day.

"so," haerin glanced over at you as she adjusted a banner, "what exactly do you have prepared?” she glanced at you sideways, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"it's a secret!" you grinned, nudging her playfully with your elbow. "but i promise it'll blow your socks away."

haerin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, but she didn’t press further. you could tell she respected your desire for mystery. and despite the teasing, a warmth bloomed in her chest knowing that you had something so special in store. something just for her, even though you hadn’t outright said it. the two of you moved around the room, hanging up more banners, adjusting stands, and occasionally laughing at some of the more outlandish pieces. you were so caught up in the movement of it all, in the chaotic beauty of it, that the time seemed to slip away unnoticed.

"i’m sorry you had to get caught up setting up with me, hae," you murmured as you fixed a row of chairs, trying to sound casual.

she shook her head, not a hint of annoyance in her voice. "no, don’t worry about it," haerin replied easily, shooting you a soft smile. "this just gives me more time to spend with you."

the words hung in the air for a moment, a subtle tension building between you. it wasn’t the first time she’d said something like that, but it still made your heart race. there was something in the way she said it, as though it was so easy to be with you.

the atmosphere around you seemed to shift as you both found yourselves in a rhythm, preparing for the festival together. it was simple, but it felt like an intimate dance—the kind of unspoken understanding that only existed between the two of you.

periodically, your friends would pop by to help, tease, and joke, and then just as quickly disappear again, leaving the two of you alone. there was an unspoken comfort in the silences that settled between you, the rhythm of the day and your company blending seamlessly into one long, warm moment.

the two of you stood on opposite sides of a large display, hanging up a last-minute banner with vibrant colours and abstract designs. as you worked, haerin's hand brushed against yours, and it sent a shiver down your spine. you tried to keep your focus, but her presence was magnetic—there was something about her that made everything feel a little more significant.

"are we done here?" you asked, tying off the final end of the banner.

"think so," she replied, eyes glancing over the space. "when’s your painting going to be displayed?" haerin asked, her gaze flitting over the pieces.

you grinned at her, watching the way her face softened when her gaze landed on yours. "it’ll be uncovered later," you replied with a wink, crossing your arms, "just be a little patient." your words were playful, but there was something deeper in them, a promise that this moment, the reveal of your art, would mean more than just a piece on display.

"so it’s like the main course, huh?" haerin laughed, but you could tell she was intrigued. "alright, i’ll wait." then, without missing a beat, she suddenly grabbed your hand, tugging you gently. “come on, let’s go kill time somewhere else.”

you blinked at her in confusion. "where are we going?"

"music room," she said, her voice a little too nonchalant. "i want to play something for you."

"why?" you raised an eyebrow, still unsure. "i mean, i did the painting because i wanted to. you don’t have to play something for me."

"oh, but i do," her smile deepened, something soft lighting up in her eyes "besides, it’ll be something just between us."

you let her pull you towards the music room, your thoughts swirling in your head. what did she mean by that? but you didn’t have time to dwell on it before you were both in front of the music room.

the room was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt almost sacred. soft sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow across the grand piano at the far side of the room. haerin walked over to it, her fingers brushing the edge of the keys as if she were weighing her options. she glanced back at you, a soft smile on her face.

you watched her, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on you. she was so composed, so confident, and yet, something in her posture, in the way she touched the piano, felt fragile. it made you ache. you wanted to reach out, to tell her everything you were feeling, but the words stuck in your throat.

"you don’t have to play if you don’t want to," you said, but it came out too soft, too unsure.

she met your eyes, and for the first time, you saw something unfamiliar there—vulnerability. "no. i want to." her voice was quiet, almost shy, and it made your heart skip a beat. "i just—i need to."

she sat at the piano bench, turning slightly so she could face you more fully, but her fingers hovered above the keys, almost hesitant. you moved to sit beside her, watching her delicate hands press against the keys. then, the first note filled the space—a slow, haunting melody that seemed to reverberate through your chest.

haerin played like she was lost in the music. her fingers danced across the keys with ease, the soft, delicate notes flowing together in a beautiful, rising crescendo. the melody was slow at first, almost mournful, like a whisper of a secret. but as the piece continued, it built up, each note gaining strength, as if the music itself was reaching for something more. you watched her, entranced, as the sound seemed to echo the very feelings that had been growing between the two of you, feelings neither of you had dared to say out loud. as she played, you felt as though the music itself was speaking to you, telling you stories you didn’t have the words to express.

you could feel the tension between you, the air thick with unspoken words, but all you could do was listen to the music. haerin was completely immersed in it, her eyes shut as her body swayed slightly with the rhythm, the emotion of the piece pouring through her in every note. but then, as if she could feel your gaze burning into her, her fingers faltered. the smooth flow of music stumbled, and a frustrated curse slipped from her lips. she froze, her hand hovering over the keys for a moment.

"sorry," she murmured under her breath, her voice laced with frustration.

she noticed you sitting so close to her, your eyes never leaving her. you hadn’t realised how intensely you were looking at her until she looked back at you.

her breath hitched, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to slow down. haerin’s gaze flicked from your eyes to your lips, then back to your eyes again, and she leaned in just the tiniest bit, as if drawn by some magnetic force. you felt your pulse quicken, and before you could stop yourself, you were leaning in too.

"that was beautiful," you said softly.

"but i made a mistake," she replied, still looking at the piano keys, clearly embarrassed.

"so what? everyone makes mistakes," you said, your voice reassuring but shaky. "it doesn’t take away from how incredible it was."

haerin looked up at you, her eyes locking with yours, and in that moment, the air between you two seemed to crackle with tension. her eyes dropped briefly to your lips, and you felt your own gaze drift to hers. without thinking, you leaned in, and before you could pull back, haerin was leaning in as well.

you kissed her—soft, tentative at first, as if testing the waters. her lips were warm, familiar, but there was an underlying uncertainty to it, a tension that neither of you could resolve.

but before it could deepen, the door creaked open. as soon as haerin pulled away, she avoided your gaze. her expression was unreadable—eyes darting to the piano, to the floor, anywhere but at you.

"hanni," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "minji—"

"they need you out there," hanni interrupted, her voice too loud, too insistent. "they’re about to unveil your painting, y/n."

your mind was still spinning from the kiss, your lips tingling, but reality crashed down like a wave. you stole a glance at haerin, searching for any kind of reaction, any sign that she felt the same rush, the same breathless urgency you did. but she just sat there, hands clenched into fists against her lap, shoulders tense.

"right," you said, your voice coming out hoarse. "i—i should go."

you hesitated, lingering for a fraction of a second longer, hoping—waiting—for her to say something. to stop you, to look at you. but she didn’t. you caught the way her fingers gripped the edge of the piano, the way her lips pressed together as if she were holding something back. you couldn’t tell if she was angry, confused, or just as scared as you were. she just nodded, barely, like she was bracing herself for something she couldn’t face.

“are you—um—are you coming out too?” you stammered. you watched haerin finally look into your eyes with her own sharp ones—her eyes filled with uncertainty.

“yeah, i’ll be there. you can go ahead, i’ll catch up,” she nodded.

you stepped forward, taking one last look at her, but the moment was slipping away, just like the fleeting feeling of connection you’d had before the interruption. the entire walk back to the gym felt off. your heart was still racing, but not from excitement—something heavier sat in your chest. haerin’s voice echoed in your mind, the hesitation in her words, the way she looked at you like she wasn’t sure of what just happened. you wanted to turn back, to see if she was still sitting at the piano, still lost in thought. but you didn’t. instead, you kept walking, each step feeling like you were leaving something unfinished behind.

haerin sat in the music room, still frozen, her fingers lightly touching her lips. the softness and warmth of your kiss lingered there, and she couldn't quite wrap her mind around it. it felt like a dream, a beautiful one she wasn't ready to wake up from. the fact that it had actually happened hadn’t quite sunk in yet. you had left maybe a minute ago, disappearing out the door with hanni and minji, and haerin remained, staring off into space, lost in the memory of the kiss.

after a moment, she snapped out of it and realised she was supposed to be at the gym. a slight panic rushed through her, and she jumped to her feet, deciding to run there rather than take her time. she didn’t want to miss anything—your painting was going to be uncovered soon, and haerin wasn’t about to let that moment slip by.

as she entered the gym, the scene of the kiss flashed in her mind again, and a goofy smile spread across her face. she couldn’t help it. her chest was full of that warm, fluttery feeling, and she had no idea what to do with it, except smile. she took a moment to calm herself before walking further into the gym, where the crowd had already gathered.

haerin spotted hanni and minji, who were talking near the side. they waved her over, and she joined them. just as she was about to speak, hanni grinned, raising an eyebrow.

“so,” hanni began, her voice teasing, “what was that about?”

haerin’s smile widened, her cheeks flushing slightly. “we kissed,” she said, almost shyly, but there was a gleam in her eye. she couldn’t quite hide how happy it made her to say it aloud.

minji scoffed, but her smile was playful. “what happened to you not being a romantic?”

haerin shrugged, looking at both of them with a smug grin. “have you seen y/n? who wouldn’t be a romantic for her?”

she said it with so much sincerity that hanni and minji fell silent for a second, exchanging a knowing look.

“fair enough,” minji muttered, but there was no denying the softness in her voice.

the crowd grew quiet as you stepped onto the stage, and haerin felt her breath catch in her throat. her eyes were fixed on you, watching as you made your way to the podium. she couldn’t help the way her heart skipped a beat. her friends' teasing faded into the background as she watched you, her gaze soft and full of something unspoken. she heard hanni and minji snickering at her reaction, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from you. she was in awe, a heart-shaped smile spreading across her face.

you began to speak, your voice unsure but steady. “i don’t really think my painting should be the main focus of the art festival,” you said, a nervous laugh escaping you.

“there are so many other amazing pieces already up for display, and i—i guess it feels a bit strange to have mine displayed last.” you paused, glancing down at the floor for a moment before looking up again.

“but i couldn’t imagine not showing it. it’s—it’s something i had to do.” you exhaled, as if gathering your courage. “this painting is an expression of myself, and i really hope people can see its meaning.”

you hesitated, muttering under her breath, “that probably sounded cheesy, but—well—here it is.” with a quick movement, you pulled the cover off the painting, and the crowd collectively gasped.

the room fell silent as everyone took in the masterpiece before them. the painting was grand—bold, intricate, and full of life. at the centre, the piano was fragmented, yet fluid, its keys fading into the background as though the music itself was still vibrating through the air. and beside it, almost floating, was a butterfly—its pastel green wings delicate and soft, blending into the canvas, as though part of the melody itself. it was beautiful, fragile, and full of meaning. haerin’s breath hitched in her throat. she knew instantly—this was your heart laid bare.

it was everything you had ever felt but hadn’t been able to put into words. the butterfly, fragile yet growing, spoke volumes about what they shared, what you had been too afraid to say, but haerin could feel it in the art. it was her. it was both of you. it was everything.

haerin stared at the painting, eyes wide with awe. she felt an overwhelming sense of pride—and something more—that she couldn’t quite put into words. she glanced at you, standing awkwardly at the front of the stage as the crowd admired the painting. your face was uncertain, but the warmth in her eyes couldn’t be hidden. haerin watched as your gaze flickered over the crowd, but your eyes never seemed to land on her. haerin’s heart sank slightly, but she tried to hide it, focusing instead on your words.

you bowed, stepping off the stage, your eyes scanning the crowd once more. they lingered for a moment, but haerin remained unseen. haerin watched you walk back toward your group of friends, the small pang of disappointment in her chest growing. still, she smiled to herself, proud of you and the painting. it spoke volumes, even if it hadn’t been fully understood yet.

hanni and minji noticed the way haerin looked at you, her gaze full of something—pride, affection, maybe more. haerin wasn’t sure. but she felt it.

it had been a few days since the festival, and you felt like you were floating in some kind of limbo. the day after the unveiling, you tried to shake off the sense of disappointment that settled in your chest, but it clung to you like a heavy coat. haerin hadn't been there, and you couldn’t help but think it was a sign. sure, your friends—yunjin, hyein, danielle—were by your side, trying to distract you, but it wasn’t the same. none of them seemed to get it, and it was hard to explain when they never truly saw you.

they all knew about your art, sure, but they didn’t know what it felt like to paint a piece of your heart and then expose it to the world. they didn’t know how it felt to try to show something raw and vulnerable to someone who was supposed to understand, only for them to disappear when it mattered. your friends tried, but you could tell they just couldn’t get it. yunjin kept cracking jokes about your painting like it was no big deal, and hyein was always pointing out how everyone else at school was talking about it. but none of it mattered.

you were starting to feel the weight of being popular again. people recognised you in the halls, always smiling, always asking for a piece of your attention. it wasn’t real. not the way haerin had been real. she hadn’t cared about the attention you got—hell, she hadn’t even cared about you being popular at all. she just... saw you. and now that she was gone, you felt like you were slipping back into the noise, back into the role you hated, the one where everyone just saw the image of you, not the person underneath.

but haerin—haerin was different. she’d looked at you with those quiet eyes that saw you, really saw you, in a way no one else had. she hadn’t been impressed by your popularity or your art; she’d simply been there, quietly present. and now, after that moment between you two, that kiss you still couldn’t quite process, you couldn’t help but wonder if you had misread everything.

you hadn’t talked to her. not once. and she hadn’t talked to you either. and it wasn’t like you could’ve just gone up to her and asked, could you? not with everything that was left unsaid. her absence during the painting unveiling had felt like a silent rejection, and you had done what you always did in those situations—shut down.

maybe it was easier this way. if she didn’t care, if she didn’t want to talk to you, then you could just go back to being what you always were: the popular girl who didn’t want to be popular. but it wasn’t working. not anymore.

the silence between you two was suffocating. every time you walked down the hall, you would catch sight of her, only for her to look away too quickly. she never tried to start a conversation, and neither did you. and every time you found yourself thinking about her, your friends would nudge you, pull you back into whatever they were talking about, but it never really reached you. your mind always drifted back to haerin.

you tried to focus on your friends, but every time you saw yunjin laughing or danielle trying to get your attention, it didn’t feel the same. they didn’t get it. none of them got it. you knew they cared, but it wasn’t the same as having someone who really understood you.

as you sat in class, you couldn’t stop replaying that moment—the way her lips had felt against yours, soft and warm. it made your chest tighten, but also gave you this kind of ache that you couldn’t shake. you wondered if it had meant anything to her at all.

you felt the tension build, especially whenever your eyes found her in the halls, only for her to look away, like she was hiding something. did she even like you? or had it all been a mistake? all you wanted was a sign. anything. just to know that you hadn’t misread it all, that she still wanted you in some way, even if it wasn’t the same as before.

your friends—yunjin and hyein—noticed the way your attention would drift whenever you were near haerin, but they didn’t push. they knew you were processing something, but they didn’t understand what. danielle, though, she seemed to catch on. she’d asked you more than once if you were okay, but you always brushed her off, not wanting to admit that the reason you couldn’t stop thinking about haerin was because you were scared of what it all meant.

the worst part was that you didn’t even have her number. if you could just text her, you might feel a little less lost. but you didn’t. you were just stuck, suspended in this endless loop of overthinking.

and that silence between you two? it was deafening.

your friends noticed it, of course. they noticed how you’d look over at haerin when she passed by, your eyes flicking away too quickly when she caught you staring. yunjin would nudge you, a teasing smirk on her face. "you’re still thinking about her, aren’t you?" she'd say, but there was no real teasing behind it. more like concern, something you couldn’t quite shake off.

haerin’s friends, hanni and minji, were just as observant. they’d make little comments about how haerin would act when she looked at you, how she’d blush or smile a little too softly.

hanni liked to joke, casually dropping your name in conversations just to see haerin’s reaction. "have you seen y/n’s new painting? it’s gorgeous. you should go talk to her about it," she’d say, her voice light, but there was an underlying edge, like she was pushing haerin without saying it outright. minji wasn’t as bold, but even she would raise an eyebrow whenever haerin would go quiet after hearing your name.

it was clear to everyone around you that something had changed. the playful teasing, the nudges, it had all turned into something more intense, something that wasn’t so easy to ignore anymore. but neither you nor haerin had made a move. you were both stuck in this limbo, waiting for the other to take the first step.

one afternoon, when the school day had just about ended, you found yourself in the art room, absentmindedly cleaning up your supplies. you didn’t expect to see haerin there. she had a few friends in the room, but it was mostly quiet, everyone packing up to leave. and then, just like that, it happened. the two of you were left alone in the room.

the silence was thick, but not in the comfortable way it used to be. it was different now, loaded with the weight of everything you hadn’t said, all the things that hung between you, invisible but undeniable. haerin stood at the other end of the room, fiddling with her bag, but her gaze would drift over to you every few seconds. you could feel it, even though she didn’t say anything. her eyes would meet yours for the briefest of moments before she quickly looked away, like she wasn’t ready to face what was right in front of her.

you wanted to say something, anything. but nothing felt right. your throat felt tight. haerin shifted, as if she was about to speak, but then she just didn’t. the words stayed stuck, unsaid.

finally, after what felt like forever, your phone buzzed in your pocket. you pulled it out, half-relieved to have an excuse to break the tension. it was from yunjin.

"you need to talk to her, y/n. you’re being ridiculous. just text her."

it wasn’t until later that evening, when you were sitting with your friends, trying to brush off the awkwardness of the day, that your friends began to really push.

“you’re being stupid,” yunjin said, not bothering to hide the frustration in her voice. “you’re making all these assumptions about haerin, but have you even tried talking to her?”

you stared at her, your heart racing in your chest. “what if—what if she doesn’t want to talk to me?” you muttered, more to yourself than anyone else. “i don’t want to make it weird.”

hyein rolled her eyes. “she’s keeping her distance,” she said. “but you’ve been avoiding her too, right? at this point, it’s already weird.”

the tension in your chest tightened even more. it wasn’t just in your head, then. the distance between you and haerin was real, and it was making everything feel more complicated. and as much as you hated it, you couldn’t ignore it.

you glanced over at haerin, who was sitting with hanni and minji, looking almost lost. the thought made you ache, but there was nothing you could do about it. not yet, anyway.

you hadn’t meant to shut them out, but somewhere along the way, you had. your friends were always there, always asking how you were, but you felt distant. not from them, exactly, but from yourself. it was like your mind was always somewhere else—somewhere that wasn’t here, somewhere where haerin might be. and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t shake that feeling. that yearning. but today, your friends weren’t letting you hide.

it started with yunjin. she had been quiet all day, but as soon as you were all sitting together in the corner of the cafeteria, she spoke up.

“y/n,” she said, her voice softer than usual, “you’ve been distant. we’ve been noticing it for a while now.”

you looked down at your lunch, trying to ignore the weight of her words, but you knew she was right. the silence stretched out, and the others—hyein and danielle—exchanged glances before hyein spoke next.

“it’s like we’re right here, and yet you’re somewhere else,” hyein said, her tone more frustrated now. “you’re not seeing us, y/n. you’re not seeing what we’re trying to do for you.”

you shifted uncomfortably, your heart sinking in your chest. "i don’t mean to—"

“we know you don’t,” yunjin interrupted. “but you’re letting all this focus on haerin take over. it’s like you’ve forgotten about us.”

danielle’s voice was calm, but it carried an underlying sadness. “we’ve always been here for you. from the beginning. even before everything with haerin. we’ve always seen the real you. the y/n who hates the attention, the one who feels lost in all the noise.”

your eyes were starting to sting, and you swallowed the lump in your throat. “i don’t know what you want me to say...”

“we just want you to see us too,” hyein said quietly. “we’ve been here for you, just like haerin was. and we’re still here. we’re still your friends, y/n.”

danielle reached across the table and placed a hand on yours. “you don’t have to carry all of this alone. we’re not going anywhere. and you don’t have to be this popular person all the time. you can just be you. the real you. the one we’ve always seen.”

the words hit harder than you expected. you’d been so wrapped up in what you had with haerin, in the way she made you feel seen, that you had forgotten the people who already did that. who had always done that, no matter how much you hated being in the spotlight. they didn’t see you as the image everyone else had built for you—they saw you for who you were. the real you.

for the first time in a long while, you took a slow breath and allowed yourself to really listen to them. they were here for you, through all of it. they had been the ones to see you for who you were before all this, the ones who didn’t care about the attention or popularity. they cared about you. the real you.

“i’ve been focused on the wrong things,” you murmured, your voice quiet but steady. “i think i got lost in everything with haerin—but i shouldn’t have.”

“you don’t have to apologise,” yunjin said gently. “we get it. but don’t forget about us. don’t forget about what we’ve always done for you.”

you nodded, a heavy weight lifting off your chest. they were right. you hadn’t been thinking of them, of their support, of everything they had always been for you. but now, in this moment, you realised how much you had taken them for granted.

danielle’s voice brought you back to the present. “you don’t need to have it all figured out. just take a step back, breathe, and start with us. everything will be okay. you’ll see.”

you felt the corners of your mouth twitch into a small, genuine smile. it felt like the first time in a while that something didn’t feel so heavy. maybe it wasn’t about fixing everything all at once, but taking things one step at a time.

“thanks,” you said quietly. “i’m sorry for shutting you all out.”

“it’s okay,” hyein said with a soft smile. “we’re still here. always.”

danielle gave your hand one last squeeze. “and when you’re ready, haerin will be there too. i’m sure she still cares, y/n. but before you try to fix whatever miscommunication you have with her, you need to pick yourself up first. you need to focus on you, because that’s what matters right now. take care of yourself, and everything will fall into place.”

the mention of haerin made your heart twinge, but danielle’s words were clear. you couldn’t keep waiting for her to make a move. maybe you had to make your own first step, not just with haerin, but with yourself.

you met their eyes, and for once, you didn’t feel so lost. your friends saw you. really saw you. and for the first time in a long while, that was enough. maybe it was time to start seeing yourself again too.

and maybe, just maybe, when you were ready, things with haerin would work out too.

after a few weeks of observing the tension between you and haerin, danielle and hanni decided to grab a coffee together, hoping to talk things through and figure out what to do next. they sat at a small table, the hum of the café providing a comfortable background to their conversation.

“so, how’s y/n doing?” hanni asked, stirring her drink casually. she’d been noticing the shift in you too—the way you seemed more present lately, but still distant when it came to haerin.

danielle leaned back in her chair, thinking for a moment before answering. “she’s better, i guess. a little more... herself, you know? not as withdrawn, but there’s still this underlying tension. y/n hasn’t forgotten about haerin. not by a long shot.”

“but she’s not actively thinking about her, either,” hanni observed. “it’s like... she’s in a better place, but still kinda stuck.”

“exactly.” danielle gave a small smile. “i told her to focus on herself first. she needed to get back to a place where she’s not defined by how everyone sees her. she’s doing better, but... i think there’s still some stuff she needs to work through.”

hanni frowned slightly, clearly deep in thought. “yeah... but haerin’s been pulling back too. she’s barely said anything about y/n lately. do you think y/n even notices that?”

“i’m sure she does,” danielle said, taking a sip of her coffee. “but y/n’s been avoiding haerin as much as haerin’s avoiding her. it’s like neither of them knows how to make the first move, but they both probably want to. they just don’t know how to get past the silence.”

hanni tapped her fingers on the table, her expression thoughtful. “i don’t know, dani. i think they’re both a little scared. it’s like they’ve convinced themselves it’s easier to just keep their distance than face whatever it is that’s standing between them.”

danielle nodded in agreement, looking out the window for a moment. “i get that. i told y/n that she needs to focus on herself first—on being okay without haerin. only then can she figure out if she wants to fix things with haerin or if it’s just too much now.”

“that’s smart,” hanni said, leaning forward with a grin. “you always know the right thing to say. so... do you think she’s ready for that? for talking to haerin again?”

“i think she’s getting there,” danielle replied, her voice soft but firm. “but it’s gonna take some time. she’s making progress, but it’s slow. it’s up to her to find the courage to fix things, not just with haerin, but with herself first. and i hope she gets there soon.”

hanni leaned back in her chair, looking over at danielle with a mischievous glint in her eye. “so... when do we make it happen?”

danielle laughed softly, shaking her head. “you’re not going to rush this, are you?”

“i mean,” hanni said, with a playful shrug, “they’re both just sitting there, waiting for the other to make a move. we can’t exactly push them, but... we could make it a little easier for them to see what they want.”

danielle chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “like... subtly, you mean?”

hanni grinned. “exactly. no one’s pushing anyone into anything. just a little... encouragement.”

danielle smiled, her tone warming. “i think that’s a good idea. they both need to realise that it’s okay to want this. and maybe... just maybe, it’ll give them the push they need.”

haerin had started noticing something she wasn’t sure she wanted to see: you slowly coming back to life. at first, it was just small things—laughing more easily with your friends, joining in on conversations, showing up more at events. the glow of your usual vibrancy, the thing that haerin had admired from the start, was beginning to return.

it was hard not to smile at the sight of it, knowing that you was still able to find joy, even after everything that had happened. but there was a sting in haerin’s chest every time she saw it. she didn’t want to admit it, but it hurt to see you so happy—happy without her. it made her wonder if, somehow, the kiss and everything that followed had faded into the past for you, a fleeting moment that meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.

haerin couldn’t help but feel like maybe she was being forgotten. you were surrounded by your friends, who adored you, who were always there to support you. but haerin? she seemed to be slowly disappearing from your world. the silence between the two of you was growing louder, and every time haerin tried to reach out—through a glance, a word, anything—it felt like you weren’t looking back anymore.

she had considered reaching out, countless times. but each time, something held her back. what could she say? how could she break the silence that had stretched on for so long? was it even right to reach out when you had been so distant? haerin told herself that she needed to respect your space, that she had no right to force herself into your life when things were so complicated. she didn’t want to make things worse, didn’t want to push you away further.

but the longer this silence dragged on, the more the uncertainty gnawed at haerin. she didn’t know what you were feeling, but she could feel the distance between you growing wider. and the worst part? haerin wasn’t sure if you even cared enough to fix things anymore.

hanni and minji, as usual, couldn’t ignore the tension in the air. they had always been the kind to tease, but their comments now had a sharper edge. haerin tried to laugh them off, but it was getting harder to pretend that everything was okay. the teasing started to feel less like fun and more like pressure. every time she looked over at you from across the room, she could practically hear their teasing echoes in the back of her mind.

one afternoon, while the three of them sat together, hanni casually dropped a bombshell that made haerin freeze in her tracks.

“you do realise she probably thinks you don’t like her, right?”

the words were so simple, yet they hit haerin like a tidal wave. she hadn’t even considered that, not once. all this time, she had been giving you space, afraid to overstep, afraid of making you feel suffocated. she hadn’t thought that her silence might be sending the exact wrong message. that you could be sitting there, wondering if haerin had forgotten about you, wondering if maybe the kiss hadn’t meant anything to her at all.

“wait... i never thought of it that way,” haerin murmured, her voice small, barely audible. she stared at the table, her hands suddenly feeling cold. “but... i don’t want to hurt her. i just—i didn’t know what to do.”

hanni and minji exchanged a look, their usual teasing smiles fading into something a little more serious. they could tell haerin was genuinely struggling, and it wasn’t hard to see that both haerin and you were caught in the same cycle of hesitation, unsure how to bridge the gap between them.

“you’ve got to talk to her,” minji said softly, her tone gentler than before. “you both need to figure this out, before it gets worse.”

but haerin just nodded absently, feeling her heart race. talking to you—was she ready for that? could she really break the silence without making things more awkward? all she knew was that, whatever she decided, she couldn’t keep pretending that nothing was wrong.

the café hummed with the quiet chatter of other patrons, the soft clink of cups and the low murmur of background music creating a cozy, familiar atmosphere. you sat at your usual corner table with your friends, a little less talkative than usual, your gaze flickering to the window every now and then. you felt like you were caught between two worlds—one that was more comfortable with your friends, and the other... still lingering with haerin, somewhere in the past.

the silence between sips of coffee felt heavier today, and finally, you broke it.

“i’ve been thinking,” you began, your voice tentative, “about talking to haerin. i mean... maybe i should just reach out, see if we can figure things out.”

the table went still. yunjin was the first to react, setting down her cup with a soft clink. her eyes studied you carefully, concern lining her features. “are you sure you’re ready for that?” she asked gently. “i know things have been a little... tense, and i don’t want you to feel like you have to do this just because it’s been a while.”

you fiddled with the sleeve of your sweater, looking down at the table for a moment before meeting yunjin’s eyes. “i don’t know. i guess it just feels like i can’t keep pretending like everything’s fine. things are... still kind of weird between us. i don’t want to keep carrying it around.”

hyein, who had been quietly watching you, leaned in slightly, her voice laced with a touch of hesitation. “so you’re thinking you’ll talk to her? like... now?”

“not right now,” you said quickly, shaking your head. “i don’t know... but soon, maybe. i just feel like i need to say something. it’s been so weird, and i don’t know how long i can just let it go.”

there was a long pause as yunjin and hyein exchanged looks. yunjin opened her mouth like she was about to say something, but hyein beat her to it, her tone thoughtful.

“i get it, i do. but... are you sure that’s what you want, y/n? to fix things with her? or are you just trying to get closure so you can move on?”

you paused, your gaze flickering to the window again, unsure of how to answer. “i think... it’s both. i just want to know where we stand. i don’t want to keep carrying this weight if it’s something i can fix.”

danielle, who had been quiet until then, leaned forward, her voice warm but steady. “y/n, if you think talking to her is what you need to do, then i say go for it. i think it’s been a long time coming. you’ve been through a lot, and you’ve been really strong about this. but sometimes, it’s okay to reach out. if you think it’ll help you feel better, then do it.”

you glanced up at danielle, her words ringing in your mind. for a moment, you felt a little lighter, but also a bit unsure. “do you really think it’s okay? like... i don’t want to make things worse, you know?”

“it’s not about making things worse,” danielle said with a gentle smile, her voice soft and understanding. “it’s about giving yourself the chance to find peace. if you’ve been holding onto this for so long, maybe it’s time to finally say what’s been left unsaid. don’t keep letting it weigh you down.”

yunjin nodded slowly, though still cautious. “i get that. just... are you sure that now is the right time?”

“whenever you’re ready, it’ll be the right time,” danielle replied firmly. “there’s no rush, but don’t let fear stop you. if you’re feeling like you need to make the move, then do it. you’ve spent enough time focusing on everything else. maybe now is the time to focus on you—and whatever happens with haerin, it’ll work out as it’s supposed to.”

you sat back in your chair, feeling a little overwhelmed, but in a good way. the weight of the decision felt lighter, but still present. the silence stretched for a beat before you spoke again, this time with a little more certainty in your voice.

“i think... i think i’ll do it. i’ll talk to her. soon.”

there was a quiet moment as yunjin and hyein looked at each other, and then both of them gave small nods, though there was still a hint of hesitation in their eyes. “just make sure you’re really ready,” yunjin said softly. “you’ve been through a lot. don’t do anything unless it’s what you really want.”

you nodded, feeling the weight of your friends' concern but also their support. “i will. i’ll make sure it’s what i need.”

danielle leaned back in her chair, her eyes soft and understanding. “good. you don’t need to rush it. just... take your time, but don’t let this sit in your heart forever. it’s okay to go after what you need, y/n. even if it’s a little scary.”

you smiled, more to yourself than anyone else, the idea of talking to haerin suddenly feeling less daunting. “thanks, dani. i think i needed to hear that.”

“anytime,” danielle replied with a wink. “just... do what feels right for you. and when you’re ready, talk to her. but remember, you’ve got us. you’re not alone in this.”

there was a small pause, and then you sighed, feeling a sense of relief, even though the uncertainty still lingered. “i think... i think i’ll be okay. thanks, guys.”

yunjin smiled softly, squeezing your hand. “of course. we’ve got your back.”

as the conversation turned to lighter topics, you couldn’t help but feel a small sense of peace settle over you. you didn’t know what would come of talking to haerin, but you knew you had the support of your friends, and for now, that was enough. maybe it was time to take that first step, not just toward haerin, but toward something that felt like moving forward.

the school bell rang, the last one of the day. the hallways were crowded with the rush of everyone scrambling to pack up their bags and head home. the air was thick with the sound of shoes clicking against the floor and the bustle of excited chatter as people walked out of the building, eager to escape the day.

haerin stepped outside. the moment she stepped into the open air, she felt it—the rain. not just a drizzle, but a downpour, cold and heavy. she didn’t have an umbrella, and for a split second, she cursed herself for not checking the forecast. as she stood there, watching the rain blur the world around her, the people around her quickly unfurled their umbrellas, shielding themselves from the rain.

she stayed under the cover of the school’s entrance, waiting, hoping the rain would let up soon. but it didn’t. not even slightly. it was one of those rains that made you rethink your choices, and haerin stood there, feeling the frustration build inside her. she was waiting for something, anything, to change the stillness of the moment.

as she watched people bustle by with their umbrellas, her eyes caught a familiar figure. you were walking across the courtyard, your umbrella above you, and as soon as haerin saw you, it felt like a wave of relief washed over her, even though she wasn’t sure why.

you noticed her too, your gaze catching hers as you approached. she didn’t have to wait long before you were standing in front of her, the rain pouring down heavily around you both. you didn’t hesitate, your umbrella now wide open as you moved closer to her.

"do you not check the weather forecast or something?" you joked, your tone playful, but there was something underneath it. something unspoken.

haerin looked at you for a moment, feeling the weight of your words hang between you. haerin’s expression was soft, the smallest of smiles tugging at her lips. there was a tension, a kind of silent understanding, but neither of you was ready to address it yet. she felt herself pull away slightly, but your offer, your gesture, felt like a chance—a chance to finally talk, to finally clear the air.

“you should’ve brought an umbrella, you know,” you said quietly, the smile on your face slipping into something more serious. “it’s best if we walk and talk, right?”

there it was. the invitation. not just for the walk, but for the conversation that both of you knew was overdue. the sound of the rain was loud around you, but somehow, the silence between you and haerin was louder. you could feel the weight of it, like an invisible wall that neither of you knew how to break.

haerin didn’t reply right away, but after a second, she stepped forward, gliding beside you as you both walked into the rain. your umbrella hovered between the two of you, keeping you both dry, though you were leaning into each other just a little more than usual, like it was something that needed to happen.

the tension between you two was palpable at first, but it softened as you walked in silence for a while. the raindrops splashed against the pavement beneath your feet, and it felt like the world had quieted down just for the two of you.

as you walked together, the distance between you started to feel less about physical space and more about everything that had been left unsaid. “i guess we really do need to talk,” you said softly, the words finally breaking through the tension.

haerin glanced at you, her gaze unsure but warm. “yeah. we do.” her voice was barely above the sound of the rain, but there was something in the way she said it that made you feel like she meant it. like she was ready.

"i’ve missed this," you said softly, voice just above a whisper. "us. talking. being... together."

haerin glanced at you, her eyes warm but guarded. "me too. but... we’ve been avoiding each other, haven’t we?"

you sighed, your fingers tightening around the handle of the umbrella. “yeah. i’ve been so... confused. i didn’t know what to say. or how to fix things.”

"it’s not about fixing anything, y/n," haerin murmured, her voice just a little strained. “it’s about understanding, about... figuring out why we both acted like this.”

you nodded, feeling a knot in your stomach. "i just... i didn’t want to lose you. but i think i’ve been holding on to all the wrong things. and you probably feel the same."

haerin looked at you then, her gaze soft but steady. she didn’t say anything for a while, and you both walked side by side, each step bringing you closer to something you hadn’t been sure you were ready to face.

as you walked through the rain, the two of you close together under the same umbrella, the weight of everything that had been left unsaid slowly began to lift. there was a soft kind of tension in the air, but also an undeniable sense that things were finally on the verge of changing.

"i don't know what happened between us," haerin murmured after a few minutes, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rain. "but i felt like i had to give you space, y/n. i didn’t want to crowd you, especially after everything that happened. after the festival… i didn’t know how to act."

you nodded, your own thoughts swirling in a mix of confusion and guilt. "i thought… i thought you didn’t want anything to do with me anymore. i didn’t see you at the painting unveiling, and i guess i took it as a sign you were done with me."

haerin’s gaze flickered to you, and you could see the realization hit her. she stopped walking for a moment, looking down at the pavement before glancing back at you, her expression filled with something soft, vulnerable.

"i wasn't avoiding you, y/n. i just thought… maybe i was overwhelming you. maybe you needed time. but i should’ve known better. i should’ve reached out. i’m sorry."

the words hung in the air between you two, and it felt like an unspoken weight had been lifted. you both stood there, drenched from the rain but finally able to breathe a little easier.

"i should’ve reached out too," you replied, your voice thick with sincerity. "i didn’t mean to push you away. it’s just… with everything happening around me, i didn’t know how to deal with my own feelings. and the kiss… i couldn’t even explain it."

haerin looked at you, her expression softening even more. "you kissed me. and it wasn’t just a kiss. it felt like something… real. and i didn’t know how to handle that. i guess i was scared too." she sighed, her fingers brushing through her wet hair before she continued. "but i think i understand now. that kiss wasn’t just some impulsive thing. it was you telling me something. telling me you cared. and i guess i needed that more than i realised."

you stopped walking, turning to face her fully, your heart pounding. "is it really so unbelievable that i just... wanted to kiss you?" you asked, suddenly feeling incredibly shy. your face flushed as you looked at her, hoping she didn’t see the nervousness in your eyes.

haerin blinked in surprise before her lips curled into a soft, affectionate smile. her eyes were gentle, as if she understood everything you were trying to convey without you needing to say another word. "no. it’s not unbelievable. i just… i guess i was too caught up in my own fears to see it."

you looked at her, your blush deepening as her gaze softened. "i didn’t know if you felt the same, haerin. i didn’t know if you wanted me to kiss you."

haerin’s eyes softened, a tender smile forming on her lips. "you’ve always been my inspiration," she said quietly. "every time i play, it’s like the piano brings me closer to you. whenever i touch those keys, it’s like your presence is in every note. you inspire me to play more passionately. you’ve been with me in every song, even when you weren’t around. you’re like a fine melody—everyone hears it, but only i get to play it. only i know it."

you stood there, taking in her words. it was the most poetic thing anyone had ever said to you, and it made your heart swell with warmth. "i think it’s a little obvious, but you’re my inspiration too," you admitted shyly, your voice barely a whisper. "everything i do, every painting i make… you’re always in it. and i never wanted to admit it, but the butterflies still don’t go away when i’m around you"

her eyes widened slightly, but the soft, shy smile never left her face.

"not even in the rain?" she whispered back, her voice filled with something so pure it made your chest ache with affection.

“not even in the rain,” you repeated. you looked at her, completely immersed in her words and presence. the moment felt like a soft, steady rhythm, and everything around you seemed to fade into the background.

"your performance for me," you said quietly, the memory of the intimate moment you shared in the music room coming back to you. "it was… amazing. so personal. it was like you were telling me everything without saying a word. it made me feel seen, haerin."

her cheeks flushed slightly at your words, but she just shook her head, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. "it was only for you. because you’re the only one who truly listens. the piano… it’s my way of showing how i feel, of expressing everything i can’t put into words."

you both stood there for a while, in the rain, just taking it all in. there were no more walls between you two, no more distance. everything felt open, and though the rain soaked you both to the bone, neither of you cared. you had finally reached a place where the silence was no longer uncomfortable. it was peaceful, knowing that you both felt the same way.

"i’m glad we talked," you said softly, smiling shyly at haerin. "i don’t think i could have gone on without knowing where we stood."

haerin smiled back, a tender warmth in her eyes. "me neither. and i’m glad it’s us, y/n. we’ll figure everything out together."

you nodded, feeling more at peace than you had in a long time. "together," you repeated, your voice a little more sure than it had been before.

the rain continued to pour, but you both knew that this moment was the beginning of something beautiful, something real. you walked for what felt like hours, the rain showing no signs of stopping, but you didn’t care. neither of you did. you were too wrapped up in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence, the absence of words speaking more than anything either of you could say.

after a while, you realised that you’d somehow walked all the way back to your place, your house looming in front of you. haerin didn’t seem to realise it either, her attention focused entirely on the conversation and, you imagined, on you.

"i... i guess this is where i live," you said softly, feeling a little silly for stating the obvious.

haerin looked around, surprised. "oh. i didn’t realise we walked this far."

you both reached the front door, seeking shelter from the rain. the downpour was relentless, the sound of it hitting the ground surrounding you both. you hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say next, the atmosphere thick with unspoken feelings.

you couldn’t help but smile back, the tension easing just a little. “you can come in, if you want. i mean, i’m not going anywhere, and... it’s still raining pretty heavily.”

haerin shook her head, offering a small smile in return. "i can’t. i should go home."

"are you sure?" you asked, your heart thudding in your chest. "it’s raining pretty heavily, haerin."

she glanced at the umbrella in your hand, then at you, a small, almost apologetic smile on her lips. "i’ll be fine. but... can i take the umbrella?"

"of course," you said, your voice quiet. "but... stay safe, alright?" you continued, the words coming out before you could stop them. but there was something in your voice, something deeper, that made haerin pause.

she nodded, giving you a soft smile. "thanks, y/n. i’ll be okay."

you stood there, watching as she turned to walk away, your heart suddenly heavy with something you couldn’t quite place. she was walking away, and you were standing there, feeling like something wasn’t quite right.

as she walked away, you stayed rooted in place, watching her disappear into the rain. there was something about this moment, about everything, that made you feel like the distance between you both couldn’t be bridged. your heart suddenly heavy with something you couldn’t quite place. she was walking away, and you were standing there, feeling like something wasn’t quite right. the weight of it all, the way she walked away, the fact that you were still standing there, unsure of what to do next, made you feel lost.

"wait! haerin!" you called out, your voice almost lost to the sound of the rain.

you quickly stepped out from under the cover, the rain soaking you immediately. your heart was pounding in your chest, a mix of fear and something more intense—something that made you want to chase her down, to stop her before she could disappear completely.

when you reached her, you were breathless, drenched through, but you didn’t care.

"you’re amazing, haerin," you blurted out, the words tumbling out before you could stop them. "you’re so... real. you don’t let anything get in your way, and i’ve just been... i don’t know, scared,” you said, your voice trembling with a sincerity you couldn’t hide. “i’ve been scared to tell you everything, to tell you how much you mean to me. but i can’t stand this distance anymore. i want to be with you. i don’t want to lose you. i just—i need you to know how much you mean to me."

haerin was still, her expression softening as she watched you, a flicker of something in her eyes. for a long moment, you both stood there, letting the rain fall around you, feeling the intensity of the moment but not knowing what to do with it.

finally, you spoke again, the words slipping out before you could stop them. "can i kiss you?"

there was no hesitation in haerin’s gaze. she simply nodded, her eyes closing for a brief second, as if to gather herself.

you didn’t wait any longer. in one quick motion, you leaned in, and the kiss was everything. soft and gentle, but there was so much wrapped up in it. everything you hadn’t said. everything you had been too afraid to admit. and in that moment, it felt like the world had stopped spinning. all that mattered was you and her, and the way your heart was finally in sync with hers.

when you pulled away, the silence between you wasn’t awkward. it was calm, full of understanding, of something new beginning. you were both soaked, the cold water soaking through your clothes, but none of it mattered.

“i think i’m going to be okay,” you whispered, your voice barely audible above the rain.

haerin smiled softly, her eyes shining brighter than ever, a warmth that cut through the storm. "me too," she whispered back.

#bombikki 彡☆#newjeans #newjeans x reader #newjeans haerin #haerin x reader #kang haerin x reader

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