#grey marl briefs

[thelockerroomblog]

[icouldntcareless22]

The Deal

Summary: She was officially failing in life and most importantly in university! With her grades hanging of the edge of a thread and tutors rejecting her left and right her only option is to make a deal with the devil a.k.a Kim Seungmin.A deal should always be fair. Your grades in exchange for Kim Seungmin's dream girl. Simple?...Right?!

Word Count: 35k

Slight enemies to lovers, idiots to lovers, slow burn, angst, fluff.

No warnings, some foul language.

AN: Finally it's here! Tumblr won't let me post it in one post, so I am forced to divide into two parts. Would you be interested in SKZ x Greek Mythology theme? Hope you enjoy!!!

Part 2

@lethallyprotected

    "Your tutor requested to be released from his duties"

"Again?!" You cried out, frustrated beyond belief. You started sweating in your seat. That was my 6th one! You thought, running your hands through your hair messing up the soft curls you had tried to make 2 hours or so ago. "Mr Marlow isn't there anything that I can do? Can't I do some extra credit?" You pleaded the professor that stood across you, desperation clear on your face.

   Mr. Marlow was slumped also in defeat in his plush rolling chair. His office was always the epitome of an organized chaos. Heavy books sat on top of his mahogany desk, some opened, some closed. Papers littered the surface, some with angry red notes accompanying them and some others filled with highlighted colors as to remind him of an extra important issue. 

      You always felt grateful that you had been assigned to Mr. Marlow, he may oddly resemble the white rabbit in the Alice in wonderland film personality wise, but he had a good heart and God bless him, he was so patient with you. He was the first teacher to show you such compassion and empathy and to push you to pursue more of your studies. He was an excellent teacher. And he wasn't obligated to sit and listen to you whine about your problems, but he was sitting there and trying to work out a solution with you. With great hesitation he opened his mouth "Maybe if you approached a professional?"

    You signed. "That would be way over my budget" you muttered regretfully. That would mean double the hours only to be left with crumbs. And you couldn't possibly ask your father of this.

     You signed once again and stood up with your bag on your shoulder ready to leave, slightly bowing to the old man before you. He had way more grey hair in the midst of his hair and beard since you had first met him you noticed. You bet that you were responsible for a good chuck of it. " Thank you regardless Mr Marlow. I will try to work it out" You made your way to the door with heavy steps before heading a rushed "Wait!" 

    He stood hurriedly from his chair and walked around the desk towards you, or more specifically towards to the large bookcase that covered his whole wall behind you, and started shuffling through more papers. You watched him, waiting for an explanation to his sudden manic frenzy. When he finally found what he had been searching for, he let out a yelp and turned towards you. "I shouldn't be doing this. I mean- It's not against the rules, but they wouldn't be pleased- Anyway! Y/N-"

    "Is this the part where you tell me you are my father and try to convince me to come to the dark side, professor? Because if it has cookies, let me tell you, I am already sold" you joked.

    Mr Marlow chuckled under his breath but moved on quickly. " This list that contains the names of the top students of our university. They may be of help to you. Try and persuade someone to help you, dear"he said grabbing a pen and scribbling down a note before giving you the piece of paper. A brief look in his smiling eyes and an other to the piece of paper with messy familiar swirlings on it and you were melting.

    "Thank you, Mr Marl" you smiled gracefully at him and bowed, deeper than last time, before taking the final step outside of his office.

 Now let the games begin.

 "So let me get this straight.. you will stalk the top three geniuses of the school to convince them to save your sorry ass from failing?" Yuqi provided, rather unhelpfully, in your humble opinion as she continued to stuff her face with her banana yogurt.

  "I am not stalking! I am watching them with an interest" you corrected her sternly. You were no stalker. You were a girl with purpose.

   "Sounds like stalking to me, but whatever floats your boat" she ironically replied. "Who will be your first target?" She said glancing at the instagram page you were snooping through. "Namjoon?"

    "I mean he is a literal genius. Who would be better to teach me than him?" You wondered out loud, fingers continuously scrolling down his page. He seemed nice, a little on the dorky side and smart. Not to mention handsome. "Well wish me luck" you said as you closed your phone and stood up.

     "You are going right now?" She asked, shocked at your standing figure.

     "Well, the semester isn't going to wait for me" you cackled and made your way to the table Kim Namjoon sat.

    It was not your first choice to approach him like this, but he always seemed to be running around doing this and that, which left lunch as the only safe option that didn't made you into a creep (in comparison to approaching him in a bar setting as you had contemplated). But now that you were approaching the group you were nervous, not only you had to ask a very attractive and smart stranger to tutor your failing ass, but you had to-partly- do it in front of his equally attractive friends.

     You heard a lively laugh booming from the table, a young man with a heart shaped smile was the source. You scanned them quickly, going through shades and shades of hair colors, before settling on the ash brown color that you wanted to speak to.

     "Kim Namjoon?" You asked, tone uncertain. Even though you said one name, seven pair of eyes turned to you. Every one more attractive than the next, you though dreamily. You briefly locked gaze with a short male with honey coloured hair and equally honeyed smile before an answer from your desired target caught your attention. "That would be me" a low voice answered you.

     You turned your gaze to the tall male. Board shoulder that enhanced his already tall frame, even thought his oversized tee and lose pants made it difficult to pinpoint, you were sure he was well built. Sand coloured hair, neatly cut, complimented his olive complexion awfully well. Small face, even smaller than yours even though you wouldn't admit it, straight nose and upon inspecting his smile a pair of adorable dimples. Yep, that was Kim Namjoon.

     "Can I talk to you for a minute?" You asked, politely, arms crossed behind you, making sure you were using your customer service smile.

      He looked at you, obviously not recognizing you and then back to his friends that wore wolfish smiles and eagerly nodded at him. "Uhhh..Sure" he replied, not yet sure of your intentions.

      "Come on" you said, leading him away from his friend's prying ears. You ended up a few meters away, standing a bit awkwardly facing each other. You craned your neck to make eye contact with him and decided to bite the bullet. "I know that this" you made a notion between the two of you "is random, but I have a big favor to ask" you started and lowered your gaze, not being able to look up now, you played with your fingers out of nerves. "Umm I know you are really busy, but I need help." You said, finding courage to look him in the eyes. " Truth is... I am failing in math and physics and you are the only one that can help me. I heard you are a genius and I thought that learning from the best is the best strategy." 

      Okay.. that could have gone better,you thought. But flattery and a pretty female face seemed to make him flustered... hopefully enough to agree. He opened and closed his mouth several times, hands raising to stroke his neck in shame and in embarrassment at your rough compliments. "Ohh...Umm.. I don't really know if I am the one that can help you. I am pretty busy-" he started before you cut in.

      "So am I! And I really need this! I wouldn't have asked you otherwise! You won't have to work hard! Just- just when I don't get something maybe you could explain it to me? Please?" You clutched your hands together in front of you, almost giving him puppy eyes. You were desperate and it showed. 

      "I-I don't know if I will be a good teacher but..." He looked uncertain and confused but an easygoing smile made its way onto his face "Sure! If I can help, I guess" he chuckled as he shifted his weight from one foot to another.

      "Thank you! Thank you Namjoon!" You said, particularly jumping up and down from joy. You couldn't believe it! It was so easy! You were going to make it!

You weren't going to make it.

You were doomed.

Namjoon was a sweetheart and a genius. And how did geniuses speak and explain? Apparently in a language you didn't understand or comprehend.

The gentle giant was true to his word and after you exchanged numbers you started going over the basics. For the record it was difficult to meet up.. Apparently everyone wants a genius in their project, so poor Namjoon was constantly running all around the place trying to fit it all to his hectic schedule. So you took it in a fast pace, trying to absorb as much info as you could and while Namjoon tried to help you (he truly did!) that only ended with frustrated signs and desperate stomps from you. Every word he spoke was like...like it was in an other language! You hit the first wall at physics and that wall extended into the math area and grew into a bigger and bigger wall and ended up like the Great Wall of China, separating your weak academic ass from the man who had an IQ of 148. 

    Sorrowfully you said your last goodbye at Namjoon, who in turn hugged you like the child he now thought you were and told you to call him whatever you needed.

    You signed.. it was already September! How would you be able to lift your grades by February? You couldn't give up though! Your part scholarship depended on it! So you pulled out the now crumbled paper and traced your finger over the second name. 

Kim Hong Joong.

You knew of him and his rowdy crew. Plus a close friend of his, Wooyoung, worked with you. You were on good terms with him, fortunately. He was way too cute for a guy in college you though, easy to talk to and with a breathy laugh, similar to those witchy cartoon characters, you like it though...not only it was contagious, but unique too. You would have to talk to him when you went to the coffee shop later, you decided. For now you slumped on your desk, ready for an exciting lesson on philosophy.

 After a good 3 hours of Aristotle's teaching you made your way to the cafeteria. Yuqi texted you a little while back, saying that her lesson ended early and was with Yuna to the cafeteria. You stood up shrugging on your thrifted university jacket and making your way through the crowd. The weather was perfect this time of the year, still hot enough from the summer heat with a light breeze blowing just enough to refresh you. The whole campus was still green and full of life, causing students to hang around the lawn. While you crossed the campus you catch a glimpse of the mess that consisted of Han Jisung. The short brunette was a ball of energy, that completely exhausted you while on the clock together, but his charm was incomparable. You still couldn't believe it that he had broken a dozen of cups and the manager just left him off the hook. You paused your walking to greet the boy.

   "Y/N! Hi!" He exclaimed, pulling you for a side hug. You smiled at him, greeting politely his friends as well. The brunette boy only stared at you, a single nod your only greeting while the taller of the two, a pretty boy with foxy eyes gave you an adorable dimpled smile, which you returned.

   " Hi! I haven't seen you almost a week." You replied, his absence from work painfully obvious. Thankfully you, at least, had Wooyoung, the funny man making the hours pass easily.

    "Oh yeah! I had to take some days off cause boss didn't match with my uni schedule. The semester barely begun and my professors gave us 3 new projects! To see if we lost our talent over the summer. Who says that?" He cried dramatically, but you were no better than him.

    "I know right?! Math has been beating my ass too" you whined, hosting your bag higher up your shoulder. You exchanged a look that only students who were failing could understand.

     "I get you. Not my best subject as well" he agreed as well.

     You smiled sympathetically and shook your head. "Anyway I got to run! Yuqi and Yuna are waiting for me! See you later Sung" you saluted, threw a last polite smile to your listeners and took the path to the cafeteria. You heard muffled whispers behind you, but you didn't pay much attention as you put your headphones on.

     Soon you were entering the cafeteria through the double glass doors, that overlooked a good chunk of the campus yard. You looked at the crowd trying to find the pair and just as you spotted a bright orange hair color in a space bun up do in the crowd, your front made contact with something solid causing you both to fall down.

     "Ouff!" A yelp escaped you as soon as you made contact with the floor under you. Ouch! You rubbed your aching bum as you checked yourself. Other than your headphones,that fell off (those darned wireless buds! I love you and hate you at the same time!) you were good to go. You lifted your head to see a petit girl, in a similar position to yours, only clutching her pink clad phone in her hands and letting a relieved sign. She lifted her head and-

     "I am so sorry!"

     "I am sorry!" 

   You both blurted at the same time, looked each other and burst laughing. You standed up, extending a hand to the dark haired beauty in front of you. "Sorry! I wasn't watching were I was going. You good?" you apologized as you pulled her up, inspecting her. Her short black skirt let you know that her thin legs were injury free, but you asked nevertheless, making sure.

   She smiled at you and showed her phone. "Nah I am good, only worried about my phone. Don't worry about it! I shouldn't have stood in the middle" she said as she dusted herself off.       

     "I am Lee Soojin" she said, extending her hand. She had glossy black locks framing her doll like face, which consisted of huge onyx eyes, a tiny nose and a set of full lips.Although she was the same height as you, she was thinner, almost fragile looking. She was dressed to the nines, a black skirt, a white fluffy top and loafers with a slight heel. She looked like a dream. Especially in comparison to you who wore flared jeans with a black tee, your outfit completing a pair of double soled black converse and your loyal thrifted university jacket. 

   "L/N Y/N" you said, shaking her hand.

   "I know.Sort of" she laughed a bit awkward in response to your raised brows. She knew you? "I often come by the coffee shop you work in. You get my coffee just right"

   Ohh."Vanilla Latte with one spoonful of sugar?" You asked, her face coming back to you bit by bit.

   "Yeah!"she beamed, unnaturally happy that her barista remembered her face. 

   "Nice to finally.. knowing you? " You joked, cocking your head. "I gotta go now. I will see you at the shop I guess" You said turning to see if Yuqi was still were you last saw her. She was. "Goodbye " you waved, before making your merry way to your table.

   "See you then"She called,waving. 

   As you made your way to your friends,you accidentally locked gazes with a boy who sat on the near table. Why was he looking at you so persistently? But then you noticed his gaze was still nailed to the spot, where your exchange with Soojin have been. You looked over your shoulder seeing Soojin talking with a tall male. Oh, well that made more sense, you snickered and started walking away.

   "Girl!" Yuqi exclaimed seeing you approach. "You okay? You fell on your ass pretty hard." She laughed that throaty laugh of hers, clearly enjoying your suffering.

   "I am glad my suffering and humiliation is funny to you" you murmured as you took a sit across her.

   "Don't pay attention to her, bub. You okay?" Yuna asked. She was always a motherly figure to the group, always asking and caring about you two. 

   "Thank you Yuna. I am fine Yuna" you answered sweetly, not looking to the direction of Yuqi. In response she laughed even harder, mocking me right back. 

   "Did you figure out what to do with your tutor problem?" The orange haired hirl asked as she was playing with the remaining food on her tray.

   "My second line of defense is Kim Hong Joong. I know him, sort of. Wooyoung is friends with him. I will try to get more info from him, I guess" you answered, unsure as you are a spoonful of the food the girls brought you.

   "And the third Kim?"she asked, mirth dancing in her eyes. She found it extremely funny that the top 3 students of the school were Kims'. 

   "Kim Seungmin." You muttered,against your bitten fingernails. Anxiety was not your scene. "I didn't find him on insta. I don't really know anyone who knows him. I will have to snoop around" Yuna swatted your bitten hand away from your mouth. 

   "I can ask some people if you want" suggested Yuqi, in the mist of a bite. You nodded gratefully towards her. Yuna looked between you two, several times before signing "You know you should stop talking like you are members of a mafia gang" she contemplated, finishing the last of her desert. 

   You looked at Yuqi, cocked your head and with one voice you both answered: "No"

   Yuna laughed, raising her hands as if she was admitting defeat, Yuqi and you soon followed.

   You were on the very edge to being late.

Once again your professor thought that, their lesson was the only thing taking up your time so he thought it would do you good to deepen on the subject. 

  For an extra half hour.

 Which left you with little time to no time to eat, cause queues in the cafeteria were a bitch and hurrying to make your way to your afternoon shift.

   When the coffee shop was on your line of vision, you were finally able to catch your breath. Usually the sight of the small coffee shop that was full of  glass covered walls and potted plants brought you a sense of calm. Today you were on edge though, not only you were running all the way from across campus, but you were going to ask Wooyoung about Kim Hong Joong's number so you can make contact with your second contestant. 

   As soon as you walked through the glass door, the sound of shutters going off greeted you. Your boss's idea to make the place instagramable was the best thing that could happen to her. Cute art on the walls, well placed neon lights, that were not over the top and fit the relaxing vibe of the shop were placed on bare walls, that the costumers could be photographed against. Cute cozy sofas and chairs in pale colors were all over the shop. A grand staircase by the bar lead to the second floor, which was reformed into a studying area for the struggling students. All in all, the shop was an instagram dream, the staff was consisted mostly of cute looking guys and dashing girls (you still couldn't understand how you got the job, you were pretty but those people were on a whole other level) but you wouldn't complain.

    You made your way behind the bar, into the staff room shedding your jacket and your favourite messenger bag and donned your black apron with the log of the shop.  By the time you were out, Wooyoung was leaning against the counter, sweet talking to some girls that were giggling in response. You shook your head and started to make a cup of coffee for yourself, reading yourself for a busy shift. 

    You had barely touched the machine, when you noticed a tall boy waving at you to get your attention. You went to him and started reciting your familiar line: "Hello. What can I get you?"

    He smiled prettily at you and leaned slightly closer so he can speak more quietly "Hello.. Can I order a coffee and maybe you can deliver it to the table?" He asked, scratching the back of his neck, not sure how to get out his inner thoughts.

     "Sure" you answered easily. "What can I get you?"

      "A vanilla latte with one spoonful of sugar please. Can you deliver it to the table by the window? To the girl with the green cardigan. Tell her it's from Eric" you raised your head to the direction the boy pointed and saw Soojin sitting there with a couple of friends you vaguely recognized.

     "Well, Eric...consider me your cupid for the evening. Don't leave until after I give her the drink" You supplied with a crooked grin as you made the coffee. You exited the bar and drink in hand you made your way to the girls.

     "Good evening Soojin. Girls" you greeted, placing the cup in front of her. "This is for you from the gentleman over there" you pointed out the lean form of Eric, that stood rooted in place. He gave an adorably awkward wave and a charming smile and bolted (as confidently as he could) out of the door.

      "You are for sure popular" you joked.

    She politely raised her hands, silently arguing with your statement. "You just got here? Is.. Jisung's.. shift over?"

      "Jisung is the brunette one. The red headed one is Wooyoung. But yes, he is done for the day. And I am just getting started..Yay.." You made sure to plaster a very fake smile to show your.. excitement for the day that is to come. "Anyway, nice seeing you again. I gotta go back now" you said, already walking backwards to your post.

       "Hey Y/N! How it's going?" Wooyoung greeted you now that the coast was clear of beautiful girls, that required his attention.

      "I am good. I wanted to ask you something though... about your friend Hong Joong-"you started to say, but was rudely interrupted.

       "While you are beautiful, he is currently semi-available. He has his sight on this girl-" he started, but you quickly cut him off.

       "Thank you for the unwanted info and for the compliment, but that was not my intention. I actually wanted to know if he is interested in tutoring. I learned that, he is one of the top students. Currently math and physics are making my life a living hell and I thought maybe someone who was on a more...high intellectual level, would be able to help little old me" you finished.

       He stared for bit before answering "Well, I don't know if he have the time, but I'll tell you what. I'll give you his number so you can ask him yourself" he exclaimed, already fishing his phone out of his back pocket.

      "Thank you, Wooyoung! I owe you one!"  You grinded big and wide. Maybe luck would be on your side this time. "How it's going with Somi by the way?" You asked, as you put your phone back to its place under the bar.

       His smile immediately fell and frustration took place. "She hasn't called, texted or anything! I just don't understand! We go out, have fun, we are talking and suddenly, she disappears! Is that normal?" He cried out, hands shooting to his fiery locks, messing them further up.

      "Maybe she doesn't know what she wants yet. Or maybe she hasn't cleared up a previous relationship yet and is hesitant to get involved with you" you shrugged as you leaned back into the wooden surface of the cashier.

     "Well why can't she say so then?! What does she think that I would do?" He clicked his tongue as he cleaned the tools he used to make a coffee. At least he was putting his frustration into good use.

        "Hello!" A voice sounded from behind you and you turned to ask yet again, what the next person would like.

     You were once again on your way to the coffee shop. You swore that these days the shop saw you more than your own house. It was a sorry excuse of a house really, but it was a house. You couldn't complain, it was cheap rent and a roof over your head. You walked into the shop and immediately you were greeted by a familiar voice "Hello! What would you lik- Oh it's you" the man finished, his voice significantly lower by the end of his sentence.

      "Nice to see you too, Sung" you sassed back, walking to the bar where he usually lounged. "An Americano, please! Is he here?" You inquired as you watched him get to work. The shade he dyed his hair now suited him very well, you thought. Pure black with blue undertones. You had heard several girls gossiping or rather complimenting him on his new appearance. He had let his hair grow a bit longer, not enough to grow a mullet, but enough to ruffle through. Today he donned a white shirt and black skinny jeans with chains, that gave him an edge. He never learned his lesson though, you clicked your tongue, white clothes and making coffee didn't go together. As he turned to you, you noticed a tiny stain on his sleeve. You passed him a bill as you took your coffee.

       "Yeah, he is upstairs" he answered as he passed your bill right back to you, winking.

        "Thank you love" you said, winking back and making your way upstairs. For a Wednesday afternoon the second floor was understandable empty, especially at the beginning of the semester. That's why you immediately knew who was the party who awaited you. You crossed the floor and took the opposite seat. "Hong Joong, right?"

        "Yes. Y/N?" He asked you, hands around his cappuccino. He had a small face, his straight slim nose was a masterpiece you were jealous of and pared with a nice set of lips, he seemed adorable. What greatly contrasted his sweet face was his wild half white half black hair, that was styled into a mullet with the side chopped off. Along with his hair, his multiple piercings gave off a more bad boy vibe that you were used to.

        "Yeah thank you so much that you agreed to come. Wooyoung mentioned your.. hectic schedule." You laughed the awkwardness off. 

       "Don't mention it! I came to talk to you, but I don't know if I can help you. I am on my final year and this will get crazy pretty soon." He said, grimacing throughout every word. He threw an apologetic smile towards you, but you cutt him off before he could continue.

        "Yeah I know! I know and I don't want to pressure you! But I really need help.. I really can't afford to fail.. I can be available whenever  you are. If you tell me in advance, I can schedule it with my manager so my shifts won't be a problem." you breathed, suddenly dropping out was becoming a very real problem. You never thought that you would be so close to failing and doing so was not an option.

       "Well then..okay. I will try to help you. But just so you know things will be difficult. Mainly because my hours can be weird-"

       "I am fine with that! Just-...Thank you" you finished, a grateful smile spreading across your face.

       "How about we start now?" He suggested with an oh-so-innocent smile on his face. 

       "Now now? Well I have only my math notebook with me.."you trailed.

       "Excellent! I can see where do you get stuck then!"

       "Yes! Thank you Hong Joong!"

        "..And then she tried to call your grandma out!" He cried out onto the speaker 

        You laughed loudly at that. "Did she beat this granny up?" You questioned, knowing oh so well your grandma's fiery temper.

      "They almost dueled on the supermarket with the carts!" He giggled, recalling the scene.

      "Damn! I wish I was there to see her!" You cheered gleefully. You had missed your home.

         "Aahh you should have seen her! Now that you said this..when are you coming home?? Your grandparents are talking my ear off! They want to see you! And so do I?You know better than this!" He laughed that full belly laugh of his. 

     "I will come home for Christmas daddy. I promise!" You oathed. 

    "Can't you miss one weekend?" He asked, defeat evident on his tone. You couldn't miss your shifts, but he didn't have to know that. 

  "I will be there before you even know it, old man!" You sassed, distracting him. 

 "Yeah, right " he scoffed into the line.

You couldn't go now. Not when everything was going great!

     Everything, for once, was going in your way! You and Hoonie were on spectacular terms when it came on understanding, he explained everything so well, that it was practically impossible not to get it! Your physics professor ,after seeing your newfound effort in her class and after a particular talk with Mr. Marlow, agreed to give you an extra project, so you can get some much needed credit.

     You were running around double the time you were used to, but it was worth it. Many times Hong Joong would finish particularly late, so he would come over to teach you and you would study well into the early hours of the morning, but you were content. You were good on your house payments, even making something extra to send to your dad. He was on house installments that were kicking his ass and together with your grandparents he made it through, but with little to spare. 

     Your phone vibrated as you spoke. You checked it out seeing the familiar Instagram name of Hong Joong."Yes yes dad! I gotta go now. I love you" 

        "-ve you too " you vaguely heard him call out, before you hung up. A message from Hong Joong made you freeze. 

We should talk.

That's all it said. You quickly unlocked your phone, searching for his number and called.

         "Hey Hong Joong! I saw your message.. Is everything okay?"you inquired, plopping down your bed. You should reverse it back to the couch setting, since you expected the man that you were currently on the phone with, you mentally noted.

         "Yeah, but I have some bad news. I will tell you in person. We have a session in 2 hours right?" He asked, absentmindedly as he was shuffling through papers. He was making so much noise you could barely hear him.

        "Yeah, I will be expecting you Hoonie"you said as you nervously bounced on your bed.

       "Do a recap, okay? I will test you on the last four chapters" More shuffling was heard from the other end of the line. 

       "Okay.. I have the papers you were asking for ready, by the way. I asked my friend" you mumbled, teeth already working on your ruined nails.

       "Thank you Y/Nie! I won't be long" he chanted, his voice more distant now.

        "Ok! Byee!" you called. You shouldn't panic, maybe he wanted to tell you about a problem he had found on your worksheet, you reasoned. It didn't have to be anything bad. You decided to distract yourself, you had chores to do and a review to complete before Hong Joong arrived. Get up, you said to yourself. Don't think about it.

         You pulled yourself up and started collecting your fallen clothes, that you had scattered around in your try to get to your lecture on time this morning. You should go to the laundry mat later, you noted. The pots, that were left on the sink yesterday evening, were starting to smell so you donned your apron and quickly started cleaning the kitchen as well. An hour passed by, before you settled on your old but comfy grey couch-bed to study per request of Hong Joong. Math were starting to get easier as you went by, but they were still a pain to deal with.

    Not much time passed, or so you thought, before you heard a knock. You looked at your clock to see it was six o'clock already.

        You stretched over the sofa to reach the doorknob, turning slightly to let Jong Joong in.

      "You know you shouldn't open the door like that. What if I was a stranger trying to rob you?" He said as he passed the threshold, already hand in his backpack to get out his books. 

       "If someone came in and saw me like this, he wouldn't tried to rob me, he would pity me so much that he would even give me pocket money' you said, eyebrows lifting as you watched him spread books upon books on your coffee table and on your floor. 

      "Ha ha" he ironically said. "Are you ready?" 

      "What was that you wanted to tell me?" You wondered.

      He hesitated, but eventually he said "Let's study first ..I will tell you after." Do you studied meticulously for the next hour or so. And when you thought the torture had finished, you were in for an equal bad time.

      "What?!"you incrediously exclaimed, shocked by the news. "Noo!" you shouted in despair. 

      "I am sorry. We are only a month in and I couldn't keep up." He admitted regretfully.

      "No...this isn't your fault Hoonie. I had known that you would be burdened eventually. Your final year is beating your ass, you should do your best to concentrate" you admitted, head lowering. Despite your words of encouragement, you felt as someone was destroying your carefully build house of cards.

       "Thanks for understanding. And if it comforts you are doing much better already!" He tried to cheer you up, but a look on your face was enough to shut him up. "Do you have a backup plan?" He asked you, concerned.

        "I have one more person, that was recommended to me. But I don't know him so I have to look him up. I hope that he is accepting "you signed, checking your phone. "Hey, do you have plans right now? Yuqi and Yuna are coming for a movie night" 

        "I have plans with Yunho and Mingi, but I appreciate the offer. Good night, Y/N!"

        You smiled and waved him goodbye. You would have to study twice as hard now. It was true, that you were getting better. Physics, with a little more effort, would be doable. Math on the other hand...

         You opened your phone, entering Instagram. You tapped on the search bar and typed Kim Seungmin. But no results came.. well it came up with several names and faces, but none of them was connected to your university or had common friends with you.. How the hell you were supposed to find him? You searched on Facebook, on Viber too.. N.O.T.H.I.N.G! Was the dude a ghost or something?

       A knock on your door pulled you out of your daydream. You recognized the loud voices and the frequent giggles, so once again you opened the door without checking. 

       "Babyy~" arms wrapped around you and the smell of peaches filled your senses. Yuqi rocked you in her arms, quite strongly, for such a petite figure. "How was your lesson with Joong?" She asked as she released you and Yuna made her way into your small home, carrying a large pizza.

         "Hoonie was wonderful, but that was our last lesson" you wailed. Wiping fake tears, you continued "He got assigned to two new projects and his professor suggested him for a possible internship. I mean, I am happy for him. I am just worried." You ranted as you got up.

        You made your way to your fridge and took out a half empty bottle of rose wine, that you kept especially for movie nights. You grabbed 3 glasses and returned to the girls that were already opening the bed. You passed each of them a glass and took a sit on the head of the bed.

         "So now what?" Yuna asked as she took her first bite of her pizza.

         "I tried searching for Kim Seungmin on insta, on facebook, on everything! But I came up empty...I will try some more and if I can't find him...I will just do whatever I can on my own." Yuna's hand rubbed soothing circles on your back. You looked up only to find their concerned gazes focused on you.  "Hey don't look at me like that! Come on! Let's forget about it and eat! On which episode we paused last?"

         "The 12th! Finally! I was waiting the whole week for this!" Yuna cheered "Do you know that, they will make a second season?"

         "As they should. Alchemy of souls is a masterpiece! I would watch 10 more seasons!" 

         As the tittle song rolled in, all of you fell quiet and let the amazing drama pull you in.

    "Y/N!!!"

  A piercing scream in the form of your name echoed inside the coffee shop. Some customers were startled, some were plain staring at the hurricane,that was Yuqi. 

       You shushed her warningly and turned with a very fake smile to the customer in front of you. The guy gave you an understanding look, took his coffee and left you with the loud girl. 

     "You'll never guess! You owe me! You owe me!" She was literally rocking on her heels, her hands clasped together and looking at you adorably excited. "So about the thing with your third Kim. I asked Lucas, who asked Yuta, who knew that Ten and Minho are friends, that Minho is friends with Seungmin. But guess who Minho and Seungmin are friends with?!" She finished without a breath and left you staring at her. 

       You blinked twice. "You should have become a rapper, not a linguist" you amazed. "And also... what?"

        "Girl! Focus! Kim Seungmin! The target! We know who he is!" She exclaimed, her excitement peaking again. "Kim Seungmin. Second year like us. Science department, dental care. Tall, brunette, glasses. He doesn't really have a large friend group. He is close with Minho, who I mentioned earlier and guess who else?!"

        "Who?" you asked, looking at her rather dumply. 

        Not caring about you not catching up, she exclaimed a name you didn't expect. "Han Jisung!" 

        That startled you out of your shock. "My Jisung?" You questioned, pointing at the culprit who was cheerily cleaning up the station. The only response you received was a fierce nod from her. Luck was smiling at you again. So you took casual but calculated steps towards the boy, who had his back turned to you. 

         "Jisung! My man! How are you?" you squealed as you placed your hands around him, successfully capturing him. He turned around with a smile, not having a better sense to start running away. 

         "When we last talked..you know 7 minutes ago..I was well."he laughed as he wiped his hands on the only dry towel we kept in our station. 

           "I have heard you are friends with Lee Minho and Kim Seungmin.."you started, not really knowing how to tell him but a voice stopped you on your tracks.

           "What would you like to know about me?" A smug voice asked from the counter. You turned and saw a new presence next to an awkward Yuqi. The new arrival was a little taller than Yuqi, brown locks,almost honey colored, were framing his slim face. His eyes were up turned, feline like and they were watching your every move with intelligent and playfulness. Like a true cat. His lips were slightly up turned as well, giving you the impression that he was silently laughing at you. 

      "Who are you?" you asked as you approached the cashier where he was standing, not knowing better yourself. 

       Eyebrows raised and smug smile intact. "I am Lee Minho. I heard you talking about me." he returned as he tapped his fingers against the counter. 

        "Oh!" you said, finally understanding. "Actually I was interested in your friend-" 

        "Seungmin!"

        "Seungmin!"

   Two voices cut the air, equally shocked. You looked both at the stranger by the cashier and your coworker in wonder. Their smiles threaten to break off their faces, eyes widened with pleasant surprise. Oh! They misunderstood you. "No! No! It's not what you are thinking! I actually am searching for a tutor and I was told he was on top of the academic list. But I can't find him anywhere" 

       "Ahh.." 

       "Ahh.." 

    In union they let out an equally disappointed sign, making you let out an amused huff. 

       "It's a shame tho...I think you would suit each other.."murmured Jisung, tousling his hair gently. 

        "You could give him a run for his money. From what Jisung told me about you." Minho pleasantly hummed.

         You turned to face your friend, eyes squinted and face accusing. He immediately raised his hands and denied any guilt. The rest of your company let out laughs at the comical scene. 

          "But jokes aside. Our Seungminnie is a little... emotionally constipated. Yeah, let's say that." Minho explained as he scanned the menu now. Yuqi was silent by his side, eyeing between you and him. "Other than that, he is an lovable idiot"

        He eventually ordered to Jisung, who started making the drink right away. "What do you mean by that?"you asked. 

        "Well he is rather reserved and he is the no bullshit type of guy. He will not be likely to accept tutoring you." 

        Wonderful. That was exactly what you didn't want to hear.

        Well you hoped you could have to change that. 

    You turned to him, with a hint of a smile and asked him.

      "Can you tell me where I can find him?"

      After your short talk with Minho and Jisung, you stalked Kim Seungmin. 

      You and Yuqi were the main agents, that were running all over the place. The first time you caught a glimpse of him with Minho and Jisung at the courtyard, chilling leisurely. In contrast to what Minho told you, he seemed lovely, cute smile and animated talking from what you saw. You spotted him going to class, thankfully your hours matched, so you had an eye on him. You even saw him at the coffee shop a time or two, though he never stayed. 

     From what you gathered he was a reserved guy, just as Minho said. He didn't really talk to many people, he made a funny comment or two, but then he was out of sight. You currently were on the cafeteria, with Yuna and Ryunjin by your side, watching him from afar. He was sitting with a black haired boy you didn't know, he looked quite young though (probably younger than you two)  and was constantly glancing somewhere. You tried to follow his gaze, but you couldn't pint point where it landed every time. Something in your gut told you to pay attention though, as if this could be the solution to your problems. 

And you always trusted your gut.

       So the gazes continued. He was watching someone and you were watching him. Just as you were growing tired of this and was beginning to quit your whole detective game, his gaze shifted. The person he was watching was moving towards the exit. So you snapped your gaze at the door and there they stood, in all their glory against the sunlight that burst through the glass walls. As fair as the snow white herself. You turned your gaze towards Seungmin again, watching him ogle Lee Soojin, like an idiot in love and a smile made itself known in your face. 

      You had a plan.

    After careful examination, or detective work as Yuqi had affectionate calling it, you finally had confirmed your hatch. 

    A little more stalking was required, but along with the help you received from your girls, it was easy as a piece of cake. 

    A little comments here and there in an attempt to make Jisung spill some beans, which worked wonderfully and left him in a stupor (you made yourself a mental note not to trust him with anything personal again), and your plan was set.

    It was a little bit of a stretch, to think that he would agree to help you just so he can get a girlfriend, but you had no options left. Math was kicking your ass again and alone you were struggling, it was like you were drowning and you were trying to paddle your way through.

    You just needed a lifeline that would get you through. Just for the upcoming exams. So determinately you lifted your chin and made your way to the library.      

         You hadn't made it a habit to visit the library. You hadn't had the time either. 

You stood outside for a beat, gathering your wits. The building was tall and imposing, making you even more hesitant to go in. But you had to brave it, you had to fake it till you make it.

   You took one big breath and entered. The three floor building seemed even bigger on the inside. Old wood, that was a miracle that still held, was everywhere and the smell of old books surrounded the place. Your eyes ranked over the multiple desks, that held many students. No, not him. Him neither. No. And here he was. Your eyes found him.

    He was there, just like Minho said he would. He was taller than you expected. And more handsome. Soft brown locks that were cut into a neat haircut fell just above his eyes. Glasses stood high on his straight nose, hiding the exact color of his eyes due to the light hitting on them, but if your own eyes didn't deceive you you would swear that they were a dark brown, maybe even onyx like. He wore a serious expression, his mouth pressed into a thin line. The oversized white tee he wore, along with the black cargo pants didn't do wonders on his figure but he sure looked comfy in them. He also looked very concentrated and you felt bad to break it off, but not bad enough not to do it. 

       You criss crossed between the tables and unsuspecting students and plopped down on the opposite seat. He briefly looked up from his laptop, but upon seeing your unfamiliar face, he soon returned his gaze at the screen in front of him. 

      "Hi, you're Kim Seungmin, right?" You slowly asked, testing the waters. When the words left your mouth, he slowly looked up and met my gaze. He seemed unsure of what my deal was and not really keen on finding out. 

     "Yes, that would be me" he said, not offering any other information or asking for your own name, for that fact. His face stayed the same as when he was reading. 

     Great.. from what it seems, this was the default.

     "Since you didn't ask. Hi, my name is Y/N and I am here to propose a deal to you." You said, bringing your hands on the table and waving them together. He didn't say anything just made himself more comfortable on the chair and his figure slouching . 

      "I am on the verge of failing my math class and I need help. Your help to be exact." He crossed his arms and leaned back further. No emotion yet on his face, a subtle raise of his eyebrow was the only answer you got, something similar to a disbelieving scoff leaving him, he seemed like he was mocking you. But you didn't know if you were imagining things, just to fill that void in his facade. Maybe if you stroked his ego? "They said to come to you and that you were one of the top three students of the school" you said putting your chin on top of hands, smile still intact. Be pleasant and nice was your only option. Smile and waved boys, just smile and wave.

        He leaned forward, mimicking your posture. His hands were long and elegant you noticed, like that of a piano player. "Thank you for the.. preference. But I will have to decline" he said with a grimace that some would call a smile. You knew better.

       "But you didn't let me finish. It has come to my knowledge that you like Lee Soojin" you said, a smile making it's way on your face.             Finally, a spark of emotion! His  eyes momentarily widened and his mouth fell slightly open before he straightened his expression, he immediately turned his head right and left and he leaned closer to you, glaring intensely. You grinned even wider at the action, a crack in his armor was all you needed.

     He continued glaring at you for a moment, clearly contemplating if killing you was the safest option, but eventually he fell back against his chair, not speaking a word.

     "I can help you get together with her. I saw you watching her from a far. I happened to know her, she is a regular to the cafe I work at" you begun before he could open his mouth.

          His face didn't change much, now annoyance was a little more prominent, but the emptiness still ruled over his face.  "Unfortunately, I will not be helping you as I have my own issues and I believe the second statement is none of your business. I wish I could say that it was a pleasure meeting you but I avoid lying. Have a good day" he said, utterly dismissing you. He turned back to his laptop, leisurely fixing his glasses, not giving you an other lick of attention.

 Well that went exactly as they warned you. When Minho said emotionally constipated, you didn't think they really meant it. Even though you wanted to grab him by his shoulders and shake him, you couldn't force him to accept. You had played your cards and lost. As you would probably lose your scholarship..

            You looked at him for a moment, then collected your stuff from the chair you had pushed them into and stood "If you change your mind, you will find me at the coffee shop by the uni. You know the one Soojin goes. Have a good day "you said, almost giggling to the look he threw you, at the mention of the girl's name. You gave him a salute and turned walking away so you can cry away your day in peace.

       Despite you thinking that the promise of a girlfriend would be enough, mister Kim Seungmin proved you wrong and didn't agree to your offer. So you were left struggling alone just shy of October. To your surprise and utter delight of Mr. Marlow, you were decent enough in physics now. Your physic proff was moved by your struggle and impressed by your newfound knowledge so she agreed to give you a couple of projects, in order to make up for the lost grades. It was a real pain in the ass to balance your university life, along with work and the extra hours of studying that you put in to catch up, but at least you were afloat..for now. 

      And despite of denying your deal you saw more and more of Kim Seungmin. First it was at the cafeteria, him gazing discreetly at her and you gazing at them. Once or twice, your eyes would meet and you would raise your eyebrow at him, secretly judging. He would answer with a fiery look and squinting eyes back at you.

  You would meet him at campus were he would simply hangout with his friends. You had repeatedly greeted them, asking the usual 'how are you' and 'are you good', both Jisung and Minho had answered you (your coworker bubbly as ever and Minho albeit with less enthusiasm but not unfriendly), but Seungmin just stared you emptily. You swore he only had two emotions, emptiness and aggression. If he had more.. well you had yet to see them. 

     The third place he frequent went in was no other than your workplace. He collected the info you gave him, the sneaky bastard, and used it without you reaping the benefits. He showed up just a week after your meet up. As Minho's friend he had visited the place before and sure, he could have grabbed a casual pick-me-up, but he had never sat down on the cafe. One day though, he rolled up in a casual sky blue hoodie and a pair of jeans with his own trusted bad on his shoulders. A cute pair of glasses decorated his face and his hair, even messy, had a certain charm.

    Such a waste of good looks, you thought. His face upon seeing you behind the bar was comical to say the least. He was pretty neutral before entering, a calming aura around him but when he saw you, his lips pressed together in a grimace and a cold demeanor met you. You had smiled though and took his order, mentally scoffing. A black Americano. How unoriginal. 

     He had came up empty that day, as Soojin hadn't shown up. His next try was successful, not only he had manage to nail the time the girl came ,but also managed to secure a spot near her table. His subtle heart eyes made you want to puke. 

     His third time though was your favourite. Soojin was by her usual corner, but she was not alone this time. Eric was by her side in all his blonde glory, making the girl giggle and blush so hard. Of course Mr Kim Seungmin was shooting lazer from his eyes, face empty and eyes filled with the promise of murder. It was a delightful thing.

        Two weeks flew by and your panicked began to rise. A typical Wednesday and you were staring blankly at the entrance, wondering if a future as a barista was the only option left for you. Your train of thought was rudely interrupted by a tall figure getting all up in your face. A tall brown haired menace.

   As the days flew by your polite smiles turned into sarcasm filled giggles and a pressing desire to annoy the fuck out of his majesty, the genius. So you looked up to meet his eyes, met with the usual picture of him frowning down at you. 

       "Can I help you?" You asked monotone, already moving away to prepare his order. He never tried anything else besides his bland americano. 

        He didn't move, only looked at you decisively. He leaned over the counter as much as he could "I don't want coffee. I want to talk to you" You stared at him. Did you want to be rude and deny? He deserved it, but that would require your downfall so you swallowed your pride and nodded.

       You quickly told  Shushua you would be a minute and leaded Seungmin into a quiet corner of the shop. You sat down and the staring match began. 

     You knew this, this was a war of nerves. As a business major you knew he wanted the deal you presented, but he was stubborn enough not to begin the discussion. " You thought about my proposal?" You probed gently.

      After a brief hesitation he nodded and finally spoke. "I would be willing to help you" he stated simply. He was truly a man of few words. You hoped that didn't seep through to his teaching. 

       "Wonderful!" You cheered, clapping once in satisfaction and leaning back to your plush chair. " When can you start? I am in immediate need of attention" you joked, just to see him squirm. He didn't disappoint as he lightly shifted his weight on the comfortable couch he sat. 

        "I don't work.. so we can follow your program" he stated dismissively. "Where do you lack?" He seemed more comfortable focusing his attention on your academic problem, than his unrequited crush. Cute, you thought.

       "Math is my main problem. I fixed my physics grade enough to pass through this semester. Maybe a lesson or two in exam season, if you are kind enough." You listed, resting your head in your hand. You should sound dismissive and aloof and play your cards right this time. 

      "Okay we can work on that.." he trailed off, not knowing how to get on with the conversation.

       "You should open an Instagram page" you suddenly said. He needed the exposure you had decided. He had the looks, he was smart and if we worked on his manners.. he could get Soojin.

        He scoffed, right back at his usual self. "And why would I do that?" He asked, now that you knew him a little, his voice filled with disbelief and irony.

       "So you can show off your good looks to Soojin obviously. From my point of you this is the only thing you have going on" you stated, smirking. His relaxed, albeit a little uncomfortable, pose tensed. "It's adorable how tense you get when I mention her" you teased, lips curling a little, not able to resist. You had to ask. "What made you change your mind?"

    "I thought about it. That's it"  You looked at him. His jaw was clenched, his posture still tense and he was looking you straight in the eyes, almost as if he was daring you to say it.

   "Are you sure? Are you sure that someone didn't help in changing your mind? Like someone trying to get your girl. Someone named...Eric?" you waved your fingers together and placed your chin lightly on them. From the way his body tensed even more, his mouth was pressed into a thin line, fully concealing his full lips and the lightly squinting of his eyes, you hit bulls eye. 

      "Well.. appearance wise, I don't have a lot to fix. Personality wise though..we could do so much better." You innocently smile. "Anyway she is on social a lot, she often comes to take photos here, she even followed me. The first step we have to make is her acknowledging you. So genius boy... When are you free?" 

     His way of teaching is as insufferable as he is you soon learned.

     You had agreed to meet at the library. The tall building served as an excellent place as he wasn't keen on visiting your house. It was fine by you, you weren't thrilled about having him in your apartment as well.

       The first thing he did was a through  exploration of your knowledge. And then, the torture began. Equations, problems, types... And a good chunk of it, you failed to get.

     "You must be kidding! Even the professor doesn't give us that much homework!" You dramatically yelled, earning a few looks from the people around you and a glare from your companion.

     "If you want to improve, this is the appropriate amount. It's truly remarkable how much you don't understand" he noted as he started gathering his books, placing them neatly in a navy blue backpack. You were amazed at capability of his backpack. You could probably fit yourself in there, if you tried.

     "I am a marketing major! I don't need to know these things!" You cried out, more quietly this time, no less dramatic though, desperation coloring your voice. 

      "You are in marketing?" He asked, taken aback. You were crossing the entrance of the library and stood there for a moment. Should you be offended by his surprise?

      "Yeah, why the surprise? What you thought I would be?" You rocked on your heel, craning your neck to look at him. 

       "Something more dramatic. Performing arts, perhaps" he replied. Well... you could give him that. You could be a total drama queen when you wanted.

       "I will inform you, that I am excellent at what I do. Point proven by the fact you are here. I advertised my deal in an appealing way, you weighted your options and you took mine." You said, trying to bite back the smile you could feel surfacing. He grimaced at your wording, not being able to deny the truth.

        "Whatever." He said as he began to walk to a direction that you had not in mind. So you reached for his precious backpack and pulled him towards you. He lightly stumbled, but regained his footing quickly and turned to you, eyebrows raised and mouth pulled tight together. "What?"

        You smiled up at him. "I thought our deal should be fair. After our lessons, it will be your turn. So today we are going to the cafe!" You pulled once again, at his sleeve this time and much to your surprise he followed you without complains.

     You let him go and walked backwards so you can face him "Soojin visits the cafe regularly. But Fridays are a must for her. Her lecture is done at two, so she eats at the cafeteria and she usually comes around 3ish"

      "You know too much for someone who is simply her barista" he noted, eyes fleeting at the road behind you and refocusing on your face. You shrugged nonchalantly.

      "You would be surprised at what I know " you dismissed. You turned to walk normally and adjusted your brown messenger bag on your shoulder. You should try using a backpack as well, you adored the bag but the weight was starting to hurt your shoulder, especially with the weight of the extra books. "After going to the cafe, we are going to have a photoshoot!"    

He looked at me from the side like I had grown a second head and shook his head."No"        

         "Yep"        

         "No"      

         "Yep!"   

         "No!" He raised his voice for once matching your tone, but quickly he cleared his throat and said "I am not doing it"     You threw a smile over your shoulder and opened the door to the cafe you had reached. People littered a few tables, here and there, but a calmness ruled over, a calmness that your loud coworker disturbed with over hyper 

tunes.

 His bright red hair served just as an additional distraction from the comfy atmosphere as it caught the light from the way he moved all over the place from behind the bar. You smiled and you made your way to him. You didn't turn to check, but you felt Seungmin following silently behind you.

     "Wooyoung!" You exclaimed, successfully capturing his attention. You dramatically threw yourself over the counter top and whined for coffee. 

       "Hello to you too!"he giggled and threw a polite smile over your shoulder to the giant behind you "Hello!" He said, receiving a nod from Seungmin and turned back to you "How was your lesson?" He asked as he showed his back to you, starting to make the precious drink you desired.

      "Awful" you and Seungmin answered as one. The 2 hour session clearly weighted down both of you. "And a black americano as well, Woo" you added, reaching into your bag to pull out your wallet. 

        A hand fell on top of yours stopping you and you turned towards the boy, a question in your eyes. He shook his head and answered "You don't have to buy me coffee"

     "You are helping basically for free. A coffee isn't much" you cheered back. Giving your card to a awaiting Wooyoung, he passed it over the machine quickly before giving it back. 

     "Were are you heading now?" He asked as he prompted his head on the counter. 

      "We were thinking about taking a walk in the park near by. You know... the one with the garden" you absentmindedly returned as you scanned the place, not telling him that it was in fact Seungmin that informed you about its existence, mere minutes before. 

     And score. At the far away corner sat a certain snow white. Target required "Woo ,I will talk to you later. We are still on for Sunday right?" You threw, getting a response you didn't pay any attention to and strode towards your prey. A tug on your arm halted you, a grim Seungmin shaking his head greeted you, but you promptly ignored his whines and mouthed a 'come on'. You reached the table rather quickly and called "Soojin! What is my favorite customer doing?!" 

       The brunette turned with a smile on her face "Favorite customer huh? You say that to everyone" she teased you, good natured.

      "Pss no!.. Only on regulars" you commented, giving her a wink, which made her let out a quiet giggle, before her gaze shifted behind me.. bingo. You also threw a look to the boy that stood behind you, almost as if he was hiding behind his mom. "That's my new tutor, Kim Seungmin. He really saved me. This is Lee Soojin, she comes by often so I guess you will be seeing each other" you finished, turning your body sideways so more of Seungmin could be shown. No that you could hide him, you snorted. 

        "Nice to meet you" she showed a bright welcoming smile at him, that quite literally made him shake. You couldn't blame him through, if you had been in his shoes, you would have fell on your knees too. 

        "You too" he quietly said, looking at the table and avoiding eye contact at all means. You looked at him, trying to control your laughter.

       "Well.. we have to get going! But I will see you around "you waved, throwing a smile at the rest of her group and tugged your tutor along with you.

   You waited until you two were no longer visible throughout the windows and turned to him, hands behind your back and your foot awkwardly scratching the ground and said in a manly voice that in no way resembles the one you mocked. "Y-You t-too" you mumbled, looking at him from underneath your lashes.        His face was comical. His jaw was clenched hard and his ears were an adorable shade of red. "Shut up" he said, looking everywhere else but you. 

       "Come on! Let's get you your photos, doc"

      The Instagram business went well. The  park was a lovely place to get the photos you needed, even with your uncooperative model. His friends cheered and howled, welcoming him to the civilized world. Two days later, your first story starring him at the library (unknown to him) with the caption: 'study session with @kim_seungmin' had  earned him a follow from The Lee Soojin.               Instagram has became your main form of communication as well, it started with you sending memes that reminded you of him, mainly Squidward memes, and proceed with him spamming you with math questions. A look in your notifications was truly a nightmare now. You learned that the boy was more on the grumpy side, but had always had good intentions. Minho had let it slip that, he had an alarm on his phone especially to remind him to send you your insta-homework. You also discovered that he also shared a great love for kdramas, similar to your own. Contrary to the first meeting where he uttered only a couple of words, he spoke more comfortably now, not less savage but you could usually find him in a conversationable mood. Your quick tongue and his unbothered nature made you a interesting duo. And a duo that always had a target. Most often than not, poor Jisung had the short stick on this deal. 

         October was nearly over and you were excelling. Seungmin, on the other side, was not making so much progress with Soojin. Sure.. now he was talking a little bit with her in the coffee shop, when their tables were near.      And sure, they were exchanging likes on insta, but was that enough? On top of that, Eric was still regularly hanging around Soojin and that was making you uneasy. What if Seungmin decided to call the deal off, if they got together? What would happen to you then?

      That evening, you were meeting up with the girls so you reluctantly you picked yourself up and headed to your bathroom to get ready. Your dim lighting complimented your tired face. Or rather it didn't. It was a few weeks of that feverish schedule and you were begging to tire, but you shook yourself. 

   Put on some concealer and your best jeans, you said to yourself and soon enough you were braving the cold, in order to get some alcohol in you. 

          As soon as you entered the local bar, you took a look around you. Almost all of the booths were full, the jocks that were by the pool tables were howling loudly and the bar was half full of people trying to get their poisons. From the corner of your eye, you saw a sudden movement. Yuqi was waving at you, as Ryunjin and Yuna were giggling over who knows what number cocktails of the night. You broke out a smile and made your way over to them, avoiding busy waiters and drunk bodies. You took a seat in the enormous red couch by Yuqi and greeted the others. 

         "Won't Lisa and Rosie be joining us?" You asked, as you took a hold of the menu, already knowing you would order your usual Daquiri, but scanning it nonetheless. 

       "Nah, Lisa is doing two solos at the school festival and is freaking out. Rosie..is mental support, I guess" Ryunjin informed you as she sipped on her drink. You nodded and took a look around the bar. 

     Your waiter was nowhere on sight. But you understood, if you worked at a place like this you wouldn't be able to keep up with everyone either. But you did catch a quick glimpse of a particular sassy brunette on the dance floor. Minho did know how to have fun, that was certain by the smiles of his companions and the way they seemed to want to get closer to him. You wondered if your grumpy tutor lurked somewhere near. But a quick look at the place revealed a happy Jisung with two anonymous blondes by his side. You made a mental note to stop by and greet them later. 

        "What are we looking at?" A voice whispered, rather loudly, in your ear. You turned to Yuqi, grimacing, but answering all the same.

        "I spotted Minho on the dance floor and I was wondering if Seungmin was here" you truthfully replied. 

         She craned her neck to catch a glimpse of Minho as well. She looked at him way more than the respectable time, so you leaned in and tapped at her chin, a knowing look on your face. She chuckled but didn't deny anything. "You know for someone who you described as emotionally constipated, you get rather along with him" 

      You shrugged. "He was a little...shy in the beginning. All glares and moody. Now he is just... fun to tease" you huffed as you remembered him speaking so fast, almost rapping, when you told him that you hadn't completed a couple of exercises or him going red on the face from frustration when you couldn't understand a solution. "My biggest problem now is that he can't talk to Soojin!" Your deal was a known fact among your friends, that you have swore to secrecy. "He is cute, he is smart, once you get over the first shock he is pleasant to be around! Why he can't score a date with her?!" You wailed, dramatically flopping on the table. 

      "You should keep him to yourself, if he is that great" Yuna proposed, laughing as soon as you gave her the stink eye.

      "Why don't you tell him to come to the festival? Soojin is performing. He can come by the backstage, compliment her a little. Oh! Oh! Maybe ask her to go to a little walk around the festival!!" Ryunjin clapped, excited about her idea. 

       It wasn't so bad. Rather it was a rather good idea.

       "My sweet sweet genius!" You proclaimed, throwing your hands up in the air. "That's it!"

      As if the universe agreed and decided to reward you, your waiter appeared. So with a drink in your near future and a good plan to match, you enjoyed the rest of your evening. 

   "I am just saying, that you could be a lot more productive if instead of going out, you studied" He said, as he slid your red highlighted notebook back to you. 

     "You say that as if I am out everyday! I went out a Friday night to have a drink! Kill me!" You sassed as he signed and turned to his own workload.

     A moment passed and then two.

    You looked over at him under your lashes, biting your lips. Now it was just as good as any time you guessed. "Seungmin" you whispered. 

      Upon hearing the quiet call of his name he turned his head towards you. "You solved it?" He leaned closer only to see the math problem in front of you half solved and you looking at him. "Come on. We have done this. I am not helping you. Think again and solve it" he said almost soullessly, returning to his own homework. 

        "No no. I wanted to ask you something" you said, fumbling with your pen. "You.. haven't made so much progress with..you know who" you grimaced, remembering how many times you have uttered her name and Seungmin have immediately shut you up by placing his hand hastily over your mouth. Voldemort had she became.

      He let out a quiet sign, resting his head on the table. "Yeah..I mean we talk a little but.."

        "But not enough" you completed his sentence "Can I ..propose something?Why don't you try getting her a coffee and sit there with her?" You whispered, reaching your hand to play absentmindedly with your notebook. 

         "Yeah, I could do that" he mumbled as he straighten himself up, leaning onto his chair instead.  

         "I have an other proposal." You said, adopting his previous position and leaning onto the table. 

         "You scare me" he replied drily, with a hint of smile playing on the corner of his lips. 

         "Why? I am spectacularly amazing and I have at least 70% ratio of success" he snorted at that but didn't comment further "As you know ..SHE is a dance major. Why don't we go to see her performance? You say a few nice things to her, give her a smile, you know, tell her a 'I will see you around' Maybe offer a walk around the festival? We have to get her to notice you" 

         He looked everywhere but me, such simple conversations still managing to embarrass him. "That would be..nice" 

          "Perfect! I have already gotten you a ticket!" you cheered, collecting a few looks by the surrounding students. That's why you detested the library, quiet wasn't your forte. 

          At the sound of that he stilled and turned to look at you. "You won't come with me?" He looked like a deer caught in your car's headlights. You compared his current look with the void ironic silent that greeted you the first time.

          "I mean...I am coming. I have tickets to see Ryunjin and Yuna perform. I didn't know if you would like to stick with us" 

          "Yes, please" he replied instantly, probably imagining himself alone in the large crowd and recoiling. 

          "Sure. Wear something nice though! No hoodie! And for the love of God, no sweatpants!" You cried out, well aware of his usually fashion choices. He always looked comfy though, you like his style but he had to dress to impress for the festival.

           He stayed quiet in reaction to your request, mumbling under his breath 'what's wrong with my sweatpants' and 'wouldn't do that' but the rest of the session rolled smoothly without interruptions and talking about Voldemorts. 

        You were running as much as your heeled legs could muster. Of course you were late..but it wasn't your fault! If only those damn customers didn't come in last minute, maybe you would have time to go shower and get ready like a normal person.  

      Your phone vibrated in your hand, no wonder the others were searching for you. You answered the call not looking at the name on your screen. "I am coming!" You panted. 

      "I am waiting by the front entrance" a deep voice answered, taking you by surprise.

      "Seungmin?" You called, unsure. 

      "Yeah. Now come on" he said and hung up.

      You gathered your strength and ran the remaining distance. As you reached the entrance you looked around, you tried to locate him. You found him by the door, a lean body waiting for you. He had heard your advice. Black slacks, a simple white T-shirt underneath and a grey coat adored his frame. He looked put together and a perfect image of a boyfriend. You jogged lightly towards him. "Hey! You look nice. 100% boyfriend material" you complimented. 

       He shyly smiled at you and cocked his head inside. "Come Yuqi saved us seats. What took you so long?" He questioned as he turned to walk to the theater.

        "Some customers came last minute and I couldn't leave. I never have gotten ready that quickly" you laughed, avoiding bodies that were threatening to crush you. He took your forearm and guided you to your seats. 

        "It's okay." he comforted you. 

        You looked up amused and surprised. "I never thought that the Kim Seungmin would tell me it's okay to be late" you teased. 

        He huffed and lead you to the seats, where Yuqi and Jisung awaited you while discussing the music he had produced for one of the acts. You waved at them and settled on your seat, readying yourself for the spectacle. And you were just on time. You were amazed by the elegant lines of the dancers and the sharp moves, that were enhanced by the booming sound of the bass. The couples, that were twirling on stage, stole your breath and the solo performances were equally enchanting. 

        "Aren't they so cool?" You whispered to Seungmin, feeling bad that he was singled out. You were sitting between him and his friends so he stayed mostly quiet, except when he replied to your humorous comments. 

        "Yeah, I couldn't do that in a million years" he agreed, still captivated by the performance. All too soon the performances were over and the curtains fell. 

        You stretched, pulling yourself out of the uncomfortable seat and nodding to Seungmin "Come on! Let's go and give our congratulations to the 'chef'" you joked as you pulled him up.  "Yuqi we will catch up with you outside,ok?" She nodded her consent and dragged Jisung away, possibly to get some food. So you turned to your own companion who waited you patiently..not that he had an other choice as he didn't know the backstage as you did. "Come on lover boy, let's go to your ballerina"

        He grimaced but complied, following you into the dark backstage. You turned and turned until you catch a glimpse of Soojin. Then you promptly stopped and turned to him, fixing his clothes and fussing over him. He tried to avoid your touch but seeing you not giving up, he simply gave up. You fixed his hair as well, passing a hand threw them and perfecting each straw so they framed his face beautifully. "Okay. You got this" you said pushing him lightly to the door. 

        "Wait! You are not coming?!" he said, panic filling his eyes as a hand raised to clutch your wrist.

        "No! You go and tell her she's beautiful and if she wants to hang out after the show" 

        He opened his mouth to argue, but you pushed with more force and he stumbled into the room. The noise all around the place didn't exactly help you to listen in on their conversation, so a few minutes passed and you didn't know if that was a good sign or a bad one. But the door suddenly opened and Seungmin crossed the border throwing a careless 'I will see you around' over his shoulder. After the door closed though, he clutched his heart and let out a troubled sign. Immediately you were on his face.

        "How did it go? What did you say to her? She didn't want to come to the walk?" You buzzed, shifting your weight, almost circling around him.

         "Can you calm down for a moment?" He said, tugging at his collar "She said thank you and that she appreciates that I came. She said that she has plans but she will see me around in the coffee shop." 

         "Such a shame.I expected her to go with you." you pouted, disappointed. You had to fix him up in order to continue with this deal. You casted a glance towards him, to find him watching the space across you. You followed his gaze and located a blonde figure lounging there. Eric, who probably came to give his own congratulations. 

         "Maybe I can get her a cup of coffee when I see her again?" He quietly mumbled, gaze not straying from Eric's figure. 

         "Yeah" you agreed, eyes stuck in that direction too. But quickly you shook yourself out of your stupor. "Since you are free how about a stroll around the festival? I wanna go to the waffle station. I heard they are to die for" you whistled, already imagining the sweet chocolate melting in your mouth.

         He looked down on the floor for a beat, until you nudged him playfully. He met your stare but the discouraged look didn't leave him. 

         "You don't have to look down. You played your cards and lost. It's okay. There will be other opportunities. Now come with me" you took a hold of his jacket, gently moving him towards the exit. 

       He didn't say anything but moved along. 

       Once outside you were contemplating where to go. The food stands where a must and you voice that.

        "Okay. Plan." You said, turning to your companion who seemed equally as lost as you. "I wanna stop by the food stands. I heard this year they have a theme about foods around the world. Other than that I have no clue what is there" 

        "Umm okay. We can stop by. Not something spicy though. I can't really eat it" he said, not really here. He looked dazed at the festival. 

        You looked up at him, squinting. "Where do you wanna go?" 

        He still looked lost. Maybe he had been more hurt than you thought. Well you could distract.

        "Seungminnie!" you whined, hoping to distract him. And it worked by the distasteful scoff that took over his face. 

        "Don't call me that" he puffed and strode to whichever direction his feet took him. Hopefully for you, to the food section. 

        "Why?" Giggling, you took a look around. You were currently to the craft section. You marveled at the things that the student body managed to put together "But seriously what do you like to do? I never heard you mentioning hobbies" 

        "I like to take pictures. I took some nice shots at the park" he said, quietly.

        "Ohh that's how you knew about the park! Show me later some. That's really cool" you returned. "And? What else?" you questioned. 

        "I like baseball" he answered simply.

        "Oh! Oh! Which team?" You asked as your attention was snatched from a very nice pair of earrings to him. 

        "SK Wyverns" he replied, hesitantly. "You like baseball?" Suddenly focusing on you, you knew it was rare for women to like sports but you didn't know if you feel offended by his surprise.

        "Nahh my old man watches it so I know a couple of teams. He isn't a fan of that one though" you commented.

        "Which one he likes?"he asked, intrigued. 

        "Something heroes" you said, tapping your chin. You couldn't remember their name for the life of you!

        "Kiwoom Heroes! Over the Wyverns! Really now?!" He exclaimed, eyes wide and bewildered at your father's preferences. The scrunching of his nose betrayed his true dislike towards the team.

       "Hey don't tell it to me! Tell him that!" You joked as the sparkly earrings stole your attention again. The blue sparkling light caught your attention, the gold only enhancing their beauty. You shook your head. You weren't here to buy jewelry. You were here to eat. 

       "What do you like to do?" He asked as he took in his surroundings too. He looked more relaxed now, hands crossed at the back, head moving wherever to take in all of the stations. 

        "I don't have really the time to spare. If I do.. I guess a movie or some drinks with friends." You never really were into something particular. A simple time could be a good time too. 

         "Yeah I noticed. How come you are always working? Don't you want some time of?" He asked, examinating you more now.

         "Yeah it would be. But I need the money. And besides I stir up enough trouble when I don't have time in my hands. Could you imagine me with time to spare?" You raised your eyebrows at an alarming pace to empathize the fact. He scoffed, clearly amused.

       "God no. I wouldn't like to see that!" He laughed behind his hand. 

       "Exactl-" you started but an aroma stole your attention. A chocolatey rich aroma, that came from the stand ahead. "Seungmin, the sweets!" You exclaimed and thrusted forward, literally dragging him along. 

         "On the other hand.. with your limited attention span how bad could it be?" He sassed, but turned towards the chocolatey dough. "We will take two" he said to the boy in the cashier. 

         You reached in your bag to take out your purse, but you noticed Seungmin taking out double the amount that was required and give it to the cashier. "Hey! What are you doing? I can pay for mine!" you pouted. 

         "Too late!"he replied, having already paid and grabbed the sweets. You took your own while he took a bite from the dough. His eyes widened comically and he pointed at it with his mouth full. You laughed, but your reaction was very much the same as his when you took your first bite. 

        "I will pay for the next round" you said as you started your rounds again. This time heading towards the games. 

         "Sounds good" he said, the desert on his hands half way eaten. Men you thought, they could eat anything within seconds. 

         You wondered around for a bit. You tried the trivia game they hosted, you were tremendously bad at it while Seungmin tremendously good. You tried the maze they made up by cardboards and some other poorly made materials, but you both had a good sense of direction and got out pretty easily. One look at the karaoke stand had you both running for the hills and you ended up in front of an other food stand. But to the bad luck of Seungmin, the spices didn't sit right with him so here he was gulping water as if his life was depending on him.

       As you waited for him to calm his taste buds down, you were looking around. You spotted something in the far corner, a enormous cube, painted pink but the color was peeling away revealing the grey mass underneath. But none the less you jumped and shook Seungmin, pointing aggressively at the photo booth. "Let's go take some pictures" 

       "Now?!" he coughed, still red in the face. "I am dying!" 

       You looked at him and dead serious you replied "Well..die later" 

       He looked at you perplexed, but once again he let himself be dragged by you. So you got in first and patted the space by your side, which he dutiful filled. You chose a simple frame and a playful one, that one  he frowned upon. But you ignored him and passed an arm around him, squishing yourself into his arms in order to get into the frame. You feel him stiffen momentarily so you quickly looked up. You were a little too close for comfort, you could almost count his eyelashes. He looked.. pretty from this close. His eyes big, looking down at you slightly more wide than normal. His skin was so smooth it seemed like marble. 

       "Sorry" You said, as you shifted away, giving him more space to breathe.

       "Um..it's okay. Shall we?" he said and faced the poor quality camera again, so you leaned in (not too close) and stroke a ridiculous pose with your eyes crossed and tongue out. You turned as soon as the sound ticked of and saw Seungmin poker faced behind you. 

       "Come onn. Humor me" you teased. So he did. He brought his hand over his face in a cute v pose. You gleefully turned around in a similar pose. For your last click you just smiled at the camera, leaving Seungmin to fend on his own. You soon paid for two copies and left the booth. As you were handing Seungmin his own, you heard your familiar ringtone pierce the air. Your phone, you realized. So you opened your bag, manically searching for it, finding it at the bottom of your bag and breathlessly answered. 

       "Y/N!" A raspy voice boomed through the speaker. 

       "Yuqi" you cheered. 

       "We are at Tony's. Fancy coming?"she shouted into the line so you can hear her above the music and the noise. "Jisung is with me. And we bumped into Minho too. If you are still with Seungmin stop by!"

       "Roger that."you said and you hung up. You turned to your tutor, who was observing whoever was left at the fair.

       "Yuqi is with Jisung and Minho at Tony's. Wanna go?" You asked as you began to descend the stairs, that lead to the front entrance of the school.

       "An unlikely combination." he noted as he strolled right beside you. The descend was supposed to be easy but your heeled boots hurt your feet now and the breeze was getting stronger for your liking, lightly blowing your hair into your face. 

       "What can I say?" you said as you tried to get your locks away from your face. "You wanna come?" 

       He stayed quiet for a while. Gazing at the remaining tents that the students were scruffing to pick up, so they can party the night away. 

       "Yeah. I will come. For a little while" he replied at last, focusing on you. 

       You smiled at him, strangely happy your new friend decided to join you. So you made your way to the bar.

 With Seungmin by your side.

And your heart beating abnormally loud in your chest.

     It was a slow day in the cafe.

     Wooyoung and you were absent-mindedly cleaning, while talking about your weekend plans. The flow of people was steady, close to none at the time, so you tried to get the shop ready for the next shift. You looked over the supplies you had gathered. Cups? Check. Coffee? Check. Lids? Check. What was missing? You thought as you skimmed the shelves. Oh! The straws! 

    "Wooyoung! Do we have any straws over there?" You called, hand wandering inside the low cupboard in order to feel around for any stray sets. 

    He lowered himself to see into the other supply cupboard, with a quick look he confirmed your thoughts. "Nope!" 

     You grumbled under your breath. "Going to grab some from the back!" You called as you headed to the back room, where your supplies were stored.

    It was not a big room, storage shelves decorated every wall and it had no window nor any other form of natural lighting, except from the tiny bare bulb above your head. You switched it on and took a look around, trying to locate the troublesome straws. In the end you found them on the highest shelf of the stock room on the far right corner. 

 Whose brilliant idea was this? 

  No one in the coffee shop could boast about their height so the supplies usually where at a reasonable height for you. Except these darn straws! 

      "For fuck's sake.!" you spat out as you dragged the small ladder behind the door to help you up. You climbed it easily and took hold of the straws. But in your haste to finish your task, you knocked over a box.

        You blew a breath out and climbed back down. You let the packet of straws fall from your grasp and hosted the medium sized box in your arms. You climbed the ladder quickly, the box obscuring your vision. You placed the merchandise in the very edge of the shelf and pushed it with as much strength as you could. But as it seemed you needed to hit the gym sooner than later as your strength was proving not to be enough. You pushed even harder going on you tippy toes to get the box into a safer position and then you heard it. You heard the sound before your eyes caught up.

 The awful sound of the ladder tipping. Suddenly your vision tipped, just as the ladder did and you were falling. You thrashed your hands out in hopes of softening your fall, but it was of no use. You landed on the floor on your side, with an intense pain piercing your left ankle. 

         You sucked your teeth in response to the pain travelling up your leg. Fuck! That was exactly what you didn't need right now. You tried to get up and put some pressure on your leg only to stumble and nearly fall flat on the floor again. 

         Desperate situations required desperate solutions "Wooyoung!" You wailed loud enough for the whole store to hear. And when you didn't get an immediate response you wailed even louder. Till the sound of a pair of feet, running to you, was heard. 

 The door was thrown open and a dramatic I'm gasp cut through the air. "Y/N! What happened? Are you okay?" He fretted as he attempted to lift you up.

 Key word. 

Attempted. 

    As Wooyoung lifted you up, you put pressure on your bad leg almost falling down again. "Ouch!" you hissed out, grinding your teeth in order not to whine out loud. This time more carefully, Wooyoung lifted you and kept you close at his side so he can manage your weight. 

         "What happened?!" He asked incredulously as he moved you to the staff room.

       "I fell from the ladder. I must have twisted my ankle, it fucking hurts when I try to stand" you pouted, looking down at your feet. It didn't look swollen nor bruised. Maybe you had gotten lucky and it was just a strain.

         After a quick visit to the doctor, courtesy of your very fretty boss, he confirmed that you had indeed gotten lucky and that it was a sprain that. Rest was prescripted and you should be fine in three days time. 

    Your boss was overjoyed, that she didn't have to pay you medical leave or worse. She even happily offered you a ride back home as you couldn't quite move easily. You thanked her, truly grateful that you wouldn't have to walk all the way back to your apartment by yourself. 

   Once you were in the apartment you let yourself ungracefully plop down on your bed and sign. This incident would take you back a few days. Days you could spend working.. studying...doing everything else besides sitting on your ass. 

         You heaved a sign of exaggeration and pulled out your phone. You had a lesson with Seungmin today and you would have to cancel. You couldn't go to the library like this and he had made clear that he would not go out of his way to come to your apartment.

 You bit your lips, deciding what to write. A simple and nice message would do. 

 A skull emoji? Really? But given his aloof personality it oddly suited him. You shrugged it off and decided rest and a bowl of warm food would be the best for you. 

    Two episodes in your new series and your telephone was ringing. You felt around your covers for your phone and once your hand come in contact with it, you answered without a second thought. 

       "Hello?"  

       "Hello" A gruff voice greeted. 

    You sat up, suddenly more aware. You weren't expecting a call from him."Seungmin?"

       "Yes, it's me" he confirmed quietly.

       You bit your lips. Have you forgotten to write something on your text? Had you forgotten your homework? "Can I help you?"

       "I heard that you fell today and require rest. Is this the reason you cancelled our lesson today?" He asked, dare you say, concerned. He didn't sound like he was craving a path on his room out of worry but he cared enough to ring you up. It was oddly sweet of him.

       "Yeah.. the doctor suggested rest. Like 3 days top" you said, absentmindedly, but soon paused. "Does this change your programme?" You fretted, hands going through your hair, succeeding only in messing it up further.

        "Not much but.. We can have our lesson tomorrow.. At your house" he quietly proposed.

        He had made sure not to include your home at the possible study places. Maybe it made him uncomfortable..was it out of concern for you? The surprises didn't ceased. After a brief hesitation you asked "Are you sure?"

        "Yeah. It's not like you are bored walking to the library. You are injured. I am not that cruel to make you walk till there" he said in astonishment. 

      You suppose he was not. "I really appreciate it, Seungmin. Thank you"  you whispered.

       A humm was heard from the other line before asking "Same hour tomorrow?" 

        "Yeah. Yeah. Bye" You muttered before hanging up. 

        Huh. You fully expected him to take advantage of his free day. Instead here he was calling you to ask you if you were okay and arranging tomorrow's date.

 He was nicer than you expected. 

You felt warmer than before.

    The buzzer let you know that Seungmin had arrived.

    With a grunt you stood on your good leg and hopped over to your door to buzz him in. Leaving the door ajar so he could get in, you hopped back to your kitchen table, where you had laid your books.  

    You could hear his steps as he made his way to your apartment, the instructions you had provided guiding him. You heard him pause outside your door, unsure whether to enter or not, based on it's open state. You giggled and called him over "I left it open for you! Come on in!" 

    He stepped over the threshold and inspected your house. Well... house was a bit of a stretch. Your apartment was rather small, but had a homey and cozy feeling to it. The walls were painted a beige that didn't express you, but it was a requirement of your landlord.     

 You had tried to make it better by hanging artwork all over the apartment. Some where of land scapes you enjoyed, some of quotes that you favoured and some of your close friends and family. Your couch, that also served as your bed, was placed against the wall facing your spacious wardrobe and a bookcase that took way too much time to build.

     Your kitchen was small, some of its wooden surface were begging to submit to time, but you used it well. Plenty of fake plants were decorating it, giving it a splash of color that it needed. Once upon a time you tried to decorating with living breathing plants but... your skills proved not to be up for the challenge. 

      Your bathroom completed the wonderful set. A small white thing that consisted the only other door in the apartment, besides the threshold.

     Seungmin stood still at your threshold, unsure how to move in your space. You shook your head and guided him to leave his things by your couch and join you. He slowly did and approached as fast as a platypus. 

      You got up, careful not to apply much pressure on your bad leg and asked the awkward boy "Coffee?" 

      He looked you as if in thought. "Are you supposed to be standing?" 

      You shrugged, already hopping over to your counter. "I sprained it, I didn't break it so I should be fine. Want some cookies?" You asked, not bothering to turn to him as you were focused on the task. 

      "No, thank you" he said as he watched you make him coffee "Are you sure you're okay? Want some help?"he pressured.

      You did turn to look at him then. He was attentively looking at you from his seat, alert as he expected you to fall over.

      "What did Wooyoung said to you?" You joked as you leaned back. 

       "He said that you fell from a ladder. He didn't heard the crash, but he heard you shouting for help" he parroted back immediately, brows furrowing. 

       "Always the drama queen" you mumbled under your breath, but the boy heard you letting a chuckle at your words. "I am fine. Really. But thanks for the concern and thoughtfulness" 

       He looked at you oddly before turning you his back and reaching inside of his backpack to pull out the necessary items. "Minho had injured his leg last year. It took him a while to recover. He had it bad. But looking at you now.. you do seem fine. So finish that coffee and come here. We should begin" 

       "Yes sir. Right away sir!" You saluted. A small smile your only reply. 

     "Hey Puppy" 

     "Do NOT call me that" he stated, not even bothering to acknowledge you. You heard his sister calling him that over the phone, ever since you haven't missed the chance to call him that. He hated it, of course.

     "Say...You said you have read the SKZflix series right?"you wondered aloud and that was enough to catch his attention. He slightly turned his body towards you and stopped typing on his laptop. 

      "Yeah..why?" He asked, now giving you his full attention. He lifted his hand to pull his glasses away, rubbing his eyes tiredly. He needed more rest.

      "Well, you know that they are making a movie-"you started but was rudely interrupted.

      "Obviously" he sassed, scrunching his nose at you.

      You rolled your eyes at him. "Well it comes out next Friday. And I was wondering if you wanna..maybe.. go?"you mumbled the last part.

      He blinked in surprise. The last month and a half it was not strange for our groups to merge here and there. In fact, you have spend several evenings with your grumpy tutor and his sassy group. They now visit your workplace a lot more, even when Jisung has a day off. Yuna, Ryunjin and Minho, being all dance majors, have a lot of classes together and often end up having lunch together while the rest of you fill the table.You and Seungmin usually come together because your hours matched and your buildings are close. Jisung arrives always fashionably late and Wooyoung pops out here and there.

     Even though you spend a lot of days together, be it at school or outside of it, you have never hangout alone together. But it wasn't like you were never alone. But, never, neither you nor Seungmin have made such plans. But as soon as you saw the posters, your first thought was him. 

      Seungmin and you often talked about the movies and books you enjoyed and, to your surprise, your tastes matched. When you shared your favourite series you didn't expect the enthusiastic reaction. It seemed he was a hug fan as well. So it was only natural to think of him.

        "Sure" he said, after his initial surprise. "What time is the show?" He asked as a hand came to rub his nape. 

         "I don't know. I simply saw the posters. We can swing by after to see, if you are up to it" you said, fumbling with the paper in front of you. You couldn't keep still for some reason. 

         ".. Yeah, let's do that" he said, giving you a small smile.

   Days flew by quickly. Tomorrow was the screening for the movie and you were so excited. You contemplated dressing up as the main character, but you quickly disregarded the idea, thinking about the turned up noses and stares you would get. 

    You were on your way out when you felt your phone buzz and the familiar song filled the atmosphere. You fished it out of your pocket and checked the caller. Puppy, it read. 

    "Hel-" You squeaked as you balanced your phone in your shoulders to lock the door. 

    "She asked me out!" Seungmin shouted through the phone. His tone bright and happy, as if he had won the lotto. 

     You paused your motions, taking better hold of your phone. She asked him out? Soojin? When? What has you missed?

     "Soojin asked you out..?"you slowly repeated, trying to focus.

     "Yes! We were talking since the festival you know! She said that there is a photography exhibit at the center tomorrow so she invited me to go! She said she felt bad that she couldn't go with me when I asked her after the performance" he eagerly continued, happy with the date he scored. 

     "Tomorrow?"you asked as if you were lagging. Tomorrow was your movie. 

     "Yes! I know I told you I would go with you to the SKZflix... Do you think we can reschedule? I would own you a big one" he rushed to say, explaining himself. 

     You bit your lip hard enough to draw blood. They have known each other for nearly 2 months and they decide to go out now? Now that you had plans to watch the premiere? A sudden itch on your skin, your hands couldn't keep still. But what could you say? No?

     "..yeah. That's alright Seungmin. I mean- it's a bummer that you'll.. miss the movie. But- umm have fun at your date!"you rumbled, shifting uncomfortably. 

     "Thank you! We can still watch it together at my house some time later. Minho bought a pair of new speakers so he can practice at home. They help him to 'hear the music better' or whatever that means. They have amazing sound though, I give him that" he continued, happiness clear in his voice. On the other hand, you were distracted. You barely managed to step away from your building, answering with hums and acknowledging him when necessary. When you had crossed over half the distance to your work, you decided that you couldn't keep up anymore.

      "...my partner didn't know this, so the teacher said-" you hesitated but you cut off his grumpy voice, rather rudely. His just wanted to speak about his day, but you wanted none of that at the moment. You wanted some quiet.

      "Seungmin I am at work now. We should hang up." You stated, tone flat. You prayed that he couldn't hear the noise around you through the speakers.

       "Oh..okay.. I will talk to you later" He paused briefly. You usually let him talk longer, you tried not to interrupt him when he was ranting. Not today, you guessed 

       "Yeah. Later" you mumbled the last part and cut off the connection. You kind of stood there for a moment.

 Breathing in and then out.

 It would be a long day today. 

You could just feel it.

        You ended up seeing the premiere with Hong Joong, who was available and a big fan as well. He had recently ended his something with Dami and he was in the mood for company. That's how you ended up in a restaurant after the movie, happily drinking your night away. 

      The next day Seungmin particularly skipped over to you, all smiles and giggles. You almost didn't want to ask about last night so you didn't. You sat at your usual desk and dived into the math problems. You had ignored the efforts he made to start small talk, choosing instead to focus on the numbers in front of you. 

      You managed to stay quiet a whole hour and a half before your curiosity got the better of you. You turned towards him, a little hesitant and not looking at him, you asked "How did it go with Soojin yesterday?"

    He paused his typing and turned to you with a small smile. "Good. We went to the fair and then we grabbed something to eat. We had a great time"

     You slowly looked up to the desks in front of you. "That's great, Seungmin. I hope it goes well" you murmured. You felt a little funny today, distracted, head above the clouds. It must have shown because you felt a hand being placed on your shoulder. You turned, dazed, towards him. He had a smile, a different one this time, as if he was asking you if you were alright. He voiced his concern soon after. "Are you alright?" He asked slowly. 

     You met his stare for what it seemed like the first time this evening. His eyes were full of concern for you. You felt bad that your moody ass was making him concerned, so you plastered a small smile and answered.

"I am alright. Just a little blue"

      He looked at you for a beat. "Do you want to..maybe watch the SKZflix together? I have the place to myself. Sorry for cancelling last minute yesterday" he regretfully said, his head lowering this time. 

       You looked him over and the first thing you thought, he was feeling guilty. You don't know what he was guilty about..but you oddly appreciated the thought. So you gave him a small smile "it's a deal" you chuckled.

Days flew by in a rapid pace.

Life was normal, if not a little bit hectic. Your days was full of classes, work and Seungmin. You woke up, went to uni, you ate, you went to work, on the days you didn't work you had your lessons with Seungmin. To say the least, you were exhausted. 

And it was shown clear as day. Either by your ... irritable attitude or by your awful appearance.

     "Girl you look awful. Like I-spend-all-week-doing-all-nighters-and-have-been-drinking-only-energy-drinks" she put out while she pitifully looked down at you. 

Upon hearing her, you lifted your head and looked her dead in the eyes. "What kind life have you been living?" You returned, tiredly.

      "One that doesn't require me to live like a zombie. When was the last time you rested or went out like a normal person?"she inquired while taking a long sip of her already dried up frapuccino, making your temples throb even harder. 

       When was the last time? You picked yourself up and thought about it. "Like.. two weeks ago? I watched a movie with Seungmin" you concluded.

     Yuqi raised her eyebrow at that, but didn't comment. Instead she wondered, tone full of promises "Can you take off the next Friday and Saturday?"

      You threw a glance at her. "I can run it by boss. Why?" You asked. 

      Her eyes were almost glowing. "It's party time" 

     "Say it again"

   You winced when his voice reached your end of the line. You weren't even asking for a cancellation! "Puppyy" you let out a long whine. 

     "I thought you said you were on schedule, Y/N" 

     "I am. I am just...tired, Seungmin. I am running around since September with little to no time to rest" you mumbled as you run your hand over your face, trying to wake yourself up a little. "I am not asking you to cancel...just move it to the next day?" You asked, hopefully.

     Grumbles could be heard over the line. "Fine, yes" A brief pause and then "Are you ok?" He asked, a little above a whisper. 

       You let out a breath. "Yeah, I...I choice that. I just want to rest for 2 days." You concluded.

      "Okay. I guess I will see you on Sunday. Don't sleep in" he warned, knowing full well your post drinking behavior by now. He had woken you up many times by now.

     "I won't!" You chuckled  "As for the Sunday part. I have a proposition.." you trailed off with a smirk on your face.

 "It's freaking cold!" Yuqi whined as she stepped out of the car.

       You also got out of the Uber you had to catch because of the stinging cold. 

      You were already regretting the dress you chose to wear, even if your knee high boots were covering most of your legs, the cold was hard to beat and was freezing your exposed legs to the bone. You hurried towards the entrance of the club you had agreed to meet with the rest of the group.

    As you neared the club two loud laughs could be heard from the queue, two laughs you could recognize anywhere due to the long hours you spend together. Jisung and Wooyoung stood in the queue joking, quite loudly as Minho and Seungmin stood there, nodding and smiling at the goofy jokes that were thrown at them. You were pleasantly surprised by their presence, you were sure that when you had proposed the idea to your grumpy tutor the answer would be shift and... negative. 

    The both had donned their winter coats so you couldn't see exactly what they were wearing, but you catch sight of a collar picking from the neck of Seungmin's coat. He had pushed his hair back and now his face were all angles and sharp lines. After months of being in his presence you still couldn't believe how handsome he was. 

      "Hi!" Yuqi cheered, capturing the groups attention. Even if she hadn't greeted them, she would've captured the attention - the pink iridescent dress she wore left no other choice, but to look at it. Yuna and you followed closely behind her, huddling in the queue along them. You exchanged pleasantries with everyone and a quick hug with Woo and took your place next to Seungmin. 

       "Well we'll look who we have here!" You puffed, your breath shown clearly in front of your face - almost like white smoke. You could feel your nose running, possibly ruining your make up and the crispy wind slapping your face.

    He clicked his tongue and gestured with his chin to Minho. "He dragged me. Said something about having fun." He huffed and puffed like a child that was being dragged to a family gathering by their parents. 

       "Oh come on, you grandpa! We will have plenty of fun! You'll see!" You said, jumping in place to keep yourself warm. You saw him briefly looking down at your attire and your legs before tearing his gaze to your face. You wondered if the flush on his face was from the likes of you or the wind. But you didn't have time to dwell on it or question him as the bouncer ushered you all in.

     Stepping inside, smoke filled your lungs and colourful lights blinded you. The warehouse, that was turned into a club, was full of swaying young bodies that cheered and drunk the night away. A anxious waiter showed to your table, that were basically two stands pushed together and certainly couldn't accommodate your large group but you hadn't had it in you to complain, you simply dumped your things into the tables and catch the nearest waiter to take your orders. 

      After your third drink you found yourself on the dance floor in between Yuqi and Wooyoung. With Wooyoung's hands on your waist and your own embracing Yuqi around her shoulders, you threw your head back as you let the music that played consume you. Giggles and smoke surrounded you as you let your hazy gaze wondered and it fell straight to a pair of moody eyes that watched you. You untangled yourself from the chaos that were your friends and you lightly treaded towards Seungmin.

     He somehow managed to find a chair into the chaos, which he dragged to your table and sat there, his first glass of the night still in his hand half empty. You reached him and threw an arm over his shoulders, his sitting position making things easier. He side glanced you but didn't react otherwise, choosing to bring his glass to his lips. 

     "Seungminnie why are you brooding?" You sing songed as you shook him playfully. Everything had a pleasant haziness that you were enjoying, even the smoke that was suffocating before started to gently caressing you and the lights just made everything prettier. Especially the boy beside you.

      "I am not brooding" he scoffed as he turned slightly towards you. "I am simply not enjoying myself. This isn't my scene" 

     "Well how are you gonna enjoy yourself when you are sitting here alone?" You pouted and tagged at his black shirt, noticing he had rolled up to his elbows due to the the heat in there. A ridiculous idea popped into your head, making weirdly sense into your clouded mind then. "Come dance with me!" 

       He gave you a look and turned away again  "I don't wanna dance. Go back to Wooyoung and Yuqi" he said, not looking at you. His focus was on the dance floor and you fleetingly thought that maybe Soojin was in there, if he knew she come here often and the only reason he was here was to catch her or if he was simply watching by the sidelines again, but you shook your head dismissing the thought. Instead you stepped in front of him, effectively cutting his view of the crowd and making him look at you. 

        You tugged gently at his hands, not altering a word, you smiled and nodded to the floor and he got up willingly. Rocking on your uncomfortable heels, you looked at him for a moment and replied "But I wanna dance with you" 

        He also gazed at you for a moment, signed before giving a brief nod. You slipped your hand in his, for fear he will change his mind, and tugged him at the dance floor . You found a space by the sidelines that wasn't as crowded as the centre of the floor and started swaying away to the Rihanna song that blasted through the speaker. He stood there swaying awkwardly, even from your tipsy point of view. So you drew closer and threw your hands around his shoulders, making him match your tempo. He freezed briefly before you felt hands slowly cradling your waist and hips, which you were moving with the music and body mimicking your gestures. You looked up at him throwing a smile, hoping you were helping him relax and enjoy himself.

     He was looking down at you with a unrecognisable look. His brows was furrowed and his eyes lidded. His eyes looked more smothering and hot than normal under the red lights. So you did what your hazy mind told you and stepped even closer, hands tangling in the hair on his nape. The song, as if to prevent you, changed to something quicker and fun making you break the intense eye contact and swing wildly with him. 

       The songs were changing from pop to old rocks to rap music you both didn't know well but you didn't move from your spot, continuing dancing with each other. Tem songs have pasted until the DJ settled to a slow piece, that allowed tou to catch your breaths. You were both smiling, making grimaces and weird dance moves to entertain yourselves.            You were once again in each other's embrace, moving slowly. You tip toed to whisper in his ears "See? Aren't you having fun?"

    His breath fanned your jaw and neck as he draw even more near and whispered "Yeah" 

      You turned your head to look at him and realized you were inches apart. You could see the lights reflected in his eyes, a swirling mess of colours, much alike to what you were feeling now. His sharp features looked painfully good and mixed with the smell of his musky cologne, it made you more dizzy than the drinks you previously had. His lips, unreasonably red and inviting, parted lightly and only then you realized you were looking at his mouth. You pulled your gaze to his eyes, only to see his gaze lifting up to meet yours, painfully obvious that he followed the same path as you. You could feel the distance between your lips getting smaller and his hands holding you just a bit tighter as you both moved closer to shorten the distance-

        "Y/N!" A loud voice pulled you out of your daydream. You took a step back out of Seungmin's arms and turned to the direction of the call, only to see a pink clad figure approaching. "I looked all over for you! Come with me for a moment, please?" She wrapped herself around your form, batting her glittery eyelashes at you. You laughed and nodded, casting a glance at your partner.

      "Go ahead. I will go order a drink" Seungmin said as he passed a hand through his already disheveled hair. Before you could answer him, your friend started dragging you away. So you called over your shoulder to wait for you by the bar, by the smile he sent over his shoulder, you took it as a sign of consent.

      You waved your way through the crowd, which was getting larger as the night went by and found the toilet tucked away in a corner. The line, fortunately, wasn't unfathomably big so you leaned by the wall awaiting your turns.

       "Girl what was that on the dance floor?" Yuqi inquired as she came to stand in front of you. Not a sight of sweat on her skin, despite the way she was jumping on the dance floor. You sure you looked like a mess.

      "What?" You asked as you looked over the tacky bathroom, from the papers that littered the ground to the overflowing baskets by the sinks. 

        "Don't what me. You and Seungmin, of course. I swear you were ready to kiss, if I hadn't walked in" she gassed, leaning even more towards you. "Did I do something stupid?" 

     A brief irritation passed over you, before shaking your head to clear it from the alcohol you consumed. "It wasn't like that. We were just talking, maybe it looked weird from your angle. Besides he likes someone else." You dismissed as you moved deeper into the bathroom. 

         "Are you sure? You looked pretty comfy to me." She questioned, giving you her pooch as she reached an empty bathroom stall. 

          "I mean.. yeah. We are close" You answered, facing the mirror. Your make up wasn't totally ruined, but you could see a faint shine to your face due to the heat and all the dancing you were doing. You quickly passed your hands through your locks, ruffling them just right. Before reaching into Yuqi's bag and reapplying the lipstick on your face. You didn't mind the slightly different shade. You closed it up and waited for your companion to exit the stall. Once she did exit and after a couple of 'are you sure' questions, you braved the crowd once again, reaching your table in a agonizing slow pace. 

       When you did arrive, you saw the lone figures of Seungmin and Minho at the table, the others were missing. Even after a quick scan of the dance floor you only managed to pinpoint a dancing Jisung and a Ryunjin chilling with a couple girlfriends' of hers. Wooyoung wasn't anywhere to be found, but you had learned better than to question that. 

      "Wanna have shots?" You asked. The buzz was going away and you couldn't have that, especially that early into the night. 

         "You already had 3 drinks"  Seungmin said, leaning in his chair once again. Minho sipped on his drink of choice but didn't give a negative reply yet, seemingly watching the scene unfold. 

            "Blasphemy! I only had two. Come on three shots!" You raved as you bounced, along with Yuqi, who you didn't have to get consent. 

"Yeah! Let's have some shots!" Her booming voice, parroted. 

         "One" he said, ignoring your pouty lips and puppy eyes. 

         "Two" you challenged, already making your way to the bar, giggling along the way with Yuqi. 

         Once you reached the bar, you waved the pretty bartender over and placed your orders. 4 shots of tequila. You gave the boys their own, noticing Seungmin looked at the glass like it was poison. You cheered, clinked your glasses and off you went to the dance floor, where you ended up in the arms of your handsome tutor. As the night went the one shot became two, and then three, and then four and then you lost count. The only thing that was on your mind was the music, the laughter and the arms that supported you. 

       Suddenly the world was twirling along with you and your eyes closed. When you opened your eyes again, darkness greeted you. You felt yourself moving but not really, and your head leaning on a surface, that was uncomfortable and digging on your cheek. You made to move but a warm voice told you not to and as a warm sensation racked your back, darkness took over again. 

      Your eyes fluttered open once again,but this time, light was hitting your face. 

      You groaned as the first thing you felt was a raging headache. How much did you drink? You opened your eyes only to see that you were in bed, blanket tightly wrapped around your frame in order to keep warm. How did you get home? You sat up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes and stretching your body. You could feel your legs killing you, even though you hadn't used them yet. You stepped on the ground to get up but a sudden groan from the floor spooked you. A body laid there, in between your spare blankets. Oh god...what have you done? 

       "You finally woke up?" A deep voice grunted, still laced with sleep. Seungmin?! He rose from the floor, wrapping the blankets around him and he moved onto the bed with a pained moan. "Move" 

      You pulled your body to the side, allowing him to climb better and lay down on your bed. His shirt was replace by one of your oversized hoodies that, no surprise there, fit him well enough, since they were huge on you. His hair was messy from sleep and his eyes half closed.

      "Seungmin? Why are you here?" You asked, but he was already in dreamland.

      You looked at him for a beat, trying to gather your thoughts. You remember dancing with him last night, cracking jokes and laughing.. and then nothing. You vaguely remember waking up to a moving vehicle, leaning on someone and you looked at the boy sleeping in your bed. Did something happened between you? No. Seungmin wasn't the type of guy to take advantage of you. Also, you had your clothes on and he was sleeping on the floor, you doubted that he was that gifted. 

     You got up, treading towards your bathroom. Your hair could be more of a mess, you decided, thanking yourself for straightening it last night. Your face was clean of make up, only a light shadow under your eyes from your mascara. So that meant you washed up last night. You now realized that you were dressed in your PJs and that you had no recollection of doing so or anything for that matter. Hell, you didn't even remember bringing Seungmin here. You washed up and went to your living room again.

      Seungmin was still peacefully sleeping in your bed and you felt bad waking him up, especially when he spent the night sleeping on the floor. You decided on making some coffee and breakfast. That would be sufficient for now. 

      You had just finished making the last bit of the french toast, when a grunt left your guest. You looked over and saw him, slowly sitting up and freezing when he realized that he was sleeping on your bed and not on the cold floor. 

      "Good morning" you saluted, from your seat in the kitchen table- already nursing a cup of hot coffee. "I made breakfast. Come to eat."  

     He slowly walked up to me and took a seat opposite of you. Either your toast looked really appetizing or he was really hungry, because he fell immediately on top of the plate and started devouring it. "Coffee?" You asked,  getting a positive grunt so you got up and  poured him a mug. You looked idly at the boy, eating your breakfast and hesitantly spoke up. "Seungmin? How did you end up here?" 

    He looked up from his feast and took a sip before he spoke. "You don't remember?" 

    "..No" you responded. 

He lifted his hand on your forehead, flicking it lightly. You blinked, rubbing the sore spot on your forehead "Ouch! Why was that?!" 

     "For the trouble you got me into. After you downed your first shot, you kept drinking. I tried to stop you but you slipped away. Mind you, surprisedly, stealthily for someone so drunk and downed more shots. Eventually it took a toll on you and you blackened out. I brought you here." He used his dad look, the look when you got a problem wrong. Squinting eyes, eyebrows drawn together and his left side of his lips slightly raised. 

     You cleared your throat in order to avoid the tension. "And how exactly you ended up staying over?" You quietly mumbled, now playing with your food. You expected the worst now. 

      He quietened for a moment before reaching to scratch his nape. "You... umm.. you were in a pretty bad condition and I didn't want to leave you alone. You threw up several times-" You closed your eyes, regretting your past actions. But quickly your eyes quirked over your place, looking for accidents.

       "No! No you managed to race to the bathroom. I didn't see anything, but I.. umm.. heard you. " he rushed to get out, explaining the situation. You mentally face palmed, of course you had and done that. You hanged your head in shame, not mustering enough courage to look at Seungmin at the eye. "Are you ok?"  

       You huffed, lifting your head only a little to look at him. His attention was on you, eyes full of worry. Who could blame him though? You would worry about you, if you were in his shoes. "Yeah.. I do that kind of often... if I have too much to drink. And the clothes?" 

       "You gave them to me." He said, pitching the sky blue hoodie he wore to show it off. "I almost thought you were cold stone sober when you exited. You gave me clothes and insisted for me to sleep on the bed."he laughed, making you hang your head even lower.

     "A guest should always take the bed."you mumbled even quieter than before. 

     "Yeah that was exactly what you said!" He laughed, your embarrassment clearly entertaining him. 

      "Puppy... " You said carefully, as you put your weight on your elbows on top of the table. He looked at you, now resigned at the shameful nickname and hummed. "My head is killing me.."

      "Serves you right" was the immediate response. Meanie.

      "Yes..but I don't know if I can concentrate like that-" you got out before he cut you off.

       "You can't concentrate either way. Now get to the point" he huffed, taking a sip of his coffee. 

 "Canwepleasenothavealessonandputonamovie?" You got out as quickly as you could, secretly hoping he wouldn't hear you and just agree. A girl could hope. 

     He didn't shut you down immediately, just looked at you with a strange expression. 

     "You don't have to fill it. It would be on me. Promise" you persuaded him further. 

      He looked at you some more, before nodding "What do you wanna see?" He said as he got up to put his plate on the sink. You grabbed the chance to go and get the laptop and prob it to the coffee table, stretching yourself on the still unmade bed. 

      "I started the show you proposed. It's good. I am on episode 4. Hey! Leave them! I will do it later" you called over your shoulder, hearing water running from the kitchen. 

     "You did? I told it was good!" He exclaimed, as he finished the dishes and took his respective place on the other side of the bed. 

     "Care for a rerun?" You wingled your brows.

      "Nah, put it on" and the rest of the day was spent there with idle talk and comments about this and that...

You could get used to that...

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[punkysdilemma-blog]

THE PERFECT WARDROBE (BY GIORGIO ARMANI)

(an excerpt from L’Etiquette issue 8.)  I love this list from a maestro and one of the last greats of the heroic 1980s fashion generation who still independently owns and operates his marque. 

I like casual and discreet elegance, this is what I look for as a designer.

T-SHIRTS AND POLO SHIRTS

*Cashmere jersey t-shirts. Blue, black, long and short sleeves, CREW NECK!

*Knit polo shirts. More refined than cotton pique polo shirts, they look great under a jacket. Practically indispensable in black and navy. Long or short sleeves.

SHIRTS

*Poplin shirts.  With big collars, wear with a tie or with the collar wide, open. Colors? Blue and white are musts. Cream, light gray and navy are very tempting this season. + AZURE

*Chambray shirt. Go for a real workwear look. 

Extras:

*Heavy twill shirt.

*Black linen shirt. Get over your prejudice against linen. + WHITE AND SKY BLUE

*Collarless shirt.

*Two evening shirts in silk. Black and blue 

SWEATERS AND SWEATSHIRTS

*Several crewneck wool sweaters. Black, navy, beige, ecru — take your pick. Wear over a round collar tee.

*Several v-neck wool sweaters. Same as for crewnecks. 

*Hoodies. Gray Marl, Navy or black. Because there’ll always be those Sunday mornings.

*Crewneck Sweatshirts. Gray Marl, Navy or Black. With Raglan sleeves, of course. 

Extras: 

*Merino wool polo collar sweater. Black or navy.

*Sailor Sweater. You’ll find you need it even between April and July. Easier to wear if you get one without stripes.

Note: Pretty sure this is basically a Guernsey or Matelot. 

SUITS, BLAZERS AND TIES 

*A velvet suit. Velvet is the most elegant fabric. 

*Two plain suits. One navy and one gray, with two or three buttons. Ideally made from Fresco fabric. Cotton is another possibility if you're not afraid of creases. 

*A full Tuxedo. At least one. 

*A navy blazer. Lined or unlined. Super-useful.

*Two silk grenadine ties. Blck and navy. Obviously. 

*Two printed ties. Go crazy!

Extras:

*Beige tropical wool suit. Wear it with a sky blue poplin shirt. 

*Silk knit tie. Cream or pearl gray. Makes a change from black or navy. 

*Unlined suede blazer. 

*A knit blazer. 

SUITS, BLAZERS AND TIES

*Bomber jacket. The summer equivalent of your leather jacket. Black, navy or beige. 

*Waterproof beige trench-coat. For rainy days. Get one thats too big. 

*Technical parka.  Zip it all the way up. And remember that Gore-Tex is always a good idea. 

*Denim jacket. 

Extras:

*Zip suede bomber.

*Nappa leather trench-coat. 

*A military jacket. Vintage preferably. 

*Lightweight windbreaker. Go for the retro sportswear look. 

PANTS AND SHORTS

*Two pairs of regular fit jeans. At two different stages of wear.

*Five-pocket white cotton pants. Indispensable in winter. Downright vital in summer. 

*Five-pocket black cotton pants.

*Beige chinos. Not slim, please.

*Gray fresco pants. Wear them as you'd wear jeans. Suitable for both summer and winter. 

*Navy, Beige or White shorts. Roomy, more fluidity, please!

*Swim shorts. In a technical nylon, perhaps in a bright color. roomy but not long.

Extras:

*Cargo Pants. Olive green, in ripstop fabric if you like. 

UNDERWEAR

As far as the great boxers-or-briefs debate goes, we leave it up to you. But do us all a favour and throw out the invisible socks.

*Several pears of navy and grey socks. Made of mercerised cotton. 

*Several pairs of brightly coloured socks. 

Extras:

*A few pairs of white or off-white ribbed socks. Wool and cotton. 

SHOES

*A pair of loafers. Preferably penny loafers. Black should be your first choice. 

*Black oxfords. For formal wear. 

*Brown derbies. Can be suede, if you like. 

*A pair of white or off white canvas sneakers.

*A pair of white leather sneakers. 

*Technical sneakers. Not just for running. 

Extras: 

*Opera pumps 

*Velvet slippers 

ACCESSORIES

*Cotton baseball cap. Navy or black. 

*Woven belt. In black or navy for versatility. 

*Leather dress belt. Keep it thin, about an inch (2 to 3cm) wide, and wear it with a suit. 

*Metal Sunglasses. Aviator or round styles. 

*Heavy-duty canvas shoulder bag. For workdays. 

*Military kitbag. A travel bag to get you through the weekend. 

Extras:

*A borsalino hat.

*Silk pocket squares. Collect them!

*Scarves. In wool, silk, cotton, for days and night.

*All kind of gloves. 

*Ranger belt. 

*A leather messenger bag.

Be discreet and precise and if you manage that, people will remember your style!

[stagefoureddiediaz]

Costume Meta 6x07

Welcome to the Buck (with a little Eddie and Athena thrown in) costume meta!! This weeks costumes are more or less all about Buck - everyone else is in uniform the entire episode - Bobby gets 1 grey shirt, Eddie and Athena get two costumes each and Buck is out in front with 5!!! I’ve also included Connor and Kameron (or C&K as I’m now labelling them because typing their names takes me too long 😂) as there weren't actually that many costumes in this episode!

So let’s dive in!

C&K

Beige for Kameron - a neutral colour - friendly, welcoming and also bland and boring - it kind of reflects her in this scene - perfectly friendly, but also a little bland - she might be anxious about things, but she is’t hugely pushy nd doesn’t really cross any lines.

Same can’t be said for Connor, who continues to rock the check patterning - it was interesting to have the dominant colour of those check to be red - almost like he was a big red flag (his behaviour certainly was - especially that smirk when he told Buck everyone now knew his secret). I think its very interesting that we keep seeing him in check when we watch him being manipulative towards Buck - the whole ‘really gig favour, probably too big’ line thats very much designed to play on Bucks insecurities - its further proof that Connor understands which buttons to push to bend Buck to his will and the costume is backing it up - all the check doesn’t just play into my check theory for 911, but it also plays into the concept of a character who is cunning, by distracting the viewers attention from what he’s saying - a member of the GA won’t be picking up on what is being said to the same level as normal, the costume is making the eyes do more work (and thus taking up more brain power) because this shirt is brighter and has more contrast than the previous check shirts it becomes more distracting.

Bobby

Bobby’s brief appearance out of uniform sees him in a grey marl t-shirt - grey being a neutral colour is perfect for bobby in this scene - where he’s really more there by virtue of being Athena’s husband than he is as Eddies captain - Eddie is there to talk to Athena, not Bobby and so we have a neutral colour which shifts the attention onto Athena and Eddie - who are both in colour.

Athena

Here we have Athena in this deep dusty maroon colour top (which shows off Angelas arms amazingly!) maroon carried the meanings of both brown and red - so we have the energy and passion of red accompanied by the stability and wisdom of brown. I’m really enjoying the way they’re using a lot of vertical ribbed tops on Athena so far this season - the use of this texture is something we’ve seen before, but not with the same regularity - it contrasts nicely with the holey tops we’ve seen her in since season 1 - we’ve seen an increasing number of them as she has settled into her own skin and new life - which I think is a really lovely thing!

we do of course get to see a traditional Athena outfit - a black knot top with khaki trousers - where would we be if we went more than a couple of episodes without seeing her in this sort of out fit?? 

The thing we need to talk about most though is the fact that Athena has a new necklace - this one appears (to me at least) to be a bear, facing left. Bears symbolise strength, courage and protection and in an episode entitled cursed - when we see Athena seemingly the only one not really affected by the ‘curse’  This necklace also feels very much like its foreshadowing - We know May has a stalker next week and Athena is going to go into bat for May on that front so it plays into that storyline. I’m going to be interested to see if we continue to see more variety in her necklaces or if we see the same one or two for a longer period of time again! 

Chris

Only the one very brief appearance for Chris this week - and I don’t really ahve a huge amount to say about a rash/sun shirt - other than to note that it has a logo for VAL Surf - which is a famous California surf and skate shop thats been around since 1962. I will make the comment that it is navy blue - almost the same blue (and style as well actually) as the first top we see Buck in - and there has been a little bit of costume mirroring between Chris and Buck so far this season, so it might be a relevant detail to make note of - because if it the mirroring is a deliberate choice to help foreshadow - then I suspect we might be seeing a tsunami parallel with buck and Chris together and in danger (which I would pay money to have happen - especially if it helps push Buck into realising what he as) and we’ve seen the show use Christophers costumes to foreshadow before - the surfers on his shirt at Bucks party in 3x01 is the most perfect example! 

Eddie

so there are a few things to note about Eddies costumes from 6x07. Firstly - hello henley 👀😍 its good to have you back!v We’ve only seen Eddie in 1 Henley this season - the grey one from 6x05 and like I said in that meta, we’ve not really seen him in them since season 4. I’m very interested in the fact that its fully buttoned up - normally Eddie wears them with one button open and so to have him in a fully buttoned up henley, when he’s being very open with his family history is pretty telling - its his family, but not directly his story  that he’s telling, but the buttoning up fully is a form of protection - as is the fact that we also have him back in army green - a colour we see him wearing when he’s feeling either defencive or when he feels he needs to ‘go to war’ for some reason - in this case its him trying to prevent someone suffering the same fate as his Abeula (and his wider family ) has at the hands of a con artist. This also parallels him with Athena once again - the two of them are really the only ones we see in this army/khaki green colour way and the fact we see them both in it in this episode - and when we have them so closely teamed up is very loud! I should also point out the lack of watch - I would expect to see his watch there on his right wrist, but we don’t - its always very telling when Eddie isn’t wearing his watch - it means he has time - that he is at a place where there is little external pressure or influence on his story - things are happening at his pace - when he wants them to.  This plays into the narrative from the episode where we don’t see Eddie trying to directly (or in fact indirectly) step into what is going on with Buck - yes he is involved with the Feliza story, but this is also showing us Eddies growth - his recognising that he needs to let Buck come to him on his own terms, and be there for Buck when he needs him - that isn’t to say Eddie won’t step in - more that he’s recognising when is the right time to enter the fray - which battles are the right ones to choose - and thats really powerful - both from an Eddies growth perspective, but also from a future Buddie perspective.

Then we have Eddie back in the black tank top and just like before - here we have Eddie in an interesting place emotionally - in relation to his Abuela - having to accept that the path she is on is one she will remain on in some form because she’s into deep. There is also the direct reference to the Tsunami that we get in this scene - which will always put Eddie into a vulnerable place emotionally - because the knowledge that he could have lost everything that day but didn’t will always be something he carries with him.

There is also the very loud foreshadowing we got at the end of the scene which gives us another reason for Eddie being in a black tank top - its going to be something that puts him into a new emotionally interesting place - now we just have to wait and see if he will also be in physical danger - along side Christopher!

Before we get to Buck properly - we have to talk about the fact that he is wearing his watch. In. Every. Single. Scene. 

Unlike Eddie, who has two watches (separation of work from personal life anyone!), Buck only has one watch, and also unlike Eddie, I think he’s had the same watch since season 1. 

We never see him without it - and we get a close up of it! This is unusual for Buck - who wears a watch as often as he doesn’t when out of uniform and its especially loud in when we have Eddie ‘always wearing a watch prominently when he feels he doesn’t have enough time’ Diaz not wearing a watch at all in this episode (except when at work and all the firefam do that - its a part of their uniform!) - Eddie has time - time to figure out what he wants, whats in his future. Buck however doesn’t - further emphasised by his being up against the clock at the end of the episode.

Buck

The Buck in blue theme continues in tonights episode - we’re now sitting at 10 blue costumes to 6 non blue costumes - this is unusual to have such a dominance of one colour, especially so early in a season. Sorry the nerd in me is coming out in full force to give you some context! The most occurrences of one colour is10 for an entire season. This isn’t 100% accurate as I only did it roughly (I plan on doing it more fully and for each main when I get a chance to) but if we look at the colour breakdown season by season for Bucks non uniform costumes;

S1 - 14 costumes with 18 different colours S2 - 31 costumes with 33 different colours S3 - 34 costumes with 40 different colours S4 - 29 costumes with 38 different colours S5 - 35 costumes with 45 different colours S6 - 13 costumes with 21 different colours* as of 6x07

The higher number of colours is because when he is wearing jackets etc (and Like I said I only did a quick scan through, so its actually likely to be higher because I know I missed a couple of jackets) more than one colour is present As for individual colours - Buck wore blue 10 times in S5, grey 9 times in both S3 and S5 and 8 times in S2, red 9 times in 4 and black 8 times in S1 and S4. Blue (37) is his second most worn colour after black (39) followed by grey (32).

This probably isn’t that interesting to anyone but me - but if we look at the colours worn and which ones are highest, we can start to build a picture of character traits - I think my little hiatus project is going to be to create full colour plots for each character and I think there might be some graphs/ pie charts in my future 😂🤓😎

Anyway back to Bucks costumes for this episode - Bucks sperm donation attempt outfits were very interesting to me - we see all his failed attempts happen when he’s wearing blue and or white. The first one is a blue long sleeve tee that is remarkably similar to his uniform long sleeve shirt - just minus the logo and a slightly brighter shade of blue - interestingly its pretty much the t-shirt version of the sweater he was wearing in 6x04 for his conversation with Maddie

Then we have Buck in white - which as we all know is a sign of bad things ahead for Buck, but he is also in a vertically striped jacket (which you can see in the second picture), this jacket is similar to some of the shirts we’ve seen him wearing (4x14, 5x09 and 6x04) this continues to connect into my Buck vertical stripe theory - which I’d spoken about a little in my meta for 6x04, but I also answered an ask about it as well which you can read here if you haven’t seen it. combining the two and in an episode called cursed - very loud and very telling - even the white trainers play into it - white trainers meaning Buck moving forward in his search for love and happiness - which is ultimately where this story arc will lead Buck (even if its going to be a bumpy journey).

then we get another white tee;

followed by this knit polo shirt in navy and either white or light grey pin stripes - (I can’t decide which colour it is but I’m leaning toward grey!) All of these costumes are very much in keeping with the costumes we’ve seen on Buck this season 

Then we have successful Buck - only now he’s in a mint green polo shirt - the first non blue/white top we’ve seen him in this episode. I’ve banged on endlessly about how green is the colour of health, growth and renewal and the choice to Put Buck in it her speaks volumes - because however this sperm donor arc plays out from here, it will lead to growth for Buck - he will learn from this experience and ultimately he will become a healthier person for this journey (he’s gonna break a bit to get there, but we will get healthier Buck out of it - in the same way we got a healthier Eddie out of his break down). Using green at this point in the arc is great - up to this moment it was possible that we could see Buck change his mind, or something could happen that means he never even made it to the point of donating, this in many ways fixes his path - and plays in perfectly to over zealous Buck who is going to really begin to understand the reality of what he’s done now his part in the process is theoretically over (I say theoretically because all those previous shirts and the things Oliver has said in interviews, plus the weird and inappropriate vibes I was getting from C&K suggest they still have a part to play in the story and that its not going to be pretty!)

And there we have it - fewer costumes to write about this week as they spent a lot of time in uniform, but I’m thinking next week might give me a lot of work so I’m already readying myself!!! I hope you enjoyed reading and thank you as always for your likes, comments and reblogs - I love reading your thoughts etc in the tags - they make my day!

As always tagged people below

@mistmarauder @theladyyavilee @loveyourownsmiilee @leothil @girldadbuddie @kitkatpancakestack  @buckscurls @lemotmo @trashendence @elishareads  @clipboardsandstethoscopes @comfortbuddie @fiona-fififi  @name-code-black-widow @prettyboyandthekid @callanee @calyssmarviss @pbandjeremiah @batgrldes @piningpettyeddie @bi-moonlight @spotsandsocks @livingwherethesidewalkends  @idontshitpostbuttheolympicpark @diazboysbuckley @sweettsubaki @jordxnhennessy @shortsighted-owl @sherlocking-out-loud @ekstasisandangst-main @favouritealias @hearteyesdiaz @gossamerglob @ktinastrikesback @adamrparrrish @princesschez75 @bucksbuddie @oneawkwardcookie  @leatherat @moniquekatie @wanderingwomanwondering  @trickster-archangel @outrunningthedark @asharadaine @ajunerose @wolfybuckley @neon-d0rk  @talespinner230 @pop-kam​ @swiftiebuckleys​ @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx​

[bellawritesnonsense]

Feelings pt.1

 Remus Lupin X Sirius Black 

~WolfStar~

Marauders era 

Takes place throughout their 2nd- 7th year

*Warnings* Brief mentions of blood, and minor swearing. (They’re in their 2nd year)

Summary~ Remus spends the day with Lily and Sirius gets a little clingy. (Nothing major, just cute fluff) 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

It was a cold winter mourning. Remus laid bare and blooded on the floor of the shrieking shack. His limbs aching with every movement he made. He had a long jaggeder scratch going from his collarbone, down to his navel. 

Groaning in pain, he sat up. He winched at the sharp burn in his chest. 

“Remus dear!” a very worried Madam Pomfrey gasped, as she hurriedly grabbed a nearby blanket, wrapping it around the lanky boy. “It was a bad one?” 

“Yeah.” said Remus, bluntly.

Madam Pomfrey sighed and took out her wand, with one quick ‘flick’ the cut on Remus’ chest healed, leaving a bright red mark. 

“Thank you.” he exhaled, finally being able to breathe properly. 

Madam Pomfrey nodded and helped him up, pulling his clothes on and walking him towards the hospital wing.

When they entered the dimly light room, there was already a bed made for him.

Madam Pomfrey walked the 12 year old over to his bed, drawing the curtains. 

 “I want you resting.” the witch scolded, handing him a small cup filled with a shiny green liquid. 

Remus gave her a small smile, and drank the potion. He could already feel his eye lids becoming heavy as the cold solution went down his throat. And before he knew it, he was out cold.

“MOONY!” a cheerful voiced shouted. Waking Remus up from his well needed sleep.

The werewolf opened his eyes, and was face to face with nun other then James Potter. “Hey, James.” 

“Was it a bad one?” a silvery voice asked from the end of his hospital bed.

Remus looked up to see that Sirius and Peter were there too. He felt a wave of love for his friends as they all smiled at him. 

“No. It wasn’t so bad.” Remus smiled, sitting up from his position on the comfy mattress.

“You sure? Because you look like hell, mate.” James said amused. 

“Give him a break dear James,” Sirius smirked. “he can’t help that he’s not as devilishly handsome as me.” 

“Shut up you wanker.” Remus rolled his eyes, throwing a pillow at the black haired boy in front of him. He quickly regretted it though as a pain in his shoulder caused him to squeak in pain. 

“You alright?” Sirius’ face dropped. 

“Yeah, its just my shoulder.” Remus groaned as his moved his sore shoulder around.

“Should I get Madam Pomfrey?” Peter inquired. 

“No!” Remus practically yelled. If she knew he was still in pain, she would make him stay for the rest of the day. 

“Why not?” Sirius furrowed his brows, standing up from his spot on the bed and walking next to Remus. “If your hurt, we have to tell her.” 

Remus groaned. “I’m fine.” 

“No your not.” Sirius rolled his big grey eyes.”POPPY!” he sang, skipping off towards the healers office. 

“SIRIUS!” Remus couldn’t help but feel a bit amused by the boys actions. “She’ll make me stay in here all day!” 

“Good thing its a Saturday then, aye mate.” James patted Remus on the back.  

Remus rolled his eyes, and laid back on his pillows. 

“Mr. Lupin, why didn’t you tell me you were still in pain.” a very concerned Madam Pomfrey scolded, marching into the long room. 

“Its just sore.I’m fine.” Remus assured, glaring at Sirius who was giving him a very innocent smile behind her. 

“Take this.” she handed him a bright pink liquid. “It’ll help.” 

Remus did as he was told and downed the whole thing. It tasted like a mixture of bubble gum and root juice. 

“Eek!” he groaned, smacking his tongue in disgust. 

“What did you expect...pumpkin juice?” 

Peter, Sirius and James roared with laughter. 

“Piss off.” Remus whispered, gesturing towards the two boys. “Do I have to stay?” Remus asked, a slight hope in his voice. 

“No, you may leave.” Madam Pomfrey smiled, taking back the cup that was still in Remus’ hand. “But no Quidditch, and no rough housing...I’m looking at you three.” she motioned towards the other Marauders.

“Us?” James grinned. 

“Never.” Sirius batted his long eyelashes. 

Remus couldn’t help but smile at their foolishness. He untangled his legs from his bedding and got up. Bidding Madam Pomfrey goodbye and leaving the hospital wing. 

“See, I told you.” Sirius stated as the four of them walked out of the wing together. 

Remus rolled his eyes. ‘It was true, but he wasn’t about to tell Sirius that.’ 

“You guys want to prank, Snape?” James asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. 

“No you won’t.” a shrilly voice said from behind them. 

The four boys turned around to see Lily Evans. She had her hands glued to her hips, a disapproving look in her eyes. 

“Evans!” James marveled. “Come to finally agree on going out with me?” 

“Never going to happen, Potter.” Lily rolled her eyes. “Actually, I’ve come for Remus.” she looked over at the tall boy and smiled. 

“Me?” he said alarmed. 

“Yes, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the library with me and the M’s”  she answered sweetly. 

“Sure.” Remus smiled. But if he was being honest, he didn’t really want to spend his Saturday in the library with a load of girls, but you couldn’t say no to Lily. 

“Great, lets go!” she beamed at him and grabbed his forearm softly. 

James, Peter, and Sirius gave him a weary look, but he just shrugged at it. 

Lily and him walked through the halls and into the library where their other friends, Marlene and Mary sat. He smiled at them and sat down. 

“Hey, Remus.” Marlene smiled, lightly patting him on the shoulder. 

“Hi, Marls.” he replied, taking one of the books that laid on the table.

The four of them read and talked all day, not even heading to the great hall for lunch. Mary had brought snacks and they binged on those. Remus found himself enjoying the time with them much more then he thought.  It wasn’t until after dark did they leave the library, needing light to actually read a book.. 

“That was not a happy ending.” Mary argued with her best friend. 

“It was to, she ended up married with a happy life.” said Marlene.

“That’s not a happy ending in my book,”  Marlene rolled her eyes. 

“Whatever you say Mary.” 

Lily and Remus laughed as they entered the common room. The low chatter of students echoing off the walls. It was almost peaceful until a loud voice interrupted.

“Moony!” Sirius yelled, running over and attacking the boy in a hug. “Never leave me alone with him again!” he pointed towards Peter. 

“Where’s James?” Remus asked, awkwardly patting the top of his head. His shiny black hair was soft under Remus’ hand. 

“He got detention with Minnie again.” Sirius mumbled, still holding onto Remus tightly. 

“Oh. Then why are you so upset.” Remus asked him.

“Because Peter only wants to play wizards chess.” he groaned. 

“You’re being a toff, Sirius.” Remus smiled. 

“Whatever.” Sirius sighed, burying his head in the crook of Remus’ neck. 

Remus’ breathe hitched as he did so, it was no doubt Sirius was an affectionate person, but he had never hugged Remus like this before.  

“Your being a wanker.” Remus croaked. His mouth was suddenly very dry for a reason he wasn’t sure about. 

“Piss off.” Sirius joked, pulling away from him at last. 

But the feeling still lingered for Remus. The way it felt to hold him was something he never thought he’d want. 

[nogreatillusion]

A Brief List of My Favorite Things This Summer

— the epiphany of finally straightening my bangs

— 8 beautiful old teacups and saucers handed down from my Grandmother

— rose-scented everything, but especially Rosy Lips Vaseline, Shmidt’s Rose and Vanilla deodorant, Pantene’s rose water shampoo and conditioner, Physician’s formula All Night Rosé face cream

— the satisfying nightly ritual of zipping Arlo into his sleep sack

— clothes the color of pottery — burnt sienna, grey linen, clay, goldenrod, flax, olive, black, soft and loose fabrics, unfinished hems

— the way the light turns my whole bedroom golden in the evening

— Snickers ice cream bars every single night

— hard ciders in pretty cans

— Arlo cooing in the bathtub

— coconut oil lotion from the dollar store

— tomatoes and goat cheese on crusty bread with lots of olive oil and salt

— frozen lemonade

— hanging succulents

— Brit Marling

— a growing collection of baby books

— Ben’s quiche

— a gorgeous green and gold vintage-style vornado fan that I can’t justify splurging on

— a video of my niece winning her first swim heat

— Ben speaking Spanish to the baby

— the exhale that is our cleanly white guest room

— a perfectly golden frozen drink called a Tropicolada at the local distillery

— the rocking giraffe we bought at a garage sale

— when we fall asleep holding hands after a fight

— the smell of fresh basil in the fridge

— the front porch crowded with guests

[lesbiansassemble]

Something Borrowed, Something Blue - Steve x Tony

Dedicated to: @my-avengers, who requested a fluffy stony fic. i hope you enjoy it love, and i’m sorry it’s so late! xx

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Tony Stark 

Summary:  ‘Why does Steve have to be so tall?’ or ‘The one where Tony wishes he wasn't so small, but ends up being thankful for his short stature anyway.’

Word count: 1,630

Warnings: None 

You can find it on Ao3 here. 

Tony huffed into his pillow and reached out blindly for his watch. He blinked his bloodshot eyes open and glanced down at the time. 10:11am.

“Shit.” He uttered under his breath. Pepper was going to murder him. He was supposed to be in a meeting by 9:00. He supposed there was no point in heading over there now. He shook his head, causing a few loose strands of hair to fall into his eyes, and sighed. He would have to apologise to her later.

Belatedly, he glanced over to the empty space beside him, and idly wondered where Steve was. Knowing Steve, he was probably out for his morning run. Tony inwardly cursed his super-soldier boyfriend and his immunity to alcohol.

With a yawn, he clamberd out of Steve’s bed. After stretching his back, which let out a satisfying crack, his bleary eyes scanned the room for the outfit he wore last night. After a lengthy search, he eventually found his clothes in a sodden pile behind the bathroom door.

“Fuuuck.” He groaned under his breath. He’d completely forgotten that they were both drenched last night after walking in the rain all the way back to Steve’s place. He’d been too drunk last night to consider hanging them up to dry.

Deeply regretting his alcohol intake from the night before, Tony attempted to ignore the incessant pounding in his head as he shuffled over to Steve’s wardrobe. After a few moments of rummaging around in there, he came across a white shirt that looked identical to the one he wore last night. Perfect, he thought to himself. Pepper wouldn’t suspect a thing. It was still early days in his relationship with Steve, and he didn’t feel ready to tell anyone yet.

Grabbing the shirt, he shrugged his arms into the sleeves, but found, much to his dismay, that the sleeves were not only too long, but that the hem of the shirt almost reached his knees.

“Are you fucking kidding me, Rogers?!” he growled. The man was a damn giant (and Tony has never been one to acknowledge his short stature). He took a glance at his reflection in the mirror and scowled. For fuck’s sake, he may as well have been wearing a sack.

Taking the shirt off with a little more force than necessary, he shoved it back into the wardrobe. It was at that moment that he heard the clattering of pots and pans coming from the kitchen. Steve must have returned home from his run.

Deciding to abandon the idea of wearing one of his shirts, he began to rifle through Steve’s drawers. Unfortunately, the only top he could find was a navy blue one with Captain America’s shield printed on the front, which had been a gag gift from Tony last Christmas.

“Karma’s a bitch.” He sighed.

Tony idly wondered whether the shirt was the better option, because at least he wouldn’t be parading around in his boyfriends merchandise like an idiot. In the end, however, he decided that it would be even more embarrassing to wear something that emphasised his lack of height.

Tony pulled on the t-shirt, and found that although it was a little baggy, it didn’t appear to drown him as much as the shirt had. He then rummaged around for some trousers, and came across a pair of marl grey sweatpants. He slipped them on, and rolled his eyes at their ridiculously large size. After pulling the drawstring as tight as he could, he began to roll up the pant legs so that they were cuffed above his ankles. Turning once again to face the mirror, he groaned at the sight before him. He looked like a kid wearing his dad’s clothes, but it would have to do.

Haphazardly running a hand through his unkempt hair, he left the bedroom and followed the smell of freshly made pancakes wafting its way through the corridor from the kitchen. Attempting to appear nonchalant, Tony folded his arms against his chest, held his head up high and walked into the kitchen purposefully.

At the sound of Tony’s footsteps, Steve, who was hovering by the stove, turned around and took in his partner’s appearance with raised eyebrows.

Just as soon as his lips parted to comment on it, Tony interjected, “Not. A. Word. Rogers. My suit is still soaking from last night.”

Steve couldn’t help but grin at the slight flush to Tony’s cheeks. “I was just going to ask you if you wanted chocolate chips in your pancakes.”

“Sure you were. Has anyone ever told you you’re a terrible liar, Steve?” Tony huffed, as he began to make a pot of coffee. Hopefully the caffeine would get rid of his pounding headache (and distract him from Steve’s fixated gaze). “—And just plain ones for me, thanks.”

Steve smiled slightly and nodded, before adding the batter to the pan. After a few moments of silence, filled only by the bubbling of the pancake batter, he said “Y’know, I didn’t take you for such a patriot, Tony.”

Tony merely shot him a brief pointed glare as he began to pour the brewed coffee into two mugs.

After placing the spatula on the counter, Steve left the stove and embraced Tony from behind, placing a firm kiss on his cheek. “I’m only teasing. And honestly, I think you look sw—” Steve’s eyes widened momentarily at his own slip up, realising that Tony would absolutely not appreciate being called sweet. “Uhh…very attractive, wearing my clothes.” He amended.

Tony’s head snapped up, before he whipped around to face Steve. “Were you going to say sweet?”

“No! Sw-Sweaty? No, oh god, uhh….I meant swell. That’s right, swell. You look swell, Tony.”

Tony shook his head slightly, but he couldn’t help the corner of his lip twitching into a small smile as he rolled his eyes fondly. “Keep digging, Steve.”

“Y’know, you don’t look half bad in blue.” Steve replied, hoping to change the subject.

Tony raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. “Are you insinuating I don’t look good in other colours, Steve?” he teased, as he picked up the mugs.

Steve gaped like a fish. “No! No, I just meant—” His rambling was cut off as he felt a warm cup of coffee placed into his grasp.

“I know what you meant Steve, I’m just pulling your leg.” Tony smirked, before pecking him softly on the lips.

Steve, blushing furiously, decided to return to the stove and focus on flipping the pancakes.

For a while, the only sounds were the sizzling of the pan and Tony occasionally sipping his coffee. After the pancakes turned a nice amber colour, Steve served them on to two plates, handing one over to Tony as he took the seat opposite him.

Tony, with the vigour of someone who hadn’t eaten in days, immediately took a bite out of his maple syrup covered breakfast. Tony hummed in delight. “Fuff me, eesh ah really goodsh.(Fuck me, these are really good.)” He said around a mouthful of pancake.

Steve merely grimaced at having seen the chewed up contents inside Tony’s mouth.

Tony swallowed. “Sorry.” He said, attempting to look apologetic. “I was just saying how good they were. How did you learn to make pancakes like that? I haven’t had a good homemade one like that in years.” At least, not since he visited Rhodey’s family during his time at college, he supposed.

“Pepper taught me when I was staying over at the tower.” Steve shrugged.

“Pepper?! How come she’s never taught me anything like that?” Tony said, looking affronted.

“Would you have paid attention to her, or had the intention of ever making them yourself?”

“Well, I –” he began. Then, feeling the weight of Steve’s gaze, he deflated slightly. “—No.” Tony finally admitted, albeit a little sheepishly.

“Then, there you go.” Steve smirked.

“Fine! But I’m expecting you to make these every time I stay over.”

“Alright. And if you like them so much, you’ll just have to stay here more often, won’t you?” Steve quipped back, looking amused.

Tony, surprised slightly at how uncharacteristically forward Steve was being, froze momentarily, his fork hovering beside his mouth. “Yeah, I guess I should.” He replied, the corner of his lips tugging into a smile.

After a brief awkward silence, Steve said “So, I was thinking. You don’t need to be back at the tower for another hour or so, right? We could just put your clothes in the dryer and they’ll be ready before you need to go.”

Tony waved his fork dismissively. “Nah, it’s fine. I’ll do it back at my place.”

Steve raised an eyebrow.

“It’s a lot of hassle for nothing. I’ll just dry them at the tower.” Tony explained.

Steve continued to stare at him, his expression unreadable.

“What?” Tony says.

Steve’s lips begin to curve into a smile.

“What?” Tony demands, feeling a little exasperated. What on earth was Steve so happy about all of a sudden?

“You like wearing my clothes.” He finally points out.

“I do not!”

“Yes, you do!” Steve chuckles.

“No, I don’t!”

“Then how come you don’t want your clothes dried before you leave?”

“Fine, maybe I do. So what? They’re comfortable and—” Tony admits. “—And they smell nice.” He mumbles as an afterthought. The fact that he likes the smell because it reminds him of Steve is left unsaid.

Steve just grins even wider.

“Hey! Don’t look so smug.” Tony scowls.

Steve shakes his head fondly, and says, “I love you, Tony.”

Tony, slightly taken aback by the sudden change in conversation, raises his eyebrows slightly. His expression gradually softens as he registers his words.

“I love you too, Steve.” He says, a small smile playing on his lips.

[austrozone-blog]

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[processes]

PREPARING ONE’S CONSCIOUSNESS FOR THE AVATAR

GILLIAN CONOLEY

Was a rare sun      its sudden mouths,      shrugs and voices.

A birth      a sleep      a forgetting      a God

or scientist or brain. Or when in mind       or on a freeway       a red/orange sign

drops down says

do not neglect,      nor demonize the demons.       The lice are feasting.

Drafts, computations,       clean for more space,        rid unnecessary surfaces

bottled water       Augua pura, sabor perfecto.

Avatar, avataristic       just a brief, lettristic shuffle       avatar chiefly Hindi,

manifestation of a diety or released soul in bodily form

on earth (are you? maybe, don’t flatter me) from the Sanskrit

ava “down” + tar “to cross,”

and atavistic origin 19th century (in your dreams) from the Latin

atavus “forefather” via French

atavisme. Frankenstein bewildered       at his limp  or rising member

still a little angry re: parlor game his cheek tingles nuzzles and buries

itself in verdant marl. World welcomes more world in sun

the young muscled       amputee in basketball shorts       heading cheerfully,

quickly to the ferry.                    Don’t stir

                                                     the trash

                                                     writes Sappho,

It’s you and I in pursuit counter-pursuit

in the long epiphany of having a face. Was it 16th century——

to simulate rain——water spray was released over mechanical dolls

sent flying near the masterpieces—— Or was that you who were tired

of not being

and so began calling for help?

If I were a mothering belly

would I

heave or contract out your tangled, wires tissues a silkworm

cocoon, put your head at my feet and we’ll pretend.

You would not think it is this young Russian

who wants us all to live forever. Walking earth down

to basalt, shale, slate.

Sea-roaring is the blood

in sparrows if the Holy Ghost

a ting, ting in bell tower.

Maritime, lorikeet, sleet. Dimitri Itskov

(pale yellow Borelli blazer,

rose-gold watch, 32, a mild mannered, internet billionaire)

is non-plussed, sweet of face

which someone

(David Hanson, of Hanson Robotics) in Plano, Texas,

is duplicating, carefully

paused above a tiny haired brush for the eyelids in the Times.

36 motors to reproduce facial expressions and voice.

“No more world hunger,” says Dimitry Itskov. At least for you. While the others are always

hungry. So some refrigerators will have to stay, some sent to dump

in silver or white array—— look in, look away.

— — — — — —

how to figure when to leave the body

summer’s blue jay calling caw caw caw quick diving down to peck

the calico/tortoise mix, who waits so stoic, still. Only

to pounce later. Do you play cat or bird? Blue jays lift and spin

the clean sheet on the line, turn

into a tumescent sub-group, the organs of our fancy . . .

                Felonies and phantoms

       of DNA like sharp notes

                cleared of choir

while floats a

yellow post-it, postage size, cropped fabric/memory of my dead

father’s blue/grey wet plaid swim trunks—— a flash——

they burled hand-rest at the end of the burnt stairway——

           Time to clean, to clean and polish, the figures and friends

are coming over, the ones     who read, command     and trail us,

hello canary,     hello reptile,

parrot     brother     sister     and oh wow,     is that you celebrity?     and child.

               If you don’t see them now you

          will soon—no turning back—

they are mostly atavistic,     powerful in what

they get us to look like, do and say.     At least you—still in production—don’t

have to sleep next to them,     or wake up and wing it—

               The wind bellows and rattles the house. 

          Ice, ice drops another cube.     Tiny tinny birdsong.

Wild red fox     purple zinnia     stone pelican     raven.

The celebrities scrub themselves down to the shine.

My mother who is now speaking

in sentences of no more than four words

reclines on the armchair

to watch

like a bony glamorous cheetah,     an unwrinkled sleeve     stilled

in the complementary then analagous

color theory of the room, the 

debris box they are taking away

a week from Friday.     One of the figures

has died.     And jumped into the debris box.

One of the figures     trailing the friends.     Delete, clean.

Old sound of empty chimney when wind dips down

into sudden clang.     Is that you again—uniting, hiding, expansive in

the silence     after sound?     OK,     I will give you my childhood

neighbor who sat in the backyard painting her china plates,

her dyed black hair     done up in a knot—

Breasts loose in a housedress. Her wondrous teats

fallen over her waist     above the astonishingly small petals

she is painting on the plates     with tiny-haired brushes.

The rotting garage behind her.     And what’s this?

Cloudy afterimage of myself and cousin     in her upstairs bed her

funeral night?   Cool, old, dark, empty house.

Fooling around in the riverbank’s low grasses

the day before? The same 

cousin, at least.

                                                            Blue palette extending

                              beyond sky over windless     sidewalks that tilt and buckle

at most tree-rooted spots. I know this way

     like I have trudged it all along

every new street.     Immortality,     if you are coming,     you are

     the last figure off the boat.     I am the one     who gently pushes the boat

away, and wishes you well,     the friends and figures slowly extinguishing

               then enlivening     the word love,     and the love in gone and ever.

[dpeazercloset]

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Nimble Activewear - Brace Your Boobs Bra (£65)

•DAY 2•

Lounge - Black Antigua Triangle Bikini Set (£40)

•DAY 3•

Victoria Beckham x Reebok VB - Seamless Bra (Not Available)

LNDR - Eight Eight Grey Marl Leggings (£88)

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Reebok - Wor Meet You There Seamless Padded Bra (£24) •

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In’A’SeaShell - Signature Top – Yellow (£34.99) ,

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Nasty Gal - Leopard Print Triangle Bikini Set (£28)

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Nimble Activewear - Back At It Bra in Pick Your Rouge (£55)

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[papermoonloveslucy]

THE CARTERS MEET FRANKIE AVALON

S6;E11 ~ November 19, 1973

Directed by Coby Ruskin ~ Story by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs, Teleplay by Bob O'Brien

Synopsis

Lucy, Harry and Kim go to see Frankie Avalon perform and Kim is chosen from the audience to sing with him on stage. This leads to her performing in the nightclub's talent competition as Cher, with Avalon as her Sonny.  

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter)

Guest Cast

Frankie Avalon (Himself) was born in Philadelphia in 1939 as Francis Thomas Avallone. A recording star and musician, Avalon’s movie career took off when paired with Annette Funicello in Beach Party (1963) and its string of sequels. He played Teen Angel in Grease (1978) and considers “Beauty School Dropout” to be his most popular song.  He previously played Tommy Cheever (Bank president Mr. Cheever's son) in “Lucy and the Starmaker” (TLS S6;E4) on “The Lucy Show” in 1967.  

Vic Glazer (Vic, Conductor / Pianist) enjoyed a long career as an accomplished arranger, composer, pianist and Music Director for many well-known entertainers, which included long stints as Musical Director for Debbie Reynolds and Frankie Avalon. He traveled the world for his work, and made two appearances at The White House during the 1960s.   

Sid Gould (Maitre D') made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show,” all as background characters. This is one of his nearly 50 episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton. 

Jerry Fogel (Mr. Collins, Wilshire Room Entertainment Director and Emcee) is perhaps best remembered as Jerry Buell on “The Mothers-in-Law” (1967-69), produced by Desi Arnaz. He was also a semi-regular on “The White Shadow” (1977-78) as Bill Donahue. This is his only appearance with Lucille Ball.

Lucy says his name aloud in the dialogue, although he is listed simply as “M.C.” in the final credits.

Robert Hogan (Jack Lucas) played the Reverend Tom Winter on TV's “Peyton Place” (1968-69) and was the inspiration for the naming of the title character on “Hogan’s Heroes” (1965-71). His screen career began in 1961 and he previously appeared as Captain Perry in “Lucy and the Astronauts” (S4;E5).  

Jack is Avalon's agent. Although his surname is never spoken in the dialogue, it is listed in the final credits.

Bob Whitney (Call Boy) appeared with Lucille Ball in The Facts of Life (1960). This is the fourth of his five appearances on the series.

In this context, a “Call Boy” is a person who gives the star his “calls” (“10 minutes,” “5 minutes,” “You're On.”) while they are in their dressing room.  

Bill Lee (Talent Competition Singer) frequently dubbed the singing voices of non-singing film actors such as John Kerr in South Pacific (1958), Matt Mattox in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), and Christopher Plummer in The Sound of Music (1964).  This is his last screen credit and one of his few on-camera roles.  

Marl Young (Talent Competition Conductor / Pianist, uncredited, above left) was the “Here's Lucy” musical director and often appeared on camera when episodes included music.

Avalon brings his own musical director, Vic Glazer, for the first part of the show, his nightclub act, but “Here’s Lucy” musical director Marl Young takes over for the Talent Competition at the end. 

Shirley Anthony (Audience Member, uncredited) makes the eighth of her 13 appearances of “Here’s Lucy.”  

As the episodes opens (and the blue curtain in the title parts) Anthony is the very first person on camera, sitting in profile.

George Holmes (Audience Member, uncredited) was previously glimpsed in the studio audience in “Lucy and Art Linkletter” (TLS S6;E4).  He also did three films with Lucille Ball: The Facts of Life (1960), Critic's Choice (1963) and Mame (1974).

Other audience members and the onstage musicians are played by uncredited background performers.

This is one of a very few episodes to have both a “story by” and “written by” credit for the writers.

The episode opens at the Wilshire Room nightclub where Avalon starts his show with “It's Good to be Here” written by Harold Karr and Matt Dubey for the 1956 Broadway musical Happy Hunting starring Ethel Merman.  

Bringing Kim on stage, they sing "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" to each other, a 1967 song by Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio of The Four Seasons. The song earned a gold record and reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a week. It is now part of the juke box musical Jersey Boys (2005).

Avalon says he has seven children (with another on the way) and is married. He later says his wife's name is Kay. Mrs. Avalon was born Kathryn ‘Kay’ Diebel.  A former beauty contest winner, they were married in 1963.

The band plays a brief fanfare based on “Hooray for Hollywood,” a song by Richard A. Whiting first featured in the 1937 film Hollywood Hotel. It launches the portion of Avalon's show where he does impressions of famous actors auditioning for the role of George M. Cohan in the film Yankee Doodle Dandy. Naturally, the audition song is “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” from Cohan's hit Broadway musical Little Johnny Jones (1904).  

Avalon first does an impression of John Wayne (1907-79), who was a guest star on both “I Love Lucy” and “The Lucy Show.”  

He then does his impression of Bela Lugosi (1882-1956) in which his idea of dancing is flapping his arms like bat wings. Lugosi's iconic character, Dracula, was humorously presented on “The Lucy Show.”  Finally, Avalon imitates James Cagney (1899-1986), who actually played the role and earned an Academy Award for the film. Kim did her own quick impression of Cagney during “The Hollywood Unemployment Follies” (S3;E22).  

When Lucy says she has a son, Avalon wonders why he can't play Sonny to Kim's Cher. Lucy explains that he is too tall. Ironically, Harry called Kim and Craig ‘Sonny and Cher’ in “Lucy Stops a Marriage” (S3;E16) three years earlier.  Lucy never uses Craig's name, however, or mentions where he is.

Before Avalon and Kim take the stage as Sonny and Cher in the talent competition, an unnamed singer (Bill Lee) finishes up the last few bars of “The Impossible Dream,” a song written by Mitch Leigh and Joe Darion for the 1965 Broadway musical Man of La Mancha, which was filmed in 1972. The singer makes the applause meter hit 89. 

Sonny and Cher were a pop music duo, actors, singers and entertainers made up of husband-and-wife Sonny and Cher Bono in the 1960s and 1970s. They also had two top ten TV shows, “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” (1971-74) and The Sonny & Cher Show (1976-77). The couple's career as a duo ended in 1975 following their divorce. In the decade they spent together, Sonny and Cher sold over 40 million records worldwide. They had one child together, Chaz Bono, who was born Chastity Sun Bono in 1969. Sonny Bono left show business for politics and died after a skiing accident in 1989. Cher, who has won an Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy, has continued her career as a superstar solo act. 

Cher and Lucille Ball appeared on an Emmy-nominated special together in 1979.  

Frankie Avalon and Lucie Arnaz actually went to see a taping of “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” the week before they shot this episode in order to get some pointers. Cher loaned Lucie the wig, the earrings, and a pair of her eyelashes for the episode.

Frankie and Kim sing “I've Got You Babe” written by Sonny Bono in July 1965. The song became their signature song as a duo. The original version spent three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 selling more than 1 million copies and certified Gold. Avalon and Arnaz sang to a prerecorded track.

Mid-song, ‘Sonny and Cher’ (aka Avalon and Arnaz) break into comic banter just as they often did on their TV show. One joke references “Gunsmoke,” a TV western that aired just before “Here's Lucy” on CBS. The show was on television for two decades (1955-75), after two years on radio. After two years on radio, Lucille Ball also moved to television for a career that spanned from 1951 to 1986.  

When Kim and Avalon win the talent competition with a record-high score of 97, Avalon launches into a chorus of “Beach Blanket Bingo” by Guy Hemrik and Jerry Styner, written for the 1967 film of the same name. Coincidentally, the film was written and directed by William Asher, who also directed 102 episodes of “I Love Lucy.”  

Frankie Avalon played a young man who was torn between banking and singing in “Lucy and the Starmaker” (TLS S6;E4) until Lucy Carmichael comes to his rescue.

Cher's mother, model and actress Georgia Holt, was one of the two models wearing the Jacques Marcel “potato sack” dresses in “Lucy Gets a Paris Gown” (ILL S5;E20, inset). Ten years later, she modeled fur coats for Lucy Carmichael in “Lucy and Pat Collins” (TLS S5;E11).

Distraction Action! Lucy keeps absentmindedly fiddling with the table card in the Wilshire Room. She even starts gesturing with it in her hand.

Eye Catching! Not exactly a goof or a blooper, but sometimes production design can upstage the action, which is the case with this woman’s HUGE grey wig and this equally HUGE ceramic cat!  

The crazy cat was first glimpsed in Flip Wilson’s office in “Lucy and Flip Go Legit” (HL S4;E1) and also (bottom photo) in Shirley MacLaine’s apartment in the Universal film Sweet Charity (1969). 

“The Carters Meet Frankie Avalon” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5

Who knew that Frankie Avalon was such a talented impressionist?  This episode showcases his talents well. Avalon and Lucie Arnaz do a spot-on impression of Sonny and Cher, the main attraction of this episode where Lucy is more background than star.  

[themakersatelier]

Fabric Direction for Autumn 2017

What to wear? What to make? Where to start? Here's a brief round up of this season's fabric trends. Tweed-800.jpg Beyond Tweed This is the season for the statement coat. On the catwalks every sort of treatment was used to add interest. Be inspired to make more with your fabrics; try applique, embellishment or embroidery.   Cord-800.jpg A season of contrasts While there's lots of leather and hi-shine fabrications out there, its corduroy that's really making a comeback. Choose from fine wale needle-cord through to exaggerated elephant cord, for everything from coats to trousers.   Dark-Florals-800.jpg Dark Florals Dark and dramatic, these deeply romantic prints are more sophisticated than pretty. The dark ground with paler florals make these so wearable in winter.   Stripes-800.jpg Stripes are big news.... Bolder and brighter than ever - wear them running down the body for the strongest style statement.   Spots-800.jpg Polka Dots Traditionally considered more of a spring fabrication, especially in navy and white. But this year they are just as relevant in autumn.   Denim-800.jpg Dark Denim Crisp and clean, wear head to toe for urban chic!   Silver-800.jpg Silver A long time favourite at The Maker's Atelier, silver is the metallic of the season - and not just for eveningwear, try pairing with grey marl jersey for day. For more fabric inspiration see here.   http://dlvr.it/Pn6mlh

[teylorking]

River Island Grey marl sport briefs ❤ liked on Polyvore (see more River Island)

[jobsearchtips02]

The 64 Finest Pieces Of Clothes & Baggage On Sale For Up To 80%Off On Amazon Today

A few days into Amazon’s appropriately called The Big Design Sale and there are even more good deals live (hi $5 crop tops and $8 leggings). Shoppers can snag greatly discounted clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories from Amazon’s fan-favorite personal labels (like Core10 and Goodthreads), along with popular designer labels (see: Theory, Puma, Kate Spade). Select pieces from The Store x Shopbop will be on sale, too.

To assist you discover the best deals and biggest savings, Bustle editors will be upgrading this page all the time with the best and newest deals, so make certain to keep checking back. Pleased shopping!

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This perforated leather lug is available in three abundant tones and is totally lined in matching cotton fabric that includes a single roomy interior compartment that consists of 2 small slip pockets and a discreet zippered panel. With two top manages plus a detachable shoulder strap, it’s equivalent parts work bag and weekender.

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This precious jewelry gift set consists of a minimalist watch with Japanese quartz movement and a trio of ultra-classic bracelets. Choose from 3 different shades for custom coordinated looks from tidy to edgy.

82%Off This Norma Kamali Gown

Dress it up, dress it down, wear it all year long– you can get so much usage out of this Norma Kamali dress, and today it’s only $24 Do not like the purple? It also comes in yellow, green, or black– but list price differ.

Offered sizes: 32-42

49%Off This Two-Piece Travel Luggage Set From An Iconic Brand Name

Stock up on necessary baggage for your next vacation with this premium hardside set of suitcases in shatter-resistant polycarbonate featuring spinner wheels and built-in TSA locks. The 20- inch carry-on fulfills overhead bin size requirements for many U.S. domestic flights and the bigger 24- inch luggage has you set for as much as a week of adventure. This pair is available in deep blue, black, and grey metallics that will stand out in baggage claim.

Readily available options: 6

46%Off 3 Of Calvin Klein’s Iconic Cotton Thongs

Calvin Klein’s cotton are icon for a reason; they’re well-made, comfortable, and easily cool. And they don’t go on sale really frequently– which is why this 3-pack of thongs is worth purchasing in multiples.

30%Off This Carry-On Friendly Hydrating Skincare Set

Use a voucher to get 30%off this paraben-free skincare set with a silky hydrating cream including hyaluronic acid. The matching serum is a dupe for a notoriously expensive brand name, with anti-oxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to enhance your natural glow.

44%Off This Gorgeous Marble Travel Luggage

These extremely pretty suitcases been available in two marble tones plus a selection of colors and prints that are simple to identify at baggage claim. They have a difficult clamshell style for efficient usage of area, four moving spinner wheels, and a push-button manage.

Available choices: 5

35%Off This Five-Piece Set Of Sparkly Stud Earrings

You can never ever have too many classic stud earrings, and this multi-piece set can be found in carat sizes ranging from pretty to dazzler. The hypoallergenic posts are made from nickel-free, lead-free stainless-steel, and the crystals themselves are cut from higher-grade AAA cubic zirconia.

50%Off This Chic, Cut-Out Sports Bra

A trendy, cut-out sports bra is best for those who choose to use these pieces by themselves when they exercise. This one boasts a high-neck for added support, too streamlined cutout for ventilation and flare. Offered in three colors.

50%Off This Canvas And Suede Travel Tote

This ruggedly stylish canvas and leather travel lug likewise makes an excellent daily bag, with thoughtful functions like an LED light on the interior key clip and 3 inner pockets. The shoulder straps are slash-resistant and the top zipper locks shut for included security on the go.

50%Off Of These Two-Toned Leggings

Give your basic exercise equipment a new twist with these fashionable two-toned leggings They’re sweat-wicking, and offer up a lovable ruched detail on the bottom for an included little style. Get it in four colors.

50%Off These Necessary Leggings

The ideal black workout legging passes the squat test in an all-season moisture-wicking material with four-way stretch that’s soft enough for daily wear, too. This one has a high waist with a shorter inseam that strikes the majority of people just above the ankle.

Offered sizes: X-Small– 3X

33%Off These Stylish AF Crystal Climber Earrings

These sparkly ear climbers are the subtle glam accent with an edge that you’ve been searching for. The fashionable style does not stint products, either, with crystal-clear AAA-grade cubic zirconia and hypoallergenic rhodium-plated sterling silver posts.

48%Off This Spinner Luggage Set

Update your old travel suitcases with this softside baggage set in 3 colors including a steel wire frame for light-weight structure, with padded side handles and spinner wheels so you move through security. It comes with a 20- inch carry-on and a 25- inch checked bag that will see you through long and brief journeys alike.

58%Off This Luxe-Looking Watch

This smooth stainless-steel boyfriend watch features high-end details like a crystal-studded three-hand analog display screen, a date window, and quartz movement. It’s waterproof to 50 meters and is available in 20 beautiful colorways.

40%Off This High-Quality Hardside Carry-On With Spinner Wheels

This hardside carry-on can be found in six crack-resistant tones with an internal divider for an efficient usage of area. It includes recessed TSA mix locks and 4, 360 degree spinner wheels for easy handling.

39%Off This Traditional Sports Watch From A Heritage Brand Name

The Timex Weekender watch includes an adjustable strap in quick-drying nylon that you can swap out for different appearances. The Indigo light-up face will survive a dunk in water approximately 30 meters and is covered by scratch-resistant mineral glass.

60%Off The Wedge Sandal With A Tennis shoe’s Sole

Another terrific set of comfortable shoes to consider, these have memory foam footbeds for included convenience, while their strappy appearance gives them a slightly Dad-chic ambiance that’s all the rage right now.

Readily available sizes: 5– 11

35%Off This Ultra-Soft Midi Gown

This snuggly midi gown is made from a thick brushed knit that basically seems like a fully-body version of your softest sweater, and comes in 6 cozy marled colors. It has a mid-calf hemline with slits on either side that will not journey you up, and you can knot the front for a downtown-cool appearance. The shoulders include a subtle wrap detail and pinch-pleat accent for an up-leveled fundamental you’ll live in.

Readily available sizes: X-Small– XX-Large

35%Off This Trendy Cropped Yoga Tee

A crop top with a (literal) twist upgrades your go-to gym tee in top quality Pima cotton with super-soft modal. It’s fitted– so you can practice your inversions without worry– and not so short that it will ride up in the middle of an overhead press. The style is equally adorable with high-rise denims outside the locker room and can be found in 10 colors so you’re ensured a perfect wardrobe match.

Readily available sizes: X-Small– 3X

54%Off These Boho Chic Espadrilles

A set of summery espadrilles with a barely-there wedge is considerably walkable on trip or staycation. They’re lined in comfy memory foam and have shock-absorbing rubber sole, with leather straps that simply get softer with time. Pick from 13 wearable colors including a party-ready silver and warm yellow.

Offered sizes: 5– 12

53%Off These Summery Denim Capris

These denim capris are skillfully tailored to avoid that oh-so-common gapping at the waistband. They have a comfortable mid increase and a little one percent of spandex combined in with their cotton for a stiffer-feeling material that hits closer to raw jeans in 3 classic washes.

Offered sizes: 24 W x 22.5 L– 36 W X 22.5 L

35%Off This Flexible Wrinkle-Free Gown

One reviewer called this V-neck dress “a closet staple,” while another fan commented that the quality was on par with a minimum of 2 more expensive brands. Shoppers love the versatile high-low shape that skims without sticking and is equally deserving of work days or date nights. The floaty rayon jersey belts like a dream, can be found in seven abundant tones, and cleans up wrinkle-free.

Offered sizes: X-Small– XX-Large

35%Off A Two-Pack Of The Softest Tees

Cotton and modal whisked together make one of the best mid-weight T-shirts around– read: not transparent– and shoppers reported that these don’t tarnish even after a complete season of heavy usage. With a fitted team neck and not-too-boxy cut, they look sharp from the workplace to the gym. Stock up on this basic in black, navy, or white.

Offered sizes: XS– 18

35%Off A Set Of Minimalist Layering Tanks

A great enhance to the quality tees above, these durable scoopneck tank tops in matching black, white, or navy are light-weight and layerable in a tagless style so they’re super-comfy. With high-quality stitching in smooth cotton-modal, they look upscale beneath a sports jacket and the shoulders are wide sufficient to cover bra straps (if you use one) on casual days.

Readily available sizes: XS– 18

35%Off This Ultra-Modern Tee

This flowy, boxy top nets a 4.5 star ranking from Amazon consumers who enjoy its chic yet relaxed design. A high neck line contrasts the casual dolman sleeves for a flexible piece you might simply as easily use over leggings or tuck into a pencil skirt. It can be found in seven colors for work and play.

Offered sizes: X-Small– XX-Large

35%Off These Uber Comfortable Bike Shorts

Amazon partnered with PUMA to bring you these bike shorts constructed for comfort with cycle-ready details. They’re made from a moisture-wicking polyester/elastane mix in timeless black or nautical navy that’s woven for softness and breathability (no glossy bike brief syndrome here), and the broad comfortable waistband has a small concealed pocket for secrets and cards.

Offered sizes: XX-Small– 3X-Large

35%Off These Scallop-Trimmed Leggings

These pretty leggings have subtle details like scalloped trim on the pockets and ankle mesh insets. The performance fabric is moisture-wicking with four-way stretch and comes in 3 muted tones plus a beautiful mineral pattern. With a high-rise compression waistband and 26- inch inseam, they’re versatile enough for almost any workout.

Offered sizes: X-Small– 3X

35%Off These Light-As-Air Running Shoes

This Adidas running shoe has a foam insole that’s engineered to be light-weight and encouraging whether you’re logging miles on the treadmill or on the go. The mesh textile upper is available in lots of colors and offers extra ventilation with has a faux leather heel cap for an upgraded look.

Available sizes: 5.5– 12

35%Off This Comfortable Tank Gown

This A-line tank dress is breezy enough to be worn by itself in the summertime or layered over a button-down in cool weather condition thanks to a sweater-like rib knit that comes in 4 deep jewel tones. The midweight rayon blend washes and dries like a champ for easy care– just what you desire in a go-to piece like this.

Available sizes: X-Small– XX-Large

40%Off This Pretty Party Dress (It Has Pockets!)

This adorable gown with over 200 evaluates has a greatly tailored princess joint bodice and flared skirt– with pockets! The cropped sleeves include a gathered keyhole accent ended up with a little button for a not-so-basic look that’s womanly and sophisticated. The fabric is perfectly heavy and the dress is fully lined, in 4 timeless colors.

Readily available sizes: 0– 16

40%Off This Buttery-Soft Boatneck Tee

This top is an upcycled option to your preferred Tee shirts that still feels so, so comfy. The bateau neckline doesn’t reveal bra straps and the whole appearance is completed with extra-wide hems for additional polish. Its supersoft rayon blend is lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and is available in black, grey, and navy.

Available sizes: X-Small– X-Large

35%Off These Futuristic Thermal Leggings

These state-of-the-art navy blue leggings were constructed to keep you warm on outside runs, with mesh panels behind the knees for targeted cooling so you don’t get too hot. They have actually contoured seams for a streamlined look and front-zip pockets that firmly hold a set of secrets.

Available sizes: X-Small– X-Large

20%Off These Capsule Wardrobe-Friendly Culottes

Amazon buyers called these culottes the ideal option to denims and leggings. The polyester/viscose mix is soft yet weight, and a surprise drawstring closure tucked inside the flat customized waistband feels laidback however looks completely polished. They can be found in black, charcoal, and navy– grab the matching rib tee for an on-trend co-ord appearance.

Offered sizes: X-Small– XXX-Large

20%Off A Breezy Mock Neck Tank

This stylish tank top has a swingy A-line fit offset by narrow shoulders and a streamlined mock neck with a fan-pleated racerback. The tri-blend jersey is made from polyester, cotton, and rayon for a strong yet lightweight material in 6 soft heathered tones that are laidback luxe.

Offered sizes: X-Small– X-Large

41%Off A Leather Sandal With Serious Summer Season Vibes

The ideal mix of design and comfort, these shoes include an EVA foam sole to support your foot. With genuine leather straps that buckle around the ankle and cork detailing on the 1-inch platform, you can be sure the sandals will look as excellent as they feel. Get them in fundamental black or neutral beige.

Offered Sizes: 5-10, consisting of half sizes

41%Off These Space-Saving Compression Packing Cubes

If getting four entire packing cubes for less than $10 isn’t a lot, I don’t understand what is. Each four-pack comes with an extra-large, big, medium, and small cube to help wrangle a variety of products in your luggage, though you can also buy some smaller packs instead. They’re readily available in a lot of colors (including clear), so you can mix and match sets to assist you remain extra-organized. And since they’re compression cubes, they really assist in saving space in your baggage.

Available Options: 12

58%Off This Light-weight Cotton Bathrobe

This full-length bathrobe is woven from pure cotton in twelve different colors and prints, for everyday wear with breathable softness. It has inner ties and a belt so everything stays in location while you move through your morning (or evening) and has 2 big spot pockets that are big enough to hold your phone while you prepare yourself.

Readily available sizes: Little– X-Large

38%Off This Windproof Umbrella

This automatic windproof umbrella opens and closes with a single click. It’s constructed from light-weight aluminum and has a Teflon-coated canopy with a reflective border for safer exposure at night.

32%Off This Inverted Umbrella With The Most Beautiful Lining

An inverted umbrella ingeniously folds shut with the dry side facing out so you don’t have to handle drips. This one likewise offers UV defense, and the plain black exterior hides a selection of warm linings, while the C-shaped handle is easier to hold onto.

24%Off This Rugged Weekender Bag

This weekender tote is slim yet spacious, in a hard-wearing canvas-style weave with the brand’s signature removed lining and leather zipper tabs. There’s an external sleeve pocket to keep the essentials close, and it can be found in eight various colorways from timeless to intense.

35%Off This High-Neck Yoga Bra With Four-Way Stretch

This low-impact sports bra is made from a moisture-wicking nylon blend with a high neck and a lot of stretch. All three colors feature mesh panels over the heart and back for additional ventilation, and the low-seam construction is extra-comfy.

Available sizes: X-Small– X-Large

27%Off This Hyper-Organized Wristlet

This wallet keeps all the fundamentals close at hand from money, tickets– even a passport– to your phone and your secrets. It’s RFID-blocking and the accordion design zips totally shut so nothing gets lost, plus that wristlet style is so useful for grab-and-go errands. Get it in five muted shades.

45%Off This Travel Jewelry Organizer

This small precious jewelry organizer keeps your devices from tangling with zippered pockets, hanging snaps, and ring rolls all on a velvet lining so whatever takes a trip scratch-free. The waterproof exterior has quite accents including a subtle shimmer finish and streamlined gold plate.

40%Off This Longline Medium-Impact Sports Bra

This sports bra is woven from a proprietary moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabric that is available in three muted shades, with black mesh panels on the back and shoulders for breathability. It’s double-layered, with detachable pads and has enough compression to offer adequate assistance through many exercises, according to evaluations.

37%Off This Vegan Leather Phone Crossbody

This extra-small crossbody bag has 3 zippered compartments with sufficient room for the basics including your smart device, plus a removable charge card insert. Remove the shoulder strap, and it transforms into a super-functional daily wallet. Readily available in 17 colors throughout three different styles.

33%Off This Sporty Duffel

This little satchel suits most basic fitness center lockers without stinting storage area: there’s a main compartment and a side zip pocket for keeping tennis shoes or toiletries different, plus zippered outside compartments so essentials are simple to get.

40%Off This Environmentally Friendly Sports Bra Made From Recycled Products

This sports bra provides medium support with a compression fit and no detachable pads that will get lost in the wash. It’s made with 70%recycled polyester in a super-stretchy mix and is available in four subtle colors.

Available sizes: XX-Small– XX-Large

43%This Rugged Hardside Luggage

Polycarbonate luggage is the Cadillac of hardside travel suitcases, and all 10 colors of this two-piece set are embossed with a durable diamond texture to camouflage scratches sustained on the open road. Four large spinner wheels make for easier handling and built-in TSA locks guarantee your possessions stay secure all the way to luggage claim.

Readily available choices: 5

60%Off The Perfect Set Of Classic White Sneakers

These classic white sneakers feature a smooth, slim silhouette and cushioned insoles, and, they’re made from 100%leather by Kenneth Cole, so you know they’re high-quality. They’ll most likely last you rather a couple of summer seasons.

Available sizes: 5-11

34%Off This High Efficiency Sneaker

These running shoes been available in 28 colorways that include light-as-air foam insoles for ultimate shock absorption, and a specially engineered outsole that’s designed to weather extra-tough wear on high-impact areas. The contoured heel cup and high bootie-inspired cut stays safe and secure mile after mile whether you’re on a run or on the go.

Offered sizes: 5– 12

Readily available widths: 2

43%Off This Luggage With Luxe Gold Hardware

This elegant luggage set sticks out for its shiny gold accents and contemporary geometric lining, but you’ll also fall for the smooth-as-glass spinner wheels and built-in telescoping deal with. Select from gold or rose gold hardware on four various colors for a distinctive appearance.

Available pieces: 5

63%Off This Vital Duffle For Weekend Getaways

Need a bag for a brief journey? This Kipling duffle bag should wait you require, without exceeding airline carry-on requirements or using up too much space in your cars and truck. Made from durable nylon with a polyester lining, the bag is readily available in Black Noir or Light Aloe colors, and it has that classic Kipling logo and monkey keychain.

20%Off This Gentle Paraben-Free Area Treatment With Benzoyl Peroxide

This acne-fighting area treatment has enough benzoyl peroxide to load a punch without annoying your skin. Natural extracts calm inflammation and gently nourish your skin– get 20%off when you use the voucher.

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from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/the-64-finest-pieces-of-clothes-baggage-on-sale-for-up-to-80off-on-amazon-today/

[luellenhind-blog]

AE COLOUR PALETTE

Confirmed colour palette i will be using for Anka Eden as a brand, neutral, feminine and rich colours allow me to build the ideal brand identity that my brief requires.

champagne peach - outer packaging - pure, refreshing and elegant.

dusty pink and deep dusty pink - Logo colours for a luxe and feminine touch on the honey drop logo, still maintaining that its honey but straying away from he food aspect of honey.

light grey marl - outer packaging - minimal and a good colour match for any other desired colour.

copper - used for the text of the brand name, luxury and sleek.

maroon - outer packaging, sophisticated and warming

gun metal grey - used for the label of the bottles, to blend with he deep brown bottle colour and a good contrast against the font and logo.

[fashion4menau]

Fashion 4 Men http://www.fashion4men.com.au/shop/yd/glaze-colour-block-tee/

Glaze Colour Block Tee

Free shipping for orders over $85* The Glaze Colour Block Mens Tee by yd. Get with the sports luxe trend this season, and make colour blocking a core part of your wardrobe. This tee nails the brief, featuring contrasting panels of navy, white and grey marle. Finished in a crew neck design and soft cotton. Material: 100% Cotton Colour: WHITE

#ApparelClothing, #Block, #Colour, #Glaze, #Tee, #White, #Yd