#i guess she didnt burn them all

[missdynamighttt]

so.. giving bf! katsuki his girlfriend bill and he pays.. WAY too much tax.

it started as a joke.

you sat on the couch, scribbling away at a piece of paper while katsuki was busy scrolling through his phone. when you were done, you slid it across the table to him with a smug grin.

KATSUKI BAKUGO - GIRLFRIEND BILL

• snacks (your girl gotta eat, and no, your portion does not count as mine even if i eat it): 500

• unlimited cuddles package (its like a warm cozy prison): 1,000

• tummy tax (you hog my tummy all the damn time, rent is due.): 3,000

• sex damages (broken furniture, excessive laundry, my LEGS, my BACK, my SANITY): 5,000

• miscellaneous (for anything i want because you love me): 8,000

TOTAL: 17,500

DUE DATE: NOW. PAY UP 💜

you leaned back, arms crossed. “you owe me, boyfie.”

katsuki stared at the paper, then at you. his eyebrow twitched. “the fuck is this?”

“since you love spending money on me, i figured i’d make it official,” you teased. “just the essentials. cuddles, snacks, emotional labor fees, suffering damages—”

he snorted, shaking his head. “suffering damages?”

“i am dating you.”

he clicked his tongue but didn’t argue. instead, he grabbed the paper, pulled out a pen, and started writing.

you blinked. “uh… what are you doing?”

“fixing your shitty math.”

you leaned over to look—only for your jaw to drop when you saw him doubling the charges and adding even more things to the bill.

• snacks (you always say you don’t want any, then eat mine)

• spa days (so you don’t stress out)

• hair and nails (because i know you like getting them done)

• shopping sprees (you never ask, but i see you eyein’ shit)

• being the best damn thing in my life (consider as future investment. i’m keepin’ you forever, dumbass)

your eyes trailed down the list, heart pounding. meanwhile, katsuki was casually typing on his phone.

a notification buzzed on yours. you glanced down—and nearly choked.

Deposit: 50,000 from katsuki bakugo

you gawked at the absurd number. “katsuki—what the hell?”

he grinned, crossing his arms. “what? you think i don’t know what you deserve?”

your face burned, your heart doing somersaults as you stared at him in disbelief, acting like he didn’t just casually triple your joke bill. "katsuki, this was supposed to be a joke.”

he leaned back, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “not to me. i’d pay more if it meant spoilin’ my girl the way she deserves.”

you swallowed hard, heart pounding. “you—you can’t just—”

“too late,” he interrupted, tugging you onto his lap. “the hell kinda cheapskate boyfriend you think i am?”

you stared at the new total, eyes wide. “katsuki—this is, like, a small fortune.”

he just smirked. “yeah? guess you’re worth it.”

your face burned.

"just shut up and take my money, sweets," his lips brushed against your ear. "tell you what—how ‘bout i add another big... tip?"

but before you could react, he was already throwing you over his shoulder, carrying you straight to the bedroom.

you had a feeling he wasn’t talking about money anymore.

‎‧₊˚✧[ it's me, kia ! ]✧˚₊‧ ｡ﾟ•┈꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱┈• ｡ﾟ ‎‧₊˚✧[ more of katsuki ! ]✧˚₊‧

⋆˚࿔ kia's note ˚⋆ been feeling burnt out lately lmao😵‍💫 didnt include any money symbols so yall dont have to go through the trouble of converting it😭 thank god my husband is rich >< trying to clear my bazillion drafts, hope you guys enjoy this💜

[bombiikki]

𐙚⋆.˚　────  butterflies in the rain °｡⋆⸜

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ – loser!haerin x popular!reader !!

synopsis: as the popular kid at school, you were constantly put in the spotlight. but, you never liked it. you never felt truly seen by people and it was exhausting. walking in the rain was never a problem for you—you always carried your umbrella on you. so, why did you give it away to some girl you didn’t know the name of? and why did she make you feel human?

contains:fluff, slowburn except i dont rlly know how to slow the burn, pianist x artist, theyre both each other’s muses, umbrellas and rain mentioned a lot, and butterflies, and a lil unwanted angst but idk how to write angst bc i js decided i didnt want them to be happy without a lil miscommunication first, miscommunication!

wc: 20.9k 😸😸

a/n: pretend everyine is aorund the same age please i forgot abt all the age gaps so 😿 does the synopsis even make sense?? also this was written over like 2 months while i was constantly in and out of falling asleep so i apologise if everything is lwk inconsistent or js badly paced 😓i was literallt one bad mood away from scrapping this entire thing

you walk through the damp streets of your neighbourhood, trying to find your way home through the heavy rain. with an umbrella over your head, you made a turn onto another street. why did you have to walk home today out of all days? you’re not so sure yourself.

you look out into the heavy rain, noticing a figure completely soaked in the rain. she has a school blazer over her head—you recognise it as your school blazer. you watched as the soaked girl continued to walk in the pouring rain, socks probably damp and cold. did you do anything about it? well, you couldn’t. the rain had begun to clear up as soon as you took another step forward. talk about bipolar weather. 

the sun shone brightly against the girl, but she didn’t turn around enough for you to see her face. you watched as she lowered the school blazer. a butterfly had come out of hiding and was now fluttering around you. you watched it with curious eyes as it fluttered towards the girl. though you didn’t have the clearest view, you watched as the butterfly seemed to have perched on the girl’s finger.

“the rain yesterday was insane!” yunjin exclaimed, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. you smirked as you ducked your head, the familiar weight of attention already crawling up your neck.

“i’m guessing you ran home as soon as you felt a single water droplet,” you snickered. yunjin scoffed, nudging your side playfully.

“i don’t know about her, but i did,” hyein grinned, rushing over to your side. you watched danielle approach from behind, her expression warm and gentle.

“did you make it home safe? didn’t trip in the rain?” danielle asked, genuine concern lacing her voice.

hyein looked at her with big eyes and a beaming smile. “yep! not a single scratch!”

yunjin shifted to your other side, diving into a conversation with hyein and danielle. you found yourself smiling automatically, even as your mind drifted elsewhere—tuning out the laughter and chatter that surrounded you.

the four of you wove through the crowded hallways, passing students who glanced your way like clockwork. some offered quick smiles; others whispered just out of earshot. you returned the polite gestures out of habit, but it all felt distant—like watching someone else’s life from the outside.

being popular wasn’t something you asked for. it was a label that stuck to you like static, a side effect of being that person—good looks, successful parents, and just enough charm to draw people in. you never resented it, but the constant attention was exhausting. every smile felt like a mask, every conversation weighed with expectation.

in those moments, you longed for quiet. the kind of silence where no one expected anything from you.

that’s when you noticed her—the outlier in the sea of eyes trained on you.

she had long, dark hair falling over her shoulders, feline-like eyes hidden behind thick glasses. unlike everyone else, her focus wasn’t on you. there was no curiosity, no recognition. just quiet exhaustion, reflected in the red tint around her nose and the pout of her lips. she didn’t look like she belonged to the noise of the hallway, and somehow, that made you notice her even more.

the bell rang, snapping you from your thoughts. you waved goodbye to your friends, slipping into your classroom with the practiced ease of someone used to being watched.

and yet, the girl followed—figuratively, at least. she sat in clear view from your seat, unknowingly pulling your attention back toward her. for once, your sketchbook wasn’t filled with vague ideas or forced inspiration. this time, your pencil found its own direction, tracing the sharp curve of her jaw, the subtle tension in her eyes, the softness of her lips.

she didn’t know your name. she wasn’t impressed by your reputation. you weren’t popular to her. you were just another student in a classroom. and for the first time, that thought made you feel human.

the girl got up to blow her nose, your eyes now avoiding her at all costs. you didn’t even know this girl’s name, but you were already enamoured.

the bell rang for lunch, and as you packed up your things, you could already feel the weight of expectation gathering around you like a cloud.

smiling faces, casual greetings, students brushing past just to be seen near you—it was always the same routine. polite nods, quick conversations, all shallow interactions that left you feeling more like a concept than a person.

you slipped through the hallways like a shadow, ducking away from the growing crowd. no explanations to your friends, no excuses—just a quiet retreat to the one place you hoped would offer silence. the library.

the moment you stepped inside, the pressure in your chest eased. here, surrounded by the soft shuffle of pages turning and the faint scratch of pens against paper, you weren’t anyone special. you were just you.

that’s when you saw her again.

seated by the window, framed by the steady patter of rain against the glass, she was completely absorbed in her book. the same girl with sharp eyes and thick glasses, her focus unwavering even as you quietly took a seat nearby.

she didn’t notice you. no sideways glances, no stolen looks—just silence. for once, you weren’t the center of attention. and it was peaceful.

your hands moved almost without thought, sketchbook opening to a fresh page as your pencil danced across it. the lines came easier this time—her focused expression, the furrow of her brow, the way her lips pressed together as she read. 

your pencil tapped absently against the table as you got lost in thought, and finally, she noticed. she glanced at you, not with recognition but curiosity.

“sorry if i’m bothering you with the pencil tapping,” you mumbled, offering a small, sheepish smile.

“it’s okay,” she replied, voice quiet but steady. “you weren’t bothering me.”

that was it. no forced small talk, no polite admiration. just a moment of shared quiet. for the first time in a long while, you didn’t feel like you had to perform. you didn’t need to be charming or likable. you could just exist. and that, somehow, was the greatest relief of all.

you were walking home, and it was raining once more, your feet splashing in the forming puddles of the streets. the rain was heavy, making everything foggy and dark. you turned a familiar corner to see a girl up ahead, completely soaked and maybe even shivering. 

you took a big sigh before running up slowly to the girl down the street. you slowed down as you tilted your umbrella over her head, tilting it away from your head. you felt small drops of rain hit your head, soaking you completely within a matter of seconds. the rain that hit your shoulders made them feel heavy and cold.

the girl under your umbrella turned around to look at you, moving a little closer and holding your hand to position the umbrella over the both of you. you watched her lower her soaked blazer from her head over her shoulders.

the girl with soaked dark hair looked at you with her completely rain-covered glasses. she took off her glasses and wiped them with her shirt before looking back at you—a glimmer of confusion in her eyes. you recognised those sharp eyes.

“how did you see with the rain all up on your glasses?” you chuckled. the girl in front of you shrugged slightly.

she stood in front of you with a blank stare on her face, watching as you seemed to warm up quickly. you could feel her body warmth radiating against yours due to the close proximity.

“you shouldn’t be out in the rain like that, especially without an umbrella,” you said, your small smile turning into a small frown.

“i walk home in the rain every day, it’s okay,” the girl said with furrowed brows.

you shook your head with a frown, noticing the slight red tint of her nose. “but you’re sick from the rain, aren’t you?”

as if on cue, the girl turned her head to the side to sneeze—sniffling before looking back into your eyes with tired eyes.

you felt the corners of your lips twitch into a soft smile. “so, are you going to take the umbrella or not?”

the girl looked at you with a confused look. “why would i take your umbrella?”

“because you need it to shelter you from the rain,” you said flatly.

you took her hand and brought it up to the handle of the umbrella, passing it over to her. you took her other hand and secured it over the other. you had wished to hold onto her hands for longer, they were warm despite the coldness of the rain.

“see? wasn’t that hard was it,” you smirked. the girl continued to look at you with a confused look, her eyebrows furrowing once more.

“what about you?” the girl asked.

“what about me?” you replied with a small laugh.

“how will you get home in the rain?” 

you looked out into the rain, then back to the girl in front of you. 

“i guess i’m gonna have to run,” you smiled softly, sighing at the situation you put yourself into. you just knew you had to take the warmest shower when you got home.

“i thought you said i shouldn’t be out in the rain without an umbrella. shouldn’t that apply to you too?” the girl said with a frown.

you nodded and opened your mouth, then you closed it again at your hypocrisy. you really didn’t want to run in the rain, but you had already given your umbrella to the girl in front of you—you couldn’t just take it back.

“well,” you began, “better me than you.”

you took your blazer off quickly and put it up over your head. you looked back at the girl with a small smile.

“i’ll be fine,” you said with a shrug.

the girl watched you as you stepped away from the shelter of the umbrella and into the rain, the rain immediately soaking up every inch of your body. she watched as you gave a small wave before running down the street.

turns out, raining in heavy rain with just a blazer for shelter did not stop you from catching a cold—even after taking a warm shower too. you took two days off of school before returning.

“catching a cold in the big ol’ 2025 is crazy,” yunjin snickered, messing up your hair from next to you.

it was lunch and you had decided to walk around campus with your friends, not feeling particularly hungry. other students had noticed your absence, bombarding you with questions in the morning. you greeted person after person with a tired but still wide smile, shrugging off your absence as nothing major. you didn’t want to continue dealing with people so maybe that was also a partial reason why you decided to walk around with your friends.

“whatever man. i didn’t have my umbrella,” you mumbled back, sniffling a little from what was left of your cold. 

“you didn’t have your umbrella?” danielle sighed. she shook her head slowly with concern in her eyes.

“ooo y/n’s in trouble with dani,” hyein teased with a grin.

you smiled softly, rolling your eyes and pushing hyein from the side. danielle looked back at you with her concerned eyes.

“why didn’t you have your umbrella?” she asked sternly.

“i gave it to some girl in my class. she was way more soaked than i was,” you shrugged.

your friends began whispering between themselves. all you could take out of it were the words “haerin” and “asked”. you looked up from the page to look at your friends with a confused expression.

“what are you guys whispering about,” you snickered.

you watched as yunjin wore a shit-eating grin before she began to talk. “the first day you were gone, this girl came up to us—her name was haerin. she’s friends with one of dani’s friends or something. but, she came up to us and asked about you. she had an umbrella in hand too.”

“oh, so her name’s haerin,” you nodded slowly, humming softly.

“is that all you got from that?” hyein giggled. you looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “that’s all i needed to know, no?”

“did you not know her name before?” yunjin laughed.

you lowered your head, mumbling a little “maybe” as yunjin continued to laugh at you.

“c’mon yunjin, stop laughing at y/n, ” danielle smiled. “we all gotta get to class soon too by the way—bell’s gonna go soon.”

the four of you began to walk to your respected classrooms right before the bell. you waved goodbye to your friends as you slid open the door to the classroom, finding a few students already sat at their desks—one of them being haerin.

you walked over to your own desk, noticing your umbrella sitting on top of it with a note.

“You’re terrible at following your own advice. Don’t get sick next time.”

you felt a small smile tug at your lips, your eyes finding the back of haerin’s head. she had her eyes locked towards the front of the class, her fingers tapping her desk rhythmically.

the warmth of late afternoon sunlight streamed lazily through haerin’s bedroom window, casting soft, golden patterns across the walls. the peaceful quiet was quickly shattered as hanni burst into the room, all energy and sunshine, her smile as wide as ever.

“hae! i feel like i haven’t seen you in forever,” hanni exclaimed dramatically, tackling haerin into the mattress.

“you see me every day, hanni. you’re literally impossible to miss,” haerin scoffed.

“yeah, well, you disappear into the library every now and then so,” hanni mumbled, a small pout plastered on her face.

minji followed in—dropping onto the mattress with a small bounce. her playful pout didn’t quite mask the mischief in her eyes. “can’t we miss our best friend in peace without getting judged for it?”

haerin rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “nope. in fact, i should probably kick you both out now while i still have the energy.” she sat up, making a half-hearted attempt to shoo them toward the door.

hanni, swift as ever, caught the back of haerin’s shirt and yanked her back down with a disapproving look on her face. “absolutely not. you promised we could hang out today. breaking promises is illegal in this friendship.”

minji let out a laugh, watching as haerin surrendered and flopped back onto the bed with a dramatic sigh. the familiar comfort of their friendship settled over the room like a soft blanket—easy, effortless, safe.

they lay there, limbs tangled together in the lazy sprawl that only close friends could manage—the quiet hum of the world outside distant and unimportant. hanni broke the comfortable silence first, her voice softer this time.

“so, haerin. what’s going on with you lately?”

haerin stared at the ceiling, watching the light shift across the plaster. “nothing much,” she mumbled with a shrug. “why?”

hanni shot her a questioning glance, raising her eyebrow. “just checking in. you’ve seemed… distracted these past few days.”

there was a pause—a beat of hesitation—before haerin spoke again, her voice low but thoughtful. 

“it’s probably nothing, but there’s this girl.”

minji immediately sat up, her curiosity sparked. “a girl? you’re telling me you’ve been holding out on us?”

“it’s not like that,” haerin muttered, cheeks warming despite herself. “it’s y/n. the—uh—you know, the one everyone’s always talking about.”

hanni blinked, recognition dawning quickly. “like, y/n y/n? the popular girl who’s always with dani and stuff?”

“yeah,” haerin admitted. “she gave me her umbrella the other day when it was raining. completely soaked herself in the process and then just… left.”

the room went quiet for a moment, the weight of her words settling between them.

“that’s… weirdly sweet of her,” minji said, her voice cautious but intrigued. “what happened after that?”

haerin shrugged again, trying to seem indifferent. “nothing much. she’s missed the last two days of school—probably caught a cold from the rain.” her fingers stilled, the memory of their brief encounters flashing uninvited in her mind. “she doesn’t seem like everyone says she is. she seems real.”

hanni and minji exchanged a knowing glance that didn’t go unnoticed.

“what?” haerin asked, narrowing her eyes.

“nothing,” hanni said, a teasing smile creeping across her lips. “just—maybe—‘nothing much’ is actually something after all.”

haerin rolled her eyes, but the warmth blooming in her chest told her they weren’t entirely wrong.

“hey, just saying. if you wanna hit her up, i can set you up through dani,” hanni’s teasing smile only increasingly growing wider.

“having a popular friend must be fun,” minji rolled her eyes.

“do not classify danielle as just a popular friend,” hanni frowned.

another school day flew by quickly—the bell signifying the end of the day, students crowding the hallways and walking off campus. haerin was not one of these people. she found herself in the music room instead, drawn by the piano that was sitting untouched.

“let’s see if i remember how to play this one,” haerin whispered to herself. she placed her hands onto the keys and her fingers began to move slowly. 

haerin began to play the first few notes quietly, slowly building up the volume but still keeping it soft. haerin melted with the music, feeling at peace. she continued to play, softly and soothingly until she made a mistake—her hands pausing into place when she did. haerin mumbled out a curse before pushing her hair back.

“don’t stop there. keep playing, it sounded nice.” you said from behind her. haerin jumped a little before slowly turning towards the sound of your voice. as haerin turned her head, you stood against the closed door of the room. haerin grew a confused expression on her face. 

you smiled a little before slowly walking towards haerin. 

“can i sit with you?” you asked softly. haerin didn’t say anything but made space for you on the stool. 

you sat yourself onto the stool gently, haerin feeling the warmth of your body radiating despite the gap between the two of you.

“do you come here often?” you asked softly, placing your bag down by the side of the stool.

“no, not really. do you?” haerin asked you back. you nodded in response.

“i didn’t know you played piano,” haerin added. you saw a small smile on her face as you scratched the back of your head.

“hate to break it to you, but i don’t. i’m actually really ass at it,” you chuckled nervously. 

“you can’t be that bad,” haerin replied.

you brought your fingers up to the keys and tried playing as much as you remembered of ‘twinkle twinkle little star’. you watched as haerin winced everytime you pressed the wrong key. she adjusted her glasses up her nose bridge as you finished your little performance.

“so, you’re that bad,” haerin hummed. you chuckled softly at her comment, taking your fingers off the key. “why are you here then?”

a smile began to grow on your face. “well, i like to draw,” you said softly. “and no one really uses the music room. it’s peaceful to sit in this room and just—draw.” you reached down for your bag and took out your sketchbook as proof.

haerin nodded slowly at your response. “i should leave then—i don’t want to bother your drawing time,” she said with thin lips, getting up from the stool.

you went to grab her wrist, her head turning back to look at you in the eye. she tilted her head to the side in confusion. you quickly let go of her wrist, not wanting to seem overly pushy.

“sorry for grabbing you all of a sudden. i don’t mind if you stay—your playing gives a better atmosphere rather than me drawing in silence,” you said sheepishly.

luckily for you, haerin slowly descended onto the stool and placed her fingers on the keys. you moved yourself onto a spare chair off to the side, leaving haerin in front of the piano by herself. haerin felt her side grow colder without your warmth next to her. to say she liked having you in her personal space was not something she wanted to admit just yet.  you told her it was so she could have free reign over her space but you also wanted to give yourself some space to draw freely.

you brought a foot up onto your chair, your knee serving as the surface to hold up your sketchbook. you listened as haerin began to work her magic, a soft melody playing in your ears. the room was now filled with the sounds of your pencil scratching over the paper of your sketchbook and the sweet melody haerin was playing.

“what are you playing?” you hummed softly, still sketching away against the paper. haerin continued to play, not missing a beat, as she responded “gymnopédie no.1”.

“sounds fancy,” you chuckled softly.

“it’s french,” haerin hummed back softly.

a smile tugged onto your lips. you began to flip through the pages of your sketchbook. it was filled with little doodles, but there seemed to be a recurring theme of cats. there were multiple pages filled with sketches of haerin too, but you didn’t want to show anyone those sketches just yet.

you smiled softly as you found yourself sketching haerin at the piano. you doodled a few butterflies around the finished sketch, feeling butterflies in your own stomach as you looked up at haerin. she wore a soft smile as she played, the sound rich in your ears.

the sun hung lazily in the sky as lunchtime rolled around—its warmth spilling through the windows of an empty classroom tucked away from the usual chaos of the schoolyard. you always loved camping out in empty classrooms—they felt like your quiet place where the noise of expectations couldn’t reach you. 

the room buzzed softly with the hum of a distant lawn mower outside and the occasional creak of old wooden chairs shifting under familiar weight.

you sat cross-legged at a spot by the window, sketchbook balanced on your knee, pencil tapping thoughtfully against the paper. you were mindlessly sketching out the same face that blessed your thoughts. whenever you were lost in your own mind, you thought about that day in the music room a lot—the way you and haerin sat in the room in comfortable silence, and the way her lips curled up into a soft smile as she played. it had been a few days since that day but the memory still lingered in your thoughts—butterflies thrashing around in your stomach and cheeks growing warmer when you did.

across from you, yunjin, hyein, and danielle lounged in their own chairs, half-eaten lunches abandoned as their attention slowly shifted toward you. you didn’t notice the way their eyes narrowed in amusement as you absently smiled at whatever filled your page—until yunjin’s voice cut through the comfortable silence.

“okay, spill,” she said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “who is she, and why do you look like you just walked out of a rom-com montage?”

you didn’t even bother looking up, pretending to focus on a stray line in your sketch. “you’re imagining things. i’m literally just sketching.”

but hyein was quicker than you, snatching the book from your lap before you could react. she flipped through the pages with a sharp eye until a knowing smirk spread across her lips. “just sketching, huh? then why are half these pages full of the same person? wait… is this haerin?”

your stomach twisted as danielle leaned over to peek, her gasp filling the room with exaggerated drama. “no way. you? making a new friend? since when do you let anyone past the ‘i’m too cool for this’ wall?”

you snatched the sketchbook back, cheeks burning despite the indifference you tried to force into your voice. “she’s not just—ugh, it’s not like that. we just hang out sometimes. she plays piano, i draw. that’s all.”

yunjin raised her eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “yeah, just hang out. that’s why you’re blushing like we just caught you confessing to your high school crush.” her smirk softened into something gentler. 

“you never let anyone sit that close to you without acting like they’re invading your personal bubble.”

you let out a small sigh, leaning back in your chair and letting your gaze fall to the dust motes floating lazily through the sunlight. 

“it’s not a big deal,” you muttered. “she doesn’t care about—y'know—all this. she talks to me like i’m just another person, not someone to be put on a pedestal.”

hyein’s teasing expression faded into something more thoughtful. “not like the untouchable, super-talented, way-too-popular-for-her-own-good artist everyone else sees, huh?” her voice softened at the end, and it struck a chord somewhere deep in your chest. “must feel nice.”

you stared at the table for a second, the silence growing heavier around your next words. “yeah. it’s… weird. being around someone who doesn’t expect anything from me. she’s just there. no pressure, no expectations. just comfortable and quiet.”

danielle reached out and nudged your shoulder gently. “you know we’re not expecting anything from you either, right?”

you glanced up at her, and a small, genuine smile tugged at the corner of your lips. “i know. you guys are different. you’ve always been around. you’re home.” your voice dropped lower. “but everyone else? they just see what they want to see. haerin doesn’t do that.”

yunjin let out a low whistle, though her expression had softened into something almost proud. “so, she’s special then? the ‘cool, detached’ y/n finally found someone who doesn’t treat her like she’s made of glass?”

groaning, you buried your face in your hands, the heat in your cheeks impossible to hide now. “can we not do this right now?”

hyein let out a soft laugh, resting her chin in her palm. “too late. we’re invested. this is the most human you’ve looked in weeks.”

danielle’s voice, warm and reassuring, cut through the teasing. “just don’t push us away, okay? we’re happy you’re letting someone new in but we’re still your people.”

your heart softened, the teasing and warmth of your friends wrapping around you like a familiar blanket. “i know,” you said quietly, voice full of gratitude. “you always will be.”

the teasing faded, replaced by a comfortable silence, the kind that only exists between people who know you—really know you. you flipped your sketchbook back open, pencil poised over a fresh page, and let yourself sink into the ease of the moment. lines began to take shape on your page—but this time, it didn’t shape into a sketch of haerin. this time, you found yourself drawing yourself with your friends—flashing smiles drawn on all your faces.

the hallway buzzed with the usual end-of-day chaos as everyone rushed to their last class. you barely had time to react before your friends—yunjin, hyein, and danielle—were ushering you forward, practically steering you like a ship toward the classroom door. the room was nearly full, heads turning as they whispered something to you, their smirks just as loud as their voices were soft.

you could feel it—your cheeks growing warm, eyes wide as you tried to resist their playful shoves. but they didn’t let up, and soon enough, you were standing awkwardly just past the doorway, all too aware of the eyes on you.

“you better do it, y/n. i have eyes everywhere,” yunjin whispered like a villain in a cheesy movie, her grin sharp with mischief.

and then the real walk of shame began. instead of your usual seat in the back—safe, unseen—you were walking toward the front, stopping right next to haerin. you could feel every stare burning into the back of your head. why were they all watching you? what were they thinking?

as you sat down, your shoulders nearly touched hers. the whispers behind you grew louder, each one tightening the knot of discomfort in your chest. your body slumped, shrinking under the weight of it all.

and then you heard a soft voice. “oh, hi y/n,” haerin’s voice cut through the noise, gentle and a little confused.

“hi, haerin,” you mumbled, trying to keep your voice steady.

she tilted her head slightly, brows furrowed in quiet concern. “you okay?”

you nodded, pretending to focus on the teacher walking in, though your heart was nowhere near the lesson. your friends’ idea of strengthening your friendship with haerin suddenly felt more like social torture.

still, you figured if you were stuck here, you might as well do something. you ripped a piece of paper from your notebook and sketched a quick cat, its round eyes softening your own mood. under it, you scrawled the words:

“hai :3”

you slid the paper toward her and waited. haerin blinked, then unfolded it carefully. a small snort escaped her, her shoulders shaking with quiet laughter. she scribbled back:

“did all your penmanship go to your art? your handwriting is ballz”

“is that a compliment on my art? :D”

“maybe maybe not who knows it’s cool, i guess”

“COOL U GUESS? i see that you can’t escape my amazing eyes”

“u better write bigger before i steal ur eyeballs. i’m blind enough with these stupid glasses”

“well i think your glasses are cute”

you watched from the corner of your eye as haerin opened the paper. her blush was obvious, dusting her cheeks like soft pink watercolor. she scribbled fast:

“write bigger.”

“sorry!”

“so why were u being so somber like 5 min ago?”

you hesitated, then wrote back:

“i just lowkey hate attention and everyone staring at me was too much”

“that’s so real. being stared at never gets easier.”

“OMG U GET ME i thought u would’ve figured since i’m ‘miss popular’ i’d be used to it or whatever”

“you think too lowly of me. i see how uncomfortable you get around people. that’s not the face of someone who likes attention”

you stared at her note for a second longer than necessary—a small, genuine smile tugging at your lips. for once, you didn’t care if anyone else noticed.

“u’re cool haerin”

“thank you. i think u’re really cool too”

it was a gloomy day, the sky darkened with grey clouds, threatening to rain. you sat on a bench facing out into the field, losing yourself in your thoughts. your thoughts seemed to be on overdrive, yet they also seemed to be so cool and collected—you were thinking of everything, yet nothing at all.

it's too much. you should be used to this by now. smile, nod, laugh—don’t let them see it gets to you. there’s always noise. people calling your name, expectations hanging heavy in the air. you know the routine. the effortless charm, the carefully measured responses, the way you have to be on all the time. popularity is supposed to be a good thing, isn’t it? people want to be around you, want your attention, want to claim a piece of you.

but sometimes, it feels like you don’t belong to yourself anymore. do they even like you? or just the idea of you? you feel like you’re being watched, even when no one is looking. your every move—picked apart, analysed, turned into a story by people who don’t actually know you. admiration turns into expectation. you can’t slip up. you can’t afford to be anything less than what everyone wants you to be. what if you disappoint them? what if you’re not as interesting as they think?

and then there’s haerin.

haerin, who doesn’t look at you like you’re something to be impressed by. who doesn’t try to pull you into the spotlight or demand anything from you. around her, the pressure loosens just a little. you don’t have to perform. you can just be. but at the same time, that scares you. because if haerin is the only one who makes you feel real, then what happens if she leaves too?

you felt a drop of rain slide down from the corner of your eye and down your cheek. more raindrops continued to drop down on your cheeks—the sound of the rain falling against the ground soothing your emotions. you just hoped you could sit out in the rain for the rest of the day, to never be found and to have some time to yourself.

you leaned back on the bench, embracing the raindrops that fell straight onto your face. you closed your eyes to soak up the rainy atmosphere. that was until you no longer felt the rain hit your skin. you opened your eyes with furrowed brows to see haerin standing over you, umbrella over her head.

“for someone who told me i shouldn’t be out in the rain, you’re pretty bad at avoiding the rain yourself,” haerin chuckled. her small smile soon faltered as she saw your unchanging expression. you looked empty, like there wasn’t a soul behind your eyes.

“are you okay?” haerin asked, sitting next to you on the damp bench as she kept the umbrella above both of your heads.

she didn’t press you for an answer. she just sat there, silent, as if she knew you didn’t have the words to explain it. 

“finally got yourself an umbrella, huh?” you smirked softly. you heard a small chuckle from haerin as she continued to sit with you in silence.

you were quiet for a moment, staring at the ground before glancing at her. “how did you find me?”

haerin shifted slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “saw you from the classroom.”

your brows knot together. “classes have already started?”

she gave a small shrug. “yeah.”

“then why are you here with me? shouldn’t you be in class?”

haerin looked at you, her gaze steady, as if the answer was obvious. “well, you looked like you needed company. i’d rather be here with you than in class anyway.”

your breath hitched slightly at her words. a warmth spread through your chest at her words, but you didn’t know what to say, so you just nodded. you turned your gaze back to the field, letting the soft patter of rain fill the silence between you.

the two of you sat in comfortable silence, the sound of raindrops filling the air. after a moment, haerin shifted closer, pressing her shoulder gently against yours. you let out a quiet sigh and leaned into her, letting yourself relax against her presence.

your hands brushed, fingers barely touching. without a word, haerin reached for your hand, her fingers lacing gently with yours. her grip was warm, steady—not demanding, just present. you almost flinched at the unexpected touch, but you didn’t pull away. something about it made your chest tighten in a way you didn’t quite understand. you squeezed back, grounding yourself in her quiet presence. neither of you spoke. you didn’t need to. 

the silence wasn’t heavy, wasn’t filled with expectation or pressure. it was just the two of you, sitting there with shoulders brushing, hands intertwined, leaning into each other as the world carried on around you.  

the rain continued to fall, steady and rhythmic, a quiet shield against the rest of the world. haerin never let go of your hand. she never asked you to say something. she was just there.

the two of you sat and watched as the rain slowed down. it was still present, but much softer. in an agreed silence, you both decided to run away to the music room instead of your normal classes.

the music room was quiet except for the soft hum of the rain against the windows. the air smelled faintly of old wood and sheet music, the piano keys reflecting the dim light from outside. you sat on the floor, your back against the piano, knees drawn up slightly. haerin sat beside you, legs crossed, close enough that your shoulders brushed.

“do you ever feel like… people see what they want to see?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

haerin turned to you, waiting. you hesitated before continuing. “like, no matter what you do, you’ll always be some version of yourself that they’ve already decided on?”

she nodded slowly, her gaze unreadable. “yeah.”

“it’s just… sometimes it’s exhausting,” you admitted. “everyone has expectations. everyone thinks they know me. and i feel like… if i stop being what they want, i’ll disappear.”

haerin was quiet for a moment, then she said, “you don’t have to be anything for me.”

you swallowed, your throat suddenly tight. “what if i don’t even know who i am when i’m not being something for everyone else?”

she thought about that, then said, “then you take your time figuring it out. and i’ll be here.”

you turned to look at her. her face was calm, but her eyes—her eyes held something deeper, something steady. she wasn’t saying it just to make you feel better. she meant it.

“has it ever been like that for you?” you asked. “like you’re expected to be someone you’re not?”

haerin hesitated, then nodded. “when i play piano. sometimes it feels like people only see me for that. they think i’m only the quiet girl who plays well. but there’s more to me than that. just like there’s more to you than what everyone else thinks.”

her words settled into your chest, grounding you. you looked down at your intertwined hands, at the way she held onto you like she wasn’t planning on letting go.

“thank you,” you murmured.

haerin squeezed your hand gently. “i see you. you don’t have to wear a mask around me.”

a quiet exhale left your lips. for the first time in a long time, the weight on your shoulders felt a little lighter.

haerin watched you, and something shifted in her expression—something almost imperceptible, but real. this was the moment she realized. that the way she felt around you, the way she wanted to stay, to understand you, to be the one you trusted—this was something deeper. this was something she couldn’t ignore anymore.

haerin seemed to feel more open towards you, like it was the most natural thing to just melt around you. your presence was a little intimidating—constantly surrounded by people and big names. but haerin knew better, she knew the language of your soul. she admired you and the melody that would ring in her ears every time you were near her.

haerin found herself in the music room, alone this time. she had no sheets to reference off of, just her heart and emotions. the thought of you carried her fingers around the keys. haerin played and she played, not stopping as she felt her soul overflowing at the thought of you.

then, a knock at the door. haerin turned around to see minji peeping through a crack in the door, her knuckles rested against the door.

“hey, can we come in?” minji smiled softly. haerin nodded, taking her fingers off the keys.

she watched minji step into the room, hanni following in from behind her. haerin watched as minji and hanni strolled into the music room, their expressions immediately turning mischievous as they took in the sight of her sitting at the piano.

“you’ve been playing without us?” hanni gasped dramatically, clutching her chest like she’d been personally betrayed. “the audacity.”

“not even a ‘hey guys, come listen to my soulful masterpiece’ text?” minji added, shaking her head in mock disappointment. “haerin, we thought we meant something to you.”

haerin sighed, already regretting letting them in. “i was just playing,” she said simply, fingers hovering over the keys before pulling away.

“you say that like you weren’t in here pouring your heart out or something.” minji teased, nudging hanni who nodded in agreement. “anyway, we wanted to ask you something.”

haerin raised a brow, waiting.

“you know the arts festival is coming up in a few months, right?” hanni started, plopping onto the chair beside her. 

“they’re making it a big deal this year. they’re expanding it to include all kinds of performances—visual art, drama, music, stuff like that. are you gonna do something for it?”

haerin hesitated, fingers brushing lightly over the piano keys. “i might not.”

minji gasped, seeming actually offended. “what? why not? whatever you were playing before was, like, stupidly good.”

haerin shrugged, eyes flickering down to the keys. “it’s… personal. it’s not meant for an audience.”

minji and hanni exchanged a look before minji smirked. “ohhh, so it’s meant for a specific pair of ears?”

haerin shot her a glare, but the slight redness creeping up her ears gave her away. “shut up.”

hanni grinned, leaning in. “so it’s y/n, isn’t it?”

minji turned to haerin, wiggling her eyebrows. “you’re playing just for y/n now?.”

haerin rolled her eyes, but her ears tinged pink. “it’s nothing special.”

“awww,” minji cooed, clasping her hands together. “our little haerin is a romantic.”

“gross,” haerin muttered, shoving hanni’s shoulder lightly when she giggled.

“no, that lowkey is really romantic of you haerin,” hanni said, grinning. “but fine, whatever. just know that you’re wasting a perfect opportunity. imagine the school watching you perform, totally captivated by your artistry, utterly—”

“no,” haerin cut in flatly, shaking her head.

hanni huffed. “fine, be mysterious. but speaking of performances, i heard something interesting.”

haerin glanced at her, waiting.

“dani told me that y/n has something big planned for the festival. like, really big. and you know how word spreads—people are already talking about it.” hanni leaned in dramatically. “apparently, it’s supposed to be some artsy masterpiece or something.”

haerin’s fingers unconsciously tapped against the piano, her mind flickering to you. you hadn’t mentioned anything about showcasing art. she wondered what you had in store.

“sooo,” minji drawled, nudging haerin with her foot. “if y/n’s doing something, shouldn’t you? just saying, it’d be cute.”

“oh, so cute,” hanni agreed. “a romantic piano piece to match y/n’s grand artistic display? imagine the tension, the longing gazes, the—”

“you two are unbearable,” haerin muttered, shaking her head, but a small smile tugged at her lips. she wasn’t going to perform—but now, she was even more curious about what you were planning.

hanni and minji exchanged another glance before hanni grinned. “wow. you really are down bad.”

haerin groaned, shoving hanni off the bench. hanni yelped as she tumbled onto the floor, but her laughter filled the room as minji doubled over beside her.

“okay, okay,” minji gasped between laughs, “but actually, what if y/n’s showcasing  something for you?”

haerin went silent at that. the idea had never crossed her mind before. hanni, still on the floor, smirked at her. “now that’s something to think about.”

the art room smelled like paint, faint traces of glue, and frustration—your frustration, specifically. you stared at the half-finished canvas in front of you, the colors all wrong, the lines stiff, the whole thing a disaster. you weren’t even sure why you cared this much—except, no, you did. because this was for haerin.

you sat at one of the tables, surrounded by scattered sketches, crumpled concept papers, and half-finished ideas that felt more like failures than progress. your head rested in your hands as you stared at your notes like they would magically form a coherent plan on their own.

"you know," yunjin started, chewing on the end of her pen, "you have, like, two months. why are you acting like this is tomorrow?"

"because it has to be perfect," you groaned. "i need it to be grand. i need it to be something unforgettable."

"who are you trying to impress?" danielle asked, smirking as she leaned forward. "or should i say, who are you dedicating this to?"

hyein gasped dramatically, putting a hand over her heart. "oh my god. y/n, is this a love confession?" she grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"no, i don’t want to woo haerin," you muttered, slumping over your sketchbook. "i just want to show my appreciation for her kindness."

"uh huh. i didn’t even mention a name," hyein drawled, exchanging a look with danielle. “just appreciation. totally not a secret grand romantic gesture or anything."

before you could argue, the sound of voices outside the art room made hyein perk up. she quickly got up and moved towards the door, peeking out before shutting it slightly. 

"you’ve got an audience," she whispered. "why do people even hover around this room like it's a celebrity meet and greet?"

"because it is," danielle snorted, nudging you. "this is what you get for being you."

"can we focus, please?" you sighed. "ideas. i need ideas."

"what if you make a huge banner that says ‘thank you haerin’ and just drop it from the rooftop?" hyein suggested, grinning.

"or perform a full musical number dedicated to her with backup dancers and fireworks," yunjin added, clearly entertained.

"not helping! i’m a painter, not a serenader," you groaned, dragging a hand down your face. "i need something meaningful, something personal—"

before the conversation could go any further, the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. everyone groaned in unison before scrambling to gather their things. you grabbed your sketchbook and notes, shoving them into your bag with less care than usual.

"we'll brainstorm more later!" danielle called as everyone rushed toward the door.

but you were already gone.

weaving through the hallways, you dodged the greetings and voices calling your name, keeping your head down and focusing only on moving forward. you weren’t in the mood to be stopped, not when your thoughts were racing faster than your feet. but then—

"hey."

you skidded to a stop, nearly colliding with haerin in the middle of the hallway. her eyes met yours, calm as ever, but there was a flicker of curiosity behind them.

"hi," you breathed, trying to gather yourself. "uh—are you going to the art festival?"

"haven’t decided yet," she replied, tilting her head. "why?"

"because you should come," you said quickly. "i’ll have something ready for you. and i want you to be there to witness it."

haerin blinked. her expression remained unreadable, but you swore her eyes softened just a little.

"for me? what happened to miss l/n who didn’t like attention?"

"yeah—well—i wanted this to be different." you hesitated for a second before gathering the courage to continue. "and, um… would you want to accompany me personally on the day of the festival?"

she studied you for a moment, and for once, you couldn't tell what she was thinking. then, slowly, she nodded.

"okay," she said simply.

and just like that, your heart was racing for an entirely different reason. you felt butterflies begin to flutter in your stomach.

the powerpuff girls

hanni HAEEEE R U STILL IN RHE MUSIC ROOM? haerin yeah i am are u going to come bother me? cuz if u are then im not here hanni ok thats so rude i cant hang out with my bestie anymroe? haerin im ur best friend?? 😿��� thats honestly really sad for minji minji yeah cuz why is hae ur bsf what abt me dude 😡😡 hanni hey haerin did u hear smth? minji OK WOW RUDE ASL hanni what r u gonna do abt it jump me? music room in 5 come if u dare 😒😒 haerin leave the jumping out of the music room please i dont need u jumping each other in front of my piano minji MAKE THAT 2 MINUTES

haerin exhaled slowly, setting her phone down beside her on the piano’s polished surface. the screen dimmed, swallowing the unread message she had been staring at for the past few minutes. instead of dwelling on it, she let her fingers drift over the keys, pressing down softly as she eased into a quiet, familiar melody.

the room was silent except for the soft, melancholic tune that filled the space the gentle notes barely had time to settle in the air before the door to the music room swung open with a loud bang.

“there's no way she likes you more than me! i’m—like—120% cooler than you,” minji’s voice rang out, cutting through the silence like a blade.

haerin sighed through her nose, her fingers freezing on the keys. she turned just in time to see minji stride inside, looking thoroughly indignant, while hanni trailed behind her with a triumphant grin, sticking out her tongue in response.

haerin didn’t flinch. she simply let her hands fall from the keys, turning her head just in time to see hanni stick her tongue out at minji before sprinting forward, practically throwing herself onto the piano bench beside her.

"haerin, who's your favorite?" hanni demanded, eyes wide with faux innocence as she leaned in uncomfortably close.

haerin blinked, tilting her head slightly as if actually contemplating the question. she let the silence hang for a moment before finally nodding to herself, as if reaching a conclusion.

"you both suck," she said simply.

hanni and minji turned to each other at the same time, expressions mirroring each other's perfectly—eyes widened, mouths slightly agape, pure betrayal written across their faces. hanni gasped, clutching at her chest like she had just been fatally wounded, while minji scoffed, shaking her head in betrayal.

“wow. uncalled for,” minji muttered, crossing her arms.

before either of them could launch into more dramatic rebuttals, the door burst open again, this time accompanied by the sound of rushed footsteps and a breathless voice.

“hey, haerin, i think i forgot my sketchbook here—”

your breath was uneven as you bent slightly at the waist, one hand braced against the doorframe. it was clear you had rushed over in a hurry, strands of your hair slightly out of place from your run. as you straightened up, your gaze landed on the two unfamiliar faces in the room. your eyes flickered between them for a second before a polite smile crossed your lips.

"oh, hey guys! minji and hanni, right?" you greeted with a smile.

hanni brightened immediately. "yeah! i’m hanni and she's minji! nice to meet you too, y/n. we've heard… a lot about you from hae."

haerin, who had been sitting quietly at the piano, tensed slightly. her expression barely changed, but you caught the way her fingers curled against her palm in warning.

you chuckled softly at the sight. “your friends call you ‘hae’?”

haerin finally met your gaze, her expression as blank as ever. “yeah. it’s stupid.”

"i think it’s cute." you mused. "when can i call you hae?" you tilted your head slightly, letting your smile linger. 

haerin let out a small scoff, rolling her eyes, but you didn’t miss the way her lips twitched ever so slightly—like she was fighting the urge to smile. minji and hanni exchanged looks again, subtle but not subtle enough to go unnoticed.

you cleared your throat, remembering the reason you had rushed over in the first place. "um… so, do you know where my sketchbook is?" you asked softly, scratching the back of your neck.

haerin didn’t respond right away. instead, she just stared at you, her eyes slightly narrowed in thought. then, without a word, she reached over to the side table, plucked up the familiar worn-out sketchbook, and held it out to you.

"you left it here last time. i figured you'd come back for it."

you took the sketchbook from her hands, flipping through the pages quickly before stopping at one in particular. you frowned slightly, tracing the lines of a half-finished sketch with your finger.

"i need this for the arts festival," you muttered more to yourself than to anyone else. "i was trying to come up with ideas earlier, but nothing feels right yet."

haerin watched you for a moment, taking in the way your brows furrowed in concentration.

"you have time," she finally said. "don’t force it. it’ll come to you."

you glanced up at her, something warm settling in your chest at the quiet reassurance. "yeah. maybe you're right."

“are you working on something for the art festival?” hanni asked, leaning in slightly as if trying to catch a glimpse of the sketches.

you hesitated for a second before snapping the sketchbook shut. “maybe.”

minji raised an eyebrow. “that sounds suspicious.”

you only smiled, tilting your head playfully. “it’s a secret.”

you could feel haerin’s eyes on you again, a quiet, unwavering presence. when you finally looked back at her, her expression was unreadable, but there was something about the way she was watching you that made heat creep up the back of your neck. the way haerin's eyes lingered on you made your heart skip a beat. there was something unreadable in her gaze—something soft, something knowing. before the silence could stretch on too long, you clapped your hands together.

you cleared your throat, suddenly feeling like you had overstayed your welcome. “i should probably head home.”

turning toward the door, you hesitated for a second before looking over your shoulder at haerin, ignoring the two lingering stares of her friends. you lifted a hand, fingers curling slightly in a casual wave.

"thanks for keeping this safe for me, hae. see you soon" you said, deliberately testing the nickname. then, with a slight smirk, you winked before stepping out the door. the soft click of the door closing left a lingering silence in the room.

hanni and minji slowly turned to each other, processing what had just happened. then, in perfect sync, they turned to haerin, their jaws slightly ajar.

“did haerin just bag a baddie?” hanni muttered, still staring at the door.

minji folded her arms. “wild.”

haerin let out a breath she didn’t realise she was holding. her fingers hovered over the keys, barely touching them, before pressing down on one—sharp, off-key, wrong. she didn’t correct it. instead, she sat there, unmoving, staring at the door long after you were gone.

it had been a week since the last time the both of you were in the music room. but today, as haerin walked down the familiar path home, she found herself thinking of you more often than usual. it was a quiet afternoon, the kind where everything felt almost suspended in time. the light drizzle from earlier had left a soft sheen on the pavement, and the air had that fresh, earthy scent that only rain could bring. haerin walked slowly, allowing the quiet to settle around her, her thoughts swirling like the leaves that occasionally brushed against her feet.

a butterfly suddenly caught her eye, its wings delicate and soft as it fluttered in front of her, moving almost lazily through the damp air. haerin stopped in her tracks, drawn to the butterfly’s graceful movements. it hovered for a moment, and she instinctively raised her finger, a silent invitation. after a few more moments, the butterfly fluttered toward her and gently landed on her finger. she held her breath, watching the small creature with a sense of wonder.

for a moment, the world felt incredibly still, the soft rain almost becoming a distant hum. haerin’s heartbeat picked up, not because of the butterfly, but because she could feel something—something familiar, and yet new—stirring in her chest. as she stood there, lost in the moment, a sound broke the silence. footsteps. steady and approaching.

“hey,” came a voice, warm and familiar, drawing haerin’s attention. she turned to find you standing a few paces away, a gentle smile already spreading across her face. the butterfly still rested on haerin’s finger, and your eyes softened as you looked at it. 

“seems like you’ve made a friend,” you said, her voice light and teasing, but there was something more in your gaze. something quiet, almost tender.

haerin’s smile softened, and for a brief moment, she forgot about the rest of the world around her. her attention was fixed on the warmth in your eyes, the way you stood just a little closer than usual, how your presence made the atmosphere feel heavier, yet lighter at the same time. the butterfly, seemingly sensing the change in the air, fluttered its wings and took off into the cool breeze just as the first few raindrops began to fall.

“aww,” you sighed, your shoulders drooping slightly, “that’s a shame.” 

you shook your head, but your smile remained. “i guess the rain really likes to see us together.”

haerin looked up at the sky, and the soft patter of the rain grew louder as it started to fall more steadily. you pulled out her umbrella from your bag, unfolding it with a flick of your wrist. you moved closer to haerin, holding the umbrella over both of you. haerin stepped in without a word, her shoulder brushing against yours as they began walking, side by side.

the rain was light, but there was a heaviness in the air, like everything was just on the edge of something. haerin was acutely aware of the proximity between you, of how the umbrella kept you just close enough, but not too close. you both walked in comfortable silence, the rhythm of your footsteps blending with the soft tapping of raindrops on the umbrella.

after a few moments, haerin broke the silence, her voice low and almost pensive. “did you know when it rains, butterflies seem to disappear?” she glanced at you—your gaze was focused straight ahead, a slight grin tugging at the corner of your lips. 

“they hide and seek shelter, because the rain affects their ability to fly,” haerin continued.

you chuckled softly, your breath misting in the cool air. 

“that’s like… common sense, though,” you teased, her voice light. but then, without thinking, your words drifted out, almost absent-mindedly. 

“well, my butterflies don’t disappear when i’m around you, even in the rain.”

haerin froze for a split second, her heart suddenly hammering in her chest. she looked at you—flushed a deep shade of red, clearly realising what you had just said. haerin blinked, trying to collect herself. 

“what did you just say?”

your face turned an even brighter shade of red, and you stammered. “huh? um, nothing! i… see you later, hae! i gotta—i have to… go home!” 

you thrust the umbrella into haerin’s hands and, before haerin could respond, you turned and dashed off into the rain, disappearing into the mist of water and air.

haerin stood there, rooted to the spot, the umbrella still in her hands as the rain began to fall heavier. she stared at the space where you had been, her heart still racing. did she really just hear that? did you really just say that? the words echoed in her head, and she couldn’t help but giggle softly to herself. 

“huh… so she’s really stuck with calling me hae.”

the umbrella, still in her hands, seemed to grow heavier by the second. haerin stood there for a moment longer, her mind spinning as the sound of raindrops drowned out everything else. maybe you were more like her than she realised. and maybe, just maybe, haerin was starting to understand why she felt so different around you.

as the rain continued to fall, she couldn’t help but smile to herself, a quiet, soft smile that she kept hidden under the umbrella.

you bolted inside, slamming the door behind you as you strip off your wet clothes, already cursing your decision to run home in the rain. great. now you’re soaked, and the chill is creeping under your skin. you hurried to the bathroom, throwing your damp clothes in a pile by the door and stepping into the shower. the hot water hit your back like a relief, a sharp contrast to the cold rain you just ran through. you let out a sigh, closing your eyes and letting the water relax your muscles, but your mind kept replaying the same moment over and over.

that moment with haerin, the way she was so close to you under the umbrella, how her fingers brushed against yours, and that stupid butterfly. but mostly that comment. "well, my butterflies don’t disappear when i’m around you, even in the rain."

you groaned inwardly, slapping your forehead, even though you knew no one can see you. ugh, why did you say that? you can't even begin to explain why it slipped out, but the warmth on your cheeks is making it pretty obvious: you’re so not over it.

when you finished your shower, you wrapped yourself in a towel and made your way to your room, settling down at your desk with a determined look. you needed to focus. you grabbed your sketchbook and opened it to the page you’d been working on. the art festival was coming up, and you’d decided that you were going to dedicate your project to haerin. she deserved it, right? after all, she’s the one person who’s treated you like you’re just you. not some celebrity, not some spoiled rich kid—just a person.

you started sketching out more ideas, but before you can really settle into the work, your phone buzzed on the desk. the groupchat.

“hey, what’s up?” you answered, trying to sound casual, but you could already hear the teasing tone in yunjin’s voice.

“so,” she drawled, “why are you making a painting for haerin again? honestly, i still don't get it."

you paused, flipping through your sketchbook to find the page you were working on. "well. i just wanna say thank you for treating me like a normal person, you know? not like some… god or whatever."

hyein snorted on the other end of the line. "so basic human decency, huh? is that all she did for you?"

"yeah, pretty much," you said, a little embarrassed but not backing down. "i mean, not everyone does that."

“wait, wait,” yunjin interrupted, her voice shifting to something a little more serious. “are you sure there’s nothing more to this? like, you’re not making this whole painting for her because you’ve got a little crush, do you?”

your face burned again. a crush? you knew exactly what she’s talking about, and the thought made your stomach do that little flip again, the one you definitely don’t want to think about. 

"ugh, no. it’s not like that at all. i’ve told you before—she doesn’t care about all the popularity, and that's—that's really refreshing, you know? i just want to repay her for making me feel like just another person. nothing weird about it."

“okay, so your grand gesture is painting a whole canvas for her and leaving it on display for everyone to see? cool, cool,” yunjin teased. "what’s next, are you going to hang it in the school hallway or put it on the main stage?"

you laughed awkwardly, trying to hide the fact that she’s kinda right. “yeah, well, it’s not like i need attention, you know? i just want people to recognise me for my art, not for my family’s money or popularity or whatever.”

“okay, but why is it your way of ‘repaying her’?" you heard from danielle, her voice cutting in.

you started doodling absentmindedly in the corner of your sketchbook, rolling your eyes. 

"well, i mean, just because my parents own a large company doesn’t mean i should be treated like some kind of charity case, you know? people are always like, ‘oh, y/n’s so lucky,’ and i want to show them who i really am. i want them to see that i have my own talents. something that’s mine. i want people to see my art, not my family’s reputation."

you felt the weight of your words. maybe you had never actually said them out loud like this before. it felt good to get it off your chest. danielle didn’t let you stew for long.

“and it’s not just for the fame, huh? it’s because there’s something about haerin that makes you feel like she gets it, right?"

"yeah," you said, quieter now, your focus shifting back to the sketchbook. “she does. and i want to be seen for who i am. not what people think of me. it’s like—art can do that. it’s my way of showing who i really am. it’s not about the attention, it’s about the expression.”

“and the ‘expression’ is for haerin, huh?” yunjin chimed in with a teasing tone. “sure, sure, we believe you.”

you sighed, leaning back in your chair, feeling the weight of your friends’ words but also feeling more grounded in your reasons. "can’t you just let me do something nice for once? this is important to me."

“oh, we’re letting you,” hyein said, speaking up. “but if this ends with you making heart eyes at her every time you see her, we’ll be here for that too.”

“as if she doesn’t already do that,” yunjin added.

you couldn’t help but roll your eyes, but the smile that tugged at your lips was a mix of embarrassment and warmth. 

“whatever, i’m gonna hang up on you guys if you keep talking about this.”

you heard all your friends express their protests before changing up the topic. they talked about nothing in particular and everything all at once. you didn’t need to focus too hard on the words—they were just there, comfortable in the background as you worked. the conversation flowed easily, like it always has, and the sound of their voices kept you grounded.

you realised that hours had passed before any of you say goodbye. it wasn’t a deep or life-changing conversation. there were no major revelations. but it didn’t matter. what mattered was the feeling of belonging that washed over you as you stayed on the call with them. their voices, full of familiarity and warmth, wrapped around you like a blanket. no pretences. no expectations. just a bunch of friends, talking until the early morning, as you lost track of time.

the time between planning for the festival to the actual day passed by in a flash. the festival was in full swing, and the atmosphere in the gym was a perfect mixture of excitement and the mild chaos of last-minute preparations. the walls were lined with bright banners, and tables were covered with an eclectic mix of artwork, ranging from paintings to sculptures, each representing the unique creativity of the students. the hall buzzed with voices, the sound of laughter, and occasional clinking of display stands being adjusted. amidst it all, you and haerin worked together, preparing for the final touches of the day.

"so," haerin glanced over at you as she adjusted a banner, "what exactly do you have prepared?” she glanced at you sideways, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. 

"it's a secret!" you grinned, nudging her playfully with your elbow. "but i promise it'll blow your socks away."

haerin raised an eyebrow, clearly amused, but she didn’t press further. you could tell she respected your desire for mystery. and despite the teasing, a warmth bloomed in her chest knowing that you had something so special in store. something just for her, even though you hadn’t outright said it. the two of you moved around the room, hanging up more banners, adjusting stands, and occasionally laughing at some of the more outlandish pieces. you were so caught up in the movement of it all, in the chaotic beauty of it, that the time seemed to slip away unnoticed.

"i’m sorry you had to get caught up setting up with me, hae," you murmured as you fixed a row of chairs, trying to sound casual.

she shook her head, not a hint of annoyance in her voice. "no, don’t worry about it," haerin replied easily, shooting you a soft smile. "this just gives me more time to spend with you." 

the words hung in the air for a moment, a subtle tension building between you. it wasn’t the first time she’d said something like that, but it still made your heart race. there was something in the way she said it, as though it was so easy to be with you.

the atmosphere around you seemed to shift as you both found yourselves in a rhythm, preparing for the festival together. it was simple, but it felt like an intimate dance—the kind of unspoken understanding that only existed between the two of you.

periodically, your friends would pop by to help, tease, and joke, and then just as quickly disappear again, leaving the two of you alone. there was an unspoken comfort in the silences that settled between you, the rhythm of the day and your company blending seamlessly into one long, warm moment.

the two of you stood on opposite sides of a large display, hanging up a last-minute banner with vibrant colours and abstract designs. as you worked, haerin's hand brushed against yours, and it sent a shiver down your spine. you tried to keep your focus, but her presence was magnetic—there was something about her that made everything feel a little more significant.

"are we done here?" you asked, tying off the final end of the banner.

"think so," she replied, eyes glancing over the space. "when’s your painting going to be displayed?" haerin asked, her gaze flitting over the pieces.

you grinned at her, watching the way her face softened when her gaze landed on yours. "it’ll be uncovered later," you replied with a wink, crossing your arms, "just be a little patient." your words were playful, but there was something deeper in them, a promise that this moment, the reveal of your art, would mean more than just a piece on display.

"so it’s like the main course, huh?" haerin laughed, but you could tell she was intrigued. "alright, i’ll wait." then, without missing a beat, she suddenly grabbed your hand, tugging you gently. “come on, let’s go kill time somewhere else.”

you blinked at her in confusion. "where are we going?"

"music room," she said, her voice a little too nonchalant. "i want to play something for you."

"why?" you raised an eyebrow, still unsure. "i mean, i did the painting because i wanted to. you don’t have to play something for me."

"oh, but i do," her smile deepened, something soft lighting up in her eyes "besides, it’ll be something just between us."

you let her pull you towards the music room, your thoughts swirling in your head. what did she mean by that? but you didn’t have time to dwell on it before you were both in front of the music room. 

the room was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt almost sacred. soft sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow across the grand piano at the far side of the room. haerin walked over to it, her fingers brushing the edge of the keys as if she were weighing her options. she glanced back at you, a soft smile on her face.

you watched her, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on you. she was so composed, so confident, and yet, something in her posture, in the way she touched the piano, felt fragile. it made you ache. you wanted to reach out, to tell her everything you were feeling, but the words stuck in your throat.

"you don’t have to play if you don’t want to," you said, but it came out too soft, too unsure.

she met your eyes, and for the first time, you saw something unfamiliar there—vulnerability. "no. i want to." her voice was quiet, almost shy, and it made your heart skip a beat. "i just—i need to."

she sat at the piano bench, turning slightly so she could face you more fully, but her fingers hovered above the keys, almost hesitant. you moved to sit beside her, watching her delicate hands press against the keys. then, the first note filled the space—a slow, haunting melody that seemed to reverberate through your chest.

haerin played like she was lost in the music. her fingers danced across the keys with ease, the soft, delicate notes flowing together in a beautiful, rising crescendo. the melody was slow at first, almost mournful, like a whisper of a secret. but as the piece continued, it built up, each note gaining strength, as if the music itself was reaching for something more. you watched her, entranced, as the sound seemed to echo the very feelings that had been growing between the two of you, feelings neither of you had dared to say out loud. as she played, you felt as though the music itself was speaking to you, telling you stories you didn’t have the words to express. 

you could feel the tension between you, the air thick with unspoken words, but all you could do was listen to the music. haerin was completely immersed in it, her eyes shut as her body swayed slightly with the rhythm, the emotion of the piece pouring through her in every note. but then, as if she could feel your gaze burning into her, her fingers faltered. the smooth flow of music stumbled, and a frustrated curse slipped from her lips. she froze, her hand hovering over the keys for a moment.

"sorry," she murmured under her breath, her voice laced with frustration.

she noticed you sitting so close to her, your eyes never leaving her. you hadn’t realised how intensely you were looking at her until she looked back at you.

her breath hitched, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to slow down. haerin’s gaze flicked from your eyes to your lips, then back to your eyes again, and she leaned in just the tiniest bit, as if drawn by some magnetic force. you felt your pulse quicken, and before you could stop yourself, you were leaning in too.

"that was beautiful," you said softly.

"but i made a mistake," she replied, still looking at the piano keys, clearly embarrassed.

"so what? everyone makes mistakes," you said, your voice reassuring but shaky. "it doesn’t take away from how incredible it was."

haerin looked up at you, her eyes locking with yours, and in that moment, the air between you two seemed to crackle with tension. her eyes dropped briefly to your lips, and you felt your own gaze drift to hers. without thinking, you leaned in, and before you could pull back, haerin was leaning in as well.

you kissed her—soft, tentative at first, as if testing the waters. her lips were warm, familiar, but there was an underlying uncertainty to it, a tension that neither of you could resolve.

but before it could deepen, the door creaked open. as soon as haerin pulled away, she avoided your gaze. her expression was unreadable—eyes darting to the piano, to the floor, anywhere but at you.

"hanni," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "minji—"

"they need you out there," hanni interrupted, her voice too loud, too insistent. "they’re about to unveil your painting, y/n."

your mind was still spinning from the kiss, your lips tingling, but reality crashed down like a wave. you stole a glance at haerin, searching for any kind of reaction, any sign that she felt the same rush, the same breathless urgency you did. but she just sat there, hands clenched into fists against her lap, shoulders tense.

"right," you said, your voice coming out hoarse. "i—i should go."

you hesitated, lingering for a fraction of a second longer, hoping—waiting—for her to say something. to stop you, to look at you. but she didn’t. you caught the way her fingers gripped the edge of the piano, the way her lips pressed together as if she were holding something back. you couldn’t tell if she was angry, confused, or just as scared as you were. she just nodded, barely, like she was bracing herself for something she couldn’t face. 

“are you—um—are you coming out too?” you stammered. you watched haerin finally look into your eyes with her own sharp ones—her eyes filled with uncertainty.

“yeah, i’ll be there. you can go ahead, i’ll catch up,” she nodded.

you stepped forward, taking one last look at her, but the moment was slipping away, just like the fleeting feeling of connection you’d had before the interruption. the entire walk back to the gym felt off. your heart was still racing, but not from excitement—something heavier sat in your chest. haerin’s voice echoed in your mind, the hesitation in her words, the way she looked at you like she wasn’t sure of what just happened. you wanted to turn back, to see if she was still sitting at the piano, still lost in thought. but you didn’t. instead, you kept walking, each step feeling like you were leaving something unfinished behind.

haerin sat in the music room, still frozen, her fingers lightly touching her lips. the softness and warmth of your kiss lingered there, and she couldn't quite wrap her mind around it. it felt like a dream, a beautiful one she wasn't ready to wake up from. the fact that it had actually happened hadn’t quite sunk in yet. you had left maybe a minute ago, disappearing out the door with hanni and minji, and haerin remained, staring off into space, lost in the memory of the kiss.

after a moment, she snapped out of it and realised she was supposed to be at the gym. a slight panic rushed through her, and she jumped to her feet, deciding to run there rather than take her time. she didn’t want to miss anything—your painting was going to be uncovered soon, and haerin wasn’t about to let that moment slip by.

as she entered the gym, the scene of the kiss flashed in her mind again, and a goofy smile spread across her face. she couldn’t help it. her chest was full of that warm, fluttery feeling, and she had no idea what to do with it, except smile. she took a moment to calm herself before walking further into the gym, where the crowd had already gathered.

haerin spotted hanni and minji, who were talking near the side. they waved her over, and she joined them. just as she was about to speak, hanni grinned, raising an eyebrow.

“so,” hanni began, her voice teasing, “what was that about?”

haerin’s smile widened, her cheeks flushing slightly. “we kissed,” she said, almost shyly, but there was a gleam in her eye. she couldn’t quite hide how happy it made her to say it aloud.

minji scoffed, but her smile was playful. “what happened to you not being a romantic?”

haerin shrugged, looking at both of them with a smug grin. “have you seen y/n? who wouldn’t be a romantic for her?” 

she said it with so much sincerity that hanni and minji fell silent for a second, exchanging a knowing look.

“fair enough,” minji muttered, but there was no denying the softness in her voice.

the crowd grew quiet as you stepped onto the stage, and haerin felt her breath catch in her throat. her eyes were fixed on you, watching as you made your way to the podium. she couldn’t help the way her heart skipped a beat. her friends' teasing faded into the background as she watched you, her gaze soft and full of something unspoken. she heard hanni and minji snickering at her reaction, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from you. she was in awe, a heart-shaped smile spreading across her face.

you began to speak, your voice unsure but steady. “i don’t really think my painting should be the main focus of the art festival,” you said, a nervous laugh escaping you. 

“there are so many other amazing pieces already up for display, and i—i guess it feels a bit strange to have mine displayed last.” you paused, glancing down at the floor for a moment before looking up again. 

“but i couldn’t imagine not showing it. it’s—it’s something i had to do.” you exhaled, as if gathering your courage. “this painting is an expression of myself, and i really hope people can see its meaning.”

you hesitated, muttering under her breath, “that probably sounded cheesy, but—well—here it is.” with a quick movement, you pulled the cover off the painting, and the crowd collectively gasped.

the room fell silent as everyone took in the masterpiece before them. the painting was grand—bold, intricate, and full of life. at the centre, the piano was fragmented, yet fluid, its keys fading into the background as though the music itself was still vibrating through the air. and beside it, almost floating, was a butterfly—its pastel green wings delicate and soft, blending into the canvas, as though part of the melody itself. it was beautiful, fragile, and full of meaning. haerin’s breath hitched in her throat. she knew instantly—this was your heart laid bare.

it was everything you had ever felt but hadn’t been able to put into words. the butterfly, fragile yet growing, spoke volumes about what they shared, what you had been too afraid to say, but haerin could feel it in the art. it was her. it was both of you. it was everything.

haerin stared at the painting, eyes wide with awe. she felt an overwhelming sense of pride—and something more—that she couldn’t quite put into words. she glanced at you, standing awkwardly at the front of the stage as the crowd admired the painting. your face was uncertain, but the warmth in her eyes couldn’t be hidden. haerin watched as your gaze flickered over the crowd, but your eyes never seemed to land on her. haerin’s heart sank slightly, but she tried to hide it, focusing instead on your words.

you bowed, stepping off the stage, your eyes scanning the crowd once more. they lingered for a moment, but haerin remained unseen. haerin watched you walk back toward your group of friends, the small pang of disappointment in her chest growing. still, she smiled to herself, proud of you and the painting. it spoke volumes, even if it hadn’t been fully understood yet.

hanni and minji noticed the way haerin looked at you, her gaze full of something—pride, affection, maybe more. haerin wasn’t sure. but she felt it.

it had been a few days since the festival, and you felt like you were floating in some kind of limbo. the day after the unveiling, you tried to shake off the sense of disappointment that settled in your chest, but it clung to you like a heavy coat. haerin hadn't been there, and you couldn’t help but think it was a sign. sure, your friends—yunjin, hyein, danielle—were by your side, trying to distract you, but it wasn’t the same. none of them seemed to get it, and it was hard to explain when they never truly saw you.

they all knew about your art, sure, but they didn’t know what it felt like to paint a piece of your heart and then expose it to the world. they didn’t know how it felt to try to show something raw and vulnerable to someone who was supposed to understand, only for them to disappear when it mattered. your friends tried, but you could tell they just couldn’t get it. yunjin kept cracking jokes about your painting like it was no big deal, and hyein was always pointing out how everyone else at school was talking about it. but none of it mattered.

you were starting to feel the weight of being popular again. people recognised you in the halls, always smiling, always asking for a piece of your attention. it wasn’t real. not the way haerin had been real. she hadn’t cared about the attention you got—hell, she hadn’t even cared about you being popular at all. she just... saw you. and now that she was gone, you felt like you were slipping back into the noise, back into the role you hated, the one where everyone just saw the image of you, not the person underneath.

but haerin—haerin was different. she’d looked at you with those quiet eyes that saw you, really saw you, in a way no one else had. she hadn’t been impressed by your popularity or your art; she’d simply been there, quietly present. and now, after that moment between you two, that kiss you still couldn’t quite process, you couldn’t help but wonder if you had misread everything.

you hadn’t talked to her. not once. and she hadn’t talked to you either. and it wasn’t like you could’ve just gone up to her and asked, could you? not with everything that was left unsaid. her absence during the painting unveiling had felt like a silent rejection, and you had done what you always did in those situations—shut down.

maybe it was easier this way. if she didn’t care, if she didn’t want to talk to you, then you could just go back to being what you always were: the popular girl who didn’t want to be popular. but it wasn’t working. not anymore.

the silence between you two was suffocating. every time you walked down the hall, you would catch sight of her, only for her to look away too quickly. she never tried to start a conversation, and neither did you. and every time you found yourself thinking about her, your friends would nudge you, pull you back into whatever they were talking about, but it never really reached you. your mind always drifted back to haerin.

you tried to focus on your friends, but every time you saw yunjin laughing or danielle trying to get your attention, it didn’t feel the same. they didn’t get it. none of them got it. you knew they cared, but it wasn’t the same as having someone who really understood you.

as you sat in class, you couldn’t stop replaying that moment—the way her lips had felt against yours, soft and warm. it made your chest tighten, but also gave you this kind of ache that you couldn’t shake. you wondered if it had meant anything to her at all.

you felt the tension build, especially whenever your eyes found her in the halls, only for her to look away, like she was hiding something. did she even like you? or had it all been a mistake? all you wanted was a sign. anything. just to know that you hadn’t misread it all, that she still wanted you in some way, even if it wasn’t the same as before.

your friends—yunjin and hyein—noticed the way your attention would drift whenever you were near haerin, but they didn’t push. they knew you were processing something, but they didn’t understand what. danielle, though, she seemed to catch on. she’d asked you more than once if you were okay, but you always brushed her off, not wanting to admit that the reason you couldn’t stop thinking about haerin was because you were scared of what it all meant.

the worst part was that you didn’t even have her number. if you could just text her, you might feel a little less lost. but you didn’t. you were just stuck, suspended in this endless loop of overthinking.

and that silence between you two? it was deafening. 

your friends noticed it, of course. they noticed how you’d look over at haerin when she passed by, your eyes flicking away too quickly when she caught you staring. yunjin would nudge you, a teasing smirk on her face. "you’re still thinking about her, aren’t you?" she'd say, but there was no real teasing behind it. more like concern, something you couldn’t quite shake off.

haerin’s friends, hanni and minji, were just as observant. they’d make little comments about how haerin would act when she looked at you, how she’d blush or smile a little too softly. 

hanni liked to joke, casually dropping your name in conversations just to see haerin’s reaction. "have you seen y/n’s new painting? it’s gorgeous. you should go talk to her about it," she’d say, her voice light, but there was an underlying edge, like she was pushing haerin without saying it outright. minji wasn’t as bold, but even she would raise an eyebrow whenever haerin would go quiet after hearing your name.

it was clear to everyone around you that something had changed. the playful teasing, the nudges, it had all turned into something more intense, something that wasn’t so easy to ignore anymore. but neither you nor haerin had made a move. you were both stuck in this limbo, waiting for the other to take the first step.

one afternoon, when the school day had just about ended, you found yourself in the art room, absentmindedly cleaning up your supplies. you didn’t expect to see haerin there. she had a few friends in the room, but it was mostly quiet, everyone packing up to leave. and then, just like that, it happened. the two of you were left alone in the room.

the silence was thick, but not in the comfortable way it used to be. it was different now, loaded with the weight of everything you hadn’t said, all the things that hung between you, invisible but undeniable. haerin stood at the other end of the room, fiddling with her bag, but her gaze would drift over to you every few seconds. you could feel it, even though she didn’t say anything. her eyes would meet yours for the briefest of moments before she quickly looked away, like she wasn’t ready to face what was right in front of her.

you wanted to say something, anything. but nothing felt right. your throat felt tight. haerin shifted, as if she was about to speak, but then she just didn’t. the words stayed stuck, unsaid.

finally, after what felt like forever, your phone buzzed in your pocket. you pulled it out, half-relieved to have an excuse to break the tension. it was from yunjin.

"you need to talk to her, y/n. you’re being ridiculous. just text her."

it wasn’t until later that evening, when you were sitting with your friends, trying to brush off the awkwardness of the day, that your friends began to really push.

“you’re being stupid,” yunjin said, not bothering to hide the frustration in her voice. “you’re making all these assumptions about haerin, but have you even tried talking to her?”

you stared at her, your heart racing in your chest. “what if—what if she doesn’t want to talk to me?” you muttered, more to yourself than anyone else. “i don’t want to make it weird.”

hyein rolled her eyes. “she’s keeping her distance,” she said. “but you’ve been avoiding her too, right? at this point, it’s already weird.”

the tension in your chest tightened even more. it wasn’t just in your head, then. the distance between you and haerin was real, and it was making everything feel more complicated. and as much as you hated it, you couldn’t ignore it.

you glanced over at haerin, who was sitting with hanni and minji, looking almost lost. the thought made you ache, but there was nothing you could do about it. not yet, anyway.

you hadn’t meant to shut them out, but somewhere along the way, you had. your friends were always there, always asking how you were, but you felt distant. not from them, exactly, but from yourself. it was like your mind was always somewhere else—somewhere that wasn’t here, somewhere where haerin might be. and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t shake that feeling. that yearning. but today, your friends weren’t letting you hide.

it started with yunjin. she had been quiet all day, but as soon as you were all sitting together in the corner of the cafeteria, she spoke up.

“y/n,” she said, her voice softer than usual, “you’ve been distant. we’ve been noticing it for a while now.”

you looked down at your lunch, trying to ignore the weight of her words, but you knew she was right. the silence stretched out, and the others—hyein and danielle—exchanged glances before hyein spoke next.

“it’s like we’re right here, and yet you’re somewhere else,” hyein said, her tone more frustrated now. “you’re not seeing us, y/n. you’re not seeing what we’re trying to do for you.”

you shifted uncomfortably, your heart sinking in your chest. "i don’t mean to—"

“we know you don’t,” yunjin interrupted. “but you’re letting all this focus on haerin take over. it’s like you’ve forgotten about us.”

danielle’s voice was calm, but it carried an underlying sadness. “we’ve always been here for you. from the beginning. even before everything with haerin. we’ve always seen the real you. the y/n who hates the attention, the one who feels lost in all the noise.”

your eyes were starting to sting, and you swallowed the lump in your throat. “i don’t know what you want me to say...”

“we just want you to see us too,” hyein said quietly. “we’ve been here for you, just like haerin was. and we’re still here. we’re still your friends, y/n.”

danielle reached across the table and placed a hand on yours. “you don’t have to carry all of this alone. we’re not going anywhere. and you don’t have to be this popular person all the time. you can just be you. the real you. the one we’ve always seen.”

the words hit harder than you expected. you’d been so wrapped up in what you had with haerin, in the way she made you feel seen, that you had forgotten the people who already did that. who had always done that, no matter how much you hated being in the spotlight. they didn’t see you as the image everyone else had built for you—they saw you for who you were. the real you.

for the first time in a long while, you took a slow breath and allowed yourself to really listen to them. they were here for you, through all of it. they had been the ones to see you for who you were before all this, the ones who didn’t care about the attention or popularity. they cared about you. the real you.

“i’ve been focused on the wrong things,” you murmured, your voice quiet but steady. “i think i got lost in everything with haerin—but i shouldn’t have.”

“you don’t have to apologise,” yunjin said gently. “we get it. but don’t forget about us. don’t forget about what we’ve always done for you.”

you nodded, a heavy weight lifting off your chest. they were right. you hadn’t been thinking of them, of their support, of everything they had always been for you. but now, in this moment, you realised how much you had taken them for granted.

danielle’s voice brought you back to the present. “you don’t need to have it all figured out. just take a step back, breathe, and start with us. everything will be okay. you’ll see.”

you felt the corners of your mouth twitch into a small, genuine smile. it felt like the first time in a while that something didn’t feel so heavy. maybe it wasn’t about fixing everything all at once, but taking things one step at a time.

“thanks,” you said quietly. “i’m sorry for shutting you all out.”

“it’s okay,” hyein said with a soft smile. “we’re still here. always.”

danielle gave your hand one last squeeze. “and when you’re ready, haerin will be there too. i’m sure she still cares, y/n. but before you try to fix whatever miscommunication you have with her, you need to pick yourself up first. you need to focus on you, because that’s what matters right now. take care of yourself, and everything will fall into place.”

the mention of haerin made your heart twinge, but danielle’s words were clear. you couldn’t keep waiting for her to make a move. maybe you had to make your own first step, not just with haerin, but with yourself.

you met their eyes, and for once, you didn’t feel so lost. your friends saw you. really saw you. and for the first time in a long while, that was enough. maybe it was time to start seeing yourself again too.

and maybe, just maybe, when you were ready, things with haerin would work out too.

after a few weeks of observing the tension between you and haerin, danielle and hanni decided to grab a coffee together, hoping to talk things through and figure out what to do next. they sat at a small table, the hum of the café providing a comfortable background to their conversation.

“so, how’s y/n doing?” hanni asked, stirring her drink casually. she’d been noticing the shift in you too—the way you seemed more present lately, but still distant when it came to haerin.

danielle leaned back in her chair, thinking for a moment before answering. “she’s better, i guess. a little more... herself, you know? not as withdrawn, but there’s still this underlying tension. y/n hasn’t forgotten about haerin. not by a long shot.”

“but she’s not actively thinking about her, either,” hanni observed. “it’s like... she’s in a better place, but still kinda stuck.”

“exactly.” danielle gave a small smile. “i told her to focus on herself first. she needed to get back to a place where she’s not defined by how everyone sees her. she’s doing better, but... i think there’s still some stuff she needs to work through.”

hanni frowned slightly, clearly deep in thought. “yeah... but haerin’s been pulling back too. she’s barely said anything about y/n lately. do you think y/n even notices that?”

“i’m sure she does,” danielle said, taking a sip of her coffee. “but y/n’s been avoiding haerin as much as haerin’s avoiding her. it’s like neither of them knows how to make the first move, but they both probably want to. they just don’t know how to get past the silence.”

hanni tapped her fingers on the table, her expression thoughtful. “i don’t know, dani. i think they’re both a little scared. it’s like they’ve convinced themselves it’s easier to just keep their distance than face whatever it is that’s standing between them.”

danielle nodded in agreement, looking out the window for a moment. “i get that. i told y/n that she needs to focus on herself first—on being okay without haerin. only then can she figure out if she wants to fix things with haerin or if it’s just too much now.”

“that’s smart,” hanni said, leaning forward with a grin. “you always know the right thing to say. so... do you think she’s ready for that? for talking to haerin again?”

“i think she’s getting there,” danielle replied, her voice soft but firm. “but it’s gonna take some time. she’s making progress, but it’s slow. it’s up to her to find the courage to fix things, not just with haerin, but with herself first. and i hope she gets there soon.”

hanni leaned back in her chair, looking over at danielle with a mischievous glint in her eye. “so... when do we make it happen?”

danielle laughed softly, shaking her head. “you’re not going to rush this, are you?”

“i mean,” hanni said, with a playful shrug, “they’re both just sitting there, waiting for the other to make a move. we can’t exactly push them, but... we could make it a little easier for them to see what they want.”

danielle chuckled, raising an eyebrow. “like... subtly, you mean?”

hanni grinned. “exactly. no one’s pushing anyone into anything. just a little... encouragement.”

danielle smiled, her tone warming. “i think that’s a good idea. they both need to realise that it’s okay to want this. and maybe... just maybe, it’ll give them the push they need.”

haerin had started noticing something she wasn’t sure she wanted to see: you slowly coming back to life. at first, it was just small things—laughing more easily with your friends, joining in on conversations, showing up more at events. the glow of your usual vibrancy, the thing that haerin had admired from the start, was beginning to return. 

it was hard not to smile at the sight of it, knowing that you was still able to find joy, even after everything that had happened. but there was a sting in haerin’s chest every time she saw it. she didn’t want to admit it, but it hurt to see you so happy—happy without her. it made her wonder if, somehow, the kiss and everything that followed had faded into the past for you, a fleeting moment that meant nothing in the grand scheme of things.

haerin couldn’t help but feel like maybe she was being forgotten. you were surrounded by your friends, who adored you, who were always there to support you. but haerin? she seemed to be slowly disappearing from your world. the silence between the two of you was growing louder, and every time haerin tried to reach out—through a glance, a word, anything—it felt like you weren’t looking back anymore.

she had considered reaching out, countless times. but each time, something held her back. what could she say? how could she break the silence that had stretched on for so long? was it even right to reach out when you had been so distant? haerin told herself that she needed to respect your space, that she had no right to force herself into your life when things were so complicated. she didn’t want to make things worse, didn’t want to push you away further.

but the longer this silence dragged on, the more the uncertainty gnawed at haerin. she didn’t know what you were feeling, but she could feel the distance between you growing wider. and the worst part? haerin wasn’t sure if you even cared enough to fix things anymore.

hanni and minji, as usual, couldn’t ignore the tension in the air. they had always been the kind to tease, but their comments now had a sharper edge. haerin tried to laugh them off, but it was getting harder to pretend that everything was okay. the teasing started to feel less like fun and more like pressure. every time she looked over at you from across the room, she could practically hear their teasing echoes in the back of her mind.

one afternoon, while the three of them sat together, hanni casually dropped a bombshell that made haerin freeze in her tracks.

“you do realise she probably thinks you don’t like her, right?”

the words were so simple, yet they hit haerin like a tidal wave. she hadn’t even considered that, not once. all this time, she had been giving you space, afraid to overstep, afraid of making you feel suffocated. she hadn’t thought that her silence might be sending the exact wrong message. that you could be sitting there, wondering if haerin had forgotten about you, wondering if maybe the kiss hadn’t meant anything to her at all.

“wait... i never thought of it that way,” haerin murmured, her voice small, barely audible. she stared at the table, her hands suddenly feeling cold. “but... i don’t want to hurt her. i just—i didn’t know what to do.”

hanni and minji exchanged a look, their usual teasing smiles fading into something a little more serious. they could tell haerin was genuinely struggling, and it wasn’t hard to see that both haerin and you were caught in the same cycle of hesitation, unsure how to bridge the gap between them.

“you’ve got to talk to her,” minji said softly, her tone gentler than before. “you both need to figure this out, before it gets worse.”

but haerin just nodded absently, feeling her heart race. talking to you—was she ready for that? could she really break the silence without making things more awkward? all she knew was that, whatever she decided, she couldn’t keep pretending that nothing was wrong.

the café hummed with the quiet chatter of other patrons, the soft clink of cups and the low murmur of background music creating a cozy, familiar atmosphere. you sat at your usual corner table with your friends, a little less talkative than usual, your gaze flickering to the window every now and then. you felt like you were caught between two worlds—one that was more comfortable with your friends, and the other... still lingering with haerin, somewhere in the past.

the silence between sips of coffee felt heavier today, and finally, you broke it.

“i’ve been thinking,” you began, your voice tentative, “about talking to haerin. i mean... maybe i should just reach out, see if we can figure things out.”

the table went still. yunjin was the first to react, setting down her cup with a soft clink. her eyes studied you carefully, concern lining her features. “are you sure you’re ready for that?” she asked gently. “i know things have been a little... tense, and i don’t want you to feel like you have to do this just because it’s been a while.”

you fiddled with the sleeve of your sweater, looking down at the table for a moment before meeting yunjin’s eyes. “i don’t know. i guess it just feels like i can’t keep pretending like everything’s fine. things are... still kind of weird between us. i don’t want to keep carrying it around.”

hyein, who had been quietly watching you, leaned in slightly, her voice laced with a touch of hesitation. “so you’re thinking you’ll talk to her? like... now?”

“not right now,” you said quickly, shaking your head. “i don’t know... but soon, maybe. i just feel like i need to say something. it’s been so weird, and i don’t know how long i can just let it go.”

there was a long pause as yunjin and hyein exchanged looks. yunjin opened her mouth like she was about to say something, but hyein beat her to it, her tone thoughtful. 

“i get it, i do. but... are you sure that’s what you want, y/n? to fix things with her? or are you just trying to get closure so you can move on?”

you paused, your gaze flickering to the window again, unsure of how to answer. “i think... it’s both. i just want to know where we stand. i don’t want to keep carrying this weight if it’s something i can fix.”

danielle, who had been quiet until then, leaned forward, her voice warm but steady. “y/n, if you think talking to her is what you need to do, then i say go for it. i think it’s been a long time coming. you’ve been through a lot, and you’ve been really strong about this. but sometimes, it’s okay to reach out. if you think it’ll help you feel better, then do it.”

you glanced up at danielle, her words ringing in your mind. for a moment, you felt a little lighter, but also a bit unsure. “do you really think it’s okay? like... i don’t want to make things worse, you know?”

“it’s not about making things worse,” danielle said with a gentle smile, her voice soft and understanding. “it’s about giving yourself the chance to find peace. if you’ve been holding onto this for so long, maybe it’s time to finally say what’s been left unsaid. don’t keep letting it weigh you down.”

yunjin nodded slowly, though still cautious. “i get that. just... are you sure that now is the right time?”

“whenever you’re ready, it’ll be the right time,” danielle replied firmly. “there’s no rush, but don’t let fear stop you. if you’re feeling like you need to make the move, then do it. you’ve spent enough time focusing on everything else. maybe now is the time to focus on you—and whatever happens with haerin, it’ll work out as it’s supposed to.”

you sat back in your chair, feeling a little overwhelmed, but in a good way. the weight of the decision felt lighter, but still present. the silence stretched for a beat before you spoke again, this time with a little more certainty in your voice.

“i think... i think i’ll do it. i’ll talk to her. soon.”

there was a quiet moment as yunjin and hyein looked at each other, and then both of them gave small nods, though there was still a hint of hesitation in their eyes. “just make sure you’re really ready,” yunjin said softly. “you’ve been through a lot. don’t do anything unless it’s what you really want.”

you nodded, feeling the weight of your friends' concern but also their support. “i will. i’ll make sure it’s what i need.”

danielle leaned back in her chair, her eyes soft and understanding. “good. you don’t need to rush it. just... take your time, but don’t let this sit in your heart forever. it’s okay to go after what you need, y/n. even if it’s a little scary.”

you smiled, more to yourself than anyone else, the idea of talking to haerin suddenly feeling less daunting. “thanks, dani. i think i needed to hear that.”

“anytime,” danielle replied with a wink. “just... do what feels right for you. and when you’re ready, talk to her. but remember, you’ve got us. you’re not alone in this.”

there was a small pause, and then you sighed, feeling a sense of relief, even though the uncertainty still lingered. “i think... i think i’ll be okay. thanks, guys.”

yunjin smiled softly, squeezing your hand. “of course. we’ve got your back.”

as the conversation turned to lighter topics, you couldn’t help but feel a small sense of peace settle over you. you didn’t know what would come of talking to haerin, but you knew you had the support of your friends, and for now, that was enough. maybe it was time to take that first step, not just toward haerin, but toward something that felt like moving forward.

the school bell rang, the last one of the day. the hallways were crowded with the rush of everyone scrambling to pack up their bags and head home. the air was thick with the sound of shoes clicking against the floor and the bustle of excited chatter as people walked out of the building, eager to escape the day.

haerin stepped outside. the moment she stepped into the open air, she felt it—the rain. not just a drizzle, but a downpour, cold and heavy. she didn’t have an umbrella, and for a split second, she cursed herself for not checking the forecast. as she stood there, watching the rain blur the world around her, the people around her quickly unfurled their umbrellas, shielding themselves from the rain.

she stayed under the cover of the school’s entrance, waiting, hoping the rain would let up soon. but it didn’t. not even slightly. it was one of those rains that made you rethink your choices, and haerin stood there, feeling the frustration build inside her. she was waiting for something, anything, to change the stillness of the moment.

as she watched people bustle by with their umbrellas, her eyes caught a familiar figure. you were walking across the courtyard, your umbrella above you, and as soon as haerin saw you, it felt like a wave of relief washed over her, even though she wasn’t sure why.

you noticed her too, your gaze catching hers as you approached. she didn’t have to wait long before you were standing in front of her, the rain pouring down heavily around you both. you didn’t hesitate, your umbrella now wide open as you moved closer to her. 

"do you not check the weather forecast or something?" you joked, your tone playful, but there was something underneath it. something unspoken.

haerin looked at you for a moment, feeling the weight of your words hang between you. haerin’s expression was soft, the smallest of smiles tugging at her lips. there was a tension, a kind of silent understanding, but neither of you was ready to address it yet. she felt herself pull away slightly, but your offer, your gesture, felt like a chance—a chance to finally talk, to finally clear the air.

“you should’ve brought an umbrella, you know,” you said quietly, the smile on your face slipping into something more serious. “it’s best if we walk and talk, right?”

there it was. the invitation. not just for the walk, but for the conversation that both of you knew was overdue. the sound of the rain was loud around you, but somehow, the silence between you and haerin was louder. you could feel the weight of it, like an invisible wall that neither of you knew how to break. 

haerin didn’t reply right away, but after a second, she stepped forward, gliding beside you as you both walked into the rain. your umbrella hovered between the two of you, keeping you both dry, though you were leaning into each other just a little more than usual, like it was something that needed to happen.

the tension between you two was palpable at first, but it softened as you walked in silence for a while. the raindrops splashed against the pavement beneath your feet, and it felt like the world had quieted down just for the two of you.

as you walked together, the distance between you started to feel less about physical space and more about everything that had been left unsaid. “i guess we really do need to talk,” you said softly, the words finally breaking through the tension.

haerin glanced at you, her gaze unsure but warm. “yeah. we do.” her voice was barely above the sound of the rain, but there was something in the way she said it that made you feel like she meant it. like she was ready.

"i’ve missed this," you said softly, voice just above a whisper. "us. talking. being... together."

haerin glanced at you, her eyes warm but guarded. "me too. but... we’ve been avoiding each other, haven’t we?"

you sighed, your fingers tightening around the handle of the umbrella. “yeah. i’ve been so... confused. i didn’t know what to say. or how to fix things.”

"it’s not about fixing anything, y/n," haerin murmured, her voice just a little strained. “it’s about understanding, about... figuring out why we both acted like this.”

you nodded, feeling a knot in your stomach. "i just... i didn’t want to lose you. but i think i’ve been holding on to all the wrong things. and you probably feel the same."

haerin looked at you then, her gaze soft but steady. she didn’t say anything for a while, and you both walked side by side, each step bringing you closer to something you hadn’t been sure you were ready to face.

as you walked through the rain, the two of you close together under the same umbrella, the weight of everything that had been left unsaid slowly began to lift. there was a soft kind of tension in the air, but also an undeniable sense that things were finally on the verge of changing.

"i don't know what happened between us," haerin murmured after a few minutes, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rain. "but i felt like i had to give you space, y/n. i didn’t want to crowd you, especially after everything that happened. after the festival… i didn’t know how to act."

you nodded, your own thoughts swirling in a mix of confusion and guilt. "i thought… i thought you didn’t want anything to do with me anymore. i didn’t see you at the painting unveiling, and i guess i took it as a sign you were done with me."

haerin’s gaze flickered to you, and you could see the realization hit her. she stopped walking for a moment, looking down at the pavement before glancing back at you, her expression filled with something soft, vulnerable. 

"i wasn't avoiding you, y/n. i just thought… maybe i was overwhelming you. maybe you needed time. but i should’ve known better. i should’ve reached out. i’m sorry."

the words hung in the air between you two, and it felt like an unspoken weight had been lifted. you both stood there, drenched from the rain but finally able to breathe a little easier. 

"i should’ve reached out too," you replied, your voice thick with sincerity. "i didn’t mean to push you away. it’s just… with everything happening around me, i didn’t know how to deal with my own feelings. and the kiss… i couldn’t even explain it."

haerin looked at you, her expression softening even more. "you kissed me. and it wasn’t just a kiss. it felt like something… real. and i didn’t know how to handle that. i guess i was scared too." she sighed, her fingers brushing through her wet hair before she continued. "but i think i understand now. that kiss wasn’t just some impulsive thing. it was you telling me something. telling me you cared. and i guess i needed that more than i realised."

you stopped walking, turning to face her fully, your heart pounding. "is it really so unbelievable that i just... wanted to kiss you?" you asked, suddenly feeling incredibly shy. your face flushed as you looked at her, hoping she didn’t see the nervousness in your eyes.

haerin blinked in surprise before her lips curled into a soft, affectionate smile. her eyes were gentle, as if she understood everything you were trying to convey without you needing to say another word. "no. it’s not unbelievable. i just… i guess i was too caught up in my own fears to see it."

you looked at her, your blush deepening as her gaze softened. "i didn’t know if you felt the same, haerin. i didn’t know if you wanted me to kiss you."

haerin’s eyes softened, a tender smile forming on her lips. "you’ve always been my inspiration," she said quietly. "every time i play, it’s like the piano brings me closer to you. whenever i touch those keys, it’s like your presence is in every note. you inspire me to play more passionately. you’ve been with me in every song, even when you weren’t around. you’re like a fine melody—everyone hears it, but only i get to play it. only i know it."

you stood there, taking in her words. it was the most poetic thing anyone had ever said to you, and it made your heart swell with warmth. "i think it’s a little obvious, but you’re my inspiration too," you admitted shyly, your voice barely a whisper. "everything i do, every painting i make… you’re always in it. and i never wanted to admit it, but the butterflies still don’t go away when i’m around you"

her eyes widened slightly, but the soft, shy smile never left her face. 

"not even in the rain?" she whispered back, her voice filled with something so pure it made your chest ache with affection.

“not even in the rain,” you repeated. you looked at her, completely immersed in her words and presence. the moment felt like a soft, steady rhythm, and everything around you seemed to fade into the background.

"your performance for me," you said quietly, the memory of the intimate moment you shared in the music room coming back to you. "it was… amazing. so personal. it was like you were telling me everything without saying a word. it made me feel seen, haerin."

her cheeks flushed slightly at your words, but she just shook her head, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. "it was only for you. because you’re the only one who truly listens. the piano… it’s my way of showing how i feel, of expressing everything i can’t put into words."

you both stood there for a while, in the rain, just taking it all in. there were no more walls between you two, no more distance. everything felt open, and though the rain soaked you both to the bone, neither of you cared. you had finally reached a place where the silence was no longer uncomfortable. it was peaceful, knowing that you both felt the same way.

"i’m glad we talked," you said softly, smiling shyly at haerin. "i don’t think i could have gone on without knowing where we stood."

haerin smiled back, a tender warmth in her eyes. "me neither. and i’m glad it’s us, y/n. we’ll figure everything out together."

you nodded, feeling more at peace than you had in a long time. "together," you repeated, your voice a little more sure than it had been before.

the rain continued to pour, but you both knew that this moment was the beginning of something beautiful, something real. you walked for what felt like hours, the rain showing no signs of stopping, but you didn’t care. neither of you did. you were too wrapped up in the quiet comfort of each other’s presence, the absence of words speaking more than anything either of you could say.

after a while, you realised that you’d somehow walked all the way back to your place, your house looming in front of you. haerin didn’t seem to realise it either, her attention focused entirely on the conversation and, you imagined, on you.

"i... i guess this is where i live," you said softly, feeling a little silly for stating the obvious.

haerin looked around, surprised. "oh. i didn’t realise we walked this far."

you both reached the front door, seeking shelter from the rain. the downpour was relentless, the sound of it hitting the ground surrounding you both. you hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say next, the atmosphere thick with unspoken feelings.

you couldn’t help but smile back, the tension easing just a little. “you can come in, if you want. i mean, i’m not going anywhere, and... it’s still raining pretty heavily.”

haerin shook her head, offering a small smile in return. "i can’t. i should go home."

"are you sure?" you asked, your heart thudding in your chest. "it’s raining pretty heavily, haerin."

she glanced at the umbrella in your hand, then at you, a small, almost apologetic smile on her lips. "i’ll be fine. but... can i take the umbrella?"

"of course," you said, your voice quiet. "but... stay safe, alright?" you continued, the words coming out before you could stop them. but there was something in your voice, something deeper, that made haerin pause.

she nodded, giving you a soft smile. "thanks, y/n. i’ll be okay."

you stood there, watching as she turned to walk away, your heart suddenly heavy with something you couldn’t quite place. she was walking away, and you were standing there, feeling like something wasn’t quite right.

as she walked away, you stayed rooted in place, watching her disappear into the rain. there was something about this moment, about everything, that made you feel like the distance between you both couldn’t be bridged. your heart suddenly heavy with something you couldn’t quite place. she was walking away, and you were standing there, feeling like something wasn’t quite right. the weight of it all, the way she walked away, the fact that you were still standing there, unsure of what to do next, made you feel lost.

"wait! haerin!" you called out, your voice almost lost to the sound of the rain. 

you quickly stepped out from under the cover, the rain soaking you immediately. your heart was pounding in your chest, a mix of fear and something more intense—something that made you want to chase her down, to stop her before she could disappear completely.

when you reached her, you were breathless, drenched through, but you didn’t care. 

"you’re amazing, haerin," you blurted out, the words tumbling out before you could stop them. "you’re so... real. you don’t let anything get in your way, and i’ve just been... i don’t know, scared,” you said, your voice trembling with a sincerity you couldn’t hide. “i’ve been scared to tell you everything, to tell you how much you mean to me. but i can’t stand this distance anymore. i want to be with you.  i don’t want to lose you. i just—i need you to know how much you mean to me."

haerin was still, her expression softening as she watched you, a flicker of something in her eyes. for a long moment, you both stood there, letting the rain fall around you, feeling the intensity of the moment but not knowing what to do with it.

finally, you spoke again, the words slipping out before you could stop them. "can i kiss you?"

there was no hesitation in haerin’s gaze. she simply nodded, her eyes closing for a brief second, as if to gather herself.

you didn’t wait any longer. in one quick motion, you leaned in, and the kiss was everything. soft and gentle, but there was so much wrapped up in it. everything you hadn’t said. everything you had been too afraid to admit. and in that moment, it felt like the world had stopped spinning. all that mattered was you and her, and the way your heart was finally in sync with hers.

when you pulled away, the silence between you wasn’t awkward. it was calm, full of understanding, of something new beginning. you were both soaked, the cold water soaking through your clothes, but none of it mattered.

“i think i’m going to be okay,” you whispered, your voice barely audible above the rain.

haerin smiled softly, her eyes shining brighter than ever, a warmth that cut through the storm. "me too," she whispered back.

[neostellarjpg]

inner mono-dialogue

the more time i spend being davepeta with you the more i realize almost every single problem in my life was caused by my obsession with being this unfeeling cool dude

but youre cool already

like in the way that actually matters

youre chill and friendly and just nice and thats all there is to it

youre shamelessly yourself even if everybody around you is a jackass and gives you shit for it

youre similar to jade and john in that way

i really envied that about them

but its different actually being at the control panel and feeling where that earnesty comes from

it makes me wanna match your energy and keep that pawsitivity ball rolling even if it ends up being weird or cringe or whatever

fuck man do you know how exhausting it is building yourself social hoops to leap through all the time and when you trip up even once its suddenly the end of the world

what kinda dumbass does that its like dealing with life in hard mode for no reward

fuck that noise

i like your way better

Nepeta's heart burns and shines inside you.

:33 < thank you :))

:33 < but you know

:33 < i dont think doing things your way is unrewarding

:33 < its like

:33 < a shield!

Dave scrunches up with discomfort.

X33 < i dont mean that in an insulting way!

:33 < the fact is that shields are just purractical sometimes

:33 < it doesnt make you cowardly to hide behind one

:33 < in the same way that it isnt cowardly for a predator to hide in the bushes when stalking prey

:33 < its just a way to make sure you dont get hurt!

:33 < purrsonally i found shields too cumbersome

X33 < im a hunter after all!

:33 < and i guess maybe the same goes for my personality

:33 < its not really that im purrticularly brave for being myself

:33 < i just didnt have a say in the matter in the furst place!

:33 < honestly if i had a choice i would have loved to be more like you dave

:33 < you can befriend people almost effortlessly

:33 < and its beclaws youre also just a nice person

Dave recoils in surprise, but Nepeta passionately pushes forward.

:33 < fur real! i f33l it inside you! theres a really strong sense of empathy there

:33 < its just like mine! just smarter, and a bit more analytical

:33 < whenever we encounter someone mew, its like i f33l you lock onto them, and you gather so many insights into their purrsonality without even trying

:33 < and you can use that to bond with others without giving every part of you away

:33 < which unfortunately

:(( < i never really knew how to do

Nepeta sours with unpleasant feelings. Your brows scrunch together with both pain and sympathy.

Nepeta has a big and complex heart. She tried her best to keep it from spilling over, but it always did in the end. And it was embarrassing. It was embarrassing when your friends dismissed your hobbies or focused in on your strange quirks. It was embarrassing when they revealed they knew about your crush on Karkat that you'd worked so hard to hide. And it hurt whenever he would say mean things about you. He and anyone else.

But you always puffed out your chest and sucked it up. You stuck to your guns no matter what. Because it was fun! The things you liked, the people you liked, were fun, and they made you feel good. Why couldn't anyone else see that? And why did it seem like they never gave a single thought to who you were?

You curl in on yourself. Your chest hurts. You suddenly really miss Equius.

And you miss Rose. You miss Jade. You miss John and Karkat and Aradia and Tavros and Terezi and all the others. You miss all the people you can go outside and see whenever you wish, and you miss all the people that you have no hope of ever seeing again. You feel the choral echo of all the times you've ever felt this need for comfort, this thrumming pain searing hot inside you, like hunger wracking your stomach.

You clench your teeth. You remember being on your bed, curled in blankets, not having eaten a proper meal in days. You remember holding your stomach and sneaking to the kitchen, turning your shoulder at every step to look fearfully behind you, only for your fingers to falter hopelessly on the handle of the refrigerator, knowing there was nothing for you inside.

You shake with anger. You know that feeling. The feeling of being chased by something much bigger than you, a hulking silhouette of menacing strength following your scent through the thicket. You'd clutched a beast carcass to your chest, barely breathing as you stalked clumsily through the trees, performance wavering from exhaustion and hunger.

You'd almost died. You'd almost died often. And then after escaping death so many times, it one day claimed you. Casually. Unflinchingly. And the world beat on without you, leaving you stunned by your own insignificance. You'd looked out onto every preceding moment of your life, wondering if there was anything to truly be proud of in the face of your friends accomplishing all these fantastical things. You'd felt lonely before, but after that, you were truly walled off from every single person you knew.

And now, despite everything, you're alive again. Twofold, together with someone.

A warmth coats the ache inside your body. The two parts of you swirl together, feeling and tasting each other, trying to understand themselves.

It feels like a hug.

[im-so-normal-iswear]

Hi, I want to request a headcanon with SSS, with a human!reader (separately, this is not poly), reader is a friend of the trinity, based on this, reader has feelings for the trinity, but because reader is a human, and they are meanwhile mobians, she thinks that she is not attracted to them, since she is a human, and mobians may have different standards of beauty, plus, she does not want to seem like a pervert in their eyes, and ruin their friendship, but somehow SSS finds out about the reader's feelings, and they begin dating. Thanks in advance if you write 💙❤️🤍

A/n: my head hurts, sorry for posting this so late

triple s x Human!Reader

Sonic:

You had been friends with Sonic for years. From the moment you met him, you knew he was special, not just because of his speed or heroics but because of the way he made everything feel more exciting. He was a whirlwind of energy, always dragging you along on adventures, cracking jokes, and treating you like you were just as capable as any of his other friends.

But deep down, there was something you harbored, something that gnawed at you whenever he flashed that confident aura your way. You had feelings for him.

It wasn't supposed to happen. He was a Mobian, and you were human. Surely, his kind had different standards of beauty. Maybe Mobians found humans ugly? Off putting? The last thing you wanted was for Sonic to see you as some weirdo who had inappropriate thoughts about one of his kind.

You convinced yourself it wasn't possible, that he'd never see you the way you saw him. So, you swallowed your feelings and stayed his loyal friend, even when your heart ached to be more.

But Sonic wasn't oblivious. He knows a thing or two about crushes (being around amy is already more than enough to teach him) he noticed the way your eyes lingered when he was in vicinity, how your laugh was just a bit too strained when he teased you, he saw the way your shoulders tensed when he got too close. Sonic wasn't the type to ignore his instincts, and his gut told him something was up.

One day, after an especially intense adventure, the two of you collapsed onto a grassy hill, panting and laughing. The sunset cast a golden glow over you both, and sonic, never one for subtlety, turned to you with a smirk.

"You know, you've been acting weird around me lately," he said, propping himself up on his elbow. "Something on your mind?"

Your stomach twisted. This was it. The moment you dreaded.

"I... it's nothing," you forced a chuckle, looking anywhere but at him. "Just tired, I guess."

Sonic wasn't buying it. "Come on, you can tell me anything, y'know? We're friends!"

And that was the problem, wasn't it?

The words came out before you could stop them. "That’s exactly why I can't tell you."

Sonic blinked, caught off guard. His ears twitched, processing your words before a slow grin spread across his face. "Wait a sec... do you like me?"

Your heart stopped. Your face burned. You shot up in panic. "No! I mean- yes! I meant- ugh!" You groaned, covering your face. "This is exactly what I didn't want! I didnt want to make things weird, because your movian and im... Human..."

Sonic was silent for a moment, but then he started laughing. Not cruelly, not mockingly, just his usual, carefree laugh. "Wow, and here I thought I was the dense one!"

You peeked between your fingers. "...Huh?"

He leaned back, hands behind his head. "You seriously thought I wouldn't be into you just because you're human?" He turned to you, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Newsflash, I don't care about that. You're you, and that's what matters."

Your heart stopped. "You mean... you?"

Sonic grinned. "Yeah, I like you, dummy."

Your world tilted. The worries, the doubts, the fear of being seen as some creepy human crushing on a Mobian, all of it evaporated in an instant. Before you could even process it, Sonic was already standing, holding out a hand.

"Now that that's outta the way, how 'bout a date? Maybe a race, loser buys chili dogs?"

You laughed, shaking your head as you took his hand. "I’m going to regret this, aren't I?"

Sonic just smirked. "Oh, definitely."

And just like that, your fears faded away.

Shadow:

Loving Shadow was a quiet kind of torture.

Shadow was... different. He was distant yet ever-present. You weren't even sure how you had become friends with him, Shadow didn't really have many friends after all. But somehow, after some time, you had earned a place in his life.

That was bad.

Because along the way, you had fallen for him.

And that was unacceptable.

Shadow wasn't the type to tolerate foolishness, and what was more foolish than a human harboring feelings for a Mobian? It didn't matter that your heart flipped every time he stood close, that your skin tingled when his gloved hand brushed against yours, or that his rare smirks made your knees weak. It didn't matter, because you were human, and he wasn't.

He could never see you that way.

But Shadow wasn't blind. He saw how you hesitated when he got too close, how your heart rate spiked when he addressed you. Shadow didn't believe in coincidences, and he wasn't one to ignore anomalies, especially not when they involved you.

One evening, after a particularly grueling mission, he cornered you.

"You're avoiding me."

You answered quick, "I'm not avoiding you."

"Lying doesn't suit you," he said, stepping closer. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Shadow. Drop it."

He didn't. Of course he didn't.

"Tell me the truth." His voice was less intense now.

You looked away. "I can't."

Silence stretched between you. Then, so quietly you almost didn't hear it.

"You think I wouldn't want you because you're human."

Your entire body froze. Your eyes snapped to him. "...What?"

His expression was unreadable, but his gaze burned into you. "You think I wouldn't reciprocate." He took another step forward. "You're wrong."

"I... I don't understand."

Shadows eyes softened, just a fraction. "I don't care about species. I care about strength, about loyalty, about who someone is at their core." He paused. "I care about you."

Your world tilted. The fear, the doubt, the self-imposed barriers, they all shattered in an instant.

Shadow reached out, hesitating for only a second before brushing a hand against your cheek. "You're important to me," he admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "If you feel the same... I won't run from it."

Tears pricked your eyes. "I thought I wasn’t enough."

"You are," he said firmly. "Always."

And just like that, the walls crumbled.

Silver:

You never meant to fall for Silver.

He had been your friend for so long, always bright eyed and hopeful, always treating you like you were the most important person in the world. He was gentle in ways others weren't, encouraging you when you doubted yourself, listening intently to your dreams, and never making you feel like an outsider despite being a human in a world full of Mobians.

Maybe that's why it hurt so much.

Because even though you cared for him, even though your heart raced when he smiled at you, even though you wanted so badly to take his hand in yours, you couldn't.

He was a Mobian. You were human.

Mobians probably had different beauty standards. What if you were ugly to him? What if you confessed and he was disgusted? Worse, what if he pitied you?

Silver was too kind to outright reject you in a cruel way. He'd probably give you an awkward smile, say something about how he "values you as a friend," and then things would never be the same. You couldn't risk it.

So, you buried your feelings.

You let him ramble about the future, let him take your hand when he was excited, let him hug you when he was happy, all the while pretending that it didn't tear you apart inside.

But Silver wasn't stupid. Naive? Yes. Oblivious? Sometimes. But when it came to you, he always paid close attention.

One day, after an exhausting mission, the two of you sat on the edge of a cliff, watching the sky shift from orange to deep purple. The air was cool, and Silver, without thinking,rested his head on you.

Your heart stopped.

"You've been weird lately," he murmured, eyes on the horizon.

You swallowed hard. "I don't know what you mean."

Silver lifted his head, looking up at you with soft curiosity. "You don't talk to me the same way anymore. You don't look me in the eyes as much. Did I do something wrong?"

Guilt twisted in your gut. "No! You didn't do anything wrong, I just..."

"Just what?" He tilted his head, eyes shining with concern.

You couldn't tell him. You couldn't risk losing this.

But then Silver reached out, fingers brushing against yours, hesitant but warm. "You can tell me anything, y'know?"

The sincerity in his voice broke you.

"I like you," you blurted, eyes squeezing shut. "I’ve liked you for so long, but I thought-" You inhaled sharply. "I thought I wasn't right for you. Im human. You're Mobian. What if I'm... what if I'm not attractive to you? What if I ruin everything?"

For a second, there was silence.

Then-

"You idiot."

Your eyes flew open, as you turned towards him. Silver's face was flushed, ears twitching, hands gripping yours tightly.

"You think I care about any of that?" he huffed, voice shaking. "Do you even know how much I like you?"

Your breath caught. "You-"

"Yes!" He groaned, running a hand down his face. "I thought you didn't see me that way! I thought I was being weird for liking a human, but I didn't care because it's you! I don't care about species or looks or any of that stuff! I just wanted to be with you!"

Tears pricked your eyes. "Silver-"

"You're the most amazing person I’ve ever met," he continued, voice cracking slightly. "You're kind, strong, and you always make me feel like I belong. Do you really think I'd let something as stupid as species get in the way of that?"

You let out a shaky laugh, overwhelmed. "I'm the idiot, huh?"

Silver smiled, soft and warm. "The biggest."

And then, hesitantly, he leaned forward, resting his forehead against yours. His hands squeezed yours, his tail flicking behind him.

"Can I...?" he whispered, breath warm against your lips.

You nodded.

And then, finally, Silver closed the distance

A/n: i dont know how to describe kissing, im sorry

[dee-writes-anime]

Imagine tamaki dating an emotionless ‘freak’ ? But she isnt really a freak if u get what i mean?

So reader has a very dangerous fire quirk! Remember the ask i did with reader x the mha boys with a strong fire quirk, so smt similar to that!

So she has burns all over her back and tamaki walks into her dorm while shes wearing a tank top and he notices the scars from her quirk

He asks about them and reader just shuts DOWNNN. Showing her real emotions:D maybe angst and a tiny but of fluff? :3 take ur time on this if youd like!

ALSO I HOPE MY LAST ASK DIDNT MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE!!! IT WAS INTENDED FOR LIKE TIMESPICK DEKU!! If it made you uncomfortable let me know🥹😭

-monty eat,sleep, drink!

Kindling: You

FEATURING Amajiki Tamaki x Reader, Katsuki Bakugou x Reader (INDIVIDUAL)

SUMMARY Facing the flames is scary, it's hard, but the weight will always feel lighter when you aren't doing it alone.

CONTENT WARNINGS healing myself through my characters!!!, angst to fluff, reader has problems controlling their quirk, descriptions of scars, bullying, Bakugo mentioning his sordid past (insert pained sigh), I just love them your honor

AUTHORS NOTE I am just on a role with these ending one-liners, I cannot be stopped! Punch your ticket on the healing train I guess! <3

SUNEATER ☀

The dorms were quiet, mostly — that late evening lull where most of Class 3-A had either gone out for dinner or retreated into the haze of headphones and study playlists. The common room lights were off. Outside, the sky was melting from lavender to indigo.

Tamaki wasn’t trying to snoop. He swore he wasn’t.

He’d only come to return the book you'd lent him — that old, worn one with the broken spine and folded corners, the kind of book someone lives in instead of just reading. He liked that you’d trusted him with it. Liked it maybe a little too much.

He knocked once on your door. Quiet. Hesitant.

You didn’t answer.

That alone wasn’t strange. You weren’t the type to rush or shout across the room. You were still and composed and sharp-edged in a way most people didn’t know how to interpret — fire held tight behind glass. People whispered emotionless, but Tamaki knew better. He saw the flickers in you. The quiet corners.

So he tried again. A soft knock. A pause.

Nothing.

And then—your voice, muffled through the door, low and listless. “It’s open.”

He stepped in carefully, fingers curled tight around the book. “I just— I wanted to bring this back. I hope I’m not—”

He stopped.

You were standing at your desk, back to the door, tank top slung loose over your shoulders. The room was dark but not dark enough to hide the way the firelight from your quirk — that ever-present, flickering aura you didn’t seem to notice — cast shadows over the skin of your back.

Scars. So many of them. Some jagged. Some smooth. Some new. Some old. The kind of damage only fire leaves behind when it doesn't care who it's burning.

Tamaki didn’t mean to stare.

But you’d never shown anyone this.

Not on purpose.

His voice caught in his throat.

“…You’re hurt.”

Your body stiffened. The air in the room snapped colder, like oxygen pulled away from a flame.

You didn’t turn around. “Get out.”

“Wait, I didn’t— I didn’t mean to intrude, I swear—”

“Get out.” It came sharp this time. Low and cold and final.

But he didn’t move.

Instead, Tamaki took one breath. Then two. Then closed the door behind him, just as gently as he’d opened it.

“I’m not looking because I’m curious,” he said quietly. “I just… didn’t know. I didn’t know you were in pain like that.”

“I’m not,” you lied.

He stepped forward. One slow step. Then another. “You don’t have to hide it.”

You finally turned then — not quickly, not with drama, but with a kind of resignation that cut deeper than any fire ever could. Your eyes met his and God, Tamaki had never seen you look like this. Not angry. Not cold.

Just—raw.

“Of course I do,” you said. Flat. Final. “You think anyone wants a hero who can’t even use her quirk without setting herself on fire?”

Your voice didn’t shake, but something in your hands did. He noticed.

“You think it makes me strong?” you asked. “You think I’m special? I burn everything. I can't even touch anyone when I’m angry, or scared, or— or anything. I’ve destroyed gear. I’ve burned through gloves. You know the first person I ever hurt was my mom?”

You stopped yourself. Bit your lip hard, like maybe you’d said too much. You turned back toward the desk, like you could disappear again if you just stopped looking at him.

But Tamaki didn’t leave.

He set the book down gently on your dresser and crossed to you, slowly, quietly — like approaching a creature you don’t want to startle. He didn’t say anything at first.

Just slipped off his hoodie. Stepped closer. And draped it around your shoulders, careful to avoid the healing scars, letting it hang like a barrier between the world and your skin.

Your eyes widened. You stared at the floor.

“What are you doing,” you mumbled.

He fidgeted, cheeks already flushed, voice soft as ever.

“Giving you something warm that doesn't hurt.”

You choked on your breath — not crying, not quite, but your chest stuttered like it didn’t know how to take it. Not tenderness. Not like this.

Tamaki wasn’t great with words, but he didn’t need them right now. His hand hovered near yours, not grabbing, just there. And when you didn’t pull away, he gently brushed his fingers against yours. Not afraid of the heat. Not afraid of you.

“You’re not a freak,” he said. “Not broken. Not scary. You’re just—” he hesitated, eyes flicking up to meet yours— “You.”

“And I… I like you like that.”

The silence after that stretched long. Not awkward. Just… real.

Finally, your voice cracked, too small to be angry anymore.

“…Why aren’t you scared of me?”

Tamaki smiled. Barely there. But he smiled.

“Because fire only hurts when you don’t know how to treat it right.”

And somehow, some how, that made you want to cry more than any insult ever had.

GREAT EXPLOSION MURDER GOD DYNAMITE 🧨

You were the kind of person who made people think twice before they spoke. All hard glances and sharp one-liners, emotionally locked behind iron doors with no keyhole in sight. Even in the dorms, you kept to yourself. Quiet. Cold. Unapproachable.

The rumors helped. “Emotionless.” “Freak.” “Too dangerous.” Whatever. You let them talk.

The truth was worse.

You weren’t numb. You weren’t a freak.

You just knew what happened when you felt too much.

The fire didn’t listen when you were sad. It didn’t stop when you were scared. It didn’t care that you were just a kid when it first burst out of you and left your mother screaming. It just burned.

It always burned.

So you shut yourself off.

Better to be nothing than be a danger to everyone.

You thought Bakugou of all people would agree with that. That he’d take one look at you and think too volatile. Too much fire. Not worth it.

But instead, he looked at you like you were built from molten metal. Something forged, not broken. Something strong enough to keep.

He didn’t fall for the mask. He fell for what was underneath.

Which was exactly why it hurt so fucking bad when he saw the truth.

You hadn’t even heard him walk in. You’d been changing in your dorm, tank top halfway over your head, back to the door, heat still clinging to your skin after an unintentional flare-up in training.

Burns. Old. Faded. New. Raised. Raw.

A map of every moment you lost control.

You froze when you heard the door creak open.

Then his voice, too casual (for Bakugou at least): “Oi! You left your gear in the—”

Silence.

Dead silence.

You turned like a shot, yanking your shirt down, voice low and shaking. “Get out.”

Bakugou didn’t move.

His eyes were locked on your back—on the places where your skin still peeled around scar tissue. His jaw was clenched tight.

You could practically feel your body temperature spiking. The shame, the panic, the heat rolling off your core like smoke.

“I said get out,” you snapped, voice colder now, trying to kill it before it became anything else.

“No,” he said simply.

You blinked.

“What—?”

He slammed the door shut behind him.

“No,” he repeated, louder. “I’m not fucking leaving like that.”

You felt the heat spike again. You turned your back to him, like that would hide anything. Like you could retreat fast enough to make this moment un-happen.

“I didn’t mean for you to see—”

“Tch. So what?”

You blinked.

Your voice cracked. “So what? So what? You saw what I am—”

“What you are?” he snapped. “You think those scars change that?”

You didn’t respond. You couldn’t. Your throat was closing up. You hated this.

He wasn’t supposed to see.

“Look at me,” he growled, voice low and steady.

You didn’t.

So he crossed the room in three strides and gently—not soft, but careful—grabbed your wrist and turned you just enough to face him.

His expression was a storm. Anger. Fury. Pain. But none of it was directed at you.

“You think I don’t know what it’s like?” he said. “To hurt people by accident? To lose control of something that’s part of you?”

You stared at him, wide-eyed.

“I’ve blown up shit I didn’t mean to. I’ve cracked ribs, burned hands, ruined friendships. You think I don’t carry that every day?”

“But it doesn’t scar you,” you whispered. “Not like this.”

He stopped. Something shifted in his face.

And then, carefully—his hands touched the hem of your tank top.

He didn’t move it. Just hovered there. Waiting.

You gave the smallest nod.

He lifted it. Slowly. Gently. Only enough to see. Only enough to show you he wasn’t afraid.

And then—quietly, roughly—he let out a breath.

“Shit.”

“Yeah,” you whispered.

He let the fabric fall back into place.

Then, to your shock, he took a step forward. Close enough that you could feel the warmth off him. Not scared of the heat. Not flinching from the fire.

His voice was quieter now. Like gravel worn soft. “These don’t make you weak. They make you someone who survived something no one else could.”

You didn’t speak. You couldn’t.

He looked at you, and his eyes weren’t pitying. They weren’t disgusted. They were burning.

“You’re not a freak,” he said. “You’re fire. And fire doesn’t apologize for being strong.”

That broke you.

Not into tears. But into silence.

The real kind. The raw kind. The kind that says, someone finally sees me.

And Bakugou—Katsuki—he didn’t push.

He just reached for your hand. Wrapped his fingers around it like a promise. Held on, even as your temperature spiked again.

“You burn?” he said. “Then burn. I’ll stand right fuckin’ here.”

[princessmaeee]

I think I need myself some secret romance T.O.P and GD's little sister

Discretion ? I don't think So

Hello ! So, first of all, I'm sorry for the wait, it often take me some time to do the request cause I need time to think and get inspired. The challenge with that was to make it in one part so it's more of a relation than romance. Otherwise for a fanfiction it probably could have been a cute Slow Burn. I hope you will still Like it. TW : Not full Smut but mention of it.

You stepped out of the train and directly rushed into Jiyong's arms when you noticed him. Since you didn't live  at Seoul and didnt have a car Yet, when you want to visit your brother, you always take the train and of course, he’s always there to bring you at the train station. With all the fame Big bang has, having you around is always a little bit dangerous. Even If you are G-Dragon's little sister and all the fanbase knows about you, sneaking you into the house is not that easy. After all, your brother lives with other guys and if the fans came to know about you staying with them even for vacation, that could be a problem. Who knows what can happen in those walls. And actually, The fanbase wouldn't be wrong this time. After all, you are secretly in a relationship with Seung Hyun for almost a year now and even your own brother doesn't know about it. When You visit him at Seoul, it's of course to see and spend time with him but also with your boyfriend. When you can’t do a trip to Seoul, it happen that Seung Hyun come to see you or his days off and pass two or three day at your place and as much as you like to have him around, it’s kinda hard since you can’t do activities like a normal couple outside of the horse so you prefer to see him at Seoul. It’s easier to plan things and have more privacy. On your way to the boys house, you talk with Ji Yong about recent things that happened at work and some drama around it. You said how some coworkers are annoying, asking you out again and again, making him laugh.

_Why are you Laughing ? _They seem to like you a lot to ask you again and again. Why do you not accept to just go out with one of them ? _Well, because… I don’t want a Boyfriend. I need to focus on my work and I don’t want any distraction. And if things didn’t end well, I don’t want things to be weird or the other coworker to involve themselves into everything. _Yeah, now that you mention it, it’s totally fair.

It’s kinda hard to not be able to say to Him that you already have a Boyfriend. Normally I would have been the first to know, but since this person is a member of his group, you prefer to keep it secret to avoid potential problems. As much as you wish to marry Seung Hyun and end your life with him, you are still careful cause you both don’t want to create issues if your relationship has to come to an end.

Once you entered the boys house, you could smell something nice in the air and smiled. Daesung and Taeyang, who were playing video Games came to greet you and hugged you. Seung Hyun was the last one to come see you and when you saw him, you couldn’t help it and smiled more. He wore a dirty apron, making you guess he was one who cooked tonight. He does that often when he comes to see you at your place. Actually He never let you cook when he’s around. You hope it’s not cause once Ji Yong told everyone you messed up some easy recipes like rice or eggs. You even burned some cookies you had made for school when you were sixteen. Now you are way better at cooking things since you live alone.

_What are you making for us Tonight, Seung Hyun ? Asked your brother _Oh, you're gonna see. Something you will probably enjoy, he answered as he gave you a look. _And How do you know she will ? _You talk about her so much, I start to guess what she will like, he answered before his eyes went back to you. You will have to excuse me for not giving you a hug like the others did, I'm sort of… dirty. _It’s fine, let’s save this for later, you answered with a smile. Do you need help in the kitchen? _Hell No, answered Ji Yong, I would like to still have a Kitchen by the end of the evening. Let Seung Hyun handle it while we go put your stuff in your room.

The boys laugh at your brother’s comment and you blush,embarrassed. Your brother let you use Taeyang old room. Since he lives with his wife now, this room is empty most of the time and almost became yours. You planned to stay a week so you packed a lot of outfits and even some more… revealing, hoping to have at least one moment alone with your boyfriend. As you put everything in the drawers, someone knocked at your door before it open. You turn around to see who it was and smile when you notice Seung Hyun. He had removed his dirty apron. You didn’t lose time and threw yourself in his arms, hugging him tightly as he hug you back.

_I missed you, you said. _I missed you too.

You stayed a little more in his arms before he let you go. You gave him a kiss on the cheek and went back to your clothes duties.

_For how long did you plan to stay, he asked. _A week, at least. I took vacation from work because I wanted to spend more time with you. I hope it’s okay.. _Of course, We will figure out when we can have a little date.

You both heard Ji Yong's voice from the kitchen, saying the meal will burn if Seung Hyun does not come back to watch after it. You rolled your eyes as your boyfriend opened the door.

_See you later, love, He said before leaving.

The first evening you had with the guys was fun. Seung Hyun's food was delicious as alway, he even cooked cookies. He was right about how much you will enjoy it, cause you did. After dinner, you helped the boys to clean the kitchen and discussed having a game night. Taeyang refused, saying he had to go home, but all the others agreed. Ji Yong and Daesung left to go grab some snacks at the grocery store, leaving you alone with Seung Hyun. You quickly decided to go take a shower. As you undressed in the bathroom, the door behind you slowly opened before you could feel your boyfriend’s arms around you and his lips on your naked shoulder. You shiver and smile.

_Want to take a Shower with me ? You asked softly. _I would love to, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. The guys will come back soon.

You turned around and passed your arms around his neck, still smiling.

_So we're gonna have to make it quick.

You pressed your Lips against SeungHyun's, as your fingers slided in his air.  His hands on your hips pulled you closer to him as he answered your kiss. You slowly take a step back, still holding him, carefulling making your way to the shower, your lips still glued to his. When you were close enough, your hands went down to the base of his top and removed it, pulling away from his lips before you crashed it back to it.

_Okey, You win, Go first, I will join you in a minute, said Seun Hyun against your lips.

You pulled away, smiling before you started the shower and entered it.  When your boyfriend was ready, he joined you in it and pushed you against the cold wall of the shower. His lips came back to yours  and you quickly started to forget that you had to make it really quick. The room was filled by the steam of the shower but also from the heat of your bodies collapsing against each other.  Once you finished ‘’ taking a shower ‘’ you got out and rolled yourself in a big towel as Seung hyun put his around his hips. He gently kissed you on the forehead and left the room first. That’s when you heard your brother’s voice coming from the living room.

_What about time guys. You could have told us at least that you wanted to be alone.

Seung hyun had frozen in the living room when he noticed JiYong and Daesung on the couch. You felt your cheeks burning and you quickly put on your pyjama before getting out of the bathroom to join them in the living room. This time, you had nothing to say. No excuses could be used.

_From how long have you been back ? You asked _Long enough to hear things I would like to never hear again. But at least we had our headphones.

You looked at Seung Hyun, he looked as embarrassed as you.

_I know you guys are a thing but next time, warn us. Since when ? Asked your boyfriend _I had my doubts when Once a month your snapchat map says you are at my sister’s house. And We also caught you when we came back from the studio and you were asleep on the couch last time Y/N visited. And after today I can be certain that discretion is not your thing at all.

As much embarrassed you felt, you were sort of happy that your brother knew. You will not have to hide anymore in front of him or any other group member, at least.

[brackenfur]

i still think it should have been like. ashfur and brambleclaw were friends as apprentices - ashpaw was always showing him around, teaching him some more advanced apprentice things, talking all day every day and sleeping in the nest next to one another - until brindleface dies. and when bramblepaw goes to comfort his friend, walks across camp to tell him how sorry he is - ashpaw just. stares. at him until he walks away. and bramblepaw is like....well he's grieving, i need to give him space. i get it.

but it keeps happening. ashpaw wont talk to him anymore, barely looks at him. moves to the other side of the apprentices den and starts spending more time with thornpaw. and deep down, even as an apprentice - bramblepaw knows its because of tigerstar, even if firestar and his mother tell him it's not, that ashpaw is just in pain right now. fernpaw is still his friend, after all. but ashpaw is never as close to him anymore. and then they become warriors, and ashfur only exchanges a few words here and there with him, but it's never the same as it was. sorrelpaw and brightheart and others will be like "hey, what happened to you guys?" and brambleclaw knows the answer - he kinda thinks everyone does - but he just will shrug and say "i guess we just grew apart. it happens sometimes."

and the thing is - ashfur knows that it's not technically right to feel this way, that brambleclaw didnt actually do anything. but hes so angry, knowing what happened to his mother. how she died. how brambleclaw's father did that to her and everyone just goes on with life like brindleface wasnt even there. he just cant stop being angry, even if it's not a burning sort of rage anymore, more dull - he still just doesnt want to have anything to do with brambleclaw.

and then hawkfrost and mothwing suddenly are there, and ashfur gets this weird feeling when he sees hawkfrost at gatherings, sees how close he and brambleclaw are. he knows that squirrelflight and brambleclaw are friends - or something, who knows - and he casually just mentions it, just to see if she thinks its weird too. squirrelflight is so outspoken, after all - and bam, she thinks the exact same thing. she thinks hawkfrost is a little much, that there's something not quite right with him. that nothing good could come out of being close with him, and ashfur feels oddly seen. they start talking and hanging out more, squirrelflight doesnt want anything to do with brambleclaw either, and like-

bam. suddenly squirrelflight is on brambleclaw's side again. suddenly they're talking again and ashfur just cant stand it. it feels like hes the only one who sees that there's something wrong with brambleclaw, that brambleclaw is power hungry. that hes manipulative and that he's not safe to be around, but squirrelflight wont hear it. shes almost disgusted, really.

so he sets brambleclaw up - he uses hawkfrost, thinking it's kinda two birds with one stone - he was right about both of them, he thinks as hawkfrost all too eagerly decides to trap firestar in the foxtrap. and ashfur lingers behind just to see, just for proof, and he sees it: he sees brambleclaw hesitate. he sees the way brambleclaw's eyes flicker to the foxtrap, how he freezes up. he thought about doing it, about killing firestar.

and having ashfur be so self-righteous and feeling vindicated about it, and THATS why he hates brambleclaw/squirrelflight so much....i dunno man.

[kadwrites]

the shelby charm | T.S

previous part | next part

or check out the series masterlist

summary ; tommy demonstrates his charm on an unsuspecting girl.

warnings ; idk bad writing? arranged marriage trope, soft!tommy bc hes so babygirl idc,

a/n ; let me know what you guys think! and im so glad you guys are liking this series <3 i genuinely didnt even think id write a second part but here we are ig

-

"she what?" madeline asks with a gasp , her jaw is dropped.fiona froze mid-sip with her eyes wide open

"i know!" you nod , leaning in closer with your arms resting on the dining table. your eyes are wide, and you're laughing, still in disbelief of what happened.

it was around 8 in the morning, madeline and fiona dropped by early, they were too curious and excited to wait any longer.

celest is pacing around the table, with her 1 year old daughter rose , in her arms as she bounces her, shaking her head as if she can't believe it happened. you already told her the whole story, but she's still somehow taken aback

your parents are still asleep, the house is lit by the warm morning sunlight,  the scent of tea and toasted bread wafts around the house.

"she said ya cornered 'er? really?" madeline repeats what you said

"what else did she say to 'im?" fiona asks with a raised brow, she leans in closer as well

"i don't know , he didn't tell me anything besides that" you mutter, taking a bite of your slightly burned toast

"and he drove ya home?" fiona wiggles her brows at you 

"aye , he did. because that aunt of his left me stranded in that fucking office."

"she probably did that on purpose." celest adds with a laugh

"of course she fucking did" you say with a sigh

"he insisted on driving ya home aye?" celest teases , she sits on the table with you, bouncing rose on her lap.

"what kind of man would let a defenseless woman walk alone in the dark streets of birmingham" you resent that it made you feel giddy, you really did. it was just a polite gesture, you tell yourself.

"and what did he say to 'er afterwards?" fiona looks at you intently, too invested in the story to tease you.

"so that woman walks in yeah, and she walks straight to 'im. at that point she hadn't even said a word to me. and asks 'im to sign a fucking paper or something" you tuck a strand behind your ear and bringing your chair closer to the table. "and he says oh so y've met my fiancee ?"

at your words, everyone squeals  and giggles 

"would you shut up? it wasn't like that." you say with a whine, covering your face slightly 

"why else would he say that then?"

"to make 'er jealous? i dont know" you furrow your brows, taking another bite of toast 

"he did it to let 'er know what 'er place is" celest nods as she speaks, her daughter watches all of you , babbling as if adding to the conversation.

"anyways" you wave a dismissive hand "she said that she did and then he tells 'er that i'll be visiting the office often and he'd like 'er make me feel welcomed when hes not around"  you hold back a small smile that threatened to escape you.

it's childish, really. you didn't know the man, hell only a week ago, you hated the sound of his name.

all of them giggle and squeal, again. as if they were school girls

"i bet she cried 'erself to sleep that night" fiona snorts a laugh, sipping her tea 

"did you ask 'im if he's sleeping with 'er?" madeline chimes in

"i did, and he said he wasn't" you shrugged, leaning back on the chair

"and do ya believe 'im?" celest asks, not in a mocking or sarcastic way. she's genuinely curious 

"i think i do?" you sigh, then lick your lips "he seemed honest enough i guess? he hardly seems like the kind of man that would give two fucks if he hurt my feelings so i doubt he'd lie about it for my sake"

"but isn't he a bit of a whore?" fiona's draw together as she looks at celest then back at you 

"he is but what im saying is i don't think there's any reason for 'im to lie, its not like we're in love or anything" you rest your chin on you hand, 

"ask polly" celest is still holding her daughter, feeding her small pieces of bread "that woman knows everything" she mutters 

"and say what? hello mrs gray, would ya please tell me if your nephew is fucking his secretary?"

before any one else could talk , a knock on the door makes all of you go quiet , you looked at celest and clicked your tongue "ya just had to say 'er name didn't ya?"

alas , when you opened the door it wasn't polly gray's smirk that greeted you , but the icy blue eyes of her nephew.

"thomas" you're almost dumbfounded, your mouth slightly opened, you blink a couple of times. 

"y/n."

his voice was slightly deeper than you remember, or maybe it was the trance that made it seem that way.

"what are you doing here?" you tilt your head.

behind you, fiona and madeline are trying to snag a peek, you can hear their muttering but you hope he doesn't 

"i would like ya to come by the office today,"

"why?" you stare at him, he's standing on your doorstep, in his suit, coat, and infamous hat.

"there are some things we need to go over."

you then realize that he's been standing on your doorstep, you step back, opening the door "im sorry, come in."

you hear the footsteps of madeline and fiona they scurry up the stairs, celest hides in the kitchen

you walk him back to the living room, and he sits down on the sofa "ya had company over?"

you look back at the dining table, then at him

"sort of."

"who?"

"some friends"

he humms and nods, still looking at you, but that tension is broken when you hear the sound of rose babbling, you look down and shes crawling on the floor.

she probably escaped while celest was too busy eavesdropping 

he looks at her as well , "who's baby is this?"

you bend down to pick her up, and she giggles "she's rose, my sisters daughter."

you just smile at her, as she stares back at tommy then back at you, as if asking you who that man is

he stands up, his finger grazes her cheek "she looks a lot like you."

you humm, looking at her "because i look like celest"

"may i?" he asks you as he looks at her

you hesitate, rose is a fussy baby. "she's really fussy."

"i'll give 'er back if she cries."

you let him pick her up, and he just stares back at her for a while before you see his dimples peek through. "i think shes too shocked to even cry" he mumbles 

you watch, you're both amused and mesmerized "me and 'er both."

he looks at you "what? i thought ya knew that i 'ave a son."

"i did, but i didn't know you were the baby carrying kind of dad."

"i carry 'im whenever i can."

whenever i can , you forgot how much his work probably takes away. from him and his son.

he's so gentle with her though, as she looks at him inquisitively, curiously grabbing onto his coat. he takes off the hat and drops it on the sofa, so she wouldn't cut herself.

"can you hold 'er while i go change?"

"i think i can manage, just don't be too long" 

you hurry and go up the stairs, so she wouldn't notice your absence and cry. and at the top of the stairs, you're greeted with the faces of fiona and madeline as they try to hold back their squeals 

"shhhh!!" you put a finger against your lips and push them into your room 

they start silently squealing, if there is such a thing "he is such a dish."

"oh my god, oh my god"

"did ya see 'im holding rose? that was such a domestic moment between you two, i bet youre already falling for 'im aye?" fiona is almost vibrating with excitement 

"shut up." you mutter as you change your clothes "im tired of this family's surprise visits." you turn to the vanity, fixing your hair, putting on some makeup.

"look at 'er, rushing to look good for 'er fiance" fiona teases 

"or maybe it's for that pesky secretary? to show 'er that he's 'yours' ?" madeline wiggles her brows

"when i said that the novel you two read was ruining you, this is what i meant" you mumble as you put your lipstick down, and grabbing a pair of pearl earrings, they'll probably do.

you grab a coat from the closet and walk out ,ignoring the teasing noises of your friends. you hear rose's laugh and you just smile instinctively as you make your way down. when you reach the doorway, you see him throwing her in the air, not too high though just enough to get her to laugh.

"ah i see y've won 'er over." you walk closer, standing before him "so this is the shelby charm , then?"

a soft smile takes over his lips "she's easily impressed."

you reach for her, and he gives her back to you. 

"ya can go to the car now, i'll just go put 'er in the crib."

he nods , taking his hat and putting it back on as he walks out of the house.

"you can come out now!" you call for celest and she rushes out of the kitchen and grabs her daughter 

"what's with the smile?" she asks you with a knowing look 

"what ? can't i smile without you lot thinking im in love with 'im now?" you turn around and walk to the door, putting your shoes on. you didn't even know you were still smiling.

celest just lets out a laugh, as she bounces rose

"say what ya want, i know ya better than ya think i do."

you glare at her before leaving the house and walking to the car, you see him leaning against it before walking and opening the passenger door for you.

you get in the car, and a moment later he does too, and you pray to whoever is looking over you that this car ride won't be awkward.

-

@tardisloverz , @optimisticsandwichgladiator , @theshelbyslimited , @illuminwtesz

[g3tinl0ser]

prologue

MASTERLIST

You stepped into Tony’s office, your palms damp and your heart racing as you rehearsed the words in your head for the hundredth time. The faint smell of whiskey hit you before you even saw him, and when your eyes landed on him, leaning back in his chair with a drink in hand, you knew this was going to be even harder than you thought.

He looked up at you, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite PA,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Normally he spoke to you in a soft flirty tone, tapped his thigh and told you to come take a seat and show him what you needed. You didnt know that he had just gotten in, that he had spent the better part of the morning fighting with the fiance you didnt know about.  “What do you need now? Another vacation request? A raise? Don’t keep me in suspense.”

You swallowed hard, your throat dry as you forced yourself to speak. “Tony, I… I need to tell you something. It’s serious.” You were seriously caught of guard with this behaviour. Your stomach was already iffy between the coffee you had on the walk over and the smell of whiskey. The anxiety just rolled side to side making your palms sweat more. 

He raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of his drink. “Serious? Oh, this should be good. Go on.”

You took a deep breath, gripping the edge of the desk to steady yourself. “I’m pregnant.��

The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. For a moment, he just stared at you, his expression unreadable. Then, he laughed—a sharp, cruel sound that cut through you like a knife.

“You’re kidding, right?” he said, setting his glass down with a thud. “You think I’d have a baby with, YOU, my PA? God, that’s rich.”

Your stomach twisted painfully, and you felt the blood drain from your face. “I’m not joking,” you whispered, your voice trembling. You hadn't thought he would handle this well, but god.. You didn't think this would end up this horrible. 

He scoffed, leaning back in his chair with a smirk that made you want to scream. “Well, congratulations, I guess. But don’t look at me like I’m part of this. Here—” He grabbed his wallet, pulling out a wad of cash and tossing it onto the floor in front of you. The bills scattered, some fluttering beneath his desk. “Take that and... take care of it,” he said dismissively, waving his hand as if you were some minor inconvenience. “Problem solved.”

Your knees felt like they might give out, and your stomach churned violently. You weren’t sure if you were going to throw up or pass out—or maybe both. Your chest tightened as tears burned at the edges of your eyes, but you refused to let them fall.

“You’re disgusting,” you managed to choke out, your voice barely audible.

He didn’t flinch, swirling the whiskey in his glass like he hadn’t just shattered your world. “Yeah, not the first time I heard that today. Close the door on your way out, would you?”

The room spun as you turned and stumbled toward the door, your heart breaking with every step. You couldn’t get out of there fast enough, the sound of a glass breaking echoing in your ears as you fled down the hallway.

~~

Sitting in Natasha’s bathroom, staring at the positive test in your trembling hands, a tidal wave of emotions crashes over you. Disbelief, fear, and the faintest flicker of joy war within you, but the weight of the situation crushes you before you can fully process it. Your chest tightens, and your heartbeat pounds loudly in your ears. This wasn’t how you imagined finding out, let alone what you imagined at all. This morning when you told Tony you were pretty sure, 99% but now here it was.

When you step out, Natasha’s sharp, no-nonsense voice demands answers, her concern evident but her patience thin. You stammer out the truth, your voice is shaky, “It’s… it’s my boss.”

Her face hardens instantly, and the silence stretches uncomfortably before she speaks, her tone colder than you’ve ever heard. “Your boss? You mean Tony? You do know he and Pepper are married right?!” Shes looking at you in disgust, like she suddenly cant tell if she knows you or not. The room feels like it’s spinning. Her words hit you like a gut punch, and you suddenly can’t breathe. You shake your head, trying to deny it, trying to convince yourself it isn’t true. “No… he said they were separated… he said—”

Natasha cuts you off, her voice sharp but filled with protective anger. “He lied to you, and you let him do this to you. You deserve better than this.”

Your knees feel weak as the truth sinks in, the reality unraveling everything you thought you knew. The positive test in the bathroom feels like a cruel joke now, a symbol of hope tainted by betrayal. Tears prick at your eyes as you crumble onto the couch, Natasha at your side, her anger giving way to a softer, steadier support as she reassures you that you’ll get through this. 

2 DAYS LATER

You’re heading to an interview, nerves bubbling beneath the surface, but there’s a spark of hope keeping you steady. You’re newly pregnant—by your former boss, a man who lied to you and wants nothing to do with you or your baby. It stings, but you’re determined to move forward.

This new job might be hours away, but it feels like a fresh start. Wayne Enterprises represents a future you can finally believe in. What you don’t know is that, 45 floors above, a gruff and grouchy man is waiting—a man who, though you don’t realize it yet, is destined to become your entire world.

You go through the interview process quickly and confidently. This is the same job you have right now, and it is better paying. "I’ve discussed your... situation with Mr. Wayne, and he’s authorized us to offer you a full-coverage moving package to make the transition easier. The only condition is that you formally resign from Stark Industries within 24 hours."

A FEW HOURS LATER

Walking into the building felt heavier than ever before, as if the air was pressing down on your chest. Your steps echoed in the hallway, each one a reminder that there was no turning back. The resignation letter in your bag weighed a thousand pounds, but the knot in your stomach was heavier still.

The elevator ride to Peppers's office was suffocating, your reflection in the mirrored walls revealing wide eyes and a pale face. You tried to steady your breathing, but it was no use. This wasn’t just a resignation—it was a confrontation, and one you never imagined having to face.

When you reached the office, your fingers trembled as you pushed the door open. There she was—poised, professional, and completely unaware of the storm about to hit. Peppers eyes lit up briefly when she saw you, but her polite smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Good morning,” she said, gesturing for you to sit.

You didn’t sit. Your knees felt too weak to stand, but sitting felt like surrender. You swallowed hard and met her gaze, forcing the words out before you could stop yourself.

“I need to resign,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

Her brows knitted in confusion, and for a moment, she seemed genuinely concerned. “Resign? Is something wrong? Has something happened? I know Tony can be.. A lot..” She noticed how your face changed at his name, the wince and the look away. She had seen it a million times. 

You took a shaky breath, your hands gripping the strap of your bag like a lifeline. “I… I’m pregnant,” you blurted out, your voice trembling. Her expression shifted—first surprise, then confusion, then something darker.

“And?” she asked, her tone sharp now, like she already knew where this was going.You hesitated, your chest tightening as the words caught in your throat. “It’s… it’s Tonys.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Her face froze, the polite mask shattering as her eyes narrowed. You couldn’t tell if it was shock, fury, or some combination of the two, but the tension in the room was suffocating.She stood slowly, her movements calculated and deliberate, as if trying to contain the chaos brewing inside her. “You’re telling me,” she said, her voice low and icy, “that you’re pregnant with his baby?”

You nodded, unable to speak, your heart pounding so loudly you were sure she could hear it.

The seconds stretched into an eternity as she stared at you, her jaw tightening, her hands gripping the edge of her desk. Then, with a calmness that was somehow more terrifying than if she had screamed, she said, “Get out.” Pepper wasn't inherently an angry person, she was logical, it's one of the reasons she had been able to put up with Tony for so long. It was the only thing keeping her on this side of the desk. She knew how Tony was, that man could talk his way into anything. She wanted to grab you by your hair and yank you around. But she could see the way you were beating yourself up, this wasn't good for you, or your baby. 

You didn’t wait for her to say it again. Turning on shaky legs, you left the office, your chest heaving as you stepped into the hallway. The weight of what just happened bore down on you, but as you walked away, the smallest flicker of relief sparked inside you. The first step toward your new life had been taken, no matter how painful it had been. Clicking the screen on your phone as you walked briskly towards your apartment. 

“Hi, Mr. Wayne, Its Y/n, I just resigned. I can be ready first thing in the morning.”

NEXT>>>>

[lara4eclipze]

» love loop

sypnosis -» love is like a cycle no one can escape , you love you get love then that very love is broken , what if you just can't take it anymore

warnings-» angst, suicide, swearing, depression, both reader and lara die in here, established relationship (bestfriends) , lara had feelings for reader

talks -» im trying to experiment with my writing soo idrk how well this will do, also i know this is a very dark thing so please do scroll away if your very uhm sensitive to this topic

taglist: @ohmyhaely @nyssalvr @vrtualstar @c-yerim @jellaaa @nakylvr @chuugetmesohigh

you didnt know where you went so wrong-were you unlovable? nothing ever lasted nothing ever will, here you were again sobbing to your pillow

tears blur your eyes as you try to think clearly but you couldn't - your girlfriend has just broken up with you due to reasons you thought was so stupid

good things don't last they say yet cant you just have one thing to yourself for once? - its always you giving out love and never receiving any back

every moment felt like you were burning alive - knowing you will never find anyone that can actually love you till end of time

your phone rings with notifications every few seconds - from friends and family alike , they asked if you were alright

you couldn't respond cause you knew that you'd just end up lying - telling them yet again that you were alright and that you were just not feeling well

lara, your best friend has been calling you for the past 30 minutes - yet your hands seemed to fail every time you tried to reach for your phone and answer it

she didn't deserve to hear you sob for the maybe hundredth time this year about how you were unlovable and how you felt like you'll never meet the right person

lara felt like breaking down every time she saw you cry , just hearing your broken sobs made her die , knowing how much she can treat you way better but she didn't want to admit to you how much she really loved you

your mind was fogged over with hatred and depression nothing was worth living anymore , you slowly stood up and made your way to your balcony

the city lights faded beautifully , some blurred by your unshed tears , your hands shakily held the railings

"I'm sorry" you whisper , what were you sorry for? lara you both made a truce to never give up and always have each others back

you close your eyes and let the memories flood in , yet all of the good ones were with her with lara , it broke your heart that you didnt even talk to her before getting to this specific point

yet as you open your eyes you lift yourself up and stood on the railing , you took a quick look below you seeing no one you did it

you jumped, closing your eyes as the world around you faded into an inaudible sound, then everything was black as tears finally fell out of your eyes

this was it right? this was the end

lara drives to your apartment alarmed that you haven't responded to her calls , that's until she sees you lifeless on the cold pavement your head bleeding from what she can guess is impact of your fall

she runs out of her car quickly huddling your body trying to shake you to wake up or even show any signs of living

"y/n wake up! , don't leave me! shit don't do this to me please" she screams , she slowly started seeing the life drain out of your body , your hands got colder as your skin turned pale

as paramedics and police got to the place lara couldn't bring her self to let go of your body , she hugged you tightly regretting how late she got to your place

she wished that she just went even 20 minutes earlier , maybe just maybe she could've saved you , she could have held you for just a moment longer , she could wipe your tears away and replace it with your sickening sweet smile

days passed and none of those days did lara not sob her self to sleep, anytime she closed her eyes all she can see was you crying and begging her to help you

it was like a nightmare haunting her every night , any moment by then lara would've crumbled , yet she just wanted to see you one last time and feel your arms wrap around her just one more time

lara stood before the very same balcony you have leaped from , its like a sick play just the way you were sobbing lara was too, she wore your clothes trying to smell the comfort you bring to her life

"i want us to be together y/n , wait for me" lara mutters as she places herself above the railings , she closes her eyes and hugs herself leaping

her worries were washed away , all lara could see was you smiling at her , and as her body hits the floor all she could do was smile , she was finally gonna be with you

all lara could think about was you , even in her final moment all she wanted was you

[cronxl]

im. so ill. where does one even begin with?? like

// WL FINALE SPOILERS‼️ (finale yap 💔)

ok. firstly: shiny duo (+ cleo :3) things. (totally not bc im so insane abt them. 100% hahahdvav fucking explodes)

WE DIDNT GET MURDER CAMEL. NOOOO WE WERE SO CLOSE TO THEM HAVING AN ALLIANCE. + CLEO (live laugh luv cleo) WE COULD'VE HAD A NEW KIND OF 3 G'S (w/o this blue haired FREAK /aff i need scott to explode) GASLIGHT, GIRLSLAY (or girlmurder. idk man they both fit methinks), AND GIRLBOSS. (ignore this im posting at 2am. very energetic and also eepy)

THEY ARGDHQ GEM CALLED PEARL PATHETIC AND CUTE AND STILL TRYING TO 1V1 HER. PEARL TELLING GEM THAT HER SNAIL IS LITERALLY NEXT TO THEM EVEN THO SHE WAS TRYING TO KILL GEM. ALSO. WHEN GEM SAW THE G'S AT HER BASE SHE LITERALLY SPECIFICALLY CALLS PEARL. GIRL THEIR WHOLE ALLIANCE IS THERE AND YET THE ONLY PERSON THAT YOU TRULY NOTICE IS PEARL. OK GEM. 😔🤨 NOT THEM CALLING EACH OTHER'S FULL USER. UAGH. THEY MAKE ME SICK.

cough she def misses being w pearl. cough (it goes both ways for them. they miss eachother sm trust) she wants that cookie so bad its actually sososososos insanely painful to watch. i should get a degree in studying whatever the fuck theyve got goin awn. the fact its unresolved is an added thing in there.

moving on bfore i get shiny duo severe stage 10 brainrot. secondly: JOEL WIN. ACTUALLY CRAZY. (<- hes crazy. like genuinely.)

i didnt think that he was gonna win tbh. since yk lizzie is his weakness and lizzie wouldve used that to kill him. honestly if grian hadnt killed lizzie she wouldve probably killed him i think. and lizzies advice to joel to not get scott is so sweet actually <3 imagine trying to kill your husband but at the same time your lowk also looking out for him. she noticed the pattern of him always losing when getting scott wjjwbfm jizzie is os.. precious uaghhqphqvsb

ALSO ‼️ HE AND GRIAN MAKE SUCH A GOOD DUO. I THINK THEYVE TEAMED UP BEFORE ON LIKE LAST LIFE?? I THINK. I WAS ALWAYS WATCHING PEARLS POV. ianfbwnbsl life series brainworms r working overtime on this. too bad im on the verge of eeping.

AND thirdly: the wildcard. er wildcards.

the wildcards returning for the finale is great dont get me wrong. its jst. i guess at the end where all of the wildcards are activated its jst. so much?? like everything happening is too much at the same time yk? i think thats mostly the problem. bc. everyone has to deal with all these deadly wildcards adding up gradually causing some of the players their last life. which i think makes it more.. unsatisfactory? kind of? since the finale for others werent going out in pvp or traps and allat but the wildcards.

all of them happening at the same time is a bit overwhelming?? or maybe its jst me but theres too much going on every moment and such. its jst hard to actually focus/try to kill ppl? we have the slow to speedy thingy happening, the mobs dying and changing, which causes a lot of lag and deaths (gem to a vex is an example of this) cus theres a bunch of mobs to look out for, the trivia bot coming down sometimes at the worst possible moment (a snail chasing u n all), theres also the superpower card its kinda not been properly or well used during all this, and snails since they did end some series and caused a bunch of deaths in their past of being the main wildcard.

and: shiny duo again bc i cant not end this talking abt the wildcard(s) and i love them (sadly true)

them both keeping the bit where gem complimented her red skin. gem saying that she loves pearls red outfit sm. pearl trying to douse gem when her alliance tried to kill her and burn her w lava while they were talking. jsksnwnwbqle ims o sick.

lastly: lizzie having cleos superpower. i am having THOUGHTS abt this.

LIZZIE HAD CLEOS SUPERPOWER. ODLWNWNFNBWKFLD didya guys know that i was more of a shadowrot fan when i started watching last life? now you know !!

kqnebwbf fn also. the shadowrot is being revived w this series. no more thoughts abt shadowrot bfore i get forced into a psych ward.

honorary mention: cleo reaction to pearl getting killed by grian (ignoring the heartache bc i love skyblings sm. uaghhh).

when pearl got killed by grian, cleo ran straight for him. she ignored joel who was stabbing her in the back (literal). she tried so hard to blast grian off that cliff. i dont think she was trying to protect ren, who was getting chased by grian. she didnt yell at him, she was jst quiet and absolutely pissed that pearl died. i mean who wouldnt tbf. pearl was the only remaining teammate of the main 4 g's afterall. ohhhhshdbwb my moonrot heart has been revived.

the life series gals should team up next season i mean WHAT WHO SAID THAT.

[i-cant-sing]

Reader: Hey Kit Kat. Guess what?

Katsuki: What?

Reader: Shoto’s father never hugged him… isn’t that sad.

Katsuki: Yes I suppose that is rather sad but Half and Half can hug himself during his breaks. Now let’s go!

I am just thinking about how easy it would be to make Katsuki flustered. Like you kiss him once and he'll be thinking about it for DAYSSS. So much so, he can't concentrate on anything. He's standing over the stove, eyes glazed over as he replays the romantic moment that happened a week ago and the food just burns and you have to walk over and hurriedly turn off the stove.

Y/n: KATSUKI!

Katsuki, glazed eyes clearing: huh? Oh shit-

Y/n: ugh! You burned all the food! What are we gonna feed the guests now?

Katsuki, pissed: well its your fault!

Y/n: HOW???? yOure the one who was standing over the stove!

Katsuki, grabs your face: BECAUSE OF YOUR KISS- BECAUSE OF YOU, I CANT FUCKING CONCENTRATE ON ANYTHING!

Y/n, also grabbing his face and smooshing his cheeks: HOW IS IT MY FAULT THAT YOURE SO FUCKING CUTE! AND I DIDNT COMPLAIN WHEN U GAVE ME A BIRTHMARK ON MY NECK!

Katsuki: THATS A FUCKING HICKEY!

Y/n: THATS NOT WHAT I TOLD MY PARENTS! WHO BY THE WAY WILL BE COMING OVER IN A FEW MINUTES AND WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEED THEM FOR DINNER!

Katsuki, squeezing your cheeks: SHUT UP! WE CAN ORDER IN FOOD!

Y/n: it's just.... I've been bragging to mom about how good of a cook you are and how well you've been feeding me after we got married and she didn't really believe me, so-

Katsuki, frowns: don't u fucking worry, I'll make her something good. I'll get started on the food again-

Y/n: thanks, Kit Kat. Oh and Katsuki?

Katsuki, turning around: hm?

Y/n, kisses him againa and runs away again giggling mischievously knowing damn well that Katsuki will be distracted again and ruin dinner again:

Katsuki:

Katsuki, slamming the pot against the wall: FUCK! Y/N GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE-!

Later at dinner, yall ordered take out and Rei and Enji are just sitting there with u two looking red:

Rei, picking at her food: so... takeout? For my daughter, that's what you've been feeding her? Chemically impure junk?

Y/n: mom, no-

Enji, narrowing his eyes: y/n? What's that on your neck?

Y/n, hiding her hickey while Katsuki snickers: birthmarks- multiple birthmarks dad-

Enji: they weren't there before.

Y/n: i- *narrows her eyes at Katsuki who is smirking* I think it's cause of all the takeout Katsuki has been ordering me. God knows what's in this, right mom? I mean, this could just be an allergic reaction-

Enji and Rei, with murder in their eyes:

Katsuki, gulps: i-

[sl4tforchris]

fratboy!chris + fashionkilla!reader at a party

the hum of drunken chatter and waves of bass booted music flood through your system, encapsulating you from head to toe in the chaotic environment. some would find it overwhelming or ‘too much’ but you? you practically thrive amongst it, fitting in effortlessly.

intoxicated bodies sway around you, the heat of countless shit-faced people making skin sweat with humidity as you carve your way through the congested room.

the cup in your hand swishes around in time with your wrist, filled with whatever the hell you could find to help you ease into the atmosphere, which dosent take a lot. your already tipsy state only pursues your confidence into something some would call egotistical, but in the long run, its only helping you get what you want, as you always do.

chris is posted up, relaxed as ever, with his side pressed against a wall whilst he makes obnoxiously loud comments and jokes with whichever random guys hes easily managed to charm into thinking that theyre ‘bros’ for the night. hes clearly plastered as well, his cup of beer practically flying across the room as he continues to make exaggerated gestures with his hands.

you make a beeline across the floor, eyes remaining glued on chris, practically burning holes into his head as your tongue mechanically ticks against the inside of your cheek, your levels of frustration practically begging to be forgotten about and left behind.

“the fuck is wrong with you?” chris cocks an eyebrow as you stand in front of him, taking your bitter expression as a signal to brush his friends off momentarily.

you let out a huff of annoyance, dryly sulking as you begin to explain. “miley left with out me- cant find her ass anywhere.” his expression now twists into something more irritated, but not towards you.

“what? she go with a guy or somethin’?” his brow furrows even more, small crinkles appearing on his forehead whilst he takes another swig of beer, eyes flickering over your figure not so subtly.

you nod your head gently, letting out a deep exhale as you also bring your drink up to your lips. “guessing so.” you mumble against the rim of the cup before taking another sip, your eyes now returning his glances.

he sighs roughly, letting the air fill his cheeks slightly whilst running a hand through his messy waves. inevitably, he catches onto your glances, a smug smirk crawling its way onto his lips. “so you basically jus’ need me to leave with you?” he questions, half rhetorical, half teasing, his ego visibly inflating right in front of you.

“i mean, its sorta your duty as a boy or whatever.” you retort, your sentence ending with a slight hint of hope in your tone as you shrug your shoulders, not wanting to feed his big ass ego any more than you already have, which clearly didnt take a lot.

a dry chuckle of laughter escapes his lips and his head shakes gently, almost out of disbelief. “nah, s’not my duty at all right now.” he practically scoffs as he talks, his free hand reaching out to grab your side and pull you closer, your side pressed against his as his arm snakes around your waist slyly. “all i gotta do is make sure you have fun now, yeah?” he leans down to speak in your ear, his breath hot against your skin as he leads you back through the jam-packed room.

authors note: first prompt and idk how to feel abt it, but i hope u guys enjoy it! pls send in requests if you have any! ill try my hardest to do them all :)

@mattswifeyy @ilovemattx

[nyabsolart]

>Begin Eidolonstuck

i thought a lot about these so im gonna explain them below the cut

[Original Prankster] by The Offspring. goofy for kiddo june, much like homestuck she has the most straightforward. Fun experience. if this were like, an "au" i imagine imps would just start showing up, shades slipping free from the undertow and completely overwhelming the planet with numbers. they would get popped into. eidolon grist. by errant anvils, tripwires, and all manner of cream pies. the song is upbeat, catchy, and fun. the body is made out of a ghostbusters statuette :3

[Body]

by Mother Mother. it is chaotic, nonsensical, and confusing. why does this represent her soul? very light and rain. its designed to confuse and frustrate her. light into dark magic is pretty grimdark-y. she can direct her eidolon with the wands, causing it to shine a black light from its chest. design notes are the princess hat like jaspersprite, the needlewands, and just a fun fact but the legs are a vector of a slot machine handle

[Die Anywhere Else]

from Night in the Woods. this ones one of my favorites, die anywhere else as a power for dave rules to me. not to suck my own dick but like. yeah thats what he does! the power allows him to postpone death, not prevent it. one more hour, one more dave, die somewhere else, not here.

[Friends With You]

by The Scary Jokes. another favorite! jade probably gets her eidolon way before everyone else, but i dont think shes a veteran. she just peers through the scope and watches from afar. its cool how the only way she can interact with her friends is through the barrel of a gun! you figure out the implications of this

--------

[I Remember It]

by someone on twitter idk search it on youtube. Funny song, funny guy! song is about doug walker taking on the burden of every nightmare, remembering it so you dont have to. davesprite remembers and changes it so it never happened. not really sure how the sprited players fit into this, i guess they split off from the main eidolon? but yeah davesprite remains super fucked up and came back to fix things.

[Dog Days Are Over]

by Mitski. vibe of the song should be obvious, this was on allll the sadstuck jade playlists back in the day. she focuses on the only thing that matters, keeping her friends safe

--------

[Burning Down The House]

by The Talking Heads. aha bdth reference. this is a pretty straightforward retcon thing so i dont have much to say about it not from the comic, though it looks cool. shed have to like, realize something latent within herself and then her dinky eidolon would grow into the House, and shed need to climb the steps and enter the door. pacing wise i think she should have gotten a new eidolon when she god tiered as well, so i guess it MIGHT not be dinky, but cmon we know june, it is. its some vrillyhoo shit. the songs vibe fits with Original Prankster, and with june, i think. art notes: the texture in the cuts of the House are purple meat, and theres lava under the foundation

[Same Bones New Body]

by The Variants. boom. body upgraded into this, its a great naming scheme. Body gets melted down in the green sun and is reconstructed into this, still a confusing amalgamation but with more purpose. the abilities are obviously seer of light stuff and once again read the comic for info on that. my fun fact is my best friends sister had a falling out with someone in this very small band, which i didnt know before listening to them

[One More Time]

by Daft Punk. big fan of the band here. i mean im not a daft punk fan, but in this context. something about it is like. dave chill the fuck out, have some fun! which feels like a thing the sburbian universe would force on him. relax, take it less seriously! heres a strong as fuck metal beast to punch your enemies out of time. it has a similar shape to his og eidolon but its built of different parts. a metaphor?

[Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)]

by AWOLNATION. sacrifice into change is crazy for jade, the universe reallyyy hates her. loneliest girl in the world shit. it pretty much sums her up, when she meets up with her friends her old eidolon isnt as useful. now she gives up parts of herself until theres nothing left. one of the bigger visual departures from her first eidolon, its probably completely destroyed and out of it comes this and Dog Days

thanks for reading to the end :3

[ourlittlepoet]

Bloom and Rage Theory

So, I thought of something. I replayed the game for the nth time, and i wanted to see if I could put some things together.

I've always had this feeling that the girls did something terrible, and that's why they had to separate and ditch the camera. why else would swann say "i lost the camera some time that summer"? and why did they say poor dylan? what happened to dylan that would make the girls feel bad for her as adults?

so, my question is: what did the girls do that would lead them to 1) separate and make vows to one another, 2) ditch the camera, and 3) feel bad for dylan?

my theory is this — the girls did something and someone (likely corey) died as a result.

why do i think that? well...

when i played this game, i always ALWAYS waited before making a decision. most times, im rewarded w scenes/dialogue like this:

this was right before the concert. "hiding the evidence" = the truck they stole. but still, it's worth mentioning that the idea's crossed their minds already.

each girl (during the abyss scene) made a wish, and each girl's wish basically came true one way or another.

nora wished to be famous "like, rockstar LEVEL famous", and now she's an influencer.

kat wished to "get out" "get us out" and all of them managed to get out of velvet cove one way or another. ontop of that, she managed to get tickets that would get them out of velvet cove.

autumn didn't make a wish, and coincidentally her throwing the rock was the ONLY time the abyss didnt glow during this part of the game.

then, there's swann, who wished to either be strong or free. ive seen playthroughs of people where swann gives a flower. all four of my playthroughs had swann giving away a bundle of her hair. we have yet to see the longterm results of this, but who knows.

now, keep that in mind okay. the girls made wishes and it all came true.

remember this scene? in the teaser trailer?

right.

we haven't seen this yet.

what if a fire breaks out? what if that fire burns down the ranch, and what if the girls were the ones who started the fire?

and again... what if someone died as a result of it? someone important to dylan, and corey gets blamed for it?

what if someone died, and they have to keep quiet about it?

that being said, what if they DO throw the cam corder in the abyss? what if they do that and swann or somebody in the group (im guessing autumn/nora) accidentally says "i just want us to forget this all happened", and they did? because the abyss granted their wish?

on top of that, kat did mention that corey wants the ranch, and yet if you look at the flyers in the blue spruce, it says "Dylan Mikaelsen Welcomes you!" and not a damn thing about Corey Litchfield. So either he's dead or they break up.

i dont know i this is a working theory, but i have a feeling this might be what happens. we'll see on tape 2, but idk, i feel like it makes proper sense. the only thing im bothered by is the fact that Adult Nora says "someone might be listening" like as if she knows what they did.

what do yall think?

[kgirlgroup-stan]

Fake

Angst, GN reader

Y/n Pov

I've alwast been somewhat of a loner, my own choice really. I personally dont really like socializing with people.

Yet here i was getting ready to head to a party with my girlfriend.

Yunjin has been my crush since ive first laid my eyes on her, but me being me, i never approached her. I was being a coward really,

One day I was walling the halls of our university when she stood in front of me, making me stop dead in my tracks.

Her eyes never leaving mine as she asked me out. I was shocked honestly, but i was very hesitant. I just honestly didnt think this was real. Feeling my hesitance, she sent me an inviting smile. I couldnt help but melt instantly, so i agreed.

We've been dating for a couple of weeks now, about to be a month in about 2 days. 

"Baby, are you ready?" Yunjin came out of the restroom, touching my shoulder making me snap out of thinking,

She practically lives in my dorm despite having her own, my dorm is filled with all her belongings. Luckily i didnt get assigned a roommate this year, but today we are in her dorrm since she said it would be easier for her to get ready. I also have a couple of my things around here.

"y-yeah, Just waiting on you to. You look really good you know that right?" I stood up, smoothing my clothes before hugging her waist

"and youuu look amazing as always." she leaned up and kissed me.

I smiled against her lips and we started heading out 

**Time-Skip**

Once arriving, Yunjin takes my hand and lead us over to the drinks before she began talking to some people she knew from her classes.

This was so out of my element, i couldnt help but stand behind her awkwardly, glancing around and every now and then drinking out of my red cup.

Soon a pair of girls came up to us, while Yunjin. "hey Yunjin, how are you?" once they came closer i realized who they were. The one speaking was Chaewon and the girl next to her was Kazuha.

"O-oh hi girls didnt think you guys came." Yunjin looked a bit suprised, which confused me a bit but chose to shrug it off.

Her hand wrapped around my arm bringing me slightly closer. I glanced at her before returning my attention to the two in front of us.

"hm" Kazuha turned to me with a smirk and this glint in her eyes. For a second, she racked her eyes up and down my body. I couldnt help but feel nervous, shifting a bit." i see, the bet went well? Congrats Yunjin" She turned back to took at Yunjin

I was confused as to what she meant. "What bet are they talking about babe?" I fully looked over to Yunjin, noticing her take a hard swallow.

"N-nothing, nothing they're just drunk, let's go over to the couch." She didnt look into my eyes as she gripped my arm, trying to lead me away from them.

Confusion filling my head now, i hesitated for a second but I let out a sigh, choosing that we could talk about it later.  Just when i chose to let myself get dragged, Chaewon's next words make me stop dead in my tracks.

The sudden halt made Yunjin come back and crash slightly on my chest.

"Well isnt that cute, babe, So i guess we owe you dinner since you know you managed to date the school's loner." I turned to look at Chaewon, all she did was smirk at me, raising an eyebrow for a second before drinking out of her cup.

My gaze moved down to look at the person in front of me, nothing but despair filling her eyes.

"w-what is she talking about y-yunjin?" my voice was shaky as i felt my eyes slowly start to burn.

"Nothing, b-baby, it's nothing come lets go home" she went to grab my hands when we Kazuha's voice

"Hey y/n" I slowly turned my head to look at her, she put on mocking pout in her lips. "Sorry to break it to you but... it was all fake. She never liked you, let alone love you. Your honestly nothing but pathetic from believing so" she turned over to Chaewon and they began to laugh

I felt an hard ache in my chest. I couldnt even speak as i turned back to look at Yunjin.

"....I-is it t-true?" I pulled my hands back from her, a tear slipping down 

"Baby, l-listen its not what sounds like." she tried to reach up to cup my cheeks

I pushed myself back, i looked down to the floor. I took a small moment before making my way around her and made my way towards the door. My vision blurry from the tears that were threatening to fall.

I made my way to her dorm, unlocking it with a spare key she had given me and started to grab all my things, trying to get them all out so i didnt have to come back here. I saw that i left a spare backpack in here and began shoving my things in it.

Soon I heard the door open and footsteps coming closer.

"Y/N n-no stop, what are you doing?" She got in front of me and started trying to take my things back out of my backpack

"What do you mean, Im l-leaving." I felt tears drip down my face, my hands were shaking.

"Y/n l-listen to me, they aren't t-thinking straight. I-I love you." her hands took a hold of mine

"Why are you still keeping this up? I knew when you asked me out it felt too good to be true" I pulled my hands back and brought them to my face, rubbing them up and down.

"I really do l-love you though. I-it might have started out as a bet but I really fell for you y-y/n." She took a step closer to me, the desperation in her voice made me want to believe her.

"I dont know Yunjin, i cant trust anything you say now. E-everything started out as a lie, everything was fake, how do i know that moving on from here you wont lie to me again?"I dropped my hands, letting myself look into her shining eyes.

Her footsteps came closer and gripped my shirt. Her words were shaky with every breath she let out. "Y/N I-i need you to trust me on this....p-please I love you," She pulled my shirt down to make me look at her directly in her eyes. She took this moment to rest her forehead on mine.

"..i.....can't.....trust a-anything you say y-yunjin." I closed my eyes while reaching up to pull her hands off my shirt." I'll get my s-stuff another day....or just uh throw it out." I dropped her hands and began to walk away.

I heard a drop, followed by hard sobs."Y-Y/N PLEASE...DONT LEAVE.... PLEASE!!"

All i wanted to do was go back and tell her everything was going to be alright, but how can I now knowing our relationship was all fake. 

Funny how people judge me for being alone, when all along i just wanted to protect my heart from situations like this. Guess people will always be fake.