#ikon ju ne

[soundsofcicadas]

Swan Song, part one

Pairing: Koo Junhoe x Reader (f)

Genres: Drama, Angst, Romance, Childhood best friends, Junhoe is a former idol, Friends to lovers

Count: 2697

Warnings: None

Synopsis: After an unexpected encounter with your childhood best friend Junhoe, years after drifting apart, your rekindled friendship blooms anew. However, life takes a turn when he asks you to pen an article for his upcoming wedding. As you become entangled in his personal life, your old feelings of love for him begin resurfacing and the concealed secret behind his decision to abandon his idol career is soon to be unveiled by you. 

It was a dreary, rain-soaked afternoon and you found yourself carrying a couple of grocery bags, each lightly dampened by the persistent drizzle. The rain had already drenched your umbrella, rendering it almost useless. You let out a sigh and quickened your pace, hoping to reach your apartment before the rain grew heavier. Upon crossing the street, you noticed an old record store nestled between a quaint cafe and a cozy bookstore. You glanced up and saw its faded sign bore the name “Good Oldies,” and a sudden sense of nostalgia washed over you.   

“Should I?” You asked yourself with some hesitation. You looked at the groceries in your hands for a moment before a faint smile appeared on your face. Despite them weighing you down, curiosity got the better of you.  

You pushed open the creaky door of the record store. A soft bell tinkled above as you stepped in, greeted by the familiar scent of old vinyl and the gentle hum of music playing on a vintage turntable. Rows upon rows of vinyl records filled the store, their covers adorned with vibrant artwork and the promise of forgotten melodies. You set your grocery bags down and began flipping through the albums, each one a portal to a different era. Lost in the world of music, you finally settled on a Billie Holiday record, its cover portraying the singer’s side view posing behind a purplish background. As you held the record in your hands, your eyes caught a tall figure browsing by the “Rock” section in the next aisle. Aside from the cashier patiently waiting at the counter, only the two of you were the customers inside. You couldn’t help but stare at the mysterious man in front of you. He was wearing jeans, paired with a matching brown corduroy blazer and a baseball cap. You could see him picking up a Bob Dylan record and once he turned around, you glanced up to see his face clearly.  

You froze, your eyes fluttered rapidly.  

Even if you could only see half of his face, you surely recognized him. A jumble of emotions rushed through you—surprise, longing? A twinge of anxiety.   

Is it really him? No, it’s definitely him! Should I approach him? What if he doesn’t recognize me?  

Without further thought, you took a deep breath and cleared your throat. He was about to walk towards the counter when your voice broke through the soft veil background music in the sparsely populated store.   

“Junhoe?” You called.  

Junhoe halted and took a glimpse at you, his brows furrowed in confusion.   

Your heart sank, but you pressed on moving closely to him. “It’s me, y/n. We used to live next door to each other when we were kids.”  

Junhoe turned to face you completely.  

Familiarity dawned on him as he began examining the stranger before him—from the contours of your face to the soft curve of your cheeks. Your long ebony hair, still dampened from the rain. Your eyes were bright, widened in astonishment. You were wearing a long white sundress covered in an oversized baby pink coat, a Lady Satin album in your hands.  

“Y/n?” He mumbled.  

You were his childhood best friend, until he dropped out in middle school and left for the city to pursue his dreams. You were the one he promised to call and write but never did. When did he forget about you? He couldn’t even remember. Junhoe sifted through his forgotten memories of you and for some unknown reason, found comfort in recalling how you used to exude a carefree spirit when you were both young. You were one of the boys in the neighborhood and never changed your circle of friends, even when you all started attending school up to your adolescence. He fondly remembered how, during your escapades together, you would match your energy with him and the boys in the group effortlessly. Being the eldest among the six of them, you naturally assumed the role of an older sister. You became their protector against mean kids if any of them were bullied.  

Junhoe’s gaze lingered on the subtle changes in your style, the way your clothing reflects your femininity. Your posture now carried a touch of maturity, but your features still looked youthful, untouched by the passage of time. Gone was the y/n who hunted for frogs and insects with him in her tees and chucks.  

Junhoe noticed how he had almost gotten lost in his thoughts upon hearing you answer him excitedly with a “Yes, it’s me! I can’t believe it’s you.”  

“I can’t believe it’s you too.” He responded to you with a warm smile.   

************************************************************************  

“You didn’t have to pay for it, you know.” You said shyly to Junhoe, pertaining to the album he bought for you from the record store. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as you and Junhoe sat across from each other in a secluded corner of the coffee shop. The clinking of cups and hushed conversations along with the playing jazz melody formed as gentle backdrop to your reunion.  

“It’s not free! You're paying for my coffee.” Junhoe teased, earning a laugh from you.  

“You bet it’s my treat today!” You nodded with a grin. There was a brief pause when you added, “Thank you Junhoe for coming here with me. I’m not taking too much of your time, am I?”  

Junhoe shook his head. “Oh no y/n! I’m actually on vacation right now. I was here just a few days ago.”  

So this is why he’s back. You mused.  

Taking a sip from the hot caramel macchiato you ordered, you had a chance to observe Junhoe over the brim of your cup—the white undershirt suited his ensemble that day. You knew the baseball cap perched casually on his head was not just a simple accessory. It created a shield of privacy around him from the curious gazes of onlookers given the fact that Junhoe was still a celebrity. You didn’t mind ordering for him. You knew he wanted to pick a spot away from the prying eyes of customers, hence to where the both of you are now nestled. It offered a discreet setting to catch up after all those lost time.       Junhoe peeked through the misty glass of the cafe’s window, where the rain seemed to have turned into light pattering before he glimpsed back at you.  

“It’s been so long, y/n. I can’t believe we’re sitting here after all these years.”  

You beamed at him and set your coffee down on the tabletop, “I know, right? Life has taken us on such different paths.”  

Junhoe’s expression shifted, a hint of remorse tugging at his sharp features. “Y/n, I feel terrible for not keeping in touch, especially considering how close we were.”  

Your gaze softened, but your smile was unwavering. “It’s okay, Junhoe. You were chasing your passion, and you built a new life for yourself outside this town. Not all of us were headed in the same direction anyway. It genuinely made me happy to see you thriving. I’ve always been proud of you, Junhoe.”  

Your last statement piqued Junhoe's curiosity.  

“Proud?” He repeated.  

“How do I say this—” You tried to avoid looking at his face. Your sight dipping into the stain of your lipstick on the cup of your coffee as if seeking solace. You felt a pang of embarrassment tickling the edges of your consciousness, a quiet voice whispering the fear that your words might be misconstrued. You didn’t want him to think you were some sort of fervent, overzealous stalker. A faint blush tinted your cheeks. Your fingers fidgeted nervously with the fabric of your dress.  

“I followed your journey as a singer Junhoe. Your rise to fame was like a whirlwind. Your voice was everywhere.” You divulged. “I even went to some of your concerts to be honest.”  

Junhoe’s awe hung in the air from your confession, yet he held no judgement from it. He was grateful, flattered to say the least.  

“I wish I had known that y/n. Thank you.” He said to you with care.  

“But I’m definitely not a saesang or anything.” You reassured him with a nervous laugh. You didn’t dare to meet Junhoe’s eyes because sharing this information with him made you feel exposed, yet you continued, “You were the closest friend I ever had, and I guess I’ve always clung to the belief that your dreams would come true. Regardless of the passing years and not hearing anything from you, you still have a special place in my heart.”  

Junhoe began to feel the weight of your words, a surge of sorrow and regret engulfed him. He reflected on how your connection with each other in the past was unbreakable. His inseparability with you was the envy of the other boys in your circle. You had always favored him, making your bond together a more special one. You stood by him, especially during his appearances in school talent shows and local town festivals. You consistently supported him to the point where you recorded his audition tapes sent to entertainment companies. Junhoe got accepted by YG Entertainment eventually, and your joy that day for him was immeasurable. You even brought the boys with you to accompany him on his first day of training to the company.  

“I’m really sorry, y/n.” Junhoe stated, his face grim. “You know, during those years, I was so caught up with the hectic demand of my career. I lost contact with a lot of people, including you.” Junhoe was struggling to find the right words, knowing that they might come across as excuses for not reaching out for such a long time. Yet, they were the only words he could muster.  

The fervent pursuit of Junhoe’s dream to become a singer resulted in his connections slipping away like grains of sand through his fingers. The rigors of his training consumed his time and energy, leaving little room to see or talk to his circle of friends. Gradually, Junhoe started living at the company’s dormitory which made him more detached from them. Their relationship began to fray due to his lack of communication—the letters he’d forgotten to read, calls gone to voicemail and most importantly, the highlights of the lives of his friends he missed out on knowing and witnessing, causing both sides to finally dwindle into silence. As Junhoe marched toward his debut, the overwhelming preparation and anticipation completely absorbed him. The spotlight of the stage beckoned, and the weight of his ambition denied him the opportunity to look backwards. The vortex of his rise to fame kept him farther from his roots. Recording sessions, photo shoots, TV appearances and tours became the center of his everyday life. It cast him into a turbulence of events that seemed to happen in the blink of an eye. The adoration of fans, the flashes of cameras and the cheers of crowds all consumed his focus. The memories of his friends back in his hometown became a blur, their faces fading like distant constellations in the night sky.  

The realization of how you held onto your belief that he would achieve his aspirations, had affected Junhoe in some kind of way. Your persistence in tracking his path as a singer astounded him. He was profoundly moved how you cherished your friendship after such a long period of being apart.  

However, at that exact moment, a haunting thought emerged within Junhoe, creeping into the recesses of his mind like an uninvited guest. In your presence, a world he had thought he’d left behind reignited, casting a shadow of pain over him. A bittersweet memory of a dream that had once been within his grasp, disappeared as swiftly as a fleeting breath.  

You returned your attention back to Junhoe. It was not your intention to cause him any negative feelings.  

“Please don’t feel bad, Junhoe.” You pleaded. “We were kids, and circumstances changed. I never held it against you.”  

Junhoe had somehow found consolation in your words, although a subtle ache still persisted beneath the surface.  

“Thank you, y/n. That means a lot to me.” He said sincerely.   

“I know this may sound too much Junhoe, but I knew then you were destined to be a singer. You weren’t meant to be stuck in this town like me.” You declared. “That’s why it made me sad when you retired from music. You were at the peak of your career, but I truly get it and I still support you pursuing other things.”  

Junhoe leaned back in his chair and looked at the momentarily forgotten coffee on the table, as if searching for the right answer. He was torn between vulnerability and a desire to protect the fragile facade he had built. He wrestled between overwhelming emotions, a torrent of memories he had forgotten now resurfacing. A cascade of what-ifs and maybes flooded his mind, reminding him of the dreams he had once harbored.  

Junhoe offered a fleeting smile, a fragile acknowledgment that your words touched a chord within him. But he remained guarded, his response veiled by the walls he had erected to secure himself from the agonizing truth he had long concealed.  

“You’re kind to say that.” Junhoe murmured softly, his gaze now meeting yours. His voice carried a weight of both resignation and yearning, a silent plea for understanding. It was a response that revealed the depth of his struggle, a battle between the echoes of his dreams and the reality he had come to accept.  

“I’m into writing poetry now, y/n. I’ve published a few books and it’s been therapeutic for me.” Junhoe revealed. “I guess, I’m still part of the music industry. I occasionally produce music for my fellow artists.”  

“That’s amazing Junhoe!” You responded, providing him with warm encouragement. “It’s incredible how you continue to explore and evolve as an artist. I wasn’t lucky to obtain a copy of your last book though, it got easily sold out!”  

Junhoe appreciated your attempt to inject a lighthearted laugh into the conversation, as a means to thaw the seriousness of it. But talking about himself had begun to tire him out, prompting him to steer the discussion to you.  

“Enough of me y/n, how have you been?” Junhoe asked. “Are you still friends with Hanbin and the other boys?”  

“Me? Oh, I’m also a writer like you, but it’s for a local lifestyle magazine.” You shared; your voice laced with enthusiasm as you seamlessly followed along with his transition of topic. “And yes, I’m still friends with the boys. Hanbin now teaches elementary school kids. Would you believe that?”  

“Wow! Really?” Junhoe’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.  

“Yeah. Yun works as a master chef at a fancy hotel in Seoul. As for Jiwon, he has his own family already. Him and Dong both resided in the US after graduation, but they live in different states. Dong has his own dance studio somewhere in LA.”  

A comfortable atmosphere began to envelop the two of you, and Junhoe felt his shoulders visibly relax as he listened to your stories about your childhood friends. It offered a refreshing change from his life in the spotlight. Engaging to hear every detail of their lives, he couldn’t help but recognize how much he missed them and how happy it made him that they were all doing so well through the years.  

Until a specific event sparked in Junhoe’s mind, inspiring him to extend an invitation to you. He saw this as an opportunity to keep the rekindled connection you both shared, a bond he was determined not to let fade away as he had done in the past.  

“Y/n, would you be interested in joining me for an art exhibit tomorrow night? Feel free to bring Hanbin and your other friends as well, if you like.” Junhoe asked you excitedly.  

A glint appeared in your eyes upon hearing the kind gesture. “I would love to Junhoe! That’s wonderful because I like art a lot.”  

“That’s great, y/n! I’ll text you the address.” Junhoe replied cheerfully, looking forward to seeing you again. 

[lilianrennifer]

Jinhwan: Could you at least try and see things from my perspective??

June: *Bends down*

Jinhwan:…. I will obliterate you! 🤬

[junhoesworld]

—⁠☆ RISING ACTOR JUNHOE

생축 🎂🫶🏻 Happy birthday my love!!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[fullsunmelt]

• !! ♥︎ 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐊𝐎𝐍 ★ 𓂃

[haveanotherkpopblog]

The Nutcracker Suite

Part V: The Mouse King's Castle

Pairing: Ju-ne/Koo Junhoe x You

Genre: Angst, Ballet!AU, Fluff, Regency!AU

Word Count: 4.2K

Warnings: N/A

Masterlist || <<Previous | Next>>

The Mouse King’s castle stood tall and proud. Towers made of polished, white marble stretched towards the sky. The walls were long and made of stone. There wasn’t much else to see from the south side of the castle. That must be why they never showed the back of castles in fairy tales. Mouse soldiers walked around the perimeter, spears clutched in their paws.

The group had ducked into the woods, making sure to stay out of the mice soldier's line of sight. They tied the horses to a tree, making sure they didn’t run off again. General Hanbin pulled out the map that the Sugar Plum Fairy had given them. He placed it down on the ground, securing it with some nearby rocks.

“Okay, the Sugar Plum Fairy said that there was a secret entrance a few yards away from the south wall. There, we’ll enter into a secret passageway hidden within the castle walls. She marked the path to take that will lead us to the north side of the castle. Somewhere there is his royal treasury. We should find the egg somewhere there.”

“Should? Are we not certain that’s where the egg is?” Y/N said.

“The Sugar Plum Fairy hasn’t ever seen the egg or inside the castle,” Lieutenant Donghyuk explained. “She did her best to try and remember what the Mouse King’s said before. She helped us the best she could.”

General Hanbin rolled the map up before returning it to his sack. He slung it over his shoulder, making sure it was secured before leading the group away from the woods. They had to back-track slightly before the general led them down a steep hillside. The Uncrossable Seas were next to the hill, its waters sloshing along the grass. Next to the hill was a curtain of vines and leaves.

The General pushed the curtain aside to reveal a dark and damp tunnel. Ju-ne took Y/N’s hand as they entered the tunnel. It was dark--dark and quiet. The only sound was the ocean outside, and their footsteps as they stepped on the soaked, moss covered ground. The air around them was thick as they continued through the tunnel.

“Be careful,” General Hanbin called back. “We should be coming up to the secret passageway soon.”

And they were. Soon the soft moss ground changed to hard stone. The air was no longer thick with moisture, but thick with dust. The ocean sounds faded into a deafening nothingness. Their footsteps echoed off the stone walls--the only source of sound outside their breathing. Torches lined the walls, lighting the group’s way. Ju-ne kept a firm grip on Y/N’s hand, looking back once in a while to make sure she was still there with them.

Up ahead of them was a dead end. Lieutenant Donghyuk went to the front of the group, placing his ear against the wall. He knocked on the stones in a few different places before stepping back. Ever so carefully he pushed on one side of the wall. With a loud groan, the wall began to slowly spin, revealing the inside of the castle.

The group rushed through the entrance before the wall fell back into place, as if it had never been touched. The inside of the castle was exactly as you’d expect a castle to look. Soft carpets covered the floor under them. Priceless nicknacks were strategically placed on tables along the hallway. Paintings of kings and queens of old covered the walls. Gas lanterns gave the hallway a dim glow. The only thing missing was the servants and courtiers, but Y/N supposed the Mouse King had gotten rid of them.

“Okay, there’s two main corridors on the north side,” General Hanbin said, pulling the map from his sack. “We’ll divide into teams of two, then search for the egg. We’ll meet back here once we’ve finished searching. If none of us have found it, then we’ll have to search the entire castle. Understood?” Everyone nodded. “Excellent. Lady Y/N and the Nutcracker will take this corridor, Lieutenant Donghyuk and I will take this one.” General Hanbin put the map back in his sack before turning to the Lieutenant.

The four split up and went their separate ways. Ju-ne and Y/N went down their corridor, poking their heads into the different rooms. Most were empty bedrooms, cabinets, and bathrooms. The corridor seemed to stretch on forever, turning this way and that. The doors became fewer and fewer the further they went along.

At one point there was a split in the corridor. One could either continue to go straight, or venture off towards the left. Ju-ne and Y/N stopped, looking down both hallways. They both appeared identical from a first glance. They needed to check every room they could, but going together would take too much time. The longer they remained in the castle, the more likely they were to be caught.

“You take the corridor on the left. I’ll continue straight,” Y/N said, glancing at Ju-ne briefly before she started walking. He barely caught her wrist and pulled her back to him. He stared down at her, eyes focused on her, reading her. Y/N felt her heartbeat pick up the longer he stared at her. He seemed to have that effect on her, making her sweat and heat up. In fact, it actually infuriated her how good he was at leaving her head in a blissfully fuzzy state of being.

“Absolutely not,” he finally said. He was also very good at telling her “no”. She pulled her hand away from his, crossing her arms over her chest. “If something happens to you and I’m not there I--” He struggled to finish his sentence, staring at her hopelessly. “We need to stay together.” Y/N’s gaze softened slightly. She could never find it in her to be in a sour mood when those big, brown eyes were staring at her.

“I understand your concern, but if we don’t split up, we’ll be here forever. Then we shall most definitely be caught. No, we must split up. Once we’ve checked all the rooms, we’ll meet right back here. Okay?” Ju-ne looked like he wanted to argue, but one look from Y/N had him nodding his head in agreement. She smiled triumphantly before continuing, alone, down the corridor.

The longer she traveled alone, the more paranoid she began to feel. She tried not to look at the paintings that lined the walls. Every time she glanced up, it was like those black, unmoving, abysses were staring down at her. She swallowed thickly, wrapping her arms around herself. She took deep breaths, letting her mind focus on everything else.

Domestic thoughts began to take over her head. Thoughts of Sunday morning brunches, picnics in an amazing and lucious garden, reading as it poured outside, and even thoughts of children. These were thoughts she rarely had, unless she was reading a rather romantic book, but they floated around in her head nonetheless. And they all circled around one individual.

Up ahead, at the very end of the corridor, was a singular door. The corridor ended with the room. There were no other hallways to turn down or rooms to explore. Y/N’s steps seemed to slow down the closer she got to the door. Her breathing became shallow as every part of her being became hyper aware of everything around her. Only when she was right outside the door did she finally stop.

The door seemed to loom over her like a shadow. It both beckoned and cast her away. She turned around briefly, pondering if she should walk away. She shook the thought from her head. Everyone was counting on her: the Sugar Plum Fairy, Jiwon, Jinhwan, Lieutenant Donghyuk, General Hanbin, Ju-ne… Pushing her own selfish thoughts aside, she slowly turned the door knob.

The door swung open with a surprising amount of ease. It was completely dark inside--dark and quiet. Ever so slowly, Y/N stepped in, leaving the door ajar to cast some light in the room. It looked like an office of sorts. There was a long table with a chair at the end, closest to Y/N. In fact, that’s all there seemed to be in the mysterious room. She frowned, her body slumping slightly. Something felt wrong. There was something in Y/N’s mind telling her this was wrong, but she couldn’t figure out why.

Slam!

Turning around, Y/N found herself in complete darkness. She rushed back to where the door had been, but she couldn’t seem to find a door handle. Panic filled her as she tried to look around the room, yet no matter how long she stared, her eyes couldn’t seem to adjust. She began to bang on the door, calling out for help.

“They aren’t going to hear you.” Each word was drawn out unnecessarily as, ever so slowly, light began to fill the room.

She kept her face towards the wall, her spine straightening. Her hands rested flat, as her eyes remained downcast. She knew that voice. Slowly she turned around.

The Mouse King sat at the other end of the table, his small crown atop his head. His elbow rested on the arm of the chair as the magic sceptor laid on the table in front of him. He was staring at her, but his gaze almost seemed bored. As if her being here was nothing more than a dip in his day.

“Have a seat.” He gestured to the chair in front of her. She sat down, keeping her eyes trained on him. Her breathing was steady, but her heart pounded in her chest. She wondered faintly if he could hear it. Ba-bump. Ba-bump. Ba-bump. “Remarkable.”

“Excuse me?” Her voice was clear and sharp.

“Remarkable. Don’t think I forgot our last encounter. The bump on the back of my head is a constant reminder of who you are.” He winced slightly. She smirked, watching as he stood from his chair, swiping the scepter off the table. “You and I have quite a few things to discuss, Lady Y/N.”

“How do you know my name?” she inquired, standing up. They slowly began pacing around the table, eyes locked. He chuckled slightly, shaking his long head. “Do I amuse you, your Majesty?”

“Not particularly. But she does.” He waved the scepter, and an image of the Sugar Plum Fairy appeared. She was pacing the length of her room, clearly frustrated. “She still thinks that I can’t see her, as if her magic can hide her from me.” He waved and the image disappeared. He turned back towards Y/N. “As I said, you and I have quite a few things to discuss.”

“That we do,” she conceded. “For starters, that doesn’t belong to you.” She watched as he went to the nearby fireplace, using it to start a roaring fire. The flames danced across his face as a stoic look took over.

“No, it does not,” he agreed. “It belonged to the Emperor, and in his absence, it belongs to his son. Your precious nutcracker.” The Mouse King shook his head and let out a deep sigh. “You must understand, I am not the bad guy.”

“You think so? From where I’m standing, you seem to fit the role quite well,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Yes. I suppose she has painted the image perfectly. Evil and power-hungry. Nothing is more convincing than taking your own traits and projecting them onto someone else. Especially when that other person is innocent and doesn’t see what’s going on.” He turned to her, paw clenched around the scepter. “I would like to tell you a story, Lady Y/N.”

“Why should I listen to a word you say?”

“Because if you ever wish to see your nutcracker again, you’ll sit and listen.” His voice was calm, but his black eyes flashed red, causing her to take a couple steps back. Surprised, she sat down, but her eyes stayed on him and her body was rigid.

“Not too long ago, the Emperor announced that he would no longer be ruling over us, that his time as the emperor had passed. His power would be passed down to his heir, and everyone was apprehensive. The Prince was aloof and politically inept, but we couldn’t disobey the Emperor. Until the Prince was of proper age, the reigning Sugar Plum and I were to keep order amongst the empire.

“The Sugar Plum Fairy grew impatient. I tried to talk with her, to get her to see reason, but she refused. I could tell she was growing too fond of her temporary power. Maybe if I had voiced my concerns, things wouldn’t have progressed the way they did.

“I happened to be wandering the palace late one night, unable to sleep, when I noticed the Prince’s door ajar. I stepped inside to find the Sugar Plum Fairy standing over him as he laid fast asleep. I shall spare you any more details.

“I had forced her out of the palace and seized the scepter from her. What I hadn’t realized was that while I was busy holding in my concerns, she had convinced the courtiers and servants that I craved the crown myself. That being a reigning Lord hadn’t been enough for me. I, unfortunately, only cemented her words when I threw her from the palace.

“I knew that, given the chance, she’d go after the Prince. To keep him safe, I did the only thing I could think of. I turned him into a nutcracker and sent him far away, claiming he had perished. What I hadn’t expected was for him to fall into the lap of a girl. I hadn’t expected him to find you, but maybe now things can be righted.”

“What makes you think I’d believe a word you said?” Her heart was pounding in her chest as she listened to him.

“Why did you take the key from her room?”

A small gasp left her mouth as she fought the urge to reach for it. They watched each other for several minutes. There was conflict inside her. After all, what he said was completely plausible. On the other hand, as he had said himself, nothing is more convincing than taking your own traits and projecting them onto someone else.

He lifted the scepter above him, and the one thing she’d been looking for appeared on the table before her. It was a small, ornate egg, covered in gold and precious gems. Her mouth fell open as she stared at it. There it was, the one thing she needed to defeat him and return home, just within reach, and yet, she couldn’t bring herself to grab it. She glanced over to him.

“Take it,” he said, waving the scepter again so the door reappeared. “Take it to Ju-ne.”

She snatched the egg off the table and ran out the door, nearly collapsing in the hallway. When she turned around, the door was gone. Her hand went to her pocket, where she could feel the outline of the key. She let out a breath, placing the egg into the pocket of her dress skirt.

She made her way through the castle, back to where she and Ju-ne agreed to meet. She waited for a few minutes, but after a while, it seemed like he wasn’t coming. Curiously she went in search of General Hanbin and Lieutenant Donghyuk, yet where everyone agreed to meet, they couldn’t be found. She nearly smacked herself in the face. Of course the Mouse King had been distracting her.

She blew out a puff of air and began her search of the castle. She went through many corridors, yet they all seemed to lead back to where she started, but even after a while she couldn’t remember where she started. Everything seemed the same and yet nothing was familiar. Paintings seemed to move and doors disappeared as soon as you turned.

She sat on the floor, bringing her knees to her chest. She had to think of something before it was too late. She scooted over to the nearby wall and pressed her ear against it. She slowly lifted her hand and began knocking various places.

Further down than where she’d been sitting, where she knocked sounded hollow. Summoning all her might, she shoved her shoulder into the wall. It swung with surprising ease and she tumbled into another area of the castle.

No more endless halls, she came to a second floor with a railing that peered down. Looking down she saw two mouse guards in front of a door. She nibbled on her bottom lip, looking around. She walked along the railing until the room was below her and she could no longer see the soldiers.

What she did see was a solution. Taking a pin from her hair, she crouched down to undo the lace of her boot. She tied each end of the lace to a pole along the railing. She placed the pin in the center and aimed for a vase in the opposite room. She exhaled softly, letting the pin go. It flew, knocking the vase off the shelf and drawing the soldiers away. She ran to a nearby velvet drape and slid down it. She shook her rug burned hands and quickly stepped into the room, being sure to shut the door quietly.

Her face fell as she discovered the room was empty. Her shoulders slumped as she backed herself against the door. Fooled, once again. She wanted to shout. What was the point of placing guards in an empty room? To trick her of course. Now that she was in the room, she either had to stay or risk being caught by the guards.

She pushed herself away from the door. There had to be a way out, like in the hallways. After all, that was his game: rats in a maze. She went to walk to the other side of the room and fell backwards. She rubbed her forehead, reaching a tentative hand out.

There was an invisible wall before her, cutting the room in half. It felt like glass.She let out a mirthless laugh. She went over to grab a nearby torch and went to smash it against the wall. The wall shattered and revealed the second half of the room. Still empty, there was at least another door. Dropping the torch, she opened the door.

It revealed a set of stone stairs leading up. Picking up her skirts, she began her climb. There were no windows and the only lights came from the torches that appeared just as the light from the last one nearly disappeared. She continued to climb until she came to a second door.

She pushed it open and found General Hanbin, Lieutenant Donghyuk, and Ju-ne in the room looking miserable and angry.

“Ju-ne!” She ran to him and threw her arms around his wooden neck, nearly laughing.

“Y/N? How did you find us?” He pulled away from her slightly, mouth open. She waved his question away.

“Lady Y/N, are we glad to see you!” Lieutenant Donghyuk bowed his head, a genuine smile on his face. General Hanbin nearly nodded.

“I’m so happy to have found you all, but we can’t stay here. Any longer and I fear the Mouse King shall try something else to prolong our visit,” she said. She turned towards the door. There was no guarantee that they wouldn’t be caught. Inside the room was rope, probably used to tie them up and a window overlooking the woods at the edge of a cliff that dropped into the Uncrossable Seas. Even on a clear day, the waters looked violent.

“I can see the gears in your head turning. What is it, Y/N?” Ju-ne asked.

“How well can you swim?” she inquired, stepping away from the window.

“Irrelevant. I’m made of wood. Why do you ask?”

“I have an idea, but it’s mad.” She told them her idea, and seeing no alternative, they all reluctantly agreed.

Lieutenant Donghyuk took his elbow and smashed the window out, pushing out any spare shards as best he could. General Hanbin was the first to exit, holding fast onto the rope as Lieutenant Donghyuk followed. Both men were arguing with each other as Ju-ne pulled Y/N to the side.

“Are you sure you want to do this? I know staying here is dangerous, but at least you know you’d be… okay.” The word he wanted to say refused to leave his mouth. She smiled sweetly, placing a hand on his arm.

“If you think this has been the most terrifying part of my day, I envy you.”

“I am a nutcracker.” They smiled at one another before he stepped away to climb out the window. She followed suit and once they were all outside, they jumped.

The waters were harsh, cold, and relentless in their assault against the group. As they plunged into the black depths of the Uncrossable Seas, an unseeable force kept them down. Y/N struggled as she fought her way back to the surface. Slowly she made her way back to the surface as her lungs screamed for air.

Once she broke the surface she gasped, only to be thrown back down into the water. She resisted the urge to shout and shut her eyes. She pushed herself back to the surface and fought to keep her head above the thrashing water.

Ju-ne was nearby, on his back, as the water failed to drag him underneath. She swam towards him, throwing herself over his torso as he bobbed. He brought his hand to her back, rubbing it gently. She turned slightly, catching sight of the green military jacket. Using him as a board, she pushed them to the jacket where General Hanbin was struggling to stay afloat.

She pulled him over Ju-ne’s torso and began her search for Lieutenant Donghyuk. She couldn’t seem to find him anywhere. The longer they stayed floating, the more she worried. Unable to wait any longer, she pushed off of Ju-ne. He went to grab her, but she slipped through his grasp.

She dove into the waters, allowing the waves to push her further down. She swam out several yards, ignoring her need for oxygen, when she spotted the bright red pants. She swam towards him, grabbing onto his arm and pulling him up towards the surface. The water fought against her, but she fought back twice as hard.

Soon the pair broke the surface, gasping for air. General Hanbin maneuvered Ju-ne’s body towards them and helped her drape the Lieutenant across him. They pushed his body towards the nearby shore, where the horses were waiting for them.

“Lieutenant Donghyuk?” Y/N shook him gently, before pressing harshly onto his stomach. He began coughing up water, turning to his side as he choked. She gave his back several firm pats as he slowly regained his ability to breath. “Welcome back, Lieutenant.”

“That’s twice now you’ve saved my life.” He gave her a weak smile. His voice was hoarse from all the salt he swallowed. “Please, call me DK.”

“As you wish.”

“It’s almost nightfall,” General Hanbin called. “We’ll go a little further into the woods and make camp.” He grabbed his horse and wasted no time in marching into the woods. Ju-ne and Y/N helped DK onto his horse, then grabbed Cinnamon and Cocoa to follow the General into the woods.

As General Hanbin set up a fire for DK to rest by, Y/N took a seat on a nearby log next to Ju-ne. He was staring down at the ground. Their backs were to the others.

“It was a waste to come here. We almost died, and we didn’t get the egg.” Ju-ne let out a sigh, resting his head in his hand. She bit her lip, glancing over her shoulder to make sure the others were still occupied. She reached into the pocket of her dress and produced the golden egg. His mouth fell open as he looked at it. “How did you--”

“The Mouse King gave it to me. He knew we were coming to get it, and he knows where the Sugar Plum Fairy is. He told me a lot of things, but before we do anything else, we need to know what’s in this egg.” She pulled out the small key and placed it in his hand. “This is your birthright. Not hers.”

Ever so slowly, he put the key into the small hole and turned it until a series of clicks echoed. He opened the egg and revealed a mirror. It was simple, yet deeply profound as he stared into it.

“But, I don’t understand.”

“Can’t you see?” she said, moving to crouch in front of him. “It’s you who’s going to save us. You are your kingdom’s greatest strength. You don’t need anyone but yourself.”

“How can you be so sure? You’ve heard what everyone’s said about the prince. They believe they’re better off without me.”

“And look how well you being gone has turned out for them.” She stood up, placing her hands on her hips. She garnered the attention of General Hanbin and DK, both of whom were watching with confusion. “You are Prince Koo Junhoe. The pity party is over. We’re returning to the Safe Haven and we’re ending this war. Once and for all.”

[lilyrennifer]

Always feel free to request! 😁

Please click HERE before you do for more information! Thank you! 🥰

🎸 June

Nothing So Far

🧚 Jinhwan

Nothing So Far

🦊 DK

Nothing So Far

[br-cha1c]

⸺ ͏l bribed the moōn every night just so we could still ライブ our romance without the stars watching.

ㅋ ㅋ ♡ 🥟ㅤ ੭ᰍ

[myrandomkpopaddiction]

Deadly, that smirk. He's sexy and he knows it. 🤣🤣🤣

[angie-baebii]

No one can convince me that Pond isn’t a copy of Seo In Guk and Junhoe from iKON. You just can’t convince me otherwise

[fatouoiii]

Hi I'm looking for new mutuals and new friends

[soundsofcicadas]

Swan song, part two

Pairing: Koo Junhoe x Reader (f) 

Genres: Drama, Angst, Romance, Childhood best friends, Junhoe is a former idol, Friends to lovers 

Count: 3004

Warnings: None 

Synopsis: After an unexpected encounter with your childhood best friend Junhoe, years after drifting apart, your rekindled friendship blooms anew. However, life takes a turn when he asks you to pen an article for his upcoming wedding. As you become entangled in his personal life, your old feelings of love for him begin resurfacing and the concealed secret behind his decision to abandon his idol career is soon to be unveiled by you. 

“I want to go home.” You heard Hanbin complain, the moment you set foot inside the building where the art exhibit was currently taking place. It was a serene Sunday evening, and the venue is located at the heart of your hometown. A prominent sign displayed a vivid picture of the artist, Hwang Hyunjin at the entrance. Beneath his captivating blonde portrait, the bold title “Mind Visions and Their Facets Through Colors” was emblazoned with a disclaimer discreetly positioned at the bottom: “All proceeds from this event contribute to charitable causes.” 

Disregarding Hanbin's comment, you searched for any sign of your other friend Yunhyeong among the sea of faces. 

“Yun is here somewhere.” Your voice pierced through the bustling crowd. 

“Thank God for free food courtesy of our Song Yunhyeong.” Hanbin remarked, his senses easily caught the aroma coming from the opulent spread of delicacies at the catering area of the exhibit. 

The elegant space was infused with vibrant energy as a steady stream of attendees filtered in. Each well-dressed guest radiated an aura of affluence, mingling amid the artwork. Their cultured chatter carried an air of sophistication, indicating that they were the elite of the art world, gathered to appreciate the abstract pieces on display. Clad in a chic Ralph Lauren cocktail dress, you couldn't thank Junhoe enough for reminding you of the theme for tonight’s event. You were also grateful to Hanbin's girlfriend, Yeri, who, despite the limited preparation time, had managed to lend you an outfit from her designer-filled wardrobe. 

Like a burst of energy against the artistic refined setting, you spotted Yunhyeong hurrying toward the three of you. His face lit up seeing his friends waiting for him. 

“And so, fate has its own way of bringing us back together!” Yunhyeong exclaimed, his voice taking on a narrator's cadence, making you all chuckle. 

“It's quite a coincidence, isn't it? I got picked to cater for tonight's exhibit, the very event you guys were invited to by Junhoe.” Yunhyeong marveled, his voice quickly returning to its usual tone. 

“I wish Jiwon and Donghyuk could be here too." You sighed with longing. 

You felt Hanbin's hand gently pat your shoulder. 

“If it weren't for you and the free food, I wouldn't be here either.” He sneered.   

You playfully crossed your arms and raised an eyebrow at Hanbin, fully aware that he was only joking. As the introvert of the group, you understood that events like these weren't his comfort zone. But last night's video call with him and the other boys proved otherwise. He, too, wanted to see Junhoe after you shared your surprising reunion with him. It was heartwarming how they handled the situation with maturity, without any lingering resentment toward their old friend. 

Well, maybe Hanbin was a little sulky about the whole situation at first knowing how close you were with Junhoe in the past. He had seen how much you were hurting during Junhoe's absence. Despite you being older than him, he had always acted like a caring older brother to you. While Yunhyeong, Jiwon, and Donghyuk were also there for you, Hanbin's presence remained a constant in your life. He may have had his initial reservations, yet he chose to trust your judgment when you expressed Junhoe's sincerity to reconnect by inviting them to the art exhibit as well. 

“Yeah, I know you're only here for the food, Bin.” Yunhyeong retorted. “You don't have a single ounce of appreciation for art. So, if I were you, Yeri, I'd think twice about marrying this guy.” 

Yeri laughed at Yunhyeong’s jest and cast a mischievous look at Hanbin. 

“Excuse me?” Hanbin arched his eyebrows at Yunhyeong, seemingly offended. “Art is something I’m very fond of. I'm just not particularly keen on attending large gatherings like this.” 

“Dude, you teach a whole class of elementary kids and conduct yearly PTAs, how is this any different?” Yunhyeong expressed confusion.    

“Being in a crowd full of art elitists is a whole different ball game.” Hanbin replied flatly. "I don't have to pretend around children. If they don't like you, they don't, if they tell you you're ugly that's because it's true." 

You and Yunhyeong can't help but snort at Hanbin's answer. 

Amused with her boyfriend, Yeri intercepted. “Well, these art elitists are what y/n and I deal at work, babe.” 

“But you aren't like them, so I also don't have to pretend when I'm with you two.” Hanbin quipped. 

“You're forgetting my dad owns a publishing company, which means I'm part of this privileged community you dislike.” Yeri stated with mischievous intention, while tapping her finger on her chin.  

Hanbin took her hand in his as if to tease her. “Dislike is a strong word, but that's exactly the reason why I'm gonna marry you babe.” 

Yeri burst out laughing along with you and Yunhyeong, eliciting strange looks from the guests passing by your circle. 

There was a ping from Yeri's phone which was her cue to leave the group for the meantime. 

“Chanwoo needs me now for that magazine feature, I have to go.” Yeri noted, kissing Hanbin on the cheek before turning to you.  “Don't worry, y/n, leave this to me. I want you to enjoy the event with the guys.” She gave your shoulder a reassuring squeeze and vanished into the crowd. 

You nearly forgot that the artist himself personally invited your editor-in-chief, Jung Chanwoo to the exhibit as well. He asked you to cover the event for a potential feature on your magazine's upcoming issue, knowing that you and Yeri would be present tonight. But Yeri volunteered to do it in your place instead. 

You could only smile at Yeri’s thoughtfulness. “She’s technically my boss, but she sometimes acts more of an associate like me.” 

“Man, you're lucky to have Yeri!” Yunhyeong remarked, throwing a playful jab at Hanbin’s stomach. 

“I’m also lucky to have her as my boss.” You concurred.  

“But what time is Junhoe coming though?” Yunhyeong asked, his gaze roamed across the hall to find Junhoe. You and Hanbin both glanced around to look for Junhoe too. 

You took out your phone when you felt it vibrate from your purse and saw Junhoe's text; Hi, I'm here, where are you? 

At that exact moment, you easily sensed there had been a sudden shift in the crowd's murmurs. Whispers and hushed conversations began rippling through the guests, and like them, your attention was immediately captured by a lavish pair making their way to the front doors.  

You catch yourself staring at Junhoe who was dressed impeccably in a black Prada suit. But you didn't fail to notice the woman accompanying him—none other than his fiancée, Shin Yuna. 

You saw it on the news a year ago—his engagement to his girlfriend of four years. A model and singer-turned-actress he met from one of his movies when he was still acting. The two made their relationship public after promoting their romantic comedy film. It was believed that the co-stars developed feelings for each other on set.  

You had seen him wearing the engagement ring on his finger at the coffee shop yesterday—a detail you had momentarily forgotten. Seeing him now walking with his fiancée by his side reminds you of his existing commitment.  

Before you could even reply to his message, Junhoe already saw you and was strolling closer to your direction.  

“Y/n!” He called. “Sorry we got stuck in traffic a bit. So glad you made it.” 

Junhoe beamed at you. 

You felt embarrassed for yourself because you knew that smile had some effect on you. You could only blame it on his meticulously slicked black hair, or his sharp, masculine features like his chiseled jawline. His well-tailored Prada suit accentuated his lean frame, adding an aura of suaveness to his already striking appearance. Junhoe exuded a strong and alluring profile, and the list could go on, but you instantly stopped yourself from having these thoughts. There is no way you are attracted to your childhood best friend, who is obviously engaged to a beautiful, perfect woman such as Shin Yuna. 

“Thank you for the invitation, Junhoe.” You managed to say, desperately hoping you weren't blushing in front of everyone. Might as well just be swallowed whole into the ground. 

Thankfully, Hanbin waved his hand at Junhoe, distracting him away from you. 

“Annyeong!” Hanbin greeted him. 

“Hyung!” Junhoe greeted back, exchanging Hanbin's wave for a warm hug, startling  you and Yunhyeong. Hanbin appeared taken aback, but you could tell he appreciated the brotherly gesture. 

Junhoe then scoffed at Yunhyeong upon seeing him. “Nice to see you too, Yun!” 

Yunhyeong shook his head and played along with Junhoe's taunts, forcing you to laugh with them as if it were the old times. 

“Junhoe you haven’t changed a bit. I'm the oldest and you still disrespect me.” 

“I bet you missed me so much huh?” 

“Never once thought of you at all. The only reason I'm here is because they need my excellent catering service.” 

“There's poison in the food for sure.” 

“Why don't you starve in the corner please? Thank you very much.” 

It was their usual back-and-forth banter since childhood that you had missed.  Among the boys, Yunhyeong was the oldest and everyone addressed him as hyung, except Junhoe. The other boys never questioned it. They knew Yunhyeong had a soft spot for the youngest, just like you had always favored Junhoe, even though they often acted like the Tom and Jerry of the group. 

Amidst the playful chatter, Junhoe felt Yuna's grasp, redirecting his attention to her.  

“I'm sorry about that jagiya.” Junhoe felt a slight wave of panic realizing he had nearly forgotten to introduce her to his friends.  

“By the way, this is my fiancée Shin Yuna.” 

Yuna offered a polite smile as she took a glimpse at each of you. It was undeniable how well she complemented Junhoe. Adorned in a stunning Versace gown, Shin Yuna was a doe-eyed, charismatic woman with a figure that boasted possibly the tiniest waist you had ever seen. 

Before any of you could exchange greetings with her, she had already excused herself. 

“I'm sorry I can't stay longer, but it was nice meeting all of you! I'll leave Junhoe with you guys.” 

Is it just you, or does it look like she doesn't want to be here and interact with Junhoe's old friends? 

You could see the instant dismay on Junhoe's face upon hearing that from his fiancée. 

“Yuna, we just got here.” He said, sounding disappointed. 

Yuna swiveled to face him, her voice lowered but still audible. “Jun, honey, you're with your friends. I'd like to look at the paintings, and besides, Hyunjin wants to see me.” 

Junhoe sighed in resignation. “Fine. Tell Hyunjin I said hi. I'll catch up with the two of you later.” 

“Great!” Yuna pecked Junhoe's lips and left without saying another word to your group.  

A brief awkward silence ensued before Junhoe suggested, “Let's get some wine, shall we?” 

************************************************************************ 

Knowing you didn't own a car, Hanbin offered to drive you home that same evening. His route would conveniently pass by your apartment, unlike Yunhyeong and Yeri who live in opposite directions. They also wanted to guarantee you'll get home safely rather than having to commute like you usually do. But all throughout the ride, the events from earlier were playing over in your mind. Seeing Junhoe again with Yunhyeong and Hanbin, filled you with overwhelming happiness. Despite Jiwon and Donghyuk's absence, you found solace in their company as you all reminisced about the past and shared updates on your current lives. 

There was, however, a hint of melancholy as the conversation took a more personal turn. Was it the sadness you caught in Junhoe's eyes when he told Yunhyeong and Hanbin about giving up his singing career? Or was it because he already had plans to marry Yuna? Maybe it was how you were reminded of your own single hood when they asked you casually about your dating status—why, among all your friends, had you never been in a relationship? 

Well, that wasn't entirely true. You had a few dates that just never turned into something serious. You could only brush it off, claiming you were never interested in anyone and were too focused on work. But deep down you knew that wasn't the case anymore, especially now that you've reconnected with Junhoe. You couldn't stop yourself from admiring how effortlessly handsome he looked all night, and how gentlemanly he had been towards you. You knew it was wrong, yet why did seeing him with Yuna affect you? Perhaps you had too much wine at the exhibit that made you think this way. 

You didn't notice the engine of the car turned off until Hanbin's voice spoke to you. “You're home.” 

“Thanks Bin.” You gave him a lopsided grin from the passenger seat.  

“Did you have fun?” He asked observing your face slightly illuminated by the light coming from your apartment building.  

“Did you?” You returned the question to him. 

“It was really nice.” He answered as he pulled his hands off the steering wheel. 

“I was so caught up talking to you guys that I've almost forgotten about the paintings!” You told him. 

You and Hanbin chuckled at that. 

Hanbin's countenance took on a serious tone, as though he wanted to talk to you longer while you were still in the car. 

“You know how long we've been best friends right?” He started. 

“Since forever.” You smiled sheepishly. 

“And that makes you easy for me to read.” He stated. 

“O-kay yeah, I guess. Your point?” You asked, puzzled as to where he was going with this. 

“I don't know why all this time I've never told you this, y/n." Hanbin paused for a few seconds before he continued,  “I know you've been in love with Junhoe ever since.” 

Silence fell on you. You didn't know how to respond to that. You wanted to deny it outright, to refute his words that you only love and see Junhoe as a friend, yet no sound escaped your lips. The words were stuck in your throat, tangled with your conflicting emotions. Junhoe had always been a cherished childhood friend, akin to a little brother. This perception made it easier for you to dismiss any deeper feelings you might have had for him. You convinced yourself that they were purely platonic to maintain the status quo. Nevertheless, you were aware that you had been suppressing the truth about how your affection for him had grown into something more profound, despite your efforts to dismiss it. The countless seasons spent together during your childhood as you grew up alongside him and watched him chase his dreams, had inevitably laid the foundation for a mere friendship that went beyond. 

“Let's be real here, he's the exact reason why you can't take any guy seriously.” Hanbin added. 

You just sat there, unable to form a coherent response. Whenever you attempted to date or enter a relationship, you found yourself retreating, sensing that something was always missing. No matter how hard you tried to deny it, no one could compare to Junhoe.

You attempted to push aside these unwelcome thoughts, knowing that there was no possibility he could feel the same way about you, not to mention he could be getting married soon. You reassured yourself that you would come to terms with your feelings and move on once he took that step. For now, you resolved to remain content in your role as a friend, focusing on valuing the friendship you have rather than dwelling on what could never be. 

“I know my place, Bin.” You finally got to tell him. “I’m happy with what we have right now.” 

“Look, all I wanted to say is, I just don't want you to end up hurt again.” Hanbin expressed his concern. 

“You know I’m a big girl right? I can look after myself.” You winked at him. “I appreciate you though.” 

Hanbin could only let out a sigh. He averted his gaze from you and suddenly shifted the subject that had you flabbergasted. 

“Something seems off about his fiancée. I can sense it, and it makes me feel sorry for him.”  

"What the hell, Bin?" You retorted. 

Hanbin has an intuitive knack for assessing people he meets, often making character judgments based on first impressions. Unfortunately, Yuna was no exception. 

"We don't really know what their relationship is like in private." You could only say. Although you admit you were offended by how she behaved that way in front of his fiance's friends.  

Hanbin continued. 

“I don't understand why Junhoe had to give up singing for writing, you know? Even acting, he gave up too.  Can't he do it all at the same time? I thought he loved singing more than anything.” 

That's what you have thought as well. Junhoe has always had a great love for singing, a passion evident to anyone who knew him. From a young age, his talent shone brightly, captivating audiences with his soulful voice. He seemed born for the stage, effortlessly blending emotion and skill in every performance. Singing wasn't just a hobby for Junhoe; it was his calling, the very essence of his being. You asked yourself if he genuinely wanted to explore other paths and as he said, it was about time he settled down in life by marrying Yuna. You felt a gnawing sense of unease, pondering over Junhoe’s choices. There had to be more to it than meets the eye. It was becoming overwhelming, considering you were grappling with your unresolved feelings for him at the same time. Exhaustion and sleepiness begin to settle in your body. 

You decided not to linger in Hanbin’s car any further, feeling that your night was over. After saying your goodbyes, you walked to your apartment, trying to quiet your racing thoughts. You hoped for a restful night’s sleep to be ready for work the next morning. 

Part one: https://www.tumblr.com/soundsofcicadas/727025864701771776/swan-song-part-one?source=share

[lilianrennifer]

Jinhwan: Tall people are the enemy! 🙎🏻

June: I can't even see you hating all the way down there. 😎

Jinhwan: I will tie your fucking shoelaces 👟 together and you won't even know until it's too late! 😡

[maximura]

Can I make a really sad nostalgic post about IKON again? As some of you may or may not know, they used to be my bias group. The events of 2019 changed the entire fandom overnight. I was not a Hanbin solo stan but he was so important to the group that everything sort of imploded after he left. I call it the Long Death because that's what it feels like. I know the members are still active and working, which gives me a lot of comfort, but it will always have this bittersweet edge to it all.

I got so sad today when I realised just how many old ikon tumblrs simply stopped posting or the users made a conscious decision to leave both the fandom and tumblr. It's seriously so sad looking at the time stamps of their last posts.

Anyway, if you are/were an ikon fan, I hope you are having a good day today and it would be nice to reminisce with anyone who wants to cry about it, haha.

[denim-bias]

[married-2-the-music]

iKon Deep Dive: Beyond A Viral Hit

Here are my credentials: I really don’t know much about iKon, which is kind of par for the course when it comes to this blog at this point. Of course I know Love Scenario (who doesn’t?) but besides that, my knowledge is pretty limited. I did watch their season of Kingdom: Legendary War, but I was more focused on ATEEZ and Stray Kids, so I’m excited to find out more.

[watashinohikari-8]

Happy solo debut day to Ju-ne!