#is when the idol group is mostly younger and he's the oldest

[firetextskpop]

hi how are youu

could you make a poly!wonhui in idol au? the subject is entirely up to you!

thankuu <3

A/N: I wasnt 100% sure if you wanted reader to be an idol too, or not but I will write them as such lol.

Your member's eyes fell on you as Seventeen's Wonwoo stood at your dorm door. He wasn't supposed to show up by himself or at all. Usually, his manager would come to the door to pick you up but that was when you guys had something planned. To your knowledge, there was nothing planned, but here 1/2 of your boyfriends stood. Basketball shorts, a white t-shirt, not even trying to conceal his identity.

"H-hey! What're... you... doing here." You broke the silence. Wonwoo's eyes scanned the faces of the people before him before coming up with a good excuse.

"Dino told me you played pretty well and my team is short one. I came to see if you wanted to hang out with us for a bit" Well, the excuse sounded good at the moment. The oldest member of your group looked at you in confusion. "I haven't even seen you run." They said and you rolled your eyes.

"I'll be out in a bit. Thank you for the invite!" You scurried to your room but not fast enough because now your roommate member was on your tail and shut the door behind them. "JEON WONWOO? WHAT IS HE DOING HERE? HOW DO YOU KNOW DINO?" Seeing as your group has been debuted for only 6 months, you can see how everyone is confused. "Dino asked me to do a dance with him for their new song for social media." You responded, finishing getting ready. Which wasn't a lie, that is how you met Dino, but Wonwoo was a whole different story.

When you were training, you decided to visit the Pledis building (when it was still active) for motivation, and as you were leaving Wonwoo came in. His eyes met yours and immediately, he fell in love. You noticed it was him but wanted to respect his privacy. To your surprise, he called after you and asked why you were there and tried to get to know you. You answered his questions the best you could but after 5 minutes, his manager began pulling him away. Wonwoo pulled away, well aware he had a schedule and gave you his Kakao to keep in touch. He let you know that he'd love to help you in areas you needed help and would support you in your idol journey.

"Y/n, your phone." Your roommate said, knocking you from your trance. The phone lit up.

jhw:

i forgot to tell you...

Then the text cut off for privacy. Quickly, you rush out the door and ignore the many questions coming from your members. When you find the car that contains your boyfriend, you rush to get in before any fansites recognize who you are. Immediately, you're met with an arm around your shoulders and a smug-looking Wonwoo. He was very obviously head over heels for you and you appreciated it so much as well as tried to show him the same affection back.

"Jun has a surprise for you when we get to his place." Ah! You never actually read his text. "I forgot to tell you that Nonu was coming! Wear something comfortable." Nonu was the nickname you both had for Wonwoo. Being as it was Jun, you could imagine he had something intricate planned. No telling if it had some obscure meaning from something that happened in your relationship that not even your younger boyfriend remembers or something new that barely anybody has ever thought of.

Arriving at the apartment, you and Wonwoo sat in the car as the manager knocked to make sure Jun was there. Once the door opened, you both rushed inside and the door shut immediately after. Jun's apartment was like a second home to you. The pictures on his wall consisted of pictures of the three of you, his family and mostly his magazine covers. He says it keeps him motivated to keep going but you nor Wonwoo were complaining. Today, however, you noticed a theme in the pictures he had up. It started with the very first picture he ever took of you. The photo was before the 3 of you started dating. As you and the brunette followed the trail of rose petals on the floor, the pictures became more recent. At the end was a kitchen table with fresh food set up and your blonde boyfriend setting the last bit of food and drinks upon the table.

"Wen Junhui.." You mumble. His eyes met yours and he immediately smiled. "Oh, hey Xiao Baobei" Jun greeted you, coming to hold your hand and sit you down at the table. The foods consisted of the first meal you and him had on your first solo date. Wonwoo sat on your right side and his hand rested upon yours while watching Jun as he sat on your left and Wonwoo's right. "No hey for me?" The younger nudged his boyfriend. Jun smirked and placed his hand on the nape of Wonwoo and said "Hello Da Baobei" A smirk crept up onto Wonwoo's face and he began to eat.

The food Jun prepared was impeccable. Tasting the meat alone brought you back to the time Jun had suddenly made his confession. Funnily enough, you and Wonwoo had been dating for 3 months, barely branching into the new romantic versions of yourselves (Really just you, Wonwoo had been romantic with you since day 1). Seventeen were well aware of your relationship and you had spent time with them on multiple occasions. At this point, you were occasionally their background dancer so you were no stranger. This particular day it was you and the 96s hanging out. Jihoon had recommended this amazing restaurant and he and Wonwoo went to get it. Back at the dorms, you, Hoshi, and Jun watched youtube videos.

Amidst you all sharing laughs, the other 2 members had returned with the food and you all began to eat and enjoy the videos. Jun sat on one side and Wonwoo on the other. You dropped a piece of meat and it bounced from your lap to Junhui's. Without a second thought, he picked it up and put it in his mouth. "Hey! That was mine." You shoved him lightly and stole a piece from his plate. As he went to return the complaint, Wonwoo jokingly said "Why don't you 2 just kiss already." YOU were well aware it was a joke. Jun, however, didn't and lightly gripped your chin, bringing you closer. To say the least, everyone in the room was a little shocked. Soonyoung was very anxious and didn't want his younger friend upset so he immediately said something to try to make it less awkward. "Jun.. uh.. i don't think he was serious." Hoshi began rambling on the context but Wonwoo stopped him, now looking at the red-flushed man. "You like y/n?" The eldest of the 4 nodded and then the brunette turned to you. "Do you like Jun?" Your bottom lip made its way in between your teeth. Wonwoo smiled and caressed your cheek. "It's okay if so. I can share baby." Slowly you nodded and the only thing Wonwoo had to say was. "Okay." and turned his attention back to the video. It felt a bit awkward after but due to the relationship the boys had, it was over fairly soon. Later that night, Jun actually pulled Wonwoo to the side and let him know that he also had a crush on him as well. He felt like saying it in front of the other boys would have made the tension worse and well, we see how everything worked out.

Back to the present day

"It must've been great." Jun jokes and kisses your forehead, taking your plate to wash it. "It really was, thank you both sooo much." You say. Wonwoo pulled you onto his lap and gave you a kiss, then Jun comes by and gives you both kisses. "Let's cuddle on the couch" The younger suggests and carries you over. Now Jun is sitting with his legs on the couch, Wonwoo in between them laying on his back with you on top. Jun's hands ran through Wonwoo's hair and Wonwoo's hands roamed up and down your back and your hands rested against both of them. All of your breathing fell in sync and in the words of the popular song, there's no place you'd rather be.

[jaesvt]

RELATIONSHIPS + THE 95 LINE (seungcheol, jeonghan, & josha)

relationship type: older brother & little sister

- these two radiate sibling energy from a mile away. as the leader of the group and the oldest, cheol is constantly making an effort to make sure she’s eaten and isn’t overworking herself.

- used to be very awkward around each other. mainly due to the fact that jae was nervous to approach cheol during training days. fans can actively see cheol making an effort to be closer to her during seventeen project.

- jae once revealed in an interview that cheol had told her parents that his family would take care of her while they were in america.

- practically always on the same team when they have to team up for variety shows or games. the other team always knows their fucked if cheol and jae are on the opposite team.

- when jae expressed that she wanted to learn how to rap, cheol instantly took her under his wing. taught her the ins and outs of rapping and now she’s semi-decent at it.

- consistently found buying each other their go to coffee orders and helping each other with choreography.

relationship type: prankster duo

- these two are a power duo. both of them have fairly energetic personalities, combined with their shared love for pranking the members of seventeen.

- during their trainee days, despite having a slight language barrier, they attached to each other fairly quickly. members of the group often refer to them as magnets because where there’s jeonghan you’ll mostly find jae not far behind.

- jeonghan used to leave little stickie notes on different furniture/items around the dorm for jae to learn more korean vocab.

- these two are constantly in each others space. it doesn’t matter where they are. they are the definition of “making a one man job and two man job.” and personal space? never heard of it.

- jeonghan always pulls jae into his schemes. they are both absolute menaces to the group, especially during GoSe.

- she really admires him as a person and wants to be as good of an older sibling to the younger members like he is to her. overtime, people have noticed that jae shares a lot of the same habits as jeonghan. this is most likely due to the fact that they spend so much time together.

relationship type: childhood friends

- both jae and joshua were born in los angeles and grew up in the same hometown. they attended the same schooling for elementary, middle, and some of high school before they both became trainees.

- their mothers are best friends, so they spent a lot of their childhood together and grew close despite joshua being two grades ahead of her.

- jae became a trainee a little under a year before joshua became one. it was pure coincidence that they had both in scouted by pledis, and although they were separated in the beginning of their training (jae wasn’t officially a member of svt yet), they still found ways to hang out, mostly after practice or during breaks.

- jae has explained that joshua is the reason she wanted to become an idol. she admired his work ethic and the passion he had for singing/dancing.

- after being friends for so long, they’ve grown to know each other inside and out. the two of them tend to bicker like an old married couple and fans find it hilarious to watch.

- whenever jae gets confused with korean joshua is always there to help and vise versa. they have so many inside jokes in english that barely anyone understands.

- he’s the one she goes too when she gets homesick, knowing he will understand her on a more personal level.

[blackgirlsuperherorants]

Like, just a quick search on Twitter and they're both making fun of "kpoppies" who reference DOMEE SHI HERSELF who said she took inspiration from 2PM and BIGBANG, because they both think BTS somehow isn't kpop and that they're the only kpop group that matters and has ever mattered. Meanwhile, I'm a Black girl from North Carolina and I discovered kpop on my own in like 2007. I was around when the biggest kpop group in the world was DBSK and solo artists were still as popular as idol groups (like Rain and BoA). Not bc I was looking for Asian anything. I wasn't even an anime kid or anything. I found kpop on accident and just liked it.

But also, Domee Shi DID say she was making a BTS reference. But that's all y'all hear and now suddenly "Tae Young is Jimin and if you don't think so, you're a hater." ??? Tae Young looks like several different k-idols. That's the point. The idols of Domee's youth were 2PM and BIGBANG. She referenced BTS for the new kpop fans.

It just makes me sick how much BTS stans disrespect kpop history. It would be like someone liking Beyonce and then being like "uh, no, Whitney Houston was never as big, nobody knows Whitney Houston lmao Houston stans are so pathetic. Beyonce is nothing like Whitney Houston, y'all are delusional!" Yes, Beyonce is her own thing, but like any Black girl who sings R&B/pop she was influenced by Whitney Houston.

I listen to BTS and they're not revolutionary. They sing kpop. It reminds me of... other kpop. They have a more effervescent sound than BIGBANG and an edgier sound than SHINee, but they remind me of both. To say they're "not k-pop" is just crazy. Of course the are. It's not like they're Epik High or something. They're not a hip-hop group, they're an idol group. Back in the day, people used to say BIGBANG isn't k-pop and that was always stupid and always wrong. Of course they are. They're an idol group.

Korea has a short popular music history. (They do have some pre-90s, but it wasn't what it is today.) K-pop really emerged in the late 90s/early 00s with bands like HOT. You are an asshole of you engage with a kpop band and then disrespect the entire genre because you're afraid your bias group will be accurately compared to groups that came before. I've seen disrespect towards BIGBANG and I expected it because before hiatus, BIGBANG was direct BTS competition. They were the Goliath that BTS had to knock down, and there's really no evidence that they'd be where they are now if it wasn't for BIGBANG's long hiatus. You can speculate on it, but the truth is, BIGBANG ended (went on hiatus?) on a high note. They never really faded in popularity, they just went to military and never came back. But the disrespect towards 2PM? Just because Domee Shi mentioned them as an inspiration for Tae Young/4Town? Honestly, Army mostly aren't kids anymore. Grow up. You're in your 20s. You went to college or are in college. You've taken other history classes. Why are you pretending there's no industry history that lead to BTS? Idol groups have existed since about 1996 or 1997. No matter how much you love yours, they wouldn't exist without the ones that came before. Hot, DBSK, Super Junior, 2PM/2AM, SHINee, BIGBANG, all of it. From the 90s until their debut.

Like... idol groups have existed for nearly 3 decades, now. Yours isn't revolutionary, even if they get to go on Fallon, now. The West is not a barometer for "best". America is just racist. It took kpop getting undeniably popular for BTS to break here. I've watched countless other idols debut here and get treated like shit, not because they weren't good but because they were Korean. You gonna look me in my face and tell me Wonder Girls just weren't good? BoA? Rain? Se7en? Nah, this country is just racist. They were all good, and nobody bothered to acknowledge them because they were Asian (and actively used to use a slur to describe their music.)

YouTube finally made it so that mainstream American media couldn't deny k-pop anymore, with Black Pink and BTS. Distancing yourself from k-pop because of their success is like saying you're "Not like other girls" or "Not like other Black people". They are k-pop. You are a kpoppie. Not looking other kpop just means you're racist, too, probably, not that yours is superior. It really isn't. It's the same stuff. Because honestly, k-pop has been using Black American songwriters and producers for a decade or more, too- is literally just American pop/hip-hop in Korean, sometimes. The only sound difference is the year it was created. (BC early BIGBANG sounds like B2K. Like, exactly like B2K.)

End Rant, I guess, but also, stop being disrespectful of idol groups who were killing the game long before BTS was even constructed. Everyone knows they're the boyband of the moment. Nobody thinks they're not. You are fighting ghosts. There's not even a white boyband right now that's seeing them (idek if any are out right now.) So, like, there's no reason to be so disrespectful towards BIGBANG and 2PM. They're in their 30s. They're not gonna be boyband popular anymore. Boybands are popular with kids, teenagers, and early 20-somethings. 30 year old Taeyang is not competing with Jimin for the affection of 14yo girls. So, you can relax and put down your weapons.

[k-itsmaywriting]

AnS Kpop AU Headcanons

(not the same kpop au i wrote in 2017 but i Am keeping Obi and Kiki being in a duo together because :3c)

Shirayuki:

Currently a songwriter and producer at Clarines Entertainment. She has her own studio in the office called Snow White’s Apothecary.

Has been songwriting since she was a young teenager. She played the piano and the guitar, and would often busk around Seoul, especially in areas where there are a lot of young people around, like Hongdae and Sinchon.

Before she was hired with Clarines as a songwriter and PD, she was a popular contestant on a girl group survival show co-hosted by Tanbarun Entertainment. The official statement says she ran away before the semi-finals due to pressures of being an idol, but only she and her close friends and colleagues at Clarines know the truth, involving a certain son of Tanbarun Entertainment’s CEO 👀

The first song she wrote at Clarines became the lead single of Zen’s highly anticipated solo debut album. They worked closely together throughout the process and became very good friends.

Is the illegitimate child of Mukaze, the frontman of a rock band that was very big (but controversial) in the 90s.

Obi:

Clarines’ wild card newest trainee at the ripe old age of 22 when Shirayuki was hired, and when Zen was still preparing for his solo debut.

A highly talented and well-known hip-hop dancer in the underground scene. Was also part of a rap group with Torou for several years since the end of high school until they recently disbanded.

Was then scouted by Haruka and he decided to audition for Clarines...as a joke.

Actually got in.

Offered money by Haruka to scare off the new producer who Zen has been working with and making eyes at so that the arising rumours about the two of them dating would disappear before it became a scandal.

Was originally training to debut in a boy group with Kai, Shiira, Shikito and Shuuka, but ended up debuting in a duo with Kiki.

Korean-American. Moved to Korea from the U.S with his family when he was a teenager. Often felt like an outsider because of it. Still does.

Zen:

An Established Idol under Clarines Entertainment. Just debuted as a solo artist after being in a co-ed group with Mitsuhide, Kiki, and Kihal for seven years (now disbanded). The group was called Birds of Paradise.

Kain (CEO at the time) had him debut as the youngest member of the group when he was 15. Was one of two main vocalists and main dancer, often singing choruses of the group’s songs with Kiki.

The younger brother of Izana, current CEO and ex-solo singer.

Almost involved in a scandal when he was 17. He had a rumoured boyfriend, Atri, a classmate from high school and a member of a punk band. The company denied these rumours. However, Atri and his band members were later arrested for drug possession and photos of him and Zen were found in his phone and in his home. It’s only because of Izana that the tabloids didn’t publish the article they had about it.

Birds of Paradise:

Members: Mitsuhide, Kiki, Kihal, and Zen

A popular group when they were active, but it waned towards the end of their contract. The members parted ways as they felt they were becoming stagnant as artists.

Mitsuhide was band leader, oldest member, and rapper. Has background in hip-hop dancing and some rap, but mostly learned when he was a trainee.

Was meant to have a very macho tough-guy image that he did NOT keep up for very long.

Has been quiet after disbandment. Currently figuring out what he wants to do.

Kihal was their other rapper. After the group disbanded, she left the company and continued her rap career with an independent label.

Was always very ambitious as a rapper and wanted to write about more serious topics, particularly political topics, but was discouraged for being too controversial and risky, even after Izana became CEO.

Kiki and Zen were vocalists. Kiki occasionally rapped, which she learned to do as a trainee.

Kiki’s father is the CEO of a TV broadcasting station that hosts music shows, idol variety shows, end-of-year award shows, and other music-related programs.

Being surrounded by music, Kiki has learned singing and dancing since she was a child.

Was originally going to have a debut solo, but then pushed to debut in a duo with Obi after they had met.

Clarines Entertainment

Izana is the current CEO, who took over after Kain. He started in show business as a solo artist. After he became a popular singer, he started becoming more involved in the songwriting and production process, then the actual business.

In-house producers: Garrack, Ryuu, Hiigata, Yatsufasa

Ryuu recently graduated music school and just turned legally old enough to work as a full-time producer. His studio is Studio Seed.

When he was a music student, his songs that he completed as part of his assignments were ‘bought’ by various companies. However, only his teachers received royalties. Izana knew about him and his genius, so he offered him a position when he graduated.

Garrack has been a producer and songwriter since Kain was CEO and Izana was an idol. Her studio is called The Roka Glass.

Oversaw Shirayuki’s hiring process and was impressed by her portfolio. Was a part of convincing Izana to not fire her when it was revealed Shirayuki ran away from Tanbarun’s survival show

[haehaeming]

100 random facts about SJ members that may or may not help you with your FF

Or if you’re just... bored

1. Eunhyuk doesn’t like finger prints on screens, glasses, etc... It’s a little thing I find cute

2. Kyuhyun was a fan of SJ’s music before debuting with them

3. Leeteuk knows what ‘daddy’ means in a sexual context

4. Leeteuk also understands the concept of a sugar parent, but it was not a positive experience for him. It’s possible other members also understand this concept.

5. Kyuhyun likes men and women

6. Yesung writes his own music

7. Leeteuk has many unreleased songs

8. Eunhyuk has difficulty with his emotions in a general sense, so he’s thankful SJ understand him

9. When Kyuhyun was a teenager, he has to rebel against his fathers wishes to debut as a singer.

10. Kyuhyun dated many girls as a teenager, but only kissed one

11. Sungmin and Kyuhyun have the highest amount of testosterone among SJ members. This was public information a long time ago, though, and alcohol consumption has probably lowered the number a little over time.

12. Sungmin and Kyuhyun share a love of wine

13. Ryeowook is an affectionate drunk

14. Leeteuk is a Leo Venus which means he’s very annoying (read: passionate) in his relationships (This fact was corrected by @fanbynature , it originally said Heechul was a Leo Venus too but he’s actually a Leo Virgo, bonus fact!!)

15. Donghae thinks Eunhyuks lips look best in the morning.

16. Eunhyuk understands the concept of drag.

17. Yesung is very talkative but only when you’re close to him

18. Yesung would kiss SJ good morning back in the dorm days

19. Kyuhyun shows love through acts of service

20. Yesung shows love through quality time

21. Leeteuk is a huge flirt, any fan who met him more personally will tell you

22. As far as we know, Yesung used to collect all sorts of jewellery.

23. Ryeowook and Leeteuk are into cute things (phone cases with cute characters, charms, etc)

24. It’s said Yesung and Sungmin will sleep the least amount of time, but Ryeowook will sleep the most

25. Sungmin and Leeteuk share a moon phase (Waning Gibbous)

26. Back in the dorm, Donghae would also wake his members with affection, but no kisses.

27. Donghae lost his first love because he was too clingy.

28. Kyuhyun and Leeteuk were consider ‘mom’s friend’s kids’ in their school days because they excelled in everything they did. Like the scold ‘why can’t you be more like my friends kid’

29. Kyuhyun has a HUGE fanboy past. Now he can barely use the Internet without making it clear he’s old.

30. Shindong doesn’t like to be clothed at night or in the summer. He takes off his clothes unconsciously

31. Donghae was entrusted to Leeteuk by Donghae’s father

32. Donghae keeps his habits from the dorm days around Leeteuk even now. When he and Leeteuk would share a room, Donghae would cuddle Leeteuk. Even now, when they share a room to sleep, Donghae sings to Leeteuk to try and lull him to sleep.

33. Kyuhyuns relationship with Donghae has been a little bit confusing for him, but recently he said Donghae is like SJs son

34. Yesung’s favourite song is ‘I’ll Make Love To You’

35. Sungmin is the only introvert in SJ

36. Kyuhyun, Leeteuk and Sungmin are open to book recommendations at all times

37. Because of Koreas age system, Yesung and Sungmin are basically the same age.

38. Sungmin technically ages 2 times on his birthday.

39. Teenage Leeteuk celebrated little milestones in relationships like ‘100 days anniversary’

40. Leeteuk would rather be called his stage name than his given name.

41. DBSJ* worked with a ghost in the recording studio, according to Sungmin

42. Donghae and Eunhyuk share a love of strawberries

43. Kyuhyun does not like to be called with pet names

44. Yesung has always shown interest in Canada for whatever reason

45. Ryeowook played the triangle in his school band. Literally

46. Yesung, Donghae and Leeteuk don’t drink.

47. Leeteuk and Kyuhyun love the colour white

48. Sometimes, Kyuhyun unwinds by solving math problems

49. Kyuhyun cited himself in his college thesis on K-pop’s popularity.

50. Leeteuk is taller than Sungmin. It’s more drastic than you think

51. Donghae and Sungmin have both been deemed as ‘naturally cute’, but oddly enough, Sungmin has said he doesn’t act cute anymore. Donghae hasn’t changed in terms of cuteness once

52. Donghae is very fond of dogs. Kyuhyun and Ryeowook are not

53. Sungmin and Eunhyuk were the closest friends predebut. They would take the bus to SM together and make sure nobody else sat next to them. There’s a picture somewhere online of a predebut Sungmin resting his head on Eunhyuk during one of those bus rides

54. Leeteuk didn’t have many friends when he was younger. Leeteuk still thinks he doesn’t have many friends.

55. Donghae and Sungmin share forgetfulness.

56. Leeteuk and Heechul became friends easily because they’re the same age and look out for each other. Also because if Leeteuk was busy or resting, Heechul would be the oldest and have authority over the young SJ for him.

57. Leeteuk and Kyuhyun taught themselves how to cook. Ryeowook and Sungmin were good at it from the beginning

58. Leeteuk wanted to become an idol because of 90s kpop groups looking super cool. He wanted some of that for himself and now I think he’s one of the coolest people ever

59. Leeteuk smokes

60. Sungmin used to sleep in a pink nightgown. Even now, he doesn’t let the fact go, but he says it’s embarrassing

61. Predebut Eunhyuk stole a Shinhwa CD from SM to impress a girl

62. Leeteuks waist size is 26 inches. The ideal size for women in the west

63. Leeteuk entered to win special edition Nike shoes 100 times total. He won

64. When a younger Sungmin was frustrated, he would vent online. Similar to how Leeteuk would when he was younger

65. Sungmin recently said men ask him for his number when he goes out

66. As far as we know, Yesung used to worry about whether or not he would live to grow old :(

67. Donghae has always had a love of poetry

68. Kyuhyun’s originally near-sighted

69. Both Yesung and Leeteuk struggle to define their relationships with others

70. Yesung doesn’t smile a lot when cameras aren’t on him

71. Eunhyuk doesn’t like seafood. Donghae does.

72. Donghae doesn’t like sweets. Eunhyuk does

73. Sungmin was the first member to open his YT channel back in 2018.

74. Ryeowook is said to be a heavy drinker

75. Leeteuk finds peace in the rain

76. Kyuhyun is said to have one of the biggest hearts in SJ, alongside Leeteuk

77. Eunhyuk first appeared publicly in 1992 on a TV show by complete accident. It made him happy

78. In order to sleep in a new location, Donghae sleeps best if there’s something near him that reminds him of home. This is an old fact holds up today, Donghae often sleeps close to his members

79. Predebut, Eunhyuk and Junsu purposefully tried to make Donghae cry

80. Every roommate Donghae has had, he has had multiple complaints about all of them

81. Yesung bought a turtle a long time ago because he felt bored without a pet. Even after buying the turtle, he was still bored

82. Eunhyuk is constantly getting ‘friend zoned’ by Donghae. It’s mostly Donghae who calls them as friends, Eunhyuk got a million other words

83. Sungmin studies English and music every day.

84. Leeteuk loves to learn and is always studying something new as well

85. In high school, Leeteuk studied German

86. ‘Don’t give up’ was Sungmin’s motto in elementary school

87. Leeteuk and Sungmin are big Na Hoon Ah fans

88. When Donghae was in elementary school, he was taller than his classmates and even had a nickname relating to how tall he was

89. Sungmin is still mistaken for his 20s

90. Sungmin loves to eat, he talks about food a lot, but still diets strictly as a couple with his Saeun~

91. Eunhyuk is clumsy

92. Leeteuk is very different off camera, but he’s always aware of hidden cameras, so it’s impossible to catch him ‘normally’.

93. Leeteuk and Yesung curse like sailors

94. Kyuhyun and Shindong share great memorization skills

95. Donghae doesn’t like to eat alone

96. Yesung is the only Virgo in SJ. Kyuhyun is the only Aquarius.

97. Leeteuk finds some men to be cute. Particularly men with beards (in terms of dating)

98. Sungmin wants to record music in English for his international fans

99. Sungmin and Leeteuk both have a fan they consider a friend

100. Eunhyuk loves to be in Japan

[battlinghurricanes]

DEIPHOBUS TIME!

I'm honestly not entirely sure how I got such a deeply involved concept for his character and motivations, but I definitely did. I just feel like he fits into an especially interesting place in everything and that there's a lot of great potential with him.

Shout out to @petalveinedwarrior for enabling me and also I'm very sorry for being incredibly long winded. My bad.

Also DISCLAIMER! I am NOT an expert on the Trojan War and all its surrounding mythology lol. This is just for fun, based on my own fairly limited knowledge of the myths (though I think I pretty much cover everything that’s relevant to this). These are just my headcanons woven with some details from various myths. Sorry if anything’s missing or inaccurate!

SO!

-

First and foremost, I headcanon Deiphobus as the oldest of Priam and Hecuba’s children after Hektor.

Hektor calls Deiphobus the dearest of his brothers, and to me, this is why. They are the closest in age and they were the closest growing up, best friends when they were young. They also get the closest to being on equal footing which means a lot to Hektor, who often feels distance between him and his other siblings because of being heir to Troy.

Despite the relatively equal ground and Deiphobus treating Hektor with a very casual familiarity, deep down, he idolizes him. Deiphobus adores and admires Hektor, ever a younger brother in how he looks up to his strength and intelligence and reliability but close enough in age to not feel the same envy as so many of their younger siblings.

Deiphobus is aware that he is next in line to inherit the throne of Troy after Hektor, and the possibility of that is more real to him than to the rest. He doesn’t envy or want the responsibilities Hektor has to bear being the first son and admires him for it rather than resenting him. He never wants the weight of Troy on his shoulders.

Additionally, as close as they are, Hektor confides more openly in Deiphobus than the rest of their siblings. Consequently, he has a more realistic idea of both the burden he bears and also the ways he struggles to manage it like any human would.

Deiphobus holds Hektor in the highest regard- he means the world to him. It is a strange and unique combination of relating to and understanding Hektor exactly as he is and then loving him so dearly for how remarkably he seems to do in all of it, all that Deiphobus adores and strives to be like.

Hektor calls Deiphobus the dearest of his brothers, but Deiphobus would never need to say the same of Hektor, that much has always been obvious.

Deiphobus himself is ferociously loyal, boastful and fiery proud, wild and energetic, and always quick to smile and laugh with a sharp sense of humor. He’ll defend his own with tooth and nail, Hektor first and foremost, and they make a well balanced pair. Hektor’s level headed sense of responsibility softens many of Deiphobus’s rough edges, and Deiphobus’s enthusiasm breaks through many of Hektor’s more anxiously formed reservations.

Deiphobus would do near anything for Hektor, to a concerning degree in the eyes of some, but Hektor, by his nature, isn't overly controlling. He doesn't want Deiphobus to change how he is. Mostly, the only place Hektor truly pushes him is on moral grounds, for better rather than for worse.

Deiphobus hates to spend time overthinking anything, which benefits him in some ways, but also frequently has him following the example of those around him without considering what might lean towards cruelty. Hektor never tolerates hurtful and needless rudeness or otherwise, and their friendship doesn’t spare Deiphobus his reprimands.

Hektor's needling, though, has him step back and reexamine his actions and the second look is generally what he needs to correct his missteps. Admittedly, he’ll sometimes act better in some way solely to please Hektor, but far more often than not, he’ll come to recognize why it’s best with time and continue that way from his own compulsion.

(He grows and his conscience sounds irritatingly like Hektor.)

Deiphobus is actually one of the best of his siblings at not holding a grudge. He might for drama or humor’s sake, but once a squabble is past, he’ll easily set it aside in favor of having fun with whoever he fought with.

Regardless of his flaws, Deiphobus is amiable and of the opinion that it’s never worth passing up a good time over some pettiness. He’s never one to ignore the value of little joys, no matter how fleeting they are.

Before the war, when he is still younger, there is Antheus. He’s the pretty son of Antenor, and both Deiphobus and Paris are quite taken with him. Paris’s involvement rubs him the wrong way, but he elects to ignore it as best he can. It doesn’t sit right to consider policing Antheus’s actions. He can hardly demand he stop seeing Paris while still insisting on his company, after all.

Besides, he can’t really complain. Antheus favors him with his presence often, laughing at his jokes, stealing off his plate when they share meals, tumbling with him when they wrestle. And when Antheus lifts his hand to idly toy with his lower lip as he smiles slyly at him, Paris is the last thing on Deiphobus’s mind.

Hektor teases him sometimes when he turns up ruffled from some exchange turned overzealous, but his flustered frustration pales in comparison to his excitement, so Hektor gets away with it. Oh, he loves Antheus and the feeling is so heady, better than the most potent wine.

Then it all shatters when some men rush into the palace with Antheus’s limp body carried between them. He was in the gymnasium with Paris, they learn. One throw from Paris with a warped discus and Antheus was gone. Deiphobus stares at the blood soaked in his lovely hair.

Deiphobus is ready to rip Paris apart, but when his brother is guided in after, there’s just no room for it. He’s in complete hysterics, shaking all over as he hyperventilates, and screaming would have gotten through to him no more than their family’s vain attempts to calm him down.

Paris is inconsolable afterwards. He retreats in on himself, though without any attempt to defend himself, first to give himself the blame. He makes for a pitiful sight, and at first, Deiphobus can’t stand being in his presence at all, to take his anger and grief out on him or otherwise.

It doesn’t take that long for Deiphobus’s anger to grow more painful than cathartic anyway and, well, it is hard to lash out at someone acting exactly how he feels. He feels the same heartbreak and pain he sees in Paris and he can’t find it in himself to rage against him when he’d rather just sit and cry himself.

Paris does take it upon himself to face Deiphobus after a time and claim responsibility for what happened that day. Deiphobus doesn’t forgive him, doing that feels... off, but he manages to convey that he won’t turn on him for the accident with Antheus. He thinks that might make Paris feel better but he can’t truly tell.

It all still hurts then, even as they try to get things to settle. Nothing but more time can do anything more to heal those wounds.

And time passes and then Paris returns from Sparta with Helen, and, well.

The brewing war doesn’t drive a rift between Deiphobus and Hektor, but it does force a new distance between them. The pressure on Hektor spikes and never eases, and the time he has to spare becomes exceedingly rare.

Much of the time the two would have spent for themselves together now shifts to working together to manage the complications that come with this new conflict; Deiphobus has new responsibilities to shoulder himself. More work, less play, but the mutual affection and respect between them remains just as strong as before.

Deiphobus can’t help but feel a certain bitterness over having the casual companionship of his brother taken away from him, but he does all he can to set it aside. He refuses to let it be another source of stress for Hektor, so often too caring for his own good, and he doesn’t hold it against him anyway.

As always, Deiphobus remains aware that these tasks could easily have been his and, privately, he feels woefully inadequate in the face of that possibility. And truly, it just serves to make Hektor even greater in his eyes, handling it all with grace he can’t imagine. He knows he’s not perfect, yet still, it’s hard to imagine that anything could ever truly bring Hektor down.

And so, Deiphobus helps his brother in the ways he can and loves him as ever, always ready and eager to fight at his side.

Deiphobus leads a contingent himself, and does it well. It comes easier to him to manage a smaller group like that. He does as directed and guides his men through the fighting. One can say what they will about his ability to lead, but his capability as a warrior is undeniable.

Things shift between Deiphobus and Paris as well. Much of Troy turns on Paris, some faster than others. Deiphobus ignores the greater dramatics which, in his opinion, help nothing. Still, it is often tempting to berate him for his flippant disregard of the battles so he does, which is, admittedly, not entirely unwarranted.

However, Deiphobus and Paris share a mutual, unspoken understanding that they simply cannot focus on the war at all times. Sometimes it must be set aside. This is more often true to Paris than to Deiphobus, but that invites Deiphobus to keep Paris’s company when he can no longer bear all the stress.

In turn, when Deiphobus approaches him like that, Paris can trust not to be reprimanded as he so often is, as that gets ignored along with the rest of it. So there are times during the war where the two can be found together affably, chatting about nothing important. Their personalities can still mesh in such moments.

And, well, it’s shocking how steady things can stay over nine years of war, but they do. Death and loss become far too familiar companions, but they can do nothing but keep fighting through that, and things proceed much as they have been.

Until, of course, Achilles.

With all the cruelty of fate, it of course follows after they get the closest to driving away the Achaeans as they ever have. Such a brief, amazing hope. In his unmatched fury, Achilles slaughters their soldiers, butchers many of his brothers, escapes Scamander’s rage through the grace of the gods, and drives the army behind Troy’s wall with his advance, except for-

Then-

Hektor is dead.

Deiphobus tastes blood in his throat screaming at the sight behind the chariot.

In a way, it’s a blessing that it takes twelve days to get Hektor’s body and another twelve to bury it. With his death, command of Troy and her allies has passed to Deiphobus, and he could barely lead his own horse after losing Hektor, much less an army.

Deiphobus falls to pieces. He can barely process it, losing the one he held in the highest regard, held every confidence in, believed in to his core. Hektor was the best of all of them and now he’s dead, leaving him shattered. Deiphobus is hysterical, wildly heartbroken.

In this time is when Priam first turns on his remaining sons. He lashes out at them as he prepares to ransom Hektor’s corpse, degrading them as the most worthless of his sons. Still half blind with tears of grief he can’t hold back, he thinks that it’s true in the same moment he thinks of how he will now have to take Hektor’s place, worthless ruin though he is.

Most often, Priam refrains from speaking of his remaining sons after that, and in rare, fleeting heartbeats he almost seems contrite over cursing them. Neither is enough though to keep him from savagely reproaching them in unpredictable instances as Troy continues to spiral towards its doom. Deiphobus shakily chokes down his father’s abuse without a word.

Of course, he returns to the battlefield once Hektor is buried, coming to truly learn the crushing weight of his new role. How did his brother bear this? Every day feels like one failure after another; he’s not strong enough, not smart enough to do this. He tries anyway, each day more taxing than the last.

Deiphobus can hardly bear Paris after Hektor’s death. A large part of him hates him for it, desperate to pin the blame on someone despite knowing deep down that he’s not responsible. Though, even then, part of him is drawn to Paris, broken same as him, shaped by a sort of desperation to grieve for their brother with him. Misery loves company.

His anger burns hotter, but now he can’t bring himself to berate him even in the way he did sometimes before all this. He never confronts him with his hatred, such that it is. He simply avoids Paris entirely, knowing that if he indulges in the impulse to curse him for what happened to Hektor, he would fall apart at the seams.

Even now he can’t face the truth of what happened and keep going. It is all he can do to try never to think about it.

And then, with the aid of Lord Apollo, Paris kills Achilles.

The undecided limbo of Deiphobus’s feelings towards Paris topples into something like affection the moment he hears of it, connecting them once more. Paris has destroyed Hektor’s murderer, avenging him, and that matters to Deiphobus more than anything else.

That night, the two of them drink together until it half kills them, close enough to keep knocking shoulders as they revile Achilles with the worst profanities they know. It’s the only celebration they can muster after everything, but they’re both laughing for the first time since they lost him.

(When the night grows damnably late, Deiphobus’s attempt to laugh turns into retching and Paris collapses to the ground when he tries to get up to help. They suffer the agonizing morning together.)

They make a strange pair from then on. Friendship would be a generous word given the still unavoidable tension between them, but they somehow manage to maneuver around that and share a certain closeness. They maintain it despite differences that grind against each other. Sad as it is, it’s one of the only things either of them have left.

Paris and Deiphobus also weather Priam’s spontaneous tirades together. Usually wordlessly, but there is something to be said for the company of someone enduring the same pain you are. It is a quiet solidarity, but a significant one.

They talk of the war far more often now. Every day it devours more and more of their lives, always harder and harder to ignore or set aside. On rare occasions, they do still manage it. Those conversations make for a breath of fresh air, though that does little to stave off the feeling of drowning.

And then Paris takes a poisoned arrow and dies.

Deiphobus doesn’t wail and sob in the same way he did for Hektor. He’s too numb for it now. It hurts in an unnatural, distant sort of way. All he can muster is a ugly, stilted feeling of shame for letting himself come to care for him in the first place. Of course he would die like the rest, he should know this by now. He crumbles further.

After Paris’s loss, there's only two reasonable options for what to do with Helen. Either they need to return her to Menelaus or arrange a new marriage and keep her in Troy.

Helen pleads to be returned to her first husband but Deiphobus competes with Helenus to be the one who weds her. Troy does not stop them. There is a quiet but tangible tension to the city and he doesn’t think their people would tolerate Helen departing. He competes with everything he has left and he wins. And they marry.

That first night, Helen stares at his back while sitting in her new place on his bed. She expected to be treated like a piece of meat, a feeling she's grown well used to through living her life under the eyes of men, but he's barely even looking at her. He fought for her hand with an undeniable, feral sort of desperation. What was it for if he doesn't even want her?

"Why?" she asks him. "Why bother going through every effort to marry me only to be so cold now? What do you want?" Her voice would cut razor sharp if only she wasn't so tired.

He turns to face her with bloodshot eyes narrowed in a glare, riddled with barely restrained anger and grief. "I'm not letting you leave," he forces out and Helen pushes down the urge to scoff because that much is obvious.

"It has to be worth something," he continues. "There has to be something we fought for. If we just let you go back, then it won't have been worth jack shit." He paces, not looking at her again. "I won't allow that. Don't think you can avoid all this so easily now that Paris is gone. There has to be a point. My brother is dead because of this shit! If you're gone, then what would be the fucking point?!"

His brother. He means Hektor. He means Paris. He means every last one of them, so many dead. He means Hektor.

Helen doesn't reply. There is nothing she can say to that. For all that it doesn't make a difference, what he's laid before her is something she knows well. She's spent so long now berating herself and blaming herself for all that's come to pass and she understands. She hates this, all she wants is to go home, but she understands him.

She knows that they both hate each other and themselves all in equal measure. What a wretched pair they make, Helen thinks.

Not that they make much of a pair at all. They're rarely ever together. Deiphobus camps outside whenever he can, and when he can’t, he goes out of his way to avoid her. Helen accepts it as the best she can expect from the truly miserable situation this has become. The war drags on, but the truth hangs in the air that Troy is losing.

Then the horse.

The people, starving so desperately for peace, bring it inside the walls. Deiphobus tries to be cautious. He tries to think of what Hektor would have done. He commands Helen to walk around the horse, calling out in the voices of the Achaeans' wives. If there's some wretched spy or invader, let them show themselves. He'll kill them.

No one answers. Deep down just as desperate for peace as them all, he breathes a sigh of relief and leaves the damn horse.

He hopes the Achaeans filled their mouths with blood, biting their tongues as hard as they must have.

Troy is burning. The Achaeans fill the streets with slaughter; they are everywhere. Reunited with her husband after so, so long, Helen tells Menelaus where Deiphobus is. And so, Deiphobus dies alongside Troy.

(Deiphobus and Hektor meet again in the Underworld and Deiphobus tries to apologize for his failure to keep Troy safe. Hektor will hear none of it, refusing any of the anger he has every right to put on him. Still, a long time passes where Deiphobus silently and anxiously wonders if that was a lie, if Hektor truly does hate him for what happened.

Hektor keeps throwing him tense, unsettled glances sometimes when he thinks he’s not looking, even though he never says a thing. Each one worms further and further underneath his skin and he starts to squirm under the conviction that he’s done something wrong. Something Hektor holds against him.

When it finally grows so unbearable that Deiphobus confronts him about it at last, Hektor flinches and doesn’t disguise his fear and upset. Deiphobus braces himself. But then, mangled in with confusing, ashamed apologies, Hektor recounts for the first time how he died.

Athena luring him to his death in Deiphobus’s shape, speaking in his voice. How he turned to face Achilles believing he had support. When he called for a spear from his brother, he was alone.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I think of it at all, I’m so sorry I let you believe I was angry with you because of it. I’m not, it had nothing to do with you, you shouldn’t have to know of it at all. I just- remember it sometimes. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

Deiphobus feels nauseous. Hektor looks even more so.

“If I had actually been there-”

“No! Don’t do this. Achilles would have just killed you too.”

“We wouldn’t have died alone, then.”

They clutch at each other, these battered remnants of their souls, carrying with them the wounds of their lives.)

[biaswreckme]

turn back time | ot7

Summary: "5-year-old Jungkook or 5 Jungkooks?"

Pairing: none

Members: Jungkook, Seokjin, Yoongi, Hoseok, Namjoon, Jimin, Taehyung

Length: 1.7k words

Genre: fluff, fantasy, crack, magic!au maybe?

Rating: PG-13

Project: @btscreatorscorner 's June workshop with the theme BTS

Triggers/Warnings: unexplained magic, age regression/de-aging

You can also read this on: AO3

A/N: A huge thanks to @birbdae for beta-reading it ♥ and to @casuallyimagining for making this lobely banner ♥

“5-year-old Jungkook vs 5 Jungkooks?”

Looking back on it now, it had seemed an innocent enough question. They were starting to get questions like these in their V Live, so it didn’t really come as a surprise when someone asked in their group stream during the promotion of Be Essential. After it ended, they all decided to stay at the dorms and spend some time together, just enjoying some rare free time. They laughed about the questions and talked more about the insane idea of having five of a member or a baby version of them, imagining what it would be like. They could never imagine what was about to come.

--

Namjoon was a naturally early riser these days, so he was already awake that fatidic morning. The covers were warm and the comfort of the bed kept him from getting up immediately, choosing instead to pick up the book he left on his bedside table. But he had to put it down immediately when he heard some noise coming from the kitchen and guessed Yoongi was already up making some coffee, and he would wait until the smell permeated the place. His idea of staying in bed was cut short, however, by the unfamiliar scream that sounded through the apartment.

He did not hesitate and ran out of the bedroom, finding Yoongi and Seokjin opening the door to Jungkook’s door. And there, in the middle of the bed, sat a tiny person almost drowning in a baggy black t-shirt. A tiny person that looked exactly like a much younger maknae, from what Namjoon had seen in pictures before.

“J… Jungkook?”

The small boy’s lower lip trembled and came into a pout, his doe eyes filling with unshed tears.

“H-hyung?” He said and his arms reached for the leader, his small fingers opening and closing in a grabbing motion.

Namjoon sat on the bed and picked the boy up, the black t-shirt too big on the maknae’s new - old? - mini body.

“What on…” Jin started, shocked, but Jungkook interrupted.

“I had a dream… there was a voice and a strange laugh, Jin-hyung.” He paused to sniffle, his pouting lips trembling again as he tried not to cry.

“What did the voice say? Kook? Do you remember? I know it’s scary, but we’re here.” Yoongi sat on the other side of the bed, making some space as the other members who were awakened by the scream gathered on the threshold, worry painted across their faces.

“The… the voice said you chose 5-year-old so that’s what you would get? And something about a d-day I th-think? But what if… if it lied?”

And Namjoon remembered the Vlive, that question that had been going around for them to choose 5 of a member of the 5-year-old version, but they had been asked that question before and nothing had happened. This had to be a dream right, he was still fast asleep in his bed? And so Namjoon sat up, letting Jungkook snuggle into Yoongi’s arms and tried pinching himself hard on the arm, exclaiming in pain.

“Namjoon?”

“I thought I might still be asleep. How does this just happen? That’s not real life.” He said exasperated while moving his arms, trying to get a grasp of the situation.

The door opened again, this time Jimin, Taehyung, and Hoseok entering the room, Jimin still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“What is… What happened? Who is that?” Hoseok asked, with shock on his face.

“Ok, but let’s not scare Jungkook even more, please,” Jin pleaded, tilting his head in the direction of the maknae who looked even more about to cry.

“I’m sorry, Jungkookie,” Namjoon said, sitting down again. “I’m just trying to understand what is happening. So apparently you remember everything, right? You’re not a child child on the inside?”

“I’m still me, just… Jiminie sized.”

They all laughed, except for Jimin, whose natural reaction was to slap Jungkook’s arm, but he held himself back; Junkook was too small for that kind of playing at the moment.

Taehyung still could barely believe the situation, his eyes wide in shock as he spoke. “We should have some breakfast and discuss what to do. We had some choreo practice today but that was it… and Jungkook needs clothes, right?”

It was decided that after cooking breakfast, Seokjin and Hoseok would go shopping for clothes for the tiny member, heavily disguised with the help of one of the managers; they decided to tell the least number of people possible so as not to spread out what had happened while they hoped it would not last long.

And so while the two members went out, Namjoon was planning the rest of the day, considering the best and most logical options. “It’s too risky to go to the studio to practice. We know the routine well at this point… maybe we can do it in the living room? Push back the sofas and open up the space. I don’t want to risk going out and Dispatch creating a scandal about one of us having fathered a secret child or something.”

Namjoon was serious, already going to one of the sofas to move it. With some help they managed to clear out what was needed and create a decent space in their dorm living room so they could practice. Mostly, they not-so-secretly wanted to see mini Jungkook doing their routines, and he wouldn’t need much space for that.

As soon as Seokjin and Hoseok got back with some clothes - maybe they went a little overboard, but everything was so cute and seeing grown Jungkook’s style in mini Jungkook was exciting. The child looked stylish with an all-black ensemble very similar to what he wore on a day to day basis. And so they decided to start with Dynamite, their latest single out and the one they needed to perform the most.

They all watched as the small boy’s face was furrowed in concentration, a clear imitation of the expression the 23-year-old man sported when focusing solely on the practice. The members all watched as the tiny maknae started the song, his small limbs moving to the rhythm and choreography perfectly, proving he was still the adult Jungkook on the inside. It was, however, a much more adorable sight. They were supposed to be rehearsing together, however, it was much more fun watching Jungkook doing it; they attempted once and the tiny member’s legs were not big nor fast enough to get him to the positions in the formations, so they opted for just watching.

Hoseok played Mic Drop next and demanded Jungkook do the version with the full dance break, and he couldn’t stop himself from clapping and giggling loudly watching Jungkook do everything. At one point after a couple of songs the young boy complained and they gave him a break, giving him some tiny sized snacks. While they were out, Seokjin also got the maknae some coloring books, and while at first the youngest member pouted and said he was not really a child, as he started drinking some juice, his small fingers went for the coloring pencils and one of the books, mindlessly starting to color. No one said anything so as not to disturb the peaceful image, letting the boy just be for a while, resting, no adult or idol pressures on his shoulders.

The rest of the day went by smoothly, with one of the members every once in a while trying to get Jungkook to do just one more dance routine for them - and he indulged his hyungs. They could feel the tension starting to spike up again around dinner time, when they were all eating together and in silence, which was not usual, all thinking about the same thing.

It was Jimin who broke the silence first, worried about Jungkook. “So, what is going to happen tonight? Will he go back to being himself?”

“And what if he doesn’t?” Taehyung complemented, looking fondly at the youngest, missing his friend.

“The voice…” Jungkook started, pausing to have a sip of water, taking down big gulps. “The voice said one day… I should be back, right?”

Namjoon was quick to answer, “We’ll worry about it if it doesn’t happen.” But they all knew their leader well enough to know he was already thinking of a fall-back plan in case it did not. Yoongi could see the lines of stress almost permanently marked on Namjoon’s forehead at the end of the day, worrying for the mental health of his oldest friend. “We’ll get through it together, like we always do.”

All members nodded, and Yoongi patted his friend on the back reassuringly. And for as much as Jungkook claimed that on the inside he was the 23-year-old man, as the day progressed, he started acting more and more like a 5-year-old, which did not go unnoticed by Namjoon and Seokjin, their eyes meeting whenever Jungkook said or did something, not really wanting to imagine what would happen if this not end tonight.

But apparently whatever - or whomever - had put this sort of spell on the maknae told the truth. They put Jungkook to sleep on his bed surrounded by pillows to make him more comfortable with the big space. They talked and decided the best course of action would be for Jungkook to sleep without clothes, because if he woke up swimming in his own clothes before, what would happen if his body got bigger in such tiny clothes? They decided not to risk it and warmed him up enough with the covers. And when he woke up, the world did not seem as small as the day before; his limbs and torso were the right size, fitting into his own clothes and definitely taller than Jimin again - what a relief.

--

The event had been mentioned again in private jokes and shared looks, but they never found out the reason as to why it had happened. Until, that is, Jungkook was on V Live again, eating his salad and chatting with ARMY, going through the comments on the chat when the seemingly innocent question slipped from his lips before he could stop himself from reading it.

“5-year-old Tae or 5 Taes?”

Oh no.

Fin

[lavenderbexlatte]

plz type out the hot take essay. we love critical thinking within fandoms.

alright so. chan's personas.

i feel like he's already had a few.

2017, so predebut and over the survival show, it was the Monster Rookie. jyp's veteran trainee, hip hop prodigy, stone-cold leader who was ~sometimes~ silly but who mostly was a badass who singlehandedly put together skz and led them to debut.

yeah, no. the show wasn't a survival show, not really. they eliminated people, sure, but i would bet top fucking dollar that jype always intended to debut the group as is.

and chan didn't form the group. jype did. that's a blatant story told to make the group seem more...underdog-ish? idk. regardless. that's not how that works.

2018 was Teen Chan. bear with me on the name.

he was a rookie idol, but he was trying everything. he was on ASC for a while. he tried MCing, he tried fitting the goofy and sporty role on the team for a while. he dropped the hip-hop persona. he turned away from rap toward vocals. he was funnier, looser, more physical comedy, more awkwardness.

2019 was the birth of Emotional Support Kpop Boy Chan, which ran through 2020, also.

as he developed his chan's room method over 2019, he fell more into the responsible, socially-aware, image-conscious role. he focused a lot on his output toward fans. he started to cultivate an open, honest, and communicative style of being.

but is that real? or is it another persona?

not that he's fake, but that...it's what he thinks he should be. 

i think that he probably tries really hard to be exactly what he needs to be. and we do get glimpses of the real guy, bc of course we do. he’s not lying or deceiving us. he’s just creating a boundary of his own. he wants to be a positive force, so he ONLY shows the good on chanbang. that kind of thing. 

now, why would he make the OTHER personas??

2017 Monster Rookie Chan, i think, is the result of 7 years of training and a deep, deep inferiority complex. based on when he was recruited, his age, and who he trained with, chan should have been in got7. he should have. why would they pass him over? 

easy. he wasn’t good enough yet. some people are born to be stars (bts jungkook. jackson wang. nct/wayv ten) and i firmly believe that’s not chan. chan WORKED to get where he is. he WORKED to become an all-rounder. at got7′s debut, he wasn’t READY. and i think that he was determined to make it stick this time. hence. a strong and fearless persona. 

2018 Teen Chan was him overcompensating. he had been a badass for a long, long time at that point. his whole image was Leader. strong, bossy, parental. he wanted to get goofy. he didn’t have many solo stans before this era. seriously. 

2019-2020 ESKB Chan was him softening again. he realized that the goofy role better fits the younger members, especially once chan became both the leader and the oldest. there was no one left to baby HIM, or be an equal. so he stepped fully into being the one who takes care of EVERYTHING. the band. the company. us. not himself tho oop-

and that brings us to 2021. 

the new era. and his new persona. Sexy Chan.  

body chains. multiple songs about sex. always being naked. the wolfgang stage. why does he keep wearing collars he knows i love writing him a collar but this is REAL LIFE-

yeah. fuck that 🤣🤣

[scarabiaa]

“Another fan of mine? No, I’m joking, it’s nice to see you. Ready for another day of indescribable possibilities? Hehe, you're adorable, let's get going.”

NAME: Astro "Orion" Basilisco

NICKNAME(S): Raigyo (ライギョ) by Floyd ; Monsieur Insecte à Deux Yeux by Rook ; Pretty Boy by Iris ; Idol Boy by Lumi ; Oreo by Gale ; Ori by the other idol group members

AFFILIATION: Student

AGE: ???

SPECIES: Demon

INSPIRATION: Oogie Boogie

UNIQUE MAGIC: Snake Eyes - With a roll of special dice, he can set all probabilities of literally anything to his favor. If he wants water, all he has to do is set the intention of there being water in his cup, 100%. He can use it for small things like those multiple times, but if he alters large events, it will cause him to blot quickly.

PERSONALITY: As an idol, he tends to have the stereotype that he has a double personality, but in reality, his personality onstage is the same as offstage, just slightly less. Onstage, he's this charming idol that can make many people swoon and he loves his fans dearly. He's also someone that can cooperate with others, seeing as he's the leader of a four person group. Whenever he plays a character in a music video, he's usually put as the villain, which is completely different than what he is. He is super charming with everyone around him, almost seeming like he's flirting. He's genuinely kind, although he's hiding a bit of chaos underneath him.

APPEARANCE: Astro has blonde hair with black eyes, swallowing the normal whites that would be there. He does not have a set hairstyle, but usually they're in what can be categorized under the male idol hairstyles. He has many piercings in his left ear. When in his Heartslabyul uniform, he does not wear his blazer or any form of tie. He wears gloves and his shirt is not fully buttoned. He has black shoes and a white belt. He has a tiny diamond below his right eye and wears red eyeshadow.

~

SCHOOL: Night Raven College

GENDER: Male

DORM: Heartslabyul

GRADE/CLASS: 2-C (No set grade)

BIRTHDAY: April 16 (Aries)

HEIGHT: 192 cm/6′2″ feet

DOMINANT HAND: Right

HOMELAND: Hollow Town

CLUB: None, he wanders from club to club. 

BEST SUBJECT: Music

HOBBIES: Writing songs, journaling, card games, calligraphy, beach volleyball, record collecting

PET PEEVES: His microphone not sticking on because of his makeup, obnoxiously bright colors

FAVORITE FOOD: Beef bowls

LEAST FAVORITE FOOD: Jalapeños

LIKES: Gambling, card games, his fans, taking care of the three younger members of the group, listening to someone talk about new inventions, red makeup, space, the stars, pink corn snakes, moths (especially the Venezuelan poodle moth), hornets 

DISLIKES: Sore losers, fake fans, tryhards, bullies, filet mignon, cows, the color bright orange, insects under the roach family

TALENT: Able to memorize a song with one time of listening to it

SONG: Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins

~

His MBTI is ESFJ.

His name is merely a stage name, his actual name is Orion, that is why Gale's nickname for him is Oreo.

After years of not doing anything, he wanted to try being an idol and he was actually really good at it. His idol group name is XX. He is the oldest in the group. Here are the other members.

Because of his name being a constellation, his merch usually has something to do with space and mostly stars.

His last name means "basilisk" in Spanish.

He likes the moon a lot, because there is a legend behind it that he heard from his mother.

The first person that he met was Colette, yet something told him that he couldn't be as charming with her so he was genuinely nice to her. She was the one that helped him figure his way around the place after he got sorted into the Heartslabyul dorm. She also introduced him to Titus and Ignis, who immediately became friends with him and didn't hesitate to include him in the group.

He has gotten some sketchy impressions from the others, but mainly Meditrina and Iris. Lumi and Blanca don't know anything about pop culture but they know this guy? No, something was definitely up. He didn't know what was going on though, he was just vibing.

There is no knowing what school he came from, but because of his idol status, it leads his fanclub to try and infiltrate the school. It is because of him that there is more security around the school. He merely posts to not interrupt him as he learns and lets them know of his next concert date.

In the Nightmare Before Christmas, Oogie Boogie is seen as the ultimate villain, banished underground, cruel, and vile. He has an entire song and his lair is seen as that of a casino. Astro, like Oogie Boogie, has some insects that swarm around him, yet it's usually moths. He is actually working towards owning a casino someday, already having designed the place and how it'd be like.

The others in his idol group are not at the school, but they are currently working on other things for future concerts. The group is not on a hiatus, but performing is much harder since he is the one that writes the songs and produces the music as well as creates the choreography.

His favorite kind of music is actually pop, but moreover the songs that Gale introduces to him, they are bops.

He can't stand Neige Leblanche. He thinks that he's a tryhard.

He hates fried things. He will eat it if he has to, but he avoids fried foods.

He has a giant stuffed bear that's about as tall as him named Sir Waffles de la Donut.

~

DYNAMICS:

The Model and the Idol: Vil + Astro

Vil knew that Astro would be coming to the school merely an hour after he had posted about it. He follows him on Magicam, and his follower count is not bad. Most of his posts are mainly of food he has, backstage schemes, him with the other idols, or even beaches. Sometimes he even shares pieces of music he’s working on there. Astro likes Vil’s Magicam because it’s very aesthetic and he honestly finds modeling something fascinating. It’s not something he’d like to get into, but it’s gotten his curiosity. 

The Contractor and the Gambler: Azul + Astro

Oh dear, Azul sees a way of trying to swindle Astro, seeing as he’s an idol and a gambler, two very dangerous things. What he doesn’t realize is that Astro is not as dumb as he looks and as a gambler, he makes sure that he doesn’t need his Unique Magic to win. Most of the time, when Azul tries to coerce him into signing a contract, it’s Astro playing around with him. The twins don’t even scare him, he’s a centimeter taller than them so he likes to tease them by calling them short. RIP Regina George and her groupies. 

Braincell Volleyball: Kalim + Astro

Kalim is so genuinely excited to see him constantly because he’s just an exciting person to be around. Astro knew of him because he’s a prince and he can already tell a lot of stuff about him. It was fun for Kalim, because this guy that he did not know knew a lot of stuff about him  without even trying. They are good friends and there are times where Kalim tries to be helpful by offering his dorm as a concert hall. Astro respectfully declines it every time, much to the relief of the other Scarabia residents. 

Slight Shady Writers: Rook + Astro

Poetry is like songwriting with its rhythm and flow. Rook and Astro meet up from time to time to discuss their findings of inspiration and their muses. Astro’s muse is the atmosphere around him, most of the time. He doesn’t have a specific person that’s his muse, even though Rook thinks otherwise. Either way, they are slightly shady when they are seen together so people make sure to steer out of their way. 

Dumb and Liar: Sebek + Astro

Astro has immediately found out Sebek’s weak point of Malleus and he uses it to his advantage SO MUCH. He probably even makes up lies about him and Sebek believes him. There was this one time where he lied and said that Malleus’ horns would vibrate when he was lying. Sebek sat him down and asked him a bunch of questions. The questions alone let Astro in on what was going on in the school, but not before him absolutely losing it with laughter. 

[lordbib]

Ash, what kpop groups do you stan?

Hi anon im very happy for this ask and i love you and i just mwah hug. Its nice to see people interested in my fixations and letting me ramble yk? Ik ive been annoying everyone (ESPECIALLY ON TWT) with enhypen so ehe its nice to see people wanna hear abt it. im sorry i have to ramble now (bcs me with hyperfixationdfhgs)

OK SO i mostly stan 1 relatively new but pretty big group called ENHYPEN. lemme just,, Enhypen commonly stylized as ENHYPEN, is a South Korean boy band formed by Belift Lab, a joint venture between CJ ENM and Hybe Corporation. This group was made through a survival show called I-LAND and out of 23 competitors 7 ended up debuting as enhypen. Something interesting i think about this group is that they don't have designated positions except for oldest, youngest and leader so everyone is basically good at everything though some has their strong points.

The 7 members are (i also linked all the moments mentioned so if anyone wants to see just click):

1. Yang Jungwon (the one in the emerald green clothes)

So hes the Leader of enhypen! very mature mom friend, very caring and always thinks about other peoples feelings. All rounder, has vv stable vocals and good at popping (HE DID IT IN HIS SLEEP ONCE DHSGFJ PRECIOUS BB. Also adorable and has sceri duality. ALSO HES 17 his bday is feb 2004 WHICH MEANS HES THE YOUNGEST LEADER IN ALL OF BIGHIT He also trained and competed in professional taekwando.

2. Lee Heesung (the one with slightly blue hair in the top left)

He is the oldest at 19 years old (15 oct 2001) Very famous at I-LAND and among bighit trainees in general for being one of the best trainees and aces. He has perfect pitch and also is a reallyy good dancer. Although he is the oldest hes very playful and pure crackhead energy really. OH ALSO he trained with TXT and are pretty close with their members.

3. Jay / Park Jongseong (standing up with cream blazer and also next to the guy with pink hair)

He is the second oldest at 19 years old (20 april 2002) often compared to Levi ackerman. Looks intimidating but soft asf. was in one unit with sunghoon when i-land started and before they came in the room everyone was so awkward and after Jay came in everyone started talking so very moodmaker. Lets his younger mates tease him and never fights back. also hes fucking rich thats it (his dad owns sinar tour)

4. Park Sunghoon (sitting down with brown blazer)

Hes 18 (8 dec 2002) He used to be a professional figure skater and competed in international competitions before he decided he wanted to be an idol. He has a lil sister and he takes care of her so well so wholesome cry. Hes naturally funny and says whatever is on his mind and its just hilarious. He can also be jokingly narcissistic and its rlly funny. He was also ranked num 1 visual by I-LANDers.

5. Jake/Sim Jaeyoon (sitting down with red blazer)

Hes 18 (15 nov 2002
) Lil aussie boy. Very softie has a dog and obsessed with said dog (its name is layla its adorable) also has a rich dad and also has trained the shortest. In i-land he was an icon of growth because of how much he grew and improved despite his short training time.

6. Kim Sunoo (pink hair)

18 yrs old (24 june 2003)
hes the aegyo KING and soo confident. Hes really good at lifting peoples moods and is a ray of sunshine. Hes also an icon of growth too because he was the first one eliminated from i-land and came back and ranked 1st kjdshfg mint chocolate ice cream and selfie lover

7. Nishimura Ni-Ki (the one with the long kenma like hair)

He is the maknae and 15 yrs old (9 december 2005) he literally debuted at 14 like WHT how what am i doing with my life. He started dancing at a really young age and is really really good at it (he can memorize a whole choreo in 10 mins. He really knows how to make the older ones laugh and gets treated like a baby even though hes one of the tallest shhs

Here are some of their songs!!

Given-Taken music video (they debuted with this)

Fever music video (i think this went viral on tiktok for a bit)

Drunk-Dazed music video (This one is also pretty known, some theories say its connected to given-taken in a way that given taken is the earlier lives of the vampires in drunk dazed so its rlly cool)

Forget me not (this was the opening for an anime and in japanese)

Into the I-Land (this one is technically all 23 original contestants for i-land but i like it so im putting it here, it also made me cry a few times dont question it)

alsoo this!

a complete guide to enhypen (shows their personalities rlly well)

alsoo theyre having a comeback on october 12th called Dimension : Dilemma and theres 3 versions (I think thats what u call em idrk JDSHFG) Scylla, Charibdis, and Odyseuss what u see up there is the concept picture of Scylla and just today the concept picture for Charibdis dropped soo here it is

ANYWAYSS THANKS FOR LISTENING TO MY RAMBLE ANON! IM SORRY I WANTED TO DO A SIMPLE RESPONSE BUT GOT CARRIED AWAY LAWL. DONT WORRY ILL GO BACK TO MY NORMAL LEVIHAN AGENDA SOON AND THANK U FOR THE ASK IT GENUINELY MADE ME REALLY HAPPY! LOVE U PRAISE THE BIB

[nominnation]

Breathe

Pairing(s): Mark x Haechan

Synopsis: How much would it take for Haechan to break? How much more stress could his body take? He wished it could be over already. He longed for them just to leave him alone. Even for just a moment. His hopes continued to go unanswered. Two promotions. Two groups. Running around the company all night. No food. No sleep. How much longer would he last in these conditions. With Mark no longer in his shoes, things were even harder. His best friend could no longer be there when he felt the world was going to end from the weight piling up on his fragile shoulders. Mark knew more than Haechan realized, though. And he'd discover that even through the worst of circumstances, the boy was never out of reach.

Genre: fluff, angst, over-working, pain, friends to lovers

Warnings: hurt/comfort, Haechan gets hurts, overworking, pain

Music thumped loudly off the walls, rattling against the chests of the dancing boys fighting for breath as they moved. Sweat poured off foreheads like they were standing in a rainstorm. Heartbeats accelerated at the rapid movements.

Donghyuck’s face felt flushed as his body moved in sync with the other members, feet hitting the floor at all the right times, following the familiar steps to the song they’d been practicing for a while.

His chest heaved as he fought to breathe. His head throbbed painfully, pulsing rapidly as his movements continued without ease.

It wasn’t until the song began winding down that his foot slipped out from under him, skidding most likely on sweat that had dripped down someone’s face and pooled on the floor.

His body fell backwards, arms and legs flailing wildly in an attempt at catching himself somehow. His attempt proved to be in vain as his body toppled over onto someone, dragging them down and landing on top of them.

Donghyuck’s butt hit the floor hard, his back and head landing against a bony body that shifted beneath him.

The music stopped and several eyes turned to stare at the two on the floor.

Donghyuck’s face burned in embarrassment as he ducked down to hide in the other person's back.

“Can I get up now?”

Yuta’s voice vibrated against Donghyuck’s body, sending the younger male flying off of the elder, blushing and bowing, streaming out several apologies as he stood.

Yuta quickly stood as well, placing a hand on the maknae’s shoulder, giving it a soft pat.

“No harm, no foul.”

Donghyuck smiled, grateful he wasn’t about to get scolded. At least, he wasn’t about to get scolded by this hyung.

“What the hell happened?” The manager’s voice was shrill and angry, pudgy face flushed in anger, hard eyes boring holes into Donghyuck’s.

The manager was a middle aged man with deep set brown eyes, and rapidly graying hair. His cheeks were thick, skin rolled down his neck, and his massive stomach spilled over the sides of his too tight sweatpants. His arms jiggled when he moved them and the excess skin on his thighs moved with each step.

The younger bowed his head, tucking his chin against his chest and lowering his gaze to examine the contours of the floor.

“I spilled water. He slipped on it. It was my fault, not his,” Taeyong said immediately, moving to stand in front of the maknae.

Most would assume it was a move to put himself directly in front of the manager’s gaze. The boys knew it was a protective stance, daring the “evil” male to come closer to their precious maknae.

The male huffed and spun around, chub from his belly and thighs jiggling at the movements.

“Start again. From the top!” he ordered.

Exasperated grunts and sighs filled the room as the music began again and they moved to their positions to begin the dance again.

This time, it was halfway through when Donghyuck tripped, getting one foot tangled with the other, sending him flying down to the floor. Hitting his head on the floor did little to help his headache.

“Again!” the manager screamed out before biting down angrily on a chocolate bar.

Someone’s stomach rumbled loudly, although Donghyuck wasn’t sure who’s it was. It could have been anyone’s. None of them had eaten since breakfast and it was well past 11 pm now.

As the music began again, the males danced desperately, longing to get this over with a return home for showers, food, and rest.

Donghyuck’s headache slowed his movements.The pounding had intensified so much that he was surprised his eyes weren’t leaking blood from the pressure behind them.

The music finally ended. Jaehyun and Mark’s bodies hit the floor, backs pressed against the ground, hands over their eyes as the two panted.

The choreographer sighed.

“Ok, get out of here.”

They didn’t have to be told twice. All nine males quickly scurried from the room, door slamming behind Jungwoo, as all but one raced down the corridor headed to the parking lot where one of their managers was no doubt waiting in the car for them.

Donghyuck turned around and headed the opposite direction.

He stumbled down the hallway, passing closed doors as he traveled. When he reached a transparent door with a silver handle and the words “Recording Room” scrawled in matt black letters, he stopped and pushed the door open, stepping inside.

“Nice of you to join us.”

The manager’s voice was cold and unforgiving as his eyes bore into the younger accusingly.

“I’m sorry. Dance practice ran long.”

Donghyuck’s voice was weak and subdued. His head hung low, shoulders slumped, and knees bent. Anyone observing him could tell he didn’t need to be there. But it wasn’t in the company’s nature to care about the shape of the idols.

To SM, idols were like livestock. They were there to make the company money, treated with the least amount of respect, given just enough food to stay alive, and used the same way day in and day out.

“Whatever. You’re after Chenle. Wipe that sweat off your forehead and get ready. We’re going until everyone gets it right. You’ve all been slacking off lately. That stops now,” the managers voice was cold and hard.

Donghyuck nodded obediently and sat down on the plush velvet couch beside Jaemin and Jisung. He pulled a bottle of water off the table, uncapping it and chugging it rapidly, hoping the coolness would do something to soothe his aching head.

He placed the empty bottle on the table, his stomach churned at the feeling of something cold and mostly useless against the aching hunger he’d gotten so accustomed to feeling.

“What did you have for dinner? Manager-nim brought us pizza!” Jisung exclaimed happily.

Donghyuck let out a low moan at the food.

“That sounds delicious,” he said.

“Haechan! You’re up!”

Letting out another moan, this time full of exhaustion, he hauled himself off the couch, legs shaking and aching in protest as he pushed himself onward.

He slipped inside the glass booth that Chenle had just exited, coming to a stop in front of the microphone, headphones dangling from the neck of mic stand. He slid them over his ears and almost immediately, loud music to a song he hadn’t been able to practice much flooded his ears.

As he waited for his que to begin in a place he wasn’t sure he remembered the words to, his mind filled with Mark, and the thoughts he’d never be able to escape, even with the pounding behind his eyes.

If Mark were here, the elder would immediately take all the attention off of Donghyuck. They’d have come to practice on time and when the manager scolded them for being late, he’d say something that got it excused. Then he’d go first and let Donghyuck curl against his side for just a few moments to close his tired eyes.

Donghyuck would be taken care of. Mark wouldn’t have any problem telling someone that they hadn’t eaten. He’d always been able to get them just a little bit of rest before they went into the next thing.

He missed Mark. He missed the male that would run from one practice to the next with him. He missed the way Mark would hold his hand when he was homesick. He missed the way Mark would let him crawl in his bed when Donghyuck had a bad dream.

Sure, they still worked together with 127. But it was wasn’t the same. In Dream, Mark was the oldest. The leader. Their protector. In 127, he was another maknae being taken care of by the hyungs. They didn’t even share the same room anymore. Mark had requested to share a room with Johnny because the two were close and Johnny would let him stay up all night watching television. Donghyuck wasn’t a constant. He was often bouncing between the 127 dorm and the Dream dorm. He didn’t have a constant roommate. Just wherever he was staying. It was always between Renjun or Jaehyun. And neither were jumping at the opportunity to welcome someone in their bed in the middle of the night.

“KIM DONGHYUCK!”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Donghyuck shook his head from side to side, eyes wildly searching for whoever just yelled his name.

“You missed your que! What the hell is so important?” the manager hissed.

Donghyuck’s eyes threatened to fill with tears, though he rapidly blinked them back. He couldn’t look at the manager’s angry eyes anymore. Instead, traveling to the other members, all either staring at him or shaking their head in annoyance.

They wanted to leave as badly as he did. And he was holding them up.

“I’m sorry… I’ll do better,” he muttered, head bowed in shame.

The manager gave an exasperated sigh and started the music again.

This time, his eyes didn’t wander. They focused hard on the person in front of him at the recording keys. And when the manager cued him, he began singing flawlessly. Voice coming out velvety and perfect as he sang the chords he had apparently subconsciously memorized.

All would have been perfect. The smiles returned to the members faces and even the manager looked pleased. Until the throbbing intensified by ten, catching Donghyuck so off guard and in pain that he winced, his vocals shaking and chopping off at the last note.

“Again!”

He tried. He desperately tried to belt out his verses flawlessly. But it was apparently no use. Four more times repeating the song, and he couldn’t get the notes out perfectly. His head felt like someone was taking a hammer and pounding away at his skull, driving an ice pick through his brain. Tears filled his eyes, both in pain and exhaustion.

“Get out of here. All of you. Back here tomorrow at 7 am.”

Groans filled the room. Donghyuck carried himself from the recording booth, eyes downcast.

“Seriously Donghyuck. All you had to do was get it right and we wouldn’t have had to be here until 3 tomorrow afternoon!” Renjun scolded.

“Seriously! Can you not get a few simple lines right?” Jisung complained.

“I’m sorry,” Donghyuck mumbled.

“Yeah, you better be. Wasting our time like that,” Renjun retorted.

“Ok, that’s enough. He gets it. Let’s just go home and get what little sleep we can,” Jaemin sighed.

At least someone wasn’t going to poke holes in Donghyuck’s slowly crumbling resolve.

The ride back to the Dream dorm was a silent one. At least for Donghyuck. No one was willing to spare him a look or speak to him, too upset about losing the few hours of sleep they would have gotten. He was disappointed in himself. Tomorrow could have been a fairly easy day and he screwed that up.

Back at the dorm, everyone disappeared for showers or headed straight for bed, opting to shower in the morning. Donghyuck strayed around in the kitchen, shakily fumbling around for headache pills, downing two to drive off his headache. Once that was taken care of along with absorbing another bottle of water, he opened the refrigerator and picked through what little food he could find, opting on a handful of grapes and a small block of cheese.

He sat down on the couch in the sitting room, propping his feet up on the cushions and flicking on the television. He’d have to be up in three hours to go to an interview with 127, then vocals with Dream, dance practice with 127, then dance practice with Dream. He wouldn’t have time to shower in the morning and he wasn’t going to give the managers another reason to pick at him.

With Jaemin, Jeno, and Jisung all waiting for Chenle to emerge from the shower, Donghyuck would likely be waiting for an hour or two before he got the chance to shower, so he let his eyes trail back to the television, blindly attempting to focus on whatever uninteresting drama was on. The remains of his headache tugged at his eyelids, begging them to close over his burning eyes. Eventually, his eyelids won the battle, shutting for what was supposed to be a brief few seconds.

“Wake up! Donghyuck! Get your ass us!” Renjun’s voice yelled over him.

Letting out a groan, he opened his eyes, staring blearily up at the elder who had a phone pressed to his ear.

“Get dressed! You’re late for an interview with 127! I shouldn’t have to be up at such an ungodly hour to wake your ass up,” he hissed.

Donghyuck jolted, flying off the couch, stumbling a few times in his haste to put on something more appropriate for the interview.

Within ten minutes, he was out the door, calling Taeyong as he left.

“I’m sorry hyung. I overslept,” he mumbled.

“That’s why we’ve told you not to go hang out with the Dreamies when you know we have work the next day!”

“But-”

“Haechan! Let’s go!” the manager waiting by a car called, eyes bloodshot and irritable.

Hanging his head low, he hung up the phone and climbed into the car.

The ride to the interview hall was quiet and uneventful. Donghyuck didn’t dare ask for anything to eat to soothe the hunger residing in the pit of his stomach. He didn’t dare asking for anything to help the headache that was slowly ebbing back into his brain.

When they arrived at the building, he was ushered inside and quickly changed, pulling on tight jeans with holes traveling so far up his milky thighs and gaping so wide he practically wasn’t wearing anything. A tight black shirt was forced into the unbuttoned jeans, creased perfectly to prevent wrinkles in the shirt that concealed nothing to the imagination. As his pants were buckled, a black belt wound its way around his waist, tightly looping and fastening around his midsection he found it hard to breath. A jean jacket was tugged onto his arms, the sleeves much too tight, squeezing the skin beneath them, but making them look more “flattering.” The shoes were last, and this was his favorite part. His feet were nestled into soft leather boots, brown and flexible, the insides worn from the many times he’d sported this particular pair. His feet fit perfectly, comfortably inside them because there was no point squeezing the idols feet when so few people focused on feet anyways.

Once he was clothed, he was ushered to get his hair and makeup done. With all of the other members prepared, the team worked quickly to get him ready. This wouldn’t have been so bad if he didn’t already hate getting his hair prepped.

He had always hated this part. They were never gentle. Not as gentle as Mark or Taeyong were when they gently played with his hair of whatever color the company had demanded it be. The noona’s that often tugged brushes full of gels through their hair or styled it were quite the opposite, yanking and pulling their hair in a variety of directions. For Donghyuck, this was a brutal punishment for his tender head.

Today, the stylists were extra rough, yanking his hair seemingly twice as hard. Tears of pain threatened to spring to his eyes, but he fought them, afraid of what others would say if his makeup ran in streaks down his face.

After about ten minutes of torture, he was pushed from the chair and declared ready.

“Finally,” a few members muttered under their breath.

He didn’t miss the way the member’s seemed to avoid him, rolling their eyes and staring anywhere but in his general direction.

He could have begun crying at this, but the last thing he wanted was one more reason for them to hate him.

He pulled himself together, plastering his best fake smile on his face and staring down at the floor, head already beginning to hurt again, eyes stinging from exhaustion, and stomach growling from lack of nutrition.

They were instructed to wait as the show was being announced and the hosts did their introduction. He didn’t bother attempting to find anyone to stand next to like he usually did. He didn’t feel comfortable enough to lovingly cling to any of them. Not to mention, he’d likely have been rejected. He didn’t deserve their love anyways. He was never enough for them. He didn’t understand why SM had decided to put him in both groups. He was no good for 127. Mark should have been the maknae. Then it would all be smooth.

Tears flitted to his eyes, threatening to spill over. He refused to let them, holding the bridge up with all his might.

A hand slipped in his, causing him to jump in shock, eyes flying to whoever the person was.

“It’s ok. Take a deep breath, close your eyes for just a second. Clear your head and just breathe. You’re ok,” Mark’s soothing voice whispered near his ear.

The tension in his shoulders almost immediately relaxed. He sucked in a deep breath, the belt loosening slightly from the relaxed muscles, his chest felt less tight, and his head felt less clouded.

He pushed the air out of his lungs, allowing it to carry his weight with it until he was left with a feeling of weightlessness.

Mark squeezed his hand gently before letting go completely, an action that made Donghyuck’s stomach sink, although he knew it was because the interview was about to start.

Throughout the interview, Mark was beside him. For the first time in a few weeks, Donghyuck didn’t feel lost or hopeless.

After the interview, all of the members piled into one car. Most of them dozed off as they were transported back to the dorm until their dance practice later that day. The van stopped outside of the SM building, letting Donghyuck out before speeding off.

Donghyuck let out a sigh as he stepped inside the building, still clad in the clothing he’d worn for the interview, the belt cutting into the soft flesh of his belly.

He made his way down the familiar hallway, pushing open the same glass door and stepping inside, meeting a sleepy glare from Renjun almost immediately.

Well… that was painful.

“Think you can get it right today?” he all but hissed.

Donghyuck gulped, suddenly very aware of his inability to perform properly from stress and exhaustion, which, in all honesty, was no excuse, at least, not an acceptable one.

“Let’s just get started. Haechan first,” the manager said gruffly.

Donghyuck nodded, aware of the other members staring at his back as he walked through the door to the booth.

He put the headphones back over his ears, much too loud music immediately hitting him, causing him to jump in shock, stumbling and falling onto the ground, yanking the headphone cord out of the sound system as he fell.

As soon as he’d seen the damage, he knew he was in for it. He prolonged sitting up, eyes squeezing shut in frustration.

The door to the booth flew open and hands were flying to Donghyuck’s shirt, hoisting his upper half off the floor as the stoney face of their manager glared at him.

He was standing over the younger, legs spread on either side of Donghyuck’s legs. A large hand was fisted in the tight black shirt, stretching the tight material that slid painfully across the youngers neck. His eyes were dark and full of anger and hatred, face morphed into a mixture between cold stone and a rabid dog. He was practically foaming at the mouth.

“You worthless piece of shit. Are you kidding me?! All you have done these last few days is screw stuff up!” he hissed, face getting so close to Donghyuck’s that the younger could smell his putrid breath.

“You will get your ass to the practice room and if I so much as see a toe out of place, I’ll hit you so hard your skin will split from the impact!”

Donghyuck trembled. The male released his grip on Donghyuck’s shirt and moved away, one of his boots making brief contact with the area right behind the youngers ribs, sending a sharp pain up his spin. It would definitely bruise.

It took a few moments before Donghyuck was able to pull himself off the floor, head returned to pounding now, beating inside his ears and hammering in his skull. His side throbbed from the kick and he began to wonder just how much force was behind it.

“LET’S GO DONGHYUCK!”

The scream sent Donghyuck running, pulling himself up completely and running from the room and down the hall to the Dream practice room.

Barreling through the door, he halted, out of breath, but too afraid to say otherwise. Any mistake now could result in the manager making good on his promise.

“Positions!”

This was the same pudgy manager that led the 127 dance practice.

The boys scrambled for their positions just as the music was beginning. They moved flawlessly to the beat, keeping the pace and finishing the song perfectly.

“Donghyuck!”

What?! He’d danced right! He’d forced his feet to obey! He’d done it right!

“Your feet are too close to Jeno’s! Try again!”

Groans were sent in his direction as the music began again, dancing through the entire song again, despite their heavy breathing and sweaty foreheads.

They repeated the same song three times now, each time the choreographer nitpicking at Donghyuck and the members were forced to go through with it again.

“Get it right Haechan!” Chenle’s shrill voice screamed, causing the elder to flinch.

“I’m sorry…”

He could have cried if his body hadn’t long since stopped producing tears. Sweat refused to condensate from his roasting forehead or saliva refusing to moisturize his tongue.

“Just get out. Tomorrow, I expect everyone to be flawless!”

That should have been the end of it. The others would be heading back to their dorm to catch up on sleep, play video games, eat whatever food the manager had bought for them.

Donghyuck wouldn’t go. He would stick around for the 127 members to begin their practice. He’d get to see their disappointed stares directed at him. On the bright side, it also meant he’d get to see Mark. Mark was on his side. Mark would protect him.

His heartbeat accelerated. Mark would take care of him.

The door to the practice room opened and Mark walked through.

His forehead was beaded in a few droplets of sweat and his shirt was pulled out from his body, hands clutching the bottom of the shirt, bringing it up to make a makeshift basket full of whatever he was carrying. The bottom of his stomach was exposed, pale skin contrasting against dark jeans.

He stopped in front of the younger male, a bright smile immediately lighting up his face.

“I brought you something,” he huffed.

Donghyuck gave him a confused glance. It was obvious that the elder had ran from wherever he was and it was apparently to give him something.

Mark gestured to his shirt and Donghyuck peered over, finding two large multigrain muffins, a bagel, and half a baguette.

“What-?”

“I know you probably didn’t get a chance to eat this morning and you looked a little pale,” Mark responded, the smile never leaving his lips that gleamed in the fluorescent lights.

Mark Lee boy that Donghyuck had been crushing on since they were trainees, had brought him food.

Donghyuck’s heart hammered in his chest, eyes glassing over with tears he wouldn’t dare to shed.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

He reached into the shirt, plucking out a muffin and taking a large bite off the top, practically moaning as the taste hit his tongue, loving the feeling the grain made as it slid down his throat and into his empty stomach.

The door flew open, Jaehyun and Johnny walking in, both jumping around, Johnny reaching over to pinch Jaehyun’s arm and Jaehyun retaliating with a slap to Johnny’s arm.

“Just breathe. Practice will go by in a flash and then we’ll all be back at the dorm filling up on whatever we convince Doyoung to make,” he said.

Donghyuck gave him a small smile, taking another large bite of the muffin before following Mark to the couch pressed against the far side of the wall. Mark piled the smuggled food on the cushions, pulling Taeyong’s discarded hoodie over the stash to hide.

Their normal choreographer walked in. He was much younger than the pudgy one that filled in. He was thin as a rail, hips protruding out from the skin tight athletic pants he was wearing. A black tank top pulled over his upper half. He had shaggy black hair and a thin, wiry mustache slinking beneath his nose.

“Positions!”

His voice was sharp and shrill. Every annunciation dripped with venom. He was angry today. Something had made him mad. And Donghyuck was his favorite punching bag.

As everyone filled in, most dressed in loose jeans or sweats, sweatshirts to fight off the bitter cold outside, they made their way to their starting positions, staring at the choreographer expectantly.

The music began and bodies immediately began moving in sync from the memorized movements to follow their recorded voices.

When Donghyuck’s part played, he danced his way to the front of the line, alternating from one side to the next and continuing with the hand movements.

He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. Throughout his solo, he’d gotten it right. The mirror reflected the exact moves and angles.

Things were starting to look up. Maybe Mark was just his good luck charm. The one person that could make everything perfect.

Donghyuck moved back into the throngs of dancing bodies, but his mind was too muddled with glee he forgot to take two steps to the left, instead moving to the right and slammed into Jungwoo, knocking the elder to the ground.

“Ouch,” Jungwoo’s soft voice cried, rubbing the arm he landed on as he sat up.

The rest of the members surrounded the injured angel, checking him over for injuries before helping him off the ground.

“You go left! Not right! I thought we’d drilled that in before! Or were you too caught up thinking about your little boyfriend?!” the choreographer’s voice was sharp and evil, eyes boring holes into the males.

Donghyuck shrunk under her gaze, chin tucking against his chest, eyes lowered to the floor, heart beating erratically at the call out.

“Accidents happen,” Mark said, wrapping arm around Donghyuck’s shoulders.

This only made the youngers face burn bright.

The choreographer scoffed and started the music over.

Together, the members nearly flawlessly began dancing to the song, only stepping out of line a few times, but every time someone did mess up, even slightly, Donghyuck was called out for it. Even on the times that weren’t his fault.

Faster than it should have, Donghyuck’s stomach emptied. All of the energy restored by the few bites of muffin had evaporated, turned into sweat or a tiny bit of energy. Now he was left breathless. Chest heaving as they ran through the dance four, five, then six times. His head pounded, pulsing so hard there wasn’t a place to pinpoint the pain. His eyes stung, although he wasn’t sure why. The sweat had long since dried, leaving him feeling as if he were baking in a furnace.

“Again Donghyuck! Can’t you get it right!” the choreographer screamed.

The music began again.

Donghyuck could barely lift his arms. His legs felt like jelly. The pounding in his head only got worse as he danced through the song, several steps behind the rest of the members.

“Lee Donghyuck!” he yelled again.

“Leave him alone!” Mark screamed back.

The room fell silent with the exception of the music still blaring. Everyone turned to stare at Mark and then back at the choreographer, who was now practically foaming at the mouth.

“So… tired,” the mutter left Donghyuck’s mouth almost inaudibly as the male swayed from side to side.

“Hyuck!”

Johnny’s arm quickly wrapped around Donghyuck’s middle, holding him steady as Donghyuck’s legs gave out, his body falling limp, eyes shut, consciousness fading.

“Seriously? Drama Queen,” the choreographer muttered.

“You listen here-” Mark began.

Jaehyun’s arms locked around Mark’s waist, dragging the younger back, fighting against him as he struggled.

“Calm down! You can’t fight here!” he hissed.

This didn’t stop Mark from kicking at Jaehyun’s legs and elbowing his chest over and over.

“Stop. He’s going to be fine! Doyoung and Manager Jun are taking him home!” Taeyong said, placing his hands on Mark’s shoulders and staring intently at his face.

It took a moment for Mark to stop struggling. He eventually did, settling down in Jaehyun’s tight embrace as two more managers ran in.

“What the hell happened?” one asked, staring around the room in shock and confusion.

“You happened. All of you,” Mark glared.

Eventually, one of the managers drove them back to the dorm. As soon as they walked inside, most went off to their own rooms. Mark made his way into the room Donghyuck usually slept in, finding Jeno and Jaemin, both perched on Jaehyun’s bed.

“How is he?” Mark asked quietly.

Donghyuck lay curled up in a ball, knees tucked against his belly, head resting against his pillow, soft sighs leaving his lips. Someone had changed him into thin pajamas, small teddy bears on the gray pants and a gray shirt with a teddy bear on the pocket.

“He’s been sleeping for a while… He looks so small…” Jeno muttered.

Mark sat on the bed next to Donghyuck, tracing a hand from the youngers knee to his ankle, then back up.

“We were so mean to him…”

Jeno wrapped an arm around Jaemin’s shoulder, giving it a friendly squeeze.

“He’ll understand. We just need to get better at making sure he’s not too stressed or tired. He works harder than any of us and all we do is worry about ourselves,” Jeno muttered.

Jaemin nodded, leaning against Jeno’s shoulder before sliding off the bed.

“By the way, Mark. Donghyuck’s been crushing on you since we were trainees. We know you feel the same. So grow a pair and ask him out,” he said.

With that, he opened the bedroom door and strolled out, leaving a shocked Mark and a dumbfounded Jeno.

“He likes me?”

Jeno stared at Mark as if the other had suddenly groan another head.

“You seriously didn’t know?” Jeno stood up, shaking his head. “Why else would he be glued to you. He’s clingy with everyone but extra clingy with you.”

He strolled out of the room, leaving behind a confused Mark, still lightly stroking from Donghyuck’s knee to his ankle.

He turned his attention to gaze at the smaller, eyes trailing over the beautifully tan face that looked so peaceful. He looked so small and fragile, like a duckling that desperately needed someone to protect him.

“I’ve liked you too. I didn’t realize until last year, but I like you too,” he whispered.

He knew the other couldn’t hear him. He took solstice in that fact. He could tell Donghyuck how much he loved him and the younger would never know. So he may as well enjoy this while he had time with the male.

He lowered himself down next to Donghyuck, arm wrapping around his waist and hoisting himself up slightly with the other arm. He leaned closer, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Donghyuck’s cheek.

He settled down behind the other, chest pressed against the younger’s back, arm holding him close.

Mark’s eyes fell closed, face nestling into the youngers neck.

“I’m glad you feel the same.”

The sudden, whispered response practically made Mark fall off the bed, shock coursing through his body.

“I didn’t know you were awake…”

Donghyuck rolled over carefully until he was facing the male.

“I’m glad I was,” he whispered.

The smaller nuzzled closer to Mark, lips pressing against jaw.

He felt Mark heave a sigh against him, arms tightening around the younger, Donghyuck’s legs slowly edging in between the elders.

“Are you going to ask me out or are we going to go back to both being confused?”

A kiss pressed against Donghyuck’s forehead, lips traveling lower, pressing chaste, barely there kisses down his nose, over his cheeks, down his jaw, up to his chin, and finally finding a home on his lips.

“Will you be mine?” lips brushed together as the words ghosted over them.

“Yes,” Donghyuck whispered back, closing the distance once again.

Lips pressed together in such gentleness one would have thought both boys were fragile vases, just one too harsh movement would have either one or both shattering. The reality was, they were both dented and cracked, both wielding battle scars, mental and physical.

They weren’t perfect. But as two hearts pounded in two chests, breath mingling together, they would be ok. Stress would happen. But with each other, it was one good thing in all the bad.

[closer-stars]

Gut Feeling (6)

Member: San Genre: bit of angst, kinda better tho?? Word Count: 6.6k Content: A bit better than the last chapter. Food mention as per usual. Maturity.  Note: HELLO AFTER A MONTH. I AM BACK. This one is a lot shorter than the other chapters, idk it just felt right. Second half of this series of sorts amen. It’s not a lot but... i guess you can consider it as those type of stuffs that needed to happen ??? Yes. I tried my best amidst everything that happened recently ;; As usual I’ll update this with links after 24 hours. Tag list: @barsformars @shinyddeonghwa @yeotlny @hwaberrykiwi @miniyeo @seoultraveller @frankenstein852

Part 5

It’s back to work but you’re a little dazed. The two rest days did you good to a certain degree but having to go back into the swing of things was a bit of a challenge for you. Even if the managers would give you updates, it’s different when seeing it in real time. So here you are, back in the office, catching up on everything. 

You head out to the kitchen to get your bottle refilled with water only to be greeted by San himself. Out of surprise, your heart does a little flip. You don’t know why you’re surprised though, usually at this time he and the boys should still be in the studio. Also, you’re the one who’s bringing them home tonight. 

San looks up from his phone, just as surprised as you are to see you. “Hey, how are you feeling now?” He asks, his voice soft and careful. 

He’s not ignoring you?

You make your way to the water dispenser, refilling your bottle. “A lot better, thank you.” You say, which comes off more as a murmur. Though it was true, you weren’t really sure of how to approach him since that talk with Seonghwa and Hongjoong. It’s constantly fight or flight and knowing you, it’s usually a little bit of both. 

“Can we talk?” He starts carefully. At his voice, you look up from your bottle. Your eyes study the male carefully. You can’t keep running anymore you suppose. 

“Five minutes. Go.”

He didn’t expect you to cooperate like that but he’ll take it even with the time limit. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for thinking that you and Seonghwa liked each other--”

You and Seonghwa, again. You had questions but you let him continue. 

He sees how your eyes narrow at him and he feels fear course through his body.  “for making things more difficult for everyone, especially you. You don’t deserve that, I still have feelings for you yeah but I understand if you don’t…” he trails off, trying to catch his breath after saying everything. “I just-- you deserve an apology after everything I caused.” 

Something inside you snaps though. You’ve harbored enough frustration from how everything was going and to hear him come clean about his assumptions just made you see white. “That’s the thing with you idols, you suddenly get so used to getting everything so quickly, you think everything is reachable with a snap of your fingers. San, wake up, please. That’s not how life works, that’s not how relationships work. Not everything’s going to be fast and easy...” You refrain yourself from cursing him out, instead, you let out a sigh. “San, relationships, romantic or not, those take time.”  Internally, you had to admit those words were harsh but you had to say it. You were tired. Tired from the growing workload of finding the common ground with clients, you barely had time to process everything since the near dating scandal. You ended up actually putting your account on private a few days after the chaos on social media. 

It’s past five minutes already and you let him go to his scheduled practice with the boys. “Go. The boys are waiting for you.” You state, catching sight of a concerned Yunho standing by the door. 

He’s never seen your eyes so cold yet so hot at the same time. It doesn’t take much to know that there’s pain in those eyes and it hurts to know that he’s the reason behind the pain. Knowing better than to push, he nods and bids you goodbye. You watch him jog over to Yunho who seems to be eyeing San then you with concern. It would be stupid of you to underestimate his smarts, so you shake your head, before turning away from them. You don’t want them to see you cry. You try your best to keep yourself together, you’ve cried enough over this matter, it’s pathetic. 

When San enters the studio, Yunho gives the two oldest members a look, enough for everyone to know that he had talked to you, regardless of how it could end. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Seonghwa asks carefully, bringing him aside away from everyone’s ears first. While it’s a blessing that the group feels emotions so strongly, especially for the sake of performing, there were times where intense emotions become scary to deal with. When the younger shakes his head, they know better than to press him when things are still so fresh. 

Hongjoong glances at the two of them and nods. “Let’s try to clean half of the choreography tonight.” That would probably be enough to have San’s focus on something else. 

--------

You’re back in your office, thinking about what had happened. You know you would need to sit San down and get a clearer picture of everything eventually. Your phone buzzes, reminding you that the boys have to eat soon. 

[ You to Hongjoong ] Do you guys have money for dinner? 

You hover over the send button, deciding as to whether or not to send the message or just buy them food. It’s already 8PM and for sure those boys were hungry. You don’t really know what their routine is when it comes to choreography work especially with how stacked their schedule is, it could be anything. “Fuck it.” You delete the message and make your way to the nearest restaurant. You make sure to wear a mask before leaving the premises, already paranoid from past events. 

If there’s one thing you’re grateful about, it’s how the boys are already regulars for the nearby restaurants. All you have to do is say their names and show your proof of relation with the boys and the company to get things moving. You stay outside the premises, not wanting to take up a table that could be for someone who plans to dine in. 

[ You to Hongjoong ] Bought you guys food, will be there in half an hour max. Buy yourselves a drink or whatever in the 7/11 just give me the receipt afterwards. 

[ Hongjoong to You ] ryan_salute_sticker

You chuckle at the reply and wait patiently outside, watching people come and go as the week comes to an end once more. The staff comes out with bags of food ready for you. “We put a little something for you as well, it’s on us.” She says, gesturing to the food container that has your name on it. The look on your face makes her chuckle lightly. “Don’t worry about it. Tell the boys that we’re looking forward to them visiting us again after their promotions.” With that, you flash her a bright smile, promising to relay their thoughts to them. 

By the time you return, you could hear the boys messing around in the studio. Not that you minded, they do deserve to have some fun every one in a while. As you set the food down on the table, two figures suddenly make their way to the kitchen. An excited scream that could only come from Wooyoung startles you. “Meat!! Oh my god is that what I think it is?” He exclaims zooming towards you with his energy drink in hand. Hongjoong follows him a few seconds after, still drinking what seems to be orange juice. 

You let Wooyoung do his thing, already so excited over food. “Can you get the others?” You ask Hongjoong, as you make sure that Wooyoung doesn’t create a mess. It’s not that you think Wooyoung’s incapable of being responsible, it’s that you know that when he gets excited, hell can break loose. 

You eat at the second table, at least you had the company of the other members that you don’t get to talk to often. It was a nice change of pace, though still as hyper as their peers they know how to slow down. Though the conversation was on something you didn’t quite understand (see: dramas), you didn’t mind hearing the boys talk about it with such excitement. Mingi and Jongho were kind enough to give you context especially when you looked a little lost. 

“Manager-nim! We’re done for the day.” Hongjoong says once you peek out from Jongho’s side. 

“Oh? Okay that’s good, just take your time eating. I’m bringing you guys home anyways.” Those words make the boys bustle with energy. From the looks of things, it’s been a while since it was you who brought them home. 

It’s the same thing on the way home. The boys calming down in the car as the food coma hits them: San’s knocked out in his seat, slouched against Wooyoung’s side who’s busy on his phone. Hongjoong was the same, except he was leaning against Seonghwa who was also asleep. Mingi and Yunho were busy on their phones as well, looking for new music to listen to. Jongho is seated next to you, still awake. “Jongho?” He responds with a polite hum, still drinking his water. “Just what was your schedule today? Everyone’s so tired.” You were used to them sleeping on the way home but something about today just feels so different. 

Jongho laughs softly, his shoulders rising a little in the process. “Ah, it’s mostly preparations for upcoming stages. We have concert appearances in the next few weeks so we just really drilled the cleaning earlier. I think Hongjoong-hyung had a radio appearance yesterday too so he could only catch up on sleep here and there.” He explains. “The others also did vocal training and dance training in their spare time.”

You glance at the boys through the rearview mirror. No wonder they were more exhausted than usual. “How about you? How are you faring with all of these?” It’s a question that must be asked especially to someone who tries their best to be just as dependable as their hyungs. 

“Me?” He repeats the question before pursing his lips for a moment. “I’ll admit that it gets tiring.” He looks over his shoulder. It’s no surprise the rest of the boys have fallen asleep. “But I’m happy doing what I’m doing. As for the recent thing happening between you and San…” This boy really doesn’t beat around the bush. “He’s matured,” he reassures you. “He’s learned from his mistakes.” Truthfully, you weren’t sure of how to respond to such a statement but you let him continue. “Let him make up for his shortcomings. You can depend on us too.” You weren’t sure if he’s the third or fourth person to tell you that, regardless you find comfort in his words. 

He sees your body relax slightly as you drive. He doesn’t want you to think he’s trying to get you to date his hyung, rather to see him as someone who feels sorry for what he’s done and genuinely wants to make up for it. “Thank you for your words, Jongho.” You admit softly, easing the car into its parking spot. “Help me wake up the boys?” You ask once you’ve switched off the engine. 

“Cover your ears.” 

“Jongho, it’s past midnight. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

--------

You had a mix of now wide awake boys and still groggy boys in the elevator with you. Of course, Jongho looked a little too proud of his doing. Hongjoong didn’t have the heart to get mad, he was clearly improving in his singing and control. You let a still sleepy Wooyoung lean against you as the elevator goes up. Holding up a sleepy twenty something year old was a little tricky but at least he wasn’t drunk. You had made sure their floor was the first destination, they’re tired. They need the rest more than you do. 

Once the elevator notifies everyone of the floor. You gently shake Wooyoung awake. “Hey, we’re here.” You say softly. It’s thanks to Yeosang and Jongho who manage to wake him up, a few insistent pokes apparently do the trick. “Sleep well guys.” You wave them goodbye. Those who were awake bid you a good night. Your eyes flit over to San, his shoulders seem a bit lighter now. 

You wonder what made him look a lot lighter now. Maybe Jongho was right. 

--------

You’re in your sleepwear now, nursing a hot cup of tea as you think about the events that went down today. Your phone in your free hand as you read through your conversation with San. It’s hard to admit but you did have your own shortcomings. A thoughtful sip and a deep breath. You owe him something too. 

San’s in his room, already in bed, as he was just waiting for Yunho to return from the shower. 

Ka-talk!

His phone vibrates with a new message. It’s from you but it’s an audio clip. He reaches over for his earphones. It takes a while for him to play the clip, a little fearful of what it carries. “Hey San.” Your voice sends a shock over his body. He didn’t expect you to actually send him something. “Listen, i’m doing this because i can’t look at you outside work, as far as i know, for now at least. I can see why people like you San, i really do…” Your voice trails off and San has to glance at his screen to make sure if it wasn’t cut off. “I will admit, if things happened differently, I probably would have caught feelings for you too.” A small part of him twists at those words but it was something that didn’t surprise him. “For now, still, I need time and distance unless it’s needed for work for us to talk. Everything you told me…” Another pause. “I need time to process that San.” He understands that and he stares at the screen count down what’s left of the audio clip. “I do forgive you but I need time to heal.” He smiles softly at the last few words. He didn’t want your romantic feelings at this point, being forgiven was the best thing for the time being. 

“What’s up?” Yunho asks. Out of surprise from the sudden voice, San accidentally drops his phone on his face. Yunho pokes his head from his bed to see San clutching his nose in pain. “Are you okay?” The older asks in alarm.

“When did you finish your shower?! I didn’t hear you.” San complains once the pain ebbs away. He lifts himself up, eyeing the other through narrowed eyes. 

Yunho shrugs, running his fingers through his still slightly damp hair. “Two minutes ago? You were busy on your phone so you probably didn’t hear me.” He explains. That made sense, his volume was around 70% so he wouldn’t be able to hear Yunho enter the room unless he started playing League. 

“Sorry about that..” San says rubbing the back of his neck. He recounts the voice note with just the important details: you forgave him but you need time to heal. Something in Yunho relaxes at the news. Your reaction makes sense, but also seeing San look like something has been lifted off of him were good things. Even if it seems like something’s still bothering him, he still looks better as compared to the past few months. 

Yunho shakes his head, dismissing the younger’s apology. “I’m just glad things are kinda patching up with you and them.” He yawns through his thoughts. “Let’s talk about this when we wake up. I’m too tired.” 

San looks at his phone again. It’s 2AM. They need sleep, at least their day starts at a later time. 

--------

While San and Yunho discussed your voice note, you were in your room, biting your lip in thought after that voice note you sent. You like what you were doing but you didn’t think the price to pay for a hectic job would be like this. Did other managers go through this type of issue as well? Fingers fly through the keyboard as you look for a certain draft in your emails. You read through it again a few more times, asking yourself over and over if this is a good idea. 

The answer comes when you change a few things here and there in the letter. If it still lingers in your head after this week, then you’ll push through with the change. Making decisions at near two in the morning wasn’t always the best idea. For now, you need to rest to prepare for the next day. 

---------

You wait for the boys outside their dorm, knowing that by now, they’re nearly done getting ready for another day in the studio. If you remember right, their choreographers have managed to create a choreography for one of their songs that they have yet to perform. The boys come out of their dorm in their training clothes and you give them a quick scan, to make sure it’s all eight of them. 

“Manager-nim!! Did you sleep well?” Leave it to Wooyoung to still continue to cling to you. It’s nice to know some of the members are morning people still despite the hectic schedules they have. 

You think back to last night and your decisions but you don’t let them in on it. “Yeah, sleeping after a long day in work seems to feel a little different.” You say brightly. This causes Wooyoung to sulk at your words. 

“Are we a handful, Manager-nim?” He asks in a tone that makes certain members glare at him, also he’s now clinging to you. None of the members have the heart to make him stop, but they do pose themselves to hit him. 

With your free hand, you pat his head. “No, you’re not~” You return in a light enough tone that just fans the flames of Wooyoung’s antics. In response, you snort much to his disappointment. “Come on. After tomorrow, you got a concert to perform in so it’s all rehearsals and meetings for your upcoming photoshoots.” 

--------

While you’re in your workspace, fixing the schedule with their personal schedules in mind, Yoon comes to you with a grin. “Hey, good news.” He greets you with an iced bottle of coffee from the 7/11 downstairs. 

You glance at the coffee then at the male who’s still beaming. “What’s up? Did you get a raise?” You ask as you twist the cap open. Iced macchiato. 

“Manager Hwang’s coming back earlier than expected!” He says, grinning ear to ear. 

Your gaze turns to him, surprised but also partly relieved to have the guy back soon. “Really? I thought he’d be back much later.” You say, clearly taken aback. “Also hey!” You quickly add. “If you wanted me out, just say so.”

Your joke makes the guy panic, realizing his words could be misunderstood. “No way! You’re amazing to work with. Hwang has to experience working with you.” He explains quickly. “I’m excited because this also means, you’ll see how great he is in FIFA.” 

FIFA? The football video game?

You were about to laugh at his panicked expression until he mentions a video game. “Wait, I was joking about you wanting me out also, FIFA? What about it?” You didn’t really play video games growing up. You watched your cousins play but never really had an interest in playing. 

“You haven’t seen how competitive the boys get with video games huh?” 

“I’ve heard stories but never seen it happen in real time.” 

He grins. Truly, like idol, like manager. “You will soon.” 

You press send on the email after making sure it’ll be directed to all the parties involved in the decision. You suppose Hwang’s return is a sign that you’ve been looking for. The request would only be effective by his return as you did keep your side of the agreement. 

The only thing you can do now as you wait for their response is to work. Your phone rings with a reminder, time to bring them to meet the stylists for an upcoming photoshoot. Though, you do remember that the stylists themselves are the ones who are visiting rather than the boys. 

[ You to Hongjoong ] Make sure to look presentable, the stylists are coming within an hour. 

You look around the office and the kitchen for the refreshments for the stylists. Once successful, you put them by the counter in the kitchen. The fitting and meeting were mostly going to happen in the studio; enough room to move for eight boys and probably three stylists. You didn’t really get a number of how many were coming today. 

Fortunately for them, their schedule had enough breathing room for them to make themselves look well kept after a long time in the studio. Once everything was prepared for later, you decide to check in on them. The music playing wasn’t their songs now, rather songs from the artists they look up to. You peek through the sliver of clear glass from the door to see what they were doing. 

San and Yunho were messing around in the room, eliciting laughs from the rest of the members. The two were running around and were actually on beat with the music. The scene in front of you makes you laugh to yourself: they were doing okay. As you straightened yourself again, to return to your office, the door opens enough for the muffled bass to be amplified. You look over and it’s Mingi. “Manager-nim! Did you need something?” He asks, even with the hint of exhaustion in his eyes, he still had so much energy in him to flash such a bright smile at you. 

His question surprises you but you suppose he saw you peeking earlier. “No, no. I just wanted to check on you guys since the stylists will be here in roughly an hour.” You explain, gesturing that you were on your way back to your office. 

Someone calls out your name in between laughter. It’s Wooyoung. “Manager-nim!” He calls out, running over towards the both of you. “We need a tie breaker.” Huh? He doesn’t explain much but tries to get you to join. You glance at Mingi and it takes him awhile to understand why, to which he starts to crack up. 

“What’s going on?” Your voice carries apprehension. Now, you know these boys can barely hurt a fly, but these boys are capable of doing the weirdest things for the sake of entertainment. These are eight boys who will have a competition on who can stuff the most ramen noodles into their mouth in one go. The other two managers have become unfazed to their antics while you have yet to see just how far they can go. You’re not quite sure if you could handle them at their highest peak of beagle-like energy. 

“Manager-nim,” Wooyoung starts, now holding up a pen as if it were a microphone. “Are you a mint-choco fan or a mint-choco anti?” He asks, now posing the pen near your lips. 

You stare at him in disbelief, then at the seven boys who seem to await your answer. “W-wait.” You push the pen a little farther from you and gesture to the others. “What are their answers?” It was obvious for you that San and Mingi were into mint chocolate, while Seonghwa and Hongjoong being the two who weren’t into it. 

Wooyoung answers it for you with ease, though with a hint of impatience. “San, Mingi, Jongho and I are into it. Seonghwa-hyung, Hongjoong-hyung and Yeosang aren’t. Yunho’s neutral on it.” To you the answer was already obvious that a majority leaned towards liking the flavor. 

“Guys, I’m just…” You trail off trying to find the right words. The silence makes Hongjoong jump into it. 

“Manager-nim doesn’t like it either! Bleh~” He exclaims, looking all proud. Rare was the sight of Hongjoong being mischievous in front of you. 

“N-no, it’s just, I don’t really mind it. If it’s there, I’ll eat it. If it’s not there, it’s not the end of the world.” You explain, much to his dismay. 

“How can you eat something that tastes like toothpaste..” Seonghwa mutters much to San’s dismay. His comment makes you look at him in mild alarm. 

“Seonghwa, toothpaste doesn’t have chocolate bits in them..” Just what went on in their dorms? Your words make him whine and you start to laugh at how they were so passionate about something as simple as ice cream flavors. You wondered what their stances are on pistachio and matcha ice cream then. Your phone vibrates, a call coming through. While the boys were busy trying to win the debate, to which Yunho slightly struggles to control, you answer the call outside the studio. 

“Hello?”

“Hello! We’re the stylists for their upcoming photoshoot. We’ll be in the company in ten minutes!” The voice on the other line chirps politely. 

The voice makes you stand a little straighter, almost on instinct, you use your formal voice. “Alright, I’ll wait for you by the entrance of the building.” With that the call ends, you return to the studio and it’s calmer now, though you could see that Wooyoung and San were sulking over what could’ve been the other half of the debate. “Guys, get ready. The stylists are on their way.” With that said, the boys fix themselves again. 

Hongjoong looks over at you. “Manager-nim, should I go with you?” 

Now, in your eyes it’s not a bad thing if the leader decides to greet the stylists with you by the entrance. It’s not a bad thing either if he doesn’t. “Your choice, Hongjoong. If you are, meet me by the elevator. I’m just grabbing my laptop.” Without missing a beat, you slip out of the studio immediately. You can only imagine how much notes you need to update for the other teams after this meeting. 

Once you head towards the elevator, you’re already greeted by the leader busying himself with his phone as he waits for the elevator to arrive at your floor. “Seonghwa and Yunho are watching over the boys?” 

“Yep, they’ll take care of them as we wait.” His response makes you nod, relieved to know someone’s keeping them in line before their energy bounces back up once more. It’s not that you think they can’t take care of themselves, but more of, when one’s up, everyone’s up. 

The elevator doors close in on the two of you as it brings you to the ground floor. You want to tell Hongjoong what had happened in the past few hours but now isn’t the right time. Just as you were about to open your mouth about a quick summary, the doors open. Though knowing Hongjoong, he already knows something about it even without you telling him. 

It only takes five minutes of waiting for the two of you to be greeted by three stylists. Though they dress simply, they knew what piece fits them best. A small pang of jealousy blooms in your chest when you see how well kept they were; you knew your own body and fashion and how to look put together as well but those who were in the fashion industry just seemed to do it better. Small talk happens among the five of you as the of you lead them to where the rest of the boys were. Maybe it was a good thing that Hongjoong came with you due to the some of the clothes they brought in a few bags.

There was something about the third stylist, that put you off. It wasn’t her overly warm and optimistic energy, which honestly at this point doesn’t faze you anymore as other idols who have greeted the boys had the same energy she had. You weren’t so sure yet of what it is, but you’re not sure either if you want to find out what’s putting you off about them. She continues to make conversation with Hongjoong as you’re left juggling a conversation with the other two. You don’t notice Hongjoong’s uneasiness around her until the two of you welcome them inside. 

 The two of you do notice how her eyes light up at the sight of everyone else who were lounging about. You just assume that she was a big fan of them and was struggling to keep it together and carry on. The boys do their signature greeting then move about to get their measurements and a run down of what will happen in two weeks time. 

You along with another stylist keep track of the clothes that the boys and they liked, those that were debatable and those that just didn’t look that great on them. The other two took their measurements, and offered the clothing pieces that they would try on. The first stylist from earlier seems to be taking her sweet time with San. If you actually focused on listening to their exchange, you could tell she was having the time of her life. It took a lot of your self control to not outwardly sigh in front of the stylist who was labelling which clothes the boys liked as their basis. 

It takes a while before the said stylist moves to another member, and at that opening, San immediately moves away. You glance at San over your laptop, and he’s sending you a look that says, ‘I’m not talking to them unless I have to, please help.’. While San is a grown man, you do know how it feels to be cornered at work due to unwanted advances. You flash him a smile and beckon him over. “I hope you don’t mind if San helps us out on this too?” You ask the stylist as he practically hops over to the two of you. Much to San’s relief, he welcomes the added input. 

San’s eventually joined by Mingi who knows more of fashion than you and San combined. You could see the gears in their heads running as the idea in the stylist’s head was starting to become more and more clear. Once all of the work has finished, the boys take one last look at the outfits the head stylist has set out, you know that they wouldn’t change anything anymore but you kept your fingers poised on your keyboard should there be any changes made. Seeing that everyone was satisfied, they ask you to take their photo to celebrate a job well done. 

You receive the head stylist’s phone and you let them gather around for the photo. It’s not hard to spot the first stylist from earlier try to worm her way near San, only to be blocked by Wooyoung and Seonghwa already around him. It takes a bit of your self control to not snort at her feeble attempts be quashed so easily by clingy boys. Three shots and everyone’s now back to cleaning up the room. 

The eight of them help pack and fold everything into their rightful place that the head stylist had to send her praises about them to you, even going as far as offering their services for the future promotions. She slips her contact card to you, which you keep in your phone’s case for the time being. This time, it’s only you who accompanies them out, much to Hongjoong’s surprise. You signal that you’ll be okay and for him to keep an eye on San. 

---------

“I swear hyung, she was trying to hit on me…” San mutters in his spot as he shudders at the mere thought of it; the praises were alright but the slightly lingering touches and gaze made him want to leave immediately. Some of the boys find a little amusement in his complaints, they understand the issue on hand but to see San whining excessively was a sight to see. Of course they couldn’t do much about the situation while it was happening but they could prevent it in the future. 

The door clicks open and they see you poking your head in. “How was it?” You ask them. It has become a routine for all of you to check in on them after meeting with any outsider of the company. They’re still young and while they have good heads on their shoulders, the industry is a scary place to be in. 

“Manager-nim, is it alright if we don’t work with one of the stylists on the day of the photoshoot?” Hongjoong starts carefully. Always a leader that guy is. 

You glance at him then at San who was still sulking against Yunho’s shoulder. “The lady with the high ponytail and rolled up denim jacket?” You ask, even acting out how her clothes looked like. At your description, San jumps into the conversation. 

“Please? Is it possible? Manager-nim, Ms. Mihyun was trying to know me a little too much and flirting with me.” San pleads. You feel bad for him. In other circumstances, being hit on would’ve been an ego boost but being hit on at work really doesn’t sit well with you. 

It’s the way you look at him that he realizes just how you’re able to keep things professional. You still look at him with protective warmth and concern for his safety, even after everything. It gets his head a little dizzy to put it lightly. “I think I can make it work. The head stylist did like your work ethics, even wants to work with you guys in the long run.” You bring out your phone, making quick work of writing a message up to the head stylist. “Hello! This is ATEEZ’s manager.” You read your message out loud for them. If there were any comments from the boys, you tweak the message around to their liking to make sure the point of the message is received. 

The boys were impressed with your message and didn’t mind it one bit. They could see why the company wanted you: you could fit in any of the teams. Once satisfied with their response, you press send. A small part of you waits on a reply from company heads in regards to your email but even that would take some time. With a group that’s a rising icon in the k-pop wave plus a few trainees that show just as much potential as the boys, the love calls from other companies are still coming in. 

For now, you’ll enjoy and make the most out of the time you have with the guys through your work. 

--------

Over the next few weeks, San has been more mindful of his actions around you. While he still cares for your health like the first few months, he’s come to understand you a little better now. He does his best to see you more as who you really are, rather than the idealized version he had of you months back. He’s realized you had a bit of a soft heart behind your independent exterior, how you always preferred a stronger type of coffee, compared to the group (much to Seonghwa’s horror). It took a bit of time to notice how protective you are of your own friends and them. 

You pick up on the changes as well. He joins in on the teasing every now and then, but always making sure never to cross the line. Sometimes at the corner of your eye, you catch San watching you joke around with his members, his gaze soft but he never makes a move. He doesn’t seem to sulk over the lack of attention either, letting you joke around with the other members as well. They’re small changes but it has improved his performance as himself and as a member of ATEEZ. 

There were changes and there were still constants. He still stays late into the studio practicing new moves, new styles, different combinations just to better himself. As usual, you bring him back to the dorms. He doesn’t make a fuss about you waking him up now, rather he hops out of the car as soon as you switch off the engine. You were a little grateful for that, more time for you to sink into your bed after the long day. As you step out of the car, rummaging through your bag, you find him waiting for you by the elevator. “Sorry to keep you waiting.” You say as you rush over to press the up button. 

“Nothing to be sorry about. It’s late after all.” San reassures lightly. He watches you rummage through your bag. “You got your phone?” He asks. He’s noticed as well how you sometimes have slip ups with your memory. You bring out your phone, putting it in your pocket. “Wallet?” He asks then he sees you bring it out. “Powerbank.” He lists off and that’s when it takes you a while to bring it out. 

“That’s what I forgot.. It’s in the office.” You mutter. There was no way you’d drive back to the company to pick it up. You’ll just bring your charger for tomorrow. 

A soft amused huff slips from his lips and he gestures for you to enter the lift first. “It’s okay, I can bring my powerbank tomorrow.” He offers as he follows you inside. 

“You don’t have to. I can use my laptop as a powerbank if all else fails.” You return. 

Always an independent one you are. He doesn’t push but he still keeps it in mind to bring it just in case. “You know,” he starts, as he presses the number for your floor first. He then leans against the wall opposite of yours. “After that thing with Ms. Mihyun, I kind of understand why you were probably against the idea of us dating.” Well he knew of your main reasons, but Mihyun really had him thinking. 

You lean against the wall, arms crossed. His words had piqued your interest. Whenever San’s in those moods, he does drop a few things that remind you he’s maturing. “Oh? And what is it?”

“The idea of flirting and being in a relationship with someone while at work is kind of.. Weird.” he wasn’t sure if weird was the right word but to be the subject of flirtations while everyone is trying to work didn’t feel right to him. He knows he can separate his personal life with work but emotions have made him act out of line. To risk all that he’s worked for: for the sake of a relationship, maybe not now. Hearing you chuckle makes him frown in confusion. “What?”

You were endeared by his moments of childlike tendencies. You know he has a way with words but there were also moments where his vocabulary reminds you of a high school kid. “Mihyun really tried to flirt with you huh?” You ask. The conversation is cut short when the elevator pings; you’ve arrived at your floor. You return your gaze back to the male. “Anyways, get some sleep okay?” 

A small part of him wanted to walk you back to your apartment, but he knows this complex was a safe one. You also apparently knew how to hold yourself up against Wooyoung’s pestering actions. He knows better to offer that so he smiles at you and nods his promise. “You too.” He addresses you by your name this time though still with the formal honorifics.  

“Drop the formalities when we’re outside of work, San.” You say. He doesn’t get the chance to say anything else but a good night, as the doors close in on the two of you. You’re back alone now in the lighted hallway, a heavy sigh slipping through your lips. Another long day coming to an end. 

Your phone pings with a few alerts that you’ve kept at bay throughout the day. One of the notifications is from the email you’ve been waiting for. Your request has been approved, effective in a few months.

Part 7

[bangtan-madi]

546 Days Without You — Twelve: Day 440

Pairing — Seokjin x Reader

Tags — boyfriend!Seokjin, older brother!Yoongi, producer/songwriter!MC, military au (ish), idol au (ish)

Genre — fluff, angst

Word Count — 5.3k

Summary — Kim Seokjin is your entire world, and that world falls apart the moment he and your older brother Yoongi are conscripted into the South Korean military.

Part — 12 / 15

Warnings — minor language

A/N — highly recommend listening to "Soldier" by Taemin for this part (here's the link.) You'll cry buckets...not that I know from experience or anything...

Previous — Next

In less than a month, Seokjin keeps his promise. The moment you feel the plane begin to land, descending through the early morning fog that covers Incheon in a halo of peace, you're out of your seat and waiting by the gate. Sejin tries to convince you to sit, but as soon as your smile temporarily shifts into a glare, he backs off.

"Trust me, manager-nim," Jungkook laughs, "she's not sitting down."

"And if you try to make me, or in any way stop me from running off this plane to find Seokjin, I'll break your legs."

Jimin bursts out laughing at your angelic smile and fluttering eyelashes, adding the sickly sweet emphasis to your threat. Sejin gives you a thumbs-up as he rolls his eyes.

As the wheels hit the runway, you fish your phone from your pocket, instantly texting Seokjin. "Where are you?"

His reply is almost immediate: "Look out the window."

Doing as he requests, your grin widens. On the runway, standing in the dim light of sunrise, Seokjin waves his arms wildly. He's wearing civilian clothes — a black sweater paired with jeans and typical incognito gear: sunglasses and a beanie — something you haven't seen him wear in a long while. He looks healthy and happy.

True to your word, you burst through the door as the lock is released. Despite being on a private runway away from commercial planes, and BTS' return to Korea not being publicized, somehow reporters still find their way towards the aircraft. Luckily they haven't spotted the eldest member a little further back, but all that changes when you race down the exit ramp, push through the crowd, and bolt towards him. Arms open wide, feet taking you as fast as possible, you're careless in your show of emotion.

Seokjin closes the distance, scooping you into his embrace, off the ground, spinning around in the air. The sudden pressure of him against you is enough to break the dam of tears held inside. After spending a year and a half in a long-distance love — only able to speak through letters, texts, and calls — the fact that he's here in person catches you more off-guard than you thought it would. It's one thing to know he would be there waiting for you, but another thing entirely to have him in your arms, his warmth around you, his voice in your ear as he murmurs your name over and over.

When you finally pull back, Seokjin's hands cradle your face like it's the most tender thing he's ever held. His brown eyes are misty with emotion, and his lips stretch into a wide grin. "You're here..."

Nodding fervently, you place your fingers over his and close your eyes. Seokjin leans down and rests his forehead against yours, and the two of you finally feel the weight of 440 days fall away.

Even if just for a moment.

"I'm here."

As both of you attempt to close the distance, the flashing lights and barely-held-back noises of the media crowds not ten meters away is a rude reminder of how in the open you are. Despite being together for years, the world is mostly unaware of your relationship. Sure, there are theories floating around, but those come and go in differing forms. And honestly, because of your involvement with the boys, you've had a dating rumor with just about all of them.

That thought is enough to let you pause, bite your cheek, and settle back down from your tip-toes. Seokjin's eyes flutter closed in frustration, and he sighs heavily with similar emotion. Part of you regrets the agreement you made with each other — and the company — all those years ago. You were much younger, and the world was different. But now, would people really care so much if BTS' Jin was in a relationship with Min [Y/n]? Would it really wreck the group like Big Hit worried? Would Army really be that disappointed?

Surely, things have changed. In the year 2022, there has to be bigger things to worry about than two people being in love. When you shift your gaze to your peripheral vision, you see security keeping the nosey reporters at bay. Several of which you recognize from unpleasant events before. Despite your heart hurting at the thought of not being able to kiss him for a second longer, you know the hell that will break loose if you did. It having him means waiting another few minutes until you're in the privacy of the transport on its way to the airport, you can do that.

"Hey, look at me, Jagiya." Seokjin turns your face back towards his. As his eyes twinkle mischievously, his lips tug into a teasing smile. "I don't know about you, but I think I'm tired of hiding us."

Breath catching in your throat, you feel your lips part in surprise. "Are—Are you sure?" you whisper.

Your lover nods, and his thumbs graze the apples of your cheeks to emphasize his words. "If you are."

"And the company? The boys?"

"We've let their worries and concerns sway us for long enough, haven't we?" he murmurs. "This is our life. I'm tired of hiding it, hiding you, hiding us."

His words put your uneasiness to rest, and his soft whispers bring out a burst of bravery. Seokjin is right. You both have spent far too many years hiding your relationship from the world. All the time you've wasted worrying about appearances, or events, or the space between you both — both physically and other. He's one of the most important people in your life, and vice versa. You decide right then and there that there will never be another day that the whole world doesn't know that he is yours — and you are his.

Grasping the collar of his sweatshirt, you pull him down towards you. Despite displaying a smirk, Seokjin is eager to close the distance and cup your face closer to his. And in that moment, as your lips meet for the first time in over a year, your eyes flutter closed. The sounds and sights of shock around you, they're all irrelevant. All that matters here and now is you, and him, and this moment between you.

When you part, and your eyes flutter open once more, he's already pulling you into a tight embrace, nearly lifting your feet off the ground. "I missed you. So damn much."

Heart pitter-pattering at his words, you press your lips to the side of his head, spying a very shocked group of boys exiting the plane. Each of them looks a variant of happy but nervous, and Sejin's eyes are wider than you've seen in a while. All of you know that there's no going back now. It's all out in the open.

Good riddance to the damn secrets.

Jimin is the first to join the couple, his teeth showing as he gives a watery-eyed smile to Seokjin. "It's good to see you, Hyung." Seokjin releases you and embraces the younger member briefly. Jimin turns to you with a bittersweet look and a nickname on his lips: "C'mon, Aein. We need to go."

The exit is less than ideal. With the paps surrounding the airport, they've gotten wind of Seokjin's presence and the outburst of romantic affections between him and Min [Y/n]. They were hungry for a story before; needless to say your actions have added a shit-ton of fuel to the fire.

The ride back to the dormitory is quiet, mostly filled with soft conversation amongst the members in the car. Since Hoseok and Namjoon's enlistment is later in the week, both they and you take the car with Seokjin; the maknaes kindly offered to ride with Sejin in the following vehicle.

Your lover doesn't spare any details of his time with the military. He shares about what he's been up to recently, and how the new promotion has loosened his schedule a lot. He says he's enjoying the work surprisingly, but he is relieved to be all but three-and-a-half months done with his conscription.

When you arrive home, everyone is quick to dart into the dorms, eager to avoid any further press coverage. Sejin follows the group into the building, and you know he's going to have to play damage control for the following few days. It doesn't make you regret the decision, despite the inconvenience; you know Seokjin feels the same way when he squeezes your hand reassuringly and presses his lips to your forehead.

Once inside, everyone reunites the proper way. Hugs and laughter fill the space, each as eager as the last to embrace Bangtan's oldest brother. Hair is ruffled, giggles are drawn out, and Jungkook makes a show of picking up both Hoseok and Seokjin as they greet each other. All in all, the joy in the room is palpable; you can feel it around you like a warm blanket.

For a moment, everything is like it was before he left. All the pieces are back, and while you know Yoongi is still gone, you know his spirit is among the group tonight. You smile to yourself as you watch the boys' greetings turn to playful tussling, imagining Yoongi standing in the doorway behind you. In your mind, you see him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, voice filled with breathy laughter at their shenanigans.

And with that image in mind, everything is as it should be.

Sejin waits quietly in the hallway as the group reunites; after a few minutes, and after everyone has settled down, he enters the living room. He gives Seokjin a pleasant smile, clearly glad to see him again. Seokjin stands, bows, and greets their manager like an hyung, and someone worthy of respect.

"I don't want to take too much time from you all," Sejin sighs, glancing sideways towards you. "But as the manager, I feel I need to at least address what just happened."

"We finally stopped lying to the world and hiding ourselves," you defend, and Seokjin's hand wraps around your wrist.

"Was that really the best idea? They didn't even know Seokjin was there, let alone that you two were together. We're going to be bombarded with questions from the press and the fans collectively. It's all they're going to want to hear from us for weeks." Sejin runs a hand over his face. "I know it's been a difficult decision to live with—"

"—Do you?" you snap, only realizing after-the-fact that it could sound rude with the tone you used.

"Honestly," Namjoon pipes up from the opposite sofa, "no one will care by the weekend. Once they get wind of our enlistment," he nods to Hoseok, "that's all that will be in the news. It will catch them all off-guard."

"And then we can deal with the questions as they come," Seokjin states firmly, his hand on your wrist tugging you into his arms and onto his lap. He rests his chin on your shoulder, sighing as if relieved to have you close again. "It's been almost five years, Manager-nim. When were we going to be able to be out like normal people?"

Sejin's gaze lowers. "Like it or not, you all aren't normal people."

"Yes, we are," Jungkook argues, his usually soft face firm with determination. "We're normal twenty-somethings, and we deserve happiness and love, no matter what form that takes. God knows Yoongi's lovers haven't been limited to women, and the fact that any of us date at all has always been an issue. But...But..."

"We're adults, and we deserve this," Taehyung echoes his younger member, putting a hand on Jungkook's shoulder.

Hoseok laughs to himself, and when everyone looks his way, he shakes his head and says, "We're Bangtan. We've been the biggest group in South Korea — and some can argue, the world — for nine years. If it ends up being that all of us finding someone to care about and spend the rest of our lives with — like Hyung and [Y/n] — is what causes our fame to temper and disappear, then I think I can be okay with that. Army wants us to be happy. Good people, the company who cares about us and the families we cherish, want us to be happy."

"We've had a good run being everyone's boys," Jimin agrees. "Maybe it's time we are true to ourselves for once."

"And let the world follow suit," Namjoon poetically concludes.

Sejin, though clearly still bothered by the prospect, nods his head in agreement. "This is going to be a fun one to explain to Bang PD, but as always, I'll plead your case."

"No pleading, and no case," you state. "This is the decision. They can get behind it, or they can find another Bangtan."

The manager chuckles under his breath, shaking his head at the victorious grin on your face. "Aish, what am I going to do with all of you?"

"Maybe protect us from Bang PD-nim," Seokjin suggests with a signature laugh. "I think I'll avoid the headquarters for this return trip."

"Oh, lucky you!"

After Sejin says his goodbyes for the night, the group continues to talk, eat, and drink late into the night and into the early hours of morning. Games are played, stories are told, semi-drunken dares are taken that lead to as much commotion and laughter as anything you've had since prior to your lover and brother's departures. Much of it is filmed or photographed for Yoongi's benefit. Between you, Taehyung, and Jungkook, you get enough footage to send to the only absent member to keep him entertained for endless days. It eases the weight of his empty chair for all the members, including his baby sister.

Eventually, one by one, the boys start to peel away and head back to their respective rooms. Taehyung and Hoseok are the first to leave, forever being the lightweights when it comes to even the most insignificant amount of alcohol. An hour later, Jimin and Jungkook help each other to their beds. Namjoon stays up the latest with you and Seokjin, having not had very much to drink between the three of you other than a glass or two of wine.

After a deep and intellectual conversation about who would win, Mario or Anpanman, the leader announces his exit and gives you both a clumsy smile and wave. "Don't stay up too late."

"Okay, Eomma," you tease, swatting his arm as he passes you. Namjoon chuckles as he heads up the stairs, leaving you and Seokjin alone to yourselves.

There's a beat of silence, and then you're tugging him closer to you, giggling as you press your mouth to his. Seokjin is just as eager, tugging you from your spot on the sofa beside him onto his lap. His hands rest on your waist as yours tangle in his short black hair. A sigh of relief slips out as he pulls you against him, closing the distance to almost nothing.

The last year, the communication aspect of your relationship had suffered little. Between the letters and calls and video chats, you heard and saw each other every single day. However, the physical portion of your love has been kept at bay for too many months. To touch and feel and kiss and embrace each other -- you hadn't been able to do that for a long time.

And it shows.

Breathless, Seokjin pulls back, chest heaving, a grin tugging at his lips. "I'm going to turn sappy, but you have no idea how often I'd imagined this."

"I figured it was the best way to get across how I've felt," you shrug playfully. "I can be fumbly with my words sometimes."

"Until you write music," he laughs, causing you to capture his mouth in another kiss. "You're gonna have to sing it for me sometime."

"I've sung it a million times for you."

"Over the phone isn't the same."

On that, you can agree.

"We have a week," you grin, tugging on the strands at the base of his neck. "I think I can do that for you."

Seokjin's gaze softens, and he pulls you back in, gently cradling your face in his palms. The warmth of him is almost intoxicating, something you haven't felt in over a year. You never knew you could miss the feel of someone so much, but having a long-distance love has proven that it's harder than you thought. Worth it, but nevertheless difficult.

The kisses that follow are sweet and soft, a bit calmer than the ones a few minutes ago. Moving your hands to his shoulders, you let him lead you to a familiar dance. After so many years together, there's not much either of you can do to surprise the other anymore. You've memorized each other's movements, and you know his love like the back of your hand. You'd heard it said that love that predictable might get stale after a while, but the truth is far from that. Not to say that you can foresee everything he does, but every word he says, every choice he makes, every move he does is wrapped in an aura of familiarity. You find immense comfort in knowing that the person you care about, and who cares about you, is true to himself. Always. Seokjin has become a pillar in your life, and you honestly cannot imagine a future without him in it.

After a moment, Seokjin pulls back, averting his eyes from yours. There's a strange look on his face, one of hesitation and questioning. It's not something you'd expect to see tonight of all nights.

"What is it?" you murmur, tapping your finger against his nose to get his attention. The tiny gesture is enough to bring his focus back on you. "You look distracted."

His brown eyes crinkle at the corners, his smile returning as you tilt your head in an animated fashion. He's told you a million times how cute he finds the movement, and it always brings a smile to his face. "I've just...really missed you, [Y/n]. A lot."

"Mmm, nope. That's not it." You shake your head and pull further away, plopping down on the cushion beside him while still keeping one arm wrapped around his shoulders to minimize the distance. "I can tell, and you're not getting any more of this," you gesture to yourself, "until you fess up, Kim."

Seokjin rolls his eyes and places his hand over your thigh, encouraging you to link your leg over his lap. You allow him that much, having always enjoyed the little touch...but you'll never tell him that. "You're so difficult, y'know that?"

You flash a wide smile, dancing your fingers along the base of his neck. "But seriously, what's going on? You got real quiet, real fast."

"I shouldn't..."

"Shouldn't what?"

Your lover's expression falls slightly, and his gaze moves away from yours to stare straight ahead. "Say anything."

"Why not?"

He heaves a sigh, "Because I'm afraid the time isn't right, and that saying what's on my mind is going to make things worse for us both."

You reach over, take his face in your hands, and force him to face you. "Don't do that," you state sternly. "I want you to tell me everything. We've never kept things from each other before, and I'm not about to start now. Bad timing or difficulty or what-the-fuck-ever: I don't care. Tell me what's on your mind. I got you, Seokjinnie."

Seokjin's worry softens, replaced by mild amusement as you release his face. "You know I love you, right?"

"Very much," you reply, heat rising into your face. "And I love you, too."

His signature grin returns as he leans in, presses his lips against yours for a brief moment, and pulls away. As he clears his throat, he shifts his body to face yours, sitting cross-legged on the sofa. His hand remains on your knee

"I know the timing isn't ideal. I know I still have time left to be away. I know this probably seems like it's coming from out of nowhere, but I'm not lying when I tell you it's been on my mind since the day I left. I—I almost asked you then, but I knew it wasn't the perfect time. Now I realize that no time is ever is, and the thought of leaving again without getting an answer...I can't do that again. So, if you'll allow me, can I ask you a very important question, [Y/n]?"

You remain still, heartbeat slowly picking up speed. Somehow, you're not afraid, and you give him a sure nod. "Of course."

Seokjin takes in a deep breath, then exhales even slower. His eyes close and open with his breathing, and he takes your hands in his own. His thumbs graze your knuckles, crooked finger clasping yours with a tender touch. You dip your head lower to catch his averted gaze, flashing a small smile to reassure him that you're listening. Your lover straightens his shoulders, expression softening into the adorable smile that always gives you butterflies, and he begins to speak.

"I know you're not the fondest of white — or dresses — but will you give me the chance to see you in one?" Seokjin tugs a small box from his pocket, pops it open, and reveals a simple yet gorgeous ring adorned with a single black diamond. "Marry me?"

Your jaw slacks at the gesture, and your eyes flicker back and forth between the ring in his hand and the nervous look on his face. A million things were flying through your mind, but they're all silent now. And in your state of awestruck, you find yourself asking a stupid question: "You really mean it?"

Seokjin throws his head back, an exasperated sound--a mix between a laugh and a sigh--slipping out. "Ahh, Jagiya! Would I have asked if I didn't?"

You throw your hands up in defense. "Look, since I was younger I never thought this was going to be my future, okay? I never thought...I didn't think I could let anyone in this close. It never occurred to me that I could be the girl who gets married."

"Is that a no?" he retorts quickly.

"No!"

"Wait, really?"

"No, that's not a no!" You cover your face with your hands, wanting nothing more than to bang your head against a wall. Seokjin is trying to be sweet and romantic, as usual--and as usual, you're ruining it. "Fucking hell."

"I didn't think it was such a difficult question," he chortles, "but if you need time, just let me know."

You drop your hands swiftly, locking eyes with him, and uttering a single word. "No."

"No, as in you have an answer? Or no, as in you n—?"

"—Yes. That first one."

"And the answer is...?"

"Yes."

He freezes. "Yes?"

"Yes!" you exclaim, a smile growing across your face. "Do I need to scream it louder?"

"I mean, we can get to that, too," he chides with a smirk.

Giving a playful eye roll, you shake off his comment with a simple retort: "Just give me the damn ring, Kim Seokjin."

He does as you ask, taking the ring from the velvet casing and slipping it onto your left ring finger. As he does, he voices a whisper of a concern, the final murmur of a nearly forgotten fear. "You're serious about this, right?"

Staring down at the glinting jewel, you reply, "I'm more serious about this than anything." Your gaze shifts up to meet his, and you raise your other hand to caress the side of his face. "I love you."

The brunet's smile widens and he leans into your touch, his fears put to ease for the final time. "I love you, too."

"Prove it."

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Seokjin stands to his feet, scoops you into his arms, and starts the trek towards the bedroom, both of you giddy and giggly the entire way.

The next few days are bliss. Between the news you're eager to share with the boys, to the outings in Seoul with the group finally back together, it's hard not to look to the future with hope and wonder again. Even though Namjoon and Hoseok are preparing for their conscription at the end of the week, this week feels so much easier than the one prior to Seokjin's departure. That one was a mess of emotions; somehow, you're taking this one much easier.

Each of the members' reactions to the news of the engagement was perfectly in character. You and Seokjin had broken it to them the next morning after Jimin spotted the glittery addition to your ring finger. He was also the first to put it together, placing his hands over his mouth with widening eyes and a breathy gasp. Jungkook and Taehyung tilted their heads, then grinned like idiots when you announced in a high-pitched voice, "Guess who's officially joining the Kim clan!"

Hoseok dropped his spoon into his cereal bowl and stumbled over his words, while Namjoon blinked back and forth between you both. And you know that if Yoongi were here, he'd be laughing at all of them.

Everyone makes the best of the time you have together. There's definitely a trip to Lotte World, where your fiance and best friend hold tight to each of your hands the entire rollercoaster ride, and where Jungkook eats too much cotton candy and makes himself nearly sick. the day after that, Seokjin, Hoseok, and Namjoon's families travel to Seoul to see their sons, one before he returns to the military and two before they enlist. Everyone meets at Jiwoo's home downtown, being the perfect central location for a multi-family reunion. While there were some tears shed, it does your heart good to see that most of the day and late into the night is spent in joyful company, full of laughter and great stories.

You also make it a point to get the band under the same roof for a hearty meal and karaoke the night before Namjoon and Hoseok's departure, just like the good old days. This particular tradition is owed to Kim Seokjin alone. Even when Bangtan was just beginning, and there wasn't a lot of money to go around, you always admired that Seokjin encouraged mealtimes to be a constant pillar of support. He'd cook up a feast, and it brought everyone closer in those turbulent first years. It's something you continue to do as a group, even as a company at times, to this very day. Namjoon is his usual self, breaking one of the mics halfway through his epic performance, and Taehyung and Hoseok have a rap battle on one of their childhood favorites. The final night leaves everyone in a lighter mood than they've been in in months.

That night sets the mood for the next day. You wake next to Seokjin, knowing immediately what's about to happen. You'd slept terribly, despite feeling much more at ease than last time. It's still a goodbye, even if just for a little while, and you'll miss the '94s terribly. You'll miss Namjoon's unconventional wisdom and passive sense of humor, but also the peace and clarity he brings to every situation he's in. You'll miss Hoseok's lighthearted nature and sunshine outlook on life, but also the care and motherly warmth he exudes. They might be your brother's bandmates, but they were as much your brothers as they were his.

Having said that, this goodbye is easier. The event leading up to the departure goes well, and luckily the reporters were none the wiser at their conscription date and location. Both of the elder members are at peace with the situation, and this car ride isn't as silent as the last. Even as you pull up to the training facility, you can feel your heart pang against your ribs. Seokjin keeps a calming hand on your waist the whole time.

When it's time for final farewells, they aren't as bitter as last time. Seokjin and the maknaes huddle around the boys, encasing them in the biggest group hug they can manage. Their families also give them tight embraces, Namjoon's mother getting teary eyed, and Hoseok's sister pinching her little brother's cheek in a sentimental way.

When it comes time for you to say goodbye, you bring them both in at once, one arm around each of their necks. They crane over to hug you back, and you feel a sigh escape from both of them.

"I'll miss you," you murmur.

"Write to us, okay?" Namjoon asks, patting your back soothingly.

Nodding into his shoulder, you chuckle, "Can't promise it'll be as eloquent as you, but I'll write as often as I can."

"If we're lucky enough that our letters make it to them on tour," Hoseok laughs.

"Mail them to Sejin, and he'll get them to us somehow. The man is a magician." You pull away and glance up at the members, giving both a watery smile. "Be safe, promise?"

They mirror your request, and after a few final words, they're called back to the group and escorted off to their comrades. Even as they disappear from sight, you lean against Jiwoo's shoulder, knowing how it feels to see your brother walking through those doors.

"It gets easier," you murmur.

She nods affirmatively, heaving a heavy sigh. "I know it will. Just hurts right now."

After a short intermission, everyone begins to go their separate ways. The families return to their homes, and the maknaes go back to the dorms.

Seokjin and you head to your private apartment, shuffling through the door with silence as a companion. Your fiance reaches for your hand and twists his fingers around yours, keeping you from heading further through the dark corridor.

"Are you okay?"

Turning towards him, you heave a sigh and nod once. "Yeah, surprisingly, I'm okay this time."

"Are you sure?"

"You can still tell when I'm bothered, can't you?"

Seokjin's smile is soft as he flips the light switch, bringing the apartment back into the light. "Of course. I just...wanted to make sure." He shrugs his shoulders. "It's just you and the maknaes now."

A bittersweet expression covers your face, and you rest your chin on his arm, staring up at him. "We can handle it. Got a plan and it'll only be for a few more months until you and Yoongi are back. I mean, I don't like it, and I miss them already, but I don't think it's going to break me anymore. I'm braver and stronger now."

"I know. I've seen the change, and I'm really proud of you, Min [Y/n]." He presses a kiss to your hairline, and his voice softens. "Really, really proud."

Scrunching up your nose at the sickly sweet compliment and gesture, you pull away and tug his hand, as if telling him to come with you. "Having said that, I'm hungry and tired. All I want right now is some teokbokki, something nostalgic like Princess Mononoke, and cuddles. And preferably, for the rest of the weekend. I don't want to think about saying another goodbye right now, no matter how temporary."

Seokjin's infectious laughter fills the room, and he follows your lead towards the kitchen. "Well, we can definitely arrange that." He pulls you back into him, using your eagerness against you, and nuzzles his face into the crook of your neck. His arms wrap around your torso, cradling your back against his chest. "Until the weekend is over, you have me."

"Then hold me until it is, promise?"

"I've already made the promise that lasts a lifetime. I think I can handle one more weekend.”

Taglist — @joyful-jimin​​​​, @gracehiii​​​, @live-2-fangirl​​​, @rjsmochii​​​​, @btsnatalena

[kaisooficrec]

Any secret relationshop au because one of the Is scared to be out of the closet (dont want to be known as gay) or is famous/popular?

Hi dear, we have something for sure! Check these out:

Blood Feud- vampire au, both are vampires from clans that are enemies

Talk Nice - wanderingheart’s latest fic, idol Jongin and manager Kyungsoo. -cj

Blasphemy - Kyungsoo is really scared to tell everyone (except his very close friends) that he is gay because he is afraid that he’ll be judged. They have a period when they hook up and no one knows - moon

Baby, don’t cry by - They hide their relationship because Jongin is a very popular playboy and Kyungsoo is an orphan - moon

Bite Me - Kind of, where Kyungsoo is a human who is scared to be judged by superior hybrids and avoids being in public with his friend and crush. -cj

Daddies For Life - Mostly Crack. Baby Rock or Do Kyungsoo is the arch nemesis of the three oldest Kim brothers. Meanwhile, the youngest Kim, - Jongin - gets to be spoiled and babied by him. The first chapter had me rolling.

What’s meant to be, will be - based on reply 1988, kd grew up together in the same neighbourhood as friends and they’re dating in secret in fear of the homophobic society

break rules, not hearts - age switch. jongin and chanyeol are besties and there’s an unwritten rule that jongin shouldn’t break the ‘bro code’ and date chanyeol’s younger brother kyungsoo. or at least that’s what chanyeol thinks :))))

hands on you -  kyungsoo isn’t just jongin’s hairstylist. they’re boyfriends but in secret. smut

stay -  age switch. jongin is a uni teacher with his marriage in shambles and then has an affair with one of his students ksoo

Tinkerbell - a little bit of peter pan inspo. they’re basically dating in secret and kyungsoo thinks he doesn’t deserve jongin while jongin can never introduce kyungsoo to his family

You like my hair? Gee thanks, just bought it - jongin dressing up prettily so AG is quaking in her boots! and ksoo popping a vein but can’t tell they’re dating hhh

hand over hand - two weeks after The Practice Room Incident; aka two boys who kissed are trying to sort out their feelings that they shouldn't be feeling

Watching Me (Watching You) - Jongin and Kyungsoo are forced enemies by their packs, even though Kyungsoo doesn't think he would like Jongin either way. That is, until he and Jongin make a connection that there is no way out of. Now he has much bigger problems.

i’ll be there for you, ‘cause you’re there for me too - their friends basically rat them out to kyungsoo’s brother

I Hate You a Latte - coffee shop au. they’re constantly bickering and known among their coworkers as sworn enemies but they’re also sleeping tgt and in denial of their feelings :))

A loveseat was made for two, baby - Kyungsoo has a crush on his new housemate, Jongin, but does not know how to deal with his unrequited love and growing unhealthy obsession.

It’s Okay - shy cutie jongin is head over heels for popular upper student kyungsoo who also likes him but wants to hide that they’re together

so i closed the curtains. - trainee kaisoo / secret relationship. it is a drabble about their excitement seeing each other and being in love.

secret relationship because they’re famous/popular:

We Could Have Lived - Kyungsoo and Jongin grew up together, but when Jongin becomes famous, their relationship suffers.

lights on, minds off (fall into me) - actor au where both are in a secret rls but also have some problems so they break up at first

you’re my fifth season - both are famous but have to date in secret and then jongin appears in the news that he’s in rls with an actress

Afloat - slice of life and non au, kind of, they are in the group but also dating and they decide to keep their relationship in secret. smut and chaptered!

Your number 1 fan - a secret relationship between idol kai and his assistant kyungsoo, also slight angst :)))

Terms and Conditions - non au with secret relationship. (insp. by jongin’s dating news) shower smut, frotting, handjob, their relationship is gentle and loving, also pet names uwu

Come Home (To My Heart) - celebrity au. actor kyungsoo is in a secret relationship with model jongin, not just sleeping together. they have to be careful but wish they dint have to hide it. then kyungsoo enlists. inspired by our soldier!soo TT

where the lights are taking us - kyungsoo is a well-known celelbrity but jongin stays hidden and they also hid their relationship

the truth you tell casual strangers and people you meet + the truth you tell your friends and family - non au based on some of their activities

Baby, Don't Cry - literally a gem. around 22k, cliche kinda; jongin is a playboy and kyungsoo a nerdy orphan and they have secret relationship

love in slow motion - also non au. they’re couple also f-cking a lot jjgfj but keep in secret from everyone. smut

Also latest secret relationship fics are here :)

Happy reading! - KFR Admins

[petulant-poet]

Tell me about ur ocs

Okay okay I have been WAITING for someone to ask me this. I hope you’re ready for an onslaught anon!

okay so since you didn’t ask for a specific set or certain oc, imma tell you about my main oc’s, the prime 16!

the prime 16 are a class of super-powered individuals living in a post-apocalypse, and under the gaze of the institute they live in. that is, until they run away and make lives of their own! Their main goal is to regroup in Boston, but many decide to take the scenic route around the broken country. Here they are, from oldest to youngest and in order of class:

Class Alpha: the first class to emerge, they are the strongest and most skilled with their abilities. They’ve been in the clutches of the institute longer than any of the others, and their need for escape lets them find freedom.

1: Marlon, the soul scholar. He is the oldest and was the one to devise the escape plan in the first place. He escaped and went straight to Boston, using his power of elemental construction to research into soul power, making him a useful asset to anyone. However, his need for knowledge doesn’t stop there. He goes searching and looking where no one has or should, and finds himself deep into something he never should have disturbed.

2: Charlie, the shadow spy. She is the second-in-command to Marlon, but prefers to stay out of the limelight. She finds herself in the holographic city of Chicago, and finds that the best places for her are in the dark corners of the streets. She uses her ability intuition to become a valuable spy and mercenary, able to take out or find anything she is hired to find. She finds though that the shadows she saw as her ally can hold more secrets than she could ever want to know.

3: Colby, the glam American. Colby is a lot more easygoing than most of the others in his class, and is able to mutate his genes however he likes. He uses this skill to join a rock band and become a roving sensation across the ruined country. He finds that not everyone just wants to listen though, and that there will be people who may just want to use him for themselves.

4: Lydia, the lucky bullet. She’s the most energetic of class Alpha and has herself a cartoon physiology, making life around her a living cartoon. She moves off to the west to become a famed cowboy, and is beloved by the people around her. However, all cartoons have their run, and Lydia is terrified of when she will run out of luck.

Class Beta: the second best, the afterthought, whatever you call them, class Beta has heard it before. They have powers that are less useful in battle and more with other people, or in life. They are constantly played as Alpha’s little siblings (which they are) to an insane degree, leading them to often resent or idolize the higher class.

5: Kit, the lonesome nomad. He was one of the kids headed for Boston, until a tragic accident landed him on the road. His only goal is to try and make it to Boston with his brothers and sisters in one piece, and he will betray and manipulate anyone with his empath abilities to get there. He is cold and untrusting, but soon finds that self-isolation is an even colder fate.

6: Georgina, the traveling psychic. She has the power of divination, and can see the future. But it’s not the most reliable very often, only showing flashes and bits of voices. However, she manages to use her powers to go from some local psychic of a small town to a traveling performer, telling peoples’ futures far and wide.

7: Samuel, the bloodthirsty knight. He is the second most resentful of class Alpha, mostly stemming from his own inferiority complex from his power, action link. Meaning he can’t be a powerhouse on his own. However, when he escapes, he is let out into a war zone. He works his way up and becomes a soldier, soon earning his title through the bloodshed at one of his most famed battles. But his winning streak can only last so long, and he’ll have to find that out the hard way.

8: Sarah, the starry oceanographer. She is the most resentful of class Alpha, and ironically the first to reach Boston. She becomes an acclaimed sailor with her navigational intuition, and with her help ships stop disappearing into the shifting oceans forever. However, she soon finds out the hard way that there are depths too deep for even her to reach.

Class Gamma: the less put-together class, they escaped at a younger age and have less of a kinship with each other. The only thing that unites them in the slightest is their common childhood trauma.

9: Jordan, the reaper’s seeker. He is young and impressionable, but his path was set for him the moment the accidentally used his power, intuitive aptitude, to find a hidden tumor in his adoptive mother. From there he is seen as an omen of evil to many, but is used as a tool to find the issues in many for others. He wants it to end so badly, but in what way is up to him.

10: Robin, the false herald. Robin finds herself sent to a religious academy for her safekeeping, but in the process uses her power of possession to accidentally call down their god through her. She is revered as a saint and is given special treatment, but due to her identity as the herald, she never gets to find an identity of her own, which is what she wants more than anything.

11: Archie, the human pandemic. Archie’s goal was to try and reunite with his family, but the moment he first contracted the first viruses, he knew that would be impossible. He has the power of invincibility, meaning that the viruses in his body won’t hurt him, but they will hurt anyone else who comes in contact with him. He now wanders the woods alone, hoping that someone will come along and help him. But in the meantime, he has friendship with the other things living on him.

12: Adrianna, the nether queen. After separation from the rest of the prime 16, she finds herself running from raiders and police, until she comes across the entrance to an underground realm full of people that soon forcibly crowns her as queen of the underground after she kills the last one on arrival. However, Adrianna wants nothing to do with the affairs of the underground and longs for escape, and with her indomitable will, she’ll make sure of it.

Class Delta: the youngest of the prime 16, they have little to no memory of the institute. Because of this, they have no practice with their powers and have had their fates completely thrown to the wind, making them the hardest to find of the group.

13: Archie, the calamity child. He has lived his life jumping from one adoptive family to another, and tragedy seems to follow him no matter where he goes. From hurricanes to tornadoes and flash floods, Archie has always been the only one to remain with his botanical abomination power. He has ended up getting bad rep, with people blaming his power for his bad luck. He ends up becoming disconnected from other kids and mistrustful of adults, but just wants a family of his own.

14: Maya, the gateway girl. She was raised in the complexes of downtown New York, and with her friends is constantly braving the dangers of the uptown ruins. Maya’s own power, domain, is only known between her and her own friends. Not even her ‘parents’ know about it. However, she’s forced to face herself and confront her past when she finds how similar her power is to to the monsters living uptown, and finds some shocking truths.

15: Xavier, the griefer king. He was found by the real king as a baby, and after finding out about his power, animalistic abomination, he wholeheartedly adopts the boy as his own. Xavier is raised among the other griefers as one of them, but is abruptly put in charge when the king must go on a journey to expand west. He becomes a ruthless leaver, unafraid to go to violent measures, and finds himself reveling in the hunting of unknowing travelers on the highway. But Xavier soon needs to find the balance of human and animal, lest he finds himself going off the deep end.

16: Adeline, the sacrifice. The youngest and rumored to be the most powerful, Adeline lived her life peacefully without her power ever awakening. However, the truth came to her abruptly and soon uprooted her whole life, and was told that she must become a vessel to save the world. In the stress of everything moving and her whole life crumbling in front of her though, her power awakens, and everyone finds what makes her the most powerful of them all…

and that is the prime 16! Hope you like them, and don’t be afraid to send questions if you want!

[kerikaaria]

If I Never Met You: Chapter 30

(??? X Reader) Idol!AU, Manager!Reader

Genre: (PG13) FLUFF

WC: 3.3k

Warnings: None

Series Masterlist

Chapter 29 | Chapter 30 | Chapter 31

Chim: Seokjinnie hyuuuuuuung~ Where are yooooouuuuu?

Taetae: What do you mean? He was right… OH NO, HE’S GONE!

Joonie: I saw him in the kitchen making some food earlier.

Chim: Yeah, well he’s not there anymore. I can’t find him anywhere. Where did he go?

Yoongi: Does it matter? It’s our day off.

Chim: OF COURSE IT MATTERS!

Taetae: We have no idea where he is!

Chim: What if he’s been kidnapped?!

Taetae: Who knows what could be happening to him right now as we speak!

Hobi: There they go sharing one braincell again…

You stared at your phone, not surprised in the least at the source of the many notification sounds you received in the last minute alone. Jin was looking at his phone as well, shaking his head at the antics of his younger brothers.

“Did you forget to tell them we had plans today?” you asked, even though the answer was obvious.

“Guess so,” Jin chuckled as he typed in the group chat to let them know he was okay before Taehyung and Jimin sent a search party out for him.

The two of you had been walking along a beach you came across, just relaxing and enjoying the view and each other’s company when your phones started to get blown up. As you slowly progressed down the sand, not quite close enough to the waves to need to worry about your shoes getting wet, Jin continued to be preoccupied by his phone.

Just as you were about to tease him for paying more attention to the device than you, he suddenly laughing hard enough that he stopped in his tracks. You stopped as well, turning to him with your eyebrows raised, silently questioning what was so funny.

He eventually looked up at you, needing to suppress more laughing so he could manage to get out what was entertaining him so much. “Some fans really have the eyes of hawks. Not even censoring faces of the staff in videos stops them,” he said. Of course, that didn’t explain much, so you waited for him to further explain.

“I just came across this profile on twitter,” he said. “It tracks all the times that you’re caught in pictures that fans take of us. And also when you, or what fans think to be you, interact with us or are in the shot in videos. And that led me to finding a gold mine of tweets with fans gushing about our interactions and shipping you with the different members.”

Your eyes widened, almost comically. “W-What?!”

Jin resumed his laughing fit, but managed to turn his phone towards you to show you what he was talking about. And sure enough, you saw exactly what Jin described. A picture one fan caught of Hoseok at an airport with you standing next to him, and a bunch of comments mostly fangirling over shipping the two of you.

The sight under any of the other pictures this profile tweeted was identical, some even inciting small arguments between fans who thought that you would be better fit with a different member of the group.

“It seems like the popular one to ship you with this week is Namjoon,” Jin said once he was able to regain his composure once more. “Apparently the two of you had a lot of chemistry in this one clip where your blurred face seemed to be looking at him in a Bangtan Bomb.”

Your mind went blank as you slowly returned the phone to its owner, having trouble comprehending the fact that this was actually a thing. Were you surprised that there was some shipping going on? Not particularly. The fans knew who you were and that you were with the boys all the time, so it wasn’t a stretch to assume there were those who would wonder if you dated any of them.

But seeing that there was an account dedicated to spotting you in videos and pictures, and that spurred a whole mini community in the fandom that enjoys shipping you with any and all of them? That was crazy to come to terms with existing.

“Aw, don’t be disappointed Y/n,” Jin said after you didn’t respond, probably for longer than socially acceptable while you still sorted your thoughts on the matter. “There seem to be quite a lot of them who like the idea of me and you.”

Your head resumed normal functionality to snap and look at him. “Why do you say that like that’s a good thing?” you asked.

He grinned as he continued ahead of you, walking backwards to see your expression as he teased you. “Oh come on, you can’t tell me you wouldn’t enjoy being shipped with my handsome face.”

You rushed toward him, and he broke into a smile, laughing as he turned around to run away from you. “Yah!” you yelled as I chased after him. “Get back here!”

He wasn’t going anywhere near his full speed so you caught up to him rather quickly. He turned around when you reached out to stop him, catching your wrist and pulling on your arm to force you to fall into the sand, him following just behind. While your mind reeled, trying to comprehend all that just happened in the last half of a second, Jin continued to laugh.

“What was that for?” You asked after a moment of collecting yourself (again), turning your head to the side to look at your friend. He met my stare as his laughter calmed down, and you laughed a little yourself as well. “I was trying to not get sand stuck in every crevice of my clothes today.”

“We haven’t gotten to hang out just the two of us in so long,” Jin replied, ignoring your lame complaints.

You lightly sighed. “It really has been a long time, huh?” Of course you had seen each other almost every day, just as you had with the other boys. But by now it was easy to forget that there was a time the only one you knew was Seokjin, and that it was just you and him spending time together. Even after becoming their manager, while you got along with everyone fine, you were still the most comfortable around the oldest for a while.

“This is so nice,” Jin exclaimed as he turned towards the sky and closed his eyes. “I know none of the others are having as good of a time as I am since I’m monopolizing you today, but I hope they are recharging like I feel like I am.”

“I hope so, too,” you replied before the two of you fell back into a comfortable silence, watching the clouds make their way across the sky for a while.

After staying just like that for quite a while, Jin was the first to sit up. You followed his lead as he stood up, then reached his hands out to help you up as well. He helped brush the sand out of your hair and from the back of your shirt before doing the same to himself.

“So where to now?” you asked.

Seokjin shrugged. “I don’t really know anywhere. Let’s just keep walking,” he said, flashing a smile.

“I don’t know if we should spend that much time walking,” you said. “You know we’ll be walking around a lot every day during shooting.”

He just shrugged. “It’s not like we’re on our feet all day. Besides, what else are we supposed to do?”

“That is true, I guess.” You made your way back to solid ground, looking for where you should head to next. “You know, I think I saw a street with shops back that way,” you suggested, pointing in the direction you had come from. “Want to go see if there’s anything interesting there?”

“Sounds good to me,” your friend replied, placing a hand on your lower back as you walked.

The street you found was full of small shops, most of which were definitely aimed towards tourists. Small, overpriced trinkets and stereotypical “I Love” shirts were visible through the windows. While they had little effect on you, it seemed that Jin was rather interested in something he saw in one of the stores you passed by. You knew he’d just ignore it and walk past if he noticed you didn’t particularly care, so you decided to enter the shop first so he would follow.

The shopkeeper didn’t seem to pay much attention when you entered, distracted by the book they were reading. You turned around to see what would occupy Jin’s attention in this little shop and followed him to a display of tiny snow globes. You had to admit, they actually were kind of cute. But definitely listed for at least twice the price they were really worth.

While Jin picked up and examined a couple of items, you started wandering around the other sections of the shop. Past the keychains with names on them and the city-specific shirts on display, you noticed a jewelry section. There was a display case of cheap jewelry that was made to look more expensive than it was, but what caught your eye was what you saw after that. There were small bracelet designed to hold charms, and then a wide variety of charms to choose from.

As with everything else, of course it was overpriced. But you couldn’t stop yourself from perusing through the many unique pieces that were offered. You had never had a charm bracelet before, even though you thought they were interesting and would have liked to own one. You weren’t sure what you would have wanted to get specifically, but just taking a look for a while kept you entertained while Seokjin continued looking at what he wanted.

When I eventually heard Jin at the register making a purchase, you tore my eyes away from the display to stand next to him while he paid and you walked out of the store together.

“What did you get?” you asked

“It’s a secret,” he replied, winking at me. You started walking away, but Seokjin stopped as he looked back into his bag.

You paused as well, turning to face him. “What’s wrong?”

He took another second before looking at you and saying, “Sorry, can you wait right here, Y/n. There’s one I forgot to get.”

“I can come back in with you,” you offered.

“No, that’s okay,” he said, placing a hand on your shoulder to keep you from moving. “Just wait here, I’ll only be a minute.”

You shrugged, seeing no problem with waiting outside while he finished his purchase. He did perfectly fine with the first one on his own so it wasn’t like he needed you.

You took out my phone as you waited, looking at the group chat that Eric had put you into a few days ago. You were overwhelmed when it had happened. He didn’t give you any warning or ask you about it first, just decided to make a chat with you in it. Suddenly you had found myself thrown into conversations with not only Eric, but also Kevin, Amber from f(x), Peniel from BTOB, and Jackson from Got7. They were surprisingly active in the chat, although you hadn’t been able to chat much since you were added, being as you’ve been busy with work.

Some may think that since you’re around a K-pop group all the time, that meeting people from other groups wouldn’t be a big deal. But oh boy, was it nerve wracking. Got7 had just debuted this year, and being as Jackson and Namjoon had made quick friends when they met at music shows it wasn’t so bad talking to him. You were already a bit familiar with him. But the rest?

You were fans of them before I even came to Korea. Just like when you met Eric, you were still super nervous in the chat. But the rest of them were pretty familiar with each other, so they easily kept conversations flowing in the chat and were constantly trying to include you when they could. You almost felt bad for not being able to be more active in it right now, but they of course understood.

You barely got to read through the messages that you had missed before Jin came back out of the shop, looking happy with his extra purchase.

“Ready to go?” you asked, putting your phone away.

“Let’s go!” he responded, linking his arm through yours and practically started skipping down the sidewalk. You laughed, trying really hard to keep up with your shorter legs.

You found a local place to eat before deciding it was probably a good idea to head back to their “dorm” they were staying at.

On your way back down the street, a different store caught Jin’s eye and he paused in front of it.

“Do you really have something else you want to buy?” you asked him, raising an eyebrow.

“There’s something really cool in here,” Seokjin replied. “Can we just look really quick?” He flashed his attempt of puppy eyes at you, as if he needed that to convince you.

“Yeah sure, it can’t hurt,” you said. He quickly entered the shop, heading toward the display that had caught his eye.

You took my time entering after him. This shop was definitely bigger than the one we went to before, and wasn’t blatantly a tourist trap. It sold more expensive wares, things that were more worth their large price tags. What seemed to have gotten Jin’s attention was a display of really nice crystals of all different colors.

“Wow, these are really pretty!” Seokjin exclaimed, closely looking at a deep blue crystal as you approached him. “I wish we had room for things like this in the dorm back home.”

“Even if we did, these are probably way out of our price range, Jin,” you said as you examined what appeared to be an amethyst crystal.

“Yeah, I know,” he responded, backing away a little to look at more of the gems. “But one can dream, right?”

You nodded in agreement, turning away to look over what else was in the store. As your eyes wandered, you noticed the shopkeeper had his eyes set pretty firmly on Seokjin as he looked at the crystals. That wasn’t too unusual, especially with items like these you’re sure that they could never be too safe. But a few moments later another customer entered and started perusing through the other side of the same display that Jin was still examining, and when you looked back to the man at the register his eyes were still firmly glued on your friend.

You realized he hadn’t been looking at you at all, and taking a glance at the new customer as well, you started wondering if there was a certain motivation behind why he was eyeing Jin specifically.

“Hey, Jin,” you carefully said as you tore my gaze away from the man. Jin hummed in response, and you lightly grabbed onto his elbow. “We should probably get going, especially since we’re not buying anything.

“Yeah, just another moment,” he said as his attention turned to another of the beautiful objects.

“I don’t like how the guy at the register is looking at you, Seokjin,” you quietly said, although you weren’t sure why you bothered being quiet when you were pretty sure no one else in the store would have been likely to understand Korean. “I’m sorry, but I really think we should go.”

Jin looked away from the items behind the glass to glance at you, no doubt seeing the concern on your face. He didn’t bother looking at the man, knowing you wouldn’t lie about something like that, before nodding and seeming to decide that it was best to listen to you.

As you were turning around and about to leave, Jin almost bumped into the man who had managed to quietly approach us while we were distracted.

Before we could say or do anything else, the man asked, “Can I help you?” rather sternly. He also seemed to have been speaking slower than normal.

“We just saw the crystals in the window and wanted to take a look at them,” you responded in English, attempting a smile.

He looked the both of you up and down. “Oh, so you do speak English,” he mumbled. Then at a normal volume, “Well, are you going to buy or not?”

You did your best to keep the smile on your face despite how rude this man was being. You knew that the conversation was simple enough that Jin could understand as well, so you hoped that his poker face and acting skills were being useful right now. “Unfortunately not. They’re very pretty, but a bit out of our price range. We were just about to leave. Have a nice day, sir.”

You tugged on Jin’s arm to make sure he knew that was a cue to start walking towards the door. Once you were outside, you let out a deep breath, glad that was over and done with.

“Well, that was rude,” Jin said.

“Yeah, told you I didn’t like how he looked at you,” you replied.

“Oh well, at least we’ve had a nice day overall though.” Jin turned to you to smile as you continued walking. “One rude guy isn’t going to ruin this really nice day I’ve had with you, Y/n.”

“Yeah, of course not,” you replied, returning his smile despite still being a little shaken. He was right, one person shouldn’t ruin the rest of the lovely day you had. “Let’s get back now, hm?”

By the time you made it back, it was evening and everyone there was eating dinner.

“Nice of you to join us, hyung,” Namjoon said through a mouthful of food.

“Did you guys have a nice time?” Hoseok asked, a little more mannerly.

“Yes, we did!” Jin said with a smile. “I missed spending time with Y/n.”

“We see her every day,” Yoongi said.

“You know what I mean,” Jin retorted. Yoongi shrugged in response.

Not wanting to intrude on their personal time, yo just quickly greeted everyone before saying, “I should probably get back to my hotel room. I’ll be seeing you guys tomorrow.”

“Oh, hold on a minute Y/n,” Jin said as he dug through his bag. “I have something for you.”

“For me?” you asked. “Why?”

“What do you mean why?” He found what he was looking for and enthusiastically pushed the little box toward you. “Open it.”

You carefully took the box from him, opening the lid to find a bracelet. A charm bracelet like the ones that you saw in the case at the tourist shop. The charms adorning the bracelet were all letters. You gently picked it up, and as you analyzed them you realized there were eight separate sets of letters – RM, J, SG, JH, JM, V, JK, and (your initials) – representing the seven members of BTS and yourself. These little charms weren’t the most expensive thing, but that many letters couldn’t have been cheap! But also, how did he know?

“Jin, what?” you asked after a few moments of not being able to find your voice from the surprise. “How…?”

“I saw you looking at them in the shop,” he said. “When I went back in, asking you to wait outside? I had gone back in to buy that for you. I wasn’t sure what other charms you’d like, but figured I couldn’t go wrong with that.”

“It’s…” you were having trouble finding words as you turned away from the bracelet to look at your friend. “Thank you,” you settled on, smiling widely. “It’s really thoughtful, Seokjin. I love it. Thank you.”

He smiled back before taking the bracelet from you to clasp it around your wrist.

You rushed over to the others to show them the bracelet he got for you, hoping that your enthusiasm over the simple charms showed them how much they all meant to you. You’d definitely be sure to treasure this gift for as long as you could.

Series Masterlist

Chapter 29 | Chapter 29 | Chapter 30

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