#jeongin x oc

[jinnie-ret]

ep 7: the final weddings

ratings: fluffy, teeny angst

warnings: slight suggestive comment (from Minho lol)

running time: 2.5k words

summary: two traditions and two similar lifestyles come together. will they both be a match made in heaven?

SKZ MAFS MASTERLIST MAIN MASTERLIST

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S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍

They were matched because they've got similar lifestyles, Octavia is a headstrong driven woman who will make sure Seungmin knows she's here to stay for real. With his past relationship it could have caused trust issues, so despite his sometimes blunt demeanour we can tell this is someonewho truly thinks deeply and may need a taste of his own medicine to keep him out of his own head.

A gorgeous orchard with midnight blue flowers wound round trellises cocooned the seats lined up and ready for the wedding to take place. This scenic courtyard had bellows of periwinkle fabric hung above, along with some starry fairy lights creating a magical scene. Both Seungmin and Octavia's family were already sat and waiting for the marriage to be sealed. It may not have been the sunniest of days, the cloudy weather making the anticipated mood seem quite overcast. Fortunately, the almost bubble of a venue and the atmosphere that was about to erupt would make for a much brighter time.

Seungmin was first to walk down the aisle, arms hanging by his sides nervously, something that was out of character for him. His friends and family had noticed right away. In fact, by the time he had reached the top, all he could muster up was a small and short bow to both families. It wasn't like him, he had been in plenty of meetings before, ones with high pressure, but now here he was fiddling with the hem of his black tuxedo. Even with the calming aura of his surroundings, his mind was suddenly working at 100 miles per hour. Had he noticed the way that Octavia's family were whispering amongst themselves, it would have made him felt even more anxious.

Octavia happily strutted down the aisle, a bundle of nerves and excitement decorated by a sleek, silky wedding dress, that showed off her figure she was so used to modelling in her line of work. The warmth in the blush on her cheeks and the nude pink shade of her lips contrasted wonderfully with her chocolatey hair cascading down in elegant curls. With her father by her side to give her away, she felt that something was up in the air as soon as he left her side and Seungmin turned to face her.

“Hi, how are you?” Octavia smiled brightly and opened her arms to Seungmin in a short hug.

“Yeah, good,” Seungmin barely wrapped his arms around her before pulling away and looking down.

Octavia exchanged nervous glances with her family, but they tried as best as they could to reassure her with their own looks.

M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍

These are two animal lovers who, oddly enough, even though their reasons for joining the experiment may sound different at first, there is actually a lot of crossover between the two. Minho clearly wants that feeling of being in a relationship again, and Ishani is looking for someone she can trust. With Minho's open heart, he will be more than welcoming to Ishani, and together they can help each other grow as people.

A round circular path, with the grand presentation of a water fountain in the middle of it, led to an old traditional hall. The sandy tones of the building encompassed an interior with beautiful, chromatic tones, ornate in their history and attractive in stature. A vibrant red carpet created the aisle, surrounded by dark oak, wooden pews, currently being filled by guests. As they entered, you could already see how two cultures were being brought together, people of all ages from South Korea and India now sat waiting.

Minho of course walked down the aisle first, admiring the candles lit that created a glowing atmosphere and warmth he was excited to walk into. As he walked across the soft carpet, he wore a nervous grin on his face, bowing politely to both sides of the guests. His friends were especially excited to see him, as they initially couldn’t believe that this was real. Both of his parents were also there, his mum cutely holding onto a keyring of three cats, Soonie, Doongie and Dori. The whole setting seemed to match Minho’s elegant suit, the black suit he adorned having small details such as golden cat cufflinks, along with thin maroon lapels and a handkerchief that was the same colour, neatly tucked into his pocket. This was it, the day he got married.

The silence in the room only lasted moments long, before Ishani walked around the corner, hand intertwined with her father’s. She was a gorgeous sight to behold, ruby red lehenga with a gota patti embroidery style in gold, creating a beautiful blend of hues on her skirt. Of course, it was paired with a matching top and scarf. Another aspect of Ishani’s wedding ensemble was the henna that decorated her hands and feet. Despite the nature of the show, Ishani got the approval from her parents she needed to begin this adventure in her life, yet they had requested that she still pay homage to her roots and present traditionally. She had happily agreed, meaning that in a celebration of wishing her good health and prosperity, or, Mendhi, that was when the ink became apparent. Her mother had even cheekily made it darker, showing that she wished for a strong sense of love between her daughter and husband to be - in reality this strong bond would already be apparent. The stronger the henna, the more in love the couple is said to be.

Minho’s eyes twinkled with amazement and fondness as soon as his eyes connected with Ishani’s and she felt her heart nearly beating out of her chest as her father walked her further up the aisle, hoping that she’d get his approval to be with the handsome man in front of her.

“Hi, I’m Ishani,” she smiled radiantly at Minho, seeming like she wanted to do something more, give him a hug, at least.

“I’m Minho, it’s lovely to meet you. You look truly amazing,” Minho charmingly spoke, truth in every ounce of his words. He too wanted to hold his wife-to-be in his arms, yet he felt a bit awkward in doing so when her father was still standing right there.

“Ishani, take my hand,” her father spoke, before looking at Minho to do the same. He tutted as first when his left hand was presented, but quickly connected the younger two’s right hands together, visibly indicating his approval for the marriage in an act of Kanyadaan. After that, he smiled, patted Minho on the shoulder and took his seat next to his own wife.

“He approves,” Ishani reassured Minho with joy evident, quickly taking away his worry and mainly confusion.

In response, Minho sighed in relief, “thank goodness for that,” and then gently brought Ishani into a hug. Once they both pulled away, bashfully, mind you, the priest approached and officially began the ceremony.

S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍

“Octavia, would you like to go first?” the priest asked, the girl nodding in response.

“I feel like I’ve always been looking for the right person, so I’m hoping you’re the one who will stop my endless searching,” Octavia began with a slight out of character apprehension, but soon found her feet. “I hope that we can constantly build each other up and always have each others’ backs, because I know I’ve already got yours. I promise to make you laugh, hold you when you cry and eventually tell you how much I care for you. In sickness and in health, as the saying goes.”

Next, it was Seungmin’s turn.

“Loyalty and faithfulness are both incredibly important to me, so know that I will always stick by you whilst having a laugh too. I may come across as a closed book at first, but once you get to know me I hope you will appreciate and learn all the different sides to me, just as I promise I will do for you as well. This is a crazy thing we’re both doing, but I’m excited for the adventure we are about to begin,” he sighed in relief and gave a small smile once again to Octavia. She seemed more relaxed now after hearing his vows and getting an insight into his personality.

M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍

“To my wife, I don’t know you yet but I want you to know that I am willing to put my best efforts into this marriage so that it works. I will be there by your side to cherish all the little moments we have, and to celebrate the milestones we make in our relationship to come. I am very passionate about my job and what I do in life, so I promise to uplift you, encourage you and simply be there for you in whatever you do,” Minho calm and collectively recited his vows.

“My husband, this is certainly not a conventional way to find the love of my life but I hope that is what you will be to me. Trust is incredibly important to me, so I hope that this is something we can have between the two of us as we get to know each other more and more. I promise to stay by your side, and grow as a person with you as we explore this marriage together. Also, you better be a cat person,” Ishani threw in jokingly at the end.

“I love cats!” Minho exclaimed with relief, eyes widening in a newfound fondness already.

“Really?!”

“Yes, I have three!”

Their small, excited murmurs were interrupted by the priest reminding them to place their rings on each other's hands.

S.O 🤍 M.I 🤍 S.O 🤍 M.I 🤍 S.O 🤍 M.I 🤍

When Seungmin and Octavia shared their first kiss, it was short but sweet. There was a tentative approach yet soon they would be able to relax in their shared presence. Minho and Ishani’s kiss lasted a bit longer, and it was the clearing of the throat from her father, soon drowned out by the cheering of Minho’s friends, that jolted them out of their bubble.

S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍

It was now time for their first dinner together, where everyone was gathered around tables and getting to know each other. The newly married couple sat at the head of the stunning buffet, fortunately getting along quite well, exchanging stories of their travels.

“So, what do you do for work?” Seungmin enquired curiously.

“I’m a model. I do travel quite a lot for work so I hope that won’t be an issue for us?” Octavia crossed her fingers underneath the table, Seungmin spotting this.

“Haha, you don’t have to do that, it won’t be an issue for me at all. Actually, my work has me travelling a lot too,” he admitted with a nod.

“Really? What do you do?” Octavia shifted her body to face him more, taking a sip from her champagne flute.

“Ah, it’s a talent company for actors, singers, models too, actually,” Seungmin tried to discreetly describe what he does without naming the company.

“Wow, that's amazing!” Octavia nodded feeling impressed, something at the back of her mind feeling satisfied that they would be financially stable as a couple in the outside world.

“It is, I do love my job. Where’s your favourite place you’ve travelled to?” Seungmin asked.

“The one that comes to my mind first… I’d probably say Amsterdam. It’s just something about the atmosphere of that city that feels like you’re in another world; the culture, the art, the canals…” Octavia trailed off fondly.

“Sounds like a five star review. I’ve never been,” Seungmin acknowledged.

“No way! It’s amazing, really. I hope our honeymoon is there,” Octavia remarked in a wishful tone.

M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍

“So, you said you have three cats? What are their names?” Ishani asked the question she had wanted to ask ever since their mini discussion had been cut off earlier.

“Soonie, Doongie and Dori. They’re my babies,” Mihno cutely smiled, the expression reaching his eyes.

“Oh they sound so cute! I’m a vet and I love it when cats get brought into work,” Ishani commented, using her knife and fork to cut through her food.

“You’re a vet? Hey, one of the cats at this cat cafe I work at-”

“You work at a cat cafe? You’re an absolute dream,” Ishani couldn’t stop herself from interrupting, her heart fluttering.

“Yeah, it’s, umm, it's really fun,” Minho stuttered ever so slightly, not expecting the sudden compliment, “but, umm, yeah, one of the cats from the cat cafe keeps escaping the kennel area at night, and starts running around the cafe area and knocking things down. Is there something we should be doing?”

“You sure they aren’t drinking the coffee from behind the counter?” Ishani teased.

“No, no, no,” Minho chuckled and waved her question off.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. It sounds like they’ve just got the zoomies and are trying to burn off some energy before getting some sleep,” Ishani thoughtfully considered.

“Burn off energy? It’s like they’re trying to burn years off of my life expectancy,” Minho whined jokingly, making his wife burst out into laughter.

S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍 S.O 🤍

“Something about walking around, just the two of us, feels so much better,” Octavia mused, her hand intertwined with Seungmins as they wandered the grand hall their wedding had taken place in.

“I agree. Feels more… calm. I definitely feel more relaxed now,” Seungmin declared quietly, almost like he felt a bit sensitive in doing so.

“I did notice that during the day you seemed to relax more,” Octavia nodded in agreement.

“Oh you did? You must have thought ‘what have I gotten myself into?’ when we were at the ceremony,” Seungmin expressed in an exaggerated tone

“Yeah, I did,” Octavia sighed.

“Wait… really?” Seungmin paused in his tracks, causing his wife to stop too.

“No! I’m kidding, chill,” Octavia rolled her eyes with a smirk, pulling him forwards with her.

“Aish,” Seungmin blinked in amazement at being fooled. There seemed to be a void in his heart that was already being filled, little by little.

M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍 M.I 🤍

After the dinner with their loved ones, Minho and Ishani had sat down on the edge of the water fountain outside, admiring the greenery and fairy lights around them, as well as the starry night sky. The conversation between them flowed so naturally, before Minho’s intrusive thoughts got in the way.

“What if I pushed you in?” he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Not in these clothes!” Ishani whacked him on the shoulder lightly, both physically and in intention.

“Right, they’re far too gorgeous to ruin,” Minho let his eyes scan her outfit once more.

“Hey! What about… I don’t know, me?!” Ishani folded her arms.

“What… are you too gorgeous to ruin?” Minho seductively lowered his voice, before reminding himself this was the first day they had met, they hadn’t even known each other for 24 hours yet and Ishani’s eyes had immediately widened upon his question. “Omo, forget about that…”

“Ok, ok,” Ishani nodded, turning away and trying to hide her smile, seeing that Minho was trying to dig himself out of the hole he had just made.

“You do look lovely though,” Minho affirmed, always the gentleman.

“Thanks,” Ishani patted him on the knee. Their wedding day couldn’t have gotten any better. Now, they were both just excited for their honeymoon so that they could learn even more things about each other.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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[thewinter-eden]

almost summer | kim seungmin (04)

04 : I'M SORRY I LIED

Pairings: KIM SEUNGMIN x OC | YANG JEONGIN x OC

Rating: mature

cross posted on AO3 under the_winter_eden and wattpad under alone-at-last.

Warnings: post-breakup emotions, angst.

almost summer masterlist

< last chapter | next chapter >

Somewhere I had lost someone—so dear or so great or so fine that I never cared again; as if time dimmed, and color and sound were gone. -William Stafford

Sublevel four had an armory and a garage. A number of military-looking vehicles were parked in stalls, maintained by numerous mechanics who staffed the floor. Agent Hwang brought Maven and Seungmin downstairs, showing them to the Jeep that would be their transportation while they worked.

He took them into the armory and showed them the lockers that had their names spray-painted on the doors. They had at their disposal a set of ghillie suits, various munitions and tactical gear, and an assortment of surveillance devices.

Outfitted in neutral outdoorsy colors and a bulletproof vest, Maven reported to the garage stall where Lieutenant Seo and Agent Hwang stood waiting. They eyed her as she approached, scanning the MK18 that hung from her rifle sling and the M45 MEUSOC on her leg.

Tucking her thumbs into her belt, she nodded to Lieutenant Seo. "Ready to go, sir."

The way that the supervising officer always seemed to stare down at her like she was some kind of insect crawling over his shoe didn't appear to be personal prejudice. As far as she'd seen, he beheld everyone that way, even Seungmin and Agent Hwang.

"Then let's go," Seungmin appeared at her side, finishing clicking his vest into place. He nudged her arm with his elbow the same way he'd done in Captain Lee's office.

Maven stepped away, blood boiling at the touch.

Neither of the senior agents seemed to notice.

"You'll take your jeep to the end of the tunnel and take it on foot the rest of the way." Agent Hwang announced, laying a map out on the hood of the vehicle. "This is where the tunnel lets out." He pointed at a spot of terrain that looked like a hill or a rise in a field. "That spot is about a quarter of a mile from the portal site. There isn't much cover once you're under open sky, so watch yourselves. Do not take the jeep all the way. The integrity of this assignment relies on your not being detected."

Maven leaned in to examine the map, wondering how they'd walk a quarter of a mile in full tactical gear and be invisible to any onlookers. A river ran all along the tunnel that Hwang indicated, which she assumed might provide some cover.

"Any questions?" Agent Hwang wondered.

Beside her, Seungmin shook his head instantly before Maven could say anything. "Nope, we're good." He yanked open the driver's door and hopped into the seat, giving Maven a significant look.

Weary of him already, she shot a look to the senior officers. "We're off, then." Crossing around the front of the jeep and letting herself in on the passenger's side, Maven slammed the door shut after her and watched Hwang fold his map.

Lieutenant Seo and Agent Hwang both looked tired of dealing with young agents.

Seungmin turned the ignition and the jeep roared to life, rumbling beneath them like a box of loose parts. "You don't have to be so stiff about everything. Loosen up, Maven. You always were so rigid in public." He uttered with a condescending laugh, adjusting the rearview mirror.

The way he spoke to her with familiarity hit her like a ton of bricks. After a year of no contact, he had decided that it was okay to take their mandatory partnership and treat her like they were old friends who had simply parted ways? Fixing him with a seething look, Maven let her eyes burn into his face.

The boyish features and warmth of expression that had held her rapt attention so long ago suddenly caught her off guard. Every time she thought she could hold her anger towards him, she would be struck by his painfully familiar presence and everything would slip a little.

You always were so rigid in public.

"We're not together anymore, Seungmin," she started calmly, biting down the urge to hurl insult at him. "You don't get to micromanage."

He shrugged, flashing her an amused look. "Seriously, though, Maven. That was a year ago. It's time to let it go, don't you think? Come on, let's be friends." He reached a hand out and smacked her arm good naturedly.

Struck speechless, Maven stared at him. That was a year ago? Time to let it go? "Isn't that what you said when you broke up with me? That we'd be friends?"

He grinned, looking back and forth from the tunnel road to her. "And now look at us. Friends. See?"

Unbelieving, Maven huffed out a dry laugh. "I don't know why I'm surprised, what with all the running from hardship that you used to do. Still an avoider, I see." The words came with a vicious malice that had been brewing on her tongue for a year.

Seungmin didn't answer.

You both made mistakes.

It's not your fault.

You did everything you could.

He left you.

Everybody said those things, like it made it any easier. As though shifting the blame off her and dropping it onto him changed the fact that he had abandoned her. As though them telling her over and over again that she would be okay and that she would get through this made anything better.

He was gone.

He left.

He turned his back on the relationship they'd built.

Without even allowing an opportunity to fix their issues together, he'd given up and walked away. All because he didn't believe or didn't see that putting work into relationships is the only thing that makes any of them work.

He left her a month before the date of their wedding.

He broke their engagement without making a plan to work on it.

They'd done so much and come to know each other so well that they could have made it work. But he was a coward and a fool and he dumped her.

She hated him.

A year ago, every night she would go to bed thinking she would wake up and everything would be okay, and every morning she woke up only to weep at the emptiness she'd been left with. All the motivation seeped out of her bones. Nothing interested her. Nothing held her attention.

She hated him.

The tears never stopped. Her appetite for food seemed like it would never return. She trudged from task to task with heavy feet and numb hands. Everything inside her hurt. He had abused the beautiful memories they had made and had destroyed the future they had planned. He turned her life inside out and then crushed it.

She hated him.

They had both made mistakes. She punished herself for the immaturity she'd treated him with. She went to bed every night calling herself worthless, useless, and despicable. She'd been stupid and inexperienced and had taken advantage of the purity they'd cultivated together. He had hated the way she always seemed to be mad at him, or at least that's what he said when he told her over the phone that he didn't want to marry her anymore.

Coming to terms with the consequences of her carelessness had been a reality check. She'd sworn to get herself together, to focus on bettering her behavior and actions, to go through books and studies to get herself in the right frame of mind for honoring a relationship. She'd committed to going to counseling with him, to work on things together. He had no regard for the penance she was trying to pay.

She hated him.

He was a liar and a coward. He hid behind false assurances and assaulted her with pent up frustration and hurt in droves when he couldn't keep it to himself anymore. He hid from conversations and withdrew into himself and wouldn't open up to her, rather promising that everything was fine. He'd been lying since her birthday the year before, when he'd inexplicably blocked her for a week and then came back like nothing happened.

She hadn't been able to take him at his word since, and it had created a bitterness in her heart. She'd been stupid to react in self-defense so often. She'd been careless to let herself be hurt by trivial things. She'd been wrong to make demands of him when he was hurting.

Every memory of their joy and excitement continuously floated back to mind, every second of every day. The moments they loved and laughed and adored each other. The moments they'd shared as boyfriend and girlfriend, the times they'd tackled together while engaged.

There were so many more good days than bad ones.

There was so much more worth fighting for than giving up.

She didn't hate him. She never could. She loved him with all her heart, and she missed him with all her soul, and she'd give everything to have him back. He'd abandoned her. He'd abandoned her when they were so close to being together and learning how to be husband and wife. He abandoned her.

And she still loved him.

At the mouth of the tunnel, Maven and Seungmin disembarked from the jeep and headed out on foot. Rolling fields spread out before them in every direction. Far out in the distance, they could see the dark landscape of the portal site, where Nokken troops moved about in the Texas sun.

Picking their way down a narrow valley that had been carved out of the field by a small river, the VALOR agents followed the water in silence all the way to the portal site, out of view of anyone standing in the field above them. Local law enforcement had been instructed to leave the enemy outpost alone as long as none of the soldiers attempted to cause any trouble, so the VALOR team had no potential interference to worry about.

Maven let Seungmin take the lead.

He hadn't said anything since her outburst in the jeep, and she watched him switch into working mode instantly. He moved along in front of her, his head on a swivel, his boots picking the quietest path along the riverbank.

Rifle mounted to her shoulder, Maven kept her attention on the noises around them, particularly behind them. If anyone came up on them then, so close to the portal site, the likelihood that they could be overtaken and captured by the Nokken was high.

After a few moments of hiking, Seungmin came to a stop and held up a fist to gesture for her to do the same. He glanced back, signing that he would move up the embankment and make sure they were clear to crawl out of the riverbed.

Acknowledging his message, Maven focused on the other side of the river and the path behind them. As of yet, no one had followed or noticed their intrusion. She hadn't expected anyone to, as the Nokken were reported to be oblivious security guards rather than strategic operational scouts.

Seungmin hissed to get her attention. He gestured for her to follow him up the embankment.

Crawling on their stomachs, the VALOR special agents edged their way onto the field and came to a rest behind the cover of a bushy rise that overlooked the portal site. They set their rifles up on the ridge, peering through the scopes at the activity below.

"I'm not seeing any guards beyond their perimeter fence." Seungmin muttered, referring to the twelve-foot chain-link and barbed wire fence that surrounded the facility. "Looks like they're not overly proactive about security."

Maven found the portal. A collection of dark gray megaliths in the corner of the fenced area glowed with a bright purple energy, heavily wired to some kind of containment structure that she recognized from the satellite photos. When the portal was activated, that purple energy swirled within the containment structure and presented the gate between worlds.

She examined the machinery that surrounded the megaliths and portal. The enormous cables that connected everything together led her to believe that the machines provided some kind of power source.

"As long as they haven't placed any unmanned security measures." Maven responded, examining the ground between them and the fence. "Pressure sensors or cameras or something."

Seungmin followed the direction of her suggestion. "Could be. There should be a detection device in my pack. I'll run a scan." He set his rifle down and carefully drew the device from his backpack in as few moves as possible.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you." Maven muttered. She had her eyes on the front entrance gate, looking for whatever mechanism caused it to open. "I don't want to be hostile."

Seungmin paused in planting a sensor in the dirt. He watched her for a few long seconds and then shrugged, shaking his head. "It's okay. My comment was insensitive." He drove the sensor deeper into the ground and then plugged the trailing wires into a handheld monitor. "I wanted to be friends back then. But it was hard, you know?"

The gate didn't appear to have any electronic opening mechanism. As far as she could tell, it had a simple latch and lock. It looked just as thrown together as the chain link fence.

His words swirled around her head. "It wouldn't have been so hard." For a second, she pulled her face away from her scope and met his eyes. Gently, throat tightening, Maven prayed her words would sound right. "You abandoning me with futile hope was hard."

When he held her gaze, she offered a saddened smile—a small peace offering.

The look on his face changed a few times as the seconds rolled past. Surprise, guilt, defensiveness, surrender. Finally, he nodded once and turned back to his monitor. "You're right. I'm sorry I never texted you."

Sorry he never texted me like he said he would. Sorry he left me hanging like he said he wouldn't. Sorry he didn't want to be friends like he'd told me we would be. Sorry he lied. Again. Maven put her eye to her scope again. A lance of pain struck her directly in the heart, corroding over instantly with more anger. Can't trust a word out of his mouth. Can't tell the difference between a promise and a lie. Can't tell an apology from a false assurance.

Their vantage point looking down on the portal site had yielded a potentially comprehensive observation of troop movements in a given day. They noted the security rotation that had been graphed for them by University Station's surveillance team, and the army's training drills that took place on the west end of the camp.

They watched soldiers move back and forth from the temporary barracks on the east side multiple times a day, and in and out of another temporary structure in the northeast quadrant. Maven documented that structure as one that prior surveillance hadn't reported, one they would have to move to identify in following excursions.

Over the course of the day, they watched only eleven soldiers come and go from the facility that VALOR had sent the agents to investigate. In their assessment, infiltration of the building might be difficult if only because there wasn't much regular foot traffic going in and out.

Seungmin's detection device hadn't alerted them to any kind of unmanned security features surrounding the camp. The Nokken guarded the inside perimeter of the fence and nothing else. Evidently they were too cautious and afraid of the Scourge that they themselves had released into the wild to keep any security outside of their camp.

After a few hours laying motionlessly in one position, Maven and Seungmin moved inward, moving closer to the facility. They took up station in a wide burrow, where they could see that the river cut into the portal site. There were runoff pipes protruding from the south side of the building, pouring into the very river that Maven and Seungmin had come in through.

They spent eight hours laying in that field with minimal movement. Seungmin scanned for devices, Maven took notes in her field book. He snapped pictures from every angle of the portal site, and she kept count of soldiers who didn't operate in formation.

Only two hours into their day, Seungmin started complaining. He was uncomfortable, the ground was hard, the sun was hot, he needed to get up and move around, he was sweating into his eyes, he felt crushed by his equipment.

Maven grumbled at him every time he sighed heavily in discomfort, urging him to shut up and deal with it in silence.

He hadn't seemed to be listening to her.

When, finally, it was time for them to retreat back down the river, the freedom was like a breath of fresh air. Maven and Seungmin traversed down the little creek, returned to their jeep in the mouth of the tunnel, and returned to University Station.

"They put you and Seungmin on a project team together?"

"Yes." Maven turned up her Bluetooth speaker, an Elvis song increasing in volume so that Seungmin in the next room wouldn't overhear her phone call with her mother. "It's just him and me and our supervisor. I have to work with him every day."

"Oh, honey." Louisa Spanaway moaned forlornly. "How are you doing?"

At the rising emotion in her mother's voice, Maven felt her own throat tighten. "I don't know. It's hard. It's really hard. He acts like we were just friends, or nothing ever happened, or it was mutual or something. He acts like everything's okay, and it's not."

"Of course it's not okay." Louisa declared.

Maven sank down on her bed. "To get this project done we have to work together and trust each other. I don't think I can just do that."

Louisa scoffed. "Nor should you. He lied to you like it meant nothing to him. He was so careless with you and openly deceitful by the end of it."

Maven leaned back against her pillow, her eyes closing. She clung to her phone desperately, like her mother's voice could pull her away from all of the old pain that was reawakening every day. "I'm trying so hard not to lash out at him. I'm not doing very well, but you know. It's the reason he left me and I don't want to prove him right."

"Maven, he abandoned you. He threw off his obligation to you and destroyed your relationship without even trying to work through the troubles you were having. He tried to change you into his build-a-wife, and when you struggled to conform to his plan, you had emotions. You're allowed to have emotions."

She'd heard it all a million times before.

"I don't care if you made mistakes and should have controlled them better. You were 23 years old, in your first relationship, trying to graduate college and plan a wedding in a different state at the same time. Of course you didn't know how to control your emotions the way you should. You hadn't had the life experience to learn how yet. He committed to marrying you."

It all just sounded like excuses.

"He promised that you would work through all things together and build a marriage together. When you made mistakes, he ignored you for a week and broke up with you and blamed you for everything. When he made mistakes, you apologized all over yourself and begged him not to leave you. You are allowed to be angry right now. Even at him."

Tears tracked down Maven's cheeks at the words she knew were true but battled daily. "I hurt him, Mama."

"People hurt each other, honey, especially when they're married. They do stupid things and make terrible mistakes and they hurt each other. But if you're committed to each other and you want what's best for each other, you fix them and you do better. He hurt you far worse than you ever hurt him. You did everything you could, and more than you should have. He broke what you had for an inconsequential reason. He broke your heart and your trust and he threw you away like you were nothing, and he blamed you for it."

Sucking in a deep breath before the sobs could break free, the young agent wiped a hand across her face. Heavy with emotion, she stared at the wall ahead of her. "But these things happen. They happen to everybody. How do I do this?"

How many times had she asked Louisa that in the past year? How many times had Louisa been there to listen to her cry and rant and break over and over again over Kim Seungmin's abuse?

Louisa Spanaway took a calming breath. "Have you been able to talk to him yet?"

Maven snorted. "Not really. Not about what he did."

"If you get the chance, let the conversation happen. Let yourself get angry if you need to. He broke your engagement without discussing anything with you. You need to get everything out. Put it on the table, make him hear it, and walk away. You've carried the consequences of his actions for a year. It's time to hand them back to him." Louisa sounded serious and completely calm. "After you talk, then you can let everything be okay. Then you can work on trusting him again. But don't trust his words. Trust his actions."

Bolstered by her words, Maven nodded to herself. "Okay. Okay, I will."

"Be strong, honey. We're praying for you." Louisa encouraged softly.

"Thank you."

"Don't apologize anymore, Maven. You've apologized enough. Where you are now, at this point? You're well past any mistakes that you ever made in that relationship. You've grown and matured. You need to let this out so you can show him how strong you've become without his hold on you."

Maven sighed deeply, comforted. "I will. I don't want to be angry."

"Then let the conversation happen. See if he's grown up too, or if he's still the little boy that ran away."

[hyunbunlix]

Penance [hitmen!HyunIn]

Characters: Hyunjin, Jeongin, Felix, older fem!OC, Changbin (mentioned), Bang Chan (mentioned), Lee Know (mentioned) Rating: A/O for Adults Only Content Warnings/Tags: murder, negotiation at gunpoint, threesome, switch (dom-leaning) Hyunjin, switch (sub-leaning) Jeongin, switch (dom-leaning) OC, cunnilingus, spit roasting, throat fucking (f. receiving), fingering (f. receiving), creampie, overstimulation, riding, power bottom Hyunjin, thorough aftercare Word Count: 10,179 Summary: To Hwang Hyunjin, separation from the people he cares about is a fate worse than death. After breaking Blackbox's and I.N's trust in him, Hyunjin would do anything to earn it back, including murdering an ex-girlfriend and handing over Felix. Note: This is part of a larger John Wick AU, which can be found here.

Other than a text from Jeong In telling him to fuck off, Hyun Jin had had no contact with him or Blackbox since they’d left Korea days ago. Blackbox’s phone was either off, dead, or she’d blocked him, because all his calls went right to voicemail. He kept a residence in Seoul for downtime, and right now, he was pacing it like a caged animal. Felix was in the guest room, attached to his heating pad like a surgical fixture. Hyun Jin didn’t feel right about letting Felix stay in his home after he’d tried to kill Blackbox not once but twice, but he couldn’t stand being completely alone, either. He and Felix had been close, once.

            Hyun Jin’s phone buzzed once and he jumped, startled. He swiped it off the coffee table, seeing the first communication from Blackbox since she’d called him immediately after Felix’s second attempt at assassinating her. Despite Hyun Jin trying to both text and call her an arguably obsessive amount (it was not actually arguable), this was the first response he’d gotten, and it had nothing to do with anything that mattered.

            Jessamine de Laire is on her way to NYC. I’ll route details if you want them.

            He hit the call button, shaking with near rage.

            “Yes?” She sounded exhausted, her voice quiet and low in her throat.

            “Why the hell do you think I give a fuck about what Jessamine de Laire is doing right now when you haven’t spoken to me for four days immediately after an attempt on your life?” he demanded.

            “I thought you would want to know,” she said, not rising to his challenge like she would have in the past. Felix hadn’t managed to kill her that night, but she was shaken. “She was there, the night you all freed Chang Bin. I didn’t have a chance to tell you then. I thought you would want to know.”

            “I couldn’t give less of a fuck,” he said. “Why didn’t you answer any of my messages? I’m worried about you. Why are you ignoring that? Ignoring me?”

            “I was catatonic most of these last two days. You were right. I’m not like you, or I.N. Turns out being nearly killed by the same man twice damaged my psyche. I didn’t answer you because I couldn’t. I couldn’t do anything. This is the first day I’ve been up,” she said. She didn’t sound sad, or tired, or upset. She sounded empty.

            “I’m sorry,” he said instantly. “I was scared. I thought I had finally fucked up for good this time. I thought you were never going to speak to me again.”

            She was quiet for a long moment, and Hyun Jin’s panic rose again.

            “I’m about an hour away from NYC,” she said finally. “If you come and take care of Jessamine, I’ll let you see me. The night of the operation, she implied she wanted you back. It made me mad. You said she’s the only cheating ex you failed to kill. Rectify it.”

            “Consider her dead,” Hyun Jin said, his voice steel. It would be the easiest kill he’d ever made.

            “I’ll send the details,” she said. Then she finally faltered, emotion creeping into her voice, though Hyun Jin couldn’t quite identify what it was. “I . . . I’ll see you soon.”

            She hung up. Hyun Jin shoved his phone into his pocket, and a second later it buzzed again. She must have had the details ready to go, awaiting his consent.

            Hyun Jin went to the guest room, knocking but opening the door before receiving a verbal assent. This was his damn apartment, after all, and Felix was on thin fucking ice. Felix stirred, bleary eyes peering through messy blond bangs. Once they got to the States, it would be easier to secure him stronger painkillers. He was going to need them after what Hyun Jin required of him.

            “Are you ready to atone?” Hyun Jin asked, arms folded as he leaned against the doorframe.

            “I am,” Felix said, sitting up. He didn’t even bother to ask where they were going, what they were doing.

            “Good. I need you to help me topple an empire and deliver it to Blackbox,” Hyun Jin said. Felix nodded, looking resigned.

            “And after that,” Hyun Jin went on, “I’m going to deliver you.”

            Felix sighed, his eyes straying from Hyun Jin, but through the haze of pain and defeat, there was no room for anger or betrayal. This was Felix’s own fault and he knew that.

            Felix nodded again.

For someone who lived on the other side of the world, Hyun Jin had a pretty good idea of what was going on in New York City. Between running with Blackbox and Lee Know, Hyun Jin was well aware of how hotly contested the territory was. After the fall of the Tarasovs and the failure of the D’Antonios, the de Laire family had swooped in to take control of the region, giving them footholds in Western Europe, East Asia, and North America. Lee Know had been on the road to destabilizing the de Laire family as a whole, an attempt at taking Chang Bin back. Now that Chang Bin was once again a free man, Lee Know didn’t care about them as much.

            Blackbox, on the other hand, wanted them expelled from New York, and Hyun Jin was going to see it through.

            “You know your function, right?” Hyun Jin said to Felix as they closed in on Jessamine de Laire’s location, a high-rise office building like so many others in New York City. Felix still looked like shit, but he was moving all right. Hyun Jin planned to handle combat on his own, though Felix was still armed for his own safety.

            “Yeah,” Felix said. “Take out the birds and steal everything that’s not nailed down.”

            By that, of course, he meant taking down security and making a digital copy of everything he could find to give to Blackbox. Everything about the de Laire’s operations, illicit and otherwise, past executions, future plans, and most importantly, what the hell had happened to the patriarch. Everything right down to where Jessamine had buried her father would be in Blackbox’s possession before the week was out. A peace offering from Hyun Jin and Felix both.

            “Perfect,” Hyun Jin muttered. It had been a long time since he and Felix last did field work together, but the roles still fit like well-worn gloves. There were few places Felix was unable to get into, and the de Laire headquarters was no exception. Most of what went on there was on the up and up; everyone needed a front of some kind—even Blackbox daylighted as an investment broker—and New York was the perfect place to invest resources into the transportation sector. Cars, planes, trains, even infrastructure—the de Laires had their fingers in all of it.

            Once inside the building, they split up. Felix promptly disappeared while Hyun Jin went directly to the front desk.

            “Good morning, how may I help you?” the administrator asked, in English of course. Hyun Jin would respond in kind.

            “Is the matriarch in?” he asked, carefully enunciating the title that would let the administrator know which world he came from, and some idea of why he wanted to see the boss.

            “She is,” the administrator said quickly, “but she’s booked out for the day. I can try to squeeze you in for tomorrow if it’s urgent.”

            “I don’t think that’s going to work for me,” Hyun Jin said. “Tell her Hwang is here to see her. She’ll make the time. I’m happy to wait.”

            The administrator’s eyes widened a little, recognizing Hyun Jin’s working name right away.

            “I’ll let her know,” she said, a little tremor going through her voice. Hyun Jin smiled like he wasn’t about to commit a murder in the next few hours.

            “Thank you so much,” he said, then went to take a seat and wait.

            Sure enough, they sent someone to escort him to the CEO’s office within the hour. They didn’t even bother to search him first. This stupid bitch really thought he was here for her best-case scenario, after what she’d done.

            That, or it was a trap. Hyun Jin was equally enthused by both options. Felix had no doubt made his way nearly to the top floor by now after skimming information throughout his ascension. Hyun Jin was silent on the elevator up.

            When he entered the office, Jessamine rose from her desk, the wall of windows behind her showing the rest of the New York City skyline. She looked happy to see him. He smiled, an easy thing. God, he was so excited.

            “Hwang,” she said, a little breathless, like his smile alone could knock the air out of her. For a time, it had.

            “Jessie,” he said back. She pressed her lips together to keep a full grin off her face. She truly wasn’t cut out for this line of work. With her father gone, there was no one left to protect her from her own naïveté. She was pretty good at the business side of things, but as for the shady back-alley dealings? The old man really had sheltered her too much.

            “To what do I owe the pleasure?” she asked, coming around the desk, approaching him rather than the other way around. Why did she still let him have so much power over her? Why was she acting as though she hadn’t betrayed him before?

            “I heard you wanted to see me,” he said noncommittally. He had to stall until Felix showed up. “So here I am.”

            Jessamine laughed quietly. “I appreciate you taking the time out of your schedule to come here,” she said. She didn’t even ask who had told him that, as though she was still smitten with him. As though he might have forgiven what she’d done.

            “I like what you’ve done with the place,” he said, sidestepping her to take a better look at the office. Mostly, he was checking her security measures, but he made it look like he was examining her decor. “The old man never had nearly this much color in here.”

            “No, he didn’t,” she said, her voice holding a bit of frustration. “There were a lot of things he got wrong.”

            “On that we can agree,” Hyun Jin said, picking up a silver desk ornament in the shape of a horse and examining it. Jessamine had always been a horse girl.

            “Are you still upset?” she hazarded. He turned back to her, leaning against her desk and raising his eyebrows.

            “About what?” he asked, his demeanor growing a little more serious.

            “About what happened,” she said. “Before . . .”

            “No,” he said. “I’m not still upset.” It was true in its own way. He’d hardened his heart against her a long time ago. He wouldn’t kill her in a fit of passion like he had so many others. No, the blood he spilled today would be cold. It had been cold for a long time.

            She sighed in relief, and that made Hyun Jin want to strangle her. Jessamine de Laire was so used to getting everything she wanted that she hadn’t even registered him as a threat. She was so fucking frustrating.

            “That’s good,” she said softly. “Now that my father’s dead, there’s nothing stopping us from getting back together. I’ve called off my engagement.”

            Hyun Jin fought to keep the anger off his face. Her second engagement, to the replacement for the man Hyun Jin had murdered when he’d found Jessamine fucking him. A man her father had approved of, unlike Hyun Jin, who was too unstable to marry into an esteemed empire like the de Laire’s.

            Before Hyun Jin could blow his cover entirely, the electronic locks on the doors clicked and Felix entered. There was a smear of blood on his cheek and a cut above his left eyebrow; he looked pissed. He tended to mask pain with anger. Clearly, the double-up of ibuprofen and acetaminophen wasn’t doing a good job. He needed something stronger, and soon.

            “Is it done?” Hyun Jin asked. The security cameras, he meant.

            “Yeah,” Felix said, leaning his back against the doors. There would be no escaping that way. Jessamine paled. She clearly recognized Felix, the hamster wheels in her brain turning.

            Finally, the fun part.

            “Don’t you want to know who told me you wanted to see me . . . ?” Hyun Jin asked, too soft, too close to her ear. She whipped back around to face him, finally recognizing him for the carnivore he was.

            “That woman . . . She was with you both,” Jessamine said. Hyun Jin’s lips tugged toward a gleefully unsound grin.

            “Would you like to know who she is?” he asked. Felix leaned his head back against the door, letting his agony show on his face now that Jessamine was no longer looking his way. He’d clearly gotten in a fight on the way up and aggravated his back. The message was obvious. Hurry up. Felix’s stamina had been greatly diminished, and if they had to fight their way out of there, he needed to conserve it.

            “Who?” Jessamine asked.

            “Blackbox,” Hyun Jin said, and his grin was cruel now. “She knows what you did to me. She told me where you would be today.” He tucked a wayward strand of hair behind Jessamine’s ear. “Blackbox always gets what she wants.”

            “Blackbox took out a hit on me?” Jessamine asked. Hyun Jin let his tongue poke between his teeth.

            “I’m not getting paid to do this if that’s what you’re asking. Blackbox does co-sign your death, though. You offended her by insinuating I would ever leave her for you,” Hyun Jin said. Jessamine looked back at Felix, then at Hyun Jin again.

            “She’s no better than me,” Jessamine said. “I saw her with him.”

           “Yeah,” Hyun Jin said with a chuckle. “She gives a damn good blowjob, that’s for sure. See, Blackbox never agreed to be exclusive with me, Jessamine. She doesn’t make promises she has no intention of keeping. Don’t you dare compare yourself to her. Only one of you is a woman of integrity.”

            Finally, she was rendered speechless.

            “Now then,” Hyun Jin went on, “in the interest of time, I would like to give you a choice. Either let me kill you, or do it yourself.” She glanced at the gun in his hand, suppressor on the muzzle, smoothly and casually drawn. He then gestured with his free hand to the wall of windows behind them, implying she jump.

            “Lady’s choice,” he said softly, like this was the biggest favor he could do for her.

            “You’d love it if I did it myself, wouldn’t you?” she snarled. “Absolve yourself of any blame?”

            He laughed for real then. “You clearly never knew me very well if you think I wouldn’t relish killing you with an audience,” he said. Then, turning almost wistful, he added, “You want to know how Blackbox got my attention?”

            “No,” Jessamine spat. “I don’t want to hear anything about that bitch.”

            “She sacrificed forty-seven people to me. Let me kill them right in front of her, one after another. She let me do it, watched the whole thing without flinching, then masturbated to thoughts of me that same night. Blackbox accepts me, my nature, the way you and yours never did. You liked me because I was pretty, because I was good in bed, and you ignored the parts of me you felt were beneath you. Blackbox told me where you were, the times of your flights, where you got your fucking coffee this morning. Blackbox knows everything, who you are, what I am, and she hasn’t betrayed me the way you did. Blackbox gift-wrapped you and ensured this would be your last day on Earth. Now choose.”

            Jessamine’s gaze was hateful as she went to her desk, opened a drawer. Hyun Jin practically rolled his eyes as she drew the handgun and moved to very obviously aim it at him rather than her own head like a sensible person. Hyun Jin put two bullets in her skull himself, and she crumpled. He sighed.

            “I don’t know why I liked her in the first place,” he muttered as he took door-guarding duty over from Felix. Felix moved to the desk to copy as much as he could off Jessamine’s electronics. Hyun Jin kept his gun out, ready to defend Felix should anyone come in. No one did.

            Felix worked quickly and silently, no doubt eager to be done with this.

It was around six in the evening when Blackbox’s phone buzzed with a call from Hyun Jin. Jeong In quickly came into the living area from the kitchen to listen.

            “Is it done?” she asked.

            “It’s done,” Hyun Jin confirmed.

            “Where are you now?”

            “The Continental.”

            “Is Felix with you?”

            “Yes and no,” Hyun Jin said, his voice steely. “I brought him to the States, yes, but we have different rooms on different floors.”

            “I see,” she said, though she couldn’t quantify exactly how she felt about it just then. She’d had a feeling Hyun Jin would recruit Felix to help him get this done. He had always been a vengeful man; there was probably a part of him that delighted in making Felix work while he was supposed to be recovering.

            “Felix has something for you,” Hyun Jin went on. Jeong In was looking at the phone like it might bite.

            “What is it?” she asked.

            “He scraped Jessamine’s devices. A few other people’s, too. He wants you to have the data. So do I,” Hyun Jin said.

            She remained silent for a few beats. Jeong In looked like he’d bitten into something exceptionally foul, but she couldn’t tell from looking at him what his exact opinion was.

            “Very well,” she said finally. “I’ll send you an address tomorrow morning. Bring him to me.”

            “Yes, ma’am,” Hyun Jin replied. “I look forward to seeing you.”

            “I know you do,” she answered, then ended the call. To say Jeong In looked displeased would be an understatement.

            “You’re not going to have them come here, are you?” he asked.

            “I don’t have much of a choice,” she said. “I need the location to be secure, and we can’t meet at the Continental.”

            “Why not?” Jeong In asked. He probably thought meeting on Continental grounds would keep her the safest. He was shortsighted that way when it came to her.

            “Because I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to shoot Felix, and I’d rather not face the punishment for conducting business on Continental grounds,” she said, her voice low. Jeong In gave a humorless chuckle then, but his shoulders relaxed in the knowledge that she was taking this very seriously.

            “When you put it like that, I understand completely,” he said.

            “Besides,” she added, reaching to touch his arm. “I’ll have you with me the entire time. Even if Felix tries something, and even if Hyun Jin has truly decided to betray me, I know you won’t let it happen. You said you wouldn’t lose me again, and I could feel how much you meant it.”

            His expression softened further as he stepped closer to her, putting his hand on her neck, his thumb on her cheek. “I did,” he said, his voice so incredibly tender, “and I do.”

When Felix and Hyun Jin stepped into the condo, they were unarmed. They’d both left anything even vaguely threatening in their rooms at the Continental. Hyun Jin had insisted on searching Felix before they left, which Felix found both incredibly annoying and perfectly understandable. When the Gumiho let them in, Blackbox was sitting at the dining table, handgun on the surface in front of her. As she stood, she picked it up, primed it, and took aim at Felix. It was perhaps the most casual he’d ever seen her look—jeans, camisole, long cardigan—if one could ignore the gun. He eyed the firearm, and his lips parted in surprise when he realized it was his, the one I.N had confiscated from him during the standoff in the stairwell.

            “Search them,” she said in Korean to I.N, who promptly obliged, his expression dark. I.N, too, was dressed down from his usual attire; today he wore a navy blue t-shirt tucked into black pants with an obvious gun holster on his right hip. Clearly, both he and Blackbox were ready to drop Felix at a moment’s provocation.

            “I find it hard to believe you would allow me here just to kill me,” Felix said, holding perfectly still. I.N’s search was thorough; he was in the same line of work, so he knew every single spot to check, no matter how unlikely. Satisfied, he moved on to Hyun Jin. Blackbox didn’t remove her aim from Felix.

            “You don’t know me very well,” she said.

            “Yeah,” he agreed, “but you didn’t kill me before, so why would you do it now?”

            “I don’t kill unconscious men,” she said. Felix clenched his jaw. His spine was still brutalizing him with pain signals regardless of the hot patch and KT tape doing their best to hold him together. The sixteen-hour plane ride and going into the field with Hyun Jin hadn’t helped.

            “All clear,” I.N said, straightening and returning to Blackbox’s side. Hyun Jin had a particularly wounded look on his face.

            “Yeah, I suppose you don’t,” Felix muttered. “You have dogs for that.”

            She crossed the floor slowly, her expression as dark as I.N’s.

            “I do,” she said, moving the conversation into English, ensuring her every word was exact and could not be misconstrued. “And you are lucky I chose to call the one I did that night.” She put her right hand on Hyun Jin’s shoulder then, and Felix watched the tension abruptly leave the line of the other man’s shoulders. He hadn’t been exaggerating before; he was like a drowning man and she his air.

            “The Gumiho would have killed you on sight, and I knew that,” she said. “So I will repeat myself: I don’t kill unconscious men,” she said, enunciating the last five words very carefully, grazing the barrel of the gun just under Felix’s chin. Her finger wasn’t on the trigger, but that could change in an instant. Felix was abruptly hyperaware that he was the shortest person in the room.

            “You should thank me for my mercy,” she continued, “and I.N for his. He’s had no fewer than three chances to kill you now, and he’s forfeited each one because I willed it so. He wanted to go back for you that night and finish the job, but I asked him to stay with me instead. He wants you dead so badly, and I am the only thing standing between you and him. Not even Hyun Jin could save you now. He wouldn’t dare.”

            Hyun Jin stiffened, though her grip on his shoulder hadn’t changed. He was watching her so closely, and even in a situation like this, Felix could see the adoration bleeding from his eyes. He’d already told Felix he would bury him if it meant staying at this woman’s side, and right here, right now, Felix truly believed it. She was actively threatening Felix, and Hyun Jin looked relieved by the mere implication that she trusted him to be on her side.

            “Why did you allow me here, then?” Felix asked. He hadn’t moved a muscle save what it took to talk. He knew better than to press his luck with a loaded firearm in someone else’s grip. “If you’re just going to kill me, why do it here, under your own roof, when you could have had Hyun Jin kill me where I stood this entire time?”

            “Because this is personal,” she said. “You tried to smother me, Felix. You had the audacity to kiss me, to put your cock in my mouth, knowing the entire time you meant to kill me that night. That’s fucked up, even for the Smiler.”

            “The blowjob was your idea,” he countered.

            “And you should have told me no,” she said. “Knowing everything you did, you should have refused me. But you didn’t. You took advantage. And you’ll pay for it.”

            “How?” he asked. “I can’t undo it.”

            “No,” she said, “you can’t. But you can make it up to me with your life.”

            She released Hyun Jin’s shoulder then, and without a backward glance at Felix, he stood aside, nearer to I.N than to Felix. Felix fought to keep any emotion off his face.

            “What do you want from me?” Felix said, voice a little strained now, close to panic but not quite there.

            “You have a month-long recovery ahead of you, correct?” she asked. Felix didn’t bother to ask where she’d gotten that information. Probably Hyun Jin. He nodded. “That means no more field work, yes?”

            “Yes,” he answered.

            “Is Lee Know aware yet?”

            “No,” Felix answered. “He knows I failed, and that’s all. I haven’t contacted him since the night it happened. He doesn’t even know I left the country.”

            “Good,” she said. “You’re going to keep it that way until or unless I instruct you otherwise. You’ll use this month to pick up what I’ve missed while dealing with Lee Know and Bang Chan and all their petty shit I couldn’t possibly give less of a fuck about anymore. And by the time the month is over, you’ll have either repaid your debt to me, or I will take the remainder from you.”

            He eyed the gun in her grip. She wasn’t left-handed. The message was clear; he was beneath her, and wouldn’t require her full effort to put down. Hell, she probably wouldn’t even have to do it herself. Felix met I.N’s cold eyes over her shoulder for just a moment.

            “I don’t think that’s necessary,” he said, his mind numb with resignation. He couldn’t believe what he was about to do.

            “Oh?” she said. “And why’s that?”

            He fished his phone out of his pocket and held it out to her. She eyed it suspiciously, but took it with her free hand. She held it back over her shoulder, and I.N relieved her of it.

            Then, Felix got to his knees and bowed his head.

            “Because what I did to you can’t be rectified in a single month,” he said. “I know an impossible task when I see one. What I’ve done is unforgivable, and there’s nothing less than my life itself that can repay it.”

            He paused long enough to take a breath and steady himself. From his other pocket, he drew the Marker, a physical representation of the oath he was about to make in blood. The Marker was little bigger than the average pocket watch, yet it felt brutally heavy in his grasp.

            “So it’s yours. The rest of it. If that means you have to make me look dead to the world, so be it. If that means I have to be your eyes and ears for the rest of my life, so be it. What I tried to do to you is one of the worst things I’ve ever done in my life. And if the way I make up for that is by never holding a gun again and doing only as I’m told, then so be it. I surrender.”

            She was silent for a moment. “Then I will consider this next month your audition. You know what will happen if you disappoint me.”

            “I do,” he said, head still bowed. He wouldn’t dare look at her, not right now, not until she said he could.

            “Get up,” she said. He rose, and registered that her free hand was open for the Marker. Silently, he opened the metal disk and jammed his thumb onto the protrusion at the top. Compared to his back, this pain was nothing. He pressed his bloody thumb into the inner recess of the Marker, lifting it away to leave his crimson thumbprint behind. Then he handed it to her. She looked at it for a long moment, then snapped it shut, putting it into her own pocket.

            “Hyun Jin,” she said, though her eyes didn’t leave Felix, “escort Felix back to the Continental.” She’d switched back to Korean to better include everyone in the conversation. “Felix, you are not to leave the grounds until I send for you, personally or via I.N or Hyun Jin. Am I clear?”

            “Yes,” Felix said.

            “Then get out of my sight.”

            Hyun Jin approached Felix but hesitated. He turned to Blackbox; he looked like he was barely holding himself together. Blackbox had made both him and Felix a wreck for completely different reasons.

            “After I take him, may I come back?” Hyun Jin asked. There was a faint tremor in his voice, terrified by the prospect of remaining estranged from her. Over Blackbox’s shoulder, I.N looked like he wanted to maim Hyun Jin for his audacity.

            “You may,” she said. Hyun Jin sighed, his eyes closing for a moment. His relief was a nearly physical force, changing the color of the whole room. He got a hold of himself a moment later, putting a hand on Felix’s shoulder and ushering him back out the door. It locked and bolted behind them.

            “Was that your personal phone?” Hyun Jin asked as they made the elevator. Felix twisted the rose-gold band around his right ring finger, careful not to get blood on it. If Blackbox had noticed he was wearing her ring, she hadn’t given any indication.

            “Yeah,” Felix said.

“I can’t believe you would be that reckless,” Jeong In said softly. She turned away from the door, making her gun safe and unloaded once again.

            “Not reckless,” she said. “Calculated. We don’t get anywhere in this world without taking risks.”

            “But to let Hyun Jin come back . . .”

            “It’ll be all right. You’re here, and I know you won’t leave me alone with him no matter how hard he begs, not until he’s earned it. Besides, I don’t want to risk leaving him with Felix any longer. They were close, once. I don’t want them rekindling anything until or unless it suits my needs.”

            Jeong In hadn’t seen her like this in a long time. Frigid, sharp, willing to manipulate even those she cared about if it meant keeping the upper hand. But Felix and even Hyun Jin had forced her, and Jeong In added it to the long list of reasons why he was glad to be on her good side.

            “Besides,” she went on, setting the empty firearm and its magazine back down on the table, “Felix knows where I am now. If he tries to come back and kill me one last time, Hyun Jin will have the chance to prove his loyalty. Should he fail that test, you’re welcome to eliminate them both.”

            Jeong In approached her then, gently cupping her face in his hands. He’d thawed entirely once the other men left, earnest and open, just for her. He knew how much it had to hurt her to turn her back on Hyun Jin like that, even hypothetically.

            “I trust you more than anyone, Jeong In,” she said softly, gripping his arms like he was her lifeline. “No matter what happens, it’s you and me . . . I don’t have the words to describe how grateful I am to have you here . . .”

            He folded her into a hug then, holding her close for a long few minutes, letting her come down, back to herself, the version of her that was only human rather than a force, a terror.

            “I’m not going anywhere,” he said against her hair. “I promise.”

            “I know,” she said, finally pulling back from him. “Now, let’s see what’s on that phone.”

            When Jeong In fished the smartphone from his pocket and handed it to her, the first shock was the lack of security measures enabled. A quick look at the settings showed that Felix favored the fingerprint scanner and face I.D. plus a PIN. All of it was disabled.

            She took a seat on the couch and Jeong In sat beside her. Even just a cursory sweep would take hours. Contacts, text messages, emails, photos, notes, documents. It would take cumulative days to comb through everything here.

            “Is it legitimate?” Jeong In asked.

           “Looks like it,” she said. “Even if he made a copy, which I can almost guarantee he has, this is incredible.” Biting the corner of her lip, she navigated deeper. “There’s so much shit on the de Laires in here . . . I could root them out of New York with this, easily. I don’t even have to touch their global holdings if I don’t want to.” She backed out of that folder and tapped into a document about Lee Know. It had been created two days ago, an unorganized stream-of-consciousness dump that read like Felix jotting down everything he could think of regarding his former boss. The timing couldn’t be coincidental.

            “Do you think any of it is a trap?” Jeong In asked, looking directly over her shoulder to get around the privacy screen protector on the device.

            “I don’t know, but we can verify it later. This is going to take at least a week of dedicated time to go through, maybe more,” she said.

            They were still combing through the data when Hyun Jin knocked on the door nearly three hours later. They both knew it was him because he knocked exactly the same way every single time.

            “Let him in,” she said, and Jeong In got up. Sure enough, there was Hyun Jin, his overnight bag slung over his shoulder.

            “You can take the second bedroom,” she said from the couch without moving or looking up. Jeong In saw the hurt crease Hyun Jin’s expression but felt very little in the way of sympathy. The only thing Jeong In could think about was Hyun Jin’s hand on her neck and his gun to her head, all to save the fucking Smiler.

            “Thank you,” Hyun Jin said, leaving his shoes by the door and retreating to the second bedroom. Jeong In, of course, had been sleeping in the master with her this entire time, so the extra room had remained untouched. He went back to the couch, sitting beside her again, his leg resting against hers just to let her know he was there if she needed him. She patted his thigh but didn’t look up from the phone. A few minutes later, Hyun Jin came to the living room and took a seat in one of the plush chairs perpendicular to the sofa. He watched her carefully, but still she didn’t look away from the phone.

            “Why are you here, Hyun Jin?” she asked finally. There was a distinct lack of emotion in her voice that made Jeong In think of Bang Chan when he dealt with clients. They both had an air like they were larger than life, never to be trifled with.

            “Because I missed you,” he said. “Because I was worried about you. Because for almost a week I was under the honest to god impression I was never going to see you again for more than a few minutes.”

            Finally, she lowered the phone and looked at him. “I wouldn’t do that to you without a reason.”

            “You have reasons,” he said, his voice so soft it almost didn’t carry. Jeong In didn’t think he’d ever seen Hyun Jin afraid before, but there was no other way to describe his demeanor now.

            She was silent for a moment, then handed the phone to Jeong In. He pocketed it. She gestured for Hyun Jin to move to the couch, and he obeyed, sitting on her other side. Then she straddled his thighs.

            Jeong In felt no jealousy seeing them like that. He felt a little angry, because, in his opinion, Hyun Jin hadn’t earned this privilege back yet, but that was all. She and Hyun Jin looked gorgeous together; they always had. They were both beautiful in their own rights, but together they were beyond enticing.

            Hyun Jin stared up into her face, his hands tentatively coming to rest on her hips. His expression was wide open; she could have asked anything of him and he would have done it without question.

            It was what she needed. It was what she deserved.

            “I have reasons to the contrary, as well,” she said. Then she kissed him. Jeong In felt the same about that as he did about her sitting on Hyun Jin’s lap—not jealous, merely critical. She could do with her body as she pleased; they’d all talked about it already. Even finding out about the impromptu blowjob she’d given Yong Bok hadn’t been that much of a shock (though it had grossed Jeong In out). Jeong In didn’t feel threatened. He never had.

            Hyun Jin moaned against her mouth, his hands tightening on her hips, pulling her closer. Her hands were on his jaw now, deepening the kiss, and Jeong In watched her tongue slip into Hyun Jin’s mouth. No matter how much he distrusted Hyun Jin right then, no matter how ready he was to shoot the other man at the slightest provocation, he still derived pleasure from looking at them like that.

            “You know Jeong In isn’t going to let us have a moment alone, don’t you?” she said against Hyun Jin’s mouth. Hyun Jin opened bleary eyes to look first at her, then at Jeong In.

            “I know,” he said, meeting Jeong In’s eyes. “I don’t care. I don’t think he cares, either.”

            “Anything you have to say or do with her, you can do in front of me,” Jeong In said. A threat and consent in one. Both Jeong In and Hyun Jin had slept with her already, but they’d never watched each other, never done anything as a group. Jeong In couldn’t help the way his cock twitched at the prospect.

            “Oh, please, Kit,” she said softly, looking at Jeong In and using the nickname she’d coined for him years ago when he’d first joined the life, all so she could refer to him affectionately in mixed company without jeopardizing his identity. “You’re not really planning just to watch are you?”

            Jeong In moved his gaze from her to Hyun Jin. Hyun Jin didn’t look bothered by the prospect of actively sharing in the slightest.

            “I’m just happy to be included,” Hyun Jin said, answering the unspoken question. “You know I didn’t just miss noona, right? I missed Jeong Innie too.”

            Jeong In pressed his lips together, but no matter how much he tried to harden his heart, he couldn’t make those words meaningless. He hadn’t just gotten used to Hyun Jin’s presence in their lives; he liked having the older man around. That’s why his perceived betrayal had hurt so much.

            “Missed me enough to see my dick?” Jeong In asked, forcing his voice to sound detached. Hyun Jin let his eyes dart down to Jeong In’s crotch, a faint smile crossing his lips.

            “Yeah,” he confirmed.

            “It’s a great dick,” she said, also eyeing Jeong In’s growing erection. She’d fucked him only a couple days before and yet looked ready to devour him again. This woman was positively insatiable.

            “Better than mine?” Hyun Jin asked, obviously playing. She made a soft tsk noise, playing along.

            “I thought the whole point of this arrangement was that I don’t have to choose,” she said.

            “The only choice you have to make is whose goes where,” Jeong In said, entirely committed at this point. “I got your mouth and your pussy earlier this week, so I’m not picky.”

            Hyun Jin pouted. “You mean to tell me I had to go kill somebody and he was here stuffing you full?” he asked. This was one of Hyun Jin’s favorite roles to play—the pouting, wounded prince.

            “Mmhmm,” she said. “If it makes you feel any better, knowing you took out the last foundation of the de Laire Empire makes me find you five times sexier.”

            “It does, actually,” Hyun Jin said. “I’ve wanted to kill Jessamine de Laire for years now, and you practically gift-wrapped her for me. You must like me a lot.”

            She shifted her hips against his, and Hyun Jin groaned. Jeong In resisted the urge to touch himself just yet.

            “I do like you a lot,” she said, then turned to look at Jeong In, too. “I like both of you a lot.”

            She then leaned over to unzip Jeong In’s pants. Hyun Jin put his hand on her neck, turning her face back to him so he could kiss her again. While they devoured each other, Jeong In undid his belt and levered his cock out of his pants, stroking slowly, enjoying the show they put on. Hyun Jin’s lips eventually trailed down her neck, making her put her head back and sigh in bliss. Jeong In studied the column of her throat, imagining either his or Hyun Jin’s cock crammed down it. He groaned quietly, speeding the motion of his hand.

            Hyun Jin moved her then, laying her back on the couch, her head resting on Jeong In’s thigh. Hyun Jin lowered his hips between her legs, grinding against her. He claimed her mouth with his again, and them making out mere centimeters from his cock made Jeong In moan louder, a throb of need going down the length of him. She raked her fingers through Hyun Jin’s hair with one hand while her other yanked his shirt up, exposing his leanly muscled back. Hyun Jin took the initiative and sat up long enough to pull the shirt off and cast it aside. He moved down her body then, tugging her pants and underwear down and off so he could bury his face in her cunt. She moaned so sweetly at that, and Jeong In used his free hand to tug her shirt and bra askew, playing with her tits the way she liked, which only made her moan louder and squirm against Hyun Jin’s face. Hyun Jin, in answer, took firm hold of her thighs to keep her still.

            “Fuck,” she whined, thoroughly trapped between them. They kept her like that until she came, her hips bucking against Hyun Jin’s mouth, her head pressing back into Jeong In’s thigh while she mewled her pleasure.

           “Nothing like an orgasm to get our pussy nice and wet, huh?” Hyun Jin said as he sat up, his lips and chin glistening in wet, his eyes skating over her to land on Jeong In.

            “I just want to know who gets to have it first,” Jeong In said. Hyun Jin eyed Jeong In’s hardness, and Jeong In glanced over the insistent outline in Hyun Jin’s pants.

            She made the decision for them, rolling onto her knees, throwing her remaining clothes on the floor, and putting her mouth on Jeong In’s cock. Jeong In moaned instantly, his eyes falling halfway shut. He was barely cognizant of Hyun Jin stripping the rest of the way down and stroking his cock while he looked them over.

            Jeong In did notice when Hyun Jin, impatient as ever, sank his cock into her, causing her to whine around Jeong In’s. Jeong In hissed an exhale, his cock throbbing in her mouth. Hyun Jin didn’t take long to pick a rhythm, and Jeong In got to his knees to make it easier on them. Every time Hyun Jin slammed home inside her, her body rocked forward, pushing Jeong In’s cock deeper down her throat.

            Hyun Jin couldn’t pick a focal point, shifting between his cock fucking her cunt, her mouth on Jeong In, and even Jeong In’s face from time to time. It was a little weird at first, having Hyun Jin look at them both with similar avarice, but everything else felt so good that Jeong In found he honestly didn’t mind. Who gave a fuck if a man as gorgeous as Hyun Jin liked looking at him? That was a compliment.

            As Hyun Jin continued with his brutal rhythm, she tapped Jeong In’s thigh, and he immediately withdrew his dick from her mouth. She coughed a little, catching her breath, wrapping her hand around Jeong In’s slick cock and pumping instead.

            “A little eager there, Hyun Jin?” she asked, meaning to tease him though her voice was husky with pleasure and probably the beginnings of a sore throat.

            “I told you I missed you,” Hyun Jin said, leaving his cock buried all the way inside her after an exceptionally long and sound thrust. “I figured I could show you, too.”

            She fidgeted her hips a little, silently begging Hyun Jin to move. It drew a smirk to his lips.

            “If you don’t fuck her properly, I’ll do it for you,” Jeong In snapped. Hyun Jin’s eyes met his.

            “By all means,” he said, pulling out. “Switch with me.”

            Jeong In didn’t have to be told twice. They traded places, Jeong In shedding his clothes in the process. Jeong In wasted no time sinking his cock into her; she was so fucking slick that it required almost no effort on his part.

            “Fuck,” she moaned. She almost dropped her face onto the couch cushions, but Hyun Jin coaxed her back up.

            “I want you to taste yourself,” he said, and she nodded, opening her mouth for his wet cock. Jeong In groaned at the sight, speeding the motions of his hips. While he wasn’t quite as brutal with her as Hyun Jin had been, Jeong In was eager, and they once again found a rhythm that had her rocking forward, gagging and drooling around Hyun Jin’s cock. Somewhere in the middle of all that, she came again, a euphoric fluttering of her core that made her feel even warmer and wetter around Jeong In. He moaned, leaning over her until his chest was pressed to her back, his hips snapping sharp, short thrusts into her to prolong her orgasm. She had to push Hyun Jin away so she could breathe, her moans turning into sharp, ragged cries when Jeong In refused to relent.

            “Jeong In— Jeong In, stop, stop,” she gasped, and he obeyed in an instant.

            “What is it?” he asked, straightening up and looking her over. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?”

            “I’m fine,” she said, then laughed a little, breathless. “But I know how you fuck when you’re about to come, and if you get semen on my couch I’m going to be pissed.”

            Hyun Jin had the nerve to laugh, though he did shove his face into his elbow to try to muffle it. Jeong In glared at him, but there was no real venom behind it. Reluctantly, he pulled out.

            “That’s fair,” he sighed. “To the bedroom?”

            “Yes, please,” she said. Both Jeong In and Hyun Jin helped her stand up. Jeong In was pleased to see her stride wobble a little as she walked into the bedroom. She flopped onto the bed and rolled over with her legs spread and her head hanging off the edge.

            “You may continue,” she said, then simply left her mouth hanging open.

            “Oh my god,” Hyun Jin groaned, and immediately went to the end of bed to make use of her open mouth. Jeong In took his time making his way onto the bed, watching intently as she got Hyun Jin’s cock slick all over again, choking it down bit by bit. What Jeong In had pictured when this all began—a cock filling her throat—came to fruition, Hyun Jin’s length sliding in and out of her slowly, visibly. She’d put herself at the perfect angle for it, probably on purpose.

            Jeong In teased her with his fingers first, both to make sure she was still physically able to take him and so he could take some of her wet to prepare himself again, too. Hyun Jin had increased his pace just a little bit more, careful and eager all at once. Jeong In watched, listening to her hum around Hyun Jin’s cock while Jeong In jerked himself with his wet hand.

            “You might want to get to work,” Hyun Jin said, tearing his eyes away from the throat fucking to look at Jeong In. “As great as this feels, I like coming in her cunt better.”

            “Don’t rush me,” Jeong In shot back, but it was quickly rendered a moot point when she reached down for his cock herself, stroking him and all but demanding he put it inside her.

            “You know how much she hates being empty,” Hyun Jin said, and she hummed an affirmative. Jeong In couldn’t resist after that, shooing her hand away so he could enter her again. She gave a longer, lower hum then, a little shiver going down her body. He gripped her knees, pushing her legs back and open to take him better, and then he started to move again.

            Jeong In had no idea where Hyun Jin had gotten his restraint from, because Jeong In personally didn’t seem to have any left. With her cunt slick and open and taking him so easily, Jeong In picked up immediately where he’d left off, fucking her with fast, short thrusts. She tapped on Hyun Jin’s thigh and he pulled his cock out of her mouth, her loud, ragged moans filling the room. Hyun Jin immediately moved onto the bed and took one of her breasts in his mouth, turning her moans into cries instead as Jeong In refused to let up. She came yet again, and watching her eyes roll back in her head was the last straw for Jeong In. He orgasmed hard, barely able to focus his own eyes while he fucked them through it, making a royal mess of them both. She’d been right to move out of the living room.

            “Fuck, Jeong In,” Hyun Jin said, looking over the frothing mess Jeong In had made of her pussy. “You said you had her like two days ago, why so greedy?”

            “I always want her so bad,” Jeong In panted, trying to catch his breath. “I’m always greedy for her.”

            He pulled out, and everything was sticky. His cock, her core, the bedspread.

            “I’m greedy, too,” she whined. “Hyunie.”

            It wasn’t often that she whined in desperation like that. Jeong In watched in real-time as Hyun Jin’s expression shifted from playful to predatory, and made the smart executive decision to move out of the way before Hyun Jin could physically push him.

Hyun Jin leaned over her body, kissing her sloppy and deep while he purposely rubbed his messy cock against her stomach, refusing to enter her right away now that he knew how desperate she was. He was equally desperate, but after being apart from her for days and in limbo for weeks, hearing her beg for him by name hit him hard in a way he hadn’t known he could feel.

            She’d missed him, too, and he reveled in that.

            “Hyunie,” she whined again, “please.”

            “Please what?”

            “I need you inside me.”

            “What part of me?”

            “Your fucking cock.”

            “Good,” he said, and then moved them both. He peeled her off the bed and lay down under her instead, fitting her to his cock and pulling her down hard, forcing her to take all of him with the help of gravity. She all but shrieked when he did it, sitting on him motionless for a moment, dazed while she tried to get used to him filling her already hypersensitive core. He loved seeing her like that, knowing her senses were overwhelmed and it was all his fault.

           Well, his and Jeong In’s, in this case. Hyun Jin couldn’t wait to add his cum to the total.

            “Fuck me, noona,” Hyun Jin said, his own desperation coming to the fore. “Fuck me like you missed me.”

            “I did miss you,” she said, and she didn’t bother to start slow, either. He knew her, knew that when she rode that hard, it was because she was chasing an orgasm. She’d already come multiple times this session, but not on Hyun Jin’s cock, and that was one of her favorites. She had to be exhausted and dehydrated, but she wanted this, wanted him badly enough to try. Despite the vulgarity of the situation, she softened him in a way no one else could manage.

            She was sweaty and messy and every stroke of her along his cock made a wet slap against his pelvis. His hands were tight on her hips, helping her rhythm when she faltered. She shook her head, looking like she was going to cry in frustration.

            “I can’t, I—”

            Hyun Jin pulled her body down, putting her face in his shoulder while he braced her hips at the perfect height for him to fuck up into her. He did his best to copy her angle, her speed, trying to hit the same spots inside her that she would have hit herself.

            “Please, noona,” he panted, his voice strained. “I want you to come on me so bad. I missed you so fucking much and I need this, too.”

           She fell apart, sounding like she might start crying any second. She was shaking so hard, and every contact point between their bodies was slick with sweat. She’d given him everything she had left, and that was enough. He came too, his last few shuddering thrusts accompanied by long, high moans. This was the first time he’d gotten off in weeks; Jeong In hadn’t let Hyun Jin be alone with her since the stunt he’d pulled with the hostage situation, so the last time he’d come had been sometime before that. Hyun Jin had completely lost interest in masturbation months ago; it didn’t feel half as good as being with his partner did.

            His partner.

            She still wanted him. She hadn’t decided he was a worse version of Jeong In and gotten rid of him.

            “Thank you,” he murmured as he came back to his senses. “Both of you,” he clarified, looking for Jeong In over her shoulder. The younger man had caught his breath by now and was looking at them with widened eyes.

            “Do you always fuck like that?” he asked. Hyun Jin glanced at the fucked-out woman on his chest. She looked like she was trying and failing to string a coherent thought together, like they’d shattered her mind completely.

            “Pretty much, yeah,” Hyun Jin answered. “Is that bad?”

            Jeong In shook his head. “No. I mean, she seems to like it. I just mean you fuck like you’re never going to get to do it again.”

            Hyun Jin shrugged. “Knowing this life, one day that’s going to be true. I’m not going to half-ass being with my favorite person in the world even once.”

            Jeong In’s gaze softened a little, going over her spent body. She looked like she might fall asleep, which meant it was up to them to keep her awake long enough to clean and hydrate her. Jeong In swallowed hard, and it was abundantly clear that she was his favorite person in the world, too.

            “If you start getting her cleaned up, I’ll go get water,” Jeong In said. It was a small concession, his willingness to leave the room for even a minute and work together with Hyun Jin on literally anything, but Hyun Jin would do whatever he needed to rebuild the trust he’d broken.

            “Yeah,” Hyun Jin agreed. Jeong In left the room, and Hyun Jin carried their partner into the master bathroom. He got her to stand, her hips leaning back against the counter, and got to work.

She closed her eyes in bliss as Hyun Jin tied her hair up and out of the way.

            “That was a lot,” she murmured. When she opened her eyes, he was smiling softly.

            “No kidding,” he said. One of the reasons she liked sex so much was because it was one of the only things that could get her to stop thinking even for a little while, forcing her to live in her body rather than her brain. Having both Hyun Jin and Jeong In at the same time had certainly eliminated any rational thought.

            Hyun Jin took several washcloths and towels from the linen closet and wet one in the sink with warm water. It would be easiest to wash her off in the shower, but in her current state, she wasn’t sure she could handle that without falling over or passing out. Hyun Jin, intuitive of her as ever, clearly knew it, too.

            Jeong In came back with water bottles, and she thanked him and drank greedily. Hyun Jin ignored his, focused on his task.

            “I put the kettle on the stove,” Jeong In said, watching Hyun Jin’s motions closely. He didn’t seem as suspicious as he had before, but he clearly hadn’t forgiven Hyun Jin yet, either. “I figure you’re going to want to counteract the sore throat before it happens.”

            She chuckled. “That’s why you’re the smart one,” she teased. Jeong In snorted.

            “Yeah right,” he retorted sarcastically. “I just know how many times you can deep throat in a week before it bothers you.”

            “Is it peppermint?” she asked.

            “Of course,” Jeong In answered. She reached toward him and he stepped closer. She gently traced his jaw, his neck, the line of his shoulders. His whole body was tight from physical exertion, his hair a mess. Jeong In always looked good, but post-fuck Jeong In was a specific kind of good.

            “Thank you,” she said, and meant a lot of things. In answer, he kissed her forehead, then went back to gulping down his water bottle, which she paid undivided attention to. He left again when the kettle started to whistle.

            Hyun Jin coaxed her legs apart to get to the worst of the mess now that the rest of her had been wiped clean of sweat and spit and various other fluids. He wet a fresh washcloth to use.

            “Thank you,” she said to him, too. He glanced up at her, then put his eyes back on his task. He was so gentle with her now; he always was, after.

            “You don’t have to thank me,” he said softly. “I want to do it. All of it. I missed all of it.”

            “I know,” she said, her voice just as quiet. “We’ll figure it out.” It was the most she could promise right then.

            Jeong In came back into the master bedroom and dropped all their discarded clothes into a pile on the bed. “I don’t know if anybody plans on putting any of that back on,” he said.

            “Probably not. We can just empty the pockets and put it all in the washer. Please tell me you brought more than one outfit, Hyun Jin,” she said, teasing him now.

            “Or what? You’ll be miserable having to see me naked for a couple more hours?” he snarked right back. She snickered, and Jeong In snorted as he squeezed past them to get in the shower.

            “Anything but that,” Jeong In needled over the water.

            “Yeah, I have more clothes,” Hyun Jin said, tossing the second used washcloth in the sink. “Once you finish drinking your water, you should get in with Jeong In just to be sure everything’s clean.”

            “Okay,” she said. “Would you mind throwing all that in the washer? Including the blanket? It’s connected to the guest bathroom.”

           “Got it,” Hyun Jin said, leaning to give her a gentle kiss on his way out of the bathroom.

            Once everyone was clean, dry, and in some state of decent dress, they all met back up in the living room. She sipped her tea. Jeong In was to her right attempting to find something worth streaming on TV. Hyun Jin had started out sitting to her left, but he’d since laid down, put his head in her lap, and let her stroke his hair.

            “How long are you staying, Hyun Jin?” she asked. He shrugged.

            “Until you kick me out or Lee Know summons me, I guess,” he said.

            “Are you okay with that, Jeong In?” she asked next. Jeong In also shrugged.

            “I guess. But he has to stay in the second bedroom,” he said. Hyun Jin whined, and she sighed.

            “It’s a fair concession,” she said. “He could ask you to go back to the Continental.”

            “I know,” Hyun Jin grumbled.

            “Just try not to do any other stupid things,” Jeong In said, “and we can get through this a lot faster.”

            “Yeah, I know,” Hyun Jin said softly. She glanced down at him, but he wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were closed, and he looked so, so tired. “I think I’ve learned my lesson.”

[gimmie-a-sammich]

Between Two Thorns (ongoing) | Ateez OT8 | Stray Kids OT8 | Masterlist

Pairings: Mafia!Ateez x Fem!Original Character, Mafia!??? x Fem!Original Character, Mafia!Jeongin (I.N) x Fem!Original Character, feat Stray Kids

Genre: (18+ Minors DNI) Mafia au, smut, angst, fluff

Summary: After an unforeseeable event, Amelia Lee finds herself torn between love and loyalty. What will her choice be? Her twin brother and the only family she's ever know? Or the man she never expected to fall in love with? Every decision, though, comes with a price.

Warnings: dom/sub, kidnapping, fingering, vaginal sex, anal sex, depictions of violence, death, ya know... mafia stuff (will update with progression)

Current Word Count: 48.2k (ongoing)

read here on AO3

Chapter 1- Birthday Girl | Chapter 2- The Body | Chapter 3- The Taking of Amelia Lee | Chapter 4- Simple Terms | Chapter 5 - A Perfectly Executed Plan | Chapter 6 |

[acidinduceddaydreams]

Skz ot8 corrupting reader౨ৎ ⋆｡˚

Synopsis: ot8 corrupting innocent crybaby reader slowly but surely.

Warnings: corruption kink; innocent reader being bullied in some parts by the members, dacryphilia but not really , deep throating of ice cream. Mean skz. Reader is not a child. She is an adult!!!

Part 2

Innocent reader who doesn’t like horror movies but watches it anyway because Hannie told her to.

The movie is not even halfway and your screams are already prevalent. You try to muffle your cries against Jeongin’s arm but he isn’t having it. “Stop crying you’re ruining my shirt.”

Seungmin making fun of you for crying and how you made Chan change the movie because you’re too scared. “Can you shut up now. Your whimpers are so fucking annoying.”

Minho who bullies you once you’re settled again into crying more because it secretly or not so secretly turns them on. “Wow! The crybaby finally shut up.” “Oh don’t get upset, you can’t help it if you’re a loser and a crybaby it’s just who you are.”

Felix who acts as if he’s calming you down from the taunting of your other friends when in reality he’s just trying to make it worse. His voice is low and condescending. “Leave the poor thing alone you guys.” “She’s just a baby trying to act like an adult, but don’t worry baby you don’t have to pretend with us.”

Hyunjin who buys ice cream for everyone on a hot summer day. Everyone else’s is in a cup or arch-shaped but yours just happens to be long and phallic shaped. Not that you even notice or would know what that means.

Changbin who ‘accidentally’ nudges your arm just a little as he goes to sit next to Hyunjin causing you to choke on the ice cream and let out a gagging sound along with coughing and glassy eyes having never had something go that deep before. “Sorry, pretty my arm slipped.”

Han who ‘helps’ you pick out clothing to wear when you go out with them. You’re standing in your closet picking out things you think he’d like. He tells you that he doesn’t mind you changing in front of him and that all friends do it. Not that you need much convincing you’re just too busy trying to look pretty. “Wow honey. You look wonderful in that sundress. Though I think it’s too long.”

Chan who has a hand on you wherever you go. Walking in a crowd? He’s holding your hand. Talking to someone? His hand on your waistline should give them the hint. You’re in your head about something? It’s ‘normal’ for friends to wrap their hands around each other’s throat to ground them.

Minho who heard from Hannie that you wear hello kitty, my melody and other childish underwear. Laughing as he mocks you. “Wow Y/n how old are you, huh?” “Do you want a pacifier while you’re at it.” He can’t help himself. Your voice trying to defend yourself is barely audible only coming out in whimpers. “Wow, kitten you do you know you have to grow up someday, right?”

Seungmin tugging on your two plaits whenever he wants. “Ow Minnie why’d you do that?” “Sorry puppy it’s a force of habit.”

Jeongin who puts a finger in your mouth to soothe you after all the tears. You’ve never needed to have something to stop you from crying but now it’s automatic. As soon as the tears fall you’re begging for his fingers or thumb. “you want my fingers in your mouth. Wow sweetheart you’re so silly. Do you know they have pacifiers for this exact situation? Maybe I should get you one to really shut you up hmm.” “No, you don’t want one? Well then that means you’ll just have to learn to stop talking back or you won’t even get my fingers.”

All of the boys who make fun of you for closing your eyes when a somewhat steamy scene comes on in the movie they purposefully picked but you don’t have to know that. Sitting on Minho’s lap covering your eyes does something to them. The scenes usually aren’t even that sexual. It’s usually just the two main characters kissing. Seungmin is obviously the first one to pipe up saying between laughs “Wow Y/n they’re just kissing.” “Yeah” Felix’s adds. “Would you like us to show you how so you’re not shy next time.”

[strayflowersstarsandlove]

Dad!skz texts overload🥰🤍

Definitely been in a dad!skz brainrot lately so why no just give in a little more🙃 also you guys seem to like dad!han and dad!leeknow imagines a lot which makes me extremely happy I am so soft for them💖

ALSO WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE 1200K+ OF YOU READING ME ON HERE?? 😭😭

🖤hyung line🖤

🖤maknae line🖤

[estellan0vella]

Strawberries And Heaven: H.JS Han Jisung x fem!reader (College AU)

WC: 9.8K

CW: Simp Jisung (he's down bad), wingman Minho, wingman SKZ, Minho being a menace (standard), mention of masturbation General Masterlist SKZ Masterlist Part II

The corridor smells faintly of disinfectant and coffee, a mix of sterile campus life and caffeine dependency that permeates Miroh College. It's Thursday afternoon, and that means two things: Jisung has Criminal Psychology at 3:00 p.m., and he's about to see you. The one girl who somehow, against all odds, has managed to drag him to this godforsaken lecture hall every week without fail.

Jisung shifts the strap of his backpack, pulling his black beanie down a bit further as he turns to his left and sees Minho, his best friend and self-proclaimed emotional support stalker, walking along beside him. Minho glances at him, rolling his eyes as they weave through the crowd of students lingering in the halls.

"Are you sure you have to come?" Jisung mutters, shoving his hands into the pocket of his hoodie. "It's one class. I don't need babysitting."

Minho snorts, adjusting his own baggy jeans that hang over his black boots. "Are you kidding? I have to see this so-called 'angel' who's got you dragging your ass to a lecture you'd usually skip. You've actually gone soft, dude."

Jisung rolls his eyes, tugging his beanie lower to hide the faint blush that creeps up his neck. "Soft? Fuck you, man. You don't understand. I can't just talk to her."

"Oh, right. You're so experienced with, what was it, every other girl on campus, but when it's this one? You're hopeless. Just go up and introduce yourself. You're good at that. Aren't you the guy who once convinced a chick to lend you her psychology notes with a wink and a compliment?"

"Just tell me you want me to die of embarrassment," Jisung says flatly. "Look, it's different. She smells like strawberries and—" He waves his hand vaguely, struggling to find the right words. "I dunno, heaven?"

Minho stops dead in his tracks, eyebrows raised. "Strawberries and heaven? Jesus Christ, Jisung. You're in deep, aren't you?"

"Shut up," Jisung grumbles, leading them into the lecture hall and gesturing to the seats at the back. "Just keep it quiet, yeah? She's probably already here."

Minho follows, his grin almost wicked as he surveys the room from their vantage point in the back row. "I bet she's not here yet. Relax. You look like you're gonna puke."

"Thanks, man. Real encouraging," Jisung mutters, slumping down in his seat and folding his arms over his chest. His leg bounces slightly as he waits, eyeing the clock that ticks towards 3:00.

The door to the lecture hall creaks open, and just like that, you walk in, casually strolling to her usual seat two rows ahead.

Jisung freezes, his gaze locked on her as you move, the clinking sound of your silver rings faintly audible you brush a strand of hair back. You are wearing faded, low-rise mom jeans that fit you perfectly, a white camisole with lace hems, and a shell-shaped clip holding your hair up in a messy twist. And those hoop earrings, the big silver ones that seem to catch the light just right, make your whole look glow.

Minho follows Jisung's stare and lets out a low whistle. "Damn. So, this is her, huh? I'll give it to you. She's hot. Definitely too hot for you."

Jisung's elbow shoots out instinctively, landing in Minho's thigh with a satisfying thud.

"Ow, fuck! Jesus," Minho bites back a groan, clutching his leg as he glares at Jisung. "What the fuck, man?"

"Keep it down, jackass," Jisung mutters under his breath, trying not to draw attention. "You weren't even supposed to be here, remember? You're a vet major, go learn about cats or something."

Minho's laughter is barely muffled as he holds his leg. "Nah, you're not getting rid of me that easy. I need to see you crash and burn, maybe. Or, if you manage to pull this off, I get to witness a miracle."

"Don't you have a dog to neuter?" Jisung hisses, but Minho just grins and leans back, crossing his arms.

The professor begins setting up, shuffling through notes and connecting the laptop to the projector, while you settle in your seat. Jisung can barely breathe as your scent drifts back towards him. Strawberries. Damn it. Every time, it's like he's being hypnotized.

"See?" Jisung whispers, nudging Minho. "Strawberries and heaven. I swear."

Minho just smirks, leaning closer to Jisung. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. You're totally whipped. She hasn't even looked your way once, has she?"

Jisung slumps, his gaze locked onto the back of your head. The seashell clip is pearly and white, almost glowing against your hair. His leg starts bouncing again.

Minho shakes his head. "Dude, seriously, just say something. You're acting like she's a unicorn or some shit. She's just a girl."

"She's not just a girl," Jisung snaps quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "You wouldn't get it, okay? Look at her. She's different."

"Different how?" Minho raises an eyebrow, still whispering. "She dresses like she's straight out of a 90s rom-com."

"Exactly!" Jisung says, eyes lighting up. "She's, like, a 90s dream. She's cool. And she's smart and beautiful. She's my 90s dream girl"

As if on cue, you shift slightly in your seat, glancing down at your notebook, fingers tracing over the page absently as you twist one of your rings.

"Look at her, man," Jisung breathes, sounding almost dazed. "She's right there."

Minho watches him, clearly unimpressed. "You're fucked."

"Thanks, Minho," Jisung mutters sarcastically, but he can't keep the nervous excitement out of his voice. "Look, can you just chill? I'm this close to getting her attention."

"By doing what, exactly?" Minho scoffs. "Staring at the back of her head and hoping she telepathically realizes you're in love with her?"

"Dude, shut up!" Jisung hisses, but his cheeks flush, and he slinks down in his seat, trying to keep a low profile. He watches as you tap your pen absently against your notebook, seemingly unaware of the small, stifled chaos unfolding behind you.

"Right," Minho mutters, trying to keep a straight face. "When you're done writing sonnets about her scent and staring at her hair clip, let me know if you plan on actually talking to her."

"Shut. The. Fuck. Up," Jisung grumbles, but his eyes flick back to you, lingering.

Minho glances at Jisung, a mischievous glint in his eye, and without warning, snatches Jisung's pencil case from the desk, stuffing it into his own bag before Jisung can react.

"Dude, what the—" Jisung starts, reaching to grab it back, but Minho holds up a finger, silencing him.

"Trust me, you'll thank me later," Minho whispers, leaning forward until he's right behind you.

With a quick tap on your shoulder, he flashes you his most charming smile as you turn around, your expression polite albeit a little surprised.

"Hi," Minho says smoothly, "Sorry to bother you, but my dumbass friend here totally forgot his pens and stuff. You wouldn't happen to have a couple to lend us, would you?"

You blink at Minho, then at Jisung, who's sitting with a wide-eyed, slightly mortified look, glaring daggers at his so-called friend.

But you're unfazed, a warm smile spreading across your face as you nod. "Oh, yeah, sure! Here." You dig into your bag and pull out two pens, holding them out to Minho with a little laugh. "Good thing I always over-pack."

Minho takes the pens with a wink. "Now, aren't you just the sweetest?" He flashes another grin. "I'm Minho, by the way. And you are?"

"Y/N," you say, a soft smile playing on your lips. You turn back in your seat but hesitate, glancing back at Minho with a curious look. "I don't think I've seen you in here before."

Minho leans back, adopting an air of nonchalance. "That's 'cause I'm just auditing today. Thought I'd check out what my good buddy here's been raving about." He gestures towards Jisung, who's trying to look anywhere but at you. "I'm minoring in animal behaviour, and apparently, you're discussing the nature versus nurture argument today? I figured I'd see how you forensic folks tackle it compared to my animal kingdom friends."

You nod, genuinely interested. "Yeah, today's lecture is about the developmental aspects of criminal psychology. It's fascinating, really. Some parts overlap with animal behaviour when you consider instinctual behaviours. It's cool to see how psychology adapts across disciplines."

"Right?" Minho nods enthusiastically, playing it up. "But my good buddy here," he places a firm hand on Jisung's shoulder, and Jisung finally meets your eyes, looking equal parts shy and frustrated. "This is Jisung. The one who seems to have forgotten basic lecture etiquette and all his own pens."

You turn to Jisung, your smile soft. "I know. We've had this class together since the start of the semester."

Jisung's eyes widen. "You know?"

You nod, pointing subtly at the front of his notebook, where his name is scrawled in black ink. "Yeah, your name's on your notebook. Hard to miss, honestly."

Jisung's cheeks redden, and Minho has to press his lips together to keep from laughing at his friend's reaction. He shoots Jisung a sidelong glance, a smirk dancing on his face.

Turning back around, you give a small smile, "Anyway, enjoy the lecture, guys."

As soon as you're facing forward, Minho leans in close to Jisung, whispering, "She's acknowledged your existence, man. You're welcome."

Jisung clenches his fists, shooting a fierce glare at Minho before delivering a swift punch to his thigh, harder than before.

"Fuck!" Minho barely contains his yelp, face contorting in pain as he clutches his leg. "Dude, what the fuck?"

"Keep your voice down," Jisung mutters, his face still flushed. "And don't ever pull something like that again, you asshole."

Minho smirks through the pain, rubbing his leg. "Oh, come on. You should be thanking me. You didn't exactly look like you had the guts to make a move yourself."

"I don't need you meddling, okay?" Jisung hisses. He glances at you again, a bit more emboldened now, seeing you jotting notes, completely absorbed in the lecture. He feels a weird thrill knowing that you know who he is. That you remember his name. She knows my name, he repeats in his head, almost in disbelief.

"Sure, you don't need me," Minho mutters under his breath, chuckling. "That's why you've been stalking her with your eyes for the past few months like some lovesick puppy. Face it, dude, you're completely whipped."

"Shut up before I give you another dead leg," Jisung warns, his gaze shifting nervously as you turn your head ever so slightly to stretch, your face calm and focused. He's both relieved and mildly disappointed you didn't catch him staring.

Minho just leans back, folding his arms smugly as the professor starts the lecture, his voice booming through the hall. Jisung tries his best to pay attention, but his eyes keep flicking back to you, noting the small details. How you twirl the pen absentmindedly between your fingers, how your silver rings catch the light, how you bite the inside of your cheek when you're deep in thought.

He's completely lost in his thoughts, only halfway aware of Minho smirking beside him, until the professor's voice jolts him back to reality.

"Mr. Han," the professor calls, eyebrow raised, and Jisung snaps to attention, his heart hammering. "Care to share your thoughts on the influence of early attachment theory in criminal psychology?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah, of course." He clears his throat, scrambling for words while he can practically feel Minho's eyes burning into the side of his face. "Well, uh, early attachment theory basically suggests that the bonds formed in childhood can affect...um, behaviour patterns later in life. So, if there's a, uh, lack of healthy attachment early on, it can potentially influence-"

"Very insightful, Mr. Han," the professor interrupts, looking somewhat surprised. "It's encouraging to see you're paying attention."

Jisung sinks down in his seat, feeling Minho's barely restrained laughter beside him.

Minho leans over, whispering, "Congrats, you managed to bullshit your way through that without sounding like a total idiot."

"Thanks for nothing," Jisung mutters, hoping he can make it through the rest of the lecture without any more mortifying incidents. But then he catches you glancing over your shoulder, a hint of a smile on your lips, and he has to look away quickly to hide the stupid grin spreading across his face.

Minho nudges him, not missing a thing. "See? She's looking at you, dude. Progress."

That night in Jisung's room at the Alpha Phi frat house is filled with the flashing lights of Mario Kart on the TV and the sounds of brutal competition. Jisung's focused, leaning forward, button-mashing like his life depends on it, but Minho? Minho's lounging back, one hand on his controller, barely trying.

Jisung's character hits a banana peel, spinning out on the screen. "Oh, for fuck's sake! This stupid fucking game!"

Minho laughs, glancing over with a smirk. "You're terrible at this, dude."

"Shut up. You distracted me!" Jisung grumbles, tossing the controller on the bed beside him. "You're one of those lucky players. No skill, all luck."

"Uh-huh," Minho says, scooting to the edge of the bed and looking over at Jisung. "But I think we've got more important shit to talk about."

"Do we?" Jisung eyes him suspiciously. "'Cause I'd rather just forget the disaster that was today's lecture and how you spoke to her more than I did."

"Yeah, no, we're not forgetting it. Actually," Minho says, setting his controller down, "we're making a plan. You need an action plan, and I'm gonna help you."

Jisung raises an eyebrow, almost laughing at the audacity. "You're going to help me?"

Minho grins, sitting up and nodding, deadly serious. "Yep. What kind of best friend would I be if I let my friend sit around pining like some tragic little Shakespeare character? You, my friend, need a strategy."

"Strategy," Jisung repeats the word as though it's foreign like Minho just told him to build a rocket to the moon. "You realize that I have no idea what I'm doing here, right?"

"Exactly! You are amazing with women for casual hook ups but genuine feelings? You are useless. That's why you have me," Minho says, crossing his arms. "I've got a plan."

"Oh, you have a plan?" Jisung sits up, eyebrows raised. "You're really taking this seriously, aren't you?"

Minho scoffs. "If by seriously, you mean I'm not gonna let my friend completely fuck it up, then yes."

"Right," Jisung mutters, rolling his eyes. "And what is this master plan, Minho?"

"Oh, no, no," Minho says with a smirk, wagging a finger. "I'm not telling you what it is just yet."

Jisung sighs, flopping back on his bed. "Great. So I'm supposed to just sit here and trust you?"

"Absolutely," Minho says, smug. "But don't worry. I'm not a complete asshole. I want my confident, borderline cocky best friend back. You're like this-" He gestures vaguely at Jisung like he's pointing at some hopeless little creature. "Weird, hopeless romantic now."

Jisung grabs a pillow and flings it at Minho, who dodges with a laugh. "It's not my fault, okay? You saw her. She's- She's unreal."

Minho raises his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. And hey, I'm all for it if it means getting you out of this sad sack of shit phase. If I have to help you woo a girl who dresses like she's in the Spice Girls, then that's what I have to do."

Jisung pauses, frowning. "Spice Girls? Nah, she's more of a Sugababe"

Minho rolls his eyes, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "Do you want my help or not?"

"Yes, I do," Jisung says, almost begrudgingly. "I need it, obviously."

"Then she's a Spice Girl," Minho declares with finality, earning a reluctant laugh from Jisung.

"Fine, Spice Girl," Jisung mutters, rolling his eyes. "But seriously, you better not fuck this up for me. I'm trusting you, which feels like a massive mistake."

"Hey," Minho says, raising a finger, his tone mockingly offended, "when have I ever let you down?"

Jisung snorts. "Need I remind you of the infamous barbecue incident?"

Minho waves his hand dismissively. "That was different. And technically, you were the one who set the grill on fire."

"You handed me lighter fluid, you idiot!" Jisung argues, laughing despite himself.

"Okay, but that was in the past," Minho says, grinning. "This is the present, my dude. And I'm telling you, I've got this. We're going to break you out of your sad little funk, and you're gonna have that confident Han Jisung swagger back in no time."

Jisung flops back against the bed, sighing deeply. "You think it's really that easy?"

"Trust me," Minho says, his smirk turning into something more genuine. "It's easier than you think. Plus, it's you. You're funny as hell, weirdly charming, objectively hot, and at least on the same planet as her intellectually. She's got no chance."

Jisung rolls his eyes, but he's grinning now. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. I'm basically irresistible."

"Exactly," Minho says with a satisfied nod. "But seriously, dude. I'm not letting you mess this up. It's gonna be fine."

Jisung's grin fades just a bit, a hint of nerves creeping back in. "I just- I don't know, man. I've never felt this way about anyone before. She's just different."

"Of course, she is," Minho says, his tone a little softer. "And that's why you're gonna let me help you. Tomorrow's a new day, Jisung. In no time, we'll get you in front of her without you sounding like a total fucking loser. And trust me, you're gonna thank me."

Jisung rolls his eyes but feels a sense of relief he hasn't felt since this whole crush started. "Yeah, yeah. Just remember, no fuck ups, Minho. I'm trusting you with this."

Minho grins, reaching for the controllers. "Just leave it to me. Now, shut up and get ready to lose again."

It's one of those brisk fall days on campus where the chill in the air contrasts with the bright sun, casting golden light on the trees scattered across Miroh College. You're strolling across the courtyard, books clutched to your chest, barely paying attention to the buzz of students around you.

"Y/N!" someone calls out.

You turn, mildly surprised, to see Minho weaving through the crowd, jogging to catch up. He's got a cocky half-smile plastered on his face, and he's holding something in his hand. As he comes to a stop in front of you, slightly out of breath but still looking annoyingly composed, he holds out his hand, revealing the pen you lent him in class the other week.

"Here," he says, grinning as he offers it back to you. "Didn't think I was actually gonna keep it, did you?"

You laugh, tucking the pen into your trouser pocket. "Honestly? I kind of figured you'd forgotten about it. But thanks." You give him a curious look, noting the way he's standing there as if he has more to say.

He clears his throat, a little too casually. "So, are you free right now?"

"Yeah, I don't have another class for a bit," you say, shifting your books in your arms. "Why?"

Minho shoves his hands in his pockets, rocking back on his heels like he's considering something. "Wanna grab a coffee at the cafe? I could use some advice about a girl, and you seem like the kind of person who knows what to say and gives good advice."

You raise an eyebrow, surprised. "Me? Giving relationship advice?"

"Yeah, I know," Minho laughs, "but trust me, you're more qualified than anyone else I know. Plus, I'm a little desperate and a female perspective will be really helpful. Power of the female gaze and all that"

You can't help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I'm in. Let's go."

The campus cafe is buzzing with the usual lunchtime crowd, and you slip into a booth by the window, tucking your books beside you. As you settle in, Minho sets his bag down, glancing toward the counter. "I'll get our drinks," he says, grinning before heading up to order.

You're only half-watching him until you notice the guy working behind the counter. Jisung, from your Criminal Psychology class. He spots you almost instantly, and his eyes go comically wide, like he's just seen a ghost, or worse. 

Minho sees Jisung's reaction immediately and, with a grin, flashes him a big thumbs up, clearly enjoying the situation. Jisung's expression shifts to something closer to horror, his gaze flicking from Minho to you, then back again as Minho approaches the counter.

"Relax, dude," Minho mutters when he reaches Jisung. "An iced americano for me and a caramel latte for the lady."

Jisung crosses his arms, narrowing his eyes at Minho. "I swear, if this is some elaborate plan to fuck with me, I am going to spit in your coffee. Like big time spit, obnoxious amounts that shouldn't be humanly possible"

Minho smirks, leaning on the counter like he's sharing some big secret. "Ooh, I like a little danger. But seriously, I am wingmanning you right now, so maybe hold the bodily fluids?"

Jisung rolls his eyes, pretending to be annoyed, but the relief on his face is evident. "Fine. But what's your big plan? Don't tell me you're just-"

"Listen, man," Minho interrupts, lowering his voice and casting a quick glance back at you, who's busy scrolling on your phone. "I'm gonna ask her for advice. Tell her I like this girl in my vet class and don't know how to talk to her, and the girl barely knows my name."

Jisung frowns, processing that. "But that's exactly- Oh, I get it now!" he says, realization dawning on him. "You're trying to figure out what I should do, aren't you?"

Minho gives him a look, exasperated. "Obviously. You think I'd drag her here just for the hell of it? Now, chill. Act natural and I will get your answers"

Jisung lets out a small, relieved sigh, finally grinning. "I'm not gonna lie, this is actually kinda genius."

Minho leans in closer, tapping the counter with a smug smile. "I know. I'm the best friend you could ever wish for. A blessing, really. You wouldn't live without me, well you'd live in the sad little turtle shell you duck into each time you see her"

Jisung smirks, grabbing the drinks and sliding them onto the counter. "Yeah, yeah. I still might spit in your drink."

Minho winks, grabbing the coffees with a smirk. "Do your worst."

He heads back over to the booth, setting your caramel latte in front of you as he slides into the seat across from you, his iced americano in hand. You offer a small, grateful smile as you stir your latte.

"So," you say, taking a sip. "What's going on with this girl?"

Minho sighs dramatically, leaning back and shaking his head like he's in over his head. "Alright, so there's this girl in my vet class. She's cute, no stunning, way too smart, and honestly, I feel like I barely exist to her."

You smile, nodding. "So, like, what's the problem? You're outgoing, funny, objectively good looking with the whole red hair, football frat thing. can't you just introduce yourself?"

"See, I thought of that," Minho says, playing up the thoughtful expression. "But she's, like, different, you know? Not the type who falls for my usual charm."

You laugh. "Oh, really? And what makes her different?"

"She's actually serious about her studies. And she's, like gentle and kind?" Minho looks at you, brows raised as if for confirmation. "Kinda like you. I feel like I'd come off like an idiot trying to get her attention."

You sip your coffee thoughtfully, thinking it over. "I think maybe just be yourself, then? Like, you don't have to be all charming or witty. Sometimes people respond better to honesty."

Minho nods, his expression almost sincere as he takes in your words. "That's actually good advice. So, just like come out with it? Just be like, 'Hey, I'm Minho, and I think you're cute'?"

You smile, shrugging. "Why not? I mean, sure, it's direct, but if she doesn't know you that well, she might appreciate that. People can usually tell when someone's being genuine."

Minho glances at the counter where Jisung's watching like a hawk, pretending to be busy cleaning the espresso machine. Minho subtly raises his eyebrows at him, as if to say, See? This is gold.

Jisung gives him a tiny nod, barely hiding his smile. From his station behind the counter, he watches as you talk, clearly engaged, your whole demeanour warm and relaxed. He doesn't know how Minho pulled this off, but for the first time in weeks, he feels like he might actually have a chance.

Meanwhile, Minho leans in closer, lowering his voice. "Okay, but what if she thinks I'm too much of a goof? Like, if she sees me as some obnoxious frat guy?"

You wave off his concern. "I don't know her, but if she's smart, she'll see past that. Besides, being a little goofy isn't the worst thing. Just don't go overboard, you know?"

Minho nods thoughtfully, leaning back as if he's deep in contemplation. "Yeah, yeah, keep it cool. Show her I'm not just some frat asshole."

You laugh, taking another sip. "Exactly. Just be Minho, not whatever character you're usually playing."

Minho raises his iced americano in a mock toast. "To being myself," he says with a grin. You laugh, clinking your coffee cup with his, and he makes a mental note to remember every word you just said so he can relay it to Jisung later.

The last slide of the lecture fades from the projector, and the usual rustling of notebooks and bags fills the room as everyone begins packing up. You're sliding your textbook and notes into your tote bag, ready to head out, when you feel a light tap on your shoulder. You turn, surprised, and there he is. 

Jisung wearing an easy smile and an outfit that's surprisingly layered, intentional and kind of hot: black trousers, combat boots, a long-sleeve blue t-shirt beneath a grey graphic tee, and a cream-coloured cap, chains around his neck catching the light.

For a second, you're caught off guard; usually, you only ever catch a glimpse of him as he slips into a seat at the back just as the lecture's starting, often a little flustered. But today, he's right here, all grins and casual confidence.

"Hey," he says, his voice warm as he shoves his hands into his pockets. "So, that lecture was something, right?"

You nod, smiling back. "Yeah, Professor Kim really went in on the whole behavioural implications of early attachment theory thing. Like, there was no mercy."

Jisung lets out a small laugh. "Seriously, I thought he was going to lose it when that one guy asked if criminal behaviour could be 'genetically contagious.' Like, holy shit, man, read the room."

You laugh, rolling your eyes. "Oh my god, right? I was ready to crawl under the desk."

"Same," Jisung chuckles, relaxing a bit. He remembers Minho's words from earlier in the week: Just be yourself. And he tries to keep that in mind, despite the slight nervousness bubbling under the surface.

"So, you're, uh, you're always on top of the reading, huh?" he asks, trying to keep it light as he leans back casually against the desk beside yours. "I feel like you could practically teach this class."

You shrug, shoving your last notebook into your bag and giving him a friendly smile. "Yeah, maybe. I just find it interesting, you know? All the psychology behind why people do what they do. It's fascinating to think there are patterns to it, stuff you can study and predict."

"Totally," Jisung says, nodding as if he completely gets it, even though half the time he's barely keeping up. "I mean, it's kinda cool to think that there's a method to what seems like total chaos."

"Exactly!" you say, your eyes lighting up as you lean against the desk, looking at him with genuine interest. "It's like unlocking mysteries in people's minds. Or at least trying to, anyway."

Jisung grins, a little taken aback by how animated you are. He's seen you in class, obviously, but seeing you like this, so close, he feels like he's getting a rare glimpse of who you actually are. And, damn, it's even better than he'd expected.

"I never thought of it that way," he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I usually just think, 'Okay, study this, survive, move on.' But it sounds way cooler when you put it like that. Makes me actually want to put an effort in to studying"

You laugh, looking down as you swing your bag over your shoulder. "You know, surviving is honestly a valid approach. Sometimes, I feel like I'm just trying to get through the day without having a mental breakdown."

Jisung chuckles, nodding. "Can't argue with that. But hey, you seem like you've got it all figured out."

You give him a playful look. "Trust me, it's all an act. Half the time, I have no idea what I'm doing."

"Same here," he says, feeling a rush of relief. "I thought I was the only one faking it."

You smile, shaking your head. "Nope. We're all just stumbling our way through. Story of student life I suppose"

Jisung's eyes linger on you for a second longer than he means to, and he suddenly remembers Minho's advice to keep things relaxed but confident. "Well, maybe if I can get some of that magic stumbling hiding confidence you've got, I might actually make it to the end of the semester without flunking out."

You raise an eyebrow, amused. "Oh yeah? I'll let you in on a secret, it's just caffeine and pretending I understand what's going on."

Jisung laughs, nodding in understanding. "Noted. I'll double up on the caffeine, then."

You grin, your gaze softening. "Good plan."

After a beat, you glance at the clock. "Anyway, I should probably get going. Got another class in, like, ten minutes, and I'm already halfway across campus from it."

"Right, yeah," Jisung says, moving back a step to let you pass. "Well, thanks for not minding me, uh, ambushing you like that."

"Not at all, it was nice talking to someone who actually listens in the lectures," you say, smiling warmly. "See you next week, Jisung."

You turn and head for the door, giving him a little wave before you slip out. Jisung watches you go, feeling an unexpected rush of adrenaline, and once you're gone, he lets out a long breath, barely containing the wide grin spreading across his face.

He can still hear Minho's voice in his head, saying, Just be yourself. And, for once, that had felt like it was enough.

Jisung practically kicks Minho's door open as he barrels into the room, eyes lit up with excitement. But his enthusiasm stumbles as he takes in the scene.

"Jisung, are you serious?!" Minho exclaims, glaring at him. "You just killed my mood! I was about to bust, man!"

Jisung rolls his eyes, unbothered, crossing his arms. "Yeah, whatever, sorry for ruining your little wank session, but, like terrible porn choice, by the way. Boring as hell."

Minho flips him off as he grabs his underwear, tugging them back up with an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, fine. So what the hell is so important that you've gotta bust down my door like you're the cops?"

Jisung's face breaks into a wide grin. "Dude. She spoke to me. We had an actual conversation! I spoke to her. Like, a real conversation."

Minho stares at him, caught between disbelief and amusement as he pulls his headphones off, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. "No shit?" he says, still looking slightly dazed from Jisung's interruption.

"Yeah, no shit," Jisung says, almost bouncing in place.

Minho smirks, his eyes narrowing as he looks Jisung up and down. "Wait, is that why you put actual effort into your outfit today? And the hair, too? By 'styled,' of course, I mean just putting a cap on that mop."

Jisung grins, rubbing the back of his neck. "Okay, yeah, maybe I tried a little. But, dude, it worked!"

Minho snickers. "So you finally did it, huh? Had a full conversation with her?"

Jisung nods enthusiastically. "Hell yeah, we did! We talked about the lecture, and, like, I don't know, she was so easy to talk to and she said it was nice talking to me, like she wasn't even weirded out that I started talking to her. It felt so normal?"

Minho raises an eyebrow. "Alright, so now what?"

Jisung blinks, his excitement faltering for a second. "What do you mean, now what? I don't know. Help me?"

Minho sighs, shaking his head as he stands up. "How are you so useless with this? Okay, genius idea, invite her to the next game."

Jisung's face lights up again. "Oh, shit. Yeah! I'll invite her to the game, get her there cheering us on..."

"Exactly, dumbass. I'll help you score a touchdown or two, and you'll look like a total beast. Win-win." Minho smirks, clearly pleased with his own idea.

"Dude, you're the best," Jisung says, grinning. "I'll totally owe you one for this."

Minho claps his hand on Jisung's shoulder, a smug grin on his face. Jisung instantly recoils, cringing. "Ew! That's your dick hand!"

Minho laughs, slapping him harder on the back for good measure. "Hey, that's what you get for ruining my nut, you absolute menace."

Jisung groans, wiping his shoulder with exaggerated disgust. "This is why people lock doors, Minho."

"Oh, like you've ever knocked once in your life," Minho retorts, rolling his eyes. "But wait. You got so far today, and you don't even have a way to reach her? A number? Instagram?"

Jisung's face falls, and he slumps onto Minho's bed with a defeated sigh. "Nope. I didn't even think of it until now."

Minho throws his hands up, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Useless. You're actually useless. This is going to take so much more work than I thought."

"Hey!" Jisung protests, but he's laughing now, leaning back on the bed with a sigh. "Alright, alright, I'll figure it out. You're right, though, I'll need her number. Any genius ideas?"

Minho shakes his head with a dramatic sigh. "Good thing you've got me. I'll brainstorm. But seriously, you better not screw this up."

"You'll help me if I do right?"

"After laughing in your face obviously,"

The sun's dipping low, casting a warm golden glow over the field as Chan has the football team running drills. Again. The guys are panting, practically dying under Chan's merciless watch, their bodies burning from the gruelling set of push-ups, burpees, and sprints he's making them do. Even Jisung, who usually manages to keep his energy up, is starting to feel like his limbs are made of lead.

But as he glances over toward the college track, he spots you jogging, a look of relaxed determination on your face as you breeze through each lap. It's ridiculous. You look like you're gliding effortlessly, not a bead of sweat in sight, while the team grunts and groans with exhaustion.

Minho notices Jisung's gaze drifting. He elbows him, nodding over toward you. "Isn't that your dream '90s girl over there?"

Jisung's attention snaps back, his face flushing as he realizes Minho and the rest of the guys nearby are watching him.

Chan and the others follow Minho's gaze, squinting across the track. You're in a pair of low-rise sweatpants that sit comfortably on your hips, paired with a cropped white camisole with a lace trim, and white sneakers.

Your hair's pinned up in that familiar seashell claw clip, a few strands falling loose around your face. It's the kind of look that would have looked right at home in an old music video, and it's like you walked out of a '90s dream.

"Damn, she doesn't look tired at all," Changbin mutters, still trying to catch his breath from Chan's never-ending drills.

"She's putting us all to shame," Jeongin says, half-laughing, half-wheezing. "How is she just breezing through those laps?"

Seungmin glances at Jisung with a smirk. "Wait, don't tell me you're struggling to talk to her?"

Minho nods with a heavy, dramatic sigh. "It's actually hurting my soul, and I didn't even know I had one of those."

Felix raises his eyebrows, laughing. "Revolving door of women Han Jisung can't talk to a girl? Are we in an alternate universe?"

Jisung rolls his eyes. "Oh, please. You guys are being so dramatic."

"Hey, it's not every day that the great Han Jisung meets his match," Chan teases, wiping sweat from his brow. "Honestly though, Minho, we all doubted you had a soul."

"Thanks, Chan, that's what I go for," Minho says with a smirk. "But yeah, Jisung, now's your chance. Go ask her for her number. And invite her to the game while you're at it."

Jisung looks horrified, glancing down at his sweaty clothes and feeling his hair matted from sweat. "Right now? While I'm covered in sweat?"

"Yes," Minho says, his voice firm. "There's no time like the present. You're gonna overthink it if you wait."

Seungmin chimes in with an encouraging nod, his tone mocking. "Go on, man. Ask her out. Don't worry, you can do it. Maybe."

"Shut up," Jisung grumbles, but he can feel the nervous energy building.

Felix elbows him playfully. "C'mon, this is a moment for the history books. Don't chicken out."

With a mischievous look, Minho cups his hands around his mouth, ignoring Jisung's wide-eyed stare. "Yo, Y/N! Come join us!"

You pause, looking over toward the group with a curious expression as you pull one of your earbuds out. After a moment of hesitation, you jog over, slowing to a walk as you approach the crowd of sweaty football players.

"Hey," you greet, giving a small smile as you reach them, taking in the group with an amused look. "You guys look like you're in hell."

"You don't know the half of it," Changbin groans, leaning over to catch his breath. "I think Chan's trying to kill us."

Chan just smirks. "That's how you get a winning team, my friend." Chan's eyes flicker to the Walkman clipped to your waistband, and Chan's face lights up with sudden recognition. "Hold on, is that a real Walkman?"

You smile, nodding. "Yep, authentic. Found it in a thrift shop, and it still works perfectly."

"That's insane," Chan says, sounding genuinely impressed. "I haven't seen one of those in, like, forever."

Jisung takes a deep breath, gathering his courage, and steps forward with a lopsided grin. "Hey, so, uh, we have a game coming up this Saturday," he says, his voice surprisingly steady despite the nervous excitement bubbling in his chest. "I thought maybe, if you're free, you could come by? Cheer us on?"

You tilt your head, clearly considering it as you give him a warm smile. "Yeah, I think I'd like that. It sounds fun."

Jisung's grin widens, the relief flooding through him as you agree. "Awesome, yeah. We'll- we'll definitely put on a good show."

Minho raises an eyebrow, smirking at Jisung's wide grin. "Oh, he's gonna be putting on a show, alright."

Chan lets out a small laugh, nodding approvingly. "Better make it a good one, Jisung."

You glance at the group, laughing softly at the way they're all watching Jisung, clearly amused and intrigued by the whole interaction. "Well, good luck with the rest of practice, guys. Hope you survive it."

"Thanks, Y/N," Jisung says, almost too eagerly. 

The team watches as you jog over to the bleachers, earbuds back in and totally oblivious to the chaos unfolding behind you. Minho's gaze follows you for a second before he turns on Jisung and slaps him upside the head.

"Ow!" Jisung yelps, rubbing the back of his head. "Dude, I asked her to the game! What the hell was that for?"

Minho sighs, looking at him like he's the densest person on the planet. "You didn't ask for her number, you idiot!"

"Oh. Shit."

Chan crosses his arms and nods towards the bleachers. "Alright, well, go ask her now! What are you waiting for?"

"Right!" Jisung says, almost tripping over himself as he prepares to take off, only to freeze in place, still staring at the bleachers as if they're a hundred miles away.

Changbin squints at him, an amused smirk on his face. "Uh, Jisung, you haven't moved."

Jisung blinks, nodding. "I'm going!" But he's still firmly rooted to the spot.

Hyunjin snorts, crossing his arms. "You still haven't moved, man. It's like you're glued to the grass or something."

Minho lets out an exaggerated sigh, pressing a hand to his chest dramatically. "There it is again, this pain in the soul I didn't know I had. Honestly, Jisung, you're killing me."

Felix and Jeongin, watching with growing impatience, exchange a glance before stepping forward and shoving Jisung forward with a well-placed push. Caught off guard, he stumbles but quickly regains his footing, shooting them a quick glare before he jogs over to you.

By now, you're sitting on the bleachers, scrolling through your phone, clearly enjoying the peace. When Jisung stops in front of you, a little breathless, you glance up with a curious smile, taking out an earbud.

"Hey! Back already?" you ask, giving him an amused look. "Did Chan finally cut you guys a break?"

Jisung scratches the back of his neck, feeling his usual bravado abandon him in the face of your calm, easy smile. "Uh not quite," he says, mentally cursing himself for how awkward he feels. "But, um, I just realized about the game on Saturday. I could, you know, send you details if you wanted them."

You raise an eyebrow, nodding. "Oh, yeah, that'd be great."

"Right. So, uh, could I maybe have your number?" He's practically holding his breath, his pulse racing, but he tries to play it cool. "You know, as a friend, for game details and stuff."

"Of course!" you say, nodding. You reach into your bag and pull out a pen, scribbling your number on a small slip of paper before handing it to him. "Here you go. Just text me when and where, and I'll be there."

Jisung takes the paper, feeling a ridiculous amount of triumph as he clutches it like it's some sacred artefact. "Awesome. Thanks!"

You smile, tucking your earbuds back in. "No problem. Good luck with the rest of practice!"

As you jog off, Jisung watches you for a second, still gripping the slip of paper before he turns and heads back to the field.

The guys are all watching him expectantly as he approaches, Minho crossing his arms with a knowing smirk. "Well? How'd it go?"

Jisung waves the piece of paper triumphantly. "I got her number!"

Seungmin raises an eyebrow, noting the look on Jisung's face. "But...?"

Jisung sighs, the realization settling in as he slumps slightly. "I friend zoned myself."

The entire team lets out a collective groan, most of them doubling over with laughter or shaking their heads in disbelief.

"What is wrong with you?" Minho says, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Are you trying to sabotage yourself, or what?"

Jisung rubs his temples, feeling his frustration build. "I don't know, man! Usually, I can get a girl's number and have her in my bed in, like, ten minutes. It's like all my usual shit just falls apart when I'm around her."

Hyunjin laughs, patting him on the back. "Maybe that's a sign, genius. Try being, I don't know yourself?"

Chan snorts, crossing his arms. "This is a first. Han Jisung, a bumbling self friend zoning mess"

Jisung huffs, rolling his eyes. "Thanks for the support, guys."

Felix grins, his voice softening. "Come on, man. Just be real with her. No more overthinking. Invite her to the game, hang out, just chill. Don't overcomplicate it."

Minho shakes his head, laughing. "Right. We'll do the complicated part on the field. Just focus on not friend zoning yourself again, okay?"

Jisung lets out a reluctant laugh, tucking the slip of paper safely into his pocket. "Fine, fine. No more overthinking. Just keep it simple."

The team exchanges looks, clearly sceptical but amused, as Chan whistles to get them back on task. "Alright, lovebirds, enough about the romance stuff. Back to drills. Let's go!"

With one last glance toward the bleachers where you'd been sitting, Jisung feels a rush of determination. Saturday can't come soon enough.

The stadium lights blaze down on the field, casting a glow across the crowd and players as Miroh College's football team, the Miroh Maniacs, prepare for the big game.

Jisung stands at the edge of the field, scanning the bleachers with anxious eyes, trying to spot you among the scattered faces. But the stands are filled with students, and it's impossible to find anyone, let alone the person he's been looking forward to seeing all week.

He huffs, scuffing his cleats into the grass, feeling his chest tighten. "She didn't come," he mutters, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Minho, standing beside him in full gear, gives him a sympathetic look and a heavy pat on the back. "Damn, man. That's rough. But hey, maybe she got caught up or something. Doesn't mean she didn't want to come."

Jisung lets out a sigh, folding his arms. "Yeah, maybe. Still feels like shit, though."

As the game begins, Jisung tries to keep his focus on the field, but it's tough when all he can think about is you, not being there. He's distracted, missing cues, and every time he glances at the bleachers, there's a sinking feeling in his stomach. Minho notices, giving him an encouraging nudge whenever he slips up, but Jisung can't shake the nagging disappointment.

By halftime, Jisung's barely even listening as Chan goes over their next moves. He's glancing back toward the stands, wondering if you might magically appear, hoping against hope. And then, as the players start gathering for their pep talk, Jisung sees something that stops him in his tracks.

There you are, sitting at the bottom of the stands, looking around as if you're searching for someone. You're wearing a green long-sleeve shirt that dips into a deep V-neck, showing just a hint of skin, and a pair of baggy, low-rise jeans. The familiar black Converse on your feet, your hair is messily clipped up with that same seashell claw clip. It's unmistakably you.

His heart leaps, and before he knows it, he's jogging over, catching you by surprise as he comes to a stop in front of you.

"Hey," he says, slightly out of breath but grinning. "You okay?"

You look up at him, guilt flickering across your face as you offer a small, apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Jisung. I know I'm late. I was finishing up my forensic science paper and, like, totally lost track of time."

He shakes his head, a bit stunned that you actually came. "You didn't have to come if you had a big assignment. Seriously, it's not a big deal."

You smile, and the sincerity in your eyes makes his chest feel lighter. "No, I said I'd be here, so here I am." You gesture toward the field, smirking. "Besides, I wasn't going to miss out on seeing you guys destroy the other team, right?"

Jisung laughs, the weight that had been on his shoulders lifting in an instant. "We're doing our best, but uh got a little distracted in the first half." He rubs the back of his neck, feeling his cheeks warm a bit.

"Well," you say, looking up at him with a reassuring smile, "now I'm here, so no more excuses. You've got a whole second half to make up for it, right?"

The shrill blast of the whistle signals the start of the second half, and Jisung shoots you a quick grin. "Guess I better get back out there. Keep an eye out, alright?"

You nod, laughing. "Oh, I'll be watching. Go kill it."

Jisung jogs back toward his teammates, practically buzzing with energy now. Minho, standing with Hyunjin near the sidelines, spots him and raises an eyebrow. "Finally got that confidence back, huh?"

Hyunjin smirks, crossing his arms. "Alright, man. We're getting you a touchdown. Everyone's in on it."

Minho grabs a bottle of water, shoving it into Jisung's hands. "It's time to wow your '90s dream girl, dude. So hydrate, gear up, and get your ass in the zone."

Jisung takes the bottle, glancing down at it sceptically. "But what if I have to piss? Seriously, I'm not risking that."

Minho rolls his eyes, exasperated. "For god's sake, just drink some water."

Jisung takes a reluctant sip, his face scrunching as he sets the bottle down. "Fine, but if this backfires, you're to blame."

Hyunjin laughs, giving him a shove toward the huddle where the rest of the team waits. "Go kill it, Romeo."

With one last look at you sitting on the bleachers, Jisung heads back to the field, a newfound determination in his eyes. He's ready for the second half, and this time, he's not holding anything back.

The whistle blows to start the second half, and instantly, the team is on high alert. Chan calls the play, and the whole lineup is subtly geared toward making sure Jisung has the perfect setup to score. The guys are practically electric, each one of them more hyped than usual, and it's clear they're all determined to help Jisung pull off his moment.

Jisung lines up, glancing once toward the bleachers where you're watching, leaning forward with your eyes locked on the game. His heart pounds, adrenaline pumping as he gets into position.

Chan snaps the ball, and the play begins. Minho and Hyunjin immediately work to block the defenders, giving Jisung a clear path as he sprints downfield, dodging tackles, his every step fueled by the thought of you watching. He feels every inch of the field beneath his cleats, and it's like everything's in slow motion. He can see the end zone, clear and open, just waiting for him.

"Go, Jisung!" Minho yells, throwing a solid block that opens up the final few yards for him.

With a burst of speed, Jisung dives forward, clutching the ball tightly as he crosses into the end zone. The cheers erupt around him, but the only thing he's focused on is you, standing up in the bleachers, clapping with a wide, proud smile that lights up your entire face and makes Jisung see the world in shades of pink.

Jisung's face breaks into a grin, his chest swelling with pride as he stands up, unable to hide the joy on his face. He can barely hear his teammates around him because all he's seeing is the look on your face, and it's enough to make him feel invincible.

"Hell yeah!" Changbin cheers as he and Minho rush over, pulling Jisung to his feet with matching grins.

"Alright, you've impressed her now," Minho says, slapping him on the back. "But now you've gotta close the deal. We're gonna help you get as many damn touchdowns as possible, but after that? It's on you, bro. You gotta either kiss her or ask her out or whatever you're planning. You get me?"

Jisung nods rapidly, barely able to contain the massive grin on his face. "Yeah, yeah, I got it. I'm doing this!"

Felix and Seungmin clap him on the back, their laughter ringing out as they congratulate him, and Jeongin practically tackles him in excitement.

"That was sick, dude!" Jeongin says, beaming. "Now you just gotta keep this up!"

Chan and Hyunjin jog over, both of them holding out their hands for high fives, which Jisung meets eagerly.

"Keep that adrenaline up," Hyunjin says, smirking. "With this energy, asking her out's gonna be a piece of cake."

"Exactly," Chan says, nodding with a smile. "Now let's help our boy rack up some more scores. If we play this right, he'll be unstoppable tonight."

Jisung clenches his fists, adrenaline flooding his veins as he nods, ready to play his absolute best. The guys all gather around him, their energy infectious as they slap his back, hyping him up before heading back into position. He glances at the bleachers once more, catching your eye as you wave, still beaming with that warm, encouraging smile.

For the rest of the game, the team's strategy is clear: get Jisung every chance to score. Each play is practically engineered to put the ball in his hands, and every time he crosses the line, the crowd roars, sending chills down his spine. And each time, he looks to the bleachers, zeroing in on you. You're standing now, clapping with a bright smile that lights up your face, and to him, it's like the whole stadium fades away.

With every touchdown, his teammates swarm him, cheering, slapping his helmet, yelling about how "the Han touchdown train" can't be stopped tonight. It's like they're all rooting for him not just to win the game, but to win you over.

"Goddamn, you're on fire, Jisung!" Chan shouts, panting as he jogs up beside him after yet another touchdown.

"It's the magic of a girl in the stands," Felix laughs, throwing an arm around Jisung's shoulder. "You better keep this up, man. We've never seen you play this good."

Jisung laughs, breathless, catching his teammates' infectious energy. He glances over to see you clapping again, beaming at him, and for a second, he almost feels like he's floating.

Minho sidles up next to him, catching his breath. "You see her out there, dude? She's cheering just for you. You got this."

Jisung nods, wiping sweat off his brow, feeling a surge of confidence every time he catches your eye. Each touchdown fuels him more, and the team, sensing his determination, rallies around him.

They block defenders with brutal force, ploughing through lines to create space, and hand him the ball again and again, shouting encouragement at every opportunity.

With a little over two minutes left in the game, Chan calls a huddle, his voice rough but steady as he grins at the team. "Alright, let's make this one count. It's our last drive. Get Jisung the fucking ball."

The guys nod, all grins and fierce determination. As they take their positions, Jisung glances once more toward the bleachers. You're watching intently, eyes full of excitement, and it's like an invisible thread pulls him toward the end zone, knowing you'll be there cheering no matter what.

The play unfolds perfectly. Minho and Changbin block two defenders, Felix takes out another, and Jisung darts through the gap, sprinting toward the end zone. The crowd's roar is deafening as he makes the final dive, crossing the line with the ball firmly in his grip.

He stands up, triumphant, the thrill of the touchdown rippling through him, but what really makes his heart race is catching sight of you in the stands, clapping wildly, that same radiant smile on your face. He can barely contain his own grin as he raises a fist in the air, the cheers around him fading into the background as he locks eyes with you.

When his teammates reach him, they're laughing, shouting over each other's voices.

"You're a goddamn beast tonight, Han!" Seungmin yells, clapping him on the back.

Hyunjin smirks, holding up a hand for a high-five. "You'd better ask her out after this, because that was fucking legendary."

As the final whistle blows, signalling their victory, Jisung's teammates surround him, piling on congratulations, laughs, and relentless back pats.

The final whistle blows and the crowd erupts in cheers as the Miroh Maniacs celebrate their victory. The guys are all high-fiving and fist-pumping, adrenaline buzzing through their veins as they revel in the thrill of the win.

Jisung's heart is pounding, both from the game and from the sight of you at the edge of the field, clapping and smiling as you watch the team celebrate.

"Go get your '90s dream girl, Han," Minho says, slapping Jisung on the shoulder. There's a glint of mischief in his eye as he steps back, letting Jisung gather his courage.

Chan, ever the supportive captain, grins and shouts, "You've got this, Ji! Don't choke now!"

"Dude, you've been killing it all night," Hyunjin says, giving him an encouraging nod. "Time to wrap it up with a win off the field, too."

Felix and Jeongin clap him on the back, their voices blending into a jumble of encouragement and good-natured ribbing. Even Seungmin, who usually prefers to stay cool and unbothered, joins in with a smirk. "Don't overthink it, man. Just go."

Jisung takes a deep breath, feeling every bit of adrenaline pushing him forward as he steps toward you. The team's words echo in his mind, and he thinks, Fuck it. It's now or never.

You approach the group, looking radiant, your eyes bright with excitement as you clap for each of them. "Congratulations, you guys! That was seriously amazing!"

Jisung's heart nearly skips a beat as he takes in the sight of you, looking effortlessly beautiful even in the dim stadium lights. He's been imagining this moment all night, and without thinking, he steps forward, closing the distance between you.

And then, with a surge of confidence, he cups your face and kisses you, pouring everything he's been feeling into the moment. His heart's racing, but as soon as your lips meet, he feels that familiar thrill, the world fading out around him.

The team erupts into cheers and whistles behind him, and Jisung can't help but grin against your lips as he hears them hollering.

He pulls back just enough to meet your gaze, still holding you close. Emboldened by the rush, he dips you back, his grin widening as the guys cheer even louder. Minho yells out over the noise, "Strawberries and heaven, my man! Your '90s dream girl right here!"

You laugh, your cheeks pink as you look up at Jisung, slightly dazed. "Wait. What?"

Jisung's face softens, his voice tender as he smiles down at you. "You. You smell like strawberries and heaven. And you're my '90s dream girl." And with that, he leans in and kisses you again, savouring the feeling, the cheers of his friends blending into the background.

When he finally lets go, Minho claps him on the back, looking comically emotional. "I feel so proud, honestly. I coached him through it all, stopped jerking it for him to gush about her. This is basically a win for me, too."

Chan laughs, shaking his head. "Minho, you sacrificed, my guy. I'm proud of you."

Felix raises an eyebrow, his expression teasing. "Seriously, though. I can't believe it took seven wingmen to make this happen."

Jisung rolls his eyes but laughs along, his arm still around you as he finally turns back to face his friends.

You smile up at him, still a little flushed but looking delighted. "So, what's the plan now?"

Jisung's eyes light up, his grin playful. "We're having a post-game party back at the frat house. You should come." He pauses, pretending to think. "I might even make you a cocktail as good as that caramel latte you liked."

"Oh, really?" you tease, raising an eyebrow. "Big talk, Han. Think you're up to it?"

"Pfft, please," Jisung says, flashing you a confident smirk. "Give me a real challenge."

You laugh, glancing back toward the bleachers. "Alright. I'll grab my things while you guys wrap up and shower. Don't keep me waiting."

You head back toward the stands, and as soon as you're out of earshot, Felix leans over, grinning. "Uh, Jisung, dude, you can't make cocktails to save your life."

Jisung's expression falters, but then he looks at Minho, a pleading glint in his eye. "Minho...?"

Minho lets out a long, dramatic sigh. "Fine. I'll make the fucking cocktail. But seriously, you owe me for this one."

Jisung's grin returns. "You're the best, man."

Minho smirks, crossing his arms. "Do you need me to teach you how to fuck her too?"

Jisung snorts, shooting him a playful glare before delivering a swift kick to Minho's ass. "Shut the fuck up, man."

The team laughs, their voices full of pride and joy as they head off the field, congratulating Jisung and slapping him on the back the whole way.

[houpss]

SKZ in love with you, but you're not theirs

Two members are involved in the work. a few tears, melancholy, unreciprocated love

Bang Chan

Every beautiful person needs their own beautiful person.

Chan was like that, he loved you.

Oh..it seems you love not him, but Hyunjin.

Chan only wants the best for his members and cares deeply about them.

He would never go against them.

Chan never showed his sadness and disappointment, but maybe not this time.

He loves you. he loves your looks, your soul, your smile...he loves everything about you.

But you never noticed him as a boyfriend.

please...why don't you love me?

Chan is used to hiding pain behind a smile and overloading himself with work.

He will pour out unrequited love into songs, he will give free rein to his feelings in music.

Chan would like to take Hyunjin's place, he wanted you to love him. But you love Hyunjin and he loves you.

He wanted to take you away, take you away from everyone, so that you would only know about his existence. Be my universe.

He always wanted you to be happy and let Hyunjin be happy.

Only Bang Christopher Chan is unhappy here.

With trepidation in his soul he treasures the little things you gave him, he treasures your Polaroids and the smell of your perfume.

"I love you....I love you so much...and you....and you love me?" Words locked in his heart, words of his pain.

He will always smile at you and treat you like an angel, even when you announce that you are now Hyunjin's fiancée.

Lee Know

Love is so stupid.

Minho hated being attached, Minho didn't love loving. But he wanted to be loved.

God probably hates him?

Why did he love you and you loved Felix?

Oh..Felix is so kind, so sunny and friendly!

It was impossible not to love Felix.

And Minho was sarcastic, a little rude, but he had a soft soul. who will love his soul?

He was angry with himself because he allowed himself to love you.

He was angry at Felix...no, not really.

It was Felix who made the effort to woo you, he made you fall in love with him.

Felix gave you flowers, gave you gifts and took you on dates. Minho watched this from the shadow of his jealousy.

His soul is like snow, he is gentle, but not everyone loves winter, right?

He will want to confess to you, he is sure of his feelings

Loving is painful, love is never happy.

You love me too, don't you?

He was ready to be your world, but your world is sunny Lee Yongbok.

He confesses, you will accept his feelings... but you love Felix so deeply.

Guilt torments Minho's soul, he blame.

Warm your soul with this lonely love.

Seo Changbin

He listened to you talk about how you liked Yang Jeongin with a smile on his face.

In fact, it is very painful, it breaks soul.

He didn't want to hurt either of you, he didn't want you to be separated because of him.

He just loved you so much.

It hurts so much to see you two so in love with each other.

Jeongin deserved to be happy with you.

"Hyung, I love Y/n so much, she is my ray of light.." Yang Jeongin was happy and Changbin wanted him to be happy.

Why didn't he confess to you at the very beginning?

Perhaps..you would love him too, instead of Jeongin?

He sees your eyes burning with love, your gentle smile and the words frozen on your lips: “My Jeongin so handsome.”

Yes, you are happy next to the maknae.

And who will give happiness to Changbin? Why is he always behind?

He loses you again and again.

You are his first thought in the morning and his last thought at night.

He would probably never be sincerely happy for you.

"Just be happy and I'll handle it"

Hwang Hyunjin

Why Lee Minho?

Why did you love Minho and not him.

Hyunjin remembers everything about you... he was closest to you, he merged with your soul.

But you love Lee Minho.

He didn't even understand how it happened.

He dedicates lyrics and paintings to you, you're his aphrodite.

He sees how much Minho loves you, but what hurts is that you love Minho too.

Hyunjin is the perfect guy, he would be everything to you.

I will miss you and love you more.

Minho gave you so much happiness, Minho was your support and eternal happiness..why wasn’t it Hyunjin?

The boy was so tired of crying in pain at night. He washes himself with tears of pain.

One evening he will come to you in tears, lie quietly next to you and ask only for a little of your presence. Please don't refuse him.

He is like a faithful dog, he will always be faithful to you.

Love is cruel, love leaves deep scars on the heart.

Always in his mind are the words: “She loves Minho, not me.”

Lee Minho is probably the happiest person next to you? Hyunjin wanted it that way too.

It wasn’t him who kissed you that day, it was Lee Minho.

He will never accept the fact that you agreed to become Minho's wife.

He so wanted a little of your love, at least a little of your attention.

Han Jisung

He probably would never have confessed to you.

Chan has already done this.

Chan was such an amazing and good person. Chan was the best leader, rapper, dancer, singer and producer. This man could literally do everything.

What could Jisung do?

He saw how happy you were with Chan, you both glowed with happiness.

And Jisung could only silently swallow the pain and watch you.

The pain is so great that he will cause himself physical harm.

He could never admit his love for you.

But Chan did it, now Chan was kissing you. Jisung had the same dream.

He will withdraw into himself, he will push you away strongly. He hurt you on purpose so that it wouldn’t hurt him so much.

Jisung’s fears got the best of him, he just silently watched as you and Chan lived your best life.

Jisung would love to be your heart or be the love in your heart.

"It was so painful... I really don’t have anyone, you know?”

Jisung was helping Chan choose a ring so Chan could propose to you.

It's so painful to watch someone else's happiness.

He will never get close to you, he will never get into your soul.

He would never stop loving you, it was impossible.

Lee Felix

Felix has known you for so long and loved you just as long.

He wanted you to love him. You were his ideal and his dream.

But there was another person in your heart.

Seo Changbin.

He was always genuinely happy for the two of you. Lie.

Felix never understood why Changbin.

Felix was better...Felix wanted to be better.

He wanted to take a place next to you.

But you no longer loved him.

Changbin was your everything.

Felix knew every little thing about you, he knew your family like he was part of the family.

So why is Changbin next to you and not Felix?

Changbin was handsome, strong, kind and friendly. He smelled good.

But wasn't that what Felix had?

He knew you longer...he loved you more.

Felix is very jealous.

He remembers your friendly kisses on the cheek, but he wanted to taste your lips. They must be so sweet.

He silently watches you and wants to deceive himself that he is happy.

The sun has gone out, you aren't his.

You love Seo Changbin, but not Lee Felix.

Kim Seungmin

Of course, you didn't love him.

You loved Han Jisung.

It hurts, he understood everything perfectly.

Jisung was your boyfriend, your smile and your support. Seungmin could only dream about it.

But was Seungmin worse?

You were close friends with Seungmin, he knew how much you loved Jisung.

He would make sarcastic jokes at the expense of the two of you, hiding the pain behind the sarcasm.

He's even glad that Jisung is protecting you. He won't let you get hurt.

Jisung was a good producer, singer, dancer and rapper...Seungmin didn't have that, but he was the only one who thought so.

Seungmin will try to stop loving you, but he will fall in love with you even more.

You were too perfect.

He will deceive himself, because he thinks that he has stopped loving you.

But as soon as you call him, he will come immediately. He will always come to you.

He will try to smoke to replace one addiction with another.

And he will like it.

"I lit a cigarette when you left so it wouldn't hurt so much"

Last love, cigarette ashes.

Yang Jeongin

So cute, you love Kim Seungmin. And Jeongin loves you.

It hurts to accept that you love his Hyung and not him.

Maybe Jeongin isn't good enough?

Jeongin wanted to confess to you, he wanted to do it romantically and tenderly, he knew how much you loved it.

But Seungmin beat him to it, now Jeongin has lost you.

If Jeongin had rushed...would you have been his?

Now he locks the pain deep in his heart and hopes that you are truly happy with Seungmin.

Seungmin had a beautiful appearance, a beautiful voice and something that Jeongin didn't have.

Seungmin had your love, all your love.

Jeongin would also like at least a little bit of your attention and love.

You always considered him a younger brother and nothing more, you saw Jeongin as a close friend.

He probably didn't have a chance.

Beautiful lies, beautiful pain.

Jeongin will love you and wait for any mistake Seungmin makes.

He will get your attention.

[kayewrite]

blue sticky note (part 2)

OT8 x reader!! stray kids x reader!! word count: 5.9k

stray kids fic wherein, you know the answer of the mystery of the blue sticky note in your binder, but then keep denying it.

AN: i literally love this guys. please tell me your thoughts also im crying.

(part 1 here!!)

Does Bang Chan like you?

Why did he create a song for you?

Your mind raced as you held the blue sticky note, staring at the familiar handwriting that had been haunting your thoughts for days. You replayed the moment when you confronted him, hoping for a straightforward answer.

“Are you the one who put this in my binder?” you had carefully asked, showing him the sticky note that had left you sleepless for nights.

Bang Chan didn’t answer right away. His eyes softened as he looked at you, and for a brief moment, you thought you saw something deeper in his gaze. But instead of responding to your question, he gave you a gentle smile, one that made your heart skip a beat.

“Did you know we all made this song?” he said, his voice calm, almost as if he was leading you from the truth you were seeking. “We all helped to do this.”

His words left you more confused than before. What did that even mean? Was it some kind of cryptic message?

“You know what,” he suddenly said, his tone shifting to something more casual, “you should really attend Changbin’s party this weekend. I’ll be the one to pick you up.”

And just like that, he left the studio without waiting for your reply, leaving you standing there with a thousand questions swirling in your mind. The mystery you thought you were close to solving only seemed to deepen, the answers slipping further from your grasp.

You tried to focus on your upcoming presentation in class, but Bang Chan's words and that blue sticky note kept intruding on your thoughts. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, you wondered why this was all becoming so hard to figure out.

Suddenly, a knock on your door snapped you out of your thoughts. You opened it to find Felix standing there, a soft smile on his face as he greeted you.

“Hi,” he said, holding his favorite yellow plushie—a chicken. “I’m back again.”

You let him in, and without a word, he walked in and instead of heading to the sofa like usual, he went straight to your bedroom and flopped down on your bed..

You followed him, sitting at the edge of the bed as you pulled the blanket over him. You felt a pang of sympathy for your friend. He always seemed so worn out whenever you saw him in the mornings at school, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. You knew it must be because of his noisy neighbor.

“I think my neighbor is angry with me,” Felix mumbled, his face half-buried in the pillow.

“Why?” you asked, your voice gentle.

“He only makes noise whenever I’m about to sleep.”

“Maybe we should complain to the landlord,” you suggested, but you knew Felix. He was too kind-hearted to make a fuss about it. He’d rather suffer in silence than cause trouble for someone else.

"I’ve decided I should move out here," he said quietly.

"Really? Finally," you replied, a bit of relief in your voice. You’d wanted someone to share your apartment with for so long. Living alone had become so lonely.

"But I’ll be moving next door," he added.

Oh. That was fine too.

You couldn’t help but smile as you lay down beside him, both of you staring up at the ceiling. The silence was comfortable, but your thoughts were still tangled up in the mystery of the blue note.

“I think I should talk to someone about this,” you finally said, breaking the silence. The questions were too much for you to keep inside anymore.

“Talk about what?” Felix asked, his voice calm but curious.

“The blue note…” you began, turning your head to look at him. “Do you know who owns it?”

Felix took a deep breath, clearly expecting this conversation. He didn’t answer right away, instead asking, “May I ask you a question? Who do you think owns it?”

“I don’t want to assume anything,” you admitted, “You guys are giving me a hard time. I don’t want to jump to conclusions.”

Felix’s gaze softened as he looked at you, his expression unreadable. “What would you do if you found out who owned it? Would it change things between you and us?”

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. “I see all of you as my brothers. But if it really was one of you… then…” You trailed off, not knowing how to finish the thought.

“What if it was all of us?” Felix’s voice was quiet, almost hesitant.

“What—” Before you could react, Felix leaned in and pecked your lips, the suddenness of it leaving you frozen.

“Do you know how hard it is?” he whispered, his eyes locked on yours. “Loving you means risking our whole friendship. But as long as I could hold it in, I thought I should. But right now, I can’t.”

His confession hung in the air between you, heavy and filled with emotion. He searched your eyes for a reaction, his heart clearly on the line.

“Please,” he continued, his voice breaking slightly, “when tomorrow comes, forget what I did. And I hope… you’ll forgive me.”

And then, before you could process everything, he claimed your lips again, this time with more urgency, as if trying to convey everything he couldn’t put into words.

The next morning, you walked to class feeling like you were floating. Felix was already gone when you woke up, leaving behind only a note saying he had to go.

The memory of last night's kiss made your cheeks flush as you touched your lips, but you quickly shook the thought away.

Why does this feel so wrong?

You've been friends with these guys since middle school, and now, everything felt like it was spiraling out of control.

You slumped into your seat next to Yuji, dropping your head onto your table.

“Girl, you look stressed,” she said, combing her fingers through your hair.

“I know. I think I should just die.”

“No, not yet! We still have that concert to go to, remember? Physics might make you want to drop dead, but focus on the bright side—concert!” Yuji playfully shook your shoulders.

“What concert? Why didn’t you invite me?” Seungmin’s voice interrupted as he approached, handing out papers.

"Oh! it's seungmin." Yuji immediately straightened up, trying to play it cool. “I have two tickets. One for me, and one for her.” She pointed at you with an exaggerated modesty. “But she can always buy new her own, so I’ll give you hers.” She smiled sweetly at Seungmin like a puppy.

Seungmin didn’t even look up as he continued distributing papers. “Never mind. I’ve got plans with her, anyway.”

You blinked, confused. Plans? He hadn’t mentioned anything to you.

“What plans?” you asked, tilting your head in curiosity.

“It’s a surprise.” He finally looked up, flashing a small, knowing smile before moving on to the next student.

Yuji’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, is there something going on between you two?” she asked, crossing her arms and pouting. “You betrayed me?! I thought you were on Team Seungmin and Yuji!”

You barely registered her words, your mind suddenly flashing back to what Felix said last night.

“What if it was all of us?”

Was there a chance that Seungmin… liked you? Or were they all just playing with your feelings?

The stress of it all made you tug at your hair in frustration. But then you remembered Felix’s kiss, making you feel even more confused.

After class, you were about to leave when Seungmin called out to you.

“Hey,” he said, jogging over. “Let me treat you to the cafeteria.”

Normally, you’d jump at the chance for free food—who wouldn’t? This was just how you and Seungmin usually were. But after everything that happened, you found yourself questioning his intentions.

Still, you plastered on a smile and nodded. “Sure.”

As you both sat down, Seungmin played with his spoon, eyeing his food. “Do you think short hair would suit me?” He ran a hand through his hair, “I’m thinking about getting a haircut.”

You looked at him, trying to picture it. “Honestly? I think everything suits you.”

“Oh really?” He laughed, raising an eyebrow. “Well, if it turns out ugly, I’m blaming you.”

“It won’t,” you assured him. “Promise. Trust me, just imagining it, I think it’ll look great on you. And why would you blame me? I’m not the one asking you to cut it; I already think it’s perfect.”

You forced yourself not to think about what Felix said, focusing on keeping the conversation light and normal, just like always.

“Hey, why are you two eating alone without me?” Changbin suddenly appeared, sliding his tray onto the table like some kind of cool bad boy—though you knew he was a softie at heart.

“Because according to Seungmin, you eat too much,” you teased, even though Seungmin hadn’t actually said that. Changbin shot Seungmin a playful glare, his expression saying, ‘How dare you?’

“Why? It’s true,” Seungmin teased back with a casual shrug.

“Well, it is,” Changbin admitted with a grin. “But do you really think you can get away without buying me food? I put it on your tab at the cashier.”

You laughed, enjoying their playful banter. This is what you wanted to keep, this easy friendship with them. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Hey, don’t laugh! You owe me, too!” Changbin suddenly turned his attention to you.

“What? I don’t remember owing you anything. If anything, you owe me,” you shot back, munching on your food.

“Well, you’re right about that.” He chuckled, then leaned in closer, his tone turning serious. “But you owe me a promise. You have to come to my party. And you too.” referring to Seungmin.

“Tell me why I should attend instead of going to my weekly seminar,” Seungmin challenged, always enjoying a good tease.

“There’ll be lots of food.”

“Valid, but not enough,” Seungmin replied, feigning disinterest.

“I’ll be there,” Changbin said. Seungmin just rolled his eyes before standing up.

“I’m done eating,” he said, grabbing his tray. Then he looked at you, “Finish your food and eat well. I’ll go ahead.”

“What happened to you?” Hyunjin asked, concern etched on his face as he glanced over at you.

You were lying on one of the beds in the school clinic, feeling utterly drained. “I think I’m coming down with a fever. Can you give me some medicine?”

Hyunjin’s eyes narrowed slightly, a familiar sigh escaping his lips. “Again? Don’t tell me you’re pulling that trick to avoid PE.”

It was Wednesday, and Hyunjin was on clinic duty again. It seemed like every time he was here, you somehow managed to find your way to the clinic as well.

“I just really dislike playing volleyball,” you complained, curling up under the blanket.

“You know it’s part of the curriculum,” Hyunjin said firmly, reaching out to help you sit up. “Now, get up and get moving.”

But you stayed put. “I’m serious this time. My head is pounding.” You pressed your fingers against your temples, trying to relieve the discomfort.

Hyunjin’s expression softened, though he still looked slightly exasperated. “Alright, alright. Just stay here.” He walked over to the medicine cabinet, opening it and rummaging through the various bottles.

You watched him, admiring how he looked in his white lab coat. He seemed so professional and competent, and it made you smile despite your discomfort.

After a moment, Hyunjin returned with a small bottle in hand. “Here, take this.”

You examined the label. “Gummy vitamins? Really?”

Hyunjin grinned. “Yep, gummy medicine. It’s actually quite effective.”

“But… isn’t this for kids?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You’re never too old for gummy vitamins,” Hyunjin said with a teasing smirk. He leaned closer and playfully tapped your forehead. “And besides, you’re basically a kid.”

“Ouch!” you said, rubbing your forehead as you accepted the bottle. You popped a gummy into your mouth, making a face as you chewed. The taste was oddly medicinal, and you struggled to hide your reaction.

Hyunjin chuckled, his laughter bright and genuine. “You look like you’re eating something terrible.”

“It’s not as good as the regular gummies,” you said, grimacing slightly. “But I guess it’ll do.”

Hyunjin shook his head, his smile softening. “You really need someone to take care of you. I swear, you can’t even handle a gummy without making a face.”

“I can take care of myself just fine,” you insisted, stretching your arms out as if to demonstrate your health. “Look, I’m perfectly okay.”

“Yeah, right,” Hyunjin said, sitting down on the chair next to you. “But even if you can take care of yourself, you don’t need to do it alone. I’m here for you, and I’ll always be here to look out for you.”

His words were meant to be comforting, and they were—though they took on a new weight as you recalled what Bang Chan and Felix had said. It suddenly seemed like there might be a deeper layer to Hyunjin’s concern.

You pushed those thoughts aside, forcing a smile. “I’m really glad to have you guys around. It means a lot.”

Hyunjin’s eyes softened as he returned your smile. “I’m glad to hear that. Now, try to get some rest. You need it.”

“Hey, Han,” you called out as you entered the library, spotting your friend among the sea of students hunched over their books. Probably finished of his schedule in the counter as a librarian assistant.

“Oh, hi!” Han looked up from his desk, his glasses perched on the edge of his nose. His eyes were bright with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. You often wondered how he managed to juggle work, study, and his other responsibilities so effortlessly.

“I finally finished that novel you recommended,” you said, making your way over to his table. “..And it was so boring.”

Han’s eyes widened in mock horror, his hands flying to his chest. “What? Don't do that to my most favorite book!"

You couldn’t help but laugh at his dramatic reaction. “Just kidding. It was actually really good.” You gave him a thumbs-up, your voice low but full of mirth, mindful of the quiet atmosphere in the library.

Han let out a relieved sigh and shook his head with a smile. “You almost had me there. What did you think of the ending?”

You shrugged, a hint of frustration in your tone. “I’m still confused. How can the main character like her but never pursue her? It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

Han’s face took on a look of mild exasperation as he leaned back in his chair. “Did you read it with your whole heart, or were you skimming through it?”

“Of course I read it!” you protested, feeling a bit defensive. “I just didn’t get it.”

Han’s expression softened into a more thoughtful one. “Well, sometimes love isn’t as straightforward as we want it to be. The character had reasons for not pursuing her, even though he wanted to.”

“What reasons?” you asked, genuinely intrigued. You leaned forward, eager for an explanation.

Han sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice, can't believe he has to explain it to you. “It’s not always easy to explain. Sometimes, there are external factors, personal struggles, or circumstances beyond our control that affect our decisions.”

“Oh, I see,” you said slowly, trying to digest his explanation. “I still think the ending was a bit of a letdown, though.”

"Me too." Han chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, it’s definitely not the happiest of endings. But that’s what makes it memorable, I guess.”

“So, why is it your favorite if it’s so depressing?” you asked, genuinely curious.

Han hesitated, a thoughtful look on his face as he stared into the distance. “Because…”

He didn’t finish his sentence, leaving you hanging. You could guess what he might mean, understanding more than you let on. Sometimes it was easier to pretend you didn’t get it than to face the deeper implications of his words.

“Why would you need another cat when you already have three?” you asked, following Minho around the animal shelter. The space was filled with the soft meows and playful purrs of the cats, and you tried to keep up with his purposeful stride.

“Having one more won’t make me poor,” Minho replied, his gaze fixed intently on the cats. He seemed completely absorbed in the task of finding the perfect feline companion, his focus unwavering.

You chuckled softly, “Based on your face, you don’t look like someone who���s a father to a bunch of cats.” well he does look like a cat but you'll never tell him that, it might boost his overflowing confidence

“I don’t take opinions from anyone who’s trailing behind me,” Minho said with a smirk, still not turning to look at you.

“Oh, so you brought me here just to hear my complaints?” you sighed dramatically, trailing behind him. The endless walking was starting to wear you out, and you couldn’t help but think about the stack of assignments waiting for you at home.

Suddenly, Minho stopped in front of a white cat who was sitting calmly, watching him with wide, curious eyes. Minho crouched down and began speaking to the cat in a soft, melodic tone that seemed to mimic the cat’s own meows.

“I think I already found it,” Minho said with a satisfied smile, glancing up at you.

Back at the shelter’s counter, Minho was busy with the paperwork, preparing for the adoption. You watched him efficiently handle the forms and place the cat into its carrier. As he completed the final details, he turned to you with a beaming expression.

“Let’s go,” he said cheerfully.

You both headed to his car. Once inside, you buckled up, only for Minho to place the cat carrier on your lap. You opened it gently, letting the cat come out and stretch. Its beautiful white fur was soft and silky under your touch.

“What should we name her?” you asked, stroking the cat’s fur as she nuzzled closer to you.

“I don’t know,” Minho said, adjusting his seatbelt. “Why don’t you name her?”

"why would I be the one to do that?" you protested,

“Then, I’ll just name her after you,” Minho teased, looking at you with a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Oh no, don’t do that,” you laughed, shaking your head.

“Right? She seems to like it.” Minho chuckled as the cat responded positively to being called by your name. “She’s our daughter now.”

You felt a flutter of surprise at his words, but you tried to keep your emotions in check.

“Well, now you’re officially the baby of our friend group,” you said, hugging the cat gently. The little creature purred contentedly in your arms, and you couldn’t help but smile. “Welcome to the family.”

You were about to drift off to sleep when your phone buzzed with a FaceTime call from Jeongin. Rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you fixed your hair a bit and answered.

"Hey, what's up?" you greeted, trying to sound awake as you adjusted the phone to make sure you looked presentable.

"Hey!" Jeongin's cheerful voice came through, though his face was momentarily obscured as he set the phone down. The background of his room appeared on screen: a collection of action figures and band posters. He returned, holding his guitar. "Got a minute? I have a performance evaluation tomorrow, and I was hoping you could listen to my song and give me some feedback."

"Of course," you replied, leaning back against your headboard. "Why me though? You have plenty of musician friends who could help."

Jeongin laughed softly, adjusting the tune on his guitar. "Well, I think I’ll get the most honest comments from you. Han just tells me I sound like bread—whatever that means—and Changbin mostly just laughs at me."

You smiled at his playful tone. "Alright, hit me with it."

With a nod, Jeongin began to strum his guitar and sing. His voice filled the room with a soothing melody, performing Day6's "Afraid." His rendition was as captivating as always.

When he finished, you sighed in appreciation. "That was beautiful. Seriously, the song fits your voice perfectly."

“Really?” Jeongin’s face brightened with a hopeful smile.

You nodded enthusiastically, giving him a thumbs up. “Absolutely. You did an amazing job.”

Jeongin chuckled. “The truth is, that wasn’t the song I intended to perform,” he admitted with a playful grin. “but i hope you enjoy that song. It's for you.”

You laughed softly, feeling grateful for the unexpected late-night serenade. “I did. Thanks for sharing it with me.”

You enter Bang Chan’s studio, balancing a coffee cup in one hand. The studio is buzzing with activity, but Chan looks up with a smile as you walk in.

“Hey, thanks for the coffee!” Chan says, taking the cup from you with a grateful grin.

“No problem. I figured you’d need it. I’ve heard you’re practically living here these days,” you tease, slipping into the casual banter you’re used to with him.

“Yeah, it’s the price of fame,” Chan chuckles, pretending to adjust an imaginary tie. “I’m basically a coffee addict now.”

“You’ve always been one. Remember that time you tried to make your own coffee blend and nearly set off the fire alarm?”

Chan laughs, shaking his head. “Oh, don’t remind me. I’m still convinced it was a conspiracy by the coffee machine.”

You laugh along, feeling a comfortable ease in the familiar exchange. “So, are you busy today? Or can you spare a few minutes?”

“Earlier, I was buried in work, but now I’m taking a break. What’s up?” Chan asks, settling into his chair.

You nod, setting your coffee down on a nearby table. “I actually came to talk. And, well, I left my glasses here the other day.”

Chan raises an eyebrow playfully. “So it’s a dual-purpose visit: coffee delivery and a retrieval mission?”

“Exactly. I’m multitasking,” you reply with a wink.

“Impressive. I’d expect nothing less from you,” Chan says, leaning back in his chair. “But seriously, what’s on your mind?”

You take a deep breath, shifting your focus from the lightheartedness to a more serious tone. “You know, Chan, I’ve been thinking a lot lately. About everything that’s been happening with us.”

Chan’s expression shifts to a more serious one, sensing the change in tone. “Go on.”

“You know I’m always proud of you and everything you’ve achieved,” you begin, your voice softening. “And I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me. But lately, I’ve been worried. I don’t want to ruin the friendship we have.”

Chan looks at you with a mixture of concern and curiosity. “What do you mean?”

“I just hoped that everything you’ve said, and everything I thought, is wrong,” you continue. “I don’t want to ruin the friendship I have with you guys.”

Chan’s smile is gentle but sad. “You know, now that everyone likes you?”

You look down, fiddling with your coffee cup. “Well, I hope it’s because you all care for me as a friend and not something more.”

Chan’s eyes are filled with a warmth that both comforts and troubles you. “You’ve always been special to us. And we’re okay if you have to choose one of us. We promise it won’t ruin anything.”

“I don’t want to choose any of you,” you say, your voice trembling slightly. “You’re all special to me.”

It was Changbin's birthday, and you were carefully wrapping the gift you had bought for him—a watch. You knew it wasn’t as extravagant as the ones he usually wore, but it was thoughtful and sincere, a gesture from a poor uni student to a friend who seemed to have everything. Still, you hoped he would appreciate the sentiment.

A knock on your door startled you, pulling you from your thoughts. You were expecting Chan, who had offered to pick you up for the party, so you hurried to answer the door.

But it wasn’t Chan.

“Hey.” Felix stood there, a small, familiar smile on his lips. The sight of him made your heart skip a beat, especially after everything that had happened between you two in the past few days. You had promised yourself to forget about it, to push those feelings away, but seeing him now made it all come rushing back.

“Hello, gorgeous,” Felix greeted you, his voice as smooth as ever. He looked effortlessly handsome in his suit, his charm radiating as always.

“Thank you,” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. You appreciated the compliment, but there was an undeniable awkwardness in the air, a tension that neither of you wanted to acknowledge. “You look great too.”

Felix chuckled softly, his eyes briefly meeting yours before he looked away. “I try,” he said, his tone light, but you could hear the underlying edge to it. He cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah,” you nodded, grabbing your bag. “Chan’s waiting downstairs.”

Together, you walked down to the first floor, where Chan’s car was parked outside. He rolled down the window as you approached, flashing you both a bright smile. “Finally! I was about to start the party without you guys,” he joked.

“Wouldn’t be much of a party without the birthday gift,” you teased back, holding up the wrapped box.

Chan laughed, unlocking the doors. “Get in, then. Can’t have you showing up without it.”

In the car, the three of you quickly fell into easy conversation, laughing about inside jokes and reminiscing about old memories.

“So, what did you get Changbin?” Felix asked, looking over at you with genuine curiosity.

“It’s just a watch,” you said, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Nothing fancy.”

Felix shook his head. “It’s the thought that counts. He’ll love it.”

You smiled at his reassurance, but the heavy tension lingered, especially with Felix sitting so close to you. You could feel his presence, his warmth, but there was a wall between you—one neither of you seemed ready to address.

As the conversation continued, you found yourself getting lost in the sound of Chan’s voice, trying to push away the awkwardness. But no matter how much you tried to immerse yourself in the moment, you couldn’t shake the heaviness in the air.

Finally, you arrived at the party. The venue was stunning, elegant in every way. All your friends were already there, looking beautiful and sophisticated in their formal attire. As soon as you entered, they complimented you, making you feel like you belonged in that glamorous setting, even if you often doubted it yourself.

Yuji, who had also been invited, greeted you with a warm hug, her energy infectious. “You look amazing!” she gushed, her eyes wide with excitement as she took in the atmosphere. “This party is insane, right?”

“Yeah, it’s something else,” you agreed, smiling at her enthusiasm. “You look great too, by the way.”

She grinned, doing a little twirl. “Thanks! I can’t wait to see what happens tonight.”

The party began, and you found yourself seated at a table with your friends. Minho, who had always been obvious about his feelings for you, couldn’t take his eyes off you. He looked at you like you were the only person in the room, his gaze intense and unwavering.

“Are you okay?” Jeongin whispered in your ear.

You nodded, trying to act nonchalant. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Jeongin didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t push it. Instead, he casually wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer to him. “Just let me know if you need anything,”

You smiled gratefully at him, though the tension between the table was palpable, and you could feel the weight of Minho’s gaze even more acutely.

Then there was Han, who had always been more subtle about his feelings. He had never made it obvious, but tonight, when the air began to cool, he quietly draped his coat over your shoulders, his fingers brushing against your skin as he did so.

“Thanks, Han,” you said, looking up at him with a soft smile.

“No problem,” he replied, his voice low and warm. “Can’t have you freezing out here.”

As the evening went on, the program began, and Seungmin took the stage to offer a song. His voice was beautiful, capturing everyone’s attention as he sang. But as he performed, your heart began to race. He kept looking at you, his eyes locking with yours in a way that made you feel both flustered and vulnerable.

Yuji, sitting nearby, was practically glowing with happiness. She leaned in close, whispering, “I think this song is for me!”

You forced a smile, unable to bring yourself to tell her otherwise. “Maybe,” you replied, but your heart knew better.

Hyunjin, ever perceptive, seemed to pick up on the tension in the air. He observed quietly, his sharp eyes darting between you and the others, before taking a long sip of his wine. “Quite the night, huh?” he murmured, more to himself than to anyone in particular.

Then, out of nowhere, Changbin appeared at your table. His face lit up when he saw you, and without hesitation, he pulled you into a tight hug. “I’m so happy you’re here!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine joy.

You laughed softly, hugging him back. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Everyone at the table watched the interaction closely, some with smiles, others with unreadable expressions. But as you stood there, enveloped in Changbin’s embrace, a strange feeling crept into your chest.

And in that moment, you realized that perhaps it was better not to know. Ignorance, as they say, might be bliss.

As the night deepened, the more you wanted to go home. It wasn't that you didn’t enjoy spending time with your friends—quite the opposite—but with the tension growing thicker by the minute, you’d rather be curled up under your blanket, away from the chaos.

You were about to take another sip of your wine when a hand gently stopped you.

"You should stop drinking. You shouldn't get drunk," Han said, his voice soft but firm. He took your glass and, without hesitation, drank it himself.

The loud music continued to play in the background, filling the air with a vibrant energy that contrasted sharply with the underlying tension. Everyone else was getting more and more absorbed in their drinks, except you—Han never let you have another sip.

"Hey, do you want me to sing a song on stage?" a voice asked, leaning close to you to be heard over the music. You turned to find Jeongin grinning at you.

You laughed, feeling a bit lighter in his presence. "Why would you ask for my permission? You should go up there and do what you want. I'm just here to support you."

Jeongin nodded, his smile growing wider. "That's the reason I like you." He stood up from his chair, leaving you momentarily stunned by his words.

As the seat beside you became vacant, Seungmin slipped into it, his presence bringing a different kind of tension. He smiled at you, his eyes soft and warm as he said, "You look beautiful tonight." Then, almost as if he couldn't stop himself, he added with a slightly slurred voice, "You know, I realized I should have kept you to myself."

You went quiet, not sure how to respond. Seungmin had been the reason you met all of his friends, the one who had introduced you into this complicated circle. Now, his words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken feelings.

He rested his hand on the back of your chair, and you let out a nervous laugh, trying to shake off what he said by teasing him instead.

"Hey, Seungmin!" Felix called out, drawing everyone's attention. He smirked as he teased, "That song you sang earlier—it didn't sound like a birthday song at all. Are you sure you weren’t serenading Changbin?"

Seungmin, who was still looking at you, replied without missing a beat, "Well, it wasn't for him."

The tension at the table thickened, and you could feel everyone’s eyes on you. Hyunjin, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up, his voice cutting through the charged atmosphere. “Changbin, you were the one who put the note, right?”

It was the question you were asking, but then you suddenly don't want to know the answer now.

Changbin, who had been busy entertaining guests earlier and was visibly tired, looked up with a blank expression. “Yeah, that was me,” he admitted, his voice flat.

Minho scoffed, taking a sip of his drink. “That was weak, Changbin,” he remarked, his tone dripping with disdain.

You could sense the unease building, the tension wrapping around you like a vice. Jeongin returned, plopping down in the seat Seungmin had vacated, his carefree demeanor a stark contrast to the heaviness in the air. “The band didn’t want to let me sing,” Jeongin said with a laugh, though even he seemed to feel the strain. “I think Changbin didn’t let me.”

“Well, it’s true. I put it in there,” Changbin confessed again, this time with more emphasis. He looked at you, his gaze heavy, and you realized how exhausted you were by this whole ordeal.

Chan, ever the mature one, noticed the growing tension and tried to intervene, but before he could speak, Felix’s voice rang out. “I kissed her.”

The words hung in the air, heavier than anything that had been said all night. The atmosphere at the table grew unbearably thick, and for a moment, you felt like you couldn’t breathe. Yuji had left earlier, and suddenly, you wished you had gone with her.

You stood up abruptly, your chair scraping against the floor. “I… I need to go to the bathroom,” you muttered, not waiting for a response as you made your way through the crowd, your steps unsteady.

In the quiet of the bathroom, you stared at your reflection in the mirror, your heart pounding in your chest. This couldn’t go on. You had to do something before everything fell apart, before you lost the friendships that meant so much to you.

Determined, you took a deep breath and opened the door, only to be pulled into a dark corner. Before you could react, Minho’s lips were on yours. The kiss was desperate, filled with emotions you didn’t want to face. You pushed him away, tears welling up in your eyes.

“Minho, stop!” you cried, your voice breaking. Minho stepped back, his expression one of shock and regret.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “I didn’t mean to…”

Without another word, you turned and hurried back to the table, grabbing your bag as everyone’s eyes followed your every move. “I’m going home,” you announced, your voice steadier than you felt. Chan offered to drive you, but you shook your head.

“No, it’s fine.” You left before anyone could argue, the night air cold against your skin as you flagged down a taxi.

As the car sped away, tears streamed down your face, each one heavy with the realization you had been avoiding all night. You knew why you were crying, why you wanted to run away. Because deep down..

you already knew who you wanted to choose. But the thought of hurting the others, of breaking the delicate balance between you all, was too much to bear.

-

an: who do you want to choose?

@hpnsfwaddict @stay-tiny-things @velvetmoonlght @tonkatesuramen @spearbinnie0327 @leezanetheofficial @furioussheepluminary 

[seraphicloves]

𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆

❀ summary: Hyunjin never expected falling in love to be so…peaceful. Like a feather blown in the breeze, slowly and gently settling to the ground. He expected it to be harsh, dramatic, and loud. He expected one day for a brick to plummet in his heart with a You're in love! written in big bold letters.

❀ warnings: long ass story, physical descriptors being used but no name, they could be ooc i am not a skz expert, mentions of other kpop bands & people i have no clue about, almost 5k words 💀

❀ notes: i took multiple months to write this and i might have to separate it into multiple parts bc it is annoyingly long. I dunno if its super good but I wrote it for my bestie who loves hyunjin 😁

Hyunjin never expected falling in love to be so…peaceful. Like a feather blown in the breeze, slowly and gently settling to the ground. He expected it to be harsh, dramatic, and loud. He expected one day for a brick to plummet in his heart with a You're in love! written in big bold letters.

But watching her, with her fluffy purple hair and glittering dark eyes, he couldn't help but picture falling in love like cozying up against a fireplace after a long day playing in the snow. Falling in love with her felt easy. It felt like something he'd known all his life without fully realizing.

It was unfortunate that they seemed to be in entirely different realms. She was an American streamer with funny jokes and a big smile. He was a Korean idol who could barely utter a word lest the public eye shun him. Sure, it had gotten better since JYP had passed his entertainment industry to his much more progressive daughter, but still.

His fingers idly curl around his pencil, light strokes against the thick pad of his sketchbook as he watches her most current stream. She was with her friends, having a simple talk with her fans. It reminded him of the lives he did for his own fans, although he was sure her videos were not as filtered.

“Oh my favorite music? I have really liked K-pop since I was in middle school.” she says, her lips curving into that grin that never failed to send butterflies to his stomach. Of course, this led comments to flood all of them asking about her favorites.

“My favorite when I was in high school was Stray Kids,” She explained, making Hyunjin’s heart lurch in his chest. He set his drawing supplies down, fully turning to look at her as if studying the pixels of the screen might help him understand the real her better.

He caught a glance at the comments, asking who her bias was (something he has shamefully been tempted to do) and sat silently hoping she'd answer the question.

The heavens must have been looking out for him because she said, her voice like a melody made by Apollo, “My bias is Hyunjin though I love them all.”

Was he dreaming? Should he get Felix to pinch him? He shook off his thoughts, trying to clear his mind to make sure he heard you right. You kept talking about how you liked Stray Kids as a teenager, how they helped you through difficult times. Hyunjin struggled to understand the way his heart beat in his chest, the swell of pride in his stomach.

He took a glance at his unfinished sketch, yet another futile attempt at capturing the beauty of you. He could never feel like he got it quite right. He needed it to be perfect. One crafted by the gods must be worshiped, not tolerated.

Hyunjin continued to watch your stream until it ended, although his mind was still focused on that moment. It repeated in his head like a broken record, one that he was grateful had broken. If he was to be stuck in one moment eternally, he would choose that one easily.

As though he had been summoned, Felix bounced into Hyunjin's room. He wore a big smile, ready to poke and prod Hyunjin as if they were blood related brothers. However, the older boy was on a mission, and it could not be interrupted.

“Have you heard of this streamer..?” Hyunjin asked, her name slipping past his lips easily. Felix, as chronically online as he is, nodded that he had. Settling the nerves in his stomach, Hyunjin knew he ought to explain.

And so he did. Multiple times, actually, because Felix decided to involve the entirety of the band. Hyunjin couldn't even be that upset. They were a close-knit family. And he knew they would help him.

….

He was fairly certain that everybody around him was fully and clinically insane but he couldn't bring himself to care in the slightest bit. Somehow, he had managed to get an entire event hosted by JYP, which invited all sorts of streamers….namely her.

Although Hyunjin couldn't guarantee she would show up, he was certainly hoping against all odds. So was the rest of the Stray Kids.

“Hyunjin’s got a crush~” Bangchan teased, wrapping his arm around Hyunjin's neck and bringing him closer so he could ruffle his hair. Hyunjin laughed while he tried to wriggle out of the older boy's hold.

Finally, he got out of his hold, just as Hwa-Young entered. She was dressed as formally as ever, a crisp suit and perfectly styled hair.

“Please treat all our guests with respect and understand that the reason they are here is to advertise JYP Entertainment and the music festival at the end of the weekend.” She explained, letting her eyes travel across the people here. All bands under her company had been gathered to discuss this, making for quite the large display.

Hyunjin listened carefully, knowing that part of the reason was so she would come to South Korea. All expenses paid trip in exchange for her to advertise and spread publicity for JYP. He hoped she would spend time with Stray Kids the most.

After she had finished discussing basic ground rules for having a bunch of American social media influencers all around for two entire weeks, she gave a smile and said they would be arriving later that afternoon. It would be a lot, but it would be good for getting international fans for some of the lesser known bands.

All Hyunjin could do was pour all his emotions into the dance rehearsal while he waited to meet her for the first time. Each step helped make him stop overthinking, terribly anxious thoughts plaguing his head.

He just kept moving, making his blood flow through his body. He focused on each step of the dance until it was etched into his bones. Eventually, he had to succumb to the natural progression of exhaustion all humans must deal with. It was conveniently timed because the influencers were starting to arrive.

He wiped off some of his sweat with his shirt and took a swig of his water. Then he walked with the rest of the band with the hopes he didn't look gross.

…..

His eyes immediately darted to her as the crowd emerged, her arm wrapped around her friends’. She was even more breathtaking in person, the red of her shirt complimenting her skin. She wore black cargo pants with a metal chain wrapped around her belt loops, with red combat boots, and a red off the shoulder, slightly oversized top. Hyunjin tried to suppress his smile, happy that she was even fashionable just like him.

Bangchan hurried over to them before he had a chance, after he was the leader and the most sociable of the group. Without thinking much of it, Hyunjin followed closely behind with the rest of the Stray Kids.

“Hi!” Bangchan said, greeting both women with a hug. They accepted it with warmth, both being enveloped by Chan. Hyunjin watched from his spot, trying to stop him from running away screaming. She was rather intimidating!

I really need to go say hi. I don't want to seem unfriendly. He frowned a bit, trying to get his feet to move. With a small burst of relief, he felt himself move closer.

He was standing in front of her, in all her gorgeous glory. She was shorter than him, her head tilting up so she could see his face. Hyunjin wanted to paint her and capture her beauty forever. He wanted to study every feature and examine every inch of her. He wanted to worship her.

Hyunjin’s face flushed when she waved at him, suddenly making him realize where his train of thoughts had been going. He couldn't possibly expect to memorize her body if she didn't even know what he's like beyond a stage presence. (He wondered if they had ever met before, if she had gone to a concert long ago.)

“Hi.” He finally said, pushing the words off of his tongue and into the world. It sounded awkward and shy, like he sometimes felt when placed in front of a camera. Hyunjin wished he could be the painter instead of the muse sometimes.

She smiled brightly, her cheeks curving to allow such a beautiful expression. He was sure he had died and gone to heaven. Why else would an angel look at him so beautifully? He tried to ignore the blood rushing in his ears and hoped that it wasn't obvious he was warming up feverishly. (Would she mind if he kissed her? Just a small one, just to get a taste.)

“It's nice to meet you, Hyunjin.” She said, still looking up at him, “I've been a big fan for years.”

Maybe this was all a very big dream. Maybe the Sandman had decided to give Hyunjin something to enjoy, and he gave him…her. If this was a dream, Hyunjin didn't want to wake up. If the only way he could be in the presence of this woman was through his fantasies, so be it.

Oh, I still have to reply.

Bangchan glanced at Hyunjin expectantly, probably wondering why he was forgetting to speak. His brain was so full of thoughts that he couldn't help the way he got sidetracked.

“Well I am a big fan of you too.” He said with a smile, “I like your streams.” Was that too honest? Would she feel uncomfortable by his confession? He'll repent if she needs him to wash his hands with holy water and pray his awkwardness goes away.

She looked a bit shocked, her warm brown eyes widening ever so slightly. But then she warmed up again, like chocolate melting on his tongue. She was comforting without even realizing it.

“Who would've thought we'd be fans of each other?” she said with a shrug and a laugh before eventually moving on to greet the rest of the people. He wished he could make her stay, say something so stunning she can't help but feel transfixed by him.

Instead, he watched her walk away, trying to ignore the way his heart deflated. It made sense that she needed to walk away and do what she needed to do. It was understandable.

…..

The first day of advertisement was pretty boring. Hyunjin doesn't like to complain much, but he barely got the chance to hang out with her, and he was stuck going over plans. There were a lot of conference meetings, with stale cookies and uncomfortable seating. (He wondered if that was what it's like to work an office job - he's suddenly glad to be an idol.)

“Can we go home soon?” Han whined, already flopping on top of a displeased I.N. Hyunjin couldn't help but understand Han's frustration. They had been holed up for hours doing nothing.

Hwa-Young nodded in sympathy and said, “One more thing to discuss, then you can return to your dorms.”

Hyunjin perked up a bit at this, happy that today was almost over. He had been hoping to spend more time with his love, but she had been placed with the also influencers on the other side of the conference room. His eyes flickered to her as if he were a moth drawn to a flame.

She was listening intently to Hwa-Young, her arms crossed across her chest. She looked more relaxed, maybe even a bit sleepy, based on the way her eyes started to flutter shut. She was so pretty, and Hyunjin would be happy to die if it meant he could look at her forever.

“We have hotels for everybody. Listen carefully to your name so you can retrieve your housing information.” Hwa-Young explained before she started to talk about everybody. Soon, all the streamers left, all of them except for her and her friend.

Hwa-Young blinked in surprise, reading over her list once more before she flushed. Hyunjin watched with a bit of confusion, wondering what happened.

“I am terribly sorry, miss.” Hwa-Young said, hurrying over to whisper in the woman's ear. They talked quietly before Hwa-Young turned to face the bands.

“Will anybody volunteer to house these lovely ladies?” Hwa-Young announced, making Hyunjin’s heart fail. Maybe he was going into cardiac arrest because what the fuck?

Before Hyunjin could even begin to process Changbin stood up, with Bangchan giving an encouraging smile. Oh no, oh no no no.

“Hyunjin can take them in, as long as they are comfortable with it.” Changbin said, giving a charming smile to the foreigners. He was annoyingly friendly, like a gym bro teddy bear or something.

It didn't take long to convince her and her friend, Changbin was very good at charming people. She smiled and said, “Oh if he offers I would enjoy that very much. But I don't want to intrude.”

Hyunjin forced himself to speak, opening his mouth and saying, “It's not intruding. You can stay with me and Changbin.”

He didn't want to do this. He needed to escape her even for a moment. What if his heart gives out from racing so much? Hyunjin did not want her to stay with him, to leave him without any way to stay calm. But he would be kind (mostly because Changbin forced his hand.)

“Thank you, that's very nice.” Her friend also added, still standing beside her. Hyunjin noticed his love’s friend seemed to be rather awkward, looking anywhere but at the group of people before them. He supposed he could understand, but he hoped Changbin might get along with her. Hyunjin would be housing his favorite person in the whole wide world.

Maybe that's a bit aggressive to say though, she may bias Hyunjin but that doesn't mean she likes him all that much. So Hyunjin kept his thoughts locked up tight, not wanting a single one to slip through the cracks.

“Well, now that it's all settled we can head home.” Hwa-Young said with a smile and a clap of her hands. She stood up along with the other idols, all heading to their various dorms.

“Well, I guess we'll be off.” Bangchan said with a sly grin, having the other members follow behind him like ducklings following their mother. It was just Hyunjin and her, well and her friend and Changbin. But they were basically alone!

“Do you want to head to the dorm now?” Hyunjin finally asked, hoping his expression was calm and collected. Basically, it's the opposite of how he was feeling.

She nodded and allowed Changbin to lead the way with her friend following close behind. She walked side by side with Hyunjin, her hand brushing against his.

Surely he would explode, his heart would inhale until it was bursting with excitement. Hyunjin was totally going to die over this weekend. But maybe it wouldn't be that bad.

…..

He did not get a single wink of sleep that night. All he could think about was the fact she was sleeping outside his room, on the couch. She was so close to him, how could he possibly be expected to sleep?

Hyunjin got dressed the next morning, not being sure what to expect. What sort of videos might they film today? Who would he be filming them with?

With a yawn, he exited his room and noticed that she was not there. She must have gone already.

Changbin was waking up around the same time, stretching his muscular arms. His black hair was a bit messy and curled, since it was without the products he puts his hair in.

“Are we heading to the studio today?” Hyunjin asked the older man, tilting his head slightly. Maybe they would be showing the influencers new dances or something. Or maybe they would be writing songs and collaborating. There were many things they might do.

“Yeah, and we're late so c'mon.” Changbin said, walking towards the door and wrapping his arm around Hyunjin's neck. He dragged the younger boy with him, despite Hyunjin's attempts at getting free.

Hyunjin groaned, but allowed Changbin to ruffle his hair and do all the things he usually does. He is like a strange older brother, with the way he likes to tease and is awfully goofy. But Hyunjin likes it.

They walked quickly to the studio, remembering that the boys often left clothes there. So they would be able to change once they were there.

Once they arrived, Hyunjin felt incredibly underdressed compared to her. She was wearing a lavender chunky sweater with a black mini skirt and black tights. She was so elegant and pretty, he couldn't help but feel awkward still dressed in his lounge wear.

She smiled upon seeing Hyunjin, making his heart swell with a strange sort of fuzzy feeling he was unused to. Sure, he always felt warm and safe with the other members of Stray Kids. But this was a sort of feeling that made him want to wrap it around himself like a blanket. It was so lovely.

“What are we doing today?” He asked, momentarily forgetting he should probably apologize for being late or maybe he should get ready instead of staring at her with a look of amazement. He was certain his eyes had glazed over and he had his lips parted, staring as if she had just descended from heaven.

“Oh we are going to be doing some Tik Tok dances together then later we are going to do a kitchen stream,” She explained, her voice confident and self assured. Hyunjin wasn't completely inept when it comes to social media but this still wasn't his speciality. She was in her realm and bringing him in, despite his confusion.

“Oh,” He nodded, only half understanding what she meant. But he didn't want to look dumb in front of her- he wanted her to be impressed. A stream about kitchens? How strange, but if it worked for her Hyunjin would do it without complaint.

“While you get changed, I'll set up the camera.” She said with her lips curved up with a delightful grin. How was he expected to function when she looked at him like that? Like she saw him as more than an idol. Perhaps he was as deluded as his fans, but he wondered if there was a chance she liked him as he liked her.

Hyunjin nodded and moved away, wanting to get dressed as quickly as possible so he could spend time with her. She was calmer in real life, or maybe that's because she needs to be professional. (He wants to uncover each facet of her personality, to peel away the layers until he is greeted with her, the whole and true of her soul.)

…..

“I regret doing dances with professional dancers,” She grumbled, taking a swig of water. Hyunjin watched her from behind, trying his best to not let his eyes stay on her for too long.

“You're doing great,” he said, with an attempt at an encouraging smile. She definitely wasn't a dancer like he was, but she was trying her best. And he was sure fans would find her attempts at doing the Beabadoobee dance to be amusing.

“Well, it's okay since we are going to do the cooking video now.” She explained, turning to look at Hyunjin. Her brown eyes were shimmering delightfully, reminding him of dark glittering jewels. He could stare at her for hours and never get bored, memorizing every line of her face would be the best of tasks.

“What are we going to make?” Hyunjin asked, following her to the kitchen. The other members of Stray Kids were working with other streamers and influencers, doing a variety of activities from singing to doing the hear me out trend.

“Empanadas.” She hummed in reply, pulling Hyunjin’s thoughts back to her. He was like a moth to a flame, helplessly attracted to her. He was weak against her attacks, her ability to reel him in constantly impressive.

She pulled out ingredients while Hyunjin turned on the camera, flickering it onto a stream. A steady flow of viewers came in, making the count get higher and higher. He wished his English was better so he could better read the constant stream of comments in the corner of the screen.

“Hi everybody! Welcome or welcome back depending on if you're new here.” she said, glancing at Hyunjin, “Today's stream is extra special because I have a guest with me! Hwang Hyunjin from the band Stray Kids!”

The chat spammed with excitement, using a lot of smiling emojis and capital letters. He smiled at the camera, trying not to get suddenly shy. He was used to being in the public eye- just not used to it with his crush right next to him.

They got started, with her giving Hyunjin instructions and working carefully on the empanadas. He did as he was told, trying to focus on making food while also appearing entertaining. (How did she do this on a daily basis? At least Hyunjin has his other members to lean on whenever he gets tired. She works alone and works constantly.)

“Guys, stop.” She scolded suddenly, causing him to turn around so he can read what's happening in the chat. He read a few of the comments, a flush rising in his cheeks. Were.they teasing her for having a crush on him? He was so bewildered he didn't realize he had been staring blankly at the screen until she made a noise.

She said to Hyunjin, “Okay, I will admit I had a crush on you back when I was in highschool. Hopefully that will appease chat enough for them to stop bothering us.”

She sent a playfully stern look at the camera, unaware of the way Hyunjin felt like he was going to explode. She had a crush on him when she was in highschool. Which meant she used to have feelings for him. Holy shit.

The rest of the day went by extraordinarily quickly, but perhaps that's just how it felt since he was still distracted by the revelation. Did she still have feelings for him? How deep of a crush did she have back then? Had she talked about it before and how had he not noticed if she had? He watched her videos almost religiously, he couldn't possibly have missed a video of her talking about him. He would have remembered surely!

He couldn't get to sleep for the second night in a row. He was busy thinking about what he learned, how she used to have a crush on him. Maybe he was just overthinking, maybe it didn't matter that she had a crush on him in highschool.

But he couldn't let it go no matter how hard he tried. There was a strange feeling in the smallest part of his heart that told him she still felt the same.

…..

“Hyunjin,” Han said suddenly, snapping his fingers to get his friend's attention. Hyunjin turned around, flustered that he was very likely caught staring at her. It didn't help that she was working with TWICE so close by. He could probably feel the warmth of her skin, smell her perfume. Hyunjin was trying his very best to not get distracted.

“What do you need?” Hyunjin asked, stretching his arms. They were doing some sort of challenge where they needed to run and sing at the same time. It sounded complicated but it could be helpful for when they would go on for a concert.

“You should tell her how you feel.” Han replied, looking up with a rather serious look. He had his arms crossed in front of his chest, tapping his foot against the wooden floors. Hyunjin’s eyes widened, his lips parting a bit with shock.

Was Han serious? Did he actually expect me to bare my soul to the girl of my dreams so casually?

“Why? She probably doesn't like me back.” Hyunjin dismissed with a wave of his hand, looking away as though he couldn't fathom admitting this while making eye contact. Feelings are so troublesome it seems.

Han laughed and put his hand on his friend's shoulder, still staring so intently at him. “You can't be serious, Jinnie. She has fallen for you, almost as hard as you have for her.”

He turned away to look at her. She was busy with Momo, helping the girl do some sort of silly TikTok. However, what Hyunjin noticed when he also turned was the fact she was looking at them.

Her mouth broke into a smile and she paused enough to wave at Hyunjin, acting so casual despite the fact she was setting his heart on fire. Did she really feel the same way? Could she possibly want Hyunjin the way he wants her?

Hyunjin looked back at Han, and grumbled in a low tone, “How would I confess to her anyway?”

Han grinned at that, clapping his hands together. The shorter boy said, “Do what feels right to you, Hyunjin. What's a good way to confess?”

Then he walked away, returning to the influencer they were working with currently. Hyunjin stood in place, feeling almost as if there was cement in his bones keeping him still.

How would he confess? Should he write a letter to her? Maybe he should march over there and demand they go on a date! Okay..maybe that's a bad idea. But still, how should he confess?

She will only be around for the concert tomorrow and then she'll be returning to America. Suddenly he faltered, his heart racing with excitement.

What if…? Hyunjin could barely contain his sudden happiness, wanting to already put his plan into action.

…..

“This was a bad idea.” Hyunjin said, attempting to wrangle himself out of Changbin's strong grip so he could avoid getting on stage. It was a futile attempt, with the older man wrapping his arms around Hyunjin's shoulders.

“Nope, you're doing this.” Changbin said, shoving Hyunjin even closer to the stage. There was no getting out of this- he was going to confess to her.

“Fine, fine.” Hyunjin relented, pushing Changbin away with a half hearted glare. Then he shook his hands, trying to be rid of the nerves rattling around his chest.

He walks onto stage, ignoring the way his heart was pounding against his ribs. Looking up, he immediately found her. She was as beautiful as always, staring up at him with awe. He needed to do this - he needed to confess properly.

He said her name like one might a god, worshipping the shape of the vowels on his tongue. “I love you, so very much. I wish to be with you forever, and so I sing this for you.”

Then Hyunjin did what he does best: sing. He chose to sing Ice Cream, knowing it was one of her favorite songs after he had done his research. He put his soul into the lyrics, every ounce of his love into the silky tones of his voice.

…..

After the concert, he was greeted by her. She was a vision, something he wished to see in his mind's eye every time he goes to sleep. He might dream of her forever, use her as solace from the grim realities of the world. If he had her, he might be able to survive anything.

“You love me?” She asked, reaching out to grab his hands. Sparks shot through his fingertips, warm rushing through him wherever she touched.

Hyunjin nodded and said, “Yes, I do. I have loved you for a long time.”

She took a moment to process his words, squeezing his hands. She kept touching him, even the slightest brush of skin sending shockwaves directly to his heart. She was so lovely and she was holding his hands, was she trying to give him a heart attack?

“I love you too, Hyunjin.” She whispered, looking up at him. Her brown eyes glistened with an intense emotion, and something he is finally realizing is love. She stared up at him with a sense of adoration he had only dreamed of previously.

He leaned down, feeling her breath warning his cheek. He wanted to stay like this forever, holding her hands and keeping his face close to hers. With a small dose of courage, potentially regrettable or not, he leaned in close enough to kiss her.

He brushed his lips over hers, savoring the taste of her chapstick. He removed his hands from hers to hold her hips, pulling her flush against him.

She kissed him back, her hands pressing into his chest. She was so perfect, and she was his now, his to love and his to care for.

He pulled away and leaned his forehead against hers, letting his eyes flutter shut. This was everything he had ever wanted and more. If this wasn't heaven, he wasn't sure what was.

“Will you give me the honor of being your boyfriend?” He asked softly, still holding her close. If he could put her inside his heart, he could.

“As long as you'll let me be your girlfriend.” She replied, curling her fingers into his hair. Hyunjin could barely think, barely do anything except get her closer and closer. He wanted her, and now he had her. He was the luckiest man in the world.

Hyunjin didn't expect to ever fall in love the way he did. It was a gentle and slow descent, like ice cream melting on a summer's day. He was melting for her, his cold heart thawing to recieve her love. Having her in his arms was like coming home. He might nog have expected to fall in love like this, but he was incapable of regretting it. It was lovely, just like her.

[wonopia]

THE PHOTOBOOTH ! sunghoon x fem!oc

[synopsis] . on the way to work, your friend asks you to check the prices to pay for a photo at the new photobooth located in the local mall. as you pulled the curtain to the side, a boy was already using it. it wasnt until the next day that you realized that he went to your school. you were offered a chance to earn more money if you became a tutor, for the extra money you accepted it. coincidentally, it was 'the photobooth guy' that needed your help. will their friendship grow or will she just be a simple tutor in his eyes?

[genre] . hs -> college au, strangers to lovers, enemies to lovers (kind of), slowburn, fake dating, written series with some smau parts.

[warnings] . swearing, dark humor, lowercase intended, not proof-read. mentions of drinking, rape, sa. more will be added

[status] . on hold ! (taking me a min to post)

profiles -> singles only + jay ! mission: get the girl ! not slim but shady ! powerpuff girls !

AU. same au as SUMMER TROUBLES

CHAPTERS . 001. PHOTOBOOTH GUY ! 002. TUTOR ! 003. HIS BRILLIANT IDEA ! 004. NEW RELATIONSHIP IN TOWN ! 005. GROUND RULES ! 006. FRIENDS ! 007. DAY ONE ! 008. WTF JAY ! 009. HYPED FOR COLLEGE ! 010. YOU CAN TRUST ME ! 011. NEW BEGINNINGS ! 012. ODD FEELINGS ! 013. NO ONE BELIEVES ME ! 014. I WANT TO GO HOME ! 015. DREAMS ARE JUST DREAMS ! 016. NEW GROUPCHAT ! 017. I BELIEVE YOU ! 018. INTIMACY ! 019. .. ! 020. .. !

!! taglist is open ☑ (can ask or comment a note to join)

TAGLIST. @coffeeprincejaehyun @hoonatic @i03jae @lilifiedeans @clampclover @solviloaf @letwiiparkjay

© wonopia 2024

[jinnie-ret]

ep.5: the honeymoons

ratings: fluff, some angst

warnings: none

running time: 1.6k words

summary: we see the first batch of couples go on their honeymoons. is love still in the air?

SKZ MAFS EPISODE LIST

MAIN MASTERLIST

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chan and rori

location: budapest

"I've always wanted to travel," Rori grinned, feeling peaceful as she gazed across the city, night lights twinkling and night life buzzing.

"You've not been around Europe before? I thought most brits would end up going around Europe because it's so convenient," Chan hummed in thought, his head resting on her shoulder as he hugged her from behind, arms wrapped around Rori's waist.

The two of them had grown close very quickly, already having taken things to the next level. Rori trusted him, and him, her.

"Well, South Korea was a chance I took and I love it. But when I had Oliver, it kind of threw a spanner in the works, so I didn't get the chance to," Rori stroked Chan's hands that involuntarily hugged her tighter as he laughed.

"A good spanner though!" Chan giggled, making the silly comment as he remembered the cute kid that had definitely surprised him on his wedding day, but made him that more excited for their new adventure together.

The day had ended perfectly, after going around and seeing the sights, Hero's Square and Fisherman's Bastion, and now taking in the beautiful city. Of course, there were drunk people in their twenties stumbling down the street together, shouting the words to a song Rori was sure she would have recognised if it had been sung soberly. A piece of her wished maybe she could have had more time in those years, to be recklessx to have fun. She was worried she'd never have that feeling again. But Chan have that to her, he made her feel alive.

"I can't believe how lucky I've gotten, Chan is just so... he gives me butterflies. I can't remember the last time I felt that way," Rori tucked some of her ginger hair behind her ear.

jeongin and dallas

location: mt. fuji

Jeongin and Dallas had finally made it to Mountain Fuji, sharing stories to each other about things they had achieved in their lives and what they wanted to do in the future. Sweetly they had held each other's hands the whole journey there, that small sense of affection and comfort whilst getting to know each other bringing them closer together already. And even as they exited the car together, they never let go of each other, until Dallas was so excited at the gorgeous colours of the flower festival in the clearing of the mountain.

"Ahhh! It's gorgeous! Wow, I just wish we had this back home! This is stunning I can't cope!" Dallas squealed, leaning over the fence and trying to comprehend all the glorious hues of purple, lavender, lilac and magenta intertwining into something she thought she could only dream of.

"You're really excited aren't you?" Jeongin laughed fondly, his wife, yes, he couldn't believe it, his wife, making him happy, her excitement spreading so easily.

"Duh! This is likely my dream, my life," Dallas grinned in astonishment, dropping his hand to run forwards along other paths to take in the sights even more.

They had a great day, and of course got some cute photos with each other, marking the day an amazing one. It was certainly one of the best days of Dallas' life, and Jeongin enjoyed himself too, content in wandering around and taking in nature. Amongst the other things they had done during their honeymoon, this certainly topped it, so it was a shame the day came to a close with a slightly bitter feeling.

"You're so cute, Dallas," Jeongin chuckled from his spot in bed, stretched with his arm around her, cosily nestled in his arms.

"Me? Nah... I think you were the one who's head was in the clouds, wearing that grin all day. That smile will be the death of me, Yang Jeongin," Dallas exclaimed, hand lightly smacking his stomach to emphasise her point.

"If my head was in the clouds then yours was all over the place, haha, you were like an excited child, you remind of the kids I teach," Jeongin chuckled once more, hand going to stroke her hair out of her face but Dallas had already sat up.

"I'm going to make us some tea," Dallas kept a smile on her face and went into the kitchen, Jeongin being none the wiser about how his words had affected her.

"I don't get why he had to say that last bit... like I get it, I can be quite energetic, like I give a lot of energy into the things I love. But I've been told before that I remind people of a child and it feels sort of... patronising? I don't know... it just felt- it didn't feel nice. He's my husband, I shouldn't feel this way..." Dallas rambled as she explained to the camera away from Jeongin, reflecting on the day they had had.

Hopefully they'd be able to squash this in the future.

jisung and valentina

location: new york

"We had such a good day yesterday and now he's all closed off, he won't come out of bed. I thought we'd be doing more with our honeymoon, but, I guess not?" Valentina sighed as she spoke to the camera.

Jisung felt overwhelmed to say the least. He was tired from the flight to New York, but tried his best to keep his energy up during their first day going sightseeing. And everything seemed fine to Valentina. Oh, Valentina. Jisung really was trying his best, he suddenly felt this big responsibility. He had never been in a relationship before, and now he was someone's husband. He had a wife. He knew what he was getting into but he still likes having time to himself, and that was why he was relaxing in bed, scrolling through his phone, having down time like he normally would. But Valentina was there, trying to encourage him to go somewhere with her and do something.

"Ji, you wanna go out for dinner at least?" Valentina sighed, leaning against the kitchen counter in their hotel suite.

"I feel bad. I feel like I'm letting her down already. She's so amazing and, I feel worried that I'm not going to be the man she really needs," Jisung stammered, having his own moment to talk on his own.

But, he took a step and agreed in having dinner. They went to a luxurious restaurant, a top rated one that served mouthwatering gourmet burgers.

"Now this, I can get into this," Valentina let out a breath in delight. Not only was the burger looking delicious, but it gave a break from the sudden awkward small talk that her and Jisung had been contending with.

"I'm sorry," Jisung suddenly said, after swallowing down a mouthful of his burger. Miraculously, they had ordered the same thing, having similar tastes in their preferred cuisine and flavours.

"Hmm?" Valentina delicately wiped her mouth before speaking, "what for?" She had an inkling, but she wanted to hear from him first.

"I know you wanted more, I just, I'm quite a homebody? And I'm really trying to get used to this lifestyle, this..."

"Married life?"

"Not even that, just being able to spend time with someone constantly," Jisung glanced away, taking a sip of his cocktail.

"I'll be real with you, I was sort of upset at first, but I didn't know that about you yet. I didn't know you needed that space to yourself so, it's ok. We'll work through it together, ok?" Valentina reassured him once again, pushing away the thoughts she had before, and putting herself in his shoes.

She was a party animal at heart. She just had to bring out that more confident and energetic side to her husband, and she was willing to do that.

hyunjin and sienna

location: rome

"This all feels like a dream," Sienna marveled at the sights of Rome, swinging her arm with Hyunjin's as they wandered around the city.

"It's not a dream, baby, it's real," Hyunjin earnestly reminded her, pulling her in a different direction as they wandered around some markets, looking for a bite to eat.

"I never thought I'd get to live this," Sienna added on, still in denial.

"Well stop thinking that, ok? Seriously, I'm going to make sure you're happy every day," Hyunjin stopped in his tracks, gazing into her eyes before kissing her on the forehead.

Soon they found somewhere to eat, a quiet restaurant being decided when they couldn't pick from the market.

"Let's get spaghetti and meatballs," Hyunjin smirked, kicking Sienna's foot lightly underneath the table.

"Why so sly about food?" Sienna rose an eyebrow, her accent coming through stronger as she stared at her husband in confusion.

"No reason, just taking inspiration from a certain film..." Hyunjin nodded smugly to himself as he ordered them their food.

And once it arrived, it all clicked.

"Why only one plate... Hyunjin..." Sienna facepalmed, Hyunjin instantly bursting into giggles.

"Have you realised, baby?" Hyunjin cooed as he leant forward.

"We are not lady and the tramping this lunch," Sienna folded her arms, but she too started laughing as she couldn't resist his loving expression.

They exited the restaurant, a blush on Sienna's face after Hyunjin whispered something in her ear.

"He's so romantic. And I'm not used to that. I love it. Just maybe not the sharing food part. I need my own food," Sienna deadpanned into the camera, before huffing out a laugh.

<-- previous ep watch next ep -->

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viewers: @skz-streamer @kiraisastay @hannahhbahng @kpopmenace143 @sakufilms @kai-lee08 @arloo00 @dunno-wut-to-do @splat00z @cheesemonky @his-angell @turtledove824 @2minstan @royal-shinigami @yangbbokari @skzoologist @crabrangoongirl25 @jyu-037 @keen-li @strawberry31 @5starlee @thatonedemigodfromseoul @amararosesblog @noyurcapri

[thewinter-eden]

almost summer | kim seungmin

Pairings: Seungmin x OC, Jeongin x OC

Summary:

SPECIAL AGENT AU Maven Spanaway and Kim Seungmin have been broken up for a year.

Now, in a national state of emergency, they are thrown together on assignment to investigate an enemy outpost. Maven still despises her new partner/ex-fiance, and Seungmin is just as cocky as ever. Enjoy the angsty rollercoaster as they reconnect and learn to work together again.

cross posted on AO3 under the_winter_eden and Wattpad under alone-at-last.

Genre: sci-fi, horror, thriller

Rating: mature, explicit

Status: incomplete (currently 20 chapters)

Content warnings: explicit descriptions of violence/torture, scientific experimentation, raw post-breakup emotions, hurt/comfort, heavy angst, lots of sadness, death, murder, Seungmin being an ass, starvation, fear, insecurities, hopelessness.

masterlist

00. PROLOGUE 01. IT'S NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN 02. YOU'RE STILL ANGRY 03. YOU DON'T LIKE WORKING WITH ME 04. I'M SORRY I LIED 05. THIS WILL GET BETTER 06. WHY I LEFT 07. AS SMART AS EVER 08. IT WAS RIGHT (thursday 01/02)

NOTES BELOW

a / n : 

Prologue provides foundation for military/special agent setting as well as the MC's experience with the initial breakup. Chapter one (also posted today) will jump into the meat of the story so don't let this bog you down. Hope you guys enjoy! 

If you have any questions about world building, PLEASE ASK. Like my Han Jisung (psycho) fic, this story is a modified piece of exposition for one of my original WIPs. 

I can't guarantee that I've explained the setting well enough in this to just be jumped into without reading the original novel that it's part of, but I want it to be, so let me know if you find inconsistencies or confusion. 

I'm American, as is the setting for the original story, so all of the locations and military groups are modeled off of American military and special forces. Don't let it jar the narrative, lol.

This story is mostly written already. It will be updated twice a week, probably Tuesdays and Thursdays to get me to finish this story.  

If anybody is sensitive about a recent senseless breakup, maybe skip this one.

lazy writer note : 

A few BTS names are thrown in here (you already know this about me if you've read psycho) to alleviate the burden of too many unfamiliar characters. They're not significant to the story, so just point and laugh and move on, haha.

[hyunbunlix]

Solace [hitman!Jeongin]

Characters: Jeongin, older fem!OC, Felix (mentioned), Hyunjin (mentioned), Bang Chan (mentioned), Lee Know (mentioned) Rating: A/O for Adults Only Content Warnings/Tags: protective Jeongin, shock/catatonia as a trauma response, sex as a coping mechanism, fingering (f receiving), sixty-nine, extremely soft dom Jeongin into switch Jeongin, riding, crying during sex (f), missionary/mating press, raw orgasms Word Count: 4,023 Summary: In the aftermath of Felix's most recent assassination attempt, Jeongin's one and only prerogative is making sure Blackbox stays comfortable and safe, regardless of the form that takes. Note: This is part of a larger John Wick AU, which can be found here.

Not one but two attempts on her life. Jeong In’s loyalty was to Blackbox first, Bang Chan second, and everyone else could burn in hell. And Lee Yong Bok—the fucking Smiler—deserved worse even than that for what he’d attempted to do. Jeong In didn’t care what kind of orders Yong Bok had been under. He hated the Smiler and his boss Lee Know equally.

            After Jeong In had escorted her to a safe house an ocean away, he’d finally told Bang Chan everything he knew. He didn’t care if it strained Bang Chan’s and Lee Know’s new alliance. Jeong In didn’t care about anything except protecting the woman he loved.

            She’d been in the underworld years longer than him, yet the tally of his sins, in Jeong In’s opinion, far outweighed hers. She was Blackbox, an info broker who seemed to know everything about everyone. She had caused many people to die but had killed comparatively few herself.

            Jeong In, on the other hand, was the Gumiho, an invisible hitman infamous in their world for massacres and assassinations alike. She’d taught him how to live anonymously, and he’d used it to become one of the greatest silent weapons of his generation.

            He didn’t care about any of that right now. Right now he was just a man trying to support the woman he adored as she went through the shock and trauma of nearly getting murdered three times in a month.

            Twice by the Smiler, once by Hwang Hyun Jin. Jeong In still didn’t believe Hyun Jin had been bluffing. He might never believe in the older man again.

            The safe house was one of hers, a condominium in New Jersey, across the river from Pennsylvania on one side and New York on another, should they have need of the New York Continental and the relative safety it offered. After their day of traveling from South Korea to the States, she’d gone to bed and hadn’t gotten up in the past day and a half. Jeong In convinced her to eat and drink a little between unconscious spells, but he couldn’t get her to leave the bed just yet.

            That was just as well. He was perfectly willing to lie with her, to let her know he wouldn’t leave her, that whatever else was wrong in the world, he would never leave her alone again.

            He never should have let himself be separated from her in the first place. He’d made sure to give Bang Chan a piece of his mind on that topic. Any plan that forced the Gumiho and Blackbox to work apart from now on was automatically vetoed. Jeong In wouldn’t budge on that.

            “Innie?” she murmured in the small hours of the morning on the second day. He rolled from his back to his side to face her, his hand gently brushing the flyaways from her face. Her hair was still in the same braid it had been in the night she’d nearly been smothered to death.

            Nearly smothered to death by Lee Yong Bok, and Hwang Hyun Jin had let him live.

            Jeong In would have killed him. He would have killed both of them. The only thing protecting Hyun Jin—the only thing that had ever protected him—was that she wanted him around, and Jeong In didn’t know if she would forgive him without concrete proof of malicious intent on Hyun Jin’s part.

            “I’m here,” Jeong In said softly. She made a tiny sound in her throat and burrowed against his bare chest, breathing him in. He held her close, but not so tightly that she would feel trapped.

            “Will you help me take a shower?” she asked after a long few minutes of quiet.

            “I will, but you have to eat and drink something first,” he said gently. “The last thing you need is to faint.”

            “Deal,” she said. He got up, put a shirt on, and went to the kitchen, slicing up an apple and pouring a glass of water. She surprised him by meeting him in the kitchen. She’d pulled on a tank top and his pajama pants, while Jeong In wore just his t-shirt and undershorts.

            She sat at the counter, and Jeong In put the apple, water, and little container of caramel sauce in front of her. She ate slowly, quietly, while Jeong In went to reheat fried rice he’d made the day prior. She finished the apple and drained the water, pleasantly surprising Jeong In by asking for a little bit of his rice. He would have given her the whole thing if she’d wanted it.

            After eating, they went to the washroom. She reached to turn on the shower but he stopped her, banding his hand gently around her wrist.

            “We have to untangle your hair first,” he said softly. She nodded.

She had already been fully aware of how much things had changed, yet here was Yang Jeong In, hammering the point home from a new angle. She remembered when she’d first met him in his late teens, how much he’d relied on her to help set up his reputation and establish him as a player in the underworld. After years apart, fate had brought them back together, and now here he was, taking care of her.

            An outsider would surely congratulate her on making such a good investment, for betting on him early. From her perspective, all she felt was relief. Jeong In had no obligation to stick with her now, yet he chose to.

           Jeong In took his time undoing her braid and detangling the snags. His hands were mild; he never pulled too hard or became frustrated with the process. Finally, when he was able to draw his fingers through her hair without getting caught in knots, she turned around to face him.

            “Do you want me to come in with you?” he asked. She nodded. “All right.” He turned the water on to get it to temperature. Then, as gently as he did everything else with her, he lifted her shirt away and tugged her pants and underwear off. It was nothing new to him; he’d seen her naked many times.

            He stripped after her, and she gave herself a moment to marvel at him. This strong, beautiful man who worked so hard and cared for her so much and refused to leave her side when she needed him most.

            “Jeong In?” she said softly. He looked at her inquisitively. “I love you.”

            She heard the breath leave his lungs the way it would have if she’d punched him in the stomach. She’d done her best to show it, but never before had she said the words. The timing had never felt right. Now, she could think of nothing else except how much she loved him, and how safe she felt with him, and how she never wanted to let him go again.

            He cradled the back of her head in his hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

            “I love you too, noona.”

            He helped her into the shower, and once she was under the water, he wouldn’t let her do anything herself. Every step, from washing and conditioning her hair to scrubbing her face with a washcloth, he took care of. He twisted her hair up into an octopus clip to let the conditioner set, then lathered up her body. His big, callused hands were so tender with her, and she could see him fighting back a frown whenever his touch had to glance over a still-healing bruise. This man who had brutalized hundreds became gentle for her.

            “I’m okay,” she said softly, as though that could make it better, make that look go away. He met her eyes for a moment, and his expression softened, the anger replaced by earnestness.

            “I know,” he said, his voice just as quiet, as he went back to his task. He was perfectly respectful the entire time, and yet, in her vulnerable state, standing there with him, naked, she couldn’t help the way wetness pooled in her core. She didn’t say anything about it, keeping quiet while he rinsed the conditioner from her hair and the suds from her body. The detachable showerhead made his job easy, but when he finally rinsed between her legs and she flinched, he immediately looked concerned.

            “Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked. She nodded, guiding the showerhead back to finish the job. She gave a long sigh, arousal heightening her sensitivity.

            “Do you need to wash, too?” she asked. He shook his head.

            “No, I showered last night,” he said, clearly more concerned with her. He replaced the showerhead and turned off the water, helping her out of the shower.

            “Can you dry my hair?” she asked, inexplicably feeling it was very important he didn’t discover her wetness. She felt suddenly ashamed, which was unusual. She loved sex, craved it, and rarely felt any kind of shame regarding even the most depraved consensual acts. Maybe it was because right now felt like the wrong time. Here he was, doing his best to make her feel comfortable and safe, and all she wanted him to do was put all his strength into manhandling her until she cried.

            “Sure,” he said, picking up her hair towel while she started drying the rest of her body. She avoided drying too thoroughly between her legs, feeling he would notice the slick streak on the towel. She fought to hold still as he squeezed all the water from her hair and then detangled it.

            Finally, only after she was taken care of, he dried himself off.

            “I’m going to find some clean clothes,” she said. She honestly couldn’t remember what she kept stocked in this safe house. They’d left Korea so quickly that neither of them had had time to pack much more than a carry-on.

            With the towel still wrapped around her shoulders, she went to investigate the closet. At least her past self had had the good sense to keep unisex options on standby, and since the two of them weren’t too dissimilar in height, there would be choices for Jeong In. She dropped her towel into a hamper while she hunted around for underwear and socks. Jeong In, still naked, came in after her. She hadn’t heard him approach—damn hitman habits—and she flinched when she noticed him mere inches behind her.

            “Noona?” he asked immediately, resting a concerned hand on her arm, his eyes so tender it nearly broke her heart. She took a deep breath, let it out slowly.

            “You scared me,” she said softly. His features creased toward hurt.

            “Oh,” he murmured, dropping his hand from her arm.

           “No, no, Jeong In,” she said, suddenly pleading, reaching for his hand with both of hers. “Not like that. You startled me. Jeong In, I’m not afraid of you. I’ve never been afraid of you and I never will be.”

            He swallowed, and she tracked the motion with her gaze. Her core throbbed.

            “Are you sure?” he asked, his voice soft, boyish. It was easy to forget sometimes that he was only in his early twenties. “You’ve been acting strange for the last half hour . . . Did I do something wrong?”

            “No,” she said quickly. “You’ve done everything right. Everything.”

            “Then what’s wrong?” he asked, examining her face and body like he might find some new wound he’d missed. She watched his sharp, gorgeous eyes. She was still holding his hand. With a shaky breath, she moved it to where she needed him most. The words wouldn’t come; again, that shame, like she was asking for something she shouldn’t want right now.

            He blinked in surprise but didn’t move his hand beyond where she’d put it. “That’s not wrong, noona,” he said. She swallowed, unable to meet his eyes right then.

            “I want you, Jeong In,” she said, her voice wobbling a little. “But I feel like I shouldn’t . . . There wasn’t anything sexual about what happened in the last hour, and I feel gross for making it like that, but I can’t . . . Jeong In, I need you so badly.”

            “That’s okay,” he said, moving his hand a little, gentle strokes of his fingers through her wetness, his other hand alighting on her waist as though to steady her. She was embarrassingly wet. “Noona, it’s okay. I don’t mind. There doesn’t have to be a reason. I don’t care if you sexualize me. I like when you do it. You know I like it.”

            “I know, it’s just . . . I don’t know. I feel . . . guilty. Like you’ve done so much for me already, and I’m just a greedy bitch demanding more,” she said. He shook his head.

            “You make it sound like a chore for me. Noona, I love having sex with you. Anytime. Wherever. You just have to tell me,” he said. She bit her lip, drinking in every feature of his handsome face. He looked as open and honest as ever, holding her gaze easily. His fingers were still moving gently, almost innocuously, between her legs.

            “Please, Jeong In,” she whimpered. “Help me feel better.”

            “Of course,” he said without hesitation. He took her hand with his clean one, leading her out of the closet and back into the bedroom. He made her wait just long enough for him to make the bed. Then he sat on the edge of it and motioned her forward. She stood in front of him, holding perfectly still as he rested his left hand on her hip and moved his right back to her heat, stroking gently before letting one finger delve inside her. She sighed, putting her hands on his shoulders and watching his face. His attention was split evenly between her core and her face, looking for even the slightest microexpression that might tell him she didn’t like what he was doing.

            “I love you, Jeong In,” she said again, somehow even more sure about it now than she’d been an hour ago.

            “I know,” he said softly, sounding breathless all over again. “I can see it when you look at me.”

            He slid a second finger inside her with no resistance. She was already so wet, so sensitive, her core begging him to fill it.

            “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you this wet,” he said. It was a simple observation and nothing more, but she blushed all the same.

            “I’ve been wet since you were washing my body. It adds up,” she admitted. He looked up at her, his brows slightly raised.

            “You’re going to have to drink an entire liter of water when we’re done,” he said. She nodded. Despite her best efforts, her attention strayed from his face to his cock, hard despite her not touching him once.

            “Can we sixty-nine?” she asked. She knew he wouldn’t suggest it, not right now. He would have gone through an entire session without asking to be touched a single time if he thought that was what she needed.

            “I’d like that,” he said. He withdrew his fingers and moved up on the bed. “Top or bottom?”

            “I’ll be on top,” she said. He lay back, and she promptly straddled his face. Before she had even gotten all the way into proper position, he was licking through her wetness, teasing her clit at the beginning of each swipe. She moaned, shuddering while she leaned forward to get to his dick. She wrapped her index finger and thumb around the base of him, holding him where she wanted while she dipped her mouth down to suck on his tip. He moaned approvingly against her heat.

            As he worked her core with his tongue, she alternated between licking his shaft to make him easier to swallow and sucking on him, getting further down the length of him with each repetition. The deeper she took him, the harder he got, his moans against her heat encouraging her further. She finally took what she thought was all of him in her mouth, his tip poking the top of her throat, only for a pulse to go down the length of him, making him just that little bit bigger and thicker, enough to make breathing around him difficult, tears pricking her eyes. She pulled all the way off him to catch her breath, spit and pre-cum connecting her mouth to his cock. She wrapped her hand around him instead, pumping him eagerly, drawing another of his moans against her heat.

            “You’re so big, Jeong In,” she whimpered, her core fluttering at the prospect of him. Jeong In hummed in acknowledgment, his tongue still deep in her cunt. He withdrew it and slipped two fingers into her instead, keeping her stimulated while he talked.

            “How are you feeling?” he asked her.

            “I want it so badly,” she said, unable to tear her eyes from his cock while she jerked it.

            “Want what?” he said, pumping his fingers in near synchronicity to her hand.

            “Want your cock in my cunt,” she said.

            “Me too,” he said, control frayed. “Ride me.”

            Jeong In didn’t give orders terribly often, but she wanted this so badly she couldn’t have possibly refused and he knew it. He could read her so well, knew exactly the right times to take control and when to give it away.

            She arranged herself over him, her hands planted against his strong chest for stability. He had one hand on her hip, the other holding his cock in perfect position for her.

            “Ready?” he asked, watching her face again. She nodded. The hand on her hip tightened, forcing her down a little at a time, making her take all of him slowly, to feel every bit of his length and girth. When she was finally all the way down, gravity making him fill her like no other position truly could, she whined, clenching around him in ecstasy. He chuckled softly.

            “Is it really that good? You’re not even moving,” he said. She nodded deliriously.

            “Needed it so bad,” she answered.

            “Good,” he said, reaching to squeeze her ass. “Now use it to make yourself come.”

            She nodded again, pumping her cunt up and down his cock. He sighed blissfully, his big hands playing with her chest, urging her along by pinching and tugging her nipples, a sensation that made her arousal spike every time. She did her best to keep her steady up-and-down rhythm as long as she could, letting him watch his cock sink into her again and again.

            But eventually, she couldn’t take it anymore, the build of pleasure too strong, the need to come too great. Ordinarily, she might have tried to edge longer, but not today, not when she already felt so broken and needed him so much.

            She leaned over him, one arm snaking around the back of his neck, the other hand clamped around his bicep as she rutted furiously against him, fucking herself on his cock like she was an animal and this was her only need. He groaned praises in her ear, his voice tapering into a whine, not at all immune to her, not at all composed. Her moans went higher in pitch, closer in frequency, until her orgasm hit her all at once. She buried her face in his shoulder, a series of high, broken moans passing her lips as she fit her teeth to his deltoid muscle, biting down on him while she shook, tears pricking and finally escaping her eyes.

            When the height of it had passed, she unlocked her jaw, placing little kitten licks against the teeth marks on his shoulder as if in apology. His capable hands rubbed her back, soothing, and when she pulled back and he noticed she was crying, he blinked the haze of lust from his eyes, concern following quickly.

            “Was it too much?” he asked. She shook her head quickly.

            “No,” she said. “It was just right. I needed it.”

            His hands fit against the grooves of her waist, looking over her body, and the lust came back to him, a throb going through his cock that made her whimper, her sensitive walls still fluttering from her orgasm.

            “Can you take more?” he asked.

            “I can take it,” she said, “and I want it.”

            “Good,” he sighed. Then, as easily as if this had been a fight in the field, he flipped them over, putting her under him without needing to pull out first. She stared up at him, momentarily stunned, until he pulled back and thrust back in, hard, and she had to shut her eyes from the overwhelming sensation.

            “Please, Jeong In,” she said, getting her eyes open again. “Please use me.”

           “Fuck,” was his only response, pressing her legs further open, spreading her obscenely. His eyes were trained on the place where they met, watching himself fuck her, and she did the same. Every single time she was with him, she was in awe of how fucking gorgeous he was, of the way his muscles went taut with his efforts, the way his cock filled her perfectly and glistened in her wet.

            To her eyes, he was flawless.

            His hands were busy keeping her legs pinned back, leaving her hands free to rove over everything she could reach while he drove into her. His thighs, his ass, his abdomen, his chest. She ran a hand down his arm, corded with muscle, and moaned at the sheer strength of him, the way he could break her but wouldn’t even think of it.

            “Please, Jeong In,” she moaned again. “Harder.”

            He obliged by tossing one of her legs over his shoulder, keeping her split open but giving him his hands back to grab her hips and assist his rhythm. Every time he fucked into her, his arms pulled her body down to meet his, forcing every thrust to rattle through her, her tits bouncing from every impact. His eyes were frantic, not knowing what to focus on between her face, her chest, and her cunt. She could see the tension in his muscles, feel it in his hands, and together with his desperate whines she knew he was close.

           “That’s it, sweet boy,” she moaned, reaching to tease one of his nipples with her thumb. He whimpered from the extra sensation. “Use me, Jeong In, use my body to make yourself come.”

            “Yeah,” he whined. “Yeah. Wanna.”

            “Good boy,” she said, grazing his other nipple. He made a broken sound then that turned into a low, throaty moan, and with two more stuttering thrusts of his hips, she felt his hot cum pumping inside her. He trembled the way she had, his eyes rolling back in his head for a few seconds, before he finally folded over her, seeking her mouth, needing her to kiss him through it, to be with him through his high.

            She pressed her hands against his back, holding him close while she granted him a series of open-mouthed kisses, interrupted by his moans as he finished emptying into her. When he was finally done, he made sure her legs were positioned comfortably and eased a little more of his weight onto her, the pair of them trembling together, a tangle of limbs, neither of them wanting to let go.

            “Fuck,” he groaned into the side of her neck. “You feel so good . . . You always feel so good . . .”

            “So do you, Jeong In . . . Thank you . . .”

            “Don’t thank me,” he murmured. “I wanted it, too.”

            “Not . . . Not just the sex,” she said. “Thank you for everything.”

            He pulled back just enough so he could look her in the face, and she could gaze back at him.

            “Don’t thank me for that, either,” he said, looking and sounding so certain that she couldn’t argue with him.

            Instead, she wrapped her arms around him again and, for the time being, believed she would never have to let him go.

[st1ckysweetz0mbii]

Sentient Grace ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Summary:

In the year 2775, humanity has improved remarkably in the medical field and has found solutions to the biggest problems, but there’s one innovation that stands out from the rest. It’s an android equipped with the latest artificial intelligence, capable of assisting patients both psychologically and physically.

This robot is known as S.O.P.H.I.A. and is now one of the most important parts of the medical field, attending hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and everywhere aid is needed. With her humanlike demeanor and ease of adapting to every patient, S.O.P.H.I.A. has become a symbol of hope for many.

But for Christopher Bahng, a patient at the Aurora Institute—a strangely secretive place—hope seems distant.

Hospitalized due to severe depression, he spends his days in a monotonous and quiet routine, occasionally having somewhat of a fun time with friends he has met there. However, his world is soon shaken by his new medical assistant, S.O.P.H.I.A.

In the seemingly quiet halls of the institute, something more than a medical relationship will grow. But how will things turn out? And what secrets does that building hide…

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

Pairings: Patient!Bang Chan x Android!OC (some other skz members for the plot so Patient!Bang Chan x Patients friends!skz)

Warnings: futuristic, cybercore, dystopian, mentions of mental illnesses (and other tags that I cannot quite name rn I’ll add them afterwards)

A/N: well let me know if ya’ll would like me to bring this on here :) I think that the story can become interesting but I don’t know if there’s actually someone that could read this.

[maeleelee]

Twilight Memories Masterlist

Welcome to the life of an omega, Evelyn, who’s best friend with another omega, which helps her get away and fine a better life with a few alphas around.

Chan is a lonely Alpha, thinking he’ll never have a mate, even though he didn’t really care either way, he had a pack to look over, especially since he is being made pack leader within a week.

This story is going to be random really. Just a look into the life they live day to day, week to week. It’ll be both written and smau. It will end up meeting Ateez at some point, from their point of view though. Same world, different series.

TW: NEW TRIGGER WARNINGS ADDED.

TW: werewolves, rut, heat, gore, violence, fighting, drama(lots of it), partying, drinking, drugs, poly, she will end up fucking all of them etc., poly relationships are involved.

Alphas, betas, omega.

Chapter one

Chapter two

Chapter three

Chapter four

Chapter five

Chapter six

Chapter seven