#jin x akin

[pharawee]

—TOP FORM · กอดกันมั้ย นายตัวท็อป · Official Teaser · 20 March 2025

[wildestdreamsblog]

Hiraeth II

Pairing: Kim Seokjin x Reader

Summary: You had always been his, and no one could take you away from him. Idol!AU

Warnings: Yandere behavior, Obsessiveness, Possessiveness, Manipulative behavior, Slight age gap, Murder intention, Mention of death, Sexual themes, If you’re not 18+ please, PLEASE, do not interact. Be mindful of the warnings. Let me know if I miss anything.

A/N: you know what, Kim Seokjin just hits different to me. I miss him and I’m taking u all down with me in my I-miss-u-jin-era.

Masterlist Hiraeth I

After you got over your initial shock in which you thoughtlessly swung your fist to his handsome face, you found yourself sheepishly walking to the kitchen where you could hear him moving. He looked up as soon as you entered the room, one side of his bruised lips tilted up. He watched you moved with a secretive smile on his face that you so badly wanted to erase. Jin looked like he was thoroughly enjoying this. You couldn’t help but notice how much he changed. He matured, no longer the young man who had soft cheeks and undefined body. Instead, your eyes roamed over his sharp features and his muscular back that couldn’t be hidden by his shirt. In front of you was a man who was confident. And you didn’t know how to handle him.

You didn’t know how to handle him when in the first place, you thought you would never see him again, not after you ran from him. Not after he begged you to come back.

“What are you doing here?” You finally asked after enough time had passed and he was still looking at you as though he was waiting for you to crack. And you did. You could’t take his heavy eyes, couldn’t take the silence as he watched you.

Was he this insufferable when you were younger?

Were you just too blind to see him for how he really was?

Additionally…was he this beautiful when you were younger? Or was time just unfairly favorable to him?

He gestured to the noodles he was stirring. “I’m cooking us breakfast, princess.”

His old name for you hindered you from reacting quickly. You blinked owlishly, memories of him calling you that playing in flashback.

“Yes….but why here?”

He turned off the stove leisurely as if his answer wouldn’t rattle your whole world before leaning his body on the counter, his eyes focused on yours. “Where else would I be? I live here.”

“What? B-but, your mother- she didn’t tell me…”

He shrugged, busying himself with plating the food and bringing it to the simple yet elegant dining table. “Do I make you uncomfortable?” He asked in a nonchalant voice, his movements precise and calm.

When you didn’t answer, he tilted his head to the side, his hand inside his pocket as he stalked slowly to where you were standing near the door. If he noticed how you seemed to be one push away from running, he didn’t comment. Instead, there he was, his tall form towering over you. “Do I make you nervous, princess?”

“J-Jin-“

“Tsk,” he shook his head, his dark, unfathomable eyes focused on yours. His hair was pushed back from his forehead, giving him that regal look you always thought he possessed. “What happened to ‘Oppa’?” He asked in what one would thought of as a sincere question, but the mocking glint in his eyes could not fool you.

“I-I don’t-“

“Hmm? You don’t what?” He whispered sweetly, his fingers stroking your hair. He was transfixed with the way time changed you. Yet, he hated how he wasn’t there to experience growing up with you because you took yourself away from his grasp. But no more. He took a deep breath to calm the demons in him, before flashing you his usual, carefree smile.

“Do I still affect you, princess?”

“N-no!”

Jin regarded you for a moment too long, his eyes sparkling with something akin to mischief and danger. “Perfect,” he beamed at you before pulling your wrist to the dining table. “There’s no reason for you not to stay here, then. Come on, let’s eat.”

Despite him acting as though no years passed between the two of you, you simply couldn’t. You could feel the weight of seeing him in person sitting heavily on your shoulders, could hear the unspoken words no one had the strength and courage to say, could feel the guilt and anguish in your heart.

“So,” you began, your eyes focused on the chopsticks in your hand. “H-how have you been, Seokjin?”

He scoffed, his dark eyes boring on yours. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?”

“It’s just that…it’s been so long.”

“And whose fault is that,” he stated tonelessly, his large hand closing to a fist before calming himself down. He needed to remind himself that he had you now, that he wasn’t going to lose you this time.

He had to remind himself that he needed to forgive you if he wanted a clean start with you.

“Never mind,” you sighed, clearly discouraged with his response. What did you expect? You practically ghosted him the moment your turned eighteen, turning your back on your closest childhood friend, to your remaining family just because you were in pain.

Perhaps, you should acknowledge that you hurt him in the process of healing yourself. You didn’t know if you wanted to fix the ruined relationship between the two of you, didn’t know if you could redeem yourself. You had so much buried feelings that you didn’t know if this was worth it.

You quietly ate your food, already internally planning your living situation. You would sort out your living situation today. You could not live with Jin, not when he made you feel things you thought you had long killed. You could not-

“I’m sorry.”

You blinked owlishly as you looked up at the man sitting in front of you. Your astonished and lost expression softened his resolve, it melted his anger.

Only you could silence the dark thoughts in his head. Ironically, you were the reason why the demons in his mind were born.

“I shouldn’t have said that. You were just trying your best to heal the way you know how. It’s okay,” Jin stated, his eyes trained on you, willing you to see his sincerity. Except that it wasn’t okay you left. Yet, he knew it was the best for you despite it destroying him so monumental it took him years to feel normal.

Should you leave him again, he knew the carefully reconstructed sanity of his will tumble down.

“I’m just sorry you had to do it all alone,” he whispered sadly.

Aside from your therapist, you had never spoken about this with anyone. To you, it was something so tragic that saying it would make you relive the pain, loneliness and desperation it caused you. This was the first time in almost a decade that someone acknowledged your pain, you strength, and the sacrifices made along the way.

“But princess,” he continued, his hand reaching across the table to clasp yours. And once he did, he felt peace the moment he was able to touch you. “You don’t have to be alone. Not anymore.”

It was an hour later when you emerge to the living room where Jin was drying his hair. His movements slowed down when he saw you after you ran once again from him. After he said that you didn’t have to be alone, you walked to the bedroom without a word. You didn’t know how to handle your emotions, and the only way you knew how was to run.

And so ran, you did.

He raised his dark eyebrows at you when you didn’t say anything. “Going somewhere?”

You nodded, looking anywhere but him. Was he always this handsome even when had just showered? Was this fair? You looked like a drenched cat when you finished showering, and yet he looked like he was shooting a commercial.

“D-do you know where the nearest bus stop is?”

He nodded, “It’s more than an hour away.”

“What about taxi?”

He blinked innocently, “This is an exclusive neighborhood, princess. Taxis are not allowed here,” he shared in a thoughtful manner.

You swore under your breath. You had grown up in Korea, but you lived your whole adult life in abroad that you were no longer confident with yourself here. You were so certain that you would get lost.

He watched you with a smirk in his face, “You can borrow one of my cars,” he offered with an innocent look on his face.

“I don’t know how to drive.”

He knew that.

“In that case,” he sighed as he stood up, stretching his hands upwards. You didn’t even have it in you to not look at his toned abs, didn’t have it in you to look away from his leaned, yet muscular arms. Jin smiled innocently at you when he noticed your wandering eyes.

“In that case, I need to drive you,” Jin shook his head slowly as though he was burdened by this when the truth was that this was his plan all along.

Jin sat patiently at the hotel lobby, his legs spread out. He was smiling indulgently as you walked near him with a defeated expression in your face. Jin was wearing a black cap to hide his identity, and besides that, an inconspicuous bodyguard was trailing after the two of you at Jin’s command. He wouldn’t risk his princess, after all.

He looked up at you as you stood in front of him, your expression confused and tired as you informed him that there was no available room. This was the seventh hotel you went to, and so far your plan hadn’t been successful.

“So?”

You shook your head, clearly apparent that you wouldn’t move out today. You were stuck. And you loathed depending on anyone, more so you hated depending on him again just like when you were younger. Just like when he would always take care of you, regardless if he was reluctant or not. You became overly independent when you moved away from everyone. It was a thing that your therapist was still trying to resolve. However, you just couldn’t let yourself depend on anyone on anything ever gain for the fear that one day, they might leave you alone too.

“I’ll just stay in a motel-“

Jin stood up, his proximity effectively cutting you off. He tilted your chin up, his eyes serious. “I’m not making you leave, princess. You can stay with me as long as you want,” he offered with a sincere smile in his face when all he wanted to say was that your place was beside him, and it should have been the case since the beginning if only he didn’t lose control. He could see the battle in your eyes, the weariness and the stubbornness to not to give in to him was apparent. You needed a nudge.

You entered the quaint restaurant, your eyes roaming around the area as you waited for Jin. He dropped you off in front before parking his car. The restaurant had a homey vibes to it. Sunlight was freely flowing to the room, and the windows were open which allowed the customers to feel the pleasant breeze. You could see customers enjoying their food and talking animatedly with the other- more so the one group on your right who had their heads bowed down, too engrossed with their food while talking and laughing among themselves. You felt a hand on the small of your back. You looked behind you to see Seokjin smiling at you with his cap still on. He was guiding you in when you heard the sound of utensils falling on the floor. You looked to your right where the group of men were eating and realization dawned upon you.

Jungkook’s eyes were the first ones you met. His doe eyes were even bigger from shock, his mouth agape with his chopstick suspended in the air. Beside him was Taehyung who looked at you and Jin with knowing eyes before smiling that rectangular smile of his. Jimin and Hoseok both looked at you in surprised.

“H-hyung?” Jungkook called Jin with confusion in his face as he looked down at Jin’s hand on you. He had never seen his hyung touched someone from another gender willingly. To be honest, Seokjin didn’t care much about anyone outside the members and his own family. Seeing him looking at you with too much emotion in his otherwise emotionless eyes made all of them curious about who you were.

Jin sighed before looking at his members. “You’re all here. Again.”

“We were starving…” the man you recognized as the leader explained sheepishly. He turned to look at you before smiling, “Hi. I’m Namjoon. And you are?”

—

You found yourself sat beside Seokjin who was busy putting food on your plate. If he noticed his members looking at him as though an imposter took his place, he didn’t comment. It was as if the six men looking at the two of you with mixture of bewilderment from Jungkook and Jimin, curiosity from Namjoon and Hoseok, amusement from Taehyung and strangely, indifference from Yoongi, didn’t bother him.

But it bothered you.

You broke eye contact with Taehyung who was sitting beside you with his chin resting on his hand as he examined you with twinkle in his eyes to look at the other man beside you.

“Are you sure it’s fine for me to sit with you? What if someone sees?” You leaned to whisper at Jin.

He merely shrugged. It didn’t matter. In fact, he wanted the world to know you were his. “Eat, princess.”

“I can’t,” you whispered once again, hyperaware of the six pair of eyes on you and him.

“Why?”

“Why are they looking at me?”

Seokjin craned his neck up, frustration evident on his face before looking at his younger members with a terrifying glare. “Why are you always here?”

“We were hungry-“

“And you ate. Now leave.”

“Is that how you treat your customers, hyung?” Jimin teased with a pout before looking at you innocently.

Wait, this was his?

“You’re not my customers because you all rarely pay!”

Chaos ensued as the men bickered and teased each other. You could see the familiarity and the love between them that came with years and years of companionship. You were unknowingly smiling before eating your late lunch. You didn’t realize how hungry you were until you actually ate. They were all still arguing, albeit without any claws to their words, when you felt a finger poking your arm.

“I’m Taehyung,” he introduced himself before offering you his hand. You shook his hand warily. “I’m Y/N.”

“So, Y/N, how did you know my hyung?” He asked, uncaring of the bickering of the men in front of him. He was more interested with who you were. His hyung never did once look at any woman, never once did he touch them. In fact, he was irritated whenever some woman would sauntered to him and flirted. Behind his hyung’s pleasant personality and contagious laugh lied his cold persona reserved for people who didn’t matter to him.

Which was exactly why you were a puzzle to the group. For the first time since they met him, they saw their hyung smiled so genuinely at a woman. For the first time, they saw the darkness that somehow terrified them in Jin’s eyes vanished.

“Oh uhm. We’re childhood friends. His parents and my dad were the best of friends.”

Were?

Yoongi, who hadn’t said a thing yet, tilted his head when he heard you. He looked at you with indifferent eyes before slyly shifting his bored gaze to his only hyung who visibly stiffened from your words.

Interesting.

You watched him as he took his pillow and RJ in his arms. Seokjin really looked comfy and yet, so beautiful despite wearing only his pajamas. “You know I can take the sofa. I don’t mind. I really don’t want to be an imposition on-“

“Nonsense, princess. I want you to be comfortable here. You’re my guest after all,” he turned to look at you before smiling. He walked towards the bed where you were sitting. He leaned down and softly placed a kiss on your forehead.

“Good night, my princess,” he whispered, and before you could even react, he was out of the room.

You opened your eyes, and you were back to that nightmare. You saw your father walking away from you to that damned lake. You felt your heart skipped a beat, your legs moving faster and faster to stop him.

You knew what would happened.

You had seen this before.

You had lived this before.

“Dad! Please. Stop!” You shouted on top of your lungs, but it was as though he didn’t hear you. He kept on walking and walking, until he was in the middle of the frozen lake. He paused his movement to look at you. He never aged. His looks frozen in time.

“Run, my daughter,” he said with a serious note in his voice. This was different. He never said this in all your nightmares. “Run far. And don’t come back.”

“What? Dad, please! Just come here!” You shouted, and now you felt tears falling freely on your face. You knew what would happened.

You knew his destiny.

And you could never do anything about it but to see him fall to the icy water.

“Y/N! Wake up.”

“Princess, please. Wake up. It’s okay. You’re safe with me.”

“Wake up.”

And then you woke up. Your breath were ragged as though you were running for your life. You could feel his fingers wiping away your tears. You were full-on sobbing in front of him. And before you knew it, his arms were around you as he maneuvered your body to rest on top of his chest. Your hand fisted his shirt, wanting anything to ground you. Your heart was beating faster despite escaping the nightmare, and for the life of you, you didn’t know why you still felt unsafe.

Soothingly, he was running his hand on your back. Seokjin was patient as he waited for you to calm down. You felt his lips on top of your head. You heard him whisper how you were safe with him and that he would never let anything bad happen to you ever again.

And that night, he didn’t let you go.

—

“My baby looks so handsome!” His mother cooed at the four-year old Seokjin. She fixed his hair gently before holding his tiny hand in hers. She followed her husband inside their closest friend’s home. His wife had just given birth a month ago and this was the first time they would see the little bundle of joy. She was so ecstatic when she learned that the baby was a girl, much to her son’s disgust.

‘Girls are yucky, mommy!’

“Do you wanna see her?”

Did he? He looked thoughtful for a moment, his adorable pout ever so present in his lips. Perhaps, he should see what the fuss was about. He was almost certain- no, he was 100% sure that he was more endearing than that little elf who did nothing but cried.

But fine, he supposed he should look at her one time, then never again.

With a reluctant nod, his mother patted the seat beside her. Once he was fully sat down, his mother lowered the baby to his level which allowed him to peak at the crying Y/N.

Seokjin’s eyes widened at how could someone as little as you cried so loud?

Additionally, how could someone as little as you looked so…wonderful?

As though he was in a trance, Jin moved his face closer to you. His little hand was on its way to caress your hair when he heard his mother gently warn him to be careful. And so, he did. His little hand touched the sparse hair on your small head. He caressed it once, twice, and to the adults’ surprised, you stopped wailing your heart out as thought you were finally at peace.

“She likes you,” your father observed, his eyebags made it apparent that you weren’t letting your parents sleep.

“I think we should keep him with her so she would stop crying, right Jinnie?” He teased the little child.

Jin, on other hand, didn’t say anything. His focus was solely on you. Little Seokjin deemed it okay to stay with you.

It was a sweet moment, really it was. Until Jin dove down to peck your lips, and then chaos ensued.

Hiraeth III

[vumming]

all of us are dead — jang woo-jin “barriers”

contents : cringe, cliché(?)

a/n: requested by, anon [ hello can i req a jealous jang woojin x reader 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀 ty ] HAH THIS HAS BEEN IN THE DRAFTS I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG LOL

“Hey. Who was that?”

He tries to act cool, walking beside you as he looks at the direction of the guy who tried to act familiar with you—his words, not mine. Eyeing the boy like a predator despite him already walking away.

You scoffed, brushing off his arms that lays on your shoulder with a teasing tone, “and why do you care?”

“I asked first.”

“And I asked second.”

“I'm still first.” There is a cheeky grin on his face but it didn't reached his eyes, a hurtful look then flickered for a minute before they disappear like a flicker of a light. Woo-jin took a step forward with a smug grin present on his face that makes you have the drive to somehow—crush that smirk off.

Raising a brow at his somewhat interest, you answered with a huff. “It was just someone from the other class.”

“Why did he approached you then?” Woo-jin bites back the words that should've followed, watching as you blinked at him owlishly, what does he want with you? surely he didn't confessed, right? He sees you cross your arms over your chest, cocking your head to the side with a slight grin.

Oh no-

“He just asked for my helped for the upcoming class collaboration.”

Oh.

Woo-jin blinked.

He felt so stupid assuming things but how can he help it? You're likeable—especially in his eyes so how can he not like you? Woo-jin blinks, staring at the place that the boy went out before glancing back at you. There's something soft with how his smile turned softer.

It is unlike the ones he would shoot you, that boyish grin of his that looks stupid.

Now he looks more stupid.

And yet, that made your heart skip a beat at the sight only for you to internally beat yourself up for thinking such things.

"Why.. why the hell do you look relieved?" Came out of your mouth, straightforward and blunt, a tone of confusion seeping in as you can't help but think. Why?

Woo-jin spluttered a cough at your words, hitting his chest in repeat as he choked in his own spit. "M-me?! Relieved?" His eyes were blown wide akin to saucers.

"It's not that..!" He defended himself, "I was just wondering if you're really that reliable for him to pick you to help him." And like a child, he took out his tongue while pulling his eyelid which is a kid's universal sign of disrespect.

"Why you!" You gasped at his childish behavior, reaching to pinch him only for his swift lithe hands to capture your own.

"Nuh-uh!" "Oi, let go! You stupid—"

"Who are you calling stupid?" He retorts, taking both of your wrists as he dodges your pinches. "You! You son of a—!" When you couldn't hit him, you settled for hitting him by the shin with your feet, raising it to kick him playfully.

There's laughter all around as the two of you pick on each other, a usual occurrence in your friendship that the both of you had come and learnt to love and do. The playful quarrel and mischievous shenanigans that the both of you act.

It's pleasant.

But why does his eyes twinkle so much with affection as he looks at you, despite those boyish grin of his, the crinkles on his eyes softens every now and then.

Your foot hits his knee as he hissed, letting out a small pained cry as he crumbles to the ground like a kid deprived of cookies from the jar. "Gah!"

"Damn you hit me too hard.." He murmured, head bowed as he clutched his knee. You follow, frantic and panicking, his hold on one of your wrists still firm but tender. It's like he doesn't want to hurt you.

Hands not knowing what to do as you watch him, "It- Wait I didn't mean to do it that harsh!" You try to defend yourself, kneeling before him as you reach for his knee delicately, afraid that you'll hurt him further.

"Kidding!" Woo-jin exclaimed, craning his neck to look at you only to freeze.

The proximity is too close.

One move could make the two of you..

One.

His eyes that's trained on yours, unblinking, briefly glanced at your lips. You could see how his adam apple bob, like there is something stuck inside his throat. But you aren't fairing any better with how your whole body freeze.

Two.

"You.." his lips move, the voice barely audible if not for the closeness that you both share.

"Why won't you pull away..?" He whispers, still watching you.

The two of you were stuck in the moment, time seemingly freezing in place like how the two of you are focused towards each other. "Well, why aren't you..?" You turned his question back on him.

For there is no way that you'll be able to answer that. Not without spilling the thoughts you've always had inside your head. One that can ruin what the both of you share, this friendship that both of you are content with.

But is he truly?

Three.

He sighs through his nose, eyes still on you as his fingers that's holding you, twitch. "Because.."

Without warning, he gathers his thoughts and faces reality, taking the opportunity he was blessed with. Hand pulling you down to press your lips against his.

Soft.

Woo-jin's lips are chapped, yet the softness of it overwhelms you.

The way his other arm snakes to pull you by the back of your neck, the desperate feelings he has for you leaks from his actions.

Was this how kiss always felt? You don't know, but the chemistry doesn't fail.

And before you knew it, it was over.

"I don't want you being with him. Even if it's helping him." He murmurs, not pulling away completely. His forehead pressed against yours oh so sweetly. Beneath those eyes were intensity, the genuine and raw emotion came spilling out as soon as he built up his confidence.

"I don't like it."

Woo-jin.. just ruined the barriers that bounds you two as friends.

[monstress]

fave 2024 korean releases

IMPORTANT CAVEAT: I HAVE YET TO LISTEN TO 'AAA' BY HYUKOH x SUNSET ROLLERCOASTER! IT IS NOT ON THIS LIST! I AM WAITING FOR THE RIGHT TIMING! IT IS NOT TIME YET!

on to this year's list:

beautiful world - kimhwol

akin to its album cover, it's best to listen when you are out on a walk. kim hwol's voice cradles you like a beating fire, like a baby bird. while forest child might be the best song of the album, my favorite is the demo track of dear my love with its plinky piano which i find particularly delightful. sparse, basic, but each tracks soars.

yin - colde

i was hesitant to place this here since it's only 3 tracks long but considering it's on my top spotify wrapped, i felt it'd be bias not to give it a place of honor. the background adlib at 3:25 mark in I Color You is laced with cocaine. solid rnb singles, per usual. where is that offonoff album.

dudndudndudn - yujin kim

get on the ground floorrrr. kim yujin is a gorgeous jazz vocalist (listen to her past 2 albums if you haven't) and this EP is rich, bright and her voice is playful and unpretentious. the double track You Love Me / I Love You are so disgustingly cheesy it rounds back to being good. personal fave track is hit me back where it dipped its toe in shoegaze.

orange hour - joyce kwon

have your ever heard an album that is so technically perfect that you get mad? this is that album. i don't even know what else to say.

neom 0541 - BØJEONG

during my first time listening of Unreal, i had to pause and check out if they were a side project of the band The Solutions - they're not. it doesn't mean this release isn't an absolute barn-burner. a concept rock album of landing in a desolate new world, this EP's highlight is Unreal but i implore to stick around for the next track Hyenoid as it hits you with a solo that can melt your face clean right off. check out their latest EP kin as well.

angel interview - meaningful stone, swervy

the latest entry in this list, not even a month old as i am typing this. however, i had a sneaking suspicion this album is going to be an instant shoegaze classic (red car and i open the window instead of the closed door especially) the transition from garage rock esc to house track _()_ is insane.

are you watching at all? - min.a

while i can't say i am a fan of the current epidemic of particularly nasal tiktok singing that's hitting youngsters, min.a is an exception to the rule because she actually has the sauce. by that, her EP thoroughly impresses in its production that i am here for everything she releases from now on. while skipping stones has the play numbers, do not skip on sunshower and petty because they are so cleverly arranged that i don't wanna spoil it.

cool - hyelyn joo

this is a funnnn indie-pop EP with great earworms like Kiss! and Crazy. it's bubbly nature oddly reminds of Lee Jin Ah, albeit steers more safely to the pop side. it's a true crowd pleaser release and each track can be someone's favorite. no on asked but B-Yum is my tongue-in-cheek fave.

the world you live in - ashmute

let it be on the record that everytime they release, it's gonnaaaa be on this list. i prayed for an album from them and my prayers were answered this year. to top it all, it's good and STILL so underrated. Air and Saudade deliver their signature sad sexy bops but surprisingly HARUMADA comes out as the citypop track i didn't know i needed.

honorable mentions:

growing pains - ghost bookstore, miniseries 2 - sumin & slom, play with earth! 03 - wave to earth, "L" - the volunteers, PUMP - epik high, sphere - jooyoung, gimbap - george, entire i & and july - kim kak sung, overtime life - 8호실 peridot, the earth - mrch, bonfire - cifika

[aayakashii]

Excuse me, tumblr user aayakashii, but if I could ask for a morsel of content? I made a post about king jin x court jester reader and mentioned how it would be an interesting yandere dynamic. Your name got mentioned, and then I also saw you had liked it, so if you had any thoughts? That? Would be cool?

But absolutely no pressure! I was just curious about what a yandere dynamic would look like when jin is obsessed with someone who does fit the servant role.

Sorry for the rambling! Thank you for reading my request, and I hope it finds you well! And please feel free to go as dark as you want with it if the mood strikes you

-@lucky-lucky-duck☆ (user name change ^^")

Of course tumblr user @lucky-lucky-duck 🫡

Okay I had to think looooong and haaaaard about this one because it's an interesting concept, but, as you said, it can turn dark very quickly. I'm not sure if I analyzed it properly tbh, but I hope this gives you a nice idea of how I think the dynamic would go.

First, Jin as a yandere in his usual setting would probably be an extremely controlling man. He'd demand MC to be at his beck and call at any given moment and would probably tell them what they can or cannot do, what to wear, what to say, basically how exist as "his property".

I've had someone say that it's a bit upsetting that the boys as yanderes see MC as an object to possess, but that's just how most yanderes act; they might love their darling, but most of all, they're obsessed – they want to possess them. It's the nature of a yandere character, so I'd have to say Jin would be the blueprint for that.

Now, in that king x court jester dynamic, things would escalate A LOT MORE.

I researched the accurate definition of what a jester used to do, and they used to be "a member of the household of a nobleman or a monarch employed to entertain guests during royal court."

Okay, well. Forget about entertaining other people. You'd be Jin's personal plaything, and no one else would be allowed to watch your lovely acts. And of course, that would allow him to demand more intimate ways of entertainment too...

You'd have to be ready to be his pillow; to light his cigarettes; to smother him in kisses and sweet words whenever he got stressed; to follow him around wherever he went like a loyal puppy; and, just like one, he'd expect you to never complain.

You're the king's favorite, how dare you complain about not being free? You have privileges no other jester could ever have!

And what if the king had a queen? Well, that would not matter at all. You'd still be tied to him, even if he was married to someone. The king's consort would sit beside him, but you'd be perched on his lap, petting his hair and being entirely open to his touches.

You're just a jester after all, and he's the king. No one bats an eye, even as he holds you so possessively.

Jin would be quicker to ditch his consort than let go of you, but he would rather not admit it.

If anyone wants to marry him, they have to understand that he's just too attached to his little pet. See, they're so cute, so entertaining, so welcoming to his touches. How could he ever let them go?

Basically, being the king's jester would be akin to having a collar and a leash on your neck forever. The most powerful man would be able to move mountains just to have you under his constant watch. You'd have no freedom, and his obsession would be overlooked. You'd have no one to save you and nowhere to run.

But that's what you wanted, right?

[staytinyville]

Stay Alive (21)

BTS poly!ot7 x Reader

Magical Creatures AU

Series Masterlist

Warnings: None

A/N BETA READ @seoul9711 YALL. My bad for missing an update! I'm visiting family this week so it's been an occupied time for me. However because I've been starting to want to write a lot of other things, I might start changing the updates. Nothing too large. I think I'm going to do Monday's and Thursday updates.

Your day started with you taking care of Namjoon like normal. You had taken to making sure the man had his skin moisturized and taken care of. By the looks of it, it seemed to have been a while since the last time new wounds had formed over his skin which brought you some kind of relief. 

As you lightly skimmed over his healing wounds, you sighed. “Joon, you said the company uses your abilities to make the medicine.” You spoke up. “I'm assuming yours has to do with your skin.” You told him. 

“My dragon scales are some of the most powerful things known in my world.” Namjoon began. “Much like Yoongi's blood, it can heal just about anything if mixed correctly with other medicinal ingredients.” He looked down, sighing to himself. “HYBE uses them for burn ointment.”

Your hand fell from his back, a sharp gasp falling from your lips. “This is abuse Namjoon!” You cried out. “It's inhumane.”

“Everyone knows that Little one.” He turned around, moving you to stand between his legs. “But we haven't found a way out yet.” He softly told you.

“Then I'll go to the police.” You shook your head, sniffling as your nose began to get stuffed. Your fingers moved up to his shoulders, lightly touching his skin. 

“That involves gathering evidence.” Namjoon told you. “That's too dangerous.”

He pulled you into his arms, hugging you to his chest. You fell over into his lap, pressing your cheek to his chest. “Just please, leave it to us and we'll figure it out.”

“I want to help you, Joon.” You softly pouted. 

“I know you do.” Namjoon placed his head atop yours, rubbing his hand up and down your arm. You could feel him start to warm up, causing you to shift closer to the warmth. “And that means more to me than you'll ever know.”

As his body brought a soothing feeling down your spine, you began to think about the others and what they must suffer from. You weren’t in charge of them to know the kind of tests they had to go through; Jungkook was the only one you knew about. 

You knew he had to spit into a cup, causing dry mouth for him often. It wasn’t as extreme as Namjoon but you knew it was still bothersome to have dry mouth. 

“The tests Jungkook has to do.” You pulled back to look at Namjoon. “What do they use his saliva for?”

Namjoon hummed, moving along his bed with you in his lap. He made himself comfortable along the pillows. You moved around for a bit, finding the perfect place to lay back. You had settled for turning around in his lap, back to his chest. 

“Jungkook is a werewolf, as you know.” He started. “His saliva has healing properties for superficial injuries. It can heal any kind of penetrative wound over the skin. They make another cream with it.” He told you.

“And the others?” You asked quietly, pulling your knees closer. 

Namjoon felt your emotions change into something akin to depression. So he wrapped his arms around your middle, pulling you closer to him. You suddenly smelled the most soothing aroma ever. It calmed you down immediately, almost like lavender would. It didn’t take away from your worry but you felt relaxed. 

“Jin is an elf, which means he has a long life span. They take his DNA for patients with disabilities caused by old age.” Namjoon explained. 

“What do they take?” You asked. 

“His blood.” You purse your lips, dropping your shoulders.

“Jimin has this water resistant substance on his body, it makes him aware of his surroundings in water. They take it off him for medication having to do with water in the lung:  Bronchitis, pneumonia, the flu.” The man continued. “ Yoongi, has venom that mixes with blood to cause some kind of reaction.”

You remembered Twilight when Namjoon talked about venom. “Is that what is used to turn people into vampires?” You asked. 

“Yes.” Namjoon chuckled at your question. “They create blood related medicines with it.”

The boys were all kinds of magical creatures that you read about in books. They had their own powers and abilities. While you really wanted to learn all about them, you knew you wouldn’t be able to with them trapped in this hell. 

You sighed to yourself, thinking about how you applied to this job. You should have taken notice of all the red flags. The fact that you didn’t know what they focused on was probably the biggest one. And yet here you still were–blinded by wanting a job to keep you afloat. 

You knew if you hadn’t taken the chance you wouldn’t have met the boys. And they would probably still be stuck here for another 10 years. You were going to try your best at taking them out; they deserved so much more. 

“What about Taehyung and Hobi?” You turned to look at him.

“Taehyung has this ability where he can manipulate his magical energy. They extract it from him in order to create the medicine, it's like an activator.”

Your first thought was if Taehyung was the only faerie having to struggle with that. You remembered how he had burst into Yoongi’s room talking about how he exploded his energy and gave himself the gash. You knew you had seen it. 

“Are there more faeries here?” You asked. 

“I think there's one more. Her name is Hanni, she's just a child.” Namjoon sighed. 

You knew Namjoon cared about more than just the seven boys. He was the first patient to be kidnapped. So he knew much more than anyone else. Seeing all those other people be brought in, must have been painful for him. 

“Hobi is a different case. He's more of a just-in-case type deal. His magic has the ability to put anyone to sleep as well as hypnotize and cast spells. He can also heal people.” Namjoon continued. 

“Can all of you just heal people?” You snorted.

“Hobi's healing is a lot more helpful than ours. I mean, I have to rip my skin off and Yoongi has to give blood. It's easier for him.” He shrugged. 

“I understand.” You nodded. “Hobi and Taehyung seem like very powerful people.”

“They were one of the first creatures to ever be created. So they tend to have the most magical energy.” Namjoon explained. “Behind dragons.” He added a teasing smile on his face. 

“Are you bragging?” You laughed. 

“No, in my word.” Namjoon looked offended. “Dragons are the oldest living creatures in my entire world.”

“Sounds believable.” You giggled, leaning further against his chest. 

There was a silence that made you comfortable. You could feel Namjoon’s chest rising and falling with each breath he took. If the scent you had smelled earlier hadn’t already relaxed you, Namjoon’s breathing would have. His fingers were splayed out on your tummy, his thumb rubbing against you. 

He froze for a few seconds before going back to paying you attention. “I'll see you later, Kook wants attention.” He patted your thigh, making you move off him.

You looked at him skeptically, turning on your knees. “How do you know?”

“Magic.” He grinned. “I'll tell you later.”

He walked you to his door, giving you a pat on the head as you walked out. You giggled, setting into the hallway without looking. As your body passed Namjoon’s door, you quickly bumped into someone making you look up. 

“I'm sorry.” You told them man. 

“It's alright.” He gave you a smile that made you uneasy. “You're the new nurse.”

“Yes.” You told him, looking down to the floor. 

“Jungkook's.” He looked up at the door you had walked out of. “And Namjoon's, I see.”

“Yes. Excuse me, I should be going now.” You quickly said, wanting to get away from the man. 

“Of course.” He told you. “Have a nice day.” He waved you off as you fast walked to Jungkook’s room. 

With how disturbed you were feeling, Namjoon was quick to step out into the hall. His eyebrows pinched together in anger when they landed on Kyong staring at you. When Jungkook’s door opened and you had disappeared, Kyong turned to the man. 

“Hello, Namjoon. How are you today?” Kyong asked the man. 

“What do you want Kyong?” He asked, turning his nose up.

“Just visiting.” He shrugged. “Haven't been in such a long time.” He placed his hands into his pockets, looking back down the hall. “Do be careful with that nurse.” He hummed. “She seems to be hiding something.”

Namjoon almost growled at the look Kyong gave him. He didn’t need to be a mind reader to know that Kyong was suspicious of you. However he didn’t want the man to know that you were special to them. 

“Wouldn't want anything to happen to her.” 

Series Masterlist

@h3arteyes4mingi , @fangirling-all-the-way-tbh , @rinkud, @rln-byg , @singukieee ,  @hoshi-is-ult-bbg , @ldysmfrst , @k-p0p-4ever , @shadowyjellyfishfest , @forestsquirrel , @juju-227592 , @alienchickenpoop , @dreamerwasfound , @afangirl91 , @psiphidragon , @puppyminnnie , @girl-nahh , @shyloh-the-cornsnake , @oemmi2005 , @ollyoxenfrees , @whynotlarene , @beeltsumu , @cryingpages , @milopenne , @belikejk , @bts-4-life-ot7 , @woozixo, @serveruslovebot ,

[whimsimille]

VENDETTA

Jeong Jin-Man x Fem! Reader

Chapter 2: VENDETTA.ZIP

“Momma?”

You're roused from your slumber by a peculiar sound that gushes—the way rapids dash against jumbled rocks. Your ear still nuzzles against the pillow plastered with black cat motifs. Unruly strands of your obsidian hair sprawl over the sable felines printed on your comfort.

This might be your final summer snuggling in this kitty patterned pillowcase—a relic better suited for preschoolers. You’ve been contemplating a more sophisticated change—not so much “grown-up” because that phrase seems oddly outmoded to you now. These days, it’s either 'mature’ or 'adult’. A plush silk case endorsing maturity may be owned soon enough, akin to those Jin boasts of from Sonyeo—an opulent Korean label— nonetheless! But till you bring home that plush treasure, it's the humble black-cat print for you—especially given its ability to maintain a coolish touch even when midsummer night's force is nothing besides sticky humidity and trills of katydids.

Yes, the string of sounds filling up your room are those made by katydids. Momma was sure those chirping notes were not lent by cicadas, as they preferred daylight hours over nocturnal ones for their concerts. She referred to these symphonies rather derogatively as 'that racket’ and rarely allowed her own window to be tampered with lest 'that racket' invade her serene sleep haven.

“Momma… Are you close?”

From deep down the hallway comes an array of sounds far louder than mere bugs tapping on exterior walls—they seem uncomfortably domestic. Bugs couldn't pass through barriers, but these incoming clips could—they undeniably belonged within these four walls.

Peering into silhouettes strewn around your bedroom, eyes accustomed to nightpicking details shimmering in monochromatic shades—black stands stark against muted greys in ambient darkness. Occasionally, a faint wave of moonlight filters through the open window, supplemented by the luminescence radiating from your trusty nightlight purchased at some local convenience store—a tiny LED bunny that stood guard near your bedroom entrance. At night, your heavily populated room transformed into a monster land, with forsaken clothes heaped around on the floor, resembling predatory creatures lurking in shadows. Now your token light was placed too far—a seeming hundred miles away—just so you could avoid tumbling over these innocent-looking beasts camouflaged in gloom while scurrying to the door. Not fear—you were far above such childish frights—but maturity guided you, or so you reassured yourself.

Still, it’s quiet enough now that you can hear your own breathing. You frown at that silence. It’s an unfamiliar quiet—the quiet that fills up the bedroom at night when you can’t sleep, the quiet that surrounds you when there have been bad dreams or when you’ve been sent to bed early for some infraction. This kind of quiet is the reason you sleep with your windows open, so you can hear something other than yourself alone.

It wasn’t too dark to see, not with the thin wash of light from outside that made it into the entryway. But it was dimmer than you would have thought for so early in the evening this close to summer. You wondered if a thunderstorm was gathering outside, and you just hadn’t noticed. You strained your ears for the telltale rumble of thunder or the flash of lightning but heard nothing. Just the whooshing sound and the quiet.

“Momma, please answer me.”

No. The silence stretches out, almost becoming a presence in itself. You sit up, the whooshing sound seeming to grow louder as you become more awake. You swing your legs over the side of the bed and hesitate for a moment, your bare feet hovering above the floor.

The hallway doesn't look any different from before—plain white walls, family photos hanging askew on their hooks, old throw rugs scattered here and there for comfort underfoot—but right now it's a dark tunnel with the faintest hint of light at the end. You step onto the floor, the coolness of the wooden boards grounding you. Each step you take is careful, slow. You don’t want to make any noise. You don’t want to disturb whatever might be lurking in the shadows.

You peer into Momma's room, blinking slowly to adjust to the darkness. It smells stale here—like a mix of cigarette smoke and old clothes, the kind that have sat too long in the back of a closet. Momma has been sleeping less lately; it's like she's avoiding her room at night.

Her side of the bed is rumpled, the sheets twisted and wrinkled as if she's been tossing and turning all night long.

You bite your lip. Something feels off about this whole situation, but you can't quite put your finger on it yet. Looking back at your own room, you gulp hard and step in, hesitantly putting one foot in front of the other.

Did she leave? Is she hurt?

You advance. Nothing here, nothing. Just an empty, cold room because today was the day to pay the electricity bill and she must’ve forgotten. A dresser with chipped paint and a missing drawer knob. A wardrobe with the door open, displaying a bunch of hotel hangers—the kind you can't steal. A Bible on a corner table. To the left, the bathroom door, a mirror in its full length reflecting your own pale image. That door was slightly ajar and... You saw your reflection nodding slowly. 

Yes, that was where it was, whatever it was. In there. In the bathroom.

Your reflection advanced, as if it were about to escape from the mirror. It extended a hand, pressing it against yours. Then it disappeared at an angle as the bathroom door opened. You looked inside. A long, old room, like a train car. Small hexagonal tiles on the floor, some of which are cracked and discolored. At the far end, a toilet with the lid up, a roll of toilet paper dangling precariously from its holder. To the right, a sink, and above it another mirror, the kind that hides a medicine cabinet filled with old prescription bottles and half-used tubes of toothpaste. To the left, a huge white clawfoot bathtub with a shower curtain drawn.

"Momma?" you call again, your voice trembling now. 

There was water running.

You entered the bathroom and walked towards the bathtub as if in a dream, as if you were being propelled, as if all this were one of those dreams horror movies brought, as if maybe you were going to see something good when you opened the shower curtain, something you had forgotten or something Momma had lost, something that would make you both happy.

You reached for the curtain, your hand trembling, and drew it back.

-----------

There was nothing but blood and a knife in Jin-Man’s bathtub. No water. No glazy eyes looking up at the ceiling. No body. Just crimson stains streaking down the porcelain, the knife resting at an odd angle, as if someone had dropped it hastily.

Your fist clenches around the curtain as you feel your eyes getting wet, trying to make you feel something. Something that involves anything but crying like a lost little child. You glance around the bathroom, noting the little details that seem to scream at you—the designer shampoo bottles Jin-Man always bragged about, the lavender-scented candles he adored, now splattered with red.

You wanted to say you thought you weren't going to crumble. That you were not tangled in lies and were ready for this. But looking behind you, you saw your hair, shorter now, messier and lifeless, and you saw the woman that you were supposed to be. The woman who didn't run but followed the line she was always meant to follow. Determined. Confident. Someone who has seen grief rears its head countless times and isn’t supposed to cry. But the thing about grief is—it isn't like other emotions; it begs for something so visceral. It induces that gut-churning feeling, even when it isn't directed at you. And just like when you were a child, you do not know what to do with such raw fury, so you swallow it down, until your stomach hurts and you are coughing back up those shards, and suddenly, "I wish you were here.”

You closed the tap. With no sound of water, the house fell into complete silence. The only noise was the steak dropping from the counter onto the floor and a slight scratch on your jeans as you pressed your nails against them, trying to keep yourself together.

Interesting house for an ex-mercenary, you tried to distract yourself with that thought as you scanned the bathroom meticulously, looking for any signs of a struggle. Overturned objects, broken tiles, anything that might suggest there had been a struggle. 

However, the razor blades were neatly aligned in the sink, the aftershave was covered and in place, and even the toothbrush was upright in its holder. Checked the medicine cabinet, hoping to find something—perhaps a hidden compartment or a secret weapons cache. But it was as tidy as the rest of the room. Painkillers, vitamins, and antibiotics—everything perfectly lined up. No clues, no detours.

Quickly, you moved down the narrow corridor, your footsteps echoing off the bare walls. The empty frames hanging seemed to mock you, as if to say that there was nothing left to see, nothing to remember. The walls were a weird white, the kind of white you only find in hospitals or in houses where life has been carefully erased.

In the kitchen, you found an old Italian coffee maker on the stove. Next to it, a can of ground coffee from Starbucks, the brand he insisted on buying despite your complaints about the exorbitant price. Next to the tin, a box of tea, still sealed. Jin-Man never liked tea so it might belong to Ji-An. 

On the counter, a plate of leftover food. Kimchi and rice. Next to it, a half-empty bottle of soju, the lid open. Jin-Man was never much of a drinker, but when he did, it was always soju. He said he remembered the days when he was just a kid, stealing bottles from street stalls in Seoul.

You opened the fridge and found only a few cans of Cass beer, a packet of tofu, and a pot of kimchi. Nothing to indicate that he planned to run away. You closed the fridge with a sigh, the sound of the door echoing through the empty kitchen.

You had to be quick; Ji-An must be getting done with the hospital paperwork by now.

Here comes the worst part: you moved to the bedroom.

You took in the scene as if it were a movie playing before your eyes. The sun's rays escaped through the curtains, dancing around the room like intruders, unable to touch the cool tiles beneath their sharp gaze. The bed was made; no rumpled sheets and blankets fanning out in all directions, resembling waves on a stormy ocean like yours always are. A sense of loss crept into your bones as you almost smell his unique musky perfume lingering in the air, mixing with faint hints of sweat and aftershave. His old army boots were by the corner, cleaned and polished, waiting for him to wear them again someday. 

Over there by the dresser was a framed photo of him and Ji-An at some beach, her dark hair whipping in the wind as she smirked at something he said just out of sight. In another corner stood an oversized clock whose ticking echoed through the silent room like a heartbeat missing its rhythm. Its long hands pointed to 4:15 PM, hours before you arrived here.

Deeper in the room, you noticed a small dresser adorned with trinkets and memorabilia. A delicate porcelain vase sat atop it, filled with dried lavender that exuded a subtle fragrance. Next to it was a collection of novels, and you recognised some of the titles—classics by authors like Kim Young-Ha and Han Kang, stories that Jin-Man had once passionately discussed with you during quiet evenings.

Five minutes and nothing. Just nothing. You frown and ruffle your hair once more. The frustration gnaws at you, a beast with sharp teeth. You start pacing, your eyes flicking from one object to another, trying to read the story they were silently screaming at you. Jin-Man was always meticulous, always one step ahead. He would hide things so well that even the most seasoned detectives would miss them.

"Jin-Man, you clever bastard," you mutter under your breath, looking around the room. Your eyes land on the oversized clock. The ticking is louder now, each second feeling like a hammer hitting an anvil. One of two things: you were either deaf or hearing too much—you responded to this new confusion with a malicious and uncomfortable feeling, with a sigh of resigned satisfaction. To hell with it, you said softly, annihilated.

You walk over to it. Jin-Man always had a thing for old-fashioned things, said they reminded him of a simpler time—an era of wind-up mechanisms and the kind of craftsmanship that required patience and skill. Your fingers trace the edges of the clock, feeling for anything unusual. The wood is smooth, polished to a fine sheen, and the brass accents gleam faintly in the dim light. And then you notice it—a slight indentation on the side, almost imperceptible. It’s a minuscule detail, the kind only someone intimately familiar with the clock would notice. You press it, and the back of the clock slides open with a soft click, revealing a hidden compartment.

Inside, there's a small key and a slip of paper with a note scribbled in Jin-Man's handwriting. "Office," it says. Your heart pounds. You grab the key with fingers that feel like they belong to someone else and head out of the bedroom, your steps quickening as if the floorboards beneath you were on fire.

The office door creaks as you push it open. The room is where his personality shows through—bookshelves lined with volumes on military strategy, psychology, and history. The desk is cluttered with papers, but everything has its place. You move to the desk, pulling open the drawers one by one. They're filled with the usual office supplies—pens, sticky notes, paperclips—but nothing stands out.

Then you remember Jin-Man's favorite hiding spot. Kneeling down, you start feeling around the base of one of the shelves, cursing under your breath when a pencil stub pokes into your hand. With a determined grunt, you keep searching until your fingers brush against something hard hidden behind a row of history textbooks. It's a loose floorboard.

With trembling hands, you pull it open to reveal a small compartment within the wall. Inside is a box, plain yet sturdy. You pick it up slowly, heart pounding like a drum in your ears as you flip open the lid. A letter addressed to you in Jin-Man's neat handwriting sits on top—the sight of it making your throat tighten. Beside it is a USB drive and an old photograph of both of you from years ago; laughing over some forgotten joke while enjoying each other's company under bright sunshine at what seems like paradise now.

Your legs feel weak, and you drop into Jin-Man's office chair, clutching the items.

"My doll,

If you're reading this, it means something has gone terribly wrong. I know you hate me, and I don't blame you. But there's something you need to know, something I couldn't tell you before. The USB drive contains information that could change everything. 

Be careful. Trust no one.

Jeong Jin-Man."

You disguise your anguish and invent a pretext to be weak for a few moments. At the table, you bite the sleeve of your jacket, suffocating the screams threatening your throat. You sink further into the chair, your face buried in your arm, waiting for something to happen and save you. The room filled with Jin-Man's belongings, feels both comforting and suffocating. The scent of his cologne lingers in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of the coffee he loved so much.

You start to hate them, all of them—the people who took him away, him, the circumstances that led to this moment. And you wish to abandon them, to flee from this feeling that develops with each passing minute, mixed with unbearable pity for them and for yourself. As if together you were victims of the same irremediable threat. You try to reconstruct the image of Jeong Jin-Man, line by line. His strong jaw, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, the sound of his voice when he called you by your nickname. It seems to you that if you recall him clearly, you will have some sort of power over him.

You hold your breath, tense, pressing your lips together. Just a moment... Just a moment more, and you would have him, gesture by gesture... His figure starts to form, nebulous... And finally, little by little, desolate, you perceive it fading away. You have the impression that Jin-Man is escaping from you, smiling.

The blinds moved with the wind, and you could see him in the dim light sitting at the counter staring at you. He didn't look sad, or mad. Jin-Man was scanning you. His eyes darted from your button nose to your lips, from your ears to your sweaty forehead. Every inch of your face was being studied intensely, like it was the last time he'd ever see it. You knew because you did it all the time. You know how the shadows fall under his chin and along his shoulders. You know how his spine showed itself against his back. You know him in all the impossible ways dogs can't know ourselves, even when they drink from a river and stare at the water for seconds.

You didn't want Jeong to look at you like you looked at him, with a compulsion to memorize every part in case it all disappeared tomorrow. You traced every outline of him once, all the places he couldn't see.

You weren't the one who had the tendency to leave suddenly, making the other wonder if the last time would really be the last time.

“Can you stop it? I won’t be able to concentrate on decorating this cake if you’re going to stare the shit out of me like a fucking weirdo.”

You met at night at home that Friday, exhausted and excited; you recounted the day's exploits and planned the next attacks. You didn't delve too deeply into what was happening at Babylon in your house this night; it was enough that all this had the stamp of friendship while you made the blessed chocolate mint cake that he always wanted to try. 

With a deadpan expression, Jin-Man leaned back against the kitchen counter and folded his arms across his broad chest, looking amused at your irritation. "You've got it bad," he said with an eerie calm that made your stomach flip. It was strange how he could remain so unfazed when you felt like you were on fire just from him looking at you like that.

He watched as you slapped the mixing bowl down onto the counter, sending a small splash of batter flying up in the air before it sputtered back down onto the granite surface. You took a deep breath and tried to focus on the task at hand, huffing out a laugh as you pulled out the ingredients for the cake batter. The scent of cocoa and mint wafted through the air, mingling with the faint smell of sweat from both of you as you worked together in silence. You cracked open eggs one by one, letting their yolky goodness drip into the mixture below.

The sound of butter being creamed together with sugar filled the room, along with faint metallic clangs from when you added flour and baking powder to make the batter smooth. It was oddly soothing, almost hypnotic—except for Jin-Man's gaze boring into your back like an anchor tethering you to the spot. They moved down to the collar of your shirt, a faded band tee from an old Metallica concert, then back up to your eyes, locking onto them with an intensity that makes your heart skip a beat.

"Can I taste some of this mix?"

You turned around to face him, surprised by the request. His eyes were narrowed slightly in curiosity as he leaned forward on his forearms on the countertop, his fingers tapping lightly on the granite surface.

"Do you have any idea how many calories are in that mix?" You teased, scooping up a small dollop of the mint frosting with a spoon anyway and holding it out to him. His eyes lit up like a child’s, and you couldn’t help but notice the way his tongue darted out to lick his lips in anticipation.

He took the spoon and you watched as he brought it to his mouth, his lips closing around the metal. His eyes fluttered shut, and you could see the muscles in his jaw working as he tasted the frosting. His tongue played with the minty sweetness, and you could tell he was debating whether to spit it out or swallow it, much like a child chewing on an unfamiliar piece of bubblegum.

“Well?” you asked, crossing your arms over your chest and raising an eyebrow.

He opened his eyes, a frown creasing his forehead. “It tastes like toothpaste,” he said, his voice muffled by the spoon still in his mouth.

You couldn’t help but laugh. “I've seen you handle a sniper rifle with precision. This should be a piece of cake. Plus, you've been bugging me for weeks to make this cake, and now you’re complaining about the frosting? You’re going to eat it whether you like it or not.”

He coughed, pulling the spoon out of his mouth and setting it down on the counter. “I’m not that picky about my alcohol, but cake frosting? That’s a different story,” he said, shaking his head. “This is like brushing my teeth with dessert.”

You rolled your eyes, reaching for a bag of powdered sugar from the pantry. “You’re impossible,” you muttered, but there was a hint of a smile on your lips. “Here, let’s try adding more sugar. Maybe that’ll make it less ‘toothpaste-y’” The pantry door creaked as you opened it, revealing an assortment of baking supplies organized in neat rows.

As you reached for the sugar, however, Jin-Man grabbed a handful of cocoa powder and playfully tossed it at you. “Hey!” you exclaimed, laughing as the powder dusted your hair and clothes. “You’re going to pay for that!”

You retaliated by grabbing a handful of green food coloring and flicking it at him. It splattered across his shirt and into his hair, staining it with bright green specks. “Now you look like a Christmas tree,” you teased, unable to stop laughing. 

“Oh, it’s on!”

Before you knew it, the kitchen had turned into a battlefield, with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and flour flying through the air. Your hands were stained green from the matcha powder, and his hair was speckled with chocolate chips, sticking out like tiny, sweet stars against his dark locks. Every surface in the kitchen bore marks of your playful war—cabinets smeared with butter, the floor dotted with floury footprints, and the stainless steel fridge now sporting a streak of vanilla extract.

“You're the worst baker!”

"You're going to regret this," you laughed, grabbing a handful of chocolate chips and throwing them his way. They bounced off his chest, leaving tiny smudges on his black t-shirt, before he grabbed your wrist and pinned you against the counter. Chest against chest.

You were laughing so hard, you couldn't do anything but shake your head as you wiped the chocolate smudge off his shirt with the hem of your own. His dark eyes sparkled with mischief, and for a moment, it felt like time stopped. His skin was warm under your fingertips, the soft fabric of his shirt clinging to the hard muscles beneath. You could still taste the mint frosting from earlier on your tongue, and the cocoa powder on your lips mixed with it, making everything just a little bit sweeter. You looked at him in the dim light of the kitchen, taking in the playful glint in his eyes as he leaned down closer to yours.

"I shouldn't have started this." His nose brushed against yours as he spoke.

Butterflies danced frantically in your stomach as you both stayed still, eyes locked onto each other. Even worse, their wings started to scratch the walls of your guts, and they danced a folklore song around your heart as his fingers trailed softly along your jawline before cupping your cheek gently.

"You always start things you can't finish.”

He smirked, his eyes narrowing slightly in that way that always made your heart skip a beat. "Oh, you think so?" he murmured, his thumb brushing lightly against your lower lip. "Maybe I just need the right motivation."

"And what would that be?" 

Jin-Man's eyes flicked down to your lips, and he leaned in closer, his breath ghosting across your skin. "You," he said simply, his voice low and husky. "You are my motivation."

Your heart pounded in your chest as he closed the distance, his lips brushing against yours in a tentative kiss. It was soft at first, almost hesitant, but then he deepened it, his hand sliding around to the back of your neck to pull you closer. You complied,  clinging into him without thinking, pressing up against his strong frame as you tasted him fully now: mint frosting mixed with high-quality coffee, a hint of mint leaf extract, rich dark chocolate, and something so uniquely Jin-Man that made your mind swirl with confusion and want. 

Still, there’s this gross thing inside of you that can’t help but make you think that it would've been a kinder fate if he had stolen the words out of your brain, if he had beaten you up until you became a litter of teeth and limbs than holding you like this. This, this touch of your tongues intertwining was horrible. It meant being engraved in your brain, just like the feeling of these cold tiles beneath your bare feet until you were put seven feet in the ground.

Before him, you thought it was impossible to keep your heart but give your skin, and you never got to know the difference between love or obsession. 

Jeong? He was the kind of person who would light a cigarette and watch it burn down to the filter, never taking a single drag, just mesmerized by the way the flame consumed the paper and tobacco, turning it to ash. He was fascinated by destruction, by the way things fell apart, but he was too afraid to consume himself. He'd leave the door ajar, just enough for you to catch a glimpse of his vulnerability but never enough to let you step inside fully. He'd leave his boots by the entrance, yet his heart remained a no-go zone.

And you don't know how to love without bleeding. Your love wasn't a soft, pastel-hued glow but a crimson torrent. The kind of love that left stains—on your white cotton sheets, on the hardwood floors of your apartment, even on the porcelain of your shared bathroom sink. It was a love that demanded sacrifices—late-night hospital visits from knife wounds barely stitched up, bottles of antiseptic, and gauze pads hidden in the medicine cabinet among tubes of Colgate toothpaste and Dior Sauvage aftershave.

Perhaps you like how it feels when someone depletes you of your own blood. And deep down, you contemplate if he never let you in because he doesn't want to be responsible for the blood on his fingertips. All he might want is to feel your skin but never get to know what's beneath it.

Maybe he wanted to trace your figure, but never long enough to question about the same tattoo that he was caressing now, or the scars from the missions that marred your skin like battle relics. He might never have noticed the way you always cleaned your weapons in a precise, almost ritualistic manner or how you preferred to read military strategy books late into the night. He probably didn't pay attention to the way you meticulously organized your gear by functionality or how you always carried a first-aid kit, even when you were off duty. Perhaps he never realized how you preferred to sit with your back to the wall in a restaurant or how you always needed a cup of black coffee before starting your day to stay alert.

On the other hand, you wanted to know him. Wanted to know him before touching his skin, wanted to question the bruises on his back before leaving bite marks on his neck.

But the sound of keys jangling came before your question mark, and you both jumped apart like startled animals. Pinpricks of color stained your cheeks as you quickly wiped away any remaining powdered sugar from your face, trying to compose yourself while Jeong took a step back, his face flushed and eyes locked onto yours.

“Here. I brought the green sprinkles for the cake,” Pasin announced as he entered the kitchen, his eyes half-closed and a smirk playing on his lips. He tossed the bag of sprinkles onto the counter, narrowly missing the pile of powdered sugar. 

“Hey! Good night to you too, dude,” you said, using your hair for coverage while pretending to wash something out of your nails under the sink. The faucet gurgled as water splashed onto the stainless steel basin, masking the awkward silence that followed. Your hands trembled slightly, the cold water biting into your skin like tiny needles before you turned off the tap and dried your hands with a dish towel as you turned around to look at him.

Pasin seemed to ignore your trembling voice and how Jin-Man almost drowned in a cup of water and grimaced at the state of the kitchen before even starting to speak, tying his hair back into his usual ponytail. "Don’t mess with me. An old lady spilt milk on me at the grocery store," he continued, his tone half-amused, half-exasperated, his Thai accent becoming more pronounced. "Can you believe that? I tried to help her pick up her groceries, and she upended a whole carton of milk on me. Smells like a dairy farm now. I’m going to take a shower; try not to set the kitchen on fire or make babies on the stove while I’m gone."

You glance at Jin-Man, who is now coughing, trying to get the water out of his windpipe. His face turns a shade of red that matches the color of crimson stains. You can see the frustration in his eyes, the way his jaw clenches, and you wonder how much longer he can keep it together.

"We’re not—"

The Thai immigrant gave a smile, shaking his head as he fetched a can of beer from the fridge. "Yes, yes, sorry, I forgot. 'We are just colleagues. She is the one who uses the knives; I'm the shooter. Plans, gunshots, blah blah blah,'" Pasin mimicked Jin-Man, closing the fridge with his foot before rolling his eyes dramatically and straightening his back, squaring his shoulders. "You two are impossible. And speaking of which, who's going to clean up this mess in the kitchen? Because it won't be me. And if you find my body lying in a pool of chocolate, at least give me a decent eulogy."

Jin-Man smirked, shaking his head. "You always have a flair for the dramatic, Pasin. Maybe you should have been an actor instead of a soldier."

Pasin laughed, taking a swig of his beer. "And miss out on all the fun of dodging bullets and cleaning up after you two? No thanks. But seriously, what’s with the cake? Are we celebrating something, or is this just another one of your midnight baking sprees?"

You rolled your eyes, scooping another dollop of frosting onto the cake. "Jin-Man has been nagging me to make this chocolate mint cake for ages. Figured I’d finally give it a shot. Besides, it’s been a while since we had something sweet around here."

Pasin raised an eyebrow, leaning against the counter. "Chocolate and mint, huh? Sounds fancy. You know, back in Thailand, we had this dessert called Khanom Chan. It’s a layered cake made of rice flour, coconut milk, and pandanus leaves. My grandma used to make it for special occasions. Maybe I’ll whip it up for you guys sometime. Show you what real dessert tastes like."

Jin-Man chuckled, shaking his head. "I’ll hold you to that, Pasin. But for now, let’s see if this cake lives up to its hype. And maybe, just maybe, we can avoid burning down the kitchen in the process."

Pasin clapped Jin-Man on the shoulder, grinning. "Deal. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to scrub the smell of dairy farms off me. Try not to miss me too much while I’m gone."

The sound of gravel beneath tires makes you startle back to reality. It's a motorcycle. The low hum of the engine cuts through the evening silence, and you can hear the faint squeak of brakes as it comes to a halt. Ji-An arrived. You can hear her fidgeting with her pockets, can see her expecting to hear the jingle of keys mixing with the distant chirping of crickets, and see the crunch of her nose when she finds nothing. The smell of gasoline and dust lingers in the air, mingling with the scent of pine from the trees surrounding the house.

You stash the letter and USB drive into the inner pocket of your jacket, feeling the cool metal press against your ribcage. There’s no time to be delicate; you have 2 minutes before she gives up and bends down to pick the spare key beneath the worn-out welcome mat. You need to leave before she sees that the weird doctor from the morgue is in her fucking house

"Where the hell is that key?" Ji-An mutters under her breath, frustration evident in her voice. She pats down her black leather jacket, and the sound of metal on metal grows louder as she digs deeper into her pockets. Her boots crunch on the gravel. "Come on, come on," she grumbles, her voice rising slightly in pitch. Her hair falls into her eyes. She blows a stray strand away impatiently, her breath visible in the cool night air.

You barely have time to hide the loose floorboard and close the office door before you hear her footsteps approaching the front door. Your heart races, adrenaline pumping through your veins. You slip out of Jin-Man's office, moving swiftly but silently through the hallway, your breaths shallow and controlled. You navigate through the dimly lit house, your senses heightened, every creak of the floorboards sounding like a thunderclap in your ears.

You reach the back door and gently push it open, the cool night air hitting your face like a splash of water. You step outside, careful not to let the door slam behind you. The moon casts long shadows across the backyard, and you stick to the darkest corners, moving quickly towards the side gate. You glance back once, making sure Ji-An hasn’t noticed your escape.

You slip through the gate and duck behind a row of hedges, your motorcycle hidden just a few feet away. The sleek, black machine is your lifeline now. You move with purpose, straddling the seat and inserting the key into the ignition. The engine roars to life, and you cringe at the noise, glancing back towards the house. But there's no sign of Ji-An. You twist the throttle and take off, the wind whipping through your hair as you speed down the gravel path.

The bike's headlight cuts through the darkness like a knife, illuminating patches of yellow grass and muddy puddles on the sides of the road. Every now and then, a bat flaps its wings close to your face, causing you to swerve reflexively, and a small stream hums to your left, its water glimmering silver in the light. There are narrow streets lined with old wooden houses, their eaves heavy with age and darkness. The smell of rotten fish wafts from one open window as you pass by; another house has a young family gathered around a TV set, laughing at some ancient sitcom that blares from within. A group of teenagers huddle together on a corner, passing around a cigarette and talking loudly about sports or the new porn edition. 

As you approach the main road, however, you hear the voices of an old couple. They’re coming up the road, carrying bags of food in their hands. You slow down, trying to make yourself as inconspicuous as possible.

The old man, Mr. Park, as a name tag from the local market says on his chest, adjusts his glasses and squints at you, trying to make out your face in the dim light. He's wearing a faded blue cap that looks like it's seen better days, and his clothes are practical—heavy-duty work pants and a checkered flannel shirt, the kind you'd wear for a day of hard labor. He has a sturdy build, with broad shoulders that hint at a lifetime of physical work. On the other hand, his wife’s silver hair is tied back in a neat bun, and she clutches a small purse under her arm, its clasp shaped like a tiny bird. She’s wearing a floral apron over her coat, the kind with deep pockets that always seem to have a piece of candy or a spare coin for the neighbourhood kids. 

"Ji-An, is that you?" Mr. Park calls out, his voice trembling slightly with age. He shifts the bags in his hands, the labels from different brands of local produce peeking out—fresh vegetables, a loaf of bread from the bakery, and a carton of milk. "Where are you going at this hour, girl? We just saw you come up the road!"

Mrs. Park nods vigorously. "Yes, yes, darling. Something happened? Poor thing, you look like you've seen a ghost.”

You quickly put your helmet on, hoping it will obscure your features. You pull up beside them, pretending to be Ji-An. "Oh, just running an errand, harabeoji and halmeoni!" you say, your voice muffled by the helmet. "What do you have there?"

Mrs. Park smiles, her dentures slightly slipping as she does, and hands you a bag filled with homemade kimchi and rice cakes. "We brought some food for you. This kimchi is from the last batch we made, and these rice cakes are fresh. We know it’s been a tough time since Jin-Man’s passing. Our condolences, dear. We’ll be at the funeral."

Mr. Park places a gentle hand on your shoulder. "If you need anything, anything at all, you just let us know, alright? Jin-Man was a different one, detached from the countryside, yes, but he had a good heart. He helped us a lot, especially with the summer crops. Those tomatoes wouldn’t have grown half as well without his help. He was a master with that old tractor of his, always fixing it up so it could run just a little longer."

You nod as you clutch the bag tighter, feeling the warmth of the rice cakes through the plastic. "Thank you. He was a good uncle. Always knew how to lend a hand." You shift uncomfortably on the hard seat, feeling the cold leather bite into your skin through your thin jeans.

Mrs. Park's wrinkles deepen as she places a wrinkled hand over her husband's. "Take care, dear. Sleep and eat well. Do you need any help with the funeral, or is your auntie going to help you with it?"

Auntie? Jin-Man had… he had another woman? That’s why he left you behind? That’s why he didn’t have anything related to you in his house? Did you really sit there teaching him how to love and how to let someone in, knowing damn well it wouldn't be you?

“Auntie?” you repeated, the word tasting bitter on your tongue like rotten fruit. Your mind raced, trying to piece together this new fragment of information. You imagined a woman, perhaps in her late thirties, with a kind face and warm eyes, someone who had shared Jin-Man’s life in a way a younger girl like you never could. Someone who knew his secret laughter and his midnight snack cravings, who had nursed him through illnesses and comforted him during sleepless nights. Someone who had grown old with him, watched their garden wither and grow beside each other, their hands aged from hard work and time. The thought of it made your stomach turn, and you couldn't help but wonder what kind of person she was—did she know about you? Has Jin-Man ever mentioned your existence? Were they happy together?

You waited for a response, and in expectation, with all your senses heightened, you wished to immobilize the entire universe, fearing that a leaf might move, that someone might interrupt, that your breath, any gesture, might break the spell of the moment and make you fall again into the distance and void of words. Blood throbbed dully in your wrists, chest, and forehead. Your hands were cold and damp, almost numb. Your anxiety left you in extreme tension, as if ready to throw yourself into a whirlpool, as if ready to go mad.

Mr. Park widens his eyes slightly, a flicker of realization crossing his face. He stammers, his words faltering. "Ah, y-yes, your auntie. I suppose you might not know about her..."

The taste of bitterness lingers on your tongue, and your hands tremble slightly as you grip the handlebars of the motorcycle. “Oh, no, no! I know who you are talking about, yes. But I’m not actually in contact with her, so I don't know if she will... appear," you say, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably as your voice wavers. You can feel the cold sweat forming on your back, drenching your shirt and making the fabric stick uncomfortably to your skin.

The elderly couple exchanged a worried look but did not insist. "Well, if you need help, dear, we are here," said Mrs. Park, the compassion in her eyes making her lips tremble slightly. She pulled her coat tighter around her shoulders, shielding herself from the cold night wind. 

“Thank you, I really appreciate it," you replied, your voice almost a whisper as you started the motorcycle's engine again. The Yamaha roared to life, the sound reverberating off the brick walls around you. “Thank you for the food again, really.” You bowed your head to them in deep gratitude, the weight of your helmet making the gesture slightly awkward. “Good night!”

"Good night!" Mrs. Park added, her voice a touch higher, betraying her worry. She reached out, as if to touch your arm, but stopped short, her hand hovering in the air before she let it fall to her side.

You speed through the empty roads leading out of town, passing by fields that seem to stretch endlessly into oblivion—their crops swaying gently under the moonlight like they have stories to tell if only someone would listen. The darkness swallows everything beyond them; it feels like there is no end or beginning to this world where secrets are buried deep within hearts and closets alike. The wind bites at your cheeks and fingers numb from cold; yet still, adrenaline keeps pumping through your veins like an unrelenting beast demanding acknowledgment.  You glance into your side mirror occasionally, making sure no one is following you, but for now, it seems like they've all gone inside for the night. You smile grimly in response to their absence—alone time is what you need right now more than anything else.

You want to scream, to break things, but instead, all that comes out is a hollow smile.

-------------------------

“Mrs. Lee? Can you wait just a second?”

Halting your steps, you look back to see the attendant from the shady motel you were staying in. Her name tag read "Mina," and the bubblegum she chewed snapped between her teeth, a pink bubble forming and popping every few seconds. She had a bored expression on her face, her dark eyeliner smudged slightly as if she'd been rubbing her eyes. Beside her, Yumi sat on the counter with her legs crossed, her skirt riding up just enough to almost show her panties. She glanced at you from under her eyelashes as she painted her nails a bright crimson, the color matching the cherry-red lipstick she wore. If she were off duty and you weren’t that urgent to look at this USB, it wouldn't hurt to have a quickie with her in some spare room. It wouldn't hurt to have some hot flesh in your cold hands.

“What is it?”

“Two men, twins, came here looking for you,” Mina said, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and fear. Her fingers drummed nervously on the counter, each tap echoing like a heartbeat. “Both had a cold expression and were filled with scars. They looked like they just walked out of a warzone.”

You raised an eyebrow, your grip tightening around the bag of food in your hands. “Twins? What did they look like?”

Mina chewed her gum thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing as she recounted the details. “They were tall, maybe about six feet. Both had buzz cuts and wore black leather jackets—looked like something straight out of a biker gang. One had a scar running down his left cheek, and the other had a tattoo peeking out from under his collar—a snake or a dragon, couldn’t tell for sure.”

Yumi glanced up from her nails, her smirk widening as she blew on them. “They were packing heat too. Saw the outline of a gun under one of their jackets. Made me think they were either cops or criminals.”

“Did they say what they wanted?” 

Mina shook her head, her oversized, retro glasses slipping down her nose as she did. “No, but they didn’t look like the talking type. More like the ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ kind.”

You sighed, recognizing the description. Dad always knew how to find you, no matter where you went. It seemed that your short-lived escape was over. Probably checking if you already knew about Jin-Man’s death. He isn’t stupid and you have a tendency to do things without thinking through the consequences. Now, the consequences were there, floating in your mind, and you couldn't keep them shoved back the way you shove dirty laundry into a closet instead of washing it.

Yumi hopped off the counter, her Converse sneakers squeaking slightly against the tiled floor. She started to circle you, her eyes scanning your face and clothes with a mixture of amusement and suspicion. “They scared the living daylights out of us,” she said in a childlike voice, her eyes wide with faux innocence, the kind you'd see on a doll in a horror movie. “I thought they’d hurt us if we didn’t tell them where you were staying. But we’re such loyal attendants, we never told them a thing.”

Mina’s gaze lingered hungrily on the homemade kimchi and rice cakes you carried before she glanced sideways at Yumi, who was now biting her lips and touching your arm like you were a lamb, although it was pretty clear you were the wolf in this scenario. “We just thought… maybe we could use some reinforcements. Just in case they show up next time.”

Yumi nodded vigorously, her pigtails bobbing with each movement. “Yeah, like, maybe we should call in some favors.”

You understood what she was hinting at. 

With another sigh, you handed her the bag of food and fished a couple of wons from your pocket, handing them to her. Yumi's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she took the money, giving you a glimpse of her cleavage as she tucked the wons into her bra. Her fingers lingered a moment longer than necessary, a calculated move from her days working the streets, using every trick in the book to get what she wanted. But you knew the game too well to be swayed by her flirtations.

“Thank you, Mrs. Lee!”

“Good night. I’m going to my room now.”

The stairs were narrow and steep, each step creaking ominously under your weight. The walls were lined with faded, water-stained wallpaper that might have been green once but now looked like a sickly shade of brown. The smell of stale cigarettes and cheap cologne grew stronger as you approached the fourth floor, mingling with the faint odor of mold and dampness. You passed by room 304, where the sounds of drunken laughter and a woman's exaggerated moans spilt out into the hallway. Some businessman letting off steam with a prostitute, you guessed. You were glad you didn’t have to settle for such shallow pleasures.

You reached your room, number 402, and slid the key card into the lock. The door opened with a reluctant groan, and you pushed it open with your fingertips since your hands were full of takeout from a restaurant near the port that was still open late. The fries were steaming hot and sour, and you savored the taste as you closed the door behind you, setting down the bag of food next to your laptop on the cheap wooden desk.

You took off your jacket and threw it on the bed before reaching for the lighter and cigarette that lay on the nightstand. Your hands were shaking slightly as you lit up; the smoke filled your lungs, and you exhaled slowly, trying to calm your nerves as you thought about what to do.

The room was small and dingy, with peeling wallpaper and a stained mattress on the bed. A small, portable fan whirred loudly on the nightstand next to it, doing nothing but pushing hot air around the room. There was a dirty sink and an equally filthy mirror above it, making it hard for you to look at yourself in the eyes. But it was more than enough for what you needed right now. You dropped onto the bed, feeling its springs groan under your weight, and stared at the empty bottle of soju next to an ashtray filled with butts and cigarette filters.  It seemed like forever since anyone had bothered to clean this place.

You finished smoking before tossing the cigarette butt into the ashtray carelessly and stood up again, pacing restlessly across the room. The squeaky floorboards beneath your feet only added to your agitation as thoughts raced through your head like wild horses. Your father would be here soon enough; there was no avoiding him this time. He always found you eventually; he always knew just where to look or who to ask for information about his wayward daughter. You rubbed at your face wearily before walking to your laptop.

You slide into the creaky chair, the legs scraping against the worn linoleum floor as you open your laptop. The screen flickers to life, casting a faint blue glow across your tired features. You plug the USB drive into the port, your fingers trembling slightly as you wait for the device to be recognized. The familiar chime of the computer acknowledging the new hardware is almost comforting in its routine normalcy.

The folder opens, revealing a series of files with cryptic names. Your eyes scan the list, searching for something that stands out, something that might give you a clue as to why Jin-Man had kept this hidden. The filenames are a mix of alphanumeric codes and odd words—"Dossier_003," "ProjectKX," "Confidential_12/21." 

You scroll, scroll through packs of photos and zips of files until one calls you out.

“VENDETTA.ZIP”

[glimmervoi]

A SEALED FATE: EMERALDS AND BLOOD - X So This Is Love

masterlist

e&b masterlist

Notes: Wooh! Here's Jin's POV. Not much to say about this one, it's much shorter so it was easier to post faster. Hope it's good!

Seokjin took pride in being the most easy-going among his brothers. Unlike Taehyung, whose harshness could cut through steel, or Namjoon, who seemed perpetually buried in books, he found his balance. He didn't indulge in Jungkook's childish antics nor did he delve into Jimin's occasionally mischievous streak. Seokjin navigated life with a steady demeanor, avoiding Yoongi's moody spells while also steering clear of Hoseok's carefree attitude.

He perceived himself as a harmonious fusion of his brothers' traits, something that made sense to him, especially given his position as the eldest. While his siblings tended to be particular about their individual interests, Seokjin found himself anchored by just three core passions.

Sex, beautiful people, and large parties were the only things that he looked forward to every day. He didn’t particularly care for the servants, save for a few pretty maids that could be used for a quick fuck.

He preferred to maintain a certain distance from the lower-class residents of the castle. To him, there seemed little reason for interaction. They weren't privy to the court gossip, nor could they partake in the lavish parties he frequented. Moreover, their company seldom appealed to him, as most of them lacked the visual appeal.

Certainly, you captured his attention. It was an unforeseen turn of events, how swiftly and deeply he found himself drawn to you. The moment unfolded when you entered the hallway where a Lady was sucking him off. Your evident embarrassment painted your cheeks a vivid shade of red, akin to a ripe apple.

The instant your eyes met, if only for a fleeting moment, it stirred something profound within him. It was as though a puzzle piece he hadn't known was missing had seamlessly slotted back into its rightful place.

In his foolishness, he merely smirked at you. There was no effort to distance himself from the Lady or adjust his attire. He made no attempt to reach out to you or offer an apology for his impropriety. Instead, he remained rooted in place, a smirk gracing his lips, while you stumbled through an apology.

To worsen the situation, he then instructed you to fetch him a towel, adding to your evident embarrassment. As you hurried away, a twinge of guilt crept into his conscience.

Yet, overriding any flicker of remorse was a consuming thought: you were undeniably adorable when flustered.

Each day thereafter, he prowled the halls, his routine interspersed with vigilant searches for glimpses of you. The rapid emergence of his feelings puzzled him, yet he acknowledged it had been years since he'd experienced such emotions. Certainly, there was no trace of affection for Lady Woong in his heart.

He recognized Woong as nothing more than a pawn in his mother's schemes. If she hadn't been chosen as his fiancée, she would have likely been given to the ranks of his mother's white-clad maids. His sentiments toward her were nothing but pure disgust.

He yearned to see you, to reaffirm that connection once more. Perhaps his mind was playing tricks on him, fabricating emotions that weren't truly there. The only means to discern the truth was to seek you out once more.

Jin had always been drawn to beauty, and by his standards, you appeared remarkably plain. Your lineage lacked the prestige he typically associated with his circle, and a single glance conveyed your unease in social settings.

You were the opposite of his usual preferences. That's precisely why he felt compelled to understand. He needed to unravel the mystery of why he found himself so irresistibly drawn to you.

Naturally, events didn't unfold quite as he had envisioned. Initially, he had hoped to have you alone, away from the watchful gaze of his mother and her informants. However, it appeared that fate had a different agenda in store.

As he entered the library, accompanied by his mother and Hoseok, he quickly noticed your presence. Hoseok seemed to know of you too, as his suddenly perky reaction did not go unnoticed. Jin found himself instinctively adjusting the collar of his cream-colored jacket, an unconscious gesture as he prepared to engage with you.

He couldn’t resist the urge when you addressed his mother as "Ma’am." Your voice held a sweet timbre, yet a subtle discomfort lingered beneath the surface. Before he could restrain himself, he interjected, correcting you with a hint of sass. How could he not? He found himself yearning to hear your voice once more.

In that moment, your wide eyes locked with his, and he saw the recognition flicker in them. The blush that bloomed across your face stirred something within him. He realized he had misjudged you. You were undeniably cute, someone he felt an instinctual urge to embrace, someone he longed to shield from the toxicity of his court. It was clear to him now: you needed protection, and he was determined to provide it.

Before he could utter a word, Hoseok cheerfully greeted you, igniting an unexpected flame of jealousy within him. He managed to suppress his rising anger until he noticed the fear and panic flickering in your eyes as you faced his younger brother. A dark expression clouded his features involuntarily. Sensing the shift in atmosphere, his mother tactfully intervened, dismissing you with a polite gesture and summoning him to the sitting area with a subtle flick of her wrist.

He grappled with the rapid escalation of his feelings. Was this what they called "Love at First Sight"? Jin found himself bewildered by the notion. He had experienced love before, yes, but it had been a gradual buildup over years with a girl he had known since infancy. After her passing, the only emotions he could summon were a desire for meaningless sex and hollow intimacy.

He hadn't harbored genuine love for Lady Woong, only the familial duty to wed as the eldest son dictated. Yet, here he was, consumed with thoughts of how he could claim you as his own. He envisioned a lavish wedding, introducing you to a world of culinary delights you likely hadn't experienced due to your humble status. He imagined surrounding you with a court of devoted admirers, all eager to cater to your every whim. Above all, he longed to see you happy and cocooned within the safety of his embrace.

As Hoseok dismissed himself moments after sending you for tea, Jin felt a sharp pang of anguish pierce his heart. The mere thought of someone whisking you away from him before he had the chance to even reach out to you was unbearable.

He struggled to concentrate on his mother's idle chatter, his mind consumed by a whirlwind of possibilities lurking behind the doors. When Hoseok entered the room once again without you, a faint hint of anger in his eyes, Jin couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over him. Perhaps he had expressed affection towards you, and you had rejected him.

Jin made no attempt to defend his brother when his mother inquired about Hoseok's whereabouts. His gaze remained fixed on the doors, anticipation mounting as he waited for you to reappear. But as the other maid departed and you failed to return, Jin's worry escalated into irritation. Could Hoseok have harmed you? He was all too aware of his brother's capacity for brutality. It wasn't until a half-hour later, when you finally entered the room again with a cart of tea that Jin's anxiety and restlessness subsided.

You served them quietly, apologizing for the delay, before leaving again to attend to your other duties.

That afternoon, Jin retreated to his room with a newfound determination. A singular fantasy consumed his thoughts: he desired you, and he was prepared to take whatever steps necessary to bring it to fruition. Could this overwhelming desire truly be love?

[valentine-cafe]

Asking for Seong-jin having to tend to a very touch starved s/o during one of his busiest hours like… reader got tired waiting for him to give her some attention and she decided to put the matter into her own hands 🥹

So girlie just fr climbs on his lap, sits sideways with her tablet and just comfortably leans herself into his warmth and continues to work 😭

Both are busy af and she knows that BUT SHE JUST WANTS A LITTLE BIT OF HIS ATTENTION

“Don’t mind me, I just needed a little… more of you to keep me going…” cheeky, but tired

— 🌙

⊹ ۪ ࣪ ᥫ᭡ verse 9948e seong-jin ⊹ ۪ ࣪

. ˚◞꒰ 🍪 grim reaper x reader, reaper x reader, detective x reader ꒱

scribbling pauses through the decently lit room. giving way for the focus of sunlight shining through the windows. bathing your body in a light. one he now wholeheartedly pays attention to with you nestled in his lap.

his black pen lays idly in the crook of his thumb and index. golden hues glimmering in the sun peeking through his white lashes. a warm arm wraps around your middle firmly, the dark polyester of his shirt stroking comfortably against your skin. if you wish to be close, why not smother you into him?

“mm, understood sweetheart.”

a quick kiss to your forehead. his kisses always outshone all warmth around. gentle and tender - akin to a kiss of the sun on a warm, beautiful day.

the pen resumes its writing. reports on his newest case, you can only assume. not that you bothered to cast a glance. you were too enthralled by your boyfriend’s face and the way in which he held you so delicately. yet so firmly.

you’re mine, but I’ll treat you like gold — is what it echoed.

“take all that you need. miss having you in my arms.” a thumb rubs small circles into your side. reverent and loving. as always. he follows it with a few more peppers along your neck before dutifully returning to his work. again, as always.

[joonslfttiddie]

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Chapter 50: Ready to Play...

💜Fic Pairing: OT7 x OFC

💜AU/Genre: Reverse Harem/Polyfidelity/AMBW/Ghosts

💜Warnings: Adult Language/Adult Content/Murder/Blood/Attack by stalker/Strangulation/Magik/Spells/Rituals/Bondage

💜Rating: MA

💜Word Count: 7,445

To say that these past couple of days have been eventful would be an understatement and the crew is more than pleased that it’s finally over. Even with the tensions still high in the house, Tia takes comfort in knowing that she hasn’t had to be in this house alone and knowing that her men will do anything to keep her safe.

“Well, today has been…interesting,” Jin says to Tia after the other men leave them in the library to speak privately. Some of the guys head upstairs, unwinding for the evening, minus Taehyung and Jungkook who leave briefly but return before Hoseok and Namjoon who have gone to the hospital to see John.

“That it has,” she rasps, hating that this conversation feels more like a goodbye is on its way. “I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me. I can only imagine what you’ve been through after coming here.”

“Me? I only did what I could do to help. It has been worth it, though, because I was able to meet you guys.” He returns Tia’s bashful smile and after a short pause, Jin continues, “How are you feeling now that things have settled down? Now that Tilly and the guys are gone?”

“It’s crazy because, of course, I’m glad that all the drama is finally over, but I feel like a part of me is missing. Like, I don’t know what to do next. I don’t know what to do with myself without her. I’m so confused,” she says, pausing to collect herself. “I don’t even know which experiences, which choices of my life were mine and which parts were hers. ”

“Wow. I can’t imagine how confusing things must feel for you right now. Like, it’s bittersweet. Tilly was a part of you and had been with you for your entire life, but I’m sure you are ecstatic that things are over with those brothers, seeing as it sounds like you all have been through hell thanks to them,” he empathizes after hearing the details of what they endured thanks to the Burtons. He can remember how upset and angry he felt as Tia and the guys filled him in. The anger that bubbled to the surface was akin to hearing of someone hurting your family. Something much more than one may typically feel for individuals they just met.

Family. That’s it!

The connection that he feels to these people is like family…people you would do absolutely anything for and in order to protect. “Look, I know you don’t know me like that but I believe that you will be able to figure things out for yourself. You’re not giving yourself enough credit, Tia. You are still just as smart, beautiful, and gifted alone as you were with Tilly.”

“You are so sweet. Thank you for saying that.” She didn’t realize how much she needed to hear it until he spoke it aloud. “That really means a lot, especially coming from an overachiever like yourself,” Tia says and looks up mischievously at Jin.

“Huh?”

“I mean, you saved my life two times within two days… A bit excessive, don’t you think?” She has always coped with humor, whether to deal with her trauma, in uncomfortable situations, or when given compliments.

The laugh he let out seems to come from his soul, and seems to warm Tia’s. His deep rumble of laughter is like music to her ears and she needs to hear this as often as possible. This side of him makes her take notice of how handsome he really is. Yeah, she thought he was handsome from the moment they locked eyes. If she's being honest, even his voice, the life raft she clung to yesterday, is attractive. But it's something about watching the joy wash over his face that catches her off guard. There is no other man, excluding her loves, on the face of this earth more handsome than Jin. Mr. Worldwide Handsome.

He finally catches his breath and says, “ You have jokes, huh? Well, I must admit that this is a first for me. You going to these lengths to make an impression on me is odd, but I’m here for it.”

“All I heard was that I’ve made an impression on you. Hopefully a good one.”

“A great one,” he replies, which causes Tia to flash a half-suppressed smile with Jin matching her banter.

“Again. I really hope that I’m not overstepping when I say this-” he starts.

“Jin, I promise that I will not take offense to anything you have to say, but please…Stop saying things like that. You are not ‘overstepping’ at all and I do know you! I’ve, evidently, known you my entire life. Yesterday, I could feel you even before I saw you, and meeting your past self today just confirmed that feeling. You belong here with us; with me.”

After taking a moment to allow the tightness in his throat to subside, Jin speaks with tears brimming at his waterline. “Wow. I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear that from you,” he says, mirroring Tia’s unspoken thoughts. “Honestly, this is the first time I’ve felt like I truly belonged anywhere. When I laid eyes on your face for the first time yesterday, even considering the circumstances, I wanted to be there for you, to comfort you, to make sure you were okay. It doesn’t make sense the way that I was ready to do any and everything to ensure your safety. The way that I was drawn to you, to all of you, I had a feeling that this connection would be something special. When I had to leave to go to the police station, I felt like someone was ripping my heart from my chest. I wanted nothing more than to stay here with you. To take care of you. And if that wasn’t enough, seeing the spirit of the man I was in my past life definitely confirmed it all for me, too.”

A comfortable silence surrounds them as they sit simply enjoying each other’s presence before Tia asks, “Oh, you were saying something before?”

“I was just going to say, about the guys earlier…”

“Yeah?”

“Tia,” he pauses briefly. “Those men love you with everything that they are. Hell, the way that I feel about you... I’d do anything to make sure you are okay and this is just day one for us. You can’t be mad at those men for loving you the way that they do. They are just as upset as you are, only thinking of putting themselves between you and danger. Shit, after hearing about Tilly’s life with her guys, we’ve felt this way for a couple of lifetimes now. Just like you want to protect them, we want to protect you.”

“I know, but…”

“No but, Tia. Please, just try to be more understanding instead of defensive. Can you do that? For me?”

“Yes. I will,” Tia agrees, very receptive to Jin’s gentle dominance.

The pair continues to talk with him telling her more about himself, his upbringing, and his profession. He even tells her about his day leading up to him meeting them.

“Holy shit! So you came here to deliver food from your restaurant and got caught up in all of this?”

“Well, I don’t see it like that. I’m thankful, actually. Looking back over my day, while I had no intentions to partake in an adventure, life had other plans. I had no intentions to go into the restaurant yesterday morning but one of my guys just happened to call in sick, so I was helping out, just being a team player-”

“Being a good boss and leading by example,” Tia adds.

“Trying to, yeah. And,” Jin pauses for a moment and shifts his body to face Tia, “honestly, this may sound crazy, but the entire day was strange. You know those days that just feel scripted? Like, of course you have free will to make your own decisions but you can also choose to follow the script. I felt compelled to go to the restaurant to help, compelled to carry my weapon, compelled to deliver your order…it’s like I was fated to come here. To meet you. Thankfully, the stars aligned in a very specific way, with their only goal for the day being to lead me to you and to the guys,” he says with a serious tone. “I just wish the circumstances were better for your sake.”

“I’m okay, I promise. My voice will be back to normal and my bruises will be all healed before we know it. I do think that it will take some time for us all to heal mentally, though. I can give you the contact information for my therapist, if you want, or maybe she could do a group session for all of us. I do realize that it’s not just about me and I’m not the only one that has had a tough couple of days. I was thinking about you last night but couldn’t reach out. I didn’t have your contact information. But, how are you? I’m sure you didn’t plan on being traumatized by being put in a situation where you’d have to do what you had to do, either.”

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s definitely been rough. I’ve not been able to get the image out of my mind. Honestly, I’ve never even had to use my firearm to harm another person, only shooting at the range and at targets. Shit, let’s just call it what it is. I killed someone, Tia. I’m a murderer and taking that man’s life and the visions of the aftermath will haunt me for the rest of my life, that’s for sure.” he pauses in an attempt to hold back his tears, however the pain he is feeling is evident to Tia. “But, I only did what I had to do, right? This doesn’t make me a bad person. I didn’t have a choice. Right?”

“Oh, Jin,” Tia says as she watches the tears finally fall from his eyes and she reaches out to rub them away with her thumb before pulling him into the warmest embrace, caressing his back. She lets him cry, his shoulders heaving as he silently sobs into her shirt. Unable to hold back her own tears, she tries to take some of his pain, hoping to ease the burden on his heart.

“I’m thankful the stars decided to send you here, too. Not only because the day could have ended very differently had you not come, but because, I got to meet you, to talk to you, to hear your voice, to touch you,” Tia says as her heart pounds in her chest. She wonders if he can feel it as she’s so close to him right now.

Eventually, he pulls back and looks at Tia, watching as she nervously shifts her eyes between his, taking in his features, and he does the same. Her eyes trace the line of his full, plush lips wanting nothing more in this moment than to feel them against her own. The sweet smell of vanilla that he’s come to find comfort in seems to intensify, the aroma damn near inebriating and irresistible, causes his mouth to water.

Something about her last statement causes Jin to chase the satiation he’s been craving all fucking day. He cups the back of her neck, pulling her closer. Their lips collide passionately conveying the desire that's been simmering all day.

This kiss is deep and enchanting, causing her to leak with desire. Tiny whimpers and moans collect between the both of them, the anticipation and their need for each other is obvious. He reaches over to pull Tia toward him, and without pulling away from the kiss, she goes willingly, finding herself straddling his lap and wrapped up in his arms. The heat from her core warms his now hardened dick and it jumps underneath her, begging for release, to feel her warmth smear across his skin. 

Tia nearly shatters and her tummy begins to tingle when he takes her bottom lip into his mouth, giving it a few firm sucks, then licks it, creating a contrast of sensations. When his tongue slithers into her mouth, he uses it to explore, much like he would if her were eating her out. And for that, he can not wait! His heart is racing at the thought of the other guys walking in on them, but it's almost like he can't control himself. He has to have her. His big hands finds their way to the rounds of her ass, and he massages them firmly, enjoying how thick and soft she feels. Tia moans even more, she nibbles at his lower lip, and begins to rock her hips slightly. They are so drunk off of each other, it would take something extraordinary to pry them apart. Just as Jin slides his hands up to her hips and starts to tug at the waistband of her underwear, she stops him.

'Don’t forget your bath. You need to cleanse that negative energy completely.'

Tia pulls away from the kiss, slightly startled, breathing heavily after hearing the sweet, southern voice in her head. She is so happy to still be connected to Tilly and is now using her discernment to listen to the call. Unfortunately, this also means that her heated exchange with Mr. Worldwide Handsome has to come to a halt.

“Fuck. I am so sorry, Jin," she whispers with her forehead against his. "I would love to continue this in a bit, but I have to fully cleanse myself of all the negative energy. I want to start anew, with a clean slate, with you, and this is the way that I can protect us all,” Tia informs him, hoping to not upset him.

“You don’t have to apologize or explain yourself to me. Do what you gotta do,” he says calmly, then pauses. “I’d better get out of here anyway. Things are going so fast and it’s already getting late. I don’t want to intrude.”

His response is like a breath of fresh air, with her only experiencing this caliber of man since initially meeting Jungkook. These men have opened her eyes to what true love and real men look like. They have also introduced her to the ability to speak her mind and her opinions without fear of pushing them away or them getting angry, taking her words as rejection. With their unconventional relationship, she seems to be blossoming and growing with the men as her fertilizer.

Jin had been at their house since late morning and now the sun has gone down completely. The hours seemed to fly by, maybe because they’ve been so busy the majority of the day fighting demons. Tia doesn’t realize when her bottom lip pokes out into a pout. She doesn't want him to leave tonight. She doesn't want him to leave, period.

“You don’t have to go. I mean, I don’t want you to go but if you have to, I’ll understand,” she says, now looking down at him from her perch on his lap. His already plump lips are now adorned by a beautiful shade of pink and they are slightly swollen.

“Are you sure?” Looking into her eyes, he searches for any indication of her granting permission for him to stay. She only has to say the word, because just as much as she wants him to stay, he wants to stay, too. Tia nods as her face brightens up with joy. “I don’t have anything going on and would love to stay here with you all if it's okay with everyone."

"Yeeeeeeeeeeees!" She hugs him tightly and her desire for him to be here warms his heart. It heats even more when she lets him know that the others will love to have him as well.

"Okay then, I'm all yours. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Tia leads Jin into the kitchen to collect the things she prepared earlier. He carries the blended herbs, following her upstairs as she rambles on about what each herb is good for and the cleansing process. He holds the glass container up to his face, trying to make out the small fragments of each ingredient.

“That’s amazing and it smells so good,” he says after sniffing at the lid. “So, essentially, this bath in combination with the smudging and the floor wash you did earlier will fully rid your environment of the negativity you’ve come in contact with these past couple of months.”

“Bingo. All of this will also continue to protect us from any ill-will from the Burton family and anybody else for that matter, combating whatever hex or tie they have to us. I grew up watching my mother do a refresh monthly, but I must admit, I’ve been slacking. I can’t help but wonder if my negligence has made us more susceptible to attacks.”

Upstairs, they find some of the guys already showered, sprawled across the massive bed giggling at something that Tia and Jin missed out on.

“What’s funny? We wanna laugh, too,” she jokes.

“Jagi! Bath time?”

“Yeah. I want to go ahead and get this done before I get too tired and lazy,” Tia answers Taehyung, who hops up from snuggling with Jimin to help get her bath ready.

“I’ll be right back. You forgot to grab something to drink. You’ll need to stay hydrated,” Jimin says.

“Huh?” Tia is obviously confused by Jimin’s statement but he’s already shuffling down the stairs before she gets her answer.

“I’ll grab your clothes,” Yoongi says. His tone is strange; sarcastic even, but Tia doesn’t give it much thought.

Jin is fascinated watching everyone’s initiative, completing a task so that Tia has one less thing to do. It seems like second nature for them. He hands the jar over to Taehyung and watches as he and Tia disappear into the bathroom. Admittedly, he feels a bit out of place, now, being the only one left in the room not assisting in some way.

“Jin! Will you come keep me company?” Tia yells to him from the bathroom just before Taehyung starts the water.

Jin walks into the massive ensuite to see Tia sitting on her vanity chair waiting and can partially see Taehyung through the fogged glass. Jin’s mind is blown as he takes in the beauty of the modern transparent, enclosed wet room that not only houses a soaking tub but also a double shower. He can tell that a lot of thought was put into this design and it seems it would be convenient and comfortable for all of them to share.

Tia and Taehyung yell over the sound of the water explaining what they are doing to a completely naked Jungkook. With frothy white lather covering his skin, he listens intently with his head sticking out from the glass door. He stares at Tia, wide eyed, with his mouth agape, taking in all that she’s saying. Beads of water sneak down the length of his hair that falls over his forehead, with some droplets catching a ride to combine and travel down his face. Once the cleansing process is described in detail completely, he flashes a smile to Jin then disappears back into the foggy expanse of the shower.

Jin stands with his back against the sink, unable to tear his eyes away from them. Just then, Jungkook turns off the shower and steps out onto the shower mat, fully comfortable with his manhood on display. Even though he’s not erect, there is a heaviness to it and his print is still visible even after he wraps his towel around his hips. When he speaks, he snaps Jin from his thoughts.

“You can go inside or have a seat on the vanity chair. Whichever is more comfortable for you,” he says, relieving some of Jin’s tension.

Another POV

“Y’all feel that?” Jungkook asks the guys as he’s coming into the main bedroom with his pajamas, preparing for his shower.

“Hell yeah! Tia is giving Little Caesars,” Taehyung answers, cuddling up with Jimin in bed. Jimin covers his face with his shirt, trying not to laugh as Jungkook just shakes his head with a smirk on his face. “I’m so ready for tonight.”

Looking thoroughly confused and slightly annoyed that it seems everyone is in on the joke but him, Yoongi asks, “Tae, what the fuck are you talking about? What does this feeling have to do with pizza? Tia is obviously aroused by Jin downstairs.”

“Bro, why are you like this?” Jungkook questions Taehyung, unable to contain his laughter, then steps into the bathroom.

“What? She is! Yoongi, can’t you feel that Tia is ‘hot and ready’? I can’t wait to have a taste,” he retorts with a deadpan expression, deadass serious, and only smiling because of the others’ laughter. Yoongi covers his smile when he sees Tia and Jin at the doorway.

“What’s so funny? We wanna laugh, too,” Tia announces when she walks into the bedroom with Jin following behind her. Her sudden appearance only causes the guys to laugh that much harder.

“Jagi! Bath time?”

Taehyung helps Tia prepare for her bath while Jungkook finishes his shower, then both men leave her to converse with Jin. Before standing up, Tia takes a couple of incense and a lighter from the vanity drawer, lights them, then places them onto the holder. When she gets up from her chair and begins to undress, Jin can’t help the rush of heat that crawls up his neck to spread across his face and ears. He’s seen the female frame numerous times before, but she is ethereal. In awe, he watches as the cotton material slides down the length of her plump, smooth skin exposing the roundness of her breasts and the fullness of her hips.

Jin bites his bottom lip, watching as her now damp panties begin to roll up onto themselves, resisting when being pulled down her thick thighs. His dick twitches at the sight of her; and the smell. Not only is she sexy, but it’s the way she steps out of the pile of clothes that circle her feet with such comfort and confidence that turns him on the most. She carries herself like she’s experienced this moment with him a million times before.

Tia walks through the shower to the back wall where the freestanding tub sits and steps into the steamy water. Jin watches as the flowers and fruit bits float atop of the water, drifting apart to make way for her to step in. He follows behind her to take a seat on the only dry wooden bench, closest to the tub. Once seated, her breasts float slightly amongst the ingredients. She takes a little water into her hand and reaches up to allow some to drip into her hair, onto the crown of her head.

Jin watches as Tia then cleanses her body, watching the delicate bubbles being left behind with each swipe. She glances at him, flashing the most heart-wrenching smile, looking like a goddess on a mission to steal his heart. He notices that when she rinses the suds, she starts from her neck, only going in downward motions. The sheen that the water creates on her skin makes her look even more tantalizing and the bits of petals that stick to her only adds to her goddess-like appearance. Tia stands after unstopping the tub’s drain, and does the same downward movements to the lower half of her body, allowing the water and ingredients to flow down the drain.

“With the combined power of each herb and fruit in this cleansing bath.

My intentions are to cleanse my mind and body of the negativity that has crossed my path.

With downward strokes I send it away from me,

to swirl down the drain and set me free.

As I step out of this bath, I am reborn, filled with love, light, and positive energy; my mind, body, and spirit restored.”

Jin remains silent this whole time, just keeping Tia company as she requested while trying to respect the process of her cleansing bath, but his curiosity is eating at him.

“Why did you rinse the lather off like that? And when you put the water on your head…It seemed very ritualistic and meticulous,” he mentions while helping Tia out of the bath, wrapping her in the large towel that was left on a hook for her.

“Thank you. Well, as I cleansed my skin of the day's dirt, sweat, or whatever else and cleansed myself of that negative energy, I released it all down the drain. Not swiping it up and around, but just down and away from me. Also, I didn’t want to get my hair soaking wet, that’s why I dripped the water onto my crown. Whenever I leave the house, over the next few days, I’ll cover my hair with a white headwrap, just to protect it as it’s one of the most powerful sources of energy. I’m feeling a little vulnerable after all of this, so I want to be safe.”

“Oh, wow. You are very knowledgeable when it comes to all of this. It’s quite fascinating. How long will you need to protect your crown?”

“Ummm, maybe a week. Well, it’s important to protect your energy in general, but when it comes to physically protecting it, it really just depends on how I’m feeling or whatever downloads I receive. I’m still learning so I honestly don’t have all of the answers to the practice.”

“I could talk to you about this all day. My eyes have definitely been opened today,” he says, rubbing the thick towel up and down her arms and back.

“So, you’re woke, huh?”

“Woke? Like, awake?”

Tia laughs at Jin’s response, and he smiles at her amusement. When they come out of the bathroom, the guys seem to be up to something and are all laughing again.

“What are y’all doing out here?” Tia looks around, studying their expressions after they disperse, and all signs are pointing to Taehyung. “Tae?”

“Damn, you’re good. You found the culprit immediately,” Yoongi says with a smirk.

“Snitch,” Taehyung jokes and erupts into laughter when Tia approaches his side of the bed to attack him with tickles.

“What did you say, huh? You’re a comedian now, I see. You’ve been kiki’ing ever since I came back up here,” Tia talks shit while tickling him breathless. “What did he say, Jimin? You’re laughing too?!”

“No!” Jimin yells when the attack is suddenly directed toward him. “Yoongi! Help,” he pleads when he’s able to catch his breath.

Jin watches this play out from the threshold of the bathroom, thoroughly entertained and in awe of how well all the guys get along with not an ounce of jealousy in sight. For him, however, it’s not from the other men, but that feeling does reside deep in the pit of his stomach.

I want this. I want this with them, too. How do I bring this up? Is this by invite only?

“Whatever,” Tia jokes, concluding the tickle session. “This ain’t over.”

“Is that a threat?” Taehyung takes the opportunity to grab Tia’s wrist, pulling her to cuddle between him and Jimin. “What you gonna do? Huh?” Not allowing her to answer, he kisses her softly before deepening the kiss. Jimin jumps right in, holding her to him with his hand pressed against her abdomen between her and Taehyung, and starts to kiss behind her ear. When Tia’s nails begin to gently dig into Taehyung’s chest and tiny moans begin to escape, he continues to tease her. “What are you going to do, Jagi? Tell me,” he asks, speaking against her lips.

“Tae,” Tia whispers, completely under his command.

“Yes, Jagiya? I’m listening,” his deep voice booming through his chest seems to send shivers down Tia’s spine. The moan she releases has each man hard as a rock and ready to please her by any means.

“Fuck,” Jin says to himself, enchanted by the passion and lust that’s quickly filling the room. He places his hands over his crotch in an attempt to hide the effects of what he’s witnessing. “How is it that you guys aren’t jealous of each other? This all seems too good to be true, but I love this,” he says to Jungkook and Yoongi who are the closest to him.

“Bro, we’ve all been where you are right now,” Jungkook informs him. “Wondering how this all works, if we’re weird for wanting to take part in it, and if we would even be invited to join. It feels strange at first to not have those jealous feelings but I’ve realized that we all just want Tia to be happy. I’m finding that as long as there is consideration and respect between us, there’s nothing to feel jealous about.”

“For real?” Jin is amazed to hear Jungkook verbalize all of the thoughts that are swirling through his mind.

“Seriously,” Yoongi says, then explains a synopsis of their experiences, how they all feel a sense of happiness when they see Tia happy, and the concept of compersion. “It’s basically the opposite of jealousy. But, let’s wait for Tia to speak about the details of our relationship. Just know that we feel that pull to you, as well. You’re one of us. Shit, you saw yourself among our past selves earlier. What more proof do you need, right?”

Yoongi has no idea that what he’s just said has healed a place within Jin that he doesn’t speak about, filling a void he’s experienced his whole life. That place that lacked the feelings of belonging and love explodes with a feeling Jin can only assume is akin to euphoria.

He finally gathers the courage to step closer to the side of the bed where Tia’s body is intertwined with Taehyung and Jimin. His heart is racing from the excitement of this new experience, eager to finally be immersed in the warmth of true love and acceptance.

Namjoon’s POV

Sitting in the hospital’s emergency room waiting area, surrounded by coughs, quiet chatter, and the cries of sick children is causing me to want to be back at home even more than usual. Sirens scream from the ambulances pulling into the parking lot and the throbbing pain in my shoulder is uncomfortable, but tolerable. The overstimulation of all of these sensations has me on the edge of my seat, pondering if medical attention is really necessary.

“Maybe we should just come back tomorrow. It’s getting late and the pain is not even that bad, for real,” I explain to Hoseok. “Let’s just go home.”

“Are you sure? You were pushed pretty hard, Namjoon.”

“Yeah, I know, but It’s feeling better already. I’m sure it’ll be fine after icing it for a few days.”

“Oh, no you don’t,” a voice announces as we’re standing to leave. “Tia texted to tell me you were coming and to make sure you were taken care of, so stop right there.”

“John! How are you?” He and Hoseok exchange greetings before John approaches me. I pull him into a bro hug, but when I lift my hand to pat his back, the sharp pain jars me, traveling down the length of my arm, and causes me to hiss and groan in pain.

“Feeling better already, huh?”

“Fuck you, Hoseok,” I say through clenched teeth but full of playful banter, then we follow John to the back.

I am beyond grateful that he has taken the time to come to check me out. After getting a few x-rays, a nurse escorts us to the patient room to wait for his prognosis.

“I can’t believe you were trying to go home. You are, obviously, in serious pain,” Hoseok says. “You miss Tia that much, huh?”

“You know me well. I miss her and the others always but I notice it’s worse when I’m uncomfortable. My thoughts are like stormy waters, waves crashing in my head, but when I’m at home, they are calm and still. That, and I hate hospitals.”

“That makes perfect sense. I get it. Even with all the madness that was going on around us, I am still more content there than anywhere else. Even more so than at my parents’ place which is where I should feel the most safe, you know?”

We continue to chat and bond over our common love until John knocks on the door then enters.

“Well, your x-rays look good and judging by the bruising around the area, it could have been much worse. What happened?”

I give him a summary of the events of the past couple of days, minus the attack, death, demons, and ghosts. Hoseok and I made sure to respect Tia’s right to tell him and Grey herself.

“Wow! I’m glad you weren’t further injured by the shards of glass and wood from the window. You definitely got lucky,” he says, “and I’m sure Taehyung will have that window repaired in no time. Alright, so, we’ll have to pop that joint back into place. I’ll send you home with some pain and anti-inflammatory meds to keep you comfortable. It’s downhill after this. Are you ready?”

Hoseok’s POV

I don’t think we were gone for even a couple of hours, thanks to receiving the VIP treatment in the ER. Namjoon begins to stir in the passenger seat as I pull into the driveway after taking the opportunity to rest thanks to the mild sedative he received at the hospital. John also sent him home with a real sling and an ice pack, along with the medicine.

“I hope you were able to get some good rest. How are you feeling?”

“Yeah, I did. I’m feeling much better now.” He reaches over to hold my hand. “Thank you so much for taking me,” he says.

“Of course. You know I got you,” I say, rubbing my thumb across his skin.

Once we open the front door, we are welcomed by the smell of home. Of Tia. Aware of what is likely going on upstairs, we decide to not announce ourselves, not wanting to interrupt anything, and climb the stairs to our bedroom. I’m assuming that the guys have set our plan into motion. At the bedroom door, we see Tia sandwiched between Taehyung and Jimin, with Jin leaning over the bed. He’s kissing her lips delicately with Tae licking and fondling her breasts. Jimin licks and kisses that sensitive spot at her nape that we’re all aware of before he peppers her back with wet kisses, slowly traveling down her spine. Jungkook is sitting on the chair, manspreading with his towel wide open, only serving as a barrier between his skin and the chair’s upholstery. His lips are parted as he’s breathing heavily, his hand rising and falling slowly caressing the smooth skin of his penis. Yoongi is enjoying the show, leaning against the wall, mouth ajar with his tongue playing at the corner of his mouth. His hand is stroking his bulge through his thin pajama pants.

“Fuck,” Namjoon and I voice in unison, completely entranced by the scene before us. Jungkook and Yoongi notice us at the door and smile welcomingly. I was hoping to be able to shower before we begin tonight’s activities, and Namjoon mentions it as if he can read my mind.

“Hey, I’m going to take a quick shower. Are you coming?”

“Yeah, I need to freshen up and I want to help you, too. Go ahead and start the water. I’ll grab clothes for us to wear later.”

After I grab our things, I make my way toward the bedroom. I must admit, when passing Yoongi as he’s standing next to the door, I briefly picture myself kneeling in front of him to free his throbbing dick from its cotton confines. My mouth waters at the visual and I can imagine his smooth skin brushing against my lips, sliding across my tongue, and traveling down my throat. I’ve never had any desire to be with a man sexually before meeting these guys, now I’m not opposed to it. Hell, I’m looking forward to it.

When we lock eyes, I wonder if my desire for him is shining through mine, able to be seen as I can see in his eyes. As I’m passing through the bathroom door, I can’t resist the urge and reach out to stroke his forearm with a feather light touch, taking notice of the veins bulging through his skin under my fingertips. As he continues to stroke himself, he takes his bottom lip between his teeth, closes his eyes, and leans his head against the wall as I disappear through the door.

Inside, I find Namjoon removing the sling before attempting to take off his shirt.

“Here. Let me,” I offer and he accepts immediately. I hold the shirt, allowing him to pull his left arm out then snake it over his head and down his hurt arm. I feel the need to ask permission before removing his pants and underwear. “May I?”

“Yes.”

I lean over to pull his bottoms down, and I’m taken aback when my fingers graze his skin. My heartbeat quickens and I notice that his breathing deepens. The look in his eyes and the way his dick springs up to his stomach lets me know that he’s just as shocked at this feeling as I am. Shocked at the need to be closer to him.

Yoongi’s POV

The sexual tension in the house is thick and I find myself enjoying the feeling of suffocating under its weight. Between the sounds that Tia is making, the scene before me, and the feeling of Hoseok’s fingers scorching my skin is driving me insane. I’m in need of relief. I continue to tease myself, unable to tear my eyes away from the three pieces of my heart in human form, mixed and tangled onto each other on the bed, I’m unsure what limbs belong to whom. Jin is now laying behind Taehyung’ who has disappeared under the covers still fondling Tia’s breasts. Jimin is also under the covers behind Tia, doing God knows what, but whatever it is, it’s apparent that she’s enjoying it.

Jin devours her lips, swallowing her moans and whimpers. I’m so incredibly turned on, my knees are beginning to get weak. Jungkook catches my attention, pointing into the bathroom. I look through the door and see Hoseok and Namjoon’s silhouettes in the fogged shower, with Hoseok holding Namjoon close to him, kissing him passionately. Fuck, I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I’m so turned on and yet there is a sense of relief. Seeing those two like that in the shower makes me feel safe to explore the thoughts I’ve been having. The scene soothes the ache, the longing I’ve been pushing down for so long.

Jungkook’s POV

It’s becoming tougher to fight the urge for relief as the minutes pass. Yoongi seems to be struggling just as bad as, if not more than, I am. Namjoon and Hoseok finally emerge from the bathroom, both sporting similar attire to myself, white plush towels wrapped around their waists.

“Are we ready?” I ask, to which the men nod in agreement. “Yoongi, where did you put her ‘clothes’?”

He reaches under the duvet on the side of the bed closest to us to reveal her outfit for the night.

“Hey, guys. Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time for Tia to get dressed,” Yoongi announces which causes Taehyung and Jimin to excitedly appear.

“Noooooooo,” Tia whines breathlessly.

“Don’t worry baby. We have all night,” Hoseok reassures her. “Come here.”

Jin gets up and helps her climb over Taehyung and off the bed, leaving her towel somewhere discarded in the linens, then brings her over to us. Taehyung and Jimin take this opportunity to strip the bed of the duvet, leaving the waterproof blanket spread across the bed.

“What are you guys up to? What do you mean it’s time for me to get dressed?”

He stands her with her back to us and Yoongi begins. He places kisses on her skin before he pulls the leather collar around her neck and adjusts the strap down the center of her back.

“Ah, that’s cold,” Tia cries when the metal ring swings, making contact with her skin.

“Sorry baby,” Yoongi says and continues.

After placing kisses to her wrists, he straps leather bands around them then connects them to the ring at the base of her back, binding her hands behind her.

He causes her body to twitch when he kisses her back, then secures a leather belt just under her breasts. Tia moans quietly when Yoongi continues kissing down her spine, then the rounds of either side of her plump ass. He places the thigh belts on then instructs, “Come lay on the bed.” She turns to face him then he assists her to sit, first, before Tia lays back with her arms under her body. Her facial expression seems to be a mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and excitement. “Legs up.”

She does as Yoongi says and he connects the thigh belts to the leather harness fastened around her bust, exposing her pussy to us.

“Fuck, Tae was right. You are hot and ready for us, huh?” I ask knowing that she is oblivious to what I’m referring to. We just chuckle as Taehyung leans over to get a closer look, nearly putting his face in it. The kisses from Yoongi and the makeout session with Jin, Taehyung, and Jimin has her core glistening with need.

“Yoongi has you looking so pretty in your little outfit,” Jimin teases.

“The key word is little,” Tia laughs. “Where did you guys find this?”

“You’re worried about the wrong thing, sweetheart” I tell her. “You just lay there and shut that pretty little mouth until we decide to put something in it.” I can see the fire in her eyes, ready to be dominated and used by us.

“All done. Tae, can you put her in the middle of the bed, please?” Yoongi asks for assistance as he’s lifting her up from the bed. “Ass up. Face down.”

“On it,” Taehyung answers, then stands on the bed to retrieve her from Yoongi and pulls her across the duvet. He kisses her lips then places her down softly, face first on the bed. He gives her ass a firm smack, causing her to moan, before getting down to join us.

“Okay,” Jimin begins. “We need a safe word. Tia can’t really tap out with her hands behind her back like that. You know, just to be on the safe side.”

“It needs to be something random,” Yoongi adds.

“Yeah. What about purple? Bora,” Taehyung suggests.

“Apobangpo,” I throw out.

“Rock Bison,” Jimin contributes.

“Bread Genie,” Jin says.

“Y’all, stop fucking around. Look at our poor baby, ass in the air and helpless, while we’re over here joking around,” Hoseok says. “Let’s just go with Army. Is that cool with everyone? Tia?”

We all agree and Tia nods, keeping her mouth shut just as she was told.

“Good girl,” I praise her and we all climb on the bed. I choose to lay next to her, rubbing the plumpness of her ass. I trace her curves with my fingertips, then find my way to her center. "Damn, Noona, you are so fucking wet." When I effortlessly slide one finger inside, then two, I push in deeper and slowly graze my fingers across the ceiling of her pussy. But just a couple of times. We can’t have her cumming this fast as we have a long night ahead of us. Her body tenses and begins to tremble slightly and the only sound that leaves her is a long, drawn out moan that escapes out of her nostrils. I pull my fingers out, now glistening with her love, and bring them to my mouth. I lick her essence from my digits before asking her, “Are you going to continue to be a good girl for us, Noona? Going to use your safe word if you need to?” She is breathing heavily and agrees with another nod. Kissing that sweet spot along her side, I watch her body quiver. “Are you ready to play?”

A/N:

Whew, Chile… what do you think about Jin's mental turmoil? I can't imagine being put in a situation like that, but I would tear the world up for the people I love, so 🤷🏽‍♀️ What about the guy's mixed emotions toward Tia?

As you can see, the next addition will likely be nothing but pure filth and if you've gotten this far, you shouldn't be surprised. And I have to give a shout out to one of the betas that has been a huge support and rider through this whole thing. @downbad4yoongi, thank you so very much for your help on this! 💜

Ok. Love you. BYYYYYYYYE! 😘😘😘

[back2bluesidex]

you belong with me ❤️ Jin x reader pls

and maybe where he’s Taylor in the situation and wants reader ? If not that’s fine too 💕

thank you and have a nice day !!

You Belong with Me - KSJ

Pairing: Jin X Reader

Theme: Fluff, a little angst if you squint, best friends to lover au

Word Count: 795

Song: You belong with me

Warnings: none

Minors and Karens aren’t allowed in this blog!!

A/N: Thank you so much for this request anon! And I hope you like it.

✨✨✨✨✨

“Screw Kim Namjoon!!” You huffed as you shoved another spoonful of ice-cream in your already filled mouth. 

“Easy, Y/N. Easy.” Jin tries to calm you down as he puts the bowl of chips on the coffee table, right in front of you. He props down beside you and puts a chip in his mouth. 

“Easy? He called me complicated, Jin!! I, the most transparent person on this earth, is complicated? How the fuck that makes sense?” You semi-shout at your best friend. 

“Not everyone has the same perspective, Y/N. Neither do they have the same heart.” Jin speaks quietly, his attention is trained on the movie playing before you two. 

“Yeah yeah and I don’t want anything to do with a peson who clearly doesn’t share the same perspective as mine.” you shove yet another spoonful of ice-cream in your mouth. 

“Oh really? Wasn’t it last month when you said you can totally see yourself getting married to this Namjoon guy?” Jin mocks you. 

Your shoulder slumps at Jin’s reminder. It’s already your third fling this year and none of these were worth your time and effort. Do you even deserve to date or should you sign yourself up as a nun?

Your silence makes Jin a little worried, he sits up straight and naudges your side, “Are you hurt? Did you like him that much?”

You are so busy in your pity party that you did not notice the hint of something akin to heartbreak flashing through Jin’s beautiful dark eyes. 

“No. Neither. I just am-” you pause, “Do you think I will ever find someone to love me? To cherish me? To be crazy about me?” 

Jin doesn’t know what to reply. He wants to scream at your face that he loves you, he cherishes you, he was, is and will always be crazy about you. But he chooses not to do so. 

“You are blind.” he replies quietly, averting his eyes from yours, fiocusing on the movie again. 

“I- what? What do you mean?” You ask, confused. 

“You remember when Jimin broke your heart, you drove to my apartment in the middle of the night?” He asks quietly, his eyes are now focused on you, gauging your reaction. 

“Yes, I do.” 

“I made you laugh with my stupid dad jokes. Next day you went back home smiling, nearly forgetting you broke up the previous night. Or that time when I stood outside your backdoor just to know if you are fine when you found out Kim Taehyung has been cheating on you?” 

You smile to yourself unknowingly, “Yeah. You stood there for two hours before I opened the door.”

“Yes. wheneven you had a heartbreak, I was the one to collect you from all over the places and put you back into yourself. Even now, you are complaining about yet another guy and look who’s here to help you vent? Me.” he pauses. Jin is serious, he is not smiling, his eyes are not mischievous, which is once in a blue moon occurrence. You sit straight, without taking your eyes off him. 

“The answer to your question is Me, Kim Seokjin.” Jin mutters. 

You feel your head spinning as if it’s gonna detach your body and fall on the floor. 

“What do you mean, Jin?” You place your question, already being half sure of what he actually means. 

“If you could see that I'm the one who understands you. Been here all along, so why can't you see? You belong with me” Jin gulps the thickness that formed in his throat he doesn’t know when and then he does what he should have, a long time ago, he confesses. 

“I am not smart like Namjoon. I can’t dance like Jimin nor am I charming like Taehyung but I can love you much better than any of them. I have been loving you better than them. I am in love with you, Y/N. Why can’t you see that?” Jin finally says. 

He half expects you to scream at him or throw him out of your house but what he doesn’t expect is you climbing on the top of his lap and placing your lips on the top of his. You place a chaste kiss and then reply, “Only if you confessed before, it would have saved a lot of my precious time Jinnie.”

“Does that mean-” 

“Yes. I like you. I am not in love yet. But I realized I like you a long time ago. And nothing worked with those guys because I kept on comparing them to you. Deep down I always knew I belonged with you.” 

Jin pulls you in for another kiss as you both find each other’s embrace old and cozy yet new and exciting. 

[justimajin]

The Profit & Love Statement » Pt. 13

↠ Pairing: Seokjin x Reader

↠ Genre: Fluff, Comedy, Angst

↳ 3.5k / Office AU (lowkey E2L vibes) 

↠ Summary: The workplace isn’t for everyone. It can be mundane and repetitive, with some describing it like a nuisance and others as a blessing. You’re the kind that leans more towards the latter and while it does make you an ideal candidate for many things, nothing could have prepared you for the whirlwind that is the new employee.

↠ Warnings: the angst is strong with this one

GIF credit.

↠ Next Update: Tuesday, September 26 (series masterpost here)

There’s a folder in your arms as the sound of your heels clicking against the ground resonates. A crease is etched between your brows, gaze down casted.

A deep sigh escapes from your lips.

Something has been off with Yuna. It’s obvious. Ever since you stayed over at Miyeon’s for the night, the girl hasn’t spoken to you properly, heck she hasn’t even looked at you properly. It’s almost like she’s purposefully pushing you away, seemingly slipping away from you everytime you direct your concerns towards her. 

You understand Yuna. She’s never been the type to outwardly express her feelings, even before your parents passed away. But the averted glances and meek smiles can’t help but make your stomach churn, make you filled with complete unease that there’s something the young fourteen-year-old isn’t telling you.

You sigh for the second time of the day, spotting the sight of the door to the printer room. Shaking the thoughts away, you suppose you’ll need to speak to her somehow after work with the hope that she confides in you.

You push against the door.

“Boo!”

Your heels scratch against the floor, eyes enlarged and arms tightened around your folder. But the sudden scare washes away just as easily, especially when you notice the giant grin Jin holds.

“What–“ You blink, “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, nothing. Just thought I’d take a nice stroll in this room.” You raise a brow at his exaggerated tone and he chuckles, “I’m photo-copying some papers, what else?”

You shake your head with a sigh, “Of course you are.”

“Hey,” He calls out and you hum, but it’s not until he bumps his shoulder in yours that you’re turning around in bewilderment.

“What?” You ponder.

He gestures to you, “What’s wrong?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well for starters, you got this going on.” He abruptly pokes at the crease in between your brows and you wince a bit, staring at him with a frown, “Plus, this is usually the part where you get annoyed with me.”

“You’re still an employee.” You remark, stepping aside and heading for the photocopier. “And it’s nothing.”

Jin frowns, inclined to believe otherwise. But he doesn’t push forward, simply walking ahead to stand next to you at the machine.

“But don’t you know? I’m not just an employee.” He leans forward, whispering underneath his breath like he’s telling you top secret information. “I’m supposed to be the next CEO.”

“Oh, wow.” You sarcastically retort, pressing a button on the photocopier as it scans. “I would have never guessed that in a million years.”

“Shh.” He chides, “You can’t tell anyone.”

The corner of your lip tugs up, “Well, this is sort of awkward. All my coworkers already know about it.”

Jin makes some sound akin to being shot in the chest and you glance over at him with a half-smile. But then he starts pretending to collapse onto the ground in pain and you can only stare in exasperation.

You cross your arms, “Are you done?”

He looks up in offense, “Are you undermining my performance?!”

“No, I’m just thinking that you would have probably made a great actor.”

“Psh.” He gets up and shakes off the dust from his suit, “The industry could have never handled my talent.”

You roll your eyes with a smile and shift over, grabbing the copies of the paperwork you made. Jin does the same with his own and walks over to the door, holding it open for you to walk through first.

He ends up following behind, despite needing to head towards another department on a different floor.

“You do seem pretty upbeat these days.” You bring up as you scan over the copies, “Has work with the other departments been going well?”

“Yeah, everything’s been good so far.” He wistfully sighs, “But it’s probably because I’m not working with you anymore.”

You whip your head around, mouth wide open in offense and Jin bursts out laughing.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!”

You playfully frown, “Are you though?”

“Mhm, maybe like 2%.” He grins and before you can respond, you reach your work station.

You set down your papers and slip into your seat, facing him.

“Well, I wish you the best of luck.” You softly smile, “Don’t give them too much of a headache.”

He grins, “Please, we both know I can do worse than that.”

“I can attest to that.”

Yoongi’s voice resonates from the other side and Jin chuckles.

His eyes soften, leaning against your desk. “To be completely honest, I do miss working here.” His voice drops down into a whisper, “Some people over there don’t even have a sense of humor.”

You hum and Yoongi’s blunt voice echoes again.

“I’m pretty sure that says more about your own humor than theirs.”

You playfully squat at the plastic separating the two of you and Yoongi lets out a sound of annoyance, something that Jin just smiles at.

“Well, I should get going.” You nod and he leans forward, attempting to catch a glance of the russet brown-haired man. “I’ll miss you, Yoongi!”

He grumbles, “Go away.”

Jin plants a hand against his heart and gazes at you, “Awh, he loves me so much.”

You share a laugh at that, but it’s not before you’re ushering him to get back to his own workstation to prevent himself getting into any trouble.

As he leaves, you settle in and attempt to focus back on your work.

***

Your eyes sweep over the bright screen as your hands furiously type. There’s multiple spreadsheets sprayed all over it, with different statistics being run through by you.

“How’s it looking?” Yoongi calls out.

“Not too bad, it’s better than the last one.” You whisper, focusing on the numbers. “I’ve seen worse.”

“That’s a relief,” He stands up, a cup of coffee and a small file in his hands. “Hopefully, that’s exactly what I hear in my meeting.”

You smile at him. “Have fun.”

Yoongi gives you an expression along the lines of ‘you really think it’s going to be fun?’ before leaving his cubicle. You slump back into your chair with a sigh and take a glance at the clock, having worked for hours and desperately needing a break.

As the possibility of taking a short nap before being noticed persistently lingers in your head, your phone buzzes in your pocket.

You pursue your lips, straightening yourself in your seat and grabbing onto the metallic device. There’s a name displayed there that has your eyes widening, the air being taken out of your lungs.

Yuna’s school.

Within seconds, you duck into your cubicle and answer the call. “Hello?”

You’re completely stuck.

There’s frantic text messages being sent out, a rapid chain of phone calls made with only ‘the following number is unavailable at this moment, please try again’ getting repeated over and over again.

A ‘tch’ leaves your lips and you raise your hand, planting it against your heavy temples.

“E-Excuse me?” You shake your head, voice raising. “What do you mean she left school?!”

“Her attendance wasn’t reported this late afternoon, Ms. Y/N.” The voice on the other hand informs. “She was last seen before lunch and our teachers are trying their best to locate–“

Her next words don’t even register in your mind. You can’t even begin to piece why Yuna would suddenly disappear like that and not return, let alone where she could be.

After the 10th text message is sent, you futilely turn off your phone and get up from your seat. Marching straight up to Soyou’s office, you reach out for the knob, faltering in your steps for a moment.

This isn’t going to look good on your record.

But at this point, you can’t even stand to care.

The door opens and Soyou glances up at you in surprise.

You end up leaving work early – jacket wrapped around your shoulders and pace increasing as you head towards the elevators.

As expected, Soyou wasn’t exactly over the moon with you suddenly leaving work. But at most, you were able to guise underneath an emergency with the sole thought that you need to make sure Yuna is okay.

“Where are you?” You’re reduced to muttering that single question constantly, jamming your fingers into the buttons at the elevator. It thankfully opens up within a couple of minutes and you slip inside.

As the floors descend, you run through your options. You and Yuna haven’t spoken much as of lately – that was a mere honest fact. So why did she feel the need to suddenly leave school? Was something going on?

Or worse… did someone force her to leave?

Your jaw clenches as you peer up, tapping your foot anxiously as the floor numbers decide to take a decade. When a familiar ding finally resonates, you rush out without a second thought, nearly bumping shoulders with the crowd waiting at the bottom.

One of which happens to be someone you recognize.

“Woah, woah, woah.” Jin latches onto your arm, halting your steps, “What’s going on? Are you leaving?”

You quickly dismiss him, “I don’t have time to explain–“

He lets go of you, but instead of entering the elevator, he changes course completely.

You furrow your brows when he trails right behind you, opening the door to exit the building.

“What are you doing?” You ask in exasperation.

“Helping.” He simply states, gaze heavy, “What wrong?”

You let out a sigh, hurriedly rambling. “I got a call that Yuna wasn’t at school in the afternoon, they have no idea why or where she went and–“

Jin hums, fishing out for his keys and heading towards the parking lot. 

“Come on!” He calls out at your frozen state, “It’ll be faster by car.”

“What?!” You dash after his quick steps, “Jin, you can’t just leave!”

The corner of his mouth quirks up. “You really think they’re going to say something when I’m so close to becoming the CEO?” He unlocks his car, gesturing to the passenger side, “Hop in, you know you have more at stake than I do right now.”

You linger for a split moment, torn in between choices. But ultimately, all of that is discarded away when the phone call surfaces in your mind again.

You yank open the car door.

***

The ride to Yuna’s school is filled with fear and unease.

On one hand, countless scenarios tend to play in your mind. All with reasons of what could have possibly transpired down to any locations that she might have mentioned to you. However, you find your racing thoughts are completely useless, nothing screaming out to you as a coherent answer for her disappearance.

You peer over at the man in the driver’s seat. Last time you were in Jin’s car, it was because you had spent the night and needed to get back home. He was casually driving, sending smiles in your directions as you joked around and teased him – but all of that seems to have completely vanished.

Jin’s eyes are dead set on the road, barely a hint of amusement in his expression. Save for the increase in speed and the zooming vehicle, the car is filled with nothing but silence, something that truthfully makes you gnaw down even more on your lower lip.

The moment you reach Yuna’s school, your head is whipping back and forth. There are students leaving the building, backpacks in hands and clumped in groups with big smiles. Your eyes latch onto a teacher standing outside and you usher for Jin to pull over.

“Excuse me!” She turns at the sound of your voice, “I’m Y/N, L/N Yuna’s guardian.”

“She isn’t one of my students, but you can check inside.”

You nod, gesturing back to Jin that you’ll be heading in. 

Things don’t end up being much better.

“She’s still not back?”

“I don’t know what to tell you, Miss Y/N.” Ms. Lee, her primary teacher, responds. “Typically students are free to leave school grounds during their lunch break and we mark attendance then, but Yuna never came back.”

Your face pales, “Is there anything you can tell me about these last couple of days?”

“There isn’t much…Yuna has always been one of my quieter students.” She presses a finger against her lips, deep in thought, “I have recently noticed her interacting with some of the other students more.”

Your eyes drop in dismay, “I see….” 

Her teacher informs you of some more facts – namely what Yuna was like in the morning and how she was behaving. However, the information isn’t enough for you to connect any dots and with that, you request for her to keep you updated on the situation.

Leaving the school, you feel even more stuck. There’s nothing for you to base any judgment on, and at this rate, it only seems to be growing sparser.

You head back to Jin’s car. “Find anything?”

You silently shake your head as you slip into the passenger seat, “We can drive around, see if she might be nearby.”

A small hum leaves you at his suggestion and he shifts back into drive, exiting the school grounds.

You can only wistfully wonder in dismay.

It must be two – three hours? Of Jin driving around in complete circles as you get out and inquire with others about Yuna. With little to none information. There’s a large portion of people that haven’t seen her at all with only one convenience store spotting someone that looked remotely similar, though you doubt they got a good enough look at her based on the description.

With each location you inspect, your heart seems to tighten more and more in your chest. It comes to a point where you begin to grow dejected, all your efforts being rendered completely useless. 

Which is why when Jin parks the car off to the side of the road in loss, you can only look up in desperation as he turns to you.

“Y/N?” He quietly asks. The distress is far too evident in your features, eyes down-casted and mouth twisted.

“This is all my fault.” You sputter out, “I-I was so busy at work that I didn’t spend enough time with her, otherwise I would have been able to find her–“ 

“Hey, don’t blame yourself.” He presses, “You couldn’t have predicted something like this, and you already do so much for her.”

You let out a shaky breath, “Jin, i-if something happens to her, I-I just….”

Your eyes sting, but you keep blinking, vainly trying to erase any traces of water. Jin’s gaze doesn’t leave you and after a drop of hesitation, he reaches out.

His hand lies right on top of yours, “It’ll be okay, Y/N.”

You glance up at him with glossed over lids and he reassuringly smiles, squeezing your hand. It’s something that truthfully does alleviate a bit of the churning feeling in the pit of your stomach. 

Before you have the chance to respond, your phone buzzes loudly and you immediately recognize the school’s number.

“H-Hello?” You sniffle, attempting to keep your voice from shaking.

As time passes the furrow in your brow only seems to deepen and eventually the phone call cuts off, resulting in Jin staring at you in confusion.

“What happened?”

You’re still staring at your phone, “T-They found Yuna….”

Jin brightly smiles, “That’s great!”

“I-It is…” You whisper, glancing at him. “But there seems to be a big problem.”

The fourteen-year-old sits before you on a bench, her gaze latched onto the ground. Your arms are crossed, a thin line appearing in between your brows.

Enragedisn’t enough to explain what you are feeling at the moment. You are absolutely fuming, holding back the urge to completely blow up in a fit of scolding.

But you repress it all to ask one simple question.

“Why are you selling things at school?”

The inquiry seems to catch her attention. Her hands fidget in her lap and she glances up at you, barely making eye contact.

The words are quietly whispered.

“I-I just... wanted to….”

You suck in a sharp inhale, spinning around on your heels. Yuna doesn’t move to explain more, simply staring at your pacing backside until you stand directly in front of her.

Your patience snaps, “Yuna, you’ve been missing for an entire three hours. I get a phone call saying that you never returned back to school and then I find this?!”

You take out her school bag and reveal the contents inside. They’re small knick knacks that you don’t recognize, from school supplies to clothes to even some strange powder, truthfully the one that makes you the most concerned.

“You’re selling these things to students. Why?”

Your voice is far from gentle, demanding answers instead. However, Yuna doesn’t speak up at all, instead she looks away from you.

You sternly step forward, “Yuna–“

“I-I’m sorry.”

Your brows immediately furrow at the crack in her voice, “I-I just wanted to help out somehow…” Thick tears begin to stream down her eyes, “The b-bills, the rent…I-I just didn’t want to be a burden anymore….”

Everything freezes. As quickly as it escalated, your anger fizzles out and you simply stare at your younger sister.

“You–“ You softly exhale, “You think you’re a burden?”

Yuna doesn’t respond, harsh sobs taking over her instead. You rush over to the bench in an instant, her form violently shaking.

“Yuna…” You quietly call out. She slowly turns to you and without hesitation, you pull her closer and wrap your arms around her trembling form.

“I-I’m so sorry, Y/N…”

“Shh, it’s okay.” You tenderly rub her back as she cries into your dress shirt, “You did what you thought was best at the time.”

She hums and you reach out to wipe the excess water from her eyes. “But a burden, Yuna? You know that’s not true.”

“I just feel so useless,” She chokes out, “Even when our rent increased, y-you were the one who was working harder to pay it off.” A sniffle leaves her and she wipes her eyes, desperate to continue, “I could do nothing, not even repay you.”

“Repay me?” You softly chuckle and separate from her, holding onto her shoulders, “Yuna, you don’t need to repay me at all. I do all of this because you’re my sister and I love you.”

Yuna slowly nods, but you can tell her expression was far from relieved.

The corner of your mouth curls, “Alright, if you want to repay me so badly, you know what you can do about it?”

She looks up at you with hope-filled eyes, “Keep attending school… and find something to pursue. Something that piques your interest. Maybe join some clubs, hang out often with your friends, and–” You softly exhale, a warm smile gracing your lips, “and just be happy. Live the life you would have had before mom and dad died.”

Yuna simply stares at you, words not leaving her. “If you can do that for me Yuna, then all my efforts will definitely be repaid.”

She quietly hums, tears still slipping down her cheeks. You open up your arms and she immediately sinks into them, hugging you tightly.

Although you’re smiling, there’s a shine to your eyes that wasn’t there before.

***

Yuna revealing her feelings to you was unexpected, but in a way you can’t help but think it’s a tad ironic.

She felt like a burden, and that the need to repay you for your efforts was important. However, you can’t help but feel that you’ve personally failed somehow, that keeping Yuna shielded away constantly so that she can grow up without worries led to the complete opposite effect and made her feel inadequate more than ever.

At the time of your parents death, you harboured all the responsibilities like it was nothing and unknowingly left Yuna in the dark about matters, but now, now you are finally aware.

And most important of all, open to making changes.

“We should have more family dinners together.” You solemnly say, “I can adjust my hours so I come home earlier….”

Yuna glances over at you, walking away from the school by your side. “That sounds nice…”

Your eyes brighten, “I should try learning how to cook as well, that way we can even make recipes together!”

You watch as Yuna visibly cringes, a shudder running down her spine.

A lop-sided smile takes over you. “Or not…I guess it’s important to take baby steps though, right?”

Yuna furiously shakes her head at that and you laugh, tenderly ruffling up her hair. You look over and notice Jin’s car still stationed in the parking lot, alongside him leaning against it with his arms crossed.

At the sight of you and Yuna returning together, his eyes immediately light up.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” You give him a half-smile, “Sorry for troubling you.”

He waves it off, “Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure?” You sheepishly say, “I’m pretty sure there’s a huge chance you’re going to get into trouble.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” He honestly whispers with crinkled eyes and you smile, “–But this was important and getting into trouble isn’t going to change that.”

A light laugh leaves you, “Thank you, Jin.”

He beams and gestures to Yuna, who’s currently clinging to your side and watching the two of you interact with wide eyes. “Where to now?”

You peer at Yuna with a soft smile, “If it’s alright with you, do you mind taking us home?”

He widely grins, “Of course.”

[lalunanymph]

hello, luv !! i can't believe you are a sylus girlie 🥹 you're so real for that 😵‍💫 also thanks for writing hopelessly devoted. i'm hooked. keep reading it again and again. the angst is 👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏻 tho i hope for yn to find her footing asap and grow out of her mother's codependency (is this the toxic copendency you warned about in the series masterlist or is there more to it? kinda like sukuna x e@/e (🤢)) YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH HER ENTIRE EXISTENCE MAKES ME WANNA VOMIT. I'D SAY THE SAME FOR SUKUNA BUT HE'S SO REALISTICALLY WRITTEN AND I'M USED TO THAT FORM OF HIS EVIL(?) he's v well written in the sense that it's actually him 😭 thanks for writing the story. can't wait for the day he falls for her and maybe she leaves or smth idk 😭 on the that note, can we get any spoilers without actually spoiling? maybe something akin to a clue to develop theories on? 👩🏻‍🔬🤌🏻

fellow sylus girlies unite !! aw it's no problem <33 🥰 oooo i can't say too much for the toxic codependency, but it will be across many relationships (we are talking about the wealthy after all sghdjkf they have issues issues) and YES este is like evil incarnate i think ive shared i based her on margaux de laurent from girl on fire and she was VILE in that novel ....

oooo i can give something away .... itadori jin's character plays a major part in sukunayn's developing (or decaying) relationship 🙇����‍♀️

[shysoftbebe]

Curse {BTS x Reader}

BTS x Reader

It's time to tell them, don't you think?

~~~

You frown as you play with the rings on Jin’s fingers, heart twisting with pain for the Immortal. Looking up, you meet his eyes; brows furrowing as he looks at you with concern. 

“Living for this long,” you whisper, unsure how to place your words but knowing they need to be said. “It must be difficult and tiring,” you finish, his expression morphing into something akin to sadness as a gentle glint dances in his irises. 

“It has been darling, however I do have people that keep me going,” he tells you, glancing over to the other six for a brief moment before meeting your eyes once more. 

“I would not replace anything for any of you,” he continues, drawing a smile from you despite the ache in your chest; eyes casting themselves to your fingers, as your mind tells you to ask your grandmother for help.

“Darling whatever you may be thinking do not do it,” he states snapping you away from your thoughts as his touch upon your hand brings you back to him. 

“Living forever may be tiring but having everyone by my side makes it worth it,” he whispers as if telling you a secret, eyes glistening with many emotions. 

“I-I don’t get to live forever Jin,” you whisper, drawing a frown from him as the other join you, confused themselves upon hearing your words.

“What do you mean sweetness? You’re a halfling,” Yoongi states, not sure of what your words mean as Jungkook and Namjoon share a look.

“Halflings do live for a longer while close to five hundred or a thousand years depending on their bloodline,” you explain, shifting in your seat as you retract yourself from Jin, but he captures one of your hands, trying to comfort you. 

“My great-grandmother betrayed someone extremely powerful to save her daughter, my grandmother,” you state exhaling a shaky breath as tears sting the corner of your eyes. 

“In return they cursed our bloodline,” you whisper throat tightening at the reminder of the cost of your family being saved. 

“Every son born will die at the age of hundred and every daughter will die when they...fall in love,” you finish smiling sadly at the stunned males.

“Meaning my death is closer than I thought it might be.”

[violet-petals-in-the-rain]

Small answer: War bonding + ✨ Sworn Brother Quartet ✨

Individual answer: JGY has been judged his entire life based on status + his heritage, the person who doesn't give two shits about either of those = well LXC, but also WWX! Plus where WWX doesn't care about politics/doesn't involve himself with playing smile game JGY does, hence the "looks like he can kill you but is actually very nice Yiling Laozu" X "looks like very sweet but can kill you so your body wont be found Dimples Jin"

NMJ/WWX: I LOVE headcanoning them bonding over who kills the most Wens in sunshot campaign, and then afterwards having a whole angsty trope because NMJ has internal battle about WWX now protecting Wens (until he finally really knows the right thing to do is to step in) and WWX fluting his qi deviation down

LXC and him already have alot of chemistry to build upon, like, starting from Cloud Recesses days over to now, and WWX falling for the other Gusu Twin is also interesting to explore ig, ngl it does involve LWJ and WWX interaction alot which would be akin to kicked puppy oof (Will have to figure this one out more lol rn hes just :))

I didn't start the day expecting 3zun X Wei Wuxian to become one of the ships I ship today but it sure has become that way

[blog-name-idk]

Mold a Pretty Lie | 05

Pairing: professor!Jin x Fem undergrad!Reader

Genre: College!AU, Unhealthy relationships, toxic relationships, virgin reader, eventual yandere, eventual smut

Summary: They say love is like a garden that requires regular care and attention. Kim Seokjin, your kind and handsome professor, is more than happy to cultivate the vines that bind his heart to yours.

Word Count: 4,727

Rating: 18+

~~~~~

Seokjin was staring.

He knew it would be obvious to anyone looking, but luckily for him it was just the two of you in his office, and you were absorbed in reading an article. There was no one to call him out on the way his gaze was laser focused on you.

Or, to be exact, the bruise on your lovely, otherwise unblemished neck. One that looked suspiciously like it had been made by a pair of eager lips.

He didn't like it. He didn't like it one bit.

Who exactly had you allowed to mark your skin like that? Was it one of the boys who had gotten you drunk the first time? Did you go out with them again despite his cautionary advice?

Seokjin shouldn't care so much about what you did in your free time. This was probably a good thing - you would get over your crush on him, finish your project, and go on to do whatever great things you were sure to accomplish. The thought left a bitter taste in Seokjn's mouth. Despite his best efforts, his curiosity consumed him to the point where he found himself biting back suspicious queries he technically had no reason to make.

Several days later, the question answered itself. The bruise was almost gone, faded to an imperceptible hue that he could only see because of how intently he studied you when you weren't looking. No new ones had appeared to replace it, and Seokjin found himself relaxing. Perhaps it was just a one-off. You were young, it was likely you had just had a careless lapse in judgment, or -

"[Y/n]!"

Seokjin watched your head swivel, and the way you smiled at the handsome boy in the doorway made his own stomach clench into a hard knot. Why were you looking at this boy the way you looked at him?

"Aw Tae, you didn't have to come all the way here, I'm just finishing up," you said happily, though you spared an apologetic glance at your professor that did nothing to dull the thorns pricking his chest.

He recalled that this was one of the boys from your group project - Kim Taehyung. Who had taken you out and gotten you drunk, and was now smiling at you in a way that set Seokjin's teeth on edge. And you were calling him Tae. The two of you were close enough for nicknames?

"Hey Dr. Kim, great lecture yesterday! I'm just here to take [y/n] off your hands," said Taehyung with a sincere, boxy grin that Seokjin wanted to rip off his face. Seokjin forced himself to give the student his usual carefree smile before he pretended to review the paper he had been grading, feeling an inordinate amount of irritation filling his veins.

Take you off his hands? You were his research assistant. This Taehyung was just some college kid who was clearly distracting you from your studies with his charm and good looks. Was he the reason you had been leaving on time these days rather than staying around to chat after hours? Was he the one who had left that taunting mark on your neck?

"I could have met up with you at your dorm," you said over your shoulder as you logged out of the computer. Seokjin tensed. You had been to this boy's dorm? Bitter tendrils of darkness began to twine themselves around his chest, shadows made longer by the bright glow of your smile.

"But I wanted to see you sooner," the boy said with an obnoxious pout. Jin wanted to roll his eyes, but it was clear Taehyung's comment had had the desired effect, because the flustered look you sometimes wore around him appeared on your face. Couldn't you tell this kid was just trying to get in your pants?

"You're impossible," you scolded, though the way you beamed at him revealed your true feelings. Something akin to nausea simmered in Seokjin's gut at the eager way you grabbed your bag and scurried to Taehyung, and when the boy wrapped an overly familiar arm around your waist his vision flashed red.

He leaned in close - too close - to whisper something in your ear, and your soft giggle added fuel to Seokjin's irritation.

"I'll see you tomorrow, professor!" you chirped happily, letting Taehyung usher you out the door. By the time Seokjin could reply, you were gone, leaving behind a mass of angry vines in his chest.

He stared unseeing at the paper on his desk, unable to keep his mind from wandering to what the two of you were doing. You said you were going to meet him at his dorm - were you… going to stay there? Alone? Would you show up to his next lecture with a new hickey to replace the one that was almost gone?

A loud crack broke Seokjin out of his spiraling thoughts, and he looked at his now ink-covered hand to see he had snapped his pen in two. He let out a frustrated growl and tossed the broken plastic into the trash before stalking out of his office to wash his hands.

Why was he so fucking irritated? You two were college students. College students hung out and flirted and hooked up all the time, it was normal.

But you, you were anything but normal. You deserved the best, not some barely post-pubescent child who didn't know what they were doing. Your smiles were too precious to be wasted on boys like Taehyung, your laugh too dear. Judging by what he had seen today, you seemed to be completely smitten, liable to get your heart broken by a boy you were far too good for.

Vines constricted around Seokjin's chest as he remembered your tear-stained face so long ago, the quaver of your voice as you tried not to cry. He couldn't let that happen again.

He rounded the corner and stopped short, the scene before him searing itself into his mind with infuriating acuity. You, backed against the wall, wrapped in Taehyung's undeserving arms as he kissed you. You, pretty fingers threaded through Taehyung's hair as his tongue invaded your mouth. You, sighing in a way that made Seokjin's blood run hot as Taehyung's hands drifted down your lower back.

"Ahem."

As soon as you registered the awkward throat clearing, you broke away from the boy and stared at Seokjin with utter mortification on your face.

"P-professor," you stammered, hands immediately scrunching at your shirt in an anxious fidget. You were slightly breathless, and Seokjin tried not to be distracted by the way you chewed your lower lip. It was already swollen from your… activities… and your teeth were only making it more apparent. "Uh, w-we were just - "

"Sorry Dr. Kim," said Taehyung cheerfully, clearly feeling none of your embarrassment. He took your hand in his, blissfully unaware of the fury brewing under his professor's skin. Seokjin was struck with the sudden urge to break the fingers currently lacing their way between yours. "We'll get out of your hair."

The boy tugged you away and you left, meeting Seokjin's eyes with a backwards glance that looked almost as agonized as he felt. He realized he was grinding his teeth, jaw tense as he stared at your retreating form. Was Taehyung taking you somewhere to finish what he'd started?

The thought of that pretty sigh of yours popped into his mind unbidden, and he swallowed hard as his hand clenched into a fist. The stickiness of the drying ink reminded him of what he had come out here for in the first place, and with a sigh he went to the bathroom.

Seokjin watched the ink run off his skin down the drain, but the image of your body pressed against Taehyung's refused to disappear.

~~~~~

"H-hi, Dr. Kim," you stammered awkwardly, hovering in the doorway like you had at the beginning of the semester. "Um, how are you today?"

You kept your eyes fixed on his chest, unable to bear the possibility of seeing judgment or disappointment marring your professor's handsome features.

Why had you let Taehyung kiss you like that not a minute after leaving the office? What started as an innocent peck turned into two, then three, to more soft kisses that had made your knees weak and your chest fill with warm honey. Before you knew it, you were pressed between the wall and his body, surroundings forgotten.

Of course someone would come across you, and of course with your luck it was the last person you'd pick. What must he think of you now?

"I finished the first draft of the research paper," you babbled, not letting him respond to your question as you shuffled into his office. Maybe if you never shut up, he would forget he'd seen anything. "I think it - "

"Relax, [y/n]."

Your professor's voice, full of its usual good humor, cut off your panicked ramblings and you looked up to see his familiar smile. Your shoulders sagged in relief, and you gave him a tentative smile back. Until he motioned for you to sit across from him at his desk rather than the separate table you usually worked at.

You obeyed with trepidation, sinking into the chair and doing your best not to die of embarrassment.

"I'm really sorry about yesterday," you began preemptively, feeling heat prickle your neck as you remembered your professor's shocked face. "I shouldn't have - "

"It's alright, [y/n]," Dr. Kim's soothing voice cut you off again. "You're an adult, and you weren't disrupting a class."

He trailed off, and you looked at him in confusion. If he wasn't upset with you about that, then why did he want to initiate a discussion? You ignored the prickle of your own disappointment at the fact that he didn't seem to care at all that he had seen you kiss another boy.

Dr. Kim cleared his throat, looking uncharacteristically hesitant as you looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to explain what he wanted to discuss.

"Before I go on I'd like to say that this topic isn't strictly appropriate to discuss, but I feel it's important because I care about you as a person in addition to being my student," your professor began, and you felt your stomach flutter at the bare suggestion that he might see you as more than just a charge he was guiding.

"Not… appropriate?" you asked faintly, shoving down the thrill his words sent down your spine. You were overthinking, like you always did.

"That boy - Taehyung - is he your boyfriend?"

You blinked, completely caught off guard by the question. That had not been what you were expecting.

"N-no, not… yet?"

Your reply was pathetically tentative, and you hated yourself for your inflection. Taehyung was certainly sweet and affectionate, but there hadn't been any discussion about feelings or relationships. But that was normal, right? The two of you were getting to know each other better, and since the party he had been showering you with affection.

The slight furrow of your professor's brow said something different.

"I don't mean to pry or overstep, but isn't that the same person that got you drunk the night before my lecture?"

Dr. Kim's words sent hot flames of shame licking at your cheeks, and you shifted self-consciously as you found your eyes drawn to a scratch on his desk. How did he remember that? And why did you tell him about it in the first place? You ran a finger along the grooved wood and nodded, because your throat felt too constricted to speak.

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, I'm just concerned," he said quietly, reaching across the desk to put his hand over yours. Your professor's touch was gentle, and he gave you a reassuring squeeze that sent warm tingles through your veins.

"Um, I don't intend to let any relationships interfere with my schoolwork or research," you offered, as it was the only thing you could think of that he might worry about. It was hard to think rationally when you were distracted by his soft skin and the fervent hope for your hand not to start sweating.

You peeked up at him to see a fond smile on his face, soft and sweet and dangerously close to daydreams where he'd smile at you for other reasons. His eyes caught yours, and for a moment you found yourself captivated, unable to look away.

"Of course not," he replied with a chuckle. Then he hesitated again, looking at you with so much concern you felt your insides melting.

"I know it's not my place, I just don't want to see you get hurt or taken advantage of."

Huh? Your confusion must have shown on your face, because those plump lips twitched again into a rueful smile.

"You're a beautiful girl, [y/n], anyone can see that, and I worry that your… friend's intentions aren't completely pure."

You were vaguely aware that you were staring, but it was taking all of your mental capacity to process the words that had just tumbled out of your professor's lips. Did he - did he just say you were beautiful? Not pretty, not hot, but beautiful?

Before you could spiral completely, the end of his sentence nudged your mind.

"Taehyung's not - he's not like that," you said uncertainly, though doubt began to poke at your chest. He was always openly flirty and affectionate with everyone - had you made a mistake thinking you might be special? Dr. Kim squeezed your hand again, and the sympathy on his face made you feel both giddy and shy.

"I saw Taehyung speaking privately with Miss Lee last Monday," he said simply, grip tightening on yours as your face fell. "I'm not sure what it was about, but it looked... somewhat intimate."

"W-what? But…"

That didn't make any sense, Taehyung and Lee Yoojin weren't friends. You had never even seen them speak to each other. Yoojin had even been a part of the group of girls that had made your first few weeks hell for monopolizing the boys' (and Dr. Kim's) attention. And Monday? That was after the two of you had kissed, after the two of you had started - as Phoebe would call it - "hanging out."

Then again, even if it was true, it wasn't like Taehyung was technically doing anything wrong. He hadn't promised you anything, even if his actions had led you to believe that what you had was something special. Maybe you were just being too hopeful, overly clingy when he just saw this as a fun way to pass the time.

It still stung.

You didn't want it to be true, but Dr. Kim had no reason to lie to you, no reason to stick his unnecessarily perfect nose into student drama. You looked down on the grain of his desk as heat prickled your eyes, too distracted to notice the way your professor's own gaze flickered to the way you were chewing your lower lip.

Dr. Kim pulled you out of your thoughts by nestling your hand between both of his, and you felt your face grow warm despite the way your thoughts were racing.

"I'm sorry, [y/n], I didn't mean to upset you," your professor said apologetically, looking worried at your silence. It was an odd sensation, to be both dejected and embarrassed by his revelation but still feel delight from his touch. "I just thought you should know."

"It's okay," you mumbled, wondering why he always had to see you at your lowest. Even if it was gratifying, the way he looked out for you when he didn't need to. "I just feel like an idiot."

Your breath hitched when his thumbs began rubbing distracting, light circles on your skin, and you looked up at him in surprise. He was smiling at you, so much sincerity in his dark brown eyes that you could feel more of those flowers blooming in your heart.

"Don't say that," Dr. Kim said firmly, apparently oblivious to the way his touch was making your mind and pulse race. "You're a lovely person, both inside and out. If he doesn't see that, then he doesn't deserve you. And it's just your first year, there's no need to rush into anything in any case."

There it was again.

Lovely. Beautiful. Did he really think that? He couldn't know that every time he spoke, his sweet words wrapped around your heart in a knotted mess you had no desire to untangle.

"Thank you," you managed bashfully, hoping he didn't catch the breathless quality of your voice. "I - I know you have a lot more important things to do, so you taking the time to talk to me about this is - I just - um, I really appreciate it. It means a lot."

"I've already told you, there's nothing more important than your well-being."

And there was another seed in your chest, sown as gently and carefully as each stroke of his thumb against your skin. Your professor's words were a balm against the wound of his earlier revelation, soothing the humiliation and making you feel lighter than you expected.

"You're going to give me a big head," you giggled, smiling at him and hoping your admiration wasn't completely obvious. Dr. Kim looked genuinely pleased to have cheered you up, and for a moment you let yourself drink in twinkling dark eyes, his full lips, and inviting smile. For a moment, you let yourself pretend that he wasn't your professor, that he was holding your hand and calling you beautiful for another reason entirely.

Then a door slammed outside, shattering your illusion. The both of you jumped, and Dr. Kim gave a chagrined laugh before pulling his hands away. The moment was gone.

~~~~~

"[Y/n]! Want to get coffee?"

You forced a smile as Taehyung bounded up to you after lecture, Jimin following after with his usual cheeky grin. As you finished packing up your bag, your eyes met Dr. Kim's, and you felt your heart skitter. You couldn't quite decipher the expression on his face, but you assumed it was worry, considering the news he had given you a few days before.

"Um, I actually have to get somewhere," you hedged apologetically, though the way Taehyung's face fell made your stomach churn a little in guilt.

"You've been so busy lately," he whined, looking at you like a kicked puppy.

You hesitated, especially when Jimin added his pout to the mix, before you glanced over their shoulders to see Lee Yoojin staring at you with narrowed eyes. Her cold gaze was enough to douse the ember of guilt that had appeared in your chest, and you suddenly felt a spark of irritation take its place.

"Actually," you began, deciding to seize your courage now before you could change your mind, "Tae, could I talk to you alone for a second?"

Jimin sighed, before shocking you by wrapping an arm around your waist and pressing soft lips against your cheek. "I'll let you guys be for now, but I'm not letting Taehyung monopolize you forever," he complained, making your own mouth fall open in surprise. What did that mean? He pranced off before you could answer, leaving you even more confused than ever.

Taehyung was smiling at you as if you were the only person in the room, but when you spared a glance to the front of the lecture hall and realized Dr. Kim was still watching. Had he seen Jimin's kiss? You hoped he didn't think you were being stupid, or that you were ignoring his advice from earlier.

"Let's get that coffee first," you sighed, grabbing your backpack and slinging it over your shoulder. Your friend's eyes brightened and he grabbed your hand like he'd been doing recently. You felt like it would be too awkward to refuse, and you let him lead you out of the lecture hall, wondering if you were imagining the sensation of eyes boring into the back of your head.

You stewed in your thoughts as the two of you walked to the cafe in the student union, oblivious to the way your silence put a glimmer of concern in Taehyung's eyes. He paid for your coffee despite your protests, and as soon as you sat down at one of the rickety tables he took the chair next to yours, letting his knees brush against your own.

"Is everything okay?" Taehyung asked, and you took a bracing sip of your drink before meeting his gaze. You had made a split second decision to talk to him about what was going on, but you had no idea how to broach the topic.

"What were you talking to Yoojin about last Monday?" you blurted before you lost your nerve, internally berating yourself for sounding like a jealous girlfriend. Tae's eyes widened, and his next words only made you feel worse.

"How did you hear about that?" he asked in surprise, looking uncharacteristically nervous. Your stomach dropped at his expression, your mind already racing to the worst possible explanation.

"Does it matter?" you asked with a frown, not missing the implication that he didn't seem to have intended to tell you. You looked down, playing with the edges of your coffee sleeve so you didn't have to keep looking at him. "I just - I know we're not anything, but I thought…"

"Um, she wanted to… uh, start hooking up," Taehyung mumbled. "Like we did at the beginning of the semester. But I said no!"

"What?"

You felt odd. Fuzzy. Hazy. Like it was someone else sitting there, trying to understand what was happening.

"Jimin and I… we hooked up with her at the beginning of the semester," Taehyung explained nervously, and something icy settled in the pit of your stomach. Both of them?

"At… the same time?" you asked faintly, taking another gulp in the hope that the warmth of your coffee would help thaw the cold feeling inside of you. It didn't.

It wasn't so much that they'd done something wrong - it was that you had no idea, and apparently Taehyung had had no intention to tell you. Why? Was it because he thought it would lessen the chances of… of doing the same with you?

Taehyung cleared his throat awkwardly, his cheeks tinged a faint pink that you would have found cute at any other time. "Uh, yeah. And separately, too. But it was before we met you!"

"Oh."

Another frigid shard pierced your chest as you remembered Jimin's words and actions earlier. They had both always been flirty and affectionate, but… was this just a thing they did? Had their end goal been to eventually have you in their bed? Would you then be discarded for a newer model like apparently Yoojin had?

"Is that - is that what you want from me?" you asked, unable to keep the hurt from your tone. "Is that all this is?"

His eyes widened, and he shook his head frantically, taking your hand in his own. You pulled it away.

"What?! No, of course not," he said in a rush, looking a little desperate at your action. "[Y/n], I really like you."

A few days earlier those words would have made you elated. Now, you weren't sure what to feel. What if he was just saying that to appease you?

"So what was that Jimin said about you 'monopolizing me'?" you asked flatly, crossing your arms as you waited for Taehyung's response. He wilted at your tone, and you hardened your heart against the effect of his devastating puppy eyes.

"He likes you too," he mumbled, looking worried about your reaction. "But he'll drop it if it makes you uncomfortable!"

Uh. What? This was officially too much for your brain and heart to handle.

"I… I think I need some time," you finally managed, wondering what kind of alternate reality you had found yourself in. How exactly had you gone from invisible to… whatever the fuck this was, in just a few months?

"I - yeah, okay," said Taehyung reluctantly. He looked so dejected you found yourself wanting to console him, especially since he had been nothing but sweet to you. But this was all new territory, and you didn't want to blindly believe in someone you had just met a few months ago.

You didn't hate him - you couldn't, and he really technically hadn't done anything wrong. And he was being honest now that you'd asked him point blank, which you appreciated. It would just take some time to soothe the cracks in your chest, and think about what you wanted without being influenced by pretty eyes and stolen kisses.

"We are still friends though, right?" Taehyung asked anxiously, looking at you with those puppy dog eyes that were so difficult to resist. You felt your smile grow into something more genuine, cautiously optimistic that he seemed to want to be friends even without the option of something more.

"Of course, Tae. I'll let you know if - if anything changes."

The relief on his face was palpable, and for a split second you wondered if you had misjudged him and the situation. But then a familiar set of broad shoulders at the counter caught your eye, and you remembered your professor's words.

"You're a lovely person, both inside and out. If he doesn't see that, then he doesn't deserve you. And it's just your first year, there's no need to rush into anything, in any case."

Dr. Kim was right, there was no reason for you to rush headfirst into whatever this thing with Taehyung was - had been.

Your professor turned and you forced yourself to look back at Taehyung, feeling embarrassed. You especially shouldn't be pining after a man just because he was gorgeous and kind to you. And thought you were beautiful.

"I really do have to go to my next class now," you said apologetically, trying to reassure Taehyung by patting his head the way you knew he liked. "But I'll see you in lecture on Friday, okay?"

"Yeah, okay," he replied, also standing up and giving you a relieved smile. His one-armed hug was comforting, a reassurance to the both of you, and as you watched him you felt another pang of uncertainty that you pushed away.

You let out a sigh, slumping in your seat, suddenly exhausted. Had you made the right decision? Or were you just being an oversensitive prude? Why couldn't these things just have a definitive, empirical answer?

A blueberry muffin plopped down on the table, startling you out of your musings. When you glanced up, Dr. Kim was smiling down at you.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his tone even softer than the expression on his face.

"I - I'm fine," you replied, shocked by your professor's intuition and consideration. It never even occurred to you that he might have been eavesdropping.

"Good," he murmured, his approving tone making your chest thrum. "I've been worried."

The words chased away the lingering discontent leftover from your conversation with Taehyung. Your professor cared, enough to check up on you and even get you a treat to cheer you up when he thought you were upset. You remembered the Powerade he had left you, and forced away the petals that stirred in your chest at the thought.

"I'm a big girl, professor," you retorted lightly, giving him a cheeky grin that surprised even yourself. "You don't have to worry so much."

Dr. Kim's laugh was light and free, cheering you up even further.

"Too late," he teased back, those plush lips of his curved into a wicked grin. The sheer playfulness of his response almost sent you reeling, but you were able to gather yourself enough to give a good-natured eye roll.

"I'm not that helpless, am I?" you asked almost petulantly, looking up at your professor with your best pout. To your surprise, his eyes went wide and he stared at you for a moment before responding.

"Apparently not," he replied with a slight cough, looking oddly disconcerted. For some reason, the tips of his ears had gone pink. He wasn't getting sick, was he?

"Are you okay, professor?"

At your query, Dr. Kim straightened, though something in his smile was different in a way you couldn't quite place.

"Of course, [y/n], never better."

~~~~~

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