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nebulousbrainsoup · 11 months ago

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Day One

🏔️ SUMMARY: Something has been missing for the past few years Wooyoung has been to the mountain with your family and his. Maybe this year, he'll figure out what it is. 🏔️ PAIRING: brother's best friend!Jung Wooyoung x Kang!reader 🏔️ GENRE: smut, fluff 🏔️ AU/TROPE INFO: brother's best friend, mutual pining, childhood friends to lovers 🏔️ WORD COUNT: 6.2k whoops 🏔️ WARNINGS: language, smut, woosansang banter, sansang undertones 🏔️ RATING: mature 🏔️ A/N: Happy holidays from your CoDNet secret santa, @wooyoungqueen! This was so much fun to write, and I really hope you enjoy it!! it got a little away from me lol smut tags under the cut ; divs from @cafekitsune masterlist | join my taglist | buy me a coffee?

NSFW TAGS/WARNINGS: first time together, light praise kink, fingering, oral (fem receiving), wooyoung’s nose, they’re both switches, unprotected sex (reader is on birth control but boo), riding

The weeks following Wooyoung’s birthday had been a flurry of activity for nearly as long as he could remember. Whatever energy had been put into planning his celebration was rapidly redirected to coordinating the family’s annual trip to the mountains—an event that seemed to grow with him. It had been going on for as long as he could remember, beginning as a much-needed post-holiday getaway for his household. The first expansion came in middle school, when he met and attached himself to Kang Yeosang—the two families melded together naturally when the Kangs moved in next door, and one cabin rental became two, right next to each other and nestled among the pines at the Jungs’ favorite resort. It had been on one of these early trips that you and Wooyoung had become nearly as attached to each other as he and your older brother had been and, much to Yeosang’s chagrin at the time, their duo became a trio.

Despite Wooyoung and Yeosang having graduated and moved out, they both still found themselves drawn back to that same resort year after year. You, on the other hand, had not been so lucky. Your degree had proven a bit more demanding than either your brother’s or Wooyoung’s and, after your first year, they found themselves sharing deflated smiles as they watched you breeze through your parents’ front door after Christmas dinner. Something within Wooyoung ached each time, and the cabin he now shared with his brothers and yours—the cabins had long since been shuffled from ‘Jung’ and ‘Kang’ to ‘Parents’ and ‘Kids’—never quite felt the same.

He’d never quite figured out why his favorite tradition had begun to taste so bittersweet. Maybe, he decided, it was the monotony finally getting to him. Yeosang liked to call him a child of chaos, reminding him often that his creative slumps usually just meant he needed a change of scenery. He’d discovered every nook and cranny in both of the cabins they rented each year by the time he was 14. He’d been through every freestyle zone and explored every tree trail his board could fit through over the years, and even taught Kyungmin a few tricks. Now that he was of age, he’d been to every bar within walking distance of the slopes, too. The novelty had to have worn off; he’d seen and done it all. He’d give anything to see his safe haven for the first time again.

Maybe, just maybe, seeing it through someone else’s eyes would have the desired effect.

“Sannie, you said you snowboard, right?” He called from the couch, barely glancing up from his phone.

Wooyoung’s roommate blinked at him from the kitchen, leaned against the breakfast bar with his spoon halfway to his mouth. “I have before. I don’t… do it regularly.”

“And you had fun, right?”

San blinked, confused, and let his cereal settle back into its bowl. “Yeah? What is this about, Wooyoung?”

“Great! You’re coming on the ski trip this year.”

“Are you paying?” San scoffed half in jest, rolling his eyes heartily before turning his attention back to the book he had pinned to the counter.

“Yes.”

The flat tone of Wooyoung’s voice had him stunned, eyes wide as he slowly looked back up. “Are you serious right now?” When the younger nodded resolutely, no twinkle of mischief in his eyes, San gaped. “You’re not going to come up short on rent for this, are you?”

Wooyoung snorted. “No. It’s a family thing. My older brother can’t go anymore, so we’ve got an empty spot. Wanna come?”

“Absolutely.”

Pulling up to the cabin two months later with San in the passenger seat of his rented

SUV, he was certain he’d found the piece he’d been missing over the past few years. His friend’s excitement was palpable and contagious, the elder’s leg bouncing furiously and his cheeks split into a wide grin as he drank in the scenery. Wooyoung couldn’t help but laugh a little as he launched himself from the car the moment it was in park, spinning in the snow-covered driveway to take in the full view.

“Do you really come here every year?” He asked, his voice a little breathless with awe.

Wooyoung grinned, nodding. “Since I was a kid. We stayed in the cabin next door until I was in high school, but that’s for the real adults now,” he snorted a laugh. “Once Sangie and I hit high school, we were trustworthy enough to watch my little brother, I guess, and it’s been kids and parents since. My older brother usually stays with us too, but he has some work thing, I guess.” San nodded, silent and still staring, and Wooyoung couldn’t help but watch him for a moment with a stupid grin. “C’mon, help me unload before everyone else gets here. Yeosangie’s ruthless about first-come, first-serve room picking.”

That seemed to snap his roommate from his awe-struck stupor, and within moments, they found themselves wrapped in the familiar warmth of the cabin. Crossing the threshold into resounding silence had a pang of something wrong echoing in Wooyoung’s chest, and he frowned for a moment as he tugged his boots off.

“This is nice.”

San’s voice tugged him out of his thoughts, and Wooyoung forced a smile. “Right? Follow me, the good bed’s upstairs.”

They were each draped over separate arms of the couch, half-focused on the drama Wooyoung had put on, when the rumble of tires on the driveway pulled him from his half-asleep daze. San perked up with him, eyebrows raising as he blinked at his friend in question. “Your parents?”

Wooyoung gave a noncommittal shrug. “Or the Kangs.”

“Should we see if they need help?” He offered, standing and heading for the door.

“Fuck that, it’s cold as shit out there,” the younger complained, nestling further into his blanket cocoon. “Have fun freezing your ass off.”

“So thoughtful of you, Wooyoung-ah,” San teased, disregarding the grumble that left his friend.

He listened as the front door shut and his friend called a greeting toward the car, a familiar female voice responding. Huffing a sigh, he turned his attention back to the TV. He could deal with his mother’s chastising of his terrible hosting later.

What he hadn’t been expecting, however, was the door of his own cabin to swing back open wide minutes later, a blast of cold air cutting through the air along with an all-too-familiar laugh. His chest tightened inexplicably as it rang like a bell, San’s low chuckle echoing after it, and he turned toward the sounds.

“Two years, and you can’t even come help me with my suitcase, Youngie?”

At the sound of your voice, Wooyoung felt the air around him shift. The cold light filtering in through the windows seemed to warm with your entry, and all at once, the vast, empty cabin once again felt full. He stood, eyes wide and shining with glee as his jaw dropped open for a moment, his chest tightening with something he refused to acknowledge. Schooling his expression into his usual mischievous smirk, he crossed his arms over his chest. “You’re a big girl, Y/N, you could handle it yourself.”

You sighed heartily, rolling your eyes playfully before turning your gaze to San, who was busy shutting the door behind you. “At least chivalry isn’t completely dead.”

He perked up with wide, round eyes, flashing a megawatt smile at you, and Wooyoung felt the cabin dim a little again. “It’s no problem at all. Where do you, uh… Wooyoung hasn’t given me the full tour, so I’m not sure where to take your stuff.”

Once again, your mirthful gaze turned toward your childhood friend, and his smirk ticked back up. “I assume this one took the good bed all for himself already.”

“The early bird catches the worm, and all that,” he taunted back, San nodding affirmation beside you.

You clicked your tongue in disapproval, sighing and shaking your head. “Can’t even let me enjoy it. I have to get my gear from the car, but I can show you when I get back in, if this one’s still intent on becoming one with the couch.” You nodded back toward Wooyoung, pulling a bark of laughter from San, and something within the younger twisted.

“I can show him, go get your stuff,” he sighed, waving you away as he started for the hall. San glanced between the two of you for a moment before catching your amused, warm smile and, confusion alleviated, followed his friend.

“You didn’t tell me your friend had a sister.”

Wooyoung hummed quietly in acknowledgement, pushing open the downstairs bedroom door. He hadn’t stayed in this room in years, preferring to curl up in the upstairs bedroom with Yeosang and leave this space for his brothers, and for a moment, he was surprised at how small it felt. The twin beds in their corners and the heavy wooden dresser had seemed impossibly big, once upon a time, and lonely as the moonlight filtered through the blinds. Now, the space felt close and cozy, the patterned quilts and stripes of sunlight bathing the room making it look like something out of a catalog. Wooyoung’s chest tightened again and he smiled, nostalgia settling like a blanket around his shoulders.

“Honestly, I didn’t think it would be relevant,” he admitted, pulling open the closet door to check for extra blankets. “You can put her stuff on the bed by the window; she prefers that one.” Behind him, San’s eyes narrowed. “Like she said, it’s been a couple of years since she’s been here, and nobody told me she was coming.”

“Are there going to be enough beds?”

Wooyoung paused, lips pursed in thought and hands on his hips as he turned to face San. “That… Is a very good question. I think we have air mattresses? Worst case, we can stick the kid on the couch or something. We’ll worry about it when—” The sound of a car horn cut him off, and Wooyoung peered through the blinds to peek at the driveway, a grin splitting his face. “After everyone else is through unloading. C’mon, we can still hide in the bedroom if we hurry.”

San fixed him with a flat look, shaking his head gently. “I am going to be nice and help your family unload their car. You can come with me, or you can leave me unattended to gossip with your mom for however long this takes.”

Wooyoung blinked owlishly until San turned to leave, following along behind his roommate on autopilot. “I hate you,” he muttered as they paused to tug on their boots, and San grinned.

Preparations for the traditional, joint-family, first night dinner were underway as you bustled around the kitchen with Wooyoung and both of your mothers. Yeosang and San had both offered their assistance; your brother had been met with a resounding, unanimous ‘No’ from the four of you, which he responded to with a cheeky grin and a small giggle, and San had immediately rescinded his offer. It felt natural for the four of you to be here together again, dancing around each other with a practiced ease as your mothers set themselves up at the island, massive metal bowls and all of the ingredients for kimchi spread out between them. You and Wooyoung quickly sidled up together at the stove, whisking the tteokbokki and potstickers that had been waiting into the living room to keep your fathers, siblings and Wooyoung’s friend occupied while you made the main course. You weren’t surprised to find your brother sat on the floor, his arms open as Kyungmin rushed him for a hug, but you caught the small, choked noise Wooyoung made at the sight of San alongside the pair. You flashed him a private little smile, and a swarm of butterflies kicked up in his stomach.

When you settled at the stove together, you nudged him with your hip, prompting a huff of laughter and a return of the gesture.

“I like your friend.”

Wooyoung nearly dropped the skillet in his hand, the heavy dish clattering against the stovetop loud enough to put a stop to your mothers’ conversation. They peeked back at you, but Wooyoung waved them off as he swallowed bile.

“San?” There was an edge to his voice, he could tell, and he could only hope you hadn’t noticed it, too.

“Yeah,” you nodded, seemingly oblivious as you stirred black bean paste and brown sugar together. “He fits in well and he’s really sweet. You should bring him every year.”

Something vile twisted in Wooyoung’s gut. “Maybe. I’ll see if he wants to come back. Who knows, maybe you’ll scare him off?” He snarked, flashing you a wicked grin. You barked a laugh, elbowing him and earning a squawk of indignation as his pork-filled skillet shifted over the fire. “Careful, you’ll burn dinner! Or worse, me!”

“What’s this about you being the worst?” Yeosang chimed as he slipped over to the fridge, his sudden appearance pulling a shout from the man next to you.

“Oh my god, you need a fucking bell!”

“Watch your mouth, there are children present,” you chastised, clicking your tongue. “We were talking about San,” you supplied as you turned back to your work, and Wooyoung frowned. Yeosang caught the look before he could wipe it away, cocking an eyebrow and smirking knowingly over the neck of his bottle.

Whatever that meant.

Wooyoung glared at him.

“I like him,” Yeosang offered, “he’s sweet. And handsome.” Wooyoung flashed him another glare, this time unintentionally, and your brother shrugged innocently.

You, completely unaware, hummed in agreement. “I was telling Youngie he should bring him back next year. Maybe we could talk to Mom about swapping cabins so I could bring Somin with me and introduce them; they’d be a cute couple.”

The nastiness in Wooyoung’s gut untwisted, and he sighed silently. “I like that idea!”

“I don’t,” Yeosang grumbled, frowning. “Then I’ll be stuck as the fifth wheel.”

You both whipped your heads up to him, brows furrowed in confusion. You thanked whoever was listening that your brother was on the other side of Wooyoung, because you flushed bright pink at his teasing. He was well aware of the little crush you had on your mutual best friend, and he took every opportunity to tease you for it.

“Last I checked, everyone else here was single, and that’s probably not going to change any time soon,” you huffed, stirring the mixture in the wok with a bit more vitriol. Yeosang hid his smile behind his bottle as Wooyoung, too, glared at him.

“You never know,” he hummed, sauntering off back into the living room.

The silence that fell between you and Wooyoung held more tension, this time, as you both processed. Wooyoung stared at the kitchen backsplash, unblinking, until your voice broke him out of his thoughts.

“You’re burning the pork.” He startled, promptly pulling the skillet off the stove. You laughed, and just like that, things returned to normal. Shaking your head, you spooned the black bean paste into a bowl and offered him the wok. “I thought you said you knew how to cook now.”

Wooyoung huffed indignantly, hip bumping you to the side. “I can make jjajangmyeon.”

“That was mean, Yeosang, rubbing it in like that.”

Your brother hummed from his place on his bed, eyes glued to the ceiling. Lazily, he turned over and blinked at you. “I’m not rubbing anything in. I’m trying to open your eyes here. He’s been in love with you since we were kids, Y/N.”

You rolled your eyes, flopping onto your own mattress. “If he had been, he would have done something about it.” Yeosang snorted. “I’m serious! If there’s one thing I know about Wooyoung, it’s that he takes what he wants.”

“You think that rule applies to his best friend and other best friend’s sister? He’s probably worried I’ll be pissed if he tells me or something.”

Again, you rolled your eyes.

“I wouldn’t, honestly,” San replied, eyes wide as he tracked Wooyoung, pacing the floor in front of him. “I know how mad I’d be if it turned out you were in love with Haneul.”

“That’s what I’m saying, Sannie,” Wooyoung huffed, collapsing on his back and spreading out across the mattress. He squirmed, situating himself with his head in San’s lap, and the elder obliged, petting at his hair. “But she’s so pretty.”

“She is,” he agreed, holding his hands up in surrender as Wooyoung glared daggers at him. “I’m just saying! Your friend’s sister is pretty! Would you rather I disagree?”

Wooyoung huffed a sigh, frowning and settling back into his roommate’s lap. “God, this week is gonna suck. Having her here is like… It feels better, but it also feels worse, y’know? She’s so close but so far away.”

“You could always, like… Ask Yeosang for permission, first.”

“Didn’t you just advise me against that? Whose side are you on here?”

San shrugged. “I’m just trying to help so I don’t have to listen to you complain all week on the slopes.”

Wooyoung reached up, the back of his hand coming into contact with San’s shoulder and pulling a pained noise from him.

In the morning, you were all up early. Breakfast was a quick, chaotic affair of the four of you cycling in and out of the kitchen, breezing past each other and shouting across the cabin as you made plans. Within an hour of pulling Yeosang from the comfort of his bed, you were all crammed into Wooyoung’s SUV, flasks on your hip to warm you in the snow and your gear strapped to the ski rack. Yeosang, much to your surprise, had slipped into the back seat before you'd even left the house, and was chatting away happily with San as you slid in the passenger seat.

“Who are you and what have you done with Kang Yeosang?” you teased, flashing your brother a skeptical half-glare. He huffed a breath through his nose and rolled his eyes, flopping sideways to lay his head on San’s shoulder, The man flushed bright red but he didn’t flinch or pull away, and you filed that information away for later.

“I made a friend. Let me enjoy him.” You thought San flushed brighter at that.

“Good luck, Sannie, you’re never getting rid of him,” you warned good-naturedly, flashing him a smile in the rearview mirror.

He gave a nervous half-smile, nodding. “Can’t imagine wanting to.”

Your brother’s lips pursed into a small ‘o’, and you watched with a grin as pink dusted his cheeks, too.

Wooyoung seemed surprised by your presence in the front seat, too, as he poked his head in and met you with a “deer-in-the-headlights” look. “That’s not the Yeosang I know.”

You gestured at him, smacking his arm lightly as he climbed into the car. “That’s what I said!”

He grinned, laughing his signature, unfiltered cackle, and your heart clenched. “God, I’m glad you’re back.”

Whether or not Wooyoung noticed the way you sheepishly smiled at your lap, your brother did. He grinned, nudging San, who blinked at him in confusion. This would be a fun week.

The four of you began the day together, meeting at the base lodge with the rest of your family to distribute lift tickets and set an emergency and end-of-day meeting point. You started as you always did, cruising down some of the shorter greens at the base of the mountain as a whole unit as you got your legs under you. You, Wooyoung and Yeosang were ready to crank it up in minutes and, for the most part, your parents were ready to follow. Kyungmin and San were falling more than the rest of you, the former sticking close to his brother and the latter frowning and sighing as he fell into the snow. Yeosang chuckled and laughed at the pout visible under his helmet, skiing over to offer the snowboarder a hand up, and you were left alone to drink in the scene.

You sighed happily, staring up at the peak and drinking in the scenery as you leaned on your poles. People darted and dashed around you, cutting through the snow with ease and creating the perfect soundscape of white noise. You didn’t notice when Wooyoung slid up nex to you until he spoke, startling you out of your reverie.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

You jumped, leaning hard on your poles and reaching out to steady yourself. Wooyoung dropped his board into the snow and planted his boots, arms wrapping around your middle as you stumbled on your skis. Sighing as you found your balance again, you rested your hands on his arms, eyes slipping shut.

“Thank you,” you hummed, turning over your shoulder with a smile to—oh.

He was so close to you. You felt your cheeks heat again, this time not from the sting of the cold. “You’re… welcome,” he muttered, and you felt your heart leap into your chest.

“Hyung!” You nearly fell back over as you and Wooyoung jumped apart at his little brother’s excited cry. “Did you finally tell Y/N-ie that you love her?!”

When you looked back at Wooyoung, stunned, he stood stock-still, his expression unreadable under his helmet. The tension could be cut with a knife as silence settled between you.

It was your brother that saved you, head snapping toward you like a meerkat at Kyungmin’s shout. With a quick word to San, he zipped over, calling out to the youngest. “Kyungmin-ah! Why don’t you come help Sannie? He’s having a little trouble.”

“But Yeosang-hyung—”

Before the boy could protest further, your brother grabbed his hand, tugging him across and along toward the rack San was sat beside, leaving you and Wooyoung alone.

“Y/N, I—”

“You love me?”

You both began at once, but your words cut through the air like a war cry.

Wooyoung was quiet for a beat and you squirmed, glancing away to your brother for an escape. He afforded no assistance, his back turned to you and shielding the younger Jung’s gaze in a way you knew must have been intentional.

Finally, he spoke, he voice barely audible over the roar of the lodge activity. “I always have.”

You huffed a sigh, rolling your eyes and shuffling on your skis, starting away. “Of course you have, Wooyoung. Like a brother does, always. Never anything more.”

“No, Y/N, you’re wrong.”

You froze as he called after you, turning over your shoulder to stare at him. He had taken his helmet off, it and his goggles hanging limply at his side, giving you a window into his heart through his warm brown eyes. He swallowed thickly and stepped forward, offering out a hand. His was shaking just as much as yours was as you took it, using him to balance as you popped your skis off. He gave you no time to pick them up before he was in front of you and dropping his helmet to the ground, taking your other hand in his and breathing a quick sigh.

“I wanted this to be romantic and blow you away and this may not be the best time, but god dammit if I don’t tell you now, I might never.” He paused, taking another breath. “It’s been more since I knew what ‘more’ meant. I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember—not as your brother or his best friend. I love you for you; for the woman you are, the girl you always have been, and whoever you may become. You are… so gorgeous and so sweet, and I’d do anything to call you mine.”

You were beaming at him, clenching his fingers tight like a vice as he paused. The silence had him squirming, you could see, and you scrambled for something, anything to match his heartfelt confession. In the end, what came out of your mouth was, “All you have to do is ask.”

“Kang Y/N, will you do me the incomparable honor of being my girlfriend?” His grin matched yours.

“Yes, absolutely,” you sighed, breathless between the mountain air and the affectionate tightness in your chest.

The next instant, his lips were on yours, and you grasped desperately at his shoulders as you scrabbled for your footing in the snow. Behind you, you thought you heard San cheer, and you laughed quietly against Wooyoung’s lips. When you parted, breathless for an entirely new reason, you were happy to find your boyfriend just as disheveled, beaming at you like you hung the stars.

“I love you, Y/N.”

“I love you too, Wooyoung.”

Out of sight—not that you would have noticed—your brother held out a fist for Kyungmin to bump.

“What was that you said about ‘never having a chance?’” Yeosang teased over dinner that night, the four of you sprawled out between the two couches in your cabin. You pulled your sweater over your face to hide your embarrassment, snuggling deeper into Wooyoung’s arms.

“Oh, shut up! He’s been your best friend and one of mine since we were kids. How was I supposed to know—”

“You were supposed to trust his best friend and your brother, is what should have happened,” he huffed.

“How did you even know?!” Wooyoung protested. You could hear his glare.

“You’re not subtle, she’s just oblivious.”

“Hey!”

“That’s my girlfriend you’re talking about!”

Yeosang sighed, rolling his eyes heartily and pushing himself up off the couch. “I’m already sick of third wheeling. San, come help me move your stuff so they can have their own room.”

Wooyoung grinned against your neck, squeezing you tight. “Oh, they might regret that,” he hummed in your ear, tapping your thigh to guide you off of his lap. “I’ll help! Sannie can stay.”

Your brother raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth ticking up in a smirk. “Oh, now he’s helpful. A changed man.”

“Only the best for my princess,” he teased, shooting you a wink over his shoulder. You pulled your sweater up over your nose again, grinning and hiding your flush.

An hour later, your stuff had been moved into the upstairs bedroom with Wooyoung’s, and Yeosang and San were gathering their gear. You turned to peer at them over the back of the sofa, eyes wide and innocent. “Where are you off to?”

“We saw signs for night skiing, and he was interested,” your brother explained, jabbing a thumb over his shoulder. “I didn’t want to leave him with mom and dad, so I’m going too. I think Wooyoung was thinking about coming, but…” he gave you a knowing look. “I thought if we gave you a couple hours of alone time, we could sleep tonight.”

Your cheeks heated. “Yeosang!”

“Thank you, bye, have fun!” Wooyoung called as he slid up behind you and looped his arms around your waist. “That’s enough talk about our future sex life. Be safe.”

“Two and a half hours,” your brother warned, giving you both a pointed glance. Behind him, San’s cheeks were tinged pink. “Remember what I said.”

This was directed over your shoulder to Wooyoung who, when you turned, had gone a little pale. The door shut with a purposeful slam and you turned in his arms, cupping his face.

“What did he say?”

“That, uh… If he hears anything, he’ll give our moms the details. And tell your dad.”

“We’d better get it out of our systems while he’s out then, huh?”

You’d watched Wooyoung short-circuit before over Yeosang babbling on about his engineering studies, mostly. Being the reason he did so now, especially when it was enhanced by the pretty pink tinge that rose in his cheeks and ears, was an entirely new and delightful experience.

“Unless you don’t—” you began when the silence stretched, only to be cut off by his lips on your own.

“Absolutely the hell not,” he practically growled, and you felt your knees go a little weak. “I’ve waited way too long to have you—I’m not waiting any longer.”

“Then don’t,” you breathed, stepping back from him and catching his hand in yours as it fell between you.

The two of you practically dashed up the stairs, barely pausing to kick the door shut and lock it before your lips were pressed together again, both hungry for each other. His hands ran up your sides and under your sweater, rucking it up and grabbing at the soft skin he found underneath. Your fingers tangled in his hair and tugged, pulling a pretty moan from him that you wanted to hear more of right then and there. He gave you no time, however, spinning you and walking you back toward the bed.

When your knees hit the mattress, you both fell in a giggling heap onto it, Wooyoung caging you in below him with his hands on either side of your head. His lips found your jaw the moment you both settled and he let his eyes flutter shut as he trailed kisses down your throat. There would be time to watch you come apart for him later; now, he wanted to bask in all the pretty little sounds you let out as he worked you up. It didn’t take long before you were squirming under him, hands grasping at his hair while his lips and hands sought each other through the barrier of your sweater. When his lips reached your neckline, he guided you up and pulled your sweater over your head, tossing it to the side, your bra quickly following.

He sat back on his heels, hands on your waist to keep you upright as he drank you in, eyes wide and earnest. You felt your cheeks heat, tugging at the hem of his own shirt to resist the urge to cover yourself. He obliged immediately, the garment discarded like yours, and your hands immediately found his skin. Wooyoung shivered as you ran your fingers up his chest, tracing over the lines of his abs and ghosting over his nipples, delighting at the shiver that lit down his spine and the whine that spilled from his lips.

In the next moment, his lips were on yours and he was guiding you onto your back once more. His hands stopped only to squeeze your breasts and tweak at your nipples in return, pulling a gasp from you and a grin from him, before they came to rest at your waistband, fingers dipping under it. You lifted your hips obediently, your lounge pants and underwear being pulled off and shucked away at once and earning a purr of “Good girl,” from Wooyoung.

You whimpered at that and he grinned, raising an eyebrow at you as he lowered himself between your legs. “Noted,” he hummed, pressing a kiss to the inside of your thigh. “Sit there and look pretty for me while I open you up, okay.”

At a loss for words, you nodded dumbly, gasping as his lips met your skin again. You melted back into the pillows with a moan as his breath ghosted over your core, hips twitching in anticipation. “W-Wooyoung,” you tried. He grinned wickedly up at you.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll take care of you.”

Without another word, he was pressing his tongue to you and lapping a fat stripe up your core, flicking his tongue over your clit with a little flourish. You squirmed and he grinned against you, moaning into your heat as you tugged at his hair, silently begging him to come closer. He obliged and buried his tongue between your folds, the curve of his nose bumping against your sensitive bundle of nerves as he lost himself in your taste.

His hands came up under you to cup at your ass, kneading at the soft flesh as your thighs landed over his shoulders. You whimpered and squirmed, thighs twitching by his ears, and Wooyoung couldn’t think of any place he’d rather be. His fingers prodded against your entrance and he glanced up questioningly as your hips jerked, as if both you and your body were unsure if you wanted more or less. The sight that met him was one of beauty; your hair was spread across the pillows around you and the hand that wasn’t tangled in Wooyoung’s hair had begun kneading at your breast—and Wooyoung rutted down into the mattress with a low groan.

You nodded frantically as he pressed more insistently against your core, and he quickly slipped a finger into you, preening at the sigh you let out. He worked it slowly in contrast to his quick tongue, and the difference quickly had you seeing stars. Eyes still locked on your writhing form, he pressed a second finger in with the first and crooked them up, seeking out your sweet spot. The moment he found it, he grinned, committing the little squeak of pleasure that left you to memory for later.

It took seconds, then, for the coil in your gut to snap, and your back arched off the bed as you rode out your high against Wooyoung’s sinful mouth. His eyes were wide and innocent as he worked you over your peak with no sign of halting, only freeing you from your torment when you tugged him back by his hair. He surfaced with a gasp and a grin you quickly wiped off his face as you crashed your lips against his own.

There was no time for him to react as you shoved him down next to you and climbed into his lap, settling your weight over his clothed cock. He groaned and winced, neglected length throbbing painfully at the sudden stimulation. You giggled and he glared, hands settling on your hips to encourage you to start grinding against him. With a coy smile, you moved his hands back to the sheets and shifted back to his thighs, fingers tucking under his waistband. What you found made you freeze, and you were gifted with another beautiful Wooyoung giggle as he grinned up at you.

“You were expecting this, weren’t you?” You muttered as you tugged his pants down and, just as you had guessed, found no underwear beneath.

He shook his head, expression suddenly softer. “Expecting, never. Hoping?” He grinned like a Cheshire and leaned forward, cupping your ass and dragging you up to press your core against him. “Always,” he purred, darting up to catch your lips once more.

You hummed happily as you ground down against him, the friction welcome but far too little after experiencing his tongue and fingers. “Wooyoung,” you managed between kisses, shifting further up so his head caught on your entrance. “Wanna ride you baby, please?”

He let out a wrecked groan and nodded, wrapping an arm around you to lift you as the other positioned his cock at your entrance. “Wait, shit,” he murmured, shifting under you. You whined, thighs clenching to keep him in place. “Condom.”

“I’m on birth control,” you muttered, grinding against him, “wanna feel you, please.”

Wooyoung cursed, hips rolling up against your own. “Don’t have to tell me twice.”

You beamed, pressing another quick kiss to his lips as he lined himself back up. His hands held you steady, setting the pace for you as he filled you inch-by-inch and you whined in protest, brow furrowing. Pressing his wrists down into the sheets, you sat yourself on his cock in one fluid motion, pulling cries from both of you. Ravenous, you slotted your lips against his and immediately began riding him in earnest, grinning against his lips at the squeak he let out.

“F-Fuck, babydoll,” he gasped out, hands returning to your hips when yours grasped the headboard for balance. “Not gonna last if you keep at this—shit.”

“Play with my clit,” you breathed, walls clenching around him at the hungry look he gave in return, “and I won’t either.”

Wordlessly, he nodded, tongue flicking out to wet his thumb before settling over your clit, pushing back the hood before rubbing tight circles over it. You let out a broken shout and he moaned quietly, cock twitching pleasantly inside you.

“G-G’nna…” he gasped, swallowing thickly as he staved off his climax.

You nodded, pace picking up just barely as you chased your releases. A moment later, your walls began fluttering around him and your back arched, mouth open in a silent scream as you plummeted over your peak. The sight of you was all it took for Wooyoung to follow, reaching up and pulling you down into his chest as he emptied into you.

The silence was jarring when you both came back to your senses, only the sound of your heavy breaths filling the space now. You sighed with a smile and let your eyes flutter shut, allowing yourself to bask in the afterglow before the sweat would force you to the bathroom. Your boyfriend held you tight, pressing kisses into your hair as his hands roamed over your back.

“I love you, Wooyoungie,” you murmured sleepily, smiling as you felt him chuckle.

“I love you too, Y/N-ie,” he replied readily.

“This is the best year yet.”

He beamed. “And it’s only day one.”

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lunardragon00 · 3 months ago

Text

Don't Save Her (she don't wanna be saved)

Masterlist

Peasant!Wooyoung x Princess!Reader

Fantasy Au / Elemental Au

Summary: Wooyoung has a younger brother who is not well, he needs medical attention but their family doesn't have enough money to pay for a regular doctor. The King of their kingdom is ready for marriage, so a town gathering is held where one of the Kings knights is asking volunteers to rescue the princess for a cash reward. Needing the money, Wooyoung volunteers and drags his friends San and Yeosang along with him on the journey. Should be an easy task, shouldn't it?

ACT ONE:

Nestled between the towering peaks of the Greyfold Mountains and the vast expanse of the Azure Sea, Elaria was a land of breathtaking beauty and hidden dangers. Its people lived simple lives, toiling in the fields, crafting wares, and serving the Crown.

The heart of the kingdom was the bustling town of Havenbrook, a place where the scent of fresh bread mingled with the salty breeze from the sea, and the cobblestone streets echoed with the chatter of merchants and townsfolk. At the edge of this town, where the forest met the fields, stood a small, unassuming cottage. This was the home of Jung Wooyoung, a young man known to the townspeople as a skilled cook, and to a select few as something far more extraordinary.

Wooyoung's life was a delicate balance. By day, he worked in the town's most popular inn, serving hearty meals to travelers and locals alike. But by night, in the privacy of his home, he practiced the art of water bending—a gift passed down through his family for generations. It was a secret he guarded with his life, for in Elaria, those with the power to command the elements were bound by law to serve in the King's Guard, a fate Wooyoung wished to avoid at all costs. He could not bear the thought of leaving his ailing younger brother, Kyungmin, nor could he risk the livelihood of their small family.

The first light of dawn filtered through the worn curtains of the small cottage, casting a soft glow over the modest room. Wooyoung stirred from his sleep, the familiar sounds of the morning already beginning to stir outside—birds chirping, the distant rustle of leaves, and the soft murmur of the nearby stream. He pushed back the thin blanket and quietly rose from his bed, careful not to wake his younger brother, Kyungmin, who lay sleeping in the bed across from him.

Kyungmin's breaths were shallow, a faint wheeze accompanying each exhale. The sight tugged at Wooyoung's heart. The illness had come suddenly, without warning, and it had clung to Kyungmin like a shadow, refusing to let go. The local healer had done what she could, but the treatments were costly, and their family's resources were limited.

Wooyoung padded softly into the kitchen, where his mother was already up, her slender figure hunched over a pot of boiling water. The lines of worry etched on her face had deepened in recent months, and Wooyoung could see the toll Kyungmin's illness was taking on her.

"Morning, Eomma," Wooyoung greeted quietly as he reached for the bread on the counter.

His mother glanced up, offering him a tired smile. "Good morning, Wooyoung. Did you sleep well?"

"Well enough," he replied, though sleep had been restless and fleeting. His mind was always turning, always thinking of what more he could do to help his family. "I'll take care of breakfast today. You should rest."

She hesitated, looking as though she wanted to protest, but finally nodded. "Thank you, dear. I'll check on Kyungmin."

As his mother disappeared into the other room, Wooyoung set to work, his hands moving with practiced ease as he prepared a simple breakfast. He sliced the bread, scrambled a few eggs, and heated some leftover rice. As he worked, he allowed his mind to wander, the rhythm of cooking bringing a strange sense of calm.

By the time breakfast was ready, Kyungmin had woken, his face pale but smiling weakly at the sight of his older brother. Wooyoung sat beside him, coaxing him to eat as much as he could, though Kyungmin's appetite was sparse.

"Hyung," Kyungmin said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

Wooyoung smiled, ruffling his brother's hair. "Don't worry about it. Just focus on getting better, okay?"

Kyungmin nodded, but there was a flicker of worry in his eyes that mirrored Wooyoung's own. The unspoken fear that hung between them was something neither of them wanted to acknowledge.

After breakfast, Wooyoung gathered his things, preparing for another day at the inn. He kissed his mother on the cheek and promised to bring home something special for dinner. The walk to Havenbrook was familiar, each step a part of his daily routine.

The inn was already buzzing with activity when Wooyoung arrived. The scent of roasting meats and freshly baked bread filled the air, and the clatter of pots and pans created a symphony of sound that Wooyoung knew by heart. He rolled up his sleeves and joined the kitchen staff, losing himself in the work.

A couple of hours into the day, just as the morning rush was beginning to slow, the door to the inn swung open, and Kang Yeosang walked in, his arms full of freshly harvested produce. His face was flushed from the exertion, but he greeted Wooyoung with a warm smile as he approached the kitchen.

"Morning, Woo. Got some fresh vegetables for you," Yeosang said, setting the basket down on the counter.

"Thanks, Yeosang," Wooyoung replied, wiping his hands on his apron before inspecting the produce. "Everything looks great, as usual."

Yeosang nodded, his expression growing more serious. "Have you heard about the gathering tonight?"

Wooyoung paused, looking up with a frown. "No, I haven't. What's it about?"

"There's been talk that it might have something to do with the Princess," Yeosang said, lowering his voice. "She's been missing for a while now, and people are saying the King is getting desperate."

Wooyoung's thoughts immediately went to the reward that might be offered. It was hard to ignore the flicker of hope that kindled in his chest. "Do you think you'll go?"

Yeosang shrugged, his usual calm demeanor giving little away. "I'm not sure. But my next stop is the palace, so maybe San knows more about it."

Wooyoung nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Thanks for the heads-up, Yeosang. I'll see you there later."

As the afternoon wore on, Wooyoung found it difficult to focus, his thoughts drifting back to the conversation with Yeosang. The idea of a reward was tempting, especially with Kyungmin's condition weighing heavily on him. By the time his shift ended, Wooyoung had made up his mind.

He left the inn as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, making his way to the town square. On his way, he spotted San waiting for him, leaning casually against a tree with his usual mischievous grin.

"Looks like you've got something on your mind," San remarked as Wooyoung approached.

Wooyoung let out a sigh, glancing around the gathering crowd. "You could say that. Let's find a spot before the hearing starts."

San raised an eyebrow but didn't press further, falling into step beside Wooyoung as they made their way into the square. The night air was cool, and the square buzzed with the murmurs of townsfolk, all waiting for the knight's announcement that could very well change everything.

The town square of Havenbrook had never been so crowded. Every available space was filled with townsfolk, their faces lit by the flickering torches lining the perimeter. There was a nervous energy in the air, an unspoken understanding that whatever news the King's knight had to deliver would be significant.

Wooyoung and San found a spot near the front, where they could hear and see everything clearly. The murmur of the crowd grew quieter as a group of soldiers emerged from the shadows, their armor gleaming under the torchlight. At their head was a tall knight clad in dark, polished steel, his presence commanding immediate attention. He carried himself with an air of authority, and as he stepped forward, the crowd fell into a tense silence.

The knight scanned the crowd before speaking, his voice deep and resonant, carrying easily over the heads of those gathered. "Citizens of Havenbrook, I bring a message from His Majesty the King."

The crowd collectively held its breath, and Wooyoung felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his chest. San stood beside him, arms crossed, his usual casual demeanor replaced with one of focused intensity.

"The Princess Y/N has been missing for 2 years," the knight continued. "Despite the efforts of the King's Guard, her whereabouts remain unknown. The King, in his desperation, has decided to offer a substantial reward to anyone who can bring her back safely to the capital. The reward will be enough to change the fortunes of any man or woman who succeeds."

A ripple of murmurs ran through the crowd. The idea of such a reward was intoxicating, especially for those who struggled to make ends meet. Wooyoung's mind raced—this was exactly the opportunity he had hoped for. The reward could pay for Kyungmin's treatments, lift the burden from his mother's shoulders, and secure a future for all of them. But the dangers of such a quest were undeniable.

The knight raised a hand to silence the crowd before they could get too carried away. "However, be warned: this mission is not for the faint of heart. The Princess disappeared near the Forest of Shadows, a place known for its treacherous terrain and dangerous creatures. Many who have ventured there have not returned."

Wooyoung felt a shiver run down his spine at the mention of the Forest of Shadows. It was a place spoken of in hushed tones, a dark and twisted part of the kingdom where even the bravest dared not tread.

"Any who wish to volunteer should present themselves at the barracks by dawn," the knight concluded. "May the gods be with you."

With that, he turned on his heel and marched back through the ranks of soldiers, disappearing into the night. The crowd erupted into a frenzy of discussion, some debating the risks, others already planning how they would spend the reward.

Wooyoung stood in silence, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. San watched him carefully, waiting for his friend to speak.

"You're seriously considering this, aren't you?" San finally asked, his tone devoid of the usual teasing.

Wooyoung nodded slowly. "Kyungmin... he doesn't have much time. This might be the only chance we have."

San let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. "You know it's dangerous. More dangerous than anything we've ever faced."

"I know," Wooyoung replied, determination hardening in his voice. "But I have to try. For my family."

San studied him for a moment before giving a resigned nod. "Alright, if you're in, then so am I. Someone has to keep you out of trouble."

Wooyoung managed a small smile, grateful for his friend's support. He glanced around the square, searching for Yeosang. It wasn't long before he spotted the farmer standing at the edge of the crowd, his expression unreadable.

"Yeosang," Wooyoung called, motioning for him to join them.

Yeosang approached, his usual calm demeanor masking any concern he might have felt. "I assume you've made your decision."

"I have," Wooyoung confirmed. "But I could use some help."

Yeosang regarded him with a steady gaze before nodding. "You've got it. We'll do this together."

The three friends stood in silent agreement, the enormity of the task ahead of them settling in. The road would be long and perilous, but the bond between them was strong, forged through years of trust and shared hardship. And now, that bond would be tested like never before.

As the crowd began to disperse, Wooyoung felt a renewed sense of purpose. Tomorrow, at dawn, they would begin a journey that could change their lives forever.

The door to the cottage creaked softly as Wooyoung stepped inside, the familiar warmth of home wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. The evening had grown late, and the town square had finally quieted down, leaving only the echoes of the night's events lingering in his mind.

His mother was seated at the small kitchen table, a half-mended shirt in her lap. The candlelight flickered softly, casting shadows across her tired face. She looked up as Wooyoung entered, her eyes searching his face for answers to the questions she hadn't yet asked.

"Wooyoung," she said softly, setting the shirt aside. "I heard about the gathering tonight. People are saying the King's offering a reward for finding the Princess."

Wooyoung nodded, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her. He could see the worry in her eyes, the fear she tried so hard to mask. "Yes, Eomma. It's true."

She hesitated, her hands wringing together in her lap. "And you're thinking of going, aren't you?"

Wooyoung took a deep breath, nodding again. "The reward... it could be enough to get Kyungmin the treatment he needs. It could change everything for us."

His mother's face tightened with concern, her voice trembling slightly. "But Wooyoung, the places you'd have to go... the dangers you'd face... You've never traveled so far from home. What if something happens to you?"

"I won't be alone," Wooyoung reassured her, reaching across the table to take her hands in his. "San and Yeosang are coming with me. San's a skilled fighter—he's been training since we were kids, and he's never lost a fight. And Yeosang... he knows the land better than anyone. He's traveled through most of the kingdom with his family. Between the three of us, we'll be able to handle whatever comes our way."

His mother's eyes softened at the mention of his friends, but the worry remained. "I know they're good boys, Wooyoung, but the Forest of Shadows... it's not like anything you've ever faced."

Wooyoung squeezed her hands gently, his voice steady and calm. "If it comes to it, Eomma, I'll use my powers. I've been practicing, and I'm stronger now. I'll do whatever it takes to keep us safe."

Her gaze dropped to their joined hands, and Wooyoung could see the conflict in her expression. She had always known about his abilities, the water bending that ran through their family's blood, but they had both understood the risks of revealing it. Now, he was offering to use that very power to protect them, despite the dangers it could bring.

After a long moment, she looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just... I can't bear the thought of losing you, Wooyoung. You're all I have left. You and Kyungmin... you're my world."

Wooyoung felt a lump rise in his throat, his own emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He leaned forward, pulling his mother into a gentle embrace. "I'll be careful, Eomma. I promise. I'm doing this for Kyungmin, and for you. I'll come back. We'll all come back."

She clung to him, her hands trembling slightly as she held him close. "You're so brave, my son. Just like your father was."

Wooyoung closed his eyes, the mention of his father stirring a deep sense of pride and determination within him. His father had been a strong man, a protector of their family, and Wooyoung was determined to carry on that legacy.

After a long moment, his mother pulled back, brushing a tear from her cheek as she forced a small, brave smile. "If this is what you feel you must do, then I won't stop you. But promise me you'll be careful. Promise me you'll come back."

"I promise," Wooyoung whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll come back."

She nodded, her hands lingering on his as she looked at him with a mixture of love and fear. "Then I'll pray for your safety, every day until you return."

Wooyoung managed a small smile, trying to reassure her. "And when I do, we'll have everything we need. Kyungmin will get better, and we'll be able to live without worry."

His mother nodded, though the worry in her eyes never fully disappeared. "Just... remember that no matter what happens, I love you. And I'm proud of you."

"I love you too, Eomma," Wooyoung replied, his heart swelling with affection for the woman who had sacrificed so much for him and his brother.

As they sat together in the quiet of the night, Wooyoung felt a renewed sense of resolve. The journey ahead would be difficult, but he would face it head-on, driven by the love of his family and the hope of a better future. And with San and Yeosang by his side, he knew he wouldn't be facing it alone.

The first light of dawn crept through the small windows of the cottage, casting a soft, golden hue across the worn wooden floors. Wooyoung stirred in his bed, his mind already awake, running through the plans and possibilities of the day ahead. Today was the day they would begin their journey—a day that could change everything.

Quietly, he slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Kyungmin, who was still sound asleep in the bed across the room. The sight of his younger brother, frail and pale, only strengthened Wooyoung's resolve. He pulled on his clothes and padded softly to the small kitchen, where he found his mother already awake, her hands busy preparing a modest breakfast.

"Good morning, Eomma," Wooyoung greeted her, his voice hushed.

"Good morning," she replied, turning to offer him a gentle smile. But her eyes held a depth of emotion that words couldn't convey.

Wooyoung stepped forward, taking the knife from her hands as he began slicing the bread. "You didn't have to get up so early. I could've done this."

His mother shook her head, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "You've always been an early riser, but today I wanted to make sure you had a good meal before you left. You'll need your strength."

They worked side by side in comfortable silence, the simple rhythm of preparing breakfast grounding them both. Wooyoung could feel the weight of what was to come, but he was determined to keep his spirits high for his mother's sake.

When the meal was ready, Wooyoung went to wake Kyungmin. The boy's eyes fluttered open, and he offered Wooyoung a weak smile. "Are you really going, hyung?"

Wooyoung nodded, ruffling his brother's hair affectionately. "I am. But don't worry, San and Yeosang will be with me. We'll be back before you know it."

Kyungmin's smile faltered, his small hand reaching out to grasp Wooyoung's. "Be careful, okay?"

"I will," Wooyoung promised, squeezing his brother's hand gently. "And when I come back, I'll bring you something special."

Kyungmin's eyes lit up with a flicker of excitement. "Something from the castle?"

"Maybe," Wooyoung teased, leaning down to kiss his brother's forehead. "But you have to promise to get better while I'm gone."

Kyungmin nodded, his expression turning serious. "I will. I'll get stronger, just like you."

The three of them sat down to breakfast, the atmosphere both somber and hopeful. Wooyoung's mother tried to keep the conversation light, asking about San and Yeosang, and reminiscing about the times Wooyoung had gotten into mischief with his friends as a child. But as the meal drew to a close, the reality of his departure settled in.

Wooyoung's mother reached across the table, taking both of her sons' hands in hers. "Wooyoung... remember what we talked about last night."

"I will, Eomma," Wooyoung said softly, his heart heavy with both the responsibility and the hope he carried.

She nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I packed some food for your journey. It's not much, but it should keep you fed for a few days."

"Thank you," Wooyoung replied, his voice thick with emotion. He rose from the table, gathering his small pack and the provisions his mother had prepared. The time had come.

As he stepped outside into the crisp morning air, he took a deep breath, letting the coolness clear his mind. The town was still waking up, the streets quiet save for the distant sound of roosters crowing and the occasional bark of a dog.

San and Yeosang were waiting for him at the edge of the field, their figures silhouetted against the rising sun. Wooyoung turned back to the cottage one last time, catching sight of his mother standing in the doorway, her hand resting on Kyungmin's shoulder.

"I'll come back soon," he called out, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Go with the gods, my son," she replied, her voice strong despite the tears glistening in her eyes.

Wooyoung nodded, then turned and made his way across the field to where his friends stood. The three of them exchanged silent nods, the unspoken understanding between them solidifying their resolve. Without another word, they set off down the path, the road ahead stretching out toward the unknown.

As they walked, the first rays of sunlight began to bathe the land in warmth, the world awakening to a new day.

The sun was just beginning to crest over the horizon, its soft light filtering through the thinning canopy of trees, casting a gentle glow on the path ahead. The three young men had been walking since dawn, their pace steady and determined. The sprawling wheat fields and dense woods of the previous day had gradually given way to the ominous silhouettes of the Forest of Shadows in the distance, the trees there looming like sentinels guarding an ancient secret.

Wooyoung glanced over his shoulder at the dark mass of trees, a slight unease settling in his chest. They had made good progress, but the thought of entering that foreboding forest in the dark was enough to make even the bravest man think twice. It was time to rest, to gather their strength before venturing into the unknown.

"We should take a break here," Wooyoung suggested, motioning toward a small clearing near a creek that babbled softly as it wound its way through the woods. The water sparkled in the early morning light, a welcome sight after the dusty road they'd traveled.

San and Yeosang nodded in agreement, their steps slowing as they veered off the path and set down their packs. The clearing was peaceful, the sound of the creek providing a soothing backdrop as they began to prepare a small meal from the provisions Wooyoung's mother had packed.

They ate in silence at first, each of them lost in their thoughts as they rationed out the food carefully, aware of the journey still ahead. The bread was a bit stale, the cheese hard, but they made do, appreciating the sustenance that would keep them going.

After the meal, San stood and stretched, his limbs aching from the long hours of walking. "I don't know about you two, but I could use a quick wash," he said with a grin, already making his way toward the creek.

Wooyoung and Yeosang exchanged amused glances before following him. The cool water was a welcome relief, and they wasted no time shedding their clothes and plunging into the creek, the shock of the cold making them gasp and laugh.

"This is freezing!" Yeosang exclaimed, his voice ringing out with a rare burst of laughter as he splashed water at Wooyoung, who retaliated with an equally large splash.

San chuckled as he dunked his head under the water, coming up with his hair plastered to his face. "Cold or not, it feels good to get all that dust off."

For a moment, the heaviness of their mission was forgotten as they splashed and joked around like the friends they were, the camaraderie between them easing the tension that had been building since they left Havenbrook.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, they eventually emerged from the creek, dripping and refreshed. They dried off with what they had and dressed quickly, settling back down by the creek to continue their rest.

Yeosang leaned back on his elbows, his gaze drifting toward the shadowy edge of the forest that loomed not too far away. "We should be in the Forest of Shadows by noon if we keep up our pace. From what I've heard, there are a few small towns on the other side. It's possible the Princess could be in one of them, hidden away."

San, who was sharpening a small knife he always carried, looked up at the mention of the forest. "Assuming we make it through in one piece," he said with a wry smile. "The rumors about that place... they're not exactly reassuring."

"What have you heard?" Wooyoung asked, leaning forward, curious but cautious.

San sheathed the knife and sat up straighter, his expression more serious now. "They say the forest is cursed. That strange things happen to those who wander in too far. Some people talk about disappearing trails, others about shadows that move on their own, leading travelers astray. And then there are the creatures..."

Yeosang snorted, though there was a nervous edge to his laugh. "You're just trying to scare us, San."

San shook his head, his dark eyes steady. "I'm not. I don't know how much of it is true, but it's worth being careful. We should stick close together, no matter what. If anything feels off, we turn back."

Wooyoung nodded in agreement, feeling a chill that had nothing to do with the water. "We'll be fine if we're smart about it. We're not going in blind—we've got each other's backs."

The reassurance in his voice seemed to settle them all, the quiet determination shared between them like an unspoken pact. They had made it this far together, and they would continue on, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

"Besides," Yeosang added, his voice lightening the mood again, "we've got Wooyoung and his 'secret' powers. If worse comes to worst, he can always wash the bad guys away."

Wooyoung chuckled, appreciating the attempt to ease the tension. "Or drown them in a puddle," he joked back, though the thought of using his powers in a fight made his stomach tighten with anxiety.

San grinned, clapping Wooyoung on the back. "See? We'll be fine. Just a quick walk through a creepy forest, and then it's straight to saving a princess."

"Tell me again how we got dragged into Wooyoung's bullshit?" Yeosang asked, his voice a mix of exasperation and teasing.

Wooyoung, standing at the edge of the Forest of Shadows, shot him an amused look. "Dragged? I seem to remember a certain someone volunteering."

San smirked, adjusting the strap of his pack. "He's got a point, Yeosang. Besides, it's not every day we get to be heroes. Think of the glory, the fame... the gold."

Yeosang rolled his eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Glory and fame don't mean much if we don't make it out of here alive."

Wooyoung chuckled, his gaze shifting to the dark entrance of the forest before them. The trees were tall and thick, their branches twisted together to form a canopy so dense that only slivers of light managed to break through. It was morning, yet the forest was draped in an eerie twilight, as if the sun had forgotten to rise in this part of the world.

"Well, standing out here isn't going to get us anywhere," Wooyoung said, his tone more serious now. "Ready?"

San nodded, resting his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Let's get this over with."

The three men exchanged one last glance, a mixture of determination and apprehension passing between them, before stepping into the forest.

The moment they crossed the threshold, it felt as though the air grew heavier, thicker with an ancient energy that made the hair on the back of their necks stand on end. The forest was alive with the rustle of leaves and the occasional snap of twigs underfoot, but it was the stillness, the pervasive quiet that set them on edge. Every sound seemed magnified, echoing through the trees in a way that felt unnatural.

For the first hour, they walked in relative silence, the tension between them kept at bay by a mix of nervous anticipation and focused determination. The path ahead was narrow and winding, forcing them to walk in single file, with San in the lead, Wooyoung in the middle, and Yeosang bringing up the rear.

"This isn't so bad," Wooyoung said after a while, trying to lighten the mood. "We're making good time."

Yeosang grunted in response, his eyes scanning the trees. "Don't jinx it."

But Wooyoung's words seemed to fall on deaf ears. A few moments later, San slowed to a stop, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Wait... Haven't we passed this spot before?"

Wooyoung frowned, looking around. The trees were dense and nearly identical, but now that San mentioned it, there was something unsettlingly familiar about the way the path curved, the way the roots twisted out of the ground like skeletal hands. "I think you're right... Didn't we just come from there?"

Yeosang swore under his breath, his hand tightening on the hilt of his knife. "How is that possible? We've been walking straight this whole time."

San turned in a slow circle, his eyes narrowing as he tried to find something—anything—that would make sense of their situation. But the more he looked, the more disoriented he felt. "It's like the forest is playing tricks on us."

Wooyoung's heart began to race, a cold sweat breaking out on the back of his neck. The shadows seemed to shift and stretch, the underbrush rustling with a sound that was too rhythmic, too deliberate to be just the wind. "Stay close," he murmured, his voice tense.

They continued forward, but no matter how many steps they took, they kept finding themselves back in the same spot, the trees around them seeming to shift when they weren't looking. The tension grew, the once-friendly banter replaced by a heavy silence, their nerves frayed by the unexplainable loop they were caught in.

Then, there was a snap—a sharp crack of a twig breaking in the distance, followed by a faint echo that reverberated through the trees.

All three of them froze, their weapons drawn in an instant. Wooyoung's fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword, his breath catching in his throat. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah," San whispered, his eyes darting around, searching for the source of the noise.

Yeosang's grip on his knife was steady, but his voice held a note of concern. "We're not alone."

The forest seemed to close in around them, the shadows deeper, the silence more oppressive. The snapping sounds grew closer, echoing from different directions as if they were being surrounded.

"Keep your eyes open," San instructed, his voice low and calm despite the tension crackling in the air. "Whatever it is, it's trying to mess with us."

They moved cautiously now, every sense heightened, their weapons at the ready. The path continued to twist and loop back on itself, the once straightforward journey turning into a nightmarish maze. The darkness seemed to pulse with a life of its own, the whispers of the forest growing louder, more insistent.

The snapping sounds grew louder, more frequent, as if whatever was out there was circling them, toying with their nerves. The shadows seemed to grow thicker, creeping in from the edges of their vision, making it impossible to tell where the trees ended and the darkness began. Every instinct screamed at them to run, but they held their ground, weapons poised and senses on high alert.

"Stay sharp," Wooyoung murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. The forest had taken on an oppressive silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a bird. But even those sounds felt wrong, as if the forest itself was watching them, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Wooyoung caught a flicker of movement—something darting between the trees, too fast to get a clear look at. "Did you see that?"

San nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. "Yeah. We're not alone."

The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife, and every muscle in Wooyoung's body was coiled, ready to spring into action. And then, as if on cue, the forest erupted into chaos.

From the shadows, three creatures lunged at them, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. They were vaguely humanoid in shape but twisted, their limbs too long and their movements unnaturally fast. They moved as if they were part of the shadows themselves, blending in and out of sight in the blink of an eye.

San reacted first, his sword flashing as he swung at the nearest creature. It dodged, barely missing the blade, but San was quick, pivoting to slash at it again. This time, he connected, the blade slicing through the creature's arm. It let out a shriek, retreating into the shadows before lunging at him again.

Wooyoung had his hands full with another creature, its claws swiping at him with terrifying speed. He ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding a swipe aimed at his throat, before thrusting his sword upward into its chest. The creature hissed, its eyes flaring with anger as it backed off, circling him like a predator.

Yeosang fought off his own opponent, his knife flashing as he parried its attacks. He was quick, his movements precise, but the creature was relentless, coming at him from different angles, testing his defenses. Yeosang managed to slice across its shoulder, drawing a dark, oily substance that might have been blood, but it only seemed to enrage the creature further.

The forest was a blur of movement, the three men fighting with everything they had. But the creatures were relentless, their attacks uncoordinated yet fierce, as if they were testing their limits, waiting for the right moment to strike the killing blow.

Wooyoung managed to land a solid blow on his opponent, his sword cleaving through its side. The creature let out a shriek, staggering back before collapsing into a heap of dark, writhing shadows that dissipated into the forest floor.

San finished his opponent with a powerful slash, the creature disintegrating into a cloud of black mist as it hit the ground. He was breathing hard, his eyes scanning the trees for any sign of more attackers.

Yeosang delivered a final, precise stab to his foe, the creature crumpling into a pile of shadows at his feet. He stepped back, chest heaving as he wiped his blade on the ground.

They stood there for a moment, catching their breath, the adrenaline still pumping through their veins. The forest was quiet again, the oppressive silence returning as if nothing had happened.

"Is everyone okay?" Wooyoung asked, his voice strained from the effort of the fight.

"Yeah," San replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. "But we need to keep moving. We're not out of this yet."

Yeosang nodded, sheathing his knife. "That was too easy. Whatever's in this forest, it's not done with us."

They took a moment to gather themselves before continuing on, the path growing darker and more twisted the deeper they ventured into the forest. The feeling of being watched was stronger now, the shadows seeming to move of their own accord, shifting and whispering as they walked. It wasn't long before they realized they were being followed again.

The first sign was the subtle rustling in the trees, followed by the faintest of whispers, like the wind carrying voices just out of reach. Then, as they rounded a bend, the shadows in the forest seemed to come alive, forming into shapes—dozens of them—creeping toward them with a malevolent intent.

"Not again," San muttered, drawing his sword. "But there are too many this time..."

The shadow creatures surged forward, their forms flickering and shifting, as if made of the very darkness that surrounded them. San and Yeosang struck out with their weapons, but to their horror, their blades sliced through the creatures like air, the shadows reforming instantly, unscathed.

"We can't hurt them like this!" Yeosang shouted, frustration and fear creeping into his voice.

Wooyoung's heart pounded in his chest as he watched their blades pass harmlessly through the creatures. The shadows were closing in, their numbers overwhelming. He knew what he had to do.

"Stand back!" Wooyoung yelled, dropping his sword. He focused, feeling the pull of the water in the nearby creek, the moisture in the air, even the sweat on their skin. He reached out with his mind, drawing the water to him, shaping it, molding it into a weapon.

A tendril of water snaked through the air, solidifying into a sharp blade as it sliced through the nearest shadow creature. The creature let out a high-pitched wail as it disintegrated into nothingness, the water cutting through it as if it were solid.

Wooyoung didn't stop there. He moved his hands, directing the water like an extension of himself, cutting through the shadow creatures with precision. Each time his water blade struck, the creatures dissolved, their forms unable to reform.

But there were too many. They kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless. Wooyoung felt the strain of using his power so intensely, the effort starting to wear on him. His breath came in ragged gasps, but he pushed on, knowing it was their only chance.

When the creatures began to swarm around them, Wooyoung changed tactics. He gathered the water around him, pulling from the creek until he had enough to form a sphere of liquid around the creatures. With a sharp motion, he froze the water, trapping the shadow creatures inside.

Then, with a final, desperate push, Wooyoung shattered the ice, the frozen shards crashing to the ground, obliterating the shadow creatures within. The forest fell silent once more, the oppressive darkness lifting as the last of the creatures vanished.

Wooyoung stumbled, exhausted, barely catching himself before he fell. San was at his side in an instant, steadying him. "You did it," he said, his voice filled with awe and relief.

Yeosang stared at the shattered ice on the ground, his expression a mix of disbelief and admiration. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that."

Wooyoung managed a tired smile, his chest heaving with the effort of what he'd just done. "I think we're safe. For now, at least."

They took a moment to catch their breath, the danger of the forest still hanging over them, but the immediate threat was gone. They were alive, and for now, that was enough.

But as they looked ahead, the darker part of the forest loomed before them, an even greater challenge awaiting. And this time, they knew the shadows were watching.

They burst out of the forest in a wild sprint, the oppressive darkness giving way to the light of day as they raced for safety. Behind them, the earth-shaking roars of the shadow creature echoed, a terrifying reminder of the danger they were fleeing. Wooyoung's heart pounded in his chest, his legs burning with the effort, but he didn't dare slow down.

San was right beside him, his breath coming in ragged gasps, while Yeosang ran just ahead, his eyes wide with fear and determination. But just as they thought they were clear, a massive claw shot out from the darkness, its talons hooking onto Yeosang's bag and yanking him backward with a force that nearly knocked the wind out of him.

"Yeosang!" Wooyoung shouted, his voice filled with panic as he skidded to a stop. Without thinking, he lunged forward, grabbing onto Yeosang's arm just as San did the same. The two of them pulled with all their might, their muscles straining against the creature's immense strength.

For a heart-stopping moment, it felt like the shadow creature might win, dragging Yeosang back into the darkness. But with one final, desperate heave, they yanked him free, the three of them tumbling to the ground in a heap as the creature's roar of frustration echoed through the air.

They lay there for a moment, gasping for breath, the adrenaline still coursing through their veins. The creature's roars faded into the distance, unable to pursue them out of the forest.

Wooyoung was the first to start laughing, the sound bubbling up from deep within him, a mix of disbelief and sheer relief. "We... we actually made it out alive," he said between breaths, his voice tinged with a kind of wild, giddy joy.

San joined in, his laughter rough and unrestrained, the tension of the past hours finally breaking. "I can't believe it. We actually made it out of there."

Yeosang, still sprawled on the ground, let out a breathless chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "I thought that was it for sure. I thought... I was done for."

The three of them lay there, laughing like madmen, the sheer absurdity of their survival hitting them all at once. It was a laughter born from fear and relief, from the adrenaline still coursing through their veins, and from the sheer, unadulterated joy of being alive. They shared a look, a silent acknowledgment of what they had just been through together.

"Let's not do that again anytime soon," Wooyoung finally said, still grinning as he pushed himself up onto his feet.

San nodded in agreement, his smile wide. "Agreed. But if we do, let's make sure we have a better plan next time."

Yeosang, still catching his breath, just shook his head with a small smile. "I'm just glad I've got you two to drag me out of the fire... or the forest, in this case."

They pulled each other to their feet, dusting off the dirt and leaves, their spirits somehow lighter despite the ordeal they had just survived. The forest loomed behind them, dark and foreboding, but they had made it out. And now, whatever lay ahead felt just a little less daunting. The road ahead stretched out, winding through the rolling hills, a stark contrast to the dark, oppressive woods they had just escaped.

Yeosang adjusted his pack, glancing down the road. "There should be a town nearby. We can find an inn there and get some rest."

San and Wooyoung exchanged tired but hopeful looks, both of them eager for a bed that wasn't made of dirt and leaves.

"That sounds like heaven," San admitted, running a hand through his sweat-matted hair. "I feel like I've been run over by a cart."

"Same," Wooyoung agreed, a wry smile on his face. "I'm pretty sure we all smell like something crawled out of the forest and died."

Yeosang chuckled, nodding in agreement as they began their journey down the road. The idea of a warm bed and a proper meal motivated them, and despite their exhaustion, their pace quickened. The sun climbed higher in the sky as they walked, casting long shadows behind them, but the thought of a safe place to rest kept their spirits high.

After a few miles, they finally spotted the town in the distance, a cluster of buildings nestled in a small valley. As they drew closer, the sounds of daily life reached them—children playing, merchants haggling, and the clatter of hooves on cobblestones. The sight and sound of civilization brought a wave of relief over the trio.

They found the inn easily enough, a cozy-looking place with a sign swinging gently in the breeze. The innkeeper, a stout man with a kind face, greeted them warmly, though his smile faltered slightly as he took in their disheveled appearance.

"You lot look like you've been through the wringer," he remarked, eyeing them up and down. "Come in, come in. You'll want a hot bath and a meal, I'm sure."

As they entered the inn, the warmth and smell of cooked food embraced them, a stark contrast to the cold and dampness of the forest. The innkeeper led them to a small desk where they signed in and paid for their rooms. As they handed over their coins, the innkeeper glanced at them curiously.

"Must've been quite the journey. How long have you been out there?"

"Just a day," San replied with a shrug, "though it felt longer."

The innkeeper's brows furrowed. "A day, you say? You must've lost track of time in that forest. It's been three days since the last travelers passed through here."

The revelation hit them like a splash of cold water. Wooyoung's mind raced, trying to make sense of the innkeeper's words. Three days? But they had only been in the forest for what felt like a day, maybe a day and a half at most.

San and Yeosang shared a look of disbelief, and Wooyoung could see the same confusion mirrored in their eyes.

"Three days?" Yeosang asked, his voice filled with shock. "That's impossible."

"I'm afraid not," the innkeeper replied with a shake of his head. "The Forest of Shadows is known to play tricks on travelers, messing with their sense of time and direction. You're lucky you made it out at all."

The weight of the innkeeper's words settled over them as they were led to their rooms. Exhausted and overwhelmed, they each took their keys and offered each other tired nods of reassurance before parting ways.

Once inside his room, Wooyoung closed the door behind him and leaned against it, his mind reeling from the innkeeper's revelation. He took in his surroundings—a simple room with a bed, a washbasin, and a window that overlooked the quiet street below. The silence in the room was a stark contrast to the chaos they had just escaped.

He moved to the bed and sat down heavily, running a hand through his hair. Three days. They had been trapped in that cursed forest for three whole days, yet it had felt like only one. The thought sent a shiver down his spine. What else had that forest done to them? What other tricks had it played that they hadn't even noticed?

Wooyoung stared out the window, his thoughts racing. The journey was proving to be far more dangerous than any of them had anticipated. They had nearly lost Yeosang in the forest, and the shadow creatures had pushed him to the brink, forcing him to use his water-bending abilities in a way he hadn't in years.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white. The memory of those shadow creatures still haunted him—the way they had seemed almost alive, their forms shifting and swirling in the darkness. He had never seen anything like them before, and the fact that his powers had been the only thing capable of stopping them left him uneasy.

He had been careful all these years, hiding his abilities, using them only when absolutely necessary. But now, on this journey, he was forced to rely on them more and more. San and Yeosang knew of his powers—they had been by his side through thick and thin, helping him stay under the radar from the palace. The three of them had worked together to keep his secret safe, devising plans and excuses whenever anyone came too close to the truth.

But even with their support, Wooyoung couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him. The more he used his abilities, the more he risked exposure. What if they encountered someone who recognized his powers for what they were? What if the King's Guard caught wind of a water-bender traveling through the kingdom? No amount of planning could protect them from that.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. He knew his friends would have his back no matter what, but the weight of the secret they shared was heavy. It wasn't just his life on the line—it was theirs too. And as the dangers of their journey grew, so did the risks.

Lying back on the bed, Wooyoung stared up at the ceiling. He couldn't afford to dwell on these thoughts. Not now. They had made it out of the Forest of Shadows, and that was a victory in itself. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, he would let the safety of the inn and the warmth of the bed offer him a brief reprieve from the storm that was brewing in his mind.

The past few days had blurred together in a haze of restless travel and fruitless inquiries. Town after town, San tirelessly questioned anyone who might have information about the missing princess. Yeosang kept a careful eye on their surroundings, his experience as a traveler guiding their steps. But despite their efforts, Wooyoung couldn't shake the growing doubts gnawing at him.

What if they never found her? The princess could be anywhere—if she was even alive. And what about his family? It had been almost a week since he'd left Havenbrook, and the thought of his ailing brother and worried mother weighed heavily on his heart. He had no way of knowing how they were faring, no means of communication. Each day that passed only deepened his anxiety.

It was late when they arrived in another town, the inn they found offering a modest but welcome shelter from the road. The others had retired to their rooms, but Wooyoung couldn't sleep. The worries and fears that had been building up inside him refused to let him rest.

He slipped out of his room, the door creaking softly as he closed it behind him. The inn was quiet, the only sounds the faint crackle of a dying fire in the hearth and the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards as he made his way to the door. Outside, the night was cool and still, the air crisp with the lingering chill of early spring. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the cobblestone streets.

Wooyoung walked with no particular destination in mind, his feet carrying him through the winding alleys and narrow streets of the town. The buildings around him were dark, their windows shuttered against the night. A few stray cats prowled the shadows, their eyes glowing like tiny lanterns as they watched him pass.

His thoughts were a tangled mess, each worry vying for his attention. What if they never found the princess? What if this journey was all for nothing? What if something happened to his family while he was gone? The weight of these questions pressed down on him, making his steps feel heavier with each passing moment.

As he rounded a corner, lost in his own thoughts, he suddenly collided with someone, the impact jolting him back to reality. There was a soft gasp, followed by the sound of items clattering to the ground.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Wooyoung blurted out, his heart racing as he realized what had happened. He quickly crouched down to help pick up the items that had spilled from the basket. The street was dimly lit, the light from a distant lantern casting long shadows across the ground. He reached for a jar that had rolled a few feet away, his fingers brushing against the cool glass.

The woman he had bumped into was already kneeling beside him, her hands moving swiftly to gather the scattered contents. Her hair fell in loose waves around her face, the ends brushing against her cheeks as she worked. Her hands were quick and practiced, as if she was used to handling fragile items. "It's alright, really," she said, her voice soft but tinged with a hint of surprise. "I wasn't watching where I was going either."

Wooyoung glanced up at her as they worked together to collect the items. She appeared to be around his age, with a calm but weary expression, her eyes shadowed by the dim light. Her basket was filled with jars of oils, soaps, and bundles of herbs—items that suggested she might be an herbalist or perhaps a healer. The faint scent of lavender and rosemary hung in the air, mingling with the cool night breeze.

As they continued picking up the scattered items, Wooyoung couldn't help but notice the quiet efficiency with which she moved. Despite the accident, she remained composed, her movements steady and deliberate. He handed her a small vial that had rolled beneath a nearby bench, and she accepted it with a grateful nod, carefully placing it back into the basket.

"Thank you," she said as they finished gathering the last of her belongings. Her voice was gentle, but there was a note of exhaustion beneath it, as if she had been carrying a heavy burden for far too long. She gave him a small, tired smile, her lips curving up at the corners but not quite reaching her eyes.

Wooyoung stood, rubbing the back of his neck, feeling a bit awkward. "I'm really sorry about that," he repeated, his voice laced with genuine remorse. "I should've been paying attention."

She waved off his apology with a dismissive gesture, adjusting the basket on her hip. "It's alright, really. No harm done." She paused for a moment, studying him with a curious tilt of her head. "You look like you've got a lot on your mind."

Wooyoung hesitated, then nodded, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Yeah, you could say that. It's just... a lot to deal with right now."

The woman nodded, as if understanding more than he had said. There was a kindness in her eyes, a quiet empathy that made him feel as though he could share his burdens with her, even if only for a moment. "Well, whatever it is, I hope you find some peace," she said softly. "The night has a way of making our worries seem bigger than they are."

Wooyoung smiled slightly at that, appreciating the wisdom in her words. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "And again, I'm sorry for bumping into you."

She returned his smile with one of her own, a small, gentle curve of her lips. "It's really alright. Take care of yourself," she said, before turning to continue on her way, her footsteps light and almost soundless on the cobblestones.

Wooyoung watched her go, her figure gradually disappearing into the shadows of the quiet town. Her words lingered in his mind, their simplicity resonating with him in a way he hadn't expected. There was something comforting about the encounter, something that eased the weight on his heart just a little. Maybe it was the simple act of helping someone, or maybe it was the reminder that even in the midst of his doubts and fears, there was still a chance for kindness and understanding.

As he continued his walk, the town around him seemed a little less oppressive, the darkness a little less suffocating. He could still feel the worries gnawing at the edges of his mind, but they felt more manageable now, like a distant storm rather than an immediate threat.

With a bit more clarity, Wooyoung turned back towards the inn, his steps a little lighter than before. The road ahead was still uncertain, the challenges still daunting, but for now, he would keep moving forward. He had come this far, and there was no turning back. Not yet.

The streets were quiet, with only a few townsfolk going about their daily routines, casting curious glances at the newcomers. After hours of fruitless questioning and dead ends, Wooyoung and Yeosang decided to take a break. They found a small, dimly lit bar on the outskirts of town, a modest place with worn wooden tables and a barkeep who barely glanced at them as they walked in. The scent of ale and roasted meat lingered in the air, mixing with the faint smell of smoke from a hearth that crackled in the corner.

The two men took a seat at a table near the window, where the light filtered in just enough to illuminate their faces without drawing too much attention. Wooyoung ordered a drink for each of them, and they sat in silence for a while, both lost in their thoughts.

"This whole thing is starting to feel like a wild goose chase," Wooyoung muttered, finally breaking the silence. He took a sip of his drink, the cool liquid doing little to soothe the frustration that had been building inside him.

Yeosang nodded, his gaze fixed on the amber liquid swirling in his glass. "I know what you mean. But we have to keep going. We don't have a choice."

Wooyoung sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, I know. It's just... what if we never find her? What if we're wasting our time?"

Yeosang looked at him, his expression calm but resolute. "We can't think like that. If we give up now, we'll never know. And besides, we're doing this for your family. That's what matters."

Wooyoung gave a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, I needed that."

Yeosang nodded, his eyes softening. "We'll find her, Wooyoung. We just have to keep pushing forward."

As the afternoon stretched on, the door to the bar creaked open, and San walked in, his expression a mix of excitement and urgency. He spotted them immediately and made his way over, slipping into the seat next to Yeosang.

"I've got news," San said, leaning in slightly as if to keep his voice from carrying too far. His eyes darted around the room before settling on his friends.

Wooyoung and Yeosang exchanged a glance before turning their attention to San. "What did you find out?" Wooyoung asked, his earlier frustration momentarily forgotten.

San leaned forward, his voice low. "I was talking to one of the men down the road. He said he didn't know anyone by that name, but the description... it reminded him of a woman he knows, someone who goes by the name 'Arisa.'"

"Arisa?" Yeosang repeated, his brow furrowing. "That's not a name we've heard before."

San shook his head. "No, but it could be an alias. If she's trying to stay hidden, she wouldn't be using her real name."

Wooyoung's mind raced, the information clicking into place. "Did he say where we could find her?"

"He mentioned that she lives in a house at the edge of town, near the old mill," San replied. "He didn't seem to know much else, just that she's been here for a while, keeping to herself."

A spark of hope ignited in Wooyoung's chest, though it was tempered with caution. "It's worth checking out," he said, glancing at Yeosang, who nodded in agreement.

"We should be careful," Yeosang added. "We don't know much about this princess, other than what we've heard from rumors. If this Arisa really is her, there's no telling what we're walking into."

San leaned back in his chair, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "When have we ever been careful?"

Wooyoung let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "True, but let's not take any unnecessary risks this time. We barely know anything about her, just that she's supposed to be pretty and... well, innocent. If Arisa is really the princess, we need to approach her with caution."

The three of them fell into a brief silence, each lost in their thoughts.

The shop was modest, its wooden sign barely visible in the dimming light of the evening, creaking gently as it swung with the breeze. Nestled between the warm glow of a baker's storefront and the steady hammering from a cobbler's workshop, the shop seemed ordinary—hardly the kind of place one would expect to find a princess in hiding.

Wooyoung, San, and Yeosang stood just outside, the weight of the mission pressing heavily on their shoulders. The sun was dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows that stretched across the cobblestone streets, adding to the growing tension in the air.

San adjusted the collar of his jacket, his expression serious. "I'll go in alone," he said, his voice low but steady. "If she's the princess, I might recognize her. We passed each other a few times in the palace halls."

Wooyoung nodded, eyes flicking to the shop's door. "We'll stay out here and keep watch. Just be careful."

San gave a brief nod before stepping through the door, the small bell above it tinkling as he entered. The sound seemed to hang in the air, almost mocking in its lightness as Wooyoung and Yeosang remained outside, the tension between them palpable.

Wooyoung leaned back against the wall, his gaze fixed on the door. "Think he'll know her on sight?" he asked, trying to distract himself from the gnawing anxiety in his gut.

Yeosang shrugged, though his eyes were narrowed in thought. "If she really is the princess, she might recognize him too. But we've barely got anything to go on—just rumors and whispers."

The minutes dragged by, each one slower than the last. They exchanged uneasy glances, the bustling sounds of the town contrasting sharply with the sense of unease settling in their bones.

Then, the peace was shattered. A loud crash echoed from inside the shop, followed by a sharp cry of pain. Wooyoung and Yeosang snapped to attention, their bodies tense, ready to spring into action. The door burst open before they could react, and a hooded figure bolted from the shop, moving with a speed born of desperation.

"San!" Wooyoung shouted, peering inside the shop. His heart dropped at the sight of San on the floor, holding his head, surrounded by shards of broken glass.

"She's getting away! Go, find her!" San yelled, his voice a mix of pain and urgency.

Wooyoung shot a quick look at Yeosang. "Stay with him—I'll go after her!"

Without waiting for a reply, Wooyoung tore off after the hooded figure, his boots pounding against the cobblestones. The town was a blur around him as he raced through the crowded streets, his eyes locked on the fleeing woman. She moved with the agility of someone who knew how to evade capture, darting between people, skirting around carts, and slipping through narrow alleyways.

Wooyoung's breath burned in his lungs, his muscles screaming in protest, but he pushed himself harder, his determination fueling his every step. The gap between them closed, inch by inch, until finally, with a surge of effort, he lunged forward.

He tackled her to the ground, the impact sending them both rolling across the rough cobblestones. She fought like a cornered animal, her limbs thrashing as she tried to break free, but Wooyoung held firm, using his weight to pin her down.

"Stop!" he shouted, his voice rough with exertion. "Just calm down!"

For a moment, she continued to struggle, her breath coming in ragged gasps. But then, as if realizing the futility of her efforts, she went still, her chest heaving as she lay beneath him. Wooyoung kept his grip firm, his heart pounding in his ears, before he cautiously reached up and pulled back the hood that concealed her face.

His breath caught in his throat as recognition dawned. It was her—the woman from the night before, the one he had bumped into in the quiet street, with the basket of herbs and oils.

"You," Wooyoung breathed, his voice filled with disbelief. His mind raced, trying to piece together how this woman, the one he had only just met, could be connected to the princess they were searching for. "It's you..."

The princess's eyes widened in recognition, the shock evident in her gaze as they locked onto Wooyoung's. For a split second, the world seemed to stand still, the weight of unspoken questions hanging heavy between them. But just as quickly as the recognition flickered across her face, it was replaced with cold determination.

Without warning, she drove her knee sharply into his groin, the sudden pain exploding through his body. Wooyoung gasped, his grip on her loosening as the breath was knocked out of him. A guttural groan escaped his lips as he doubled over, the searing pain spreading through his abdomen.

The princess seized the moment. With a swift push, she shoved Wooyoung off her, his body collapsing onto the cobblestones as he writhed in agony. The edges of his vision blurred, but he forced himself to stay conscious, his mind barely processing what had just happened.

Through the haze of pain, he watched as she scrambled to her feet, her movements quick and fluid. With one last glance over her shoulder, she unlatched her cloak, letting it billow out behind her like a shadow before it was caught by the breeze. The fabric fluttered to the ground, a final taunt as she bolted down the alley, disappearing into the maze of streets.

Wooyoung cursed under his breath, his voice strained as he struggled to push himself up. The pain was still radiating through his body, but his mind was racing. She had recognized him—he was certain of it. But more than that, she had escaped again.

"Damn it," he muttered, forcing his body to move despite the throbbing pain. He clutched his side as he staggered to his feet, his eyes fixed on the direction she had fled.

to be continued....

Taglist: @00iheartmingi00 @yuyamihi @mountiiny

#ateez #ateez imagine #kang yeosang #choi san #jung wooyoung #ateez x reader #ateez x you #yeosang #yeosang x reader #choi san x reader #san x reader #wooyoung x reader #angst #fluff #movies #fantasy #avatar

55 notes · View notes

katyleen · 10 months ago

Text

Shinyu x Reader

{School Au}

Synopsis: You, an average student suddenly bumped into one of the most popular boy in the school.

Warning: A few curse words, fluff??

——————————————————————————

‘Damn it where’s my notebook?’ You thought to yourself as you’re rummaging your locker. You’re just an average student, with small circle of friends and average scores, not involved in any of the school drama. You’d like think that you’re living a peaceful life in school….besides the assignments and studies that the teacher gives you. It’s their job though so you can’t really blame them.

Finally after looking at your locker for a while, you finally found your notebook. You grabbed it and closed your locker, immediately walking away to go to your class. You didn’t expect to bumped into something after stepping away from the locker though, which results with you accidentally dropping your book. You looked up to see that you didn’t bump into something but someone. And you certainly didn’t expect to be face-to-face with the most popular boy in the whole school, Shinyu.

“Ah..sorry, I didn’t see you there.” You apologized, slightly bowing to him and then going to reach for your book on the floor but he beats you to it. He bended down and grabbed the book, lightly patted your book to remove the dust.

“I’m sorry too, I shouldn’t have stood that close to you.” He replied sheepishly, holding the book out for you. You take the book from his hands and look at his face. You never really paid attention to a lot of people that’s not close with you, but you didn’t expect that this school has such a handsome boy wandering around.

‘Holy shit I’ve been blessed to see such a pretty face.’ You thought to yourself, snapping out of it when you notice him tilting his head at you.

“Oh uh it’s fine. So…I’m just gonna go now…bye.” You nervously said, walking away from him after waving him goodbye. You almost missed it, but you noticed him waving back at you as you keep walking further away from him.

*****

“YOU BUMPED INTO WHO?” Your friend yelled, making you kicked her leg lightly and shushed her.

“Keep it down will you?! I didn’t even realize that he was there. It’s not like I bumped into him on purpose.” You explained yourself. Your friend laughed and calmed down.

“But seriously, that’s so unexpected. What are the chances that you’d bump into him of all people? If you ask me I think this is fate.” She said. You raised an eyebrow, not understanding wha she’s trying to say. “Aish, I mean he could be your potential boyfriend.”

Your eyes widen, face heating up as you try to deny her statement. “What are you talking about? Many people bump into someone, are you saying that they’ll end up together?” She laughed again, clearly enjoying teasing you.

“I’m kidding. Sigh I really want that to happen to me too y’know? I want to bump into handsome people too. Maybe someone like Youngjae? He seems so mature and charming.” F/n sighed dreamily. You can’t help but rolled your eyes at your friend while laughing.

Youngjae is also from the same group as Shinyu. Their group consist of six people, Shinyu as the reliable one, Dohoon as the playful one, Youngjae as the responsible one, Hanjin known as the nicest boy, Jihoon being the social butterfly of the group, and Kyungmin who is very energetic.

“Ok stop daydreaming now, the teacher is here already.” You snapped her out of her daydream as the teacher walk inside the classroom to start the lesson.

*****

“Finally it’s break time. I’m starving.” F/n said, stretching her arms.

“Yeah let’s hurry before the line gets too long.” You then run to the canteen and buy lunch. You walk toward an empty table and start eating while talking to each other. All of a sudden, everyone around starts to look at the same direction and whispering to each other. You and F/n also got curious and try to look at what everyone is looking at.

There you can see Shinyu and his friends walking to the canteen. Their effects are no joke, even their mere presence can make people stop and admire them. Your friend shot you a teasing look, with you just shaking your head and continue eating. You heard footsteps coming towards your direction but you shrug it off, thinking someone is just passing by, until you hear someone clear their throat.

“Ahem…excuse me. There’s no empty table left so can we sit with you guys?” Someone asked. You and your friend look at the newcomers, suprised to see Shinyu and the others in front of you. F/n stutters for a bit before she managed to say yes. Now, you’re sitting between Shinyu and Hanjin with F/n in front of you between Youngjae and Jihoon. Kyungmin sits next to Shinyu while Dohoon sits next to Youngjae.

“Thank you for letting us sit here. Otherwise, we might have to sit on the floor instead. Jihoon joked, looking at you and F/n. You laughed, saying it’s no problem. As you guys eat, you can’t help but notice how Shinyu sometimes looks at you. You hope it’s not because of earlier.

“Hey aren’t you the girl from earlier?”

Well shit.

“Wait this is the girl that bumped into you earlier? Waahh hyung no wonder you can’t stop talking about h-“ Shinyu immediately covers Kyungmin’s mouth, desperately trying to keep him from continuing his line. Luckily you didn’t quite catch what he just said, but your friend sure did, giving you a mischievous look.

“Don’t listen to what he’s saying. Anyways I’m sorry again for earlier.” He said, seemingly still thinking about what happened. You shake your head while giving him a reassuring smile.

“It’s fine. It was just an accident, I also wasn’t looking where I was going.” You said. “And here I was thinking you’d forget about it by now.” You joked. He hides his face from you, maybe still embarrassed about it? You’re not sure.

“Hahaha hyung, your ears are red. Relax, it happens to anyone don’t let it bother you that much.” Dohoon said. They then eat and make a joke every now and then, and they sometimes include you and F/n too. It seems that they are already comfortable with you guys.

Youngjae, as responsible as ever, looks at his phone and reminded you all, “It’s almost time for the next class. We need to go now if we don’t want to be late.” You all cleaned the table and about to go to your separate ways to your own classroom. Unfortunately, F/n suddenly feels sick and has to go to the infirmary. You offered to accompany her but she insisted that she can go alone. Youngjae offered to go to the infirmary with her although she refused at first, he also insisted and ended up going together.

Shinyu walked up to you hesitantly, looking anywhere but you. “Uh…do you want me to walk you to your class? You know, since your friend seems to be sick and won’t be able to come to class with you.” He offered. You wanted to refused at first, really don’t want to bother him, but Hanjin suddenly popped out.

“Just let him walk you to class, otherwise he’s going to be sulking for the rest of the day.” Shinyu turned to Hanjin and playfully hit him. You can’t help but find the situation cute. You decided to take his offer and now you’re walking together to your class. It was a little awkward because none of you were talking so you were about to open a conversation when he once again beats you to it.

“I just realized that I never got your name. May I know your name please?” He asked. You looked at him, realizing that you know him but he obviously doesn’t know you since you’re not as well known as him.

“Oh my name is Y/n.” You introduced yourself. He nodded and proceeds to ask more questions about you, with you answering and also asking something about him in return. It doesn’t take long for you guys to reach your classroom. You turned to him to let him know that this is your class.

“Alright, I’ll see you around then.” He started to walk away but stopped abruptly. You looked at him confused when he turned to you again. He walked up to you again and he looks nervous.

“Um…Can I…can I have your number? It’s fine if you don’t because we technically just got to know each other today and-“ before he can continue to ramble you held out your hand to him. He looks at your hand and then at you in confusion until it clicked and he hurriedly went to grab his phone from his pocket. He gave you his phone and you put your number in his contacts. You returned his phone to him and he looks at his screen.

“Thank you. I’ll add you to our group chat later. Oh and you can give me your friend’s phone number too so I can also add her to the group chat. Anyways I think I should go now. I’ll see you later, bye.” He then ran off to his class.

*****

You look at F/n worriedly.

“Are you sure you’re ok now?” You asked, wanted to make sure she’s really ok.

“Yes I’m fine now. But you know I actually feel thankful that I felt sick because I get to walk with Youngjae together. Oh and he stayed in the infirmary until he absolutely sure I’ll be fine, isn’t that sweet?” She gushed, clearly not over her little interaction with Youngjae. Though you can’t blame her, anyone who’s in the same shoes as her would feel flustered at least.

A ‘ding’ comes from your phone. You checked to see that someone added to you a group chat.

???

Hyung who did you add just now?

???

It’s Y/n

???

Was that the girl that you walked to her classroom?

???

Yeah that’s her

You

Is this Shinyu’s group chat??

???

Yepp

Helloo I’m Kyungmin

???

This is Youngjae

???

Hanjin here

???

I’m Jihoon!!

???

And I’m Shinyu

Wait where’s Dohoon?

???

Sorry, I was still talking with someone

Wait let me scroll up for a sec

“Oh right F/n do you mind if I give your number to-“. you were cut off by another ‘ding’ to find that Youngjae added her to the group chat.

“Waahh he actually added me. Why are you looking at me like that?” She asked you.

“You also gave your number to him?” You asked. F/n laughed sheepishly as she nodded.

“But hey you also gave Shinyu your number too right? I’m not the only one.” She said. You looked back at your screen, reading the chats after adding all of their numbers.

Dohoon

Alright I’m done reading

Y/n and F/n, welcome to our group chat

Hanjin

Warning, we’re very active in this group chat

Kyungmin

But at least we’re fun :D

You

Lol it’s fine

Me and F/n always text each other too

F/n

I can vouch for that

Jihoon

Nicee

Anyways guys, can anyone help me with my homework?

Hanjin

We have homework?

Kyungmin

If it’s math I can help😊

But you have to treat me lunch in exchange😏

Youngjae

Our maknae is actually bargaining

He’s growing up so fast

Dohoon

Ikr🥲

Kyungmin

What

Jihoon

Deal!!

Just help me please🥺

Hanjin

I also need help!!

Let’s do it together

“Wow they’re actually really fun.” F/n said. You can’t help but agree with her. After texting with the boys and laughing at some of their responses, you and F/n grabbed your bags and leave the classroom as school is over already. F/n left first since she needed to go somewhere after school with her family while you need to put your stuff in your locker first. You were just done putting away your stuff when someone tapped your shoulder. You looked to see Shinyu, who is now smiling at you shyly.

“Hi, is your friend not with you?” He asked, looking around to see if he can spot F/n.

“No she left already. I needed to put my stuff in the locker first before leaving.” You answered him, closing the locker.

“I see…um…” he tries to say something but seems hesitant. You wait patiently for him, wondering what he wants to talk about. After taking a deep breath, he looks at you again with a slightly red face.

“Can I walk you home?”

You blinked, processing what he just said. After it clicked, you replied, “Huh? I mean I don’t want to bother you. You must be tired after school so-“

He cuts you off, “It’s fine. I’m fine with it, I don’t mind. I want to walk you home, you’re not bothering me. You know, I’ll be worried if you’re walking home alone. But you don’t have to say yes-I’m not forcing you to let me walk you home. I understand-“ this time you’re the one who cut him off.

“Haha alright. You can walk me home, thank you.” You accepted his request. He seems giddy, though he tries to hide it by suppressing his smile.

While you’re on the way to your house, you noticed how he subtly moved you to the safer side of the road and slowed down his steps to match yours. This makes you feel warm, appreciating his efforts to make you comfortable. As you walk, you continued your conversation from earlier and get to know each other better. For example, you now know that he has siblings and he’s the youngest, his hobby is drawing, etc. Eventually you reach your house, not even aware that you’ve walked so far already.

“This is my house. Thank you for walking me home Shinyu.” You thanked him again. “Be sure to text me once you’re home ok? Be safe.”

“I will. I’ll get going then. See you tomorrow Y/n.” He said, giving you a little wave before walking to his house. You waited a little bit until you can’t see him anymore before going inside your house. When you stepped inside, you find your mother looking at you with a teasing smile.

“So…who’s the boy?” She asked. You give her a deadpanned look.

“What? I can tell that he’s a nice boy, not to mention cute too. Is he your boyfriend?”

“Mom. Please don’t start with this.” You whined.

After you take a shower and changed into a more comfortable clothes, you noticed a notification popped out on your screen. You checked to see it’s from Shinyu, texting you that he’s home already. You smiled, texting him back and told him to rest. You texted each other for a long time until it’s time for you to sleep.

You

I have to sleep soon

Shinyu

Alright, it’s getting late anyways

Don’t stay up too late and get enough sleep

You don’t want to be sleepy for school tomorrow

You

Yes sir🫡

I’ll be off then

Goodnight Shinyu :)

Shinyu

Goodnight :)

Sleep well

You giggled, looking back at his texts. You really enjoy talking with Shinyu. Even though you only started talking to him today, you already feel comfortable around him.

*****

Ever since that day, you always talk to Shinyu and the others. You and F/n often secure seats at your table for them to join you guys in the canteen. You feel like you’re getting closer to them day by day and start to hang out with them even outside of school. Just a week ago, you and F/n were invited to go to the arcade by the boys. You played many games and be competitive with them, constantly challenging each other. It was really fun, but that day you have a certain moment that keeps replaying in your head.

*flashback*

You were waiting for F/n and Dohoon to finish their match in a basketball game when your eyes caught sight of a cute keychain in a claw machine.

“Do you want the keychain?” A voice suddenly said, startling you. Shinyu was beside you, looking at you and the keychain.

“Well it’s cute, but I’m not good at claw machines. Besides, usually these kind of games are rigged right?” You said. He hummed, and then proceeds to enter a coin to the machine.

“Wha-you don’t have to-“ you stopped whatever you wanted to say as you watch him play and successfully grabbed the keychain with the claw. It dropped the keychain to the hole and he grabs it, giving it to you.

“This is the one that you wanted right?” He asked, worried that he got the wrong one. It doesn’t really matter to him, he can just play it again until he gets what you wanted. You look at him in disbelief before laughing.

“Yeah that’s the one. Thank you for getting this for me.” You thanked him.

“No problem. Oh I think they’re done already. Want to go over there now?”

“HAHA I WIN!”

“WAIT I DEMAND A REMATCH!!”

*flashback ended*

You giggled, feeling your heart flutter at the fond memory. You’ve realized that you have feelings for Shinyu for a while now. You don’t know when you started to like him, maybe it’s when he helped you with your studies in the library with him patiently explaining the lessons to you. Or when he invited you to see them dance as they’re in a dance club and you could see the passion in him when he danced. Or maybe that one time when he asked your opinion about his self written rap. After months of getting to know him, you’ve known him not as a popular boy in school but as a shy but reliable guy who can be really competitive in games, as someone who really enjoys dancing, singing and rapping, and as someone who also has a playful and clumsy side. He’s caring towards those who he feels close to, always making sure they’re ok.

But of course, because he’s popular, many people are jealous of your interactions with him.

*****

You were minding your own business when suddenly someone grabbed your hair and slammed you into the wall. You winced in pain, looking at the girls in front of you.

“You bitch. How dare you hang around Shinyu?” One of them sneered and hit you.

“Who even are you? You’re a nobody, and he’s the most popular boy in this school. Do you really think that you’re worth even be in the same place as him?” Another girl said, laughing at you.

You looked around to see students gathering around, but no one bothers to help you. Either they’re too scared or they also agree with the girls. You screamed in pain when one of them kicked you.

“HEY WE’RE OVER HERE! ARE YOU REALLY THAT STUPID TO UNDERSTAND US?” She yelled.

“Don’t ever come near him again or else-“

“WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!” A loud voice yelled, making everyone freeze and look towards the source of the voice. You were suprised to see Shinyu, even more so when you noticed how angry he looks right now as he makes his way towards you and the girls.

“S-Shinyu. We were just-“ one of them tried to say something when he cuts her off.

“Do you think I’m blind? Clearly you’re bullying her and for what? For being friends with me? I can decide who I want to be friends with and you can’t change that. Now if you don’t apologize to her right now I’m going to report you to the teachers.” He threatened, glaring at the girls. You have to admit he looks intimidating right now. He then kneels down to you to check for any injuries, glaring at the girls when he hears no apology. They flinched, immediately said sorry and ran away. He then proceeds to give every student who gathers around them a disappointed look.

“You all are no better. Why are you just watching when someone is being hurt? I hope you all are disappointed in yourselves. Shame on you all for allowing this kind of behavior to happen.” They all look guilty as they start to walk away. After that, he gives you his attention again.

“Are you ok? I’m sorry for not being here earlier. Let’s get you to the infirmary.” He said softly, suddenly lifting you up bridal style. You yelped in surprised, arms immediately warped around his neck.

“S-Shinyu-I can walk by my own-“ you tried to get him to put you down but he refused. After arriving at the infirmary, the nurse was nowhere to be seen, so he puts you on the infirmary bed gently and takes it upon himself to help with your injuries.

None of you are saying anything as he treats your wounds until you decided to speak.

“I’m sorry for troubling you. I didn’t expect-“

“Don’t apologize.” He suddenly said. You looked at him. His eyebrows are furrowed and he looks troubled.

“Don’t ever apologize for this. This is not your fault. You don’t need to feel guilty about this.” He takes a deep breath before continuing.

“If anything, I’m sorry for letting this happen to you. I didn’t realize that by being close with you would mean that a lot of people would dislike you to the point of hurting you. If I had known I would’ve-“

“Shinyu.” He stopped himself after hearing you talk.

“You said that this is not my fault, then this is not your fault either. You wouldn’t have known something like this would happen. So what? Does that mean you regret befriending me? Are you regretting the fact that we’ve become so close now?”

“Of course not!” He denied. “I would never regret being friends with you. I would never regret letting myself be close with you. In fact, I’m really thankful for the day you bumped into me.” Now this makes your eyes widen. He then continued, “If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have ever met you. I wouldn’t be talking with you, hanging out with you, I wouldn’t-“. he stopped talking, debating whether he should continue or not.

“I wouldn’t be able to fall inlove with you.”

You gasped, clearly didn’t expect him to confess. This whole time you thought he only saw you as a friend but thinking back at it now, there are times where he acts like someone who doesn't just think of you as a friend.

“Shinyu…” you started, hands finding their way to his and hold them.

“I’m also inlove with you.” You confessed. He shots his head up to look at you. A minute has passed, and then two, then he starts blushing to the point where he almost looks like a tomato.

“W-what? Wait..you like me back? I- hang on I need to process this.” He pulled his hands from your hands to hide his face. You laughed at his reaction, trying to pry his hands away from his face.

“Shinyu don’t get shy on me now. You look really cute right now.” His face gets even more red as he tries to say something but failed.

“So…you really like me back?” He asked, finally mustered up the courage to look at you. You give him a smile as you nodded.

“Does that mean…we’re dating then? Are you my girlfriend now? Do you want to be my girlfriend? Can I be your boyfriend?” You hold yourself back from squishing his cheeks.

“Yes I’ll be your girlfriend as long as you’ll be my boyfriend.”

“YES! I’ll be your boyfriend!” He said, grabbing one of your hand and kissed it, making you blush in return.

“Woah weren’t you shy just a few seconds ago? How are you acting so bold now?”

“I mean…I am your boyfriend now right?” He said, smirking at your reaction.

*****

“So…you guys are together now?” F/n asked, looking at you and Shinyu who are holding hands.

“Yeah we’re in a relationship now.” You said. F/n and the rest of the boys gaped at the both of you. After that, they started cheering.

“YEESSS I KNEW THEY WOULD END UP TOGETHER!”

“Y/N YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH! NO OFFENSE WE LIKE YOU AND ALL BUT HE WON’T STOP TALKING ABOUT YOU-“

“HEY WHY ARE YOU BRINGING THAT UP?”

Shinyu went towards the boys and playfully banter with them. Meanwhile, you walk over to F/n.

“So…when are you going to confess to Youngjae?” You asked her.

“Ssshhh. You don’t get to say that after months of pining for each other. How did you not notice how he practically gave you heart eyes?”

You rolled your eyes at her, smacking her shoulder lightly. Shinyu then make his way to you after F/n walks over to the boys to discuss probably more list of him being a simp towards you and hugged you.

“Hmm?? Why the sudden hug?” You asked, returning the hug, not complaining and instead enjoying the warmth he gives off. He then tightens the hug, not wanting to let go.

“Mm, I just really like you.”

——————————————————————————

117 notes · View notes

slytherinshua · 11 months ago

Text

　　　tws masterlist ⟡₊ ⊹

⋆˙⟡ = author's pick !

　　　　shinyu

just us two (req)

genre: academic rivals to lovers. mutual pining. fluff. lil angst. | wc: 2.4k.

misunderstood kiss (req)

genre: fluff. | wc: 1k.

soft thoughts !

one

　　　　dohoon

your racing thoughts

genre: hurt/comfort. | wc: 556.

handle with care (req)

genre: fluff. | wc: 603.

　　　　youngjae

eros & psyche (req) ⋆˙⟡

genre: fluff. greek mythology au. | wc: 593.

　　　　hanjin

nothing yet . . .

　　　　jihoon

hit reset (req) ⋆˙⟡

genre: fluff. comfort. | wc: 896.

　　　　kyungmin

nothing yet . . .

　　　　other

beach dates with tws ! (req) ⋆˙⟡

starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. headcanons. | wc: 614.

pet names/nicknames they call you (req) ⋆˙⟡

starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. headcanons. | wc: 548.

it's a prank ! (req)

↳ how tws react to you pranking them. starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. headcanons. | wc: 640.

tws as boyfriends (req) ⋆˙⟡

starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. headcanons. | wc: 2.2k.

can't shake this jealousy (req) ⋆˙⟡

↳ how your boyfriend reacts when another guy flirts with you. starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. headcanons. | wc: 1k.

tws as love tropes (req)

starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. headcanons. | wc: 2k.

sweet night (req) ⋆˙⟡

↳ how your boyfriend reacts when you can't sleep. starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. headcanons. | wc: 612.

how tws hug (req)

starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. headcanons. | wc: 234.

you, clouds, rain (req) ⋆˙⟡

↳ tws coming home after a tiring day. starring: ot6 tws. | genre: fluff. comfort. headcanons. | wc: 714.

75 notes · View notes

woonhakist · 1 year ago

Text

THE ERAS ft. 8turn

a series of 8turn taylor swift songfics

the way i loved you (ji myungho x gn!reader) bittersweet

your current boyfriend was near perfect, but he could never set your heart ablaze the way myungho did.

COMING SOON!

august (lee yungyu x gn!reader) angst, slight fluff

all throughout summer, you had fallen on your knees, burned in the sun, and scraped your body, but nothing had hurt you more than yungyu did.

sweet nothing (cho kyungmin x gn!reader) angst, fluff(?)

never in a million years would you imagine letting kyungmin go, even if you needed nothing more than to do just that.

#woonhakist #8turn #8turn au #8turn x reader #8turn imagines #8turn scenarios #8turn fluff #8turn angst #8turn fanfic #myungho x reader #jaeyun x reader #yang minho x reader #yoonsung x reader #haemin x reader #kyungmin x reader #yungyu x reader #seungheon x reader

53 notes · View notes

8turning · 2 years ago

Text

⌕ . . . cho kyungmin — inside job !

cho kyungmin x gn ! reader ★ fluff. unknown mutual pining. idol au. ★ wc 2.2k ★ warnings: none. let me know if you notice anything!

📨 requested from anonymous !

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀〈 REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED ! 〉

"i just don't understand why everything he says has to stress me out so much," you complain, your voice coming out muffled as you shove your face into your pillow.

kyungmin couldn't help but laugh from the other end of the line - your complaints about your boss and his strange articulation seeming to become more and more consistent in your late night chats.

he knew you were stressed - you always have been ever since junior high - so he should be used to finding ways to help you, but he couldn't this time. he couldn't find a reason your boss was being so harsh- so passive-aggressive.

kyungmin lays in his own bed, listening to your annoyed sighs with a soft smile on his face. although your situation was far from ideal, he still couldn't help the way his heart jumped when you called for him.

"min?" you ask, brows furrowed as you stare at your ceiling.

he breathes out a soft sigh, whispering softly into his phone. "yeah?"

"what should i do?"

and there kyungmin lays, still not having an answer for you. he thought of it all: why your boss might have said what he did, why he might have reacted that way, how whatever it was could have inconvenienced his work - kyungmin had no reasoning and no solution.

"can i come see you?" you blurt out, not exactly thinking, but knowing just seeing him could help at the very least to distract you - plus, it's been a horrifically long time since you have last seen each other. he swallows thickly from the other end, turning on his side to see if he can make out the silhouettes of his members in the dark room; he could, and they were asleep.

he leans on his elbow, propping himself up on his bed as he squints. "it might be too risky for you to come here, but i'm sure i can sneak out-"

"kyungmin, if you sneak out they might make you and everyone else hike again," you say, a small chuckle hanging onto the end of your sentence. "isn't that even riskier?"

"doing the hike wasn't that bad, and the view was pretty," he counters, and you can hear as his bed creaks with his movements as he leaves it. "if we have to hike again, it's not a big deal."

you let out a groan, turning to face your clock - 9:13 pm.

"thirty minutes," you say, hearing as he tosses on a jacket. "you have to be back in the dorm after thirty minutes."

kyungmin smiles, pressing his phone to his ear once more. "gotcha. meet me at the park?"

you nod out of habit, verbally answering once you catch yourself and hopping off of your own bed. knowing the chill from the night's atmosphere would be too extreme for your current attire, you follow in kyungmin's footsteps and toss on your own jacket - ironically - one you stole from him months ago.

the line goes silent, followed by three consecutive beeps as the call ends. you slip on a comfortable pair of shoes, being sure to grab your keys on your way out. the night's atmosphere nipped at your fingertips, your hands diving into your - kyungmin's - jacket pockets to try and escape the chill.

despite kyungmin's dorm not being too far from your own, finding the time when you were both free was incredibly hard - more often than not, you found yourself watching their music stages and variety show appearances just so you could see your childhood friend.

your feet padded along the cold concrete and the crunch of fallen leaves could be heard occasionally as you continued. there weren't many people out at this hour, which played into your favor considering your friends' occupation.

the benches were covered in leaves, the metal it was made out of seemed to be the last place you wished to sit as you waited for kyungmin. choosing to stay standing, you shift your weight from foot to foot, hands beginning to shiver in your pockets as you gulp.

it was quiet - the usually busy streets crowded with cards were now vacant, the nightlife of the city that normally occupied the streets no longer seemed to show any kind of interest in the many restaurants and shops that were around the perimeter of the park.

a leaf crunches behind you. "hey," a muffled voice breaks through the silence and catches your attention. turning around, you can't help but smile as you see your friend, half of his face covered by a beige scarf.

"hi, min," you reply, a smile of your own painting your face as he steps closer, opening his arms to welcome you into a friendly - and hopefully warm - hug.

he holds you for longer than he normally does - whether that be because of the chilling temperatures or he simply wanted to hold you - you were unsure. your heart longed for the latter option, but for the sake of your heart, your brain forces you to believe it was for the warmth you provided him with.

"it's..." he begins, still not pulling away from you, swaying from side to side with you in his arms. "it's really nice to see you, y/n."

your eyes are closed, a content sigh escaping your nose. "it's nice to see you, too, min. don't make me wait this long anymore, please."

he chuckles, the vibration causing you to laugh as well. "you know its not by choice," he states, finally pulling back just enough to see your face, his arms still resting atop your shoulders. "you do know that, right?"

you nod, meeting his eyes. "i know. just..." you turn your gaze away from him. "just teasing you is all."

"do you wanna sit for a bit?" kyungmin asks, his arms finally leaving you as he turns around, looking in the direction of the bench you thought about passing time on earlier.

"that bench is probably so cold..."

"you are... definitely right," he says, a bashful laugh hanging off of the end of his sentence. "are you okay with standing then?"

you nod. "as long as you are."

"honestly, i don't care how we see each other," he begins, his heart beat picking up with each word he spoke. "as long as i get to see you." it felt cheesy to him - the words he chose and how he chose to say them to you. a part of him hoped you would pick up on the intensity of his words; read between the lines to find what his true feelings were. another part of him was terrified of that possibility.

"if it came down to it, i'd sit on a freezing bench to see you, too," you say. "i'm glad that we don't have to do that, but- y'know, if i had to, i would."

he smiles at your words, his hands hidden in his jacket pockets as they fidget. the streetlamps did little to illuminate the park, neon signs of nearby convenience stores and restaurants causing colorful hues to shine on the pavement.

as if kyungmin was trying to be sneaky, he turns his head to look at you next to him, your conversation having died down causing a silence to loom over you both - it wasn't uncomfortable, but he wanted to talk to you as much as he could in this moment.

how you were feeling, what you ate that day, how work - besides your boss - was treating you, if you ever finished that show you were planning to watch, if you've picked up on any new hobbies - he wanted to know in every way how you've grown so he can grow and learn alongside you.

the soft chatter of your teeth brings him back - without a moments hesitation, he's removing his scarf swiftly and stands in front of you, gently lacing the soft fabric around your neck and weaving the end through the beginning to form a firm tie.

you could only stare at him, his eyes trained on his hands that were adjusting your new garment. only then he notices your choice of jacket. "i've been looking for this one everywhere, y'know."

you laugh as you've been caught red-handed. kyungmin putting his scarf around you - and whatever bubbly feeling you got from it - quickly passes as his lighthearted banter started up again.

"it's comfortable, but i guess i can give it back later," you say, knowing he wouldn't take it from you while the temperatures were this low.

it's okay, he thinks. you look nice in my clothes.

"fine," he rolls his eyes playfully. "maybe next time i can take you out to buy your own clothes so you don't have to take mine."

"i get to see you again and get free clothes? we can definitely do that-"

"woah, hey! i never said i was buying! just that i'd go with you," kyungmin corrects, hands shooting out of his pockets and raised into the air as if he was surrendering.

you laugh with him, the night continuing as you converse, unconsciously going from standing side-by-side to facing one another, eyes lingering on each others features as you took turns updating one another on your lives.

he loved watching you talk - a small glimmer shining in your eyes as you shift between looking into his own and your surroundings. you always held that habit - never being able to hold eye-contact for a long time, often shifting your gaze elsewhere once you felt its been too long. it always made a rush of warmth fill kyungmin's chest whenever you would meet his gaze again; that's how he knew you felt comfortable with him.

his eyes were on you as you went on about the show you had actually finished not too long ago, stopping to ponder on how you can explain your shock without spoiling the plot. in your moment of thinking, you're met with kyungmin's soft eyes, a delicate smile on his lips that you could only see from how close you stood to him.

" 'm sorry for rambling," you apologize, a shy smile apparent on your features before kyungmin quickly shushes you.

"no, i-" he begins, releasing a soft exhale that was now visible due to the steadily dropping temperature of the night. "you don't have to be sorry."

even if it was just moments ago that you were talking, you found your train of thought to be lost as you looked at your friend - friend.

that word stung a little, a heavy feeling settling in the pit of your stomach as you felt your skin tingle. you didn't wish for kyungmin to see your reaction out of fear; not fear of judgement - you know kyungmin would be the last person to judge you - but rather out of fear of ruining everything you had built with him.

"i like seeing you get super passionate about stuff," he reassures once more, his hands attaching to his opposing biceps and rubbing hastily. "god, it's cold-"

"you can go back to the dorm, min, it's okay," you smile, grateful you even had the opportunity to see him - yet the ache in your chest at the thought of him leaving was still apparent. "i'd hate to keep you out here any longer."

"i don't want to go yet," kyungmin says sheepishly, his smile wide even as his jaw clenches. you were unsure if the blush that settled on his cheeks and nose were from the chill or if just maybe it had a deeper meaning, but your pulse quickened nonetheless at the sight. "can't you just come back with me?"

your eyes widen. "i don't really think that's up to me," you say, a breathless laugh escaping you and making itself visible between you both. "i think that's up to the people who live there."

his eyes glimmer, and you knew you said something that sparked mischief within him. "you know i live there, right?" he says, wide grin never faltering as his hands release from himself and reach toward your own.

his hands we're cold on yours, and while you wanted to pull away, you didn't, allowing kyungmin to drag you along as he started walking in the opposite direction you came from. "and as someone who lives there, i think it's a great idea to have you come back."

"it's late-"

"it'll be fine, don't worry, okay? plus, being inside sounds so much nicer than being out here, doesn't it?"

his feet don't stop moving, continuing down the pavement as the street light illuminates the small batches of leaves that gathered at the street corners. you don't answer him - his scarf moving over your chin and mouth from your hurried walking.

you couldn't find it within yourself to be mad about the spontaneous invitation - especially not when kyungmin would look back to you with a beaming smile. you knew kyungmin could talk his way out of any sort of punishment he'd face for leaving and bringing you back, and you knew he'd hate for you to feel at fault for whatever punishment he'd face.

you were both heaving as you picked up your pace, wanting nothing more than to escape the cold night. warmth filled kyungmin's chest as he felt your hand squeeze his tighter - maybe he'd meet up with you in awfully low temperatures if it meant he could selfishly keep you close to himself more often.

+ apologies for the long wait for this one, anon! things became so unexpectedly hectic for me, so i hope this suffices!!

#8turn fluff #8turn fanfic #8turn writing #8turn x reader #8turn fanfiction #kyungmin x reader #kyungmin fanfic #kyungmin writing #kyungmin fluff #.mine #.kyungmin

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hwonnrinji · 28 days ago

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foreign love - smau

{ pairing } : sophia laforteza (22) & jeong yoonchae (20)

^ please keep in mind that this pair was chosen on wheelofnames.com

{ synopsis } : jeong yoonchae moved from seoul to la. upon getting assigned a roommate, she just so happened to be paired up with sophia laforteza, the gorgeous and stunning girl who majors in biochem.

^ also chosen on wheelofnames.com

{ genre } : wlw, uni au, smau

{ trope } : rich foreign student x financially struggling but pretty student, love at first sight

{ starring } : katseye, newjeans, enhypen (jungwon , sunoo), boynextdoor (woonhak), tws (kyungmin), more

{ progress } : ongoing (start: oct 25.2024)

{ disclaimers } : fat/big back jokes, kms/kys jokes, name calling between friends, profanity, slight smoking/vaping, special brownies, but overall no angst, just romance

═══════════════════════════

friend groups: rich loser hotties -> pt1 pt2 | actual baddies -> pt1 pt2

chapters:

- met this girl from california

- sugar and smoke rings

- crystal liquor cups and designer drugs...72%

═══════════════════════════

taglist (open) :

@lararajjj @ohmyhaely

#smau #newjeans #enhypen #katseye #jeong yoonchae #sophia laforteza #kim sunoo #yang jungwon #woonhak #kyungmin #the kats #jeanies #hwonnrinji #sophia x yoonchae fic #wheel of names #hwon yap session #wlw #wuh luh wuh

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hanzhen0506 · 5 months ago

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~’My Girlfriend is Here!!’~

Hello! Its Zhan! This is a Kyungmin Idol au imagine. Its not much but I hope you can enjoy it.

”Next!” The staff said indicating your turn in the TWS fansign. Luckily, Kyungmin was the last person to interact so it was a great chance to surprise him. Everybody and even the fans knew about your relationship so telling them to stay quiet about the surprise makes then giggle. You disguised yourself with a wig, mask and glasses and you took them off secretly when greeted each member, they were surprised and excitedly cheered for you, not forgetting to do the usual fan service.

Once it was finally Kyungmins turn, you fake your voice. “Hiiii, omg Kyungmin!” “Hii,” he took your album and asked “How are you doing?”

“Im good! How are you?”

“Im doing good! Have you eaten?”

“Yess omg, you know I ate ____, its your favorite too right??”

“Yeah! How did you know?”

“Well- your my bias so” He showed enthusiasm and gave a heart. You reciprocated with a half heart in which he completed. You lean black flustered at the action as you continued the conversation. “Oh right, I never got your name before, whats your name?”

“My name is y/n!”

“y/n! What a lovely-“ He stared at you and smiled taking off your disguise. When you revealed yourself his face was bewildered and hugged me tightly, getting out of his seat to reach for you across the table. “There’s y/n everyone! My girlfriend is here!!” He cheered towards the audience as they clap and cheered back. The members laugh at his realization and clapped in response. “Next!” The staff said interrupting you and you waved your boyfriend goodbye. He give you back your album and hug you one last time before you got down from the stage.

The rest of the event, the groups were having fun in their gifts and interacting with their fans. But Kyungmin made sure to go to your side of the audience and wave or give flying kisses. The fans even joke around how they would want to gatekeep you to themselves making Kyungmin taken aback and very jealous. “What do you mean?? Shes my girlfriend!” He pouted and the fans shouts back “No!” He crossed his arms and stomp with his legs as they laugh.

“Sorry Kyungminniee, they love me and I love them~”

“Hey! Y/n!” He whine and everybody laugh. The event soon ended and you wave goodbye at Kyungmin before leaving. “Bye bye!” He waved at everyone, by everyone he means you “indirectly”. You went home with a taxi and Kyungmin sent a message. “I wish you could’ve stayed longerrr”

“I have school tomorrow, unlike you 🙄”

“Imagine going to school 🫵”

“Imagine having to read my notes to be able to pass the class.”

“Atleast I have money 💰”

“That you always spends on me, really you need to stop it. I appreciate, but save some for yourselves.”

“Too late, check on your door.” You sigh at the message. Arriving home, there was a bag in front of your door, must’ve been what he said. You entered your house and went to your room. Opening it, revealing a bouquet of roses and a plushie with a small note of “Thanks for making my day!” You smiled at the letter, putting it on your desk and went to sleep hugging the plushie.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Please do not steal my works!)

#tws kyungmin #tws imagines #zhan talks!^u^'#tws pledis #kpop imagines #tws fluff

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weird-bookworm · 4 months ago

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AAAAHHHHB SKKYYYYY 270 FOLLOWERSSSSS!!!!!

also yay tws!!!!

GIMME A CHOI YOUNGJAE AND SINGING SIGN RN PLEASE

TaKE MY MONEY JUST GIMME A YOUNGJAE SIGNING SOULMATE AU

I LOVW SOULMATE AUS (im sure you cant tell based on the series im still writing its at 5k😭😭)

also pls plsplspls lee kyungmin and pain bc of how clumsy he is

YAY SKY IM SO HAPPY jahshshshhshajajah

HAFS DARLING!!!! this put a smile to my face and i literally have to leave to give my exam in 20 minutes i love you so much 💕🫶🏻🎀✨️

CHOI YOUNGJAE COMING RIGHT UP 🫡 no but thats actually such a good idea— im hving so many thoughts how am i supposed to focus on my exam 😭

#I LOVE HOW UR BRAIN WORKS 😍#hafs <3

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minkkumaz · 1 year ago

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8TURN: OUR EUPHONY

nine students become locked away with zero escape, no idea of their past memories or what the outside world has to offer for them. trapped, with the only way out being to kill one another. there's just one rule, don't get caught.

❛❛ 00: welcome to eternal academy ❞

SETTINGS mentions of killing in graphic detail (obviously). WC 3.0k

WALLS ENCLOSED THE REMAINS OF THE ROOM, creating a tight vacuum seal around what was once your own body. stirring awake from your forced slumber, the unrecognizable interior only added to the sum of your confusion. the desk where your head had just rested upon was warm, a contrast from the frigid temperature you felt from the goosebumps on your arm.

a simple gaze around made you aware of the trophy cases leaning against the wall closest to you,. it was crowded with shiny medals and prizes with a label you perceived from afar. your figure stuttered as the heels of your chair suddenly squeaked against the floor, granting you room to wiggle away from the desk.

dragging your tired feet, you approach the case to analyze it further, not believing your eyes quite yet, still drowning in sleep. a golden plaque caught your attention first, engraved with the words ‘most prized academy across the world, eternal academy.’

the air was knocked out of your lungs upon your moment of realization, swallowing down the rest of your shock nervously. you were currently cooped up in eternal academy, home of the ultimates. there was not much of an explanation for if you were wrong, so believing in these whereabouts was the best option you had.

eight students had been scouted recently for their progressing talents, assuming to peak in their highschool years, with the exception of a lucky ninth. in this scenario, you were that lucky ninth. you would be more anxious if you knew exactly what was going on. maybe it was a trick, a custom that was special to this school.

kidnapping students and placing them in a random area? you quickly ignored the stupidity of that idea, more worried about the idea of escaping.

you walked over to the tall door on the opposite end, rattling the doorknob slightly . it didn’t crack immediately, requiring a little bit of strength. using the palm of your opposite hand to push, the door opened, introducing a long hallway with other unexplored rooms. the silence could be sliced smoothly with a butter knife, yet before you could hear your own thoughts, the sound of footsteps crowded your ears.

peering around the corner came a boy with dark black hair and blue bangs, eyes lighting up after seeing a warm body.

“h– hey ! are you okay?” the boy yells from across the way, rushing to approach you.

“i think?” you question yourself, still unsure on the status of your emotions, “do you have any idea about what’s going on here?”

finally face to face with you, the boy takes a moment to catch his breath, “i have no clue exactly, but i’m so glad there’s another person here.”

“me too. i just woke up in that room right there, and to be honest, i’m still feeling a little tired.” you frown, rubbing the side of your arm in an attempt to battle the cold.

“i woke up not too far from here, just around the corner. my name is lee seungheon, by the way!” he bows slightly, holding out a hand to you.

you take it gratefully before introducing yourself as well, “my name is y/n, i should’ve introduced myself first.”

“no worries, i’d understand if you’re a bit shaken up, this situation is really weird.” he reassured you, “the only thing i remember before this is coming to eternal academy for the orientation.”

“right!” you gasped, “that’s also what i last remember doing. i’m here as the lottery student– or i guess ultimate lucky student?”

“i heard about that, this school has never done something like that before. i guess we’ll be seeing each other in the halls after we find out what’s going on?”

“maybe we will, though i’m not sure how all of it works, i’ll figure it out sooner or later. this school is huge.”

“and mysterious, apparently. oh i’m the ultimate rapper by the way, it slipped my mind and i almost forgot what i’m good at.” he laughed apprehensively.

“sounds cool, but i don’t blame you.” you smile fondly, “let’s walk around for a bit and maybe we’ll find some other people?”

“let’s go that way, i already looked around the area i was coming from.”

you nod at seungheon in agreement, letting him lead the way in front of you. the atmosphere felt a lot less suffocating with another person by your side, making you glad that you had met him in such dire conditions.

as you walked down the hallway, you noted how it was spacious and well - lit, with high ceilings and pristine marble floors that gleam under the soft, warm lighting. portraits of notable alumni lined the walls, each one a symbol of achievement and success.

a familiar thought in the back of your mind resurfaced. the idea that if you weren’t trapped in such an odd circumstance, maybe you could appreciate coming here a little more. would you be just as significant and important as the figures on these walls?

“do you think that we’re supposed to go to the spot where the orientation was meant to be held?” you think out loud.

seungheon stops in his tracks for a moment before turning to you, “you’re completely right! what if we’re late?” he begins to panic, causing you to place a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“we’re fine, they can’t blame us anyways. this is all so uncanny.” you mumble, “if i remember correctly, the meetup destination is in the gym.”

“the gym? i’m not going to pretend like i know where that is, do you know?” he furrows his eyebrows.

“i guess this is the part where i take an educated guess…” you dart your head around you, searching for any sign or determining factor. casting a brief look around the intersection, you point at a bright, scarlet colored double door. “let’s try there!”

the two of you hurried towards it, each taking one of the handles in your hand. exchanging a glance, you did a mental countdown before creaking open the door. a sliver of light shone through the crack, only gradually getting brighter until you could finally see what was inside.

rows of chairs were neatly arranged, facing a stage at the front. each chair is meticulously placed, forming a sea of an unsettling red color. the gym floor is polished to a shine, and the walls are adorned with banners and posters, proudly displaying the words ‘welcome to eternal academy.’

seven heads shot in your direction, an uncomfortable tension flowing towards you and seungheon. you gently shut the door you came through, letting yourselves into the vast gym. from the small crowd, a voice spoke, echoing against the walls.

“are you the last two people that are supposed to be here?” his voice was calm, but his face looked cold.

“oh ah– i believe so. that makes nine of us, doesn’t it?” you stammer, feeling uneasy with all these eyes on you.

“great! we were all just getting to know each other before the orientation started!” a more cheerful voice announces from behind waving at you to go talk to him.

you quickly acknowledged the remaining students prior to speaking to this new face, with a shy seungheon following closely behind you. “hello, what’s your name?”

“i’m cho yoonsung, the ultimate moodmaker!” he beamed in an extremely friendly manner, “i hope we can get to know each other well.”

“moodmaker? that’s such an interesting ultimate.” seungheon notes, more intrigued than ever.

“i know, right? my goal is to brighten everyone’s mood a little bit, since that’s always what i’ve been good at.” he pouts, “though i don’t remember exactly how i woke up here, i don’t want anyone else to worry.”

“you’re awfully upbeat for being in a kidnap scenario.” you quirk an eyebrow, but yoonsung only smiles in response.

“people always say i’m upbeat in every scenario, i guess i can’t really help it all that much.” tells you before being interrupted by another boy with glasses coming up behind him.

“hey, you guys are the final two of the bunch! i’m yang minho, it’s nice to meet you both.” he says, wrapping an arm around yoosung's shoulder.

“oh, hi! it’s nice to meet you too. since we’re sharing ultimates, what’s yours?”

minho scratches the back of his neck, hesitating before he shared his talent with you, “i’m the ultimate swindler.”

“is that just a fancy way to say you’re good at deceiving people?” seungheon asks innocently.

“something of the sorts, but you can trust that i’m not lying.” his outward demeanor seemed friendly, convincing you that he couldn’t be as bad as his ultimate sounded. after all, no one can necessarily control what traits they’re born with.

“um, so– have you guys spoken to the rest of the people in the gym?” you wondered, “it seemed a bit tense once seungheon and i got here.”

“we’ve made small talk here and there, enough to know everyone's names and ultimates at least. you should go see for yourself.” yoonsung suggests.

“then i’ll go introduce myself to the rest of the people. you can join me if you’d like, seungheon.”

“go without me, i’ll hang in tight for a bit with yoonsung and minho.”

immediately embarking on your mini-mission, you advance towards two people sitting nearby. as you walk closer, you take into account the ipad they both seem to be looking at. clearing your throat, you attempt to gain their attention.

“ah, hi! my name is y/n, the ultimate lucky student. what’s your guys’ names?” you announce awkwardly, waiting for them to look up at you.

“yungyu, you’re seriously not good at this game at all, you made me lose my spot!” one of them complains.

“dude, you’re the one with the natural born talent. plus, there’s no checkpoint!” the other one whined, urging you to feel like you might’ve interrupted something.

“don’t mind yungyu, it’s kind of hard to surpass the ultimate gamer when you can only play basketball.” he teases.

“jaeyun, can you actually choke?” the boy supposedly named yungyu told him, “anyways, sorry, we were just playing a game. how’s it going, y/n?”

“it’s definitely going. i just wanted to get to know everyone else a little before the orientation started.” you confess.

“well, it’s good to meet you then.” jaeyun reaches out to shake your hand respectfully.

after pulling away, you look around to see the remainder of people in the gym. there were only a couple more people you didn’t recognize, yet one caught your eye for a little longer, “have you guys met that boy over there?”

“the one with the suit or the one that looks like a wizard?” yungyu looks in the direction you’re hinting at.

“the one with the suit.”

“oh, yeah. that’s jung haemin, he’s the ultimate prince.” jaeyun teaches you, “his demeanor seems cold, but i’m sure he’s not that bad.”

“how bad could he be if he’s friends with the harry potter doppelganger?” yungyu kidded, “but when i talked to him, he was a little bit rude.”

“good to know, then.” you looked over at haemin once more, accidentally making eye contact that sent shivers down your spine. deciding it was best not to approach him, you averted your gaze swiftly.

before you knew it, another boy was approaching your group, flicking his hands like he had just washed them, “the bathrooms are kind of ominous, don’t you guys think?”

“i haven’t been yet, who are you?” you ask politely.

“ji myungho, ultimate all - rounder.”

“jeez, that sounds like all the ultimate talents combined…” you say, feeling overwhelmed, “that’s cool!”

“thank you, but it’s nothing really!” myungho began to feel shy, taking a seat next to jaeyun, “you must be the student that got in through lottery, congrats by the way.”

“does being an all - rounder come with psychic ability?” you remarked, sitting down as well.

“the magician never tells his secret, but maybe that’s kyungmin’s job.”

“kyungmin?”

suddenly, a spotlight flickers to life in the center of the stage before you can get an answer, and a mechanical whirring sound resonates through the chamber. everyone dies down into silence, including yourself, the room dimming down to emphasize the light in the middle. anxiety washed over you within seconds.

from the darkness emerges a towering figure, an unsettling amalgamation of a cute teddy bear and a menacing robotic presence. its body is half black, half pink, with a giant red eye for a right eye and a malevolent grin etched onto its face.

the bear approached a microphone stand, planting it’s paw on top of the head to check for volume, “testing, testing! alright let’s get things rolling!”

“what the actual fuck is that?” jaeyun muttered under his breath.

as the bear steps into the light, the room is bathed in a red glow, casting eerie shadows across the walls. the bear's mechanical voice, at once cheerful and malevolent, fills the room. it speaks with an unsettling sing - song tone, a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation.

“ah ah ah! do you kiss your mother with that mouth, gamer boy?” the squeaky voice talked back, “it’s rude to strangers, let alone your headmaster!”

“headmaster? really?” you heard haemin scoff from a couple seats behind you, “you must be joking.”

“that’s right, your fluffy, cuddly, super amazing headmaster, minkkuma!”

“this could not get any weirder…” you think out loud, looking over at seungheon and sharing a concerned expression.

“dear, i’m under the firm belief that things can always get weirder.” minkkuma laughed, “welcome, class of two thousand one hundred, to your orientation for eternal academy!”

“two thousand… one hundred?” you all said unanimously.

“you caught me! such a gifted pair of students we have, too bad there isn’t more of you!” minkkuma frowns, “but two thousand one hundred is only an estimate, i’m sure you’ll start dropping like flies sooner or later.”

“what the hell is that supposed to mean?” minho shouts, getting slightly agitated.

“it is the schools duty to house you all for the rest of your lives. ” minkkuma paused, “but don’t look so down! while there is no physical way to escape from the confines of eternal academy, there’s always an alternative!”

“all i’m hearing is words coming out of your mouth! why are we here and how do we get out?” seungheon shouted angrily.

“kill.” minkkuma states blankly, “stabbing, strangling, bludgeoning, crushing, hacking, drowning, igniting—how you do it doesn’t matter. you must kill someone if you want to leave, it’s as simple as that.

the room trembles with the weight of those ominous words, and the expressions on the faces of the assembled group shift from unease to sheer terror. kill?

“come on now, just tell us something fun about the school and how we’re going to have a great time here.” yungyu seethed, “that’s what orientation is for, right?”

“i’m sure your time will be splendid! you have all the living materials to stay here for the rest of your life,

but if you really can’t handle it, just make sure you don’t get caught spilling blood.” minkkuma bubbled.

“no one in their right mind would ever kill…” the boy alongside haemin said, presumably being kyungmin, the one person you did not meet yet.

“i’ll choose to ignore that, because one of you skeptics definitely will. i can assure all of you that this is far from a joke.”

a pervasive sense of anxiety and paranoia begins to seep into the group. everyone starts to eye each other with suspicion, wondering who among them might become a perpetrator in this killing game. friendships formed earlier now seem fragiler and fragiler, as no one can be sure who to trust.

some of the individuals begin to panic, their breathing quickening, and their hearts racing. their faces contort with fear, and they clench their fists or clutch their chests as they grapple with the horrifying reality of their predicament.

“i bet your brain juices are leaking like a faucet! the feeling of hope could soon be executed into being an inescapable despair one murder later.”

“this is fucking sick.” minho gripped tightly onto yoonsung’s shoulder, while he on the other hand looked like he was about to vomit.

“sick? you think this is sick? don’t flatter me, minho, you’re just my student!” minkkuma giggled, “this deafening tension is music to my ears.”

“don’t play with me, you stupid bear!” minho yells.

“playing is for children, yet from this point forward you guys will only grow, exceeding much more than what you thought you were capable of.” minkkuma commented, “and as a welcoming gift, i have digital student handbooks for all of you! these hold all of the regulations in detail, as well as the mapping of the school. isn’t that just fun?”

“how can we be having fun right now after all you’d just told us?” yoonsung cried.

“don’t be such a debby - downer! aren’t you supposed to be the ultimate moodmaker?” minkkuma’s smile only got devastatingly larger, mocking yoonsung.

“anyone wouldn’t be themselves after being trapped with no free will.” myungho added.

“who said anything about not having free will? i just implied that you guys couldn’t get out of here to see the outside world! doesn’t mean i’ll cuff you up and force you to live off of raisins i picked off the ground, that’s kind of illegal.”

“are you really trying to bring legality into this?” you sneered, “i want to go home.”

“home is right around the corner! your dormitories are mapped in your handbook, and each one has a cute little nameplate made by me! i hope you find these living arrangements up to par.” minkkuma reported, pointing his little paw in wherever direction, “and that just about wraps up the ceremony, hm? you’ll all live here for eternity unless someone kills and doesn’t get caught. then the rest of you die. simple simple simple simple!”

with one last goodbye, your so - called headmaster disappears, leaving everyone in a pile of their own mushy confusion. the announcement that minkkuma made had casted a dark cloud over your lives, and the straining in the room serves as a constant reminder that you are all now trapped in a deadly game where trust is in short supply, and survival is the only goal.

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