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scarluna · 2 months ago

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Y/N, a gifted but self-conscious graphic designer, lands a job at Jeon Enterprises, a powerhouse ruled by the sharp and controlling Jeon Jungkook, whose ruthless perfectionism hides behind an enigmatic façade. Though admired and feared, Jungkook targets Y/N’s insecurities, using them as weapons against her.

Beside him stands his best friend, Min Yoongi, a sly and unpredictable force whose hot-and-cold behavior leaves Y/N questioning his motives.

Tangled in a web of cold authority, teasing games, and unspoken desire, Y/N must navigate a dangerous love triangle where ambition and emotion collide, threatening to unravel everything.

Pairing: Jungkook x Fem!Reader x Min Yoongi

Genre/Tags: plus sized reader, enemies to lovers, ceo!jungkook, graphic designer!reader, mafia!yoongi

Link to the other chapters: ACT II / ACT III / ACT IV / ACT V / ACT VI / ACT VII / ACT VIII

Chapters: 1 / ?

Chapter Warnings: mature language, bullying, slow burn, enemies to lovers

ACT I.

I adjusted my blazer for what felt like the millionth time, catching my reflection in the mirrored elevator doors. It wasn’t like me to fuss over what I was wearing, but this wasn’t just another job. It was Jeon Enterprises, one of the most prestigious companies in the world, and I was walking straight into the lion’s den.

The blazer was professional, fitted just right. At least, I hoped it was. The material hugged my body in ways that made me overly aware of every curve, but I had told myself over and over this morning: You’re here because you’re good at what you do, not because of how you look.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. I stepped onto the executive floor and immediately felt small. Everything screamed luxury. The floors gleamed, the walls were adorned with minimalist art, and the light streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows made the space feel impossibly big.

“Greetings,” the receptionist greeted me with a perfect smile. Her sleek ponytail and impeccable outfit made me feel like I’d rolled out of bed. “Mr. Jeon is expecting you. His office is straight ahead and to the left.”

“Thank you,” I managed to mutter under my braeth, clutching my portfolio like it was a shield.

Every step down the hallway felt heavier than the last. I’d heard the rumors about Jeon Jungkook. Everyone had. The man was a genius, sure, but he was also ruthless, arrogant, and an unapologetic womanizer. He had the kind of power and charm that let him get away with it, too.

I knocked on the massive wooden door at the end of the hallway, my heart pounding like a drum.

“Come in,” came a deep voice from the other side.

I pushed the door open and stepped into a room that felt like the command center of an empire. Jungkook sat behind a sleek glass desk, flipping through a stack of papers. For a second, he didn’t even look up.

When he did, I nearly forgot how to breathe. Okay, Y/N, you got this. Deep breaths. Deep breaths.

Jungkook looked like trouble in the most devastating way. His jet-black hair was perfectly tousled, his sharp jawline seemed carved from stone, and his dark eyes locked onto mine like they could see right through me. The tattoos peeking out from the collar of his white button-up shirt only added to the effect.

“You’re late,” he said, leaning back in his chair. It was as if he was seeing right through me with his eyes. I felt uneasy.

I blinked. “I… I was told the meeting was at nine.”

“It’s 9:01.” His lips curved into a lazy smirk. “I don’t like people who waste my time.”

I swallowed the sharp reply rising in my throat. Instead, I forced a polite smile. “I’ll be sure to set my watch ahead next time, Mr. Jeon.”

His smirk deepened, and he gestured to the chair across from him. “Have a seat. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

I sat down, carefully placing my portfolio on the desk. The tension in the room was suffocating, but I opened the folder and spread out the designs I’d spent days perfecting. “These are the concepts I’ve prepared based on the rebranding brief.”

Jungkook didn’t even glance at the papers right away. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, his eyes sweeping over me like I was part of the presentation.

“You don’t look like the typical designer we hire,” he said, his tone casual but cutting. His eyes roamed over my blazer, and then focused back to my eyes. I wanted to hide so bad.

My jaw tightened, but I kept my voice steady. “And you don’t look like the typical CEO.”

For a second, something flickered in his eyes—surprise, maybe—but then he laughed. A low, quiet sound that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Touché,” he said, finally picking up one of the designs.

The silence stretched as he studied my work. My heart was beating so loudly, I was sure he could hear it. This job wasn’t just a step up for me—it was a chance to prove that I belonged here, even if every glance from him made me feel like I didn’t.

“This one’s decent,” he said at last, holding up one of the logos. “But it’s missing… something.”

“What kind of something?” I asked, forcing myself to meet his gaze.

“Danger. Boldness. It needs to make people stop and stare.” He set the paper down and leaned back again, his smirk returning. “Think you can deliver that?”

I straightened my shoulders, even as my palms felt sweaty. “I can deliver exactly what you need.”

His smirk widened, but there was something darker behind it now, something that made me feel like he enjoyed the challenge. “We’ll see, Y/N. Welcome to Jeon Enterprises. Try not to disappoint me.”

As I left his office, my hands were still trembling. Jungkook Jeon was everything the rumors said and more—arrogant, sharp, and utterly infuriating. I was here for a week already and this was my first time meeting him. I noticed he didn't introduce himself, and it was probably because he knew the influence he had on others and he was aware that people knew him. Here I was, being delusional that this company was treating their employes with care. How much I was lied to at that damn job interview? I had to get this through. It was my dream job.

Jungkook himself had an intimidating aura. But he wasn’t going to intimidate me. Not yet, anyway.

My first day at Jeon Enterprises started like any other, with a carefully curated outfit and a bundle of nerves. But by noon, I’d already realized that fitting in here would be like trying to squeeze into a size too small—it wasn’t going to happen smoothly.

It began with Tina.

Tina was my direct manager, the person who would oversee my work and, apparently, my every move. I hadn’t been in the bullpen of the design department for five minutes before she sauntered over, heels clicking against the polished floor like a countdown to doom.

“Y/N, right?” she said, her voice oozing faux warmth as her sharp blue eyes scanned me from head to toe.

“Yes, that’s me.” I smiled, trying to come across as approachable.

Tina didn’t return the gesture. Instead, she crossed her arms, her fitted designer dress emphasizing a figure that belonged on a billboard. Her blonde hair was swept into an effortless bun, and her makeup looked flawless, like she’d just stepped out of a high-end commercial.

“Cute,” she said, her lips curling into a smirk. “Well, welcome to the team. I’ll be honest with you—Jeon Enterprises isn’t for everyone. Things move fast here, and we don’t have time to coddle anyone.”

I nodded. “I’m ready to work hard.”

She raised a perfectly sculpted brow. “Good. Because I won’t tolerate sloppy work or excuses. If you can’t keep up, you won’t last long.”

Her words stung, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Understood.”

“Great,” she said, clapping her hands together. “I’ll let you get settled. Just make sure you don’t need too much hand-holding. Mr. Jeon has a thing for perfection, and I’d hate for your mistakes to reflect on me.”

Before I could reply, Tina turned on her heel and strode away, her confidence practically leaving a trail behind her.

A few hours later, I realized that Tina wasn’t just sharp with me—she was sharp with everyone. But when it came to Jungkook, her demeanor shifted.

The first time I saw them interact was during a brief meeting in the design area. Jungkook had stopped by unexpectedly, his presence sucking the air out of the room. Conversations died, heads turned, and people suddenly looked very busy with their screens.

Tina, however, wasn’t fazed.

“Mr. Jeon,” she said, her tone smooth as silk. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, a move that felt almost rehearsed. “What a surprise. Did you come to check on our progress?”

Jungkook barely glanced at her. “Just passing through,” he said, his voice cool and detached.

But Tina wasn’t deterred. She stepped closer, her smile turning brighter. “If you have a moment, I could go over some of the new concepts we’ve been working on. I’d love your input.”

I watched from my desk as Jungkook’s gaze flicked to her, then to the designs she held out like an offering.

“No need,” he said, his tone as dismissive as it was polite. “That’s what I hired you for.”

Tina’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she recovered quickly. “Of course. I just want to make sure everything aligns with your vision.”

Jungkook didn’t respond. Instead, his eyes scanned the room, landing on me. For a moment, his expression was unreadable, but I swore there was a flicker of amusement. Then he turned back to Tina.

“Carry on,” he said, already walking away.

Tina’s smile vanished the second he was out of earshot. She tossed the papers onto her desk with a huff, muttering something under her breath that I couldn’t catch.

She caught me watching and raised an eyebrow. “Something on your mind, newbie?”

“No, just…” I hesitated, unsure how to phrase it. “It seems like Mr. Jeon has high expectations.”

Tina snorted, crossing her arms. “High expectations? Please. He’s impossible to please unless it’s on his terms. But don’t get too comfortable, Y/N. He has a way of making even the most confident people feel inadequate.”

Her words felt like a warning, but I couldn’t help but notice the frustration laced with something else—something personal.

She wanted him. That much was obvious. And judging by the way Jungkook hadn’t given her more than a passing glance, it was equally obvious that he didn’t want her.

It wasn’t comforting, exactly, but it did make me wonder: What did Jungkook Jeon want?

I had a feeling I’d find out soon enough.

I left the executive's floor in haze, my head spinning from everything he’d said—and everything he hadn’t said. The moment I stepped out of the elevator and into the main lobby, the weight of the building seemed to come crashing down on me. I had just had my first meeting with him, the infamous Jeon Jungkook.

I couldn’t decide if I should be excited or terrified. Maybe both? I certainly wasn’t expecting him to be so… blunt. But that was Jungkook—no pleasantries, just cold, sharp efficiency wrapped in a dangerously attractive package. He hadn’t even tried to sugarcoat it when he said, “Try not to disappoint me.”

I shook my head, trying to shake off the sting of his words.

I could already feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on me, the quiet murmur of the office that seemed louder as I made my way through the hallways. I just needed to breathe.

Lunch. I should grab lunch.

But even as the idea of food settled in my mind, the thought of stepping into the cafeteria was daunting. The last thing I wanted was to deal with the cafeteria crowd, with their subtle stares, quiet judgments, and the inevitable whispers.

I paused for a moment outside the cafeteria door, my nerves tightening in my chest. What if people noticed? What if I was the topic of the next office gossip? I wasn’t ready for that.

Sighing, I turned to leave. That’s when I spotted two people standing near the entrance of the cafeteria, chatting quietly.

“Y/N?”

I froze. It was Hoseok, the Marketing Manager Rya, the Social Media Specialist in my Team. They both looked up at me, smiling warmly. I was being trained by Tina during the past week and I hadn't had the chance to meet anyone on my Team, everyone was busy with their job and I was busy not to cry at how dismissive I was being treated by Tina.

“Hey!” Hoseok called out, his voice friendly and easy-going. “Are you coming in? We’ve got a couple of spots open.”

I hesitated. They didn’t look like the typical crowd who’d pay attention to me. But still, my nerves gripped me. I wasn’t ready to be the center of attention.

Rya noticed my unease, her eyes softening as she flashed me an understanding look. “It’s okay. You’re not the only one who gets the cafeteria jitters.”

I let out a soft laugh, though it sounded awkward. “I… I was thinking about just grabbing something quick and heading back to my desk.”

“You’re not getting away that easily,” Hoseok teased, motioning for me to come over. “Trust me, the food here isn’t so bad. And we’re cool. You’ll be fine.”

Something about Hoseok’s warm smile and Rya’s welcoming attitude made the anxiety that had been eating at me for the past few days ease just a little. “Alright, fine. I’ll join you.”

I made my way over to their table, trying not to look at anyone else. The last thing I wanted was to feel like I was on display.

As I sat down, I noticed they were both already halfway through their meals, and the conversation seemed casual, almost like we had known each other for ages. Hoseok leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he gave me a sympathetic look.

“You’re probably wondering what it’s like working here, right?”

I blinked. “A little. I’m still figuring things out.”

“Well, don’t let it get to you,” Hoseok said with a grin. “You’re probably gonna hear a lot of rumors around here, especially about our wonderful boss.”

I froze. My stomach did a flip.

“You’ve probably heard some stories about him, huh?” Rya asked, her voice lighter than I expected.

I nodded slowly. “Yeah. A few.” I have heard whispers amongst the other employes at how he had slept with someone from their department and whatnot. How good he was in bed, bla bla bla. It was the usual gossip I tried not to pay attention to.

Rya exchanged a knowing glance with Hoseok before turning her attention back to me. “Well, we’ve worked here long enough to know the truth behind the gossip.”

Hoseok raised an eyebrow, giving Rya an amused look. “Don’t go spreading too many secrets now, Rya.”

Rya grinned. “Oh, I’m just telling her the truth.”

I couldn’t help but lean in, intrigued. “What’s the truth?”

Rya grinned, leaning in slightly as if sharing a secret. “Well, first of all, Jungkook isn’t as terrifying as people make him out to be.”

“Really?” I said, surprised. “He seemed pretty… intense in our meeting.”

Rya laughed. “He’s definitely intense, that’s for sure. But he’s also complicated. It’s not like he’s always angry or anything. He’s just… cold. Detached. He doesn’t let people get too close.”

“He’s got a reputation for being a heartbreaker,” Hoseok added with a slight roll of his eyes. “And he definitely doesn’t tolerate mistakes. But don’t take it personally. He’s just obsessed with control. It doesn't matter if it's a job related or a person related.”

I let out a slow breath, still processing. “So, all the rumors about him being a womanizer… are those true?”

Hoseok shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “He’s not exactly the type to settle down. But that doesn’t mean he’s out there dating every woman who walks through the door. He’s selective, you could say.”

Rya’s lips twitched, her eyes gleaming mischievously. “Selective is an understatement. He doesn’t seem interested in anyone but himself. Though, a certain someone might argue differently…”

I furrowed my brow, not entirely following her meaning. Hoseok picked up on it immediately and chuckled. “Rya’s just a little bitter. She’s been crushing on him for years.”

Rya’s face flushed slightly, but she didn’t back down. “I wouldn’t say crushing. Just admiring from a distance. He’s got this way about him that’s hard to ignore. But trust me, you won’t get anywhere with him. He’s not the type to let anyone in.”

I wasn’t sure if that made me feel better or worse. The idea of Jungkook being so emotionally unavailable seemed like a blessing and a curse at the same time.

“But hey, if you can get past his walls,” Hoseok said with a teasing grin, “you might find that he’s not as bad as people think. Just don’t go expecting him to hand out compliments like candy. He’s got a… very unique way of showing he’s impressed.”

“Yeah, by barely acknowledging you, if you’re lucky,” Rya added, her tone dry.

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. The tension that had been gripping me finally loosened.

“Thanks, guys,” I said, feeling a bit lighter. “This helps a lot. I didn’t expect such an… honest view of him.”

Hoseok gave me a wink. “We’re here for the truth, Y/N. Don’t worry too much about him. Just do your thing and keep your head down. You’ll be fine.”

Rya smiled warmly. “Exactly. And remember, we’re here if you need anything.”

I smiled back, the warmth of their kindness making my nerves a little easier to handle. Maybe, just maybe, I could survive this place after all.

It had two weeks since I’d joined the team, but it felt like I’d been here forever. Between the pressure of trying to meet everyone’s expectations and dealing with my own insecurities, the past few days had been a blur. But today? Today felt different.

I was sitting at my desk, trying to finalize a design for a new client, when I got an email: Urgent meeting, 2 PM. I glanced at the clock— it was nearly time. The butterflies in my stomach immediately turned into a storm of dread.

I didn’t know what the meeting was about, but something told me it wasn’t going to be good.

By the time I walked into the conference room, my heart was pounding. The entire team was gathered— Tina, Hoseok, Rya, and even some of the higher-ups were sitting around the long conference table. At the head of the table was Jungkook, looking every bit the part of the cold, calculated CEO he was. He barely even looked up as I entered, though the slight tension in the air made it clear something was wrong.

“Y/N, sit,” Tina said, her tone cool as she gestured toward an empty chair. I sat down quickly, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

“Alright,” Jungkook finally spoke, his voice sharp and commanding. He stood up, moving around the table like he was preparing to give a speech. But his gaze locked on me as he began.

“The client is not happy with the design.” His words felt like a slap to the face. “And do you want to know why?” He didn’t wait for a response, his eyes boring into me. “Because, Y/N, you thought it would be cute to add your little personal touch.” I saw him take the folder I had given to Tina to give to Jungkook. He slammed it on the table which made me flinch.

I felt my face flush as the room fell silent. I knew exactly what he was talking about—the last-minute design changes that had been added against my protests. I had tried to convince Tina not to add them, but she insisted. The change had been pushed through her decision, not mine.

But here I was, in front of everyone, being blamed for something I had no control over.

I opened my mouth to speak, to explain that the changes were not my idea, but Jungkook didn’t give me a chance.

“Look at this,” he continued, “It’s amateur work, Y/N. It’s embarrassing. This,” he said, pointing at the screen, “is what you think a professional design looks like?” His eyes narrowed. “It’s no wonder the client doesn’t want to move forward with us.”

I felt my chest tighten, every word hitting me like a ton of bricks. The weight of his insults pressed down on me, but I stayed quiet. I couldn’t speak.

Then, his voice grew colder, mocking. “And what’s this?” He pointed at the screen again. “You decided to add this ridiculous pattern—what, you thought it would make it look more ‘fun’?”

I wanted to sink into the chair and disappear. The whole room was watching me, waiting for me to respond. But how could I? What could I possibly say when Jungkook was tearing my work—and me—down in front of everyone?

“And don’t get me started on the layout,” he continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “It’s all over the place. I mean, do you even have a vision of beauty?” he paused for a moment, "Because It's obvious you have absolutely no idea how beauty feels like. I mean, look at you. . . " he trailed off.

The words hit like a physical blow. I froze. The way he said it, so casually, made it feel like it was the least important thing to him. But to me? It felt like the world had just fallen apart.

“Maybe if you spent less time making things look good and more time doing your job, we wouldn’t be in this position,” he mocked, his eyes cutting into me. “You really think you deserve to be here?”

I could feel my heart racing, my breath shallow. The sting of his words—those last few—made my entire body feel cold. My hands clenched into fists at my sides, but I didn’t say anything. I couldn’t.

I just sat there, the weight of his words crashing down on me, feeling more exposed than I ever had in my life.

Jungkook turned away, finally seeming to lose interest in me, as he went on to talk about other aspects of the project. But I was no longer listening. The room felt like it was closing in on me.

I couldn’t look at anyone. I didn’t even want to be here anymore. But all I could do was sit in silence, my eyes trained on the table, willing myself not to cry.

The meeting dragged on for what felt like hours, but when it finally ended, I barely heard the chatter around me. I just stood up quietly and walked out, my hands trembling at my sides.

I didn’t know where I was going, but somehow, my feet carried me to the nearest bathroom. I locked myself inside one of the stalls, pressing my back against the door as the tears I had been holding back finally broke free.

I slid down the wall, hugging my knees to my chest, the words from the meeting echoing in my head. “You really think you deserve to be here?”

I didn’t know how long I sat there, crying silently, but I couldn’t stop. Every insult, every mocking tone he’d used to tear me down, was running through my mind on repeat.

Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, I heard a soft knock at the door.

“Y/N? You in there?”

It was Rya’s voice.

I wiped my eyes quickly, trying to get myself together, but it was no use. I couldn’t hide the sobs that kept coming.

“Y/N, let me in,” Rya said, her voice soft but insistent. “It’s okay. Open up.”

I stood up and unlocked the door, only to find Rya standing there, her eyes full of understanding. Without a word, she stepped inside, closing the door behind her, and wrapped her arms around me.

“Hey,” she said quietly. “It’s okay. He’s an asshole. Don’t let him get to you.”

I buried my face in her shoulder, the tears flowing freely now. I didn’t care anymore. I just needed someone to tell me it wasn’t my fault.

“I… I didn’t even want to add those changes,” I whispered between sobs. “It wasn’t my idea. Tina—Tina pushed it. But he—he…” I couldn’t finish. I couldn’t bring myself to repeat what he’d said about my weight, about me.

Rya held me tighter. “I know. I know. And it’s not your fault. Tina did that on purpose, and Jungkook? He doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about. He’s got his own issues.”

I sniffled and pulled back slightly, wiping my eyes. “But… the way he talked about me—”

“Forget him,” Rya interrupted gently. “He’s an idiot. A rich, spoiled idiot who doesn’t know how to treat people. You’re a damn good designer, Y/N. Don’t let him make you doubt that.”

I nodded, though it didn’t feel like it was enough. My mind was still reeling, but Rya’s words were a small comfort.

“I don’t know if I can go back in there,” I confessed. “I don’t think I can face him again.”

Rya gave me a small smile. “You don’t have to. But when you’re ready, we’ll be here. Just remember, you’ve got this. Don’t let one asshole ruin your day.”

I took a deep breath, nodding slowly. It didn’t fix everything, but it was a start.

Rya squeezed my shoulder before leaving the bathroom, leaving me to gather my thoughts. As I stood there, I realized one thing: Maybe it wasn’t about winning Jungkook’s approval. Maybe it was about not letting him—or anyone else—define my worth.

It had been a long, draining day at the office. My mind was still tangled with the aftermath of the meeting, Jungkook's biting words still echoing in my head. But I didn’t want to think about it anymore—not right now, at least.

“Come on, Y/N. You need a break,” Hoseok said with that signature grin of his as he tugged me away from my desk. “We’re going out for coffee. You’re coming with us.”

“I… I don’t know if I should,” I replied, glancing at the clock. “I still have some work to catch up on.”

“You’ve been working non-stop for hours,” Rya chimed in, appearing by my side. “It’s one coffee. We’ll keep it short. Besides, you deserve it.”

Reluctantly, I grabbed my bag and followed them out of the office. My shoulders were still tense from the meeting, but I figured a little break wouldn’t hurt.

We walked to the nearby café, a cozy little spot that seemed like the perfect place to relax. The warm scent of coffee beans and pastries filled the air as we stepped inside, and I immediately felt my mood shift. I could finally breathe.

“Alright, get whatever you want,” Hoseok said, waving a hand at the menu. “My treat. You need something sweet after today.”

I gave him a small smile. “Thanks, Hoseok. I’ll just get a latte, I think.”

Rya raised an eyebrow at me. “You sure? You’re not gonna go for something stronger? A double shot maybe?”

I laughed nervously. “No, I think a latte is good for now. I don’t need to be jittery today.”

We ordered our drinks, and as we waited for them, I found myself staring out the window, trying to calm my nerves. There was a weight on my chest that I couldn’t shake. The insults from the meeting were still gnawing at me, and it made my hands shake a little.

Hoseok and Rya must have noticed, because they both came to sit beside me with their drinks, offering me a sense of calm just by being there.

“So,” Hoseok started, his voice light, “how are you really doing? After the meeting?”

I sighed and rested my chin on my hand, glancing down at my latte. “I’m fine, I guess. It just… feels like everything is my fault. I didn’t want to change the design like that, but Tina pushed it through, and then Jungkook…”

Rya shook her head. “I told you, don’t take it personally. That was a power play, pure and simple. Tina wants to prove herself that she is the best one in front of Jungkook and Jungkook thrives on making people feel small.”

Hoseok agreed. “Exactly. Actually, now that I think about it, both of them got a way of tearing people down just to get what they want. You’ve just gotta learn to take it with a grain of salt. Jungkook’s an asshole, but he’s not the be-all, end-all."

I nodded, though the pit in my stomach didn’t entirely go away. I had always hated confrontation, and Jungkook's words felt like more than just critique. They felt like personal attacks, especially about my appearance. It was one thing for him to dismiss my design choices, but his mockery had stung in a way I didn’t know how to process. "Now that I think about it, Tina and him are more alike, I am confused he hasn't seen that yet.” Hoseok muttered and Rya slapped him on the shoulder in pure realization. "Holy shit, you are right!" I frowned. Were they actually? I wasn't here long enough to know that for sure.

Before I could respond, Rya spoke out, as if sensing my discomfort. “So, have you heard anything about Tina and her little antics?”

I frowned, looking between Rya and Hoseok. “What do you mean?”

Rya leaned in, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. “Well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Tina’s been all over Jungkook lately. Ever since you started, she’s been trying to get his attention, especially at meetings.”

Hoseok smirked, taking a sip of his coffee. “I think we all know what’s going on there. She’s not exactly subtle about it. But Jungkook? He doesn’t seem interested. He’s just… indifferent, which drives her crazy.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Really? I thought they were close.”

Rya snorted. “Close? They’re business partners, that’s all. And Tina’s obsessed with the idea of him.”

Hoseok laughed softly. “He’s too much of a cold fish for that, honestly. I don’t think Tina’s figured that out yet.”

Just as I was about to respond, the door to the café opened, and a tall man stepped inside, scanning the room briefly. I didn’t pay him much attention at first, but then I noticed Hoseok’s eyes narrow and Rya stiffen beside me.

“Uh-oh,” Rya muttered under her breath. “Look who's here.”

Hoseok sighed, shaking his head. “Great. Just what we needed.”

I looked over at them, confused, and then turned to follow their gaze. The man I’d barely noticed at first was now walking toward the counter to order, and I couldn’t help but notice the aura of confidence he exuded—he had a way of moving that made people take notice. He was tall, with brown, disheveled hair and a piercing gaze that didn’t seem to care about anything or anyone. He was the type of guy who could make the world feel like his playground.

“You’re staring,” Hoseok commented, his voice amused.

“I’m not staring,” I muttered, feeling my face heat up. “Who is he?”

“That’s Min Yoongi,” Rya answered, her tone cautious. “He’s Jungkook’s best friend and his right-hand man.”

I blinked, surprised. “Oh? I’ve never seen him around before.”

Rya nodded. “He doesn’t usually come by the office unless something important is going on. But when he does show up, you’ll know.” She gave me a sly look. “He’s a bit of a troublemaker. A playboy. But don’t let that fool you—he’s got a mind like a steel trap.”

Hoseok snorted. “He’s definitely a sly fox, that one. Flirts with anything that moves, but doesn’t really care about anyone’s feelings. Except Jungkook’s, of course. They’re close. Too close, if you ask me.”

As Min Yoongi made his way over to a table near us, his eyes casually flicked over our group, lingering for just a moment longer than necessary on me. His gaze was sharp, but there was something playful in his expression as he took a seat. He didn’t speak to anyone, just settled in with his drink, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was the type to draw people in without even trying.

I couldn’t help but feel a little out of place—Yoongi had an air about him that seemed to demand attention, and I was suddenly aware of the fact that I was sitting here, sipping a latte, with two people I barely knew.

“Don’t get any ideas,” Rya warned with a smirk, noticing the direction of my gaze. “He’s not someone you want to get involved with. Trust me.”

I almost choked on my sip. "Are you crazy? That's inapropriate, firstly and secondly . . . he gives off Jungkook's aura so no thanks. Besides, he'd never notice me." I muttered, my shoulders slumped a little. There was something magnetic about him, but I wasn’t sure if it was the kind of attraction I needed to get mixed up in right now.

Hoseok’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Don’t worry. Yoongi doesn’t give a damn about anyone unless they’ve got something to offer him.”

I glanced back at him, still unsure of what to make of the situation. Min Yoongi was definitely intriguing, but not someone I was looking to befriend—especially not with everything going on with Jungkook and Tina.

“Let’s just focus on you for now,” Hoseok said with a wink, nudging me gently. “You’re our priority.”

Rya added, “And remember, we’re here for you. If you ever need anything, just say the word.”

I smiled at them, grateful for their kindness. The world felt a little less heavy with them around. But as I glanced back at Min Yoongi, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more complicated.

And that was probably just the beginning.

A month later since that fateful coffee break with Hoseok and Rya, and in the days that followed, everything had changed. The office felt colder, the walls seemed to close in tighter, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, even as I kept pushing myself to get through the day.

The worst part? Jungkook hadn’t said a word to me since that horrible meeting. Not a single word of apology, explanation, or even acknowledgment. He continued to pass me in the halls, his eyes cold, his expression distant. It felt as if I was invisible to him now—just a nameless face in the office. I was truly deluding myself that this man actually had morals at all. I was slowly starting to get to terms with that.

Meanwhile, Tina was thriving. Her behavior toward me had grown more insufferable. She’d openly paraded around the office, flaunting her "success" in getting the design changes approved and the "good work" she was supposedly doing with Jungkook. I could see the way she watched him, practically throwing herself at him every chance she got. Jungkook, of course, barely gave her a second glance. I was nor surpised that eventually, after Tina's involvments in my designs, something would happen with me and my position. This woman was jealous of anyone Jungkook paid the slightest attention to and it was pathetic. I was determined to focus on my improvement and work and not let anything distract me.

The office was particularly busy that day. There was a big client meeting happening, and everyone was on edge, scrambling to finish last-minute details. I was still trying to make sense of the mess I’d been handed—new tasks, new responsibilities, but all of them felt like punishment for something I hadn’t even done. I sat at my desk, my fingers hovering over the keyboard, unsure where to begin. Every time I thought about how things had turned out, my stomach twisted.

“You okay?” Rya’s voice startled me, and I looked up to see her standing by my desk, her arms crossed.

I smiled weakly, forcing myself to sit up straight. “Yeah. Just… busy.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You sure? You’ve barely said anything since the last meeting.” Her tone softened, and she dropped her arms. “You’ve been keeping your voice down, and honestly, it’s a little concerning.”

I sighed, glancing around the office. Everyone was too focused on their work to notice what was going on with me. I had to keep it together. “I’m fine, really. Just… a lot on my plate right now.”

Rya studied me for a moment, clearly not buying it. “Listen, if you need to talk, you know I’m here, right?”

“Thanks, Rya,” I muttered, though I couldn’t bring myself to tell her the full extent of how I was feeling. I wasn’t sure if I had it in me to talk about everything—about Tina, about Yoongi, about Jungkook and how they were all acting like I didn’t even exist.

But before I could say more, there was a knock on the door, and Tina’s voice echoed from the hallway.

“Y/N! You’re needed in the meeting room right now.”

My chest tightened. I didn’t have a good feeling about this. But I forced myself to nod and get up, trying to ignore the flutter of panic in my stomach. As I walked down the hallway toward the meeting room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something big was coming. Something that I wasn’t prepared for.

When I entered the meeting room, I was met with the usual suspects—Tina, Jungkook, and, to my surprise, Yoongi, who was standing at the front of the room, leaning casually against the table, a smug smile on his face.

“Y/N,” Jungkook said flatly, not even looking up from his laptop. “You’re late. Again.”

“I’m sorry,” I said quickly, feeling my cheeks flush. I didn’t need another reprimand today.

Yoongi raised an eyebrow, observing me for a moment before turning his attention back to the laptop. “Tina, let’s move on,” he said, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “We don’t have all day.”

Tina nodded, a little too enthusiastically. “Right. So, Y/N, we’ve been looking at the latest design you’ve submitted. It’s… disappointing.”

I blinked. Disappointing?

I swallowed hard. “What? I—what do you mean?”

“We reviewed it carefully.” Tina flipped through a stack of papers on the table, not meeting my eyes. “And frankly, it doesn’t fit with what the client wants. I think you’ve really missed the mark on this one.”

I felt the sting of her words, but something inside me snapped. “That’s not true,” I said, my voice steady despite the growing panic in my chest. “I made the changes based on the client’s feedback. If there’s an issue, it’s with the last-minute adjustments—those weren’t my ideas. I didn’t want to change anything in the first place.” I glanced at Tina, who had her eyes glued to her papers, avoiding my gaze. “But you pushed for it.”

Tina’s eyes flicked to me, but she didn’t respond. Yoongi, on the other hand, didn’t look surprised at all. He raised an eyebrow and leaned back, his gaze never leaving me.

“You really think you can blame others for your mistakes?” Yoongi’s voice was calm but laced with sarcasm. “Nice try. But the bottom line is, you didn’t deliver. And that’s on you.”

I froze. This was what was happening? Everyone in the room had already made their decision. I could see the smug satisfaction on Tina’s face, the cold indifference in Jungkook’s eyes, and the subtle amusement in Yoongi’s expression. They were all waiting for me to crack, to fold under the pressure.

But I wasn’t going to give them that satisfaction.

“I did my job,” I said quietly, my voice unwavering. “I did exactly what I was told. If the design didn’t work, it’s because it wasn’t my choice to change it in the first place.”

There was a long pause. Yoongi’s smirk widened, as if he’d been waiting for this moment. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Tina’s right about one thing,” he said, voice low. “You’re not cut out for this job, Y/N. And after the client’s response, I think it’s time to make a few changes.”

My heart skipped a beat. Was I being fired?

Without giving me a chance to respond, Yoongi stood up. “Effective immediately, I’ll be taking over your responsibilities.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but nothing came out. I felt small, helpless, trapped in a situation that seemed to be spiraling beyond my control.

Then, just as I thought the world was closing in on me, Jungkook spoke, his voice cold and distant. “You’ll be working with him now. I’ll make sure you’re briefed on the new tasks later.”

I turned to Jungkook, but he didn’t even look at me. His gaze was focused on his laptop screen again.

I couldn’t breathe. I’d tried. I had really tried to keep my head above water in this toxic office, but now it seemed like it was all slipping through my fingers.

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heavenlyraindrops · 7 months ago

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“ᴏʙꜱᴇꜱꜱᴇᴅ.” | ᴋᴇɴᴊɪ ꜱᴀᴛᴏ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ | { ɪ }

☆ Warnings: profanity, sports!photographer!reader, fem!reader, afab!reader, for future chapters: social media au, eventual smut

☆ 1.3k words | Available on: Tumblr, AO3

A career in sports photography was never something your parents wanted for you- they had decided your career path since the moment you were born. A surgeon. Bound to make them plenty of money, to make them proud. They wanted it more than anything else, and…

You decided that wasn’t your problem.

You researched the job, the career path, and began building a portfolio. Taking pictures of athletes at games, major ones and others such as college games. Mostly baseball. In fact, it was almost all baseball.

Oh. College games. Baseball.

You’d attended college in the States, attending the baseball games and snapping pictures. And, for some reason, you seemed to gravitate towards one specific player.

You had no idea what his name was.

You didn’t share any classes. You saw him around campus occasionally, but you weren’t one for parties so you had no chance of running into him at one of those. Your circles barely even touched. You didn’t know each other at all.

Correction: he didn’t know you at all, and you only knew him as the hot athlete guy you took pictures of.

“Another one?” Your friend, Taika grumbled, another one of your posts coming up on her feed. “[name], this is the fifteenth time you’ve posted this guy.”

You rolled your eyes, laptop balanced on your thigh as you edited a picture. “I’m just building my portfolio.”

“No one’s gonna hire you if your portfolio is just a million pictures of the same guy.”

“It’s not, there’s other pictures too.”

“Yeah, like, two.”

“Hyperbole much?”

Taika sighed aggressively, setting her phone-face down next to her as she leaned forward, face turning serious. “[name], is this some weird fetish? Kink?”

“What?” You almost threw your laptop at her. “You’re so dramatic. Obviously it’s not. What kind of kink would that even be?”

“Just admit you think he’s hot.”

You pressed your lips together, slamming your laptop shut. “Okay, get out.”

“But-!”

“Out!”

And that was that. You kept taking pictures of Mysterious Hot Athlete Guy,, eventually veering away from him in the end to expand your name. Your portfolio grew, you gained jobs, and your parents got increasingly frustrated until the point where they threatened to cut contact with you.

You didn’t care. This was your passion. You’d much rather be on a pitch, capturing the essence of exhausted yet still exhilarated camaraderie than in a sterile surgeon’s scrub, brandishing a scalpel, cutting into flesh to expose your patients innards.

Unfortunately they went through with the threat. Oh well.

With the little savings you had, the weight of college debt for a degree you’d never use on your shoulders and your rather expensive camera equipment for which you’d somehow managed to scrape together the money for, you decided to follow Taika back to Japan.

“There’s plenty of opportunities for you there,” she told you.

Taika, being a trust fund baby, had more than enough of her parents' money to support herself, and you in Japan. You slowly grew your career and by a couple of months, you could afford to move into your own apartment.

And now you were a- somewhat-well known sports photographer in the industry, despite never actually having a stable job, and… that was that.

That was your story.

But not the end of it.

Because after a good few months deep into your path of sports photography, a baseball player rose to stardom.

Kenji Sato.

“Oh my god!” Taika grabbed onto your arm, nails digging into your skin and making you yelp as she thrust the phone in your face. “Dude! That’s the guy you had a crush on in college!”

Your face burned with embarrassment, and your voice was grating. “I didn’t have a crush on him.”

He just had a nice… bone structure.

Maybe I should have taken pictures of models for magazines or something.

You looked at the article. Newest player on the field sparks talk of the rise of a new baseball legend.

Oh damn. Maybe he should have been a model.

“Kenji Sato,” Taika read out the name. “Dude, I swear this is the guy.” Pulling up your instagram account, she scrolled all the way to the bottom, at your earlier days of shooting. “Dude. That’s him.”

“It’s him,” you said weakly. She grinned at you, a knowing smirk that made you want to tear her hair out.

Another stretch of time passed, until the days where your life was immediately thrust into a direction it did not give consent into going.

Firstly, Ken Sato made headlines by coming back to Japan. Secondly, you’d landed a job at a baseball game in the Tokyo Dome. Thirdly, it was the game which the Yomiuri Giants were playing.

You were now on the corner of the pitch, equipment set up, game in full play. The heat of the crowd pressed down on you as you angled your camera at a figure all too familiar.

Fucking focus, [name].

The ball whizzed through the air. He hit it, arm and bat lashing out, and-

“Fuck!”

You cursed, jerking away from the camera set up and throwing your hands over your head. It fell to the ground, shattered, and the ball rolled across the ground, hitting your knee.

You looked up. The crowd was roaring. Your head was ringing, feeling faint as you stared at the broken camera lying on the ground. Oh jeez, you were going to faint. Fuck, those players hit the ball hard.

You looked up and saw Ken Sato hurrying towards you.

And that was when you fainted.

Kenji Sato was going to fucking jump off of a bridge.

Pacing his living room, he dragged his hands through his hair, muttering a string of curses under his breath. “Mina, I’m so screwed.” He paused, looking at her hopefully. “Am I? Screwed, I mean.”

“That would be an interesting topic of debate, Ken.”

“Give me a proper answer, dammit!”

“You’ll be fine.”

“What about the girl?” He stopped suddenly, freezing in place. “I feel awful, you know.” Mina stared at him. “Yes, I can feel regret. Shocker.” He ran his hand through his hair, again. “I already replaced her broken stuff, right?” He looked sick. “Should I apologize? In person? Over text?”

“You could apologize over text,” Mina said.

Kenji immediately fell into the couch, pulling out his phone. “What’s her instagram account name?” Pulling it up, he scrolled through the photos. “[name] [surname], sports photographer,” he read aloud, eyes flicking down to the pictures.

“She has taken photos for teams, articles, and even major sports magazines.” Mina flew down, hovering near his head as he scrolled curiously.

“How many photos do you bet she’s got of me?”

“Would you like me to run a search?”

Ken looked up, surprised. “I was just kidding.” He dug his nail beneath his other nail, considering the offer, but Mina was already doing it.

“Approximately ninety-seven out of two-hundred and twenty-nine images posted on her professional account include your face,” Mina concluded. Ken stared at her blankly. She remained silent for a few more seconds, letting it sink in, then spoke again. “I suggest scrolling to the very bottom of her account, her earliest days of photography, Ken.”

“Ninety-seven?” He asked incredulously, and Mina simply repeated her previous statement. Scroll down.

He did. It took him a while, but he finally managed to hit it, and-

“I’m in college in these.”

His eyes scanned the pictures on the screen- most of which were of him. College games, every one of them. He’d never noticed her in the crowd. Had he?

And there were so, so many.

He could feel heat creeping up his neck. He didn’t find it creepy, or stalkerish- not at all, but instead dared to feel a tiny bit flattered.

Oh, she was obsessed with me. That’s kind of cute.

He wondered if she still was.

Taglist: @moonjellyfishie, @lovingyeet, @aise-30, @scarasw1f3, @v1ennie im only doing taglist this once but I’d prefer it if people just followed me instead because they’re such a hassle

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mixolya · 9 days ago

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ᓚᘏᗢ — golden hours, golden hearts : chapter 007 ! (wc: 1275)

the waiting room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the central heating and the soft background music filtering in from the hallway. you leaned back into the plush sofa, scrolling through your phone, only half paying attention to the emails and notifications that popped up. your mind was already on the shoot, mentally preparing yourself for what would undoubtedly be another successful addition to your portfolio.

the sound of footsteps nearing the door pulled your attention. you sat up slightly, tucking your phone away as the door opened to reveal the assistant from earlier.

"y/n," she said, her tone polite and professional. "your partner has arrived."

you gave her a small smile, curious, as she stepped aside to let him in. the man who entered first was unfamiliar. tall, dressed in a sleek blazer, and showed the calm demeanor of someone used to handling business. he's probably someone important, a manager, perhaps.

his presence was commanding, but your attention quickly shifted to the figure who followed him.

sae itoshi.

you've got to be kidding me.

he stepped in with a quiet confidence, his gaze scanning the room until it landed on you. for a moment, it felt like time stretched thin, the sound of aurora introducing him fading into the background.

"y/n, meet sae itoshi," she said cheerfully. "he's going to be your partner for today's shoot."

you kept your expression steady, the practiced neutrality of a model coming to your rescue. "it's a pleasure to meet you," you said, extending a hand.

sae's handshake was firm but brief, and for a second, you thought you saw a flicker of amusement in his teal eyes. "the pleasure's mine," he replied, his tone even and annoyingly self-assured.

the assistant clapped her hands together. "alright, let's get you both to makeup and wardrobe," she announced, gesturing for you to follow her. sae, of course, fell into step beside you, his quiet presence lingering like the faintest cologne.

in the makeup room, the team worked like clockwork. your stylist began by prepping your skin, dabbing a lightweight foundation that enhanced your natural glow. they went for a sharp yet soft look, emphasizing your cheekbones with bronzer and adding a hint of shimmer to your eyelids.

they adorned you in a structured, black puff-sleeved dress with sheer detailing, a nod to high fashion. you glanced in the mirror and caught the reflection of sae, seated across the room.

his styling was just as flawless. the team dressed him in a tailored black suit, his crisp white shirt unbuttoned at the top for a touch of casual allure. his damp hair framed his face in tousled waves, as though he'd just stepped off a motorcycle in the rain- unmistakably intentional. sae looked every bit the calvin klein man: refined, enigmatic, and quietly magnetic.

the room buzzed with activity, but he seemed entirely unaffected, his stupid pretty eyes glancing over at you now and then. when your eyes met, he offered a small smile.

you didn't return it.

the assistant reappeared moments later. "both of you look incredible," she gushed, motioning toward the adjoining studio. "let's move on to the set."

the set was stark and modern, with soft lighting and a neutral backdrop that allowed the clothes (and the chemistry) to do all the talking. the photographer explained the vision: bold intimacy, understated sensuality. he gestured to a chaise lounge positioned in the center of the room.

"y/n, you'll stand behind sae for this one. place your hand gently on his jaw, like you're asserting control, but keep it delicate. sae, lean back into her touch. make it powerful but restrained. got it?"

you stepped into position, your heels clicking against the polished floor. standing behind sae, you rested your hands under his jaw as instructed, tilting his head slightly upward. his skin was warm beneath your fingertips, and you felt his adam's apple shift as he swallowed.

"perfect," the photograph murmured.

sae, for his part, was infuriatingly composed, the corners of his lips twitching upward just enough for you to notice. "comfortable?" he murmured under his breath, his voice so low that only you could hear.

"completely," you replied coolly, keeping your focus on the lens.

the camera clicked, capturing the striking contrast between his relaxed posture and your commanding one. the dynamic was undeniable.

for the next shot, they had you lie on a pristine white bed, dressed in a fitted red dress that hugged your figure perfectly. sae joined you, his blazer discarded, leaving him in just the unbuttoned shirt and trousers. the photographer directed you both to rest your heads close together, your hands lightly cradling each other's faces.

the proximity was almost too much. his eyes searched yours, his gaze filled with something unclear. a challenge, maybe. or something deeper.

“try to soften your expression, y/n,” the photographer encouraged. “you look a bit guarded.”

you exhaled and forced yourself to relax, your fingertips grazing his jaw. sae tilted his head slightly, his lips curving upward as if amused by your hesitation.

“you’re tense,” he whispered, his voice a teasing murmur.

“maybe because someone keeps talking,” you shot back quietly, the barest hint of a smile betraying your irritation.

he chuckled, the sound low and rich. "relax, y/n. you’re supposed to act like you like me."

“acting is all it’ll ever be,” you countered, your voice dripping with faux sweetness.

“hmm,” was all he said, his gaze lingering on you a beat too long.

the final set was the most intimate. sae sat across from you, his dark suit contrasting sharply with the soft checkered fabric of your dress. you could feel his presence even before meeting his eyes, a calm yet electrifying energy that somehow always demanded attention.

“lean in closer, both of you,” the photographer instructed. “sae, rest your chin on y/n's hand, and y/n, mirror him. eyes locked. let it feel... natural.”

you hesitated for only a moment, adjusting your position. propping your elbow on the table, sae rested his chin lightly on your palm. you looked at him, and smiled. his face was close. so close you could feel the warmth of his breath against your skin.

his teal eyes captured yours, their intensity unwavering. the distance between you felt insignificant, as though the room had shrunk to contain only the two of you. you tried to keep your expression neutral, indifferent even, but sae was unrelenting. his gaze wasn’t just looking at you. it was seeing you, disarming in its quiet persistence.

“perfect,” the photographer said, voice low but satisfied. “hold that for a moment. there’s a connection here. stay in it.”

sae’s hand shifted slightly, brushing against yours as if to test your resolve. your breath hitched at the subtle contact, but you refused to break eye contact. if he wanted to play, you weren’t going to make it easy for him.

his smirk deepened, but it was subtle; almost unnoticeable, like he knew something you didn’t. the camera clicked, but the moment wasn’t for the camera anymore. it was for you and him, a silent conversation spoken through the space between your fingertips and the weight of his gaze.

“alright, that’s a wrap for this pose,” the photographer called out, breaking the spell. but even as the room shifted back to its usual bustling rhythm, sae didn’t move right away. his eyes lingered on yours, a challenge and something softer layered underneath it.

finally, you pulled back, retreating from the unspoken tension. sae straightened as well, his movements slow and unhurried, his lips fading into something illegible.

chapter 006 > here > chapter 008

taglist is open ! <3

back to golden hours, golden hearts

a/n: alright first interaction irl yay

taglist: @darling-dearesttt @saeslove @yuukigyatgyat @sof888a @beepbopzlorp @luvrrin @narcjsistx @catukin @megumismyhusband @morgyyyyyyy @levihanmyotp @kaz-0e @nensi @vaelils @loverryxx @kunascutie @bbladie @swagkittybear @alexiaray @kaidostwin @black-swan-blog27 @syarc0re @vayahatesu @yangx2isawhore @pinkfqiry @treeguzzler @shumeow-h @modxbea @90s-belladonna @rory-cakes @sapph1r3x @yuiearyi @pctterheadd @thecallofmedusa @whisperofae @belovedfedya @anqelkoz @yukari1k @dontmindtheevie @pookalicious-hq @pan-kojiwa @spookysoowpprince @mivqko

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lees-chaotic-brain · 1 year ago

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JJK Men Getting Jealous

Feat. Gojo and Megumi

CW: Random guys being creeps, harassment, attempted kidnapping (or so he thinks), reader has female pronouns and anatomy, light swearing

Part Two | JJK Masterlist | Blog Navigation

Gojo Satoru

The two of you were enjoying your date at the park when Gojo received a phone call. Normally, he would have ignored it, but you forced him to, telling that he needs to take care of his responsibilities. After all, you loved Satoru as he was, but the man needed to grow up a little.

Stepping away, he turned his back and answered the phone, immediately trying to weasel his way out of whatever assignment he was needed on.

Meanwhile, you were seated on a bench and scrolling through your phone when a street photographer approached you.

"Excuse me?" A young man was looking at you hopefully as he held up his camera.

"I'm a street photographer, and well, when I noticed you sitting here I just knew I had to capture your stunning looks for my portfolio. So would it be okay if I took your picture?"

Flattered, but a little uncertain, you replied.

"Well, thank you, but actually I'm just waiting for my boyfriend-"

He cut you off.

"Oh don't worry! This will only take a second!"

Stepping up to you, he reached out and brushed your hair back with his fingers.

"What-what are you doing?" You ask nervously, leaning away from his touch.

"Just brushing your hair back from your face! Can't have it covering those stunning features of yours now can we darling?"

He winked cheekily.

Finally finished with his call (he had managed to dump the assignment onto the three first years), Gojo turned around, ready to bask in your presence and affection.

Instead he witnessed an unfamiliar man moving his hands to your chest brushing off your shirt and smoothing the fabric.

Pausing, he took a moment to try and comprehend what he was seeing.

Then he saw you flinch and swat his hands away.

He was by your side in an instant.

"Please stop." You said firmly. "My boyfriend-"

"Is right here!"

Gojo interjected cheerfully, swinging an arm around your shoulders and using his other arm to push the photographer away as he sat next to you.

"Why don't you take a picture of me and my girlfriend?"

He suggested menacingly, looking at the man over his glasses.

"After all, don't you think we make an absolutely stunning couple?"

Needless to say, the photographer snapped a couple quick pictures of the two of you before speeding away.

"Thanks 'Toru."

You said, sighing in relief once the man was finally out of sight.

"No problem! After all, he was touching my boobies."

To emphasize what he was saying, he turned and buried his head in your chest.

He peeked up at you with puppy eyes.

"These are all mine, right?"

"Of course babe."

You laughed, and stroked his hair.

"They're all yours."

Megumi Fushiguro

While the two of you were shopping with Nobara and Yuji, you saw something that interested you and you wandered off.

Noticing that you were missing, Megumi split off from the others, and went to search for you.

Finally finding you, he couldn't help but to smile a little, because you were just so damn cute.

You were happily wandering around a manga store quietly humming to yourself as you browsed.

Moving to join you, he was shocked when a guy around the same age as you guys snuck up behind you and put you into a chokehold.

Were you getting kidnapped in front of him? He was speeding up, ready to give the guy a beatdown he wouldn't soon forget, when you flipped the guy over your shoulder.

The guy twisted gracefully midair to avoid being slammed on his back, and landed smoothly on his feet in front of you. You shot your arm up, ready to strike, but the guy easily caught your wrist.

"I told you to stop using that move, it's too predictable."

The guy said, shaking his head at you.

Pausing, you looked up at the guys face for the first time.

"TAKESHI?!"

You shrieked his name, and launched yourself into his arms, wrapping your arms around his neck.

"You big dummy! What was that for?! You scared the shit out of me! But never mind that, I missed you! What's going on? Why are you here?!"

Laughing he spun you around.

"Whoa. Slow down. I missed you too idiot. I missed my sparring partner and was just checking to make sure that you were keeping up with your training!"

He batted his eyes innocently as he set you on your feet.

"After all, my mom would kill me if I left her beloved unofficial daughter unable to defend herself in the big city! What if you got mugged?!"

Unable to suppress your smile you pinched his cheek.

"You just did that because you wanted to scare me. Jerk."

"Aw, you know you love me."

"Ahem."

You both turned to find your unimpressed boyfriend staring at the two of you with his arms crossed over his chest.

Striding over to you, Megumi wrapped his arm around your waist and pulled you into his side, giving the other guy an once over.

"I'm Fushiguro Megumi. Her boyfriend. Who are you?"

Takeshi gave you a fake wounded look.

"What? But I'M her boyfriend!"

Blinking at him, Megumi frowned.

"What?"

Stepping out of Megumi's grasp, you walked over to Takeshi and cuffed him over the head.

"STOP TELLING PEOPLE I'M DATING THAT YOU ARE MY BOYFRIEND!!"

"BUT I AM!!"

"YOU ARE LITERALLY GAY!"

"AND!?"

"AND YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND OF YOUR OWN!!"

Poor Megumi just stood there in shock. After the two of you worked it out with a quick wrestling match (you won) and stopped screaming at each other. You and this "Takeshi" explained that you were childhood best friends, and that Takeshi was just a jerk who liked to mess with your love life.

Needless to say, Megumi spent the rest of the day pouting, and needed lots of reassurance cuddles that he was way better than Takeshi, and you would never leave him for him.

"You would never leave me for him, right?"

"Of, course baby. He's just a friend. I love you so much more than him."

"But you love him a little bit?!"

"GUMI. HE IS LITERALLY GAY AND HAS A BOYFRIEND."

Thanks for reading! Should I make a part two with Toge and Yuji? Let me know!!

#jjk #jjk x reader #jjk x female reader #jealousy #drabbles #jjk men #gojo satoru #gojo satoru x female reader #gojo satoru x reader #fushiguro megumi x reader #fusiguro megumi x female reader #megumi x reader #gojo x reader #satoru x reader #crack fic #lee's brain writes

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bvidzsoo · 7 months ago

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Daemonium (teaser)

﹢﹑⟡ Daemonium → evil spirit [Latin] ﹢﹑⟡

Pairing: demon!Jung Wooyoung x female reader

Genre: supernatural!au, university!au, demon!au, crack somehow too~

Rating: nc-17

Warning: cursing, attempts of murder, descriptions of death, usage of witchcraft, suggestive

Summary: ﹢﹑⟡ Starting university and moving in with an unknown dormmate should've been stressful, not to you though. You couldn't wait to finally break free from home and live life freely. But isn't it weird that you start having near death experiences quite often after you meet your dormmate, Jung Wooyoung? ﹢﹑⟡

﹢﹑⟡ Read the story here! ﹢﹑⟡

“Yuyu, you can’t even pinpoint one instance when he’s tried to kill me, stop being dramatic—”

“Oh, I can’t pinpoint one instance?!” Yunho’s eyebrows angrily shot up, “How about I pinpoint a dozen then, you stupid woman!”

“I’m all ears.” I singsonged and leaned back in my chair as Yunho groaned loudly, leaning closer, as if that would make him sound less insane and make me finally agree with the way he thought things were.

“Fine,” He snapped and pressed a finger against my chest quite painfully, “you had been living with him barely for three weeks when it just so happened that there was a fire scare in your apartment, and your door was locked from the outside? Not even two weeks after that, he walked inside the bathroom while you were bathing and pushed your hairdryer into the bathtub, but thankfully it wasn’t plugged in, right?! Oh, and how about on Halloween when he dressed up as Ghostface and only chased you around and got arrested when the cops realized he had a real knife as a prop?! What about, I don’t know, when he quite literally broke a bottle and held it against your neck under the excuse that he wanted to see how you’d react ‘under pressure’?! Let’s not even mention him burning your hair when you were feet away from the stove. Or that time when the lunatic was playing around with throwing knives and almost fucking gauged your eye out with it? He’s set your favorite blanket on fire, Y/N, while you were underneath it! And you said he tried to push you into the river while you were out taking photographs for your portfolio for class—”

“Alright!” I raised my hands in defeat, sighing loudly, “I do admit it’s weird how often it happens that I’m placed in harms way whenever I’m around Wooyoung, but they are just coincidences, Yunho—”

“Coincidences my fucking ass!” Yunho hissed, cheeks and ears reddening from anger. I sighed defeated and placed my elbow on the table and then rested my chin in my palm with a pout on my lips. Yunho only cussed when he was really angry.

“Yuyu,” I poked his hand with my left hand, lightly scratching his smooth skin with my nails, “I love and you love me, and I know you worry about me because ‘you know how men are’, but Wooyoung is inoffensive, trust me. He’s odd and yeah, weird things happen around him, but I actually quite enjoy his personality. He’s a rational and down-to-earth guy, he tells me as things are and he’s quite fucking good at photography. I probably passed a few of my classes due to his help, so please, try not to think of him as a serial killer.”

A/N: As mentioned a while ago, I have quite a few up-coming oneshots for you, my lovelies! ^^ I hope this little bit is intriguing because you'll be in for a ride once I am finished with this piece haha. If I manage to finish it tomorrow I'll post it tomorrow, if not, it'll be posted by the 17th ^^ divider

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#bvidzsoo #ateez wooyoung #jung wooyoung #wooyoung x reader #jung wooyoung ateez #wooyoung smut #wooyoung angst #wooyoung fluff #ateez

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oh2z · 2 years ago

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kiss me. kim jiwoong

word count: 1.7k

summary: jiwoong can’t seem to form words after feeling your hips suddenly move against his. highly suggestive. reader discretion advised.

contents: switch!jiwoong, switch!reader, studying, kissing, grinding, thigh riding, daddy kink, dirty talk

a/n: reblogs are very appreciated :’)

it was like any other thursday night; you, setting the table, and jiwoong, creating some sort of portfolio for his acting career. lonely, you sat on the couch and scrolled through your phone only to jump up in surprise when you felt yourself falling asleep.

shaking it off, you walk your way over to jiwoong’s study room. leaning into the doorway, you find jiwoong siting at a desk, a folder and laptop open before him.

“oong!” you announced, sleepy but happy to see him.

he jumped a little at your voice, turning to look at you standing in the doorway. you were still wearing the nike pro shorts you love and the t-shirt that you had taken from his closet, your eyes a little puffy from tiredness.

“hey,” he said with a small smile. “were you just asleep?”

“almost, i caught myself” you replied, chuckling while shuffling into the room. “well.. whatcha doin?” you asked. he furrowed his brow, smiling though.

“you’re so cute, you know that right?” he said, scooting out a little. you smiled and nodded.

“im always cute,” you told him with a pout.

he chuckled and patted his lap. “yes, you’re my cutie, now come here. i’m just working on a portfolio.”

you scuttled over to his lap and climbed onto it. he seemed to have expected you to sit with your back to his chest, facing the desk, but instead you straddled one of his thighs, perching on it and leaning in to rest your forehead on his shoulder.

“are you almost done?” you asked him, nuzzling your face into his neck.

“uh.. nearly there,” he mumbled, one hand now resting on your back.

“ooh,” you cooed. “my wittle oongie is so smart.”

he let out an airy laugh. “are you comfy baby?” he asked.

you nodded, but shifted your weight a little. you exhaled near his ear, your warm breath blowing over his skin. his other hand had made its way to rest on your waist, and he gripped it carefully.

“y/n,” he said, calling your attention to him as you raised your head off of his shoulder.

“yeah?” you asked.

“kiss me.” jiwoong whispered.

you were feeling shy and sleepy, but you stretched out to obey anyway, reaching for his mouth with yours. he let you lean in, sliding his hands from your waist to your hips. you gripped onto him and leaned forward hurriedly, wanting to touch him more. as you leaned forward your hips rocked, moving you on his thigh. your lips finally met his gently and he increased the pressure of the kiss quickly, his hands still resting on your hips.

a tiny moan passed from you to him, and you allowed yourself a bit more movement, rocking your hips on his thigh again slightly. he continued to kiss you firmly. his hands still holding onto you and you couldn’t help it as you move your hips again.

jiwoong detached his lips from yours, looking down at you curiously. “baby, what are you doing?”

a faint tint rose to your cheeks as you moved again, rocking yourself forward, whining a little.

“you’re a needy little thing tonight, aren’t you,” he murmured, smirking. “does my thigh feel good baby?” he said, moving his mouth close to your ear.

“yes sir,” you managed to whine out.

“fuck” jiwoong breathed in response to the title as you began to circle your hips, rubbing yourself against his thigh more obviously now. he slid his hands up and down your sides, moving them back and and around to your ass, squeezing it with both hands as you moved. you moaned loudly at the combination of his touch and your movement, grinding against him continuously.

you were breathing heavily and whining as you moved, riding his solid and muscular thigh needily, little moans and gasps coming out of you as he leaned back and watched you moving against him, his eyes sparking with something dark as his tongue passed over his bottom lip hungrily.

"jiwoongg," you whined, lowering your head to press your forehead against his shoulder, clutching handfuls of his shirt. you had never done this before. you had started moving on an impulse and you couldn't believe you were actually feeling so good. but then again it wasn't just the friction between your thighs that was driving you toward an orgasm, it was his hands on your body and his eyes watching you hungrily and his breath in your ear and your name on his lips as you rode him, his encouragement keeping you going.

"that's right, use me," he murmured as you rocked your hips steadily. "daddy's thigh feels good doesn't it?" he asked. you tilted your head back and moaned loudly at his words, your mouth falling open at the title he gives himself.

"yes," you whined, grinding harder.

"tell me," he said.

"f-feels good daddy," you moaned.

"fuck," jiwoong breathed. He couldn't believe how hot and desperate you looked and how much it was turning him on to watch you using him like this. "kiss me," he commanded. and you couldn't obey fast enough, leaning forward quickly and kissing him hungrily, mouth open, tongue out as you neared your release, warmth pooling between your legs where you rested against him. you moaned into his mouth and he kissed you back just as messily, loving your sloppy, needy kisses as you sucked on his bottom lip and clutched his shoulders. "i want you to come on me baby," he said against your lips. "can you do that for me? hm? can you ride daddy's thigh until you come?"

you were breathing heavily and still rocking your hips and you didn't know how this had happened, you just knew you wanted to do what he told you and you wanted it now. you tilted your head back and closed your eyes and suddenly jiwoong’s mouth was on your throat, his lips tracing it until he found a spot that made you whimper, taking up purchase there as he helped you move your hips, sucking against your neck harshly and sending a little shot of pain right through you.

"j- jiwoong! i'm close." he just smacked your ass one more time, suddenly bouncing his leg beneath you. you cried out and he did it again, making your cry die into a whimper. with a little bite to your neck and a last harsh suck he pulled away, just as he moved his leg again, clenching his jaw and bearing his teeth as he did it.

you finally fell apart, whining his name over and over as you gripped his shoulders tightly and he held on to your hips, steering you in little circles through your orgasm as you came down.

you panted and rested your head on his shoulder, noticing for the first time now that your senses were returning to normal, that your knee rested near his crotch and he was pressing solidly against you. he was so big and so hard and he must have been uncomfortable in those tight jeans. you knew you should offer to take care of him, but you also knew that he has an important portfolio due tomorrow morning.

"oh," you said, feeling more like yourself now, and slightly shy about what you had just done. "sorry about that jiwoong," you mumbled, moving to get off of him. but he held onto you.

“what are you sorry for y/n? that was so fucking hot,” he said, chuckling. he pressed a soft kiss to the spot on you neck that was already purpling. “i should apologize, i may have gone a little overboard with this,” he mumbled, looking at it.

“that’s okay. i like marks.” you said casually.

“fuck, y/n.” he breathed as he helped you adjust your position in his lap, tracing lazy circles on your back with his fingers.

“hm?” you absentmindedly asked, fingers trailing his jaw line, admiring the soft glow of his skin.

“i think i just fell in love with you... again.” he laughed.

“oh you’re just being dramatic,” you teased shyly.

“i know what you just did was like the hottest thing ever - you were so needy and cute and you just used me how you wanted - and now you’re just sitting on my boner like you don’t even care that it got me hard - and oh my god,” he paused his rant, as if he’s suddenly realizing something. “you made me think i was in charge. and i definitely was not.” he mumbles off into another jiwoong-like tangent.

you giggled and leaned up to kiss his neck once more.

“i-- i wasn’t done.. telling you why i love you,” he mumbled as you continued to press kisses along his neck, sloppy, open mouthed ones with your tongue tracing the lines of his throat. his hands tightened on you.

“mm please continue then,” you said against his skin.

“i.. suddenly do not remember what i was going to say.” he blinked. you giggled, in love with the way jiwoong is so endearing in your eyes.

“hey! i still remember that you have a port- whatever it’s called due,” you squint at him.

“mm i just want to stay with you right now,” jiwoong pouts and says in the cutest way possible.

“no,” you huff at jiwoong and turn your head so that you’re looking directly in his eyes. “you need to do this bub, i know how important this is” you tell him, sincerely.

“okay, okay, only because you said so,” he says, sitting upright in his desk chair now. “but you have to stay with me” he mumbles.

“that’s fine with me” you smile at him.

as you were readjusting your position on top of jiwoong, you couldn’t help but notice the raging boner that he still had. feeling playful, you quickly peck jiwoong on the lips before sliding off of him onto your knees.

“hey-” jiwoong protested but was soon cut off by you saying, “aren’t you supposed to be finishing your work? shh” you smirk with a glint of playfulness in your eyes as you place your hands on his inner thighs, lightly massaging them.

“but what about dinner?” jiwoong asked with a shaky breath, followed by what feels like an insanely large amount of silence. soon after, both of you bursted into a field of giggles, thinking about the love you two each have for each other.

#jiwoong smut #kim jiwoong #jiwoong x reader #zb1 smut #zerobaseone smut #zb1 hard hours #kpop smut #personal rewrite :)#kind of cute no?#oh2z

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gaythri16 · 5 months ago

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SAFe Lean Portfolio Management Certification | Advance Your Agile Skills

Introduction

The SAFe Lean Portfolio Management (LPM) Certification is another advanced certification which is an extension of existing certification programs and is majorly concentrated on mobilizing an organization for sustainable development by establishing lean and agile practices to support the implementation of strategy. This certification comes under the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), which is one which is adopted by various organizations and is helpful in implementing agile throughout the organisation across the teams in different departments. The SAFe LPM Certification is intended for those who lead portfolios, own strategies and need to guide and facilitate for value delivery to be in line with business objectives.

Benefits of SAFe LPM Certification

Enhanced Skill Set: Earning SAFe LPM Certification enhances your knowledge in lean portfolio management, such as the strategies for aligning portfolios with an organization’s objectives, supporting priority, and managing material resources. These skills are essential to facilitate change processes within an organization providiing improved organizational efficiencies.

Improved Organizational Value Delivery: Here are the tips that will let you deliver value at your organization through mastering lean portfolio management. Thus, the certification helps you understand how to address such issues as demand and capacity, budget management, and strategic project alignment, thereby enhancing results and customers’ satisfaction.

Career Advancement: SAFe LPM Certification is well recognized in the industry and can help to improve your job positions greatly. They are apparent proof of your efficiency in managing an agile portfolio which makes you an asset to employers who want to adopt agile methodologies within their organizations.

Networking Opportunities: Certification brings one to a network of professionals who share the same goal and other related professionals in that particular field. Interaction with this network may be beneficial in terms of obtaining information, obtaining materials, or potential partnership and development.

Key Features of SAFe LPM Certification

Comprehensive Curriculum: There are many areas that this certification program touches namely; lean, agile portfolio, value stream mapping and strategic alignment. This integrated approach helps you learn all the details on what is entailed in the handling of portfolios in agile management.

Hands-On Learning: Its practical orientation is supported by the application of case studies, simulations and exercises during the classes. Here, you get to use concepts learnt in classes in an application that exposes you to real-life situations and issues, which improves on your decision making skills.

Expert Instructors: The SAFe LPM Certification is offered by professional trainers having practical knowledge in the area of development, agile, and lean techniques. This is because they are able to share their experiences and advice that makes the lessons given relevant and practical.

SAFe Community Access: Trials, certifications and memberships make you part of the SAFe community which is a network of agile professionals all over the world. This group also provides a lifetime of backing, information and training for future employment.

Career Opportunities For SAFe LPM Certification

SAFe Lean Portfolio Management Certification is one of the best things that can happen in one’s career. This certification makes the professional ready to take up jobs like

Lean Portfolio Manager

Agile Coach

Portfolio Director

It is noteworthy that the skills obtained during certification are among the most sought-after ones and business organizations are becoming more and more focused on hiring those candidates who are capable of managing portfolios and provide the strategic value based on agile approaches.

Conclusion

The SAFe Lean Portfolio Management Certification provides a good chance for those who would like to develop more skills in agile and further their careers. This certification offers every aspect starting with curriculum, focus on practicality, and connectedness to a global network of learners in order to succeed in agile portfolio management. When you have this credential you stand to benefit from a lot of opportunity as you help lead your organization towards leaner and agile ways, which will lead to an enhanced way of achieving organizational goals.

#safe lpm certification #lean portfolio management certification #safe lpm training #lean portfolio management training #safe lean portfolio management certification

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opal-apparition · 28 days ago

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A Matter of Pride - OpalApparition - Dragon Age: Inquisition [Archive of Our Own]

Ellana Lavellan never imagined the man who orchestrated her family’s ruin would become her husband, but an ancient contract leaves her no choice. Lord Fen’Harel, cold, calculating, and fiercely proud, loathes everything she represents—and despises himself even more for the way she begins to unsettle him. Proud and sharp-tongued, Ellana refuses to bend to his disdain for her Dalish heritage, sparking a war of wit and will that neither can afford to lose. Yet, as intrigue and danger close in, their battle for dominance may reveal a truth far more perilous: that hatred and desire are closer than they dare admit.

Rated Mature / Long Fic / Slow Burn / Regency AU / Enemies to Lovers

Excerpt (taken from Chapter 3):

Lord Fen'Harel's arrival created the sort of silence that rippled outward like a stone dropped in still water. Conversations faltered mid-word, dancers missed their steps, and even the music from the band seemed to fade in submission of his presence.

He moved through the crowd with measured grace, each step deliberate as if stalking prey even though his days of hunting enemy soldiers had ended. Ellana’s eyes went to his face first, to his hair, where the sides were shaved close, exposing the sharp angles of his skull and the pale curve of his pointed ears, a contrast to the long, sleek cascade that fell down his back. It was a style that eschewed vanity, instead emphasizing the harsh symmetry of his face—the severe cheekbones, the narrow bridge of his nose, and the slight downward tilt of his mouth. Then, her gaze trailed lower, to his clothing. The Viscount’s formal attire, impeccably tailored in shades of deepest green and black, made most other gentlemen's clothes look garish by comparison. No ornate embroidery or excessive decoration—just clean lines that emphasized his tall, lean frame and the aristocratic tilt of his head. There were no gilded embellishments, no embroidery to flaunt wealth, and there was no need:

Viscount Fen’Harel had commanded legions on the battlefield in chaos, he would command the same awe here through understated silence.

"Well," Dorian murmured beside her, "he certainly knows how to make an entrance. Though I must say, he seems in an particularly stern mood tonight. I do hope you've considered your approach carefully, my dear."

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ellana's fingers tightened on her evening bag, the documents inside suddenly feeling both inadequate and absolutely essential. "Though you sound concerned, Lord Pavus."

"Concerned? No, no—fascinated, perhaps. Intrigued, certainly." His smile held a hint of warning beneath its charm. "It's not often someone willingly seeks to bait the wolf in his own den. Though I suppose if anyone could manage it with grace, it would be you."

Before she could respond, Countess Mythal appeared at Lord Fen'Harel's side, every inch the gracious hostess in elaborate silver silk that caught the light like moonlight. Even from across the room, Ellana could see the family resemblance between aunt and nephew—the same aristocratic bearing, the same ability to command attention without seeming to seek it.

"How fortunate," Dorian commented, watching the pair with sharp interest. "Countess Mythal always does enjoy a bit of drama at her gatherings so long it is not at her own expense. Though I doubt even she expects quite the entertainment you're planning to provide."

Ellana straightened her spine, summoning every lesson in deportment she'd ever learned. "What makes you so certain I'm planning anything at all?"

"My dear Lady Lavellan," Dorian's voice held genuine amusement now, "no one, especially a Lady, carries a portfolio of documents to a ball unless they intend to cause absolute chaos with whatever is inside them. It's simply not done in polite society." He raised his glass in a small salute. "Needless to say, I heartily approve.”

Across the ballroom, Lord Fen'Harel was now engaged in what appeared to be a serious discussion with several council members. Even from this distance, Ellana could see how others deferred to him, creating a subtle but clear circle of space around his tall figure. A young debutante attempted to catch his eye and was summarily dismissed with a mere glance.

"Ah, poor Lady Rosewood," Dorian commented, following Ellana's gaze. "Third attempt this season to gain his attention. Though I must say, she lasted longer than most before wilting under that particular look."

"Does he always affect such disdain for company he considers beneath him?" Ellana asked, unable to keep the edge from her voice.

"Oh no, not at all." Dorian's smile held a hint of mischief. "Sometimes he's much worse. Though I should warn you—" He paused, dark eyes glinting with sudden interest as he noticed something over her shoulder. "Ah. Speaking of warnings..."

"Lady Lavellan." The voice behind her carried the crisp authority of someone unused to being ignored. "How... unexpected to see you here."

Ellana turned to find herself face to face with Commander Cassandra Pentaghast, her formal uniform making her seem even more imposing than usual. The Commander of the City Guard rarely attended social functions, preferring her duties to society's games. Her presence tonight suggested more than casual interest.

"Commander." Ellana dipped into a slight curtsey. "I wasn't aware the City Guard took such interest in social gatherings."

"We take interest in anything that might disturb the peace." Cassandra's direct gaze left no doubt about her meaning.

"Particularly when certain parties seem intent on causing... disruptions."

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," Ellana replied smoothly, though her fingers tightened on her evening bag. "I'm merely here to enjoy the hospitality of Countess Mythal's renowned gathering."

"Of course." Cassandra's tone suggested she believed this about as much as she believed in flying nugs. "Then you won't mind if I—"

"Seeker Pentaghast!" Dorian interrupted with perfectly calculated enthusiasm. "I've been meaning to ask your opinion on that fascinating report about the new harbor patrols. Perhaps you'd care to discuss it over here?" He gestured toward a less crowded corner of the room, smoothly inserting himself between Ellana and the Commander.

Cassandra's eyes narrowed, but something in Dorian's expression must have given her pause. "Very well, Lord Pavus. Though we will continue this conversation later, Lady Lavellan."

As Dorian led the Commander away, he glanced back at Ellana with a slight nod toward the opposite side of the room, where Lord Fen'Harel had moved away from his admirers and now stood somewhat apart, studying the dancers with apparent disinterest.

The message was clear: If she meant to confront him, now was her chance.

Ellana took a steadying breath, touching her mother's pendant for courage before making her way across the ballroom. Each step brought her closer to Lord Fen'Harel, the rustle of her silk skirts marking time with her heartbeat. He stood alone now, a glass of wine untouched in his hand as he observed the dancing with apparent disinterest. Up close, his presence was even more imposing—something in his bearing suggested barely leashed power, like a storm contained in crystal.

"Viscount Fen'Harel." Her curtsey was precise, measured to the exact depth appropriate for their relative stations - deep enough to show respect, but not so deep as to suggest submission. "I believe we haven't been formally introduced. I am—"

"Lady Lavellan." He continued studying the dancers, as though the act of turning to face her fully would be beneath his dignity. His voice carried the crisp authority of someone unused to being questioned, each word precisely measured. "Your reputation precedes you."

Something in his tone suggested this was not entirely a compliment. Ellana felt heat rise in her cheeks but kept her spine straight, her chin lifted. Let him dismiss her if he wished—she had not come this far to be deterred by cold manners and colder eyes.

"How fascinating." She allowed just a hint of steel to enter her own voice. "I wasn't aware I had garnered enough notice to warrant a reputation. Though perhaps you're referring to the impact your latest trade proposals will have on traditional merchants? That would certainly explain your reluctance to acknowledge me directly."

Now he did turn, fixing her with a gaze that had made lesser nobles stumble over their own excuses. The full force of his attention was like standing too close to a storm—crackling with barely leashed power and the promise of imminent destruction.

"You presume much," he said softly, dangerously, "to question policies you barely comprehend. Though I suppose that's something of a tradition among your people.”

" My people?" Ellana's fingers tightened on her evening bag. "You and I are both elvhen, my lord. Or have you forgotten that in your rush to destroy centuries of shared heritage?"

Something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "Heritage," he said, the word precise as a blade, "is not synonymous with progress. Though I realize not all are capable appreciating the distinction."

Around them, other guests had begun to notice their exchange. Conversations quieted as nobles shifted to better observe what promised to be the evening's most interesting entertainment. Ellana was acutely aware of the growing attention, but she pressed on... You can read the rest on AO3! :)

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