#manhwa fanfic | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

themissinghand · 5 months ago

Note

Welcome home author, how was your day?🫂🫂

I hope you take care of your health.I fell in love with Han Yoojin x reader.Can I make a request Han Yoojin x reader?.Where the reader is his wife in the first life and also know that Han Yoohyun always protecting Han Yoojin behind the shadow so the reader always tells her husband's condition to her brother-in-law but the problem is that the reader died because the hospital she went to was attacked by a monster (you can do whether the reader is pregnant or not). So they both meet again before they get married in the regression .Well yeah it's heavy angst😭 to romantic.😍

Take care of yourself and make sure you get enough water and rest.❤️❤️❤️❤️..Send you hugs and love. 💕💕..I apologize for my English

S-Class That I Raised: Heartstrings [2]

Part 1!

Summary: In which you don't remember Han Yoojin in this life, but he remembers everything.

Or, Yoojin has nightmares of the past, a constant reminder that he will make you happy in this life.

(And perhaps, he’s not the only one)

Pairing: Han Yoojin x F! Reader

Note: I'm doing well anon! Hope you are having a fabulous day too! Sending hearts -> you.

Part 2 of the Heartstrings series since it seemed like it was fitting. Made this by listening to Past Lives by sapientdream.

This came out longer than I expected it too, with a lot more emotional feels. I hope this still satisfies your request!

Warnings: Angst and fluff because it’s a regression manhwa, what did you expect?

★・・・・・・★

Han Yoojin still has nightmares and visions of the past.

He dreams of his incompetence and his sorrows, his uselessness and ignorance.

Every time he sees you, now the S-Class Saintess in the spotlight, there’s something that gnaws at him, telling him to stay away because he was the danger in your first life.

His inferiority was dangerous, as it influenced his attitude and behaviour, but then he met you.

His healing was slow and gradual, and perhaps now he realized that his brother cared too. After all, you who reported his healing journey to Yoohyun, and Yoohyun, protected both of you in the shadows.

(His inferiority complex used to curse him, made him jealous seeing your friendly interactions with Yoohyun)

Truly, he used to be such a pathetic man.

In his past life, Han Yoojin would never imagine he would get to marry you.

His marriage ceremony was small, simple, but warm. While on his side was only him, his brother, and some colleagues, your family was much more full and welcoming.

To him, you and your family were angels. Supportive, kind, and took him and Yoohyun in like a family.

Although Yoojin grew up without his parents and took care of Yoohyun alone, he always wanted a family. So he was nervous meeting your parents for the first time.

But who knew? Who knew parents could be so loving, caring, and protective? Of course, your father and brother gave him “the talk”, and made themselves clear that he needed to protect you and respect you.

(You made sure Yoojin wasn’t bullied for too long)

Yoojin was constantly reminded of love, and he could see that love change his brother too.

Despite the fact that he was a F-class hunter, or Yoohyun a S-class hunter, they treated them like sons of the family.

He could see that you grew up with love, and also share that love with him.

Of course, Yoojin reciprocated their love and care just like Yoohyun did; he didn’t want to disappoint your family.

But, nothing ever goes smoothly doesn’t it?

One day, monsters appeared near your parents home, and when Yoojin and Yoohyun rushed there, they saw your Father, a normal civilian, protecting his wife and son with all his might.

Yoojin never had more respect for a man, a father, before.

With such a proud, relieved smile, your father spits out blood and falls to his knees.

“Take care of my family.”

Only when he saw them, he finally fell with a peaceful smile.

Those were his last words.

Losing your Father was devastating.

It took weeks for your family to grieve. Yoojin remembers standing beside Yoohyun, and watching you, your mother and your brother pray, cry, and grieve.

That was when you decided to work more to help support the family, even though the job of a hunter is dangerous.

No matter what your family says, you stubbornly chose to earn money so they can live comfortably.

Even if he was useless, Yoojin always tried to go with you into every dungeon, so he can protect you. After all, he made an oath.

“Father.” Yoojin remembered kneeling before your Father’s photo and kowtow.

“I will protect (Y/N), and your family. I swear on my name.”

Yoohyun too, kneeled and swore.

For the first time in a long time, Yoojin saw such a raw emotion in his younger brother’s eyes.

Yet, neither of them could fulfill that promise.

“What do you mean?” Yoojin grabbed the collar of his brother’s jacket.

“Say that again!”

“It’s my fault that my sister-in-law died.” Yoohyun looked guilty and bitter, which made Yoojin feel even worse.

“W-What-”

“It’s because Haeyeon Guild has enemies, and they targeted sister-in-law. They led her into that B-Class dungeon.” Yoojin felt his hands shake as he let go due to shock, his vision blurs, and he tried hard to not let those tears fall.

“They’re dead now.” Yoohyun says robotically, but the emptiness in his eyes didn’t clear up.

For a moment, the two brothers stood them silently, both gripping at the sad reality.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. She’s gone.”

Pathetic. Yoojin couldn’t hold back his tears, just like how he couldn’t protect you.

Again, a beat of silence.

“Hyung.” As if the reality couldn’t be worse, Yoohyun pulled out a file and handed it to him.

“I got this from our investigation.”

Dully, he reached out to read it even though his heart had sunk.

It was a hospital checkup letter, and when he read it, Yoojin felt dizzy, nauseous as if he was gonna throw up. He remembered that you went out to get a checkup because you weren’t feeling well.

As if everything was coming to him at once, his legs finally gave out under pressure.

He just wanted to be with you, but why? Why did you leave him? Just like his parents did?

“Hyung. Hyung!” Yoohyun managed to catch him before he fainted.

You were two months pregnant with a child.

His child. Their child.

Their child that he could never see.

“Yoojin!” Yoojin was used to these nightmares, whenever he woke up, he was out of breath, terrified and self-loathing.

But this time, you were there.

Why were you there? It was his room?

“(Y/N)?” Breathless, he reached out to you, and gently grazed your cheeks. Tears rolled down his cheeks when he thought of your memorial and funeral.

He wanted to hold you, kiss you, and cuddle you in his arms.

But he held himself back, he was afraid of repeating the past.

“I love you.” It was such a tiny whisper, he wondered if you even heard it, and if you did, what would happen?

Never in a thousand years, would he hear these words from you.

“I love you too.”

What? Do you remember?

In that instant, it was as if the dam broke. Yoojin remembered the unbearable grief, the sleepless nights, and the desperate wish for a second chance.

Do you remember? The love they had shared, the life they had built, and the cruel twist of fate that had torn them apart?

Without a word, you pulled him into your arms, holding him tightly against your chest. The warmth of your body, the steady rhythm of your heartbeat, was a lifeline that grounded him in the present. His arms wrapped around you, one hand tangling in your hair, the other pressing you closer as if he could meld their souls back into one.

“Bong told me. I dreamed of our past lives.” You whisper in between your tiny sobs.

It felt so foreign, yet so familiar when you two cling on each other, with tears soaking your clothes.

"I'm so sorry," Yoojin choked out finally, his voice breaking with the intensity of his emotions. "I couldn't save you...I couldn't..."

You shook her head, pulling back just enough to look into his eyes. "It wasn't your fault," you whispered, her voice hoarse with tears.

"We were victims. But we're here now, together. We have another chance, and we’re stronger now."

Yoojin cupped your face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away tears.

(Yours or his? Does it even matter now?)

"I promise you," he said, his voice steady despite the tears streaming down his face, "I will protect you. I won't let anything take you away from me again."

You nodded, a small, sad smile tugging at her lips.

"And I will always stand by your side, no matter what."

They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, holding each other as they cried, their tears mingling together. The pain of their past life was still there, a haunting reminder of what they had lost, but in each other's arms, it felt that nothing else mattered.

In his 2nd life, Han Yoojin would never imagine he would get to marry you (again).

His marriage ceremony was small, simple, but warm. While on his side was his brother and S-class hunters who have become a part of his life, your family was full of laughter and warmth.

A stark contrast, but still welcoming as he watches you walk towards him with your father.

You were beautiful.

In past lives or in this one, you are an angel.

“I trust that you will protect my daughter.”

With a bow, Yoojin swore an oath to your father.

“Yes, I swear, I will make your daughter happy.”

Your father gave an approving nod, before handing you off to him. For a moment, he felt tears well up seeing him alive and well, and so trusting of him, but he held back.

He won’t be a pathetic man any more.

“I promise to stand by your side, in every life, through every challenge. I love you, Yoojin, now and forever.” Hearing your vow, his heart stirs as you share understanding looks.

Yoojin’s voice wavered as he responded, “I promise to protect you, to cherish every moment we have. I love you more than words can say. In this life and the next, I’m yours.”

When the officiant pronounced you husband and wife, it felt like the world had stopped, and it was just the two of you in the center of the world. Yoojin’s hands trembled slightly as he held yours, but his grip was firm, determined.

“You may kiss the bride,” the officiant announced, and Yoojin leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. It was a kiss that spoke of promises kept and everything he’s been fighting for all his life.

You. If it’s you, it’s worth it.

Applause erupted around you, the cheers of friends and family blending into a harmonious symphony of love and support.

Yoohyun, standing close by, allowed a rare smile to grace his lips, his eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and happiness.

In his arms was Bong, your little dog who has snuggled close to him and yips happily at the sight.

Finally, Bong doesn’t have to be the only one that remembers.

#manhwa #s classes that i raised #my s class hunters #the s classes that i raised #han yoojin x reader #han yoojin #han yoohyun #fluff #light angst #angst #s class #manhwa fanfic #s classes that i raised fanfic

65 notes · View notes

yeonsols-garden · 4 months ago

Text

Through Turning Pages (Along careful Brush strokes)

Summary:

He was broken. Nothing more than a ruined mess never able to connect with those around him when he couldn't do something as simple as a customary greeting. Then he met her. Someone whose scent he liked. Someone whose scent he craved. And it terrified him. or Librarian Yeonwoo X Artist Haesol and make it omegaverse!

Pairing: Yeonwoo / Haesol

Tags: A/B/O, Library AU, Slow burn, Long Fic, Librarian Yeonwoo, Artist Haesol,

Word Count: 9.2k

Chapter 1: Prologue

A groan clawed up his throat and scratched at his insides, almost sputtering past dry lips as he swallowed it, refusing to let out a sound to prevent losing focus.

Currently, Yeowoo was doing one of the more dull tasks required of him. Habitually swiping book after book under the propped-up scanner. Mind wandering to anything other than the necessary but incredibly mundane task at hand. His shoulders slump while fingers absentmindedly tap away at the keyboard every so often, adding new information to the database without much thought.

The library was nearly empty, save for a few people reading quietly in the further corners, so Yeonwoo resigned himself to sorting through the endless stacks of recently acquired books. Carefully aligning their spines on the cart to be shelved later.

As he scanned each bar code, the piercing ping from the scanner grew cyclically deadening, long nails faintly clacking against the keyboard with every other word he typed. He made a mental note to trim them once he returned home.

The tediousness of his work was mind-numbing, yes. But the small silver lining in the form of crisp, fresh pine blanketing him he had grown accustomed to, and the slightly chemical, yet mellow aroma of inked parchment provided a welcome distraction, even if just marginally so, as he stole glances at the digital clock towards the bottom right corner of his computer screen. His impatience building.

The library was on the cusp of closing for the evening —sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of purple and hints of blue. Therefore he wasn’t the least bit surprised that most of the usual patrons were now gone. Leaving him alone save for the occasional rustle of pages as he flipped through newly purchased books and the chime of each one he scanned.

Yeonwoo swung his legs out in front of him. One after the other, letting them dangle in the air in an attempt to stimulate muscles he knew he would have to stretch out later. He raised his head from where it rested on his collarbone, fighting against the pull of sleep to turn honey eyes towards the open scene sprawled out before him.

Neatly organized rows of tables stretched out. Little pieces of paper, and knick-knacks from the patrons who’d forgotten to clean after themselves, resting on top. Carefully cataloged books to his right that yawned past as they patiently sat on pine shelves, waiting to be read. The sight brought a warmth flooding into his chest, helping clear some of the fog in his tired mind.

It was a small but positive testament to how his painstaking work showed some results.

The patrons had been surprisingly obedient when he’d informed them of the library rules. He didn’t know whether it was his designation that allowed for such a smooth transition, but they had made sure to heed his warning, so he couldn't complain.

Previously, the shelves would have been cluttered with all sorts of objects. Snack trays and leftover food wrappers, to random knick-knacks. Don’t even get him started on the tables.

Unlike most libraries, Yeonwoo allowed the patrons to eat there. They just had to clean up after themselves —that was his first order of business when he began working here. Now, there was minimal clutter for him to clean up. The people had done well to organize their things and leave the places they worked in relatively clean, save for a scrap of paper or a wrapper here and there. He could fix that later.

Two more hours and I’m done , he thought.

His mouth widened into a poorly suppressed yawn, an unoccupied hand instinctively rising to cover it. Yeonwoo wiped a tear nearly falling off long lashes and hurried to glide the last book under the scanner. Letting out a triumphant huff, his fingers twitched, as a yet-to-bloom grin tugged at chapped lips. He stepped back.

He always enjoyed a good stretch after a long day of work. Relishing in the momentary illusion of calm it brought, even if just for a few moments.

He brought his hands above his head, arching his back, then letting out an exhale of pure relief. Yeonwoo allowed himself to feel the pull on his muscles, letting it grow uncomfortable before releasing it. The long-awaited euphoria blissfully cascaded deep into tired bones. Slowly, he brought stretched-out hands back down to his sides once the relief subsided. The after tingle had him shuddering.

He was in desperate need of a taller chair to avoid standing for hours on end. Despite finishing his work and feeling restless, he couldn’t leave his desk without making sure everything was done in totality. Yeonwoo longed to get up and take a stroll, but the perfectionist in him wouldn’t allow it until he was sure he had done good.

He silently cursed himself along the way, begrudgingly beginning his final review. In times like this, he wanted to rush and get things over with, but much like with everything he did, he couldn’t finish unless he was sure he hadn't made any mistakes. He already had enough of those.

Meticulously, he double-checked every detail, painstakingly skimming through stacks of books on his left. Making sure everything was spelled and organized in proper order. The process seemed endless.

A relieved sigh from the back of his throat released when prompted with a green screen with white letters displaying ‘done’ in dramatic cursive.

A tired smile formed at the thoughtful gesture from his shift lead. Eunchae had always been kind to him, finding small ways to alleviate the more strenuous aspects of his work. He crouched to grab his stainless steel water bottle resting under the desk next to the stack of printer papers to be used later and steadied himself before unscrewing the cap to take continuous sips of his still-warm drink.

The hot tea flowed down his throat, going along its passage to warm his core. Yeonwoo mentally thanked Junhyuk for the millionth time. Now, the unusual Christmas gift made sense as he parted from the straw with a pop to lick moist lips, satisfied.

After placing the bottle back down where he’d plucked it from, and cleaning up the clutter that accumulated throughout the long day. Yeonwoo turned to follow the sharp angle of his desk. Reaching behind the entryway he opened the gated barrier. One of the newer additions to the place since he’d begun working here.

He did a little hop past the gateway, momentarily running his hand along the carvings. Yeonwoo always found the designs that Ha Yejin ordered to be quite endearing.

Surveying the space in front, he made his way to and halfway through the row of tables while admiring marble columns, and the shelves made of birch attached to them. Those same shelves lined with so many books that the thought of what was in their pages excited him.

Passing the tables and curling left, Yeonwoo began his exploration of the many aisles to the right and now left of him, wandered further in. Despite working in the library for several months now, he still struggled to navigate the spacious area. No amount of Eunchae’s detailed tours and guides were of any help when it came to the further reaches of the library, especially the second floor.

Eunchae, despite being a beta, had a bold and outgoing energy that was not characteristic of her dynamic. Most betas tended to keep to themselves, avoiding contact with Omegas due to the large gap between them. Never entertaining or even thinking of interacting with the other two dynamics. Especially omegas, whom they had the most complicated relationship with. Eunchae seemed unfazed by these norms.

So when the beta came to him with eagerness and excitement with an undercut of nerves permeating through every word she spoke to him, Yeonwoo couldn’t help but agree to her request. He could also be of some use to Junhyuk, so how could he say no?

With a quick flick of his gaze side to side, his eyes finally landed on what he had been searching for; a towering marble column that was the front-most part of the sought-after bookshelf. Its smooth surface had a large ebony plaque reading fantasy, contrasting nicely with the Corinthian-style marble column it was nailed to. Fingers traced along the column for a few seconds, running his hands along them, before stepping into the fantasy section.

As he browsed through the shelves, his steps took him to different sections of the aisle. Now and then, pausing when a book cover caught his eye, and stayed when the blurb on the back or first page required more concentrated focus.

While he was easily impressed, Yeonwoo had higher standards when it came to finding something that truly captured his attention. The pads of his fingers ran along smooth pine shelves. Painting damp patterns as he browsed shelf after shelf at a leisurely pace.

Somewhere far off, he heard the faint sound of a bell signaling that one of the few patrons in the library had left or someone new had come in.

His ears perked at the sound, briefly interrupting his focus on the book he held in his hands, before picking up where he left off. As someone who never quit a book halfway, he had to make sure it would be interesting enough for him to read all the way through. Sitting on a conveniently placed stool after brushing it off, he read the first chapter. Just as an introduction to know whether he would continue.

Interesting would be a severe understatement when describing how captivating the writing style of this author was and how grand the world they had thrown him into was. It was so engaging as if he really was in this world. He couldn’t wait to sink into it.

Thankfully this time, Yeonwoo remembered where he had come from and didn’t get lost in the maze of shelves. He was well aware that he shouldn’t stray too far, but as he passed the mystery section his steps stuttered and ultimately stopped.

Refusing to allow him go any further.

The books called out to him, telling him to come and take just a few more peeks.

Well, what was one more?

He slipped into the walkway after much (zero) deliberation, starting another browsing session. In his second favorite section of the library. Perhaps it was because this was where the scent of pine was the strongest, or perhaps it was because this was where he found his favorite books and authors. Maybe it was because this aisle happened to be the calmest place in the library despite its location. Making it quiet and peaceful even when the bustle of the place was at its peak. Regardless, Yeonwoo couldn’t resist, always frequenting the aisle at least twice a day, three if he was lucky.

(Except on days when things had become too much. The thoughts in his head needing immediate silencing. Only to find that he’d spend hours in between the shelves. A pile of already read books to his right and too much time having passed.)

His finger caught on a particularly interesting one. Its spine, the color of aged parchment and rough fabric, sandwiched between two other books hugging it. With a gentle tug, he pulled it out. Yeonwoo looked over the cover to reveal it had a cloth barrier with a small tear in it. It took several moments to realize there was a woman behind it. The cloth ripping right where her lips would be and dulled eyes looking back at him.

Normally, Yeonwoo would have read the blurb or at least the first page of a book before deciding whether he was interested, but this one was different. Not only was it written by one of his favorite authors, but with such a chillingly simple yet captivating cover?! He knew the mystery in this must have been good.

Carefully balancing both books in his arms, bringing them toward his chest he began making his way back to his desk. The mystery aisle wasn’t one of his favorite aisles only because it was his favorite genre, no. Yeonwoo could easily find his way back to his desk when he was done with his relatively short browsing.

Only a little more and he could rest for the weekend. He may have loved his job. However, he would never say no to the calm of his dorms and the accompanying scent of leather.

His desk came into view, and he could feel the familiar pull to get settled and sink into that awaiting chair, contentment almost overflowing into excitement.

Suddenly, the chime of the door opening rang throughout the near-empty space. Yeonwoo stopped in his tracks.

Standing at the entrance of the library, yards away from him, stood a woman. She, having not seen him just yet, paused for a moment. Letting out what seemed to be a breath before sliding the bag on her shoulder down the length of her arm. Catching the handle with her hand. She began shrugging off her black trench coat to reveal a well-fitted navy turtleneck.

The library wasn’t closed. They close at the same time, 9 pm sharp. On the dot every day. The closer the clock hands inched towards that time, however, the fewer people were in the library with him.

She tucked her coat under the arm that she held her bag with and lifted her gaze. Yeonwoo stiffened and could feel eyes on him. If not for the thick glasses and cap she wore that obscured most of her features, he knew he wouldn’t have been as composed, as he bowed his head in greeting before taking a few steps toward his desk.

He saw her pause, eyes lingering on him before bowing her head in return. A shiver crawled up his back, although he couldn’t see it, Yeonwoo could feel her gaze following him as he carefully arranged his books on the desk. He was used to being alone at this time. Being alone with someone else in this large library was uncommon.

Yeonwoo’s hands trembled as he placed them on top of the pile of books, slowly running them along the smooth covers. He could still sense her eyes on him. For some reason, it didn’t make him feel as uneasy as it usually did when people looked at him for what he felt was too long.

The atmosphere seemed to have shifted when he saw her. Something about the way she carried herself didn’t set off any of his honed alarms. Yeonwoo couldn’t figure out why, despite the fact she was the more domineering type.

Following the angle of the desk back to the gate, his fingers just grazed the surface of the dark wood. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the stranger approach a step and enter further in. She made her way towards the further back tables, followed by setting her things down.

His eyes lingered on her a moment longer before he tore them away, reaching for the key to the gate nestled in the pocket of his baggy pants. His fingers fumbled with the keys before catching himself. He pushed it open once he turned the key albeit with a little more force than intended. Once inside, his mind still buzzed as he tried to regain his grasp on his barring.

He turned the corner after a few steps, and pushed open the door, revealing the quaint space that was the break room. The simple yet inviting setup had a small wooden table adorned with a sleek kettle and an array of teas in various tins closer to the back of the room. A comfortable lounge to the farther left of that, decorated with plush pillows of all shapes and sizes scattered along the sofa, along with blankets so soft Yeonwoo could spend all day laying in the cushions bundled up in them.

His favorite piece of furniture in the room, however, was the extremely comfortable, unfairly soft chair, tucked in the corner of the room Ha Yejin had gotten him. Yeonwoo didn’t know where she’d gotten such an expensive item, but he was grateful.

He still needed to find a way to show his appreciation for the gift, however.

Yeonwoo furrowed his brow, shame bubbling to pour down his back as he grabbed the wings of the chair. He carefully maneuvered it out of the room to line up perfectly with his desk. It was a unique mix of a rocking chair, with curved rockers, plus a wing-back chair, with soft plush cushions. Just looking at it was enough to release all the strain on sore muscles.

He picked up his books from where they rested on the walnut counter, placing them on the rocker before hooking his foot under the footrest to drag it closer to his desk. Lastly, spinning to tumble into his chair.

He sunk into the plush armchair, resting there for a while, letting himself enjoy the softness caressing his cheek. Almost hugging him. After a little more nestling into the soft cushions, he separated himself a little to kick off his shoes. Curling up into the soft cotton that cradled and dissolved all the tension of the day away.

Yeonwoo couldn’t resist rubbing his cheek against the plush cushions once more, releasing a pent-up sigh. He needed to thank Ha Yejin for this. It had been a month since she’d gotten it yet he hadn’t said a word to her about it since.

Yeonwoo appreciated the offerings people would gift him on account of his Omega status. He’d gotten lucky, for once, in winning the immediate favor of a kind shift lead and an even kinder director, the Alpha and Beta taking a liking to him over the months he had worked here.

They were endlessly kind and patient with him, never berating him for messing up. It confused him at first, and he knew this was the typical treatment of omegas. Yeonwoo, though, hadn’t been an omega for that long.

His lashes fluttered, and he forced them open before reluctantly uncurling himself and pulling his face from the soft cotton furnishing to pick up the book he’d placed by his side. As he settled himself into a comfortable position and swung his legs over the arm to sink further into the soft covering, Yeonwoo flipped to the first page and began.

The first line was what initially hooked him on his first read, even upon rereading the prologue.

The apocalyptic setting was a nice and intriguing contrast to his usual reads. Sky heavy with ash yet to fall, the depressing setting of farmers having to work in those conditions. While two Alphas overlooked them as they talked about a topic as if the farmers weren’t there. His eyes devoured the page and stopped only whenever something piqued his interest enough to reach for the sticky notes and pencil stored in the cupboard to write them down.

The soft rustling of pages turning, the occasional crinkling and ripping of sticky notes he would place in between pages steadily increased. Pages marked with colorful notes, each one donning a scribbled word or two as a reminder of an important passage to be revisited later. By the time he reached the end of the prologue, his intrigue had escalated to a fever pitch, and the need to keep reading.

Before he would delve back into that story, however, he cautiously poked his head out from behind his desk to find the woman from earlier was no longer seated where he’d last seen her. The only trace of her presence was her neatly draped trench coat over the back of a chair and her leather bag resting on the table.

She must have gone to find a book in the library.

He sucked in a breath before settling back into the plush cushioning, furrowing his brows in concentration. One finger carefully holding his place in the pages, though now he sat up straighter.

The gentle creaking as he rocked back and forth helped his focus, debating whether or not he should get up from the unfairly comfortable chair and help. Or leave her to find what she was looking for.

Since he’d started working here, Yeonwoo prided himself on his growing patience and time management. People could spend hours searching for books and he wouldn’t bat an eye. Offering to help in some cases when he saw someone too nervous to do so themselves.

Now, however, having such little time meant they were on a time crunch. The book he was reading may have been good, sure, but he was willing to set it aside for the next few minutes or so if it meant helping someone in need.

He gently smoothed out the sticky notes in between the pages, taking a larger one to place where he left off. Reluctantly, Yeownoo began to separate himself from the comfortable position in which he lay, but before he could fully stand, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the quiet library and had him pause.

He looked up and saw her emerging from a pathway that led to the further reaches of the library, behind the dozens of tables and just in front of the lounge parallel to him. She made her way back to the desk she was currently occupying, strides long and reaching her desk in no time, two books in hand to place them atop the table.

He watched her maneuver some things before sinking back into his chair, relieved as he shifted to curl up once more, but conflicted. She had thankfully found what she needed, so logically there shouldn’t have been any reason for him to feel the creeping sensation of disappointment. Yet, it nipped at his toes like a stubborn shadow, refusing to leave him be and enjoy the rest of his time that would be over in. He glanced at the clock, one hour.

Yeonwoo observed as she settled herself, there was nothing all that unusual about how she sat down, opened her book, and started reading. Something, however, something left him unable to look away as she sat there, something tugging at him. It took him a while, but he realized, her cap was off. Her hair concealed most if not all her features but, he could subtly make out the sharp outline of her jaw and pointedly attractive nose.

What heightened his confusion about whatever this was, however, was when she held her book in one hand. Finger stuck in the pages of her latest read, to roll up the sleeves of her turtle neck and reveal pale, strikingly toned arms.

He wondered if it was just him or had the library had suddenly become stuffy. He swore he could feel his sweater sticking uncomfortably on his skin. Maybe that’s why he was being so unusual, even by his standards.

The library heater had been running all day. It must have been the heat getting to him. With the number of people that had been roaming around a few hours prior and others studying, it was no wonder even the larger-than-average library had gotten a little toasty.

Yeonwoo sprung to his feet, the chair behind him scraping against the wooden floor an inch in the process. Hastily fumbled his shoes back on, he strode his way towards the gate.

Once he opened and closed it behind him, he walked straight ahead towards the tables, only now realizing he would pass this stranger on his way to his destination. Maybe he could just wait it out? A little more heat wouldn’t hurt anyone, especially when the moment you stepped outside, the thick cloud that formed as you exhaled was instantaneous.

He didn’t have time to regret his decision. Sadly, he was already nearing the halfway mark, and he couldn’t simply turn tail now simply because of cold feet.

Yeonwoo couldn’t help but fiddle with the chain attached just below his collar. It had been a new habit of his to fiddle with it. Ever since his mother had gotten it for him now that he’d entered society as an omega.

His steps, which were previously slow and contemplative, turned quick when he reached the halfway point, eager to pass by. As his luck would have it, however, he wouldn’t be allowed to pass without interaction of sorts because then he saw her. Or at least, part of her behind thick glasses.

A shiver ran down his spine as what looked to be dark eyes behind circular lenses slowly, lazily looking him over briefly met surprised honey ones before she lowered her gaze back to her book. Then he stumbled.

Yeonwoo could barely see her eyes under the hazy lenses of thick glasses concealing half her face. But despite only catching a partial glimpse, he’d reacted like a teenager. To make matters worse, his feet caught on absolutely nothing and he stumbled.

Face heating as the embarrassment came not long after. He hurried his steps, ears tinged a tad rosy. To think he wasn’t even halfway to his destination, yet he’d embarrassed himself so much already. Racing past the halfway point, each step seemed to echo embarrassingly loud. Yeonwoo regretted his decision that morning to don boots.

He was two tables and closing in, ready to make the sharpest turn left and he would be in the clear; when he stupidly looked up from where he’d made sure to keep his gaze, to find what he assumed were her eyes on him.

By whatever force of nature he managed to keep his steps even and didn’t falter once to fall flat on his face. As he closed in, Yeonwoo had calmed down, or as much as he could if his lip catching on teeth was anything to go by. He’d reached her table and kept walking when he’d caught her bowing her head.

He paused, surprised at the action, and stood there stupidly in shock before returning the gesture.

Then scampering away from eyes he knew were watching his retreat. He couldn’t believe how much effort it took just to pass by one person, especially when the library was barren save for them.

After what felt like the longest walk of his life, face flushed and hands shaking, he turned left. Just in time to catch a whiff of something woody, and the slightest bit of sweet. He didn’t care to think about it too hard, as the moment he turned he was scurrying if not running to get away from his embarrassment.

✦•····•✦•····•✦

The thermostat let out pleasant beeps as he finished readjusting it, his reward being a little tune at the end that elicited a fond smile. Spinning around, his eyes scanned the small pocket of space he had been occupying.

The ‘room’ was hardly a room at all, and more a hole tucked into the side of the library. Nothing more than a tiny hideaway barely the size of a powder room that wasn’t of any use. He came here specifically when the temperature needed adjusting. Now that was done with, there was no reason for him to stay any longer. The air in the cramped space felt stale and devoid of any lingering scents, reminding him of things he would like to forget.

He veered towards and out of the exit, conveniently there was no door. The columns of the shelves gave him what seemed to be a warm welcome back as the amber glow of the lights shone above.

The lights.

He pulled out his phone for a quick peak of the time, humming as he turned back around to shut off the lights in the tiny space. He headed westward to start his regular cleanup.

Flicking off the computers he took some of the wipes on the front table to wipe off the desks, then did a brief sweep of the rooms before switching the lights, and locking the doors behind him. Making his way to do the same to the rooms waiting on the opposite side of the library.

Shelf after shelf passed by in quick succession as he walked, his steps bouncing along the unknown tune that was currently stuck in his head and refusing to leave him be.

He would be sure to bother Junhyuk about it once he’d gotten home. His roommate had the habit of blasting his unclothed taste in music around their shared rooms, and Yeonwoo was positive one of his horrible songs had wormed its way into his head and was currently wreaking havoc. He would have fun with that later.

The door creaked as he pulled it ajar, his hand releasing the knob to re-roll up the sleeves of his two sizes too big sweater that had decided to hang past and over the tips of his fingers. He kept the door open as he worked. Picking up wrappers and tiny objects from the most unorthodox places, one of which included the inside of one of the computers.

Yeonwoo wouldn’t ask how that happened.

With a brief flick of his wrist, he ran the sleeve of his sweater to soak up the accumulating sweat on his forehead, satisfied with his work. The room was spotless, a 180 from the mess it was minutes ago. Dusty, messy, and reeking of pheromones to be rid of once he’d sprayed a little air freshener that helped air out most of it. It used to be worse. So much worse, and he was beginning to understand why Eunchae was so desperate to have him work here. Why him though, out of every other omega, Yeonwoo still had yet to figure out.

He turned off the light and shut the door, kicking his leg into a skip, before making his way towards the stairs leading to the upper floor of the library. As the lingering feeling of sluggishness began to creep in, he reached for his phone and plugged in yellow earbuds, waiting for the Bluetooth to connect.

He’d already played one of the songs on his favorite playlist beforehand so he could dive straight into the music. He’d reached the base of the stairwell, taking his first step up, when the thoughts he’d labored to push down after that embarrassing incident regretfully came rushing back. With all their exaggerated specificity.

He still couldn’t get over it. Something as simple as a nod and a brief look of what seemed to be a dark eye left him an embarrassing wreck. Not to mention a glimpse of a strong, well-defined, forearm. Yeonwoo chalked it up to the new influx of Omega hormones coursing through his system unrestrained… somewhat.

Halfway up the steps, the gods must have pitied him, (or cursed him) because music boomed in his ears, prompting a full-body flinch. He lost footing. Felt his world tilt. Almost fell backward but grabbed the railing with a vice grip. Catching himself last minute. Lashes fluttered rapidly. One foot on a higher step than the other. Yeonwoo quickly corrected himself. Hurriedly shoving his hand in his pocket to grab his phone and viciously mashing the side buttons.

Yeonwoo let out a relieved sigh from the pits of his core when he reached the highest point of the flight of stairs. After that assault on his senses, it’s a wonder his ears weren’t ruined. Passing 3 shelves, and making his way to the small closet hidden behind the last bookshelf, he turned the doorknob to snatch up a broom. It was time to get to work.

With the music now at a comfortable volume, hoping to add a little more fun to his mundane task, he chose to play a little game with himself. The sweeps of the broom against the hardwood floors soon turned rhythmic and went along the beat of whichever song played in his ears. Quick and rushed when a fast song played, movements putting more strain on his arm muscles while being manageable. Or slow and more listless when a song with a softer melody played —giving himself some respite before it picked up again with an upbeat tune.

He found the monotonous task all the more enjoyable now. Cooled him and the thoughts waiting to burst to the forefront of his mind at the thinnest opening.

Thoughts Yeonwoo couldn't for the life of him, determine whether he liked or disliked. He wouldn’t think about it.

Sweeping had gone by in record time, and he didn’t know if it was the time crunch that prompted such a performance or the music in his ears. His eyes wandered around where he stood in between two shelves on the opposite side of where he previously remembered being. This spot seemed cleaner than the rest, and he attributed it to the fact that this area was the most closed-off space in the library. Despite being open for anyone to use.

The books here were barely touched by the usual patrons.

Yeonwoo would know since he was rigorous with inventory. One book, however, two actually, were gone. Reaching out to read the covers of the books around the two missing ones, he quickly understood that the topics of the books were based on alpha and omega studies.

He placed the books back in their respective places. Double-checking that the authors were aligned properly, then picked up the long handle of the bucket like pale, before turning to make his way back to the broom closet and back downstairs. Now that he had, he lifted his head towards one of the clocks hanging on the wall, 30 minutes.

Yeonwoo nearly jumped, making haste as he ran to the stairwell, dread crawling along his skin. Despite the urgency of the situation, Yeonwoo didn't know why, but a few shelves along his way, he paused; sniffed the air, and turned.

The scent of rich, warm sandalwood: Faint, and mixed with an undertone he couldn’t quite name captured him as he went into one of the aisles. The one he hadn’t bothered to clean earlier, given it had appeared spotless. If he had known about this, though. He would have likely stayed here for the remainder of the time he had.

Yeonwoo had never found other scents all that interesting, aside from using them to gouge emotions. Moreover, he never found anyone’s scent so overwhelming. So intoxicating. He inhaled, deeply, seeking out more sandalwood and notes of something just as captivating. Just a little sweeter. It pulled at him as he followed, reaching corners of the library even he hadn’t visited.

Sometimes when it was stronger, it enveloped and soothed him, lulling his brain and leaving him in a daze of sorts. Other times it would turn faint, almost disappearing.

It was one of those moments, the wave of disappointment that came with the loss of that intoxicating aroma that filled him with sudden clarity. The candle of warmth he followed snuffed out.

Leaving him just standing there. Cold. His eyes snapped open, only then realizing he’d closed them somewhere along the way in his impromptu game of chase.

Yeonwoo was stunned into silence.

Never before had he done such a thing. Many patrons came and went as he worked. Many with their scents starting to linger in certain areas of the library they frequented. None of them, however, made him follow their trail. Made him mourn the loss of something he had no concept of.

It must have been the new influx of omega pheromones.

A full-body shiver wrecked him, his hands quickly coming up to cover half his face in mortification. Cheeks flushed with color at the growing realization of what he’d just done.

Never before had he been more embarrassed of himself. For him to follow a scent this far into the reaches of the library? He'd heard of omega's getting scent drunk. He just never thought he'd be one of them. Yeonwoo had never been happier there was no one there to witness such an improper display.

What made it worse was he didn’t hate it. How shameful.

Turning he scolded himself before exiting the aisle. So imagine to his surprise, not long after that embarrassing incident he would take to his grave, maybe roll in it at his mortifying stunt. His eyes scanned the rows of seemingly endless shelves around him and to Yeonwoo’s horror, he was lost.

He was rendered speechless a second time, biting the inside of his cheek so hard he could almost taste the metallic liquid threatening to ooze out if he bit any harder. With how embarrassed and infuriated he was with himself, he might just do it.

Fingers brushed against soft denim, reaching into his pocket with a heaving sigh. He pulled out his phone and aggressively punched in the code before going to his messages and tapping one of the pined texts he’d made sure to keep.

Sadly, getting lost in the library for him wasn’t new. It wasn’t his fault the place was so unnecessarily big.

So, to mediate the time it would take for him to find his way back to his desk. Ha Yejin and Eunchae both came together to make a customized map just for him so he could get back to his desk.

It took a while, but eventually, he was able to pinpoint where he was in the library and began to find his way back. Soft music played in his ears, he stopped to double-check he was making the right turns before picking up pace again.

Eventually, he was able to make it to the broom closet to place said broom inside, meaning the staircase was not far off.

Just as he thought the stairs were up ahead and as he took the first step down, a fast-paced rhythm played in his ears while he bounced on the tips of his toes down the stairs, a smile on his face. It was one of his favorites.

Yeonwoo was much more familiar with the first floor than the second, so he wasn’t as glued to his phone trying to find his way back to his desk. Reluctantly pausing the music he took out his earbuds, and looked around. He needed to get back to the chair that now called his name as he longed to rest, even if just for 15 min.

He checked the time displayed on his now locked screen, scratch that, 10 minutes. He wouldn’t be able to rest even just for a moment, would he?

Yeonwoo wouldn't mourn it too long because he’d finally gotten to his destination. The now-donning realization he would have to talk to that stranger to inform them he would be closing up soon was nearing. His hands suddenly clammy.

She sat, now having crossed one leg over the other, sleeves still rolled up and hands periodically turning the pages of her current read.

Air filled his lungs, chest expanding as he let the breath in then out. Trying to gather up as much courage he could muster now that he was all but one shelf away from the study area.

Courage gathered and ready, he was about to take a step forward, but something from the corner of his eye caught his attention. He took steps towards it. The bookshelf to his right pressed against the wall had something peeking out of one of the books on the middle shelf.

A glossy black screen reflects the light that hits it from above. He moved to pluck it out. Quickly realizing halfway through it was a phone, he hurried and snatched it up to bring it close.

Yeonwoo inspected the object to promptly find it was dead, a pout forming on his lips. Pulling out his phone, he opened the calendar to remind himself that come Tuesday he should put up a sign of sorts to alert the patrons about the missing phone.

Lost and confused about how exactly to go about finding the owner, Yeonwoo was pulled out of his trance when that all-encompassing scent of sandalwood and an undertone he just couldn’t pinpoint took hold and overwhelmed his senses.

He didn’t have time to turn around and lay eyes on the person who’d had him running around the upper floor of the library like some foolish omega pup. He had never smelt someone that intrigued him before. And a large hand gripped his shoulder before he could turn to do so.

Yeonwoo froze.

“Excuse me?”

An Alpha.

The buzzing in his ears and immediate numbness that consumed his senses was all he could process. Increasing terror nipped at his toes to grab and plunge him into that bottomless well of hopelessness, he had not felt it in so long, but it came back with just as much familiarity and force. As if it never left.

Hey, Yeon Nyeon you miss me ~

He could not hear the voice calling out to him, the hand on his shoulder shaking him, shifting. They had moved a step towards him.

He smacked the hand away, moving away and finding his back pressed against the wall. Somewhere, a voice similar to his told him he was cornering himself.

You ready for some fun?~

There was no reason for him to be scared. No one was here with him. He wasn’t here with him. It was just him… him, and a stranger.

I have a lot planned for you today, Yeon Nyeon~

The same stranger who now stood in front of him, as he clutched the phone, eyes fixed on the floor. Yeonwoo tried to breathe, but he couldn’t. Something clogged his airways. Wouldn’t let him get a lick of air and the place said stranger touched burned.

He barely registered them stepping closer. Bringing up his hand, palm forward, signaling for them to stop where they stood.

He tried to calm himself, though muffled as he could barely hear himself through the fog. What did Yeseul say to do when in times of distress? What did she say— Scents.

Yeseul told him to release comforting notes of his own to help calm himself.

He couldn’t.

He’d blocked them off.

S uch a pretty face like that, too bad you’re nothing but a beta tester~

Everything was fine seconds ago. He was fine seconds ago, and all it took was one brief touch to send it all crashing down. He could feel the tears threatening to fall as he closed in on himself and everything around him turned static.

Everything was shaking.

I can fix that though. What’d ya say, Yeon Nyeon?~

Could feel himself detaching.

Why not be my bitch~

He couldn’t breathe.

Who would have thought the class knot-hole is an omega after all!~

Breathe. Breathe. You idiot. BREATHE . Just breathe.

Something. He didn't know, but something was reaching him through the fog. Calling him through the haze.

So he answered, desperate for something other than the cold.

It came to him in slow, deliberate soft waves. Smooth and velvety as it lingered a while. Getting him used to its presence before enveloping him whole in a warmth he vaguely remembered as he slipped back into himself.

Sensation reawakened as his toes twitched. Legs came next as the numbing, cold tingle that locked them in place dissipated, and he stumbled. Feeling had not yet traveled to his upper body. Resulting in a tip in balance and Yeonwoo prepared to be met face-first with the cold hardwood.

Warmth surrounded him. The warmth of a person.

All his senses came rushing back, crashing into him all at once. Sight. Smell. Sound as the blood rushed to his ears. Touch. Touch came the moment he felt warm, large, secure arms holding him, making sure he didn’t fall.

Teary-ridden eyes looked up to meet stunningly dark ones. Almost black, deep purple, looking down at him, face blank, but eyes shone with what, if he looked close enough, would realize worry. That is if he wasn’t so mesmerized by how they pulled him in, dark as a starless sky, yet calming, warm.

Yeonwoo didn’t have time to monologue about this woman who’d saved him amid an embarrassing display of weakness. Simply because, as if he was hit by a 10-ton truck, he heaved in breath after breath, coughs sputtering between every other inhale. All he could smell was rich and warm sandalwood, along with that undertone he finally deduced.

Rose.

She smelled of sandalwood, of rose, and she reeked of Alpha.

Yeonwoo remembered what sent him into his panic in the first place, and pushed himself away from her hold. Tears falling from renewed honeydew eyes. Shame crashed down on him as he struggled to catch his breath. Only increasing 10-fold when the alpha released more of that scent to calm him. Silently telling him to calm down.

And Yeonwoo listened. Let himself breathe with slow, steady intakes of air. Inhaling more of that ever-growing intoxicating scent that had his knees weak and goosebumps take form.

A deep female voice surrounded him. Slow, careful instruction the alpha gave, making his head spin. She ran her hands up and down his back, fingers feather-like in their touch. Trying to comfort. Yeonwoo tried to steadily calm himself. The smooth voice telling him to breathe, though good in intention, did little to help.

He was hot.

Knowing this wouldn't help, he shifted away from them. The warm touch was now gone, and he mourned it a little, before bringing his hands to his chest to feel the rhythmic beating of his heart.

His breathing soon stabilized as he pressed his head against the cool wall. Rise and fall of his chest more fluid and less aching as air mixed with soft notes of sandalwood and tints of rose providing all-encompassing warmth. Though that touch was gone.

After what felt like forever and no time at all, Yeonwoo breathed. Really breathed and wiped now-dried tear stains from red cheeks.

It was slow, but eventually he turned around. Facing the person he now deemed his savior. Yeonwoo knew he shouldn’t, but he was regretful he’d chosen today to start using scent blockers again. Junhyuk was right.

He opened his mouth to apologize for his display, “I-I’m Sorr-”

“Are you okay?”

The voice was deep yet warm and sultry, just as rich as her scent that still refused to leave him. Still supplying comforting notes of sandalwood. Yeonwoo honestly didn’t know if he hated it as much as he usually did or if he liked it, and wanted more. That alone terrified him.

She took a step forward, and Yeonwoo flinched, head still hung low. He couldn’t look at her. Not after that shameful display. He didn’t sense any movement from her after that. Yeonwoo didn’t know whether to be relieved or terrified of that.

“Are you okay?” She asked again, having taken a step back. Her tone changed from a request to a demand, her voice hinting she was concerned.

Seconds, minutes passed, he fiddled with his thumbs before he began the process of gathering his energy to respond. He was tired. More so than before. Slowly lifting his gaze to meet hers, those deep eyes bored into him. As if she could see through him, and his back felt hot.

He briefly saw a flicker of concern, only for it to shift when she looked down at his hands. Yeonwoo looked down himself to realize he’d been picking at his nails, a habit of his, and brought them to his sides to hopefully ease the concern of this alpha whose name he didn’t even know. The sullen silence stretched between them, thread-thin and fragile.

“I– I’m fine,” He managed to stutter after who knows how long. Fingers twitching to pick at his nails once more but stopped when he could have sworn her eyes narrowed at him. The only sound he could discern was the erratic drumming of his heartbeat. He wished he could be devoured by it.

The alpha looked at him expression neutral but clearly unconvinced by the blatant lie.

“You couldn’t breathe for almost 5 minutes, you’re not fine.” She told him, and Yeonwoo cringed.

He bowed his head, “I’m really fine. Sorr-sorry for the trouble.”

When he’d raised his head to look at her, he saw nothing once more. Honey eyes found his shoes more interesting.

“You were clearly not ok, so I helped…. it was my fault for scaring—”

“No, no” He shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault I’m just…” Stupid.

She looked him up and down and Yeonwoo could feel his cheeks warm, “You apologize a lot, don’t you.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a fact, and he didn’t know what to say because it was true. Junhyuk always told him to stop, but he never could, so he didn’t say anything at all.

The alpha turned to bend down and pick up the phone Yeonwoo only now realized he dropped and took slow, very slow, steps towards him to present it to him.

“Here.”

He looked down at the phone and took it from her, plastering on his best smile, “Did you need something?”

She eyed him, before answering, “I want to check out before closing hours.”

Yeonwoo looked around, to distract from his rising blush, and snatched his phone off one of the gaps on the shelves to look at the time. They were past closing time.

Gasping, the familiar shame crept into him once more, only for him to regain his composure when that scent enveloped him again. He looked up, hands close to his chest, to find she’d taken a step closer.

“Is that a yes… or.”

Yeonwoo flushed, “Yes! Plea– Please follow me.” He spun around and walked, ears aflame.

The walk back was quick. The alpha, followed him, three steps behind him the whole time. Though Yeonwoo could feel her… observant gaze trailing every part of him on the way. It burned. Such treatment, Yeonwoo had read, was typical of alphas.

Alphas must keep their distance at all times from an unmated omega, lest there is a situation that needs intervention. He’d never gotten such treatment, given he hadn’t been an omega for that long, but it was much appreciated after that embarrassing and unbecoming display he showed.

Yeonwoo told her to wait at the front of the desk while he went around and opened the gate in a hurry. Not even bothering to close it, and sped to the desk. Once he got behind the desk, some nerves from earlier dissipated a little. He looked up. Now that he could get a better look at her. He couldn't keep from pausing for a second. Really looking at her.

Glasses were long gone, leaving nothing but chocolate brown hair to frame her features, it was the first time Yeonwoo realized… she was beautiful.

His panic had rendered him unable to process it, but now that he had calmed significantly.

She was stunning.

A sharp jawline that accentuated high cheekbones, 80 parts handsome 20 parts beautiful. A pointed chin that added to her already striking features, fit for a noble. Perfectly symmetrical, straight nose so well-placed and proportioned along her face, Yeonwoo couldn’t help but follow the trail it left, up to meet eyes that he found were overlooking him, finally meeting.

Those eyes. Deep, bordering black, purple that reminded him of starless nights and the darkest of purple hydrangeas. They pulled him in, not letting him go as her musky, warm scent encompassed him, pulling him in further. The epitome of an Alpha.

She places the books on the table, snapping him out of his daze. He fought back another blush, thankfully succeeding as he woke up the computer for it to display the screen he was last on. It didn’t take long for him as he clicked around and typed a few things in for the application to load and show him the screen that would allow him to do his work.

Clearing his throat, Yeonwoo reached out a hand, “Your —Your library card please?”

His voice trembled as she took one last sweep of her eyes over him to reach into her pocket.

She placed it into his palm seconds later, her finger brushing against the bottom of his palm. Dangerously close to the scent gland just underneath the protective covering on his wrist. Yeonwoo sucked in a breath.

He quickly swiped the card, the machine letting out a beep that did little to help wake him from the alpha scent-induced haze she caused. Her scent still lingered around him. It was worst that he didn’t hate it. A shuddered breath escaped him when she reached over to retrieve the card, holding his gaze as she flicked her wrist to graze the top of that very covering.

Yeonwoo had never been more aware of another person, much less an alpha. He didn't know whether he wanted to slap the hand away or urge it to give him more.

He could feel her eyes watching, observing every movement as he passed her books under the scanner with trembling hands, though all he felt was warm. All-encompassing, all surrounding warmth as his cheeks flamed, and his chest rose and fell. Trying to breathe but now for an entirely different reason.

Yeonwoo would have normally been in tears by now. So how was this alpha different?

He quickly grabbed a bag from the half-empty dispenser under the computer, bagging her books and offering it to her with both hands.

He looked her in the eyes, only to find she was doing the same, piercing gaze of starless midnight sending shivers down his spine.

“I- I'm sorry for the trouble I caused. I hope- I hope you'll give the library another chance… I'll do better next time.”

The phrases Eunchae hammered into him to say whenever a customer left was the farthest from his mind as the sandalwood scent mixed with more rose, turning the slightest ting of sweet that Yeonwoo almost didn’t catch it.

Reaching over, the alpha carefully took the books from him, smooth, large hands engulfing his as they moved to take the bag. Lingered, and only increased his blush.

How indecent.

Bag at her side, Yeonwoo’s hands moved to rest behind his back in an attempt to hide the warmth he was sure had traveled from his neck to the tips of his fingers.

Her eyes met his. Making sure to trail his every feature before she spoke, that voice just as if not more intoxicating than her scent, sent his goose bumps alight, “I’ll be sure to.”

She held his gaze for a moment longer. Tension that hung in the air between them, strung tight like a fragile thread, ready to snap at any moment. He broke that thread when dipping his head in thanks for her patronage. Just as he raised it to look up again, she turned.

The slightest, blink and you’ll miss it smile donned her face before she fully turned away from him, and walked out the door. The chime of the door closing clearing his foggy mind.

He blinked, sandalwood still surrounded and sending his thoughts into a frenzy, her earlier words replaying in his mind, 'I'll be sure too.'

Yeonwoo flushed as he sank into his chair, the intoxicating scent and softness surrounding him making it worse. Warm hands that caressed his back, engulfing his hands in their own, leaving her scent on them. He didn't know whether her coming back excited or terrified him.

Notes:

Hope you enjoyed that first chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Comments are always appreciated and I love getting them so don't be shy about sharing your thoughts. As long as there respectful I don't mind at all.

This is an ongoing work and I will be updating it. I already have the outline for the story ready to go writing it is the next part.

I hope you'll all enjoy the journey of Yeonsol falling in love again that I've crafted and go insane over them as much as I do.

->->->Chapter 2<-<-<-

14 notes · View notes

honestly-oceanie · 2 years ago

Text

YOU PUT ME ON AND SAID I WAS YOUR FAVORITE || soft bois edition pt.3

Synopsis: drawing something(s) on their arm/wrist/hands

《Ijekiel Alpheus, Felix Robane, Isis de Elmir, Erden Astar Halstead, Erudian Lu Soledo Belgoat, Cassian Eckard, Felix Chamberlain, Anakin, Zachary de Arno, Kiyu Ahn | gn!reader》

{Fluff♡ | ▪︎imagine/scenario▪︎}

I Have Become The Hero's Rival/Your Ultimate Love Rival

Felix Chamberlain

🦋 You were at the Chamberlain's manor, just slouching on their couch, all bored.

"What's the matter? Why do you seem to be sulking?"

🦋 Felix's sudden appearance made you jump out of your skin.

🦋 You were currently at their manor as per Claudia's request. She had ask you to come to their house to hang out, however, an hour had past but she still hasn't arrive. You had asked their servants yet they all say the same thing: "I don't know, My Lady."

🦋 You and Felix have been friends since childhood, thus you always talk to him informally and freely.

"Felix! Just right on time. Do you know where your sister possibly could be?"

"She left with Irene an hour ago."

"What?! But I did not saw them."

🦋 Felix just shrugged and you sighed. Those girls are really something, you thought. You stood up and was heading to the door but Felix stop you by grabbing your wrist.

"You're leaving, just like that? But you're already here."

"Exactly. I am here but Claudia and Irene are not here."

"But I am here, [Name]."

🦋 He saw a pen and grabbed it. "Lets have our own fun. We hadn't done this for a long time." he said. And he was right. Drawing on each other had always been a favorite hobby between the two of you, despite the scolding you'll receive later it was worth it.

🦋 You just gave him a closed eyed smile and agreed, "Alright."

🦋 Felix made sure to take a mental note to thank his sister and Irene later for helping him.

Kill The Villainess

Anakin

🦋 After finishing his part, I realized that it was the same as the one I had previously written with another character and unfortunately I have no more ideas for him. But I promise to write for him next time. If I get any idea that is.

____...______...______...______...____

Marriage of Convenience

Zachary de Arno

"Count de Arno"

🦋 You were outside playing with Nikola, having the time of your lives. Meanwhile, the Count was just staring of at his window, watching you smiling so wide and laughing so carefree.

"Would you like to take a break?"

🦋 Vincent's voice pulled him out of his trance.

"I can call for Our Lady to come here—if you'd like."

"No, no, there is no need to."

🦋 He immediately rejected the idea. Although he would like to spend some time with you, he didn't want for your happiness to be put onto halt. He does notice you becoming stiff and guarded around his presence. He honestly just wants you to feel comfortable around him like how you are currently with the little boy.

🦋 He feels it's very embarrasing and won't ever admit it but he did feel a little envious of the child you were giggling with.

🦋 He cleared his throat along with his thoughts then proceded with his work.

🦋 A little while after, he heard the door open and immediately looked up and he saw you.

"Um... s-sorry to interrupt you work I– "

"It's alright. What brings you here?"

🦋 You gave him his dinner. You asked Vincent about the Count as he was nowhere to be seen during dinner and you got worried for him. You decided to stay at his office until he finish his meal and he didn't object, wishing to spend some time with you. However, both of you were stuck in an awkward silence, neither knowing what to do nor say.

🦋 You saw an extra pen on his desk and out of habit you picked it up and started drawing on your hand, the Count just watching you quietly. After you were satisfied, you look up to see if the Count has finished his meal but instead you both locked eyes, after realization you both looked away.

🦋 You sighed, this time you decided to have courage, it's not like the Count will eat you out alive.

"You know Count, whenever I feel stressed out I woukd usually do this. It relaxes me and I also love to make arts."

🦋 Your oh so charming smile made the Zachary's heart skip a beat. Without thinking, he placed his arm in front of you.

"You can draw on mine too." He says with a little redness on his cheeks.

🦋 You were shock at first, but then chuckled and proceded to do as he said.

🦋 Zachary just looked at you with fondness evident on his eyes. This little moment will always remain forever on him.

Bonus:

Your Smile Is A Trap

Kiyu Ahn

🦋 this was only suppose to be historical manhwa's but I can't resist him. He must me protected at all times🥺

🦋 Kiyu doesn't want to be bothered with this idol thingy anymore. You know that and you respect his decision.

🦋 You were Kiyu's first friend at school, you sat behind him and since he was a new student you thought about helping him adjust. The more time you two spent together, the more the friendship blossom and eventually, you both started dating, only your families knows about this and you both prefer it this way.

🦋 That was until, his identity and real face was revealed. It was a hot mess and Kiyu is feeling pressured and you can see that so you decided to help him ease atleast.

"Kiyu, your hand." you gestured and he complied.

🦋 You picked up a colored marker that was beside you and started drawing on his face. He was surprise but sit still. That was until you started chuckling, he felt a little suspicious and ran to get a mirror.

"[Name]!!!" he screamed your name while you just laughed hysterically.

🦋 You finally calmed down after he returned with a cute pout on his face.

"Oh c'mon! We can always erase that. Here, you can draw on mine too."

🦋 Without hesistation, he picked up a colored marker and started drawing on you. Then it turn into a contest between you two.

🦋 Kiyu was clearly having fun, now the one laughing hysterically at your messy form eventhiugh he was on the same state.

🦋 Seeing him like this made you smile so wide, this was the Kiyu you know, the Kiyu you fell in love with. Having him return to his happy and innocent self made you feel relief, you hoped everyday could just like be this happy and carefree.

"What? *chuckle* why do you look like that?" He asked.

"Nothing, I'm just happy whenever I'm with you. Stop worrying about the others for now and lets have fun, yeah?"

🦋 Kiyu smiled at you gratefully. He felt really lucky to have you, he was blessed with an understanding and caring partner, what more could he ask for.

-honestly, Oceanie-

323 notes · View notes

kidrey-residence · 2 years ago

Text

alive

The Villainess is a Marionette

- alternate fictional ending -

pov: You were a quiet girl living a happy life with your family. All until Rezef Hills, former heir to the throne of Eldyme bound you as his servant after wiping out your family. Fortunately for you, Kayena Hills, saved you from a fate set in stone.

There was a time when I was forced to act his little puppet and snap the thread of innocent people's lives, I could do nothing but clench my fists whilst doing the future emperor of Eldyme's biding. Every morning I told myself that this was my fate, to be Rezef Hill's marionette. I had to do this to survive. That is, until I met her.

The moment I saw her oppose Rezef, her cunning eyes revealing none of her true thoughts while placing one hand on his cheek, calming his fury in an instant, I felt hope.

My future, my fate... I can change it. I could avenge my family, all who were slaughtered ruthlessly in one of the many outbursts of Rezef's. They did nothing wrong, yet why was it that no one spoke up against the injustice? 'Such is the world we live in,' my mother told me once, before she too was killed.

Kayena Hills, Rezef's older sister and one of the heirs to the throne of Eldyme had offered me help and support to avenge my family, in return for my loyalty. How she came to know of them was beyond me, as I had told not a single soul about them. It made me wonder if I was that easy to read. I must change that immediately before Rezef realizes too. However, I had observed the princess enough to know that she would not make disadvantageous deals with her supporters. I accepted the deal, and swore on my life to serve the princess.

Which is why, I was walking up the aisle carrying a red cushion that held the most majestic crown adorned with jewels, at this moment.

I offered the crown to the priest and stepped down, watching as Kayena was crowned the Empress of Eldyme. Cheers broke out as she raised her scepter. Her lady's in waiting curtsied gracefully as Her Highness walked down the aisle. She stopped in front of me, and smiled. I kneeled in front of her, overcome with pride. We had come such a long way together, in the short span of two months. Rezef was stripped of almost all authority, and his temporary tyrant rule came to an end. Kayena was soon to wed Duke Kedrey, and peace was surely to ensue.

A small part of me felt guilty for betraying Rezef, but I squashed those feelings. He had caused nothing but pain and misery to me and my family. Kayena was my savior and true friend. Her compassion and kindness towards a lowly knight was what had helped me avenge my bloodline. She had helped me live, rather than just survive. And I would always be grateful to her for that.

#kayena hill #cayena hill #rezef hill #regef hill #the villainess is a marionette #the villainess is a marionette fanfic #fanfic #alternate ending #short fics #female reader #female knight #f reader #manhwa #manhwa fanfic #manhua #isekai

18 notes · View notes

sereinordic · 2 years ago

Text

• welcome!!

Hey there! Welcome to my page :D

The oneshot I published are mostly what I've written without anyone requesting.

These oneshot also published on my Wattpad account, @sereinordic.

Characters might be written ooc, I write them in how I picture them would be. All credits belong to its creator.

Hope you enjoy what I published so far, and thank you for reading. Reblogs are really appreciated, thank you!

These are the list of what I've published so far :

| Perhaps an encounter that occur by destiny¹

¹Kyojuro Rengoku x female reader • fluff

| Everlasting ecstatic dysphoria²

manhwa • manhua.

²Xiao x female reader • angst to fluff

| Sweet love?³

³Aether x female reader • fluff

| Married life with him.⁴

Todoroki Shoto • Bakugo Katsuki - fluff

| coffee shop⁵

⁵Artem Wing x female reader • fluff

| Sweet scenario?⁶

⁶Itoshi Rin x female reader • fluff

#x female reader #x fem!reader #genshin impact fanfics #fanfic #oneshot #kny fanfic #haikyu x reader #bnha fanfiction #anime fanfic #manhwa fanfic

8 notes · View notes

yuriisclumsy · 2 months ago

Note

Greetings. I'm happy to see Cale x reader's request.. 💯

Can I request Cale x reader.. Where the reader is kidnapped, so Cale and the others try to help search her but Alberu, the reader's best friend already knows.. He be like : Yup, they didn't kidnap her but she kidnapped them.. Fluff and chaos .🤣🤣🤣

Thanks for reading.🫂🫂❤️❤️❤️

The Kidnapped Wife

[Authors Note]: Look! I updated again! Not my main muse, but I finally got a good idea for this one. Hope you all like this one! This request in back from June. PS. As you can see I don't have my iconic title. that's because of the limit in characters you can have per post. I hate it :D.

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1084

»»►Getting kidnapped is something that would definitely happen to us, because, you know…we’re the wife of the most powerful man in existence.

»»►How did we get kidnapped? Oh, I don’t know…maybe it was because of the temptation of FOOD?

»»►Seriously, out of all the things they could have bribed you with, it had to be food? So uncouth.

…

“What do you mean [Name]’s been kidnapped?”

That was the first question Cale asked when he was informed his wife had been kidnapped.

Yes, you read correctly. You have been kidnapped.

And no, you did not take a nap. You’re no kid. I mean that bad people abducted you to an unknown place, far away from any village–hell, far away from any living soul.

“I received a letter from the letter’s boy under your name, Master Cale. When I grabbed it, I smelled the faint traces of poison coming from within it,” Ron explained.

There’s poison in this…?! Cale yelled in his mind, and let go of the paper instantly.

The butler smiled sinisterly, amused at Cale's actions of dropping the letter at the mention of poison. “So, to secure your wellbeing, I decided to open it and see if it was life threatening. But you needn’t worry, Master Cale. The letter only had a small amount of poison in it. It would only take effect if you were to hold it for a longer period of time.”

Bullsh-t. You knew it had poison, and didn’t bother warning me about it, you creepy old man.

“Right… Well, thank you for taking my health and well-being into consideration, Ron.”

“You are very welcomed, young master.” Bastard.

Cale turned his body to look outside the window. “Anything else regarding her?”

“Unfortunately, these foxes were more cunning than this old fool could have anticipated. They left no trace of their presence behind for us to possibly find.”

“...” Cale looked out where the children were playing, unaware of their ‘mother’s’ disappearance. “Call for Rosalyn and Raon. We need their magic for this, also…” he looked back at Ron, “get the crystal.” Ron’s smile widened. “We’re calling the imperial family. This could very well be an attack on the kingdom.”

…

Grunts and pants are the only sounds heard in a room turned upside-down from battling.

“You B-tch!” a man yelled.

“You’re calling me unpleasant?” The man went flying to the wall behind him at full speed. “Me?”

“Ah!” Another goon charged at you from the opposite side. You blocked it by grabbing his hand, going underneath, you punched him in the stomach. “Agh..!”

“Screaming your attack is very ineffective. Weren't you lot professionals?” You saw a small glimpse of the shining of a gun's metal. With quick reflexes, you throw one of the limited pieces of furniture from the palace you had been held hostage and threw it at him, rendering him immobile. “Cute try, but not good enough.”

You stood in the middle of the room full of bodies of men laying there in the ground either whining or crying out of pain. All this would have been avoided if they just decided to negotiate with you.

“Poor souls…”

…

“HAHAHAHAHA!” static cackling came from a ball on a table. It belongs to none other than the crown prince.

Cale looked at the prince like he had lost his mind. “...Why are you laughing?” Alberu looked up and stared at him through the crystal ball. Cale did not like that.

“Isn't it obvious?” He smirked, “clearly I think all of this is hilarious.”

Well no sh-t. Cale’s expression began to sour.

“Now, now, master Cale. Don’t look so distraught, [Name] is completely fine. In fact, I think she’s doing better than even I could have imagined,” he picture you beating the crap out of the kidnappers, much to his pleasure.

“Is that so…” Cale wanted to punch Alberu in the face. He just wanted to wipe that smirk off his mouth, even if it is a crime to do so.

“Master Cale, if you would allow me?” Ron approached his master from the other side of the table.

“What is it, Ron?” Cale was as irked as he could be.

“I agree with the crowned prince,” Cale looked betrayed at Ron’s agreement on the situation. “Master Cale, [Name] is a talented individual. Surely, you should put some trust in her abilities.

“I’m also in support of this, [Name]’s prowess is no joke. She’ll make it home safe on her own,” Rosalyn commented.

“What the humans are saying is true,” Raon landed on Cale’s lap. “You can trust the Great Raon Miru’s judgment!”

“...” Cale closed his eyes. With all of this faith in you, he can’t ignore it.

“Fine.” He glared at Alberu. “But if she isn’t here by sunset, I'm sending Choi Han and Raon to get her.”

“That’s fine by me!”

With that, the call ended, and Alberu couldn’t stop from giggling at Cale’s worriedness for you.

“Ah… [Name], you’ve gotten yourself a worrywart as a husband.”

…

The sun had gone down a while ago, the birds went to rest, and the children had all gone to sleep on your shared bed. Yet, there was still no sign of you anywhere in sight.

Cale paced back and forth in the balcony, he did not enjoy worrying about someone's safety, much less yours.

“Master Cale.”

“Huh? Oh...Choi Han. Has there been any news?” He looked down and shook his head slowly. “I see… It’s getting late, you should head to sleep.”

“But, master Cale, who will–”

“I will.”

“...” Choi Han wanted to protest, yet he remained silent. He knew better than to argue with a stubborn man. “Yes, sir…” He left Cale with himself.

Hearing a click from the door, Cale let out a frustrated sigh and scratched his head, annoyed at the situation at hand.

“...Where are you [Name]?” he whispered.

“I was gone for a day, and you missed me that much?”

“!” Cale twisted his body and faced the person that had spoken to him.

And it was none other than his lovely wife.

“Hi, Bo,” You smiled sweetly. “How are you?”

Cale sighted for what seemed like the 100th time this day. Only this time, it was out of relief. “I’m fine…” he said with a small smile.

“I’m glad…” You leaned and gave him a kiss on the check.

“Only there..?”

“Well, yes. I’m extremely hungry right now, and I want to eat,” with perfect timing, your stomach growled loudly.

“...” Cale’s eyebrow twitched at your response. He motioned his hand to look like a knife, and karate-chopped you in the head.

“OW–”

“I’ll go get Beacrox to prepare something for you. Wait here,” opening the door, he pointed at you. “And don’t. Move.” You giggled.

“Eye, eye, captain.”

With an approving nod he left in search of your meal.

𝚃𝚊𝚐𝚜: @lureslutes, @cruzerforce4256, @narcise63, @potterhead-whovian-117, @margieee194, @zenix108, @vimenorie, @lunavixia, @potterhead-whovian-117, @alithurism, @matchalyne, @minteaspoon, @dontknowhowtousethis, @valacz29, @rainalovesouya, @vimenorie, @lunavixia, @lablog5, @htshbtcp, @purposefulwhale, @leylnnn, @ixchelhernandez4, @minteaspoon, @mx-unreality, @ntcc2605, @lapislasulat, @lunavixia, @thxmiss, @sumariii, @pspsps28, @holy-bells, @bloomingblueorchid. Re-blog or Comment if you want to get added into the Tag section for Lout of Count's Family updates. Back to Lout Of Count's Family Master-List

Master-List

#cale henituse x reader #cale henituse #raon miru #beacrox molan #choi han #ron mulan #tcf rosalyn #trash of the count's family x reader #trash of the count's family #lout of the count’s family #lout of the count's family x reader #reader input #x reader #manhwa x reader #totcf #manhwa #manhwa fanfic #reader insert

220 notes · View notes

mqfx · 11 months ago

Text

#hewwo #polls #i personally would probably be on a 2-4 if we count ''1900s during the invention of wireless communication + a murder trial'' as a story #if not then. i die (the last manhwa i read was a red flag number)#note: FANFIC COUNTS

29K notes · View notes

lxdymoon0357 · 2 months ago

Note

Idk if your requests are open it not but if it is can you give me some pinjng for Roxanna x fem reader / gen reader? I need more of her 😭

(Honestly, understandable. She is a bit of a goddess...a demonic one, but a goddess nonetheless. Homophobia LGBT ally)

Roxanna Agriche X Fem! Reader Headcanons.

⊈ Rozanna either met you as you were her maid or you were a pet from another noble house. Either way, she had you under her control, doing her dangerous betting every single day. She had you easily wrapped around her perfectly, bloody manicured finger.

⊈ Your life was daily in her hands and she was always careless with it, but you know what you did when you came here; either by force or own desperate situation, but of-course it never scared less not knowig which is your last day.

⊈ Eventually you and her did fall in love and she had you close...Though Lante was horrified at his daughter being in love with a girl, but afterwards he calmed down and let her date you, as long as she'd somehow get a child for him to his lineage continues and Roxanna nonchalantly agrees.

⊈ Level passed!! New Level: You're an Agriche now!

⊈ Of-course you're now also a victim to many of the Agriches, including Dion, Charlotte, Fondaine and possibly others. But it's okay, Sierra adores you, Maria...she is weirdly infatuated, Jeremy is slightly jealous you're taking his sister's attention, but eventually you also become his friend.

⊈ She often feeds your blood to the butterflies as well, so they can recognize you too. Also adding tiny doses of poison into your tea, food, drinks. Has the most expensive furs decorating you with the heaviest security around your room.

⊈ Freedom is basically non-existent with the way she moved you into her room and you didn't go outside for like...three months! (I know it's normal for you nerds, probs. But please be normal right now.) ut yeah, almost zero freedom of going out, your'e free to do yada yada in your room though.

⊈ I know for SURE! Roxanne doesn't allow Dion anywhere near you, you'll easily be his next victim so Dion can see Roxanne's emotions more rawful, Charlotte is just annoyed with you being here, because you're simply BELOW her and you're also one of the favourites of THIS HOUSE?! FUCK YOU!

⊈ Speaking of favourites, you'll be joining them in Lant's "special-favourite children dinner" whenever it happens, maids and butlers and cooks are asked to taste everything in advance so you don't get poisoned by ANYONE. It will rain hell by Roxanna if anything happened.

⊈ Has you in makeout sessions right before bed, her fingers gently groping your tits and tweaking your nips, very gently though...depends if it leads to more or simply just a makeout sessions where you both sleep snuggled against each other, where she wakes up every few hours to make sure you're alive.

⊈ Has made sure you're always as safe as her mum, speaking of her mum. You spend a majority of your free time with Sierra, she likes you though a bit nervous around you two. You have to be super nice and get her to warm up to you and she'll adore you as much as she adores her daughter, likes that someone in this house brings her daughter happiness even if she herself couldn't.

⊈ Lanta, Charlotte, Dion, Maria, Grizelda are weirdly homophobic..yet allies? I don't get it, but imagine them just mocking Roxanne for liking a girl despite being beautiful, but the moment a guy or anyone would try to get near you and the person is dead because they're like "Not Roxanne's little shit, you fucker. I'll fuck you up if you hurt her, she's only ours to hurt" like a messed up family dynamic which is hysterically insane.

168 notes · View notes

belovedivies · 2 months ago

Note

Hello👋 I was wondering how would the skinless chicken-I MEAN Nathanael interact with Raphael's older sibling?😅

cw: minor spoiler dividers-credit: @kodaswrld m.list

nathaniel and you…

⋆ ˚｡⋆are the epitome of a match made in hell! We have a body dissection loving maniac who breaks guns with bare hands and a sociopath whose father you buried for the throne that your brother now occupies. Of course, you guys get along like a house on fire.

⋆ ˚｡⋆surprisingly have the time to hang out. You always find a way to forcefully squeeze yourself into his schedule, like dropping by unannounced during his night shifts so you can whip him away for a few minutes! The nurses and patients mistake you two for a couple all the time, something Nathaniel doesn’t bother to clarify anymore.

⋆ ˚｡⋆share what can almost be considered as a bond despite the chaos going on. Aside from Raphael, he’s the one guy whose company you somewhat enjoy and find amusement in. You’re also the only girl who gets to spray deodorant in this scary man’s face and don’t end up being slammed against the wall. It’s a win-win! ☪︎ ･ﾟ･Nathaniel... begrudgingly acknowledges the influence you have on Glory Club. How a fragile-looking woman can command fear and respect without trying. He, though, still has a hard time wrapping his head around the mind-boggling jokes you blurt out sometimes versus the cruelty you’re capable of inflicting. One night, after a quick patient checkup, the Apostle found you in the hallway along with two of his men out cold on the floor, their hands and legs bent at all different angles. Then you just ran up to him with a smile, never elaborating on what happened. ☪︎ ･ﾟ･You... think Nathaniel’s pride now might as well be his downfall. He’s strong, he’s smart, and he has potential. But this is THE Peter we’re talking about. If that boogeyman is lurking around the corner and somehow still as unbeatable as he was 50 years ago, Nathaniel—even in all his evolutionary glory—statistically stands no chance of surviving. And if he is lucky enough to just barely make it out alive, the man’s ego is gonna be damaged for good. ☪︎ ･ﾟ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆･ﾟ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･❂

“It’s so cold out here…” You tugged your legs underneath your chin and let out a loud yawn, wiggling your feet. “I thought the rainy season ended last week?”

Five centimeters away from you on the bench, Nathaniel leisurely sipped on his Americano. “High humidity levels,” he set the cup aside, “so your clothes might get saturated by the moisture in the air.”

“Huh, guess that’s why I’m still shivering in these 70D stockings—“ mid-sentence, your eyes widened when the guy suddenly took off his blouse and draped it over your lap. “Thanks.”

Nathaniel just shrugged and picked up his drink again. Two nurses walked by and cooed at the scene, though you weren’t sure if the attention was on you or him, or the playing-house act he had been tolerating for a while.

You scanned your surroundings: the hospital’s courtyard was mostly empty at this point. A few elderly patients hung out in the right corner of a dimly lit cafeteria, doing their nighttime stretches. When you look up, a billboard on the side of the building greeted your eyes—a picture of an old-looking Peter with his back hunched. The bounty flashed beneath it in place of the contact number for donation: 7,6 Billion Won.

“Kim Soongu…” The words left your lips as an afterthought, but then you caught Nathaniel’s jaws clenching in your peripheral vision with the coffee cup suddenly crushed to a pulp in his palm, a river of brown dripping to the ground.

The awkward silence didn’t even last for three seconds before a hysterical fit of laughter left your throat as you clung to your stomach.

“Holy fuck—“ snickering, you leaned against Nathaniel’s side like you two were having a sleepover. “Look at the way you got your panties in a twist with just the mention of his name. Is he that good?”

Your slightly-closer-than-an-acquaintance furrowed his eyebrows and answered through gritted teeth. “Brat…”

“Annoying too?” you mirrored his cocked brow with amusement, cheek leaning on his shoulder as you watched the guy slip off his beverage-soaked glove, “didn’t the stats say Soongu is just another D-rank killer though?”

“Not it from my observation.” Nathaniel huffed. “He had some untapped potential. Having him on my team would be… beneficial.”

You tilted your head. “For…?”

“Taking down Peter,” he looked a little irritated at your constant questioning, but ultimately decided not to show that frustration. Instead, Nathaniel’s raspy voice took on what seemed to be a teasing note; his lips curled up into an easy-going smile as the man flicked your forehead.

“So much for your plastic surgery idea, princess.”

“Ow—!” You squealed, touching the violated skin; he wasn’t even using force and you could already feel a bump rising. “What do you mean? So it wasn’t him?”

“It’s real skin from what I felt.” Nathaniel ran a hand over his hair. “Tch, whatever. When he shows up tomorrow, I’ll definitely find out.”

Tomorrow. You tucked your legs further under your chin, eyes still trained on him.

“Hyun Il.”

“?”

The Apostle turned his head towards you.

“You’re 100% likely to die.”

“Doubtful, aren’t we?”

You let out a giggle. “You wanna hear me say it?”

Nathaniel’s gaze hardened. “I will win.”

Cute.

A sigh left your lips as you stared up at the dark sky above. It was a relatively starless night, but there were still some lonely orbs twinkling if you squinted hard enough.

Some saw themselves as the sun—the center of this universe with planets orbiting around them. Constantly striving for a new high. Yet there were bound to be limits. A wall in between. Something, someone who might just show up one day and render all of their efforts useless.

How incompetent we were in the grand scheme of things.

☪︎ ･ﾟ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆･ﾟ･ﾟ·:｡･ﾟﾟ･❂

"Planning to dig up his body?"

Raphael's comment earns a small smile from you. Taking your little brother's hand, you stand up from where you have been crouching on the ground for the last few minutes.

"Nathaniel doesn't need to be physically here to haunt me," you hum playfully while his fingers brush off the imaginary dust on your hair. "Jokes aside, he's cremated. I'm surprised to find out that could still work without the furnace blowing up; he's like a walking T vessel."

"Mhm…"

"Found anything at the scene?"

At your inquiry, Raphael's brows drawn together in a way that reminds you of Nathaniel. Then again, frustration doesn't have a second face.

"Tch, nothing at all." His grip around your shoulders tighten. "That bastard vanished without a trace."

All the killers dying… so that really was Peter's doings. You've seen the outcome from miles away, yet who is to say the result doesn't baffle you in the slightly? What Glory Club is dealing with here is no longer a human being.

"Hey, Raphael…" for a second, the face of an unfamiliar teenager pops up in your mind—black hair, red eyes that hold an immaculate sense of authority, "do you think that…"

"Yes?" Your brother tilted his head. There's a lump in your throat that is suddenly too hard to swallow.

"Nevermind," as quick as that eerie hypothesis comes to be, you forcefully swat it away; a sharp edge to your smile, "let's get back, shall we? It's gonna start raining soon."

#killer peter #killer peter manhwa #manhwa x reader #reader insert #killer peter x reader #manhwa #x reader #x female reader #x fem!reader #killer peter nathaniel #killer peter nathaniel x reader #webtoon x reader #manhwa fanfic #reader fanfiction #female reader

139 notes · View notes

locomoqo · 13 days ago

Note

haiii!!! i may have spent the rest of my time reading all your works🥲🥲 and is it okay to request Girl Dad! jake,goo and gun reacting to their baby just blabbering and them going on with it like “yeah i know right” “that’s so true”

thank you!! (also take ur time since it looks like you have alot on ur plate atm💕💕)

sweet talk

ft. Gun Park, Goo Kim & Jake Kim x f!reader [separate]

details: fluff, established relationship (married)

A/N: I SAW THIS AND I WAS LIKE OH I HAVE TO DO THISSS ITS SO SAUR CUTEEEE YIEEE THANK YOU ANON FOR THIS REQ mweheh i love reqs like these

ᯓ★—GUN

Gun worked swiftly, slicing the apples with precision. He glanced over at his baby girl in her seat, her wide eyes tracking his every move as he sliced through each piece. You were down with a fever, leaving him to not only take care of you but also to manage his curious, babbling daughter.

He held up a bunny-shaped apple slice, presenting it to her with a slight smirk. Her reaction was immediate—eyes lighting up as she reached out, tiny fingers stretching toward the apple. “You like the bunny?” he asked as she took it and clumsily tried to nibble on it, ending up with more drool than bites.

Gun shook his head with a faint smile, but just as he turned back to finish the apple slices, she banged her chubby hands on the tray, her little mouth opening in a string of excited babbles.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, tilting his head as she bounced in her seat, one hand gripping the bunny slice like a prized possession while the other pointed insistently at the plate.

“These are for mommy,” he explained, trying to hold his ground, but she only babbled louder, waving her free hand around as if to insist.

Gun sighed, glancing at the bunny-shaped slice she held, and then at the other slices on the plate. “You want all of them like this?” he muttered, looking back at her. “You think mommy would like it, huh?”

“Mamamama!” she gurgled happily, slapping her tiny hands against the tray again, clearly delighted at his consideration.

Gun chuckled, shaking his head. “Fine, you win.” He picked up another apple slice, carefully cutting it into another bunny shape. His daughter watched, entranced, and when he showed her the new bunny, she squealed with delight.

As he worked, Gun continued to talk to her, more to keep her entertained than anything. “Think mommy’s going to like the bunnies?” he mused out loud, and she responded with a babble, as if offering her very serious opinion on the matter.

After finishing, he arranged the bunny-shaped slices neatly on the plate, giving one last glance to his daughter, who had finally managed a small nibble on her slice. “Well, if it makes you two happy…” he muttered with a small, barely-there smile, carrying his daughter in one arm and the plate in his other hand to bring a little joy to his sick wife.

With his daughter happily babbling away at her “help” and his own satisfaction at his work.

ᯓ★—GOO

Goo strolled through the house with his baby girl snuggled in her carrier, her tiny feet kicking as she took in everything with wide, curious eyes. Every few steps, she’d babble something, and Goo would gasp dramatically, as if she’d just shared the most incredible news.

“Oh, really?” he chuckled, bouncing her gently. “You’re just full of stories today, aren’t you?”

They paused in the hallway when she started reaching out, her little hand stretching toward a framed photo on the wall. It was a candid picture of Goo and you, both smiling on your wedding day. She babbled louder, smacking her little hand against the photo, clearly fascinated.

“Oh-ho! You found mama and dada, huh?” Goo teased, leaning closer to the picture so she could get a better look. She gurgled, waving her hands at the frame, and Goo’s grin grew. “You like that, huh? That’s ‘cause mama’s in it. She’s the pretty one, right? Dada’s just the one making her laugh.”

“Umwa, mwaamama!” she let out a string of babbles, and Goo put on a look of mock surprise. “You think she’s prettier than me? Oh, so it’s like that, huh?” he said, feigning hurt. “I’ll let that one slide since you’re my favorite girl.”

His daughter’s little noises filled the hall, and he grinned, nodding like she’d made the smartest observation. “Ohhh, you think I got lucky, huh? You got that right, sweetie. Lucky, lucky, lucky,” he chuckled. “And look at you, you’re her little twin! Same smile, same cute face… except you got daddy’s charm, don’t you?” he added with a wink, booping her nose.

Another babble.

“Yeah, I know,” he replied, nodding as though they were having a full-blown conversation. “She’s smart, tough, and—well, let’s just say she’s got me wrapped around her finger. And you… you’re just like her, you know? Gonna grow up and be just as amazing.”

He paused, caught off guard by his own words, blinking in surprise as he felt a weird flutter in his chest. “Whoa, that was... okay, that was a little too sentimental,” he muttered, looking down at his daughter, who just blinked up at him with wide, curious eyes. “Ugh, daddy went full cringe mode for a second there. Ignore that, okay?”

But she just babbled back, and Goo groaned playfully, rolling his eyes. “Oh, great, you’re telling mama? You’re ratting dada out for being sappy? Unbelievable,” he said before pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

ᯓ★—JAKE

Jake rocked his crying little girl in his arms, gently swaying back and forth as he tried every trick he could think of to calm her down. He bounced her, hummed softly, even gave her that little “shh-shh-shh” that sometimes worked like magic. But today? Not a chance. Her babbling came between tiny, hiccupping sobs, and he leaned down to look at her with a gentle smile, brushing a thumb softly across her chubby cheek.

“Someone’s got a lot to say,” he murmured, his voice soft. “Tell me, princess, what’s wrong? You hungry?” He shifted her in his arms, bouncing her lightly. “Or are you just giving daddy a little piece of your mind?”

His daughter’s cries softened for a moment, only to pick back up again with another babble. Jake widened his eyes, nodding as if he fully understood her complaints. “Ah, I see, I see,” he replied, nodding seriously. “So it’s the blanket, huh? Not soft enough? Or was it the bottle? Too warm? Too cold? Man, this is complicated.”

She let out another babble-cry, tiny fists reaching up to grab onto his shirt as if she were clinging to her last hope. He chuckled, taking her tiny hand and pressing a gentle kiss to her fingers. “Alright, I get it, princess. You’re not mad. Just… sharing some feedback, right? I respect that.”

She let out a series of softer babbles, staring up at him with watery eyes, and Jake leaned forward, pressing his forehead lightly to hers. “Yeah, I’m listening. Go on, get it all out. Daddy’s right here.”

With each little sound she made, Jake nodded along, pretending to take mental notes. “Oh, so it’s my singing you’re not a fan of? I thought it was pretty good—so did mommy, but maybe I need some pointers from the expert,” he whispered, winking. “And the rocking chair? Too slow, right? Got it, I’ll add that to daddy’s list.”

She continued to babble, and he kept going along with it, his voice taking on a playful tone. “And here I thought daddy was nailing it, huh? Guess I still have a lot to learn from the boss.”

She let out a few more babbling sounds, her tone shifting like she was calming down, and Jake continued, nodding sympathetically. “And on top of that, maybe you missed mommy a little too, right? Thought she’d be here, didn’t you?” He gave her a warm smile, his fingers tracing gentle circles on her back.

Finally, her cries faded into little hiccups, her big eyes staring up at him. Jake let out a soft laugh, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. “See? You just needed someone to listen. Don’t worry, princess—I’ll always be here, taking notes and making sure everything’s just right.”

His daughter cooed softly, finally content, her tiny fingers clutching his shirt as she nestled closer. Jake let out a relieved sigh, pulling her closer.

437 notes · View notes

pa1nrema1ns · 27 days ago

Text

Master and Apprentice || Sung Jin-woo (Part 1 of 3)

Siren!Jin-woo x Deaf!Omega!reader

A/N - Hello everyone! This fic was inspired by the lovely @forbidden-sunlight's siren!au. We both collaborated on this piece and it serves as a direct sequel to her imagine, so do be sure to check it out first! This story picks up right where her imagine left off.

╰┈➤ Prequel by @forbidden-sunlight

Content warnings: 18+ MDNI, mythical creatures au, canon divergent, a/b/o dynamics, afab!reader, suggestive themes, obsessive thoughts, slightly ooc Jin-woo (he's very reverent towards Ashborn), mentions of violence, death, and despair, forbidden romance (humans and sirens are natural enemies), eventual yandere!Jin-woo.

Word Count - 3.6k

Summary - Sung Jin-woo seeks answers about his potential mate from Ashborn in the deepest depths of the abyss.

Dividers by @anitalenia and @firefly-graphics

After what feels like an eternity, Jin-woo comes to an abrupt stop. He wasn’t tired in the slightest, but he couldn’t finish this journey unless he was in the right frame of mind. If he was going to face the sea monarch, Ashborn, then he needed to compose himself. He was his mentor’s prized disciple, after all.

Resolute in his decision, Jin-woo pinches his brow, shuts his eyes, and releases a deep, suffering sigh. He had to stop ruminating over the useless ‘what ifs’ of his current situation and focus on the matter at hand. You emitting pheromones in his presence was proof enough that you were a compatible mate, but this would be meaningless if you were unreceptive to him. It also begs the question, was humanity even capable of consorting with sirens? In search of an answer, he reminisces about the tales of old passed down by generations of his kin, as well as the many speculations made by humans.

No one knew the exact origins of his species. Most humans assumed the progenitors were Persephone’s handmaidens, punished by Demeter after Hades had taken her daughter to the underworld and forced her into becoming his queen. Some stories also claimed that seafoam birthed them, but Jin-woo scoffed at this particularly ridiculous rumor. A scholar had recently published an article on how sirens may actually be the offspring of the river deity Achelous and a divine songstress, citing notations from various mythos on this theory. In truth, reality was far simpler than any of these far-fetched narratives.

There was just no definitive explanation for the existence of sirens. They were not interchangeable with the peaceful denizens of the ocean, known as mermaids and mermen. While all fell under the umbrella of the term ‘merfolk,’ the sirens had a far more hostile and bloodstained relationship with humans.

Since time immemorial, his brethren were viewed as nothing but a scourge upon this world of humanity. Beautiful as a raging typhoon and every bit as devastating, the sirens served as harbingers of doom and destruction for those foolish enough to risk the perilous waters. Their heavenly voices were tantamount to the funeral dirges used to usher the dead into the afterlife. It would be understandable to believe that the sirens were the monsters in this baleful story. However, human nature at its core is fraught with wickedness, and men soon grew wise to the machinations of merfolk.

Odysseus was the first to survive an encounter with sirens. During his voyage to Ithaca, the cunning man had instructed his crew to plug their ears with beeswax, effectively blocking the intoxicating songs that had ended the lives of so many before them. Emboldened by the success of Odysseus’s scheme, other sailors began using this method to conquer the sea and establish trade routes. Within a matter of a couple hundred years, humans not only overcame their fear of sirens, but they also poached them. Huntsmen would capture, torture, and kill Jin-woo’s ancestors simply for crossing paths with them. Worse yet, these scoundrels would often murder merfolk solely to harvest their organs, bones, and scales. They would then use the defiled corpses as ingredients for commodities, medication, and even aphrodisiacs. It was truly grotesque, if not outright barbaric, and more than justified the ire his kind felt towards humanity. While they hunted for the noble sake of survival, men did it for bloodsport and money.

The horrific fates suffered by many of their beloved brothers and sisters particularly infuriated the alphas, with their robust constitutions and natural sense of leadership. With a thirst for vengeance, they began targeting and attacking ships, ports, and even beaches. The alphas considered any place or vehicle that harbored humans as eligible targets. The less temperamental betas remained neutral and avoided the bloodshed, opting to prey upon shoals of fish and other maritime animals instead. Omegas could not join in the hunt, as they were far too precious to lose. They were the most cherished and talented singers amongst the sirens and required around-the-clock protection because of their significant rarity. These were the origins of the current hierarchical structure Jin-woo adhered to.

After recalling the tumultuous history of his people in its entirety, Jin-woo clenches his fists until his knuckles turn white. This was so damn frustrating! Rather than granting him an understanding of his attraction, it just proved all the more why it was so illogical.

Defeated, Jin-woo raises his head, opens his eyes, and continues to swim.

Another hour passes before he finds himself at the ingress of Ashborn’s lair. His enigmatic teacher lived in almost complete obscurity. Devoid of any light, and enveloped by a suffocating aura, this nautical cavern intimidated all who dared to approach it. Well, almost all that is apart from Jin-woo. He effortlessly permeates the invisible barrier designed to keep intruders at bay and ventures into his master’s spiritual domain.

Despite being an ancient and powerful king of the sea, Ashborn made the strange decision to emulate a land-like environment in his personal chambers.

As Jin-woo manifests into the realm, his appearance gives way to a form more befitting of a land dweller. His tail separates into two legs, his scales smoothen into skin, and he loses the winged fins on his ears and back. Once finished with this metamorphosis, Jin-woo takes a deep breath. Fresh pine, grass, and flowers perfume the air as he’s greeted by a lush valley. It had been a while since he had visited, and the setting had required him to transform into a human. Interestingly, transfiguration was one of the first skills Ashborn taught him. Speaking of his mentor –

“My disciple, it is good to see you again, though you appear…troubled. Tell me, what ails you so?” A rumbling voice rings across the horizon, signaling Ashborn’s approach; the tenebrous essence of the powerful deity contrasting with the greenery of the land. He appears in front of Jin-woo as a great dark knight. Much like his surroundings, Ashborn’s current visage was nothing but an illusion. Even the bravest of warriors said that his lifelike image invoked sheer terror in their hearts.

Many speculate he possesses a massive stature, at least several leagues in height and breadth alone, with piercing eyes and endless tendrils of dark hair. Others claim he is the son of Poseidon, one of the twelve Olympians, and a God of destruction who presided over the sea. However, Jin-woo never once witnessed this side of his teacher in all the years he’s been under his mentorship. Ashborn certainly exuded dignity, but he still displayed a humble attitude. And without fail, he would always appear in that strange, armored suit whenever he was in Jin-woo’s presence.

“My teacher, I must ask for your help on an urgent matter,” Jin-woo starts, anxiously running his tongue across his bottom lip. “This morning, while I was scavenging, I stumbled across the unmistakable aroma of an unmarked omega. It…it was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. As if I was being beckoned by someone or something. I wanted, no, I needed to heed its call.”

Ashborn listens in silence, his expression indiscernible. Jin-woo continued.

“When I arrived, I was in front of a monstrosity of a ship – a yacht right by the sandbanks. At first, I assumed that someone had taken an unfortunate siren captive. But when I finally saw her–”

“You recognized she was human. Not only that, but she belongs to the lowest level of the hierarchy, an omega. Speak if I am wrong, my dear pupil.” Jin-woo lowers his head in shame, fringe obscuring his eyes. This action all but confirms it.

“I don’t know what to do or how to proceed, teacher. Everything I’ve learned about these creatures has made me detest them. But I can’t bring myself to hate her. How could this even be possible? We are not even of the same species. She’s my enemy, my prey…. At least, she’s supposed to be.” His voice lowers into a near whisper as he ends his confused rambling.

“And yet you don’t view her that way, do you child?” Ashborn poses a question he already knows the answer to but needs to hear in his pupil’s own words.

“No, I don’t,” Jin-woo replies grimly. “I yearn to know more about her. And not just that. I want to meet her, court her, and make her mine. If she’ll even have me, that is… So please, teacher, tell me if there is any meaning behind what I feel. Am I destined for something that bears no place in reality?”

Ashborn remains uncharacteristically quiet while faced with such a loaded question. All is eerily silent for a few moments, save for the cheerful chirping of the illusionary songbirds. At last, the monarch gazes at Jin-woo and gives him the answer he so desperately desires.

“It is entirely possible Sung Jin-woo, alpha of Jindo island, for I am proof of such a fantastical circumstance. My first and only love was also a human omega. A woman I devoted my entire being to over a millennium ago.”

Jin-woo’s eyes widened in shock at this revelation. His mentor had fallen in love at some point, and it was with a member of the human race? This was unheard of.

“I never knew you had a lover,” Jin-woo murmurs softly. “What was she like? Do you still remember everything about her after so many years?”

“Let me show you, my disciple. It is a tragic tale that words alone cannot properly convey.” With a wave of Ashborn’s hand, their surroundings began to morph and alter. The valley transforms into a spacious, yet quaint medieval village composed of several wooden houses with a bustling marketplace at its center.

When Jin-woo regains his bearings, he notices his mentor has also metamorphosized. A man with a sun kissed complexion, long dark hair, and a beard stands where he once stood. Though visibly unrecognizable, he was unmistakably Ashborn. A crimson cape was clasped to the pristine silver armor he wore. A paladin. Jin-woo recalls. He had some knowledge of the past lives of men through his rare excursions onto the Mainland. While disguised as a human, Jin-woo once traded in his goods for a textbook on history. He was loath to admit just how intriguing he had found it.

Ashborn speaks, his voice no longer resonating within the confines of shadowy steel.

“It was here in this village that I came across her. She was the only daughter of a peasant farmer. A strong-willed, rapscallion of a woman with a wit sharper than any blade. I can remember her beauty, her warmth, and her tenacity as clear and concise as the day we met.” He says with a wistful gaze. The scene then shifts to a woman in a pure white gown. Her eyes remained hidden, but it did nothing to impede upon her loveliness. The woman runs animatedly towards a man who looks identical to Ashborn’s borrowed likeness and leaps into his arms. The man then effortlessly spins her around before bringing her into a kiss. Jin-woo watches on, mesmerized by what was unfolding in front of him.

“I feared her rejection once she knew the truth of my identity,” Ashborn admits. “On the night we first made love, I finally revealed to her my status as ruler of the sea. However, it did not matter. She loved me wholly and unconditionally, regardless of who or what I was. Such was the strength of her resolve.” In the next instance, they return to the same valley from earlier. What differs this time is that the man and woman are there, unacknowledging of Jin-woo and Ashborn’s presence. Lost in their own special world. The woman has a flower crown on her head, and she sits on the grass, holding the man’s head in her lap. Both appear happy and at ease.

“For the first time in my existence, I experienced true contentment. I long to return to those days, but alas, our bliss did not last.”

Ashborn solemnly shuts his eyes as darkness overtakes the sky and rain falls. The man is now shown standing at a grave with an expression of anguish marring his face. The woman is nowhere to be seen, although Jin-woo knows exactly where she’s at.

“A plague was scourging the land and indiscriminately ending the lives of thousands. I tried to protect her with my magic, but it was to no avail. She fell gravely ill despite my best efforts. I discovered shortly thereafter that omegas were more susceptible to sickness than their contemporaries. If I had known beforehand, I would’ve brought her to the sea with me, away from that damned disease. But I was a fool who was willing to love and live with her as a man, not as a king. And as punishment for my hubris, an ailment snuffed out her life.”

At the end of his recollection, Ashborn’s lair returns to its original state. His mentor had also regained his shadowy exterior. The valley appears completely untouched by time, as if it were still one thousand years in the past. That’s why his lair looks like this. Jin-woo thinks as he finally recognizes its significance, It was their personal sanctuary. After a few moments of silence, Ashborn speaks.

“Although our circumstances are similar, you still have the privilege of choice. I cannot turn back time, nor can I change the past, but I am grateful. I experienced unspeakable grief, yes, but I also would have never encountered such love, tenderness, and passion had I not taken a chance on my omega. You, my disciple, still have free rein over your decision. Should you choose to pursue this woman, you have my blessing and irrefutable proof that she is a viable mate for you. If not, you will still receive my unwavering support in your future endeavors. The choice is yours to make.”

Jin-woo’s throat bobs. He feels an incredible sense of guilt at unearthing his master’s secret.

“My teacher, I apologize for prying into your past. I – I did not mean to bring up painful memories for you. I cannot imagine what you have endured. As of right now, I am not sure what it is I want, but I know for a fact I cannot give up on this human. I will need some time to contemplate and sort out my feelings. If you will excuse me.”

Jin-woo bows his head before turning to take his leave. As he approaches the exit, a sudden thought emerges at the forefront of his mind.

“Teacher, there is one more question I must ask. This human, she does not speak with words. She communicates with her hands and gestures. Is this some type of sorcery or spell that she’s casting?”

“It is most likely sign language, a manner of non-verbal communication used by humans who are unable to vocalize or hear. Perhaps she cannot speak, or has a hearing impairment, so she must express herself through other means.” Ashborn answers, curiosity lacing his voice.

Jin-woo feels his heart sinking. A siren’s serenade played a pivotal role in the mating ritual and was performed just prior to consummating an eternal bond. If what Ashborn said is true, then there is a possibility you could be immune to his song. This meant he wouldn't be able to use it on you when the time came…

He grits his teeth as he remembers your smiling face. Try as he might, Jin-woo just could not get you out of his head, nor was he willing to let you escape his grasp. You may not have realized it yet, but you had unknowingly sunk your fangs into him and the seeds of obsession were already beginning to take root. Rather than being discouraged by Ashborn’s observation, he instead finds himself reinvigorated.

“Teacher, disregard everything I said earlier. I now know what it is I must do.”

Ashborn peers into the eyes of his disciple, relieved by the determination that lights them. This was much more like the obstinate young man he knew.

“I choose to seek this omega and stake my claim, no matter what challenges may await the two of us,” Jin-woo proclaims proudly. “I will make her mine, but only if she consents to my proposal. And if not through song, then through other courtship methods. I am strong, stronger than any other alpha in my territory, and I know I can protect her from all who would wish her harm. I won’t let my mate slip through my fingers.”

“But what of maladies and the passage of time? You can fight against gods and monsters until the end of your days, but sickness or her ephemeral lifespan will not spare this young woman. In the end, your time with her shall be fleeting.” Ashborn ruthlessly counters Jin-woo’s declaration of protection.

Jin-woo bites his lip, not expecting this development. However, before he can muster a response, his mentor graces him with an answer.

“I know of one way you can overcome this. There is a recipe for an elixir known as the Holy Water of Life. It is a miraculous potion that can imbue invulnerability to communicable diseases, extend lifespan, and transform the consumer into a siren. I unfortunately did not have knowledge of such a panacea while I was with my love. Of course, I live with the regret of not discovering it sooner, as now I have no such use for it, but this does not mean I will idly stand by and let history repeat itself with my protégé.”

With a flash of light, an ancient scroll appears in front of Jin-woo. It unravels by itself to reveal its contents to him. Jin-woo’s eyes widen as he reads. Is this…?

“Behold. The ingredients for crafting the Holy Water of Life. I bequeath this boon unto you, my disciple. However, heed my warning as the acquisition of these components requires you to conquer all 100 floors of the Demon’s Castle and to defeat its king, Baran. This is a treacherous dungeon that may claim your life if you are unprepared for it, but it can also impart you with unspeakable power should you prevail.”

Jin-woo perks up at this information, his interest now fully piqued. “Tell me, master, where can I find the Demon’s Castle?”

“It hides far away, in the city of Seoul, within an incorporeal dominion. It is a flame-ridden landscape that will require you to assume the form of a human to enter the castle. Knowing all the risks it entails; do you still accept my offer?”

“I do,” Jinwoo confidently states.

“Very well,” Ashborn nods his assent, and a key materializes into Jin-woo’s palm.

“Use this key to open the gate to the Demon’s Castle. I have also implanted it with the coordinates to the dungeon’s location. You need only close your eyes and grasp onto the key to visualize it.”

Following the instructions, Jin-woo sees a map that details the exact distance from his current whereabouts to the metropolitan area of Seoul. It will be a lengthy trip, even with his impressive swimming prowess. He estimates it will take roughly half a day to arrive at his destination. Undeterred, Jin-woo presses onward.

“Teacher, I cannot thank you enough for all your help and guidance over these last few years. I give you my word; I will return alive and well, both with the elixir and Baran’s head. And then I will meet with the omega and court her in earnest.”

He departs without another word, although his promise relays an unspoken farewell between them. After some time passes, Ashborn stares at the vast skies of his domain and muses to himself.

“You have grown so much from when I rescued you from the Cartenon Temple all those years ago, Sung Jin-woo. I could not be prouder of you, my disciple. Till our next encounter.”

12 hours later...

Jin-woo finally emerges from the dark, briny waters that frame Seoul’s coastline.

After leaving Ashborn’s lair, he briefly returned home to pack and prepare for the journey ahead. Both Jin-ah and his mother were worried about his sudden departure, so he did the best he could to assuage their fears by giving them a sanitized version of the truth.

Jin-woo claimed Ashborn had provided him with a list of rare ingredients that were only available for purchase in the human markets at Seoul. He even promised to bring back a box of chocolates as a souvenir, something his mother and little sister had enjoyed during one of his return trips to the surface. He then traveled the full 413-kilometer distance from Jindo-gun to Seoul, stopping only for a few hours to rest and recuperate.

As he approaches land, he assumes the form of a naked human man and walks inland from the sea. However, Jin-woo comes to a halt when he becomes more aware of his current state of nudity. While it didn’t bother him, it would cause a lot of unnecessary trouble if any nosy beachgoers happened upon him and asked questions. It is also…pretty embarrassing to admit that he is…wobbly on these legs. Very much so.

He quickly summons his magical inventory and grabs a simple black t-shirt, boxers, fitted jeans, and athletic sneakers (‘Adidas’, the portly sales attendant had called them). As worthless as he found human decorum to be, Jin-woo needed to remain as inconspicuous as possible while he was in disguise. Once dressed, he strolled into the city. After 45 minutes, he found himself at the designated street junction on the map. Taking a deep breath, he brings forth the key, turns it, and unlocks the gate.

⚓︎ To be continued...

415 notes · View notes