#national baseball hall of fame | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

perfectsunlight · 1 year ago

Text

𝐯𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞

𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗹𝗴𝗶 𝘅 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿

𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: 𝗮𝗴𝗲-𝗴𝗮𝗽, 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝘂𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁: ��𝟯𝗸 (𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗺𝗴)

𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆: 𝘃𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 - 𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗼

𝘀𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗹𝗴𝗶 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗿. 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗯𝘂𝗺. 𝗶𝗳 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂.

your feet echoed through the halls of sm entertainment, walls with portraits of numerous notable idols and framed records. each one seemed more impressive with each passing action, making the butterflies in your stomach flutter with excitement.

that could be you, next. after all, sm had scouted you and immediately wanted to sign you after seeing the viral video of you singing the national anthem at a baseball game.

as you turned down the end of the hall, a familiar portrait of red velvet was seen on the wall in front of you. your eyes wandered over the frame, scanning the familiar faces of the idols.

one recognizable face in particular stood out to you the most.

kang seulgi.

her captivating presence emanated from the image, reminding you of the countless performances and music videos that had mesmerized audiences worldwide.

it was hard not to feel a sense of connection, knowing that she had once stood where you stood, and was now your producer.

you hadn’t met her yet. the managers had mentioned that you’d be meeting her today, since you were due to start working on your debut album as soon as possible.

sm saw something in you, and you could only hope that seulgi saw something too.

to be quite honest, there wasn’t much in common between the two of you. you were only 19, new to the industry, and had not an ounce of fame to your name.

seulgi was 34, a household name and well seasoned member of the industry. it actually caught you off guard when you were told that she’d be your producer. after all, you figured she’d rather work with sm’s trainees.

with shaking hands, you slowly approached the door to the recording studio you were supposed to meet seulgi in.

as you stood outside the door of the recording studio, anticipation and nervousness pulsed through your veins. the weight of the moment felt almost overwhelming, considering the stark differences between you and seulgi.

doubts crept into your mind, wondering if you were truly ready for this opportunity, whether the former idol would see your potential, or if you would be overshadowed by her seasoned presence.

with trembling hands, you mustered the courage to push open the door. the familiar scent of soundproof walls and the soft hum of equipment welcomed you, instantly enveloping you in an atmosphere of creativity.

as you stepped further into the studio, seulgi motioned for you to take a seat. the room was adorned with musical instruments, soundboards, and lyrics scattered across the table—a realm where creativity would soon unfold. seulgi's gaze, now focused on you, held a spark of curiosity and genuine interest.

her obsidian hues complimented her enigmatic aura.

"i've watched the video of you singing the national anthem," she began, her words like velvet to your ears. "you have a unique voice and undeniable talent. i believe in your potential, and together, we can create something truly special."

the former idol’s lips curved into a small smile, and maybe it was just the way she was, but you couldn’t help but feel as if there was something sinister behind it.

the fleeting thought sent a shiver down your spine, momentarily clouding the excitement that had consumed you moments before. was it just your imagination playing tricks on you, or was there more to seulgi’s enigmatic demeanor than met the eye?

pushing aside the unsettling notion, you chose to focus on the opportunity that lay before you.

seulgi’s belief in your talent and her willingness to collaborate were what mattered most at this moment. perhaps the slight unease you felt was merely a result of your own insecurities and the magnitude of this pivotal moment in your career.

taking a deep breath, you found solace in the scent of the recording studio and the creative energy that surrounded you.

the former idol’s presence, although mysterious, held the promise of guidance and artistic synergy. the room seemed to pulse with possibilities, and you couldn’t let apprehension cloud the potential for a remarkable musical journey.

gathering your courage, you met seulgi’s gaze and reciprocated her smile. whatever hidden intentions might lurk beneath the surface, you were determined to focus on the task at hand — creating music that would touch hearts and leave a lasting impact on the industry.

“you seem nervous, y/n.” she whispered, voice alluring and velvety. her midnight eyes bore into yours, making the butterflies in your stomach do a few flips.

she leaned in a bit closer, reaching her hand and placing it onto your knee.

“don’t worry,” the older woman chuckled, eyes not leaving yours as she smiled, with a hint of sinister, at you. “i’ll take care of you.”

seulgi’s touch on your knee, combined with her soothing voice, offered a conflicting mix of comfort and unease.

the weight of her words and the enigmatic undercurrent in her grin sent a chill down your spine. was there something more to her offer of care and guidance than met the eye? it was difficult to ignore the lingering doubts that resurfaced.

nevertheless, you chose to push those thoughts aside, reminding yourself that success often comes with its fair share of complexity.

you had dreamed of this opportunity, and now it was within your grasp. trusting in seulgi’s experience and expertise became paramount, for she had forged her own path in the industry and knew the ins and outs better than anyone.

with a hesitant half smile, you mustered your resolve and replied, “thank you. i trust you.”

the former idol’s eyes flickered for a moment before she leaned back, that mysterious grin still plastered on her face.

“good. go stand in the booth.” she said softly, eyes not moving from yours.

a wave of confusion crossed your features. you didn’t think you’d start doing anything today. “right now?”

the question you asked made seulgi’s eyebrow arch expectantly. without another word, you slowly stood, knowing better than to ask again.

you weren’t really ready or prepared to start anything today, but for some reason you felt like you couldn’t say no to her.

as you made your way inside the recording booth, uncertainty gnawed at the back of your mind. the unexpected turn of events left you feeling unprepared and vulnerable.

yet, there was an inexplicable magnetism in seulgi’s presence that compelled you to not question her.

entering the booth, you adjusted the headphones, feeling the weight of the moment settle upon you.

seulgi’s voice flowed through the intercom, guiding you through the process. her instructions were precise, instructing you to simply listen to the demo a few times and then sing it with your own voice.

“and one more thing, y/n.” the older woman’s comment made you look up and stare at her through the glass separating the two of you.

her dark eyes swirled with something you couldn’t quite understand yet, but her gaze was zoned in on you as she continued speaking.

“when i tell you to do something, you do it.”

a sense of unease crept over you once again, intensified by seulgi’s commanding tone. her words held an underlying intensity that made you wonder about the true nature of this collaboration. however, the desire to prove yourself and make the most of this opportunity pushed you to set aside your doubts, at least for now.

nodding in response, you took a deep breath, grounding yourself in the present moment. the weight of your producer’s expectations felt palpable, yet it also fueled a determination within you.

you wanted to be the next photo on the walls of sm. and in order to do that, you needed to do everything seulgi asked of you.

after all, you weren’t exactly in a position to say no.

as the session progressed, seulgi's instructions became more specific and demanding. she pushed you to explore different vocal techniques, encouraging you to go beyond your comfort zone. though her guidance was undoubtedly skilled, you couldn't shake the feeling that there was an ulterior motive behind every suggestion.

you focused on delivering your best performance, allowing your voice to flow with emotion and authenticity, even as doubt gnawed at the back of your mind.

hours flew by, and you found yourself immersed in the process. the former idol’s presence was captivating, her energy contagious. she was slowly pushing you to your limits, coaxing out the raw talent hidden within you. with each passing moment, the unease you had felt earlier was momentarily overshadowed by a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment.

but as the recording session drew to a close, seulgi's demeanor changed. the enigmatic smile faded from her face, replaced by a steely gaze that sent a shiver down your spine.

"you have potential, y/n," she said, her voice devoid of its earlier warmth. "but remember, success comes at a price. are you willing to pay for it?"

the weight of her words settled upon you, and you couldn't deny the unease that resurfaced.

in that moment, you made a silent promise to yourself. you would strive for success, but not at the cost of your own well-being.

with newfound determination, you met seulgi's gaze and replied, your voice filled with a hint of defiance, "i want to succeed, but not at any cost. i'll tread carefully and make my own choices."

seulgi's eyes flashed with a mixture of surprise and something else, an emotion you couldn't quite decipher. but she nodded, a flicker of amusement crossing her features.

"very well," she said, her tone measured. "let's see how far you can go, y/n."

since you were spending more and more time at the company, you became familiar with a few of the artists. ningning was only 5 years older than you, naturally making you two closer because of your ages and your common ground in vocality. the chinese woman was the only true friend you had in the company.

you sat in one of the lounge rooms with ningning, sharing a quick snack together before you had to go in and work with the former red velvet member. as the two of you engaged in casual conversation, you saw your producer talking with a few girls your age. trainees, you assumed.

“have you met seulgi yet?” ningning asked, turning her head to look at you after you swallowed a bite of your food. her gaze held something you couldn’t quite pick up, but it seemed like she was concerned.

you answered with a small nod. “yeah, she’s my producer.”

the idol’s gaze darkened, looking down the hall at her senior and then back at you. she whispered in a low tone you had never heard from her before. “if anything happens, come to me okay?”

the seriousness in ningning's voice caught you off guard, and a shiver ran down your spine. it was the first time you had seen her exhibit such concern and protectiveness. you couldn't help but wonder what she meant by "if anything happens."

feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension, you leaned in closer to your friend, lowering your voice to match hers. "what do you mean by that? is there something i should be worried about?"

the idol hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting as if contemplating how much she should reveal. eventually, she sighed and spoke in a hushed tone, barely audible above the background noise. "she's not like the other producers. there are rumors about her, whispers of a hidden agenda. some say she's dangerous."

your heart skipped a beat at ningning's words. the initial allure and fascination you felt toward seulgi began to wane, replaced by a sense of caution. you had always dreamt of making it big in the industry, but you never expected that it would come with such potential risks.

ningning continued, her voice tinged with worry. "i've seen trainees come and go, disappearing without a trace after working closely with her. it's as if they never existed. i can't say for sure what's going on, but please, promise me that you'll be careful."

the gravity of the situation sank in, and you found yourself torn between your ambitions and the fear of the unknown. the desire to succeed still burned within you, but you couldn't ignore the warning signs. there was more at stake than just your career.

you met ningning's concerned gaze, appreciating her genuine concern for your well-being. "i promise i'll keep an eye out and be cautious. and if anything seems off, i'll come to you."

she nodded, a flicker of relief crossing her face. "that's all i ask. you’re not alone in this, okay?"

as you returned to your thoughts, you couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease. seulgi's presence, once captivating and intriguing, now held an undercurrent of suspicion.

with each passing moment, you became more determined to unravel the truth behind the rumors and protect yourself in the process.

when it was time for your session with seulgi, you entered the familiar studio. immediately, the older woman’s eyes were glued to your figure as she watched you take off your jacket and the way your shirt pulled up a little to show a glimpse of your abdomen.

you couldn't help but feel a prickle of discomfort as seulgi's gaze lingered on you, her mysterious grin widening ever so slightly. it was as if she were studying you, assessing your every move. ignoring the unease, you took a deep breath and approached her confidently.

"good morning, unnie," you greeted, mustering a smile that barely masked your apprehension. "i'm ready to work."

seulgi's eyes flickered with a mix of amusement and something else you couldn't quite decipher. "excellent," she purred, her voice carrying a husky undertone. "let's dive right into it, shall we?"

when you got inside the booth, you noticed a small tea waiting for you with your name on it. a small smile formed as you looked up at seulgi through the glass. “did you get me this?” you asked.

seulgi's lips curled into a sly smile, her eyes fixed on you as she nodded. "i thought you might like it," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. "consider it a little treat for your hard work."

as you took a sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through your body, you couldn't help but wonder if this was a genuine gesture or another calculated move. the rumors and warnings echoed in the back of your mind, reminding you to remain vigilant.

but you found yourself brushing the worries off because of her kind gesture. was she really that bad as people were making her out to be?

throughout the session, seulgi's presence remained palpable, her gaze intense as she guided you through the recording process. it was undeniable that she had a certain charisma and talent for bringing out the best in her artists.

as the day progressed, you found yourself more attuned to seulgi's every word and action, searching for any sign of ulterior motives. however, she remained professional, never crossing any obvious boundaries or exhibiting any behavior that would raise immediate concern.

yet, there was an undeniable undercurrent of tension between you, an unspoken power dynamic that you couldn't quite shake off. the connection you had once felt with seulgi had transformed into something more complicated, a delicate dance between admiration and wariness.

days turned into weeks, and the recording sessions continued. the enigma surrounding seulgi only deepened, leaving you in a constant state of uncertainty. you had moments of doubt, questioning whether the rumors were simply baseless gossip.

especially when you were receiving a lot of special treatment from the senior woman. every session, seulgi brought you something. even on your late night recording sessions, she would order dinner for you without any hesitation.

even she said herself that you were the only artist she was comfortable enough doing these things for, especially because she wanted to do it for you.

but the warnings from ningning and the underlying caution in seulgi's demeanor couldn't be ignored, even if you tried. and it only took one particular interaction for you to really see the reality of everything.

today, the dark haired woman wanted you to practice a particular line in the demo for your title track. it was a little out of your vocal range, but seulgi was determined to get it out of you.

her executioner gaze remained on you through the glass as you did a few takes of the line, but after the 5th run, she stood up slowly and made her way inside the booth with you.

she slowly walked in front of you, eyes never leaving yours. “let me help you, sweetheart.”

something about her tone, and the small pet name made you feel a bit fuzzy inside. you gave her a small nod, watching as she moved to stand behind you. seulgi wasn’t really tall usually, but on your producing days she always wore shoes that made her look way taller.

her mouth was behind your ear, whispering softly but not touching your hair. “do you want me to help you?”

the offer caught you off guard, and you hesitated for a moment. the warnings from ningning echoed in your mind, reminding you to be cautious. but a part of you couldn't deny the allure of seulgi's presence, the way her voice sent shivers down your spine.

with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, you turned slightly to face her, meeting her intense gaze. "i would appreciate your help, unnie."

seulgi's lips curved into a satisfied smile, and her hands gently rested on your waist, sending a jolt of electricity through your body.

her touch was both comforting and unsettling, a paradox you couldn't quite grasp.

her fingers grazed your sides, her voice resonating in your ears. “you’re not breathing right,” she whispered. “breathe slower, not faster.”

the proximity between the two of you felt unnerving, yet you couldn't deny the undeniable tension that crackled in the air. it was as if you were dancing to a dangerous melody, surrendering to the whims of an enigmatic conductor.

but amidst the intensity, a voice in the back of your mind reminded you of the rumors, the whispers that painted seulgi as something more than just a producer. a wave of doubt washed over you, threatening to break the fragile connection forming between the two of you.

summoning all your courage, you gathered your thoughts and spoke in a soft but determined voice, barely audible above the instrumental track playing in the background. "unnie, what are you doing?"

seulgi's grip on your waist tightened briefly before she leaned closer to you, her expression unreadable because she was out of your line of sight. you could only feel her breath fanning the side of your face, and the grip of her hands.

“you don’t want to disappoint me, do you?”

seulgi's words sent a chill down your spine, and a knot formed in the pit of your stomach. the lingering doubts and warnings from ningning echoed louder than ever, urging you to be cautious and question seulgi's intentions.

taking a step back, you gently extricated yourself from seulgi's touch, creating a safe distance between the two of you. the studio suddenly felt suffocating, the air heavy with tension.

"i appreciate your guidance, unnie, but this is crossing a line," you replied, your voice steady but laced with a twinge of hesitation. "it's important to maintain a professional boundary."

seulgi's expression faltered for a moment, surprise flickering across her features. it was as if she hadn't expected you to resist her advances. she quickly composed herself, masking her reaction with a calculated smile.

"of course," she said, her voice strained with a hint of disappointment. "i apologize if i overstepped. let's focus on the music."

as you continued with the recording session, the dynamics between you and seulgi had shifted. the once mysterious allure she held had faded, replaced by an underlying tension and an unspoken understanding that the boundaries must be respected.

throughout the session, you maintained a heightened sense of awareness, ensuring your interactions with seulgi remained strictly professional. as a matter of fact, and to your surprise, she did. she didn’t even bother sparing you a second glance most of the time, making you feel a bit conflicted.

you couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and disappointment. the lingering doubts remained, but you had managed to assert yourself and establish a sense of professionalism. once the session ended for the day, you grabbed your jacket and turned to leave.

“goodnight, unnie.” you said softly, looking like a puppy who was waiting to make sure their master wasn’t upset at them. however, to your unexpected disappointment, seulgi didn’t look back and say anything else to you.

seulgi's lack of response stung, leaving you with a pang of disappointment. you had hoped for some acknowledgment or reassurance, but her silence spoke volumes. it was evident that the dynamics between you and seulgi had changed, and the mysterious allure that had initially captivated you was now replaced by a void of indifference.

as you made your way out of the studio, you couldn't help but reflect on the situation. the rumors and warnings from ningning were no longer just whispers in the wind but a tangible reminder of the potential risks that came with pursuing your dreams.

you had stood your ground, set important boundaries and made sure you protected yourself.

however, why did you feel like you had done something wrong?

when you got home that night, you couldn’t sleep. you tossed and turned in your bed, confused and feeling inexplicably hurt. seulgi was someone you admire greatly, and working with her was definitely a huge blessing.

but you couldn’t help but feel like you disappointed her, even though you were setting boundaries.

seulgi was mad at you, wasn’t she? she was going to hate you now, and she wasn’t going to treat you any differently than she was treating her co-workers.

why did that thought make your heartbeat falter? you liked it when seulgi was nice to you, especially since the only other people she’s close with are her members. she was decently close with you, too.

the internal struggle between protecting yourself and wanting seulgi's approval weighed heavily on your mind. it was difficult to reconcile the admiration and respect you had for her as a talented producer with the uncomfortable encounter in the studio.

you questioned yourself repeatedly, wondering if you had made the right decision to set boundaries.

as the night wore on, your thoughts circled back to the warnings ningning had given you. she cared about you, and her advice was rooted in concern. but now, you couldn't shake the fear of losing the positive rapport you had built with the former red velvet member.

the next day at the studio, you felt a knot in your stomach as you walked in. the atmosphere felt tense, and you were unsure of how seulgi would react to you. to your surprise, she was entirely professional, treating you just like any other artist she worked with.

there were no lingering glances or special treatment. it stung, but you reminded yourself that this was what you had wanted – a clear professional boundary.

however, as the days went by, the dynamic between you and seulgi remained distant. she didn't engage in small talk or show any interest in your life beyond the music. it hurt more than you anticipated, and you found yourself yearning for the moments when seulgi had offered her guidance and encouragement.

you couldn't help but miss the person who had made you feel special, the enigmatic conductor who had ignited a spark of curiosity within you. but now, that spark felt extinguished, leaving behind confusion and regret.

in the weeks that followed, your interactions with seulgi remained strictly professional. no more teas and dinners, or little snacks with notes. it was just a work relationship, nothing more and nothing less.

one day, as you were about to leave the studio after a recording session, you gave into the gnawing thoughts and decided to ask if the older woman was alright.

your heart wavered, torn between the need to maintain your boundaries and the desire to reach out to her.

taking a deep breath, you approached her cautiously. "seulgi unnie, is everything okay?" you asked, trying to hide the concern in your voice.

she glanced up, and for a brief moment, you caught a glimpse of something in her eyes. "i'm fine," she replied curtly, but her tone lacked the usual conviction.

you hesitated for a moment before speaking your mind, "i just wanted to say that i really appreciate your guidance during the recording sessions. you've helped me grow as an artist, and i'm grateful for that."

the former idol gave you a small nod, before looking back at the screen in front of her, clicking at a few things. “i’m glad.”

dejected. that was the right word. you felt dejected, and if from the side of seulgi’s vision you practically looked like a kicked puppy.

as you stood there, the silence between you and seulgi grew heavier. it seemed as though the connection you once shared had been irrevocably damaged. you wanted to salvage the relationship, to find a way to bridge the gap that had formed between you, but you couldn't ignore the walls that seulgi had put up.

with a heavy heart, you realized that, despite your best intentions, it seemed as if she was going to stay like this. it was a painful realization, but it was also a part of your choice.

you turned to leave, your steps heavy with disappointment. but just as you reached the door, you heard a soft voice behind you.

"wait."

you paused, your heart fluttering with a flicker of hope. turning slowly, you looked back at seulgi, who had an uncharacteristically happy expression on her face. it was like she had flipped some sort of switch from stoic and cold to acting as if nothing was wrong.

“you’ll be seeing another producer for the next few days.”

it was obvious that you couldn’t contain the look of confusion on your features at this new revelation.

“why?” you asked, voice laced with a twinge of disappointment and utter confusion.

“i want to spend more time with another trainee i’m working with.” seulgi said nonchalantly, smiling still. “today will be the last session with me until next week.”

the news took you by surprise, and a mixture of emotions washed over you. on one hand, you felt a sense of relief that the tense dynamic would be momentarily relieved, allowing you some time to process your own feelings.

on the other hand, you couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment and confusion at seulgi's sudden change of behavior.

"another trainee?" you repeated, your voice barely above a whisper.

you couldn't help but wonder why seulgi hadn't mentioned this before. you were aware she worked with all the trainees when sm was making testing groups, but you were not aware she was in charge of producing for a trainee who hadn’t even debuted yet.

seulgi nodded, her voice still velvety as ever. "yes. i thought it would be best to dedicate some focused time to this trainee's development. don't worry, it's just for a short while."

despite her attempt to reassure you, the lingering doubts resurfaced. but you knew better than to question this woman who had so much power over your career.

you mustered a small smile, trying to hide your disappointment. "i understand."

as your producer had mentioned, the next day you were sitting in a different recording room with a different producer.

sm had extremely capable staff members, and it was always an honor to work with anyone here. but you felt disappointed the entire time. to your surprise, you missed seulgi.

despite the boundaries you two had set, you found yourself being unfocused and not liking the time apart from the former idol. it was odd.

on one hand, you felt like you needed to focus with this new producer and not worry about the older woman. she was just doing her job, and you needed to do yours.

but on the other hand, you felt yourself missing the special treatment from her. she was your producer, and you loved working with her, even if seulgi had hidden agendas and ulterior motives.

as the days went by, you found it increasingly challenging to concentrate on your music without seulgi's presence. the new producer was talented and supportive, but there was a spark missing, a connection that you couldn't recreate with anyone else.

you questioned yourself once again, wondering if your desire for seulgi's approval had clouded your judgment. had you become too attached to her, despite the boundaries you had set? it was a confusing mix of emotions, and you couldn't help but feel conflicted.

in the midst of your internal struggle, you received a message from ningning, asking if you were free to meet up. grateful for the opportunity to share your feelings with someone who understood, you agreed to meet her at a nearby café.

as you sat across from the asepa member, the words spilled out of you, a mixture of confusion, disappointment, and longing. you told her about the encounter with seulgi and how the dynamics had changed since you had set boundaries. ningning listened intently, her gaze sympathetic.

"i understand how you feel," she said softly. "it's natural to miss her, even if it wasn't entirely healthy. but remember, you set those boundaries for a reason. it's important to prioritize your well-being and protect yourself."

you nodded, appreciating ningning's perspective. she reminded you of the importance of self-care and staying true to your boundaries.

"like i said, it’s okay to miss her, but don't let that cloud your judgment," ning continued. "focus on your music and your growth as an artist. she’s just your producer at the end of the day.”

for some reason, that last part bothered you a little. seulgi was more than just a producer to you. sure, she may do some questionable things, but you felt connected to her beyond just a contract. she was definitely more than just someone you worked with.

the end of the week finally came, making you feel relieved in a way to finally be back with seulgi. as you approached the door to the booth, you were practically skipping with excitement to see the older woman.

you looked at your phone to check the time, making sure to go inside right when the minute changed. you didn’t want to waste a single second now that you were back working with her.

when the time changed, you pushed the door open with an excited smile on your face. however, it immediately fell when you saw the way seulgi was smiling at the trainee inside the booth.

seulgi didn’t spare you a second glance as the backtrack stopped, the other girl exiting the booth with a smile on her face. “that’ll be it for today. good job, sweetheart.” the older woman’s voice rang out, the trainee accepting the compliment with a smile as she leaned over and hugged seulgi.

“thank you, unnie. you’re amazing.” the girl not too older than you said as your producer hugged her back. seulgi chuckled softly, patting the girl’s shoulder gently.

whatever feeling it was brewing inside you, you didn’t like it. you didn’t like how this girl was hugging her, or how seulgi was calling her sweetheart.

that was your nickname. and that was your producer.

you stood frozen in the doorway, unable to tear your gaze away from the scene unfolding before you. jealousy and insecurity gnawed at your insides, causing a surge of conflicting emotions. it was a reminder that seulgi's attention wasn't solely reserved for you, and it left you feeling vulnerable and possessive.

seulgi finally looked up and noticed your presence. her expression transformed into a composed mask, hiding whatever conflicted emotions she might have been feeling.

"ah, you're here," seulgi said, her voice betraying no hint of the connection you had once shared. "this is yuna, the trainee i've been working closely with."

you managed to force a smile, though it felt strained on your lips. "nice to meet you, yuna," you greeted, trying to appear unaffected by the situation.

yuna returned the greeting with a friendly smile, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the room. "nice to meet you too. seulgi unnie has been such an amazing mentor to me."

the words hit you like a punch to the gut, fueling a mix of jealousy and insecurity. you couldn't help but compare yourself to yuna, wondering if she had taken your place in seulgi's eyes.

seulgi cleared her throat, sensing the discomfort in the air. "we'll be wrapping up for today," she announced, her gaze shifting between you and yuna. "yuna, why don't you head back to the trainee practice room? i'll catch up with you later."

yuna nodded, giving seulgi a grateful smile before she left the room, leaving the two of you alone. the silence between you was suffocating, and you struggled to find the right words to express your thoughts.

“alright, we’ll pick up with the last chorus you did.” seulgi said casually, maintaining professionalism. she moved to pick up a few papers on her desk before you moved your hand to stop her by grabbing her arm.

seulgi raised an eyebrow at you, glancing between your hand and her arm. “what are you doing, y/n?” she asked casually, looking at you and waiting for a response.

you held onto seulgi's arm tightly, your voice filled with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "unnie, we need to talk. this can't continue like this. i can't keep pretending that everything is fine when it's not."

seulgi's composed expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of concern crossing her features. she gently freed her arm from your grip and took a step closer, her eyes searching yours. "y/n, what's wrong? what's been bothering you?"

you took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing thoughts. "i like you, unnie." the second the words left your mouth you regretted them. irene was 34. you were only 19. she was your producer, your senior, your mentor.

this was wrong. it was so wrong.

the older woman chuckled softly. “you’re the one who wanted to set professional boundaries, sweetheart. i don’t understand why the sudden switch up.”

you swallowed hard, feeling a mix of embarrassment and regret wash over you. you had let your emotions get the better of you, blurting out your feelings without considering the consequences. the realization of your mistake hit you like a wave, and you struggled to find the right words to explain yourself.

“aw,” she whispered as she gently brushed her palm against your cheek before she leaned in and whispered in your ear. “someone’s jealous huh?” her low tone sent shivers down your spine.

you gasped softly at the touch and the intimate proximity, feeling a rush of conflicting emotions course through your veins. seulgi's words and actions only heightened the intensity of the moment, and you found it difficult to gather your thoughts.

a hue of pink flushed your cheeks as you stammered out a response. "i didn't mean to come across as jealous," you stuttered, your voice barely audible. "just seeing you with yuna, hearing the way you interacted with her, it made me question my own place in your life."

seulgi's features softened in a way that seemed genuine, her thumb gently caressing your cheek. "you’re so cute when you’re jealous, princess." she whispered lowly, predatory eyes contrasting her soft demeanor.

your heart pounded in your chest as you tried to make sense of the situation. seulgi's comment only served to heighten your confusion and the intensity of your emotions. it was clear that seulgi was enjoying teasing you, but you couldn't help but wonder if there was more behind her words.

as you opened your mouth to speak, the older woman hushed you gently and moved so you were leaning against the desk. she leaned in closer to you, her breath fanning your lips which were mere inches away from hers.

“do you want me, sweetheart?” her midnight eyes locked onto yours, gaze not tearing away for even a moment. “because i want you. you’re so talented,” slowly she moved her hand down your hip, caressing your waist with her free hand.

your heart raced, caught in a whirlwind of desire and uncertainty. the intensity of seulgi's gaze and the seductive tone of her voice sent a shiver down your spine. you had never imagined this scenario unfolding between you and your producer, and yet, here you were, feeling the weight of the moment.

her touch on your waist sent a jolt of electricity through your body, and you found yourself leaning into her, unable to resist the magnetic pull between you. the air crackled with anticipation as you searched for the right words to respond.

"unnie this is wrong," you managed to say, your voice barely above a whisper. "we need to consider the consequences."

the older woman found your hesitation adorable in the most sinister way possible. she didn’t care about any consequences, because there weren’t any.

at least, for her there weren’t any.

“you’re forgetting who i am, sweetheart.” she husked out, slowly whispering to you once more as she slipped her hand onto the top of your thigh. “no one will do anything to you as long as you’re with me, i promise.”

your mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. the allure of seulgi's touch and her promises of protection were tempting, but deep down, you knew that giving in to this forbidden desire could have serious consequences.

it wasn't just about your careers or the potential scandal; it was about the imbalance of power and the ethical implications of engaging in a romantic relationship with your producer.

"are you sure?" you replied, your voice trembling slightly. seulgi only grinned like the cheshire cat she was. “you trust me, don’t you?” her silver tongued words persuaded you easily once again.

caught up in the intensity of the moment, your judgment wavered. the desire for seulgi, mixed with the reassurance of her promises, clouded your thoughts. in that vulnerable moment, you found yourself nodding, your trust in her overpowering any remaining doubts.

seulgi's grin widened, revealing a hint of triumph. she leaned in closer, her lips grazing your earlobe as she whispered, "then let go of your worries, princess. just focus on us."

her words sent a surge of anticipation through your body, overpowering the last remnants of hesitation. you closed your eyes, allowing yourself to succumb to the intoxicating allure of the forbidden. the thought of consequences became a distant echo as seulgi's touch consumed your senses.

she captured your lips with a hunger that mirrored your own, igniting a passionate fire between you. the kiss deepened, becoming a desperate exploration of each other's desires. the weight of the world faded away, leaving only the two of you entangled in a web of longing and lust.

time lost all meaning as you surrendered to the moment, giving in to the forbidden love that had been brewing between you. every touch, every whispered word, fueled the flames of desire. in that stolen space, you found solace and bliss, even if it meant sacrificing the boundaries you had once set.

days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. your secret relationship with seulgi continued in the shadows, hidden from prying eyes. despite the risks, the moments you shared with her were filled with passion and tenderness. each stolen glance, each stolen touch, reinforced the bond that had formed between you.

but as time went on, you noticed something shifting in your relationship with seulgi.

hate to give the satisfaction

asking how you're doing now

how's the castle built off people you pretend to care about?

“sing the higher register, y/n.” the older woman commanded with her velvety voice, brushing a strand of hair out of her face as she looked at you through the glass.

taking a deep breath, you tried to gather your thoughts. you had been singing the same line over and over again because seulgi insisted on you singing out of your range. you really didn’t want to, but you never told the older woman no.

despite this upcoming album being yours, you never had any say in anything. whatever seulgi wanted, was what was used. you had zero input on any of it. however, you were tired of that.

you wanted a say in your music, even if it was just a small change in the register.

shifting the headphones on your head, you turned to look at your producer through the glass. “baby?” you asked softly, making the former idol’s head whip in your direction.

seulgi’s eyes narrowed instantly, an icy stare bearing into yours. “it’s unnie when we’re working, y/n. don’t call me that.”

her response sent a chill down your spine, a stark contrast to the tenderness and affection you had experienced in your private moments. the sudden change in demeanor reminded you of the power dynamics at play in your relationship and the control she wielded over your career.

taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you pushed back the nagging voice of doubt and fear. you had to stand up for yourself, right? it felt like the right thing to do, anyway.

"unnie," you said, your voice firm yet composed. "i want to be involved in the creative process of my music. it's my album, too, and i should have a say in how it's shaped."

seulgi's eyes narrowed further, her lips curling into a condescending smirk. "oh, really?” even through the glass, her stare made you feel a knot in your stomach. “and what makes you think you have the experience or knowledge to make those decisions? i've been in this industry for years, and i know what works."

her dismissive tone reminded you of your place in this picture. but even then, you felt as if your lack of experience wasn’t something that immediately removed you from your own creative process.

"i may not have your years of experience, but this is my art, my expression. no one knows my voice and vision better than i do."

the former idol’s grip tightened around the pen she held in her hand, her knuckles turning white. "don't forget your place, y/n.” she said in a low tone, her steely gaze still locked onto your face.

“you're lucky to even have this opportunity. i can easily replace you if you don't cooperate."

her words stung, but you knew she was right. this was a competitive industry, and the fact that she was even working with you was the best case scenario for your career.

you slowly ducked your head and put the headphones back on, earning a smug smile from the older woman behind the glass. for some reason, you could feel yourself wondering if seulgi really did care about you.

but if she didn’t care about you, why would she be helping you?

once you situated yourself, you looked back at your lover who was still smiling condescendingly at you.

“good girl, now sing the higher register of the bridge.”

just what you wanted

look at you, cool guy, you got it

i see the parties and the diamonds sometimes when i close my eyes

you sat in the studio and twireled the pen in your fingers, looking over a few of your notes for the title track you had been working on. the sound of the door opening was what made your gaze shift from the paper.

seulgi shut the door behind her, a smile on her face as she walked over to you with a small box in her hands. “hi sweetheart,” she whispered as she pressed her lips to the side of your temple. relaxing at the small action, your eyes met hers with a mirrored smile.

“i have something for you.” she added, sitting in the chair next to you as she slid the black box across towards you.

you were confused for a moment, but slowly opened the box. a small gasp escaped your lips as you saw what was inside.

a beautiful iridescent diamond bracelet.

the sight of the exquisite diamond bracelet left you momentarily speechless. its iridescent beauty captivated your gaze, reflecting the studio lights in a mesmerizing display. your fingers grazed over the delicate links, feeling the weight of the gift in your hands.

"unnie," you trailed off, unable to find the right words to express your gratitude and surprise. it was an extravagant gift, one that held both symbolic and material significance.

seulgi's eyes sparkled with a mix of anticipation and affection as she watched your reaction. "i wanted to show you how much i believe in you, how much i care about your success," she explained, her voice soft and genuine.

"i want to see you shine."

as her words sank in, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over you. the gesture was undeniably thoughtful, yet it also served as a reminder of the power dynamics at play. seulgi's control over your career was reinforced by her ability to both reward and manipulate.

“i don’t know what to say,” you chuckled in disbelief. the older woman leaned in closer to you, cupping your face gently as she moved the box to hold you closer.

“don’t say anything, sweetheart.”

her warm breath brushed against your cheek, and you couldn't help but be drawn in by her magnetic presence. the softness of her touch was alluring, and for a moment, it was easy to forget about the complexities of your relationship.

as seulgi's thumb gently caressed your cheek, you could feel all of those foolish thoughts slipping away. and once her lips were on your neck, it was even easier to forget about everything, including your previous disagreement just a few days ago.

if only you could forget seeing yuna wearing the same exact bracelet as she left the studio that afternoon after you saw seulgi.

six months of torture you sold as some forbidden paradise

i loved you truly

you gotta laugh at the stupidity

“y/n, i told you i can’t go with you.” seulgi said in frustration, moving your hand from her wrist. the two of you had agreed to go out and see a movie later after your session was over. however, at the last minute your lover decided she couldn’t go with you.

her words struck you like a dagger, cutting through the illusion of the paradise you had built together. the frustration in seulgi's voice revealed a truth you had been avoiding—the limitations of your forbidden love.

a pang of hurt shot through your heart as you struggled to comprehend the sudden shift in her demeanor. "but you said you would go with me," you managed to say, your voice trembling with a mix of confusion and disappointment.

seulgi let out a weary sigh, her eyes avoiding yours. "i know, but i have to stay late tonight." her attention was focused on the stack of papers in front of her as she shuffled them.

confusion and frustration welled up inside you. "what are you talking about? you told me you had the night off.”

seulgi hesitated for a moment, her gaze still fixated on the papers. "something came up last minute, y/n. i'm sorry, but i have to handle it. it's important."

the disappointment and disbelief in your voice were evident as you replied, "so, you're just canceling our plans without even discussing it with me?"

seulgi finally looked up, her expression a mix of anger and frustration. "i didn't plan for this to happen, y/n. but sometimes life throws unexpected curveballs at us, and i have to deal with them. it doesn't mean i don't care about you, it’s just being an adult."

you may not be as experienced as her in life or in the industry, but those last words were definitely aimed at you and your age.

seulgi's words stung, hitting you right where it hurt the most. the reminder of your youth and the limitations it brought to your relationship made you feel small and insignificant. anger flared within you, fueling a fiery response.

"is that what this is about, seulgi? my age?" you exclaimed, your voice laced with frustration. "i may be younger than you, but that doesn't invalidate my feelings or the importance of our relationship. i deserve respect and consideration, just like anyone else."

seulgi's eyes rolled. “i’m not arguing with you about a stupid movie, y/n. can you just leave already? yuna is coming in and i need to run a song with her.” she snapped.

seulgi's dismissive and harsh response shocked you, leaving you speechless for a moment. the weight of her words, combined with the sudden change in her demeanor, pierced through your heart like a thousand tiny knives. it became clear that the paradise you had once believed in was nothing more than a facade, masking the reality of a toxic relationship.

a mix of hurt and anger coursed through your veins, empowering you to find your voice. "i can't believe this, seulgi," you managed to say, your voice trembling with a mix of pain and frustration. "is this how little i mean to you? am i just someone you can push aside whenever it's convenient for you?"

seulgi sighed, her frustration now tinged with impatience. "you're blowing this out of proportion, y/n. it's just one movie.”

her dismissive tone only fueled the fire within you. "it’s not just a movie. it's about respect and consideration in a relationship. i deserve someone who values my time and treats me as an equal, regardless of age or any other factor."

seulgi's eyes flashed with irritation, her patience wearing thin. "well, maybe you should find someone who can give you that," she retorted, her words dripping with a mix of sarcasm and disdain.

you stormed out of the room and went home that night infuriated. as you tossed and turned in bed, you tried to rationalize with yourself.

maybe she was tired, and had a long day. she couldn’t have meant anything she told you, right? she was probably just frustrated.

it was childish of you to make excuses for her, but you couldn’t help it. seulgi was everything to you, both in and out of your relationship.

you truly did love her, and you would do anything to keep her from leaving you. if only you knew your devotion would be tested to its very limit.

and every girl i ever talked to told me you were bad, bad news

you called them crazy, god, i hate the way i called 'em crazy too

one day, as you were leaving the studio after a particularly grueling session with seulgi, you received a message from ningning. it was a link to an article with a headline that sent chills down your spine.

former trainees speak out: allegations against producer kang seulgi

your heart raced as you clicked on the article, and as you read the testimonies from anonymous trainees who claimed to have experienced coercion, manipulation, and exploitation under seulgi's guidance, your worst fears seemed to be confirmed.

each account mirrored the warnings you had received, painting a grim picture of the person you loved dearly. the once-mysterious allure that had captivated you now revealed a darker side, a side that preyed on vulnerability and ambition.

you couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and confusion. anger at the betrayal of trust, but more confused because you couldn’t help but deny everything these testimonies were saying. a large part of you felt like these trainees were blowing things out of proportion, especially since the woman you loved didn’t sound anything like the person they were portraying.

you knew the entertainment industry was messed up, but you never would have imagined that seulgi would be a part of that statistic. but you needed to know for yourself, you needed to ask the woman you loved if any of these accusations were true.

you're so convincing

how do you lie without flinching?

the next day, seulgi arrived before you. it wasn’t that you were late, but rather that she was way earlier. as you closed the door behind you, you could tell the atmosphere was thick with tension. it was as if she already knew that you saw those articles.

“sit.”

it was a simple command, and you obeyed like a dog.

as you took a seat, a surge of resentment welled up inside you. the power dynamics that had always been present in your relationship were now magnified by the weight of the allegations. you felt a mix of anger, confusion, and a lingering sense of denial.

seulgi sat across from you, her face devoid of the usual warmth and charm that once drew you in. instead, her expression held a ghostly emotionless mask, as if she had prepared herself for this confrontation.

"y/n," she began, her voice measured but tinged with a hint of defensiveness. "i know you've read those articles, and i understand your concerns. but you have to believe me when i say that some of those allegations are exaggerated or taken out of context."

you looked at her, trying to decipher the truth behind her words. the conflicting emotions inside you made it difficult to discern what was genuine and what was a manipulation.

"i can't just ignore what i've read, seulgi," you replied, your voice laced with a mixture of frustration and pain. "how can i trust you when these trainees, who have nothing to gain, have come forward with their experiences?"

seulgi's gaze hardened, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. “so you’re really choosing those lies over me? you really believe them and not me?” she scoffed in mock disbelief.

you felt a pang of guilt at seulgi's words, as if you were betraying her by even considering the possibility that the allegations were true. but the weight of the testimonies and the doubts gnawing at your conscience were too heavy to ignore.

"i'm not saying i believe everything without question," you responded, your voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "but these accounts are troubling, seulgi. they can't be dismissed outright. i need to know the truth, and that means asking you directly."

seulgi's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and hurt. "you think i'm capable of all those things? you think i've been lying to you this whole time?" her voice trembled with a fragile combination of indignation and vulnerability.

your heart wavered, torn between the woman you loved and the need for transparency. you couldn’t come up with a response, but thankfully she continued speaking.

"the entertainment industry is ruthless. people will do anything to tarnish someone's reputation, especially when they feel threatened or envious."

her words rang hollow, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of disillusionment. the woman you once idolized was now justifying her actions instead of taking responsibility.

"seulgi, i can't pretend that everything is okay," you said, your voice steady but filled with sadness. "i need to take a step back and reevaluate our relationship. i need time to process all of this, to determine what's true and what's not."

seulgi's eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and feigned panic flickering across her features. "y/n, please don't do this. if you love me, you won’t do this.”

the words of protest died in your throat, and you saw water drops falling from her eyes. if only you knew they were crocodile tears.

instinctively, you reached out and hugged her. a myriad of apologies fell from your lips as you kissed her temple repeatedly. subconsciously, you kept telling yourself it was your fault that she was crying.

you should have known better. you should have been better.

oh, what a mesmerizing, paralyzing, fucked up little thrill

can't figure out just how you do it and god knows i never will

the sessions following that incident were volatile, especially as the company was giving more deadlines for your album.

"you don't understand, y/n," she snapped, her voice tinged with frustration. "you're not ready to make those decisions. you need someone like me to guide you, to shape you into something marketable."

frustrated, you took the headphones off of your head and turned to glare at her through the window of glass separating the two of you. “but i don’t want to be marketable, i want to be honest."

seulgi's face twisted with a mix of anger and disappointment, her eyes burning with a fierce intensity. "honesty won't get you far in this industry, y/n," she retorted sharply. "you have to play the game, make compromises. that's how success is achieved."

her words struck a nerve, and a surge of defiance coursed through your veins. you had always been told to follow your passion, to be true to yourself, and now seulgi's words felt like a betrayal of those principles.

"i refuse," you declared, your voice resolute. "i want to create music that resonates with people, that speaks from my heart. if that means going against the industry norms, then so be it."

seulgi's expression hardened, her facade of control slipping for a moment. "you're being naïve, y/n," she spat, her tone dripping with condescension. "you'll learn soon enough that the music industry is not a place for dreamers. it's cutthroat, and if you don't adapt, you'll be left behind."

your eyes challenged her stare, and you clenched your jaw. however, the older woman’s icy glare didn’t falter even for a moment.

“how do you know what’s going to be good for me?” you spat back.

seulgi's lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. "because i've been in this industry longer than you, y/n," she replied, her voice dripping with superiority. "i've seen countless dreams shattered and talents wasted because they refused to play by the rules. i'm just trying to save you from the same fate."

her condescending tone only fueled your determination. you had come to realize that seulgi's version of success was built on compromises and manipulation, and you refused to follow that path.

"i believe in my own vision," you stated firmly, your voice filled with newfound confidence. "i won't sacrifice my integrity and creativity for the sake of fitting into a mold. if that means taking a different path or facing more challenges, then so be it."

seulgi's eyes narrowed, her expression a mix of frustration and anger. "you're making a mistake, y/n," she warned, her voice laced with a barely contained fury. "you'll regret this decision."

without another word, you exited the booth and made your way towards the door. the weight of the tension in the room was suffocating, and you needed to escape its grasp.

as you reached for the doorknob, seulgi's voice pierced through the silence. "you think you can make it on your own? you think you don't need me?" she taunted, her voice filled with bitter disdain and mockery.

you turned to face her, your gaze unwavering. "i don't need you to succeed, seulgi," you replied, your voice steady. "i never did.”

the older woman laughed at you, chuckling as she stood up and walked over to you. she pulled you in by your waist, lips pressed against the shell of your ear. “no one will handle you the way i do. they’ll all tell you the same thing.”

your mouth went dry, and your thoughts were going wild. it was as if every time she touched you, you could feel yourself losing control over any logic and reason.

“you’re just frustrated, and that’s why you’re overreacting.” she whispered seductively, moving her hands up and down your sides.

you could feel her warm breath against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. the familiarity of her touch and the intensity of her presence made it difficult to think clearly. but amidst the confusion, a voice deep within you whispered that this was not right, that you deserved better.

if only that voice was louder, then maybe it would be convincing enough for you.

she gently lifted your shirt over your head and pulled you in for a slow, deep kiss. you didn’t put up a fight and let her kiss you. “you’ve been so stressed, sweetheart. no one else is going to help you de-stress like i do.” seulgi husked against your lips as one of her hands moved to unbutton your shorts.

“i care about you, i love you, they won’t do this for you. only i know what’s best for you, baby.”

your mind was foggy, the familiar words and touches were seducing you further, and you were doing anything but resisting.

you didn’t know how she did it, she always managed to pull you back into her trap. it was a vicious cycle, but you would never leave. her words were only somewhat convincing at times.

but seulgi’s actions were definitely better at convincing you to stay, especially when she was fingering you on the desk of the recording studio and making you apologize for even considering leaving her.

went for me and not her

'cause girls your age know better

“unnie why don’t you work with the aespa members?” you asked one day, tilting your head to the side as you looked up at her.

seulgi’s gaze flickered from your eyes to your lips before a small scoff escaped from her. “they’re not receptive to new creativity. i don’t think they’d understand the vision i see for them.”

you hummed for a moment, thinking about what she had said. the only reason you had asked her this, was because you had told ning about what happened at your last session.

ningning had told you to ask the older woman why she wasn’t working with her group. she didn’t tell you why she wanted you to ask, but she did mention something about you “seeing for yourself” the truth.

“are you close with the aespa girls?” the older woman casually asked. her eyes remained on the monitor in front of her. your answer was a small shake of the head.

“not really, i’m only close with one of them.”

your response made her breath hitch, and you could tell it caught her a little off guard. slowly, she bit the inside of her cheek and glanced at you. “yeah? who?”

a mix of curiosity and caution danced in seulgi's eyes as she awaited your response. you could sense that something was amiss, that there was a hidden meaning behind your friend’s request and seulgi's sudden interest in your connection with the aespa members.

you hesitated for a moment, uncertain of the implications of your words. but as you glanced at seulgi's guarded expression, you realized that it was time to uncover the truth.

"ningning," you replied, your voice steady but tinged with a hint of suspicion. "she's the one i'm closest to."

seulgi's eyes widened imperceptibly, and a flicker of unease crossed her features. she quickly composed herself and shrugged casually, attempting to maintain her composure. "oh, i see. that's interesting."

the atmosphere in the room became tense, and you knew there was more to this story. you couldn't help but wonder why seulgi seemed bothered by your connection with ningning and the aespa members.

"did ningning tell you to ask me that?" she asked, voice laced with curiosity and a touch of suspicion as her gaze hardened.

you could feel the weight of seulgi's piercing stare, her eyes boring into yours, searching for any signs of deception. it was clear that she suspected ningning's involvement in this conversation.

caught off guard by the direct question, you hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. but you knew that honesty was the only path forward.

"yes, she did," you admitted, your voice unwavering. "she wanted me to ask you about why you're not working with aespa.”

seulgi's expression tightened, a mixture of frustration and apprehension flickering across her face. she seemed torn between her desire to keep whatever secret she held and her growing unease at your knowledge.

"why did she tell you to ask me that?" seulgi inquired, her voice carrying a hint of caution.

you took a deep breath, your mind racing with the possibilities. you couldn't shake the feeling that something significant lay beneath the surface, waiting to be exposed.

all you did was shrug, watching as the older woman shifted in her chair uncomfortably. “don’t worry about it. it’s not important.” she said sternly, motioning with her hand for you to get up and go inside the booth to record.

you hesitated for just a split second, mouth opening to protest and want to ask further about the issue. but your actions were met with a pair of midnight eyes glaring at you. “get up, y/n. now.”

like a dog, you obeyed once again. you didn’t ask seulgi anything else after that.

you said it was true love, but wouldn't that be hard?

you can't love anyone 'cause that would mean you had a heart

you would always cry after your sessions with the former idol. turmoil was evident inside you, and you couldn't understand why seulgi was saying she did everything because she loved you. if she loved you, why did she always make you cry?

was love supposed to hurt like this?

the tears streamed down your cheeks as you pondered the painful question. the weight of confusion and emotional turmoil had become too much to bear. seulgi's words of love felt like a cruel paradox, leaving you trapped in a cycle of heartache.

you couldn't fathom how love could cause such pain and confusion. it was borderline unbelievable that the soft spoken former idol was capable of such heinous things.

was this really what love was supposed to be?

if seulgi really loved you, were you supposed to feel this small? she always made you sound so little and insignificant. perhaps it was because of the differences in your ages.

the significant age difference between you and the older woman added another layer of complexity to the situation. you couldn't help but question whether her actions were driven by a power dynamic or a desire for control. it seemed as though she used her experience and influence to manipulate and belittle you, leaving you feeling diminished and inadequate.

love was supposed to be nurturing and uplifting, a source of strength and support. but in this case, it felt like a destructive force that eroded your self-esteem and happiness. you wondered if this was truly what love was meant to be, or if you were caught in a toxic relationship disguised as affection.

deep down, you knew that love shouldn't hurt like this. it should bring joy, understanding, and mutual growth. the pain you experienced with seulgi went against everything you believed love should be, making you question whether it was worth holding onto such a tumultuous connection.

but you knew you couldn’t leave her. you loved her, even if she didn’t truly love you.

i tried to help you out, now i know that i can't

'cause how you think's the kind of thing i'll never understand

“baby?” you whispered softly, slowly taking your headphones off of your head as you watched the older woman cutting and snipping parts of your song on the screen.

seulgi only ignored you, focusing on the work in front of her. you fidgeted with your fingers, debating on whether or not to call her once more.

as you hesitated, a sense of vulnerability washed over you. you had tried countless times to communicate your feelings to her, hoping she would understand the pain she was causing you.

yet, each attempt seemed to fall on deaf ears, leaving you feeling unheard and invisible.

the realization dawned on you that the love you held for seulgi might be a one-sided affair. it seemed as though she was more invested in her own ambitions and desires than in nurturing a healthy and compassionate relationship with you.

the discrepancy between her words of love and her actions left you feeling confused and isolated.

taking a deep breath, you mustered the courage to speak up once again. "baby, can we talk?" you asked, your voice trembling slightly. the silence in the room seemed to stretch endlessly before she finally glanced your way, her expression a mix of impatience and indifference.

"can't you see i'm busy?" she snapped, her tone dismissive. the sting of her words pierced your heart, further reinforcing the emotional turmoil you were enduring.

you realized that you had reached a breaking point. you couldn't continue in this cycle of pain and neglect, where your feelings were consistently disregarded.

“seulgi.”

the sternness of your tone caught the former idol off guard a little. you hadn’t talked back to her in a long time. it was something she forgot you were capable of doing.

her dark eyes flickered towards you for a moment, looking at you with a raised eyebrow.

a calculating smile played on seulgi's lips as she observed your newfound assertiveness. she was well aware of her ability to manipulate and control, and your display of defiance intrigued her. with a subtle shift in her demeanor, she decided to play along, seizing the opportunity to maintain her grip on the relationship.

"what's the matter, darling?" she asked, her voice dripping with feigned concern. "you seem upset. did something happen?"

your heart sank at the coldness in her tone, but you refused to back down. "i've been feeling neglected, seulgi," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. "it's like you don't prioritize our relationship. i thought we were supposed to support each other, but it feels like i'm not even a priority for you."

she tilted her head, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes. "oh, sweetheart, you know i care about you," she said, her voice honeyed with insincerity. "but sometimes sacrifices must be made for greatness. it's not easy juggling a successful career and a relationship, you know?"

you felt a surge of frustration at her dismissive response. it was clear she was manipulating the situation, deflecting responsibility and minimizing your concerns. but you were determined not to let her control the narrative.

"of course i know that," you countered, your voice steady despite the emotional turmoil within. "but a relationship should be a partnership, where both parties prioritize and support each other. it can't be one-sided."

seulgi's smile tightened, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "are you suggesting that i'm the one neglecting you?" she asked, her tone laced with a calculated mix of innocence and accusation. "i've given you so much, sacrificed so many opportunities for us. yet here you are, questioning my dedication."

her words hit you like a blow, causing doubt to creep into your mind. was it possible that you were overreacting? could you be misinterpreting her actions?

but deep down, you knew the truth. you had been longing for a love that was nurturing and supportive, not one where your feelings were constantly disregarded. you couldn't let her manipulation sway you any longer.

summoning your inner strength, you met her gaze head-on. "seulgi, i deserve a love that is genuine and reciprocal," you asserted, your voice steady. "if you can't provide that, then maybe we need to reconsider our relationship."

for a brief moment, a flicker of surprise crossed seulgi's face, her mask of control slipping ever so slightly. but just as quickly, it was replaced by a steely resolve.

"fine," she replied, her voice dripping with icy determination. "if that's what you want, then go ahead. but remember, darling, you'll never find someone who loves you as i do."

i've made some real big mistakes

but you make the worst one look fine

you should have known seulgi was right. everywhere you went to look for other producers or other companies had shut you down. one of them even told you in an email that you were apparently blacklisted from their entertainment district.

tears fell from your eyes as you held your head in your hands. it was so frustrating. seulgi had so much power and influence over your career, making you stuck.

it was obvious that she was manipulating the company to block your contract from leaving sm. you couldn't believe the extent of seulgi's manipulation. she had not only controlled your emotions and disregarded your feelings but now she was actively sabotaging your career prospects.

the realization hit you like a tidal wave, leaving you feeling trapped and helpless.

as the tears continued to flow, you couldn't shake off the despair that enveloped you. seulgi's actions had effectively isolated you from any opportunity for growth and success outside of her influence.

it seemed as though she had built an impenetrable fortress around you, ensuring that you remained under her control.

you showed up to the studio one day with puffy eyes and a broken spirit. you knew you couldn’t fight back any longer. after wiping your sleeve, you entered the room.

the older woman turned in her chair and grinned like a madman, the same way she did when she had kissed you for the first time.

seulgi's grin sent a shiver down your spine. it was a sinister expression, devoid of any genuine affection or care. in that moment, you realized just how deeply she had manipulated you and how trapped you truly were.

with a mocking tone, seulgi spoke, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and malice. "my dear, it seems you've finally realized the extent of your helplessness," she sneered. "you thought you could defy me, challenge my control over you. but i've always been one step ahead."

your heart sank further, the weight of her words crushing your spirit. the once vibrant and passionate artist within you felt extinguished, replaced by a shadow of your former self.

seulgi continued, relishing in her power over you. "you see, my darling, i hold all the cards in this game," she taunted. "i've woven a web of influence and manipulation, ensuring that you remain trapped within my grasp. no one will sign you, no one will work with you. you are mine, and there's nothing you can do about it."

desperation washed over you as you realized the truth of her words. the doors that were once open to your dreams had been slammed shut by seulgi's cunning maneuvers. it felt as though your entire world had crumbled, leaving you stranded in a sea of hopelessness.

the older woman only grinned wider at the sight of your sudden tear-filled realization. seulgi chuckled softly, standing up and putting her palm on your cheek.

"oh, darling," she cooed, her voice dripping with condescension. "you really think anyone else would want you? i've built your career from the ground up. without me, you're nothing."

and she was right. you were nothing without her, both in and out of the industry.

i should've known it was strange

you only come out at night

the midnight moon shone into your apartment. shadows danced as you slowly made your way to the door, eyes puffy and red from all the crying you had done earlier.

through the peephole, you saw a familiar silhouette with an all too familiar pair of eyes.

with a deep sigh, you opened it to see your secret lover standing there. a smug grin was on seulgi’s face, obsidian eyes meeting yours in the dark. “aw you look miserable, sweetheart.” she chuckled in feigned innocence. from behind her back, she pulled out a bouquet of flowers.

i used to think i was smart

but you made me look so naive

your heart wavered as you looked at the flowers, a mixture of confusion and trepidation filling your mind. it was difficult to resist the familiarity and comfort that seulgi offered, despite the toxic nature of your relationship.

part of you longed for her affection and validation, while another part recoiled at the thought of continuing to be manipulated by her.

seulgi stepped closer, her eyes locked onto yours, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "i know it's been tough, my dear," she said, her tone laced with calculated empathy. "but i brought you these flowers to remind you of the love and support i've given you throughout your career. no one else can understand you the way i do."

her words were like a seductive whisper, tempting you to fall back into her web of control. but deep down, you knew that accepting her gift meant surrendering your autonomy and happiness once again.

summoning your courage, you took a step back, creating a distance between you and seulgi. the bouquet of flowers felt heavy in your hand as you struggled to find the right words. "look, i appreciate the gesture, but this doesn't change the fact that you've manipulated and controlled me for far too long," you said, your voice firm, yet tinged with a bit of hesitation.

it was obvious that you were still terrified of defying her, even now.

seulgi's smile wavered for a split second, her eyes narrowing in subtle frustration. but just as quickly, she regained her composure, her expression shifting to one of feigned concern.

"oh, my dear, you're mistaken," she replied, her voice coated in faux sincerity. "i've only ever wanted what's best for you. everything i've done, every decision i've made, has been to protect you and your career. can't you see that?"

you could feel the tug of her words, the familiar manipulation seeping into your thoughts. but you refused to be swayed this time. you had glimpsed the darkness beneath seulgi's facade, and you knew that staying with her would only lead to further pain and self-destruction.

“you keep gaslighting me, seulgi.” you replied, sniffling a little as you wiped your nose with your sleeve and shook your head.

the older woman took a step forward, scoffing slightly as she placed the flowers on your counter and shut the door behind her. her hands wrapped around your waist, pulling you tightly against her front.

“you don’t even know what gaslighting is, sweetheart.”

you tensed up in her grip, the contradiction of her words and actions not lost on you. the way she dismissed your concerns and belittled your understanding only further highlighted her manipulative nature.

it was a twisted dance, one where she sought to maintain control by distorting your perception of reality.

“you know i love you,” she whispered as she trailed a hand up your back while the other remained on your waist. “i could never do that to you. my special girl,” her lips brushed against yours delicately.

“no,” you whimpered and tried to move away from her. but it was no use, mentally and physically, you were drawn into her. it didn’t matter what she did, she would always have you.

you were hers. forever.

the way you sold me for parts

as you sunk your teeth into me, oh

that night was full of more false promises and silver tongued lies. every touch and kiss was just a carefully crafted plan for your lover to hold you tighter in her grasp.

as you woke, the cold from the sheets made you realize immediately that seulgi did not stay the night with you after you two had been intimate. rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you winced at the soreness on your neck. courtesy of seulgi herself, of course.

you reached over to see if maybe she had texted you after she left, but the only notification you saw was from ningning 2 hours ago.

SM ENTERTAINMENT’S YUNA SET TO HAVE HER OWN SOLO ALBUM DROPPING THIS WEEKEND.

anger and confusion filled your heart, but as you scrolled through the article, you couldn’t help but begin to cry like you never had before.

seulgi had used your songs for yuna’s own album.

tears streamed down your face, mixing with the anguish and betrayal that coursed through your veins. the realization hit you like a punch to the gut, leaving you breathless and shattered.

seulgi had taken the songs you worked together on, and handed them over to another artist. it was a blatant act of betrayal, a stark reminder of how little you truly meant to her.

the pain of seeing your art being used to elevate someone else while you remained confined and controlled under seulgi's thumb was unbearable.

it was a bitter pill to swallow, further proof that you were nothing more than a pawn in her game.

but you should have known better. vampires like her only drained their victims of every drop of creativity and talent, leaving them hollow and discarded.

seulgi had seen your potential and talent as a means to further her own agenda, to solidify her power and maintain control. it was all a lie, a facade and calculated moves of deception.

she never loved you. not even for a moment.

bloodsucker, fame fucker

bleedin' me dry like a goddamn vampire

𝗮/𝗻: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗶 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝘆-

#seulgi red velvet #kang seulgi #seulgi x reader #kpop fic #toxic kpop fic #angst #red velvet x reader #pls talk to someone if you are in a situation like this #red velvet oneshot #seulgi oneshot #vampire #perfectsunlight

512 notes · View notes

pauking5 · 7 months ago

Text

Runaway 🏎️ Chapter 1

Pairing: Naozumi Hiyama x fem reader oc

Synopsis: There's no place for women in the world of racing. Let alone rally. Until you show up - the daughter of a racing legend who lost everything out of nowhere - ready to stir the pot of competition and throw fuel to Naozumi's fire, burning wild in more than just one way. Just how far will you go to take your rightful place in the world of rally, restore the team to its glory and change things for the better?

Genre: racing AU, enemies to lovers, rivalry, suspense, a whole lot of teasing, gender power games, dating in secret

Word count: 4.5k+

A/N: Here it finally is. I can't believe I got to write about one of my passions in this way. Though I love rally, getting the technicalities right was rough but I researched as much as I could on it so it feels like the real thing, though there might be some minor inaccuracies, not really affecting the story.

This one has been in the works for a good period of time and though this first chapter is short and fast-paced, there's so much more coming. Trust the process cause god knows I do. I hope I can make Naozumi justice and I can't wait for you to read the next ones. Enjoy lovelies.

Now Playing: Edge of Seventeen - Wuki

Next Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

It's not about how fast you go.

It's about how long you go fast.

Fast like-

A knock reverberated against your helmet, interrupting the pre-race mantra before you even finished reciting it, bringing you back to the chaos prior to the race start.

Chaos you wanted to avoid at all costs.

Blinking your eyes open, you took in the smell of burnt rubber and the atmosphere, fully packed with the deafening roars of the crowds in the stands soaring over the music heard all the way to your station. Another voice joined in the noise, demanding your attention.

"Raiko, are you ready?"

Letting out an exasperated breath, you waved off whoever spoke to you and closed your eyes again.

"Give me a minute, will you?"

Okay, where was I?

It's not about how fast you go-

A drilling noise came from your right, annoying the living daylights out of you.

Ah, fuck it. Since we keep getting interrupted...

How about I tell you a little bit about me.

Name's Raiko Suruki.

Yes, that Suruki. Here we go again.

I'm the daughter of the famed Hiro Suruki, five times Japan World Rally Championship winner, consecutively if I may add.

Proud podium sitter for thousands of times.

Also kind of a living legend of the primetime of the rally world.

The same Hiro Suruki that started one of the best teams in the history of Japanese rally, snatching six more titles under his directory. WRC'S Golden Boy.

After his personal fifth title, he decided he wanted something more. Something that would fulfill him, beside his love for driving at the most insane speeds known to man and having his first and only child - that's me, in case you didn't know.

Anyway, without any second thoughts or doubts, he retired from the sport out of nowhere, changing the fireproofs for the laid-back team principal shirt and a cheap very 'dad' baseball cap. At barely 35 years of age, he took the biggest leap of faith of his life and Suruki Racing was born out of fuel and passion for rally.

He poured everything he had into the team and built it from scratch, taking it so high in his prime that everyone wanted a piece of it. Be it driving in a seat for the team, changing parts as a mechanic or simply having shares in it.

It was basically the shit. The pinnacle of rally in the whole of Japan.

The team became a national sensation. So many influential people, from mere businessmen to politicians, even foreigners were so interested in it and helping it expand. It genuinely felt like the only way for him was up, flying like a rocket towards the legends' hall of fame.

It went like that for a while. He was beaming with happiness, unable to understand where all that luck came from. But like everything good, it didn't last. Once he started to question it all, it was like a switch flipped inwards and it all fell to ruins.

Everything started going wrong.

All of a sudden, the cars started missing parts the night before races. They had engine failures mid-race in almost every stage, followed by DNF's on every scoreboard.

And those aren't even the most shocking things that happened. You name the disaster and it definitely happened to Suruki Racing at one point. Disastrous, life-changing, career-ending type of things.

The mess piled up more and more and it showed despite dad's efforts to stay afloat.

Contract deals with sponsors started falling through, losing funding for a lot of parts and investments in equipment. Then the drivers got fed up with the constant failed races and blamed the car or the team if they felt like it. They terminated their contracts way before their terms were up under the pretense that they wanted different things... which were not related to Suruki Racing. The mechanics chose to stay, well, a few of them anyways, but it wasn't enough.

The team ripped at the seams and slowly but surely ran into the ground and dad couldn't find at least one reason why it happened.

It was like a curse you couldn't get rid of and I saw it happen first-hand.

The late nights he would spend in the garage trying new parts that kept failing with every test on the car. The way he would go as low as begging the drivers to come back offering them money he didn't have because no driver, rookie or experienced, didn't even bat an eye once the name of the team was mentioned.

Lost, penniless and with a heavy heart, he had to watch the one thing he loved the most on earth rust little by little, no matter what he would do to prevent it.

Mom called it karma for his reckless racing days because as talented as he was, the road forgives no one. That you can be God's favourite and still lose everything. And he didn't want to understand that. He never did.

I was too young to help back then. Too young to understand what Suruki Racing meant to him. Too young to do the only thing I could to save it.

Until now.

So, let's try that again, shall we?

Name's Rai Suruki, driver for Suruki Racing 2.0.

Another knock to your helmet, echoing in your head louder than the first, brought you back to the real world for good this time. Mechanics rushed around you to finish the set up on the car before you were called up to take your spot in front of the race marshal, which from a quick glance at the scoreboard would be soon.

Looking to your left, you were met with a set of dull brown eyes, messy jet black hair, a funky moustache and an extremely creased forehead for his middle age, all belonging to your co-driver, Don Tanaka. He's another legend of the sport.

Former training coach for some of the current biggest teams in the WRC, with a CV of experiences surpassing most people that have been in rally for longer. On top of all that, he is an even bigger friend of your father's. When he called him up asking for an old favour to train you, he couldn't say no.

But if it was up to commenting, you'd say he was one of the biggest fools for giving up a lavish salary with so many perks for one favour, especially for your old fart of a father.

Driving with him was great, but training with him was hell on Earth.

"I was doing my mantra," you reasoned, trying to get him off your case.

"Your mantra sucks."

He is an absolute joy to be around, isn't he?

"Well," you turned to him in your seat with a tight-lipped smile, "you're the one choosing to be co-driver to a young adult at your ripe age of 40. If I was you I would've picked something more calming, like gardening."

Bringing his hand to his chin in thinking, he sat in silence for a moment before he spoke.

"That doesn't sound so bad right now," he went on trying to push your buttons.

"Oh, shush," you waved him off, turning back to the wheel.

If there was one thing he liked doing, it was keeping you in check by poking fun at you. He was like that one uncle you could always go to with your secrets or to ask for extra pocket money, but in return he liked to tease the fuck out of you for it. Every. Single. Time.

As much as you hated his antics, you did kind of owe him a lot. He was the one who caught your talent for racing early on, back when you would drive plastic mini cars made from scraps around the team garage like you had years of experience. A few drifting maneuvers around old tires done like a pro at the cool age of 8, and he was sold on you and your potential.

Amongst all the teasing and the pain of having to train like a man, you've spent enough time with him to know you could count on him for literally anything. He was the best co-driver you could ask for and you wouldn't want anyone else in that seat directing your fate for the world.

He knew what it took to annoy you greatly in order to deliver on the dirt track and prove yourself. Especially now, since you were the only woman on highly occupied male territory.

Racing is a man's world. With as many female advancements in motorsport as there were today, the majority of the community was still not convinced that a woman could drive better than a man or even compete alongside a whole grid of their species. They can regard you, acknowledge your existence, but they would never accept you.

Your father knew your entry to the championship would stir up a lot of unwanted attention, besides the fact that he was basically reviving a cursed team and you happened to be the poster face for it this time around. It sounded like a catastrophe in the making.

Frankly, you were ecstatic to get to drive an actual race car outside of the junior series and helping the team get back to its rightful place, restoring its deserved glory. But you knew it wasn't going to be easy work. Especially, since public enemy number one - the press - was going to try and tear you to sparkly shreds for a lot of reasons. An attack that they started before any official information was out.

A few months ago, when the announcement of Suruki Racing's comeback after ten years of inactivity hit the WRC, the media had a field day with it.

They criticized your father for being a nutjob that didn't know when to quit. They smeared Don Tanaka's name like he didn't make most of the drivers currently selling their dying papers. They even tried to get paid scoops from anyone involved with the team in the slightest.

But the team had one wildcard left to play before pulling the curtains for good and giving them the satisfaction that they ruined it.

You.

The press didn't know about you. No one in the other teams knew about you. Thanks to your father's extremely private life, no one even knew of your existence.

The only people that did were your team in the garage, from the mechanics to your PR agent.

Even walking into the circuit grounds this morning, long hair down over your shoulders, sporting the team gear in plain sight, no one batted an eye at you. Even if they did, they would think you were involved with technical or marketing - though even that was a rarity in this universe - or worse, just another groupie looking to get one of the drivers under your hood.

Your father wanted to give everyone a show they'll never forget by having you drive the first race in the calendar without a proper introduction. No car reveal. No interviews. No pre-race press conference. Just a car and its driver.

This way they would judge your driving before they actually got to judge you for being a woman at the wheel of a three hundred horsepower beast. He trusted you and your judgement on the track far more than the lousy press setting you up for fail. They would get a proper car show and speech after the race anyway.

It was out of the ordinary but that kinda summed up Hiro Suruki and his bipolar personality.

The distorted sound of a megaphone, followed by the voice of the race marshal called you to the start line.

"Car 7, Rai Suruki for Suruki Racing, you're up next!"

You could already see everyone turning their eyes to your station, booming cheers going quiet, turning into sharp murmurs.

Time to get this show going.

Rolling up your windows to block the world, you put the car in gear and drove to the start line, waiting for the green light. Looking out at the lines in the road ahead of you spotting the first hazard ahead, the nerves climbed up your spine faster than your engine could pump the pistons for pressure.

You prepared for this for most of your life, but if you were being honest, it all got a little too real now, sitting with your foot hovering above the gas pedal ahead of the moment that could make or break your career before it even started. The very moment that could be a step forward to restoring your father's name, getting the team back on track in a new age of rally racing. The moment for a change.

No pressure, right?

"Raiko," your co-driver called your name, but you couldn't tear your eyes away from the road, gloved fingers tightening on top of the wheel with a small snap. "Do you remember the course?"

"Yes."

"Good. All set?"

"I think so."

"Raiko, look at me."

"You're not my style."

"Raiko," his voice turned more serious and deep with warning. With another sigh into the small, cramped space for breathing your helmet provided, you turned to him.

"You've got this. Let's prove everyone wrong."

He was right.

Let's prove everyone wrong.

The race marshal started the countdown, walking from the front of your car to the side, each number in the count descending with your nerves. You loosened the hold on the wheel, stretched your legs to the pedals and let out a deep breath.

"3."

It's not about how fast you go.

"2."

It's about how long you go fast.

"1."

Fast like lightning.

"GO!"

A soon as the lights went green, you hit the throttle and took off into the dirt, raising the dust behind you. You skidded off to the side a little due to the gravel but you got control of it before anyone could notice.

Tokai was a pretty difficult course to rally depending on which stages got picked for the day. More forest terrain gave way to hard roads, receding in wheel control, gaining insane suspension pressure. This one was more of an open valley terrain, which was a bit safer, but the later you got the okay to race, the more dust and gravel from other drivers would pile up in front of you, making visibility dangerously low. The corners were way too tight and one second off from Tanaka's directions or a mishap of your footing could cost you and put your car on the sidelines.

"5 left over crest," Tanaka paced you for the upcoming hill and you prepared to release the throttle.

"1 left 100."

Wheels back on the ground, you resumed pressing the pedal as a hairpin portion came into view. The cloud of dust in front of you was chalky and you had to get through it before it raised higher. Putting the car in second gear, you got ready for the drift portion.

You had to be extra careful here. The mechanic in chief told you to go easy as the rear could send you into oversteer, throwing off the balance of the car and fuck up the race completely.

Listening to your gut, you waited for the right time then tapped the brake, cut the wheels and pressed the throttle, sliding across the portion. Loud cheers and whistles erupted as the crowd in the stands got up to watch you complete a perfect drift.

"3 right don't cut."

Reduce pace and prepare for a possible road hazard.

You slowed down and sure enough a bump in the road came up. If you missed that one and took it at 120 kmph, it would've projected you off the track, crashing the car hard into the rocky wall like a cereal box. Thankfully, you swerved around it, feeling the car lift off the ground on the left for a bit before it fell back down.

"6 right very long."

Hard left into a tight corner.

"Cut 8 left."

Tight corner requiring you to follow a straight line in the curb.

This was the last and worst corner on the track. You were lucky it didn't rain because this is where your car can skid off into the stands. You caught the straight line pretty fast, cutting a few seconds off your lap time without slowing down.

Following the rest of Tanaka's directions and focusing on the rest of the road, the race finished before you knew it. You liked the state you were in as you drove, mind clear of everything else because as soon as the adrenaline in your body decreased, your brain got bombarded by all kinds of issues.

Did I push the new suspensions too hard? God, I hope I didn't scratch the rear in the hairpin. Was my timing too off on that last corner? I should've practiced it more.

Driving back to your team's station, you sent all those worries at the back of your head and got out to watch the screen showing the score board just as it updated to display the new track times since you were the last to go.

1. Akira Shinkai - Sigma Racing Academy - 1.23.40

2. Naozumi Hiyama - Spica Racing Factory - 1.23.59

3. Rai Suruki - Suruki Racing - 1.24.25

"WE BAGGED THIRD PLACE?!" you yelled throwing off your helmet onto the car seat.

"WE SURE DID," Tanaka high fived you, beaming with energy just like you.

"That's 15 points on the first stage! Well done, lightning strike," he ruffled your hair as you snickered, nose scrunching up with a smile at the gesture you were already accustomed to.

"The car held up a lot better today than in testing. Maybe we lifted the curse," you wiggled your eyebrows at him at which he flicked your forehead. "Ow, what did you do that for?"

"Don't jinx it. We still have two more stages to go."

"But-"

Before you could say anything else, you were interrupted by angry shouting coming from the station next to you.

"I told you to not touch the third gear," yelled a strained voice.

You walked to the side of your station, peeking your head by the team banner, and watched the heated exchange between one of the drivers and his mechanic. Your eyes wandered to the car sitting in the middle, not one hand touching it for the regular post-race check up. From the different strokes of sky blue layered over stark white, the red and blue sponsor stickers and the carbon spoiler, you recognized it to be Spica Racing's.

"It doesn't matter now," shouted another voice, so annoyed and sure of themselves as if they owned the place. "I got a good lap record this time."

"What would you do if you had to retire in the middle of the race?" shot the mechanic, chastising the driver for being careless.

He got up in his face, towering over him though the other was much taller than him.

"We won't win if I don't attack!" he yelled back, throwing his hand in the air to make a point. "The moment I think of being scared I will lose. I won't make that mistake. So just do your job and fix the car."

With that final remark, he rounded the car to walk away from the station until he noticed you in the corner, now standing in full sight just at the line between your stations.

Quickly replacing the scowl on his face with what was probably his natural smirk, he came to you, stopping short of the barrier separating you.

"I don't do autographs, but for you I can do more than that," he added a daring wink, flashing his cocky smile at you.

Ew.

Taking a small step back hoping his vibes wouldn't envelop you, you uncrossed your arms from your chest and lifted an eyebrow at him.

"I don't want your autograph."

Taken aback at your response, he backed up slightly too and looked you up and down, taking in your deep blue and dark gold team fireproofs and the suit tied messily around your waist. The old, way out of fashion colours seemed to ring a bell.

"Suruki Racing...," he started doubtful, "the shithole that revived from the ashes? Are you a mechanic, a co-driver or something for them? If you are, why don't you jump ships? I wouldn't mind having you on my team instead," he finished his speech of intent with another shit-eating grin.

Who the fuck was this guy?

The audacity that wafted off him must definitely make him popular with the ladies.

"I don't think we've met before," you extended your hand out to him, curt and polite, like a normal person would do, introducing yourself.

"Rai Suruki, driver for Suruki Racing," emphasizing your role in the team so he got it through his head that you weren't some bimbo.

If you were, you'd make sure your fist decorated his face in pretty red tones before anything else.

He straightened back, smirk gone from his face in all sense of the word. It got replaced by some kind of curiosity. Looking between you and your palm hanging in the air he looked confused to say the least. He's heard about female racers before and seen some working in technical around the place, he's just never seen one stand against him on track.

Tired of being polite to someone who obviously has never heard about manners, you were about to retract your extended hand when he caught it in a firm grip and pulled it towards him, just holding it instead of shaking it. The move sent you forwards, almost barreling into him when your reaction response kicked in to steel you a safe distance away.

Maybe Tanaka's intense survival program pays off sometimes.

"So," he began and you wondered if he was about to say something intelligent or spew more shit with that mouth of his. He decided to choose the latter. "You're the one driving the Beetle dupe right there?"

Eh, come again?

Your eyes widened at him, looking at where his finger was pointed to confirm that he was pointing at your car and not anywhere else, then you whirled your head back at him appalled.

"B-Beetle dupe?!"

"I thought you were a guy."

Wouldn't be the first time I heard that one.

You took your hand back from his hold, wiping it on the sleeves of the suit hanging on your hips in the hopes that it would wipe off the disgust you were feeling too. It didn't but it was worth a try.

"It's the name," you replied through gritted teeth.

He backed up some more to scan you again, though more attentively this time, like you were some kind of illegality, cooked up from the pits of his imagination. You gave him your best front, hardening your jaw and rolling your shoulders backwards, proving you were more than a pair of boobs and a vagina, which was apparently his deranged first impression of you.

You deserved to be here. No amount of stares from the male specimen, surprised or with sinful intentions, could ever make you back down from this. This was yours to take on. No man could take this from you. Not him anyway.

So, you stared him down too, trying to find something else beside the extreme big dick energy and unsurmountable lack of scruples surrounding him. Struggling to see anything else but some disdain in the way he crossed his arms over his broad chest, a rich prick attitude from how he shifted on his legs like the world owed him golden lingos every time he breathed, and some leftover rage from the screaming match with his mechanic still present in the tick of his jaw, you let your eyes meet his own in conclusion of your very own analysis.

Yeah, there's nothing else in there. An ambulant douchebag. Just like I thought.

Flashing cameras were suddenly thrown in your faces, interrupting the intense stare-down between you. The press and some people, potentially fans of other teams by their t-shirts, surrounded you from every corner of the plastic barrier around the two stations, pushing each other over the race marshals that tried their hardest to keep them away. It wasn't long until they pushed over the barrier.

Too absorbed in the chaos, you didn't notice he leaned down to your ear but when you did, you stilled in your shoes, all blood draining into your pounding stomach. He spoke close and low, so only you could hear his words.

"Don't get too comfortable around here, rookie," he whispered, hot breath hitting the shell of your ear making shivers run down your extremely clothed spine. "Let's see how long you last in here because this season might just be your first and last."

Pulling away with another one of his smirks that were starting to get on your nerves, he regarded you once more before he walked off in amusement to his cool-down room, giving you a full view of his broad back.

Oh, just you wait -

A reporter shoved into the human barrier of orange and green safety vests reaching the railing, yanking it back and forth repeatedly until the poor plastic seal broke off, letting everyone else pool in around you.

Uh-oh. This wasn't good.

They packed around you like wolves on their prey, all shouting different things at you while shoving their big cameras, recording devices and phones in your face. The flashes blinded you, turning the world white and too bright for it to be natural light from the clouded sky above.

Your hands shot up on instinct to cover your eyes from the flaring lights as your ears focused on filtering through the blaring sounds of camera clicks and voices. Then the countless questions registered clear as day, hitting you like a truck at full speed.

"Are you Rai Suruki, daughter of Hiro Suruki?"

"Where did your father get the money to restart the team?"

"Is your car even going to last a season?"

"Do you consider yourself a challenge to the rest of the drivers?"

I guess that was it for mystery, dad.

Some of the other teams passed by the ruckus, sparing quick judgmental glances or sending disgusting sneers your way like that was the way they initiated your welcome ceremony at the gates of the jungle.

If this was any other series, you would've been so welcomed by the rest of the grid and treated somewhat better by the media and the fans. But this was the World Rally Championships.

Driving was dirty.

Talk was filthy, full of disrespect and unspoken trials of envy between each driver.

The press competed to see who would get your head on a pike first and parade it as the story of the century.

Respect was fought for, not earned.

It was a different game. One where you needed to play even if you didn't want to so in turn you wouldn't get played. Survival of the fittest truly.

You steeled your gaze, waving the reporters off and digging a hole through the crowd, successfully escaping away to your pit crew. Helping with packing up bits and pieces and taking your own stuff, you headed back to your team quarters, aware of the intensifying stares belonging to the rest of the teams still around their stations, talking about the first day in this season's calendar being an interesting one.

You had a feeling you and the team were the hot topic of conversation since you could feel their eyes searing deep holes into your back, burning hotter and doing more damage than flame-lit arrows aimed straight at you ever could. Tanaka wrapped an arm around you giving you his curled moustache smile, sympathizing with you.

Looking up at the sky darkening in mauve and pink, you let a small smile grace your lips. At least today was done. Your rally racing career has officially started. The team was back in business.

However, this first stage was just one of the many challenges still to come. Who knew what else was on the way?

As you trudged on the warm asphalt, warmed by the mid-spring warmth of March, there was one thing you knew for sure.

This is gonna be a long season.

Thank you for reading :) As always leave a like, comment or reblog!

#Runaway #Naozumi Hiyama #Naozumi Hiyama x reader #Naozumi Hiyama x you #Overdrive x reader #Overdrive x you #racing au #Overdrive Mackenyu

85 notes · View notes