#park jisung romance | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

technologyculturedneo · 29 days ago

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Unknown Pt1. Park Jisung.

“We met in the graveyard because coincidentally our loved one's graves were beside each other.”

Summary: In a world darkened by trauma, Jisung has never believed in love, and his life is filled with shadows and the cries of many. Jeno, a man working to move past his painful history, struggles to find happiness when a past event resurfaces, threatening to undo his progress. Caught between these two men, you become the bridge that connects them—helping Jeno heal while gaining Jisung’s trust. As you navigate this complex dynamic, guilt begins to weigh on you as you slowly fall for the very person you're trying to help, torn between loyalty and your growing feelings.

Disclaimer: Longshot.

[Dream()scape masterlist.]

A/n: Unfortunately my account was terminated... so it caused a delay in this longshot being released. But thankfully my account has been reactivated so I've had a lot of time to work on this Jisung long shot. Nonetheless, i hope you enjoy!

For his entire orphaned life, deprived of love and guidance, Park Jisung has never known what is means to be truly free. Living in a boarding school where his thoughts, feelings, and actions were controlled, Jisung, laying in bed, eagerly anticipates the day when he can think for himself… when he can finally leave this boarding school. When the lights finally flash on, Jisung rises, cleans up, and dons his navy blue uniform like every other routine day. Standing by his door, he awaits the day’s first orders, filled with a mix of uncertainty and anticipation.

“Out.”

In a heartbeat, Jisung follows his routine—reaching for the handle, pulling it down, and stepping out, shutting the door behind him. A row of boys, all dressed the same with identical haircuts and vacant expressions, stand outside their rooms. The difference? Jisung isn’t ‘dead’… not anymore.

“Walk.”

Left, right, left, right, the boys march in sync to the breakfast hall. Jisung sits at the long table, hands resting, trying to be ‘braindead’ like the others. Across from him sits Jeno, eyes blank. Their gazes meet. Jisung’s breath catches as he stares at Jeno—number 1 in the facility, cold and ruthless, enduring everything, outshining them all. Jeno’s like a machine, ready for war. Jisung fights to keep his gaze steady, his fear growing as Jeno remains unblinking, while Jisung struggles to hold his eyes open.

“Swallow.”

Jisung lags behind as everyone else takes their green pill and swallows it with water. He does the same but slips the pill into his pocket instead. For three days now, he’s been pill-free. The first time, it was accidental—the pill fell into his lap, and he couldn’t correct it without being caught. That day, he discovered something surprising: he could feel. His fingers, his toes, even his heart beating. His mind opened, and he could think. He felt the pain in his blistered feet and everything in his body. The pill had numbed him, taken away his humanity, but now without the pill… he felt alive. Emotions stirred within him. He quickly pockets the pill, returning his hand to the table.

Without warning, a boy from another row suddenly collapses. Not even a second later some authorities in black uniform pick him up and drag him away.

“I saw what you did.”

Jisung freezes at the low whisper. His gaze shifts to the left, then forward—Jeno. They lock eyes, Jisung tense, Jeno intimidating. Jisung is confused; Jeno isn’t supposed to be aware, but he’s not brain dead. They simply stare, Jisung trying to ignore the unsettling reality. Like Jisung, Jeno found a way to avoid swallowing the pill. He’d keep it between his teeth, drink water, and spit it out after. He’d studied the other boys, adapting to blend in. His goal was simple—escape. The pill only slowed him down. Jeno believes Jisung aims for first place, but he can’t let that happen. No one would ruin his plan. So, when Jeno raises his hand, Jisung’s eyes widen. Jeno protects himself by exposing Jisung:

“He stuffed the pill in his pocket,” Jeno points at Jisung.

Jisung is shocked by his pounding heart as he sees the men in black walking towards him… but then they begin charging with outstretched hands. That only causes Jisung to scamper and run for his life. The first boy caught dodging the pill was made an example for anyone who disobeyed. They made it clear that disobedience would not be tolerated, drilling into the boys' minds that those who didn’t comply could be discarded. They killed that boy. Jisung doesn’t want to lose his life, when he just started to feel things.

The world is cruel to boys like him. Orphans at the boarding school, once of age and unadopted, were labeled failures and sent to a mind-programming facility. There, they were turned into mindless "Workerz" to serve the economy. Without families or proper training, the boys were taught to obey and survive by becoming Workerz—honorary members of society. It was what they all wanted, as they were constantly put down and reminded they didn’t deserve anything. Their young hearts longed to achieve, to belong, which is why they followed the rules.

For Jisung, all he’s ever wanted was to be free, to be young. But all he's known is hard work, pain, and a life devoid of emotion. When he's caught and brought to the headmaster's office, he feels worthless—his one chance to stay discreet, wasted. “Should we kill him?”

“Sell him?”

“Selling risks exposure. He might know more than we think. We can’t take that chance.”

To his surprise, Jisung speaks up. “I’m not a threat. I wouldn’t expose anyone...” His words are cut off as quick as a large smack over his face gets him flying on the floor.

“How dare you speak!” Jisung lowers his head, regretting his words. If only he’d stayed silent. He pushes aside his useless feelings, remembering his place among the elders. “We have no use for rebels,” the headmaster says. “Killing him would mean more questions. Sell him. Make it look like he was adopted.”

“How much?”

“90 pieces of silver.”

“Silver? No currency?”

Jisung, still in the same uniform as the morning, is forced to stand with his arms spread. The handler describes him coldly, detailing his strength and abilities. Jisung feels reduced to nothing as his body is examined. He feels dehumanized as he’s groped on his manhood just as another man (a potential buyer) and woman watch on.

“I like him,” the woman’s soft voice says. Jisung tenses slightly when she touches him, and he looks away, feeling a deep sense of shame. The woman smiles up at him before turning to the man. “90 pieces of silver is nothing. I’d pay more for a boner like this.”

“180 pieces of silver, then,” the man says. Jisung shifts uncomfortably, still feeling the woman’s gaze on him. “But I must ask, why is he priced so low? Is there something wrong with him? A troublesome family, perhaps?”

“He’s not costly,” the handler responds. “His mother passed away soon after seeing him. That’s why we’re asking for silver instead of more. If he were trouble, we’d make you pay more. You’re doing us a favor by taking him off our hands. He’s perfect, a top Workerz, specially trained.”

“So why are you selling him?” The lady continues to rub, imagining all the things she can do to him.

“He’s ready for the world.” The authority says. “And what better place, then with you Mr Zha.”

Jisung just as much as he’s being stimulated hears the exchange of coins which only the wealthy had. Is this it? Being sold? Is this how his life ends? Is this freedom—or just another trap? A trap he’s not ready for.

“Thank you honey,” Jisung looks up for a brief second to the lady who grins at the man, perhaps her husband. She holds Jisung by the hand and drags him forward. “I’ll give him a bath.”

“No sweety, let me.” The man looks to Jisung and nudges his head. Jisung follows. The man leads him in the enlarged house with several open floor spaces before they’re enclosed in a room. “Strip.” Feeling warm around his neck, Jisung doesn’t question anything and does as told. The man watches with gnawing eyes. “My wife would love that.” He comments. “Except your feet.”

isung looks down at his blistered feet, bandaged and covered in red patches.

“There’s nothing you can do about it for now,” the man says, meeting Jisung’s gaze. “Listen, boy. I’m a craftsman, I work with wood and build cottages in various places around the world. I travel to meet clients and design homes. Your authorities wouldn’t have brought you here unless you were meant to assist me. While I'm here, you'll serve me. When I'm gone, you’ll serve my wife. Meaning anything she wants, anything at all, you do it. Understand?”

“Yes.”

“Yes master.”

“Yes master.” Jisung repeats after the man.

“In return, I’ll pay you well. You won’t have much of a life, but money is what matters here. You can ask for clothes and things to pass the time. Now, go bathe and meet me outside.” The man turns to leave, then stops to stare at the boy. “You can call me Mr. Zha.” The name carries weight. Jisung nods and heads to the bath, not minding that his new boss, never cared to ask his name. Back in the boarding school, he was known by a number… now here, it seems like his name won’t matter.

The mansion Jisung now lives in is vast, and he can hardly believe such a place exists. With countless rooms and unfamiliar architecture, his mind is still in shock from being sold. There are seven female servants, and Jisung is the only male. The house belongs to Mr. Zha, a renowned architect, and his wife, known only as 'Mistress.' Jisung avoids her, staying close to Mr. Zha, as his wife’s gaze seems to linger on him with unsettling intent.

On the third day of his stay, Jisung was outside chopping wood, waiting for Mr. Zha to return. After finishing, he took a brief break before starting the fire. The Mistress came outside with a vase of water and soap. “Hi, handsome,” she greeted. “I saw you resting and wanted to offer a massage for your hard work. May I?”

"Y-yes, Mistress," Jisung replied, bowing respectfully. This was the first time they were alone. She knelt down, removed his shoes, and began massaging his feet.

"My poor boy," she said, "I'll make your feet better."

Jisung was confused; it was supposed to be the other way around—him doing it for her. But his eyes widened in surprise when he felt a strange sensation as her mouth wrapped around his big toe. "M-Mistress, what are you doing?" She never replied. Just continued sucking and cleaning his feet. She finished just in time before Mr Zha could come and Jisung kept working awkwardly. Is this what Mr Zha meant?

On a Sunday, he had another encounter with her, when he entered Mr Zha’s study and accidently caught her masturbating with her dress below her belly and her hands touching her boobs while they also ran down in pleasure. Mr Zha told him to retrieve some papers, yet Jisung didn’t want to step anywhere near the nude Mistress. He quickly apologized and was about to leave until she called him closer. Awkwardly Jisung moved towards her, inching whenever she told him to come closer. To the point where she told him to get on his knees. With her hand over her wet womanhood, and Jisung’s eyes trying to look everywhere but her core- she told Jisung to suck her toes. And with that she brought her feet up. Jisung was reluctant and backed away. She then told him to suck her wet hole, but Jisung politely refused, not long before she grabbed his hand and forcefully made him touch her breast to which he snapped his hand away from her- but not liking that response she yelled.

The yell brought Mr. Zha and the servants into the study. "Honey, he’s refusing to listen to me."

Jisung, trying to respect Mr. Zha, had no intention of overstepping boundaries with his wife. However, Mr. Zha showed no leniency when it came to disciplining Jisung simply because of disobeying his wife. Jisung got hard belt beatings forming bruises on his back. From there one he tried his hardest to avoid the Mistress. But… The Mistress started getting a lot more comfortable in demonstrating the type of power she had. She ‘slept’ with the ladies as entertainment for Mr Zha. Mr Zha would invite Jisung to watch her and the servants. Other times Mr Zha engaged as Jisung sat there face blotched red with the beatings he’d receive on other days for disobeying or refusing something asked by the Mistress (all lewd things). Within the first week of living in that house, Jisung felt all sorts of emotions- negative emotions towards the Mistress.

“Handsome I want you to rub my feet,” or “Baby make him strip for me,” or worst of all. “Touch me here handsome. Use your fingers, yes ah-”

She was making it clear day by day that once Mr Zha leaves for a work vacation- she’d devour Jisung’s little mind. And so it happened… the Monday morning he woke up, Mr Zha had gone on his business trip and he was awakened by the Mistress. “Good morning, handsome. Guess what? My husband has left for work,”

“Good morning Mistress.” He feels uneasy seeing her in his room. “I’m… I’m aware Mistress.” Jisung speaks nervously.

She giggles. “I like how you say ‘Mistress’ with so much…” She let’s out an erotic moan. “Power. Makes me want you even more. I like my servants clean before I have them. And I can only trust you’re clean if I’m the one to bath you.” She says in her silk voice and daring eyes of lust. “Come.”

Reluctant, Jisung follows her to her private bathroom. If he thought he was dehumanized in the boarding school then here, it’s even worse, she undresses him until he’s completely bare. Her hands touch all over body as he’s in the tub in warm bubbled water. She only giggles and smiles whenever she makes eye contact with Jisung. He only wishes to take the pill again. He wishes that he was never caught by Jeno. Because as the lady undresses herself, her eyes coated in something that Jisung doesn’t understand, he fears as she gets in the tub with him. She disappears in the water and Jisung jolts when feeling her mouth over his member. He squirms when feeling the mouth of the lady suck sharply. It’s almost like he disassociates with himself as he doesn’t want to remember or think of this moment… He feels no pleasure, only a rising anger within him. His sense of innocence is slipping away. This isn’t freedom. He has no options, no escape. He’s trapped in a house, with no control over anything. His mind races, realizing he's always been a puppet—treated as nothing more than an object by those around him.

The thought alone, causes great anger to boil in him and then suddenly but viciously his killer instincts awaken and, Jisung feels something in him snap as he uses his fists to punch the lady over her head and adjusts his hands around her throat. Mercilessly he tightens his grip as she splashes and splotches out in the water. Her arms are too weak for him. She gags and struggles to breathe both underwater and over his manhood- shortly she intakes a heavy amount of water. Her eyes sting by the heaviness of water. With one last squeeze over her neck to make sure she’s dead, Jisung stands up from the water dripping. His heart is beating fast… Did he just kill… her? He’s panting and shaking terribly. The mistress is floating in the water.

He just killed Mr Zha’s wife. He’s a dead man. He picks up a fork that’s on a platter with some fruits. Getting her out of the water, with brute force- he stabs the sharp fork straight into her head. The scene is bloody. The scene is brutal. But Jisung has never felt more numb without the pill. He inhales sharply and continues to stab her forehead.

“Mistress are you alright?” Jisung turns his head to the door.

He gets whiplash when instantly getting dizzy as he realizes… he just killed the mistress. The blood pooling around her has him stepping back in shock by his actions. Did he just… do that? Why did he do that? He’s panicked and his heart is beating like crazy. Mr Zha will kill him! He’ll be sentenced to death! So many questions and panicked thoughts run through his mind. And then all in an instant… He feels blank. He gulps. A strange sense of control, a twisted satisfaction for taking action. Holding the fork firmly and moves to the door with one purpose in mind.

He would take back his control.

3 years later.

Jeno packs up as his shift ends, determined to leave on time. He shuts his cabinet, switches off his computer, and slings his work bag over his shoulder, walking quickly past his coworkers. Today isn’t like the others—he needs answers. In his car, he glances at the documents on the passenger seat, feeling a weight in his chest. He picks them up, his eyes locking on the bold title:

[DIVORCE]

His wife of two years wants to end things. Why? He found the papers while searching through her things to sign her up for benefits. The bold words stare back at him, breaking his heart. He can’t make sense of it. Did he rush the marriage? Two years didn’t feel rushed. Did she not want to be with him anymore? As he drives, his mind fills with thoughts of their confrontation. He's ready for it, hoping she is too. Pulling into the driveway, Jeno parks the car, takes a deep breath, and steps out. But when he enters the house, his breath catches. The house is a mess—lamps knocked over, stained couches, pillows scattered and their stuffing torn apart.

"What the hell?" A dark gruesome color of red is spread around the walls making it hard for Jeno to even breathe. Bloody fingerprints and deep dents are forcefully imprinted on everything. All the mess leads straight to the kitchen door, which is off its hinge. “Baby?”

The kitchen floor is barely visible as it's covered in different colors of shredded plates. The trashcan as well as the refrigerator are both knocked down, displaying the takeaway Jeno ate yesterday by himself and latest groceries he bought… ruined now. Jeno hastily turns around running up the stairs following the trail... His face twists with confusion as he walks towards their bedroom when he spots a long trail of... dried stains of blood on the carpet. His heart is beating fast.

He swallows back immediately opening the door of the room. He peeks inside and just like that… his heart stops as his whole world begins to shatter. It happens so quick that all that Jeno can hear is his heartbeat, in between each strangled and choked cry.

Boom boom, boom boom

"Sir please calm down and tell me what happened?"

"I-I -I don't know- I sa-saw her- on on th-e bed, - her blood all over- She-she isn-t mo-moving or or or bre-e-athi-ng breathing. Please, please- help me!"

He doesn’t even know how fast he got the phone on his ear.

"We are locating you, please stay on the line sir. Help is on the way right now."

"Aki!"

Everything seems to go in slow motion as he rushes to her side.

"Oh god! Oh god! Aki no! Please -" The tears flow naturally and painfully cries. His hand under her damp clothes when he tries shaking her motionless body. Her eyes are wide open with blood enclosed around her pupils. Not only her eyes but her whole body is disturbing and covered in shocking revolting red marks.

The whole bed is soaking with her blood, the walls, the carpet, the drawers- everywhere.

"No!" He cries out loud.

Boom boom, boom.

“Please! I have to be with her!” Jeno yells at the nurse when she’s dragged away rapidly on a stretcher on the hospital floors.

The dried blood on his hands, face, shirt, pants, hair and shoes. The silence is a painful scream to his ears. He sits quietly on the hospital chair waiting. He’s afraid to let his mind think. And when the doctor comes out, Jeno clutches his shirt, the tears coming again.

“I’m sorry sir.”

•

Your tears have long since gone numb from how often you’ve cried for Taeyong. He’s been in the hospital for weeks, coughing uncontrollably and not getting better. You sit by his bed, watching him fall asleep one day... but he never wakes up.

“Taeyong... please don’t scare me,” you whisper through your tears.

Taeyong came into your life as a one-night stand, but he stayed and gave you false hope of a future. But less than a year later, he contracted a deadly virus.

The doctor enters, offering the news you feared. “I’m sorry, the operation didn’t succeed. He won’t be able to breathe on his own for a while. The virus spread too quickly. There was too little healthy blood left.” The doctor continues, “Which has left him in a coma…”

And after four months, with no improvement, the doctors finally decided to pull the plug. Taeyong was gone. You used his savings to give him a quiet funeral, burying the man who brought you a brief moment of happiness.

“I’m so sorry, Miss,” the doctor murmurs.

•

5 Months later…

Visiting the graveyard on rainy days always helped Jeno hide his tears, allowing him to cry without anyone noticing. Today, though, he sits on a bench, umbrella over his head, lost in thought as he watches the world around him. Every day, new tombstones appear, each marked by anguish, regret, and lost life.

After his enlistment, Jeno worked as a bodyguard for a Japanese ambassador, where he met Aki, a kind secretary. Her deep questions pulled him in, and for the first time, he felt alive. They married, and he left his job to start anew. They had plans—until her sudden death shattered everything. Life had taken so much from him. Now, he only had the graveyard to mourn her.

Jeno had noticed you at the graveyard for months, always laying near Aki’s grave. Today, as you lie on the ground, he sees the same sadness in you that he feels. Not wanting to become too emotional, he leaves. Later, as he drinks coffee, Jeno's mind returns to the investigation into Aki's death. The autopsy confirmed she was murdered, but Jeno promised her he'd never resort to violence again. He couldn’t break that vow.

After paying for his coffee, he leaves the café, his feet leading him back to the graveyard. When he arrives, he’s surprised to find you lying flat on the ground beside Aki’s grave. He kisses his fingers and places them on the grave before gently holding his umbrella over you to shield you from the rain.

Curiosity pulls him closer, and he brushes your hair aside to see your face.. You sleep unaware of what's happening. Jeno can't help but notice your beauty, although the dried tears on your cheeks sadden him. His eyes linger on your lips, where a permanent frown remains even in your sleep. It's heartbreaking to see you like this. As the lightning strikes, he quietly leaves.

At night Jeno curls himself in the blanket once it’s night time. Tonight is cold, extremely. He turns on the heater, warming his hands, hoping you'd gone home by now. He didn't want you to stay there, already pale and vulnerable to the weather. He understands the depth of your grief—you must’ve lost someone very close to you.

Getting you out of his head, he performs his nightly duty of walking over to his trailer window and looking at the house opposite from his trailer. The house in which the love of his life died. He had no courage to ever step foot again in that house. However after 5 months, tonight he feels something unusual. As he’s about to sleep… but he finds himself thinking of you. Maybe it’s because he’s been seeing you a lot in the graveyard- but still it feels like an alternative reason, he can’t help but think why you’re always on his mind.

The sound of a hawk hawking breaks you from your fuzzy confused dream. Your mouth hangs open and you look around.

Why are you outside?

You sit up and see that it's raining but for some reason it's not touching you. It's not touching you because of this umbrella... Where did it come from? It's all black and the initials on the hook are 'LJ'. Someone probably saw you sleeping under the rain and had mercy. You quickly get up stretching your muscles when seeing that you’re the only one in the graveyard. You dash out of there with the umbrella. Just the thought that somebody saw you on the floor and gave you an umbrella makes you turn pink. How could you be so stupid and sleep outside? Especially for someone, who never considered you. Huh… you keep making foolish decisions for someone who never loved you.

A few minutes later you make it to your street noticing the dark clouds slowly becoming light. Oh no. Did you sleep at the graveyard? You jiggle the key in your little apartment door and it opens. You place the umbrella down and look at the black object for a while. A little smile gets on your face, just as a tear escapes your eye. Perhaps… it’s time to move on. And not dwell on somebody who makes you look stupid even when they’re dead.

The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with peaceful hues. You finish your shift and head to the graveyard to ask the security about the umbrella left there. You adjust your white dress, then swap your heels for slippers, walking faster. The graveyard is quiet, save for one man standing by Taeyong's grave. You've seen him before, always nearby, sometimes crying, other times sitting in silence. Today, he's motionless. Something about his presence makes you think he might know who left the umbrella.

You quietly set a blanket on the ground by Taeyong's grave, pulling out a flask of green tea. The sweet aroma fills the air as you pour a cup for yourself, then one for the man. He looks like he could use some warmth. You stand and walk hesitantly toward him, bowing slightly. “Would you like some tea?” you offer.

His gaze shifts toward you, eyes hollow and distant. His fingers are pale, cold to the touch, veins faintly visible. Without a word, he takes the cup from your hand and sips it, still focused on the grave. His voice is low and raspy as he mutters, "Thank you."

You don’t say anything, instead sipping your tea while your gaze occasionally flicks to his face. His expression is stiff, emotionless. He stands in front of a grave—Lee Aki. Perhaps a family member, or a lover. He seems so calm, as if he’s accepted the loss. His rigid, hollow profile looks almost disconnected, like he's either numb or trying to reach her in spirit. Is this what love feels like? You lost Taeyong, but never have you looked at his grave with such a vacant expression. There are others who have truly loved.

When you sense his stare, you quickly turn your head away.

“Sorry.” You gulp and nervously bite the inside of your lip feeling stupid and weird for watching someone while they’re in the zone and mourning.

“Did you get home safely yesterday?” he asks, his voice gravelly. “The rain was bad.”

His question surprises you. You hesitate, meeting his steady gaze before quickly looking away. Then, it hits you. You turn back to him. “It was you, wasn’t it? You left your umbrella.”

He nods, his expression unreadable.

“Oh… thank you,” You smile a little. “It covered me, out through the night. So if I’m not sick today, I owe it to you.”

"You slept here yesterday?" He asks quietly. Your smile turns to a saddened smile as you look to Taeyong’s grave. You nod your head before drawing out a long sigh sitting down on the blanket.

"I didn’t think I would. But I did. Stupid right.”

He has no words of comfort feeling a ping of pain in his heart, as the same thing of losing a lover happened to him. After a while, he crouches down lower beside you examining your lovers grave.

Lee Taeyong.1996 – 2024. 28 years... A young age to die.

"It’s not stupid.” He comments softly. You turn to him noticing he’s looking at Taeyong’s tombstone. “When you lose someone you love, it’s natural to do unhinged things.” Jeno starts hesitantly. "How did he pass? If you don’t mind me asking."

"He was diagnosed with cancer. And contracted Aids while still being in treatment for cancer." You nod your head trying to remain nonchalant. "Failed operations and pulled out of coma."

"I’m sorry." he says lightly.

“It’s okay…” You sigh and slump down shutting your eyes. “I just need to breathe.”

Jeno stays by your side for a really long time, not minding that it’s getting late, because he sees you crying with your eyes closed. He’d feel bad just leaving you here and potentially falling asleep here while crying. After your silent cries, you notice he’s still there.

“Thanks,” You quietly say as you begin to get up with his help. You pick up your blanket folding it up. “That really did help.”

"Thanks for the tea.”

“You’re welcome.” You nod your head and put your things in your bag. “Well since we might meet each other again, my name is Y/n,”

“Oh,” He looks visibly flattered… meet again? “I’m X5 Lee- sorry, I mean, I’m Lee Jeno.”

“Well thank you a lot Lee Jeno,” You clear your throat, smiling a little by the little flatter. “I’ll be going now.”

“Go safely.” He comments, as he doesn’t look like he’ll be leaving any time soon. However after two steps you turn back to him. “Uhm hey, Mr Jeno,”

“Just Jeno is okay,”

“Alright, uhm, would you like- I know it’s stupid. But I still have your umbrella in my house. I wouldn’t want to keep it if you need it. Uhm, I don’t live that far from here, so I was wondering, would you, uhm perhaps- I could bring it here and you wait of-”

“Would you like me to escort you home?” Jeno asks, noticing you’re caught in a mumbling rut. Relieved, you smile faintly and nod. You walk side by side, turning when needed, with Jeno keeping pace, watching ahead. You find comfort in the silence, but something inside you urges to speak.

"He was my lover, but he wasn’t faithful," you start, clutching your blanket. "I always waited at home, but he’d disappear. I don’t know why I trusted him. Maybe because he promised so much, or maybe because I foolishly loved him. I just… I’m tired of looking like a fool. He was the last straw. Even now, dead, I’m still a joke. He didn’t love me… How could he leave me like this?"

Your tears spill as you continue, Jeno suddenly stopping to pull you into a hug. Your sobs are uncontrollable.

"Six feet under… and now I’m alone," you whisper through your tears.

You feel a sense of relief letting it all out, speaking to someone who willingly offers a comforting presence. Jeno doesn’t rush you; he simply stands there, letting you cry and mourn in his arms. When your tears finally slow, he gently leads you back home.

"Thank you so much, Jeno," you murmur. "This walk really helped. I told myself I wouldn’t cry for him anymore, that I wouldn’t visit his grave. I just… I wanted to return your umbrella." You mutter softly, more to yourself than to him, but Jeno listens quietly. You fumble through your bag for your keys, unlock the door, and enter, retrieving his umbrella. Turning back to him, you smile, still holding it in your hand. "Thank you, Mr. Jeno—I mean, Jeno."

Jeno watches you carefully, tilting his head as he plants the umbrella down. "I was wondering…" he begins, handing you back your flask. "Would you like a cup of tea sometime?"

A smile gets on your face and you let out a breath. “You don’t think I’m crazy do you?”

"No," Jeno shakes his head softly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "And I don’t mean to assume, but my wife used to say that… letting go is all about letting it out." He pauses, nodding slowly. "I had a rough past, and she... allowed me to let it out. In every way possible. I let it go completely so it wouldn’t haunt me anymore." He looks at you with understanding in his eyes. "I can’t speak for you or Taeyong, but if you ever need someone to listen… I’m all ears."

His kindness and gentleness seem to radiate from him and settle into you. You feel the urge to cry again. No one has ever made you feel like this. "You’d really listen to me? To all the mess in my life? What about your wife? Won’t she—"

“She’s the one I visit at the graveyard.” Jeno says softly, offering a small, tight smile. Your heart aches as you look at him. "Well... I should probably get going now."

"Oh, right. I must’ve taken up so much of your time," you reply, clasping your hands together. "Thank you again. You’ve been so kind."

He shakes his head, grinning gently. "No, I offered to walk you home. It was truly my pleasure."

"Thank you... I work at Jaehyun's Café," you say, your voice a little shy. "I’m not sure when I’ll need someone to talk to, but if you ever come by, I’ll be there." You blush, suddenly feeling vulnerable, but quickly try to shake off the feeling. You didn’t mean to sound needy. You bid your farewells, and he walks off. His leather jacket hugs his broad, masculine frame perfectly, and for a moment, you can't help but steal a glance.

As you gently close the door behind you, you press your forehead against it, letting out a deep, sad sigh. That man, Jeno, had lost his wife, and yet, he’s offering you the chance to finally open up. Your life has been nothing but loneliness and disappointment, especially with Taeyong. You had met him when you were a stripper, and he paid for your time, slowly luring you into believing in him. You had fallen for his promises, his words, even stopped stripping to be faithful. But in the end, he left you—betrayed you.

To think that this stranger, Lee Jeno, is offering you something different… a chance to truly let go. You nod to yourself, feeling something shift inside you. “Let go.”

3 days later..

At work while weighing the tables you keep a careful watch on Jeno. Glancing over at the table, Jeno is sat with Jaehyun, your manager. Your mind is at work but your focus is on Jeno. His intention was to see you for sure, but as he saw Jaehyun memory after memory filled his brain and he wanted to catch up with Jaehyun. Jaehyun being one of the boys who was adopted and escaped the harsh aftermath that the rest of the boys endured. Jaehyun was also one of Jeno’s best friends.

They spoke and laughed while you watched in contentment, you were happy. It’s nice just also seeing Jeno laugh. You try to ignore the thoughts running in your head. "Ah man. Enough about me, how are you? Did you find a wife like you’ve always wanted? And had all those kids?” Jeno asks.

"I love being a dad. I did get married. To a beautiful bombshell chick, she’s made all my dreams come true. She’s no I.U, But she’s all I see.” Jaehyun chuckles. “I remember how we used to sit up late at night with stolen magazines from school and just cheek out all the fine girls. I remember that weirdo too, Jisung was it. He would snitch on us and all our magazines would be confiscated.” Jeno nods and laughs at the faint memory… His mind couldn’t go that far into good memories, when all he remember from his childhood was the abuse and endurance.

Jaehyun sees the fading laugh and knows that Jeno has gone through a lot. After he was adopted, he lived a good life. But seeing Jeno after so long, and seeing his once bright and young friend who was always bubbly look so down casted, Jaehyun can only imagine the pain his friend had endured. "Now I know why you're here, not for me." Jaehyun smirks. "The special."

Jeno looks confused. "The special?"

"The special." Jaehyun says again becoming giddy in his seat. Whenever Jaehyun would create something new he would allow his customers a free sample so he could get feedback on how it tasted.

"Well, I don’t know about special, I actually came for tea," he glances at you quickly. "But I can have your special too."

Jaehyun stares at you and his mouth forms and ‘o’ shape. "Finest employee here. She's the vice manager," Jeno's eyes glister.

"Really?"

"Nope, but she does an excellent job. If I can tell you a little thing about her, I’m happy that he lover passed. I know I shouldn’t say such, but he drained her a lot. You’re a good guy, and I hope you can make her happy.”

Jeno’s eyes widen slightly. “No I wasn’t-”

“That’s what you say now, but I can see your eyes. She really is the best,” he raises his hand catching your attention. You smile. Jeno loves your smile, he thinks it’s better than the frown that was on your face.

"The special. Two," Jaehyun grows in countess.

“Two specials coming up," you smile heading behind the till.

Jaehyun carries on talking about his new daughter, filling Jeno in on how much his daughter at times is even better than his son.

Jeno's eyes divert to you, as you’re walking with a tray of two cups in your hands.

He tries not to look at you for too long and forces himself to look away and back to Jaehyun. However, when he looks at Jaehyun, Jaehyun has a naughty expression on his face causing Jeno's cheeks to deepen in color and shame.

"Two specials. Here’s your order." You place the tray down removing the cups. Jaehyun stands up swiftly and walks over to you picking up the tray. “Sir?”

"Enjoy the special," he says and makes you sit down in front of Jeno. He shoots Jeno a flirtatious grin and waddles away to the new customer that has entered.

Jaehyun is seriously full of surprises. Here you were thinking that you were making for him and Jeno, so you made sure that it tasted the best so that he wouldn't reprimand you. But yet here you are with this fantastic cup. You look up from the cup and to Jeno when he clears his throat.

"He’s quiet a talker. I'm sorry for the delay... For keeping you waiting. I didn't think I'd talk for that long with Jaehyun," Jeno excuses himself, surprising you. Jeno really is a modest person and is aware of his actions.

You giggle at his nervousness. "I get you. What can you expect from someone who hasn't seen his friend in a long time?" He looks at you and nods his head. “I’m surprised you know him,”

“He’s left a very big impression on me.” Jeno clears his throat, not wanting to get into the type of conversation about his past and all that. "Tell me about the special," he takes his spoon dipping it on the coffee mixing it around.

"Jaehyun and I were just playing around with herbs and different varieties–" His phone vibrates on the table making you stop. He doesn't even glance at it and tells you to ignore it. "Oh really? It looks important," You insist. When his eyes meet the screen, he calmly excuses himself from the table.

You watch Jeno near the restroom, looking down, deep in a call that seems important from the way he speaks and adjusts his sleeves. He returns to the table, but instead of sitting, he picks up the cup and takes a sip. "The coffee tastes amazing, but I have to leave," he says. "Something came up." He looks at you, hoping for a reaction, but you just seem disappointed. Jeno doesn't want that.

"Oh... that's okay. I should leave too. My shift ended a while ago," you motion to Jaehyun, who's smiling gleefully. Jeno smiles slightly and nods. "Thank you for coming. It was good seeing you."

"I’ll come again," he says, helping you up. "Can I walk you home?"

"That would be nice, yes." After packing up, Jeno waits by the door. Walking beside him, you feel a little nervous and want to ask about the call but hesitate. He looked so happy earlier, but now he seems distant, like when you saw him at the graveyard. "I hope I'm not being too forward, but you seemed agitated on your call. Who were you talking to?" You ask. From the corner of your eye, you see him stiffen but quickly regain composure. You really want him to open up, especially since you both met at the graveyard. "Talk to me, please." You feel desperate. "I mean, you don’t have to. We’re strangers who met because our loved ones’ graves are next to each other. I’m sorry," you ramble, catching yourself.

Its silent for a second but then he clears his throat. He continues focusing his eyes on the steps he’s taking. You’re cute when you ramble on. But Jeno can’t even think of you right now. Especially after the call he got. "I was on the line with a detective. He's working on my wife's murder." He answers eventually.

"Your wife was murdered?" Your heart throbs. "I'm sorry, I shouldn’t have... I'm so sorry… to hear about that. I never even..." You try to remain calm but the news is too traumatic. He mentioned his wife once but you never thought that she was murdered or... "How long? I mean, I’m sorry. How long has this case been going on for?”

"Five months." he says tightly. He doesn't share more, already feeling… tight. You look trustworthy but he doesn’t want to take chances with you. He doesn’t want to open up his heart too early. It’s what happened with his wife anyway. He opened up too quickly.

Meanwhile you’re feeling so guilty for making him reveal that. So you continue walking quietly beside you. You’re tempted to just tell him to go where he needs to go- assembly the detective’s office. Yet your eyes spot a tree. “Are you in a rush?”

Jeno’s head looks to you. “Maybe after you get home safely, then I might rush.” He answers honestly, but quickly adds on, so that you don’t feel like he’s chasing you. “But this walk is refreshing.”

You nod your head, feeling slightly relieved. “In that case, do you believe in luck?” You open up your purse taking out your wallet. You scour for any coins and luckily you find some. You stop near the tree that has a fountain around it. “This tree is known as the fountain of luck.”

"What does that mean?"

"It’s like a fountain that grants luck. It’s pretty stupid but-”

"Why do you always call things stupid?" he suddenly asks, shaking his head. "It’s not stupid if you believe in it." Being with Aki, Jeno learned a lot about life, especially how to be unapologetically yourself. He doesn't like seeing you doubt yourself so much. "I hate to say it, but it’s unattractive when a beautiful woman like you keeps putting herself down. You're not stupid. Please stop thinking that way."

You blush heavily, and Jeno can even see it. You feel flustered… and foolishly for doubting yourself. But you also feel warm and hot.

Jeno searches for a coin as well in his pocket. “I don’t really believe in luck, because it feels like a probability. But if it’s something you believe in and want me to try then-” he tosses the coin in the fountain. It springs up forward from his thumb landing with a sprinkling "drrp!" He looks back at you, but you quickly look away but not quick enough because he caught you staring. Caught admiration when looking at him. "And do I assume I’m lucky all of a sudden?"

"Yes." You take your coin and toss it in as well. “This is about belief and faith,"

"Faith as in religion?"

"No, just faith. Whatever you believe will come true… will come true. Then you make a wish."

He looks at you for a second and closes his eyes. If this is a wish, then he'd have to think realistically… If any of this is real… please let there be real evidence this time with the detective

He opens his eyes and hears you throw your coin in the fountain. After hearing the drrp sound he gets an idea. He puts his hands in his pocket. He turns and faces you, breathing out. "I'll take a chance with you,"

Your eyes widen when hearing his words. “A chance with me?”

“It’s not what you wished for right?” He attempts to joke, but scratches his head. “I’m just hoping that this time around there might be real evidence that the detectives found. For months now, it’s been a dead end. They want me to believe it was a normal break in gone wrong, but with the way I found her I can’t believe. So with that, can you come with me?”

You suck in breath feeling incredibly… lucky. “I want to accompany you.”

Jeno removes his puffed jacket covering your shivering body as you both wait for the detective to call you up in his office. During the afternoon it was hot, but as the day progressed the sudden windy temperature caught up with your work uniform (a short sleeved dress that was above your knees) and it didn’t help that you entered the police station whereby the aircon pumped out such cold air- instead of hot air. "You didn’t have to,” You smile warmly. “Thank you,”

“You’re welcome.”

“So, we’re actually here and I never even asked about her,” You quietly let out, and take a look at Jeno, who’s in his long sleeved buttoned black shirt. It’s hard to believe someone as handsome as he has already been married. “How long were you married for?”

“2 years.” He responds quietly as well. His eyes looking distant again. Everyone thinks that it’s because of her death that they couldn’t continue, but all that Jeno can think about is the divorce.

“How… old are you?” Curiosity gets the best of you.

A smile breaks out of his distant features. “26. We got married pretty fast. I was 24 and she was 22.”

“And your parents didn’t say anything about it?” His smile slowly drops.

“I never met her parents. She resented them and never wanted to talk about them, so when we eloped, we never did. I’m an orphan, so we related in that way. She was the bravest woman I’ve known. Amazing, humorous, sarcastic, intelligent, and so beautiful. She had the most adventurous spirit. She made me feel alive. She was perfect in every way.” His eyes smile as he talks, and then he asks, “But I guess that’s how it is when you’re still young and vibrant. How old are you?”

“24.”

“You’re so young.” He smiles to himself. “How old was Taeyong?”

“28.” Jeno recalls seeing it on the tombstone. “But yeah, I don’t really wanna talk about him.”

“I understand.”

You breath out. "Anyway, your wife…” You smile at the description of his wife. "She truly sounds amazing." You say.

"She was." You nod her head loving how in love he sounded. Just from the little he gave about her, the look in his eyes never die out. Taeyong never looked like this.

"You really did love her,"

He closes his eyes, feeling the burning in his heart. At some point, even if he didn’t want to, he’d have to give her up. Forget about her. Removing her from his spirit wasn’t something he was ready for. "I did." But. He had to accept it. Especially since he couldn’t grasp the connections to her ‘death’.

"Lee Jeno.” You and Jeno look up when hearing the secretary call out his name. “Detective Na is ready for you."

You arrive at Mr. Na's office, but it's empty. Soon, a frantic man enters, noticing you both. He runs a hand through his hair. "I see you’ve brought a plus one," he says, dressed in a dark buttoned shirt and black suit pants. He places large pictures on the table. "I called you in to show you these," he says, observing Jeno for any sign of recognition. But there’s none. “You don’t recognize any of these men?” Detective Na asks, his eyes fixed on Jeno’s face for a reaction. But Jeno’s expression is empty—no flicker of recognition, nothing to go on.

Jeno runs his hand through his hair, a slow exhale escaping him. “No. I don’t know them.”

“They’re connected to Aki. They were with her in the days leading up to her death.”

Jeno looks down at the pictures, the unease crawling up his spine. Jeno looks at all the pictures, side by side and tries to link the face to a place he has been at, or a fond memory. But sadly nothing comes to mind. "Who are these men?" Jeno asks.

The detective tells Jeno to sit and he does. "These are the men Aki associated herself with." At that Jeno tenses up and looks back down.

“An affair?”

Detective Na shakes his head. "I doubted it too, but something's off about her death. When I looked into your account, I became interested in the day she went out for 5 days, came back bruised, and died after 3. You mentioned her father called, but I couldn’t find records of them meeting. However, I found these men. They picked her up at various locations." He points to the 5 blurry pictures of men with tattoos. "After 5 days, she came home looking bruised, as you said."

"She said it was allergy reactions," Jeno swallows back.

Detective Na nods. "Did you believe it?" Jeno shakes his head, his eyes on the men. "The next day, her father dies in a car accident, right?" Jeno nods. "But when I looked into his case, something felt off. He was badly injured, but had bullets on his chest. I believe the same person who targeted him also killed her." Detective Na pushes two photos forward. "These men have petty crime records, but they're clean now. They were seen with both her and her father. I was hoping you recognized them."

"I don't understand what business she had with these men. I don’t know who they are." Jeno mummers feeling defeated. "Do you know what connection she had with them?" He asks.

As if detective Jaemin read his mind he speaks up, "We are not yet sure exactly what kind of connection they had because after they disappear under a tunnel, we never see them again. We only see her 5 days later. But now, I’m certain and know for sure that these are the men she had contact with on her last days."

Jeno is quiet with his eyes on the photo’s- none of them ring a bell. You in the background are also shocked and mimic his expression. He said that she resented her parents, so you can only imagine how deep and serious this case is. After some time Detective Na speaks up. "Don't worry. We'll get down to the bottom of this. Thank you for your time Jeno, I'll contact you when anything else comes up."

Jeno seems to have recovered since he stands up, but the red around his iris shows that he wept a little. You walk closer to Jeno and puts your hands against his back, he just looks at you as a sign of thanks, but he just feels like he needs to be alone. This case has dragged on with no leads, and now this.

One picture catches your attention as you look at the table. You visibly freeze as your eyes look down closely at the picture and point at it.

Detective Na notices her, "Miss? Is there a problem?" He asks.

"I know this man," you answer. Jeno and Detective Na look at you and wait for you to explain. Jeno’s heart beating with hope, while Detective gets his thinking ears open.

You look at Jeno, "This was Taeyong's friend. One of his best friend’s."

"Taeyong?" Detective Na curiously asks, getting a pen.

"Taeyong was my late boyfriend. This is his best friend," You repeat for him. "Mark Lee."

"Mark Lee."

Its silent in the room and Detective Na allows the both of you to sit. Jeno just watches you as you look at the man in the photo. “I think his real name is Min-hyung, but I-”

“That’s the name we got, but it never appears on our records. But you called him Mark Lee.” Detective Na gets to writing down quickly. “I’ll run a fact check on this.” Jeno turns to the picture once again.

The man in the picture had a mean looking face and wore a black t-shirt. Revealing the tattoos on his neck and arm. He looked scary and dangerous with his piercings and tattoos. Jeno wonders how on earth his wife knew this man… and how you know this man.

"How can I address you?" Detective Na asks.

Jeno answers for you, providing Detective Na with your name.

"Y/n, do you know what Mark Lee does for a living? He was your deceased boyfriend's best friend, I'm sure you knew him on a personal level." Detective Na questions.

"Yes." You think back to your moments with Mark Lee. You don’t even know what to reveal. You’re not about to admit that you were a stripper and slept with him. “But not that much, my boyfriend didn’t like me hanging around his friends.”

"That's okay. Do you have any essential details on him? Tell me about your boyfriend. You said his name is Taeyong. Did he have a surname? What did he do?"

"Lee Taeyong... He was in a gang, but it wasn’t serious—just a group of guys with bandanas. I’m not sure about his actions, but Mark and he were close. I don’t know the gang’s name, but I recognized the members." You rub your neck, feeling hot. Jeno processes the information. Aki involved in gangs? Was she doing drugs? And your boyfriend, a drug dealer? Wait, no one mentioned drugs... maybe it was just a gang of thugs.

"Taeyong and Mark would sometimes come by my house and count money," the detective nods his head listening. Typical gang behavior, he thinks.

"Did Mark by any chance mention 'Workerz'?" The detective asks.

"Workez with a Z? Yes he mentioned it quite a lot. I don’t have a clue of what it meant, but he’d say that there boss is probably are Workerz." You explain with confusion. "I don’t know.”

But for Jeno, he freezes when hearing that name… Workerz. That was what they called the orphanage boys. Jeno doesn’t know whether to say something, or keep it to himself. He just listens to you as the detective seems pretty satisfied. "Okay thank you Y/n. May I request one thing from you?" He asks. You peek at Jeno who has the same stale expression. He nods his head giving your permission to accept.

"Yes, you may."

"Are you still in contact with Mark Lee?"

You think for a moment. There was a time when Taeyong’s phone was being tracked, so he used yours… So you’re pretty sure, if you search perhaps your old phone, you might retrieve the number. "No, I’m not in contact with him. But I may have his number,"

"During this week when you have time I need you to raffle him up a bit about what he knows about Lee Aki. That’s if you’re in good terms with him. Sometimes when we detectives go on scene they tend not to be truthful and take the M.I.A. road," You nod eagerly instantly feeling involved. Jeno stays silent in his seat unable to say anything because of how the situation turned around and landed between him and you.

"I can do that." You answer. “Jeno?” You look to him, but he’s looking at the Detective, who also speaks.

"That's all you have to do. Don’t worry Jeno, I won’t make her do the hard work. We'll handle the rest of the ground work and searching up these names. We just want to know how he reacts to the name." He says. “Do I have your approval?”

Jeno nods his head. “Anything for Aki…”

His eyes are enough for the detective, who’s pretty satisfied with the gathering of the session. Meanwhile you and Jeno leave the office and the police station. After leaving and commenting on how you were surprised to see Mark’s picture, you notice that Jeno is silent. He’s probably trying to understand how on earth he got lucky. “It was the fountain.” You suddenly say.

Jeno recalls the fountain and his wish. An empty smile gets on his face as his eyes are still on the ground. He forgets to reply out loud, only leaving you with his fading smile. You just gulp and walk beside him.

"Jeno?" You call. He looks over at with a short 'hmm'. "Are you mad at Aki?" He stops turbidly and looks over to you, his eyebrow raised.

"Aki?" He asks.

"I mean the involvement and connection she had with those men." You say a little bit timid by his sudden serious gaze. He continues walking and makes sure you’re following him.

"You still have connections with one of them," he says. “Aki died and you somehow know this man?”

"What's that supposed to mean?" You ask feeling a little mad at the structure of his words. “What are you insinuating Jeno? Don’t forget I’m still a stranger.”

"You." He sighs. "Look, Aki died because of whatever connection she had with those men. I don't want you to put yourself in hot water because of this," Jeno says. "Aki clearly showed that whatever it was that happened behind closed doors did not end up well and the result of that was death." Jeno's behavior changes slightly...maybe its just your imagination but he seems angry at her..

Your slight anger diminishes as you somehow understand his uncertain frustration. "Jeno, please trust me." You stop him and hold both sides of his shoulders, before holding onto his face… surprisingly yourself when you tilt his head towards you so that he may look at you. "I believe in fate. If us meeting up and somehow getting to this result is for a purpose, then I’m more than happy in helping you.”

"To prove what?"

“I don’t have to prove anything. If there’s a reason I saw that photo on the table and spoke up, it’s because you said you want to take a chance with me. You opened up about your wife. Jeno, it’s no coincident that you asked me to come with you." You look into both his dark eyes. Despite the depths of seriousness, you see pain and worry in them. "Don't worry so much, Jeno. The fact that there's something I can do in order to help you, then I will do it."

He looks at you for a minute or so and holds both your wrists on either side of his shoulders and brings your right hand to his face kissing the back. “Thank you.” Did he do that unconsciously? His eyes pane down. “But it’s just too much right now. Too real and too soon.”

“Do you wanna know what I wished for?”

He stiffly chuckles still with your hand in his… his thoughts consciously aware that he’s holding your hand. “What?"

You smile in return your fingers having a mind of their own as they graze his cheek which is soft. His eyes look to you. “That I may be of help to you. We met in the graveyard because coincidentally our loved one's graves were beside each other.” You let out. “There has to be a reason we met… the same way you wanted to be the ears I speak to, I just want to be of help to you.”

Jeno let’s go of your hand, just as you let go of his face stepping back a bit. Your heart reminding you that you were close to him, close enough to feel warmth. "But you have to promise to tell me first before you tell the detective,"

"No problem." You say immediately.

"I’m just worried that Aki…" he hesitates a bit, but he shakes his head. "Involved herself with the wrong crowd, I don’t want you to get hurt. Especially since you believe in faith and whatnot. I don’t want you to get hurt." He says.

After Jeno drops you off, you search for your old phone. When you find Mark’s number, you call, but it goes straight to voicemail. Hoping for a text response, you wait.

Your phone buzzes at 2 a.m.

Mark: Dang, appearing like the ghost from Phantom of the Opera. Heard your voicemail. Come by Saturday at 8 p.m. I’ll be ready for you.

You stare at the address, realizing you don’t have Jeno’s number or know where he lives. Wednesday to Friday pass without seeing him. Saturday arrives, and you take an Uber to Mark’s address. The area is lavish, and the apartment complex is impressive. You check your outfit—black strapless dress and daring ankle-high matte boots—something you know he’ll remember you in.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is," The sight of a green haired male gets your attention. You see the hair first, but when moving down, your eyes meet with the same passionate eyes belonging to Mark. He opens the door large and smile. “Still as sexy as ever.”

"Hey Mark," You smile stepping in once he holds your hand and guides you in. He kisses the back of your wrists and twirls you around as you step into the lit home foyer. You giggle already being familiar with him. After he shuts the door and you wait for him, you aren’t expecting him to wrap his arms around your waist from behind and moan out in your ear.

Mark smiles wickedly, his gaze lingering on your figure as you step into his space. His eyes track every inch of you, a dangerous warmth behind them that feels almost predatory. “Still got it, huh?” he teases, but there’s something more beneath his words. Something darker. As his hands find their way to your waist, you can feel the tension in the air, the predatory edge he’s barely concealing.

“I’m not a stripper anymore, Mark,” You say, your voice a bit firmer than before, trying to push him away. But Mark just laughs, a sound that makes her skin crawl despite the familiarity. Trying to make the atmosphere manageable you speak. “How have you been?" You ask guiding your hands on his chest trying to push him away but he laughs and places a soft kiss on your cheek.

"I've been missing you babe," he says letting you go as hand holds the tips of your fingers. He leads you further and deeper into his house. "Seeing you is like seeing a person come back to life.” You smile at how sweet he's being, it gives you goosebumps. The way he's behaving now, you can smell what he wants from you. And you don’t even know how far you’re willing to go. Taking a seat on the couch, you turn to him. He examines you with smirk on his face. His eyes already undressing you.

"You want me already?" you gush and flirt back a little.

"How can I not? You’re hot." He starts observing you up close. His hand lays on you thigh and you shift under his gaze.

"Mark..." You let out.

"Dang you’re still so gorgeous," he adds. "Oh look at me, where are my manners? I'll go get us some drinks. What do you want babe?"

"Even if I say water you won't get it for me," You let out making him chuckle.

"You pretty much don't have a choice, wine and tequila it is."

"No problem. Do you need my help?"

“Nah, baby, sit your fine ass down and wait for me,” he says, heading to the kitchen. You get comfortable, scanning the photo frames on the wall. One picture catches your eye—a New Year's Eve shot from when you first met Taeyong. You’re wrapped in his arms, both smiling at the camera, fireworks in the background. You sigh, thinking of how things could’ve been with him. “Babygirl?” Mark’s voice breaks your thoughts as he approaches with a tray of shot glasses and alcohol. Seeing the photo, he smirks. “Don’t tell me you’re actually crying over him?”

“Sorry. Old memories,” you apologize. You expect sympathy, but Mark doesn’t change. He leans in, planting gentle kisses on your cheek and slowly moving to your lips.

Intertwining your fingers with his, Mark finds a sweet spot on your neck. "You're too fine to be crying over him," his lips connect with yours.

Maybe because it’s been a while, maybe because you’re emotional, but all you know is that you take the lead as you and Mark being making out. Mark guides you to the couch where you lay on your back and he gets on top of you. He engulfs your neck with kisses, nibbling on your skin before licking and sucking, trying to leave a mark. You quickly pull away from his kiss when suddenly Jeno pops up in your mind. "Sorry," You apologize. "I can't do this,"

"You can babygirl," Mark refuses to get off you.

As tempting as his body feels on you, you push him away getting slightly upset. "I said no."

"Come on baby Taeyong is dead-"

"That doesn't mean you should try and sleep with me Mark. I said no!" You end up pushing him sharply and he does back up. But with a bitter chuckle, he gets off you. He closes his eyes- pissed that you didn't give him what he wanted. Then again you shouldn't have kissed him and led him on. Taeyong was his friend. And right now you’re not trying to get yourself indulged in that life.

"I'm sorry Mark," You say lightly. "I shouldn't have–"

"It's okay." He stops you and pours himself a glass of wine. The irritation palpable. "Do you want a drink?" You shake your head. "Fine then." He drinks his glass all in one go pouring another from the tequila bottle. "If you’re not here to ‘catch up’, then why are you here?” He asks with a bitter tone while downing another drink.

"I came for closure," you say, prepared for this conversation. Mark raises an eyebrow, his irritation turning to confusion. You’ve got a story ready, knowing he’ll be suspicious if you mention Jeno’s wife. “I need to ask about a specific girl, and since you were close with Taeyong, I thought you could help.” Mark drinks the tequila, ignoring your words, clearly trying to get drunk. He’s not interested in talking, and he knows your body speaks louder than your words. As he finishes the bottle, he pours himself more, mad but uncaring. You keep refilling his glass, knowing his drunken state might work in your favor. "Are you going to help me?" You ask as he shakes the empty bottle of alcohol.

"Ask away," he leans back on the couch closing his eyes after dropping a defeated sigh and the bottle down on the floor.

You begin. "Do you know a girl called Aki?"

You expect him to freeze and be stunned at your question, but instead he shows no reaction and answers plainly. "The hoe?"

Being surprised by the answer, you’re the one who freezes. "Lee Aki was a hoe?"

“Lee?” He furrows his brow. "Assuming you’re talking about a hoe, I fucked someone by that name. I don’t know if Taeyong fucked her.”

“Okay assuming I am talking about that Lee Aki, can I ask what happened to her? I heard she died.”

His eyes suddenly open and in a slow manner he looks at you dead in your eyes. You try to play it cool, but he looks locked in. “Hold the fuck up.” He mutters.

"What?" you ask completely frozen, trying not to be suspicious.

“Why are you asking about this hoe?” He sits up looking curious for a bit. He looks drunk, but not drunk enough to fool.

“Like I said, I want closure. Taeyong was said to have aids on his last day. Where the hell did he get that? It surely wasn’t me. So I found out the last person he slept with, which was Aki, so I wanna know who this girl is. And seeing that she was in a photo with Taeyong, I figured you might know her.” You lie convincingly and that has Mark’s suspicious face turning to confusion.

“Don’t tell me that bitch had aids too?” He grunts and leans back.

“I’ve been trying to get a hold of her, but it’s like I can’t. I found out that she’s dead. That’s why I’m here. If you fucked her, and called her a hoe then it means someway, somehow you and Taeyong know about her death as well. Did she die of aids?”

"Dang babygirl let me breathe.” Mark sinks deeply on the couch folding his arms and seemingly trying to relax with his eyes shut as he exhales. “These are questions that you should be asking Zha. Not me.”

"Zha?”

You don’t know whether he’s drunk or just plainly confused about everything- yet when his eyes shoot open and his head springs up from the relaxed posture as his eyes are clearly on you, you know that somehow, you’ve hit a nerve… “Where’d you hear that name from?”

“Which name?”

“The name you just said now.”

“Zha?” You blink at him. “Well, you just said it now. You said these are questions for Zha.”

Mark tilts his head and sits forward knowing he mistakenly said his thoughts out loud. “Fuck. Okay. Babygirl, if this is for closure then I suggest this is where you draw the line. All I’ll tell you is that this Aki bitch is dead and Taeyong is dead. What more closure would you want? Let that sink in, and let that be.”

“Now I’m curious of who this ‘Zha’ person is.” You question.

“Don’t be curious of who he is.”

You shake your head. “Take me to him. I just wanna know about Aki.”

“Are you mad?” Mark shakes his head and looks sane enough to look at you in pure disgust. “This is where you draw the line. I mean it. Aki’s dead- are you fucking serious?” He pauses as if realizing something. “Now I know what bitch you’re talking about. Her husband opened a case about her death- babygirl. Hold the fuck up. Don’t tell me you’ve got anything to do with that case?”

Your eyes widen in pretense. “I know nothing about case and or her husband. So you mean to tell me she had a husband, but still slept with Taeyong?”

“I keep telling you I don’t know anything about Taeyong sleeping with her-”

You find his hand and grab a hold of it tightly. “You must know something about her! I can’t move on from him without knowing about this bitch. Did she sleep with Taeyong? Did she have those aids? Is it her fault that I don’t have him in my life anymore?”

“Fuck- cool it already. Dang baby. Taeyong is dead. Stop trying to-”

You feign fake tears. “I can’t do anything else in my life without knowing the truth about why Taeyong had to die and reject my love. I was perfect for him-”

“You know what, fuck it. Stop questioning me about Taeyong and this Aki bitch.”

You drop his hand. “Fine. It seems to me like this Zha person has all the answers I need. So I’ll stop questioning you… only on one condition. Take me to Zha and I’ll ask-”

“Are you fucking insane?” Mark shakes his head. He doesn’t seem drunk anymore- just more agitated and pissed. “You want me to take you to Zha so that you can ask him petty questions-”

“These aren’t petty questions-”

“Trust me to Zha these are questions that can have you… babygirl, you could get killed.” Bingo. You think to yourself. So Zha is the person you need to see. “Just for even knowing the name of someone he has taken off the grid is already risky.” He says, seemingly confirming that Aki was taken off the grid. “Look here baby, Zha is not like me and Taeyong, he’s… someone that you don’t want to startle. He’s too fast, too... ready for violence. Like he’s been trained to react before he thinks.” Mark runs his hand past his hair, zoning out a little. “He’s a crazy motherfucker, who I can’t recommend you talking to. Fuck it could even be your last fucking day on earth-”

"Then go with me.”

Mark can only stare at you full of disbelief. “Did you not hear anything I said now? Fuck Taeyong. Your life is at stake if you go and search for stupid things. Taeyong is dead and that bitch is also is dead. Leave it at that-”

“I'll let myself out." You stand up picking up your bag not waiting for him. You already know that Zha is the person you have to speak to. You’re so deep in your own head, that you don’t realize when Mark’s hand wraps around your wrist pulling you back.

"Don’t be stupid. Look, I don't want you getting hurt,"

"Then go with me to Zha,"

He looks at you like you grew facial hair. "Are you crazy? I can't put you in that position."

"Fine then I'll get the answers I want from him myself. I'll find out who he is myself–"

"Stop talking nonsense." He groans pulling his hair back. "You don't understand just how stupid you’re being. He’s not the one you should be messing with."

"Mark I knew this was dangerous the moment I came to you. But look, I still trusted you." you hold onto his arm. "If you take me to Zha then I know you'll protect me as I ask these questions. Won't you?"

“He won’t even want to speak to you if he knows what you’ll talk about.”

“Then get me to him. Lie if you have to-”

“Do you want me to die?” You shake your head. He steps back looking at you like you grew a toe on your head.

“Mark if you know him, then I can trust you. I just need this closure. Please. Mark please.” He slowly nods his head and searches your eyes. You feign innocence trying to get to know, and it’s working.

“Do you really want to do this?” He slightly pushes you against the door leaning down to your face. "Are you sure you wanna do this?"

You nod your head firmly. He hesitates for a moment but finally nods his head. “I’m 100% sure and I don’t want you to forget this when you’re sober. Please Mark.”

"Fine. I'll take you to him." He says. "But I'll have to come up with something. You’re saying ‘no’ to me for sex, but with Zha, there’s no such thing as ‘no’. He won't give you a choice. The only way to get him as a woman… is through sex. Are you still sure you wanna go through this?"

"If it has to happen then okay. I need to know."

Mark shakes his head. “You’re stupid.” In order to help Jeno, you have to be stupid.

•

"So? What do you say?"

"No."

"What? Jeno—"

"I said no," he replies, walking to the chopping table where he was preparing food earlier. "The detective said not to do anything else. They'll handle it. I don't want you getting hurt."

"But I want to help."

"Why?" he turns around, trying to stay calm. "Why do you want to get involved?"

"Don't look at me like that," you sigh, frustrated. "I just want to help you."

"Help?" He folds his arms, waiting for an explanation. After everything with Mark and the plan to meet Zha, you're surprised by his resistance.

"Jeno," you call softly. "I care about you. I don’t want to see you hurting forever. I buried Taeyong knowing the truth, but you don’t have closure on Aki’s death. The people who did this to her are still out there, and I happen to know one of them. If I can help, I will."

Jeno looks away, closing his eyes. “Aren’t you worried about your own safety?” He’s uneasy, concerned for you.

Seeing his silence, you speak again. “Jeno, I’m doing this for you. You deserve to know the truth, and I’m here for you." You soften your voice. "Remember that wish I made by the fountain? That I may be of help to you. We met in the graveyard because our loved ones’ graves were beside each other.” You pause, as if realizing something. “There has to be a reason we met… Just like you wanted to be my ears, I just want to help you.”

"Are you doing this because you truly want to help me?" he asks, and you nod slowly. "Or because you want to return to Taeyong's world?"

You pause, trying to understand. "This isn’t about Taeyong. It’s about Aki. I’ve already told you, I want nothing to do with him. How can I move on when someone like Aki is still trapped in that world? You deserve to know the truth about her." You look him in the eye, hoping he sees your sincerity. It’s hard to deny your feelings for Jeno. "I know I didn’t know her, but she deserves to rest properly."

"Okay. I'll let you do your thing, even if I don’t like you being in that dark world. You barely know me, yet you're risking your life." He says stiffly, hiding his true feelings, not thinking it matters to you. You smile at his inner conflict and, on tiptoe, kiss him on the cheek. Jeno’s shocked, only able to stare at you. You’re nothing like Aki, but you've shown him the good in the world. "Just be careful."

“I’ll report everything right back to you.” You stop talking for a little while and wait for a perfect time to speak about the next part. And that time is during supper time that you tell him the supposed plan in place, or rather trying to fill him in. "Mark told me about his leader, Zha. It seems like this Zha has a part in Aki’s disappearance. Mark’s words were ‘Zha took her off the grid’, so unless that means what I think it means, then it surely means that this Zha person is who I should be meeting."

Jeno frowns at Zha's name – trying to see if it rings any bells. But it rings none.

"Mark stated that the only way I can get Zha’s attention… In order for me to meet Zha- or rather the way Mark made it seem…" You clear your throat, getting a bit tongue tied when Mark told you what you’d need to do. “I have to be a mistress of some sort-” Even though you say the words kindly, Jeno’s face turns sour and he grunts shaking his head. "Please just listen.”

“You're going to sleep with him."

"-It's the only way to meet him-”

"-so that’s why you were so pressed on doing it. You’re there for sex-"

"It’s not like that. What the hell? It’s-"

"What if you become a mistress not only to this Zha guy but to his whole crew? You mentioned Mark and how he stated to fucking Aki and who knows maybe your boyfriend as well fucked her- do you actually hear your own words right now? Aki got killed because of them and you want to dip foot and willingly sacrifice yourself just because of some stupid wish you made in the fountain? Your boyfriend who’s 6 feet in the ground now got aids because of sleeping around, and you want that fate for yourself?”

"Jeno I assure you that as long as Mark is around nothing's gonna happen to me. He’s there to protect me.” You try to ease, but as soon as Jeno’s eye stare and bore into yours, you feel that you shouldn’t have said that.

"Mark this, Mark that. Mark?" He shakes his head. "Wasn't he the bad guy? Since when does he protect?”

You swallow, feeling guilty, as Jeno stands and takes the plates to the sink, avoiding you. "It's for Aki," he repeats in his head, trying to detach himself. But it’s too late. You've become a source of help and emotional support for him. He can't change his mind now, but he wonders if the only reason you agreed to this was to get back into that world. Maybe you don't feel the same for him.

After you leave, Jeno finds himself staring at old pictures of him and Aki at work, but his mind isn’t on her. It’s on you. He hates that he can't help you, feeling like a bystander. He wonders if he really fell for you or if it was his heart’s doing. Maybe you’re right, and your meeting was meant to happen. Still, he doesn't want to lose you too. You just met. He types out a message to you, hoping your meeting with Zha goes well. After a deep breath, he puts his phone down and continues his work.

You're grateful to Mark for getting you here — an empty, secluded warehouse under a bridge. It's dark, and the timing's not ideal, especially since Mark only told you about Zha wanting to meet tonight. You tried to dress up without overdoing it, but Mark didn’t give you many options or details about Zha. It’s almost like he wants you to figure him out yourself.

"Don’t be nervous," Mark keeps saying, rubbing your shoulders. "Zha’s hard to read. Can’t tell if he’s mad or just blank. Just stay confident. He hates seeing fear. Most hookers tremble around him, and he hates that. Be tough, and maybe, just maybe, he’ll take you seriously and answer your questions."

He leans in close and gives your cheek a kiss. But you simply exhale. “You haven’t told me anything about him, but hearing this now only makes me nervous.”

“Don’t be, he smells fear.” Just as Mark pats your butt you hear the sounds of an engine driving in the darkness. Inside the warehouse, the only sound you hear is the angry rumble of tires on gravel, slowly drawing closer to the open passage. The large vehicle, the only source of light, stops, and you stand up straighter, folding your arms. This is it. The light shines on your face, and you realize you've been in the dark for far too long. You look away, moving toward Mark, but don’t feel him behind you. Instead, you cling to his words: ‘He smells fear, so be confident.’

Just the sound of the front door opening has you holding in your breath- while your heart pounds in your chest. A man with a hoody steps out not even sparing you a glance- is that Zha? He looks angry… wait maybe this is someone else, since he opens the door of the backseat, standing strong like a bodyguard. “Is this the slut?” The bodyguard looking man asks…

“Shut it Slick.” Mark comments. Meanwhile you’re dead focused on the entrance of the vehicle.

And then your eyes catch onto the dark red-haired male in the backseat. Without a doubt, you know this man oozing out a silent yet deadly aura is the man that Mark has been warning you about, Zha.

He steps out, well-groomed and exuding an expensive aura. Tall and stylish, his designer clothes—smooth black leather pants, an unbuttoned blazer over a black silk shirt—reveal a toned chest. His slicked-back dark red hair accentuates his face, making him look elegant and prestigious. His appeal is undeniable, with a masculine edge that could easily mislead you into thinking he's a gentleman. But his confidence radiates a self-assuredness that warns you not to bet on his kindness. It's when his calculating, cold eyes meet yours that you realize he's far more dangerous than he appears.

He doesn’t smile, smirk, or show any emotion. His posture is rigid, his face blank and impassive. With four deliberate, measured steps, he stands before you, looking down. You hold his gaze, knowing this is the moment to match his cold confidence. You feel his eyes trace your body, slow and deliberate. “So you’re the next.” His voice is deep. Your breath hitches the moment you hear it. “You look like you’d catch feelings fast.”

You take a bold step forward almost touching him. Your gaze never leaving his, only allowing yourself to look up to him with your tantalizing gaze. "Love is not my weakness,"

"It shouldn't be your strength either." He says underneath his breath while using his index finger to trace the sides of your face. “You look…” He quietly fades, his alluring and profound voice having a personality of its own. “Like a mistress I once knew.”

“That’s good to know.” You smile and tilt your head, following and matching his actions.

“And that’s annoying.” He finishes catching how you try to mimic him. “The mere sight of you, reminding me of her, makes me want to stab you."

Before you can grasp what he says, you’re left gripping onto his hand and arm that bulks up the moment it grabs and catches onto your neck, squeezing and not letting you go. You cling onto his arm and try not to yelp, but you choke on air. In return you feel him demonstrating how much tighter he can go- he squeezes so much more and begins to lift you up making your breathing strangled. All throughout you keep your eyes on him, not breaking eye contact with his blank and stale face.

"You’re so petite, you could break in my hands.” His hand lightly loosens but he still has his tight hold on you. "Besides your beauty, are you worth it?”

"I don’t know who this mistress was, however do you want me to be a brat while you grab my neck like that? Or would you like to put me down so that I can answer like I’m worth it.” You answer tightly choking by his grip, which gets his lip twitching into a little smirk, before he lets you go.

You weakly catch yourself once he lets your neck go- and cough out still keeping your eyes on him. “The real question is are you worth it?” You flip the question back to him. “Worthy of my beauty.”

He finally smirks and before you know it- he’s grabbing your cheeks tightly bringing you close to him. “You’re just like a raggedy doll. So frail. So weak.” You notice that his voice is barely above a whisper, as if not really speaking to you. His hold yet again is tight and squeezes so dearly that you have to stop yourself from reacting while he smiles and finds your struggle comical.

But you contour back, not liking how he’s dragging you like a piece of paper. “My guess is, whoever this mistress of yours was, you never had any control over her, since you keep dragging me around.”

“Shut up.” He whispers. "Your beauty can save you from many things, and you’re lucky your voice isn’t annoying. But know one thing about me, nothing you do can save you from my wrath."

"What wrath? With a face like yours, the most I could be worried about is your dick being too small and your ego being large.” He chuckles lowly and squeezes your cheek one last time, before removing his grip and patting your cheek.

"Zha, she’s—" Mark cuts himself off when Zha shoots him a sharp look. Mark doesn’t seem frightened, but he definitely doesn’t want to provoke Zha any further.

"Your job is done. You brought me the girl; now go back into hiding, until further notice." Zha turns his gaze back to you, his eyes scanning your face. "Unless you want her? Or are you considering sharing her with me?"

Mark looks at you, and you see the internal conflict play out in his eyes. He shakes his head, firmly denying it. "Never. I wouldn’t want to share." So much for Mark’s claim that nothing would go wrong when he's around.

"Good," Zha replies, his voice cold. "I hate sharing what's mine." He releases his grip on you, and you straighten yourself up. You remind yourself to keep the balance between defiance and confidence. You rub your neck and cheeks, trying to steady your breath. Your eyes stay locked on his, as his smile grows wider. "Was that too tight, my mistress? Apologies."

You put your hands back down assuring him that you’re okay. He begins to walk around you in a circle very slowly, examining your body.

"If it was based on your beauty alone, you’d not be pleasing to my eye. However, as I trust Mark and his selections, you are my mistress now. Do what I say and you’ll live. No pun intended. Got it?" He asks.

You smirk. "Crystal clear." Even though in your head, you doubt everything that’s happening. What the hell are you getting yourself into?

"Beautiful," He nods his head, the little smile disappearing from his face. He places his hand out for you to take. You take it and follow him to the car.

Mark is on the passenger's seat and looks at you once before avoiding all eye contact all together as you enter the car. The only thought racing in his head is how this is a bad idea and could cost him everything with Zha. He hopes you don’t screw this up for yourself.

Zha gentle pulls you next to him when he enters. "I know you’re not pleasing but it doesn’t mean you can’t come closer. Come closer." The car starts moving.

Your phone buzzes in your pocket. You sit on it a bit hard muffling the sound as you move closely. That must be Jeno. Shit. What have you gotten yourself into.

•

“Mistress, this is us,” Zha says calmly as the car comes to a stop. As expected, he opens the door and extends his hand, waiting for you to follow. From this angle, you notice how he strikes the perfect balance between godly handsome and dangerously intimidating. How on earth are you going to ask him about Aki without putting yourself at risk? You’ve already pushed his boundaries, and you never even bothered to discuss the plan with Mark.

“Be careful,” Mark mutters quietly. He must feel the same unease. You say nothing, but take Zha’s hand, putting on your best face as you step out of the car and follow him.

"Will I be living with you?” You question as you look up to Zha. You’re not a tall girl, but amongst most girls you’re considered tall. However with Zha, you undoubtedly still find yourself looking up to him, indicating that he has a great height over you- and that makes him feel good since he’s got a proud and arrogant look on his face when looking down at you.

He doesn’t say anything as he shuts the car door and bends his elbow. Taking it as a cue, you hook your arm over his and follow him toward the massive, sophisticated glass building. The edges of the building are illuminated with a reflective neon purple light, and your gaze drifts up the sleek black glass structure, which seems to stretch up into the sky. There’s an ominous aura about it, though undeniably beautiful—more striking than any other building you’ve seen. Dark, yet somehow glorious.

During the car ride, he remained silent, simply folding his legs with his arm draped around your shoulder while you sat, too shy to move. But now, standing outside, you feel your confidence slowly return. With Zha walking beside you, you can’t help but wonder how this whole “mistress” arrangement will play out. You hope it’s just a one-time thing, but something about the whole situation feels off.

“So. Zha. What's the deal? Why are you bringing me in here? Are we going to do a quicke?" The glass doors of the entrance are both pulled open by guards in uniform. Your eyes instantly enlarge when seeing the inside of the pent building. You’re too to speak, but the chandelier above, the gold textiles set as decorations or used for the walls, has you shutting your lips, just so you don’t seem out of place. Compared to him, you’re underdressed and surely don’t look the part to be in this place. Mini skirt and sleeveless top paired with heeled stilettoes. Your whole attire being black.

“Did you just assume you’re here for a quickie?” Your ears perk when hearing his question. He scoffs, almost chuckling. “Did Mark not tell you that you’ll be my mistress?”

"He did, but I’m not sure what exactly a mistress should be doing. Are you going to be fucking me everyday-”

“In other words you blindly accepted this offer.” He smirks. "This will be fun.”

There’s a large foyer that we pass, as another door man and receptionist greet Zha as we walk past them. There are two elevators and the left one is already open. We step in and the doors spirals to a close. Literally.

“Now we’re alone.” His eyes go down your body once more and you feel violated. “Don’t be nervous, it’s not as though I’ll ‘fuck’ you everyday. You’re here because I need companionship. And since Mark brought you up to me, I trust all his recruits have something I'm lacking in my life.” He whispers out as he holds your shoulder and you feel his lips over your shoulder. “Alcohol seems to have no effect on me anymore, hence I need a more tangible asset. And you,” You catch the glistening in his eyes as he checks you out, before running his hands up your arm to your shoulders so that he can kiss your shoulder again. “Well you tick the physical box very well.”

You can’t help it when the corner of your lip tilts downwards. Shit. He leans down about to kiss you, yet the elevator dings and stops him. You breathe out looking away from his handsome face, but that has him taking in your appearance even from the side. Unlike what you’re expecting, the elevator opens up behind you, instead of in front of you.

“Don’t worry, mistress, we’ve gote plenty of time to talk.” His lip goes up. “Welcome,"

"Wow," The colors blend well with each other, a dashing peach gold and brown mixed with white. "You have no guards in here?"

"Wouldn’t it be weird if they watched me fuck you?” He answers with a smirk. “This is the only place I’m Unknown to everyone. On the register downstairs, it’s like you’ve booked this room just for yourself." His deep chuckle enters your ears as he walks deeper in the house. "Wine or juice?"

"Water." You dare him, still trying to process the words he said. You feel so underprepared. You are clearly not ready for this. Mark must’ve known that you weren’t ready, but still he hooked you up? That doesn’t make sense. Zha’s lip twitches up as you begin to unbutton a few of his shirt buttons down. "Sparkling water," You add when he holds onto your hands.

You simply smile and follow him up a few steps to the open pantry large kitchen. He sets two glasses on the table as he pours something sparkling in one glass and juice in the other. He hands the glass to you, once you’re done. “Usually Mark is spot on, however you’re not like the bimbo girls he typically brings. Humor me. You look like the first mistress I’ve ever had, so I wonder what exactly you can bring to the table.”

“This mistress must’ve been one hell of a star, since you keep mentioning her,” You smirk as you take a sip of your… white wine, your taste buds note. You hum approving of it’s strong yet satisfying taste. “So good,” Before you peek back at his modestly clean and charming face. “So, Zha, I’m curious about something-”

"Being curious with me can get you in a lot of trouble Mistress," He watches your reaction, before he continues seductively as he draws closer to you. He doesn’t waste a second in lifting up your body placing you on the counter. You gasp a little with a smile and place the glass down and allowing him in between your legs. “I prefer to be the one to do all the talking,”

“What fun would that be?” You whisper as you bring him closer to you by his neck.

“Mark stated that you were Taeyong’s girl-”

You surprise Zha as you ‘shush’ him and place your finger over his lip. “Let’s not mention other people’s names. I’m yours now Zha,”

“Fuck,” He curses lowly as he attaches his lips to your neck. Your legs wrap around him just as your hands- but as quick as you do that, he breaks contact with your neck just to look you in the eye. “You’re a bit ballsy,”

“I know,” You hold his face, just want to get it going so that you can know how if he’ll respond well to simple questions. However he smirks as his big warm hands go underneath your skirt.

“Mistress, we still haven’t gotten to know each other. How can we proceed?” His eyes, having this pretense of innocence, when you know really that he’s dangerous.

“You’ve got very alluring eyes.” You comment, ignoring his words.

He smirks, before he sighs. “Tell me, do you know anything of what I do? All I require from you is honesty. What is it do you think I do?”

You shake your head and set your arms back, seeing as though he wants to talk… perhaps you can shoot your shot. “Hearing what you’ve said, I think you kidnap girls and bring them to your abandoned warehouse and make them your mistress.”

That actually gets a full-fledged chuckle out of him. “Cute. You’re not entirely wrong. I can also add that when these mistresses step out of line and do things I don’t like, I’m not afraid to end their life. I do this without hesitation.” Just looking into his eyes as he says the words, you feel a chill go down your spine. “It’s why Mark has to bring me a new one once in a while.”

Just staring into both his eyes, you don’t make a sound as he runs his hands over your thighs.

“A game I like playing, is how long will they last.” He smiles, as if feeling successful in frightening you. “Tonight’s your first night. Let’s give it 2 weeks, and if you survive, then you’ve beat the previous mistress world record. Now.” His lips tilt upwards. “I’ll repeat this again, I prefer to be the one to do all the talking. If you talk so much you might not make it past day 2.” The stare begins intense, just as your posture is frozen on the him. “So, I’m curious, what do you think you’ll be doing here?”

That’s a question you’ve been wanting to ask him, now he’s asking you. Your shrug your shoulders, clearing your throat. “Uhm, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re confused.” You gulp, but trying to remain confidence. “It’s no joke anymore. And since Zha is a freaking ghost or off the grid, he’ll be making me his living cum dump and pump me whenever he wants. But, what I’m more curious about is what ‘you’ are going to do to me. Zha is just a front and will kill me after 3 days or 2 weeks,” You boldly lean close to him. “I’m more curious about the man I know isn’t living as a ghost. I have a feeling he doesn’t have the same motives as Zha. Am I right?”

"Jisung.”

You pause in your long chaotic speech before focusing on his word. “What’s that?”

“My name.” He leans close to your neck instantly sucking a spot that you tremble upon. “It’s a name you whisper and shout behind closed doors.”

“Mhm, Jisung,” You moan out when his hand lifts up your body and roughly has a grip on your hands. “So why’re you telling me this”

“Frankly I don’t think you’ll be alive long enough, plus I like your voice. Say my name again.”

“Jisung,” You moan and hold his biceps tight. “So why the scary name ‘Zha’? Is that like a codename?”

“Mr Zha was my father. I liked his name so much that I took it.”

“Interesting,” You kiss his neck bringing him much closer then before. All thoughts of Jeno or Aki or even the plan leave your mind when you’re tossed on the couch and Zha… Jisung… wastes no time in lifting up your shirt and skirt. While he unwraps you, you don’t hurry the process of removing his clothes- instead when he’s done with you, leaving you alone in your bra and thong- your leg stretches out to his chest. His big hands take a hold of it, but you giggle and back it away. “Oh, Jisung, why am I the only one getting undressed?”

His eyebrow raises as he peeks at you.

You tease by running your toes over his crotch while the other one attempts to go over his lips- seeing if he’s got a foot fetish. And surely enough, his moist tongue goes over your toe and you moan. “Hurry Jisung, get undressed and feel me already,”

He smirks before undressing, keeping his eyes on you. Aside from your appearance reminding him of that damned lady- the first mistress- Jisung finds himself being drawn to your tug and pull nature. Heck, you even got him to spill his name. And that’s something he never does.

It’s clear Zha… Jisung has done this a lot of times, being balls deep and busting out in ecstasy, but you’re still shocked at how tight you felt… You left the stripping world a long time ago and only allowed Taeyong to touch you, and that was rarely, as he had his own hoes. Basically that left you becoming a virgin all over again for some months. So while Zha lays beside feeling and looking satisfied, you sit up and run your hand past your hair. “I was tight. Meaning I didn’t enjoy it.”

“Excuse me?” His rusty, low, after sex voice has you scoffing.

“I’m surprised you enjoyed that.” You tease as you get up, draping his shirt over your body. “Where’s the bathroom so I can wash up and probably finish myself just right?”

“I could kill you.”

“If you’d kill me over this, at least I’ll know why the others died fast. Lack of satisfaction down there.” You turn around and walk away with a mischievous smile on your face. For some reason, you feel empowered by his lack of action to try and kill you. There’s something holding him back from killing you, however you can’t deny it may work with your plan.

After your shower- you’re surprised to see him behind the door waiting for you. “I should be killing you for what you just said.”

You chuckle and retort. “But for some reason, you wanna satisfy me. This mistress, must’ve really done things to you.”

Jisung’s jaw locks before he washes the anger and stale away from his face, replacing it with a smirk. “Pick any room you like, I’ll follow you,”

It’s not much of a choice, as you don’t really know where anything is, but as you walk into one and see that appliance and things are spread out, you know it’s his room.

“Now strip.” You remove the towel and turn around to him, so that he can have a look at you. He doesn’t visibly tremble, but you take note of how his eyes turn into commander mode. “Get on the bed and spread your legs.”

“So bossy,” You giggle and do as told. With your legs open and looking at him, you watch him draw closer before his head disappears down to your core. “What are you planning on doing?”

“You said you were tight. Meaning you couldn’t fully enjoy my package,” He responds. “And I know I’ve got a good package, which I don’t want you missing out on or confusing. You’re the problem, and I have to fix that.”

“And how do you intend to do that Zha?” You giggle.

“I’m going to have to eat you out.”

•

6:18 a.m.

Jeno’s awake and checking his phone, hoping that you got back to him. When he sees no missed call or message from you, his brows furrow. Why haven’t you replied to him? He rereads his old message, trying to see if indeed he sent it to you.

Jeno:

Good luck tonight! I hope it all goes well. Please call me when you’re done.

As soon as he’s done getting dressed, he’s outside of his trailer and in his car driving to work. Around 06:45 when he gets to work, he parks his car and waits till it reaches 7 a.m.. Meanwhile he picks up his phone again, but still you have not responded. He already disliked the idea of you being with some other guy, and he knew he’d be worried for you, however he didn’t think it would be this bad. Not only were you taking chances but you were risking everything just for him… he didn’t like that. It’s supposed to be the other way around, him sacrificing a lot for you… the way he did for Aki, but yet you’re doing what Aki did.

Unlike Aki, you made it clear that sex was nothing special and that you could handle it. It makes him wonder who you really are and why he can’t wrap his feelings around the fact that you could potentially not be good for him- “Stop.” Jeno shakes his head. Now is not the time to be thinking such things. Finally picking up the courage after calming himself down, he puts his phone to his ear.

Your phone vibrates, disturbing your sleep as you lie in Zha's arms. You snuggle closer, but the ringing continues, pulling you from your rest. Your body is pressed against Jisung’s, and he stirs, his eyes squinting as he searches for the source of the noise. Spotting your phone, he stretches to grab it. When he sees the contact name, his eyes widen in irritation, triggering a memory he wishes to forget.

Jeno. Remembering the person, Jisung wonders in his mind how on earth is it possible that he’s seeing that name? Unless of course it’s common name belonging to another person- he slides to answer just to know if really it is another Jeno and not the one he knew.

Jeno’s heart skips a beat when the phone connects. He calls your name joyfully, no longer feeling any of the distant thoughts. “Hey, are you okay?” What matters is that you’ve picked up his call... However you don’t respond. “A-Are you well? I’m sorry for waking you up, I was just worried about you, you didn’t return my calls yesterday. So, how’d it go?”

“How did what go?”

Jeno blinks his eyes before pulling the phone away from his ear to read the name displayed. It’s your name, but that’s not your voice. It’s a male. Perhaps Mark… no, that voice… it sounds familiar. “Who’s this?”

"I’m wondering the same about you," the voice is deep and raspy. Jeno doesn't recognize it. Is he still with the suspect? He’s about to ask if it's Zha, but the man speaks first. "I see your name is Jeno. I feel wronged you don’t remember me. Then again, we never actually spoke. The only time you did was when you caught me not swallowing the pill. Or have I mistaken you for someone else?"

It doesn’t take Jeno a long time to instantly click who the deep voice belongs to. That’s Jisung! The boy who got caught not taking his pills. “Are you… Jisung? As in Park Jisung?”

The guy chuckles. “I don’t associate by that, but nonetheless that is me.” Jisung's voice takes Jeno aback. Isn't he supposed to be speaking with Zha? Or Mark? Why is Park Jisung speaking to him?

"Long time buddy. What's good?" Jisung smiles. Jeno clears his throat muttering a firm greeting. What the hell is going on? Jisung checks the time on your phone getting back to Jeno. "Speak to me real quick. Why are you calling my girl at this hour, 6 a.m.?"

Jeno’s mind flashes back to the orphanage and his harsh training. He clenches his jaw, remembering how he stopped taking the pill and became hyper-aware, focusing on performing well to escape that hell. The memory of his wounds makes his back straighten. Though faint scars remain, nothing compares to the pain he’s feeling now, as if it’s happening again. He clutches his heart, breathing heavily and groaning. Jisung hears the heavy breathing and he too recalls being caught… because of Jeno. He doesn’t say anything, but tries to analyze Jeno just by hearing the voice. Jisung scoffs with a faint chuckle. The all powerful Jeno Lee sounds weak.

“What do you want Jeno?” He lazily says, running his hand down your hair. Allowing his fingers to smooth over your head.

"I... I..was just Uhm wondering if Uhm....Y/n would be at work today?" Jeno eventually answers.

Jisung looks down at the girl soundlessly asleep in his arms. "You work with her?”

"No. She uh makes nice tea..." he says barely above a whisper waiting for Jisung's next words.

"Nice Tea. Sounds delicious. Let's meet,"

At that your eyes flatter open, trying to know if the convo you heard wasn’t part of your dream… Shit, it seems to be true. Jisung cuts the call before his arms cover over you and he squeezes your butt.

“I’m not a fan of you working.” He speaks as if knowing you’re awake. You stay still, ignoring him, but your hair is yanked back, and you’re dazed when your tired eyes meet his. “Neither am I a fan of this customer having your number. Get up and dress.” He drops your head, and it hits the pillow as he leaves. You try to find your phone but can’t see it. Did Jisung just take it?

You take a deep breath and prepare for the day. After finding the shower, your legs ache, and you're drained from all the sass with Jisung. You grab your underwear and find your clothes in the living room. Without makeup, you look simple and moderate, not the same baddie from yesterday. You leave your hair down to ditch the clean girl vibe. After dressing, you wait in the living room.

You hear his shoes before seeing him. Based on yesterday, you expect a similar look, but you're surprised when he walks down in a large white furry jacket. You fold your arms. “There’s no way you work in the warehouse in that.”

Getting closer to you, he looks at you up and down before his eyes scrutinize your face. He wears black shades with red lens and his hair is slicked back. Inside the white coat, there’s a black shirt with white buttons and he’s got on white pants with black slacks. He looks expensive. “After we’re done in your workplace, I’m taking you to get pampered.”

“And what about the things in my house, we could always drop by there to fetch-”

“As if.” He rolls his eyes and moves past you. “Let’s go.”

Jisung takes you to his private underground parking. He picks a luxurious 6-seater SUV and opens the door for you. You take his hand and get in, wondering when to ask for your phone. As he starts driving, he asks where you work and enters it into the GPS.

“I’m guessing you’re not a morning person.” He starts off. With your head facing the other way, you don’t bother giving him your attention. “You’re much quieter today.”

“Must be because you took my phone, woke me up rudely and refuse to go to my house.”

He hums out and faintly chuckles. “Appearance is important to me. Judging from how you wore yesterday, I can already tell the type of clothes in your wardrobe. Just sexy short skirts. I want you to be decent, presentable and erotically suggestive in the right way. I don’t want everyone to exploit you with their eyes.”

Your brows furrow just as you shift your gaze and turn your head in his direction. “Who exactly are you going to be presenting me to?”

“You don’t need to be presented to anyone to look presentable.” He comments. “But if you must know, you’ll be presented to me, every single day. If I don’t like what I see, I don’t want to see it again.”

You nod you’re your head with some annoyance. “I see. And my phone?”

“In my room. Why do you need your phone?”

“Okay Jisung-”

“Zha.” He straightens out. “When we’re outside you address me as Zha.”

“We’re not outside, we’re inside your car. Jisung.” The annoyance slips out. Annoyance at the fact that you just woke up and you’re not in your usual environment. And to top it off, you don’t have your phone and you feel agitated that he doesn’t trust you- bringing back Taeyong flashbacks. Must be why you’re annoyed. “Look what exactly is a mistress in your mind? A maid or what? Last night you said you wanted companionship- not to be my boyfriend who’s over protective. I do not appreciate staying in your place and being forced to take rules-”

“I didn’t force you to do anything. You decided on your own-”

“That’s why I’m asking you what is a mistress in your mind- because at least if I know that, then I’ll know if I’m prepared or not, and then I can just leave if I’m not.” All thoughts of Aki have left your mind as you argue for your worth and value. You sharply stare at him, waiting for him to answer. His eyes look blank behind the red lens as he is completely unbothered by you. “Are you gonna say anything?”

“I’m regretting even asking you a question. You’re on fire for no reason.” Unbothered and just blunt. You try not to make a fuss and look out the window. “Where do you live?”

“What for?” You stubbornly answer, just as the thoughts slowly begin to get in your head that everything you’re doing is for Jeno. Shit. It hasn’t even been a day and you’ve forgetten. Zha- or rather Jisung is a whole world on his own, that you don’t even realise anything else.

“Word has it you work at a café, meaning a uniform environment.”

“I’m supposed to be off today.” You state.

“Might as well go to announce your resignation.” Your mouth gaps as you stare at him ready to rebut but he beats you to it. “It’s clear to me now that you’re not a morning person, so don’t even think about what I’ve said. Just go with it.”

“So you’re a waitress.”

“I make the specials as well.”

You stand by the table where Zha’s eyes go over the menu in hand and he smiles. “Ah- that’s what you were missing. You didn’t have your breakfast, must be why you were so grumpy.” He chuckles when you annoyingly look away. “Why don’t you come and eat with me, make someone else on shift make breakfast for us. Come on,” He smiles up at you, with a charming gleam in his eyes. “Sit,”

He holds your hand and pulling you close to him, and making you sit on him. “J- Zha what are you do-”

“We’re ready to order,” He snaps his finger in the air, getting the attention of one of you. “By the way, I don’t know what I was thinking, your uniform is so sexy. I could pull it off with just my teeth,” His voice whispers as he tugs on your collar with his teeth as he looks at you in your eyes. “Short skirt, long heels-”

Your cheeks blush when hearing the waitress clear her throat. “Your order?”

“Get us a breakfast special. 2.” Zha lets out, still focused on smelling up your neck. You hold onto his chest gently pushing him but he chuckles. “Why’re you getting so shy?”

Thankfully he doesn’t go as far as displaying public affection, however he does keep you on his lap running his hand over your behind as the other is on his phone. The screen is too dim to see anything. “So why are you even here? You said you don’t want me working- something along those lines.”

He inhales. “That’s before I saw the place, the manager and the potential client I’ll meet today.” He puts his phone away. “In short, it seems promising to be a perfect cover for you and myself.” Not getting it, you just keep your eyes solely on him but he tilts his head and his gaze shifts to you. “Who’s Jeno?”

“P-pardon?”

“Why do you have to stutter and delay? Who is Jeno?” He says each syllable. “Somebody called you this morning, he happens to be someone I know. Not only that, but you see your manager over there, he doesn’t recognize me, but I know him.”

“How?”

“Answer me first.”

“Oh.” You quickly think. What did Jeno introduce himself as? “Well, I made for Jeno some tea at the graveyard and he loved it so much that he uh become a customer here at the café.”

“What were you doing at the graveyard?” He asks with confusion.

“I had a boyfriend-”

“Ah Taeyong,” Zha nods his head. “Aids right?” You nod your head. “Who was he there for?”

“I believe his wife,” Seeing as it’s the perfect time to bring it up, you add her name. “Something Aki.”

“Aki? Japanese woman. Can’t believe he married.” Zha self comments, before he looks ahead and tilts his head. “Aki…” He says one more time, and you watch his face shift into wonder, and you’re so happy. He must know her. Just as you think that his eyes light up a little before the turn blank. A blink of a second. “Can’t be.” He mutters before facing you. “You still mourn for Taeyong?”

You shake your head. “No. It was a long time ago.”

The breakfast special arrives and you attempt to get off Zha’s lap but he begins feeding you, and you smile feeding him as well. “That’s good morning for you. Are you happy now?” He asks as he watches your smile get on your face as you chew and nod your head. You don’t look at all like the mistress, but your posture, voice, body and even hair, give him flashbacks of when he was under that damned roof as a sold slave. The mistress to Mr Zha was friendly, tempting and got whatever she wanted. She never hid her intentions.

Looking back now, Jisung recalls the first time he saw her. She made him feel like he wasn’t a human as she went on to grab his manhood and eagerly told her husband how she wanted him. Jisung was just a boy… Innocent too. In that house, he had no control while Mr Zha was around. The mistress went along and teased Jisung by having intercourse with the other servants and other time, Mr Zha participated – showing Jisung for the first time how a man has sex with a woman. Half the time he dissociated while watching her and him… Until it was his turn.

You watch as Zha’s face turns dark and he stops moving. Holding onto his cheek gently, moving his stiff face to you. His eyes blink once and he looks like he snapped out of whatever he was thinking. “Are you okay Zha?”

He clears his throat. “You asked me what a mistress was. Can I answer now?”

You hum, curious about his thoughts. “A mistress is someone who pretends to be innocent, yet controls everyone around her. But I see it differently. To me, a mistress obeys the hand that feeds her, losing her independence and becoming a slave to the man’s will. That’s what I want from you.”

“That sounds shallow.” You pout, smiling as you kiss him. “As your mistress, I want you to be proud of me, to show me off. You sound different now from the guy who told me to be decent and suggestive. You sound like you want to degrade me. Am I someone to degrade? Or is that the difference between you, Zha, and Jisung—who seems real, not shallow?”

You don’t know why you’re even saying this to him. You want to let go of his cheeks but with how his gaze softens you simply run your hand past his hair and remove his glasses looking at him deeply in his eyes.

When Jeno walked into the café during his lunch break, he was focused on seeing Jisung. But as he entered, his eyes locked on a couple being explicit. Scanning the room, he did a double take when he saw you. At first, the man didn’t look like Jisung, but as he got closer and you noticed him, Jeno saw it clearly—this was Jisung. But the sweet boy he remembered was gone. “Jisung.”

Annoyed, he shuts his eyes, wondering who’s disturbing his peace by calling that name. But when he sees the broad, toned physique of Lee Jeno, his expression shifts from irritation to… pleasure. “Wow, you haven’t changed a bit,” he says slowly and smoothly. You get off Jisung’s lap as he stands.

You’re only surprised that really Jisung knows Jeno. “You know each other?”

Jeno watches carefully, his expression hidden but alert to any shift. Meeting a Workerz isn’t something he does every day, especially without knowing Jisung’s past or his ties to Zha. And seeing you so close to Jisung only adds confusion—especially after hearing Jisung call you his girl, even though you only met yesterday.

“This man,” Jisung gestures to Jeno, “is why I was kicked out of hell and thrown into this dark world. Lee Jeno—favored, respected, always first in that hellhole where they turned us into soldiers. I never thought I’d see you again. I expected you to be some bodyguard or soldier for a high official. But look at you, ordinary. I heard you lost a wife. Why don’t you sit? We’ve got plenty to catch up on. I’ll even ignore how long you kept me waiting.”

It seems you’re dismissed as both Jeno and Zha… Jisung take a seat. You thought the phone call in the morning was a dream… yet these two men know each other. Jeno looks hyper alert and reluctant at the same time while Jisung is eager and hosting this friendly face that you don’t even recognize.

“Some days ago, I was sure you and Jeno had a thing. Who’s that mysterious guy?"

You jolt and turn to your manager Jaehyun who looks through counter watching the two men. “Oh,” You exhale. “It’s really complicated.”

"Tickle my ears." He smiles warmly while mixing up a drink and handing one to you.

"I like Jeno.” You confess. “I really do. I just... Feel guilty for what I've been doing. And what I'm doing is to get his happiness, but the measures for that happiness is me doing something I don't really like," You answer.

He nods his head taking a seat next to you taking a quick scan of the dinner making sure the customers where satisfied which they were. "Does this have something to do with Jisung?" He asks.

And your eyes enlarge. “You know him?”

Jaehyun shrugs. “Not to the point where I can say hi. He’s a boy from my old orphanage home, just like Jeno.” Your ears are shocked by what he says. Orphanage? As in orphans? “I was much older than him. He was a lonely kid growing up, and we all found him to be weird. Anyway I got adopted so this is the first time I’m seeing him. He looks good. In the whole speech you were making about doing what you don’t like, does it involve him?”

You can only nod your head.

“For what it’s worth, I can tell you that Jeno is a gentleman, he's a good man, hardworking and only has good interests. Jisung on the other hand looks like a gentleman, but there’s something off about him. If what you’re doing is to get Jeno’s happiness, and if it’s also really worth it and you want to make some impression on Jeno, I can assure, that if he likes you as well, he won’t want you to be in a position where you’re forced to do something for him. Just let it go, and let everything flow naturally. There’s no need to force anything. Jeno already seems interested in you. Jisung, by the looks of how he was holding you, seems cunning.”

You gulp and face forward looking at the two man. “But that's the problem. I want to help Jeno but Jisung has all the answers,"

Meanwhile on the table between Jisung and Jeno, Jeno still hasn’t said a word as he listens to Jisung praise him on how Jeno was the type of guy everyone looked up to. “I never got to thank you for ratting me out and setting me free.”

What is Jeno supposed to say to that? Hence the best answer being silence. Surprisingly Jisung goes on to talking about his forced adoption and how it didn’t work out, that he ended up running away and trying something for himself. “Man to man, PSTD will leave permanent scares that it’s often hard to start something new without thinking of the past. I can’t even lie, I’m not the same boy that I once was.”

Even though it’s not something to respond to, Jeno finds himself speaking. “Have you sought out treatment?”

Jisung chuckles when looking at Jeno. “The best treatment I’ve found is vengeance. Speaking of which, I heard you had a wife. I never pictured you to be a family man. You were always so angry and focused. How’d you do it? Did you seek treatment after she passed away?”

For some reason, you’re the only thing coming up in Jeno’s mind. The only way Jisung can know about this, is if you told him about it. “She was murdered. I’ve opened up an investigation.”

“Interesting,” Jisung nods his head looking intrigued. “How’s that going? I bet a murder case is tough to solve.”

Jeno nods his head. “We’ve got a lead so far.”

Jisung smiles and leans closer. “Tell me more,”

“It’s classified.”

“Oh bummer.” Jisung leans back on his seat. “Do you have a picture of her? If the detectives aren’t winning, I could get my guys to look into it?”

Jeno forces a smile. “And what are you? Private investigator?”

“I don’t expect you to go around telling everyone. Loan shark.” Jisung smiles. “If you show me a picture I can tell you all about their credit scores,”

“She wasn’t in debt.”

Jisung simply picks up his tea and sips on it looking at Jeno. “You never know.” Before he focuses on the tea nodding his head. “This is some good tea.”

Jeno inhales as he ponders on what Jisung just said. He brings out his phone, feeling curious. He goes into gallery before bringing out a picture. “This is her,” Jeno carefully gives his phone to Jisung.

Taking the phone in his grip, Jisung immediately hums. “Let me guess her name, Aki. Aki Klin. I didn’t know she was married.”

Jeno’s eyes widen. So he does know her. “How do you know her name?”

“Her father was in debt.” Jisung’s eyes go over the picture of the woman, beautiful and petite. He remembers her well. Seeing her in the picture being pressed up against Jeno makes Jisung hand back the phone. “I was warned about him. Turns out he was one of the monsters in charge of our Boarding School.”

That’s news to Jeno’s ears. “What?”

Jisung nods his head. “If I remember well, he’s the one who sold me off to my owners.”

That has Jeno in complete stagnation.

“I don’t know if that’ll help with the investigation, but I’ll look into it and let you know if anything comes up about her.” Jisung gets up and gets his glasses on, before chortling and sitting back down. “I got carried away in our little chatter, that I forgot what I was really here for.”

Jisung leans on the table, and for some reason unlike how he was a second ago, this time with the glasses on Jisung’s gaze has completely shifted into one of being hollow and malicious.

“Just a friendly warning, it’s tragic what happened to your wife, but that doesn’t mean you should hit on my girl.” Jisung states. “I know she’s beautiful and a piece of eye candy, but she’s already taken. I don’t really appreciate you calling her. I had a look at your convo with her, it wasn’t that interesting, but that doesn’t mean I don’t see how you looked at her.”

“My bad.” Jeno says out and nods his head looking down at his phone screen. “I now know she’s taken. I’ll keep my distance.”

Jisung smiles before getting up. That has your attention and you look ready. He nudges his head, indicating for you to follow. “I guess that’s me.” You say to Jaehyun.

“Now it makes sense why you requested a sudden day off. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow,” He comments and holds your shoulder. “And remember, don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing. Break it off easily and don’t get yourself back into trouble. Taeyong was no good, and Jisung doesn’t look that good either.”

“Thanks Jaehyun.” You smile to him before strutting to Jisung who’s watching you with a smile. “Are you done?”

He smiles and wraps his arm around your shoulder. “Done,” You can’t even sneak a look at Jeno… even though you can feel his eyes on you, as Jisung leads you out the door but pauses and turns to Jeno- which you take as an opportunity to look at him as well. “We should stay in touch just in case I find something.”

“Appreciate it.” Jeno tightly smiles and his eyes glance at you. “Nice seeing you Y/n,” Jeno knows that gets Jisung slightly irritated as he doesn’t wait for you to respond and makes you walk out with him behind you.

“What a sad guy,” Jisung states once he begins driving. You turn to him waiting for him to speak. “But that’s not our business. Let’s take you shopping.”

Prior to you coming to work, Jisung took you to your home to get your uniform, you took it as a chance to get some of the things you needed. Makeup, garments and skin care products. However getting to the mall (a mall that you’re not too familiar with), you’re stunned when Jisung hands you a black card and snaps his finger assigning to you a worker man who’ll carry everything you buy. Feeling somewhat guilty, you try not to spend too much- however Jisung also picks out the things he likes for you. And it’s impossible for you to leave the store with 1 bag- you leave with at least 4-6. In 1 store you leave with a maximum of 10 bags. The poor worker carries everything on his own. You feel bad yet Jisung assures you that it’s that man’s job.

You spend hours in that mall, even eating with Jisung where he tells you how he wants you to keep working at the café. “Jaehyun recognized you.” You end up saying.

“He did?” Jisung picks up his chopstick feeding you the meat. “What did say?”

“Something about you being weird and lonely.” You honestly say. “Something about an orphanage as well.”

“Oh Mistress, we’re not yet in that phase.”

You shyly smile. “Oh I apologize. I just wanted to know how you knew both Jeno and Jaehyun.”

“Yeah well, if you survive 2 weeks with me, you might be lucky to enter into the next phase.”

You find yourself smiling as you sip on your cold drink. “A phase that no other mistress has passed.”

“Exactly.” He looks at you with an abrupt smile. “Good luck.” You know he won’t kill you. You have faith. And you also know he probably doesn’t want to kill you, especially since you know Jeno. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

By day, Jisung drops you off at work and picks you up by 6 p.m., letting you do two shifts. By night, you’re tired when you reach the penthouse, but Jisung is gentle, massaging your feet or applying oil to relieve stress. He loves taking care of your toes, always keeping them clean. When you're not too exhausted, you make him special tea and treat him.

Sometimes, he picks you up early from work, asking Jaehyun for the afternoon off. After dropping you off at the penthouse, he disappears until morning. Occasionally, he returns late, smelling awful but claims it’s from being in an expired zone. You don’t believe he’s cheating. Other nights, he comes back late but with no smell, pulling you close into his arms. You’ve started to get used to his routines, and he to yours. So when he picks you up after your afternoon shift, you're excited to tell him:

“Just 4 more days until it’s been 2 weeks.”

"How was work Apple doll?" He asks already changing gears getting onto the streets. You look out your window spotting Jaehyun with a slight frown watching the car drive away. You wish to just tell him that you’re not really choosing Jisung it's only because of circumstances. But then again it's also been days since you last saw Jeno. After getting your phone back, you sent him a text message stating how he shouldn’t contact you and that you’ll keep him updated. All he responded to you was that you should delete your conversations with him. He's been busy with work or as you see it, he's been trying to avoid you- he doesn’t even come to the café anymore.

You don’t know if you fucked up or not. But that pushed you to work harder in order to get Jeno the closure he needs from the investigation. Yet for every time Jisung would leave you in the house alone, you searched for anything valuable such as information, but unfortunately the house was purely just for living with nothing related to work what so ever.

It's been hard getting information out of Jisung as he only wants one thing from you. But even though, you still try to deliver all information to Jeno. Even the smallest bit, such as number plates, to the cars he likes using the most, or how he works in Loan Shark businesses by lending money to individuals in need but doing so in a predatory and illegal manner. The only information you haven't given is that Jisung is Zha. For some reason, you first want to be sure… that Jisung is the one who committed the crime.

Which is way you’re so happy when Jisung says; "I hope you don't mind coming along with me to the warehouse." He focuses on the road driving at an appropriate speed. "There's something I need to do real quick and there’s no time to leave you at home.”

“I don’t mind and hey guess what,” You suggestively say. He smiles and turns to you getting his hand on your thigh. “It’s nearly been 2 weeks. I’m about to surpass your last Mistress.”

Jisung laughs calmly. “Maybe that’s because I want you to surpass the old Mistress.”

“What actually got her… taken off.” You question.

Jisung hums. A rapid image of Mr Zha’s wife flashes in his head. “Let’s just say, she pissed me off.”

“How?”

“Bad enough that I stabbed her. With a fork.”

You’re silent, as you get chills. Other times you forget that you’re literally sitting next to a man who might be a mastermind orchestrator in a murder… or mass murders.

“Don’t be worried Apple doll,” He comments and rubs your thigh. “You haven’t shown any signs like her of being a manipulator.” You hum out and try to ease yourself down. “Now, bend over me and make me feel good before we go to the warehouse."

"Sure," You smile and remove your seatbelt. “Drive safe yeah?”

He laughs charmingly as you sit up in your seat and stretch your body across his legs and giving him full access to your lingerie underneath your uniform. He grips onto your butt slowly roaming his hand around.

"That's a nice colour,"

The time you reach and arrive to a sketchy looking road with a large warehouse across the street is around 9 p.m. Jisung… or Zha went to his normal business sorting out some issues with a buff man who was begging for more time to pay, before going on the road again to the warehouse. You last remember seeing the afternoon cream red, orange, yellow and slightly pink sky before you fell asleep.

"Hey apple doll," he smiles upon seeing your sleepy face, as you attempt to stretch. You unbuckle the seatbelt asking if you’re already home, but he drags the seatbelt across your body before locking it. "I need you to stay in the car, okay?" he smiles when patting your cheek making sure you’re awake. “It’s just a quick errand and we’ll go home. Okay?”

You nod absently, muttering a ‘kay’ as he closes the door and walks away. Watching him, your mind begins to clear, realizing this isn’t part of his usual routine. The car’s parked outside a nondescript grey warehouse, with no light in sight. You take out your phone and snap pictures of the long, empty road, the train tracks above, and distant trees. Sending them to Jeno, you quickly delete the chat afterward.

Where is this place?

The grey warehouse, bathed in moonlight, looks abandoned, but a light on the third floor tells you otherwise. It seems more like a factory with five stories, but you won’t know for sure until you get inside. You remember this place from when Mark brought you to see Zha. Tired, you rub your eyes, touch up your makeup, unbuckle your seatbelt, and step out of the car. The stony road amplifies the sound of your heels, and the wind blows your skirt up. You walk quickly, trying to keep quiet, nearly on your toes. There’s no entrance door, just a large vehicle opening.

You glance left and right before following the ramp on the right, just like Jisung did. The hallway is dark, and you suspect he’s heading to the third floor with the light. You yawn and shiver slightly, squinting in the darkness to see where you're going. As the wall curves, you turn the corner, relieved to spot a small dim light at the end. Thank goodness.

“Ah-” You croak out when feeling forceful severe arms grab you from behind and blocking your mouth- you try to kick as soon as another guy gets in front of you getting access to grab your kicking legs. You harshly kick – swing and stab the man’s chest with your heel before going for his groan with your other heel. He arches over in pain, the man behind you drags you as you struggle using your nails to claw his arms but it doesn't work, very soon the other man holds your legs tightly again but you’ve got strengthened legs and swing them towards his face. But then all of a sudden you can’t see anymore as your face is covered with something dark- making you anxious and furious as you struggle to kick by how tight the man is holding your legs. You feel them walking and telling you to shut up- but you don’t, you keep squirming trying to prey yourself loose- you succeed as some point- but that’s before you get a few rough punches to your abdomen and cough out some blood- but you still weakly kick your legs.

"Ey boss. This bitch tried to escape- we caught her." You can hear the man behind you say before he removes the black thing over your face and drops you. Losing balance you fall to the ground instantly holding your stomach and looking up trying to wipe your bloody mouth but then the hands are on you again lifting you up. Now you can see it was a total of 4 men. One guy completely man handles you forcing your arms behind your back and making you stand straight.

“It’s not what you think-” You shake your head but the man behind you strangles you from behind with his arm over your neck. You choke but your eyes stay on Jisung pleadingly. Begging and trying to let out some words but you can’t even breathe.

Jisung watches your face with no emotion. The cold expression on his face has you almost crying- there’s no hint of Jisung, this looks like the Zha you met for the first time. His face is cold. He makes a move by stepping away from the table, where a group of men are seated including Mark- watching you.

"Some bitch tried to leave," the man behind you babbles again. You see Mark standing up but Jisung signals him to sit down.

"Who hit her?" Jisung asks.

"Bitch kicked me- so I hit her.” Upon hearing that you get a surge of energy to kick him again- your leg swings up and you kick him right in the groan- however the other guys are quick to step in pushing you back- one even going as far as punching your abdomen again- making you gurgle out blood- but you hold it in your mouth.

“Stupid bitch.” But the last you see of the man before hearing a loud gunshot is his enlarged eyes before the blood splats on your face and he falls on his knees. Your own eyes are terrified and freeze on the gun that Jisung is holding pointing.

The man behind you wastes no time letting you go immediately. "Apple doll duck," Hearing that stupid nickname he decided to give you- you know he’s addressing you, and hurriedly you go down hearing another echo of the gun shot going off. You cover your ears hearing more gunshots before watching the four men in a gruesome pod of blood forming around them.

You gasp and shake looking around you. All the men have bullets right in the middle of their foreheads. You begin to hyperventilate – and jolt again when feeling a pair of hands on your shoulder. You fall down on your butt but try to calm down when seeing it’s only Jisung.

“And to think you were excited that it’s almost 2 weeks. You could’ve died.” His lip twitches upwards a bit, before he helps you up and opens his blazer bringing out a handkerchief. He wipes it over your face, removing the blood before he taps your chin. “Stupid Bangchan. He hit you really hard, didn’t he?”

You’re too shocked to nod, but you keep your eyes on lowered and try to manage your breathing… what just-

“Zha." You jump a little now paying attention to the table and around it is some men. Your eyes stop to a very death like glare which are even colder than Zha. You remember him as the bodyguard who was there when Mark introduced you to Zha for the first time. "Who's this?"

"Didn’t I tell you to stay in the car?” Your eyes go back to Jisung who doesn’t even spare a glance at the said person… Slick. You remember his name. You hesitantly nod your head, when Jisung looks at you expecting an answer. But you jolt again when there’s a pound on the table.

The man who spoke the first time speaks again, Slick speaks out. "I know you’re pissed right now, but what the fuck is this girl doing here? This slut?” He stands up with a challenging glare- his eyes at the back of Jisung’s head.

Jisung holds your hand before wrapping his arm around you in a way that you’re still holding his hand. And you don’t even dare to let go- your fingers tightly gripping. "Slick, I think I’ve made myself clear when I said I don’t want to hear your voice.”

You confirm his name as Slick. His gaze turns to you. It's short, but it's enough to let you know that your life is now in danger. Any wrong move and you could get killed. Instantly. Especially when taking note that some the men in this room are the mugshots that Detective Jaemin had. Unlike the gaze of the paper- Slick’s glare is fatal, as just he sits back down.

"Let's go Apple doll," Jisung whispers in your ear. Your life is in his hands as long as you do what he says. This is the most obedient head nod you’ve ever done in your entire life. “Dismissed. I’m heading back, Mark do what you do best. Slick stay here, before you cause any more trouble.” You still can’t believe how effortlessly Jisung pulled out his gun and shot at-

"Fine. You don’t want to hear my voice, how about I speak to this intruder. Are you a mistress to be shared? Apple doll right?" You freeze when the man, Slick, echo's in the back. Jisung's eyes on him are lethal but they return to normal when they're on you.

Jisung guides you out, and you don’t have any urges to turn back that’s until you feel a crawl up your spine, and look back. All the man are leaving, all but Slick. You look away from his glare walking faster next to Jisung.

"Jisung please say something." You hear how raspy your voice is and you cough out, but quickly hold your mouth when seeing the blood.

"Don’t mind him.”Jisung doesn’t notice yet as he turns his head back. "Slick." You force yourself to look at him again only to have his eyes still on you. Untamed and wild. He will kill you. "I'm going to personally warn you. Touch her and you die. You don’t want to piss me off more than you have, do you?"

‘Slick’ eyes leave yours as he unfolds his arms getting up and walking towards you… you inhale deeply having wide eyes watching him. He doesn’t look at you but at Jisung- and just before you know it- he walks past you both.

"I don't think he got that." You pipe. You look back to Jisung who says nothing. And it’s in the walk to the car that your whole heart begins to pound in your chest as you see just how big this place is. “What did that guy mean when he said I tried to escape? Jisung are there… people locked in here?”

“Do me a favor, fall asleep and forget everything that happened.”

It’s Sunday, two weeks and three days in, and you’re trying to shake off the image of dead bodies and Slick’s cold glare. The only thing brightening your day is that Jeno finally showed up at the café. Unsure whether to approach him, you were surprised when he walked straight to where you were clearing a table, a warm smile on his face. He slipped his hands out of his pockets, one running through your hair. “You look so shaken. May I?” he asked, and you immediately nodded, stepping into his comforting hug.

You don’t cry but you do embrace Jeno with everything you have. While Jisung soaked you up in water assuring you that you’re alright, Jeno’s hold does so much more than any expensive bath. “I thought you were avoiding me.” You quietly let out.

“I’m sorry.” Jeno shakes his head, wrapping you even tighter. “I realized I took Jisung’s warning too literally. And I also just didn’t want to think about you, however that failed.

After the warm hug, you and Jeno sit on a closed off booth. He keeps your hand in his looking at you. “I’d love to catch up, but I just want to get this Zha thing out of my mind. Any leads?”

Jeno just wants to take you in. Seeing you after two long weeks is a relief. “Hey, I’m sorry for not being there,” he starts, his voice soft. “But you don’t have to keep doing this. With what the detective has, we can leave it to them now. I don’t like that we met and then got torn apart because of Jisung and Zha.” You meet his eyes, your gaze timid. “I care about you, and seeing you now… it makes me feel all sorts of things,” he adds with a smile. “Happiness being the strongest.”

You also smile but you exhale and pane your eyes above. “But that’s the thing. I actually feel… like I’m getting closer,”

Jeno’s shoulder sink a little but he still tries to look upbeat. How could he get you to be less bound to this case? “Really? How close?”

“Trust me, I’ve hit the jackpot. On Thursday, Zha took me to the warehouse, and I saw all the guys from the detective’s photos. Zha killed one. Mark we already know, and the others I don’t have names for yet, but I’ll get them. One guy, though, I know by his nickname—‘Slick.’” You share what you know so far. “I sent some pictures of the warehouse.”

“The images really helped, the detective is doing a geo search on them,” Jeno interrupts, but then sits next to you, his focus entirely on you. “But I didn’t come here for that. I came for you. Honestly, I don’t like you sleeping with Zha. From what I’ve seen of him, he’s a grown man and looks like he’s got infections.”

You raise an eyebrow. “What?” You recall a conversation with Jisung, where he mentioned Mr. Zha was his father and that he took the name because he liked it. Now, Jeno’s describing him as a fat man with infections... could Zha really be Jisung’s father? But how? Jisung is supposed to be an orphan.

Jeno looks between your eyes and nods his head. “I took the information Jisung stated and paired them all together giving the detective all the clues. Mr Zha is an architect. Infamous and travels a lot. Either way, Jisung gave us a big clue when stating that Aki’s father was in debt, meaning the people he was indebted to are the ones who killed him. According to Detective Na, he has suspicions that they tried to wager her life and use her as ransom. So that if he didn’t give the money on time she’d be killed-”

“Wait- Jeno I’m so confused.” You hold your head because of the incorrect information Jeno has, but Jeno gently takes your hand in his.

“That’s why I’m saying, let’s just take it easy for a bit. Take a breather and-” Your phone buzzes in your dress pocket and you quickly pick it up, knowing Jisung hates to wait. Jeno slumps as he watches you answer the call to Jisung, you call him a cute name ‘baby’ and Jeno pokes the inside of his cheek and gets up moving to his original spot. You look like you’ll leave. He really wants to stop you from continuing. “You don’t have to do this you know, what you’ve done so far is peek-”

You shake your head, smiling lightly. After all the information he gave you – most likely wrong- you know that you can’t let the detectives get tricked. “I have to go,”

Jeno respects you none the less and nods his head. He feels like he’s created a workaholic machine. “Is she always like this?”

Jaehyun watches the SUV drive away, that’s the same one he watched every week drop and pick you up. He pats Jeno’s shoulders. “I’ve known her for a little over 2 years. Back then she was an exotic dancer, but worked part time here. Bills weren’t being met. After her boyfriend died, I was glad to give her a full time spot. She really enjoys what she does. So to answer you, she’s head strong. I feel like she only got a bit weak and unbalanced by the death of her boyfriend. You were able to bring her back to be able to stand on her feet, but now, seeing her with Jisung, she looks like she’s trying to be a follower again.”

And Jeno feels like it’s all his fault. But then again, why are you committing yourself to such lengths?

However in the car with Zha, you’re still attempting to get his approval so that you can go to the warehouse.

"Zha please," You beg as he uses the route to go home instead of going to the warehouse.

“Apple doll I said no, we’re going to change and get ready for our 2 week date night.” He confirms and you pout. However just before you can respond- you hear a siren sound erupting from behind the vehicle you’re in. Your shaken eyes look to the rear view mirror first before you snap back seeing the flashing red and blue light. Jisung doesn’t look nervous simply rolling his eyes.

Jisung stops the car and turns to you. “Stop shaking Mistress you’ll end up peeing in your skirt,” And as if things can’t get worse he addresses you as ‘Mistress’. You always got nervous when he addressed you as Mistress- it felt more like ‘Zha’s persona’ was in control. Zha’s persona being dictating, calculating, borderline misogynistic and condescending- and you hated that. “It’ll be quick.”

And just as Zha pulls his window down while removing his shades and awaits the officer, you try to control yourself on your seat. Not long after the officer comes by the window getting his hand on the frame. Flashing a flashlight in his eyes the officer asks for ID and drivers license. Zha complies and hands over the requested documents. “You were driving 100 in a 60 zone. Step out the car.”

Zha merely smirks before opening up the door and stands next to the door. You watch as the Officer moves towards his car yet the back door of his vehicle opens up and another guy quickly gets out with uniform and grabs Zha’s documents mouthing something to the other officer and they both rapidly walk to Zha before bowing several times. “I’m sorry sir, I’m sorry Mr Zha. He’s new to this, he’s an intern, please forgive him, he doesn’t understand the rules of the road yet.”

Zha simply takes his documents. From your view, you can’t see what face he’s giving them but you watch as they continuously bow looking more agitated then you were. Zha gets in the car and shuts his door. Your curious eyes are still on him, but that doesn’t stop him as he starts the car and continues to drive with the same speed as before. “Would you like to explain what just happened?”

“I appreciate the professionalism, and they were just doing their jobs.” He comments briefly not realizing that you’re still absorbing the situation of what just happened. His threat wasn’t seen but it was more so felt. “So why do you want to go to the warehouse so bad?”

You don’t know why the officer gave him his things back, but you know for sure that Zha is dangerous outside of this Jisung façade. And it’s crazy how you’ve spent 2 weeks and have dissolved him into someone that you can comfortably be with.

“Earth to Y/n.” You blink several times when seeing his fingers snapping in your face. “Hello?”

“Sorry.”

Much to your distaste- Jisung ends up taking you out on a restaurant date- whereby he booked the entire floor just for yourself as well as him. You don’t know how he got away with that, yet again everyone at the restaurant seems like they’re used to Zha as they never bothered coming to ask what you wanted to eat, you just noticed that all of a sudden the food and servers were served. The food was all good not that you complained- yet the part that made you question a lot of things was by the arrival of a whole bunch of guys dressed in black combats.

Of course amongst the faces, you recognized Mark, yet he didn’t bat an eye your way. The one person who did bat an eye in your direction was ‘Slick’. He sat on the opposite table just the rest of the guys spread out. You felt uncomfortable by Slick’s stare, the heavy tension in the room- and just like you expected something to happen- the order finally came.

“Mark take her home.” The tone was for sure in a ‘Zha’ command.

You couldn’t even argue, yet you didn’t want to remain like the typical ‘Mistress’, so you played with your luck. “I don’t wanna go anywhere,”

That had Slick scoffing and giving you an ick look. You paid him no mind, your attention still on Zha. Zha wiped his mouth with the napkin before getting up with a smirk at you. Moving closer to you, with a firm gaze you hold his stare as he leans down holding onto your shoulders and leaning in to your ear. “It’s for your own good. You don’t want to see me upset do you?”

You shake your head but still pout. “But I’ll be alone tonight, and isn’t it supposed to be our 2 week and 3 days anniversary? You want me to spend it all by myself tonight?” You give him your best sad and horny eyes. “I need you,” You whisper in his ear after pulling him gently by his collar.

“Zha we’re wasting time.” Slick. There’s something just so familiar with his voice that it both gives you chills but makes you want to defy him. And as you have it you hook your hand behind Zha’s neck- but Slick tries to get Zha’s attention again. “Zha-”

“Apple doll, I really have to go.” Jisung whispers to you, and you smile a little but push him away.

“Fine, then don’t expect me to be awake when you return. I’ll be too worn and fucked to move.” You smile teasingly as you face Mark who’s now got his attention on you. “Marky, let’s go. Maybe you might be lucky-”

“Mistress.” You hear behind you, but you ignore it and keep walking making sure to walk a little bit more seductively. You go down the steps of the restaurant and wait outside with your arms crossed. Of course you expect Mark to be the one to drive you, so that you may relieve yourself of the tension- yet when you see Zha exiting the restaurant- you’re taken aback. He’s got furrowed brows and his gaze goes down your body curiously. “What were you gonna do with Mark?”

“Nothing that you don’t already know,” You tease back and turn back to the door. “Seeing as you’re here, are you gonna open it?”

He chuckles and it’s when he turns back do you notice the lingering person with a straight blank yet irritated face with looking at you. Slick. “First you disobey me and then my mistress snaps her fingers and wants me to bend to her will. My luck,”

Not only Slick, but you see all the other men who were in the restaurant leave and head towards their own cars- some in different shades, others in vans. You’re snapped back to reality when you see Zha open up your door. You’re about to go in yet Slick’s presence shutting the back door in your car has you looking at Zha. “Is he going to be with us?”

Zha chuckles. “You’re the one who wanted to be a bad girl, so you have to deal with it. Get in apple doll, we’ve got errands to run.”

You feel uneasy but take a seat in the front. Zha quickly starts the engine, following the line of cars—likely all the men from the restaurant. The confidence you had earlier has faded as you wonder what will happen next. This is it. You’ll finally see if Zha is really involved with Jeno’s wife. You keep your eyes wide open, trying not to miss anything. The cars have no headlights on, and just before you can study them further, they split into different avenues, leaving just Zha’s car in the dark residential area.

“There it is.” Slick from the backseat appears in the middle as he speaks. “Johnny Suh’s resident. Chenle and Hendery scooped his place 2 weeks back. 3 Entrances all locked up, which leaves the front door as our only option. Luckily for you, he’s expecting someone tonight. We’ve got about 34 seconds to get to him before he gets to that alarm.”

“Who’s in the house?” Zha questions.

“As your luck wills, his 2 daughters. One 16 and the other 26.” Zha confirms.

“We only need 1, but the both of them could do.” Zha states. You listen to the conversation, unsure if they want to break in and rob the house or kidnap the girls… You keep your mouth shut as you continue to listen to them. “Mistress you’re up.”

Your eyes enlarge. “P-pardon? Are you talking to me?”

Zha chuckles and turns to you. “Don’t worry, we’re not doing anything illegal. I need you to just knock on that door.”

“What?” Your heart thuds in your chest as you stare bewildered at Zha. “You’re insane.”

“Apple doll, you only live once. Literally.” He comments. The comment alone sounds sadistic as if having it’s own underlying tone that you’ll be dying anytime soon. “I promise you, that’s all you’ll do.” Even his hard is hard to believe, but the longer you sit in the car, the more dense, tense and cold his stare turns- challenging you with just his eyes. “Go.”

Your jaw trembles, but you obey, stepping out of the car and taking a deep breath. Crossing the street, you try to stay calm and composed, not wanting to find out what happens if you disobey. You only wanted to see what they’d do. The suburb is quiet and luxurious, but you can’t focus on the twinkling streetlights. You’re on a mission now. Maybe nothing bad will happen. They said to just knock. As you walk down the long pathway to the house, you spot dark figures running behind it for a split second, leaving you wondering what’s going on. Your mind is fucked once you’re by front of the door. Turning back, you’re happy that the vehicle is still there… Focusing on what you were told, and recalling the merciless eyes that gazed at you from Zha, you lift your hand up and knock three times ending the last one a bit louder.

You begin to count just how fast they’ll answer the door- assuming there’s only 2 girls and a man in the place- by the count of 6 the door opens up with a cherry girl. “Hi you must be Cheryanne. I’m so glad you could make it- please, please come inside. Dad’s inside and we’re so happy you could make it for dinner-”

Not even a second after stepping foot in the house and the kind cheerful lady starts closing the door- do you screech when in and instant the door is barged open by Slick and a hand ruefully covers the girl’s mouth. You can’t even begin to dissect that as you duck when hearing gunshots from somewhere in the house and another feminine scream before a manly cry and your heart thuds in your chest when seeing men in black run around-

You focus back on Slick who turns to you- “Get out. Zha’s waiting for you.”

Gapping like a fish, Slick grabs your arm and puts you out the house before he shuts the door behind you. You can’t even breath- your hands are shaking and worst of all you think there’s tears running out your frozen eyes. What the hell just happened?

“Get in.” Your head snaps to the car that’s now right in front of the house. “Stand there any longer and the police just might I.D the footage.”

Hurrying in the car you don’t take chances as you cover your face and shut the door behind you. The car scurries away and screeches on the pavements creating smoking.

“Zha-”

“Shhhh,” He silences you. “I’ll drop you home. I want you to soak yourself and forget all that happened. Okay?” Even though it sounds like he’s asking you, his tone is threatening and commending.

You can’t sleep, nervously watching the clock, wondering when Zha will return. After he dropped you off, guilt washed over you. Did Zha use you to get into that house? What exactly did he do? You were sent off by Slick before anything else could happen. You watched him choke a girl, praying she passed out and didn’t die. You're furious you didn’t see what happened to the others in the house. The only question that hits you now is: What just happened? Were you part of an attempted robbery? What would they call you—trespasser or accomplice?

Picking up your phone your nervous and shaking fingers dial a speed dial. Not even minding the time and that it’s nearly peek sleep hour- you phone the one person you can talk to. “Jeno,” You call him with the reassurance that he’ll reassure you.

"Hey-” You hear in a raspy tone, he calls your name and you choke out sniffing back just to control yourself from thinking too much about it and crying. “Are you okay? Is everything alright?" He asks, even though he sounds confused. Jeno kind of zones in and out of sleep, yet he’s slowly kept awake when hearing the struggle in your voice. “Why don’t you come over?”

Your eyes enlarge. “Jeno are you mad-”

“You sound so scared,” Jeno says sympathetically. “I don’t think you’re in a good environment. You didn’t have to do all this for Akai.” He’s awake now, sensing the tone in your voice. “Where are you? I’ll come pick you up.”

You end the call without knowing why. Something in the house feels off. You lie down, pulling the blanket over you, trying to control your breathing. Jisung doesn’t always come late, but when he does, he either wants to cuddle, sleep with you, or take control. Sometimes, when he’s not in the mood, he doesn’t enter your room at all.

Tonight, though, you hear his slow footsteps, careful and deliberate. The bed sinks slightly as he gets closer. You hold your breath, pretending to sleep as his hand rests on the blanket, tracing the outline of your body before settling on your waist. “You’re awake.” He confronts softly. “Wanna talk?”

With that statement you exhale deeply revealing that you are awake. You turn on your back with your eyes to the ceiling. “What did you do?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I have to because you just made me come out-”

“I didn’t make you do anything.” His comment alone has you pausing just so you can turn to him in disbelief. “I merely gave you a look, but the decision was entirely up to you. You decided initially to participate.”

“No.” You shake your head and sit up getting ready to explain your point. He sits up as well and simply looks at you. Even though his features have the look of being attentive, there’s a lurking watch almost scrutinizing you before you can speak. And suddenly you don’t know what to say- you can go ahead and accuse him of what he did, but already hearing that he put the blame on you has you shaking your head. “Why did you make me do that?”

“You wanted my attention.”

“What?” You furrow your brows.

“I wanted you to go home, you refused and staged a perverted mutiny. So I took you along, and I have this verdict that if anyone tags along with me, then they automatically are a part of my equation.” He explains.

“Zha-”

“You can call me Jisung when we’re alone.”

“Zha.” You ignore his words and shake your head. “When I signed up to be your mistress I thought I’m just going to sleep around with you- you just made me a part of a crime!” You whisper yell.

“So why are you really worried?” He questions. “Are you worried that you were part of the crime, or that these people you don’t even know where harmed in some way?”

You look away crossing your arms. “That’s not the point-”

“Okay, your point is going nowhere. Let me tell you what just happened, and what you’re thinking, and why it’s so hard for your mind to wrap around it.” Jisung concludes as if summarizing that you’re indecisive about your emotions.

“Are you insinuating that I’m confused about what I feel?”

He scoffs. “You’re not confused mistress, you’re just lost in this world.” He smiles at you, holding up your chin so that he can see your eyes. “I take that back you are confused.”

You remove his hand from your chin-

“And frustrated. I don’t know what you expected being my mistress, but I already told you what a mistress to me is. You were drawn into a crime, instead of just a simple affair. I’m not just any man that you have sex with. The fact that you don’t wanna call me ‘Jisung’ tonight, reveals just how you don’t understand your role as being my mistress. I wanna tell you a story.”

“What do you mean I was drawn into a crime?” You question ignoring his request to tell you a story.

“That’s what the story is for.” The smug look on his face is one that you look away from tightening your face just so he at least knows that you’re upset. Not that it matters to him. He looks like he’s enjoying your bothered look. “I was once a kid like you. I was an orphan and a boy scout. I was trained at an early age to know how to fight with different weapons all in the act of learning how to protect whoever owned me. Aside from making sure that I was perfect in all that I do, the only other thing they required from me, was obedience. If I obeyed then everything would go well for me.”

You turn your head to him, dropping your guard in the process when realizing he’s opening up to you about something personal that happened in his life.

“I was never taught to question anything, so I didn’t. We were given a pill that numbed us to pain, feelings, and erased our personalities. Simple things, like touch, were prohibited. I never knew what it was like to hold someone, to embrace them, or even to hold your hand.” He pauses, his fingers slowly intertwining with yours. “We weren’t allowed to speak, to share our thoughts. That was considered ‘normal’ for us.”

He looks at you, his finger tracing your collarbone, before his hand rests gently on your neck. “You what?” you ask softly.

“I became rebellious. One day, curiosity hit, and I stopped taking the pills. For three days, I went undetected,” he whispers, a small smile forming. “I still remember it like it was yesterday. Eventually, I got caught and relocated. Adopted. For the first time, I could experience life freely, though I didn’t know how to label it. It was like being unknown but still navigating through the world. I learned so much—not just about myself, but about people. And what I learned is disappointing. Different personalities, but all united by sensations. And apple doll, you’re no different.”

He lets go of you and turns to his side only leaving you with his back.

“My act of rebellion originated from the simple question of, why do I let them control me? The only power they had over me, was my obedience and the consequences of disobeying. So why did I willingly choose to participate in that type of position? You see Apple doll, you’re not mad because what you did was unethical or whatever, you’re upset because your standards are judged by the system you obey and are afraid of. Once you break free from that control, you’ll realize that what you took part in, was… I still lack a better word. I can only call it as ‘freedom’ even though it’s not the correct terminology. Anyway. Sleep tight Apple doll, tomorrow you’ve got work.”

“Work?”

He smirks when turning back to you. “You forgot that you work as a waitress.”

The next day you’re on a mission to find Jeno. Once Jisung drops you off at work, you get your phone out and wait for Jeno’s response. There’s this uncertainty lingering in you. It feels like your brain is waking up from a terrible dream realizing that you’re trapped with no where to go… and you don’t like that feeling. Not only has Jisung opened up to you about some part of his dark and traumatic history, but he showed you a glimpse of the part you’d be playing in his world.

When first agreeing to do this for Jeno, you didn’t sign up for all the high stakes that were hidden and loitering around. You felt empowered going into this, you felt good trying to assist him in doing something. But now you feel there’s too much at stake. For one, you feel as though they may be no other open door for you to do what you have to do now. You’re scared and aware that your entanglement with Jisung isn’t something you’ll like in the long run. It’s either he’ll make you believe his own ideologies and you’ll change, or there’s a possibility that you might end up dead. Forget getting caught- yesterday was proof enough that there’s more than what meets the eye.

So when Jeno walks through the doors of the café at 10h00 a.m., you take a moment to excuse yourself with Jaehyun and you attend to Jeno. “Hey,” You greet, a little smile on your face. You can see him trying to match your pace and smile, but it’s just not reaching his eyes. It’s clear he is worried.

“What happened last night?” He asks. “I was so worried about you,”

“Uh, can we talk somewhere more private… where Jisung might not come unexpectedly?” You question. Not realizing you were paranoid until now. One look on your face and it’s as though he understands you without having to say much.

“We can take a walk,” He suggests. “We can go to the graveyard,”

The walk is quiet… and slow, but unlike you thought, the walk actually calms you down. While you have enough time to breathe, allow your skin to feed from the semi sun in the sky and even feel like yourself, you also suddenly feel very very vulnerable. “I don’t know how much longer I can do this.”

Jeno doesn’t rush to answer. He takes in your words and refrains from giving you a nonchalant answer of how he told you that you didn’t have to. In your own words you just wanted to help him. And a part of him understood that, yet when dealing with ‘this type of world’… and Jisung, Jeno knew that what started out as casual intercourse would be far worse in the future. It looks like you now know the severity of what you’re dealing with. “I know Jisung from when we were younger.”

Jeno takes a different approach. He composes himself and allows himself to be equally as vulnerable to you.

“We were orphans,” he begins, a tone of vulnerability in his voice. “Not friends, but we shared the same orphanage and boarding school. We were placed in a program meant to shape us for the future. Boy scouts. We were trained to be perfect boys, turned into men. We were promised respect, a home, a family once we completed our trials. They required us to listen, take in, and never question.”

Jeno pauses, breathing deeply as if trying to gather his thoughts. His gaze drifts, as if seeing it all again. “The school had little funding, so it became a competition. Every year, five boys were chosen to leave, and five were cut—sent back to the orphanage, cast aside, or worse. To keep things fair, they gave us sedatives to keep us neutral and level. I just wanted to leave, to have a family. That’s all I desired. And to finally reap the benefits of this training.”

You listen, you pay attention. To think that Jisung opened up to you yesterday and Jeno telling you something similar… is kind of allowing your brain to join some dots. While Jisung explained it as though it was something that took their freedom away… Jeno is explaining it as though it was beneficial and helpful for their future.

“You know as men, we are perceived in a different way then women. We are the ones who have to protect you.” Jeno looks at you and is surprised that your eyes are already longingly on him with so much attentiveness. “We have to protect and make sure that no harm comes your way. I worked hard and I can admit that back then, I wanted to be the one to get out first. I was tired of just staying in there. I needed to learn fast and understand. Despite their tough love, I understood one thing from them, they never wanted us as strong men to feel that we have no purpose on this earth, that we were not abandoned by our parents for no reason. In their own way, through their hard trainings. They cared for us.”

He takes a moment to help you cross the street and you follow his lead.

“Anyway, I figured to get out fast, I’d need to stop taking the pill. So, I did.” Jeno continues. “I wanted to leave quickly, and it turns out, Jisung stopped taking it too. I knew I’d be in the top 5 boys to leave, but I wasn’t sure if I was good enough. Besides the physical challenges, they considered class time and exposure to the real world. I wasn’t scared of Jisung, but I was worried he’d take my spot. So… I ratted him out.”

Jeno sighs, the weight of his past evident. “I knew it would cost me, but I had to eliminate the competition. They caught Jisung and probably sent him back to the orphanage, or worse. As for me, I was released early for my dedication, became a bodyguard for a senator in Japan, and later for an ambassador.”

You both walk to the graveyard, and Jeno sits on a nearby bench. You follow and sit beside him, feeling comfortable enough to hold his hand.

“It’s how I met Aki. She was the daughter of the man who ran our training program. I traveled with them, did my duties, and… I fell in love with her. It was the first time I felt true joy.” He smiles sadly, looking down at your hand.

“You’re really strong Jeno.”

Jeno's smile is small but genuine, reaching his eyes. His gaze shifts to yours as he holds your hand firmly. "She’s dead now, because I couldn’t protect her." Your smile fades, but his remains steady. "But it’s okay. Somehow, you’ve helped me heal. I don’t know when, but I decided I wanted to be strong for you. I want to protect you. I didn’t want to rush you, or make decisions for you, because you’ve already shown me how strong and capable you are. I can respect that. But please… stop carrying my weight. You’re working hard, and I don’t want to lose you. Not now." He shifts closer, his hand gently cupping your face.

You’re sure of your feelings for Jeno. It’s always been about him. Always. Already his view and the way he thinks, makes you wish that Taeyong was somehow like this.

“Can I… hold you?” He asks in the midst of your troubling thoughts. You don’t hesitate to nod your head just wanting to sink in his embrace and allow him to hold and hug you tightly. “Oh Y/n,” He calls you sweetly. “Please stop worrying about me.”

You sniff and try not to cry. “I just… I just want to make you happy.” You admit. “But Aki is still-”

He shakes his head and holds your body in a reassuring manner. “I’m more worried about your happiness.” You hiccup but freeze instantly when catching a pair of familiar eyes on you… shit. Blinking rapidly – you’re sure the person you made eye contact with has realized that you’ve spotted them- because in a blink of an eye, they’re gone. “I have to go-”

“What?” Jeno pulls back, his eyes trying to search yours. Yet your gaze is on the open gates of the the graveyard.

“Jeno we need to go now.” You get up cutting abruptly the peaceful moment you had with Jeno.

“What’s wrong?” you can’t even answer him as you hold his hand and quickly begin walking fast trying to head to the café. Because if you saw ‘Slick’ suddenly out of nowhere, of all days, it probably means Zha is around.

Jeno is confused. But he walks with you, making sure that wherever you’re going, you’re safe. He’s surprised that after crossing some streets and almost running- you’re both back at the café. You let go of his hand and disappear to Jaehyun. Jeno is perplexed, but not for long. Especially after seeing Zha…. Jisung.

With a tiny mug in his hand, and his legs folded. He motions to the chair with his eyes. As if being pulled and drawn to the chair. Jeno takes a seat. “Hi,” He’s the first to greet. He takes a look at the station where Jaehyun is, however he doesn’t see you.

“I’m not really into short and polite conversations of hi and how are you. You like fine. Especially since you were with my girl.” Zha raises a brow. Jeno just blinks and clears his throat to try and explain, but Zha is already raising his hand to silence him. Placing his mug down he adjusts himself in his seat, crossing his legs and joining his hands.

Jeno is still fazed by everything that happened within minutes. First he’s pouring his heart to you, next you’re scared out of your mind and back at the store, to suddenly being met with Jisung. His emotions don’t know where to rest for the time being.

“You didn’t give me any of your contact details. I thought I’d come and ask about you. It looks like you love this spot and ignored my warning about hanging around what’s mine.” Zha leans back in his seat. “I’ll ignore what you did, especially since I’ve got good news for you.” Zha makes jeno aware of the white enlarged envelope on the table. “About your wife. Found some details on her. Look over it,”

Jeno’s hands are frozen. His ears feel impaired by the sudden words being said. “Wait. I need to catch some air, everything is happening too quick.”

Jisung smirks and gets up. “While you’re at it, take the file with you. I hope I won’t be seeing you again.” He walks away from the table and over to where you are. You’re wiping down on a table… feeling his presence you maintain a smile and look up.

“Hey-”

“Quit.” He whispers in your ear. “Right now.” He leans back and walks away, by the looks of it, he intends you to follow him.

Being in shock, with your eyes you follow his figure walking out. You and Jeno catch each other’s gaze. No words need to be said. The matter has now escalated. Zha’s car does not move and your jaws tremble when walking to Jaehyun. “Hey, hey, what’s wrong?” he questions quietly, wanting to bring you back doors. But you shake your head.

“I’m sorry Jae…” You inhale and exhale. “I… need to leave. I mean.” You can’t believe your next words and you wonder where this will lead up to. “I need to quit.”

“Why?” He asks. You simply remove your apron also wondering why, but you don’t want to stick around to find out what will happen if you disobey Zha.

You get in the large vehicle belonging to Jisung and shut the door behind you. However you’re surprised when Mark is seated on the drivers seat. “What are you-”

“He’s with Slick.” The black car in front of you begins to travel and you’re not surprised that Mark follows behind the car. “Believe me babygirl, if he were here right now, you’d be beaten.”

You gulp and try to catch your breath. “I’m guessing something bad happened..”

“He’s not happy babygirl.”

"I'm being tracked." Mark states. "Your buddy, I figured is Jeno. He's gone to the police hasn't he?"

You stare at him in shock not being able to say anything. He rubs his face and sits back properly on his seat, still keeping close to the vehicle of Slick in front.

“Babygirl, this is becoming too dangerous," he says. "If Zha finds out about this, he won't even care. He’s gonna kill him. So please, stop your friend while he's still alive,"

"Mark…” You timidly call his name. “I’m scared. I want to leave but I don’t know how. He just made me quiet my work. What do you think this means for me?”

"Honestly, if you haven't noticed Zha's more into you then he's ever been with any woman he's met," he sighs looking out the window. "He wants to mold you. Create you from the ground up. I don’t care if you’re scared. You need to get out before he decides to make any more decisions for yourself.”

“What?” You ask in confusion. “Mark I-”

Before you can even respond the back door opens up and someone enters the car. Looking back, you’re surprised to see Jisung. He enters the car looking ahead and catching your eye. You quickly fix your gaze looking at him peacefully, he returns a smile looking forward. You also face forward, seeing that Slick’s car is no longer ahead of Mark. Where is Slick’s car?

"Mark, you and I have something to discuss later, but first I wanna treat my precious mistress," he smiles in the review mirror. "So you can just drop us by the Vale and I'll call you when we're done."

"The Vale?” You ask completely shocked. “Isn't that like thee most expensive place ever?"

"Yes it is," Jisung chuckles. There doesn’t seem to be any malicious intent revealed in his eyes, and that makes you confused by his smile when minutes ago, he told you to quit. The car ride is quiet. Too quiet. And just before you can get used to the silence Jisung speaks up. “This is the last time you’ll make contact with Jeno. Am I understood?”

Your balled hands on your lap don’t move as you look at the rear view mirror. He’s focused on his phone, but his voice is low and menacing. You’ve never heard him like this before, but it’s enough to make you nod your head and hum out. “Understood.”

“Good.”

[2 days later]

Jeno finally wills himself to visit Detective Na Jaemin, after a whole day of avoiding the constant calls.

Immediately after Jisung gave him the thick envelope, Jeno sent it to Detective Na for viewing. He didn’t want to see what was inside the folder because everything felt too real and frightening for Jeno. His top priority and concern was you. The whole day of yesterday, he couldn’t even reach you. You weren’t at work, Jaehyun stated that you quit, your phone number didn’t work to the point where an operator stated that the phone number is out of services. His mind could only think of you and your safety. What has happened to you? Those are the thoughts running through his head.

“How’s Y/n?” Jaemin asks. Ever since you agreed to get out information from Mark, Jaemin never expected you to go above and beyond in delivering. He didn’t think that you’d dive nose first into Zha’s world. And it’s for that reason he felt guilt for letting you do a detective’s job. You literally went undercover for their sake. And even though it paid off, he needed to secure your heartbeat and make sure you’re alive by the end of all of this.

“She’s…” Jeno spaces out again just as Jaemin expected. Jeno gulps and looks down. “I haven’t been able to get a hold of her since yesterday.”

“Figures.” Jaemin gets up and moves to a board. “I couldn’t get a hold of you.”

“I don’t know what’s happening to her and I’m scared Detective.”

Jaemin turns back to Jeno, initiating eye contact. He exhales and faces the board again. “It seems luck has been on your side, because there’s no reason for you to be scared. Not yet at least.”

“What’s all that?” Jeno’s eyebrows furrow, when viewing the board and sees explicit and graphic details.

“I’ll start you off with the most important detail of all. Zha.” Jaemin points to a picture of Jisung. The photo of Jisung is on the center of the screen with all these red wires connecting to his picture. “Park Ji Sung is Zha. And based of what Y/n has told you, and the files he gave you, everything is connected to him.”

Jeno breathes in deeply not believing his ears.

“He’s operating on such a huge level of money laundering and a whole bunch of illegal activities.” Jaemin states. “Everything he said here, was only to lead you astray. However he doesn’t know that we have a source from the inside. I don’t know if he gave these documents to you with the intent on being caught, but surely the evidence in those files helped us solve other cases. He’s connected to a lot of ‘break in gone wrong’ as well as ‘poor attempts of robbery’ and many more. He’s a mastermind. A genius of many tactics, but he unfortunately got himself...” Jaemin looks to Jeno who’s up on his feet. “Busted.”

“But how?” Jeno questions until his eyes land on a perculiar picture. He squints and moves closer placing his fingers on the picture. “This can’t be.” He whispers when seeing a picture of you and Jisung eating out at a restaurant… around that photo there’s a ‘fake’ policy report indicating that you’re missing… and the next report is showing that you’re body was found in a hotel- there’s even a death certificate with the time of death and reason of death… which was due by an overdose. Jeno shakes his head. “This can’t be right. I was with her the day before yesterday. I saw her- I spoke to her-”

“Don’t worry Jeno. Assuming you weren’t supposed to see her or talk to her suggests that Zha wants to manipulate the situation by faking her death. By these reports here, it shows that Y/n is dead. I know that’s not true, which means… We need to catch him in the act.” Jaemin informs. “Because what he does is not normal. It looks like he’s predicted her death and what type it’ll be and where. Not only for Y/n, but for every one of his victims. He kills and frames the killings, manipulating them, acting as if it was not him. The common scenarios we’ve seen are self-harm, false alerts of break-ins, casual vehicle accidents, or even building collapsing with no witnesses or cameras around or even something that would close the case quick- fake parental statements, false reports and announcements stating that they want the case to close quicker. By the looks of it he’s initiated one too many powerful people who can pull these off.”

“So… he… he did kill Aki… he… killed her?” Jeno blinks several times trying to conceal the tears and digest the heavy amount of information.

“Yes.” Jaemin says confidently. “The reason is yet to be uncovered, this is where I need you. There’s a list of women here who I think he murdered solely because of their fathers. And by count and estimation, all these fathers and men, all have 1 thing in common. They were members of a Training Program and they trained children. Now although the school of training has been decimated, information is scarce about what exactly went down in that school. One thing you have in common with Jisung is that you both went to the school. Do you think you can help?”

“I don’t understand.” Jeno can’t stop looking at the one picture of Aki.

“Jisung likely does what he does because he derives power, control, and pleasure from it, and he might justify his behavior through rationalization or emotional detachment. Whether it's a lack of empathy, emotional regulation, or simply a desire to dominate.” Jaemin suddenly says. “His actions suggest a person who is more concerned with satisfying his own needs than with considering the emotional consequences for others. Is this something that the training of boarding school taught? Otherwise it would make sense why Jisung is hunting these men down. By the looks of it, he wants to kill everyone who had a part in the boarding school. And Zha just happens to be a man who adopted him. I don’t know his part yet, but what I know is that Jisung is masquerading himself and using the name.”

“I’m so confused.” Jisung rests his head down, sniffing and inhaling deeply. He’s chest is tight and sore.

“Don’t worry.” Detective Jaemin takes a seat on the table. “It’s overwhelming. The good news is, we finally have a reliable lead. Y/n has helped a lot with appearing publicly and giving security camera’s a good read on her face. From locations all the way to common places Zha is, we’ve got it all.”

[1 month later]

Your back is thrown against the wall by a heavy force. You tightly grip the hand that’s strangling you. “How’d you get here.” Slicks glares down at you. It takes everything you have to hang on tight and not give in to the tight squeeze he gives your neck. “Answer me bitch.”

You look into his eyes with a piercing gaze. “I wanted to see Zha.”

“Then wait for him.” He growls lowly before letting you go. You drop to the ground coughing out. “Listen here, this space right here, is off limits. Next time I see you here. I’ll cut your throat.” You frown in fear by his compulsive anger as you nod your head, heading out the basement floor and going to the top

Trying to ignore the pain over your neck, you prep yourself for going on the stage. You try to clear your head, allowing yourself to get space in your mind.

Once you get on the strip stage, you hold onto the poll and circle it once, getting your mind back on the performance ahead. When Jisung told you to quit your job at the cafe, you were scared and uncertain about your future and everything.

He took all your personal belongings and destroyed them.

Identification documents, gone. Birth certificate, gone. Passport, gone. Social security number, gone. License of any sorts; be it medical or court statements, gone. Heck he even took your medical records. Even your high school degree, gone. Bank records, deleted and untraceable. Tax returns, gone. Everything that proved your identity, presence in society, and even legal rights, or allowing you to participate in various systems – were now officially all gone.

“I’m gonna give you a new identity.” He said.

Like Mark warned, Jisung fabricated documents and handed you a whole new folder of your identity. “Mistress. You will do what I tell you. You’re free to question and have squabbles with me, but you will never disobey me.” He said. “Understood?”

On that day, in the luxurious restaurant with barely anybody except the waiters, Slick and Mark – Jisung had you sitting at the center of the restaurant, eating with him. You dressed in your work attire, Jisung sat opposite you and basically claimed to owning you. You thought he’d be a monster and make you do things you didn’t want. But when he… pampered you from day one. He took care of you for a whole week. He would bring food for you, request entertainments with your body and gave you the ‘soft’ girl life. It already felt fishy and you couldn’t even be too careful or relax, so instead you allowed the days to play out until he’d reveal his true colors.

Which never came. Even when he basically promoted you to work in a strip club that he funded, you thought he’d reveal his true colors- that maybe he was a womanizer or something malicious or anything that you could use to give leads to Jeno. But no. Jisung almost changed immediately after changing your name and background. You still don’t know why. And you don’t like it. A month has gone by and with all the time you spend with Jisung, a part of you feels suspicious that he’s plotting to do something bad to you.

After an hour, you get off the stage and behind the curtains, passing by the row of ladies in skimpy outfits, you try to catch your breath and regain your energy from the 1 hour long pole dancing expo. You ignore the other ladies who tell you that you’ve exceeded expectations of going more than 30 minutes, your main priority is just getting to your dressing room. Finally after what feels like forever, you thrust yourself in your private dressing room and get your gown on, covering your exposed body. You plop down on your chair and drink some water trying to cool yourself from the show you performed for the lust filled and needy men.

So after removing your heels, you lay on your couch pretending to sleep. Knowing that Slick will be there to monitor you for a few seconds. With your eyes shut and body in the best limbo, you listen to how the door opens slowly and quietly, you know it’s Slick. He lingers around before he leaves and shuts the door behind him. You’re reminded of the things that happened earlier.

The strip club is a large building with 5 floors filled with entertainments of different levels. You worked at the 3rd floor for personal VIP guests who would have their nightly meetings with some pleasing exotic dancer on the stage – tonight that was you. And this floor scared you a lot, simply because you didn’t like the type of men who sat there having their meeting. What were the meetings about? Nothing good obviously. And the fact that Zha funds this club, only means trouble. The other floors had other activities, illegal activities – for crying out loud the 5th floor was for some sick torture pleasure dancing. You’ve only been in this building for 2 weeks, and still some of the rooms are off limits and private. But what you’re more interested on the floor which Zha often disappears in. And that’s the basement. Below the underground parking, there’s another place which you’ve seen Zha coupe himself in. After learning that on a nightly basis Zha comes here, you needed to know what exactly he does here. And not ‘here’ but ‘there’ in the basement.

You know that it could be the final piece to help Jeno out with his problem. Yet you don’t know how to get there. For one Slick has seriously become a hindrance for you. Not having your phone or anything to do in the room. You lay flat on your side and wait for sleep to catch up with you.

"Slick. What’s the status?" Zha tosses a hand knife up, and catches it in his hand in one swift move. Peering away from the object, his gaze pierces straight into a timid woman’s eyes. Tied up on a chair, in the center of a white clear room, bleeding from her red bruises pouring from her bloody thighs while being stared at by collective groups of men lounging by the wall – the woman weighs between how hopeless she is, and how likely it is to make it out alive. What started out as normal trips with charming man she met online – has turned into a horrible nightmare she wishes she could wake up in and press reset. Her father always warned her to be careful of who she mingles with. She listened, but she didn’t think that the person she was mingling with was a ‘gang’ member who worked for Zha and wanted her father dead.

Her eyes moves to the man she once knew as ‘Donghyuck’. She sniffs. “Hyuck- please help me. I’m sorry.” She cries in the direction of Slick, begging and pleading.

In return Zha scoffs a little and doesn’t wait for a response from Slick as he walks closer to the woman. She squirms in her tied seat- already looking like hell with all the blood pouring from her open wounds. Zha stops right in front of her chair. “Baby. Where’s your father?”

“Fuck you!” Her anger is raw and direct at Zha – the man who single handedly pierced her flesh in the most nonchalant way possible as if he was trying to rip an envelope.

“Wrong answer.” Zha places his knife over her skin, on top of her knee, his eyes move up to hers – and then, in the slowest way, he pierces the knife in her flesh. In agony she wails grunting out, her teeth grating and tears never ending from her eyes. “I hate to see you in pain baby, but you’re not answering my questions.” Zha grabs her jaws and directs her face to him, so that he can look straight into her eyes. "Where's your daddy baby?"

"Please just forgive him! Please! Whatever he did – I beg you please just forgive him!" She screeches out, blood falling from her mouth – she bites hard on her bottom lip just as Zha sinks the knife deeper in her skin trying to feel her bone – which he does find.

“One more push and you’ll be forced to have an amputation.” Zha states.

The woman is adamant to her word. "What is wrong with you! My father did nothing! Do whatever you want with me but please leave my father alone! Donghyuck please help me-”

“He’s not gonna help you baby. Your only way out is through me.” Zha shakes her jaws to make her pupils focus back on him.

She cries out. “You monster!"

Zha stares a long time at her, considering maybe she’ll give in, but her eyes are straight and hell bent on not revealing her father’s location. “You're not the only one with a mouth on this planet. I can simply get my answer from somebody else. Your silence and death are pointless." Without hesitation and with no remorse – quickly in one big move he thrusts the knife deeply in her throat fully making blood splatter and explode out viciously.

Watching her mouth hanging and throbbing eyes, Zha feels a glimpse of pain and he inhales deeply. This wouldn't have happened if she was honest to me- he tries to tell him. He pushes the knife in harder bending down to kiss her cheek before pulling out. "May your soul rest now.” He whispers to her fading conscious body. A groggily choke is heard from her, before she stops moving- her eyes lifeless and open staring at him. He looks away and grunts.

"Where should we put her?" Mark asks walking forward and away from his group. He pokes the inside of his mouth watching the gruesome bloody spurting all over until it’s just flowing from her neck. He bends down to see her thigh wounds better. Zha surely did a number on her. "Examining these up close, I can surely tell you that we can't leave her on the street and make it look like rape. Neither can we say that she got mugged. She barely goes out. Gotta keep that in mind."

"Her home. In the Bath tub. I don't know Mark. This is your job." Zha answers turning his back away from them. ‘Them’ being Mark and his crew of ‘clean ups’. "Make it seem like she slipped and cut her neck. Leave everything else clean."

Mark chuckles in disbelief. "You want us to make these several wounds on on her legs and neck… look like suicide? What? She stabbed herself on the thigh? She fell on the toilet seat and cut her throat? That wound that deep will be investigated?" Mark raises his brow.

"Figure something out Mark." Zha advices being annoyed not even sparing them a glance.

Mark has always been the artist, in the special effect artist department who makes any ‘murder’ look like an accident. For a long time he’s worked together with Zha because Zha had connects to private sources who would help in faking everything. And when Zha finally gave him the promotion and he started working by himself, Mark had done well. His title being the cover man. A lot of the time he succeeds, few times he fails (only few!). When he does fail, there's a whole investigation crew that they watch out for.

Zha walks to the other table with a towel ignoring the voices from the other men who surround Mark and the butchered woman. Zha cleans up his arm and face removing any excess smudges of blood. He begins to removes his t-shirt, replacing it with a black one. “Slick.” Zha captures the attention of a loner man in the corner. “If I remember correctly I asked you something,"

"You did. I was waiting till you finished," Slick answers.

"Well don't make me wait."

Slick steps forward moving close to Zha on the table. “Your bitch finished her shift cleanly and is sleeping in the dressing room."

"Good." Zha nods his head, turning around watching Mark and his men begin to unfasten the ropes and carry her, while another set of guys clean up the blood over the white floors. “And make sure they don’t find her until I say so.” Zha adds. Mark throws his hand up with a thumb up.

“Why is it, that on a nightly basis, I listen to you making the worst decisions?” Slick speaks next to Zha. “Do you know how long it was to get that girl to finally come here? All my efforts have gone in vain. Watching you kill her makes me regret the time I put into her. Zha, you killed her without getting a step closer to her father. How long do we have to lay low for? It’s been a month and I’m getting sick of hearing you make foolish decisions.”

“Last I check, there’s a detective still on our tail. Renjun and Hongjun were called in for questioning this week.”

Slick rolls his eyes. “If we're very careful nothing is traced back to us, but if it does you can trust those two to be very careful in interrogations. After all, there's no physical hard proof that we were involved in anything they’re investigating. The Zha I know isn’t afraid of these types of situations.” Slick comments being dead serious. “I’ve got a hot take.”

In a nonchalant tone, Zha answers. “And what is it?”

“You’re getting sloppy.” Slick takes a seat next to Zha by the desk also watching Mark. “If you were your old self, you’d have gotten the answer from that girl by now. But since you’re celebrating a new you, you got all soft on her and killed her, without even getting anything. And it’s all because of that bitch.”

Zha rolls his eyes not saying anything.

“You know I’m right. I’m the only one who knows you well enough, to know that bitch is getting to you. Ditch her now Zha.” Slick shakes his head not believing the reality of the new Zha. “For all the years I’ve known you, I have never once seen you like this. Soft. And it’s affecting your work, man. We’ve never been caught in a month delay. We’ve never stayed low for more than a week. And now suddenly, you request us to stop all activities and trades just to you can spend it with that bitch. Fucking unreal.”

“Is that your hot take?” Zha is unbothered by the entire conversation. His mind blank and wondering what else can he do to finally find the man on his hit list. If his daughter wasn’t of help, then how else would he find this man?

Meanwhile Slick keeps talking. “Be honest with me right now, do you think this trick is actually loyal to you?”

Zha doesn’t have to reply, however since it’s Slick asking the question- his most loyalist of friend and follower, he knows that Slick won’t back down until his answers are answered. So after a brief moment Zha answers. “She’s loyal.”

“Are you even listening to me?” Slick doesn’t buy it. “I told you that I’ve caught her multiple times on the phone having hush conversations-”

“And I listened to you, I took her phone away.”

“But that doesn’t prove that her mouth hasn’t already ran a mile. Look at the mess we’re in. You’re telling me there’s no bone in your body that’s twitching or connecting all these crappy interrogations we’re having to her? She told someone, and my best guess is that Jeno guy, and because he’s grieving his fucking wife and won’t believe the details we put in that death report- he listened to your bitch and opened up a case. Leading us here. Do you know who’s on that case?”

Zha’s scornful face doesn’t faze Slick, in fact this Slick is on a rampage to say all the things that have been bothering him.

“Fucking Detective Na Jaemin. That man has been a boulder ever since you killed Rei. And that was 5 years ago.” Slick bitterly lets out. “He’s so eager to catch you. I bet you he’s connecting so many dots right now. It’s painful to sit on the sides and watch. Just let me at him for 5-”

“I told you to lay low Slick.”

“Fuck this. I can’t keep watching our boys get dropped one by one.”

“They don’t have anything on us Slick. So relax.” Zha mentions calmly. “You’re little paranoia can be toned down now. I’m trying to think.”

“Toned down?” Slick is doubting his ears of the things he heard. It’s only been a month but Zha has really started to grow soft. And being soft would ruin them all. The problem is you and how Zha is letting you in bit by bit. First he ‘killed’ off your identity and gave you a new one, but what Slick didn’t like about this, was that Zha allowed you to work at the base of all their operations. Why couldn’t Zha allow you to be a stripper elsewhere? Why only at the headquarters of all their operations? Slick didn’t like watching from the sides, but it’s not like he knew that his boss would lose some marbles. “Look here bro. I don’t trust that bitch even for a second.” Slick states lowly. “Keep a leash on her because I bet you she’ll be the reason we all fall.”

“Don’t jinx it.” Zha merely blinks, looking bored once he reaches a conclusion in his head that in order to get the father of the dead girl, they’d need to go through his wife. Question is, where would they find his wife.

“I’ll swarm if chaos breaks loose.”

Zha’s attention breaks away from his thoughts and he turns to Slick who’s still whining. “Don’t touch her Slick.”

“Look at you,” Slick gets up with a distasteful face. “You’re fucking soft for her. She doesn’t even feel the same for you.”

“Oh god. How many times do I have to say it? We’re just fucking. Nothing deep.” Zha is back to reality and gets up calmly walking past Slick – “Stay here with them. Make sure they finish up and leave the place clean. I’ll go check on my Mistress myself, because you’re in a bitching mode and I can’t stand your voice.”

As soon as Zha is out of the basement, you makes his way up the stairs heading to your room. By the time he gets in, as Slick reported, you’re sleeping on the couch. Zha watches you for a little bit, his mind wondering about the conversation that Slick was trying to pursue. For as long as you’ve been here, you never gaze Zha a reason to be worried. Of course Jeno’s presence was irritating, but Zha took care of it. And you’ve shown yourself to be a pretty and delicate being in his life. Okay, maybe he is going soft for you. It’s not like he can help it. You’re innocent in this type of world and he just wants to protect you…

Protect you from himself… Protect you from his alter ego Zha. Jisung doesn’t want to hurt you. He doesn’t want to complicate your life. He wants to see why is it that he hasn’t killed you off yet… Is it because of your body? What makes you different from everyone he’s slept with? What makes you so damn worthy that he doesn’t want to kill off just yet…

Zha’s thoughts swirl in a haze as he watches you sleep, the soft rise and fall of your chest a gentle reminder of the innocence he’s long since lost. There’s something so fragile about you, something that reminds him of a time when he too was naïve, unaware of the darkness that would eventually consume him. His mind drifts back to his younger days, when he hadn’t yet hardened into the ruthless man he is now. He’d been innocent then, untainted by the bloodshed and betrayal that would soon follow. But looking at you now, he feels an ache in his chest. You’re a reflection of the person he could have been, before the world twisted him into something unrecognizable. It’s not just your body—though undeniably, there’s a beauty in your vulnerability that calls to him in ways he can’t explain—but your very essence that pulls at something buried deep inside him. You don’t belong here, not in this world, and part of him resents himself for being the one to bring you deeply into it.

Zha can’t shake the guilt that gnaws at him when he looks at you, innocent and untouched by the harsh realities of the life he’s built. He’s seen so much destruction, so many lives shattered by the very things he’s done, and yet with you, it feels different. He wants to protect you, keep you safe, but there’s a fear deep down that the more he tries to shield you, the more he’ll end up hurting you. You remind him of everything he’s lost—the parts of him that still long for connection, for something pure. When you look at him with those wide, trusting eyes, he feels something stirring within him that he hasn’t felt in years: a glimmer of humanity. But how can he let that part of himself resurface when the darkness he’s embraced has already seeped too deeply into his soul? You’re so much like the person he used to be, and yet he can’t help but feel that protecting you means holding back a part of himself he doesn’t know if he can control.

“Hey apple doll,” He whispers, gently cupping your head and shifting your weight so that he may sit down and place your head over his thighs. You’re half awake and look up to his face before closing your eyes.

“Yes Ji,” Jisung smiles, caressing your hair softly, moving down gently over your skin. You smile and chuckle. “Yes?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing, I just wanted to see you,”

Deciding to sit up, you spread your leg over his and straddle him, resting over his shoulder. “Can I sleep here?”

“Or we could go home and have a little moment of cuddling and what not,”

“I like that,”

Zha’s internal struggle intensifies every time you’re near him. He can’t take advantage of you—not like the others. You don’t deserve to be tainted by his violence or the coldness that defines him now. You deserve more than a man who has blood on his hands, a man whose hands have been stained with things that can never be washed away. And yet, the temptation to hold you, to possess you in ways that make the pain inside him subside, is overwhelming. But he won’t. He won’t be the one to destroy what’s left of you, even if it means denying the hunger that twists inside him every time you’re within reach. You’re precious to him—not just because of your beauty, but because you’re a reminder of the innocence he’s lost, and he can’t bear to be the one to take that from you.

When you get home, Jisung is true to his words when he cuddles with you on the bed, giving you soft kisses. Nothing crazy or intense, just quietly enjoying his embrace over you. You don’t know how you feel, but clearly you do see him changing bit by bit. Taking advantage of that the next day you ask Jisung if you can have a day off, to which he agrees. You intend to try and get a hold of Jeno… because you feel like you’ve reached a dead end and there’s nothing you can do anymore. If anything you’re tired of this place and you just want to get out.

But with no phone, or memory of Jeno’s phone number, you rely on google search. When Jisung leaves you in the house alone, you open the tv and browser through the streaming devices and find google. Taking a deep breath you go on incognito mode hoping that your browsing will be secured. You search up Jaehyun’s café shop, knowing there’s a website. Taking down the shop number, you quickly get up and head to the wall phone. Getting past the reception lady, you press down the phone number and wait on the call.

“Good day, thank you for calling Jaehyun’s café, this is Joonie speaking. How can I be of service to you today?”

“Oh hi, hey Joonie, It’s Y/n,”

“Hey girl. How are you? This is a surprise,” She chuckles politely. “Are you looking to buy some tea, or do you want to shoot your shot and get your job back?”

You smile, missing the tone of your co-worker who’d tease you once in a while. “Actually I’m looking Jaehyun. Do you think you could pass him the phone, if he’s not busy?”

“Yea about that, he’s with a customer. He’s been with this customer for a while now,” She mumbles the last part, which gets your attention. “I can take a message-”

“Hey sorry for interrupting. By chance is this customer, the gentleman I was with?”

“Yes!” She answers in realization. “Oh you know him right? He’s the special customer who always used to ask for your specials. Now he gets Jaehyun’s specials.”

You’re not interested in that, but you desire to just speak to him. “Please can you tell Jaehyun that I need to speak to him, please. And if he asks who, just say it’s me.”

“Okay no problem. Just hold.”

Waiting on the call, you get so happy and excited that you nearly even start crying. It’s been over a month with no contact to the outside world. Ever since your phone was taken, it’s been pretty hard. You’ve never known just how far you’d be missing the people outside – even the ones you never spoke to – like your mother or father. You missed everyone, but you missed Jeno the most. You know you haven’t spoken much to him to even be head over heels for him, but really you are. You missed his cooking, his warmth, the attention he gave you, but most of all, you liked how he was able to relate and understand you.

And then you hear his voice. “Jeno?” You call timidly, with your heart racing with both excitement and anxiousness.

He too, with longing in his voice calls your name. “I knew you weren’t dead.” From his end, he can only lean against the wall and shut his eyes, to just simply hear your voice. He breathes your name out.

“Jeno,” You smile and gulp the lump that wants to make itself known. “I’m scared that I might end up dead. I can’t do this anymore. I need to leave.”

“I hear you,” And truly he can hear how your voice shakes. “And we’ll get you out of there… We just need a little more time.”

“I don’t know what more I can do here. You were right,”

“No, don’t say that,” Jeno tries to comfort your anxious self. “You’ve been strong, and you’ve helped tremendously in this investigation. I’m grateful for all your help, and I promise you, you won’t die in there. I’m here, and I won’t you die. You just need to hold on a little bit longer.”

You nod your head and sniff. “Okay. What do I need to do?”

“Right now, Officer Na, has taken care of a lot. We just need to catch Zha in the act,”

“Zha…” You begin to tell Jeno of everything that Zha has done. From mentioning the usual areas where he resides, the hotel, the strip club, the pawn shop, the pet exotic store and even the warehouse, to how he even made you change your whole identity and he burnt away your documents and every proof that you needed to be alive, you also let Jeno know that Zha is Jisung and the members in the group. Of course you don’t know all there names, aside from those nicknames. But Jeno listens to it all.

“Thanks for sharing that,” He comments. “I’ll give you Detective Na’s phone number and-”

“As I speak. I have no access to a phone. He took everything away. I’m calling from a landline phone in the hotel where I stay with him. I’m scared that my calls will be on receipt.” You mention and you look at the little table with the phone seeing the hotel’s name. “How about I order something from Jaehyun’s café, and then while you deliver the goods, you can also put in the contact details?”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll also get you a burner phone, just in case the landline is being traced.” He adds on.

You nod your head, and bite you r lip at the thought of Jeno. “I miss you,”

The anxiety can be heard over the phone, and Jeno doesn’t like that you sound so worried for your life. He should be the one to protect you, instead of you risking your life for him. “Listen to me Y/n, you’ll make it out alive. You won’t have to stay in that place anymore. With everything that you’ve said now, I’ll make sure to fetch you myself. Now you can give the address and I’ll try to get the phone to you as soon as possible.”

You agree as you give in your address and Jeno cuts the call. Running your hand through you hair, to try and calm your heart down, you begin working around the house to relieve some stress. As you work, you can hear the lift door of the apartment opening. Your head snaps and you quickly make your way downstairs, being surprised. Is Zha back before the delivery?

You sigh thankfully, when you only see Slick shutting the elevator doors with his beady eyes on you. Despite it not being Zha, and you’re thankful for that, a part of you wishes that it was Zha, because Slick scares the hell out of you. “H-hi.” You greet. Slick walks through the house, taking a seat on the couch. He’s there for a while and you don’t know what to do, whether to serve him or ask why he’s here or even move.

As a result you go to the kitchen to make some tea, while returning to the living room you see him on his phone. “Do you want some tea?” You ask as you set the tray on the table. Going on your knees, you make some tea for yourself before looking at him. He doesn’t say anything neither does he pay attention to you. His gaze, fixed on the phone.

Awkwardly you sit down on the couch and drink the tea. It’s not long before the lift door opens and a door man comes. “Parcel.”

Slick is the one to get up and take the wrapped box in his hands. Seeing the logo of the box, you know that it’s from Jaehyun’s café. Shit. It was the phone inside.

“Who’s this for?” Slick questions.

“It’s delivered to Miss Y/n.” The door man responds before bowing and heading towards the elevator and going. Slick turns back to you.

“What’s this?”

“I ordered some tea.” You quickly make up on the spot. Slick, glares at you before he rips the box open. You try to stop him but just glares at you, as if asking you to try and even touch him. Being afraid of how they packaged the stuff, you stand behind slicks and watch him finally rip off everything before he turns the box upside down and begin to dump them all out. You watch a mug fall and break on the ground, just as a bunch of other wrapped tea plastics fall. You look at Slick, who uses his foot to skim through the broken mug and plate on the floor.

Not spotting anything suspicious, he turns and walks away. Not saying anything, you watch him sit back on the couch. You glare at him feeling irritated, nonetheless you get on your knees picking up the pieces of the broken dish and glass. Upon taking hold of one of the plastics with the teabags, you feel something hard inside the plastic…. The phone. It’s either luck is on your side or Slick didn’t look hard enough. You get up once the plastic is securely in your grasp. Making several round to the kitchen with a broom, dustpan and mop, you head up the stairs to go to your room. Leaving Slick alone in the living room.

Yet, you stop when he speaks up.

"When Mark brought you to Zha, you weren’t suspicious to me at all. You were just a slut. However when Zha began ‘taking care’ of you, I wondered what kind of slut you were. Clearly a slut with connections. First you had Taeyong, then Mark, then Zha and now you’ve got this infactuated Lee Jeno wrapped around your fingers.” Slick gets up from the couch, turning ever so slowly to stare at you. “Jeno’s wife died in a car accident months ago, but he won’t accept that. He’s gone to the detectives to try and prove something that isn’t real. Him snooping around you is dangerous for all of us. Because I have reason to believe you know more than what you’re letting on. So I’m going to warn you now.”

You step back- quickly holding onto the staircase just as Slick takes agonizing steps towards you.

“Even though Zha has placed you in our missions, made you change your whole identity, and made you his play thing, whatever it is… I will kill you myself if anything happens to him or any of our boys.” He tilts his head to the side once he’s close enough to your face.

He's on to you… and you’re now scared more than ever. You need to leave! But first… unfortunately… you need to first find evidence against Slick. He knows something. “I don’t want anything to happen to him as much you as don’t want anything to happen to him.”

“I doubt that. Love ruins everything.” He states. “And you’ve somehow bewitched him.”

“Bewitched is a heavy word.” You briskyly let out your breath. “Are you intimidating to all of Jisung’s mistresses?” You question.

“He’s had none that stayed this long.” He lets out in a whisper. “If you know what I mean.”

Slick is just so menacing, and makes you fear that you might not make it to see Jeno ever again. However being close to him like this, you’re wondering why he’s not leaving… he made his threat already, so he should be leaving, however he’s standing in front of you taking in all the features of your face. You’re just hoping you’ve betwiched him too. "Oh," You nod your head slowly, searching through his eyes for any form of lust. But no… he’s just staring at your lips and eyes. “So that would make me...his first serious mistress?"

You’re aware of the hatred sipping from his eyes to you, but you’re unaware of the shift as he looks at you up close. “He's falling for you...and it's messing everything up. For your own safety I hope he kills you before I do.”

“I’m not guilty of anything." You boldly let out, as he turns around and walks back to his seat.

“We’ll see about that.”

"What’s Slick’s deal…” You question as you lay on the bed with Jisung. He came later than usual tonight. “Did you send him here because you don’t trust me?”

“Apple doll," He sighs being surprised that Slick actually came to the house. His finger traces up and down your side while his other hand brushes your hair. “Slick won’t hurt you,”

“That’s what you’re saying, but the way he looks at me and-” You stop yourself… and in the darkness of the room you look up to Jisung. “He said he’s hoping that you’ll kill me.”

Jisung’s face panes down to your face, his eyes meeting softly with yours. Clearly his emotions towards you are different than the one that Slick has. And after speaking to Jeno today, you try to take advantage of the little trust that Jisung has in you.

“I can’t lie Ji. I’m not comfortable being with you if Slick is always watching and threatening me… In fact I’m also not confident that you’ll let me leave just like that. I’ve already seen too much and heard too much.” While you’re trying to get an assurance from him that he won’t make Slick kill you, you’re unaware of the vulnerability he lets out.

“Apple doll, why are you so scared of him, when I’m here?” He asks gently cupping your cheeks. “I’m only telling you this, so that you understand where he’s coming from. Slick is not all talk. I’m sure when it comes to you, he’s just bluffing. He’s got yet to actually harm a woman. He only does that to men, so when he’s telling you he’ll kill you, it’s just talk.”

“Well… I can trust your word, but I wanna know more about him.” You nod your head, letting him know that you’re listening and won’t interrupt. “What’s he like?”

Jisung doesn’t find your question suspicious. Which is odd… he’s surprised that he’s even trusting you with such information about his most trusted and loyalist member. “Just like me, Slick was raised in the training home for boys. He earned the nickname Slick, because he was truly slick. You’d never catch him coming until it was too late. He has escaped death one too many times. He’s always been fast, light on his feet, strong and smart. Slick.” Jisung smiles. “His real name though, is Donghyuck. Once he graduated from the boarding school of boys, he tried to settle down and live honestly. But the world wasn’t kind to him. His girlfriend betrayed him and often had him wrapped around her finger until she cut him off when she was done with him. With the way we’ve been trained in that boarding school, there’s always been this narrative that we are powerless. So you can imagine, not only was he a victim of ‘love’ but he was overlooked too. And so when we met, I told him that he’s not powerless, he can actually use his speed and wit. And since we shared the same values that the boarding school people who ruined our lives deserve to die, he was more than eager to be on board.”

You sigh and fix your eyes on his stare. “Just how bad was this training school for boys… that it’s made you all turn out with a lust of killing…”

“The worst.” Jisung merely blinks, and you swear you see his vulnerability this time. In one way or another, you’re aware that ‘Zha’ is a manipulator. So even though he’s being honest with you, he might’ve slowly convinced Slick that this lifestyle is the only one worth living. And from the sounds of how Slick decided to follow Zha, it could be that Slick believes that no one else would accept or value him… Which is scary for you because… you’re sure that Zha has manipulated you as well.

You lean up on your palm resting your other hand over his heart. "It bothers me so much that you’re hurt, you and all the other boys. I wish there was something I could do to at least make the pain go away. They’ve hurt you so bad that vengeance is all that you seek upon the whole world?"

The room goes ice quiet and it's thick with breathing in the air. “Not the whole world… He turns back to face you but for the first time ever with his barriers down. "And I’m not hurt... just… numb by it all"

“You're not just hardened… you’ve lost so much faith…” You mention softly, rubbing his heart. “And I’m not looking down on you, I just want to hug you so tight that you don’t feel so sad anymore. You’re broken. Heart broken. And that breaks my heart."

Zha’s chest rises and falls, his gaze momentarily lost in the darkness of the room. The silence between you thickens, a heavy weight pressing on the air. His walls are down, but there’s something in his eyes—a kind of emptiness—that makes you wonder if you’ve truly seen him at all. For a moment, you think he might say something, but instead, he just sighs, almost imperceptibly. It’s the kind of sigh that tells you so much, but at the same time, nothing at all. "Everyone’s broken," he mutters softly, the edges of his voice rough, as if worn down by years of bitterness. "We’re all just pieces trying to fit together... in a world that doesn’t give a damn about us."

You can’t help but feel a pang of sorrow for him, for all the pieces of himself he’s shattered and tried to bury. You wonder what kind of person he might’ve been before the world turned him into this—this man who manipulates and controls with a cold smile, but hides a broken heart no one’s ever cared enough to mend.

"You don’t have to be like this," you say, your voice almost a whisper. "You’re not just... broken, Zha. You’re lost. And I’m not going to pretend I understand what you’ve been through. But I see it. I see you."

His eyes flicker to yours, a flash of something raw—perhaps fear, or maybe just the flickering remnants of something long gone. His fingers freeze over your skin just as he turns on his back rubbing his hand over his face, as though trying to rub away the mask of indifference. "It’s not that simple," he replies, his voice low, but steady. "You think I chose this life because I wanted it? You think I enjoy it?" His lips curl, a bitter laugh escaping him, but it’s devoid of humor. "This is survival. Nothing more. Nothing less. I think… I’ll only feel better when they’re all dead and rotting."

You shift closer, instinctively, as though bridging the physical gap between you could also close the emotional distance. "But that’s just it," you insist, your voice trembling slightly. "You don’t have to survive like this. Not anymore."

His eyes harden, and for a fleeting moment, you think he might pull away, retreating into the shell of who he’s forced himself to become. But then, just as quickly, that mask falters again, like he’s torn between holding on to the life he’s built and allowing himself to let go. He glances at you, his gaze penetrating, as if he’s weighing your sincerity against the weight of everything he’s done. "You don’t get it," he murmurs, the words barely audible. "Once you’ve gone too far, there’s no going back. People like me... we don’t get second chances."

You reach out, gently placing your hand over his, feeling the tremor in his fingers, the weight of his despair seeping through his skin. "I don’t believe that," you say, your voice barely above a breath. "I don’t believe anyone is beyond saving. Not you. Not Slick. Not any of you."

His eyes search yours, and for the first time, it feels like he’s actually seeing you. For a moment, he doesn’t speak, as though lost in the idea of something—someone—actually seeing him. Not as Zha the criminal. Not as the cold, calculating leader. But as just... him. Then, in a quiet voice that almost sounds like a confession, he says, "I don’t know how to let go."

You squeeze his hand, your heart aching for the man who’s been so consumed by darkness, so locked into a world of vengeance and manipulation. "Then let me help you," you whisper, your fingers tightening around his. "Let me help you find a way out."

The room grows heavier, the silence stretching between you like an unsaid promise. But something shifts in the air—something delicate, almost fragile. Zha doesn’t pull away this time. And for a heartbeat, just a fleeting moment, he lets himself believe that maybe—just maybe—there’s more to life than the cold path he’s walked for so long. His voice is soft when he finally speaks again, carrying the weight of everything unspoken. "You don’t know what you’re asking."

"I think I do," you reply quietly. "But I’ll help you figure it out. One step at a time."

A long pause. His eyes linger on yours, unreadable, but something flickers there. Hope. Fear. Maybe both. And just like that, the door to something new creaks open, only a crack. But for the first time, it feels like Zha might be willing to step through it, if only a little. Calling on your name to get your attention, you focus on how his gaze pierces into your eyes. "I'm a killer."

“I know…” You hesitate, feeling the weight of his words. “But even so… I see the man you used to be, the man who once cared. That’s the man I care for. I like you a lot Jisung, even when you pretend to be Zha… big and scary.” You hum and nod your head looking into his eyes. “On the surface, I love how you spoil me and say my name. But more than that, I love how you care for me, protect me. You make me feel special. And I see the selflessness in you, the part that’s still there, even though you’ve been broken by the world. You’re kind when you have to be, and even though sometimes you make me mad, you just show… that you once used to be someone who was selfless. You laid down your own needs if it meant everyone was good. I hate that they took that away from you.”

He turns his head and looks up directly to the ceiling, thinking. He leans down and places a kiss on your lips. The kiss feels different this time. It’s slow, like he’s savoring it, like he’s trying to feel something real again. And for a moment, you both forget the violence, the lies… just two broken souls holding on to something that feels good and right. There’s something so different about how he makes love to you. It’s not rough or fast like he usually like it, but this time, it’s slow and just so… wholesome.

“I promise you that he won’t kill you.” Jisung confesses in your ear, as you sleep against his chest. “Just don’t provoke him.” You reflect a bit on the tension between you and Slick and wonder if Zha’s promise about Slick is enough to calm your fears, or if it’s just part of the dangerous game you’re tangled in.

And you feel guilty, because just as the sun rises the next day and Jisung leaves the house, you get out the burner phone… and write the name Donghyuck and send it to the only 2 contacts available in the phone. Before you get ready for Mark who’ll pick you up and then take you to the strip club.

“We need to talk Slick.” Zha enters his office in the warehouse with Slick following right behind him. Zha takes a seat on his chair waiting for Slick to shut the door. Simply watching Slick, Zha knows that Slick is running on a low patience.

“What?” Slick speaks in a low groggy tone.

Zha breathes in and out. “I want you to run a little scan operation regarding Lee Jeno.” Slick says nothing and just stares at him, as if trying to understand the plan that Zha has. “There’s a mole among us-”

“It’s your bitch.” Slick says without hesitation.

“No. It’s not. I’ve kept her away from her own identiy, phone and files for more than a month. And shes’ shown no suspicious behavior. On the other hand, while I’ve foolishly been focusing on her, I’ve let this fucking mole plot holes. And I blame you, because your suspicion towards her had me fooled into believing she’s been here to trick me. But the truth is, she’s just a person who’s broken and looking for love. I found this guy wandering about our sites.” Zha opens his drawer and brings out a file. “Detective Na Jaemin.”

Slick is in pure disbelief at everything he’s hearing. He scoffs and doesn’t even bother looking at the file. Because his brain has long pieced a lot of things together. “You’re getting sloppy. I’ve told you already that this Jeno guy is with a detective. This detective is getting information from the inside through your bitch-”

“How? Because she has no means of contact.”

Slick rolls his eyes. “She’s hiding something, perhaps a phone or laptop. Yesterday someone delivered tea to her and-”

“And you broke her mug and walked over her tea bags. She told me-”

“You’re not fucking listening. If she has a way of getting deliveries done to the hotel there’s a high chance that when you’re not there with her, she’s delivering something else. I’m telling you your bitch-”

“Donghyuck.” Zha startles Slick by using the name that he hated that most. “Listen to me. My bitch knows nothing about what we do here. She doesn’t know the names of the boys, she doesn’t know our locations, she doesn’t know shit. So why blame her, for things she doesn’t know.”

Slick clinches his jaw, drawing closer to the table and laying his hands firmly on the desk while leaning close. “Because there’s no one else to blame. And you’re being a fool trusting her.”

“I’ve already made myself clear. Run the Scans operation on Lee Jeno, tail him if you have to, and I want the report by the end of this week.”

Slick doesn’t say anything more as he walks out the office and down the stairs. The only thoughts in his head is how to convince Zha that you’re indeed working with Jeno. He could tail Jeno and see who Jeno talks to, but Slick isn’t that stupid because he knows he’ll only get caught by the detectives if they so even notice that someone is following Jeno. So instead, he decides to tail you. Because he knows that ever since you showed up, bad things started to happen.

After a long drive to the estate where Zha lives, he spots you getting in the car that Mark drives. You must be on your way to work. He watches the car drive off, before he takes liberty of walking into the hotel with intent to search the whole floor thoroughly. You’re hiding something and he’s going to find it.

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

[To be continued: Read Part 2 Here]

#nct dream imagine #nct imagine #nct #nct heartbreak #nct jisung #jisung x reader #park jisung fanfic #park jisung smut #park jisung x jeno #park jisung nct #park jisung angst #jisung mafia #nct jisung romance #nct jisung smut #jisung smut #jisung x reader x jeno

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swee7dream · 3 months ago

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dreamies as manhwa characters 𓍯𓂃𓏧♡

genres miscellaneous + headcanons triggers one mention of gagging (?) just to be safe . note purely for myself . i have no one to talk to about my 300+ reading list of shoujo manga/manhwa so you all get this .

mark lee (ᓀ‸ᓂ)

saebom from no office romance !

is it really mark lee-coded if it’s not (childhood) friends-to-lovers? exactly.

saebom and mark are walking green flags full of reasonable expectations, goofy mannerisms, and encouraging words even if it will not result in the best outcome for them personally

everyone loves them, it’s impossible to hate them!

even when their jokes are pity laugh-worthy with their loud barfing sounds and accidentally guilt-tripping gags

they mess up as all humans do but they always do their best to fix it as soon as possible to minimize damage.

they’re considerate of others but also (rightfully) proud of their work and aren’t shy to display it when the time is right. hashtag stream fraktsiya

huang renjun ૮ ˙Ⱉ˙ ა

cheol from after school lessons for unripe apples !

obviously i’m not thinking physically when i consider them similar.

but on the inside. on the inside… they are one.

they aren’t too open about their feelings. sometimes it feels like they don’t understand them themselves. and so they have a thin veil of mystique around them

it’s just nerves

they’re both just nervous guys who feel the need to protect everything at all times while also trying to hold back because, why should they? that’s not their job. they’re not getting paid for this.

but it’s just such an innate action on their part they just can’t help themselves !

they are responsible individuals who are just chaos magnets.

lee jeno ૮ .◜◡◝ა

zachary from a marriage of convenience !

men of little words. men of�� easily misunderstandable words.

we’re not going to go into zachary’s story because if you haven’t read marriage of convenience i am on my knees begging you to

it’s easy to write them off as tsuns, especially with the way jeno treats jisung, but they’re NOT

they are such big lovers they will move heaven and earth for their loved ones and still be understanding if you ask for something else or more, even

they are well aware of their grand accomplishments, but also keep their eye fixed on their loved ones’ expectations, always making room for improvement

also… great physiques GUYS WHO SAID THAT TUMBLR BLOG SWEE7DREAM GOT HACKED GET THE NEWS REPORTERS

lee donghyuck ʕ˙Ⱉ˙‧:ʔ

kevin from spirit fingers !

specifically, more last arc kevin.

they’re silly, they’re clingy, they love their partner !!!!!!

the banter is always next level with them yet so are the dramatics and sulking.

their confidence is just attractive whether its romantic, platonic, whatever !

they know that no matter what they wear or if they have makeup on or not, their pretty privilege will cancel out the fact that there’s toilet paper clinging to the bottom of their shoes

their positivity is like a purifying beam to the people around them. their kind words and actions are done with the purpose to uplift the people around them.

you can’t have a low self-esteem around them, they are professional cheerleaders! hypemen! supporters!

how could you not love them?

na jaemin ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭

camute from the crow’s prince !

i was originally gonna put tamaki from ohshc but that’s like saying the sky is blue. we all know that, why beat a dead horse?

so, camute it is !

first of all, blond. they both eat up the hair color. blueprinted, invented, copywritten !

that aside, they are so open in communication it’s like you just got hit in the eyeball with a neobong with how much of a green flag they both are.

they won’t make you say anything you don’t want to say in the moment, but will make sure to get the point across that they expect to have a conversation about the subject in the near future because YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO THEM.

they’re also highly protective to the point it’s SILLAY. they’re a sulky kind of jealous not a ‘i will lock you up in a basement in an abandoned mansion on the top of a remote mountain for making eye contact with Frank From Work’ kind of jealous

jaemin on bbl… ‘my bag is heavy :(’ ‘oh ur gonna help me? WRONG ANSWER. NEVER TRUST ANY MAN.’

so true king 💯

zhong chenle (ᯟ︿ᯏ)

kahir from i’m the tyrant’s secretary !

‘you love me? duh, of course you do.’

very positive self-perception. nothing can tear this man down. except you, even though he’ll act otherwise.

has a different standard than everyone else from clothes and technology to relationships. to them, it’s easy to act as if money is no object, instead placing more effort into the people that they care about.

their thoughtful gifts are sometimes extravagant to the eyes of anyone aside from themselves, but they really have a different standard of what is considered acceptable, especially if it is something that is going to belong to their loved ones.

don’t you realize how their gifts are also a reflection of themselves? how could they gift anything less than perfect????

quick to cut out anyone that could even be THOUGHT of as a bad influence around their people, and they’ve already warned and cut ties with the person for the simple claim of Bad Vibes (they’re right most of the time it’s actually creepy)

park jisung (∩˃o˂∩)

nadrika from i have fallen into a reverse harem game !

they’re just so soggy wet dog coded

jisung is a five-time loser of the modern public ridicule that is awsaz. you can tell him to do anything and he will, red-faced and sighing the entire time, but he’ll do it

there is just something so ‘aww :(’ about him that makes the people around him go ‘I WILL PROTECT YOU’ at their 5’11 height

they’re either in their own little world, thinking about what life would be like if they lived in saturn rather than earth, or staring at you like painted each star that dots the night sky as you speak

they do not think twice before sacrificing their pride and reputation for the sake of their loved ones (even if it is not asked of them), too shy to ask for but also too obvious to hide the fact they are expecting praise and affection in return

soggy wet dogs that are like 300 pounds but still want to be treated like lap dogs

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minjithekang · 1 year ago

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NCT DREAM

THEY DEALING WITH YOU ON YOUR PERIOD

MARK

RENJUN

JENO

HAECHAN

JAEMIN

CHENLE

JISUNG

Thanks for reading, lovelies♡

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222quinn · 3 months ago

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Summary:

Zhong Yueguang (Liu Yue) is a recent graduate struggles to find a decent employment, she manages to land a job at Neo Culture Technology, a company that is the leading in scientific advancement.

The job is to be Kim Doyoung’s assistant but he is reluctant to have her seeing she is inexperience.

Three months she's given to prove herself and if she does not perform well she's transferred to another branch.

But there's more at play.

Feelings stire and often some people fall in love at the wrong time in the wrong moment.

Inspired by all those Kdrama I've watched.

#ao3 #ao3 fanfic #nct #nct fanfic #kim doyoung #oc #inspirebyk-drama #romance #kpop fanfic #slow burn #ceo love story #lee taeyong #qian kun #nakamoto yuta #nct 127 #chenle #park jisung #nct doyoung #doyoung

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deftonization · 1 year ago

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀𓆝⠀｡⠀ ᩧ⠀ 𓇼⠀ ⋆ ♱⠀ 틴 로맨스。

#jisung moodboard #nct #jisung nct #park jisung #moodboard #messy moodboard #grunge #bunnies #sketch #edgy shit #cherries #teen romance #symbols

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orecana · 2 years ago

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Once upon a time

Nct dream ot7 x male reader

Hello everybody, Orecana here is back with another fic for you guys. i've decided to try to write something i haven't tried after a long time, angst. As always, thank you to everyone who liked and read my fics.

WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS:

Main character death (y/n)

slight horror

survivor guilt

excessive crying

suicide attempts

nightmare/flashbacks

abuse/verbal assault

children were laughing, singing and dancing. They were full of joy. this is what a young boy thought as he walks timidly home. he was accompanied by another young boy. they were talking happily.

"hey! last one home is a rotten egg."

the boy's energetic friend runs off as the boy tries to warn him about cars and chases him. it was unfortunate that the friend was too excited that he failed to see the car that was in front of him when he steps onto the road to home.

"JAEMIN!"

it was a blur really, he couldn't remember what had happened but what he does know is that when he wakes up after he was pushed, He sees something that would traumatize him forever. he struggled to breath, trying to hold back tears as he see the boy, his friend with blood all over his body.

The boy screams so loud that it alerted everyone in the neighborhood. when the parents arrived to the crime scene while some neighbors tries to phone the ambulance. the boy's parents holds him like he was the most precious thing ever and caresses his arms. his friend's father tried to hit him and told him that he should have died instead of his son which resulted in a huge fight.

as they fight, the boy walks towards the body of his friend and hold his body as he sobs into it. his tears staining the white shirt they were wearing as a matching outfit. the worst part was that the boy had a smile as he lays unconscious on the road which only made jaemin cries harder.

"wake up......."

"WAKE UP!"

jaemin startles awake in his bed, gasping for air as he felt a pair of hands wrap around him.

"Jaemin, are you okay?" jeno says as he tries to calm him down

jaemin looks around seeing the faces of his group members looking at him with concerned looks. he was sweating a lot, it was a painful memory to remember. he felt a hand on his, he looks up to see renjun with a worried face.

"it's been happening for many days already jaemin-ah, i think it's time you let us know what is troubling you. i can't bear to see you cry in your sleep anymore." renjun says as he can feel his tears threatening to pour out.

jaemin looks down, feeling ashamed over his own actions. He didn't that avoiding the topic has caused so much trouble for his band members.

mark sits on the bed and rubs jaemin's shoulders as he whispers sweet nothings to him.

"don't keep your pain within yourself, darling. We're all here to help you overcome it and we'll do everything that we can do. you just have to let us in."

jaemin blushes a bit at the nickname. it has been a secret for a long time but all 7 of them were in a relationship. At first, not everyone was open to the idea of having such a relationship, but overtime everyone realized their feelings and warmed up to the idea of this relationship.

jaemin sighs as he look at everyone and takes a deep breath.

"okay, you guys better strap yourself. since we got the whole week off, i'm gonna go over every detail. please don't mind me if i cry over this, it's just a painful memory for me."

they nod and smile. this made jaemin loosen up and begins to tell about his childhood.

you see, jaemin did have a happy childhood and it was because of his friend y/n l/n. because he was kinda rich, he was only sought after because of his wealth. y/n however was not like that, he genuinely wanted to be friends with jaemin. He was hesitant at first, not knowing if y/n really wanted to be friends with him. he quickly warmed up though when y/n saved him from falling off the stairs.

it might sound silly but the genuine smile that he saw on y/n face was what made him accept the friend request. they told their respective parents about their friends and while jaemin received positive reviews, he knew something was up with y/n when he was suddenly avoiding him like a plague.

at first, he didn't mind because he didn't want to barge into unknown territories. but after a month, he had enough. He corners y/n near the library halls and started screaming at him.

"i don't know what i did wrong to make you avoid me, but AT LEAST talk to me or just tell me you're okay...."

jaemin cries as his body falls onto y/n who holds it.

"I'm sorry, my parents wanted me to use you for money. That's why i avoided you."

Jaemin smiles and y/n smiles back.

"friends?"

y/n chuckles

"friends."

After that it was so much fun for them. They hanged out together, made many fun memories. Of course until that fateful day. The car crash.

Jaemin sobs while telling the members about y/n saving him from the car crash and how he felt so guilty about it. Donghyuck caresses jaemin's hair as mark whispers sweet nothings to him.

"I'm sorry it happened to you jaemin ah."

"No, don't be sorry. It was my fault. if i didn't run, he wouldn't have died."

Jisung angrily grips jaemin by the collar of his shirt.

"It's not anyone's fault. Even if you travelled back in time, It would have still happened."

Chenle removes jisung's hand from jaemin as he tries to calm down the maknae.

"jisung is mad you're blaming yourself. But what he said is true babe. There are just some things in life that we can't change no matter what we do."

Jaemin listened to the two youngest words and he felt himself relieved of the guilt he felt just now. Then they heard something move in the room. they tried to look for where it was coming from until something dropped to the floor.

Jeno goes to check it out. He saw something on the floor amidst the dark room and picks it up.

"Uh jaemin, It appears to be a portrait of someone."

Jaemin's blood froze and instantly went to grab the portrait. No..... it can't be....

It was a portrait of 2 boys standing and hugging each other. they were smiling happily and words were carved into the portrait. It reads

"BEST FRIENDS FOREVER"

Then a noise from the bathroom broke them out of their trances. They look it with fearful expressions. Jisung slowly approaches and opens the door along with turning on the lights. He freezes when he looks at the mirror and signals the others to look as well.

It was a bloody message that reads

"Where's our most cherished place nana?"

Jaemin head hurts again as he groans painfully, seeing many visions before collapsing.

'a letter with a heart on it...... A place with many flowers...... A tall sakura tree...'

Jaemin wakes up from his flashback with the other members surrounding him again. Renjun and jeno were hugging each of his arms while the others slept around the bed.

"are you awake nana?"

jaemin looks to his left, seeing renjun giggling and pinch his cheeks.

"Yes, i am injunnie."

slowly the others got up as well because of the interaction between the two.

"i remembered something when i looked at that message."

they all look at jaemin in surprise and chenle asked what was it?

"it was our old place, i bet it's in shambles now. but i wanna see it again since the message told me to. will you guys come with me?"

He smiles a bit but it was enough to warm the others heart knowing that jaemin has recovered a bit.

"we would love to, hyung" chenle said with a smile as well

"someone should tell the manager though."

Mark sternly tells everyone as they get ready to head out. everyone nod in agreement. they don't want their manager to go on a wild goose chase for their whereabouts.

still being the leader, he decides to be the one to do it. the manager was kind and told them that it is okay but warn them to be safe and be as discreet as possible because they don't want the members to get into trouble.

mark says goodbye as he starts off the car while everybody else locks the dorm. Mark drives the car based on jaemin's directions. they started small and happy talks while they were driving, filling the atmosphere with joy. Then they arrived at that place. it was just as jaemin said nothing was the same.

It wasn't the same place that jaemin remembers. it was filled with a garden of flowers and a giant sakura tree in the middle. Now though, nothing was left, no gardens no flowers not even a sign of life was there. there was only a dead tree in the middle but jaemin knew that going there would mean something.

They all got out of the car after mark parked it somewhere safe and began walking towards the dead tree. everything was gone. The green bushes full of flowers were now dead withered and the little bugs that y/n and him would catch is nowhere to be seen. And the giant blooming sakura tree where y/n confesses that he had a crush now stood dead and hollow.

they stopped in front of the tree, frozen in their tracks. jaemin felt tears running down his cheeks as he drops to his knees. the others could do nothing but stand frozen at the sight before them.

there it was, the Corpse of y/n l/n. the state of the body was as jaemin remembers it, Blood dripping down all parts of the body, eyes closed with that horrid smile. Then the corpse moves its head up and opens its eyes, showing extremely dark eyes with small white pupils.

"You're all here. *smiles* I'm g-glad"

Jaemin stares at it in disbelief. It couldn't be....

"y-y/n?"

The corpse smiles as it stands up, walking towards the group.

"of course nana. Who else?"

jaemin rush to hug the corpse. even if it was dead and rotten but he didn't care. he missed his friend so much.

"i-i'm sorry y/n. if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have died."

y/n only smiles as he pats jaemin's back and look at the members behind him.

"it's not your fault jaemin, in fact i have a confession to make. i would have died that day even if i hadn't saved you."

jaemin was confused as he backs away from his childhood friend.

"what do you mean?" "i've tried killing myself millions of times already jaemin, it's only natural that i will die soon."

the revelation shocked jaemin very hard as he stared at y/n in disbelief. there was no way.... right?

"that day, i've consumed poison so i would die the moment i sleep. that's why i felt extremely weak and tired that day. But when i saw the car coming your way, i couldn't bear to see you die so i pushed you out of the way."

Jaemin was angry and grips the corpses shoulders. because the body was frail, a huge crack sound echo through the environment.

jeno tries to hold jaemin back but mark stopped him, shaking his head.

"let them take care of this."

Jaemin was growling at his dead friend who only smiled at him back.

" why did you kill yourself? why?"

"because my parents was gonna sell me off. they only had money because they won their gambles but when they don't and the person demanded payment, they decided to sell me off."

Jaemin only become angrier, knowing that those pieces of shit called y/n parents killed his most beloved childhood friend.

"why did you save me?" "because you still have a life. my life was already decided for me but yours was not. That's why i saved you. don't be sad jaemin ah! I'm so happy to see you accomplish a lot of things in life. i'm so glad."

y/n pushes jaemin away from him as he starts walking back to the tree. his body changing, glowing. He was his normal self now. no longer covered in blood and looking as pretty as back then only that he aged himself. his body begins to slowly fade away as jaemin screams "NO" and tries to stop him but The others hold him back as y/n smiles sadly.

"you know jaemin, my life was shit until i found you. you were the only thing in this world that kept me from moving on into the afterlife. I wanted to see you happy, just once."

The other 6 members don't know why but tears threatened to fall down their faces as well at y/n's words.

"I LOVE YOU GUYS. NCT DREAM!"

those were y/n's final words as he fade away leaving a photo album on the ground. They walk towards and grab it and opens the book.

in it were memories of y/n with all of them. all members heads begin to spin as they all recall memories that were long forgotten. how they met y/n, how they hang out, how all of them met back in their childhood.

They snapped out of it to see the album empty with only fragile papers threatened to torn at any second and only a sentence was written on it.

"I LOVE YOU GUYS. I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE HAPPY!"

They smiled at the message as mark excuses himself to go get the car so they can go home. Once they were in the car, they all look at each other. as if they were thinking the same thing, they all laugh in sync before mark starts up the car and drives them home.

Jaemin looks out the window and into the clear sky as he smile fondly.

'i hope that wherever you are now y/n, i hope you're happy. Thanks for giving me- no, for giving us such wonderful memories that we wish to forget. You gave us the strength to fight forward.'

So please y/n l/n, rest in peace. WE LOVE YOU TOO.

nct dream was finishing their concert and were walking to their favorite place to eat when a familiar person walk past them. jaemin notices and tries to grab them when they turn around smiling.

"Hello guys..."

#fanfiction #romance #gay #male idol x male reader #horror #nct dream #nct dream x male reader #na jaemin #nct x male reader #lee jeno #mark lee #lee donghyuck #haechan #huang renjun #zhong chenle #park jisung #kpop male idol x male reader

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luffysprincess · 6 months ago

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I just wanna be in love with someone who loves me back

#I WANNA START MY ROMANCE STORY ALREADYYYY 😖😫#where’s my tall Prince Charming park jisung looking man to come sweep me off my feet???

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babbymochiiii · 11 months ago

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Which 3 members should be in my next fic??

it’s poll time folks!! With this, I have decided to finalize it to NCT DREAM, due to some further thought, I already have one suggestion and I am taking it into consideration for the final vote! :)

#tumblr polls #my polls #nct #nct dream #nct dream smut #nct smut #mark lee #huang renjun #lee jeno #lee haechan #na jaemin #zhong chenle #park jisung #smut #kpop #romance

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luumiinaa · 3 months ago

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hyuck is an absolute gremlin 😂😂😂

⇢ word count: 6.9k ⇢ genre: fluff, established relationship, secret relationship, office workers!jisung & reader, holiday themed, a bit of a crackfic (everyone in this is slightly unhinged and you should NOT act like them in your actual workplace PLEASE), appearances from absolute nuisances nohyuck (mainly hyuck being a nuisance and jeno being a desk candy bowl thief) and chill boss johnny (he’s actually the only normal one around this office fr), part of my 2024 hallmark movie marathon ⇢ warnings: lots of discussions of sex/sleeping together (nohyuck have an absolutely unhinged plot to have reader hook up w jisung w/o realizing that they’re already dating, shenanigans ensue) ⇢ extra info: this was originally going to be part of want from me, but i felt like i was losing the plot a bit, so i tweaked some stuff and made it its own fic instead this is part of my 2024 hallmark movie marathon, three short, unrelated fics starring jisung all with cheesy hallmark christmas movie-esque premises. there’s no continuing plotline between fics in this series, they’re all standalone fics ⇢ author’s note: ok i may be stretching the concept of a ‘cheesy hallmark movie’ in this one, but there’s a holiday party. sue me. ⇢ 2024 hallmark movie marathon

“You need to fuck Jisung.” Donghyuck sat on your desk the following Monday, nearly knocking your cup of pens over.

“What happened to hello? How are you?”

“I get why you didn’t want to tell anybody when I was interviewing,” Jisung sighed as you adjusted his tie for him. “But don’t you think everyone’s formed their own opinions about me by now?”

“You told me Mr. Kang called you Joosung yesterday,” you pointed out. “We agreed after your three-month evaluation, remember?”

“That’s next month!”

“Two weeks. December tenth, to be exact, will be three months since you started.”

“I know, I know.” He pulled you closer by your hips, burying his face in your neck. “Thank you.”

You rested one hand on the nape of his neck, the other stroking his hair. “I hate it too. I was in the bathroom yesterday and overheard a couple of the women from budgeting talking about you. Apparently one of them wants to ask you to the holiday party.”

He lifted his head up, squinting with confusion. “Wait, was it Song Minji from budgeting?”

“Yes…”

“Yesterday she asked me if I was going, I said yes, then she asked if I had a date, and I said no, and she said she didn’t either. Then she just stared at me. It was really awkward, so I told her I had to get back to my spreadsheets and walked away.”

You burst out laughing, covering your mouth as your boyfriend continued looking down at you with absolutely endearing confusion. Patting his cheek, you informed him gently, “She was waiting for you to ask her to the party, baby.”

“Well, even if I knew that, I wouldn’t have,” he huffed.

“I know, Sungie,” you kissed his cheek. “I know.”

“Good.”

You glanced at the time on your bedside clock, tapping his arm indicatively. “We’ve got to go.”

“Y/N, someone from bookkeeping will be over to pick these receipts up today,” Mr. Suh, your boss, informed you, setting a large banker box down on the ledge behind your computer monitor.

You nodded. “You sure you don’t want me to just take them over there now?”

Bookkeeping was on the same floor as your team, just on the opposite side of the large office building.

“No, I’ve got six more boxes in my office. They should be coming with a dolly. I’ve got a lunch meeting, then I’m on-site at a build. Can you make sure they get them all?”

“Of course. See you tomorrow, then.”

“Thank you. See you tomorrow.” He smiled and reached into your candy bowl, securing a chocolate for himself before heading off towards the elevator.

As you continued working up your reports, another figure approached your desk.

“Hi.” Jisung smiled down at you from over the banker box.

“And what is a bookkeeping gremlin doing over here?” You teased, having already spotted the bright orange dolly next to him. “They let you guys out of your cages?”

“Just me, because I’m on a mission.” He did a little mock salute, making you giggle. He then looked between the dolly and the box. “But I don’t really think this was necessary…”

“There’s six more boxes in Mr. Suh’s office,” you informed him happily, pointing to your boss’ door.

“Oh.”

Two of your team members, Donghyuck and Jeno, congregated around your desk then as well, Jeno zeroing in on your candy bowl as always, and Donghyuck snooping at what you were doing on your screen.

“Boring!” Hyuck declared, hitting CTRL + S on your keyboard to save it for you before exiting out of the program. “Lunchtime!”

“Hey, I was working on that, you know,” you protested, keeping up your usual banter with your work friend.

“Now you’re not,” he shrugged.

“Actually, you were chatting with…” Jeno trailed off, looking at Jisung expectantly.

“Jisung,” your boyfriend filled in.

“—You were chatting with Jisung when we got here,” Jeno finished, popping another chocolate in his mouth and tucking it in his cheek to talk around it. “So you weren’t really working.”

“She was telling me where the other boxes of receipts were,” Jisung explained quickly, gesturing to the dolly. “I’m supposed to pick them up. I’m from bookkeeping.”

Hyuck scanned him from head to toe. “You’re new, right?”

He nodded.

“Come to lunch with us.”

“No, Hyuck,” you snorted, cutting up your food as your coworker attempted to show you a picture of another one of his friends over lunch. “The last asshole you set me up with stood me up, remember?”

“I told you, Jaemin got a stomach bug!” Hyuck insisted. “And that was like, over a year ago!”

You looked at him pointedly. “And he could text you but not me? Think about it.”

“Okay, so he was a flake, but Mark is like, a really good guy!” He elbowed your other coworker next to him. “Jeno, back me up!”

Jeno shrugged. “Eh, he seems like the kind of guy to call you ‘bro’ in bed.”

“Not the kind of back-up I meant!”

“Am I wrong?”

“Why are you thinking about what Mark would call you in bed, Jeno?” You snickered.

He stuck his tongue out at you, and you mimicked him.

Hyuck pushed on in his seemingly never-ending pursuit to set you up with his also never-ending pool of single friends. “Ignore him, Y/N. Will you at least consider? For me? Your bestest friend?”

“I never see you outside of work functions,” you pointed out.

“Please? Pretty please? Pretty pretty please?”

“Whatever. Send me his CV,” you said noncommittally, taking a bite of your food.

“On it!”

“Wait, he’s applying for a job?” Jisung finally spoke from his seat beside you, his confusion apparent.

“No, that’s just what they call whatever information Hyuck sends her about the guys he tries to set her up with,” Jeno explained for him. “It ends up being pretty much the same stuff that’s on a résumé, though.”

Hyuck then focused in on a new target. “Jisung, what about you?”

He froze. “What?”

“Are you single?”

“Uhm—”

“Lie if you have to,” you advised. “Once he smells blood, you’re done for.”

“I’m not a shark!” Hyuck took great offense to this comparison. “I’m-I’m like Cupid!”

You let out a derisive laugh at that, stabbing your fork into your food and lifting your next bite to your mouth.

“I’ve got a girlfriend,” Jisung answered hurriedly.

Hyuck narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “So you’re bringing her to the Christmas party.”

“I-I don’t know, we uhm—we just started seeing each other.”

“You’ll bring her to the next monthly mixer, then?”

“I’m pretty sure this is workplace harassment,” you stepped in on Jisung’s behalf, giving Hyuck a disapproving look. “We had a seminar, remember?”

“You’re not curious?”

“No, I don’t care to see you bother poor Jisung for the rest of our fleeting lunch break.”

“Fine, I won’t disturb Y/N’s precious lunch break,” he gave in melodramatically. “But I want to hear about her when we get back to the office, Jisung.”

When you and Jisung got home that evening, you waited until the two of you had gotten out of your work clothes to address the pout on his lips that had been present ever since lunch.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, sitting at your dining table with him.

He started unpacking the to-go food. “Why did you tell Donghyuck to send you that guy’s info?”

“To get him to shut up about it. He would’ve done that for our whole lunch break, Sungie.” You shook your head, watching as he avoided your eyes. “Are you jealous? It’s not like I’m actually going to do anything with it.”

“I know, but I still don’t like that he’s sending you dating résumés, and it’s apparently been a regular thing?”

“Okay, I know we made it sound like it happens all the time,” you agreed. “This is like the third time, including the guy who stood me up last year. When you and I started dating, I told Hyuck not to bother anymore. But then he heard that I wasn’t bringing a date to the holiday party, and he started his little matchmaking thing again. That’s why I never told you, because there never was anything to tell.”

“I’m sorry if it sounded like I was accusing you of something, baby,” Jisung murmured, reaching for your hand over the table.

“Do you want me to block him or something?”

He sighed. “No, of course not.”

“Damn it, I was hoping you’d say yes. I’ve been looking for an excuse for years.”

He finally chuckled at that, a small smile pulling at the corners of his mouth.

“Here.” You brought out your phone and stood behind him, maneuvering your arms around his shoulders so he could see your screen as you opened your texts with Hyuck and started deleting the most recent ones debriefing you on his newest eligible bachelor for you.

“Wait a second.” Jisung stopped you before you could delete all the pictures that Hyuck had sent.

“What?”

To your surprise, your boyfriend actually opened one of the pictures of the guy.

“Jeno was right,” he snorted, closing out of the picture.

“Wh—Oh,” you started laughing. “Yeah, absolutely.”

You finished deleting everything about the guy, then shut your phone off. “All gone. Can’t even remember his name.”

Jisung pressed a kiss to your cheek. “Thanks, baby.”

“And I’ll tell Hyuck no more in the future. Sound good?”

“No, maybe it’s for the best. I don’t think you need to be subjected to the interrogation I went through today.” He leaned his head against yours affectionately.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I trust you.”

“Aw, thank you, Sungie.” You kissed his hair then hugged him properly. “I knew that. It was cute to see you get jealous, though.”

“You need to fuck Jisung.” Donghyuck sat on your desk the following Monday, nearly knocking your cup of pens over.

“What happened to hello? How are you?” You blinked up at him incredulously, rescuing your writing utensils and pushing them to a far corner.

“No time, we need to save our new favorite little bookkeeping gremlin.” He quickly saved your project and closed the window on your computer.

“And you think having sex with me is the cure for cancer or something?” You snorted. “They really wasted their money on your slot in that workplace harassment seminar.”

“No, look, he’s in an awful, awful situationship. I know he said she’s his girlfriend at lunch the other day, but he doesn’t have any pictures of her, he didn’t want to show me her social media. He said she probably wouldn’t be able to come to the mixer because of her ‘work schedule’—” Hyuck used finger quotes around the words ‘work schedule’ “—but the way he said, it sounded like he was just preemptively making excuses because he knew she would turn him down. I asked him about their first date, and you want to know his answer?”

“What?” You asked dryly.

“That they don’t really do ‘that stuff!’” More air quotes.

“Okay?”

“Then I asked what stuff they do do, and he turned bright red!”

“So he’s lying about having a girlfriend to get you off his back.”

“Mm, she sounded pretty real.”

“Okay, maybe he’s twisting the truth and he’s got a fuckbuddy and he still doesn’t want you playing matchmaker,” you suggested another alternative. “Either way, you should leave him alone.”

“No, look, I’ve got this all figured out. He needs to be reminded that there’s women other than this girl—”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “How do you have a rotating roster of men to throw at me, but somehow the only woman that comes to mind for your braindead plan is the one in your immediate line of sight? This is confirming my suspicions that you get no bitches, Lee Donghyuck. Have you talked to a single woman other than me and your mother?”

“Listen, it has to be you so nobody catches feelings!”

“So you’re saying I’m unlovable?”

His eyes widened comically as he went to backpedal. “No, of course not! I meant—Jeno, back me up!”

Jeno, who had been silently leaning against the ledge behind your computer monitor this whole time, happily snacking on the red and green Hershey’s kisses in your candy bowl, slowly finished off the one in his mouth before speaking. “Here’s the thing—”

“You condone this?” You scoffed.

He shrugged. “It’s like, his second-worst idea. Marginally better than setting you up with Na Jaemin.”

“Why do I bother asking for your back-up?” Hyuck muttered.

“But he doesn’t think you’re unlovable. He just knows that you’re a professional, and Jisung is still a newbie and works in a different department. So obviously, there’s like no risk of catching feelings if you guys do… Because work, you know?”

You sat back in your chair, glancing between the two of them dubiously. “Do you two think these are normal things to say to people? At work? To your coworker?”

They looked at each other with wide, horrified eyes, beginning to stutter apologetically.

“I’m in,” you declared abruptly, watching their jaws drop. You then focused your next sentence at Hyuck specifically. “If you’ll stop trying to set me up.”

“Done,” he agreed immediately.

Jisung had excitedly told you about the results of his three-month evaluation to you over dinner that evening, and as you two cleaned up after, you relayed your conversation with your coworkers to him.

“I finally got Hyuck to stop setting me up. Permanently,” you announced in a sing-songy voice, drying the last dish Jisung had just handed you before putting it up in the cabinet.

“Really? Did you find out he killed someone or something?” He asked, shaking the water off his hands over the sink before grabbing the towel hanging in front of it to start drying his hands.

“Nope, he just asked me to do something.”

“Oh, and who do you have to kill?”

“Nobody.” You wrapped your arms around his waist from behind him. “You see, he’s very concerned that this ‘girlfriend’ of yours doesn’t like you as much as you like her.”

“I know we’re literally coworkers, but he needs to get a job,” Jisung retorted.

“Why did you say we didn’t go dates when he asked about our first date?”

“I was afraid you might’ve mentioned it before and I didn’t want him to connect the dots if I told the same story.”

“You couldn’t come up with a fake first date? Carnival? Arcade? Dinner?”

“I was panicking!”

“Anyway, he thinks you’re in a toxic situationship, and that the only solution is for me to sleep with you.”

“Wait what?!” His muscles flexed and contracted under your hands with his words, and he seemed almost oblivious as you continued roaming them over his front.

“Because we would never catch feelings for each other, obviously,” you informed him with mocking seriousness, making him scoff.

“I assume you told him to fuck off and stop setting you up anyway?”

“Nope.”

“Huh?”

You finally put a hand under his shirt to touch his bare skin, and he shivered and jerked away instinctively.

“Ah! Cold hands, baby,” he whined, but made no further moves to get away.

“Then let me warm them up, Sungie,” you giggled, pressing your fingers more intentionally against his skin. “Anyway, why would I pass up the perfect opportunity to fuck with Hyuck and fuck my hot boyfriend at the same time?”

“I don’t think I like how similar that phrasing was.”

“Sungie,” you dragged out the last vowel pleadingly.

“So you’ve got a scheme?” He asked knowingly.

“A fun one,” you promised, kissing his neck. “In multiple senses of the word. But it means everyone finding out we’re together a few days later than we planned. Is that okay?”

He let out a deep sigh. “Alright. What’s first?”

“I’ve got to hold up my end of the deal, of course.”

Donghyuck and Jeno were quick to swarm you first thing in the morning. They at least brought you a coffee this time. There was no work up on your computer yet for Hyuck to close out of, so he just made himself at home on top of your papers that were on your desk instead.

“Okay, we need to brainstorm,” Hyuck got right to business as Jeno dug into your candy bowl. Well, not the business you were actually sitting inside of, but his plot. “The holiday party is on Friday. I’m thinking if you start being a little flirty leading up to it, like casual, you know, not too much, that should warm him up.”

“The more planning you put into this, the creepier it gets,” you informed him, taking a sip of your coffee.

The elevator dinged then, and Jisung stepped off, eyes focused on his feet as he hurried off towards the break room. The elevator opened towards your side of the floor, while bookkeeping was on the other side, and the breakroom, storage closet, and copy room were situated at the midpoints on the floor.

“Jisung’s late?” Jeno commented, bewildered. “Didn’t he say he always gets here ten minutes early to make his coffee before everyone else?”

Hyuck looked at this as well, eyes narrowing. He turned back to you and Jeno. “Did you guys see that big hickey on his neck? Now he’s running late and wearing the same tie as yesterday? This is why we need to help him. Anyway—”

You shifted in your seat then, readjusting your blazer so that it ‘accidentally’ pulled your blouse just enough to show off a love bite situated on your collarbone.

Hyuck actually froze in place, staring at you as he short-circuited. Jeno gave you a quiet, short round of applause.

“Damn, you work fast,” he commented.

You looked down at where Hyuck was staring, as if belatedly realizing your mistake, moving your neckline back up to cover it again.

“You really…” Donghyuck trailed off, blinking rapidly as he began rebooting.

You shrugged. “Didn’t want to announce it like we were in a locker room.”

“He’s walking over here,” Jeno coughed under his breath.

And sure enough, Jisung approached your desk. He looked uncertainly at Donghyuck sitting next to you, and ended up standing by Jeno behind the ledge, finally looking you in the eye.

“H-Hi, Y/N,” he stuttered nervously.

“Morning, Jisung,” you greeted him brightly. “Kiss?”

“Huh?!” He squeaked.

“Hershey kiss?” You pointed to the bowl that Jeno was grabbing another candy from. “They’re caramel filled.”

“O-Oh. Sure, thanks.” He took a green one. “S-See you later.”

“Bye.”

With that, Jisung skittered away, back off towards bookkeeping. Hyuck and Jeno both turned to you with wide eyes.

“I’ve made a grave miscalculation,” Hyuck whispered.

“That boy is pussy whipped,” Jeno whistled lowly.

You rolled your eyes at them. “Or maybe you guys were looking at the two of us with flashing ‘I KNOW YOU HAD SEX’ signs over your heads.”

“Oh, did I forget to leave that at home again?” Hyuck replied snidely, mockingly swatting just above his head. He then leaned in to whisper-yell at you, “Do you actually have the cure for cancer in there because what the hell was that?!”

“Good morning, Mr. Suh!” You chirped at your boss as he walked by.

Hyuck sat up straight, saluting to your boss. “Good morning, Mr. Suh!”

“Mornin’, Mr. Suh,” Jeno said through a mouthful of candy.

“Morning, morning, morning,” Mr. Suh greeted each of you in turn, then yawned. “Ugh, is it Friday yet?”

“Not quite, unfortunately,” you chuckled.

At home that night, you were keeled over with laughter on your couch, clutching your stomach as you and Jisung recalled the looks on your coworkers’ faces this morning.

“Who knew you were such a good actor, Sungie?” You choked out through laughter, wiping at your tears.

“I just had to act like I was madly in love with you, that wasn’t acting, baby,” he smiled fondly, wrapping his arms around you and pulling you closer. “I’ve had to act every day at work except today.”

“So smooth, Park Jisung,” you giggled, kissing him.

“It’s the truth.”

“I know. You’ve never been smooth, just honest. And I love that about you.”

“Ouch, and also thanks?”

You snickered and kissed his pout. “Ready for tomorrow?”

Stepping off the elevator in the morning, you didn’t spare another glance to Jisung, who had ridden up with you. Typically, you would take separate elevators, one of you waiting for the next one, but today, you broke that rule. You dropped off your purse at your desk before going to the break room and making your usual cup of coffee.

Jeno and Donghyuck were already waiting for you at your desk. You rolled your eyes at them. “You two have your own desks, you know?”

“You and Jisung got here at the same time,” Jeno stated.

“Is there a question in there?” You raised an eyebrow at him, taking a sip of your coffee.

“Did you get a new shampoo?” Donghyuck asked, leaning forward to sniff the air around your head.

You swatted at him. “Personal space?”

“That doesn’t smell like a woman’s shampoo…” He went back in for another sniff.

“Quit it, freak!” You rolled away from him.

“What’s happening?” A third voice had joined you all, right on time. Jisung was at your desk, cup of coffee in hand.

“Nothing, Jisung.” You threw on a bright smile, scooting back up to your desk. “What can I do for you?”

“I-I just uhm, I wanted to say good morning. And I brought you some coffee.” He offered the cup out to you.

“Aw, thanks,” you said sincerely, then looked down at your own cup on your desk regretfully. “But I already got some.”

His face fell. “O-Oh. I guess I’ll—”

“Hold on, Jisung!” Donghyuck stopped him from leaving, hopping off your desk. Jisung froze in place as your coworker grabbed his arm. First, he took the coffee from his hand and set it on the ledge behind your monitor, then he grabbed your boyfriend’s collar and yanked him down to take a deep whiff of his hair. Jisung yelped at the rough treatment, arms flailing until Hyuck let him go, giving him a loud slap on the shoulder. “That’s all. Thanks for the coffee.”

“Lunch later?” Jeno offered to him. “All four of us.”

“S-Sure,” he looked at you and blushed before hurrying away.

You crossed your arms as you glared at Hyuck. “You literally just assaulted him.”

“And you—” He pointed at you dramatically, “—slept with him again. That’s his shampoo that I was smelling on you.”

“I think my extracurriculars are none of your business.”

“Mm, Jisung’s more of a co-curricular, don’t you think?”

Jeno snickered.

“I think it’s still none of your business.”

“This wasn’t the plan, Y/N.”

“I did your stupid plan, Hyuck. Why are you so obsessed with Jisung’s sex life? Is it because you’re not getting any?” You taunted.

“Nice attempt to deflect, but the plan was to get him to stop being strung along by that other girl. Not for you to start stringing him along.”

“You make me sound like an evil witch.”

“So you’re serious about Jisung then?” Hyuck gasped mockingly. “Adorable. Gonna be each other’s date to the holiday party? When are you meeting the parents? Have you picked a ring yet?”

You bit down on your lip and looked at your lap to avoid laughing, which he thankfully seemed to interpret as guilt on your part.

“Exactly as I thought,” he said smugly.

“The puppy love thing is cute now, but it’s probably best for working together in the long run to just let him down easy sooner,” Jeno gave some surprisingly wise advice through a half-eaten Hershey’s kiss.

Having composed yourself, you finally let out a contemplative, resigned sigh. “Yeah, you guys are probably right.”

“Always are,” Hyuck tsked.

Lunch was honestly kind of fun—It felt like being a kid with a crush again, sneaking glances at Jisung, trying not to be too obvious about your flirting, and playing innocent when your coworkers would shoot you pointed looks every time Jisung did something totally head-over-heels for you.

Mid-afternoon, and Jisung was back at your desk. He had a few papers in his hand, some flimsy excuse of questions about the receipts he’d picked up last week, but really, you two were just talking. Discussing what to make for dinner, additions to the grocery list, what you were working on, little things.

The sound of a door opening caught your attention, and you looked over to see Mr. Suh coming out of his office. He’d just been on a phone conference, and had his empty coffee mug in his hand.

“Hi, Mr. Suh.” You sat up a little straighter. “Afternoon decaf?”

“Yep.” He lifted the mug in greeting as he walked by, heading for the breakroom.

“I’m going back to my cage with the other bookkeeping gremlins,” Jisung murmured. “Don’t want him to catch me still here when he gets back.”

“Laser beams aren’t going to come out of his eyes and incinerate you on the spot if he does, you know,” you giggled.

“How do you know?” He tapped your desk rhythmically, then mouthed, ‘See you later.’

You mouthed it back, contentedly watching him walk away. You were back to working on your reports when Mr. Suh returned from the break room. He drifted over to your desk, however, standing against the ledge conspiratorially.

“Was that the new kid in bookkeeping?” He asked lightly, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Yeah, Park Jisung,” you informed him. At your boss’ inquisitive lean forward, you gave a little more context, “He picked up those receipts last week and Hyuck ended up inviting him out for lunch with us.”

“He seems to be over here quite a bit recently.”

“We chitchat sometimes.” You paused, then widened your eyes. “Is that a problem? Nothing’s been late or anything, has it?”

He gave you his usual easy-going smile. “It’s fine, Y/N. Your work has been great as usual.”

“Okay, good.”

“Hi, baby,” Jisung greeted you brightly that evening from your usual meet-up place after work. If neither of you had to stay late, or had an errand to run after work, you would meet up outside a cornerstore a couple blocks away from the office.

“Hi, co-curricular,” you beamed back, leaning into the kiss he was pressing to your cheek.

He pulled away with an adorably confused pout on his face. You laughed, taking his arm in yours as you started down the sidewalks together, relaying your conversation with Hyuck and Jeno this morning.

“I don’t know what’s funnier, the idea of me genuinely ‘stringing you along’ or your new nickname,” you giggled, squeezing his arm.

“You already changed my phone contact, didn’t you?”

“I put a heart next to it!”

“The rumor has spread to bookkeeping, by the way.”

You blinked at him in mock surprise. “You guys have office gossip over there?”

“Yeah, we finally invented the wheel and have time to gossip now,” he snorted, rolling his eyes. “Huang Renjun told me he heard Song Minji and Park Chaeyeon talking about it in the copy room.”

“That’s how it breached containment,” you tutted. Chaeyeon was from your department, but you knew she and Minji were office friends. She must have overheard it from your area—Hyuck wasn’t exactly the quietest man you knew, and there was no way your other coworkers hadn’t noticed Jisung’s frequent trips to your desk if Mr. Suh had.

“Uh-huh.”

“What exactly were they saying? Did Renjun tell you?”

“Some stuff he didn’t want to repeat about you—” He cleared his throat. “But mostly, he wanted to ask me what, if anything was true. I felt bad lying, I like Renjun.”

“Yeah, he was my favorite bookkeeping gremlin before you started.”

Jisung elbowed you, obviously offended. “I still did bookkeeping before I worked here! I just did it somewhere else!”

“He was my favorite at this company before you started. Better?”

“Much.” He smiled as you leaned in to kiss his nose. “I told him the rumors weren’t true.”

“That wasn’t a lie!” You reminded him emphatically. “We’re not just coworkers with benefits, or co-curriculars, or recently started secretly dating, or whatever!”

“I’m just glad we only have two more days of this.” He laced his fingers with yours. “I want to be able to have a picture of us on my desk, and talk about you to everyone, and show up and leave together.”

“Me too,” you agreed, fond smile on your lips as you approached your front door. “It’s been fun, but the best part will be when everyone knows you’re mine. For real.”

This was weird. You had been at work for thirty minutes and hadn’t seen nor heard Hyuck or Jeno. Maybe today would be normal for once. As soon as that idea had crossed your mind, they came beelining for your desk, and you knew that would be impossible.

“Good—” You couldn’t even get a friendly greeting out of your mouth, Donghyuck fully sitting on top of your keyboard, entering a bunch of random characters into the email you had been writing. “Uhm, you know, that email to Mr. Suh wasn’t important, actually…”

Yanking your keyboard out from under Hyuck, you deleted the gibberish and saved the draft email before setting it aside to deal with whatever was going on. You looked at your coworkers expectantly.

“Y/N…” Jeno surprisingly took the lead. “How did you go about letting Jisung down easy?”

You blinked in surprise. “What are you talking about? I just told him we should keep it professional and not see each other anymore…? And that was it.”

“And how did he take it?”

“Fine?” You glanced between their extremely serious demeanors with increasing worry. “Why? What’s going on?”

“We just had to comfort a crying Jisung in the men’s room for the past thirty minutes, that’s what’s going on!” Hyuck finally hissed. “I don’t think your easy is very easy!”

You leaned away from him in utter shock. That was definitely not part of the plan today, and now you were genuinely worried about why your boyfriend was apparently crying in the men’s room—he definitely wasn’t a good enough actor to do that on the spot.

“Woah, I didn’t—”

“Well, you did.”

“You don’t get to pin all the blame on me here,” you shot back immediately. “Whose stupid fucking plan was it for me to sleep with him in the first place anyway? If I recall, you never found him crying in the bathroom with his last girl that you were so concerned over.”

“You diverted from the plan and he got attached!”

“Okay, it’s everyone’s fault!” Jeno cut in decisively.

“What’s everyone’s fault?” Mr. Suh stopped by your desk, briefcase in hand as he had just gotten into the office. “There’s been an awful lot of whispering going on over here. Something I should know about?”

“No, Mr. Suh!” Hyuck chirped brightly. “Lunch plans fell through, we’re just rescheduling.”

Your boss looked at you skeptically, waiting for confirmation. You nodded hurriedly. “Yeah, lunch plans.”

“Alright.” He shrugged. “There’s a good sandwich place a block over. If you’re looking for recommendations.”

And with that, he went into his office.

Turning back to Hyuck and Jeno, you whispered, “I swear to God, I wasn’t expecting him to be crying. Okay?”

“We’re being a little harsh on you,” Jeno admitted quietly. “We should all just leave Jisung alone, I think.”

He took a candy out of your bowl and departed your desk without another word. Hyuck followed, still shaking his head. You quickly brought your phone out, immediately texting Jisung.

[you: BABY SOS]

He texted back immediately

[co-curricular 🩷: IM HERE]

[co-curricular 🩷: WHAT’S WRONG????]

[you: im fine but are YOU okay?!]

[you: jeno and hyuck told me they found you crying in the bathroom]

[co-curricular 🩷: oh nonono im okay baby i promise]

[co-curricular 🩷: im in the copy room, can you come so i can explain?]

[you: omw]

You hurried from your desk to the copy room, relieved to find it devoid of any coworkers except Jisung, who was attending to a copy machine, placing documents on the glass, closing the lid, and copying them in a steady rhythm.

“Sungie,” you breathed out in relief, darting over to him, needing to see his face for yourself.

“Hey, baby, hey,” he said soothingly, letting you wrap an arm around his waist and lean into him affectionately. “I’m okay, I’m okay.”

You stepped back, cognizant of the fact that any of your coworkers could enter at any moment. “So what were Hyuck and Jeno talking about then?”

“When we got in this morning, the temperature change from the cold air outside to the heat inside the building was making my eyes water and my nose run,” he explained, gesturing to his face. “I went to take care of it in the bathroom. Donghyuck and Jeno ran into me while I was cleaning myself up and assumed I had been crying. Nothing I said could convince them otherwise, and they of course also assumed it was connected to their advice to you to let me down easy. So I played along. I know it wasn’t part of the plan, but I couldn’t get them to let it go.”

“I was almost feeling bad about lying to them, but they do this to themselves.” You crossed your arms, leaning against the wall next to his copy machine. Your tone softened as you added, “I’m really happy you’re okay, Sungie.”

“I’m happy you checked on me so quick, baby.” He smiled, taking a step closer to peck your forehead. He lowered his voice to say, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you murmured, looking up at him, fighting the urge to just grab his suit jacket and kiss him. “Lunch later?”

His nose wrinkled with distaste. “Are Hyuck and Jeno coming too?”

“Just us? At home?”

“Oh?”

“I miss you.”

He nodded. “I miss you too.”

It was finally Friday, finally the day of the office holiday party. You just had to survive work and lay the last couple breadcrumbs, then it would all be over tonight.

You were making your morning cup of coffee in the breakroom with Hyuck and Jeno, and went to engage them in conversation. “Are you guys bringing anyone to the party tonight?”

“Nah.” Hyuck poured his own cup.

“You’re not beating the ‘no bitches’ allegations.” You clicked your tongue.

“I think it’s a bit weird to bring someone you’re not like… properly dating to a work event and introduce them to your coworkers,” Jeno answered, rooting through the employee fridge.

“So that’s a no?”

“Correct,” he mimicked your taunting tone of voice.

Jisung, who had been quietly measuring out sugar into his own cup of coffee at a far counter, apart from your conversation physically but definitely within earshot, inserted himself then, “I’m bringing a date.”

Jeno hit his head on a shelf in the fridge. “Shit—! Huh?”

“You are?!” Hyuck blinked at him, utterly shocked.

You slowly turned around to face Jisung, cocking your head. “Oh, me too.”

“Since when?!” Hyuck snorted.

“Just because I didn’t tell you about it doesn’t mean I haven’t had one,” you hissed.

He rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

Jisung nodded, and you saw the corner of his lips twitch, ever-so-slightly, too small for anybody who didn’t know him as well as you to catch. “Guess I’ll see you and your date tonight, then.”

“Same. You, as well.” You nodded curtly, watching him pivot on his heel and stride out of the breakroom.

“You don’t have a fucking date,” Hyuck stated dryly as soon as he was no longer in eyesight.

“That was hard to watch,” Jeno said, opening a Tupperware of food that definitely had somebody else’s name on it.

“And neither does he,” Hyuck continued, pointing to the doorway that Jisung had disappeared through. “No way he’s found somebody in a day. Unless…” He looked at Jeno with alarm. “Oh no. You don’t think…?”

Jeno squinted. “What?”

“What if he brings his toxic situationship to get back at Y/N?” Hyuck gasped. He then turned to you, “Look, I guess I can see if Mark’s free tonight—”

“No,” you cut him off firmly. “I’ve already got someone in mind.”

“So beautiful, baby,” Jisung murmured, taking one of your hands and kissing your knuckles.

“Hey, I’m trying to fix your tie clip,” you laughed, pulling your hand back from him to continue adjusting his tie clip that had gone askew thanks to his seatbelt.

The two of you were standing outside the venue of the office holiday party. You were fashionably late, as part of the plan. You had to make sure Hyuck and Jeno were already there, so they could see you arrive together, wearing your coordinated outfits. Jisung’s tie was of course a complimentary shade of the color of your dress—not too matchy-matchy like kids at a grade school formal, but clearly together, not accidental.

“There.” You smoothed out the lapels of his suit jacket, smiling up at him. “So handsome.”

He kissed your cheek. “Thank you.”

“Are you ready?”

“More than.” He grinned, lacing his fingers with yours.

Walking in, instrumental Christmas music was playing over the speakers and a steady hum of conversation filled the room. There were a few familiar faces near the front, but nobody you were overly friendly with. You grabbed Jisung’s shoulder for support as you went to talk to him over the din of the crowd. He hunched over slightly to listen to you better, holding you steady with a hand on your hip.

“Want to get a drink first?” You suggested.

“Sure,” he agreed, keeping his hand on your lower back as you moved through the sea of people.

There was a special cocktail for the night, ‘Mistletoe While You Work,’ which you ordered out of curiosity. Once it was in your hand, you took a sip, and you were pleasantly surprised. Not too sweet, and you couldn’t taste the liquor at all.

“Hey, baby,” you smirked, holding your glass up between yours and Jisung’s faces. “Uh-oh, we’re under mistletoe… kinda.”

Jisung laughed, and you put the glass down to watch his face crinkle up and his nose scrunch in all its adorable glory. “Mm, hard to argue with that.”

You were still smiling as you pressed your lips to his in a short but sweet kiss. He kept you close when you broke apart, an arm still wound around your waist.

“Uhm, Merry fucking Christmas to you guys, too,” Hyuck announced himself, standing off to the side, his own drink in hand and Jeno of course with him.

“Oh, hey guys,” you greeted them nonchalantly. “Merry Christmas.”

“What happened to your dates?” Jeno cut right to the chase.

You and Jisung pointed to each other, making nearly identical faces as if you were oblivious to why Jeno and Hyuck were confused.

Hyuck started buffering as he tried to process the situation. “What…?”

“We’ve been together this whole time,” you finally put them out of their misery, watching as their jaws dropped simultaneously.

“Since before I interviewed, actually,” your boyfriend added.

“Over a year, to be exact.”

“You guys are sick in the head,” Hyuck jabbed an accusatory finger at you both.

“Who was making a whole convoluted plan for me to sleep with one of our coworkers that you barely knew?” You immediately fired back. “You’re lucky we did this instead of reporting you to HR.”

Jeno quickly threw on a wide smile, clapping Jisung on the shoulder. “You fit in great here, Jisung.”

“Glad to have you on the team.” Hyuck went to hug Jisung, making him stiffen up at the unexpected affection. Your coworker then gestured to both of you, putting a hand over his chest. “You two are so adorable together. What a great couple. I’ve said that from the beginning, right, Jeno?”

“You thought they would’ve had awful chemistry.”

“Would it kill you to back me up for once?” Hyuck turned his ire on your other coworker.

Mr. Suh walked up to the bar then, putting his order in with the bartender before greeting you all. “Ah, hello, everyone. Merry Christmas.”

A chorus of hellos and Merry Christmases rang out in response.

“Was Mr. Suh in on it?” Jeno asked you.

“Whatever ‘it’ was, no, but now I wish I was,” Mr. Suh answered, clearly intrigued by this conversation.

“Y/N and Jisung are dating!” Hyuck immediately tattled, and you rolled your eyes at his childish tone.

“There’s nothing against the rules,” your boss said calmly. Then, he added with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, “Especially if the relationship predates one of you working here.”

You and Jisung exchanged a surprised look, making Mr. Suh laugh.

“Okay, I had a hunch, but that was the confirmation I needed,” he chuckled. “When I’d see Jisung at Y/N’s desk alone, I don’t know—you two seemed way more comfortable around each other than two people who had only talked for the first time a week ago. No matter how much you liked each other.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?” Hyuck gawped.

“It didn’t seem like any of my business.”

⇢ 2024 hallmark movie marathon

TAGLIST

@annenakamura @bee-the-loser @lotties-readings @ppddpjdr @reiofsuns2001

@giirlfriendd @shaqs-oatmeal @sofipolii01

@tearinka @yoursyuno @yutasputa69

@winkeuu

#★.ᐟ mars #fic: short #nct #nct dream #park jisung #established relationship #secret lovers #workplace romance #crack au

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ohmygs-blog · 2 years ago

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✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ

texting the dreamies!

— “i’m so wet rn”

! suggestive /nsfw

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castleofclouds · 5 months ago

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Truth to be told, I missed you (spin-off).

Castleofclouds presented original series, spin-off from To All The Boys I've Dated Before (NCT Dream Alternative Universe Fiction).

Genre ; angst, romance, humor, fluff, slow-burn, hint of smut, high school, college, frenemies.

Disclaimer ; everything are fictional, mention of kms jokes, suggestive 18+ content (?), typos or grammar, non-idol.

Tag ;

Story are by © castleofclouds, do not copy or repost without watermark!

A spin-off from the TBDE (To All The Boys I've Dated Before) series, a truth untold, a point of view that you never seen from the main story, all are crafted and wrapped into a short stories like a fairytale full of sadness and confusion.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　

MARK LEE.

Fragments Of Firsts.

“There's always a first of everything, first day of the school, first time watching movies, first look of the day, in each timeline there's a begining that starting, just like how it is my first life too, and I ought to make mistakes that I'm going to regret in the future, and that is Us.”

- Mark Lee.

1. Pieces of Once Upon a Time

2. Moments That Made Us

3. The Start of Something Beautiful

4. In the Shadow of Memory

5. Through Love’s First Glance

RENJUN HUANG.

Parallel Hearts

“The way human hearts works is intriguing, how I always pick yellow in any colors because I like it, how my hearts often give me option to pick, and one of the many choices were to fall in love, and I choose to do it with you. ”

- Renjun Huang

1. Tangled in Time

2. In the Orbit of You

3. Two Paths, One Feeling

4. Bound Yet Uncrossed

5. Together, Side by Side

JENO LEE

Seasons Of Us.

“There's so many seasons throughout the years, there's winter to make snowman, there's spring to watch the flowers bloom, there's autumn with its s'mores, and there's summer, the time where I landed my eyes on you and never leaves.”

- Jeno Lee

1. Fading in Autumn

2. A Journey in Bloom and Wilt

3. Love’s Passing Phases

4. Spring’s First Glance, Fall’s Final Goodbye

5. Bloomed, Burned, and Begun Again

HAECHAN LEE

Whisper Of What Was.

“Some people wish they could go back in time just to rewind all the good memories, some people wish they can rewind just to fixes flaw they made, unfortunately one of the many are thinking ending the relationship is the solution.”

- Haechan Lee

1. Traces in the Silence

2. Soft Ghosts of Us

3. When Love Was Young

4. Embers in the Dark

5. Beneath Falling Stars

JAEMIN NA

The Ones Before Us.

“Sometimes things doesn't ended the way we wanted, some comes and go, they left an impression that quite hard to forget, something had to ended for the new ones come.”

- Jaemin Na

1. Stories Left Unfinished

2. Lost and Found

3. Affection First Drafts

4. The Roads Not Taken

5. Lessons in Heartbreak

CHENLE ZHONG

A Heartbeat Away

“You never realized what's in front of you until you take your time to see, clearly. Who is the one occupying your heart, the beating arent just there for no reason, isn't it?”

- Chenle Zhong

1. Close Enough to Feel

2. Almost Familiar, Yet Unknown

3. Touching Without Touching

4. Near Enough to Dream

5. Between Now and Forever

JISUNG PARK

The Things I Hate To Love

“Both hate and love always seemingly like two complete opposite, but if you take a closer look both of them had same meaning, a strong expression for something, there's always a thin line that differentiates them from each other.”

- Jisung Park

1. Melancholy Paradox

2. Caught in Between

3. Complicated Embrace

4. The Ties that Bind and Break

5. Embracing the Frustration

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦. 　⁺ 　

TBDE series, Masterlist.

A/N

Are you all ready? For this November? Goshh. I couldn't be more ready, I was trying to continue the TBDE but I just need to give you all this present, Ik it's not Christmas yet, but let's just think of it as early present from me? Haha, for this time I wish it at least get 40 (ik I asked a lot) notes first before I post the first chapter and dw I don't forget about the main story, I'll make sure to continue the TBDE too at least for a while, and comment which route do you want to see first?? Btw just to make sure in this spin-off it's going to follow dreamies POV okay? Yn thought might not be voiced enough but I'll try to put some in.

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technologyculturedneo · 29 days ago

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Unknown Pt2. Park Jisung.

"I was ready to give up everything. Just for you."

Summary. In a world darkened by trauma, Jisung has never believed in love, and his life is filled with shadows and the cries of many. Jeno, a man working to move past his painful history, struggles to find happiness when a past event resurfaces, threatening to undo his progress. Caught between these two men, you become the bridge that connects them—helping Jeno heal while gaining Jisung’s trust. As you navigate this complex dynamic, guilt begins to weigh on you as you slowly fall for the very person you're trying to help, torn between loyalty and your growing feelings.

[Dream()scape masterlist]

Read part 1 here

[Saturday – End of the week]

Jisung’s hand tightens around his wine glass, his fingers trembling slightly. His eyes soften as they meet yours. You smile lightly before going back to cutting a piece of steak in the restaurant that has been cleared out just for you and him. You look so beautiful and Jisung’s heart surprises him with every beat it makes. For a long moment, the air between you two feels heavy. Then, in a quiet voice, he says, 'I love you.

Your ears zone out for a while, before you look up to Jisung’s face. Your hands holding the utensils stiffen up, your thoughts paused in your head. After a moment of silence you finish chewing your food hold his hand tightening up your grip. "Jisung... do you really mean that?" You ask him laying your fork down, so that you’re holding both his hands.

“I do,” And surely, looking into his eyes is just as wild, because his guard has fully dropped down.

"How can you love me when you've done so much... hurt to so many?” You ask sincerely. “I don’t even know if the love I feel for you is the same kind of love you’re talking about. Because I love you, but I don’t think it’s the same as what your thoughts of love are.”

Jisung smiles holding your hand tighter. "Love to me is forbidden. It is something that is rare, out of this world. Unique. Strange. Yet, it's beautiful and sweet at the same time." He smiles licking his lips. "Love happens with strange people. It is not forced or planned for. It’s been growing like a fire in my heart. I know I haven't been the greatest guy to you, but I do know what love is. Even though I’m heartbroken and lost, I know what love is. It… Love demands attention, care, totality. Love wants you to give up everything just for one person… you are that person to me.”

Goosebumps crawl up your skin, your cheeks are flustered and you know that your face probably reflects your deepest shock. He sighs gesturing around to the place we're at. “I’ve spent so long chasing this path of vengeance, thinking it was the only thing that mattered. But now… I can’t help but wonder what’s left after it all. What’s left of me if I just keep living in the past? I want to let go, Apple doll. I want to start again—without the hate, without the violence. But I need you to help me, to show me how. No one has ever made it to my heart... but yet you did. You’re the reason I want to change.” His hand trembles slightly in yours as he speaks, his voice cracking just a little when he says, “I want you. Need you. I love you.”

You get up from your seat, carefully walking to his side and you plant yourself gently on his lap. You lean in, your forehead resting against his as you whisper, “We’ll figure it out, together.”

“I would’ve loved to hear you say, I love you back,” His hands rest on your back, looking up and clear into your gaze. “But I love the sound of that better. Figuring it out together.”

Snap! Snap! Snap! You jolt and turn to your side.

"Hey," Jisung asks. "You good? You kinda zoned out on me," You look up to him realizing you’re still in the car, with Mark driving and Jisung embracing you and looking down at me holding your lips. “What’s got your thoughts so captive?”

You giggle. “Your confession. I feel like you just proposed.”

He smirks. “That will come much later, we first have to figure it out. Remember?”

Mark looks at his rearview mirror watching how Jisung brings your chin closer to him, just as he attaches your lips and he dives into the kiss. However Jisung abruptly stops and looks out the window. "Mark duck!"

Jisung's warning is short as a piercing sound of a bullet breaks through the glass near Mark.

"Shit!" Mark curses speeding his car in the long empty high way. "The hell!"

"Focus on the road. They're gaining on us!" Jisung pulls you rapidly towards him by his side as another bullet breaks the window allowing the fast air running inside. "Mark! Drive!" Jisung sees the motorbike that’s trying to overtake the car.

Mark immediately steps on the gas and the car swerves to full speed. Your ears are barely audible only hearing the wind. You see Jisung's lips moving before he tells you to go down- you follow his order as he steps to the front seat.

You’re jolted out of your mind when you hear gunshots echoing all over - coming from Jisung. Half his body is outside the window and the gun is in both his hands as he's just shooting. After what feels like forever you hear the guns stop. Zha holds your hand getting back in the car running his fingers through his hair.

It's silent- you think they've stopped following or that Jisung has probably shot them, or maybe Mark has taken a different road. The only sound now is your sniffs and light cries.

You turn your head back seeing two black vehicles bumped into each other. There's smoke coming out from the front end of one car as a motorbike is seen far from the car. You turn back to the front holding Jisung's hand again.

"You are you okay?" Jisung asks, his leg shaking. You nod your head. Jisung's hand gets harder as he turns to Mark. "Would you mind telling me what the fuck that was!?" He yells at Mark.

"I'm being followed." Mark snaps back.

Jisung laughs and it sounds dark. "No shit. Who are you being followed by?"

Mark sighs on edge. "Do you remember Kihyun?"

"The dead guy?"

"Yeah the dead guy," Mark sighs. "His other biological daughter-"

"Oh wow." Jisung chuckles as if realising something. "Aki. Let me guess. Jeno?"

"Yeah."

"I've been missing so many files lately- thought I misplaced them but my suspicions are correct. We have a rat amongst us." Mark’s gaze turns to the rear view mirror trying to see you. You look alerted and agitated. He knows something but seeing you like that, he can’t afford to rat you out to Zha. "I'll get Slick to kill Jeno. That way, it’ll get him off our backs."

You shift forward gripping his hand tighter. "Jisung don't you dare. I don't like seeing this side of you-"

"Stop talking," he breaths in and out through his mouth, you catch him close his eyes while squeezing his forehead. "Let me think." Mark looks at you again through the review mirror and this time you catch his stare. "Now that Mark is being followed then my guesses of Zico and Hoseok are right," Zha says.

Mark looks at him a little before facing the road again. "What do you mean?"

"I've been seeing a lot more police around them than usual. It clicked when one cop tried gunning Zico down while taking a piss." Zha chuckles. "Their on to us. I have to find this rat fast before we can continue."

"Might be closer than you think boss." Mark says keeping his eyes on the rearview mirror at you. But you shake your head.

The ride which was supposed to take both you and Jisung home, is now driving through the city and then narrow and empty road until you reach there warehouse. Jisung tells you to follow him, completely drowning out the thoughts you had of talking to Mark in the car. Following Jisung in the warehouse, he takes you straight into his office and allows you to sit down while he makes a call.

As you sit down, and look out the window seeing the sun set, you watch Jisung slowly pace up and down, holding his phone to his ear. It’s a long one. Jisung doesn’t say much, but his expression give you nothing but pure seriousness. “I hear you.” He finally says after what looks to be 30 minutes. He cuts the call and rubs his hair out of his face letting it fall back.

"What's wrong?" You ask walking over to him laying your hand on his shoulder.

He sits on the table folding his arms. "Loco got arrested."

"What?" you ask stunned by what he says. "Jisung speak to me... let me help you clear your head,"

"I got off the call with Hoseok. He said the cops came to the club looking for Loco. Dispute happened and then they began chasing them out the strip club and eventually shot Jimin and arrested Loco. He's in a holding cell and I can't bail him out until they prove him not guilty by the city court." He says tiredly, still thinking on the side. "What I can't understand is that we dealt with that issue of Loco yesterday night. We cleared out his name but they're still suspecting him."

"Suspecting him of what? Cleared him from what?" you ask trying to understand. These detectives work fast and don't waste a single detail or information. What Jeno and you see as little they work their way around it. During the course of this week, the few times you entered Jisung’s office, you managed to snuggle some documents in your clothes, and when you got home you’d take pictures of the things and send it to the detectives. You don’t know what’s on the documents aside from the fact that at the top of the documents you took, it said ‘CLASSIFIED’.

Donghyuck barges in the midst when Jisung's about to answer. For the very first time he doesn't look cold but instead looks way ready deadly and aggregated. "Mark was supposed to be with us tonight. Do you have any fucking clue what we faced? Why’d you swap Mark?”

"Because we have a snitch amongst us." Jisung calmly replays still in his own zone.

"And you think Mark is not the snitch? Or better yet helping the snitch.” Slick glares at you.

“That's not my business–"

"It should be. Because everything-”

“We're being monitored Slick." He insists standing up while running his hand through his hair.

"Zha! You dumb fuck- The fuck is she doing here?" You shiver at his cold tone once Slick snaps at you.

Zha crosses his arms. "Don't start with her–"

"Oh that's right, I forgot. You want to walk out on us. You wanna leave all this behind in order to be with her and what? Get us to clean up your mess?"

"That's not what's gonna happen–"

"You've been talking about rats being amongst us. Have you asked your girl who's she's been sending those files to?" Slick poses making Jisung slowly turn his head to your direction.

"What files?" Jisung asks seriously and your heart beats really fast. "Do you know what he’s talking about?”

"I don't know what he's talking about." You shake your head moving a bit forward, hoping Zha will believe it. "I swear I don't know what he's on to."

"Of course you don't. Because I'm the rat." Slick suddenly declares and laughs. "For hell's sake I might even be the rat. Get it? Trying to get all you guys arrested and save my sorry ass,"

"Donghyuck cut this out!" Zha raises his voice being annoyed.

"Why? So you can leave and get me to clean up all this mess?" He asks looking really hurt and out of control. "No. I didn't clean shit up for this to happen. I certainly will not clean up after your shit. If we go down because of her, then I'll make sure not to put off what can be done today–"

His moves are fast when he pulls out his gun from his back pocket, but Jisung is faster in shooting him right on his shoulder with a gun that appears from his pocket. You gasp while moving back until your back is against the wall watching everything. You cover your mouth when hearing Slick yell out in pain-

"AH FU–!"

"If you dare!" Jisung snaps rapidly grabbing Slick from the floor forcing him onto the wall. Slick looks angered in defeat. "Loco’s in prison. If we don't watch our backs it might be us too!"

The door barges open with Mark running in with his his own gun looking suspicious, but stops when seeing the scene.

Jisung grates out of his teeth. "Take her home Mark. When you're done grab this idiot and take him to Crush and Gray to get this bullet out his–"

"I can do it myself." Donghyuck pushes Jisung back. He groans and walks to the door. He turns back to you as you’re still in shock and anxious of what's happened. "Next time I'll kill you."

BANG!

"Jisung–" You jump when Slick is shot on the same shoulder by Jisung.

"Take her home Mark." Jisung repeats still looking at Slick. "I dare you to kill her and that'll be your face next time."

Once Slick is out of the office, Zha turns to you, his darkened and enraged gaze, softens and he moves closer to you. You look down and away from his gaze, yet he calmly cups your face in his hands. He kisses your forehead.

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” He whispers to you. “I want you to go home, and just sleep okay.”

You nod your head, and after a bit, you walk out with Mark. Mark leads you down the corridor, you pass some of the men, but you don’t look at them – because their piercing stares are already on you. You don’t know why. Once you get in the car with Mark and he starts it, you wait for him to say something… anything.

But he’s silent.

“Mark.” You break the silence.

“This is all wrong.” He lets out, not sparing you a glance. “You’re in too deep and it’s getting dangerous for us. What the hell happened to you simply wanting to know who this Aki bitch was? I feel conflicted every single day because of you. I trust you and you betrayed me, by betraying our team. Do you know just how dangerous things have gotten?”

“Mark I’m also trying to-”

“No shut up Y/n.” Mark gets irritated at you. “Shut the fuck up. Zha’s losing track of what’s important because of you. He fucking shot Slick for crying out loud. It’s because of you. You’re the rat and you’re the reason why’re all going to end up behind bars- come to think of it, was that your plan all along?”

You shake your head, feeling on edge with your heart beating so fast. “Mark I-”

“Did you not hear me when I said shut up?” His tone is nothing you’ve heard before. It makes you scared… and you simply lean back on your seat. “I’m done with this shit. I need to tell Zha everything, before he finds out on his own and tries to kill me. I already told Slick everything about how I found you, all that’s left now is to-”

“You told Slick.” You stare at him in shock.

“I had to.” Mark nods his head. “The police are after us, and you think it’s fun to be in a position whereby you know who’s the person causing all this trouble? No Y/n. This is all your fault, and if we can fix before any more of us are caught, arrested or worse, dead, then I’m all in on ratting you out.”

“Mark how could you?”

“No how could you.” Mark shakes his head. “He fucking trusts you, and looks like he’s ready to run this whole team, straight to the ground. If you don’t know want me to tell him, then you better come clean, because I will come clean to him.”

[00:29]

The elevator chimes and opens up. You look up from the blank tv screen seeing Jisung enter in the living room with his hand rubbing around his neck. He calmly walks down the two steps tiredly making his way to rests on the couch next to you. “Apple doll you’re still awake?” He lays his head on your lap and removes his shoes throwing them far along with his blazer.

He's exhausted and evenly stressed, you can tell all this from the way his lips form a really thin line. You bend down giving him a kiss. "Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?"

"No," he shakes his head forcing a smile while bringing his hand around your neck. "I wanna keep kissing you,"

"You can't kiss the pain away," You mutter but still give him a peck. Meanwhile, your own heart is beating roughly in your chest at the thought of coming clean. How on earth will you even do that? You’re scared for your life. He could kill you this very second, this instant.

He places kisses on your neck, snapping you out of your thoughts as you feel him sucking around your sweet spot on your neck. His hands play around with your sweater also drawing light circles on your stomach. His hand goes down cupping in between your legs. You quickly close your legs grabbing hold of his hand, trying to sit more comfortably on the chair. "You can't kiss the pain away," You remind him. He lays his head properly on your thighs and your hand goes through his hair.

Jisung is observant of how you can’t meet his eyes. You’re hiding something. "The meeting room was chaotic. More questions than answers, more members being arrested and a really irritating Slick." He says in one go. You think to yourself about the information you gave to Detective Jaemin. The profile of all the crew members in Zha's gang, the positions in which they stand and a list of people you don’t know. Through the burner phone, you really sent everything that was of use that you found. And now you’re feeling stressed. Mark was right. You betrayed Jisung.

"Everyone's scared," You speak lowly, suggesting to him that you’re also scared. “I’m scared.”

"You have no reason to be scared Y/n.” You’re astonished when you hear him call your name. “You have no reason whatsoever to be worried. This is my problem. I’ll sort it all out." He confirms. "I hate saying this. I really do. I hate suspecting him." He licks his lips. "But I think, that Donghyuck is not being truthful to me. He knows something, but he's not telling me. Every time I see him, I see it in his eyes that's he's keeping something away. It makes me mad because, within this week I gave him a task and all of a sudden, the detective is on our case, our members are dropping like flies. All in one go,"

“I need to tell you something…”

Jisung doesn’t seem to hear as he chuckles. "Sometimes when you think he knows nothing. He knows something. He's very cautious and careful. You think he's not watching but he's watching. The problem is, he won't tell me. He’s just accusing you, but he’s not telling me what he knows. I know it’s not you Apple doll, I just want to figure out, why he’s hell bent on saying it’s you… It’s either he’s trying to hint that it’s Mark without really saying his name… or…"

Hearing that reminds you of what Mark said in the car, that he already exposed everything about you to Slick… could it be that Slick knows what you've been doing, but instead of ratting you, he'll let Jisung decide what he'd want to do with you? But it doesn't make sense. Why would he keep your secret? Why wouldn't he tell Jisung about what you’ve been doing? You shake your head and worriedly look at Jisung… You don’t even know what Slick knows and you’re already making assumptions… Maybe he’s bluffing…

"Why do you think he wouldn't tell you?" You ask and immediately his eyes look up to you. He's staring at you intensely.

"Because he's Slick like that," he says as if an idea popped in his head. "He said something tracing a text that Jeno did, and it reflected back here in the hotel… I think he’s just playing for time.” He takes a moment to think and stares at you intensely again. "You..." He drags, unsure of his words and of what he's thinking.

"Yes," You answer calmly trying not to give yourself away. It's harder remaining calm when you know you’re guilty.

He licks his lips and looks sorry. "I hate bringing this up but, at the warehouse when Donghyuck said that you've been sending files to someone... he was lying, right?"

Instantly you nod your head to afraid to come clean… letting the lie flow out of your mouth. "I swear Jisung. I had absolutely no idea of what he was talking about. I was just as shocked as you,"

He nods his head with a brief smile reaching his eyes. "I know I can trust you, my sweet Apple doll. But now what do I do about Donghyuck.."

"Come to think of it all… Perhaps, it has something to do with Aki? The Aki case." You don’t know why you say that, but as soon as you do, you try to clarify. “I mean, if Jeno is looking, then it should be about his wife. And if he’s in contact with the detective, that probably means they’re searching for the culprit.”

His eyes widen a little and he looks at you. "You’re right. I’ve ruled out that possibility because the case was already closed, and I just thought Jeno wanted revenge. But seeing as now that the detectives are involved again, the case might’ve reopened again.” Jisung shrugs his shoulder. "That's the thing that's irritating me, Slick is avoiding giving me proper answers. He's having this attitude of keeping things to himself and answering to no one. I should've killed him when I had the chance, but I need his skills. No one is Slick like him. I can just get him to kill Jeno,"

You try to breath out. “Can I ask something… who killed her anyway. You guys seem to be primary suspicion to the detectives. So one of you killed her.” Your throat gets dry, as you speak. Jisung’s eyes… turn into Zha… full of anger and vengeance.

“I killed her.” He whispers. “Her father, was one of the guys who sold me off. I killed him and because she wouldn’t stop running to the policy, as soon as I got my hands on her, I killed her too... Mark and Jimin covered it. As an attempted break in. I guess…" he says and his pocket vibrates by the cellphone inside. He takes it out quickly answering. "Hold on. Yeah?"

Meanwhile, you’re frozen. Did Zha just own up to killing her?

"What? He what?" You snap out your little bubble watching Jisung rapidly standing up. "Stay there I'm coming."

"What? What happened?" You ask.

"Mark found Slick." He answers while getting his shoes on. "Slick has gone on a stupid rampage. I told him to lay low, but it seems like he’s captured another man and wants to kill him." Zha stands up. "That idiot." He mutters when seeing you put on your shoes and follow behind him. "Where are you going?" He stops and watches you.

"With you–"

"No. You can't come–"

"I'm coming with you."

"That’s rich.” He ignores you and presses the elevator button. “It's not safe."

"I don't care." You reply.

"No listen. It's not safe for you. " Without a second your back is against the wall as he's leaning into you. "You don't know what I'm capable of. You haven't seen me when I'm out there. I don't want you to see that. I don't want you to see me being somebody else–"

You stop him by placing your lips on him. He breathes you in and holds onto your body. "Slick already suspects me, and I just want to prove to him that I’m-”

“You’ve got nothing to prove.”

“Then let me come with you.” You emphasize. “Jisung, I can’t watch you like this. You don’t see what’s at stake, you don’t see your choices of have consequences. What if you go out there and then you get caught? If you’re going out there, maybe I can help, maybe I can… do something to prevent you drawing blood. Jisung… please.”

"You'll be scared of me.” He moves back. “But then again, I’ve been making a lot of reckless decisions.”

You gulp. This is it… What has started out as something of you to help Jeno, has led to this moment. You want to be loyal to Jisung, but with how things have been going… you’ve sorta… fallen for him and you feel guilty because you don’t want to betray him. You don’t want to prove the sterotype correct…

He said ‘Donghyuck’ once had a lover who betrayed him – Jeno said his lover died… and now Jisung… you’re about to break his trust and shatter him completely if you go on with trying to help Jeno and the detectives… a part of you doesn’t want to hurt him… yet you know that it’s what you need to do.

“Promise me right now.” Jisung says once you’re in the elevator next time. “Promise me that you won’t go back on your word… you be scared of me.”

“I promise.” Your mouth full of lies says… and you can see how much he believes you. What you’re doing is just so cold…

•

After the long drive into the urban areas you make it to some kind of small house. There's already a car parked by the front and by its looks it's for Mark. Jisung stops the engine and pulls the gear forward on park. He says nothing, the same way this car ride has been silent the whole time… the only thing you noticed was how he held onto your hand the entire time. Something about seeing the change in Jisung's eyes has you on high alert.

Before you remove your seatbelt, he places his hand over yours. He brings it to his lips and kisses it. "Stay in the car for me,”

"But–"

"No." He doesn't look at you but instead removes his own. "Stay in the car. I don't want to regret this or lose you," He opens the car door and gets out turning back to you. "Don't move okay, Apple doll," he tries forming a small smile but all that displays is a tight forced smile. You nod your head leaning back on your seat with your arms crossed as the door bangs closed immediately locking the car.

His figure walks away blending in almost with the darkness, has you contemplating on whether to follow him or not. For some reason, this seems like your only chance of escape. Of finally exposing everything and everyone. Getting the burner phone out of your pocket, you point to the house and take a picture. You feel emotional as you think of Jisung… you don’t want to betray him. You sniff and send the picture to Detective Na. In the chat you try to pin point the location, with location search. You watch as Mark and Slick step out of the other car meeting Jisung half way. Jisung is quick and grabs Slick by the collar shaking him. Slick looks like he's saying things and Jisung let's him go. They stand there for a while talking before Slick separates from them going away behind the house. Mark and Jisung stand together and before your very eyes they remove their guns from their pocket. You didn't even know Jisung had a gun with him.

The door opens and Slick steps out signaling for Mark and Jisung to get in. Jisung looks back to the car maybe trying to meet with yout eyes he’s so far away and in this darkness it's hard to make out his eyes or mouth or any facial features. He goes in the house and the door closes.

You keep track on your watch every minute. He said it would scare you… Could it be the same thing he does in the basement? That means… he's maybe going to kill someone. If he is you need to know. Your head shoots up by the faint scream coming from the house.

The rest of the houses are far away by a respectable distance and there's no help. Moments later with the little courage you have, you step out the car. The beat of your heart still in your ears. Every step you take towards the house… every time you check the watch, you can only think… is this the last time you’ll be alive? Once in front of the door you take a picture again of the street with the burner phone sending it to the detective. If this is the last time you’ll live, then… at least you can help Jeno. You’re sick and tired of this shit anyway. You just want it all to end. You can’t keep hurting Jisung who has already been hurt before. For crying out loud, ever since he said ‘I love you’ things have become complicated…

This whole time you’ve been confused by your whole feelings. You don’t know if you love Jisung too… or if you feel pity for him. All that you know is that… you hate how attached you’ve gotten to him… because a part of you feels really bad by your actions of betrayal…

You slowly and carefully open the trying not to make a sound. Thankfully the door doesn’t produce any unnecessary sounds. You walk in and close the door, however you freeze when you hear a gun click. Shit.

"Don't move."

Your breath is stuck in your throat, especially when you courageously and slowly turn around seeing… Slick. He rolls his eyes noticing you and puts his gun down signaling you to be quiet. He looks pissed as always but this time it doesn't seem to be directed at you. He comes close to you ear whispering. "There's an old man trying to escape. Stay here and make sure he doesn’t leave." He warns. You just stare at him with unknown daggers… did he actually tell you something with the hopes that you’ll obey him?

"Fuck you Donghyuck." You don’t know what comes over you to say such… but you do. And to top it off, you use his real name.

He stops in his tracks and turns back. Your eyes meet and you try to let it known through your eyes that you despise him. Right now your head is clouded because you feel bad that you’re about to betray Jisung… but at the same time you feel like it’s all Slick’s fault… why is he… why-

He walks back to you and reluctantly you step back pressing your back to the door. He stares down at you.

"Say that again." He eyes dig into yours. "I dare you to say that again to my face, and so help me now I will end you." You stay silent against your will, avoiding your tongue from forming those words again. He shakes his head. “Fuck you. You’re just like the rest of this rotten world. You prey on someone’s weakness before you destroy them. At first, I didn’t want to believe that someone could actually toy with Zha’s heart. But then you came along. Do you even have a conscious? He opened up to you, and you fucking lied to him. You always have been. And don’t deny it now. It’s pointless.”

Your eyes get teary… surprising you because everything he said is true.

When he steps away from you, your legs give up as you squirm to the ground and hold your mouth trying not to cry. Hold yourself together- you try to get a grip of your emotions. Slick is already gone, when you maintain your composure, but it’s the fact that you really think it’s him and Mark and Zha in the house alone… with a possible family. Getting the burner phone out – you don’t even care if you’ll get caught anymore- you place it on camera mode before allowing it to be on your jeans as you walk quietly through the house. Slick said you should watch the door, but you’re more curious of what’s happening inside. Come to think of it… this is also what happened last time. Zha told you to knock on the house door… before his whole gang invaded the place. To think you’ll be seeing what happens behind closed doors feels almost surreal. Is this what everything has come down to?

At some point of the corridor, you stand on the passage and move your head from behind the wall to see. You move your hip a little allowing your phone to get a little bit of the shot. Your heart drops upon seeing the sight in front of you. Your hands move to your mouth and you hold in my tears...

Mark holds down a girl tightly while also forcing a gun against her head. She's crying silently pleading over and over again for Zha to forgive her. Jisung… no Zha moves away from the TV, his back towards me. Mark forces her on the couch tightening his arms around her neck. She's crying silently shaking her head. You can see that she's shaking terribly. "P-pl-please, I do-don't know. He's n-n-not he-here."

"My guy says he's here and you're telling me he's not here," Zha walks forward to the girl crouching down. He removes the knife from his back pocket and shows it to her. "Let's make a deal, if my guy finds him here in the house then I kill him and kill you. But if my guy doesn't find him here and you're telling the truth then you'll live instead. Does that sound ok?"

"P-please." She stutters and shakes her head. "I-I'll do an-anything else if you just leave him alone- please," she pleads. "I can even pay off his debt!"

"He owes me his blood." Zha remarks. "Do you think you can offer me that? You know what, let me tell you about him. Park Chanyeol, he was one of the instructors who always told us to take and swallow our pills. Now you may not know this, but this pill was something they used to make us obedient. Your dear father made those pills and distributed it to many of the boys there. Now I’m not placing the blame entirely on him, but I am saying he’s part of the reasons why we’re so screwed up. And it’s not fair that he lives a nice life while he stuggle with out senses of feelings. The pill that your father modified took away our instincts. That’s not fair right?" Zha chuckles seeing her pleading face. She begins nodding her head rapidly.

Zha takes out his knife from his pocket rampaging through the fabric of her jeans revealing her soft looking thighs. He places the knife tip on her thigh… the sight has your eyes gashing out in shock as he slowly penetrates her skin watching as the blood drips down her leg slowly. His other hand squeezes her other thigh slapping it hard.

"Do you still want to pay his debt? You’ll have to make up for thousands of boys who were tortured by him and every one of those instructors."

"Y-yes! Just don't hurt him-"

"That wasn't my deal. But I'll accept your offer." He stops his knife and places it near her lips. "Lick it and then count to three."

She shakes her head watching him under her teary eyes. "I don't want you to hurt hi–"

"You didn't follow my instructions. Mark." Zha stands up and turns around just as Mark forces his hands around her jaw opening up her mouth. She fidgets but stops instantly upon seeing the gun on her head again. Jisung turns around and walks back to her. "You see baby girl. You and your dad have one thing in common. You both don't listen. I gave him instructions but he refused to follow my instructions, so the result of that is paying up. Just like you, you're gonna pay for your disobedience. Why so serious?" He says with a thick accent before placing his knife by the corner of her mouth and slashing through her mouth, causing an ear-piercing scream to fill up the house- you stagger back but can’t stop looking. "Why so serious? You should smile more. Do you know where that’s from?" He carves another gruesome line by the side of her face making blood drool from her face.

"Boss you shouldn't do that. Jimin isn't here to cover up." Mark warns Zha. “And I can’t do that on my own.”

Zha seems to ignore the warning going back to his former position and bends down looking at the girl’s thighs. "Count to three baby girl."

"One-" before she can even start Zha deeply pierces her thigh with his knife hearing nothing but her aching cry.

"Carry on counting." Zha commands as if he's dripping lemon on a salted wound.

"Tw-two-" she cries intensely her body trying to break free but Mark doesn't let go or budge. You look up to his face and he's just watching the girl. What's going on in their heads as they hear this poor innocent girl crying? "Th-three-"

“You know what pisses me off most about your father? Is that he’s a religious man. He believes in Buddah and that basically is a religion of kindness, but yet your father did the most inhumane things to us-”At this point you cover your own mouth seeing as Zha forcefully and painfully slowly carves an upside down cross on her thigh and it looks messy with so much blood rolling down her leg. Her body shivers violently and her face is so red engraved with fear.

"I should've made it deeper. To teach you not to be stupid and interfere in daddy's matters." Zha speaks getting up. "Do you still want to pay his debt?"

"N-NO!" She screams with tears streaming down her face. He points the tip of the bloody knife on her chest. "PLEASE DON'T!"

"I found him Zha." Slick enters through the other doorway with an old man who has his arms up. He forces the old man on his knees. The man must be Chanyeol… her father.

The old man looks hard faced from the beginning but nothing beats the ultimate pain stricken across his face when he looks up to see the girl... his daughter. "Fay! What have you done with her-"

"No dad!"

"Oh would you look at that!" Zha stands up with a larger smile. "Looks like somebody lied."

The girl squirms on her seat as tears fall out her eyes. She's looking dead shot to Zha begging him. Pleading him with everything by the tears in her eyes. Zha moves forward with the knife in hands. "N-no! I'm so-sorry please don't- NO!"

"Do you know what I do with people who’ve lied to me?” He asks but the girl is busy begging. "I kill them.”

Your breath hitches in your chest the moment Zha violently gushes his knife in her chest tightly holding her by her neck. He pulls the bloody knife out and forces in again, the blood splatters everywhere making Jisung strike again on her neck multiple of times before going to her heart and watching the blood squirt out on him—

Surely your ears go deaf as the girl's agonizing cries and scorching screams stop.

"Where's Y/n?" Donghyuck stops watching the murder going on as his eyes roam around until he spots you on the floor. Trauma reflecting in your gaze. "Shit." he lets go of the old man making Mark quickly take hold of the screaming man as he's watching his daughter…

Slick curses and picks you up from the floor looking pained. This is triggering for him... The way you look at Jisung with your eyes so lost and heartbroken, remind Slick of his girlfriend… the one who betrayed him. The last words she told Slick was that he needed help, before she went on to being with a better man. Slick always bottled inside of him that he was a good man, it’s just that circumstances messed him up. With Zha he felt like a better man, because he was accomplishing something that no one else could do- cause pain to those that caused him and a whole lot of others pain… but yet, looking at you. All he remembers is his own girlfriend and how she looked at him…

You watch Jisung as he drunkenly steps back away from the girl. The girl known as Fay... Jisung begins walking to the father with his knife tight in his head but as if you’re posed you scream out loud not being able to witness him doing something like that again. That causes Jisung to jump and immediately jolts his head turning rapidly to where Slick and you are. His eyes that where glimmering with monstrous blood immediately turn to shock and agony. "What...w-hat are you..."

His shirt is so soaked in blood and he's face is covered in blood, his hands clinched in blood. Everything is bloody just like the look in his eyes.

Even thought Slick is holding you back, you still step back petrified by the sight. He's so bloody and his hair covered in red makes it all look worse.

"Apple doll-"

"How could you.." You whisper shaking your head walking back as he comes closer. "N-no Jisung stay away - you did that- how could you…. Stay away-" You shudder and cry out. “How could you- is this what you would’ve done to me to?”

His eyes become somber and he steps closer with his arms careful- he tries to wipe the blood away but you’re scurrying away. Slick is also in a state of shock when he thinks of his own girlfriend… her last words being… ‘you need help’

"Apple doll please listen-"

"No.." You whisper cry moving back now fully aware of Slick’s hands preventing you from moving anymore. "You-"

"I can explain- please listen-"

"NO!" you cry. Your eyes are glued to his bloody hands, he dropped the knife a long time ago but all you can see is that knife still gushing in and out of the young girl's body. "You-"

"Please understand that I needed to do this," he pleads as his chest elevates higher and higher. He knows how bad it looks- but seeing the tears in your eyes is worse. He doesn’t want you to see him as a monster, but your eyes are already saying the words without him having to hear it from you… “Apple doll… Y/n please understand-“

"No! I can't u-understand how you'd-" You cry harder not being able to breathe as your tears are choking you. "You are-" You cry louder removing his jersey from your body throwing it on the floor. "-a monster."

He stops in his tracks and his eyes are fixed on you. He already knew what you would say, but hearing him actually saying it… causes everything in him to break and he looks away gulping.

"Boss," Mark speaks slowly from behind. He's now touching Jisung's shoulder. "I'll take her home,"

All Jisung can do after the painful silence only filled with cries from you is to nod as his eyes focus on you before turning around. You cry harder when you see the girl's father holding onto his daughter crying silently.

Mark comes by you and Slick moves away. Mark puts his arms around your shoulders as your feet have lost all blood and are so numb. Your tears blur your vision feeling your head very light… and before you know it… you collapse on the floor. Mark gets you up, and begins moving out leaving Zha, Slick and the father of the dead girl in the house.

"She wasn't supposed to see that." Slick says tightly recalling how he saw a phone in your pocket, a part of him believes it was recording simply because of how it was faced… but after your meltdown he feels frozen on the spot. "Don't let that stop you. Finish it." He whispers to Zha. “If this is it, and we get caught. Make sure you finish it.”

Jisung brushes his hair out of his eyes and turns back to the old crying man on the floor. He’s laying over his daughter’s thighs – and Jisung takes a moment to look at the girl’s cut thighs… was this really all worth it? Her thighs, her neck, her chest… the cuts are pluff and swollen with blood still oozing out.

“Give me your gun.” He whispers. Feeling the weight of the gun on his hand, he positions it to the father. All that Jisung can hear in his head is your cries, and he hates it.

BANG!

"Call Gray and Shonwu to get theses bodies." You whisper even though all the voices that were screeching and crying are gone. "Let's go."

“There’s something I should tell you about Y/n.” Slick says. “Now is the perfect time.”

Still pretending to be passed out, you feel Mark finally lay you down on a bed. You know you’re back in the hotel apartment when you can smell the familiar of the sheets and Jisung’s clothes… oh Jisung.

You wait until you’re sure Mark is gone before you can sit up on the bed and hold your heart. Opening your eyes, you can feel the wave of emotions crashing all over you. What did you just see?

You’re at a loss of words…

Thankfully the burner phone is in your pocket. You pick it up… and cautiously send the video that was recorded… and later on cut because of low space… but from the looks of the video, everything that needed to be recorded has been recorded… Zha is caught in the act of killing someone… whatever the detective will do with the information is completely up to him… you see that there’s a message on the phone from the detective…

Na.Jaemin:

We’re at the scene… it’s brutal. Where are you now? Are you with Zha?

You’re sick of this shit anyway. You pin drop your location-

"Drop it."

You look up in the dark room turning your head to the door. You’re not even the least bit shocked to see the figure emerging from the darkness. His eyes are pained but he still steps out. Slick… or rather Donghyuck.

"Drop the phone right now."

You let the phone go holding your hands up watching the gun in his hands. Your energy has completely depleted… you’ve made peace with the fact that you’ll die tonight anyway. “If you’re going to kill me. Do it quick… and painless.” Your hoarse voice lets out.

"I'm sorry you had to see that side of Jisung." His lips shut and he looks down away from your ruined mascara face and your eyes that’s blotched with so much tears. “He's a damn fool for trusting you. I saw that phone the first time it fell from that tea bag delivery. Mark told me that you only being Zha’s slut just so you could get answers about Aki. I knew all along, but still allowed you to toy with Zha. Let me guess what you’ve been doing on that phone. Gathering evidence against him. Reporting and sending your feedback back to Jeno. I watched you this whole time but said nothing. Maybe because I wanted to see how he'd take charge, but that was a bust as he started falling for you. Or because... I wanted him to feel something other than pain. Feel something other than pleasure. Lord knows how long he's been doing what he's been doing. He lost himself… became like me for a bit. I just wanted him to find himself in a much brighter light. But now. Now I see how I've been blinded as well. I let his love for you come upon me. I should've killed you first time I saw you because now, I see you don't have feelings. Giving him up and handing him over like that. But tonight this all ends. Right here, right–"

You jolt up and scream. Your eyes widen when you hear a bullet and see Donghyuck thrown off guard and falling on the floor groaning. He holds tightly onto his arm trying to numb his own pain. The same arm where he was shot is shot again. You look up seeing Mark on guard with his own gun still pointing at Donghyuck. He moves away from the door to the spot where Donghyuck is. He bends down feeling Donghyuck's pulse.

"Mark..." You whisper gratefully.

"He's still alive. Just knocked out." He stands up pointing the gun to you. "Slick was right. I can't just let you hand us over to the cops like that. I started this mess, I have to clean it. I'm sorry–"

BANG!-

BANG!

You jump up hearing multiple shots and have to shut your eyes. Thinking that you’ve been shot. But yet, for some reason, there’s still no wound on you. You look around the room, first to Donghyuck's wounded body... There's a big hole right in the middle of his chest oozing out blood. He's dead. You follow his hand with the gun seeing how it was slightly aimed towards Mark. But Mark didn't kill him.

Your breath hitches in your throat and your head turns to the door seeing none other than Jisung. You feel a pit being dug the moment your eyes land on his shirt. The blood is dried out and even if you can't see it clearly due to his black shirt, his hair still has smudges reminding you of what happened.

"You dare kill her." His voice is hoarse matching with the look in his eyes. Your eyes water up and you feel touched that he's still protecting you. "Mark. Explain what the hell is going on."

Mark clinches his jaw looking down at Donghyuck. "You killed him."

"Because I know you'll answer me." Jisung emphasizes. "I know you know what's going on. Explain."

Mark looks conflicted but clinches his jaw again, a habit of his. "She’s the rat.” You become sad and slowly turn your head to Jisung. He shakes his head. Donghyuck told him the exact same thing in the house, but he didn’t believe it. "She's the one who went to the police with that friend of yours. Jeno–"

"She wouldn't." He rapidly answers looking to you looking more hurt and broken. "Tell me it's not true Y/n."

Mark speaks up. "I... I invited her over to my place. She wanted to know something about someone...she was helping a friend."

"A friend..."

"She was trying to find out about Aki and I told her that you had all the answers to that. That's when I introduced her to you for the first time in the warehouse...she's smart and had her ways multiple of times while keeping contact with Jeno and-"

Mark goes on talking about you but your attention stays on Jisung seeing his gaze turn to you. "You got into my heart... by lying?"

You blink away your tears trying to find words to comfort him but end up saying nothing.

"You..how could you? I trusted...you. I–" he looks speechless and turns back to Mark. "Don't tell me that what I feel is one sided," he shakes his head chuckling lightly in pain. "Don't tell me that my heart is on the verge of exploding because I got played,"

Mark tries to speak seeing Jisung aggregated. "Zha–"

"You invited an outsider inside my home and I blindly trusted you because you’re my right hand. You knew all along and never said anything?" Jisung asks in so much pain. "This was a game to you both."

"I didn’t know what she had up her sleeves-"

"This is real? That means you never felt anything for me? We kissed and I opened myself to you… I was even planning on leaving all this for you… because I didn’t want to hurt you…" Jisung continues to ramble his thoughts out loud still in shock and pain. "Why didn't you stop me Mark- my feet are in cold water and you only tell me now.."

"I'm sorry-"

You close your eyes tightly seeing Mark's eyes open wide before he falls on his knees as a loud bang has you cowering in fear. Jisung shoots hard again three times watching his own best friend die on the floor. You’re shaken in your position but say nothing. Jisung doesn't turn around but his voice is loud enough.

"Leave."

Your feet move hesitantly, but not towards the door. “Ji…” You move your feet to his position. You stand behind him looking at his broad shoulders. He killed his friends… his right hand… his best and most loyalist friend. This is all because of you. He's protected you from their harm but in the end he killed them.

"Leave. Don't make me say it again." His voice is soft. "I... don't want… you here anymore."

“I’m sorry Jisung.”

Jeno is stunned when seeing you with dirty socks at his trailer. You’re crying and hiccupping looking so broken. He doesn’t waste a second and immediately embraces you tightly, as you get into more fits of cries.

He calls your name softly… "What happened?"

You shake your head, sniff and cough. “I…” You don’t even know what to say.

You didn't know what to do when you left Jisung's hotel, all the memories spinning in your head as well as how broken he was when you left... He’s the one who committed a crime, yet why were you crying for him? You left quickly when you noticed that he wasn't following you. You took the opportunity to run, you hitch hiked a ride to Jeno’s place… with no complete thought in your brain. You just were worn out and tired. So much as happened tonight.

“You don’t have to say anything… just sleep here tonight. And tomorrow, we’ll go to Detective Na.”

•

"Are you sure of this information?" The detective, Min Jaemin asks once again being totally morphed in everything. “When you sent the video, I was shocked at what I saw. This clip will be most useful if you testify. Can you testify against him? Against Park Jisung who is Zha?

"Yes. I can.”

Loco enters into Zha’s office with his hands in his pocket. He looks up from the list of guys that he still had to kill. His head is still blank and clouded after yesterday's greatest fail. He lost you, as well as Donghyuck and Mark, but he got the guy he was looking for; Park Chanyeol, but still he lost you. “The police got to the house before we could.”

Loco sits on the chair in front of Zha. Zha feels slightly irritated because Loco was no match to be a replacement for Slick.

"Listen man," Loco starts resting his hands on the table crossing them. "I've never seen you this down. What happened to you? Not only you, but you said you killed Zha and Mark. Is this because of that girl?"

“At first I could take advantage of her…” Jisung feels exhausted as he leans back on his seat. “You know, sex and all that. But after a while I just wanted to make her relax and trust and believe in me...give her my world of peace without destruction.”

"You were in too deep bruh," Loco sits back on his chair, biting his lip. "I went to your place today earlier today...but she wasn't there. Only the bodies of Mark and Slick. What happened? Did you really kill them? What really happened?"

"I can’t believe he chose you as his replacement.” Zha scoffs. “You’re so… useless.”

A red beam catches Jisung’s attention and he draws his attention to the door seeing through the crystal grey door that a bunch of man in black are standing, holding… guns. Jisung stands up and rest his hands behind his head not feeling the need to fight back.

"Zha what are you-"

The door breaks down and a swarm of police march in. "FREEZE! DON'T MOVE!"

"Park Jisung?" Detective Na Jaemin enters the room seeing Jisung already surrendering. "Zha. It really is you,"

"I guess I have a fan," He dryly replies. Detective Na comes over to him, while the others pin Loco down who was trying to escape. “Tell me something Detective. Was a person by the name of Y/n involved in this?”

“I’ll do you one better, she’ll testify against you in court.”

That’s news to Jisung’s ears, as he can only hear his heart completely shatter. “She’ll… testify?” He chuckles brokenly. “It was all a fucking joke.”

___________________________________

[3 Months later]

Jeno and you walk hand in hand through the graveyard. Both withering in spirit and cautious of each other. Finally after a long chase the answers where revealed. It not only brought peace but it brought a sense of relief. Relief to the both of you. They both stop at the tombstones and look to each other with comforting smiles. They're hands slowly slip out of each other and they look ahead.

You take a deep breath and looks at Taeyong's grave. “I can’t get over how I hurt Jisung.”

"There’s this saying, that Aki used to say. You can take a horse to a river but you can't make it drink.” Jeno sighs and leans back for a bit, before looking to Aki’s grave. He recalls the court room, and how he saw Jisung. Jisung’s gaze were only on you… Jeno can’t even imagine the time and relationship you’ve built with Jisung, but it was probably really personal, because not once did Jisung’s gaze sore up. The way Jisung looked at you, was enough to make Jeno believe you went to great lengths just for him. "The best thing to do is probably give him time to think. After all he's in prison. He has all the time to think, all the time to himself. Sometimes being with too many people makes you not think, but when you're alone… all alone you start thinking. Especially for someone like him, who blamed the entire system and convinced himself that killing is good. I think it’s safe to say that this time alone, can give him a new introspective in life."

You nod your head moving closer to Jeno and laying your head on his arm.

After Jisung, you found it hard to see Jeno the same way… your heart now beats for Jisung. And you don’t know if it’s right or wrong. All you know is that, you hurt someone that you loved, and you couldn’t move on until you were sure that they were going to be okay.

Which is why, several days later, you find yourself in the prison ward. You attempt to go in… but you get cold feet and head back home. The same thing happens for the next couple of months. Before you know it, a year goes by and when you come to the prison center, this time around, you’re determined to see Jisung. Finally.

Following an officer to the designated assigned place for visits, you rub your hands together as you wait.

It's almost been a year and here you are. You don’t even know what you’re doing here anymore, but all you know is that your heart needed to know that Jisung didn’t hate you. At the same time, you wanted to know how he's been doing and how his mentality has been. For you… life felt like it was happening all too fast.

You got a job surprisingly as a research assistant, as if turns out you were pretty good with research. You tried to stay void of Jeno, but your feelings wouldn’t let him go so easily and so one thing led to another and now… you’ve got a giant rock on your finger.

You hear chains rattling from outside the door making your heart beat rapidly. Fear of how you left things. Why is it that your brain can’t wrap around the fact that he did something wrong and you should be mad at him and angry – but yet you feel so much pain… sadness and pity… all because you betrayed him. Sometimes you need to slap yourself to remind yourself that you did nothing wrong.

The door opens up and you’re glued to your seat, with your back facing the door… meaning he’s standing behind you. The chains rattle and you hear faint footsteps, until you see an officer holding him by his arm and forcing him on the chair forcing his arms backwards so that they could remove the handcuffs.

The whole time your eyes are on his handcuffs instead of his eyes but you feel his stare on you. The officer finally finishes not before telling you that you have ten minutes. The door shuts letting out a loud bang. You pluck your eyes from the ground and force yourself to look at him.

The monster?

But instead of seeing a monster you see… the Jisung you first met. Not Zha. But Jisung. He doesn’t look as confident as his alter ego Zha… but he looks so vulnerable. He looks down at his free hands and cracks his knuckles.

"When the officer told me someone was here for me, I wondered who could it be. I have no one out there who cares for me, that's what I thought." he remarks setting his arms on the table. He sounds a bit cold but it doesn't frighten you. "So, what are you doing here? With a monster,"

You look in his eyes trying to break your way in but he's closed. He's so closed that all you can see is a reflection of ‘Slick’s’ eyes staring back at you.

"I didn't think, that you'd want to see me after everything that happened." He continues when you don't respond. He cracks his neck and he's eyes focus on your hands on the table.

For some reason your tongue is heavy and looking at him, you feel like wanting to run away. Why is he being like this? Then again, what were you expecting?

He sighs and looks back at you. Still cold. You try not to look defeated by his gaze but you can't help lowering your head looking at your nails. A year can really change so many people's lives either for the better or worse. Your eyes go up to his again, catching his gaze already on you his eyes search yours and all you do is stare back at him with so much vulnerability. You can’t express what you’re feeling, but if you have to summarize this unknown feeling… it’s the type of uncertainty and longing.

"What are you doing here?" He stops himself short. He's at a loss of words as he sees that there's no reaction from you. He sighs and closes his eyes. "Ten minutes is ticking by. Are you gonna say anything."

"I-" You swallow feeling your throat is dry. "I'm really sorry. I'm so sorry Ji. I'm so sorry for betraying you… I don't know but... I'm just really sorry for everything that's happened," Instantly you see his walls come down a little as he smiles a little before it turns to a poker face again. "I never wanted to hurt you. Please understand that all I wanted was... I just wanted the truth at first, but then... as I got to know you, I realised that I also wanted to help you…"

"Help me?" He smirks and unexpectedly chuckles. "Help me.. .by sentencing me life in prison?"

"No by–"

"You know something." He pauses and looks at my hands. "I was ready to give up everything. Everything I did just so that... I could be with you." He looks hurt and looks you in the eyes. "I fought with my friends, killed them just for you. I even stopped coming late so that I could see you more. I don't think you understand, what it means for me to give up... to give up everything for someone. For you. I had faith in you. I…"

Your eyes go to hand that’s slowly reaching to yours… but it stops half way. You look at him, seeing how his gaze does not even disappear from yours.

"I didn't want you to hate me. I wanted you to leave before I killed you. Before I lost myself. Before I lost you..."

You listen to his words hearing his feelings.

"But you did help me." He waits a little longer for you to say something but you wait for him, being patient. "I needed that. And I know you can't accept me after what I've done. After all, I'm a heartless monster–

"Jisung please… don't say those things." You cover his hand with your own. You feel his shiver and the way his hand stiffens under your touch. He pulls back and shakes his head.

He looks away.

You nod your head a little, understanding his own actions. He doesn’t have anything elsto say to you. "I have to go... I'm sorry.." You suddenly get so emotional but before your tears can even fall out your eyes you shake your head and get up leaving quickly to the door.

But his voice stops you. "I still love you."

You freeze, your heart lurching in your chest. The words echo in the stillness of the room, pulling you back, almost against your will. You turn slowly, not sure what you're expecting, but when you meet his gaze, you surprise yourself. A smile tugs at the corner of your lips. You shake your head, feeling a mix of relief and sorrow.

“I don’t hate you…” Your voice trembles slightly, but you steady it. “I hated your actions, but I never hated you.”

His eyes search yours, dark and full of something painful yet familiar. A sad smile forms, fleeting and fragile. "I was hoping to hear 'I love you back,'" he says quietly, a touch of longing in his voice. "But… that works too."

You swallow, your throat tight as a wave of emotion washes over you. The weight of everything that’s happened, the pain, the regret, the years spent in silence—it's all too much. But you walk toward him, drawn in by the unspoken bond that still lingers between you.

You reach out, your hands trembling as they gently cup his face. The warmth of his skin beneath your touch makes your chest tighten, but you don’t pull away. His eyes flicker to your hands, then back to your face, his expression unreadable. You lean in slowly, almost hesitantly, as if the very act of closing the distance is a question in itself.

And then, without thinking, you press your lips to his—soft, brief, almost hesitant, but full of everything that words can’t capture.

For a moment, time stands still. His breath catches, and you feel the shiver that runs through his body at the touch. The kiss is not a declaration, but a promise—quiet, fragile, and uncertain. When you pull away, your forehead rests against his for a brief second. The words you can't say settle in the silence between you.

Into the unknown…

Fin-

21 notes · View notes

winwintea · 2 months ago

Text

tetris

PAIRING ↬ gamer!park jisung x fem!reader (feat. zhong chenle)

TAGS ↬ fluff, action, romance, some angst, hidden feelings, 80s au, video game competitions, unrequited love or so he thought, best friend's girlfriend trope, winwin shows up randomly i love you my winsung anon

SUMMARY ↬ living up to the pressures of becoming a famous tetris player might be hard for a guy like park jisung. but it's much more difficult when the girl he’s got a crush on may actually be his best friend's girlfriend.

WORD COUNT ↬ 10.1k words

AUTHOR’S NOTE ↬ happy birthday queen @viasdreams !!! hope you enjoy as much as i had writing this (i suffered) and thank you to @polarisjisung for usual for being my beta reader <33. also i know tetris came out late 80s and was popular during the early 90s too but for aesthetic purposes im saying 80s

PLAYLIST ↬ saturday night - bay city rollers; tetoris - hiiragi magnetite; jessie’s girl - rick springfield; working for the weekend - loverboy; shoot to thrill - ac/dc; don’t play games - martin jensen; i’m still standing - elton john; cherry bomb - the runaways; hold on tight - aespa; one way or another - blondie; i ran - a flock of seagulls; choose your fighter - ava max

THE FIRST TIME PARK JISUNG PLACED HIS HANDS ON AN ARCADE MACHINE, HE WAS HOOKED.

When he felt the rough texture of the joystick, he felt a tremor in his chest. It wasn’t fear, nor excitement, but something in between. The flicker of the screen pulled him into a world he didn’t yet understand but felt desperate to explore.

The arcade around him was alive, buzzing with the electric hum of machines, the crash of digital waves, and the clatter of coins. Yet, in this moment, all the chaos faded into one singular thing: the falling blocks on the screen.

His fingers hovered over the controls, trembling. When they pressed down, the buttons responded with a slight resistance that grounded him, pulled him into the world on the screen. The joystick was smoother than he expected, gliding under his unsure grip. The first piece—a long, yellow bar—fell into place. Then another. And another.

For Jisung, the world seemed to shift with each line he cleared. These weren’t just blocks; they were each a piece of himself, shifting and rearranging to fit into something bigger. Each ping from the machine was a quiet reassurance, telling him that for once, he was doing something right.

The weight of his usual insecurities were being lifted, then replaced by an unfamiliar confidence. His heart raced, not from anxiety but from a kind of joy he didn’t think he was allowed to feel. This machine didn’t care about how shy he was, how awkward his words sounded, or how he tended to shrink away when the world got too loud. All it asked was that he see the shapes, find the patterns, and keep going.

For the first time in his life, he felt like he’d found something. A purpose.

Jisung didn’t think of himself as anything special, and most of the time, neither did anyone else. He was the kind of person who slipped into a room without making a sound, his lanky frame perpetually hunched as if apologizing for taking up space. His dark hair often fell into his eyes, a convenient shield against the world’s attention. At school, he was known only as “that tall, quiet kid.” Teachers liked him for his politeness. Classmates tolerated him for his unobtrusiveness.

His best friend, Chenle, was the exact opposite. The sun to Jisung’s shadow, always shining and dragging Jisung into the light whether he wanted it or not. When Jisung hesitated, Chenle jumped in headfirst, loud and full of laughter. Their friendship didn’t make sense to most people, least of all Jisung, but somehow it worked.

“C’mon, slowpoke!” Chenle called over his shoulder, his voice easily cutting through the noise of the crowded street. “Pixel Haven’s gonna get packed if you don’t move!”

Jisung trailed a few steps behind, his hands stuffed deep into his hoodie pockets. Friday nights at the arcade were a tradition Chenle had started months ago, and Jisung tagged along because… well, because it was Chenle. He didn’t really play the games. Watching Chenle dominate the machines or charm the employees was enough for him.

Pixel Haven came into view, its neon sign glowing pink and blue against the dim evening sky. Inside, the arcade was a sensory overload of flashing lights, cheerful 8-bit melodies, and the unmistakable clink of coins being fed into machines.

Chenle pushed open the door, holding it wide. “Hurry up, man! They got a new game in!”

Jisung shuffled inside, his head immediately dropping down to look at his sneakers. Even though the arcade was bustling with busy teenagers, he felt like every pair of eyes could land on him at any moment. He stuck close to Chenle, who bounded ahead like an excited puppy.

The arcade was Chenle’s kingdom. He knew everyone. He always high-fived the regulars, playfully bantered with his street fighter competitors, and was always trying to introduce someone to Jisung. But Jisung was content being a silent observer, finding a quiet corner to lean against while Chenle made his rounds.

Unfortunately for Jisung, Chenle had other plans.

“Hey, Jisung, check this out!” Chenle pointed to the brand new Tetris machine, it’s screen cycling through vividly colored blocks. “Bet you’d be good at this.”

Jisung blinked at the machine, his lanky frame stiffening as if the suggestion were a spotlight being aimed at him. “Me?”

“Yeah, you.” Before Jisung could protest, Chenle shoved a quarter into his hand and practically dragged him toward the machine. The crowd around it thinned slightly, making space as Chenle announced, “Alright, people, make way for my boy here. Jisung’s about to show you how it’s done.”

Jisung’s ears burned as a few heads turned toward him. He could already feel the weight of their eyes, his anxiety prickling at the edges of his mind. “Chenle, I—”

“Stop overthinking,” Chenle interrupted, patting his shoulder. “Just play. I promise, you’ll love it.”

Jisung stared at the glowing screen. The cheerful music beckoned him, the falling shapes almost hypnotic. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, sliding the quarter into the slot. The machine chimed, and the first piece appeared at the top of the screen.

Although this was his first time, the controls felt familiar. The buttons responded with a satisfying click to his every touch, the joystick smooth under his palm. He hesitated for a split second before rotating the first piece and sending it down. It clicked into place.

Then another piece came, and another. His fingers moved instinctively, rotating, shifting, dropping. The lines started clearing, one after the other, and the game's upbeat sounds grew more frequent.

The world around him faded, the noise of the arcade blending into a dull hum. His focus sharpened, each piece fitting perfectly into a strategy that seemed to form effortlessly in his mind. Shapes became patterns, and patterns became solutions.

“Holy shit. He’s actually good,” someone murmured behind him.

“Good? Are you kidding? He’s crushing it!” Chenle exclaimed, his voice cutting through the growing excitement.

Jisung didn’t register their words, his eyes fixed on the screen. The pace quickened, the pieces falling faster, but he kept up. His long fingers danced over the controls, rotating pieces with precision and dropping them into place. A four-line clear flashed on the screen—a Tetris—and the small crowd erupted into cheers.

Jisung blinked, momentarily snapping out of his trance. He looked over his shoulder, startled by the group that had formed behind him. Chenle was at the front, grinning like he’d just won the lottery.

“Keep going!” Chenle yelled. “You’re on fire!”

A small smile tugged at the corners of Jisung’s lips, the rare feeling of pride warming his chest. He turned back to the game, determined to see how far he could go.

For the next few minutes, Jisung played like he was in a world of his own, the lines stacking and clearing in rapid succession. When the inevitable “Game Over” finally flashed on the screen, a ripple of applause broke out behind him.

Jisung stepped back, his cheeks flushed, his heart racing. Chenle clapped him on the back, his laugh loud and contagious. “What did I tell you? Tetris wiz, right here!”

Jisung glanced at the score on the screen—higher than he’d expected, but the number barely mattered. For the first time, he felt like he belonged, like he’d found something he was actually good at.

And judging by the awed looks from the small crowd, they thought so too.

Jisung didn’t know much about you, other than the obvious. You worked the counter at Pixel Haven most nights, moving between tasks with effortless ease. Always handing out quarters, fixing the occasional glitchy machine, and keeping the arcade running smoothly. And, of course, you were Chenle’s girlfriend. That part was impossible to miss.

Chenle had introduced you once, casually slinging his arm around your shoulders as he bragged about beating the high score on Galaga. Jisung remembered offering a small, awkward wave while you smiled politely, your attention more on Chenle than him. Since then, you’d only been a background presence, someone Jisung saw but never really thought about.

Until tonight.

He’d run out of quarters after his third Tetris run and found himself lingering near the counter, clutching a few crumpled bills in his clammy hands. Chenle was off challenging someone at Street Fighter again, leaving Jisung on his own.

You were busy at the counter, sorting a handful of tokens while chatting with another customer. The neon glow from the sign above cast soft shadows across your face, and for a moment, Jisung hesitated. Asking you for change felt… strange. You weren’t just the person behind the counter. You were Chenle’s girlfriend. That fact alone made this simple interaction feel like crossing some unspoken line.

But he needed quarters, so he shuffled forward, his head down, and placed the bills on the counter.

You looked up, and for the first time, your eyes met his directly. “Oh, hey,” you said, your voice light and friendly. “Need some quarters?”

He froze, the words stuck in his throat. You were smiling. Warmly, like you genuinely wanted to help. Jisung nodded, sliding the bills closer to you.

You took them, your fingers brushing his for the briefest moment as you counted out the quarters. “Here you go,” you said, placing them into his outstretched hand. “Good luck out there.”

That smile. It wasn’t just a gesture. It felt different, even if Jisung knew it probably wasn’t. You were like this with everyone, weren’t you? Friendly, approachable, easygoing. It was why Chenle liked you so much.

But still, Jisung felt something shift inside him. Your smile lingered in his mind as he turned away, clutching the quarters tightly in his fist. His chest tightened, but not with the usual pang of nerves. Instead, it was with something he couldn’t quite name.

It was strange, the way that tiny moment replayed in his head as he walked back to the Tetris machine. He told himself it didn’t mean anything. You were just being nice, just doing your job.

But as the night wore on, Jisung found himself glancing toward the counter more often than he meant to. He tried not to think too much about it, but something small and misshapen had taken root in his chest, fragile but undeniably there.

You were Chenle’s girlfriend. He barely knew you. And yet, your kindness had left a mark he couldn’t ignore.

The arcade quickly became Jisung’s second home. Every chance he got—between school, homework, and the occasional group hangout he reluctantly attended—he found himself back at Pixel Haven.

At first, it was a way to pass the time, a distraction from the things that weighed him down. But soon, Tetris became more than that. The falling blocks weren’t just shapes anymore; they were puzzles waiting to be solved, challenges daring him to do better, to think faster. He didn’t just play the game—he immersed himself in it, memorizing patterns, calculating strategies, and finding a strange sense of peace in the rhythmic clearing of lines.

The change didn’t go unnoticed.

“Dude, you’re, like, a full-blown Tetris addict now,” Chenle teased one night, leaning casually against the machine as Jisung started yet another round. His hands were full of snacks he’d grabbed from the counter, and his grin was as wide as ever. “I should start calling you ‘The Tetris Wizard or ‘TetWiz’ for short”.

Jisung flushed, his long fingers hovering over the controls as the pieces began to fall. “I’m not that good,” he muttered, barely audible over the hum of the arcade.

“Are you kidding me?” Chenle laughed, nearly spilling his soda. “You’re insane at this. Like, next-level insane. You’ve got the whole crowd thing going on, too.”

Jisung paused mid-game, glancing over his shoulder. Sure enough, a few regulars had gathered nearby, casually watching his progress. Their murmured admiration sent a wave of heat to his cheeks.

Chenle clapped him on the back. “See? WizKid status.” He took a swig of his drink, then grinned mischievously. “Hey, you know what? There’s a tournament coming up. Local thing. You should totally enter.”

The words hit Jisung like a truck. No, like someone dropped a T-piece on his head. He fumbled with the joystick, sending a block spiraling into the wrong position. “What? No. No way.”

“Why not?” Chenle’s voice rose in playful disbelief. “You’ve been killing it lately. This is your chance to show everyone how good you are. Plus, think of the bragging rights. I’ll tell everyone I trained you.”

Jisung’s heart pounded, the idea of playing in front of a crowd making his palms sweat. He’d barely gotten used to the small groups that gathered at the arcade. A tournament meant real attention. Real pressure.

“I… I don’t think I can,” he stammered, his gaze fixed on the screen.

Chenle rolled his eyes but didn’t push. “Alright, alright. Baby steps, TetWiz. But think about it, okay? You’d crush it.”

Jisung nodded absently, but the thought lingered long after Chenle wandered off to bother someone else. A tournament? It seemed impossible, unthinkable. Yet, as he continued to play, clearing line after line with growing precision, a small, persistent voice in the back of his mind whispered something different: What if you could?

The flyer for the Pixel Haven Tetris Tournament taunted Jisung from his desk, its bright colors and bold letters shouting promises of prizes, glory, and recognition. He’d stared at it for days, the weight of Chenle’s encouragement and your casual, kind words tipping the scales of his indecision.

“You’d do great,” you’d said just a few nights ago when Chenle joked about Jisung’s reluctance. There wasn’t much to your comment—just a simple smile as you slid quarters across the counter. But it stuck with him, a quiet nudge in the direction he wasn’t sure he could take.

When he finally signed up, his hand trembled so much he nearly misspelled his own name.

The tournament day arrived far too quickly. Pixel Haven was louder than ever, filled with spectators and players buzzing with excitement. The Tetris machine had been moved to the center of the arcade, its screen glowing like a beacon under the dim, colorful lights.

Jisung stood at the edge of the crowd, his heart pounding in his chest. His palms were clammy, his legs stiff, and every sound around him felt amplified—quarters clinking, machines chiming, people shouting.

Chenle found him near the snack counter, looking pale and uneasy. “Hey, TetWiz,” he said, clapping Jisung on the shoulder. “Don’t psych yourself out. You’ve got this.”

Jisung shook his head, barely able to meet Chenle’s gaze. “I don’t know if I can.”

“Of course, you can!” Chenle’s voice was loud, confident, and exactly what Jisung wished he could feel. “You’re the best player here. No one’s even close. Just… pretend it’s like any other Friday night.”

“Except with an even bigger crowd watching,” Jisung muttered under his breath.

At that moment, you appeared, slipping out from behind the counter to join Chenle. Your presence was calm, grounding. “You’ve got this,” you said simply, your eyes meeting Jisung’s.

His stomach twisted. You were Chenle’s girlfriend.

Off-limits.

But your words carried a strange weight, one that settled the storm in his chest just enough.

The tournament began. Jisung’s hands trembled as he approached the machine, the controls suddenly feeling unfamiliar under his fingers. The room seemed to close in around him as the first piece appeared on the screen.

The opening rounds blurred together, a mix of adrenaline and fear propelling him forward. Each cleared line earned cheers from the crowd, but Jisung barely registered them. His focus tunneled in on the screen, every move a desperate attempt to keep the pieces from piling too high.

By the time he reached the finals, his nerves were raw, his breaths shallow. Chenle stood nearby, shouting encouragement, and you offered a quiet thumbs-up that somehow cut through the noise.

The final match was intense. His opponent was fast, their moves sharp and deliberate. The pieces fell faster than ever, the music speeding up to a frenetic pace that matched Jisung’s racing heart.

You can do this, he told himself, gripping the joystick tightly. He visualized the patterns, the strategies he’d practiced endlessly. The lines cleared one after another, the Tetris flashes lighting up the screen.

When the final piece fell into place, and the victory chime rang out, the room erupted into cheers. Jisung blinked, his mind struggling to catch up with what had just happened.

“You did it!” Chenle shouted, throwing an arm around Jisung’s shoulders. “First place, TetWiz! I told you!”

Jisung stared at the screen, his name flashing in bold letters at the top of the leaderboard. His hands shook—not with fear, but with something new. Pride.

You approached him, your smile soft and genuine. “Congratulations, Jisung. That was amazing.”

He swallowed hard, unable to find the words to respond. But as the applause continued and the weight of the moment settled in, something shifted inside him. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe that maybe, he was capable of more.

Jisung wasn’t sure when it started. The way his chest tightened whenever you were near, or how your smile lingered in his thoughts. Maybe it was during one of those small, fleeting moments when you actually listened to him. Not the way most people did, with polite nods and half-hearted attention, but really listened.

You never looked bored or impatient when he talked. Never when he stumbled over his words trying to explain a tricky T-spin maneuver or the satisfaction of a perfectly timed Tetris. Instead, you leaned on the counter, your eyes warm and curious, asking questions that made him feel like his passion wasn’t just valid but worth sharing.

And that was the problem.

Because as much as he admired you, as much as his chest filled with warmth during those rare conversations, there was always Chenle. Loud, confident, and so completely your match.

Jisung couldn’t deny it: Chenle made you laugh in a way that lit up the whole room. He’d see you together. Your arm looped through Chenle��s, his jokes drawing out those bright, unrestrained giggles. All of it felt like a sharp, twisting ache in his chest.

He hated the feeling. The guilt. The jealousy.

Chenle was his best friend, the person who dragged him out of his shell, cheered him on, and believed in him when he barely believed in himself. And you—kind, patient, radiant—you were Chenle’s girlfriend. That was the unshakable truth.

So Jisung did the only thing he could think of to cope. He played tetris.

Hours at Pixel Haven turned into entire evenings, his focus narrowing to the Tetris machine like it was his lifeline. The rhythm of the game, the familiar patterns and strategies, became his escape. When the blocks fell into place, clearing line after line, the noise in his head quieted.

He didn’t have to think about the way his heart raced when you smiled at him or the pang of envy when you rested your head on Chenle’s shoulder.

Chenle noticed, of course. “Man, you’re really going hard lately,” he said one night, watching Jisung rack up yet another high score. “Not that I’m complaining. You’re basically a celebrity here now.”

Jisung forced a smile, his hands tightening around the joystick. “Just… trying to get better.”

Chenle didn’t press further, but Jisung could feel his gaze shift, a flicker of concern hidden behind his usual grin.

And then there was you.

Sometimes, you’d wander over to the Tetris machine during a quiet moment at the counter, watching him play with that same patient interest that made his heart ache.

“You’re amazing at this,” you’d say, your voice soft and genuine.

And Jisung would mumble a shy thank you, barely able to meet your gaze. He wondered if you noticed how fast his hands moved on the controls when you were nearby, or how the screen blurred just slightly because his focus wavered.

He told himself it didn’t matter. It couldn’t. You were Chenle’s, and he had no right to feel the way he did.

So he buried it, block by block, line by line, throwing himself deeper into the game as if sheer determination could erase the feelings growing stronger with every interaction.

But no matter how many lines he cleared, the ache in his chest remained.

Chenle wasn’t the type to dwell on things. He lived in the moment, taking life as it came, confident and carefree. But lately, something about Jisung had been bothering him.

It wasn’t just the obsessive way Jisung threw himself into Tetris, though that was part of it. Chenle had always known Jisung to be shy and focused, but lately, he seemed… different. Distracted. Like his thoughts were someplace—or with someone—else.

And then there were the looks.

Chenle didn’t want to read too much into it, but he’d caught Jisung’s gaze more than once when you were around. At first, he brushed it off. Jisung was awkward around everyone—why would this be any different? But the more it happened, the harder it was to ignore.

One night, after another long session at Pixel Haven, Chenle finally decided he couldn’t keep quiet.

Jisung was hunched over the Tetris machine, his face illuminated by the screen’s soft glow. The arcade was quieter than usual, most of the crowd having thinned out as the evening wore on. Chenle approached with his usual grin, though this time, it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Hey, TetWiz,” he said casually, leaning against the side of the machine. “Taking over the world one line at a time?”

Jisung glanced at him, his hands never leaving the controls. “Something like that,” he mumbled.

Chenle studied him for a moment, his grin fading. “You know,” he began, his tone light but laced with something sharper, “you’ve been acting kind of weird lately.”

Jisung’s fingers faltered, and the game over screen flashed before he could recover. He let out a quiet sigh, stepping back from the machine. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Chenle said, crossing his arms, “you’ve been avoiding me, for one. And for another… I’ve noticed the way you look at her.”

Jisung froze, his heart sinking. “What are you talking about?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Chenle raised an eyebrow. “Don’t play dumb, Jisung. You think I haven’t seen it? The way you watch her when you think no one’s looking? How you act all nervous when she’s around? Come on, man. You’re my best friend. If there’s something going on, just tell me.”

Panic surged in Jisung’s chest. He shook his head quickly, his gaze dropping to the floor. “There’s nothing going on,” he said, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I don’t… I don’t feel that way about her.”

Chenle’s eyes narrowed, his usual easy going demeanor slipping away. That wasn’t what he was suspecting. He actually thought you had said something to Jisung that made him uncomfortable. But having feelings for you? Chenle forgot that was even an option. He suddenly felt a surge of jealousy. “Jisung, I’m not stupid. I know you better than anyone.”

“I don’t!” Jisung’s voice rose slightly, the desperation clear. “I—I swear, Chenle. It’s not like that.”

The tension hung heavy between them, the arcade’s neon lights casting sharp shadows across their faces.

Chenle exhaled slowly, his expression softening just a little. “Look, I trust her, okay? I trust you. But if there’s something you’re not telling me… just be honest. Don’t let this mess things up.”

Jisung’s throat tightened, guilt clawing at his insides. He wanted to tell the truth, to admit the feelings he’d tried so hard to bury. But the fear of losing Chenle—his best friend, his biggest supporter—was too much to bear.

“There’s nothing to tell,” he said quietly, his hands clenched at his sides.

Chenle studied him for a long moment, his jaw tightening. Finally, he nodded, though the tension in his posture remained. “Alright. If you say so.”

But as he walked away, leaving Jisung alone by the Tetris machine, the rift between them felt wider than ever.

For the first time in years, Jisung wasn’t sure if Chenle still believed in him—or if he even believed in himself.

The state Tetris championship was a dream Jisung never dared to dream. And now, as his name sat proudly on the qualifying list, it felt more like a nightmare.

The arcade was quiet that night, the usual hum of voices replaced by the occasional beep of a forgotten pinball machine. Jisung sat slumped on a bench near the Tetris machine, the glow of the screen casting long shadows across his face. His hands fidgeted with the crumpled flyer announcing the championships, the bold letters seeming to mock him.

State Champion. The words felt impossibly big, like they belonged to someone else.

The weight of it all—the expectations, the pressure, the growing distance between him and Chenle—pressed down on him like a heavy block he couldn’t clear. His chest felt tight, his thoughts spiraling in an endless loop of self-doubt.

He didn’t even hear you approach.

“You okay?”

Your voice was soft, cutting through the quiet like a gentle melody. Jisung jumped, his head snapping up to see you standing nearby, concern etched across your features.

“I’m fine,” he said quickly, but the tremor in his voice betrayed him.

You didn’t buy it. Instead, you sat down on the bench beside him, leaving just enough space to respect his shyness. You glanced at the flyer in his hands, then back at him.

“It’s a big deal, huh?” you said, your tone light but understanding.

Jisung hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. “It’s too big,” he admitted quietly. “I… I don’t think I can do it.”

The words felt like a confession, raw and vulnerable. He didn’t know why he was telling you this. Maybe it was the way you always seemed to listen without judgment, or the way your presence felt steady and safe.

You tilted your head, your eyes warm. “Why not?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Because… because what if I mess up? What if I let everyone down? Chenle’s been calling me a ‘wizard,’ hyping me up to everyone. People actually watch me now, like I’m supposed to be… someone. But I’m not. I’m just…”

“Jisung,” you finished gently.

He nodded, his throat tight. “Yeah. Just Jisung. And I don’t think just Jisung is good enough for this.”

For a moment, you didn’t say anything. The hum of the arcade filled the silence, a soft, steady rhythm that seemed to match his unsteady breathing.

Then, you leaned forward, your voice quiet but firm. “You know, when I watch you play, it’s not just about the score or the tournament or any of that. It’s the way you light up when you’re in the zone, like nothing else matters. It’s like… you’re in your own world, and it’s incredible to see.”

Jisung blinked, his heart skipping a beat. “I… I don’t know,” he stammered.

“You don’t have to know right now,” you said with a small smile. “But Jisung, this isn’t about being a wizard or a champion or whatever anyone else thinks. It’s about you. Your love for this game, your talent. That’s what matters. Not winning. Just you doing what you love.”

“Thank you,” he murmured, his voice barely audible. Jisung’s heart raced as your words lingered in the air, wrapping around him like a lifeline. He hadn’t expected you to understand him so completely, let alone say the exact thing he needed to hear.

For a brief moment, he forgot about everything else. The tournament, the pressure, even Chenle. All he could focus on was you. The warmth in your voice, the way you looked at him like he was someone worth believing in.

The weight in his chest shifted, and before he knew it, his thoughts spilled over.

“I—” He paused, the words catching in his throat.

You tilted your head, curious but patient, your expression inviting him to continue.

He could feel it, the overwhelming urge to tell you. To say something, anything, about the way he felt—the way you made him feel. How his heart ached and soared all at once whenever you were near.

But then, just as quickly, reality crashed back in.

Chenle. His best friend. Your boyfriend.

Jisung swallowed hard, his jaw tightening. He couldn’t do it. No matter how much his heart screamed at him to say the truth, he couldn’t betray Chenle like that.

“It’s nothing,” he said quickly, his voice barely steady. He forced a smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks. For, you know… everything.”

Your smile softened, and you nodded, as if sensing that he wasn’t ready to say more. “Anytime,” you replied, standing up to head back to the counter.

Jisung watched you go, his chest heavy with unspoken words. He let out a shaky breath, his hands clenching the crumpled flyer in his lap.

But he wasn’t the only one watching.

Unbeknownst to either of you, Chenle stood near the doorway, hidden by the dim light and arcade cabinets. He had arrived just moments ago, intending to meet Jisung and hang out like they always did. But instead, he found himself rooted to the spot, watching the two of you.

At first, it didn’t seem like much—just a quiet conversation between friends. But the way Jisung looked at you… it wasn’t hard for Chenle to see what was really going on.

It wasn’t the look of someone simply grateful for support. It was something deeper, more vulnerable. Something Chenle had never seen in Jisung before.

His chest tightened, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. He wasn’t angry—not yet. But there was a pang of something sharp and unfamiliar, like jealousy’s distant cousin.

He trusted you, and he trusted Jisung. But trust didn’t erase what he had just seen.

Chenle stepped back into the shadows, his thoughts racing. He couldn’t shake the image of Jisung’s expression—the way his gaze lingered on you, filled with something Chenle couldn’t quite name but knew wasn’t meant for him.

For the first time, Chenle felt uncertain. About Jisung. About you. About everything.

And as he walked away from the arcade that night, the unspoken tension between the three of you began to grow, pulling tighter with each passing moment.

The auditorium buzzed with energy, the hum of anticipation vibrating through the air as rows of arcade cabinets lined the stage, each boasting the Tetris logo in bright neon. Competitors adjusted their machines, the crowd murmured excitedly, and Jisung stood frozen at the edge of it all, feeling impossibly small.

The state Tetris championship. He was really here.

Jisung’s stomach churned, his nerves nearly overtaking him. He gripped the strap of his backpack, his fingers twitching with a restless energy. His mind wasn’t just crowded with thoughts of the game but with everything else—Chenle, you, the weight of unspoken feelings.

Before he could spiral any further, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Hey, you okay?”

Jisung blinked and turned to see a tall, relaxed guy about a few years older standing next to him. The stranger held a can of pop, his messy hair framing a face that somehow managed to look both half-asleep and mildly curious.

“I—uh…” Jisung stammered, caught off guard.

“You look like you’re about to throw up,” the stranger said bluntly, taking a sip of his pop. “Big deal tournament jitters?”

Jisung hesitated, but something about the guy’s laid-back demeanor made him exhale a little. “Yeah, kind of,” he admitted.

“Let me guess,” the stranger said, leaning against a nearby wall. “Scared you’ll lose? Or scared you’ll win and, like, your entire life will change forever?”

“Both,” Jisung muttered.

The stranger raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. “Yeah, fair. Tetris is wild like that.”

Something about his casual tone loosened Jisung’s tongue. Before he knew it, he was rambling.

“It’s not just the game,” he confessed, the words tumbling out. “It’s everything else. My best friend…he’s been supporting me, but I think I’ve messed things up between us. And then there’s this girl…” His voice trailed off, his ears burning.

The stranger tilted his head. “Oh, so it’s love and Tetris. Double whammy.”

Jisung winced. “I don’t know what to do. I like her, but she’s with my best friend, and I feel like the worst person in the world. And now I’m here, and I’m supposed to play like none of this matters, but it does.”

The stranger stared at him for a moment, then sighed, setting down his soda. “Okay, look. I’m not great at advice, but here’s what I’ve got: You’re not gonna fix your love life today. But this tournament? It’s yours. You’ve got one job—play your absolute fucking best. Worry about the rest later.”

Jisung blinked, the simplicity of the advice sinking in. “That’s it?”

“Yep.” The stranger smirked. “Oh, and maybe stop thinking about her for like, five seconds while you play. Otherwise, you’ll never clear a line.”

Despite himself, Jisung let out a nervous laugh. “Thanks, uh…”

“Sicheng,” the guy said, giving a small wave before walking off with his soda.

Jisung stood there for a moment, the stranger’s words echoing in his head. One job. Play your absolute fucking best.

The announcement of his name jolted him back to reality. Heart pounding, he made his way to the stage, the crowd’s cheers swelling around him.

He spotted Chenle instantly, standing in the front row and waving wildly, his energy uncontainable. “Go, TetWiz!” Chenle yelled, his voice cutting through the noise.

Jisung’s chest tightened. Despite everything, the tension, the doubts, Chenle was still there, cheering him on.

And then he saw you, standing beside Chenle. Your smile was quieter, softer, but it carried the same weight of belief that you’d shown him back at Pixel Haven. Your eyes met his, and you gave a small, encouraging nod.

Jisung took a deep breath, his hands gripping the controls as he sat down.

The countdown began.

Three.

The noise of the crowd faded away.

Two.

His fingers hovered over the buttons, his mind sharpening to a single point of focus.

One.

Play your absolute fucking best.

The game began, the familiar shapes dropping from the top of the screen like old friends. His nervousness melted away as he found his rhythm, the blocks slotting into place with satisfying precision.

The crowd roared as he cleared line after line, the tension building with each level. But Jisung didn’t hear it. For the first time in weeks, his mind was clear, his focus solely on the game.

This wasn’t about Chenle, or you, or even the title. This was about Jisung—the quiet boy who found a spark of something extraordinary in the chaos of falling blocks.

Then the final round began, and the stakes had never felt higher. Jisung sat at the machine, his hands steady but his heart pounding as the screen lit up with the familiar grid. Across from him, his opponent—a seasoned Tetris player with years of experience—cracked their knuckles, exuding a calm confidence that only added to Jisung’s nerves.

The crowd quieted as the final countdown began again.

Three.

Jisung tightened his grip on the joystick.

Two.

His gaze locked on the screen, blocking out everything else.

One.

The pieces started to fall, faster than in any game he’d played before. The early levels felt manageable, his fingers moving on autopilot as he cleared lines with precision. But as the speed increased, so did the tension.

His opponent was good. Better than anyone Jisung had ever faced. They kept pace with him, their screen just as clear, their movements just as calculated. It wasn’t just a game anymore; it was a test of endurance, strategy, and nerves.

The minutes stretched on, each line cleared pushing Jisung further into uncharted territory. His heart raced as he reached the kill screen level—the point where the game’s speed maxed out, and most players couldn’t keep up.

Most players.

Jisung’s vision narrowed, his world shrinking to the grid in front of him. His fingers danced over the controls, rotating and dropping pieces with a precision that felt almost otherworldly. The crowd was a distant roar, his opponent a vague shadow in his peripheral vision.

He wasn’t thinking anymore; he was flowing.

When the final piece dropped into place, clearing a line and bringing his score to a record-breaking high, the machine emitted a triumphant chime.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, the auditorium erupted.

The crowd leaped to their feet, cheering and clapping, the noise echoing off the walls. Lights flashed, cameras clicked, and Jisung sat there, stunned, as the reality of what he’d just accomplished began to sink in.

He’d won.

Not just the championship, but something deeper. For the first time, Jisung felt the rush of pride, not just for the victory but for the journey that had brought him here.

Chenle’s voice cut through the chaos, louder than anyone else’s. “You did it, Ji! He fucking did it!”

Jisung turned to see his best friend grinning so widely it looked like his face might split in two. Despite the tension between them, Chenle’s joy was pure and infectious.

And then his eyes found you.

You weren’t shouting or jumping like the others, but the pride in your expression was unmistakable. You clapped along with the crowd, your smile warm and genuine as your gaze met his.

Jisung’s chest swelled, the mix of emotions nearly overwhelming. He stood slowly, his legs shaky, and accepted the medal from the tournament official with trembling hands. The announcer declared his name, calling him a prodigy, a champion, but none of it felt as real as the faces in the crowd—Chenle, you, and everyone who had supported him.

As the applause continued, Jisung looked back at the Tetris screen, now frozen on his record-breaking score. For the first time, he saw himself not as “just Jisung,” but as someone capable of achieving something extraordinary.

The crowd had finally begun to disperse, the cheers fading into the background as competitors and spectators alike spilled out into the night. Jisung stayed behind, lingering near the now-quiet Tetris machine. His medal hung heavy around his neck, a tangible reminder that this wasn’t just a dream.

He turned the medal over in his hands, his mind still reeling. He should have been basking in the glow of his victory, but his thoughts kept circling back to you. How your smile had stood out even among the applause. How your quiet presence had kept him grounded.

“Jisung?”

Your voice startled him, and he looked up to see you standing a few feet away, hands tucked into the pockets of your jacket. The faint hum of the arcade machines illuminated your face in soft, flickering light.

“Oh, hey,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

You stepped closer, your gaze falling on the medal around his neck. “Congratulations,” you said, your smile warm but understated, as though you understood he wasn’t one for grand celebrations. “You were incredible out there.”

His cheeks flushed, and he looked away, scratching the back of his neck. “Thanks. I… I still can’t believe it.”

“You should,” you replied, your tone gentle but firm. “You worked so hard for this. You deserve it.”

The sincerity in your voice sent a wave of emotion through him, and he found himself meeting your eyes. For a moment, everything else fell away. The noise of the arcade, the lingering spectators, even Chenle.

“It means a lot,” he murmured, “that you were here.”

You smiled softly, stepping even closer. “Of course I was. I wasn’t going to miss this. You’re… special, Jisung. You have something really rare. Not just your talent, but the way you put your heart into everything you do.”

Your words hit him like a gentle but powerful wave, and for the first time, Jisung felt like you saw him, not as Chenle’s shy best friend, not as the Tetris Wizard, but as him.

He opened his mouth to say something, anything, but the words stuck in his throat. Instead, he reached up and touched the medal lightly, as if offering it to you.

“This… it’s not just mine,” he said quietly. “You helped me get here. You believed in me when I didn’t.”

You shook your head, your smile deepening. “That was all you, Jisung. I just… reminded you what you already knew.”

The air between you shifted, the unspoken feelings thickening the silence. It wasn’t the boisterous, high-energy dynamic you had with Chenle. It was quieter, steadier, like a river carving its way through stone.

You reached out then, your fingers brushing his lightly as you adjusted the medal around his neck. The small, intimate gesture sent his heart racing, but he didn’t pull away.

“You’re going to do even greater things,” you said softly, your voice carrying a certainty that made his chest ache.

For a fleeting moment, Jisung thought about telling you everything. Telling you how much he cared for you, and how much this moment meant to him. But he stopped himself, the memory of Chenle’s unwavering cheers still fresh in his mind.

Instead, he held your gaze and said, “Thanks. For… everything.”

Your smile lingered as you stepped back, leaving a small but undeniable space between you. “You’ve got this, Jisung. Don’t forget that.”

And with that, you turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, the warmth of your touch still buzzing on his skin.

Jisung let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, his hands brushing the medal around his neck. His feelings for you weren’t just a crush. They were something deeper, something that scared and exhilarated him in equal measure.

But for now, he would hold onto the moment, replaying your words in his mind like his favorite song.

As you disappeared into the crowd, Jisung stayed rooted to the spot, the medal’s weight now feeling symbolic of something much heavier. His fingers grazed the cool metal, his thoughts swirling in an uncontrollable storm.

He should have felt elated, on top of the world. And part of him did. But the other part felt like he was standing on the edge of something far scarier than any Tetris grid.

She believes in me. She sees me.

The thought filled him with a quiet joy, but it was quickly followed by a pang of guilt. Chenle had been there too, cheering the loudest, always his most loyal supporter. And Chenle was your boyfriend.

Jisung closed his eyes, trying to silence the war inside him. How could he feel this way about you while knowing it wasn’t his place? He’d spent years being the guy who didn’t take up space, who stayed on the sidelines, who let others shine. Was it selfish to want something or someone so badly now?

“Hey, champ.”

The voice startled Jisung, jerking him out of his spiraling thoughts. He turned to see the familiar figure of Sicheng standing a few feet away.

“I, uh…” Jisung stammered, wiping his palms on his jeans. “Didn’t know you were still here.”

Sicheng shrugged, “Yeah, well, figured I’d stick around and see how the hero handles his post-victory glow. Looks like you’re more ‘existential crisis’ than ‘glow,’ though.”

Jisung blinked, unsure whether to laugh or deny it. “It’s… complicated,” he admitted, his shoulders slumping.

Sicheng nodded as if he understood completely. “Love and Tetris, man. Both are way harder than they look.”

Jisung couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped him, the tension in his chest easing just a little. “I didn’t say it was about that.”

“You didn’t have to.” Sicheng grinned, leaning against a nearby arcade machine. “You’ve got that look. You know, the one that says, ‘I’m hopelessly in love and it’s ruining my life.’”

Jisung groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Is it that obvious?”

“Only to someone as wise and experienced as me,” Sicheng said, his tone deadpan.

Jisung peeked at him through his fingers. “What would you do, then? If you were me?”

Sicheng tilted his head thoughtfully, “I’d probably mess it up completely, to be honest. But here’s the thing—you’re not me. You’ve already done the hard part. You put yourself out there tonight. You faced something scary and came out on top. Maybe it’s time you do the same with… other things.”

Jisung frowned, the words sinking in. “But what if it goes wrong? What if I lose what I already have?”

Sicheng shrugged. “Maybe you will. Or maybe you won’t. But if you keep letting fear decide everything, you’re just gonna stay stuck at the start screen forever. And trust me, that’s no way to play.”

Jisung stared at him, the simplicity of his words somehow cutting through the noise in his head. “You’re… surprisingly good at this,” he said, half-joking.

“I have my moments.” Sicheng smirked, pushing himself off the arcade machine. “Anyway, I’m out. Congrats again, champ. And, uh, good luck with… whatever you decide.”

As Sicheng walked off, Jisung found himself standing a little straighter. The stranger’s words had left him with no concrete answers, but maybe that was the point.

Jisung glanced down at the medal one last time before tucking it under his shirt. For now, he’d focus on the present. The victory he’d earned and the path it was opening up.

But deep down, he knew that the harder game was just beginning.

Jisung didn’t see Chenle after the championship that night.

The victory should have been enough. It was everything he’d worked for, proof that he wasn’t just the quiet kid in the background. But his mind kept circling back to you—your smile, your words, the warmth in your eyes that seemed to see right through his fears.

Why does it feel like this isn’t enough?

Jisung sighed, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions. He thought about Chenle. The guilt gnawed at him. Chenle had cheered for him louder than anyone, had believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself. And yet, every time Jisung saw you two together, it felt like a knife twisting in his chest.

He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. This isn’t fair to Chenle. He deserves better than this.

But the memory of your touch, the way your voice softened when you spoke to him, was impossible to ignore. It wasn’t just a crush. It was something deeper, something that made him feel seen in a way he never had before.

“Hey, Wiz.”

Jisung jumped at the voice, turning to see Chenle standing behind him. His best friend’s grin was still as bright as ever, but there was something different in his eyes, something quieter, more serious.

“Oh, hey,” Jisung mumbled, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions on his face. “What’s up?”

Chenle didn’t answer right away. Instead, he gestured toward the exit. “Come on. Let’s talk.”

Jisung’s stomach sank, but he nodded, following Chenle out into the cool night air. The buzz of the arcade faded behind them as they walked a short distance to a nearby bench. Chenle flopped down first, his usual energy replaced by a rare stillness.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Jisung fidgeted with the edge of his medal ribbon, waiting for Chenle to break the silence.

“I saw you,” Chenle finally said, his voice unusually calm.

Jisung froze, his heart lurching in his chest. “Saw me?” he echoed, his voice tight.

Chenle leaned back, his gaze fixed on the starry sky. “You and her. After the tournament.”

Jisung’s throat went dry. “I—Chenle, it’s not what you think—”

Chenle cut him off with a small, tired laugh. “Relax, dude. I’m not mad. And I know you wouldn’t do anything. You’re too much of a pussy to make the first move.” He turned to look at Jisung, his expression softer than Jisung expected. “I mean, yeah, it stings a little. But I’ve been thinking about this for a while.”

Jisung blinked, confused. “Thinking about what?”

Chenle sighed, running a hand through his hair. “About us….me and her. Don’t get me wrong, she’s great. But... I don’t think we’re great together, you know? We’re fun, we laugh a lot, but it’s not... deep.”

Jisung stared at him, struggling to process the words.

“And then I see the way you look at her,” Chenle continued, his voice quieter now. “And the way she looks at you.” He let out another soft laugh. “I’d have to be blind not to notice it.”

“I’m sorry,” Jisung blurted out, his guilt spilling over. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I swear, I tried not to—”

“Hey, stop.” Chenle held up a hand, cutting him off. “I’m not mad, okay? It’s not like you did this on purpose. Feelings are... messy. Trust me, I get it.”

Jisung’s shoulders slumped, the weight of Chenle’s understanding both a relief and a fresh wave of guilt. “So... what does this mean?” he asked hesitantly.

Chenle shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “It means I’m stepping back. You two have something real, Jisung. Something I don’t think I could ever have with her.”

Jisung stared at him, his chest tightening with a mix of emotions. “Are you sure?”

Chenle nodded. “Yeah. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I’ll probably be a little salty about it for a while. But at the end of the day, you’re my best friend. I want you to be happy.” He clapped Jisung on the shoulder, his grin returning in full force. “And who knows? Maybe this means I’ll finally have time to beat your high score.”

Jisung let out a breathless laugh, the tension easing slightly. “Thanks, Chenle. For everything.”

Chenle stood, stretching dramatically. “Don’t get all mushy on me now. Just... don’t mess it up, okay? She’s too good for that.”

Jisung nodded, his heart lighter but still full. As Chenle walked away, Jisung sat for a moment longer, staring at the medal in his hands.

Jisung’s heart pounded like it had during the tournament, maybe even harder. He clutched the edges of the medal still hanging around his neck, his thumb running along the engraved letters as if they could grant him the courage he desperately needed.

He found you sitting at the counter in Pixel Haven, a quiet lull settling over the arcade now that the evening rush was over. You were tinkering with a small machine part, your brow furrowed in concentration, and Jisung couldn’t help but feel his chest tighten at the sight.

“Hey,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the hum of the arcade lights.

You looked up, surprised but smiling as soon as you saw him. “Jisung! What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be out celebrating your big win?”

He hesitated, shifting on his feet. “I needed to talk to you,” he admitted, his voice trembling slightly.

You set the part down, giving him your full attention. “Is everything okay?”

Jisung nodded, but the lump in his throat made it hard to speak. He took a deep breath, the memory of Chenle’s words earlier that night giving him the final push.

“I—there’s something I need to say. And I don’t know if it’s the right time, or if I’m even allowed to feel this way, but I can’t... I can’t keep it in anymore.” He paused, his hands gripping the medal tightly. “I like you. I’ve liked you for a while now. And I know Chenle’s your boyfriend. Well, was—but I had to tell you.”

Your eyes softened, and you stood, closing the space between you. “Jisung…”

“I’m sorry if this is too much,” he continued quickly, his words tumbling over each other. “I just... you mean a lot to me. More than I can explain. And if you don’t feel the same, that’s okay. I just—”

“Jisung.” Your voice was steady but gentle, cutting through his nervous rambling.

He stopped, his breath hitching as you placed a hand on his arm.

“I like you too.”

For a moment, the words didn’t register. He blinked at you, his mind struggling to catch up. “You... you do?”

You nodded, a small smile playing on your lips. “You’re kind, thoughtful, and ridiculously talented. And more than that, you have this quiet strength that I admire so much. I’ve been drawn to you for a while now, even when I didn’t fully realize it.”

Jisung’s cheeks flushed, his heart soaring as your words sank in. “Really?”

“Really,” you said, your smile widening. “But we’ll have to take things slow. This is all new, and I want to make sure we’re both ready.”

Jisung nodded quickly, his nervous energy giving way to a shy grin. “Of course. Slow is good.”

You laughed softly, the sound filling the quiet arcade. “You’re adorable, you know that?”

Jisung’s blush deepened, but for the first time, he didn’t feel the need to hide it.

As the two of you stood there, the arcade lights casting a warm glow, Jisung felt something shift inside him. It wasn’t just the joy of hearing you say you liked him too. He’d taken a risk and won.

And this victory? It felt like the best one yet.

This was it.

The moment he’d worked toward for months.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer’s voice boomed over the speakers, “Park Jisung is on the verge of breaking the world record for highest Tetris score! Can he do it?”

Jisung’s heart thundered in his chest, but it wasn’t fear anymore. It was adrenaline. Focus. Determination.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of you and Chenle in the crowd. You were leaning forward, your hands clasped tightly in anticipation, your eyes shining with pride. Beside you, Chenle was shouting encouragement so loudly it drowned out the rest of the noise.

“Come on, Wizard!” Chenle yelled, his grin so wide it could’ve split his face. “You’ve got this! Show ‘em how it’s done!”

Jisung’s lips twitched into a small smile. Chenle’s voice, your presence, the energy of everyone around him, all pushed him forward.

The final minutes were a blur of movement and sound. The blocks sped up to an almost impossible level, but Jisung’s hands didn’t falter. His brain worked in overdrive, every decision precise and calculated. He could feel the rhythm of the game in his bones.

And then, with one last perfect Tetris, the machine let out a triumphant chime.

The words NEW WORLD RECORD! flashed across the screen, and for a moment, the room seemed to freeze.

Then the crowd erupted. Cheers and applause filled the arcade, the sound almost deafening. Jisung sat back, his hands trembling as he let out a shaky breath. He’d done it.

You were the first to reach him, weaving through the crowd with your face lit up in a beaming smile. “Jisung, you did it!” you exclaimed, throwing your arms around him in a tight hug.

For a moment, he froze, still overwhelmed by everything, but then he relaxed into the hug, his face flushing as a shy grin spread across his lips. “I... I guess I did.”

You pulled back just enough to look at him, your hands still on his arms. “No, Jisung. You didn’t just do it. You literally broke a world record. That was fucking incredible.”

Before Jisung could respond, Chenle burst through the crowd, practically tackling him with a clap on the back. “That was insane, dude! You’re officially a legend!”

Jisung laughed softly, his nerves easing as the weight of his friends’ support sank in. “Thanks, Chenle. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Chenle scoffed, his grin turning playful. “Obviously. I mean, who else would’ve dragged your sorry butt to the arcade every week?”

You rolled your eyes, but you were smiling too. “And who else would’ve cheered louder than the announcer himself?”

Chenle puffed out his chest dramatically. “It’s called dedication. But seriously, man.” He leaned closer, his voice dropping to something softer. “I’m proud of you. I always knew you had it in you.”

Jisung blinked, his throat tightening with emotion. “Thanks, Chenle. That... that means a lot.”

“And me,” you added, your gaze locking with Jisung’s. “You’ve worked so hard for this, Jisung. You deserve every bit of it.”

Jisung’s face burned, but he managed a small, grateful smile. “I... I couldn’t have done it without you either. Both of you.”

Chenle grinned, clapping Jisung on the back again. “Okay, enough sap. Let’s go celebrate! First round of drinks are on me!”

“Chenle, you’ve never paid for drinks in your life,” you teased, raising an eyebrow.

“Today’s a special occasion!” Chenle shot back, already heading toward the counter. “Besides, I’ll just borrow some cash from Jisung’s prize money.”

Jisung chuckled, the sound lighter than it had been in months. He looked between you and Chenle, his chest tightening with a strange mix of gratitude and joy.

In this moment, he realized that no matter how far he went. No matter how high he climbed in the Tetris world. He wouldn’t be alone.

He had Chenle, his loud, chaotic best friend who always believed in him, even when he didn’t believe in himself. And he had you, the person who saw him, really saw him, and made him feel like he could be more than just the quiet kid in the background.

For the first time, Jisung felt like he wasn’t just playing to win. He was playing for the people who mattered most.'

Though it stung at first, Chenle proved himself to be the supportive and selfless friend Jisung had always known. It didn’t take long for him to bounce back—literally. A chance meeting at a K-TV bar introduced him to a bubbly, energetic girl named Yizhuo, whose laughter was as infectious as his own. Their chemistry was instant, and soon Chenle was filling the arcade with stories of his new escapades. He still teased Jisung relentlessly, but it was clear he harbored no ill will.

The trio’s bond remained intact, stronger than ever, though their lives began to diverge.

Jisung, now a bona fide legend in the gaming world, found himself swept into a whirlwind of tournaments, sponsorships, and interviews. Though he remained shy and soft-spoken, his quiet charisma and undeniable skill won over fans around the globe. He still made time to visit Pixel Haven, the arcade that had started it all, but his visits were less frequent now, as his journey took him to stages he’d only dreamed of.

You, on the other hand, had left Pixel Haven behind for a new chapter of your own. Inspired by the energy and community of the arcade, you decided to pursue a career in game design. Late nights were now spent sketching out ideas for games that combined strategy and storytelling, with a little bit of heart and soul, something you’d learned was just as important as the mechanics.

Jisung was your biggest cheerleader, always eager to hear about your latest ideas, even if his input sometimes boiled down to, “As long as it’s not as stressful as Tetris.”

Chenle, ever the social butterfly, had shifted his focus to broadcasting. His infectious personality made him a hit on television screens, where he’d commentate on retro games, pull off absurd challenges, and occasionally rope Jisung into appearances. “The TetWiz and Lele Show,” he called it, though Jisung mostly just sat there, looking flustered as Chenle stole the spotlight.

Still, every once in a while, the three of you would reunite at Pixel Haven, now under new management but still holding its nostalgic charm. You’d share snacks, reminisce about the good old days, and maybe even challenge each other to a game or two—though no one dared to take on Jisung in Tetris.

And as Jisung watched you and Chenle laughing over some ridiculous bet, the soft glow of the arcade lights reflecting in your eyes, he realized that life was a lot like Tetris. The pieces didn’t always fall the way you wanted them to, but with patience, a little bit of courage, and the right people by your side, you could make something beautiful out of the chaos.

GAME OVER.

TAGLIST ↬ @lyvhie @aquaphoenixz @galacticnct @yizhrt @polarisjisung @multifandomania @spacejip @peterm4rker @viasdreams @mango-bear

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