#playing the drums is part of the contest

[killerrfinalgirl]

2014-2016 ashton irwin lookalike contest in my room

[im-ovulating]

For Kinktober: anything with Jasper Whitlock, but preferably size kink (short reader), voice kink, hand kink, and some on top of the clothes action / sex in the clothes. Choose all of it or one, I don't care, just having a brainrot about him: my ovaries explode every time I see this gif

(A/n: Kinktober Day 6/15! I wanted to keep all of this year's kinktober fics below 2.5k, but this one got away from me ;v;)

Word Count: 3,842

Summary- Well, you HAVE to take on his challenge -I mean, experiment. It's only the responisble thing to do as his study partner.

Warnings: Strip game, Fingering, PIV, Creampie, Cocky! Jasper, Not proofread

Age Rating: 18+ Minors DNI

Jasper Whitlock x Fem! Reader: Study Buddy

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"Did you know that predators have front-facing eyes, but prey normally have eyes on the side of their faces?" You ask Jasper as you scan your textbook. He had agreed to help you study for an upcoming test. "It's because the prey has to be able to look out for danger."

Not only is evolutionary bio not your strongest subject, but your professor is an asshat so you really can't afford to fail this test.

"I did," he mumbles as he highlights a section that he thinks you should go through again. "Did you know that when two animals make eye contact, the first to look away is the submissive?" Jasper asks back.

"That's gotta be BS, right? What if one just doesn't want to look at the other's ugly mug?" Your retort is weak, but your tone has the confidence of a straight, cis, white man who's telling you what your own name means.

Jasper lets out a small, huffed laugh and finally looks up at you, warm gold meeting e/c. "I don't think animals think that way, darlin'."

"Are you an animal whisperer?" You snark, crossing your arms with a cocked eyebrow.

"Do you really think it's not real?" He gets back on topic. When you shake your head, he turns his chair towards you before doing the same to your own so you both face each other. "Really? Then, let's test that theory, hm? You seem pretty confident in yourself, so what's the harm?"

"I seem pretty confident because I am pretty confident." You mark your place and shut the textbook.

He chuckles with a small shake of the head. Leaning back in his chair with one arm thrown over the back, Jasper says, "Let's play a game."

"We're supposed to be studyin-" "It's a science experiment."

When you fall back against your seat, he continues. "We'll make eye contact, we'll stare at each other, and the first to look away loses. And if you lose..." he smirks a little, "you lose a piece of clothing. Best out of five wins."

You chew on your lip as you mull it over. You're confident that you can keep eye contact. And the submissive thing is bullshit, anyway, so it's not like your pride will take a hit. "So, strip poker but with a staring contest?" He nods.

"Exactly."

"...okay."

You meet Jasper's warm golden gaze, determination etched on your face. There's no way you're going to lose this little game of his.

"I know what's going to happen. You're going to give in; you can't take the pressure." You ignore him, zeroing on a small fleck of dark gold in his eyes to ground your thoughts.

As the seconds tick by, you resist the urge to look away, focused solely on holding Jasper's stare. His voice, low and smooth, sends shivers down your spine. "That's a good girl, keeping those pretty eyes on me."

Your breath catches at the sudden praise, your lips parting in a small, silent gasp. You won't let him distract you that easily, though. You're in it to win it.

Jasper's long, slender fingers drum lightly against his jean-clad thigh, drawing your gaze for just a moment before you force yourself to look back into his eyes. His lips curve into a knowing smirk.

It takes you a second to realize. "...fuck!"

"That's my round, darlin'." He goads.

With a small grumble and more force than necessary, you all but rip your socks off and throw them at his head. He catches them before they even get close. You're less coordinated in your attempt to dodge them, and all you can do is grumble more when they hit you square in the middle of your face.

"Stop looking so smug - there's still plenty of time for me to whoop your ass." You can't decide if you want to wipe that dumb-ass, unfairly charming smirk off his equally handsome face or if you want to pull him in and kiss him silly. Probably both... Yeah, both is good.

Jasper's eyes gleam with amusement as he watches your continued huffing and puffing. He leans back in his chair, his fingers still tapping against his leg.

"Don't be so sour, darlin'," he grins, his voice low and velvety smooth. "The game's just getting started."

You narrow your eyes at him, determined not to let his distracting voice and looks throw you off this time. "Just shut up and start the next round, Whitlock."

He chuckles, the sound rumbling deep in his chest, and leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he holds your gaze. The air crackles with tension as you both refuse to back down, each daring the other to be the first to look away.

The seconds tick by, the only sound the quiet rhythm of your breathing. You can feel the weight of Jasper's stare, intense and captivating, drawing you in. Your pulse quickens, palms growing sweaty, but you refuse to lose again.

Just when you think you might actually win this round, Jasper's lips curve into a slow, predatory smile. "You know you want to look away. You want to give in, to submit; it's in your DNA. C'mon... Just look away, prove what we both already know: that when it comes down to it, you'd do nothing but roll over and show your belly..."

You roll your eyes in a subconscious attempt to ignore how his words, no matter how much they were shit talking, made your heart leap into your throat. With a triumphant smirk, Jasper declares, "My round again."

"That's not fair! You shouldn't be able to annoy me into losing!" You lie through your teeth about the true effect he's having on you.

Barking out a laugh, he says, "The only rule was that we can't look away. We never decided talking or touching were off limits. You lost fair and square, sugar, so lose an item."

"But-" "Three seconds before i decide which one," he interrupts with a cheeky grin. "and you might not like what I choose... Three. Two-" You let out a frustrated groan, quickly removing your shirt and tossing it to the side. His laughter only serves to further stoke the flames of your competitive spirit. "There we go! Good girl."

"I thought we're supposed to be studying." You try to feign nonchalance as you sit there, bra exposed and with only three items left. Technically, you're tied in terms of clothing remaining, but it's also not lost on you that it's currently 0-2 in Jasper's favor.

"We are studying; this is a science experiment, remember? Unless you're ready to admit that you're wrong AND that you're submissive. That would be quite the win on my end." Well, shit. Now you can't back out. You'll be damned if you let him have something to hang over your head.

"Just you wait, Whitlock," you snap, trying to regain your focus for the next round. "I'm just getting warmed up."

You narrow your eyes at Jasper, determined not to let him fluster you again. The stakes are higher now, but you've got this.

Taking a deep breath, you meet his gaze once again. The tension in the air is palpable as you both refuse to back down.

Jasper's lips curl into a challenging smirk, his long fingers still tapping a steady rhythm against his thigh. You force yourself to focus solely on his eyes, blocking out everything else.

Seconds turn to minutes as you hold his stare, your heartbeat thundering in your ears but you refuse to waver.

Just when you think you're finding a groove and might stand a chance at winning, Jasper leans forward, his voice low and sultry. "You're doing so well, darlin'. But I can see it in your eyes - you're starting to crack."

A shiver runs down your spine at his words, but you grit your teeth and push on. You will not lose this round, no matter what underhanded tactics he tries.

The room fills with an intensity that almost makes it hard to breath as you continue your silent battle of wills. Jasper's gaze is unwavering, a predatory gleam in his eyes that makes your breath catch and waver.

Jasper's hand suddenly moves, his fingers slowly inching up your thigh. Your eyes widen and your pulse quickens but you refuse to look away.

"Good girl," Jasper acknowledges, his cool touch burning through the fabric of your jeans. "Just keep your eyes on me."

His fingers continue their slow, tantalizing trek up your thigh, causing your breath to hitch in your throat. His gaze is electric, drawing you in despite your best efforts to maintain composure. Your heartbeat thunders in your ears, but you refuse to break eye contact, stubbornly holding his molten stare.

"Jasper…" you breathe, unable to keep the quiver out of your voice. His lips curve into a knowing smile, fingers inching higher.

"That's it, darlin'," his voice is low and velvety smooth. "Just focus on me. Don't look away. It should be easy for you, right? You're a strong, dominant girl, after all."

The temptation to give in, to let your eyes slip shut, is nearly overwhelming. But you dig deep, summoning every ounce of willpower to maintain the intense eye contact.

Jasper's hand reaches the waist of your jeans, his fingertips dancing along the sensitive skin just above. Your pulse quickens and a shiver runs down your spine.

"J-Jasper…" you stammer, grip tightening on the arms of your chair.

His eyes shine with a predatory gleam as he watches you. "C'mon, sugar. Just a little bit longer… You can do it. Keep those pretty eyes on me.

"Or you can look away, let me take these pants off." he adds with a self-satisfied smirk.

You know you're teetering on the edge, your resolve rapidly crumbling under the onslaught of his touch and his words.

The seconds stretch on, the tension in the room palpable. Jasper's fingers continue their torturously slow ascent, and you find yourself struggling to keep your focus on his eyes.

His fingers dance along the underwire of your bra, "And after that, I'll pull those panties off of you with my teeth; maybe dive right in and see if that pussy tastes as good as I think it does." Your eyes flutter shut as a white-hot spike of arousal shoots straight to your core. He pulls his hand away and when you reopen your eyes, you see a triumphant grin has spread across Jasper's face. "That's my girl." Your eyes widen as you realize - you've lost. Again.

"You've got two chances left. Still think you're going to win?" Jasper asks. "I'm sure you can do it. Right? You can turn it around. Round 4."

As you settle in for yet another round, he gets in another jab. "You're gonna break. You're going to and it's going to be really fast."

His hand returns to your thigh; this time it only takes a second for him to reach the hem of your panties, his fingers dancing along the elastic. You swallow harshly, but keep his gaze. "You're not even trying to fight it; you're just letting me touch you."

"You're gonna keep looking me in the eyes when I move your panties to the side and slide my fingers in, aren't you?" Your breath hitches. "No, don't lose yet. Come on, look at me. Don't look away, I don't want you to look away." It's hard to fight against the urge to hide your face but you manage. You can feel how hot your cheeks are, and you can only imagine the expression on your face.

"Good girl," Jasper murmurs. "Don't look away. Don't you dare look away." You start to squirm a little, clenching your thighs desperate for some friction. "Why are you turned on?" He teases, his fingers still threatening to dip under the thin fabric. "Is it because you're submissive and you like losing? There's fight and flight, but you... you freeze. And you're gonna let me take what I want."

He finally tugs your panties aside and dips two fingers into you. your teeth dig into your bottom lip as you try to focus. You're so wet you swear you can feel it dripping down towards your ass. Fuck this is embarrassing but you realize you'd rather die than stop now; you want this. You want to just let go and let him take and take and take.

You crave his touch, crave to be used by him.

Jasper's fingers crook up into a spot that has stars dancing in your vision. Somehow you manage to just barely keep your eyes on him.

"C'mon, don't lose. I only have three pieces of clothing; you can still win this..." he taunts. "Don't look away, don't look away. Don't look away. Don't lose. Come on, look at me in my eyes. Good girl- don't look away."

"There it is..." He muses, pressing his fingers into your g spot as your back arches away from your chair and a debauched moan rips from your throat. "You lose again, darlin'." He brings his hand up to his mouth to clean your arousal off his fingers.

You let out a frustrated whine, your chest heaving as you try to catch your breath. Jasper's smug grin only infuriates you further - he's clearly enjoying this power he has over you.

"That's not fair," you pant, your body still tingling from his touch. "You're cheating."

Jasper chuckles, leaning back in his chair as he examines you hungrily. "Darlin', I don't need to cheat to make you submit to me. You want this just as badly as I do. Like I said earlier- we never agreed 'no touching'."

You can only glare half-heartedly at him, knowing he's right.

"Hey," Jasper ducks his head to catch your eyes as you look at the ground to avoid his gaze. "You got one more. It's the last round. You're still in this; you can still win. You've got to get at least one piece from me. you can't lose every time - that would just be pathetic..." You go to smack his arm, but he avoids it.

With a resigned and frustrated sigh, you unhook your bra and let it fall to the floor. "Let's get this over with already." you grumble. you want this to end partly to stop the embarrassment of losing this badly, but mainly because the sooner this is over, the sooner you can fuck him.

As the final round starts, Jasper reaches up to grab your chin, tilting your head up to barely brush his lips against yours. His eyes never leave yours as he asks, "Why don't you just look away on purpose so I can take these off and fuck you?"

His other hand reaches down to press his thumb against your clit, causing your eyes to shut as you let loose a shaky moan. "Oh- you lost..." The grin he gives you can only be described as devilish.

Faster than you can process, he is picking you up by the thighs and setting you on the table.

True to his word, he drops to his knees between your legs and. after pressing a few possessive kisses along your belly and the apex of your thighs, he takes your panties between his teeth and starts to slide them off of you.

You shudder with anticipation as Jasper's cool breath ghosts over your most intimate area. With painstaking slowness, he tugs your panties down, revealing your glistening cunt. His eyes never leave yours, molten gold boring into your very soul.

A playful smirk graces his perfect lips as he tosses the flimsy fabric aside. Calloused hands caress the soft skin of your inner thighs, urging them to part further. You comply willingly, heart racing in excitement.

Jasper hums appreciatively, drinking in the sight of your exposed cunt. Leaning in, he trails feather-light kisses along your dripping folds, teasing you mercilessly. Just when you think you can't take the anticipation any longer, his talented tongue darts out, parting your swollen lips and delving deep.

An involuntary moan escapes your lips as pleasure courses through you. Jasper sets an agonizingly slow pace, savoring every twitch and tremble of your body. His hands grip your hips, holding you steady as he explores every inch of your most sensitive area. "Fuck, I knew you'd taste amazing..." His low groan vibrates against you and forces another small gasp to leave you.

Jasper's skilled tongue continues its agonizingly slow exploration, eliciting more breathless sighs and whimpers from you. His grip on your hips tightens as he senses your growing desperation for release.

With a low growl, he suddenly picks up the pace, licking and sucking with purpose. Your back arches as the coil of pleasure tightens, bringing you closer and closer to the edge.

Just as you feel the first tremors of your impending climax, Jasper pulls away, leaving you panting and aching. He gazes up at you with hooded eyes, a smug expression on his face.

"Not yet, darlin'," he murmurs, his voice dripping with dark promise. "I have other plans for you."

Jasper's hands grip your hips firmly as he effortlessly maneuvers your body, guiding you to bend over the sturdy table. A gasp escapes your lips at the sudden change in position.

With your upper body pressed against the cool surface, you feel impossibly exposed and vulnerable. The long-forgotten books and scattered papers crinkle under your weight as Jasper's powerful frame looms over you, his presence radiating a primal dominance.

A shiver runs down your spine as his fingers trail along your spine, eliciting goosebumps in their wake. Leaning in close, he places a series of searing kisses along the back of your neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin before pulling back and undressing.

Trembling with anticipation, you arch your back, silently begging for more of his touch. Jasper growls low in his throat, the primal sound sending a shiver down your spine. His large palms slide up your sides, calloused fingers caressing the curve of your waist.

You whimper, desperate for him to finally fuck you.

Jasper chuckles, the deep rumble of his voice sending sparks of desire through your body. "So impatient," he murmurs, his breath hot against your ear. "Don't worry, sugar, I'm just getting started."

Jasper's grip on your hips tightens as he slowly, teasingly, presses his body against yours. You can feel the hard lines of his muscles and you ache to have him inside you. His hands slide up your sides, caressing and exploring your body.

Finally, after what feels like ages, he lines his cock up with your sopping pussy and starts to press in.

You gasp, arching your back as the head of his cock teases your entrance. "Jasper!" You moan, shuddering with anticipation.

Slowly, agonizingly slowly, he slides into you, inch by delicious inch. You feel every millimeter of his legnth as he fills you up, stretching and claiming you. His grip on your hips tightens, and you can feel the way his forearms bulging as he struggles to maintain control.

"Fuck," he growls, finally bottoming out inside you. He holds still for a moment, his lips pressing against your neck as he regains his breath.

Then, without warning, he begins to move, pulling almost all the way out before plunging back in with a force that takes your breath away. Over and over, he thrusts into you, his hips slapping against yours in a rhythm that is both primal and possessive.

You drop your head to the table, letting out a long, keening cry as you feel his cock hit your sweet spot, sending waves of pleasure coursing through your body. "Jasper!" You cry out, your voice echoing in the room.

His hands move to your breasts, tweaking and pinching your nipples as he fucks into you harder and faster. You can feel the heat building between your legs, the sensation growing more intense with each passing moment.

"I knew you were a submissive little thing," he says between grunts. "We could've gotten here a lot quicker if you had just dropped the act earlier, darlin'." You can feel his shit eating grin against your shoulder.

"Really?" you gasp out, body sliding against the table with each thrust. "You want to argue about that now?"

His chuckle is low in your ear. "Just making a point, sugar." Jasper presses a kiss to the space just behind your ear before leaning back and fucking into you harder.

The rough wood of the table bites into your shoulders, but you don't care. All that matters is the feeling of him inside you, claiming you.

"Jasper," you moan, your voice filled with pleasure and desperation. "I need… I need you to cum inside me." You beg, your back arching impossibly more as he reaches around to toy with your clit.

He picks up the pace even more, slamming into you over and over again. "Almost there, doll," he says, his voice rough with lust. "Just wait for it."

You clench around him, trying to draw him deeper inside you. The sensation is almost too much to bear, but you're so, so close.

You feel your body tense and then release in a wave of pure pleasure. Your muscles clench around Jasper's cock, milking him as you experience your orgasm. A loud moan escapes your lips, and your hips buck against the table unconsciously. Sweat beads on your forehead, and your skin feels flushed with heat.

As your climax subsides, you feel a cool rush between your legs. Jasper's release. He groans deeply, his body shuddering against yours.

After a minute of him staying plastered to your back, keeping you bent over the table, you feel him slowly pull out of you, and you can't help but whimper in disappointment.

"Don't give me any of that, doll," Jasper gently chides. He scoops you up in his arms, cradling you against his chest. You wrap your legs around him, holding onto him tightly. The chill of his skin against your heated sex is comforting, soothing the ache.

He carries you to the couch, setting you down gently before standing up and pulling his boxers on and heading into the kitchen. While he's gone, you take the opportunity to catch your breath and compose yourself. When he returns, he has a damp cloth. He gently cleans between them, his touch soft and careful as he wipes up the remnants of your tryst. Neither of you speak as he cares for you, reveling in the comfortable silence that blankets the both of you.

Once your cleaned up, he helps you redress; he helps you pull your panties back on along with his shirt. He scoops you up into his arms again as he lays on the couch. As you curl against him once more, he kisses the top of your head. "There's my good girl," he whispers. "I've got you."

[submariini]

When Finland’s Käärijä took the stage at this year’s Eurovision, a star was instantly, explosively born. With an outrageous energy, infectious presence and that oh-so-catchy hook, the Vantaa-based rapper may not have won the contest but he certainly snatched the hearts of those in his home country and beyond. We ask Käärijä the million dollar question: what next?

[full article under the cut]

Last May, a peculiar frenzy engulfed Finland. Virtually all green foods – cucumbers, especially – were sold out from stores. Buildings across the land were bathed in vivid green lights. Social media brimmed with green-themed parties, while data obtained by Swedish fintech company Klarna showed a 570 per cent increase in the online sales of neon green shirts.

This phenomenon was all thanks to Käärijä, the rapper who represented Finland in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. His now-infamous, blazing green puff sleeve bolero – dreamt up by Finnish broadcasting company Yle’s costume design team and which he dons when performing the smash hit track ‘Cha Cha Cha’ – had taken on a life of its own, the lush hue uniting the entire nation amid the competition. “It was incredible to see it happen and so cool being part of it,” Käärijä says. “It wasn’t planned at all – it was the people who created the commotion. I’ll definitely never forget it.”

When we speak over Zoom, Käärijä, whose real name is Jere Pöyhönen, is lounging in his minimal apartment in Vantaa, a city just outside Helsinki. He appears on my screen shirtless, a chunky gold chain dangling on his neck. On his head sits a pastel turquoise cap adorned with little cat ears. As he gestures with his hands, I spot flashes of poison green nail varnish. Pöyhönen’s chosen attire, or lack thereof, is extremely fitting – he typically performs bare-chested (“It gets so hot during my gigs”) and his Instagram handle is @paidatonriehuja, or ‘shirtless rascal’.

Hot off a performance in western Finland, the 29-year-old is enjoying his first days off in a while. It’s been a sweltering summer of non-stop touring, with fans flocking to festivals and concerts nationwide to see his explosive live show. Things are not winding down either, with Käärijä heading off on his first-ever European tour this month. Some of these shows sold out in mere minutes, an indication of his immense international following. “It’s so exciting; I’m definitely jumping into a new territory with that tour,” Pöyhönen says. “But I don’t have any expectations – I’m just going to let everything happen organically rather than stressing about it.”

Although he created one of this year’s buzziest songs, the guy on my screen is humble and, save for his look, almost un assuming. I remark on the stark contrast to his fiery and flamboyant stage presence. “Through Käärijä, I get to channel all the craziness, quirkiness and hyperactivity I’ve had since I was a child,” Pöyhönen says, describing himself offstage as “just this ordinary dude”. Without delving into further details, he tells me that the name Käärijä (translating roughly to moneymaker) stems from a history with gambling. Despite the darkness of its origin, he notes that the moniker is to be taken with a grain of salt.

While it might seem like Käärijä exploded into the public consciousness from obscurity, Pöyhönen has a long journey in music behind him. Born in Helsinki but having spent most of his youth in Vantaa, he started dabbling in the medium at just three years old. Coming from a musical family (“My dad and big brother both play the guitar”), jamming sessions were commonplace in the Pöyhönen household, his instrument of choice being the drums. “I was playing with pots and spoons before I got a set of those plastic kids’ drums,” he says. “When we moved to a bigger house, we built a band room downstairs where me and my brother spent a lot of time practising.”

At that time, rap music hadn’t yet entered Pöyhönen’s life; he was strictly a self-described “metal guy”. His older brother had instilled in him a love for the genre, particularly metal icons Rammstein. Upon starting high school, his musical taste broadened and he began listening to Eminem and popular Finnish rap groups Fintelligens and JVG. “Me and my friends were filming our own music videos to old rap songs, learning the words by heart,” Pöyhönen says. “It [making rap music] pretty much started as this humour thing I did with my mates.”

Encouraged by his loved ones, Pöyhönen began writing his own songs, still playing it for laughs. Turned out he had a knack for it. “Since I was little, I’ve been an avid storyteller – my imagination ran a little wilder than the rest of the kids’ at my school,” he says. “So when I started making music, I didn’t even need inspiration; I was able to whip up the lyrics from my head.”

But then, at 15, an unexpected turning point came by way of a severe sudden illness. Rushed to the hospital with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, Pöyhönen underwent emergency surgery to remove his colon. Had he not been treated immediately, the complications could have been fatal. “I was writing songs in the hospital – music became a source of strength for me,” he says. “I decided that if I make it through this, I’m going to give my all to music and be serious about it.”

After over a decade of hard work and countless hours in the studio, Käärijä released his first album, Fantastista (Fantastic), in 2020, but it would take three years for him to become a household name in Finland. After snapping up the top prize in Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu (the Finnish contest for new music) with his party anthem ‘Cha Cha Cha’, a song dedicated to a hedonistic night out fusing rap, electronic music and metal, he secured the coveted spot as his country’s entrant for the 2023 Eurovision, held in Liverpool. One of Pöyhönen’s craziest dreams had come true.

For Pöyhönen, Eurovision was “an amazing but immensely tough experience”. The event’s intense schedule and the little time carved out for practising surprised the artist. There was no room for errors or retakes once it was time for rehearsals. “They didn’t give much mercy,” he says. On the bright side, the long days filled with “lots of press conferences and waiting around” gave Pöyhönen a chance to get to know the other artists. “The group we had there was wonderful – there wasn’t a competitive atmosphere at all,” he says. One of the contestants he became especially close with was Sweden’s Loreen, with whom he exchanged numbers and promised to “meet up and talk about everything else but music”.

By the time the grand finale came, Käärijä’s explosive performance and infectious song had made him one of the favourites to win. Ultimately he came second, while Loreen nabbed first place. How did Pöyhönen handle the letdown? “It was a huge disappointment, but in the end, the feeling didn’t last long,” he says. “When I thought about how far I’d gotten, the incredible journey it was and all the new friends I made, I realised that these things are far more meaningful than winning.” Plus, he still achieved something major: ‘Cha Cha Cha’ made history as the first ever Finnish song to reach Spotify’s global most-listened charts. The track’s reach proved to Pöyhönen that language doesn’t matter; it’s all about creating a singular, infectious sound: “The mouth is just as much of an instrument as the piano or the guitar is,” he says.

Having made history, I ask Pöyhönen if he felt any pressure after the Eurovision bubble had burst. “Of course there are the thoughts of ‘what now?’ and ‘is this going to be it, will anyone be interested anymore next year?’ – I’m aware that the hype won’t last forever,” he says. “But I’m onto creating the next thing, trying not to feel any pressure for future releases. I haven’t done that before, so why would I do that now?”

Pöyhönen hints at a new album dropping sometime next year, but in the meantime, he’s enjoying the attention – including his Vogue Scandinavia debut. Shot at the extraordinary home of the late interior architect Antti Nurmesniemi and his wife, textile artist Vuokko Nurmesniemi, we find the space where Pöyhönen and Käärijä meet, the quiet confidence mingling with that more-is-more persona.

And while Käärijä might develop as a character (“I want to show that he’s more than just a bolero chap”), he’s adamant that he will stay true to his music and keep singing in Finnish, despite the sudden international attention. “In the end, I’m doing this for myself,” he says. “Also, why change something that works?”

Photographer: Karoliina Bärlund Stylist: Sanna Silander Talent: Käärijä Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Neea Kuurne Photographer Assistant: Milja Laakso Stylist Assistant: Nelli Korhonen

[nerd-artist]

Horizon Rock Bands AU: Rock Breakers

The second (and maybe last?) band of the AU that’s been leaving no place for any other thoughts in my mind. Jem and the Holograms inspired. Ereloy implied 🧡✨

The band

The original leader of the group was Ersa, who started forming Rock Breakers with her brother Erend. However, after a tragedy left her unable to continue being part of the band, the Vanguard siblings decided that Erend should carry on with the group's formation. After what had happened, their mission was more critical than ever: to bring down Nemesis, its members, and their unfair musical dominance.

Avad, a wealthy representative with whom Ersa had a very close relationship, helped Erend in the search for other members who shared their common goal. That's how Varl, Kotallo, Drakka, and Nil joined the band, shaping the unique and diverse style that Rock Breakers is known for. Their blend of romantic and heavy sound has earned them a loyal fanbase, though, thanks to Nemesis' schemes, they've never managed to win The Proving. During the competition, they met Alpha Prime and came to the conclusion that both bands needed to support each other to defeat the evil group. Ersa became Alpha Prime's manager, ensuring that no one—not even they—would get in her little brother's way.

With Avad as their manager, Rock Breakers dominates their tour, which also serves as training for the competition. They don't have the help of any magical computers to make their shows unforgettable, but they pull it off with their creative use of fire and fireworks.

Character bios under the cut

Erend

A deep voice and deep feelings—no wonder Erend is the lead singer and main songwriter of Rock Breakers. He always performs accompanied by his guitar ‘Hammer’, though it’s rarely the same one at each show, as he gets so excited in playing ‘Weird Space Ball’ that he ends up smashing it against the stage. He started competing in music contests for the love of music, but a tragedy changed his purpose: his sister Ersa, with whom he was originally going to form the band, went deaf because of their former boss, Dervahl, who is now a member of the antagonist band Nemesis. Since then, he has devoted himself entirely to destroying that band, just as he smashes his guitars.

With this common goal, it’s no surprise that he’s gotten along well with Alpha Prime since meeting them, though that encounter didn’t just gain him allies—it also changed his heart forever, as he fell head over heels for Aloy the moment he saw her. Since then, nearly all his lyrics have been about her, though Aloy seems to be the only one who hasn’t noticed. He doesn’t hold out much hope that someone as capable and beautiful as her would be interested in him, even though the two minutes she promised him keep becoming longer and longer.

Varl

Varl met Erend at a comic con, and they instantly became friends. Coming from a strict upbringing where music had no place, he learned to play his bass, ‘Seeker,‘ in just a week, solely to join the band and experience the freedom of performing on stage. He’s always ready to carry out any plan that helps defeat Nemesis, even those that require sacrificing his own interests and beliefs. He fell for Zo, a member of Alpha Prime, the moment he met her, and unlike his friend, he did something about it—they´ve been together since, and they´re not subtle about it.

Kotallo

The unstoppable rhythm of his drum set, ‘Bulwark,‘ is unmistakable. Kotallo has been playing it his entire life, and not even the sudden loss of an arm has slowed him down—he continues to captivate the crowd with every beat. He was once a member of the band "The Ten," where he played alongside Regalla, until she defected to join Nemesis after getting Kotallo involved in a street fight that ultimately cost him his arm. Kotallo joined Rock Breakers to get a shot at revenge against his former bandmate and to prove that no matter how she tries to weaken him, he’ll always be a better musician and more honorable than her.

Drakka

He comes from barren lands, though that doesn’t reflect his character at all. Playful and cheeky, his personality shines through in his backing vocals and in the way he plays his ‘Yarra.‘ Every key he presses makes the crowd roar louder, and it ensures he’s never alone after a concert. But his purpose is more serious than it seems: to destroy the reputation of the companies owned by Nemesis members so they stop diverting water from his town for their own gain. Who says you can’t have fun while pursuing the greater good?

Nil

Little is known about his past, but it’s rumored that Nil is searching for redemption. His background is so enigmatic that even the other band members don’t quite remember how or when he became part of the group. Always mysterious, he used to cover his face during performances until he revealed it at the last concert, flashing that intense, mischievous gaze that drove the crowd wild. He found the perfect "Partner" in his guitar, which makes him stand out on stage with its unmistakable sound and with which he always puts on a good show.

Thank you for reading!!

If you want to know more about Alpha Prime, check this post.

Should I make one of these for Nemesis?

[tropes-and-tales]

Too Much for You

Day 3:  Collaring (Bob Floyd x F!Reader)

(For the 2023 Kinktober event that I created on my own because I am boring and basic and am trying to keep it simple this year...found here!) 

CW:  Smut (Oral, m!receiving; oblique talk of other sex acts; oblique talk of power dynamics in the bedroom); 18+ only.

Word Count:  2865

AN:  This was requested by the lovely @callsign-frostbite!

The Hard Deck is often segregated by cliques, like a high school lunch room:  the fighter pilots post up by the pool tables and piano, the fixed wing aircraft pilots claim the stretch of the bar with the dart boards and juke box.  The bar proper is the neutral zone, but the two groups rarely mix.  

Bob Floyd falls in with the fighter pilots because he’s the back-seater for one, but he feels like he might fit in better with the darts-and-jukebox crowd.  They are more sedate, seem more confident in themselves.  There’s less of a nightly dick-measuring contest.

It doesn’t hurt that you’re part of the darts-and-jukebox crowd:  the prettiest girl he’s ever seen, poured into your uniform so it fits like a glove.  You move with that same quiet assurance as your fellow fixed wing pilots, but you’re like a bright point of light, always pulling Bob’s gaze to you.  You’re fascinating to watch:  when you’re playing darts, when you’re leaning over the jukebox, when you’re dancing a smooth two-step to the songs you pick.

Hangman is the one who first notices Bob’s puppy-dog staring, follows the WSO’s blue-eyed gaze across the Hard Deck where you and the other pilots drink and converse.  Hangman nudges Nat, who whispers in Rooster’s ear, who beckons Javi over, and within minutes, the whole crew is watching Bob watching you.

Hangman is the one who first tells Bob not to bother.

“She’s not the one for you, Baby on Board,” he tells Bob while he clasps his shoulder, jostles him a little in his seat.  “You need a shy gal.  A homebody who will greet you at the door with fresh-baked cookies.  A Betty Crocker-type.”

Nat scoffs, shakes her head.  “You make him sound like a complete square.”

“Well…”  Hangman trails off, shrugs with a wide smile.  “I mean…”

“He’s not a complete square, Bagman.”  Nat crosses her arms, and she squares up to her fellow fighter pilot.  “And anyway, what’s wrong with her?  She’s cute.”  She tilts her head in your direction.

It’s Javi who has the dirt on you, which sounds like so much of the usual Navy outlandish gossip.  He leans in close and tells Bob all about you.

“Her call-sign is Nix,” he says, and he keeps his voice low, as if you might hear over the din of the crowd.  “Because she flies one of those Poseidon recon planes.  But she’s a complete freak, man.  I served on a carrier with a guy whose roommate’s brother dated her.  She’s totally into that freaky bedroom shit.  She’d eat you alive.”

Bob swallows hard, but he can’t help the flush that breaks out across his cheeks…or the faint throb of lust that drums along with his heartbeat.

“What do you mean, freaky stuff?”  It’s Nat who asks the question; his pilot turns and watches you with frank interest now.

Javi shrugs, takes a sip of his beer.  “BDSM stuff.”  He looks at Bob, gives him another shrug.  “Sorry, man.  She’s too much for you.”

-----

After the fact, Bob bristles at his teammates’ collective verdict.

Bristling leads to simmering, which leads to outright resentment.  The days pass, and Bob teems with indignation.  How dare Bagman?  How dare Javi?  How dare any of them make assumptions about him?  Sure, he’s quiet and unassuming and a back-seater, but it grates on his nerves how they act like they know him that well. 

They don’t know him at all.

Even their dumb nickname for him:  Baby on Board.  They forget that he passed the same rigorous training they did, that he graduated from Top Gun just as they did.  He’s a goddamned grown man, and they treat him like a boy.

The two cliques at the Hard Deck rarely mix, but halfway through a Friday night, Bob taps into his latent courage—the courage his teammates fail to recognize—and marches over to where you stand by the jukebox.  He can hear Hangman behind him, trying to urge him back before it’s too late, but you catch sight of Bob’s approach out of your peripherals and turn to watch him.  You neither frown nor smile; your expression is exactly neutral.  Bob digs deeper into his hidden reserve of courage, and he holds out a hand.

“I’m Lieutenant Bob Floyd,” he says, and he hopes his teammates can see how he doesn’t stutter, how he meets your gaze levelly because he’s a goddamned man and not a boy.  “I heard you fly the new P-8 Poseidon.”

“I do.”  You hold your hand out to shake his, and you gift him a smile that seems guarded.  “Though it’s a few years old now.”

“Still new by military standards.”

Your smile relaxes, and you drop your hand.  “Very true.  Are you a pilot?”

Bob shakes his head, tells you he’s a weapons specialist officer, and the conversation flows naturally to your respective aircrafts, the systems on each, and if Bob admired you from afar, he likes the obvious love you have for your airplane even more.

He spends the rest of the night with you, and the hours fly by like nothing.  He leaves with your number, and the feeling is better than even the confused look on Bagman’s smug face—that quiet, unassuming Bob Floyd pulled the number of an unattainable fellow pilot.

-----

If you’re into freaky bedroom stuff, it doesn’t make an appearance right away.  You and Bob take your time—it doesn’t help that you’re both active duty.  There’s a stretch of time, just as your burgeoning relationship is on its shaky new legs, where you’re both deployed on separate missions. 

Bob thinks it’ll be the end of the thing between you, but somehow strengthens your relationship.  Absence making the heart grow fonder, all that cliched stuff.  When you’re finally both back stateside, you make it official:  Bob Floyd the WSO and you, the pilot who flies surveillance missions—an official couple.

Your first month as a couple, it’s that awkward period where you’re just figuring each other out in the bedroom.  It’s clumsy at first but passionate, the two of you abandoning any pretense of coolness for the ardor that you have for each other. 

Bob loves all of it:  the time he spends between your thighs, coaxing orgasms from you with his mouth.  The time you spend on your knees doing the same for him.  All of the varied positions, you riding him, him riding you.  The quickies and the love-making where you spend entire hours reveling in each other’s bodies. 

BDSM stuff, Javi had said.  Bob only has an inkling what that may mean.  He imagines whips and chains, a gimp mask, tears of pain.  He is open to nearly anything you might want to do, but the idea of pain in the bedroom makes him wary.  He doesn’t want to hurt you, even consensually.  If it is something you demand, he might have to end things.

The thought tortures him.  Each day, he falls more in love with you.  Each night, he is slow to fall asleep at the unspoken fear that you may be too much for him and the inverse:  that he may not be enough for you.

Bob should have remembered that the Navy is little more than a hive of gossipers.  People tell tales, and truth get twisted in the retelling.

Javi and his buddy’s roommate’s brother.  Your alleged ex.  It was a ridiculous game of telephone.  The topic kinda comes up organically over dinner one night, talk about exes, and it leads to Bob blurting out his fears.  That he’s not adventuresome enough for you.  That when you inevitably ask him to tie you up and whip you, he won’t be able to satisfy you.

The look on your face is priceless.  You gaze over your plate at him and ask, “huh?”

He can’t turn back now.  He swallows hard, his mouth suddenly dry.  “BDSM stuff,” he clarifies.  “I don’t…I don’t think I’m into that.”

“Bobby—”

“But I’ll try.”  He cuts you off, and he feels sick to his stomach to have brought his silent fears to light with so little finesse.  “I’ll try, sweetheart.”

You set your fork down with a quiet clink, and you reach across the table and take his hand.  When he chances a look at your face, you don’t seem angry or disappointed.  Instead, you smile at him softly.

“You can’t believe everything you hear,” you tell him. 

-----

Javi and the gossipmongers in the Navy are half-right:  you are not into BDSM.

You are into playing with power dynamics.

Bob gets an education in an entire spectrum of sexuality he’s never even considered before.  He’d be ashamed—embarrassed, maybe, as he usually is when it came to frank discussions about sex—but you’re an amazing teacher and, well….he finds that perhaps he’s into playing with power dynamics too. 

And you’re both switches.  You’re both capable of being dominant or submissive.  The possibilities are endless.  Bob’s mind boggles at the surfeit of scenes the two of you could play out, and it boggles further to find that those scenes make him fall more and more in love with you.  It always felt hokey, talk of how sex was a way to build a connection.  Bob never had it before, but now?

Now he has it.

-----

The day goes poorly for Bob:  Hangman continues to live up to his nickname, and his rivalry with Rooster spills over to the rest of the TOPGUN pilots.  Bob and Nat get paired up with Jake during a dog-fight exercise, and they lose over and over because the man is incapable of teamwork.

Bob can’t control Jake. 

Bob can’t even control the plane.  He has to cede control to Nat, and he’s usually fine with it, but he feels extra helpless as a back-seater during exercises like this.

But Bob, if he asks nicely, can control you—so when he gets home, frustrated and irritable, he asks if he can be in charge.

You gaze at him a long moment, and your eyes get steadily darker as your pupils dilate. 

“Of course,” you tell him. 

-----

Bob in charge:  he makes you change into the sweet powder-pink lingerie he bought you.  A casual cotton dress.  He has a housewife kink, he’s found, and he likes to play around with the dynamic of pretending you’re waiting at home for him. 

Lingerie, dress.  He also helps you put on the collar, a deceptively simple silver band of metal.  Not too tight.  There’s a little hook at the end for a leash, but neither you nor Bob ever use it.  The collar is just a visual reminder of who is in charge, and who is being led.

Bob in charge:  he orders you onto all fours.  He sits on the couch, freshly showered after his shitty day.  He leans back, splays his legs wide.  He crooks his forefinger at you.

“Come here, kitten,” he says.

It’s as simple as this.  He gives you an order and you obey.  He’s in charge; he tells you to crawl to him on hands and knees and you do.  You kneel in front of him, your hands on your thighs, your eyes fixed to his face in an expression of adoration.  You wait for his next order.

There’s no frustration like with Hangman.  There’s no fickle controls like in the back seat of his and Nat’s plane.  There’s no dog-fight practice where they lose Maverick in the sun, where they have to do hundreds of push-ups on the tarmac until Bob’s arms burn and his cold fury simmers. 

“What do you want?” he asks.

“I want to make you feel good, sir,” you answer, and your voice has a deference it normally doesn’t.  Bob feels the tension of his day bleed away bit by bit, then all at once.

Bob in charge:  he orders you to put your mouth to him.  He’s already half-hard, but he loves the feeling of your warm mouth on him, coaxing him to full life with your worshipful tongue laving him, suckling against his sensitive tip until he’s hard as iron and throbbing in your mouth. 

He lays a hand on the back of your head, another tame display of dominance, but he doesn’t force you.  He shifts it to cup the side of your face as you take him to the root, your nose pressed against the sparse, coarse curls at the base of his cock.  Keeps his hand there as you bob your head, as you take deep breaths through your nose. 

You’re reverent when you’re submissive.  You always take your time.  You cup his balls lightly in one hand, and when you feel them start to draw up—a sure sign his orgasm is approaching—you back off a bit.  You release him from the warm confines of your mouth and draw the tip of your tongue over the prominent vein that runs along the underside of his cock.  You lick the tip of him, suckle there again until he’s breathing harsh, punched-out breaths.  Then you engulf him again, hollow your cheeks and actually hum against him, and the tip of him bumps against the back of your throat until your eyes water.

A lone tear breaks free when you blink, and Bob shifts his hand, brushes it away.  He taps you on your chin lightly.

“Eyes on me, kitten,” he orders you, and a moment later, you look up at him. 

You look beautifully wrecked:  eyes wet and liquid as you gaze at him, your eye makeup streaked and ruined.  Your lovely mouth stretched wide around his cock.

“You look pretty as a damned picture,” he tells you, and it’s true.  He holds you in this position for a beat, wants to commit the image to memory.  He wants to carry this moment with him for future frustrating days—when TOPGUN is grueling, he wants to remember that he has this to come home to. 

Not just a gorgeous woman on her knees with her lips wrapped around him, either.  You’re that, of course, but you’re more.  You’re also the woman who orders him around, who calls him a “good boy,” who cups his face the way he’s cupping yours right now.  You’re also the woman who ties him to the bed and teases him relentlessly.  You’re also the woman who spends long, lazy Sunday mornings with him, making love in a languid, sleepy way that feels like heaven.

You’re also the woman who flies a spy plane, a lieutenant in your own right, a no-nonsense aviator who commands respect with your quiet competency in a field full of blowhards and jackasses.

Bob releases his hold on your face.  He slips his hand down to your throat, and he hooks his forefinger around the metal collar, now warmed from being against your skin.

He tugs it gently.  “I’m close,” he warns you.  “You gonna take everything I give you?  Swallow it down, kitten?”

You pull your mouth away long enough to answer.  “Yes, sir,” you tell him, and you sound just as wrecked as he does.  He knows what this game does to you.  He knows your powder-pink panties are slick with your own arousal, your pretty little pussy likely twitching and clenching around nothing, waiting for him.

He nods, and you bend your head to him again.  Your mouth is wonderfully warm, surrounding him, and you pick up your pace.  Your hand on his balls squeezes him gently, and he feels his orgasm—delayed several times now—thundering towards him.  His hips judder upward, involuntary, chasing the feel of your wet, sucking mouth, and you gag lightly against the action but you never stop.

You never stop once he’s given you an order. 

A moment later, the heavy tension in his belly snaps, turns to light and heat that crackles along his spine to the base of his skull, crackles down to where his balls pull up taut in your hand as he comes.  He groans out your name, swears as he pulses in your mouth, and each throb of his cock is answered by you swallowing against him, the slim column of your throat working to take everything he gives you.

And you clean him up at his order too, your tongue shyly running over his softening cock, and then your hand tucking him back into his sweatpants before your eyes find his face.

“Thank you,” he tells you.  He hooks his finger under your collar again, gently leads you from the floor and onto his lap, and he wraps his arms around you.  He presses his head into the side of your neck and sighs out the lingering bit of his frustration from the day, but he’s completely relaxed now.  Once he’s recovered, he’ll repay you, but for now, he wants to bask in his post-orgasm glow with you on his lap and in his arms.

And he thinks back to Javi’s words, all those months ago.  She’s too much for you, he’d said.  Which turned out to be completely untrue:  you’re just enough for him.  You’re perfect for him. 

[edenesth]

In Pursuit of Serendipity

Pairing: best friend!Hyunjin x fem!reader

AU: high school au

Word Count: 14.8k

Summary: Your friendship is tested when Hyunjin starts crushing on his new classmate. What you didn't expect was that your own emotions would come into play. Denying your feelings, you decide to be the ultimate wingwoman, helping him while battling your own heartache in silence. Will the pursuit of love lead to happiness or heartbreak?

A/N: Lowkey inspired by the Mixtape: On Track music video, still one of my favourite MVs from SKZ.

MAIN MASTERLIST

The busy hallways of your high school were alive with the energy of students rushing to their next classes.

Amidst the sea of students, you made your way through the crowded corridors with an excitement that bubbled within you. The reason for your enthusiasm swung in your hand—a gaming magazine had just revealed the release date of the highly anticipated video game you'd been eagerly awaiting.

Hyunjin and Felix, your partners in crime since kindergarten, were waiting for you.

As you neared your usual meeting spot, a sudden obstacle appeared in the form of an unnoticed puddle. Before you could react, your foot lost its grip, sending you careening toward an embarrassing collision with the cold, tiled floor. In a split second, strong arms wrapped around you, breaking your fall.

"Whoa there! Quick reflexes, Hyunjin style." Hyunjin exclaimed, his grin showcasing his pride at the successful save.

Felix laughed heartily, "Nice dive! You should consider joining the school's gymnastics team, though I hear their routine doesn't involve slipping in the hallways."

You shot him a playful glare as he approached to make sure you were unharmed, "Thanks, Jinnie. And you," You said, turning to Felix, "Can save your sarcasm for someone else."

Felix chuckled, brushing off imaginary dirt from your shoulder, "Just making sure you're in one piece. You know, you should work on your gracefulness. It's not very lady-like to trip and fall."

Rolling your eyes, you retorted, "Oh, please. Who needs grace when you've got Hyunjin's superhero reflexes? And besides, I'm not planning to win any 'Miss Graceful' contests."

Hyunjin grinned, leaning against the row of lockers, "True that. But you might want to consider it. You'll never find a boyfriend if you keep stumbling around like a bull in a china shop."

You scoffed, the idea of conforming to societal expectations not even registering on your radar, "Who said I'm looking for a boyfriend anyway? I'm perfectly content with my PS5 and the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed. Relationships can wait."

Felix raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing look with Hyunjin, "Famous last words. We'll see how long that sentiment lasts."

You brushed off their teasing with a nonchalant wave, determined to keep your priorities in check. As the three of you continued down the hallway, you couldn't help smiling at the thought of the virtual adventures awaiting you in the upcoming game—an escape from the typical high school drama and the perfect reminder that, for now, you were content marching to the beat of your own, unapologetically clumsy, drum.

After grabbing a light breakfast together from the school cafeteria, you, Hyunjin, and Felix made your way through the bustling hallways, weaving through the student traffic. Despite being part of different classes, your morning ritual of meeting up for breakfast had become a comforting constant.

As you reached the fork in the hallway leading to your respective classrooms, Felix grinned, "See you guys at lunch. Don't trip over your own feet without me around to catch you!"

You playfully nudged him, "I'll try my best, Captain Obvious."

Felix waved, disappearing into his classroom, leaving you and Hyunjin to continue down the corridor. Although your class was situated at the far end of the school, you were used to the daily trek. Hyunjin, however, insisted on walking you there, despite the inconvenience it posed for him.

"Why do you bother walking me all the way to my class, Jinnie?" You asked, your voice tinged with amusement as you walked side by side.

He shot you a teasing grin, "Well, for one, I don't trust your coordination skills without Felix or me around. And secondly, what if there's a stampede, or a meteor falls from the sky? I need to be sure you make it to class in one piece."

You scoffed, "A stampede? Really?"

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, adopting a mock-serious tone, "You never know. High school can be a dangerous place."

You rolled your eyes, but a smile lingered on your lips. It was moments like these that reminded you of the unique bond you shared with your friends. Despite the exaggeration, there was a genuine concern in his eyes that touched your heart.

Nearing the entrance of your classroom, you stopped, "You really don't have to do this every day, you know. I can handle walking to class without tripping."

Hyunjin leaned against the wall, his expression softening, "I know you can, but I want to. Call it my daily act of heroism."

You chuckled, shaking your head, "Fine, you overprotective hero. Thanks for the escort to class."

He grinned, walking you right up to the door, "Anytime, damsel in distress. I'll see you at lunch, okay?"

You nodded, feeling a warmth in your chest at the genuine care your friends showered upon you, "Okay. Don't save too many people on your way to class."

With a playful salute, Hyunjin turned to make his way to his own classroom. You watched him go, appreciating the small gestures that defined your friendship. As the classroom door closes behind you, you feel a sense of gratitude for the protective duo that made your high school journey more adventurous and, most importantly, full of genuine companionship.

Later that day, the cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chaos as you approached your designated spot between Hyunjin and Felix, your tray already waiting for you. Your heart warmed at the sight, and you skipped over with an infectious beam.

Felix, always quick with banter, smirked at you, "Look who decided to grace us with her presence. You missed the riveting conversation about Hyunjin's newfound muse."

Your eyes flickered to Hyunjin, whose cheeks sported a subtle shade of pink. Felix couldn't resist the opportunity to tease, "He wouldn't shut up about her just before you arrived."

You slid into your seat, the playful glint in Felix's eyes not escaping you, "Oh, really? What did I miss?"

Felix leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "Our dear friend Hyunjin here has developed a massive crush on the new girl in his class. Couldn't stop talking about her smile, her laugh, you know, the works."

Hyunjin shot Felix a mock glare, but his eyes twinkled with an undeniable excitement, "Felix is exaggerating, as usual. I just mentioned her once or twice."

The three of you were engrossed in the conversation when, like clockwork, the cafeteria doors swung open. Hyunjin's head snapped up, his gaze fixating on a girl who entered with an effortless grace. She was undeniably beautiful—Lia, the new girl who had captured your friend's attention.

"There she is." Hyunjin whispered, as if afraid the mere mention of her name would make her disappear. Lia glided through the cafeteria, a radiant presence that drew the attention of many. You couldn't deny the allure; she had an undeniable charm that seemed to captivate everyone in her vicinity.

While Felix seemed excited for Hyunjin, you couldn't shake off the inexplicable discomfort settling in the pit of your stomach. You smiled, or at least you tried to, but it felt forced.

As Lia joined a group of students at a nearby table, laughter and animated conversations surrounding her, you couldn't help but wonder why the idea of Hyunjin being enamoured by her left you feeling strangely uneasy.

Oblivious to the atmosphere shift, Felix continued to prod Hyunjin about Lia. But as your eyes met Hyunjin's, you sensed a vulnerability beneath his excitement—a vulnerability you hadn't seen before. The unspoken truth lingered in the air, and you couldn't escape the realisation that your heart seemed to protest against the prospect of him falling for someone else for reasons you couldn't quite comprehend.

In the following days, you found yourself caught in a web of conflicting emotions. You tried to rationalise the unease that had settled within you, convincing yourself that it was merely a consequence of your friends growing up. After all, it was only natural for them to develop romantic interests outside your tight-knit trio.

You repeated the logic like a mantra, assuring yourself that this discomfort was nothing more than an adjustment period.

"It's just new," You told yourself, stirring your food absentmindedly during lunch. Felix continued his good-natured teasing about Hyunjin's infatuation with Lia, blissfully unaware of the internal struggle you were facing, "They're growing up, finding other people. It's normal. You'll get used to it."

Yet, as days turned into weeks, the knot in your stomach refused to loosen. You grappled with the notion that the dynamics of your friendship were shifting, and it wasn't centred solely around the three of you anymore. The idea of someone else occupying Hyunjin's thoughts in a way you hadn't witnessed before tugged at a thread of discomfort deep within you.

"It's just silly jealousy," You scolded yourself in the quiet moments of introspection, "He's my friend, and I should be happy for him."

Deep down, you couldn't ignore the hope that Hyunjin's crush was just a passing phase—a temporary diversion that would fade with time. You yearned for the days when your trio's world revolved around shared laughter and inside jokes, not about some new girl that caught your friend's attention.

One day, as you all gathered for lunch as usual, Felix couldn't resist poking at Hyunjin once again, "Come on, Jinnie, just admit it. You're head over heels for Lia."

Hyunjin sighed, his cheeks tinged with a mixture of embarrassment and genuine affection, "Fine. I like her, okay? Happy now?"

Felix's victorious grin was matched only by the subtle tightening of your chest. You forced a smile, attempting to mask the twinge of disappointment.

As the conversation continued, Hyunjin's genuine excitement about Lia became increasingly evident. Felix's teasing took on a more playful tone, but every word seemed to emphasise the growing reality that your friend was genuinely interested in someone beyond the confines of your trio.

Each day that passed, Hyunjin's interest in Lia became a constant presence in your lives. While he physically joined you and Felix for breakfast and lunch, his mind seemed to linger elsewhere. Conversations that were once filled with silly jokes now revolved around Lia—her interests, her quirks, and every mundane detail that seemed to captivate Hyunjin's attention.

The unintentional distance you felt from Hyunjin left you perplexed and, admittedly, frustrated. Despite your attempts to rationalise these emotions, a growing sense of unease settled within you. It was as if the equilibrium of your friendship had been disrupted, leaving you feeling somewhat adrift.

One day, after Hyunjin had passionately detailed yet another encounter with Lia during lunch, you found yourself unable to contain the frustration any longer.

In the quiet corner of the school courtyard, away from prying eyes and curious ears, you decided to confide in Felix. As you sat on the familiar park bench, the one where countless secrets had been shared among the three of you, you hesitated before finally breaking the silence.

"Lix, I don't know what's going on. I mean, I should be happy for Hyunjin, right? But every time he talks about Lia, it's like... I don't know, something's off. It's like he's here with us physically, but his mind is somewhere else."

Felix regarded you with a knowing gaze, the crinkles in his eyes softened with understanding, "Feelings are complicated. It's okay to feel the way you do. Maybe it's just an adjustment period. Things will settle down."

You sighed, grateful for his calm demeanour, "I've tried telling myself that, but it doesn't seem to be getting any better. It's just frustrating. I miss the way things used to be."

Felix leaned in, his tone gentle, "Change is hard, especially when it comes to friendships. But maybe Hyunjin needs this. Maybe it's his time to explore something beyond our trio. And who knows, it might just be a phase. People get caught up in new crushes, but that doesn't mean they forget their old friends."

You nodded, appreciating his perspective, "I just wish I could understand why I feel this way. It's like... I'm happy for him, but there's this nagging discomfort that won't go away."

Felix placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, "Give it time. Sometimes, feelings need time to catch up with logic. And in the meantime, know that I'm here for you, no matter what."

In the days that followed, you made a conscious effort to follow Felix's advice. You reminded yourself that Hyunjin's sudden obsession with Lia was his first experience with romantic feelings, and it was only natural for him to be caught up in the excitement of it all.

Trying to be understanding, you even forced a smile when he recounted every interaction with Lia, assuring yourself that this phase would pass.

But just as you began to convince yourself that you had your emotions in check, things took an unexpected turn. Hyunjin, who had always insisted on walking you to class, suddenly approached you with an apologetic expression.

"Hey, listen, I'm sorry, but I can't walk you to class anymore." He admitted, avoiding eye contact.

The unexpected blow left you momentarily speechless, "What? Why?"

Hyunjin sighed, looking genuinely conflicted, "It's just... I don't want Lia to misunderstand our relationship. I mean, she might think there's something more between us, you know?"

Your initial shock gave way to a slow-burning frustration. While you wanted to be supportive of his budding romance, the abrupt change felt like a direct hit to the heart. The walks to class, once a cherished routine, now seemed like a relic of a time when your friendship hadn't been overshadowed by romantic entanglements.

Forcing a tight smile, you responded, "Sure, Hyunjin. Do whatever makes you comfortable."

As he walked away, leaving you standing alone in the hallway, you felt a sense of abandonment. The once-predictable rhythms of your friendship were now distorted, and the realisation that you were no longer a priority stung more than you cared to admit.

Felix, perceptive as ever, noticed the change in your demeanour. As he joined you in the hallway, he raised an eyebrow, "What's up with Hyunjin? I thought he was going to walk you to class."

You sighed, the weight of unspoken emotions heavy on your shoulders, "He said he can't anymore. Doesn't want Lia to get the wrong idea about us."

Felix's expression shifted from curiosity to a mixture of understanding and concern, "I know this is tough, but maybe he's just caught up in the excitement of his first crush. It doesn't mean he values your friendship any less."

You nodded, acknowledging his attempt to console you, "I get that, but it still hurts, you know? It's like our friendship is being redefined, and I don't know where I fit in anymore."

Felix offered a sympathetic smile, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder, "Give it time. I'm sure things will settle down eventually. And in the meantime, you've got me. We'll figure it out together."

As Hyunjin's infatuation with Lia intensified, you found yourself grappling with the remnants of the once-familiar routine that now seemed like a distant memory.

One afternoon, as the final school bell echoed through the hallways, you made your way to the usual meeting spot where you and Hyunjin would walk home together. However, your anticipation gave way to disappointment as you saw him engrossed in conversation with Lia, the two of them making plans to spend time together after school.

Felix, who had been watching your expression closely, slung an arm around your shoulder, "Hey, don't let it get to you. You know, it's okay to feel upset."

"I'm not upset." You retorted, but the hurt in your eyes betrayed your attempt at nonchalance.

Felix raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips, "You can't fool me, idiot. It's written all over your face. You miss your walks home with him, don't you?"

You sighed, giving in to the acknowledgement of your feelings, "Yeah, I guess I do. It's stupid, though. Friends hang out with other people. It's not a big deal."

Felix squeezed your shoulder gently, "It's okay to feel this way, you know. And there's nothing 'stupid' about it. You're allowed to miss your friend."

As you walked home with Felix that day, the silence between you spoke volumes. The absence of Hyunjin, once a comforting presence by your side, left a void that seemed to echo with the uncertainty of changing friendships.

The following days only deepened the ache.

Your attempts to be the supportive friend, cheering Hyunjin on as he pursued Lia, felt increasingly like a façade. The more you tried to suppress your feelings, the more they seemed to claw at the edges of your consciousness.

It was during one of your late-night conversations with Felix, the dim glow of streetlights casting shadows on your faces, that he broached the subject with a keen intuition that caught you off guard.

"You know," Felix said, his gaze fixed on the stars above, "It's possible you're jealous because you have feelings for Hyunjin."

Your immediate reaction was a vehement denial. How could you harbour romantic feelings for your childhood friend, especially when you had always prided yourself on being the voice of reason within the trio?

Oh hell nah, ain't no freaking way.

But as Felix turned to look at you, his eyes filled with understanding, you felt a sudden vulnerability. Despite your initial resistance, you couldn't escape the possibility that he was right. Your feelings for Hyunjin might indeed transcend the boundaries of friendship.

"What? Are you hearing yourself, Lix? That's insane!" You laughed incredulously, dismissing his implication with a wave of your hand. The idea of having romantic feelings for Hyunjin seemed preposterous to you, and you were determined to push aside any inkling of such emotions.

Felix, however, frowned at your attempt to brush off the subject. He could sense the unease beneath your laughter, the subtle deflection in your words, "I know you better than you think. You can't deny what you're feeling."

You scoffed, refusing to let his words penetrate your resolve, "Me? Having feelings for Hwang Hyunjin? Did you hit your head or something?" You chuckled, playing off the notion as absurd.

But as you met Felix's serious expression, you recognised the gravity of the situation. He was about to talk some sense into you, to unravel the emotions you had been desperately trying to suppress. But before he could utter a word, you beat him to it.

"Just watch me, Lix. I'll prove you wrong." Your tone carried a determined edge, a promise to yourself that you could navigate these confusing emotions without succumbing to what seemed like an inconvenient truth.

Felix sighed heavily, realising that there was little he could do if you were determined to turn a blind eye to your own feelings. He knew that sometimes, facing the truth required a vulnerability that not everyone was ready to embrace.

As you gathered for your breakfast routine one morning, Hyunjin began his usual recounting of Lia's latest escapades, and you found yourself unable to bear it any longer.

"Hyunjin," You interrupted, the words escaping before you could reconsider, "I'm sick of seeing you pine after Lia. It's distracting, and I can't focus on anything else. So, I've decided to help you win her heart."

Ecstasy washed over his face, "Really? You'd help me?"

You nodded, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach your eyes, "Yeah, I mean, why not? You deserve to be happy, right?"

Hyunjin's eyes lit up, and he immediately pulled you into a tight hug, "Thank you! You're the best! I'll buy you the next Assassin's Creed game when Lia agrees to be my girlfriend!"

As he cheered, Felix observed the scene with a mixture of disbelief and realisation. It dawned on him that your seemingly selfless act of playing matchmaker wasn't entirely altruistic. A smirk played on his lips as he shook his head, understanding the true motive behind your plan.

"So, this was your way of proving me wrong, huh?" Felix remarked, his voice carrying a note of amusement.

You avoided his gaze, the charade now exposed, "I just want him to be happy. That's all."

Felix chuckled, seeing through the act, "Sure. Just remember, you can't run from your feelings forever."

Later that evening, you walked home with Hyunjin for the first time in what felt like ages. But the reason behind his company left a bitter taste in your mouth. It wasn't because he missed your walks or longed for the friendship you once shared. No, the only reason was to strategise about his mission to win Lia's heart.

As you strolled down the sidewalk, Hyunjin excitedly started talking about his plan, "So, I was thinking maybe I should join some clubs or events that she's interested in. What do you think?"

You pushed all unnecessary thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand, "Sure, that sounds like a good idea. We need to figure out what she likes and find a way for you to connect with her."

The mention of 'we' felt strangely out of place, a reminder of the changed dynamics between you and Hyunjin. Nevertheless, you pushed those feelings aside, determined to help your friend succeed in his pursuit of happiness.

Felix, who had been watching the interaction with an amused smirk, couldn't resist commenting, "Look at you two, planning Hyunjin's love story. Who would've thought?"

You shot him a glare, not appreciating the smugness in his tone, "This is for Hyunjin, Lix, not for your amusement."

Felix raised his hands defensively, "Alright, alright. I'm just enjoying the show."

As you neared your doorstep, you took a deep breath, ready to lay out a rough plan for Hyunjin, "Okay, here's what we're going to do. First, we need to find out more about Lia's hobbies and interests. Once we have that information, we can create opportunities for you to interact with her in a more meaningful way."

Hyunjin nodded eagerly, trusting you with the details of his mission, "Leave it all to you. You're the best."

As you arrived at your doorstep, Hyunjin gave you a thankful hug before skipping off to his home just a few blocks away. Sighing deeply, you feel a twinge of emptiness. The hug felt different, less like a shared moment between friends and more like a transaction—gratitude for a service rendered.

With renewed determination, you wasted no time. The moment you stepped inside your room, you pulled out your phone and began stalking all of Lia's social media accounts. Your mission was clear: decipher her likes, dislikes, and everything in between.

Little did you know that this quest, seemingly straightforward, would lead you down a path of self-discovery and unexpected twists, challenging the boundaries of friendship and forcing you to confront emotions you had long been trying to ignore.

As the days unfolded, you immersed yourself in the role of the ultimate wingman. Your efforts to assist Hyunjin in winning Lia's heart were meticulous, each action carefully calculated to showcase his best qualities. Despite the outward display of support, a quiet turmoil brewed within you, a storm of conflicting emotions that threatened to break through the carefully constructed façade.

In your quest to prove Felix wrong, you inadvertently delved deeper into the complexities of your own heart. The more you tried to suppress the whispers of your own feelings, the more they seemed to echo in the quiet moments of self-reflection.

As Felix watched you navigate this internal struggle, he wished you would just confront the truth instead of burying it beneath the guise of friendship.

With your careful planning and Hyunjin's sincere efforts, you watched as he began to get things right. He made it a point to learn about Lia's favourite snacks and beverages, surprising her with thoughtful treats that garnered appreciative smiles. Conversations shifted from superficial exchanges to discussions about her favourite pastime activities, creating a connection that seemed to grow with every shared moment.

You watched from afar as he transformed himself, aligning with the qualities he knew she admired. He became more attentive, more considerate, and tailored his actions to better appeal to the type of guys she was attracted to.

While the genuine nature of his intentions was evident, each successful move felt like another layer of separation between the Hyunjin you knew and the person he was becoming for Lia.

Then came the pivotal moment.

Fueled by newfound confidence, he approached Lia and managed to ask her out on a date. From the way he pumped his fists in the air in victory, it was clear that she said yes. As he turned around to look for you, a beaming smile on his face, he spotted you observing the scene. With a thumbs up and eyes filled with excitement, he acknowledged your silent support.

Despite the clenching in your heart, you smiled back and clapped, showing him that you were genuinely happy for his success. The internal conflict between your desire to see your friend happy and the undeniable twinge of discomfort lingered in the background.

It was a bittersweet moment, a celebration of his triumph in love, overshadowed by the realisation that the dynamics of your friendship had undergone a significant shift.

During lunch, the three of you gathered as usual, but the atmosphere was tinged with an unspoken tension. As you sat with your tray, Felix shot you a look, his expression a mix of disapproval and concern. You avoided his eyes, focusing on your food and pretending not to notice his silent judgment.

The news of Hyunjin and Lia's upcoming first date buzzed around the table, and despite the apparent excitement, Felix's gaze lingered on you. He wished you knew that he was only trying to protect you, a silent plea echoing in his eyes. Deep down, he feared that all this effort might lead to you getting hurt in the end.

As the conversation flowed, Felix couldn't contain his disapproval any longer, "So, playing matchmaker seems to be working well for you and Hyunjin." He remarked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

You glanced up, meeting his eyes for a brief moment before averting your gaze, "Yeah, I guess it is."

Felix sighed, the concern etched on his face, "I hope you know what you're doing. Playing with emotions is a risky game."

You could sense the genuine worry in his words, but a stubborn determination held you captive. You knew there was a risk involved, but you've already come this far. It was as if a self-imposed obligation drove you to see this through until the end, no matter the consequences.

As the lunch bell rang, signalling the end of the break, Felix shot you one last look—a mix of caution and understanding. The unspoken conversation between you two lingered in the air, a silent acknowledgement of the uncertainties that lay ahead.

With a deep breath, you steeled yourself for what was to come. The journey you embarked upon had no clear destination, but one thing was certain: you're committed to helping Hyunjin until the end.

As the final bell rang, signalling the end of the school day, you gathered your belongings, preparing to head home. Just as you were about to make your way through the crowded hallway, Hyunjin rushed up to you, grabbing your wrist in his haste. Startled, he twisted you around, and for a brief moment, your eyes rounded at the close proximity between your faces.

His eyes widened in realisation, and he immediately stepped back, stammering, "S-sorry, I was just—"

You shook your head, feigning nonchalance despite the racing of your heart, "It's fine, what is it?"

Hyunjin beamed at your question, his initial awkwardness dissipating, "I need your help in picking an outfit for my date this weekend."

You ignored the sharp stab you felt in your heart at the cruel reminder. Suppressing your emotions, you nodded, "Of course, I'll send you some ideas tonight."

But he shook his head, a hopeful glint in his eyes, "No, I was hoping you could come over before the date and help me put together something nice...?"

You blinked, surprised by the unexpected request, "Why not get Felix to help you with that?"

Hyunjin pouted, swinging your arm around playfully, "Oh, come on, you're the one who promised to help me until the end, right?"

Sighing, you realised he was right. It was your commitment, not Felix's. Relenting, you nodded, "Alright, fine. Sheesh. I'll see you then."

Hyunjin cheered, thanking you profusely before running off, presumably heading to spend time with Lia. As he disappeared into the crowd, you couldn't shake off the lingering discomfort that settled in your chest.

Hang in there, you can do this.

Standing in front of the mirror, you scrutinised yourself for the umpteenth time before questioning your actions. Why did it matter how you looked to Hyunjin? After all, you'd literally grown up together, and he'd seen you at your best and worst. The reflection staring back at you seemed to mock the unnecessary anxiety that had settled in.

The sound of your phone's notifications going off snapped you out of your thoughts. Unlocking the device, you found texts from both Hyunjin and Felix. Hyunjin's message was playful, urging you to hurry over, 'Bestie, get your ass over here already!!!😭'

Felix's text, however, carried a different tone, one of understanding and support, 'Hyunjin told me you're going over to help him. I know nothing I say can change your mind, but I just want you to know that no matter what happens, I'll be here for you.'

Reading Felix's words nearly brought tears to your eyes. It was a reminder of the loneliness that came with keeping these feelings to yourself. In that moment, you realise the weight of the emotions you've chosen to carry alone. But there was no one else to blame; you made the choice yourself, and now it was time to finish what you started.

With a deep breath, you locked your phone and shook off the lingering self-doubt. Adjusting your outfit one final time, you muttered a quiet affirmation to yourself and headed towards Hyunjin's house.

Upon arriving, you were greeted by his infectious excitement, "Finally, you're here! I need your expert fashion advice."

Suppressing the internal turmoil, you forced a smile, "Alright, let's get this over with."

As you entered his room, surrounded by the familiar scent of his space, you felt a twinge of nostalgia. The memories of your friendship flooded back, but now, they were tainted with a layer of complexity.

The process of picking an outfit began, with you providing suggestions and Hyunjin trying on various combinations. Looking at him more closely now, you hated that you suddenly found him so attractive.

You watched as he struggled with some of the buttons on his shirt before looking up at you with a pout, "Some help would be nice?"

His request cut through the air, and you couldn't hide the inward sigh. The situation was already complicated enough, and now he was making things even more difficult. Rolling your eyes in a feigned display of annoyance, you walked up to him, determined to maintain a facade of indifference.

As you carefully worked through the buttons, your concentration remained fixed on the task at hand. Hyunjin, however, couldn't help but let his gaze remain on you. His eyes naturally drifted downward, taking in the familiar sight of you deep in focus. At that moment, he found you adorable, with your tongue poking out from the corner of your lips and a small frown between your eyes.

Huh, guess not much has changed.

Standing up close, he began to notice details he hadn't paid attention to before. Your eyelashes were surprisingly long, framing expressive eyes that held a history of shared laughter and secrets. The baby fat in your cheeks had disappeared after the braces, leaving behind a more defined and mature look. He also noticed how pink and soft your lips appeared.

The realisation hit him like a wave—have you always looked this pretty? The question lingered in his mind, surprising even himself with the depth of observation he was suddenly making. It wasn't that he hadn't considered your attractiveness before, but in this moment, with the proximity and the shared history, it became more pronounced.

Finished with the last button, you stepped back, offering a casual comment, "There. All set."

Your best friend, however, remained silent for a moment, his thoughts still lingering on the newfound awareness of your features. The atmosphere in the room had shifted, unspoken sentiments hanging between you two.

Standing at his doorstep, Hyunjin, ready to go on his date with Lia, smiled down at you, "Thank you for your time and effort," You shook your head, "No worries, good luck and have fun." But as you turned to leave, a peculiar sense of unease settled in him; it didn't feel right watching you go by yourself.

Before you could take more than a few steps, you were surprised to find him beside you, matching your pace, "What are you doing? You'll be late if you don't go now."

He shrugged, unable to fully grasp his own actions but feeling the need to do this, "It's fine, Lia can wait a bit. I'll walk you home. You came all this way to help me. It's the least I could do."

Your heart skipped a beat at that gesture. For the first time since Lia entered your lives, he was putting you first, prioritising you over her. But the conflicting emotions only intensified; it wasn't making things any easier for you.

Reaching your home, you shooed him with a teasing smile, "Alright, I'm home safe. Now, hurry and go get your dream girl."

He smiled back but didn't move from his spot. You shook your head and playfully pushed him, "Go, you idiot. What are you—"

Suddenly, he pulled you into his arms for a hug, his lips close to your ear, "She may be my dream girl right now, but you'll always be my number one."

Your breath hitched at those unexpected words. Before you could react, he pulled away and ran off, leaving you standing there, a mix of confusion and warmth swirling within.

Stop doing this to me, Hwang Hyunjin.

The restaurant was adorned with soft lights and a pleasant ambience, the perfect setting for a romantic evening.

But Hyunjin was struggling to enjoy his first date with Lia as much as he had anticipated. Despite having dreamed of dating her for so long, his mind seemed to be preoccupied with thoughts that he couldn't fully understand.

As Lia spoke, sharing stories and laughter, he felt a subtle distraction, his mind involuntarily drifting back to you. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and he found himself unknowingly comparing his date to you. Of course, Lia was undeniably beautiful, a fact that anyone with functioning eyes could see. But she just wasn't... you? He didn't know about anyone else, but to him, you were prettier.

Realising the direction of his thoughts, Hyunjin mentally slapped himself for disrespecting Lia in such a way. Determined to salvage the date, he forced himself to focus on what she was saying, pushing away the distracting comparisons.

However, as the evening unfolded, he couldn't shake off the subtle feeling that the date wasn't going as well as he'd expected. He blamed himself for the disconnect, fully aware that he was the one responsible for the disarray of his own emotions.

Attempting to be present in the moment, he engaged in conversation, trying to enjoy the company of the girl he had dreamt of for so long. But the shadow of conflicting thoughts persisted, casting a pall over what should have been a joyful and momentous occasion.

As the night progressed, Hyunjin found himself immersed in a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. Despite his efforts to be present on his dream date with Lia, a growing sense of unease crept in. The realisation dawned on him like a quiet storm—he wasn't being entirely honest with her, and perhaps, more importantly, he wasn't being true to himself.

The version of himself that Lia had come to like was a meticulously crafted persona, tailored to fit her preferences. They engaged in activities she enjoyed, ate food she liked, and talked about subjects that captivated her. He even dressed in a way that he believed appealed to her tastes. In the process, he wondered if Lia liked him for who he truly was or merely for the version of himself he had presented to win her over.

If he were to be himself, would Lia have liked him at all? The sincerity of their interactions seemed to be overshadowed by the facade he constructed. It made him question the authenticity of their connection.

Aside from that, a more profound doubt surfaced—he questioned whether he genuinely liked Lia for who she was or if he was just infatuated with the idea of her. Was he captivated by the fantasy he created in his mind, rather than the reality of the person sitting across from him?

That night, the weight of the evening's revelations lingered as he collapsed onto his bed after sending Lia home.

Sighing heavily, he thought about the missed opportunity. He hadn't kissed her goodbye like he used to imagine. Instead, all he managed was a simple 'goodnight, see you at school next week' before leaving her doorstep. It wasn't the romantic farewell he envisioned, but the weight of his internal conflicts restrained him.

In the solitude of his room, he decided that it was time for a change. He acknowledged that the version of himself he'd presented to Lia wasn't sustainable, nor was it fair to either of them. With a newfound resolve, he made a decision—he would give her another chance, but this time, he wanted to be genuine, to be himself.

Perhaps, if he allowed Lia to see the real him, and if he took the time to genuinely understand her, there might be a chance for something more authentic to blossom between them.

With this resolve in mind, Hyunjin closed his eyes, attempting to push all thoughts of you out of his mind. You were his best friend, and he had to remind himself of that fact. As sleep claimed him, he envisioned a future where the real him and the real Lia could find common ground, unburdened by the illusions that initially clouded their connection.

The following week at school, you and Felix were surprised by Hyunjin's demeanour. He didn't exhibit the expected excitement that typically followed a successful first date. Instead, he seemed to have reverted to his previous self, the Hyunjin you knew before the Lia obsession took centre stage.

Your surprise was evident when, out of the blue, Hyunjin began walking you to class again. His laughter rang out as he snickered at the puzzled expression on your face, and without warning, he playfully ruffled your hair, "Stop looking at me like that." He teased.

In response, you whined and swatted his hand away, "Not the hair, you jerk!"

His laughter continued, a sound you've missed, and he couldn't hide his happiness at seeing this side of you again. Deep down, he knew he pushed you away with his previous behaviour. Slipping an arm around your shoulder, he spoke, "Look, I'm sorry for the way I behaved previously. I know you must've been hurt. I promise to make it up to you."

Before you could inquire about the details of his date with Lia and the sudden change in his attitude, you arrived at your class. He squeezed your shoulder reassuringly before leaving, "See you at lunch."

You nodded, still slightly confused but undeniably happy. Maybe the date didn't go as well as he'd hoped? The possibility filled you with hope, and you couldn't shake the optimism that bubbled within. You found yourself looking forward to lunchtime, eager to uncover the mysteries behind his change of heart.

The lunchtime rendezvous brought an air of anticipation as the three of you gathered at your usual spot. Despite Hyunjin's seemingly improved attitude, a sense of unease lingered in the air.

As you exchanged casual banter, he finally broached the subject, "Guys, there's something I want to talk to you about." His tone carried a weight that immediately caught your attention.

"I've been thinking," Hyunjin continued, his gaze shifting between you and Felix, "About Lia. I want to take a different approach with her. I've decided to be myself, the real me, around her. I want her to like me for who I truly am."

Your heart sank at his words, a sinking feeling of déjà vu washing over you. The hope that had briefly ignited was swiftly extinguished. It became clear that Hyunjin's newfound determination was geared toward pursuing a more genuine connection with Lia. While on the surface, it seemed like a positive step, the implications were disheartening.

Felix, however, expressed his support, "That's a great decision, Jinnie. Be yourself, and if she likes you for who you are, that's even better."

While Felix's words were encouraging, his eyes betrayed a different sentiment. They shifted to you, a subtle expression of concern. He understood the implications of Hyunjin's decision, knowing how you probably felt at that moment.

Another week passed, and Hyunjin, beaming with pride, announced to you and Felix that he was going on a second date with Lia. While you feigned happiness for him, Felix saw through the facade. The strain of suppressing your true feelings became apparent, and Felix, unable to watch you suffer in silence, decided it was time to intervene.

On the night of Hyunjin's second date, Felix took it upon himself to keep you company and distract you from your thoughts. Together, you baked brownies and indulged in a fun movie night. As the credits rolled on the screen and the room dimmed, he turned to see you staring numbly ahead, clearly lost in your own thoughts.

Sighing, he reached across and placed his hands over yours, "Talk to me, please. I want to be there for you. Why do you keep doing this to yourself? What are you trying so hard to prove, hm?"

The concerned look in your best friend's eyes finally broke through the walls you'd built around your emotions. With a heavy exhale, you crumbled, unable to hold back the feelings that had been festering within.

"It's just... I don't understand why I'm doing this to myself," You admitted, "I keep pretending to be okay, to be happy for him, but every time he talks about Lia, it just hurts. I don't know why I'm trying so hard to prove something. Maybe I'm just scared of losing him, of things changing between us."

Felix listened attentively, his grip on your hands offering both support and reassurance, "You don't have to go through this alone, you know?" He said softly, "It's okay to feel the way you do, and it's okay to talk about it."

With those words, the floodgates opened, and you poured out the conflicting emotions that had been plaguing you, "You were right... I guess I do have feelings for him."

Felix listened with a soft, understanding smile, his eyes reflecting a sense of calm assurance. He wasn't at all surprised by the revelation, having sensed the undercurrents of your emotions for some time.

"I don't even know when it started or why I feel this way," You confessed, your voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and vulnerability, "Hyunjin has been my best friend for as long as I can remember, and suddenly everything feels so complicated."

Felix squeezed your hand, "It's okay, you know. Feelings can be messy, and they don't always follow a logical timeline. What matters is that you're opening up about it now. You don't have to do this alone, and I'm here for you, no matter what."

He smiled softly, a reassuring warmth in his gaze. Felix didn't have all the answers, and he knew that unravelling the complexities of emotions wasn't a straightforward task. But he was determined to be the support you needed, offering a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and a friend who understood.

Meanwhile, on his date with Lia, Hyunjin couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off.

Lia was a nice girl, but as the evening went on, he began to realise that she might not be exactly his type at all. It wasn't something he consciously thought about before, but as he spent time with her, he couldn't help comparing her to you again.

You, with your unladylike antics that he always teased you about but secretly cherished. Lia, in contrast, seemed different, and the more he pondered on it, the more he realised that different wasn't necessarily what he was looking for. He missed the easy banter and shared interests he had with you and Felix.

During their conversation, he noticed how Lia appeared bored or uninterested whenever he brought up stories about you and Felix. It struck him that, unlike your friendship, their discussions seemed one-sided, revolving mostly around Lia and her interests.

As she excused herself to the bathroom, he took the opportunity to check his phone.

Scrolling through Instagram, he stumbled upon Felix's story. The images and captions painted a vivid picture of a cosy evening filled with laughter—something he found himself envious of. At that moment, he realised that he wanted to be there with you.

As Lia returned from the bathroom, he felt that something was missing, and for the first time, he questioned whether pursuing a relationship with her was the right path for him.

Determined to move on from your feelings for Hyunjin, you decided to refocus on the things that once brought you joy – your love for gaming. Despite Hyunjin's announcement of giving up on Lia, a part of you understood that he was and would always be nothing more than your best friend.

Regardless of how things worked out with Lia, your feelings for Hyunjin would remain unrequited.

Returning to the library's gaming section, you immersed yourself in the digital worlds that always provided comfort. It was there that you met Seungmin, a fellow gamer who shared your passion for virtual adventures. The two of you quickly bonded over your favourite games, strategies, and the thrill of defeating virtual foes together.

Felix noticed the positive change in your demeanour and was relieved to see you returning to your usual self again. The laughter and excitement you shared with Seungmin during gaming sessions became a refreshing break from the emotional complexities that had weighed on you.

However, Hyunjin struggled to come to terms with the shift. Every mention of Seungmin stirred an unsettling feeling within him. He found it hard to reconcile the fact that you were forming a connection with someone else, and it left him grappling with emotions he hadn't anticipated.

Despite the internal turmoil, he understood that your happiness was most important. He tried to be supportive, but the subtle twinge of discomfort lingered whenever Seungmin's name came up.

After school, you excitedly ran up to Hyunjin and Felix, who were waiting for you by the school gates, "Hey, losers, sorry I can't walk home with you guys today. Go on without me; I'll see y'all tomorrow!"

Before you could dash off, Hyunjin's brows furrowed, and he reached for your wrist. Twisting you around, the moment felt like déjà vu from the day you helped him with his outfit. Both your eyes widened at the sudden proximity, and Felix cleared his throat awkwardly, looking away.

Hyunjin blinked rapidly before sputtering, "Wh-where do you think you're going, young lady? Your parents will be worried if you don't go home now."

You pulled away from him, rolling your eyes to feign nonchalance, "Jinnie, please. Do you think I'm you? My parents already know I'll be out after school today," Felix chortled to help lighten the atmosphere, "Hate to admit it, but she's right, bro."

Hyunjin scoffed, "Well, I'm just worried. You know how clumsy you can get," Before you could respond, Seungmin called your name from behind, and you beamed, "Don't worry, Seungmin will take care of me." He didn't like the sound of that one bit.

Just as he tried to stop you from going to Seungmin, Felix grabbed his arm and shook his head.

"Let her go."

Hyunjin didn't understand why it felt like those three words held a deeper meaning. He watched as you joined Seungmin, the two of you walking away, laughter floating back towards them. Felix turned to Hyunjin, his expression unreadable.

Oh, how the tables have turned.

Hyunjin couldn't shake the unease that settled within him as he continued to watch your retreating figures. It was a feeling he couldn't quite define, and for the first time, he wondered if his worry for you went beyond the bounds of friendship.

As the two boys walked home, Hyunjin couldn't shake the lingering discomfort. The unease prompted him to turn to Felix, needing some clarity on the matter.

"Hey, what do you think about Seungmin?" Hyunjin asked, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Felix smiled knowingly, understanding the source of the inquiry, "Seungmin? He's a good guy. He's not just a gamer; he's dedicated to his studies too. I've noticed he's had a positive influence on our bestie, encouraging her to study harder as well."

Hyunjin nodded, absorbing Felix's words. He tried to accept his friend's reasoning and rationalise the situation for himself. Why was he feeling so unhappy about this anyway? Felix seemed just fine with your new friendship and even supportive of it.

Perhaps he should learn to be the same.

"Yeah, you're right," Hyunjin replied, forcing a smile, "I guess it's good that she's found someone who gets her interest."

Felix clapped him on the back, "Exactly! Seungmin seems like a genuine guy. Let's just be happy for her."

Hyunjin nodded again, attempting to bury the unease and be supportive like Felix. But deep down, a part of him couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing something, something intangible yet significant, and the journey to fully understand those emotions had just begun.

Meanwhile, you made a conscious effort to push aside the thoughts and emotions stirred up by the encounter with Hyunjin.

As you walked alongside Seungmin, chatting about the latest game releases, you couldn't escape the replay of the moment when Hyunjin grabbed your wrist. Your heart still raced as you wondered about the desperation in his eyes.

Could he be... jealous?

Did he feel the same way about you, or was it just a reaction to your attention being diverted from him and Felix? Rationalising, you convinced yourself that it was probably the latter. After all, Hwang Hyunjin, the charismatic and charming friend, couldn't possibly reciprocate your feelings. It was safer to assume that he wasn't used to your attention being on someone other than him and Felix.

You couldn't shake off the feeling that you needed to save yourself from further misery. The idea of Hyunjin shifting his focus to another girl loomed in your mind. Sure, the Lia phase was over, but he could very well set his eyes on someone new at any time.

Perhaps it was time to guard your heart, to protect yourself from potential heartache. Resolute in your decision, you pushed aside the uncertainty and focused on Seungmin, someone who seemed genuinely interested in you for who you were.

Despite your best efforts, you found your mind involuntarily comparing Seungmin to Hyunjin, and you mentally scolded yourself for these incessant thoughts.

Urging yourself to stop these comparisons, you recognised that if your feelings for Hyunjin weren't clouding your judgment, you might have fallen for Seungmin instantly. He was everything you could want in a guy – your dream guy, to be precise.

Seungmin shared the same interests, hobbies, and principles as you did. He was attentive, considerate, and almost perfect for you. Although he might not have been conventionally the ideal type for most, he fits your ideal perfectly. So close to perfection, if only he was... Hwang Hyunjin.

You snapped out of your thoughts when Seungmin called your name, informing you that he would be back in a bit as he went to collect your food order. You softened at his gentlemanly gesture, realising that you were being unfair to him by comparing him to Hyunjin. Seungmin was his own person, and you were determined to appreciate and like him for who he truly was.

The realisation hit you hard, and you resolved to give Seungmin the attention and consideration he deserved. After all, he had done nothing but show kindness and genuine interest in you.

Seungmin walked you home that evening after a day filled with fun and laughter. Arriving at your doorstep, you turned to him in gratitude, "Thank you so much for walking me home. Gosh, you really didn't have to. It'll be late by the time you get home."

He grinned, teasing, "Aww, are you worrying about me?"

You scoffed, "What if I am? It can be dangerous to be out late alone."

Unable to resist, he wrapped you in a hug. You stilled for a moment before lifting your hands to hold onto him, "You have no idea how happy I am that you care this much about me." He admitted, and you couldn't suppress your smile at his words.

"Of course, I care about you, Kim Seungmin. What kind of friend would I be not to?" You replied as he pulled away, a genuine warmth in your words.

He seemed to contemplate something before gathering the courage to ask, "H-hey, I was wondering... are you free this Saturday?"

Just as you were about to answer, a new voice interrupted you both, "No, she's not. She has plans with me, sorry." said Hyunjin, standing nearby and staring coldly at Seungmin. The unexpected interruption caught you off guard.

You glared at Hyunjin, annoyed by his sudden intrusion, "What? No, I don't." You retorted, not appreciating his assumption.

Hyunjin seemed hurt by your swift rejection, but trying to save his pride, he added, "Yes, you do. Felix got us tickets to see the latest Marvel superhero movie."

Furrowing your brows, you couldn't recall Felix mentioning any of these plans, "He did?" You questioned, feeling a bit perplexed.

Seungmin, aware that Hyunjin was your close friend, decided to be the bigger person, "That's alright, perhaps another time. I have to get home anyway. I'll see you at school." He said diplomatically, not wanting to leave a bad impression.

You nodded quickly, feeling bad about Hyunjin's borderline rude behaviour, "Text me when you get home, yeah?"

"I will." He beamed and patted your head affectionately before walking away. Hyunjin fumed from his corner, observing you watching Seungmin leave until he was out of sight. The tension lingered, leaving you with a mix of frustration and confusion as you turned your attention back to Hyunjin.

"Dude, what the hell was that?!"

Hyunjin rolled his eyes in annoyance, "What? Are you so upset that you don't get to go out with your little boyfriend again?" He retorted with a dismissive tone.

You narrowed your eyes at his sudden attitude, "Seungmin's not my—" You paused and took a deep breath, not wanting to entertain his childish behaviour, "What are you even doing here in the first place, Hyunjin? Did Felix really get us movie tickets this weekend?"

He gulped and looked away, unable to meet your eyes. That answered your question; he lied about the tickets. You sighed, growing tired of the drama, "I don't have time for this. If you won't talk, then I'm leaving."

Turning to enter your house, he quickly grabbed your wrist.

No, not again.

You distanced yourself before he could pull you close to him, determined to protect your heart.

But he couldn't hold back any longer. Frowning at the distance you deliberately put between you two, he exploded, "I've had it, alright? What's gotten into you all of a sudden? Seungmin this, Seungmin that! I'm sick of hearing about him! Do you even care about me and Felix anymore?"

You laughed humourlessly at those words, tears welling up in your eyes, "So, now you know how it feels, huh?"

He froze at that, realising the hypocrisy of his actions.

Wiping your tears harshly with your sleeves, you continued, "How selfish can you be, Hwang Hyunjin? I kept quiet and supported you while you obsessed over Lia, even when you pushed me aside. And now that I've found someone I like, you can't accept it?"

He gulped and lowered his head in shame.

"So it's alright if you do it, but when I do it, it's outrageous and unacceptable, huh? I see how it is."

Not wanting to hear another word from him, you stalked into your home and slammed the door shut, leaving him outside, confronted by the consequences of his actions.

The following day at school, you refused to speak to Hyunjin. When he attempted to chase after you and confront you, Felix stopped him with a serious expression that revealed he knew more than he let on. Stepping aside, the two of them finally decided to address the elephant in the room.

Felix began with a sigh, "She told me what happened last night."

Hyunjin avoided his friend's eye contact, feeling a deep sense of shame. This was a repeat of what happened with you before, but now it was Hyunjin's turn to feel the weight of his actions. Felix deduced that Hyunjin must have returned your feelings, seeing his reaction to Seungmin's appearance in your life.

"You know, it hurt her more than anyone for you to say those things to her," Felix explained, his tone serious, "It's extremely unfair to her. How you felt seeing her with Seungmin, was what she went through when you had Lia. But she kept it all in and suffered alone. She didn't even confide in me. I had to beg her to lean on me, seeing how much it affected her."

Hyunjin felt an overwhelming wave of guilt with this revelation. He had guessed that you'd be hurt, but he didn't fully understand the extent of it until he experienced it himself. He neglected you even more than he realised.

Goddamnit, I'm a horrible friend.

Felix, tired of all the charades, wanted his best friend to wake up to his own feelings. Firmly, he began, "Hyunjin, I want you to think carefully about this."

Hyunjin looked up at Felix's determined gaze, anticipating what he was about to say.

"Do you think that perhaps the reason you're this upset is because you have feelings for her?" Felix asked pointedly.

Hyunjin froze. The thought constantly lingered in the back of his mind, but he always refused to acknowledge it, let alone voice it out loud. It felt like it wasn't supposed to happen. After all, he had known you since you were all in diapers; you'd grown up side by side. How could it be possible that all of a sudden, he would be seeing you in a different light?

With Felix asking this question, Hyunjin knew the feelings must have been there for his friend to see through in the first place.

That would explain why he had been so unhappy to see you with Seungmin, especially when Felix seemed less than bothered by it. The realisation hit him like a ton of bricks, and he felt a mixture of confusion, denial, and a hint of something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

Felix placed a hand on Hyunjin's shoulder, "I know it sounds crazy, but deep down, I trust you know the answer better than anyone else. Just... take your time and figure it out before deciding how you want to approach her. Whatever happens, I'm here for you, alright buddy?"

Hyunjin nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Felix." The weight of the realisation hung heavy in the air, and he couldn't deny that he needed to confront his feelings, as confusing and unexpected as they were.

As Felix walked away, Hyunjin took a deep breath, grappling with the newfound awareness that his emotions for you might be more complicated than he ever imagined.

During lunch, you decided to be the bigger person and chose not to ignore Hyunjin any longer. Instead, you opted to act like nothing had happened. You didn't want any confrontation and wished only to move on from the drama. Thankfully, Hyunjin didn't pester you, especially with Felix sending him warning looks.

As you sat down, you engaged in casual conversation with both of them, discussing topics that steered clear of any emotional tension.

Hyunjin found relief in the momentary peace.

He realised that this was for the best, a chance for him to figure out his own feelings for you without the weight of recent events clouding his judgment. The lunch table, which had once been a source of joy and comfort, now felt like a battleground of unspoken emotions. He couldn't shake off the guilt, but he was determined to navigate through the complexities of his feelings.

Little did he know, you were also fighting with your emotions, doing your best to maintain a facade of normalcy for the sake of the friendship you cherished.

That weekend, Felix decided to make a genuine effort to lighten the atmosphere within your friend group. He went and bought movie tickets for real this time, hoping that this outing could serve as a reset button for all of you, despite the underlying emotional tension between you and Hyunjin.

As you approached the two of them, your usual cheerful self, Hyunjin fought to keep his heart still. You weren't necessarily dressed up for the occasion, but in his heightened awareness of his feelings for you, he couldn't deny that you looked beautiful to him no matter what you wore. He tried to pull himself together as you threw your arms over both their necks in a group hug.

He instinctively reached his hand over your back, holding you against him. At that moment, he closed his eyes, savouring the feeling of having you close. The warmth of your embrace and the subtle scent of your familiar perfume made it difficult for him to ignore the growing realisation that his feelings for you were deeper than he had ever acknowledged.

The movie outing, intended to bring back the carefree dynamic of your friendship, unknowingly became a pivotal moment in Hyunjin's self-discovery.

Felix observed you two knowingly, shaking his head at how oblivious you were to each other's feelings. While you attempted to maintain a distance, Hyunjin made every effort to close the gap, taking a step closer every chance he got. Despite your attempts to push him away, Felix could tell that it was becoming increasingly difficult for you to deny your own heart's desires.

Throughout the entire day, Hyunjin took care of you in every possible way. He offered to buy you whatever you wanted, handed you his jacket when the cinema hall got too cold, and even accompanied you to the washroom during the long movie.

You stared at him incredulously when he followed after you, whispering, "Jinnie, what are you doing? I'm fine going alone; I know where the washroom is."

He shushed you and gently pushed you out of the hall, saying, "I won't forgive myself if anything happens to you. Just let me do this."

Despite the flutter in your heart, you rolled your eyes and relented, "Ugh, fine. Don't blame me when you miss what happens in the movie later."

One of the cleaner ladies witnessing your banter chuckled, "Young lady, you have a wonderful boyfriend. You should let him take care of you if he wants to, not all men are like that nowadays."

Choking on your spit, you waved your hands at her, "N-no! You've got it all wrong, he's not my—"

Squishing your cheeks to disrupt your attempt to clarify, Hyunjin smiled politely at her before grinning mischievously down at you, "Listen to the kind lady, my love. She's right."

Once the lady was out of sight, you slapped his hand away with a glare, "You do that again, Hwang Hyunjin, and I'll kick you where the sun doesn't shine."

He burst out laughing at the threat, and you struggled to suppress the smile forming on your face as you entered the washroom.

The outing continued, and Felix marvelled at how Hyunjin's actions were a silent testament to his growing feelings for you. It was as if he had unconsciously shifted into a more protective and caring mode. Felix exchanged glances with Hyunjin when you weren't looking, silently urging him to confront his emotions.

Hyunjin's attempts to get closer to you were evident. He lingered beside you during breaks, shared his snacks, and even stole a glance or two when he thought you weren't looking. Felix hoped that this could be the turning point for both of you.

By the end of the day, as you bid farewell, Hyunjin's eyes held a certain warmth that hadn't been there before. Felix smiled knowingly, hopeful that the walls both of you had built around your hearts might finally start to crumble.

The two boys walked you home that evening. Upon arriving at your doorstep, you turned to bid them goodbye, "Thanks, Lix, for the movie, and thanks, Jinnie, for the snacks. I had a good time with you losers." You said with a playful smile.

Felix laughed, giving you a warm hug, "You're welcome, idiot."

Hyunjin, not one to be outdone, waited for his turn. As his arms enveloped you, your face pressed against his shoulder, you hoped he couldn't hear the frantic beating of your heart. Little did you know, his own heart was racing just as fast. Squeezing you in his arms, he pressed a subtle kiss onto your head and whispered, "Anytime, cutie."

You blinked rapidly, feeling a sudden warmth spread through you. Felix cleared his throat, and Hyunjin reluctantly let you go. You smiled and waved at the two of them, "Alrighty then, I'll see you both at school."

Waving back, they turned to leave. Unbeknownst to Hyunjin, Felix caught him muttering a quiet, "Can't wait."

A week had passed and Hyunjin was just glad you no longer brought up Seungmin again, perhaps you've drifted apart from the boy? Whatever it was, he was just happy to not hear that name again.

Ah yes, things are finally returning to normal.

Or so he thought.

The cafeteria bustled with students, the usual hum of conversation filling the air as the three of you settled into your regular lunch spot. Hyunjin's eyes sparkled with excitement as he leaned forward, suggesting an idea for the upcoming weekend.

"Hey, let's do something fun this Saturday! I heard there's this new arcade opened—"

Before he could finish, your sheepish smile and the gentle rub on your neck halted him, "Sorry, I won't be able to make it. You guys can go ahead without me though."

Hyunjin furrowed his brows, "What? Why not?"

You sighed, conflicted about sharing the information but recognising the necessity, "I'm... going on my first date with Seungmin."

His cheerful expression faltered, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and disappointment, "Seungmin? You're still seeing him?"

You nodded hesitantly, your gaze shifting away, "Yeah, we've been hanging out quite a bit lately, and he finally asked me out. I didn't want to bring it up, but since you asked..."

The atmosphere grew tense, and Felix, who was listening to the conversation, threw a concerned look at his friend. Hyunjin tried to put on a brave face, forcing a smile, "Oh, that's... that's great. I hope you have fun."

Felix intervened, sensing the underlying tension, "Well, we can reschedule our plans. No big deal."

You offered an apologetic smile, "Thanks, Lix. I really appreciate it."

Hyunjin forced a smile, trying to mask the discomfort he felt, "Yeah, go have a good time."

His gaze lingered longingly on your retreating figure as you left lunch early that day. The once-clear path of friendship now seemed muddled, and the excitement for the weekend plans felt overshadowed by heartache.

The streetlights cast elongated shadows on the sidewalk as Hyunjin walked home, his steps heavy with self-pity. His gaze was fixed on his phone screen, flipping through your Instagram stories with Seungmin. Felix, catching up to his despondent friend, slung an arm over Hyunjin's shoulder.

"Dude, why didn't you wait for me?" Felix asked, noticing Hyunjin's distraction.

Hyunjin didn't respond, lost in his thoughts. Felix glanced over and sighed when he saw your stories playing on Hyunjin's phone. Swiftly, he snatched the device out of his friend's hands.

"That's enough. Will you keep wasting away while the girl you like is out there with another guy? Aren't you going to do something about your feelings?" Felix's words were firm, a mix of concern and frustration.

Hyunjin, taking his phone back, continued trudging home, "What can I do, Lix? All she sees is Seungmin. It doesn't matter how I feel."

Without warning, Felix smacked him on the back of the head. Hyunjin froze, rubbing the back of his head as Felix continued walking.

"Is that what you think? So you're upset with her seeing Seungmin because you have feelings for her. You do realise she felt the same way seeing you with Lia, right? So, what does that tell you?" With those words hanging in the air, Felix left Hyunjin standing there, the pieces slowly falling into place in his mind.

Wait, does that mean she feels the same?

The soft chime of incoming messages interrupted your preparations for the date with Seungmin. You checked your phone to find a series of texts from Hyunjin, desperation evident in his words. He insisted that he needed to meet you urgently, that there was something important he needed to discuss.

Sighing, you considered ignoring him, determined to focus on your evening with Seungmin. But the messages continued to flood in, Hyunjin's pleas echoing through your phone. You were tired of the emotional rollercoaster, the constant back and forth.

Just as you were about to throw your phone aside, a few more texts flashed across the screen. Hyunjin persisted, wanting to talk to you, to meet with you, 'Please don't go to him.' Frustration welled up in you, but you maintained your resolve.

With a firmness that surprised even yourself, you replied, 'Enough, Hyunjin. I'm going on this date with Seungmin whether or not you like it. You're not stopping me this time.'

As you hit send, a text from Seungmin arrived, informing you that he had arrived.

Fixing your hair one last time, you took a deep breath and made a conscious decision to put thoughts of Hyunjin aside for the night. Tonight was about you and Seungmin, and you were determined to enjoy the evening without the interference of unresolved feelings.

Except it was harder than you think.

The cityscape sparkled with lights as you walked beside Seungmin. Despite the vibrant atmosphere and your date's engaging company, every corner of the city seemed to whisper memories of Hyunjin. You couldn't escape the nostalgia that flooded your mind, remembering the countless times you and your childhood friend had roamed these familiar streets together throughout the years.

It became a bitter realisation that, no matter how much you tried to focus on Seungmin, your mind wandered back to your best friend. The restaurants you passed, the park you strolled through, every place held echoes of shared moments with Hyunjin.

To make matters worse, your phone vibrated incessantly with continuous messages from him. Despite your decision to ignore him, his texts continued to flood in, each one a reminder of his persistence. It tugged at your heartstrings, making it harder to immerse yourself in the date.

As the night progressed, you found yourself in a constant battle between the present and the past, between Seungmin and Hyunjin.

Just why are you doing this to me?

Letting out a tired sigh, you pushed your phone back into your pocket after seeing yet another text from you-know-who. You managed a convincing smile for your date, trying to push away the distraction of Hyunjin's persistent texts. But Seungmin's concern was evident as he placed a reassuring hand on your arm.

"Hey, everything alright?" He asked, his eyes reflecting genuine care. Your heart twinged with guilt for letting your emotions surface so easily. Nodding your head, you quickly regained your composure.

"Yep, all good. Ooh, let's go see that over there!" You pointed towards an intriguing stall, its shelves filled with peculiar items. You hoped the novelty would distract Seungmin—and, in turn, yourself—from the underlying tension of the night.

As you both explored the colourful array of trinkets and curiosities, you did your best to be present, banishing the persistent thoughts of a certain someone. Little did you know, Seungmin observed your efforts with concern, hoping to make the evening memorable for you.

Fingers intertwined with yours, he gently tugged you away from the crowd to a quieter corner by the beautiful Hangang River. The distant city lights reflected on the water's surface, casting a serene glow on both of you.

There, you stumbled upon a talented busker passionately pouring their heart into a soulful melody. Seungmin's eyes sparkled with delight as he guided you to a spot where you could enjoy the performance undisturbed.

In that moment, surrounded by the soothing music and the gentle night breeze, you smiled shyly. His presence felt warm and comforting, and for an instant, all you could see was him. He truly was a great guy, someone who could be the perfect boyfriend.

You could see it, see yourself being happy with him.

Until you couldn't.

The busker's next song struck a chord deep within you, a familiar melody that wrapped around your heart like a haunting echo from the past. It was your song, the one you and Hyunjin had dedicated to each other; it signified how much you meant to one another.

As the singer's voice carried the tune, memories of late-night talks, stolen glances, and the warmth of Hyunjin's presence flooded your mind. It was a bittersweet reminder of a connection that ran far deeper than you'd allowed yourself to acknowledge.

You knew you were hopeless when a voice you knew too well from behind you called out your name.

Hwang Hyunjin stood there, his eyes fixed on you with a mixture of emotions that mirrored your own inner turmoil. The shattered fragments of the future you envisioned with Seungmin lay scattered like a broken mirror, and there was no escaping the truth that had resurfaced with the haunting melody.

Turning to face him, you knew you were a lost cause the moment you laid your eyes on him. You had no control over how your heart instantly reacted to merely seeing him.

Seungmin's smile faltered, his grip on your hand loosening. The sudden shift didn't escape your notice, and when you looked up at him with tearful eyes, you found a bittersweet understanding in his gaze. His hand gently patted your head, a comforting gesture that carried an unspoken message.

"It's okay. Follow your heart, go to him," He said, his voice soft and understanding. His reassuring smile attempted to dispel any guilt you might feel, "Don't apologise, please. From the beginning, it was clear that your heart belonged to someone else. I knew that, and I just wanted to try my luck winning it over. But it's alright; I can tell this whole time, it's still with him."

His words lingered in the air, carrying both acceptance and a touch of melancholy. Hyunjin, who had been silently observing, began to view your date in a different light. Felix's insight had been right; Seungmin was a great guy.

Giving your hand a final, supportive squeeze, Seungmin nodded encouragingly at Hyunjin before walking off into the night.

The atmosphere around you seemed to shift, the distant sounds of the city melting away as Seungmin left you alone with Hyunjin and the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"Great, he's gone now. Are you happy?! What is it that's so freaking urgent that you had to ruin my date—"

Before you could process the mix of emotions, Hyunjin closed the distance between you. Your anger bubbled up at his apparent interruption, but he cut through your words with a revelation that shook you to your core.

"I'm in love with you, okay?!"

The confession hung in the air, and for a moment, the world stopped. You looked at him, your heart pounding, thoughts racing.

The truth that lingered beneath the surface had finally surfaced, leaving you both vulnerable and exposed. As the weight of his words settled in, you found yourself at a loss for how to respond.

Time seemed to come to a standstill.

You stood there, eyes wide, trembling, as the weight of his words sank in, "Wh-what?" You croaked, almost disbelieving. You feared your mind might be playing tricks on you.

Hyunjin softened, reaching gently for your hands, "I said, I'm in love with you. Always have been. It's... it's always been you. I should've known when I couldn't stop thinking about you even when I was with Lia. I'm sorry it took me this long to realise."

Your eyes rounded at the sincerity in his voice as he continued, "And I know that you feel exactly the same way I do."

You scoffed lightly at his confidence, "And how would you know that?"

He smiled, his gaze unwavering, "Tell me I'm wrong then. Tell me I've never once crossed your mind while you were with Seungmin."

You huffed in defeat, and he brought a hand up to cup your face, making you meet his gaze, "It has been painful watching you be with him, but I deserved it after making you watch and help me chase after Lia. I'm an idiot. I don't know how I've been so blind to my own feelings all this while."

You chuckled, placing your hand over his affectionately, "Believe it or not, I'm not much better. I didn't realise I loved you until Lia came around too."

His heart skipped a beat at your words, and he rested his forehead against yours, "Say that again."

You frowned, "Say what? That I'm no better than you?"

He laughed, "Not that. What you said after that."

You blinked slowly, "That I... love you?"

He nodded, biting his lip, "Again."

You blushed, murmuring, "I love you, you idiot."

His heart soared at that, "I love you too." Before you knew it, you were both leaning in, and your breath was taken away when you finally felt his lips pressed against yours. The world seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of you and the shared realisation of a love that had been there all along.

Hyunjin took you home, and the journey was a blur of stolen kisses, laughter, and the promise of a future that was now crystal clear. He kissed you dizzy at your doorstep, a sweet and lingering moment that left you breathless.

As you unlocked your front door, still feeling the warmth of his touch on your lips, you couldn't shake the need to address things with Seungmin. Despite the confusion of your emotions, you felt responsible for any unintentional hurt you might have caused.

Pulling out your phone, you composed a long text to Seungmin, expressing your sincerest apologies for leading him on, even when that wasn't your intention.

His reply came not long after, and you felt relief as you read his understanding words. Seungmin reassured you that he cherished the friendship you both had and was genuinely happy for you. You sighed, grateful that he handled it with such grace, and responded with a heartfelt thank you.

The weight on your shoulders lifted, knowing that at least one aspect of the situation was resolved amicably.

As the night settled in, you found yourself sitting by your window, a gentle breeze carrying the promise of a fresh start. Texts from Hyunjin lit up your screen, each message carrying a piece of the happiness that now coloured your world.

You smiled, realising that sometimes, the best things in life were the ones that took time to unfold.

The following week, you and Hyunjin walked into school hand in hand, a couple at last. The shift in your relationship wasn't much of a surprise to anyone. It has always been clear to most people that there was something slightly more between you; Hyunjin's protective nature and constant presence by your side made it obvious, that the love he had for you was different from Felix's platonic one.

The subtle hints that hung between you two over the years were now out in the open, and the school could finally witness the natural progression from best friends to something more.

Felix, stationed by his locker with an amused smirk, "Finally! I was this close to losing my patience waiting for you fools to realise you belonged together." His words carried a teasing tone, but there was genuine happiness in his eyes as he looked at the two of you.

Hyunjin chuckled, "Thanks, Lix. I won't lie, we probably wouldn't have been together yet if it weren't for you."

You nodded in agreement, "For real, you're the best," Grateful for the support and nudges from Felix, you jumped into his open arms, embracing him with genuine warmth. He grinned teasingly at your boyfriend as he hugged you back tightly, "I sure am."

Hyunjin, feigning jealousy, cleared his throat, "Alright, alright, that's enough! Hands off my girlfriend." He pulled you back into his arms, giving you a playful glare. You giggled, basking in the joy of finally being able to show your affection openly. The three of you shared a moment, knowing that this new chapter in your lives had been a long time coming.

The laughter-filled atmosphere at the lunch table spoke volumes about the comfort and happiness that had settled into your lives. With your boyfriend sitting by your side and your best friend across from you, the three of you enjoyed the moment.

Felix, ever the playful instigator, decided to bring up a memory, "Hey, remember when you said you had no interest in dating? Funny how things turned out, now look at you."

You scoffed, playfully rolling your eyes at his persistent teasing. Just as you were about to feed Hyunjin some of your kimchi fried rice, you paused midway, giving Felix a mock glare, "How many times have we been over this? Give it a rest, will you?"

Hyunjin whined at the interruption, and you turned to feed him with a coo, making him smile. Felix burst into laughter, thoroughly entertained, "Nope, I'll never let you live this down."

Your boyfriend swallowed the food in his mouth before throwing a tangerine at Felix, "Leave her alone and pick on someone your own size, Lee Yongbok."

Felix shook his head amusingly, catching the fruit in his hand, "Okay, okay, sheesh."

Amid the laughter and light banter, Felix suddenly shifted the mood, his expression turning serious, "Hey, on a serious note, you two. I just want you to know how genuinely happy I am for both of you. I wish you nothing but the best, and I hope you'll be together for a really long time. You both mean the world to me and your happiness is what matters most."

Hyunjin wrapped an arm around you and nodded, "I promise, Lix, I'll take care of her for as long as I'm capable of doing so."

Your eyes grew a bit wet at the sincerity of their words. Just as the moment was turning emotional, Felix, in his typical fashion, couldn't resist adding a touch of humour, "Oh, and by the way, if you have a kid, name them after me. Felix has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

You and Hyunjin stared at him, unamused, for a brief moment before bursting into laughter. Without missing a beat, you both reached over to give him a playful smack, "Dream on, Lix."

Deciding to go on a date after school, the two of you waved your best friend goodbye before skipping off in the opposite direction.

Swinging your intertwined hands, Hyunjin couldn't help but pout at the thought of your gaming plans with Seungmin over the weekend, "Can't you hang out with me instead of gaming with Seungmin, hm?" He asked, a playful whine in his voice.

You rolled your eyes, a teasing smile playing on your lips, "Jinnie, please, you're the one who told me the importance of maintaining our own lives outside of our relationship, right?"

He sputtered for a moment, caught off guard, "W-well, I mean, yeah, I did but—"

You shook your head, cutting off his protest with a gentle finger pressed against his lips, "No 'buts.' I'm playing with Seungmin, and you can't stop me."

Turning to continue walking, he tugged on your wrist and pulled you against him. With a gasp, you placed your hands on his chest to steady yourself, "Really? You'd rather play games with some other guy than do this with your own boyfriend?" He murmured, his tone a mix of playfulness and a hint of something more.

Before you could respond, he leaned in, kissing you with an intensity that caught you by surprise. Your knees buckled, and you would have fallen if it hadn't been for his strong hold on you. Your eyes fluttered closed almost instantly as you melted into the kiss, all thoughts of gaming and Seungmin fading away.

When he pulled away, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips, he gazed at your dazed state, "Tell me, is gaming better than this, hm?" He teased, his voice carrying a playful tone.

Lost in the trance of the moment, you shook your head, feeling his lips brush against yours before he kissed you again. The sensation was electrifying, but if Hyunjin thought he had won you over with that, he was severely mistaken.

Because when the weekend came around, and you were immersed in your gaming session with Seungmin, no amount of kisses from Hyunjin could distract you from the digital world you were exploring. As much as you loved the moments with your boyfriend, your passion for gaming was a part of who you were, and it was a promise you intended to keep.

But you did let him come over while you game.

Hyunjin pouted as he watched you talk excitedly into the mic on your headset, your enthusiasm evident in every word you spoke to Seungmin. Despite his initial playful complaints about being abandoned for games, he couldn't fight the smile that grew on his face.

As you laughed and strategised with Seungmin, Hyunjin appreciated how genuinely happy you were in these moments. He understood that your passion for gaming was a significant part of who you were, and he respected that.

Seated beside you, he immersed himself in his own world of sketches and drawings. The atmosphere was filled with the sound of your laughter and the clicking of his pencil against the paper. He was content, knowing that you were both doing things you loved, even if they were very different. Being by your side was all that mattered to him. And as he glanced at you with a soft smile, he thought, maybe, opposites do attract after all.

He couldn't resist leaning over to plant a kiss on your head as you played. You winked at him in response, making him laugh.

When the long match finally ended in your favour, you jumped up, arms thrown around his neck in triumph, "We won, Jinnie!" You exclaimed, and he cheered alongside you, savouring the victory.

As you celebrated, Hyunjin sneakily wrapped his arms around you and whispered, "Should I reward you for doing such a good job?" A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes.

You gasped, slapping a hand over his mouth when you heard a loud groan through your headset. Seungmin's voice echoed, and you realised he could still hear you with the mic unmuted, "Ew, I really didn't need to hear that. My day's completely ruined now, thanks."

"Shut up, Seungmin. You've been hogging my girlfriend all day. Can I have her back already?" Hyunjin scolded, and your face turned a shade of red.

Seungmin laughed good-naturedly, "Fine, she's all yours."

Hyunjin grinned in victory as you ended the call with Seungmin, and he wasted no time pulling you back into his arms as soon as you logged out of the game.

"Damn right, she is. All mine."

I'll be honest, this slightly strayed from the initial direction that I was gonna go for, but I'm happy with how it ended.

Thank you for reading and let me know your thoughts! <3

All Rights Reserved © edenesth // DO NOT REPOST, TRANSLATE, PLAGIARISE OR REPURPOSE.

[itsonlydana]

"passenger princess" | chapter one

the hobbit | a modern!AU by itsonlydana

❱ pairing: Thranduil x fem!reader

❱ wordcount: 2,9k

❱ summary: the chaotic mess of playing monopoly drunk with your best friends

❱ warnings: alcohol

❱ an: the first chapter.. excited for you to read this! This has been heavily edited from my ao3 post soo have fun <3

general m.list + series m.list

🌿 reposts and comments are appreciated, they motivate me a lot - especially with longer projects <3

CHAPTER ONE: MONOPOLY

"Oh, would you look at that; you landed on my street. Again."

"What? No fucking way."

"Legolas"

"Gimli"

"Blondie, if I don't see my money in ten seconds I'm cutting your hair while you have your beauty sleep."

"No, you wouldn't dare!"

Across from Legolas, Gimli just flashed him a toothy grin, so wide and full of mischief, before leaning over the multitude of cards in front of him with a challenging tip of his head.

"Try me."

"Fine." Legolas drummed his fingers on the table, breaking the staring contest and waving it off like it had never bothered him. "Don't drag it out any further, Gimli, tell me what I owe you, and let me go my way."

For a moment Gimli pretended he had to look for them, but everyone at the table had noticed how his fingers had twitched for the green card as soon as Legolas had rolled the dice.

"You ended up on Oxford Street, which normally would've only cost you $26, but since I have not one, not two, but three houses, you now owe me a wonderful 900!"

And as in previous rounds, Legolas now quite unemotionally pulled two orange paper bills from his carefully sorted, rather tall, stack and received an already slightly worn 100 in exchange, which he accepted with a bitter grumble.

This exchange had happened so many times this evening that you now only rolled your eyes with a smile at the banter, sipping on your bottle of beer to avoid being drawn into the discussion in the first place.

The rivalry between Legolas and Gimli, playful in its purest form and with not an ounce of real bad blood, had become a permanent part of your life after you befriended the two of them.

Although it had slightly thrown you off at first how they went from harmless conversation to competition in seconds, you couldn't imagine your life without it.

In such a fast-paced modern world as this, you sometimes found it hard to hold on to friendships and avoid losing your grip in the swift whirl of time; in the case of many friendships that were strong at the time, you couldn't even remember if there had been a real goodbye, or if they had simply... disappeared - left behind or run ahead, who knew?

With Legolas and Gimli, however, it was different.

You met both of them on the first day of college, had run into both of them, literally, when you tried to get to your first class on time.

A class with a professor you'd only heard bad things about Visitor's Day. The hushed whispers of scared students, their eyes telling you more than what they actually dared to say on campus.

You were close to being punctual, wouldn't it have been for Legolas and Gimli. The duo stood in front of the closed lecture door, simply staring through the tiny window and looking like they would rather perish than actually open it.

Their looks of fear mirrored yours and it was clear that all three of you had heard the stories of students getting their heads ripped of by Professor Sauron. That man had strong feelings about tardiness– and it was only your first day.

You of course rushed to apologize, babbling that you hadn't seen Gimli, and no, it wasn't because of his size but rather due to your lack of attention, and please could they stay on your side when you go into the hell of public humiliation?

By some wonder the Professor had his back turned to the auditorium to fill the blackboard with the required reading list, as you snuck along the stairs and miraculously dropped into the last three empty seats without getting caught.

And when you had breathed a sigh of relief, the brunette who sat on your right passed you the attendance list he had kept with him a little while longer, as if he had suspected that someone else would be late.

That's how you met Aragorn. The ruggedly handsome brunette added to your trio and was conveniently organized enough to lend you and Gimli a pen for the first week.

From day one, you formed an inseparable unit, whether on campus, in the numerous bars you frequented, or in the parks where you often spent your free time - rarely were any of you seen without the others and you would never hear the others utter one single bad word about the other.

You practically did everything together, from classes, many of which you shared – often to the annoyance of professors and fellow students due to the vibrant and occasionally noisy atmosphere you created– to lunches lounging under the campus's shady trees, with Aragorn reading poems from his literature class, and you occupied with braiding Gimli's long-grown beard while Legolas dozed in the longing stares of bypassers, gossiping and flirting.

On weekdays before exams, you either barricaded yourselves in your tiny dorm room, for it was the closest to the library, quizzing each other up and down the subjects, writing flashcards, most of which you wrote, to give to Legolas and Gimli afterward, and after exams, you forced your way into bar after bar, leaving your marks in benches and stools, squeezing into cramped photo booths in brightly lit clubs.

The first trimester passed swiftly, much like the initial semesters of the second, which you were presently struggling to handle.

It was the college life that everyone probably dreamed of, that every movie romanticized, and even you sometimes couldn't believe how perfect everything was.

Certainly, not every exam resulted in a perfect score and not every day was adorned with rose-colored glasses of happiness perched on your nose.

Yet, be it a poorly performed test, a date lacking sparks, or a random low point, your boys stood steadfastly by your side, offering unwavering support.

Today was no different.

The day had started with you waking to the sun and not your alarm clock and getting your ass handed by Professor Sauron.

It continued with some pretty demotivating feedback on an essay you'd worked many late nights by your Herbology Professor Baggins.

He did offer you a pat on the back that probably meant to cheer you up but felt condescending considering the amount of red ink staining the essay you'd crumbled in sweaty hands.

Adding that to Professor Sauron's embarrassment of you in front of the entire class sank your already low spirits to the basement.

Not even Aragorn's consoling hand, which remained steadfastly by your side throughout the day, guiding you from one class to the next, mumbling soft words and trying to cheer you up with soft kisses to your forehead, could lift you out of this emotional abyss.

How you survived that day was a mystery but after eight hours of you pouring out bad energy like radioactive waves, Legolas must've had enough of your moping and the grim expressions you fired at anyone who shouldered you in the hallway.

With a determined, "We're going to my place," the blonde had put his pep talk plan consisting of a trip to the liquor section of the supermarket and an order from the delivery guy into action.

It was this very plan that had gotten you into your current situation.

Slightly drunk at the kitchen table of the House of Oropherion.

A Monopoly board in front of your nose, around it several empty beer bottles. Pizza boxes scattered on the countertops and bags of all sorts of sweet stuff that Legolas had sweepingly pushed from the shelves into the shopping cart, blowing pink bubble gum bubbles.

The guy seriously had a snack-problem and a spending habit that surely made for a good intervention.

Within a few hours, you had turned the otherwise pristine and tidy kitchen into a battlefield that looked a lot like the one in your dorm.

Whereas the one in the dorm was used by twenty young women and many of their partners, and this one just by four.

Just as in the dorm, loud laughter echoed through the entire house, accompanied by your shared playlist.

Legolas had set it playing on the expensive stereo while preparing his snack bowl.

It was a chaotic mix, Legolas pop music, Gimlis folk metal and Aragorns indie rock while you sprinkled in a few classical songs or added whatever else was missing.

Quietly, you hummed along to the hottest chart song of this summer.

Your spirits had risen by now, thanks to your best friends, even if it did look like they were about to go for each other's throats over a denied exchange of a road.

"My Lady," Aragorn interrupted the rising argument between Legolas and Gimli and held out his hand with the dice to you, "Please stop this madness and continue the round so we can finish this eventually.. hopefully today"

Grinning, you accepted the dice, "I will do my best, my lord," while Gimli muttered into his beard, "Not my fault Barbie isn't giving me what's rightfully mine."

As expected, the idiots fell silent as soon as you gave the dice a quick shake in your closed hands and then tossed them across the table with a clatter.

Of course, in the face of eventual earnings, everyone immediately calculated where you would end up and who might rip off what little money was left in front of you.

Two threes.

And everyone groaned in annoyance.

Only you grinned as you dragged your silver dog figure across the Park Lane and Mayfair field decorated with a few of Legolas hotels, right over GO and landed on your own field.

Another round where you survived on the 200 notes from pulling over GO, anxious not to land on one of the hotel fields from the others.

Because, unlike the others, greedy little hoarders who acquired your properties, swindling you with meager donations, you possessed only the two modest brown streets, yielding little profit.

With each move of yours, the others hoped you would finally end up on one of their plots and finally be eliminated, but as if fate would have it, you seemed to be avoiding it just fine.

"And she lives another round," Aragorn raised his beer bottle in your direction and winked "Any bets on how many more you'll survive?"

You snorted as you shook the dice in your hand again. "You're not getting rid of me that fast."

The dice clattered across the board, two ones and loud rumbling from the boys, you moved to the community chest square laughing.

Reaching across the board, you grabbed the top card of the cards and dramatically pulled it up to your chest.

To your left, Legolas drummed his fingers impatiently on the table, and even though Aragorn has so far stayed away from the competition between Legolas and Gimli, he too now nodded his chin questioningly at the card.

At an almost agonizingly slow pace, you turned it over, keeping eye contact with your boys for a while, though, before looking down, skimming the printed text, and laughing out loud.

"What does it say?" Legolas inquired, trying to lean toward you, dark eyebrows raised questioningly.

"Geez, tell me it's a bad card."

"You can decide that for yourself, Gimli," chuckling, you held out your card in such a way that the three of them almost bumped heads, so fast were they bending to the center.

"You've got to be kidding me," Aragorn slumped back in his chair with a moan, and Gimli slammed his hands flat on his thighs, cursing a string of words that in their pure filthy form would make anyone else blush.

You were only spurred on by them, and laughter burst out of you, loud and full of glee.

"I'd like a hundred from each of you right now, it's my birthday after all," you smirked, holding out your hand.

Aragorn was the first to put a bill on it, and even Gimli, though he stressed that he would get it back before you ran out of laughter, handed over something from his well-guarded account.

"Laaas, what am I waiting for? A birthday song?" you asked.

Legolas raised a perfect eyebrow and slid you a bill looking so bored that you almost bought it, "You can wait a long time for a song."

"For the chance to hear your voice dedicate a song to me, I'd wait a thousand years," you sang, winking with a sugary smile on your lips.

"Or I'd just watch the recordings from last night's karaoke, I'd even get a love song from you as a gift," dramatically you grabbed your chest with both hands and threw your head back

"And wouldn't that be oh so romantic?"

"Please," he scoffed, "If I'd really tried you'd be on your knees in seconds. Babe, I have charm."

For a moment you manage to pulled yourself together, looking into Legolas' eyes, holding his challenging gaze from which you didn't know to interpret if he truly believed his statements himself.

Then you heard Gimli's dirty laugh.

The redhead hands hit the table so hard that several of the hotels flew in all directions, and with them your composure.

With a rather unfeminine snort, you threw yourself backward in your chair, your head craned back and your arms folded in front of your stomach; there was no saving you from the laughter that bubbled out of you like hot water on a stove.

"Your charm?" you gasped, trying to blink away the tears in your eyes.

Unsuccessfully, because when you saw Legolas stand up indignantly and toss his blond hair over his shoulder, the tears flew unstoppably down your cheeks.

Sure, you were aware of what a charming man Legolas could be; you were teasing, not blind.

It took nothing to perceive him for what he was, and that was a flawless beauty. That angelic face, long blond-gold hair flowing over his shoulder, and eyes ever so gentle, marked him a natural beauty and unfortunately, you couldn't deny that what came out of his mouth most of the time made most men and women's hearts swell.

You were friends with him, though, and the idea of being even remotely touched by his charm made you laugh beyond control.

And you heard all the bullshit the guy yapped about when there was no one around he wanted to impress.

"What?" Legolas asked, and in his voice, a challenge that, voiced by the beer, didn't bode well, "I don't want to sound too arrogant" –snickering from the three of you– "go fuck yourselves, I'm charming! I'm sure, oh I bet, that you would fall for it!"

And before you would have objected much, he took a big swig from his bottle and slid down from his chair.

Right in front of you.

Onto his knees.

It was the look of firm conviction in his eyes, the way he reached for your hand and gently held it like it was made of cracked glass against his chest, that made your laughter turn into a silly giggle.

Legolas, even though he was swaying a bit and his words were no longer flowing too loosely from his tongue, was a sight you wouldn't any time soon. "My darling friend, whose attention I do not deserve–"

"Now that's what I call true words," grunted Gimli, who had also leaned back in the meantime and received a punishing look from Legolas before the blond turned back to you.

"–whose attention I don't deserve and that yet has me blossoming, like the first flowers reaching out to the sun, for you are the light in my life. Everything that connects us tugs at my heart, it cries out for more and I'm afraid I can no longer remain silent about my feelings"

Ironically, at that very moment, he paused, seemed lost in thought and stroked the back of your hand with his thumb.

Not that it helped him really.

But you waited patiently nonetheless, letting Legolas continue to play the role of the poet.

He looked back at you from the far distance in which his gaze had become playfully entangled, and you saw the twitch of his lips, the sign of a cheeky grin he tried to keep down.

It didn't matter what words made him fight the grin, though, Legolas didn't get to say them.

Thanks to the music, which had faded into the background but still sounded through the sound system, as well as your group's silly fooling around and never-ending laughter, you hadn't heard the front door unlock, or the footsteps in the hallway.

It wasn't until an amused-sounding "Oh, am I interrupting?" rang out in a very familiar voice behind you that you became aware of the new presence in the room.

Immediately, the hairs on the back of your neck stood up, the deep voice rolling over your entire body like sweet honey.

You heard Aragorn laugh, a murmured, "You've lost your girl, Las," and the blonde in front of you groaned as he struggled to his feet.

"Great, wow, I was literally so close to getting her around. Thank you so much, Ada," Legolas scoffed.

You followed his gaze, eyes falling onto the man casually leaning against the kitchen counter.

And your heart jumped inside your chest.

taglist: @mushroomemeralds @mssuguru @solartoge

[twiisted-king]

✧ Gwen Stacy GF HC’s ✧

➟ Gwen Stacy / GN!Reader 🕸️🤍

➟ SFW ( she’s 16 you sick fucks )

➟ TW : Depression mentions & Injuries/Blood ( It’s fairly fluffy <3 )

————————————————————————

— At first, Gwen didn’t think that she had a crush on you. She denied it up and down even though it was abundantly obvious y’all had chemistry.

— She was Spider-Woman! She didn’t have time for relationships and all the unnecessary parts of life.

— It was frustrated Gwen to hell and back just trying to ignore her feelings. She would avoid you at school, take extra long patrols, anything to get you off her mind.

— Until you started noticing how she had been avoiding you. I don’t think Gwen is the best at processing her emotions and when you confront her about it she sort of breaks down in a way. She apologizes for ignoring you then quickly decides to just give up the ghost and confess.

— Poor Gwen is standing there, smiling awkwardly at you and convincing herself you are absolutely going to reject her. Until you don’t and then she nearly has a heart attack on the spot.

— Gwen definitely gets better at being a girlfriend as time progresses. She always leaves little notes for you, texts you whenever she can, and bring you your favorite snacks. Gwen’s love language is definitely Acts of Service and Quality Time.

— You’re craving ice cream at 12 o’clock at night? Good because she is to and she’s already out the door to the nearest gas station.

— However, one thorn in the relationship is the fact that she’s Spider-Woman. It gets harder to make excuses for why she’s covered in bruises and limping all the time. Maybe she should tell you? But what if you leave her or worse hate her for keeping such a big secret !? Gwen is definitely overthinking everything.

— Her secret is revealed one day when you unexpectedly come over to her apartment one day just as she’s crawling into the window in costume. Y’all have a little staring contest before she has to take off the mask because why the hell would Spider-Woman be crawling in your girlfriend’s window at 10 O’clock at night?

— Gwen definitely cries. Apologizing profusely and begging you not to tell her dad about any of this. Instead, you just hug her and she realizes that you aren’t mad at her. She answers any questions you have though is somewhat hesitant since she doesn’t want you getting dragged into any of it. Her first priority is making sure you are safe and no one finds out you’re Spider-Woman’s S/O.

— She takes you to your place of choice as an apology just to be extra EXTRA sure you aren’t mad at her.

— You patch up Gwen’s wounds all the time. Few words are spoke once the med kit comes out and she is grateful to have someone who is willing to deal with her crimefighting BS. Being a superhero can be super depressing and you are always there to be a shoulder for her to lean on.

— On a slightly more happy note, Gwen would love to teach you how to play the drums! It’s pretty adorable to see her get so excited about something she’s passionate about.

— Gwen always tries to get you something for your birthday. She’ll save up months in advance so she can get the perfect gift and take mental notes of what you like. She tried to make a cake one year .. that didn’t turn out well so she just bought one instead.

— She’ll let you borrow her clothes if you want and won’t say anything if it never appears in her closet again.

— I do think her dad would be supportive of the relationship. It’s a little awkward the first time y’all have dinner together, but George Stacy is fairly chill once you get to know him. This man makes shitty dad jokes though and tells embarrassing childhood stories about Gwen to you.

— SO many pictures of you. Not even just on her phone but also hung up around her room. It’s kind of cute how flustered she gets when you point out her phone wallpaper of y’all.

— Late night talks on rooftops. Gwen finds being outside relaxing and she’ll make a whole set up so you two can stargaze.

— Called you “ Babygirl “ as a joke once now it’s a running gag.

— She finds cursed images / 3 AM humor to be the absolute peak of comedy and sends the dumbest shit to you.

— She wanted to show off her webs to you once then proceeded to accidentally get your foot stuck to a wall and THEN got herself stuck trying to help.

— Movies dates are common and she’ll purposely pick out the worst ones so she can give commentary. Twilight was an absolute rollercoaster for her.

— Builds a cute little house in Minecraft for y’all to live in please just ignore the fact it has no roof and the floors are made of dirt.

— And the best girlfriend of the year award goes to Gwen Stacy :)

[gyernon]

symphonic insanity - the conductors

au info

ok this was actually one of the first things I thought about when coming up with this au and it makes me laugh lol. also my bad if this is word salad it's a bit of a brain dump

Mephone:

An up and coming conductor that wants to put on a good show. Compared to Mepad and Toilet's style of conducting, he is an all-rounder. Can keep a beat and has pretty good body language. He does have room to improve though, especially when it comes to accepting feedback from the orchestra. Initially a bit of an ass; if you ask him for a cue after say, a 9 measure rest or something, he'll probably just tell you that you just need to learn to count lol. His stubborn nature does cause a bit of a rift between him and the orchestra in the beginning. As for what instrument Mephone plays, I'd imagine he can play the violin, and probably piano. I don't think he enjoys playing violin very much though.

Mepad:

A pianist looking to break out of his shell. Mepad is basically a living metronome. However, he is not very expressive when conducting. Like, at all. Mepad conducts like a drum major, which would be fine if they were in marching band, except this is a symphony orchestra. I think the orchestra would be fine with Mepad's conducting, but stuff like communicating dynamics and style and whatnot might be unclear. I think also Mepad would give very little feedback unless noticeable errors were happening like being in time, or intonation/wrong notes. When he does give feedback, it is a bit blunt as well. Everyone also might be a bit intimidated because of Mepad's quiet nature along with his strict conducting, but dammit, they are in time.

Toilet:

A violist new to conducting. Honestly, he's there to have a good time. Mephone let him on the team because nobody else had applied as conductor. Toilet probably applied because he heard about Mephone and his orchestra from their previous performance (S1 contestants). Toilet holds Mephone in high regard and wants to earn his respect as well. I think Toilet would definitely be fun to have as a conductor. However, he has the exact opposite problem that Mepad has. While it's good to be expressive and fluid in your conducting so the orchestra understands how they should be playing and when they should change it, Toilet can be too much. It's almost dangerous actually. He's probably launched the baton at someone on accident conducting an intense piece (DO NOT LET THIS MAN CONDUCT DVORAK NO 9!!!!!!!!!). Has stumbled off the podium before, and fallen off a stage atleast once. Toilet's also definitely knocked the score off his stand before. Alternatively, he's almost crying during the slow, sad, emotional pieces. He is...very in tune with the emotional parts of the pieces he conducts. I think he does have a lot of potential, but he gets a bit lost in the music. This does come at the cost of his conducting being a little muddy and hard to read at times.

Throughout the course of the au, I think they'd probably balance each other out and learn to become better conductors. They have long way to go though.

[anotherbtsffwriter]

hers | jimin x reader

→ summary: y/n travels to seoul with the dream of becoming a kpop dancer. after many rejections, she lands an audition for her favorite group, BTS. a total nervous wreck, she steps onto the stage, only to see all seven BTS members sitting at the judges panel. the music starts playing.

→ genre: 60% angst, 20% smut, 20% fluff

→ warnings: sexual content, cursing

→ wordcount: 30k

______________________________________________________________

Y/N was anything but calm. She paced the small room she rented in a less glamorous part of Seoul, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Her college degree in dance felt like a distant memory as she stared at the endless stream of job rejections. Her phone buzzed, interrupting her gloomy thoughts. It was a message from BigHit that she had scored an audition to be a backup dancer for BTS.

"Maybe this one will be different." She thought. Y/N was a fan of BTS, and she loved all the members equally.

The audition was happening tomorrow. Y/N took a deep breath and decided to give it a shot. She had nothing to lose. Her curvy figure and tan skin had often been the subject of harsh criticism in the Korean entertainment industry, but she had a fire in her belly that could not be quenched. She had always dreamed of performing in front of a live audience, and she was not going to let societal norms hold her back.

The next day, she arrived at the sprawling stadium, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum. As she stepped into the vast audition hall, she saw rows upon rows of dancers, each one seemingly more confident and more in-sync with the Korean beauty standards than the last. She took her place in line, her palms sweaty, her breath shallow. As she waited, she watched the other contestants confidently strut up to the stage, announcing their names and the routine they had prepared.

Finally, it was her turn. She took a deep breath and made her way to the center, her eyes glued to the gleaming floor. As she looked up to introduce herself, her gaze fell upon the judges' panel. There, sitting in a row, was the entirety of BTS. She felt a jolt of nerves shoot through her as she realized that the leader, Namjoon, was watching her with a serious expression on his face.

Her heart racing, she announces her name and the routine she had prepared, her voice a little shakier than she would have liked.

"I'm Y/N, and I'll be performing my own choreography to 'Boy Meets Evil' by BTS." The crowd murmured with interest, and she could see a few disgusted looks from the other dancers. It was probably her foreign appearance, but she didn't care. This was her moment, and she was going to make it count.

The music began to play, and Y/N's nerves transformed into energy. She threw herself into the performance, her body moving with a fiery passion that she hadn't felt in a long time. Her hips swayed and popped with the rhythm, her hands danced through the air as if conducting an orchestra of invisible instruments. She didn't just dance; she told a story, a story of her struggle, her resilience, and her unshakeable love for the art.

As she danced, she could feel the energy in the room shift. The smirks of the other contestants disappeared, replaced by looks of surprise and awe. The members of BTS watched her with growing interest, their expressions morphing from indifference to amazement.

As the last beat faded out, Y/N struck a dramatic pose, her chest heaving with exertion. The room went silent for a moment before erupting into applause. She felt a sense of pride swell within her, despite the tremble in her legs. As the applause died down, Namjoon stood up, his eyes fixed on her. "Thank you, Y/N. That was quite the performance," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "Now, for the next part of the audition, we would like to conduct a brief interview. Each member will ask a question. Do you mind?"

Y/N nodded, trying to keep her cool. The first question came from Namjoon, the leader. "How do you feel about fusing different dance styles together?" he asked with a hint of curiosity. She took a deep breath before answering, "I believe that dance is a universal language, and by combining styles like hip hop with contemporary, we can create something unique and powerful that resonates with people from all scopes of life." Namjoon nodded thoughtfully.

Next, the maknae, Jungkook, leaned in with a smile, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "What's your favorite BTS song to dance to?" Y/N answered, "'Blood, Sweat, and Tears'." Jungkook's smile grew, and she could see his eyes light up with approval.

While Y/N was touched by Jungkook's friendliness, her attention quickly shifted when she noticed Jimin. He looked much different, a better kind, in real life. He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest, and his expression was unreadable. She wondered if he had any questions for her.

The next few minutes passed in a blur of questions from the other members. They asked about her background, her inspiration, and her goals. Y/N answered each question with confidence and grace, her words flowing easily as she talked about her love for dance and her desire to break barriers. When it was Jimin's turn, he took his time, scrutinizing her with an intensity that made her heart flutter. "What do you think sets you apart from other dancers?"

Y/N paused, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "I think what sets me apart is my willingness to embrace who I am. I know I don't fit the typical mold of a K-pop dancer, but I've learned to love my differences. It's given me a unique perspective and style that I bring to every performance."

The other members nodded, visibly impressed. J-Hope spoke up, his voice filled with enthusiasm, "I love that. It's so important to be true to yourself in this industry." The tension in the room eased slightly, and Y/N felt a sense of ease growing between her and the group.

As the interview came to a close, the members exchanged a few words in Korean, their eyes flicking over her multiple times. Y/N couldn't help but feel hopeful despite the odds. "Thank you all for your time," she said with a courteous bow before making her way back to the line of contestants.

Jimin leaned over to whisper something in Namjoon's ear, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement at the prospect of his words being about her. The rest of the day dragged on, with each dancer giving their all, but Y/N's heart was already racing at the thought of being part of the BTS world.

As the audition concluded, the judges called out a list of names for the second round. Y/N held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "Y/N," Namjoon announced, and she couldn't believe her ears. The crowd clapped as she stepped forward, feeling a mix of shock and exhilaration.

The next round was a surprise. They were to do an impromptu dance on a random BTS song that would be played. Y/N felt the panic rising but she had come too far to let it show.

Her name was called and she stepped onto the stage, her heart beating like a drum in her chest. The room went dark, and a moment later, the opening beats of "Filter" filled the air. The spotlight hit her. The lyrics resonated with her, about stripping away the layers and revealing the true, natural beauty beneath. She took a deep breath and let the music guide her, her body moving in a way that was both powerful and sensual.

Y/N's dance began as an expression of liberation, her arms outstretched, her body swaying to the rhythm as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded. But as the song grew more intense, so did her movements. Her hips rolled in time with the bass, her ass bouncing in a way that made the BTS members' eyes widen in surprise. Their eyes held mix of shock and admiration.

Her hands began to trace her body, emphasizing the curves she had once been ashamed of. Her breasts bounced in time with the beat, a teasing display of confidence that had the members of BTS leaning forward in their seats. The fiery end of "Filter" approached, and Y/N knew this was her moment to leave a lasting impression. She dropped to the floor, her body undulating in a wave of pure sensuality. Her moves were bold, unapologetic, and dripping with a sexuality that was rarely seen in the K-pop world.

As the final notes of the song played out, she arched her back, her hands gripping the stage for balance. She was the center of attention. She had never felt so alive. The spotlight on her was like a warm embrace, and she reveled in the power she had over the room. For a brief moment, she had forgotten the audition, forgotten the members, forgotten everything except the music and her own passion.

The song ended with a dramatic silence, and Y/N held her pose, her chest heaving. The stadium was still, the only sound the applause that soon followed. She looked up, meeting the eyes of the BTS members. Jungkook's eyes were wide with surprise, J-Hope's were sparkling with excitement, and V's were full of admiration. But it was Jimin's gaze that held her, his expression a mix of amusement and something else, something she couldn't quite place.

The members slowly stood up, clapping along with the audience. The tension in the room was thick, a stark contrast to the ease with which Y/N had just danced. She felt their eyes on her as she gracefully got up, still riding the high of her performance. Her heart was racing, but she didn't dare let it show. She waited for the members to come out of their daze, watching as they exchanged glances and whispers.

Namjoon was the first to break the silence. "That was unexpected," he said, his voice a mix of amazement and awe. "Your confidence and passion on stage are undeniable. You truly brought 'Filter' to life." Y/N beamed, feeling the heat of their gazes on her, especially Jimin's.

Jimin leaned back in his chair, his arms folded over his chest. "You certainly know how to make an entrance," he said with a smirk, his eyes raking over her form. "I've never seen someone own the stage quite like you just did." There was a challenge in his voice, and she felt it in her core.

Taehyung, also known as V, chuckled softly beside him, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, Y/N," he began, his voice smooth and teasing, "you might have just outshone our own Jimin with those moves." The other members snickered, and Y/N felt her cheeks warm. Jimin rolled his eyes, but she caught the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Thank you," she said, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. "It's an honor to be here."

The other members nodded in agreement before Namjoon spoke up again. "Y/N, we'd like to invite you to wait outside while we finish up the auditions. We'll call you back in when we're ready to make our final decision."

She nodded, trying to hide her nerves as she made her way off the stage, her legs feeling like jelly. She watched the other contestants perform, each one talented in their own right, but she knew she had brought something different to the table. As the last dancer exited the stage, the members of BTS huddled together, their hushed whispers filling the now-quiet stadium.

After what felt like an eternity, the other contestants were asked to leave, leaving only Y/N and the BTS members in the vast space. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. What did they think of her? Would they give her a chance?

Namjoon finally broke the silence, his eyes meeting hers with a seriousness. "Y/N, come back up here," he said, gesturing to the stage. Her heart pounded as she made her way back, the echo of her shoes on the floor seeming to amplify the tension.

As she approached, Jimin spoke up, his voice smooth as silk. "Come here. Stand in front of the panel." She swallowed hard, her heart racing as she stepped down from the stage and approached the judges' panel.

Namjoon broke the silence first. "Your performance today was incredible, Y/N. You've shown us that you have the skills and the confidence to stand out in this industry. But we need to know if you have what it takes to keep up with us."

Y/N's heart raced, and she nodded, eager to prove herself. "I'll give it my all."

"Good," said Jimin, his voice low and gruff. "We're going to put you through a series of challenges. If you can handle them, you might just have a shot at joining us."

The first challenge was a dance battle with J-Hope, known for his sharp, explosive moves. The beat dropped, and Y/N faced him, her heart racing. But she had faced challenges before, and she wasn't going to back down now. She matched him step for step, her own style weaving in and out of his, adding a sensual flair that had the members' eyes widening in surprise.

J-Hope grinned, clearly enjoying the competition. He threw in a few complex moves, but Y/N was ready. She had studied BTS's choreography for years, and she had learned to adapt quickly. The battle grew more intense, but she never lost the smile on her face, feeling alive in the way only dance could make her feel.

As the battle came to an end, the other members looked at each other, nodding. The next challenge was a surprise: a vocal duet with Jungkook, her bias.

Y/N felt a knot form in her stomach. "But I'm here as a dancer," she protested, her voice a mix of shock and nerves.

Namjoon raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. "We know that, but versatility is key in this industry. We need to know if you can hold your own with us on stage."

Y/N's heart sank. She had always been self-conscious about her singing voice. It was one thing to dance, but to sing in front of her idols? Her voice was rough, untrained, and didn't hold a candle to theirs. She took a deep breath and looked at Jungkook, his eyes filled with encouragement. "Okay," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "But I have to warn you, I'm not much of a singer."

Jungkook smiled. "Don't worry," he said, his voice soothing. "We just want to see how you handle pressure." The other members nodded in agreement, and Y/N felt a strange sense of comfort wash over her. They weren't expecting perfection; they wanted to see her fight.

The music for "Euphoria" began to play, and Jungkook's heavenly voice filled the room, the intro floating through the air like a soft caress. Y/N took a deep breath, her nerves jangling like a live wire. As the melody grew more familiar, she found herself joining in, her voice tentative at first, then growing stronger with each note.

To her astonishment, her voice didn't just hold up; it soared. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a hidden talent that even she had never known existed. Her tone was rich and velvety, resonating with the same depth and emotion that Jimin's voice did in the original track. The BTS members' eyes grew wide, their jaws dropping slightly. They had seen confidence in her dance, but this was something else entirely.

Jungkook, ever the professional, continued to sing, but his eyes never left hers, a look of surprise and admiration in his gaze. Y/N felt a strange connection form between her and BTS, their voices intertwining as they sang about the feeling of flying. As they reached the chorus, their harmonies blended seamlessly, creating a sound that was both hauntingly beautiful and unexpectedly powerful.

The music swelled around them, the words of the song echoing in the vast space. When the final note hung in the air, there was a moment of silence so profound it seemed to vibrate. And then, as if breaking the spell, Jungkook leaned into the microphone, his voice filled with genuine amazement. "Wow, your singing voice sounds like Jimin's," he murmured, and Y/N's heart skipped a beat. She had never been compared to the legendary vocalist before, and she wasn't quite sure how to react.

The other members looked at each other, their expressions a mix of shock and admiration. It was Namjoon who spoke up next, his voice firm and decisive. "Y/N, you've proven yourself today. Your dance was fiery, and your singing…well, it was nothing short of euphoric." He paused, his eyes locking onto hers, "You're in."

Y/N felt her knees wobble as she took it in, the reality of what had just happened crashing over her like a wave. She was going to be a backup dancer for BTS. The group she had grown up idolizing, the same group that had inspired her to pursue her love of dance despite the obstacles she faced.

Her eyes filled with tears, and she couldn't help but cover her face with her hands, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. She had never felt so seen, so appreciated.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. Her first assignment was to be a main backup dancer for BTS's new single, the lead track of their upcoming album. It was a surreal moment when she walked into the state-of-the-art rehearsal studio, the same place where legends had practiced their craft. The seven members of BTS were already there, stretching and warming up, their eyes lighting up when they saw her. She felt a flutter in her stomach as she took her place at the front alongside the choreographer.

Y/N knew the gravity of her task. This was not just any performance; it was the comeback of the decade, and she was about to share the stage with the biggest boy band in the world. The choreographer began to break down the routine, and she watched with rapt attention, her eyes never leaving the intricate movements of the members as they demonstrated the steps. The dance was fast-paced and complex, filled with sharp angles and explosive energy that mirrored the song's powerful message.

As she practiced alongside the group, she felt the weight of their gazes upon her. They were watching her closely, analyzing every move she made. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but she knew she had to give it her all. She had to show them that she deserved to be there. With each step she took, she pushed aside her fears and insecurities, focusing instead on the music and the passion that had brought her to this moment.

Rehearsal finally came to an end, and the members of BTS wiped the sweat from their brows, looking exhausted yet exhilarated. They began to gather their things, eager to call it a night and rest their weary bodies. But Y/N lingered, unable to tear herself away from the dance floor. She had dreamed of this opportunity for so long, and she wasn't about to waste a second of it.

Taehyung noticed her dedication and approached her with a smile. "Hey, Y/N," he called out. "You've got moves, that's for sure. But you need to eat, too." He gestured to the others, who were already heading for the door. "We're going to grab some dinner. Want to come?"

Y/N's stomach growled in response, and she laughed. "Yes, I could eat." She quickly gathered her things and followed the group out of the studio.

As they piled into a sleek black van, the reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks. She was sitting with BTS, the very same group whose posters had adorned her walls and whose music had been her lifeblood through countless heartaches and triumphs. The interior was cool and spacious, and she sank into the plush leather seats.

"So, Y/N," Jungkook began as the van pulled away from the studio. "How did you end up here? Tell us your story."

Y/N took a deep breath and began to recount her journey. "I grew up in [insert where you grew up]," she said, her voice soft. "My parents were quite strict, and they didn't understand my love for dance. They wanted me to focus on academics, so I had to sneak in my dance practice whenever I could."

The members of BTS listened intently as Y/N spoke, their expressions a mix of empathy and admiration. "They didn't support my dreams," she continued, "but you guys did. Your music, your message of self-love, it helped me push through the tough times." Her eyes shone with emotion as she spoke. "Whenever I felt like giving up, I'd watch your videos and listen to your lyrics, and it reminded me why I started dancing in the first place."

Jungkook nodded, "We're all about breaking barriers and being ourselves," he said gently. "It's what makes our music resonate with so many people."

Jimin added on, "And you, Y/N, you're breaking barriers just by being here. Your dance today was like nothing we've ever seen before."

Y/N felt the heat creep into her cheeks, "Thank you," she murmured. "But I couldn't have done it without you all. I have so much respect and admiration for all of you. Jin, you are an amazing older brother to everyone and have an admirable positive outlook on life. Yoongi, you are so talented and passionate about your work. Namjoon, you are such an excellent leader and so smart and talented. Taehyung, your hard work to improve your voice and dancing is just incredible. Jungkook, you are so unbelievably sweet and hard working. And Jimin, your presence and effort is overwhelming yet graceful. You all are genuinely amazing human beings and I feel so grateful to be here with all of you."

Yoongi, who had been quietly listening, turned to her with a gentle smile. To everyone's surprise, he leaned over and enveloped her in a warm hug. His embrace was friendly and tight, but it felt like a safe haven, a place where she could let all her fears and insecurities melt away. The other members watched, their smiles growing. Yoongi wasn't one to hug just anyone, and this gesture spoke volumes about the connection he felt with her.

"Thank you, Y/N," he murmured into her ear. "Your words mean a lot to us. We're all just trying to be ourselves, to share our art with the world. And you're doing the same. You're going to fit in perfectly."

The van pulled up to an exclusive restaurant, the kind of place that was reserved for celebrities and the elite. As they stepped out, a wave of cool night air brushed against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Inside, the warm lighting and soothing ambiance immediately put her at ease. The group settled into a private booth, the walls adorned with velvet curtains, giving them the much-needed privacy. They talked and laughed, sharing stories of their journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. Y/N felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before.

At one point, when the conversation lulled, she looked around the table at the seven handsome faces and couldn't resist cracking a joke. "You know," she began, her eyes twinkling mischievously, "I always wondered what lachimolala meant."

The tension in the room broke, and the members of BTS burst into laughter, their heads thrown back in genuine mirth. Even Jimin, who was notorious for his stoic demeanor, cracked a smile that reached his eyes.

"Jimin was so funny that day," Taehyung said, still laughing. The group's laughter grew louder, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest. It was the first time she had made them laugh, and it was heartwarming to know that they enjoyed her little comment.

Jimin leaned back in his chair, his gaze on Y/N. "You're trying to embarrass me, aren't you?" he said with a pout.

Y/N's eyes widened slightly at his words. "I think you already did that," she said jokingly.

After dinner, as the van pulled up to the BTS dorms, Namjoon spoke up again. "Y/N, before we go inside, we have something to tell you."

"What is it?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Namjoon took a deep breath, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "We have an idea," he announced, and the van grew quiet as all seven members turned to him. "Jimin and I have been working on a solo track for his next album."

Y/N's eyes widened. "Really?" she exclaimed. "That's amazing!"

Jimin looked at her, his gaze unreadable. "We need someone to perform the dance with me," he said, his voice low and steady. "Someone who can match my intensity and bring something new to the table."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. "Of course. Who do you have in mind?"

Namjoon's eyes lit up. "Well, Jimin," he said, turning to his fellow band member. "You've choreographed this dance for a partner. Who better to bring it to life than Y/N?"

Jimin's gaze remained on Y/N, his expression unreadable. The silence was electric, charged with anticipation. Then, slowly, he nodded. "I agree." His voice was a low rumble, sending a shiver down her spine. " Y/N, would you be willing to perform it with me?"

Her heart was racing, but she managed to nod. "Yes, I'd be honored." The other members looked at each other, their excitement palpable. They all already felt a friendship with Y/N and knew that she would match Jimin's speed and passion.

Namjoon cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. " Y/N," he began, his voice low and solemn. "I know this might seem like an odd thing to say, but it's important." He leaned closer to her, his eyes searching hers. "You're going to be working very closely with Jimin. And, well, in the past, some backup dancers haven't always understood his personal boundaries."

Y/N's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Namjoon's expression grew sterner. "Jimin is a professional, and we expect all of our backup dancers to respect that. In the past, some have… taken advantage of his good nature. They've crossed lines, hoping to get closer to him than they should."

Y/N's eyes widened, confused. "What kind of lines?" she asked.

"Things have gotten inappropriate before," Taehyung chimed in, his tone delicate. "Some dancers thought they could get ahead by, you know, throwing themselves at Jimin."

Y/N spoke, "I would never do something like that," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "Jimin is incredibly talented, and I respect him and our professional boundaries."

Jimin's gaze softened slightly, and he nodded. "Thank you for understanding," he said, his voice low. "It's important to me."

Y/N nodded emphatically. "Of course," she said, her voice steady. "I'm here to dance, not to cause any trouble."

The tension in the van dissipated slightly, and the members of BTS seemed to relax. She seemed to truly care about their artistry and the integrity of their work.

As they entered the dorm, Y/N couldn't help but feel like she was walking into a dream. The sleek, modern space was filled with personal touches from each member, reminding her that despite their fame, they were still human. Jimin led her to the dance studio, a state-of-the-art room with mirrored walls and gleaming floors. The air was thick with anticipation as he played the unreleased track for the first time. The beat was dark, seductive, and powerful, resonating through her very core.

"This is going to be intense," he warned her, his eyes meeting hers. "But I know you can handle it."

Y/N nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she took her place facing Jimin. He began to move, his body a study in precision and passion. His movements were sharp, angular, and utterly mesmerizing. As she watched, she felt something shift within her. This wasn't just a dance; it was a declaration, a battle cry of sorts.

The music grew louder, filling the space with its intoxicating rhythm. Jimin's eyes never left hers as he demonstrated the routine, the intensity of his gaze making it impossible for her to look away. She mirrored his moves, her body responding to his with an ease that surprised even her.

As they danced, Y/N felt Jimin pushing her limits, challenging her to be more daring, more sensual. He was a master of his craft, and she was eager to learn from him. Her movements grew bolder, her confidence soaring as she matched him step for step. The dance was a complex web of desire and power, a silent conversation that spoke of a connection that went beyond the music.

Jimin's gaze was intense, his eyes never leaving hers as they danced. She could see the passion in them, the hunger for perfection, and it fueled her own fire. Every move, every twist and turn, was a declaration of intent, a silent promise of what was to come.

The music grew to a crescendo, and the dance grew more intimate. Jimin's hands slid down her body, resting just above her hips, his fingers flexing with the beat. Y/N could feel the heat of his breath against her neck, his body mere inches from hers.

The final pose approached, the tension in the air thick with unspoken desires. Y/N leaned back, her back arching gracefully, as Jimin bent his knees, bringing their faces so close that their breaths mingled. His hands hovered just under her, a silent question hanging between them.

Y/N's heart hammered against her ribcage, her eyes locked onto Jimin's. This was it, the climax of the dance. He leaned in, their lips almost touching. The heat of his breath on her skin made her shiver, her eyes fluttering shut.

And then, the music stopped. The sudden silence was jarring, like a slap to the face. Jimin abruptly pulled away, the spell broken as he hit the button on the sound system. The air in the room seemed to dissipate, leaving behind a chilly emptiness. Y/N's eyes snapped open, and she took a step back. She reminded herself to be professional like Namjoon told her. She knew the dance would be sexual and had to control herself and respect Jimin.

"You did good," he said, his voice gruff. "For the first run through."

Y/N's cheeks flushed with the praise, her heart still racing from the intensity of the dance. She nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. "Thank you," she said. "Do you have any specific feedback for me that I can work on during my own time before tomorrow's rehearsal?"

Jimin nodded thoughtfully, his gaze still intense. "Your movements are strong and precise," he said, his voice still low. "But I need you to let go even more. You seemed reluctant to touch me. I understand and appreciate that you are respecting my boundaries, but you need to find a balance between giving the choreography justice and respecting my boundaries."

Y/N swallowed hard, nodding in understanding. "I'll work on it," she promised.

Over the next few weeks, the rehearsals grew more intense. Y/N's bond with the BTS members grew stronger with each practice, and she began to feel like part of the family. They shared jokes, stories, and even the occasional heart-to-heart conversation. It was during these moments that she saw the vulnerable, human side of these superstars that the world never got to see.

One evening, after a particularly grueling session, Taehyung suggested they all unwind with some games. Y/N's eyes lit up, eager for a break from the seriousness of the rehearsals. The dorm was a sanctuary of laughter and camaraderie, a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment of their work.

In the cozy common area, the group gathered around a large, low table laden with snacks and drinks. The air was filled with the comforting scent of home-cooked meals and the gentle hum of their laughter.

"Taehyung, I bet you can't beat me in fight," Y/N said jokingly.

Y/N found herself in a playful tussle with Taehyung, his hands wrapping around her neck in a mock choke as they both giggled uncontrollably. She retaliated, her small hands mimicking the gesture. Their eyes met, sparkling with mischief, and she could feel the strength behind his playful touch. It was a gentle reminder of their growing bond, a bond that went beyond the dance floor.

Jungkook, noticing their playful banter, jumped in with a grin, adding his own flair to the mix. Now with two sets of hands around her neck, Y/N laughed harder, her eyes watering. The pressure grew, but it was clear they weren't actually trying to strangle her. It was all in good fun, a sign that she had truly been accepted into their tight-knit circle.

She playfully slapped at their arms, trying to break free, but they held firm. "Alright, alright," she gasped out through giggles, "I surrender!"

The guys laughed and released her, their eyes twinkling with mischief. Y/N took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. The playful banter had been just what she needed after the intense rehearsals. It had been weeks since she had felt this carefree, and she was grateful for their acceptance.

As the game wound down, J-Hope looked at her with a glint in his eye. "You know, Y/N," he said, his voice playful, "you've been holding your own with us in dance and singing. But can you rap?"

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her heart racing. "Oh no."

"Come on," J-Hope said, grinning mischievously. "You've got to have some bars in you. Show us what you got, Y/N!"

Y/N took a moment to consider the challenge. Her rap skills were… minimal, to say the least. But the encouraging looks from the other members spurred her on. Plus, she had nothing to lose. "Alright, fine," she said with a laugh, "but don't say I didn't warn you."

Choosing one of Yoongi's more upbeat tracks, she took a deep breath and began to spit out the lyrics. Her flow was choppy, her rhythm all over the place. The words tumbled out of her mouth in a clumsy mess, and she couldn't help but laugh at herself. The BTS members watched her, their eyes wide with surprise that quickly turned into amusement. They weren't used to seeing this side of her, the one who didn't take herself too seriously.

Yoongi, who had been quietly sipping his drink, put it down with a thud. His eyes were wide with shock, and then a smile began to spread across his face, his cheeks dimpling with mirth. "Oh my god," he exclaimed, "you're terrible at this!"

Jimin's eyes never left her as she rapped, his expression a mix of surprise and something else—something Y/N couldn't quite read. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping out a beat on the armrest. And then, without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, quickly hitting record. The moment was so unexpected, so raw, that he couldn't resist capturing it for himself.

Y/N's rap was a hot mess, but it was her courage and willingness to look ridiculous that had him smiling. He watched the screen as she stumbled over the lyrics, her laughter echoing through the room. His thumb hovered over the stop button, but something held him back. He found himself enjoying her imperfections, a stark contrast to the polished performances they usually gave.

As she finished, the room was filled with applause, and she took a dramatic bow. Jimin quickly tucked his phone away, the moment feeling too personal to share with anyone else. "Not bad for a first try," Yoongi teased, his voice light and playful. "But maybe stick to the dancing."

Jin, who had been laughing loudly the whole time, decided to throw his own challenge into the mix. "Y/N," he said with a mischievous smile, "how about you show us what you can do in the kitchen? We've seen you spice up the dance floor, but can you spice up our palates?"

Y/N's eyes widened. "Cook?" she repeated, her heart racing at the thought. "Fine, you're on," she said, rising to the challenge. "But only if you guys promise to eat whatever I make without complaining."

The members of BTS exchanged glances, the tension in the air shifting from one of playful banter to a more intense competition. Jungkook clapped his hands together. "It's a deal," he exclaimed. "But beware, we have a very picky eater in our midst."

Y/N rolled her eyes, knowing he was referring to Jimin, who had a reputation for his particular tastes. "I'll keep that in mind," she said with a grin.

The next evening, the kitchen was a whirlwind of activity as Y/N donned an apron and set to work. She decided to prepare a fusion dish that she hoped would appeal to their palates: spicy chicken with a side of kimchi fried rice.

The BTS members, having drawn the short straw of being the audience for Y/N's culinary experiment, were sprawled across the couch and floor, a romantic comedy playing on the large flat-screen TV. The laughter from the movie occasionally spilled into the kitchen, and she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder to catch their reactions.

Suddenly, a sizzle caught her off guard. As she reached for a spatula, her cheek brushed against the hot pan, sending a jolt of pain through her. "Ow!" she yelped, jumping back.

In a flash, Jimin was by her side, his eyes wide with concern. "What happened?" He reached out, his cool hand touching her cheek gently.

Y/N turned to face him, her eyes watering from the pain. "I burned myself," she said, holding up the spatula as evidence. The smell of burnt skin was faint, lost in the symphony of spices.

Jimin's expression softened, a rare moment of tenderness from the perfectionist and workaholic of the group. He took her hand gently and guided her to the sink. "Let's get some ice," he said, his voice filled with concern.

Y/N nodded, her heart racing from the pain and his sudden closeness. As he rummaged through the freezer, she couldn't help but watch his reflection in the kitchen window, his body moving with the grace of a dancer even in such a mundane task. He returned with a bag of ice, and without asking, he pressed it gently against her burn. The coldness brought immediate relief, and she closed her eyes, letting out a sigh.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sizzling of the stove.

After a few moments, he took the ice away, his thumb lingering on her skin for a second longer than necessary. His breath was warm against her cheek as he leaned in to blow gently, trying to ease the sting. Y/N's eyes fluttered closed, the sensation sending shivers down her spine. She had never felt so taken care of.

"Does that feel better?" Jimin asked, his voice a soft murmur that sent goosebumps rising on her skin.

Y/N nodded, her eyes still closed. "Mm-hmm," she murmured, not trusting her voice to convey anything but the most basic of responses.

Jimin nodded and turned away, and returned to the living room. "Good," he called over his shoulder. "Finish up, and we'll be ready to taste-test when you're done."

Y/N took a deep breath, willing her heart to slow. She reminded herself that Jimin was just being kind, that they were all just friends. Professional friends. She couldn't let herself get carried away with romantic notions. This was BTS, for heaven's sake. They were all incredible people, and she was just a backup dancer. She had to keep her head in the game, focus on the music, the dance, the job.

With renewed determination, she turned back to the stove and finished cooking the chicken, her mind racing with thoughts of the dance routine, the music video, and the upcoming live performance. She had to nail this dance with Jimin. It was a chance of a lifetime, and she couldn't blow it. The dance was a complex tapestry of passion and emotion, and she had to embody it perfectly.

"Dinner's ready!" Y/N called out, her voice echoing through the dorm. She plated the food, serving a generous portion of spicy chicken alongside the kimchi fried rice. She took a deep breath and carried the plates into the living room, setting one in front of each member. The smell of the food filled the air, making their mouths water.

The seven of them took their seats around the low table, their eyes on the steaming dishes before them. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and apprehension, as they were used to eating out at the best restaurants in Seoul. Y/N's heart thumped in her chest as she watched them take their first bites, her eyes darting from one to the other, searching for any signs of disapproval.

To her relief, the expressions on their faces grew from cautious curiosity to delight. Jungkook was the first to speak up, his mouth still full. "This is really good!" he exclaimed, reaching for seconds. The others murmured in agreement, their spoons digging eagerly into the rice and scooping up the rich, fragrant sauce.

Y/N felt a warmth spread through her chest. Despite her initial nerves, she had managed to win them over with her cooking. She took a seat on the floor next to Jimin, who was eyeing his plate with a mix of surprise and skepticism. She watched as he took a tentative bite of the chicken, his cheeks puckering slightly from the heat.

"Well?" she prompted, a smug smile playing on her lips.

Jimin took another bite, his eyes widening slightly as the flavors exploded on his tongue. "It's different," he said, his voice carefully measured.

Y/N's heart sank. Different wasn't always a good thing. "But is it good?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

Jimin's eyes met hers, a mischievous spark in them. "It's surprisingly good," he admitted, taking another bite. "The spices are intense, but in a good way."

Y/N couldn't help but feel a thrill of victory. The praise from the group's pickiest eater meant the world to her. She watched as they devoured her food, their laughter and chatter filling the room. It was a stark contrast to the tension that usually surrounded their work.

With a grin, she grabbed a plate for herself, eager to join in the feast she had created. As she took her seat, she couldn't resist the urge to dive in, her fork scooping up a mouthful of rice and chicken with reckless abandon.

Jimin watched her with a raised eyebrow, his perfect posture a stark contrast to Y/N's enthusiastic shoveling. "You know," he said, his tone teasing, "you're supposed to use chopsticks."

Y/N looked up, her mouth full, a piece of chicken precariously balanced on her fork. "What?" she mumbled, chewing and swallowing. "Oh, I know," she said with a grin, setting the fork aside to pick up the chopsticks. But her coordination with the traditional Korean utensils was as bad as her rapping, and she dropped a piece of chicken with a clatter.

The group burst out laughing again, and even Jimin couldn't hide his amusement. "Here, let me help you," he said, reaching over and plucking a piece of chicken from her plate. He held it out to her with a smirk.

Y/N's heart fluttered as she took the offered morsel with her own chopsticks, the playful gesture feeling surprisingly intimate. She managed a few more bites without dropping anything, though her cheeks remained a flushed shade of pink from the attention.

Namjoon, the leader of BTS, broke the momentary silence with a warm smile directed at Y/N. "You know," he said, his voice filled with sincerity, "you're the first backup dancer who has become so close with us."

Y/N looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. The other members nodded in agreement, each of them smiling genuinely at her. She felt a blush creep up her neck, unsure of what to say. "Really?" she managed to ask, her voice a bit shaky.

"Yeah," Hoseok said, his voice filled with a warmth she hadn't heard before. "You're like family now."

Y/N felt her eyes mist up, and she quickly blinked back the tears. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "That means so much to me." She took a deep breath and tried to lighten the mood. "I guess I've got to be doing something right if I haven't been fired yet," she joked, earning a round of laughter from the group.

Jimin's gaze remained on her, his smile gentle. "You're not just doing something right," he said. "You're doing everything right. Your energy, your passion, it's all infectious. And your dance moves? They're mesmerizing."

The room grew quiet, the weight of Jimin's words hanging in the air. Y/N felt her heart swell with pride, but she couldn't help the blush that painted her cheeks. "Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That means a lot coming from all of you."

"You're welcome," Namjoon said with a nod. "But it's true. We've had many backup dancers over the years, but none have ever fit in quite like you have."

Y/N felt a warmth in her chest at his words. She had never imagined that she would be accepted so readily into the lives of these global superstars. She took a deep breath and looked around the table at the seven faces that had become her family in the short time she had known them. "Well," she said, trying to keep her voice steady, "I guess I'll just have to keep surprising you all then."

The group chuckled, and Y/N excused herself for the night.

As she lay in her bed in the small room allocated for backup dancers, Y/N's mind raced with the day's events. The dance practice with Jimin, the playful banter in the kitchen, and the genuine praise from the group—it was all so much to process. Her heart was racing, and she found it difficult to fall asleep. Her thoughts drifted to Jimin, and she kicked herself for thinking of him romantically again. She fell asleep convincing herself she only liked him as a work friend.

The next morning, Y/N woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing with a text from Jimin. "Practice today at 10 AM. Prepare for something intense." Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of another day of dancing with him. She quickly showered and changed into her loose dance gear, her stomach fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves.

When she arrived at the studio, Jimin was already there, his eyes locked onto her as she entered. He had chosen a sleek black outfit that highlighted his chiseled abs and broad shoulders. The intensity of his gaze sent shivers down her spine. He was all business today, the playfulness of last night's dinner gone.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low and serious.

Y/N nodded, her heart pounding. They were about to tackle the most sensual part of the routine, the part where their bodies would be pressed against each other, moving in a dance that was more than just steps and rhythm. It was a dance of passion, of desire, and she knew it was going to be a challenge to keep her feelings in check.

They started with a run-through of the routine, the music pulsing through the speakers and filling the studio. Y/N watched as Jimin's eyes never left hers, his gaze intense and focused. The dance was demanding, pushing them both to their limits, and she felt the heat rising in the room as their bodies moved closer and closer.

As the beat dropped, they reached the part of the routine that required the most intimacy.

"Remember," Jimin began, his voice low and steady, "this is a dance of seduction, of longing. We need to make the audience feel it in their bones." He paused for a moment, his eyes searching hers for understanding before continuing. "We start with a slow grind, hips locked. Maintain eye contact."

Y/N nodded, her cheeks flushing at the thought of the intimate moves they were about to perform. She had always enjoyed the physicality of dance, but this was different. This was personal.

Jimin took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring as he began to verbally walk her through each motion. His voice was a gentle guide in the quiet studio, describing every dip and twirl, every brush of skin against skin. "We'll start with a slow approach," he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's like we're two magnets, drawn together by an invisible force."

Y/N felt the heat from his palm as he placed it against her lower back, his touch a silent promise of what was to come. "Now," he said, his voice a soft command, "we lean in, our bodies close enough to share the same breath."

The music began to play, a slow, sensual rhythm that seemed to pulse through their veins. Jimin's hand slid down to the small of her back, guiding her into position. "Remember to keep your core tight," he instructed, his breath hot against her ear. "Let the movements flow through you."

As the beat grew more intense, so did their dance. He spun her around, their bodies colliding in a flurry of limbs and passion. "Now, when I pull you back, arch your spine," Jimin murmured, his hands moving to the curve of her waist. "Let the audience see the tension between us."

Y/N did as she was told, her body bending to his will as the music grew louder. His words painted a vivid picture of their dance, a dance of love and desire that was anything but simple. "You'll need to trust me completely."

Her heart racing, she nodded, her eyes locked onto his as he scooped her up, her legs wrapping around his waist. For a moment, she felt weightless, their bodies perfectly aligned. As they reached the crescendo of the song, he dipped her low, the fabric of his shirt brushing against her skin. The sensation was electric, sending waves of excitement through her body.

They paused, their breaths mingling, their eyes searching each other's for a sign of what was happening between them. Y/N knew she was playing with fire, but she couldn't help the way her body responded to him. She felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes held, the moment stretching out like a tightrope between them.

"Again," Jimin whispered, his voice hoarse with something she couldn't quite identify. "We need to get this right."

Y/N nodded, her heart racing. She had never felt this alive, this aware of someone's presence before. They started the routine again, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, the heat between them growing with each beat.

As they approached the lift once more, she could feel the anticipation building. Jimin's arms were strong and sure as he hoisted her up, their gazes locked, and she wrapped her legs around him tightly. When he brought her down, their chests brushed together, sending a jolt through her body that was anything but professional. She reminded herself to keep it professional.

"Now, for the final part," Jimin said, his voice a little gruffer than before. "We're going to press our bodies together in a way that shows desperation and longing."

Y/N nodded, trying to play off her unprofessional thoughts, "Of course, Jimin."

Jimin pulls her in, chest to chest, their hearts beating in sync with the music. They move together, their bodies telling a story of passion and desire that transcends the boundaries of the dance. Y/N's mind is a whirlwind of emotions, the intensity of their routine making it difficult to maintain the professional distance she's been clinging to.

"Remember the choreography," he murmurs, his breath hot against her neck. She nods, her breathing ragged. They begin to move in unison, their bodies speaking a language that transcends words. The beat builds, the music enveloping them like a lover's embrace, and she can feel the heat from his body, his chest rising and falling with every breath.

The air around them crackles with energy, and Y/N is acutely aware of every inch of their bodies that are touching. They come closer, so close that she can see the flecks of gold in his eyes. The anticipation is unbearable, a heady mix of excitement and nerves.

Her mind is racing, trying to remember the steps, the routine, but all she can think about is the warmth of Jimin's body, the way he smells—like a mix of sweat and expensive cologne. His hands are firm on her hips, guiding her movements, and she can feel the muscles in his arms flex with every beat of the music.

Suddenly, Jimin stops abruptly, the silence in the studio echoing around them. He pulls back, his eyes searching hers for a moment before he clears his throat. "Let's take a break," he says, his voice a little rough around the edges. He moves to the sound system, his back to her, and hits the pause button.

Y/N nods, trying to catch her breath and regain her composure. "Did I make a mistake?"

Jimin turns to face her, his expression unreadable. "Not exactly," he says, his voice tight. "It's not your fault." He runs a hand through his hair, trying to compose himself. "Let's sit down for a minute."

They sit on the floor, the coolness of the hardwood grounding her. "What happened?" Y/N asks, her voice small.

Jimin says, "I feel like I should try the choreography with other dancers to get a feel for which one is the most natural."

Y/N nods, trying to hide the disappointment in her eyes. "I understand," she says, her voice steady. "I hope you find what you're looking for and the dance is successful."

Without warning, the door to the rehearsal room swings open, and J-Hope strides in, his eyes wide with excitement. "Lunch time, you two!" he declares, breaking the spell. "You've been at it for hours. Time to refuel!"

Y/N looks away from Jimin and playfully wraps her arm around J-Hope's shoulders. "You're the best," she says with a grin, grateful for the interruption. Jimin looks at them both, his expression unreadable, before nodding in agreement.

As they enter the BTS dorm room, the aroma of various Korean dishes Jin made fills the air. Y/N, Jimin, and J-hope fill their plates with food and join the rest of BTS on the couch.

"You know, I've been thinking," Jimin starts casually, taking a bite of his kimchi fried rice. "For my solo track's dance, I think it'd be interesting to explore different dynamics. So, I'm going to try the routine with other dancers."

Y/N's heart once again drops like a rock in her stomach, but she keeps her face neutral. She knew he was going to tell the others eventually. "That's a good idea, Jimin," she says, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's always important to explore all options."

Namjoon nods in understanding. "I get it," he says, his voice calm and even. "It's a big performance, and we want everything to be perfect. I'll arrange for some other dancers to come in tomorrow. You can see how the routine feels with different people."

Jimin gives him a small, tight smile before he turns back to his food. Y/N feels a sharp pain in her heart but quickly shakes it off, focusing on the banter and laughter around the table.

The conversation shifts to more mundane topics—upcoming interviews, fan meet-and-greets, and the never-ending schedule. Y/N tries to keep up, but her mind keeps wandering back to the dance routine with Jimin. She tells herself it's just a job, a performance, but her heart isn't listening.

The next day, the tension is thick as they enter the rehearsal studio. Two other young Korean female dancers, both with the typical K-pop aesthetic, are waiting patiently.

The rest of BTS and Y/N watches as Jimin runs through the routine with the first dancer, Y/N's heart racing with every move they make. The dancer is skilled, her body a good match for Jimin's in terms of size and agility. She is perfect epitome of Korean beauty: skinny, pale, symmetrical, and perfect.

Y/N tries to keep her jealousy in check, reminding herself that this is just part of the job, and Jimin was a friend. She watches the way the new dancer moves, taking in every step, every expression, searching for something that she can offer that the other girl can't. The dance ends, and Jimin detaches his body from the girl's. He turns to the group. "What did everyone think?" he asks, his voice serious.

"You guys looked good," Jungkook says.

Y/N nods in agreement, trying to hide the pain in her eyes. "Yeah," she says, her voice a little too high.

Namjoon clears his throat. "It's good, Jimin. But I can't help but think it could be better."

Jimin nods, his gaze flicking to Y/N for a split second before turning to the second dancer. "Let's try it with you next," he says, his voice a little too even.

The second dancer steps forward, her eyes wide and eager. As they start the routine, Y/N watches, her heart sinking. This dancer is just as good, if not better than the first. Her movements are fluid, her expressions captivating.

As the dance ends, Jimin looks to the group again, his eyes avoiding Y/N's. "Well?"

The feedback is positive before Yoongi interrupts. "We haven't seen you perform it with Y/N yet," he points out, his eyes sharp and observant. "It's only fair to compare."

Jimin nods, his expression unreadable. "You're right," he says, his gaze finally landing on Y/N. "Let's go, Y/N."

They move into position, Y/N feeling extremely nervous and worried. The music starts, and they begin the routine.

With each move, the air seems to thicken, charged with an unspoken electricity. Every touch feels like a spark, setting off a chain reaction of sensations. Y/N's eyes lock onto Jimin's, the intensity of their gaze mirroring the passion in their dance.

The proximity between them is so close that their breaths mingle, each inhale a silent promise of what's to come. Y/N's heart races as she feels the warmth of Jimin's skin against her, his muscles flexing as he lifts her in a series of fluid, powerful movements.

The music transitions to the segment where their hips are to lock in a grind, a dance of unspoken desire that has them moving as one. Y/N can feel the hardness of Jimin's abs against her stomach, his grip firm as their bodies roll together in a seductive rhythm. She bites her bottom lip to keep from gasping, the intensity of their performance blurring the lines between the dance floor and reality.

As they come closer to the almost-kiss, the moment where their chests are supposed to press together, Y/N feels her heart pound in her chest. She can almost taste the mint on Jimin's breath, feel the heat of his skin against her own. A magnetic pull has them moving in perfect harmony despite the chaos of emotions swirling within her.

As they reach the end of the routine, their bodies are a breath apart, their eyes locked in a silent conversation that speaks louder than any words could. The chemistry between them is explosive, the air in the room charged with it. The rest of the group watches, their cheers and applause a distant echo in Y/N's ears.

Jimin pulls away, his expression unreadable. "Good job," he says, his voice tight.

Y/N nods, trying to catch her breath. "Thank you," she says, her voice a little shaky. "Just part of the job."

The other members of BTS exchange glances, the unspoken tension between Y/N and Jimin not lost on them. Jungkook nudges her playfully. "You guys looked like you were really into it," he teases.

Y/N laughs, trying to play it off. "It's all part of the performance," she says, her eyes darting to Jimin.

He nods, a slight smile playing on his lips, but there's a seriousness in his gaze. "So what do you guys think?"

The room is quiet for a moment before Yoongi breaks the silence. "Y/N was the best," he says firmly, his voice carrying the weight of his conviction. The other members look at him, surprised by his straightforwardness.

Namjoon nods thoughtfully. "I agree. I think you should stick to Y/N being your partner."

Jimin looks at Y/N, his gaze intense. "Is that what you all think?"

The other members murmur their agreement. Y/N feels a mix of relief and excitement. She's not just a backup dancer anymore—she's an integral part of Jimin's solo performance.

"Okay," Jimin says, "I'll continue with Y/N."

Y/N nods, her heart racing with excitement. They've been given the green light to continue working together, and she's more determined than ever to make their performance unforgettable. They spend hours in the studio, perfecting every move, every look, every beat of the routine. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the rest of BTS can't help but be drawn into their orbit.

But as the night wears on and the intensity of their practice reaches a fever pitch, Y/N finds herself unable to ignore the growing ache between her legs. With every grind and press of Jimin's body against hers, the flames of desire threaten to consume her. She tries to focus on the music, the steps, the choreography—anything to keep her thoughts from straying to the forbidden territory of her attraction to him.

Suddenly, with a flustered smile, she pulls away, her cheeks reddening. "I need a break," she says, her voice strained. (It's just her and Jimin in the practice room.)

Jimin nods, "Take your time," he murmurs, watching as she rushes from the rehearsal studio.

Y/N locks herself in the bathroom, her chest heaving as she tries to regain her composure. She leans against the cool porcelain sink, the sound of running water echoing through the small space. She looks at herself in the mirror, her eyes wide with desire, and she can't help but touch her lips, remembering the almost-kiss they'd shared just moments before. Her body feels like it's on fire, the friction from their dance leaving her craving more.

With trembling hands, she adjusts her shirt, the fabric sticking to her skin from the sweat of their intense practice. She can feel the wetness between her legs, a traitorous giveaway of her arousal. She tries to ignore it, to tell herself it's just the dance, just the music, but the ache is too much. She sighs and moves to the stall, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

In the quiet of the bathroom, she leans against the cool metal, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She can still feel the heat of Jimin's body, the way his hands had moved over hers with such confidence. Her fingers trace the path they'd taken, and she closes her eyes, trying to focus on anything else—the smell of the studio, the sound of the air conditioning, the lyrics to their next song—but all she can think about is the way he'd looked at her.

Y/N slides her hand down her body. Her fingertips graze the sensitive area between her legs, and she has to bite back a moan. She's so turned on, it's all she can do not to collapse right there.

With shaking hands, she reaches up to the towel dispenser and pulls out a few sheets. She wets them under the cold tap water, the chill sending a shock through her system. She brings them down to her pussy, gently wiping away the evidence of her desire. The coolness is a stark contrast to the heat that Jimin had stirred within her, but it's a necessary step to regain her composure.

Y/N takes a deep breath and steels herself, willing her racing heart to slow. She can't let him see how much he affects her. This is a job, she reminds herself, a professional partnership. She takes another deep breath and smooths her hair back into place before exiting the stall.

As she opens the door, she's met with the sight of Jimin standing in the middle of the studio, shirtless and glistening with sweat. He's pouring water over his head, the droplets cascading down his chest and abs, highlighting every muscle and curve. She can't help but stare, her mouth going dry. He's so beautiful, so utterly mesmerizing that she forgets to breathe for a moment.

Y/N clears her throat, trying to play it cool. "Ready to continue," she quips, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands. She strides back into the studio, forcing her gaze away from his bare torso and back to his eyes.

Jimin pulls his shirt back over his head, his eyes lingering on her for a beat longer than necessary before he turns away. "Let's end it for today and meet up with the guys in the BTS dorm to just hang out."

Y/N agrees, knowing she couldn't take any more contact with Jimin. In the BTS dorm, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. The members are lounging around, playing games and watching movies, a stark contrast to the intense practice sessions.

As they settle into a game night, Y/N tries to focus on the board game, her hands fidgeting with the pieces, but she can't ignore the way her stomach turns. The room starts to spin, and she feels a wave of nausea wash over her. Her cheeks heat up as she excuses herself, rushing to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face.

When she returns, Jimin is there, his hand on her forehead. "Do you have a fever?" he asks, his voice filled with concern.

Y/N nods, feeling the heat radiating from her body. "Yeah," she says weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Without missing a beat, Jimin scoops her into his arms. "Let's get you to bed," he says, his voice filled with genuine concern. She can't help but notice the way his arms feel around her, strong and secure, as he carries her to his room.

He lays her down on the bed, the cool sheets a welcome relief against her flushed skin. Y/N tries to protest, not wanting to be a burden, but the room is spinning too much for her to argue. She feels his hand on her forehead, and she nods, unable to hide her fever from his gentle touch.

"I'll be right back," Jimin says, his voice filled with a gentle concern that sends a warmth through her that has nothing to do with her illness. He leaves the room, and she can hear his footsteps retreating down the hallway. She takes a moment to catch her breath, trying to ignore the racing of her heart.

When he returns, he's holding a bottle of medicine and a glass of warm water. He sits on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving hers as he hands her the medicine. "Here, take these," he instructs gently. "They should help with the fever."

Y/N takes the pills with a grateful nod, the warmth of his hand lingering on hers. She takes a sip of the water, the liquid soothing her dry throat. Jimin watches her with a soft smile, his thumb brushing her cheek to wipe away a bead of sweat.

"Thank you," she whispers, her eyes shining with genuine appreciation.

"It's nothing," he says. "We're all just looking out for each other."

Y/N nods, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. "I know," she murmurs, her body swaying slightly. "But it means a lot."

Without a word, Jimin slides into the bed beside her, his body curving around hers protectively. He gently lifts her head and rests it on his chest, his hand coming up to cradle her cheek. His warmth envelops her, and she sighs in relief as his fingers begin to massage her temples, the pressure just right to ease the pounding in her head.

"You'll get sick," she mumbles against his chest, her eyes fluttering closed.

Jimin chuckles softly, his hand never stopping its gentle ministrations. "It's okay, Y/N," he assures her, his voice a comforting rumble. "I'll be here if you need anything."

Y/N nods, feeling the heat of his body seep into her own. It's a strange feeling, one she's never experienced before. She nestles closer, his heartbeat a steady rhythm beneath her ear. She can feel the rise and fall of his chest with every breath he takes, and it's oddly soothing.

"Can you keep massaging my head? It feels good" she whispers.

Jimin nods, his hand never ceasing its gentle rhythm. "Of course," he says, his voice low and soothing.

Suddenly, a shout echoes from the main room. "Jimin! What's taking you guys so long?" It's Namjoon, his voice tinged with concern and curiosity.

Jimin sighs, his hand still gently rubbing circles on Y/N's forehead. He leans down, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Y/N, Namjoon's looking for me. I should go," he says softly.

Y/N nods sleepily, not wanting to admit how much she enjoys his touch. "Okay," she whispers, her eyes fluttering closed again.

Jimin hesitates for a moment, his gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks. With a gentle sigh, he stands up, his hand sliding away from her forehead. "Rest," he says, his voice barely above a murmur.

Y/N nods, her eyes still closed. "Thank you," she whispers, already drifting off to the sound of his retreating footsteps. She can feel the bed dip slightly as he leaves, and she sighs into the pillow, the warmth of his body still present in the air around her.

In the main room, the boys are in the middle of a heated game of Monopoly. The laughter and banter fill the air, a stark contrast to the quiet intimacy of Jimin's room. As Jimin enters, Namjoon asks where Y/N is, his eyes darting to the bedroom door. "She's okay," Jimin says, his voice calm. "Just needs some rest."

The other members look at him, understanding that Y/N and Jimin are especially close and care for each other very much.

"Let's keep the volume down, okay?" Jimin suggests, and the group nods in unison. They continue with their game night, while Y/N fights the fever in the safety of Jimin's bed.

Minutes later, the game wraps up faster than anyone anticipated. Jimin had been playing strategically, ensuring he'd lose so he could return to Y/N. He excuses himself, feigning a yawn, and heads back to his room, his steps quick and silent.

Y/N is lying in the darkness, pretending to sleep. She can feel the heat of his body as he slides back into bed beside her. He's careful not to jostle her, and for a moment, she holds her breath, unsure of his intentions. But as his hand finds its way back to her forehead, she relaxes into the mattress with a sigh.

The gentle rhythm of his massage is soothing, lulling her into a semi-conscious state where the lines between reality and fantasy blur. She can feel the tension in her body slowly seep away, replaced by a warm, comforting buzz that has her skin tingling. Her heart races at his touch, and she has to remind herself that it's just Jimin being kind, being a good host.

With a weak smile, she whispers, "Thank you."

"Hey, I thought you were asleep," Jimin whispers back, his voice a gentle rumble against her hair. "Sleep."

Y/N's eyes drift shut once more, and within moments, her breathing evens out into the soft, steady rhythm of sleep. Jimin watches her for a while, his heart swelling with a mix of emotions he can't quite name. She's so vulnerable, and in his arms, she seems so small and fragile. He traces the line of her jaw with his thumb, his eyes lingering on the flutter of her eyelashes as they rest against her cheeks.

Her skin is warm to the touch, flushed with the remnants of her fever. He can feel the heat of her breath against his chest, the gentle rise and fall of her body with each inhale and exhale. It's a heady sensation, one that has him holding her a little closer, his arms tightening around her. He's never felt like this before. There's something about Y/N that's gotten under his skin and into his bloodstream.

As the night stretches out, his thoughts begin to drift back to the dance rehearsal. The way their bodies had moved together, the heat between them almost tangible. With every grind, every touch, his body had responded, his cock thickening and straining against the fabric of his sweatpants. He'd tried to ignore it, to focus on the choreography, but it was impossible. Her curves, her grace, the way she'd looked at him with those dark eyes and tan skin—it was a heady combination that had him fighting to keep his composure.

Even now, lying in the quiet darkness, he can feel himself getting hard again. He shifts uncomfortably, trying to adjust his position without disturbing her. His hand lingers on her forehead, his thumb tracing gentle circles, and he can't help but think of the way she'd felt in his arms, her body pressed against his. And as much as he tries to push it aside, to remind himself of their professional boundaries, the desire is too strong.

With a sigh, he lets himself fall asleep with her in his arms. She feels so right there, nestled against his chest, her head resting on his shoulder. Her breath is warm and even, a steady beat that matches the thud of his own heart. He closes his eyes, his hand still resting on her forehead, and lets the darkness claim him.

Morning light filters through the curtains, and Y/N is the first to wake up. She opens her eyes to find Jimin's arm draped over her, his breathing deep and even. She's surprised by how comfortable she is. Carefully, she extracts herself from his embrace, not wanting to wake him. She glances at the clock on the nightstand, her eyes widening at the time. It was already morning. The rest of BTS had left for their rehearsals. She changes into a loose t-shirt and shorts to be comfortable. Her fever was mostly gone.

Her stomach rumbles, a reminder of her empty state. She decides to sneak to the kitchen to grab something to eat.

Y/N pads quietly through the hallway, the house eerily calm without the usual chaos of seven boys. She enters the kitchen, the coolness of the marble countertops a stark contrast to the warmth of Jimin's embrace. As she opens the fridge, the light illuminates her face, casting a soft glow on her features. Her stomach growls again, louder this time, and she grabs a banana and a carton of yogurt. While she is eating, she sees Jimin come out of the room, hair a mess yet he still looks perfect.

"Good morning," she says softly, hoping not to startle him.

Jimin's eyes widen in surprise, and he clears his throat. "Morning," he murmurs, his voice low and raspy from sleep. He runs a hand through his hair, the messy strands falling back into place as if by magic. He walks up to Y/N, leaning on the counter at which she is eating.

"How's the fever?" he asks, his voice a gentle rumble that sends a shiver down Y/N's spine. She nods, taking a bite of her banana.

"It's gone," she says, her voice still a little hoarse from sleep. "Thank you for taking care of me."

Jimin nods, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he grabs her banana and takes a bite. "It's nothing," he says.

Y/N smiles, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at his casual gesture. They stand in the quiet kitchen until she breaks the silence. "I should go back to my dorm," she says, her voice a little too loud.

Jimin nods, his expression unreadable. "Yeah, we've got rehearsals to get to," he says, taking a step back.

Y/N nods, trying to ignore the disappointment that fills her at the thought of leaving the comfort of his presence. She takes a deep breath and heads to the door, her hand on the knob. "Thank you again," she says, her voice a little too loud in the stillness.

Jimin's eyes follow her as she moves, the light catching the curves of her body in a way that makes his breath hitch. "You don't have to thank me," he says, his voice a low murmur. "You're important to me."

"You are important to me, too."

The words hang in the air between them, thick with meaning. Y/N's hand lingers on the doorknob before she exits the dorm.

At the rehearsal studio, Y/N's mind is elsewhere as she goes through the motions of a BTS dance routine. Her thoughts are consumed by Jimin's tender care and the way his eyes had searched hers.

As she prepares to leave, Jungkook approaches her with a new proposal. "Hey, Y/N," he says, his voice filled with excitement. "I've been working on some new choreography for my solo, and I think you'd be perfect for it. It's a bit more high-energy than what you're doing with Jimin."

Y/N's eyes widen in surprise. "Really?" she asks, her heart racing at the prospect of working closely with another member of the group. She had been consumed by thoughts of Jimin and rehearsing with him. "What's the routine like?"

"It's going to be explosive," Jungkook says with a grin. "Lots of acrobatics, flips, and high-energy moves."

Y/N nods, trying to keep her cool. "I'm up for the challenge," she says, her heart racing with excitement. "But I've never done flips before."

Jungkook laughs, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry, I'll teach you," he says, his confidence infectious. "We'll start slow and build up to it. By the way, J-hope is also part of the dance."

Y/N agrees, "Okay, let's do it."

Jungkook says, "To manage 2 performances, you'll have rehearsals with Jimin from 5pm to 9pm and rehearse with me and J-hope from 1pm to 5pm. That gives you the mornings to practice and rest."

Y/N nods, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. "Thank you, Jungkook. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," he says, giving her a playful nudge. "Now, let's get to work. It's 1pm."

Y/N nods, excitement bubbling up inside her. She follows Jungkook into the rehearsal room, her eyes scanning the space for J-hope. He's already there, his intense gaze locked on the mirror as he practices some moves. She greets the bubbly dancer with a playful side hug.

J-hope says, "Hey Y/N! I can't wait for you to learn this choreography. We'll start by learning a backflip."

Y/N's heart drops to her stomach. She had always envied those who could perform such acrobatic feats, but she had never had the guts to try it herself. She nods, trying to keep the panic out of her voice. "Sure, let's go for it."

J-hope sees her fear and smiles reassuringly. "Don't worry, we'll start with a simple backflip onto the mat," he says, pointing to the large crash pad in the corner. "It's all about trusting your body and your instincts."

Y/N takes a deep breath and nods, stepping onto the mat with determination. Jungkook stands by her side, offering words of encouragement while J-hope demonstrates the move. The music starts, and Y/N watches as J-hope flips effortlessly through the air, landing perfectly. She tries to mimic his movements, but fails.

"Let's take it slower," J-hope suggests. "We'll start with the basics."

Y/N nods, her resolve unwavering. They spend the next few hours breaking down the backflip into smaller movements, building up her confidence and strength. Each time she tries, she feels the muscles in her legs and core strain, but she pushes through, driven by the desire to prove herself to them. By the end of the session, she's managed a few wobbly flips with their support.

As the clock ticks closer to 5pm, she takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for her session with Jimin. She knows that the sensual dance they've been working on is going to be even more challenging, especially given her tiredness from doing the flips. She gathers her things and heads back to the main rehearsal room, where Jimin is already waiting, his eyes locked on her as she enters.

"How was rehearsal with Jungkook and J-hope?"

Y/N smiles at Jimin, trying to play it cool despite the adrenaline still pumping through her from the intense practice. "It was good. I learned a lot, especially about backflips," she says.

Jimin's eyes widen. "Really? Show me what you've got."

Y/N blushes, the memory of the struggle from her earlier flip attempt still fresh. She takes a deep breath and nods, stepping into the center of the room. Jungkook and J-hope had shown her some of the basics, but she hadn't quite nailed it yet. She runs at the mat, her legs pushing off the ground, and with a grunt, she attempts a backflip. She lands awkwardly, her legs buckling under her and falling on her butt painfully.

Jimin laughs, the sound light and genuine, as he rushes over to help her up. "Don't worry, you're getting there," he says, his grip firm but gentle as he pulls her to her feet.

Y/N brushes off her shorts, her cheeks still flushed from the embarrassment. "Yeah, I just need more practice," she mumbles, avoiding his gaze.

Jimin's laughter fades as he looks at her seriously. "You're doing great, really," he reassures her, his hand lingering on her arm. "You're pushing yourself harder than anyone I've ever seen."

Y/N nods, her heart racing as she feels his touch. She looks up at him, her eyes searching his. "Thanks, Jimin. I don't want to let you guys down."

Jimin's smile softens, his thumb brushing against the inside of her wrist. "You won't," he says, his voice a warm caress. "Now, let's get back to our routine."

They spend the next few hours working on the dance, their bodies moving in perfect sync, the chemistry between them more palpable than ever. Every touch, every look feels charged with an electric current that makes it hard for Y/N to focus. She tries to keep her thoughts on the choreography, but her mind keeps wandering to his touch, the feeling of him being so close.

As the hours wear on, Y/N feels a familiar heat building between her legs. She's so wet that it's becoming uncomfortable, her pussy throbbing with each move she makes. She tries to ignore it, but it's like trying to ignore a siren's call. Finally, she can't take it anymore. "I'm sorry, I need to go to the bathroom," she says, her voice a little too high.

Jimin frowns in concern, his hand reaching out to feel her forehead. "Are you okay? You don't have a fever again, do you?"

"No, no, I'm fine," she stammers, trying to regain her composure. "I just—I just need to go to the bathroom."

Jimin's hands gently massage her temples and he whispers, "You're okay," his voice a soothing balm that does nothing to quell the storm of desire that has been brewing within her. As he massages her head and looks at her worriedly, Y/N can't hold back a soft, involuntary moan that escapes her lips, echoing through the studio.

Heat floods Y/N's cheeks as she stammers an apology and covers her face. "I'm so sorry," she says, her voice trembling. "That was so inappropriate, I don't know what came over me. I'm going to go to the bathroom now."

Jimin's grip on her tightens briefly before he releases her. "Okay, Y/N," he says, his voice gentle. "Take your time."

In the bathroom, Y/N splashes cold water on her face, trying to douse the fire burning within her. She can't believe what just happened. She's supposed to be a professional dancer, not some hormone-crazed fan girl. But every time Jimin looks at her, every time their bodies come together, it's like she's lost in a tornado of desire that she can't escape.

Y/N takes a deep breath and looks in the mirror. Her eyes are dilated, her cheeks flushed. She reached under her panties and massages her pussy, trying to ease the ache that won't go away. She softly moans Jimin's name as she plays with herself, imagining his hands on her, his lips against hers. But she quickly snaps out of it, feeling guilty and embarrassed. She slaps her cheeks lightly to bring herself back to reality. She returns to the rehearsal studio.

"Are you okay?" Jimin asks, his voice low and concerned.

Y/N nods, trying to compose herself. "Yeah, I'm fine," she says, her voice shaky.

Jimin steps closer, his eyes searching hers. "You don't look fine," he says, his voice gentle. "What's going on?"

Y/N swallows hard, her heart hammering in her chest. She can't tell him the truth—that she's falling for him, that every time they dance together, she wants nothing more than to rip his clothes off and feel him inside her. Instead, she forces a smile and shakes her head. "Just nerves. Let's continue rehearsal. I'm sorry for wasting time and being inappropriate."

Jimin's expression softens, and he reaches out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "You're not wasting any time, Y/N," he whispers, his thumb lingering on her cheek. "And as for the moan…it's only natural."

Y/N's breath hitches at his admission. The air between them crackles with unspoken tension as their gazes lock, the heat between them growing more intense with every passing second. "But I disrespected your boundaries and you have every right to be upset," she says, her voice barely above a breath.

Jimin's hand trails down from her cheek to her neck, his thumb stroking the pulse point gently. "You haven't disrespected anyone. I'm not upset," he murmurs, his eyes darkening.

Y/N's breath catches in her throat as she stares at him. She can feel his breath on her face, his scent intoxicating her, making her want to lean in closer. But she resists, aware of the professional line they're tiptoeing. "We should get back to work," she says.

Jimin nods, his hand dropping to his side. "You're right," he says.

They return to the dance, but the energy has shifted. The moves are more intense, the eye contact more lingering. Every brush of their bodies sends sparks flying, setting her skin alight with want. It's as if a switch has been flipped, and all the pent-up tension between them is now a live wire, humming with electricity.

As the music reaches a crescendo, their dance culminates in a move where Jimin dips her low, his hand resting on the small of her back, his body mere inches from hers. She feels his warm breath on her neck, his heart beating in time with hers.

Y/N pulls away, the intensity of the moment leaving her breathless again. She needs another break, another moment to regain her composure. "Jimin, I'm sorry, but I need to use the bathroom again," she says, her voice shaky.

Jimin nods, his eyes never leaving hers. "Take all the time you need," he murmurs.

Y/N practically runs to the bathroom, her heart racing and her pussy aching. She locks the stall and sits on the toilet, her hand immediately going to her throbbing clit. She's so wet she can feel it seeping through her shorts, a testament to how much their dance had affected her. She takes a shaky breath and reaches into her bag for a pack of wet wipes, cleaning herself up as best as she can. She's torn between the thrill of their shared attraction and the fear of what it could mean for their professional relationship. She needed to keep her sexual desires in check but her pussy wasn't cooperating.

Y/N exits the bathroom, trying to compose herself, and heads back to the BTS room since it was past 9pm and rehearsal was over. The other members are lounging around, some playing video games, others scrolling through their phones. They look up as she enters, and she can feel their eyes on her. She tries to play it cool, hoping none of them can see through the facade. She takes a seat next to Jungkook, who flashes her a grin. "How was your rehearsal with Jimin? He's already here, in the kitchen." he says.

Her heart skips a beat at the mention of Jimin's name. She forces a smile. "It was good," she says, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Ready for the official performance recording tomorrow morning?" Namjoon asks Y/N.

Y/N nods, her heart racing. She's been rehearsing the routine with Jimin for months now, and she's ready.

"Yeah, I think I am," she says.

Jimin emerges from the kitchen, holding a bottle of water, his eyes finding hers immediately. The tension between them is so thick, it's almost tangible. He walks over to her, his movements fluid and graceful, like a panther stalking its prey. "You okay?" he asks, his gaze searching hers.

Y/N nods, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. "Yeah, I just needed a moment," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jimin nods, understanding in his eyes. He sits right next to Y/N on the couch, and before she knows it, she's leaning into him, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. The warmth of his embrace seeps into her, easing the tension that's been building all day. The other members of BTS look up from their various activities, sensing the shift in the room's dynamics but not saying anything. They know that Jimin and Y/N have been growing closer, and they respect their friendship.

They all decide to watch a romantic comedy, the mood in the room lightening as they settle in for a good laugh and a heartwarming love story. The film plays out on the large flat-screen TV, the vibrant colors and catchy songs filling the air. Y/N feels a sense of comfort as Jimin's arm drapes around her shoulder, his hand resting gently on her upper arm. She tries to focus on the movie, but her mind keeps drifting back to the way their bodies fit together so perfectly.

Jungkook, his eyes glued to the screen as the heroine delivers a monologue. "Wow, she's so pretty," he says, his voice filled with admiration.

Jimin's voice cuts through the air. "She is," he agrees, but then his gaze shifts to Y/N. "But Y/N is much prettier."

The rest of the group lets out soft chuckles. Y/N feels the heat from his hand spread through her body, and she has to fight the urge to lean into his touch more. She's aware of the others watching them, so she plays it cool, turning to smile at Jimin. "Thanks," she whispers.

When the moment arrives and the couple in the movie finally declares their love for one another, sharing a passionate kiss, Y/N feels Jimin's grip on her tighten. His thumbs trace slow circles on her palms, his eyes never leaving the TV.

Jimin leans in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispers, "Y/N, about tomorrow…" His voice is low and filled with anticipation. She can feel the tension in his body as he awaits her response.

Y/N turns her head slightly to look at him, her heart racing. She knows what he's referring to—the official performance that they've been working on tirelessly. "What about it?" she asks, her voice a mere whisper, matching the intensity of the moment.

Jimin takes a deep breath, his gaze flicking to her lips before returning to her eyes. "You'll do amazing."

Y/N nods, her throat dry. "Thank you," she whispers, the heat between them growing more intense with every shared look.

One by one, the other members start to doze off. Y/N feels the weight of Jimin's head on her shoulder, his breath steady and comforting against her neck. Her own eyes start to feel heavy, and she shifts slightly, her body fitting even closer to his.

Before she knows it, she's asleep, her cheek pressed to his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. She's lost in a dream of their dance routine, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Y/N and Jimin fall asleep, but the rest of the members were only pretending. They start talking in whispers.

"I've never seen Jimin like this before," Yoongi says, his eyes on the sleeping pair. "They're so connected."

"It's definitely going to affect their performance," Namjoon adds, his gaze thoughtful. "But in a good way, I think."

"I hope so," J-hope says, glancing over at them. "But we can't ignore the fact that they're almost crossing a line. What if it messes with the group dynamics?"

Jin nods, stroking his chin. "It's a risk, but if they can keep it professional, it might just make their performance even more powerful."

"They're both adults," Taehyung whispers, his gaze soft as he watches them. "If they can handle it, we should support them."

Jungkook nods in agreement, "They're not just dancing together, they're performing a love story," he points out. "It's bound to affect them."

The next morning, Jimin is the first to stir, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. He carefully moves his head from Y/N's shoulder, his eyes scanning the room to ensure they're still alone. The rest of the members are sprawled out, lost in their own dreams. He takes a moment to just watch her, stroking her hair gently. Her features are soft and peaceful in sleep, and he can't help but feel a deep sense of protectiveness wash over him.

He examines her face, noticing the way her eyelashes flutter slightly with every breath she takes, the way her lips part slightly when she inhales. He traces the line of her jaw with his thumb, feeling the steady pulse of her heartbeat beneath his fingertips. It's in this quiet, unguarded moment that he realizes how much she means to him. The attraction had always been there, a simmering undercurrent to their dance routines and stolen glances, but now it's a full-blown storm threatening to overtake him.

With a sigh, Jimin tells himself that it's just the performance pressure. Once the solo is over, he will feel like friends again. It's the nature of the job—intimate moments shared under the spotlight that feel like something more but are really just a part of the show.

But as Y/N's eyes flutter open and she looks up at him, the tender way she smiles makes his heart stutter. She stretches, her body arching slightly, and the sight of her breasts pressing against her top sends a jolt of lust through him. He quickly looks away, clearing his throat to cover his reaction.

Y/N sits up, rubbing her eyes, and Jimin can't help but notice the way her shirt rides up, revealing her flat stomach and the hint of her toned abs. She's beautiful, and the fact that she's real, not just a figment of his imagination or a fleeting encounter, makes it all the more real.

"What time is it?" she asks sleepily, her voice still thick with sleep.

Jimin checks his watch. "Almost 6 AM. We need to get ready for the recording."

Y/N nods, her heart racing as she stands up and stretches. She's not aware of the way Jimin's gaze lingers on her body, his thoughts a whirlwind of desire and doubt. They both know that today's performance will be pivotal for their careers and their relationship.

The stylist for the group, a meticulous woman, comes in to give them their final instructions. "Y/N," she says, her voice clipped and professional, "you'll be wearing a tight purple sports bra and black yoga shorts for the performance today." She holds up the outfit, the fabric clinging to her hands like a second skin.

Y/N's eyes widen slightly, but she nods, swallowing the lump in her throat. She's aware of the sensual visuals the outfit will create, but she's a professional. She knows that the performance is what truly counts. "Okay," she says, her voice steady.

The stylist hands her the outfit, and she heads to the changing room, her heart racing. She pulls on the yoga shorts, feeling the fabric hug her curves, and slips the sports bra over her head. The material is so thin and tight that it feels like a second skin, leaving nothing to the imagination. She looks at herself in the mirror, her tan skin glowing under the harsh lights, and takes a deep breath. This is it.

When she emerges from the changing room, she finds Jimin dressed in his performance attire. The transparent turtleneck clings to his muscular chest, showcasing some tattoos that snake down his arms and the sharp lines of his abs. His leather pants are tight, hugging his ass and thick thighs in a way that makes her mouth water. She tries to ignore the way her pussy clenches at the sight of him.

He turns to her, his eyes sweeping over her body, and she feels a shiver run down her spine. The way he looks at her makes her feel like she's the only woman in the world, like every inch of her is perfect and beautiful. But she knows that the outfit is a calculated move for the performance—to maximize the sensual visuals. She takes a deep breath and reminds herself of their professional bond. "Ready for the last time, Jimin?"

He nods, his eyes still on her. "More than ever," he says, his voice low and husky. "You look amazing."

Y/N's cheeks heat up at his compliment, and she looks away, focusing on her own reflection. She can't let his words affect her, not now. "Thank you," she says, her voice barely above a murmur. "So do you."

Their final performance is electric. The chemistry between them is off the charts, their movements so in sync it's like they're sharing the same breath. The group watches, their eyes glued to the passion unfolding before them. They've seen Jimin with many dancers before, but there's something different about Y/N, something that makes the air thick with anticipation.

The tension builds as they run through the routine, their bodies brushing, their eyes locking in a silent conversation that speaks volumes. Every dip and twirl feels like a promise, every touch a silent confession. When they reach the part where their dance culminates in a steamy embrace, the energy in the room is almost tangible.

Y/N's heart is racing as Jimin's hands slide around her waist, pulling her closer. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, it feels like the world stops spinning. His gaze is intense, full of want and need. Her own desire mirrors his, and she knows that she's playing with fire. But the flames are too tempting, too alluring to resist.

The music reaches a crescendo, and they perform the final dip, their bodies so close that she can feel the heat radiating from him. As they come up, Jimin's hand lingers on her waist, his thumb brushing against the sensitive skin of her lower back. She gasps, the sensation shooting straight to her core. The group watches, their eyes wide, as the dance ends on a powerful note, the chemistry between them leaving no room for doubt.

The silence in the room is deafening until it's broken by the sound of clapping. The members of BTS stand up, applauding the raw passion and skill displayed in their dance. Y/N's cheeks burn as she bows slightly, her eyes finding Jimin's. He smiles at her, the proud look in his eyes making her heart swell. They've done it—they've created something truly special together.

"That was incredible," Jungkook says, his eyes shining with excitement. "I've never seen you dance like that, Jimin."

Jimin's grip on Y/N's waist tightens for a brief moment before he lets go. "We make a good team," he says, his voice casual, though his eyes betray his true feelings.

Y/N nods, trying to keep her breathing even. "We do," she agrees, her heart racing.

The director claps his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, let's take a look at what we've got," he says, his voice gruff. The group gathers around a nearby monitor, their eyes glued to the screen as the playback begins.

Y/N feels a flutter in her stomach as she watches their performance. Every move, every touch, every passionate look feels amplified, as if the camera had captured not just their dance, but their very souls.

The director nods, his stern face unreadable. "Good work," he says, his voice gruff. "Disperse."

The group starts to break up, the members heading to their designated areas for rehearsals.

Y/N finds herself in rehearsal with Jungkook and J-hope, working tirelessly on the acrobatic routine. The hours fly by as they practice flips and lifts, their bodies moving in synchrony despite their different styles. She misses the comfort of Jimin's touch, the way their chemistry made even the most complicated routines feel effortless. But she knows that maintaining a professional distance is what's best for both of them.

During dinner, she forces a smile, making small talk with the other members. She laughs at Jin's jokes, nods in agreement with Namjoon's insights on music, and teases Yoongi about his love for cooking. But every time Jimin enters the room, her heart skips a beat. She catches his eyes on her, filled with a warmth that makes her want to melt into him. The effort of pretending is exhausting, but she's determined to keep the peace.

Later, during a card game, she sits at the opposite end of the table from Jimin, her body rigid with tension. The air crackles with unspoken words, and she can feel his gaze on her like a warm caress, even when she's not looking at him. She throws down a card with more force than necessary, trying to shake off the feeling.

"Guys," Jimin says, his voice cutting through the light-hearted banter, "I need to talk about something."

The room goes quiet, and everyone looks at him, sensing the seriousness in his tone. Y/N grows concerned, worried that Jimin wasn't feeling well or was stressed about something.

"I was watching the news the other day, and I came across a segment that was about me and one of my older albums. The commentators made some bad comments about my voice and dancing," Jimin says, his voice tight with frustration. "And they said I was the type of guy who looked like a heartless fuckboy. Online it says similar things about me. It hurts."

Y/N looks at him, her eyes widening slightly. The other members exchange glances, unsure of what to say. Jimin rarely opens up about his personal feelings, especially when it comes to his reputation.

"You're not heartless, Jimin," she says, her voice firm. "You're a good person."

Jimin looks at her, his eyes searching hers. "Thank you, Y/N," he says, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "But sometimes I wonder if all people see is a lie."

Y/N nods in understanding, her mind racing with an idea. She's had enough of the way people perceive Jimin. She knows the real him—kind, caring, and talented beyond measure. Without saying a word to anyone, she decides to take matters into her own hands. That night, she creates a fanpage for Jimin on Instagram, filled with adorable behind-the-scenes moments and sweet anecdotes about his personality. She pours her heart into each post, showcasing his playfulness, his dedication to his craft, and the gentle way he treats those around him.

The response is overwhelming. The account grows by thousands each day, and soon it's not just fans praising Jimin, but also industry insiders and even former partners coming forward to share their positive experiences with him. The hashtag #respectthemochi starts to trend, and the narrative shifts. His reputation seems to be changing before their very eyes, and the group notices. They start to see a softer side of him that they hadn't before, and the air around him feels lighter, less charged with the weight of his past.

But Y/N keeps her role a secret, watching from the sidelines as the person she's come to care about starts to shine brighter than ever. She pours her heart into each post, crafting captions that highlight his quirks and the sweet moments they share. It's a cathartic experience for her, a way to channel her feelings without crossing the line they've drawn.

Days pass and the buzz around Jimin's new image grows. He's surprised to find himself the subject of positive articles, praising his growth and maturity. The comments section of his own social media accounts are no longer a minefield of spite, but a place where fans gush over his kindness and charm. He can't quite put his finger on when things changed, but he knows something is different.

One evening, after a particularly grueling rehearsal, Jimin retreats to the BTS dorm room. He finds Y/N's phone there, thinking she must have left it. He grabs it to return it to her, and sees instagram opened up to his famous fanpage that altered his reputation for the better. His heart skips a beat, and he realizes that the change in his public perception is tied to her. He knows it in his bones.

Mustering all the courage he can, Jimin heads to Y/N's small personal dorm room, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. He takes a moment to compose himself, then gently knocks on the door. It opens slowly, revealing Y/N sitting at her desk, surrounded by fairy lights and the faint scent of her jasmine-scented candles. She looks up, surprised to see him.

"Jimin, what's up?" she asks, her voice filled with curiosity. She's wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts, her hair tied up in a messy bun. She's makeup-free, and she looks more beautiful than ever.

He takes a step inside, his eyes scanning the room. It's small and simple, but it's her sanctuary. Her laptop is open on the desk, the glow of the screen casting a soft light across her features. "I just wanted to say...I know."

Y/N's hands freeze on her keyboard. "Know what?" she asks, playing dumb. But she knows. She can see it in his eyes—the realization, the gratitude, the vulnerability.

Jimin takes a deep breath. "I know you're behind the fanpage," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "The way you see me, the way you show everyone else… it's changing things for me."

Y/N's cheeks flush, and she looks down at her hands. "I just wanted to show the real you," she admits, her voice trembling slightly. "You deserve to be seen for who you truly are."

Jimin walks over to her, his steps deliberate and sure. He stops behind her chair, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Thank you," he whispers, his breath warm against her neck. "You have no idea what this means to me."

Y/N's heart hammers in her chest as she feels his fingers gently kneading the tension from her muscles. "You're welcome," she murmurs, trying to ignore the shiver that runs down her spine. "You're an amazing person, Jimin. It's about time everyone else sees it too."

Jimin's thumbs trace circles on her back, his touch featherlight yet firm. She leans into the massage, her eyes closing as she sighs with relief. His touch is comforting, grounding her in a way she didn't know she needed. It's a stark contrast to the electric chemistry that fuels their dance routines, but no less potent. She feels his warmth seep into her, soothing the ragged edges of her nerves.

"You're so tense," he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. "You need to relax."

Y/N nods, her eyes still closed. Jimin's touch is like a balm, easing the tension that's been building in her shoulders and neck for months. She can feel his thumbs digging in, working out the knots that have formed from hours of rehearsals and the weight of their unspoken feelings. His hands are strong and skilled, a testament to his years of dance training.

"Thank you," she admits, her voice a little shakier than she'd like. "This is exactly what I need."

Jimin leans down, his chin resting on her shoulder as he continues to massage her. "You've been working so hard," he murmurs, his voice filled with concern. "You deserve to relax."

Y/N nods, her eyes still closed. She's acutely aware of the proximity of their bodies, the way their breath mingles in the quiet of her room. The line between friendship and something more is blurring, and she can feel the pull of it like gravity. "You're not so bad at this," she says, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I have my talents," Jimin replies, his voice teasing. His thumbs make their way up to her ears, gently massaging the tension there. She gasps at the sensation, her eyes flying open. The way he's looking at her is anything but professional, his gaze intense and hungry.

"Jimin…" she starts, but he shakes his head, cutting her off.

"Stop," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "Just let me help you."

Y/N's eyes flutter shut again, her body responding to the gentle ministrations of his hands. She can't help but lean into his touch, her resolve to keep things professional slipping away like grains of sand in an hourglass. The moment feels too real, too intimate to deny.

Suddenly, the air in the room changes, the tension ratcheting up as Jimin's thumbs stop their circular motions and instead trace the line of her jaw, moving up to cradle her face. He leans in, his breath hot on her skin, and for a heart-stopping moment, she's sure he's going to kiss her.

"What are you doing?" she whispers, her voice trembling.

Jimin's eyes search hers, his expression a mix of desire and hesitation. "What we both want," he murmurs, his breath warm against her lips.

In a heartbeat, Jimin's lips are on hers. It's a gentle kiss, a question more than a declaration, but it sends a bolt of lightning straight through her body. She gasps, her hands rising to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

The kiss deepens, and she feels the world around them melt away. His hands move from her neck to her hair, cradling her head as he kisses her with a passion that leaves her breathless. Her own hands slide up his chest, over his shoulders, and around his neck, pulling him closer as if she's afraid he might disappear. The fabric of their clothes is the only barrier between them, and it feels like too much.

Y/N's body responds to him, her breasts pushing against his chest, her hips shifting in her seat as she tries to get closer. Jimin groans softly, his hands moving to the hem of her shirt. He lifts it slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, as if asking for permission with every inch of exposed skin. She nods, her breath coming in shallow pants, and he pulls it over her head, revealing the bra she's wearing underneath. In an instant, that's gone, too.

He takes a step back, his eyes roaming over her body; it's the first time he's ever seen her so exposed. He reaches out, his thumbs hooking into the waistband of her shorts, and pulls them down with agonizing slowness. Her panties follow, leaving her naked before him.

Jimin's eyes darken as he takes in the sight of her. He reaches out, tracing the line of her thighs before moving up to cup her ass. "You're so fucking beautiful," he murmurs, his voice thick with desire.

Y/N's body responds to his touch, her core pulsing with need. She can feel herself growing wetter by the second, her arousal soaking through the fabric of her underwear. She bites her bottom lip, trying to hold back a moan. "Jimin…"

He pulls her closer, his own breathing ragged. His thumbs graze the sensitive skin of her inner thighs, and she gasps as he traces the wetness of her desire. "You're so wet, fuck," he whispers, his voice filled with awe. "Don't hold back. Moan for me, baby."

Y/N's eyes roll back in her head as she lets out a low, needy sound. She's soaking wet, her body begging for his touch. She feels the heat of his skin against hers, the warmth of his breath against her neck as he kisses and nibbles his way down her body. His hands are everywhere, exploring her curves with a hunger that matches her own.

When she feels his knees press into the floor before her, she opens her eyes to find him kneeling between her legs, his gaze dark and intense. She can feel the wetness of her arousal against her inner thighs, and she knows that he can see it too. She feels exposed, vulnerable, but she can't bring herself to be embarrassed. Not with the way he's looking at her.

Jimin's eyes never leave her pussy as he leans in closer, his breath hot and heavy against her skin. "Open for me," he whispers, his voice low and commanding.

Her hands move to her thighs, her fingers gripping the soft flesh as she does as she's told. With a gentle yet firm hand, she spreads the lips of her pussy apart, and she feels a rush of cold air against her wetness. She gasps, her body quivering with anticipation.

Jimin's tongue presses down in a firm line along her slit, and she can't help but let out a scream of pleasure. She feels his tongue swirl around her clit, teasing it mercilessly before plunging deep into her warmth. Her body clenches around him, desperate for more, and she can't help but squirm in her seat.

"Open wider," he commands, his voice a low growl. She does as she's told, her legs trembling as she opens herself wider for him, her fingers pushing her folds apart even further. His tongue flattens, moving in a slow, deliberate motion that sends waves of pleasure crashing through her body. He's in complete control, and she's lost in the sensation of his mouth on her.

Y/N's eyes are squeezed shut, her other hand's nails digging into the chair's armrests as Jimin's tongue delves deeper into her folds. He's relentless, exploring every inch of her with a hunger that leaves her gasping for breath. "Jimin," she screams, her voice high and needy. She can feel her orgasm building, coiling tight in her belly.

But just as she's about to reach the peak, he pulls back, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "If you want to cum," he says, his voice a dark purr, "you're going to have to use both of your hands and really hold that pussy wide open for me, baby"

Y/N's eyes fly open, and she stares at him, panting. She's never felt so exposed, so vulnerable, but she also feels a thrill of excitement. She nods, her hands shaking as she spreads her legs wider, her fingers separating her pussy lips for him even more than before, pain and pleasure mixing. Jimin's eyes are hooded, his gaze locked on her exposed flesh.

"Look at you," he says, his voice hoarse. "So pretty, so pink and swollen." He licks his lips, and she can see the hunger in his eyes. "So fucking wet."

Y/N's cheeks burn with a mix of embarrassment and arousal as Jimin describes her in such explicit terms. "Please," she begs, her voice shaking. "Touch me. I need you."

"That's right, beg," he murmurs, his voice thick with desire.

Y/N's eyes never leave his as she feels her body respond to his words, her hips bucking. She's never felt so exposed, so raw, and yet she craves more. Jimin's eyes are like dark pools, drinking in the sight of her. She can feel his breath on her thighs, and the anticipation is almost too much to bear.

"Please," she gasps, her voice barely recognizable. "Jimin, touch me."

The sight of Y/N's open pussy, glistening with her arousal, is almost too much for Jimin to bear. He watches as a bead of her juices rolls down her thigh, her body quivering with need. He's torn between his desire to be gentle and the primal urge to claim her completely. His eyes trace the path of the liquid, his mouth watering as he imagines tasting her sweetness again.

"Jimin," she screams, her voice a mix of pleasure and desperation. Her fingers tremble as they struggle to keep open her throbbing pussy, waiting for Jimin's touch. "Touch me. Please."

But Jimin doesn't move. He just watches, his eyes hooded and intense, as the juices spill out from her, coating her thighs and making her chair wet. "My baby's so fucking wet," he whispers.

Y/N's eyes widen with desperation, her hips bucking as she tries to close the distance between them. "Fuck," she gasps, her voice thick with need. "Please, Jimin."

"What do you want, baby?" he asks, his voice a dark purr.

Y/N's eyes are wild, her breath coming in ragged pants as she stares at him. "Your mouth," she gasps. "I need your mouth on me."

Jimin watches the slickness of her arousal trickle down her inner thighs. He licks his lips, savoring the anticipation, before finally giving in to the urge. His mouth closes over her pussy, his tongue delving into her wetness without hesitation. The sound of his suction fills the room, and Y/N's scream is a sweet symphony of pleasure, "Jimin!"

Y/N's body arches off the chair, her legs trembling uncontrollably as Jimin devours her. His mouth is relentless, sucking and licking with an intensity that leaves her gasping for air. Her hand clutches the back of his head, holding him in place as she rides the wave of sensation. She can feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter in her belly, the pressure building until she's sure she'll burst.

With a final, desperate cry, Y/N's orgasm crashes over her, and she collapses against the chair, her legs shaking. Jimin doesn't stop, his tongue lapping at her sensitive flesh, savoring every drop of her pleasure. He drinks from her like she's the sweetest nectar, his eyes never leaving hers as he licks and kisses her clean, "You're so sweet, baby." Her body quivers with the aftershocks, and she can't help but whimper as the last of her orgasm subsides.

Jimin stands, his eyes never leaving hers as he pulls her to her feet. He wraps his arms around her, lifting her easily, and carries her to the small bed in the corner of the room. He sits down, gently placing her in his lap. She curls into him, her body boneless with satisfaction. His chest is warm and solid against her cheek, and she feels his heart pounding in time with hers. He holds her close, his breathing still a little ragged from his own desire.

"That was fun, baby." Jimin said soothingly.

Y/N nodded, her breathing still uneven from the intense orgasm. His heartbeat was a comforting rhythm beneath her ear, and she couldn't help but let out a small sigh of contentment. But the moment was short-lived as the reality of their situation came crashing back down on her. "What now?' she asked, her voice small and uncertain.

Jimin kissed the top of her head, his hands stroking her back in a soothing motion. "We'll figure it out," he assured her.

Y/N nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as she allowed herself to sink into the warmth of his embrace. The feeling of his arms around her was like nothing she had ever experienced before, and she didn't want it to end.

They stayed like that overnight, their bodies entwined in a silent promise of what was to come. The air was thick with the scent of their desire, mingling with the faint smell of their sweat from the day's rehearsals. The gentle rise and fall of Jimin's chest was soothing, lulling Y/N into a fitful sleep filled with dreams of their future together.

The next morning, Y/N untangled herself from Jimin's embrace with a soft sigh, the reality of their situation settling back into place like a heavy cloak. She slipped out of bed, her legs still trembling from the intensity of their encounter. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft glow over the city of Seoul, but she knew she had to face the day and the rehearsal that awaited her.

Pulling on her workout gear, she made her way to the practice studio where she was scheduled to work on her flips with Jungkook and J-Hope. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. The sound of their voices and the thump of the bass from the speakers grew louder as she approached. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before walking in.

"Good morning, Y/N," Jungkook greeted her with a bright smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. J-Hope nodded in her direction. She returned their greetings, trying to keep her voice steady.

They began the session with simple stretches, but it wasn't long before they moved on to the cartwheels. Y/N had always struggled with them, her body not quite as limber as the other dancers'. She watched as Jungkook and J-Hope performed them with ease, their bodies moving in a graceful arc. Determined to impress, she pushed herself harder than ever before.

Y/N's feet left the floor, and for a brief moment, she felt like she was flying. But then, reality came crashing down as she stumbled and landed awkwardly, her arm snapping under the weight of her body. The pain was instant and blinding, a white-hot agony that brought tears to her eyes. She cradled her arm, a sickening crack echoing in her ears.

Jungkook and J-Hope rushed over, their expressions a mix of concern and shock. "Y/N, are you okay?" Jungkook asked, his voice filled with worry. She could only whimper in response, her teeth clenched against the pain.

J-Hope helped her up gently, his eyes filled with empathy. "Come on," he said, his arm around her shoulders. "Let's get you to the nursing station."

Y/N nodded, her face pale with pain. She was acutely aware of the eyes of the other dancers on her, the whispers that had started to spread through the room. As they walked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of failure. She had let herself get carried away by the passion of the moment, and now she had paid the price.

When they reached the nursing station, the nurse took one look at her arm and gently guided her to the exam table. "We need to get this looked at," she said, her voice filled with kindness. "You might have a break or a sprain."

Y/N nodded, trying not to let the pain show on her face. But as the nurse began to inspect her arm, she couldn't help but whimper. The pain was unbearable, and she felt the tears start to fall.

Just then, the door to the nursing station burst open, and in rushed Jimin, his eyes wild with concern. "Y/N," he gasped, his voice thick with worry. "What happened?"

Y/N looked up, her eyes meeting his. The pain in her arm was forgotten for a moment as she took in the sight of him, his face etched with lines of panic and fear. "Jimin," she said, her voice small. "I'm okay."

But Jimin wasn't listening. He was too busy scanning her face, looking for any signs of pain or distress. When he saw the tears glistening in her eyes, his expression turned fierce. "What happened?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

The nurse looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes at Jimin's sudden appearance. "It seems she's injured her arm during practice," she said calmly. "We need to get it checked out."

Jimin's eyes snapped to Y/N's arm, his gaze darkening when he saw the way she cradled it. Without a word, he picked her up, cradling her against his chest as if she were the most delicate thing in the world.

Y/N's heart raced as Jimin carried her to the exam table, his arms tight around her. His touch was gentle but firm, and she felt a sense of security that she hadn't felt in a long time. As he set her down, she couldn't help but lean into him, her eyes searching his for reassurance. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice thick with pain and embarrassment.

Jimin cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs wiping away her tears. "Why are apologizing?" he said fiercely. "You should be more careful when doing those flips. You have no past experience."

Y/N's eyes searched his, trying to convey her gratitude for his concern. "I know," she whispered. "I wanted it to be perfect."

Jimin leaned in closer, his gaze intense. "You are perfect," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Don't ever doubt that." And then, as if unable to resist any longer, he pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss that stole the breath from her lungs. The world around them melted away, and for a moment, there was nothing but the two of them.

When he pulled back, Y/N's eyes searched his, filled with a mix of surprise and desire. "You don't have to push yourself so hard," he whispered, his thumbs brushing her cheeks. "You're amazing just the way you are."

Before she could respond, the door to the nursing center swung open again, and the rest of BTS spilled in, their expressions a mix of worry and curiosity. "Is she okay?" Taehyung asked, his eyes wide.

Jimin nodded, his hand still cradling Y/N's face. "She's going to be fine," he assured them, his voice tight with concern.

"But what about the acrobatic performance?" Yoongi asked, his brow furrowed. "We can't risk her getting hurt again."

Y/N felt a knot of anxiety form in her stomach as she looked up at Jimin. His grip on her hand tightened reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll do it," he said, a determined glint in his eye.

The room was suddenly crowded with the rest of the members of BTS, their faces a mix of concern and determination. Jungkook looked at Jimin with a hint of challenge. "You're going to fill in for Y/N?" he asked.

Jimin nodded firmly, his eyes never leaving Y/N's. "Yeah," he said. "We can't let this performance be anything less than perfect, and she's not going to be able to do those acrobatics with an injured arm. Besides I can already do some flips." He gently released her face and took her hand in his, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her palm.

Y/N felt the color drain from her cheeks as she looked down at her arm, the pain momentarily forgotten in the face of her fear. "Will you guys have to fire me because I got injured?" she whispered, her eyes wide with panic. The thought of losing her dream job, of being sent back to the obscurity she'd come from, was almost too much to bear.

Jimin's expression softened, his thumb still tracing circles on her palm. "No," he said firmly. "You're not going anywhere. We'll wait for you to recover and then give you your next dance assignment."

The other members nodded in agreement, the tension in the room easing slightly. "Let's focus on getting Y/N better," J-Hope said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

With a sigh of relief, Y/N watched as the rest of the group filed out, leaving only Jimin by her side. He didn't say a word, just took a seat next to her on the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. They sat in silence, the only sound the steady beep of the heart monitor.

Y/N leaned into Jimin, her head resting on his shoulder as his arm wrapped around her. His warmth was a comfort she hadn't realized she needed, and she felt her eyes begin to drift shut. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

"Y/N," Jimin began, his voice a soft murmur that seemed to resonate through her very soul, "you're one of the best people I know." He took a deep breath, his eyes searching hers as if trying to convey the depth of his admiration. "You're strong. So much stronger than you think. And your passion, the way you throw yourself into everything you do - it's inspiring. It's one of the things I love most about you."

Y/N felt her heart flutter but simply nodded and hugged him tighter, her eyes squeezed shut as she fought against the tears that threatened to spill over.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "That means so much coming from you."

"You have no idea," Jimin said, his voice earnest. "The way you handle every challenge thrown your way, the way you light up the room with your smile - it's infectious. I've never seen anything quite like it. You're not just a good dancer, Y/N, you're a star. The way your body moves, it's mesmerizing. I can't stop looking…"

Y/N felt her cheeks heat up at his words, a warm blush spreading across her face. She leaned into his embrace, her heart racing with excitement and nerves. "Jimin…" she began, but he placed a finger on her lips, silencing her.

"Shh," he murmured, his eyes searching hers. "Just listen."

Y/N nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the raw emotion in his gaze.

"And what happened here," Jimin said, gesturing to her injured arm, "it's just a setback. It doesn't define you, and it doesn't change who you are. We'll get you better, and you'll come back stronger than ever. I believe in you."

Y/N felt a warmth spread through her, the kind that didn't come from physical touch, but from the depth of Jimin's words. It was the kind of warmth that filled her chest and made her feel invincible. She leaned into him, her eyes closing as she took in his scent, a mix of sweat and the faint scent of his cologne.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Jimin leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "I''ll never let you go, Y/N. You're a part of me now." His arms tightened around her, as if he could somehow absorb her into his very being and keep her safe from the world. Y/N's heart skipped a beat at his words, a thrill of excitement mingling with the pain in her arm. She had never felt so cherished, so desired.

The nurse returned with a gentle reprimand for Jimin's overzealousness, insisting that Y/N needed rest. He reluctantly released her, his gaze lingering on her face as she was led away for x-rays. The coldness of his absence was stark, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed. But she knew he was just outside, waiting for her. The thought of his fierce protection was like a warm blanket, comforting her through the fear and pain of the unknown.

The diagnosis was a fracture - a clean break, thankfully, but one that would require her to wear a cast for several weeks. Y/N felt the weight of disappointment settle on her shoulders like a heavy stone. She watched as the doctor wrapped her arm, her mind racing with the implications. Her dance career, the one thing she'd fought so hard for, was now in delay.

As she sat in the hospital room, her thoughts drifted to Jimin. His words of reassurance echoed in her mind, giving her the strength to face the reality of her situation. She knew their relationship was weird right now because they were technically just friends. Even though they had kissed several times and slept together on many occasions, none of them had confessed any feelings, and Y/N was worried.

The next two months were a blur of doctor's visits, physical therapy, and watching the BTS group from the sidelines. She'd sit in the practice room, her arm in a cast, and watch as the other dancers moved with grace and power, feeling a pang of envy with each step they took. But she also felt a strange sense of belonging. Despite her injury, the group didn't treat her differently. They'd include her in their conversations and their jokes.

Every night, she'd retreat to the dorm room she shared with the other backup dancers, but she'd spend her evenings in BTS's dorm, surrounded by the comforting chaos of the boys. They'd watch movies, play games, and sometimes, just sit in comfortable silence. It was during these moments that she felt closest to them, especially Jimin. They'd share looks that spoke volumes, his hand brushing against hers in a way that wasn't quite accidental.

One evening, J-Hope returned from a quick run to the convenience store with a bottle of soju in hand. "Let's celebrate our friendships," he exclaimed, grinning mischievously. The boys cheered, and the bottle made its way around the room, each taking a shot or two, the room filling with laughter and the warm buzz of camaraderie. Y/N watched from the sidelines, nursing a bottle of water with a small smile. She wanted to drink but was worried about the loss of control that came with it.

Jimin, feeling the effects of the alcohol, grew increasingly playful. His eyes kept darting to Y/N, his smile growing more flirtatious with each passing minute. The other members noticed, teasing him with good-natured ribs and nudges.

"Come on, Y/N," Taehyung said with a grin. "Just one shot."

Y/N's cheeks flushed pink. "No thanks," she replied, her voice firm. "I don't drink."

J-Hope's grin grew wider. "Ah, come on. Just one won't hurt." He waved the bottle in her direction, the clear liquid glinting under the room's soft lighting.

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. "No really, I'm good."

But Jimin's gaze was intense, his eyes dark with something she couldn't quite decipher. He leaned closer, his hand on her knee. "Do it for me," he said, his voice a seductive whisper.

Y/N felt the heat rise in her cheeks, the weight of his hand a brand on her skin. "Jimin, please," she protested, her voice a mix of laughter and nerves.

"Or you can just taste it off my lips," Jimin said, his voice low and inviting. The room grew quieter as the other members watched the exchange with curiosity and shock. Y/N's eyes widened, and she felt a rush of heat through her body. The room was spinning with the anticipation of Jimin's lips on hers, but she knew she couldn't let this go too far.

She leaned in and took the bottle from J-Hope. "Fine," she said, her voice steady. She took a deep breath, her heart racing, and took a small sip of the strong drink. The liquid burned as it went down, but she didn't cough or flinch, surprising even herself.

The room erupted in cheers, the tension momentarily broken by her act of solidarity. But as the noise died down, it was only Jimin's eyes that remained on hers. He leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. "Good girl," he murmured, the words sending a shiver down her spine. "Let me taste it." Suddenly, his lips were on hers, and she felt the gentle pressure as he sipped the soju from her mouth.

The kiss was soft, tender even, a stark contrast to the fiery passion of their previous encounters. But it was no less intense, the promise of what could be simmering just beneath the surface.

When Jimin pulled away, Y/N's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the stunned silence of the room. The other members of BTS stared at them, their expressions a mix of shock, confusion, and something else she couldn't quite place. A soft moan of protest slipped from her lips before she could stop it, the taste of Jimin still lingering on her tongue.

Her heart raced as she realized the gravity of what had just occurred. She had kissed Jimin, the heartthrob of millions, in front of his bandmates. This was it. This was the moment that could ruin everything she had worked so hard to achieve. She had crossed a line that could not be uncrossed, and the fear of losing her job and her place in the group.

Jimin's hand remained on her knee, his thumb tracing gentle circles, his eyes never leaving hers. Their faces were merely inches away. The tension in the room was thick, but his grip was a comfort, a silent promise that he wasn't going to let her go. The other members of BTS exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of shock and concern. Jungkook was the first to break the silence. "What was that?" he asked, his voice tight.

Jimin didn't flinch, his gaze still locked on Y/N. "It's none of your business, she's mine," he replied still drunk, yet his voice was firm. The room grew tense, and Y/N could feel the weight of their stares on her, but she couldn't bring herself to look away from Jimin's eyes.

"Jimin," Namjoon began, his voice measured and calm, "you need to think about what you're doing."

Jimin's gaze didn't waver from Y/N's, his hand sliding up to her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against one another. "What I'm doing," he murmured, his voice thick with alcohol, "is claiming what's mine. Right, Y/N?"

Y/N's breath hitched, her eyes searching Jimin's. She could feel the weight of the room's attention on them, but she couldn't bring herself to deny him. Instead, she nodded, her voice a whisper. "Yes."

The other members of BTS stared, their expressions ranging from shock to confusion to something akin to betrayal. Y/N knew she had to say something, to explain, but the words were lodged in her throat, a knot of fear and excitement choking her. "Guys, I-"

But before she could finish, Jimin cut her off with a sharp look. "You don't have to worry about it, baby," he said, his voice now a low growl, his hand tightening around her waist. "What happens between me and you is our business."

Y/N eyes widened as she felt Jimin's hand slide down her body, his long, slender fingers finding the hem of her shorts. Heat flooded her cheeks, but she couldn't move, couldn't speak. His touch was like a brand, searing through the fabric and setting her nerve endings alight. And then, without warning, his hand was inside her shorts, cupping her pussy with a possessiveness that sent a shockwave through her body.

Her moan was involuntary, a soft gasp that seemed to echo in the suddenly silent room. She felt his fingers move, exploring her, and she couldn't help but grind against his hand. The feeling was exquisite, a mix of pleasure and pain that made her toes curl. Jimin's eyes gleamed with triumph, his lips curving into a smug smile as he watched her reaction.

The other members of BTS stared, their eyes wide and unblinking, their jaws practically on the floor. They had all seen the chemistry between Jimin and Y/N, but this was something else entirely. It was raw, unbridled lust, and it was playing out right in front of them.

Jimin leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. "You're mine," he murmured, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down her spine. "You always have been, from the moment I laid eyes on you." His hand moved in a slow, deliberate rhythm, teasing and taunting her. "You know it, I know it, and now they know it."

Y/N's breath came in short, sharp gasps as she leaned into his touch, the alcohol in the air making her head spin. She should have been embarrassed, should have pulled away, but she was lost in the haze of desire that seemed to engulf them. "I'm yours," she whispered, her voice a plea for more.

Jimin says, "Look how fucking wet she is for me. Moaning for me. All for me, right baby?" The last part was a soft whisper.

Y/N nods, eyes glazed with lust as she whispers, "Yes, Jimin."

The room feels like it's spinning, the only anchor in this whirlwind is Jimin's hand, his fingers moving with a rhythm that's driving her wild. She's acutely aware of the other members' presence, but the only thing that matters is the man before her, his hand on her, claiming her.

And then, amidst the shocked silence, Jungkook breaks the tension with his candid remark. "That's fucking hot." The words hang in the air, and she feels a strange mix of embarrassment and satisfaction. She can feel the heat in her cheeks, but she doesn't look away from Jimin's eyes.

Yoongi speaks up, his tone measured and thoughtful. "I think we should let them try a relationship," he says, his gaze flicking between them, "as long as they keep it hidden from everyone else but us, it should be okay."

Y/N's heart skips a beat at the suggestion, her eyes darting to Jimin's for any hint of his thoughts. She sees the fire in his eyes, the same passion that had just claimed her moments ago. She knows that this isn't just a drunken confession; it's a declaration of intent.

The other members exchange looks, the gravity of the situation sinking in. After a tense moment, Namjoon nods slowly, "If you two are serious," he says, his eyes flicking from Y/N to Jimin, "then we're here to support you."

A collective sigh of relief fills the room, and the tension eases slightly. Jimin's gaze never leaves Y/N's, his hand still caressing her intimately. He leans in and captures her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss that leaves her breathless. His other hand slides under her shirt, his fingers tracing the soft skin of her stomach before dipping lower, finding her wetness and slipping four fingers inside her without preamble.

Y/N gasps into the kiss, her body arching involuntarily at the sudden intrusion. Her eyes widen, but she doesn't pull away, instead, she clings to him tighter, her hand reaching up to tangle in his hair. His kiss is possessive, dominating, and she can't help but melt into it. The members of BTS watch, their shock now giving way to understanding, a knowing look in their eyes that says they've seen this coming from a mile away.

Jimin's fingers move with a skill that speaks of experience, pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Y/N's breath comes in short, staccato bursts, her eyes fluttering shut as she tries to focus on the sensation building within her. And then, with a low moan that she can't hold back, she cums, her body shuddering with the intensity of her release. She's vaguely aware of the cheers and hoots from the other members, but all she can focus on is the feeling of Jimin's hand on her, the way he's claiming her so publicly.

Jimin pulls his fingers out slowly, a smug smile playing on his lips as he brings them to his mouth and licks them clean. The sight sends another wave of desire through her, and she can't help but whimper at the sight. He tastes her on his lips, a look of pure satisfaction in his eyes as he swallows. The room is silent, the air thick with the scent of their passion.

Jimin leans his forehead against hers, his breath warm and heavy. His eyes search hers, looking for something, and she wonders if she'll ever truly understand what's going on in his mind.

"Y/N," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you."

The words hit her like a ton of bricks, sending shockwaves through her body. "Jimin," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I think I love you, too."

The room goes still, the only sound the faint beating of their hearts echoing in the tension-filled silence. The other members of BTS exchange glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and understanding.

Y/N feels her cheeks burn with a blush that spreads across her face and down her neck. She can't believe she just confessed her love to Jimin in front of his bandmates, especially after their explosive encounter. But his words, his claim, his possession - it all feels so right. She looks into his eyes, searching for any sign of doubt, but all she sees is raw emotion, the same passion that had driven him to kiss her so fiercely moments ago.

They pull away, both of them slightly out of breath, and turn to face the group. Jimin's hand is still on her waist, a possessive gesture that she doesn't dare shake off. The room is filled with a tense silence, the air charged with the electricity of their confession. The other members of BTS stare at them, their expressions a mix of shock, confusion, and acceptance.

J-Hope is the first to break the silence, his voice filled with a strange mix of happiness and trepidation. "Well, congrats you two," he says with a smile, raising his bottle in a toast. The others follow suit, their expressions mirroring his own. Y/N feels a knot in her stomach loosen, the tension draining from her body as she realizes they're not going to be ostracized.

"Thank you," Jimin says, his voice strong and steady as he stands, pulling Y/N to her feet with him. "It means a lot that you guys are okay with this."

Y/N's heart is racing, but she manages a smile, her eyes flicking to Jimin's hand on her waist. He looks down at her, and she sees the true smile in his eyes, the kind that lights up his whole face and makes his cheeks crinkle and eyes close. It's a smile she's only seen a few times, reserved for moments of pure happiness, and it sends warmth flooding through her.

The next two years pass in a whirlwind of secret meetings, stolen kisses, and passionate encounters. They're careful, always, keeping their relationship tightly under wraps. Jimin insists she wear a mask during their couple dance routines, a precaution that feels both thrilling and suffocating, to ensure that Y/N remains safe. The mask is a symbol of their hidden love, a reminder of the price they pay for their happiness. Y/N learns to dance with it, to move with it as if it's a part of her, to hide her identity behind the fabric while still conveying the raw emotion of their shared passion.

One fateful evening, after weeks of planning, they sneak away from the dorm for a rare dinner date at an exclusive restaurant known for its private booths. The paparazzi are everywhere, but they're good at hiding, good at playing the game. They sit across from each other, the candlelight flickering on Jimin's perfect features, making him look even more like the angel he is in her eyes. They talk in hushed tones, their laughter mingling with the soft murmur of the other patrons.

As they lean in closer, sharing a secret joke that no one else understands, Y/N feels a rush of emotion so intense it's almost overwhelming. She's in love with him, truly, madly, deeply, and she's never felt more alive than she does in these stolen moments. They're lost in their own world, oblivious to the camera lens that's suddenly trained on them.

A flash of light pierces the dimly lit room, and Y/N's heart stops. She freezes, her eyes wide with horror as she sees the paparazzi hiding in the shadows. They've been found out. The moment of joy turns into one of panic as the camera captures them, their kiss on full display for the world to see. Jimin's eyes narrow, and he pulls her closer, not breaking the kiss, as if trying to shield her from the impending storm.

In a swift move, Jimin grabs his jacket off the back of his chair and drapes it over her, hiding her face. He takes her hand firmly in his, and without a word, they bolt from the restaurant. The cool evening air hits them like a slap, but it's the least of their concerns as they dodge through the crowded street. Rain starts to fall, but it's nothing compared to the fear of exposure.

The paparazzi are quick to follow, their camera flashes like a strobe light in a chaotic dance of light and shadow. Jimin's heart races as he pulls her into a narrow alleyway, his eyes scanning for any sign of escape. He knows that one wrong turn could mean the end of their secret, the end of their fragile happiness.

Y/N's sobs are muffled by the rain that now drenches them both, her body trembling against his. He whispers reassurances into her ear, his hand gently stroking her back as he tries to soothe her fears. His voice is a balm, a warm embrace in the cold, wet world that's closing in on them.

"It'll be okay," Jimin murmurs, his tone soothing despite the urgency in his eyes. "We'll figure this out. I'm here for you."

Y/N nods, her eyes brimming with tears that mingle with the rain as they stand in the shadowy alley. She can feel the tremor in his hand as it cups her cheek, wiping away the wetness that's not entirely rain. His voice is a comforting balm, a gentle whisper that pierces through the cacophony of the storm outside and the storm of fear within her.

"Don't worry, Y/N," he says, his thumb brushing over her trembling lips. "We'll get through this."

And then, as if to seal their pact, Jimin leans in and kisses her again. This time, it's not for show, not for the cameras that have captured them. It's a kiss filled with love and fear, a silent promise to face the storm together. The rain soaks their clothes, mingling with their tears as they stand in the alley, oblivious to the world around them. It's a moment of pure vulnerability, a declaration that no matter what happens next, they belong to each other.

But the moment is shattered by the sound of cameras clicking, the flashes of light blinding them as they pull apart. The paparazzi have found them, their lenses zooming in on their drenched, makeup-less faces. Y/N feels a cold dread seep into her bones as she sees the hunger in their eyes, the eagerness to expose their secret. The whispers turn to shouts as they demand answers, their voices a cacophony of accusations and lewd comments.

"Who's the slut?" one of them yells, her voice harsh and unfeeling.

Y/N flinches, the harshness of the word a slap across her face. The flashes from the cameras are like a thousand tiny explosions in the night, blinding her.

But Jimin doesn't flinch. He stands tall, his grip on her tightening as he addresses the paparazzi with a steely calm. "Her name is Y/N, and she's not a slut. She's the woman I love." His voice is firm, his gaze unwavering as he says, "We're together."

The rain is now a downpour, soaking their clothes, but his words act as an invisible shield, wrapping around them both. The paparazzi are momentarily stunned into silence, their cameras lowering slightly. The interviewer, a sneer still on his lips, asks, "Is this another one of your stunts, Jimin? Trying to clean your image with a girl like that? You only like Korean girls with nice bodies and features. Is being with this dark fat girl some charity?"

Y/N's heart sinks at the cruel words, but Jimin's grip on her tightens. He steps forward, rain plastering his hair to his forehead, and says, "Y/N is not just any girl. She's the one who's put up with my shit, who's seen me at my fucking worst and still believed in me. She's beautiful, talented, and has the biggest heart I know. And she's fucking perfect. You're the one who needs to get your facts straight, and your racist mouth in check."

The paparazzi exchange shocked glances, not expecting such a fiery response from the usually composed idol. For a moment, they're silenced by Jimin's defense, but it's only a moment. The questions and flashes resume with renewed vigor, a storm of intrusion that seems to engulf them. Y/N wants to shrink away, to hide from the harsh reality of their situation, but Jimin's hand on her back keeps her grounded.

"Jimin," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the cacophony. "You may become unpopular because of me."

He shakes his head, a fierce determination in his gaze. "Let them say what they want. I don't care about their opinions. You're worth more than their fleeting approval." His words cut through the chaos like a knife, strong and unwavering.

Y/N looks up at him, the rain blurring her vision as she takes in the man who's claimed her so fiercely. In this moment, she sees the depth of his love, the lengths he's willing to go to protect her. And she knows that no matter what the future holds, she'll stand by his side.

With a decisive nod, Jimin leads her out of the alley, the paparazzi's questions following them like a swarm of angry bees. They run through the streets, the rain soaking them to the bone, but they don't stop until they're in the safety of his car. He slams the door shut, the sound echoing in the confined space, and turns to her, his eyes dark with passion and determination.

"We're going to tell them the truth," he says, his voice a low rumble. "No more hiding, no more secrets. I want the world to know you're mine."

Y/N's heart races at his words, the gravity of what they're about to do hitting her full force. She nods, her voice a whisper. "Okay."

They drive back to the BTS dorm in a tense silence, the rain outside mirroring the turmoil inside. The paparazzi are a distant memory now, chased away by Jimin's unwavering confidence. As they pull into the garage, the quiet is deafening, the only sound the steady thrum of the engine and the rhythmic patter of the rain on the windshield.

Once they're inside the safety of the dorm, Jimin leads her to his room, his hand a reassuring presence in hers. The walls are plastered with posters of their albums and magazine covers, a stark contrast to the intimacy of their stolen moments in the alley. He pulls out his phone, his thumb hovering over the camera app. Y/N looks up at him, her eyes questioning.

"What are you doing?" she asks, her voice still trembling slightly.

Jimin's gaze is focused, his hand steady as he snaps the photo. "This," he says, holding up the phone to show her their smiling, rain-soaked faces, "is going on my social media."

Y/N's eyes widen in surprise. "But, Jimin, your fans…"

He cuts her off with a soft smile, pressing a finger to her lips. "I know, but I've hidden you long enough. I want everyone to see how happy you make me, to know that you're the one who holds my heart." His thumb brushes away the remaining rainwater on her cheek, his touch gentle yet firm.

Y/N's heart skips a beat. The thought of being revealed to the world is terrifying, but the love in Jimin's eyes is a beacon in the storm. She nods, her breath hitching as he takes the photo. The flash lights up the room, capturing the raw emotion etched on their faces—the love, the fear, the excitement. It's a moment frozen in time, a declaration that no one can take away from them.

With a deep breath, Jimin uploads the image with the caption, "my love." The words hang in the air, a silent promise that echoes through the room. The click of the button feels like a gunshot, sending the image out into the digital world for everyone to see. Y/N's heart is racing, her eyes glued to the screen as she watches the likes and comments roll in. At first, it's just their closest friends and fans, but soon, the picture goes viral.

The next morning, the only thing on the news is Jimin's post and the paparazzi footage from the day before. The headlines scream of love, scandal, and defiance. The BTS members, still groggy from their late-night reactions, gather in the living room, their eyes glued to the television screens that line the walls, all displaying various news reports of the viral revelation. The room buzzes with a mix of shock, anger, and disbelief.

"What the fuck did you do?" Yoongi demands, his voice sharp as he turns to face Jimin and Y/N. His eyes are blazing, a stark contrast to the soft light of dawn that filters through the windows.

Jimin holds up his phone, the picture of them in the alley still displayed. "I told the truth," he says simply.

The room falls silent, the only sound the muffled chatter of reporters and the occasional beep of a notification from his phone. The weight of his words sinks in, and Y/N can see the fear in the other members' eyes, the doubt that they can navigate this storm. But she also sees something else—respect. They may not agree with their decision, but they know that Jimin and she are a force to be reckoned with, a bond that can't be easily broken.

Namjoon, the leader, is the first to speak up, his voice calm but firm. "Marriage might be the only way to protect you both from the backlash," he says, looking at Jimin with a seriousness that leaves no room for argument. "If you make it official, maybe people will lay off."

Jimin stares at him, the reality of his words hitting him like a sledgehammer. Marriage? To Y/N? The thought is exhilarating. He looks at her, his heart racing at the thought of spending the rest of his life with her, of having her by his side through everything.

"Namjoon," he says, his voice thick with emotion, "are you sure?"

Namjoon nods solemnly. "It's the only way to show the world how serious we are about this," he explains. "We'll stand by you."

Y/N feels a swell of gratitude for the group's unwavering support, but she's also acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. "Marriage?" she whispers, her voice shaking. "Is that what we have to do?"

Jimin takes her hand, his eyes searching hers. "Do you trust me, Y/N?"

Her heart skips a beat at the intensity of his gaze. She nods, squeezing his hand in response. "Always."

"Then let's do it," Jimin says with a decisive nod. "Let's show them that our love isn't just a fleeting thing, that it's real and it's here to stay."

Y/N feels a whirlwind of emotions—fear, excitement, love—swirl within her. She's never been married before, never even thought she'd be in a position to marry a world-famous K-pop idol. But here she is, holding onto Jimin's hand, ready to face the storm together.

The wedding is hastily arranged, a small, private ceremony held in the early hours of the following day. The BTS members are their only guests, their faces a mix of shock, concern, and support. They stand in a circle around Jimin and Y/N, the weight of their decision heavy in the air. The makeshift altar is adorned with simple flowers, and a quiet, solemn vibe fills the room. They exchange vows, their voices strong and sure, promising to stand by each other through the chaos that's sure to come.

As the sun rises, Jimin takes a deep breath and uploads the wedding picture, his thumb lingering over the 'share' button for a brief second. The image shows the two of them, smiling into each other's eyes, their love a stark contrast to the storm brewing outside their bubble. He writes the caption, his heart racing with anticipation and nerves, "my wife." He hits send, and the digital world explodes with reactions.

The backlash is swift, but so is the support. Fans flood the comments with messages of love and acceptance, praising Jimin for standing up for Y/N and their relationship. The hashtags #jiminy/nforever and #lovewins trend, a sea of purple hearts and loving comments overshadowing the hateful noise. The group's management scrambles to control the narrative, releasing a carefully crafted statement supporting the couple.

The night after their impromptu wedding, Jimin and Y/N lie in bed, the quiet of the night a stark contrast to the chaos of the day. Jimin's arms are wrapped around her, his breath warm on her neck as he whispers, "Mrs. Park..."

Y/N giggles, feeling a rush of love and excitement at the sound of her new name. "Yes, Mr. Park?" she says, snuggling closer to him.

Jimin's grip tightens, his voice dropping to a soft, earnest whisper. "May I make love to you?" The words hang in the air, charged with anticipation and vulnerability.

Y/N's heart races. She'd never thought this day would come, not with the whirlwind of their relationship. But here she is, in Jimin's arms, married and ready to give herself to him completely. She turns to face him, her eyes searching his. "Yes," she whispers, her voice trembling with desire and nerves.

Jimin's eyes darken with passion as he leans in to kiss her.

He pulls off her shirt with surprising gentleness, exposing her soft, rain-kissed skin to the cool air. His hands move to her waist, tracing the curves of her stomach before settling to give her a tender massage. The gesture is both sensual and comforting, a silent promise that he finds her beautiful in every way. Y/N lets out a content sigh, her body relaxing into his touch.

With a gentle touch, Jimin unclasps her bra, allowing her breasts to fall free. He takes his time to knead them, his thumbs circling her nipples with a soft, firm pressure. Y/N arches her back, gasping at the sensation, her eyes fluttering closed. He leans in, his warm breath caressing her skin before his mouth captures a nipple, giving it a playful bite that makes her gasp. His teeth graze the sensitive skin before he switches to the other, the pleasure a delicious ache that shoots straight to her core.

Jimin's own shirt comes off next, revealing his sculpted abs and the tattoos that trace his body like a map of his soul. He presses their bare chests together, the friction causing goosebumps to rise on her skin. She can feel his heart beating against hers, a rhythm that matches the throb between her legs. His skin is hot, a stark contrast to the chill in the air, and she revels in the feel of him against her.

With a gentle tug, he pulls her pants and panties down, leaving her completely bare before him. He doesn't rush, instead taking a moment to drink in the sight of her, his eyes roving over her curves with a hunger that sends a shiver down her spine. "You're fucking beautiful."

Y/N feels a blush creep over her skin, a mix of embarrassment and arousal at his bluntness. But she's also filled with a sense of empowerment, knowing that she's desired and accepted for who she is. He places a soft kiss on her belly button, sending a jolt of pleasure through her, before sliding his face down between her thighs. The anticipation is unbearable as she feels the warmth of his breath against her sensitive skin.

With a gentle nudge, Jimin spreads her legs open wider, his eyes meeting hers in a silent question. She nods, giving him the go-ahead, her cheeks burning with need. He takes his time, savoring the moment, before finally sliding his tongue along the length of her slit. Y/N's body jerks at the sensation, a moan escaping her lips as his tongue delves into her folds. He's tentative at first, exploring her taste and texture with a softness that belies the fiery passion they've shared in their stolen moments. His touch is a revelation, a symphony of pleasure that crescendos with every stroke.

Jimin's praises continue to rain down on her, his words a sweet symphony of adoration. "You taste so good, Y/N," he murmurs against her, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. His tongue delves deeper, exploring her with a hunger that matches the desire burning within her. He's not just performing an act; he's worshiping her, savoring every inch of her as if she's a delicacy.

Y/N's eyes roll back in her head as his skilled tongue finds her clit, teasing it with feather-light strokes before applying more pressure, eliciting a gasp from her. Her hands tighten in his hair as he continues to taste her, his movements becoming more deliberate as he learns what she likes, what makes her moan and squirm beneath him. His fingers join the fray, sliding into her wet warmth as his tongue continues its dance. The dual sensation sends her spiraling closer to the edge, her body trembling with the effort of holding back her climax.

But she can't hold out much longer. With a cry, Y/N's orgasm crashes over her, her body arching off the bed as waves of pleasure consume her. She feels Jimin's smug grin against her sensitive flesh as he chuckles, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and pride at her quick surrender. "Already?" he teases, his voice a low rumble of satisfaction.

Y/N can't help the flush that creeps over her cheeks, even as the aftershocks of her climax leave her trembling. Jimin pulls away, giving her a moment to catch her breath before his hand is on her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "Don't be shy," he says with a smirk. "I know you liked that."

With a wicked glint in his eyes, Jimin stands, pulling off his pants and underwear in one swift motion. His erection springs free, a testament to his desire for her. He steps closer, the tip of his hardened length brushing against her sensitive flesh, sending a shiver of anticipation through her. Y/N's eyes widen as she takes in the full view of him, the muscles in his legs taut as he moves. His cock is long and thick, a stark contrast to his slender frame, and she feels a mix of awe and fear at the thought of taking him inside her.

He chuckles at her expression, his hand coming up to stroke himself lazily. "Don't worry," he says, his voice a low rumble of confidence. "I'll take it slow." He positions himself between her legs, the tip of his cock teasing her swollen clit, the promise of what's to come making her breath hitch. With a gentle push, he nudges her entrance, the head of his cock slipping through her folds. Y/N bites her lip, her eyes fluttering closed as she feels herself stretch around him.

Jimin bends down to kiss her, his movements slow and deliberate, his tongue mimicking the gentle thrusts of his hips. The kiss is a sweet distraction from the growing pressure inside her, a promise that this will be everything she's ever dreamed of. He pushes in further, inch by torturous inch, his kiss deepening as he feels her tightness envelop him. Her walls clench around him, the sensation so intense it's almost painful.

Y/N's nails dig into the sheets, her body arching up to meet him as he pushes through the final barrier. The moment his cock is fully sheathed inside her, she screams his name, the sound echoing through the room in a symphony of pleasure. "Jimin!" she cries out, the pain of losing her virginity melding with the euphoria of their union.

Jimin says, "Mmmm, baby you take me so well," his voice thick with pleasure as he starts to move. His hips rock gently, the sensation of her tightness around him driving him crazy. Y/N's eyes are squeezed shut, her teeth gritted as she tries to adjust to the feeling of being filled. The pain subsides quickly, replaced by an all-consuming need that has her hips rising to meet his. He starts to pick up the pace, his strokes growing longer and harder, setting a rhythm that has her body singing.

Her walls clench around him as he slams into her, the sound of their bodies slapping together a testament to their passion. She can feel the tension building, the pressure inside her growing with every thrust. "Jimin," she whispers, her voice breathless and needy. "I'm going to cum."

He groans, his own orgasm close. "Me too, Y/N. Cum for me," he urges, his voice strained. His hips move faster, his cock hitting that sweet spot inside her with every stroke. The room is a whirlwind of sensations—the scent of their mingled arousal, the sound of their ragged breaths, the feel of his skin slick with sweat against hers. Y/N's eyes fly open, meeting Jimin's, and she sees the love and hunger in them, a mirror to what she feels.

With a final, powerful thrust, they both climax together, their bodies shuddering in unison. Y/N's eyes roll back in her head, the pleasure so intense it's almost too much to bear. Jimin's cock pulses inside her, filling her with his warmth, and she feels a sense of belonging that she never knew existed. They lay there, panting and trembling, their bodies intertwined as they ride out the aftermath of their passion.

As the waves of pleasure subside, Jimin gently pulls out of her, a soft whine escaping her lips at the loss. He rolls over onto his side, pulling her into his arms, her head resting on his chest. His heart is racing, his chest heaving with every breath, but his arms around her are steady, a silent promise that he's there for her, always.

Y/N snuggles closer, her body still trembling from the intensity of her first time. "I love you," she whispers into the quiet of the room, the words feeling both foreign and utterly right on her lips.

Jimin's arms tighten around her, his chest rising and falling with his own labored breaths. "I love you too," he murmurs, his voice a comforting rumble against her ear. His hand strokes her hair, his touch gentle and soothing.

The sun peeks through the curtains, casting a warm glow over their entwined bodies. Y/N can't believe that she's here, married to the love of her life, a legend, and now, officially a part of the BTS family. It's a surreal feeling, one that she's both scared and excited to explore. She looks up at Jimin, his eyes closed in contentment, his lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. He's everything she never thought she could have, and somehow, he's all hers.

[capitalisticveins]

Gavin and Guy (separate) HCs!

Reward for @free-boundsoul winning. These are my first headcanons back (this is a lie I have Solaire clan hcs i just dont know when I wanna post them) after a while of not writing so I hope these are up to standards, enjoy!

Guy once BEGGED Honey to buy tickets to see Wicked. Their job pays better than his (like infinitely better) so he couldn’t afford them. After like a week or two they caved and bought a single ticket for him.

He complained about it saying he wanted his “honey bunny booboo bear” with him and after another week of whining they caved again and bought another.

Gavin can’t stand citrus fruit but makes sure to buy some whenever he goes grocery shopping because Freelancer likes them

Gavin prefers games that are either straightforward or rocky with the meaning being unclear, no inbetween at all.

Gavin can pole dance and unlike Damien it is for sexual intentions. Only reason Freelancer doesn’t know is because they don’t own a pole.

Guy has met every character in the cast with the only exception being Caelum, Scorpius, Cicirnus, and Quinn

Yes, even Brachium. He died for like a solid 5 minutes once.

Gavin was egotistical as FUCK when he first coalesced. He thought he was just automatically better than everyone else and that’s why his relationship with Ophiuchus is non-existent

Guy has a fanclub he doesn’t know about, and Honey is the vice president of it

Guy, Geordi, and Ollie are all online friends. Guy and Geordi do know each other irl but they haven’t met Ollie

Gavin used to be teased for his long name, it’s part of the reason his name is so short now

Guy and Gavin are THE most flexible characters in the cast no I will not take any criticism at this time

Contrary to popular belief, Guy isn’t a big fan of pizza. On the rare occasion he does eat pizza though it’s New York Style

Gavin spent at least 5 hours on the internet looking for the perfect name for him when he decided to change it.

One of the many reasons Gavin doesn’t like Ophiuchus is because they keep calling him “Vindemiator” despite him saying he goes by “Gavin” now.

Guy owns a Miku binder ironically

Guy used to have those little fuzzy mohawks as a kid until he decided to get a buzz cut when he was 13 and grew it out ever since

Guy had his first tooth kicked out in a McDonalds play place

Gavin is actually pretty good at “Golf With Your Friends” after Freelancer finally got him to sit down and pay attention.

Gavin owns THREE mermaid dresses 

Guy can play the drums…he just feels like a drum guy

Guy is like…..wayyyyy too interested in the Hunting Adeline and Haunting Adeline. He doesn’t LIKE the books but he just…can’t put them down.

Neither can Honey

Gavin unironically listens to CupcakKe

Due to….habits… and him being a demon, Gavin can fit 50 marshmallows in his mouth. He doesn’t know this but Huxley would be the reason he found this out

His name was supposed to be a joke his mom made but Guy’s dad misinterpreted her intentions and told the doctor they wanted Guy to be named “Guy” with no further questions. Guy is putting him in the nursing home for this.

He was bullied relentlessly* for this in elementary and middle school 

Gavin scams kids on roblox for fun

Guy was one of these “kids” (This happened last week he completely trusted Gavin because Gavin said “trust me”)

Both Gavin and Guy like to think they can win a staring contest by closing their eyes and not opening them because “technically it’s not blinking”

Freelancer likes to let Gavin thinks he won but Honey just slaps the shit out of Guy and says “YOU HAVE TO FUCKING STARE”

*by “bullied relentlessly” he means “being asked why he was named Guy every week" with no malicious intent whatsoever

[mcyt-builds-contest]

Scarland

Builder : Goodtimewithscar

Series : Hermitcraft Season 9

Propaganda : With the mascot being our lovely Queen Jellie, Scar's beloved pet and winner of Mojang's contest to get her into a part of the game, Scarland incorporates the whimsy everyone wishes Disney still had. The strip is populated by guests (including the hermits and default skins, inclusive of races and disabilities) making it lovely with flashing fake-creepers and even a street performer playing the drums. There are even cameos from the Empires crew and the infamous hero HotGuy! Feel free to visit the Trading Card Game arena, any of the stores selling snacks and drinks, and take pictures with the mascots distributing cute hats and balloons. At dawn and dusk, our lovely CEO of Scarland, Scar himself, welcomes guests and sends them off in the evening. You, too, can download the Hermitcraft map and visit Scarland yourself with any friends you would like to bring with you.

The Frost Citadel

Builder : TangoTek

Series : Hermitcraft Season 9

Propaganda : decked out is not only an incredible build on the OUTSIDE, with a great colour scheme and a lot of detail, it's also a hugely important build for the season in general - being the place most people would hang out for the last few months of the server - and importantly a redstone MASTERPIECE. how did this man create literally an entire game with a point buy system and effect cards and randomised threats in minecraft?! like this is vanilla. i think the only mod used was for the disc system and even then he was ready to run that without mods. on so many levels this is such a fantastic build.

Taglist! @10piecechickenmcnugget @cholioSUS @biro-slay @betweenlands @xdsvoid

[en-girls]

ENGIRLS, also known as ENHYPEN GIRLS (엔하이픈 소녀들), is a fictional sub-unit of the ten-member co-ed group, ENHYPEN, which was formed through the survival show, I-LAND. The unit consists of the three female members of the group: Aiko, Blake, and Ruruka. They debuted on November 30th, 2020, with the song, 'Really Bad Boy,' as a part of ENHYPEN's debut EP, 'BORDER: DAY ONE.'

Despite their victory on I-LAND, ENGIRLS had a challenging debut because they were the only three girls out of the twenty-four female contestants to make it to the debuting team. Many fans, international and domestic, accused MNET of voting manipulation or stated that they should have debuted an all-boy group by choosing three other male contestants to take their place. This only increased when their debut EP was released, and they were introduced as a sub-unit, with both the girls and the boys having their own unit songs.

Regardless, ENHYPEN went on to have a successful debut and remain one of the top artists of their generation.

MEMBERS PROFILE

Kobayashi Aiko was born on January 17, 2002, in New York City, New York, to a businessman father and a stay-at-home mother. She is the second eldest of four children and the only one of her siblings pursing a music career. From a young age, she has loved music and can play different instruments, including the piano, violin, guitar, and drums.

Later, when she was five, Aiko and her family moved to Osaka, Japan, due to her father’s job relocation. While in Osaka, Aiko continued to pursue music, picking up vocal lessons and later being scouted by SM Entertainment in 2014. Despite her parent’s disapproval, she went on to train under SM for four years, becoming an SMROOKIE and later participating in the survival show Produce 48. She was eliminated in episode 5 of the show and continued to train at SM until leaving at the end of 2018 to join BigHit Music.

After that, she had a fight with her parents, who wanted her to come home to continue her education, but Aiko stood firm and begged for another chance to prove herself. She later joined I-LAND and made it to the debuting team.

— BASICS

STAGE NAME ; Aiko

BIRTH NAME ; Calista Kobayashi

JAPANESE NAME ; Kobayashi Aiko

BIRTHDAY ; January 17, 2002

ZODIAC ; Capricorn

BIRTHPLACE ; New York City, New York

ETHNICITY ; Japanese

NATIONALITY ; American

— CAREER

PROFESSION ; Idol

YEARS TRAINED ; 6 years

YEARS ACTIVE ; 2018 - present

LABEL ; BELIFT LAB

GROUP ; ENHYPEN

GROUP POSITION ; vocalist, dancer, leader (ENGIRLS) 

— PHYSICAL

FACE CLAIM ; Chisa (XG)

VOCAL CLAIM ; Chisa (XG)

DANCE CLAIM ; Soojin (soloist/ex-(G)I-DLE)

HEIGHT ; 167 cm | 5’5

BLOOD TYPE ; O

Blake Akiyama was born on December 18, 2002, in Houston, Texas, to a surgeon father and model mother. She is an only child because her mother had complications after Blake was born, which led to her being doted on by her family as the only female granddaughter. Despite this, Blake is a very humble girl because her grandmother, her father’s mother, taught her the importance of hard work and appreciation for those around her.

Blake has taken dance classes since she was four and excels in many different genres. She has a deep passion for dancing and has won many awards for local competitions. Her dance teacher at the time had nothing but praise for her and has stated that Blake is one of the best pupils she’s had the honor to teach.

Blake’s parents later divorced when she was eight, and her father received full custody of her because her mother wished to pursue her modeling career. Since then, her mother has been in and out of her life. At fourteen, Blake was scouted as a model and took on some gigs despite her father not wanting her to. Still, he allowed her in order to make her happy. Blake later stopped due to the mental and physical toll it took on her.

She was scouted online due to a dance cover she posted on her Instagram and joined SOURCE Music in 2018 until she joined I-LAND and debuted into ENHYPEN.

— BASICS

STAGE NAME ; Blake

BIRTH NAME ; Blake Akiyama

JAPANESE NAME ; Akiyama Chinatsu

BIRTHDAY ; December 18, 2002

ZODIAC ; Sagittarius

BIRTHPLACE ; Houston, Texas

ETHNICITY ; Japanese

NATIONALITY ; American

— CAREER

PROFESSION ; Idol

YEARS TRAINED ; 2 years

YEARS ACTIVE ; 2018 - present

LABEL ; BELIFT LAB

GROUP ; ENHYPEN

GROUP POSITION ; vocalist, rapper, dancer, face of the group 

— PHYSICAL

FACE CLAIM ; Harvey (XG)

VOCAL/RAP CLAIM ; Harvey (XG)

DANCE CLAIM ; AleXa (soloist)

HEIGHT ; 173 cm | 5’7

BLOOD TYPE ; B

Nishimura Ruruka was born on December 9, 2005, in Okayama, Japan. She is the twin sister of Nishimura Riki, also known as Ni-ki, and has two other sisters. Like her family, Ruruka has a passion for dancing and has been dancing alongside her siblings for as long as she can remember. 

Ruruka has taken gymnastics classes since she was four, alongside dance classes, and originally wanted to pursue an athletic career. However, when she and Riki were eleven, they joined the group SHINeeKIDS and performed with SHINee for many stages. Through that, she learned that she loved to perform in front of a crowd and wanted to become an artist like SHINee. When she and Riki left SHINeeKIDS, Ruruka picked up vocal classes.

Between the time of her departure from SHINeeKIDS and her auditioning for BELIFT, Ruruka did some modeling gigs and was the backup dancer for other artists. Later, both Ruruka and Riki decided to audition for BELIFT and joined I-LAND, both succeeding and joining ENHYPEN. 

— BASICS

STAGE NAME ; Ruruka

BIRTHNAME ; Nishimura Ruruka

BIRTHDAY ; December 9, 2005

ZODIAC ; Sagittarius

BIRTHPLACE ; Okayama, Japan

ETHNICITY ; Japanese

NATIONALITY ; Japanese

— CAREER

PROFESSION ; Idol

TIME TRAINED ; 8 months

LABEL ; BELIFT LAB

GROUP ; ENHYPEN

GROUP POSITION ; rapper, vocalist, dancer, visual, maknae 

— PHYSICAL

FACE CLAIM ; Cocona (XG)

VOCAL/RAP CLAIM ; Cocona (XG)

DANCE CLAIM ; Chungha (ex-I.O.I/soloist)

HEIGHT ; 175 cm | 5’9

BLOOD TYPE ; AB

templates i used was created by @enchanthings link to template

[jessi4fanfics]

~Purely Amazing~

A BroZone(ish but not rlly) and Broppy Short Story AU

Okay. So this was a request where Poppy and Viva have three other sisters and are part of a girl band. Rainbow Dash is actually the name of the girl band my trollsona Pam is in (They're supposed to be old friends of BroZone), but I decided to also use it in this story bc I am terrible at coming up with names for things. 😭

Hope you like!! 😘

♦♦♦♦♦

Poppy stared out from behind the curtains, thinking and watching as another show played onstage. She couldn't help thinking that they were pretty good, the guy on the drums, the girls singing. But nothing could compare to her family band, of course.

"And that was The Amazing Duo!" called the mircrophoned voice offstage voice. "And that was their song Doodley Doo!"

The crowd cheered as the two trolls skipped offstage.

"Poppy! Get away from that curtain!" Poppy's oldest sister, Pim, walked over and pulled her away from the curtain. "What if they saw you out there?"

"They're not going to see me," Poppy sighed, exasperated. "The judges are too busy watching the actual show."

They both peeked over to where the judges sat, under the "Annual Band Contest" banner hanging right over their table. They weren't focused on their direction at all, Poppy was right. They were just watching the stage.

"Still, what if they happened to look over here?" Pim stood back.

Poppy rolled her eyes.

"Pim!!" Piper, Poppy's older sister by just ten months, skipped over to them. "I finished my warm-up session. All ready to go!"

Pim raised an eyebrow. "Did you do your vocal excercises?"

As a yes, Piper did one to show Pim.

"Did you practice your floss dance move?' Pim asked.

Piper did the floss.

"Did you do your 'crowing like a rooster' excercise?" Pim tried.

Piper did the chicken dance while crowing like a rooster. "Don't worry, but sis. I have got this under control." She turned to Poppy. "Oh, hey Baby P. What's up?"

Poppy flinched at the nickname. "I've been better."

"Excuse me quickly, girls," Pim raised pushed inbetween them. "Venni! Put that snailphone down!"

Venni, the second oldest of the sisters, was always on the phone, flirting with some guy she recently met about three hours ago.

Poppy didn't get it. What was so amazing about guys that made her did giddy around them? They were just regular trolls.

"No, you're cuter. No you are! No you! " Venni cooed into the phone.

Pim crossed her arms. "Time to hang up now, Venni!"

Venni sighed. "Look, I've gotta go now. no, you hang up...no you hang up! No, you!😊"

Piper walked up and snatched it away. "Okay, how about I hang up?" she asked, closing the phone.

"Aww." Venni sighed sadly.

P im groaned. "Now, where is Viva?!"

As if on cue, Viva ran in, flailing her arms. As many believed , the middle child usually has the most energy. This was true in their family.

"THEY'RE HERRREEE!!" she screeched. "THEY HAVE ARRIIIVVEDDD!!"

"Who?" Venni asked.

Viva leaned over and whispered, "BroZone!"

The girls gasped and all of them scrambled to the door of their dressing room, peeking into the hallways where all the other bands were walking towards their dressing rooms.

There they were. The five guys, all walking down the hall, not noticing the girls, talking about numerous stupid things, costly about the oldest's, John Dory's, pet bus.

"Look at them," Pim scoffed in an annoyed voice. "They think they're so much better than us."

Pim only said that kind of stuff when she deep down believed it was true.

John Dory heard their muttering and the boys turned to the girls room.

"Oh, heyyyy!" JD greeted. "Up for ice cream later?"

Pim just scowled and slammed the door.

"Aww." Viva sighed. "I was in the mood for ice cream."

"We don't have time for that," Pim scolded. She crossed her arms. "We've got a contest to beat."

~~~

The girls sat on a bench, breathing hard and gulping down water after their singing performance.

It was somewhere behind the crowd, where they could easily see the people, by the people didn't see them unless they twisted their heads all around.

"I JUST hope we were completely perfect, " Pim gasped.

"Yeah, that would be better," Piper said, exhausted. "More chances of winning."

"At least we had fun," Viva said hopefully.

"We don't have time to have fun! " Pim stood up, brushing herself off. "The judges will be calling BroZone on in a minute. I don't really want to watch. And they won't be calling us to go on for show two for another half hour anyway. Let's go."

As everyone stood up, Poppy asked, "Can I go get a snack? The concession stand is right back there."

Pim sighed and Venni shrugged. "Sure. Fine, whatever."

Poppy smiled and quickly got up and turned to go down the show hall, when she heard Pim say, "Why doesn't Poppy take this seriously. I mean, a snack? Now? I couldn't way for the life of me."

"She's just a kid," Venni said, "cut her some slack."

"She's not that bad," Viva said. "She is just optimistic. Like me."

Pim sighed while Piper said, " No, Pim is right. Poppy is a bit different. She thinks it's more for the games and the good times. You just want to have a good time. "

"We're not going to win with her on our team," Venni groaned.

There was silence on Poppy completely left the room. Her heart was beating, pumping, loudly, and her eyes were already beginning to swell with tears.

She rushed into the other side of the hall, where she knew she couldn't see them and they couldn't see her. She ran right past the concession stand and kept running until she was so far into the hall that only janitor closets were there, and no people were anywhere.

Good. She slid into a corner and hugged her knees tightly, setting her face on the top of them as well.

Poppy didn't cry. Or, she tried not to. She just wanted to think. What had she done to make the girls think that she didn't think of the band seriously?

Sure, she often interrupted practices to ask silly questions, she laughed when she made a mistake in rehearsals, unlike everyone else. She did really enjoy herself during shows, which Pim had always encouraged, but maybe she didn't like that.

Maybe the band would just be better without the youngest sibling.

Poppy sat there and wished that she hadn't made things more difficult for her sisters, and decided not to go back in time for the second show.

Each band did two shows for the competition, and the second one was the last chance to show the judges what they were really made of. She didn't want to mess it up.

Poppy heard footsteps and her head shot up. Standing right beside her, leaning against the wall, was a face she knew well but hadn't really talked to because of what seemed a rivalry.

His blue eyes sparkled down at her as he watched her, his gentle smile full of sympathy and also teasing. His navy blue hair had frosted tips tonight, something, Poppy knew, that was only really only done for super special shows.

Especially on Bitty B.

"I see why you chose this spot to mope. Way more quiet than out there." He slid down to the floor next to her.

"I am not moping." Poppy sat up importantly. Why was he here? And why was he talking to her?

"Uh huh. Can I sit here?" he asked.

Poppy crossed her arms and looked the other way. "Sure, I don't care."

She did care. A lot. She didn't want him there-- but it was so nice to not be ignored.

Bitty B got more comfortable, shifting here and there. Then he leaned his head back sighing. "I'll tell you why I'm here if you tell me your reason."

Poppy kept her mouth shut.

"Okay, I'll start." Bitty B sat up. "I will start with advice: Sometimes it's wise to just escape siblings sometimes."

Poppy glanced at him. "What do you mean?"

Bitty B sighed again. "Pressure. That's all they seem to give you. Especially in a band. It is exhausting. "

Poppy nodded without thinking it. She could say amen to that.

"Just sitting here, even in the cold floor, helps things a bit, huh?" he turned to her.

Poppy nodded again. "Yeah." She hugged her knees tighter. "It can release so much stress, help calm the voices that are telling you that you aren't perfect or good enough."

Bitty B didn't respond.

"And then you try to make it better by being optimistic, encouraging, and living life to only find out that your siblings think you aren't taking any of this seriously, "she sniffed, "and they probably think you have a terrible voice too," another sniffle as her tears ran down freely, "and probably know your dance moves suck...And you just want to make them proud, but you only seem to be doing everything wrong and...and... " she stopped as she could barely talk through her tears.

Poppy sloppily tried to wipe them with her fist, telling herself to not be a baby in front of a guy from BroZone, for goodness sakes, which would make Pim even more unhappy, making her son even harder.

Every minute she was doing something wrong, she was realizing. Why couldn't she just be better, perfect, amazi-?

Bitty B leaned over, interrupting her thoughts. He reached out with his hand, holding a small white cloth. He stopped his hand right in front of her. "May I?"

Poppy nodded and he swiped the cloth across her cheeks, wiping her tears. His voice was quiet.

"You seem to be going over to your probably's instead of looking at the facts."

Poppy gave him a questioning look through her sniffles. "What do you mean?"

"Just because one person says something about you doesn't mean they think all these other terrible stuff about you too." Bitty B was looking her straight in the eye. "You have some things to work on. And that's fine."

"They don't want me singing with them. That's how bad I am," Poppy whimpered.

"Did they actually say that?"

"They said they said they can't win with me in the band."

"That's not what I asked," he reminded her. "Did they say they don't want you singing with them?"

Poppy shivered. She was all confused now.

"I don't know."

Bitty B nodded. "Don't let your thoughts replace what your family actually said. Your family lives you, Poppy. I see that. And some people aren't able to have a family like that. Embrace it."

Poppy snuffled. "Thanks, Bitty B."

He smiled. "Call me Branch." He held out his hand.

"Branch. Okay." She gave him a beam. "I like that name."

"Well, it's better than Bitty B, anyway," Branch chuckled. "Now the second show is about to start. Why don't you go show the judges whose boss?"

Poppy giggled as Branch grinned.I

They both stood up and before she left, Branch took both of her hands and told her, "You are amazing, lovely, and make a difference. Tell that to yourself all day every day, alright? It's the truth."

Poppy gave him a shy smile. "Okay." He dropped her hands and she rushed down the hall to go meet with her sisters.

In the dressing room, they were all freaking out.

"I should have told Poppy when the show was!" Pim shouted.

"We couldn't have guessed she would take so long!" Venni gasped.

"We can't do the show without her," Viva sobbed.

"Please, Poppy, come back!" Piper groaned.

"Hey, guys!" Poppy rushed in. "Are we ready?"

"Oh, thank goodness! Where have you been?! We can't get onstage without you! " Pim rushed to her and have her a hug.

"Really?" Poppy asked. "I...I was afraid you didn't want me to sing with you guys because - you know, I'm not all serious about it and stuff."t

Venni gasped. "You heard that?"I

"Poppy, yes, you don't take this seriously, but this is a family band. We aren't singing without you. It's take us as we are or leave us as we are. But it's always all of us. Not four fifths of us," Pim told ger.

"And we were letting the stress get to us," Viva said. "We realized that your encouragement and optimism is what keeps us up. We were totally freaking out without it."

"Oh my gosh, we're on!" Piper shrieked.

"Okay, time to do this," Pim said. "Girls assemble!"

They all rushed onstage, and as the light shine on them and they danced and sang, the judges smiling and possibly enjoying it, Poppy looked into the crowd and saw those blue eyes that she had seen earlier.

Branch smiled at her, and whispered, "Amazing," and clapped along to their song.

Poppy blushed and have him a giddy smile in return. No matter what her sister said, she was definitely going to see Branch again.

You guys can choose whether or not their band wins:D They were def in one of the top three. This was a request from an anon ask! Hope this was good enough!

[cherrylng]

History Part 1: 1977-2004 [CROSSBEAT Special Edition - Muse (July 2010)]

Step by step, steadily climbing the ladder to the top. The three childhood friends who broke through the rock slump.

Text by Sumi Imai

They all used to have long hair! Three bonds forged in a rural town.

Teignmouth, Devon, south-west England. With a population of less than 15,000, this town on the English Channel is the ‘hometown’ where Muse formed their band. But it seems a curious coincidence that the three, originally born in different parts of the country, moved here as boys and met.

Matthew James Bellamy, aka Matt, was born in Cambridge on June 9th, 1978. His father, George, was the former rhythm guitarist for The Tornados, the first British band to have a number one single in the US in 1962. In an environment where music came naturally to him, Matt started playing the piano at the age of six, and as well as classical music, he learned to play boogie-woogie and blues, including Ray Charles, which he learned by ear in primary school.

He was 10 years old when he moved to Devon due to his father's work in the construction and plumbing industry. He grew up in a middle-class family until his parents divorced when he was 14, but life became relatively simple when he moved in with his grandmother and her family. It wasn't until he was separated from his father and his environment changed drastically that Matt took up the guitar in earnest, a sign of his thirst for something to devote himself to. His skill on the acoustic guitar was well known on campus, but his passion soon turned to rock guitar.

Dominic James Howard (nicknamed Dom), meanwhile, was born in Stockport, near Manchester, on December 7th, 1977. He moved to Teignmouth when he was around 8 years old and went to the same secondary school as Matt. He started playing drums at the age of 11, influenced by jazz. His father was a tailor of ceremonial gowns.

Christopher Anthony Wolstenholme (nicknamed Chris), born December 2nd, 1978, was in the same secondary school as both of them, one year below them. Born in Rotherham, a town in the north of England near Sheffield, he also moved to Teignmouth when he was 11. Influenced by his music-loving mother, he learnt to play guitar early on and eventually started playing in bands as a drummer. The origins of Muse can be traced back to late ‘92, when Matt joined as a guitarist in the band Dom was playing drums in during his secondary school years. This was a time when many rock boys in middle and high schools across the UK were inspired by Nirvana and a band boom was underway. Dom was a member of the school's blossoming band. The foursome came to call themselves Gothic Plague, but the original-oriented Matt & Dom and the other two members fell out and broke up in 1994. Matt and his best friend Dom decided to take on the dual role of lead vocalist and guitarist, and when they were looking for a bassist and backing vocalist, they set their sights on Chris, who was playing drums in a band at school. They managed to persuade him, who could also play guitar, to join them. This was the first time Chris had played bass.

Teignmouth is a rural town, and the only way to see a well-known band live is to travel to the central Devon city of Exeter. The best way to enjoy rock music in the flesh is to play it yourself - an environment that helped them develop musically. The three of them entered a local music contest that same year under the name Rocket Baby Dolls, "on a whim" (Matt). They won the contest with their gothic make-up and aggressive performance, dominating the others. There they learnt that ‘the expression of emotion is just as important as technique in music’.

Soon after, they changed their name to Muse and started playing shows in and around their hometown. Their musical style at the time was a combination of grunge sounds and UK melodic punk (Mega City Four, Senseless Things, etc.) with pop melodies and harmonies, plus elements of progressive metal, and they all had long hair. The three went on to a music course (equivalent to the second or third year of high school in Japan) to prepare them for A-levels (the national examinations that qualify for university), but in the end they decided not to go on to university but to pursue their musical ambitions while working part-time. Matt also worked as a painter and demolition worker.

One of the keys to this was Matt's four-month trip to Europe on his graduation trip. He was exposed to folk music from Spain, Italy, Greece and other countries, and at the time he was devoted to the Spanish guitar. It was also in his late teens that he rediscovered the appeal of classical piano, including Rachmaninoff, Chopin, and Liszt, and this broadening of Matt's musical tastes contributed to the uniqueness of the band.

It was during this period, while working part-time, making demos, and playing shows, that the three were discovered by the proprietor of the well-known recording studio Sawmills and signed a management contract. They were granted free use of the studio and began recording in earnest in 1997. The following May 1998 saw the release of their debut EP, "Muse EP", from Dangerous, a label co-run by Sawmills.

In September 1998, when they appeared at In the City, an annual trade fair for new bands held in Manchester, it was not the UK but several US labels that first showed interest in them. The shows in New York and LA in October/November of the same year were the decisive factor, and Muse were signed to Maverick, the label founded by Madonna, followed by Mushroom in the UK, and then labels in Germany, France, Japan and other countries. In the spring of 1999, they finally began work on their first album, with master producer John Leckie.

The heat of their live shows spread by word of mouth, and their EPs and singles released in 1999 caught the ears of DJs at BBC Radio 1, which has influence in the UK indie scene, helping Muse's name to spread among British indie fans, and in October, their first album "Showbiz" was released. At the time, Muse were often compared to Radiohead and regarded by some as their followers, but the seeds of their strong individuality - a fusion of dramatic alternative rock, romantic classical elements and exoticism - had already begun to emerge.

In 1999, pop and R&B were at the height of their popularity in the British music industry, and rock music itself was in decline, making it extremely difficult for new bands to achieve commercial success. The number 29 in the UK may seem modest now, but it is a pretty good achievement. They were also voted best newcomers of 1999 in the NME magazine readers' poll. From 1999 to 2000, they were selected as the opening act for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers on their EU & US tour, and also performed at festivals in various countries. They also visited Japan three times that year, starting with their first visit in March 2000.

Unique and rich musicality that pioneered the revival of UK rock.

Between touring for their first album, the band started work on their second album in September 2000. Many of the songs on the new album were written during the tour. Compared to the previous album, the band had gained more live experience and played with many bands, which gave them a clearer idea of what they were aiming for and further increased their desire to pursue a unique Muse sound that was different from the others. In order to realise this, a number of new experiments were made on the second album. The band introduced keyboards such as the Mellotron and church pipe organs, as well as instruments made from animal bones. By setting no limits for themselves, the band's musical range widened considerably.

By the summer of 2000, Coldplay's debut album was number one in the UK, and a new boom in new acoustic music was taking place, with lyrical bands dominating the mainstream. In the same month, Radiohead released the electronica-influenced "Kid A," and while the "de-rock" trend continued, Muse's dynamic and liberating sound, featuring heavy guitar riffs, melodic bass, explosive drums, classical piano and high-pitched falsetto, was welcomed with joy by many people as a ray of light in the UK rock scene. The first single from their second album, "Plug in Baby," released in March 2001, reached number 11 in the UK charts, becoming their biggest hit to date. The follow-up "New Born" also reached number 12 in the UK charts. Expectations for the new album were growing.

In June 2001, the band finally released their second album, "Origin of Symmetry", which reached No. 3 in the UK, a great achievement in a period of rock music stagnation. It would be six months before The Strokes would bring a rock ‘n’ roll revival to the UK. In August 2001, they headlined the second stage of the V Festival, and by the end of the year had won or been nominated for various music awards and major categories. They steadily climbed the ladder to top band status. On the other hand, the band clashed and fell out with their US label over their musical direction. The release of "Origin" in the US had to wait until 2005.

As their fame as a live band grew, in July 2002 they released a live DVD, "Hullabaloo," featuring their performance in Paris in October of the previous year. The inclusion of a collection of early B-side songs on the same soundtrack CD is a sign of demand from new fans. After concluding their world tour in Europe and Japan at the Reading/Leeds festival at the end of August, the band took a break from live performances for a while. After taking a break for the first time in a long time, they began working on a new album.

For their third album, they decided to team up with producer Rich Costey, who has a wide range of musical experience, and entrusted him with the majority of the album. He is also a major contributor when it comes to the increasingly elaborate sound. The songs initially had a more positive atmosphere and the strings were more flamboyant, but the Iraq War broke out in March 2003 during production. The apocalyptic anxiety overshadowed the sound and lyrics, and the hard, dark tone of the work was a reflection of this unsettled state of affairs. The new album also reflects Matt's realisation through live performances that playing guitar simply resonates more powerfully than layering it up like before, and this is reflected in the new album. In September 2003, the second single from the third album, "Time Is Running Out," reached number 8 in the UK charts, breaking the previous record. In a scene that was booming with the rise of garage movement, alternative metal, and the revival of guitar rock, Muse presents a unique, majestic, graceful, grandiose, yet delicate sound and music that encompasses a wide range of genres from heavy rock to prog-electro and classical, and has succeeded in attracting listeners of a wide range of tastes and generations, as if they were a common denominator for all rock fans. "Absolution" reached number 1 in the UK charts. It was followed by hits in European countries and the following year in the USA, selling a total of approximately three million copies worldwide. The band embarked on an extensive, long-term world tour as one of Britain's leading bands in both name and reality.

The climax of this tour came on June 27th, 2004, when they headlined the final show of Glastonbury, the UK's biggest festival. It was a night of fervour and excitement that led Matt to call it "the best show of my life" during the MC. Although they were tragically hit right after the show when Dom's father suddenly passed away from a heart attack, there's no doubt that their musical career had reached a peak that night.

Chronology 1: 1977-2004 1977 December 7th: Dominic James Howard is born in Stockport, Manchester

1978 June 9th: Matthew James Bellamy is born in Cambridge

December 2nd: Christopher Tony Wolstenholme is born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire

1988 The Bellamy family moves to Teignmouth, Devon, where the three members of Muse meet

1994 The three form the band that would later become Rocket Baby Dolls and Muse

1998 December: After receiving positive reviews for their gigs in NY and LA, they are signed to Madonna's label, Maverick

1999 October: Release of debut album "Showbiz"

2000 March: First visit to Japan at On Air West in Shibuya, Tokyo

Appeared at the first Summer Sonic held on August 5th-6th. They performed as an opening act.

October 10th-15th: They performed at Akasaka Blitz, Shibuya Club Quattro, Nagoya Club Quattro, Shinsaibashi Club Quattro, Osaka, and Big Cat in Tokyo, for the first time in Japan, with a total of 5 shows.

2001 February: Nominated for the Brit Awards for Best New Artist.

March: Matt designs the cover for the single "Plug in Baby".

June: Release of second album "Origin of Symmetry".

July: Fuji Rock 2001 performance scheduled for July is cancelled due to promotion.

July 11th-15th: Performed an invitation-only concert at Zepp Tokyo, Osaka, Shinsaibashi Club Quattro, and Nagoya Club Quattro.

November 28th-December 2nd: Second Japan tour at Zepp Tokyo, Nagoya, Bottom Line, and Osaka IMP Hall.

December: After the Japan performance, they took a long break. During the holidays, Chris' second daughter is born.

2002 June: "Hullabaloo Soundtrack" is released in Japan (July 1st in the UK).

July: Performed at the Fuji Rock Festival, Green Stage, before the first day (26th).

October: Provided Animals' cover "House Of The Rising Sun" for the charity album "One Love" organised by NME and War Child.

2003 March: Video footage of the recording of the new album is released on the Muse official website (updated regularly until the release date in September of the same year).

September: Release of third album "Absolution".

2004 February: Toured Japan for the third time, performing at Tokyo Bay NK Hall, Shibuya AX, Nagoya Diamond Hall, Osaka Namba Hatch, Shinsaibashi Club Quattro, Fukuoka Zepp Fukuoka, and Hiroshima Club Quattro. During a performance in Osaka, Chris loses his wedding ring, but a fan later returns it to him safely.

April: During a live performance in Atlanta, USA, a string from Matthew's guitar breaks and hits him in the mouth, causing him to bleed. The performance is stopped and the next performance is also cancelled.

June: They headline the Glastonbury Festival. The live performance is a huge success, but tragedy strikes when Dom's father suddenly dies of a heart attack just after it ends.

August: While on tour with The Cure, Chris breaks his wrist. The tour is cut short with three shows remaining and they return to Japan.

November: They won two awards at the MTV Europe Music Awards: "Best European Alternative Act" and "Best UK & Irish Act."

Translator's Note: Every time I think that I've already known enough about Muse, I get reminded that I do not, in fact, have said full knowledge. So today I learned that Dom's dad was a tailor. For ceremonial gowns.

Please do support me with my ko-fi! ☕

[jokeroutsubs]

Interview with Joker Out's member Nace Jordan, from Slovenian magazine Kranjčanka!

"Enriched by a special experience"

We caught up with Nace Jordan, bassist of Joker Out, a week or so after the Eurovision show in Liverpool, a few days after the show in Zagreb, and just before they left for the show in Dublin, where they sold out their first show in twenty minutes… On stage, they kept company to the Irish performers.

The fact that this guy, who is otherwise from Mlaka (T.N: small village near Kranj), is fully booked, can be confirmed by telling you that he moved into a new flat in March of this year - he has been living in Ljubljana for some time now - but he has spent less than 14 days there until it was time for the Eurovision Song Contest. He still returns to Kranj at least twice a week to visit his mother and to stay true to himself: he decided to get a personal trainer a while ago, so now he also goes to Kranj to train there.

Nace Jordan came into contact with music in primary school. He first played the guitar, which he soon replaced with the bass guitar. "Around the fifth grade of primary school (T.N: 10-11 years old), I became interested in instruments and a classmate and I decided to start a music group. He bought a drum set and I bought an electric guitar. Then we quickly saw that there were no bass players. So I sold the guitar and bought a bass guitar," he explains. He has no formal musical training, but says he has been lucky that wherever he has gone in life, there has always been a good mentor who has been able to guide him.

I: How long did this primary school group last?

N: In those days it was a well-known Kranj band called Success. We did a lot of gigs. It's interesting that all the band members from that time are now living off music. They are, for example, the guitarist Nejc Ušlakar, Tajda Jovanović - also from Mlaka - who is a top classical singer and used to sing at the famous Scala in Milan; if I am not mistaken, she is now teaching classical singing in Dubai. We just created an environment for ourselves and stayed in music. The drummer and keyboard player, Aljaž Bernik and Miha Petrovič, have, for example, a very successful wedding band, called Pop Deluxe.

I: What came after primary school? (* (T.N: In Slovenia, primary school lasts for 9 years, from ages 6-15)

N: I enrolled at the then Iskra University, majoring in mechatronics, but just before graduation I started working - actually playing on a cruiser. By some chance I found myself at a jam session open mind in Kranj, where the Kranj drummer Rok Rozman was looking for someone to go on the boat with him. He was impressed with me, I auditioned and of course they weren't very happy at home when I confronted them with the fact that I was going to take my final exams the following year. I was just 18 years old.

I: Was that a cruise ship?

N: Yes. We were travelling in the Baltic Ocean. I remember that we started in Germany, in a port north of Hamburg, then continued on to Gdansk, St Petersburg and to the Scandinavian countries.

l: That was probably the only time you've been on a cruise ship of that kind, a tourist cruise ship?

I've had a lot of people ask me if I would ever go on holiday on a cruise ship. Probably not. But I would go and have another look at the one I played on.

I: When you came back to Slovenia, did you graduate from high school? N: I didn't and I still regret it a little bit. When I came back from the ship, I started working with the singer Katarina Malo. During that time, I was also taken under the wing of two musicians from Primorska (T.N.: a region in the South-Western part of Slovenia) - that's what I mentioned: I found myself somewhere and then a mentor came along. I learned a lot from them. They were David Morgan and Denis Beganovic - Kiki. The first one is a top jazz drummer from the coastal area, he organises a lot of stuff, and he also plays with Avtomobili (T.N. slovenian band), I think he even played with Plestenjak (T.N. Jan Plestenjak, a famous Slovenian pop singer) at one point. Whereas Kiki is a multi-instrumentalist. He's an extraordinary talent. He has worked with Kanzyani and other famous DJs and musicians from abroad. He has made a lot of music, and he also led the Big Band from the coastal region. That was a really nice period for me. I even moved to the coastal region for a short period.

I: Why music, why not football?

N: Certainly not football (laughs). It's the sport I'm least talented in, or rather, all ball sports fall into that context - be it table tennis or football; and, even though my surname is Jordan, I'm the worst basketball player in the world (laughs). Just two days ago, I met my first grade teacher, and of course the topic of music and Eurovision came up. She told me that she knew even back then that school was not for me, but that I would definitely do something creative in my life. It brought back memories of how bored I was at school and how I would rather draw under my desk than listen, even though I was not a bad student.

I: You haven't been a member of Joker Out for long.

N: Since last year. Martin Jurkovič, the original bass player, felt at some point that music was not his main path. He is also an extremely talented programmer and is studying in that direction. He wants to study abroad and decided to finish that chapter. I knew the lead singer of the band, Bojan, from some mutual friend groups before, and the guys were looking for someone who was around their age, professional, good at what they do, and they thought of me. And Martin was in favour of me coming into the group instead of him.

I: And did you imagine that the band would continue the way it did?

N: From the beginning I went into the band with a bit of hesitation. I even suggested a test period. I had learnt that there has to be chemistry between the members. And if we didn't get along with each other the way we do, we wouldn't have performed on the Eurovision stage. We would have had a fight otherwise.

I: Do you spend a lot of time together?

N: First there were the Eurovision showcase concerts, and now there is the summer concert tour in Slovenia. We also have quite a few problems, because we get a lot of calls from abroad. It's logistically difficult, so we're looking for a solution to link some of the concerts to the tour. After the Eurovision Song Contest, we really started to get noticed abroad.

I: Was this your first Eurovision Song Contest?

N: Yes. But I have been to EMA (slovenian national selection for ESC) several times before.

I: Was it as you imagined it would be?

N: Even better. I can say that everyone who has been through this kind of experience has told us that it will be really tough: there will be a lot of work, but that we should also expect crazy parties. But in the end, it was much less exhausting than we expected. In fact, we had such a busy schedule beforehand that Eurovision itself was almost easier for us afterwards. We were practically in the Arena for five days, the rest was socialising, interviews and other commitments. In principle, we like that.

I: You seemed to be well received.

N: We were lucky enough to have connected with practically all the performers. We were always in a good mood, which was seen and felt both in the performances and in the interviews, during the statements. We came home really enriched by a special experience. And it was really nice to see how the people at home supported us. After the first semi-final, we got some footage of how they were watching us and we were just amazed how behind Bežigrad (Ljubljana district), let's say, they watched the first semi-final show in an organised way. The energy was crazy, like at a match.

I: What about Liverpool? Was there any time to "play tourists"?

N: During Eurovision, not really. We were in Liverpool before, because we were shooting a video. I think it was after Barcelona, and we did a lot of walking around the city then. For those who like the Beatles, Liverpool is great.

I : How did it come about that you went to Eurovision in the first place?

N : When I came into the group, the guys and I immediately started talking about whether we would go to this year's EMAs. We decided to go. We knew we would definitely be one of the favourites because we have a really big and extremely loyal audience. Well, then the EMA didn't happen. The jury decided to make their own choice, from the five entries who had the most songs of the week during that year. And I think only two of us ended up applying. There was no EMA, and they sent us to Liverpool.

I: You mostly use Slovenian in your songs.

N: Of course. We have a few songs in English, but we mostly sing in Slovenian. We were talking about how we would work going forwards, and we agreed not to bother with the language. We are proud of our Slovenian language. It's really something beautiful when you see an adult Peruvian man or a five-year-old Spanish girl singing our song in Slovenian. In that moment you understand the athletes and you are proud to be Slovenian.

I: How is it on the street? Do people recognise you? You often hear: is that the bass player of Joker Out?

N: Yes, quite. Most of the time it's people who say something nice to you, or want a selfie. Of course, there are also some "admirers" who stick gum all over my car or leave messages. There's a good side and a bad side to being a public personality. Sometimes it requires of you to spend three hours taking photos - but if you enjoy doing something, that's not a problem either.

I: Do you think that it is actually the fact that you get along well in a group that "pulls" in the audience?

N: The energy between us is definitely something that is contagious. I don't know if it's what makes the audience really like us, but it's something that puts even someone who is in a bad mood in a good mood.

Translation by @kurooscoffee (jokeroutsubs). DO NOT REPOST!