#stray kids school au

[starseungs]

from the past, beyond the present, and into tomorrow. ksm. ( teaser )

kim seungmin x fem!reader — following the last wishes of her beloved grandmother, y/n finds herself moving back to her family's hometown. deep into the countryside and miles away from the bustling noise of the city, the change was supposed to be a new experience. that was, if only the mayor's son didn't bring along years of unknown familiarity with him.

GENRE/S — drama, slight angst, slight fluff, just sentimental, soulmates au, multiple lifetimes, high school au, a slowburn • teaser: 2.1k words (10k+ overall fic)

WARNING/S — y/n gets referred to with she/her pronouns, setting is heavily influenced by japanese environments (but still made vague enough for other preferences), main characters are aged eighteen, possibly more to be added upon release.

NOW PLAYING — tracing that dream by yoasobi

( ✒️ ) this is the product of seungmin covering one of my favorite songs ... now im gonna make him a shoujo anime love interest !!! and yes the teaser is long asf. i, too, am concerned about the total word count of this fic. (road to 20k wc i guess)

( 📌 ) STATUS: UNRELEASED • TAGLIST IS OPEN !

2024 ⓒ starseungs on tumblr. do not steal, repost, or edit.

You had dreamt of a specific scene once when you were thirteen.

At least, you were the one who considered it a dream. It was something you had tried to bury in the depths of your mind—locked away in a tiny chest placed in the furthest corner and behind closed doors. If it were someone else, you knew that they would’ve already exhausted all means to figure out what the dream meant.

After all, it certainly wasn’t every day that you got to dream of something that felt so vividly real to the point you could’ve sworn it was a memory.

But it wasn’t. It could never be.

Why?

Because in no reality could an authentic memory be of a time that shouldn’t even exist yet.

“I won’t ask you to congratulate me,” the vessel you were seeing the world through spoke. In the scenario being played out, you could feel yourself smile warmly. You could only guess why the positive action was contrasted by such a somber tone of speaking. “Never once have your eyes lied in front of mine.”

The sound of joyous laughter that surrounded the area almost felt too jarring to compare to the mood present between what was supposed to be you and another male. He sat completely still, unmoving amidst the dim evening despite your earlier comment. Flickers of embers from the sizable-looking campfire reflected in his eyes, telling of the fact that the absence of a response was not because of a lack of focus but rather his inner thoughts getting swallowed up by the burning flames.

His looks would range him older than eleven. Yet, you didn’t seem phased by it—not even in the slightest. Perhaps this was something you should have expected. The voice that came out of you was notably not one of an eleven-year-old either. So you gave up on the matter.

Instead, you waited for an answer to what you had previously uttered. Even if it was just a simple hum that came out of his mouth.

He let the fire crackle a bit more.

“Does it make me a bad man to say that I envy you?”

The breath that you didn’t even know you were holding escaped your lips the second he spoke. “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean,” was your reply.

The silence came back for a second. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem as heavy as the one you two had just broken. You watched his movements, almost mesmerized, as he took his eyes off the fire. The concentration only faltered when his sight came up to meet yours. “You’re off to go do greater things over in the big city,” he starts. “And yet, here I am, getting left behind in this quiet town. A place not a single soul even yearns for—where everyone starts off but never stays.”

It was odd. The way you felt your heart race at his words.

To be completely honest, you didn’t think much of what he had just said. You didn’t even know exactly what it meant—both for you and for him. Yet, the sudden spike of adrenaline in your veins told a different story. It was making you feel breathless while also making you tear up.

“You could always come with me.”

He shook his head. Did he just reject your offer? “It’s no use. My life’s responsibilities will still lie here. What would I even gain from leaving this place?”

Another beat. You could care less if it was of silence or your heart. In what seemed like a blink, the environment felt too overwhelming for you to function in. It was almost like you were sinking. Down deep to who knows where.

Though muddled, you tried your best to bring yourself back to the forefront by listening to the variety of other sounds outside the small bubble you two had created. Children running around screaming with laughter, adult men howling with amusement at whatever conversation they were in, and a female voice yelling to prepare the fireworks.

How fun. A celebration right next to a brewing storm. All under the same night sky.

“But,” you forced the words out. “You also have your own dreams.” His eyes softened at the mention. The way your heart shattered echoed a little too strongly throughout your body.

“That’s why I’m letting you go like this.” The young male smiled, making sure to let you know it was only directed at you. “So that at least one of us gets to achieve them.”

Your lips quivered. “Why do you speak as if I’m never going to come back for you?”

Silence again. You were beginning to develop an intense dislike for them.

“That’s just the way the world works,” was the response that came to soothe your growing anxiety. “It doesn’t revolve around a certain person. And it certainly doesn’t revolve around me. Go and live the life you want without any regrets. When the time comes that you’ve done everything you’ve wished for in life, come and find me again.”

A shake of a head.

“I could always just stay.”

A weak chuckle.

“Then, neither of us will be able to grow.”

A clench of a hand.

“What if I take too long?”

A minute passes by. You’ve come to really hate these momentary pauses.

He stands up. “There will be no such thing,” the young male assures you, moving closer only to stop at arm's length. You fought the urge to reach out and hold him. “Even if it takes multiple lifetimes, I’ll always be here. Waiting for you.”

“What if you forget about me?”

The world fell into one last hush. Your well-held tears finally started falling one-by-one, just like the first drops of rain. He sighs at your state, taking another step forward.

“I really don’t think I ever will.” He cups your face gently to look at him. “That’s why to you, who my heart will always choose in every lifetime—”

A loud bang. You watched as the fireworks bloomed into the sky through his glistening eyes.

“—Please live well until you come back to me.”

Hushed whispers filled the room.

You should’ve expected this. No matter the place, all high schoolers were bound to be the same, either one way or another. If you really had to make sense of it, your best guess would be that it was simply human for them to act this way. Universal traits are what makes a species. Perhaps you would’ve found it much more uncomfortable if the students in front of you didn’t find your situation interesting. After all, the genuine interest seeping out of those youthful eyes did make the atmosphere a lot lighter. At the end of the day, you could never actually fault them.

Still, enduring the poor attempts of adolescents trying to keep their curiosity hidden for more than a tick of a clock was harder than you thought. A part of you so badly wanted to believe that it was because this whole ordeal was tiring—bothersome, even. Unluckily for you, your brain knew a little bit too much for its own good.

Next to the classroom’s front door, one of your female classmates drops a pen accidentally. You watched it roll down two seats away, only to stop underneath the chair of a guy who was animatedly discussing something with another that was to his right. The latter enthusiastically reciprocated the conversation; his seemingly dominant hand spinning a blue-colored pen while doing so. You balled your hands, only to release them not even a beat later. They felt slightly damp.

You were nervous.

“Settle down now, class!” The homeroom teacher, Mrs. Cheon, ordered. Like well disciplined soldiers, the students quickly ceased all sound. Their undivided attention made you swallow heavily. “Starting today, we have a new addition to our class. Let’s all listen to her introduction.”

Your eyes almost popped out of their sockets at her order—only barely holding back from painting shock all over your face. This was not the plan you were made aware of. You wanted to protest. Throw a tantrum like a little child at the way she had just thrown you into a den filled with lions with no choice but to fend for yourself. Back in the faculty room, she had clearly stated that she was the one who was going to introduce you to the class. What was the point of asking you all the standard information about yourself if she wasn’t even going to use it?

Mrs. Cheon merely stood there, anticipating for you to start. Her neatly managed fingers were laced together behind her back, presenting the dark purple dress she was wearing in all of its glory. You kind of wished it was brighter; just so you could complain about her blinding you without seeming rude. Now you realized that you shouldn’t have trusted her words in their literal sense. It was foolish of you to believe that all you had to do for your formal introduction was to stand there until you were settled.

You took a discrete, heavy breath.

“Hello to you all. My name is Y/N,” you start off as cool as you could manage. “Eighteen. I just moved here from the city, so I am still in the process of getting familiar with the environment. Please take care of me.”

If you could give yourself a pat on the back at that moment, you would’ve. Unfortunately, you had yet to get a grasp on how things worked around here, so it was probably better not to do anything that would make you stand out more than you already did just by being new. And who even transfers schools two months into their last year of high school? Plus, with their stares so intently directed at you like they were studying a fascinating specimen, you couldn’t lift a single finger anyway. So you settled for pursing your lips instead.

A male student with puffed cheeks from the second row raised a brow at you. You bit your cheek lightly. Great.

“It seems like that’s all for Y/N’s introduction,” Mrs. Cheon says, clearing her throat. You internally glowered at the way she awkwardly moved on. You could only wonder how painful your introduction now seemed. “You’ll be seated next to Seungmin. Raise your hand, please.” She ordered.

To which not one soul followed.

If you had not enforced every single ounce of control you had, you were sure your jaw would’ve dropped to the ground. This was already proving to be one of the worst moments of your life, and yet life seemed way too eager to make it even more unforgettable. Your eyes snapped to the figure sitting on the slot in the back row, right next to the windows.

Granted, you already knew who this ‘Seungmin’ was. It was quite obvious, really. The only other desk free to use in this entire room was the one next to the guy you were currently burning a hole through with your gaze. He was staring out the window without a worry in the world, seemingly lost in his thoughts. His posture screamed relaxation, and anything more than that meant infusing into the wooden chair he was leaning back on.

While normally you would have found this guy relatable, right now you could just wish that he finally acknowledged Mrs. Cheon’s call so that you could now erase your presence for the rest of the day.

Luckily for you, it seemed like your homeroom teacher was also getting impatient.

“Kim Seungmin!”

The male with the same name as the one just yelled out leisurely broke off his staring contest with that one cloud in the sky to give you two at the front a glance. It was then that you finally got a good look at him.

His black hair was cut short, brushed down into bangs, but not enough to cover a notable undercut. Despite his clean appearance doubled by the meticulously ironed uniform that hung on his figure, his face was grim in a way that showed great dislike for the situation. You wanted to scoff at the frown decorating his lips, sending everyone the clear message that he had just been bothered. Fighting off the urge to twitch an eye at the slight scrunch of his nose was proving to be the most difficult challenge of the day.

“Oh?” He reacted monotonously before raising his hand as requested. That obviously meant he did hear Mrs. Cheon. “Yeah, here.”

You grit your teeth, already feeling an overwhelming sense of annoyance radiating out of you. From what it looked like, he felt it too—shifting his gaze from Mrs. Cheon to meet yours. Yet, your eyebrows furrowed as the feeling dissipated the moment your eyes locked.

Huh.

How come he seems awfully familiar?

FIC TAGLIST ━ STATUS: OPEN — ASK OR COMMENT 🫶

@fairyki @hysgf @euncsace @comet-falls @starlostseungmin @ameliesaysshoo @hyunverse @wnbnny @xocandyy @minluvly @moon0fthenight @estellaluna @hanjsquokka @starlostastronaut @soobnny

[multi-stays]

Make You Mine

Paring: Omega!LeeKnow/Alpha!FemReader

Genre: 18+ Smut/Hybrid AU

Summary: Another boring day at school soon takes a turn when the new student steps in, turning heads with her Alpha scent.

Note: A Smut collab with @inkandtension

✨💜Warnings under the cut💜✨

Warnings: rough sex, unprotected sex, fingering, pet names(good girl, Baby), dirty talk, knotting, making out, French kissing

Minho wasn’t sure what to expect when the teacher announced they’d have a new student joining their class. Honestly, nothing good ever came from those announcements. It was either someone who’d instantly become a teacher’s pet, or someone who’d break the curve on every test. The murmurs among his classmates were just as chaotic as usual:

“Is it an omega?” whispered one girl, clutching her notebook like the mere idea of another omega might shatter her fragile dreams.

“Maybe another Iota?” chimed in a guy from the back.

“Do you think they’ll be hot?” asked another, leaning so far forward in their desk that Minho feared they might actually slide off. Priorities, apparently, were alive and well in this room.

Minho sighed, staring at his notebook and twirling his pen like a bored drummer. Why did everyone always act like this was a game of “Guess the Newbie”? What were they expecting? That the door would burst open and some sparkling creature would walk in, tossing their hair? Reality was far less exciting. It was probably just another Kappa with a questionable sense of humor or an omega with an even more questionable haircut.

The highest rank to ever exist in the building is an epsilon, Seungmin.

But Minho didn’t care. He was far more invested in perfecting the little doodle of a disgruntled cat in the margins of his notebook than in yet another transfer student who’d probably cause a minor riot for a week and then vanish into the gray blur of mediocrity. He’d seen it all before: the hushed whispers, the speculative stares, the over-the-top introductions. It was always the same routine, and frankly, he wasn’t interested.

That was until you walked in.

The moment the door creaked open, it was as if someone had flipped a switch. The shift in the air was immediate, sharp, almost electric. Conversations screeched to a halt mid-sentence. Pencils froze mid-scribble. Even the class’s notorious gum-chewer accidentally swallowed it down.

Minho, still blissfully immersed in giving his cat doodle the perfect grumpy expression, barely registered the collective intake of breath around him. Then it hit him—the scent.

He blinked.

But every step you took radiated an energy that screamed, "Yes, I’m the main character, and yes, you’re all extras."

Your gaze swept the room, scanning the sea of wide-eyed faces, ranging from shock to something bordering on fear, some confused. Maybe this was what you got for walking into a room of alpha-scent-deprived omegas and humans—a cocktail of curiosity, unease, and outright fascination brewing in the air. It wasn’t entirely your fault; the odds of encountering anyone outside the standard rankings here were slim to none.

This place was the catch—a strange little bubble where no other rankings, except for the occasional omega and a handful of kappas, existed for miles. If you were lucky, you might stumble across two or three iotas or epsilon types in the wild, like rare birds someone whispered about but never actually saw. This wasn’t just a school; it was the breach, a shaky middle ground between werewolf instincts and human normalcy.

And here you were, freshly thrust into the mix, a human (used to be) and newly turned, still figuring out what that even meant. Adjusting wasn’t exactly your strong suit, especially with instincts that swung between “protect everyone” and “don’t touch me, I’ll fucking pluck your eyes.” The city was too much—too loud, too crowded, too full of conflicting scents that tangled up in your brain and made every second feel like a fight to breathe.

So you’d come here, to this quiet pocket of nowhere, hoping for something simpler. But the stares around you said this wasn’t going to be simple at all.

But what really made Minho’s pen falter mid-stroke was the scent rolling off you. It wasn’t the typical “oh, I’m new and slightly nervous” smell that transfer students wore like an awkward cologne. No, this was different. This was like a summer storm breaking through a stifling heatwave—sharp, invigorating, and impossible to ignore.

“An alpha,” someone whispered, as if the word itself might summon divine intervention.

Minho slowly looked up, and his eyes met yours. He told himself the clench in his stomach was just hunger. Or indigestion. Or maybe his body’s reaction to realizing that, for once, this might not just be another forgettable week.

“Sit wherever there’s space."

Your gaze settled on the middle row, right before the doodling guy. There, two boys sat next to each other—one, a kappa who looked nonchalantly at his notebook, and the other, an omega. His fluffy brown hair framed his soft features, and he had the kind of face that could light up a room.

Instinct kicked in, and you moved toward them. Every step closer made the omega’s scent more vivid—sweet, with a hint of vanilla.

Stopping beside the kappa, you tilted your head.

“Move,” you said, voice steady but not unkind.

The guy blinked at you, then at the omega beside him, before grabbing his things and relocating without a word. You slid into the seat, your presence filling the space as you set your bag on the floor and leaned slightly toward the omega.

“Hi,” you said with a small smile, voice low but friendly.

His eyes—round, wide, and startled—met yours. His scent spiked, sugary sweetness intensifying as his lips parted slightly. “H-Hi…” he stammered, voice barely above a whisper.

It took you a second to realize that his cheeks were flushed, his breaths coming faster, pupils blown wide. Then it hit you—the telltale signs of an omega thrown into a sudden rut.

The boy’s fingers gripped the edge of his desk as he looked away, clearly trying to compose himself. “I—I need to go,” he muttered quickly, standing and nearly stumbling as he hurried out of the classroom.

The teacher paused mid-sentence, eyebrows raised, but didn’t stop him. Omegas in rut weren’t uncommon, after all.

Before you could think too much about it, someone sitting behind you leaned forward. “You’ve got some presence,” they whispered.

You turned to see another omega—this one with dark, sharp eyes and a slightly annoyed expression. His scent was more subtle than the first omega’s, but it still carried an unmistakable undercurrent of tension.

“Did you have to pick his seat?” he asked, his tone almost accusatory.

“What do you mean?”

The boy scoffed lightly. “Jisung’s sensitive. You sitting there just flipped his whole system upside down, it’s his first time sensing an alpha, everyone told him it’s so good and he didn’t believe it”

“Is that so?” you mused, a smirk tugging at your lips, noting his name in your head, cute. “And you? Are you about to run out of here too?”

“If you’re going to keep sitting there,” he said, his voice steady but his scent betraying him again, “don’t think you’ll get to me that easily.”

You leaned back in your seat, amused. “What’s your name?”

“Minho,” he said. “And don’t think you’re all that just because you made him run out.”

Your grin widened. “I’ll take that as a challenge.”

Minho narrowed his eyes but didn’t respond. From the corner of your eye, you saw him fidgeting slightly, his scent wavering like he was trying not to be affected by you.

Jisung was still nowhere to be seen when the bell rang. Minho stood, grabbing his bag, and paused beside you.

“If you really want to cause chaos, keep sitting there,” he said, lips twitching into a half-smile. “Just don’t be surprised if the rest of the omegas around here can’t handle you.”

You tilted your head, watching him leave.

The next day, the energy in the classroom was electric. Whispers filled the air as students leaned into each other, exchanging glances and hushed remarks. The focus of their chatter? You.

“She’s the only alpha in the whole school,” one girl murmured, her eyes flicking to Jisung, who sat slouched in his seat, face burning red.

“Bet she smelled Jisung’s rut yesterday,” a guy teased, grinning.

“Leave me alone,” Jisung muttered, sinking lower in his chair. His scent spiked slightly, a mix of embarrassment and lingering arousal, which only made the others laugh harder.

“Relax, Jisung,” another boy said, smirking. “Maybe she likes you. She did choose to sit next to you.”

“Shut up!” Jisung snapped, voice cracking, which only made the teasing worse.

Minho, who sat a behind, clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Would you all stop acting like pups? It’s pathetic,” he said, his sharp tone silencing most of the group.

But even Minho couldn’t completely hide the tension in his scent, a subtle undercurrent of something heated and restrained.

Before anyone could reply, the door opened, and the room instantly fell silent. Your scent hit them first—a commanding presence that rippled through the air like a shockwave. Omegas and betas alike straightened in their seats, their teasing forgotten as they instinctively lowered their gazes. Even Minho stiffened, his fingers curling slightly around the edge of his desk.

You walked in with the same confidence as the day before, your sharp gaze scanning the room before settling on your seat beside Jisung. You offered him a faint smile as you sat down, and he practically choked on his own breath, fumbling to look anywhere but at you.

The tension in the room was palpable, and you could feel it—the way every gaze lingered, every breath hitched. It wasn’t just curiosity; it was instinctual. They couldn’t help it.

A moment later, the teacher walked in—a middle-aged omega woman whose scent was laced with the faintest trace of nerves. She cleared her throat, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on you. For a brief second, her scent wavered, and you caught it—a mix of apprehension and something else she quickly suppressed.

“Good morning,” she said, her voice a little too tight as she began calling attendance.

When she got to your name, she hesitated, glancing up at you before quickly moving on. It was subtle, but everyone noticed.

By the third day, the classroom dynamics had started to shift. Initially, everyone had been on edge around you, their instincts hyper aware of your alpha presence. But you made an effort to be approachable—smiling at your classmates, helping pick up dropped notebooks, and even laughing at their jokes. Slowly, the tension eased, and people started to warm up to you.

Even Jisung, who had been a nervous wreck at first, now managed to talk to you without tripping over his words. “You’re surprisingly chill for an alpha,” he said one afternoon, offering you a shy grin.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you asked, raising an eyebrow but grinning back.

“Just��you’re nice,” he said, cheeks tinting pink. “Like, you don’t act like you’re better than everyone.”

“Why would I?” you replied with a shrug. “I mean, sure, I’m an alpha, but that doesn’t make me more important than anyone else.”

Your casual attitude quickly became a topic of conversation. People in the class started to joke about how “cool” you were for an alpha, and some of the braver students—especially the omegas—began to test the limits of your friendliness.

One afternoon, as you were talking to Jisung and Minho, a group of omega girls approached. They giggled among themselves, their scents sugary and playful, as one of them leaned a little too close.

“You smell really good,” she said, her voice soft and sweet.

You blinked at her, caught off guard. “Uh, thanks?”

Another girl chimed in, her tone teasing. “Can we…smell you? Like, just a little? You’re an alpha, after all.”

You hesitated, glancing at Jisung and Minho. Jisung’s face was bright red, his scent spiking with embarrassment, while Minho rolled his eyes, muttering something under his breath.

“Um, sure?” you said, scratching the back of your neck. “If it makes you happy.”

The girls squealed in delight, leaning in closer. One of them brushed her shoulder against yours, while another pretended to adjust your collar, her fingers lingering a little too long. You couldn’t help but laugh nervously, unsure of how to handle the sudden attention.

“Wow,” one of them said dreamily, inhaling deeply. “No wonder everyone’s obsessed with you.”

Minho let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re letting them take advantage of you,” he muttered, loud enough for you to hear.

“They’re just curious,” you replied, glancing over your shoulder at him.

“Curious, my ass,” he shot back, his sharp gaze cutting to the girls. “They’re practically rubbing themselves on you.”

At his words, one of the girls giggled, leaning even closer to you. “Don’t be jealous, Minho,” she teased, her tone playful.

“I’m not,” he snapped, his cheeks faintly pink.

The tension in the room shifted slightly, and you decided it was time to put an end to the situation. Standing, you stepped back, creating a little space between yourself and the girls. “Okay, that’s enough sniffing for one day,” you said, laughing lightly to keep the mood relaxed.

The girls pouted but didn’t push further, returning to their seats with lingering smiles.

As you sat back down, Minho leaned forward, his voice low. “You’re too nice for your own good.”

“I’m just trying to make friends,” you replied with a shrug.

“Friends don’t grope each other,” he muttered, his scent spiking slightly with irritation.

You smirked, leaning your chin on your hand as you looked at him. “Oh, really? What about you and Jisung?”

Minho froze, his expression shifting into something between horror and indignation. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re always smacking him on the butt,” you said, your grin widening. “Isn’t that technically groping?”

Jisung nearly choked on his drink, bursting into laughter as Minho’s ears turned pink. “She’s got you there,” Jisung wheezed.

Jisung leaned closer to you, still giggling. “Welcome to the group,” he said.

“Thanks,” you replied, grinning. “I think I’m going to like it here.”

Minho took a bite of his sandwich, trying to ignore the low hum of tension in the air as the other students filtered through the cafeteria.

"Hey, you," a voice broke through his thoughts.

He turned to see a girl standing in front of you, holding her tray with a friendly smile. She was one of the more outgoing girls from their class, known for her habit of striking up conversations with just about anyone. Her omega scent was subtle but noticeable in the sea of mixed smells.

“Hey, um… you. I was wondering if you’d like to come to the sauna with the girls after school?” She asked, almost nervously, glancing around to make sure no one was listening too closely. “We all thought it’d be fun, you know, a little bonding time. Plus, I heard you’re new here, and we’d love to have you join.”

The other girls sitting around the table exchanged glances, some of them clearly waiting for your response with bated breath. It wasn’t unusual for the omega girls to invite new students to these kinds of social gatherings, but there was something about this particular invitation that felt a little more… deliberate. The scent of the group shifted slightly as the girls around her leaned forward, hoping to gauge your reaction.

Minho glanced at you from the corner of his eye, still chewing his sandwich but now far more aware of the situation than before. He had to admit, the idea of a group sauna sounded strange to him. He knew the way omegas could act when they were in groups—clustering around an alpha like they were about to do something they couldn’t do alone.

Would you go? Minho wondered. Something about it seemed off to him, and he wasn’t sure whether he should just ignore it or step in.

You glanced up at the girl, the faintest smile tugging at your lips as you assessed the situation. The air around you was thick with anticipation, the other girls practically holding their breath, eager to hear what you’d say.

You let the silence hang for a moment, letting the tension build, before you tilted your head slightly and said, “A sauna, huh? Sounds fun... but I think I’ll pass.”

The girl blinked, taken aback by your response, her hopeful expression faltering for a moment. You could practically see the other girls' shoulders slump in disappointment, the air around them deflating.

The girl who had asked you stepped back, her cheeks flushed with a mix of confusion and slight embarrassment. "Oh… okay, no worries!" she stammered before turning to leave, her friends quickly following suit.

...

A few months had passed since you’d first joined the class, and Minho had started to get used to your presence. It was strange how you could throw the entire class into a whirlwind just by walking into a room. The scent of an alpha—strong and commanding—had made everyone on edge at first. But as time went on, he found himself becoming more accustomed to it.

However, for the past three days, you hadn’t shown up.

Everyone noticed, of course.

The usual buzz of chatter and whispers had been a little quieter without you there.

For those three days, Minho sat beside Jisung. It wasn’t like you to just skip class, so naturally, they both worried. What happened? Was she sick? Something else? Minho couldn’t help but feel a nagging concern in the pit of his stomach.

As they were leaving school together, Jisung, who had been unusually quiet that day, turned to Minho.

“Do you think we left something under the desk?” he asked.

“In case we forgot something.”

Minho shrugged and crouched down beside the desk. He slipped his hand under the desk, feeling around.

He paused when his fingers brushed against something soft. A cloth. A handkerchief, to be exact.

Without saying a word, Minho pulled it out and tucked it into his pocket.

“Nothing there,” he said casually, trying to mask the odd sense of familiarity he felt as he looked at the handkerchief. Something about it seemed like it belonged. Something about it felt... personal.

Later, when Minho was alone at home, his thoughts wandered back to the handkerchief. His curiosity got the best of him, and he took it out, smelling it. The soft fabric had a faint trace of your scent—your unique, unmistakable alpha scent was strong enough to intoxicate him.

“Hey Minho, sorry I’ve been missing the past few days. I’m kind of... out of it. Could you bring me some mango juice? I’m craving it right now.”

Minho blinked, staring at the screen. There was something off about the message, something that triggered a sudden awareness in him. He knew you weren’t just sick—you weren’t the type to let something like that keep you down for long.

Before he could stop himself, he was already typing a reply.

“Of course, I’ll bring it to you.”

He didn’t tell Jisung. There was no need to explain, not when he wasn’t sure how to even explain his own feelings. You hadn’t shared much with him about your personal life, and he certainly didn’t know much about your habits—besides the scent of an alpha that always seemed to hang around you. The idea of running errands for you wasn’t a big deal... but there was something about the request that felt different now, more urgent.

After school, Minho found himself standing in front of your house, the mango juice clutched in his hand, his mind racing. This wasn’t the first time he’d done something for you. But this time felt different.

He hesitated before knocking. When you opened the door, his senses were hit by a wave of your scent—sharp, heady, and overwhelmingly potent. It hit him like a physical force, almost suffocating in its intensity. It wasn’t just the usual traces of you—this was something entirely different. Something raw, primal, and undeniably irresistible.

His breath hitched in his throat as the scent wrapped around him, clinging to the air like an invisible thread pulling him closer to you. His heart rate quickened, his body reacting to the overwhelming sensation. He hadn’t been prepared for this, hadn’t anticipated just how much your presence would affect him in this state.

You stood there, still slightly flushed, watching him with those eyes of yours—eyes that were both distant and yearning. Minho’s body tensed, caught between wanting to retreat and feeling like he couldn’t move away. It wasn’t like he could just turn and leave; the guilt, the helplessness in your voice, made it impossible to just walk out.

“Minho?” you asked softly, and that was enough to bring him back from the haze the scent had cast over him.

There was a sheen of sweat on your forehead, and your eyes, usually sharp and focused, were clouded with something else.

“I… I’m sorry,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper, trembling slightly. “I didn’t want to burden you, but I’m in heat. I didn’t know who else to ask.”

Minho's knees buckled and his mind went foggy, unable to put together a sentence let alone a word. With the look Minho gave, you started to have second thoughts, perhaps this wasn't such a good idea after all. “I'm sorry, I can see your uncomfortable. You can leave” you said with a heavy sigh “Thanks for the juice tho.”

“N-no no no it's fine, girls walk around school in heat all the time,” but none of them were Alphas, none of them smelled as powerful and overwhelming as you.

“Do you want to come in then?” you asked, trying your best to still look friendly despite the situation. Minho knew it was a bad idea, didn't know if he could control himself. He'd never been in the presence of an Alpha in heat. He was still just now getting used to being with an Alpha period.

“Uhh, sure I'll come in,” he blurted out. He didn't mean to say yes but it was too late, from then on his fate was sealed.

Once inside Minho was scared to move, everything smelled like you and his mind was still racing a thousand thoughts a second. You shuffled your way around him and sat down on your couch, opening the small drink to take a sip.

“You can sit down, you look weird just standing there,” you said patting the seat beside you.

Instinctually, Minho darted to the seat beside you, unable to control his movements and completely lost in your scent.

Minho sat down on the couch half confidently, but you could smell the nervousness under everything else. His pinky finger slid to yours causing you to look up at him, with those eyes of yours.

The moment lasted for what seemed like forever, the two of you staring at each other. His face plastered with a half-smirk, yours blank trying to read what your next move should be.

“So whatcha wanna do?” you said, devilishly placing your hand on his thigh.

The nervous in Minho smelled faint now, with his hot gaze never leaving your body. He was looking you up and down like some nude magazine and you were loving it.

“Can I be honest?” he said raising an eyebrow. All scent of Minho left the room, that sweet smell you came to love just left and was replaced with something else. What, you couldn't put your finger on but it smelled good.

“Honesty is the best in a relationship right? No matter the context.”

Minho grabbed your hand and began tracing small circles on your palm, delicately his skin brushed against yours, as he continued.

“I want you,” he said, leaning in so close his nose almost touched you. “I want to touch you, smell you, be with you, and quite frankly be in you. You have to feel something or you wouldn't have invited me over tonight, right?”

He tilted his head like he was asking a question, he obviously knew the answer to and you knew just how to respond.

“Challenge complete Minho,” you said looking down with a smirk at the bulge that was now forming in his pants.

Minho didn't mind your words or expression, almost as if he couldn't hear you. He scooted closer and placed his hand on your neck, pulling you closer to him.

“Just relax,” he said kissing you and passionately slipping his tongue in for a taste.

You let yourself fall deeper into Minho and his seductive kiss, even though you were the Alpha, you just wanted to be touched and Minho obliged.

Sliding his hand down, he flipped your skirt up and rubbed his knuckle into your clothed cunt, deep enough to be wet with your slick.

“Fuck your already wet for me huh, such a good girl,” you moaned into his mouth, as he slid your panties to the side and dipped two fingers in, stretching you open in preparation for his cock.

Slowly you rocked your hips, grinding your clit into Minho's hand as you became desperate for friction. “Want me, want my cock in your wet pussy do ya Baby?” he asked, putting your hand in his pants. You wrapped your fingers around his hard shaft and muttered a soft “please” in his ear.

Your whispers sent shivers down Minho’s spine, as you slowly pumped his penis that was now leaking with precum.

“Wanna fill me up?” you whispered, licking his ear trying to entice him. Quickly you learned you didn't need to.

Low growls started pouring out of Minho as he laid your head down on the couch and swiftly whipped his cock out of his pants.

He hoisted your legs up and lined his tip up with your soaking hole. The sight of Minho’s veiny cock, hard and twitching just for you, was enough to send you over the edge right there, until he pushed in.

Putting his hands on either side of you for support he pushed in hard, wasting no time trying to cum in your tight cunt.

You never had sex with an Omega before but knew, none would compare to Minho. His penis made your back arch with each deep thrust and your nails dug into the fabric of his sweater when he would drag it slowly against your spot.

The soft squelching of your slick and his cum churning in your vagina filled the room, making it feel dirtier and sexier while he fucked you.

With each fast slap of Minho’s balls against your ass was another slap of his necklace in your face, tickling you on the nose and earning a smile, despite being fucked roughly by an Omega.

Your room now smelled of sex and his soft spicy scent. No matter how much you cleaned you knew the smell would never leave, especially now with his cum dripping down your ass and onto the fabric of your couch cushion.

“Yes Baby take my pups like a good girl.”

~

You felt your orgasm crash over you as Minho’s thrusts became sloppy and your cunt even sloppier, walls fluttering and clenching around Minho.

“Fuck your so tight, can't hold on.”

His big knot stretched your hole and soon made it impossible for Minho to move any further. For an Omega, he surely had a big penis, perhaps his confidence and arrogance came from there you thought, as you were looking him in the eyes, stuck but very much where you wanted to be at that moment.

“You're so pretty,” he said placing a soft kiss on your cheek, his sweat making his dewy skin stick to yours.

“Don’t say something you don't mean Minho, it’s fine if you just wanted to fuck the Alpha of the school” you said, hoping he would correct you, hoping he would say your wrong and that he really did love you.

You swallowed your spit hard, when he spoke again.

“Don’t put words in my mouth, I really do think you're pretty and I want you to be mine.” He stared you straight in the face with his cute earnest eyes, intimidating you whilst somehow still comforting you, a mix of emotions you've never felt before, like smells that didn't match. The only thing you could blame it on was his big soft sweater against your skin as he wrapped his arms around you.

“I think you've made me yours Minho,” you said motioning to where the two of you were still connected.

“You know what I mean,” he said rolling his eyes. Leaning up you chased him into another kiss, sloppy and wet, both your lips now swollen and red from all the desperate kissing that happened just a minute ago.

“You know, for an Omega you have a great penis.”

Minho looked at you with a cute toothy smirk and pretended to whip a piece of his hair out of his face.

“You know, when I'm rutting my knot is way bigger. You plan on taking that in your tiny pussy?”

“Of course Minho, I accept the challenge.”

Link to their post;)

Link

[hyuneskkami]

01 ✦ ‘cops and robbers’ chase each other full of energy ! ༄.°

𝒽wang hyunjin x f!reader

masterlist . . . ✰

𓆩♡𓆪 𝒶n : i’m going crazyyyyy. I needed to put down—into words—an irl situation, and decided to call it a fanfic for my bias and post it 😭 anywayy it’s my first non-pjo or non-anime fic so I hope it turned out okay 😩 also here’s some fanart I found of the same vlive as the icons above (it’s so cute) ! <3 and as always!! anything I write about the idols is not a representation of them irl ! also possibly part ii coming as soon as I have the patience to write it bc I love the current flow 😋

𓆩♡𓆪 𝓌arnings + tags : day 1 , best friend!hyunjin , non-idol au , high school au , f!reader , best friends who do more-than-best-friends things , hinted bio students attending prep school together: hyune and reader , skz ot8 are in a highschool band together w reader , fluff , hyunjin’s a cutie patootie , smart!hyune x smart!reader , cutesy hand holding , hinting at stress (reader) , reader has glasses (which is unrelated to everything but still) , banter , teasing , ot8 appear a lot , nicknames (n/n, jagiya) , mother chan , jeongin is a menace , swearing a few times ;

𓆩♡𓆪 𝓌c : 0.8k

DAY #01 . . .

“you’re staring,” hyunjin said, continuing to flex his arm’s muscles.

“nope. i’m revising anatomy before class starts. I was looking at the humerus, articulated through the glenoid cavity to the scapula,” I said, smiling.

“oh, sure.” he rolled his eyes. “since you’re staring so hard, wanna kiss ‘em?”

I made a face at him, and stuck my tongue out. “you wish!”

he laughed.

“I have them too, okay?” I said, trying to one-up him, as always.

“what?”

“muscles—”

“want me to kiss them?”

I shoved his shoulder away. “we’re late, walk faster!”

“you’re the one with tiny legs, i’m being considerate— OW! don’t stamp on my shoes!”

“shut up!”

“I won’t!”

we made faces at each other and parted ways in front of my classroom since his was the one next to mine.

I spent the next five hours surviving lectures on enzyme activity, literary analysis of dostoyevsky’s works, thermodynamics, and more boring stuff, alongside minho, felix, and jeongin (who fell asleep around five minutes into the first class).

during the break, our group—chris, minho, felix, jeongin, seungmin, han, changbin, hyunjin and I—met up outside our classrooms.

“here’s your blueberry milk, n/n and felix, my favourite children,” chris said, handing us two cans he bought from the vending machine. we smirked at the others, popped the tin open and started downing our drinks in unison. “and here’s your strawberry milk, min. jeongin, your banana milk.”

the others were in the same class as chris, so they got their drinks on their way out. after collecting our drinks from our rightful mother, we headed up to the roof.

“are there any new songs you guys are working on?” hyunjin asked chris, han and changbin—the songwriters of our band—while falling into step beside me.

our hands brushed once, so he held it anyway, and we continued walking together hand-in-hand.

han was talking about a new song they were composing for the band to play at the next music festival, which required a duet.

“we can do it,” I said, raising my free hand, meaning hyunjin and I. everyone else nodded in approval, and continued talking about their classes.

changbin pushed open the door to the roof, and we quickly followed him in pairs, shutting the door behind us.

we took our spots on the fluffy blanket minho got and laid down, hyunjin’s head resting on my lap. minho sat down with his legs on han’s, while jeongin did the same with chris, and seungmin copied them to lay his legs on changbin’s lap.

we continued chatting about the upcoming music festival and tried to figure out a name for our band before then, while my fingers threaded through hyunjin’s soft hair.

after the bell rang, signalling the end of lunch break (during which none of us actually ate our lunches), we returned to our classes for one last hour, after which, we met up outside the school’s main gate to walk home together.

I ran towards hyunjin while his back was facing me, and placed my cold palm against the back of his neck. he jumped suddenly, and shrieked. he threw his jacket onto my face.

“bitch!” I yelled, grabbing the jacket.

“put it on, jagiya, because your hands are cold as fuck! or you’ll die of the cold and then i’ll have to explain to your mother why i’m carrying her only child’s dead body home.”

“joke’s on you, I don’t think she’d mind. ha! and anyway, i’m a normal temperatured human being, for your information, you’re the warm one!” I complained, slipping his jacket on.

“okay, n/n, we all know you’re wrong on that one,” jeongin said. “give up the fight before it gets too embarrassing—”

“you’re all so mean to me, the best member of our group, and for what?” I rolled my eyes, sighing.

felix and chris stepped in front of me dramatically, and said together, “we’ll protect you from these ghouls, y/n!”

everyone burst out laughing, including them and me.

along the walk home, minho, han, changbin, and seungmin went a different way from the rest of us.

we waved our goodbyes, reminding each other to think of a name for our band.

“when’s our next test, hyune?” I asked suddenly.

“at prep school? I think it’s this friday,” he said.

“ugh, you both are such smartypants, you’re always studying or talking about it,” jeongin complained, accurately playing his role as the youngest child and menace of the group.

“and yet it’s not enough,” I muttered to myself, not realising hyunjin heard my words.

my mind divided its attention between worrying about the syllabus I was yet to cover for the test, and listening to the boys’ conversation.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when jeongin, chris and felix parted ways with us.

hyunjin and I walked a bit further to my house, where he dropped me off.

“see you at prep school!” he said, and jogged a block further to reach his house.

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kozumesphone © 2024 | don’t repost my works onto other platforms, or edit and post them even on tumblr, without asking me first • don’t steal my works, steal my heart instead • reblogs and comments are more than appreciated !

[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.

[mysticsoniaowo]

The Muggle World

Please don't read my work or interact if you're under 14!! My works consist of some intimate touches and makeout sessions, and I don't want someone younger reading those!

A/N: Honestly, I’m not entirely proud of this one. I can’t shake the feeling that it doesn’t focus on Y/N and Minho as much as it should. Still, this idea has been bouncing around in my head for a while now, and I couldn’t resist writing something with this concept. Also, I apologize if some words will be very much repeated or some sentences won't make sense, in this and other imagines, English is not my first language! And even if I'd like to think I'm good at it, I can still make mistakes.

Genre: Hogwarts AU + Love At First Sight

Pair: Hogwarts Ravenclaw Student Lee Know x High School Student Female Reader

Words: 8792

~~~

Minho and Jisung strolled through the bustling streets of Seoul on an early Saturday evening, surrounded by the vibrant city life.

The streets were crowded with people, and the air buzzed with the sounds of cars honking, engines revving, and the occasional bird chirping. The gentle hum of the wind added to the atmosphere, weaving through the mix of voices and city noise, making the whole scene feel alive with energy.

Spring had arrived, unusually warm for the season, and Hogwarts buzzed with life as students wandered the castle grounds and beyond. Jisung, however, had other plans. He chose to venture into the Muggle world, eager to visit an old friend.

Meanwhile, Minho had settled into the comfort of his Ravenclaw common room, content to spend the day minding his own business. But, as always, that relentless Hufflepuff, Jisung, had other ideas. Before Minho could utter a single word of protest, he found himself reluctantly dragged along, his quiet afternoon plans swiftly unraveling.

He let out a frustrated huff, glancing down at his outfit. A plain white t-shirt with short sleeves clung to his torso, paired with ripped blue jeans and black sneakers–simple, unremarkable, and far from what he was accustomed to.

As a pure-blood wizard, he was used to robes, finely tailored clothing, and, of course, the polished Ravenclaw uniform. This plain, mundane attire felt foreign.

But Jisung, ever the practical half-Muggle, had insisted it was better for blending into the Muggle world. With a resigned sigh, he had reluctantly agreed to trust Jisung's judgment, though he still felt entirely out of place.

"Why are these clothes so simple and boring?" Minho muttered under his breath, frowning as he tugged at the hem of his t-shirt.

Jisung, walking right beside him, caught the complaint and rolled his eyes, a teasing smile curling on his lips. He was well aware of how out of his element Minho felt, and it only fueled his desire to poke fun at the Ravenclaw.

"Oh, shut up, Lee," Jisung chuckled, giving him a playful nudge on the shoulder. "Be glad I even took you out. Otherwise, you'd still be holed up in your common room, bored out of your mind."

Minho shot Jisung a cold, sharp glance, his annoyance unmistakable in the way his eyes narrowed. The Hufflepuff's teasing and smug tone were clearly testing his patience, but he held his tongue.

Instead of snapping back, he let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders subtly slumping as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans, choosing silence over confrontation.

After walking for a while, Jisung abruptly came to a stop, startling Minho, who nearly bumped into him.

"Here we are!" Jisung exclaimed with a grin, his excitement bubbling over. The prospect of visiting a place he hadn't been to in ages and catching up with an old friend clearly thrilled him.

Minho glanced up at the building they stood before, his expression neutral, bordering on uninterested.

It was a quaint little café, marked by a large wooden sign hanging above the door. The sign, etched with the words "Nanny's Haven" in messy, hand-scraped letters, was decorated with simple coffee cup drawings. The windowsills were brimmed with vibrant flowers, their colors adding charm to the scene.

In front of the café, a small outdoor seating area was enclosed by a white wooden fence, its posts wrapped in blooming rose bushes. The tables, topped with umbrellas for shade, were set to seat six people each. Minho's sharp brown eyes took in the lively scene–groups of people chatting happily, sipping drinks, and enjoying their food under the warm afternoon sun.

He was accustomed to being around crowds at Hogwarts–whether at bustling events, or seated in the Great Hall for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But this was entirely different. He wasn't used to seeing so many Muggles in one place.

Their clothing mirrored the simplicity of what he and Jisung were wearing, blending in without drawing attention, though some outfits carried unique accents or pops of color. It was a far cry from the flowing robes and distinct house uniforms he grew up with. The sight was unfamiliar, almost strange, and yet oddly intriguing in its ordinariness.

Without warning, Jisung gave Minho a firm push forward, jolting him out of his thoughts. Minho stumbled slightly, his neutral expression quickly twisting into a glare as he shot Jisung another cold, sharp glance.

Jisung, unfazed by the look, only smirked in response. Letting out a quiet sigh of irritation, Minho straightened himself and, albeit unwillingly, began making his way toward the café entrance.

The two stepped inside, the bell above the door chiming softly, signaling their arrival.

Jisung wasted no time scanning the café, his eyes darting around the cozy interior in search of his friend. His gaze quickly landed on a girl balancing a tray of drinks and sweets, gracefully serving one of the tables. That girl was no other than you.

The Hufflepuff's eyes lit up instantly, a wide smile spreading across his face. He wanted nothing more than to stride over and pull you into a hug, but he knew better. You were clearly busy, and he respected the fact that you were working.

Still, a sense of calm washed over him as he watched you, confident that you'd notice him soon–just as you always did whenever he visited.

Meanwhile, Minho let his gaze wander, quietly examining the café's interior. It was even cozier than the outside, with an inviting warmth that felt almost homely.

Plants hung gracefully on the walls, interspersed with paintings and framed pictures, adding character to the space. The wooden tables, paired with white leather seats, were neatly arranged, each adorned with a small flower in a vase and a stack of tissues.

The inside was bustling with life, even more so than the outdoor seating. Nearly every table was occupied by people enjoying their meals and beverages or patiently waiting for their orders. It didn't take long for Minho to realize this café was clearly a popular spot.

In one corner, his attention was drawn to a large bookshelf brimming with an assortment of books. Beside it, a colorful mat lay spread out on the floor, scattered with toys. A handful of kids and toddlers were happily playing there, their laughter adding to the lively atmosphere. It was a small but thoughtful touch that added to the charm of the place.

Minho's eyes shifted as he noticed Jisung heading toward one of the empty tables, the Hufflepuff waving a hand to gesture to him to follow. With a small exhale, Minho complied, trailing after him.

As he walked, he couldn't help but admit, if only to himself, that he found the place somewhat appealing.

There was a warmth in the air, a comforting buzz of laughter and conversation mixed with the clinking of dishes. The thoughtful details–the flowers, the books, the playful energy from the children in the corner–all came together to create a surprisingly inviting atmosphere. He might not say it out loud, but he was starting to like it here.

~~~

You were busy working at your mother's café, Nanny's Haven, a place that had always felt like a second home to you.

It was a Saturday, and most people your age would probably prefer to relax at home, but not you. You've been working here since the first year of high school, and it has always been a place you loved.

The cozy, homey interior your mother had designed never failed to make you feel at peace. Not to mention, the sweets and drinks were always a hit–delicious, comforting, and made with care.

When you were younger, you'd beg your father to take you to the café after he picked you up from school, and he always did. It became a cherished routine.

So when you got older and your mom offered you the chance to help out, you didn't hesitate. It was the perfect opportunity–not just to be a part of something you loved, but also to earn your own money.

You worked mostly on weekends, when your schedule was freer, but sometimes you'd lend a hand during weekdays–provided you didn't have any homework, quizzes, or exams coming up. Your role mostly involved taking orders and delivering them to tables, ensuring everything ran smoothly out front.

Meanwhile, your mother handled the kitchen, preparing drinks with precision, while the sweets and breads were always made in advance. They were neatly arranged on the counter on either side of the cash register, ready to be handed out whenever a customer ordered.

It was a seamless routine, and you had become an expert in juggling orders while keeping the café running efficiently.

You were focused on delivering an order to a table, carefully balancing the drinks and desserts, that you didn't even hear the bell above the door jingle. It was the familiar sound that announced the arrival of a new customer, but in the midst of your task, you were completely unaware of it.

The café was busy today, and you were caught up in making sure everything was just right for the table you were serving.

After placing the last drink and dessert on the table, you shared one final warm smile with the customers before making your way back behind the counter, carefully putting your tray away.

You let out a soft sigh, running a hand through your messy hair, feeling the weight of the day settling in on you.

It had been like this nonstop since the café opened, with customers coming and going, and though it was exhausting, you couldn't help but love it.

The steady rhythm of the work, the satisfaction of keeping everything running smoothly–it was something that never lost its charm for you.

As you tidied up behind the counter, you suddenly noticed a hand waving at you from a table across the room.

Squinting slightly to get a better look, you instantly recognized the familiar face–Jisung.

A wide grin spread across your lips at the sight of him. It wasn't every day that he stopped by, and it always brought you a wave of happiness when he did.

Jisung had been an old friend of yours, practically inseparable during your childhood. The two of you went to the same kindergarten and shared the same class for years in elementary school.

You could still vividly recall the times his parents, often busy with work, allowed him to tag along with you and your father to the café. Those visits were filled with laughter as you sampled the newest baked goods together, ran around the café chasing each other, played on the children's mat, or flipped through fairy tales from the bookshelf.

But things had changed when Jisung went to Hogwarts. You lost regular contact, though he still made the effort to visit the café whenever he could–just like today.

As your gaze flicked to the table, you noticed something unusual: Jisung wasn't alone this time.

Sitting across from him was another guy, someone you couldn't help but admit was quite handsome. It was unusual–Jisung always came alone–but you didn't mind the change. In fact, you were curious about who this new companion might be.

The guy sitting opposite Jisung was clearly different from your bubbly friend. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his gaze was fixed on the table with an indifferent, almost cold expression.

There was something about his demeanor that intrigued you. He carried himself with a quiet confidence, yet his reserved nature made him seem distant.

You couldn't help but wonder if he was one of those people who appeared tough on the outside but were actually a softie underneath. The thought lingered in your mind as you studied him briefly from where you were standing.

Finally, you grabbed the menu from the counter, along with your pad and pen, and made your way over to their table.

Over the years, you've grown accustomed to the different types of customers who came into the café. Some preferred to walk up to the counter and browse the menu for themselves, while others liked having the menu brought directly to them. You didn't mind either way–it was all part of the job.

As you approached the table, you couldn't help but glance at Jisung, knowing full well that he didn't need the menu. He had it practically memorized from his countless visits. However, the stranger sitting across from him was another story. You could tell he'd need a menu to figure out what to order, and you were ready to help.

Out of the corner of his eye, Minho noticed Jisung excitedly waving at someone across the café, but he didn't pay it much attention. He'd much rather be back in the quiet comfort of his common room, curled up with his beloved cats.

The Hufflepuff's behavior was starting to get on his nerves, though. It wasn't that he disliked Jisung–far from it. It was just that today, Jisung seemed unusually energetic, more so than usual, and Minho found himself wishing for the calm, predictable routine he was used to.

Minho's attention was suddenly pulled away from Jisung as a figure started walking up to their table. His gaze instinctively followed you, curiosity creeping into his mind. Were you the person Jisung had been so eager to see?

You were holding a pad and pen, with a menu tucked under your arm. You wore simple, casual clothes, blending in with the rest of the crowd. The only distinguishing feature was the soft, light brown apron you wore, emblazoned with the café's name.

It was an unassuming look, but for some reason, something in Minho stirred as he watched you approach the table. He couldn't quite place it, but there was an undeniable pull in the way you moved, a quiet presence that caught his attention more than he anticipated. But his focus shifted once again to the table before him.

Soon enough, you arrived at Jisung's table, and the moment you did, the boy nearly jumped out of his seat, excitement radiating off him. It was a sight that always made you smile.

Jisung had always been like this–whenever he hadn't seen you for a while, he acted like a child on Christmas morning, eager and giddy. His energy was infectious, and it never failed to make you feel warmly welcomed. You couldn't help but laugh softly at his enthusiasm–it was endearing, to say the least.

"Y/N, finally! I thought you would never come!" Jisung exclaimed, a big grin spreading across his face.

You rolled your eyes playfully at his dramatic words–it hadn't been that long. "Hello to you too, Sungie," you teased, your tone light.

Then, your expression softened as you looked at him, the warmth of familiarity washing over you. It had been too long since the last time you've seen each other. "How long has it been? Two months? Three?" you asked, genuinely curious as you tried to recall the last time your paths had crossed.

"Three and a half. Not that I've been counting," Jisung chuckled. He let out a huff, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table as he looked at you, letting out an exaggerated exhale. "You know what it's like. Hogwarts is very demanding and adventurous," he added with a playful shrug, as if to explain his absence.

His words carried a mix of fondness and frustration, as if he was both proud and slightly overwhelmed by the constant whirlwind that was his life at Hogwarts.

You nodded in understanding, knowing all too well from the countless stories Jisung had shared with you what his life was like in the magical world of Hogwarts.

You didn't blame him for not visiting more often; you completely understood. After all, he had his own set of privileges, and you had yours.

"I can imagine," you said, smiling gently. "It's probably definitely harder than my normal high school." You chuckled lightly, knowing your own life, though challenging at times, couldn't quite compare to the whirlwind of adventure and responsibility Jisung faced every day.

Jisung's expression softened as he tried to steer the conversation toward you. "What about you? How have you been?" he asked, a hint of eagerness in his voice. He knew you had work, but he couldn't help it–he hadn't seen you in so long and was desperate to catch up on everything.

Your smile widened, the familiar rhythm of your life feeling comforting to talk about. "Well, you know, the same as always," you replied, shrugging lightly. "School, work, home." You paused for a moment, then added with a brighter tone, "But I'm a step closer to graduation, so that's a good thing!" Your smile turned into a more reliefd one, the thought of finishing this chapter of your life bringing a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Jisung nodded, a warm smile on his face as he listened to you. He knew that you were finishing high school much faster than he was finishing his time at Hogwarts, and he couldn't help but feel happy and proud for you. He remembered all the plans you had shared with him for after graduation, and he couldn't wait to see you fulfill them.

"Ah, right!" Jisung suddenly exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with realization. He turned his attention toward the Ravenclaw sitting across from him, almost as if he had forgotten he was there.

"Y/N, this is Minho," he said, gesturing toward the boy. "Minho, this is Y/N. Minho is also a student at Hogwarts, though he's in Ravenclaw." He gave a quick, friendly smile to Minho, eager to introduce the two of you to one another.

Minho sat quietly, listening to the conversation, his focus not once wavering from the table before him. He furrowed his brows as he heard Hogwarts being mentioned so casually. The way Jisung spoke about it as if it were nothing, sharing details of his life there with you, made him pause.

Weren't Muggles unaware of the magical world? How was it that you knew about it? And why was Jisung speaking so openly with you about it? His thoughts were interrupted when he heard his name being called, with the Hufflepuff introducing him to you.

Minho looked up at you, his gaze swiftly moving on your form. His expression remained mostly indifferent, but there was a subtle shift–a slight nervousness in the way he held himself.

"Ah, uh, hello," he said quietly, bowing his head briefly in greeting. He wasn't sure how to act. This was the first time he'd spoken to a Muggle, and it felt strangely unfamiliar.

Jisung, noticing Minho's awkwardness, couldn't help but silently snicker. He had known Minho for so long that he could read him like an open book, easily spotting his discomfort.

You, on the other hand, offered Minho a warm, welcoming smile as you spoke. "Hello, welcome to Nanny's Haven. I hope you will enjoy your first visit here. I'm Y/N, though you probably know that by now."

Minho felt a strange flutter in his chest as he met your gaze, and for a moment, his insides churned. He didn't know why he was feeling this way–it was definitely something unfamiliar to him.

But your smile, so genuine and kind, seemed to have an effect on him, much like a spell he couldn't explain. It was disorienting but oddly comforting, and Minho found himself momentarily lost in the warmth of it.

After your greeting, you couldn't help but take a moment to study Minho's features more closely. Up close, he was even more striking than you had first thought.

His black hair was neatly styled, though a few strands fell over his eyes, giving him a slightly effortless charm. You noticed that it was slightly longer at the back, adding a subtle edge to his look.

His brown eyes, at first glance, were filled with nothing but nonchalance, cold and unreadable. Yet, as you continued to look, you caught the briefest flicker of something softer in them–a fleeting glimmer of curiosity mixed with confusion that disappeared almost as quickly as it came.

You couldn't help but wonder if Minho's reserved exterior was a reflection of his personality, his Hogwarts house, or perhaps a mix of both.

Jisung had told you plenty about how the Sorting Hat assigned students to their houses based on their core traits, emphasizing that it was often a deep and telling process. But you also remembered him mentioning that sometimes a person's true nature–what lay beneath the surface–was very different from the image they presented to the world.

The thought lingered in your mind as you observed Minho's composed demeanor, his sharp eyes, and the way he seemed to hold himself with quiet confidence. You found yourself curious about what kind of person he truly was beneath the indifferent exterior.

Finally snapping out of your thoughts–and the unintentional staring that you hoped the Ravenclaw hadn't noticed–you turned your attention back to Jisung. "What will you order today? The usual?" you asked with a slight smirk, already confident you knew the answer.

Jisung chuckled, nodding his head in affirmation. "You know it," he replied, his tone light and playful.

Your gaze dropped to your pad as you gripped the pen firmly and began scribbling down the order. "One cheesecake with blueberry syrup plus a latte macchiato with double whipped cream and strawberries," you recited aloud as you wrote, the familiar combination rolling off your tongue with ease.

You then took the menu that you had tucked under your arm and handed it toward Minho. As you did, you couldn't help but notice the way his gaze was fixed on you, his eyes holding an intensity that made your cheeks flush softly.

Clearing your throat, you smiled slightly, trying to compose yourself. "Here, you'll need it," you said, your voice steady despite the sudden heat in your face.

Minho accepted the menu from your hand with a small nod of thanks, his expression remaining neutral. He held it firmly, his brown eyes scanning the options listed on the pages.

The array of unfamiliar names and combinations immediately reminded him of how little he knew about Muggle food and beverages. This was his first time in such a place, and everything seemed foreign. He figured he would simply choose whatever caught his attention the most, trusting his instincts rather than overthinking.

As Minho flipped through the menu, his attention was suddenly drawn to one of the drink pictures. His eyes focused on the intricate details of what appeared to be an edible brown cat perched delicately atop a swirl of whipped cream. It was small, almost cartoonish, and something about it intrigued him. A faint thought crossed his mind: how did Muggles manage to create something so precise and whimsical? Regardless, he knew immediately that he would order it.

As for something to eat, he glanced over the options but found himself unsure. The descriptions were unfamiliar, and he didn't want to take a chance on something that might not suit his taste. Instead, he decided he'd ask for your opinion. It wasn't like him to rely on others, but for some reason, he felt that your suggestion might lead him to something worthwhile.

You stood there patiently, giving Minho the time he needed to decide. You weren't about to rush him, especially since it was clear he was unfamiliar with the menu and likely the entire concept of a café like this. You kept your gaze soft and welcoming, ready to answer any questions or offer suggestions if needed.

Meanwhile, Jisung, ever the observant one, discreetly shifted his gaze between you and Minho. A mischievous smile tugged at his lips as he took in the subtle yet undeniable chemistry that seemed to linger between the two of you. It wasn't much, but to Jisung, it was obvious. At that moment, he silently patted himself on the back, declaring this outing a success for having brought Minho here today.

Minho finally looked up from the menu, his gaze meeting yours for the briefest moment before flickering back to the page where the drink that caught his attention was pictured. His expression remained composed, but you could tell he was about to speak.

"I'll take the..." Minho paused, his brow furrowing slightly as he squinted at the menu, carefully reading the name of the drink that had caught his eye.

He didn't want to make a mistake and embarrass himself, especially not in front of you. After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke, his tone uncertain. "Mocha... frappuccino?" The word rolled off his tongue awkwardly, the statement sounding more like a question than a confident order.

His eyes flickered up to meet yours briefly, as if searching for confirmation that he'd said it correctly.

You nodded your head reassuringly, a gentle smile tugging at your lips. "You got it," you said, your voice carrying a hint of pride.

There was something unexpectedly endearing about the way he hesitated over the name of the drink, his usual indifferent demeanor giving way to a glimpse of uncertainty. It was a small moment, but it made him seem innocent, almost adorable, in a way that contrasted sharply with the cold exterior he seemed to carry.

"Do you want something to eat, or just the drink?" you asked gently, gesturing to the side of the menu with the assortment of sweets using your pen. Your tone was light, giving him the space to decide without any pressure.

Minho hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering briefly toward the menu again before meeting yours. His voice came out quiet, almost unsure, as he handed the menu back to you. "What... do you recommend?"

The simplicity of his question caught you slightly off guard, but it also made your heart soften. There was something so unexpectedly humble about him asking for your suggestion, given his aloof demeanor. You accepted the menu with a small nod.

"There are many amazing sweets–or breads, if that's more your taste–that we make here, and they're quite popular," you began, your tone gentle as you tucked the menu securely under your arm. For a moment, you seemed to drift into your own thoughts, gently tapping your pen against the pad in your hand.

"But personally," you continued, a wodę grin spreading across your face, "I really like the macaroons!" There was a genuine enthusiasm in your voice as you mentioned your favorite treat, your eyes lighting up slightly at the thought of the delicate, colorful confections. It was clear that you weren't just making a suggestion; you truly enjoyed them yourself.

Minho felt his heart do an unexpected somersault as he observed you. The way your voice lit with cheerful enthusiasm and the way your eyes sparkled when you mentioned macarons–it reminded him of the same joy he felt whenever he talked about his beloved cats. The thought stirred something unfamiliar yet warm inside him, and he couldn't deny that the way you spoke made you look utterly adorable in his eyes.

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his lips before he spoke, his tone soft but firm. "Then, I'll take the macarons."

There was a quiet confidence in his words, almost as if he had made the decision not just to try them but to trust your judgment entirely.

That smile–barely there, fleeting like a shadow–didn't escape your notice. It was subtle, but it had a surprising effect, making your chest flutter with butterflies. And his soft tone, so unlike his seemingly nonchalant exterior, only added to the warmth that now colored your expression.

You didn't say anything, but the gentle smile on your lips spoke volumes. With your pen poised, you quickly jotted down the last item, finishing the action with a quick, confident nod.

"Got it. Your order will be ready soon!" you announced warmly, your voice carrying a slight lilt of excitement. With one last smile–and a quick, almost instinctive glance back at Minho–you turned and headed toward the kitchen, the soft click of your shoes blending into the ambient chatter of the café.

As you walked away, Minho's gaze instinctively followed, lingering on your retreating figure until you vanished behind the door to the kitchen.

He blinked once, then twice, as if snapping himself out of whatever spell he'd just been under. With a sigh, he turned his attention back to the table–only to find Jisung staring at him with a knowing smirk plastered across his face and a mischievous glint sparkling in his eyes.

Minho raised a questioning eyebrow, his expression as neutral as ever, though his curiosity was piqued. "What?" he asked, his tone laced with confusion, unable to comprehend why the Hufflepuff was looking at him like that.

Jisung simply shrugged, a casual air about him that didn't match the mischievous grin still tugging at his lips. "Nothing," he said, dragging out the word just enough to make it sound suspicious.

Then, with a dramatic pause for effect, he leaned in closer, his elbows slipping onto the table as he propped himself up. His smirk deepened, and his voice dropped to a teasing whisper. "You like her already," he accused, wiggling his eyebrows playfully, as if the idea was the most entertaining thing in the world.

Minho scoffed, his jaw clenching as he tried to brush off Jisung's words. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, his tone calm, though the slight shift in his gaze betrayed his unease.

He wanted to deny it, to insist that Jisung was just imagining things. After all, he had just met you. How could he possibly feel anything more than fleeting curiosity? But deep down, the stirrings in his chest told a different story–a story that made him question if Jisung's teasing held a grain of truth.

Jisung snorted loudly, clearly unimpressed by Minho's attempt to feign indifference. He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, a triumphant smirk still plastered on his face. "Oh, come on, don't even try to deny it," he said, shaking his head.

Minho raised an eyebrow, his expression cool, but he could feel the warmth creeping up to his ears.

"It's obvious," Jisung continued, his voice filled with amusement. "The way you looked at her? Like you were studying every detail of her face. And don't even get me started on that tiny little smile. You rarely ever smile, but you did for her. That says a lot."

Minho opened his mouth to retort but quickly shut it, deciding that saying anything would only make Jisung's argument stronger. Instead, he let out a low huff, averting his eyes as he muttered, "You're imagining things."

Jisung couldn't resist the urge to push further, to tease Minho just a little more. It was simply too endearing seeing the usually composed Ravenclaw so flustered. But, for now, he decided to hold back, much to Minho's relief.

Then, a thought crossed his mind. "I saw the way you became confused when me and Y/N talked about Hogwarts," Jisung began, his voice casual, but it instantly caught Minho's attention. He lifted his gaze, his curiosity sparking. "You're probably wondering how she knows about all of it, right?"

Minho's interest surged even more, the question that had been nagging him now voiced aloud. He nodded, eager for an answer.

Jisung let out a soft exhale, his mind drifting back to the past. "Well, it's a long story, but also pretty simple," he began, his gaze shifting to the window. Minho followed his line of sight, captivated by the view–the trees outside were blooming, their new growth a symbol of fresh beginnings.

Jisung's smile softened as he continued, "Y/N and I were childhood friends. Before Hogwarts, I went to a regular kindergarten, and that's where we met." He leaned back in his seat, lost in the memory. "We clicked instantly, and from that moment on, we were inseparable. Her dad would often take me with her to this café–her mom owns it. My parents, always busy with their Muggle jobs, didn't mind."

His eyes drifted to the table, elbows resting on it. "Since she was my best friend, I never kept anything from her. Her family believes in the supernatural, so when I told her my mom was a full-blooded wizard, she didn't doubt me. Then came the Hogwarts invitation, and, to our surprise, she got one too."

Minho's eyes widened slightly, processing Jisung's revelation. You were invited to study at Hogwarts? The question surfaced in his mind, quickly followed by another. Then why aren't you there now? His confusion deepened, and his eyebrows furrowed.

"If she got an invitation, then why isn't she at Hogwarts?" he asked, his gaze fixed on Jisung, seeking clarity.

Jisung leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "The reason is simple. She didn't want to leave everything behind–her normal life. She's deeply connected to her parents and this café, and the thought of leaving it all didn't sit right with her. Plus, she admitted she'd be too lazy to study all those magical things," he added with a soft chuckle, his tone light.

Minho couldn't help but let a gentle smile grace his lips at Jisung's explanation. "I get it," he said, his voice filled with understanding. "I guess not everyone is cut out for a life like that. But it must have been hard for her, turning down an opportunity like Hogwarts."

He leaned back, pondering for a moment before adding, "Still, I bet she must have her own kind of magic in this café, keeping things running effortlessly."

Jisung's expression shifted back to one of teasing as he caught the gentle smile on Minho's lips, a smile he hadn't bothered to hide this time. And those words–oh, Minho was definitely whipped. Jisung couldn't help but grin at the sight.

Minho, however, noticed the mischievous glint in his friend's eyes coming back and quickly straightened up, his cheeks flushing slightly. He cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to regain his composure. "I-uh, what?"

"And you dare to say that you don't like her? What nonsense," Jisung said with a teasing smirk. But as soon as he saw you approaching their table, tray in hand with desserts and two drinks, he quickly shut his mouth.

Minho, catching sight of you too, shot Jisung a sharp warning glare, silently reminding him to keep quiet.

You walked slowly toward their table, carefully balancing the tray with desserts and drinks in your hands. You always made sure to be extra cautious, especially after a few mishaps when you first started working at Nanny's Haven. Those days of clumsy spills were long gone, and you didn't want to repeat them.

While Minho and Jisung chatted, you had been in the kitchen helping your mother prepare the drinks. She had taken care of Jisung's order, while you focused on Minho's Mocha Frappuccino.

You stuck to the usual recipe but decided to add your own little twist. Instead of just one cookie shaped like a cat on the whipped cream, you added three, it was a detail that seemed to catch Minho's eye. You couldn't quite explain why you chose three, but it just felt right. Before finishing, you drizzled a bit of caramel syrup over the whipped cream and topped it with a few simple black grapes, creating the perfect touch to complement his drink.

After the drinks were finished, you carefully placed them on a black tray and carried it over to the counter where all the sweets were displayed. Setting the tray down next to the cashier, you turned to the glass case where the desserts were kept. You quickly picked out Jisung's cheesecake onto a plate, drizzling a generous amount of blueberry syrup over it, knowing it was his favorite.

For Minho, however, you hesitated. The macarons were next, and you faced a small dilemma: the regular round ones or the heart-shaped ones you'd made yourself. Your hand hovered for a moment, but eventually, you chose the heart-shaped macarons. Picking out an assortment of colors, each with a different flavor, you placed them carefully onto a small dish. Satisfied with your choices, you put the plates onto the tray, ready to serve.

As you approached the boys' table, you couldn't help but notice the tension lingering in the air. It wasn't the comfortable kind, either–it felt awkward and heavy. Your gaze instinctively went to Jisung first. He was staring out the window with a smirk playing on his lips, seemingly amused by something.

Then your eyes shifted to Minho. His posture was closed off, arms crossed tightly over his chest, and his gaze fixed on the table in front of him. His scowl was hard to miss, but what caught your attention even more was the faint redness dusting his cheeks. What was that about? you wondered.

Still, you decided not to press further. Whatever it was, it wasn't your place to pry. Shaking off your curiosity, you focused on your work.

You carefully set the tray down on the table, making sure not to disturb the tension-filled atmosphere. With a small, polite smile, you began placing their orders.

First was Jisung's cheesecake, topped with a generous drizzle of blueberry syrup that gleamed under the light. Beside it, you placed his latte macchiato, knowing your mother had made it just the way he liked–strong yet perfectly balanced with creamy foam and strawberries.

Next came Minho's mocha frappuccino. The drink was topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, black grapes, and the special touch of three cat-shaped cookies, just the way you had made it earlier. Beside it, you delicately set the plate of heart-shaped macarons, their vibrant colors adding a cheerful touch to the table.

"Please enjoy your meals," you said softly as you picked up the–now empty–tray from their table. Your tone was warm but professional, a subtle blend of friendliness and focus.

"I'd love to stay and chat some more," you continued, your gaze flickering briefly between them, "but unfortunately, I have work to do. New clients have already come in, and today's quite a busy day." You nodded toward the bustling café, where a few new faces were settling in.

With a quick but graceful turn, you headed back toward the counter, ready to tend to the next tasks awaiting you.

As you walked away, Jisung wasted no time diving into his dessert and drink, clearly enjoying the treat. Meanwhile, Minho's gaze lingered on you once again, his eyes following your every step as you headed toward the counter. He couldn't help himself; it was as if he was drawn to you, an invisible pull he couldn't resist.

He blinked once, then twice, snapping himself out of his thoughts before turning back to his order.

His eyes immediately landed on the drink, and his breath hitched. It looked even better than the picture in the menu. The three cat-shaped cookies nestled on the whipped cream struck a chord–he couldn't ignore the fact that their number matched the number of his cats in real life. It was a detail that felt oddly personal, even though he knew you couldn't possibly know about that. The caramel syrup and black grapes added a sweet, elegant touch, and the heart-shaped macarons were undeniably charming.

Curious, he lifted the mocha frappuccino, taking a slow sip from the straw. The sweetness flooded his taste buds, and he couldn't stop the quiet hum of approval that escaped his lips. It was delicious, unlike anything he'd ever had at Hogwarts, and somehow it felt perfect.

His gaze drifted back to you, now standing at the counter, taking a customer's order with that radiant smile on your face. Minho felt his heart flutter unexpectedly, a tender, unfamiliar warmth spreading through his chest. Maybe, just maybe Jisung was right. Maybe he really did like you.

~~~

After that visit to Nanny's Haven, Minho found it nearly impossible to focus on his studies. He tried, again and again, to shake off the new and strange feelings swirling inside him–feelings he hadn't experienced before. But no matter how hard he tried, they persisted, as did Jisung's teasing words about him liking you. The thought gnawed at him, stubbornly refusing to leave his mind.

He kept replaying the memory of that day, unable to stop himself from thinking about you. Your smile, your voice, the way you carried yourself–it was as though every detail about you had etched itself into his thoughts. And Jisung's constant bickering didn't help. If anything, it made him more aware of how often you crept into his mind.

Minho felt conflicted. How could this even happen? He, a full-blooded wizard, falling for a Muggle? It wouldn't be so complicated if you were at Hogwarts, if you were someone he saw every day, someone he truly knew. But you weren't. You lived a different life, outside the magical world, and he didn't know you well enough. And yet, the feelings remained, confusing and unshakable.

It was the first time Minho had ever felt like this–so conflicted, so unsure of himself.

As a Ravenclaw, he prided himself on being composed, logical, and in control. But now? All of that had been thrown out the window, and it was all because of a certain Muggle girl.

The thought of you left him flustered, his usually sharp mind muddled with emotions he didn't know how to handle. It was uncharted territory for him, and no amount of reasoning or self-discipline seemed to help. You had managed to undo the carefully built walls of the composed Ravenclaw, leaving him vulnerable in a way he'd never experienced before.

That's why Minho found himself standing in front of Nanny's Haven once again, but this time, he was alone–no teasing Hufflepuff by his side. It had been a whole week since he'd last seen you, since everything had started to shift in his mind and heart. The uncertainty, the confusion, the feelings he couldn't shake. He needed to settle it, to understand what was going on.

He had come to a decision, one that surprised even him. The best way to deal with it was to face you, to show you in his own quiet, unspoken way the depth of the feelings he had for you. He might not have the words yet, but he was ready to act, to be there for you in the way he hadn't been before.

It was a quiet Saturday at Nanny's Haven, and you were busy, though not with the usual rush of clients. Today was calm, so you were focused on training your newest worker, Eunchae, a first-year high schooler who was still getting the hang of things. It was only her third day, so there were still plenty of things she needed to learn, and you had just finished explaining how the cashier system worked.

As you wrapped up your instructions, the bell above the door jingled, signaling the arrival of a new customer.

You looked up, your attention drawn to the figure standing in the doorway. Your heart skipped a beat when you saw him–Minho. He was standing there, looking around for a moment before his eyes found yours.

The moment his eyes met yours, your heart soared, a warmth spreading through your chest. There was something comforting about his presence, something that made the air between you feel a little lighter.

As you stood there, a quiet curiosity began to stir within you. You couldn't help but notice that he was alone today, without the company of Jisung. The question lingered in your mind: Why was he here by himself? You quickly pushed the thought aside, but it kept poking at you, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the moment.

You exchanged a brief conversation with Eunchae, making sure she would be fine handling things on her own while you took a moment to talk with Minho. She nodded eagerly, assuring you she'd call if anything came up.

With no new clients to attend to, you found yourself with a bit of free time, and you couldn't ignore the urge to speak with Minho.

You made your way over to the table where he had seated himself, your footsteps quick but steady. The closer you got, the more you could feel the anticipation building inside you, wondering what this conversation might bring.

As you approached, Minho glanced up, meeting your gaze again. A soft smile graced his lips, and for a moment, you felt your heart skip. He seemed calm, though there was a subtle tension in his posture, like he was working through something in his mind.

"Hey," you greeted warmly as you reached his table, your voice gentle but curious. "It's good to see you again. You're alone today?"

Minho nodded, his gaze flickering to the table for a brief second before returning to you. "Yeah, I thought I'd stop by on my own this time. Jisung can be... a lot," he said with a faint chuckle, his tone light but sincere.

You smiled at that, pulling out a chair to sit across from him. "Well, welcome back. What brings you here today? Just craving more of our desserts, or something else?" you teased, trying to ease the tension you sensed lingering in the air.

Minho hesitated for a moment, his fingers tracing the edge of the table. "Actually," he started, his voice quieter now, "I wanted to see you."

Your eyes widened slightly at his words, and a rush of butterflies filled your chest. He came here to see you? It wasn't something you had expected, but it wasn't something you'd ever complain about either. The thought alone was oddly satisfying.

As you studied him, you noticed the way his gaze shifted downward, following the movements of his fingers as they traced the edge of the table. His usual composure was nowhere to be found; instead, he seemed tense–no, nervous.

"You came to tell me something, didn't you?" you asked gently, a mild smile tugging at your lips.

Resting your elbows on the table, you leaned in slightly, closing the distance between you just enough to show you were listening.

You could read him like an open book, the way his body language practically screamed uncertainty. Yet, in that moment, your own feelings mixed with curiosity and hope. You had a feeling, a gut instinct about what he might want to say. And while you weren't entirely sure, you hoped you were right. But you weren't going to make it easy for him. You wanted to hear it straight from him, in his own words.

Minho felt the heat rush to his ears at your question, his nerves flaring up even more. It was exactly why he was here–he wanted to tell you everything. The way you occupied his thoughts, how his feelings had grown into something he couldn't ignore. If he didn't get it out soon, he felt like he might lose his mind.

He nodded softly, his gaze lifting to meet yours, the sincerity in his brown eyes almost palpable.

"Yes," he admitted, his voice quiet but steady. "But honestly, I have no idea how to even begin this."

He crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back into his seat as if trying to steady himself. He looked almost as though he wanted to sink into the chair and disappear, the vulnerability of the moment pressing heavily on him. But even through his awkwardness, there was a determination in his expression–a clear sign that he wasn't going to back down.

Minho took a deep breath, his eyes briefly closing as he tried to gather his thoughts. He bit his lip, clearly searching for the right words to say, the weight of the moment pressing down on him.

When he opened his eyes again, they locked with yours, an intensity in them that made your breath hitch. Slowly, he leaned forward, resting his hands on the table, his fingers fidgeting nervously as if to channel his unease.

"I know we don't know each other that well," he began, his voice was calm but firm. "You're Jisung's friend, and honestly... we've only really talked once, and even then, it wasn't much of a conversation."

His gaze wavered for just a second before returning to yours, his sincerity clear despite his obvious nerves.

Minho took another deep breath, his fingers still fiddling with one another as he pressed on. "But even with that, there's just... something about you. I can't explain it. Ever since that day, I can't stop thinking about you. It's like you've somehow found your way into my head, and no matter what I do, I can't get you out."

He leaned back slightly, rubbing the back of his neck as his gaze briefly flickered to the side, almost as if he were afraid of your reaction. But then he looked back at you, his eyes soft but filled with an unmistakable vulnerability.

"I know it's probably crazy," he said with a small, self-deprecating laugh. "I mean, we barely know each other, but... I want to change that. I want to get to know you better."

He paused, his voice lowering, almost as if the next words were meant for you alone. "I guess what I'm trying to say is... I like you. And I don't know where this will go, but I just couldn't keep it to myself anymore."

Your cheeks burned hotter with every word Minho spoke, each syllable sinking into your heart and setting it alight.

You had suspected this was what he wanted to say, but hearing it aloud was something else entirely. His vulnerability, the openness in his eyes, tugged at your chest. It was a stark contrast to the composed boy you'd met that first day.

A gentle smile curved your lips as you held his gaze. He thought it was crazy–his feelings, his confession–but if that was true, then you must have been even crazier, because it didn't feel strange or out of place to you at all.

Every word he spoke mirrored the emotions you'd been holding inside. From the moment you first saw him, there had been something magnetic about him, something that pulled you in effortlessly.

Without a second thought, you reached out and took his hand where it rested on the table, your fingers lacing together with his. The warmth of the touch sent a shiver of electricity coursing through both of you, and for a moment, the world around you seemed to fade away.

"I like you too, Minho," you said softly, your voice steady but filled with emotion. Your eyes locked with his, the sincerity in your gaze mirroring his own. "I feel exactly the same way about you."

Minho's breath hitched, his eyes widening slightly before a delicate, almost disbelieving smile broke across his face. His fingers tightened gently around yours, and in that quiet, shared moment, everything felt right.

"I'd be more than happy to get to know you more and see where this could go," you added, your voice light but sincere. "But I have a feeling... this could turn into something big."

Minho's expression softened even more, his lips curving into a wider smile. Without breaking eye contact, he brought your joined hands to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of your hand. The tender gesture sent a rush of warmth through you, your heart pounding so hard you were sure he could hear it.

"Then," he said softly, his gaze steady and full of quiet hope, "are you up for a date tomorrow?"

Your lips parted in surprise before you nodded, a bright smile spreading across your face. "Of course," you replied, the excitement in your voice unmistakable.

You remembered you had work tomorrow, but the thought didn't dampen your mood. You were sure your mom would understand if you explained. She'd been teasing you about finding someone for what felt like forever. If you told her you needed the day for a date, she'd probably clear your schedule with a wink and a knowing smile.

As you sat there with Minho, a sense of anticipation and joy bubbled within you. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

[wnbnny]

happiness looks good on you- lee felix

summary: you love felix, but he doesn't love you back.

warnings: sad ending, angst!

author's notes: hi everyone<3 this is my first fic, kinda wrote this at like 3am on a whim instead of sleeping but like😭 idk why i made this so sad (is this a sign im depressed or something) but hope u enjoy!! please to comment ur user if u want to be tagged in this or my future posts<3

"happiness looks good on you."

raging storms and unshed tears.

"happiness looks good on you."

heartbreak and rainy days.

"hurry up lix, we're going to be late," you complained, brow furrowed as you stuck your bottom lip out in a pout.

"if you really want to go to school that early just walk there yourself." felix taunted, knowing you were scared to walk alone. he was your long-term best friend, inseparable since kindergarten 'til today.

the two of you argued and bickered on the way to school, throwing insults at each other. by the time the both of you had gotten to school, you were both given a scolding and told to sit down. you glared at him as you were being scolded while he just snickered.

the audacity of this man, honestly . 

by the time class had finished, you had cooled down, just like felix knew you would. otherwise, he could just stick out his bottom lip while you huffed and pretended to be mad. 

"y/n!" he gasped, clutching at your arm, "areum just looked at me!"

he squealed, like a little kid at the toy shop, over his long time crush.

if only you looked at me in that way.

because i do.

"nah, she probably was just looking at someone else." you lied through your teeth, feeling your heart sink.

"hey, stop being mean!! she clearly looked at me," he pouted.

you sighed.

i've loved you for years and you've never noticed.

"well just confess to her already then."

it was painful watching your own crush and best friend fall for someone else, someone that wasn't you. 

you wished, rather selfishly, that areum would reject him. then you could be the shoulder he would cry on. not her. but honestly, you couldn't bring yourself to hate her. what was to hate? she was pretty, got good marks, and was friendly and easygoing. not to say you yourself weren't pretty, but you just weren't as pretty and hardworking as her. 

and you weren't the one he wanted. 

maybe the pain would end if they just ended up together and you were out of the picture. it was obvious she liked him too. 

"you really think i should? but what if i get rejected..."

you're so blind but i still love you.

"yes, how many times do i have to say this, she likes you. it's obvious." you rolled your eyes.

"should i just confess tomorrow? better late than never..." he trailed off, worrying at his bottom lip with his teeth.

gods you look so cute when you do that.

"yeah. get her some flowers and write her a note."

why were you breaking your own heart? you didn't know why. maybe you just wanted to end your own heartbreak. 

"good luck with that, anyways i need to go to s house for a project." you actually didn't, but you would do anything to just escape from this.

"why~~are you really just going to leave me alone to plan my big confession by myself," he whined.

"sorry lix, but you'll figure it out." ruffling his hair, you walked out the classroom.

you did, in fact, go home. then sat on your bed and cried until you couldn't  physically squeeze any more tears out of you.  so this was what heartbreak felt like. you had known him since the both of you were ten. you had have multiple crushes here and there, but they were just passing, fleeting moments, nothing of importance. until him.

you didn't know when you had first started to like him. maybe it was that time in the library where he was helping the librarian stack books. maybe it was that time in the rain where he danced in it for hours. 

maybe it was one summer day where your world just exploded in colours. 

and now it felt like it was fading back to grey.

the next day, felix came bouncing up to you.

"i got her peonies, do you think she'll like it? i told her to meet me in the garden."

"yeah, she'll definitely like it. i would've too... " you muttered the last part all to yourself, turning away and blinking rapidly as tears threatened to prick your eyes. you offered him a smile of encouragement. 

"good luck."

when lunch came, you watched as the nervous australian carried the peonies and went to the garden.

then you watched as they walked in ten minutes later, smiling bashfully and holding hands like schoolchildren in love. 

because they were.

you went home, not even bothering to call in sick. you just grabbed your bag and went home. you would deal with the consequences later. 

your heart hurt.

you were numb.

you were hollow.

you were crying.

you hated everything.

the next few days were spent at home. you called in sick. felix texted you countless times but you ignored him.

lixie&lt;3

y/nie?

where r u?

she accepted!!!

im so happy>.<

read at 2:03 a.m.

yeah, right. good for you. but what about me?

lixie&lt;3

...hello?

y/n?

can u please respond...

im worried...

what happened???

why didn't you come to school today??

read at 3:46 p.m.

you turned off your phone then turned over and cried again. you hated this. why did you have to fall for him in the first place?

finally, after four days of missed calls, texts, and school, you had to go back. its not like you had a choice anyways. you missed your parents. they lived overseas though, so you lived alone. but you really couldn't continue living like this for the rest of your life, even if you wanted to.

"y/nie!!!" felix exclaimed, running up to you. "why didn't you respond to my texts? are you okay? it's unlike you..."

"im sorry lix, i was just under the weather. im ok." you offered him a tight lipped smile. "congrats by the way." you closed your locker door and rushed off before he could ask you anything more.

"huh? thats unlike her... why is she acting so weird lately?" 

and so you avoided him, as much as you could. you kept your conversations short and brief, not talking to him as much as possible, and even switching seats to sit far away from him. you watched his hurt face the day he walked in and saw you sitting somewhere else, but then cheering up as areum sat next to him. you watched as he laughed and held hands, ate tteokbokki and ramen with her in the cafeteria. that should've been me.

but honestly, it did nothing to fill the felix-sized hole in your heart.

you drifted apart. he barely texted you now, barely said hi to you, barely even saw you in the hallways anymore. 

then exams were finished, and graduation started to roll around. 

you watched as they attended prom and twirled around on the dance floor giggling.

you watched as they broke up on the doorstep of his dorms, watching as felix's face fell when she dumped him for another guy.

you didn't have the heart to tell him i told you so.

so you busied yourself in your exams, earning a scholarship to your dream university. felix tried reaching out to you several times to rekindle your old friendship, but you would always politely decline, preferring to be detached instead of going through more heartbreak.

you still loved him, but the once burning passion had now been reduced to a soft flicker every now and then, sparking ever so slightly whenever you saw him in the corridors. your own felix-shaped hole in your heart hadn't decreased over the years, but your heart became bigger, expanding so that other people could fit in it. the hole would always be there, but at least there was space for healing.

you turned around in the backseat of your friends' car to see the campus you had once called home fading away into the distance and felix along with it.

goodbye, the wind whispered.

"happiness looks good on you, lix. i hope you make the best of it."

[changbeansss]

Shoreline secrets

Pairings : Seungmin x reader

Genre : School au, fluff, friends to lovers

Warnings : None

Word count : 2621

The golden hues of the setting sun painted the sky as Seungmin and you walked side by side along the beach. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore created a soothing symphony, filling the comfortable silence between you two. You had always loved the beach, and Seungmin knew this, which is why he suggested this place after a long day at school.

Seungmin was known for being a tease to everyone else, but not with you. With you, he was different. He was caring, gentle, and attentive. It was something you cherished deeply, but also something that made the butterflies in your stomach flutter wildly whenever he was near. You couldn't help but feel nervous, the fear of losing your friendship holding you back from expressing how you truly felt.

Seungmin glanced at you, noticing the way the setting sun cast a warm glow on your face. He had been harboring feelings for you for as long as he could remember, but the fear of ruining the special bond you shared kept him silent. He admired your intelligence, your passion for learning, and the way you could get lost in a book for hours. To him, you were perfect.

"Hey, nerd," Seungmin teased lightly, nudging your shoulder with his own. "What's on your mind?"

You rolled your eyes at the nickname, but a smile tugged at your lips. "Nothing much, just enjoying the view."

"Me too," Seungmin replied, his gaze fixed on you. "The view's pretty great."

Your heart skipped a beat at his words, and you turned to face him, your eyes meeting his. There was something different in his gaze, something that made your heart race even faster.

"Seungmin, there's something I've been wanting to tell you," you began, your voice trembling slightly. "But I'm scared."

Seungmin's expression softened, and he took a step closer to you. "What is it? You can tell me anything."

You took a deep breath, summoning all your courage. "I... I have feelings for you. I know it's risky, and I don't want to ruin our friendship, but I can't keep it to myself anymore."

For a moment, Seungmin was silent, processing your words. Then, a wide smile spread across his face, and he reached out to gently cup your cheek. "I feel the same way," he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity. "I've been scared to tell you too, afraid of losing what we have. But I can't keep it in any longer."

Relief washed over you, and you felt tears of happiness welling up in your eyes. "Really?"

"Really," Seungmin confirmed, leaning in closer. "You're my best friend, and I don't want to lose that. But I also want to be more than just friends. I want to be with you."

Before you could respond, Seungmin closed the distance between you, capturing your lips in a tender kiss. The world around you seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of you, wrapped in each other's warmth.

As you pulled away, you rested your forehead against his, a smile playing on your lips. "I guess we don't have to be scared anymore."

"Not anymore," Seungmin agreed, his eyes shining with love. "We'll figure it out together."

Hand in hand, you continued your walk along the beach, the fear that had once held you back now replaced with a newfound sense of hope and excitement for the future.

[sadseungmin]

lee yongbok | class of 2001 high school year book

"hey, seungmin! will you touch me? i feel so soft and fluffy!" - lee yongbok

[sanchousartttttttt]

i’m lonely

[inthefairygrove]

Morning rain and maroon hoodies

Worst Wednesday ever. First, you woke up late, rushing to get ready and almost forgetting your lunch. Then you run in the rain to the bus stop only to find out that you missed the bus. However you still have to go to school so you start your hike to school. Lucky one of your friends, Chan, was also running late and drove past, stopping to pick you up.

"Y/n it's raining outside! Why are you walking to school in the rain? You could catch a cold." He turns up the car's heater and digs in his gym bag for a towel. He hands one to you and you gratefully take it, drying off your drenched hair and lamenting about your now wet shirt. You both reach the school and rush inside to avoid looking like a drowned rat, meeting your friends at Minho's locker.

"Woah Y/n you're soaked! Did you walk here?" Minho spots you first, standing with Seungmin and Changbin, holding a bag of rice rolls.

"Ah, I missed the bus. I started to walk but Channie was running late and was able to give me a ride." You laugh awkwardly and try to wring out your shirt.

"You should get changed before you catch a cold Y/n. I think I have an extra gym shirt you can borrow." Changbin cuts in, digging through his bag before being interrupted by Seungmin.

"No need hyung. They can just wear my hoodie instead." He turns to a confused Minho and holds out his bag expectantly. Then he pulls his hoodie over his head, the action causing his shirt to ride up and show a sliver of his stomach before he fixes his shirt. You tune out what the boys are saying as you trace his features. His dirty shoes, baggy cargo pants, a worn oversized graphic shirt. His hair ruffled from pulling off the very hoodie that he was holding out to you. Meeting his eyes you can tell that he's pleading for you to take it.

" Just give me a minute guys." You huff and grab the sweatshirt, heading to the nearest bathroom to change. Pulling off your wet shirt you let the cozy maroon fabric of his hoodie engulf you. His cologne mixes with the scent of your shampoo, melting together to create a smokey floral aroma. The fabric settles over your cold body, ending at your thighs with the sleeves pushed up so you can use your hands. Grabbing your discarded wet shirt from the floor, you exit the bathroom to meet your friends again, this time at your own locker. Jeongin has arrived and joined the group since you last left, snacking on some of the rolls Minho brought for everyone. Between holding your wet shirt and struggling to keep your bag on your shoulder you are having trouble opening your locker. So, with a gentle hand to your shoulder Seungmin moves you to the side with a quiet 'I got this. Let me help.' He unlocks your locker with practiced ease and unloads the various books crammed into the torn tote bag. Jeongin hands you a plastic bag to slip your shirt in. You are left standing in between Seungmin, who has stolen your bag, and Minho, who is shoving food into your hands with a stern 'Eat.' You begrudgingly start to eat your rice roll and turn your attention back to Seungmin, who has since finished swapping out your books and is now standing at your side with an arm wrapped around your shoulders. You offer him a bite of your rice roll which he accepts, leaning down to eat out of your hands, nose brushing against your hand.

"I would've held it up for you, ya know." You huff, taking another bite of the savory roll. The group begins their daily trek to class, splitting off as they head to their individual classes. Seungmin walks with you to class, comfortable silence washing over the two of you. The silence only breaks when you reach his first class of the day.

"I'll see you at lunch Minnie." you state, already starting to walk to your own class.

" I forgot to tell you something earlier." He calls out to you, you turn back towards him confused.

"What's up?" Tilting your head you look up at him, wondering what's making him so fidgety. He messes with his bag strap as he looks down at you fondly.

" You look good in my clothes."

[skz-fanfic-recs]

endgame by raesan

jisung didn’t mean to procrastinate, but he didn’t think that all the clubs would be full in just a week. he sighed, seeing that only one club still had availability. too bad he didn’t know shit about chess. or what happens when jisung, captain of the college soccer team, meets minho, the number 2 ranked chess player in the country.

[multi-stays]

Reminiscent Chapter 2: Past

Paring: Idol!Felix/FemReader

Summary: All the painful memories you pushed away and forgotten from when you were young are starting to come back to you. Why? Because your childhood best friend finally came back to you after thirteen years.

Genre: Fluff, slight angst, SFW

Requested: Yes

Note: Still not sure how I want the next part to go, suggestions are appreciated:)

Masterlist

💜✨Warnings below the cut✨💜

Proofread: hehe yea (I lied)

Warnings: Suggestions of abuse/neglect, crying

The day was sunny, all morning I had been busy with school so when I finally got to leave I thought it would be best to explore my neck of the woods. It had only been a week since I moved in and I was starting to love it here more than the city, but I still wasn't sure.

I was content with my life and I felt like nothing could stop me as I trampled through the woods, wandering along and letting my mind daydream.

I decided it would be a change for me and I wanted to make it a good one. Seeming I lived in the city all my life and now my family relocated us to the woods with barely anyone around.

I stumbled upon a small trail in the woods that was quite the journey away from my house. I had already gone too far into the woods and didn't want to turn back so I pushed on.

When I further inspected the small trail, I noticed it looked like it was handmade. The stones were placed neatly apart from each other and had natural clay pushed in between the groves. It made the path smoother and easier to walk on so I knew someone would be at the end of it.

The small trees that grew alongside the trail had been cut and pruned to make a border for the trail as well. Small patches of flowers had been planted in patterns, really tying the whole thing together and making it feel magical.

Then I heard it

~

“Why can't he just leave!?”

You punched the side of the old tree causing loud thuds to echo through the forest. You had never been this angry before. Punching that tree wasn't something you would ever do with a level head, it meant too much to you. But you've had enough of your dad, he's been getting drunk every night, coming home late, and yelling at you. It was all too much to bear.

“I wish he would just die!” you wailed, tears streaming down your face as you flopped down on the old tree’s roots.

“When will this chapter of my life end?”

*Snap*

“Who's there?!”

You stood up and grabbed your sharp stick in case it was your father. You were sure never to be followed but your dad was full of surprises. He could be coming to drag you back to the house and do who knows what to you.

“How did you find my tree? I'm armed!”

Then a tall, blonde, and notably cute boy appeared out of the bushes where your trail ended.

“Who are you?” you questioned, admiring his sweet face and all the freckles that accompanied it.

“I’m Felix, I didn't mean to scare you. I found your trail while wandering through the woods and decided to follow it,” he said with a sheepish smile.

You put down your weapon and motioned for him to come sit with you.

“My name is Y/n. You said yours was Felix, right?”

“Yes I'm Felix, I moved in about a week ago. My house is in that direction,” he said pointing behind him.

Felix plopped down across from you on the blanket that was spread out under the shade of the tree. Your backpack was behind you, notably full with stuff other than school supplies.

“This is Willow by the way,” you said patting the trunk of the tree. “She keeps me company when I don't want to be at home.”

“She's a very nice tree and you have a nice view of the pond from here,” he said smiling brightly.

“Sorry about that, I thought you were my dad.”

“Oh it's fine, I understand I probably scared you,” he said looking at the ground.

“I don't want to pry but I couldn't help noticing you were screaming when I first came around the bush.”

You sighed, his presence had for once made you forget the severity of your dad and the situation you were stuck in. Some part of you wanted to keep him by your side. You didn't know how but you just knew he'd be there for you, regardless if this was your first meeting.

“Ever since my mom died he's done nothing but drink and yell. My mom was essentially the only reason he had to live, now she's gone.”

Tears welled up in your eyes again and you couldn't help but let them fall. Instead of telling you to suck it up like everyone else did cause you were quote “too old to be crying.” He swooped in and sat beside you, cradling your hand and letting you cry on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry that it's like that Y/n,” he said in a buttery tone. “I've never heard of a more traumatic experience than that.”

You just let yourself follow his breaths. Regaining yourself and trying to stop the sniffles. He stroked your hair softly and didn't move, he just let you relax with big comforting arms wrapped around you tightly.

He had this smell. It was sweet and it could only be described as strawberries. When you were done hugging him you noticed that smell had rubbed off on your jacket and as gross as it was you didn't plan on washing it off.

“Can we maybe not talk about that?” you asked swishing your hair out of your face.

He simply nodded his head and smiled. It was the most vibrant smile you'd ever seen and it made you feel warm inside.

He swiped the tears off your face with his thumbs, then let out a big sigh.

“Whats wrong?”

“Nothing it's just, I don't want this to get boring so I was trying to come up with an idea.” he said tapping his finger on his chin.

You leaned back to grab your backpack that was behind you and flung it in his lap.

“I've got everything in there just in case, ya know?”

Felix zipped open the overstuffed backpack and immediately got that big smile back on his face “I got it.”

He then ran off into the forest, giggling and looking very excited but you were still confused why.

~

About fifteen minutes had gone by and you began to worry he got lost or worse, left you without saying goodbye.

But he left his backpack and he seemed so sweet, why would he leave? Then you heard the bushes shake.

“I'm back!” he shouted, holding up a large handful of wildflowers. Big ones, small ones, and all different colors.

He scurried over and sat down, placing the flowers beside him.

“You're gonna look so cute,” he whispered to himself, still giggling and acting super weird.

“What are you up to?” you asked, cocking your head to the side and taking in his pretty smile.

He motioned for you to scoot closer and grabbed your shoulders to flip you around so you were sitting with your back towards him.

He took the hair brush and ties out of your bag and began brushing the tangles out of your hair.

His hands were soft and he acted like he had done this before. Expertly braiding your hair into a crown braid and making you feel special for once.

“Have you done this before Sunshine?” you asked, proud of yourself for coming up with the perfect nickname to match his warm smile.

“Turn around,” he said with a giggle, clearly amused by the sudden use of the nickname.

He delicately placed the flowers throughout the braid then rummaged through your bag for a mirror.

“See? pretty.”

You couldn't help but blush as you looked at yourself in the mirror. “Wow I look..”

“Pretty,” he said, finishing your sentence and gazing into your eyes.

A giant gust of wind blew around the tree and made the moment feel even more special. Your wind chimes began to whistle a pretty song as the cool breeze flowed through the holes.

“Let's dance Sunshine!” you suggested, standing up and waving your hands in the breeze whatever way felt right.

Felix joined you, clapping his hands and jumping around you in a circle.

You grabbed his hands, interlocking your fingers and danced around Willow. Letting yourself smile from ear to ear for the first time in so long.

When the wind stopped you flopped back down on your blanket, exhausted from all the dancing. You snuggled close to Felix as he began to read the first few lines from your favorite book that you had stuffed in your bag.

“Can you stay with me, just for a while Sunshine?” you asked, interrupting him from reading.

“Of course I will Y/n.”

~

“That’s how I remember it,” Felix said wiping the tears off your cheek.

“And I'll never forget it.”

Pt 1

[hyuneskkami]

03 ✦ I think i’m addicted to the title ‘you and me’ ! ༄.°

𝒽wang hyunjin x f!reader

masterlist . . . ✰

𓆩♡𓆪 𝒶n : my favourite chapter by far 🤭 kind of a fluffy chapter! def the longest in the series till rn too (I hate writing long chapters, please save me 🙏); anyway. the time has finally come fr! here’s your the ultimate climax chapter <333

𓆩♡𓆪 𝓌arnings + tags : mention of kissing , hand holding , talking about being a bottom/top , hands around neck , light neck biting (twice) , y/n trying to internally best-friend-zone hyunjin but it doesn’t work , oblivious idiots in love ;

𓆩♡𓆪 𝓌c : 1.05k

DAY #03 . . .

days merged into one another because all I did was go to school and prep school, nothing more and nothing less.

I internally even sobbed, realising that I hadn’t read any of my books for the past six months.

we got our test scores back an hour ago, leaving the results of a bet looming over my head. a bet I made with hyunjin. a bet, whose loser had to kiss someone.

I bet that hyunjin would score higher than I would, and he bet the opposite. loser has to kiss anyone the winner picks.

except, we weren’t serious about the consequences because he had gotten out of a pretty serious relationship just a couple of months ago, and I was… well, I hadn’t had my first kiss yet.

instead of reminding each other of the bet, hyunjin and I were holding hands under the table—which we did quite often because he said my hands were cold and he was ‘warming them up’—when, one of the days preceding halloween, the topic of being a ‘bottom’ or a ‘top’ came up in the class.

“I think you’d be a… bottom,” hyunjin whispered to me.

“duh,” I rolled my eyes.

“why? you like when the other person does all the work for you, don’tcha?”

“well, yeah,” I said, shrugging.

the conversation quickly moved on to what our type was.

“she needs to be as mentally unwell as I am,” hyunjin said. “and have the same sense of humour, too. a little shorter than me, and smart. like, book-smart as hell. oh, hopefully someone who goes to the same prep school so we could see each other a lot, you know?”

I nodded, thinking of any of the girls in our class who fit the criteria, but failed. I even tried to go out of the way and mentally scrolled through a list of girls from other prep school classes, and still turnd up with nothing.

“y/n, what about you?” he nudged my arm.

“mmm, obviously mentally unhinged, because if not, it’d be boring if they didn’t match my freak, right? also, they better be ready to hear out all the freaky fantasies i’ve collected after being a book girl for so many years. the list is unbelievably long,” I said, half-laughing. “I don’t really mind if they’re younger or older than I am, but I would never date anyone shorter than me.”

he laughed and nodded his head at me, his eyes crinkling. I was honoured to be one of the few people who saw this version of his smile—the kind that reaches his eyes.

classes ended earlier than usual—at 7:50, instead of 8:00 p.m., which is still relaxing—so we spent more time in the park near my house together, before hyunjin could leave.

“come on, i’ll walk you home. it’s getting a bit late,” he said, jumping up from his swing, and extending his hand.

I took it without a second thought, and we talked about everything that happened in our classes at school as we kept walking.

“oh my god,” I groaned, looking at the ‘out of service! sorry for the inconvenience!’ sign taped to the elevator. ugh.

“let’s go,” he said, happy to convert me to his staircase-is-better-than-elevators agenda, pulling me up the stairs immediately.

trailing behind him, I asked, suddenly curious, “what led you to conclude the fact that i’d be a bottom?”

when we reached the third floor, he waited a beat before pulling me towards the wall. he pushed me against it gently, and slowly wrapped his fingers around my throat, towering over me and staring down into my eyes. I looked away to the side in embarrassment, as my cheeks flushed.

a second later, he let go. “the fact that you liked that, i’m pretty sure, is proof enough, don’tcha think?”

I mumbled a ‘whatever’, and we kept walking up the stairs. from the corner of my eyes, I could see his mouth still moving, continuing conversation, but my mind kept straying to his lips. and his nose. and his eyes. oh my god, he was beautiful.

“remember our deal about letting me bite you?” he asked suddenly. I nodded. I always bit his finger to annoy him (as I did to my other friends, as well) and he bit back a remark of ‘you’re just begging for me to bite you too, huh?’ to which I cockily remember replying, ‘try it’.

I pulled up the sleeve of my jacket and pushed my hand towards him, assuming he’d bite my hand like I did to him, and get it over with.

instead, he pulled me by my outstretched hand towards the wall again. his hands rested around my neck and tilted my face to my side. he gently nipped at my neck, and I laughed softly.

“tickles,” I mumbled.

best friends, I reminded myself.

he let go, and we walked up another floor to reach mine.

before I could wave to him, he asked, “want another on the other side?”

I quietly took small steps towards him, and his warm fingers found their home on my cheek, tilting my face away slowly. he bit down on my other side for a lot longer than the first time.

I held in a whimper, this time.

best friends.

I was pressed in between the wall and his body. I plopped my head down onto his chest, trying to calm down my racing heart.

best friends, right?

we were both smiling a little and his hand rested against my heart.

“got that heart beating so fast, all for me?” he smirked. I stopped myself from rolling my eyes.

best friends, I had to keep reminding myself.

I mumbled a ‘good night, hyune,’ to him and walked out of the stairwell. he let me go, knowing my parents would get mad at me if I got home even a minute later than I was supposed to.

he smiled, wishing me a good night and walking down the stairs again.

the cheeky little bastard.

I continued cursing him out in my mind, as I unlaced my shoes and stepped into my house. still scolding him internally for nothing, I tried to calm down my racing heart and shaking legs.

best friends aren’t supposed to have this kind of effect on each other… right?

prev < m.list > next

kozumesphone © 2024 | don’t repost my works onto other platforms, or edit and post them even on tumblr, without asking me first • don’t steal my works, steal my heart instead • reblogs and comments are more than appreciated !

[jeonstellate]

the announcement of the prom court is supposedly the night’s most anticipated event — and it still is, except your senior class is too invested in finding out who the receiver of chan’s white gardenia might be.

✦༄ bang chan x gender neutral!reader

✦༄ high school!au, prom!au, athlete!au — crack(?), fluff

✦༄ social media format

✦༄ taylor swift's lavender haze has nothing to do with this, but i did get the title from there. heh. also, if it's not obvious enough— yes, this is inspired by chan giving roses in kcon :]

✦ profiles

✦༄ episode i

✦༄ episode ii

✦༄ episode iii

✦༄ episode iv

✦༄ episode v

✦༄ episode vi

✦༄ episode vii

✦༄ episode viii

[thenewcaptainunderpants]

oh yeah by act 2 kipper’s friends are Also Interns, both so they can more actively bounce off kipper there AND to explore further story potential

[enchantingjacarandas]

Clumsy

Pairing: Lee Know | Minho / Han | Han Jisung

Tags: High School AU, Mutual Pining, Love Confessions, Getting Together, Accident Prone Jisung

Other Sites to Read on: Ao3 or Wattpad

Words: 3,759

A/N: I hope you enjoy the photos. I was losing my mind on finding pictures that fit the story while also making an aesthetically appealing collage.

Scissors made the only noise in the room, as the students continued working hard. Jeongin and Jisung were staying after class to help their math teacher decorate and prepare materials for her room. She had just gotten halfway through the multitude of stacked tests on her desk.

“Okay guys, I’m gonna run to the restroom real quick, I’ll be back in a little bit.” She proceeded to swiftly exit the room. 

Jisung turned to Jeongin. “Do you really think she’ll give us extra credit for helping her?”

“I sure hope so,” Jeongin sighed, “I haven’t gotten a one hundred on any math tests this year, so I kinda need it.” He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly at his failure.

“True you definitely do need it,” Jisung joked.

Jeongin clicked his tongue and went back to cutting out the laminated papers. Jisung placed down his finished cutouts. Having nothing else to do, Jisung’s mind started to wander. He recently had his eyes on someone he saw Seungmin talking to in the hallway. Jisung was pretty sure his name was Minho, and Minho appeared to be close to Seungmin. The sight of Minho laughing at something Seungmin said replayed in his head. 

Jeongin rolled his eyes. “Hey! Don’t just stare off into space!”

Jisung blinked away his thoughts. “Oh sorry Innie, I didn’t even realize.”

Jeongin slightly shook his head at the nickname. “Staple this border she wanted on the wall.” Jeongin pointed towards the wall the teacher spoke about earlier.

Jisung grabbed the border saying, “This thing?” He then glanced up at the wall. “But you’re taller. Why don’t you do it?” 

“It's your punishment for zoning out,” Jeongin narrowed his eyes.

Jisung knew he was mad so decided not to argue more. “Fine.” Looking around for a way to reach the top part of the wall Jisung said, “Hmmmm I guess I can use this chair.”

Jeongin looked at the chair in question. “It looks a little unstable, are you sure? You know how accident prone you are.”

Jisung stared at the chair once again. “It will be fine.” He got up on the chair, slowly standing up. “Look, I’m already on it.” He pulled a superhero pose on the chair in question, in order to further prove his point.

Jeongin sighed, “I guess”.

Minho was pissed, how could the teacher sign him up for something so stupid? He stormed through the school hallways heading for the underclassmen wing. Finally finding her classroom, he abruptly opened the door getting ready to yell at the teacher. Instead, he only saw two underclassmen. 

A startled Jisung screamed as he fell from the chair to the floor, landing on his butt. He angrily thought, “who the hell barges in here like-'' but his thoughts were cut off when he looked in the doorway seeing Minho. He just stood there in the doorway, and Jisung couldn’t figure out how to look away. He studied him making sure not to forget a single detail of Minho. The guy he had been desperately trying to get a better view of through his memories.

Minho was alarmed at the scene in front of him. He moved forward to help the fallen boy, stopping when the boy’s head tilted up to look at him. All of his thoughts vanished as his eyes locked onto Jisung’s. His anger dissipated. Minho was pulled back to reality when Jeongin cleared his throat.

He moved to help Jisung up while apologizing. “I shouldn’t have been so aggressive-” He dragged out the last word at the sight before him. Jisung had quickly scrambled to get up off the floor as Minho got closer. Minho was confused by the strong reaction. Had he really scared this boy that much? Fearing that that might be the case, Minho decided it was maybe time for him to leave.

“I just came here to talk to the teacher, but I’ll go wait outside for her.” Minho gave a slight nod to the underclassmen as he left the room.

Jisung thought to himself, “His even more handsome close up”.

Jeongin rolled his eyes. “I know what that look means.”

Jisung tried to rebut saying, “Well, it’s just nice to have someone who seems warm. Instead of you always being annoyed and cold with me.” He stuck his tongue out at Jeongin.

Jeongin smirked, “If you think I can be cold you should see Minho”.

“I’m telling you, he definitely was looking at you.” Chan said, smiling at Jisung. Jisung was walking in between Changbin and Chan as they headed to their next classes.

“As much as I would like to believe that, in times like this we must be realistic.” Jisung had stated with a sad frown. He truly did want to believe it, he just simply couldn’t.

Every time Jisung spotted Minho it’s not like he’d give Minho much of a chance to convince him otherwise. He mainly spent his time running away from Minho. He was way too nervous of doing the wrong thing. So, rather than doing something wrong, his solution was to just run away from the situation entirely. It wasn’t the best way to go about things, but it seemed like the best way to avoid getting hurt for Jisung.

“You know he is in mine and Chan’s grade level.” Changbin turned to Jisung. “I could always put in a good word for you.” Changbin raised his eyebrows up and down suggestively while getting closer to Jisung.

Jisung’s eyes widened. “Don’t you dare do anything!” 

Chan being the mediator he was, he decided to try to make a compromise for both sides. “I have several classes with him, if you ever want to know anything just ask.” Chan leaned closer to Jisung. Being in between the two boys Jisung started getting squished. 

Jisung smiled. “Okay I’ll let you know.” It felt nice to know his friends only wanted the best for him.

Jisung had been walking his whole life, and yet he somehow failed to succeed in walking just then. He was attempting to put his back foot forward when, because of his friends almost crushing him, his back foot hooked on his other foot. Making him fall forward when his legs had become one.

Changbin laughed at his friend toppling over. For it was quite amusing how sudden and fast Jisung had made contact with the floor. Suddenly, Chan cut him off seeing that the fall had been in front of the very man they were discussing earlier. 

Jisung looked up at the man. As he registered Minho was in front of him his eyes soon grew wide. Jisung fumed inside his head. “Why does this happen every time?”

Minho attempted to start a conversation. “Umm hey,” Minho awkwardly gave a smile trying to appear less scary.

“Hey,” Jisung softly spoke, before quickly sprinting down the hall. 

The group left behind could faintly hear a teacher yell. “No running in the halls!”

Minho stood still in place. He tried not to let himself get too down, acknowledging the progress made. “Well at least he said a word to you.” A small smile spread across his face at that thought. Even if it was just microscopic progress, they were still moving forward.

The group stood there a few more seconds processing the situation, before Chan cleared his throat. “Well Minho, you wanna walk to our next class together?”

Minho, still looking in the direction where Jisung disappeared, slowly replied, “yes”.

After they had walked to class and sat in their normal seats Minho decided to ask the question that was burning on his mind. “So who was that guy?”

Chan was puzzled for a moment, then it hit him. “You mean the guy that fell for you?” Chan mentally kicked himself at his slip up. “I mean, the guy that fell in front of you.”

Minho tilted his head. “Yeah, him…”

Chan gave a nervous chuckle, “That’s just Jisung”.

Inquisitiveness quickly infected Minho. “Are you guys close?”

“Yeah, me and Changbin hang out with him quite often. He helps us with producing music.” Chan paused. “You normally aren’t too interested in people, unless…” He trailed off making the last word seem more like a question.

“I mean he does seem quite interesting,” Minho then glanced away as he finished his statement. “and cute.” Chan gave a suggestive look. This was too good.

Minho decided to tell Chan what he was really worried about. “He always seems to run away when I’m around though. I think he might think I’m scary.”

Chan could’ve said the real reason why Jisung always runs, but he decided to just tip toe around the truth.“I think he might be a little intimidated, but you tend to have that effect on people.” Chan hoped to lighten the mood by saying the last part in a joking manner.

Minho let out his frustrations with a sigh. “I know.”

Chan put on a teasing smile. “Oooh you know?”

“Don’t start that.” Minho hoped that he had the wrong idea and Chan was just talking about something else. Still Chan continued. 

Leaning closer to Minho at said, “We know”.

Minho rolled his eyes.

“Lee Know,” Chan said, while his arm went outwards towards Minho, and his hands shaking like jazz hands.

“Do you really have to bring that old rap up? This is why I don’t hang out with you and Changbin anymore.”

Chan put his hand over his heart and pretended to be hurt. “Cold, but fare. In all seriousness, if you’re worried about coming across as scary, maybe you should stop using words like that.” Minho thought about Chan’s advice, maybe he did need to choose better language.

“You came!” Felix hugged Minho. “I’m so excited!”

Minho accepted the hug and chucked at Felix’s enthusiasm. “Hey, I would never miss your birthday party, come on!” 

Felix pulled away from the hug and looked at Minho giving a slight frown. “Still I heard that you’ve been under the weather.” 

“huh?” 

Felix explained himself, while being a little confused as to why Minho didn’t know what he was talking about. “Changbin said you caught some sort of disease, and something about not taking his advice for a cure.”

Minho closed his eyes out of frustration. “It’s just a weird joke we have.” Minho tried to give a convincing smile. Thinking about how to get revenge, he asked Felix a seemingly innocent question. “Speaking of your boyfriend, where is he exactly?” 

“Oh he's already here along with a few others, we are just waiting for Hyunjin.” Felix motioned towards the living room.

Minho smiled, handing him the bag in his hand. “Here is your gift as well.”

Felix accepted the gift and held it close. “Hyung! You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I couldn’t not get you anything for your birthday.” 

Felix smiled big as he spoke. “Still I really appreciate this gift. I'll go put it with the others, see you later.” He waved as left the room. Minho was happy his gift was being appreciated, but didn’t think it was that big of a deal.

“Bye” Minho waved back. Then when Felix turned around he cracked his knuckles. He was ready to greet Changbin with an evil grin plastered on his face. Entering the living room Minho glared at Changbin while he spoke through his teeth. “Why did you tell Felix I have a disease?”

Changbin’s face lit up as he laughed saying, “You do! You are love sick”.

“And why is that Felix’s concern?”

Changbin decided to clear up Minho’s worries. “Listen, it accidentally slipped out. I had to try to cover it up.” He then leaned closer to Minho hoping to prevent anyone from overhearing. “Also you normally don’t take long, letting people know how you feel. I thought you would already have it all figured out by now.”

Minho clicked his tongue. “Well, I haven’t gotten alone time with him yet.” In fact he hadn’t gotten any time with Jisung. Just the occasional bump in the hall or a quick wave. Jisung normally sprinted in the other direction before, much progress could be made. Minho instead got to know Jisung through little observations, times when Jisung wasn’t aware of his presence. Most of it made Minho more lonely. He seemed to talk so freely to others, while with Minho they were moving at a snail's pace, if that.

Changbin consulted him, patting his shoulder. “Are you gonna do anything today then?”

“Today?”

“Don’t you know Jisung is here, at this party?” He greeted Felix with a smile as he entered the room with Hyunjin. “Him and Felix are good friends.”

Minho blinked at the new information. Seeing his boyfriend was now free, Changbin headed towards him. Hyunjin acknowledged Chan with a nod and started to quietly talk about some sort of surprise for Felix.

Jisung was talking with Jeongin when he noticed Minho. 

Panic spread through him as he whispered yelled at Jeongin. “Shit! Why didn’t you tell me Minho would be here! I’ve got to figure out how to avoid him.”

Jeongin raised his eyebrows. “Why is that?”

“Because, I always do something embarrassing in front of him. Remember when I fell off the chair.” Jisung was bouncing his leg out of nervousness. 

Jeongin smiled at the memory of his friend getting startled. “Yeah, but it was kinda funny seeing you all panicked and flustered.” He poked Jisung’s side trying to get the man to loosen up. Jisung narrowed his eyes at Jeongin’s lame attempts to ease his pain. “Listen Huyng, it’s probably not as bad as you think.”

Jisung glanced up once again at the boy they were talking about. He froze upon seeing Minho’s eyes lock directly onto his. Jisung decided to try to hide behind Jeongin. Knowing it was pointless to resist, Jeongin let him hide.

Minho, seeing that Jisung was still avoiding him, decided maybe he should just give him space. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Seungmin pulled him away from his thoughts.

“I heard that someone's got a crush.” Minho sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. If Seungmin knew that meant he had been super obvious. 

“Oh. That means I’m right.” Seungmin looked around the room. “Alright, where is he? Let’s have a conversation with him.” Minho giggled, he knew Seungmin would never actually cross the line.

Jisung saw how close Minho and Seungmin were. His mind wondered if the two of them had something going on. Had he been delusional this whole time? He had known that the two boys were always close, but Minho was smiling while also acting somewhat embarrassed. It looked like the same way Jisung felt when he saw Minho, yet Minho wasn’t looking at him, he was looking at Seungmin.

Jisung’s attention was soon grabbed by Hyunjin as he gripped his shoulder. “Alright, I set everything up. Changbin is currently distracting him. When Seungmin hits the lights, you come in with the cake.”

At the mention of Seungmin, Jisung decided to glance up where Minho used to be. Not seeing either guy he looked around a bit more. Spotting Minho talking to Chan, he felt relief wash over himself.

Hyunjin nudged him, “Hey Seungmin is by the light switch, so hurry up and go.” 

Jisung quickly disappeared from the room heading for the kitchen. When the lights went out and the living room was dark, he entered. Jisung beamed as he carried the candle lit cake towards Felix. The light flickered all around the group as everyone huddled close.

Minho scanned everyone wondering if anyone else saw a problem with this. The fact that all his interactions with Jisung resulted in the boy toppling over, he started to worry. Seeing no one around him was on alert he decided to just brush it off. He shook off the thoughts, as he put himself back in the moment. 

After everyone sang happy birthday to Felix. He closed his eyes and he blew out the candles making a wish. Seungmin went towards the lights, turning them back on. Changbin cupped Felix’s face in his hands and leaned in to kiss him. 

“Yuck!” Hyunjin pulled out his classic disturbed face at the PDA in front of him. He tried to back away from the romantic situation. When he ended up accidentally bumping into Jeongin. Who was not expecting to get hit with anything, completely fell over heading straight for Jisung. Causing Jisung to think of a quick action in order to save the cake. He was too fast with his movements and the cake quickly left his hands and went to the air as he toppled over.

The cake, flying up in the air and had everyone entranced wondering where it would land. It started heading straight for Minho. Possibly out of shock or just pure lack of care he stayed completely still. He just simply closed his eyes as the cake landed straight on his face. The cake then crumbled the rest of it sliding to his shoulders and the floor around him. Minho’s face was covered in frosting and chunks of cake. 

His hands went to his eyes, as he wiped off the gunk so he could open them. Gazing around towards the rest of the group it seemed like most of them were waiting for him to react. Minho was not the type to make a big deal out of an accident.

He tried to quelch their concerns. “No need to panic, it's just a cake.”

A small pout appeared on Felix’s lips as he stared at the cake. It’s unlikely that anyone walking into the room would call it a cake though, they would likely just call it a mess. Seeing the pout on his boyfriend’s face, Changbin quickly pulled him into a hug. 

Changbin patted Felix’s head as he tried to comfort him. “It will be fine, it's only a cake I will get you a better one.” 

As they continued to hug, Hyunjin suggested an alternative. “Let’s go all out for ice cream!” Jeongin lit up, enthusiastically nodding at the idea.

Seungmin gestured towards the mess. “But first Minho should get cleaned up.”

Chan took the lead of clean up duty. “Let’s also clean up the floor, I’ll go get towels from the kitchen.”

Jisung’s face slowly turned more and more red, staring in shock at Minho covered in the mess he made. “Minho, I'm so sorry!” Minho took a few seconds to process the situation. He just stood there frozen. When Jisung touched his face with a napkin Minho unfroze.

He calmly spoke. “Don’t worry, I’ll go get cleaned up in the bathroom.” Then abruptly disappeared towards the restroom.

Changbin saw the perfect set up. “Jisung, you should help him clean up.”

Jisung crunched the napkin in his hand. Would it really be okay to follow Minho? Would it just be weird if he helped? Although, he did make the mess in the first place. Jisung’s eyes panned around the room hoping to find an answer. Chan entered the room and filling in the blanks he nodded at Jisung. He was assured that the right thing was to follow Minho.

He stood outside of the bathroom, took a deep breath and then opened the door. At the sight before him his breath spilled back out into the open. Minho was without a shirt on. The cake was still covering his face, but that only drew more attention to his exposed upper body. Compared to his face in the mirror his back was so spotless. It looked so clean, smooth, and inviting.

Minho, seeing Jisung through the mirror, questioned his intentions. “Are you here to help?” Minho put his attention back to the mirror pulling cake out of his hair.

Jisung lightly shook his head to get rid of the nasty thoughts. “Yeah,” he grabbed the hand towel sitting on the edge of the sink counter. “Here, lean over the sink and I’ll help you.”

Minho softly smiled as Jisung wet the rag and pieces of cake fell into the sink. Maybe Jisung wasn’t scared of him. Minho looked at Jisung’s eye as they forced on getting the cake off his face. Even if this moment was temporary, Minho felt lucky for just being a part of it. Jisung was also in bliss, but tried to focus on the task in front of him. He wondered if he should go slow with cleaning Minho’s face, that way this moment would last just a little bit longer.

Minho decided to speak up in hopes a conversation would make Jisung take longer. He scanned around the room and saw his shirt on the counter. “Do you think you could ask Seungmin to get me an extra shirt when you're done here?”

Jisung sank a little, “Yeah.” he paused then asked the burning question on his mind. “Are you two together?”

“Ew no,” Minho made a face like he had just eaten the sourest lemon on planet earth. 

“Ah that’s good.” Jisung couldn’t hide his smile at the news. He looked up, seeing Minho’s blank face he attempted to remedy the situation. “I mean…” In the end Jisung couldn’t figure out how to save himself. The words only served to grow Minho’s confidence. They were alone together so, now was as good of a time as any.

“Listen Jisung, I have something important to tell you.” Minho bit his lip. No matter how many times someone asks out someone they really like, it never gets easier. “I was wondering if after tonight’s party you’d wanna hang out. Just the two of us. Like a date or something?”

Jisung’s lit up, smiling at Minho. “I’d love that!” He then looked down as he confessed what had been bothering him. “If I’m being honest, I thought I was utterly embarrassing myself in front of you, cause I’m such a clutz.”

Minho laughed at the honesty, just another thing to love. “I thought it was really cute.” Minho smiled, remembering how adorable and flustered Jisung would be when he fell. Thinking more Minho tilted his head. “Although, is that why you ran away every time? I thought you were scared of me or something.”

Jisung sheepishly smiled. “Well, I was kind of scared.” Jisung couldn’t look at Minho anymore as he said the next words. “But it’s because I really like you.”

Minho smiled, he hoped that this dork would stay in his life forever. “I really like you too.”

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A/N: It seems like minsung has won once again. Thank you for everyone who voted in the poll I really appreciate the help. Going to end up posting them in order from most votes to least votes. Thank you so much for reading and supporting me!