#taeyong soulmate au

[jungwoosshoes]

Seven Of Spades -- Part II - Hearts

Part 1 ----> Part 2 (Hearts) ----> Part 3 (Clubs) ----> Part 4 (Diamonds)

NCT x Reader Cardverse AU!

Pairing: Nakamoto Yuta, Johnny Suh, Lee Jeno, Xiao Dejun, Kim Jungwoo, Park Jisung, Qian Kun, Lee Ten, and Zhong Chenle x reader ; friend! Yushi x bestie! reader, Sakuya's here as a fairy Godfather too!

Warnings: Not many--reader is a witch and kinda poor, there's some political conflict, mentions of sick people

Note: I refuse to use Y/N, so watch me struggle to write around it! <3

Word Count: 5.3k

The Escape:

“He really looked at you Seven! I can’t believe it! You!” 

“Jesus Yusi.” 

“What?” He asked. I rolled my eyes, “I mean, if he were to look at anyone, it’s not like I’m that hideous.” “Oh!” His eyes went wide. “That’s not what I meant! You know that’s not what I meant Seven. It’s just,,you know. We’re from the Rocklands. The outer ones at that. I didn’t think Kings or Queens or even Jacks looked at people from here.” “I know what you meant, Yushi.” I smiled. Faintly, but he’s known me long enough to pick up on it. We were nearing our neighborhood now, and I was relieved to be far from the crowds again. Sure, a little excitement is healthy, but when all one knows is near solitude, it can be quite overwhelming. “That might be the most noteworthy thing I’ve ever seen in my life.” I lamented. “And it only lasted a second. “Seven!” Yushi yelled. “Don’t talk like that. You’ll get married, have children, and you heal people all the time with your potions and such. In my opinion, that’s way more exciting than making eye contact with some queen.”

“You’re right.” I replied. “I’m always right.” He retorted. I let out a chuckle at that–mostly because that couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

We arrived at the fork between our two cottages, and Yushi insisted he follow me home so he could see what Mr. Wang had written to me about. “Probably raving about how you healed him again!” Yushi said. “Or sending you more money! You could use that to buy a new dress! Or fix your ceiling!” He suggested. “Priorities, Yushi.” I chided. “Obviously a dress would be far more useful!” He let out a good, hardy laugh at that as he dismounted his horse, and put him away in the stable with my Cassie. “Are you thirsty?” I asked. “I’m more curious to see what this letter says.” He rushed into my room, where I had left it. He thrusted it toward me, and I rolled my eyes. I opened it, and to both of our dismay, no money was enclosed. It was, however, full of desperately written words. 

“Dear Miss Seven of Spades,” It read. “Your reduced pine-dandelion elixir was nothing short of a miracle sent from God to heal me during a desperate time, and for your services I am forever grateful. Though I remain in good health, I regret to inform you that my young son has fallen very ill. He has grown scarily pale, and hasn’t the energy that a young boy should have. My wife and I are worried sick, and none of the remedies tried by us or our family doctor have worked. Please, if you would be so kind, I’d like to request your services again, this time for the benefit of my boy. Of course, you shall be handsomely rewarded. Our address is the same–good luck on your journey. Many thanks, Wang Yŭxuān.”

“Oh no.” I whispered as I set the letter down. “What?” Yushi questioned. “He hasn’t died, has he? Oh Seven, tell me he hasn’t died!” “No.” I turned to look at him, “But his son has grown very sick. I can hardly believe it–he was such a healthy baby when I last saw him. “You’ll help him, right?” Asked Yushi. “Of course I will!” I exclaimed. “I’m going to start getting everything together now–the ride to Clubs takes forever–it takes hours just to get to Hearts! I have to leave right away!” 

I began rushing around my cottage, gathering everything I thought I might need into a large bag. I had an idea of what I could make, but would refine the details along the way. “I’ll look after everything while you’re gone.” Yushi offered. “Thanks Yushi. You really are the best.” I said honestly. “I know!” He quickly replied, coaxing a snort out of me. Even if I was stressed, he always knew exactly what to say. 

“Be safe!” Yushi called as I rode down the main road. “I won’t!” I yelled back, smiling wide. As I grew farther from the Rocklands, I expected to see more people, but didn’t. “Just you and me for now, Cassie.” I said to my horse, who doesn’t speak human, but I felt could understand me for some reason. The ride to Clubs should take two days, or at least that’s how long it took me in the past. Getting to the border of spades wouldn’t take long, it was passing through Hearts which would cause the real issue. I elected to cross that bridge when I got to it, and began to look through my bag for my citizen’s card in the meantime. Nobody could travel without one, so I figured it would be pretty important. “Got it!” I said to nobody in particular upon finding my card. In good time, too, because I was swiftly approaching the border. 

“Now where exactly are you going, miss?” Asked the officer once I got closer. “Hearts sir. Ultimately Clubs, but Hearts in the meantime.” I replied as sweetly as I could. “I take it you weren’t at the parade, then.” He said, refusing to take my citizen’s card. “I was sir! Is that a requirement?” I asked, profoundly confused. “No, little girl. However, at the conclusion of the parade, the royals announced that Spades would be closing its borders.” “What?” Now I was even more confused. “What good could that possibly serve? They can’t just shut everything down, sir! People have jobs, and families in other states! What do they expect us to do?” “Relax, sweetheart.” He replied condescendingly. “It’s only temporary, they’re looking for somebody. The borders will probably open again in a day or two.” “But sir! Surely they can make an exception! I have to go save a young boy! He’s fallen ill and his father sent for me, I–”

“No exceptions, sweetheart.” The officer replied coldly. “Now I suggest you get back to wherever you came from–who knows? Maybe you’re the one they’re looking for.” “Yeah.” I whispered, turning away. “Maybe”

I couldn’t believe it. I did know this for sure though–that I wasn’t about to let some royals be the reason a young boy died. So, I decided. I would take the route I had only heard of from elders around the Rocklands–through the woods and into the smaller villages in Hearts. I returned home, and put on an old, brown dress. I don’t know, I figured it might help me blend in better. When I mounted Cassie again, I began the ride to the pond that supposedly marked the beginning of the path. It was close to Yushi’s cottage–we used to play in it when we were little. I got closer, and my heart rate increased. How would we fare in the woods, Cassie and I? What would we find there? How long would we have to travel? I wasn’t sure–I couldn’t be. But somebody needed me, so I had to be brave. 

The path was faded, but I was sure I found it. It must’ve been used by people years ago, when the divide between states wasn’t so…harsh. It must’ve been a much better time. But then again, what would I know? I prepared myself to enter the path, and just as we began to take our first strides into uncertainty, I began to hear voices. For a moment I considered that I might be going a touch crazy with nervousness, but then, when I turned my head, I saw that the sources were very real, and even more terrifying. Yushi was standing just outside his door, speaking to four men. Three in blue suits with silver accents, and one in all black with dark glasses. I would eventually discover the real reason that the royals had been at Yushi’s door that evening, however it was not on that day. Instead of asking, I elected to take off as quickly as possible. 

 The woods were thick and dark on both sides of the path, but there was enough light from the sun above for us to keep sure of our footing. I was initially frightened of the small noises and large deer in the woods, but we made it through relatively unscathed. Light from an opening in the trees engulfed Cassie and I, and I could hardly believe my eyes. It was just a few feet away.

HEARTS

I had been to Hearts before. Still though, the differences between this place and my home were shocking. Hearts had no jagged rocks or high winds. The Sun seemed to live here, and only begrudgingly visit Spades when it felt that it had to. Pink flowering trees bloomed absolutely everywhere, coaxed out of hiding by the warm spring breeze. Beyond the small houses along the border of the forest, a red city rose out of the rosy vegetation, seemingly in harmony with the nature around it. Cassie and I had to stop to catch our breath for a while, and I was quite glad that this was the sight we were to enjoy while we did. 

As we began to walk the faint path into town, I noticed people buzzing about with excitement. They were chattering about something, but I figured it wouldn’t be anything important to our journey. I figured. The farther along I got, the more I noticed that everyone was wearing red, and the more I noticed that everyone seemed to be hurling offended and confused looks towards Cassie and I. Now Cassie is quite the beautiful horse–she was white with painted brown spots and auburn streaks in her white mane and tail. So, I put together that people likely weren’t directing their looks towards her. I grimaced as I kept walking, and tried to keep my head down. That was, until I ran into a tall man wearing a red Hearts uniform. 

“Excuse me, but what exactly do you think you’re wearing?” He grumbled in an irritated tone. “A…a dress, sir.” “That dress could get you fined. I’ll never understand your generation. So against any type of authority. Is this your way of rebelling? Because it’s pathetic.” “I’m very sorry, sir,” I replied cautiously, “But I don’t understand. I’m not trying to rebel at all! This…this is the only dress I have.” I couldn’t tell him that I was traveling from Spades–there was a chance he knew about the travel ban. So, I figured that being purposefully vague was the way to go. “Well then I suggest you get a new one. Now. There's a shop right down this road–it’s cheap, built for villagers like yourself.”

With that, he left, and left me confused. Not about who the court was–that was what the Hearts royals were called, and not about his opinion of me as a villager. There was sentiment like that in all the kingdoms–people from the Rocklands or the Village, they were all the same to people from the big cities. What confused me was why he was so upset about my dress. It wasn’t expensive or fancy, but it was fine! And in a nice neutral color! Regardless, I figured that if I wanted my journey to continue through here, I better get myself a new dress. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to blend in with the people–just in case anyone from Spades came looking for me. 

The dress shop seemed humble–a little pink building with a sign out front–”Style By Sakuya.” I walked in though, and I was blown away. Clothes of every shade of red one could imagine lined champagne-colored walls; gowns, blazers, and skirts covered almost every inch. “Hello!” I heard a voice call from somewhere deep in the store, “Just to let you know, we’re having a court day special sale! Thirty percent off everything!” “Oh!” I replied, caught a little off-guard. “Thanks–I’ll keep that in mind!” I took a few steps deeper into the sea of gorgeous designs, and a head popped out from behind a display rack. 

“Oh my God!” It exclaimed, “What are you wearing?” These people. Seriously. “A dress.” I said, sounding a little more irritated than I meant to. “Hey, I didn’t mean to offend you!” said the boy, stepping out from behind a fuchsia suit hanging on a rack. “I get it. Who are they to tell us what to wear? But still, it’s kinda fun to see everyone so dressed up, putting their own little spin on things!” “Yes…” I replied, cautiously. “I just don’t like being told that I have to dress nice!” That must’ve been it. Their court probably mandated that everyone wear their finest clothing today. For what reason, I was unaware. But, better to let on like I know all about it. “Yeah…what are you talking about?” Asked the boy, “Because I think we heard different announcements.” “Umm…” I stumbled, “I mean…” 

“I don’t think you’re from here!” He cried. “Wow! I’ve never really talked to someone from another kingdom before! This is so exciting!” I had been caught! I was trying to fit in better and I got caught within the first half hour of being here! “Wait!” He exclaimed. “How’d you get here? All the borders are closed.” Christ. This just got so much more complicated. “I, uh, I don’t know.” I replied, very intelligently and eloquently. “Don’t worry!” He yelled, “I’m not going to turn you in! In fact, I admire your bravery! Okay–pretend this never happened. I have no idea you’re actually a fugitive who has no idea she’s actually supposed to be wearing red today. Hi, fellow Hearts person! I’m Sakuya! It’s a pleasure.” 

I laughed–thank God it had been his store I happened to be closest to. “Hi, Sakuya, I’m Seven. Seven of Sp- Hearts. Seven of Hearts.” “Hmm.” He said, “That’s kind of a weird name. But it’ll definitely help you stand out at the courting festival tonight!” “The what?” I asked, growing a little exasperated with the surprises I kept running into. “The courting festival!” Sakuya exclaimed. “Obviously you know that a mystic predicted that a girl would emerge out of the many citizens of all kingdoms meant to unite us all!” He winked. “She’s destined to marry a collection of court members of all the kingdoms!” “Yes..” I began, “Of course I know that!” I did not, in fact, know that. The Spades royals were never known for sharing their personal lives with the people. 

“Just because my memory fails me,” I said, “Which, um, which royals would these be?” “Court members.” Sakuya corrected quickly. “Nobody knows for sure. But, it’s definitely the Queen and Jack of Hearts. That’s why they’re the focus of the festival! They’re sure they can find the girl, and that she’s from Hearts. After all, love is kind of our thing! Right?” “Yes.” I nodded, smiling. “It definitely is. So that’s why everybody’s so dressed up?” I asked. “Yes, of course!” Sakuya returned my smile, “All the young, single citizens are required to attend. That means you now, too!” He seemed to realize mid-way through his sentence. “We need to find you something to wear, then! Unless, of course, you took a gorgeous red ball gown with you on your journey.” At that, I laughed. “No! Usually I would, but I just didn’t have enough room this time!” It was Sakuya’s turn to laugh. “Well then,” He stated. “Let’s see what we can find for you.” 

As I went through outfit after outfit, worry began to creep in. I had already planned to spend the night here, but now with the borders closed everywhere, and a mandatory festival, things became a lot more complicated within a very short span of time. Still, I had a job to do. I refused to be intimidated by some men set on finding a wife. That somehow made me angrier–that instead of closing borders because of conflict or a criminal, they closed them to try to control and track down some poor, unassuming girl. She had no idea that she was the reason that people were being kept from their jobs and families. Still, if I ever happened to run into her, I decided that she would be receiving one hell of a look. It wasn’t fair, but I resented this random chick. 

After what felt like hours, Sakuya finally handed me something that he said he had only just finished. “I’m not really sure if I like it,” he began, “I haven’t seen the way it sits when it’s worn yet.” “I’m sure it’s beautiful.” I reassured him. I slipped it on, and pushed the curtain of the small fitting room aside. You really ought to put a mirror in there, Sakuya. I can’t ev-""Seven!” He practically screamed, “It’s stunning! I’m a genius!” I let out a breath. “I told you it would look good.” I said. “Absolutely!” He jumped, “You have to wear it tonight! Please!” “I will,” I started, “But I can’t afford this. Sell it to a rich person.” I recommended it as I began to walk back into the dressing room. “No, Seven! Don’t you understand? If you’re there wearing that in front of like, the entire kingdom tonight, it’s free prime advertising! I couldn’t pay for better business!” “I don’t know…” I trailed off. “Please?” He asked, looking at me with a little pout. “Ugh!” I exclaimed, “Fine! I would be honored. Thank you, Sakuya. Really. Thank you.” He smiled. “Of course! I would do anything for you! After all, we’ve known each other for, like, an entire day.” I laughed, he laughed, and then he rushed off to get his own outfit ready. Tonight was definitely going to be exciting. 

Sakuya let me leave Cassie outside around the back of the store, and we decided to walk together down to the festival. He claimed the palace wasn’t too far, and he proved to be right. It didn’t take us long to approach the great, polished red gates. Luckily, there were too many people flowing in for anybody to care too much about exactly who was there and where exactly they were from, so getting inside wasn’t an issue. The crowd was large, but the hall was much larger, rising high over our heads in grand triangular arches. The walls were, of course, shades of red and pink, along with everything else in the kingdom. The color of Spades was blue, so seeing this much of another color was a surreal experience. 

“I should come here more.” I whispered to Sakuya, “It’s beautiful.” “Thanks!” He smiled, “We try.” “Where is the court?” I asked. “Shouldn’t they be announced for their own festival? “Not sure,” he shrugged, “They can be unpredictable at times.” I nodded. We walked around a little more, Sakuya occasionally greeting an old friend or client. Just as I began to grow a little bored, I decided that now would be a good time to use the bathroom–after all, it had been a while. “Hey, Sakuya” I turned to him, “Do you know where the bathroom is?” I asked. “Why would I know that?” He said. “I’ve never been here before! I’m from the Village.” “Okay! I’m sorry!” I laughed at his very spirited reply. “I’m gonna go find it myself.” I began to wade through the crowd, not really committing to any specific direction. My plan was to get to the edge of the crowd, and work my way along the walls. The worst that could happen would be that I end up back outside, and then I could just ask one of the guards. 

I stumbled into a pretty isolated corner, where only one man seemed to notice me. He looked a little older than I was, but still young. He looked a little feminine, but still very confident. Beautiful–that went without saying. His hair was pink, and fell perfectly below his ear. He wore a baby pink suit with a white collar underneath, and…a small crown on his head. Now, keep in mind, the people of Hearts love their fashion, so I didn’t think anything of this. Plenty of people had jewelry on their heads, so I figured he had just taken inspiration from the regal setting. 

“Hello.” He said softly as I made my way closer to him. “Your dress is…beautiful.” “Thanks.” I replied, never one to receive compliments. “Are you looking for the bathroom too?” I asked, and he started to laugh. It was such a pleasant sound. “No, I just wanted to step away from the crowd for a minute.” He smiled at me. “I knew it would be big, but not like this. The bathroom is probably absolutely full–I’ll take you to another one elsewhere in the palace. It’ll be a lot shorter of a wait.” “That’s very nice of you,” I said as I followed him farther down the halls of the magnificent building.”How do you know the palace so well?” He looked quite amused at that, and I just couldn’t figure out why he was getting such a big kick out of it. I figured I might’ve done something culturally incorrect or weird, but I was in too deep to explain myself now. Who cared if this breathtaking stranger thought I was weird? I had a job to do. 

“I live here.” He replied after a beat. “You..you live here?” I asked. “That’s amazing!” I gushed, “You’re so lucky. What did you do to get that arranged? Do you work here? “Where are you from?” He asked, evading my question. “Oh, the..the Village.” “No, really. Where are you from?” He asked again. “The Village!” I asserted, much more sure this time. He just smiled and shook his head. “You can use this bathroom. He said, and opened a large white door into an elegant white bathroom with vases of pink roses scattered about tastefully. “Think about my question more while you’re in there.” He said. “I would like a better answer once you’re done.”

I slipped in, and considered my options. I could lock myself in here all night, but who's to say he wouldn’t call some guards on me. I could burst out and make a run for it, but I probably wouldn’t make it that far. After careful thought, I decided to just alter my story. I would originally be from Clubs, but I moved to Hearts a month or two ago. That would explain my lack of cultural awareness, and completely distance me from Spades. Just as I reached for the door handle, I heard my stranger talking to another man.

“Jungwoo? What are you doing here? I’ve been looking all night for our girl and you’re here standing around?” “Oh please, Jisung.” Stranger, who’s name was apparently Jungwoo, replied. “I bet you’ve talked to three people at most.” “Three more than you have!” Jisung yelled back. “Actually,” Jungwoo began, “I think I’ve found her. And She’s listening to us right now. You can come out, I know you’re right next to the door.” Me? Was he talking about me? I opened the door. “What are you talking about?” I asked. I turned to see the man called Jisung. He was tall, and the opposite of Jungwoo. Masculine, with strong arms, but shy and timid. “You..you’re very pretty.” He said and looked away. “Is that all you’ve got to say, Jisung?” Asked Jungwoo. “I’m sorry,” Jisung blushed. “I’ve never really done this before. “Neither have I!” Jungwoo retorted, “But I still did better than that!” 

“What is going on!” I asked, much louder this time. “You didn’t tell her?” Asked Jisung. “Real Cassanova huh. We, um, well you know that this festival is so we can try to find the girl from the prophecy.” “We?” I asked. “Oh shit. We. You! I mean. You’re..” “I’m Queen Jungwoo.” He smiled and reached for my hand. “And I’m Jisung, Jack of Hearts. But didn’t you already know that?” He looked at Jungwoo. “Apparently not, Jungwoo replied, turning to look at me. “Who are you, and where are you from? Please, it’s very important that you tell the truth. After all, we might end up married to you soon. 

My cheeks turned about as crimson as my dress, and I stared at them incredulously. How did I end up here? I just needed to pee! “I…I’m Seven. Seven of Clubs.” “Seven?” Asked Jisung. “Not your status, your name. What’s your name?” “It’s Seven.” I said “It’s both–my status and my name. Makes it easier on everyone.” At that, Jungwoo let out an even bigger laugh than he had before. “You’re parents sound fun! I can’t wait to meet them!” He said, dragging me back down the hallway. “Yeah…” I began. I had to get out of here–I was a fugitive with a place to be by morning. This could mean terrible things, both for me and the Wang family. “Listen, my friend Sakuya is out there. I better tell him where I am–he’s probably worried sick!” I said, stopping in my tracks. “Oh don’t worry about that,” Jisung said from behind me, “We’ll have our people go inform him. He’ll be happy for you.” “Right.” I replied, already beginning to try and formulate my next escape plan. 

We kept walking, and eventually ended up in a large room of the same pink that covered the rest of the palace. White and red furniture was strategically placed around the space, making it feel like more of a comfortable seating area than a grand reception room. Couches were littered with plush pillows and soft blankets and paintings hung on every wall. Just as I was led to sit down on a comfortable white cushioned chair, I realized how dire this situation really was. I was a fugitive–worse, a fugitive with a job to do and a place to be. I was in the reception room of two of the most powerful people of Hearts. I could be sent back in a second, and who knows what kind of trouble I would have been in if I made it back there led by men in red uniforms. I had to find a way out of here, but it had to be smart.

“Listen, sirs,” I began, slowly trying to think of the perfect words, “I’m very flattered, and honored. Truly, I am. But I’m not your girl. I can’t be.” “Why not?” Asked Jisung, his demeanor suddenly became downtrodden. “And please,” added Jungwoo, “Call us by our names.” I had to choose my next words carefully–very carefully. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to say. “I’m not… a court member, or royal, or regal. I don’t know the first thing about politics! I stopped going to school when I was young–you’re looking for someone educated. Somebody beautiful and smart. Somebody who has the talent to bring people together! I can’t do that.” 

They stayed silent for a moment or two, breathing and looking at their shoes. Then, Jungwoo raised his head to look straight into my eyes. “Just…just give us a chance. You’re special, Seven. I can feel that. Spend the night. Have dinner with us. Please.” To this day, I still don’t know what came over me at that moment. “Okay.” I said, a small, shy smile blooming across my face. “But I’m sure you’ll see by the end of the night–I’m not your girl.” The two men glanced at each other, and Jisung shook his head at me. “Maybe.” He said, slightly insincerely. 

I had never experienced such luxury in my life. We had a complete meal of foods I couldn’t even name–vegetables and meats I’d never even seen in the Rocklands. We sat and discussed dreams and when the sky was prettiest–I said at sunset, but Jungwoo was adamant that the sunrise was truly the most gorgeous time. Jisung tried to teach me how to dance, at which my skills needed greatly improving. Jungwoo sang and clapped in the back, and for a moment–just a moment–I let myself believe that maybe I could be the girl of their prophecy. A princess. They made it seem so easy; laughing and yelling like boys from the countryside, despite rarely leaving a castle. I had never smiled so wide or clutched my side laughing like I did that night. 

Just as it grew time to get ready for bed, and the last festival guests trickled away, Jungwoo took both of my hands in his. Jisung stood next to him, his hand on Jungwoo’s shoulder. “Seven,” Jungwoo began, “When I first saw you wandering around the edge of the crowd, something about you caught my eye. After spending this evening with you, I’ve only grown more confident that you were meant to be the one to unite these kingdoms. Please, I’ll write to the others. I’ll send a messenger. Stay here with us, and meet them. You are what we need.” I grew sad, watching such a powerful person be so soft around me of all people. They had truly opened up to a person who did nothing but lie to them. Still, I couldn’t reveal myself now–the Wangs were waiting. 

“Let me sleep on it…please.” I whispered, looking down at the dark wooden floors. “Of course.” They said in near unison. “I’m going to go inform King Taeyong of our status–Jisung, would you mind leading Seven to our nicest guest room?” “Of course,” Jisung nodded, reaching to hook his arm with mine. “C’mon Seven.” “Goodnight!” Jungwoo called, disappearing down one of the identical corridors. “Night.” I exhaled, silently. 

“Here,” Jisung turned to face me after a few minutes of walking, “I hope you rest comfortably. I’ll see you in the morning.” I nodded, yet he didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he leaned in close to my face, looked into my eyes for permission, and when I closed my eyes in invitation, kissed me softly. After too short of a time, he pulled away, tucked my hair behind my ear, and whispered, “There’s an extra night robe in the drawer. I’ll see you in the morning, Seven.” Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and left me standing there outside the door, a single tear rolling down my cheek. A tear for what I could have, and for what I would rob them of. 

I tried to sleep for a few hours, but floated in and out of restlessness. After a while, I decided it would be better to escape sooner rather than later. I slipped my crimson gown back on, and instead of risking wandering the halls and being seen, elected to slip out of the grand window on the South side of the room. I don’t know how I remembered the path to Sakuya’s, but somehow I made it within the hour. Under the light of a nearly full moon, I gathered my brown dress in the pack with all my other materials for the journey, and hopped back into the saddle atop Cassie. We rode in silence as tears rolled down my cheeks, hugging the outer borders of the kingdom rather than pass straight through. 

Before we entered the woods again, I took a deep breath and stole one last look at where my home could’ve been. No–it wouldn’t have worked. They would have discovered who I really was, and where I truly came from. So really, I was protecting us all; the girl from the Rocklands, the kind dressmaker, and the two boys who almost wished to make her their whole future. 

Halfway through the woods, still under the cover of darkness, I changed back into my brown dress. I considered leaving my red one there, as a sign that nothing terrible had happened just in case they decided to come looking for me, but I figured that would invite more danger than peace. I also couldn’t stand to leave it behind. Both the gown, and the memories sewn into its very fabric. I was horrifically tired, and couldn’t tell how much farther I had to go. So, despite my better judgment, I decided to curl up against a tree–just for a little while. As my eyes fluttered shut, I mourned Jungwoo and Jisung, and silently prayed that they soon found the girl destined to be theirs.

A/N: Feel free to ask me any questions guys! I'd be happy to answer them! Next part will include Jeno and Xiaojun!

[nuoyipeach]

Five Senses

Yuta X Sooyoung X Seulgi X Taeyong

two love stories of soulmates two vampire brothers having trouble finding theirs they will know their soulmates, by the five sense if only it were as easy as it seemed as they discover hidden truths and unravel mysterious connections

cont.

Part 1 -> YutaXJoy

Part 2 -> SeulgiXTaeyong

[luumiinaa]

everything here is just, 👩🏻‍🍳💋✨

the most basic MASTERLIST ever

I don’t take requests! I just write whatever I want 🤷🏻‍♀️

NCT

How to (not) Write a Book (M): Werewolf! Taeyong x Female reader

Comforting Jisung (M)

Fuck the Police (M): Werewolf! Yuta x Witch! Female reader

The Moon Makes No Mistakes (M): Werewolf! Jeno x Female reader x Werewolf! Jaemin

Perfect Little Toy (M): Werewolf! Mark x Witch! Female reader

Too Young (M): Werewolf! Jisung x Witch! Female reader (Sequel to Presenting)

New Town, New Me(M): Werewolf! Jaemin x Witch! Female reader

Presenting(M): Werewolf! Jisung x Witch! Female reader

Sucks to Be Him(M): Werewolf! Haechan x Witch! Female reader

Epiphany(M): Werewolf! Doyoung x Witch! female reader (pt.1) (pt.2) (pt. 3) (pt. 4) (pt. 5) (pt. 6) (pt. 7) (pt. 8) (pt. 9) (pt. 10) (pt. 11) (pt. 12) (pt. 13 FINALE)

[bee-the-loser-recs]

✩✮✩ My Johnny One-shot Fic Recs ✩✮✩

★ Forget me too By @yutaholic 16k, exes to lovers au, fluff, angst, reader left without saying goodbye, smut, promise of returning one day, alcohol use, reuniting at a wedding

★ Make me move By @yutaholic 17k, Idol Johnny, past lover reader, hidden child, 13 years later, too scared to ask him to stay, fluff, angst, smut, baby daddy au, past pregnancy, secret child

★ Daddy issues By @yutaholic 19k, fake dating kind of, high society reader, biker Johnny, fucked up family dynamics, angst, smut, slight fluff, mentions of cigarettes & weed, reader self destructs a lot

★ Valentine By @jaelvr 500, college au, best friends to lovers, parties, tipsy reader, confessions, mutual feelings, fluff, rather cute

★ The Perfect Note: Act I & Act II By @tedeehbear 10.3k & 16.5k, college au, supernatural au, alpha Johnny, omega reader, soulmate connections, fluff, angst, smut, best friends Jungwoo & Jaehyun, drunk hook ups, scenting

★ A kiss & a dress shirt By @espresseo-cafe 4.4k, college au, valentines days, mutual friends to lovers, public asking out, fluff, reader gets their period while on a date, popular Johnny, cute dates

★ Foreign swaggers By @starillusion13 8k, Johnny | Jaehyun | Mark x reader, brother's best friend au, Taeyong is reader's brother, shared vacation, smut, fluff, polyamory, enemies to friends to lovers, drinking

★ Birthday surprise By @babbymochiiii 1.7k, non-specified au, established relationship, straight up smut, some fluff, romance, birthday surprises, romance

★ Favorite place By @lovesuhng 1.2k, college au, reader is stress over exams, best friends to lovers, fluff, Johnny looks after reader, going to the beach together, so cute

★ Dear Johnny By @suhnshinehaos SMAU, small one-shot, non-idol au, fluff, mentions to Taylor Swift

★ Seeking a friend for the end of the world By @suhnshinehaos SMAU, non-idol au, end of the world au, angst, slight fluff, reconnecting for the last few days, implied deaths

★ Quarantine Chronicles 1, part 2, part 3 By @domjaehyun 28.5k & 55.3k & 43k, Quarantine au, Jaemin | Jaehyun | Jungwoo | Johnny | Mark | (Jeno | Haechan in part 3 only) x reader, roommates (except Mark), friends with benefits situation, lots of tension & flirting, smut, slight fluff, crack, Jaehyun & Mark have actual feelings for reader

★ Oh, boy, it's you By @domjaehyun 30k, non-idol au, soulmates au, college au, grad students, fluff, mild angst, smut, struggling to accept the fact, flight risk reader

★ Oh my, oh my god 단 너뿐이야 By @lavendersuh 3.9k, college au, classmates/strangers to lovers, party setting, awkward reader approaches Johnny, suggestive comments, drunk reader, hitting it off

★ Comfort cuisine By @smileysuh 10.8k, chefs reader & Johnny, Johnny has a daughter, friends to lovers, towing the line for a while, Johnny has a deceased wife, fluff, slight angst

★ Ghostie By @smileysuh 15k, college au, frat NCT, Halloween parties & costumes, slightly creepy Johnny, anonymous calls, slight stalker subthemes, smut, slight fluff

★ Big Bear & Bee By @smileysuh 15.9k, hybrid au, bear Johnny, Johnny is an uncle, reader works at a honey shop, getting to know another, crushes, flirting, smut, fluff

★ Get lucky dress By @irregular-idol-imagines 500+, established relationship, fluff, suggestive, showing off a new dress to your boyfriend

★ Two tickets to paradise By @lattaeyongs 14.8k, best friends to lovers, past Kun x reader, reader is stood up at the altar by Kun, reader goes on their honeymoon with Johnny, fake dating, fluff, vacation

★ Under his desk By @starryhyuck 7.4k, CEO Johhny, assistant reader, Jaehyun is reader's brother, underground fighting ring, smut, slight fluff, cute, Johnny is a fighter, accidental reveals, worry about what others think

★ Slowly falling in love with Johnny By @viasdreams SMAU, co-workers to lovers, working at a subway shop together, mentions of co-worker Chenle, shift leader Johnny, developing feelings, fluff, cute

★ Happy Thanksgiving By @nctsplug02 Drabble, Idol Johnny, non-celebrity reader, Johnny is away on tour, slightly tipsy reader, talking over the phone, fluff, smut, phone sex

★ Sweet deception By @neowinestainedress 19.5k, Haechan|Yuta|Jaehyun|Jaemin|Johnny|Jeno x reader, halloween party, smut, monsterfucking, demon Haechan, fairy Jaemin, incusub Jeno, tentacle monster Yuta, ghost Jaehyun, shadow Johhny, smut, plot twist

★ Rock, paper, scissors By @neowinestainedress 11.7k, Johnny|Jaehyun|Jeno|Jaemin x reader, best friends au, smut, fivesome, sexual tension, teasing, childhood friends to lovers?, summer holiday

★ Can you handle it? By @neowinestainedress 12.4k, Johnny|Jaehyun|Jeno|Jaemin x reader, part 2 to rock, paper, scissors, smut, discussing kinks, sexual tension, dirty talk, best friends to possible lovers?

★ Lovesick Fool By @gyeomsweetgyeom 2.4k, college au-ish, coworkers au, calling each other work husband & wife, jealousy, Jaehyun is Johnny's roommate, pining, mutual crush

★ [5:58pm] By @gyeomsweetgyeom Drabble, established relationship, play on a your mom joke, except you're really at his mom's, reader has a good relationship with Johnny's parents, fluff, humour

★ [4:51pm] By @gyeomsweetgyeom Drabble, established relationship, CEO Johnny, somewhat secret relationship (not purposely), bets going on about when they would get together, fluff, humour

[starlightkun]

⇢ word count: 37.8k total (22.7k & 15.1k) ⇢ genre & warnings: sci-fi/science fantasy au, soulmate au, alien!jungwoo, human!reader, slow burn, fluff and angst; blood/injury mentions (but like, alien blood, if that makes a difference?), a couple needle/injection mentions, if u get secondhand embarrassment this one might hurt in places, a couple crude jokes about alien stuff iykwim (reader’s friends r kind of the worst), this fic is just a rlly sweet soulmate au i swear idk why these tags look horrendous 😭 ⇢ extra info: released in two parts bc of tumblr’s 1000-block limit that was put in place to hurt me personally :)) BUT both parts are out RIGHT NOW ⇢ author’s note: rahhh this one has ALSO been a wip for like over a year and is finally finished!!! this is technically my first sci-fi piece bc i started it before frankenstein complex, but i finished fc wayyy before this one. anyway i loveee my alien!woo and i hope y’all do too ⇢ part two

“What? Did you imprint on me like a baby duck or something?” You joked, stretching and yawning.

“I don’t know what ducks are nor the imprinting habits of their young, but yes.”

“You don’t really need to know what ducks are, but baby ducks—Wait, what?!” Your brain finally processed the rest of Jungwoo’s words, and you stared at him wide-eyed.

“Here, Y/N,” Johnny grinned at you as he pushed another seltzer into your hand. “You’re a bit too sober, kid.”

“Thanks, dude,” you beamed back, popping open the tab one-handed and taking your first swig.

All of your friends were gathered around a firepit on the beach, relaxing and celebrating another friend’s birthday—Taeyong. Said birthday boy, a notorious lightweight, was already pink-cheeked and giggly as he chatted with some of the others. Someone had apparently given Doyoung access to the Spotify playlist for the night, as a ballad suddenly came over the Bluetooth speakers that had previously been playing upbeat tunes. A chorus of groans and jeers rose up around the fire from the other eight of you, while Doyoung loudly and passionately tried to defend himself.

“Give me the phone,” Johnny waved for Doyoung to hand over Jaehyun’s phone—the one connected to the speaker.

Doyoung clutched it protectively to his chest. “No! You guys haven’t let me play any of my songs tonight!”

“Because they either make us cry or put us to sleep,” Yuta scoffed, lunging for the device, but the other man jerked it out of his reach.

“If you two break my fucking phone, you’re buying me a new one and splitting the cost,” Jaehyun warned from where he was sat on the sand next to your feet, lazily leaning his head against your knee.

“Seriously, Doyoung, give him the phone,” Mark insisted.

Doyoung reluctantly handed the phone to Yuta, who passed it along to you, who firmly planted it in Johnny’s waiting palm. “None of you have any taste—”

“I thought it was nice, D—” Taeyong was cut off by a hiccup as he went to pat your friend’s head reassuringly. “It was a nice song, Doyoung…”

“Thanks, Yonggie,” Doyoung rolled his eyes, but didn’t shove him off as Taeyong drunkenly wrapped his limbs around him in what you were sure was supposed to be a comforting hug.

As Johnny went to put on more party-appropriate music and you took another sip of your seltzer, you looked up to the sky over the water. There weren’t as many stars as you would’ve liked, and it was a new moon, so there was no silvery light to come from there either. But it was still a nice night, the air was cool, the fire warm, you were the only ones on this stretch of beach this late at night and had enough alcohol to feed a medium-sized frat.

Then, one star started glowing even brighter than the others, and you realized it was moving across the sky. “Look, guys! A shooting star.”

“Ooh, everybody make a wish!” Donghyuck chirped.

Feeling a bit silly, you closed your eyes and made your wish in your mind, then opened them again to see the shooting star getting bigger, as if it was heading towards you all.

“Hey, are shooting stars supposed to do that?” You asked no one in particular.

“I… don’t think so,” Yuta squinted at it suspiciously.

“Should we like… move?” Mark suggested hesitantly.

“They’re just meteors being burned up in the atmosphere,” Jaehyun shrugged. “Most don’t ever reach Earth.”

Except it was very much getting closer and closer, hurtling even faster through the air than before.

“But some do!” Jaehyun added, rushing to his feet. “I think we should go.”

As everybody started scrambling to pack their things, the meteor was making its final approach, and you could hear the sound of it splitting the air as it took a sudden nosedive towards shore. It finally struck with a cacophony of snapping palm trees and thunderous boom of its impact with the ground. It had thankfully missed all of you, but you could see smoke start rising out of the thick foliage where it did land. You all looked around at each other, mirrored faces of shock.

“We survived,” Donghyuck breathed out, patting his front as if he didn’t believe it. His blanket was sloppily thrown over one of his shoulders as he had one hand on the cooler.

“Dude, you thought we were all going to die, and your first instinct was to save the drinks?” Mark pointed out in disbelief.

“I’m sorry, Mr. ‘Where’s my phone?’” Your other friend retorted back. “Going to lecture me on the sanctity of human life when you were about to lose it all for your iPhone?”

As they kept squabbling, you tentatively stepped over the back of your log, towards the trees.

“Y/N?” Johnny said your name questioningly.

“Don’t you guys want to go see it?” You knocked back the rest of your seltzer. “A real-life meteor. Come on, we can all get a piece. It’ll be like, the coolest birthday party souvenir ever.”

Doyoung and Taeyong exchanged uneasy glances. Doyoung spoke up, “I don’t know, that thing was huge…”

“What? You think it was a spaceship or something?” You snickered at the idea, pulling out your phone to turn the flashlight on. “Come on, anybody who’s not a wimp. We’ll bring back enough pieces for the wimps.”

Yuta, Johnny, Jaehyun, and Donghyuck turned out to be the only ones who agreed to come with you. You led the way into the trees, following the slowly thinning smoke trail and path of destroyed palms. The impact site wasn’t very far, and when you first caught a glimpse of the hulking size of its silhouette, you were so glad it had missed. A hundred meters or so over, and all of you would have been crushed by a giant space rock, which is certainly one thing to put on your headstone. Except, as all of your individual flashlight beams shone over it, and you got to see it piece by piece, you realized it was not a meteor. It was all smooth metal, matte chrome in varying colors. A vessel of some kind. From space. A spaceship.

“Holy shit…” You breathed out.

“Oh, we should get the fuck out of here,” Jaehyun said lowly.

“Yeah, no way should first contact be made with our stupid, drunk asses,” Yuta agreed, starting to back up.

“Y/N,” Johnny grabbed your arm to try to pull you back as well, but you stood rooted to the ground. “Y/N, seriously, this is not the rabbit hole to jump down.”

“Maybe she’s figured we’ve gotten plenty of practice with aliens with Mark,” Donghyuck snickered.

You kept staring at the ship, listening to the metal creak and groan. Except those groans weren’t all metallic.

“I think someone’s in there!” You exclaimed, taking off towards it.

Johnny swore as your arm slipped from his grip, and you heard two pairs of footfalls chasing after you. You’d just managed to get a hand and a foot on the ship before a strong pair of arms grabbed you by the waist and pulled you off of it.

“Yuta, grab her hands before she claws me!” Johnny yelled from behind you.

As Yuta went to do that, you haphazardly threw out your feet that were now fully off the ground as Johnny lifted you up. You impacted with something on Yuta, who let out a long line of expletives, his hands dropping to grab something low on his own body. You blindly reached back for Johnny, grabbing a fistful of his hair with one hand and yanking hard, while the other reached under his arm to pinch a pressure point.

“Fuck!” He dropped you. “Yuta! You were supposed to—”

“She kicked me in the balls, man!” Yuta groaned back.

Knowing that you didn’t have long, you raced up the side of the ship. Banging on every panel that you passed by, you yelled out, “Hello? Somebody in there? Are you okay? Hello?”

You finally got to the top-ish of the ship, and one of the panels there felt different than the others. Almost like glass. Pounding your fist against the side of that, hoping it was the cockpit or something, you shouted into it, “Are you okay in there?”

There was another groan that echoed from inside, and it definitely sounded like a person this time. Searching for some kind of emergency release from the outside, you felt around the edge of the whole glass panel. There was no release, but you found a part of the panel that it connected to on the outer hull that had a sizeable dent, big enough for you to get your hand under. Biting your phone in between your teeth to point the flashlight at the dent, you saw that it had exposed an inner latch of some kind.

The sounds of another body climbing up the ship came to your ears, and you whipped around to look at Johnny, already holding your hands up in a defensive fighting position. You took your phone from your mouth just to threaten, “I will bite.”

“I know. Let’s just get this over with before this thing explodes or something, okay?” He held his own hands up in surrender. When you’d relaxed from your fighting stance, he came over to squat down next to you. “So, what are you thinking, kid? We need to bust that?”

“I think?”

“Alright, give me a second.” He hopped back down.

There was another low sound of pain from inside, and you bent closer to the gap as you addressed them, “Just hang in there! My friends and I are going to get you out, okay? Really soon!”

Johnny clambered back up, a large rock now in his hand. You moved out of the way for him to swing the more angled edge of the rock against the latching mechanism. After several swings, you heard a crack of metal, then he was tossing the stone aside. “Jae!” Johnny called out, your other friend joining you two a few seconds later. They each grabbed a side of the glass panel, pushing and pulling it away from the hull.

“Guys?” Donghyuck’s voice suddenly floated up to you, but from the rear of the ship. “I think you should hurry up!”

“No fucking shit!” Jaehyun yelled back, straining as him and Johnny continued battling with the ship.

“I mean, I’m not a spaceship engineer or anything, but I don’t think any of this should be on fire!”

“God dammit!” Johnny groaned. “Yuta!”

“Yep! Recovered! Coming up!” Yuta joined the fray as well, and finally, you heard the last bit of metal holding the panel down snap and give way.

They all fell down as the glass dome now rose on its own, along with a hiss of air pressure. There were dozens of lights and screens inside, all flashing red, lighting up the figure of a man on one of the two seats there. His head was lolled back, arms hanging by his sides.

“Christ, there is someone in there,” Johnny exhaled in shock.

“A fuckin’ alien,” Yuta mimicked the sign of the cross over himself.

“Wrong way, dumbass,” you scoffed, moving along the rim to get closer to the man inside. “You’re not supposed to start on your shoulders.”

“Oh, excuse me, didn’t realize I was in the presence of the Pope herself.”

You shot him another glare as you kneeled down to hook your elbows under the stranger’s arms. “Anybody going to help me?”

“The fire’s getting bigger!” Donghyuck yelled, fear pitching up his voice.

The other guys grabbed the man’s arms as well, helping you yank him up and out. He was all long, lanky limbs and dead weight, which your friends complained about to varying degrees of intensity. With a final tug, you pulled him out to the hull with you, his body flopping back onto you.

“Seriously! I can’t read alien, but I think it’s spreading to the fuel tank or something!” Your friend on the ground shouted in a panic, running around to the side where you were. “Get off there!”

Just then, the spaceman’s eyes fluttered open, and he looked at you with concern, his lips parting for a moment.

“Sorry, introductions later, your ship’s about to explode!” You said, jerking him over the side with you.

Donghyuck half-caught the two of you as you slid down the smooth exterior. Really, he just broke your landing a bit, the two of you still crashing into him at far too high of a speed to be painless, all your limbs smacking each other. The man from the ship made another groan of pain, as you and Donghyuck swore up a storm at your bitten tongues, clocked elbows, and cracked heads. The other three jumped down after you, Johnny and Jaehyun taking the stranger from your arms like they were carrying their drunk friend home from the bar. His feet dragged on the ground between them as the six of you hurried away from the ship. As you came crashing through the foliage again back to your campsite, your other friends all got to their feet to greet you.

“Took long enough!” Mark complained. “Alright, where’s our—Holy shit!”

“You found some guy?” Doyoung asked, pointing to the stranger. “Why does nothing ever go normal and fine when we let Yuta, Y/N, and Donghyuck go off together?”

Before any of you could explain, there was a loud boom from behind you, and you whipped around to see bright, glowing, molten sludge being shot into the air where you just had been. Fire lit up the trees, the night no longer feeling so cold suddenly.

“What was that?!” Taeyong rushed to your side, clinging onto you tightly.

“Spaceship,” Yuta pointed at the fireball. He then pointed at the stranger, “Alien.”

“Seriously?!” Mark’s eyes were bugging out of his head. “Like, a real UFO? What did it look like?”

“I was too busy fearing for our lives to take pictures, sorry, Mark.” Donghyuck leaned his hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

Doyoung spoke up then, concerned look focused on the man from the ship. “Uh, I think your alien’s dead.”

The spaceman was entirely slack in Johnny and Jaehyun’s grip, head hanging forward as dark droplets fell from his mouth onto the sand. You rushed over, instinctually putting two fingers to the side of his neck, where you guessed a jugular would be if he had one. Please, please, please let him have a heart, and let it be beating. He felt warm, at least, and while you couldn’t find a pulse, you didn’t know if that really meant anything. Instead, you held your fingers under his nose, relieved when you could feel a slight, repetitive exhale of breath.

“He’s breathing!” You announced with relief. A drop of his blood fell onto your hand then, and as you jerked the limb back, not entirely sure what alien blood would do to you. The fleck caught the light of the bonfire and shone blue. A dark navy blue, so dark it almost appeared black at first.

“Definitely an alien…” Yuta crossed himself again.

“Stop that!” You hissed, grabbing a half-drank bottle of water to pour the contents over your hand, washing off the alien blood. “You’d burn up if you stepped foot in a church.”

“Should we take him to a hospital?” Doyoung asked.

“No!” You cried out immediately. “They’d dissect him or something.”

“Y/N, you’re not suggesting we keep him!” Johnny regarded with you wide, incredulous eyes.

“Like a pet alien?” Donghyuck added very helpfully.

“You’re a doctor!” You argued with Johnny.

“A vet! An animal doctor! I’m not even licensed to practice medicine on humans, I wouldn’t know where to start on an alien!”

“Exactly, you don’t need a license to practice on him, he’s not human!”

“Johnny, we all know you’re going to say yes,” Jaehyun grunted, readjusting his hold on the passed-out spaceman. “Come on man, he’s getting heavy.”

“Fine! Fine! I have my kit in my car,” Johnny relented with a big sigh.

“We can take him to my place,” you immediately offered.

The distant sounds of sirens caught your attention, and you all immediately rushed to shut down the campsite. Someone doused the firepit while the speaker was shut off, and the drinks, towels, and blankets were hastily packed up. You all made a run for the cars parked up on the side of the road, as the sirens got even louder. You climbed into Johnny’s backseat before he and Jaehyun pushed the stranger back there with you, then got into the front. The others loaded up into Doyoung’s van, and the two vehicles took off with roars of engines and squeals of tires. You pulled the man’s head up into your lap, wincing as you appraised the damage. His blue blood dripped from his mouth and a significant rip in his jacket on his side. He groaned in pain but didn’t stir otherwise. Aside from the blue blood, he looked human… hopefully Johnny would be able to do something.

At your building, Johnny and Jaehyun helped you drag the spaceman up to your apartment on the third floor, and you had them deposit him on your bed. Johnny brought his travel vet kit up from the car, and together, you managed to get the shiny silver jacket off of him. Underneath, he had a fairly plain white top, which was also torn and blood-soaked. Johnny snapped on a pair of gloves before he pushed the hem up to appraise the stranger’s side, where there was a huge gash in his flesh.

“Oh, Christ, okay,” Johnny sighed, inspecting the wound. “I guess I’ll disinfect and suture it up?”

“Just do it,” you mumbled, pressing a towel to the man’s sweat-sheened forehead.

“Jaehyun, mind assisting?”

“You do know the ‘Dr.’ I put in front of my name is just decorative, right? It’s in Poetry—”

“And now you can brag to all your colleagues that you’ve done real medicine like a real doctor,” Johnny snapped back. “Disinfectant, get it.”

With Jaehyun assisting him, Johnny made quick work of patching him up. Pressing the bandages down over the site so the adhesive would stick, Johnny then disposed of his navy-splattered gloves. He grabbed a stethoscope, putting the end up against the spaceman’s chest.

“I think he’s alive?” Johnny announced. “I don’t know. If he is, he doesn’t have a heart because I’m not getting anything.”

He shifted the placement, presumably to listen to his breathing, and an even more bewildered look overtook his features. Sliding the stethoscope over to the right side of the man’s chest, he sat there for a moment, just listening.

“It’s on the other side,” he breathed out. “His heart’s on the right side.”

“But he has a heartbeat?” You clarified.

“Yeah, he does. Faint, but it’s there. He’s breathing, too. A bit shallow, but otherwise normal. I think.”

You let out a sigh of relief. “Thank God.”

“I don’t think there’s anything else I can do until he wakes up. If he wakes up.”

“Right, thank you Johnny,” you smiled wearily your friend. “I’ll call you when he wakes.”

Jaehyun and Johnny looked at each other skeptically. Jaehyun spoke up, “You’re going to stay here alone with some rando we literally pulled out of a burning hunk of metal?”

“My couch only fits one person. So unless you two are offering to sleep on the floor to protect me or whatever?”

“Call us if anything happens,” Johnny sighed, packing up all of his supplies.

“Of course,” you nodded. “Thanks, guys.”

You heard the sound of your front door clicking shut as you stayed sitting on the edge of your mattress, wiping the spaceman’s face. He really did look human, two eyes that were now shut, lashes resting on his cheeks, a nose practically just like yours, with an elegant slope to the bridge, and a pair of plush, pouty lips. He let out a soft sigh, his head rolling over towards you. But then he went silent and still again. You finished cleaning up his face as best you could, then pulled the covers up over him. Readjusting his bangs that had been stuck together by the damp washcloth you’d used, you gave a final determined nod to nobody in particular before standing up. Grabbing a change of pajamas from your dresser, you got everything you’d need from in here for the night, then went to leave.

“Alright…” You stopped at the threshold of your bedroom, looking over the spaceman’s sleeping figure one last time. “Goodnight, I suppose.”

And with that, you turned the lights out, and quietly closed the door behind you. You were sure to leave it slightly ajar, though, just in case. After taking a much-needed shower and getting ready for bed in your bathroom, you headed out to the living room. You set up a few pillows and blankets into a comfy-enough makeshift bed, then tucked yourself in. Despite the exhaustion in your muscles, the excitement of the night hadn’t worn off yet, and you laid awake for another hour just staring at your bedroom door.

Waking up in the morning to sunlight streaming in through your living room windows, you covered your eyes with a groan and rolled over to bury your face in the back cushions. The sound of your phone buzzing incessantly from the coffee table came, however, and with a guttural groan, you flopped back over to pick it up.

“Yeah?” You mumbled, not even checking the caller ID.

“Y/N?” It was Yuta on the other end.

“Who the fuck else would it be? You called me at whenever-the-fuck-in-the-morning.”

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”

“Couch,” you corrected him, swinging your feet over as you sat up properly. “I slept on the couch.”

“Gave E.T. your bed? Such a kind hostess.”

The mention of your guest woke you up more. You got to your feet, shuffling towards the bedroom with a yawn. “Yeah, you know me, I’m a fuckin’ peach.”

“So how’s the…” Yuta dropped his voice to whisper into the phone, “Alien?”

The door hadn’t moved since last night, and you cautiously pushed it open to peer inside. You could see the stranger exactly where you had left him, laying on his back under your blankets, chest shallowly rising up and down. Pushing further into the room, you hesitated on whether to try to find a pulse again. You settled for trying once around his wrist, and if it didn’t work, then you’d just have to assume he was fine. Surprisingly, you found his pulse in one go, and it felt steady.

“Fine, I think,” you answered Yuta quietly, walking back over towards your door. “He’s breathing, he has a heartbeat. He’s just not… ambulatory.”

“Still passed out cold?”

“Yeah.”

“Imagine if he was in one of those comas that you don’t wake up from, and we just had to deal with this comatose alien.”

“Stop, you’re going to manifest that or something!” You hissed.

“Not manifesting, just joking.”

“You’re hilarious.”

“Anyway, some of us went back to the beach this morning, because Mark really wanted to see the UFO—”

“Don’t touch anything!”

“We couldn’t. The whole place is locked down. Couldn’t even park on the shoulder, it was swarming with cops. They were still putting out the fire.”

“Do you think any of the ship survived?”

“I have no clue. Doyoung said he’d ask his dad about it.” Doyoung’s dad was the fire chief, making your participation in the conflagration last night even more dicey.

“Tell him to call me as soon as he finds out anything.”

“I think he was already planning on that, but I’ll make sure he knows.”

“Good. Also, I’m sorry for kicking you in…” You trailed off as you turned around to see two big brown eyes staring at you from your bed. “I’ve got to go, Yuta. I’ll call you back.”

“What’s hap—” You hung up.

The spaceman was looking around the room warily, regarding you with clear suspicion.

“Hey…” You offered him a smile as you kept your tone of voice soothing and calm. “You’re alright. I’m not going to do anything to you. My name’s Y/N.”

He kept staring blankly at you, and you were starting to fear that he wouldn’t be able to understand you at all.

“You got injured, last night. On your side.”

He pulled up the hem of his shirt, looking at it himself. He tentatively touched the bandages, but didn’t rip them off. There was a small dot of dark blue that had soaked through.

“I’m going to call my friend, to look at it, okay?”

He nodded.

Quickly dialing Johnny’s number, you chewed on your thumbnail anxiously at how long it was taking him to pick up. Finally, the ringing stopped, and a confused groan came from the other end.

“Hey, Johnny,” you greeted him, relieved. Johnny made another inquisitive sound. “Yeah, he’s awake.”

You could heard Johnny make a few more noises of exertion, presumably sitting up in bed. After a yawn, sniffle, and cough (which he thankfully pointed his mic away from), he said real words. “Has he… said anything?” Your friend questioned. “Can you even understand each other?”

“No, he’s not exactly talking… Just sort of nodding. So I think he can understand me at least.”

“Alright—good Lord—I’ll be over in like, thirty.”

“That long?!”

“You woke me up! I need to brush my teeth and shit. Make that forty-five, I still reek of alcohol.”

“Fine. Hey, can you bring some clothes for him, too?”

“What?!”

“I don’t have anything that’ll fit him. You guys are about the same size. Or steal some of Jae’s, I don’t care.”

“Yeah, I’m taking Jaehyun’s. I think they’re a bit closer in size.”

“You don’t want an alien to wear your clothes.”

“Excuse me for feeling weird about that! What if he bleeds on them? I’d have to burn them!”

“So you’re volunteering your roommate’s clothes instead.”

“Well—”

“Just get over here, John.”

“Will do. See you, kid.”

“See you.” You hung up. Turning back to the alien, you announced, “My friend will be here soon. He’s just going to look you over. Are you okay? Like, does anything hurt?”

He stared at you.

“Right, those were two different questions.” You shook your head at yourself. “Do you feel any pain? Anywhere?”

He indicated to the wound on his side.

“Makes sense, you got sliced open by something there. Anything else?”

He held his hands out, and you saw that his left wrist was slightly puffier and swollen than the other.

“Oh, looks like you… sprained your wrist?” You said tentatively. You had no clue how his joints worked or if they could even get sprained like yours, but that’s definitely what it looked like.

He nodded.

“Johnny should have something for that,” you assured him. After a few beats of silence, you tried introductions again. “I’m Y/N. I know I already said that, but uh, it’d be nice to know your name, too? I’m pretty sure you can understand me, since you’ve been answering my questions, mostly. So—”

“Did you capture me, then?” He finally spoke, his voice clear but uncertain.

“What? No,” you laughed, completely caught off-guard by the question. “You’re free to go anytime you want. Your ship crashed, and my friends and I found you. I just want to help, but if you want to go right now, I won’t stop you.”

“This is… not a human hospital?”

“No, it’s not,” you chuckled again. “It’s my bedroom. We uh, we weren’t sure if we should take you to a hospital or not. Didn’t want them taking x-rays of you and finding out you had two hearts or something.”

“Just the one.”

“Yes, and it’s on the right side of your chest, right?”

He stared at you with mild alarm.

“Johnny was listening to your heart last night. Had a difficult time finding it.” You tapped the left side of your chest, right above your own heart. “Ours is usually over here.”

He licked his lips, eyes flitting around before they landed on you again, and he finally said, “My name’s Jungwoo.”

“Jungwoo?” You echoed slowly, making sure you were pronouncing it correctly.

“Yes.”

“If you’re from space, why is your name… Korean?”

“It’s not. It can’t be pronounced by humans. You’re missing a flap.” He gestured to his throat. “I suppose that’s the closest approximation that it could get.”

“It?”

“My transcoder.” He picked up the pendant hanging around his neck, a simple rhombus of flat gold metal. “It’s a translation device. That’s why we can understand each other right now. Thankfully, it didn’t get busted in the crash. I don’t speak human.”

“We don’t all speak one language, you know? We have thousands.”

“Wait, really?”

“Does your whole planet speak one language? Speaking of, where are you from?”

“I’m from far outside this galaxy. I’m not sure telling you the name of my planet would be any help.”

“It’d be interesting.”

“Galaria.”

“So you’re… Galarian?”

“Galarii.”

“Ah, I was close. Never was good at conjugation in grammar class.”

“All Galarii speak the same language, to answer your question. We have some regional dialects, but all of us can understand each other. How does your planet hold conversations, come to agreements about policy or run the government at all?”

“We don’t have one government system for the whole planet, so usually we don’t need to. Everybody who lives near each other tend to speak the same language.”

His brow furrowed and his lips pulled down into a slight frown. “Then you must all be so… separated.”

You sat down on the corner of your bed in front of him, hoping this was still a polite, conversational distance for Galarii. “I don’t think it’s so bad. People can always learn more than one language if they want, learn about other cultures.”

“How do people from those different cultures even understand each other, though? You seemed confused about my transcoder, I’m guessing you don’t have anything similar here.”

“Translators. People who learn more than one language and interpret between people who don’t speak the same language. Not to mention computer programs will usually get you the gist of something if you’re in a hurry or don’t have access to a more authentic source.”

“How many governments do you have, then? Two? Three?”

You burst into laughter at the idea. “Sorry, sorry, I’m not laughing at you. It’s just… well, to spare you from any degree of human politics, let’s say there’s a debate about how many countries we even have, but people usually say about 200.”

“Two hundred?! How do you get anything done?”

“Very slowly,” you snickered, hiking a leg up onto the side of the bed to get comfier. “So, how does your transcoder work, exactly? Like, how is it getting in my brain? Because watching you talk, it looks like you’re saying the words I’m hearing, but you can’t be.”

“Low-level, short-range telepathic wave.”

“Telepathic?!”

“I’m not sure what word it’s picking to translate, but you seem very shocked.”

“For us, telepathy is magic. It’s a superpower, it’s not real.”

“I can assure you, this all has very sound science behind it. Though I’m more of a pilot than a neuroscientist, so I can’t really explain it...”

“Really good pilot, too. Spectacular landing,” you joked, crossing your fingers that Galarii understood sarcasm.

He seemed to, as he let out a cynical chuckle. “Not my finest work.”

“So what happened that made you crash in the first place?”

“Political assassination.”

“Excuse me?!”

“Attempted murder?” Jungwoo tried another phrase, looking down at his transcoder as if inspecting it for damage.

“Am I harboring a space fugitive right now?”

“No, I’m not on the run from anywhere. I was taking a joyride when suddenly the engines began failing. I presume it was meant to look like an accident. I’ll know more after I can inspect my ship.”

“Ooh, about that,” you winced.

“What?”

“Well, it exploded, for one.”

“Yes, that’s what I figured when you told me ‘your ship is about to explode’ and then I heard an explosion.”

“So you remember some of last night!” You pointed victoriously.

“Some,” he agreed mildly. “In a couple brief bouts of consciousness I had.”

“So, yeah, it exploded, and the explosion and resulting fire drew in a lot of attention. A couple of my friends drove by this morning and the whole place is swarmed with firemen and cops still.”

“I’ll just tell them it’s my ship.”

“No.”

“They should release it to the proper owner, what would the problem be?”

“You crashed here from space in a certifiable UFO. If you walked up and say that it’s yours, if they believe you, they’d probably ship you off for dissection, shoot you on the spot, or kill you then ship you off for dissection.”

“That’s not very polite.”

“Sorry, we don’t really get a lot of alien visitors. Or any, that I’m aware of.”

“Very well,” Jungwoo sighed, looking down at his lap dejectedly.

“So we’ll have to sneak in at night.”

“What?”

“If you want to inspect your ship, we’ll have to sneak in after everybody leaves for the night. And, after they’ve put out the fires.”

“You’re suggesting breaking the law?”

“Do you have a problem with that? It’s just light trespassing, and onto a ship that’s yours anyway.”

“No, I don’t have a problem with that.” Jungwoo’s face finally cracked into a smile. “Just clarifying.”

“So… who are you?”

“I’ve told you my name and species.”

“I meant, who are you on your planet? To have somebody trying to assassinate you. Here, usually people that get assassinated are like, politicians, rulers, activists, sometimes celebrities. Ooh, I’ve got it! You’re a pop star or something!”

“No, I’m not a… musician.” The way he said the word made you think the transcoder must have had a hard time finding an equivalent word in his language.

“Actor?”

“I’m not a celebrity. Well, not how you’re suggesting, I believe.”

“Okay, because you’ve got the look.”

“Look? How am I looking at you?”

“No, I mean you’re really pretty.” You gestured vaguely to his face. “You’d fit right in on a red carpet here.”

“I think I will interpret that as a compliment.”

“Maybe,” you grinned and shrugged. “So? What are you? If you’re not a celebrity, why did someone try to kill you?”

“They weren’t trying to kill me.”

“Who were they trying to kill?”

“My brother, presumably,” he said as if this were the most obvious, natural thing in the world.

You raised an eyebrow. “You sound unperturbed by this.”

“Really, this is what I get for stealing his ship.”

“So you are a thief.”

“With permission.”

“Then it’s not stealing.”

“Just like you didn’t want to bore me with Earth politics, I won’t bore you with mine, but let’s say my brother’s very powerful and very controversial,” Jungwoo explained. “He asked that I take his ship and publicly leave the planet on it.”

“So everybody would think he left.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“So he could get some paperwork done.”

“What exactly makes him so controversial?”

“None of his policies, really. But people don’t like some choices he’s made in his personal life.”

“Sounds familiar,” you mused, thinking of a few figures on Earth like that as well. “How long was your joyride supposed to take?”

“A few days.”

“Are Galaria days similar to Earth days?”

“I… am not sure.”

“Cool. So what’s going to happen if you don’t come back on time?”

“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve run away,” he admitted. “Though he will be pissed that I diverted from the plan.”

“Well, hopefully we can get you back without getting in too much trouble with him,” you offered him a reassuring smile.

“We?”

“I’m not an engineer or anything, but I’ll help you however I can. Even if it’s just holding the flashlight.”

Jungwoo regarded you not with suspicion, but more-so fascination, like he wanted to put you under a microscope. “I take it not all humans are this helpful.”

“I like to think we all want to do good, but it might look different for different people. And some of us haven’t practiced doing good since we were taught to share as kids.”

“Well, thank you, Y/N. I suppose if we’re going to be sneaking in at night, I will need somebody to hold the flashlight.”

“I’m your girl,” you beamed, right as your doorbell rang, accompanied by a solid knock. “That’ll be Johnny. Wait here.”

“Johnny!” You opened your door, head tilting curiously at the extra figures that accompanied him. “And Mark and Donghyuck. What are you guys doing here?”

“Well—” Mark started.

“We want to see the alien, duh,” Donghyuck pushed past you.

You crossed your arms over your chest. “He’s not a freakshow here for your entertainment.”

“Alright, Ms. High-and-Mighty, excuse us for having natural human curiosity,” Donghyuck scoffed, looked around your living room as if you were hiding him somewhere.

“Let Johnny look him over first, then I will ask Jungwoo if he wants to meet you.”

“Sweet!” “Yes!” They high-fived each other.

“Jungwoo?” Johnny repeated with a suspicious eyebrow raised. “His name’s not like ‘Gorgluk’ or something?”

“It could be, for all I know,” you admitted with a shrug. “According to him, we—humans—don’t have the right… throat flaps to say his actual name. That’s the closest approximation his translating device could make, apparently.”

“Right. Cool. Alien named Jungwoo. We going to meet his brother Steve next?”

“You’re not funny.”

“I’m coping.”

Leading Johnny back down the hall, you gently knocked on your bedroom door as you pushed it open. “Hey, Jungwoo, I’m back.”

Jungwoo was right where you’d left him, sitting up in your bed, hands folded over his lap patiently. You saw him stiffen slightly when his eyes moved from you to Johnny as the taller man followed you into the room.

“Jungwoo, this is my friend Johnny. Johnny, this is Jungwoo,” you quietly introduced them.

“Hey,” Johnny nodded to him casually.

“I told you Johnny was going to check you out, remember?”

Jungwoo nodded.

“Does he talk?” Your friend looked at you with a skeptical eyebrow raised.

“Yeah, he’s just shy, or something,” you muttered, walking over to the bedside with Johnny.

Johnny pulled out his stethoscope first, awkwardly listening to the right side of Jungwoo’s chest, then motioned for him to lean forward to listen to his lungs from the back. Once he’d taken the stethoscope out of his ears, Jungwoo spoke.

“You’re a doctor?” The spaceman asked, watching as Johnny opened his kit again to put the tool away.

“Vet.” Johnny answered bluntly, pulling on a pair of latex gloves.

“Vet?”

“Veterinarian. I am a doctor, but my patients are usually on four legs.”

Jungwoo looked up at you in bewilderment. “There are four-legged humans?”

“Animals. I treat animals.”

“Johnny’s really good,” you assured him. “He’s the one that stitched you up.”

“Speaking of—” Johnny gestured to his side. “You mind?”

Jungwoo wordlessly pulled his shirt up to allow Johnny to inspect the wound.

“I’m going to change the dressings,” the vet declared, beginning to peel the bandage off.

To your disbelief, the wound was half the size as before, and looked almost healed up. The amount of blood on the gauze indicated much more damage than you were seeing.

“What the shit?” Johnny swore under his breath.

“Jungwoo, how’s your wrist?” You asked with wide eyes.

He lifted his left hand up, bending and flexing it with no visible reaction. It was a typical size again. “From your reactions, I take it humans heal at much slower rates?”

“Uh, yeah,” you gulped, still staring at the wound on his side in awe. “It would take us days to heal as much as you have.”

“I-I don’t think I need to change the dressing,” Johnny said, his face completely betraying how weirded out he was by what he was looking at. “There’s no blood or any other… fluids coming out of it. It’s entirely scabbed over, nothing should be getting in there. I can put a band-aid on it so the scab doesn’t catch on any clothes, I guess?”

“Do you have any morphine?” Jungwoo requested.

“It can’t hurt that much, it just looks like you bumped a countertop too hard.”

“I think my rib is broken.”

“What?!”

You looked at him incredulously. “Why didn’t you say anything before?”

“My skin heals quicker than internal parts. It should be fine in a few days, but it does hurt quite a bit now.”

Johnny looked to you for any sort of cue, at the same time that you looked at him for the same. He presumably thought you knew more about aliens than him, and you were seeking his medical opinion.

“Can you have morphine?” Johnny asked him slowly. “Like, is it compatible with your biology, or whatever?”

“Very much. My body naturally produces some, but I’m afraid the concentration of hydrogen in your atmosphere is inadequate for this level of injury.” Jungwoo looked the two of you over with confusion. “Why are you so hesitant to give me it?”

“Well, it’s sort of… addictive,” you tried to explain. “Doctors tend to try other stuff before jumping for the opioids.”

“My body must process it differently. We’ve never seen opioid addiction on my planet.”

You and Johnny met eyes again before Johnny reached back into his kit. He pulled out a small bottle and syringe. As soon as he took the cap off the needle, Jungwoo’s eyes went wide. “And what are you going to do with that?”

“Inject you?” Johnny replied, bewildered. “Unless you were planning on drinking it?”

“You don’t?”

“No! And I’m not going to let you!” Johnny was clearly at his wits end. “Either I stick you, or you don’t get any.”

“Okay, guys,” you jumped in, uncomfortable with the rising tension. Able to realize when Johnny was at his limit, you turned to Jungwoo. “Will it harm you if you get injected with it instead of drinking it?”

“No, but I would prefer not to,” Jungwoo admitted.

“Alien with trypanophobia?” Johnny scoffed.

At the returned stiffness in Jungwoo’s muscles, you looked at him sympathetically. “Is that it, Jungwoo? You’re afraid of needles?”

“I’m not afraid of them, he has one and I’m not running from the room—”

“But you don’t like them being used on you.”

“Y/N, I have a job,” Johnny sighed, checking his watch. “I can’t do this song and dance with him all day.”

“Jungwoo, are you going to let him inject you? Like I said, doctors avoid giving opiates out, we’re not going to be able to get you any from anywhere else.”

“Y/N will hold your hand, will that help?” Your human friend offered tersely.

“Johnny, don’t patronize him.”

“Very well,” Jungwoo cut Johnny off right as he had opened his mouth to respond to you. “That… is an agreeable compromise.”

Johnny gestured at him while staring you down very pointedly. Not having the energy in you to go back and forth with either of them anymore, you sat down at the head of the bed by Jungwoo and offered your hand out to him. His skin was surprisingly warm as he laid his hand atop yours, and you curled your hand around it, then put your other one on top, giving him a gentle pat and small smile that you hoped looked reassuring.

Jungwoo didn’t look at Johnny as he went back to preparing the injection, instead keeping his eyes trained on you. “I… didn’t realize that humans are so cold.”

“Just me,” you told him, squeezing his hand. “Cold hands. You’re about as warm as other humans I’ve met. My friend Jae is like a human space heater. Hates when I put my cold toes on him during movie night.”

Jungwoo opened his mouth to reply, but his face suddenly scrunched up. Johnny must have put the needle in. The alien squinted one eye open as he continued whatever he had been going to say in the first place. “I don’t mind how cold you are.”

“Done,” Johnny declared, quite literally slapping a band-aid over where he had just injected. “And I’m going to work.”

“Taking the other two with you?” You asked hopefully.

“You promised them an alien.”

“I promised I would ask. They’re not entitled to see him.”

“Whatever, I’ve got to go.” Johnny packed everything up quickly. He gave your hair a quick ruffle. “Bye, kid.”

“Bye, Johnny.” You watched him head for the bedroom door.

“Thank you,” Jungwoo called out to him.

The vet gave a final nod to both of you before slipping back out. You heard a sudden swell of noise as the two younger boys accosted him.

“Who else is here?” Jungwoo asked you.

You bit your lip ruefully as you heard the front door open and close, but the voices of Mark and Donghyuck were still very much audible. “Two more of our friends, Donghyuck and Mark. They were at the beach last night, too, when we found you. They want to meet you, if that’s okay with you. I totally get it if you say no. I’ll be more than happy to kick them out.”

“No, that’s alright. I would like to meet them. They’re your friends, right?”

“I guess I did say that,” you sighed, letting go of his hand and standing up. “Okay, be back.”

Out in your living room, the two younger boys practically assaulted you in their excited states, clinging onto your arms desperately.

“Don’t throw us out! We’ll be so good!” Donghyuck pleaded.

“Johnny told us he talks and stuff?!” Mark was buzzing.

“Cool it,” you chastised them. “He said he wants to meet you. Don’t make me regret this.”

“Fuck yeah!” They fistbumped.

“You two are so lame. Come on.” You stalked back over to your room. Jungwoo perked up when you came back in, regarding the two newcomers studiously.

“Jungwoo, this is Mark and Donghyuck,” you gestured to each in turn. “Guys, this is Jungwoo.”

“It’s nice to meet—” Mark’s polite greeting was cut off by Donghyuck.

“So are you from Mars? Jupiter?”

You slapped a hand over your face with a low groan. Jungwoo almost looked amused, thankfully. “No, I’m not from this Solar System. Or galaxy, for that matter.”

“How can you breathe our air?” Mark asked curiously.

“We have a similar composition on my home planet. Though there’s not as much free hydrogen here…”

“Oh!” You suddenly had an epiphany. “The hydrogen. Will water work? Uhm, dihydrogen monoxide?”

“Yes, that will be an apt replacement.”

“I’ll go get you a glass,” you patted his shoulder before hurrying from the room. The others were still talking as you filled up a cup of water, then walked back in with it. You held it out to Jungwoo. “Here.”

“Thank you, Y/N.”

“So what do you eat?” Donghyuck questioned. “Can you eat our food?”

“I quite like uhm, confections. Desserts.”

“Alien with a sweet tooth…”

“You all keep calling me that. You do realize that to me, you are the aliens?”

“Woah…” Mark breathed out. “You’re right.”

Jungwoo quickly chugged down the glass of water, and you took it back. “I’ll get you another,” you smiled down at him.

Donghyuck perked up, “Oh, Y/N, can I have a—”

“You know where the kitchen is,” you snorted, heading for the door. “I’m not your mom.”

When you returned and handed the cup to Jungwoo again, Mark eyed you with a pout and arms crossed over his chest. “You’re never this nice to us when we get hurt.”

“Yeah, you laughed in Yuta’s face when he broke his leg last year,” Donghyuck narrowed his eyes.

“Because he broke his leg trying to grind an ollie at the skate park at his big age,” you scoffed. “And then had to go into his grown-up job the next day. Tell me how that isn’t funny.”

They exchanged a glance before breaking out into snickers.

“Okay, that is pretty funny,” Donghyuck admitted.

“Exactly.” You glanced at the time on your phone. “Alright, I’m tired of human interaction, you two need to go.”

“But—” Mark gestured wildly to Jungwoo, who was calmly sipping his water.

“My apartment, my rules,” you clicked your tongue, shooing them towards the front door.

“Johnny brought us here, how are we going to get home?” Donghyuck tried to plead with you as you shoved them through your apartment.

“You have bus passes, don’t you?”

“Well yeah—”

“Then, bye!” You opened your door and pushed them out, slamming the door shut behind them. Turning back around, you noticed a stack of clothes on the arm of your couch, and recognized them as some of Jaehyun’s. You grabbed them and took them back with you into your bedroom.

“Ugh, finally,” you sighed, rolling out your neck. “Sorry about them.”

“They were… funny,” Jungwoo settled on an adjective.

You offered out the clothes to your guest. “Here, Johnny brought these for you. My shower is through there, too.” You gestured to your bathroom door. “And I can make something to eat while you freshen up. If you’re hungry. What do you eat? Other than sweet stuff? I don’t have any meat, but I can go get some if you need it—”

“We don’t eat meat, either,” he smiled up at you. “Galarii don’t.”

“Vegetarians?”

“Yes.”

“Well, easy for me, then.” You watched him as he swung his legs around. “You got it? You need any help?”

Jungwoo slowly got to his feet, and you winced as you watched him clutch at his side. Nevertheless, he stayed upright, and took a couple steps forward. “I’ll be alright.”

“Great. Uhm, let me just show you how the shower works and stuff, then I’ll leave you be.” You walked him into the bathroom, pushed back the shower curtain, pointing out the knobs and bottles to Jungwoo. “This one’s for cold water, this one’s for hot water. You have to turn them left to turn them on. Pull this thing up to turn the shower part on instead of the bath. This blue bottle is for shampoo, you do that one first, just on the roots of your hair. Purple one is conditioner, on your ends. Face wash, body wash. Yeah, I think that’s it.”

As you turned back to look at Jungwoo, you realized how close he was as he had leaned in to listen intently to you point out everything. Squinting, you looked closer at a faint smattering of freckles across his cheeks and nose that you hadn’t noticed before. “Hey, I never realized you have freckles,” you commented, blinking a couple times to make sure you were seeing this right. “Or that they were… rainbow? No, just pink? And purple?”

“They’re not freckles.” He touched them as if he were wiping them away, but they didn’t budge. “They’re iridophores, patches of cells that reflect light differently. I believe the fluorescents in here are making them more visible than the dim lighting in the other room.”

“They’re so pretty!” You exclaimed, shifting in another direction so that they were even flashier at this angle, revealing some blue and green as well.

Jungwoo’s hand hovered uncertainly over his face. “You think so?”

“Yeah, of course! What? You don’t?”

“They’re… I don’t know, they’re nothing special on Galaria,” he admitted, dropping his hand to give you a full view of the iridophores. He pulled the collar of his shirt to the side to show some of the top of his shoulder, where there were even more, then let it go. “I have them here too. Everyone does.”

“Well, we don’t have stuff like that here,” you informed him with an awestruck grin. “Anyway, I’ll let you shower, sorry. You’re not some specimen for me to gawk at.”

“No, it’s alright. I don’t mind you being curious about me.”

You weren’t sure what to say to that, so you gave him a nod and another smile before leaving the bathroom and heading into the kitchen.

By the time Jungwoo was done with his shower, you had made a couple hefty stacks of pancakes, cut up some fruit, and grabbed a jar of Nutella for good measure, remembering his comment about preferring sweets. You filled up two tall glasses of ice water before also making a cup of tea for yourself. You briefly contemplated running to the boba place around the corner, but it was exactly then that you heard the shower turn off, and thought better of it. Jungwoo emerged in a pair of Jaehyun’s jeans and a slouchy, grey crewneck sweater, looking startlingly human, except for the occasional glint of iridophores on his cheeks and nose. His hair was still a bit damp as he came over to curiously inspect the two plates you had placed on your kitchen counter.

“Pancakes and fruit. Grab a plate and sit wherever, I don’t have a table. I usually eat at the couch.” You gestured. Jungwoo followed your lead and sat in the corner of your couch as you plopped down in your armchair. You cracked open your jar of Nutella, offering it out to him.

“What is that?” He questioned, sniffing the air tentatively.

“Chocolate hazelnut spread,” you stuck a spoon in it. “It’s sweet. You’ll probably like it. Most people do.”

He put some on a small part of a pancake, and tried a bite, then immediately dove back in to slather the rest of his pancakes in it.

“Alien with a sweet tooth,” you chuckled to yourself, digging into your own breakfast.

“You don’t have to… stay with me,” Jungwoo told you between bites. “I remember you telling your friends that you were tired of human interaction. I believe that it’s a common human social nicety to entertain house guests, but you won’t offend me if you wish to be alone.”

“That’s… considerate,” you chuckled. “But the operative word there is human. You’re an alien, so I’m not tired of you yet, Jungwoo.”

“Really?”

“Yep,” you grinned at him, popping a piece of fruit in your mouth.

“May I ask… Why am I staying with you?”

“What do you mean?”

“From what Mark and Donghyuck were saying, it sounds like there were many of your friends there last night when my ship crashed. How did it happen that I ended up here with you?”

“Finders keepers, I guess,” you laughed. Jungwoo gave you a funny sort of look at that, which prompted you to further explain. “I’m the one who found your ship in the first place and wanted to look inside at all. I don’t know how much you remember, but I’m kind of the one who pulled you out. Some of the other guys helped me, don’t get me wrong, but if they had their way, you would’ve been left in there. So, I found you, you’re my responsibility. Finders keepers.”

“Ah, I see.”

Your phone buzzed then, and you saw that it was Doyoung calling. “Oh, that’s Doyoung, I’ve got to take this. Sorry, hold on.” Standing up, you didn’t go very far as you walked over to the living room window to look out over the city as you answered. “Hi, Doie, what’s up?”

“Y/N, hey. How’s your alien?” Your friend asked.

“Fine, all things considering.”

“He alive?”

“Alive, awake, eating, talking, the whole shebang.”

“Shit, really?!”

“Uh-huh,” you confirmed, holding your phone mic-out towards Jungwoo, “Jungwoo, say hi to Doyoung?”

Jungwoo covered his mouth as he quickly chewed and swallowed, then called out, “Hello, Doyoung!”

You brought your phone back up to your ear just in time to hear your friend react. “Holy shit!”

“So what’d you find out from your dad? How much of the ship survived?”

“A lot,” he told you. “They’re calling it a hoax, and they’re not letting news reporters get footage. Apparently they don’t want to encourage any copycats. After putting out the fire, they haven’t let anybody on board. They’re just keeping it cordoned off until the police chief and my dad decide what to do with it. Right now it’s a crime scene while they investigate it as an arson case.”

“But the fire’s been put out, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you know anything about how it’s being watched?”

“A couple cops at night, I think.” Doyoung’s voice was guarded. “You’re going to sneak the alien back there, aren’t you?”

“He has to get home somehow, Doyoung,” you insisted. “Unless you think we should steal a spaceship from somewhere else that’s fit for intergalactic travel?”

“Hey, I’m not disagreeing with the whole ‘get the alien back home’ idea,” he said defensively. “Just don’t get arrested while you’re at it, alright? Johnny would have a stroke.”

“Yeah, I know, he nearly had one last night and this morning playing alien doctor,” you sighed. “I don’t think he’d bail me and Jungwoo out of jail if it came to it.”

“Call Yuta for your one phone call if you need. He’s good for it.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. Or Taeyong, he probably wouldn’t hold it over my head.”

“Good point. Or, even better—don’t get arrested in the first place.”

“Plan A: Don’t get arrested. Plan B: Taeyong. Plan C: Yuta. Plan D: You. Plan E: Jaehyun, who would definitely bring Johnny with him.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out,” Doyoung chuckled. “I’ll leave you and Spock to it then.”

“He has a name, you know.”

“Yeah, but I don’t have all the right flaps, right?”

“Who told you? Donghyuck? Mark?”

“Johnny. He called on the way to work to ask if I knew anything about the ship.”

“Huh…”

“Anyway, I’ll leave you and Stitch be. Holler if you need something.”

“You’re hilarious. You’re fucking hilarious,” you rolled your eyes, hanging up. Plopping back down in your armchair, you relayed the pertinent parts of your conversation to Jungwoo. “According to Doyoung, a lot of your ship survived the explosion. They’ve put the fire out, but there will probably be a couple cops patrolling it at night, so we’ll have to be careful when we go check it out tonight. Until then, I guess we’ll just hang out. Sound good? How are you feeling? How’s your side? Do you need more bandages after showering? I can call Johnny up, probably swing by his office and get some more or see if he can come by on his lunch and take a look at you? Maybe bring some more morphine?”

“I don’t need any more bandages,” Jungwoo shook his hand, lifting the sweatshirt to allow you to see how he’s healed so far. There was still a considerable amount of bruising, but the skin had entirely mended itself, no evidence of a scab, only a dark, puffy scar.

“Does it still hurt?” You asked with a sympathetic grimace. “I know you said you take longer to heal internally than on the outside. I can probably convince him to bring some more morphine for you. I don’t know what your metabolism is like compared to ours, or even how much he gave you last time. I mean, are you in pain?”

“It is painful,” he admitted, dropping his shirt again. “But I don’t—I’ll be fine.”

“Jungwoo, if it hurts—”

“Not that bad.”

You felt a bit mean for this, but you reached out to poke his side, and he immediately let out a yelp, covering his wound and ducking away from you.

“What did you do that for?” He asked you, jaw dropped.

“You liar,” you scoffed, bringing your phone out. “I’m texting Johnny.”

“He will administer it the same way as last time, won’t he?” Jungwoo questioned quietly, stopping your typing.

You put your phone down. “Probably, yeah. He’s not… used to letting people drink that stuff.”

“Then I will be fine without it.”

“Even if I hold your hand again? You can’t do another one?” You asked. “I’ll talk to you, you can squeeze my hand like a stress ball—or we’ll get you a real stress ball, whatever you want.”

He was silent, and you let out a sigh.

“Jungwoo, I don’t like seeing you hurt, you know,” you shook your head, cutting off a piece of your pancakes with the side of your fork, lifting it to your mouth. “But it’s up to you, I’m not going to hold you down and make him stick you or anything.”

With a flash of iridophores, Jungwoo’s head turned, and his eyes were focused back on you, his hands wringing together. “I’ll do it.”

Your jaw stopped mid-bite. “Wait, seriously?”

“Yes. If Johnny agrees. I get the impression he doesn’t like me very much…”

“No, no, he likes you just fine, I promise!” You reassured him, reaching forward to pat his knee. “I just stress him out, that’s all. I’ll text him right now, okay? We’ll get you feeling better in no time!”

“Can’t believe he’s making us come to him,” you grumbled, pushing your way through the sidewalks with Jungwoo’s arm around your shoulders. “You literally have bruised ribs and fell from the fucking sky last night.”

“I don’t mind,” Jungwoo tried to be diplomatic, even as he held his side with his free hand. “He’s doing me a favor.”

“He’s being an asshole.” You tried to match Jungwoo’s slow, hobbling pace. “Making you come all the way across the city in pain. Risking you being out in public. Goddamn asshole.”

“I don’t mind,” your companion repeated, looking up past the visor of the baseball cap you’d put on him to conceal his glinting iridophore flecks as best as possible. “I haven’t seen much of Earth. Your sky is beautiful. Is it always blue?”

“During the day, yeah, usually. What color is Galaria’s?”

“A bright violet.” He was leaning more of his weight on you, and you stepped into the alcove of a shop door to rest for a moment. The crowd continued hurrying by you as you leaned against the wall and Jungwoo leaned against you.

“Purple sky?” You repeated, staring up at the crystalline blue expanse above you and trying to picture it.

“Yes, most of the time.”

“That sounds really gorgeous.”

“I suppose it is.”

You looked over at him curiously. “You don’t think so?”

“Well, I suppose I’m just so used to it… I don’t know,” he shrugged, looking back to the clear aqua sky above you. “I quite like your blue sky.”

“I think I’d like to see your purple sky someday,” you hummed thoughtfully.

“Really?”

“Yeah, as long as you could bring me back,” you shrugged. “Always wanted to travel.”

Jungwoo blinked down at you, and you shook your head with a chuckle.

“Sorry, that probably sounded like I was asking to run away with you or something. And you’re like, in a bunch of pain,” you laughed at yourself. “I should stop blabbing and get you to the man with the morphine. You ready to keep going?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

At Johnny’s animal clinic, you had to stay in the waiting room while he finished up with a patient. After he handed the dog back to its owner, and dismissed the front desk attendee for their lunch break, he finally gestured the two of you back. You helped Jungwoo up from his seat, wrapping his arm back around you so you could slowly follow your friend into the back. Johnny held the door open for you all as he led the way into the exam room. You could tell the morphine had been wearing off faster and faster, even though Jungwoo hadn’t said anything. He had been favoring his side more and more, and vocalizing noises of pain more frequently as the day wore on.

“How is it?” Johnny was nice enough to ask as you helped Jungwoo half-sit and half-lean on the exam table. You’d seen some pretty big animals on this thing, you were pretty sure it could handle him.

“Fine,” Jungwoo hissed.

“He’s not bleeding on the outside anymore, but everything’s still pretty banged up internally,” you answered honestly, shooting Jungwoo a pointed look. “Do you think you could like x-ray him while we’re here? See if anything’s broken?”

Johnny stopped where he had been getting supplies from some drawers. “Would x-rays kill him?”

“I mean, you traveled through space, right? Isn’t there a bunch of radiation there?” You asked Jungwoo hopefully. “Johnny can take some pictures of you with x-rays, right?”

“Yes, that will be fine,” Jungwoo nodded minutely.

And so Johnny moved around his portable x-ray machine to take a few images of Jungwoo’s side where the pain was most concentrated. You had to stand outside the room while it was being done, but as soon as Johnny gave you the thumbs-up, you rushed back in, helping Jungwoo sit back up. Johnny took the lead vest back off, leaving him in his white coat again as he went back over to the imaging machine.

“Okay, here we go,” Johnny muttered, clicking a few things on the computer to pull up the images. “Remember, I’m not a human doctor, and definitely not an alien doctor.”

“We know, Johnny,” you retorted.

The first image came up, and you yourself weren’t any kind of doctor, but that definitely didn’t look right. A dark line going right down what you assumed to be a rib, splitting it all the way through. “Yep, your rib’s broken,” Johnny declared, pointing to the severance.

Jungwoo’s brow furrowed with concern. “It shouldn’t—”

“Yeah, no shit. Remember, dude, you fell out of the sky twelve hours ago, I’m surprised you’re alive.”

“No, I should be more healed than that.”

“You said that the lack of hydrogen in the atmosphere was making it so your body couldn’t produce as much natural painkillers, remember? Maybe something is making you heal a bit slower, too,” you suggested reassuringly. “I’m sure you’ll be fine, it’ll just be a little longer.”

“That’s probably it,” Johnny agreed. “Are you eating enough? I know Y/N only has that vegan crap at her house, you probably need a real meal—”

“His whole planet is vegetarian, you dick.” You flipped him off. “You’d probably kill him if you gave him a steak.”

“Alright, damn,” he held his hands up with a laugh. “Let me just shoot him up with morphine and you two can get out of here, huh? I’ll do a double dose from last time.”

“I need to be able to get him home, John,” you said frankly.

“I’ll drive you.”

“Alright,” you nodded, then looked to the alien. “Sound good Jungwoo? Twice as much as last time? So hopefully it’ll last a bit longer?”

He nodded, his eyes fixated on Johnny as the human had gone back to getting the supplies for the injection. You grabbed his hand without prompting, flashing him a bright smile as you tried to come up with something to talk about to distract him. “So, how else are Earth and Galaria different?” You asked him. “The skies are different colors, we know that. What about the oceans? Do you guys have oceans?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Ours are blue, for the most part. Or, a blue-green.”

“We have—oh,” he wrinkled his nose, but didn’t look away from you. “Pink seas.”

“I think we have a pink sea too, somewhere!” You perked up. “I’d have to look it up, but I’m pretty sure somewhere has pink water. It might be a lake, actually, not a proper sea. Don’t quote me on it…”

Jungwoo smiled at that. “I won’t hold you to it, then.”

“What about like, glaciers? Do you have those? Really big floating chunks of ice in the ocean?”

“Galaria is mostly frozen tundra…”

“Damn, really?! How cold is it there? Wait, there’s like, no way we use anywhere near the same units of measurement for temperature. Your transcoder probably couldn’t help with that, huh?”

“No, we presumably don’t use the temperature scale.”

“All done,” Johnny announced, scooting his chair back and disposing of his needle and gloves. “I’ll take you two home now.”

“Thanks, Johnny.” You smiled up at him, helping Jungwoo up. “How are you feeling, Jungwoo?”

The Galarii took a couple slow blinks. “Mm… starting to feel better…”

“You said morphine doesn’t make you high, does it make you tired?” You questioned, following Johnny out towards the back where his car was parked in the alley.

“Not usually… but my body hasn’t been doing what it’s supposed to be doing the whole time I’ve been here…” he said slowly, narrowly missing hitting his head on the roof as you helped him into the backseat. You scooted in after him, encouraging him to lean against you after you’d buckled him up.

Johnny took off quickly through the streets, occasionally watching the two of you in the rearview mirror. Outside your apartment building, he helped you unload a half-awake Jungwoo, the alien rousing himself just enough to climb the stairs. Giving your friend a final thank-you and goodbye at the entrance to your apartment, you tugged Jungwoo back into your home, guiding him once again back to your bed.

“Come on, time for a nap,” you sighed, encouraging him to lay down. “You need to rest up, dude.”

“Y/N?” He murmured, grabbing your forearm as you went to walk away to leave him in peace.

“Yes?” You stopped, looking down at him attentively. “Do you need something, Jungwoo? Water? Food?”

“Will you just… sit with me? And talk to me? Until I go to sleep?” He requested. “I… find your company soothing.”

“Oh.” You shifted your weight uncertainly between your feet, but acquiesced nevertheless, scooting onto the corner of the mattress near his head. “Sure, Jungwoo. Here, I’ll look up those pink oceans I was talking about, see if I was right.”

And so you read some Wikipedia articles to Jungwoo about various pink lakes and beaches until his eyes fluttered shut, his breathing evened out, and you were more than certain that he was asleep. But even after you were sure he was fast asleep, and you stopped reading the article aloud, you stayed right there, silently scrolling on your phone and occasionally looking from your screen over to his face. Because for some reason that you couldn’t put your finger on, you sort of found his presence calming, too.

When it seemed as though Jungwoo was stirring, you quickly got up from your spot and scurried from the room, feeling a bit weird about sitting and watching him sleep the whole time. You had a feeling that he wouldn’t have minded, but you didn’t want it to be a fact known to anybody but you that you had done that. Truly, you didn’t even want to really admit it to yourself, either. And so, when Jungwoo finally wandered out of your bedroom some hours later, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he found you tucked into the corner of your couch, in the middle of an episode of a TV show, as if you had been doing that the whole time.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” you greeted him nonchalantly, pausing the episode. “How’d you sleep?”

“Mm, well,” his reply was punctuated by a yawn.

“And how are you feeling?”

“I’m still feeling the painkiller effect, but I am no longer tired.”

“So, do you think you’ll be up for checking out your ship tonight?” You checked the time on your phone. “We can probably eat dinner then head out after.”

“Yes, I would very much like to see it.”

“Cool, let’s do it.”

After eating another modest meal prepared by you, you and Jungwoo headed out. The streets weren’t as busy at night, and with Jungwoo moving fully of his own power again, the two of you were able to make your way through them much quicker. The intel you got from Doyoung was good, the entire expanse of beach was roped off with police tape, and one officer was stationed on either side of the shoreline. Because of how far the fire had spread through the trees, the officers were pretty far from where you remembered the ship being. Getting in and out would be the tricky part, but once you were in, you were certain they would be none the wiser that somebody was there.

Jungwoo followed you silently, and you finally found what you were looking for. The old public access to the beach. When you were little, everyone used to have to take a steep staircase that started right off the highway. After a particular heavy rainy season that brought rockslides from the mountain up above, it was deemed entirely unusable by the city, all markers for it taken away, left in disrepair, and a new, much safer one was made further down the road. There was a ‘CAUTION: ROCKSLIDES’ sign nearby, which is how you knew you were in the right place. The best part was that it was right in the middle of the thicket of trees, meaning that as long as you were quick, you should be able to drop right in undetected.

All boardwalks and rope that had been spared by rockslides and Mother Nature over the years were left untouched by the city government, and you were able to start the steep descent like normal. It was about a third of the way down that things started getting dicey, broken pieces of wood, large gaps that you had to step over, and several areas where you had to test the steadiness of rocks before putting your weight on it because there was no manmade material for you to step on at all. When you and Jungwoo got to the place where the path would’ve diverted to the beach instead of dropping you right into the trees, you bit your bottom lip and resisted cursing aloud. It was a steep drop from where you were. It was too dark for you to see where the ground was, but instinct and memory told you it was too steep for you to just jump down. Looking around desperately, you realized there was a much shallower incline further down the trail, but it was close to where one of the officers was patrolling. You were already too near him for your liking.

A distant voice humming got closer and closer, and you held your breath and held your position, keeping your eyes peeled in the direction of the noise for any sign of movement through the trees. You never did see the police officer, but eventually the humming got further away again, until you stopped hearing it, and you made a break for the shallow area, sliding down the mostly sandy, occasionally rocky hill on your butt. You heard the sounds of Jungwoo hurrying after you, but didn’t look behind you until you were sure you two were well concealed in the trees again. Glancing up at him, you saw his chest heaving, and motioned for him to keep quiet as you listened to the officer run back over towards the road end of his side.

The crackle of a walkie-talkie, then a distant voice. “Hey, I think I heard something. You hear anything?”

After a second, his buddy responded, his voice slightly garbled through the walkie-talkie speaker. “Yeah, you heard a rock fall down the mountain. Rockslide area. Been hearing them all night.”

“Damn, you’re right. Thanks.” And he was gone again.

You took off through the brush at a brisk pace, knowing that Jungwoo would be right behind you. The ship was easy to find, with the concentration of charred and blackened foliage getting greater and greater the closer you got to it. When you finally found it, the spaceship was mostly intact, which the size of the explosion from last night did not lead you to believe. Jungwoo let out a sigh of relief, and did a quick walk-around first. It was when you got to the tail that you saw why there had been such a huge fireball. Four huge canisters that must have housed something flammable were nothing more than metallic flowers now, the material burst open and curling over on itself from the force of the explosion.

“The reactors…” Jungwoo breathed out.

You chewed on your bottom lip, asking quietly, “Is it fixable?”

“I don’t want to say anything until I see the inside.”

You followed him around to the side, where he pressed a button that you had missed last night on account of it being entirely smooth and looking like nothing more than a random dot. A set of hand and foot rails emerged seamlessly from the surface of the hull for you to climb up with. Once the two of you were up at the cockpit, Jungwoo pressed another button up there, and the ladder seemed to melt back into the metal of the ship once again. The glass was still propped open, making it very easy for you to hop down into the ship. Whatever red flashing warning lights that were going off before had deactivated, leaving it in pitch black, and you immediately brought out your phone to turn the flashlight on.

“Ah, thank you,” Jungwoo said as you pointed it at wherever he looked.

“I told you, I’m your flashlight girl,” you grinned.

As he looked over many different panels and controls in the cockpit, you drank in every detail with fascination. While the button on the outside of the ship had functioned seemingly almost like a touchscreen, the ones in here looked analog at least, though you couldn’t figure out for the life of you what a single one was for. You kept your hands to yourself. Jungwoo finally pressed a button, and a screen lit up, one that quaintly reminded you of computers from the nineties in its size and resolution. As he navigated through the program, you watched with interest. He sat down in one of the two chairs, and indicated to the other one for you. You eagerly sat. It was remarkably comfy.

“You seem to be very close to Johnny,” he commented abruptly, spamming one button in particular with a bit of frustration.

“We’re all really close.” You nodded, and the program finally loaded the next screen. “But yeah, I guess John and I are a bit different. Our parents are all friends, so we’ve been friends since we were little. He’s had to deal with my bullshit for our whole lives. We even call each other’s parents Aunt and Uncle, that kind of thing.”

“He is… similar to your cousin?”

“Sort of? I don’t know, he was kind of like a built-in older brother.” A sheepish smile tugged at the corner of your mouth as you reminisced in childhood memories. “People in our neighborhood and at school did actually think we were cousins. He’s a few years older than me, and I was a bit of a troublemaker. I remember he’d pull me away from getting into fights with kids way bigger than me, or when I’d talk back to teachers, the head teacher always brought the both of us in for a scolding. Something about how he should be keeping his younger cousin in check, too. Poor guy. He took it like a champ. We came to an agreement that he wouldn’t tell my parents if I stopped getting in trouble so much.”

“You’re not so unruly anymore.”

“Oh, I’ve still got a bit of a rebellious streak,” you chuckled. “Johnny always says I’m going to make him go grey. I mean, you and I are literally on a crime scene right now. And I pulled an alien out of a spaceship that was about to explode last night.”

“I suppose that’s true…” Jungwoo trailed off, brow furrowing as what looked like a schematic of some sort came up on the screen. “Hm.”

“Something wrong?”

“Mixed results.”

“What?”

“There are some bad things and some good things.”

“Tell me the bad stuff first.”

“What?”

“When somebody says ‘I’ve got good news, and I’ve got bad news,’ they’re supposed to let you pick if you want to hear the good news or the bad news first,” you explained the small colloquialism. “I want the bad news first, so we can end on the good stuff.”

“I see…” he hummed, clicking a few more things. “The bad news is… I will need to reconstruct the reactors and make other minor repairs.”

“And how long will that take?”

“I do not know Earth measurements of time.”

“You’ve been on Earth for one day now. How many of those do you think it’ll take?”

He took a moment to think about this, then eventually answered, “Twenty to thirty? Maybe more, maybe less, I’m unsure, I was asleep for much of the ‘day’ that I experienced.”

You nodded. “Okay. And the good news?”

“There was no serious structural damage to the hull or critical systems of the ship. Once I reconstruct the reactors and make those repairs, I will be able to leave.”

“That’s great news, Jungwoo!” You beamed, holding up a hand for him. He uncertainly put his palm against yours and laced your fingers together, eyes flicking around the ship nervously. You burst into laughter. “I wasn’t trying to hold your hand again, sorry. It’s a high-five. It’s celebratory, friendly.”

“Ah. My apologies. How do you do that, then?” He took his hand back from yours.

“I put my hand up for you, and you hit your palm to mine pretty hard. You’re trying to make a—” you clapped your own two hands together “—sound.”

“I think I understand.”

“Okay, take two.” You held your hand up, and he gingerly tapped his hand to yours. Once again, you couldn’t help but giggle fondly. “Yeah, pretty much. A for effort,” you declared. “So, anything else you need to do right now? Or is that it for tonight?”

“I wish I could begin working right now, however I will need lots of materials for the reactors.”

“Let’s get out of here, we can talk about what kind of stuff you need and where to get it on the way home.”

“So is your brother older or younger?” You asked as you and Jungwoo took a more leisurely pace back to your apartment.

“I’m sorry?” Jungwoo tilted his head, as if he hadn’t heard you, which was weird, considering he was already looking at you when you turned to ask him that.

“Your brother whose ship you took. Is he older than you or younger?”

“I… don’t know.” He frowned thoughtfully.

You balked. “You don’t know?”

“No. It’s not something we’re told on Galaria.”

“But—” You laughed out of habit as your brain tried to process this information. “What? Why?”

“It’s not important.”

“I mean, I guess not. But like, it is!”

“Why?”

“I mean, some cultures here have entire systems of honorifics that you call people based on your age relative to theirs. But just—” You were still staring at him. “Don’t you know how old your brother is?”

“I know his birthday.”

“But not how old he is?”

“I… suppose not.” He shrugged. “That’s all kept somewhere.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just difficult for me to wrap my head around. You’re not allowed to know your brother’s age—”

“I’m allowed to know,” he corrected you. “If we were to learn somehow now, it would be fine. There’s no punishment for it. But it’s just not something that we grow up knowing. Nobody is referred to as the older or younger.”

“Do you remember your brother being born?”

“No.”

“Was he in a higher grade than you in school?”

“School is based on ability, not age.” It was his turn to look at you with bewilderment. “You move up in levels as your learning progresses, not your physical body. Is that how it works here?”

“We keep kids who are the same age together, yeah.”

“Fascinating.”

“What about siblings that have big age gaps? Where you can totally tell who’s older and who’s younger?” You asked. “Or step-siblings? Like, you already knew their age and then your parents got together?”

“Again, it’s not forbidden to know a sibling’s age,” Jungwoo reiterated. “It’s just not… important.”

“So if your brother is a controversial politician… What are you?” It felt like you could ask him questions forever and never run out. “You never did tell me that earlier.”

“My profession?”

“Yeah. What do you for work?”

“Specialized cargo transport.”

“Uh…” You blinked up at him. “You know that sounds really shady, right?”

“When people need things transported across galaxies, typically under time constraints, or with specific instructions, they come to me.” He tried to explain it further.

“What kind of stuff have you transported, then?”

“Anything from fuel, to an engagement comb, to produce from someone’s home planet that they were missing after moving elsewhere,” he shrugged.

“So you’re like an intergalactic DHL driver,” you laughed. “Sounds fun, I guess. You’ve been to a lot of places, then?”

“Yes, many different planets and cities and galaxies.”

“And this is your first time on Earth?”

“I haven’t had a reason to come to this solar system before. Your planet isn’t exactly involved in intergalactic trade. So, I might not have another chance to visit.”

“Nobody’s requesting any black market Earth commodities?”

“I guess… we don’t really know what’s here. Nobody’s ever put in the effort to find out, I suppose.”

You couldn’t help but laugh again. “We’re just not interesting enough, huh? Can’t even make it on the niche alien knickknack market.”

Jungwoo smiled a little. “That tends to be a good thing, in my experience.”

The two of you were walking through a night market at that point, and you perked up as you saw a particular stall. Your dinner earlier hadn’t included a dessert for Jungwoo. You stopped him, pointing to the ice cream stand. “Ooh, hey, you want something sweet?”

“Sweet…?” He peered over the crowd to try to see what they were serving.

“Yeah, dessert. Ice cream. Want some? They’ve got toppings too.” You pulled him into the line as you talked. “You can get sprinkles and candy, or even entire brownies as toppings. And they’ve got some really good flavors.”

“Which flavor do you like?”

“Peanut butter cup and green tea are my two favorites. But you can only get one flavor at a time here,” you sighed wistfully, getting on your tiptoes to look at their options again. “I think I’m going to do green tea today…”

With your own green tea cone and Jungwoo’s peanut butter cup selection in hand, the two of you started back down the streets together. You watched with interest as Jungwoo took his first tentative lick off the scoop, his face lighting up with delight.

“It’s good!” He declared happily. “We have something similar... on Galaria.”

“If your planet is mostly frozen tundra...” you paused to eat some of your own ice cream. “Is most of your food hot or cold?”

He seemed to contemplate this for a moment. “I don’t know...”

“It’s okay, Jungwoo,” you laughed at how hard he seemed to be thinking about it. “I wouldn’t be able to answer that about Earth food. It wasn’t a very fair question, I think.”

“Still, I feel bad that I can’t answer your question.”

“It’s fine, really,” you promised, squeezing his arm. “It’s not going to keep me up at night.”

The next day, after another injection from Johnny on the vet’s way into work, you took Jungwoo to Yuta’s garage. There was no way you would be of any serious help when it came to furnishing him with parts for his ship, nor did you really want him just walking into your local hardware store asking for alien spaceship parts. Today seemed to be a slow day, as only one of Yuta’s coworkers was there, firmly wedged under a car on the other side of the garage, loudly playing music from a speaker, so you weren’t worried about him eavesdropping on your conversation so long as you kept your voices low. Jungwoo and Yuta had a slightly rocky start, obviously using different terminology, but eventually got on the same page, leaving you in the dust as they started going over various specifications and parts. You zoned out, taking over Yuta's chair and kicking up your feet on his workbench as you let their words go in one ear and out the other.

“Hey,” Yuta’s hand came down on your head, catching your attention again.

You craned your neck back to look up at him. “Yeah?”

“I’ve given him everything I had in stock, there’s a few things you guys will have to pick up at a shop,” he explained, and you turned around to see Jungwoo loaded up with a duffel bag that he hadn’t walked in with. “I wrote everything out so you know how to ask for it in human.”

“Thanks, Yuta.” You stood up and got out your wallet. “How much do I owe you for the parts?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“What? But—”

“Hey, we all want to help him get home.” He held his hands up, backing away from your money. “Just doing my part.”

You narrowed your eyes at him knowingly. “Uh-huh... very charitable... What’s the catch?”

“Well, I’m going on this date tomorrow, and—”

“Pass.”

“You didn’t even hear me out!”

“I’m assuming the girl wants to bring a friend, you’re trying to turn it into a double date,” you snorted. “The last time I went on a double date with you—”

“No, not you,” Yuta waved you off. “Jungwoo!”

“Excuse me?”

Your friend had already sidled up to the alien, throwing an arm around his shoulders. “What do you think? Date with an Earth girl? You’re only going to be here for so long...”

You rubbed your face in exasperation. “Yuta, you do remember that we don’t want people to find out that we have an alien here, right?”

“We can say he’s from out of town.”

“What is wrong with you?” You stared at him incredulously. “Just bring Johnny, or Jae, or any of your other ten million single human loser friends.”

“You’re not Jungwoo’s mom,” Yuta snorted.

“Well, no—”

“There we go, Jungwoo, do you want to go?” Yuta focused his question on Jungwoo instead.

Jungwoo’s eyes shifted nervously between you and Yuta. “Uhm, well...”

“Okay, I hate to be crude here, but keeping in mind how your successful dates usually look, Yuta,” you cut in again pointedly, “We can’t risk exposing what Jungwoo is. Doesn’t matter if we say he’s from out of town.”

Yuta raised an eyebrow at you. “Wow, Y/N, didn’t think you’d bring up the alien dick angle first.”

You groaned as your face burned. “You’re the worst. Why’d you have to say it?”

“Pretty sure you said it—”

“Will you drop it?!”

“I don’t want to go!” Jungwoo interjected loudly, stopping yours and Yuta’s bickering. “I don’t want to go. Uhm, thank you for the invitation, Yuta, really. But I’d rather not...”

Yuta shrugged. “Alright. I’m pretty sure Doyoung’s free.”

Your skin was still on fire as you left Yuta’s garage. He didn’t end up making you pay, despite neither of you fulfilling his need for a double-date partner. You were pretty sure the embarrassment of that conversation was payment enough in his mind. As you and Jungwoo headed for the nearest hardware store, you swallowed down some of your discomfort, unable to imagine how Jungwoo was feeling in that moment.

“I’m sorry about him, Jungwoo,” you sighed. “He shouldn’t have dragged you into all that.”

He looked down at you curiously. “Do you frequently feel the need to apologize for others’ behavior?”

You blinked at him, caught off-guard. “Uhm... What?”

“You apologized for Donghyuck and Mark being excited and a bit overzealous—in your opinion—when they met me. Now you’re apologizing for Yuta asking for a favor that was inappropriate—again, in your opinion. Do you do that a lot? Feel responsible for what your friends do or say to other people?”

“Well... I mean, no,” you stared down at the shopping list in your hand hard as you thought. “I guess... I’m embarrassed that they’re not behaving better around you.”

“You’re embarrassed of your friends?”

“No, I like them. I like my friends, or I wouldn’t be their friend.” You bit the inside of your cheek. “I mean... they’re not treating you like someone they just met. They’re treating you like they’ve known you for as long as they’ve known the rest of us. You’re supposed to ease into that stuff so you don’t scare people off.”

“That makes me happy,” Jungwoo declared, a soft smile on his face as he looked down at you.

“What? Why?”

“Both that your friends would want to be familiar with me and not treat me like an outsider, and that you’re afraid of their behavior making me uncomfortable,” he explained. “You don’t want me to leave. Of course that makes me happy.”

You felt your eyes widen as you looked up at him. “Well, I mean, I do want you to leave, eventually. Obviously, I want you to go home. But I mean, yeah, I want your time here to be nice, you know? I don’t want you to be back home on Galaria thinking about your time on Earth being bad.”

A strange look flickered across the spaceman’s face then, you could’ve almost sworn it was pained, before the same serene smile came back. “I think I’ll remember my time on Earth very fondly. Really.”

You looped your arm with his, trying to shake the memory of the odd look on his face from your mind, playfully bumping your shoulder into him. “Well then let’s get you off Earth so you can start looking back on it, hm?”

After getting your last few things at the hardware store, you had to wait for the sun to go down before heading back to the beach. The path down to the ship was even more treacherous now that the two of you were loaded up with supplies, but you finally made it there in one piece. Jungwoo didn’t stop in the cockpit this time, leading the way towards the back of the ship, through the narrow hallway. He pressed a button outside a doorway, then when nothing happened, pressed it again. Nothing. He banged his fist against it a couple of times, cursing under his breath.

“What’s in there?” You asked.

“It’s the crew quarters,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “There’s a desk in there. We’ll be a lot more cramped working in the cockpit, but apparently this circuitry got affected too.”

“But we can still do it, right?”

He nodded. “Yeah, yeah.”

You turned around to head back to the front of the ship. “Then let’s get started.”

Jungwoo seemed to be able to do much of the repairs on his own. You shone the flashlight on the work area, handed him tools and parts when requested, or held small pieces so they didn’t roll away from him. It was a bit cramped sitting on the floor of the cockpit behind the seats, it obviously wasn’t designed with this purpose in mind, and Jungwoo’s long limbs only made the space feel even smaller.

“Can you move the light here?” He requested, pointing to the side of the device that was facing him.

You scooted closer, trying to maneuver your phone around without blocking his vision with it. “How’s that?”

He shook his head. “I still can’t—”

“Hold on.” You scooted around behind him instead, pointing the flashlight from over his shoulder. “What about this?”

Jungwoo was quiet for a beat, and you peered around to try to look him in the eye.

“Jungwoo?”

“That’s perfect,” he answered, eyes focused down at object in his hands. “Is your arm getting tired?”

That was the first time you really noticed the ache in your limb from holding up your phone for so long. “Yeah, a little, I guess.”

“You can rest it on my shoulder, if you want.”

“Oh, thanks.” You lowered your arm until it was propped up by his shoulder, making sure you adjusted your grip on your phone to keep your light on the same place. “Light still good?”

“Yes, thank you.”

As he kept working, you quietly watched his deft fingers move over the pieces. “So how do you know how to do all this?”

“I fly a lot,” he answered, his attention held by the parts in his hands as he was trying to precisely line up two of them.

“Yeah, but I mean, I have a driver’s license and I couldn’t change a flat tire, gun to my head, much less fix up the whole car if I crashed it off the side of a mountain,” you scoffed.

“You’re allowed to pilot a vehicle that you’re unable to repair yourself?”

“We have mechanics and stuff for that. Are you saying you’re not allowed to get your spaceship pilot’s license or whatever on Galaria without knowing how to build one from scratch?”

“You’re required to have a certain engineering proficiency to get your solo pilot’s license, yes.”

“Ah, you have a specialty license, then.”

“Yes, I do. It’s a requirement in case you ever find yourself in circumstances like this.”

“Crash landed on an alien planet and stranded with a busted ship?”

“Yes.”

You noticed that he had paused his machinations as you were talking. “Sorry, am I distracting you?”

“No, this is all I can do tonight. The adhesive needs to cure for some time before I can continue working.” He carefully set the part down. “I should be able to resume tomorrow night, I believe.”

“Sounds good to me.” You yawned and stretched your arms over your head. “I’ve got work tomorrow anyway.”

“And what job do you do?” Jungwoo asked with intrigue as the two of you stood up.

“Reception at a law firm.” You could feel your nose habitually wrinkle with disdain.

“You don’t like it?” He immediately surmised.

Thankfully, the two of you were climbing out of the ship then, and had to stay silent through your trek up from the beach. You had time to think about how to answer his question as you climbed back up to the main roadway.

Finally, as the two of you started the walk down the shoulder of the highway, you let out a huff and said, “The work is fine, I guess. Except I hate being talked down to and belittled by people on the phone who think I’m stupid just because they’re attorneys and I’m not, or because I’m a woman, or I’m young, or because I’m just a receptionist or whatever. And I hate when they start yelling at me for no fucking reason, and I hate when people are in the office and start being fucking rude to me and I’m supposed to just sit there and take it. And I hate that in between all of that, it’s fucking boring. It constantly fluctuates between being so stressful and so goddamn boring I want to bang my head against a wall either way.”

“So... you don’t like it?” he asked again, head tilted with clear confusion on his features.

“It’s a job,” you replied flatly. “I need to eat. Do you like your job?”

“Yes, quite,” he replied quietly. After a pause, he questioned, “What sort of work do you want to do, then?”

“I wish I didn’t have to.” You let out a cynical chuckle, looking up at the sparse dotting of stars above you as the hum of the city streets started up around you again. “I mean, I’ve always wanted to see more of the world, just do more, learn more. And now that I know that aliens are real—” You looked over at Jungwoo wistfully. “I don’t think I’ll ever be happy behind a desk again. You know?”

Jungwoo met your eyes, his lips parted as he couldn’t seem to respond for a moment.

You shook your head at yourself, looking back down at your feet and the concrete below them. Forcing humor back into your tone, you apologized, “Sorry, sorry. Of course you don’t know, you’re criss-crossing galaxies all the time, huh? You’ve got enough problems of your own right now anyway, you don’t need mine too.”

A large hand grabbed yours, cool to the touch and surprisingly firm as it squeezed yours. You could feel the callouses on Jungwoo’s hand where his skin pressed against yours. Shifting your gaze from your shoes back up to the alien, you furrowed your brow curiously, but made no move to pull away.

“Please, give them to me,” he said. “And when I leave, you can imagine that I’m taking all your problems with me, to somewhere very far away from here.”

It was your turn to be speechless for a moment, and the only thing that kept you from skidding to a stop in the middle of the sidewalk was the sea of other pedestrians keeping your momentum moving forward. Your skin got hotter, and you wondered if Jungwoo could feel it where he was holding your hand.

In an instinctive bid to diffuse the tension that was currently squeezing all the air from your lungs, you gave his shoulder a friendly bump as you teased, “Alright, well here’s a new problem: That’s quite possibly the most romantic thing anybody’s ever said to me, and I’m 100% sure you didn’t even do that on purpose.”

“I—”

“And our next problem—” You plowed right past whatever Jungwoo was about to say, still fighting the prickle along your skin where you knew his eyes were. “Unfortunately, it’s not Bring Your Alien to Work Day tomorrow, so do you think you’ll be okay at my apartment by yourself all day? Or do you want me to see if some of the guys can keep you company?”

“While I don’t want to inconvenience anybody, if somebody has time, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of the city.”

“Sure, I’ll find someone.” You immediately took your phone out to text your top choice.

[you: are you busy tomorrow? i need someone to hang out with jungwoo while im at work]

[yonggie: i have a few errands to run and a few of us were talking abt seeing a movie in the afternoon. he’s welcome to tag along!]

[yonggie: unless the grocery store and stuff is going too be too boring?? i can do it another day and we can do something else!]

[you: i just feel bad keeping him cooped up in my apartment by himself all day. im sure he’ll have plenty of fun going grocery shopping with you. he’s never seen a human grocery store, after all]

[yonggie: sounds like a plan! let him know i’ll be by around 10ish!]

[you: thanks yonggie, i owe you]

“Taeyong is free tomorrow,” you announced to Jungwoo. “You haven’t really met him yet, but he was there when we found you. You don’t mind tagging along with him while he runs a few errands, do you? He’ll be going all around the city, I’m sure. Oh, and it sounded like some of the guys might be doing a movie later, too.”

“Thank you, Y/N,” Jungwoo smiled down at you. “For everything.”

You smiled and lightly elbowed him again. “Like I said, I want you to have good memories of Earth.”

A few more days passed by like that, with you finding various friends to leave Jungwoo with during the day while you went to your dreadfully boring job, then the two of you would eat dinner together before heading off to the beach to work on his spaceship until late. Tonight in particular, you didn’t have much to help with, as he was able to prop up a spare flashlight you’d gotten from the hardware store for illumination as he worked.

“When do you think we’ll be done tonight?” You asked, spinning the cockpit seat around as you unfocused your eyes, letting the colorful lights become hazy blurs and streaks in your vision.

“Soon,” he answered shortly as he usually did when he was focused. “Do you have something you need to do?”

“The guys are going out.” You read the texts on your phone as they streamed in. “They invited me and you, by the way.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, Jaehyun just got promoted to assistant professor, so we’re celebrating.” You stopped your spinning to watch him work again, but found that he had stalled his ministrations. “It’ll be at least two or three nightclubs; if you’re not up for that, that’s fine.”

“They invited me?” He repeated, brow furrowed as he had clearly not been expecting that.

You couldn’t help but laugh and pat the back of his head fondly. “Yeah, Jungwoo, they like you. It’s also definitely a bit of novelty, you know—‘Hey let’s see if we can get the alien shitfaced’—but I won’t let them mess with you.”

“Yes, I’d like to go with you.” He smiled, looking back down at the contraption in his hands. “It won’t be much longer.”

Knocking on the front door of a very familiar apartment, you bounced on your toes as you waited for one of the occupants to answer. It was Johnny who opened the door, eyes lingering on Jungwoo behind you before he went to give you a hug. “Hey, kid. How are you?”

“Good, good. How are you, John?” You patted his back them dropped back down onto flat feet.

“Same old, you know?” He grinned and shrugged, then finally addressed Jungwoo. “Hey, man. How’s your side?”

“Fine, good. Thank you,” Jungwoo answered hastily, offering a polite nod.

“Jae!” You called into the apartment, latching onto Jungwoo’s wrist and dragging him over to Jaehyun’s closed bedroom door. You banged on the door. “Jaehyun! Come on, it’s me, your favorite!”

The door opened a second later, Jaehyun looking at you stone-faced as he buttoned up his shirt. “You claim you’re everyone’s favorite.”

“I am! Aren’t I?” You grinned.

“Can’t a guy get dressed in his own apartment in peace? Bother Johnny.” He was about to close the door in your face when you stuck your foot in the way.

“Can Jungwoo borrow some clothes?” You requested sweetly, batting your eyelashes at him.

Jaehyun looked the alien up and down skeptically. “He’s already wearing my clothes.”

“He can’t go to the club in a sweatshirt and jeans!”

Your friend sighed and opened the door wider, jerking his head in a gesture for you two to come in.

“Thank you!” You squealed, pulling Jungwoo in with you.

Jaehyun sat on his bed as you started rifling through his closet for something for Jungwoo to wear. Pulling a couple shirts down first, you held them up to the spaceman, humming to yourself as you compared how they looked on them. You clicked your tongue and shook your head, putting one back and looking for another. With two new shirts, you held them up again, nodding in satisfaction. “Yeah, I like that a lot better.”

“He’s not a doll, Y/N,” Jaehyun snorted. “Go ahead, Jungwoo, you can tell her not to play dress-up with you.”

Jungwoo rubbed the back of his neck, the iridophores on his cheeks flashing as he shifted awkwardly in place. “I don’t mind it, really…”

“And that’s how I ended up as the first and only victim of Y/N’s Barber Shop when I was eight.” Johnny had joined the three of you, leaning in the bedroom doorway with his arms crossed over his chest.

“You say that like your hair didn’t grow back,” you scoffed. “I didn’t take your ear off or anything.”

“Just my dignity.”

“And who gave me the scissors?”

Johnny held his hands up in surrender, making his roommate laugh.

“Johnny’s always been a pushover when it comes to Y/N,” Jaehyun explained to Jungwoo, still chuckling. “Ever since they were kids.”

“Alright guys, listen up!” You called for their focus loudly. “This is going to be one of the most important questions I ask you in our entire lives.”

Johnny and Jaehyun gave you two very similar amused but attentive looks, while Jungwoo beheld you with absolutely rapt attention.

You held up the two shirts that you had narrowed your selection to for Jungwoo. “White lace or black silk?”

“He’s not wearing those jeans, is he?” Johnny cocked his head.

“God no,” you shook your head. “Or the sneakers. I’m thinking simple black pants and boots. His necklace will go good with both, right?” You pointed to the gold transcoder that rested below his collarbones.

“White.” Jaehyun pointed.

“Black.” Johnny shrugged.

“Helpful.” You glared at them. Turning to Jungwoo, you held up the tops. “What do you think? Do you even like them at all? These are just my favorites, you can pick something else if you want.”

“I like them,” Jungwoo reassured you, fingertips gently running over the front of one shirt, then the other. “Which is your favorite?”

“I think the black silk?” You appraised it again. “Yeah, I like the neckline, and I think the material will move really nice for a night out, you know?”

“That’s what I was thinking.”

You handed him that hanger and put the other back in the closet where you found it. Looking at the owner of the room, you prompted, “Jae, you’ll get him the right pants and stuff, right?”

“Sure,” he nodded and stood up, teasing glint in his eye. “It’s not like we’re meant to be celebrating my accomplishments tonight or anything. I’m just a butler, really.”

“Great, thanks!” You grinned back, traipsing out of the room with Johnny.

A few minutes later, Jaehyun joined the two of you in the living room, sitting down on the couch and pulling his shoes on. “So, anything new, Y/N?” He asked innocently.

“You mean, other than the alien living in my apartment?” You raised an eyebrow at him. “Not really, work’s the same.”

“You’re still at that shit place?” Johnny didn’t hide his distaste of your workplace.

“Yup.” You replied flatly.

“I thought you said you were looking for new jobs.”

“One, you said that. I didn’t agree to anything. Two, I am, the job market sucks right now, John.”

“Have you even interviewed anywhere? Submitted your résumé?”

“God, not this again…” Jaehyun groaned from his spot between you two on the couch.

“Not everybody can inherit a veterinary practice once their mentor retires and have their life made,” you snapped, turning to glare at Johnny pointedly.

“My life’s made? I’m still paying off my student loans, you know that, right?” He scoffed. “Not to mention how much free morphine I’ve been giving your buddy in there just the past few days.”

“I told you I’ll pay you back once he’s better, you said not to worry about it, and now you’re holding it over my head!” You said in disbelief. “God, this is just like you!”

“‘Just like me?’”

“Yes, you always nag me about shit like you think I can’t do anything, and insist on handling things for me instead of letting me do it, then just turn right around to use that as further proof that I can’t do anything on my own!” You were about to launch to your feet when Jaehyun caught your arm and urged you back into your seat.

“Woah, woah,” Jaehyun looked back and forth between you two. “Time out. You’re both right and you’re both wrong. Johnny, we get that you’re coming from a good place, but obviously Y/N feels patronized with the way you treat her. Y/N, Johnny has a lot going on too that you’re ignoring on purpose to make him seem like the bad guy, which also isn’t fair.”

Johnny pushed some of his hair out of his face as he stared ahead at the TV across the room, obviously refusing to meet your eyes now. You crossed your arms over your chest and flopped back against the cushions, not looking at either of them. You’ve never been great at apologizing first.

“You two aren’t making up before we go out, are you?” Jaehyun rubbed his face.

“No.” “Nope.”

Jaehyun’s bedroom door opened then, Jungwoo hesitantly stepping out, still fussing with the shirt. When he looked up, the searching look fell from his face as he obviously could sense the tension in the room, turning cautious instead.

“Is everything alright?” While his question was general, his eyes were focused on you when he asked.

“Yeah, Jungwoo!” You forced a cheery smile again, jumping to your feet as you appraised his outfit. “I love being right. It looks so handsome on you!”

“Ah, well…” He rubbed the back of his neck again as you walked around him, brushing off a spare piece of fluff from his back. “Thank you.”

“What do you guys think?” You asked the other two proudly, looping your arm with Jungwoo’s.

“Yeah, he looks—”

“Fine. Can we go now?” Johnny cut his roommate off, grabbing his keys and walking over to the door.

“Rude,” you muttered under your breath, but followed the other two with a roll of your eyes nevertheless.

“Congrats!” Everybody cheered in unison, clinking their glasses together.

“Thanks, guys,” Jaehyun beamed at you all, bringing his drink to his lips.

“So are you like tenure track now, or what?” Doyoung prompted him eagerly.

“Yes, I am,” he announced proudly. “I’m no longer instructional, I’m academic.”

All your friends let out a chorus of jesting but supportive ‘ooh’s at that, and you squeezed his arm from beside him. “Look at you, a real academic now. Knew that big head was good for something.”

“You little—” He went to tousle your hair. You let out an ‘eep!’ and jerked away from his hand, back into Jungwoo on your other side.

“Sorry!” You laughed through your apology to the alien, patting his arm as he hadn’t been knocked very far back at least. “You alright, Jungwoo?”

“Yes, I’m okay,” he reassured you with a fond smile.

“Now, are you absolutely sure you can have that?” You pointed to the drink that you had helped him order. After realizing that for some reason he immediately knew what morphine was, but his transcoder was failing on what alcohol was, you’d explained the drink—with some assistance from your friends and Google—to him to make sure it wasn’t going to kill him, but you noticed that he hadn’t yet actually taken a sip yet.

“Yes, yes.” He lifted the glass again.

“If morphine doesn’t get you high, I wonder if alcohol is even going to do anything to do you,” Johnny mused, slowly nursing his liquor.

“Take it slow, drink water, and even though we ate before we came, keep eating while we’re here, okay?” You told Jungwoo, shooting Johnny a glare over the spaceman’s shoulder.

He nodded, and with that, you grabbed your own drink, clinked it to his one more time, and drained half of it in one go. You watched his face carefully, both for any sign that he was in imminent danger, and in the vent that he was fine, if he liked the drink you’d picked. You’d chosen a cocktail on the sweeter side for him, a fruity, bubbly, unnaturally bright colored one that a couple of the guys had snickered at, which he either didn’t notice or didn’t care about. Jungwoo didn’t immediately go into anaphylactic shock, which you pocketed as a win. Just like when he tried Nutella for the first time, his eyes widened with delight before he went back in for more.

You couldn’t help but laugh and pat his head fondly. “Pace yourself,” you reminded him.

He set it down and smiled sheepishly. “Right. Thanks.”

Hyuck and Yuta had disappeared at some point, as they were now returning to your table with a round of shots for everybody. You shook your head, but picked yours up and knocked it back with everyone else. Jungwoo watched you, taking your lead. While the rest of you had various hisses and negative reactions to the tequila you were now realizing they had gotten you, Jungwoo seemed unaffected by the burn as he calmly set the shot glass down.

“Ugh, did you guys get motor oil or something?” Johnny pushed his glass away from him with distaste.

“Cheapest shit they had,” Yuta informed him smugly. “Afraid real motor oil tastes better than that.”

“I’m going to get us some waters,” you told Jungwoo before slipping off into the crowd.

You watched the bartender quickly fill up your two glasses with ice, then water. Right as he had pushed them over to you, you became aware of someone sidling up to you at the bar and grabbing your hip. You whipped around and jerked away to put distance between yourself and the newcomer, a complete stranger to you.

He chuckled at how he had startled you, stepping closer to you once again. “Woah, sorry, baby.”

“It’s fine,” you replied flatly, reaching for your waters to turn to leave.

“Hey, I did want to talk to you.”

“No thanks.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“I don’t want to.” You didn’t like that he had started shifting in front of you, putting himself between you and the rest of the club, blocking you against the bar.

“Y/N!” A familiar voice called your name as a taller figure pushed past the stranger, securing your arm in his hand. Johnny fixed the man with a hard stare before looking at you again, “There you are. Come on, we’re toasting Jaehyun again.”

“Right,” you smiled up at your friend, letting him half-pull you away from the bar. The other man didn’t say a word, letting you go as he disappeared into the crowd as well.

Halfway back to your table, you reluctantly mumbled a sharp ‘thanks’ to Johnny’s back. He must’ve heard you somehow over the thumping music, as he looked back over his shoulder at you, his eyes softening for just a moment as he nodded once, before continuing to clear a path for the two of you back to your other friends.

You wormed your way back into your spot between Jungwoo and Jaehyun, pushing Jungwoo’s glass against his arm. “Here.”

“Thank you.” His eyes didn’t leave you, seemingly scanning you over with worry. “Are you alright?”

“Huh? Yeah, fine.” You shook your head to clear away the memory.

“I’m sorry, I realized that man was making you uncomfortable, but I wasn't sure what to do. Johnny told me to stay here while he went over.”

“Oh, that’s okay, Jungwoo.” You assured him. “We can't have you getting punched defending me and bleed blue all over the place. Thanks for keeping an eye on me and telling Johnny, though.”

“But—”

“Hey, you know what?” You flashed him a smile, already starting to feel warm and airy from the alcohol. “I want to dance. How about you come with? Creepy guys should stay away if I’m already with someone.”

“Sure,” he nodded for you to lead the way.

You grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the table and into the outer edge of the dance floor. Putting your hands on his shoulders, you tilted your head, “Is this okay?”

“Yeah, should I…?”

You took his hands that were uncertainly hovering in the air and put them on your hips before returning your own to his shoulders. “There. Also, sorry.”

“For what?”

As soon as his question was out of his mouth, you inadvertently stepped on his foot, a sheepish smile flashing across your face. “I’m not a very good dancer,” you admitted. “Sorry.”

He chuckled. “That’s okay.”

“Hey, you’re pretty good,” you laughed as he kept up with the rhythm and also kept you from being a general hazard.

“Thank you.”

“Do you have places like this where you’re from?” You were careful not to say anything out of the ordinary to hint that ‘where he was from’ was actually outer space.

“Residents from elsewhere have brought similar nightclubs to our larger cities,” he informed you. “I’ve visited a few.”

“You a party boy?” You grinned.

“I’m not sure about that,” he was smiling as well. “But I’m enjoying myself with you, Y/N. Thank you.”

“I’m having fun too, Jungwoo,” you replied sincerely. Your toe caught on his shoe then, and you squeaked as you stumbled forward towards him, wrapping your arms around his neck to catch yourself from completely face-planting into his collarbone. His hands on your waist steadied you, and you smiled up at him sheepishly. “Sorry. Thanks.”

“You’re not usually this clumsy.”

“I’m a bit tipsy,” you whispered loudly. “Alcohol and motor function… not good.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Can I stay right here?” You requested sweetly, watching his patches of iridescent freckles flash and sparkle in the lights that pulsed across the dance floor. “You’re surprisingly sturdy, and your irido-irido—you know—are so pretty…”

“Of course,” Jungwoo readjusted to hold you more securely. “Do you want to sit down?”

“No.” You shook your head, starting to sway in his arms to the music. “I like this song.”

A warm puff of air washed over your ear as he chuckled. “I like it too.”

Sometime later in the night, you were sat in a booth at a different nightclub, slowly draining a water that Doyoung had pushed in front of you. Your other friends were somewhere in the club, only Jungwoo next to you. His cheeks were a little pink, but that could easily be from the body heat, as you were pretty sure you hadn’t seen him drink anything but water since your first stop of the night.

“Hey, Jungwoo?” You looked over at him with your cheek in your palm, supported by your elbow on the table.

“Yes?” He met your gaze without hesitation.

“Do—” You were cut off by a hiccup. “Do you think you’ll remember me? After you leave, once it’s been a while?”

“What?” He blinked at you, face turning oddly stern as he placed his hand over yours on the table. “Yes, Y/N. I don’t think I could ever forget you.”

“Oh. Do Galarii have photographic memory or something?”

“No.”

“But…” Another hiccup. “Don’t you go to all these places and meet so many people and do all sorts of stuff all the time? Like, of course I’m gonna remember the one alien I ever met, but why would you—”

Jungwoo turned to hold your hand with both of his. “Do you really think that you’re so insignificant? Or that I’m so… indifferent?”

“No, Jungwoo, I just—” You took your hand back to brush your fingertips over his iridophores under one eye. “I guess it’s kinda like how you don’t think these are anything special.”

“Y/N, if you remember only one thing from meeting me, please…” He shifted forward slightly, nothing but sincerity on his features. “No matter where I’ve gone, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t special. Including you.”

You felt your bottom lip quiver, and regretted that last shot you let Yuta and Donghyuck talk you into. As soon as you blinked, the tears fell, rolling quickly down your cheeks. You buried your face in Jungwoo’s shoulder, grabbing a fistful of the silk material of his shirt.

“I’m… sorry?” He said quietly, gingerly patting your back.

“She crying?” Johnny’s voice came from behind you.

“Yes, I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s fine, she’s an emotional drunk after she’s partied herself out,” Johnny reassured the alien. A gentle hand landed on your head. “Hey, Y/N, time to go home.”

“That’s my shirt!” Jaehyun said indignantly, having also returned to your booth.

“I’ll clean it before I return it,” Jungwoo promised.

“Y/N,” Johnny called for you again in a sing-songy tone. “Come on, let’s go home.”

You lifted your head enough to sloppily wipe at your face, Jungwoo helping to push some hair back. Squinting at Johnny, you asked, “You’re taking me home?”

“Yeah, I’m taking you home,” he confirmed.

“But I thought you were mad at me?”

“I’m never that mad, kid, promise.”

“Do you need help, Johnny?” Jaehyun offered, then looked at Jungwoo. “Or are you going now too?”

“I’m going back with her,” Jungwoo immediately replied.

Johnny helped you scoot out of the booth, and on uneasy feet, you threw your arms around Jaehyun to give him one final congrats. Johnny took you back from your professor friend to half-guide, half-carry you out of the nightclub, Jungwoo following behind. Out front, Johnny cursed under his breath as he looked around.

“Jungwoo.” He waved the alien over. “Stay with her while I bring the car around, will you?”

“Of course.” Jungwoo immediately took your arm from Johnny’s grasp, steadying you as you swayed in place. Johnny gave the two of you one last uncertain look before taking off around the corner. You stepped closer to Jungwoo, leaning your weight against him as you let out a heavy sigh.

“I’m sorry about him…” You said. “He should be nicer to you.”

“It’s okay,” Jungwoo responded, shifting to support you with an arm around your waist as your knees buckled for a moment. “He’s concerned for you, which I’m glad for.”

“I wish he’d stop treating me like a kid, though,” you huffed. “He literally calls me ‘kid.’”

“Is this why you were so curious that I didn’t know if my brother was older or younger?”

“Does he treat you like a grown-up?”

“He had some concerns with my career path at first,” he informed you, some amusement in his tone. “But I also worry for his safety.”

“I worry about Johnny,” you insisted. “I just… don’t make him feel stupid for it when I do.”

Johnny’s car stopped in front of you two then, and Jungwoo helped you into the backseat. He gently brushed your hands away so he could do your seatbelt for you—which took a few attempts, admittedly—and let you rest your head on his shoulder for the entire ride back to your apartment.

After a lot of insisting, you finally got Johnny to leave your home. You were tucked into bed in your pajamas with a glass of water, and heard Jungwoo eventually close the front door behind Johnny.

“Jungwoo!” You called for the alien loudly, not really caring about the time or your neighbors.

“Yes?” His head immediately poked into your room, eyes focused on you attentively.

“C’mere.” You patted the empty space next to you. He walked over to sit down, but as soon as he had, you shooed him away, “Wait, no! You should get into your pajamas too.”

“Alright. One moment.” He nodded and smiled softly. A few minutes later, Jungwoo emerged from the bathroom no longer in Jaehyun’s nice clothes but in Jaehyun’s sweatpants and t-shirt. He sat down cross-legged on top of the covers. “Better?”

“I’m tired,” you rolled over onto your side towards him.

“I’ll let you rest, then.” He moved to get off the bed, but you grabbed his arm and stopped him.

“Wait.” You yawned. “Can you stay for a bit?”

“As long as you wish.” He acquiesced easily.

“Can you…” Another yawn. “Can you tell me some more about Galaria?”

He shifted the arm that you had grasped to hold your hand instead. “Sure. If you’ll close your eyes.”

“You’re trying to make me go to sleep.”

“Hmm, maybe,” he hummed.

You snickered, but let your eyelids flutter shut anyway. “Hey, Jungwoo?”

“Yes?”

“I’m really gonna miss you once you go.” You squeezed his hand as you shifted around to get comfortable under your covers.

There was a stretch of silence so long that you were almost tempted to open your eyes again, but before you could, he squeezed your hand back and spoke again, voice sounding slightly strained, “I’ll miss you too, Y/N. A lot.” He cleared his throat, then continued, “So, Galaria…”

In the morning, you groaned before you even had a single human thought. You instinctually rolled away from your window, where the faintest halo of light was coming in from around your curtains, burying your face into your pillow. And then your stomach lurched. Heaving yourself to your feet with some speed, you hurried into your bathroom, not even bothering with the light before kneeling at the toilet. Thankfully, nothing came back up, and after a few minutes, you got back to steady-ish feet. Looking back at your dim bedroom, you saw it devoid of anybody else, which you were mildly surprised about. You faintly remembered going to sleep with Jungwoo sitting next to you. He had no clue about human customs, for all you knew, Galarii wouldn’t have thought it strange to share a bed. You knocked back something for your stomach and the pounding in your head before treading out towards the living room. You were going to feel a little uneasy until you put eyes on your alien houseguest.

He was sitting upright on the couch, and stood up as soon as he saw you walking out, a relieved smile on his features. “Ah, you’re awake. How are you feeling? Johnny said I should make you breakfast—”

“That’s alright, Jungwoo, I’m not very hungry right now,” you admitted. “Maybe later. How are you? Anything from the alcohol?”

“I’m fine.” He frowned. “Are you okay?”

“Honestly, I’m not feeling well, Jungwoo.” You touched your forehead, giving him an apologetic smile. “I think I’m going to lay down for a bit. Will you be good out here?”

He looked at you anxiously. “What’s wrong?”

“Just a headache. I’ll be fine,” you reassured him. “Do you need anything before I—”

“Can I go with you?”

“…Into my room? That’s right down the hall? While I nap off a hangover?” You arched an eyebrow, pointing at your bedroom next to the living room.

He nodded.

“What? Did you imprint on me like a baby duck or something?” You joked, stretching and yawning.

“I don’t know what ducks are nor the imprinting habits of their young, but yes.”

“You don’t really need to know what ducks are, but baby ducks—Wait, what?!” Your brain finally processed the rest of his words, and you stared at him wide-eyed.

“I’m not sure if the term is used the same, but I imagine it’s a similar concept.”

“You think I’m your mom?!”

It was his turn to look at you with bewilderment. “No, of course not.”

You put a hand over your chest, relieved. “Okay, God, I had a heart attack.”

“You’re my mate,” he said matter-of-factly.

“Excuse me?!” And your blood pressure was back through the roof.

“Lover? I’m not sure the term…” Jungwoo scratched the back of his neck.

You held your hands out defensively, trying to calm yourself down more than anyone else. “Jungwoo, look, we just met like a few days ago.”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“That’s not nearly enough time to say we’re soulmates or anything.”

His face lit up. “Ahh, soulmates? Is that the word?”

“No!” You immediately shot that down. “Don’t start calling me that.”

“Y/N—”

“What even is this imprinting? Like how do you know it’s happened? Do you do it on purpose? Because if you did, you’ve got to ask people’s permission before doing that kind of thing, dude.”

“It’s not something we have control over. So no, I did not do it intentionally.”

“Oh. Okay.” That only calmed you down marginally.

“It’s…” Jungwoo sank his teeth into his bottom lip as he tried to figure out his words. “I didn’t realize it at first. When you dragged me out of my ship and I first saw you, everything was different. I thought it was the new atmosphere, new gravity, that my body was just adjusting.”

“What do you mean, ‘different’? Different how?”

“Colors are brighter around you—”

“That’s just some cheesy pickup line. It was pitch black when I found you.”

“No, really. Our species’ senses are sharpened around our—”

“Don’t.”

“—when we’ve imprinted, around whoever we’ve imprinted on. To better protect them,” he explained cautiously. “Again, I thought I was just getting used to your planet, but I always know where you are—”

“I tell you where I’m going when I leave.”

“I don’t mean like that. It’s stronger the closer you are, but I just always have this feeling, of where you are. I know you left work yesterday afternoon to go down the street, then went back.”

“I went to the convenience store on my lunch break,” you confirmed with a huff. “Assuming you’re telling the truth and aren’t actively stalking me, I’m guessing that would be another… mechanism to protect that person? That you’re… you know.”

“Yes.”

“What’s even the point of imprinting on me? Or anybody that’s not another Galarii?” You crossed your arms. “My eyes work just fine when you’re not around, and the only way I’d know exactly where you were if I couldn’t see you would be chipping you like a dog.”

“I don’t know.”

You shook your head. “So… you all are just, what? Celibate? Until you eventually find someone to imprint on?”

“Casual relationships aren’t unusual, though many don’t see a point in having such a relationship before imprinting.” He immediately became even more serious. “I’m not inexperienced sexually, if that’s a concern.”

“Oh, God, no!” You covered your face with two hands and groaned. “I was just wondering like… How do you know this imprinting thing is for real? Like, you’re actually ending up with someone good for you, if you don’t have any sort of reference to draw from on what sort of person you like, what you want and don’t want in a relationship?”

“We don’t have to know before, because we’re not picking our… lifelong companion, like I understand you humans do.”

You blinked at him. “Marriage. You’re talking about marriage.”

“Yes. You have to have this set of parameters before you prepare for… marriage. We’re not choosing, so we don’t need such standards. We find.”

“Yeah, but why me? What is it about me that activated your imprinting or whatever the hell?” You couldn’t help the shiver that went up your spine when you said it. “Shouldn’t that be something that only other members of your species can do? Like, evolution-wise?”

“That’s something that my species is still investigating.”

“God, okay…” You rubbed your temples. “Well, my head fucking hurts. I’m going to lay down—alone.”

“Of course.” Jungwoo nodded and stepped back, sitting down on the far side of the couch from you.

Your bed smelled like Jungwoo. You couldn’t nap like this, or even rest your eyes. But you didn’t want to go back out there yet, needing time to let your brain turn over what you’d just been told. So you laid in your bed that smelled like Jungwoo and scrolled on your phone, absentmindedly chewing on the skin around your thumbnail.

⇢ part two

TAGLIST: @bee-the-loser @giirlfriendd @ppddpjdr @shaqs-oatmeal @sofipolii01 @tearinka @yoursyuno @yutasputa69 @winkeuu

[giselleloversclub]

NCT HOGWARTS AU FIC REC

LEE TAEYONG

AT THE PITCH @jeogiyall

hufflepuff taeyong x slytherin reader

secret dating au

word count : 1.1k

WHEN THE SHADOW MEET THE LIGHT @taeyongtime

hufflepuff taeyong x slytherin reader

word count : 15k

personal fav

——————————————————————————

NAKAMOTO YUTA

YOU HAVE NO IDEA , DO YOU ? @sehunniepotwrites

slytherin yuta x hufflepuff reader

enemies to lover au

word count : 810

personal fav

NOT THAT BAD @sheeple

Slytherin’s aren’t evil. Sure, there are some bad apples between them. But you find them everywhere.

slytherin yuta x hufflepuff reader

——————————————————————————

QUIAN KUN

NOLI TIMERE @itsapapisongo

Having friends in common, you and Kun have crossed paths over the years. In your sixth year, what once was an acquaintanceship slowly blooms into a friendship. And what better way to strengthen the bond than by dealing with a boggart and helping out a trio of would-be troublemakers.

hufflepuff kun x slytherin gn reader

word count : 13.3k

——————————————————————————

KIM DOYOUNG

PUSH & PULL PT2 PT3 @notnctu

in which a prideful slytherin and an oblivious hufflepuff play a clueless emotion game of tug of war.

❝I thought Hufflepuffs are to be loyal, so why do you sleep with other men?❞  

❝People say Slytherins are ambitious, so why didn’t you pursue me?❞

slytherin doyoung x hufflepuff reader

smut (mdni)

word count : pt1: 9.7k , pt2 : 2k , pt3 : 8.4k

THE ENCHANTED CANVAS @sly-merlin

Y/n , a muggle is called to Hogwarts not because of her exceptional talents but due to the fact that her soulmate is a pure/half blood studying in Hogwarts. Her destiny takes her from an average household to the enchanting world of spells and charms. Would she found the one she sought? or sh’d end up losing herself in the new world!

word count : 4k

personal fav

MISCHIEF MANAGED @sparklingchan

You are forced to befriend Kim Doyoung under unexpected circumstances but as two lonely souls meet, you find yourself enjoying his company a little too much.

word count : 7k+

——————————————————————————

JUNG JAEHYUN

RAVENCLAW JAEHYUN X RAVENCLAW READER @nsheetee

EVEN WHEN YOU ANNOY THE FUCK OUT OF ME I STILL LOVE YOU @sehunniepotwrites

fluff

word count : 530

NOT SO CHARMING @sly-merlin

fluff

word count : 0.8k

AGAINST ALL ODDS @starryhyuck

jeong jaehyun has always had the biggest crush on you. that is, until he finds out you’re engaged to nakamoto yuta.

gryffindor jaehyun x slytherin reader

word count : 13.2k+

Head Over Broomsticks

When your friends are tired of watching you and your crush go around in circles, they take matters into their own hands. Putting their Advanced Potions skills to the test, Donghyuck and Chenle conjure up a powerful truth serum and slip it in your drink right before a Quidditch game, which leads to a few inappropriate comments about No. 77, Jeong Jaehyun, of Gryffindor’s Quidditch team. This would’ve been fine if you were just a regular spectator but you are much more than that--you’re the Announcer and everyone is subjected to hear your unfiltered thoughts. Just great.

Gryffindor Beater!Jaehyun x (f) Quidditch Announcer!Reader

wc : 3.5k+

—————————————��————————————

DONG SICHENG

YULE BALL ? @sehunniepotwrites

word count : 909

——————————————————————————

[luumiinaa]

“Dreams come true” for this endearing couple 💗

flowers in your hair

part of @neo-cult-ure​‘s colours collab! | masterlist + prologue

pairing: lee taeyong x fem!reader (feat. a nosy lee donghyuck, childhood best friend quian kun, and college best friend/co-worker johnny seo)

genre: fluff, soulmate au, florist au, coffee shop au, idiots (literally) to lovers

warnings: taeyong being too cute to be real, florist!taeyong, coffee shop owner!reader, donghyuck is annoying, reader has a nightmare, switches to taeyong’s pov for one part

word count: 10,577

summary: what you know about your soulmate taeyong in the 6 years that you’ve known him: he has 6 tattoos but is already planning on getting 4 more, he loves his dog ruby very much, he has only ever shared his banana bread recipe with one person (you), his mom makes the best kimchi jjigae in the entire world, his favorite color is pink, and he is the man of your dreams. literally.

what you don’t know about taeyong: what he looks like.

what you know about the owner of the new flower shop across the street: he has light brown hair, he’s a caffeine addict (if his cousin donghyuck picking up coffee 5 days a week says anything about it), and he is your enemy by association (according to kun). 

what you don’t know about the florist: his name.

a/n: i’ve wanted to write a florist!taeyong fic for the longest time and i finally got to!! thank you so much to @neo-cult-ure​ for reaching out to me to be part of this collab and please please please check out the rest of the fics because they were all written by some really talented writers!! thank you to @jungwoohoos​ for checking this fic over as she’s done with my others ily. hope you enjoy and feedback is always appreciated :-)

Keep reading

[coquettejunnie]

; ୨୧ ── Rose ! ── ?

──── ❝ Think you're better off alone. Baby come back, where are you going? ❞ ────

now playing: don't go by elliott trent

masterlist | spotify | ?

୨୧ Small info: Hello, my name is Rose! she/her -mixed (black and white), infj, I love cats, taeyong, cloudy/rainy/city aesthetics! r&b, hiphop/rap, alternative rock/pop, and some rock. I hate jumpscares, loud noises, the dark, etc... I have been writing since like 2022 (started off as an anime ff writer) but joined tumblr in like sugust or september, so like I am still new to everything here.

BYI: it is fine to ask me questions in private dm's but please don't make it uncomfortable (asking personal questions), we can be moots!

DNI: racist, homophobic, spam, trump supporter, etc...

Stanlist: NCT (taeyong, johnny, mark, renjun, ten, and I haven't added wish because I don't know them that much), ENHYPEN (sunoo and jay), RIIZE (shotaro, sohee and anton), BOYNEXTDOOR (sungho, riwoo and woonhak), P1HARMONY (jiung, soul and jongseob)

Casual: TXT (taehyun and kai), ATEEZ (hongjoong, san and wooyoung), SEVENTEEN (s.coups, vernon and woozi), BTS (suga, j-hope and jimin), KISS OF LIFE (belle and hanneul), AESPA (none yet)

more about my writings

ㄑ About my writings: I write mostly NCT content but I can do other groups too! Everything about my writings is for entertainment purposes only. It won't go towards the actual members life is actually like (like their love interests and such a such) and it is made for their personas. I don't like when people take these stories way too seriously and being weird like using these to feed off of their delusions and not care about the idols. My writings might be informal a lot, I write based off a feeling, a mood, a song, an aesthetic like rain (so mostly all the titles of my writings is based off of a song). And my stories might come late or take a long time to post because I am busy with school and I have so much drafts.

Please do not plagiarize/repost my stories without my consent!

What I can/would/could/will write: I write fluff, almost any trope but you will mainly see (best friends to lovers, crush to lovers, strangers to lovers, secret admire au, idol au, soulmate au, slice of life, coming of age, romcom, comedy crack/humor, etc...) I can write almost anything basically.

What I cannot/will not/never/ever write: I won't write smut (the closest I can write to this is like more romantic- touchy- but not anything explicit), anything with/of taeil, memb x memb, toxic/unhealthy relationships, anything racist/homophobic/etc..., I don't know how to write thriller/mystery, poly relationships and text messages stories.

🧷About comms: when I open comms, please be more specific on what you want me to write. I can write headcannons and oneshots (3-5k words limited)

[crystalls]

Ithaca

pairing: doyoung/taeyong

words: 35k (3/3; complete!)

summary: With the house overrun with suitors and a mark refusing to fade, Taeyong almost misses the time he was incapable of speaking with his soulmate.

notes: soulmates historical fantasy rolled into a penelope/odysseus au (???)

ao3 / image sources

[k-femdove]

『Masterlist !』

key:: 🪐 = smut, 🌥️ = fluff, 🌒 = angst 

NCT 

Mark Lee

Welcome to Miami Series 🌥️| Ongoing | pt 1

Mark Lee’s your new roommate. You guys party. Feelings develop.

Huang Renjun

First love series 🌥️ | Ongoing | prologue, day 1

Soulmate au but it’s first loves instead. You know who your first love will be, but he doesn’t.

Qian Kun

Teach Me 🪐 | First in the university series?

TA Kun comes to your house to tutor you. slight omegaverse

Lee Taeyong

Ruin Me 🪐 | second in the uni series

Seducing your professor Taeyong in his office

STRAY KIDS

Han Jisung

Detention 🪐

You’re stuck in detention with Jisung. You can guess what happens next.

GROUPS I NO LONGER WRITE FOR

GOT7

Park Jinyoung

Something New 🪐

Pegging Jinyoung out the window

[cultofdionysusnet]

Check out this fic written by Jasper!

Summary: Both you and Taeyong love waking up to slow, soft sex early in the morning. Pairing: Taeyong x fem!reader Tropes: established relationship au, soulmate au (mind link/shared dreams) Genre: smut Rating: R 18+ Warnings: soul links, language Smut Warnings: unprotected sex, somnophilia, grinding Word Count: 600 Host Tags: @sanjoongie @thelargefrye Note: sorry this is late!! Things happened at home Before You Interact February Filth Masterlist

Listen to ♡ Velvet by EXID

You wake before Taeyong does most days. Most days, you both are up and running out the door for work. Then, there are days like today. The rays of the sun shine through the sheer white curtains. (After coming home late last night, you forgot to draw the heavier ones that block out the light.). Taeyong’s soothing breathing adds just the slightest bit of noise to the quiet space. You hardly awake yourself and debate falling back to sleep. Instead, you catch a glimpse of your soulmate’s dream through your mind link. It’s just the two of you on a cute little picnic date in some flowery field. It’s cute in every sense of the word. Normally, you don’t intend to see Taeyong’s dreams, often times you leave him to his dreams in peace. For some reason, today, you just couldn’t block it out. You roll over and look at your boyfriend. He seems entirely peaceful other than his eyebrows being furrowed.

Letting out a soft breath, you close your eyes and mentally step through the link between your minds. The doorway of sorts is wide open. You find yourself in Taeyong’s dream a moment later and are pleasantly surprised to see what he dreams about. Immediately you’re greeted with the feeling of your boyfriend fully inside you. His face is tucked into your shoulder as he smoothly and methodically thrusts into you.

That’s another thing about your mind links, when you step into the space, you are actually a part of the dream or any other content that occupies the space. You’ll often find Taeyong stepping into the shared space to just hang out and talk when you’re apart. Now though, you’ve taken the place of your dream self and are so happy you did.

Clinging to him, you let out a broken moan. Each thrust is perfectly angled to brush up against your g-spot. Taeyong starts placing placing kisses along your neck and shoulder. The sensation sends chills up and down your spine.

“Hi, sweetheart, you finally join me?” He gasps.

“Yongie–” you moan, “Feels so good.”

“I should’ve gotten you in here quicker, fuck, I’m not gonna last.”

You wrap your legs around his waist, hoping to urge him to go faster. The heat in your belly is starting to become a fire. You’re still very much sleepy, but the feeling of your boyfriend inside you has you more desperate than you could ever describe. Taeyong gently pulls your legs around his waist and pulls you onto his lap. Now you can properly see the landscape of his dream. You’re in a stunning, vibrantly colored valley. Taeyong doesn’t give you long to process your surroundings before he’s thrusting up into you at a pace that makes you see stars.

“Fuck– I’m gonna cum, baby.” Taeyong groans, peppering kisses against your chest.

Before you can respond, you’re startled out of the dreamscape. You open your eyes to see yourself cuddled up against Taeyong’s chest. He groans and rubs his eyes before looking over at you. He doesn’t say a word; instead, he leans in and kisses you softly. Rolling over to be over you, he lets one of his hands wander down your side to rub small circles into your waist. You gasp as he slots himself between your legs and starts grinding against you. Nothing could beat mornings like this. The feeling of your soulmate loving you and you love him. Being able to share such a strong connetion without any words being exchanged. All of it was so velvety and warm. You never want to leave.

COPYRIGHT STARLITMARK 2024© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — reposting/modifying any fic or piece of original writing posted on this blog is not allowed. Translations are not permitted. 

Networks: @cultofdionysusnet @kwritersworld @k-vanity

Tag List: @bratty-tingz @yeosangiess @minjaeluver @abbietwilight @wooyoungmybelovedhusband

[sexygrass]

8. Death Is Always At Sidewalks.

"I saw magic in her eyes. dirty, dark, beautiful magic."

genre: smut, supernatural AU, soulmate au, vampires au, werewolf au, Sub/Dom dynamics, angst, mention of traumas, mention of torture, deaths of some characters, and blood, explicit language, fluff, mature content, sadism, lots of killing, and many plot twists.

stepping into a sketchy, empty, and old baseball stadium, she watched how jeno's smile widened as he pushed the shabby fence and stepped into the old court. taking a glance at the graphics on a wall of the entrance, she managed to read some names; jeno, jaemin, Renjun, Shotaro—

"I found it!" Jeno's chipper made her look his way; she saw him holding up a bottle of white wine in his hand, "haechan's hiding places are always expectable," he let out a chuckle.

walking towards him, she grabbed the bottle from his hand and examined it. "so, here is where you and your friends used to hang out?" pulling out two clean glasses from his backpack, he plopped on a beach seat and motioned for her to sit too.

"I know this is ain't your typical go-to date but I really like this place, it holds a sentimental feeling to me, I used to come here whenever I want to stay alone or clear my head." casting a small smile, she let him fill her glass, "no, it's fine," she took a sip and looked at him, "as long as I have fun and it helps me forget about life; it's fine."

offering her a quick smile, he leaned his head on the headrest and closed his eyes, breathing in the cooly hair; the glass still in hand. Racking her eyes around the diamond shape court, she smiled. it was calm and quiet as if the life's noise was muted—as If they were alone in the world. 

turning to her left, she glanced at his peaceful state. She traced the outline of his lips with her eyes, the natural yet subconscious pout evident on his face. she took notice whenever he was in deep thought; he pouts. and it was the softest little pout she had seen on any lips—She was so tempted to kiss it off.

as a result, her eyes lingered on his lips longer than she should have as she wondered what it would feel like on hers. "Jeno," she called suddenly and he hummed softly while glancing at other graphics with a longing look, resulting in him missing the way she was glancing at him.

“Why do you want to be a vampire, Lee Jeno?” Her sudden random question made him slowly sit up and face her. "Why would you willingly give up your life and your humanity…so willingly? Does that have anything to do with your friends being vampires and you not? Because your brother is one too?" she added quietly.

Taking a deep breath, he placed his glass down and let out a breath. his black hair falling on his forehead; covering his saddened eyes. Jeno stuffed his hands in the pocket of his black leather jacket.

"I don't want to stay alone," he mumbled under his breath. "I hate it when they look down at me… only because I'm a human. I hate Taeyong for being overprotective of me because I'm human; because I'm unable to protect myself." he reached for his glass and chugged down his drink.

"He always keep blabbering about the damn possibility of one of his or the 127's enemies would come after me since I'm his weakness, how wonderfu. however; when I asked for him to turn me into a vampire so I won't burden him, he turned his back on me." he bitterly scoffed, jaw clenched. pouring himself another glass and chugging it down, he finally turned to her. eyes lazily bouring into hers, his raw emotions swimming in his eyes, his tough facad sttarting to crumble. not that he cared, he was in need for someone to hear him and understand him and he found comfort in talking with her.

Jeno was feeling vulnerable, unable to be as strong as his brother and his friends for a long time, he hated it. he wanted nothing more than to change that. that and his inevitable fear that he never managed to shake was abandonment. the fear of his friends leaving him out of their lives and problems to protect him forever bugging him.

if anything he fears and despises equally or even more than the idea of being left alone is for him to be un-dependable for those he cares about. the feeling of being powerless and being a burden on his brother's back. he wants those he loves to rely on him and need him in their lives just like he does. He forver believe that he won't be complete without people needing him. he needed to be needed.

Samantha's dry laugh stopped his train of thoughts and slammed it to the wall, "lonely?" she gave him a bitter smile, "if you don't want to stay alone then cherish your humanity. Lee Jeno. becoming a vampire isn't the solution to your problems." 

knitting his eyebrows, he opened his mouth to speak but one look in her weighty eyes made him rethink his words, she spoke ahead. "We vampires are bound to live our immortality alone, bound to stay in the dark; as the creatures of the night. nothing can fill the void in our dead, cold hearts; not even love. why? cause we don't deserve it. ,Love isn't for the damned like us. For whom do you think loneliness was made?"

taking a sip from her glass, she added. "we've cheated death, we are a loophole in nature's system, and for that, we're eternally bounded by two things; loneliness and thirst for blood." downing her drink whole, she side-eyed him.

"so after hearing your excuse about wanting not to stay alone and claiming the solution to your dilemma is becoming a vampire is really ironic, ironic that it irritates me."

licking his lower lip, he found himself speechless. not because he had no reply but because the sadness that lingered in her voice was so loud, "this is a wine." she laughed pointing at the bottle next to jeno's leg. chuckling along with her, he shook his head. "damn, that was deep." she chuckled with him.

"aaand we ran out of wine," jeno slumped his shoulders when he attempted to pour hmself another glass, hearing a chuckle from the hybrid next to him, he smiled but when her laugh died in a heartbeat, Jeno's brows pulled together. "someone is here," she suddenly uttered before standing up and looking around the dim deserted building. 

jeno stood up too and checked his surroundings, "What do you mean? There's no—" he got cut off by noises of waves of laughter and heavy footsteps. "well, well, well. look who we have here!" 

a guy with a smug grin and curly brown hair clapped his hands together but his grin quickly turned into a startled expression when he saw Jeno. "wait—what? Taeyong's lil brother!? We thought you were dead! Nice to see you again, man" jeno clenched his jaw and glared at him intensely. "what do you want?" he spat, darkly.

Samantha stood two steps behind him with an amused grin on her face. this side of Jeno is new to her; all serious and tensed up, protective and pissed. She liked it.

the man whistled and stepped closer to him, his sidekicks following him. "where are your friends, Jen?" the guy shoved his hands in his pockets, lips curled, he looked behind him and once his eyes landed on Samantha, his brows shot up and a crooked smile appeared on his crusty lips. "Woah, Jeno! aren't you going to introduce us to your pretty lady friend?" he flashed her a smirk. 

Jeno stepped in front of the black-haired female, protectively, blocking him from seeing her "What. do. you. want, Juhyeon?" he spoke through gritted teeth, his fists clenched by his side. The veins in his arms were prominent as his sleeves were rolled up. 

Juhyeon lazily looked at him, unaffected by Jeno's attempt to intimidate him. clicking his tongue, he marched towards him, bumping into jeno aggressively in his way till he stood in front of Samantha, "Hey, sweety. wanna ditch this boring bastard and come with us?" he winked at her.

bastard

she smiled and pulled her hands off her pocket. She took a step closer before licking her lips, her smile masking her rage that started to boil right when she heard him cuss at jeno—the moment he called him 'bastard'. She at first, was going to stay out of it and let jeno handle them but now they lost that luxury.

however, before Samantha could lift her hand, jeno growled and lunched towards him with a clenched fist, ready to collide it with his face, but due to Juhyeon's vampirism nature, his fast reflexes allowed him to grab him by the throat mid-air. "what?" he grinned at him, "very protective over your girl, huh? how cute, how about I force you to watch how I'll—"

feeling that she gets enough of the pathetic, low-quality show of power, Samantha swiftly grabbed Juhyeon's wrist and twisted it with ease, making him lose ahold of jeno; the latter fell to the ground and caressed his neck with an irritated expression. boiled with rage, he jumped to his feet and lifted his hand, ready to punch Juhyeon's jaw, who was still yelling in pain, trying to slip off her grasp but jeno stopped dead in his track when Samantha raised her free hand signaling him to stop, Jeno just glared at him.

trashing in her hold, Juhyeon tried pushing her off with his other hand, but Samantha grinned sweetly and effortlessly broke his whole other arm, blessing her and jeno's ears with his scream. twisting his other arm and holding it behind his back, she pinned him against her torso.

"your show was entertaining but I must cut it short. your choice of words made you have lost any chance for me to demonstrate to you my mercy," she whispered in his ear. her low ominous sweet-sickening voice sent shivers down his spine, "I—W" Before he could vocal his words, she kicked his calves, forcing him to his knees.

"Now, kindly answer my friend's question," she demanded looking at the tensed-up five men. "Let him go." seeing their leader's trembling expression, one of them growled at her. "or what?" she replied with a mischievous grin. Jeno was in awe as he watched her with a fond smile.

letting a soft sigh, she clicked her tongue, "You have answered me wrongly, so as a penalty…" she trailed as she looked down at the struggling vampire kneeling down at her feet. bending a little, she brushed her fingers through his hair and tugged it up.

a flurry of gasps followed at the sight of the headless body that fell to the floor, blood pooling around the grey, desiccated corpse. jeno grimaced and scrunched his nose in disgust at the flowing blood. "you fucking bitch," one of them shouted, furiously before he whooshed towards her, only for him to halt in his track when Samantha's hand pierced into his chest.

pulling her hands out with his heart in it, he fell to the ground; his body, too, turned grey and veins start to prominent on the skin. looking at the three standing vampires, she glared at them. "anyone else?" her sudden change in her voice made even Jeno flinch.

one of them smirked and whooshed toward Jeno, hoping to use him as leverage. Jeno quickly noticed it and picked up an iron bar and slammed it to his head; killing him temporarily. "well done," she praised him before whooshing to appear before the other two vampires, looking at the blond vampire, she compelled him. "Don't move."

looking to the left, she glared at the black-haired, eyebrow-pierced vampire, he was visibly scared and that alone made Samantha's grin widen into a sadistic one, "Now, talk."

"Our boss send us in search of Mark Lee. He and his friends used to hang in this place here so we started searching here," he croaked out, Samantha's smile faded and her jaw clenched, her eyes turning whole black. jeno on the other side had his brows knitted. "what do you want from him?" he asked, dumbfounded; but Samantha knows.

breath going rugged, the blond stuttered, "Vampires can't compel …other vampires, how—" his words cut short when Samantha Slammed his brother's head with the flat of her hand before casually, turning to the blond, as if she didn't just behead his twin in front of his eyes.

drinking in his horrified expression, she calmly and slowly approached him, "Well, I'm a special vampire." he watched in panic his brother's head rolling on the ground till it stopped.

"Jeno, come here." confused and mildly nervous, Jeno obliged. "have you ever killed a vampire before?….with your bare hands?" she asked not breaking eye contact with the shaken vampire; enjoying every ounce of fear that he was displaying. "uh, not really. but I'd like to try," he finished with a crooked smile.

"hand me that stake, yes, that one near the chair. great." she stepped aside and watched him, attentively. "aim it at the heart, like that. now pierce it as hard as you can; if you want to kill him fast. slowly if you want him to suffer." tilting his head to the side, he grinned before pursing his lips, feigning an inner debate.

the gasp the blond let out made Jeno's grin widen as he watched the grey color creeping through his skin till he turned into a corpse. "fast? okay." his happy smile made her smirk at him. now that's a start. she thought.

"how about that one?" he looked at the one he knocked up earlier, "you can kill finish if you desire" he shrugged, "I think one is enough for today, thanks," she chuckled and walked toward him once she heard him groan and clutch his head.

placing the pointy edge of the heel of her boot on his throat, she looked at his nervous state as he started to choke. "who sent you behind Mark?" hearing no reply, she prodded her cheek with her tongue before pressing her heel deeper, the man under her feet gasped.

she grinned, maliciously and pressed more till blood start oozing out, and Jeno looked away immediately. from her position, she caught sight of Jeno's grimaced expression, without looking away from the man beneath her shoe, she demanded sternly "Do not look away, Lee Jeno." gulping down the lump forming in his throat, he obliged.

"O-oscar sends us- …he h-heard abo-out the doppelgänger and wanted him. every v-vampire on t-the other s-side of the city are trying to get hi-him for him—"

jeno yelped when Samantha kicked his head off with an infuriated expression. "what?" his eyes were wide in bewilderment, "what does that mean?" he asked but got no answer. seeing Samantha marching towards the exit, he followed her out to the car. 

along the ride, Samantha's jaw kept clenching to the point Jeno thought her teeth will crack at any second. he felt the tension build up and how her grip around the steering wheel tightened by the seconds that her knuckles were all white. her eyes were black as dark veins start to protrude under them. he knew something was wrong, something is happening— about to happen to one of his childhood friends but what made things blurrier is why Samantha Mikaelson was this bothered and affected by it. does she know him? Do they know each other? why would she get this angry over this?

the tension in the car was thick enough that you could slice through it with a knife and Jeno started to feel suffocated as the solemn silence became insufferable.

if what that vampire said was true; every vampire from the other side of the city is looking for Mark, then he must be in danger. Samantha felt a pang in her chest which made her exhale sharply. she had lost him a lot of times throughout her life. recollections of the centuries she spent mourning his death flooded her brain, bringing back vivid and bitter memories that she so desperately kept hidden and forgotten in the deepest part of her brain.

 I'm not going to sit around and allow that to happen. this time, he lives.

Seeing the screen of her phone lit up, she pulled it out of her pocket and skimmed the text she got, letting a sigh, she relaxed her shoulders before putting it back in her pocket. Samantha was aware of the nervousness of her car-mate, she noticed how many times jeno sighed and how he kept cracking his fingers—he was nervous. feeling her looking at him, Jeno turned to her, "Are you okay—"

"—When you hit that vampire like that, it was impressive. I'm proud of you. You're not weak like you prefer to assume, Lee Jeno. You too can be just as strong as your vampire friends. Stop looking down at yourself ." she smiled looking at him. chuckling softly, he let out a relieved breath "Thank you." he looked her in the eyes, emphasizing his genuine gratitude for her simple words. Samantha mirrored his action and smiled at him, "I think I was in the moment and got carried away a bit," he scratched his forearm, chuckling when she did.

opening the car windows to get some fresh air to cool her heated skin, she took a deep breath, "you okay?" jeno asked again, louder this time, concern lingering in his voice. smiling, she gave him a nod, "I'm fine, don't worry." It doesn't need a genius to know that something is wrong as it is very clear but Jeno chose to respect her privacy and sat back in silence again, but this time it wasn't as awkward as before.

but Jeno had no patience and he was just as stubborn as her.

"how do you know Mark?" he suspected with squinted eyes, "that's...that's a long story." she pressed her lips into a thin line and looked at him, "are you going to tell me about it?" he propped his elbow at the car door window, "eventually."

Taking a different road, Jeno sat up and looked out of the window, "this is not—", "change of plans." she cut him off him curtly, "Where are we going then?"

"My family's home."

...

parking in front of the big white house, she stepped out and jeno did the same. "Woah, this house is pretty," he exclaimed. "Klaus bought it. he does have a nice taste," she looked at him and burst into a loud laugh. his face went pale and his eyes went wide as socks, "no need to be scared. Come let go inside." she laughed again before walking down the stone path. 

pushing the door open, both Taemin and Kai stood up. "oh my god... Jeno...?!... I thought you were dead..." Kai mumbled with a shocked expression. "he was under a sleeping spell. that body wasn't him, it was someone else. it was too mutilated to be recognized anyway," taemin shrugged. 

Jeno waved awkwardly at him, not because the situation was weird but because the only Elite member he ever met was Suho and he always felt intimidated by them. One of them talking to him casually like this made him nervous.

Samantha took notice of the tight smile he was wearing and chuckled softly, "Calm down love. they're not going to eat you. unless I tell them so, so don't worry,"

"So, can we— bloody hell! why can't I still enter!?" she exclaimed. Kai chuckled at her annoyed expression but was quick to hide it, "we've been trying the whole day, even Jisung couldn't break the boundary spell," Taemin explained. "wait—what? Jisung was here?"

"Oh, yeah. your friends, right?" he nodded at Kai. "pour kid was shaken in front of Kai, wish you could've seen his face, it was priceless, so cute." looking at Samantha's face, he quickly zipped it up. 

clearing his throat, he added, "There was also a cloaking spell but Jisung lift it. but the boundary spell is still sealed. it's expanded to the entire house -the first floor included- except here; the foyer. once a vampire steps in the sealed zone, the sunlight will burn them—wearing a ring or not. " clicking her tongue, Samantha tugged on her hair, frustrated.

"what are you hiding, Klaus," she mumbled glancing at the flight of stairs. a moment later, she turned on her heel "Kai, take Jeno home, take my car," she threw her car keys at him. "sure."

"Why? Where are you going?" both Kai and taemin snapped their heads at him with widened eyes, "Okay, Jeno. Come, let us leave." Kai grabbed the confused jeno by his shoulders and pushed him to the door. he had no idea that he made them both freak out and fear that she might kill him for being rude and snoopy, but truth be told, sometimes they overreact and act dramatic for no reason. she's not that vulgar, but they refuse to acknowledge it.

"Why did you send him away?" taemin voiced out, his voice echoing in the big empty mansion, "I'm going to check on Taeil to see if he's still alive. it'd be a shame if he couldn't handle the blade for mere three days."

...

the ethereal purple-pink sky loomed on the horizon as the sun sent its last rays, only an orange hue was left creating a beautiful painting above her. The air was chilly and it nibbled on her skin but she could care less, her mind kept going back to the previous two hours she spent with her ex-lover. every time she recalls his confession, she feels more betrayed, hollow, and hurt. But the strongest feeling was rage; pure rage.  

After hopping out of the car, she stopped for a brief second to fix her sweater that fell off a little over her shoulders. She placed her coat on her arm before throwing her hair behind her back and proceeding to the house but she suddenly halted.

her vision got hazy for a split second as her breath got caught in her lungs more than it should. feeling the lack of oxygen entering her lungs, she sucked at the cold harsh breath till she felt her lungs burn. She saw him.

there he was—in flesh, sitting down on the porch of the house playing with Wes— the cat was purring happily on his lap. She knew it was him, his prominent cheekbones rising when he smiled; his perfect red lips stretching into a charming smile. his blue vibrant hair falling graciously on his honey-brown eyes. hearing his vivid chuckle made her heart flutter to the point it started to hurt.

next thing, she found herself walking toward him unconsciously, as if she were a doll and there was a puppeteer tugging on her string and controlling her. apparently, Mark noticed and obviously heard heels clacking as he slowly raised his head. his smile was long gone as he made eye contact with her soft eyes.

he placed the playful cat down and stood up dusting himself off. taking a deep breath, he swallowed it instead of exhaling it the moment he saw her arm-length away standing before him with a welcoming smile. he found himself mesmerized by the soft blueish-grey hue of her eyes, which nearly made him forget what he was about to say; however, her next three words had him frozen.

&lt;- previous chapter

main list

next chapter ->

[nuoyipeach]

Five Senses: Part 1

Chapter One

Yuta couldn't take it anymore. He needed to find his soulmate, his lifelong partner. No it wasn't for anything romantic, at least not for vampires, especially when you're a royalty. He's waited so long, but not once has he felt anyone was the right person, and by now was sick and tired of holding parties to meet more people.

Right now he laid in his bed groaning into his pillow in pain. If he didn't find his soulmate soon, his health would deteriorate even more, and he'd be the first royalty to actually die. His half brother stood aside shaking his head, earning a light smack from his own partner, now his beloved wife, who mind spoke to him.

Talk to him!

How? What's there left to do?

Idiot!

Hey! You married this idiot.

Sadly yes.

Taeyong pouted as his wife looked at him mad, then sat next to Yuta herself and tapped his shoulder.

"Yuta, take the medicine for now." she spoke softly. She was always kind, not just to him but everyone. She tugged him to get up and take the medicine the doctor claimed would at least keep him painless, but everyone knew it wouldn't save him.

And so he gave up. "What's the point Seulgi? I might as well be in pain. At least it'll take my mind off the fact that I'm dying."

Taeyong groaned hearing him and smacked his butt. "Stop saying that already! You're not going to die. You'll find someone, I promise."

Yuta got up and stared at him angrily. "IT'S EASY FOR YOU TO SAY!" he yelled, groaning again when his body hurt even more. Seulgi quickly got his medicine and forced him to take it before letting him collapse into his bed again.

"Listen Yuta." she spoke. "I know for a fact that you will not die, at least not before meeting your soulmate. You know I grew up with humans, and if there's one thing I learned from them is that no one dies unloved."

Seulgi wasn't a regular vampire. Her father was killed during a clan war, so her mother moved to live out of the clan to raise her more normally, and she loved it. The way she met Taeyong was something humans would call fate, as the two accidentally held hands in a club and both their five senses worked, the slight pain they had gone.

"It doesn't matter Seulgi..."

"Yes it does. Look, all you've done is stay inside the grounds and had parties to see people. In my opinion, it's time you go outside and explore."

Yuta groans again, this time Taeyong leaves getting annoyed by his stubbornness. Seulgi rolls her eyes at the two, then turns back to Yuta cocking her eyebrow.

"Well if you won't do it, I will."

The next thing he knew, Yuta was standing in the middle of a playground. His eyes widened as he took in the surroundings of children running around while adults walked or sat on the benches chatting.

I'll kill you for this Seulgi!

Well at least I'll die knowing I helped out!

Ugh!

Giving up, Yuta simply walked around in this foreign land, and realised Seulgi was right. He never stepped outside their lands, so seeing children lining up for an ice cream truck was a surprise.

Humans...

He shook his head and walked away, strolling around the place until he reached a more quite park. No one was really there, just passing by from time to time. Suddenly, he felt a stabbing pain in his chest. It's happened again, he crouched onto his knees as his hand grabbed the part that hurt. He didn't have the medicine, or enough strength to teleport back to his room.

"Oh My God!" he heard someone shriek and footsteps getting louder as the person ran towards him. "Are you OK? Should I call an ambulance? Hey, look at me!"

Soft hands grabbed Yuta by his arms and turned him around so his head laid on the their lap, and he got a glimpse of them. Suddenly, the pain receded, and he was able to make out the lady holding him.

"Do you need help? Wait, I'll call the ambulance." she spoke, and it felt as if it cured him. The more she touched him, spoke to him, the more he looked at her, his pain reduced.

It can't be...

"Wait..." he groaned and held her hand with her phone as she nearly called the ambulance. "Don't... They can't... do anything..." he said as he slowly sat up. The lady helped support his back, and his pain receded even more at the touch.

There were two more things he had to check, smell and taste. He looked at the hand he held and pulled it to himself, sniffing her wrist. The lady's eyes widened and she screamed.

"Pervert! What are you doing!?!"

Yuta held her hand tight again, panting as the pain was still there, just in his chest. "Please listen to me. What are you?"

"Excuse me?"

"What are you?" he asked again with pleading eyes. The lady sensed he wasn't a pervert, at least she hoped he wasn't with the way his eyes softened.

"I'm a store manager."

"A human?" he asked, causing her to look at him bewildered.

"Why? Do I look like a monster to you?" the lady asked cocking her eyebrow. Yuta sighed and shut his eyes, and once he opened them again she gasped. "You're..." she trailed off, bewitched by his red eyes.

"Please, let me kiss you." he cut her off. "Let me kiss you just once, and if it works I'll tell you everything."

Something about his eyes captivated her, she didn't know what came over her but she nodded. Yuta gently cupped her cheek and pulled her in, kissing her lips.

Until it happened. His fangs poked through, and he tasted her blood. And he knew for sure she was the one.

His soulmate.

The lady froze at the piercing feeling in her lips, not even blinking when he pulled away and stared at her. He sat up more properly and wiped the blood smudge off her lips, sucking it off his thumb after.

"Do you believe in soulmates?"

"I..." she staggered. "Maybe..." she managed to whisper. Yuta pursed his lips and slowly stood up holding her hand, tugging her to stand with him. He snaked an arm around her waist and smiled a little apologetically.

"What's your name?"

"Park Sooyoung..."

+++

[someonexsomeone]

Laufeyfest Masterlist

This was made in celebration in Laufey's new album "Bewitched" coming September 8th, 2023! Each story is inspired by the name of the fic, though keep in mind they aren't explicitly song fics. Thank you, and enjoy!

Street by Street // Miguel O'Hara (3.5k)

he’s hot but at what cost, alluded cheating, happyish ending, np!reader

James // Remus Lupin (3.5k)

friends to lovers, misplaced love, intentional miscommunication between friends, np!reader

Love to Keep Me Warm // Harry Potter (1.5k)

young romance, winter is the best time for young love tbh, slytherin/gryffindor pair, np!reader

Valentine // Draco Malfoy (2.5k)

traumatic pasts make loving hard, post Hogwarts, acquaintances to lovers, nb!reader

Everything I Know About Love // Bella Swan (3k)

strangers to lovers, drinking/drunk acitivites, edward slader, nb!reader

Fragile // George Weasley (3.5k)

strangers to lovers, dickhead man creates yummy tension, love interest isn't from Hogwarts, np!reader

Dear Soulmate // Edward Cullen (2.3k)

hes a sap, no Bella, fated mates, np!reader

Falling Behind // Lee Taeyong (3.2k)

coffee shop au, strangers to lovers?, painfully awkward, np!reader

Just like Chet // John Price (3.9k)

stranger to lovers, love is hard when your man is government propaganda, np!reader

From the Start // Mark Lee (2.7k)

school AU, friends to lovers, unrequited love or is it?, nb!reader

Promise // Hobie Brown

long distance, exes can be friends, cross dimensional relationships are hard

Spin Offs

Bus Boy (Beautiful Stranger) // Megumi Fushiguro (2.5k)

nonsorcerer au, strangers to something more?, unrequited love or is it?, minimal dialogue, nb!reader

tip! - m! = he/him, f! = she/her, nb! = they/them, np! = no gendered pronouns used (only “I” or “you”)

[softsan]

・⊹ 🎐 ˙ ̟!! NCT MASTERLIST

key: fluff 🤍 , angst 🖇️ , suggestive 🍶 , smut 🥛 , adult themes 🍚 , coming soon 📨 , in progress 🎧 , completed 📑 , requests 📁 .

✉️ ・ 𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓 ・ ᝰ

˚ ☁️ ⊹ alphabet boy. — lee taeyong 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🥛 , 📨 , single dad au, ceo au synopsis - after a nasty breakup with your ex-boyfriend, you return back to the city you once called home. not quite ready to face your parent’s disapproval, you beg your brother jaehyun to keep the secret of your return and help you out by securing you a job. what you hadn’t foreseen to come was the all-consuming relationship that would form with your new boss taeyong… what more trouble could you possibly find yourself into? - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ champagne problems. — lee taeyong 10k ; 🖇️ , 🥛 , 🍚 , 📨 , gangster au synopsis - the night was young, your parents were merry. this engagement would prove fruitful for you family, only furthering their fortunes. however, the infamous gangster taeyong has other plans. can you resist  taeyong’s deadly allure? or will you fall helplessly for the for the enemy you should avoid? - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ twist of a pen. — lee taeyong 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 📨 , fantasy au synopsis - you were a novice scriptwriter who had just received your big break joining the writing team for the upcoming miniseries starring some of hollywood’s finest. taeyong was the heartthrob lead, cold and distant to everyone on set. one rainy evening, whilst writing, you accidentally fall asleep and find yourself transported to an alternative reality where you are the princess of the script you were writing, and taeyong is the villain that tries to kill you. - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ noir. — kim doyoung 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🥛 , 🍚 , 📨 , 1950′s setting, gangster au synopsis - you were a daunting figure, a true-born witch of the lunar coven. doyoung was a formidable foe, a gangster from the city east. both of you worked in societies’ shadows to expand your own personal objectives. however, it appears fate has entwined your paths together in more ways than one. What happens when you pair an impulsive witch with a ruthless gangster? chaos. - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ you're undeniable, love. — kim doyoung 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 🍚 , 📨 , medieval setting, fantasy au synopsis - you had promised the elders to keep a low profile. to do what you must to sell yourself as an ordinary being. once disguised as a maid, your lady who was betrothed to the merciless prince doyoung flees before her wedding ceremony, leaving her father with the impossible choice of finding a replacement to pose as his daughter in order not to offend the warring states. his replacement, most unfortunately, is you. however, will you survive alongside the lies, deceit and a husband the world has branded as a monster?  - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ mortem. — jung jaehyun 10k ; 🖇️ , 🥛 , 🍚, demon au synopsis - you were a struggling dropout who took a side job as a waitress at a maid café. not only were you financially supporting your high school sweetheart through law school, but you were also responsible for taking care of his elderly grandmother. despite your dedication to your boyfriend, he commits the ultimate betrayal, selling your soul to the underworld. desperate for your survival, you make an impossible choice…becoming a servant of a bloodthirsty demon, jaehyun. . - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ be my valentine. — mark lee 3.2k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 📑 , 1980's setting, best friend au synopsis - you’ve had a crush on your neighbour mark since you were a kid. one fateful valentines day dance you decide to confess your love. unfortunately, things go horribly wrong as a slew of misunderstandings occur. - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ hold me tight. — lee donghyuk 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 📨 , soulmate au synopsis - . - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ sugar cookie. — lee jeno 10k ; 🤍 , 🥛 , 📨 , slice of life, cafe au synopsis - life can be challenging. one of your daily challenges was trying to study in your brother’s cafe, in the presence of the cute barista boy, jeno. you knew you really should have gone elsewhere—you concentration fading by the second, but oh you couldn’t will yourself to leave, not after he flashed that smile of his in your direction. - read here.

˚ ☁️ ⊹ so called love. — na jaemin 10k ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 📨 , soulmate au synopsis - . - read here.

✉️ ・ 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 ・ ᝰ

˚ 🌨️ ⊹ mafia au. — nct 10k+ ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🥛 , 🍚 , 🎧 , mafia au synopsis - dive into the dark, devious, devilish mafia universe. where one rejoices in deadly past times, and indulges in all sorts of sin. - read here.

˚ 🌨️ ⊹ werewolf au. — nct 10k+ ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍶 , 🍚 , 🎧 , werewolf au synopsis - howl alongside the werewolf universe. come across the likes of moon beast, wolf bites, and other wicked and wild things. - read here.

˚ 🌨️ ⊹ hybrid au. — nct 127 10k+ ; 🤍 , 🖇️ , 🍚 , 🎧 , hybrid au synopsis - embrace the hybrid universe. overcome the greatest of differences and the hardest of challeges, for a reward most precious. - read here.

✉️ ・ 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐒 ・ ᝰ

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ taeyong. [5:43 am] [1:58 pm] [4:09 pm] [5:26 pm] [10:58 pm] [11:56 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ johnny. [7:43 am] [2:26 pm] [3:43 pm] [5:38 pm] [8:23 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ yuta. [7:45 am] [8:55 am] [4:45 pm] [5:47 pm] [6:45 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ kun. [4:56 pm] [6:12 pm] [8:45 pm] [11:04 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ doyoung. [10:12 am] [3:14 am] [8:36 pm] [9:06 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ ten. [12:31 am] [6:13 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jaehyun. [3:12 am] [4:51 am] [8:56 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ winwin. [5:48 am] [11:03 am] [1:39 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jungwoo. [7:07 am] [7:43 am] [7:45 am] [5:28 pm] [7:21 pm] [11:58 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ mark. [8:12 am] [6:59 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ xiaojun. [6:02 am] [10:17 am] [4:43 pm] [5:34 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ hendery. [6:42 am] [8:54 am] [2:30 am] [6:08 am]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ renjun. [12:03 am] [10:01 am] [3:25 pm] [6:02 pm] [11:54 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jeno. [12:25 am] [10:12 am] [4:09 pm] [4:43 pm] [5:43 pm] [9:47 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ haechan. [11:15 am] [3:01 pm] [5:56 pm] [11:39 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jaemin. [12:20 am] [1:06 am] [8:45 am] [11:03 am] [4:58 pm] [6:14 pm] [7:34 pm]

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ yangyang. [2:32 am] [7:45 am] [9:18 am] [2:58 pm] [10:56 pm] 

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ chenle.

˚ 🌩️ ⊹ jisung.

© softsan - all rights reserved. please do not repost on any social media sites, translate, or modify any of my works.

[galoresficrecs]

ℕℂ𝕋 M.LIST

LAST UPDATED ON: May 26th, 2022

newly added ✦ || personal faves ✪ || ongoing ✑

ratings:

not rated || general || teen and up || mature || explicit🔞

❧ donghyuck x mark ☙

✪One of Us by sweetkpopfan [18,1k words | 6 ch] gangsters!au, college!au || teen and up

soulmate talk by hyuckios [3,7k words] party!au || teen and up

two night stand by starrytae [8,5k words] strangers to lovers || explicit🔞

❧ doyoung x jaehyun ☙

Hot Mama Troubles by sweetkpopfan [15,6k words | 2 ch] a/b/o!au, milf!doyoung, high school principal!jaehyun || explicit🔞

The Third Wheeler by sweetkpopfan [9,6k words] college!au, strangers to lovers || teen and up

Trial Run by sweetkpopfan [14,8k words] roommates!au quarantine || explicit🔞

❧ jaehyun x taeyong ☙

hi, hello by n_kei [56,7k words | 10 ch] coming of age, self-discovery, phone sex || explicit🔞

❧ jaemin x jeno ☙

✪ Lee Funeral Home by TheSwingbyJeanHonoreFragonard [3,9k words] supernatural!au, dark comedy, horror elements || teen and up

❧ winwin x yuta ☙

sakuras on your skin by dowoondays [1,9k words] flower shop x tattoo parlour!au || teen and up

❧ otn°/multi☙

quarantine chronicles by domjaehyun [28,5k words] jaehyun/johnny/jungwoo/jaemin x reader || roommates!au, friends to lovers, quarantine || explicit🔞

quarantine chronicles 2 by domjaehyun [55,2k words] jaehyun/johnny/jungwoo/jaemin/mark x reader || roommates!au, friends to lovers, quarantine || explicit🔞

quarantine chronicles 3 by domjaehyun [43k words] jaehyun/johnny/jungwoo/jaemin/mark/jeno/haechan x reader || roommates!au, friends to lovers, quarantine || explicit🔞

Art Lovers by varietyhour [2,9k words] kun x ten/johnny x ten || artists!au, cuckolding || explicit🔞

✪ [One of Us sequel] ✑ Now That You're One of Us, You Have to Deal With Us by sweetkpopfan [110,9k words | 12/? ch] multi-pairing || gangsters!au || teen and up