#thanks to her intense dance training routine

[brotherslayer]

AU where Penelope has been hooking up with Anastacius, Claude and Diana and she is genuinely not aware she has been cheating on her partner the whole time because all blonde people look the same to her

[onsomenewsht]

De pelearnos y odiarnos y amarnos después

About when she was everything for you, but you were just one more fan

《 shout out to @p0orbaby for putting up with this shit, making it less shitty and being the only reason Alexia has feelings in the first place

》 Alexia Putellas x Reader

》 words count: +3.7k

》 player [noun]: 1. a person who participates in or is skilled at some game or sport; 3. an actor: a theatrical performer, a person who plays parts on the stage; 5. a person who engages in casual and indiscriminate sexual relationships.

Barcelona is not that big of a city if you stop and think about it.

Especially when you end up in the same places with the same people, especially when your circle of family and friends is pretty tight. Especially when you work in a world as small as the women’s football one.

You and Alexia Putellas crossed paths a lot of times before coming up with the brilliant idea of braiding and twisting your lives together.

And it was fun.

Until it wasn’t anymore.

“I got your coffee”

“Oh, you’re still here”

The smile on your face doesn’t falter, even if her words will ricochet in your mind for a long time, so you keep sipping your coffee and mindlessly scrolling through your phone after booking your ride back home.

It’s quite early, you know she has training in an hour, but the late-night activities you indulged in must have tired the Catalan more than she expected as you woke up before her.

Usually, you don’t even find her in the apartment when you drift out of sleep, slowly collecting your things and leaving the empty place with a pair of keys to hide under a plant vase.

“I had time to go to the cafeteria around the corner, you slept through your first alarm”

“Why didn’t you wake me up?”, it’s not really a question as she sprints up to the bathroom.

It’s known Alexia is quite strict with her routine and her absolute devotion to her passion and profession, you’re not really phased about her rush. Eating the pasties that came with your drinks is a good enough distraction as you leave the blonde to her morning rituals.

Your ride is going to be ten whole minutes later than expected anyway.

When she joins you in the kitchen, already dressed in training attire, it’s clear she will not indulge and sit to have breakfast with you. Not deeming her of a look, you hand the footballer her coffee and favourite treat.

“Thank you”, she smiles at you.

How Alexia manages to turn your day upside down in a matter of moments, just with casually cruel words or well-placed kisses, still goes beyond you.

Her lips on your neck are a proven method and a really effective distraction to keep herself on your good side, she’s out of the door as soon as she hears your moan and feels your shoulders relax under her hands.

~

The club is packed as you make your entrance, the sudden change of temperature causing a shiver to go down your exposed back.

Despite the number of bodies dancing around each other, you spot your friends pretty easily – the loudest group in the most secluded corner of the place. Laughs and screams are thundering above the reggaeton music as you get closer.

“Here she is, the princess herself, blessing us commoners with her presence!”

“Fuck you”, you hit your best friend Jordi with a forceful punch on his shoulder but a genuine smile lighting up your features.

“Not my fault we can barely remember your face nowadays”

“Yet I still have to look at your stupid one”

He doesn’t mind your hand on his face, annoyingly shoving him off as you take a free seat at the table and greet all your other friends. It’s been a while since the last time you went out with them.

The night gets intense quickly as you finish your third drink and hit the dance floor with Jordi. You two have been friends since even before you can remember, learning to walk together and bonding over shared happy memories and sad heartbreaks.

He was the first person you came out to, not regretting telling him even when he laughed in your face, claiming he knew as well as your high school Maths professor did – maybe your crush was not as good of a secret as you hoped for.

You were the first person he confessed his fear of turning into his own father, not regretting telling you even when you booked him an appointment with a therapist and assured him that people are allowed to not like their own parents, but still love them in some twisted way.

Jordi is a great friend, the one you’re most comfortable with. That’s how you find yourself with your arms around his shoulders and his hands on your waist as the music blasts in the club.

It’s a freeing sensation, to be able to let yourself go in the secure embrace of someone you love.

A strange feeling crumbles from the pit of your stomach as another pair of hands circles you from behind, but you don’t think too much about it. Your body is always reacting to Alexia.

She doesn’t even have to touch you, somehow feeling her eyes on you the moment she entered the club with a bunch of cheering friends.

You knew it was a matter of time.

“Can I steal you for a dance?”

Jordi shoots you a raised eyebrow and a silent question, not amused with the whole situation and not quite happy with the way you’re handling this relationship with the blonde girl. He’s too supportive to say anything right this moment, but you know he has opinions – strong ones.

You nod with a smile before turning around in Alexia’s arms.

“He doesn’t like me”, her hands on your waist but her eyes fixed on Jordi.

“You don’t even know him”

“I don’t need to, he looks at me like I kicked his dog”

The tension is quite annoying for you, so you don’t even dignify her with an answer, merely acknowledging her disappointment by tracing her frown with your fingers. The Catalan hands are firmer as she pushes your bodies closer, following the music and the beats of your hearts.

“Wanna come to my place?”

“I’m here with my friends”, you half-smile, you told her a couple days ago you were going out to celebrate a colleague’s promotion.

“I leave for camp tomorrow”

You know, you plan a lot of your commitments around her crazy schedule.

All Alexia needs to do to convince you to leave the club is move her surprisingly caring hands up and down your exposed back, whispering nice words in your ear.

She has you wrapped around her fingers, and she has no shame in turning it in her favour.

~

Football is a family business, flowing in your veins for generations with a grandfather who played for Barcelona and both your parents involved on some level in the sport.

You played for a bit, realising quite early you didn’t have what it takes to go professional, but you found your path toward the green pitch anyway. Making a name as a sports lawyer was quite eventful, now you watch a football game with one eye on the ball and the other on paperwork.

Finding time to just sit there, be present, and enjoy your favourite club play without thinking of the legal repercussions is not easy, yet you manage. It still comes with huge repercussions on your mental health, but that’s part of the fun.

When Alexia crushed your life, you thought it couldn’t really influence your already massive passion for the sport. You already watched Barça games, and you even already know some of the players.

Oh, how wrong you were.

The Blaugrana captain is like a magnet, always able to catch your eyes and lock them on her for the entire 90 minutes, filling your mind and somehow making you body reacts to her every movement. You don’t miss a game, you spot her immediately on the pitch or on the bench.

You smile just knowing she’s doing what she loves.

“They better win or I’ll personally go down there to kick their ass”

You laugh at Mapi outburst. Despite her attitude, you know it pains her to be in the stands to support her friends on the international stage, hidden behind a cap. Telling her how much you admire her stance on such an important cause, no matter the consequences on her own life, is not enough. You’re committed to changing the game for her too.

“Three goals are a lot to overcome”, Ingrid points out with a teasing smile.

“What side are you on?”

“Yours, always”

Seeing the Norwegian kiss her girlfriend’s hand puts a smile on your face, making it easier to bite down the bittersweet taste of jealousy for the amazing relationship they have.

Like if something shakes you, you drift your eyes on the pitch right on time. Alexia is going for a run as Aitana sends her a beautiful pass on her left. You’re on your feet even before the ball finds the back of the net and the crowd erupts in cheers.

The celebration is cut short, there isn’t time to lose, but you can see something sparkling in the footballer’s eyes as she indulges in it a little, spurring the supporters to be louder when she retrieves the ball to restart the game as soon as possible.

Her teammates pat her back as they get back in position, getting just nods and prompts to keep the momentum going.

Then Jenni is on her side and Alexia lets the tall woman hug her, smiling.

Is strange, the uneasy feeling that spreads inside your stomach. Your hands are closed in fists but your legs are trembling, as if your body can’t tell you’re on quite cramped seats.

Spain doesn’t manage to overcome the three goals, despite the team’s best efforts. You know the captain will be in a sour mood for who knows how long, and she’s not going to come to you for comfort – not the one you’re willing to give her anyway.

~

You don’t mean to overhear the conversation, you don’t even mean to be there in the first place.

A national team representative pulls you aside after noticing you on the stands and asks to talk to you – or better, trying to talk you out of a legal wrangle between the federation and one player you represent.

It’s a useless attempt, but you’re not ashamed to admit you enjoy quite a lot letting those men think they can overpower you.

He guides you just outside the stadium, talking over himself. The first argument is reasonable enough, you can admit, but you lose interest pretty easily.

As soon as the players start to exit the facility, post-game rituals cut short after the defeat, you immediately take it like the best way out of the conversation.

You were just there, right behind the doors.

“Cheer up, Ale, let her kiss it better!”, Jenni mocks the blonde with a tattooed arm around her shoulder.

“Shut up!”

“Don’t tell me there’s trouble in paradise already”

“No paradise, no troubles”, Alexia mumbles back, stopping by the door.

They’re probably waiting for someone, unaware of your frozen form just around the corner. A couple of steps, and they would see you. A couple of steps, and this torture would end. Yet you can’t move and they’re still arguing.

“She’s around a lot more, she sleeps at your place–”

“That happens when you have a fuck buddy, I can’t control what she does”

You never hear her talking about you with such spite, such annoyance in her voice. Alexia is not the best one when it comes to expressing her feelings, but you think she’d talk about your relationship with some emotion. Any kind of emotion, but this.

“Oh, come on! You’re cute together–”

“Jenni, drop it”, the Catalan’s tone is harsh and final, “We’re nothing at all”

Well aware your relationship is not defined by any terms, the casually cruel honesty in her words makes your head spin regardless.

You know the nature of the bond between the two of you is built on sex, physical attraction, and convenience for more than one reason.

You’d hope some respect is granted with the intimacy of it all.

When a couple of players finally exit the facility, Alexia is in the back of the group with a deep frown on her face. Your eyes meet immediately and you can easily tell she wishes you could disappear as much as you do.

~

“Are you fucking joking?”

“I said I’m sorry!”, the blonde scoffs as she reaches for her abandoned shirt in a corner of your bedroom.

Hiding the marks on your neck and on her thighs will be more difficult.

“That’s it, you say you’re sorry and that’s it for you”, you fear she doesn’t even know what she’s sorry for.

“I genuinely don’t understand, what do you want from me?”

“I want you to fucking care!”, you rise from your bed, marching toward her before she has the time to leave the room – not minding the height she has on you, “I want you to at least acknowledge your mistake, to really apologise for disrespecting–”

“My mistake?”

When she snorts right on your face, you lose it, shaking your head in disbelief. It’s pretty easy to believe though, it’s not the first time Alexia does or says something that genuinely hurts you and doesn’t even realise what the problem is.

This one time her dismissive behaviour and stubbornness are a bit too much.

The athlete tries to get your attention back, seeing you dressing up and pretending she’s not even in the room anymore.

It takes everything on you to ignore her hands and pleading words.

“You’re overreacting”

“You really should go, Alexia”

“Can we talk about it?”

“About what? You don’t think you have anything to apologise for, you have no idea how much you keep hurting me. Fuck, you were ready to leave a moment ago!”

Opening the front door for her, you feel her eyes studying your body as to read your mind and her action burning inside you in a way you can just hope will not scar you permanently.

Alexia has so much power over you.

You want to hold it all against her, keeping close to the last amount of respect you have for yourself. You want to scream in her face how disregarding she is, how much she keeps shaming your relationship. You want to lay out for her all the actions and all the feelings she has shown you so far, both full of love and full of shit.

“I’ll call tomorrow”

“Please, don’t”, you plead as you invite her to leave one more time.

“Then happy birthday”

Her lips on your forehead burn like a mark.

~

“This is bullshit!”, Alexia mumbles as she drops the papers with the speech you helped her write and rehearse for the past hour.

She has an interview on a famous British sports TV show in a couple of days, they give her a whole segment to talk about the development of women’s football in Europe, about her foundation, and her plans for the future. Then they informed her she should do it in English.

“I think is impressive you can hold your own in your third language, but you can’t pronounce this phrase to save your life”

“I think you’re making fun of me”

“I am, indeed”, you admit with a genuine smile on your face, reaching for her speech to find a way around the words for her.

The footballer watches as you revise the script one more time, her frustration softened looking at your pen dancing around the papers and your tongue trapped between your lips – a sign of your focus, she learned.

“I will cook dinner while you’re on it”, she states, rising from the spot on the sofa before you can meet her eyes.

It happens sometimes, Alexia could prove to you her effort, even her care, with nice little gestures out of nowhere.

A full breakfast could appear on your kitchen table as you wake up late after a long and rough night with the blonde, who left the apartment with the first rays of sunshine.

A ticket for a concert could light up your phone with a few days’ notice, making you cancel any plan and jumping in anticipation for what looks a lot like an actual date.

A bunch of flowers could be delivered at your place without an apparent reason, following weeks of radio silence, but you learned to read her inability to express gratitude with words when you hold her body and soul firmly after a particularly tough training session or media day.

There could be random gestures and small details, making you feel a fleeting sense of stability and a bittersweet taste of how it could be to be loved by Alexia.

~

“I think she could actually love you, if she tries”, Jordi states out of nowhere, half-empty drink in his hand and eyes fixed on your friends having their first dance.

“Excuse me?”

“The fucking queen of football”

“Yeah, I figured. Where’s that even coming from?”

Trembling hands find invisible creases to smooth on your dress, not a good enough distraction from everything around you. Your friends really went on and beyond with the wedding reception, soft music surrounding them as basically all the guests form a circle around couple.

“Just saying”

“You don’t even like her”, you bite back.

“I don’t like how she makes you feel”

“She makes me feel good too”

The pity you let wash over yourself is enough to turn your cheeks red with embarrassment and something else you’re not quite ready to admit.

You know she’d love you, the signs are all there.

You know she knows too.

Letting her hurt you in the process, waiting for a change of heart that may never happen, makes you hate yourself a little bit. Never Alexia, just yourself.

“You should put yourself first”, he finds your hand, holding it firmly.

The music changes subtly as your friends start to join the couple at the centre of the dance floor with their partner.

“You should go dance with Angelica, she can put up with you only so much”

~

You start to question if your love alone can bridge the gap between your lives.

Alexia welcomes you into her apartment more often, having dinner or sharing silent coffees in the morning instead of just letting you stay long enough to satisfy your needs.

And then fall off the face of the earth, ignoring your futile attempts to reach out.

Alexia invites you to nights out with her friends. Her hand holds possessively any part of your body within reach, sending cold stares to anyone who could move too close around you or no less touch you in a shy effort to get your attention.

And then pretends you’re not even there in the first place when someone calls her out on her behaviour.

Alexia saves her jersey for you after an important win, putting the piece of clothing on you herself in the family and friends section. She ignores her sister’s tease to turn the conversation around, talking about details of the game and weekend plans.

And then asks you to come up with some excuse to not attend the same plans she made right in front of you, the same plans you’re invited to by the people she loves most.

Alexia gives you something that looks a lot like love and then takes it all back, ripping away your affection and care without looking back at your deeming light.

“We need to talk”, she greets you into her apartment with unusual gravity and her lips curved at a strange angle.

“Hello to you too”

Fighting fire with fire is one thing you had to learn as your relationship with the Catalan grew, both in your heart and in your life – intertwining and rubbing off every single moment of your day and night.

Alexia takes the cold shoulder with almost a guilty nod, knowing inside she’s the reason for your harsh words and uneasy attitude around everyone lately. You show her colours she didn’t even know existed, and she manages to take them away from you.

“We should stop this”

You turn her voice off as soon as you register her decision.

The footballer tells you that this relationship, this agreement, isn’t working anymore. That you’re hurting each other. That she’s hurting you. She admits she needs to focus on herself, on giving everything she still has in her career.

She says you deserve better, you deserve someone who gives you as much attention and care as you give to them.

Not a sentence, not a single word, or apology matters.

A wave of shame washes over you as soon as you realise she has to be the one to end it all, granting you more respect than you had for yourself.

You stop her speech midway with a raised hand, you accept her decision with a knowing grimace, and you leave her apartment without looking back – allowing her to make any trace of tears disappear from her face.

~

In the weeks that followed, it became clear how deeply your lives intertwined over the time you spent together.

You have to buy a new set of your favourite body wash, your last one still in Alexia’s bathroom. The book you’re reading is still unfinished, letting you questioning if the sister was actually the murderer, as you remember you left it face down somewhere in her apartment. You accept the promotion they offered you months ago, booking a one-way ticket for a city that’s definitely not Barcelona but looks a lot like a new beginning.

You park up memories and try to let go of the hurt, both for yourself and for the end of something you know it’d be beautiful.

It was beautiful, but it was ugly and painful too.

When you find yourself in the stands of a filled stadium, surrounded by high-profile men in suits and the most influential people in football, you can’t hold back your genuine smile as soon as Alexia scores a last-minute goal, securing her team the victory.

You’ll always be Alexia’s supporter, even if that’s the only role you’ll ever play in her life.

fine.

[iseos]

: PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

library. p. trainee!nakamura kazuha x f!r g. slight angst, fluff wc. 736 w! slightly implied that reader speaks japanese © iseos

the two sat alone in the practice room, the music continuing to play despite the girls having stopped dancing a few minutes ago. y/n watched kazuha through the expansive mirror that covered the wall; both were visibly exhausted.

"i don't think i can keep doing this," y/n managed between heavy breaths. kazuha didn't even open her eyes.

"same," she huffed out and moved to get up, "it's getting late; we should head back to the dorm."

"no—i mean...i’m thinking about leaving the program,” y/n interrupted, catching kazuha’s attention through the mirror. she watched as her body froze in an awkward half-standing position and her head snapped towards her.

"oh."

part of kazuha understood y/n’s sentiment; she wanted the best for her, yet selfishly, she didn't want her to leave. she was one of the only people the former ballerina could talk to and she would've been lost without her.

being a trainee was undoubtedly tough, physically and mentally. constant stress, sore bodies from long hours of practice, and sudden evaluations clouded their uncertain future and debut prospects.

as the song came to an end, an uneasy silence filled the room. y/n shifted uncomfortably under kazuha’s intense gaze, avoiding her reflection in the mirror.

they both hesitated to speak again, the weight of y/n's words lingering in the air. kazuha's eyes eventually softened, a mix of concern and bittersweet understanding replacing her previous unreadable expression as she sat back down beside her.

y/n stumbled over her words, voice vulnerable. “i love this—i really do, and i want to debut—but i’m tired zuha. i just don’t know if i can keep up with the constant pressure anymore. i feel like i’m suffocating.”

her eyes trained on her shoes as she fidgeted with the ends of her laces, "i'm scared that all this hard work might not lead to anything and i'm just wasting my time."

kazuha scooted closer, leaning her head on y/n's shoulder. she remained silent, taking in her words.

their weary faces reflected in the mirror showed their shared struggle, not just with dance routines or vocal exercises, but with the relentless pursuit of a dream that demanded everything from them.

a mixture of emotions swirled within the former ballerina. she understood y/n’s struggles, having similar doubts herself. the pressure of training, the uncertainty of their future debut, and the relentless grind had taken a toll on both of them.

finally, after a long moment, kazuha spoke softly, her voice carrying the weight of understanding and empathy. “y/n, i understand. it’s okay to feel overwhelmed,” her hand found y/n’s offering a gentle squeeze of reassurance, “but remember why we came here. we knew it would be tough, but we believed in this dream.”

y/n nodded slowly, absorbing kazuha’s words. “i’m just…i’m scared of giving up,” she admitted quietly, her voice wavering.

“you won't have to,” she replied firmly, lifting her head to meet y/n’s eyes directly, “we’ll figure this out together, whether it’s pushing forward or finding another path.”

a faint smile formed on your/n’s lips, grateful for kazuha’s unwavering support. they sat there in the quiet practice room; the music had stopped, but their resolve to pursue their dreams, regardless of how small it had become, continued to burn in the reflection staring back at them.

it was silent again for a moment, the only sound being the faint footsteps of people walking the halls despite the late hour. once y/n gathered her thoughts she turned to the other girl, “thank you, zuha,” she began, her voice steadier now, “and i’m sorry for dampening the mood—i mean, we finally got the choreography right, we should be happy right now!”

seeing y/n’s spirits lift, kazuha knelt beside her, grasping the girl’s shoulder. “think about how we felt watching our seniors perform. one day, that will be us, center stage with our own songs!”

“repeat after me: we will debut…and soon,” kazuha declared, shaking y/n lightly. y/n couldn’t help but laugh at the girl’s enthusiasm. “say it!”

“we will… debut!” y/n managed through laughter.

grinning brightly, kazuha practically shouted, “yes we will!”

as they caught their breath, both girls fell into a comfortable silence once more.

“okay, can we go home now? i’m so tired.”

“please,” y/n groaned out.

[51faces]

Inner Beauty

Dreamcatcher x 8th member

The sun cast a warm glow over Seoul as Y/N stood outside the towering entertainment agency building. Clutching her acceptance letter tightly, she took a deep breath. Today marked the beginning of her journey as the newest member of Dreamcatcher—a renowned K-pop group known for their unique sound and powerful performances.

As she stepped inside, the cool air of the lobby greeted her. Navigating through bustling staff members and trainees, she finally reached the practice room. Her heart pounded as she pushed open the door.

Seven pairs of eyes turned toward her.

"Ah, you must be Y/N!" Jiu, the leader, exclaimed with a radiant smile. "We've been waiting for you."

Y/N bowed deeply. "Hello, I'm Y/N. It's an honor to meet you all."

Sua bounced over, her energy infectious. "No need to be so formal! We're going to be sisters from now on."

Siyeon grinned. "Welcome to the family. Don't mind Sua; she's always this excited."

Handong approached with a gentle expression. "If you need help with anything, just let us know."

Yoohyeon winked playfully. "Especially if it's about avoiding extra practice."

Dami chuckled softly. "Don't listen to her. Hard work is key."

Gahyun smiled brightly. "Come on, we'll show you around!"

As they led her through the building, pointing out various studios and rooms, Y/N felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The members' warmth eased her anxiety, and she began to believe she might truly belong here.

Weeks flew by as Y/N immersed herself in intense training. Early mornings blended into late nights filled with dance rehearsals and vocal lessons. The other members were supportive, often staying behind to help her perfect challenging routines.

One evening, after a grueling practice, Y/N collapsed onto the dorm's living room couch. Curiosity nudged her to check the group's official social media. Her debut had been announced that day, and she eagerly read through the comments.

At first, the messages were encouraging:

"Can't wait to see what Y/N brings to Dreamcatcher!"

"Welcome to the family!"

But soon, the tone shifted:

"She doesn't fit their image."

"Why add someone who isn't as pretty as the rest?"

"Dreamcatcher was perfect without her."

Her chest tightened. The words blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly locked her phone and stared blankly ahead.

Jiu entered the room, noticing her distress. "Hey, Y/N, everything okay?"

Y/N forced a smile. "Yeah, just a bit tired."

Jiu sat beside her, concern evident. "You sure? You seem upset."

After a moment's hesitation, Y/N sighed. "I was reading some comments online. Some people think I don't belong."

Jiu gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't pay attention to them. People are often harsh behind screens. What matters is that you're here because of your talent and hard work."

"I know, but it's hard not to let it get to me."

Jiu nodded understandingly. "I've been there. But remember, we're a team. Lean on us when you need to."

Despite her efforts to ignore the negativity, the hurtful comments became a constant shadow. During interviews, she could feel the unspoken questions. At fan events, she noticed subtle glances.

One afternoon, the group gathered for a photoshoot. As the photographer adjusted his lens, he murmured, "Y/N, tilt your head slightly to the left."

She complied, but he frowned. "Hmm, let's try a different angle."

Heat rushed to her cheeks as insecurity gnawed at her. Were the others noticing? Did they think she was ruining the shoot?

Afterward, in the dressing room, Sua noticed her silence. "You were great today!"

Y/N mustered a small smile. "Thanks."

Siyeon exchanged a glance with Handong. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Y/N insisted, quickly gathering her things.

As she exited, she overheard staff members whispering:

"She doesn't have the typical look."

"Maybe the company made a mistake."

Her steps quickened, the words echoing in her mind.

Back at the dorm, Y/N secluded herself in her room. The walls felt like they were closing in. She opened her laptop, hesitating before diving into online forums.

Threads upon threads criticized her:

"She's dragging the group's visuals down."

"Her talent doesn't make up for her looks."

"Why did they even pick her?"

A tear slipped down her cheek. The weight was becoming unbearable.

A soft knock interrupted her spiral. "Y/N? It's Yoohyeon. Can I come in?"

She hastily wiped her face. "Sure."

Yoohyeon entered, holding two mugs of hot chocolate. "Thought you might like some."

"Thanks."

They sat in silence for a moment before Yoohyeon spoke. "You know, when I first joined, I felt out of place too."

Y/N looked up. "You did?"

"Absolutely. I was convinced I wasn't good enough. But the others helped me see my worth. Let us do the same for you."

Y/N's gaze dropped to her mug. "It's just... hard to ignore what people say."

"I get it. But remember, those people don't know the real you. We do. And we think you're amazing."

A faint smile tugged at Y/N's lips. "Thank you, Yoohyeon."

"Anytime. And if you ever need to talk, I'm here."

Despite her bandmates' support, the negativity continued to consume Y/N. During rehearsals, she became increasingly withdrawn.

"Let's take it from the top," Dami suggested after Y/N missed a step.

Y/N nodded absently, her mind elsewhere.

As the music played, she stumbled again.

Gahyun paused the track. "Maybe we should take a short break."

"I'm fine," Y/N snapped, surprising everyone.

Sua approached cautiously. "We're just worried about you."

"Well, you don't need to be," Y/N retorted before storming out.

She wandered the city streets, the bright lights contrasting with the darkness she felt inside. Her phone buzzed with messages from the members, but she ignored them.

Finding herself at a quiet park, she sat on a bench, pulling her knees to her chest. Doubt and despair swirled within her.

"Maybe they'd be better off without me," she whispered.

Returning to the dorm late at night, Y/N found the lights off. Relieved, she headed to her room but paused when she heard hushed voices from the living room.

"She's not herself," Siyeon said softly.

"I wish she'd open up," Handong added.

"We need to find a way to help her," Jiu concluded.

Feeling a mix of guilt and isolation, Y/N retreated. Sleep evaded her as she tossed and turned, the voices in her head growing louder.

Unable to bear it, she grabbed her car keys and slipped out. The cool night air greeted her as she got into her car and started driving aimlessly.

Rain began to patter against the windshield. The city's neon signs blurred past as tears clouded her vision.

"Why am I not enough?" she cried, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

A sudden honk jolted her. Headlights blinded her as a truck veered into her lane. She swerved, but the wet roads betrayed her. The car skidded violently, crashing into a barrier.

The world went silent as darkness enveloped her.

Birds chirped outside the window as sunlight warmed Y/N's face. Her eyes fluttered open. Disoriented, she sat up, realizing she was in her room.

"But how?" she murmured. "Was it all a nightmare?"

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Stunned, she approached slowly.

Her reflection was different. Her features were refined, embodying every aspect of the societal beauty standards she'd been told she lacked.

"What... happened to me?"

Her phone buzzed with a message from Gahyun:

"Excited to meet you today! Welcome to Dreamcatcher!"

Confusion washed over her. Checking the date, she realized it was the day she was first introduced to the group.

"This can't be real."

Arriving at the company building, everything felt both familiar and new. The members greeted her with enthusiasm.

"Welcome, Y/N!" Sua cheered.

"Ready to embark on this journey together?" Dami asked.

Throughout the day, Y/N noticed subtle differences. Staff members were more attentive, fellow trainees offered compliments, and the photoshoot went seamlessly.

"You're a natural," the photographer praised.

During breaks, fans outside the building waved banners with her name. "We love you, Y/N!"

Her heart swelled. The acceptance she'd longed for was finally hers.

Weeks turned into months as Y/N embraced her new reality. Performances were met with overwhelming praise, endorsements flooded in, and her social media following skyrocketed.

"You're the talk of the town," Siyeon remarked during a rehearsal break.

Y/N laughed lightly. "It's all thanks to you guys."

Handong shook her head. "Don't be modest. You've worked hard."

Yet, amidst the success, a lingering unease settled in her chest. Memories of the crash and the pain she once felt began to surface.

One evening, she confided in Jiu while overlooking the city from the rooftop.

"Have you ever felt like something's not quite right, even when everything seems perfect?" Y/N asked.

Jiu pondered. "Sometimes, we chase after what we think we want, only to realize it's not what we needed."

Y/N sighed. "I thought that changing... everything... would make me happy. But I still feel empty."

"Maybe happiness comes from within, not from how others perceive us."

Y/N nodded slowly, her thoughts clouded with uncertainty.

As the date of her previous accident approached, Y/N's anxiety grew. She began experiencing vivid nightmares and moments of dizziness.

During a dance practice, she suddenly felt faint.

"Are you okay?" Yoohyeon asked, rushing to her side.

"Just a bit lightheaded," Y/N murmured.

"Maybe you should rest," Dami suggested.

"I'm fine," she insisted, pushing through.

But her condition worsened. Back at the dorm, she secluded herself, staring at her unfamiliar reflection.

"Who am I?" she whispered.

A knock on her door startled her. "Y/N, it's Gahyun. We haven't seen you all evening."

"Just need some time alone," she replied.

"Alright, but we're here if you need us."

Hours passed as she grappled with her thoughts. Overwhelmed, she decided to step outside for fresh air.

As she walked along a quiet street, the world around her began to blur. The dizziness intensified, and her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

The last thing she saw was the night sky spinning above her before everything went black.

The darkness was cold, heavy, and suffocating. Y/N felt herself floating, weightless and disconnected from reality. Faint whispers echoed around her, but she couldn't make out any words.

Suddenly, a light pierced through the void, and she found herself standing in an empty, endless white space. It felt dreamlike, yet unnervingly real.

"You’ve arrived," a voice spoke.

Y/N turned, her heart skipping a beat. A figure stood before her, shrouded in mist. Their form wasn’t human—an otherworldly presence emanated from them, something ancient and incomprehensible.

"W-What is this?" Y/N stammered, her voice trembling.

The figure stepped forward, their face obscured but their voice smooth and calm. "You’ve been living a lie, Y/N."

Her pulse quickened. "What do you mean?"

"You’ve been seeing what you want to see. What you think you need to see."

Y/N swallowed hard, fear creeping into her chest. "I don’t understand."

The figure raised a hand, and the mist swirled around them. "You wished to be beautiful, to be accepted. So, we granted you that wish. But it wasn’t real."

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. "What do you mean? My face—"

The figure’s voice turned sharper, cutting through her thoughts. "The face you see is an illusion, a reflection of your deepest desire. In reality, nothing has changed."

Her mind raced, unable to process the words. "So… all this time, I’ve been… the same?"

"Yes," the figure replied. "To everyone else, you’ve always looked the way you did before. The only thing that changed was your perception of yourself."

Y/N’s legs felt weak, and she collapsed to her knees. "No… that can’t be true. People have treated me differently. I’ve been more confident. Everything’s been better."

"Confidence, Y/N," the figure said, almost gently now. "That’s what changed. Your belief in yourself gave you the strength to rise above the hate. Not your face."

Y/N sat there, her mind a storm of emotions. The hate, the despair, the constant doubt she had carried—it had been for nothing? Her reflection hadn’t changed. It was her belief that had carried her forward, not some supernatural transformation.

"But why… why did you do this?" she asked, her voice breaking.

The figure remained silent for a moment. "Because you needed to learn. You needed to see that beauty does not define worth. That your strength comes from within."

Tears brimmed in Y/N’s eyes. "So, all this time… I was the same person?"

"Yes," the figure whispered. "And now, the choice is yours. You can continue this illusion, or you can return to reality—with the knowledge that you were always enough."

Y/N’s heart pounded in her chest. The weight of the decision was crushing. Could she truly accept herself as she was? Could she go back to being the person she had been—the one who didn’t fit the mold?

"I…" she hesitated, the fear of facing the world as her true self rising like a tidal wave.

But then she thought of her members—Jiu, Sua, Siyeon, Handong, Yoohyeon, Dami, and Gahyun. They had always supported her, loved her, not for what she looked like, but for who she was. They had seen her pain, her struggle, and had been there, through it all.

"I want to go back," Y/N whispered, her voice trembling but resolute. "I want to be me. The real me."

The figure nodded slowly. "Very well. But remember, the hardest battle is with yourself. Confidence doesn’t come from others. It must come from within."

The world around her began to fade, the bright light dimming until Y/N was enveloped in darkness once more.

Y/N jolted awake, her body drenched in sweat. Her heart raced as she sat up, gasping for breath. The soft light of the early morning sun filtered through her bedroom window.

She blinked, looking around in confusion. Was it all a dream?

Her reflection in the mirror caught her eye, and she hesitated, fear creeping up her spine. Slowly, she rose from the bed and approached the mirror.

The face staring back at her was… her own. The same face she had always seen before the "transformation." Her original features, unaltered by the illusion she had lived with for months.

A small, bittersweet smile tugged at her lips. It was her—truly her.

There was a knock on the door, and Yoohyeon’s voice called out, "Y/N, are you up? We’ve got practice soon."

Y/N wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. "Yeah, I’m up. I’ll be out in a minute."

She glanced at the mirror once more, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. For the first time in a long while, she wasn’t afraid of what she saw.

At the practice room, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The members were warming up, stretching and chatting, but Y/N could feel a slight tension in the air.

"How are you feeling?" Jiu asked, walking over with a concerned expression.

Y/N smiled softly. "Better. I… I’ve been thinking a lot."

Sua raised an eyebrow. "Thinking? About what?"

Y/N hesitated for a moment before speaking. "About everything. About how I’ve been feeling lately. I’ve been really insecure, and I let the hate get to me."

Gahyun frowned. "But that’s understandable, Y/N. It’s hard not to let it affect you."

"I know," Y/N nodded, "but I realized something. I’ve been looking for validation in the wrong places. I thought that if I looked a certain way, people would accept me. But… that’s not what really matters."

Siyeon, who had been listening quietly, smiled. "You’ve always been enough, Y/N. We all knew that."

Yoohyeon chuckled. "You’re one of us, no matter what anyone says. Dreamcatcher isn’t complete without you."

Dami nodded in agreement. "We’ve got your back, always."

The warmth of their words wrapped around Y/N like a comforting blanket. She had been so consumed by the negativity that she had forgotten the love and support that had always been there.

"Thank you," Y/N said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I don’t think I could’ve made it without you all."

Handong placed a hand on her shoulder. "You’re stronger than you think. And you’ve always had it in you."

Y/N smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "From now on, I’m going to try to see myself the way you all see me. No more illusions."

As days passed, Y/N found herself adjusting to her new reality. No more hiding behind an illusion. Every time she faced the mirror, she reminded herself of her worth. It wasn’t easy—old insecurities still whispered in the back of her mind—but she fought them with the strength she had gained.

The world outside hadn’t changed. Online hate still existed, and the standards of beauty in the industry were still demanding. But Y/N no longer felt crushed by those expectations.

During a fan meet, as she greeted fans with her bandmates, she noticed a group of fans holding a sign that read, "Y/N, we love you just as you are."

Her heart skipped a beat. She had seen so much negativity, but in this moment, she realized that there were also people who supported her, who saw her for who she truly was.

"Thank you," she whispered to the fans, her smile genuine and full of warmth.

As the event went on, she felt a new sense of freedom. She no longer feared judgment. She no longer sought validation from strangers. Instead, she embraced her imperfections and her uniqueness.

One night, after a long day of schedules, the members gathered in the dorm's living room. They lounged in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.

Y/N broke the quiet with a soft voice. "I never got to properly thank you all."

Jiu glanced over, confused. "Thank us for what?"

"For standing by me. For reminding me that I’m more than what people see on the outside," Y/N said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Sua grinned. "Well, duh! You’re our Y/N. We’re a family."

Siyeon added with a teasing smirk, "Besides, you’re stuck with us now, whether you like it or not."

Yoohyeon laughed, throwing a pillow at Siyeon. "Forever Dreamcatcher!"

Dami smiled softly. "You’ve always been enough, Y/N. We just helped you see it."

Gahyun nodded enthusiastically. "And we’ll keep reminding you if you ever forget."

Y/N’s heart swelled with emotion. She looked around at the faces of her bandmates, her friends, and her family. They had always seen her true worth, even when she couldn’t.

And now, she finally saw it too.

"Thank you," Y/N said again, her voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."

---

Many months passed, and Y/N continued to grow both as an artist and as a person. She had faced her demons, confronted her insecurities, and come out stronger on the other side.

The world outside was still the same, but Y/N was different. She no longer feared the opinions of others. She had learned to love herself for who she truly was.

And in the end, that was the most beautiful thing of all.

[liesmyth]

Hi ❤️ I was wondering, do you have some recs/advices for light cardio HIIT sessions? I follow a weight lifting program online split on 3 days, i'd like to do some type of cardio on a fourth day but online there is.. TOO MUCH infos, i'm basically a beginner still and i'm getting so confused 😭

hi hi thank you for asking I LOVE these questions ❤️ I totally get what you mean about Too Much Information, fitness internet is chockfull of info but it can and does get overwhelming (and contact story!) especially if you're a beginner.

On cardio: I'm a big cardio fan, and could yap about the benefits all day. However! I feel very strongly that the best kind of cardio is the one that you actually like doing. If you're "just" looking to add "do more cardio" to your schedule, without any specific goals, the type of cardio matters a lot less than whether it's going to be fun for you to do. It can be as simple as doing 15/20 mins on an exercise bike after you're done at the gym, or dancing to kpop videos in your bedroom, or going on a moderate hike on Saturdays. If you want to add some more structured workouts, that's also great — more on that below — but IME, finding a form of cardio that you actually enjoy is a lot more important in the long run than trying to find THE perfect cardio workout.

this is the part where I yap. sorry.

SAMPLE CARDIO ROUTINE FOR LIFTERS from this amazing (very insightful!) r/fitness post by a lifting coach who's very solid

Something like this is IMO ideal if you don't have time or inclination to do much else. If it looks good to you, stop here! No need to read on. If you want more info and resources, go on

What's HIIT anyway?

sorry to be pedantic BUT I think it's important when exploring online fitness resources to know this: "light HIIT" is a misnomer. HIIT has become kind of a buzzword that's overused in fitness circles for marketing / SEO reasons, and I understand why (visibility!) but I wanted to clarify this just so you know what to look for going forward. HIIT = "High-intensity interval training": short bursts of exercise that have your heart literally jumping in your throat, followed by recovery. You're meant to give it your absolute all and flop dead like a fish on the grass when you're done. The upside is that HIIT workouts are very short; the downside is that they're very intense, and it can be kind of mentally daunting to psyche yourself up to do it.

So maybe I don't want to do the mentally daunting workout. What else is there?

NON-HIIT WORKOUTS THAT FUCK

Just because something is branded as "HIIT" when it's not, it doesn't mean it's not a damn good workout in its own right. Here is a youtube playlist from a "follow along workouts" fitness influencer who I LOVED during the pandemic (Caroline Girvan, I've yapped about her before). I used to do one of her cardio-heavy workouts once a week as an integration to an at-home fitness routine. That playlist I linked includes 92 (NINETY TWO) workouts. Some are bodyweight, some use dumbells for resistance; pick and choose.

LIGHT CARDIO

Maybe this is what you were looking for in the first place! LISS = Low-Intensity Steady Cardio. As the name implies, instead of "high-intensity bursts + recovery" style of workout, LISS workout means that you constantly keep moving at a steady rate. The downside is that LISS workouts are much longer, and maybe more dull, and you're better off doing them multiple times a week to see benefits. The upside is that they're less taxing on your body and require less recovery time, and they can be paired up with lifting days. Something like 15 mins on an exercise bike as a cooldown after lifting + one longer session (40+ min) on a day you don't lift would be what I think of as "integrating cardio into a lifting schedule" if you don't want to do anything high intensity. Replace exercise bike with walking up an incline or jogging or swimming or dancing or whatever. You can mix and match. You can take a brisk half hour walk 3 times a week and go on a hike every other weekend. Just find something that you enjoy and can stick to ( <- personally I have an audiobook I save to listen to ONLY when I'm doing chill-ish cardio to entertain me during)

Nevermind those alternatives. I want to do HIIT anyway. What do I do?

resources: introduction to HIIT writeup from r/HIIT (not famliar with the sub but the guide looks pretty solid) + some examples of HIIT workouts that you can do anywhere depending on your preferences (bodyweight training, exercise bike or rowing machine, kettlebell swings etc)

Here's an example of a follow-along HIIT workout from an influencer I think is very solid: ONE, TWO. They're 15 minutes long and pretty much what I mean when I say that HIIT is meant to be short and deadly; you do something like this, you recover, you're done.

BIG disclaimer: Don't start with any moves that are too fancy at first. Because HIIT = high intensity, that mostly translates into "doing some moves very fast to try and get your heart rate up within the interval window" and some people interpret that as trying to get in as many reps as possible. this goes extra hard for "follow along" workouts but also in general. If you're not very familiar with those moves, you can risk injury. Some HIIT routines are very dynamic, and if you don't have the movements nailed down, you're better off focusing on maintaining form rather than doing them really fast.

Other disclaimer: I would still pair up HIIT once a week with some more chill cardio on lifting days. If it's possible. But if you're doing HIIT in an intense way, that's already a lot!

TLDR

Summing up. Example of HIIT workouts. Follow alongs: one, two, three. I'd recommend doing one of these once a week if you like them, on a non-lifting day. If these aren't your speed, then a longer session of moderate cardio on a non-lifting day would be good, depending on what you have access to and enjoy. You can also do moderate cardio on lifting days if you're feeling extra motivated.

long-ass science-y article on benefits of cardio for weightlifters because I just really love this blogger

[darkstar225]

Twice's 10th member is Sana's little sister

A/N: I got an ask on Tumblr and I loved writing it, ty! I hope the anon that gave me this idea likes it! :)

The request: Omg!? I love your writing!! It was so professional (?) !! I have a request to make!! So what if the tenth member is sana minatozaki lil sister!! I mean all the other member have sibling except sana so what if sana has lil sister and it's her member!!

PS: Tysm for everyone that reads what I write, I hope I can bring a smile to your faces every time I post! I'd like to thank whoever sent me this idea 'cause I loved to write it <3

__________________________________________________________

The stage was set, vibrant lights illuminated the grand arena, and the crowd erupted in cheers as the members of TWICE appeared one by one. They were adored by millions, known for their electrifying performances and infectious energy. Among the nine young women, there was one talented and charming member who stood out in particular, Minatozaki Sana. With her captivating charm and radiant smile, she was a force to be reckoned with. But behind her charming exterior, there was a secret, one that only a select few were privileged to know. Y/N, the youngest member of TWICE, was not just another member. She was Sana's little sister and proud and joy of all her unnies, a fact that few knew and even fewer understood. While the other members of the group had siblings who occasionally visited them during promotions, Sana's sister remained hidden from the public eye. She had always idolized Sana, her radiant older sister figure. Their shared love for music and dance brought them closer, despite the geographical distance that separated them. Little did Y/N know that her dreams of performing alongside Sana were about to become a reality. Tonight, the maknae would take her rightful place on stage, joining her sister and the rest of the famous girl group in a performance that would change everything. 

As the music started and the lights dimmed, TWICE's honey felt a surge of nervous excitement. She had dreamed of this moment for years. After weeks of intense preparation, the youngest's days were consumed by vigorous dance routines, vocal training, and endless rehearsals. The support and guidance from her fellow sisters fueled her determination, and she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to mastering every move and perfecting her vocals, and now what she aspired to do was finally happening. She took a deep breath and stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. She remembered when as the comeback date neared, Sana took on the role of her mentor, ensuring she was well-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. Late into the night, they would sit together, poring over choreography and discussing ways to make every performance unforgettable. Sana's wisdom and experience instilled confidence in the Minatozaki sibling, allowing her to flourish under the spotlight.

The crowd erupted into cheers as they caught sight of her, their love and support echoing throughout the arena. Sana stood beside the maknae's side, a mixture of pride and concern etched on her face. She knew the challenges that awaited her precious little sis, the expectations that would be placed upon her. But she also knew that her sister was more than capable of rising to the occasion. With a reassuring smile, Sana squeezed Y/N's hand, silently conveying her belief in her favourite family member's abilities. The performance began, and the stage came alive with a burst of energy. Y/N danced with grace and precision, her movements a testament to her years of training. Her voice rang out, harmonizing effortlessly with the other members. It was a sight to behold, the youngest Minatozaki sister commanding the stage with a presence that was all her own. Backstage, the other members of TWICE watched in awe as Y/N's star shone brighter than ever before. They had always known that there was something special about Sana's little sister, but seeing her perform on stage was an entirely different experience. Jihyo, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu exchanged glances, their hearts filled with pride and admiration. 

After the performance, the members of TWICE gathered in a circle, their faces beaming with joy and excitement. Y/N stood in the centre, surrounded by her newfound family. Sana wrapped her arms around her sister, tears of happiness streaming down her face. The other members followed suit, each offering their congratulations and expressing their delight at having Y/N officially join the group. From that moment forward, the maknae became a vital part of TWICE. She toured the world with her newfound sisters, experiencing the highs and lows of stardom together. With each performance, Y/N grew more confident, her talent shines through with every note and every dance move. But it was the support and love of her fellow members that truly made the journey worthwhile.

In the years that followed, TWICE became one of the biggest names in the music industry. Their music touched the hearts of millions, and their bond as a group only grew stronger with time. Sana and her sugar stood side by side, their sisterly love evident to anyone who watched them. Together, they proved that family went beyond blood and that the bonds forged through shared dreams and aspirations could withstand any obstacle. As TWICE continued to make history, TWICE's angel became a role model for countless young girls who aspired to follow in her footsteps. She showed them that dreams could come true and that with hard work, dedication, and the support of loved ones, anything was possible. And as she looked out at the sea of faces in the audience, Y/N knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be: On stage, making music, and sharing her passion with the world.

In the following days after that remarkable milestone, the youngest would always cherish the memories of that fateful night when she took her place on stage, shining alongside her sister and the rest of TWICE, forever grateful for the love and support that had brought her there. And as the final notes of their concerts echoed through the arena, Y/N and Sana had a tradition of standing side by side, their smiles radiant and their hearts full while they held hands and all the time they did that, the maknae only had one thought: 

I love my dear unnies.

A/N: I apologise for any errors, English is not my first language. Pls, let me know if there's something wrong, ty for reading <3

[elysiangroundsforall]

In the Course of It ...

"You're my only Bambi, Bambi"

Chapter 3

The relief and joy I felt as my name was called out were overwhelming. I had made it through to the next phase of my journey with INB100. My fellow trainees and I congratulated each other, sharing hugs and high-fives, our excitement and camaraderie palpable.

After the announcement, we were given the rest of the day off to celebrate and rest. I decided to call Minseo right away.

"Minseo! I made it! I’m moving on to the next phase!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

"I knew you would! This is incredible, Y/N! I'm so proud of you!" she cheered.

"Thank you so much for believing in me. I couldn’t have done it without your support," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude.

"You did all the hard work, Y/N. Now go celebrate! You deserve it," she encouraged.

After the call, a group of us trainees decided to go out and celebrate. We found a cozy little café nearby and spent the afternoon sharing stories, dreams, and laughs. It was a welcome break from our intense training, and it helped strengthen the bonds between us.

As the sun set, I returned to the dorms, feeling recharged and ready for whatever came next. The following day, we were back in the training hall, eager to hear about the next steps in our journey.

The head trainer welcomed us and explained the upcoming phase. "Congratulations to all of you who made it through the first evaluation. Now, the real challenge begins. You will undergo more specialized training, including vocal refinement, advanced dance routines, and intensive rap sessions. Additionally, you will start working on group performances."

Group performances? This was a new and exciting twist. The idea of working closely with other trainees to create a cohesive and powerful performance thrilled me. We were divided into smaller groups, and I was paired with three other trainees: Jiwoo, Hana, and Soojin.

Our first task as a group was to choose a song and choreography for our performance. After some discussion, we decided on a powerful and energetic track that showcased all our strengths. The next few weeks were filled with rehearsals, late-night practice sessions, and endless encouragement as we worked to perfect our routine.

Jiwoo was a phenomenal dancer, her movements fluid and precise. Hana had an incredible voice, hitting high notes effortlessly. Soojin was a natural rapper, her verses sharp and compelling. Together, we balanced each other out, each bringing something unique to the table.

As our performance day approached, the pressure mounted. We knew this was our chance to prove ourselves as a cohesive unit. We practiced tirelessly, refining every move and note until we were in perfect sync.

Finally, the day arrived. We stood backstage, waiting for our turn. The other groups went before us, each performance raising the bar. When our names were called, we took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage.

The music started, and we moved as one. The countless hours of practice paid off as we executed each step and note flawlessly. The energy was electric, and I could feel the audience's engagement. We gave it our all, and as the final note rang out, the room erupted into applause.

We left the stage, our hearts pounding but filled with a sense of accomplishment. The feedback from the trainers was positive, praising our teamwork and individual talents.

As we awaited the final results, I reflected on how far we had come. The journey had been challenging, but it had also been incredibly rewarding. No matter the outcome, I knew I had grown immensely as a performer and as a person.

When the final announcements were made, we learned that our group had been selected to perform at an upcoming showcase event, a huge step forward in our training. The excitement and pride were overwhelming. This was the opportunity we had been working so hard for.

With renewed determination, we plunged back into training, preparing for the showcase. The journey was far from over, but I was ready for every challenge and triumph that lay ahead. Surrounded by supportive friends and driven by my passion, I knew I was on the right path to achieving my dream.

The days leading up to the showcase were a whirlwind of rehearsals and fine-tuning. Our group spent countless hours perfecting our performance, ensuring every detail was flawless. The bond between Jiwoo, Hana, Soojin, and me grew stronger with each practice session, our mutual support and encouragement driving us forward.

The night of the showcase arrived, and the atmosphere backstage was charged with anticipation. We could hear the murmur of the audience as they settled into their seats. Our hearts raced, but we were ready. When our turn came, we took our places on stage, the bright lights shining down on us.

As the music started, all nerves melted away. We moved as one, our performance a seamless blend of vocals, dance, and rap. The energy we had worked so hard to cultivate radiated through our movements and voices, captivating the audience.

When we finished, the applause was deafening. We exchanged triumphant smiles, knowing we had given our best performance yet. Backstage, the trainers congratulated us, their praise validating our hard work.

That night, as we celebrated our success, I realized this was just the beginning. The journey ahead would be demanding, but with my friends by my side and my dream within reach, I felt ready to face anything.

Chapter 4>>>

[softforloki]

Chapter 4: Young One

Chapter List

Word Count: 2,607

Summery: Loki stays with Raven while Selene is overseas on an assignment from the Avengers. Books are read, insight is shared, and bonds are made.

. . .

“She’s at school now, but it lets out at three, so you’ll need to be there to walk her home. You remember where it is, right? Beekman Hill?” 

“Yes, darling. I remember where the school is.”

“Okay, good. She’s allowed to watch two episodes of a show after school, but then she’s got to do homework or something else productive- she won’t fight you on it but make sure you remind her about it.”

“Understood.”

“And you’re welcome to anything in the kitchen, we’ve got a leftover rice thing for dinner tonight, and Raven told me she wanted to make spaghetti tomorrow. She’s allowed to help you, but mind that the pots don’t boil over- she burned herself once.”

“Selene, will you sit down for a moment?” Loki gently grasped her arm, pulling her down onto the couch. “You’ve made me a list to consult and given me all the instructions. You’ve thoroughly prepared me, you don’t need to run yourself ragged.”

“I know, I know.” Selene sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I’ve never been away from her for more than a few hours, though. Now I’m leaving my daughter for two days while I go out of the country to fight Russians!”

“I know, darling. It’s not at all ideal, but you will merely be gathering intelligence, it’s a fairly danger-free mission.” Loki gently took her hand. “And Raven will be safe here with me, I give you my word.”

“You’re being completely reasonable and I need you to stop it. Please be quiet for a minute.” Selene begged.

“As you wish.” He acquiesced. 

Loki brushed his fingers along her knuckles, wrist, and up her arm as she stared off distantly into space. Her eyes were clouded and unfocused. Loki squeezed her hand comfortingly. 

“She’ll be okay with you.” She conceded quietly. “You’re going to get her from school, and she’ll be safe until I get back.”

“She will,” Loki agreed, tilting her face towards his. “I’ll care for her as though she were my own.”

Selene smiled at that, nodding. “I know you will,” She murmured, leaning into him. “Thank you again, I really appreciate you doing this.”

“It’s no trouble at all, I’m quite happy to help. Raven is a lovely girl.” He raised a hand to Selene’s face, trailing his knuckles down her cheek in a slow, intimate motion. “And her mother is an absolute treasure.”

She leaned into his touch, eyes dancing. “You sure you don’t want anything in return? I can take you out for dinner again.”

“If that’s what’s on the table, how could I possibly refuse?”

Flirting had increased exponentially between the pair since the first dinner date, but never seemed to go anywhere. Loki was now more certain than ever of his feelings for Selene, which seemed to burn more intensely every day. He longed to trail his hands further down her body, to feel every inch of her perfect skin. In his mind's eye his fingers danced across her collar bones, tracing the lines of her tattoo before descending down her sides and resting on her hips. He daydreamed of her painted lips trailing across his body, marking him for everyone to see with her cherry red lipstick. 

He wanted to lay her down and whisper poetry of her grace and beauty while she gasped for him. He wanted her to whisper his name as though it were the only word on her tongue, the only thought in her mind.

He wanted to lay the cosmos at her feet, offer her any artifact she desired. But for now, he’d settle for babysitting.

The mission was a fairly simple one, taking Selene, Romanoff, and Barton overseas to run surveillance and gather intel. They had orders to avoid combat and kill only in dire circumstances. Despite it being Selene’s first big job with the Avengers, she seemed more concerned about her daughter then she did about herself. 

Loki watched the Quinjet take off with Selene in it at 10:24. He went about his routine, training, reading and arguing with his brother. At 2:52 he parked himself at a Starbucks just outside Raven’s school with a cup of tea, watching the hands of his wrist watch tick towards 3:00 and ignoring the stares and whispers around him. As soon as the big hand hit the twelve, Loki drained what was left of his drink and made his way back to the place he and Selene had met Raven before.

Unlike the last time, Raven’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw Loki. She darted in between New Yorkers, running up to him. “Hi,” She said breathlessly, hugging his torso.

“Hi,” Loki parroted, accepting the girl’s embrace with a surprised laugh. “I’m glad to see you again, young one.”

“Me too! I’ve never been home without Mama before.”

“And are you excited about that?”

“A little. It’s kinda cool.” The girl frowned. “But it’s weird. Her not being here.”

“I bet so. Shall we?”

The pair only made it a few steps down the sidewalk before Raven slipped her hand into Loki’s. “Mama always tells me to hold hands because it’s easy to get lost here.”

“She’s not wrong,” He murmured, adjusting his grip on her hand. “Very well, then.”

They walked home, Raven mostly leading the way in comfortable silence. Loki tried very hard not to enjoy the feeling of her little fingers curled around his own;  tried not to think about how it meant he had her trust.

He was very glad to have it, though.

. . .

Selene had been right, Raven didn’t fight him on anything, and she was very well behaved. Loki was somewhat relieved to find that he didn’t have to entertain her much, she mostly did her own thing either watching TV, playing in her room, or joining him on the couch to read.

“What are you reading?” She asked him, hopping up next to him. 

Loki showed her his book, entitled The Call. “Your mother recommended it to me.”

“That’s the fairy book she won’t let me read!” Raven jabbed an accusatory finger at the cover, scowling. “She says it’s too scary.”

“It is quite gruesome, I don’t blame her.”

“What does gruesome mean?”

“It’s very scary, and it has several scenes with detailed blood and gore.”

“Ew,” She shook her head. “Why is there blood?”

“The fairies used to live in Scotland, but they were forced out by humans and made to live in another realm. They're trying to…get rid of all the humans to take their land back.”

“Huh. Is it good?” 

“I quite like it- it is certainly dark, though. What’s your book about?”

Loki learned from her sparkly-eyed rambling explanation that Raven liked fairies, but she preferred the ones based in old Midgardian folktales- tricky, mischievous, and a little untrustworthy- to the nice glittery ones in more child-friendly interpretations. Perhaps she would like Loki’s book when she was older. He thumbed through The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2: The Seeing Stone and actually found it interesting for a children’s book. 

Dinner that evening wasn’t much of an affair, Raven showed him the rice and pork dish Selene had set aside for them and they heated it up. True to Selene’s words he had to remind Raven to bathe and brush her teeth, but she offered no resistance, just asked that he’d read a few chapters of her book to him when she went to bed- which he did so gladly.

He only ran into one problem come bedtime, which was that he was going to have to sleep in Selene’s bed. She’d given him her full and expressed permission to do so, but it still felt like an invasion of privacy when he dressed for bed and turned down her covers. 

He tried not to be too nosy with her things, but he did allow himself to look at framed photos of Selene with Raven at various ages, clusters of dried flowers hung from the walls, and a desk with what appeared to be some sort of alter; a deck of cards flanked with candles and a bowl of small crystals. Loki flipped over the card at the top. Three people in a boat, one rowing, with six swords.

He sunk into bed, enveloped with the complete and utter sense of Selene as he closed his eyes. He could picture himself here with her, crawling into bed after a long day and just holding each other, breathing each other in. He suddenly remembered an old daydream of his in vivid detail: Selene, breathlessly staring up from under him with kiss-bruised lips. Loki groaned and ran a hand down his face.

He had to get this figured out.

. . .

“Can you teach me magic?”

The question came totally out of the blue. Loki had been talking Raven through a meditation practice he thought would help her clear her head, and she’d asked it as he’d summoned a book to his hands in a flash of light.

“I don’t see why not.” Loki replied slowly. “We’d have to ask your mother first. I’d rather not do anything without her giving the okay.”

“She said you can help me with my powers.”

“That doesn’t involve my magic, little bird. It’s different.”

She pouted. “If Mama says yes will you?”

“If she says yes I will. Now speaking of helping you,” He swatted her gently on the shoulder with the book. “Do you remember any of what I just told you?”

“Something, something clear your mind, something.”

Loki shoved her until she fell on her side from her seated position, giggling.

Things went well on day two, all things considered until about 3:29 AM, the night before Selene was set to be home.

Loki awoke to the feeling of being watched, and abruptly sat up in bed. Heart racing and with half a mind to summon his daggers, he squinted in the dark, trying to make out the small figure that stood by the door. “Raven?” He asked, voice hoarse from sleep.

“I’m sorry,” She whispered, voice watery. “I forgot Mama wasn’t here.”

“What’s the matter?” He clicked the bedside lamp on, taking in Raven’s sweaty brow and tear stained face and very glad he’d held off on his weapon.

“I had a bad dream.”

Loki felt every ounce of hesitation drain from his body at her admission, pulling himself up to sit at the edge of the bed, patting the space next to him. “Would you like to sit with me?”

She nodded, hopping up to join him. She sniffled and wiped her nose. 

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“It was different.” She said, as though he knew what she typically dreamt of. “I’m in the dark, but Mama can’t find me. She can’t get to me. That’s normal. But then there was blood. And screams. And then Mama was there, but she just held me and told me it was gonna be okay.”

“I’m so sorry, that sounds very scary.” Loki placed a hand carefully on her back, watching her closely to catch any signs of not wanting to be touched. “I have nightmares sometimes as well.”

“What are they about?”

He was quiet for a moment, fingers stroking her back gently. “Sometimes I’m falling. Sometimes I’m being hurt. Sometimes everything around me is being destroyed and there’s nothing I can do. It varies from night to night, really.”

“That sounds scary, too.”

“It is.”

They were quiet for a few more moments, before Raven spoke again.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Please do.”

“Do you think Mama would hurt someone?”

Loki inhaled sharply, looking down at the girl. She seemed almost… resigned. Like she knew the answer, and knew she wouldn't like it. The look of dark knowing in her eyes seemed far too old for a girl as young as her.

“From what I’ve learned, your mother is a very protective person.” He started. “I highly doubt she’d hurt anyone for no reason, but she loves you very much, and is very concerned about your safety and wellbeing. If that were being threatened by someone… well I don’t doubt that she’d have something to say about it.”

She nodded slowly, biting her lip. “I think she might’ve done that. When I was little. I don’t remember much, but I think my dream really did happen.”

“You think you were stuck somewhere, and your mum had to hurt someone to get to you?”

“Mmhmm. I can’t see death on her, but I think she makes it go away on purpose. I think it’s there, but she doesn't want me to see it. I think I remember that it used to be there, but I don’t know what it was exactly.”

Loki nodded slowly, wondering just how this child got so damn smart. Were nine-year-olds supposed to be this perceptive, or was this just because she was Selene’s kid? “Do you think you should talk to her about it? I don’t think she’d keep information from you if you asked.”

“I’ve never wanted to know before.”

“Do you want to now?”

“I… I don’t know.” Raven admitted, tucking herself into Loki’s side. “I don’t know.”

“It’s alright, you don’t have to decide now.” He assured, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “It’s just something to think about.”

“I just don’t know if I’ll like what she tells me.” She whimpered, a tear slipping down her small face. “But I feel bad not asking.”

“That is entirely understandable. No one, not me, nor your mum would blame you for not asking a question for fear of the answer. It’s a perfectly reasonable concern, and you don’t have to feel ashamed of it.” Loki carefully brushed the tear away. “How about this: when you’re ready, you tell her about your dream. You don’t have to know anything more about it, and she doesn’t have to tell you anything if she knows something.”

“I like that.” Raven peeped. “I want her to know about the dream.”

“Perfect.” He smiled softly at her. “Are you ready to go back to bed?”

“Can you read to me again?”

“Certainly.”

She let him lead her back to her bedroom by the hand. He tucked her into bed and retrieved her book from the floor and opened it to where they’d left off.

“Thanks for being here, Loki.” Raven suddenly put out. “I really like you being here. Mama does too.”

“You’re very welcome, Miss Raven.” He said warmly, sitting at the foot of the bed. “I like being here with you, too.”

“And with Mama?”

“Yes, and with her.”

Raven smirked a little, her tearstained face alight with mischief. “She likes you.”

“Does she?” Loki raised an eyebrow.

“Mmhmm. She said she wouldn’t leave me with just anyone.” Her grin widened. “And she smiles a lot when she’s with you. I haven’t seen her smile that much for anyone else.”

“Interesting.” Loki mused, fighting a grin of his own. “I hope I can make her smile more in the future.”

“You better. I’ll be mad at you if you don’t.”

“Perish the thought,” He chuckled. 

Raven frowned. “What does that mean?”

“That I would hate for that to happen and I will do all I can to keep it from happening.”

“Good.” She snuggled down into her covers, as Loki began to read.

Loki woke up that morning with a horrible pain in his back, but it was well worth it to find himself sitting upright at the foot of Raven’s bed, watching over her as she slept peacefully.

[amitrafitnessin]

Boost Your Mood: The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining mental health is as important as physical well-being. One of the most effective and natural ways to enhance your mood is through regular exercise. Research consistently shows that engaging in physical activity can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it a powerful tool for improving mental health.

The Science Behind Exercise and Mood

When you exercise, your body releases a cocktail of chemicals known as endorphins. These “feel-good” hormones act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. In addition to endorphins, exercise increases the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in regular physical activity are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. In fact, moderate exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medications for some people, with fewer side effects.

Types of Exercise That Boost Mood

Not all exercises have the same impact on mental health, but a variety of activities can help. Aerobic exercises—such as running, cycling, and swimming—are particularly effective at boosting mood due to their intensity and the heart-pumping action they promote. Strength training is another excellent option; it not only builds physical strength but also releases endorphins that can enhance self-esteem.

Mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi can also be incredibly beneficial. These activities promote mindfulness and relaxation, helping to alleviate stress and improve emotional balance. Whether you prefer a brisk walk or an intense gym session, the key is to find something you enjoy to ensure consistency.

How to Incorporate Exercise into Daily Life

For many, the biggest hurdle is simply getting started. If you’re new to exercise, aim for small, achievable goals. Consider incorporating physical activity into your daily routine—take the stairs instead of the elevator, or opt for a short walk during your lunch break. Finding an activity you love is crucial; whether it’s dancing, hiking, or joining a local sports team, doing something you enjoy will make it easier to stick with it.

Overcoming Barriers to Exercise

Excuses like “I don’t have time” or “I’m not fit enough” can be significant barriers. To overcome these, start by scheduling short workouts into your day. Even ten to fifteen minutes of activity can make a difference. Focus on progress rather than perfection; remember that every bit counts, and building a habit takes time.

Real-Life Testimonials

Many individuals have shared their experiences of how exercise transformed their mental health. For example, Sarah, a 30-year-old office worker, started jogging as a way to relieve stress. She found that not only did her mood improve, but her productivity and focus at work increased significantly. Stories like Sarah’s underscore the profound impact exercise can have on mental well-being.

Conclusion

Regular exercise is a powerful ally in the quest for better mental health. By incorporating physical activity into your routine, you can elevate your mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. So, take that first step—your mind and body will thank you. Whether you’re hitting the gym or enjoying a leisurely walk, remember that every step counts toward a healthier, happier you.

[lgczoe]

♥︎ ╱ 𝑨 𝑫𝒂𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒆'𝒔 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆… ⤿ ᴢᴏᴇ'ꜱ ᴠʟᴏɢ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀♥︎

The alarm buzzed sharply at 6:00 AM, pulling Zoe from her dreams. She groaned, reached out, and turned it off, her hand brushing against the camera she had set up the night before. Today was the day she would film her "Day in a Trainee’s Life" vlog. She stretched and sat up, smiling at the camera. "Good morning, everyone! It's Zoe, and today I'll take you through a typical day as a trainee."

Zoe started her morning routine by making her bed and heading to the bathroom. She showed her skincare routine, explaining each product she used to keep her skin healthy despite the long hours of training. "Taking care of your skin is a must, MUST," she said, applying moisturizer. "We sweat a lot during practice, so it’s important to keep it clean and hydrated."

Next, she moved to the kitchen for breakfast. "I usually have something light but nutritious," she said, preparing a smoothie bowl with fresh fruits, yogurt, and granola. As she ate, she shared her thoughts on being a trainee. "It’s challenging, but every day I feel like I'm getting closer to my dream."

After breakfast, Zoe headed to the training center. The camera followed her as she walked into the gym, where she greeted a few fellow trainees. "This is where we start our day with some exercise," she explained. She captured clips of her warm-up routine, including stretches, strength training, and a bit of cardio. "Staying fit is essential for our stamina and overall health."

Next up was dance practice. Zoe positioned the camera to capture the large studio mirror and her fellow trainees. "Dance practice is one of the most intense parts of our day," she said, tying her hair into a ponytail. The camera recorded snippets of their synchronized movements and the corrections they received from their dance instructor. "It’s all about precision and energy," she explained between breaths.

Lunchtime was brief but lively. Zoe shared a quick meal with her friends, discussing their progress and upcoming events. "It’s great to have friends who understand what you’re going through," she said, smiling at the camera.

In the afternoon, Zoe attended a vocal lesson. She filmed herself doing vocal warm-ups and working on a new song. "I love singing, and improving my skills is really rewarding," she said, her eyes shining with passion.

The day ended with a language class, essential for their international careers. Zoe captured moments of her practicing phrases in Japanese. "Learning a new language is tough but exciting," she commented, showing her notes filled with new vocabulary.

As evening approached, Zoe headed back to her dorm. She filmed her evening skincare routine and a bit of journaling before bed. "Reflecting on the day helps me stay focused and motivated," she said, her voice soft with fatigue.

Finally, she turned to the camera one last time. "Thank you for spending the day with me. Being a trainee is hard work, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Good night, and I'll see you all soon!" With that, she turned off the camera and settled into bed, ready to do it all over again tomorrow.

[bejiayi]

━━ next gen season 002 ◞ jiayi performs anti-hero with ara, yejun, and yuwol.· ( wc : 325 )

in her mind she's been given the perfect song. there's an element of grace and precision that the choreography of anti-hero requires and jiayi has been practicing day and night to bring that to their performance. it's a song that's all their own and not a cover. this performance, their last performance, feels different than the others.

while she's been working hard with her teammates, there's a lingering air of competition about them. everyone knows that this is their final chance to persuade the judges to pick them. as such, practices have felt more intense than ever.

jiayi doesn't consider anti-hero to be too vocally challenging, especially not for her, someone who's voice has come a long way since the start of the competition. she's always wanted to improve her skills and become a better artist, and she's thankful that the competition has allowed her to do so. comparing her next gen experience with the short period of training she received from her previous company it's like night and day.

the pressure's on as the dancer is the one to both open and close the song, something she didn't realize was that big a deal until chaerin mentioned it to her. jiayi's confident in her demeanor and her expressions, an concentrated look on her face as the proverbial curtains open.

jiayi incorporates the silk cloth professionally while she dances, ensuring it doesn't look like she's just waving it around. just as she told ara, she views the fabric as an extension of herself, not just a prop. her lines look clean and crisp as she dances, her vocals spot on, gaze always meeting the camera's eye.

it's her last performance, and she gives it her all.

jiayi is satisfied at the end knowing that she performed as well as she could. she carried her weight throughout the routine, ensuring that it will be one that the judges won't forget for a long time to come.

[bechaerin]

✦ * ·  ˚ SELF-PARA: TRAINING EXPERIENCE aka chaerin learns that flexibility is only one part of dancing.

at this point, chaerin’s thankful for the bare minimum rhythmic gymnastic classes her mother made her go to when she was younger. because if she didn’t even have that experience, she doesn’t think she’d be able to keep up with any of these lessons. the only other kind of dancing she’s done before is the one-day classes she sometimes went with her friends. even then, she was never chosen for any of those end of the class videos that were later uploaded onto the studio’s youtube channels. 

she knows better than anybody else that she’s no natural born dancer. it’s why she stays after to make sure she gets the hang of the routine. some of the other trainees seem to just understand it right away, and she’s absolutely fascinated. she realizes she’s not here to observe the other trainees, but she can’t help it. the dance instructor will tell them one thing, and they just follow. it’s like a whole new world.

well, it is a whole new world.

that’s the whole reason chaerin agreed to the audition and then agreed to the trainee contract. because she wanted something new in her life. all she knew about the idol world were the flashy stages and the intense choreographies. she didn’t realize that this much time and effort went into it. 

when she actually thinks about it, this life isn’t all too different from the one she’s been living so far. it’s just a different sort of art. but she’s going to have to get used to it if she wants to stick around. when she first accepted the offer, she didn’t think more of it other than a three-month trial. however, the more time she spends in these practice rooms and watching other people put their whole lives at stake, the more chaerin wants to live like them.

the more chaerin actually wants to make this silly dream come true. a dream that she didn’t even realize she had in her. it’s why she takes a deep breath the next time she messes up a move and replays it in her head over and over again until she can have her own body do it. it’ll take some time, but chaerin’s determined to make it work. she’s determined to succeed.

[softyoongiionly]

chapstick

based on the time Jungkook said he needed someone to scold him so he’d remember to put lip balm on.

Or 

Jungkook’s had a really long day and the only that can make it better, is seeing you. 

Pairing: Jungkook x Reader

Word Count: 5.8k

Genre: fluff, smut, established relationship, jungkook has a man bun idk what else I could possibly want

Warnings: language, explicit smut (18+ only plz), oral (male receiving)

A/N: Hello yes, I am mess. I wrote this in like four hours and it’s unedited but wow wow wow wow I am GOING THROUGH it for Jungkook. Anywayz, I love u. here u go

Jungkook is in a bad mood today.

He’s been awake since 6am, he hasn’t eaten since mid-morning and, he’s been practicing for over 12 hours.

Worst of all, everyone else seems to be in a good mood.  

It’s not that he hates when his hyung's are happy, it’s just that when you’re in a bad mood-  sometimes the shriek of someone’s laughter can feel intrusive.  

“Alright!” Hoseok’s voice hits the practice mirrors and with Jungkook feeling oversensitive, he cringes at the sound of it, “Let’s go again from the top!”

Jungkook sighs through his nose, stretching his sore back for a moment before getting back into formation.

“Jungkook-ah! Push a little harder in the second half ok?!”  

Hoseok is in dance-mode and therefore he has no idea how loud he’s being.

Jungkook purses his lips and nods, taking a deep breath before shaking out his hands.

“Yah! Jungkook?” Hoseok calls, facing the mirror, his eyes searching for Jungkook at the back of the practice room.

“Yeh.” He grunts, barely looking up from the floor.

“Did you hear me?”

He nods, his hands fumbling around in the pockets of his sweatpants, “Push harder in the second half...”

The rest of the boys seem unphased by his uninterested demeanor. They are no stranger to exhaustion.  

“Alright- let’s go.”

For what feels like the 100th time today, Jungkook moves through the routine as if it were second nature. The movements feel robotic and the muscles in his arms are beginning to turn to Jell-O. The strands of his hair are covered with sweat and, he’s thankful for his newly procured undercut for lessening the amount of heat he’d normally feel after working out this long.  

He feels gross though.  

Normally, he enjoys working this hard but today he isn’t feeling it. In fact, the strain between his brows is getting a little painful as he really tries his best not to frown.

The new choreography is intense and as much he likes the challenge- after the 100th time of running through it, he’s starting to get frustrated.

Panting through his nose, he holds his position at the end of the routine before Hoseok finally calls it.

“Yahhhh! That was a lot better huh? You guys did good.” He praises, clapping his hands, “Now go get some water and then we’ll run it again...”

Jungkook sighs hopelessly, letting his head fall back on his shoulders. He cringes at the feeling of sweat collecting on his skin, wanting nothing more than to make it back home to his shower.

Amongst other things...

Grabbing a bottle of water off of the table, Jungkook has to work very hard not to crush the bottle in his hands as he eagerly gulps down what he can. He finishes the bottle in record time and as he reaches for a second one, he pulls his phone out of his pocket to check it.  

Tweety: hiii I hope you’re having a good day! Do you want to takeout tonight? I got caught up at the school and, I didn’t pull anything out.

Jungkook feels his tight chest loosen up a bit as he sees your text come through.

You made a comment one day that he ‘gives off bugs bunny vibes’ and he responded by comparing you to Tweety bird.  

Needless to say, the nicknames are dumb but you guys think they’re cute.  

Bugs: takeout sounds good. I’ll be there late tonight though :/ I hope you had a good day too. Miss u.

Jungkook has just enough time to respond to you before he is wincing at the sound of Hoseok corralling everyone back to the practice floor.

Again, again, again, again, and again...

He’s so tired by the end of the circuit that he’s starting to feel throbbing in his temples. Headaches are a common side effect of over-exertion and just as he is getting ready to beg to go home, they are calling it.

“Ok ok- good job! You’ve worked hard everyone. Let’s rest for a day and then resume on Sunday.”

Jungkook feels his entire body deflate with relief at the last words parading out of Hoseok’s mouth.  

His day is finally over.

He reminds himself to never wear new boots to rehearsal again because he can’t feel the tips of his toes and his fairly certain there are blisters on the of his ankles.  

“Are you riding with me?” Jimin asks him on the way out of the practice room, his voice decorated with exhaustion.

Jungkook doesn’t fully pay attention to his question, his eyes already trained on his phone.

“No, I’m getting my own car.”

Jimin looks confused for a moment before a small smirk comes over his face.

“Are going to see her?”

Jungkook doesn’t respond quick enough, his mouth parted slightly as he types out his message to you.

“Aren’t you worried what people are going to think? You’re over there a lot...”

Jimin isn’t being judgmental with his questioning and Jungkook knows this. He can hear the genuine concern in his voice and understands that his hyung is merely looking out for him.

“I don’t really care what people think anymore.” He answers honestly, ensuring that he keeps his tone as polite as possible.  

Jungkook’s had to worry about the opinions of others since he was 15. As grateful as he is for his career, he is growing tired of being unable to make his own decisions. His gaze hones in on the tattoos covering his fingers and forearms and remembers a time not too long ago where he was required to hide them. Putting a band aids on his own self-expression didn’t feel good and he sort of promised himself that he wouldn’t allow the expectations of others to stop him from doing what he wanted.  

Or seeing who he wanted...

“You’re getting bolder with age.” Jimin notes, somewhat proudly as his eyes flicker over to him, “You really like her, don’t you?”

Tweety: miss u toooooo. I ordered ramen

Bugs: I just got out. I should be there in 20 minutes. I’m so hungry

Jungkook feels his cheeks heat up at Jimin’s question and rather than answer him, he just kind of shrugs, his mouth turned up in a small smirk.  

“Yah, don’t hold out on me-”Jimin bumps his shoulder, tilting his head in an attempt to get him to look his way, “We’ve known each other for how long?”

Jungkook slips his phone back into his pocket and adjusts his bag on his shoulder.

“I think the answer is obvious hyung.”

Jimin rolls his eyes playfully, “If it’s so obvious then why don’t you just say it.”

The two of them lean against the wall of the lobby, waiting on a notification from their drivers that they are outside.

Jungkook bites his lip, in an attempt to reign in the grin that threatens his face.

“I like her.”

Laughter trickles out of Jimin’s lips as he bumps his shoulder, “Why are you shy all of the sudden? Is there something else I don’t know?”

Yes.

There was something else Jimin didn’t know.  

Jungkook hasn’t told a single soul since it happened.  

He’s so incredibly private and after meeting you, he only has more of an urge to keep things to himself.  

“There’s nothing.” Jungkook mutters, his eyes eagerly looking checking his phone for the driver notification.

“You’re lying to me.” Jimin calls him out, “What is it?”

Jungkook shakes his head, tucking a bit of hair behind his ear. He licks over his lips and immediately regrets the fact that he forgot his Chapstick.

How’s he supposed to kiss you, if his lips are chapped?

“Jungkook-ah, tell me-” Jimin whines, tugging on his sleeve.

He merely snickers finally and shrugs him off, shaking his head, “There’s nothing to tell. Why do you think I’m hiding something from you?”

“Because I’ve known you for almost ten years and I-” Jimin begins before a knowing smirk comes over his face, “Wait- you’ve slept with her haven’t you?”

Jungkook’s eyes widen a bit, taken aback by his bold statement, “Someone’s going to hear you, why are you asking questions like this?”

His hyung giggles, deeply satisfied with his discovery, “You have, haven't you?”

Jungkook feels the threat of a smile come over his face again, “Why do you want to know? It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters-” He shoots him a pointed look, “Because we’re best friends? And I want to know. When did it happen?”

Jungkook is feeling a little bit bolder, unable to help the pride he feels that he was finally able to experience an intimate relationship, “Which time?”

Jimin’s eyes widen before he slaps Jungkook on the arm, “Which time??? You’ve done it more than once?”

“Shhh-” Jungkook whisper yells, his brow furrowing, “We’ve been seeing eachother for 6 months. Why do you look so surprised?”

Jimin chuckles this time, glancing behind him, “I just- I don’t know...it was your first time, wasn’t it? I just thought you’d make a bigger deal of it.”

He shrugs again, a smirk still lingering, “It was a big deal- to us. I thought you guys would just figure it out eventually.”

Ever the nosy one, Jimin slinks a little closer to him, a bit of mischief in his eyes, “It’s fun huh?”

Jungkook just rolls his eyes, brushing him off playfully, “I thought I was supposed to be the youngest.”

Jimin ignores his comment and just looks at him expectantly.

Giving up on holding out, Jungkook finally gives him what he wants and replies.

“It was fun.”

Jimin offers his signature bit of laughter again but before he’s able to interrogate him any further, Jungkook finally gets the notification that his driver is here.

“I’ll see you Sunday, hyung.” Jungkook gives him a short wave before adjusting his bag on his shoulder.

Jimin smirks and flutters his fingers in his direction, “Have fun.”

Jungkook just shakes his head, groaning to himself as he finally leaves the building.

Slumping into his seat, he shuts his eyes for a moment and tries his best not to fall asleep. Thankfully, his desire to eat his weight in ramen paired with his desire to see you keeps him from passing out.  

You and Jungkook have been together for a while now and although the initial nerves surrounding seeing him have lessened slightly, you still want to look good for him. Thankfully for you, when it comes to impressing your boyfriend- less is more.  

Slowly but surely, he has revealed his preferences to you but they have slipped out casually. He doesn’t ever want you to feel like you have to look a certain way for him.  

But you do know he likes black.

And you do know he likes when you wear oversized pieces.

The harsh bit of winter also makes dressing in gigantic hoodies and thick socks a lot easier anyhow.  

So you opt for something along the lines of cute but comfy and tend to your hair the easiest way you know how.  

Jungkook also loves it when you don’t wear any makeup. But he’s never told you directly, you’ve just figured out based on the way he gets all starry eyed every time you wash your face at night.  

The ramen is all set up in the living room and you’ve got one of the Christmas movies the two of you started the other day, ready to play.  

By the time you hear a knock at your door, everything is ready for a cozy Friday night with your boyfriend.

Upon opening your door, you are met with the sight of Jungkook- sweaty, soft and slightly sleepy standing there in all of his glory. He’s dressed in grey sweats and a big white t-shirt, his hair tied up messily atop his head. Along with the smell of sweat, you can faintly make out the remnants of his cologne and it stirs something deep inside of you.  

Jungkook’s eyes scan over you briefly, offering a small smile as he leans in to peck your cheek, “Hiiii...”

He sings the greeting, patting your hips as he quickly steps into your apartment.  

“Hello,” You sing back, giggling a bit, “Did you guys just now finish up practicing? Didn’t you start at like 7?”

Jungkook winces as he begins slipping off his big clunky boots, leaning back against your front door, “Yeah. I really thought they were trying to kill me- I did the new dance so many times, I lost count.”

Pouting your lips, you take his bag off his shoulder and hang it up on your coat rack.  

“I’m so sorry.” You murmur, shaking your head, “Did they give you tomorrow off at least?”

At this, Jungkook grins, nodding as he does, “Yeah, I was going to ask you what you were doing tomorrow cause I thought maybe you’d want to hang out. Our night was supposed to start a lot earlier...”

He looks regretful and even slightly annoyed.

He’s been having this issue a lot lately where his prior obligations and engagements seem to mean nothing to his directors, which never used to be a big deal but, now that he has you in his life- he never wants to let you down.

“I’m free all day-” You reply happily, before narrowing your eyes at him, “I have one condition though-”

Jungkook looks intrigued, cocking his head as he steps forward, “What’s your condition?”

“I need one of these...” Pointing to your lips, you pucker them and make grabby hands at your boyfriend.

He laughs softly, shaking his head as he closes the space between you, “I just got here and you’re already using kisses as collateral now huh?” His voice gets a little lower and before you can reply, his gently places his lips on yours, sighing out through his nose as his flutter shut.

Once he starts kissing you, you aren’t really able to think of a coherent response. Leaning into him, you hum lightly in your throat, tucking your lips between his.  

However, when you attempt to slide your hand up the exposed skin of his arm, he winces and pulls away.

Groaning, you can’t help but giggle, “I know- I know... ‘babe, I’m too sweaty. Let me just shower really quick and then I’ll promise, I'll kiss you so much better’...”

At your attempt to imitate his voice, Jungkook starts laughing- cute nose scrunched up with delight.

He kisses his teeth, “You know me too well. I’ll be right back.”

Jungkook leans in again and kisses you on the cheek before disappearing into your bathroom moments later

After his showering, he comes out in a baggy t-shirt and some sweats, his hair freshly blow dried and piled up on his head in a messy bun.  

He scarfs down his dinner in record time before the two of you settle back against the couch.  

You can feel him looking at you as you giggle at the TV but he doesn’t let his eyes linger very long. He just kind of stares for a moment before simply tightening his grip around your shoulders. He feels so warm beside you that you seriously wonder how long you’ll be able to stay awake with him being the human equivalent of a weighted blanket.  

When your laughter erupts again, Jungkook leans in to pop a kiss on your check, which broadens your smile that much more. It’s only for a moment before he turns back to the TV, seemingly satisfied with his actions. However, you decide to return the favor and smoosh your lips against his face, eliciting a snicker from his throat.  

You snuggle into him more, grabbing his arm that’s resting on the couch beside you and wrapping it around so that his hand is resting your lap. Leaning your head against his chest, you slowly began tracing over the markings on his skin lightly brushing your nails against each unique line. Jungkook’s eyes are trained on the TV and despite his blank expression, you can see the goosebumps forming on his skin.  

Regardless, you just keep going, allowing your fingertips to trace over the letters adorning his hand. Using your nails, you trace between each of his fingers, before interlocking them your own. Once you’re holding hands, Jungkook squeezes slightly, brushing his thumb along your skin which then prompts you to finally to turn to the side and look at him.  

He grins softly, still not glancing your way but choosing to offer a playful comment instead, “You’re not watching the movie...”

You laugh softly, reaching out with your free hand and tilting his face towards you.

“We’ve watched this movie four times-” You retort, “Besides I’m pretty sure I remember you promising me that you’d kiss me properly once you were out of the shower.”

Jungkook’s grin broadens, his doe-eyes alight with defiance, “I’m pretty sure you promised yourself that for me- I don’t remember agreeing to it.”

You scoff in mock offense, “Damn ok. So it’s like that huh? I buy you ramen and yet this is how I’m treated. I’m calling the UN...”

Jungkook laughs a little harder now, the sound a little sharp but intensely endearing, “It’s that serious for you?”

Pouting, you nod, “It is that serious.” You’re about to say something else before you brush your thumb over his lips and notice the dryness there, “Did you remember to bring your chapstick today?”

He immediately sucks his lips between his teeth and given that his ability to speak is no compromsied he simply nods, his eyes wide with false innocence.

“Mhmmm.” He lies

“No you didn’t!” You exclaim, laughing a bit as you press your thumb against the thin line of his mouth, “Babe, it’s so cold outside- your lips are going to start cracking.”

Unfurling his lips, he lets his head fall back on his shoulders, “I know, I know-” He whines playfully before his head snaps back up to yours, the same glint remaining in his gaze, “You have some right?”

You roll your eyes, “You know that I do.”

He snickers, quickly leaning in to kiss your cheek, “Can I have some then?”

Playfully shoving him off, you rise from the couch and shake your head, “I’m giving you one to keep in your rehearsal bag,” You shuffle over to your bathroom, “You better use it!”

He laughs as he hears your demand echo down the hallway before calling back, “Hurry jagi! They are so dry- I can feel them! They are so close to cracking!”

Seconds later, your hurling one of your many lip balms into his lap which he catches just before it hits him.

“Put it on...” You demand pointedly and he shakes his head.

“I don’t think I can-” He sighs dramatically, holding the lip balm out to you, “You have to do it- all of the moisture in my body is slowly fading away...my lips are trying to suck it all up.”

Giggling, you cross your arms, shaking your head, “That makes absolutely no sense.”

“Y/N! Please!” Jungkook chokes out, “Before I waste away...the winter-” His eyes bug out of his head, as his hand clutches his chest, “the winter jagi- it's going to dry me out completely.”

Finally snapping, you grab the Chapstick out of his hands before asserting yourself into his lap. He laughs, resting his head against the couch cushions whilst his hands sneakily find their way to your hips.

“You’re so annoying...” You grumble, still giggling yourself as he puckers his lips dramatically.

“I’m only following your recommendations.” He insists, making kissy noises at you, “Balm me up baby.”

Uncapping the chapstick, you press your chest against his before starting to drag it over his lips. As you get to work on helping him, his mischievous gaze slowly softens until he’s looking up at you with stars in his eyes. Carefully, you make sure every inch of his mouth is covered with balm, paying special attention to the corners and his lower lip. As you finish up, you put the cap back on set on the couch cushion.

He rubs his lips together, humming in satisfaction.

You smirk, “Better?”

Jungkook nods his Adams’ apple bobbing in his throat as he feels you shift on his hips.  

“Make sure.” He murmurs, puckering his lips, his eyes starting to swim with arousal.

You lean in, unable to refuse him before capturing his mouth in a kiss. Rotating your head, you slowly deepen the connection between your lips, drawing a sigh from the boy beneath you. You can feel his thumbs rub ever so gently against the back of your hips as he leans fully back so that your chest is resting on his.

He nudges your nose, allowing his tongue to brush against the bottom of your top lip, requesting entrance into your mouth. You accept him, licking along his tongue, a shiver running up your spine as he sucks slightly on the top of you.  

Jungkook really is a filthy kisser but you’d never guess by just looking at him.  

He’s quite sure his face is growing numb, his only focus on the way you’re making him feel and a somewhat annoying pain on the back of his head. His ponytail is digging against the wall, causing unnecessary discomfort to wash over him. Still kissing you, he reaches behind his head to pull the hair tie out, allowing his hair to fall freely around his face. You take the opportunity to slide your fingers between the strands, scratching gently at his scalp and causing a slightly shaky breath to leave his lips.  

He loves when you play with his hair.  

You use both hands now to tuck it behind his ear before using them to slide down the length of his arms. Finding his hands on your hips, you lace your fingers with his and bring them back up so they are pinned against either side of his head.  

The making out didn’t get him fully hard but as soon as he feels his hands pinned against the head of the couch, he feels his dick twitch almost painfully in his sweatpants.  

Smirking into his mouth, you delight in the sudden halt to his breathing. Subtly, he pushes his hips up a bit when you start kissing your way down his chin and throat. Jungkook summons all the resolve he has and goes perfectly still when you start placing soft kisses along the expanse of his throat. You feel the ache between your legs worsen when you feel his fingers tightening against yours. Jungkook is a very sensitive person, both emotionally and physically. Over the time you’ve become intimate, you’ve slowly uncovered all the little spots that drive him crazy.  

And you’re determined to kiss every single one.  

“You had a hard day huh?” You murmur sweetly, kissing up the right side of his neck.

All he does is nod, his eyes falling shut as he feels your lips getting closer to his earlobe.  

Placing another kiss at his hairline, you slowly kiss along the bottom half of his ear before capturing it between your teeth.

His breath immediately leaves his lips in a shaky mess, his eyes squeezing together as the grip on your hands tightens.

“I think I should help you relax after you’ve worked so hard don’t you?”

He has no idea what you plan to do to him but, he honestly couldn’t give a fuck.  

He’s too hard, too wound up and too into to you to ask any meaningful questions.  

Jungkook merely nods, not trusting his vocal abilities at the moment as he waits for your next move.  

A smirk comes across your face as you suckle lightly on his earlobe, knowing how much he likes it before using your lips to descend back down his neck.  

You lean away from him to get a closer look at his expression. Smoothed out in pure pleasure but also tightening slightly at the discomfort brought on by his throbbing dick.  

His eyes are still closed as you release your grip on his hands and he keeps them that way even as you move to grip the hem of his t-shirt.  

“Are you falling asleep on me?” You tease and he merely grins, shaking his head.

“Then why are your eyes closed?”

He doesn’t open them and instead allows a breathless bit of laughter to leave his lips, sound almost exasperated.

“I feel dizzy.”

His simple responses elicits another desire within you that intensifies your goal to make him feel good.  

“In a good way?” You check, playfully pinching his stomach as you slowly pull up his t-shirt.

He goes back to nodding, his hands coming down to assist you with your task. His hair flops haphazardly as the material of his shirt messes with it. You take a moment to admire how incredibly beautiful he is when he settles back against the couch, your mouth going dry at the sight of him. Flushed face, pouted lips, defined muscles and hardened nipples lay before you, and you are a little unsure of where to put your lips first.

Although it doesn’t really matter, your destination is the same regardless.  

Deciding on another spot that drives him crazy, you allow your fingers to brush along his ribs before leaning in to kiss over his defined chest. Jungkook’s hands are laying limp against the couch but when he feels your lips nearing his nipple, he turns them so they are able to grip the edge of the couch. Sucking his nipple into your mouth, you let you tongue rub against the peak of it. Jungkook sighs loudly from above you and you can’t help but smirk as he still doesn’t allow himself to moan.  

It’s a quirk you’ve noticed and you feel like it’s likely left over from the long-discarded idea that Jungkook has regarding his masculinity. No matter how often you tell him that making noise is perfectly ok (and really hot) he still waits till he can’t help himself.  

And to be honest, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t enjoy pushing him towards that point.  

After you finish kissing his chest, you begin trailing your wet lips down the middle of torso, taking a moment to suck over the soft skin of his not so softly defined stomach.

“All those hours in the gym are really paying off-” You mumble against his skin, brushing your fingers over his abs, “You look so strong...”

At your compliment, his lips part, one side of his mouth turning up in a slight smile.

“I wanna look good for you.”

It’s quite a ridiculous statement really.  

Jungkook would look good no matter how many visible abs he had but you know he likes the praise none the less.  

So you shower him with it.

“You always look good for me.” You assure him, kissing along the band of his sweatpants now, “I’m proud of you for working so hard.”

He grins a little more, leaving his eyes mostly close but allowing them to peak open a bit to watch you sink to your knees.  

“Thank you.”

He swallows back the threat of hyperventilation as he feels you spread his legs, his eyes closing completely once again.  

If you weren’t able to make out the sound of his breath picking up, the movement of us chest certainly would have given it away, his pecks heaving a bit as he tries to relax.  

But as you begin gently massaging up his legs, Jungkook realizes relaxing might not be possible.  

At least not at the moment...

He’s stained the seam of his sweatpants with precum which would upset him if it were any other substance but with his dick being so hard, he really can’t find himself to care about anything else.

Tucking your fingers beneath his sweatpants, you begin tugging them off of his hips, relieved that he isn’t wearing any underwear.

Jungkook takes another deep and shaky breath through his nose, tilting his head back again as he tries to center his thinking.

But you’re kind of driving him insane.  

Starting at his knee, you kiss all the way up his inner thigh, taking in the scent of his body- indescribable and mouthwatering, just like him. You stop just before his dick before repeating your actions along the other leg.  

Jungkook’s stomach is caving in at the teasing but he does absolutely nothing to urge you further.  

He likes the torture.  

“Is there anything you want me to do while I'm down here?”  

Jungkook bites his bottom lip at your question, knowing that you’re going to make him ask for it but feeling shy regardless.

“Yes.” He breathes  

You brush your fingertips over his balls, his hips only slightly twitching at the sensation.

He’s trying to stay calm, not wanting to get so ahead of himself he blows his load before you’ve even started.  

“What is it that you want me to do?” You murmur, leaning in to breathe against his length.

You’re expecting him to stall and use every other word to ask for what he wants but instead, he surprises you.

“Suck on it...” He whispers, taking a deep breath before exhaling on the word, “...please.”

Smirking to yourself, you wrap a hand around him- feeling him throb within your grip before kitten licking over the tip of him. After ridding his dick of all the precum, you decide to end his descent into madness and suck him into your mouth.  

You start slow, licking up and down the length of him, your core aching at the taste. Jungkook’s nails are digging into the couch cushions as he feels your movements, his teeth starting to chew on the inside of his bottom lip.

Bringing your hand into the mix, you guide a flexible grip up and down up, using your lips to suck on the tip of him, your tongue tracing the curves of his frenulum.  

Jungkook’s lips part in awe as he feels the combination of moves on his dick, his toes curling against the shag carpet. He knows that his vision will be swimming but he wants to watch you so badly, he decides to finally open his eyes.  

As he predicted, his vision is spotty and the dizziness he felt earlier is nothing compared to the way he feels now.  

It all becomes irrelevant though when he locks eyes with you. Your boyfriends normally innocent gaze is completely glossed over with lust, his mouth hanging open as he stares down at you, the same smirk slowly returning to his lips.  

Sucking off of him, you use your hand to jerk him off as you address him, “Does it feel good?”

He bites his lip, his face and chest decorated with the flush of arousal as he nods.

“Why are you so quiet then?”  

For whatever reason, your question tickles him and drunken giggle bubbles up past his lips,

“’ss too good.” He explains, shaking his head at you, “I don’t know how to say anything...”

Logically, he understands that you aren’t talking about him necessarily saying anything but more so referring to the lack of noise he’s making. However, he knows very well that he’s going to be moaning for you soon, especially when your mouth returns to his dick a second time.  

When he feels you palm his balls, his eyes fall shut again, his hips twitching all over the place when you resume both sucking and jerking him off.  

Jungkook knows he’s biting his lip really hard when he starts to taste a bit of blood but he doesn’t care, the pleasure he’s experiencing overpowering any semblance of pain.  

“Y/N” He whispers, “I’m getting really close.”

His warning makes you swoon because he sounds so desperate and yet he’s being considerate, not wanting to intrude your mouth with the taste of him.  

Despite the fact that, that’s all you want.  

You merely moan against his length, signaling for him to let go whenever he wants, your speed increasing all the while.  

“Fuck...” He whispers again but the word sounds like it got caught in his throat, “Fuck...fuck...fuck.”

Hearing him swear makes the wet disaster in your shorts much worse but you wanna make him cum so badly, you ignore it completely. The sound of him nearing the edge is enough to take him all the way in your mouth, hollowing your cheeks as you suck him harder.

Finally, he breaks- a whimpering skipping past his lips, one of his hands coming up to cover his mouth. As much as you want him to moan for you, you don’t want to stop your motions long enough to tell him.  

He throws his head back against the headrest, his eyes opening wide as he stares up at the ceiling in amazement. His body jerks as the first wave of his release hits your tongue and rope after rope, you swallow everything he gives you, sucking him through his orgasm and until the sensitivity becomes too much and he starts squirming beneath you.  

You suck off of him, allowing his softening length to rest against his lower stomach, which is now trembling with his heavy breath.

Jungkook pants, still staring him at the ceiling and while he’s coming down, you kiss along his hips, letting him take his time. Whilst you’re kissing up his happy trail, one of his hands reaches out to brush over your face. Its then you notice that it’s clammy and a bit shaky so, you take a moment to press a kiss over his knuckles, trying to encourage him to look at you.

“You’re shaking.” You whisper and before you know it, you can hear that same drunken giggle coming from his lips again.

Your boyfriend looks down at you, a deep sense of amazement in his eyes as he laughs still, a bit delirious.

“Yeah well-” He shakes his head, still trying to get his wits about him, “You should have a talk with your mouth about that...”

You giggle now, resting your chin on your hand as you admire how fucked-out he looks. His hair is a mess and he is covered in a light layer of sweat and if you’re being honest, you really want to jump his bones all over again. But you know he needs a minute.

“I just wanted to help you relax.” You claim innocently to which he just shakes his head, gesturing for you to get on the couch.

“Come here.”

You scramble up towards him, sitting beside his exhausted body and before you know it, he’s pulling in for a kiss, his smile creeping back when he feels your lips.

“You’re amazing.”

He sounds silly but sincere all at once, kissing softly at your lips before nudging your nose.

You smile back into the kiss, mumbling something of the same nature to him.  

The two of you kiss one another for a moment until Jungkook is pulling back, allowing his dark gaze to scan over your face, eyes suddenly full of determination.

“I think it’s time you relax too now, don’t you think?”

[fenristheorem]

Lance Romantic Headcanons

(Technically part 2)

I’ve had a few of general / romantic headcanons running through my mind for a while now regarding Lance, so as part of my weeks away I decided I wanted to write about this. This isn’t to be confused with my two request writings (part 1 and 2) asking for headcanons of Lance in Guardienne in a relationship, although, the subject is very closely related so it’s probably a bit of a sister series lol.

~ Under the cut ~

I'm going to jump right into this: I think Lance has a dirty secret (many secrets actually, but I’m only sharing this one for now 😉). I theorize he secretly likes sensual dancing; soft yet intimate or intense music playing, and either watching his partner dance around or dancing with her. Being able to grasp her hips gently and sway with her, nuzzling his face into her neck, and pressing her body against his could definitely bewitch him into falling in love with is partner all over again. For this reason, he'd also like when his partner gives him lap dances - if that's something she's interested in doing - especially if she’s being subtly dominant about it. However, this isn't anything that's necessary, more like something that he enjoys when offered due to the intimacy of it. He'd never admit his interest in this, though - except maybe to his partner - and he'd certainly never do any of this in public.

He’s probably into massages - both giving and receiving - as this includes a lot of physical touch, too. Being a warrior and the Chief of Obsidian, Lance probably has a lot of stress on himself and undoubtedly works himself until he bleeds, which means he’s probably tense all the time. Provided his partner can get him to sit or lay down for long enough to give him a good back or shoulder massage, he’ll eventually melt into it until it’s hard to get him back up and moving. Massages can literally make this guy melt. He’ll enjoy giving his partner massages for reasons different than why he enjoys receiving them, though. Being able to lay his partner down and use his strength to sooth her ignites something deep within him, a sort of feral protective instinct, possibly because the act of massaging someone is similar in motion to kneading (like a cat) and providing comfort to your partner is usually pretty nice anyways. This can actually influence him into turning the simplest of massages into a long night of gentle touches where his partner doesn’t need to worry about doing anything except laying beneath him and letting him do all the work. Frankly, saying that he likes massages is an understatement, he probably loves them due to the simplistic intimacy of it.

Lance is definitely into aggressive cuddling as well. He likely has aggressive moments through out the year, almost like how a woman's temperament may change based on her menstrual cycle (yes, I did just say that lol), and it can make him crave his partner's touch more or less in certain moments. Based on his internal time clock, he'll have days where he'll come back to their shared room at night, strip off his armor until he's wearing only his pants, grab his partner - gently - and throw her - gently - onto the bed, and cuddle with her. He'll wrap his arms tightly around her, may possibly lay on top of her - as long as he's sure she's not suffocating under his weight - and he'll refuse to let her up for anything. She can argue him all she wants; he'll either argue back or shut her up with a kiss, which could probably lead off to another type of aggressive cuddling 😉. 

He can also be somewhat aggressive during these moments... but not exactly in a distasteful way.

“Hey Lance, can I get up?”

A grunt.

...

“Please?”

Another grunt, and a shifting of his grip to hold her tighter.

“Oh come on! I need to see Karenn about something!”

“You’ve seen her enough this week.”

She can start to struggle against his arms and chest, but he’ll pull her into a death grip and wrap his legs around hers so it’s harder to move.

A frustrated sigh as she relaxes.

...

More struggling. He’ll growl and lightly nip her neck or shoulder, following up with a few gentle kisses if he’s feeling kind. This gets her to stop.

“I promise I’ll come back and then we can continue!”

He’ll raise his head and look at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Is it urgent?”

“...Yes?...”

“No.”

“Why!?”

“That ‘yes’ had ‘no’ written all over it.”

His hand will press her head against his chest again as Lance nuzzles into her hair.

“Is there any way, in any possible world, that I could possibly leave for just a few seconds to tell her something?”

“No.”

Better luck next time, maybe. Once Lance is set on something, it’ll take the sky falling to change his mind... and even then his stubbornness may still prevail.

While we’re on the topic of close contact with Lance; he probably has a very specific scent to him that isn’t even remotely similar to any one else in the guard.

His profession requires heavy manual labor, and although he probably isn’t fighting most of the time - maybe not even training depending on the day - he still has to lug around heavy armor and weaponry, and he probably has a somewhat routine schedule of walking around the guard to check in on how his sentries are doing (was it ever confirmed that there are watchmen stationed on the walls of the guard? Anyways, I headcanon that if it wasn’t already confirmed). Lance probably does a lot of moving around each day; be it training, fighting, working out a bit to keep in shape, embarking on missions, or just patrolling the guard to assure everything is alright. This means he probably does sweat a bit, and of course that hightlights anyone’s natural scent. It’s hard to say exactly what his natural scent may be like, but I image it’s a bit musky with a hint of a lighter chill to it.

Of course, he probably deals with the forge a lot, too, so the scent of the oil, leather, and smoldering steel he works with likely rubs off on him quite a bit. At nearly any time of the day - but especially later in the day - his partner is likely to find him smelling like the heavy musk of leather and heat, mixed with his own faint musk, and a tinge of nipping cold from the soap he showers with.

I’ve noticed that people rarely ever mention Lance’s neck injury... but I think his injury may actually have some impact in his relationship. There’s very little detail known on his injury, but regardless, it’s still a major weak point for him and was probably life-threatening at some point, so I don’t think he takes people being around this injury - or his neck in general - very lightly.

He’s likely very sensitive about his neck, even with his romantic partner. It’s less of a trust thing and more of an instinctual, self-preservation thing. There was a point in time where his life was threatened because someone was inflicting an injury to his neck, and it is known that it’s a weak point for Lance, so it would make sense that he would be very defensive about his neck.

It would take a while for him to open up to his partner about the details, and he may lean away from any touch on his neck for a long time until he learns how to feel comfortable with it, so in that time his partner would need to be understanding and accepting. She can hug him, kiss him, lean against him, anything... but avoid touching his neck.

Lance would likely be startled if she did this without warning, possibly to the point of clearly jumping or immediately backing away from shock. As it is, other’s don’t really touch him in a kind manner, so to have someone - even if it is his partner - touch him without warning, gently, on his neck, will usually come as a surprise. However, this is really only in the beginning of their relationship, and he’ll calm down in time the more he adjusts to physical touch around that area.

In the mean time, his partner would need to get used to his skittishness, but if it’s really a problem for his partner and he agrees, they can start to rehabilitate him to physical touch around his neck, starting by getting him used to touch around his neck and his partner eventually moving her hands closer and closer to his neck until he’s calm enough to let her touch his neck. It would be a slow process, but - provided he trusts her and feels safe when they try it - he’ll slowly relax in time.

This would be unlikely to cause major issues in their relationship unless his partner obviously doesn’t seem to care about his uncomfortable feelings, so as long as she gives him the time he needs to adapt and trust, he’ll calm down. In time he’ll fully enjoy her touch on his neck.

This is relatively short in comparison to the rants I usually go on but I’m glad to have finally written these out. Technically, I had more headcanons I could have added to this, but since they’re a bit more specifically about Lance’s dragon genetics I decided to split those off onto their own post. Fortunately I think these are fine as they are!

Thanks for reading!

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[elysiangroundsforall]

In the Course of It ...

"You're my only Bambi, Bambi"

Chapter 2

The next morning, I woke up early, still feeling the excitement from the previous day. The trainee dorms were buzzing with activity as everyone got ready for the day's training. I quickly dressed and headed to the training center, determined to make the most of this opportunity.

The day started with a group orientation session. We were briefed on the training schedule, introduced to our trainers, and given an overview of what was expected from us. The schedule was intense, with long hours dedicated to singing, dancing, rapping, and even language lessons. But I was ready to give it my all.

My first session was vocal training. As I entered the practice room, I saw a few familiar faces from the auditions. We exchanged nervous smiles and waited for our vocal coach to arrive. The coach, a seasoned professional with years of experience, greeted us warmly and started the session with vocal warm-ups.

"Remember, your voice is your instrument. Take care of it and practice regularly," the coach advised.

We spent the next few hours working on various vocal techniques, and I could feel myself improving with each exercise. The coach's feedback was invaluable, and I made a mental note of everything I needed to work on.

After the vocal session, it was time for dance practice. The dance studio was spacious, with mirrors lining the walls. Our dance instructor, a former professional dancer, was strict but encouraging.

"Remember, precision and energy are key. Every move should be sharp and confident," the instructor emphasized.

We worked on different dance routines, and I found myself getting lost in the music and movements. Despite the rigorous practice, I felt a sense of exhilaration. This was what I had always dreamed of, and I was living it.

By the time the dance session ended, I was exhausted but satisfied with my progress. We had a short break for lunch, and I took the opportunity to chat with some of the other trainees. Everyone was friendly and supportive, sharing tips and encouraging each other.

The afternoon was dedicated to rap practice and stage presence. Our rap coach was energetic and charismatic, pushing us to find our unique style and voice.

"Rap is all about expression. Let your personality shine through your lyrics," the coach said.

We practiced different rap verses and worked on our delivery. It was challenging, but I loved every minute of it. I could feel myself growing more confident with each session.

Finally, the day ended with a session on stage presence and performance. We learned how to engage with the audience, project confidence, and own the stage. It was the perfect way to wrap up an intense but rewarding day of training.

As I walked back to the dorms, I felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The day had been tough, but I had learned so much and felt more determined than ever to succeed.

Back in my room, I took a moment to reflect on everything I had accomplished. This was just the beginning, and I knew the journey ahead would be challenging. But with each step, I was getting closer to my dream.

I called Minseo to share the day's experiences with her. She listened intently, cheering me on and offering words of encouragement.

"You're doing amazing, Y/N. Keep going, and don't forget to take care of yourself," she said.

"Thanks, Minseo. I couldn't have done it without your support," I replied.

After the call, I prepared for bed, feeling a sense of contentment and anticipation for the days to come. I was on the path to achieving my dream, and nothing could stop me now.

The following days fell into a steady rhythm of training and self-improvement. Each morning, I woke up early, ready to tackle the day's challenges with enthusiasm and determination. The intensity of the training schedule pushed me to my limits, but I embraced every moment, knowing that this was my chance to grow and shine.

In the mornings, we focused on vocal training. I worked diligently on my breathing techniques, pitch control, and vocal stamina. The coach's feedback was direct but constructive, helping me refine my skills and gain confidence in my abilities. I could feel my voice growing stronger and more versatile with each passing day.

Dance practice continued to be a highlight of my day. The routines grew more complex, requiring precision and fluidity. Our dance instructor, though strict, was incredibly motivating. She challenged us to push beyond our comfort zones and encouraged us to add our own flair to the choreography. I found myself getting lost in the music, my movements becoming more synchronized and expressive.

During lunch breaks, I bonded with my fellow trainees. We shared stories, tips, and dreams, creating a supportive network that made the intense training more manageable. We laughed and encouraged each other, forming friendships that I knew would last beyond our time as trainees.

Afternoons were dedicated to rap and stage presence training. Our rap coach's passion was infectious, and I found myself experimenting with different styles and rhythms. I wrote my own verses, drawing inspiration from my experiences and emotions. The coach's guidance helped me find my unique voice and confidence in my delivery.

Stage presence training was equally demanding. We practiced engaging with imaginary audiences, projecting confidence, and commanding the stage. It was exhilarating to learn how to connect with the audience and make each performance memorable. The tips and tricks we learned were invaluable, and I could feel myself becoming more comfortable in the spotlight.

Evenings were a time for self-reflection and additional practice. I often found myself in the practice rooms, rehearsing my routines and perfecting my techniques. The dedication and hard work were paying off, and I could see the progress I was making.

One evening, after an especially grueling day of training, I received a message from Minseo. She had been my rock throughout this journey, always encouraging me and offering support.

"How's it going, superstar?" she texted.

"Exhausted but happy," I replied. "The training is intense, but I'm learning so much. I can't wait to show you everything I've been working on."

"You'll do great, Y/N. Just remember to take care of yourself too," she responded.

"Thanks, Minseo. I couldn't have done any of this without you," I texted back, feeling a surge of gratitude for her unwavering support.

As the weeks went by, the day of our first evaluation approached. This was our chance to showcase everything we had learned and prove ourselves to the trainers and company executives. The anticipation and nervousness among the trainees were palpable, but we supported each other, knowing we were all in this together.

The night before the evaluation, I called Minseo to calm my nerves.

"Tomorrow's the big day," I said, my voice a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"You've got this, Y/N. Just be yourself and show them what you're made of," she encouraged.

"Thanks, Minseo. Your belief in me means everything," I replied.

"Always. Now get some rest and give it your best shot tomorrow," she said.

I took her advice to heart, ensuring I got a good night's sleep. The next morning, I woke up feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. As I got ready, I reminded myself of all the hard work and dedication I had put in. This was my moment to shine.

The evaluation took place in a large performance hall. We were each given a chance to showcase our skills in singing, dancing, and rapping. When my turn came, I took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage.

The lights were bright, and the room was filled with the watchful eyes of the trainers and executives. I started with my vocal performance, pouring my heart into every note. Next, I performed the dance routine, moving with confidence and precision. Finally, I delivered my rap, infusing it with all the passion and energy I could muster.

As I finished, the room was silent for a moment before erupting into applause. I stepped off the stage, my heart pounding but filled with a sense of accomplishment. Whatever the outcome, I knew I had given it my all.

The evaluations continued throughout the day, and by the end, we were all exhausted but proud of our efforts. The trainers and executives would deliberate and announce the results the following day.

That night, I could hardly sleep, my mind racing with possibilities. The journey had been challenging, but it was just the beginning. No matter what happened next, I was ready to face it with the same determination and passion that had brought me this far.

The next day, as we gathered in the training hall, the air was thick with anticipation. The head trainer stepped forward, holding a list of names.

"Congratulations to all of you for your hard work and dedication. The following trainees have been selected to move on to the next phase," she announced.

My heart raced as she began reading the names. When she finally called out, "Y/N," I felt a wave of relief and joy wash over me.

I had made it. This was just the beginning of my journey with INB100, and I was ready to embrace whatever challenges and opportunities lay ahead. With my friends and supporters by my side, I knew I could achieve anything.

Chapter 3 >>>

[kokiseiko]

Astral Binding | Part 1

Shouta Aizawa x Reader: Supernatural AU

Word Count: 1.2k +

Fandom: Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia

Pairing: (?)Villain!Aizawa x Reader

Rating: SFW | 13+

Warnings: Kissing, Strange Beings, Feeling of Being Watched, ¿Paranoia?

Summary: You’re concerned with how your colleague-now-boyfriend is acting much more strangely these days.

Note: This is my piece for @chaoticyuna’s Summerween Event. This will have a second part, and maybe a third? It really depends if my brain and the story’s pacing cooperate with me.

I’d like to thank @nire-chann for helping me form and polish my plot in this piece and for beta-reading it together with @saudade-mayari​ | @yourgoddessselene​ 😘💙

The pairing and title will make sense on the next part(s).

Reaching for the eye drops on his bedside table, he slowly opened the cap, dropping some on his bloodshot eyes. He shouldn’t have overused his quirk during the commotion on the area he was assigned to patrol last night.

Sighing, he went ahead and move towards the bathroom to shower quickly, ignoring the strange bugging feeling acclimating inside his gut.

The hot splashes of liquid that trickled down his body eased the knots and sore muscles from the hits he took with that villain.

Refusing to open the blinds due to the irritation that the sudden intrusion of sunlight causes to his already dry eyes, the dimly lit room is filled with dancing shadows as he continues to dress in his hero attire.

Now walking along the halls of the UA building wanting to get some files- and maybe spend his morning with you- before class starts, strands of hair begin to stand above his nape. His stomach once again wrenching with nerves. Strides are becoming much quicker than usual.

Security measurements are strict. It’s impossible to enter the building without the staff being notified.

The thought of being followed is becoming unbearable. Looking around the cobalt blue-coated walls of the halls, the erasure hero saw nothing out of the ordinary, but that feeling of being watched never faded.

***

Opening the door to the faculty room, he spots you on one of the corners of the premises, humming to a tune in your head while making coffee for two.

You perked up when you saw him, your smile urging his mouth to twitch upwards.

“Shou! Coffee?”

Taking the cup from your hand, he nods, thanking you with a kiss on the cheek. You both proceed to sit on your desks, having the usual morning chat on each other’s lesson plans for his homeroom class.

“I was thinking of giving them a no-quirk combat training on Wednesday til’ Friday. What do you think?”

“Sounds good.”

His small reassuring smile for you suddenly turned into a tight line. Shouta’s head is suddenly pounding, and a foreign feeling is similar to being dipped into the depths of the unmerciful tides of the oceans. It vanishes as quickly as it came. No one seemed to notice, not even you.

***

The week felt longer than it usually does now that he had time alone inside his dim room. His thoughts are the only ones entertaining him whilst his body is laid underneath his white sheets.

Maybe it was the tons of reports he needed to make due to the commonly occurring accidents with 1-A during training. Or was it the tons of files he needed to arrange?

Perhaps the week felt like a play in slow motion because of the reoccurring feeling in his gut.

Head spinning. Fading in and out of vignette. Thoughts weren’t helping him to anchor to consciousness. He hears a symphony of whispers whilst feeling uncomfortable with the contrast of the delicate touches of warm, calloused hands tracing all over the surface of the bubbling sweat on the surface of his moistening skin.

Like imprisoned in a non-existent bind of ropes, his mind battles an unexplainable intrusion, a feeling of throbbing then bursting pain filling the seams of his every nerve.

Shouta feels like he’s losing, a replay of memories filling his retinas as his eyes were forced shut.

***

Despite a good few weeks that passed, Shouta’s been fighting every night while feeling being watched. It had taken a toll on his mind. Cold sweat stains are what greets him every morning, along with his more than usual dry eyes.

His limbs felt like he had gone through an intense sparring session, joints aching and popping as he stretches them.

---

He had finally found a suitable vessel. Snickering while he sees the composure of his subject crumbling into rough sand. No worries though, it’ll be a few more months before his absence is sensed once more, and he’ll be ordered to go back. He’ll savor every moment of chaos from what this may become.

He licks his lips, entertained by the paranoia that the man he’s been observing from the shadows is experiencing. Soon. He’ll be ripe enough. After all, he has been using his body for mischief every night.

---

Now sitting in the soft covers of the sofa in the teacher’s lounge, you went over to what happened earlier. Sipping coffee while conversing early in the morning was almost like a routine for you two, so you were obviously shocked when Shouta suddenly lashed out at you after questioning how’s his patrol last night.

Maybe he just had a rough night? No. That won’t explain how strange he acts lately.

You decide that maybe you’ll offer to have a joint patrol later. More time to spend together with him, plus you might be able to talk about it and offer help on whatever’s bothering him- it’s a win-win!

As usual, the day continues. Your mock-battle training in the second-years of the hero course in the mornings was splendid since no one got any severe injuries and needed to go to Recovery Girl. All were cautious and up on their feet, as they were battling with the third years’ “Big Three.” Your second-years lost, but it was by a small margin.

Now cradling your third cup of coffee this day -it helps keep you alert during patrol- your eyes lands on the clock on the wall, taking note of the time your orbs begin to search for that familiar yellow that usually lays atop the couch or near the corner of the room.

You frown. It’s the fourth time this week. That’s unusual. He always follows his nap routine in the lounge at this hour.

Placing your coffee tumbler atop your desk, you checked every corner of the campus in the following hour, searching for your boyfriend.

---

Locked in the suffocating walls of a storage room near the dorms, his vision was spinning as he fights off the invisible force that was penetrating his mind and hitting his body every now and then.

He hacks a cough as he was punched in the gut by the shadow, his knees buckling from the force of the succeeding attacks.

Kneeling at the floor, unable to stand, hands palm down, doing his best to support his weight and not wanting to lose from whatever this being might be. Still, the moment of weakness displayed upon the gleaming eyes on the wall made the figure lick its lips, savoring the exhibit of ragged breaths full of frustration, tinged with fear, and wracking with dizzying anticipation.

---

You sigh in relief as your search finally ends near the dorms. You ran towards the black mass exiting the storage room.

“Shou! I was looking all over the campus for you!”

He smiles. Wait, what? Simply humming as if he’s amused with something, you ignored the devilishly handsome smirk that was now plastered upon his face.

“Yeah? And why does this pretty kitty went looking for her… Eraserhead?”

You blushed. His tone had a different ring that made your stomach feel funny. You’re feeling odd. Shouta wasn’t one for pet names, nor PDA for that matter, even when you’re both alone in a public place, especially on campus.

“Well, I was wondering if you’d like to spend patrol with me?”

“Sure princess, meet you at 10 near the gates?”

“Yeah, su- mmph!”

Kissing was a no no in public. You both agreed to that. Something’s definitely going on, right?