#the first one is me trying to figure out when to book appointments and who’s going to be where when

[orangedogsquad]

What it feels like trying to schedule the next few months

[4-the-l0ve-0f-art]

“The Captain’s beloved…wait, what?!”

Capitano x Gender Neutral Reader one shot

Work count: 2.2k

Genre: Fluff, Comedy, Domestic Fluff, Established Relationship

Rating: General Audiences

Trigger Warnings: none

Summary: The fatui discover that their Captain does, in fact, have a life outside of work and gossip between the ranks ensues. (Cue silly fatui shenanigans)

Ao3 Link

Capitano, the Fatui’s first lord and harbinger, contrary to popular belief, was respected and admired by his platoons rather than feared. There was a widespread misunderstanding both in and outside the organization that the Captain was a harsh and dangerous leader due to his mysterious nature. However, the people who worked under him knew better as they had grown to admire him the more they interacted with him.

He held himself with pride and treated his soldiers the same way he wanted to be treated: with respect and dignity. And in return, they learned the depths of this man’s strategic genius and strength. His strength was unmatched in combat and led his people well with good decision making and training. They could only hope to be as good as him in his various fields of expertise.

He was strict, and quick to discipline unruly fatuus, yes, but that did not stop others under his command from admiring him. And to emphasize this even more, it was clear that his fellow harbingers and even the Tsarista respected him, whether their goals and morals aligned with his or not. However, this made the people around him curious about aspects related to him outside of his work and title. He was a revered public figure and people were naturally curious about his personal life.

This is where you came in. You, his one and only beloved, the only person who held his whole heart in your hands. Not many people knew of this, but the Captain was a gentle man at his core, and you had somehow managed to uncover all of his being and see him fully as himself, without his title, without his strength. You knew this man inside and out, just as he had come to know you. It was a mutual love, one which even he did not know he was capable of feeling, and that made him all the more enamored with you.

This, however, people did not know. So you can imagine the surprise on their faces when you, an ordinary civilian, came to the Zapalyarny Palace and asked for directions to the Captain’s office. The clerk at the desk looked at you blankly, as if she were staring at an anomaly. This prompted you to try and explain yourself.

“..I’m here to drop off his lunch. So, if you don’t mind..?” You asked.

No response. The blank stare continued.

You already knew that you looked out of place in this grand palace with no Fatui uniform or mask on. But you were determined to make sure your beloved got his lunch, which you had specifically decided to make for him that day as a special treat for how hard he had been working while preparing for a business trip to Natlan.

“Excuse me..?” You said a little louder this time. That seemed to snap her back to reality.

“You cannot enter this place, only authorized personnel are allowed inside. If you’d like to meet our lord, please book your appointment accordingly.” She replied on autopilot, as if she’d rehearsed the same sentence multiple times.

“I’m sorry, I know you have your duties, but I’m here just to drop off his lunch. You can check with him yourself if you’d like..”

“He’s busy at the moment, please leave your package here and we will deliver it to him.” She replied. It seemed like you were being studied like a suspicious person who was attempting to sneak in.

Fair enough.. you thought. I was hoping I would get to spend a few minutes with him and see how he was holding up at work but that can wait till he’s home. And she’s not wrong, I did drop by without notice, so it makes sense for them to be suspicious.

Fatui soldiers passing by had also been glancing at the ongoing conversation at the front desk, eyeing the lunch box wrapped in patterned cloth in your hands with raised eyebrows. You decided to leave the food there, getting one last word in before leaving.

“If you could, please make sure it reaches him soon. It’s his favorite meal and I would prefer it didn’t go cold before he ate it.”

And then everyone watched as your ordinary self left, unaware of the number of eyes on you.

…

A pyroslinger skirmisher stationed near the entrance asked dumbfoundedly, “Did..did they just say that was the Captain’s favorite meal? Our lord harbinger?”

A cryogunner skirmisher who had also watched the whole thing go down as he clocked in asked another question right after, in the same state of confusion as the previous fatuus. “..Has anyone seen them around before? They don’t look like someone who would be seen standing next to Lord Capitano.”

And as the just as confused clerk left the scene towards his office with your goods in hand, excited chatter filled the halls.

Chaos would be the right word for it. You had left chaos in your wake with a simple visit to his workplace.

…

That night, as you and Capitano settled in to relax in your shared home after a long day of work, you asked him how his lunch was.

“It was delicious, my love.” He replied, gently caressing your face with his hands while looking down at you through his mask. “It felt like a treat to have your home cooked meal at work. You didn’t have to, but thank you. It made my day.”

You smiled and took his hands in yours as you nuzzled into his touch. “I’m glad you liked it. I was going to give it to you myself but I couldn’t enter the place.”

“You should visit more often. I’ll let the security personnel know to let you enter so you can come and go as you like.” He paused, clearing his throat. “..Seeing you in the middle of a long day would bring me relief.”

You felt slightly flushed at his straightforward choice of words. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to you being so..open with me. But I like it, of course. I would like that as long as I’m not disturbing you at work.”

Capitano chuckled. It was like the angels decided to bless you today, really. “I will always make time for you, my love. Just as you do for me.”

You beamed. “Okay, okay, let’s get some sleep now, Mr. Loverman. We still have work tomorrow in case you’re forgetting.”

A kiss on the forehead and the rustling of sheets was all you heard before you were whisked away to dreamland.

…

Unbeknownst to you and Capitano, however, word about you spread like wildfire across the next few days between the excited fatui soldiers. Some from even the different departments under the other harbingers might’ve heard. The person who looked like a civilian, dropping lunch packed in pretty cloth for their Lord did not go unnoticed.

This was the only time someone unrelated to work had been seen asking for their Captain and questions about your relation to him were on the tip of everyone’s tongue during break times.

Two fatuus gossiped as they watched the Captain spar in training with his fellow soldiers, admiration evident in their eyes.

“Someone dropped off lunch for him? I thought he would be too busy having meals with high rankers from across Teyvat.”

And after a short pause the other replied, “Dude, hold on, does he even eat? I thought he was superhuman or something.”

“I know you’re dumb, but I didn’t know you were that dumb, my guy.”

“Hey! Just saying… anyway, are we even sure the people weren’t hallucinating when they saw the person drop lunch off for him?”

“I heard it was his favorite meal, freshly cooked, apparently. Who knows, man? Maybe it was a fan or something. Our lord does have a pretty big following, y’know.” The fatuus stated proudly.

Their lively chatter continued until they were called back into training.

…

A few days later, as soon as you found the time, you decided to visit Capitano at work with yet another home cooked meal. You wanted to make most of your time with him before he traveled to Natlan and having meals together would be a good way to wind down a little.

You entered the palace yet again, determined to meet him this time. It should be fine, right? He did say he would inform them..

And as you had hoped so, he did, in fact, inform them. As soon as the same clerk from before saw you, it seemed like her eyes were bulging out of her sockets. All you had to do was reach the desk and she confirmed your name and led you to the training grounds, where he was currently working. It seemed like some sort of training session was in the works, with all kinds of combat taking place between the soldiers in the distance.

Before you could ask her if you were even allowed to enter this place, she bowed and hurried back in the direction of the front desk. The strange behavior didn’t go unnoticed by you but now you had to find your way to Capitano across the opposite side of the field. Since you were here at last, why not just see things through?

The middle of the field was the most densely occupied with various people fighting in different groups, while what you recognised as skirmishers were practicing their aim at dummy targets on the right side. The soldiers were hard at work even in the harsh everlasting winter of Snezhnaya. The left side of the field, however, seemed less crowded compared to the rest as people seemed to be setting up their gear or resting. Your Captain, opposite to you across the field, was busy conversing with a group of soldiers who seemed to be listening to him attentively.

You decided your best option was to take the left side. It would be easier to walk through the calm atmosphere over there.

As you made your way through the crowd, people started to notice you. They were pretty intimidating with their weapons and muscled bodies at display so you decided to be extra careful to not bump into anyone and quickly made your way across, and as you got closer, Capitano’s voice became clear.

“The heat in Natlan will be unbearable. You will be stationed in the wild all day, so make sure you have the appropriate supplies to get you through the day. It is of the utmost importance that...what, what is it? Why are you all staring at me like that?”

The group’s attention shifted from him to you, as you stood behind him and tapped his shoulder.

“Capitano, do you have a moment..?” You asked as he turned around, his armor clinking from the movement.

“Oh, my love!” He exclaimed in a soft voice. “What brings you here? Hold on, let's get you back inside. You’ll catch a cold here.”

The group (and everyone nearby) watched in complete awe as his demeanor from before completely switched from authoritative to somewhat… joyfull? Was Lord Capitano being affectionate?

“I brought you lunch, but I can leave it in your office if you’re busy right now.” You said hurriedly, not wanting to keep him busy.

“No, that won’t do, my love.” He took the package from you and placed his hand on your back. “Eat with me inside.”

He then turned back to the group, who jolted straight up at his sudden change. “Finish the supply preparations once you’re done training. All of you are dismissed.”

“Y-yes, my lord!” They replied in unison and bowed. And yet again, they watched in awe as he guided you back inside the palace, ever so gently, one hand on your back and the other carrying a box wrapped up in a floral patterned cloth. A stark contrast to his all black and blue outfit.

…

As soon as both of you were out of sight, chaos erupted yet again, more loudly this time, with multiple voices talking over the other.

“”My love?” Did he just call them “my love?” Did I hear that right?!”

“What was that? What did we just witness?”

“That was so romantic, holy shit! Was that the same person we take orders from everyday? What the hell?!”

“DID THE LORD HARBINGER JUST… GET VISITED BY THEIR SPOUSE?”

“I thought that ring on his finger was for fashion…”

And that is how they found out that their beloved Captain, who seemed to have no soul outside of his work, was a married man with a loving spouse.

This proceeded to be the hottest gossip in the Fatui for the rest of the month, until they discover more about you from another future visit.

…

BONUS:

Sitting in the privacy of his office, you enjoyed your meal together.

“..You seem to work with very strange people, Capitano.” You said to him.

“Do I? How so?” He asked before you fed him a bite.

“Hm.. actually, nevermind. It would be even stranger if they weren’t strange, considering they work with you.” You chuckled.

You enjoyed your time together and went back home, leaving your beloved in confusion from your conversation, and the sight of you fondly feeding him for him to think about for the rest of the day.

[theorphicangel]

cw: needles, tattoos

bf! sukuna who is also a tattoo artist promising to do your first ever tattoo!

you were hestitant at first but one night after studying his own tattoos, you wondered what black ink would look like on your own skin. after much debate with yourself, you confess to sukuna your deep desire to be tattooed, preferbly by him.

he's eating a bowl of cereal during your confession. you show him a few designs and ask for his opinion. he looks at you up and down.

'you want a tattoo?'

'yes.'

'you do know it's permanent right?'

'I know.'

he chews, waiting for the punchline to kick or for you to change your mind abruptly. but it never comes.

not when you finalise the designs, perfecting and practicing as much as he could so it could be exactly what you envisioned.

not when the day before you mentally prepare yourself for the pain of the tattoo gun.

and not even when you enter his parlor for your appointment, Sukuna puts your name last in the book so that he has something to look forward to throughout the day.

it only comes after Sukuna has prepped you and you're sat in the chair with your arm propped that you say, 'wait i've changed my mind.'

'you've got to be fucking joking-'

'wait! let me think.'

you take a dramatic deep breath in and out, 'let's do it.'

'fucking weirdo' sukuna mumbles pulling up his face mask. you have to admit that whilst waiting for your tattoo it was pretty hot to watch your boyfriend in his element. his tight black tee which shows off the tattoos on his arms as well as his bulked figure. you watched his muscles flex as he moved around, sanitizing his area for you and setting everything up.

'are you really ready?' he asks one more time, snapping you out of your thoughts.

you nod.

'don't move'

'well duh.' you reply.

'you flinch at the sight of needles' Sukuna notes, turning on the tattoo gun and the obnoxious buzzing begins.

'don't remind me!' you snap, trying your best not to move from the position you were in.

'look over there.'

'I am.'

Right before the needle hits your skin, you ask a question pausing sukuna just centimetres from your arm. 'can I hold your hand?'

a pause. and sukuna gives you a look that says 'you've got to be kidding me'

'I need both of my hands to do your fucking tattoo idiot.'

'I was just asking.'

He lets out a sigh, regaining his focus. 'afterwards, when I clean you up.'

'Kay.'

'Do I get a sticker?'

'No.'

'Some chocolate-'

'this isn't a doctor's office, brat.'

you say nothing more, finally allowing to sukuna to do his job. with a wince the needle hits your skin.

it hurts, like a mother fucker. but you decide that it would turn out to be even worser if sukuna wasn't by your side.

biting on your free hand to distract you from the pain, the tattoo is quickly done and over, thanks to sukuna's expertise. the design comes out better than ever and you let out a gasp. sukuna begins to clean you up and wrap up your tattoo.

you can't help but gleam every time you look at it, unable to tear away your eyes.

'look now we're twins!'

'barely.' he teases, 'you're gonna need a whole lot more to match me.'

[misctf]

The Demon's Curse

Here's the final Halloween story I have for the month! Hope you enjoy it- I do plan to work on the requests I got soon- please feel free to keep them coming too. Thanks everyone and enjoy!

_______________________

“This can’t be real.” Luke thinks, as he stares blankly at his professor.

The brunette looks down at the ancient book his professor gestures to. If it was any other situation, he and his bros would be laughing. There’s a detailed illustration of a large demonic figure, surrounded by six muscular men. All of whom are on their knees, sporting vacant eyes, caged cocks, and large asses. A seventh sits atop the demonic figure, his ass impaled by its meaty cock.

“So you see, this demon...” His professor continues.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. He only visited Ms. Galva- an isolated crone living at the edge of town- to apologize for his fraternity brothers. They threw toilet paper across her lawn and smeared shaving cream on her home. All part of a decades-long, yearly tradition the night before Halloween. And Luke, as the recently appointed risk manager, did not join them. He even tried to stop it. But Jim wasn’t about to give up on tradition. Luke tried to apologize to her the next day. He was not expecting her to finally lose it after years of mistreatment by the community. Warning him that he would get what he deserved.

“Luke, are you listening?” Luke snaps back to the present and looks over at Dr. Finnigan, “You know, I was quite intrigued as to why you wanted to discuss this particular demon.” The older man says, “He is a fierce one. A demon of sexual deviance.”

“I just heard the name somewhere.” Luke lies. In truth, the day after his visit with Ms. Galva, the demon visited him. Telling Luke to refer to it as his new master.

“I pity the man who meets this demon.” Dr. Finnigan continues, “He torments his victims for six days, up until finally taking them.”

“Yeah...” Luke mumbles, trying to discretely adjust his boner. For the past six days, his cock remained rock hard. Yet no matter how much he tried to jerk off, he couldn’t reach climax. The sensation now tortuous, “What do you mean by take them?”

“He takes them to live eternity as...as its... well...” He gestures to the book and Luke gets the idea. He feels his stomach drop, a wave of nausea washing over him. His situation becoming all the more dire- today was day six.

“Is there any way for someone to...”

Dr. Finnigan shakes his head, “Not when they’ve been taken.” Luke’s heart skips a beat, “But for the curse to be unleashed in the first place, the victim’s name must be written in a book of the damned. If that book is destroyed, well...”

“The curse is lifted.” Luke finishes the sentence and receives a nod from the professor. He feels a sense of hope, “Thank you, Dr. Finnigan.” He smiles, and the brunette stands up and quickly leaves, his mission clear.

_______

“I think I know what book you’re talking about.” Stacy says, “Ms. Galva keeps it on a pedestal in her living room.”

Luke sighs, “Are you sure? I don’t want you...”

“I will. I’ve been bringing her groceries for months and we’re friendly. I’ll grab the book.” She replies with a small smile.

Luke returns the smile, unable to verbally express his gratitude. Not only for her believing him, but for helping too. He met Stacy at a mixer, where it was clear the two had feelings for one another, however, no moves were made. Yet now, Luke was determined to ask her out after this was settled.

“I can go over right now. She’s expecting me.”

Stacy leans over and kisses him on the cheek, causing Luke to blush. And with a quick wave, she leaves. Luke sighs and falls back onto his bed, his thoughts racing. But he’s soon interrupted as the room around him heats up. Sweat pours from his skin and he removes his shirt. The heat becoming unbearable.

“Luke.” Luke jumps when he hears the voice echoing around him, “Oh Luke...” It taunts, “It’s almost time Luke.”

“Leave me the fuck alooooohhhh.” He moans as an invisible hand strokes his hardened dick.

“I can’t wait, Luke. I can’t wait to fuck you for the first time.” The demon moans, “To make you mine. For all eternity. Just my beautiful muscle slut.”

Unwanted images of his future fill the young man’s mind. His ass bloated with fat and muscle. The demon’s hand’s groping and squeezing his juicy mounds, causing him to moan. He can hear himself begging for the demon’s cock. His voice filled with lust and desperation.

“No please...” Luke pleads, shaking his head. Trying to dispel these images.

The room returns to its original temperature and Luke is alone again. The young man breathing heavily. His body covered in sweat. It was only a matter of time, and Luke knew his time was soon.

“Hey bro, you good?” Luke grimaces at the sound of Jim’s voice, “I’m setting up a bonfire. You interested?”

“I’m good, dude.” Luke replies, wincing as his dick throbs.

“Suit yourself.”

----------

An hour later, Stacy returns- book in hand. Luke could barely contain his relief. He hugs her, not bothering to put on a shirt.

“We... we should take care of this.” She says, her face reddening.

“Yeah, for sure.” He replies, blushing and rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, “I think I know what to do with it.” Visible from the window, Jim’s bonfire rages.

The two hastily approach the dancing flames. Luke can see Jim near the forest, grabbing more wood. Some thunder rumbling in the distance. The brunette looks over at Stacy and smiles. And the two toss the book into the flames. It makes a hissing sound as it slowly burns, and for the first time in days, Luke feels a sense of peace wash over him.

“We did it.” He mumbles, “We...” His words are cut short as Stacy kisses him deeply, and runs a hand along his bare chest.

And a few moments later, they’re back in his bedroom. Kissing passionately. Her hands running along his chest. His own hands moving up her shirt. He moans as she moves lower, removing his pants and exposing his throbbing dick. It had been a few days and he was ready. And as she sucks him off, he lets out another moan. He could feel himself getting close. And closer. And closer still. Yet after a few minutes, no climax. Stacy is clearly tired at this point, and looks up at him.

“Is something...?”

“No, no, it’s great.” Luke pants, “But...”

There’s a knock at his door and the two quickly fumble to redress. Luke walks over and opens it, to reveal Jim.

“Hey dude.” He says with a grin, “I saw you throw something into the fire.” He holds up the charred, yet very much intact, cursed book. He can hear Stacy gasp, but he’s too shocked to react, “It started raining and put it out.” Luke stares at the book, his heart pounding in his chest, “But dude, this thing looks pretty expensive. You sure you...?”

“No, no, no!” Luke says, a sense of dread filling him as he backs away, “We need to...”

The sound of wood cracking fills the room as an arm reaches up from the ground and grabs Luke’s leg. The young man yelps as he falls flat on his back. Jim and Stacy look on in horror as more arms reach out and restrain Luke.

“No please!” He shouts, as he struggles against the muscular arms, “Fuck! Get off me! Help!”

He watches as his pants burn away, leaving him exposed. His erect cock throbbing more intensely than ever before. He cries out as he feels something cold and metallic wrapping around his dick, forcing it to soften. The sensation is unbearable as his manhood is forcefully restrained.  

“Ah please, fuck!”

He writhes as a cage secures itself around his dick- sealing it away for all eternity. Never to find release. He cries out again as his muscles start to contract and relax rapidly. His lean figure beginning to swell with meaty muscle. He begs for mercy as his pecs violently expand, the new growths partially obstructing his view. His arms and thighs follow- becoming engorged with meaty muscle. He cries out as his bones crack and shift, accommodating his new mass and height.

“No please...help me...” He begs, his voice deepening. He looks down at his stomach as his abs forcefully pop into existence. And he realizes with dread that he’s taking on the features from the men in the drawing- the demon’s personal muscle slut, “I can’t... Someone! Please help me!” Arghhhhh!”

More images of his future start to flash through his mind. He can see it more clearly than ever- his vacant eyes, his mouth and ass filled with his master’s cock. Master? Luke’s eyes widen as he realizes his mind is betraying him too.

“Not... not my master...” He grunts, trying desperately to free himself.

But even with his newfound strength he is unable to. And as the hands grope his growing ass, Luke cries out again. But this time in unwanted pleasure. He can feel them teasing his hole, preparing him for his new master. Weakening his resistance.

“No, don’t! Ohhhhhhhhh...” He moans as the teasing fingers push deeper into him.

He barely registers the embers that singe away his body hair leaving him hairless. Even his messy brunette locks singe away, leaving him with a buzz cut. The only similarity now between the writhing muscular man and the former Luke are his terrified eyes.

“You’re ready.” A voice whispers in his ear.

“No! Wait!” Luke feels the hands grip him tightly. And then they pull him down.   

The room around him begins to vanish. The horrified looks from Stacy and Jim disappear from view. And as he’s dragged to his new life, his mind starts to break. He tries to think of anything besides his caged cock and throbbing, needy ass. But he can’t. His name, memories, and dreams are locked deep in his mind. Tears of frustration fill his eyes as he tries to access them. But suddenly, he’s on all fours, panting heavily. When he looks up, he’s greeted by the sight of his new master’s meaty cock, which slaps him in the face. He whimpers and slowly looks around at the other men- his new brothers. And then his attention turns back to his master. A sudden, unbearable, and desperate hunger begins to fill him. His tongue falls from his mouth. His eyes half-lidded and vacant.

“Welcome Luke.” His master says with a grin, “I’ve been waiting for you.”

________

The storm rages outside as Dr. Finnigan goes to close his book. But something catches his eye.  

“Odd.” He mumbles, inspecting the picture closely. Instead of seven men with the demon, there are now eight. The eighth man is bent over as the demon fucks his ass. The new man’s mouth opened wide in an endless moan, “I could’ve sworn... I must be getting old.” He mutters, closing the book.

[solrabi]

catalyst - chapter 3

Life has many twists and turns- yours included getting rejected from med school and ending up as a manager for your burnt-out pro boxer ex. (sukuna x reader)

Note: fem!reader

fanfic masterlist

“And after you get your cast removed, you’re gonna go meet your therapist. You’re due for a session.” Sukuna couldn’t be bothered to listen to Uraume’s rambling. Not when you walked around in his apartment in those shorts that made you look so enticing. Those shorts wouldn’t have lasted a minute in his sight two years ago. Your body moved swiftly behind Uraume’s frame, which was slightly below face-level with him. 

As you cleaned his living room, his eyes followed your figure, putting away misplaced books and flash drives containing important fight compilations. You looked less exhausted now compared to when you first started working for him. It’s crazy what two weeks' worth of difference could do. Your figure looked a little fuller than before because of all the food you were eating with him, and the dark circles beneath your eyes were slowly disappearing. You also began replying to him with two sentences instead of one. 

He desperately needed to know what you had been up to. Most of your icing sessions with him were silent if you didn’t account for the loud sexual tension that was always there with how close you’d be next to him- smelling like his most ardent daydream. 

“Did you get all that?” Sukuna looked down to see Uraume with their eyebrow raised. 

“You weren’t listening to me, were you?” Uraume asked. 

Sukuna nodded. “Yeah, yeah, eat my vegetables, do my exercises.” 

His manager sighed and turned to see you bent over the couch, trying to pick up a pillow that fell behind it. “You’re such a dog.” The shorter individual grimaced before placing a binder full of information about shoulder exercises on the kitchen counter. “Do these every night. Make sure you ask her for help.” He said as he gestured towards your oblivious figure, still cleaning around the couch in a compromising position. 

“Uhuh,” Sukuna said with eyes trained on your bottom. He noticed that you were gaining some volume after eating meals similar to his. It worked out well for you because your shorts showed off your shape well. 

“Gross.” They pinched the bridge of their nose.

“She’s gonna drop you off at the therapist’s office, by the way.”

“Wha- why?” Sukuna’s eyes squinted. It was embarrassing enough for him to have his ex be hired to pick his life up; having her escort him to his appointments was another thing. “Someone has to make sure you actually walk through that door and not escape with an Uber. Besides, I have a hair appointment right after your cast removal. This bob doesn’t stay sharp on its own,” Uraume said while adjusting their hair. 

Short grey wire-like strands starkly stood out on your scalp. They looked like tiny plant stems sprouting from sod. You had always complained about being stressed from school, but Sukuna wasn’t expecting the effects to be this apparent. He wondered if your body was on its last thread before you moved in with him. 

He knew your dreams were important, but you had this knack for ignoring everything else and focusing on your goal. His hands itched to grab you by your shoulders and yell, ‘This isn’t you!’ 

You looked up at him after tying his shoes. “Shall we go?” 

Burning red irises stared back into yours. There was so much to say, yet so little came out of his mouth. “Yeah, let’s get this damn thing off.”

He smiled inwardly at the bunny loop laces on his trainers as he watched you pack your bag. 

-

Everything was unsettling. The clock ticking, the familiar smell of artificial vanilla wafting through the room, the blinds covering exactly three-seventh of the window (Sukuna knows too much about ratios because of all his training),  the propriety of the entire office (who even has coasters for different types of cups?), and worst of all, his therapist’s impassive face. 

Sukuna’s knees bounced as he watched the blond man in front of him write down his notes. The sound of his ball pen scratching against the paper created an uncomfortable ambiance. “You gonna prescribe me something? Don’t bother if weight loss is one of the symptoms.” 

“No, I was just doing my crossword puzzle. You’re well enough to avoid therapeutic drugs.” 

Sukuna scoffed. “Look, Nanami, reverse psychology won’t work on me. I know you’re prescribing me some shit.”

Nanami turns his notepad around to show Sukuna the latest New York Times crossword puzzle. “I’m much too educated to use reverse psychology.” And he was right. The PhD certificate displayed on his office wall and numerous awards in a small glass cabinet in the corner indicated that the man was good at his job. He was the only therapist who could approach Sukuna’s concerns without making him feel small.

Sukuna hated that. He hated when he felt like he was being poked and prodded at by doctors. He did not cope well with having moments of weakness, hence avoiding treatment. Everyone treated him like a broken doll. 

Which he wasn’t- he was a skilled fighter who just couldn’t push himself any further. 

“You’ve been skipping your last few sessions. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for paid lounging, but I’m also curious. Why’d you come now?” Nanami asked, still not looking up from his engaging activity. 

“I want to get better. I-” he took a deep breath. “-have someone I have to get better for.” He couldn’t look Nanami in the eye while saying that. He hadn’t felt this self-conscious before a man for a very long time (except for Coach Yaga). It’s part of the reason why he avoids visiting Nanami.

“Is it-”

“Yeah, it’s her. So just tell me what I have to do.”

Nanami put his notepad down and crossed his legs, iron-pressed tan slacks refusing to crease. “I’m not a relationship counselor. I’m only here to help you.” The pro boxer could only stare out the window, where the car you dropped him with was parked. If he squinted, he would probably be able to see your sleeping face.

There was a hollowing void in his life after the breakup. It seemed he had lost his reason to live, even though Yuuji was there for him- someone willing to support him even after the big incident. With a wistful heart, he yearned to be someone significant in your life again.

“I want to be with her again, but I’m scared of what she’ll think of me.”

“Is it because of what happened in the past?” Nanami asked, calculatingly to the athlete on the couch across from him.

“Yeah.”

“There’s no right way to tell her. You can’t run away from what’s inevitable. How about we talk about the incident from two years ago? It might help you gather your thoughts and decide how to come clean to her.” Sukuna indolently nodded at his therapist’s suggestion. 

“But first, I must ask you something important- what’s a five-letter synonym for abdominal pain?” 

“Can’t believe I’m paying you three hundred an hour for this shit.”

-

Sukuna had been staring at you since you both returned from the therapist’s office. It wasn’t like his usual scrutinizing stare, where it felt like he was examining every inch of your skin. It was more like his head was in another universe; you were the only thing keeping him grounded. He was going to do it. Today was the day he’d tell you why he really broke up with you. 

He didn’t visit Nanami for nothing. He just needed to ease you into having a proper conversation with him.

You were massaging his shoulders after his routine shoulder exercise, and you were glad to be standing behind his head while seated. At least you wouldn’t have his intense gaze on you. He was shirtless again, and you were finding it challenging to keep your eyes on his shoulder rather than the expanse of his broad back. On the other hand, kneading your fingers through his firm muscles was quite relaxing after staying at the edge of your seat with him all the time. “You gotta massage near my collarbones now.” 

And your relaxation period ended. 

Without missing a beat, he pulled your arm and made you stand between his legs. His firm grasp then placed your hand where you needed to massage him. You wanted to reprimand him for moving you around as if you didn’t know what to do next, but you kept to yourself to avoid pointless arguments. 

Your skin felt hot, massaging around the socket of his joint. Your heart couldn’t help but waver with how his shoulders’ muscles rippled with every little movement. The tattoos made him hotter. You didn’t want to find him hot. There were better things to focus on.

Like his thick neck with veins popping out of them whenever you’d accidentally press too hard while massaging. Or his strong jaw. His sharp, bold jawline. Up to his beautiful cheekbones, to his beautiful nose, down to his perfect plush lips. 

You bit the inside of your cheek to bring yourself back to reality. You should not be thirsting over your boss (you weren’t sure if you would call him that, but without Uraume around, he was the closest to one).

“...so why this?” 

“Huh?” You were so distracted by his beauty that you didn’t even realize he had asked you a question. 

“You told me you were gonna go to medical school after graduating, so why are you working?” It wasn’t hot in Sukuna’s room, but you could feel yourself break into a sweat. It felt humiliating to announce your goals to the world just to fail at achieving them.

“Oh, I thought Uraume would’ve told you by now. But I, uh- I got rejected.” There, it was like ripping off a bandaid. 

“They didn’t mention anything about it. Also, all five of them rejected you?” You ignored how your heart jumped over the fact that he still remembered your dream schools.  “Yeah, all five.” You had to look away from his bewildered face to hold on to some of your already deteriorating pride. 

“But that’s crazy. You worked so hard for it since the beginning.”

“Well, it wasn’t hard enough.” 

“Bullshit, they were blind.” Sukuna’s breathing started to become shallow, and Uraume instructed you not to get him worked up during his resting period. “Sukuna, I’ll see you tomorrow. We’re done with the massage.”

“But-” 

“Kuna, please.” 

You said it. You said his nickname. He would have been elated in a different context, but right now, it just felt like you were trying to shut him up. So he let you escape. He let you go back to your room. He knew he couldn’t pressure you into talking to him, but he was ready to be patient. 

—

I can’t wait for you guys to read what I have in store for the next chapter 😼

taglist: @sukubusss @kyo-kyo1 @kensqueent @totallygyomeiswife @missthatgirl @iluv-ace @emoedgylord

[morinuu]

commoner trouble

kyouya x fem!reader (1k words)

black locks fell on kyouya's set of charcoal orbs, his monolids hidden behind his glasses from the angle you were sitting. the couch began to feel uncomfortable, as if something were calling you to stand up and gently take his glasses in your hands, caressing his hair and letting him rest his head on your chest.

his eyes would finally relax and his body would ease in your arms as he'd take deep breaths to finally let go of all the stress that managing a host club and his studies brought him.

he'd sigh and relieve his eyes for a couple of minutes while you caressed him, before inevitably having to end his break and return to work.

he would. in your fantasies.

you sat in the host club's purple couch, uncomfortably staring at your classmate who was writing something on his laptop on a desk not too far away from the rest of the hosts. this was your routine.

you'd go to the club after classes, sit there for some minutes, waiting and waiting for your turn to try and make an appointment, but there was always some type of shitty excuse from the man.

"our hosts have different price ranges, you wouldn't be able to afford an appointment with me, ms. y/n." you didn't ask how he knew of your financial matters.

"i'm afraid we're all booked the entire week." his voice echoed almost void of all emotion, before he turned to another girl who wanted to re-schedule with a smile on his face.

"our prices went up this week." they hadn't, but you wouldn't know since he never actually told you the prices at all.

one stupid excuse after another and another - and you finally stopped looking for a logical explanation for his hostility. 'it's fine, you'll get your turn one day.' you told yourself each time.

you didn't ask for much really, just an appointment with ootori kyouya like every other client of his. but you hadn't considered the difference between you and them - class.

in all honestly, at first, kyouya had been indifferent to the new honour student of ouran, until he found her staring at him shamelessly throughout their classes together. he figured she'd stop soon, probably just fascinated by his looks.

but it's been four months and you won't give up.

it's not like you're harassing him. you keep your distance in class as not to make others notice, you don't ask for his help in subjects where you could seriously use it - mainly german - and you don't approach him during lunch either.

just at the host club, where you were allowed to ask for his attention as long as you paid a fee. it wasn't unfair or a difficult request, just some tea and a conversation would quench your thirst to talk to the man, to actually engage in an intelligent conversation with him.

but alas, not only did your wallet have limitations, so did kyouya's patience.

he found you... unsophisticated. vulgar, maybe improper?

he didn't express his distaste for your clothes, which were trying to replicate a male ouran school dress code since you didn't even own a yellow dress. your black trousers and white dress shirt barely looked like they were of similiar material, because they weren't. your worn out sneakers hurt his eyes when they stood out against all the neat and polished pointy dress shoes of every other student.

to his elegant and privileged world respective, you were nothing but a pitiful woman, treated like charity by the school so the public can say 'the suoh family cares for the sad common folk!'

he didn't even stop to consider how similiar you could've been to haruhi, because haruhi - as much as he refused to admit it - was a dear friend. she was nothing like you, surely. she wasn't unkept, she was always groomed and wore the uniform that she'd been given.

no, your eyes from across the room looked nothing like haruhi's. yours expressed pure admiration for a man who never bothered to say hello unless he had to.

but he'd warmed up to the other commoner, so you two must live differently.

because your neighbourhood is much sketchier than the quiet area the fujioka's lived in. your clothes are much more worn out than haruhi's, much more washed too.

but it's not like you're apart of the club or their clientele (that one's because of him) so he can't check on your life much. it's not like he cares to check either, you're just unpleasant and he blames it on your wallet. surely that's what's ticking him off.

the minutes were passing and he knew he'd have to stand up and kick you out once more, like every day you came by the club. only this time, just as he raised his head to look at you and approach you again, you'd already started walking to the exit.

what? how come?

it didn't matter, you left on your own. maybe it was a sign that after four whole months you'd stop requesting him. he turned his attention back to his laptop, not wanting to go through the trouble to check if you were really gone.

until a couple minutes later he saw a hand slam down on his small table, with some 10,000 yen bills below the hand's fingers. his gorgeous, wide, gentle, doe-like perplexed eyes found yours in a matter of seconds and his breath hitched at your determined facial expression.

"i'd like to book an appointment for ootori kyouya this thursday." you muttered a bit nervously, as if you hadn't quoted the same line over and over since the beginning of the school year.

just as he want to reject you, you pointed to the money on the table. "it's enough. i know it is. and i know you're free." your tongue played in your mouth and you looked away, intimidated by the eye contact.

he didn't know how hard you'd worked just to save up barely enough money for an appointment. how hard you tried to keep up with your studies, your exploitative part time job and your housing bills. you were embarrassed at how desperate you were just for simple chat, but it didn't matter.

because kyouya ootori had finally accepted a 35 minute appointment with y/n l/n, and you couldn't be happier.

divider by @saradika

[allwaswell16]

All the One Direction fics I read and enjoyed in March 2025. For more new fics, check out this month's fic roundup at @1dmonthlyficroundup ! You can find my other fic recs here.

- Louis / Harry -

🩷 you're all i ever dreamed of by staybeautiful / @harruandlou

(E, 53k, established relationship) after a Monday lunch with Zayn, Louis finds himself reevaluating what "too soon" means, especially when it comes to Harry. Part 2 of such a beautiful dream

🩷 Rogue omega by @loretheloner

(M, 38k, omegaverse) Louis is a rogue on the run from his birth pack, who want to kill him because he's a male omega. A story about prejudice, prophecies, and rejection. Also a story about kindness, resilience and soulmates.

🩷 Give Me A Try by rainbow_kings

(E, 28k, roommates) AU where Harry is absolutely, hopelessly in love with his best friend, Louis. But Louis is dating somebody else. It takes them a while to figure it all out.

🩷 the evenness i fake by @shimmeringevil

(E, 26k, omegaverse) Harry doesn’t do relationships. He has a perfectly enjoyable friends-with-benefits agreement with a perfectly lovely omega, and he doesn’t see the need to change that anytime soon.

🩷 Give it All by mirilik / @louis-arssets

(NR, 18k, uni) Somehow things get complicated when Louis starts dating Nick and Harry realises that he might have some feelings for his mate which are very not appropriate for a best friend.

🩷 lost stars by @tommolinson

(M, 14k, addiction) a story about losing and finding yourself again (and finding love within yourself, and others)

🩷 Neptune by Pumpkinspice_Lou / @c-e-d-dreamer

(G, 14k, high school) Harry has always been in love with his best friend Louis, but when new student and goal keeper Zayn starts getting close with Louis, Harry can't help but assume the worst.

🩷 waiting room is getting crowded by harrysboy / @calumsboy

(T, 13k, exes) broken-up harry and louis both decide to get their oops and hi tattoos covered. what they didn't decide on, however, was having their appointments booked for the same time.

🩷 feed a fever, starve a heart by @insightfulinsomniac

(E, 12k, alpha/alpha) Most people don’t find their soulmates before they present, especially since soulmate identification can only come through pheromones released after presentation. But if a first rut or heat begins without the person’s soulmate present, so does dangerous rut fever.

🩷 contingencies by honey_beeing

(M, 10k, famous/famous au) where Louis and Harry are actors who long ago were married on set and find out too late. Like twenty five years too late.

🩷 Always Yours by heartbreakwthr

(E, 8k, roommates) Prompt 89: Jealous and Possessive Harry when someone new arrives in their group and has a crush on Louis.

🩷 You Keep Pulling Me In by galactic_larry / @galacticlarry

(T, 5k, girl direction) Being invited to a high school reunion was pretty much the last thing Harry wanted, so of course it had to happen. What happens when her friend and co-worker, Louis, offers to be her fake girlfriend for the evening?

🩷 Harry Styles is NOT Refundable by IceQueenRia

(E, 4k, sex work) He needed a date. But it turned out ‘come to my ex-girlfriend’s engagement party’ wasn’t a great pick-up line. So Louis looked online and hired an escort.

🩷 You Can't Go To Bed Without A Cup Of Tea by @enchantedlandcoffee

(G, 333 words, canon) Louis can't sleep and stumbles across a sad Harry on his way to make a cup of tea.

- Rare Pairs -

🩷 The Duke and the Poor Sods Who Work For Him (series) by LadyLondonderry / @londonfoginacup

(T, 8k, Zayn/Liam, Louis/Harry, Niall/Lewis Capaldi) “I have decided,” Louis Tomlinson, Duke of Elbany announces as he flounces into the room, “that we must have a hermit for our woods!” Liam Payne, not a Duke of much of anything, is very used to statements like these. They make him tired. “A… hermit, sir?”

🩷 (un)stuck by yeah_alright / @uhoh-but-yeah-alright

(T, 3k, Zayn/Harry) Coworkers Zayn and Harry find themselves stuck in their office elevator together one evening after work. In such a small space, there may not be enough room for Zayn's crush on Harry to stay hidden.

🩷 Pink Guinea Club by @haztobegood

(NR, 837 words, Harry/Chappell Roan) Harry's one night stand was interrupted by four adorable guinea pigs.

[misc-oneshots]

Trust me

Logan can't understand your sudden aversion to him and it pisses him off.

Deadpool and wolverine based Logan x Y/N

Curvy!Slightly insecure reader

(Written and posted on my phone waiting for an appointment trying to get back into writing , please be forgiving)

------

If you pushed him away again Logan was going to lose his shit. You weren't injured, he'd have found any injuries with his hands or mouth in the evening in your bed and yet you'd started to push him away.

Anytime his hands found your hips, you stepped away from suddenly insistent you needed to speak to Wade about something. On an evening as soon as you reached the bedroom the lights were turned off, and stayed off, and you rolled away from his grasping hands to your own side of the bed.

At first, Logan was sure it was your period, you hated him grabbing at you at your time of the month but your smell never changed. Nothing with you had changed, except your behaviour, so it must have been something Logan had done. What else could it be?

He finally clicked one evening at Wade's flat. Everyone had come, a monthly dinner where everyone caught up that sometimes acted as an intervention for Al and her cocaine use. Logan wouldn't admit it outloud but it was nice. He'd missed having a family.

Logan's paws found your hips to pull you back into his lap. You squirmed and wiggled in his lap and not in that delightful way that you did when he was overstimulating you but to try and escape his grasp.

"Lo stop! I'll crush you." You hissed, not trying to draw attention to you both. Logan growled in your ear but let you go. He watched you the rest of the evening, slouched in his low chair, and you'd never felt more like prey.

---

"Y/N" He caught your attention as he entered your bedroom that night. He was fresh out the shower, towel hanging low on his hips.

"Yes love?" You answered absentmindedly. You kept your eyes on the book in your hands but your mind had already left the pages, captured by sinful thoughts of your lover who was currently shaking his body hair dry like the animal he was.

"Put your book down and lie down flat." He instructed and stepped towards the end on the bed. You flustered, you didn't want him undressing you right now. Last week you'd split your trousers getting into Dopinder's taxi and the embarrassment had taken over your mind. Every touch, every glance from Logan made you panic that he'd suddenly see your curves, that he praised with his hands and teeth, as newly embarrassing.

Logan's voice pulled you back to the moment, "Just trust me." His voice was steady, he wasn't flirting, he wasn't mad and you did trust him.

Bookmark back in place, you put your book on the nightstand and lay down flat in the middle of the bed. Your towel clad lover crawled onto the bed until he was over you.

"If it's too much tell me and I'll move." He told you and kissed the tip of your nose.

"If what's too much?" You asked but quickly realised what he meant as he started to sink his body down onto you putting his weight on his forearms on either side of you.

Fuck, he was heavy.

He wasn't even putting his full weight on you and it was enough to push the wind from your lungs. Had he always held back his full weight when you'd been together? Always stopped his full power when he'd taken you in bed?

You tapped his shoulder twice and he pushed himself up on his hands. "I have a metal skeleton," He growled as he pushed his face into your neck. He kissed and nipped your neck as he continued, "You are delicious and full bodied and I'm not sure why that's started to bother you."

You wiggled and tried I'm vain to escape his mouth. "I split my trousers the other day, it made me overthink." You admitted and managed to lace your fingers through his hair and pulled his head back so you could talk to his face.

"I've never disliked my body before but I was so embarrassed, I started to worry you'd see something bad in my figure." You admitted. "The only thing that's bad is it's covered." He kissed your deeply as he large hands went your sides to your thighs and pulled your legs up around his waist. His hand yanked the towel away from himself as he pushed himself further the kiss.

In the following blissful moments you realised you never need doubt yourself or your Wolverine, but if you did then he'd always be there to crush you.

[acphengene]

Chapter 2 - Mate

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jay x reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate au - fantasy au - brothers best friend to lovers au

₊ ⁺ warnings: swearing, mentions of death, lying

₊ ⁺ word count: 5.6k

₊ ⁺ note: i got my enhypen tickets for London - so as promised my loves

₊ ⁺ Introduction ₊ ⁺ Chapter one ₊ ⁺ Chapter two ₊ ⁺

“What do you mean it’s her?!”

The pair had taken the talk into the living room. Sunghoon was currently pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace, all the while Jay was chucking on a bottle of fire spirits.

“It’s her” Jay repeated for the thousand time.

“But are you sure?” He stopped and finally looked towards his friend.

All Jay mustered to do was to raise his brow, before his brother was once again pacing.

“Oh gods, Jake’s gonna kill you. You know that right? Like I’m almost certain he’s gonna challenge you”

Jay took another large sip of the brown and red liquid. “He’s gonna be king…” Jay said, for the first time out loud, although it had been the only thought he have had since you walked through the doors of their classroom earlier.

Sunghoon stopped. “Give me that damn bottle”. He took it from him and drowned three big gulps.

“Does she know who you are?” He finally asked as he looked at him.

Jay shook his head with an almost sad smile. “No” he fiddled with his hands nervously. “But I dont blame her, it was hard on her”

“So what are you gonna do? Or should I say, what are we gonna do?” His best friend sat down beside him and pulled him close

“Honestly I don’t know” he leaned back into the couch. “But we have to figure it out soon because in a few days it will literally be impossible for me to stay away from her”

Sunghoon smiled. “Well it was nice knowing you”

You were in the clouds again. Pushing against the invisible barrier, trying to get through as you screamed out for her. As you begged and pleaded for them to return her to you.

You couldn’t do this without her, so when you passed out you hoped your time had come, that this would mean you would be united.

Instead you awoke in the dark, surrounded by the moon light lilies of your own royal garden. But you could’ve sworn that a phantom hand touched your cheek.

You woke then. You always did.

This dream had haunted you since you were 8, since the day your mother had passed. And just because you’ve had it more than a thousand times, didn’t mean it wasn’t always as traumatizing as the first time you experienced it.

You tried shaking the dream off of you with a cold shower, but it still lingered in the back of your mind. It lingered when you got ready, when you packed up your things, even when you were in the queue at the coffee shop that laid on your way to school.

Despite you hurrying through your morning, you were still late. Not a good look for an heir who was just recently appointed.

And as you combed through your bag for that specific book you needed for your first class. You collided with what felt like a brick wall.

You thanked the gods for the hot weather, and that the coffee were chilled with ice. Because in that second it was all over your red shirt.

Jay was startled. Even more so when he saw who he had run into. He saw the adorable flush of your cheeks, heard your rambles of apologies. But all he could seem to focus on was your eyes and the over all smell of you, like a breath of fresh autumn air and a mix of lillies. Refreshing, but somehow still so sweet it lured him in. It was all intoxicating.

Cute. He thought to himself.

“What?” Your head shot up, and you looked at him, once again taking his breath away.

“What?!” He said a little too panicked. Had he really said that out loud? “Nothing! Nothing”

And then you smiled, gods and he swore he could’ve died right then and there.

“I’m sorry” and then you got a truly good look at yourself. “Fuck…” you swore at yourself. You had left your jacket back home so now you would have to walk around all day with a giant stain.

“I-…” Jay started, before clearing his throat. “I have an extra shirt in my car”

You raised an eyebrow.

“It’s clean! I promise, just if you’d like” he flashed you a smile and you quickly avoided eye contact.

“Yes, thank you Jay. You’re a lifesaver”

“Anytime” he said as he gestured to the door. With your back turned to him you didn’t see the little happy dance he made.

He would not lie, he was thankful of seeing you out of the Fire colors. The mere thought of Yeonjun having yet another so-called “claim” on you would be enough for him to make him blind for a decade or so. Just a little black veil over his eyes would be all that took.

But having you in his color. That dark blue so dark it almost looked black, made him lose his breath.

“How do I look?” You asked with a shy smile as you stepped out from the bathroom.

He had offered to wait with the rest of your things outside, since it would be a little cramp in there with it all.

“You look beautiful” he didn’t even think before he spoke, but the sparkle in your eyes when he complimented you was worth it.

Oh what he wouldn’t give to hold your hand, or have you on his arm. But this wasn’t the time nor the place. No this would have to be enough for now. Baby steps Jay. He thought.

He opened the door to the class and let you enter first. You apologized profusely to the teacher, whereas Jays eyes just instantly found Yeonjun’s. He gave him a cocky smile, one of defiance, one filled with challenge.

And then it hit them all. He could see it in Sunghoon’s eyes as he shot up from his chair, he could see it when Heeseung leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms in disappointment.

But Jay didn’t care, not one bit. Because Yeonjun was as red as his hair, and Soobin as pale as the seafoam he raised from each morning.

You smelled like him. And it was a smell that lingered. One that claimed you to all the males in this room as his.

He found his seat next to Heeseung.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He asked with gritted teeth.

Jay rolled his eyes. “Relax, it’s not what you think. She spilled coffee all over herself and her shirt was as good as see through. So I borrowed her one of mine”

Lying to a friend wasn’t the best look. But what other choice did he have?

Heeseung sighed. “All things considered Jake will end up thanking you”

Jay looked at the Winter princes confused. “Why?”

Sunghoon sighed. “The two idiots” he said as he gestured to the Fire and Water prince. “Was fighting before class about which one of them should get to ask her out to ‘The autumn ball’”

Thank god for ice Sunghoon had sent over his feet to hold him his place. Otherwise he would’ve thrown himself at those two.

Did they really think either of them were good enough for his mate?

Mate. Mate. Mate. My mate.

The voice echoed in the back of your mind. You shadows clinged to you like children.

What the hell was happening today, everyone was just acting strange.

You hadn’t gotten far from campus when Sunoo and Jungwon quickly caught up to you. Sunoo smacked you on your forearm, and you let out a yelp.

“What the hell was that for?” You said with a confused look.

He returned one that insinuated you most definitely already knew.

You looked back, looking more confused than ever, so Jungwon gave you a clue and looked down at the shirt you still wore, one that still smelled like him. As a response you rolled your eyes.

“Do you know how humiliating it is that I’m getting piping, and I really do mean piping hot tea, about my best friend…”

“You mean my best friend” Jungwon coughed and sent a wink your way.

“… from fucking Taki?” Sunoo finished.

You took your friend's arms. “There is no piping hot tea. It’s more like cold spilled coffee. I ran into Jay this morning, and spilled my iced coffee all over myself. He was kind enough to lend me a shirt he had in his car”

Despite your somewhat casual words, you tried your best to calm your beating heart and you hoped your cheeks didn’t paint themselves red by the mere mention of the prince.

That of course didn’t happen.

“Oh my Gods!” Jungwon said as he laid his hands on your flaming hot cheeks. “You like him!”

Sunoo let out a screech, and jumped up and down without letting go of your arm.

You couldn’t help but smile, because they were right. You did really like him, despite having only spoken a few sentences to one another. But having his scent on you today had made you look for him in every room that you entered. It was as if your heart was singing.

“He’s good looking, okay!” You said, hoping that explanation would be enough.

It never was.

“Hell yeah he is, but so are a lot of people” Sunoo said as they both studied you.

“I’m calling Niki” Jungwon said as he pulled out his phone, you panther friend picked up at the first ring.

“Good timing Won, I just got a break” Niki said as he drowned half a bottle of water.

“So our little princess here, has a crush on none other than THE prince Jongseong”

Niki didn’t speak, he just stared at the three of you through the screen. “Sweetheart you can’t, you know you can’t” he gave you a look, and the two of you had a silent conversation through the phone. The remaining two of your group was left alone with their curiosity.

As you looked away he only sighed. “Look, how about I take you to ‘The Autumn Ball’? We can go shop for dresses and all of that tomorrow. We’ll talk there okay?” He smiled, but the gesture didn’t reach his eyes.

You nodded. “Okay, I’ll see you then” you hit the little red button, preparing yourself for the line of questioning the other two would have.

There was nothing worse than having to lie to the pair, but you still weren’t ready to tell them about that night, so for now you would have to distract the two.

The two of you were in your third boutique of the night. Everywhere you went you were treated as the royalty you both were. You as a crown princesse, and Niki as the singer and dancer who had everyone’s heart.

“What about this?” Niki said as he pulled out a black dress with black beated pearls on the top.

“No it’s too much in the top and way to little on the bottom”

He pushed it back in it’s place as he laughed. “I had forgotten how incredibly boring you are to shop with”

“That’s why you and Won typically let Sunoo do this stuff with me. He’s the only one that’s actually understands my vision”

Niki sat down next to you and took your hand in his. “It’s no vision, you’re just picky”

You pushed him playfully as you laughed together. He never let go of your hand however.

“You could just tell them about that night” he said so low it was almost a whisper.

The smile you gave him was sad. “No, I don’t want to. Not yet. It’s too soon”

He sighed and rubbed his face with his one free hand before he leaned back on light blue fabric on the couch looking thing, that stood in the middle of the room.

“It’s been almost two centuries” he said with a voice that sounded like he had given up completely.

“The only reason you even know is because you were the one who found me”

“And thank the gods above and below that I did. Without me there you would’ve run right back” he held your hand a little tighter, as if you would run away, run back to that time if he didn’t hold on to you.

You stood up as you looked through the new rack of black dresses the sales assistant had brought out. “Does this have a matching tuxedo?” You asked as you pointed to one of the dresses.

“Let me go look princess” she said as she bowed as deep as she could in her high heels.

“You can’t have a crush on him” Niki said as soon as she had disappeared.

You shrugged. “Why not” your hand traveled down the golden stitched dragon in one of the dresses.

“Because he wont date anyone who isn’t his mate” the words came out harsher and louder than Niki had intended.

He sighed. “Look, you already know that no one except that person can enter his realm. It’s only because of that his family haven't given up on the whole mate thing as most have. Because without that little string, no one would ever get through that mist of grey clouds, no matter how much they wanted to”

Niki stood and walked over to you. Forcing you to look at him. “And you… you couldn’t get through. You’ve already had one heartbreak in this life. I don’t wanna see you have another, especially not if I could’ve prevented it”

“He just… he smells like home I can’t explain it” a single tear escaped your eye and he brushed it away with his thumb, before he pulled you into his chest and kissed the top of your head.

“You will find your person, I know you will. I also promise I’ll make sure it happens sooner rather than later. Okay?”

You nodded into his chest as you dried your tears on his shirt. He laughed silently, but you could feel it.

“What about this one?” The sales assistant said, and Niki turned you towards her without letting you go. “It comes with a matching tux” she said with an awkward smile as she tried to look away from how the two of you embraced one another.

“Oh gods!” You said as you pulled away from Niki to go inspect it. “It’s perfect!”

Your friend just smiled, thankful that good craftsmanship still was the best way of distracting you.

The four princes were currently standing around their kitchen island as they explained just why the word on campus was that Jay was currently courting Jake’s sister.

Jake of course hadn’t believed it until you walked past him smelling like his friend, by then he had taken off for their apartment, ready to tear his friend to pieces.

Jay had however avoided him for a whole day, talking everything over with Sunghoon as they drowned their sorrows on the bottom of a few bottles of wine. They had tried to figure out just how they were to handle their very mad best friend.

He didn’t like going behind his back. But he refused to tell Jake what was going on before he had a chance to tell you.

It might not be what was right by Jake, but no matter what he did, he would end up mad. And Jay needed to tell you his side of everything in his own way, in his own time.

After a somewhat heated discussion that had ended with Sunghoon freezing Jake to the floor to make sure he didn’t attack Jay. They had all managed to explain.

Turns out all it took was Heeseung supporting their story for him to calm down. They caught him up as quickly as they could.

Jay tried to calm his frantically beating heart as he said: “I could always ask her to the ball, you know it wouldn’t be weird after this whole ordeal, and you would know she would be safe with me”

He didn’t mention how he would hate to see you on anyone else’s arm. How it would all but break his heart to see you slow dance with someone that wasn’t him.

Sunghoon nodded along. “I mean I don’t have a sister, but I’d rather have you do it than anyone of those fucks” Jay gave him a grateful look.

Heeseung sighed. “It’s not the worst idea in the world. Under normal circumstances you could take her Jake, but her being your twin and having all eyes on her might just break your cover”

Jake only shook his head. “No, there’s no need for that. Niki called me yesterday, he’s taking her. She has already agreed to it”

Jay stumbled back in chok. He tried to cover it up as a tipsy stumble caused by the wine, luckily Jake was too caught up in his own world for him to notice, as he took another sip of his wineglass.

“Do you trust him more than me?” He asked in a joking tone, hoping that wasn’t the case.

“Of course not! But I’ve known him forever, and you, you’re you know…” Jake said as he gestured towards Jay.

“I’m what?” He asked with a raised brow.

“He’s just saying you’re not really in a position to choose her anyways. So if anyone were to see the two of you at this ball they would think you were mates. And she needs to keep her options open” Sunghoon said with a little nod.

The pair had discussed that exact possibility, but that didn’t let it sting any less. Keep her options open? Over Jay’s dead fucking body.

Jake continued: “Niki’s like a brother after all, he’ll keep her safe from the predators that are the princes and high lords”

Heeseung cleared his throat. “I mean, I don’t know him as well as you. But we all know how he’s been acting since he came of age. He’s fucking worse than Hoon was after…” he looked as his younger brother with aplogoetic eyes.

The three of them looked to Sunghoon that through gritted teeth and dead eyes said: “don’t push it”

Jay reached out for his twin flame to calm him like he always did whenever she was brought up.

Jake was quick to switch the subject. “He wouldn’t. Look in the end as long as I trust him and Y/N is happy then that is what matters”

“Sure” Jay said as he emptied his glass.

A sigh escaped the lost prince as he said with a somewhat stern voice: “you wouldn’t understand okay? You’re an only child, you don’t have brothers or sisters. You don’t understand what it means to wanna give your life for someone you love…”

Sunghoon crashed his wineglass down into the marble on top of the island and it shattered by the impact.

Jake looked up at Jay who now stood with his head bowed. Not meeting any of their eyes.

“I-… I forgot that I have something I need to go pick up” he turned on his heel and walked straight out the door.

“No, Jay! Wait I didn’t…” but the door only shut behind him.

And as he looked back to his two remaining friends, they both stood cross armed and they looked like they wanted to make an ice sculpture out of him. Maybe even bury him under a glacier.

“You better fucking fix this” Heeseung said as he left the room, slamming the door after him with such force that they for a second thought the floor might catch on fire.

Sunghoon only ran after Jay, hopefully he could get to him before he disappeared.

Jay stumbled out the lobby as he tried his best to dry his eyes quick enough for him to be able to see what was on his screen.

He knew what he was feeling wasn’t fair. Jake didn’t trust him enough with you, but again why would he? He was, after all, very much lying to the male he called brother. The person who meant not only the world to him, but to you too.

He needed a flight home, or as close to home as he could. He needed space, to think, to talk to his parents and figure out his next steps.

The last couple of days had been difficult. Having you close but needing to stay away because of his brother, no could he even call Jake that now?

Jake was right, he didn't have siblings. But they had always been, Sunghoon, Heeseung and Jake. He thought they felt the same, he knew that Sunghoon did. He had shown him that time and time again.

But after that comment, could he be sure that the other two felt the same?

He sat down and hid his face from the world, and just when he was about to veil himself from the world he heard your voice whisper his name.

He turned towards you, and there right next to him were you, reaching out as if you wanted to stroke his back.

In less than a second he stood up desperate to dry his eyes. You didn’t need to see this, he didn’t want you to. But your brother had just broken a piece of his heart, and the tears just wouldn’t stop coming.

“Are you okay?” You asked, and without even thinking you laid a hand on his cheek, forcing him to face you.

He leaned into your touch. He was so desperate for it, and he didn’t care that you only touched him because you felt sorry for him. His heart was aching for it.

You saw how he held himself back, how he hesitated instead of taking a step closer to you. Hug. Hug. Hug. The voice in your head repeated.

So you took the step and stood up on your toes and pulled him into you, his arms snaked around you waisted as he hid his eyes in the crook of your neck. You felt him lose it, as he sobbed into your shoulder and you just stoked his hair as you said nothing.

No one even glanced at you, and you knew he had hidden you from the world of prying eyes.

His scent enveloped you and god you didn’t want to admit it, but you had slept in his shirt last night. You knew you needed to return it, but you had wanted a piece of him with you.

It had however lost his scent of summer rain and lightning. He smelled like a summer storm, and somehow it was the most comforting smell ever. And now you were standing in it, breathing it in. If only you could bottle it up and make a perfume out of it.

Despite everything Niki had told you, what he had reminded you of, you chose to live in a fantasy for a second. A fantasy where you could be his, where he could be yours. A fantasy where grey clouds and mists were what brought you together and not what kept you apart.

“Shhh… I’m right here” you whispered, and it was as if your voice was what made him relax, as if that was all he needed to be brought back to the precense.

He pulled away a little, with his head still hanging low. Gods even his hair smelled amazing. “I’m so sorry, I should go” he said as he tried to take a step back. But his arms were still snaked around you.

You smiled. “No need to rush princeling” you said with a teasing tone. You really did have a death wish.

He chuckled, the sound hoarse and low.

“If I’m your princeling, are you then my darling?” He said with a smirk and a glimmer in his eyes as they finally met yours.

Your eyes widened and as if you had been lightning itself he released his grip on you and stepped back.

“Gods I’m so sorry! I don't know what came over me.” He said with an awkward smile.

Cute. You thought.

“What?” He said, he had paled.

“Oh gods! Did I say that out loud?!” Your hand flew up to cover your mouth.

No you hadn’t. He had heard you. He only smiled. A smile so big and pure he looked like the sun itself.

You returned it and he felt the worry in his brow loosening.

“Are you okay though?” You asked and despite it might being a little excessive you once again strokes his cheek.

“I will be” he said with sad eyes. “I just need to get on a flight home - justfor a day or two”

“That bad huh?” You asked and he only nodded in response.

You sighed.

“Well in that case how about I make sure you get there sooner rather than later?” You asked.

Jay felt something cold slither around his ankle. When he looked down a little shadow hugged him there.

He let out what could only be described as a huff of surprise.

“They like you” you said, and he saw how your eyes sparkled as the night sky the resembled.

“Yeah?” He asked as he once again looked at it. It reminded him of a pet almost, somehow it seemed domesticated.

You nodded, before holding out your hand. “Do you trust me?” You asked.

He stared at your hand. And for a second he couldn’t help but wonder if this was the start of the two of you.

“I do” he said before taking it. What he didn’t expect was the wicked smirk that blossomed on your face as you stearnly said good before you pushed him so hard he fell backwards.

Sunghoon had just reached the lobby when he saw the scene unfold before him. Jay was never veiled to him, he had always made sure of that.

“Hey!” He yelled out to get your attention as a shadow all but ate Jay. You looked to Sunghoon and smiled kindly.

“I’ll take care of him” you reassured his best friend.

“I know you will” he said as he crossed his arms over his chest and sent you a wink.

You laughed loudly. “I’ll see you soon sweets” you said, making Sunghoon smile. Gods you were perfect for his best friend.

Then you jumped down the shadow you had pushed Jay through and followed him.

You were catapulted onto the grass of your royal garden. The two of you rolled over each other for a meter or two before you finally came to a still.

His arms were around you, and you were on top of him. Your head on his chest while you laughed with your whole chest.

“Oh that was fun!” You said as your breath finally returned to you.

“It was, does it typically catapult you onto the ground like this?” He asked curiously as he tried not to breathe, afraid it might spook you and send you flying off of him.

Instead he was surpriced to almost feel you cuddle closer to him.

“it depends” you said and lifted your head to look at him. “They take care of me, so they usually make sure I get a safe landing”

He saw the hair that dangled over your face, blocking him for looking you directly in your eyes. He felt his hand twitch at the need he suddenly felt of tucking it behind your ear.

The two of you stared at each other for a few seconds. The silence wasn’t awkward but comfortable. It felt safe being there with him.

A shadow crept up and tucked that damn strand of hair out of your eyes. And it was as if it reminded you that the two of you could be spotted by anyone in your castle and surrounding gardens, which made you recoil from him faster than he could blink.

“Here let me help you” you said with flushed cheek as you held your hand out to him.

Jay took it with hesitation and as he finally stood he gave your hand a small squeeze.

“Thank you for bringing me home” he said with a somewhat shy smile.

“Give me your phone” you said and he instantly obliged.

“There” you said after putting your number in. “Call me or text me or something if you need me to pick you up”

He smiled. “I might need to pay you for this very effective taxi service”

It made you chuckle. “Yeah? Maybe you should pay me back by making me dinner. I hear you are quite the chef” you sent a wink his way and he laughed.

“It’s a date” he said as he took a few steps closer to the giant wall of grey mist and clouds that lay in the east of the Night castles royal gardens.

“Nonetheless, I’ll let you know when I’m coming back” to you. He wanted to add, but he didn’t.

“See you soon princeling”

And as Jay almost stepped through the border, he felt a tug on one of his heartstrings. This time stronger than he had ever felt, and as he looked back at you he heard you gasp.

“I-it’s made of glass?!” He saw you point to something behind him and his heart shot to his throat.

“I… what?” He stuttered, not able to say anything more than that. His mouth was drier than the red dessert of the Fire Kingdom, but his hands were however clammy and wet all of the sudden.

He saw how you shook your head, closing your eyes, as if they were deceiving you. And when you opened them he saw your smile drop, and with your smile so dropped his heart.

“I-I could’ve sworn…” You said with a small voice.

Gods he would give everything to stay with you, to pull you close and tell you that you in fact were right. His castle was made of glass, he was in fact yours just as you were his.

But for some reason he didn’t. As much as he yearned for you, he did also respect the man he had called brother, and he needed help to navigate this mess. He might be 222 but when your parents were a little over 1100 years old, well you would be an idiot to not seek their counsel when you felt like you were in over your head.

You sighed. “Never mind” the sadness and dissapointment that had just been so prominent on your features were quickly substituted by a mask of kind eyes and a polite smile. What a true born queen you were.

“See you soon” He said before walking into his kingdom.

Hurry back to me. he heard you speak into his mind.

Always.

And just like that he was gone.

You dropped the mask and buried your head in your hands.

“Well isn’t this interesting?” A deep voice echoed behind you.

——

You groaned.

“Hello father” You said as you spun around. He was leaning against a tree nearby, hidden in it’s shadow.

“Seems like the two of us have a lot of catching up to do”

You chuckled. “That’s not why I’m here” You said as you walked towards him.

He pushed himself off the trunk of the tree and fell into step beside you. “Then why are you here my sweet daughter?” He asked with a smirk. Gods he looked like Jake when he did that.

“I’m here to pick up a tiara from the vault” you said without even missing a beat. It wasn’t really a lie, you could use one for the Autumn ball next week.

Your father only lifted a brow. “Well let’s see what we have then. While we search for the right one you might as well tell me why you’re giving the heir of the Afterlife a ride home”

___

Jay was thankful for the long walk back to the castle. He enjoyed walking through the small villages that the spirits built around the castle. He enjoyed the flowers they grew in their gardens and the music that played from the open windows whenever the sun was out.

The magics all lowered their heads in respect, nobel as well as commoner.

He spotted his mother sitting on a porch swing with a friend of hers. Her hair hid her face.

“Hello mother” he said as he stood on the other side of the fence, sending a polite smile to the pair.

“Oh sweetheart!” She stood quickly and rushed towards him, he embraced her.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming home?” she grabbed his cheeks and squeezed them together.

He rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t exactly planned - I need some guidance” he looked to the woman behind his mother that had stayed seated. She sent him an awkward smile.

His mother sighed. “Well we’re definitely here to help”

Instead of walking with him back to the palace, his mother sat down next to her friend. “I don’t really know if this is the right place,” he said with furrowed brows.

“Anything you say to me, you can say to her. She’s wiser than she looks, plus I would most likely end up telling her anyways” the pair laughed together.

Jay could do nothing but sigh. “I found my mate”

The spirit rose to her feet faster than he could have anticipated. She was in front of him in a second, her somewhat translucent eyes scanning his features.

“You finally found each other” she whispered. He saw the tears well in her eyes, it was the second time he had ever seen a spirit cry.

He nodded carefully as he once again looked at his mother. She too was crying, happy tears it seemed.

“Yes we did. I’m so sorry miss but I would really prefer not to have you apart of this conversation”

She let out a laugh, it was loud, genuine. Happy.

“Oh I’m so sorry, but there’s no way in hell I’m missing this” she said with a smile.

“Why?” he asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Her smile widened.

“Because, I’m her mother and I would like to know every detail”

—-

⁺ taglist: @1-itsneverthatserious-1 @flawlessapollo6 @ijustwannareadstuff20 @azzy02 @zaycie @buggub

——

⁺ please let me know what you think! Support and feedback is literally the only thing that keeps me writing 😅

[bonbonly]

I need more college au max and physio trainee! What would happen if you didn’t listen to his instruction about not giving any other patient the same treatment? You figured if it was working for max, surely it would work for the other guys. you didn’t get to blow anyone else off, just suggested it but your supervisor walked in before anything could happen. max hears about it. He pretends to be hurt again, and you’re already on your knees, ready to treat him like usual but he pulls you up and sets you over his knee, he spanks your ass and your cunt many times, teaching you a lesson that you’ll only touch and suck his cock, and just to be safe, as another “punishment” he fucks you right then and there, telling you that if you let anyone else in your pussy but him, your next punishment would be even worse.

and when i tell you i started giggling a maniac reading this I-

bon's thoughts (18+)

it was just a normal monday morning. dr. bentley was running a bit late, and your first patient happened to be a good friend of max! you were more than delighted to see patients that were friends with your other patients, because maybe then you could build connections and gain a good reputation! problem was, max's friend had probably been out with a girl right before his appointment with you, and his boner refused to leave. you glance down at his shorts, connecting the dots in your head. well, max did tell you to never treat someone like you treated him, BUT who were you to deny your patient the care they deserved?

"you want me to fix that for you?" you ask, pointing at the outline of his cock and max's friend stares at you, jaw dropping at your words. there's no way you just offered to give him a blow job in a health clinic? and before he can even respond, dr. bentley opens the door and he smiles at you,

"ah! my trainee! you can take a break you know? always showing up, go get yourself a treat!" and you smile at your mentor, exiting the room completely unaware that max's friend was about to have the wildest story when he got back to his dorm.

"she asked... to fix your.... boner?" max swivels in his gaming chair, staring at his friend.

"yeah man, she wanted to suck me off! it was so weird, who even does that? i wasn't gonna complain though, because i figured... well, i felt bad," max's friend confesses and max's face hardens, he's seething that you were so stupid enough to go against what he asked. he sighs, opening his computer to book another physio appointment with you, specifically on a day where dr. bentley was gone for a medical conference.

when you get the file that max is your patient, you're so happy to see him! your prized patient, your very first patient, and you were so grateful that you got to treat him. he's sitting on a chair in the room, crossing his arms when you lock the door (just like he always told you to!) and rush over to set his file on a table besides him. you're on your knees, "same like last time?" you ask, smiling.

"no," max reciprocates your smile for a split second, before his face falls and he grabs your arms, throwing you over his lap.

"w-wait what's-" your question's cut off by a firm smack on your ass that makes you instantly shut up.

"i just don't get it, I tell you... I tell you to only give the treatment to me and no one else, to only suck my cock and no one else's, but here you were trying to do it to my friend," max tears your leggings off of you, grabbing a fistful of your ass before harshly smacking it once more. his hand burns against your skin, and tears prickle at the corner of your eyes,

"i-i was only trying to help!" you whimper, earning another harsh smack. he listens to your choked sobs, and flips you over on your back so that you could look him in the eye,

"help? you call that help? help is what you do to me, because that treatment only works on me, no one else!" he glances over at your panties, rubbing his knuckles against your clothed cunt that makes you close your legs on instinct. he's never touched you like this before! max scoffs, shaking his head, "oh, so you won't spread your legs for me, hm? but i'll bet you do it for every other patient right? because you're just so helpful, aren't you?"

his words don't seem to make any sense to you, but he brings your panties down to your ankles, and rubs slow, teasing circles on your clit that has you bucking into the palm of his hand,

"max, t-that feels so good!" you whine out loud, but he pulls back and slaps your cunt. you shriek out loud, which causes him to clamp a hand around your mouth, slapping your puffy folds more.

"count this as your punishment, if I see or even hear you touching or sucking anyone's cock other than mine? this is what will happen, you understand?"

"y-yes, max, i apologize," you whisper, nodding your head through small tears. max raises an eyebrow, eyes drifting down from that tight shirt you always wore to your wet, dripping cunt. he bites his lips, shaking his head,

"i don't think you learned your lesson, yet," he sighs, and you begin to freak out, of course you learned your lesson! you were always willing to help him and only him! "i might switch to another trainee, or go somewhere else for my physio appointments."

"no, no, no max! max, no!" you cry out, "no, I promise I'll do anything! i'm so sorry, I won't ever think about sucking someone's cock unless it's yours! please don't leave, I need one patient letter of recommendation before the semester ends!"

max has you right where he wants, and he tilts his head, "is that so? well, you're going to have to prove it to me, then, right? show me how you'll take care of me enough so i won't leave your appointments."

you're scrambling off him, desperate to get down and suck his cock just so that he could stay, but he catches your wrist, tutting his tongue, "oh, schatje, not this time, remember? no, I think I need to make sure you learned your lesson for good."

he doesn't really care how unsanitary the cold tile floor is, as long as it's a bit uncomfortable so you understood the lesson, he's more than happy to fuck you. he's watching your head toss and turn, having never felt something so intense in your life as he's drilling his cock into your poor cunt. you're milking him again and again, and he doesn't seem to stop anytime soon. his lips bite into your neck, your shoulder, the valley of your tits, and he even tugs your nipples with his teeth, watching you squirm and cry, "max, 's too much! 's too much!"

"well, you should've thought that before, schatje. the rule for your mouth applies for your pussy as well, if i find out you've spread your legs for any guy, and let him into your sweet cunt, i'll punish you worse... far worse." he warns you, gripping onto your waist as he pulls out and slams right back into you. your wails are quickly silenced by his mouth on you, tongue delving into explore as much it could.

when you open the patient review an hour or two later, max left a comment:

"she's good, could be a bit better but she's good... i'll see her more next week and see if she's improved"

and that's enough for you to never ever think about someone else taking your pussy, even if it would help with their treatment.

[creambunnie]

Noona!!!!!

ZEROBASEONE - Park Gunwook X You

Fluff Angst

Enjoy~~~~~~~~

You took the book that you had been searching for and couldn't help but flip through the pages as you walked back to your table.

The library was quite empty so you didn't expect to accidentally bump into someone who was walking from your right with a stack of books.

The two of you stumbled from the force, and the guy's books were scattered.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going". The guy apologised as he picked up his books one by one. You were a bit guilty because you were also not looking.

You helped him pick up the last book and handed it to him. Instead of taking it, the guy blinked a few times and stared at you with an amazed face. You were in a rush so you gave an awkward smile and put the book on the top of his stack.

You then returned to your table. You were scanning the pages for the information that you need for your research when suddenly the chair opposite you was pulled.

You looked up and saw the guy earlier. He smiled cutely before comfortably placing down his things on your table and had a seat. You scratched your forehead.

"Uhh, do you need any help?"

The guy shook his head.

"I'm Gunwook, and you are... the most beautiful person I've ever met!"

Before you could reply, he cut you off.

"Oh! Are you also a Psychology student?" Gunwook guessed right looking at the books you were reading.

You only nodded. His smile brightened and he looked like a happy puppy. "Me too!!!! But I don't think we have any classes together?"

"What year are you in?" You finally got to ask.

"I'm actually in my first year! It's my first semester so I'm a bit lost on a lot of things so here I am, trying to figure things out by reading the books the professors recommended! How about you?"

You sighed. "I am..... way too old for you to be interested in."

Gunwook wasn't phased by your answer.

"Noona?"

You felt goosebumps all over your body when he called you that.

"I'm in my final year and I'm graduating soon."

Gunwook's eye sparkled. "You're so cool! It's not a problem because I am into older women!"

You closed your book as you couldn't concentrate anymore at this rate.

"But I'm not into younger guys".

Gunwook pouted and did some calculations in his mind.

"Aren't we only like 3 years apart??? That's not much of a difference, is it?"

"Look kid, we just met each other for the first time. There are other beautiful girls who might be interested in you."

"But I'm only interested in you, Noona! Even though it's our first encounter, I've never felt anything like this before! It's love at first sight!"

You scratched your cheek this time. You really didn't know what to do. He was cute you had to admit it. Gunwook was kind of your type too. But he was a bit too young for you.

"I am interested in mature guys. You know, guys who are more socially aware and empathetic."

Gunwook quickly sat up and changed his expression into a more serious one.

"Then I'll do my best to be just like that!"

You chuckled at his cuteness and determination. You checked the time and started packing your things.

"Sorry Gunwook, I have an appointment so I'm going first. Goodluck on reading up your materials."

Gunwook changed back to his cutesy expression and nodded like a little kid. You chuckled again and walked away.

The next couple of days which turned into weeks, Gunwook would always find a way to greet you on campus. Since you were in the same department, it was easier for him to see you.

At first you tried to avoid him, but after a while, it was pointless because Gunwook would whine and cling onto you more. You were getting used to his presence and sometimes even looked forward to meeting him during your stressful semester. He was still carefree as ever.

You sighed as you came out of your supervisor's office. You thought your final year project was going well but getting a strict supervisor made you extra stressful.

"Noona!!!!!!" You heard his voice from afar. Gunwook ran towards you with a bottle of strawberry milk.

"Here I got this for you!"

You smiled lightly as you felt a bit cheered up by having Gunwook here.

"Thanks.."

Gunwook frowned and leaned down to your eye level. Your heart skipped a beat.

"Noona.. Are you okay? You look sad."

You quickly turned your face away from him to hide your embarrassed face.

"Uhm, it's just about my final year project.. My supervisor is very particular about certain details and I just can't help but feel like all the things that I've done so far is useless."

Gunwook hummed as he thought of what to say.

"If you'd like, I could help you out!! Let's go to the library together!!"

You chuckled and shook your head. You patted his shoulder and started walking.

"It's fine, I want to take a break from the project and clear my head first."

Gunwook grabbed your wrist and pulled you to the other way.

"That's great!! I was just about to invite you to watch my soccer match!"

You were confused but let him drag you anyway.

"Hmm? What if I had agreed to go to the library with you earlier?"

Gunwook only smiled cutely and continued walking.

"You know I would always fix my schedule to match yours so no need to worry about deciding anything, okay?"

AHHHHHHHHHHHH you were seriously about to fall for his sweet talk.

Gunwook led you to the front row seats.

"I have to go change, don't forget to cheer for me later on okay!" He quickly went to the back with his teammates.

You were not much of a sports person but watching Gunwook play with a big smile on his cute face made it fun. He also looked good in his sports attire.

After a few tries, Gunwook finally goaled a score. He cheered with his teammates and combed his hair back with his hand. You gulped at the sight and quickly looked away when Gunwook made eye contact with you. Gunwook grinned at your reaction.

Gunwook's team took the win for the friendly match between students from the Psychology department.

He celebrated with his team before running towards you excitedly.

"Noona! My team won!!! So can I have your number?"

You were surprised at his sudden question but also embarrassed because his voice was loud and the people around you were waiting for your reply.

You shyly nodded and everyone waiting cheered for Gunwook.

"That's my number! Don't forget to save it okay?" Gunwook said as he gave you a call. You hummed and thought of what to save his contact as.

The two of you walked out of the campus together before separating at the front gate.

"Bye Noona! I'll text you later!! hehehe"

You shook your head in amusement as you watched his back became smaller as he ran further.

You finally lied down on your bed after finishing your house chores and taking a shower. You rolled around for a bit before checking your phone. You chuckled at the notification.

From: Cheeky Kid ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Noona!!!!!!! Are you free this Friday?

To: Cheeky Kid ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

I need to meet my supervisor in the afternoon, so I should be free after that. Why?

You didn't even need to wait for a minute before he replied.

From: Cheeky Kid ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Good!!! I was thinking of taking you on a date!

You couldn't help but giggle. Gunwook was always so smooth, he won't let you catch your breath.

To: Cheeky Kid ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Hmmmm, sure I guess. Just text me the details later.

From: Cheeky Kid ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Let's meet up at the busstop outside the campus at 3pm?

To: Cheeky Kid ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Alright, see you.

It was finally Friday. You were a bit nervous. Not because you had to meet your supervisor, but because Gunwook specifically said it was a date.

You wore a cute floral dress and styled your hair neatly. You even picked another bag that would match your outfit but still fit your laptop.

You tried to discuss quickly about your project so you could prepare yourself mentally before meeting Gunwook. It was weird, you meet him almost everyday but today was extra nerve-wrecking.

You reached the busstop five minutes earlier. However you waited and waited. It's been 30 minutes and Gunwook had not arrived yet.

You thought maybe he had some urgent matters to attend to so he was a bit late. But 45 minutes in, you were worried. You quickly texted him.

To: Cheeky Kid ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Hey Gunwook, is everything okay?

You waited for his reply but the message was not even delivered. After an hour of waiting, you decided to just walk back home. Maybe he really had some emergency and did not have time to text you about it.

To: Cheeky Kid ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

If you're suddenly busy, it's fine. I'll just go back first.

You chuckled bitterly to yourself. Do you like Gunwook that much that you're only thinking good things about him?

You passed by a popular internet cafe and had the feeling that you should look up. You stopped walking when you saw his familiar face, gaming with his friends.

You frowned in confusion. You took a deep breath and just continued walking, your mind were racing with so many thoughts.

"Yo Gunwook, isn't that the senior that you've been chasing?" Gunwook's eye widened as he stood up.

"Shit! What time is it now?" He took out his phone and just remembered that he switched it off earlier because his friend was call spamming him.

"Uhh 4.30pm. Why?"

Gunwook slapped his forehead and quickly took his bag.

"I need to go!!!"

His friend was confused but shrugged.

Gunwook cursed under his breath as he ran searching for you. He had walked you home once because you finished late so he knew your address.

He felt like crying when he finally saw your texts. Gunwook was guilty, he ran quite a distance but still didn't see you. As he was running, it suddenly started drizzling. He still didn't stop looking for you. He wanted to see you.

"Noona!!" He called out as if searching for a missing child.

He ran pass a busstop but quickly turned back when he realised that you were seeking shelter there.

"Noona..." Gunwook softly called as he saw your sad expression.

You looked up and took in his appearance.

Gunwook was in a simple black shirt and black jacket as if he just finished working out. He was panting from running and he was trying to wipe his wet face with his hand. He looked handsome.

"Why.. why do you always do that?" You blurted out.

You saw panic in Gunwook's eyes. He thought you were mad at him.

"D-do w-what?"

You didn't answer and just took out your clean handkerchief. You walked closer to Gunwook and helped him wipe his face. Since he was way taller, he had to bend down a bit and met you at eye level. You tried to ignore his stare as you felt your face warmed up.

"Noona.."

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry.. I know this all might sound like an excuse but I lost track of time. My friend kept calling me asking to help him level up in his game so I switched off my phone because he was annoying. But I still went to the internet cafe and helped him, and I forgot to switch my phone back on.. I actually set an alarm for our date..."

Gunwook stopped babbling when he finally realised that you were looking straight at him with an expression that he had never seen on you before. He didn't know what it was. You didn't seem happy nor sad. You also didn't look angry. You just looked calm.

"No, Noona. I made a mistake. I must've hurt you. I am sorry for making you wait alone. I promise it will never happen again. No wait, actually I can't promise because I'm scared I would be stupid enough to repeat this same thing and I--"

Your chuckle cut him off. Gunwook was still bending down to your eye level and the urge to just kiss your lips was strong. He however refrained himself.

"Noona. Can I be your boyfriend?"

You were not surprised at his question but surprised at his sudden timing to ask.

"You always do this. You always catch me off guard."

Gunwook smiled at your answer. "So is that a yes?"

You rolled your eyes playfully and pinched his cheek softly.

"I mean, how could I ever say no to this face?"

"So you only like me because of my face?!"

You shrugged and patted his cheek.

"And if I say yes?"

Gunwook pouted and clung onto your arm.

"Nooonaaaa! I'll take it, and then try to be more mature, just like you like!"

You chuckled at his words and shook your head.

"I'm just joking. I like you just the way you are Gunwook."

Gunwook cheered cutely before leaning down to peck your lips.

You touched your lips and broke into a smile.

"Do you like me that much, Gunwook?"

Gunwook nodded with a stupid smile and pulled you into a hug.

"Noonaaaaaa!!! Good morning!!" Gunwook greeted you in front of your house. Since that day, he would walk to campus with you when your classes timing matched. If he was clingy before, he became extra clingy if that was even possible. You were glad you gave Gunwook a chance.

.

.

.

One minute of silence for this author who is attracted to Gunwook 🥲✋🏽 Hope you guys enjoyed the fluffffff!!!!

[oonajaeadira]

For the Love of Fic Ezra

I started trying to catch up in my reading at the end of last year thinking I could tackle one character at a time. Let me tell you, I'm not even half the way through my Ezra reading, but here's what I wanna rec thus far!

A Forgotten Scene by @fromthedeskoftheraven It's a sweet, domestic snippet of fluffy bliss and I want to live in it forever.

We all agree Ezra just *loves* the sound of your voice, right? by @haylzcyon I am all for Ezra just giving in to his innate hornyness. I am all for grinding all out in the open where anyone can see. I am all for knowing about being watched. I am all for loss of control and making a mess and am I sweating? I think I'm sweating over this.

Ezra Goes to Church by @beefrobeefcal Listen. Ezra's hung like a whale and he doesn't care who knows it. Props to great-grammy who knows what's what.

A Light at the End of the Tunnel by @artemiseamoon I'm always so afraid to read whump stories, afraid that they'll end in sadness and misfortune for the character. I'm really glad that isn't the case here. It's hard to watch Ezra struggle with PTSD; I always want the best for him. But I'm so so glad that at the end of it all that means he gets what he wants and most definitely what he needs.

The False Queen by @blueeyesatnight This is a fun AU where Ezra grows up as a con artist...and he's real good at it too, although he may have never chosen the lifestyle if it wasn't for his partner in crime. Love is rough when you know you should be focusing on the con....

Fairy Gold by @julesonrecord Okay yes I know I'm late to the party on this but dang! All the screaming gifs. All. And yes, it's Ezra being a smooth talking Gold Rush prospector and seductive AF, but it's the ending what got me. The realization of what's in the box and what it means? Gorgeous. Knocked me out cold.

A Kiss in the Dark by @something-tofightfor There's something very visceral and sweet about this birfday kiss scenario with Ezra. I love that Rachael has him telling the reader how much he loves them not by saying it outright, but rather heaping heartfelt gratitude on the day that they came into the world. It's so very intimate and quiet, and the perfect start to a birfday.

by @insomniamamma

Threefold Here's an Ezra that lives up to the man we first meet in the movie--a world that J is an expert in. He's done a lot of people dirty and this reader character is one of them. But things have changed and there's a chance for riches--both literal and figurative. And the risk is so so so worth it.

Needles and Pins Tattoo artist Ezra helps to cover some literal and emotional scars...and maybe offer more time together than is needed for the inking. I would absolutely fall head over ass for tattoo artist Ezra. Especially if he was this gentle and accommodating, if he and I clicked over a design, if I needed my life to start again... I really need to book an appointment...guh.

by @morallyinept

Hydrate Jett writes some poetic stylings and I'm here for it. Especially when she likens Ezra's bits and pieces to his morals--heavy and loose. I kinda lost my mind. I mean, on top of the whole thing about watching Ezra skinny dipping in a waterfall pool. This is as much a work of art as that boy is.

Wipspiration: Sleazy Psychic Ezra Based on one of her etherial moodboards, Jett presents a seedy scene of tension and tarot and horniness that I'm still recovering from.

[inaris-mage-of-storms]

The meeting room at House Blossom was a beautiful place, with flowers dripping from the walls and the door propped open to let in the spring breeze and wandering sheep. Jimmy returned Katherine's encouraging smile as he entered, glad for the mask that covered all but his mouth and thus kept his nervousness hidden too.

"Hi Jimmy! I'm so glad you could make it." Katherine didn't stand to greet him, busy stroking a lamb that had wandered in to lay its head in her lap, but she gestured to a seat. "Not a lot of us today, but maybe that's better for your first meeting."

Right, she had told him the last time they spoke that alliance meetings weren't mandatory, but rather took place monthly and were open invitation to anyone with free time in their schedule. There were only two others seated at the table today: an elf with snowy white wings and blue hair, and a man who looked almost human but for a sleek tail with a tufted tip.

"This is Pixlriffs, king of Pixandria," said Katherine, and the brown-haired man nodded once in greeting, "and Prince Scott of Rivendell, brother to King Xornoth."

"Er, hi," said Jimmy as he sat, trying not to stare too hard at the elf's beauty. "I'm Jimmy. I've just been assigned to govern the Codlands on behalf of the Codfather. It's, um, part of the Ocean Empire, bordering Myth - "

"Yes, we know where it is," said Scott. "Our empires' memories aren't nearly so short as the human ones." He sipped at his tea. "I believe it was in my grandfather's time that Mythland relinquished that region to the Ocean Empire."

"I don't know if 'relinquished' quite describes it," said Pixlriffs. "Mythland's own history books would say that the Ocean Queen took it by force, after flooding the land as divine retribution for some unrecorded slight."

They both looked at Jimmy as if expecting him to clarify, but he just cleared his throat awkwardly. "Um...right. Anyway, Katherine heard of my appointment, and invited me to join the alliance, so - here I am. Oh, and I'm authorized to speak on behalf of the Ocean Queen, too, for most matters anyway. For now. She's unable to attend meetings in person as often as she'd like, because of...matters."

Scott raised an eyebrow at his vagueness, and he flushed under the haughty gaze. This was turning out to be more difficult than he thought.

He kept quiet for the rest of the brief meeting, deciding it was too early to judge if Rivendell or Pixandria could be potential allies in the codfolk's war against the salmon. Lizzie's network of spies reported that several of the mainland empires had fallen for salmon propaganda, believing the cod to be the aggressors in a war that had been ebbing and flowing since before some of their kingdoms had even existed.

That was why he had left the comfort of the Prisma Palace to live in the swamp, why he hid more than his face behind his carved mask. Enemy armies that had been successfully pushed back were suddenly growing, aided by supplies and weapons that should have been well beyond their means. He needed to find out who was helping them, and figure out a way to put a stop to it. Maybe he could even befriend them and convince them to change sides.

Once official business was concluded, Scott moved closer to Katherine to coo over a second lamb who had wandered in to see what its flockmate was up to and was chewing affectionately on Katherine's dress. Just as Jimmy was trying to decide the least awkward way to excuse himself, Pixlriffs caught his eye from across the table.

Jimmy gave him an awkward half-smile from under the mask, watching warily as Pix approached. He perched himself on the edge of the table right next to Jimmy, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Hello," said Jimmy nervously, and Pix's grin widened.

"The more of me you take away, the larger I grow. What am I?"

Shit. Katherine warned him about this, when she was giving him pointers on how to make a good impression on each emperor. Jimmy had never thought himself particularly clever, but as advised, he showed Pix respect by at least considering the question and giving a genuine attempt at an answer instead of brushing it off.

"Er - um...Oh! Hope. It's gotta be hope, hasn't it?"

Pix stared at him, long enough that Jimmy began to wonder if Katherine was wrong about the part where she said the sphinx never actually punished anyone for getting his riddles wrong. Then he grinned with delight, and for a moment Jimmy felt like he was being dazzled by the desert sun itself.

"That's right," he said, and chuckled when Jimmy punched the air with a triumphant yes!

Jimmy stood to make his goodbyes, muttering something about having to make a report of how the first meeting went, and Scott came to stand by Pix's side as they watched him leave. He glanced over at his friend, a knowing smirk playing on the corner of his mouth.

"I thought the answer to that one was 'hole'."

Jimmy was no longer in sight, but Pix continued to stare down the path anyway. "Yes. Well." He smiled at Scott, and there was an eagerness and wonder in his gaze he usually reserved for ancient texts. "He wasn't wrong, though, was he? I do think getting to know him better will be quite an adventure.

The Codfather's Court AU

[sillylilsquid]

Real Life Romance Book pt.11

pairing - hyun-ju x reader summary - one day at the cozy bookstore you work at, you meet hyun-ju. a woman who ignites a fire in your chest. you fall for her unaware at first of her journey as a trans woman. though, that doesn't stop you from wanting her to be yours. together, you navigate the ups and downs of life, exploring love, identity, and the power of connection. warnings - au!hyun-ju, no squid game, afab!reader, mentions of bullying and transphobia, abuse from a parent, sexual content, 18+ only, minors dni words - 5.9k

The morning of the appointment starts off quiet. You’d woken up first for once, blinking against the soft glow of sunrise pouring through Hyun-ju’s curtains. She was still wrapped around you, hair a little messy, one arm tucked tight around your waist like she didn’t want to let go. And honestly? You didn’t either.

You stayed like that for a while, listening to her breathing, letting your fingers trail along her back under the blanket. When she stirred and stretched, eyes still half-lidded and sleepy, you kissed her shoulder and whispered, “Morning.”

“Mmm,” she mumbled, nuzzling into your neck. “Too early.”

“I know,” you smiled. “But I’ll make you coffee if you let me wear your big hoodie.”

She groaned dramatically. “Fine. Bribery works. Take it. Take everything.”

A few hours later, you’re both in the car, headed toward the clinic.

Hyun-ju’s hands are on the steering wheel, steady but a little tight. She hasn’t said much since you left the apartment–just reached over to hold your hand while you were putting your seatbelt on. You’ve been watching her from the passenger seat, chewing on your bottom lip, trying to figure out if you should talk or stay quiet.

She beats you to it.

“You okay?” she asks softly.

You glance at her. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

She smiles faintly, eyes still on the road. “Maybe. But I know you get nervous when you think you might say something wrong.”

You exhale a little, sheepish. “You’re not wrong.”

“I’m glad you’re coming,” she says, thumb brushing the side of your hand where it’s resting between you. “Even if it’s scary.”

You nod, then after a second: “Do you want me to come in with you?”

She hesitates. “Would you mind waiting in the lobby?”

“Not at all.” “Okay.” Her grip softens. “Just knowing you’re there is enough.”

The clinic is warm and modern looking. Quiet. Safe. 

You sit in a cushy chair in the waiting room with a book in your lap, pretending to read but not actually registering any of the words. You keep peeking toward the hallway she disappeared down, wondering how it’s going. Wondering how she’s feeling.

It’s been almost forty minutes.

You shift in your seat. Glance at the clock. Thumb the corner of the page. Wonder if she’s in a room by herself or if she has a kind doctor. If the questions are hard. If it’s emotional. If she wishes she’d gone alone after all.

You don’t want to text. You don’t want to interrupt. So you wait. Like she asked you to.

And then–finally–Hyun-ju comes back around the corner.

Her eyes meet yours instantly. There’s something unreadable in them. But when she walks up to you, she squeezes your hand tight, and doesn’t let go.

“Can we get lunch?” she asks, voice quiet.

“Of course,” you say immediately, rising to your feet.

She leans into your side, and you guide her out with your hand pressed to the small of her back. You don’t ask questions. You don’t push. You just stay. Which is exactly what she needed.

The restaurant is tucked into a cozy side street, with warm wooden booths and plants hanging from the ceiling.

It smells like garlic and basil and fresh bread. Hyun-ju picked it–said she used to come here sometimes when she needed a break from the world. The table by the window is quiet, and you’re both tucked into the corner. Neither of you have touched the menus

You’re giving her time. Letting her settle into the rhythm of the space. But eventually, she lifts her eyes to yours.

“I’m glad you came today,” she says, voice soft.

You reach across the table, brushing your fingers against hers. “You didn’t have to thank me.”

“I know.” Her thumb drags over your knuckles. “I just…I’ve never brought anyone with me to one of those. It felt different. Good different.”

You nod slowly. “Wanna talk about it?”

She exhales, looking down at her tea. The silence stretches. You let it. You’ve learned with her–she always speaks when she’s ready.

“They asked a lot of questions,” she finally says. “Medical history, my hormone therapy timeline, how long I’ve known I wanted this.” Her lips press into a tight line for a second.

“I’ve been thinking about bottom surgery for a long time. But I didn’t want to rush it. And I didn’t want to feel like I had to do it to be valid. I don’t. I know that. But…” She shrugs. “It still feels like something I want. For me.”

You squeeze her hand gently. “I’m proud of you.”

Her eyes flicker up, shiny and grateful.

“They gave me a whole folder,” she continues. “Timelines, options, surgeons. It’s…a lot to take in.” You nod, waiting.

“But the biggest thing is the money,” she says, letting out a small, bitter laugh. “It’s expensive. And my insurance doesn’t cover it. Not in the way that matters.”

“I’m sorry,” you whisper.

Hyun-ju just shakes her head. “I’ve been saving for a while. I didn’t want to say anything because…I don’t know. I didn’t want you to worry. Or think I wasn’t happy with the way things are between us.”

You blink hard, suddenly a little too emotional. “I would never think that.”

“I know,” she replies. “But I still…I’ve got my pride.”

There’s another pause. She glances away, then back.

“I’ve been talking to Ji-ho about it for a while,” she adds, voice gentler now. “He’s…actually been kind of amazing about it. He doesn’t totally understand everything, but he listens. He’s been checking in. And a couple weeks ago, he offered to help. Financially.”

“He did?”

She nods. “Said if this is something I want–something that’ll make me feel more at home in my body–then he wants to be a part of that. He told me not to let money be the thing that stops me.”

A breath catches in your throat. “That’s…huge.”

“I know,” she says, eyes soft. “It surprised me. In a good way.”

You lean across the table, pecking her lips gently. “Thank you for telling me.” Her breath hitches. “And whatever you decide–surgery, no surgery, all of it–I’m with you. You don’t need to do anything to be more you to me. I already see you.”

That’s when her eyes well up for real. She nods quickly, pulling back just enough to blink the tears away. 

“I love you.” “I love you too,” you whisper.

The food comes not long after, warm bowls of pasta and fresh bread nestled between you both. The conversation slows as you eat, but it doesn’t fall away entirely. There’s still a hum of emotion beneath everything, gentle and charged, like the storm has passed but the sky’s still deciding if it wants to rain again.

Hyun-ju twirls a bite of pasta onto her fork, watching the steam rise. “They said if I wanted to schedule surgery within the year, I’d need to decide soon. There’s a waiting list. Prep appointments. Post-op recovery. Time off work.”

You nod slowly. “That’s a lot to plan around.”

“It is,” she agrees, not meeting your eyes.

There’s a quiet moment as you chew, swallow, and then–carefully–you speak.

“I know Ji-ho offered to help. And I think that’s amazing. I’m so glad you have him. But…I want to offer too.”

Her fork pauses in midair.

“Not because I think you can’t do it alone,” you continue gently. “Or because I want to get involved in something that’s not mine. I just–I love you. And if this is something you want…I want to help you get there. However I can.”

Hyun-ju sets down her fork and leans back slightly, her gaze fixed on you. She doesn’t look angry, just surprised. Soft, quiet.

“You don’t have to do that,” she says after a beat. “Really.”

“I know I don’t have to,” you reply. “I want to.”

She exhales, brushing a hand through her hair. “It’s not about the money. It’s about…pride, I guess. Independence. I’ve always wanted to be able to say I did it on my own.”

“I get that,” you say, voice even. “But letting people love you isn't a weakness. It’s brave, actually.”

She gives you a look at that–half skeptical, half grateful–and reaches across the table to lace your fingers with hers.

“I don’t want this to change anything between us,” she murmurs.

“It won’t,” you promise. “This isn’t me trying to fix anything. You’re not broken. You’re perfect. This is just…support. That’s all.”

“I’m not saying yes. Not yet. But thank you. For offering.”

You nod. “Of course.”

She leans in, brushing a kiss over your knuckles. “You’re kind of incredible, you know that?”

You smile, a little bashful. “Takes one to know one.”

The rest of lunch is light again. Your foot nudging hers under the table, the shared dessert plate between you, the unspoken relief of knowing you’re both seen and loved and okay.

Hyun-ju brought up the idea of meeting up with her brother. Just something casual to catch up. She offered to bring you along, and after making sure that neither of them would mind, you agreed.

A week later, the three of you met up. The little cafe is quiet, tucked into the corner of a side street, windows fogged gently from the steam of espresso and early spring rain. You sit across from Ji-ho at a worn wooden table, a cup of lavender tea cooling in your hands while Hyun-ju sips from her iced americano, her shoulders relaxed for once, her lips curled faintly into the kind of soft smile that only comes when the air feels safe.

She’s dressed simply and comfortably–loose black slacks, a cream knit top, her hair tucked behind one ear. There’s a light in her eyes as she listens to Ji-ho speak, and even when she looks out the window, it’s with a kind of peaceful reflection instead of panic.

“You really still drink iced americanos?” Ji-ho grins, leaning forward. “Even when it’s chilly out?”

Hyun-ju rolls her eyes but smiles. “It’s not that cold.”

“Right, right,” he teases. “I forgot. Miss Cold Brew All Year Round.”

You chuckle behind your straw, and her hand bumps against your knee under the table, a quiet little touch like she’s reminding herself you’re there. You glance over at her, how the sunlight catches in the edges of her hair, how her lips curve easily. She looks good. At peace. And for once, not like she’s bracing for something.

You lean back, soaking in the moment.

Hyun-ju Age 16

The rain was loud that night, slashing against the windows, but her father’s voice was louder.

“You think I don’t notice what you’re doing?” her father barked. “Walking around like that. Do you want the neighbors to talk?”

Hyun-ju stood rigid by the doorway, schoolbag clutched in her fist. Her nails were painted a dark, glittery blue, and her hair was a little longer than last month.

“I’m not doing anything wrong.”

Her father’s slap was fast and cruel. “Don’t talk back.”

Ji-ho watched silently from the hallway, wanting to stop him. Wanting to defend her, but he didn’t. Couldn’t. 

That night, she slept on Ji-ho’s floor, facing the wall while he laid on the bed staring at the ceiling, frozen peas pressed against her skin.

Present day

“Umma called me last week,” Ji-ho says, quieter this time, eyes on the rim of his cup. “She asked about you.”

Hyun-ju’s posture shifts slightly, the easy warmth in her shoulders going just a bit together.

“I talked to appa, too,” Ji-ho adds. “He said he saw you at the wedding.”

Hyun-ju doesn’t say anything for a second. You feel her fingers curl against her leg.

“Of course he noticed.” she says, voice flat. “Couldn’t have me ruin the family photos.”

“Ju, I didn’t say that,” Ji-ho replies gently. “Just…he noticed. And umma asked if you were doing okay.”

Her jaw tenses, and for a moment you think she’s going to shut down. But she doesn’t.

“They had years,” she says. “They don’t get to ask now.”

Ji-ho’s gaze drops. “I know.”

Hyun-ju Age 21

“You think just because you’re older now I won’t say anything?”

Her father’s voice echoed through the house, sharp like a blade. Hyun-ju stood in the kitchen, face unreadable, but her hands were clenched at her sides.

“I’m not asking for your approval,” she said quietly. “I’m telling you who I am.”

“Bullshit,” he snapped. “You’re confused. Delusional.”

“I’m not,” she said, voice rising for once. “I’m not your son. I never was.”

He took a step forward, eyes blazing. “You’re going to throw away everything? For what? You think anyone will respect you like this?”

“I don’t need anyone's respect if it costs me myself.”

His hand slammed on the table. “You’ll disgrace this family.”

“I’m not the disgrace,” she muttered, and turned to leave before he could say anything else. That night as she lay shaking in her apartment, trying to cry, her mind replayed their conversation. Over and over again.

Present day

She stirs the ice in her drink slowly, watching the cubes spin. “They made it clear years ago that they don’t want anything to do with me.”

You rub your thumb gently over her hand under the table, and she squeezes it once–grateful, maybe, or just trying to stay grounded.

Ji-ho sighed quietly. “I just thought you should know.”

Hyun-ju Age 23

The office was silent except for the sound of paper being slid across the desk. “Staff Sergeant Cho,” her commander said, not meeting her eyes. “We’ve reviewed your request.”

Hyun-ju’s uniform sat perfectly on her frame, her posture straight. Her file was thick with commendations. She led teams, completed elite training, earned the respect of every soldier under her.

“You’re one of the most capable NCOs in this division,” he said.

But still, he pushed the discharge forms toward her.

“Your decision to come out as transgender…the board has concluded that you can no longer serve.”

The words hit harder than she expected. She had prepared herself. Rehearsed it. Knew the cost.

She nodded once. “Understood, sir.”

But when she stepped outside, uniform crisp, commendation pins still gleaming on her chest, she felt the world shift. Not because she had lost something–but because she had finally chosen herself.

Present day

“I’m still proud of you, noona.” Ji-ho leans back in his seat.

That earns a quiet laugh from Hyun-ju. “You always were.”

The air shifts once the conversations lulls. Ji-ho glances at the clock on his phone, then looks back at the two of you. “So…” he starts, his voice lighter. “How was the appointment?”

You feel Hyun-ju’s thumb brush against yours under the table before she speaks.

“It went well. Better than expected.” she says.

You smile gently. “Tell us!” Ji-ho exclaims.

She glances at you, then her brother, like she’s still not used to being able to talk about this openly. But she pushes through. “The surgeon was kind. Thorough. They answered every question I had, and didn’t talk down to me like I was confused or naive. It…it felt good. Like they saw me.”

You squeeze her hand a little tighter. “They do see you.”

She exhales slowly. “There’s still a few more evaluations, and a waitlist. But I think I’m officially on the path.”

Ji-ho smiles, genuine and warm. “That’s amazing, noona.”

Hyun-ju nods, her gaze lowering to her drink again. “It’s scary,” she admits. “But I’ve been waiting a long time.”

Ji-ho doesn’t say anything for a second. He leans forward slightly, elbows on the table, expression more serious now. You notice the hesitation before he even speaks.

“There’s…something else I wanted to bring up,” he says, voice lower now. “I wasn’t sure if I should, but…”

Hyun-ju tilts her head, eyes narrowing slightly. You have a feeling you know where this is going.

“Umma and Appa,” he says carefully. “Their health hasn’t been great.”

You tense beside her, but she stays still. Ji-ho continues.

“Appa’s been having trouble with his heart. Stress, blood pressure, the usual. He’s not telling anyone, but I can tell. And Umma’s been in and out of the hospital for her joints, knees mostly.”

You feel her shift beside you, like the words are hitting–but she’s guarding herself.

“I know you don’t owe them anything,” Ji-ho says quickly. “And I know what they did. What they said. I’m not excusing it.”

Hyun-ju’s voice is flat when she finally speaks. “Then why bring it up?”

“Because…you deserve closure,” he says. “And maybe they do too. Maybe it’s selfish, but I just–I don’t want time to run out, and you never get to say the things you need to say.”

The coffee shop hums with low chatter around you, but it all fades into a hush as she stares down at her drink.

“I don’t want to see them for their sake,” she says eventually. “I want to do it for me. If I ever do it.”

You watch her eyes flicker, emotions dancing behind them. Not quite anger. Not quite grief. But something old and aching, just starting to thaw.

“I just–I don’t know.”

Ji-ho nods. “Okay.”

He doesn’t push her. He just lets the silence stretch and settle, full of things that have needed saying for years.

You squeeze her hand again and lean in slightly. “Whatever you decide, we’ll figure it out together.”

Later that night

The kettle clicks off.

You pour the water over the tea bags, letting the steam curl into the dimly lit kitchen. It’s quiet–just the sound of rain tapping against the window and the occasional soft creak of the apartment settling. You glance over your shoulder.

Hyun-ju is on the couch, one leg tucked beneath her, shoulder wrapped in that oversized cardigan she always wears when her thoughts get too heavy. Her eyes on the window, unfocused.

You set the mugs down on the coffee table, she doesn’t look at them right away.

“Thanks,” she murmurs, almost like she forgot you were there for a second.

You sit beside her, letting the silence linger. It isn’t uncomfortable. It’s intimate. Familiar. Like she doesn’t have to pretend with you. After a while she speaks.

“I didn’t think Ji-ho would bring them up today. Not like that anyway.”

You hum, noncommittal. “He was careful. But yeah…it was a lot.”

She nods, turning slightly to you. “It’s not that I don’t think about them. I do. More than I want to admit.”

Her eyes are glassy but she doesn’t cry.

“I keep thinking about how they saw me at the wedding,” she says. “Appa didn’t say anything. Just stared. Umma tried, I think. In her way. But I wasn’t ready.”

She lets out a bitter chuckle.

“I’ll never be ready to face the man who hit me. Who said awful things to me. Who laughed when I was discharged from the Special Forces like it was some kind of joke. Like losing the one thing I worked my whole life for meant nothing. And the woman who let him.”

You stay quiet, in shock of what she had just admitted. You knew their relationship wasn’t good, but you didn’t know it was like that.

Her voice wavers, but she keeps going. “I don’t think I’ll ever be ready. But, I want to introduce you to them.”

You blink, in shock. “Me?”

She nods, more sure now.

“I want them to see the person I love,” she says quietly. “Not just the woman I’ve become. But the life I’ve built. Who I chose. I want them to know you. And if they can’t accept that–then at least I’ll know they tried.”

You reach for her hand to which she gives you willingly. You hold it between both of yours, fingers playing with her golden ring.

“I’m with you,” you state. “Whatever happens.”

Her eyes finally meet yours. “Will you come with me?”

You nod, not evening needing to think about it. “Of course.”

A small smile breaks across her face, fragile but genuine. She leans into you, her head resting against your shoulder. The rain keeps falling steady and quiet. And in that moment, so does everything else.

You can feel the tension before you even step inside.

The neighborhood is quiet. The house is neatly kept–stone pathway lined with trimmed hedges, a wind chime dancing in the breeze–but something about it feels cold. Not the kind of cold that comes from weather, but the kind that settles under your skin, coiling tight around your ribs.

Hyun-ju stands behind you at the front door, shoulders stiff, lips pressed into a thin line. She knocks once, and you both wait.

Her mother opens the door. Her expression falters when she sees you, then softens–though it’s hard to tell if it’s genuine.

“You came,” she says to Hyun-ju. Then her eyes flick toward you. “And you must be…”

You tell her your name, and Hyun-ju follows it with, “My girlfriend.”

There’s a moment of silence. Then her mothers nods slowly and steps aside. “Come in.”

The living room looks almost exactly like Hyun-ju described it–immaculate, curated, cold. No photos of her, just Ji-ho’s graduation pictures, a family photo from his wedding, and pictures from family holidays years ago. All of which Hyun-ju is absent from.

It hurts you, maybe even more than it hurts her. 

Her father is seated in the armchair. He doesn’t get up.

His eyes land on Hyun-ju, and you feel it instantly; that punch of silent disapproval. His lip twitches, and his gaze drops to your clasped hands.

The house is too quiet. 

You remember Hyun-ju saying she used to keep the TV on all the time, just to fill the silence. Now, with the four of you seated in the living room, the hush feels deliberate and heavy.

She sits next to you on the couch, posture poised, hands folded in her lap. Not stiff, but contained. Controlled. You can feel the tension under her skin. Her mother hovers hereby, setting down tea cups with a shaking hand. Her father still hasn’t spoken, and his eyes barely flick over you two before back towards the black TV screen.

“You’ve grown out your hair,” her mother says finally, smiling weakly.

Hyun-ju nods. “Yeah.”

“It looks…nice,” she offers. “Thanks.”

You sip your tea, listening to the porcelain clink against the saucers.

Then her father finally speaks. “You used to salute me when you walked into the room,” he says, eyes fixed on Hyun-ju now. “Now you look like a girl selling perfume at a department store.”

You feel your jaw tighten instantly. Hyun-ju doesn't move.

“Hwan.” her mother hisses quietly.

“I’m just saying what we’re all thinking,” he snaps. “She–he–whatever–walks in here like we’re supposed to pretend this isn’t a goddamn joke?”

Your mouth opens, but you don’t say anything. Hyun-ju had asked you before you arrived–“please don’t argue with him, not unless I ask you to.” Still, the heat in your chest crawls up your throat like fire.

Hyun-ju blinks once. Calm. “I’m not here to ask for anything,” she says. “Just to be honest. Just to let you see me.”

“What I see,” her father growls, “is a disgrace. You wore that uniform with honor. Do you remember what that meant? You could’ve made something of yourself. You were a soldier. Now look at you.”

“I was a good soldier,” she replies. “Until the army decided I wasn’t useful to them anymore. And even then, I walked out with my head high.”

“You walked out in shame.” Your hands twitch in your lap. Hyun-ju doesn’t flinch.

“No. I walked out free.”

Her father snorts. “Free? Don’t make me laugh. You think this is freedom? Parading around like some confused–"

"Hwan, stop.” her mother says, eyes wide and watery.

But he keeps going. “You think you can just come back here, flaunting your painted face and your fake name and expect respect? Don’t be stupid.”

You clench your teeth so hard it hurts. Your chest is tight, your fingers curling into fists in your lap. You want to scream, throw the tea across the room, tell him exactly what kind of man he is. But you catch Hyun-ju’s glance–subtle and small. A silent ‘not yet.’

So you inhale slowly. And you say, soft but sure, “Hyun-ju is more courageous than anyone I’ve ever met. She’s brilliant, and kind, and honest. She’s not confused. She’s exactly who she says she is.”

Her father barks a laugh. “You trained her to say that?”

“No,” you say, voice still steady, “I’ve just had the privilege of loving her.”

His smirk falters for a breath. But he scoffs again, leaning back in his chair. “You think this is love? It’s a phase. You’ll wake up one day and realize you’ve tied yourself to someone who doesn’t even know what they are.”

“She knows exactly who she is,” you reply, still soft. “And I know who I love.”

There’s a pause. His face twists with disdain, her mother looks like she might cry. Hyun-ju reaches for your hand, lacing your fingers.

“I didn’t come here to fight,” she spoke. “I came here to show you the life I built. Not the one that nearly broke me.” No response. “I came because I wanted to look you in the eye, and show you that you didn’t win.” she adds.

The silence after that is deafening.

Her father looks away. Her mother stares down into her tea like it’ll give her a way out. No one says another word.

You sit with her in that silence, hand in hand, proud and furious all at once.

You think it’s over. Think that Hyun-ju might decide to leave. But instead she stays in her spot, and clears her throat. “I’ve been talking to Ji-ho a lot lately.”

Her father scoffs again, but doesn’t look at her.

“He’s been great,” she says carefully. “We met up a few times after the wedding. He even came to one of my appointments.”

At that, her father’s head snaps up. “Appointments?”

“I’m considering bottom surgery,” she says evenly.

Then he laughs. Loud. mean. “God, you’re really committed to the delusion, aren’t you?”

“Hwan–” her mother whispers, but he cuts her off quickly.

“You want to mutilate yourself now? That’s what this is?” he leans forward, face twisted in disgust. “You were born with strength in you. I saw it. I raised you to be a man. 

“No,” Hyun-ju says. “You raised me to obey. You raised me to hide.”

He waves a hand. “You think this makes you strong? Chopping off your dick and playing dress up?”

You feel Hyun-ju’s hand tighten around yours, not trembling–but bracing. 

Your voice is shaking when you speak, but not with fear. “She’s not playing anything.”

He ignores you. “And Ji-ho–he’s encouraging this? Hell, maybe he’s soft just like you now.”

“Ji-ho loves me,” Hyun-ju’s voice is short. “He didn’t understand at first. But he listened. He came with me to the doctor because he wanted to support me.”

Laughing, her father says, “Support you straight into a padded cell.”

Your vision blurs with rage, but you say nothing. You promised. You hold her hand tighter.

“You’re a disgrace,” her father growls, eyes blazing. “You had honor, you wore that uniform with pride. And now look at you. You’ve thrown it all away. For what? This?” He gestures sharply at her, and you can feel the air in the room grow heavier with every hateful word. “You’ve shamed this family.”

Her mother’s voice is barely a whisper. “Hyun-ju, is this really what you want?”

“More than anything.”

Her father lets out a bitter laugh, throwing his hands in the air. “Oh, I see. More than anything. You’re throwing away everything you worked for. You think this is freedom. You think this is strength?” He turns to you, eyes narrowing with a sneer. “What kind of person encourages this?”

You start to speak, but Hyun-ju squeezes your hand lightly, her eyes telling you to stay silent. So you hold your tongue, even as the anger rises in your.

Her father’s gaze sharpens. “This isn’t a phase,” he spits, sneering at her. “This is a disease. You want to be a woman? Fine. But you’ll never be good enough for anyone. You’re nothing but a freak.”

The words land like a slap, and you can feel the heat rise in  your chest, but Hyun-ju just exhales slowly, her expression calm but her jaw tight.

“Appa, you’re wrong,” she says evenly. “I know exactly who I am.”

He sneers. “No. You’re lost. You’ve been lost from the start.”

A silence falls over the room, and you can feel the tension crackling between them. You hold Hyun-ju’s hand, steadying her. Your eyes shift awkwardly around the room. But then, something in her shifts.

“I’m not lost,” she says, her voice rising a little. “But I am done pretending for you. I’ve lived my life hiding who I am for so long. I’m not doing it anymore.”

Her father’s eyes burn with rage, and without warning, he stands up from his chair, knocking it back violently. You gasp, and Hyun-ju doesn’t have time to react before he grabs her by the wrist, jerking her roughly from the couch.

“You think you can just come into my home and talk to me like this?” he yells, face inches from hers. “You think you’re some kind of fucking hero now? Look at you. You’re pathetic. You’ve thrown away everything I taught you. You’re not a soldier. You’re not a man anymore. You’re nothing.”

Hyun-ju doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t even look afraid. She holds her ground, her eyes hard.

“You’ve never seen me, Appa,” she mutters. “Not once.”

“Don’t talk back to me!” he sneers, voice full of hate. “Don’t you fucking stand there and talk to your father like that.”

You open your mouth to speak, feeling like things have gotten way out of control. But before you can say a word, he laughs bitterly, turning for you with a sneer. “What? Is your bitch gonna defend you now?”

Without missing a beat, Hyun-ju steps in front of you, shielding you from her father’s gaze. “Don’t touch her,” she snaps.

It makes his face twist with rage, and he reaches out to shove her hard. The force sends her stumbling back, but she regains her balance, not backing down.

“I raised you,” he snarls. “I fucking trained you, and this is how you repay me? You’ve made a fucking fool of me, and you’re too stupid to even see it.”

Hyun-ju doesn't respond. She’s standing tall now, her expression unwavering as she meets his fury with cold defiance.

He steps forward, slapping her across the face. The sound rings out through the room, leaving a red mark on her cheek. Hyun-ju doesn’t even blink, but her eyes narrow slightly.

“You worthless piece of shit,” he growls, stepping closer. “Get the fuck out of my house. I don’t want to see you here anymore.”

Her mother looks as if she is about to protest, but Hyun-ju speaks before anyone else can. “It’s fine, umma. I’m done here.”

Her father doesn’t let up. He grabs her by the arm again, his grip like iron. He yanks her toward the door, pushing her roughly. She stumbles, but doesn’t fall. He shoves her again, this time harder, and she’s pushed toward the door with no resistance. “Leave, now,” he spits. “Get the fuck out of here.”

You rise to your feet, ready to stop him, but Hyun-ju shakes her head. Her voice is quiet, yet firm, when she says, “it’s okay.”

She turns to face him one last time, her eyes cold and unyielding. She stands there for a moment, letting the silence speak for her. Then, without a word, she opens the door, stepping out into the cold air. You follow her, your hand finding hers instantly, as the door slams shut behind you, leaving her father’s hate-filled words and the suffocating weight of the house behind.

Hyun-ju’s head remains held high. She’s free, finally free.

The car ride is silent, but it’s not suffocating. It’s thick with something else–shock, rage, disbelief. You grip the steering wheel tighter than you need to as the engine hums beneath your feet. The streetlights blur past in soft amber streaks, but your eyes keep flicking over to her.

Her face is turned toward the window, eyes half lidded, quiet. Her cheek is flushed red–an angry palm-shaped mark rising like fire across her skin.

You can’t keep it in anymore.

“Your father is a fucking monster,” you spit, your voice shaking. “He put his hands on you. He slapped you. In front of me. Like you were–like you were nothing.”

Hyun-ju doesn’t look at you. She closes her eyes for a moment, breathes. “It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay!” you snap. “You should’ve let me call the police. You should’ve–God, I should’ve stepped in–”

“Baby girl.” Her voice is calm, firm. She turns to you slowly, reaching across the console to place a hand over yours. “It’s over. I’m okay.”

You swallow, but your throat feels like it’s burning. “He hurt you.”

She shrugs gently. “He’s been hurting me for years. This time…it just looked different.”

Your breath catches, and suddenly it’s your tears slipping out, hot and quiet. You don’t sob–you try not to–but the tears fall fast anyway, dripping onto your lap as you stare hard at the road ahead.

Hyun-ju gives your hand a small squeeze. “I’m okay,” she says again, softer now. “He’s out of my life. For good this time. There’s nothing left to prove. No more pretending that maybe he’ll come around.”

You shake your head, blinking fast. “I just–you didn’t deserve that.”

“I know,” she says gently. “But it’s done now. He got the last word. Let him have it.”

You glance at her, and despite the angry mark on her face, despite everything–she looks…light. Like something in her finally cracked open and the weight fell off.

She smiles, just a little.

“I mean, I thought the visit would go bad,” she says with a dry little laugh. “But not that bad. I didn’t think he’d act like that with you around.”

You laugh through your tears, watery and shaky. “You’re joking?”

She nudges your arm playful. “Hey. Gotta get my stand-up routine ready. ‘So my dad slapped me and called my girlfriend a bitch–’”

“Hyunnie,” you choke, both laughing and crying now. 

She smirks. “Too soon?” 

“Way too soon.”

She leans back in her seat, staring out the windshield with a tired kind of peace. “He’s never going to hurt me again. Not physically. Not emotionally. Not ever. That part of my life is done.”

You nod slowly, wiping your eyes on your sleeve. The car falls into a quieter kind of silence now–heavier with exhaustion rather than dread. Your hand stays wrapped in hers. Like she said, it’s over. And she walked away from it free.

taglist - @lesmiix, @squiddieee044, @jeongteen, @natwendigo

[mammons-lover]

We Missed You, Levi! Continuation of This.

Lucifer: We're back, everyone!

Asmodeus (coldly): Hello, Leviathan.

Leviathan: What's with the cold shoulder?

Asmodeus (huffing): Oh, I don't know, maybe because you left without telling anyone.

Leviathan: I didn't think you guys would care that much.

Asmodeus: Wouldn't care? You had a nail appointment, and you just up and left! Look at your nails; the polish is nearly gone.

Leviathan: I thought you just did that when you're bored.

Asmodeus (exasperated): No, dummy. I do it because it's fun and it's the only way we get to hang out.

Leviathan: Oh, I'm sor—

Mammon: How dare you, Levi!

Leviathan (sighing): What did I do now?

Mammon: You just walk into our home, and you can't even give us a call? Not to mention the fact that you left and only the twins knew.

Leviathan: I honestly didn't think anyone would notice I was gone.

Mammon: Well, it was noticed. We have a game to play, so hurry up and come to your room!

Leviathan: You can't order me around, Mammon.

Asmodeus: Yeah, you can't because I'm gonna do his nails first!

Leviathan (sighing): Asmo, that's not what I meant.

Satan (walking in, determined): If Leviathan is going with anyone, it's me!

Mammon and Asmodeus (in unison): What?!

Satan (serious): Before you left, you said you were going to read with me. Then I went to get our book, and you were gone! We have to see what happens to the cat kingdom!

Leviathan: Satan, I was trying to tell you I couldn't read to you, but as soon as I said 'read,' you ran off.

Satan: Oh, well, it doesn't matter. We have reading to get to.

Lucifer (calmly): Guys, he just got back. Give him time to settle and rest.

Satan: Lucifer, no one is talking to you right now.

Mammon (mocking): That was so rude of you, Lucifer. Levi, we should leave.

Asmodeus: Mammon, you better let go of him.

Mammon: Or what?!

Satan (whispering to Levi): Levi, meet me in the library.

Asmodeus: Satan, you stay away from him!

As the brothers continue arguing, Lucifer subtly nudges Leviathan to sneak away. When Levi finally makes it to his room, he’s greeted by the sight of Belphie asleep in his tub and Beel sitting on his floor playing Cooking Mama.

Leviathan (surprised): Hey, why are you guys in here?

Beelzebub (apologetically): Huh? Sorry, Levi. Belphie's been sleeping in your bed since you left, but he doesn't like your figures staring at him while he sleeps, so I came to keep him company.

Leviathan: It's alright, I don't mind. I'm just happy you guys are quieter than the others.

Beelzebub: Yeah, I can hear them from here. What are they fighting about?

Leviathan (sighing, sitting next to Beel): They shockingly want to spend time with me.

Beelzebub (understanding): It's not too shocking. They're always trying to hang out with you. You're just always in your room, so the little things they can do with you, they cherish.

Leviathan: Geez, Beel, you have great observation skills.

Beelzebub (smiling): It's because it's like that for me and Belphie. We're always in the same room, but we don't really do anything since he's always tired, and I'm always hungry. So, we have to find time to hang out.

Leviathan (grateful): Thanks, Beel.

Beelzebub: No problem. You're probably tired, so I'll grab Belphie and go.

After the twins leave, Levi starts reflecting on his time spent with his brothers and the time he spends alone. He realizes he always enjoyed their company, but never believed they genuinely wanted to be with him, thinking they were just bored. Understanding their sincere affection, he resolves to break away from his room more often.

After resting, he goes to Asmo first to get his nails done, chatting about the convention and who was hot there. Then he spends hours racing Mammon, eventually letting him win. Finally, he spends the night in the library with Satan, reading together and doing voices, savoring these moments of genuine connection.

(I hope you enjoyed this @marisely03,)

(I totally agree with belphie—sleeping in a room full of dolls is super creepy! My grandma had a closet that spanned an entire wall, and the top was packed with vintage dolls. And trust me, vintage dolls are the absolute worst. Especially after Annabell came out)

[716chr]

Chihiro Natsuyaki Novel - “Choose Me!”

Track 1 - 1st Round

Smiling brightly, I turn on my charm.

Desperately trying to connect with the person on the other side of the screen, I seek their love.

Whether the image of me reflected there is fake or real…..Even I can’t tell anymore.

—— “Heya! Thanks for checking out my 100sec-PR vid! My name’s Chihiro Natsuyaki, and I’m from the special tourist ward, HAMA 14! All my friends call me Chii! I’m passionate about dancing and regularly upload my idol dance covers on Dazzle!”

“So come check me out!”, I say with a smile.

However my smile is a bit forced, and there is a hint of anxiety lurking in my eyes.

The reality is I have no confidence in myself, and those who understand that feeling would definitely notice.

“Also, I have lots of respect for the gyaru culture of the Heisei era….. My hobby is collecting Heisei memorabilia(1)! First, please check out my dances!”

I hadn't started using “Chii-nese” at this point in time.

There was a moment in my SNS self-introduction video that was shot soon after I was accepted for the audition show but before the final selection where I started dancing, and only in that moment did I truly appear to be brimming with confidence.

“Alright, how about you adopt a gyaru persona? It adds more flair to have someone like that on the show. Got that? I’m counting on you.”

“……A gyaru… persona?”

That day, I sat in the TV station’s conference room, my heart thumping with nervousness.

“13Choose!” ——After applying to this next-generation idol audition program, I successfully passed the document review and video screening and made it to the finals. I was then invited for an in-person meeting; I wondered if the other contestants would be there and what they were like. It made me really nervous.

But, to my surprise, the only person in the meeting room was a man who introduced himself as the director.

In the room, there was a TV playing my newly recorded self-intro video.

The director glanced at it and said, “You mentioned liking Heisei’s gyaru culture, right?”

“We need at least one flashy person among the contestants. Ah, your current makeup is fine, but can you make your eye makeup a bit heavier? Put more emphasis into that cat-eye(2) look. And also, dye your hair pink”

“Dye… my hair… pink?”

“Can’t do it?”

“N-No, I can.”

When questioned, I hastily agreed. I wasn’t sure what this all meant, but I felt that I shouldn’t refuse. The director was telling this to a nobody like me, who wasn’t even part of a talent agency, so I figured I should follow his instructions if I wanted to have a chance at making it.

“Make sure to really play up the gyaru persona in front of the camera. If you can at least make it to the semi-finals, it’ll keep the show engaging.”

The director didn’t even look my way, as if I was a speck of dust in his eyes. My self-introduction video reached the dance portion, the one part I wanted him to see the most, but…

“Next person, please.”

With those words, I had no choice but to get up and leave the room.

After leaving the TV station, I looked for a salon where I could book an appointment.

I needed a place that could dye my hair pink for as cheaply as possible.

What kind of personality would a gyaru have?

I wonder if it means someone who uses a lot of gyaru slang.

Does that mean I should act bright and cheerful?

“……..At least make it to the semi-finals…., huh…”

I remember the director’s words.

That means he doesn’t think I can debut, right?

Being told to exaggerate the gyaru persona on camera surely means he wants me to be a high-energy hypeman.

I suddenly become aware of the hole deep inside my heart.

The usual draft blows through it, leaving me feeling cold and lonely.

It's the unbearable loneliness that comes when I realize no one in this world needs me.

But then, I shake my head and think to myself, “I can do this, I know I can.”

After all, I do this at home too. The same old routine.

My bad-tempered mom, my irritable big sister, and my frightened little sisters.

I smile and play the role of a clown in order to make everyone laugh.

In order to make everyone smile.

…..I thought, for a moment, that no matter where I go, nothing changes.

But even so, that’s okay.

I clenched my fists tightly at the thought.

“If it means I can become an idol, I’ll do anything.”

If it’ll change my meaningless life around.

If it can make my family smile, even just a tiny bit….

At least for now, the only path I can choose is to win the audition in front of me.

For me, there is no other option.

“13Choose!” is the successor to a popular, regularly held audition show. Being chosen and making your debut here means becoming an idol with a tremendous amount of fame and popularity.

I’ve watch many idol audition shows myself.

Contestants are brought to their dormitory, their smartphones taken away, and are made to live under strict supervision. They are ranked and compete in dancing, singing, and idol concepts. Viewer votes and producer evaluations are combined to determine who gets eliminated, starting with the lowest-ranked contestants.

I heard that there’s a total of 133 contestants this time.

And only 13 people will be allowed to debut.

So, here I was, unpacking my belongings in my assigned room at the dormitory. The other contestants were probably doing the same, though I could hear occasional excited shouts coming from down the hallway.

It was only natural.

The first mission song was just announced, and everyone was on cloud nine. I was feeling excited and anxious too.

“Man~, I’m a total nervous wreck, but I love that song to death so I can’t help but feel excited ‘bout it~!”

There’s a camera in my room too, capturing everything.

Remembering the direction to…. play up and exaggerate the gyaru persona in front of the camera, I struck up a conversation with my roommate.

“Y’know! I nearly cried when I listened to this song. It’s a song by an artist that I’m the biggest fan of…. Ah, geez, I got emotional again.”

My roommate, Komu-kun, was super cute.

His smile was radiant, like an angel’s.

It seemed he’d come all the way from Kansai to participate, and got embarrassed whenever he accidentally slipped into his Kansai dialect.

Even now, he’s shyly covering his mouth, and I can't help but think he's one of those naturally "adorable" types.

“Komu-pi is so cute—— Ah, can I call you Komu-pi? You can call me Chii!”

Komu-kun, elated, said with a laugh, “I’m glad to be roommates with Chii….”

“I haven’t tried singing or dancing before…. But Chii’s good at dancing, right? I saw it in your 100s-PR!”

“Eh, you checked it so fast! Didn’t it just come out yesterday?”

“I was told in advance that I’d be roommates with you, so I looked you up right away…. Your dancing skills are amazing, and you look so cool too!”

The day before arriving at the dormitory, my roommate’s name was indeed given to me.

In fact, I had already watched Komu-kun’s PR, and his shy yet amusing display of his talent of being able to “recite pi to a hundred decimals!” as he called it while fidgeting was kinda strange, but entertaining nonetheless.

I never thought Komu-kun would watch my video, so it was a nice surprise. It warmed my heart to know that he watched my dancing and complimented it.

“To be honest, I dunno if I can keep up with practice. …..But my family is poor, you see. So I dropped out after middle school so I could become an idol to support my family.”

“Oh, same here. I dropped out after middle school too.”

“For real? That’s pretty comfortin’. Come to think of it, Chii and I are almost the same height too.”

I missed the chance to say it, but knowing that we both wanted to support our families and that we both came from the same impoverished background made me feel somewhat comforted.

But when Komu-kun pulled out a bunch of family photos from his luggage and put them up on the wall, I felt a pang in my chest.

Between the two people who looked to be kind and gentle parents stood Komu-kun, smiling.

Looking at the photos from his childhood to present day, I felt they all gave off the sense that he had a close bond with his family.

There were not only formal pictures, but also some casual playful ones taken of their daily lives.

As I stared at them intently, Komu-kun turned around and innocently said, “Ah, those’re my family photos.”

“…..You guys take a lot of photos, huh.”

“Papa and Mama are always…. Ah, I mean, my Dad and my Mom really love taking photos, so despite our financial situation, they always want to take photos and make photo albums for me every year. I wish they could cut me some slack, but I can’t deny that it makes me really happy.”

“………..”

I pause. My words won’t come out right away.

I thought we were similar just mere moments ago, but now I just couldn’t see him that way anymore.

I desperately tried to stop the bubbling sense of unease inside me.

“C’mon, Komu-pi, don’t try to act cool~. You usually call your parents ‘Papa’ and ‘Mama’, right? You can call them that in front of me.”

“Ehhh, you’re not going to laugh at me for actin’ like a kid?”

“I won’t laugh, I promise. I think it’s cute, so you’re totally in the OK-zone.”

Komu-kun’s shy smile really is cute.

There wasn’t a single shred of malice in him; just a genuine smile. And it made me think, “He truly is loved.”

…..He’s going to be really popular.

The thought suddenly occurred to me.

“Come to think of it, Chii, you didn’t have pink hair in your 100s-PR video, right? Did you dye it? It really suits you.”

“Aah…… Yeah, the director gave me some advice. And he suggested I go pink.”

Actually, it was more like an order.

But Komu-kun turned to me with a smile and genuinely exclaimed, “Woah, the director is so kind!”

“I got some advice too. He said that by being myself, I can bring out my natural charm, and that I should just be confident.”

“……Is that so.”

“That’s completely different from what he told me,” I thought to myself.

Deep inside my chest, ugly jealousy began to sprout alongside my anxiety.

It was dark, viscous, oppressive, and the moment I became conscious of it I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

I brushed it off. I didn’t want to lose to something like that.

After all, I’m gonna become an idol, and I want to keep that idol spirit inside my heart too.

“If it’s dancing, I can teach you all ‘bout it!”

That’s why I decided to say that. Komu-kun who said, “Chii, you’re too kind!” was really happy.

Because of my slight sense of guilt, I swore to make sure to teach him with absolute seriousness and sincerity.

I made up my mind to practice together, to make sure that both Komu-kun and I could make it through to the next selection.

Track 1 | Track 2 | Track 3 | Track 4 | Track 5

TL Notes:

Here, even though the original script used “グッズ” (goods), I decided to go with the word “memorabilia” instead since Heisei era ended in 2019 and this game supposedly takes place in a pretty far future, I’d say it’s pretty fitting

Original word is “つり目” (tsurime), the eye style that’s famously known to be a trademark trait for tsundere characters but its definition defined it as “slanted upwards eyes”, I decided to call it “cat eye” due to similar look + in Chihiro’s profile, he said his charm point is his “cat eyes” so yeah