#thinking back to a bunch of earlier stuff and being like. oh. so THAT'S why x character did y

[acerikus]

Finally finished severance. Holy shit I can't WAIT until friday

[wonderjanga]

What do you do?

Bruce has literally no idea about Marvel’s personal life. As a result, the JL have no idea about his personal life. The only thing they know is that they want Marvel to have their jobs. Cause, Marvel already let them rants about whatever they’re passionate about. Once they find out his job, and if he’s maybe passionate about what they’re passionate about, they can yap together!

Supes: *ranting*

Marvel: *listening intently*

Supes: “And, you know, I’m a reporter-”

Marvel: *sounds surprised* Wait, you’re actually a reporter?”

Supes: “Uh… yeah? Did you think I wasn’t? You’ve heard me go on fifteen minute rants just about it.”

Marvel: *shrugs* “I just thought it was something you were really interested in. What company to do you work at?”

Supes: “The Daily Planet?”

Marvel: “Oh, I’ve heard about them!”

This went on to be an hour long conversation of them exchanging tips, talking about which companies can’t be trusted, which reporters are good versus bad, and so on. They probably would’ve gone on longer if some aliens hadn’t tried to invade earth for the millionth time. Even then, after the battle, they continued the conversation back at the Watchtower. Clark was honestly so happy about this entire thing because whenever he talked about reporting to Marvel, he would normally just nod along and ask questions. Instead, this time, the Cheese actually yapped with him instead of patiently listening. Clark was like 50 percent sure Marvel was a reporter now, and he was right. Technically. Billy was a reporter.

Meanwhile, Bruce is hypothesizing that Marvel is a teacher or caretaker of some kind because he’s really good with kids. Most of these kids are, for a lack of a better word, idiots. He is the only hero that’s interacted with them that hasn’t lost his temper yet. A good example of this was when Marvel was obviously having a bad day and Jon came to talk to him since Clark was busy.

Marvel: *nodding along, as he stress bakes, stirring something in a bowl* “That’s nice. Can you go get some flour for me?”

Jon: “Sure!” *runs off to grab a bag of flour and as he comes back he accidentally drops it and gets it all over the floor, now looking guilty* “I’m sorry.”

Marvel: “It’s… fine.” *takes a deep breath and is trying so hard to not lash out him* “It’s fine.” *takes another deep breath and smiles at him* “Jon, you’ve made pies with Mrs. Kent before right?”

Jon: “No, mom doesn’t like making pies. I make them with Grandma though!”

Marvel: “That’s who I meant.” *hands Jon the bowl* “Hold this please?” *walks over and picks up the flour bag, and puts some into the bowl Jon was holding before putting the bag in a sink* “Mix that and pour it into the pan while I go clean this up.” *ruffles his hair*

Jon: “Okay.” *determined to help him make the best pie ever*

Later…

Batman: *walks into the kitchen* “Marvel-” *does a double take when he sees Jon* “Why is Superboy’s entire lower half covered in flour?”

Marvel: “He dropped a bag of flour earlier.” *shrugs as he lets Jon put a bunch of sprinkles on the pie*

He later watched the feed of the kitchen and that’s how the Marvel potentially being a teacher theory came into existence. Of course, this incident wasn’t the only reason, but still.

While all this is happening, Diana thinks he’s has a job in the archeological field because the man seems to love history.

And Billy does. His dad and mom loved it, and at first he only got into it because they liked it, but he realized he actually found it fascinating.

So, here are the options.

1.) Reporter

2.) Teacher/Caretaker

3.) Archeology

They finally asked when they couldn’t take the suspense anymore.

Marvel: “Oh uhm… well, I don’t work often, (doesn’t work often as Marvel, he works quite often as Billy) but every now and then, I help with unloading pallets and stuff.”

That was… not what they expected. After this conversation, Clark not so sneakily snuck Billy his business card for the Planet. Wondy straight up just gave him the card. Batman didn’t know what to do other than reset to his default and actually sneakily snuck like a thousand dollars to Marvel.

[hypnobeauty]

A Chance Encounter - a cho hyun-ju x reader fic (part 2)

summary: a story about how you and Hyun-ju met and the following years of your relationship. part 1 cw: no use of y/n, reader is afab, angst, transphobia, fluff if you squint really hard, pre-squid game, slice of life, timeline might be a bit wonky, this one is a bit sad. a/n: hey, didn't think i'd get any response on the previous part but people enjoyed and i'm happy! this time i decided to write some background for hyun; the show gives us very little on her, so i made up a lot of stuff. my shayla!! just a heads up, i know nothing of military, so i googled a bunch of stuff and probably faked some information. oh well. enjoy! xx comments are always appreciated ♥️ taglist: @strayteez3staner @dekiruxxx @trizxyp - lemme know if you'd like to be added.

part 2. unexpected bloom

it was hyun-ju.

she’d lingered in the clinic longer than she’d planned, hoping to catch one last glimpse of you. she’d seen you when you first came in, laughing with your friend, and something about your energy had drawn her in. for a moment, she’d dared to hope you might still be there when she left. but when she scanned the waiting room, you were gone, and that small flicker of hope faded into disappointment.

she wasn’t sure why she cared. hyun-ju had felt your glances earlier, and while being stared at wasn’t new to her, it wasn’t something she ever got used to. there was always a tension in those moments—a question of whether the gaze was one of judgment, curiosity, or something worse. but with you, it had been different. there was no malice or disgust in the way you looked at her. if anything, you seemed… curious. interested, maybe. though she told herself she was probably imagining it.

as she sat in her car, her mind drifted back to the past months. it hadn’t been easy—nothing about transitioning ever was—but this was the life she had chosen, the life she’d fought for. hyun-ju’s life had changed drastically. almost a year ago, she’d lost her position in the army, a career she’d poured herself into for twelve long years. as a sergeant first class in the special forces, she’d been respected and admired, known for her skill and discipline. but when she came out to her superior—a man she’d once seen as a mentor, even a father figure—everything crumbled.

she’d gone into his office nervous but hopeful. maybe he’d understand. maybe, at worst, she’d lose a rank or face a transfer. but instead, he’d looked at her like she’d grown a second head, addressing her by her dead name and suggesting she was "confused" or "clouded in judgment." he gave her a week to reconsider her words but by the time she walked out of that office, her military career was over.

at thirty, she was adrift—jobless, heartbroken, and unsure of her place in the world. her girlfriend at the time hadn’t made it any easier. when hyun-ju told her about her plans to transition, the girl had simply said, “i can’t date a gay man. sorry.” no amount of explaining—about how she wasn’t gay, how she liked girls but was also a girl—seemed to get through. the girl left her in a café, bewildered and suddenly very alone.

in moments like that, hyun-ju often found herself reflecting on her life. even as a kid, she’d known she was different. she loved roughhousing with her brother, playing football in the middle of the road and riding her bike around the neighborhood, but she secretly longed to be the pink ranger when they played, even though she always ended up as the blue.

by the time puberty hit, her confusion had crystallized into a painful clarity. she envied the girls in her school—not just for who they were, or her personalities, but for how their bodies changed in ways hers never would. at fourteen, she tried confiding in a school counselor, but that backfired spectacularly when her father found out. the berating she endured and the punishment that followed left her with one lesson: never speak of it again.

her first girlfriend, ga-eul, had been a bright spot in those early years. hyun-ju liked to think she had been a good “boyfriend,” attentive and sensitive, but deep down, she’d longed to be seen for who she truly was. when she left for military service at eighteen, she and ga-eul parted ways.

many years later, when hyun-ju updated her social media with her new name and posted her first photo of her, ga-eul had sent her a message. “i always knew you were special. live your truth, hyun-ju.” it was small, but it meant the world to her.

even so, she carried that secret inside her, even as she became a star in physical education, even as she left for mandatory military service at eighteen. rising through the ranks to become a special forces sergeant first class was no small feat, especially for someone who had to constantly suppress half of who they were. but at home, behind closed doors, she allowed herself small moments of freedom. over time, she collected pieces of her true self—a pair of delicate earrings, a sleek dress, makeup she practiced applying in secret.

over the past nine months, hyun-ju had made strides toward becoming the woman she’d always been inside. hrt had softened her features, reshaped her body, and even brought a slight swell to her chest. now, every time she looked in the mirror, she felt closer to the person she’d always been inside. but it wasn’t enough—not yet.

this new chapter in her life wasn’t without its challenges. her savings, her army pension, and her cautious spending habits had carried her this far, but she hadn’t anticipated how expensive transitioning would be.  she’d started laser hair removal and gotten fillers and botox, but today’s procedure was her first major surgery: a rhinoplasty to smooth out the bump on her nose and reshape the tip and nostrils. she had other procedures planned—a facelift, jaw shaving, double eyelid surgery—but her surgeon had advised starting small. the costs were steep, but to her it was worth it.

and yet, the isolation that came with these changes weighed the most on her. she’d distanced herself from her family, avoided video calls, and cut ties with many of her old friends and colleagues. outside of her therapist and a trans support group she’d joined, she rarely interacted with anyone who truly saw her.

and then there was you.

two weeks later, you were back at the clinic with ha-neul, waiting outside the doctor’s office with your kindle. you were engrossed in your book when a quiet argument at the reception desk caught your attention. looking up, you saw her: hyun-ju.

she looked different from before, her hair slightly longer and tied in a small bun. she wore jeans, knee-high boots, and a trench coat, with a leather crossbody bag slung over her shoulder. but her face was what really caught your attention.

her nose was bandaged, the skin around it bruised and swollen. she looked tired, but it wasn’t just physical—it was the kind of weariness that came from carrying too much for too long. you weren’t sure why your breath hitched, but it did. then you caught snippets of the conversation.

“i’m sorry, miss,” the receptionist said with an apologetic smile. “we can’t dismiss you without a third-party signature. it’s for your safety.”

hyun-ju’s voice was soft but firm, laced in frustration. “i have no one.”

before you could think, you were on your feet, walking toward them. “i—i could help?” you stammered, unsure if you were even speaking to her directly.

she turned to you, her face swollen and bruised, her nose bandaged. for a moment, her expression was unreadable.

“i don’t know if you remember me,” you said quickly, trying to fill the silence. “we met a couple of weeks ago? i was with my friend ha-neul… oh, i didn’t introduce myself back then. i’m sorry.” you gave her your name, fumbling slightly, before adding, “if it’s okay, i could sign you out. i could even help you get home if you don’t think that’s… too much.”

hyun-ju hesitated, her gaze flickering between you and the receptionist.

in truth, she didn’t know what to think. she was exhausted, in pain, and desperate to leave. and then there was you—the girl who’d sat next to her, the one she couldn’t quite forget. you’d made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

“why?” she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

you smiled gently. “why not?”

*

That’s how you ended up signing the dismissal form for a stranger and climbing into the back of an Uber with her. Hyun-ju sat stiffly beside you, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag.

You sent a quick text to Ha-Neul: “I had to leave, sorry! Explain later 😘😘.”

As the car pulled away, you glanced at her. She looked out the window, her profile softened by the dim light. You weren’t sure why you’d offered to help. Maybe it was curiosity. Maybe it was something more.

And maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t the end of the story.

[bbina]

after rereading your conversation with wonbin, the realization dawns upon you that this was the very first time you're inviting someone who isn't giselle, karina and seunghan over at your place

the only reason why you even invited him over in the first place was that he claims that shotaro is currently bringing someone over at their place (whatever the fuck that meant) after asking wonbin if he wanted to watch a movie

you being you, you felt bad that he had no where to go (not really), so you offered your place as wonbin's place of refuge for the meantime

there was a knock on your door. you get up from your bed and open the door slightly to reveal wonbin in a hoodie and glasses. there's something about seeing him in the most casual attire you've seen him so far that made your stomach flutter unexpectedly

"woah!" you react, widening the door to let him in. "i didn't know you wear glasses" you comment, watching him scurry inside your place with his guitar bag on his back

wonbin smiles sheepishly, looking around for some space to settle his bag in without disturbing or touching any of your stuff. he hesitates for a moment, unsure if he should even settle his guitar down but in the end he does when he sees you pointing to an empty spot near the small kitchenette

"i only wear them at night" he explains, rubbing his hands on the fabric of his sweats. "thanks for inviting me over. i didn't really have a plan on where i would be staying"

you wave him off, "talk about good timing. usually around this time we would be watching a movie together so i figured why not text you" you giggle

wonbin smiles and begins to look around to take in his surroundings

you had a pretty good space all to yourself. it wasn't cramped like usual apartments. you had enough room for two people. there was a small kitchenette, a bathroom, a desk space and of course, your bed

"are you judging my cute apartment" you narrow your eyes at wonbin who was busy looking around. wonbin instantly looks at your direction and apologizes

"oh shit sorry. it's just that it's cozy in here" he murmurs, cheeks turning pink from embarrassment

you let out a loud laugh, making your way to your bed and flopping down on it

"then make yourself feel at home" you grin, grabbing your laptop

you don't see it but wonbin nods, quietly sitting on the floor. he keeps his hands to himself, unsure of what to do. he then sees you scrolling through your laptop

"are you working on something?" wonbin asks, breaking the silence, glancing at your laptop screen that had a bunch of different applications open

"just some assignments for my engineering classes but i'm too lazy to do them for now so i'm just procrastinating" you laugh, scrolling through twitter

wonbin nods, unsure of what to say next. he feels skittish for some reason. is it because he's at your place right now? the same place that he's been seeing on facetime every night for the past few days

"you can work on your music here. i don't mind" you remind him, recalling your text earlier

wonbin looks up in surprise. he isn't sure if he's ready for someone else that isn't himself to listen to his unfinished piece. he's still working on finding the perfect melody before he could start making the lyrics and all that

"i don't want to disturb you" wonbin awkwardly says, fidgeting with his hands. wonbin is taken a back when he hears you scoff

"it's fine. i want to listen to you play guitar in real time anyway too so it’s the best of both worlds i think" you chirp, glancing at wonbin who was looking back at you

wonbin chuckles after hearing your reason. he raises his hands up in surrender

"fine if you say so" he says, reaching over for his guitar bag to pull out his guitar

your eyes widened in awe when you see his guitars were filled with stickers

"cute guitar!" you comment, moving close to the edge of your bed so you could see the guitar more up close

wonbin smiles, "thanks. i've been adding stickers to it recently after seeing anton's laptop. you should see it one day, it's absolutely filled with to the brim" he says, picturing anton’s laptop in his head

"if i have a sticker, can i put one?" you ask, reaching over to touch the said stickers on his guitar

"sure thing" he smiles, watching you run your fingers through the endless amount of stickers stuck on his guitar

you pull your arm back as you now wait for wonbin to start playing

while you wait for wonbin, you slowly start to become hyper aware that wonbin is in your apartment right now. you never really invited anyone else over, minus your ex boyfriend of course so this lot feels a little odd to say the least

it feels different in a sense because before the only person you had over that wasn't karina, giselle or seunghan was your now ex boyfriend, gyuvin.

inviting people over to your apartment in general just feels personal, so intimate that you'd let them see the real you

so having wonbin over despite just meeting fairly recently is a huge feat. that means you actually feel comfortable around him to even invite him over in the first place. something that took you a while to even reach with your past lover

hold on, why are you suddenly comparing wonbin and your ex right now?

your train of thought gets interrupted by the sound of wonbin strumming his guitar

your head shoots up hearing the way wonbin effortlessly plays the guitar like it was his second nature. the way his fingers danced over the strings, filling up the whole place with a catchy tune

"funny you said that all the love is gone.." wonbin starts to sing

your eyes widened. this was the very first time you're hearing him sing in person. who knew he would sound better in person than a voice note that he sent a few nights ago. so much that you couldn't take your eyes off of him

wonbin continues to sing effortlessly, even hitting the high notes of the song as you attentively listen to him. once in a while, his eyes would meet yours before returning back to the strings of his guitar causing you to smile wider each time it would happen

"you can have my heart, but baby don't let me down" wonbin finishes, strumming his guitar one last time before finishing the song

you clap your hands together, cheering him for his performance

"oh my god you sound amazing! even better in person!" you gush, praising wonbin like there was no tomorrow. wonbin couldn't help but blush at the amount of compliments you were throwing his way. it feels way different when there's only one person to compliment you instead of a whole block of students

"oh shut up" he murmurs, hiding his face away from you, making you laugh

"hey! you should be thankful i complimented you! i just don't compliment anyone" you laugh, motioning him to not hide his face away from you

you then get the urge to steal his glasses. while he was trying to look away, you take this time to steal them. wonbin eyes widened and lets out a small gasp when you slide his glasses off his face, even more so when he sees you putting them on

"these don't have prescription?" you ask, checking the lenses if they altered your sight

"it's anti blue light radiation" wonbin says, "i'm always on my phone at night so it helps to keep the radiation away from my eyes" he explains, watching you wear his glasses in front of him

wonbin watches the way you were posing in front of him with his chunky frames. the same frames he doesn't wear often, let alone let anyone see him wearing them but yet here he was, wearing them in your presence

he won't lie right now, but you look good wearing his glasses

wonbin mentally slaps himself on the face for even thinking of such thing. to distract himself, he starts to mindlessly play the guitar again. strumming random chords to mask the slight growing tension in the air

"so what song was that you played?" you ask, thinking about how you're gonna add the song he just sang to your playlist

"don't let me down by leroy sanchez" wonbin answers absent mindedly, his focus fixrd on his guitar only

you let out a hum as you continue to listen to wonbin's strumming. this shit could honestly lull you to sleep if you were being honest right now

suddenly, you get an idea

"sit here" you say, patting the spot next to you on the bed

wonbin's eyes almost pop out of their sockets the way you just casually just asked him to sit next to you. he opens his mouth to say something but closes it instantly. making him look like a fish out of water

"teach me how to play please" you plead, pulling the puppy eyes on him (you're not really sure why you did that but whatever)

wonbin gulps, unsure of what to do or say. he's never taught anyone one on one before. let alone the opposite gender

"didn't you say i can ask you to teach me? are you chickening out now, mr. applied music?" you raise an eyebrow, playfully calling him out. if you remembered correctly, he did say you can ask him to teach you

realizing that you were right, he slowly gets up from your floor to sit at the very edge of your bed with his guitar on his lap

you wanted to laugh at how awkward he was. the real life wonbin is so vastly different from his online persona. it's like you were with different wonbin

"i'm not gonna bite you, i promise" you hold in your giggles, watching him act like a robot with the way his moves were calculated. he was far from your reach that your skin wouldn't be touching his

".. sorry. i'm nervous" wonbin manages to choke out, making you burst out giggling

"what's there to be nervous about?!"

"being at your place and all for the first time. sorry, i'm not used to it" he apologizes again

"oh my god. don't apologize. i was just joking" you wave your hands. who knew wonbin would be the one that's easily flustered in real life, "so when do we start our lesson?"

wonbin snaps out of his little daze after hearing your question. right, he was gonna teach you how to play guitar. that's why he's sitting on your bed, in your apartment, for the first time

he carefully moves his guitar from his lap onto yours. you happily accept the guitar as you put your arms where they should be when it comes to handling guitars

wonbin looks at the way you were holding his guitar before he fixes your position. he gently moves your arm a bit where they would be comfortably holding the neck of his guitar. your skin feels like it was on fire with just his gentle grazes

"you hold it like that" he says softly, eyes fixated on your arm

you nod your head yes, forcing yourself to concentrate while you wait for the next instruction

"now i'm gonna teach you the three basic chords. it's C major, D major and F major" wonbin starts, trying to reenact how he would hold it so he could move your fingers

you couldn't help but look at wonbin's face the way he was calmly teaching you the mere basics of the guitar. the way he was so focused and totally in his element. you almost feel a little distracted at the sight. the way his eyebrows were furrowed, eyes focused on your hands. the way his plump lips slowly jutted out as he concentrates–

wonbin looks at you for permission before moving your fingers to the right placements for the first chord he was teaching you which was C major. you smile, letting him take control. his fingers wrap around yours and gently moves them into the right position, causing you to blush a little at the close proximity

"now strum" he instructs and you do

you let out a little squeal when you hear the chord you were strumming

"i just played a note!" you gush, repeatedly strumming to hear the same chord over and over again

"yes you did. good job" wonbin laughs. the way you were so excited despite it being the most basic thing in the world was infectious to wonbin

"now i'll teach you D major and F major" wonbin says, moving onto the next part of his little makeshift lesson

it goes on like this for what seems like a while. just wonbin teaching you the basics of guitar

you've been going at it for a while now that you can feel your fingers start to hurt from pressing down on the strings

wonbin senses that you were about to give up the way you kept hissing and looking at your fingers that now had dents on them from pressing the strings too hard. he wordlessly gets the guitar off your lap

"okay lesson is over for today. i'll teach you again next time" wonbin says

you let out a sigh of relief as you lie down on your back. you raised your hands up in the air, relaxing your fingers after holding them in the different and difficult positions (for a beginner like you) for a while

"my fingers hurt" you pout, complaining at the dull ache. who knew playing guitar for the first time would actually hurt?

wonbin laughs, and steals a glance

"it's not for the weak" he comments, snickering to himself when he notices you sit back up and frown at him

"you calling me weak?" you challenge, an eyebrow raised as you attempt to stare him down which only just makes wonbin laugh harder

"that was just the basics. how much more if we continued onto a more complicated lesson" wonbin muses

"then that means you just suck at teaching!" you retort, poking your tongue out at him. wonbin snorts and legitimately laughs out loud. his laugh was so contagious that you also started laughing

when both of your laughter slowly dies down, the room falls silent again but it was the silence that you always somehow find yourself in with wonbin. the comfortable kind of silence

you've never felt more at ease in times like this. which in most cases, it’s rare. usually if it falls silent in a group setting, there would be awkward pauses or awkward stares but with wonbin, it just feels different

wonbin starts to play the guitar again. soft music becoming background noise that compliments your shared silence. the gentle strumming that's creating some sort of bubble between the two of you

you smile as you slowly scoot next to him, your head barely above his shoulder as you lean over to watch his fingers dance on the strings again

"i don't think i'll ever get tired of telling you that you play so well" you murmur, glancing at wonbin, whose gaze is fixated on his guitar. wonbin suddenly looks up and you two make eye contact

you suddenly remembered that you were wearing his glasses so you take them off and slowly but carefully put them back on his face. you feel yourself smile as you gently adjust his glasses on his nose while he was busy strumming away on his guitar

your fingers linger on his face for more than a second and your eyes meet again. you can feel that there was a shift in the air. almost like there was a spark between the two of you. so much that you wonder if wonbin feels it too

wonbin bites his lip, ignoring the way he can feel your body heat with the way you were suddenly so close to him. he’s suddenly hyper aware of his surroundings especially when you two are on your bed

it feels like the world has suddenly stopped spinning for the both of you. the tension was so palpable that it feels so intimate

maybe it’s the way that you are so close to wonbin that it was slowly driving him insane. he suddenly stops playing as he couldn't concentrate anymore. his thoughts infiltrated by you

you’re all he could think about in this very moment. the way you’re up in his personal space, the way you’re suddenly the only person he can think of, the way you look so kissable right here, right now

wait a second, kissable?

you and wonbin make eye contact again. there was a glint of something you couldn't pinpoint in his gaze that it made your heart pound against your chest

is it just you or did the room suddenly feel hot? was the ac not working?

"can i kiss you?" wonbin suddenly blurts out in the heat of the moment

the air around you was thick with tension. both hearts hammering against your chests. wonbin's eyes flickered back and forth from your eyes to your lips as you stare at him in shock

you sit there in front of him dumbfounded by his sudden question. it was like the air was knocked out of your lungs

wonbin sets the guitar aside, his eyes still directed towards yours. you can see the way his gaze darkened at that very moment like he just found his prey. which in this case, was you

slowly the realization was slowly catching up to him. wonbin internally winces at the way he asked so casually and direct

he can feel his heart stuck on his throat as he anticipated your answer. he was silently wishing you'd say yes because if you were to reject then well.. this is awkward–

"i thought you'd never ask" you say quietly, voice barely above a whisper, leaning closer and closer til you can feel his hot breath fan your face

he lets out a shaky exhale of relief at your answer as he slowly reaches to cup your cheeks

"is that a yes?" wonbin asks in a low voice, eyes directly boring into your soul

instead of answering, you crashed your lips against his.

alone together ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 . . . different

── taking comfort in the thought that you are together in aloneness through late night talks, heartfelt confessions, and a genuine connection. with your shared experience of recent heartbreaks, you wonder if getting together would be all worth it. in which you find solace in each other's company, that you are alone together.

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꩜ notes .ᐟ did i jus change the trajectory of their lives forever

꩜ taglist .ᐟ @onlywonb @rosesfortaro @starwonb1n @wonychu @totheseok @dolloie @hyunjinsnumberonefun @binluvsu @onlyhyunjin @annswwa @wonbinsvlle @hakkkuu @ilovejungwonandhaechan @artstaeh @lecheugo @odxrilove @bunni @saranghoeforanton @nujeskz @nakam00t @kyusqult @nctsshoes2 @revehosh @s9nwoo @daegale @palchokitty @dutifullyannoyingfox @oshakyao @koryutte @b-riize @meowbini @the-swageyama-tobiyolo @winuvs @i03jae @rsatoru @enhacolor @dalliesque @sweetiejaeyun @dearestjake @cupidslovearrows @sasfransisco @kkumistars @sngj08 @taroddori @nshmurarki @ennycutie @ffixtionista @koeuh @astro-doll-the-star @amouriu

[soniclozdplove]

I want to express my thanks to @quitealotofsodapop for helping me out by beta reading this part for me!!

Wukong glowered, eyes boring into the darker furred that was smirking, all teeth as he crossed his arms.

"And what are you doing here!?" Wukong growled, fur now standing twice his size, giving the impression that the creature in front of them were a lion and not a monkey. Despite this, the black furred monkey was unconcerned, grinning at Wukong, all teeth and eyes shining in amusement and something almost soft?

"Oh, nothing much. Just watching you." The Macaque taunted, moving with the grace of a panther as he approached the irate king. With every step closer, Wukong took two back and his fur puffed up in anger even moreso. Tripitaka gripped his staff tightly as his eyes began to glow red, a sure sign that Wukong was truly angry. Why, he had no idea, but he had a feeling he may have misjudged his earlier belief that Wukong and the shadow monkey may have been close.

"Will you back off!?" Wukong eventually barked, tail slamming against the ground in frustration as he tried to darting around the shadow monkey, Macaque following behind st a leasurely pace, "I've told you to get lost!"

"Now, why would I do that!?" Macaque actually purred, clearly amused by the King's outrage, "This mountain belongs to me as much as it does you, remember?"

"If you're just here to taunt and mock me, you can go! I have more important things to deal with than your nonsense right now, Macaque!"

"Oh? Like what?" Macaque chuckled, pointing a thumb towards where the pilgrims were standing, "You mean these losers who got themselves lost in time!?"

"That and also a bunch of... of other stuff! Important... Monkey King... stuff!" Wukong snapped back, aounding entireky unconvincing. "So it would GREATLY please me if you can get lost!"

"Hmm... I don't think so." The Macaque disappeared into his shadow, appearing from Wukong's own, leaning on an elbow on the slightly smaller monkey, looking rather smug at finally ending his game of cst and mouse with the king, "We need to talk about what your doing!"

"What!? No! We are not going to- not while my Master and brothers are right there!" Wukong growled back, pushing him off, only for Macaque grabbed at Wukongs wrist, pulling the other demon close, glowing purple eyes meeting red and gold.

"Fine! Then we'll go somewhere else, then. I'm sure your 'precious Master' can manage to get to your house without getting himself kidnapped!"

"What!? Mac... don't you dare- MACAQUE!!"

Whatever Wukong was going to say next suddenly tapered off as a shadowy portal appeared beneath their feet, pulling both monkies through. The remaining pilgrims glanced uneasily at one another. Eventually Wujing broke the silence with a cough.

"Should we... go after them?"

"Nah." Baije snorted, quite thrilled with himself as he snickered, "Wukong's got it handled. 'Sides, I make a point to stay outta lover's quarrels. Never know what sort of mess you'd walk into!"

"L-lover!?" Tripitaka choked at his student's words, looking at the pig in a mix of horror as Ao Lie simply seemed to consider the words before nodding sagely.

"A fair point, Brother Baije." The dragon prince complimented, "Best to leave the monkies to their courting. Based on Brother Wukong's reactions they're still quite early into it."

"A-Ao Lie!?" Tripitaka questioned his youngest apprentice, scandalized. The dragon looked unapologetically as he simply stared his master in the eye.

"Is it not obvious, Master?" The prince questioned, "The Six-Eared Macaque was clearly approaching Brother Wukong with the intent to rile him up. That's quite clear courtship behavior I've seen amongst demons."

"Oh yeah!" Baije crowed in mirth, "That was a courting dance if I've ever seen one! No doubt the two are off somewhere rolling in the grass!"

"I imagine it'd be difficult, being a pig and all, Zu Baije..." Ao Lie sniffed, "But don't be so boorish! Proper courtship is more than just physical desire!"

"C-can we not discuss this!?" Tripitaka stammered, "What on earth makes you think that Sun Wukong and that monkey are... are..."

He couldn't bring himself to say it. He had never even considered such a thing between men possible, but to learn his own pupil is being courted like that. And by a monkey who had threatened him not long ago!

"Surely it can't be so... you're fellow pupil had been far too irritated by his companions presence for such feelings." Tripitaka said, moreso to convince himself than anything. Baije actually gave another snort of laughter, shaking his head at that.

"Hate to burst your bubble, Master..." the pig explained, "But thay sorta reaction is normal in courting, especially early on."

Wujing, bless his soul, looked just as confused as Tripitaka at ther sibling's words as Ao Lie continued to giggle incessantly. Seeing their blank expressions Baije shrugged.

"It's a demon courtship thing. Demons are attracted to power and tend to take what they want, so fighting and bickering to rile each other up is a common thing, especially for higher powered demons. Never imagined Wukong would be the one getting courted, but I can see why someone might want to steal him as their mate. He's a very strong demon." The pig explained, "Curious 'bout why the dragon knows, though."

"There were a few small water demons who lived in my riverbed with me." Ao Lie shrugged, "Plus dragon customs aren't too different outside of the royal family. And like I said, I already knew the two had been close. Our Wukong had told me about Macaque, remember?"

"Why would he tell you?" Wujing asked, relaxing a bit at the reminder that this figure is someone known to Wukong even back then.

"I spend the majority of my time as a horse." Ao Lie simply said, "Wukong has a tendency to forget that I'm not a real horse and sometimes rambles to me about his troubles because horses are good listeners."

"Huh." Now that Tripitaka thought about it, it truly was easy to forget the white steeds who carried him was a dragon. Ao Lie was very good at acting in character for his role. A gale blew past, reminding Tripitaka that they were on an impossibly high clifftop, "Perhaps we can continue this conversation later. Ao Lie, do you think if you transformed into your true self, you could carry us down to Wukong's home?"

"I'd be glad to!" The dragon preened, transforming into his much larger, more powerful form that has the benefit of being able to fly, something sorely needed, "I should be able to fit all of you on my back if you hold on."

"Don't strain yourself, my friend." Tripitaka scolded lightly, "Although you and Wukong are the strongest of our numbers, I haven't forgotten that you are still considered young amongst dragons. Best to make multiple trips."

With the ease of a flying dragon, they were indeed able to make it to Wukong's hut in short order, only to find that the two monkeys were already there. Apparently "somewhere else" had been the tree next front of Wukong's hut, as when they approached it they found the two beneath the boughs of the tree, or rather, Wukong asleep beneath them with his darker counterpart guarding the king's rest with a fond, exasperated air about him that only faded when he noticed their approach. MK was also present, loudly snoring as he leaned against Wukong's other side.

"'Bout time you made it." Macaque quietly scoffed when the Pilgrims reached them, eyes still locked on the golden monkey who only let out a small squeak and nuzzled closer at the disturbance, soundly asleep. "Have a good gossip session?"

"You-" Baije exclaimed, only to freeze as the Macaque pinned an icy glare at him, gesturing towards the king and his apprentice. The message was clear, if they woke either of them, there would be hell to pay. Baije cleared his throat before repeating himself in a whisper, "How did you know we were talking!?"

"They don't call me the Six-Eared Macaque for nothing." Macaque replied as the fur near his ears seemed to shimmer and suddenly where one pair of ears were now rested three pairs of brightly colored petal like ears, "Sensitive hearing is kinda my thing. By the way, what me and Wukong do or don't do when we're together is really none of your business."

Baije paled as he realized that the monkey had heard everything they had spoken about, including his crude comments about the pair. While the pig demon was stammering excuses, Tripitaka took the time to simply settle in near the pair and meditate, taking stock of his student. The injury on Wukong's face was cleaned and bandaged, he was relieved to see, and the monkey looked far more relaxed than he could ever recall the demon ever being. On top of that his fur looked much more neat and silky, as though he'd recently cleaned it. MK too was wearing a cleaner outfit and his his face and hair free of dust and debris.

"How was your conversation?" Tripitaka asked, curious about the events that transpired after the two monkies left.

"Same as usual." Macaque scoffed, rolling his eyes, "I told Wukong he was being an idiot, we argued, so on and so forth."

"You two fought?" Tripitaka blinked, not so surprised considering Wukong's reactions to the other monkey earlier. "Whatever for?"

"MK, as usual." Macaque grunted, "I think you taught him a little too well about peace and kindness or whatever it is you buddhists preach. Wukong's gone soft, and it's affecting his training with MK."

"Is... is kindness really a bad thing in this case?" Tripitaka stammered, shocked at the venom with which that Macaque spoke of his religion, "I watched Wukong training his student and it seemed that MK was very receptive to it."

"Yeah, you think so?" Macaque questioned in return, "The moment MK realized Wukong was still holding back even after everything that's happened and saving the world on several occasions, he got frustrated and lost control! Wukong's holding back and hesitating to push MK further in his training. If he doesn't start doing better as a mentor, start taking MK's training seriously, it's going end up either giving MK a complex or hurting him! Probably both!"

"Why would you tell me about all this?" Tripitaka finally inquired, "I am quite certain Wukong would not like you talking about this to me."

"Because you need to know!" Macaque told him, exasperation bursting through, "You're the reason he's like this! You and your teachings turned him into this... weakling who's so scared of confrontation that he chose to hide away for hundreds of years rather than face someone head on! When I came back into Wukong's life, I had to trick him into coming out by threatening MK because he was holed up in his tiny hut behind some magic barrier!"

Stunned by his outburst, Tripitaka could not find the words to address what the dark monkey said. Instead, Wujing asked to his defense.

"That's no fair." Wujing explained, "It's been thousands of years, how could Wukong's changes be solely our master's responsibility? Wukong is his own person, making his own choices."

"YEAH!" Baije nodded along, "This Buddhism stuff is about peace, love, and pacifism... but just because Master took a vow not to bring harm to anyone doesn't mean Wukong has to follow it!"

"You... you think you haven't hurt anyone?" Macaque's voice became cold, the quiet now turning dangerous as his eyes began to take on a violet tint, "That you're innocent!?"

Ao Lie, Wujing, and Baije positioned themselves protectively around the monk, sensing Macaque's rage beginning to reach a boiling point.

"Macaque... please let us be try to under-" Ao Lie reached a pleading hand out, hoping to calm the monkey down."

"No! You need to listen to me and listen close!" Macaque snapped, fangs bared as his magic sparked around him, the shadows begining to exend around him towards them like the claws of a great beast, only to retreat back to him when he glanced down. A golden tail and pair of arms had wrapped around his wrist and waist, Wukong having shifted in his sleep, curling closer to the other monkey. The anger seemed to flow from Macaque like water as he took a deep breath, calming in the face of the Monkey King's unconcious affection. When he met Tripitaka's eyes, he still held anger in his eyes, but now thay anger was tempered by a deep heartbreaking sadness.

"Do you know he has a scar under that glamour he wears?" The words hit Tripitaka like a slap in the face, the Macaque's voice rough and emotional, full of so much rage he struggled he wa visibly shaking and Tripitaka was certain that had Wukong not been using him as a pillow, tail and arms curled around the larger monkey, the demon would have attacked, "That you used that mantra you claim to only be in the defense of yourself and others so much and so often that you placed a permanent scar on him that's still not healed thousands of years later!? Does that sound like 'not bringing harm' to you!?"

As if to prove a point, the Macaque waved a hand across Wukong's still sleeping face, and the golden monkey changed right in front of him. His fur became more wild and had white streaks through it, his hands rougher with sharper claws, and Tripitaka was certain that had Wukong's eyes been opened, they'd be a burning red and gold. Most damning of all, however, wete the scars! They littered his students body from top to bottom, with the msot gruesome one of all being a circular one across his forehead in a horrifying familiar shape, as though someone had tightened band around his head in an attempt to crush his head for so long it left an permanent mark.

Tripitaka was speechless.

[mywons]

❛ boyfriend!jungwon headcanons.

▸ ִֶָ tags [ boyfriend ] jungwon x reader, fluff + mentions of kissing + cute wonnie + just a happy relationship + mentions of petnames. warnings! && possible warning : very brief (2) mentions of marriage + mentions of jealousy / possessiveness. ✿ 0.6k words —

## HEADCANONS UNDER THE CUT !

won is very . . . loveable

he's super affectionate & loveydovey, he does any & everything to show how deep his love for you runs

dates with him are usually full of spontaneity. quick & fun picnics, a playful movie night with takeout

out of all of enhypen, i think jungwon is the second most type to date-to-marry (after mr. husband material park jongseong). so while he's very fun and playful, he's serious about you too

he wants you to know that he sees a future with you and if you don't see that with him, what's the point?

likes to keep polaroids of you scattered across his room's walls

collects the silliest little trinkets & souvenirs whenever the group goes someplace new, only to bring them back to you

the type of bf to text you at 3am and ask if you wanna raid the nearest corner store

kisses you very often. as a greeting, as a goodbye, as a reward, bc you look cute, he literally just loves kissing you

doesn't get jealous easily but so so so clingy when he does ,, will pull you towards him and refuse to let go

so so so so caring, smothers you with all the love in the world whenever you're feeling down :(

petnames include: lovey & pretty baby

likes to sleep with his head on your chest so that he can hear the rhythm of your heartbeat <3

definitely randomly calls you at all times of the day, just saying he misses you

^^ "i called you earlier why didn't you answer :(" "bc i'd literally just left your place" "so..????"

he's like ur MY lover u need to be attached to my hip at all times bc ur my baby !!!!!!

and he's so real for that honestly

i think he to an extent feels an overwhelming sense of protectiveness for you and because of that, he tends to overthink ab if even the smallest things he does are affecting you negatively

constantly making sure you're happy/content in your relationship, asking if there's anything else you'd like for him to do

he's just super careful with you

nd so supportive oh em gee !! if ur an idol like him, he's at every single show he can make it to. cheering you on, shouting "thats my baby 🫵"

if you're interested in smthn else/neither of you are idols, he's still definitely supporting you in whatever interest you have

constantly complimenting you and praising how your brain works. he admires everything about you

sometimes buys stuff in a bigger/smaller size so that he has an excuse to wear it and then give it to you

^^ "oh it doesn't really fit me so here you go :]" knowing damn well he just wants you to smell like him

definitely competitive when it comes to you. "oh yeah? well my lover can do this and this"

forever seeking any reasons to make you feel good about yourself

likes when you play with his hair after a long day or even sing to him, ironically.

really just enjoys the sound of your voice

would love to adopt a bunch of cats and grow old with you <3

never is the one to end any contact with you first. oh you guys are on the phone? better hang up first bc he isn't. won't even pull from a hug first, and would run out of oxygen if it meant keeping his lips on yours instead of resorting to pulling away

sees himself marrying you has thought about it plenty of times and voiced his ideas for the wedding, resulting in teasing from the members

eats ingredients out of your food that he knows you don't enjoy so you won't have to pick the pieces out !!

likes being called honey

need him to be my boyfriend immediately

mywons © 2023 ## please do not plagiarize my works.

[sxtvrns]

the firsts i’ve never felt

🎶 now playing: clementine - grentperez

P: Kim Jongseob x Fem!Reader

S: You find yourself wandering the headquarters after being left unattended. He finds himself unreasonably intrigued by you.

C: meet cute, fluff, puppy love, inaccuracy, a bit sloppy, mentions of bullying, kinda rushed?

N: i’ve transformed my entire feed and started a bunch of masterlists and stuff! this fic is part of one of them that i need to design and stuff but i hope you’re loving the organization because i certainly am. i really wanna write but my brain is running out of scenarios i can work off of so if you dont hear from me for a while you know why. if i don't get a hair colour right sue me i can't memorize everything | all ages listed are korean, not international!

view the rest of the conversations ☆彡

please interact if you enjoy!

“Hey, honey, do you wanna come and visit my new job today? They’re showing me around, and you’re planning to work in the entertainment industry behind the scenes, aren’t you?”

…sounds like a super unprofessional thing for your mom to say on her first day of the job. However, the staff gave her leeway somehow after saying you were an aspiring makeup artist with a growing following. She said you could join in a few years, if you’d like. You still had time to think about it.

“So, how old is your daughter?” The employee asks.

“16.”

“What kind of makeup does she do?”

“She has a rather… broad spectrum. I could go into specifics but that would require me showing you examples and taking up your time.”

“Oh, go ahead! Besides, I could use a break from the work.”

The door to the elevator opens with a ding, both adults behind you not seeming to pay attention. You quickly but stealthy walk off the elevator, their attention still focused on your mom’s phone. As the doors close, they still don’t seem to notice, instead they continue going up, and you’re left alone in the quiet, empty hallway.

Somewhat quiet, actually. There was loud music coming from some of the rooms you could hear from outside as you walked by. Your phone buzzed in your hand, though you aren’t bothered to check it until another staff member sees you in the hall. She goes on her phone, types rapidly on the screen, and starts walking towards you.

You walk away from her at a quickened pace, turning the corner and beginning to run. You turn the corner again, briefly glancing at the rooms as you pass by, all of them with people inside and the lights on. Except for one.

The sound of steps sounded like it grew withe presence of multiple people, so you had no time to check and instead opened the door, and to your relief, no one was inside. You shut it quietly, hiding against the wall in hopes that the crowd passes by.

The buzzing from your phone earlier was frantic texts from your mom, asking where you went and specifying that the staff was now looking for you. You replied calmly that you ‘took yourself on your own tour’ and ‘got off as a joke in hopes she would notice’. You could practically hear her sigh at her phone as she responds with ‘i’ll keep you updated’ before leaving you on read.

You slide down against the wall, sitting and observing the environment around you. This was a dance studio, one of many that looked the same as some of the others. You didn’t want to get caught, so you stayed there for a bit on your phone, caught off guard at the sound of someone opening the door.

At first you panic, thinking someone from staff found you, but it was just some guy adorned in all black with a beanie and a mask, taking both of them off and somehow not noticing you.

You spoke too soon.

the first meet.

His eyes widened at the sight of you, the door he held open by a sliver. You hear something from outside.

“Jongseob, there’s some new hire’s daughter on the loose and she was last seen on this floor, have you seen her?” A staff member asks, the boy’s head peeking back in to look at you. You frantically shake your head and gesture for him to keep his mouth shut as he peeks out the door right after.

“I haven’t seen her, sorry.”

He fully closes the door this time, a sigh of relief escaping you as your eyes stayed glued on the boy that was nice enough to not snitch. “What are you doing here?” He asks, a reasonable question since you were in the studio for a reason other than dancing. “My mom works here. She’s starting today. And… I may or may not have gotten off the elevator too early.” You try to sum it up.

“Why?”

“Um, they were distracted. And I didn’t think the door would close right after I got off.”

“How did they even let you in?”

“I might work someplace like this as a makeup artist. When I’m older. My mom brought me along for her tour, and… that’s how I ended up here. I was running away from staff. If you want, I can leave.”

“I didn’t lie just for you to get out and defeat the whole purpose of it. It’s okay, you can stay as long as you need to.”

“Really? I’m not intruding?”

“My members won’t be here for the next little while, if you’re overwhelmed by the presence of multiple men.”

His joke makes you laugh, and you inch out of the corner you’re hiding in more, seeing him walk towards you and open the laptop on the desk. “How old are you now?” He suddenly asks, a question you find odd at first.

“16.” (international age = 14, turned 15 after a few weeks)

“Really? Me too.”

“You looked a little young. Are you a trainee?”

“I actually debuted a few weeks ago. We’re doing some promotional stuff and we have practice today.”

“Do you want me to leave when they arrive?”

“You can stay for now. It’s up to the leader if he wants you in or not. I guess if you aren’t distracting, you could watch. But I gotta wait for him.”

“I’ll check you guys out sometime. All the groups are listed in the lobby, so…”

“P1Harmony. You’ll find us easily.”

Quiet clicks come from the mousepad, as you merely stare up at him, who seems to be so focused on the screen in front of him. He looks up, then looks down at you, and your observing gaze fixed on his face. He ponders, before holding his hand out. “Nice to meet you. I’m–“

“Jongseob. You’re Jongseob.”

You finish his sentence for him, leaving him visibly surprised as you shake his hand.

“Um, I heard them say your name from the hall.” You explain, him nodding. “I’m Y/N.”

“That’s a pretty name.”

You find yourself blushing. “Thank you… um, also for not snitching. I texted my mom that I was okay, so everything should be fine now.”

“That’s good. Maybe don’t get off the elevator while she’s distracted next time.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Music starts playing from the speakers, Jongseob walking away to the center of the room to warm up. Your eyes are on him the entire time, since there was nothing else you could focus on. Even if you tried going on your phone, the music would draw your attention away from it.

You had a short attention span.

But watching Jongseob merely warm up seemed to prove otherwise. Your eyes were glued to his movements and small yet precise spotting, how precise he was when he matched every beat and transition. You stared at his reflection and his back the whole time, gaze moving to his face.

He caught you staring, looking back at you through the reflection of the mirror with a subtle smirk before going back to dancing.

He comes back to pause the music while you space out staring at the floor, as he takes off his beanie and runs his hand through his hair. “How’d I do? Seemed like I caught your attention.”

You clear your throat. “Good. Really good.”

He believes you have another reason you aren’t telling him, still deciding to sit down beside you despite doing so. “What are you doing?” You ask, looking at him. “Sitting with you. Why, does this bother you?”

“No. Just… I thought you’d be warming up more. That seemed short.”

“It seemed short because you were watching me. I was dancing for, what, a little over 10 minutes? I think I’ve warmed up enough.”

“Right.” You say, kind of understanding what he’s saying. “I like your hair. The colour is very pretty.” A light purple that could be described as lavender was what it was. It painted him as docile, gentle. He seemed to be so, given he was sitting with you like this along the side of the room.

“Thank you.” He smiles, sounding genuine. So genuine, in fact, that he smiles at you for the first time with his teeth showing, his hand covering his mouth right after. You take a mental note of that habit. “When did you start training?” You ask.

“When I was 12.” (international age = 10, turned 11 later that year due to late birthday)

“That young?! When I was 12 I was still scared of the concept of paragraphs…”

“I’ve always wanted to be a singer. Perform for others. There was a chance, so I took it.”

“I admire you for that. Taking risks that benefited you later in the future.”

“You took a risk today.”

“I did?”

“You stepped off the elevator and outran a bunch of staff successfully.”

“And I benefited from it how?”

“You met me.”

You’re unsure if he’s flirting with you, but your face heats up regardless. “Yet I’ll never see you again. But… I enjoy your company. And I appreciate your kindness.” When you look up from the ground, he’s handing you his phone, the keypad open.

“Let’s keep in touch.”

At first, you’re a little stunned at his boldness. But you accept his offer, typing in your phone number and letting him do the same with your phone right after. “I’ll try to text you back when I can. I’m pretty busy.”

“And I’ll try to not keep my phone on silent. I’ve missed so many interviews because of it…”

“For part-time jobs?” You nod. “I later learned they weren’t paying what they should be, so I guess I dodged a bullet.”

“Do you have a job now?”

“I work at a convenience store for income. My mom’s always saying I never needed to take a part-time job claiming we’re somewhat rich, but I wanted a bit of independence for myself. And I get free food and snacks sometimes, so that’s a bonus.”

“If I come visit, will I get free food?”

“Convenience store snacks are cheap enough already. Maybe I’ll give you ₩489 off.”

(₩489 = 0.50 cents)

He laughs at your offer. “I’ll take it.”

The door suddenly opens, five other men coming in all at once, stopping once they notice the two of you sitting together against the wall.

“Hello.” Jongseob greets, getting up. “Who’s that?” One of them asks, looking at you. “A… friend.” He responds.

“How did she get in here?”

“Long story.”

Their stares are reasonable, yet they make you feel uncomfortable as you feel out of place cooped up against the wall. Jongseob seemed to notice, shooting you a quick question. “Are you okay?”

The sound of his has your head turned to face him as you nod, acting like you weren’t spaced out prior. “I’m fine. This is the rest of your group?”

“Yeah. You can stay for practice if you’d like. I’ll ask Keeho.”

Surely they wouldn’t mind, you were just afraid you’d misinterpret their gazes for glares that would scare you off. “I would, but I should go. I already texted my mom earlier that I’d be leaving while she was still working. But I’ll leave. I don’t want to be… distracting.”

“You aren’t distracting at all.” He attempts to reassure you.

“Says the one who was looking at me through the mirror’s reflection.”

“Jongseob, should we warm up?” One of the boys asks, taking off their hoodie and beanie while they all simultaneously look at the two of you. That was an indirect invitation saying that they were about to start, him getting up his spot and lending you a hand to do the same.

“Thank you, Jongseob. I’ll text you.” He nods with a smile as you leave the room, your fast paced steps almost being heard from the inside of the room.

“Who was that, Jongseob?” Theo asks as the youngest walks over. “A new friend. She kinda abandoned her mom unintentionally and hid in here from the staff.”

“Oh, her. The people downstairs were talking about it.” Intak adds.

“In a good way or a bad way?”

“Mixed. How come her mom brought her here?”

“Y/N’s planning to work in the industry as a makeup artist, and her mom wanted to show her a potential place for hiring since she’s already working here.”

“She said she’d text you.” ‘What does that mean?’ Keeho meant to ask.

“I gave her my number.”

They’re all surprised, wide eyed and everything. “Really?”

“I wanna talk to her more. I think you guys scared her off.”

“We don’t look scary.” Intak looks at himself, then everybody else. Jongseob’s eyes dart over all five of them briefly. “You guys look terrifying.”

“As if you weren’t wearing the same thing when you left the apartment.” Theo sneers, looking at him weirdly. “Hey, she liked my hair and I saved her from a bunch of staff. I’m a pretty approachable person even with the coverups.”

“You approached her.” Theo retorts.

“And?”

Intak, very obviously antsy, whines. “Can we just start, please? We’ll talk about this later.” He groans in distress, convincing the rest of the boys to move on. Keeho speaks up first from the sea of silent stares.

“Let’s go, then.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

On the way home from school, you usually take the shift right after at the convenience store you worked at. It was close to home but not far from school, you managed to be on time for majority of your shifts.

Your coworker seemed to be eye candy for the girls your age that came in, but you saw him more as an older brother figure. He was super nice and always filled in for when you weren’t feeling well, and frankly, you thought it was a bit strange girls your age were pining over a man in his late 20s.

You had your fair share of attraction to more famous people that were older than you, but the fact you knew your coworker long enough to know things about him kind of made some situations awkward. Sure, he was cute, but come on. He’s practically looking for an actual job already and the fact he’s stuck with you is because he actually enjoys his part-time and you two were always only available for the same time slot every day.

You weren’t working today. You knew he was. So you assumed that it would just be a straight shot walk home.

Until you remembered you were a victim of verbal harassment.

You never did anything wrong, you were just laughed at and picked on by a specific group of girls for a reason you didn’t know. You always believed it was because you were prettier than them, given that their crushes ended up all mutually pining over you rather than them.

It’s a joke that you laugh at with them at times, yet the girls still don’t seem to like you.

At least they weren’t cutting your hair or anything. You could take words but you couldn’t take a pencil being dug into your hand.

So when you saw those girls turn the corner, you ran, fingers crossed they didn’t see you.

“Y/N, come back! We have something to tell you!”

They saw you.

With your backpack almost falling off, and the sound of rapid footsteps that sounded like they were getting closer, you spot the convenience store you worked at and run in, your coworker behind the desk and watching you hide behind the shelf closest to the wall.

At first, you’re panting, out of breath and coughing as you try to get it back.

“Y/N?”

You look up.

Jongseob is standing there, fridge door held open by his hand with a drink in the other, small clouds of steam coming from the cool air hitting the heated room. “Hi.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” You would’ve told him the truth if the story was so long. You peek up from the shelf, fully standing up when you see no one there. “Are you hiding from someone?” He asks, obviously and reasonably clueless as he lets the door close. You merely nod, seeing the girls out of the corner of your eye through the glass and ducking down again, dragging Jongseob along with you.

The bell above the door rings as shuffling can be heard going towards the counter.

“Shin-Il! We saw Y/N come in here, did you see her?” One of the girls’ ear piercing voices rings in your ears, their attempt at acting cute and desperate simply making you cringe. Luckily you told your coworker about your complicated situation with these girls. “No, sorry. She isn’t working today.”

While you’re mentally pleading that they don’t care enough to check around the store, Jongseob’s eyes stay on you and dart around just in case, being able to hear the brief conversation as he stares.

“We’re looking for her! Are you sure she isn’t in the bathroom or something?”

“She isn’t here. Maybe she went somewhere else.”

They all whine, leaving the store as you let out a sigh of relief. You look up to see Jongseob offering you a hand, which you accept, helping you up as you lean against the fridge door, in disbelief that those girls were so clueless.

“Why were they looking for you?”

“They hate me, that’s why.”

“Why would they hate you?”

“Because I’m prettier than them. Long story.”

“The boys they liked all ended up liking Y/N collectively. Friendly with the boys, tormented by the girls.” Shin-Il suddenly appears out of nowhere, handing you a small bottle of water. “Who’s this, Y/N?”

“My friend.”

“How do you two know each other?” Jongseob asks.

“We work together part-time. We always end up picking the same shifts, and I make sure she doesn’t get killed by her fellow classmates when they come to visit.”

“Are these girls really bullying you, Y/N? Have you brought it up with anyone?” Jongseob asks, the worry noticeable in his tone. “They haven’t physically harmed me. When you consider all the details, they’re just jealous.”

“I don’t know any of the details, and that’s why I’m concerned.”

“I’m fine, Jongseob, really. I think I just… need to stay in here for a while. Just in case they’re in any of the other stores.”

“I can walk home with you, if you’d like.” He starts. “Um, just in case they show up or something, I can like, cover you–“

“I’d like that.”

You cut him off with your straightforward answer, and he seemed to be content as he sends you a closed lip smile. “Are you ready to go? Do you want anything?” He asks, looking out the window just in case. “I haven’t eaten lunch today, but I don’t have enough money on me.”

“I can pay for you. Get whatever.”

“Really? But I don’t know when I’ll pay you back.”

“You don’t have to if you can’t.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Jongseob–“

“Y/N, please. It’s okay, really. If you want to stay here and eat, you can do that too. I’ll wait.”

You feel a bit guilty as you get yourself dosirak and a small container of banana milk, seated at the window seat as Jongseob pays for your food. He sits down beside you, looking at the window and staring at you through your reflection in it. “Is it okay if you can tell me why those girls don’t like you?”

You swallow. “It’s really not a big deal, Jongseob.”

“Yes, it is. I know we’ve only ever talked a few times through text, but I’m… it sounds concerning that they’re willing to chase you for a few insults.” You sigh, taking a sip of your banana milk before trying to rack together all the pieces of the story.

“Well, Shin-Il kind of explained it to you already. Those girls have a crush on some guys, and those guys, at one point, ended up liking me. Now I just make fun of them for it as an inside joke, so I’m friendly with them. They don’t like me in that way anymore. Those girls dislike me because the guys liked me instead of them. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah. That’s… stupid.”

“It is. They’re too ignorant to see that there’s really nothing there anymore. Otherwise, I feel we could be good friends. But I’m patient enough to wait until they realize their harassment was for a reason thats existence already faded away.” You continue to wolf down on your food, as hungry as you were, Jongseob merely keeping watch outside and of you. To make sure you weren’t choking, of course.

As you leave the store and your walk home begins, so does the empty feeling in the air.

“Are you sure the walk home isn’t far?” You ask. “No, I’ll be okay. It won’t be dark for a bit.”

“And… I promise I’ll pay you back, okay?”

“You really don’t have to…”

“Yes, I do. I know you’re an idol and all that, but you’re still a human with morals.”

“If you insist. But if you can’t, you don’t have to.”

“I will.”

Jongseob’s beanie hides his vibrant purple hair, and as much as you are disappointed you aren’t able to see it, you understand that it would be a dead giveaway that he was in the entertainment industry.

“I watched your show the other day.”

“Really? How did I do?”

“You were awesome! I think it’s cool that there’s an idol out there my age, and I’m friends with you, no less. You looked really good, too.”

“Thank you…” He wasn’t expecting to get so flustered over your compliments. Lucky he had no choice but to wear his mask. Jongseob watches as you bring your phone to your ear as you send a greeting over to the person on the other side of the line.

“I’m coming, I’m on my way home.”

“Yes, I’m okay. I’m with a friend right now.”

“He’s walking home after me, he’ll be okay.”

“Look, can you not be go crazy over this right now? I’ll talk to you later.”

“What do you mean ‘you want to meet him’?! You never want to meet anyone!”

“Okay, okay, fine, just stop screaming in my ear. Bye.” You end the call and let out a frustrated growl as you tighten your grip on your phone. “Everything okay?” Jongseob asks hesitantly.

“Just because I said I’m walking home with a ‘he’ my mom’s freaking out over it and now she wants to meet you.”

“I think I’ve run into your mom while at headquarters. She acknowledges me but is usually in a rush.”

“She’s usually late, that’s why. But she always gets one step ahead of her work, so she always gets excused. But seriously, is it just because you’re a guy that she wants to meet you? She didn’t ask to meet my other female friends and they just met her voluntarily while walking with me.”

“What about your dad?”

“Overseas for work. He’s coming back in a few weeks. He’s much more laid back. I think my mom is a bit… overprotective. I can understand that, but she could’ve asked me to introduce you without screaming at me…”

“Is she… abusing you?”

“God, no! It’s just one of those days, y’know? Maybe she got pissed off she stubbed her toe or something. And just because she always wants to keep watch over me, I feel like retaliating.”

“Is that why you stepped off the elevator?”

“Not really. Maybe.”

He can’t help but smile after uncovering your true motive.

As you approach the door, you have no choice but to knock given that your keys were probably buried somewhere deep in your backpack. Your mom opens the door with a relieved sigh as she opens her arms for a hug, which you reluctantly accept in front of Jongseob. “I’m so sorry for yelling at you, honey, I… I was having a bad day and I took it out on you and I was worried that–“

“Mom. It’s okay, I get it.” She smiles softly, any grudge you held against her melting away instantly. It was surprising how she was able to manipulate you so quickly. “You’re friends with Jongseob?” She asks.

“You know his name?”

“Of course I know his name, your mom works at FNC too.” She says, referring to herself in the third person. “Are you sure you can walk home alone? Isn’t it a bit far by foot?”

“I’ll be okay, ma’am.”

“I can give you a ride, it’ll be much faster.”

“My dorm isn’t too far from here and it won’t be dark for a while. Thank you for the offer.”

“Get home safe, okay?”

“I will. Bye Y/N.” He says his goodbyes as he walks away from the premises of your house, your mom letting you in and closing the door fully. “You didn’t tell me you were friends with Jongseob. I would’ve started bringing you to work after school so you don’t have to stay home alone. I could get you a pass to come in.”

“Isn’t that an abuse of your position?”

“I care about my daughter, what kind of abuse is that?”

You sigh followed by a smile as you begin to head up the stairs.

“You should’ve gotten his phone number before he left!” She yells before you disappear into your room.

“I already have it!” You yell back.

“Since when?”

You freeze, unable to think of an answer.

“Long story!”

“I have time!”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“Shin-Il!”

“Shin-Il, I got this for you!”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Shin-Il!”

You roll your eyes as the countless crowds of girls just keep coming into the store. As much as it was annoying, you were glad you basically hogged all the free time since Shin-Il just had to be at the counter to tend to the flock.

“You could be doing better things right now.” He says, turning back to look at you. “Like what?” You rhetorically ask, looking up from your phone. “Restocking the shelves, cleaning the floors, doing your homework.”

“I am a very diligent student, thank you very much.”

“You don't even go to cram school. What about your fans?”

“I already posted last week. They know how intricate the process can be.” He begins to leave when you stop talking. “Gonna use the bathroom. The minute you stand up, you’re on register duty for the rest of the shift.”

“Then I’m not gonna stand up.”

He snatches the phone out of your hand, dangling it above his head. “Hey!” You jump up, struggling to reach your phone. Curse men for being so tall. “Give it back!” He hands the phone back to you, putting a hand on your shoulder and whispering into your ear.

“Your shift begins now.”

Jerk.

“That wasn’t even fair!” Shin-Il ignores you as you hear a door from a distance shut and lock. You sigh, annoyed, shoving your phone in your pocket before briefly scanning whatever was in view in case it needed restocking.

You don’t seem to be paying attention, because by the time you blink, a person is waiting at the counter.

“I’m so sorry, I’ll take those.” You apologize, embarrassed, scanning the person’s items and bagging them for him. You’re struggling to make eye contact as the person pays you, insisting you keep the change as they walk off. “Next.” You call, the person in line putting his things on the counter.

“Did you find everything you–“ You look up to see Jongseob, an innocent, toothy smile on his face. You noticed his fang, something you couldn’t help but find charming. “Hi.”

“Hi. Slow today?”

“All the customers came for Shin-Il and that’s it. You’re the second person I’ve served today.”

“I’m honored.”

“I don’t even know where he is and why he’s taking so long in the stupid bathroom. Anyways, how come you came here? Isn’t there a place closer to your dorm?”

“I just happened to be in the area. I also wanted to see you.”

Your heart flutters at the thought, but you shove those feelings down before it can reach your head. “Really? You could’ve just went someplace closer.”

“I figured I’d come say hi. I feel like this is the only time we can see each other like this.”

“Like what?”

“Like normal teenagers with normal lives.”

He pays for his items, leaving a container of banana milk out of his grasp. “You forgot–“

“It’s for you. Take it.”

“Jongseob, how am I gonna pay you back?”

“Don’t.”

“But–“

“Shhh.” He leans in, sliding the container towards you. “Let me be nice to you, okay?” He pulls away, acting as if he wasn’t so bold a few seconds ago. “Do you want me to walk you home again? I’ll ask the guys to come find me so I won’t have to walk home alone.”

“I don’t– um... I’ll be off a bit late.”

“Which gives me more of a reason to walk with you. It’s dark and you’ll be alone.”

“You know I don’t live far.”

“And you know that this is a safer decision and you’re ultimately denying it for the sake of my safety and convenience.”

“Jongseob, your safety matters way more than mine. You’re a freaking idol, for God’s sake. And I thought you came alone, what do you mean the guys can find you?”

“We decided to go out together. We ended up splitting up to explore and look around by ourselves. I think I’m the only person that went alone."

"I can tell. Did you ask them if they wanted anything?"

"Theo and Jiung are grabbing food for later." He pauses. "My offer still stands." He reminds, persistent. You look at him, appreciating his kindness but unsure if he was willing to wait. "I don't get off until 8."

"I'll walk around after I eat. You can call me when you're done."

Though you feel a bit guilty, it really seemed like he wasn't backing down. "Sure. Thanks. You're also holding up the line." He smiles before taking his items with him as he finds a seat, you taking the banana milk and sliding it closer to you and to the side. Shin-Il finally comes back after taking who knows how long in the bathroom, eyes landing on your friend.

"He's here again. You two must be close."

"Eh... lucky circumstance. What were you even doing in the bathroom, you weirdo?"

"What else would I be doing besides use it for its intended purpose?"

"No one pisses for 5 minutes, Il. You aren't fooling anyone. Is it that girl you're talking to?"

"I am not talking to anyone."

"When those girls find out they are gonna freak."

"I was buying tickets for a thing."

"I thought all public events were closed. You aren't that slick."

"Okay, maybe it is about that girl, but we're just going somewhere, that's all. But I was buying tickets for an exhibition, she loves art."

"Aw, how cute. So when's the wedding?" You take a sip from the small container of banana milk Jongseob bought for you, noticing he isn't in his seat anymore. How did he eat so fast? "Y/N, can you do restocks? We'll make more sales if I'm at the counter."

"You aren't that handsome. The schoolgirl rush is over, no one's gonna come in."

You were wrong.

Many people came in, just not his usual audience, but at least they weren't all up on him. You could hear the compliments from the fridge, but nothing seemed to bother you or him one bit.

As you take an empty box to the back, you go to grab another one until Shin-Il stops you. "I'll take it from here. Mun-Hee clocked in early. And you have a visitor." He pats your back as you get up, seeing Jongseob waving at you with a smile, taking his phone out and showing you the screen.

"It's 8 o'clock."

At first, you're shocked by his dedication, but frantically hurry to the back to clean up and grab your things in order to not keep him waiting. When you get back, you see him talking with your coworker, and you interrupt in order to stop Shin-Il from potentially saying anything embarrassing.

"All ready? Let's go."

You both say your goodbyes as you walk out the store, Mun-Hee nudging Shin-Il in the side. "Kid's got a boyfriend now?" She asks, only receiving a shrug in return. She's content with the answer, going back to your unfinished restocking job.

"You really did mean it when you said you'd wait."

"Of course I did. Why wouldn't I?"

"Sometimes people change their minds or things happen out of their control that they just can't make it."

"I just walked around the park nearby and stuff. And– oh, I just remembered something." He stops, taking his beanie off and putting it on your head, revealing the alluring lavender that coloured his hair, something you secretly found appealing. You don't even have time to process that you were wearing the hat that covered his beautiful colour. "Jongseob, your hair. People might recognize you."

"Brought an extra. It's a bit late, so I doubt I'll get asked for a photo."

"So you planned this?"

"Whenever you send me selfie updates, you're never wearing a hat. You aren't even wearing a scarf, are you not freezing?"

"I am. I didn't think it'd get this cold, so I didn't bring one since it was warmer this morning."

"It'll always be colder at night, Y/N. You need to remember that, especially since you're working late."

"Did you even wash this?"

"Five times through the cycle. You seem to like it when we see each other, and conveniently, colder weather is approaching so I thought you should have it. You don’t have any hats at home?”

“I forgot to bring one. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. No need to pay me back, by the way.”

By the time you look back at him, his hair is covered again with another beanie, his stealthiness making you stifle a chuckle. “What?”

“I like your hair. I sometimes wish you didn’t have to hide it.”

“Well, I don’t necessarily hide it, I usually just wear hats because it’s more comfortable for me. A lot of people are dyeing their hair now, so I don’t think I’ll get recognized if I didn’t wear one.”

“How many people have you seen with purple hair in public?”

“Quite a few people, actually. So do you want me to take it off?”

“Huh? Why? Aren’t you cold?”

“At least I have a scarf. And you said you wished I didn’t have to hide it.”

“Weren’t you the one who said we shouldn’t risk anything when asking to walk me home?”

“Fair. But that’s a completely different scenario. I took a risk going down the path I’m still on today.”

“That is irrelevant.”

“Worth a shot.”

He walks with you to your door again, ringing the doorbell as you waited an unusually long time for your mom to answer.

“My mom said she could get me a card for FNC so I could stay there instead of alone at home after school. I tell her once and I’m already being pampered.” You laugh, Jongseob’s face lighting up. “Really? You should text me when you arrive! I’ll come find you, and I won’t bother if you have homework to do!”

“She hasn’t gotten it for me yet, I’m still thinking about it.”

“You should say yes so we can see each other in person more often! As long as your school isn’t far from headquarters, though.”

“We see each other when we call.”

“Seeing you like this is often just my luck. Otherwise I’m busy practicing or resting in the dorms. I like being able to talk to you in person.”

And as he smiles, that same one always on his face whenever you two seem to be together, you remember that he’s still just a kid. He’s the same age as you and he’s already in the spotlight, under the watchful eyes of so many fans through their screens.

You get to see him beyond that screen. You’ve been able to see him, meet him, know him beyond his idol persona. And he’s comfortable enough to share who he really is with you. You feel grateful for that.

The front door opens, your mom welcoming you in and noticing your friend by the door as well. “Jongseob, what a nice surprise! Such a coincidence you two ran into each other again. Thank you for walking with Y/N.”

“You’re welcome, Mrs. L/N.”

“Do you need a ride back?”

“Jongseob!” Someone calls, a group of five guys crowded outside your house, which you then identify as his group. “Let’s go, dude! Food’s gonna get cold.” Another one adds.

“I should get going. See you tomorrow, hopefully?” He asks, almost promising.

“Yeah. See you tomorrow.”

You both stand there for a moment, looking at each other as if you were anticipating something as your mom goes ahead inside, the door still open. He suddenly steps forward and wraps his arms around you, one of his hands resting on top of your head.

You’re surprised, but return the hug carefully before he pulls away, sending you a small wave as he goes to join his group in departing.

Jongseob feels an elephant in the room as he walks with them, Theo carrying on a conversation that didn’t seem to make the vibe go away. It doesn’t seem to until they all got back to the dorm, when they started eating.

“That’s a different hat. What happened to the other one?” Intak asks rhetorically. “Y/N had it.” Soul answers nonchalantly, not seeming to understand the sarcasm behind it. “I gave it to her. She was cold.”

“Is she borrowing it?” Jiung asks. “I gave it to her. It’s hers now.” Jongseob reiterates, his point clarified.

“How does Soul know her name and we don’t?” Keeho asks, mouth full. “I talk to her all the time, do you not hear?” Everyone but Soul shakes their head. “She’s nice.” Soul adds.

“Hopefully she can come after school tomorrow. Her mom is trying to get her admission in so she doesn’t have to stay at home.”

“You met her mom?” Intak asks, Jongseob nodding. “I run into her in the halls, sometimes in the elevator.”

“What was the hug for? I swore she looked like she could’ve fallen asleep in your arms.” Theo asks, pointing out something that had Jongseob questioning.

“I… I don’t know.”

his first crush.

“I was feeling nice, I guess. It was cold. She looked cold.”

Jongseob didn’t really have a reason. He couldn’t think of why he left you off with a hug that night. The question kept him up all night.

Along with the speed of his racing heart.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

seob

seobie

jongseob

hi sorry

whats up?

my mom is looking for you what dance room are you in

why is she looking for me?

has to give you something? idk she told me to ask

okay im in 205

thanks

Jongseob puts his phone down and goes back to warming up, taking off his hat and focusing on himself. More specifically, his hair.

‘I really like your hair. I sometimes wish you didn’t have to hide it.’

Why couldn’t he get that out of his head?

As the song begins to end, he hears a knock on the door, finishing off and pausing the music before answering. He opens the door to reveal you, still in your school uniform.

“Hi!” You greet. At first, he’s stunned. You’re really here, and you’re really visiting him. “I got a card from the front desk.” He’s still standing there, jaw slack, staring at you in disbelief. All of a sudden, he’s hugging you, hiding your face in his shoulder as he looks up to check the halls, guiding you in and closing the door.

“Don’t want them to see you. But hi.” He mutters, clearing his throat after pulling away.

“They know I’m here. Have you warmed up yet? Are the rest of them coming?”

“Not for a while. I think I’ll take a break–“

“You dyed your hair!”

He freezes as your hand goes up to touch it. His color changed from lavender to a deep, light red. “Yeah. Do you like it?”

“It looks really good on you.”

“Do you prefer this or the purple?”

“Honestly, you look good with any color.” You sit down on the ground, opening your backpack but pausing before going any further. “Can I do my homework? I have one question left and it’s super easy.”

“Go ahead.”

Jongseob can’t help but focus on you the whole time, when you take your papers and pencils out, when you read through the worksheet, when you begin to write, so concentrated in the moment. He finds himself staring, and you do too.

“All done.” You look up to see him returning your gaze, something there when your eyes meet. “What was so interesting about me and my schoolwork?”

“Huh?”

“You were staring at me.”

He flushes, shaking his head and denying immediately. “No! I wasn’t!”

“Come on, you can admit it. You think I’m pretty.”

“I–“

“I think you’re pretty.”

You cut him off, answering with no shame and an innocent smile on your face. He can’t help but think you mean more than you really do. “You do?”

“Oh, I do. Your hair, your face, your style. It all compliments so well. Take it from me, I’m an artist.”

He thinks to himself as you await his answer. “I think you’re pretty too.”

“Really?”

“Really pretty.”

You both have the same kind of war going on in your head. You wish the other really meant it, but something was holding you back from believing they did. To outsiders, you looked like two people in love. In your head, you were hoping he really meant what he was saying.

“I, um, hope you don’t mind if I stay in for practice. And I do want to talk to you before your members get here.” You try to divert the conversation with the atmosphere telling you closure was needed. “Yeah, we’re working on our comeback actually, so…” He holds out his pinkie.

“You have to promise not to tell anyone. Not a peep.”

You lock your own with his. “Promise.” You both giggle at the gesture as your fingers pull away. “I know this is gonna sound like a really stupid, cheesy question, but do you mean it?”

The way you start off catches his attention. “Do I mean what?”

“When you said I was pretty.”

He’s stunned, stuck in place as he stares at you while forgetting to answer. “I know we’re still young, but I’ve had my heart toyed with before. And all he did was laugh.” You scooted closer to him. “So what I’m asking is, ‘seob, do you really think I’m pretty? Or are you just being nice?”

“What answer are you hoping to hear?”

“That you do. That you mean everything you’ve ever said to me.”

He’s frozen, all he can do is stare into your eyes as you await a response. “Yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes, I do mean it. You, Y/N, are one very pretty girl.”

“How many pretty girls do you see while out for work?”

“Many. None of them are as pretty as you.”

her first crush.

You know you’re the one that instigated this conversation, but still, you can’t help but blush at his response. “You’re all red.” He points out. “Do my words really mean that much to you?”

“All I wanted was closure.”

The door opens, Jongseob patting your head and joining the rest of the guys as if he didn’t just have you melting a few seconds ago.

You sat in the corner of the practice room, your face still hot, and your eyes focused on Jongseob the entire time.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

i want you to come visit but my mom isnt letting any visitors in the house

how come?

apparently we’re having a dinner party here in a few days or something? idk shes trying to keep it clean beforehand cuz my dad is finally coming back from his trip

he’s been overseas for how long??

a few months now, some promotion that he got resulted in him staying longer

oh wow

well you could come over to my dorm

actually?

i gotta ask the guys first

oh if u have to ask then its okay maybe next time

they said yes

i hear them cleaning up

what

are you coming or not

omw

You knock on their door, and when no one responds, you call Jongseob, and it suddenly opens to reveal sight of him holding the phone up to his ear.

“You have… a lot of stuff.” He points out, eyeing the large bag you’re carrying. “Are you sleeping over or something?”

“I actually… if it’s okay with you… wanted to do your makeup. I know you’ve been saying how much you want to try it and stuff and I figured we could do it if I saw you today but I forgot to ask–“

“Absolutely. Yes, please, come in, no one’s in my room. ‘Cause… I share a room, and, Jiung’s out and the rest are watching a movie.”

“I get it. I get your whole rooming thing. Am I gonna be in trouble for being here?”

“Not if you don’t get caught.”

“How mischievous of you. If you were to ever get into a scandal with me, would you care?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

You laugh it off as if your face wasn’t on fire, closing the door to his shared room.

“Ew, are they gonna make out in there?” Intak says in disgust with fake repulsion. “Just because Jongseob can get a girlfriend and you can’t is not a valid reason to be petty.” Keeho holds back his laugh. “Theo– you can’t say that! That is not funny!”

“Then why are you laughing?”

“…watch the movie.”

Meanwhile, in Jongseob’s room, you finish off his base, tapping brushes against palettes before gently stroking the pigments against his face. His eyes, specifically. The medium shade brought out the orange in his hair, but really, you’ve been wanting to try out a specific look for a while.

“Keep your eyes closed.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Why?”

“Makes me feel old.”

“You’re older than me.”

“I’m the same age as you. Now hush.”

He blows a raspberry as you do his eyeliner, a miracle it didn’t smudge or that you didn’t mess up in any way. It was almost adorable how eagerly he nodded when you showed him your container of extra rhinestones.

You hand him a mirror, putting your extra equipment away before finding a tube of lipstick. “Wow.” is all he says until he puts the mirror down and sees you putting on said lipstick. “Oh, you were actually gonna… do that part?”

“Oh, no. I was just swatching. It’s a pretty shade, don’t you think?” Your lips are painted with a vibrant shade of red, bold and eye-catching as you turned to face your friend who’s struggling to keep his jaw from hanging. “Yeah. Really… bright.”

“Well, you know my style. Bold and bright. I decided to… take a break for a change. And I took it out on you.”

“You call this a break? I look fabulous.”

“It’s the rhinestone effect. But yes, this is a break since I only do my face most of the time. And the colours are neutral, but defined. Makeup therapy for me is a total stress reliever, but obviously my face can’t handle powders daily. And… I really needed this, especially after this week.”

“Exams?”

“I took them already.”

“This early?”

“I’m taking AP classes since I don’t do cram school. My school is aware, and honestly, surprised at my career choice. Peer pressure is getting to me more than it should.”

“I hope you don’t feel guilty about this in any way. You’re so talented.”

“My only talent is this. Maybe I’ll work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry all my life. And… there’s something else I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

You exhale. “I got the job.”

“The job?”

“I’m your travelling makeup artist. I’ll be going with you for future tours and everything.”

He can’t stop his jaw from dropping now. “No way. You’re serious?” He asks, watching you nod eagerly as a big smile grows on his face, going in for a hug which you tightly return. “Y/N– that’s amazing! Does this mean I’ll get to see you every day?”

You nod. “It’s why I’m taking AP. Maybe I’ll switch next year, but I’m exempt from classes because of my success.”

“Wow, so privileged.”

“I’m just good at my job.”

You hear him chuckle, his eyes focused on you and that damn red lip. “I’m proud of you. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.” You stifle a laugh. “I’m sorry, it’s just hard to take you seriously with the makeup.”

“You’re the one that did it!”

“You’re never in my style, and it’s over the top!”

The door opens and you immediately pull away from Jongseob, taking out cleansing products after sorting everything else in your bag. Theo stands there, still, staring at your friend all glammed up.

“How do I look?” Jongseob asks with dramatic poses to show off his makeup, Theo taking out his phone and taking pictures of him silently. “You did this?” He asks you, pointing at the boy that had your heart racing. “Did I do good?”

“He looks great. You should come out and show the guys.”

“I don’t wanna watch the movie out there though.”

“You can go back in here and continue making out with Y/N or whatever it is that you were doing in here in the first place.”

“I was not– hey!” Theo’s dragging Jongseob out of the room by his wrist, unable to keep his grip on the doorframe as you hear him groan. You can all hear the guys gushing over Jongseob’s face from the room, poking jokes at him and teasing him.

“Is that lipstick? Did she kiss you?!”

“No, no, nothing like that! She was swatching and it must’ve smudged on me…”

“I thought you two were kissing when I walked in.”

“We hugged.”

“Sure.” One of them snarkily replies.

“I’m gonna tell you who dies if you don’t stop talking.” You hear Jongseob threaten, referring to the movie that was currently on pause in the living room.

“No!”

He silently comes back to the room, seeing you sitting there, cleansers still out as he shuts the door. “Is there really lipstick on me?” He asks, turning his head so you could see all angles of his face. “Oh, right there. How did I not notice that?” You get up with a makeup wipe, swiping it gently against the mark until is goes away.

It was only until you moved away that you noticed how close you were, and that he notice something missing. “You wiped off your lipstick already?”

“I told you I was swatching. I took photos.” ‘And I could see the way you looked at me.’ You thought. “I’d like to post them, but you’re an idol and all, so…”

“A shame, really. Do you wanna eat? Jiung got some takeout, and I don’t wanna take off your hard work for a little while.”

“Sure, but don’t expect me to take you seriously while you’re all glammed up.”

“You did this to me!”

“We are not having this conversation again.”

his first love, where he can’t imagine being with anybody else but you.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Jongseob’s met a lot of pretty girls. As an idol, it’s only natural he has to work with them, be in the same premise as them. Yet he can never see anything more to them because they aren’t like you.

Your snarky replies, your teasing, your genuine questions and need for reassurance, your automatic response to rely on him, contact him whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. Maybe it was because he’s spent so much time with you that he built this connection, but he learned that no one else could replicate this feeling he was so comfortable with.

This feeling that he only felt with you.

His members teased him mercilessly, especially on your first day on the job. You were assigned to him and specifically him (according to a colleague, he requested you), and every time anyone of his fellow group saw you working so close with him, they’d start laughing.

Jiung and Intak would take Jongseob’s phone from him if they were to ever find him on call with you. Keeho would give him those looks whenever he saw him smiling at his screen, and on his screen was you. Theo and Soul… they left him alone for the most part. They’d say hello and you guys would chat, but of course, Theo with his natural older brother energy, would occasionally tease him about it, usually through complaints.

“Jongseob, can you stop talking to your girlfriend and go to sleep? We have practice tomorrow.”

“Geez, you wanted her to swatch on you, didn’t you?”

“Watch where you’re going with that! I know you’re practically in love with her, but you should still pay attention to your surroundings!”

Soul simply encouraged the idea of you two together.

“She really likes you, I can tell.”

“Will you be out of the dorm more often when you two start dating?”

“You got her a ring? When is the wedding?”

And all Jongseob really wanted was to figure out if you really did like him or not. Because he felt like he could never experience such euphoria with anyone other than you.

He was only 18, why did he seem so sure about this? His mind was certainly older.

The door to the studio opens, and you enter, dropping your school bag onto the floor and looking absolutely spent.

“Are you okay?” He asks as you walk over, head in his chest. “Not even a hello?” You joke, looking up at him. “Tired. Long day. School’s a real pain in the ass when you have things to do outside of it. You’re lucky you’re busy enough that you don’t have to go.”

“Sometimes I wish I could. I’d enroll at your school and take all the classes with you so I’m not alone. Speaking of school, what happened to those girls who chased you?”

“Oh, them?” You laugh. “We’re cool now. One of them apologized to me. The rest followed. It took one longer than the rest to muster up the courage. They thought I hated them which is why they couldn’t talk about it in the first place, which is understandable.”

“Did you forgive them?”

“Not right away. I accepted their apology, but I’ll talk to tomorrow. It’s a little bit scary leaving work in fear of being chased and they kinda ignited that in me. I could never hate them, though. Maybe that’s a lie, but I guess when I thought I hated them, I was just afraid.”

“You’re so insightful it’s honestly attractive.” You look at him, amused. “Are you flirting with me, Jongseob?”

“Oh, I’m just being honest.”

“Sure. Your birthday just passed and your ego is suddenly through the roof.”

“Well, I am Kim Jongseob, so maybe my ego should’ve been through the roof a while ago.”

“Now you’re just sounding arrogant.”

“I’m just better.” You roll your eyes, looking at the computer in the corner of the room on the counter. “Can I change the music?” You ask, watching him walk over and open the right tab for you. You change the keyboard language to English, searching up a name so fast he doesn’t comprehend that the music already started. You walk away as he stays and reads the name off the screen.

Clementine – grentperez

He looks at you, who happened to already be waiting for him in the center of the room. He walks over, spinning you around and catching you, visibly surprised when the singing begins. “It’s in English?”

“Mhm.”

“Can you understand it?”

“A little bit. Otherwise, I like how it sounds. Can you understand it?”

“I’ve been getting better… at least I try to. It sounds good.”

“I should send you more of his works. I think you’d like those too.” You feel his arms wrap around your waist, pulling you close enough into a hug. “Is this okay?” He feels you nod against his chest, your arms wrapping up and around his neck as the two of you simply sway to the music that filled the room.

To be in Jongseob’s arms, your best friend’s arms, like this was something you didn’t know you wanted to experience for as long as you could. This felt intimate, feeling closer with him like this more than any other hug you’ve shared.

You two probably looked like idiots to anyone that would walk in, but it was just the two of you, and all you could think about was how comfortable it was in each other’s arms.

There’s a spark. A spark that turns into a growing flame when your eyes meet. A flame that you wanted to keep ablaze but was on the edge of extinguishing. “You… you look really pretty.” He suddenly stutters, the flame growing a little bit more. “Thank you.”

“I really want to kiss you. Really, really bad.”

His abruptness catches you off guard, and it’s almost funny how the song began to near its climax.

“I’m sorry, was that too forward? Forget I said–“

“No one’s stopping you.”

It’s so cliche how the song reached its peak when his lips are on yours. You both were young, yet your minds were older. To kiss someone at such a moment for the first time in your life only made you fall in love with him even more, and really, you never thought you’d experience it so soon. With an idol, no less.

“Kim Jongseob!”

The sound of his name makes both of you pull away and look at the door, Intak, Jiung, and Theo standing there like they’ve seen a ghost. “What the hell are you doing?!” Intak exclaims, probably more aggressive than he meant to.

You both stand there, dumbfounded, and it wasn’t until you were back in your head that you both decide to separate from each other instantly. They looked angry. They probably didn’t feel that way, but in the moment, you felt humiliated. One second later, your face is hidden in his chest again, feeling his other hand on your back.

“I’m sorry.” You mutter against him, his hand patting your back reassuringly. “No, there’s nothing for you to be sorry about.”

“Don’t you feel the slightest bit embarrassed? Your friends just walked in on us kissing.”

“Oh, I do, absolutely. They’ll never let me hear the end of it.” You look up at him, and he’s smiling. “Then why don’t you seem that way?”

“Because I was kissing you.” Your heart beats faster than it ever has before when you’re with him. “You’re the only girl they’d want to see me kiss in the first place. Lucky for you, you’re the only girl I’ll ever wanna kiss in my whole life.”

“Since when did you get so romantic?”

“Since the day I met you in this very studio.”

Your worries suddenly melt away at his words, further assured he feels the same way you do.

“I really don’t mean to interrupt this very sentimental moment, but we have practice, so can you guys hurry it up a little bit?” Intak speaks up, appearing behind Jongseob out of nowhere. You pull away, going to get your things in the corner of the room, realizing he was following you. “You’re not gonna stay?” He asks, holding onto your hand.

“I have schoolwork to do, ‘Seob. And I need to talk to my coworkers at my part-time.” He pouts. “I know there’s so much more we need to talk about, but I’m eating into your practice time right now. I’ll call you, okay? We see each other tomorrow. Promise.” You squeeze his hand, feeling his other hand on top of yours.

“I thought you already quit that job.”

“They’re still my friends. I check in with them from time to time.” He sighs. “Goodnight, Y/N.” He kisses your forehead before letting you go.

Once you’re out of sight of the doorway, you can’t help but giggle and jump around out of pure excitement. You catch sight of Keeho and Soul in the hallway, greeting them briefly. “What’s got you so excited?” Keeho asks.

“He kissed me.” You watch his expression change to match yours, jumping around with you in the middle of the hallway. “No way! Are you serious?”

“The rest of them walked in on us…”

“I’ve literally been waiting for months for him to make a move and the one time I decide to leave later– ugh, I’m so happy for both of you!”

“And then he…” You point to your forehead. “He…” Keeho puckers his lips while you nod, the both of you proceeding to squeal almost too loud in the hallway. “Girl, please, you two are literally so freaking cute, you need to tell me more!”

“I really need to leave, I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay, we’ll see you tomorrow!”

You’re on your way to the convenience store, relieved to see both Mun-Hee and Shin-Il behind the counter, both of them equally shocked to see you there. “Y/N! I thought you were working.” Shin-Il says.

“I need to tell you guys something. Can I still come back here?”

“No. But you used to work here, so whatever.” An indirect invitation to come behind the counter given by Mun-Hee. “Judging from the look on your face, you either made progress with Jongseob or made out with Jongseob.” She adds.

“I kissed him, thank you very much.”

“Oh, shit.” She curses. “And he did it first?” You nod. “Damn, girl! He’s really down bad for you!”

“Is he your boyfriend now? He should be.” Shin-Il asks. “We didn’t have time to talk about it… he’s in a dance practice right now and I promised I’d call him.”

“Honey, no. This is the kind of thing you talk about in person. If he’s really dedicated and really loves you, he’d tell you. But with the amount of times you’ve breached health protocols with something to say about him, I think he really does love you in that way. But still, call him later. You promised.”

“You give all this advice as if you’ve ever been in an actual relationship.” Shin-Il jokes, resulting in a death glare from the most helpful former coworker in the moment. “Listen to her, not me.”

“Obviously.”

The welcoming bell chimes as someone enters, coming to the counter as quick as they came in. Mun-Hee looks in awe at the person as he stops at the counter, face lighting up. “We still on for tonight?” He hands her two 5000 won bills.

“Mhm.” She says in the most obvious lovesick tone, sliding the man’s items back towards him as she gives him his change. “I’ll see you later, Mun.”

You hold back a laugh at the nickname, glancing between her and the man as he leaves the store.“Who even is that guy?”

“They’ve been hooking up but then they actually started liking each other for more than the sex. Total K-drama material.”

“She did not need to know that!”

“If she can tell us about her love life, I can tell her about yours.”

“This is something entirely different! And what about you? Does she know that your little girlfriend calls you Shinnie now?”

You can’t hold back your laughter. “Pfft– Shinnie!? You guys are so corny!”

“Don’t you call your boyfriend ‘Seob’?” Shin-Il retorts. “Okay, but that’s just his name shortened. At least she didn’t add or double anything to it.” Mun-Hee reasons, receiving an eye roll from her coworker.

“I can’t believe we’re all in relationships now.” She adds. “I can’t believe you’re in a relationship! You’re so grouchy all the time, it’s hard to believe anyone would love that. You too, Y/N! You’re only 18 and you already kissed someone.”

“You still haven’t kissed anyone at your old age?!” You exclaim.

Mun-Hee sighs. “Can you tell it’s been rough without you here?”

“Definitely.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“So does my dad approve?”

You ask as Jongseob enters your bedroom, shutting the door gently before sitting across from you on your bed. “Of course he approved, I’m Kim Jongseob.”

Your dad had to go on another trip, which was prolonged, right after his first one due to a promotion offer that was promised if he continued to work efficiently overseas for a little longer. He got the promotion. He didn’t come back until mid-2021, and you didn’t tell him about your little relationship until today.

“I bet he’s pissed at me. I swore I meant to tell him, I just forgot.”

“He isn’t. He’s just… very surprised.”

“Understandable. I may or may not have rambled to him about you.”

“Did you say anything embarrassing?”

“No.”

“Then what did you say?”

“He asked me what I loved about you. It’s a long list.”

“We have time.”

He chuckles. “Okay, well, I said I love that you’re such a hard worker, and how devoted you are to anything that you do, how you never settle for less. How there’s a sparkle in your eye only I’m able to see when you get excited. How beautiful you are when you’re at your happiest, when you’re doing something that brings you comfort. Should I keep going?”

You’re too flustered to answer his question. “What did he say?”

“‘When’s the wedding?’”

You hit him playfully, hiding your face in the side of his arm, embarrassed that your face was so warm from something so simple. “You really noticed all of those little things?”

“Of course I did, you’re my girlfriend.”

You wanted to kiss him so bad in that moment, being interrupted by your mom barging in the room. She simply stares at both of you. “You’re nearly 19, I expect you to know what we don’t wanna hear in this house.” She closes the door, Jongseob getting up to lock it this time.

“My mom’s gonna get so suspicious next time she tries to open the door.”

“Valid. But we know our boundaries, don’t we?”

You fulfill what you imagined in your head, kissing him briefly and pulling away when you feel his hand tuck a strand of your hair behind your ear.

“Wanna know something?” He mutters.

“What?”

“I don’t think I could ever love someone else the same way I love you.”

“Is that so?”

“Honey, I admire you. You’re amazing.”

“Speak for yourself, mister. So talented and famous for it. I think we’ve been keeping these words bottled up for years when we were just friends.”

“Mhm. There’s so much more I wanna say.”

“We have time.”

“It’ll take all week.”

“I have all the time in the world when I’m with you.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🐺: guys where is jongseob

🐶: is he not at y/n’s house??

🐺: we have a shoot tomorrow why is he at y/n’s house

🐿️: the shoot is next week are u dumb

🐺: damn bro mb

☀️: they’re gonna get married someday i just know it

🍟: he wanted her ring size (о´∀`о)

🐺: why is he there anyway??

☀️: he went to meet her dad

🐿️: OKAY JONGSEOB I SEE U MEETING THE FAMILY

🐯: are you guys talking bad about me

🐶: nah we’re just thinking about what kind of ring ur gonna get her

🐯: im still 18 calm down 💀 y/n’s dad said the same thing

☀️: even mr. l/n agrees

🍟: how is y/n?

🐯: she’s good, i actually might stay over tonight

🐺: WHAT

🐶: on a weekday is crazy

☀️: why arent u coming home?

🐯: she fell asleep on me i dont wanna wake her up

🐿️: do you have clothes?

🐯: 👍

🐶: bro is prepared he predicted this

🍟: say hi to her for me!!!!

🐯: alr goodnight guys im lowkey tired

🐺: jongseob sleeping early? thats new

🐯: i hope you have nightmares

and if you’re fadin’, then honey i’ll be fadin’ too. darling, i don’t even know who i am without you. 🎧

[adachimoe]

summary of the persona 4 anime sound drama "perfect delivery"

I cheated and skimped on details on the earlier tracks cause this is an hour long and tracks 1-3 are setup to get Yu into the situation he finds himself in on track 4 which is where it really begins.

I put it under a read more cause this is loooooooooong.

Tracks 1-3

Margaret turns into a wine aunt in the Velvet Room and accidentally admits she spilled wine on the Persona compendium. After a talk about making the hypothetical Glasses Arcana, she realizes that she's hungry and considers ordering delivery to the Velvet Room.

Meanwhile, Yu and Nanako make a bunch of croquettes to take to a picnic near the Samegawa with the rest of the Investigation Team. At the picnic, they find that they're the only ones who actually made any food. Yu asks where everyone else's stuff is. Chie says, "Any second now..." and right on cue, Aika shows up to deliver everyone's meat bowls from Aiya. Aika overhears that Yu made croquette and is curious about him being able to cook. Chie is surprised she's still there and it turns out none of these dorks have paid yet lol.

After Aika leaves, Rise takes note of Aika's interest in Yu's cooking, as if she has yet another competitor for Yu. Chie and Yukiko start talking about how neither of them really remember Aika from 1st year of school or remember if she was in their class. Later, when Yu comes home, he finds a letter from Aika asking him to come by Aiya, and it includes 10 vouchers for free meat bowls.

Track 4

Yu shows up at Aiya as requested and finds out that Aika kiiinda bamboozled him. She told her dad that she had a friend at school who could come and help work in the kitchen at Aiya while her mother's back is broken. Before Yu can clear up the misunderstanding, her father starts going on about how he didn't think Aika had friends and that she might get bullied, so he's super relieved that she has a good friend like Yu. Aika comes back from making her deliveries during this and goes to work in the kitchen.

Yu gives up on trying to explain anything to her dad and goes to help Aika (his first task: getting grease/oil off of a pan, good luck). He begins asking her about her dad being Chinese because of how he talks (Kyowago) but Aika tells him that no one there is actually Chinese and Yu has this moment of clarity where he's like "oh ok yeah". Aika has no idea why Yu is actually staying and helping, and thinks he's a weirdo when he replies with his usual "I am helping you because you need help"-esque speech.

Following Yu starting to work at Aiya, he sees Aika at school. He turns down invites to go out with Yosuke and Rise, then Aika shows up and calls him Narukami-san. He thinks that sounds too formal like he's a customer at the restaurant so she instead begins calling him Narukami-kun, and Rise loses her mind.

Track 5 ADACHI ALERT I REPEAT ADACHI ALERT BEEP BEEP WAKE THE FUCK UP

At Junes, Adachi is being held by security (I assume...? this person isn't really identified or given a name or title, but contextually...) cause he's been suspected of being a shoplifter lol. Namely, Adachi was moving around all suspiciously inside of the store. Adachi insists this is all a big misunderstanding - there seems to have been a lot of shoplifting lately at Junes, and he is just, y'know, being cautious and whatnot, and patrolling. A-At Junes. (Adachi is totally slacking off at Junes but this actually turns into something later lol)

Regardless, security finds him to be the most suspicious ass person at Junes, and despite Adachi saying "I'm a cop!", he conveniently forgot his police ID which just makes him look even more suspicious. Dojima then shows up and bails Adachi out, bringing Adachi's police ID for him. He apologizes to the security person -- who of course is in disbelief that Adachi is actually a cop lol -- about whatever bullshit Adachi has done and drags him out of the room they're in, to the main area of Junes. Dojima scolds him, and questions if Adachi reaaaaaaally saw someone suspicious in Junes. Adachi claims that why yes of course duh obviously there was. Junes will be safe for Nanako and Yu and blah blah.

Just then, Aika shows up with a delivery for Adachi. Dojima can't get over the fact that she's delivering to the middle of Junes. Adachi calls him old-fashion and explains that deliveries can be made anywhere~! Aika gets out a pork cutlet + egg bowl for Adachi, and Dojima asks why he ordered that. Adachi explains that being questioned put him in the mood for some, and Dojima is like... "u know, normally, detectives aren't the ones being questioned..........", and Adachi tells him to chill. Adachi asks if Aika brought the other thing too, which turns out to be a heaping side order of cabbage.

(This whole bit is a reference to an old 1960s-ish era detective TV drama trope where a suspect would confess to whatever they've done after being fed a bowl of pork cutlet. Ofc this is also >>implying something since Adachi is the real murderer and all, but generally speaking, I feel like pork cutlet is commonly served with cabbage?, so it goes with his character anyway. I think it's worth mentioning that the "hinting about Adachi being the murderer" thing was also in the other anime drama, May Fool, which has a part where Naoto tells a colleague, "I'm leaving for Inaba. The murderer there hasn't been caught yet", and then it immediately changes scenes to Adachi humming the Junes theme.)

Before she leaves, Aika says her usual, "Leave the empty bowls there" line, and Dojima - who is still in disbelief over all of this - asks where, exactly, you're supposed to leave the bowl. While Adachi eats, Dojima once more questions if he really saw a suspect or not. (Dojima's lines makes me think of Padme in that 4 panel Anakin and Padme meme...)

On the rest of track 5, Aika delivers to Daisuke and Kou, who are in the middle of running during practice, then goes back to the store. There's a very large order to deliver, and Aika can barely lift it, so her father suggests Yu deliver it instead. Aika gets kinda possessive over Yu taking her job. Yu compromises and suggests they deliver it together since he doesn't know the streets as well as her. On their way back, Yu asks Aika if she enjoys delivering. She tells him that ever since she started doing this, people have started calling her names like "Delivery Girl", and it makes her feel happy because she doesn't have anything else.

Track 6

Yu comes home and is greeted by Dojima and Nanako, who ordered from Aiya earlier. Dojima heard that Yu is working part time at Aiya and asks if he'll participate in the shopping district versus Junes relay race that takes place in 2 weeks. The neighborhood association asked Dojima to see if his nephew to do it since he's so athletic and whatnot. Yu agrees, saying the event is like, "Down with Junes".

At school, the group minus Chie and Yukiko eat lunch together, and Yu has brought chakinzushi which happens to be one of Rise's favorites. (In game, you can cook chakinzushi for lunch and it's one that'll give Rise bonus slink points.) Kanji heard about Yu joining in the relay, and Yu repeats the "Down with Junes!" mantra while shooting a dirty look at Yosuke lol. Kanji is in the relay cause his mom asked him. Rise's grandma also asked her to do it and she was originally going to say no, but knowing that Yu is running, she's going to say yes.

Yosuke is surprised at all of this cause he thought it would be an easy win for Junes if they only had to race a bunch of old dudes from the shopping district. Yosuke reveals that, gasp, he's the anchor leg runner for Junes, so Rise calls him an enemy spy and Yu begins muttering insults under his breath at him. After, Yukiko and Chie show up to lunch late cause they took Aika to the nurse's office after she injured herself during PE. They remark on how unexpectedly fast of a runner she is.

While working at Aiya, Aika tries to make a delivery with her injured leg, but her father tells her no. Eventually, Yu offers to give her a piggyback ride to the delivery destination so she can still "make" the delivery. Carrying her and the delivery box, he very quickly discovers how heavy meat bowls can get. Aika asks him why he's going this far for her. He has no idea, but he understands that this is really important to her.

Track 7

Teddie is helping(?) Yosuke, Kanji, Rise, and Yu train/exercise for the upcoming relay race. But instead of training, Yu is talking to Naoto about Aika. Naoto very quickly profiles her from what Yu has said about her and what Chie and Yukiko said about her on track 3. Before Aiya started doing deliveries in spring, Aika is someone who had no outstanding characteristics or qualities, thus no one really remembered her. But thanks to the deliveries, she has found her niche as the delivery girl, and she's serious about having "nothing" besides making deliveries. Teddie interrupts the Aika psychoanalysis by reminding Yu that he needs to train.

Naoki shows up and meets with the rest of the group as he is also on the shopping district team and is there to train with them. Yosuke talks about how recently, he feels like people in the shopping district have been looking at him funny, but he thinks it's his imagination / paranoia. Rise and Kanji tell him that, why no, you aren't imagining any of that. The neighborhood association is taking the race very seriously cause the shopping district has been on a decline for a while and has been losing in sales/profits to Junes. None of the shop owners can really do anything about that, but they *can* crush Junes in the relay race. (I appreciate the petty tbh.) Yu tells Yosuke that none of them hate him.......... even if he's the enemy. Yosuke decides that if the shopping district is taking this seriously, then Junes needs to up their game and take it seriously too.

Track 8

One week until the relay race, and Aika's leg has healed. The two are working together at Aiya, and Yu asks Aika about running in the relay race for the shopping district. Aika thinks about it, but before she can reply, her dad suddenly comes back and is very very excited about something. He's been thinking about moving and opening the restaurant elsewhere since the shopping district has been on a decline for a while now. He finally found a hidden gem of a location in a larger city and he's already put an advance down for the place. The new location is in a central area that will get lots of customers organically, thus they won't need to delivery anymore cause customers will come to them instead of having to go to them.

Since she won't need to deliver anymore, dad wants to improve Aika's skills in the kitchen so she can cook as fast as him to keep up with all of these new customers they're going to have. Aika tells her dad she feels unwell and excuses herself for the night. He tells her to rest up before she begins her training. Yu asks Aika again about the race, suggesting she makes a memory with everyone from the shopping district before she leaves. But Aika doesn't see the point of it and turns him down.

Track 9

The day of the race has come and tons of people are there to watch. Rise thinks it's cause soooo many people hate Junes, which she says while glancing at Yosuke. The shopping district team is Naoki, Rise, Kanji, Yu, and Daidara. Yosuke shows up with four "Secret Weapons" on the Junes team - Ai, Kou, Daisuke. Rise accuses Yosuke of cheating / having ringers since it's supposed to strictly be people associated with Junes and shopping district. But dohoho, Yosuke oh so conveniently and veeeeery recently got all of them part time jobs working in the food court. HmmmMM funny how that works out.

Ai starts complaining about having to work and having to run. Kou thinks doing stuff like this is okay once and a while, and tells Ai that she's in great shape and she looks like she's a good runner. Cause of Ai's complaining, Daisuke says he'll just run her leg for her, but due to Kou, Ai suddenly most certainly 100% definitely wants to participate now. Neither Kou nor Daisuke understand her sudden change of heart. The last member of Yosuke's team is Hanako, who's staff meals were more costly than her paycheck. Hanako justifies this as needing proper nutrition to maintain her legs so she can gallop like an antelope.

Chie and Yukiko show up and deliver the bad news: Daidara, the anchor leg runner for the shopping district, made so much art yesterday that he hurt his back and there's no way he can run today. The shopping district team suddenly finds themselves down a person. Chie offers to take his place, but it has to be someone associated with the shopping district. Yu thinks of Aika, and runs off to call her.

Track 10

Yu asks Aika to come and fill in at the relay. Aika refuses again, saying that she's nothing without deliveries. Yu tells her that doesn't matter: they don't need her to have something, they just need her. Yu has to go due to the race starting, but Aika reacts to the idea that she - as a person - is needed.

The race goes as follows:

Naoki vs Hanako: Naoki remarks on how Hanako is waaay faster than he'd think, but he ultimately pulls ahead of her and wins the 1st leg

Rise vs Ai: Teddie hijacks the sound system and starts playing True Story to support Rise. Rise claims to have superior stamina due to her idol training. Chie cheers on Ai even though she's the enemy. This pisses off Ai and she pulls ahead of Rise.

Kanji vs Kou: Yukiko suggests Naoto cheer on Kanji, so she very mildly and oh so meekly says, "G-Go, Ta-Tatsumi-k-kun". This causes Kanji to mentally turn into a Victorian schoolboy seeing a bare ankle for the first time, and he noticeably starts to slow down. Chie sees this and yells at him to focus up. Yukiko assumes that Naoto needs to support him more since Kanji started slowing down, so she encourages Naoto to this time wave at Kanji. Naoto does so, and Kanji collapses.

Yu vs Daisuke: Yu starts running late since Kanji fell but he starts gaining on Daisuke. Nanako cheers him on, and she's so cute that everyone around her also starts cheering for her big bro. Like, "C'mon big bro don't make this little girl cry". But even if Yu makes it, the shopping district has no anchor leg runner. Before Daisuke hands off to Yosuke, Chie BMs Yosuke and yells, "HEY HANAMURA! FALL OVER!" and people around her start laughing at him. As Yu approaches the hand off point, Aika finally shows up, and takes over running as the anchor leg.

Aika vs Yosuke: Even though Yosuke got a head start on her, Aika runs fast and starts gaining on Yosu--

ADACHI ALERT BEEP BEEP. Just then, Nanako and the other girls see Dojima and Adachi chasing someone down. Adachi very un-ethusiastically yells "Hold itttt" while running, then curses his poor luck that he should actually find a shoplifter while "patrolling". Dojima yells at Adachi that the shoplifter ran somewhere near / towards Adachi (yo this is hard w/o visual lol), and Adachi seemingly tackles/corners the guy, causing the shoplifter to fall over. Adachi is amazed that he was actually able to catch the guy, but acts big to Dojima, saying "well yeah ha ha of course I can do that much ha ha".

However, when the suspect collapsed, the stuff he stole had gotten dumped onto the ground all at once, and you hear the sound effects of stuff he had stolen falling out of bags and rolling around. Yosuke is heard derping around before falling due to some cans and other stuff. After, he asks why the hell there was a cabbage rolling around.

With Yosuke taken out, Yu encourages Aika to finish it, and she finishes the race, winning it for the central shopping district team. Everyone congratulates her and thinks she was amazing.

Track 11

In the aftermath, Yosuke mentions he got kinda scared there. Chie is like, "Hey it was fun, so, alls well that ends well :)" and Yosuke reminds her that she screamed at him to fall lol. Naoto comments about this being a form of kotodama. (I guess a more natural way to say this is like, Chie tells Yosuke, "Hey Hanamura, I hope you fall", then Yosuke later accuses Chie of jinxing him.)

Yukiko and Rise bring up that Aiya's relocation fell through through, and that Aika's dad likely fell for some kind of scam. Naoto comments that the land also got short sold, so there's a very small chance he'll even get his advance payment back. Due to this, Aika will have to work extra hard on her deliveries. Chie says, "Any second now…" and right on cue, Aika shows up to deliver everyone's meat bowls from Aiya, and she thanks the group for their continued patronage.

the enddd

[bqstqnbruin]

Just Friends - Part 7

Happy Friday before Christmas and Hanukkah to those who celebrate!

Read the previous part here!

Warnings: hahahahahaha (and swearing)

WC: 3305

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“What are you doing this weekend?” Javier bursts into Emeline’s classroom, causing her to nearly drop the beakers she was trying to put away. 

The last period of the week had just let out, the teachers trapped in the building until their contract hours were up even though the only thing they wanted was to go home. She needed something to do, and what better task than cleaning her lab in a futile attempt to make her next week that much easier for herself?

Thanksgiving had just passed, leading the students to be more feral than normal for who knows what reason, their energy unfortunately renewed after their long break, the teachers more agitated than normal because of the students, and admin more oblivious to all of this than normal because that’s what they did best at times like these. 

“Hibernating,” Emeline deadpans, looking around her classroom. Her energy was depleting fast, the motivation to clean already gone.

Javier laughs. “Nothing fun planned?” 

Emeline shakes her head, walking back over to her desk to start to pack up her bag. “After this week? Do you know how much glassware my kids broke?”

“Over or under a thousand dollars?”

Emeline thinks for a second. “I would love to believe it’s under,” she groans, sitting down at her desk. “Do we think Anderson would approve it if I bought more beakers?”

The two exchange a look before both saying, “No.”

“I’ll buy them for you,” he tells her, taking out his phone. But, come on, you can’t be doing nothing this weekend. Fran and Maddy have nothing planned?”

“Fran I think is already on her way home to see her brother for something and Maddy is probably going to be out with John all weekend that he’s not doing his own job. Plus, I one hundred percent have a hot date.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, my bed and the fictional men in the books that I read are going to be very happy together.”

Javier opens and closes his mouth while he tries to find the words. “Sometimes it’s better to lie to people.” 

“Lying involves way more energy than I have. Anyway, why do you care? You’ve never asked me about my weekend plans.”

“That’s not true.”

“What did I do last weekend?”

Javier stares at her for a second, the smirk on Emeline’s face growing because she knew she was right. “Whatever. You probably did the same thing you’re planning on doing this weekend, apparently. There’s a new place in the city that I want to try and no one else wants to go with me.”

“So?”

“Do you want to go?”

“I love being the last choice. It’s every girl's dream.”

“I’ll pay.”

“I love getting free food, it’s every girl’s dream,” she said, in the same sarcastic tone as before despite the fact that she meant it this time. She looked around her classroom, the chairs in disarray and her back lab counters covered in things she should have put away earlier in the week. “God, I really should put all this stuff away, first.”

Javier looks to the back of her classroom. “It’s a Monday problem now, come on.” 

“Hey, there’s an arm in this sleeve,” Emeline protests as Javier grabs her by the coat, dragging her along to the T stop right near their school. This seemed suspicious, given that he was putting her on the red line to go out to what she for some reason assumed was a dinner despite the fact that it was barely four pm. “Are we going for a senior citizen discount here?”

“It gets really busy, really fast,” Javier claims, not looking up from his phone. He was getting text after text from a bunch of different unsaved numbers, Emeline knowing he would never not save it once he knew who it was. But why was he smiling? “Even if we get there at 4:30 like Maps is saying we will, we’re going to have to wait at least an hour and a half or longer before we can sit.”

“Reservations aren’t a thing?” she asks dryly. The last thing she wanted to do after a long week was wait a long time to get food. Lunch was at eleven am, dinner time was supposed to start right when she got home, which seemed to be getting later and later as the semester wore on.

“They don’t take them, and I didn’t even know you would say yes if I wanted to put our names in.”

Emeline laughs. “See, that’s where you’re different from everyone else in my life. They would just put our names down and then use that as a reason why we would have to go, no choice given.” 

“Even Jeremy is like that?”

Emeline looks at him, Javier still glued to his phone and whatever looked to be a group chat that was going off on his screen. Was Jeremy like that? “Jeremy would have asked me two weeks in advance and then confirmed three times day of to make sure I still wanted to go. He wouldn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to.” She wasn’t even sure if that was true. But it seemed like it would be. 

“Look at you blushing,” Javier teases her, Emeline not even realizing the heat in her face was visible to him. “So you’re not still seeing that Kaylen guy?”

“Um, no actually, I’m not,” she tells him, not even bothering to correct him. “After seven years, we’re not together anymore.” 

Javier’s face drops. “Oh, Em, I’m sorry.”

Emeline shrugs, like the last seven years she had been with him were nothing, like she was trying to tell herself, it was just a blip in her own timeline. “It’s fine. It happened last week. I haven’t even told Fran and Maddy yet.”

“Well that explains it.” 

“Explains what?”

“You’ve been off all week.”

Emeline thinks back, trying to figure out if he was right. She didn’t have time to show emotion in her classroom; everything was about the students. If she was having a bad day, she had to pretend like she wasn’t because her students needed her to not have a bad day. She had to go on like everything was normal, like she hadn’t just ended something with someone who was in her life when it felt like it all came crashing down. She went on like she always did. “I have not.”

“You made the girls run four miles as a cool down yesterday.”

“They have to run between three and five every game.” 

“We’re not even in season.” 

“So I pushed them a little harder, that doesn’t mean I’ve been off.” 

“They were in full gear.”

“And?”

“You ran with them.” 

“I was setting an example as their coach. If I can’t do it, how do I expect them to do it?”

“Why haven’t you told Fran and Maddy?” Javier asks, giving up as he drags her into the train she didn’t even realize had pulled up in front of them. They managed to find two seats, their bags in their laps as people squished in all around them. “You tell them everything.”

“It happened while we were up in Vermont and then they left for Thanksgiving.” 

“And you didn’t have time to tell them in the last week?”

“I would get home and just go to bed.” 

“That’s what happens when you run four miles as a cool down,” Javier teases, nudging her shoulder with his. “You’re worried about something. You would have told them if you weren’t afraid.”

Emeline glares at him. “What are you talking about?” 

Javier laughs, looking back down at his phone, the unknown numbers in the group chat sending message after message. “You would have told them if you weren’t afraid,” he repeats. “You aren’t afraid of what they’ll do to him, because I know you don’t have it in you to care because I know they’ll threaten to kill him but they’ll never actually go through with it because neither of them could survive in jail. You’re afraid they’re going to bring up you liking Jeremy as the reason why you broke up with him, whether it’s true or not.”

“It’s not true.”

“You can tell me that, but did you fight to stay with Kenny? Did you fight him when you broke up? Because I know you well enough to know that you wouldn’t have initiated it if it meant that it was going to hurt him.” 

Emeline stares at her bag, noticing every out of place piece of thread on the Vera Bradley bag her grandmother bought her when she started at Boston College. The bag was old by fashion standards, looking like it had taken a beating the last how many years she had owned it. The straps were ripping, the zipper was close to its last leg. The fabric on the bottom of the bag had worn away from it constantly being kicked out of the way by either a student or herself when they needed to come ask her something at her desk. It was one of the last things her grandmother gave her. “Keelan broke up with me. But I didn’t fight him. I just told him I didn’t care anymore.” 

“Well, forget about him,” Javier says, getting up and dragging her yet again towards this unknown restaurant he never told her the name of. The cold air outside hit her face much harder than she expected, the chill of November turning into December somehow catching her off guard despite being from Massachusetts. “We’re going to have fun tonight. So much fun, in fact, that the name Cameron will be the last thing from your mind.”

Emeline finally lets out a laugh. “Well, considering that wasn’t his name, it shouldn’t be that hard.” Javier leads her down the street, a part of Boston that Emeline barely ever went to. She was sure that the Garden was somewhere close to them, practically forcing her mind to wander to Jeremy. 

Jeremy is the same as Keelan was when they first got together. The difference was that Jeremy hasn’t stopped acting like he cares for Emeline, like she lit up the room for him whenever she was around. Jeremy was the one to check on her no matter what, he was the one who could tell when she was feeling off for one reason or another, he was the one who knew and could anticipate everything about her. He definitely was falling in love with her. She could see it in everything he did.

Keelan hadn’t acted like that since they got together.  

“Can I ask you something, and promise you won’t get mad?” Javier asks, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“We both know if you have to say that then I will definitely be getting mad at you.” 

“Did you really love Kingston? More than you love Jeremy?”

“Woah, wait,” Emeline stops, Javier nearly falling over at the sudden change in momentum. “I never said I love Jeremy.” 

“Emeline,” Javier lets out, shaking his head. “You light up whenever someone mentions his name. Your students have been talking about how much you talk about hockey now in your class, way more than you ever talked about lacrosse despite the fact that you told me that was what helped you get through college and high school. Your phone background for the last month has been a picture of the two of you sitting on a couch together, mid-laugh, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t look at someone I don’t love the way you are looking at each other.” 

Emeline looks down at her feet, pulling her bag close to her body. “I did love Keelan. I think I loved him until I met Jeremy.” She could feel her face getting hot despite the wind hitting it, sniffling and finally letting the tears that had been stinging her eyes fall down her cheeks. What if she was just miss reading things with Jeremy? What if he wasn’t falling in love with her? “What if I messed everything up with Keelan for a guy who won’t ever love me back?” 

“If he knows what’s good for him, he probably loved you the moment he saw you.” The two of them just stand on the sidewalk for a moment, ignoring the snides of the people who were dodging them. “Do you still want to go to this tonight?”

She shakes her head, trying her best to blink away the hot that she knew were about to fall if she dwelled on this any more.. “We can go. I think it’ll be good. Take my mind off whatever Inferno-like journey is about to go on.”

Javier gives a hesitant laugh with her. “You should have been an English teacher.”

“Have you seen me try to write an essay?”

Javier takes her hand again, leading her down the street. What would happen if she and Jeremy had started dating? She had insisted for so long that the feelings she had for him were friendly at best, nothing more. But they weren’t. She wasn’t sure they ever were.

“We’re here.” Javier stops so abruptly, Emeline nearly knocks him off his feet. There were no signs anywhere, just a building.

“Is this where you take your murder victims or something? This isn’t a restaurant.” 

“Stop reading murder mystery books,” Javier laughs, pulling her inside. 

Javier leads her up a set of stairs, the entire inside of the building pitch black. He opens a door, leading her into a room, which is again, pitch black. Emeline couldn’t even see her hands in front of her face if she tried. “If you kill me, I’m going to come back and haunt you.”

“I wouldn’t put it past you, Em,” she hears, not Javier’s voice. 

Before she could say anything, the lights turn on, what sounded like a hundred voices yelling, ‘Surprise’ at her. Emeline gasps, her hands flying to cover her mouth. “What the hell?”

Fran, Maddy, and Johnny stand in front of a crowd of her friends; people from high school who she hadn’t seen in years, classmates from college, her teammates, guys from the men’s team, various other random people that she swore she knew from years past that Fran and Maddy had kept in touch with, Johnny and Jeremy’s teammates and their partners they just met last week. 

“What is this?” she says, Javier hugging her from behind.

“Happy birthday.”

“I’m offended that you thought we would kill you here of all places,” Fran says, her and Maddy squeezing her tight for a hug as Javier takes her work bag from her. 

“If anything, we would do it where no one would find you until you started to smell.” 

“I’ve never had a surprise party,” Emeline says, looking at everything in awe. The space was lit up with fairy lights strung up everywhere, clear balloons filled with confetti in various shades of green, her favorite color, floating everywhere. There was a ‘Happy 25th Birthday Emeline,’ sign in the back, with an easel that said ‘Leave your favorite memory with Em’ on the table right below it, already covered with things from all her friends that were there. The food tables were off to the side, the walls decorated with pictures of her and her friends. She could make out pictures with her dad and grandmother from when she was little, pictures of her, Fran and Maddy when they first met at their summer camp before starting as freshmen, the picture of her and Jeremy that was the aforementioned lock screen on her phone. “Did you guys do all this?”

Fran, Javier, and Maddy all shake their heads. “We just did the guest list,” Maddy admits, “And Javier was in charge of getting you here from work.”

Emeline shakes her head, confused. “Then who did all this?” The only other person who knew she never had a surprise party was Keelan. It couldn’t have been him. He wouldn’t break up with her and throw her a party a week later, would he? 

“I did,” she hears, watching Jeremy come out from the crowd of people in front of her. She should be cringing at how dramatic and corny it was of him to do that, but she felt her heart race instead. Of course, he would do this for her. “Happy birthday, Emeline.”

“To our friend Emeline,” Johnny yells, Emeline not even noticing that everyone had glasses passed out to them while she was lost looking at Jeremy. She could feel her heart starting to race just looking at him, barely caring that everyone who meant something to her was staring at her. 

Everyone raises their glasses, one of her own finding its way to her hands without her looking away from Jeremy. 

“To Emeline.” 

Everyone floods her before she can process what was going on, wishing her happy birthday and trying to get in a minimal conversation with her as Fran, Maddy, Javier, and Johnny didn’t leave her side. The entire time, she focused on Jeremy standing off to the side, swirling his drink in his glass while he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. 

The party finally officially starts, the music loud, her friends dancing, eating, and laughing. Emeline finally goes over to Jeremy, taking his hand and dragging him out to the hallway she had come in from. 

“You did this?”

Jeremy looks down at his feet, his cheeks turning red. “Of course.”

“But, why?” Emeline lets out, feeling her heart race. 

“Emeline, you know I would do anything for you.” Emeline could feel her heart swell. God, she did have feelings for him. Fran and Javier might be right that she was in love with him. She wanted to love him. She just didn’t know if she did; her feelings for him were different than what she felt for Keelan. She felt better about Jeremy. She felt safer with him around, more at ease. She wanted to see him whenever she could, wanted to talk to him to hear his voice. 

She wanted to kiss him right there. She stepped closer to him, Jeremy reaching out to take her hand in his. Emeline starts to lean forward, her mind not registering Jeremy doing the same because her heart was beating so loud that even she was sure he could hear it. He had to want to kiss her, too, right?

“Em,” Fran interrupts, Emeline disconnecting from Jeremy and nearly jumping into the wall behind her. “Come back here!” 

Jeremy lets out a nervous laugh, looking back down at his feet. “Let’s go. It’s your party, you should be in there.”

Emeline takes his hand back in hers, feeling him give her a gentle squeeze. They walk back in, Jeremy leading her. He stops, dropping her hand immediately, Emeline moving around him to see why he stopped.

Her heart dropped. 

“Keelan?” Emeline walks up to him, not expecting to see him, but not wanting to either. “What are you doing here? How did you know about this?”

“Fran and Maddy invited me.” Emeline looks over at her roommates, their confused looks reminding her that they had no idea what happened the week before. “I had to come to my girlfriend's birthday.” 

“Can we go talk somewhere else?” Emeline whispers. 

“In a bit. First, I have to do this, especially in front of all our friends.” Keelan reaches into his pocket, getting down on one knee and making Emeline feel like she was about to vomit at the thought that he was friends with people in this room too and what she was sure he was about to do. “Emeline Odette Pritchard, will you marry me?” 

[wolfjackle-creates]

Ghost!Robin Part 12

My job ended so now I'm only part time employed. And I'm on vacation! So you get this chapter early in the day because I have plans later tonight. I think I'll have something to post next week, but I'm not sure. I'll be pretty busy this week, but the people I'm staying with do have work and school and stuff, so I should have time while they're doing that. Idk.

Story Summary: Danny was invited to dinner at Wayne Manor to meet Jazz's boyfriend and his family for the first time. He worked hard to make sure no ghost business would interrupt the evening. But when he arrived, all he could focus on was the ghost of the dead Robin that seemed to haunt Jason. Looks like he was breaking his promise.

First, Previous

Word Count: 1.2k

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Danny just blinked at him in confusion. “Who else was there? My accident is what activated the portal and started letting ghosts through. My fault, my responsibility. And since I became half ghost, I had the powers necessary to fix it. My parents were incompetent at best. I just did what had to be done. ”

Bruce’s eyes narrowed. “If your parents were so incompetent, who trained you? Who helped you?”

“I mean, at first it was just Sam, Tucker, and I. They were present for my accident and helped me figure out my powers. Jazz figured it out a few months later and covered for me until she eventually revealed she already knew and then started helping more actively. And eventually I made a bunch of allies in the Realms and they started teaching me. I’m learning sword fighting from the Fright Knight and Pandora, diplomacy from Queen Dorathea, medicine from my doctor, and so many more things. It’s why I’m not worried about getting a GED. I’m so swamped with lessons and responsibilities that I just don’t have the time right now. Even if my grandfather is the master of time.”

Surprisingly, it was Alfred who asked the next question. “Do you ever have time to rest?”

Danny grinned. “Absolutely. When it all gets to be too much, I call up my partners or little sister and run away for a bit. My council then pretends I’m harder to find than I am. Or I’ll fight them off if I’m not ready to go back yet. I won my title through trial of combat, after all. No one can beat me.”

Jazz pouted at him. “You could call me up more often for those escapades, you know.”

Danny laughed. “Call up Ms. Responsibility to help me shirk? Nah, you’re where I go when I need to focus and can’t do it anymore.”

She smiled at him. “I suppose I can settle for that.”

Damian tilted his head. “We have conducted extensive background checks on Jasmine after her relationship with Todd became known. You do not have a younger sister.”

“I do,” said Danny. “Her name is Dani-with-an-i and she’s either two years younger than me or fourteen depending on how you look at it.”

“You’ve been cloned?” Tim was staring at him, so shocked he’d even stopped typing.

“Dani doesn’t like being called my clone. She’s my sister and her own person.”

Tim shook his head. “No, sorry, I said that wrong. My best friend is a clone. Superboy.”

“Oh!” Danny grinned. “I get it. Dani would love an introduction if you think he’d be interested. Superboy was also created by a creepy billionaire who was obsessed with his template, right? They’d have so much in common.”

“Wait,” said Jason. “Vlad Masters actually cloned you? He’s not just some creepy rich dude but legit mad scientist?”

Jazz shrugged. “Supervillain more like. But we’ve got it mostly under control. Bruce, if he tries to set up a meeting with you between Wayne Enterprises and VladCo, let me know? He likes to overshadow his competitors and make them sign over their companies. It’s how he became mayor in Amity. But he won’t do anything if Danny or I are there.”

“Overshadow?” asked Bruce.

“Possession,” Tim answered for Danny. “Apparently it’s a basic ghost power.”

Bruce closed his eyes. “Of course it is.” Looking to Danny, he asked, “What else are basic ghost powers?”

“As I demonstrated earlier, flight—well, it’s more gravity nullification, but semantics—invisibility, intangibility. Then there’s ectoblasts—” he formed one in his hands and tossed it from hand to hand “—overshadowing. Um… and most ghosts have at least one extra power directly tied to their obsession. Like, Boxy, er ,the Box Ghost, has control over cardboard boxes. Lunch Lady has control over food. Things like that.” With a wave of his hands, he dissipated the ectoblast.

“And Vlad Masters has used these powers to win an election and steal other’s companies.”

“He also has the power of duplication. I’m working on it, but can only maintain two duplicates at a time and it takes a ton of concentration. Vlad can maintain dozens if not hundreds at once. And each duplicate can overshadow someone. It’s why he’s such a pain to fight.”

Jason raised his hand. “I’m sorry, can you back up for a sec. How long has Vlad had these powers?”

Jazz shrugged. “Since his university days with Jack and Maddie. There was an accident and Vlad got ghost powers like Danny.”

“Uh-huh.” Jason’s voice was tight and a slow spread of anger was filling the room. “And you first met him when you were a kid, right?”

“Yeah,” said Danny. “It was a few months after my accident, so I was fourteen.”

“Did he, a grown-ass man, start fighting you, a kid right from the beginning?”

“Look, it’s fine. He’s a fruitloop. I know that. He wanted to kill my dad and marry my mom and play father-son with me from the moment we met. And yeah, the fights were hard when I was a kid. But I’m way stronger than him now. He’s just got that one trick that is a bitch to account for. I’m fine. Have been fine. And now I’m old enough and disowned so my parents can’t even force me to spend time with him anymore.”

Robin face palmed at his last words and Danny threw his hands up in the air.

“What did I say this time? I’m fine!”

Bruce frowned. “I’m sorry the adults in your life have failed you so badly. I know you said you are receiving training from other mentors, but I do have extensive experience fighting with and against metas and will share my methods with you. Both you and your sister, excuse me, sisters are welcome here any time and I’ll make sure we have some rooms set aside for you anytime you’re on Earth and in New Jersey.”

Damian jumped to his feet, “Father!”

But before he could say more than that, Dick had rushed to his side and slapped a hand over his mouth and began whispering in his ear. Steph moved seats so the two brothers could sit next to each other.

Robin was grinning and pumping his fists in the air. He sent out welcome, family vibes towards Danny.

Emotions that were echoed by Jason who added a protect layer to them.

Duke let out a whoop. "I won't be the only meta around! Promise me you'll come by a lot."

Danny shook his head, but couldn’t stop the smile. “So, you’ve decided I’m not a threat, then?”

“Hn. It seems like you were a child, put into an impossible situation, failed by all the adults who should’ve protected you, and that you excelled anyway.”

Jason pointed his fork at Danny. “But don’t let him put you at ease. He will figure out ways to neutralize you if you end up going evil or get mind controlled. He does it to everyone, even Superman and Superman is his best friend.”

At that, Danny couldn’t help but laugh. “Good!”

Pulses of surprise came from both Robin and Jason.

“Look, I’ve faced both an evil future version of me and have had to deal with mind control.” He looked to Bruce and, serious now, said, “As soon as the Anti-Ecto Acts are repealed and the Guys in White disbanded, I will help you write those plans myself.”

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Next

The family is finally warming up to Danny and at least some of them want to bring them in! Damian is the least happy about it.

Tag List Part 1

@addie-lover-of-stories, @justwannabecat, @gin2212, @amercurio, @regonold, @overtherose, @readerzj, @sjrose1216, @echoednonny, @deeterzz, @blu-lilac, @number-one-jew, @rowanaway-fromthisbs, @vythika96, @tired-yet-awaken, @themirrorghost, @emeraldcorpral, @all-mights-asscheeks, @darkhinauniverse, @blep-23, @phandomhyperfixationblog, @larkcoe1, @thegatorsgoose, @job-ross-the-second, @britcision, @lenacraft, @bubblemixer, @androgynouslordofescapism, @purefrickingspite, @leftmiraclechaos, @lizisipancardo, @starlight-sparks, @miraculousandmore, @gildedphoenix, @sometimesthingsfallapart, @letmesayfuxk, @phoenixcatch7, @skulld3mort-1fan, @abaowo, @dhampir-princess, @idkmrpianoman, @sarina-elais, @ballzfrog-blog, @undead-essence, @spookytragedyshark, @flyingpansaurus, @akintoabitch, @marivictal, @8-29pm, @justreadingthefanfics, @happybear135, @kisatamao, @spoopyspoony, @adorablechaos, @sara0055, @screamingtofillthevoid

[eiraeths]

y’all know janitor from scrubs? he gives me ghost vibes. if y’all don’t know who janitor is just know this: he’s a pathological liar (but it’s over minor things for his own entertainment) and two he actively tries to make the main character of scrubs, JD, life harder over a small little incident. dude can hold a grudge.

anyway here’s a bunch of janitor quotes from scrubs except replacing it with ghost being janitor and soap is JD because it honestly made so much sense in my head. I also think a lot of dr cox quotes fit price or ghost so some of those too. actually price could also be dr kelso in a lot of this good lawd.

———

Ghost: [mouths] I'm going to kill you.

Soap: [silently] What?

Ghost: [gestures and mouths] I'm going to kill you.

Soap: Why?

Ghost: [shrugs]

———

Price: Look, you and I are alike in a lot of ways.

Ghost: We both harbor an internal struggle between the desire to do good, and the urge to become a master criminal.

Price: We don't.

Ghost: We do.

Price: You hate people, and I hate people. What nobody gets is that we never hate indiscriminately.

Ghost: That is so true. I only hate those that have wronged me. Like if they stole my stuff, or put a penny in a door. Or... that guy. See this look he shot us, like he's so much better than we are.

Price: Plus, he's only 25, and earlier I heard him use the phrase "Back in the day".

Ghost: Well, he's dug his own grave, hasn't he? Let's do this.

———

Soap: Did you lose something?

Ghost: No, why? Did you take something?

Soap: No.

Ghost: What'd you take?

Soap: Nothing.

Ghost: What'd you take?

———

[Soap walks out of the elevator as Ghost mops the floor]

Ghost : Hey!

Soap: What? I didn't say anything. I didn't do anything. What imaginary slight have you concocted in that paranoid brain of yours?

[Ghost looks down to the trail of muddy footprints trailing Soap]

Soap: [internally] Crap.

Soap: Well, shouldn't there be some sort of sign... Oh, look at that. Well, you should put it back down before someone slips and falls.

Ghost: Oh, is that what I should do? Good, because I make most decisions based on your opinion. You know what, I'm thinking of splitting up with the wife. Maybe you could mull that over, get back to me, maybe pow-wow. [a woman slips] Floor's wet, ma'am. Little help over here. Little help.

———

Gaz: Cap’n, what's our plan of attack?

Price: When I crush a person's spirit, I like to use a combination of intimidation and degradation.

Soap: I prefer to create an environment in which the subjects end up crushing themselves.

Price: Uh-huh.

Ghost: I like to pick one person and torment them relentlessly for no reason. If I could find them I'd show you.

[poor rookie of the day walks up behind Ghost and wisely decides to back away]

Ghost: He's near.

———

[Ghost sprays a window with blue cleaning fluid and wipes it. He then aims the spray in his mouth. Price takes a second look as he passes by.]

Ghost: I filled it with blue Gatorade. I just do that to freak people out.

Price: Scintillating

———

[As a boy plays with a toy car in his bed, he accidentally knocks over his juice carton]

A Boy: Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!

Gaz: Hey, it's okay.

A Boy: But now the Ghost Who Hates Spills is gonna come.

Gaz: Who?

Ghost: You're right, boy. He might come this very night. And as you know, that ghost's entire family was killed by a careless spill. Just like yours. Just like yours. Hmm.

———

Gaz: Oh, hi. Are we going out? What's with the jumpsuit?

Ghost: Okay, first of all if we're gonna make it, not a jumpsuit. Shirt, belt, pants.

Gaz: Oh. Ok.

Ghost: Secondly, I think it's time that you knew the real me. All right, here we go. I'm not like normal people. I don't have superpowers, but I'm working on it. For instance, watch me move this pen. [looks at pen, which doesn't move] It worked at home. I don't know. Maybe my table is slanted. Um, anyway, in my spare time, I also enjoy stuffing animals. Usually with other animals. For instance, a badger will hold five squirrels. A squirrel will hold most of a cat. A mouse will hold a shrew and a vole. You get the idea. Circle of life. I have broken the sound barrier, but you must never ask me how. I don't believe in the moon. I think it's just the back of the sun.

Price: Ha! I love a good train wreck.

Ghost: Furthermore, I think if you look closely a monkey-

Soap: Stop it, you. he doesn't know you're joking.

———

Ghost: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa whoa. Watch your step, there, Gaz.

Gaz: Thanks, Ghost.

Gaz: [internally] He is so sweet. But why doesn't he just put up a sign that says "wet floor"?

[Soap screams as he slides across the floor and crashes]

Ghost: Wet floor.

———

Soap: [gasps] Why do you have to jump out and scare me all the time?

Ghost: I don't jump out and scare you. I follow you around all day. I only got about an hour-and-a-half worth of work around here, and the rest of the time, I track you, like an animal.

Soap: You're kidding, right?

Ghost: [chuckles] I don't know. Am I?

———

Soap: Holy-

Ghost: [whispering] Calm down. I didn't mean to scare you.

Soap: [whispering] Why are we whispering?

Ghost: [whispering] I wanted to see if you would whisper because I whispered.

Soap: [whispering] I think I would.

———

Ghost: I convinced everybody in on base that's afraid of me to go outside and spell out the score of the game.

Price: Really?

Ghost: No, you idiot. I'm just gonna tell you the score of the game. Maybe knock your head against the glass.

Price: Look, I was way out of line telling you how that movie ended, but, God save me, watching sports is one of the last pure pleasures I have left in my life, so you tell me what's it gonna take for you to let me go home, sit in my massage chair, and enjoy the game?

Ghost: I would like to perform open heart surgery.

Price: No.

Ghost: How about you perform surgery on me so that I can breathe underwater?

Price: No.

Ghost: I would like a shark that read minds.

Price: No.

Ghost: You and I trade lives for a year.

Price: No.

Ghost: How about a home-cooked meal and an hour in your massage chair?

Price: Done.

Ghost: Done.

[Ghost walks over to the window and looks outside, where a large group of rookies have arranged themselves to spell out "98-97"]

Ghost: Hey, guys, it's off.

[He looks again and they have rearranged themselves to read "Why"]

Ghost: Wow! You guys are organised.

———

Ghost: Look, if I learnt one thing from my parents, it's this. The key to a good marriage is keeping your emotions bottled up until they finally explode and you have to lash out physically.

Soap: You mean, beat each other up?

Ghost: I mean beat yourself up. My mother once snapped her own index finger because my father was late for church. She dented the car, he threw himself down the stairs.

———

Gaz: Soap, you're not that self-destructive.

Ghost: Really? I was gonna suggest he seek professional help. Would you be interested in seeing a cognitive therapist? 'cause I know a guy, he's good. I'm going to give you his card, then I'm gonna bash your head in. I'll see you in the morning.

Soap: I'm in at 7.

Ghost: Wear a helmet.

———

okay that’s it

[naminethewriter]

Monstrously Simple Days at College

Chapter One: Welcome Back

Masterpost | Next | Ao3

Story Summary: Humans and Monsters live together in harmony and that means they all get to go to college together. Roman, Remus, Janus, Virgil, Logan and Patton are big group of friends that may be a bit chaotic with all the different monster cultures they hail from. College itself is hard too, but with them all supporting each other, it can't be that bad, can it?

Content Warnings: None

~~*~~

“Remus, you ass, come down right now! You’re not going to get yourself in trouble five seconds after coming back to campus!”

Roman shields her eyes as she looks up at her brother, shaking out her own wings after the long flight back to college. Their second year was going to begin in only a few days and Remus is not going to ruin her reunion with her partners by being a dick and breaking the flight regulations immediately upon coming back.

Thankfully, it seems to have gotten the message as she watches them divebomb back to the ground, aiming directly for her.

“Don’t you dare, you stinking rat!” she screeches and takes off the ground herself, if only a few inches for the better mobility and reaction time she has in the air. Remus stops her fall only a short distance away from her and grins, his sharp teeth glinting in the sun.

“Don’t get your panties in a twist, I wasn’t going to actually hit you. Too many witnesses.”

“Ha ha,” Roman deadpans, setting her feet back on the ground. “Let’s just go to the dorms so I can pretend I don’t know you.”

Remus snorts.

“Too late for that, I think everyone on campus who isn’t a first year knows us by now.”

Roman chooses to ignore its comment. She is well aware that last year a few different events happened that made both her and her brother, as well as their group of friends rather well known.

“C’mon.”

She sets off, entering the campus grounds through the huge main gate, Remus close on her heels.

“It’s such bullshit that we can’t just fly on campus. Who the hell decided it was a good idea to enforce no-flight-zones anyway?”

“It’s for privacy and community, which you would know if you had paid any attention during orientation last year. I don’t want any randos to fly up to my windows either, so I completely understand why they forbid it on campus entirely. That and those drone things. They’re creepy.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get why we’re not allowed to do it around the dorms, but we’re not at the dorms! We’re basically in a park!”

“Go ask your boyfriend, they know stuff like that!”

“My boyfriend isn’t here! And I can’t fly up to find him because of stupid regulations!”

“Too bad for you.”

Roman quickens her steps as her eyes lock onto the thing she’s been searching for after having spotted it during her landing earlier. A black parasol.

“Why the fuck are you in such a hurry?” Remus complains behind her, but she ignores them, instead weaving skillfully through the crowd to reach her partner.

“My dark and stormy thundercloud! Wait up!” she calls ahead and the parasol comes to a stop as the person holding it turns around. The vampire looks at them with tired, bright purple eyes. They yawn before answering.

“Hello prin—“ They cut themselves off, staring at the chains and jewels attached to Roman’s horns with a look of confusion. “—cess?” they finish, uncertain. It takes Roman a moment to figure out what happened.

“Oh! Yes, feminine day. Our uncle came by a few weeks after our birthday and gave me a bunch of horn-jewelry as a present. Apparently, grandma told him I was ‘developing an interest’ and he dug through his horde. He had no idea I was using them as pronoun indicators, but he said he knew a dragon a few centuries back that did the same thing! So, I seemed to have revived a trend without even knowing it!” Roman laughs and Virgil’s shoulders drop in relief.

“I see. I was really confused for a second ‘cause they didn’t trigger anything. And I felt bad assuming just because the jewels are pink that it’s for a feminine day.”

“I can’t deny that that’s part of why I choose it for feminine days, you’re good. I’ll have Logan cast the identifying spell on them as soon as possible so that you don’t get confused by the rest.” It is practical to have a witch for a friend, who can just enchant her jewelry so that people could tell what they indicated with only one look.

“Speaking of Logan, have you seen them yet?” Remus cuts in, suddenly leaning very close to Virgil’s face. Roman hadn’t seen it move and blinks in surprise, but Virgil doesn’t seem startled in any way and just pushes Remus away from them.

“No. I literally just got here myself.”

“An amateur mistake. I arrived here yesterday. It was a lot quieter then,” a smug voice comments to the right of them. Roman turns to see her other partner Janus standing a few feet away, smiling self-satisfactorily at the group.

“What a blessed day to have my eyes fall onto my partners so quickly!” Roman exclaims delightedly and pulls Janus in for a hug. He is more open to public displays of affection than Virgil, who prefers cuddles on the couch.

“Everyone who sees me should consider themselves blessed,” Janus jokes and Virgil rolls their eyes at him.

“Sure, keep telling yourself that, kitty.”

Janus playfully hisses at them and they hiss back, before Remus, again, suddenly inserts herself back into the conversation.

“If you’ve been here a while, have you seen Logan yet?” he asks again, pouting.

“Maybe,” Janus grins. “I won’t tell you for free.”

“No riddles already!” Roman groans. “At least wait a few hours until you try to start your games.”

“I’m a sphynx, Roman. It’s what I do.”

“Yeah, but I’m tired from the flight and I wanna spend some time with my partners. Without my brother. I’ve seen it enough all summer,” she whines.

“I don’t wanna see your face anymore either,” Remus bites back.

“Aren’t you rooming together again?” Virgil asks and both dragons glare at them. They scoff but don’t comment further. As an only child, they never got their ‘brotherly bond’, and they had learned not to question it.

“Anyway!” Remus declares loudly. “I just wanna know where my—” It stops speaking mid-sentence, their head snapping to the side at a concerning angle and her nose twitching. He stands still for two seconds before suddenly sprinting into the crowd of students around them. The other three look after him in confusion.

“Ah,” Virgil says after a moment. “I think I see the tip of Logan’s hat.”

“Like a loyal puppy running after their owner,” Janus huffs and Roman elbows him lightly in the side.

“That’s not something you can make fun of her for. He hasn’t seen Logan almost the entire break, I would’ve been a mess if I hadn’t been able to see either of you for that long.”

Janus raises his hands in defeat.

“Fine. I won’t comment further.”

“Thank you,” Roman smiles and presses a kiss against his cheek. Janus turns his head away to hide his blush, causing Virgil to snort. Before Janus could retaliate however, a new voice carries over to them.

“Hey, kiddos!”

Looking towards the direction of the gate, they could see a pair of blonde ears peak out from between the sea of students and moments later, Patton has made his way over to them.

“It’s so good to see everyone!” he laughs, his tail wagging excitedly. “I missed you all so much!”

“Pat, I saw you last week,” Virgil comments, a fond expression on their face.

“Exactly! A whole week without seeing any of my kiddos is a long time!”

“Well, we’re all together now, padre. And we have a whole semester to have new adventures together!” Roman laughs and pulls him into a hug he gladly accepts.

“I’m looking forward to it! But where’s Lo and Remus? You said everyone’s here, but I don’t see them.”

“Oh, they’re over there somewhere,” Roman points behind her to where Remus had disappeared minutes earlier. “I think they need a moment alone since they haven’t seen each other in a while.”

“I see. Yeah, Logan had a lot of rituals and such to attend, right? I haven’t been able to meet up with them either.”

“I think he said something about planet alignments at the end of the semester and that’s why his coven had a lot of stuff going on,” Virgil adds.

“The positions of the planets do subtly influence the energy of the cosmos at all times, so I’m not surprised that a certain combination of placements would cause a bunch of witches to have a month-long spell fest,” Janus nods as well.

“Thank you for your contribution, oh wise one,” Virgil teases and Janus, seemingly having had enough from their continues comments, walks over to them and simply gives them a quick kiss. As he pulls away, Virgil’s cheeks have a purple tint, showing their embarrassment.

“You’re not the only one who can tease people, darling,” Janus purrs. Virgil half-heartedly hisses at him before hiding their face in the high collar of their cloak. Thankfully for them, Janus doesn’t get a chance to continue his teasing as Logan finally appears out of the crowd. Remus is with them, its arms wrapped around their midsection and firmly pressed to their back. It doesn’t look like they are willing to let go any time soon.

“Salutations everyone. I hope you all had a restful break.”

“Logan!” Patton exclaims happily and moves towards him for a hug but Roman quickly grabs his arm to stop him in the same moment that Remus lets out a growl from his position behind Logan and a small flame shoots out of her mouth.

“It would be best not to get too close to them at the moment, padre,” Roman advises, her hand patting his back in reassurance so that his ears don’t remain pressed to his head. “Remus is probably going to be a bit territorial with Logan for at least the next few hours since they haven’t seen each other in so long.”

Patton looks confused for a moment longer before his expression brightens and he exclaims, “Oh! Because Logan’s his ‘treasure’, right?”

“Exactly. Good memory, Pat.”

“Thanks! But why aren’t you the same way with Verge and Jan then? They’re your ‘treasure’, aren’t they?”

“They are. But I’ve also met up with them several times over the break. And if we couldn’t see each other in person, we texted and stuff.”

“It was very frustrating to be involved in an ever-elongating process of rituals and have my contact with the outside world limited,” Logan huffs, one of his hands continuously patting Remus’ arms around him to calm them from its sudden burst of protectiveness. “I understand the necessity of the procedures since a lot of the spells will not be able to be cast again for centuries, but it was a strenuous process that only ended five days ago. I went to bed afterwards and slept for three days, packed my things yesterday and arrived here earlier this morning.”

“Well, I’m glad you got to have at least some rest,” Patton smiles, and Logan nods to him gratefully.

“Speaking of rest, my arm’s getting tired from holding this parasol and I want to get out of the sun. It’s starting to give me a headache,” Virgil complains.

“Then let us be off to the dorms!” Roman links her arms with Virgil and Janus’ and starts dragging them off.

“Uh, that looks fun, can I join?” Patton giggles and hooks his arm to Janus’ free one when he offers.

“Want to join them or look for a quiet spot?” Logan asks Remus quietly, leaning their head back to see its face. Remus takes a moment to consider, watching his brother and their friends.

“As much as everything in me is screaming to keep you to myself right now, I can’t let Ro-bro get to our room alone. She’s going to start decorating everything and it’s going to piss me off and then we’re going to fight about it and I actually don’t want to get into trouble with the dorm manager on our first day. You’re already settled though, right?”

“Yes, meus, I am. I’m going to stay with you for the rest of the day.”

“Good.” Remus buries his head in Logan’s shoulder and tightens her grip on their midsection for a moment before pulling away a bit and grabbing their hand. “Let’s go before Ro gets it in her head that she can decide which side of the room she’s gonna get.”

~~*~~

Here art the character designs!

Drawn by @prince-rowan-of-the-forest, the link to their post is included in the Masterpost linked above!

Also, fun fact! Roman and Remus might both not identify as male, they agreed that they are each others brother at all times. So despite it being a feminine day for Roman, she is still Remus' brother 💖 💚

[3dogbones]

AWESOME SAUCE ANON HERE Every time I see epic they always draw him silly, and I like the silly stuff but they totally ignore how sad his backstory is.

also whenever I come into the ask box it’s probably going to be about epic because he’s my favorite JSKSJSKJ

(Very tragic story, I was trying to answer this ask but IT FRICKIN DELETED WHEN I TRIED TO SAVE THE DRAFT, so I resent myself the ask and typed as close as I could remember and I’m pretty sure this is what it said 😥 My memory is bad and I HATE WHEN TUMBLR SCREWS ME OVER LIKE THIS SINCE I WAS LEGIT COOKIN. WAAAAAAA)

OH MY GOODNESS IT IS YOU! HEY HI HELLO! WELCOME BACK!

I AGREE WITH YOU SO MUCH IT HURTS.

Some people just think epic is just a silly little guy, and YES HE IS SHORT VERY SHORT LITTLE COULD DROP KICK AND YES HE IS SILLY but what they overlook is that it’s all a facade. IT’S JUST A MASK.

HIS MEMENESS IS A RESPONSE TO TRAUMA, AND BARELY ANYONE REALIZES THIS, I’M SCREAMING 😭😭😭

In reality, Epic struggles to go to sleep every night, becoming sleep deprived. He has a dad who doesn’t even care about him. Every time he shuts his eyes, he has to deal with nightmares that cause excruciating pain. Yet, when people ask how he is, you want to know what he does…

He LIES.

When Toriel asks him about him about his scar, instead of opening up, he says he trips. No one knows about the eye except him and Gaster, the one who did this to him.

My theory is that it’s because Epic doesn’t want them to worry. He probably knows that opening up will just worry them. And like Gaster tells him, he’ll just…

Deal with it. That’s what he has been taught by his dad his whole life. (I FUNKING HATE YOU EPIC GASTER)

He’s so good at lying that even the fandom thinks he’s happy. I am sick of him just being a meme, just being “Cross’ best friend lolololol silly 🤪”. But I guess it is what it is lmao.

I love how his struggles are portrayed in that one video “Broken Facade”. And a blog I found with silly stuff and a bunch of Epic angst is @/hillllllls if you wanna go check them out!

Anyways, as you can probably tell, I go FERAL over Epic 🔥angst🔥 so I drew some for you under the cut! It’s a REALLY rough sketch (I’m lazy) but hope you like it

TW for gore you are so cool awesome sauce anon!

Wa bonk, art above cut and epic sans belongs to yugogeer012, I think, pretty sure they DISOWNED HIM THOUGH, Don’t even get me started on that- *rambles off into eternity*

(AFTER EDIT FOUND THE ORIGINAL ASK GOD I AM SO MAD WHY COULDN’T I FIND THIS EARLIER AHHHHHHHH I SWEAR TO DA GOOD MEMELORD I AM SO SORRY-)

[whatsagoodusername]

It's Hermes turn now

(oh and by the way I'm going into more depth on Hermes than Ganymede because well nobody ever made legends about Ganymede)

Hermes you know him, you love,him. The god of trickery, sherparding, lairs, thieves, roads, boundaries, travelers, trade, and merchants. Born in Arcadia (The same place as Pan. THIS IS IMPORTANT) and is often recognized as the 2nd youngest god with Dionysus being the youngest since he took Hestia's spot. When he was 1 day old he was tired of his mother and him living in a cave and not being respected so he just walks out. Bro really just said fuck it I'm out. So with this new found freedom what does this god do you may be asking? Well duh he turns a tortoise into a lyre. DUH. Then he get's just a little hungry and eat like a BUNCH of Apollo's cows and sacrifices the meat to the gods. Apollo is then rightfully mad and brings the still one day old Hermes to Olympus in front of Zeus ( I don't think I've mentioned this but Zeus is in fact Hermes' dad ) And Apollo's basically saying "BUT DAD! This killed me COWS!" And Zeus is like, "Ok... and? Nobody gives a shit about your Cows" So Zeus tells Apollo to bring him back to Arcadia and Apollo's like 'Ok whatever'. And on the way there Hermes plays a song on his lyre and Apollo's like "Woah. Dude you're great at that" So Hermes gives Apollo the lyre and Apollo gives Hermes his caduceus. You know that one staff with snakes on it that represents peace and stuff.

Ok so earlier I mentioned that Pan would be important to Hermes right? So yeah I did in fact say that...so why is this god of nature so important to Hermes anyway? Well you see Pan is actually a very old god, considered even older than the Olympians themselves. So I'll cut this down a lot and talk like a brain rot gen z. Ok so basically Pan wasn't very marketable, I mean duh he kind of just was a goat, who the fuck simps for THAT!? Any way along they way they split him into to different gods, new Pan which was the one most of you guys know and Hermes who took all that good stuff from Pan and because widely popular in Greece. So yeah cool history fact for you there.

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Leona Kingscholar - Liongarb Vignette

"Whatever I feel like doing."

[Sports Field]

Leona: We'll end today's practice here. Make sure you do your cool down exercise on your own.

Magift Club Members: YESSIR!!!

Leona: Ahh, I'm beat. Think I'll head back to the dorm and snooze a bit.

Epel: Um, Leona-san! There's something I'd like to ask of you…

Leona: Ask of me? If it's something stupid, I ain't gonna hear you out.

Epel: Uhhm… That means I can still ask, right? Thank you very much.

Epel: Recently, I keep missing passes and dropping discs a lot.

Epel: Please tell me a way to train so I can improve my control of the disc and make less mistakes!

Leona: Oh, is that all? Don't worry about it. Bye.

Epel: Eh… Wait, no, I wanted more specific advice…!

???: EH!

Epel/Leona: ?

Ruggie: You guys are gonna go into town? By bus?

Magift Club Member A: Yeah, but… What's up, Ruggie? You wanna go too?

Magift Club Member B: You can come, but we're not gonna buy you any food.

Ruggie: Tch, that sucks. But puttin' that aside… If you're headin' there, can I getcha to buy somethin' for me?

Ruggie: It might be a liiiittle heavy, but… It should be easy enough for two people to carry 20 boxes of sports drink powder packets!

Magift Club Member A: No way!! You can do that by sending a first year to the Mystery Shop or something, instead.

Ruggie: YEAH BUT THE SPORTIN' GOODS STORE IN TOWN'S ABOUT 6 MADOL CHEAPER PER BOX!!!!!

Ruggie: If I ask you guys to do it for me, then that saves me on the bus fare, and the club's money. It's basically killing two birds with one stone.

Magift Club Member B: Not my problem. It's not like that amount saved is gonna go into our pockets or anything… If you want to save money so bad, why don't you go yourself?

Ruggie: Mmkay, I mean, I don't really care～ But there's that time you owe me from when I swapped clubroom cleaning duties with ya…

Magift Club Member A: O-Okay, okay! We'll go buy some on the way back!

Ruggie: Thanks a bunch. 'Kay, here's the money for it. I need the usual 20 boxes of sports drinks!

Leona: Man, you're being so cheap…

Ruggie: Ah, Leona-san. Were you listening to all that?

Ruggie: I'm not being cheap at all. That's me saving 6 Madol on 20 boxes each, y'know!? It's completely a rip-off otherwise!

Epel: 20 boxes of sports drink powder…

Epel: That'd be difficult to carry by broom, maybe? I guess it would be pretty impossible to bring back without taking the bus.

Ruggie: Riiight? Brooms're great 'cause you don't gotta think about schedules and fares, but...

Ruggie: If you gotta carry stuff, it's basically the pits…. Or more like, someone scrawny like me can't do that.

Epel: Yes… Whenever I try to fly with my stuff on the broom, I'm always swaying so hard it makes me anxious…

Epel: If I try to use magic to carry it, then I get so focused on the floating luggage that my speed drops.

Leona: See, you get it.

Ruggie: Huh, but your flight ability's way out of our range.

Leona: Well, yeah. But that's not what I'm talking about.

Leona: I meant about what I said to Epel earlier to not worry about making mistakes when handling the disc.

Leona: Your flying's one of the best out of all the first years.

Leona: If you're gonna try to greedily grab at everything and neglect your actual strong point, how're you actually gonna be useful?

Epel: That's…

Leona: You don't need to think about anything unnecessary right now.

Leona: If you think about it, the disc is just a single object. Moving it with magic is like, the fundamentals.

Leona: As long as you keep up your studies, you'll improve over time.

Epel: I see…!

Ruggie: Shishishi, can you really say that, though, since you skip all your classes?

Leona: Hah?

Epel: Ahahaha…

Leona: But when it comes to shopping… You guys figure it out on your own.

Ruggie: Ehhh. Even if you say that…

Ruggie: Public transportation costs money, and there's not that many buses running on Sage's Island to start with!

Ruggie: If we used brooms, then that'd help save time, but… If there's a ton to buy, then we'd need a bunch of people to work together to go get it.

Leona: Luckily, the Magical Shift Club has more members than any other club. Shouldn't be a problem.

Ruggie: What're you even saying? There's no way any of these guys would take on something like this before coming to practice.

Epel: And magical wheels… Aren't really geared towards hauling stuff, either.

Ruggie: Maaan, it'd be great if we had someone who could bust out a car in times like these.

Ruggie: If we did, it'd be so easy to go shoppin' for the club, and we could totally use it to take full advantage of all the bargains that happen in town!

Leona: …

Epel: Most of the adults back home have cars… But I don't think I know anyone here at school with a license, I think?

Ruggie: I mean, the first years're probably too young, and everyone at our school's pretty busy anyway. I don't think there's anyone who'd be able to get one.

Epel: I thought you'd be someone to get something as useful as a license as soon as he could, Ruggie-san.

Ruggie: Eh? But getting a license and renewin' it costs money, don't it?

Leona: How long're you guys going to be talking about something you can't have? No one can drive, so just give it up.

Leona: C'mon, it's an easy decision. Just don't go to into town.

Leona: Night Raven College is a prestigious Magical Shift school. Our club's really well funded, if not abundantly so.

Leona: Basically, the Mystery Shop should be enough. Just don't be greedy.

Ruggie: Tch. This island's reaaaally inconvenient.

[Sunset Savanna]

Vil: The charter bus got a flat tire as soon as we entered the savannah, so I was preparing myself for a bumpy ride, but…

Vil: This is actually rather pleasant. Perhaps the roads aren't as bad as they look?

Kalim: Yeah. Leona said, "The roads are terrible, so hold on," earlier, but…

Kalim: It's not bumpy at all. I'm not even getting carsick.

Lilia: The last time I rode a passenger bus in Sunset Savanna it was insane.

Lilia: My body was bouncing up and down non-stop. I was bumping into the seats in front and behind me, as well as the other passengers.

Lilia: I bet the reason why this trip is so smooth is due to the driver's skill.

Lilia: Right, Leona?

Leona: Who knows. You probably just got a bad luck of the draw with that driver back then.

1. When did you get your driver's license?

Leona: Before I came to Night Raven College. Leona: Don't know how it is elsewhere, but in this country, it's not that unusual to start driving cars around that age.

2. How long have you been driving?

Leona: Guess it's been about 4 years. Leona: …What's with that anxious look? Sure, that's not that long, but I'm not a completely incompetent imbecile.

Kalim: Wow, that's amazing. You gotta study real hard to get a license, right?

Kalim: That's kinda cool… I never even though about driving myself or anything.

Kalim: I always had my own driver, so I always thought that driving was for adults!

Vil: For me, whenever I'm traveling for work, my manager would drive me around.

Vil: Right now I'm busy, so it would be difficult, but… One day when I have a bit more spare time, I plan on getting my license.

Vil: It would be lovely to find a stylish car that suits me perfectly so I can drive so gallantly.

Lilia: Mhm. It's just a different feeling to be traveling this way via car, instead of flying.

Vil: That's true. Do you not have any desire to get a driver's license, Lilia?

Lilia: Welllll… So, I feel like I had already gotten one a while back, but maybe I didn't…

Lilia: And even if I had gotten a license, I wouldn't even be sure when or where I would have gotten it.

Kalim: Ahaha! Is it that hard to remember? Man, Lilia, you're so forgetful sometimes～

Lilia: Well, I'm sure it'd be way past expiration anyway!

Kalim: Hey. Leona, where do you like to take your car?

Kalim: Sunset Savanna's such an awesome place. If you got a favorite spot to hang out, I wanna know.

Lilia: Oho, I'd be interested too. Are there any hideaways that only someone who lives here would know?

Leona: Aren't we heading to the best little hideaway right now?

Leona: We're on our way to the special section of the Elephant Legacy that only the royal family can enter.

Lilia: Hm… Well, okay. You definitely didn't answer either Kalim's or my questions, though.

Lilia: It's not like you go to the Elephant Legacy often, right?

Leona: Unfortunately for you, I don't really have an answer that'll satisfy anyone.

Leona: I don't get in a car to go anywhere in particular, I just drive to drive.

Vil: Hmm, so you just like the drive itself.

Leona: Eh, it helps clear my mood sometimes.

Leona: There's not much land that the people inhabit on this country.

Leona: Once you leave the capital, it's mostly grassland as far as the eye can see.

Leona: There's no annoying traffic signals or signs, let alone any decent roads.

Leona: So I don't need to pick a destination, just head in a direction and drive forever, whatever I feel like doing.

Leona: On that one point, this place is actually a pretty good fit. I also don't need to be thinking of any unnecessary things while driving, so.

Leona: …But today, I got all this extra baggage with me, so that's a mood killer.

Kalim: Baggage? Oh, did you bring some stuff along with us?

Lilia: Oooh, Kalim. I see a herd of animals over there.

Kalim: You're right! They got their kids too. Sooo cute. Hey, did I just see the bush over there move…?

Lilia: Looks like a carnivore is preying on those herbivores. If we keep watching, we might be able to see it hunt.

[Kalim and Lilia start chattering away]

Vil: It seems Kalim and Lilia's attention have been drawn away by the savannah animals.

Leona: Good for them.

Leona: …Anyway, [Yuu], that furball's been real quiet.

Leona: He's always so annoying, what's gotten into him?

1. Looks like he fell asleep without me realizing… 2. He's sleeping belly-up.

Leona: Is that so. Let him keep sleeping, then. It's be a pain if it got even rowdier here.

Leona: Geez… I like driving alone.

Leona: Who woulda thought there'd come a time I'd be driving this many people in my car.

[Sunset Savanna]

Leona: Who woulda thought there'd come a time I'd be driving this many people in my car.

Vil: Are we distracting you? If that's the case, you should have just arranged for another car.

Leona: Well, we can't do that, now can we?

Leona: Regardless of how I act, I'm still a prince here.

Leona: If I said I wanted to head out of the capital by car, it'd summon one of the royal family's chauffeurs.

Leona: But, it'd be terrible of us to have them drive every which way when they're already so busy, don'tcha think?

Leona: That's why there's no other choice but for me to take the wheel.

Leona: How thoughtful of me? Oh, I know. But I'm used to driving, so no need to rush to compliment me further.

Vil: You went and got the car so you would be able to leave Kifaji-san behind. And you still said all that with a straight face.

Vil: Well, I'm willing to believe only where you say you're "used to it," though.

Leona: Hey, hey, don't pick and choose just one thing I said like that.

Vil: I mean, you're so good at driving, yet no one knows you can, right?

Vil: Sage's Island is rather small. If you were to drive around the island, someone is bound to see you.

Vil: Similar to how we sometimes see Crewel-sensei driving around in his bright red classic car.

Vil: So you basically cultivated your driving skills here in Sunset Savanna, yes?

Leona: Who knows. I'll leave it to your imagination.

Vil: Well, despite your usual laziness, you leapt at the chance to drive. There's no way you don't like driving.

Vil: And yet, the fact that you never did on Sage's Island could only mean…

Vil: You hid it because you felt it would be troublesome if anyone knew. You really are such an incorrigible man, hiding what skills you have, like this.

Leona: I think you got the wrong idea, there… I'm not hiding it, or whatever.

Leona: There was a car on Sage's Island that I could just take whenever, sure, I'd totally do something like take my precious club members into the town, no prob.

Vil: Again, just speaking with out feeling, as always. Oh, also…

Leona: Just drop it, Vil. Also, hey, Kalim, Lilia and [Yuu], be prepared to get out soon.

Leona: We're almost there.

[Sunset Savanna – Arena]

―After the Catch the Tail victory

Kalim: Ahahah! Who woulda thunk we'd get this kind of victory parade!

Kalim: Tamashina-Mina was an amazing celebration!

Lilia: You're right. This was definitely a great trip ♪

Lilia: This memory will definitely last a lifetime. …And that includes this final ride, too.

Vil: We had just gotten a wonderful victory, but apparently we can't even finish this with elegance.

Leona: All of you need to just shut it. Just close your mouths before you bite your tongue off.

Leona: We're off. Time to leave this lame festival behind!

[Sunset Savanna]

Kalim: There's so much rain. There's so many tiny rivers starting to flow in the savannah.

Leona: Well, the rainy season's here now. The scenery around here'll change soon enough.

Kalim: Oh, cool. But anyway, Catch the Tail was sooo fuuuun. Sunset Savanna is sooo awesome!

Vil: True. There were a few moments of frustration, but… Now that it's over, I suppose the experience as a whole wasn't too terrible.

Lilia: Those royal guards we faced in the last round were splendid as well. I could really feel the strength of this country's convictions.

Leona: …

Lilia: Oh? There's a huge puddle ahead of us.

Vil: It doesn't seem like we'll be able to avoid it. Shouldn't you drop your speed a little?

Lilia: We're getting closer to the puddle with every breath.

Lilia: Leona, hurry and brake…

Leona: …

[vroooom!!]

Vil/Lilia/Kalim: EH!!?

 [SPLAAASH!!!]

Vil/Lilia/Kalim: GAAAAAAH!!!

Vil: Why'd you just slam into the puddle like that!? That shocked me!!

Lilia: Ahahah! That was exciting, Leona. I commend you on being able to surprise me like that!

Kalim: That was a huge water spray! All that mud came so high and even got on Vil's face! Ahahah!

Vil: That's nothing to laugh about! All of my makeup has been ruined.

Leona: Don't throw a fit. You never know, there might be one or two beautifying effects in the Sunset Savanna mud.

Vil: Where did your driver's common sense even go!?

Vil: You were such an exemplary driver with decency yesterday…

Vil: But today, you've had no consideration for your guests at all as you drive!

Leona: Common sense, decency, consideration…

Leona: Aren't you the ones who said I had none of that in the first place?

Lilia: That's… Oh, are you talking about from back when you invited us?

Vil: Are you serious? Were you just holding that as a grudge the whole time?

Leona: No? In fact, I actually agree with you.

Leona: I think… Having to give the Sunset Warriors "Guardianship Lesson," these old customs, and all the old men who cling to these things…

Leona: They're all so stupid!

[VROOOOM!!]

Vil/Lilia/Kalim: GAAAAAAH!!!

Lilia: Ahahah! I bet all the nearby animals are also all startled too. This is a hoot!

Kalim: This is amazing… I've… I've never been in a car that shook this hard…!

Kalim: It's so heart-pounding, I love it!

Vil: Leona! I'd like it if you didn't use us to relieve your stress!

Leona: Keh… Hahaha! Just looking at all your ridiculous reactions's really making me feel better.

Leona: I always thought that it'd be great to just jump in a car by myself and drive wherever, but…

Leona: I guess it's not too bad to have loudmouths like this ride me with sometimes.

Requested by @dorito9708 and @kiingsroar.

[cephaloclod]

i had a thought today

what if there was a robot girl and she had a crush on you and you knew it and she was trying to ingratiate herself to you so she offered to run some of your computer programs for you on her cpu cuz haha why not haha and youre like aww thanks so you boot up your virtual doll game of choice (im talking ffxiv but you can use whatever in ur dumb brain) and download a bunch of modded clothes and start taking up all her spare memory and shes like uuuuh hehe thats a lot of mods… and youre like lol yeah i wanna try on a bunch of stuff and shes like haha yeah lol… and shes all nervous cuz you keep downloading more and more and she doesnt wanna tell you to stop obvs so shes just going along with it and then you get in the game and crank up the r-shade to the highest settings and you hear her fans kick on to overdrive and shes like uuuh whats up and youre like oh just taking a few quick pics of my heavily modded character haha i wont be long and her fans are getting louder and faster and you can see shes already getting hotter but shes still being nice and doesnt wanna seem mean so you start trying on all the modded clothes and taking a ton of different screenshots and ofc its like all horny big tiddie stuff cuz like thats the fun so shes just getting her already limited memory space spammed by whats turning out to be hundreds of super high fidelity high res screen shots of a hornily/scantily clad big boobed fat assed virtual character and shes like getting really overheated now but like soooo much of her cpu is being used to run this game and at all the highest settings with all those fancy shaders and all that junk so shes like struggling to keep it together and she cant really say much except make loud fan noises as you just sit there and spam her with more and more ridiculous pics at ridiculous angles of your character and her memories almost full but youre still taking more and she finally manages to squeek out something like a maybe we should take a breather for a second but youre like oh but im almost done and my character is just so much fun to take screencaps of and is soooo hot and shes just like yyeeahfh as you take like five more pics of ur toons ass and now the game is running really slow so its taking even longer to set up the shots to take the pictures and the computer girl is just like treading water in this lagged overheated state staring at your beloved characters huge modded rack as you try on another new shirt and realize you wanna go back and see what it looks like with those tights from earlier and she still just doesnt wanna say anything to inconvenience you and maybe this is a good way to die anyway she thinks well thinks is a strong word cuz like 99% of her cpu is being used to render the exposed midriff of your virtual cat girl or whatever it is so she just kinda feels it and the room you two are in is like getting really hot cuz shes just producing so much heat and you can see shes struggling to keep it together and the game is chugging alone reeeeeeeeal slow now and ur just like only a few more outfits im almost done and honestly you kinda would be annoyed but you know shes doing her best and you know it and atm she cant even really respond except to keep her fans going full blast so you like zoom in on your lizard girl or whatevers cleavage and just give her a good eyeful for a couple seconds knowing its literally taking up basically 100% of her processing power at this point and youre like thanks for doing this i loooove my character soooo much shes just soooo hot haha and just so great