#when she's still very little she has a habit of just clambering up into satan's lap while he's reading and taking a nap with him

[journey-to-the-attic]

YK ITS NO LONGER HALLOWEEN BUT!! ddvd luci, zhao, ik doing matching costumes like…think abt it. zhao and ik together can convince lucifer 100%. vampire family?! it works out until ik keeps gnawing on lucifer’s hand,, but yk i think ddvd luci would be very sad and sulky at ik growing up…js a bit when ik dosent need him as much anymore

“do you want to go get icecream? with the three flavors?”

“oh maybe later”

“o h okay”

5 minutes later

“luci it’s fine, she’s just a bit older now”

“IS IT??” as he looks like a sad old peacock man

it doesn't have to be halloween to think about matching costumes!!! love them being a vampire family... ik would be a little baby bat and zhao would hold her high up in the air so she can pretend she's flying and then lucifer would take them all for an ACTUAL flight (alternatively: they all go as dragons and lucifer almost burns down the hol because ik was so excited about him pretending to breathe fire with a spell)

i feel like they'd have a night-time routine that always involves little ik getting a story read to her, and the first night she says she doesn't want it lucifer stays awake for like four hours, staring at the ceiling silently until zhao distracts him with some of mammon's shenanigans

he is so so sad when ik first decides she doesn't want to get carried around anymore... he'll very subtly follow her as she goes about her Very Serious Kid Business, hoping she'll change her mind again - whenever she tires herself out enough to reach for him again, he's absolutely over the MOON and will be in a good mood for the rest of the week

(if anyone other than zhao points out that he's definitely sulking he'll glare at them and/or threaten to ground them. when zhao asks about it lucifer just looks at him with his equivalent of 🥺, which is basically just a frown, but different in a very subtle way that only zhao knows how to decipher)

[560am-blog]

( @silverining THIS HAS BEEN FOREVER IN THE WORKS hs!jaeri )

[ message from: Satan have fun today! 😊 ]

Jo was a lot of things. Jaesun had his own list of nicknames he’d come up with for her, Satan, pain in his ass, actual catalyst of the apocalypse, cockblock 2000------ none as inappropriate as the ones she had for him but equally as unpleasant.

That’s why when he glances down at his phone, as if her contact name wasn’t warning enough, the emoji at the end of the message is enough to have him choking on his toothpaste.

Jo was a lot of things and a smiley emoji kind of person was not one of them.

The day doesn’t start any different (and honestly he thinks that’s how it always is for things like this). It starts with him getting up earlier than necessary for practice, knowing not to text Haeri just yet but remembering to type the message so as soon as practice is over he can message her right around the time she’s getting up. It’s a system they’d worked out pretty well. He gets up at 5:30 for practice that starts at 6:00, by 7:00 Haeri is getting up to get to school and by 7:30 practice is over. Days he didn’t have practice he tried to pick her up-----

but seriously when did he not have practice.

So Jaesun’s shoving food in his mouth, whispering a goodbye to his mom before he’s out the door. His day has barely started and he’s ready to curse at Jooheon who’s honking the horn at a time when it should be illegal. Routines are routines but some things will never be okay no matter how many times they’re repeated.

“Dumbass I took ten minutes tops.” So Jaesun’s day begins with simple curses and groans all the way to practice and all the way through it. That’s normal.

[ message to: Haeri ❤ it’s official my coach wants us dead, also tell jo not to text me creepy things early in the morning, and good morning! ]

This is normal. Texting Haeri while he’s struggling to grab his clothes and keep his towel up before someone else decides to whack him with theirs and dry himself while keeping his hair from dripping onto the screen. Locker room etiquette was a foreign concept. Jaesun’s accustomed to it all, running back and forth between showers, trying to look somewhat decent as he and his teammates rush to the cafeteria, some getting sidetracked by their friends, some getting caught by teachers; they’re clambering through early morning halls to get to homeroom. Normal, everyday chaos.

What isn’t normal, is the feeling of something, someone launching themselves onto his back. Sure, his teammates do it but it’s usually with one arm, one sweaty or cologne-ridden arm around his neck and it ends with him choking. It’s not the kind of soft throttle that has him lurching but not stumbling forward, it’s not always so gentle and with both hands wrapped around his middle.

“Holy shit------------“ Jaesun’s in between making sure his poptart doesn’t slip out his lips, ( strawberry too good a thing to waste when it’s all he has ) and struggling to keep his phone in his hands and not on the floor. His own expression mirrors his teammates before he registers the feeling and all he can do is smile that dopey smile that makes them groan. “Hey babe you got my text?”

And this, this is weird.

Haeri isn’t a morning cafeteria crowd kind of person. There’s too much involved in it for her to be one and Jaesun learned that the first time he tried to drag her into the cafeteria chaos. Students everywhere, freshmen running up and down the tables, sophomores butting into conversations, seniors trying to find the nearest exit. Friends pulling his attention left and right, try as he might to focus on her, Jaesun’s never been good at denying his friends a hello or a hug and Haeri isn’t a girl to let herself be guided and pushed and pulled around.

Sometimes Jo will drag her into the cafeteria late, right before class starts ( usually because she’s late herself ) but nowadays Jo’s off snogging her girlfriend behind the bleachers before the bell rings. Haeri has made it very clear that if she does arrive before homeroom starts she’ll be in some teacher’s room with her eyes glued to a computer. If not she won’t be here at all and Jaesun respected it. Simply put Haeri doesn’t enjoy the chaos of the morning rush and even if Jaesun’s not a fan he’s used to it. Being on the basketball team has given him little of a choice as they all love to hang around the area so he settles into it easier and they both understand it.

So for her to be even within the vicinity before homeroom and without Jo is a little confusing to him. They’re not in the cafeteria but they’re not in the comfort of a classroom either, choosing to laze around the halls until the bell rings. Even so it’s still as busy as usual. It’s confusing what she’s doing here but he’s a little too caught up in the feeling of her hands against his chest to notice.

For all the times she scolds him about public affection here she is practically clinging to his back and making no indication of wanting to move. Not that he’s complaining! It’s just that he always gets a little light-headed when she goes and initiates things on her own. Even if the sudden weight on his back didn’t knock the air out of him, the realization did. Haeri’s got a way of dragging him into his own personal high with the slightest gestures, making it all rush to his head all dreamy and rough. It’s the good kind of light-headed, the gentle squeeze of the heart. The welcomed kind.

But for her to practically attack him and in the morning no less, it’s unfamiliar.

That’s when he realizes…it’s been five minutes and Haeri hasn’t smacked him for saying the dreaded b word.

In fact, she doesn’t seem to have noticed at all much less moved. If he were paying more attention he would realize his friends decided to relocate and leave them to their business by the lockers. The hall isn’t empty but everyone surrounding it is minding their own business.

He cranes his neck to get a good look at her, face buried in his back and frame hidden by her clothes.

“As much as I love it when you give me hugs I’d kinda like a morning kiss before homeroom starts.” He says it while moving around, hoping first to get a reaction from her so that he can steal the kiss he needs. Jaesun’s wrapping his hands around her own to pry them off his stomach and maneuvering slowly, still hesitant at the lack of movement that could flip in any second. 

He notices, in moments like this when Haeri’s a little lenient, a little docile, just how much smaller her hands are when she’s not throwing them against his chest for something dumb that leaves his lips. He notices, how much he really does love holding them and it’s probably why he’s taking his time, just in case the bell decides to ring and steal it from them. Something about school bells always makes him so anxious and giddy at the same time, out of time but with all the time in the world.

He also notices that she’s in his jacket, the same one he’s been looking for. The very same one she called ugly because of the faded teal color but was only worn when she forgot nighttime could get cold as hell as he was walking her home. The same jacket she’s always sneering at she’s wearing-------- which he doesn’t make a comment about because she looks so damn cute in it.

The hood is already covering down past her eyes and the rest of the jacket, though it’s not particularly huge it’s definitely not her size. It doesn’t swallow her up but fits enough that someone wouldn’t think it was hers, or that someone who knew they were dating knew that it was his. That was good enough.

Haeri, despite Jaesun’s blatant admiring doesn’t make a comment about any of it, his words, his staring, his hand-holding. He does catch the pull of her nose when he’s got both hands on her waist, enough to know she’s listening. He reaches a hand to tug at the hood that falls over her forehead, trying to get better access to her face, the full expression that no matter how judging, he’ll always end up smiling at.

“Uh-oh, did someone stay up all night marathoning again?” It’s a joke, an innocent joke in intention because this is the usual look Haeri has when she has pulled an all-nighter whether it be games or not. Though if it were an exam related all-nighter he probably would keep his lips shut. But he’s giddy, too giddy. It’s almost eight in the morning and all Jaesun wants to do is kiss his cute ass girlfriend against the lockers but apparently fate has other plans because the moment those words leave his lips he regrets them.

It takes two seconds, three seconds for the words to leave, for the scrunch to turn into a tremble and for him to hear the mumble from outside the fabric.

‘You would know if you were texting me.’ Jaesun doesn’t catch the whole sentence at first but when he does he ends up blinking, hand stopping short of the tip of the hood.

“What----- last night? I did text you last night.” It’s an automatic response because the last thing he remembers doing is in fact texting her. Which could be a good and bad thing. He probably only remembers it because he fell asleep, but he also could only remember it because that’s all he did and the details are fuzzy from a brutal morning practice. Naturally, the universe knows where it wants this conversation to go.

‘You stopped texting me way before I went to bed.’ She says matter of-factly. Now it’s Jaesun’s turn to scrunch his nose and he didn’t realize he’d picked up the habit until she’d pointed it out, bopping his nose with an amused grin. He almost wishes she’d do it now, soften the blows she’s already dishing out.

“You hate when I text you when you’re playing. And I have practice you know I can’t stay up late.”

‘So what, sometimes it’s not a bad idea to stay up with me you know. Practice never stops you from hanging out late does it.’

Once upon a time, in a past consisting of a less-understanding Jaesun and a shorter-fused Haeri, Jaesun had forgotten to text her back and instead opted to go out with his friends. All would have ended well had she not actually set time aside to talk to him, had she not made plans to talk to him and stay up to do her work. All would have been fine if he hadn’t brushed it off as not a big deal. One punch from Jo and two from Haeri, fifteen minutes of tears and Jaesun never did it again. It was a compromise though because he enjoyed nights where she set aside time for him, enjoyed the drawl of her voice as she shifted between her work and their conversation. He especially enjoyed knowing he could be the last voice on the phone before she succumbed to sleep.

Needless to say they hadn’t had this argument after that, so for it to come up again…well.

“I------ Haeri?” Jaesun is a little dumbfounded.

Haeri doesn’t give much warning before her tears because usually they come in an explosion. He can only catch the tremble of her lips and a few streaks before they’re all coming down. And right now, right now Jaesun is panicking. Panicking because he’s not sure why she’s crying? He’s not sure why they’re having this conversation or argument--- is it even an argument? He doesn’t even know how to handle the situation because she’s crying…in the middle of the hallway…before homeroom and damage control involves swift movements. He can’t really be swift when he’s already confused to begin with.

“I-I’m sorry I must’ve fallen asleep?” Which is weird because he always falls asleep texting her but it’s never been a problem. He can’t really tell what the problem--- is? That’s another problem altogether.

“Jaesun don’t you know it’s bad to make a girl wait up for you?” Haeri manages the words in a series of sniffles and sharp snaps.

“I do?” He does. “I’m sorry?” He is.

At this point Haeri’s still sobbing, not openly or loudly or even violently but even if she weren’t anyone walking by could see the tears that are falling, her body tensed up, fists balled in front of him. The last thing he needs is,

“Kwon Jaesun what’d you do now?” Jo.

Of course here she comes Jinnie looking equally confused by her side. He flinches because he half expects Jo to grab him by the collar because yeah Haeri’s a sobbing mess in front of him but instead she’s got that shit-eating grin on her face, Jinnie instead going to comfort his girlfriend. For the moment, he turns his attention away from Haeri to look at Jo. He wants to glare but all he can manage is the same confusion that’s wrecking his brain and she eats it all up.

“I---------- I honestly don’t know?” He half expects Jo to pick up on the sincerity of his tone, maybe even the desperation in it all but she’s Jo and she’s ever been impartial when it comes to Haeri.

‘Well you did something wrong she’s crying.’ Because she’s Jo she’s a smart ass.

“I don’t make it a point to fuck up all the time thanks.” And because it’s Jo and Jaesun they can never be in the same area and be decent to one another. She raises her hands in defense, but it’s all in vain because that grin’s still there, Haeri still has tears falling and Jaesun’s still confused.

‘Hey don’t get mad at me.’

“I’m not mad I’m annoyed because I know you know something.” Of course the universe wants to screw him over even more so,

‘Whoops there’s the bell. C’mon sweetcheeks we’ll walk you to class.’ Jaesun can’t even do anything because both girls cage Haeri and escort her off without sparing him a glance. The halls empty as quick as they fill, almost as quick as Haeri’s tears appeared and disappeared. He can’t stop them, can’t deliberate because coach will have his ass for being late. So he groans, runs a hand through his hair before he’s off to class as well.

The day’s off to a wonderful start.

The first few periods go by without a hitch.

Jaesun sees Haeri twice, normally he’ll walk to her classroom after first period but the minute he’s out and waiting Jo is there and escorting her. Cockblock 2000. Before he can ask a question or get a response Jinnie is shaking her head and smiling that apologetic smile she has to do whenever Jo is involved. Haeri doesn’t spare him a glance but looks considerably better and for that he has to give Jo some credit.

The second time he sees her but he’s almost late to second period, and all but catches the small glance she gives him before disappearing into her class. It’s the best sign he’s got so he takes a leap of faith.

[ message to: Haeri ❤ hey, I’m really sorry for falling asleep on you. I was really reeeeaaaallly reaallly tired but I’ll try harder to stay awake okay? I didn’t mean to make you cry, Love you, see you later ]

Jaesun doesn’t expect to see Haeri during lunch so he hits send without another thought, returning to his annotation of Shakespeare’s King Lear and not checking his phone afterwards.

‘So I heard you made your girlfriend cry this morning.’

“Give me a breeeaaaaak.” It’s not really about news traveling fast, it’s about the few people who passed by when the little fiasco took place and about Jo and her big fucking mouth.

Lunch starts with Jaesun getting a constant reminder of his situation.

Usually he sits with Haeri but today he thinks it might be a particularly good day to let her sit with Jo. So he’s surrounded by his teammates, ready to take their teasing and quips for the full forty-five minutes they’re prepared to dish it out. There’s laughter and a ruffle of his hair, nudges in his side before everything calms down in a gentle rumble that helps him cope with the confusion in his head.

“Back off, Chanhee made Soo cry last week.” ‘I told her not to show up but she came anyway.’ “You asshole all she wanted was to cheer you on.” ‘I don’t need her distracting me thanks.’

They’re assholes, mainly because of how clueless they are. Jaesun wonders for the moment if that’s how he is. If it’s a reason for the tears he caused. All this time together and he still can’t figure things out. All this time and he’s still making mistakes like that----

“Move over----“ It’s not that the voice is exactly quiet, not like his thoughts are particularly loud either, that’s not the reason he hears the voice. He hears it because the owner of the voice is so unexpected that the table falls silent. Jaesun too, turning to see Haeri standing behind him, tray in her hand and a flush on her cheeks. “Oh my god Jaesun move over this tray is heavy.” He does in fact take the tray ( conveniently stacked with snacks from the assembly line ) from her and scoots over to give her room on his stool. He glances at her longer than necessary and when she doesn’t spare him one of her own he’s back to looking at his teammates.

It’s not that they mind Haeri, it’s just Jaesun’s sure they got the impression she didn’t like them. It was hard to really know if Haeri liked anyone, unless it was Jo. She tolerated them.

At the heart of their uncertainty isn’t some cliché about smart kids or gamer kids staying away from jocks, Jaesun just thinks they’re scared of her. Like really, truly scared of her. He thinks it’s funny. They all get along well, Haeri and his teammates she just doesn’t go out of her way to be around them like the other girls do. It’s another comfort thing. If she could slip in seamlessly with them she would and if she wanted to she could. But she doesn’t so she won’t. It’s rare that she’s around them when it’s not at a practice or a game. So for them to be a little confused and watch a little too closely as she shuffles beside him, he gets it.

He gets it but he pays it no mind. He’s busy staring at her, more accurately at the spread she has on her plate.

“You hate banana pudding.” ‘It’s the only sweet thing they had.’ “…you didn’t even get any meat why didn’t you get meat.” ‘I didn’t want meat.’ “…Are you sick? No---- you’re gonna be sick if you eat all those side dishes. And all the grease is going to upset your stomach.” ‘My stomach is already upset.’ “Haeri.” ‘Yes mom.’

Jaesun glares. His teammates snigger. Haeri nibbles on fried sweet potatoes. Down to the aluminum.

He sighs.

“Alright hold on.” If in the moment before he gets up he feels her hand tighten in his shirt he doesn’t say anything just presses a chaste kiss to the top of her head and heads to the vending machine.

“Alright what do you know?” Confused as he is Jaesun manages to keep up a good appearance as Jo makes her presence known behind him. He doesn’t even look at her, too preoccupied with his own thoughts to pay her any real attention. But he’s waiting, hands shoved in pockets for his turn.

‘Nothing.’ Of course. A sigh and a chuckle are the only things they exchange for the next few minutes. Right up until he’s putting his money in the machine reaching down to grab the package. ‘Get the choco----‘

“Pie. I got it.” He’s holding it up, can’t even play the better soulmate game that he wants to because Jo knows something and he’s a little too annoyed at her knowing and playing him for the fool. So he shakes the package in front of her and turns on his heels to ignore the impressed look she gives him. Walking back to the table he doesn’t know what to expect but it’s certainly not Haeri practically bouncing over her stool, the food on her plate toppling over the sides.

‘Hyuk owes me 40,000 won.’ is all she says before she’s pushing her carton of juice forward.

“What’d she bet you that you were too chicken to do?” Just as he says that though he hears a shriek that startles him as the chocopie is yanked from his hands. The movement startles him more than the shriek because he expects it to die down once she sinks her teeth into the treat. What he doesn’t expect is what comes after.

“You got me chocopie I love you so much you’re the best boyfriend ever oh my god Jaesun are you psychic I think you’re psychic. How’d you know I wanted a chocopie, of course you know this is why you’re the boyfriend, this is why I keep you around.” If the praise wasn’t strange enough it’s the fact that she’s bouncing in her seat and squeezing the daylights out of him. The fact that she’s publicly declaring and showing her affection not only in front of his friends but in the cafeteria in front of relatively anyone who wants to see.

Five shakes later and Jaesun’s considering taking the chocolate back. One second she doesn’t want to move and the next he can’t get her to stop moving. His teammates of course are traitors before they’re loyal.

‘Bet you won’t kiss him.’ ‘12,000 won says she won’t.’ ‘24,000 says I will.’ Jaesun groans. Haeri smirks and with a wet kiss to his cheek he accepts defeat and relishes in the warm.

Needless to say, it is a long forty-five minutes.

For the most part Jaesun’s good. He thinks Haeri’s not mad at him anymore, but he also thinks they have to talk about it, whatever it is later on.

Lunch goes by with three more chocopies, four more dares and Jaesun reminding her to eat something other than chocolate and side dishes or her stomach will hurt. That has her whining and him feeding bits of his kimbap to her which never happens but again he’s not complaining.

Fifth period comes with Jaesun sated from the time spent with his girlfriend and the small kiss she allowed on her cheek before he went into class. It’s halfway into Statistics and an equation that makes no sense when his phone rings. Literally rings, EXID’s Up and Down reminding him why he doesn’t let her touch his phone. Cursing at himself for forgetting to turn it off and ignoring the snickers of his friends he manages an apology to his teacher. Mrs. Choi is not one to forgive class texting but she goes back to her lecture when she sees him slip the phone into his pocket without another glance.

The only reason he risks his life and peeks down at the screen ten minutes later is because of one person and one person only.

[ message from: Haeri ❤ are you in class of course you are leave if you’re looking at these you’re obviously not paying attention anyway ]

Usually Jaesun’s the one who does this and often with minimal success. Haeri comes when she wants, if it’s a class she can afford to miss then she’ll meet him where he wishes, but not without mumbled curses about his behavior and swearing that it’ll never happen again.

The last time was last Thursday during her Calculus class.

Jaesun doesn’t mind skipping class, especially at her request but he is a little puzzled at the fact that it’s her asking.

[ message to: Haeri ❤ you know I’m in Stat right? the class you hate me skipping? the class I have a test in next week? ]

[ message from: Haeri ❤ leave I’ll help you study before the test pls ]

“Kwon,” Jaesun nearly jumps five feet into the air, phone as bright as his ears at his teacher’s voice. “Unless your calculator is broken and you’re checking your answer to the equation put your phone away.”

He swallows, all eyes effectively on him as he slips his phone back into his pocket. “Sorry Mrs. Choi.”

“Since you have so much time to text you can answer the question.”

Ten minutes in and he asks to excuse himself, not without a very pointedly knowing look from his teacher. He’ll make it up to her, he’ll ace the next test and then she won’t have to question him when he pulls out his phone. Of course, that would mean actually paying attention to studying when Haeri tries to teach him. Baby steps. Speaking of, he’s about five feet down the hall when he gets stopped by a friend.

‘Skipping with your girlfriend?’ “None of your business.” ‘Coach is gonna kick your ass.’ “Tell him and Yeonhee finds out the real reason you blew off your date.” ‘Cold blooded.’ “Catch ya later?” ‘Yeah sure thing.’

They part with friendly shoves and laughter that dies out into the hallway. Jaesun hurries to the gym, with one message from Haeri indicating where she is. The gym is free reign as long as students don’t get caught. Jaesun makes it a mission to never get caught. He’s not really rushing there but he’s also not trying to get caught so he slips in hurriedly, barely missing the basketball thrown at his head.

“Mrs. Choi is gonna kill me.” Is all he says before throwing the ball back at her.

“Maybe if you were passing her class she wouldn’t be so mad.” She doesn’t pass it back but he feels the hit as her words slip, mumbled but as loud as they need to be.

“Hey I’m passing, I just keep skipping her class and there seems to be a trend.” She’s light with the dribbles, and Jaesun doesn’t mind he’s too tired to really play seriously. Haeri seems to enjoy it though, fascinated by the back and forth they have with the basketball while he talks. “I’m always skipping her class for you.” And maybe it’s that he’s so tired that he doesn’t watch his words.

“No one told you to come.”

“Mmmmmmm, you never ask me to come though so I thought something was wrong?” He can see her visibly tense at that and he wants to take back the words. The echo of the basketball she’s still holding rings steady and a little wary.

“I’m fine.” Then she tosses it back.

“Great because I won’t be after Mrs. Choi has my head.” He tosses it back. Like his words. They play like this all the time, Jaesun joking about his decision but knowing if he really needed to be in class he would stay. And if she didn’t really need him she wouldn’t ask. It’s easy to know this because it makes situations like this simple. He still worries around his words, her words, watching her carefully as she picks the ball up.

“I---- it wasn’t my intention to get you in trouble you know. You shouldn’t come if you’re going to get in trouble you dummy.” “Nah it’s good, she really has no proof I was skipping if I sneak back.”

“Yeah but remember that time you missed your review session.” No dribble back, just a visible tightening of her fingers around the basketball.

“In my defense I didn’t know it was a review session.” He’s still keeping things light, as light as he can with the octave in her tone rising every second.

“Jaesun you almost failed your finals.”

“Almost.” Light, like his steps towards her. Like fingers over hers, and around the basketball.

“I don’t - I’m not trying to get you in trouble you know.” Jaesun’s known Haeri long enough to know hesitation in her words is never a good thing. He doesn’t move, for whatever could come he doesn’t move and keeps his position firm. “I know.” “And if you really couldn’t come you shouldn’t.” “I know?”

Regrettably so and quite accurately, this is feeling a little too familiar and at that he stiffens, fingers moving tentatively from the basketball to her hands, from her hands to her arms and her shoulders.

“Are you, are you crying?” Jaesun as always, is very bad at this. Because she looks up at him, shoves the basketball in his hands and yep she’s crying. Twice in one day is a record. Not one he intends on keeping up either.

“No.” “Wait no---- why are you crying.” “Just go back to class you’ll get in trouble.”

He’s got about ten reasons why going back to class is probably not a good idea but just one is the look on her face.

“Okay look, I can’t mess up this bad twice in one day, what’d I do?”

“It’s nothing go back to class.” She steps back and he steps forward and really Jaesun knows he won’t get anything out of her this way but it’s worth it at least letting her know he wants to.

“Nothing, just go back to class okay? Please?” It’s not as simple as her saying, leave me alone but not as harsh as a go away. So he takes it for what it’s worth and nods his head, stepping close only to press a kiss to her head, proud only when she doesn’t move away from it.

So that’s that, he leaves and makes it back to class, only vaguely aware of how much time it hasn’t been since he left.

“Since you’ve relieved yourself Mr. Kwon you can answer the next question I hope.”

It’s been a long day doesn’t come close to an excuse for his teacher. So he just nods and proceeds to make an attempt at turning this day around.

He doesn’t hear from Haeri into sixth period and as an athlete with a game coming up he gets a free pass to go practice in the gym with the rest of them team. So that’s where he heads, backpack in tow and friends at his side. He’s not even surprised to see Jo leaning against the entrance to locker room.

“You know, unless you’re here to help, I have practice.” “Ooooh someone’s had a bad day.” “I don’t fancy the thought of making my girlfriend cry twice in one day.” “Would it help if I said it wasn’t you entirely.” “It would help if you’d go away.” “She’s having a rough day.” “I figured. What bothers me is, I can’t help.” “Can’t always do everything right Jaesun.” “Not trying for everything, just trying for something.” He doesn’t wait to hear what she has to say instead he’s moving into the locker room with his teammates.

“Rough day?” Is what Chanhee asks. “Not for me.” Is all he says.

Practice during seventh period goes by without any problems and they’re nearing afterschool practice. Usually around this time he’s running to see Haeri off home, or she’s coming to wait until practice is over. He’s using the withdrawal to complain during their locker room break the coach gives them, practically banging his head on his locker with his teammates looking on. Some in annoyance, some in wonder, some in pure amusement.

“Alright spit it out Jae. What happened now.” “Seriously I don’t know what I did, she just started crying.” “Maybe you made her feel bad!” “I didn’t mean to!” “Doesn’t mean if you meant to bro, you just did.” “But Haeri doesn’t cry like that, if anything I’m crying from pain if I make her that mad.” “She seemed happy at lunch today!” “She didn’t eat much, said her stomach was hurting, I told her it was all those chocopies.” “Man just give it a break, maybe she had a rough day.” “But I don’t know what I did!”

And this is probably where interventions are best spent. The timing isn’t the best but the appearance of their coach in the locker room has everyone quiet and Jaesun trying to shove his thoughts away.

“Kwon, go talk to your girlfriend.” “Don’t we----“ “Chocolate, upset stomach and mood swings, go talk to your girlfriend.” “But------“ “Go, you owe me double tomorrow though.” Jaesun wants to ignore the order, despite how glad he is to get it but he gets a text message that seems to seal the deal.

[ message from: satan library, go ]

It has him running out, barely dressed decently, hair drying on the run there.

It’s strange finding Haeri, not next to a computer but in the back by one of the couches.

“Hey sleepyhead,” and for the moment he thinks she might actually be mad because he doesn’t get a response, minus the turn of her head against the pillow.

“You suck at being stealthy.” Is what she says with a huff and he takes that as his cue to fit himself beside her, her head lifting to rest in his lap. It’s the closest and easiest fit they’ve had all day and he doesn’t want to ruin it.

“You’ve been here for what three periods?” “All day.” “You skipped all your classes? Oho your mom’s going to kill me.”

“Excuse you, not everything I do is because of you.” He just hums at that, knowing it to be true but also finding the situation a little too amusing. She’s quiet, and despite the fact that it’s the library and they’re supposed to be quiet Haeri tends to do what she wants where she wants. He thinks of the rarity of the moment, usually he’s the one leaning against her, shoving into her space so she’ll pay attention to him. Not like he doesn’t get attention he just craves it. Haeri craves it on rare occasions but it’s usually because he always gives it. 

So they sit there, for the moment Jaesun doesn’t worry about a teacher coming by and scooting them out. Just sits and flicks through his phone, hands playing in her hair. For all that she protests they never really get this intimate in school, it’s a scene mostly for when they’re at his place. The way Haeri curls beside him, the rest of her body pulling against the couch pillows, he decides not to ask for now.

It's a couple days later when things calm down, when the beans are spilled and when Jaesun kind of, sort of gets it.

“Why didn’t you just tell me it was your period?” Cue Haeri curled into his side at the lunch table, promptly hiding her face behind his hoodie.

“Come on Jaesun it was obvious.” Cue Jo, staring at him from across the table. Cue Jaesun, ignoring her every word out her mouth.

“Every period is different, my mom told me it’s rude to ask a girl if she’s on her period.”

“Okay Jaesun, I’m on my period.” She deadpans. “Thanks babe.” She shoves at his side and squeaks when he pulls her into his arms, happy to be able to do it again. “Well I’m going to make up for all the cuddling you needed yesterday today.”

“Jaesun we are in the cafeteria.” “Can’t hear you sorry.”

And she doesn’t complain and he doesn’t let go.