#yeji and Yuna serving FACE

[venompinks]

ITZY ★ GOLD

[estellan0vella]

Sunshine's Guide To Murder│Lee Minho

Chapter Twenty: Cool Cool Cool SS: 13 (ignore time stamps and dates) Word Count: 1.1K & 0.4K Content Warnings: Talks of framing someone for murder, discussion of death by choking on vomit, talks of hiding a body Previous Next Masterlist

Hayun raps her knuckles against the peeling paint of Yeji’s apartment door. The air is cool, the streetlights casting long shadows across the run-down building, but her stance is unwavering. After a moment, the door creaks open, and Ryujin leans against the frame, eyebrow raised as she takes in Hayun’s short, green silk dress, and sneakers. There’s a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Here for a fix?” Ryujin’s voice is casual, but there’s a hardness underneath, something testing in her gaze.

Hayun crosses her arms, shaking her head. “I need to talk to you.”

Ryujin rolls her eyes, pushing off the door frame as she glances back inside the apartment. “Alright,” she mutters, and gestures for Hayun to follow. “Let’s take this outside. I don’t want to deal with Yeji’s bullshit if she overhears.”

They head down the worn staircase, the building’s creaks and groans filling the silence between them until they step out into the back garden. A dimly lit, overgrown patch of yard greets them, offering just enough privacy for a conversation. Ryujin slouches against the railing, her eyes fixed on Hayun with a mix of curiosity and irritation.

Hayun doesn’t waste any time. “Mingi’s going down,” she states, her voice cool but laced with satisfaction. “The police found the tapes.”

Ryujin quirks a brow, giving a sardonic chuckle. “With a helping hand, I suppose?”

Hayun shrugs, a small smirk playing on her lips. “More like a pointing finger, but whatever works, right?”

Ryujin shakes her head, lips curling into a dry smile. “So, now you’re trying to figure out who killed my sister, is that it?”

“We both already know who that was, don’t we, Ryujin?” Hayun’s gaze is steady, unwavering. “Your own sister drugged you and served you up to Mingi. That’s enough to drive anyone to murder.”

The words hang heavily in the air, but Ryujin doesn’t flinch. Instead, her expression hardens, and she tilts her head, studying Hayun with a kind of detached defiance.

“Yeji helped you cover it up, didn’t she?” Hayun presses, her voice quiet but firm. “So, where’s Yuna’s body?”

Ryujin snorts, crossing her arms. “Yeji hid it,” she admits, her tone indifferent. “I don’t know where she put Yuna. That way, if the cops ever find her, I can play innocent. No way to trace it back to me if I don’t even know where she is.”

Hayun’s expression doesn’t change; she’d expected as much. “And Chaeryeong?” she asks, her voice softening, though her gaze remains intense.

Ryujin shakes her head slowly. “I don’t know about Chaeryeong.”

Hayun nods, letting the silence settle for a moment. Then, she glances away, eyes fixed on the murky street beyond the fence as if gathering her thoughts. Finally, she speaks, her voice low, almost hesitant. “I’m not going to turn you in, Ryujin. But I need to know… what happened that night?”

Ryujin’s jaw tightens, and she glances away, her eyes narrowing as she stares into the darkness. When she finally speaks, her voice is stripped of its usual bravado, raw and bitter.

“She’d met up with that mystery older man of hers. She came back bleeding from her head—they’d fought, I guess.” Ryujin’s face twists into a grimace. “Guess he’d had enough of the blackmail. When she stumbled in, she looked pathetic, whining about how she was losing control. I… I lost it, Hayun.”

There’s a dark, almost haunted look in Ryujin’s eyes as she continues, her voice rough with resentment and a hint of guilt. “I pushed her. She hit the floor, and I just… left her there. When I came back later, she’d vomited and choked on it. She was dead.”

Hayun listens quietly, her face unreadable as Ryujin relives the moment. She lets the silence hang for a moment, absorbing the weight of Ryujin’s confession.

Finally, Hayun steps forward, her voice steady but filled with a quiet intensity. “I have a plan, and I need your help—and Yeji’s.”

Ryujin’s brows shoot up, the hint of a smirk returning. “I’m listening.”

Hayun’s gaze hardens, and she takes a steadying breath. “I want to frame Mingi for Yuna’s murder.”

For the first time, something close to admiration flickers in Ryujin’s eyes. She straightens, an approving grin spreading across her face. “I’m in,” she says, her voice tinged with a dark thrill.

Ryujin leans back against the cracked brick wall, her eyes gleaming as she sizes up Hayun with a twisted admiration. “I’ve got a few pieces of Yuna’s jewelry stashed away,” she says, almost as if proud of her careful preservation of her sister’s keepsakes.

Hayun gives a curt nod, her mind working quickly. “Good. Get someone to plant them in Mingi’s apartment. And Yeji… tell her to plant something linked to wherever she stashed Yuna. That way, when the police sweep the place, they’ll find enough to make a murder charge stick.”

Ryujin grins, her expression dark and excited. “You want all this done tonight?” she asks, already knowing the answer but enjoying the sheer audacity of it.

Hayun’s gaze is steely. “Tonight,” she says. “Police will be after Mingi tomorrow, and once they’ve got him, the apartment’s a crime scene. You know what that means.”

Ryujin nods slowly, her grin widening. “They all underestimated you, didn’t they? Sunshine Hayun, turning ruthless in the name of justice. Plotting to frame a man for murder…” She laughs, a low, almost reverent sound. “Who knew?”

Hayun shrugs, her face expressionless as she turns to leave. “Who didn’t,” she mutters, barely above a whisper, more to herself than anyone else.

Without another word, she heads off, her footsteps crunching against the scattered gravel as she leaves the dimly lit garden behind. The night air is cool against her skin, a thin veil of mist settling over the street. She shoves her hands into her pockets, her thoughts racing, the plan ticking over in her mind as she walks, one step at a time, closer to home. The air feels almost electric, charged with the risk she’s taken, the trap she’s setting.

But as she turns down a quieter street, something doesn’t feel right. It’s quiet—too quiet. Before she can react, a hand clamps over her mouth, pressing a damp rag against her nose and mouth. She gasps, and a sickly sweet, overpowering scent fills her lungs. She twists, struggling, elbows jabbing backwards in a desperate attempt to fight her way free. Her body thrashes, adrenaline surging as she claws at the arm holding her.

But her vision starts to blur. The world around her begins to darken, her limbs going heavy and uncooperative. Her heart pounds, a distant, fading beat as her strength drains away. With a final, feeble attempt to push back, she loses her grip on consciousness, slipping into blackness, the streetlights fading to stars.

And then nothing.

Minho’s foot slams down hard on the brake as he pulls up outside Yeji’s dingy apartment complex, the tires skidding slightly on the uneven pavement. He barely has the engine off when he and Jisung jump out, both tense and grim, their eyes scanning the shadows of the building’s entrance. Spotting Ryujin leaning against the door, Minho strides over, his face set in a hard line.

Jisung’s eyes narrow immediately. “Where the hell’s Hayun?”

Ryujin’s gaze doesn’t falter as she straightens, crossing her arms. “I don’t know. She left here about an hour ago. And for the record, she was sober. Didn’t take a damn thing.”

Minho, running a hand through his hair, tries to keep his cool, though his face betrays his worry. “Why was she here, Ryujin?”

Ryujin gives a faint smirk, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “That’s between us girls, unfortunately.”

Minho grits his teeth. “Funny, considering Chan just found her phone smashed on a street nearby and no sign of her.”

Ryujin’s expression flickers, her eyes narrowing. “You’re saying she’s missing? You think someone took her?”

Jisung runs a hand over his face, his voice barely concealing his frustration. “She wouldn’t just disappear like that. Not unless—”

Minho interrupts, his voice steady but edged with a dangerous calm. “If she’s not high, then it makes no sense. She was meeting you for a reason.”

Ryujin sighs, her eyes darting between them. “Alright, alright. I’ll get Yeji to put out some feelers, see what comes up. But you two better be prepared… If this was Mingi…” She shakes her head, a dark look crossing her face. “Let’s just say you should pray it was anyone else.”

Jisung’s jaw clenches. “And what if it wasn’t him?” He swallows, his voice thick. “What if it was one of the killers? If Hayun found out who killed Yuna or… or Chaeryeong.”

Ryujin lets out a breath, glancing away before answering, her voice deliberately measured. “Then you boys better get searching. I’ll work my side, but I’ll tell you this. Before Yuna disappeared, she was getting cold feet with Mingi and Lia. Mingi wasn’t happy. Thought maybe she was working with the cops or something.”

Minho’s gaze sharpens, his fists clenching at his sides. “So, you’re saying you think it’s Mingi?”

Ryujin hesitates, then shakes her head, her expression inscrutable. “No. I think it’s whoever killed Chaeryeong. Mingi’s the kind of guy who’d be planning his exit right now, not sticking around for this. It’s the unknown you should be worried about.”

Jisung glances at her, a hard edge to his voice. “So you’re saying you think Mingi killed Yuna?”

Ryujin lifts her chin, her eyes meeting his steadily. “That’s my theory.”

Taglist: @hityoulikebahng @drewsandsebastianswife @fackeraccount @lily-loves-kpop @stilldontknowhoiam

@ziggy1221 @justaspoonofjam @tr-mha-fan @candycurshidkwhatthehell

@heeseungspookie @smigcrazy @skzstannie @nightmarenyxx

Side Rant: I spent 40 hours playing AOT 2: Final Battle only to die at the end saving crystalised Annie. That is my character's CANON ENDING. I am not impressed but am going to play the game again

[bearseulgs]

Sunset on the Sea

long haired!reader x Lee Chaeryeong

genre: fluff

wc: 519

warnings: reader has long hair, physical contact, forehead kiss, food ment, aespa feature, pda, idk how to play volleyball ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

At last, summer had come. To celebrate the end of term, you and your friends took a trip to the beach for a week to unwind. The morning after arrival, y'all woke up bright and early to get smoothies and set up on the shore. As you walked across the sand, hand-in-hand with your girlfriend, Chaeryeong, you offered each other a sip of your drinks.

Once Minjeong and Yuna had picked a spot fitting their taste, umbrellas were buried and towels were laid. Ryujin roped you and Aeri into setting up a volleyball net, determined to have a tournament between the 10 of you. Tying your hair up into a high ponytail, you head back to the umbrella to put on sunscreen.

Hours have passed into mid- afternoon, full of swimming, eating, tanning, reading, and burying Lia. The girl sat up from her sandy grave, laughter bubbling from her lips followed by the suggestion, "Who wants to 2v2 me in volleyball?"

Immediately Chaeryeong volunteered, turning to ask you to be her teammate. "Why not?" you replied, unable to say no to the gleam in her eyes. Picking Yeji as her partner, she and Lia waited on the other side of the net as you and Chaeryeong jogged over. Excitedly, Yuna cried out, "I call reffing!" eliciting a giggle from the rest of the girls.

Yeji served the ball first, shooting it over the net just for you to best it back. The game went on for almost 20 minutes until Lia snagged a win for her and Yeji as she spiked the ball to your side, winning 6-4. Laughing as Lia cheered, you gave her a quick "good game" before heading back to your towel. Taking your hair down, you let out a groan, realizing just hoe tense your scalp was from keeping it up all day. Grabbing your brush from your bag, you began to detangle your hair, simultaneously massaging your head.

Walking over, Chaeryeong noticed the tenseness in your shoulders and face. Sitting down on the towel next to you, she asked, "What's wrong?"

"My head just hurts. I had my hair up too tight for too long and now I feel like my scalp will forever be scrunched."

Stifling a giggle at your phrasing, she opted to give you a sympathetic smile before leaning back. "Come here," she beckoned, patting her chest. A bit confused, you complied, laying down across her. She moved her hands to your hair, beginning to work her fingers through it as she massaged your head. "My sweetheart, you're so pretty, but you gotta give yourself breaks," she chided, laughing at your responding whine.

You sighed as her fingers worked their magic on your head, all the tension melting away under her touch. After the long day, warm sun, and tiring game all you can think about is Chaer. Your girlfriend noticed you dozing off and turned down the speaker Yizhou had brought, gesturing towards your figure when she and Jimin looked over in confusion.

"Sleep well, sweetheart. I'll wake you up for sunset." She kissed your forehead before letting you rest.

a/n: will this be my actual comeback?? who knows. anyways i got this idea from my diary where i right embarrassing scenarios abt my crush so ur welcome

©️ bearseulgs 2024

[styeji]

HWANG YEJI X SHIN RYUJIN | SHERLOCK

hwang yeji x shin ryujin x fem!reader

cw: flirting, fluff ig, blind date, kinda open ended?? idk 🤭

summary: your friend appointed a blind date for you, but when you get to see your blind date…

word count: 537

you just started preparing for your blind date that friend of yours appointed for you, when you got a message from her.

you just shrugged it off but honestly speaking you are kind of intrigued. hurriedly putting on your shoes, you took a look at the time, rushing to the restaurant that yuna sent you.

let’s just say that you were stressed. of course, you trust yuna as much as yourself but she even disagreed to say is it a woman or a man that you’re going to meet, she kept it a secret. the restaurant though, is fancy and looks like they serve only expensive food.

the hostess smiled brightly at you, “y/n, right?” you nodded, smiling back to her. “follow me please. the guests are waiting for you.” you wanted to sigh. the mystery with your blind date is still going but that’s what blind dates are made for, right?

when the hostess stopped, you looked in front of you and your jaw almost dropped. you met the most breathtaking eyes you’ve ever seen and the owner of those eyes was even more mesmerising. you thanked the hostess and sat down, facing your blind date and that friend.

“has the cat got your tongue, sweetheart?” woman with orange hair spoke, as you nervously gulped. “no, just kind of surprised to see you two here.” you said, looking at each of them, both of them looked confused with your reply. “it’s just… gosh, i thought i would have a date with some weird guy. you two are insanely beautiful.” pink haired woman smirked but then her face expression changed, “oh, i’m curious, you thought we’re gonna be that bad?” she pouted her lips, almost teasing you… or she does?

cat-like woman hit her friend with her elbow, “shin ryujin, don’t make our date scared and confused.” the other girl sighed, now leaning forward to you. you smiled to orange hair girl, almost like saying that is everything is okay but ryujin spoke, “sorry babe, yeji unnie likes to make sure that her beloved ones won’t fall for me.” and she winked at you, which made yeji start arguing with her. when you saw that you got a new message, they didn’t even noticed.

“so, who is actually my date between you two?” you had to say it quite loudly, to make sure their attention is on you. yeji slightly raised her hand, she seemed to relax after your question, “yuna actually texted me about appointing a blind date with friend of hers, but ryujin seemed to be more eager to take a look at my blind date than me.” you were surprised. how could you not know yeji, if yuna also is friends with her?

ryujin crossed her arms, “ouch, you’re saying that you’re not so interested in me now?” you jokingly said, thinking that you’re acting just like ryujin now. yeji seemed to tense up, furrowing her eyebrows, “no! it’s not that… i mean, you’re gorgeous and i was- i am curious about you and…” younger woman sighed. ryujin leaned back, “kiss her or something, before i do that myself…” she almost instinctively leaned away from yeji, knowing she will hit her for that.

“ryujin!”

[k-tarots]

hey!! Hope ure having a good day, I’d like to ask a yes or no or whatever’s the easiest for u in tarot, about Itzy’s love life this month or year whichever works for u

ITZY Current Love Life Reading

[Reading done: 06.05.2024]

YEJI

Yeji is in a relationship.

There is a power struggle in Yeji's relationship.

Probably a some arguements that have left her drained and stressed.

The cards warn her that she needs to step back and reassess her relationship. Not in a negative way but just as a reminder that sometimes you need a new perspective.

There are also misunderstandings and childish arguments in her relationship.

Also some manipulation going on from their side to her.

Her partner is someone who is highly intellectual, with authority that was gained from hard work and their mind, someone who people respect but that also puts them slightly above Yeji in a way.

Which leads their power imbalance problem.

LIA

Lia is also seeing someone

In Lia's relationship journey, the Page of Swords adds a spark of curiosity and chatty vibes, making every conversation an adventure.

With the Five of Wands reversed, it seems like the air has cleared after some recent bumps in the road, paving the way for smoother interactions and less drama.

However, the High Priestess reversed whispers a cautionary tale, reminding Lia not to brush aside her intuition or ignore those nagging feelings in the pit of her stomach.

Despite these warnings, the Four of Wands brings a glimmer of hope, suggesting that amidst any uncertainty, there's a sturdy foundation of joy and celebration waiting to be built if Lia can keep the lines of communication open and trust her inner wisdom.

RYUJIN

Another yes on the relationship

the reversed Death card suggests that she might be resisting necessary changes or holding onto aspects of her romantic life that are no longer serving her.

The Three of Wands hints at a period of anticipation and waiting, indicating that she may be on the cusp of new opportunities or experiences in her relationships.

However, the Five of Swords warns of potential conflicts or disagreements that could arise, urging her to approach any challenges with open communication and a willingness to compromise.

Despite these hurdles, the Eight of Pentacles highlights her dedication and commitment to improving her love life, suggesting that by putting in the effort and focusing on personal growth, she can cultivate a fulfilling and harmonious romantic connection.

CHAERYEONG

I think there is someone that is an almost there relationship but not yet.

In Chaeryeong's love life, the Knight of Wands reversed indicates a period of stagnation or lack of progress. It suggests that she may be feeling frustrated or restrained in her romantic pursuits, unable to move forward with the passion and enthusiasm she desires.

However, the Knight of Swords brings a surge of energy and determination, suggesting that Chaeryeong may be ready to break free from any limitations or obstacles holding her back.

The Eight of Swords, though, warns of potential self-imposed restrictions or feelings of being trapped by her own thoughts or fears in matters of the heart.

Chaeryeong may need to confront these limiting beliefs and find the courage to step outside of her comfort zone to pursue the love and happiness she deserves.

YUNA

Yuna is in a search

Three of Wands indicates a period of anticipation and waiting, suggesting that she may be exploring her options or considering potential romantic opportunities on the horizon.

However, the Seven of Pentacles reversed warns of impatience or frustration regarding the progress of her relationships.

Yuna may feel like she's investing time and effort into her love life without seeing the desired results.

The Two of Swords suggests that she may be facing a difficult decision or feeling conflicted about which path to take in matters of the heart.

Yuna may need to weigh her options carefully and trust her instincts to make the right choice for her romantic future.

[albumstrackbytrack]

Thematically, the album revolves around the concept of the members being female warriors who embody strength and leave a "lasting expression"., Described by Yuna as a "box full of gifts", the album is composed of "powerful performances" that express the confidence of the members.

1.“BORN TO BE”

convey a message of self-assurance and independence. The members express their confidence and determination, emphasizing their resilience to external opinions. The song celebrates individuality, with bold declarations of being "born to be wild and free," encouraging listeners to embrace their uniqueness and face challenges with self-belief., expresses the members' "bold ambition to go as desired in a free-born world".

2. “UNTOUCHABLE”

convey a message of self-confidence, empowerment, and determination. The song expresses the idea that the singer is unstoppable and cannot be held back by anyone or anything. The lyrics emphasize a fearless attitude, highlighting the singer's resilience and refusal to be hindered by obstacles. The repeated refrain of "I'm untouchable" reinforces the theme of invincibility, and the energetic rhythm of the song contributes to its empowering vibe. Overall, "Untouchable" is a declaration of strength and self-assurance, encouraging the listener to embrace their power and pursue their goals without being deterred by external challenges., Lyrically, "Untouchable" conveys a message of resilience in facing the hardships of reality.

3. Mr. Vampire”

portray a playful and metaphorical narrative of discovering love. The refreshing morning symbolizes a new beginning, questioning the longevity of the newfound affection. The vampire theme is used metaphorically, depicting love as a thrilling and captivating force, with references to biting and superpowers. The song captures the joy of escaping monotony and finding a perfect match in love, expressed through energetic choruses and romantic imagery, inviting the listener to join in the excitement of a match made in heaven., discusses the thrill of falling in love through vampire-inspired metaphors backed by "sweet, dreamy" melodies.

4.“Dynamite”

is an energetic and assertive track that encapsulates the group's determination and confidence. It uses the metaphor of dynamite to depict the power and intensity with which the members command the stage and ignite the dance floor. The lyrics speak to the theme of unleashing one's hidden potential and setting the scene ablaze with explosive dance moves and an unwavering sense of self-assuredness, encouraging listeners to cast aside hesitation and join in on the bold expression of freedom and individuality., exemplifies with its theme of releasing one's bold and spirited side.

5.“Crown On My Head (YEJI)”

is an empowering anthem that showcases the artist's confidence and determination to shine in their own unique way. The lyrics convey a message of self-empowerment, resilience, and not conforming to societal expectations. It encourages listeners to embrace their individuality, overcome obstacles, and take control of their own destinies. The song exudes a sense of strength and fearlessness, emphasizing the idea that the hardships faced only make one stronger. With its pop rock sound and fierce vocals, the track serves as a reminder to wear the metaphorical "crown" with pride and to always strive for greatness., takes listeners from a place of defiance and rebellion to one of self-assurance and triumph. The song begins with a sense of rebelliousness, as the lyrics talk about abandoning the predetermined path and creating one's own. There is a feeling of untamable wildness and a refusal to conform to societal norms. As the song progresses, it delves into the emotional landscape of facing challenges and overcoming them with courage and determination. The lyrics express a willingness to embrace pain and use it as fuel to grow stronger. Ultimately, the emotional journey culminates in a victorious and empowering state of mind, where the artist proudly wears the "crown" on their head, symbolizing their chosen path and their unwavering commitment to shine.

6. Blossom (LIA)”

The lyrics convey a powerful message of self-confidence, patience, and resilience. In the verses, the persona expresses a determination to blossom and face challenges independently. They emphasize the importance of waiting for the right moment and taking their time to bloom. The pre-chorus underscores a refusal to be rushed, encouraging self-love and the acceptance of one's unique journey. The chorus explores the theme of individuality, highlighting differences and celebrating the journey of self-discovery. The outro reflects a sense of endurance, acknowledging the time it took to reach full bloom and embracing one's identity as a resilient flower, unbroken despite potential challenges. Overall, the lyrics inspire a message of self-empowerment, patience, and embracing one's unique path to growth.

7.“Run Away (RYUJIN)”

is a powerful and assertive song that explores the theme of breaking free from toxic relationships. The lyrics depict a sense of confidence and self-empowerment as the protagonist decides to cut ties with someone who has become harmful to their well-being. The song conveys a message of taking control of one's own happiness and not being afraid to walk away from a situation that no longer serves them. It also touches upon the pain and frustration that can arise from love and the realization that not all relationships are meant to last. Through its intense and energetic sound, "Run Away" encourages listeners to embrace their inner strength and stand up for themselves., depicts "one's willingness to act as a villain for someone who lacks courage".

8.“Mine (CHAERYEONG)”

is a song that delves into the complexities of love and possessiveness. It explores the emotions of desire, obsession, and the need to be wanted by someone. The lyrics convey a sense of longing to find a special connection with another person and the determination to make that person "mine." The song discusses the intense feelings that arise when falling for someone and the fear of losing them. It also touches on the idea of seeking validation and reassurance from the object of affection. Overall, "Mine" reflects a mix of emotions associated with love, from excitement and infatuation to insecurity and vulnerability., takes listeners through a range of intense feelings associated with love. It begins with a sense of anticipation and hope, as the protagonist believes they have found something special with the person they desire. However, this quickly turns into confusion and frustration, as they feel their emotions being exposed and toyed with. The lyrics convey a strong desire to possess the object of affection, refusing to let go and holding on tightly. There is a deep emotional connection felt when looking into the eyes of the loved one, creating a feeling of being completely captivated. As the song progresses, there is a plea for honesty and a longing to hear the truth from the person they desire. The ticking of the clock in the bridge symbolizes the urgency of wanting to know the other person's feelings before time runs out. Overall, the emotional journey depicted in "Mine" showcases the passionate and sometimes tumultuous nature of love.

9.“Yet, but (YUNA)”

is an empowering and uplifting song that encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness and shine brightly, regardless of the opinions of others. The lyrics convey a message of self-confidence, resilience, and the belief that everyone has the potential to be a shining diamond. The song acknowledges the challenges and criticisms that may come our way but emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting them define us. It inspires individuals to laugh off fake worries, trust in their own abilities, and keep striving for perfection. Overall, "Yet, but" is a reminder that our flaws and struggles do not diminish our worth, and that we have the power to overcome obstacles and shine., carries the message of "shining like a diamond".

10.“Escalator”

is an energetic and empowering song that encourages listeners to embrace a winning mentality and strive for success. The lyrics convey a message of self-confidence, determination, and the refusal to be held back by fear or obstacles. The metaphor of an escalator is used to symbolize the constant upward journey towards one's goals and aspirations. The song exudes a sense of ambition and drive, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and breaking through barriers. With its catchy beats and dynamic vocals, "Escalator" serves as a motivational anthem that inspires listeners to keep pushing forward and reaching for greater heights. , takes listeners on a thrilling ride filled with determination, confidence, and a burning desire for success. The lyrics evoke a sense of empowerment, as the members of ITZY express their unwavering belief in themselves and their ability to overcome any challenge. There is a feeling of exhilaration and adrenaline as they embrace the idea of constantly moving upward, never allowing themselves to go down. The song ignites a fire within the listener, urging them to break free from their limitations and reach for the stars. It evokes emotions of strength, resilience, and the excitement of pursuing one's dreams with unyielding passion.

Sources ;

[itzynabi]

2022 mama

an: i didnt watch the award show so i dont know what order things happened BUT i've seen some clips and tweets and i managed to pull this together. words in bold are english. pls enjoy

red carpet

cheshire performance

glassy performance

moments during the show

first off, she was serving face during the red carpet

definitely had everyone crying

during the show, everytime she was on screen, the crowd went cRaZy

like the volume was put all the way up

she was dancing in her seat to some of the performances (especially kara’s like she loves that group down bad)

the amount of fancams of eve dancing along to the kara songs and then just holding her face in awe during when i move

nobody was prepared for cheshire eve

you thought the music video prepared you? you were wrong

everybody was screaming, crying, throwing up bcs she was giving too much

everybody say rip to san 💀😔

her aura was just... magnetic and captivating and all of the above

then we got her glassy performance

she looked like a princess (she is one tbh)

the makeup, the outfit, the hair.... tew gewd

anyways

between the end of the bridge and the start of the last chorus there was a dance break (think love dive's dance break)

then miss girl won best new female artist!!!

the way yuna jumped up so fast after the presenter announced that eve won

✨GROUP HUG✨

also eve being the first soloist to win best new female artist since 2012... icon behaviour

the members went with her on stage as she accepted her award

eve: all in us! hi i am itzy's eve. thank you so much for this award, i really appreciate it. i kind of don't really know what to say because yeji usually makes the speeches but thank you to midzy's that voted for me and listened to the album and loved the album. and the biggest thank you to my members on stage with me for supporting me and believing in me when i didn't, i love you guys so much and i hope that we continue to make good memories. to international midzy's, the same sentiment to you guys, i love you and thank you

all the members tearing up during eve's speech ooohhh they love her so much 😖😖

©️ kim nabi

[momoshin]

ily #80

#80 “Is your seat belt on?” with ryujin :) (6th member au)

teaching yuna how to drive... it was something. all the members in the group who could drive (yeji, ryujin and you) had already taken turns teaching her individually, but you’d never been in the car all at once. until today.

you never imagined you’d spend a free tuesday morning in one of the company’s cars, that instead of sleeping in and hearing your girlfriend’s peaceful breath, you’d be hearing yeji, ryujin and yuna all yelling at each other.

“you can’t do that!- you’re gonna get pulled over-“

“yuna if you step on the brake like that whoever is behind you is going to-“

“okay! fine! you do it” you all look at her, the lack of understanding loud between the four of you.. it’s too early for this. “crap. i know” she goes back to looking at the front, and so do you, hoping to be her second pair of eyes in case she needed them (she did) and slowly, she makes sure to put the car in drive, the reminder of yeji behind her to put her foot on the brake pedal found helpful as she looks at ryujin in the mirror for approval.

but your girlfriend only shrugs as if to tell her she was on her own. causing you to roll your eyes and sigh before telling her she’s doing okay. something you wish you didn’t say so soon.. it’s going well for a while, and honestly, when your girlfriend and leader start telling the calmer members of the group everywhere yuna messed up, only this time would you say it wasn’t her fault. none of you see the car coming dangerously fast from your right. and she’s more focused on not hitting any cars in front that she doesn’t notice either.

until yeji and yuna gasp, not leaving you time to react before you hear ryujin yelling at the youngest to stop the car. “oh my god. oh my GOD” yeji yells. hands on her face as she tries to calm herself down. it all happened so fast that you barely realized you were at some point in danger, and instead you check on yuna after making sure the car was properly stopped.

“fucking christ.” the only blonde in the car breathes a string of curse words behind you, reaching between the driver and passenger’s seat to check up on you. her hands are worried as they touch your arms, neck and face to make sure she’s not feeling any broken bones or holes in you, and her eyes share the same feeling when she looks for yours. “are you okay? baby? is your seatbelt on?”

“im fine ryu” sending her what you hoped was a comforting smile, you kiss the hand that was on your cheek before looking back at yuna and yeji. “i think we should stick to empty parking lots for now.” your comment serves its purpose as it brushes the weight off yuna’s shoulders and causes the whole car to erupt into laughter, putting an end to the terrifying experience.

[silverlightqueen]

Ozone 🦋

‘I need some reasons to live, maybe you could show me some.’

Phases - Hwang Hyunjin X Chase Atlantic

Rating: M (heavy angst, fluff, slightly suggestive)

Warnings: substance abuse, drug addiction, depression and discussion of suicidal behaviours/thoughts, toxic relationship, mention of alcohol, strong language

Word Count: 9.3k+ 

a/n: and here is the third (and my favourite) part of phases, my hhjxchaseatlantic series! please proceed with caution because this fic contains some serious and potentially triggering topics! I really hope you guys enjoy this, lmk what you think and hmu if you wanna be on the taglist! the biggest thank you to the loml @silverlightprincess for proofreading this, love you sis xo

taglist 🦋: @diue @shesfuckedinthehead @danyxthirstae01 @linours @titleisyettobemade @jikooksgirl19​ @straytannies​ @silverlightprincess​

‘I’m so sorry, Chaer, I gotta go, they’re blowing up my phone, I-’ ‘It’s okay, y/n, don’t worry about it. I’ll finish my story after,’ Chaeryeong says softly, patting the other girl’s shoulder comfortingly, and she mirrors Chaeryeong’s smile as she gets up from the table, trying to leave without Lia noticing her. She needs to be quick because she doesn’t wanna miss anything, so she slips around the edges of the room, hoping not to get caught in a conversation with one of Lia’s drunk uncles.

The sun is just beginning to set, the sky streaked with the most beautiful pastel colours, and a gentle breeze blows, kissing her exposed skin. The dresses Lia chose for them are so gorgeous – sea blue layers of floaty chiffon with thin straps and leg slits – and they’re perfect for this warm summer evening. The doorman offers her his arm to help her, and her heels click against the front steps of the manor house that Lia’s family have rented. She continues walking, right onto the grass, to make sure she’s stood a sufficient distance from the front door and the staff, not wanting anyone to overhear her conversation.

‘Where the fuck are you guys? The speeches are done, they’re about to serve the starters, and you idiots still aren’t here!’ she hisses angrily down the phone, Jisung silent for a moment before he says, ‘If any of you had answered your phones, then you’d know where we’ve been. And anyway, don’t blame all of us. It’s your idiot boyfriend that’s the problem.’ She takes a deep breath, already feeling her eyes fill with tears. ‘He’s not my boyfriend.’ ‘Okay, well, whatever the fuck he is to you.’ ‘It doesn’t matter what he is to me – he’s your best friend. But anyway, what’s he done?’ ‘He’s blown out his mind again. Taken so many xans that I’m surprised he hasn’t passed out.’

She takes a deep breath, trying not to scream, and closes her eyes for a moment to compose herself. ‘Where are you?’ ‘At your place. We went straight there after the ceremony, to pick up the present like you asked, but he decided to pop a few while he waited in the car. They haven’t fully kicked in yet, so we’re waiting for him to get over the peak.’ ‘No, you can’t wait. You’re gonna have to just bring him.’

‘…y/n, are you insane? He’s gonna be higher than a kite in, like, 30 minutes!’ ‘I know, but you can��t miss this! You already missed the speeches, and Lia will start asking where you guys are soon. Our table is literally right at the front of the room, and there are four empty seats. It’s very noticeable, and very embarrassing that four of her closest friends are a no-show at her wedding!’ ‘Yeah, but we can’t bring him while he’s like this!’ ‘We’ll leave him in the car and take turns to look after him until he’s come down.’ ‘Seriously?’ ‘Yes! It’s better than you guys missing her wedding! Get here now.’ ‘Okay, okay, we’re on our way. We’ll be there in 20.’ ‘Make it 15.’ ‘y/n-’ ‘I’m not kidding, Sung!’ ‘Fine, 15. You’re paying any speed tickets, though.’ ‘Fine, whatever, just get here.’

The line clicks off and she blinks a few times to clear her vision before heading back up into the big ballroom, slipping back to her seat. ‘Where are they?’ Yeji asks the second she sits down, all of them waiting for her answer. ‘Hyunjin got high, so they were waiting for him to come back down before they came,’ she says quietly, embarrassed at his behaviour, and all of her friends look furious.

‘Is he fucking kidding? On Lia’s wedding day? How fucking selfish can he be?’ Ryujin hisses angrily, and all she can do is nod in agreement. ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with him. But I told them to come anyway, and he can just wait in the car. It’s not fair that the other three should miss Lia’s big day because of him,’ she says softly, none of them wanting any of the other wedding guests to hear.

‘I swear to God, y/n, you need to drop him. He’s a fucking waste of space, and I’m sick of his bullshit,’ Chaeryeong says, and the other girl doesn’t say anything, looking at the empty seat beside her with thinly veiled misery. ‘Um, he’s our friend,’ Minho says, the girls turning their irritated gazes to him. ‘He’s our friend too, but it doesn’t mean what they said isn’t true. He is a waste of space, and we are sick of his bullshit,’ Yeji says softly, the boys exchanging glances before nodding in agreement. ‘Yeah, I guess. We just… feel bad for him,’ Changbin says, and Yuna scoffs. ‘Yeah, I did too. When we were in high school. We’re adults now, and we all have our lives together. He’s the only one that doesn’t. He needs to grow up like the rest of us,’ she says drily, everyone on the table in agreement that he’s a total mess.

It’s all too much for her, hearing all of this out loud, and she gets up from the table suddenly, all of them turning their gazes to her, guilt and concern appearing on their faces. ‘y/n, are y-’ ‘I’m fine, I just… gotta… go,’ she says faintly, getting up and heading towards the exit, stumbling out into the corridor with tears filling her eyes again. She makes her way to the bathroom on shaky legs, smiling weakly at Lia’s aunties that are congregated by the mirrors, gossiping about so-and-so’s dress and so-and-so’s new haircut.

She locks herself into a cubicle and checks Jisung’s location on her phone, breathing a sigh of relief when she sees his little dot moving closer to her own. She takes a minute to calm herself down, trying not to let their words about the boy she’s in love with replay in her mind, but she can’t help it. He is selfish, and a waste of space. It may be hard to hear, but it’s all true, and he’s never done anything to prove otherwise, never even attempted to show everyone they’re wrong about him. He’s a mess, and he knows it just as well as everyone else does.

She doesn’t know how long she’s sat on the lid of the toilet, watching Jisung’s dot on her phone, but when she finally leaves the cubicle, the bathroom is completely empty and eerily quiet. She stares at herself in the mirror for a while, and a small but genuine smile appears on her face at her reflection. She woke up super early this morning to make sure she looked especially nice, and she definitely achieved it – her makeup is flawless despite the tears that have threatened to spill twice already today, and her hair is perfect, unaffected by the slight breeze that’s been blowing since this morning.

She rolls her shoulders and neck to release some of the tension in her body, the crack of her bones echoing in the empty room. She puts her phone on the side, washing her hands with the expensive jasmine hand-soap, and just as she finishes drying her hands, the door opens. ‘Ah, y/n! My darling, you look gorgeous!’ Lia’s grandmother says with a big smile, the girl letting out a little exclamation of excitement as she wraps her arms around the small woman. ‘Thank you, Mrs Choi! And you look gorgeous too!’ ‘Oh, thank you, dear! Lia chose this dress for me – it seems she has an eye for good dresses, doesn’t she? You all looked so lovely stood beside her in your beautiful dresses earlier.’ ‘Not as lovely as the bride herself, of course.’ ‘Of course, of course! She looks stunning. I feel like I’ve been on the verge of tears all day,’ Lia’s grandmother laughs, and the girl truly means it when she says, ‘me too.’

‘It is an emotional day indeed. I look forward to the day that you get married, y/n. I’ll be able to spend the day getting a little too drunk like your grandmother has today,’ Mrs Choi gossips, the two of them giggling together. ‘I look forward to that day too, Mrs Choi. Lia’s wedding has just made me so much more excited for my own. I can’t wait.’ ‘Well, I don’t think you’ll have to wait too long.’ ‘Um… I’m not so sure about that,’ the girl says, getting a suspicious look in response. ‘Don’t tell me you and Hyunjin have broken up.’ ‘We’ve never been together, which isn’t even the start of our problems. He’s… just an idiot.’ ‘All boys are idiots, y/n. The sooner you come to terms with it, the better.’ ‘He’s more of an idiot than the rest of them, Mrs Choi. He’s not even my boyfriend, and I’m just fed up of him,’ she vents, Lia’s grandmother raising an eyebrow at her.

‘Sweetheart, does somebody need to have a word with the little shit? Because if he’s going around behind your back, Mr Choi will s-’ ‘No, he’s not… going around behind my back. He just hasn’t got his life together and it’s starting to really affect our relationship, if I can even call it that.’ ‘Oh, dear. Maybe you’re better off without him.’ ‘I am better off without him.’ ‘Well, I’m glad you know it. The day you decide to actually do something about it, let me know. Lia’s got some single cousins an-’ ‘Thank you for the offer, Mrs Choi, but I don’t need you to matchmake for me.’ ‘You say that now, but just wait,’ Lia’s grandmother says with a mischievous grin, the girl rolling her eyes amusedly. ‘We’ll see.’ ‘We shall. Now you go back and join your friends, sweetheart. I’ll catch you on the dancefloor later,’ the old lady says with a little shake of her hips, the girl bursting into laughter as she heads out of the bathroom.

She checks Jisung’s location again, and he’s only a couple minutes away, so she heads back out to the front of the manor house, admiring the vast grounds with its high trees, vibrant flowers and clear lake as she waits for them to arrive. As soon as she sees the car, she heads towards the driveway, the doorman helping her down the steps again. The second the boys start getting out of the car, she begins fussing about them. They all look dishevelled, and she’d rather not know why.

‘Don’t any of you know how to answer your damn phones?’ Felix says with half-hearted annoyance, letting the girl tighten his tie around his neck. ‘Lia’s family were doing their speeches, and then everyone was coming around and greeting us, so we couldn’t exactly start talking to you idiots on the phone.’ ‘We’re not the idiots, y/n,’ Seungmin says drily, standing still to let her straighten the flower on his lapel. ‘I know,’ she says softly, not even wanting to look in the car and see him. ‘How is he anyway?’ ‘He’s at his peak, so he should be near sober in about an hour, hour and a half,’ Jisung says, rolling his eyes as the girl fixes his hair. ‘Right, fine. We’ll come get him in an hour then. Let’s go.’

‘Woah, woah, hold on. We can’t just leave him in the car by himself,’ Seungmin says, and she raises an eyebrow at him. ‘Why not? If he doesn’t wanna be left in a car by himself, he shouldn’t get high before our best friend’s wedding reception.’ ‘Yeah, I get that, but what if he does something stupid?’ Felix asks, the girl sighing. ‘What do you suggest then?’ ‘We’ll… take shifts watching him. I’ll go first,’ Jisung says, and she shakes her head with wide eyes. ‘Are you insane? You need to go in and say hi to everyone, and then send someone else out, one of the boys. I’ll keep an eye on him for now,’ she says reluctantly, the boys exchanging a glance.

‘If there’s anyone that shouldn’t do a shift, y/n, it’s you.’ ‘Yeah, I know that, Jisung, but no one else is here, so it’ll have to be me. Just go, stop wasting time. If anyone asks where he is, say he’s really ill and he’s sleeping it off in the car,’ she says quickly, taking the car keys from Seungmin and shooing them away, watching as they head up towards the house. ‘You look very hot, by the way! As always!’ Jisung shouts over his shoulder with a grin and she rolls her eyes at him, flattered but most certainly not in the mood. ‘Miss, would you like me to take the car around to the car park for you?’ the valet says, suddenly appearing by her side, and she jumps slightly in surprise. ‘Um, actually… my friend’s still in the car – he’s not very well so we’re just gonna get him to sleep it off and take turns keeping an eye on him. Is there anywhere we can park the car where it’s closer to the house?’ she asks, and the valet thinks for a moment. ‘There’s a little clearing over this side of the house, Miss. I can drive the car there if you’d like,’ he offers, the girl nodding and handing him the keys.

She follows behind the car, walking carefully along the gravel, and thanks the valet profusely as he hands the keys back to her. She wonders whether or not she should get into the car, but the decision is made for her when Hyunjin rolls down the back window, looking at her with an unreadable expression, the whites of his eyes discoloured with red and his bottom lip split. That explains why the boys were all looking dishevelled – they must have gotten into a… scuffle with him. She doesn’t say anything, looking away from him after a moment, and he chuckles. ‘Don’t I get a lecture?’ he asks amusedly, and she doesn’t even dignify his question with a response. ‘Silent treatment?’ ‘Shut the fuck up, Hyunjin.’ He just chuckles in response, and she wants nothing more than to land a heavy punch on his annoyingly perfect face. Instead, she leans against the car and looks down at her phone, scrolling unseeingly through the pictures that Jeongin took of the girls earlier.

‘Why are you always so high-strung, babe? Just relax. Take a xanny,’ he says, smile audible in his voice, and she looks at him with pure disgust. ‘It’s not funny. Not one thing about this is funny.’ ‘It’s a little bit funny.’ ‘You’re fucking sick in the head,’ she spits angrily, and he looks taken aback for a moment, quickly smoothing out his features into that arrogant expression he wears all the time. ‘Wow, that’s harsh. What have I done to you? It’s Lia’s wedding – she’s the only one that can be angry with me,’ he says amusedly, and she feels her eyes filling with tears again. ‘No, actually, I can be angry at you too. It’s fucking humiliating having everyone look at the empty seat next to mine, your empty seat, wondering where the fuck my dirtbag of a boyfriend is!’

‘I’m not your boyfriend,’ he says quickly, the girl letting out a humourless laugh, furious that that’s the thing he decides to address. ‘Yeah, you’ve made that pretty fucking obvious.’ ‘Listen, y/n, I don’t get why you’re so upset that the seat next to you is empty. Just… move seats,’ he grins, as though it’s simple, and she wants to rip his soft black hair out of his stupid head. ‘That’s not the problem, Hyunjin. It’s a lonely feeling.’ ‘You’re sat with your best friends. They’re keeping you company. How can you say you’re lonely?’ ‘They’re all sat next to their boyfriends and girlfriends. The only empty seat on the table, now that the other three are there, is the one next to mine. It’s lonely because they all have their significant others there.’ ‘Well, maybe you should get a boyfriend then. It’s not my fault that you’re single,’ he smiles serenely, and she feels her heart break.

He just called her single. They’ve been messing around since high school, and never have either of them said that they’re single. It was always ‘it’s complicated’, or ‘yeah, we’re kinda together’, or even ‘I’m seeing someone’. Never that they’re single. And he knows that. He’s saying it on purpose, to hurt her – she’s sure of it – and she’s never hated him more than in this moment. Her eyes shine with tears and he just looks back at her smugly with his slightly bloodshot eyes. His body is so accustomed to being high that it’s only ever his eyes that change. His body is never slow or sluggish, his words are never slurred, he never becomes uncoordinated or dizzy. The only sign of him being up in the clouds is his eyes being tinged with a little red.

Changbin appears, almost out of nowhere, and he looks between them with silent concern. ‘Does Lia know anything?’ Hyunjin asks, directing the question at both of them, but the girl ignores him. ‘No. She’s not stupid, though – she’ll realise soon enough,’ Changbin says with no warmth or kindness, and Hyunjin almost looks guilty when he asks, ‘Are you gonna cover for me?’ ‘We’re not gonna ruin her wedding day. So… yeah, we’ll have to cover for you,’ Changbin answers quietly, and the girl lets out a little humourless laugh. ‘You fucking owe us one, you piece of shit.’ ‘I owe you all more than just one. Especially you, y/n. I owe you hundreds. You never stop doing things for me,’ he says with a grin, as though it’s something to be proud of, and it makes her feel sick – it’s like he’s mocking her, making her seem like she’s just his little fan, who follows him around and does whatever he asks.

‘You head back inside, y/n. I’ll stay with this dickhead,’ Changbin says softly, putting a gentle hand on her arm, and she nods, not wasting another moment before heading towards the front of the manor. ‘Tell whoever’s on the next shift to bring me a bottle of vodka!’ Hyunjin calls after the girl and she bites down on her lip, to stop herself from both screaming at him and bursting into tears, feeling that Changbin’s ‘shut your fucking mouth before I shove my fist in it, you fucking moron’ is more than enough of a scolding.

When she re-enters the ballroom, the atmosphere has livened up considerably, the guests beginning to mix between tables, the music a little louder and the lights a little lower. She heads back to the table with her friends, Lia sat there, and she feels a little bit of panic when Lia spots her, the bride’s eyes narrowing. ‘What’s going on with him?’ Lia asks the second the other girl sits down, and she waits for her response with a raised eyebrow, the others on the table silent. ‘These guys already told you, right?’ ‘No, they didn’t. They’re saying that nothing’s wrong, which is bullshit. What’s going on, y/n?’ The girl decides she’s not gonna lie for him, she’s not gonna cover for him anymore, and she takes a deep sigh before saying, ‘he’s high, Lia. I’m sorry.’

Lia shakes her head disappointedly, sadness in her eyes, but there isn’t one hint of surprise in her reaction at all, which hurts. No one’s ever surprised by his behaviour. No one ever expects anything better of him. No one ever thinks he might make a change, but it’s probably because he never will.

‘I even told him he could get high after my family are all gone. They’re leaving at 9 and then we’ve got the place to ourselves all night. He just had to wait a few more hours,’ Lia says angrily, the others all shaking their heads in mutual disappointment. ‘Where is he? I wanna speak to him,’ she says abruptly, getting up from her seat without a second’s hesitation, and all her friends exchange alarmed glances. ‘Woah, Lia, hold on. Changbin’s with him, but you can’t go. It’s your wedding – you can’t just disappear,’ Yeji says, and Lia looks like she’s debating it with herself.

‘I… I wanna go and speak to him so bad. I don’t know whether I wanna knock him out or give him a hug, but I just need to see him,’ she says distractedly, as though her thoughts are too loud for her to focus on her words, and the others look at her with incredulity. ‘You wanna hug him?’ Jeongin asks disbelievingly, voicing all of their thoughts, and she lets out an exasperated sigh. ‘You guys are all so quick to get angry at him. Do you never stop to wonder why he’s always high or drunk?’ she asks, sitting back down again, and everyone rolls their eyes.

‘Lia, it’s nice of you to be concerned about him, but I really wouldn’t try and think about him in a psychological way. He’s too far gone for our help now. I mean, it’s literally your wedding day, and he couldn’t stay sober,’ Ryujin says slowly, and Lia’s eyes widen. ‘But that’s what I’m trying to say! It’s my wedding day… and he couldn’t stay sober. Why has nobody stopped to think about that? What is hurting him so much that he couldn’t stay sober for his best friend’s wedding?’ Lia says slowly, her friends silent as her words sink in, and their anger is quickly replaced by panic and guilt.

‘y/n, has he… spoken to you at all? Mentioned anything to you? I know you two aren’t exactly… well, I don’t even know what you are, but he confides in you more than anyone else,’ Minho says gently, and the girl tries to quieten her concerns, thinking back to anything she should’ve noticed. ‘I can’t think of anything. I mean… there’s the usual stuff he’s talked about since high school – how he gets high to get rid of the pain – but nothing… out of the blue. Nothing bad enough to make him get high in the middle of Lia’s wedding,’ she says quietly, desperately wracking her brains but coming up empty-handed.

‘Maybe we should try and speak to him about it? Try and get him to talk?’ ‘He doesn’t talk, Lix. He won’t talk, to any of us. Except y/n,’ Chaeryeong says gently, all of them silent as they try to think. ‘Will you speak to him, y/n? I’m just worried now that Lia’s said that.’ ‘Trust me, Yuna, I’d love to speak to him, but I don’t think I’ll be able to get anything out of him. I was just with him and… he was horrible to me. Worse than he’s ever been before. I told him it isn’t a nice feeling to be sat in here with the seat next to me empty, and he said that maybe I should get a boyfriend, and it isn’t his fault that I’m single,’ she says quietly, all of them gasping in shock.

‘That’s it. I don’t give a fuck if he’s struggling or going through something difficult – that’s no excuse to be a dick.’ ‘Jisung, please, calm do-’ ‘No, Lia! How many nights has she stayed with him? How many episodes of his has she stuck by him through? How many times has she saved his damn life? Everything she’s ever done for him, and he thinks he can speak to her like that? It doesn’t run! I’m gonna kick his ass!’ Jisung says angrily, standing up, and all the others start panicking and stand up too, trying to get him to calm down. ‘Jisung, if you don’t sit your ass down and shut up, I’ll kick your ass,’ Lia hisses, all of them suddenly conscious of the stares they’re getting from the other wedding guests, and they all quickly sit back down.

‘You don’t get to choose how we deal with him. y/n does,’ Lia says calmly, all of their gazes turning to the girl in question, and she hesitates, taking a few moments to think about it. She wants nothing more than to see him get his due, for being such a dick to her for so long, but she loves him too much to abandon him, or hurt him, at a time when he could be hurting more than he ever has before.

‘We’ll carry on doing the shifts until he’s come down... and then, I’ll speak to him. Only when he’s sobered up. The next person to go out needs to take his drugs off him, if he has any – I don’t want him to take more while he’s coming down. I’ll bring him in after speaking to him,’ she says, telling them the best plan she can think of, and they all nod. ‘Okay, y/n. That’s what we’ll do. I’ll take the next shift,’ Chan says, the others volunteering themselves to look after him, and she feels herself zoning out, worrying about him again. ‘Hey, y/n. Stop stressing. We’re gonna look after him, okay? Team effort to… save Hyunjin,’ Felix says softly with a small smile, and the girl nods, convincing herself that they’ll be able to do it. That they can save Hyunjin.

‘My eyes must have been deceiving me all night, because I haven’t seen you step foot onto that dancefloor,’ Lia’s father says from where he’s appeared behind her seat, and she smiles up at him. ‘Hey, Mr Choi.’ ‘Hi, sweetheart,’ he says, sliding into the empty seat beside her. ‘Why the sad face?’ ‘Oh, I’m not sad. I’m just… reminiscing. It feels like the end of an era,’ she says, glancing over at Lia and wondering when she grew up so much. Wondering when all of them grew up so much.

‘I’ve been thinking the same thing. I can’t help but wish the time hadn’t gone so quickly. I miss those old days. When you girls would play outside for hours each day, all summer long. It feels like just yesterday that me and the other parents waved you all goodbye on your first day of high school, and here we are. At Lia’s wedding,’ he says with a sad smile, both of them watching Lia dance with the biggest smile on her face, looking radiant in her beautiful dress. ‘It feels surreal.’ ‘I completely agree. These years have just flown by – it just feels wrong that you guys are getting married and settling down. Make sure you don’t get married for a long time, y/n. I’m not ready to see you get married yet,’ he says with a grin, the girl bursting into laughter.

‘I can’t wait too long. You’re starting to get old an-’ ‘You cheeky little-’ he exclaims, hitting the girl with a napkin. Lia’s old aunties shoot them dirty looks and they try to stifle their laughter, but it only makes everything funnier, the two of them giggling into their hands like little schoolkids. ‘You might be joking, but I’m afraid you’re right, y/n. We are getting old, so don’t wait too long. I think… in ten years should be fine,’ he says with a grin, her mouth falling open. ‘Ten years? I’ll be ancient by then!’ ‘Watch your mouth,’ he says warningly, an amused glint in his eyes.

‘If I’m being totally honest, I can see you getting married next. I think someone out there will have enough sense to put a ring on you soon,’ he says, trying to sound all mystical, but he makes it sound like a threat instead, and she can’t help but laugh. ‘No, I don’t think so. I feel like I’m destined to just be a bridesmaid for the rest of my life.’ ‘Oh, don’t be ridiculous! You’ll find the right one. Maybe it’s that boyfriend of yours,’ he says tentatively, as though testing the waters, and when she remains silent, her smile slipping a little, he backtracks.

‘I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought him up.’ ‘No, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it. It’s… silly.’ ‘I don’t think things are ever silly with you and that boy, y/n. You two seem to have problems that are more serious than any other couple I know. And you’re not even married!’ ‘We’re not even together at all, Mr Choi. He called me single today,’ she says with a sad smile, and his mouth falls open. ‘Where is he?’ he says, clenching his hands into fists menacingly, and she laughs, shaking her head. ‘No, no, it’s okay. I’ll get over it,’ she says, but he’s distracted, looking around the room.

‘Okay, seriously… where is he? I haven’t seen him all night, and I can’t see him now. And this is supposed to be his seat, right?’ he asks, obviously picking up on how the table settings in front of the seat are untouched, how he’s the first person to have sat in that seat all night, and she nods reluctantly, the man shaking his head. ‘Where is he, y/n?’ ‘He’s been an idiot, and… we’re dealing with it,’ she says vaguely, and he raises an eyebrow.

The kids have managed to hide Hyunjin’s addiction from all of their parents for years. The parents have their suspicions, of course, but it’s never been confirmed to them, because they’ve never seen him do drugs. They’ve seen him whilst he’s high, without even realising – he’s pretty much himself when he’s high, just a little hyper or chill – so he’s managed to get away with his addiction for years.

Before Mr Choi can reply, Seungmin’s voice comes from behind them. ‘y/n. You’re up,’ he says gravely, and she takes a deep breath. ‘He’s definitely okay for me to talk to him?’ she asks, Seungmin nodding. ‘I’m sorry to leave you, Mr Choi, but I gotta…’ ‘Don’t worry about it. You have my phone number so call me if something happens. Okay?’ he says, obviously wanting to intervene but not wanting to overstep, and she nods with a small smile.

The walk to the car feels like it stretches over a lifetime, her nerves growing and her legs feeling weaker with each step. It’s past sunset now, but there’s still the warm glow of a beautiful dusk over the manor grounds, the cooling air making her shiver. When she approaches Seungmin’s car, she sees that Hyunjin is sat on the boot, looking towards the lake with a blank face. She feels relief flood through her when he turns his gaze towards her and his eyes aren’t red anymore. This is him sober, or as sober as he’s been in a long time. Lia wasn’t exaggerating when she said that he’s always high or drunk – he even showed up to the ceremony this morning with the faint scent of vodka on his lips.

Neither of them say anything as she joins him, settling beside him on the boot, making sure her dress isn’t touching the floor. ‘That dress really suits you. You look… amazing,’ he murmurs quietly, looking back at the lake. ‘Thanks. And you look handsome in your suit,’ she says softly, feeling her heart flutter a little when his lips quirk up at the corners and he turns his head away with embarrassment.

He’s dressed in a standard black tux with a white shirt underneath it, but the outfit’s simplicity doesn’t stop it from accentuating his lean and slim figure nicely, the colour setting off his honey skin. His soft black hair falls over his forehead into his eyes, and silver rings adorn his long fingers. The tie hanging from his neck is the same blue as her dress, and it reminds her of when they matched his tie and her dress at high school prom all those years ago, the memory bringing a fond smile to her face.

‘Thanks,’ he says quietly, and they fall back into silence. A sudden gust of wind blows, carrying the lilt of faint birdsong, and the trees lean from its force, their leaves brushing against each other. She shivers, bringing her arms around herself, hands clutching onto her own shoulders, and he instantly begins to shrug off his jacket, handing it to her without looking in her direction. She thanks him softly, taking the jacket and pulling it around herself, feeling the echo of his body warmth in its inner lining. He rarely wears any aftershave or cologne – his natural scent is more than enough to make him smell good – but the scent of the Dior spray she bought him for his last birthday fills her senses.

‘I’m really sorry,’ he says suddenly, eyes still on the lake, and she lets out a gentle laugh. ‘It’s not me you need to apologise to. It’s not my wedding – it’s Lia’s,’ she says gently, no anger in her voice at all. She can’t be angry at him when he’s all subdued like this. ‘I know, and I owe Lia an apology too. But… I’ve owed you an apology for a long time, y/n. For so many things.’ She doesn’t say anything, not quite sure what to say, and he takes her silence as a sign to continue, neither of them looking at each other.

‘I… I’m sorry I said to you that you should get a boyfriend. I shouldn’t have called you single – it was nasty, and it wasn’t true. I don’t really know what we are, but we are something,’ he says in a small voice, sounding earnest, and she just sighs. ‘Then… why did you say it? Why did you… want to be nasty to me?’ she asks shakily, tears welling up in her eyes again, and he’s completely silent, showing no sign of answering her question.

‘I don’t understand. Every time you do these things to me, all I can think is that I just don’t understand. I deserve better than you – that’s what you say – but no matter what you do, I still want you, and I don’t understand that either. Why do I keep coming back to you when you treat me like shit? I’m doing it right now. Look how you spoke to me earlier, and I’m sat out here with you instead of being with Lia on her wedding day. Why do I do this? And why do you do this to yourself? You run from the person you need the most. No matter how much I think about it, I just don’t know why you do it. But it has to stop, Hyunjin. It has to stop,’ she says tearily, sobs breaking up her words, and he feels his heart breaking as he listens to her.

He wordlessly moves closer to her, pulling her into his arms, and she rests her head on his chest, trying her best to calm herself down as he comforts her, running his hand over her hair soothingly. ‘I was good this morning. Yeah, I took a couple shots before I left the house, but they were just to give me energy after the pills I took last night. But I was good, I was happy,’ he begins, voice quiet, and she feels a glimmer of hope at the prospect that he’s finally gonna open up to her, tell her something of substance rather than the usually vague things he tells her (she wanted to slam her head into the wall that time he spent ages building up to a big confession for it to be ‘I stay high because I don’t like being sober’).

‘And then, after the ceremony, while you guys were taking bridesmaids pictures, I overheard your parents talking to Ryujin’s parents. They were talking about how happy they are for Lia, how beautiful she looks, and then the conversation changed to you,’ he continues, tears appearing in his eyes and the girl waits nervously for the rest of the story.

He relives the moment as he tells her about it. How he heard her name come up in the conversation, his heart skipping a beat just at the mention of her, and he started listening a little more eagerly. How he couldn’t help the smile on his face when they spoke about how beautiful she’ll look on her wedding day. How he felt like he’d had his heart ripped out when her father mentioned his worries about who his daughter will marry, and how he hopes it won’t be her ‘no-good deadbeat failure of a boyfriend’ because he feels – no, he knows – that ending up with Hyunjin will mean she’ll end up heartbroken.

She bursts into tears as soon as he finishes telling her, and he’s so endeared by her reaction that he can’t help but chuckle, holding her just a little closer as the tears spill down his face. ‘Hyunjin, why didn’t you just tell me?’ she asks quietly once the sobs have stopped forcing their way up her throat. She sits back up, their shoulders touching, and he intertwines his hand with hers, a sad smile on his face. ‘What was I supposed to say? ‘I overheard your dad talking about how much he hates me and my first good mood this entire year is ruined because of it’? That’s not exactly a great conversation to have at your best friend’s wedding.’ ‘Yeah, but it’s a better conversation to have than the one we’re having right now,’ she points out, and he chuckles, nodding in agreement.

‘I know this probably won’t change anything, but you should know that my dad’s opinion on you doesn’t matter to me-’ ‘But, y/n, it’s true. He’s right. I am a no-good deadbeat failure. My life is meaningless. I don’t bring anything to the table. I don’t contribute anything positive to your life, to anyone’s life. You probably would end up heartbroken if you married me. Which is why you can’t marry me. You can’t be with me, y/n. I know I say this all the time, but you do deserve better than someone like me. I wish I was more of a man, but I’m not. All I do is neglect you, and put myself above you,’ he says softly, and she just stares at him with such an intense mix of emotions – anger, sorrow, guilt, hurt, confusion, longing – that she doesn’t even know what to say.

‘But I love you,’ she whispers eventually, and he brushes back her hair with an affectionate smile. ‘And I love you too. More than I have ever loved anything. More than anyone has ever loved anything. You are my entire life, y/n. And that’s the problem. My life is you, drugs and alcohol. You have so much more in your life – you have such a potential for success – but being with me will only drag you down. It’s what I’m already doing to you – slowly dragging you down.’ ‘But Hyunjin, you have such a potential for success too! You could have so much fulfilment in your life. You could be so much more.’ ‘But I’m not, and I don’t think I ever will be. I don’t think I’ll ever get sober,’ he whispers hesitantly, fear in his eyes, and it’s so clear to her in that moment that he hates this. The thought of living like this for the rest of his life scares him, but he feels like there’s nothing he can do to change that.

She’s silent for a moment, debating whether or not she should say what she wants to say, but she throws caution to wind and decides to contradict everything she and their friends have been saying to him for years. ‘You don’t have to get sober,’ she says slowly, his eyes widening. ‘What?’ ‘I know I’ve been saying that you need to get sober, but I’ve been thinking about it, and… it’s like weight-loss,’ she says, the boy laughing. ‘Getting sober is like weight-loss?’ ‘Yeah! Think about it; if you go from eating junk food every day and never exercising, to never eating any junk food and working out for three hours every day, it’s just not gonna work. You have to do it slowly, you know? Make lifestyle changes instead. Slowly incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Learn healthier recipes and make better choices with food that you buy.’

He processes her words, holding back laughter at her metaphor, and asks, ‘So you’re saying… I need to just slowly start taking less drugs?’ ‘That’s exactly what I’m saying! We shouldn’t expect you to get sober overnight – it probably won’t work if we try to do it like that. But if you just start taking less and less, then it’ll be an easier process. And I don’t even expect you to get completely sober. A couple xans or a joint at a party, or even a couple lines wouldn’t kill you. That’s what the other boys do. It’s about moderation. It’s about not getting high again as soon as you feel yourself coming down,’ she says pointedly, and he lets out a sigh.

‘It sounds like a great idea, y/n, but… the drugs keep me alive. They might be slowly killing me, but they’re also keeping me alive. As soon as I feel myself coming down, it all comes back. The hurt, the trauma, the self-hatred, the loneliness and the crippling pain of my life. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but there’s something very wrong with me, because when I’m sober, I want to die. When I’m sober, I don’t have any reasons to live,’ he confides in a gentle voice, holding her hand tight, and her heart sinks at his admission. ‘Well… maybe I could give you some?’ she whispers, his lips curling up into a small smile, and he puts an arm around her, pulling her close and pressing his lips to her temple. ‘Maybe you could, angel. I should at least let you try. But I can’t promise it’ll work,’ he murmurs against her skin, and she feels her heart lift with hope. This is more than he’s ever let her try before.

‘Okay. We’ll start with trying to… fix you tomorrow,’ she says, and his eyes widen. ‘Tomorrow?’ ‘Yes, tomorrow. If we keep putting it off, we’ll never get around to it. Tonight, you can go inside, say hi to everyone and apologise for your… antics, and when all of Lia’s family have left, you can get high with the boys. Then, after we see Lia off on her honeymoon, we’re starting with… ‘Operation: Help Hyunjin’. Okay?’ she asks, and he nods with a small smile. ‘Okay.’ ‘Promise me you’ll try. If I show up to your house in the morning and you’re not there, like all those other times, I’m gonna be really upset. I love you, but I can’t put up with you running from me for much longer. So I want you to actually try this time.’

‘I promise I won’t run from you. And I promise I’ll try, for you.’ ‘No. It’s not for me – it’s for you. It’s for your happiness, your future. The motivation for this needs to be you. You owe it to yourself to live a better life. Nobody else but you.’ ‘Okay. I’ll promise I’ll try. For me,’ he smiles, tilting her head up to press a gentle kiss to her lips, making her heart flutter. He chuckles at the dazed look on her face, jumping down from the boot of the car. He puts two big hands on her waist and helps to lift her down, leading her back up to the wedding.

‘You look so cute in my jacket,’ he chuckles, and she instantly begins taking it off. ‘No, angel, it’s cold!’ ‘My dress is so pretty, though. I don’t wanna cover it up. And we’re going inside now anyway,’ she says, handing him his jacket back, and he pulls it on as his eyes trail up and down her body. ‘I guess the dress is pretty. Not as pretty as you, though,’ he murmurs, and she rolls her eyes, unable to hold back a giggle. ‘That was a terrible line.’ ‘Who says it was a line? The only lines I do are coke.’ ‘…Not funny, Jin.’ ‘Sorry.’

They walk towards the front door of the manor holding hands, their fingers interlaced, and Hyunjin spots a little flower bush a few feet away. ‘Hold on,’ he says, letting go of her hand and picking one of the flowers. They’re blush pink, the same colour as the corsage he bought her from prom, and he holds it up to her with a grin, a small smile on her face as he lifts up her hair to tuck it behind her ear. It might not match the dress, but he thinks she looks beautiful, and she’s so touched that he remembers such a small detail from so long ago. Pink peonies have been her favourite flowers since he bought her that corsage, because every time she sees one, she thinks of him.

‘You look perfect,’ he murmurs, pressing his lips to hers again, and she sighs gently into the kiss, his lips curling into a smirk as he wraps his arms around her, pulling her closer. ‘Wanna come back to mine tonight?’ he asks once they break apart, and she rolls her eyes. ‘Really?’ ‘Yes. Your dad doesn’t want us to get married? Cool. He never said anything about us having a kid,’ he grins, and she laughs. ‘Very funny.’ ‘I’m kinda not kidding,’ he says with bright eyes, and her mouth falls open. ‘Seriously?’ ‘Yeah. I’ve always wanted a kid with you. They’ll be the most amazing kid on earth,’ he grins, the girl still not sure whether he’s joking or not, and she’s silent for a long few moments. ‘Fine, I’ll make you a deal. You get to some form of sobriety, and then I’ll get pregnant. How does that sound?’ she asks, and he lets out a whoop of joy, sweeping her up into his arms and spinning her, their laughter carrying in the wind. ‘Sounds perfect to me, y/n.’

The bridal march begins suddenly, the guests all falling quiet, and her bridesmaids make their way in one by one. Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna all have genuinely happy smiles on their faces, wearing matching dresses the same colour as the blush pink peony bouquets that they all hold, bouquets designed by the bride herself. The flowers are a main point of decoration – no matter where you look in the room, you’ll see a pink peony within your peripheral vision.

Hyunjin feels anticipation building inside him, unable to keep the smile off his face when his son enters after the bridesmaids, throwing pink flower petals with a mischievous smile on his face. You’d think he’d resemble Hyunjin, and he does in a way, with his soft fluffy hair and handsome good looks, but when Hyunjin looks at him, all he can see is her. Their son got her beautiful eyes, her beautiful smile, her beautiful heart, and he couldn’t be happier about it.

She enters after their son, the entire room gasping at how beautiful she looks. Hyunjin feels his eyes fill with tears, not at her perfect dress or perfect hair and makeup, but her perfect smile, complete and utter happiness on her face. He desperately tries to blink back the tears, eyes flitting to her father beside her, their arms linked together. He looks a lot older than Hyunjin remembers, but looking around, he realises they all look a lot older than he remembers. It’s been a long and difficult few years for all of them, her most of all.

With each step she takes, he feels himself getting more and more emotional, in disbelief at how perfect she looks, how happy she looks. She reaches the end of the aisle and joins her fiancé at the altar, handing her bouquet to her bridesmaids and taking Jisung’s hands into her own, the boy smiling unbelievably widely. He looks like the happiest man in the world.

Hyunjin watches, from right behind Jisung, as the love of his life marries his best friend, the smiles not leaving their faces for a single moment. Despite the hurt, the jealousy, the longing he feels for her, he also feels happy for her, and grateful towards Jisung. Grateful to him for being the boyfriend that Hyunjin could never be, and being the father that Hyunjin could never be. And as they kiss, sealing their promise of love, and Hyunjin’s son runs up to his mother and the man that he thinks is his father, the three of them making the happiest family on earth, Hyunjin feels paralysing regret fill him.

Regret about the drugs. Regret about the alcohol. Regret that he couldn’t prove anyone wrong. Regret about the fact that he hurt her, and ran from her, when she’s the one that he needs the most, the one he’s always needed the most. Regret that he couldn’t be more of a man. Regret that he couldn’t get sober, not for her, or their son, or even for himself.

Once the ceremony’s over, and the happy couple are taking their photos in the gardens, the guests watching on with affectionate smiles, Hyunjin’s friends gather around him, giving him brief hugs or squeezing his hand comfortingly, and he’s not sure whether it’s making him feel better or worse. The photographer calls for a picture of the happy couple with the best man, and his eyes meet with hers, a small smile on her face as he heads towards the two of them.

‘Your flower’s about to fall off,’ Jisung points out when Hyunjin joins them, and without a moment of hesitation, she lifts her hands to his lapel to fix it. ‘It’s like prom all over again – me fucking up my flower, and you spending most of the night fixing it,’ Hyunjin jokes, the girl laughing while she re-pins his pink peony boutonniere, and Jisung feels a pang of pain in his heart as he watches them. They look like they should be the bride and groom – the way she fixes his flower with the softest hands and the utmost care, the way he gazes at her with nothing but love in his eyes, the two of them laughing quietly – and even though Jisung understood his reference, he still feels left out, as though he’s the third wheel intruding on an inside joke.

They get into position for the photo, Jisung on her right and Hyunjin on her left, both of them with an arm around the bride, and she holds her bouquet, the three of them smiling in the sunlight as though they’re the happiest people in the world. Hyunjin looks like the proud best friend, successfully hiding his jealousy of Jisung and his love for her. Jisung looks like the elated groom, successfully hiding his jealousy of Hyunjin and his longing to feel her love the way his best friend always has and always will. And she looks like the picture of the bride glowing with happiness, successfully hiding her yearning for the reversal of the boys’ roles, her desire for Jisung to be the proud best friend and Hyunjin to be the elated groom. The three of them are so tragic and they don’t even know it, don’t even know the truth about each other’s desires.

Their son comes running over, wanting to get into the picture, and it’s like he knows the truth because he decides to stand between the bride and the best man rather than the bride and the groom. She feels panic fill her, not sure whether or not she should move her son, but the photographer begins taking pictures before any of them can act.

It’s almost as though the photographer’s worked them out, like he can see right through the three of them and their lies, because he suggests taking photos of the best man and the happy couple’s son, the three of them exchanging a glance before the bride and groom move away. Hyunjin lifts his son into his arms, the boy completely oblivious to Hyunjin’s inner turmoil, and he just wraps his arms around the man that he knows as his uncle, smiling widely for the camera.

The bride watches them from behind the photographer, and it’s only when Jisung walks away wordlessly that she registers the loving smile on her face which falters quickly. ‘y/n,’ the girl hears, and she tears her eyes away from Jisung’s retreating back, turning to look at Hyunjin’s mother, and the guilt fades away into excitement. ‘Mrs Hwang! Thank you so much for coming!’ the bride exclaims, throwing her arms around the woman she holds dear in her heart. ‘I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. You look so beautiful. I’m so happy for you,’ she says, holding the girl tight, and once they break apart, their eyes both wander to Hyunjin and his son, posing for pictures.

‘I’ve just noticed, y/n, how much your son looks like my son,’ Mrs Hwang murmurs, the bride silent for a moment as she watches her boys laugh together, the photographer capturing the moment. ‘I personally think he gets his looks from me. His personality is all Hyunjin, though,’ she says mildly, Mrs Hwang giving the girl a sad smile. ‘I’m sorry, sweetheart. I really thought he’d get his act together.’ ‘So did I, Mrs Hwang. But it’s okay. Jisung makes me happy.’ ‘I’m glad. You deserve to be happy,’ she says wistfully, the two of them still watching their boys laughing together. ‘Come and visit me soon, y/n. And bring your son. I’d quite like to meet him again, knowing what I know,’ Mrs Hwang says quietly, the bride nodding with a smile, holding the tears back.

Hyunjin notices his mother walking away from the bride, and he feels hope in his heart when his eyes lock with those of the girl that he loves, and he sees love reflected back at him, a sad smile on her face. Does she still love him? Is she wishing that she’d married him instead of his best friend? Is she wondering what her life would be like if they were the newly-weds, and their son knew the truth about his father?

But the moment is fleeting, because the sadness disappears from her smile, making him question whether it was even there in the first place, and her loving eyes are on her son instead, not Hyunjin. And suddenly, the realisation hits him. The realisation that she doesn’t love him. That she loves Jisung. And he can never call her his again. And in the few moments before his world comes crashing down, he feels the familiar itch in his fingers, the desperation to reach into his pocket and pull out the little plastic packet, full of the stuff that pushes his pain away.

So he holds it together for the last few photos before heading off towards his car with the tears in his eyes blurring the path in front of him, his absence almost entirely unnoticed in all the excitement. But she watches him with their son in her arms, feeling the crack in her heart grow with each step he takes, wishing with all her might that she could go running after him, get into his car with him so he can drive the three of them away to their own little world of happiness. And Jisung watches her, the longing and love in her eyes so clear as she watches his best friend, and he knows in that moment that his hopes that she’ll one day love him as much as she loves Hyunjin are delusional, that he’s signed his life over to being second best in the eyes of the person he loves more than anyone in the world.

Maybe the three of them are truly happy in another world, but certainly not in this one.

[kpop-zone]

Itzy reaction to their s/o gifting them a promise ring for their anniversary

Yeji

Yeji had picked you up with a wide smile on her face this morning.

“Happy Anniversary!”

She exclaimed happily before pulling you into a tight hug, almost destroying the flowers she had brought for you in the process.

You spent the whole day together, starting with getting brunch together before strolling around the city for a while. After you had grabbed a quick snack, you eventually went down to the Han river to watch the sunset in a park. As you were sitting there on a bench with your arm laying around Yeji’s shoulders and her head resting on you, you decided that it was time to give her your present. So you dug into your pocket, pulling out the little box and holding it in front of your girlfriend’s face.

“What’s that?”

She asked surprised and you chuckled, because she looked so shocked.

“Open it and you’ll know.”

You grinned, and she slowly opened the box, causing her to gasp once she saw the ring.

“I love you, Yeji. You are the most beautiful human being inside and out and I will always be by your side. I never want you to forget that, so I bought you that promise ring. I have the same one, so we can always wear it and feel close to each other, even when we are miles apart.”

You nervously fidgeted with your fingers, because you hoped that your present wasn’t too much. But Yeji instantly started beaming, tackling you into a hug.

“I love you too. So much.”

She mumbled and you squeezed her tightly.

The two of you continued to sit there for a while before slowly walking back again. But the rest of the evening Yeji kept looking at her ring over and over again with a sweet smile playing on her lips every time. When she noticed you looking at her, her smile widened and she kissed you on your cheek, wanting to know you how grateful she was. Not only for the gift, but for being able to call herself your girlfriend

Lia

When Lia opened the door, you gasped in surprise. For your anniversary, you had decided to grab dinner together in a nice restaurant. Your girlfriend was standing in front of you in a beautiful dress and she looked simply stunning. Feeling embarrassed that you were wordlessly staring at her, Lia started blushing, making her hide her face behind her hand.

“You look beautiful!”

You mumbled eventually and Lia shyly looked to the floor.

“Thank you. You look really gorgeous too.”

She responded before taking your hand and letting you pull her out the dorm.

After both of you had survived your shocks, you spent the rest of the evening chatting over dinner. The restaurant was fairly quiet, and the food tasted amazing. Both of you were smiling like idiots throughout the whole time and after dessert had been served, you decided to give Lia her present. You grabbed the little box and slid it over to your girlfriend.

She shyly looked down, but you could see a smile playing on her lips.

“You didn’t have to get me anything.”

She mumbled, but you shook your head in response.

“Of course! A girl like you needs to be spoiled!”

You grinned and Lia giggled before taking the box and opening it.

When she saw the ring, she looked at you in shock.

“It’s beautiful.”

She gasped and you smiled widely.

“It’s a promise ring. Because I always want you to be reminded that you have my heart forever. I’m so grateful to have you in my live and I want to make you as happy as you can be, because it’s what you deserve.”

When you ended your little speech, you could suddenly hear your girlfriend sniffling. Her head was hanging low, but you could still see tears running down her cheeks, making you leap to your feet and round the table to be able to crouch down in front of her. You took her face in your hands, wiping away her tears while she looked at you lovingly.

“I love you so much, Y/N. There is no one else that I would rather go through life with. You are my rock and I’m already looking forward to all the memories that we will be collecting together. You have my heart since the first time we met, and you will still have it once we are old and gray.”

She chuckled a bit at her last sentence and you pulled her closer to press a kiss on her lips quickly, ignoring that you were in public. When you pulled back, a smile was playing on Lia’s lips and her eyes were sparkling. You put the ring on her finger and she proudly ran her fingers over it, before you sat back down again, enjoying the rest of the evening with your girlfriend.

Ryujin

For your anniversary, Ryujin and you had decided to stay in. You didn’t want anyone to recognize her in public and crash your date. Therefore, you cooked together and spent a cozy night in the dorm. When you were cuddled up on the couch, you figured that it was time to give Ryujin her present. You were a little nervous, because you didn’t know if she would like it. Your girlfriend wasn’t really a big fan of cheesy things, and your gift was quite cheesy. You straightened your back a bit, catching Ryujin’s attention who looked at you questioningly.

“I have a little something for you.”

You almost whispered and Ryujin looked genuinely surprised.

“You didn’t have to get me anything.”

She exclaimed concerned although she had already given you her present consisting of 100 handwritten short letters about the things, she loved about you.

“I know. But I wanted to.”

You answered while pulling out the box. When Ryujin opened it, her eyes widened.

“It’s a promise ring. I wanted to give you something to show you my love. And to promise you that I will be by your side as long as you allow me to, through thick and thin.”

Ryujin touched the ring gently, seeming like she was still in complete shock.

“I don’t know what to say.”

She stuttered after a while and you smiled at her to reassure her, but inwardly the nervousness was nagging at you. Was this too much? But then Ryujin took the ring out of the box, sticking it on her finger. Shyly she smiled at you before wrapping her arms around you.

“Thank you.”

She breathed into your ear and you exhaled shakily. Apparently, she liked her gift.

“I feel dumb now, giving you such an insignificant present. I really love the ring. I hope you still know that I love you.”

Ryujin said insecurely once she pulled away, fidgeting with her fingers and you chuckled.

“Jagi, I really love your present. It’s not insignificant.”

You responded before pulling her into your arms again, hoping that she believed you

Chaeryeong

Chaeryeong almost skipped next to you on your way to the zoo. It was your anniversary today and you had decided to go to the zoo first and grab something to eat later. The time flew by, because you were laughing and enjoying the day the whole time. At one point, you got the two of you some ice cream and you sat in the grass, savoring the warmth of the sun. After you were finished, you decided to give Chaeryeong her present, so you pulled out the box out of your backpack. She looked at your hand with wide eyes.

“Jagi, what’s that?”

She asked perplexed and you told her to just open it.

When she saw the ring, Chaeryeong squealed loudly, but then she suddenly broke out in laughter. You were confused. The gift was supposed to be cute and you had prepared a whole speech going along with it. Seeing that you were taken aback, your girlfriend suddenly started digging in her own backpack before pulling out a box that looked almost the same as the one you had given her.

“What’s that?”

Now it was your turn to ask this question and just like you did earlier, Chaeryeong urged you to open the box. Looking at what was inside of it, you covered your mouth with your hand, staring at your girlfriend with wide eyes.

“Is that...”

You started and Chaeryeong giggled.

“A promise ring? Yes. I wanted to give you something, so you always remember me even if I can’t be with you when I’m on tour. But I promise you that I will always come back to you.”

Chaeryeong smiled softly at you and you cooed at her words.

“Well, I got you one too, because I want to promise you that I love you and that I will always wait for you with open arms.”

Being moved by your words, Chaeryeong wrapped her arms around your neck and you stroked her back softly. When you pulled back, both of you had a smile playing on your lips and admired your rings. When you looked into each other’s eyes again, you started chuckling.

“I can’t believe, we both bought promise rings.”

Chaeryeong giggled and shook her head.

“I guess, we’re both cheesy like that.”

You agreed with a chuckle, before kissing your girlfriend’s cheek and pulling her in for another hug.

Yuna

You spotted your girlfriend when you walked down the street, already seeing from afar that she was bursting of excitement. As soon as she noticed you too, she happily met you halfway, tackling you into a hug.

“Happy Anniversary, jagi!”

Her grin was beaming so bright that the sun seemed dull compared to it and you couldn’t help but mirror her expression. After you had given her the flowers that you had brought, you made your way to Hongdae. Together you visited several shops, trying on the most ridiculous clothes and eating more than you should have. Eventually, you were both tired from walking, so you sat down in a cute café and you figured that it was your chance now to give Yuna her present.

With a smile, you reached over the table to give her the box.

“I hope you like it.”

You said a little shyly, but Yuna’s bright smile told you that she would probably like anything that you would give her.

After she had opened the box, she gasped in surprise, taking out the ring and looking at it more closely.

“It’s a promise ring. I have the same one too. I know you won’t be able to wear it during performances, but I still wanted you to have a reminder with you when you’re not with me that I love you and that I hope to celebrate our anniversary together for the next hundred years.”

Yuna’s smile grew with every word and when you had finished, she immediately rounded the table to wrap her arms around you.

“Thank you so much, jagi. This is the best gift ever. I will treasure it like nothing else.”

When she pulled back again, you could see that there were tears glistening in her eyes and your hand automatically started to stroke her cheek softly.

“Are you ok?”

You asked slightly concerned and Yuna smiled despite her teary eyes.

“Yeah, I’m just so glad to have you in my life.”

She admitted and you pulled her closer again, hoping that you would never lose her.

[scortchedtoast]

i kinda want sien and monday to do solo projects even though they just debut, but sien is a vocal acrobat i just know shed give us iu vocals if highup lets her, if the itzy girls get solo projects i kinda wanna see yeji, like all hail ryujin she serves in face and dance but vocally, maybe if she has a backtrack,, yeji however, very well rounded, yuna is too but idk about her personality or what shed do for a solo. for purplekiss i wanna see swan, her voice is crack

Agree on Sien and Monday, I would love a yeji or chaeryoung solo, I don't know the individual memebers for purplekiss but they've got great vocalists

[oreo-hong]

the bartender chuckles softly, sighing softly. “yeah, that sounds pretty rough. hopefully, it works out though. i’ll leave the bottle here, drink as much or as little as you want,” he smiles, getting back to his job and serving the other people more drinks. hyunwoo looks at yeji, cupping her cheek. “who’s that guy who keeps coming by?” he asks, pressing his lips to her knuckles. i smile, kissing him back sweetly as i move into his embrace contently, my hands cupping his face as my lips move against his gently. 🦋

jeno takes another shot and gets up, deciding he’d go visit yuna, leaving the bartender a large tip as he leaves with a sniffle. yeji shakes her head, “n- nobody.. don’t worry.” she lays her head on his chest, cradling jiho. renjun pulls you in his lap and gently squeezes you, massaging your sides