#you guys probably already know how I’ve been screaming about this date since release haha.

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor’s Cold Winter Date (Eng Translation)

⌚Warning⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 凛冬之约, that is yet to be released on the global server! ♡

[Translation under the cut]

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【Subbed Video】

[anika’s notes]: I do very very very highly recommend to watch the video for full immersion + absolute god-level voice acting + the gorgeous music pieces!!! ༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽

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【Prologue】

I behold  My homeland disappear in the daylight, and emerge in the night.  I behold  The everlasting power engrain within the vast blood of my people.  I behold  A snow-white rose bloom in the winter,   And I behold as it withers in the winter – each petal sailing across the ocean,  To a kingdom no one can reach. 

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【Chapter 1】

As the night gradually deepens, the heavy curtains in front of the window are drawn by the attendants, veiling the silvery, meandering moonlight. 

I take a deep breath and push open the doors to the royal bedchamber engraved with a luxurious imperial coat of arms. 

Inside the bedchamber, my newly wedded husband, King Victor, is fast asleep. 

Not long ago, at the behest of my father, Duke William, I was betrothed to Victor.  

Regrettably, before the ceremony could be held, my parents died of ailing health. 

However, the wedding was not delayed due to the unexpected tragedy, and the ceremony proceeded as scheduled, with the Church as witness. 

After all, to those people, what mattered the most was not the protagonists of the wedding, but the wedding ceremony itself. 

–– That’s right, it’s not just me; even the king, Victor, is not held with significance in their eyes. 

After all, it’s known to everyone in the capital that the royal family’s influence is eroding with each passing year. And since Victor succeeded to the throne, he remains in a coma all year round and is merely a puppet in the hands of the Church and nothing more. 

The elusive fragrance of beeswax pervades the air in the room. I step on the soft woolen carpet and draw closer to the bedside. [1] 

Lately, the capital has been shrouded in a haze of doubts and suspicion regarding the disappearance cases, and it was not the appropriate time for grandeur. Therefore, after the hasty wedding, I was ushered into the imperial palace. 

And tonight marks the third night I’m spending alongside His Majesty, the King, who’s been in a state of perennial coma. 

Victor is still in a deep slumber. 

The light from a few candles illuminates one side of his profound features, while the lingering shadows dance across his face as if with fondness. 

Throughout the generations, the kings have always been in robust health. But during Victor’s reign, his health has been continuously plagued with illness. 

It seems even the gods cannot bear to be too cruel to him. His illness has only brought a touch of frailty but has not marred his looks. 

I inhale softly and sit on the edge of the bed, propping my chin up as I gaze at Victor in his slumber. 

MC: ...why are you still sleeping? 

I’ve already started to grow accustomed to this— the bedchamber echoing only my own whispered monologues. 

MC: I thought the Church was so wary of you because you had some secrets that were unknown to the outsiders.

MC: Now it seems your biggest secret is that you were born this good-looking. 

I crack a joke to myself, which also lightens my mood considerably. 

MC: When I think about it this way, being married to you is far better than being forced by the Church to marry one of those evil, rotten old men. 

In addition, within the palace, at least, there are no hypocritical relatives and those ever-watchful eyes— 

I have enough space to contemplate my plan for revenge. 

MC: Revenge... revenge...  MC: But how can I go about taking revenge on the Church... 

Clutching a corner of Victor’s blanket, I cover my face with it in anguish. 

The Church conspired to murder my parents. 

Because my father was a leader of the reformist faction, they extended their malicious hands targeting my family. 

And this marriage, which was arranged by my parents, is now being wielded as a means to threaten my life. 

As I ponder on this, the resentment in my heart swells. I heave a sigh, deciding to change my mood and say something interesting. 

I sporadically recount some happy and entertaining anecdotes from the past, treating Victor as a well-behaved “sleeping beauty doll.”

MC: ...in autumn, you know, there wasn’t much to do. Winter, in comparison, was way more fun.  MC: When I was young, what I loved doing the most was building little snowmen in the courtyard of the duke’s mansion after it snowed. Look, I could make them this big— 

Of course, Victor can’t see any of this, and there’s no hope for a response either. After mustering the spirit to prattle on for a while, all I am left with is endless emptiness. 

I tug at the corners of my lips, forcing a smile, and as if driven by some strange impulse, I reach out and poke Victor’s face, wishing to get him to have the same expression as me. 

MC: Sigh, it’s no fun. I won’t say anything more.  ??(Victor): Why won’t you say anything more? 

An icy voice suddenly sounds in my ears, carrying with it the raspiness of just being awakened. 

I turn my head and nearly let out a scream. 

MC: Y-Your Majesty... when did you...! [2] 

I’m not sure when, but Victor has regained consciousness at some point. Leaning on a soft pillow, he rubs his temple with one hand.

Victor: I’m conscious, not revived back to life. 

MC: ... I’ll sincerely obey Your Majesty’s command! 

In a low voice, I respectfully offer him a curtsy. Victor seems to find my behavior amusing, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. 

Victor: The term of address was “you” even just a moment ago. A certain someone changed her tune rather quickly. [3]    MC: I’m not “a certain someone,” I am...    Victor: I know, Duke William’s only daughter.    MC: [surprised] Eh...? 

Victor: At the age of seven, you received a scolding for building a snowman with the servants. When you were nine, you had a quarrel with a parrot and suffered a crushing defeat–– 

MC: Wait a minute, you... you heard all of that? 

Victor: You’re too noisy. It’d be hard not to hear, [breaks into a coughing fit] cough, cough... 

His words are cut off by a cough. I hastily pour a cup of water and offer it to him under his scrutinizing gaze, keeping silent. 

I can’t help but break into a cold sweat. 

Could it be that... all the past events I casually mentioned, all those self-deprecating remarks, and even... did he really listen to everything? 

But, two days ago, when I plucked up the courage to poke his face, he didn’t react at all... So, when did he actually become conscious? 

A vague, looming sense of oppression involuntarily makes me shrink my neck, and I tentatively open my mouth. 

MC: ...you know about everything regarding me? 

He tilts his jaw slightly upwards, studying my features. His eyes are submerged in the shadows cast by the candlelight, reminiscent of a predator in the dark night. 

A good while passes before he eventually accepts the cup, speaking in a tone that is neither amiable nor impassive. 

Victor: I do. 

I nod and, after a rapid mental calculation, make up my mind. I take a step forward, wearing a small smile on my face as I speak. 

MC: Including the fact that I was sent as a spy by the Church? 

Victor: [seemingly chokes on water] … 

Victor: Are you aware of what you’re saying?

MC: Yes, I’m aware. 

I wish to work together with the king to bring down the Church. 

And when working with a person like Victor, being transparent and honest is the first principle.

I crouch down at the edge of the bed, looking up at Victor from below. 

MC: Your Majesty, I don’t want to hide anything from you. 

MC: Prior to our nuptials, my parents were brutally attacked by the Church due to their advocacy for the reformation of the Church. 

MC: The Church, to exploit my worth, spared my life and assigned me to spy on you. 

Victor arches an eyebrow, clearly still assessing the credibility of my words. 

Victor: Continue. 

I press my lips together and lower my head, trying to convey my utmost sincerity. 

MC: ... I’m unsure of to what extent you know about me, but I’ve never once considered surrendering to the enemies who murdered my parents. 

MC: Now, in terms of both sentiment and reason, we are a family, and I cannot betray my husband. 

MC: So... Your Majesty, will you take me under your wings? 

I blink my eyes at him with a pitiful look, not knowing whether Victor would buy into it. 

Victor: … 

As if in need of a moment to compose himself, Victor seems to momentarily avert his eyes before he turns them back to me again. 

Victor: Family... you seem to have accepted your new identity quite readily. 

MC: Besides you, what else do I have to rely on? 

MC: On the contrary, even after hearing my confession, if you’re unwilling to help me, I don’t have anything to lose. 

I flutter my eyes at Victor. 

MC: Your Majesty, I’ve already got nothing left to lose. 

Victor holds a straight gaze on me. In his eyes, while there is finally a hint of recognition, it’s more as if he is peering into the past through me. 

Victor: ...I will help you. 

His well-defined hand sweeps my loose hair strands back for me. But before I can breathe a sigh of relief, the next second, my chin is cupped and pivoted to face him. 

Victor: The prerequisite is that you can offer sufficient value to me. 

His grip is surprisingly strong for someone who has just regained consciousness. As our eyes interlock, his penetrating gaze intently scrutinizes my innermost thoughts. 

Victor: In your eyes, your husband, whom you’d never met before, is nothing more than a puppet who remains in coma year-round, isn’t that right? 

Victor unfolds his hand to me, revealing a gem as vividly red as the human heart in his pallid palm, and then he encloses his hand— 

In the blink of an eye, the signs of illness are shed off his face, and a rosy hue colors his cheeks, and he seems to be bathed in a divine light. 

MC: This is... do you know witchcraft?! 

Victor places the gem back in its case, then casts a brief look in my direction, apparently turning a deaf ear to what I’ve said. 

Victor: This doesn’t concern you. 

He slowly curls his lips, and his pupils, akin to the deep sea in the darkness, are as profound and enigmatic. 

Victor: There’s a set of clothing on the bedside table. If you want to prove that you’re not just a noble canary— 

Victor: Tomorrow morning, change into it and accompany me out of the palace. 

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[Notes]:

[1] Beeswax is often considered a symbol of “eternal love” in Eastern cultures. 

[2+3] During her monologues in the 1st quarter of the date, MC was addressing Victor by “你” (informal ver. of ‘you’) pronoun. But the moment he butts in, i.e., gains consciousness, MC immediately switches to “您” (courteous/ respectful ver. of ‘you’) and the respectful address “Your Majesty,” which he teases her about here, haha. 

Point to be noted: MC doesn’t switch back to the informal terms of addresses until the 3rd chapter of the date, when they’re already in love and inseparable for the time being. ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ 

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【Chapter 2】

While I’m still struggling with myself, Victor has already closed his eyes again. 

Victor: You can sleep anywhere you want; just don’t make any noise. 

MC: ...Yes, Your Majesty! 

The idea of having this mysterious and aloof king sleeping next to my pillow feels more chilling to me than freezing in the cold itself. 

I don’t hesitate at all. I swiftly grab a pillow from the bed and get prepared to spend the night on the sofa. 

But it turns out I actually overestimated my ability to withstand the cold. Before the clock hands have even moved a few notches, I quietly tiptoe back to the bed, hugging the pillow. 

MC: [to herself] It’s just that the weather is too cold. I just want to feel a bit nice and warm— 

With a huff, I murmur in a soft voice and gently lift the coverlet to slip inside. 

Once I’ve got my body settled comfortably, I cautiously look towards the person on the pillow next to me. 

Victor isn’t awakened by my movements. Even in the darkness of the night, his skin is luminously white, his features handsome— he is reminiscent of a sculpture crafted from snow. 

Considering this person’s track record of feigning sleep, I simply watch him quietly without making any more rash moves. 

As I continue watching like this, my mind inexplicably begins to wander. 

Although just moments ago, I kept addressing him as “my husband” repeatedly, when I look at Victor’s cold and handsome demeanor, I always find it difficult to connect him with that identity. 

In my impression, the image of a husband and wife is like that of my parents. So, in the future, will Victor and I also be joined at the hip and inseparable like that? 

Thinking about that reserved and unsmiling face, I can’t help but get chills. 

In his eyes, I seem to be nothing more than a “useful person.” But what value can I provide for him? 

The more I ponder, the more my head throbs, and it’s not until the horizon starts to turn slightly pale that I eventually drift into sleep. 

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With the break of dawn, I promptly get out of bed and change my attire. Victor has woken up as well. 

Seemingly noticing the dark circles under my eyes, he arches an eyebrow, lifts his hand, and tosses a cloak over to me. 

Victor: It seems like while your courage is not at all small, your confidence sure is lacking. 

MC: I just don’t wish to unnecessarily show off in front of you. 

I fasten the cloak tightly and purposely straighten my neck. 

MC: Your Majesty, please lead the way. 

We exit the palace through a small gate, cross through the commoner’s district, and Victor leads me straight into a small house. 

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Going from the small house into the cellar, and after navigating through a labyrinth of winding pathways, the cramped field of view suddenly opens up to a wide panorama. 

Everyone: Your Majesties. 

I never anticipated that the entire hall would actually be filled with guards, all standing in a perfectly ordered formation. 

— To pull together an assembly of so many armed personnel, Victor must have spent a substantial amount of time, hasn’t he? 

I’m hardly able to restrain my inner shock as I think back to the frequent news in recent years of nobles associated with the close-knit sects being removed from power or inexplicably meeting tragic ends. Now, it seems... 

Every single person, myself included, severely underestimated this “dying” king standing before me. 

At this moment, Victor picks something up from the long table, and it’s only now do I notice that there are all kinds of torture equipment laid out on the table. 

The appearance of these torture instruments is menacing, and at their tips, dried blood remnants are still visible. 

Practically, the moment I get a good look at them, the reeking of blood and rust assaults my nostrils. I subconsciously cover my nose and mouth, tightly gripping the cuff of my sleeve. 

Subordinate: Reporting to Your Majesty, these are the “refining” equipment we found at the scene. 

Subordinate: But those people are as cautious as rats at dusk; we’ve only found these pieces of material evidence so far. The remains of the blood sacrifice are still being sought. 

Victor nods calmly, and once the arrangements are made, the guards depart in an orderly manner through various secret passageways. 

Victor and I are the only ones remaining in the large hall. I make a conscious effort to restrain myself from looking at those torture instruments, regulating the rhythm of my breathing. 

MC: Your Majesty, did you bring me here to witness something so horrifying to disclose some kind of truth to me? 

Victor: Face has turned pale, but still got some courage. 

A smile tinged with what appears to be praise appears on his face, as he takes out from his bosom the gem that resembles a human heart from last night. 

The crimson light radiating from the gem spreads across his cheeks, eerie yet bewitching. 

Victor: The purpose of all these blood sacrifices is to provide energy for this “Blood King Crystal.” 

My eyes widen in incredulity as I stare at the pulsating vivid red in his hand, sensing a faint inkling of what it might signify. 

MC: When you hold this Blood King Crystal, your complexion appear rosier, and you don’t cough as much... 

MC: Could it be that the Church officials want to extract energy from commoners to enhance their physical strength? 

Victor: Not the Church; it’s the Royal Family. 

Victor doesn’t shy away from nodding his head. He stares fixedly at the red gem that provides him with strength, but in his eyes, there is only icy coldness. 

Victor: The vitality and longevity of successive kings across the dynasties were all due to their possession of the “Blood King Crystals” that were assembled from the lives of countless ordinary people. 

Victor: The Church refines it, and the Royal Family uses it, thus resulting in the Royal Family being controlled by the Church from then on. 

Victor: And anyone who uncovers this secret will die. 

My thoughts go back to my parents, as well as the reformist cabinet ministers— could it be that they all had...? 

My heart immediately falls into a valley. 

I close my eyes for a moment, then fix my gaze firmly on the unwavering king before me, a king who has endured extreme hardships and made sacrifices to stand where he is now. [4] 

MC: Your Majesty, currently, there is a significant following of the Church among the populace. We must find the evidence of the blood sacrifices and bring it to light for everyone to see. 

MC: I will carry on my parents’ legacy and work alongside you to find evidence of the Church’s blood sacrifices. 

In those forever serene eyes of Victor’s, I see the glint of a smile. 

Victor: [assuredly with obvious happiness] It appears you’ve perfectly inherited the chivalry and wisdom of Duke William. 

MC: Well... it’s not entirely that. Whether in public or private matters, it’s only right that I stand by your side. 

I wink at him, half-jokingly breaking the somewhat somber atmosphere. 

MC: After all, I’m not only the daughter of Duke William. I am your wife and, more importantly, the queen of this country. 

Victor: Is that right? It doesn’t seem to me that a certain someone possesses the temperament of a queen. 

MC: Regarding that... I will work hard, so you can’t keep teasing me all the time. 

Victor laughs in spite of himself and reaches out his hand, gesturing for me to take his arm. 

Victor: [laughs helplessly] Very well. My Queen, we should return now. 

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After coming out of the subterranean passageway, we follow the same path back. We were in a hurry when we came here. It’s only now do I take notice of the surroundings. 

In the nearby roadside, peddlers are selling fresh produce, while in the distant square, a group of less fortunate are circled around a fire, warming themselves and singing songs. 

The streets in the commoner’s district are intersected, narrow, poverty-stricken yet bustling with life, in stark contrast to the overwhelming dead silence of the royal palace. 

I hardly ever left the mansion, so I find myself unable to resist taking in the surroundings repeatedly. 

Victor: Does the Duke’s daughter find these things interesting? 

MC: ...no, no, I’m just looking around in passing, that’s all! 

Victor’s hand offhandedly adjusts a corner of my cloak. He takes a long stride, veering from the route back to the palace and heading in a different direction. 

Victor: That path is too narrow. Let’s stroll this way and get some fresh air. 

We slowly stroll along, taking in the surroundings as we walk. Not far ahead, there is a dilapidated small tavern. Victor gestures for me to take a look. 

Victor: I just suddenly recalled that you mentioned being curious when you were little and licking the snow with a fork. 

Victor: During winter, the iron cups in the tavern also have an element of sweetness. You should try it some other time. 

My scattered thoughts, fluttering around like wild and untamed grass, suddenly drop to the ground, and I can’t help but choke. 

MC: ...Your Majesty, are you teasing me? 

There is a slight curve at the tip of Victor’s brow as he gently curls the corners of his lips into a smile. 

Victor: [laughs softly] Perhaps I am, or perhaps, it is a sincere recommendation. 

MC: Could it be that you’ve drawn that conclusion after experiencing it firsthand? 

Victor: You could say that. 

Seeing him take the bait, a massive smile spreads across my face. 

MC: So, speaking of, does that mean that you’ve also stuck your tongue to an iron cup in the past? 

Victor seems to choke on his words for a moment. He shoots me a wordless look and walks forward, paying no mind to me. 

MC: [teasingly continues] So, did that really happen? Did it happen or not... 

We’ve almost circled the area surrounding the palace. Victor is tall and has long legs, but from the beginning, he has maintained a matching pace with me, making it so that I can always touch his shoulder by simply turning sideways. 

The weather is very cold today; my hands and feet are freezing, yet I deeply breathe in the bitingly chilly but liberating air. 

Even though I cannot purchase any dubious items to bring back to the palace, and even though I know the end of this path leads to the imperial palace that holds me captive— 

But perhaps because I have someone walking alongside me, I feel surprisingly at ease. 

In my sight, obscured by the chilling breeze, I see Victor squatting down and petting a skinny kitten at the corner of the alley. 

The cat stretches its body and lays down lazily under Victor’s hand, meowing. Victor smiles, and both of them then look at me together. 

Victor: [extremely softly] The winters in the future won’t be as chilling anymore. 

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[Notes]:

[4] The idiom used here is “越王勾践,” which came to life from the true story of King Goujian. I’d encourage you guys to just even google and see the small wiki on him if you can. This idiom in and of itself is the essence of the date in terms of Victor’s perseverance, and how he imposes suffering on himself for the constant reminder of what it is he’s fighting for by refusing to use the “Blood King Crystal.” 

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【Chapter 3】

Victor soon announces the news of him regaining consciousness to the masses, sending waves of shock to everyone across the country. 

Amidst the reigning turmoil among the Church and the nobles, he proposes visiting the prominent noble households. 

In my capacity as the queen, I rightfully visit every noble residence with him, where we find numerous correspondences implicating the collusion between the nobles and the Church. 

The nobles kept the letters for the purpose of blackmailing the Church, both sides engaging in mutual exploitation, but they never once considered that there could be one day when they’d have to face the consequences. 

Using the letters as a starting point, a series of pivotal evidence regarding the Church’s blood sacrifice is unearthed through Victor’s thunderous methods. 

I, on the other hand, use my identity as an orphan of the reformers to help him win over the newly elevated nobles. More and more people begin to rally to our side... 

When a former subordinate of my father hands me a letter, as if in tacit agreement, both Victor and I simultaneously realize that the final piece of the puzzle has fallen into place. 

It’s about time for the verdict to be pronounced. 

────────── 

Tomorrow, Victor will convene a National Convention to expose the crimes of the Church to the masses. 

I can’t fall asleep, so I rise from the bed and pace around the bed chamber in my nightgown. 

Victor: [laughs helplessly] If memory serves me right, the person set to address tomorrow is not the queen; it’s the king. 

He is lying in bed with drowsy eyes. Turning towards me, he speaks in a low, raspy voice, infused with a teasing tone. 

MC: ...I didn’t realize I’d wake you up despite the carpet being so thick. I guess I’ll just go outside and sleep elsewhere. 

As I drape on my outer garment and am about to head outside the chamber, my wrist is suddenly gripped from behind, pulling me back onto the bed. 

Victor: [in an overwhelmingly sensual tone] You’re the queen. Where do you plan on sleeping when you look like this? 

Tangled up in my thoughts, I have tousled my hair, causing it to become disheveled. Victor sighs, who then picks up a comb and sits behind me. 

Victor: [switches to an overwhelmingly tender tone] Dummy. What is there to be nervous about? 

The moderate pressure on my hair pacifies my restless heart. I rub my ears, which have heated up, trying to shift the topic of conversation to conceal my shyness. 

MC: In the past, when my father would go to visit the king, my mother would become anxious like this and often wouldn’t even be able to eat anything. 

Victor: So, what would happen next? I’m afraid the duke probably wouldn’t let his duchess remain in a constant state of worry. 

MC: Mm-hmm. Whenever this kind of situation arose, my father would always hold my mother’s hand... 

As I speak, I immediately begin to regret it a little. It feels like I’m sending a rather awkward hint. 

Without waiting for me to dwell on more embarrassing thoughts, Victor’s hand has already enveloped mine, and the warmth from his palm flows to my icy fingertips. 

His temperature is reminiscent of dandelions in a garden, floating gently, landing on my face and neck. 

We are the puppet king and queen, husband and wife in name only. Even though we reside together in the same bedchamber, we’ve never been this intimate. 

I feel a sensation as if a feather quill is caressing my throat, making it impossible for me to conceal the true feelings harbored in my heart. 

Reflexively, I tighten my grip on Victor’s hand and turn to face him. 

MC: Victor, to be honest, even though I never mentioned it before, I used to think you were quite unfeeling. 

Victor: There was no need to say it; it was written all over your face. 

Victor: Also, not addressing me as “Your Majesty” anymore? 

MC: In any case, you are not going to hold it against me now, will you? 

MC: During this period of time that I’ve spent with you, running here and there together, I’ve come to realize in every passing moment that I hardly knew anything about you before. 

MC: For instance, in the case of those Church henchmen, according to the old laws, their families should have been exterminated, but you chose to exercise your discretion and grant amnesty to those who were unaware. 

MC: And regarding the commoners who have fallen victim to the blood sacrifice, you’ve been supporting their families with long-term financial aid. 

MC: You always project an image of keeping people at a thousand-mile distance, but in reality, there is also a tender side to you. 

A flicker of astonishment crosses Victor’s eyes, but he simply tightens his grip on my hand. 

Victor: [with a very evident hesitation in his tone] It sounds like... getting to know me is something that brings you joy? 

MC: Yes, it does. I wish to know you even better— the past you, the present you, and the future you. 

I gaze deeply into his eyes. 

MC: But you’re so encumbered by everything. I can only utilize the little time you set aside for me each day to learn about you amidst the calls of the people. 

Victor: ...MC. 

Victor’s eyes tighten, and a heartfelt and regretful emotion swirls within them. 

MC: I don’t wish to rob you of your time because of my selfish desires. 

MC: So, after the National Convention concludes, and when you’re no longer so busy... 

I draw in a breath, low and slow. And like that, just like the first time I met him, I lay bare all my yearnings and affections before him. 

MC: Reserve some time for me, will you? Not in your role as the king, but as my husband. Share your stories with me. 

MC: Will you, Victor? 

All my thoughts translate into clumsy words, pouring out like the way winter grass eagerly awaits spring rain, confessing everything I have in me. 

Victor continues gazing at me like this, until that gaze of his becomes infused with almost sorrow and a reluctance to part. 

Before I can decipher those cryptic code words, he has already cast his eyes downward, veiling the emotions within. 

Is this a silent rejection? I exert myself to force a smile, intending to crack a joke to ease the situation, but then he speaks first. 

Victor: [if a person’s voice alone could shatter one’s heart, I swear this would be it] There’s no need to wait till later. Let’s do it now. 

In astonishment and jubilation, I look up, locking eyes with his sincere gaze. 

On the night before the pivotal moment in destiny, I finally witness Victor’s wordless confession. 

────────── 

The following day, the National Convention proceeds as scheduled. 

Attired in royal robes, Victor stands at the forefront. Below the platform, countless eyes, some treacherous and others devout, are all converged on him. 

Victor: In my capacity as the king, I stand here only to declare one thing. 

Victor: The mysterious disappearances in the capital over the years have all been caused by the Church. 

The earth-shattering statement stirs up a commotion among the people, and the followers of the Church appear visibly unsettled. 

Victor: The Church extracts energy for the “Blood King Crystal” through the massacre of civilians in blood sacrifice rituals. 

Victor: As for the particulars, I will leave it to the Knight Commander to elucidate. 

The attendants toss numerous sheets of paper into the crowd off the platform, each containing records of clear and unmistakable evidence. 

In a matter of moments, the crowd transitions from initial silence to restlessness, ultimately erupting into an agitated uproar. 

It turns out that the matter of the true culprit behind the disappearance cases has been an enduring emotional anchor for the people, completely overturning everyone’s cognition. 

Some hurling curses, some wailing, and some even charging to express their scorn at the Church... 

Amidst the chaos, only Victor’s voice, his calm and powerful words, continues forward with a steady resolve. 

Crowd: Overthrow the Pope, give us back our people! Overthrow the Pope, give us back our people! 

As the chants and shouts cease and amid the furious uproar of the crowd, the Pope, who is ringed, calmly casts a glance in Victor’s direction. 

The Pope: Silence. Dear Compatriots. 

The elderly Pope walks slowly to the center of the platform, an inscrutable and chilling smile playing on the layers of wrinkles on his face. 

The Pope: His Majesty speaks the truth. The Church does indeed extract energy for the “Blood King Crystal,” and the blood sacrifice of civilians has truly occurred. 

The Pope: However, all these casualties and deaths stemmed from the demands of the royal family! 

The Pope: Throughout history, every king has relied on the “Blood King Crystal” to survive, and even our righteous and dignified king, His Majesty, is using it at this very moment! 

The Pope: The very purpose of the “Blood King Crystal’s” existence is to secure the longevity of the king. Without a king, who will lead the country? How can the kingdom have a future? 

The Pope raises the scepter high, directing it towards Victor. 

The Pope: Your Majesty, the Church has been faithful and devoted to the Crown for all these years. As you pronounce judgment on the Church’s sins today, do you not feel a sense of guilt? 

The wrath of the masses below the platform has no outlet after his manipulative and distorted speech, and their eyes shift to Victor. 

Silent inquiries and judgments flood the eyes of the crowd, prepared to tear everything to shreds at any second. 

The noble king, however, has maintained his impassive demeanor from the beginning. He lapses into a moment of silence, gazing into my eyes. 

Amid the scrutiny of the spectators below, I lock my eyes with him, and in that gaze, I see the very same expression of unwillingness to part that I wasn’t able to discern last night. 

But at this moment, I seem to understand its meaning. 

Holding back the bitterness in my eyes, I take a step forward and speak in a loud voice. 

MC: What the Pope said is true. The kings of the previous dynasties colluded with the Church for their personal gains, resulting in the slaughtering of civilians. 

MC: However, the Blood King Crystal has never been a precious treasure, but rather a curse. 

MC: As each king became more reliant on it, the health of the royal descendants suffered increasing repercussions, which led to an even deeper dependence on the Church. 

MC: His Majesty has been working tirelessly to put an end to these nefarious activities, solely for the sake of the future of this country. 

MC: As for the Blood King Crystal... 

I close my eyes, my eloquent speech coming to an abrupt halt. This elicits puzzled murmurs from the crowd off the platform.  

At this time, Victor walks to the forefront of the stage. 

He retrieves the vivid red gem from his bosom, and the blinding luster falls on his chest, projecting an image as if blood were coursing through. 

Victor: Behold, the Blood King Crystal. 

Before anyone can comprehend, Victor swiftly exerts a slight force with his fingertips, and the Blood King Crystal instantly disintegrates into fine fragments in his hand. 

Pope: You...!! 

Countless crimson red powder, reminiscent of blood, streams out from between his fingers, and his complexion has already turned a shade of pallor. 

The elixir of immortality, amassed from the sacrifice of countless human lives across generations of kings, the venomous sac upon which the Church depends for survival, has been completely eradicated before the eyes of everyone. 

Victor: Those deserving of being brought to reckoning, not a single person will be spared. 

Victor: That includes the Church, as well as the Royal family. 

He unfurls the hand that holds the Blood King Crystal. His palm now only holds a thin layer of gemstone powder, and he allows it to be carried away by the northern breeze. 

Victor: Henceforth, dust will return to the earth, and blood will be bestowed upon the people. 

Victor: I shall personally redeem the filth that has accumulated for far too long. 

—

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

【Chapter 4】

In the wake of the National Convention, Victor instigates a series of reform policies to root out corruption, setting off a massive surge across the country. 

He works tirelessly day and night, paying no heed to my attempts to dissuade him. There is an urgency in him that I don’t want to understand, a rush that drives him to get everything in order. 

Throughout this time, I’ve been seeking out renowned physicians from everywhere, but all I’ve received are negative answers filled with a mix of dread and despair. 

Until one day, he slips back into a coma again, and even the duration of his coma seems to be stretching longer and longer as the days elapse. 

And all I can do, or more accurately, want to do, is simply to remain by his side. 

With his eyelashes hanging low, a gentle shadow falls upon that beautiful yet pallid face, and it seems even his breathing has become very light. 

As I gaze at Victor’s side profile in deep slumber, I can no longer find the same relaxed and carefree state of mind I had when I first stepped into the royal bedchamber. 

He is no longer someone who could have confined me, the husband I had never met before, but rather my beloved with whom I have been through thick and thin together. 

My only wish is for him to open his eyes and look at me, share some dry jokes, and then walk with me through the streets and alleys again and observe how people are living nowadays... 

Victor’s life began wither away the instant the Blood King Crystal was shattered. All he can do now is expend every ounce of the remaining warmth. 

He knew the consequences better than anyone else, yet he still orchestrated his own ending with his own two hands. 

I remain by the bedside, tightly holding onto his hand. I can’t tell whether I’m trying to comfort him or myself. 

MC: [sobbing] Victor... 

Tears well up and stream down my eyes. A hand reaches up to caress my cheek, gently wiping away those tears. 

Victor: Why are you crying? 

Victor has woken up at some point without my notice and is now frowning as he looks at me. 

Quickly, I wipe away the tears in a haphazard manner, the corners of my eyes stinging from the abrasion of my forceful fingertips. 

MC: I’m alright. Are you hungry? What would you like to eat? 

Victor doesn’t answer. Instead, his gaze passes over my shoulder and settles on the view outside the window. 

Victor: It’s snowing. 

It’s only now do I take notice that the imperial palace courtyard has already been blanketed in snow, transforming into an expanse of pristine white. 

Victor: Weren’t you most fond of building snowmen when you were a child? Why not give it a try now? 

MC: But your health... 

Victor: [in an even tender and heart-wrenchingly weaker tone] It’s just building a snowman. 

I press my lips together. The truth is, I have long grown to despise winter, and I don’t like building snowmen anymore. 

After the death of my parents, the attendants who had been my companions from childhood to adulthood were all substituted with the informants from the Church, and the duke’s mansion became eerily cold and desolate. 

The winter season I once loved became increasingly colder as time went on, and I no longer had the desire to go out. Warmer seasons began to become more likable to me. 

But none of these are worth mentioning to Victor. Because this winter— it is marked by the moment I met him. 

I nod. 

MC: Of course. 

MC: In that case, I must show you the snowmen-building skills I’ve honed since childhood! 

I force a smile and step outside with Victor after donning our outer garments. He tucks my hand into his cloak. 

Victor: A certain someone was shivering in the cold during the last outing, and she still forgot to bring her gloves this time. 

MC: I did it intentionally. Otherwise, how could I get Your Majesty to help warm my hands? 

With this said, I slip my chin into my cloak, and the smile at the corner of my mouth instantly fades away. 

Victor’s hand is much colder than mine. Taking a deep breath, I grip his hand even tighter, and together, we step into this pure white world. 

────────── 

The chilly breeze howls as Victor and I tread through the snow, neither of us uttering a word. [5] 

Reminiscent of a wanderer losing its way, the mist hangs over the frigid ground and eventually dissipates into the pale grayish expanse above. 

Victor suddenly loosens his hold on my hand. 

Victor: Didn’t you want to showcase your skills to me? Why aren’t you going yet? 

I cast a brief glance at the mounds of snow under the trees, nod in silence, and reluctantly let go of his hand despite my heart breaking. [6] 

MC: Well, Your Majesty, please wait for just a short while. 

I tighten Victor’s cloak for him, then dash to the snowdrifts and begin building a snowman. 

My hands move at a blazing pace. There is only a single thought circling in my mind right now, and that is to swiftly end this time-wasting game and return to his side as fast as possible. 

To add to my woes, the newly fallen snow proves challenging to shape, much like bleached wool. Despite my vigorous efforts to press the snow together time and again, the snowballs continue to fall apart, each and every time. 

A mix of vexation and restlessness churns in my heart. I have nearly exhausted all the strength left in my body to mold the snowballs, and both my hands are now aching from the cold. 

Victor: [with endless helplessness] Dummy, no one is competing with you for first place. There’s no need to be in such a rush. 

Subconsciously, I pause in my movements, turn my head, and find him gazing at me with a serene expression. 

The urgency and anxiety in my heart seem to find equilibrium, and my hands unconsciously settle into a steadier motion. 

Regrettably, the snowman I end up crafting doesn’t even qualify to be described as “adorable.” Even so, Victor earnestly lowers his head, observing it with the bearing of a connoisseur appreciating a gem. 

Victor: To create this shape without it falling apart is indeed a testament to skill. 

His teasing remark elicits a chuckle from me. I pick up a twig and walk over to him. 

MC: There’s still one last step, but it requires Your Majesty and me to complete it together. 

Placing the twig in his hand, I then hold onto his hand, and together, we draw eyes and a mouth on the snowman���s face. 

Victor chuckles softly, and conversely, he grasps my hand, guiding it to make strokes. 

Victor: You’re holding so tightly; its eyes are all crooked now. 

Looking at the snowman with its enlarged eyes due to our modifications, I’m just about to crack a few jokes when I notice a touch of weariness on Victor’s face. 

MC: We’ve almost completed the snowman. Would you like to rest for a while? 

Victor: I know a tavern. Come with me. 

We’ve arrived at the alley where we met that kitten before. It has undergone a complete transformation, and the newly opened tavern is bustling with patrons. 

It’s a snowy day, and the tavern is filled to capacity. I initially thought that there would be no seats available. However, the owner leads us straight into a room. 

MC: Huh? Did you reserve the room with the owner in advance? But you weren’t... 

Victor brushes away the snowflakes off my head, seeing through my puzzlement. 

Victor: I arranged it in advance, yes. 

Victor: Since I didn’t know when I would be awake, I told the owner beforehand that I would have this room reserved for as long as it snows. 

The fire in the hearth produces a crackling sound. Victor’s facial features are enveloped in the cloud of heat, his eyes gentle. 

Victor: I just thought that one day, I would take you out to see the snow. 

We sit on the terrace, sipping the warm wine. Amidst the aroma of wine wafting in the air, he speaks in a soft tone. 

Victor: I did stick my tongue to a cup in the past. It happened when I was five years old and had a taste of my father, the king’s red wine in secret. My mother, the queen, had gotten quite the shock. 

MC: Eh? What are you talking about... 

Victor: Dummy, aren’t you always clamoring about wanting to hear my stories? 

He says it as if it were the most natural thing, as if this were merely an ordinary winter day, as if we were an ordinary married couple offhandedly conversing about our everyday life while enjoying a drink and keeping ourselves warm by the fire. 

The north breeze makes my eyes sting, but I still force myself to smile as I look at him. 

MC: So, it turns out that His Majesty was a dummy, too, when he was five years old. How about when you were six? What was it like? 

Victor: When I was six... 

In the back-and-forth questions and answers, more than twenty years of Victor’s life have become etched in my mind. 

I dare not listen. I can’t help but feel as if once I’ve heard everything, he will leave me. And yet, I listen carefully to every single word. 

I listen to the way he speaks each word— the way his teeth collide, the way his two lips meet, the way the nuances of his trailing notes alter between closing and releasing. 

Victor: Next, it’s the day when I got married to a certain someone. 

MC: ...there’s no need to tell the next part of the story. After all, the stories related to me have only begun. 

Victor pauses, but doesn’t follow up my words with a playful remark.

MC: ...Victor? 

Victor: What’s wrong? 

I shake my head, and when I open my mouth again, the name that has been lingering on the edge of my lips and weighing on my heart spills out involuntarily. 

MC: Victor.  

Victor: Mm, I’m here. 

He tacitly acquiesces to my almost naïvely foolish behavior, responding to my call of his name over and over again. It feels as though, if only I can keep confirming like this, the hole in my heart would be filled. 

MC: ...Victor. 

This time, he doesn’t speak. The silence forces me to stop. 

MC: [sobbing] I just want to know... what can I do to make you stay... [7] 

Victor sighs softly and beckons to me. 

I lean over and nestle in his frigid arms. 

As if he can no longer support the weight of his long, ink-black eyelashes, he casts his gaze downward. His nearly translucent skin appears as if it’s about to blend with the sunlight. 

Victor reaches out and touches my cheek, his finger pads caressing the contours of my face with utmost gentleness, as if sketching my features. 

His fingertips carry with them the chill of death, making me shiver involuntarily. 

Slowly and stiffly, I weave my words together, but the sentences that come out of my mouth are still shakily out of tune. 

MC: [teary-eyed x1] Victor, do you find it a little chilly? Maybe your cloak is too thin? 

MC: [x2] The fire is obviously burning so strongly, and the mead is also very warm... [8] 

MC: [x3] Look, there’s a kitten on the eaves over there. Isn’t it the one we met that day? 

MC: [x4] It looks so lively today. Seems like its frame of mind is as cheerful as ours. 

When I utter the last sentence, I hear his gentle sigh. 

At the same time, the laughter of playful children chasing each other, the chatter of young people, and the sighs of emotions of the elderly can be heard amidst the wind and snow. 

Victor: Hear that, the sounds outside. 

The sunlight seeps through the terrace, haloing and enveloping the surroundings with a layer of warm and bright haze. 

Bathed in that glow, my body’s consciousness returns little by little. I tightly clutch his hand, no longer shaking. 

MC: [x5] I can hear it. It’s almost New Year, and the streets are bustling and serene. 

Victor: The snowfall this year is promising. So, the harvest will be abundant next year. 

MC: [x6] Yes, people will become more affluent and happier. 

Victor: You will be a part of it all, too, and that’s really good. 

I bury myself in his chest, silently listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat, one beat after another. 

The heartbeat in my ears, following its rapid pace, begins to grow increasingly feeble. A realization dawns on me, and I force myself to lift my head and look at him. 

He is akin to a wan rose, wilting before my desperate eyes that seek to make him stay, withering within my outstretched arms as I reach out to hold on. 

From limbs to blood, to the light in his eyes— bit by bit, the luster fades. 

My king entrusts the future of this country to me, and then he steps out of time, heading toward eternal peace. 

I gently incline my body, kissing his peacefully closed eyes. 

MC: ...good night. 

This time, I don’t receive any response from him, but the snowstorm suddenly ceases. 

The curtain of the evening has already descended, and the vermillion sun sinks below the horizon. The final ray of the splendid afterglow thaws the ice and snow of the land. 

MC: Victor, I will take you to witness the tomorrow of this kingdom. 

────────── 

[Notes]:

[5] The exact phrase here actually was “冷风呜呜作响,” which literally means “the chilly breeze is producing a mournful sound”-- the “呜呜” used here is the onomatopoetic word for “sobbing/ wailing.” wanted to include this note as an example to gush about the brilliant atmospheric descriptions LZY writers use, e.g., the picture painted here echoes that even the nature is mourning at this slow, rather unfair, transition, mirroring the heroine’s and LZY’s pain of parting. ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ 

[6] The expression used here is “依依不舍,” one of my favorite phrases and hated ones to translate LOL. You’d usually see this phrase being translated as “reluctant/unwilling,” but it doesn’t even come close to expressing the depth of its meaning. The phrase means “reluctance to part with sb you love/ being broken-hearted at having to leave,” with an underlying tone of “wanting to be with that person regardless,” -- and I tried to retain the OG meaning without being too wordy haha~ 

[7] Not sure how much of the sentiment I could make it come across in the translation—the term (留住) MC uses here literally means “ask sb to stay/ keep sb for the night/ ask them to wait.” the beauty of it lies in the fact that it expresses such a multitude of emotions— desperately wanting to keep sb in your life despite knowing it’s not up to either of you so you want to know if they can wait for you even though you know it’s not possible~ ༎ຶ‿༎ຶ   

[8] Mead (蜂蜜酒), also known as honey wine, is a type of alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey mixed with water and other fruits. You can google it to know about it in detail if you want LOL.

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 

[larryjohnsonsbitch]

Possesive!Larry x reader

i said it would be out tomorrow but i’m god so it’s here now haha

let me know if you would like me to make one with gender neutral pronouns

word count: 2593

she/her pronouns

Warnings: smut, alcohol, possesive behaviour, sal x reader kiss, 

You had been dating Larry for a while now, he’s your first boyfriend and you couldn’t be happier with him. He always comes to your work during your breaks and even sits down at a table and orders drinks while he waits you to finish your shift, so there he sat now looking at you so tenderly it made your heart race. He had been here for around 2 hours, ordering various drinks while switching between watching you and going on his phone, the only thing you worried about was how long he had been waiting for you, and that you still had another hour ‘till knock off. So, you continued serving tables and taking orders, making sure he was okay when you could to which he’d reply “I love you enough to wait” with a squeeze of your arm, it didn’t really answer the question but nothing stopped him from leaving so it stayed like that until you finished and as you took of the apron which the restaurant made you wear you felt a pair of arms around your waist and a face nestling into your neck, you laughed. Spinning around to face him and peck his cheek. “I don’t like you talking to all those guys” he pouted “why can’t you just stay with me” he finished the sentence with a kiss to your head and you had never felt more loved.

“I would love to stay with you, Larry, but I have to work so I can pay rent” you smiled, setting down the apron, taking his hand in yours and lightly squeezing it. “lets go, love”

You and Larry walked back to the apartments, hand in hand, until you reached his room. Flopping down on the bed he opened his arms for you to come cuddle him, you happily obliged settling between his legs, your head on his chest as you listened to his heart, his hand made its way to your hair tugging on some strands as he brushed through it with his fingers. “I’ve seen all of you and your flaws ,I still love all of you so much” he said into your hair “I don’t think many others would”

The sentence sat wrongly in your stomach, you couldn’t tell why though. He was right. Not many people would love you flaws and all. So in response you lifted your head, pressed a kiss to his lips

“I know” you said lips still so close you could feel his breath.

The two of you laid like that for hours before Larry spoke again. “Sal invited me over for a movie tomorrow, I want you to come too seems its your day off. I hate when we’re apart” you agreed to go and before you knew it you were asleep, nestled closely to Larry.

 The next day you and Larry were at Sal, Todd and Neil’s place snacks in hand, Larry’s arm was around your waist as you waited for Sal to answer the door. Todd and Neil were out for a date for the day so Sal had the place to himself. The front door opened revealing Sal, his hair down and mask on but with the lower straps unbuckled to allow him to eat, he stepped back allowing you and Larry through the door. “hey guys, good to see you” you couldn’t se his face but you assumed he was smiling by the way his mask moved upward. You walked inside Larry’s hand on your waist felt much tighter now.

“yeah dude, wouldn’t miss watching a horror movie with you man” Larry said while making himself comfortable on the couch in front of the tv, snacks discarded on the coffee table, the horror you were about to be watching was sitting beside them , ‘Scream’ it had been released earlier this year but you had never gotten around to seeing it. Sal came over sitting beside Larry, putting himself in the middle, you sat beside him turning to look at Larry he looked a little annoyed.

“you alright, love?” you asked, trying to make sure he was alright.

“come here” he said his voice was soft but far too stern, your eyebrows perked up as you got up going to stand in front of him awkwardly, he grabbed your hands a little too hard as he pulled you into his lap. You were shocked as he wrapped his arms around you caging you in, his chin resting on your shoulder.

“how’s your day been dude” Larry asked Sal, Sal seemed just as surprised as you were, his ears were red. He was probably embarrassed to be sitting right next to Larry as that happened.

“uh, uhm, alright I guess” he said, grabbing the movie and putting it into the DVD player. “are you guys going to that party on Saturday?”

“I mean I would like to..” You looked to Larry, you wanted to go but wouldn’t go if he wasn’t coming.

Larry obviously got the hint as he said “Yeah, it’d be cool to see everyone” and that was the end of the conversation. You each settled in, getting comfortable as Sal pressed play on the movie

The movie was great and you all ended up more comfortable at the end of it, despit the multiple scares you had.

“oh yeah! Sal you just got the Nintendo 64, right?” you said, you nearly completely forgot to ask, you had heard Larry mention it briefly and you wanted to see if Sal would let you come over so you and him could play together sometime.

“yeah, I did, why? You wanna play sometime?” he asked

“omg, yes please! I was gifted Mario Cart but I haven’t been able to play it yet” you pouted and Sal laughed “but yeah I’d love to play it together if that chill with you?” you hardly noticed Larry grip tightening around your hips as you talked.

“yeah, that’d be awesome! Come ‘round whenever, you’re always welcome” you smiled at the words and he rubbed the back his neck; that’s when Larry started lightly biting the sweet spot on your neck, your back arched and you had to clamp a hand over your mouth to stop any sounds. Your face was hot and you felt far too embarrassed to stay in the room.

“i-I-I I’m just gonna quickly go to the bath-bathroom” your words struggled to come out smoothly due to the embarrassment. You quickly rushed to the bathroom; hands braced against the bathroom sink as you tried to calm down. Once your face was no longer burning and your heart and breathing were steady once more you stood up as straight as you could and walked out hearing the hushed whispers of Sal and Larry, they were fighting. You didn’t wanna intrude but it was hard not to let curiosity beat you.

“dude, I don’t like her what the fuck, I would never do that” it was Sal

“why were you eye-fucking her since we walked through the door then” Larry was angrier than you had heard him before.

“I wasn’t, dude, I don’t know what’s going on but you can’t just embarrass a girl like that, she looked ready to cry before”

“so you do like her?”

“what! NO!” they weren’t whispering and you decided to make them stop by heading back to te bathroom and yelling back to them.

“you guys aright out there?” Larry was the one who answered

“yeah babe but I think we should get going now, I forgot that my mum asked me to help out with putting up a shelf”

“okay then” you walked back out to them, smiling, they couldn’t know that you had heard them. Sal was refusing to even look at you, you held onto Larry’s arm “thanks so much, for inviting us we had a lot of fun, right babe?” you tugged softly on Larry’s arm.

“yeah, sure” he rubbed his neck with his free hand and looked anywhere but at Sal.

“it was no problem, thanks for coming” you felt bad for leaving with Larry while they were on such bad terms but there wasn’t much else you could do. The entire walk back to the apartments Larry was pouty, stealing kisses when he could. As you got back he went to Lisa reluctantly following through with his lie to leave Sal’s. it was only an hour before he was back with you in his room listening to Sanity falls and acting like nothing was wrong.

…

You could hear the music and see the flashing lights of the party from a few houses away, you and Larry walked hand in hand, He squeezed three times ‘i.love.you’ you smiled squeezing back. It was a comfortable silence around you two, you had already talked about your days’ and what you planned to do tomorrow and your plans to move in together once you’d saved up enough money. It was nice, knowing you weren’t going to have to face all the new adult stuff you had to do now you were 20 and fully out of school, alone. As the party came into view you could see most people were already wasted, red cups littered across the lawn along with steamers and someone’s pants. You laughed at the sight; it was a bigger party than you had originally expected but you had no doubt you would at least know most the people there considering how small Nockfell was.

The music was some upbeat pop band and the house was smelt like beer and sweaty bodies. People were dancing and you and Larry had to force yourself through the crowd, it took a while but you eventually found the gang, even ash was there. You hugged each of them, complimented ash on her new hair and you all fell into conversation but the tension between Sal and Larry was obvious. Larry stopped you from drinking saying that he just wants you to be sober and that the alcohol isn’t good for you even as he made his way through his own drinks and after two hours the gang -minus Todd and Neil who had disappeared into a random bedroom earlier- and some kids you went to school with were in a game of spin the bottle. Larry and Sal sat opposite you and ash was a couple people away so far neither you, Larry or Sal had had to kiss anyone and it was soon Sals turn, he leaned forward spinning the bottle, it spun around quickly but a few seconds later it slowed. Landing on you.

The tension in the air was thick and you expected Sal to spin again, but he looked between you and Larry, once and then again; and just like that he was in front of you a hand to your cheek, he lifted his mask enough for his lips to show; you could feel him shaking through the hand on your cheek, your heart was hammering and you were to shocked to do anything but sit and desperately hope he was joking, but his lips brushed yours and then he pressed a soft kiss to you lips.

Larry had stood up, pushing Sal out of the way and grabbing your wrist tightly enough to bruise, he dragged you through the crowd of people and kicked people out of the bathroom before pushing you in and locking the door behind himself.

 “Larry? I’m so sorry I was too shocked to move and i-“you were against the wall, Larry’s hands beside your head. He kissed you. It was burning, different to before, he was burning, and you would burn with him. His tongue was in your mouth exploring ever crevice of you, his knee rubbing between your legs

“can i?” despite the alcohol and anger, he cared enough to ask. You nodded

Pushed against the bathroom wall, the heat between your legs growing hotter as Larry licked a line up your neck stopping just before your ear where he softly bit your earlobe, you bucked your hips up to him trying to get any friction against your core. He chuckled in your ear his voice deep and arousing, it sent shivers down your spine as he started sucking and biting at your neck while he trailed one hand down your chest to the waist of your pants. You wrapped your arms around his neck, a hand through his hair softly tugging at strands, he groaned as he trailed his hand down further; you could feel his fingers through the fabric of your pants and desperately tried to get him to touch you more.

“such a needy little thing…” he whispered into your ear before removing your pants, he lifted your leg, holding it just under the underside of your knee. “up”. You happily obliged jumping up, wrapping your legs around his waist as he caught your other leg pressing you harder against the wall to keep you up.

You could feel his length through his jeans and you grinded against it moaning softly as you did. “fuck” his hand slid upward to your inner thigh just below where you need him.

“tell me how much you need me” he growled, and the dark look in his eyes wasn’t like any expression you’d seen him make before. It was hot. So hot. Your arousal was dripping between your legs, you needed him like he was some form of drug and you loved it.

“I need you” you panted “so bad, Larry, please fuck me” you rolled your hips against his to emphasize and just like that something snapped in Larry. Within a couple movement his pants and boxers were at his ankles and his erection ready to enter your dripping sex, pre-cum leaked through the slit and tip was a gorgeous red. You stoked it lightly and Larry’s head tipped back, a moan echoing through the bathroom. His grip on your hips tightened and he positioned himself at your entrance, he rested his head on your shoulder.

“mine, mine, mine, mine, mine” with each word he started thrusting into you, your head hit the wall and you couldn’t hold back the chorus of moans that escaped you, his name fell off your lips like a prayer and he only went harder as you got louder.

His finger circled your clit, his mouth leaving hickeys across your chest. Your tears stained your cheeks at the overstimulation he was giving you. “every time I see you talk to someone, I wanna kill them. You’re mine, mine!” he hit your g-spot with each word, your fingers clawed down his back leaving marks. The knot that had developed in your abdomen was ready to burst and as your eyes rolled back you were no longer capable of words, only senseless babbles.

“I love you, I’d die without you” he moaned, as you came around his dick; And seconds later he was shooting his load inside you. He didn’t slow down though, and as you grasped onto his shoulders panting from your orgasm you realized he would continue fucking you until you couldn’t move.

“Larry” you pressed your forehead to his, your lips brushing softly despite how hard he was slamming himself into you “I love you, I’m not leaving” a tear slipped from his eye landing on your chest. You knew why he was acting this way, he was scared you’d disappear, leave, like his dad and he would try and do everything in his power to make sure that you didn’t.

[scriptaed]

bygones of the sun. 02 (m)

genre: angst/fluff/(future)smut || dance captain!hoseok, bad boy!au, uni!au

pairing: reader x hoseok;

length: 5.0k;

synopsis: Jung Hoseok was once the sweetheart of the school, the dance captain whom every girl, including you, can’t help but fall head over heels for. But like the force of the ever-glowing sun, everything that rises must also set. A year of inactivity later and he’s now the school’s resident bad boy. You’re a firm believer of allowing the past be the past, and yet you can’t help but wonder where the risen sun has gone into hiding—because perhaps its shadows have out-shined its own radiance.

a/n: a repost of my old fic!

“Drop him, girl, drop him! You’re too good for him!”

The glaring television screen blares throughout the small confinement of your living room, filling the already rowdy space with the drama you and your friends would specifically gather in your house to watch every Wednesday night. With soft cotton blankets draping over the three pairs of bare legs and two buckets of popcorn laying in your laps, Hani and Junghwa would constantly shrill on the top of their lungs along with you, screaming and squirming from over excitement or flutters incited by a man on the other side of the screen whom they claim to have established an emotional connection with. And while you have always appreciated their crucial role in your daily life, tonight—along with the past several days since then—is just one of those nights where you want to be left alone.

Junghwa’s squealing comes to a gradual silence when Hani nudges her elbow with darting, wide eyes, hinting at her friend to quiet down before you did anything more than shoot her a death glare. Just half an hour into the episode and you can already tell that the main character’s position ever so conveniently coincided with your own as Junghwa continues to scream out words of encouragement to the woman on the other side of the screen, completely unaware of how her insults can also easily align with your situation. And even though you would usually be screaming along with your dear friends, heart clenching and fists forming at the growing anger elicited by the bad boy of the story, now that you are finally experiencing it for yourself—maybe not so much as dating a bad boy, but rather personally knowing one from your very own eyes—you can certainly go without any reminders of the revelating night which still burns every second in the back of your consciousness.

“O-oh,” Junghwa gaped, mouth hanging wide open as she stares at you with a blank expression that shows she only just understood why Hani was urging her to stop. Hani only presses her lips into a disappointing frown and places her hands to the forehead of her shaking head. The rare silence between you and Junghwa becomes overbearing to her as she bats her eyes in panic over how the unamusement in your stare grows within each second. The corner of her lips suddenly shoot up when she releases a nervous laugh and pats your arm in reassurement, “y-you too, Y/N… you should forget about Ho—” her eyes pop out when she notices the quirk of your brow “—I mean... him. You’re too good for someone as immature as him. Who even plays truth or dare in college? Haha, I mean, even if someone dared me to play around with a guy, I wouldn’t—”

“Alright,” Hani interrupts with a forced smile, tilting her head to peer at you from across the now silenced Junghwa, “let’s just switch the channel. We can always catch up on the episodes later.”

“No, it’s fine,” you let out a soft laugh, shaking your head and lightly flicking your friend’s arm. Junghwa winces at your gesture before pouting and leaning into the couch on her left, grabbing Hani’s arm and glaring at you in vengeance. “It’s not a big deal anyways. It’s not like I was even dating him. I’m fine, I promise… it’s just that someone seems to want to rub some salt in my wounds.”

Hani cackles, stroking Junghwa’s head with her left hand and patting her arm with her right, “alright, if you say so. You sure you don’t want to change the channel? The show isn’t that exciting anyways. We can probably predict half the things she’s going to do. The bad boy is going to fall in love with her because she’s weak and fragile and apparently guys like that, then she’s going to fall for him because he treats her differently than the rest. And then, bam! They’re together and happy for the rest of eternity, right?”

You scrunch your brows at her quick yet accurate synopsis, “I mean I guess—”

“Good! So that means we can switch the channel then,” she picks up the remote and flips to the next available channel only to have it stolen from you when you lean across a screaming Junghwa and snatch the remote from Hani.

“Hani, I know you’re just trying to do what you think is the best for me, but I’m fine! I promise,” you laugh, giving her a strained, lopsided smile. “See? Smiling like always. Who cares about boys? They’re all liars anyways.”

Your two friends only lean away from you and against the couch’s armrest, blankly blinking eyes and pressing lips in the shape of a questioning frown as they raise their brows quizzically at the validity of your ‘fine’ state; because to them, every single word you managed to muster out that night were only filled with disdain, spite, and regret over the boy whom you constantly cursed at and nicknamed an asshole after that night over the phone.

But as much as you attempt to cross your arms over your chest and keep a poker face over the countless dumb decisions the main character makes in the following few minutes, you can’t help but constantly flip your phone over to check if any new messages had been left magically without its usual buzz. Turning the phone over, you would click the home button only to find the screen empty of any new notifications. You would then sigh, attempting to ignore the sinking of your chest when you internally remind yourself: of course he wouldn’t message you first. He hasn’t messaged you in days since that night you stormed out of his car and into your house without further explanation, the cold tension remaining as the last conversation held between you and him.

Unfortunately for you, your friends suspicions of your true condition are confirmed by the constant spiels which tumbles from your lips every ten seconds.

“That’s the dumbest thing you could do! He’s a changed man, and you know that! Why are you going after him?! Dump him, you dumbass!” you scream, huffing out in anger and grabbing your pillow as though you are about to toss it at the girl on the screen.

Hani and Junghwa stare at you with wide eyes, horrified by your outburst which never seems to end along with your limitless energy.

“He’s a liar,” you groan, kicking your legs onto the coffee table before you and sighing out your baited breath. “He’s probably only staying with you now because his friends told him to.”

“You make the first move,” you hear Junghwa hiss to Hani, who only repeats her words back at her, but you’re too mentally and emotionally occupied by the thoughts roaming your own mind to even care.

God, Hoseok is such an asshole. The more you think about it, the more your blood fuels with anger. You were the victim—the target—of a stupid dare? And to make it worse, you actually believed for a second that Hoseok—Jung Hoseok, one of the most sought after boys of your school—actually liked you enough to ask you out on a date? But what frustrates you to the ends of your bones isn’t your stupidity or your proneness to fall victim to such child’s play, but instead, it’s the fact that Hoseok, the sweetheart you once knew and loved, actually took the dare seriously enough to attempt to fulfill it; he went out that night on a mission to fool you, to play with your heart, and to trample all over it if you hadn’t found out through Junghwa. He was out to manipulate you like the fool you are, to wrap you around the tips of his fingers, and to play you like another one of the countless girls whom must have become one of his many puppets.

And even though it pained you with the constrictions of your chest, the dryness of your knotted throat, and the emptiness of your churning stomach the couple of days following that night, now you’re just a pile of turmoil and raging anger waiting to throw your hands at the person who had taken over the dreamlike dance captain you currently regret to your very guts for not taking a leap of faith into the sun and approaching him on the day he had invited you over. You want explanations to his whereabouts, and maybe you’re not qualified enough to receive explanations to such personal matters which held no form of relation to the person who purposely avoided him in the past year, but at the very least, you deserve an apology for that night.

“Y/N… are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” Hani gently suggests as Junghwa places a hand on your knee and bobs her head agreeingly, worriedly watching the clenching of your jaw and the burning flames in your darkened eyes. “Sometimes it helps us to talk about things we don’t want to talk about. It’ll help us move on.”

“Not saying that you haven’t moved on, of course,” Junghwa quickly adds.

After raising a brow at Junghwa’s nervous laugh, you take a deep breath and sigh. “Fine. I just… I don’t know what there is to say. I guess I’m hurt after being used like that, like I’m some sort of game you can just win over, but I’m more so appalled that Hoseok would do such a thing…? I’ve never known him, sure, but I know he’s not like that. The boy I met wouldn’t have ever dared to play around with a girl’s feelings. Dance was his sole purpose. He was so passionate about it. And now… he pretends he doesn’t even remember his own past.”

“Ah… you miss seeing your old crush, huh?” Junghwa purses her lips and nods her head in acknowledgement. “I guess he was a lot more likeable back then, not saying that he isn’t smoking hot right now because he is, but now that he’s doing all of this because of a simple game of dignity, I don’t think I would see him the same way either.”

“Do you really think he did it because of a dare though? He might be a player, but even that seems a bit… much?” Hani frowns, furrowing her brows in thought.

You shrug, “we heard that he was doing it in order to gain the attention of the last dance captain.”

“He wanted to use you to make her jealous?” Hani’s eyes popped in shock.

“I guess,” you mutter and sigh once again. “I’m not sure which one’s worse.”

“Have you confronted him about it? Are you sure it’s true?”

“I mean, I wouldn’t blame him if he really does like Keiko. Have you seen her? She’s gorgeous and she’s so down to earth,” Junghwa says in awe before snapping back to reality when Hani shoots her a death glare. She quickly turns to look at you, patting your shoulder with a smile, “you’re gorgeous too, Y/N. But maybe he’s into the dance type.”

“Alright, you two are just roasting me tonight. I just want to get some sleep and sort things out myself,” you huff, about to get up from the couch when Junghwa leaps herself at you and hugs you tight.

“I’m sorry, Y/N! You know I really didn’t mean it that way!”

Hani only laughs at the sight before her as you groan and pick up your phone, a habit which has become instinctive to you, checking for any new messages.

And to your surprise, there is one.

“Please stop checking your phone for his texts, Y/N! It hurts my heart to see you like this! He’s a player, he’s not going to text first! You deserve better people than him!” Junghwa cries out in plea for you to forgive her careless remarks.

She holds you even tighter as you stare at your screen in shock. You keep staring at the glaring screen, scanning the text message over and over again because you can’t believe it. He actually left a message, and to your dismay and surprise, your heart is actually pounding in excitement—in longing—for the boy who had broken your trust. And just like Junghwa says, you keep reminding yourself that you deserve more than him.

Hobi [9:34 pm] Are you home? We need to talk things over. I know something happened between us that night, and unlike you, I actually want to sort things out. I’ll be there in five.

Ah, so he’s either still upset over your sudden change in attitudes that night or your sudden mention of his past experience with dance—either way, the piercing sensation of your heated chest is undeniable when you read the passive aggressive tone of his message.

“What is it?” Hani carefully asks, and suddenly, Junghwa’s tight gripping and tugging releases from your hips.

“Don’t tell me he texted you,” she deadpans.

“We need to go,” you mumbled under your breath and they widen their eyes as a double take. Getting up from the couch, you quickly turn off the television and grab their hands to usher them out the front door. “He’s coming in five minutes. We need to go now.”

“Why is he coming?” Junghwa calls out in worry, looking at you over her shoulder.

“I don’t know. He wants to talk about how our date ended or something,” you blurt out and hastily grab a purse before swinging it over your gray sweatshirt and sweatpants. Opening the front door, you’re stuffing your feet into the shoes when Hani places her hand on you to halt your hasty actions.

“Don’t you want to talk things over with him?” she calmly questions. “You should get things clarified, or you’re never going to move on. Maybe he’s not as bad as you think.”

“I don’t want to get things clarified, Hani. I just want to forget about him as soon as possible. Seeing him will only make me angrier,” you shake your head.

“That doesn’t seem to align with you constantly checking your phone tonight,” Junghwa quips. “I agree with Hani. You should at least have closure. Or at least you can tell him off before you end things with him.”

You quirked a brow, “...are you sure?”

“Positive. And if you ever need us to jump in, just send us a quick text,” Hani smiles and Junghwa enthusiastically nods.

Taking a deep breath, you sigh in agreement before quickly pushing them out the door, “okay, then you two need to leave.”

“Wow, I’ve never been kicked out of a house faster than now,” Junghwa retorts as your two friends laugh along with you.

“Oh my God, is that his car? I thought he said five minutes!” Hani gapes. “Good luck, Y/N! C’mon, Junghwa, let’s run.”

What? He’s here already?

Slightly opening the door behind you, you peep through the small slit to find Hoseok’s familiar black vehicle coming to a gradual stop on your driveway. Your heart nearly jumps out of your chest when you spot sight of his familiar brown hair, the darkened eyes of his that meant business causing you to leap and shut the door behind you. Your heart is pounding so loudly and roughly against the small confinements of your chest that you swear it’s echoing in your now silent house. Your hands are shaking, your lips are quivering, and your knees become weak with each footstep of his which lightly skid against the concrete of your front porch, each one becoming more and more audible when they finally come to a halt just a few feet behind you.

God, you should’ve stayed in the college dorms—otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to so easily walk up to your house at whatever time he pleases like this.

A series of firm knocks echo in the front entrance of your house, the vibrations sending waves across your back and down your spine as you lay with your back pressed up against the door. Whirling around, you take a deep breath to calm your seemingly unstoppable rapid pace of breathing. After mustering up enough courage, you peek through the peephole only to be met with Hoseok’s fish eyed pupils, causing you to jump back and yelp in surprise.

“Y/N, I know you’re there. I saw you while parking in your driveway,” Hoseok lowly chuckles. “Might as well open up now.”

“W-what if I don’t want to?” you stutter, placing your fumbling hands over the cold doorknob.

“Well, I guess I’d just have to tell the whole school we’re dating,” he chimes as though it’s not a big deal to him at all. Of course it’s not a big deal to him, he’s been with plenty of girls before and the rest of the school doesn’t need a second reminder of that fact. “I’m counting down now. In 3… 2…”

You whip open the door and give him the dirtiest glare you can give, huffing and puffing when you managed to stop him from ruining your reputation along with his already ruined one.

Hoseok’s lips clam shut the second you open the border between the two of you. One corner of his lips lift as he leans against the wall and buries his hands into his pockets.

“I see you really don’t want to be associated with me, huh?” he quips.

“No, not after what you did to me that night,” you narrow your eyes at him and cross your arms over your chest.

He quirks a brow questioningly, “and what exactly did I do that night?”

The slick strands of hair hovering before his forehead tell you he came here right after a shower, the thought causing heat to rise to your cheeks and your stomach to shelter unwanted butterflies. His dark brown eyes and his soft, red lips match perfectly with his tan, smooth skin which ever so slightly glows in reflection of the dim light within your house. You’re just about to melt in his darkening, warm gaze when you snap yourself out of it and remind yourself that looks are quite deceiving; he may look like the boy you had fallen for before, but he surely doesn’t act like him.

“Oh, quit playing dumb,” you roll your eyes after a few seconds of silence.

“I might appear dumb to you, but I can tell you for sure, I can read most girls like the back of my hand. But with you? I don’t have a single idea of what’s going on in that head of yours,” he retorts, leaning off the wall and shifting his weight onto the other leg. “Maybe if you actually told me what I did wrong, or whatever the hell happened that night, then maybe I’d understand and be able to apologize or fix things.”

“And why do you care? Do you actually want to fix things? Do you actually like me enough to apologize?”

Hoseok frowns at the harsh edges of your tone, brows knitting and lips pressing shut as he stares at you for a few seconds and ponders—no, calculates—what he should do next.

He sighs, running a hand through his slightly damp hair, “I don’t get it. Of course I want to fix things—”

“You’re lying,” you snap. “You only took me out on a date because you were dared to.”

His eyes lift from the ground to stare at yours; judging by the way his eyes neither crease in confusion nor widen in shock, he must have figured this all along. Instead, he’s calm and collected as if he’s done this thousands of times before, and that very fact causes a drop in your stomach. Just how much more of an ass can he be?

You take in a shaky breath, about to make your next theory on the rumor between his crush on the previous dance captain, when words tumble from his lips that renders you silent.

“I’m sorry.”

“What?” you narrow your eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he repeats this time but a bit louder.

He’s gazing into your eyes, locked and firm, confident and alluring, and every bit of you is reminding you that he’s probably done this hundreds of times before and that it’s just a front he puts on to trick countless girls, and yet you can’t help but believe there’s nothing but sincerity in his eyes. What is it about those chocolate hues which entices you and spins you around like the fool you are? Is it the past crush you see in them, or is it the bad boy you see now?

“I know I hurt you, and I really wasn’t planning on contacting or bothering you any further after that night, but I was worried after that argument. It’s a bad decision made on my part. I’m sorry,” he calmly apologizes, voice deep and velvety that you can’t believe how casual he’s acting. “I should’ve at least not have been so obvious.”

You scoff at his last words, raising your brows in question, “or maybe you shouldn’t have done it in the first place?”

“Right,” he lets out a small laugh, the corner of his lips lifting into a smug smirk.

“Are you serious?” you exasperate. “This is the type of apology you’re going to give me? A simple ‘sorry’ and that’s it?”

“What else do you want me to do?” he furrows his brows, shooting you an intense stare that even causes you to nearly jump back. “I said sorry and I was just joking about being so obvious, so what else do you want?”

“That’s a dumb joke! At least try to look serious when you’re apologizing!”

“Alright, I’m sorry! I’m serious when I say I know it was the wrong thing to do. I’m just… not in my right mind at the moment. I wanted to prove to myself…” he mumbles his last words, voice trailing off into an inaudible volume until his eyes lift from the ground and his voice suddenly rises once again, “it’s not like you caught feelings from that one night anyways. Why’re you so worked up?”

You bite your bottom lip, holding back every urge in you to prove him wrong, because the tug of your heart and the aching of your chest which no words can adequately describe prove the pain he has caused you since that night… because truth be told, you have fallen for him—whether it be the old Hoseok or the current Hoseok, you don’t know and you don’t want to know.

“It’s because you treated me like a toy. You think I’m so gullible? You think I don’t know what you’re doing? I’m not like the other girls you’ve played with before, Hoseok. I’ve heard of the things you do to others.”

“I’m sure you have,” he retorts, a quirk of the brow tugging on your heartstrings. “In fact, it seems like you know more than you let on. And that’s the second reason why I’m here. How do you know that I used to dance?”

You nibble on your bottom lip and remain silent.

Are you supposed to tell him the truth? That you are that one girl who promised to join the club? That one girl whom seemed to have such a strong, instant connection to the charismatic dance captain? No, you don’t want to tell him, not the current Hoseok. That secret remains between the two of you—between you and the past boy, not him.

“What’s the matter? Cat’s got your tongue?” he scoffs.

“I just… heard. It’s impossible not to hear of you,” you mumble.

He quirks a brow at the implications of your statement, letting out a laugh and averting his eyes only to dart back at you. “Well, I don’t know if you’ve ‘heard’ yet, but that Hoseok is long gone. Don’t ever mention it again in front of me; it annoys me to death.”

You frown, because is he really speaking ill of the past him? The one that you so utterly miss and would much rather prefer to spend your time with than the person before you?

“There won’t be another chance for me to mention it anyways. I don’t plan on seeing you again,” you huff. “And how could you say that? The past Hoseok I knew—heard of is much more likable than you. How dare you?”

“How dare I? How dare I condemn my own past? That’s who I am, Y/N. That Hoseok is my own persona, and whether you like it or not, it’s me. And it’s gone for good,” he deadpans. “So quit searching for something that’s not there.”

You tighten your grip around the doorknob that you swear it’s become pale because your hands become numb and all blood circulation cuts off from your fingers. As much as he’s right, he gets to control who he chooses himself and his past self to be, you’re too much in denial, too much in longing over the past that you once failed to grasp and now you can’t seem to pull yourself out of it.

“Get out. Just leave. I don’t want to hear you or see you anymore,” you say through gritted teeth.

“Good,” he stares at you, all expression but irritation extracted from his face. “This whole thing was a mistake anyways. I don’t want to talk to someone who doesn’t even respect me.” He steps back, whirling around and strolling down your driveway to open the door to his car.

“Maybe I’m not deserving of your respect,” you yell out at him, “but at least respect your old self, because he’s much more deserving of it than you!”

Hoseok pauses before entering his car, scoffing at your remark, a bittersweet, lopsided smile plastering over his face. “That’s the funny thing, sweetheart, because he’s the last person who deserves my respect.”

And without another word, he drives off into the distance, leaving you angered and trampled over in a mess of both confusion and heartache. At least now you know that this person, this Jung Hoseok, is for sure a different boy than you so secretly wished he was.

-

The next day comes and you’re walking down the familiar halls you used to attempt to casually stroll through before peeking at the boy in the dance room when this time around, another person comes out reaching for your arm.

“Hey, you’re the girl dating Hobi, right?” someone hushes and you look to your right with wide eyes to find the second most renowned member of the dance club, Park Jimin.

“What’re you saying? No, no way!” you scrunch your nose in disgust, retracting his grip from your arm.

“Oh, maybe you got the wrong person Jimin,” the other boy beside him, Jeon Jungkook, mutters.

“No way, I’ve seen them walking around in the theater the other day. He was for sure flirting with her…”

You roll your eyes as they continue their discussion right before you. “You probably made a mistake. I know of Jung Hoseok, but I’m not close to him.”

“Well, whatever your relation with him is, can you please help us out?” Jimin begs, clapping his hands together and pleading you with a pout.

“I can’t help you. I don’t know what it is, and I don’t know who you are or why you’re asking me, but I can’t help!” you throw your hands up and attempt to walk away when they run after you.

“Can you please just convince him to come back,” Jungkook joins his friend on his mission. “Just tell him that we need him because Namjoon and Jin are dying without his help!”

You look over their backs to find a tall, tan boy and his other broad shouldered friend stumbling over their own footsteps. “I don’t know how I can do that. We’re on bad terms.”

“Just… just send the message! Please, you’re the only one who can! The rest of his friends just ignore us,” Jimin takes your hands in his and shakes it side to side. “Please!”

Having enough of their pleas, you press your lips into a forced smile and nod your head. “Okay, okay! Just let go of me, I don’t even know you well enough! I’ll help you out!”

“Really?!” the two of them nearly yell. “Thank you so much…”

“...Y/N.”

“Thank you so much, Y/N! We promise we’ll make it up to you!” they chime before cheering and running back to the dance room. “Promise you’ll relay our message, okay? Thanks again!”

And just like that, they disappear into their room and you’re left with yet another damn reason to find that asshole whose name still cuts you deep. Groaning at their request, you march your way down the hall only to find Junghwa and Hani huddled, occasionally throwing worried glances towards the end.

“Hey,” you grumble.

They spin around and stare at you wide eyed, stepping forward as though to cover whatever is behind them. “Oh, hey, Y/N! How was your day?”

“My day? It literally just started…” you frown, leaning to the side to take a quick peek at whatever they’re hiding. Unfortunately, and partially fortunately, for you, Hoseok is ever so conveniently chatting with his friends just a few feet down the hall. The way your heart nearly jumps out of your chest at a mere glance of his charming looks just incites an internal scream from you, your gut wrenching in both anger and pain from your last conversation with him when you give yourself one last reason to associate yourself with him. Just one more message and you’re done. Completely done. “Hey, Hoseok—”

—but just as you call out to him, his eyes dart over to you as he gives you a glare and quickly looks away back to his friends. Similar to your own friends, the boys surrounding him quirk their brows and nudge at him, “hey, I think she called for you. Did something happen between the two of you? Did she find out about the dare? Maybe you should apologize to her…”

You’re about to storm over to him and give him a piece of your mind, but his next words only causes your willpower to come up short.

“I don’t have anything to apologize for,” he scoffs before walking off into the hall.

[siriusly-addicted-to-writing]

BOO!

Pairing: George Weasley x Reader

Summary: [Y/N], George and Fred want to plan the perfect Halloween prank, but during all the planing, the twins decide to prank [Y/N].

Warning(s): “dead” George, unedited, angst, not my best work (read my other George fic for some quality writing haha)

masterlist

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A/N: This is for October 26 - ‘Spooky Pranks’ for ‘A Very Harry Potter Halloween’ writing challenge by @eleven-times-lively and @masterofthedarkness (please note that this isn’t my best work. I don’t feel that great about releasing this because I know I can do better. While writing this, it didn’t have my full attention. I was, and still currently am stressing about school and my... guy situation. I do apologize, and please forgive me). Also, I haven’t had any time to write and I’ve been very uninspired. It’s very sad, but I’ll try and get my inspiration and time back! Anyway, I do hope you enjoy, even if this isn’t my best work!

——————

Spooky season was among the students of Hogwarts. It didn’t help that Fred and George were wanting to cause some mischief on this already prank worth holiday.

Last year, the stunt they pulled was unlike any other. Pumpkins smashed everywhere, house elves dressed up as little ghosts, and even Dumbledore was in on it! It was quite a show, and people couldn’t wait to see what they came up with this year.

[Y/N], for one, was super excited because she’d be in on it this year. ‘One of the perks of dating a Weasley twin,’ she would joke. George was just as excited that [Y/N] would be joining the fun this year.

[Y/N] and George’s relationship started fast. They actually started talking after the great prank of Halloween. George met her for the first time as she was dodging a floating pumpkin. 

She was a sharp girl with a not so sharp aim. She nearly took George’s head off by mistake. She was aiming for a jack-o-lantern but narrowly missed George’s head. [Y/N] was so embarrassed, she apologized over and over again. 

George thought she was adorable and couldn’t get her smile off his mind. So days later he had to go and see her again. And again, and again.

Their relationship started fast and it was the best thing that happened to both of them.

For [Y/N], it helped her loosen up a bit. She was always studying and never let loose. They often said that Hermione and her were the same person, attitude wise. George changed all of that.

Now she can be just as crazy as George and Fred, but still buckle down and get her school work done.

Now, since meeting [Y/N], George and Fred’s grades have sky rocketed. Even though Mrs. Weasley hasn’t met [Y/N] yet, she already loves her.

So this years prank was doing to be incredible. [Y/N] was going to see to it.

-------------

“Fred! Have you seen George anywhere?” [Y/N] asks. Fred shakes his head to the side without looking up.

“Really? I’ve been looking for him everywhere!” Fred just shrugs his shoulders.

“Oh, well, do you know where Harry is?” Fred gestured with his head that Harry was up in his dormitory.

“Well, thank you, Fred. You’ve been very helpful.” Fred nods his head and continues tinkering with whatever new object he’s making. [Y/N] rolls her eyes at the twin before making her way upstairs.

[Y/N] was looking for George to finalize plans for next week. The big halloween prank was upon them, and she had a brilliant idea. One that would blow the socks off everyone.

Fred looks up and watches [Y/N] make her way up the stairs to Harry’s dormitory.

“Phase one, complete,” he mumbles to himself. His eyes follow her until she reaches the door.

She was in for a treat.

——————

“Harry?” [Y/N] says as she knocks on the door. After standing there for a few seconds, she knocks again. When no one answers, she sighs and opens the door.

Maybe they couldn’t hear her.

When she opens the door, the room is pitch black.

“Harry?” [Y/N] says, taking a step forward. Suddenly, the door behind her slams shut. She jumps in the air and spins back around.

“Haha, very funny guys.” She rolls her eyes and walks over to the door. She places her hand on the doorknob but jumps back. The knob shocked her.

Shocked her.

“What the...” she mumbles as she reaches forward again. She can feel the electrical pulse radiating off the doorknob. But she reaches at it again and turns it. Nothing happens but her hand starts burning.

[Y/N] rips her hand off the doorknob.

“What the actual heck?” She glares at the doorknob and measures her options.

Option one: she could knock on the door and scream for help.

Option two: she could try and magic her way out.

Option three: she can look around for anything to help her get out.

Option four: she can accept her fate and wither away in the darkness.

Well, [Y/N] was not about to do option four, so option two will have to do.

“What spell would allow me to get out without breaking anything?” she asks herself. From her knowledge, these doors will not break if she tries to bust them down. They can’t break. 

“Alohomora,” she whispers. Unfortunately, nothing seems to happen. Of course, she tries out a number of over spells, but nothing was working. “Why me?”

Option two didn’t work, so on to option three. 

The room is dark and the only source of light was the light coming from the window.

“The window! Of course!” she says as she runs over to the window. The window was sealed shut and looked like it hadn’t been opened in ages. It probably hadn’t been opened in ages.

[Y/N] tries to open the window but it won’t budge. 

BOOM!

[Y/N] spins around. “What was that?” She stares in the dark room, slowly backing up. When she hits the window she gasps and jumps back. 

“I’m being silly. I know this is only a prank. The twins are messing with me,” she laughs. There was no way that this was real. This was all a set up!

Yeah! 

A set up.

All she had to do now was figure out how to get out the window and summon her broom and she was-

BOOM!

[Y/N] spun around again. Was that just a figment of her imagination or did that chest just move? 

BOOM!

Nope, not a figment of her imagination. That chest jumped. 

It. Moved.

“Nope, not today.” [Y/N] says, moving back towards the door. Yes, the exact door that will not open.

BOOM!

The chest jumped completely in the air, and broke open. [Y/N] screams and closes her eyes. 

“[Y/N],” a faint voice whispers. 

“George?” [Y/N] asks, peeling her eyes open. She looks at the place the voice came and let out another scream. 

George, her George, looks about dead on the floor. 

“George!” she screams, rushing over to him. She falls to the floor beside him and grabs his hand. 

“[Y/N], I have to tell you something.” His voice barely comes out.

“Yes? What is it George?” she asks, grabbing his hand. Tears are violently rolling down her face. She can’t think straight. Her George is dying. 

Dying.

“I don’t love you. I never have,” he says, and takes some ragged breaths.

“No... no,” she stands up and backs up. She pulls out her wand and points it at George.

“Riddikulus,” she whispers. The George that was in front of her disappears. Once he said he didn’t love her, she knew he was faking. She knew that George loved her. She knew. She got the boggart into another chest and locked it in there.

Option one was the only one she hasn’t tried, that she was willing to try. So, she went and banged on the door. 

It took about five minutes until Hermione opened the door.

“[Y/N]? What are you doing in here?” she asks.

“I was locked in, so I wouldn’t recommend going in there.” [Y/N] says, pushing past her to find the twins.

Those twins that almost scared her to death.

“BOO!” they shout when she rounds the corner. The both had sheets over their heads and were dressed as ghosts.

“You two are unbelievable. How could you do that to me?” she nearly shouts.

“What do you mean? Locking you in the dormitory? We were only preparing,” one of the ghosts say.

“Yeah, and you thought leaving a boggart in there was a swell idea?” Tears threaten to fall down her face. George rips off his sheet and embraces her in a tight hug. 

“The boggart got out? We were going to use it for the Halloween prank! I never meant for it to get out,” he whispers, rubbing her back.

[Y/N] closes her eyes and embraces George tight.

“It’s okay, George. I know you didn’t mean it.” 

“We had another prank we were going to pull on you, but we won’t. You still look shaken up,” Fred says.

“Fred, you might want to move that boggart. It’s in Ron’s chest.”

“On it. Thanks for the heads up, [Y/N].”

“All we wanted was to pull a spooky prank on you,” George says. 

“Next year. Now let me tell you about my plans for Halloween.” 

George and [Y/N] walk over to a couch and sit down. George listens thoroughly to her plan and loves very detail. This was going to be the best prank yet.

------------

Sorry, this was so bad, but I can’t get into the mindset of Halloween and writing in general.

I was actually listening to Christmas music writing this, haha!

[svtxsoju]

02. morning glory fizz | dear miss soju

ღ Synopsis: College is hard. Love is even harder. Good thing the students of Mansae University can write in to Miss Soju, the campus’ very own romance advice columnist! The only problem is she’s never been in a relationship. Ever. There’s no telling what kind of chaos she may cause in the love lives of several of MU’s most eligible bachelors. Too bad no one knows who she really is! ღ Characters/Pairings: college AU! Seventeen & OC’s, Joshua x baking major!OC, and more TBA!  ღ Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life ღ Warning(s): Mentions of alcohol, suggestions of sex, language  ღ Word Count: 4.9k words  ღ Binu’s Note: a week late but better late than never i guess 😌 i’ve been avoiding tumblr to finish writing this, but i just kept getting distracted by choi seungcheol. hit that mf like button if you relate. i’m so excited for the special album y’all the teasers and concepts are so sadkfklsj i love seventeen

anyway, i apologize not only for the late update, BUT ALSO bc this chapter is also a lot of exposition again 😔🥺 i promise i’m done setting it all up and that some real shit will go down in the next chapter!! hopefully people will still be able to enjoy this chapter huhuhu 😭💗 if you’re reading this, i love u and i hope u have a good weekend!! 

《 ⊛ Author’s Note & Credits ⊛ Disclaimer ⊛ Masterlist ⊛ 》

《 Previous ⊛ Next 》

Having already completed the first half of her college career, Joohyun was well aware of the value of sleep. And yet, like most college students, she could never  seem to manage a decent sleeping schedule. She had only slept 2 hours when her alarm went off at 5:30AM. She groggily rolled out of bed, mentally cursing her past self for thinking that this was a good idea when clearly, the best idea at the moment was to snuggle back up under her covers and sleep in until afternoon. Only one of her eyes seemed capable of staying open as she pulled on her clothes and got ready for the day. When she suddenly heard the front door close behind her roommate, she cursed out loud, throwing her laptop into her bag before she rushed out the door. She half-wobbled, half-hopped along the second-story walkway while she tried to get her shoes all the way on.

“Bok Bongseon! Wait for me!” Joohyun called out in an aggressive whisper.

“HOLY SHIT! You scared me, Joo!” her roommate, a shorter girl with full cheeks and pouty lips, screamed at full volume. She clutched at her racing heart and leaned against the wall while she caught her breath. 

“Shut up, people are still sleeping!” Joohyun linked arms with Bongseon and dragged her down the steps leading to the street. It was still dark outside, but she could already hear the faint bustling of the mart located below their apartment. It was nice to know that they weren’t the only two people in Seoul insane enough to be awake at this hour. 

“I thought you were the ghost of my grandma, you bitch! You know she visits me in my dreams to tell me how disappointed she that I’m a baker,” Bongseon said indignantly, though she still cuddled closer to Joohyun when they were hit by the morning chill. Once they reached the street, they both headed towards the train station without having to say a word.  “What are you even doing up?” 

“I am simply accompanying my favorite roommate to work to make sure that she gets there safely,” Joohyun crooned sweetly, and made kissy faces at the girl, who in turn pinched Joohyun’s lips between her calloused fingers. She tried to protest but could only let out pained whines until she was mercifully released. “Ow!” 

“Sorry but I cannot fulfill your roommates to lovers, 12k slowburn fantasy,” Bongseon continued on nonchalantly as they climbed down the steps to the platform. “You had your chance, but I am a taken girl!”

“Oh, so you and Josh are together today?” Joohyun teased. Although it probably wasn’t the best idea, considering her lips were slightly throbbing from the girl’s attack. “I’ll just wait until tomorrow then.” 

“Wow, bold words coming from Miss Fish Lips.” Bongseon raised an eyebrow and smiled tauntingly. “Understandable, considering  that that was probably the most action your lips have gotten in your entire life. I could probably set it up on a blind date with my fist, if you’d like.” 

Joohyun’s laughter echoed off the walls of the mostly empty station, startling the only other person waiting for the morning train (an old woman, who was still half-asleep prior to being rudely awakened by two very loud girls). Bongseon often made some colorful threats, morning or not, but Joohyun was one of the very few people who could be assured that her words were empty. “Don’t you know that it’s rude to stare, lady?” she barked at the old woman, who was openly glaring at them. Everyone else, on the other hand, was subject to Bongseon’s sharp temper.

This even included her boyfriend of approximately 4 years. ‘Approximately’ being the key word, because the two often took breaks--  a natural phenomenon when one partner was easily provoked and the other loved to do the provoking. Jihoon had told Joohyun that the two had met at the cafe in their freshman year, when Bongseon came in as a part-time baker and Joshua was merely a barista trainee. They started dating within a month and moved into an apartment together in two. That went just as well as anyone would expect. By the grace of whatever entity that was chaotic enough to keep their relationship intact, they made it 7 months before nearly breaking things off for good. As luck would have it though, a new hire and his roommate were in the same exact predicament as them. Kind of. 

Joohyun shuddered to recall her freshman year when she and Jihoon somehow convinced themselves that it was a good idea to share an apartment. In principle it made sense; they had lived across the street from each other since they were in diapers. Two exhausting months into trying to irritate the other into breaking the lease first, they met Bongseon and Joshua when Jihoon started working at Smile Flower. It didn’t take long for Joohyun to suggest the switch— she would move in with Bongseon and Joshua with Woozi. Just like that, she saved both Bongseon and Joshua’s turbulent romance (temporarily) and her and Woozi’s fractured friendship (now thriving). 

She and Bongseon have been roommates ever since, and Joohyun knew her life was a little easier for it. 

“Joohyun, you better stop looking at me with those heart eyes before I really act up,” Bongseon warned. They had boarded the train, but hadn’t bothered to sit down since Mansae University station was only two stops away. 

“But I just love you so much,” Joohyun pouted, affectionately resting her head on her friend’s shoulder. “What does Joshua have that I don’t?” 

“A dick. And that’s about it.” 

“Damn you, heterosexuality!” 

Bongseon snorted out a laugh. “Seriously Joo, how are you awake right now? You’re only ever this lovey-dovey when you’re severely sleep deprived. I know you don’t have classes until 3PM today. You also don’t have your internship today,” Bongseon narrowed her eyes when Joohyun visibly tensed up at the mention of her current occupation. “Also, since when do you watch Youtube videos until 2am? And don’t think I didn’t notice that all of them were titled ‘Relationship Q&A’s’ and ‘I confessed to my crush and he said this!!!’. Got something to tell me, missy?” 

It was so quiet on the train that Joohyun worried that Bongseon could hear all the wires in her brain short-circuit. With Bongseon’s cross-examination skills, it was a wonder why she pursued baking instead of joining her family’s firm. Come on, Joohyun, just tell a white lie. Easy, simple. Don’t need to overcomplicate things. “Oh, uh I— um— well, I j-just thought they were entertaining?” She was done for. 

“Right. You thought random couples self-indulgently talking about their love lifes for 40 minutes with default iMovies effects were entertaining.”  

“Y-yes?” Joohyun threw in her most convincing smile for good measure, but it did nothing to soften Bongseon’s hard gaze. “It’s my new guilty pleasure, haha!”  

“Hm, interesting,” Bongseon was momentarily interrupted by the sound of the arrival bell. Joohyun eagerly pulled her friend towards the exit, hoping that the distance from the train could also get her further away from the topic. Unfortunately for her, Bongseon did not plan on dropping it so soon. “You sure you don’t want to tell me anything, Joo? About your internship?” 

Joohyun began to sweat. Was she really that transparent? “Okay, don’t get mad--”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m super jazzed that you’re getting into relationships and everything, but really Joo? Youtube? You could just talk to me if you need help talking to your new crush at your job!” 

“Oh.” Joohyun would have let out a sigh of relief if she wasn’t out of breath from climbing the mountain of stairs up to the sidewalk. “Right. Confessing. To my crush. That I definitely have.”

“It’s okay to admit you have one, Joo. I’m no  stranger to workplace romance,” Bongseon said, her breathing completely even. A measly flight of stairs was nothing compared to eight hours of kneading dough. “Who’s the lucky bastard, Joo?” 

“Well, I’m not sure I would call it a workplace romance, per se…” Joohyun laughed nervously. There was no way she could stick another clean landing if she kept talking. 

“Shut up, I bet that guy is in love with you already. Who wouldn’t fall for the only editing intern at The Front?” 

“Haha, I don’t know…” Probably no one, because the only editing intern at The Front doesn’t exist? 

Joohyun could not be more relieved to see the small store front of Smile Flower Cafe. It was one amongst the many cafes located near campus, but Joohyun felt like nothing really matched its comforting home-like ambience. But that probably had less to do with the soft wooden floors and pastel ceramic mugs, and more owed to the three years Joohyun had spent hanging around there, usually bothering Jihoon and joking around with Josh. 

The two boys already stood waiting at the cafe’s entrance, too bleary-eyed to notice Joohyun and Bongseon quickly approaching. “Hey, ugly!” Joohyun called out, snickering when both of them turned to look at her. 

“What the hell, why are you awake?” 

“Good morning to you too, Jihoon,” she answered, blowing him a kiss. “I’m actually here to see you, believe it or not. Don’t you feel special?”

“Oh? That’s interesting, because you told me that you came here for me,” Bongseon broke away from exchanging actual kisses with Joshua to look between Joohyun and Jihoon in a way that Joohyun did not like too much.  “I guess it wasn’t a workplace romance after all.” 

Joshua mirrored his girlfriend’s implicating expression as he unlocked the front door, simply because he knew it made his friends squirm. “Wow Joohyun, you woke up this early just to talk to Jihoon? You really couldn’t wait to see him, huh?” 

“Uh, yes because I need his help—”

“Ah, his help, gotcha! Come on, Bongseon, I’ll go help you in the kitchen while these two help each other out here,” Joshua snickered. Before Joohyun or Jihoon could roast the couple in retaliation, they had already disappeared behind the counter. 

After years of similar taunts, all Jihoon could do was shake his head. “Okay Joo, what is so important that you need my help at 6 in the morning?”

“I wrote my first response last night!” Joohyun whispered excitedly, taking out her laptop from her bag. “Well, a few hours ago. I wanted to show you before continuing on with the rest! Here, look.” 

① Dear Miss Soju, 

I just started my first year at MU and she’s an exchange student from New York. We met at a party and talked for two hours about comics, aliens, anything we could think of. It was perfect. She even asked me to walk her home. When the time came for me to make a move though, I kind of dropped the ball. Since we had just met that night, I didn’t want to come off too strong. Now I really regret it - I don’t even have her phone number. I feel like such an idiot! I can’t stop thinking about her, but I don’t even know if I’ll ever talk to her again. Did I make myself seem disinterested? Will we meet again? Will she even remember me?

Sincerely,

Big Cringy Idiot

She let Jihoon read the asker’s message first, then scrolled down to show her answer.

Dear Big Cringy Idiot,

You and your crush seem to have a lot in common. There is nothing wrong with being nervous around someone you like. In fact, it is fairly normal and is a good sign that you like this girl very much. She also seems open to any future possiblities, since she did ask you to take her home. You need not worry about coming off too strong in this situation, although I do admire your dedication to respecting women’s boundaries. I hope you are able to find this girl again so that you can truly tell her how you feel. Best of luck to you!

Sincerely,

Miss Soju

“Joo, that was…” 

“Poetic, beautiful, life-changing?” Joohyun grinned, and nudged her best friend with each suggestion.

“Boring. It was boring.” Joohyun’s face fell, and Jihoon could only offer the girl an apologetic smile. “Dude, you’re gonna put people to sleep if you keep it up like this. I almost took out a pillow to take a nap on the floor.”

“But this is how I write my articles— Informative and concise! How else am I supposed to write it?”

“I mean, that’s great for reporting articles, but this is an advice column. It’s supposed to be fun, sarcastic maybe. Like your promo piece! That was good.” 

“I wrote that as a joke, hoping they would fire me for it,” Joohyun admitted, eyes wide in panic as she looked at her best friend. 

“Huh. Well, I think it would sound better than this Wikipedia article you got going on,” Jihoon shrugged. “Try to be fun!”

“I am fun!” Joohyun cried out defensively, her nostrils flaring with passion. When Jihoon responded with a doubtful look, she let out a dramatic gasp and snatched up her laptop, stomping over to her favorite corner in the cafe. “I can be fun! I’ll show you fun!” 

 “Atta girl,” Jihoon’s signature cackle filled the cafe, further fueling the girl’s aggressive typing. 

Just another morning in the life of So Joohyun.

To the surprise of the cafe’s current occupants, a student already tapped at the glass entrance, clearly in desperate need of his morning americano. He had walked all the way from the freshman dorms after a restless night of tossing and turning. When his phone screen told him it was already 6:05AM, he decided to just give up on sleep altogether. So there he was, trying to start off his day right, at Smile Flower Cafe, only to be stopped at the door by the grumpy barista with the red hair. He always felt like the other one was way nicer, especially since he would go out of his way to sneak him free cookie samples and made pleasant small talk while ringing him up (what was his name? Jonathan?). 

  All the red-haired barista ever did was scowl at him when he asked for a student discount. Now, he scowled at him as he gestured at the sign that indicated that the cafe would not be open until 7AM. The fatigued freshman had half a mind to make some choice gestures of his own, but he refrained and just whipped out his phone instead. He gave the mean barista one last pout before turning around and walking towards the 24-hour convenience store on campus.

➠ [ to: vernonie 😌😎  ] Good morning king. Are you still on your shift ?

➠ [ from: vernonie 😌😎  ] gm seungkwan pls k*ll me 

Seungkwan took that as a yes. It didn’t take long for him to arrive, the entrance bell ringing lightly when he stepped into the small store. At the register sat his roommate, who was clearly fighting to keep his eyes open. “Wol-cuh ‘n—” he tried to greet through a wide-mouthed yawn. “Excuse me, welcome in! Oh, hey Seungkwan.”

Seungkwan answered with a grunt and headed straight for the refrigerated coffee section, choosing the largest can.

“Uh dude, you good? You look like—”

“Like I haven’t slept all night? I am aware,” He immediately opened his coffee and took a long gulp of the beverage in hopes of feeling even a little better. When it did nothing after 30 seconds, he frowned at the concerned cashier. “Vernon, I will not be paying for this drink, because it is clearly defective. Coffee is supposed to fix everything.” 

“Is this about your audition today?” Vernon asked, eyebrows furrowed. “Your monologue sounded really solid last night though. Your audition songs were great too. You totally got this in the bag!” 

“It’s not just about the audition, sweet Vernon,” Seungkwan sighed. “It’s about who I’m going to see at the audition. I still don’t know what the fuck I’m going to do.”

“Oh yeah, you are probably going to see them later.” For the past week, all Seungkwan could talk about was the theater tech sophomore that he had met at the theater department’s welcome party. They had sat beside Seungkwan and had helped him through all the fast-paced drinking games, and even took some of his shots when he kept losing. Surely, this was what love felt like.

That was what Seungkwan hoped anyway, because whatever it was made him feel all warm and tingly inside (or it could have just been the alcohol). Nevertheless, he had made big plans to confess to his crush as soon as possible. His dilemma for the past several days was merely a matter of how it would be done. “Not probably! I know for a fact that they will be there, because they told me that they couldn’t wait to see me,” Seungkwan let out a wail and slumped over the counter. “They’re the sweetest, most beautiful person to ever walk the earth and I just want to tell them that I would actually jump off a bridge for them. Why is that so difficult?” 

Vernon nodded sympathetically as he always did. “I mean, if you’re not ready today, maybe you could wait?”

“Wait?! No offense babe, but last time I checked, waiting didn’t get you anywhere,” Seungkwan said,  patting his roommate’s arm. Vernon cringed as he was forced to remember his own romantic blunder from the past week. “Clearly, we are both in major need of help. That Woozi guy’s show didn’t do anything for us! Also, we still haven’t heard from that Miss Soju character and it’s been what? Two days? If she’s such an expert, she would know that love is time sensitive!” 

“Ugh, I know. I keep refreshing The Front’s website just to see if she’s posted it yet.” Vernon sighed forlornly, which was a common punctuation to his sentences lately. “It’s getting me really antsy. What if she doesn’t even choose to answer our emails this time?” 

Seungkwan quickly covered the other freshman’s mouth. “Don’t say that! The universe manifests what we say will happen. We should ask for divine intervention instead.” He cleared his throat in preparation and threw his hands up to the sky. “O Eros, god of love, please shine your blessings down upon my and Vernonie’s love lives for we are but two humble, clueless freshmen in need of romantic guidance. Send down two of your swiftest, sharpest arrows, so that those that we desire may hear your soft whispers—”

Ding. The sound of the entrance bell rang once more, stopping Seungkwan’s prayer short, much to his irritation. “Is this a bad time?” the new customer, an ethereally handsome blonde, asked amusedly. He strode into the store and grabbed two spicy tuna triangle kimbab’s before approaching the counter. 

“Jeonghan hyung!” 

“Ah, Vernon!” Jeonghan smiled. “I didn’t know you worked here. You should come by my and Cheol’s apartment again soon, that was fun!”

“Hyung, this is my roommate that I told you about-- Seungkwan. And Seungkwan, this is Seungcheol hyung’s roommate,” Vernon said all while ringing up Jeonghan’s food. On the side, Seungkwan bowed sheepishly after unfreezing from his previous pose. “How’s your morning going? You wake up pretty early!” 

Jeonghan laughed heartily, shaking his head. “Oh no, I just finished an all-night stream. I just came by to get a snack before heading to bed. Seems like you two have been having a fun morning, though. Do you two always start your day off by praying to the ancient Greek god of desire?” 

Seungkwan flushed a deep pink. “Uh no, it was more like a cry of desperation. Vernon and I are having a pretty tough time confessing to our crushes, so I figured we should just try out anything that might help us. Nothing else seems to be working…” 

“Wait, that’s so cute,” Jeonghan cooed. 

“Would you be able to give us some advice, hyung?” Vernon asked. He didn’t know anything about the senior’s love life, but he did give off the vibe of someone who would know… a lot. 

Jeonghan’s eyes twinkled dangerously, a lazy smirk on his lips. “I mean, I could go talk to your little crushes for you, if you’d like. I’m sure I could get some sort of response out of them.”

One look at Jeonghan had Vernon and Seungkwan shaking their heads vehemently.

“No, we’re good.”

“Yeah, no thanks.” 

“Mm, good call.” Jeonghan took his food from the counter, and winked at the two boys. “I really wish I could help you both more, but I’m sure you’ll get what you’re waiting for soon! Today, if you want it enough.” 

There was something in the way that the senior stated those words that made Seungkwan believe him without a question. It wasn’t a naive suggestion or an optimistic prediction; Jeonghan spoke like it was the truth plainly written on the walls. He finally felt a long-awaited wave exhaustion wash over his anxieties, softening them until they fizzled away alongside the ebbing foam. All that was left behind were grains of sand. Suddenly, Seungkwan yawned,  and he wanted nothing more than to curl up in his twin bed at the dorms. 

“Well, I should be heading off to bed! Looks like you should be too, Seungkwan,” Jeonghan said, suppressing his own yawn. The freshman nodded in agreement. He definitely needed to rest up— this was going to be a big day, after all. 

“Say hi to Cheol hyung for me when you get home!” Vernon said. 

Jeonghan hummed thoughtfully as he made his way back to the entrance of the store. “I will if he’s there! He didn’t come home last night.” He turned to leave the boys with one last sleepy smile, seeming to laugh at something only he knew. 

“At least one of us is doing something right.” 

“Jihoon, why can’t I get this right?” 

“I’m sorry! This just sounds nothing like you,” Jihoon shrugged. It had been a rather busy morning, but things slowed down as it approached noon, giving him the chance to look at Joohyun’s fourth draft of responses.  “I’ve never heard you say stuff like ‘rad’ or ‘hella’... Like are you aware that you sound like a skater from the late 90’s?” 

“That’s because the reference I’ve been using is from 1997!” Joohyun huffed in frustration. She was already backspacing albeit with a little more force than necessary. “I wasn’t even born in ‘97!” 

“Exactly, so stop trying to write like that. What if you tried to—” 

“Eat my ass, Hong!” The sound of the kitchen door slamming open interrupted Jihoon’s (probably unhelpful) suggestion, and the two best friends watched as Bongseon stormed out of the cafe in a familiar rage. Luckily, there were no customers to witness it this time. 

Instinctively, they looked to the kitchen door, where Joshua stood with a resigned smile on his full lips. “Oops,” he said, scratching at the back of his neck apologetically. “Guess it was too soon to joke about our last break. Sorry about that, Jihoon. I’ll try to call in the head baker early to finish up the rest of the pastries for today.” 

He walked over to where they sat and plopped himself across from Joohyun. She offered Joshua a look of sympathy, but he responded by twisting his face up in a dumb expression, reassuring her that he was just fine. Still,  she couldn’t help feeling worried for both of her friends. No matter how many times Bongseon and Joshua broke it off and no matter how much Joohyun joked about it, she knew that their strong feelings for each other meant that it hurt a little every time they got into a fight. At least, that’s what she gathered from the various nights she spent soothing Bongseon while the girl cried into a toilet bowl, soju bottle still in hand. 

“It’s okay, Josh, you probably don’t have to worry too much. Knowing her, she’ll probably be back in 30 minutes to make up with you and then Jihoon will have to find someone to take over your shift,” Joohyun piped up. “But please take it back to your apartment this time, because I don’t make enough money to have every surface of my apartment sanitized again.” 

Joshua let out an easy laugh, as though he were not a man in deep shit. “Thank you, Joo. You always know what to say to make me feel better,” he sighed. “I should probably go after her. I’ll be back soon, Jihoon!” 

She waited for him to disappear out the door before turning to her best friend. “Wow, that’s gotta be a new record for them, right? I didn’t even know they got back together until this morning.” Joohyun was surprised to find that Jihoon had been silently staring at her for a good minute now. “...Why are you looking at me?” 

“What you said to Joshua,” Jihoon simply replied. 

“Oh, I was only joking about the sanitation thing. I just walked in on them once in the kitchen—“

“No I mean, how you said it. Maybe that’s how you should be writing your responses.” Jihoon grinned, watching as Joohyun gave him that look again, the one where she looks at him like he’s speaking from a third head. But he knew that this was going to be another Jihoon Genius moment, which seemed to be happening more frequently lately, much to his satisfaction. “Like you’re talking to one of your friends. I mean, it made Josh feel better, right?”

Joohyun’s eyebrows scrunched together and she mulled the idea over. Without another word to Jihoon, she began to slowly type on her laptop, gradually tapping faster and faster as she gained momentum. Her best friend giddily returned to his place behind the counter to tend to the customers that just walked in. He knew that once she got into a groove, there was no hope of stopping her. 

An hour later, Joohyun finally pushed away her laptop and waited for Jihoon to finish wiping down a table before calling him over. For some reason, she was anxious to show him the final product and even when he already sat besie her, she hesitated for a beat. Usually, her writing was professional and objective, always ending with a declarative period. She had spent years perfecting her reporting style so that when she presented the facts, that’s all they were. This, however, felt personal, like it was a part of her. And even though Jihoon probably knew her even better than herself sometimes, there was something so vulnerable about showing someone a side of her that she had only just discovered. 

And yet, she was curious to know— desperate to know: was it any good? 

“Well?” Joohyun watched for Jihoon’s reaction closely, both impatient and terrified to hear his thoughts. 

“Joohyun, this...” Jihoon started slowly. She braced for impact. “This is it. I think you’ve found Miss Soju’s voice.”

She exhaled. “R-really?”

“Yes, really. You answered the questions so thoughtfully, so you know it’s not just some generic bullshit you found on the internet. Plus, it was fun to read, like I think I’d read this even if I didn’t send a letter in,” Jihoon gushed, all while skimming over the words again. He turned to smile brightly at her, reminding Joohyun of a much younger Jihoon back in their elementary school days. “Most importantly though, it’s so you.”

Joohyun returned the smile, just as brightly. Warmth bloomed in her chest and across her cheeks. “Thanks, Jihoon, I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“Honestly, me neither,” Jihoon laughed.

“Um, can I ask you one more thing though?” Joohyun scrolled down to the last two entries, both of which asked for advice on how to make things official with a guy they’ve been talking to. The two letters were extremely similar in detail, but had been sent from two different emails and two different signatures. At first, she thought that maybe her judgement was muddled by her lack of sleep, and as the day went on, she figured her inability to recognize any nuance between the two letters was thanks her lack of experience. 

There was just something about the way they had described the boy. She knew that  intelligent, funny, kind-hearted, and unbelievably handsome were pretty generic adjectives. But what were the odds for both letters to also mention his infectious laugh and deep, dark eyes? “Do you think these two are from the same person? I’m trying to go for a confession theme for this article, so I included them both, but I’m afraid they’re too similar.” 

Jihoon read them over a couple of times, then shrugged. “They do sound pretty similar, but a lot of people go through that sort of thing. Also, so many people describe their crushes like that, but let’s be real, most of them end up being fuckboys. So trust me, both those people probably need your help. I mean, what’s the harm in publishing both, right?” 

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Joohyun bit her lip, needing every ounce of reassurance she could get from her best friend. She read over her writing once, twice, thrice more. This was it. No more edits and no more excuses. Her finger hovered over the mousepad. “Okay, I”m going to send it in for approval now. Jihoon, you are about to witness me publish my first article for The Front.” 

Joohyun took a deep breath and clicked. Finally.

[sarah-snook]

Hello! If possible, could you reccomend your favorite chaptered reddie fics?

ohhh yes! i love doing fic recs!!! i haven’t been asked for one in a while! here goes! it’s my bday today so i’m gonna be rereading (or finishing) all of these as a treat haha

some of these might be in progress so just be aware of that!

ask me to stay by @feldmancorey↬ word count: 36,036 | chapters: 7/7 | rating: T

“Your lip is all busted,” Eddie said, as though pointing out that Richie’s lips were injured would somehow make it okay that Eddie was paying attention to them. Richie’s hand came up, long fingers wrapping around Eddie’s tiny wrist, and he gently guided Eddie’s touch away.

Eddie finally wrenched his eyes away from Richie’s lips and met his best friend’s gaze. There was a softness there that he rarely got to see, not even the smallest hint of teasing or joking there. It was just Richie, just Richie looking at him and Eddie looking back. For a single moment, it was just Richie and Eddie alone in the world. Nothing to bother them, nothing to live up to.

[or: the year is 1994, and Eddie Kaspbrak is in love.]

the real world by @feldmancorey↬ word count: 15,796 | chapters: 5/18 | rating: T

The lights in the Tozier house were on.

Nearly four months ago, Eddie’s best friend, Richie Tozier, had seemingly dropped off the face of the Earth. He’d stopped coming to school, wouldn’t answer texts, and stopped posting on all social media. The home phone would ring and ring until the caller hung up. The driveway had been empty. The grass on the front lawn had overgrown and wilted. The house never went up for sale but for four long months, it was as though the Tozier family had simply disappeared.Until now, with Went’s car sat in the driveway and the living room lights all flicked on. Eddie could see movement through the windows. It was as though the world had picked back up from where it had stopped, without a hint of change.

[or: after a sudden and unexplained disappearance, richie tozier returns to derry with a secret that no one person could ever hope to hold onto.]

One caramel macchiato, on me by @jem-carstairs-is-perfection↬ word count: 11,058 | chapters: 2/2 | rating: T

“Oh shit.” Richie swore and looked around hoping he’d missed another empty seat somewhere in the classroom so he didn’t have to take this one.

He hadn’t.

With an apologetic shrug he said, “I know I’m the last person you want to see right now, probably ever and trust me, I’d fuck off if I could, but that’s literally the only seat left.”

The guy sighed but didn’t move, staring ahead, perhaps hoping Richie would disappear if he ignored him hard enough.

Richie couldn’t help but share the sentiment. “I promise I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

“It’s your elbows I’m more worried about.”

or Richie and Eddie have the opposite of a meet-cute. When their paths cross again, neither is too happy about it ―at first.

Un Nouveau Soleil by @eddiefuckinkaspbrak↬ word count: 33,353 | chapters: 3/3 | rating: E

It was three months into his first year that Richie met Eddie for the first time. Edward Frank Kaspbrak. The man who would become the love of his life.

And Richie had no idea.

or: Richie is the heir to the British Throne who decides to study abroad at Harvard University. There, he meets Eddie Kaspbrak and they fall in love…duh.

The Greater Fool Series by @yallreddieforthis↬ word count: 47,573 | chapters: 7 parts | rating: varies

Begins a couple months after the end of the movie. Follows an alternate timeline in which none of the Losers other than Beverly move away from Derry, and none of them forget It or each other.

oh, somebody loves you by slytherincosette↬ word count: 12,341 | chapters: 3/3 | rating: NR

“‘I already know I’ll smell Eddie’s mom,” Richie announces to no one in particular, “I’ve never met her, but we’re soulmates. I imagine she smells like lemon cleaning supplies and antacid. Very sexy.’

Eddie lets his head drop onto the table.”

Amortentia is encountered in Potion’s class and everything goes to shit. Basically a romantic comedy set at Hogwarts. Everyone is Bad At Feelings, until they’re not.

He Asks How I Am by @themightychipmunk↬ word count: 19,369 | chapters: 4/4 | rating: T

After a year of writing to each other through an anonymous pen pal program, Eddie and Richie end up at the same school, completely unaware of their deeper connection.

Things get pretty gay.

and this is who we are by sunsetozier↬ word count: 40,763 | chapters: 8/8 | rating: M

He realizes, suddenly, that being in a position like this meant nothing to him two weeks ago. At the time, it was completely normal, holding no real meaning other than comfort and tradition – after all, him and Eddie have been disgustingly cuddly with one another since they were kids, even though they’d usually bicker while holding each other close, much to the annoyance (and entertainment) of their friends.

Now, however, Richie can feel his heart skip a beat in his chest, an undeniable thundering that echoes loudly in his ears. He can picture his younger self, as much of an oblivious idiot as he may have been, soaking in the warmth and the affection of Eddie’s touch when they hugged, shoved, or even just nudged one another. It’s funny, really, how much changes once you’re aware of how you feel.

[In which Eddie and Beverly lie to their friends for five years before finally coming out, much to the surprise of one supposedly straight Richie Tozier.]

the boy who cried (wolf) by @jortsbian↬ word count: 21,784 | chapters: 3/5 | rating: T

The following events seemed to happen in slow motion, which would probably have looked cool as fuck if Richie hadn’t been a gangly uncoordinated teen and if it had been a cool action movie instead of real life: the wolf lunged at Eddie. Richie, in a fit of anger and fear-fueled adrenaline, kicked at the wolf as hard as he could. The wolf twisted its head and sunk its teeth into Richie’s leg. Richie’s thoughts turned blank except for oh shit. Eddie screamed something at the wolf and sprayed it in the eyes with his inhaler. The wolf whimpered, released Richie’s leg, and stumbled blindly into the woods. Richie thought another oh shit as Eddie scrambled over to him and asked him—something. The world went dark.

AKA, the one where Richie’s a werewolf and that’s the least of his worries (or maybe not, but sue him for being dramatic, will you?)

call my bluff, call you babe by @hyruling↬ word count: 16,527 | chapters: 2/3 | rating: M

“Why can’t I ask Bill?”

“Because— he’s basically a celebrity too. That’s just. It’s already weird enough to people that you two even know each other, pretending to be romantically involved is just opening up a whole can of worms. I’m outside.”

“‘Romantically involved’, when did you start writing for The Sun, Eds,” Richie teases with a chuckle, just as Eddie reaches the final turn down Richie’s hallway. “That doesn’t really… I mean, people know we were friends when we were kids, so—”

“Just pretend to be my date,” Eddie says, and—

And nearly throws his phone into the fucking wall.

Thanks for Pudding up with Me by MooeyDooey↬ word count: 62,809 | chapters: 7/8 | rating: E

Eddie Kaspbrak was once one of the most influential professional chefs in New York. After an unfortunate incident in his kitchen, he loses his job and most of his earnings. Down on his luck, with no where else to go, he accepts a job offer with the ragtag ‘Prospect Test Kitchen’ in Boston.

What starts as a small passion project, making cooking tutorials online, becomes a lot more complicated and bigger than they could ever imagine when Bill brings in a new addition to their team. A comedian with a shocking background and surprise talent for culinary arts: Richie Tozier.

Eddie’s the only one who doesn’t like the new recruit, but Bill bribes Eddie into giving Richie a chance. At the end of six months, Richie’s contract will expire. Eddie will get to decide whether they offer him a contract renewal, or refuse to re-hire him.

Things are heating up in the Prospect street Test Kitchen! Will Eddie stick to his guns, and keep his dignity? Or will he get lost in the sauce?

[nctskarut-blog]

Around the World // Jaehyun

“Flight B702 is now boarding. Thank you.”

Cannes P.O.V.

I’ve always been a hopeless romantic. I like dates that include long walks on the beach, amusement parks where the boy tries to win you a teddy bear at a ring toss game but misses all the bottles and ends up hitting the person in charge, and dates that make it to your “Best Moments” list.

Growing up, I loved watching teen love movies that ended with the boy next door falling in love with his best friend, therefore I always thought I’d end up with my best friend. Unfortunately, that’s not how real life works. Instead of falling in love with someone that is just a few steps away from me, I fell in love with somebody that’s half a world away. Confused? Let me take you to the start.

2 Months Ago

“Have fun and be safe okay?” My mom gave me one last hug.

“Yes, I know, I know. Don’t go home with strangers.” I chuckled desperately trying to be released from her tight embrace.

“I mean it, Cannes. Don’t talk to strangers” She warned me, water slowly filling her eyes. I know such a sappy moment, but I’m 19 for Christ's sake. I’m legally an adult and here I have my mother telling her daughter not to talk to strangers like she was talking to a five-year-old.

“Hey, hey, mom. I know you’ve warned me all my life” I smiled starting to get emotional as well. Damn these teenage hormones. “Mom, my cab is here, but I love you.”

“Okay, I love you too.” Letting go of me and finally allowing the tears to fall freely. It’s always sad leaving people behind, but this trip is just for the summer. I’ll be fine, right?

“Wait- Cannes!” A voice erupted so loud that the whole neighborhood probably heard it. I spun around already knowing who the voice belonged to, the smartest person to ever walk the halls of Everest Brent Academy, the most popular senior in the history of high school, the Cosmo to my Wanda, the love of my life, my best friend, Nathan.

“You didn’t have to scream out your lungs you know” I cover my hears and squinting my eyes.

“Haha, very funny. I just wanted to see you before you left” Putting on that stupid killer smile that melts my heart every time. Wait. Don’t stare too long.

“Well,step mom you’ve seen me,” Trying so hard not to go up and kiss- no Cannes pay attention. He laughed walking closer to me, there goes my heart rate.

“I actually wanted to give you a gift, you know to remember me by, your amazing best friend” Ouch. There goes that word again. He takes out a tiny box from his pocket and opens it to reveal a Seoul Tower charm.

“This is beautiful, thank you Nathan” admiring the charm.

“Here let me put it on your bracelet” On my seventh birthday Nathan got me a bracelet with an Eiffel Tower charm on it promising that we’ll go to Paris once we’re old enough. Ever since he’s been getting me different charms for my bracelet.

“It looks perfect” Grazing my finger on the new charm and looking up to meet his crystal blue eyes. He has the most beautiful eyes that I could spend hours getting lost in it. He looked at me and smiled, but this time it was different. He has never looked at me this way. His eyes were pierced looking into mine making the whole world sort of, stop. It was perfect.

That was until the cab driver killed our moment when he beeped his horn. Not a fan of romance my dude? Well, this is New York.

“Come on lady!” I broke our gaze and hurriedly ran to the cab getting in the backseat. Was it a happy moment until I looked at the mirror and saw Nathan looking sad?

Finally, after an hour waiting in line and getting through security, I made it just in time to board.

“Flight V23 to Seoul is now boarding at Gate 2” The obnoxiously loud speaker waved through the airport. Okay, this is it. It’s time to start the adventure.

After an eleven hour flight, I finally arrived. It wouldn’t have taken long to claim my bags if there weren’t so many people in the airport. Is it always this packed? The word part is that the people weren’t tourists or locals traveling, it was an overflow of girls and paparazzi that filled the place. Is there a celebrity here? I wonder who?

All of a sudden thousands of girls screams filled the atmosphere when a group of guys with bodyguards the size of the Hulk came out of a private door. Who are these people and how come I’ve never heard of them? And the screaming I can’t deal with it. They can’t be that good-

I was cut off when I was practically thrown to the floor by a gigantic hand. Slightly annoyed I looked up expecting an ugly man in his forties who lifts way too much when I was instead met with a beautiful guy looking like he’s in his early twenties with the cutest dimples. It only took half a second for him to be pulled away, but the look of worry was visible. Okay maybe I was wrong, they’re hot.

When the airport calmed down I picked myself up from the ground and quickly found the sign with my name written on it.

“Uh, Hello, I’m Cannes” pointing to the sign that was in front of him.

“Yes, of course,” He quickly reacted and gently took my bags leading the way to a gray van. He opened the door and put my bags in the back. It feels good to be back in Korea after so long. I’ve missed my dad. It’s been twelve years since the divorce and five years since I’ve seen him. I don’t think I’ve missed somebody so much. The sky looked so blue, it reminded me of Nathan, and the weather was perfect, not too humid but not too dry either. It feels good to be back home.

After a forty minute drive, the driver pulled into a massive company building, SM Entertainment?  I think I’ve heard of that. I opened the door and thanked the driver before going inside. The place was enormous. It had a big lounge, a desk in the center, and various pictures of celebrities hanging on the walls. This company looks really luxurious and scary, to say the least.

“Excuse me?” A voice said snapping me back to reality. Behind the desk had a middle-aged woman wearing a blazer with grey stripped pants wearing a headset. “May I help you?” She talked once more. Realizing that I just walked in without saying anything was probably weird to them.

“Oh sorry, yes. My Name is Cannes Jung, and I’m here to see Richard Jung.” I tried not to sound too American. The lady with a name tag that said “Kim” smiled and looked at her computer. Her smile slowly turned into a frown, and she looked back at me.

“I’m sorry dear, but he is currently in a meeting. He should be out in an hour or so.” She assured me. Feeling kind of disappointed, I thanked her and told her I would come back then. To kill time, I decided to go to a nearby cafe that was just next door the building. It had this cute feel to it, homey, it was inviting.

As soon as I opened the door, the strong scent of coffee filled my nose. It was almost empty. There was only two workers, an old couple, and a guy in a hoodie inside the store. I should’ve brushed up on my Korean a little bit before coming here because I could barely read the menu. Just then, the guy in the hoodie stood up and went line. Because of my lack of knowledge in Korean writing, I decided to try and ask him.

“Sorry, do you mind if you help me?” I softly tapped his left shoulder. Let me tell you, he works out. He turned around, and I was at a loss for words. Not only was he incredibly handsome, but I’m pretty sure this is the same guy from the airport. Wait- so that means I tapped one of Korea’s hottest boyband members? Holy. This is incredible.

“Uhh, sure,” He said awkwardly. “What do you need help with?” He fixed his hair scooting closer to me.

“Oh well, I just really want a Vanilla Latte, but I’m not sure what it’s called here. I can’t read that well.” I explained biting my lip afterward.

“Oh sure, I’ll order it for you.” He said smiling showing those once again cute little dimples.

“Wow, thank you. I’m Cannes, by the way.” I extended a hand to him. He looked at my hand and then back at me amused, but still shook it anyway. “Jaehyun. Nice to meet you.” He looked away again and ordered the drink for me taking out a card from his wallet.

“Oh no you don’t have to I can pay for it.” I touched his hand preventing him from paying. He flinched a little and never in my life have I moved my hand so fast in my life. I looked at his face to see him blushing a little. No way, I made a Kpop idol blush. Daebak.

“No, let me. This will give you a good reason to stay and chat for a while” He smiled handing over his card to the barista. Well, you got some game man.

“I mean if you insist.” I smile back. This flirting game is on buddy. After our whole paying debate, we sat down at a table and talked for what seemed like hours. Until I looked at the clock and saw the time.

“Hey, I’m sorry I really have to go. I’m late. I’ll see you later.” I packed my stuff hurriedly, “Wait- can I at least get your number-?” He asked, but it was too late. My late ass was running next door. I opened the door and the same woman greeted me with a confused face. She was probably wondering why I was sweating like a pig, I mean I only ran a few feet.

“Mr. Jung is now available. 24th Floor.” She motioned me to the elevator. I thanked her in an out of breath style and got into the elevator pressing the 24th floor.

During the elevator ride, I finally caught my breath and walked in normally. Right in front of me was a door that had my dad’s name on it. I was about to open the door when a bodyguard stopped me and asked what I was doing.

“Sorry, I’m here to see my father, Richard Jung,” I said, but the bodyguard didn’t seem to believe me as he called the office inside to check with the earpiece thing they have. Once I was allowed to go in, I was met by my dad and my stepmom.

“Canny! How are you, sweetheart?” My dad rose from his seat and hugged me. This felt really nice. I got to hug and see my dad after twelve years.

“Hi dad,” I say almost on the verge of tears. “I missed you so much” I finally let them flow. I hugged him tightly and greeted my stepmom. My stepmom was not the evil kind, instead, she was actually really nice and treated me like her own daughter. I heard that my dad and she weren’t able to have children, so she made it her mission to treat me like hers without of course overstepping my mom. I had a great family.

When the crying, we all let go and actually talked. We talked about school, friends, future, and all that boring stuff. That was until my dad asked me if I wanted to see the newest group that recently debuted. Me, being the most clueless person about Kpop agreed and pretended to know which group he was talking about.

He kept on saying how they were all talented, good-looking, and a different type of group that he’s released. There was a part where he said that the number of members is infinite. When we got to one of the practice rooms, the music that was originally playing stopped, and there were whispers and the sound of feet shuffling going on.

I kept forgetting that my dad owned the company and maybe that’s why a lot of people fear him. Or that he’s quite a short, old guy with an airplane landing on the top of his head. When we entered, everyone was positioned for their introductions. It was very impressive actually. After their introductions, my dad introduced me.

“Everyone, this is my daughter, Cannes.” He announced to everyone in the room. The boys and some of the staff bowed and were all greeting me when a suddenly a loud voice erupted,

“Wait- That’s your father?” The voice shut the people in the room. The room froze and I looked around to see who said that when my jaw dropped,

“Jaehyun?”

A/N: Hi guys! Hope you enjoy this haha this is my first time writing a story on Tumblr so be patient with me! If you like it and want me to continue just request it and I’ll post it as soon as possible. Thanks! -N

[surveysonfleek]

360.

What may we call you?: d.

When can we send you a birthday card? (Figuratively, of course.): dec 5.

And, where are you calling from? (Again, figuratively.): sydney, aus.

What is your favorite Hostess/Little Debbie snack?: i think i’ve only tried twinkies.

Do you/your family buy loaf from the bakery or bagged on the shelf?: usually bagged on the shelf.

White, wheat or other?: white.

Have you ever fixed something without knowing just how you did it?: yep.

Do store brands actually taste the same?: not sure, i haven’t noticed so to me they probably taste the same.

Quick! Grab the closest book to you, open to page 5 and type the first line: ah i’m too lazy.

What was the last non-fiction book you’ve read? (Not a school textbook!): a biography i think.

Do you make surveys or just take them?: i take them.

When was the last time you were on a plane?: april.

Where were you going and why?: i was coming from use to home, just for vacation.

What’s the best news you’ve gotten lately?: tbh not much…

^And, the worst?: i didn’t get this job i was really hoping for.

How is 2010 treating you so far, anyway?: man 2010 was forever ago. i did love that year though.

If you could invent something, what would it be?: a cure for cancer.

Tell me about your favorite pair of pants.: honestly my sporty leggings.

Do you like getting dressed up?: sometimes.

Would you rather receive (or give) flowers, chocolates or jewelry?: jewellery.

Do you drink Vitamin Water?: nope.

^If yes, what flavor is your favorite?: -

What color are your headphones/earbuds?: white.

Is your technology up to date?: kinda. like there’s newer MacBooks out there, of course the new iPhones are being released soon but whatever.

Ever been stuck next to someone really annoying on a LONG plane/train ride?: yes… three screaming kids and their mother on a 10hr flight. i felt so bad for her.

What sound just drives you crazy?: nails on a chalkboard.

Would you be embarrassed to find out you snored loudly in public?: not super embarrassed, but yeah.

Do you embarrass easily?: not really.

Why were you embarrassed last?: idk haha.

Are you afraid of heights?: not deathly afraid, it’s daunting but i could probably handle it.

What is a compliment you get most often?: my eyebrows for some reason.

Tell me about the last frightening/weird dream you had.: i had a dream about being in the middle of an earthquake, and when i woke up i just read the news of mexico’s earthquake. it was weird.

Now, about the last pleasant dream you had.: i forgot.

Do you feel guilty about killing bugs?: i don’t kill bugs often, but when i do, not really.

If there is a spider in your room, will you be up all night knowing that?: i’d make sure it’s gone before i go to sleep.

Is there a trait typical to your gender that doesn’t apply to you?: tbh idk. i’m pretty typical by female ‘standards’.

How do you feel about coconut?: i love coconut juice.

^ Ever cracked one open?: nope.

If you like someone, what do you do?: haha nothing. talk to them a lot and see what happens.

If you DON’T like someone, what do you do?: avoid them.

What do you feel most insecure about?: my body.

Crash into water or an open field? D☀ is this even a question? definitely an open field.

What’s the best thing about being your gender? i love makeup and perfumes. but then again guys can enjoy that too if they choose.

^ And the worst thing?:  periods. sexism.

Do you do your part to save the earth?: yes. as much as i can.

Does it ROYALLY piss you off when your intended username is already taken?: nah, i’ll just choose something else.

What color do you wear most often?: black and white.

Describe your sunglasses.: they’re just plain black i guess.

What’s the most you’ve spent on a pair of sunglasses?: $50l i can’t justify spending any more, i always lose them.

^Or, ladies, what about a purse?:  no more than $100.

Actually, what’s the most expensive clothing item/accessory you own?: my diamond bracelet.

Who do you think should have their portrait on a bill?: idk lol.

What is your favorite spoken language to listen to?: idk haha. english since i understand that. i love hearing spanish songs though.

How long until you turn 40?: 14 years. weirddd.

[superprincesspea]

Knock, Chapter 5

You might be pregnant but that doesn’t mean you wanna get married. 

Simon/Reader, Angst, Fluff

Words: 1687

Chapter 1    Chapter 2    Chapter 3    Chapter 4

On the drive back to the Sanctuary Simon’s Jeep is filled with other Savior’s making it impossible for you to ‘talk’ to your soon to be ‘husband’ or in other words making it impossible for you to shout at the dickhead with the moustache. So although he’s sat you in pride of place next to him you don’t look him in the eye as you stew in silence and when he reaches his hand to rest on your knee you shove it away, edging your body closer to the door, the word ‘asshole’ running around your brain and begging for release from your sealed lips.

Lucky for Simon, you want to keep hold of at least a shred of your dignity so you wait for the Jeep to pull over and everyone to file out before you finally turn your attention to him. It’s not the speech you’d been perfecting in your head but it gets the general message across, “you’re a fucking idiot!”

Simon snorts in laughter, “thanks.”

The way he looks at you only makes you angrier, “why the hell did you say that?”

“Say what?”

“Are you fucking kidding me right now, Simon?” You throw your hands out, your frustration finding as much release as possible in the confines of the Jeep. “Why the hell did you tell everyone that I was marrying you!”

Simon shrugs, a smile dancing in his eyes as he attempts to play it cool, “you tell me how a guy can resist a woman that’s as sweet as you are, Honey Bun? And call me old fashioned but I think a man should marry the woman who’s having his kid.”

“What makes you so sure it's your kid?” you snap, your response making you feel as petty as you sound.

His eyes narrow, the hint of play leaving behind something else, “it better be.”

“It is,” you say quickly because despite your anger you don’t like the idea that it isn’t or the way he’s looking at you.

Relief relaxes his features, “good, that settles it then. This isn’t like before, you can’t just have your wicked way and then avoid me, you’re my woman now and I’ve made sure everyone knows it.”

“I’m not your woman,” you hiss.

“It doesn’t really matter what you think, what matters is that everybody knows that’s my baby in your belly so they better not fuck with you and they better make damn sure they’re watching over you.”

You can’t deny that Simon’s name has power. You were already reaping the reward of it by just sitting in the passenger seat of his Jeep instead of being crammed into the back of the truck where you usually sat. But that doesn’t mean you want to marry him, it's bad enough you’re pregnant, you’re not about to do something stupid like fall in love.

He opens the door, jumping down to join the others and if he thinks that’s the end of the conversation, he’s in for a surprise. “I’m not finished with you!”

“You bet your ass you’re not,” Simon winks like he’s won the battle before slamming the door like he doesn’t really care what you’re planning on saying next. You watch him as he struts across the courtyard, his hand resting on his belt as Negan slaps him across the back, no doubt making some crude remark which they both start to laugh about before Simon glances back to you.

“Asshole,” you whisper, your cheeks burning red as you quickly slink from the Jeep.

Arat calls your name but you ignore her as you hurry inside, avoiding eye contact with everyone in the rush to the safety of your little room. It's only a matter of time before the entire Sanctuary knows you're pregnant and you’re not ready to face the reality of it on such a grand scale.

You were hoping to have part two of you conversation with Simon before you fell asleep but by the time he makes an appearance you’re already curled around your blanket, lost to the Sandman. The dip in your mattress as he makes himself comfortable is what has you waking up. Your eyes spring open, your body startles into action with your hand flailing to push away what you’re sure is trying to kill you. Only when you clip the side of his jaw do you realise its Simon and not the boogeyman.

“Jesus, that’s some left hook you got,” Simon praises, rubbing his face with a small smile as you sit up, scooting along the mattress to create some distance between you both.

You run your fingers through your hair, flattening out the bedhead and feeling even more annoyed at him than before, “what kind of creep sneaks into someones room while they’re sleeping?” You don’t give him time to answer before snapping, “oh wait, probably the same kind of creep that tells everyone I’m gonna marry them. You know just because you said it doesn’t mean it's happening, I don’t care how old fashioned you are..”

“Now hold up just a minute here sweetheart,” he edges closer to you, “why don’t you tell me what kind of ‘creep’ doesn’t tell a man she’s having his kid?”

You pause a moment, his question taking you by surprise before you say, “how do you know I wasn’t going to tell you?”

“Because we’ve met.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you demand.

“Most people like to get acquainted after being intimate. You told me to fuck off and didn’t speak to me or even look at me for a month which makes you pretty much the most neurotic woman I’ve ever met. But don’t worry,” he smiles, his hand squeezing your thigh “I kinda like the crazy ones.”

You don’t know what’s worse, the fact that he says it like a compliment or the fact that you almost laugh. “I should have hit you harder.”

“Too bad,” he smiles, “besides, what's done is done and I’ve brought you a little something.”

“If it's a engagement ring I’ll scream.”

A flash of inspiration flashes across his face and you wish you’d never mentioned the word ring as Simon reaches to the floor, coming back with a tupperware full of what looks like chicken soup. When he unclips the lid the smell hits you like putrid walker stomach and you retch, scrambling from the bed to shove your face in the bucket that has become your puking station. “Are you trying to fucking kill me?”

Simon crouches next to you, his hand large as it splays between your shoulder blades and soothing as it strokes along your spine. Even if its comforting you’re not ready for it so you shrug him away, “what the hell are you doing?”

“I’m making you feel better.”

“Well… stop touching me.” You can barely get yourself accustomed to a baby, you don’t need a man to worry about too.

“You’re shitting me, right?”

You reach for a tissue, wiping the corners of your mouth. “It's called personal space, Simon. I might be incubating your spawn but I’m not marrying you and I don’t need you to stroke me like a fucking dog.”

“Don’t say spawn,” he pulls a face, reaching for the glass of water on your nightstand. “And you are marrying me. Negan’s already making the arrangements. Do you wanna be the one to tell him, no? You know there’s nothing our almighty leader likes more than the sanctity of holy matrimony.”

You scoff, practically choking on your water for that second time in one day, “then maybe you should marry Negan since you’re both so into wedding planning?”

Simon chuckles, hucking his thumb into his belt loop, “nah, I don’t wanna be wife number six and little black dresses aren’t exactly a good look on me.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, Simon, you’d be a beautiful bride and I don’t think Negan’s very picky…”

“Well lucky for you darlin’, I’d rather marry the incubator of my spawn,” he pokes you on the end of the nose in a way that might be cute if you were a five year old.

“Are you in love with me, Simon?” you blurt without really thinking.

He shifts back on his heels, considering it as he runs his thumb over his moustache, “I’m not gonna lie to you. No, I’m not.”

“Good,” you say quickly, your heart sinking even if that was the answer you’d wanted, “I was just about to think you really were a huge creep.”

He grins, “but I’ve been trying to get us both there or at least something close. You don’t exactly make it easy for a man.”

“What do you mean you’ve been trying to get us there? You realise walking in on me while I’m naked isn’t exactly a first date right?”

He laugh, his eyes bashful as they fall to the floor while he gathers his words, “you think I had to personally bring you some bullshit message that day?”

You knew he didn’t. “Why did you?”

He tips his head to the side, “because you make me laugh.” Then he grins, “doesn’t hurt that you’re also a goddamn knockout.”

You blush and you definitely don’t want him to see it so you do the first thing you can think of. You shove his shoulder, hoping to knock him off balance and onto his ass but like a well rooted rock he barely budges and if he’s noticed the way you’re blushing like a schoolgirl he doesn’t say. He just smiles, his gaze travelling down to your waist and back up, “you should get some rest.”

“You’re the one waking me up and making me puke,” you retort, giving him a hard time.

Simon stands, kissing the top of your head and chuckling as he picks up the tupperware of food, “I’ll try not to do that next time.”

“And you’ll tell Negan we’re not getting married?”

“At least gimme a chance to convince you first,” he says as he escapes the room before you have chance to tell him ‘he won’t’.

Thank you for reading! I love how this was supposed to be a tiny drabble and every chapter is getting progressively longer haha. I hope you all still want to see more and I’m starting to think this fic might need its own tagging list. 

I’m gonna tag my forevers this time but after that I will only tag people who have asked to be on the ‘Knock’ tagging list. So please comment on here/send me an ask/DM me to let me know if you want to be tagged in this series! <3

@strangersangel9 // @ladylorelitany // @heartfulloffandoms // @robert-d-j-bernthal // @isayweallgetdrunk // @ayodaddydom // @87dare2dream // @negans-dirty-girl // @ali-pennell // @cherieann-2001 // @myheart4ever47 // @kellyn1604 // @melodicdolls // @bamby0304 // @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash // @vizhi0n // @smuttwd // @magikat409 // @lucifers-trash-stash // @starshinesupergirl // @kitcat44 // @wadeyourebarelyalive // @texasgal2222 // @idonthavehusbandsihavelovers // @female-x // @daintyunicorn // @ofdragonsanddreams16 // @grab-my-boner // @thephenomenonalkingofthebrogues // @asshatry // @backseat-negan // @supererogatoryblog // @megan-monroe // @lucianorsini // @negandaddyjdm // @gothica123 // @devilishcreature // @notice-me-senpai-sama @thatgingefromtheinternet // @collette04 // @heal-the-broken-hearts //

[creampuff-earper]

Kate McKinnon Fanfiction. Foldingchairs and the city of dreams. Chapter 8

Hey guys, I’ve decided to post my fanfic about Kate McKinnon on here.You can find it on AO3 as well: http://archiveofourown.org/works/8275334/chapters/18957797

Summary: This fanfiction tells the story of a fan, just like any of us, meeting Kate and everything that happens after that.

It takes off at SNL, later on Nino will be there and Kate is the most amazing person in the world. What could one want more?

Rated M 

Chapter 8 

When there’s no text when I land in Amsterdam I feel slightly disappointed. Although I know it’s around 5 am right now I’m still disappointed. I quickly text Alice letting her know I’m about to get my bags and head for the exit.

How on earth was I’m going to explain what happened last weekend… After the date, I only texted Alice some vague details about dinner and the bar but I hadn’t updated her ever since.

This was going to be hard a conversation filled with screams and to many questions and I didn’t look forward to it.

 I collect my bags and brace myself for the encounter with my best friend.

 I smile when I spot her holding a cardboard sign reading “My favorite Homo” and walk over to be engulfed in a warm hug.

 “Hi weirdo, thanks for the sign” I mumble into her shoulder.

“Hmm yeah whatever…” she mumbles back and takes a step back to take a look at me.

 “What haven’t you been telling me bitch?” She spits out and I laugh.

“Hello to you too Alice…”

“No you don’t get to do that. You go on a date with a celebrity and suddenly the text stop, for all I knew you were kidnapped by some creep or worse…”

“I’m back, right?”

“Shut up!”

“I love you” I coo and blow her kiss in the air. “Now let’s go, I need a shower”

“I hate you so much, and I’m soo not done with you, but I agree, you need a shower.”

“There is my best friend!” I smirk and we make our way out of the airport, glad to have made it out of the conversation for at least another 10 minutes.

 In the car back home I can’t prolong it any longer and tell Alice about everything that happened last weekend.

At some point I had to grab the wheel to prevent us from crashing into the car next to us because Alice freaked out so much.

 “ALICE! Do you need me to drive or what?!”

“Oh shut up, you don’t get to judge after what you just told me.”

“Still, I want to come home, alive preferably…”

 After a silence in which Alice visibly is working through all the information I just gave her she looks at me again.

 “Eyes on the road…”

 “Bitch you didn’t…”

“I did”

“You had sex with KATE MCKINNON?”

“hmmmm”

“I hate you so much…”

“Dude you’re as straight as a stripper pole”

“Still !”

 “And what happens now? You’re just going to live with the fact you slept with her and continue living like it’s nothing…?”

“Dude of course it’s something! You know me...! She was the first one since Julie... It’s not like I’m just going to treat that like it’s nothing… I feel bad enough as it is.”

 “Mykah, you know she wanted you to keep living your life. You don’t have to feel bad for her…”

 “I know, but I still felt bad afterwards… Like I had cheated on her or something… I even told her about Julie. I never talk about her to strangers… But she’s got this thing about her… It’s like, it felt like I had known her all my life…”

Alice grabs my hand over the stick shift and squeezes it. “you got it bad, don’t you?”

I just sigh and nod.

 “Why can’t I just be a regular person who has sex with other people and doesn’t’t develop feelings… just casual, plain, one night stand sex.”

“Because you are you!”

“Yeah but dude I’m just another notch in her belt and she has probably already forgotten about me and I’m on the other side of the world pining over her.”

“I know…, I know.”

 We share the remainder of the car ride in a somewhat uncomfortable silence that I have never experienced with Alice. She probably just didn’t know what to say. She has been pushing to go out and meet new people for half a year now, telling me to start dating again, but that was the whole point. Never in my life had I dated, I met Julie when we were 18 and 4 weeks later we were in a relationship. So much for the lesbian stereotype. But my point being, I had never really been with anyone else than Julie and I had no idea how to go about this dating thing.

But when I had been at the restaurant with Kate making small talk and joking around with her it had felt like that’s what it’s supposed to be like.  

And then when we had shared a couple of beers and talking and being around her had become even easier I had allowed myself to enjoy the feeling she released inside of me.

As much as that feeling had scared me, as it still did, it also cracked open a bold part of myself that I hadn’t seen in quite a while. As I stared into her eyes at her kitchen island that night, she had unlocked a raging desire that scared me to death.

Not for a second when I was with her had I felt guilty towards Julie, but back in my hotel room, scrubbing the remainders of the night and morning away, my stomach turned and my heart ached for the beautiful girl who left this earth and me way too early.

She was the one I was supposed to get old with, she was my best friend who knew me like no one else, the person I wanted to have children with and wanted to marry.

But fate, or some sort of screwed up force, faith or being that I didn’t believe in had other plans.

 My buzzing phone snaps me out of my train of thoughts.

 I push the home button and as the screen lights up, again, so do I. I unlock my phone and read the message carefully, afraid if I read it too fast it will disappear. The familiar flutter in my stomach is back within seconds and a big smile spreads across my face.

Alice notices it right away and grins.

“Is she texting you?”

“hmmmm” I hum, reading the text once more.

 13:20 K: Morning stranger, hope you had a safe flight! :) Let me know when you’re home! Hope to hear from you. XoXo

“You’re lighting up like a Christmas tree, you doofus” Alice laughs and I blush.

“Shut up”

“Oh my god, you’ve got it bad, you sucker.”

I just glare at her and contemplate if I should text her right now or wait until I got home.

 “Just text her, or you’re head is going to explode all over my recently cleaned car, and I hear brains are a sucker to get out of the fabric…”

“You watch too much TV, creep” I laugh and shove her lightly in the shoulder

“Your own fault entirely! Now go on, text your lady!”

“Don’t say that…”

“Your booty call then, whichever you prefer…”

I sigh and Alice laughs. I hate her so much sometimes.

 13:26 M: Good afternoon! Not home yet but Alice (my best friend) is driving me back. If I survive I’ll be sure to text you haha. Have a good day! X

 I press send and a nervous jitter settles in the pit of my stomach. This was insane. I feel like a nervous teenager who’s about to get her first kiss.

 13:27 K: You did tell her I’m a very big celebrity with a lot of influencual friends, right? So if she doesn’t get you home safe I’m sure to have a number or two to call…

 13:27 M: Haha talking big are we… never picked you as one of those people who used their famousness to get things done… But I guess that’s not the only thing I was wrong about…

 13:28 K: I guess you don’t know me at all… I use my fame for literally anything. They don’t call me a diva for no reason, I own that title…

 13:29 M: Am I texting with Kate McKinnon or is this Pamela Anderson? Sorry for the mess up, you’re both blonde I guess…

 13:30 K: Asshole…

 13:30 M: No, but seriously, do I have the wrong number?

 13:31 K: Image* I don’t think Pamela Anderson owns an exact copy of the bed you vacated in yesterday… But hey if you’re still not sure be free to stop texting…

 The image shows Kates messed up bed and my cheeks get hot.

 13:32 M: Nice bed you have there but if you were Pamela Anderson why on earth would I stop texting… She has a fortune I might get my hands on with my smooth talk… That’s what I tricked you with anyways…

 13:33 K: Pfft, whatever. But anyways we were talking about getting you home safely… You there yet?

 13:33 M: You texted me 5 minutes ago… The Netherlands is a small country, but not that small…

 13:33 K: How on earth could I know, but I gotta go, work’s calling. Talk to you soon okay?

 13:34 M: Yeh no problem, have a good day at work! I’ll let you know when I’m home ;). Byeee

13:34 K: Good luck with your jetlag! XoXo

 I let my phone drop back into my lap and my smile nearly breaks my face in half. In my texting spree I didn’t notice Alice glancing over at me every other moment and when I look up she’s grinning at me.

 “Dude you got it soo soo bad, it’s embarrassing!”

“Shut up…” I spit out but I know she’s right. I love talking to her, it’s like she awakens some sort of goofiness inside of me that I can’t control. I run my face over my hand and sigh, how on earth was this going to end…

 ------------------ 3 weeks later --------------------

 Kate and I had been texting nonstop. In between figuring out time zones and work schedules we were actually getting to know each other. It became a ritual to text her goodnight and good morning although I knew they didn’t make sense in her time zone.

We talked about nearly anything, my work and hers, things we experienced through the day, our friends and there was an unspoken contest who could sent the most pictures of their pet. I think I have over 150 pictures of Nino now and she’s got a similar amount of Doc, my dog.

I learned a lot about her grueling schedule on SNL and every day my admiration for her hard work grew. Nonetheless her hours, every time we talked for hours and she was always interested in my never-ending stories about work.

Talking to Kate had soon become the highlight of my day, and that didn’t go unnoticed by my friends and co-workers. As much as I tried not to be too obvious about the whole thing they were starting to complain about me being glued to my phone.

Except for Alice. She was also the only one who knew the whole story. She didn’t complain but quite often she rose the question of where this was going, and to be honest I still had no idea. For now, it felt amazing to have someone to talk to and joke around with and sometimes even flirt with. It made me happier than I had been in a long time.

 ------5 weeks later------

 I was having lunch at my job and this was usually when Kate woke up to get ready for work. I impatiently waited for her belated good morning text like everyday but as my lunch time passed and I had eaten all my sandwiches and there still was no text I felt my stomach drop. Maybe she was just sleeping in or no, she probably overslept again and now was flagging down a cab to get to work on time. I slid my phone back into my pocket and got back to my work. Every second I got I quickly checked my phone to see if I got any new messages, but no luck.

After work I decide to text her, maybe something had happened…

 18:32 M: Hey stranger, haven’t heard from you today, everything alright?

 I spend my night with Alice and her boyfriend Josh binge watching anything we could find on Netflix. Although I’m usually really serious about my TV shows but I couldn’t focus on what was happening on the screen. I held my phone tightly in my hand, in case it buzzed, being fed up with why I hadn’t heard anything from Kate today.

After the millionth glance at my phone Alice finally decided to ask what the hell I was doing.

“She didn’t me text today…”

“Oh… Well maybe her phone broke or something, nothing to be worried about, right?”

“Yeah, I guess…”

 “Mykah, stop worrying please and just watch your show, it’s weird watching Orange without your constant scoffing when Ruby Rose comes on the screen. Right Josh?”

 “Hmmm yeah…” He humms as his eyes stay trained on the screen, showing Natasha Lyonne having sex with a random chick.

 I snort and throw my phone on the table. It was probably nothing. She would text tomorrow for sure…

 The next morning I wake up to two messages from Kate. My heart rate speeds up as I fumble to get my phone unlocked as fast as possible.

 03:07 K: Hey you, sorry been busy all day, hope you had a good one.

03:07 K: Oh, and goodnight ;)

 I try to store the disappointment of her short text away as I text her my usual good morning.

 07:14 M: Hey, no problem, just a bit worried! Hopefully you get a good night’s sleep! Hope to talk to you when you wake up! Xxx

 The relief of her text doesn’t last long when at lunch I don’t receive a text, again.

 This continues for a couple of days, with her texting in the middle of the night, telling me she was busy or didn’t have or phone or another excuse of why she didn’t text that day.

After day 6 I wake up to no new messages.

I know she doesn’t owe me anything but it hurts none the less. I had gotten so used to talking to her every day, sharing my day with her.

It’s weird watching a new SNL that weekend without having any idea what Kate’s going to do, or what sketch I have to keep my eye out for some Easter egg or inside joke the cast came up with.

It’s weird not knowing how she spend her days or what Nino had broken in the 5 minutes she went out for groceries.

I found myself more often than not staring at my phone, hoping it would magically lit up and see Kates texts or reading back into the endless string of texts we had shared before.

 But every day without a new text my faith in this magic reappearance faltered.

 -------- 8 weeks later ---------

 More and more as everyday passed it felt like New York never happened. The texts had stopped completely, as did the courage to text her first. Ever since I had came back I had tried to avoid social media, twitter in particular, but couldn't help it last night. I had opened twitter with the excuse to get rid of the annoying notification number at the top of the app, but when I saw my updated timeline my heart stopped.

Of course there was a post lingering on top of the screen with a new picture of a broadly smiling Kate who had her arm linked with some girl I didn't recognize. The tweet read "look at our happy bean! She deserves nothing but love and luck! I hope it works out"

With my finger on the home button and a turning stomach I should have gotten to rid of the picture before I was going to throw up, but I couldn't.

At least now I knew why the texts had stopped...

Fueled by a growing anger, that I knew I wasn't entitled to, I put my finger on the screen and started to scroll down the feed.

I immediately regretted following so many Kate/Holtzmann fan accounts before, as various pictures and quotes passed before my eyes.

I finally ended upon a retweet from someone that read:

@justjared: Kate McKinnon and supposed girlfriend attend premiere of Melissa McCarthy’s new comedy.

It showed the same picture as the tweet before and I dropped the phone on the couch next to me. I had seen enough.  

 -----------12 weeks later------

 Somehow I managed to try and forget about the lady that stole my heart almost 3 months ago in New York. And although at first it had been hard, as the weeks passed it became easier to just go on with my life. Alice advised me to stop watching SNL and apart from cheating on some clips I had avoided Kates sketches pretty well.

As my daily routine, without texting Kate, slowly reappeared again, so did the urge to go out there and meet new people. Alice had set me up for a night of drinking and dancing in a gay bar this weekend and I was actually looking forward to it.

 That Wednesday I have a late lunch and decide to check my phone for the first time today. When it lights up, so do my cheeks. 

After 6 weeks of radio silence, there, right there on my screen was a string of  texts from Kate. 

Most of them too long to read in the notifications so I unlock my screen and take a deep breath. 

I have to scroll up quite a bit to read the beginning of her spree. 

 12:45 K: Hey stranger, good morning! I know it's been a while... Just wanted to check how you're doing! 

 13:02 K: Either you're ignoring me or your work schedule has changed... Which is fine, either way. 

 13:16 K: ... I'm okay btw. 

13:17 K: I know you hate me right now, but please don’t leave me hanging here…

 13:45 K: Danny asked me about you last night... He remembered you after he saw your name on my phone, he told me to say hi, so here you go. 

 13:46 K: okay, this is getting awkward now. Really hope you're just not checking your phone 

 13:47 K: if you're not ignoring me, please text me asap, we need to talk. 

13:47 K: if you are ignoring me text me anyways. 

13:47 K: I am not kidding. 

13:52 K: please

 That last text was half an hour ago. 

Why in the hell would she text me now, out of nowhere... Maybe she and her girlfriend broke up and she needed some attention... Pfft finally I was dealing with the fact that whatever we had was over and now she starts texting again. For fucks sake. I chew on my bottom lip contemplating if I was going to text her back or not.

 I hate myself for not being able to fight the urge to find what she has to say, so I budge and text her back, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. 

14:25 M: Hey, working rn, we can talk later, I'll be home at 8 (2 pm) 

 I couldn't even lock my phone before she already replied. 

 14:26 K: Jezus christ woman, I thought the youth was practically attached to their phones... no just kidding, thanks for replying. 2 will be fine! Talk to you then! 

 I couldn't help the small smile creeping on my face after reading her text. I quickly stuff away my phone and join Julie outside. Already feeling a 100 times better than the past 6 weeks. 

 The end of the day came closer and closer as we quickly dismantled all the activities and stored them back in the big sea containers at the back of the park.

 After the debrief I couldn't wait to get home, I quickly said my goodbyes and jumped in my car. On the way back I got some groceries and texted Alice the (good?) news. 

Of course she insisted on coming over, so I prepared a meal for two and quickly took my dog out for another round as the food boiled on the stove. 

 As the minutes grew closer to 8, the more nervous I became. What on earth did she have to say after more than a month of silence that was so important that she insisted on talking tonight. 

This was a SNL week so if I remembered correctly her schedule today consisted of writing and a table read with the host. That meant that 2 would be not convenient for her at all. This must be important. 

 When I got back to my apartment, Alice already let herself in and was just serving 2 big plates of mac and veggies. 

 My dog launched at her and I couldn't help but smile at the sight. How much I wished for this to happen every day. Coming home to a person I loved, cooking dinner for us both. If only it wasn't my very straight friend Alice that had been that person ever since my last girlfriend passed away. 

 "Hey you! I just saved this pathetic excuse of a meal before it burned down your house..." 

 "Hello to you too..." I growl back at her and throw myself on the couch. The anxiety of talking to Kate in a few left me exhausted. 

 Alice places our plates on the coffee table in front of us and puts out her hand waiting for me to put my phone in it. 

 "Hug first" I mumble into the pillow and I hear Alice sigh. 

Not in an annoyed way but she knows how this situation is making me feel and she can’t really help me with it.

 She bends down on top of me and despite the awkward position she hugs me the best she can. We stay like that for a while and the physical contact calms me down right away. 

 "Come on homo, let's eat." 

She finally says and pecks me on the cheek "your combination of ingredients I don't know the name of is getting cold" 

 "Hmmf shut it asshole" I growl back and hoist myself into a sitting position. 

 I grab my fork but before I can shovel anything into my mouth Alice holds up her hand once again. 

 "I hate you, you know that right?" I say again and toss my phone into her hands. 

 "I know, love you too." She replies before unlocking my phone and reading the texts. 

 I silently eat my food as I wait for her to finish reading. Alice was right, it was a crappy combination of ingredients, but it was food nonetheless. How I hadn't starved by now was beyond me. I was very thankful for Alice and my mom sometimes stocking my freezer with pre-cooked meals that only needed to be microwaved. 

Cooking was something my girlfriend always did. I royally sucked at it and when she passed away I spent my days crying in bed and eating ordered food, if I ate at all. 

It wasn't until Alice temporarily moved in and forced me to maintain a healthy schedule, cooking for me and dragging my ass to the gym to gain some of my strength back so I could go back to work, it felt like I was alive again. It took me a long ass time to feel like I had something to live for again. So, when Kate happened and I felt happier than in forever it only hurt worse when she decided to ditch whatever we had.

 "Hmmm kay" was all she said when she put the phone down. 

"Right?" 

"Do you have any clue what she wants to talk about?" 

I shake my head and shovel another forkful of my superb creation in my mouth. 

 "What do you want her to talk about?" 

"Uhh maybe about how she managed to ignore my existence for the past 6 weeks..." 

"Fair enough" 

I glance over at the clock and see it's 7:50. 

I slouch back into the couch and sigh. "I hate that she has this power over me..." 

 "I know..." 

 Silence falls over us as we watch the minutes pass by. 

 "Hey you can go if you want, there's no fun in watching someone text" 

 "Don't be silly, it's not like I've anything to do at home, Josh isn't home, so I'm just gonna watch some Netflix on your ridiculous big TV. 

 I snort and shake my head. 

"Fine... but you’re not gonna grab my phone from my hand every second okay?" 

 "I can't promise anything" Alice replies with a big grin on her face and reaches for the remote, turning on my "ridiculous big" TV. 

 Before I can smack her in the head my phone buzzes on the table and both our heads snap up and watch the illuminated screen. 

Reluctantly I reach over for the phone and unlock it. 

 K: Hey! You there yet?

M: Yep, just had dinner with Alice. 

K: I presume Alice cooked since your still alive and all? ;) 

M: ha-ha really funny, I have you know I cooked it myself and it was delicious. 

K: hmmmmmmmm

M: okay it was not, and Alice saved if from burning when I was walking Doc. 

 Okay, how did she manage to plaster a smile on my face within a minute... 

 K: Knew it haha. 

M: yeah yeah whatever. 

K: I still have to cook for you one day...

M: is that so?

 I tried to play this as nonchalant as possible, still not sure where we were going with this. 

 K: you made me promise! And as you know by experience I am big on keeping those.... 

 My face got very hot at the reminder of that particular moment and Alice glanced over with a confused look on her face. I just shrugged and diverted my eyes back to the screen. 

 M: how could I forget...

K: me either... I wouldn't mind cashing in that promise again in the future... 

 My cheeks were burning my now, why was she playing games with me. This wasn't fair to me and I knew it. Despite how much I wanted to take a plane over there right now and pin her down to the closest horizontal surface, I knew it wouldn't be fair. 

This had to stop. 

 M: Kate... 

K: Right. Sorry.  Got a bit carried away there. 

M: You wanted to talk? 

K: Yeah... 

M: So...?

K: Uhm so... 

K: Are you maybe up for calling? It would go a lot faster than texting. 

 My stomach turned and my heart rate sped up... we had never called before. 

 I turn my head to the side and see Alice studying me closely. 

 "You okay?" She carefully asks.

"She wants to call..." 

"Oh"

"Yeah" 

"Maybe you should do it... maybe it'll be easier to let her know how you feel about all of this..." 

"Maybe" 

"Yeah" 

 My phone buzzes in my lap again.

K: if not that's fine...

M: no, hold up. I'm gonna move to my bedroom, Alice is getting on my nerves 

 I lie and glance apologetically at my best friend. 

"I'm gonna call her from my bedroom, kay?" 

I say as I walk to the room, not waiting for an answer. 

"No phone sex in there or I'll never cook you any food again!" 

 "Just don't eavesdrop and you won't find out!" I shout at her before closing the door

 "You know I will" I hear her shout back and I snort. She's too predictable. 

I sit back against the headboard and plug my headphones in. 

 R: You can call now if you want.

K: Okay, hold on. 

 I nervously wait for a couple of seconds before seeing her caller ID pop up on my screen. I slide it to answer the call. 

 "Hey" I croak out, my throat tight from the anticipation. 

"Hey you!" Kate enthusiastically beams and I nearly faint there and then. I hadn't heard her voice live since that morning in New York, sure I had heard it on SNL every weekend, but still it was different. 

Not realizing I had been silent for too long Kate asks: "hey, you still there?" 

"Yeah yeah, it's just good to hear your voice." 

"Good to hear yours as well." She says and I almost hear her smile. 

“So what did you want to talk about, after 6 weeks?” I suddenly spit out, not able to handle the way she messes with my emotions by simply talking.

There’s another silence on her side and my heart starts beating fast, maybe that was a bit too forward…

I hear her clear her throat and slightly sigh.

“I’m sorry Mykah, I’m sorry that I stopped texting… But that’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about…”

I swallow down the lump in my throat. Hearing Kate down like this makes me want to tell her it’s alright. That it didn’t hurt, and that she shouldn’t apologize. But it did hurt, like hell, when she just stopped replying and left me wondering if I had said something wrong or if she maybe something had happened or if she finally decided I wasn’t entertaining anymore.

“Okay” is all I croak out and my chest feels like exploding, my anxiousness flying through the roof.

I hear Kate shuffling on the other side and just when I am about to ask if she’s alright she takes a deep breath and starts explaining.

 “I met someone. I met someone and uhmm… we uhmm… we dated… we dated for a while and then it became something more than dating and she got jealous. She got so jealous. And she made me promise, and I know I shouldn’t have but I did, and it felt so bad because you did nothing wrong. And I love talking to you but she made me promise, and you know, you know I’m big on promises and I thought she was everything but she thought my career and the red carpets were everything and I was blind…

 Kates ramble makes my brain overflow with new information that I’m still trying to place together when she finishes.

“She was the girl at the movie premier, wasn’t she?” I say as I feel sick to my stomach. I didn’t have any ground to stand on, we had one night together, but I couldn’t help but feel like throwing up finally realizing I had been right when I saw that picture on Twitter. The thought of someone touching her like I had was driving me mad with an angry jealousy that was burning trough my veins right now.

 “Yeah…”

I bite the inside of my lip trying to calm down before saying anything that I was going to regret.

“Good for you” I manage to say without sounding too bitter.

“It’s over”

“Oh”

“Yeah”

“I’m sorry to hear that”

“Don’t be, it wasn’t healthy”

“Still”

“Mykah…”

 The way my names sounds from her lips makes me blush so hard I’m afraid my cheeks are on fire.

 “She made me promise, but every day I thought of texting you… It wasn’t easy not talking to you.”

 Lost for words at her revelation I fiddle with my fingers as I hear her breathe on the other side of the line.

I am crap at expressing feelings, let alone admit them to someone that made my heart beat out of my chest by simply existing.

 Braving the silence, I finally speak out.

 “So what does this mean?”

 “I don’t know honestly”  

 “Yeh, me either…”

 “We could just go back to the way it was before? Or we don’t…”

 “Yeh we could, but what if….”

 “What if?”

 “What if you meet someone again, and you leave me hanging, again…”

 “I won’t”

 “You can’t promise that…”

 “I will, right here and now, that I won’t let that happen again.”

 I chew on my bottom lip as I contemplate letting her back in. Although I know my heart has already made the decision for me, the thought of falling to her mercy once again only to be left heartbroken once she decides some other decision is more important. Why was she so reluctant to get whatever we had back in the first place? It’s not like we were in some kind of relationship. We just happened to fall in bed together exactly 46 days ago, but who was counting right? I had to know.

 “Why?”

 “Why what?”

 “Why are we having this conversation, why do you want to continue texting to some complete stranger, why are you apologizing for living a life, for making promises you have to keep? Why?

 Kate snorts and I feel like throwing up. Why did I put that question out there… As much as I wanted to know, I really didn’t. Because what if it was just because she needed someone to pass the time with in between shoots, writing sessions and shows. Someone that she didn’t have any obligation too but could shamelessly flirt with. Okay, I really didn’t want to know.

But I hear her take in a deep breath and I brace myself for what’s to come.

 “Because, when I wasn’t talking to you, every time something happened or I found about a new TV show or even when Leslie talked about a new dude again I wanted to tell you about it. I love figuring out time zones and work schedules and waking up to a new good morning text from 2 am. I think that’s why”  

 My cheeks get bright red at her confession, but somehow her words fueled an emotion inside me that didn’t surface very often.

 “Then why the hell stop talking with me… You’re a grownup woman who can make her own decisions…”

 “I’m sorry Mykah…”

 “I know……. but right now I’m not sure if that’s enough.”

 Kate is silent. My heart screams to tell her it’s okay, that I forgive her that I want to talk to her every day again like nothing happened but it’s not fair.

 “Just give me some time okay?” I say and I feel sick to my stomach for giving in so fast.

 “Okay…”

 Not knowing how to end this kind of finished conversation I just get it over with and reluctantly say the words that mean the end of hearing her voice.

 “We’ll talk later this week okay? I’m going to go now. Have a good day at work.”

 “Okay, yeah you have a good night Mykay. Thanks for taking the time to hear me out.”

 “Of course…”

 “Bye”

 “Bye”

 I cut the line and release a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

 FUCKKKK