#your playlist is absolute fire for this...i cried in this one. from all the romance.

[vcutparis]

slow burn slowburning for real.....this ache in my heart WHAT THE FAWK

they discussed their fears and my god hongjoong ☹️☹️ i teared up. I HAVE THOUGHTS. but ill keep them to myself. i need some things to clear up HMMM

“Your presence alone is enough to drown it all out,” he said simply, his eyes meeting yours. There was a sincerity in his voice that made your heart skip a beat.

YOU HAVE A CRUSH STOP DENYING THE HELL??? CMON??? STEWPIDITY LEVEL CROSSED. “It’s only fair enough if I do the same thing you did, right?”

MY GAWD. THESE BITCHES IN LOVE. CMON (turns the table upside down) ASKING FOR HELP?? LOOKING AT EACH OTHER AS IF THEY HAVE SOME UNKNOWN CONNECTION BOY....how much have you both been isolated from romcom genre. (this honestly reminds me of all thsoe long ass 100 chapters with intense build up wattpad fics oh my god I USED TO BE ON MY TOES LMADFGFHFV)

You seemed to have already weaved the threads of your veins in the fabric of his mind, and it was dangerous.

chef's kiss aint it anymore. i need to kiss the forehead of the author pt9

WHIMSICAL HONGJOONG MY FAVOURITE GENRE

this is me reading sitting in the dark with a plushie tucked under my arm, a tissue up my nose and tear tracks down my cheeks. you got a yearner here bro....if you even care. (took me like minutes to type this actually)

the way it felt like you two were separate threads tangled up in each other attempting to break free from the knot. What was most confusing was how you didn’t even mind any of it. Maybe it was all bound to happen, maybe the circumstances required the proximity, maybe he just couldn’t move around that much.

But your kitchen wasn’t even that small. OKAY DAMN. FINE. OKAY IM A HOPELESS ROMANTIC TRYING TO JUST MAKE IT PURR. DAMN FINE. OKAY. (sobs in a corner) eating together boy someone hold me.... making that dinner together never appealed me much but a freaking fanfic got me YEARNING for a moment.

ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤTHE CITY OF LOVE

ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ Chapter Nine: May I Have This Dance?

ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤ ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎ ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ㅤ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ < previous | next >

masterpost

៚ wc: 10.3k (total: ???)

៚ fluff, angst, fashion designer!hongjoong x model!reader (ft. personal assistant!seonghwa & photographer!wooyoung), slowburn, strangers to lovers, soulmates au if you squint, do french people actually say bonjour irl?

៚ playlist !

៚ The initial plan was to stay the night in Hongjoong’s art studio to finish one of his designs, but as one thread tangled itself into another and kept the chain going, a series of unexpectedly charming experiences began to unfold, one of which contains running an errand to buy flowers for Madame Dupont’s vases—the very event that led to you and Hongjoong enjoying a little sophisticated dancing session while moving to the soft melody of La Vie En Rose.

a/n: this took so long i’m so sorry 😭 these past few weeks have been so hectic and i had little time to write but i finally pulled through! lmk what you guys think about this one hehe

tags: @beabatiny @babymbbatinygirl

The room was filled with the warm, ambient light of late-night lamps, casting soft shadows on the walls. The hum of the city outside was faint, muffled by the closed windows of Hongjoong’s studio. You both had decided to work late, wanting to finish the third design for his autumn collection before dawn. The atmosphere was relaxed as the hours passed.

“And then, when he pulled the green ribbon off her neck... her head fell to the ground!” you concluded the tale with a dramatic flair.

Hongjoong let out a startled gasp, his eyes wide with shock. “No way!” he exclaimed, causing you to burst into a fit of laughter. The sight of his genuine reaction, so vulnerable and out of character, had you clutching your stomach, tears forming in your eyes.

“Don’t laugh at me like that!” Hongjoong protested, his cheeks flushing slightly. “I’m sure you reacted just the same when you first heard that story.”

Still giggling, you wiped away your tears. “Actually, I did not. And come on, how can I not laugh? Seeing you so scared is just, I don’t know, uncharacteristically priceless?”

Hongjoong crossed his arms, a mock pout on his lips. “I don’t usually react like that, you know. It’s just that… that story... caught me off guard.”

You grinned, teasing him further. “Guess I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, then. So, are you always this easily frightened? Or was there a particular incident that made you this way?”

He hesitated, a shadow passing over his features. “Well, there was one major event,” he admitted, his tone softening.

Intrigued, you leaned forward, eager to hear more. “What happened?”

Hongjoong looked thoughtful, as if weighing his words carefully. “When I was younger, I had this experience... It was late at night, and I was at home alone. The power went out, and there was this eerie silence, you know? The kind that makes you hear things that aren’t really there. Suddenly, there was this loud crash from the kitchen. I thought someone had broken in. I grabbed the nearest thing I could find—a baseball bat—and slowly made my way there, heart pounding. But when I got to the kitchen, there was nothing. No sign of anyone. Just an open window that I knew I had closed earlier.”

He paused, taking a deep breath. “Ever since then, I’ve been quite jumpy, especially when I’m alone at night. It’s silly, really, but it left a mark on me.”

You listened intently, feeling a pang of sympathy. “That sounds terrifying. I can’t imagine going through something like that alone—at a young age, too.”

Hongjoong smiled sheepishly. “Yeah, it honestly still creeps me out a little when I remember it. But enough about me, what about you? Any fears?”

You hesitated, then sighed. “It’s not exactly spooky, but my biggest fear is being left alone. Not just physically alone, but emotionally. The idea of someone I care about just disappearing without a word... It terrifies me.”

Hongjoong’s expression softened, a hint of understanding in his eyes. “That’s understandable. It’s a fear many people have, I think. The fear of abandonment.”

You nodded, feeling a bit vulnerable yet also comforted by his empathetic response. So far, Hongjoong has proven himself to be very empathetic, and it’s a trait of his that you hold deep appreciation for. “Have you ever felt that way? Worried that someone might just leave without any explanation?”

A contemplative look crossed Hongjoong’s face, and he sighed softly. “It’s not exactly my biggest fear, but... yes, it’s happened to me before.”

Surprised, you looked at him, sensing there was more to the story. However, you also sensed his reluctance to delve deeper, so you decided to shift the topic. “Then... what is your biggest fear?”

Hongjoong glanced away, his gaze distant as he seemed to search for the right words. The studio fell silent, save for the ticking of a clock on the wall. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. “My biggest fear... is losing myself. Losing who I am, what I believe in, what I love. It’s easy to get lost in this industry, to become someone you’re not just to please others. Sometimes, I worry that in trying to be everything for everyone, I might end up being nothing at all.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his confession. You felt a deep empathy for him, understanding the struggle of maintaining one’s identity in a world that often demands conformity. “That’s really deep,” you said softly. “But from what I’ve seen, you’ve always stayed true to yourself. That’s something to admire.”

Hongjoong gave you a small, grateful smile. “Thanks. It’s not always easy, but I try. And it helps having people around who remind me of who I am.”

The conversation left both of you in a pensive mood, the laughter from earlier replaced by a contemplative silence. “You’re one of those people, you know,” Hongjoong says after a few seconds, his voice soft and sincere, a hint of a smile showing up on his lips.

His words caught you off guard, a warm feeling spreading through your chest. You smiled back at him, a mixture of gratitude and affection in your eyes. “I’m glad I am.”

The quiet moment between you was filled with an unspoken understanding, a deeper connection that had blossomed unexpectedly. The soft hum of the city outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in this shared space. However, the peaceful silence was soon interrupted by a soft hiss from Hongjoong, followed by a muttered curse.

Concern immediately washed over you as you noticed him cradling his hand, a thin line of blood trickling down from his finger to the floor. “Are you alright? What happened?” you asked, quickly moving closer to him.

“It’s fine, just a small scratch,” he dismissed, waving his injured hand nonchalantly. “I’m used to it.”

You shook your head, not convinced. “Where do you keep your first aid supplies?”

He hesitated for a moment, then relented under your determined gaze. “Top drawer of my desk.”

“Stay put,” you instructed, getting up and heading to the desk. You rummaged through the drawer, pulling out a small first aid kit. Kneeling beside him, you opened the kit and carefully took out the necessary supplies. “Let’s get this cleaned up,” you said, your voice gentle but firm.

Hongjoong watched as you worked in silent awe. You cleaned the wound with a delicate touch, your brows furrowed in concentration. As all your attention was poured on his small wound, a stray strand of your hair fell into your line of sight. Before you could brush it away, Hongjoong reached out and gently tucked the hair behind your ear. The brief contact made your breath hitch, a small, almost imperceptible gasp escaping your lips. You felt a flutter in your chest, but you quickly pushed it aside, reminding yourself there was something you needed to get done.

Hongjoong’s gaze lingered on your face, taking in the soft curve of your features, the gentle way your lips pressed together as you concentrated. Up close, he noticed things he hadn’t before—the delicate lines around your eyes when you smiled, the way your lashes cast faint shadows on your cheeks. There was a quiet beauty to you, one that he found himself increasingly drawn to. He shook his head slightly, trying to clear his thoughts, but the feeling remained—a growing awareness of the attraction he felt toward you.

“There,” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper as you leaned back, inspecting your handiwork. The wound was now clean and bandaged, and you held his hand gently, your fingers still wrapped around his.

Hongjoong’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he looked down at your hands. “You know, you’re still holding my hand,” he teased, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Startled, you quickly released his hand, a flush creeping up your cheeks. “Oh, right. Sorry,” you mumbled, standing up and hastily putting the first aid supplies back in their place. You could hear Hongjoong’s soft laughter behind you, a sound that sent a pleasant warmth through you, despite your embarrassment.

As you turned back to face him, you found him still smiling, a look of fondness in his eyes that made your heart skip a beat. He seemed different tonight—more open, more... vulnerable? It was as if the late hour and the intimacy of the shared space had stripped away some of his usual guardedness, revealing a side of him you hadn’t seen before.

“What’s so funny?” you asked, trying to sound annoyed but failing to hide the smile in your own voice.

“Nothing,” he replied, shaking his head. “Just... I’m not used to being shown any concern. It felt nice having you clean my wound, since I usually do that myself.”

You felt a pang of sympathy for him, wondering what his life must be like, always busy, always under pressure—and on top of that, always being his own savior. “Well, someone’s got to look out for you,” you said lightly, trying to ease the sudden heaviness in the air.

He nodded, his expression turning more serious. “I suppose you’re right.”

For a moment, the two of you just looked at each other, a silent conversation passing between you. There was so much you wanted to say, so many questions you wanted to ask, but the words seemed to stick in your throat. Instead, you just smiled, hoping that your expression conveyed the warmth and support you felt for him.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, breaking the silence. “For everything.”

You nodded, not trusting your voice. The moment felt fragile, like a bubble that could burst at any second, and you were afraid that saying too much might shatter the delicate balance between you.

As the room settled into a comfortable silence, you both resumed your tasks. The design for the autumn collection was nearing completion, but there were still some intricate details that needed attention. Hongjoong broke the silence, his voice cutting through the quiet like a soft melody. “Hey, could you help me with something?” he asked, his tone gentle.

You looked up, meeting his gaze. “Of course,” you replied, setting aside the fabric you had been working on. “What do you need help with?”

He gestured towards the piece he was working on, a delicate embroidery that required precision. “I’m struggling with this part,” he admitted, a hint of frustration in his voice. “The stitches need to be tighter, but my hands aren’t steady enough right now.”

You nodded, understanding the predicament. “Let me see,” you said, scooting closer to him on the floor. As you took the fabric from him, your fingers brushed against his, sending a small jolt through you. You tried to ignore the flutter in your chest coming back as you focused on the task.

Hongjoong leaned in to guide you, his breath warm against your cheek. “Here, you need to pull the thread like this,” he instructed, his voice low and soft. His proximity made your heart race, and you could feel the heat of his body close to yours. The scent of his cologne, subtle and earthy, filled the air between you.

You nodded, trying to keep your focus. The embroidery required delicate handling, and the small, detailed work was challenging. As you worked, your hands occasionally brushed against his, sending small electric shocks through your skin. Hongjoong seemed oblivious to the effect his closeness was having on you, or perhaps he was just as affected but hid it well.

“Your studio’s so awfully quiet,” you murmured, breaking the silence. The quiet had become almost oppressive, making you hyper-aware of every small sound and movement.

Hongjoong chuckled softly. “I usually play music when I’m working,” he admitted. “I don’t like the silence. It can feel... lonely.”

“Then why haven’t you played any songs so far?” you asked, genuinely curious. The thought of him working alone in silence, surrounded by the tools of his craft, seemed sad.

He paused for a moment, considering his response. A small smile played on his lips as he looked at you. “Your presence alone is enough to drown it all out,” he said simply, his eyes meeting yours. There was a sincerity in his voice that made your heart skip a beat.

The room felt suddenly smaller, the air charged with something unspoken as you felt warmth spread through you. Hongjoong’s words were unexpected, and they left you feeling both flattered and slightly overwhelmed. You returned his smile, unable to think of a response that could adequately express what you were feeling. It’s mildly frustrating how you could never seem to be able to trust the words wanting to come out of your mouth whenever he was around.

Once you were finally done with the task Hongjoong assigned you, you leaned back, a satisfied smile spreading across your face. It was a small victory, perhaps, but it felt like a significant one. Hongjoong noticed your expression and tilted his head in curiosity. “What’s the matter?” he asked, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

You shrugged, still smiling. “Nothing, really. It’s just... you asked me for help. I mean, you don’t usually do that, so it’s kind of a surprise.”

He mirrored your smile, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “I guess you’re right,” he admitted, a hint of amusement in his voice. “I don’t usually ask for help. But... I don’t know. I felt comfortable enough to ask you.”

There was a brief silence as he contemplated his own words, realizing at that moment just how much he had let his guard down around you. It was a strange feeling, one that left him feeling both vulnerable and relieved. It was dangerous, he knew, to let someone in so easily, especially in a world where trust was a rare commodity. But somehow, despite the potential risks, he found that he couldn’t bring himself to care. There was something about you that made him feel at ease, something that made the usual walls he kept up around himself feel unnecessary.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, his phone, which had been lying on the floor atop a piece of fabric, lit up with a notification. You glanced over and immediately recognized the wallpaper: a candid photo of Hongjoong with Pompidou, the one you had taken and sent him right before bed that night. You smiled, a soft, heartfelt expression. “You set that as your lockscreen?”

Hongjoong picked up the phone, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he looked at the image. “Yeah,” he admitted, glancing at you before reading the notification—a message from Wooyoung. It was one that demanded a response, but in that moment, he decided to just set his phone aside for now, his attention fully on you. “It’s only fair enough if I do the same thing you did, right?”

You chuckled, the sound light and airy. “I guess so,” you replied, the atmosphere between you warm and comfortable.

As the hours passed, you both became so engrossed in your work that time seemed to slip away unnoticed. It wasn’t until you both finally finished the design that you realized just how late—or rather, how early—it was. You stood up, stretching your arms above your head, feeling the satisfying ache of a long night’s work. The outfit you had both labored over was stunning—a perfect blend of deep, earthy tones and detailed embroidery, capturing the essence of autumn with its rich textures and warm hues. The fabric was soft yet structured, the design elegant yet grounded, reflecting the beauty of the season in every stitch.

You turned to Hongjoong, a wide grin on your face, and held both your hands up. He looked at you, confused for a moment, before realizing what you wanted. With a laugh, he raised his hands and high-fived you, the sound echoing in the quiet studio.

“Great job,” you both said almost simultaneously, laughter bubbling up between you. You glanced around the studio, the mess of fabrics and tools evidence of the hard work you had put in.

As the adrenaline of the work began to fade, you pulled your phone from your pocket, intending to check the time. When you saw the display, your eyes widened in shock. “It’s 4 in the morning already?” you gasped, incredulous.

Hongjoong glanced at the clock, a look of surprise crossing his face. “Wow, I didn’t even notice,” he said, running a hand through his hair. The fatigue was beginning to set in, but there was also a contentness in the air, a satisfaction over a job well done.

As the realization of the late hour settled in, both you and Hongjoong decided it was time to clean up the studio before heading home. The room was a testament to your hard work: sketches strewn about, fabrics piled in corners, and various tools scattered across the desks. Hongjoong paused, glancing at you with a gentle smile. “I’m just going to use the restroom real quick,” he said, his voice soft yet a little slurred.

“Go ahead,” you replied, waving him off with a tired smile of your own. As he left, you turned your attention to one of the desks, starting to gather the scattered mess. Your movements were slow, each task requiring more effort as exhaustion began to weigh heavily on you. Feeling your body grow weary, you dragged a chair over to the desk and sat down, intending to sort through the papers and materials.

But as soon as you rested your head on your folded arms, the world around you started to blur. The soft hum of the city outside, the quiet ticking of a clock somewhere in the studio—all these sounds faded into the background as your eyes fluttered shut. You hadn’t intended to fall asleep, but the comfort of the moment and the sheer exhaustion from the long night overcame you.

Just as you drifted off, Hongjoong returned to the studio, ready to continue cleaning. “Let’s—” he began, only to stop mid-sentence as his gaze fell upon you. You were peacefully asleep, your head resting on the desk, breathing softly. A tender smile crept onto his lips as he observed you, taking in the serene expression on your face. An unexpected gentle warmth in his chest then came by, yet it felt so on-brand with his nature that he didn’t even notice it.

Without a second thought, Hongjoong quietly crossed the room and scooped you up into his arms, carrying you bridal style out of the studio. You were light and fragile in his embrace, and he was careful not to jostle you. The hallway was quiet, the early morning light just beginning to seep through the windows, casting a soft glow on the scene.

Hongjoong carried you into his office, where he gently laid you down on the couch. He adjusted a pillow beneath your head, ensuring you were comfortable. Glancing around, he looked for something to cover you with, wanting to keep you warm. When he couldn’t find any spare fabric or blanket, he hesitated for a moment before pulling off his sweater, revealing the plain black shirt he wore underneath. He draped the sweater over you, its warmth and the faint scent of his cologne enveloping you.

He took a step back, his eyes lingering on your peaceful form. There was something intimate about the scene, a quiet moment of care that felt oddly significant. Hongjoong shook his head with a soft chuckle, feeling a strange mix of affection and concern.

With a sigh, he walked over to his office chair and sat down, glancing at the stack of papers and sketches on his desk. If he was still awake at this hour, he might as well get some work done. But as he picked up a pencil and began to sketch, his thoughts kept drifting back to you, sleeping soundly on the couch. The room was quiet, the only sound being the faint scratch of pencil on paper and your steady breathing.

You seemed to have already weaved the threads of your veins in the fabric of his mind, and it was dangerous.

—

Your eyelids flutter open, the soft murmur of voices slowly pulling you from sleep. You blink against the light filtering through the room, momentarily disoriented by your unfamiliar surroundings. As your vision clears, you see two figures across the room, engaged in a hushed conversation.

“I know you can only be quiet once a year, so why not use that trial card now and keep your voice down?” Hongjoong’s voice, though hushed, came off irritated.

“I’m not being loud!” came Wooyoung’s indignant reply, his voice just a tad louder than a whisper.

Their exchange halted abruptly as you sat up on the couch, instinctively pulling the sweater around you closer. The room was spacious, filled with a blend of modern and personal touches, but what caught your eye was the two men now looking at you, their conversation forgotten.

Hongjoong was the first to speak, “See? I told you not to be so loud,” he chided Wooyoung, who threw his hands up in mock defeat.

“Hongjoong?” you murmured, still groggy and a bit confused. Hongjoong was quick to leave his chair, grabbing a cup of coffee as he approached you. The rich aroma of the brew filled your senses as he placed the cup gently on the glass table in front of you.

“Good morning,” he greeted, his voice soft and soothing. “You fell asleep earlier at dawn while we were cleaning up the studio. I didn’t want to wake you, so I brought you here to my office.”

You nodded slowly, the events of the night starting to come back to you. As your consciousness fully returned, you noticed Wooyoung sitting comfortably in a chair across from Hongjoong’s desk. He offered you a friendly smile, his dimples deepening. “Hey there—didn’t mean to wake you up, sorry about that.”

“Oh, it’s fine,” you assured him, smiling back before turning your attention to Hongjoong, who had now taken a seat across from you. The atmosphere felt unexpectedly cozy, almost domestic.

“Did you end up cleaning the whole studio by yourself?” you asked, a hint of guilt in your voice.

Hongjoong shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “No, I just left it as it was when I brought you here. I finished cleaning up an hour ago.”

Wooyoung, not being able to hold back his curiosity, leaned forward slightly, “So, why were you here all night?” He figured it should be in his best interest to always throw out inquiries about your relationship with Hongjoong here and there whenever you were around, because 1. He and Seonghwa genuinely believe the details are their necessities, and 2. He will never be able to gather any intel from Hongjoong.

You chuckled lightly, the memory of the previous night making you feel both amused and sheepish. “We got too caught up finishing one of Hongjoong’s designs. We didn’t even realize how late it was until we were done.”

Wooyoung made a mental note to share this little tidbit with Seonghwa later while he gave you a playful grin, as if to say he knew something was up, but he didn’t press further.

Hongjoong then turned his attention back to you, his expression sincere. “Do you want to go home now? I can drive you to your apartment.”

You shook your head, remembering the errand you needed to run. “No, I actually have something to do today. My landlord asked me to pick up some flowers from a shop for her. She wants to change the arrangements in her vases.”

Hongjoong looked intrigued. “Does she have a specific flower shop in mind?”

“Yeah, she does,” you replied, nodding. “I know the address, but I’m not exactly sure how to get there.”

Without missing a beat, Hongjoong offered, “I can drive you there.”

You glanced between him and Wooyoung, feeling a bit hesitant. “Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want to leave Wooyoung here…”

Little did you know, Wooyoung was already picturing you and Hongjoong at a wedding venue, the image making him inwardly chuckle. He waved a dismissive hand, grinning. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Hongjoong turned back to you, his eyes warm and reassuring. You sighed softly, finally giving in to his offer. He smiled, clearly pleased. As you stood up from the couch, you realized you were still clutching his sweater. You blushed, holding it out to him apologetically.

He shook his head, a gentle smile on his lips. “You should keep it and put it on. The weather forecast said it would be a bit windy today.”

You hesitated for a moment before slipping the sweater on, the fabric feeling warm and comforting against your skin. It hung loosely on you, a stark contrast to how it fit Hongjoong. The sight seemed to catch him off guard; his eyes lingered on you for a moment longer than necessary, a look of something akin to awe crossing his features. Wooyoung cleared his throat, pretending to cough, snapping Hongjoong out of his thoughts. He sent Wooyoung an annoyed glare, which only made the younger man grin wider.

A few minutes later, you found yourself in Hongjoong’s car, the morning air crisp and slightly chilly. Despite the warmth of the sweater, you shivered a little, the coolness seeping in. Hongjoong noticed immediately, reaching over to turn off the air conditioner. You glanced at him, smiling gratefully. “Thank you,” you murmured, appreciating the small gesture.

As he drove, the city slowly waking up around you, the car ride was filled with a comfortable silence, broken occasionally by small talk. The earlier events played in your mind, the way Hongjoong had looked at you, the warmth in his voice, the care he showed. It was all so… unexpected, yet it felt oddly right. As the car moved smoothly through the streets, you felt a strange sense of contentment, a warmth that had nothing to do with the sweater or the car’s heater.

After a few more minutes of driving, the soft chime of bells greeted you as you and Hongjoong stepped into the quaint flower shop. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of blooms, creating an atmosphere of calm and serenity. You couldn’t help but marvel at the array of flowers on display, each one vibrant and inviting in its own way.

“All the flowers look so beautiful,” you murmured, your eyes wandering over the petals and leaves.

Hongjoong glanced at you, a small smile tugging at his lips before he turned his attention back to the shop. “They sure do.”

A young woman behind the counter greeted you both with a warm smile, her voice cheerful. “Good morning! Please let me know if you need any assistance.”

You returned her smile, nodding politely. “Thank you, we will.”

As you and Hongjoong wandered through the aisles, the colors and scents enveloped you, making it feel like you were walking through a garden in full bloom. You turned to him, a playful glint in your eyes. “Hey, if you were a sweet old lady, what flowers would you like to put in your vases?”

He chuckled softly, considering the question with surprising seriousness. After a moment, he replied, “I think I’d choose peonies. They’re elegant, with layers of petals that unfold like a story. And they symbolize prosperity and good fortune—qualities any old lady would appreciate.”

You nodded thoughtfully, impressed by his choice and the sentiment behind it. As you pondered his suggestion, the soft melody of “La Vie en Rose” began to play through the shop’s speakers, filling the space with a romantic, timeless charm. You hummed along, the familiar tune bringing a smile to your face.

Suddenly, you felt a gentle tap on your shoulder. Turning around, you found Hongjoong holding out a single rose, his expression playful. “For you, my lady,” he said with a dramatic flair.

You laughed, delighted by his unexpected gesture. Placing a hand over your heart, you accepted the rose with a mock curtsy. “Why, thank you, kind sir.”

The two of you shared a light-hearted laugh, the atmosphere between you warm and easy. The woman at the counter, watching your interaction with a knowing smile, subtly turned up the volume of the music, as if encouraging the moment. As the music swelled, Hongjoong offered his hand to you, a glint of amusement and sincerity in his eyes. “May I have this dance?” he asked, his voice low and inviting.

A smile spread across your face, the offer too delightful to refuse. Placing your hand in his, you allowed him to lead you into an impromptu dance. The two of you moved into the open space between the aisles, surrounded by the vibrant colors and fragrances of the flowers. Hongjoong began by twirling you gently, the world around you blurring as you spun, the music carrying you both into a rhythm that felt natural and unforced.

As he twirled you back toward him, you found yourself closer than before, your steps in sync as you followed his lead. Hongjoong’s movements were confident yet gentle, his hands guiding you with a surety that spoke of trust. He spun you out again, your skirts flaring slightly, and then pulled you back, his hand resting lightly on your waist as you moved together.

The dance took on a playful tone, with Hongjoong adding little flourishes—an extra twirl here, a playful dip there. You laughed, the joy of the moment bubbling up uncontrollably. Each movement felt like a conversation, unspoken yet understood, the two of you communicating through the language of dance. The flowers around you blurred into a vibrant backdrop, the soft hues of roses, daisies, and peonies blending together as you spun and swayed.

Hongjoong led you into a classic ballroom move, his hand firm on your back as he guided you into a dip. As you leaned back, your eyes locked onto his, the room seeming to narrow until it contained only the two of you. There was a shared breath, a moment suspended in time where the music, the shop, and the world outside ceased to exist. The dip was graceful, his hold secure, and for a brief moment, you felt as though you were floating, supported entirely by him.

As he pulled you back up, the song reached its crescendo, the final notes lingering in the air like a whispered secret. The two of you stood there, breathless and grinning, the joy of the dance and the unexpected intimacy of the moment lingering between you. The corners of your mouth lifted into a teasing smile as you remarked, “Didn’t know you had that whimsy in you.”

Hongjoong laughed in return, a sound that felt warm and familiar now, like a melody that lingered long after the music had ended. He shook his head, eyes crinkling with amusement. “And here I thought I was full of surprises.” He then paused, tilting his head slightly as he regarded you with curiosity. “But, I have to ask—have you ever taken ballroom dance lessons? You moved like you knew exactly what you were doing.”

You found yourself laughing again, shaking your head at the suggestion. “Not at all,” you replied, your voice light and amused. Unconsciously, you twirled the single rose he had given you during your playful dance, its soft petals brushing against your fingers. You hadn’t even realized you were still holding it, the delicate flower becoming an extension of the moment you had just shared.

Hongjoong’s eyes followed the movement of the rose, his expression thoughtful as you continued. “Dancing was just something I did for fun,” you explained, your tone growing a bit more nostalgic. “Back when I worked at the diner in Arcadia Bay, I’d sometimes be left alone to close up after a long shift. If it got really late, and the place was empty, I’d turn up the speakers and play whatever music I could find. The freshly cleaned floors made it easy to glide around, so I’d dance while I cleaned. It was my way of winding down, I guess.”

He leaned against the wall beside him, his posture relaxed yet attentive. A fond smile played on his lips as he listened, and you couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze softened. “I never would have guessed,” he said quietly, almost as if the thought was meant more for himself than for you.

You tilted your head, curiosity piqued by the tone of his voice. “Really?” you asked, your voice dropping slightly, matching the intimacy of the moment.

For a long, quiet moment, the two of you just looked at each other. It was one of those instances where words felt unnecessary, where the silence between you spoke volumes. The connection that had sparked during your dance now hung between you, a quiet understanding that neither of you was quite ready to acknowledge fully.

Hongjoong’s eyes held yours, the intensity of his gaze making the world around you blur into insignificance. The soft hum of the flower shop, the vibrant colors of the blooms, even the scent of fresh petals—all of it faded away until there was only him, standing just a few feet away, yet feeling impossibly close.

But then, the gentle chime of the shop’s doorbell rang out, breaking the spell. The sound was like a pin pricking the bubble that had formed around the two of you, pulling you both back to the reality of where you were. The moment shattered, and you blinked, the trance broken.

You cleared your throat, a slight flush of embarrassment coloring your cheeks as you tore your gaze away from Hongjoong’s. He straightened up, pushing himself off the wall, his own expression a mix of awkwardness and something else—something you couldn’t quite place.

“We should probably keep looking around,” you said, your voice sounding a little more hurried than you intended. You needed to anchor yourself back into the present, to remember why you were here in the first place.

“Yeah,” Hongjoong agreed, his tone softer now, almost subdued. His eyes flickered briefly to the floor before he glanced back up at you. “We should.”

After what felt like a careful, almost meditative process of choosing the right flowers, you and Hongjoong finally settled on a selection that seemed to embody the essence of Madame Dupont’s home. The bouquet was a harmonious blend of soft, pale pink peonies that spoke of tenderness and nostalgia, interspersed with the rich, deep purples of lilacs that exuded a subtle yet undeniable elegance. You added delicate sprigs of baby’s breath to weave through the arrangement, creating an ethereal touch that seemed to float among the other flowers. Finally, a few stems of white freesia were tucked in, their graceful blooms adding a layer of purity and lightness to the ensemble. It was a bouquet that, even in its stillness, seemed to tell a story—one of warmth, beauty, and timeless grace.

Satisfied with your choices, you and Hongjoong made your way to the counter to finalize the purchase. The young woman behind the register rang up your selection, and as the transaction was completed, you stepped away from the counter, your mind suddenly jolted with the realization that you had left your phone somewhere in the aisles.

“Oh, I think I left my phone in one of the aisles,” you said, turning to Hongjoong with a small, sheepish smile. “You can go ahead; I’ll just grab it and meet you outside.”

He gave a nod, a relaxed smile on his lips. “Sure, I’ll wait by the car.”

With that, you watched as he made his way toward the exit, the sunlight catching in his hair as he pushed the door open and stepped outside. You quickly retraced your steps through the aisles, scanning the shelves until your eyes finally landed on the familiar shape of your phone, resting innocently among the vibrant blooms. You let out a soft sigh of relief, the tension in your shoulders easing as you picked it up.

Just as you were about to head out, the florist’s voice called out to you, halting your steps mere moments before you could reach the door. You turned to face her, curiosity piqued by the sudden interruption.

“Can I ask you something?” she began, a playful glint in her eyes as she nodded toward the window, where Hongjoong was now leaning casually against his car, his attention elsewhere as he waited for you. “Are you two dating?”

The question caught you off guard, and you instinctively waved your hand dismissively, shaking your head with a quick, almost flustered laugh. “Oh, no, we’re just good friends,” you explained, the words tumbling out in an attempt to clarify. “He’s just helping me out with buying flowers for my landlord today.”

The florist nodded in understanding, though a knowing smile played on her lips. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I think you two would look cute together, though.”

You blinked in surprise, your eyes widening at her unexpected comment. Before you could form a response, she leaned in even closer, her tone even more hushed as she added, “The security cameras actually caught footage of your cute little dance together. Do you wanna see it, by any chance?”

Do you?

The question hung in the air, wrapping itself around your thoughts as you considered the offer. Why would you want to see it? You told yourself it was just a silly moment, a fleeting bit of fun that didn’t hold any deeper meaning. But the more you thought about it, the more a strange, inexplicable curiosity began to take hold. The idea of watching that moment from an outsider’s perspective, of seeing the way you and Hongjoong moved together, felt oddly compelling. You couldn’t quite put your finger on why it mattered—or why you were even hesitating—but the thought lingered, tugging at the edges of your mind.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of internal deliberation, you found yourself nodding. “Sure, I guess I’d like to see it.”

But then, a new thought occurred to you, and your gaze flickered to the door where Hongjoong was still waiting. “But he’s waiting outside,” you murmured, the conflict between curiosity and courtesy evident in your voice.

The florist seemed to catch on immediately, her expression softening with understanding. “No worries,” she said, her tone light and reassuring. “I can send it to you. Here,” she quickly jotted down her contact number and handed it to you with a smile. “Maybe you’ll change your mind later, but if you ever get curious, I’m just a message away.”

Her words were punctuated by a knowing smile, one that hinted at an understanding beyond the surface of your interaction. You returned her smile, feeling a mix of gratitude and a strange sense of anticipation as you tucked the number away.

“Thank you,” you said, your voice sincere as you bid her farewell.

As you stepped outside, the warmth of the setting greeting your skin, you saw Hongjoong look up from his spot by the car. The brief exchange with the florist still lingered in your mind, but you pushed it aside, focusing instead on the simple pleasure of being in his company.

“There you are.” The look in his eyes was fond as he pushed himself off from his car, rounding it to open the passenger seat’s door for you.

You muttered a silent comment of gratitude with a smile, ducking your head as you went inside and shuffled in your seat for about a couple times until you felt comfortable. As Hongjoong went inside the car seconds later, he turned towards you. “What were you two talking about?”

“Oh, the florist?” You tilted your head, and he nodded. It took you a short while to respond as you looked down on your lap. Eventually, you decided to finally meet his gaze. “She was just… asking me who we bought flowers for.”

The look on Hongjoong’s face seemed like an implication that he wasn’t satisfied with your answer, but he decided not to press further, settling with a small smile as he leaned back on his seat and began driving on the way to your apartment. As you and Hongjoong settled into the comforting ambience of his car while admiring the scenery of the warm sky outside, on the flip side, Seonghwa and Wooyoung, who were now snooping around Hongjoong’s studio, were having the time of their lives psychoanalyzing whatever’s going on between the two of you.

“Oh—speaking of, when I was on my way to my office, I crossed paths with one of your fellow photographers and they asked me about her relationship with Hongjoong. Asked him why they were suddenly curious about it and apparently they saw her wearing the sweater Hongjoong would usually wear to work on his lazier days…” Seonghwa trailed off, and Wooyoung’s eyes widened at his words.

Wooyoung snapped his fingers in the air, getting lost in the moment and slamming his hands on one of the tables in Hongjoong’s studio. “Right! I forgot to tell you, but, see, here’s the thing. So, you already know she stayed the night here with the willingness to help Hongjoong finish one of his designs, right?”

Wooyoung waited for a silent nod from Seonghwa, seeing it as a sign for him to continue. When he got what he wanted with the older man, he cleared his throat and leaned forward. “I can’t be too sure about this, but when I visited his office earlier in the morning, she was there, laying down on his couch with his sweater draped over her.”

“I think some sort of seismic activity from my jaw hitting the floor just occured,” Seonghwa whispered to himself. “So, what else is there for me to know about the sweater?”

Wooyoung clasped his hands together, leaning back on his seat slightly. “She told him her landlord asked her to buy some new flowers for her vases today, and he offered to drive her there. At that moment, she realized she was still holding onto his sweater and held it out to him. But, much to the surprise of all of us in the room except for Hongjoong, he told her to not only keep it, but he also told her to wear it because the weather’s cloudy outside! I’m telling you, there has to be something going on between them!”

“I wouldn’t say that…” Seonghwa muttered in a low tone while rubbing his chin. “They’re definitely not dating yet, that’s for sure, but somehow… I feel like Hongjoong’s got heart eyes for her yet is blissfully unaware of it. I mean, you know how he is.”

Just as Wooyoung was about to contribute his own theories to the gossip session, his phone rang in his pocket. Pulling it out, he was greeted by a message notification from Hongjoong flashed on his lockscreen.

It might take a while before I can get back there. The traffic on the way to her apartment is horrible right now.

“...”

“Yep, he’s definitely unaware of it.”

—

“Um…”

You didn’t exactly have the capability to own up to your words, were you to ever say that you’re used to having guests come over your house. The first and last person who’s ever done such a thing was Chloe, and most of the time, she’d only wish to bask in the silence of your house when she felt like hers was becoming too loud to bear.

Now, here you were, feet swaying slightly to the sides as you fiddled with the hem of Hongjoong’s sweater that you haven’t noticed you still haven’t taken off, while he was settled comfortably on the couch, looking at you with a soft gaze—as always…?

“Is everything alright? It’s alright if you’ve changed your mind about having me stay over for dinner, just say the word and I’ll—”

“No, no, that’s not, um…” You were quick to wave your hands off, shaking your head and instinctively moving one step forward, as if to stop him from leaving your abode. “I just… Would you like some water? Or coffee, perhaps? Wait, no, sorry, that sounded so stupid, there’s no way you would want coffee at 7PM in the evening—”

His gentle laugh stopped your mouth from running even faster, and you looked at him with a confused gaze. “Is that why you’ve been silently staring at me for the past few seconds?”

“Well,” you began as you looked around the room, pressing your lips together, making it form a thin line. “I mean, I’m not used to having guests come over, so I just didn’t know what the appropriate thing to say was…”

“A glass of water would be lovely.”

“Right. A glass of water. Gotcha.”

His gaze followed you as you rounded the couch and made your way to the kitchen by your fridge, yet he turned his eyes back to the television in front of him the moment your head subtly moved to the side. Having a nice conversation with the carpet on the floor as he patiently waited for you to come back, he finally turned his head back up with a look of gratitude as you placed a glass of water on the table in front of him. “Thank you,” he said before chugging it all down in one go.

You settled down on the empty spot beside him, making the cushion underneath you sink. You turned your body slightly towards him, the fabric of his loose denim pants rubbing against the skin of your thigh lightly. “Is there anything you’d like to have for dinner? Any favorite dishes, maybe?”

“Actually,” he began, settling his palms on his thighs. “I was thinking we could cook dinner together. It wouldn’t be fair for you to do all the work, especially after a long day.”

You were quick to shake your head in protest. “Hongjoong, I’m the one who invited you over for dinner. It’s my responsibility to make sure everything’s taken care of. You’ve had a long day yourself, and I wouldn’t want to—”

“Let me.”

“...Please?” he soon added, looking at you with a mildly pleading gaze. After a few seconds of contemplation, you finally gave in, responding to his offer with a nod of resignation, which made him smile. It’s endearing how you never have to do anything alone, as long as he’s around. Just how much longer would it take until the idea of doing things without his aid becomes unimaginable?

As you and Hongjoong stood up and made your way to the kitchen, you decided to keep the conversation light and breezy, your earlier question slipping out again as you searched for a starting point. “So… is there any favorite dish you’d like to eat tonight?” you asked out of curiosity.

Hongjoong hummed thoughtfully, leaning against the counter as he crossed his arms. He tilted his head slightly, as if searching through the vaults of his memory. “Hmm… there is one dish that comes to mind, actually. It’s something my mother used to make for me all the time when I was a kid. It’s kind of a comfort food for me, I guess.”

Your interest piqued as you looked at him with anticipation. “Oh? What dish is that?”

He smiled warmly, the light in his eyes softening with nostalgia. “It’s a type of kimchi jjigae, but not just any kind. My mom would make it with extra soft tofu, lots of garlic, and a touch of sweetness from a bit of sugar or honey. She’d add in some pork belly, but the real kicker was the homemade anchovy broth she’d use. It gave the stew this deep, rich flavor that I haven’t been able to replicate on my own. And she always served it with freshly steamed rice and a side of crunchy radish kimchi.”

You could almost taste the dish as he described it, and you nodded along. “That sounds amazing. I’d love to try making it together—if you’re up for it?”

Hongjoong’s face brightened, and he smiled in excitement. “I’d love that too. I’ll do my best to guide you through it, but fair warning, my cooking skills aren’t nearly as good as my mom’s,” he joked while raising his hands in mock surrender.

“I literally worked at a diner for a good long while before I got fired for the most ridiculous reason ever. I’ve got you,” you reassured him with a smile.

You both began the process, starting with reaching for the tofu from the fridge. As you turned back, you nearly collided with Hongjoong. His hand was just inches from yours, holding the green onions, and the proximity caught both of you off guard. For a moment, you were both still, the space between you charged with something electric. His eyes met yours, and you saw a flicker of surprise there. Your breath hitched slightly, feeling your nerves go haywire until Hongjoong cleared his throat softly and took a step back.

“Sorry about that,” he murmured, his voice a little lower than before.

“No, it’s okay,” you replied quickly, your cheeks warming as you placed the tofu on the counter. The lingering closeness left your skin tingling, and you tried to focus on what you were supposed to do, but your thoughts kept drifting back to the way he had looked at you.

Hongjoong began instructing you on how to make the anchovy broth, and you both worked together, cleaning the dried anchovies and preparing the kelp, your hands occasionally reaching for the same ingredient at the same time. At one point, when you both reached for the soy sauce, his fingers wrapped around the bottle just as yours brushed against the cool glass. The brief contact made you both pause, and you glanced up to find him already looking at you, his expression annoyingly soft.

The moment stretched out, a silent exchange passing between you before he finally released the bottle, allowing you to take it. As you poured the soy sauce into the pot, you couldn’t help but wonder what was going through his mind—and if it mirrored the thoughts swirling in your own.

As you leaned over to check the pot on the stove, you felt Hongjoong’s presence close behind you. He didn’t touch you, but you could feel the warmth of his body just inches away, and the awareness of how close he was made your pulse quicken. His breath fanned lightly against your neck as he leaned in to adjust the heat, and for a split second, you thought he might press closer, but he didn’t. Instead, he lingered there, close enough that you could feel the energy between you, almost tangible in the small space.

“You’re really good at this,” he commented, his voice close to your ear, making your heart skip a beat. The compliment was simple, but for some reason, you felt something different due to the way the words came out of his mouth.

“Thanks,” you replied, your voice nearly hushed as you turned slightly to meet his gaze. “I just hope it turns out the way you remember.”

He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. “I’m sure it will.”

The moment lingered longer than it probably should have, and you found yourself staring at him, your thoughts racing. His eyes were warm and inviting, and for a second, you wondered if he might be thinking the same thing you were. But before you could dwell on it, he stepped back, giving you room to breathe.

As you continued cooking, the conversation shifted to lighter topics—his favorite childhood memories, your own cooking mishaps, and the occasional joke that had you both laughing. At one point, when the time to add the garlic and kimchi to the pot came, you reached for a knife just as he did, your fingers accidentally grazing the back of his hand. You both froze for a moment, and when you pulled your hand back, he did the same, a soft laugh escaping his lips.

“Sorry,” he murmured, his gaze lingering on your hand for just a moment longer before he returned to his task.

“No problem,” you replied, feeling a bit flustered as you resumed chopping the garlic.

A little later, while you were stirring the pot, Hongjoong came up behind you, his hands gently guiding yours on the ladle. His touch was light, but the effect was immediate. Your heart skipped a beat as his fingers rested over yours, and you felt the warmth of his breath against your temple as he leaned in closer.

“You’re doing great,” he whispered gently.

As the stew continued to simmer, you found yourselves moving in closer proximity, your movements almost synchronized as you prepared the final touches. You were reaching for the lid of the pot, intending to cover it, when you suddenly felt Hongjoong’s hand on your lower back, a light touch that made you pause. He was standing behind you, his body just inches from yours, and you could feel the warmth of him seeping through your clothes.

You turned your head slightly to look at him, and the closeness of his face to yours caught you off guard. For a split second, you thought he might lean in and close the distance between you. The air was thick with anticipation, your breath caught in your throat as his gaze dropped to your lips.

But then, just as quickly as the moment had come, it passed. He stepped back, his hand leaving your back as he cleared his throat. “Let’s not overcook it,” he said lightly, but there was some sort of hesitance in his voice that hadn’t been there before.

You nodded, feeling a mix of relief and somewhat disappointment as you placed the lid on the pot.

As the final moments of cooking approached, when you reached for the soup bowls at the same time, your fingers brushed against his once more, but this time, neither of you pulled away immediately. You both laughed softly, but the way his hand lingered over yours told you there was more to this moment than just a little joke.

“Sorry,” you mumbled, your cheeks heating up as you finally withdrew your hand.

“It’s okay,” he replied, his voice soft, almost tender. “Really.”

When you both finally sat down to eat, the tension from earlier hung in the air like a weight you couldn’t quite shake. Hongjoong tried to focus on the meal, making small talk about the dish. “This really turned out well,” he said, breaking the silence with a warm smile. “You did a great job with the broth.”

You nodded, returning his smile, but you could feel your mind drifting back to those moments in the kitchen—the closeness, the way he felt so close, yet so far away. “Thanks,” you replied, trying to sound casual. “It’s all because you knew exactly what to do.”

Despite the light conversation, your thoughts kept slipping away from the food in front of you and back to the way his fingers had lingered on yours, how his breath had warmed your skin when he leaned in. You could hardly focus on anything else, and the awkwardness you felt only seemed to grow with each passing moment.

Hongjoong, on the other hand, seemed more composed, as if the closeness had been as natural to him as breathing. You could tell that the only unease he felt was a reflection of your own, a mirror to the nerves that were slowly tying you up in knots. But even so, there was something in his eyes—something just beneath the surface that told you he wasn’t completely unaffected either.

“This is really good,” you commented after a few bites, desperate to fill the silence with anything other than your racing thoughts. “I’d love to eat this more often.”

He looked up at you, a small, pleased smile forming on his lips. “I’m glad you like it. It’s one of my favorites.”

You hesitated for a moment, your mind scrambling for something else to say, something to ease the tension, even if only slightly. “You’ll have to come over more from now on,” you joked. “So we can make it again.”

As soon as the words left your mouth, you realized how they might have sounded, and your heart skipped a beat. You hadn’t meant it to come out that way, but now it was too late to take it back.

Hongjoong paused, his fork hovering in midair as he glanced up at you. For a moment, he just stared, and you could feel the heat rising in your cheeks as his gaze lingered on your lips.

You tried to focus on your food, your grip on the utensils slowly loosening as you found yourself getting lost in his eyes. It was as if everything around you had faded away, leaving only the two of you in that quiet, dimly lit room. Not even the warm lights scattered all over your living room were able to help. You glanced down at his lips, and for a second, you thought he might be leaning in closer, that maybe this time he wouldn’t hesitate.

But then you quickly tore your gaze away, trying to steady your breathing. “Your food’s getting cold,” you muttered, the words coming out softer than you intended.

Hongjoong blinked, as if snapping out of a trance, and he quickly looked away, clearing his throat. “Right, sorry,” he replied, a touch of embarrassment in his voice as he rubbed the back of his neck. You noticed his hand ghost over his face, as if trying to hide the rosy tint that had crept into his cheeks.

Fortunately, before you knew it, dinner was already over, and you found yourselves standing at your front door, the cool evening air slipping in from the hallway. Hongjoong shifted slightly, his hand lingering on the doorframe as he turned to face you.

“Thanks for inviting me over today,” he said with a gentle smile. “I had a really great time.”

You smiled back, though you couldn’t quite meet his eyes. “No, thank you for coming with me to buy those flowers. I probably would’ve been lost without your help.” You let out a light laugh, hoping to ease the tension you both felt, but it only seemed to make it more palpable.

As the conversation lulled, you became acutely aware of just how close he was standing, the space between you shrinking as the seconds ticked by. You could feel your pulse quickening, a soft flutter in your chest that made it hard to breathe normally. There was a moment of silence, just the two of you standing there, lost in each other’s eyes.

You took a small step forward, and almost unconsciously, he did the same, the gap between you closing even further. His hand slowly began to rise, moving towards your neck but stopping just short of touching your face. You could see the conflict in his eyes, the way he hesitated as if unsure whether he should take that final step.

For a second, you convinced yourself that he wouldn’t actually do it, that he would pull back just like before. But then, to your surprise, his hand found its way to your face, his touch gentle as his fingers brushed against your cheek.

Almost without thinking, you nuzzled into his hand, welcoming the touch as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Your own hand came up to rest on top of his, your fingers curling around his as if to anchor yourself in the moment, to make sure it wasn’t just a dream.

But just as you were about to say something, to lean in just a bit closer, the shrill ring of his phone cut through the quiet, startling you both. You flinched slightly, pulling back as you glanced down at the screen, which displayed Wooyoung’s name.

The sudden interruption felt like a cold splash of reality, and you quickly stepped back, trying to regain your composure. “You might need to answer that,” you mumbled, turning your face to the side to hide the disappointment in your expression.

Hongjoong hesitated, clearly torn between ignoring the call and staying in the moment with you. But seeing how you had pulled away, he sighed softly and stepped back as well. “Yeah, I probably should,” he said, his voice tinged with regret. “He’s been trying to reach me all day.”

You let out a small, forced laugh, finally looking back at him. “See you when I see you?”

He nodded, a reassuring smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Yeah, see you when I see you.”

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving you standing in the doorway, watching as he disappeared down the hall. The moment the door closed behind him, you let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding, leaning against the door as you slid down onto the floor.

Your heart was still racing, the memory of his touch still lit aflame, and you couldn’t help but wonder what might have happened if Wooyoung hadn’t called—if that tension would have finally broken, or if you both would have continued to dance around it, pretending it wasn’t there.

It was all confusing, truly. The way his gaze kept traveling back and forth between your lips and your eyes, the way he kept initiating small touches here and there that seemed to still have been lingering on your skin even up till now, the way it felt like you two were separate threads tangled up in each other attempting to break free from the knot. What was most confusing was how you didn’t even mind any of it. Maybe it was all bound to happen, maybe the circumstances required the proximity, maybe he just couldn’t move around that much.

But your kitchen wasn’t even that small.

🪞 — lividstar.

[chl0writes]

SP Characters’ Hobbies.

Headcanon because I had lots of fun writing the last one :)

Billie Dean Howard.

Billie Dean is a busy lady, so free time can be a rarity.

As Billie spends a lot of the year away shooting, the pair of you are often apart. So when she comes home, anything she does do, it is an absolute necessity for you to be by her side.

The Wordle has Billie in a strong chokehold. She never misses a day and she gets particularly cocky when she does it in less attempts than you.

Billie loves to play games. Whether it’s a game on her phone or a board game, she loves to play. And she’s rather competitive.

Shopping. Billie Dean likes to spend money and it is no secret. She is always showering you with gifts.

Billie is a huge fan of the theatre. So are you. If she is ever filming in New York, she takes you along with her so you can catch a Broadway show every night.

This lady is obsessed with reality tv. She has binged every single real housewife programme and knows everything there is to know about each Kardashian.

Lana Winters.

Lana’s main hobby is writing. It is her job after all.

Lana loves to read. She tends to steer clear from the thrillers as they can be triggering to her. The classics are her favourite and she’s partial to a good romance.

Knitting is something Lana enjoys in small doses. She couldn’t ever make a blanket or a sweater because she would just get bored halfway through and give up.

Listen, Lana likes to dance- when nobody can see her. Or when she’s drunk. If she’s on her own and a good song comes on the radio, she will start to move. If she’s had one too many drinks In a bar or at a wedding, she will be all over that dance floor.

Do not ever let this lady in the kitchen. You thought you were a bad cook? Lana was worse. Food delivery services had become your best friend. She hates cooking, despises it.

Cordelia Goode.

Cordelia doesn’t have too many hobbies. She does however, adore plants.

She is very specific in the way that she waters them and the way that she positions them so the sun can hit them in the right place. You might have to ban her from the plant section in the store, because she has no self control when it comes to buying new plants and flowers for the house.

Cordelia has so much to give, which is why she truly adores teaching lessons to her girls.

You love to read but Cordelia doesn’t really have the ability to lose herself in a book the way you do.

There is nothing more relaxing to Cordelia than long walks in the evening, just as the sun is setting. It’s one of your favourite things to do together.

Bette & Dot Tattler.

These ladies love to bake. Baking with them often ends up in arguments because Dot is too bossy, and Bette is too messy, but it doesn’t ever stop them. You’re useless in the kitchen so you just sit back and observe.

They both love to sing. Not so much in public anymore, but singing to you when you’re watching the sunset or cozy by the fire is one of their favourite things to do.

They love sunsets, and stargazing. They would drag you outside almost every night to sit on the grass and gaze into the sky for hours.

Bette loves to experiment with makeup. She loves to stare at you while you do your own makeup every morning and is always asking you to put some on her. Dot however, does not and will not let you go anywhere near her face with a makeup brush.

Sally McKenna.

You

Before Sally had met you, her hobbies consisted of excessive drug use, binge drinking and chain smoking. She still does all of that. Just in smaller amounts. You are working really hard to wean her off of the drugs though.

Because of you, Sally rediscovered her love for music. You set her up with a Spotify account on her phone and she spends hours making all different kinds of playlists.

Sally had told you all about her music career in her past life. One day, you surprised her with a brand new guitar and she cried for a whole week.

You have never heard anybody play guitar like Sally McKenna. She is incredible. She loves to learn the chords of your favourite songs and within hours she is playing you the most beautiful acoustic renditions of them.

Sally sees herself as quite the influencer. She is always taking pictures and videos to share on her various social media accounts. She can lose herself to TikTok for hours.

Audrey Tindall.

Obviously acting is her whole life. Even when she isn’t on-screen, she definitely uses those wicked acting skills to her advantage.

Audrey always has new scripts to learn and she will always record herself reading through her lines on a voice memo. Audrey likes to run a lot, this way she can listen to her lines while she is running.

Audrey is an avid television watcher. You both spend hours binging on shows and having movie marathons.

She hates to clean. Hates it.

Ally Mayfair-Richards.

Being senator and a mom takes up a lot of Ally’s time. Is being a mom a hobby? Because being Oz’s mother is her absolute favourite thing to do. Besides you.

Wine testing? Sign Ally up. She loves to go out and discover new wines to add to her collection at home, which is so big it’s concerning.

She is a little bit obsessed with the food network channel.

Ally enjoys cleaning more than the average person. She cannot do anything until her surroundings are clean and she will not hesitate to re-tidy something if she is not satisfied with the way that you have done it.

Lego. Oz has so much lego and he loves to build with his mom. She doesn’t admit it, but Ally loves sitting cross legged on the floor building houses and cars out of the bricks.

Wilhemina Venable.

Before Mina met you, her life didn’t really exist outside of the office. You introduced her to so many new things and she will be forever grateful.

She read a little before. Now, she always has a book in her hand.

Mina loves to listen to music, she always has. It helped on the days her thoughts were particularly loud. One of her favourite things about you is how much you adore music too.

This woman, is an insane cook. She finds it therapeutic. You are in awe of the way that she takes the most basic recipes and makes them 10x better.

Mina hasn’t ever been a huge watcher of films or TV, but she will sit with you while you are watching Netflix and she becomes rather invested with some of the shows you watch.

She hates Greys Anatomy. Hates anything medical.

[jellybeanbeing]

Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag 2019

1. Best Book You've Read So Far in 2019?

ON THE JELLICOE ROAD BY MELINA MARCHETTA - I will never shut up about this because it’s such a great book. It’s a story within a story about pain, friendships, family, and as cheesy as it sounds, finding yourself and a purpose. It is confusing at first, but once you hit the 50-75 page mark, you’re invested into the story and its characters. It really amazed me at how well it revealed the mysteries and how everything is connected. It makes the story all the more beautiful. The romance is also so so good.

2. Best Sequel You've Read So Far in 2019?

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater - Holy cow, this book is amazing. I reread The Raven Cycle again this year and this time around, TDT completely captured and stole my heart. It was fun, exciting, thrilling, and so so heartbreaking. Maggie Stiefvater writes the characters (especially Ronan and the Lynch family) so well in here. It’s hard not to fall in love with everyone. This is a book that will make you feel powerful. Also, the slow burn romance is SO UNBELIEVABLY GOOD AND HURTS MY SOUL.

3. New Release You Haven't Read Yet, But Want To?

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston - I need to get on this book because everyone and their mother are talking about this and are in love with it and I want to be in love with it too.

4. Most Anticipated Release For the Second Half of 2019?

Call Down the Hawk by Maggie Stiefvater - The Raven Cycle is one of my all time favorite series and I love how well Ronan and the Lynch family are written, so how could I not be excited about CDTH?

The Toll by Neal Shusterman - When Neal Shusterman announced that he finished The Toll, I freaked out! I’m so so excited for it because book two left us on a HUGE cliffhanger and I need to know what happens next and if my children will survive and live happily ever after.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo - As for Ninth House, the entire premise of the novel intrigues me so much. It seems dark and gritty, and I love that. I’ve seen some author blurbs and review, saying that it is incredible so I’m really hoping that it is and I can love it because I really do like how well Leigh Bardugo can write her complex characters and plots.

5. Biggest Disappointment?

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - On the Jellicoe Road is my favorite book so I was hoping that I would love this book too. Sadly, I didn’t. Unlike last year where I didn’t even finished the book for this question, I actually finished Saving Francesca. My overall thoughts were “this isn’t enough”. The character development was meh, the storyline was all over the place, the romance was lukewarm, and everything was brushed over. I definitely saw the parallels between this and Jellicoe Road but the aspects that are in this book and Jellicoe, are written better in Jellicoe. Francesca was a character I couldn’t really put my finger on. Her personality kept changing to the point where I didn’t know what her intentions were anymore. William Trombal is maybe the worst love interest ever. He’s just a cheating smart ass. I guess the thing I’m most disappointed in is that it failed to make me feel sad and really care about anything. Francesca’s mother is in a state of depression but that was like a side thing that wasn’t explored and I wanted it to. I don’t know. I’ll stop here. I was just so disappointed.

6. Biggest Surprise?

Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid - I never intended to read this book but everyone was gushing all over it that I just had to. I guess why I didn’t want to read in the first place was because Evelyn Hugo was so good and I was afraid that Daisy Jones would be an almost carbon copy especially with the whole “old famous stars reveal a big secret” kind of plot in both. But I took a chance and boy, did I fall in love. I know people have their opinions on this book and I respect that but I really loved it. It pulled me in and I could see everything that was happening. It was such a great read.

7. Favourite New Author?

I actually don’t have one. I feel like for an author to be my favorite, I have to have read more than one or two books from them and actually liked them.

8. Newest Fictional Crush?

Jonah Griggs from Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta - I love love love love love Jonah Griggs so much and with all of my being. He’s just great and amazing. He’s not your typical YA love interest and that’s one thing I love.

9. Newest Favourite Character?

Ronan Lynch from The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater - The way he’s written and the complexity of his character just makes it so hard not to love him. He starts out as this badass who always wants to fight someone to becoming this person who loves and cares so much for the people he is close with. Also, The Dream Thieves is a masterpiece in the way it’s written and how Ronan’s character evolves.

10. A Book That Made You Cry?

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo - I decided to reread SOC & CK this year in preparation for King of Scars and I knew that ending was coming and I was ready for it, but I still bawled my eyes out so hard. I was sad for an entire week, not to mention that it carried on into King of Scars which was just fantastic. So basically I was sad and crying for a good two weeks.

The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater - I was not expecting to cry as much because I remembered only crying about one thing, but there was so many things that I hadn’t realized that were so important to the book and to the characters and that related to me so much. I cried so much and for the longest time ever.

11. A Book That Made You Happy?

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro - It has been so long since I’ve read a book and not cried through it, but that I thoroughly enjoyed and had so much fun with. A Study in Charlotte was so cute and fun, but also very dark with all the murders that had occurred. I love Brittany Cavallaro’s version of Holmes and Watson. They’re very different but they still hold their roots. I also love how the characters are high schoolers because this way, we get to see a version of Holmes who is still growing into their skin with being a genius and all, and Watson learning to deal with younger version of Holmes.

12. Favourite Book To Movie Adaptation You Saw This Year?

Howl’s Moving Castle - I’ve never read the book and probably am never going to, but the Studio Ghibli’s movie of Howl’s Moving Castle is a favorite of mine. It’s basically a tradition for me to watch it every year.

13. Favourite Review You've Written This Year?

The Raven Cycle Music Playlist - I love music a lot and I love The Raven Cycle a lot so putting the two together was just so fun for me. The Raven Cycle is very atmospheric and the dynamics between and within each character is so different that I feel that there is a song that truly belongs to them. And it’s also fun to listen to the songs and be reminded of my favorite book series.

14. Most Beautiful Book You Bought So Far This Year?

How to Make Friends With The Dark by Kathleen Glasgow - I absolutely love the blue and black ombré effect along with the white specks and outlining of the girl. It’s just so beautiful.

15. What Books Do You Need To Read By The End of The Year?

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman

[howlingwind]

01. what’s your name/alias you go by ??

my name is jeff !! lmfao (i don’t let memes die) it’s not my real name but i’ve gone by cody on tumblr for a long time

02. what’s your age ??

twenty. jfc i’m old. but also apparently a fetus??

03. what’s your zodiac sign ??

aries, which couldn’t feel further from correct lmfao

04. what’s your ethnicity ??

uhh mostly italian & sicilian, but you could probably point to any white place in europe and i’ll have a little bit of that in me. i’m also 1/16th native american but it’s such a small amount and sadly i don’t even know which tribe to learn more about them.

05. what’s your nationality ??

‘murican

06. what’s your favorite band and/or musical artist ??

i’m super indecisive about everything, so it’s difficult for me to pick faves (as you’ll see in a sec) but… mac miller,  post malone, johnny cash, eminem, tenacious d, colter wall, kehlani, bruno mars, snoop dogg, elvis presley, justin timberlake, sublime, the rolling stones, etc etc there’s probably a lot i’m forgetting tho. i like most types of music except country. well, modern country anyway.

07. what’s your dream job ??

uh, i don’t have one? i mean yeah, i’d love to be a writer, or game dev, or a narrative director on a game, or direct, write, or act in movies or television, but like…i could live without any of that stuff. i just want to make a decent living, be able to own a house, not completely hate my job. yknow, not a glamorous life but a good one.

08. what’s one place you would love to visit ??

idk there’s a lot of places i’d like to go, but i’d most like to visit alpha centauri, even tho that’ll never happen lol

09. what’s your favorite tv show ??

i can’t pick that! but i love a lot of shows. general hospital, lucifer, the 100, supernatural, stranger things, izombie, south park, legends of tomorrow, once upon a time, arrow (at times), dragon ball, big brother, riverdale, chilling adventures of sabrina, that 70′s show, the ranch, umm… i could probably keep listing forever.

10. what’s your favorite movie ??

hmmmm, again i’ve got a list but… joe dirt, the new guy, why him, the waterboy, 50 first dates, all the spider-man movies, thor ragnarok, man of steel, 21 jump street, 22 jump street ,and a fuckton more lol 

11. what’s your favorite song ??

constantly in flux, but the current faves are — creep by radiohead, stay by post malone, no below by speedy ortiz, unshaken by d’angelo, cruel cruel world by willie nelson, wanksta by 50 cent, shooter by lil wayne & robin thicke, stressed out by 21 pilots, self care by mac miller (along with practically everything on his final album), and i will always, un-ironically love only in america by riff raff. he’s not the greatest ever but that song is hilarious and always puts me in a good mood.

12. what’s your favorite sport ??

can i say rocket league? lol

13. what’s your favorite food ??

pizza, unquestionably. cereal is a damn close second tho. or pot stickers. damn, i’m hungry… 

14. what’s your favorite face claim to use ??

typically, i’ve always really liked using paul wesley, chris wood, and matt daddario. i’m using lindsey morgan for the first time now though, and i really like her as an fc too.

15. what’s your least favorite face claim ??

to use?? um pretty much any singer or model just bc their resources aren’t too great. i really didn’t enjoy using pete davidson as much as i thought i would, either lol

to see… uh probs emma roberts or andy biersack. emma for obvs reasons but also bc i once had a really bad experience with people using those fcs. idm people using whoever they feel like using tho.

16. what’s your favorite character of yours to play ?? which do you think you’re most like ??

oh man, uhh i really enjoy writing chrissy & theo. they both speak to me. but tbh i’m not much like any of my characters? i’m boring af so i tend not to make any like me lol. i am kinda like theo in the sense that i’m quiet, and really just try to be a good person. other than that i’m most like jason solely based on the fact we’re both human lol

17. what’s your sexuality ??

danversexual. attracted only to fictional danvers women, examples including carol, kara, and alex danvers.

lmfao but nah i’m just a boring straight boy. well, like 99.9% straight. jensen ackles makes me question shit.

18. what’s the last movie you saw in a cinema/theater ??

captain marvel (thanks to dani lol). only two months late but it was worth the experience haha.

19. what’s the worst injury you’ve ever had ??

thankfully i’ve never really hurt myself too terribly except for a broken wrist, but between the ages of 10-17 i’d occasionally hurt my back by sitting weird, usually in an attempt to play video games without the glasses i desperately needed lol. once when i was like 11 i laid belly down on the couch with my elbows up on the arm of it for like three hours, which messed me up for days, then a few other times i hurt myself, but another bad one when i was 17, i had my back curved while sitting and propping my laptop up on my knee, tried to move and literally just cried, crawled on the floor, and laid there all night until i forced myself to move in the morning. lol luckily it hasn’t happened since i lost a little weight.

20. what’s a random or interesting fact about you ??

uhm, nothing? i literally can’t think of one, i’m dull af. i uh.. i replaced my own cpu cooler once? lmfao

21. do you listen to music while you write ??

sometimes. a lot of time i just like the silence or ambient background noise, but if i’ve got a fitting playlist for the vibe of what i’m trying to write, i’ll use it!

22. are you a morning, day, evening, or night writer ??

i’m a never writer, apparently v___v but lol ideally a night writer, my best work is between the hours of 12am & 4am, but my sleeping schedule is so inconsistent, and so is my dad’s who spends literally every waking moment of his telling me different stuff he wants done, so it’s tough to hit that sweet spot. i write whenever i get a chance tho.

23. have you ever roleplayed intoxicated ??

lol nah i’ve never even had a drink. like what teenager doesn’t have a drink at some point?? i told you i’m lame.

24. what language or languages do you speak ??

english, barely. and assassin’s creed 2 taught me some italian swears. and ac: odyssey has had me occasionally dropping “malaka” bombs since the day i first played it haha.

25. how long have you roleplayed ??

officially, about 9 years. i started at 11 on myspace, rping dragon ball z stuff. but basically about 12 years, if you count how from the ages of 8-11 i’d put an anime pic up on my myspace, pretend i was older, and talk to roleplayers i didn’t realize were roleplayers lmfao.

26. favorite roleplay genre ??

i like pretty much anything, tbh. as long as it’s well thought out, has an interesting plot, or whatever. sometimes it doesn’t even need that, it just needs to catch my eye or line up with something i’m looking for. but yeah, supernatural, multi-fandom, sci-fi, romance, town rps, high school/college rps, anime rp (well, pokemon mostly), harry potter… i’ve done it all tbh and don’t particularly have a favorite.

27. one sound you hate & one you love ??

the sound of cotton stretching is the absolute worst thing to me. or scratching cotton. idk, it just sends chills up and down my spine and makes my hands feel weak lmfao. i’m weird. i really love the sound of rain, or fire crackling, or like “ambient” harp or ukulele music.

28. do you believe in ghosts ??

short answer, yes. long answer… i’m pretty sure i was friends with a ghost girl as a kid?? like no joke, even looking back at it through rational “adult” eyes, i’m still convinced. my fam moved into a new apartment, and pretty much right after that i started having dreams about a girl my age at the time (11-12). i’d never seen her before but the dreams would be like just conversations, like i was visiting a friend or something. i don’t remember them much, but i do remember the feeling of someone else in my room all the time, like you know how if someone else is around you just know even if you’re not looking at them? like that. there was even one night i was getting in bed, laid there a minute, and then i could have absolutely sworn somebody came in the room and sat down next to me on the bed because i felt the bed sink a little under their weight, but i looked and no one was there. i had a really vivid conversation/dream/thing that night. then a few nights later, for the first time since moving there i didn’t have one. the next morning my dad was really freaked out and said he fell asleep in the chair, but woke up and couldn’t breathe, and felt cold little hands over his mouth. he rationalized it as just waking up from a nightmare but i didn’t think so, so that night when i went to sleep and saw her i got really upset, yelled at her for it, and woke up right after. then i never saw or heard anything even remotely similar again, like she left or disappeared or something. it’s so weird, and i know how crazy it sounds, but yeah. don’t get me started on the topic of ghosts lmfao. THEN AGAIN, like a year later we had a carbon monoxide scare, but i really doubt the two were related because that would mean there was an entire year that we were breathing it in and the monitor didn’t do anything lol

29. do you believe in aliens ??

no alien story, thankfully, but it just makes no sense not to believe in them to me. like, we probably don’t have them on earth, and we’ve probably never encountered any, but it’s as close as you can get to a mathematical certainty that there’s some other life out there in the universe.

30. do you believe in true love ??

like, people who are just meant for each other, like romantic soulmates? nah not really. but i believe that two people can grow to truly love one another. whether it’s based off an initial attraction/infatuation, or a friendship, or both. i’d actually argue that’s a simple explanation of the biological science behind the feeling of love, but that’s an essay i’m not gonna write lol. but there’s apparently a lot of different types of love, so i guess “true love” is suggestive? 

also slightly unrelated but i don’t-quite-believe-in-but-am-open-to-the-idea-of soulmates, not necessarily as two souls who are just meant for each other romantically and always end up together, but more as two or more souls that gravitate toward each other to make up the important people in each other’s lives, like family members, lovers, or close friends. but that’s more of a theoretical idea/possibility than an actual belief of mine.

31. do you hold grudges ??

um, yes. lol i try not to, and i really do want everyone to be their best/happiest selves, but some people man… some people can take a long walk off a short pier lmao

32. do you have any obsessions right now ??

PO KE MON GOTTA CATCH EM ALLLLL. also… life is strange (thanks dani lol). supernatural. stranger things (thanks dani & steph) the 100 / clexa / becho  (thanks steph). lucifer. captain marvel (thanks dani). the song “creep” by radiohead and all its covers (tom ellis, haley reinhart, etc). cyberpunk 2077 (thanks dani). as you can see, i’m easily influenced lmfao.

33. do you drive & if so, have you ever been in a crash ??

nope i don’t drive, precisely because i’d definitely end up in a crash lol

34. do you like the smell of gasoline ??

uh that’s a big fat no from me, chief

35. do you prefer writing fluff, angst, or smut ??

i like it all equally, i think. i just really like writing & rp in general. i did run a smut rp once in the past tho. it gets old quick tbh and is the one of the three i can live without lol

36. are you in a relationship ??

bahahahahahahaha no.

37. grab the nearest book to you and turn to page 23, what is the 17the line ??

❝  “and why would that be?” kronos’s golden eyes glittered.  ❞

— the last olympian by rick riordan.

38. put your playlist on shuffle and list the first four songs that pop up:

1. season of the witch – donovan 2. riot van – arctic monkeys 3. busta rhymes – qveen herby 4. der kommissar – after the fire

also i gotta cheat because it’s too perfect that the next two are

5. stay – mac miller (one of my favorites ever that i forgot to mention above) 6. only in america – riff raff (i just love this ok. the video is hilarious but tw james franco for those that don’t like him)

[thisselflovecamebacktome]

Rainbow Thoughts

General: While I definitely love some songs more than others, it’s a really well made album and I love all the different sounds and messages in it.

Bastards: Honestly, it took me a moment to realise the album had started because I was expecting such a different sound by the title of the song. But honestly, and I will probably say this a lot during this post, this is a theme. It may not be something you scream out in a car or a typical ‘feel good’ track, but I’m sure there’s going to be more than a few nights and early mornings where I play this to myself to feel better.

Favourite lyric: I know people gonna talk shit, and darling, that's fine, but they won't break my spirit, I won't let ’em win,

Let ‘em Talk: I really love the production here. Like there’s so few songs out there where I fully feel the production and lyrics are in sync, but this is one of them. Definitely one I’m going to be blaring out on car trips with my friends who drive.

Favourite lyric: 'Cause life is short and we only got one shot. So let's go balls-out, give it everything we got.

Woman: I’ve already spoken about how much I love this song and want to scream out the lyrics at all times, and that hasn’t changed. Not particularly to do with this song, but finding out that the song at the start of the music video was the start of Hunt You Down was pretty cool too.

Favourite lyric: Everything I got, I bought it, boys can’t buy my love, buy my love, yeah.

Hymn: Once again, I’ve spoken about how I like this song so I’ll keep it short. Honestly, it took a few listens to get into but I really do love the relaxing feel and hopefulness of it now.

Favourite lyric: After all we've been through, no, we won't stand and salute. So we just ride, we just cruise, livin' like there's nothing left to lose.

Praying: This song still owns my soul. Like I would have loved this song a few years back when I needed it, but it still makes bawl every time I hear it. It is literally everything I’ve wanted to say to certain people. The way it makes forgiveness out to be a strength instead of a weakness and implies that you can forgive someone without wanting anything to do with them is something I have always felt and been criticised for so it means a lot that it’s around now, even if I need it “less” than before,

Favourite lyric: When I’m finished, they won't even know your name.

Learn To Let Go: Literally another song that 16 year old me could have used. Like thankfully I did learn to let go earlier but yeah. I like the song and it’s got a great message, but to be honest, it’s not my type of production. At some point, I’d love to hear an acoustic/piano based version of the song.

Favourite lyric: Life ain’t always fair, but hell is living in resentment.

Finding you: To me, this is a cute song about finding someone who makes life that bit easier and who you want to spend forever with. I’m not someone who believes in forever or individual soulmates or whatever, but this song does speak to the inner hopeless romantic in me that someday I may find someone who makes me feel this.

Favourite lyric: The whole chorus to be honest.

Rainbow: A theme to be honest. Like I just love everything about this song. The production, the lyrics, the meaning, it all is just incredible and I cried the whole way through. Like I just don’t know what else to say, I just love and relate to it completely.

Favourite lyric: Yeah, maybe my head's fucked up, but I'm falling right back in love with being alive.

Hunt You Down: Before He Cheats who? Picture To Burn what? We got a new song about getting back at douchey exes, or more in this case, the threat of that leading the way. Just kidding, I love all those songs, but I can definitely see this one being played a lot on car trips. All up, it’s classic country music at its best to be honest and an absolute jam.

Favourite lyric: You say you've had your fun and that you're done and I'm the one. Just know that if you fuck around, boy, I'll hunt you down.

Boogie Feet: Definitely the biggest throwback to Kesha’s old music in my opinion. While it’s not one of my favourites at the moment, it’s still good and a nice fun track that I’ll probably dance around the house to.

Favourite lyric: Some people, seem mean and nasty, but I think they're just unhappy.

Boots: Once again, a jam. There’s not one particular thing I could say about why I like the song, it just runs smoothly and I like it to be honest.

Favourite lyric: If you can't handle these claws, you don't get this kitty.

Old Flames: I really like the idea/message of this song. Like the fact that you can look back on something and realise that it was good while still appreciating and realising that what you have now is just as good, if not better is a theme that isn’t shown a lot in media in general let alone music but I reckon it should be shown more. I don’t know, I guess just a pull away from the “He was an asshole, you’re good” or “I still want you even though I’m with him” stories just feels nice to me, Dolly did a great job on the song too, and their voices worked really well together.

Favourite lyric: With a word, or a touch, I could've rekindled that fire, but old flames can't hold a candle to you.

Godzilla: In some ways, I feel like this is going to be the Pray You Catch Me from Lemonade of this album. That may sound weird, but what I mean by it is that it’s probably going to be the underrated song that is good, but that gets washed out due to being a romance song on a track of powerful meaning songs. Personally though, I love it. It’s cute and makes me smile the whole way through. Definitely will be going on my playlists.

Favourite lyrics: ‘His emerald eyes, they sparkle and shine as he eats the food court and steals half my fries’ ‘I try to explain that he's mostly tame as long as there's pizza and video games’ and ‘What do you get when you meet Godzilla and fall in love?’ (Cheating to have more than one, I know, but that’s how cute I find this song).

Spaceship: Personally this song just isn’t for me. That’s not to say it’s a bad song or it doesn’t have an audience at all, because neither of those would be true, I am just not the audience. It is a nice relaxing song though, like I can see the appeal to it, as I said, it’s just not something that appeals to me. I will also say that while it doesn’t appeal to me, I can appreciate that Kesha’s sounds good vocally on it in my opinion.

Favourite lyric: You don't need to cry, I'm gon' be going home.

All up, like I said, it’s a solid album that incorporates a lot of different sounds that on the most part work with the songs. And even though the grammy committee don’t seem to be as fond of sonically diverse albums, I could really see it getting an album of the year nomination and potentially even win if lucky, which, if I’m honest, is what I am hoping for considering this is probably my favourite album of the year so far.

[alleiradayne]

writer’s process

@jonogueira remembered me! *squee*

So here are some questions about writing...

Short stories, novels, or poems?

Short stories and novels. I used to do poetry back in the day, but not anymore.

What genre do you prefer reading?

Modern fiction. I still have a fantasy idea that I think would be fun to nail down, I’m just really bogged down with so many projects.

What genre do you prefer writing?

Thrillers and romance. Together. Lots of action and lots of romance. :D

Are you a planner or a write-as-I-go kind of person?

I’ve done both. And I hate writing-as-I-go. Holy shit all I do is write myself into a corner when I do that. That’s the worst. I have to rewrite Bang Your Head, but for now, I’m letting it settle so I can outline my next big project and get it written.

What music do you listen to while writing?

Tons of stuff. Anything from metal, to drum & bass, to classical, to jazz, to classic rock, to soundtracks. I have playlists...

Fave books/movies?

Books: This list is hard because sometimes I forget the shit I’ve read. But off the top of my head: A Song of Ice and Fire, Sword of Truth, Wheel of Time, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, Great Gatsby, Brave New World, All Quiet on the Western Front, Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel... there’s more.

Movies: Blues Brothers, Back to the Future, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Hidden Figures, there’s a ton more I could put here.

Any current WIPs?

The End, which is a five-act longfic for Supernatural featuring Sam and Dean and two original female characters that are hunters.

Curing the Cursed, which is a one-shot within the The End universe, featuring Sam and Natalie, one of the original characters.

I actually have a beta right now. And she is just... out of this world. I cannot express how amazing she is. So while it’s taking me a really long time to get this stuff written and posted, it’ll be worth it because it’ll be hella polished and clean and won’t require me to go back and fix stupid shit later. :P

If someone were to make a cartoon out of you, what would your standard outfit be?

plaid, skinny jeans, boots.

Create a character description for yourself:

Wild purple curls frame a deceptively young, petite, square face with wide hazel eyes. Though short in stature, she carries herself with an air of confidence, bordering on arrogant. But she wears an approachable smile more often than not. A short conversation belays her demure appearance of plaid, jeans, and boots; “fuck” is bandied about like punctuation.

Do you like incorporating people you actually know into your writing?

Amallia is an amalgamation of myself and my husband. But that’s about it.

Are you kill-happy with characters?

Nope, I killed Alistair once and was absolutely depressed for days after that. It was an excellent piece of writing and really hit all the emotional beats I wanted, but got damn, I cried.

Coffee or tea while writing?

Waaaaaaateeeeeerrrrrrrr

Slow or fast writer?

Slow. Slow af. Seriously a sentence could take me an hour to craft. And English is my only language.

Where/who/what do you find inspiration from?

Mostly lived experiences and the people around me. Supernatural is a great storytelling agent because it allows a writer to dress a message up in a monster. The moster is just a vehicle for a theme. So I’m focusing on very concrete themes of trust, respect, integrity, honesty, and love for this fanfic.

If you were put into a fantasy world, what would you be?

A motherfuckin’ dragon.

Most fave book cliche? Least fave book cliche?

Most: Riding off into the sunset with a newfound family.

Least: Killing characters to shock readers... and no GRRM does not do this, Ned’s death was fucking obvious. The show doesn’t understand that, though.

Fave scenes to write?

Heavy emotional scenes. Action sequences. Foreshadowing is fun, too.

Oh, and sex. Smut is hella fun.

Most productive time of day for writing?

i’m not sure; it feels random. Sometimes I get inspire and write a shit ton. Sometimes I don’t. I think it’s at night. But if I have distractions (internet, another person, work) I find it impossible to write.

Reason for writing:

Because I fucking love it. I love telling stories. I always have. Whether verbal or written, I absolutely love telling stories. I probably would have been a damn Bard in a fantasy setting, not a dragon. Or a Dragon that’s a Bard. Can you imagine that? My hoard would be musical instruments and scrolls of stories. I smell a plot bunny...

Here’s the part where I admit that I’m a terrible member of the fanfiction community. I am terrible at reading fanfiction and I tend to forget who and what I’ve read. So I’m only going to tag a few people...

@@@oneshoeshort , @@@supernatural-jackles , and @fuckyou-mavhenan .