jisungsdaydreamer

[jisungsdaydreamer]

this is so cute GUYS GO READ HER WORKS! she deserves more rec

heroine’s manual S1 E4

GENRE: Romcom, Drama | love triangles, childhood friends, high school au | INSPIRED BY: Heroine Shikkaku (shoujo manga) | LENGTH: ~ 1.7K | RATING: Teen | WARNINGS: food, kiss, cheating | PAIRINGS: Minho x MC (Reader), Minho x OC (Heather), Jungwoo × MC (Reader) | TAGLIST: @linoscence @elizabeth11moreno  (ask to be added)

♡ previous episode 

♡ return to main

FOUR. I can't stop thinking about him and he confessed he has feelings for me too.

A guy- handsome, if you're being honest- shows up one day with the intention to steal your heart. He's no rival to Minho in your heart, and hopefully he doesn't get in the way.

“So," you address those seated at the table with you. Notably, Minho is missing. He can hear about this later. Or never, it's not significant. "Jungwoo came up to me and said we should date.” 

“Kim Jungwoo?” Jisung almost spits out the food from his full mouth. Seungmin glares at him, hissing for him to have some decency for once, before he turns his attention back to you. 

Hyunjin, who usually stays quiet during discussions of your love life, speaks up. “That's interesting. Jungwoo doesn’t date. He kisses and plays with girls' hearts, but he doesn’t usually ask anyone out. No, he’s the one who’s approached.” The opportunity to gossip apparently overrides whatever dislike Hyunjin harbors against you. 

“He’s kind of like Minho, in a way.” Seungmin muses. “A bit of a jerk when it comes to girls. Do you think that’s your type?”

“I don’t even like him!” 

“Well, I guess it’s good you didn’t fall for his charms. He might break your heart. Well, you are good at bouncing back. But still," Hyunjin says. He grimaces and rolls his eyes at you. "It sucks to see you moping. You make our days miserable, too.” 

You stick out your tongue at Hyunjin for saying that. He makes a face at you in return. Seungmin and Jisung simply laugh.

"What's so funny?" Minho drops his tray on the table and takes his seat next to Jisung. 

"Hyunjin's face," you mutter. 

Jisung turns to Minho with a huge grin. "Guess who got asked out today?" 

Minho drops his sandwich, and it falls to the floor with a splat. Jisung stares sadly at it. 

You wonder if you're imagining Minho's smile momentarily dropping. "Oh, that's cool." He says that without an ounce of enthusiasm. "What did you tell them?" It's not you he's looking at.

"N-not me! Who would like me?" Jisung chuckles awkwardly and points at you. "She's the one Kim Jungwoo’s into."

"Anyone who turns you down is a tasteless fool missing out on- wait, you're going out with Jungwoo?" Minho suddenly turns to you midsentence, his words are tinged with more than one emotion, though they're tangled together so well that you can't tell them apart. If anything, you hear something akin to disbelief in his voice.

Of course not, you're the one I like- that's your line. However the sentences that slip past your lips aren't faithful to the script. 

"Is there any reason why I shouldn't?" You can't look Minho in the eyes as you speak. You focus on his mouth, the corners slightly downturned. "Am I not supposed to date?"

Minho purses his lips but doesn't answer. "I'll go get something else to eat." 

As he walks away, Seungmin shares a look with you. "Maybe a rival was the push he needed to figure things out," he comments. 

It's shouldn't be surprising. You are the heroine, after all. This is how the story is meant to play out.

Still, there's this feeling that something's off.

Something changes with Minho. According to Seungmin, Minho keeps sending glances your way when you're not paying attention.

"I couldn't believe it myself, but he's been acting strange since Jungwoo showed up. Or maybe it's-" Seungmin abruptly goes silent as if a revelation struck him. "Never mind. Minho has always been better with felines than humans. He needs time to figure out what he truly wants."

You've waited all this time. A little longer can't hurt, right?

It starts to seem less strange with Heather around than not. Something that has never happened with one of Minho's girlfriends.

Strangely, you see her with Hyunjin more often than Minho. Besides sharing most of their classes, they apparently also share quite a few interests.

It works for you if they end up together. Then Minho will definitely be yours.

"That's not how it works," says Seungmin. "He might not go out with you even if he's single."

You look to Jisung for support. He simply shrugs and drinks his smoothie. Lately, he's been kinda weird. Weirder than usual.

"But," Seungmin hesitates to say the words, but he manages to get them out. "There's a chance. Just be yourself. If it's meant to be, you'll know."

"What is it you like about Minho?" Jisung is twiddling with his straw as he asks the question. "How do you know it's not just passionate platonic feelings?"

"Everything. He's the perfect hero."

"He's just a boy. Far from perfect."

"He's THE boy. He's everything I've dreamed of. The prince to my princess. The sugar in my coffee."

"You don't always need to add sugar to coffee."

You frown. Something is off with Jisung. He isn't this argumentative. That's supposed to be Seungmin’s role.

"Minho needs time," Seungmin breaks through the awkwardness. "You've already waited so long."

"Yeah." Jisung sighs. "I feel like he's still with Heather cuz he's stalling for time. I don't know how long that's going to last."

You wonder the same.

Heather and Minho are still technically together, but you overhead Jisung telling Seungmin that he overhead Heather telling Hyunjin that she was going to break up with Minho soon.

So, it's just a matter of time.

You're in such a hurry that you trip over your own feet, expecting to meet the floor.

Arms wrap around you, pulling you away from the kiss with the ground, and you find yourself facing Minho instead.

You startle, brushing lips with him.

It really was an accident, the first time.

Your heart, already pounding from the near fall, threatens to burst out of your chest. You try to turn away because it's everything and nothing like what you expected, but Minho gently guides your face back to look at him.

Minho brings his face close to yours, his eyes darting down to your lips and back to meet your hopeful gaze. You close your eyes, focusing on the way your heartbeat is racing. Just when you’re certain he must have moved away, you feel his breath against your lips, and you freeze.

It’s a little awkward, brief, barely counting as a kiss. But it's the closest you've ever gotten to Minho, and you’re breathless, caught off guard. When you open your eyes, Minho appears conflicted.

It's not your first kiss, no, that was Jungwoo.

But this is supposed to be a special one.

For as long as you can remember, you've been waiting for this moment.

Before he can come up with something stupid to say, you hug him. It’s his turn to startle, though he’s quick to recover and reciprocate. Deeper, you fall under his spell, more in love.

When you pull away, Minho wipes his thumb across your cheeks. “Why are you crying? I told you to stop wasting tears for me.”

“How am I supposed to move on when you act like you want to kiss me?”

Minho frowns, brows furrowed. “I did mean it,” he says slowly. “I want to know what it feels like with you.”

“But-”

“Minho.” Heather’s voice cuts in. The gap between you and Minho widens as she walks towards you. She slips her hand into Minho.

Your heart drops.

They didn't break up yet.

Heather turns to you, her smile dimming a bit. “I was wondering where he was. Sorry to steal him away. There's something we need to talk about. See you later.”

“I- right. See you.” That’s your cue to leave. Did Heather see? How could you forget Heather? Minho said he wanted to kiss you, so did he like you?

“Wait.” Minho calls out, making you pause and look back. He doesn’t drop Heather’s hand and run to you and declare his love. Instead he simply says, “We’ll talk tomorrow, I promise.”

You nod. Of course, he has to deal with Heather first. They still had to break up.

You are the heroine, as expected. Heather was just another character acting as an obstacle to your romance. Every story has to have some spice before it gets nice, right? Come tomorrow she’ll be back to the background and you’ll be the main star.

Tomorrow came, Heather still right beside Minho. It was like nothing had changed.

You can feel eyes on you, and you turn to find Minho staring at you with pursed lips. Heather is leaning against the wall next to him, scrolling through her phone and animatedly talking about something with Hyunjin.

You turn around and walk away. It's unbearable, the sight of them together.

It's time you stop pining, like Jungwoo said. Why chase after a love that isn't meant to be?

It's not really a secret hiding spot since it's where you always go when you're upset, so it's no wonder when Minho shows up there.

"Leave me alone, Minho." You want him to sit down next to you, hold your hand and promise that he won't abandon you. You want him to stay with you, even if you don't ask him to. You want him to hear the words in your heart, not the ones you speak. You’re a fool, and so is he.

"I wasn't lying yesterday, trust me. I don't like her, but I can't let go yet. I like you, but-"

"It's alright." No, it's not alright. It isn't enough. It's never enough. You’re greedy, and you want more, far more than Minho will ever be willing to give you, it seems. But you smile at him and say, "That's enough for me. Knowing that you might like me."

You look at me like you’re in love, but you say we’re nothing more than friends, then you kiss me like that. How am I supposed to move on when you can’t let me go?

I thought I understood you. I thought I knew everything. I was wrong.

I tried to let go, move on and find happiness elsewhere. Yet I keep coming back to you. My heart yearns for you. I’m in pain, and you’re the cure I’ll never find.

You wish you could scream these words at Minho. Instead, you allow them to slowly wrap around you and suffocate you.

Trying to sabotage someone's relationship and steal their boyfriend- a heroine would never go to that extent. What have you become?

A failed heroine. What if you were never the heroine from the start? Perhaps you were meant to be the villain of the story.

♡ next episode

♡ season one guide

♡ please leave a comment, reblog with tags or send an ask to let me know what you think!!

© 2024, stayinzencity

#dreamy's recs

[jisungsdaydreamer]

I’m honored you wrote this because of me 😭😭🫶 if you ever need me to proofread or bounce ideas off of me IM HERE. You’re one of the first fics I read last year that got me back into writing :)

heroine’s manual S1 E3

GENRE: Romcom, Drama | love triangles, childhood friends, high school au | INSPIRED BY: Heroine Shikkaku (shoujo manga) | LENGTH: ~1.4K | RATING: Teen | WARNINGS: mentions of food, eating | PAIRINGS: Minho x MC (Reader), Minho x OC (Heather) | TAGLIST: @linoscence @elizabeth11moreno  (ask to be added) | A/N: this chapter finally came out of the drafts after years thanks to @jisungsdaydreamer (and me accidentally posting part 5 first oops)

♡ previous episode 

♡ return to main

THREE. Even if he rejects me, I won't give up so easily and allow someone else to steal my spot.

Inviting Heather to hang out is a mistake. Having your friends around doesn't make you feel any less of a third wheel. It’s Heather who’s supposed to be the odd one out amongst your group, yet somehow it feels like the rest of you are the ones intruding. You can't bear to witness the shy glances and gentle smiles Minho and Heather exchange.

You're trying to come up with an excuse to break them apart without being the bad guy, when a crash comes to your rescue.

"Ah. My bad," Jisung apologizes, looking down at the glass he'd accidently knocked over. He'd been sitting next to Heather, and while the glass was fortunately intact, water had spilled onto Heather's lap. 

"Looks like you’re the victim of Jisung's idiocy today." Hyunjin hands her napkins, attempting to ease her through the awkwardness with his charming smile. He shoots Jisung a withering glare, getting a sheepish look and shrug in reply.  

"I guess I should get going," Heather says. She rises from her seat in a hurry, but a hand over hers gives her a reason to wait. 

Hyunjin.

Minho's expression is closer to amusement than jealousy, watching as his friend calls his girlfriend - by her actual name, not the nickname you've given her.

Maybe Hyunjin's crush hasn't disappeared yet. If he and Heather get together, then Minho would be yours again. Everything would fall perfectly in place.

"We don't live that far from each other. I'll take you home." Hyunjin pauses, turning to Minho who's sneaking cake onto Jisung's plate. "If that's fine with your boyfriend?"

"Whatever she wants," Minho says with a shrug. He doesn't seem to be worried about Hyunjin stealing away his girlfriend, which boosts your confidence in your own chances with him. 

"Yeah," you enthusiastically agree, nodding your head. "Hyunjin's a nice guy. Have a wonderful evening!"

Hyunjin narrows his eyes, scowling at you, instead of being grateful that you're helping him out. One day, he'll figure it out, and thank you.

You lean close to her so that only she - and Hyunjin, perhaps - can hear. "You might even fall for him instead of Minho."

Hyunjin scoffs at your words with an exaggerated eyeroll and drags Heather out the door before you can say anything else.

Seungmin leaves soon after them, muttering something about an assignment that you don't really bother paying attention to.

And then it's just Minho, Jisung and you.

"We should head home too," Minho says. He gets up from the table and grabs his jacket from the back of the chair. "It's movie night."

"Ah, right." Jisung sends you a wink, starting the next phase of your plan to set your story on track. "I've got some stuff I need to work on, so I'll have to trust you two to keep our tradition alive even if it’s not the same without me."

And then it was just Minho and you.

It's usually easy to forget Minho's girlfriends exist when they're not around. Often they fade into the background even when they are around.

Yet you find yourself alone with Minho, head in his lap, too distracted to actually watch the show that's playing on the TV. Too much on your mind to even enjoy this moment.

Minho's texting someone, wearing a smile as soft as the one he usually gives you before he wraps you in a hug. 

The someone in question must be Heather. After all, who else could it be? The only real rival you've ever had when it came to Minho's affection and attention is Heather, right?

If there's no struggle, then it won't feel as special when you finally end up together. Heather isn't the heroine. That title belongs to you. You're the one that's always been with Minho. No one else knows him like you do- well, maybe Jisung does. That's a different story though.

If you're the heroine, then why do you feel like you're in second place? Are you falling into a background role in your own story? Could it be you're simply a side character in this tale?

Minho's fingers run through your hair, breaking you out of your thoughts. 

You're the one here with him, not Heather. You're the heroine, not her. There's still hope. 

“I like you,” you blurt. It's far from the confession you had planned, especially since you weren't even the one who was supposed to be saying the words first. Sometimes you need to improvise to get the perfect scenes, so it's ok. “I like you so much.”

Minho’s hand stops stroking your hair. He doesn’t take it away, so you don’t attempt to sit up. You want to be close to him, for as long as you can. 

Any moment now, he'll admit his feelings for you and you'll be the one beside him instead of Heather. 

You know that, but if somehow these are the last moments you’ll have with him, you want to remember them being pleasant. Besides, you don’t exactly want to look at his face right now. The aftermath of a confession is more mortifying than you imagined, especially when you haven't gotten an answer in return. 

“I know,” he says. 

And that’s it. He doesn't say anything else. And you don't have the courage to ask what your words meant to him. 

The couple on screen breaks up and eventually makes up, but you don't even remember their names anymore. Tears fall from your eyes and you wipe them away. 

"I can't watch this anymore," you manage to whisper. It's not the drama that has you crying. You know it, and you know Minho probably does too. "I'll head home."

Minho doesn't try to stop you as you leave. As tempting as it is to turn back, you're too afraid that Minho's eyes won't be watching you.

Seungmin once explained some physics cat theory. Put a cat in a box with poison, and it could be both alive or dead as long you don't open it. If you don't check, the cat might still be alive. Something like that.

In your imagination, Minho is woefully watching as you walk away.

After the confession, it's a little hard. Minho isn't actively avoiding you, except he kind of is. He has the perfect excuses, plus the universe seems to be on his side. It's natural for the hero of the story to have exceptional luck. 

As the heroine, you don't seem to have the same advantage. If anything, there's just been obstacles to your perfect ending. The biggest one turning out to be Minho himself.

You thought you didn't have to do anything and everything would fall into place by itself. Then when you took a chance and confessed, you were turned down. But even if he doesn't feel the same way now, you can't give up yet. It hurt when you realized you weren't on the same page as him, but there's still time for him to catch up, right? 

You run into him after class, and he has to catch you before you stumble to the floor. It's a scene straight out of the kind of anime you love to watch. A sign for you to take another chance, except Minho speaks before you can. 

"No."

You haven't even said a word, and you’ve already been shot down. An arrow through your heart, but it seems cupid isn't on your side.

Are you that obvious? Could Minho read minds? Does he really not like you?

"What? I didn't even ask-"

"I won't go out with you."

Ah. Well. Minho hasn't told you that he doesn't like you, though you aren't sure if you could handle hearing those words straight from him. 

"That wasn't what I was going to say," you lie. Your voice is strained, and you can't meet his eyes, so maybe it's not believable. But you can't admit the truth, can you? "I wanted to ask if you had any movie recommendations." 

Minho raises an eyebrow. He's not fooled. Still he goes along with it and makes some suggestions. Not that you’re really paying attention to his words as much as how his voice sounds. 

Minho. It's always been Minho. 

And you were the constant in his life, at least until Heather showed up.

It's hard to admit that she might have stolen the role that was meant for you, but you can't move ahead without accepting that. 

Turns out Minho isn't just on a different page. The title of the book doesn't match either.

You are lost, clueless of what lies ahead. There's one thing you're certain of though.

Even if you’re disqualified as a heroine, your only hero is Minho. 

♡ season one guide

♡ next episode

♡ please leave a comment, reblog with tags or send an ask to let me know what you think!!

© 2024, stayinzencity

#from #your biggest fan #dreamy’s thoughts

[jisungsdaydreamer]

Update

Hi everyone, I just wanted to pop back in here to give a quick update. A little while back, I injured my dominant hand (broke my fingers, ripped my nails off, I'll spare you the rest of the gory details LOL), and therefore, have been unable to write, draw, or really do anything that I love. And because of this injury, I have fallen behind on so much schoolwork. I know I have never been a champion at updating on a timely basis, but please bear with me; I still love Stray Kids, writing stories, and interacting with you all. And I don't plan on leaving anytime soon; it'll just be a very slow posting process (until summer break hits in May and I plan on writing like there's no tomorrow). I love it here and am so grateful for everything you've given me <3

Best, Dreamy

#jisungsdaydreamer's updates #dreamy's updates #anti-romantic #love playlist

[jisungsdaydreamer]

Hi! Are charmer and the next part of anti romantic coming soon? I can’t wait to read them 🥹💞

Hello, I’m so sorry about the late response :(( I promise they’re coming- anti romantic sooner than charmer, but I’m not going anywhere, especially without finishing my stories ❤️❤️ pls fill out the tag list in my nav if you’d like to be updated when they come out ! 💕

#jisungsdaydreamer's mailbox

[jisungsdaydreamer]

dreamy !!!! i just wanted to say hi & i hope ur doing well ‹3 that’s all !!!

Aww thank you kana! I’m really sorry I dropped off the grid like that for a whole month 💀 school just got really stressful and I’ve been working overtime at the hospital :(( how are you?

#jisungsdaydreamer's mailbox #kana <3

[jisungsdaydreamer]

hiya 😊

I found you through your Love Playlist series, and I was just wondering if you have any updates on that, or if you've disconnected it? I really enjoyed the first three and the others have such intriguing plot lines, so I was just curious about it 😊

I hope you're doing well 💙

Hi!! I’m so happy you’re enjoying love playlist! I’m just so overwhelmed right now with college and my new work as an EMT that I haven’t been able to give a proper update, but I’m actually almost done with Seungmin’s story in the series! I know I’m really slow with updates, but I’m not leaving anytime soon, especially without finishing my WIPs! That is one thing you can hold me to ❤️❤️

And as always, you can fill out my tag list (linked on nav post) if you want to be updated when I post the story!!

Love,

Dreamy

#jisungsdaydreamer's mailbox

[jisungsdaydreamer]

Hii! Is anti romantic discontinued?

Hi it’s not I promise 😭 I just have a bad habit of telling people I’ll post and then I don’t have time to properly write! I promise I’ll be getting an update soon, I will not be going anywhere I SWEARRRR I’m like 9k into chapter 4. Please bear with me, I’m so sorry!!

#jisungsdaydreamer's mailbox #anon.

[jisungsdaydreamer]

OMG IS THAT YOU ON YOUR CARRD?? YOU'RE SO PRETTY DREAMY I'M IN LOVE -🌌 anon

YEAH IT IS LMFAO i covered up my face partially bc i'm way too shy to do a full reveal so it looks kinda creepy lol but you're way too kind thank you 🥲 ilysm 💕

#jisungsdaydreamer's mailbox #🌌 anon #no but carrd was kinda buggin though #the link only works when it's on desktop? not mobile? #i really do hate carrd

[jisungsdaydreamer]

hiii can i have a update on anti romantic 🩷🎀

Hi :) I know I said I’d post it this week but I’m such a slow writer that I need just a few more days 😭😭 I’m so sorry- I’ll get it out asap!

#jisungsdaydreamer's mailbox

[jisungsdaydreamer]

HES SO HOT OML

[29/547] — until we meet again, jungkook ♡

#the chain #the muscles #THE FACE CARD DONT DECLINE #he’s so fine 🌚🌚🌚

[jisungsdaydreamer]

GUYS LOOK

ANNOUNCEMENT

so i just found out i never deleted my original blog with a bunch of my works on it !!! and i am so thrilled. that user is @mnwrld (what this one used to be) i would really really really appreciate it if you would follow me / interact over there <3 AAA i'm so happy :,) see u guys there !!

#important !! #pls reblog <3 #dreamy’s friends #kana <3

[jisungsdaydreamer]

so i’m answering the ask you sent me and i…… accidentally am writing a whole fic….. oops like idk how but it’s 1k rn and not finished 😭😭 BUT ANYWAYS why i am telling you this is to say thank you hahahaha

NO THANK YOU!! BOUTTA GO READ THE FIC RN BAE 😭🙏🥰

#dreamy’s mailbox #kana <3 #dreamy’s friends

[jisungsdaydreamer]

STOP TWIN DO WE HAVE SOME KIND OF BLUETOOTH GOING ON OR SOMETHING?? omgg i use teuida to learn since duolingo kinda sucks (no hate to the bird). but yes yes let's be study buddies, we need the motivation fr pls 😭🤭

ugh my grandma is so cute :( i miss her so much :( im trying so hard to learn thai for her but it is so hard for me bro 😭😭 my thai is NOT good—i know like three things kdkdkd and it’s so hard for me to read and write ‹/3 tbh i cannot even read the things i sent her now like i do not remember what those mean and it makes me so sad :,) but i WILL get better because i know it would mean the world to her if i spoke even a little bit 🥹 ANYWAYS SORRY TO RAMBLE HAHAH

[jisungsdaydreamer]

at least you're trying; we all start somewhere! your grandma sounds wonderful btw :))

i'm planning to start learning thai during summer break- maybe we could be study buddies (if you feel comfortable, no pressure of course!). but oml, are the tones difficult!

right now i'm actually learning korean bc it's easy since it's similar to my native lang on my dad's side. but i suck at disciplined study soo we'll see how far i get LOL

ugh my grandma is so cute :( i miss her so much :( im trying so hard to learn thai for her but it is so hard for me bro 😭😭 my thai is NOT good—i know like three things kdkdkd and it’s so hard for me to read and write ‹/3 tbh i cannot even read the things i sent her now like i do not remember what those mean and it makes me so sad :,) but i WILL get better because i know it would mean the world to her if i spoke even a little bit 🥹 ANYWAYS SORRY TO RAMBLE HAHAH

[jisungsdaydreamer]

carrd is actually my worst enemy. i hate it so much i hate it i hate it ughhhh why is it so hard to work how do you guys do it tf

#dreamy's rants

[jisungsdaydreamer]

this is so cute </3 I wasn’t as close to my paternal grandma but I regret not learning how to write my native language (on my dads side) when she offered, before she passed :(( I can still speak it thought so maybe I’ll try to self learn.

And as for my Thai, I gotta brush up as well! How do you study for it Kana?

ugh my grandma is so cute :( i miss her so much :( im trying so hard to learn thai for her but it is so hard for me bro 😭😭 my thai is NOT good—i know like three things kdkdkd and it’s so hard for me to read and write ‹/3 tbh i cannot even read the things i sent her now like i do not remember what those mean and it makes me so sad :,) but i WILL get better because i know it would mean the world to her if i spoke even a little bit 🥹 ANYWAYS SORRY TO RAMBLE HAHAH

[jisungsdaydreamer]

genuinely tweaking right now why is my dad like this LMFAO. it’s the middle of the day and he just sends me this picture of his coworker. neither of them even know who han jisung is.

#dreamy’s tmi #I asked him to print a full body pdf of Jisung so I could make a cardboard cutout of him LOL and he instead assembles the whole thing #so this is what they're up to at the office 😭😭 #stray kids #Han Jisung