#former backyard cats | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ozai-the-bonsai · 19 days

Text

Cry for the Moon

Pairing: Zuko x firebender!reader

Warnings: none

A/N: I did end up writing more, thus we get to see our fav boy Zuko in the upcoming chapter - but I quite enjoyed writing this one and digging deeper into the internal struggles of the reader! I hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I did writing it ^.^

Taglist: @annonymatic @yoongiesstar @lost-inthe-v0id @lokigodofmyheart @4l3x1s @potato87123 @asciendo @angelruinz @unamused-boss @junieshohoho @yourlivewire @itszzmoon @coolgirl458 @vyliie

Mai’s raven hair was, just as you had last seen her, partly in two small buns and the rest fell on her shoulders. The dark, sleeveless jacket seemed to be a new one but other than that, her maroon clothing and black, fingerless gloves were the same as always.

As soon as your amber eyes found the slim figure of Mai, an uneasy feeling appeared in your stomach. Even the mere sight of her made you uncomfortable for every time you laid your eyes on her, the fact that you were never going to get your former best friend back hit you like a wall of bricks.

Even after Zuko’s banishment, or after you got together with Shuzi, the raven-haired girl insisted on keeping her distance from you. Not that you would easily forgive her, of course, but you found her stubbornness childish from time to time.

[Flashback]

You found Mai sitting on her swing at the backyard of her parents’ house, moving back and forth ever so slowly. The dull expression on her face became duller, as if it was possible in the first place. You felt the heaviness on your heart growing.

“Mai, I know there is something bothering you.” You said as you approached her carefully, you were afraid she would run away just like a cat. “Please, talk to me.”

Mai shook her head. “No, I don’t want to.” She said, it was obvious that she was trying to hide the sorrow away, but she was so heartbroken that made it almost impossible. “I cannot stand looking at you anymore!”

You felt tears rushing to your eyes, but you quickly sent them back. “Why? What have I done to you?” You asked as you sat next to her on the swing. “Mai, you are my best friend. I don’t want to lose you.”

“It just hurts too much,” she muttered while kicking the stones on the ground. “Seeing you and him together all the time.”

She was talking about Zuko.

“Mai, I…” Honestly, you didn’t know what to say. You were aware of Mai’s obvious crush on Zuko for years, but everyone knew that it was decided long, long ago that you were going to be his future wife. “You know that our parents have decided that when we were just babies.”

Suddenly, Mai stood up from the swing with a furious aura surrounding her. “I love him, okay? I should be the one with him! You… You are just acting that way because of this stupid arranged marriage!”

For the first time in your thirteen years of life, you heard Mai screaming.

You swallowed for a few times to destroy the lump in your throat, you were on the verge of breaking down. “What makes you believe that I don’t love him?” You asked with a low voice, trying to keep your emotions under control.

Mai let out a scornful laughter. “Ah, please. Zuko - he is a fool for you, but you are simply with him for the sake of duty and power. It is obvious.”

Slowly, you felt sorrow turning into fury as you stood up from the swing. “You are wrong.” You said with a cold tone. “I do love him. And if you had been really my best friend, you would have known that. You would have seen that.” As you shook your head, you turned back to leave Mai all alone. “As it turns out, you were only acting to be my friend. Out of duty.”

[Flashback ends]

Mai didn’t even look at you as she put her hands together and bowed slightly towards Azula. “Please tell me you are here to kill me.” She spoke with her usual, dull, emotionless tone. Then, she looked up at Azula with a slight smile on her lips.

Azula placed her hands on Mai’s shoulders as she giggled. “It is great to see you, Mai.”

Ty Lee rushed forwards to give Mai a big hug, ignoring the fact that Mai was not a fan of hugs. The gloomy girl gave Ty Lee an uncomfortable pat on the back. “I thought you ran off and joined the circus.” Mai said as she stepped back from the hug. “You said it was your calling.”

“Well, Azula called a little louder.” Ty Lee said, hiding the sarcasm in her tone skilfully, only you knew what she really meant by that. Once again, you found yourself feeling sorry for the poor girl – she only wanted to follow her passion.

Slowly, Mai turned her head to meet your amber eyes. “Hey,” she said with a small nod, her voice lacked even the tiniest bit of emotion.

You, too, had put on your resting bitch face. “Hey.”

Azula rolled her eyes in an exaggerated way. “Oh, come on! It has been three damn years.” The Princess turned her gaze to Mai, pointing at you with her right index finger. “She has been dating someone else for the last six month and none of you have seen my fool of a brother in over three years!” Azula took a deep breath to try and calm herself down. “Just leave that childish drama behind you already!”

Well, I kind of saw him a few days ago … which caused weird feelings and thoughts to arise …

Before you or Mai could say anything, Ty Lee spoke. “Well, technically, the arranged marriage is still on – as long as Zuko comes back with the Avatar, right?”

You let out a scornful laughter. “Ah, please, as if he stands any chance now that we are on the hunt as well.”

Azula looked at you with a smirk on her lips. “That’s my girl.” You winked at the Princess, who turned her gaze to Mai once again. “I have a mission and I need you all.” She said as she laid her right hand on your shoulder, her eyes wandering between all three of you.

“Count me in.” Mai spoke with an annoyed expression on her face. “Anything to get me out of this place.”

[Time Skip]

You shielded your amber eyes from the sun as you approached the three figures standing on the other side of the road. Two of them, who were standing on the sides, were wearing blue clothing that resembled those from the Watertribes.

The boy on the left was holding a baby, probably Mai’s brother, and had his hair in a stylish ponytail. To the right stood the girl with hair loopies and a water bag. The boy in the middle was, unlike the other two, in yellow-orange clothing with an orange hat-like piece on his head. You raised an eyebrow to yourself upon seeing that he was carrying a staff.

As she was the one responsible to carry out the trade, Mai stood forth and the rest of you waited behind her. Meanwhile, a crane was lowering the metal cage that held King Bumi of Omashu as hostage.

Quickly, you eyed Azula up – you were sure she had another motive behind this trade. A baby for a king, eh? I don’t believe this is something Azula would approve of.

“You brought my brother?” Mai asked. The boy with the staff nodded as he pointed to his left, showing the baby.

“He is here.” The boy said. “We are ready to trade.”

Just as you expected, Azula interrupted. You couldn’t help but smirk. “I am sorry, but a thought just occurred to me.” Azula spoke so naturally, it was impossible to point it out as perfect acting if one didn’t know Azula good enough. “Do you mind?”

Mai turned to Azula. “Of course not, Princess Azula.”

For a moment, it seemed as if Azula was weighing down some options. “We are trading a two-year-old for a king,” she said at the end as she looked up at the King of Omashu with an arched brow. “A powerful, earthbending king?”

The King himself nodded.

Azula’s eyes wandered between you, Ty Lee and Mai. “It just doesn’t seem like a fair trade, does it?”

You kept your chuckling to a minimum to avoid being heard, you had known that exactly this was going to happen. Knowing Azula good enough, it was to await that she would have an ulterior motive in taking the matters in Omashu – or rather New Ozai as the Princess had recently renamed the city – in her own hands.

It was Mai’s call now, she had to decide between family and duty.

“You are right,” Mai said with a voice that lacked even the slightest bit of emotion, even towards her own little brother. Well, one could clearly see that her brother was – at least for now – in good hands since the boy in blue clothing did his best to keep the baby safe and comfortable.

She probably wants to carry out Azula’s part of the plan first.

“The deal’s off!” Mai announced and held up her hand, gesturing the guards to pull the King back up.

However, no one – and especially you – wasn’t expecting the boy in the middle with yellow clothing to start using his glider to fly behind the King. Without even thinking about it, you reacted the same way as Azula and you both sent flames in his direction to block his path. The boy dodged the flames by leaping high into the air.

Did he just… Airbend?

As the boy used his glider with airbending, he lost his hat, leaving his arrow tattoo exposed. You and Azula gasped at the same time. “The Avatar!” You both said simultaneously.

A smug smile formed on Azula’s lips. “My lucky day,” she muttered more to herself, then she called out your name. “Follow me!”

[Time Skip]

The attempt to capture the Avatar in Omashu had, unfortunately, been unsuccessful – but it was something to expect considering that none of you were prepared to face the Last Airbender and a King that could earthbend simply with his face.

As the royal palanquin was being carried out the city; you, Mai and Ty Lee walked besides. You felt yourself sailing from one thought to another, dangerously close to getting lost in the vast ocean that is your mind. Chasing the Avatar made you realise something: you had never thought about how it would make you feel while helping Azula capture the world’s last hope.

You had complicated feelings and thoughts considering the war, the Fire Lord and the Avatar. It was for a fact that you despised Fire Lord Ozai after everything he had done to Zuko and Azula, you held him directly responsible for Azula’s corruption.

Of course, there had been a big Ursa factor as well, but that was a whole different topic.

Even though you were loyal to your nation until the very end, you didn’t really want to see Fire Lord Ozai becoming the supreme ruler over the Four Nations. He was a horrible man, he lacked even the slightest bit of empathy and compassion. A man who was incapable of loving his own children should be, under no circumstances, given such great power over all of humanity and its destiny.

But then, there was Azula.

You had mastered the skill of detaching your emotions from your actions when it came to her, which enabled you to carry out tasks which would otherwise burden you when awake, asleep and even dead. Your loyalty, compassion, and love towards Azula was stronger than everything you had known – well, except for the love you had felt for Zuko, but that was long gone.

You knew you needed more time to reflect upon this dissonance you were experiencing but you believed that standing with Azula was more valuable than anything you could think of at that moment. All these years, you had put in so much effort, time, and tenderness into your relationship with her – even the mere thought of doing the slightest thing to shake her trust brought you on the verge of a break down.

“So, we are tracking down your brother and Uncle, huh?” Mai asked, which caused you to come back to the present moment. You shook yourself.

Ty Lee giggled. “It will be interesting seeing Zuko again,” she spoke teasingly, “won’t it, Mai?”

At first, you kind of waited Ty Lee to divert the same question to you and correct herself but quickly, you remembered that you had been together with Shuzi for over half a year. Whether you would see Zuko again or not didn’t really matter anymore, despite the arranged marriage still not being called off.

“It is not just Zuko and Iroh anymore,” Azula spoke with a serious tone. “We have a third target now. The Avatar.”

You felt knots in your stomach.

As you headed towards the ship to spend the night and plan the rest of your mission, Azula explained Mai and Ty Lee why she decided to leave the royal guards and the navy ship behind. The main problem was to find a means of transportation that was fast, could go over any kinds of terrain without having the need to find a road and was strong enough to overcome any bending.

“What about using a tank train?” You suggested, earning an intrigued look from Azula, who was still sitting in the royal palanquin. “I am sure the army can spare one of them for the Princess’ mission.”

Azula made an approving sound. “That is actually brilliant,” she muttered, more to herself. “They are designed to travel at high speeds over most terrain without the use of tracks, but they can still accommodate many people – we can take some servants with us to run the errands.”

Ty Lee seemed a little bit uncomfortable. “I don’t want to be stuck in a metal machine for days – I need sunlight!” She was playing anxiously with her braid.

“I wouldn’t mind not having to see the sun for a while,” Mai muttered, not much to your surprise. “I don’t like the way it disturbs my eyes.”

“You would rather live in a black hole for the rest of your life.” Ty Lee rolled her eyes at Mai, causing her to shoot an angry glance. You bit the inside of your cheek not to laugh – Ty Lee was more than right in her statement. If you gave Mai a bucket of never-ending black paint and a brush that could be extended as much as one needed, she wouldn’t rest until she painted the whole sky black – setting aside the fact that such a thing is impossible to carry out.

The Princess heaved a sigh. “You can jump onto the roof to do your sunbathing, Ty Lee, as long as the insects flying at your face do not disturb you.” Ty Lee grimaced upon hearing Azula’s words. “And Mai, you are free to lock yourself up in a dungeon, as long as you are there to fight whenever I need you to.”

This time, you couldn’t hold back your laugh. Azula raised an eyebrow as she looked at you, whereas Mai and Ty Lee carried annoyed expressions.

“Do you also have a specific request?” Azula asked you. “And no, you are not allowed to bring your dog to our mission.”

You rolled your eyes at her. “For the last time, Azula, he is not a dog – I am not putting anyone on a leash.” Upon hearing Mai mutter something under her breath, you shot her a warning look and turned back to Azula. “And no, I am completely fine, as long as you leave those two sisters back on the ship.”

It was no secret that you despised Lo and Li, your hatred towards the sisters seemed to both amuse and entertain Azula every time. The Princess let out a small laughter.

[Time Skip]

The whole ship was asleep as you sat on the front porch, watching the night sky while the cool wind played with your hair, which wasn’t in the top not anymore. It was cool outside; you shivered and wrapped your arms tighter around your body – the red gown wasn’t thick enough to keep you warm. Heaving a sigh, you used your breath of fire to get rid of the shivering.

Ever since you had agreed to help Azula on her mission, you found yourself carrying out inner battles more often than usual. They used to be, when Zuko’s banishment was just new, the only thing you had known for a long while; however, after accepting the hard truth, you thought the battles would be finally over.

And they were, for the last two years, you didn’t have to deal with any internal conflict.

Until the thoughts about the Banished Prince and your distant past crept out from the dusty corners of your mind. You thought you had forgot him long ago – everything about him had to be burnt to ashes. As it seems, this had never been the case, the realisation of which was hitting you just now.

There was no compassion for him left in you, this was the truth; however, your past feelings for Zuko were still enough to confuse you, to distract you. It was like a sweet poison: the embrace of those distant memories felt oh so sweet and familiar – it felt just like home – but when you realised that they were in fact chocking you, drowning you – it would be too late.

I should have never let my mind wander off to those forbidden territories of my own memory. You thought to yourself as you breathed out crimson flames, the gentle touch of the wind was making you shiver once again. I cannot allow myself to get distracted. Not now.

Maybe… Maybe I should just face him.

That particular thought seemed to strike interest and excitement within you. Ever since the Banished Prince abandoned you on the deck when he left the Fire Nation, you secretly had been craving to face him and scream at him, tell him all those wicked things you wished he had heard from you.

Tell him how he broke your heart to a million pieces, burnt all your love to ashes and threw them out into the vast ocean.

And thank him for letting you turn into this thing that could disconnect her emotions from her actions simply by taking a deep breath and thinking about the strong bond she shared with his sister.

“You keep lecturing me about getting enough sleep and yet here you are – not sleeping.”

You chuckled as you turned left to look at Azula, who was standing next to you. She, too, was in a red robe, but hers was adorned in gold around the collar and the sleeves. She had let her dark hair down, which looked absolutely pretty either way.

“Do as I say and not as I do, Princess.” You responded, gaining an eyeroll from her. Slowly, you stood up. “I have trouble sleeping.”

Azula nodded, she also seemed thoughtful. “I understand.” She paused for a moment. “You were thinking about my brother, weren’t you?”

You didn’t see any point in lying – Azula knew you good enough to tell when you were hiding something, just like you could do it with her. “He started messing with my head, again.” You spoke with a low tone, avoiding Azula’s amber eyes as you looked at the dark waters ahead of you.

The Princess laid her hand on your shoulder with a soft manner. “I can understand why his presence would confuse you,” the warmth in her tone caused you to meet her gaze. “But I need you in her best form and mind – distractions are not something we can allow at this moment.”

It was quite rare but sometimes, when it was just the two of you, Azula would let her shields and icy walls down. Every time when such a time came, you couldn’t help but adore how much she trusted you – you doubted that even her own family knew this side of Azula.

You nodded with a small smile on your lips. “I am very well aware of that, and I do not intend to disappoint you, Azula.”

The hints of a smile could also be seen on Azula’s lips as well. “You have given me no reason to think you would disappoint me.”

“I really appreciate your words, sweetheart.” Your amber eyes lit up with happiness. “For the matter of your brother, I think I have found a solution – I am going to put an end to these distractions.”

“Exactly what I was hoping to hear,” Azula said as the edge of her lips curled upwards. Then, she gave your shoulder a small squeeze. “Come on now, we both need our beauty sleep – or you are going to end up having eye rings, remember?”

You grimaced as you followed Azula into the ship. “Nobody wants that.”

#prince zuko #atla zuko #zuko x reader #the last airbender #avatar the last airbender #princess azula #zuko #zuko x oc

124 notes · View notes

jkabbi · 3 months

Text

bewitched | chapter 03

╰┈➤summary: Former neighbors turned lovers, your enchanting romance with Jungkook takes a magical turn. A spell to protect him shapes your past, and now, as a flower shop owner, an unexpected reunion brings buried secrets to light. Past and present collide in a captivating tale of love and mystery.

╰┈➤pairing: jungkook x reader (f)

╰┈➤genre: cf2l, fluff, angst, magic au

╰┈➤warnings: cursing, mention of porn, mention of role play, injuries, blood

word count. 13.5k

╰┈➤note; chapter three is out! thanks to all the people who have read my humble fic <3 hope you like!

prev | series masterlist | next

You, never one for large gatherings, typically stuck to intimate meetings with Jimin and Yoongi – essentially your family. Venturing into a gathering with more than two people was a rarity, and this particular meetup with Jimin and Jungkook's friends added an air of mystery. Unlike the previous occasion at Yoongi's house, where you were at least forewarned about the guest list, this time, it was a sea of unfamiliar faces.

In preparation, you deviated from your usual casual attire, opting for a relatively new and dark dress purchased for a more formal setting. The colors were a departure from your norm, but tonight called for a different vibe. Accompanying the dress were heeled sandals, adding a touch of sophistication to your ensemble.

Your usually understated makeup routine underwent a transformation. A light foundation and concealer camouflaged any signs of stress or fatigue. You experimented with a more vibrant eyeshadow, a departure from your usual natural tones, and applied a slightly brighter lipstick. It wasn't that you eschewed makeup, but your daily routine leaned towards a more natural look. Satisfied with the result, you flashed a confident smile in the mirror before leaving the bathroom.

As you headed toward the hallway to retrieve your sandals, you encountered Salem, the singing cat, belting out Selena's Amor Prohibido on the couch.

“Hey, Salem,” you called, catching his attention mid-song, “lower the volume, or Mrs. Hwang will be asking if I've acquired a singing boyfriend again.”

Salem ceased his performance with an indignant huff. “You're a buzzkill! It's not my fault your love life is practically nonexistent.”

"Okay, but always remember who's the one covering the costs of your streaming applications," you slyly hinted, adding a subtle threat. "Someday that card might just stop accepting charges, and poof! Goodbye, Jersey Shore."

Salem's expression turned horrified. "You can't!"

With a victorious smile, you replied, "Then consider toning it down a bit," playfully winking. Gathering your belongings and keys, you left your home, grateful that being late from work allowed you to decline Jiwoo and Jungkook's invitation to Yoongi's house.

The fact that they were your new neighbors still felt strange to you. After a leisurely 15-minute walk, you arrived in your friends' neighborhood. The cool summer afternoon made the journey pleasant, sparing you from getting hot or sweaty.

Before Yoongi got upset with you, he had shared the address of Jungkook's friend, conveniently located in the same neighborhood. Glancing at the message with the address, you began your search for the house. After a few minutes, you reached the supposed location based on the address—543.

Continuing a few more steps, you realized the house you sought was none other than the stunning one that had always caught your eye on your way to Yoongi's, leaving you in awe.

As you stood outside the house, a surge of surprise hit you briefly, but the appearance of Jimin's head through the home fence quickly dissolved the feeling.

“Daisy?” he called out, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and warmth. “Did you get here long ago? Sorry, we were in the backyard. Come in.”

Softly shaking your head, you replied, “No. Don't worry. I just got here.”

Jimin opened the gate, embracing you tightly. “I haven't seen you in so long!” he expressed emotionally.

Rubbing his back affectionately, a fleeting sense of guilt washed over you, but you pushed it aside. “I know. I'm glad to see you too,” you responded, releasing yourself from the warm embrace.

Jimin, sporting a wide smile, looped his arm through yours, guiding you through the enchanting garden towards a large wooden dividing gate adorned with vines.

“Almost everyone is here; only Nam is missing, but he told me he would arrive at fifteen,” Jimin informed you as you walked through the door, greeted by the enticing aroma of smoke and roast meat.

Observing your puzzled expression, Jimin apologized with a smile. “Namjoon is an older friend of ours; we met him at university. He's very intellectual.”

You smiled shyly, internally noting another friend to get acquainted with.

The blend of music from speakers and the rising murmur of conversations welcomed you as you approached the gathering area. A sprawling pool caught your eye, surrounded by plastic chairs for drying off.

Behind the pool, a substantial grill sizzled with roasting meat. Jungkook and Yoongi, each holding beers, engaged in conversation behind the grill.

Jungkook noticed you first. “Daisy! You made it!” he exclaimed, his joy evident.

Your smile was tinged with awkwardness, especially when you caught the expressionless gaze of your best friend, Yoongi. Reluctantly, you knew you couldn't avoid him forever.

Summoning your courage, you let Jimin guide you towards them. Jungkook was quick to step out from behind the grill, offering a warm hug. You reciprocated shyly, sensing Yoongi's watchful eyes on both of you.

Jungkook released you, and you took a hesitant step toward Yoongi. He casually ruffled your hair. “You're late.”

Sensing a subtle tension in the air, Jimin decided to break the silence. “Daisy, what are you serving? We have alcohol, but I know you don't like to drink, so I brought a natural fruit juice, your favorite,” he said with confidence, winking at you.

Grateful for the intervention, you smiled and accepted the juice. Jimin went inside the house, leaving you alone with Jungkook and Yoongi. The latter avoided meeting your gaze, scanning the surroundings instead.

Jungkook, oblivious to the unspoken tension, turned to you with curiosity. “Don't you like alcohol?” he asked, widening his eyes playfully.

You shook your head, a slight grimace appearing as memories resurfaced. The last time you got drunk at 19 was etched vividly in your mind. It was Jungkook's birthday, and you saw a photo of him celebrating with friends on social media. What hurt wasn't the celebration, but the pretty girl holding onto his arm, leaving lipstick marks on his neck.

A few bottles of wine and whiskey later, you found yourself crying in a public bathroom. Even the other girls in line, focused on their makeup, couldn't offer solace. Yet, the worst part came when your drunken self spent all your coins on a public phone, attempting to dial Jungkook's number. Fortunately or unfortunately, the number no longer existed.

You woke up the next morning with Salem's tail in your face, a terrible hangover, and a resolution never to drink again. For that reason, Jungkook didn't need to know the rest, so you simply replied, “No. I don't have good experiences with alcohol, and I have terrible resistance.”

Jungkook nodded thoughtfully, his understanding gaze reflecting a shared sentiment. “I get it. You should've seen Jimin the first few times he tried to get drunk in college. It was a total disaster.”

You smiled at that. Over these five years of friendship, you've had the pleasure of seeing Jimin drunk more than once, and it was always a spectacle to remember.

Wanting to delve into conversation with Jungkook, you considered asking about his evolving relationship with alcohol, his vibrant college experiences, the story of meeting Jimin, or even if he missed the simplicity of your small town after embracing the challenges of the big city for his dreams. Yet, you restrained yourself, acutely aware that Jungkook wasn't just a friend anymore. The choice to sever that bond was yours, made in consideration of both your well-being, especially with Yoongi's scrutinizing gaze in the mix right now.

Above all, there was the undeniable truth that you were still emotionally vulnerable when it came to Jeon Jungkook.

Safeguarding your heart and emotions, you let out a soft laugh. Fate, it seemed, decided to intervene, breaking the awkward silence as a figure appeared through a sliding window that overlooked the backyard.

“Jungkookie, you're a lucky bastard!” a robust, masculine voice exclaimed, approaching the trio.

As the newcomer closed the gap, his features became clearer. Thick lips, adorned with a mischievous smile, dark and attractive eyes—none other than Kim Taehyung, your childhood friend and a long-time best friend of Jungkook.

Grateful for Taehyung's attention being on Jungkook, you concealed your surprise, though Yoongi's keen eyes caught your reaction.

Upon reaching your side, Taehyung directed his penetrating gaze toward you. “But what do we have here?” he inquired with an oddly seductive tone. “Is this the sweet friend that you and Jimin kept hidden from me for so long?” he asked Yoongi, who simply shrugged.

Before you could offer a greeting, Taehyung closed the distance, almost breaching your comfort zone. His proximity, the dark intensity of his gaze, and the alluring scent that surrounded you made you nervous—something you chided yourself for since this was Kim Taehyung, your childhood friend who would do silly things to make you laugh.

“Daisy, dear Daisy,” he said huskily. “I've heard a lot about you, and let me tell you, the expectations were high. Seeing you here in front of me, I can say they've been more than met.”

Taehyung flashed a mischievous smile, noticing your stillness. You couldn't help but wonder when Kim Taehyung became so strikingly handsome.

Your interaction with Taehyung was interrupted as a female voice, unnoticed until now, spoke from behind him. “It’s you!” The moment Jiwoo's voice registered, you recognized it. In a matter of seconds, she enveloped you in a warm hug, her sweet and feminine perfume lingering in the air.

Expressing her joy, Jiwoo continued to embrace you. Taller than you, she had your face pressed against her chest, making any attempt to respond futile. Jungkook's melodic voice intervened, “Mmm Babe? I think Daisy can't breathe.” Jiwoo, surprised, released you with a yelp, wearing an apologetic expression.

“I'm sorry. It's just that you're so cute, and it makes me want to hug you,” she confessed, casting an apologetic look your way. You smiled awkwardly, aware of the curious gazes from the four present.

“It's nice to see you again,” you managed to say a bit nervously. Jiwoo, still beaming, took your arm, turning to the three men who were still recovering from the surprise. “I'm sorry, guys, but I'm taking this pretty girl.”

As Jiwoo guided you to seats away from the men, their voices lingered in the background. Taehyung commented, "I think she's happy to have a girl in the group," and Jungkook added, "I know, although I feel sorry for poor Daisy."

Unaware of their discussion, Jiwoo led you happily until you both settled into comfortable seats. “I'm so happy. I've never had a female partner in these meetings before,” Jiwoo shared, intertwining her fingers with yours. It became apparent that she had a penchant for physical contact, always eager to embrace or touch those around her.

You settled into a more comfortable smile, relieved to escape the intense gazes of Yoongi, Jungkook, and Taehyung. Free from the scrutiny, you asked curiously, “Aren't there any other girls in your group?” Admittedly, you were unfamiliar with Jimin's friends until this moment.

Jiwoo smiled sadly, “No. At least not since I started dating Kookie.” She elaborated, “There's Nam's girlfriend, but she's on exchange overseas, so it was just me.” The revelation surprised you a bit, considering Jimin and Jungkook's apparent ease in befriending women.

“But hey, you're here, and that's the important thing. I can't believe Jimin kept you hidden from us for so long,” she pouted. You nodded, realizing you were oblivious to their existence and their relationships with your friends.

Oddly enough, you found Jiwoo to be surprisingly good company. While her initial intensity might have come across as intrusive, spending time with her revealed her genuine desire for friendship. Surprisingly, you noticed that an hour had passed since you joined the friends' gathering, and the idea of escaping hadn't crossed your mind – a positive surprise.

During this time, you had the chance to meet Namjoon, who arrived half an hour after you. To your amazement, Jimin's description of him was accurate – a deep, erudite tone accompanied by kind and cordial demeanor. Engaging in conversation with Namjoon was surprisingly harmonious.

After a satisfying meal, the group settled into wooden chairs arranged in a circle on the grass, courtesy of Taehyung. With a mischievous smile, he positioned himself next to Jimin, proudly displaying a bottle of alcohol. “Okay, guys. This is my favorite moment. I have never ever…” he trailed off, and you silently cursed in your mind as you found yourself seated between Namjoon and Jiwoo.

Aware of the impending game, one you had heard of but never played, you hesitated. Yet, the infectious enthusiasm and happy looks of the others led you to resign. Taehyung passed the bottle of alcohol to Jimin, who then proceeded to pour drinks into glasses. Once ready, Taehyung looked around and posed the question, “Okay, who starts?” Despite your reluctance, the lively atmosphere compelled you to join in the game, albeit with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

All eyes shifted toward you, a predictable focus given your status as the ‘Stranger’ in the group. Resigned to your fate, you offered with a sigh, “I guess it's me?”

Taehyung and Jimin exchanged evil smiles that sent a shiver down your spine. It was peculiar how these two seemed to be in perfect sync with each other.

“Okay, our rookie will start,” Taehyung teased, raising an eyebrow at you. “Go ahead, Dear Daisy!”

Facing the challenge, you mentally searched for a suitable revelation. Admittedly, your adolescence and youth weren't exactly wild, at least not by the standards of those around you. Drawing inspiration from reality shows you'd seen, you cautiously uttered, “I've never, ever been to a nude beach.”

A collective surprise swept across the faces of your friends, as they anticipated a more ‘appropriate’ admission. However, Jimin and Taehyung burst into happy laughter, promptly taking sips from their glasses. To your amazement, Jungkook and Yoongi also raised their glasses in response.

Intrigued, you momentarily forgot about your recent disagreement with Yoongi. Locking eyes with him, you raised an eyebrow, silently asking why he never mentioned such an adventurous experience. Unfazed, your friend just shrugged, a gesture that reminding you that you are not the only one with secrets.

Irritated, you waited for the others to continue, and now it was Namjoon's turn on your right. The boy with long dark hair let out a tired sigh, as if finding this whole ordeal quite dull. He remained still for a moment, appearing deep in thought.

Then, with a hoarse and exhausted voice, he declared, “Never have I ever watched porn.” You couldn't help but smile at the predictability of such a question in this game.

“Oh, come on, Nam!” Taehyung exclaimed, “As if that's not something everyone has done. Ask something spicier!”

To silence Taehyung, Namjoon sighed again and stated, “I have never ever seen gay porn. Taehyung laughed and took a sip, joined by Jimin and Yoongi. Unfortunately, you also took a sip, your accidental encounter with explicit content having occurred when you borrowed Jimin's computer for a seemingly innocent task.

Jimin playfully looked at Taehyung. “I understand Yoongi and me. But what were you doing watching gay porn, Tae?”

Taehyung defended himself, “Why are you questioning me? Sweet, innocent Daisy had a drink too!” The surprise in the room was palpable; even Nam raised his eyebrows.

Frustrated and embarrassed, you quickly explained, “It was a mistake, and it was Jimin's fault.”

Taehyung then gave Jimin a strange look. “How did you corrupt her mind?”

Jimin grinned mischievously at you, and you raised an eyebrow. “Poor Daisy took my computer at a bad time,” he simply explained, leading Taehyung to burst into laughter.

“Jimin!” Jiwoo exclaimed next to you. “How can you leave porn open on your computer? That's disgusting.”

Jimin chuckled. “Oh, come on, Jiji. You should ask your fiancé those questions. God knows how many times I caught things on his computer in college.”

Now, it was Jungkook's turn to chime in. “Why are you bringing me into your conflict?!” he said with a red face. “It was only twice, and it was when we were freshmen!” The room erupted in laughter, the tension diffusing into playful banter among friends.

After enduring a few rounds of somewhat absurd and repetitive questions, it was Taehyung's turn again. His mischievous look sent a shiver down your spine, giving you a bad feeling.

“Never have I ever engaged in role-playing in the bedroom,” he declared with that characteristic mischief. Taehyung, not surprisingly, took a drink and then looked at everyone with a challenging grin. “Oh, come on! What are you waiting for? I know that half of us here are into kinky shit!”

Yoongi chuckled and took a sip, and so did Jimin. Accidentally locking eyes with Jungkook, you both found yourselves taking a sip simultaneously. Jungkook gave you a sly wink. Oddly, Jiwoo hadn't taken a sip.

The truth dawned on you that you and Jungkook, during your past relationship, did attempt an embarrassing and awkward venture into role-playing. However, Jungkook taking a sip now indicated it wasn't with you, and apparently not with Jiwoo by his side either.

It was moments like these that made you acutely aware of the passage of time. You couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy in your stomach—an emotion you knew you had no right to harbor. Despite understanding this, the fact that Jungkook had moved on with his life and embraced experiences normal for his age, just not with you, stung deeply.

You mentally berated yourself, urging to shake off the feeling. ‘Enough of this,’you thought, refocusing on the group. Jungkook took the lead, suggesting a change in the topic. “Time for something more fitting,” he declared, glancing at Taehyung. “Never have I ever had a paranormal experience.”

You tensed slightly, but seeing others casually drink, you followed suit, reminding yourself it's a common occurrence. ‘It's a common thing,’ you told yourself reassuringly, "it's not like they were harassed by dead people all the time like you. Surely they saw a shadow or door open by itself, and that would be… right?

Jimin eagerly exclaimed, “I need those stories,” while Jiwoo, clearly scared, covered her ears, protesting, “Don't even think about it!”

Taehyung grinned mischievously, teasing Jiwoo. “Oh Jiji, don't be like that. Ghost stories are the best, especially for a night with friends.” Yoongi chimed in confidently, “I'm sure my story beats all of yours!” Jiwoo, annoyed, retorted, “Not you too!” crossing her arms.

You offered her a comforting smile, feeling a bit out of place. while Taehyung looked like he was saying something to Jungkook, who opened his eyes in surprise.

Jimin, visibly impatient, reached out and touched Taehyung's arm. “Oh, come on! I want to know too!” he urged eagerly.

Namjoon intervened, sensing Jiwoo's discomfort. “Jimin, Jiwoo is clearly feeling uneasy. Let's not push her,” he admonished gently.

Jiwoo, though clearly stressed, attempted to brush off her discomfort as she observed the excitement of the others. “It's okay,” she reassured them. “I know how much you all love discussing these things. I'll just go inside and make some tea.”

Jungkook seemed inclined to stop her, but Jiwoo waved him off with a small smile. “Really, it's fine,” she whispered softly before heading indoors.

You couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Jiwoo. In the time you had spent with her and her boyfriend's group of friends, you had noticed a stark contrast in their dynamics. While they were boisterous and enjoyed teasing each other, they often unintentionally excluded Jiwoo from their conversations. They delved into topics she either didn't understand or didn't care for, leaving her on the sidelines.

You were about to step in, but Namjoon grabbed your hand, halting you. “Let me handle this. Jiwoo hates it when people pity her, and honestly, I'm not into this conversation either,” he said quietly.

You recalled that Namjoon and Jiwoo were childhood friends; their families were close, and they grew up attending the same schools and universities, both coming from affluent backgrounds. That's why Namjoon had a soft spot for her. And from what you'd heard, thanks to Namjoon, Jiwoo met Jungkook.

The two of them walked away, leaving behind a tense atmosphere. Jimin let out a sigh of apology. “I'm sorry, I was an idiot,” and everyone nodded.

Jimin punched Taehyung (who also nodded). “You're part of the problem too!”

A few minutes passed after Namjoon and Jiwoo left, with Taehyung returning from inside with a bottle of whisky and ice. Despite trying to stay glued to your seat, nerves still gripped you, causing subtle tremors. Jungkook, who was nearby, mistook your trembling for cold and began to remove his jacket to offer it to you. However, before he could act, Taehyung beat him to it, draping his expensive-looking dark jacket over your shoulders and adjusting it with a smile that made his eyes disappear. "You looked like you were cold," he remarked, his expression warm.

Grateful for the gesture, you nodded, while beside you, Jungkook settled back into his chair. You couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as you noticed his pouting expression and slumped shoulders, realizing he had wanted to offer his jacket first and now felt embarrassed by the mix-up.

The good thing was that neither Yoongi nor Jimin seemed to notice the scene, as they were engrossed in their own conversation.

"Well!" Taehyung called for attention, tapping a button on his phone to dim the lights in the backyard where you were gathered. "Damn, like you have to scrub your money," Yoongi playfully cursed.

Taehyung shrugged off the comment and straightened up in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the group as if building suspense. "Well, as you know, aside from being a talented and successful businessman, I'm also a fan of the paranormal!" he announced. "A hobby that I've cultivated since childhood, but which became more formal during my university years."

You remembered that Taehyung had been the president of a paranormal club during your childhood and teenage years, a fact you had forgotten to mention earlier. It seemed that his interest in the supernatural had persisted, as he now spoke about his more formal group dedicated to investigating paranormal phenomena across the country.

"Well, a while ago—when you were traveling," Taehyung said, glancing at Jungkook before continuing, "we heard about an abandoned hospital on the outskirts of the city that used to attract students and mischievous children looking for scary thrills."

"When we went—naturally, it was nighttime—we discovered that the place had been recently closed off by the police after a couple of teenagers were injured trying to get in," Taehyung recounted, his tone solemn.

"We did some research," he continued, lowering his head slightly to address the group, "and apparently, you can hear the cries of a woman at night emanating from those walls, particularly in the maternity area, according to some accounts we found online."

Yoongi snorted derisively. "Are you seriously telling me you believe what people say on the internet?"

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Sometimes they speak the truth. Now, let me finish," he insisted, eager to continue his story.

"Well, as I mentioned, we arrived at the hospital at night, and thanks to the skills of my friends, we managed to enter," Taehyung continued, his tone growing more intense. "At first, I thought it might be a hoax because we had set up cameras and nothing had happened. But it was when we were about to leave, around 3 in the morning, that we heard it."

"I initially thought it was Woo playing a prank on us," Taehyung recounted, his expression tense with the memory. "But to our surprise, Woo was just as startled as the rest of us. As we approached the source of the sound, the cries of the woman became clearer. However, our luck took a turn for the worse as we ended up getting lost."

"While we were attempting to capture something on camera, it failed us," Taehyung explained, frustration evident in his voice. "The images came out distorted, leaving us with nothing but blurry footage."

Turning to Jungkook, Taehyung remarked, "It was reminiscent of the incident we experienced the summer after we graduated from school."

Your head shot up at the mention of summer after high school graduation, your senses instantly on high alert. It was a time when you were no longer present, nearly a year later.

Jungkook nodded knowingly. "Yeah, the time we got lost in the enchanted forest."

Your heart sank as you sat there, feeling a wave of horror wash over you. You knew exactly which forest they were referring to. The "enchanted forest" had a name, though it was seldom spoken aloud.

From a young age, your aunts had strictly forbidden you from venturing into that forest without supervision, warning of an ominous presence lurking within—an evil door, they called it. You had heeded their warnings and never dared to explore it alone. The one time you did, at the age of eight, had been enough to instill a lasting fear, ensuring you never returned.

Nineteen years ago

It was Taehyung's fault, who had discovered a fascination with the paranormal.

Devising the cover of a sleepover at Jungkook's, you and him executed a quiet exit through his window. United, you seamlessly blended into Taehyung's group at a prearranged street corner, setting the scene for a discreet nocturnal adventure.

Initially fueled by the thrill of defying your aunts' restrictions, your childlike excitement overshadowed the potential danger ahead.

Hand in hand with Jungkook, you followed Taehyung into the forest, the first hour passing without incident. A lurking fear of ghosts lingered in your mind, but Jungkook's reassuring presence provided a sense of security. However, as the group ventured deeper, the atmosphere shifted.

After realizing you were walking in circles, a wave of unease swept over you. Panic set in as you urged Jungkook to turn back, sensing an impending danger. The forest's depths became an ominous maze, and your instincts screamed that something sinister awaited.

Your face etched with fear, Jungkook, sensing your distress, swiftly halted the group. However, Taehyung, driven by a mixture of disappointment at the lack of action and a refusal to succumb to fear, dismissed your concerns, leading his friends deeper into the unknown.

Despite your desperate attempts to convey the potential danger, their determination to prove their bravery drowned out your warnings. The group pressed on until you reached the ominous site of the old mine, sealed off for years after a tragic accident claimed multiple lives.

Your instincts, now in full alert mode, screamed at you as the atmosphere grew heavier. Panicking, you implored the others to leave, but Taehyung's friends scoffed at your fear, brushing it off with laughter. Jungkook, unable to tolerate their mockery, launched himself at them, fueled by a strength that belied his eight-year-old frame. Your attempts to restrain him proved futile in the face of his resolute protectiveness.

Desperation compelled you to break the forbidden rule, tapping into your magical abilities as a last resort. With a snap of your fingers, Taehyung's friends crumpled to the ground, unconscious, leaving only Tae conscious and bewildered.

Before you could offer an explanation, an unnatural sound reverberated through the mine entrance, injecting urgency into the air. Panic seized you, and all you could do was urgently yell at them to run. Swiftly, the two boys scooped up the unconscious friends, and together, you sprinted away.

Yet, an unseen force, faster and more sinister, latched onto Tae's legs, causing him to stumble. Ignoring Jungkook's pleas to keep running, you halted, driven by an instinct to help your friend. Drawing upon Aunt Yoon's defense lessons, you harnessed the earth's moisture to ensnare the dark specter attempting to seize Taehyung.

With a surge of power, you separated the creature from your friend, creating a protective barrier that enveloped both you and Jungkook. The ethereal shield shielded you from the pursuing threat, allowing a moment to catch your breath amidst the chaos.

Taehyung's face cycled through stages of fear and surprise as the creature charged at the magical barrier, violently shaking it. Before he could articulate his thoughts, the forceful impact of the entity disrupted the tense moment.

Jungkook, torn between rage and terror, approached you after leaving the unconscious boys on the ground. The creature struck the barrier once more before he could speak, intensifying the urgency of the situation.

Realizing the need to act swiftly, you turned to the two boys. "We have to go. I can't maintain the barrier for long." Contemplating an escape plan, you devised a quick strategy.

Crouching down, you coated yourself in mud, prompting bewildered gazes from Jungkook and Taehyung. "Mud. Cover yourselves. It'll make it harder for the creature to track us." Following your lead, Jungkook and Taehyung hastily covered themselves in mud, then proceeded to cloak the other unconscious boys. The improvised camouflage became a shield against the relentless pursuit, offering a slim chance to evade the looming threat.

"I'll drop the barrier and try to cover that thing with it," you announced, the urgency evident in your voice. "But you guys have to be quick and run toward the forest exit. I'll try to hold it off as much as I can."

Taehyung vehemently protested, but it was Jungkook who seized your arm, his eyes filled with anger. "You're crazy if you think I'll leave you behind."

Frustration etched across your face as you retorted, "Well, yes, I am! But if we don't do something, we will all die!" The creature relentlessly climbed the barrier, striking it with increasing force, creating small cracks.

Desperation mounted, and you cast a pleading gaze at Jungkook, who maintained a dark and resolute stare. "Okay," he conceded, "then you and I will stay, and Tae escapes with the others."

Indignation flashed in your widened eyes. "What?! No! You have to go with them." The barrier, showing signs of imminent collapse, intensified the urgency.

You desperately gripped both boys' arms and shook them. "You have to leave now! I can't hold it back for long! Please," you pleaded, tears welling up in your eyes. Jungkook continued to resist, and you turned to Taehyung, desperation evident. "Taehyung, please! Take him."

Taehyung found himself torn between refusing and staying with you, all while witnessing Jungkook's insistence and your distressed state. The dilemma hung in the air, leaving the trio caught in the midst of an impending danger.

With determination in his eyes, Taehyung looked at you.Taehyung met your gaze. "Can you stop that thing for a little while? At least to leave these," he pointed to his friends, "in a safe area." You nodded in agreement, prompting Jungkook to unleash a string of curses directed at Taehyung. He seized Tae's shirt collar, vehemently refusing to abandon you.

Taehyung, leveraging his age advantage, freed himself and tightly gripped Jungkook's arm. "Yes, I know! We won't leave her! But we won't escape with a load. We have to leave them and then come back for Daisy!" Tae declared, hoisting one of his friends onto his back while dragging the other toward the edge of the barrier.

Witnessing Jungkook's hesitancy, Taehyung pleaded, "Please! If you help me, the faster we can get back for Daisy!" Despite Taehyung's impassioned plea, Jungkook remained rooted in indecision. Sensing the urgency, you called out from behind, "Kook, please! I'll be fine! I can protect myself!"

In a fierce display of frustration and concern, Jungkook pointed a commanding finger at you. "You better be alive when I come back for you. I swear I won't forgive you if something happens to you and I'll do everything to bring you back to life. You hear me?"

Frantically nodding, you reassured, "I promise." Jungkook insisted further, "Promise. Make a pact, promise me you'll stay alive!" Determined, he bit his finger, drawing a drop of blood, and pressed his thumb firmly toward you.

Matching his determination, you mirrored the action, declaring, "I promise!" Both thumbs pressed together with a symbolic pact sealed in blood. Jungkook then shifted his attention, setting down the unconscious boy and approaching Taehyung.

"Good. I'll do it in 3, then you must run as far as you can!" you screamed. As the countdown reached its end, you removed the barrier and swiftly replaced it, enclosing the creature within.

Jungkook cast one last intense look at you before bolting after Taehyung, who had already begun his escape. The strain on your extremities grew palpable, a testament to the tension and force required to control the unfolding situation. Alone with the encroaching danger, you prepared for the inevitable confrontation with the creature.

The specter relentlessly fought against the barrier, striking every available space to break free, but its efforts proved futile. You meticulously counted the seconds in your head, taking a deep breath to compose yourself. With your free hand, you played with the wet dirt and mud, attempting to ensnare the elusive specter within the confines of the barrier. The creature's erratic movements posed a considerable challenge.

Around half a minute into the struggle, you sensed something warm trickling down your nose. As it reached your mouth, the realization hit – it was blood. A wave of concern washed over you, recalling how, in your lessons, bleeding often led to a gradual loss of energy, eventually culminating in unconsciousness. This time, you fought against the encroaching weakness, acutely aware that not just your life but others' depended on your resilience.

The creature, realizing its futile attempts to escape, unleashed a horrific howl, a sound so piercing that it reverberated through your head. Tears of pain escaped your eyes, but you maintained your stance. The strain, however, began to take its toll. Your legs wavered, feeling as though they were on the brink of collapse.

Undaunted, you summoned the last remnants of your energy to ensnare the creature in the mud. Driven by sheer determination, you successfully immobilized it—a fleeting triumph amid the relentless physical and mental strain.

With the creature temporarily subdued, you hastily released the barrier and raced in the direction your friends had fled. Inhuman screams pursued you, each step a desperate bid for escape as branches and leaves collided with your frantic sprint.

Despite the burning sensation in your lungs, you pressed forward until a concealed root of an ancient tree sent you sprawling into the mud. A sharp cry of pain escaped as your arm, the unfortunate cushion of your fall, bent unnaturally.

Struggling to rise on the slippery ground, your desperation intensified as the unearthly screams drew nearer. You attempted to crawl, but exhaustion overwhelmed you, and you crumbled to the ground, drained by the expenditure of your magical energy.

In the obscurity, a chorus of desperate footsteps approached, and then the cry of "Daisy!" rang out. The shadows revealed the terror in Jungkook's eyes as, without hesitation, he sprinted towards you. The night cloaked you both in uncertainty, but his unwavering determination to reach you cut through the darkness.

Jungkook swiftly took hold of your good arm, lifting you from the muddy ground. His eyes scanned your face with concern as he asked with a fearful tone, "Can you run?" Tearfully, you shook your head, signaling your incapacity.

Without hesitation, Jungkook turned around, gesturing to his back. "Come on, Daisy! Come up!" Struggling, you climbed onto his back, clinging tightly to his neck. Jungkook, relying on his athleticism, dashed forward, providing a sense of relief in the midst of the dire situation.

With a voice trembling from weakness, you inquired, "Tae and the others?" Jungkook, not verbally responding, simply nodded, conveying both understanding and concern.

Behind you, the forceful movement of branches and the chilling screams grew closer. Though drained of strength, you made an effort to move tree roots and clear some branches, buying precious seconds against the pursuing creatures. "We're almost there, Daisy!" Jungkook breathed out a tired sigh.

However, just as you approached the river, marking the boundary between the forest and the city, a claw snatched your dangling, broken arm. It yanked you off balance, sending you crashing to the ground, shattering the fleeting hope of escape.

You screamed in pain as you felt your broken arm being pulled and your skin covered in claw wounds.

Jungkook stopped and shouted, coming for you.

The creature that had knocked you to the ground lunged at you, but you kicked it off and threw yourself backwards.

Jungkook picked you up but the creature quickly jumped back to you, knocking you to the ground.

Now that you had it so close to your face, you could see in detail what seemed to be its face, a kind of dark void but with a mouth with large fangs that were centimeters from your face.

With desperate force, you grapple with the creature, utilizing your legs and your one functional arm as a barrier, but your efforts are fleeting as you sense the creature being forcefully flung aside. In the chaos, Jungkook charges forward, his voice piercing the air, urging you to flee. However, despite the searing pain coursing through your body, the thought of leaving Jungkook behind is unbearable.

Then, as if a distant echo, a piece of advice from your Aunt Binna surfaces in your mind—a whispered secret shared during moments of fear and peril. She had spoken of your father's necklace, imbued with protective intentions. Though you had often disregarded its significance, the mere touch of the pendant had provided solace during restless nights plagued by nightmares.

Frantically, you grasp at your neck, feeling the familiar weight of the necklace. With a sudden burst of determination, you seize the pendant, memories flooding back as you hastily remove it from your neck. Clutching it tightly in your hand, you recall the faint whispers of a protective spell, a safeguard against encroaching darkness.

With trembling fingers, you invoke the incantation, willing the pendant to emit a radiant light. In a blinding flash, the ruby at its center ignites, casting a brilliant fiery glow. The intensity of the light sears your palm, causing you to involuntarily recoil, and in your panic, the necklace slips from your grasp, clattering to the ground.

But even as the pendant falls, its luminous aura persists, illuminating the darkness and momentarily halting the advance of the menacing creature.

As the creature savagely attacked Jungkook, tearing into his belly, your scream of horror echoed alongside his agonizing cry. Fueled by a potent mix of confidence, adrenaline, and fury, you seized the blazing necklace, feeling its fiery power pulsate beneath your fingertips.

With a newfound determination, you channeled the light, harnessing the necklace's amplifying abilities to magnify the radiance within you. The once-dim glow now surged forth from your palms, expanding into a brilliant wave of luminance that engulfed the creature in searing agony. Your own screams mingled with those of the beast, fueled by pain, fear, and a righteous anger that intensified the onslaught of light.

As the radiant beams pierced through the creature, it writhed in a futile attempt to escape the relentless assault, but the brilliance consumed it, melting away its form until it detonated in a final, blinding explosion of light. With the creature vanquished, you released your hold on the power, allowing the forest to once again succumb to darkness and chill.

Summoning your strength, you struggled to rise, your body trembling from the exertion. With each step towards Jungkook, the weight of your injuries bore down upon you, until finally, your legs gave way, sending you crashing to the unforgiving ground. Despite your own pain, your instinct to reach out to your friend persisted, driving you onward despite the overwhelming exhaustion that threatened to consume you.

With a guttural howl of agony, you dragged yourself across the frigid, grimy floor, caked in mud and tangled grass, until you reached Jungkook's side. He writhed in torment, one hand pressed tightly against his abdomen as screams escaped his lips. Collapsing beside him, your own body throbbing with pain, you gazed at him through blurred vision. His eyelids fluttered, struggling to remain open, as he reached out to touch your face with trembling fingers. With a grunt of agony, you inched closer, allowing Jungkook's icy touch to graze your skin.

"Daisy," he whispered hoarsely, the sound barely audible over the din of suffering.

You watched him intently, battling against the encroaching darkness threatening to pull you under. Jungkook's eyes remained fixed on you, despite their heavy lids, as if he harbored a desperate message he couldn't convey through the haze of pain and exhaustion. Tears welled in your eyes as you reached out with your uninjured hand, gently guiding his trembling hand from his abdomen to rest atop yours.

The fog of blood loss and anguish clouded your thoughts, but one desire burned fiercely within you: to be close to him, even in this final moment. As darkness encroached and consciousness slipped away, your last coherent memory was of Jungkook's face, his touch upon your skin, and your intertwined hands resting upon his wounded abdomen.

Chills coursed through your body as the haunting memory flooded back into your mind. "It was absolutely terrifying, do you remember?" Taehyung remarked, his voice laden with a hint of unease. "I never thought we'd find our way out of that forest. It's so eerie." But it became evident that their recollection of the event differed vastly from yours. The spell had erased the memory of that night from Taehyung and Jungkook's minds, leaving only the narrative they were discussing at present.

Jungkook nodded solemnly. "Going there while completely intoxicated was a terrible decision. We weren't the only ones who got lost there." Taehyung leaned back in his seat, his expression troubled. "I remember. Neighbor Park's daughter disappeared there and was never found." The mention of Neighbor Park, a kind and welcoming woman, hit you hard. You hadn't known about her daughter's disappearance. A lump formed in your throat as the grim reality settled in – she would never see her daughter again.

Taehyung clapped his hands together, breaking the heavy silence. "Anyway, what I wanted to say is, when we lost the camera and the lights, we heard her. The woman."

Yoongi snorted but remained silent. Taehyung persisted, "I swear on the most precious thing in my life, Yeontan, that I saw her. She was leaning against a wall, her clothes drenched."

Jimin chuckled, "Cut it out, Tae. No need to make up stories."

Jungkook joined in, laughing, while the dark-haired boy grew visibly irritated. "I'm not making this up, Jimin! I saw her!"

Jimin rolled his eyes playfully. "Sure, Tae. Whatever you say."

Taehyung was seething now. "Jungkook, you fixed the camera. There was a blurry figure in one of the photos. Don't make me out to be a liar!"

Jungkook shrugged. "Tae, I warned you it could've been a lens glitch. I never confirmed anyone was there."

Frustrated, Taehyung exclaimed, "Come on! You have to believe me!"

Yoongi, taking a sip from his glass, chimed in sarcastically, "Oh, come on, Tae! Admit it, your paranormal club is just a sham."

Taehyung stood up abruptly. "You guys just don't get it. I'm done talking about this with you ignorant lot!"

You couldn't help but laugh, covering your mouth. Taehyung looked at you as if betrayed, "Even you, Daisy?"

You shrugged your shoulders, unlike everyone present, you knew the paranormal very well. Yoongi let out a dry laugh. "Don't worry Tae, she believes in that nonsense too!" You opened your eyes surprised. You had mentioned some supernatural experiences to Yoongi before, usually under the influence of alcohol. Before you could defend yourself, Taehyung jumped in. "No way! Seriously?!" But seeing his handsome face so excited, you couldn't refuse. You still remembered how Taehyung would get enthusiastic about these things. He sat next to you, on Jiwoo's chair, and took your hands, eager to hear more. You noticed how his hands were still much bigger than yours, slightly tanned too.

"Tell me!" Taehyung exclaimed. "What paranormal experience do you have?!" You clung to your seat, contemplating your options. Should you fabricate a lie to satisfy his curiosity, or should you be honest and share a true story? Tired of deception, you chose the latter.

Casually, you began to recount a story that, while not explicitly supernatural, still held an eerie quality. It was about the time you encountered the ghostly apparition of an old man on a train platform. You described how you initially saw him waiting on the platform, only for him to inexplicably appear on the tracks as the train passed by. Yet, to your astonishment, he vanished without a trace.

Though mundane compared to your other experiences, it still captivated Taehyung's attention, evident in the starry-eyed gaze he fixed upon you. "That's incredible! Did anyone else notice?!" he inquired eagerly.

"I think so," you replied. "A girl who was standing next to me screamed when she witnessed him leap onto the tracks. But like me, she realized there was no one there afterward." You resolved his inquiry, leaving the details of your otherworldly encounters unspoken.

Taehyung settled into his chair, his mind clearly racing with thoughts. "It reminds me of the story of the schoolboy on the roads! Damn, I wonder if there are cameras that capture those moments," he mused, absentmindedly stroking his chin. As Taehyung continued to delve into the topic, the others exchanged knowing looks, indicating that this wasn't the first time such discussions had occurred.

You caught Jungkook's gaze, and he offered you a comforting smile, which you gratefully returned.

You inwardly welcomed the change of subject once Jiwoo and Namjoon returned, but unfortunately, the conversation now shifted to a trip among friends to go camping.

You tried to shrink in your seat and avoid drawing attention to yourself, but that was impossible once Taehyung looked at you with a smile.

"I hope that you, lovely Daisy, will go with us," Taehyung blurted out, and Jimin quickly perked up at this. "That's right! Daisy loves camping. We've been to the lake outside of town several times, haven't we?" Your friend smiled at you expectantly.

You forced a smile. It was true that you liked camping, but only for the reason that you felt closer to nature, plus you went with your best friends. But at this moment, not only the three of you were going, but the others, especially the person you wanted to avoid the most.

"It'll be fun, won't it?" For the first time that night, Yoongi referred to you. You stared into his dark eyes, which held ulterior motives. He raised his eyebrows, and you swallowed nervously.

You knew Yoongi was still upset and was waiting for explanations. What better way to test yourself than spending a weekend with the person who is the cause of your secrecy?

You decided to put on your big girl pants and smile widely. "Of course. We love camping with friends, don't we, Yoongs?"

Yoongi, annoyed at not eliciting the reaction he wanted from you, simply nodded and continued drinking from his glass. You couldn't blame him. If you were in his place, you'd also be upset that your best friend of five years kept secrets from you.

As the others happily began to plan, discussing where they would stay and what activities they would engage in during their time together, you quietly excused yourself and slipped into the house, under the pretense of needing to use the bathroom. In truth, you sought a moment alone to recharge your energy.

Upon entering the home, you were immediately dazzled. The polished marble floors reflected light from the crystal chandeliers above, casting a shimmering glow throughout the space. Hardwood-paneled walls exuded a sense of warmth and elegance, while the carefully selected furniture resembled masterpieces from bygone eras, adorned with velvet upholstery and intricate hand-carved details. It felt as though you had stepped into a museum rather than a house, but you found yourself drawn to the antique charm, as you had always loved old things.

Mesmerized by the environment, you drifted through the room, taking in every detail with a sense of wonder. Your eyes fell upon an ancient sundial, its refined appearance indicating that it had been well cared for over the years. The Roman numerals etched into its surface hinted at its age, yet it seemed strangely familiar to you.

Carefully, you reached out and took hold of the sundial, examining it with a mixture of curiosity and fascination. Lost in your thoughts, you failed to notice the presence that had approached from behind until a hoarse voice shattered the silence.

"Don't tell me that another of your secrets involves being a thief of ancient objects?" the voice spoke, causing you to startle and clutch your chest in surprise.

"You scared me," you blurted out, turning to face Yoongi, who stood with his arms crossed and a neutral expression on his pale face.

"You didn't answer my question," he blurted out, his voice tinged with frustration.

You sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of his mistrust bearing down on you. You knew you had lost a bit of his trust, but you held onto the belief that it was for his own good not to know the truth just yet.

"I'm not a thief, Yoongi," you declared firmly, meeting his gaze. "I was just admiring Taehyung's belongings. They're quite charming."

Yoongi made a noncommittal sound, his eyes still fixed on you, assessing.

"I'm surprised you agreed to come. You usually avoid spending time with strangers," he remarked, leaning casually against an old white piano in the room.

You shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "They're not strangers anymore. They're yours and Jimin's friends."

"Mmm, and apparently yours too," he replied, a hint of skepticism in his tone. "That photo with Jungkook seems to suggest otherwise."

Your muscles tensed at the mention of Jungkook, and you glanced nervously around the room, confirming there was no one else nearby.

"We're not friends," you blurted out, your voice tinged with urgency. "It's complicated, and you know it."

Yoongi's fingers idly tapped on the piano keys, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

"If it's so complicated, why do you have a photo with him from almost twelve years ago?" he pressed, his voice softer but still probing.

You clenched your fists, feeling a surge of anxiety rising within you. "Yoongi, please, not here."

A knowing smile tugged at the corners of Yoongi's lips. "Come on, Daisy. What are you so afraid of? We could take this conversation to the garden and clear up any doubts by asking Jungkook about his relationship with you," he suggested, his tone laced with a hint of malice as he moved toward the exit of the room.

You watched in fear as Yoongi headed towards the window, your mind racing for a solution. In a moment of desperation, you tapped into the magic you possessed and willed the sliding window to close. A golden breeze swept past Yoongi, slamming the window shut with a force that startled him.

"___," he exclaimed your name in surprise, quickly turning to look at you. As he approached, you found yourself equally surprised, frozen in place by the unexpected turn of events.

You cursed inwardly, realizing the gravity of the situation. Blaming it on the wind or the alcohol wasn't an option—there was no wind current in the room, and Yoongi had a higher alcohol tolerance than you.

Your heart pounded in your chest as Yoongi's expression flickered through various states of confusion.

“I…” you began, but your words were cut off by the sound of the sliding window. To your dismay, Jungkook appeared from outside, his cheeks flushed with surprise at the scene unfolding before him.

"Oh," Jungkook said, his eyes filled with concern as he took in your pale complexion. "Are you two okay, Daisy? You look pale," he added, moving closer to you with genuine worry.

Not now, you thought desperately, knowing that having Jungkook so close after the tense moment with Yoongi wasn't ideal. Before you could reassure him and prevent him from coming any closer, someone else entered the room. It was Taehyung, who followed Jungkook inside and looked around at the scene with equal surprise.

"Wow, you've stumbled upon my most cherished heirloom, Daisy!" Taehyung remarked, holding a bottle of champagne in one hand as he gestured towards the sundial behind you.

Grateful for the diversion, you managed to suppress the sigh of relief that threatened to escape you. "Oh! Yes! It's absolutely adorable!" you exclaimed, your voice a touch higher than usual, surprising even yourself.

Beside you, Yoongi kept his gaze fixed on you, while Jungkook looked like a bewildered puppy.

Taehyung appeared delighted by your enthusiasm. "I know, right? It's pretty cool," he said, setting the champagne aside and moving closer to you.

As Taehyung began to explain the origins and intricacies of his cherished relic, you couldn't help but feel like you were a magnet for trouble. It seemed like every situation you found yourself in turned into a delicate balancing act. For someone who believed in and possessed magic, it was disheartening to constantly encounter such misfortune. You made a mental note to consult Salem when you got home, wondering if he knew any charms or spells to ward off ill intentions or protect against malevolent forces.

Beside you, Yoongi appeared lost in a haze of confusion, his sharp mind undoubtedly searching for a rational explanation for your inexplicable action. Yet, deep down, you knew that no logical reasoning could justify what had just transpired. He had witnessed it firsthand, plain and simple.

"Okay," you thought, a plan forming in your mind. "I'll bring Yoongi home with me and lay out the whole truth for him."

The idea of having your best friend angry at you was unbearable to your heart and mind, especially when you were the sole culprit. Your carefully crafted plan to calmly and rationally explain everything to him was swiftly thrown into disarray. Now, you would have to confront the truth head-on, blurting out the entirety of it and hoping against hope that Yoongi would still choose to stand by your side as a friend.

As Taehyung continued to ramble on about the sundial, you seized the opportunity to discreetly touch Yoongi's arm. He snapped out of his trance and locked eyes with you, to which you simply murmured, "I'll explain everything to you at home."

Yoongi raised an eyebrow at your cryptic message but nodded in acknowledgment, diverting his attention back to the conversation unfolding around him.

"Oh, Yoongi! You know him, right?" Taehyung interjected, his voice filled with excitement. Yoongi furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Kang? The guy from work?" Yoongi attempted to recall, scratching his head. Taehyung persisted, trying to jog Yoongi's memory. "Yeah, the wealthy guy who travels the world?"

A moment of realization dawned on Yoongi as he snapped his fingers. "Oh! You mean your college classmate?" he exclaimed, the pieces coming together.

Taehyung nodded eagerly. "Exactly! He was always our favorite back in college, wasn't he, Jungkook?"

Jungkook nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I haven't seen him in ages. Wasn't he on vacation in Egypt?" Jungkook inquired, his curiosity piqued. "I remember him mentioning something about wanting to explore the ancient magic of the Egyptians."

You stood by, feeling slightly lost amidst their conversation, but grateful for the distraction as your mind buzzed with thoughts of how to broach the topic with Yoongi. After all, you were harboring the secret of being a runaway witch from your homeland, with the boy in front of you being your childhood best friend and ex-boyfriend. Not to mention, Taehyung was also a childhood friend.

"Well, for someone as ostentatious as him, a vacation to a place like Egypt with that excuse seems fitting," Yoongi remarked casually, shrugging his shoulders.

"Well, this watch has a special meaning," Taehyung remarked, drawing everyone's attention back to the sundial. "At least, that's what Kang told me when he gave it to me. He mentioned that it gave him a sense of connection and calm, like he could keep track of how I was, although he never explained exactly how that connection worked."

Jungkook chuckled at this, giving Taehyung a friendly pat on the back. "Dude, you know how he is. It's probably just a luxurious piece of junk he had lying around, and he gave it to you, adding a bit of mystery like he always does," he tried to explain. Your ears perked up at their conversation.

Taehyung furrowed his brow. "Come on! You have to admit, it does give off a strange vibe. Like it's... magical," he added the last word with a special tone, causing a flicker of realization to ignite in your mind.

Magical.

That was what had seemed odd about the sundial from the beginning.

Trying to contain your excitement, you smoothly inserted yourself into the conversation. "Can I see it again? I haven't come across one like this in a while," you excused yourself, and Taehyung gladly handed the sundial over to you without hesitation.

You discreetly inspected the sundial, mindful of the three pairs of eyes fixed on you. Unlike the first time, your focus wasn't on the intricate carvings or craftsmanship, but rather on detecting any traces of the elusive magic that seemed to beckon to you. However, despite your experience with enchanted objects, this one proved to be exceptionally well-hidden. You sensed the presence of magic, but its source remained frustratingly elusive.

Then, as if by magic itself, the window abruptly swung open once more, startling everyone and causing you to accidentally drop the watch.

"No!" you exclaimed in dismay, but it was too late—the delicate timepiece lay broken on the ground.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" Jiwoo's voice echoed through the room.

You and Jungkook instantly crouched down to inspect the damage, unable to see Yoongi's annoyed expression or Taehyung's frustrated glance at the girl.

"It's okay, Jiwoo. Just remember to be careful when opening that window," Taehyung responded calmly, masking any irritation he felt.

But your attention drifted away, away from the shattered clock on the cold floor, away from the chaos stirred by Jiwoo's unintended disruption. Instead, it gravitated towards the point where your hand had met Jungkook's, the fleeting touch still resonating between you like an echo of something profound.

Yet, it wasn't the physical collision that captivated you; it was the silent exchange conveyed through Jungkook's deep, enigmatic eyes. They held a universe of emotions—affection, surprise, and perhaps a whisper of trepidation—a reflection of your own soul laid bare. In that fleeting moment of contact, it was as if a burst of celestial light had illuminated the space between you, casting ephemeral shadows of longing and uncertainty.

Jungkook's gaze seemed to speak volumes, a silent poetry that danced between you, weaving intricate verses of longing and desire, yet clouded by the veil of confusion.

You knew it was forbidden, this enchantment that pulled you towards him. Another held claim to his heart, yet you couldn't help but linger in the ethereal realm of possibility, where the boundaries of reality blurred and the allure of the unknown beckoned. But reality intruded, like a harsh whisper amidst a symphony of dreams, as Taehyung's voice shattered the delicate illusion that had enveloped you both.

"Kook? Daisy?" Tae's voice rang out, laced with concern. "Are you both alright? Are you hurt?"

You snapped out of your daze first, as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over you. Reality crashed back in, along with a wave of shame and dread. You scrambled to your feet, nearly colliding with Yoongi in your haste.

"I'm fine!" you exclaimed, adrenaline coursing through your veins. "I'm so sorry, Taehyung! I didn't mean to let it slip."

Jungkook rose from the ground more slowly, but you couldn't bring yourself to meet his gaze. Instead, you focused on Taehyung, who stood with his eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Don't worry, Daisy! The most important thing is that nobody got hurt," he reassured you.

Jiwoo, feeling slightly embarrassed for her sudden entrance, approached her fiancé with a worried expression. "My Kookie, are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?" she inquired sharply, inspecting his hands as he stood there, lost in thought.

Jungkook shook his head mechanically, his dark eyes fixed on the ground. Jiwoo gently clasped her delicate hands around his larger ones, planting a kiss on his cheek.

You couldn't bear to witness their tender interaction any longer. It felt like acid coursing through your veins, burning with a mixture of jealousy and regret.

Yoongi, ever quiet but perceptive, placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up, Daisy. It can be fixed," he consoled, nodding towards the broken sundial.

A pang of guilt washed over you, though not for the reason Yoongi assumed. You felt dirty for harboring affectionate thoughts towards someone who was engaged. You fought back the urge to cry, knowing that it was a self-inflicted wound you had to bear.

Taehyung attempted to lighten the mood. "Yoongi's right. It's not the end of the world. It was just an accident," he chimed in, offering a supportive smile.

You managed a weak smile in return, casting your gaze downwards. Then, something caught your eye, and you widened them in surprise. Amidst the broken pieces of the sundial, a small, seemingly insignificant purple dust emanated from the carved dial. But you recognized it for what it truly was—an enchantment.

To prevent any further misunderstandings, you quickly crouched down, gathering the broken pieces and hiding the dial from view. Turning to Taehyung, you spoke up. "I'll take care of this. I know a skilled gnomonist who can fix it."

Taehyung nodded appreciatively, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. It was your cue to make your escape. You shot a meaningful glance at Yoongi, who understood your silent plea.

"I think it's time for us to head out, don't you think, Daisy?" Yoongi interjected, coming to your rescue.

You nodded eagerly, casting a glance at Taehyung. "What?!" Jiwoo exclaimed, still holding onto Jungkook's hands, who avoided meeting your gaze.

For the sake of your own sanity, you chose not to dwell on his reaction. "I'm sorry, but I have some important matters to attend to tomorrow, and I need to get an early start," you explained, noticing Taehyung's desire to intervene. "Thank you for everything. It was a pleasure meeting you," you expressed your gratitude to Taehyung. "And don't worry about the watch. It will be good as new."

"But!" Jiwoo's interruption cut through the conversation, her tone insistent. "Our last guest has arrived! You can't leave yet!"

You were taken aback by this unexpected revelation. You hadn't known that another guest was expected. Taehyung's face lit up at the news.

"He's here already? Perfect, let's go!" Tae exclaimed, signaling for everyone to follow him outside.

As you exited the room, your eyes caught sight of a third figure engaged in conversation with Namjoon and Jimin near the pool. Though you couldn't see his face, his tall stature and broad back were unmistakable.

Jimin spotted your group and waved enthusiastically, signaling for you to join them. "Look who's back!"

Resigned to delaying your escape a little longer, you followed Taehyung's lead. As he approached the man, Taehyung greeted him with a warm hug.

"Long time no see, buddy!" Taehyung exclaimed joyfully. "I thought you wouldn't make it today!"

The other man responded with a hint of arrogance in his tone. "You know how I am. With a snap of my fingers, I get what I want."

His words triggered a sense of familiarity in you, but before you could dwell on it, Jungkook released Jiwoo's hand and joined Taehyung in greeting the newcomer, mirroring his friend's enthusiasm.

"The golden boy!" the unfamiliar man exclaimed, his voice dripping with familiarity. "I haven't laid eyes on you in ages!"

Connecting the dots, you realized that this man must be Kang, the friend of Tae and Kook.

As you approached, you could see that he was dressed in dark, expensive-looking attire, giving off the air of a corporate professional. His short, neatly combed hair and polished appearance only added to his aura of sophistication. But the horror that washed over you upon seeing his face left you breathless.

For ten long years, you had been plagued by nightmares featuring that very face. Some nights, you would dream of him causing harm to your loved ones or relentlessly pursuing you. But you always found solace in the fact that, upon waking, it was nothing more than a fleeting nightmare.

Yet now, confronted with the visage of your deepest fears, the same mocking and haughty expression etched upon his features, you felt an overwhelming urge to retch.

As if by some twisted magic, Kang Hyung's arrogant facade crumbled upon catching sight of you. His smile stretched so wide that it seemed his mouth might split open at any moment.

"I don't believe we've been properly introduced, my dear," Kang's silky voice sent shivers down your spine, making you wish you could block out the sound.

Unaware of your internal turmoil, the others continued chatting, oblivious to your frozen state. You stood as still as a statue, your mind screaming for you to flee, to escape.

Jimin, radiating happiness, took it upon himself to introduce you. "This is Daisy, our friend. I've mentioned her to you several times."

Kang's smile turned sly as he responded, "Ah, yes! I've heard quite a bit about you, dear Daisy." His intense gaze bore into you, his eyes so dark that you couldn't discern his pupils.

His words felt like a thinly veiled threat, and you knew it. He knew things about you—things he shouldn't know. The fear that gripped you intensified. You needed to leave, to warn everyone about the danger lurking behind Kang's facade.

You wanted to scream, to alert them all that the man they were smiling at was dangerous and self-serving. That he would not hesitate to harm them for his own gain. You needed to ensure their safety, to get them out of harm's way. And above all, you needed to protect Jungkook. He was your priority.But Kang shot you a knowing glance, as if he could read your thoughts, and you froze in place.

You reminded yourself that you couldn't confront Kang. You were weak, having not practiced magic, let alone protective spells, in over a decade. You felt utterly powerless to shield your friends from the danger that lurked beneath Kang's charming facade.

A comforting hand landed on your back, and you turned to find Yoongi's worried expression. In that moment, you felt exposed, as if he could see the terror that filled your eyes, threatening to consume you.

Keeping his hand on your back, Yoongi spoke up. "I'll take Daisy home. It was great seeing you all. Thanks for everything," he said, bidding farewell to the group.

You wanted to protest, to tell him that you couldn't leave your friends in the clutches of that monster, but you knew you needed to think rationally. Kang was acting friendly for a reason; he wouldn't drop his facade for you.

It dawned on you that Kang had befriended Jungkook and Taehyung for a purpose, and that purpose was you. He had approached your friends deliberately, with a hidden agenda.

He wanted you to play his game, just as you always had. If you wanted to keep your friends safe, you knew what you had to do.

"Thank you for everything. It was a pleasure spending time with you," you stated firmly, surprised at the strength in your voice.

Quickly bidding farewell to everyone, you stole one last glance, catching Kang's gaze fixed on you. His expression held a warning, silently conveying only one message: "Be careful."

The atmosphere inside the car was heavy with an unbearable silence, yet amidst everything that had transpired, you found yourself strangely indifferent. Yoongi, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, kept his pale hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel.

Rather than requesting Yoongi to drive you home, you made an unexpected decision, asking him to take you both to the place where your paths first crossed - the old museum. You, a young woman navigating the complexities of independence, seeking employment, and Yoongi, grappling with familial troubles, in need of a distraction, found solace in each other's company.

Five years ago, your lives collided by chance, or perhaps fate, as you accidentally collided with Yoongi while rushing to a job interview. However, what began as a mere accident blossomed into a profound friendship that endured the test of time.

As you parked the car and stepped out, the two of you found yourselves seated on the weathered benches outside the museum, each lost in your own thoughts, yet somehow finding comfort in the familiarity of each other's presence.

Summoning all your courage, you straightened your posture and began to speak, addressing the weighty silence between you and Yoongi. "I understand you're upset with me, and I can see why," you started, your voice carrying the weight of remorse and honesty. "If I discovered that my closest confidant of five years, someone I trust implicitly and have shared so much with, was keeping secrets from me, particularly ones as bewildering as mine, I'd be hurt too."

Yoongi's silence persisted, prompting you to press on. "I realize you're hurt, and for that, I'm truly sorry. You've entrusted me with deeply personal matters, ones you haven't even shared with Jimin. It's only fair that I reciprocate."

Taking a deep breath, you directed your gaze ahead to the tranquil scene of ducks gliding across a small pond. "I've shared some truths about my past with you—about fleeing my home and severing ties with my family, about my identity as a florist, my struggles with forging friendships, and even the trivial details like my lazy cat and the rundown apartment I call home."

You clenched your fists, willing them to stop trembling as you prepared to reveal the omitted truths weighing heavily on your conscience. "But there are aspects of myself I've kept hidden. I'm not 'normal,' at least not in the conventional sense. I know you've picked up on my sensitivities and social struggles, which society deems as deviations from the norm, but that's not what I'm referring to."

Sensing Yoongi's urge to interject, you raised a hand to silence him. "It's the truth, and I know you're aware of it. I am different, in ways that go beyond mere social awkwardness or sensitivity. And what I mean by that is..." With resolve hardening in your heart, you knew it was now or never. Honesty was your only chance of salvaging the trust between you and Yoongi, a bond you couldn't bear to lose.

"I'm not entirely human," you whispered, the admission hanging heavy in the air. "I'm a witch, descended from an ancient lineage."

A pregnant pause followed, Yoongi's silence pressing down on you like a weight, stirring a growing sense of panic within. Then, unexpectedly, his laughter pierced the tense atmosphere.

"Daisy, come on! Do you really have so little respect for me that you'd fabricate such absurdities?" Yoongi's tone dripped with annoyance. "I came here because you promised me the truth, not some ridiculous fantasy."

His abrupt dismissal fueled your desperation, propelling you to your feet in a bid to salvage the crumbling trust between you. "No, I'm not lying! I swear it's the truth!"

But Yoongi, unmoved by your plea, rose from his seat with palpable irritation, making his way towards the parking lot. "I thought our friendship was built on genuine trust, but it's clear you don't have faith in me," he retorted mockingly, his words a dagger to your heart.

Frustration and helplessness surged within you, pushing you to the brink. "Of course I trust you! That's why you're my friend!" you cried out, the desperation evident in your voice.

As Yoongi continued his departure, your patience snapped, and with a swift motion, you recited an immobilization spell in your mind, snapping your fingers to enact its power. Yoongi froze, his expression contorting in bewilderment and anger.

"What the hell?" he exclaimed, glaring at you incredulously as you strode purposefully towards him, determined to make him understand the truth, even if it cost you your sanity.

"You know, I had hoped we could discuss this like mature adults, but you've left me no choice!" Your frustration boiled over as you confronted Yoongi, the power of your words matched by the intensity of your emotions. "With a simple snap of my fingers, I can bend reality to my will!"

Yoongi's attempts to move proved futile as he remained frozen, his disbelief evident in the furrow of his brow and the widening of his eyes.

"Since you refuse to believe me and insist on leaving, I'll lay it all out for you! I'm a bona fide witch, okay?!" Your voice rang out with conviction, unapologetic for the seemingly outlandish revelation. "It's not some silly tale or figment of imagination; it's the truth, and I'm living proof of it!"

Your frustration morphed into defiance as you continued, heedless of how irrational you might seem. "I possess powers beyond your wildest imagination—I can move objects with my mind, attract things to me, summon them into existence, alter reality as I see fit! Ever wonder why our flower shop thrives, even in the dead of winter? It's because of me! I enchant the flowers, keep them vibrant and alive, ensuring they flourish and fetch top prices!"

But your abilities extended far beyond floristry, a fact you were determined to impress upon Yoongi. "And that's not all! I can charm individuals, manipulate their actions, brew potions, induce love, or even erase memories! There's a spell for every conceivable situation!"

As Yoongi stared at you in stunned silence, his disbelief palpable, you forged ahead, undeterred by his reaction. "I understand this is a lot to take in, but it's the truth, whether you choose to believe it or not!"

"Do you want to know who Jungkook is to me? Well, then listen closely," you exclaimed, your voice raw with emotion. "He's more than just a childhood friend—he's my lifeline, the only beacon of acceptance in a sea of rejection. He was the only one who saw past the rumors and stigma, the only one who saw me for who I truly am."

As tears streamed down your cheeks, you bared your soul, each word a painful admission. "Do you know why he doesn't remember me? Because I made him forget! I erased myself from his memories to protect him, to shield him from the dangers that lurked because of me."

The weight of your confession crushed you, forcing you to your knees as sobs wracked your body. "I didn't want to do it," you choked out between sobs. "But it was necessary. I had to let him go, for his own safety, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness."

The anguish in your voice echoed through the empty space, your vulnerability laid bare for Yoongi to witness. "I didn't want to leave my home, my family, but I had to. And despite the pain and loneliness, you... you made me feel safe."

You turned to Yoongi, your gaze pleading for understanding, but he remained silent, his attempts to interject drowned out by the torrent of emotions pouring from your soul. "You have no idea what you mean to me," you whispered, the words a desperate plea for him to comprehend the depth of your gratitude and affection.

As you continued to spill your truths, years of pent-up emotions cascading forth, Yoongi's presence served as a silent witness to the turmoil within your heart.

"I love you, Yoongi," you whispered, your voice choked with emotion. "You've been like a brother to me, a constant source of support and companionship throughout the years. I never wanted to keep this from you, but when I left home, I was forced to make a promise—a promise to never reveal the truth, for fear of endangering those I care about."

Your hands trembled as you spoke, the weight of your secrets heavy upon your shoulders. "I couldn't bear the thought of putting you or Jimin in harm's way. You both mean too much to me."

Unintentionally, you released the immobilization spell, and within moments, you felt the comforting embrace of Yoongi's arms encircling you. He held you close, his own tears mingling with yours as you both found solace in each other's presence.

"I had no idea," Yoongi murmured against your hair, his voice thick with remorse. "I'm so sorry."

You continued to cry into his chest, the release of pent-up emotions overwhelming yet cathartic. Yoongi's gentle caresses soothed your frayed nerves, his warmth a balm to your troubled soul.

"Take deep breaths, and try to relax," he urged softly, his words a gentle reminder to ground yourself in the present moment.

Gradually, the storm of emotions subsided, leaving behind a sense of peace and understanding. Yoongi's eyes were red and teary, mirroring your own.

"I'm sorry," you said softly, wiping away the tears from your eyes. "It's okay if you don't want to be a part of my life anymore. I'll understand. The last thing I want is to hurt you or anyone else."

"Why wouldn't I want to be a part of your life anymore?" Yoongi's confusion was evident in his tone as he reached out to gently caress your cheek.

You lifted your gaze to the star-filled sky, a heaviness weighing on your heart. "Because I've lied to you all these years. I never told you the truth about who I really am."

Yoongi's touch remained gentle as he reassured you, "I don't think that's reason enough for me to walk away from you."

Hope flickered in your eyes as you gazed at him, his smile serving as a beacon of reassurance. "Really?" you questioned, a hint of disbelief lingering in your voice.

Yoongi nodded, tenderly wiping away the last traces of tears from your cheeks. "Let's go home," he suggested, extending his hand towards you. "You can explain everything to me there. I promise to listen to absolutely everything."

A smile tugged at your lips as you reached out and accepted his hand. "Alright," you agreed, the weight on your shoulders feeling lighter in the presence of his unwavering support.

Kang Hyung was a man proud of himself.

He loved attention and he loved being right.

Kang Hyung exuded an air of self-assurance as he made his way past the half-naked girls dancing on the bar and the leering office workers. He relished the attention, reveling in the approving gazes of the respectable women in the establishment.

Despite his conservative upbringing, which he found ironic given his current surroundings, Kang remained steadfast in his beliefs. He had been molded by generations of tradition within the esteemed Kang family, where mistakes were simply not tolerated.

Satisfied with the day's events, Kang ordered a drink and settled himself at the VIP table, where his loyal subordinates awaited him. Minjun, Yejun, and Seojun knew their boss well, considering him not only a superior but also a friend—or at least they endeavored to maintain that illusion. Kang's mercurial nature kept them on their toes, always striving to present themselves in the best possible light and to prove their usefulness.

But their apprehensions eased as they observed Kang's jubilant demeanor. "That stupid bitch never saw it coming!" Kang chuckled, a predatory gleam in his eyes. "You should have witnessed the shock on her face when she realized it was me!"

The trio of brothers mirrored their boss's smile, eager to bask in his approval. "She couldn't even conceal her astonishment," Kang continued, his satisfaction evident. "Even her worthless friends couldn't ignore her reaction."

In that moment, Kang felt invincible. His meticulously laid plans were finally coming to fruition, and he was on the brink of achieving everything he desired.

"Have you spoken to the priest?" Seojun dared to ask, earning a swift reprimand from his older brother, Minjun.

If the brothers were to rank intimidating individuals, the priest of the church of the night would undoubtedly claim the top spot, followed closely by his progeny, Kang, and then their cantankerous yet sinister grandfather.

"By Satan!" Kang exclaimed, his previously buoyant mood dampened. "Do not utter his name. I have no desire for his unwelcome presence here."

Seizing the opportunity to contribute, Yejun interjected, "But Hyung, shouldn't you inform him of your success in apprehending the Moon brat?"

Though Kang knew it was one of his father's directives, he couldn't muster an ounce of concern. "He does not require such information. I am in control here, and that is all that matters," he snapped, his irritation palpable. He despised being questioned, especially by his own subordinates.

In an attempt to alleviate the tension, Minjun, the eldest of the brothers, interjected, "What are your plans now, boss?" he inquired, idly toying with his drink.

Kang's smile returned, though it held a hint of mischief. "Oh, you have no idea,”

#bts fanfic #bts jungkook #bts fic #jeon jungkook #jungkook #jungkook fanfic #jungkook x oc #jungkook fic #jungkook x reader #magic au #jungkook fiction #jungkook fluff #jungkook angst #jungkook and reader

68 notes · View notes

lucky-clover-gazette · 8 months

Text

Vio's Arms are for Grabbing Shadow's Snatched Waist, Shadow's Arms are for Holding Vio in 500-word Fluff Fics, Apparently

a short but sweet vidow cottage au fluff fic, belated birthday gift to @james-p-sullivan!

He can feel Vio’s heartbeat, watch as his breathing displaces chunks of blonde hair. He is fine, just a little roughed up from an unfortunate run-in with a Like Like (or, as Shadow now calls the creature, a Dislike Dislike).

Honestly, when he wakes up, Vio is going to be more pissed about the monster stealing his favorite scrunchie than trying to eat him whole.

read the whole thing on ao3 or under the cut:

Sometimes, things still go wrong.

Vio and Shadow’s life in the cottage is generally cozy, far removed from the drama and danger of their past adventures. While Castle Town is only an hour’s walk through the woods away, something about their little home feels deliciously isolated, much like the room they’d shared back in the Fire Temple. Back then, Vio and Shadow had awkwardly maneuvered around each other, both too preoccupied with their own anxieties to truly enjoy each other’s company. More often than not, their developing mutual fondness had been the main source of anxiety for them both.

Things are different now. Even when everything else is wrong, they know that they have each other. Even when they fight, they still have each other. Vio and Shadow share a profoundly tender kind of devotion, an unspoken agreement that the life they share together will always be enough. As long as they can fall into each other’s arms, the rest is ultimately just set dressing.

And what a beautiful set they’ve dressed together—an idyllic little home in the woods, full of books and artifacts and barrels of evil root beer, safe and comfortable in a way neither had ever felt before. Their rescued cat/roommate Pinecone is a treasured member of the household, along with Tingle whenever he needs a place to crash because the knights are after him for undisclosed crimes against the crown. They don’t let him stay inside the house, but they do turn a blind eye to the occasional tent in the backyard.

They have other friends in Castle Town, only some of whom are shared. Shadow and Zelda are incredibly close, and at this point Vio has a pretty solid connection with his former-present allies Red, Blue, and Green. It would have been difficult for Vio not to bridge the distance between them, given the missions that they all still occasionally do as a team.

The missions aren’t usually too difficult, mostly boiling down to simple combat and negotiation. But occasionally they find themselves fending off a legitimate threat to ensure that Hyrule remains saved. And every once in a long while, one of them manages to get hurt in the process.

Shadow reminds himself of all this as he holds Vio’s sleeping body—their peaceful life together, the devotion they share, and the inevitability of occasional bumps in the road. He can feel Vio’s heartbeat, watch as his breathing displaces chunks of blonde hair. He is fine, just a little roughed up from an unfortunate run-in with a Like Like (or, as Shadow now calls the creature, a Dislike Dislike).

Honestly, when he wakes up, Vio is going to be more pissed about the monster stealing his favorite scrunchie than trying to eat him whole.

Vio’s eyelashes flutter, his eyes opening just a crack. Shadow holds his breath.

“Ow,” Vio says, profoundly. His eyes land on Shadow’s arms, wrapped tightly around his body. His grimace fades to something much softer. “Aw.”

“A man of few words,” Shadow teases, nuzzling into the space between Vio’s shoulder and neck. It smells like home.

“Shadow,” Vio says sharply, scoldingly—but his body only relaxes further.

“Yes, my love?”

“… Shut up.”

#vidow #four swords #four swords adventures #vio x shadow #my writing #fs #vio link #shadow link

51 notes · View notes

marbling77 · 8 months

Text

INTRO/DNI POST

Hai!! My names are Kooiker, Marble, or CJ if you're a close friend.

I'm currently 17 years old.

I have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), ASD (autism spectrum disorder), Anxiety, and possibly BED (binge eating disorder) and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). I am also an Otherkin and furry

I'll mostly post art and warrior cats content, but I have interests in pokemon, wings of fire, cult of the lamb, the binding of issac, rain world, tf2, uktrakill, rock collection, and dog breeding/training!

DNI under the break

DNI (do not interact):

- basic dni

- anti xenogender

- anti therian/otherkin/general nonhumans

- anti furry

- supports criminalizing weed

- cesar milan supporter

- most republicans

- conservative

- BYB (backyard dog breeder)/puppy mill supporter

- wild exotic pet trade supporter

- under the age of 12

- over the age of 45

I will block you if you are any of the above.

Thin ice:

- recovering/former zooph*le

- former pro/comshipper

- some republicans

- calls all bully type dogs "pit bulls"

- calls all small dogs "rats"

- has purchased intentional non purposebred mix breed dogs (ex. Doodles, puggles, etc)

- DSMP (dream survival multi-player minecraft) fan

- homestuck fan

- ages 13 and 14

- MHA (my hero acedemia)/BNHA (boku no hero acedemia) fan

- vivziepop supporter

- ages 30 to 45

I will be hesitant to let you interact with me if you are any of the above.

#introduction #intro post #dni #dni list

7 notes · View notes

i-am-totally-not-a-lizard · 11 months

Note

Just found your account! First former redditor i've followed but if i didnt already know that i'd think you've been here forever. Good work lil non-lizard friend!

My cat (pfp) is in love w catching lizards in my backyard. Dunno why you'd need that info, but any real lizards should stay out!

Aww thanks! I feel like a gifted child rn with all the people telling me I take quickly to Tumblr culture and norms. Also cute cat!

16 notes · View notes

plaguedocboi · 2 years

Note

I also had a cat named Tobasco! He was a handsome former feral who wandered into my backyard and decided to set up shop. Passed away last year at 18 and I miss his affection dearly.

I’m sorry you lost your Tabasco, but it sounds like he had a long and happy life! I hope we have this Silly Boi that long

#tabasco cat

30 notes · View notes

winterrose527 · 1 year

Text

We're in a rented house at the moment. It's too large and poorly decorated, that particular sort of over doneness made by someone trying to force a sense of home on you in a place that is purposefully not.

The fridge is too small and the large windows aren't well insulated. They let in a cold, early morning light, white birch trees illuminated in gold and brittle leaves dotting the oversized backyard.

My mother's dog has taken to waking me up in the mornings. He has a limp, something that comes and goes with laziness or over exertion. Even still he climbs up the stairs, dutifully whimpering outside my door, a studied sigh of performative patience, when what he really means is to persuade. I lay in bed for a few minutes longer, wondering if he will grow tired of the hard wood when there is carpeting downstairs, whether he will want to return to his breakfast or the smells of my mother baking in the kitchen.

He doesn't though. He waits for me outside my door. I can hear him as I brush my teeth, as I splash water on my face. I do not make him wait through my skincare routine, I do that later when he is out for his walk.

When I open the door, I always expect some sort of admonishment. A hangover from growing up with cats as well as dogs, the former chastising you even as they rubbed against you. He lifts himself off the floor though and presses his cheek against my leg or stomach, his tail wagging back and forth almost cat like, a meandering movement of contentment rather than excitement.

What's going on with you, hm? I ask him.

He can't tell me of course, so then I lower myself to my knees, wrapping my arms around his neck. He has a way of resting the underside of his snout in between my shoulder blades when I do this, so that we are well and truly hugging .

I love you puppy, yes I do. And I'm sticking with you all day, don't you worry, I tell him, stroking his velveteen ears.

But he does worry. He watches me as we walk down the stairs. It's not in the same way that he did when I was sick, when he wouldn't let me walk up and down them on my own, seemingly in fear that I would stumble, tumble all the way down. Now he is watching me to keep me to task.

When we get into the kitchen he happily goes to my mother, butting his head against her hip and then returning to me.

See? See what I brought you, he seems to say to her, as though I am a bone he found in the backyard, presented as a rare gift.

Did he wake you up again? she asks me. When I nod sleepily, pouring coffee that always tastes the same no matter what machine she uses, that I can never quite replicate no matter how closely I follow her instruction, she tells me He's feeling insecure.

It's a terrible feeling, insecurity. There are many people I know that I have made feel it. To some I am a cold, morning light, the golden branches of my once easily given affection creating an emotional chiaroscuro, or whiplash to put it less pretentiously. It says a lot about me, I know, that I have always felt most ashamed, most twisted, by making my family's dogs feel it. To them I want to give all the assurance I withhold from other people. I will come back, I want to explain, You are perfect and loved and the devotion you show me is sometimes the only proof I have that I can not be so terrible as I think I am.

They don't understand that, though. He doesn't. So I sip my familiar coffee, and let him follow me from room to room, and stroke his velveteen ears as I watch the sun settle and for a moment, amidst the knickknacks and the poorly chosen furniture, it is home and I am glad to be awake.

#self-indulgent #long post #will likely delete #but seriously we do not deserve dogs #will probably write a similar piece about me nieces #I always feel most inspired to create around them

13 notes · View notes

alchemistdefective · 9 months

Note

SERIOUS SEDUCTION ATTEMPT #1-

"Well Anna? What do you think about this? When I saw it in the shop, I was struck by how elegant it feels, although having put it on... it shows a bit more skin than I expected it to when I first saw it. The fabric is really nice too."

Slight pause. She's not really flirting yet, she's just talking about her outfit-

"It was a little bit expensive, but I figured that to woo a beautiful, elegant lady such as yourself, I've got to look the part."

FLERT-

"So... do you have any free time tonight? I know that you live here so it's not all that exciting and interesting, but I found a nice restaurant in Chireiden. I figure it might be a bit more to your taste than anything aboveground. Care to grace me with your company at dinner? My treat. And maybe we could have a drink at your place afterwards?"

Local skanky dirt-poor cheap-ass lower class cat attempts to be elegant, can't find the right words for anything because her vocabulary is limited in some areas.

"Well? What do you say?"

She's holding out her hand in invitation. She had a few more ideas, but most of them involved in touching Anna, something she's hesitant to do until there's more of an established precedent-

((Nyalternatesinner))

"........."

Anna stops for a moment, then gently grabs her hand.

"S. You did really well, my heart kind of skipped a beat for a moment. Again, I am taken, but if I'm not... well, you know what would happen after that. Buuut you kind of want to take me out of Chireiden and Former Hell instead, since it's like saying we're eating at my house's backyard."

"But yeah, you did well! Just remember this moment, alright?"

#nyalternatehellkitten #NYALTER DID SUPER WELL+++

4 notes · View notes

so-this-is-my-blog-i-guess · 1 year

Text

Happy Caturday from Smarty Girl. (Late.)

She’s been behind the scenes lately. It was good to see her out and about from her room.

#happy caturday #caturday #smarty girl #smarty #former backyard cats #former ferals #belated caturday #tabby cats #tabby tuxedo #tabby tux #i love her #ramblings #my pics #mario andretti #steiff cat puppet #steiff #antique steiff

31 notes · View notes

boyfhee · 1 year

Text

GET TO KNOW ME GAME !

tagged by · @dearhee

tagging · @koishua @yujipg @amakumos literally don't have anyone to tag 🤣 just do this even if ur name isn't here

birthday: 25th may, i wish i shared it w someone

favourite colour: rose gold, gray rose / gray lavender, ice blue

do you have pets? no, but i do have a stray cat i feed and she basically lives in my backyard

how tall are you? no

how many pairs of shoes do you own? 😵‍💫 around 20

favourite song: sherlock ( oceanfromtheblue ) 긴밤 ( seori ft GIRIBOY ) mimi ( youra ) by my side ( junny ) i have so many help

favourite movie: interstellar, literally the best thing ever directed. also, these are not movies but 2521 ( kor. ) first love ( jap. ) threads our tapestry of love ( jap. )

who would be your ideal partner? lee heeseung yeah, he is the standard. but fr i like people who i can communicate with easily, without much issues ( i mean, we can understand each other ) the main thing i look for is probably, how they are under pressure or how they deal with things / serious things. this is very important to me because i need that person to be there when we're going through something so it's really important that they don't avoid problems ( besides, people like that annoy me help ) also someone who's fun but is also smart ? like, we can joke around and also discuss about something academic, it's fun. i mean i love to talk about interests and how things work, everything logical. i also like pretty ppl and heeseung is very, very pretty.

do you want children? ok i'm gonna be honest. like a few years ago, i was so against it, but now, i can consider. i mean, i'm not saying i will have kids in future, but i can consider. i can at least adopt one so yeah, can consider.

have you gotten in trouble with the law? no

what colour socks are you wearing? i don't wear socks off season ( no one here does )

favourite type of music: classical, but most recently added is krnb

how many pillows do you sleep with? one

what position do you sleep in? straight ?? it's good for posture

what don’t you like when you’re sleeping: noise. loud music, or talking too much. u want to talk, go do it somewhere i am not sleeping

what do you have for breakfast: fruits / fruit juice, milk ( with toast, optional ) on school days. when i'm home, i usually have a bowl of fruits with coffee ( odd choice, i know, but it really gets me through next 5-6 hours that are very crucial )

have you ever tried archery? except in amusement parks, no

favourite fruit: guavas, grapes, kiwis, bananas

are you a good liar? very, very good liar

what’s your personality type? intj, i like being smart fr

innie or outie? former

left handed or right handed? ambidextrous hehe i can write + draw with both hands ( love me for that )

favourite food: we have these dishes called pav bhaji & idli sambhar, honestly heaven

favourite foreign food: pasta ( creme cheese one especially )

am i clean or messy? both, more on the clean side

most used phrase: innit, "just like me fr," at the most random times, "help me" as a way to express delight "sweetheart," to call my friends help does that count?

how long does it take for you to get ready: 20 minutes, at most. i don't use makeup except eyeliner & gloss but even if i opt for anything more like blush or eyeshadow, it takes 30, at most

do you talk to yourself? it's a coping mechanism

do you sing to yourself? all the time

are you a good singer? i think? i mean, i passed 2 rounds of sm global auditions so that says something

biggest fear? yk deep water? where you aren't able to see anything except pure darkness? the eerie feeling it carries? that. it's not a phobia, but it's to the point that i get scared even by looking at it in pictures so i avoid those

are you a gossip? we all are, to an extent

do you like long or short hair? medium to long

favourite school subject: science, biology specifically ( zoology, in that ) and that's why im pursuing med lolol, also i love english, engineering graphics and math minus commercial mathematics and trig

extrovert or introvert: introvert but i talk quite a lot when i'm with family or with close friends ( the classic, yk )

what makes you nervous: doing something for the first time, going to a place i've never been, MAKING SPECIMEN SLIDES i swear i've spent my highschool years making microscope slides but it never fails to make me nervous like what !! if !! there's !! an !! air bubble !! v good at it but i still have tendencies to mess up

who was your first real crush? this guy from tenth grade, we went to a competition together from school and got lost in the city so ig that's where my feelings originated from

how many piercings? 2

how many tattoos? none

how fast can you run? idk bro but it's pretty decent

what colour is your hair? black

what colour are your eyes? black

what makes you angry: when i can't do something that i know i can do ( like when i mess up a painting, or some questions ) people who think they're entitled to everything, people who talk shit behind others ( i mean we all do that, but like, i dislike ppl who use others and then talk behind their back ) people who avoid responsibilities, PEOPLE WHO ARE CRUEL WITH ANIMALS i swear if u dont treat animals nicely you will have a miserable life

do you like your name? definitely

do you want a boy or a girl as a child? can't pick

what are your strengths? i am very, very calculative so i make decisions i do not regret ( slay ) my determination is through the roof, i've been told that i'm eloquent & clear with agenda which is such a plus point for me, i have experience with tons of things ( science, math, art & painting, music, dance, basketball, volleyball, swimming, cricket, badminton, chess, baking, finance, coding & computer science, writing, tutoring, public speaking, basically everything that my parents ever made me learn plus it's v fun tbh ) i can adapt quickly, i am amazing memorizing skills, quick learner

what are your weaknesses? i know i sound like im bragging in prev question, but i have so many weaknesses to cover my strengths up . major one being finding it hard to concentrate and staying motivated, getting things done on time, my laziness god i am so lazy. it's super hard for me to build a habit and ever harder to get rid of one, i can't cook for the life in me and i have so much trouble trying to mix up with new people

what is the colour of your bedspread? teal

colour of your room: one wall is pink while rest 3 are off white

#—games.#help this is so long

5 notes · View notes

jmbringitonworld · 2 years

Text

Good Girl Needs Kiss

AO3 link for those who prefer to read fics there.

I'm supposed to be taking a break from writing. I was just going to post the Dream&Nightmare brotherly bonding oneshot I had just finished (which will now have to wait until I've finished this nonsense), and take a break. But this post by @a-snowpoff popped up on my dash, and the tags immediately gave me this ridiculous idea for a fic, which demanded to be written. So here we are, with my latest mistake.

UPDATE: There will be minor Frans (Frisk x Sans) later, so if that's not your cup of tea, DON'T bother reading this and complaining to me later (seriously, I'm sick of it).

________________________________________________

Chapter 1 : A Doggone Disaster

This entire mess started with a simple, innocent wish, as do most of my bad ideas. I just wanted to be able to communicate with animals, so that I could finally have a proper conversation with my black cat familiar, Midnight. Now don’t get me wrong, I could understand Middy about as well as any cat owner could understand their pet, but my little furball and I had a special connection, as a witch and her familiar! We should be closer than your average pet and their owner! I wanted to be able to ask him why he kept leaving dead mice in my slippers, or why he sometimes stared unblinkingly at the ceiling, when there was nothing there besides cobwebs, or why he’d suddenly start yowling in the middle of the night. And, you know, actually receive a proper answer for once. Did he think my slippers were tiny cauldrons he could use? Were the spiders gossiping about me behind my back? Was he chatting up the local ghosts? I had to know!

So, I did the natural thing, and brewed a potion for understanding animals. Simple. But then I wondered about the potency of the spell. How strong was this ability it would grant me? Would I be able to understand all animals, or only some? It would be awful if it was the former. I didn’t want to be able to hear every single creature that creeped and crawled in my lovely little witch’s cottage, after all. And I definitely didn’t want to listen to the animals getting it on in my backyard, especially not those horny foxes, I heard them enough as it was. So then, how to narrow the effect down? And then it hit me. A love-based enchantment! With that, I would be able to tailor the effects of the spell, to only work on those whom I had especially strong feelings for. Genius. What could possibly go wrong?

What I had failed to take into account, however, was one tiny, crucial detail: I was an utter dumbass , who’d never gotten a single spell right on the first try, and whose magical endeavours were more miss than hit. In my defence, most of my screw-ups were entirely fixable, with the consequences being, at worst, a tad... explodey. Nothing I couldn’t work around or reverse. I would be fine , I told myself, surely .

And so, it was with all the confidence of someone who really should know better, that I downed my smoking, puce-coloured concoction, choking down the thick, goopy mixture, while reflexively supressing the urge to gag, and waited, eagerly, for the magic to kick in. It took a couple of seconds, but then, with a * poof* , my world erupted into smoke. It took a while for my coughing to die down, as the smoke cleared away, but eventually I opened my eyes.

Why was everything so big?

Looking around, I noticed how gigantic my home appeared, as if it’d grown a dozen sizes. Wait a minute . A dreadful thought hit me. What if everything around me hadn’t grown , but instead, I’ d shrunk . Fuck. I looked down at myself. Double fuck. What I saw were two fluffy paws. Not hands. Not feet. Paws . Trying to turn around, I stumbled, losing my balance, and fell over, landing in a mass of soft fabric. It took me a little while to realise that those were my official witch robes. I’d become so small, that my clothes no longer fit me. I was completely naked, on top of being much shorter and fluffier than normal. Lovely.

It took a lot of stumbling, shuffling and tripping, but I eventually managed to coordinate all of my limbs enough to make my way over to my floor-length mirror. My jaw dropped at the image which greeted me.

I was a dog.

And not just any dog. A chihuahua . Well, fuck me .

It’s not that I hated dogs, per se, but being a self-respecting witch, I obviously preferred cats. I did get on quite well with my local wolf pack, but that was about it. And now I’d managed to turn myself into a dog. No, a chihuahua . Those nasty, yappy little blighters some weird women liked to carry around in their purses and dress up in ridiculous outfits. Why couldn’t I have been a husky, or a German Shepherd, or something a little more dignified, and a little less... this ? Urgh...

A dark shadow fell over me. Startled, I looked up and realised that Midnight had managed to sneak up on me, without my notice.

“You stealthy bugger, this is all your fault!” I told him.

Or at least, I tried to. But all that came out of my mouth were several high-pitched barks. Oh right, I’m a dog now. Midnight tilted his head at me, studying me with the same intense look of curiosity he wore when examining some new toy I’d gotten for him. He sniffed me, his long whiskers tickling my face and making my nose twitch, then meowed at me. I stared at him. No. No, it couldn’t be. I couldn’t have screwed up this badly! He meowed again. Oh. My. Stars .

I howled (literally) in rage, as I realised that, not only had I been transformed into a dog, not only was I a fucking chihuahua of all things, but I still could not understand a single damn thing my cat was saying! All that work, all those ingredients, all this humiliation and inconvenience I was currently suffering! It was all for nothing ! Could this debacle get any worse?!

As if to answer my hypothetical question, and add salt to my proverbial wounds, Midnight turned his back to me and sauntered away, his long, black tail waving in the air, as if to bid me goodbye. Traitor! Don’t abandon me when I’m at my lowest! We’re supposed to be partners! Come back heeeeere! But my heartless bastard of a cat merely leapt through an open window, with all the grace and agility my clumsy, canine body could only dream of, and disappeared from view. I was officially alone.

Well, fine. Fine , then. I didn’t need anyone. I could fix this, on my own. I was a big girl and a competent witch, right? Wrong , my mind whispered, but I promptly shoved that unhelpful thought aside, and focused on trying to find a solution to my current predicament. First things first, what went wrong? As I pondered that question, I thought back to the lessons my mother, a famed sorceress in her own right, had taught me as a child. All spells were inherently tricky, she would say, no matter how simple they seemed, and it was best to never overcomplicate them, as any number of things could affect a spell’s outcome.

So, perhaps some of the ingredients hadn’t reacted the way I’d expected? Was it the eye of newt that was the problem? Or did I put in too much bat saliva? Maybe I should’ve added some extra frogspawn, to stabilise the mixture a bit more? Hmmm... Oh! I suddenly remembered how my mother had advised me to avoid combining different magical mediums, as it was always difficult to predict how they’d interact with each other, even if their normal effects seemed very straightforward. I guess I shouldn’t have added that enchantment to my potion. Oops. To be fair, my mother did it all the time, but then again, she was an experienced witch and master spellcaster, while I was... not. Yet , at least. But someday, I would be! If I ever managed to return to human form, that is.

I sighed, feeling my ears droop and my tail lower to the floor. But I didn’t allow myself to wallow in self-pity for too long, as I soon pulled myself together and shook my head, my entire body following suit. Okay, think . How do I undo the spell? Well, enchantments were generally easier to break than trying to reverse a potion’s effects, every witch knew that, so I should try to figure out how to do that . The enchantment I’d placed on the potion was based on feelings of love. So perhaps it was those same feelings of love which would break the spell? An idea started to form in my mind.

What about true love’s kiss?

That broke most curses, after all, and what was a curse if not a malicious enchantment? And love was the most powerful magic in the world, with a kiss from one’s true love being the single most effective cure to most unwanted spells. I nodded my head decisively, my overlarge ears flapping with the motion. Love got me into this mess, so love would get me out of it! There was only one problem. I didn’t have a true love.

Being a witch was a full-time job, after all, and a mysterious and often dangerous one at that, with many unforeseen consequences. Case in point: me. A dog. The point was, I hadn’t had the chance to get out much and socialise with the general populace, and hadn’t been on many (read: any) dates. So, I would need to find someone to fall in love with me and give me a kiss. I looked down at my very fluffy paws. While being a dog, I mentally added. How the hell was I supposed to get someone to fall for me as a chihuahua?

I bit my lip, or rather, I tried to, and just ended up baring my teeth in a growl. Well... Maybe it didn’t have to be romantic love? I did specify my platonic love for my cat, when creating the enchantment, so maybe that same, warm, fuzzy adoration for one’s pet would be enough to break the spell? I dearly hoped so. It was either that, or find a zoophile, and I really wasn’t too keen on the latter. So, I needed to find a shmuck- uh, I meant, a kind soul who loved dogs, and who would take one look at my, erm, cute , tiny, fluffy self, and love me enough to kiss me. And then, poof! I’d be back to normal! Easy peasy.

I grinned as best as my doggy mouth would allow me (which probably still just looked like a grimace). What a foolproof plan! All I needed to do was to put it into action. And the best place to find a dog lover, was the dog park. With my tail automatically starting to wag, and consequently shaking my entire body, given how tiny I was, I got to my feet, uh, paws, and made the long, arduous trek to the nearest dog park.

~~~

It took me the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon, as I slowly got used to walking on all fours, but eventually I arrived at my destination. The change in my body was more apparent than ever, as a tidal wave of intense and unfamiliar scents assailed my now incredibly sensitive nose. I stood, frozen in place, as my brain went into overdrive trying to process all these new smells. I hadn’t been this overwhelmed since the first time I entered my mother’s study as a child, and discovered all of her mysterious and mystifying arcane instruments, and all of her ancient tomes filled with esoteric knowledge.

As I stared out at the wide expanse of grass in front of me, and all of the people walking and running around, playing with their pooches, I realised that I could still see the same variety of colour as I could as a human. It seemed that I hadn’t acquired dogs’ dichromatic vision along with their keen sense of smell. Thank my guardian stars for small mercies...

Just then, a flash of white bone crossed my field of vision and something in my doggy brain pinged . Before I realised what was happening, I was already running at full speed towards it and, once I was near enough, I launched myself into the air, jaws wide open and closed them around the hard, white osseous matter.

“YOWCH!!!”

I barely had time to process that almost earsplittingly loud exclamation of pain, before gigantic hands came around my body and firmly yanked me off of the bone I’d just bitten into. Those hands then carried me up, up, up into the air and came to a stop in front of a skull. Said skull proceeded to glare at me, in a way human skulls definitely couldn’t , and started talking.

“YOU MALEVOLENT MUTT! I KNOW THAT I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS, AM IRRESISTIBLE. HOWEVER! MY BONES ARE NOT FOR EATING!! SO IN FUTURE, PLEASE DEVOUR ME WITH YOUR EYES! AND NOT WITH YOUR MOUTH!!”

As his abnormally loud voice washed over me, the realisation dawned on me, then, that I’d just bitten a skeleton monster. Like some rabid animal . How utterly mortifying... Without conscious thought, my ears drooped down, flattening themselves against my head, and my tail tucked itself between my legs. I could feel my eyes widening and my body trembling, as the most pathetic, high-pitched whimpers I’d ever heard, escaped my mouth.

The monster’s expression visibly softened, against all laws of skeletal anatomy, and he sighed heavily, despite being a literal skeleton. Monsters were honestly fascinating , maybe I could persuade this one to let me examine him in the future. Once I’d returned to normal, of course. Ignorant of my inner thoughts, the monster lowered me back to the ground, and gently pet my head.

“OH, NEVER MIND, LITTLE ONE,” he smiled brightly at me, the sunshine glinting off of his pearly white teeth. “I FORGIVE YOU! I AM AN UNDERSTANDING SKELETON, AFTER ALL. I’M SURE THAT YOU DIDN’T MEAN TO HURT ME. YOU OBVIOUSLY COULDN’T CONTROL YOUR URGE TO HAVE A TASTE, WHEN PRESENTED WITH SUCH FINE BONES! I UNDERSTAND! BUT PLEASE!! BE A BIT MORE CAREFUL IN THE FUTURE, OKIE DOKIE?”

And with that, he gave me another few gentle pats to my head, causing my tail to instinctually start wagging wildly, shaking my whole body with the force of the motion, and he stood up. As he walked away, I felt compelled to chase after him. Some primal part of me recognised a kind heart when it saw it, and wanted more of this nice stranger’s wonderful head pats. If the skeleton monster, Papyrus as he’d called himself, noticed me, he gave no indication, continuing his march through the park at a brisk pace, and swivelling his skull around as if searching for something or someone.

After what I estimated was about ten minutes of trailing along behind him, I started to slow down, my limbs growing unbearably heavy and my muscles aching, as my exhaustion from the day’s events finally caught up with me. Coming to a halt, I collapsed onto the grass, panting heavily, and watched Papyrus’s form get further and further away from me. Distress gripped my heart. No! Please don’t go! Don’t leave me! I cried out to his retreating back, and sharp, keening wails filled the air in place of words.

Papyrus froze, before swiftly turning around and marching right back to me. Stopping in front of my prone, tired body, he crouched down to caress my fur with long, gentle strokes.

“WHAT’S THE MATTER, FRIEND?” my ears perked up at the name, and at the warm tone of his voice. My tail began to wag, though much more sluggishly than before, and Papyrus smiled down at me. “YOU’VE BEEN FOLLOWING ME FOR A WHILE NOW. DO YOU WISH TO JOIN ME AND HELP ME SEARCH FOR MY OWN, LOST DOG? HE’S RUN OFF, AGAIN , THAT PERNICIOUS PUP! AND I’M LOOKING FOR HIM. I WOULD APPRECIATE THE COMPANY.”

Yes! I very much would like to join you! I wanted to tell him, but my delighted barks and yips conveyed my meaning well enough. Papyrus seemed to take them for the affirmation that they were, and stood up, looking down at me with a warmth that made my tail wag.

“GOOD GIRL, YOU’RE JUST LOST AREN’T YOU?” he asked me, tone soft and pitying.

He wasn’t wrong, though not in the way he meant it. I weakly tried to stand up, to walk with him once more, but my tired legs could no longer support my body, and I slumped back to the ground. Papyrus frowned down at me, his expression worried.

“OH NO! ARE YOU TIRED, GIRL?”

Without waiting for a response, not that I could really offer one in my state, the tall skeleton picked me up again and tucked me into the crook of the arm not holding a leash. Immediately, I was surrounded by the smell of snow and... spaghetti? It was oddly pleasant, and so comforting, soothing my soul like the greatest calming draught in the world. I snuggled closer into his hold, woofing softly in relief. Satisfied that I was secure and comfortable, Papyrus resumed his search.

From such a high vantage point (goodness, he really was tall, wasn’t he?), I could see far into the distance, though I tried my best not to look down. The height really was dizzying. Being this close to Papyrus, I could hear him grumble to himself.

“I BET THAT MEDDLING CANINE FOUND A STASH OF DOG SLIME TO ROLL AROUND IN!! THIS WOULD BE THE THIRD TIME THIS WEEK! JUST HOW MANY BATHS DO I NEED TO GIVE ONE DOG IN A WEEK…”

He then peered down at me, giving me a considering look. I yipped in his arms, my tongue sticking out as my tail wagged at the attention. Ah crap, these doggy instincts were getting stronger...

“CERTAINLY YOU’D KEEP CLEAN IF I BATHED YOU,” he continued to think aloud.

Well of course I would! Dog slime is not for rolling around in! It’s for adding to witchy brews, to curse someone with the compulsion to chase squirrels and bark at strangers! I huffed at him, offended at the very idea of doing such a thing, and something about my expression or my demeanour must have tickled his funny bone, because he tilted his skull back and laughed.

“NYEH HEH HEH! OF COURSE YOU WOULD! YOU’RE A GOOD GIRL, AREN’T YOU?”

I am! I barked out, feeling proud of myself, inexplicably. Blessed stars, I really have turned into a dog, haven’t I? Hopefully these canine thoughts don’t get any worse. I prayed that the effects of my botched spell were entirely reversible...

After almost an hour of fruitless searching, Papyrus came to a stop, sighing loudly and slumping his shoulders.

“NYOO HOO HOO... DESPITE MY VERY BEST EFFORTS, I HAVE FAILED TO FIND MY DOG... AND IT IS GETTING LATE. I NEED TO RETURN HOME AND PREPARE DINNER. I CANNOT LET MY BROTHER STARVE, BECAUSE OF MY TARDINESS!! I SHALL RETURN HOME, COOK DINNER, AND THEN RETURN TO CONTINUE MY SEARCH! AND I WON’T STOP LOOKING UNTIL I’VE FOUND THAT DOG! EVEN IF IT TAKES ME ALL NIGHT!!”

Papyrus looked really fired up, sparks of light shining in his dark eye sockets, as he clenched the fist not holding me. Then, he glanced down at me, his brows furrowing fretfully.

“AND WHAT ABOUT YOU, LITTLE LADY?” he asked, as if I could answer him. “DO YOU HAVE A HOME TO RETURN TO? A KIND AND LOVING FAMILY THAT IS MISSING YOU RIGHT NOW?”

At that, I thought back to Midnight, and how he’d left me, all on my own, without so much as a backward glance. I complained aloud. I should’ve gotten a toad, instead, or an owl! Those would be more loyal. Less cuddly, though... I miss my kitty ...

Papyrus must’ve taken my shrill, puppy whines as an admission of loneliness, for he quickly cuddled my body closer to his, running one phalange through my fur and scratching me under my chin. Oh. That felt rather nice, actually. Yes, more of that please .

“IT’S ALRIGHT, TINY MISS! I, THE GREAT PAPYRUS , SHALL BE YOUR FRIEND!! YOU MAY STAY WITH MY BROTHER AND I FOR AS LONG AS YOU LIKE! I PROMISE TO CARE FOR YOU JUST AS WELL AS I DO WITH MY OTHER DOG! AND MAYBE YOU COULD TEACH HIM A FEW MANNERS ALONG THE WAY...”

I most certainly could! I’m very polite, I’ll have you know, and am very well-mannered! Just ask the bats living in my roof.

Papyrus beamed at my excited barking, taking in my wagging tail with delight, his eye sockets lighting up once more.

“WOWIE!! I HAVE MADE ANOTHER CANINE FRIEND! AND HOPEFULLY ONE WHO WON’T STEAL MY SPECIAL ATTACKS!”

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but I gave him another happy bark anyway. He beamed even harder, letting out another loud “nyeh heh heh”, and took off again, with long, decisive steps, towards the car park. When we arrived, Papyrus came to an abrupt halt in front of a sleek, bright red convertible, where a small, white dog was sitting in the passenger’s seat.

“YOU!! HAVE BEEN HERE!! ALL THIS TIME?!?!”

Papyrus stamped his foot angrily, while the white dog only wagged his tail and gave a few high-pitched yips. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the dog looked almost smug. The dog seemed to take notice of me and leaned forwards eagerly, barking excitedly and wagging his tail harder. Papyrus stopped fuming, then, and held me out towards the other dog, who proceeded to start sniffing me curiously.

“LOOK!! I HAVE FOUND US ANOTHER FRIEND! SHE’LL BE LIVING WITH US FROM NOW ON, SO BE GOOD, OKAY?”

The little white dog barked again, which Papyrus seemed to take as agreement, if his pleased “nyeh heh heh” was anything to go by. He carefully placed me next to the white dog, and rounded the car to take the driver’s seat. As Papyrus started up the car and drove us out of the dog park, my canine companion had clearly decided that I was sufficiently friend-shaped, as he then did his level best to completely cover me in dog slobber. It reminded me of that time a client had asked me to commune with the spirit of her recently deceased wife, who’d then gone on to nearly drown me in ghostly ectoplasm, because I’d misread the incantation, and caused the spirit to believe I was trying to flirt with her, in front of her widow. Ah, good times...

~~~

By the time Papyrus parked his car in front of a large, two-story house, the sun had well and truly set. Exiting his car, the skeleton monster reached over and plucked me out of my seat, cradling me in his arms once more, while the white dog chose to make his escape, leaping out of his seat and dashing through the small dog flap installed in the front door. Papyrus paid him no mind, and made his way into his home, kicking open the door with one foot and loudly announcing his arrival.

“SANS!!! I’M HOME!! AND I’VE BROUGHT A NEW FRIEND!!”

A skull, rounder than Papyrus’s, peaked out from the couch, grinning widely at us.

“oh really? heh, good for you, bro,” his voice was lower and deeper than the taller skeleton’s, and his eyelights looked around for a second, before zeroing in on me when Papyrus held me out in front of him.

“I FOUND THIS SWEET, LITTLE LADY AT THE DOG PARK. SHE WAS NICE ENOUGH TO HELP ME LOOK FOR THAT MISCHIEVOUS PUP WHEN HE RAN OFF, SO I’VE OFFERED TO LET HER STAY WITH US, SINCE SHE HAS NOWHERE TO GO.”

I gave a little woof, putting on my best innocent little angel face, but I wasn’t sure how well that translated on my new chihuahua face. I hoped I wasn’t grimacing like some demented gremlin. But Sans’s grin widened and his eye sockets crinkled at the edges, as he stared at Papyrus’s proud smile.

“that sure was kind of ya, pap. you’re so cool,” his tone was sincere and there was genuine affection in both his expression and his voice. It was clear to me that these two (brothers, right?) were very close. Papyrus did his “nyeh heh heh” laugh again, which I had to admit was really starting to grow on me, before lowering me to the floor, giving me one last head pat, then striding off to an adjacent room. Not wanting to be left alone with a stranger, I ran after him, following him into what I could only assume was the kitchen.

What proceeded was the most intense cooking session I’d ever borne witness to. Papyrus was a very passionate individual, that much was abundantly clear, and he seemed to put his all into everything he did, at least when it pertained to cooking. Ingredients were tossed around like he was launching attacks, and he never stayed in one spot for too long, hopping from one place to another, as if he was dancing to a tune only he could hear.

He was definitely enjoying himself, if his loud laughing and gleeful grin were anything to go by, and his enthusiasm was infectious. I couldn’t help cheering him on, in my own doggy way, and he seemed to take it positively, his movements becoming more frenzied as I barked and howled. He even started to add dramatic flourishes whenever possible, and shot me the occasional wink, as I wagged my tail like never before. When I started spinning around, barking madly, no longer able to contain my energy, Papyrus laughed even harder, the sound filling the room and probably the entire house.

The sound of deep, rumbling laughter caught my attention, and I spun around towards it. Sans was leaning against the door frame, bright eyelights taking in the scene with obvious delight.

“you guys seem to be havin’ a lotta fun in here,” his voice was full of amusement at our antics, fondness clear in his expression as he gazed at the two of us. Papyrus turned to face his brother, striking a pose with his hands on his hipbones and his long, red scarf fluttering behind him, despite the lack of a breeze.

“NYEH HEH HEH HEH!! INDEED WE ARE!! I’M GLAD TO HAVE FOUND A FELLOW COOKING ENTHUSIAST!! IT IS SO WONDERFUL TO HAVE SUCH AN APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCE FOR ONCE!!”

A beep went off, and Papyrus beamed.

“AND YOU ARE RIGHT ON TIME, BROTHER! DINNER IS READY!”

And in a flurry of movement, Papyrus plated up two heaping helpings of mouthwatering spaghetti. That would explain why both he and his entire house smelled so strongly of the pasta dish. It was plainly obvious that it was a favourite of his. He then set both plates on the table in the nearby dining room, before filling up two small bowls with dog food. When he placed the bowls on the floor, the fluffy white dog seemed to materialise out of thin air, given how suddenly he appeared, and launched himself at the nearest bowl, tucking into the dog food with gusto. Meanwhile, I could only eye the dog food with distaste. That was another thing that hadn’t transferred over to my new form: I didn’t have the same tastes as a real dog.

With only one option left, I pattered over to Papyrus and started pawing at his leg, whimpering as sadly as I could manage. When he looked down at me, I willed my eyes to widen into irresistibly adorable puppy dog eyes (much easier in my current body). Feed me , I tried to convey to him, I’m naught but a poor, hungry little pupper, begging for some scraps . He seemed to get the message, his skull taking on a look of pity.

“HAS THE DELECTABLE SMELL OF MY SPAGHETTI ROBBED YOU OF YOUR APPETITE FOR LESSER FOODS?” at my answering * bork! *, he nodded his skull gravely. “IT’S UNDERSTANDABLE. I SHOULD HAVE PREDICTED THIS! I’M SORRY, MY LITTLE LADY, FOR NOT NOTICING SOONER! HERE!! TAKE MY PLATE! THERE’S PLENTY LEFT, SO EAT ALL YOU LIKE! AND DON’T WORRY ABOUT ME. I SHALL GET MYSELF ANOTHER PLATE!”

He deposited his plate in front of me, and I wasted no time in digging in. Despite the show he’d made of cooking it, and all of his exaggerated actions, the spaghetti was surprisingly delicious. Papyrus clearly knew what he was doing in the kitchen and was a more masterful chef than he initially seemed. I resolved to have more faith in him in the future, he definitely deserved it.

When we’d all finished eating (my portion of dog food having been devoured by the other dog, much to Papyrus’s dismay), Sans retired to his bedroom, bidding his brother goodnight and yawning widely, while the white dog curled up in his basket in the living room. Papyrus made me a little nest of blankets and pillows, promising to get me my own dog bed in the morning. With one last, full body pet and a few extra ear scritches, he too retreated to his bedroom on the upper floor, turning off all the lights as he went.

With the room now plunged into total darkness, I tried to make myself as comfortable as possible within my temporary bed, and closed my eyes. Today had taken many, very unexpected turns, but for every dark cloud, there was a silver lining, and mine was meeting Papyrus. I’d known him less than a day, but he’d already found his way into my heart and had built himself a permanent home there, I was sure of it. He was so kind to me, despite the less-than-ideal way I’d introduced myself, and had a high-spirited magnetism that I couldn’t take my eyes off. Something about him drew me inexorably to him, and being a witch, I knew not to ignore fate when she showed her hand so clearly. This skeleton monster was the one who would break my spell and return me to my true form, I was certain of that.

As sleep was beginning to claim me, a sudden sound snapped me right back to full consciousness. Now fully alert, I scanned my surroundings for the source of the noise, and spied two yellow, luminescent eyes by the open window, glowing like floating lanterns in the darkness. I almost yelped in alarm, before I realised that I recognised those eyes. Midnight! You’ve come back to me!

I shot up and ran towards him, as he silently alighted on the floor. The black cat gave me a few sniffs, before bumping his nose against mine in greeting, blinking slowly at me. If my eyes could tear up, they would’ve, given how relieved I was at being reunited with my beloved familiar. Things really were looking up, after all!

But then the white dog apparently noticed our new visitor, and trotted over. The two animals seemed to take an instant liking to each other, sniffing each other thoroughly and circling each other like two excited children playing together. The two then pranced off, beginning an impromptu game of tag and proceeding to completely ignore my presence.

I stared in disbelief at my traitorous familiar, who had once again abandoned me, to go play with a stupid dog . I growled at him. You asshole! How dare you forsake me! Again! See if I give you any more catnip from now on! I swore that, as soon as I returned to human form, the first thing I would do was use a laser pointer to make that jerk run head-first into a wall...

Eventually, the racket from the animals’ playtime, and my aggrieved wails, woke up Papyrus, who stomped down the stairs, turning the lights on, and glaring at us with his arms crossed.

“COME NOW, I KNOW WE’VE ALL HAD AN EXCITING DAY, BUT-” he cut himself off as he spotted the black cat amongst us. Blinking, he approached the intruder and knelt down beside him. “OH HELLO THERE! WELCOME TO SCENIC OUR HOUSE! I’M NOT USED TO HAVING VISITORS OVER AT THIS TIME OF NIGHT, BUT YOU SEEM TO BE A FRIEND OF MY ANNOYING DOG, SO YOU’RE VERY WELCOME HERE, OF COURSE!”

I whined my complaint at the fact that Midnight was supposed to be my friend, not the dog’s. Papyrus reached out towards my cat and picked him up, scrutinising him carefully. He peered closely at Midnight’s collar and squinted his eye sockets at the tag.

“OH! SO YOUR NAME IS MIDNIGHT! WELL THEN, MR. MIDNIGHT, YOU’RE MORE THAN WELCOME TO STAY HERE FOR AS LONG AS YOU LIKE! ANY FRIEND OF MY PET’S IS A FRIEND OF MINE!”

I grumbled to myself, as Papyrus put my cat back down, and barked angrily when Middy once more ignored me in favour of pouncing on that white dog, tackling him to the floor and proceeding to wrestle with him. Papyrus beamed at their playful tussle, but I turned away, padding over to the corner of the room, facing the wall, and started howling my misery for all the world to hear. I was distraught , and godamitall I was gonna express that!

I abruptly stopped crying when I was lifted unceremoniously into the air, and pressed into hard bones. It took me a moment to realise what had happened, but once I’d processed the fact that Papyrus was hugging me, I calmed down against my will. The tall skeleton’s embrace was tight enough that I could feel his attempt to comfort me, but he didn’t squeeze me so tightly that it hurt. Papyrus had always made sure to never hurt me, no matter what.

“AWWW... POOR GIRL... YOU MUST HAVE FELT SO LONELY, SEEING THE OTHER TWO PLAYING TOGETHER, WITHOUT YOU,” his voice was softer than I thought it capable of, and it helped soothe the sting I felt at my familiar preferring another’s company over mine. “BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU THREE CAN’T STILL ALL BE FRIENDS! IT’S ALWAYS MORE FUN TO HAVE MORE FRIENDS!”

But something in my expression must have clued him in to how little his words appeased me. He sighed, then offered me a gentle, reassuring smile.

“IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE FRIENDS WITH THEM, THEN THAT’S OKAY TOO!! NOT EVERYONE CAN OR SHOULD BE FRIENDS, AND YOU SHOULD NEVER FORCE YOURSELF TO LIKE SOMEONE IF YOU DON’T WANT TO!!” then his expression brightened. “AND NO MATTER WHAT, I’LL ALWAYS BE YOUR GOOD FRIEND!! YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON THE GREAT PAPYRUS TO BE THE VERY BESTEST OF BEST FRIENDS!! AND THE VERY COOLEST OF COOL DUDES!! NYEH HEH HEH!!”

I couldn’t have stopped my tail from wagging if my life depended on it. This guy never failed to lift my spirits. At my joyful yipping and yapping, Papyrus pet my head, and then, instead of putting me back down, he carried me in his arms up the stairs, flicking off the lights, and entered the first room we came across.

My eyes could barely make anything out in the darkness, but as we came closer, I could see that his bed was shaped like a racing car. It felt incredibly fitting. Papyrus lied down on his bed, placing me on his sternum, and lifted his blanket up to cover us up to my neck. With both of us tucked into his bed, the monster rested one large, skeletal hand on my back, and I relaxed under its comforting weight.

“MY MISCHIEVOUS DOG SOMETIMES SNEAKS INTO MY BED WHILE I’M RESTING, NO MATTER HOW OFTEN I SHOO HIM OUT. HIS PAWS ARE SO COLD! IT’S AWFUL!!” his frown softened into a smile as the hand on my back started stroking me, up and down, very gently. “BUT NOT YOU. YOU’RE VERY WARM, AREN’T YOU? SOFT AND WARM AND CUDDLY. MY GOOD GIRL.”

As his sweet words of praise drifted into my ears, I closed my tired eyes and snuggled closer to Papyrus. Below me, I could feel a gentle thrumming, soft pulses of warmth and magic, which made something in my chest, something my witch training had taught me was my soul, answer back with its own light humming. It was these tender feelings which followed me into my dreams that night.

____________________________________________

This was supposed to be a oneshot, but it expanded without my consent, and I've had to concede to making it a twoshot. I pray it doesn't grow any more than that, because I really don't want to make this any longer than it needs to be. It's just supposed to be a short, silly, occasionally sweet, fic. Not some massive project I don't have the energy for. Next (and hopefully last) chapter should be out within a week, unless real life screws me over (again), and then I'm going to hibernate for a while and not even think about writing for the next few centuries. I can't wait （；´д｀）ゞ

Chapter 2 / Chapter 3

#JMB writes #papyrus x self insert #papyrus x reader #papyrus #reader is a witch #reader is a dog for most of the fic #she wants to fix that ASAP #romance is gonna be pretty one-sided on account of reader being a dog #mostly fluff and humour #you get to see just how unfunny I really am #papyrus my beloved #update: future minor frans #future sans x frisk #saying this in case that bothers you and you want to rant to me about it later

37 notes · View notes