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#like. ITS BLUE. are people used to seeing bright blue hair on students

rumisgf · 1 month

Text

“MY GIRL” SATORU GOJO X BLACK!READER

summary: gojo is known for having talking stages with lots of people, which leads you to doubt that you’re not just another talking stage. but, after talking for a while, he finally wants you to be his. he’s willing to do whatever it is to prove you’re his and show you how he really feels.

includes: implied “situationship”, fem terms and pronouns used, player!gojo, lover girl!reader, confession, eventual smut, fluff, lots of praise, oral f! receiving, penetration, possessiveness, corruption kink if you squint

it’s no secret that saturo gets around. he’s had his fair share of entanglements, flings, and hookups. but, you were different.

when he had a crush on you, he found himself more nervous than usual. his brain couldn’t function properly- even worse than its natural state of aloofness. he’d blabber about you to everyone. namami, geto, kiyotaka, shoko, hell even his own student itadori— he’d talk about you to megumi nonstop for gods sake, and i promise you that boy was tired of hearing about you.

then, he finally got you. he finally got the courage to make advances on you. to his surprise, they were reciprocated. you two would flirt, stay in each other’s dorms, go on “links”, you both even get to the point of falling asleep on the phone and good morning texts.

and he actually treated you very well. he was sweet, showered you with compliments, and he didn’t even hide you from others. but, a part of you still had doubt. you were aware of his past and didn’t wanna look dumb. your friends would make little jokes about you being “delulu” and always pointing out how whipped you were, so you’d be more than embarrassed if he ended up playing with your feelings.

these were all the thoughts going through you head before you knocked on the man’s apartment door, coming to hang with him after he texted you and asked you to come chill with him.

you always said yes, of course. but then again, you always said yes. it’s almost pathetic how weak you are for him.

“hey gorgeous~” the door opens almost instantly and you’re greeted by a blue eyes with a bright smile. his hair is down and he’s in a tank top, exposing his surprisingly muscular arms. his sleeper build is one of the things that has you so whipped. you smile back at him and hug him, his arms going to squeeze your waist. after a few seconds you release yourself from his hold and make your way to his bed as if his place is practically yours.

he finds his way next to you and watches as you immediately go to scroll on your phone. however, he seems…off. usually, he’d be more touchy. or, he’d also be on his phone or be on the game. he’s just watching you this time, as if he’s contemplating something. you finally look at him, cocking your eyebrow.

“may i help you, sir?”

he laughs, almost as if he was embarrassed (which he kinda was— he didn’t notice he was staring). “nothing, just thinkin’.” you softly laugh in return, going back to your phone. “about what?” you mindlessly asks. he takes a second to pause, then you hear him take a deep breath.

“i want you to be my girlfriend.”

now, it’s your turn to pause. you’re stuck in place as your brain tries to process what he just said. gojo, “mr. bitches”, satoru just asked to cuff you. you have to be dreaming.

“what?” is all you can say. he sits up, and looks directly at you. “y/n, i wanna make you mine.” you struggle to make eye contact with him, at a loss for words. “i know we’ve been talking for some months and i just…i really really like you— a lot. i can’t stop thinking about you and i can’t see myself with anybody but you. i want you- fuck it, i need you in my life so bad. you’re everything i look for.”

your face heats up as he’s sitting there, confessing his feelings for you. you finally get the courage to speak. “i really like you too, satoru. and honestly, i been waiting for you to ask this for so long. i know it seems stupid, but i just… i don’t wanna see you with anybody else. and sometimes i just-” you cut yourself off, not wanting to ruin the moment. his face softens and he grabs your hands. “what? you can tell me anything, gorgeous, i swear.”

“…do you really mean this? i don’t wanna just be…i don’t how to say this… another one.” you finally let it out your chest, and he looks down at your hands. then, he lifts you up and has you straddling him on his lap as he makes direct eye contact with you. “baby, i swear there is nobody else i could want but you. i don’t care about those other hoes or anybody else, they got nothing on you..”

his eyes fall to your lips, and he takes another breath. “i love you, y/n, and i just wanna be able to call you my girl.” your heart is beating rapidly by now, and you wrap your arms around his neck. “i love you too, i’m yours.”

you both lean in and close the space between you two. your lips collide with his, slowly moving in rhythm with each other. his hands squeeze your thighs, then he holds your waist and begins to take control. he flips you over, and his lips quickly find their way to your neck. you let out a small whine as he sucks on the skin, eagerly making his mark on you. he kisses and bites all over “mine…all mine…” he breathes into your neck.

instinctively, your legs spread and he subconsciously grinds against you. this earns a moan escaping your lips, and he pulls away. “you want to?” he asks. you frantically nod, but this time he really wants to keep things romantic. you’re his girlfriend now, he wants to prioritize making you feel loved over wanting to get off. “you sure? i wanna hear you say it, love.” you look at him with needy eyes, ones that cause an erection to start to grow in his pants. “please.”

“say no more, baby.” he dives back into your lips, hands tugging at your bottoms. he pulls them down and plays with the hem of your underwear, still keeping a steady rhythm as he kisses you.

your hand goes to unzip his pants. as you try to pull them down, he stops you. usually, you’re first to go down on him, but he wants this time to be different. “let me take care of you, i got it.” he says with a sweet, loving smile on his face as he pulls away. then he slides his finger through your clothed slit, already feeling how wet you are. you hum as he teases you, getting you all worked up for him. his thumb slowly finds your clit. “that’s it baby, relax…” he rubs you through your underwear and you moan again, squirming under his touch. another reason you’re so whipped for him: he always knows how to make you feel good.

“toru..please…” you whine, looking down at his hands. “well can you look at me first, baby?” he teases, and you can hear the smirk on his face before you even look up at him. then, he slides his hand in your underwear and toys with your clit, sticky with your arousal. “mhm…good girl~” he cooes as you moan out for him. your eyes threaten to close as pleasure swirls all through your stomach, still aching for more. just as that feeling arises, he dips his ring finger into your pulsing hole and your eyes roll back.

satoru watches your every move as you writhe under him, adding another finger as your slicks begins to spill out and making you squirm even more. then, he pulls them out and brings them to his mouth. he licks them clean, watching in satisfaction as you look to him for more. without a word, he leans down to your soaking heat. all while keeping eye contact, he kisses your clit.

you gasp, and he takes no time sucking on the sensitive bud. “f-fuck~” you moan, gripping onto his hair with your hand. he hums as your freshly manicured nails dig into his scalp while he works you with his mouth. you sing out for him as he laps your pussy with his tongue, running it through your folds and dipping into your hole. “baby, i’m c-close…” you cry. he only moves his tongue faster, drawing harsh circles on your clit. finally, you let you on his tongue with a long, strung out moan. your legs shake and your grips tightens on your hair as you cum, him slowly sucking on your clit through your orgasm.

he lifts off with a pop! then kicks off his pants and boxers, his fully erect dick springing out as he climbs on top of you. he strokes himself, kissing your lips and giving you a taste of your own arousal. “you ready, princess?” he breathes out, and you hum in response, lifting up your legs.

he lines himself up with your entrance, and easily slides in due to your previous orgasm. you both moan in sync, him burying his face in your neck. he pumps into you at a slow pace, each thrust deeper than the one before. he finally bottoms out and your eyes roll back in ecstasy as you moan out in pure bliss.

“fuck baby, you tight as fuck…” he rasps as your walls clench him as he moves in and out of you. he kisses you, then looks into your eyes as he makes love to you. “my pretty baby, always so good for me.” his thrusts slowly begin to quicken and your mouth falls open. “yeah, you like that?”

you hum in response, turning your head and burying it into the pillow as your hand grips his arm. “fuck s- mmm- s’ good…” he smirks as he rolls his hips, fucking into you even deeper and reaching for the spot that’ll have you melting. you whine as he fucks you, sending pleasure all through your warmth to your legs and stomach. “i know baby, ah shit- you love this dick don’t you?” he says as he leans down to your ear. “mhm~” you respond instantly, slick dripping out of your cunt. “mhm…so fucking wet for me.”

“yeah.. who’s pussy is this? huh?” your walls clench from the question and you’re barely able to answer” “y- fuck! yours…it’s all yours~”

“yeah this my pussy, all mine.” his words send chills down your spine, putting you in a trance as your orgasm builds up in your stomach. then, he pulls out, immediately picking you up and placing you on his lap. he finds your entrance, and positions you above his dick. you slowly slide down all the way on him.

“fuuuuck, just like that…” he moans, feeling your soaked walls tightening around him again. you eagerly bounce on his dick, moaning loudly from how you can feel every inch of him. he then places his hands on your ass, setting a pace for you and guiding you. “cmon ride me baby, just like that..such a good girl for me, yeah?” you can only moan in response, drowning in pleasure as a familiar knot builds up inside you. “‘m gonna cum…” you cry out.

he snaps his hips up inside you, causing you to nearly scream as he repeatedly slams his dick info your g-spot. you moan out his name and a smile is plastered across this face. “go ahead, cum for me baby. cum all over this dick.” and you do just that, creaming all on him as you bury your head into his neck, moaning his name and several curses.

he turns you back over, still buried inside you as he begins plunging into you. his hand presses one of your legs against your chest as you cry and moan from the overstimulation. “fuck baby i love you…love you so much~” he moans as he chases his own high. finally, he lets out a loud moan as he pulls out, cumming all over your stomach.

you both catch your breath, and he manages to lift himself off you. after finding a towel and cleaning himself off, he crashes onto his bed and pulls you on top of him.

“i’m yours.” he says, sweetly kisses your forehead. he squeezes you tight as if you were gonna fly out of him arms, and you smile into his chest. “i love you, baby.”

“i love you too, toru.” and just like that, you were finally his.

@ rumisgf

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viaoverthemoon · 10 months

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I have a small request here too✋ I was thinking about Leon (damnation maybe) x fem!reader with reader being his daughter's kindergarten teacher, and the little one falls in love with her and wants to spend more time with reader, and Leon he finds himself forced to accept this, so he falls in love with the reader. It can be with smut at the end or just something romantic, it doesn't matter.

I hope I explained it ok, I've had this idea in my head for some time but I don't know how to express it 😂❤️❤️

Oooo this sounds so cute stawpppp.

Since I have another fic in the works that's drenched in smut, I'll keep this one fluffy. ;)

Damnation!Leon Kennedy x Fem!Reader

Summary: You're a kindergarten teacher for Leon Kennedy's daughter and she wants to keep you forever!

Tw: Fluff, Mention of deceased relative, Mention of past miscarriage

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Enjoy! <3

To Belong

❁´◡`❁❁´◡`❁❁´◡`❁❁´◡`❁❁´◡`❁❁´◡`❁❁´◡`❁❁´◡`❁

"Congratulations, Arabella! It looks like you're our student of the week!"

You gently place the pin on Arabella's shirt, smiling widely at her proud expression.

Being a kindergarten teacher definitely has its downs. But also has its ups as well. One of those ups being the honor of teaching these innocent children. Every day is something new, a new experience that makes you realize the importance of raising the next generation.

Arabella turns towards you, smiling so wide her cheeks must hurt. She grabs onto your leg. "Thank you, Miss (L/N)! This means so much to me!"

You smile down at her, proud of her for using the feelings lesson you'd taught her, and crouch to her level to give her a hug. "You're welcome, Arabella! I'm so proud of you. Thank you for being such a kind student!"

She seems to take your praise very seriously, being super kind to her classmates and staying by you side, asking if you need help or service in any kind of way.

❁

At the end of the day when everyone has left, you sit alone at your desk.

Whilst flipping from one graded paper to another, the door to your classroom creaks open.

You raise your head just in time to see Arabella run into the room, screaming with her arms in the air. "MISS (L/N)!!!!"

You laugh as she runs around your desk and hugs you, babbling nonsense excitedly. "Oh my goodness! Back so soon, Arabella?"

She gives a hyper nod. "Yes!"

"'Yes ma'am', Bella."

Your eyes snap up, locking with a pair of bright blues.

You look at him, surprised.

The man held a strong resemblance to Arabella, minus the straight blonde hair Arabella carried. They shared blue eyes and a soft face. If anything, his rough exterior yet light features suited him. Gave him a mysterious and alluring air that draws people to him, searching to learn more about him.

"Oh- yes ma'am- Daddy look, look! This is the nice teacher I was telling you about!"

You rise from your chair and hold out a hand with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Kennedy."

He shakes your hand and offers a nod. "Pleasure to meet you too, Miss (L/N). As you can see, I've heard quite a lot about you."

He gives his daughter a pointed look that makes you laugh. You gesture to the seat across from your desk, offering him a seat as you settle back into your chair. "I assume there's a reason you're here that I could help you with?"

Mr. Kennedy sits in the chair, seemingly tired as he falls into the seat and instinctively spreads his legs.

You try your hardest not to acknowledge the action, but your eyes fail you, flickering down his frame for half a second before returning to his face.

You instantly regret your mistake when he smirks at you, straightening up just a bit and resting his arms on his legs. "Actually, I was hoping to discuss what Arabella's behaviors are like while she's at school, as well as how she's learning." He pauses. "I mean, obviously if she's getting student of the month for the 2nd time, she's doing pretty good."

He smiles and playfully ruffles Arabella's hair, earning a laugh from the 5-year-old. "But still. It would be nice to hear from her teacher, not her."

You clear your throat and nod, turning away to escape the burn of his gaze and pulling out a folder labeled A.K., Arabella Kennedy's character chart.

"Of course, I understand. Let's start with how she handles assignments."

❁

After about 45 minutes of talking, Leon seems satisfied with his daughter's school life and begins to pack up his things to leave. But Arabella becomes upset, running to you and refusing to let go of your leg.

"No! I'm not ready to say bye to Miss (L/N) yet!"

She throws the standard child tantrum, small tears streaming down her reddened puffed out cheeks as you gently try to coax her into letting go.

"Arabella... Don't be upset. You'll see me again on Monday-"

But she's relentless, shaking her head and kicking away Mr. Kennedy's hands as he tries to reach for her.

Eventually, he sighs and looks at you embarrassingly. "I'm so sorry Miss (L/N). She's hardly ever like this."

Seeing as this is something you deal with all the time, you just shake your head, offering a small smile. "Don't worry about it. I'm used to this behavior... I'm about to leave for the day. If you guys want, we could go out for a quick dinner? This way, we won't have to part so soon."

This gets the crying 5-year-old to quiet down almost immediately. She looks up from your leg, tears and snot smeared all over your pant leg. "Really? Can we?"

You look up at Mr. Kennedy, raising a brow for conformation. And, seeing as there was no way around it, he gives in.

❁

And from that moment forward, you and the Kennedy family became quite close.

You shared a few dinners and spent time together at amusement parks and entertainment events, eventually becoming so close that you'd even watch Arabella when Leon had to leave for reasons of his job.

You listen to his stories, and he listens to yours.

He shares how he and Arabella have no one else to depend on. Her mother, although she and Leon didn't have a good relationship, had died during childbirth. And how he'd lost his own parents long ago, growing up an orphan and not having much.

And you share only having your parents. You could have had a little one yourself, but unfortunately grieved a harsh miscarriage and the father of the child leaving soon after didn't help.

You both end up having more in common than you'd originally thought.

And now, you share more than just experiences and memories. Now, you share shy looks and ghostly touches.

Somedays his hand will graze yours and you both will avoid each other's gaze, ignoring the sudden spark that comes when you make contact.

That is until, one night Leon returns from a particularly long job to find you curled up on his living room couch with a book in hand, reading glasses perched on the bridge of your nose.

"Hey, sorry for the long night. Never meant to be gone that long." He shrugs off his leather jacket and throws it over the arm of his second couch.

You eye his fatigued figure for a moment before removing your glasses and putting down your book. "No, it's alright. You know I don't mind, Leon."

Sitting up, you pat the spot next to you on the couch, offering him a seat. "Arabella's upstairs asleep in her room..." He gives a soft grunt and falls on the couch, rubbing the back of his neck while nodding and muttering a 'Good. Thank you.'

Eyes skillfully assessing his behavior, you decide to ask him the question that's been on your mind. "Are you okay? Do you need anything?"

He glances at you through his peripheral but instantly looks away. "Yes. I'm fine. You can go now."

In all honesty, the way he suggested you leaving hurt your feelings. But you didn't relent. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to stay..."

Reaching a hand out, you place it on top of his on his lap. He flinches slightly, but doesn't push you away. He pauses for a second...

And then he relaxes, flipping his hand over to wrap it around yours.

Your heart is in your throat and the palms of your hands begin to sweat. But you don't show it, smiling shyly at Leon and holding his hand.

He doesn't look at you. Doesn't show any signs that he acknowledges you besides the fact that he isn't letting go of your hand. "Why do you stay? Why do you want to stay?"

The monotone question catches you off guard. You momentarily freeze as his eyes find you.

Blue frozen glaciers filled with oceans and rivers of pure sadness and regret. The emotion in his eyes makes you briefly wonder where he finds the space for the happiness he feels with Arabella.

Or if he'll have the space for happiness with you.

You take a moment to think, looking down at your linked hands and gliding a thumb over the warmth of his skin. "I feel happiest when I'm here with the two of you. As you know, I don't have much. All I've had to look forward to has been my students... but now... I have the both of you."

You look him in the eyes, trying to convey your emotions through the look in yours. "These past few weeks have been the best I've lived through in years... I'm tired of living alone, Leon. Life is worth so much more when you spend it with somebody else."

He looks at you in shock, not sure what to say about your sudden confession. His mouth opens and closes like a fish, trying to choose the right words to say.

You look away bashfully. "Er- What I'm trying to say is... I'd like it if we could spend... more time together. And see each other more often. But-! It's completely up to you, of course."

For a moment, the silence is nerve wracking. You try not to fidget too much or show that you're anxious in awaiting his answer.

You're beginning to lose hope when Leon's hands are suddenly on your hips.

You're so surprised by his actions that you hardly notice him gently coaxing you into sitting on his lap.

Your legs straddle his thighs, backside rested on his knees when you suddenly notice your position. Your face burns hot, and you rest your hands on his shoulders.

His hands find purchase on your waist. "If I'm being honest, I expected you to leave us a long time ago... I didn't mean to be rude. I just didn't think you'd stay."

He caresses your sides, warm hands heating through the fabric of your clothes. "And... I would like it- a lot if you stayed with us. Not only would you make me happy, but you'd make Arabella happy too. And that matters more than anything."

You pretend to ponder on your decision, looking away with a small smile on your face before turning back to Leon. "Well... I guess I can stick around-"

The sentence barely leaves your lips before Leon pulls you in, kissing you with so much relieved passion that you momentarily feel dizzy.

And for once, you feel like you truly belong somewhere.

Yes. This feeling is definitely one you can get used to.

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Nobody: My inbox screaming and crying for help: 😓😭😭☠️ Me with 0 internet or data: 🧍🏾‍♀️💃📖

Hope you enjoyed!

More requests coming soon!

Requests are open!! <3

#viaoverthemoon #leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy #leon x reader #resident evil #leon kennedy x you #leon s kennedy smut #re4 leon #re4 #smut #leon s kennedy #resident evil leon #leon re4 #leon kennedy fluff #leon kennedy smut #leon scott kennedy #re4 remake #leon kennedy x y/n

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sweetestdesire · 1 year

Text

MR. IRRESISTIBLE — P.3

WARNINGS: hair pulling, extreme domination, mentions of masturbation, spanking, etc. 18+ readers only

PAIRING(S): Frat boy!Rafe Cameron x Fem!Reader

SUMMARY: in which a drunk Rafe Cameron shows up to Fem!Reader’s dorm for answers.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I hope you angels enjoy part 3 of Mr. Irresistible <3 you can find the series masterlist here.

Y/N woke up the next morning, seeing Rafe’s clothes in the same piles she'd left them last night. She got up, slipping on a towel as she walked to the bathroom to shower. Under the stream, she scrubbed herself clean, hoping to wash away the false promises that Rafe was giving her.

She needed to get the boy out of her head, knowing that no good would come from getting mixed up with a guy. She’d played that game in high school, and refused to spend her college years lusting over boys who'd only push her back into that confinement.

Still, Y/N decided to take Rafe’s advice. She showed up at the quad just after her first class later that week, seeing the open grass filled to the brim with colorful tables and herds of students. She walked past the entrance with a sign reading "Involvement Fair" as she shuffled through the lines to look at what the school had to offer.

There was a club for pretty much any interest; everything from anime to ping pong to poetry. Y/N by passed a lot of those, finding most of the people manning the tables to come on too strong and be just too excited at the prospect of her joining.

Ten minutes passed by and Y/N was still clueless, not seeing anything that really sparked her interest. She figured that she'd at least head over to the edge of the grass where they were passing out hamburgers and hotdogs to everyone there. If she wasn't going to find her place, she'd at least take a free lunch.

Like fate, she saw a large dog run across the field with its leash flowing in the wind behind it. It stopped at her feet, lowering its head as the girl crouched down.

"Hey there, girl." Y/N said as the dog licked her palm. "You look like you could use a belly rub."

The dog excitedly turned over, laying on the perfectly green grass as Y/N ran her hands over her. She smiled wide as the dog barked happily. A petite girl came running over wearing a bright red shirt with the letters PAWS spelled out in the front.

"I'm so sorry!" She said as she got close. “I really thought I could handle her, but she's a lot stronger than she looks." The girl crouched down to pet the dog who'd licked her hand excitedly. "Aren't you, Beau?"

"Is she yours?" Y/N asked, feeling her soft fur.

"Not exactly." The girl got to her feet with the leash in hand. "She's a stray at the local animal shelter. They let us bring them down for events like these to showcase our club."

Confused, Y/N asked, "And what is it you guys do?"

The girl smiled wide. “We volunteer there a couple times a month. We help clean out the kennels, assist with adoptions." She chuckled. “Sometimes they have us come down just to play with them."

"I didn't realize that was a club." Y/N admitted.

Beau barked, seemingly agreeing. "Neither did I when I first joined." She said as she motioned towards the far end of the quad just by the lines of students waiting for free food. "If you're interested, stop by our table to get some more info. We could always use more hands."

"I will." Y/N said happily as she leaned down to pet the dog once more. She started walking in that direction, seeing a crowd of people hunched down to pet all kinds of cats, dogs and other furry friends they brought.

Y/N looked over to her right, seeing a large gathering of guys dressed in bright blue t-shirts and backwards baseball caps. "Pi Kappa Phi,” she read in gold letters, as she noticed the loud table that had its own sizable crowd.

She filtered through the sea of blue shirts until she recognized Rafe, standing behind the table and chatting up a tall boy who looked like a perfect fit for the frat. Even though he was dressed like everyone else, Rafe managed to stand out, looking impossibly good as she saw traces of that white smile as he spoke.

"Technically I'm not avoiding him." The freshman argued, as she turned her back and walked towards the other booth.

Y/N did end up joining PAWS that day, after having talked it up with a couple of the members who seemed really nice and far less intense than everyone else who manned a table. She attended their first meeting later that week, and after a slightly awkward ice-breaker, she was able to meet a bunch of new people who seemed just as eager to make friends. They wouldn't be getting matching tattoos anytime soon, but it was a start.

Things went silent for a few days with Rafe only crossing Y/N’s mind once every few hours at best. She tried to think of other things, and all of it seemed to work for a bit. That was until Friday night when she'd just gotten back from an afternoon at the animal shelter.

Y/N opened the door to her room, smelling like pet hair and dog food. She was in desperate need of a shower, but wanted to wait a little bit for all the girls on her floor getting ready for another night out. She sat back on her desk chair, taking a load off after having been standing on the bus for the past half hour. She scrolled through her phone to pass time.

A notification popped up at the top of her screen. She clicked on the icon to see that Rafe had sent her a message on Instagram. She hovered her finger over the name for a while, knowing that she could close the app and leave the message unread without being penalized. She clicked it, caving in.

I feel like I haven't seen you in a while.

Come to the Pi Kapp house at 9 for a party.

I promise to be nicer this time.

The messages actually made Y/N smile as she pictured the handsome boy biting down on his lip with that upturned smirk like he'd just served the first round of ping pong. She started to type out a message, but deleted it, not wanting to fall victim of taking the bait no matter how enticing.

She tried again, but couldn't manage to hit enter, knowing that Rafe wouldn't accept any lame excuse she could muster. So, she set her phone to charge on her bed and stripped down to just a loose t-shirt and pair of panties.

"Time to wash away the frat boy." Y/N said to herself as she headed to the bathroom.

Hours later, Y/N was headed back from the cafeteria. She had a sudden craving for ice cream, so she rushed out of her room, eager to catch them before they closed. She had a pint of Chunky Monkey in one hand and a bunch of plastic spoons for her stash in the other. She was binging Criminal Minds, and had already planned to finish out the season before she'd go to bed.

As she walked closer to her dorm, she saw a lonely soul, sitting at the park bench just outside the double doors. It was dark outside with their bright blue shirt as the only indication that someone was there.

"I don't get you, Y/N." She heard as she walked closer, recognizing Rafe’s voice.

"We hook up, then you ignore me in the halls." He put his hands up. "Fine, I get it. A hook up doesn't mean we have to be friends. But then we talk again and hook up again.” He breathed. “You make it seem like things are good, but then you don't bother to reply to my messages and instead attempt to type a reply three times before just ignoring me.”

Even slurring some of his words, Y/N knew the boy is coherent enough to mean what he says. She felt a wash of guilt at what she figured were mixed signals she didn't mean to send.

Rafe leaned into her like he was divulging a secret. “Tell me if I misread any of this and I promise I'll leave you alone." He exhaled, filling the space between them with the scent of vodka and God knows what other liquor he'd consumed.

Y/N froze, still in disbelief that Rafe had showed up here. Rafe gave a defeated sigh as he tried to walk off, nearly falling on his face in the process.

"Rafe." Y/N said, offering a hand. "Let's talk about this upstairs." She slung Rafe’s arm over her shoulder. “You can't possibly make it all the way home."

"I'm not as think as you drunk I am." Rafe replied, almost comically.

He mumbled something incoherently as he was escorted into the building. Y/N was thankful that the front desk worker didn't give her a hard time — likely too lazy to file a report or have to call campus security. She waved them off as the freshman muttered “thank you,” before walking them to the elevator.

Rafe leaned against the cold metal wall as Y/N took a breath. "You could’ve just said you didn't want to see me."

Y/N leaned back, feeling the pattern of the wall press into her back like a hundred fingers pointing back at her. "I didn't think it mattered if I showed up or not." She said weakly.

Rafe sneered. “Why would I have asked you to come if I didn't want you there?" Managing to get those words out clearer than ever.

The elevator rang, saving Y/N from giving another lame excuse. She pulled Rafe into her and walked them down the empty hall until she got to her door. Once inside, he fell back on the bed, taking up most of what the twin mattress had to offer.

Y/N stuck the pint of ice cream into the small compartment of her mini fridge and closed her laptop. "Just get comfortable and we can talk about it in the morning."

"You're gonna to let me sleep here?" The drunk boy asked as Y/N sat at the edge of the bed, facing away from him.

“I sure as hell ain't carrying you back to the Pi Kappa house." She dared to say, hoping humor could lighten the mood.

"There's no way you could carry me." Rafe slurred.

Y/N giggled as she stood up. "Come on, let's get you out of those disgusting clothes." She said as she helped him out of his shoes and motioned for the frat boy to undress.

Rafe managed to sit up, raising his arms long enough for Y/N to slip off the blue tee that reeked as if it'd had a dozen or so drinks spilled on it.

"You always smell good." Rafe said as they were dangerously close to each other. There was something about Y/N’s scent that soothed him, even as his stomach continued to turn.

Y/N evaded, turning her head away. "Well, you smell like cheap liquor and a shit ton of weed."

Rafe rolled his eyes as he shucked off his jeans. He eased back onto the bed, scooting over to the side to allow Y/N to lay comfortably next to him. She stayed at the edge of the bed, seeing her shadow from the bedside lamp cast over the wall making her look five times his size. As she thought back to what Rafe said outside, she couldn't help but feel so small.

"Tell me I didn't read this wrong." Rafe said softly, almost like he was running out of battery.

Y/N exhaled. "You didn't.” She finally said out loud. She turned back to see Rafe’s reaction only to find the beautiful boy laying on her bed like a drunken snow angel.

"You're like a Rubik's Cube that moves every time I think I'm close to solving you." Rafe sighed. "Why do you keep moving?"

"I don't know why." Y/N admitted as she slipped off her own clothes and slipped into bed.

She reached over to turn off the lamp, filling the room with darkness. Even with the lights off, she could see Rafe just sitting there, accepting her words without question.

Y/N turned to him with eyes pleading, telling him things like, "Don't hold this over me,” and "I'm sorry I hurt you,” in silence.

"Goodnight, Rafe." She said softly as she eased into the pillow and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Y/N rushed back from the cafeteria with a large to-go box and two coffees in her hands. She got up just before 10 to see a near naked Rafe still softly snoring away as he took up most of the bed. She’d normally be annoyed, but the frat boy looked so good sprawled along the bed and stealing most of the sheets for himself.

Y/N got dressed, careful not to wake the sleeping giant as she ventured off for breakfast knowing he wouldn't wake anytime soon. Twenty minutes later, she closed the door to her room, seeing the sleeping figure toss as she walked over to set the hot coffee down on her desk.

She watched Rafe stretch, with various limbs poking in and out of the grey sheets. He eventually sat up, leaning against the bed as his head continued to spin. Y/N bit down on her lip, seeing the evidence of morning wood beneath his boxers, as well as his messed up hair. It should be illegal to look that good first thing in the morning, Y/N thought to herself.

"What time is it?" Rafe asked as he wiped the sleep from his eyes.

Y/N came over with a coffee in hand. "Just after 10." She said as she took a sip of hers. She looked over at the desk. "I managed to get the last of breakfast."

Rafe audibly gagged at the thought of filling his queasy stomach with greasy potatoes and fatty bacon. "I think I'll stick to coffee for now." He took a sip. "Thanks, by the way."

Y/N joked, "It's not often that I have a drunk boy in bed in the morning." She gave Rafe a wink. "Had to pull out all the stops."

Rafe sneered as he set his coffee down. "I'm not apologizing for coming over last night." He said, elbowing Y/N’s side. "I am sorry for being such a mess."

The freshman blew into her coffee, daring to ask, "Why did you get so fucked up?"

Rafe shrugged. “I was fine when the party started. I hoped that somehow you'd show up." He cast his eyes over to her. "And then I started to think that I did something wrong, so I started taking shots." He chuckled to himself. "And then you weren't answering your phone. I guess drunk Rafe just wanted to see you."

Y/N reached over to her phone which she'd abandoned last night before her shower. Sure enough, there were three or four missed instagram video calls from him around the time she went to the cafeteria.

"I didn't even realize you did." She said, getting an approving nod from the boy. Y/N exhaled, picking her next words out carefully. "Why are you so drawn to me?" She asked, feeling a pang of self-consciousness hit her in the gut.

"I just can’t get you out of my head." Rafe emphasized.

Y/N breathed out, knowing those words would be added to the chant she'd been reciting to herself all week. The curveball that left her in such a wreck.

"But you're-" Y/N started.

"Into you." Rafe Interrupted. "Really fucking interested to see this pan out." He added. "Hoping you won't cast me aside so easily."

Y/N looked into the boy's eyes, seeing no signs of hesitation written in his irises. She leaned over, planting a kiss on Rafe’s cheek as she held onto his biceps. He looked puzzled as he pulled away.

"Don't tell me that was some Judas kiss." He tilted his head. "Is this the part where you leave me?"

"No." Y/N shook her head and leaned into Rafe’s shoulder. "Your breath smells like coffee mixed with cheap whiskey."

Rafe laughed as he returned the kiss on the cheek. "Guess I better get cleaned up then." He said happily as Y/N got up, handing him her shower tote to borrow and a spare toothbrush she hadn't used yet.

Y/N watched as Rafe stripped naked, revealing that long cock hanging between his legs as he pulled off his boxers. Even in cute little moments like these, she couldn't conceal checking him out. Rafe wrapped a clean towel around his waist and strutted off to the bathroom like he owned the place.

"You could always join me, you know." He said as he reached for the door knob.

"Go take your shower, frat boy." Y/N said as she flung the boy's boxers. Rafe reached out and caught it, throwing it back to the girl as he closed the bathroom door.

Y/N waited on her bed, not moving an inch until she heard the door knob click coming from the bathroom. Rafe came into view, with his body still glistening and small beads of water dripping down his strands of hair.

"I forgot how shitty the water pressure is here." He said as he stood in the middle of the room. He whipped off the towel and started to dry himself off casually, putting his foot onto Y/N’s dresser to dry off his legs.

"Jesus Christ.” Y/N said out loud, seeing the naked and dripping boy in front of her.

Rafe snickered as he tossed the towel aside and turned to the her. He walked up, finding his place between her knees as he laid both hands on the girl’s cheeks.

"You act like you haven't seen me naked before." He said seductively, filling the air with the scent of Y/N’s shampoo.

"I have.” She said as she greedily locked eyes with this. "But it's always been so rushed." Y/N admitted. "I always felt like we had to get it over with before you changed your mind or freaked out."

Rafe leaned in to kiss Y/N on her cheek. "I'm not gonna change my mind." He pulled away and kissed the other side. "I'm not gonna freak out."

"I believe you." Y/N said as she felt the boy's warmth against her skin. She looked up, seeing Rafe staring back at her with eyes that looked like they'd promise her the world if it meant he could deliver.

He shook his head about, showering Y/N in all the residual water he hadn't bothered to dry off. She pushed him off, leaving her hands on the boy's bare chest for a little too long. They laughed, as she reached for the towel to dry herself off.

"Let go.” She said, caught in the boy’s grip. “I need to find you some clothes because yours are gross."

Rafe did a few poses as he stood in the sunlight, giving a show to Y/N and whoever else could see them up on the fourth floor. "I spend all this time trying to get in your pants and here you are, making me get dressed."

Y/N stuck her tongue out to Rafe. “Maybe you're too used to just getting what you want."

"Touché." He said, letting the girl have her win.

As much as she wanted to take it slow, Y/N felt continually drawn to the muscled boy like steam being swept away in air vents. She felt her uncontrollable hands reach for that firm flesh, gripping her fingers on Rafe’s arms. It was like a claw machine finally gripping onto the prized toy — the one that she'd spent endless amounts of quarters on.

"Y/N?" Rafe said, just watching her so fixed on him.

Y/N leaned in, hooking their lips together as her hands pressed into the boy's pecs. All she wanted last night was to touch him and let him know that all of this apprehension and doubt was the result of getting too attached to someone who was emotionally unavailable. You don't forget shit like that, and every time Rafe showed signs of wanting more, she could feel the third degree burn marks on her skin like caution tape.

She pushed Rafe back onto her bed, unhooking the towel that barely hung over the boy’s waist. It was like something out of a painting, with the naked boy stretched across her twin with a white towel. Rafe’s devilish grin added irony to the whole image, a knowing smirk that Y/N could get used to seeing. She inched the boy closer to the wall and got down on her knees, gripping the hardened cock in her hand and giving it a stroke.

Before she could sink down, Rafe called out, "We go at your pace." She looked up, catching those blue eyes.

Y/N leaned in, pressing their lips together again and hooking her teeth on Rafe’s bottom lip before pulling away. "Why don't I start by making it up to you?" She asked before taking his cock into her mouth, leaving him no chance to even reply.

"Fuck." Rafe moaned, feeling those soft lips pressed against his shaft. He was serious about playing at her speed.

Y/N took more of the boy's length, feeling the head of his cock scrape against her tongue, leaving the taste of pre-cum. She closed her hand on the base, squeezing tightly to coax more out. Little did she know that Rafe had held his own dick that way every night since their last hook-up over two weeks ago. He’d grasp it tight while he stroked his cock, wishing he could gather enough sense to just reach out to her. But for him, it seemed like the ball was in Y/N’s court, and he knew better than to push.

On the nights when he felt most desperate, Rafe scoured every free porn site he knew, just trying to find someone who resembled Y/N in the slightest. But those searches always came up empty. There were those lips that plumped together every time she pouted or decided to grace her face with a smile. Rafe always finished those sessions knowing that his memory was better than anything the internet could provide.

Y/N continued to suck, pulling off his length so only Rafe’s cock head remained in her mouth. She flicked her tongue against that slit repeatedly while gripping onto his balls with a gentle touch. When she felt daring, she'd look up to see Rafe watching her the entire time. She blushed as she pushed aside embarrassment in order to make him feel good.

"You're so fucking sexy.” She heard, as Rafe’s thumb and forefinger pinched her jaw. Y/N replied with a wink before working that dick some more.

Minutes passed as Rafe let a few uncontrollably moans escape from his mouth. He gripped onto the bundled sheets, watching his cock disappear past those wet lips. He was close, having only had the satisfaction of his right hand lately. He could feel it rising through him just waiting to be uncapped.

"I'm close." Rafe softly whimpered.

Y/N took him down her throat, massaging that sensitive tip with her tongue. But she didn't stop, she kept slurping and stroking, needing badly to reassure Rafe that she was sorry.

"Gonna cum, baby." The frat boy said as his final warning. And there it was, that nickname he'd reserved only her, sounding incredibly smooth coming off his tongue.

Y/N pulled off, giving him the view of his cock unloading into her. Rafe watched, seeing the white cream pour into the girl’s tongue and collect in her mouth. It should be illegal how good this looked, he thought, unable to believe how lucky he'd been to get a girl like her.

Rafe smirked. "Your turn. Now, come here so I can make you cum."

Y/N shook her head. "Really, it's okay." Her voice got a bit low. "I just wanted to do that right now. For you.”

Rafe pursed his lips. "Okay." He said. He gripped her wrist. “But I won't be fully satisfied until I get you off."

They shared a laugh as Y/N turned to toss over the clothes she'd picked out, which was a challenge in of itself cause Rafe could probably bust open a seam just by breathing. After more teasing, Rafe finally turned around, wearing an over sized university jersey that Y/N had picked up at a home game as well as an old pair of joggers that belonged to her brother.

"How do I look?" Rafe asked, checking himself out in the mirror.

Y/N bit down on her lip. "Really good."

"What do you say we go get some real food?" He said as he slipped on his shoes.

Y/N looked over at the to-go box of now cold eggs, soggy potatoes and bacon that was still glistening in fat. She felt her own stomach turn, realizing she'd let it sit for an hour.

"Yeah, that sounds good."

Rafe nodded as he watched Y/N get dressed, unashamed of all the glances he stole. She caught him staring a couple times, blushing red in embarrassment which she laughed off, developing this new dynamic between the two of them. Y/N may have put up his sarcastic and prickly remarks, but deep down she knew the boy was as soft as they came — still quite unaware of just how great he was.

They left the dorm as Rafe led them to a district not too far from campus. Y/N followed him like a lost puppy, still not quite used to making her way through the area. They boarded a bus with Rafe motioning for her to take the last open seat at the end.

He, meanwhile, hung onto the overhead bar, settling for a spot in between the girl’s legs as he held on while the bus moved. Y/N couldn't help but stare at the boy's abs, now exposed as his shirt rode up from his stretching, showing skin and the waistband of his boxers.

'"My eyes are up here." Rafe teased as he gave a chuckle. "So, do you have any siblings?"

Y/N nodded. "I have a brother in high school, Scott. He's into pretty much everything your typical seventeen year old is: video games, partying and sneaking girls home when my parents aren't around.”

"So he’s like you in a way?" Rafe asked.

"Pretty much. He's a little shit sometimes, so you kinda remind me of him." They shared a laugh. "How about you?"

"Well, I already told you I have a sister, Wheezie." He smiled. “She’s thirteen, and she's way cooler than I ever was at that age. And then I have another little sister, Sarah, who's definitely the wild one out of all of us. I mean, I'm in a frat, but she makes me look like a saint."

"And your parents are just cool with that?"

Rafe shrugged. "Yes and no. I mean, they certainly like to try and steer all of us towards what they think is right, but we make our own choices, both good and bad."

Y/N nodded, thinking back to her own experiences. "Mine are pretty much the same, actually.

They chatted some more as Rafe weaved them in and out of small side streets until they got to a strip of road that was less busy than the others. It seemed like any other small street from a glance, but in looking closer, Y/N noticed a character that was all its own. Each little storefront had a colored awning that hung a sign in a language she didn't recognize.

"How'd you find this place?" Y/N asked, taking note of all the names she couldn't pronounce and the enticing smells that escaped each set of doors.

"Kinda stumbled into it." Rafe admitted. "I decided to try out this one spot I'm taking you to. The food can't be questioned. I hit the jackpot there."

They continued to walk through the market, seeing all of what it had to offer. They got to the place a few minutes later: a small, hole in the wall type restaurant nestled between a convenience store and a laundromat. Inside it was quaint, with a homey feel paired with scents that made Y/N’s mouth water.

An older lady gestured towards a pair of barstools by the large glass window. She set down two menus that were at the corners and glasses of water.

"I'm impressed." Y/N said as they sat down.

Rafe smiled. “Just wait 'til you try the food."

He quickly browsed the menu out of habit, even though he knew exactly what he wanted. He'd been here a dozen times over after stumbling upon this place and had already figured out which dishes were his favorite.

"You look a little stressed." Rafe said as he watched the squinting girl grip onto the plastic like she was about to rip it.

Y/N looked over, feeling a bit overwhelmed at the choices. "What are you having?" She asked.

"Number 7 pho with extra brisket and an iced coffee." Rafe said quickly, like he had it memorized. "Pho hands down the best hangover cure, and coffee is like crack, but legal."

Y/N giggled. “Alright, that sounds good. I'll get the same thing."

Rafe smiled, pleased she had copied him. The older lady came over and he spewed out their order a lot faster than Y/N thought was possible.

As soon as she walked off, Rafe exhaled. "Look, Y/N. I meant what I said this morning. I really do like you." He clicked his tongue. "I honestly couldn't be having a better time than right now."

Y/N pulled Rafe into a soft kiss, holding her lips there for no more than a few seconds. She cast her arms on the boy's bicep, feeling the protruding muscle against her fingertips as she pulled away. It was short, but it also said a lot more than she could have.

"I really like you, too." She admitted out loud for the first time.

The two walked the entire way back, unintentionally passing the first bus stop because they were lost in conversation. They walked to the next one, only to pass it again because Rafe was telling a story that Y/N was sure he'd made up. This continued on until the she noticed the top of their school's library building peeking through the powerlines.

"Fuck it, let's just keep going.” Rafe said as they headed towards that direction. He suggested they go back to the Kappa house, which Y/N protested.

"Rafe, you really want to take me back to your place? After you left the party last night and stayed over?" She asked, shaking her head.

Ignoring Y/N rolling her eyes, Rafe replied, "Yeah, alright." He said, as they turned towards the direction of the freshman dorm. "But you're gonna have to meet them eventually." He said, leaving Y/N to wonder what he meant by that.

Once they got up to her room, Rafe jumped into her bed, making an audible thump as he did little snow angels on the XL twin.

"You have a habit of making yourself at home." Y/N said as she slipped off her shoes.

Rafe cranked his head up. “I like to think of it as a superpower."

"Sure, we’ll go with that." She said as she sat on the small space left for her. "So, what do you wanna do?" She asked softly, knowing exactly where her brain was headed.

Rafe chuckled as he sat up, covering her with his body like it was his job to keep her warm.

"I'd really like to thank you for taking care of me last night." He said with his voice in Y/N’s ear and warm breath on her skin. "And this morning."

Y/N squirmed, feeling that jolt of energy pass through her nerves. "But you already did."

"Perhaps." Rafe said as he softly pressed his lips into her neck, getting that satisfying whimper he loved to hear. "But I love making you feel good." He said, deeply.

Rafe laid her down, seeing her stomach peek out as her shirt rode up. He dipped his head down, kissing at Y/N’s stomach. He felt Y/N shiver and looked up. “You okay?" Rafe asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, just ticklish.”

Rafe nodded as he filed that information away, knowing he'd pull it out another time. He ran his hands over her top, pulling it over her head.

"You look beautiful, Y/N." Rafe said, admiring her body as he rubbed his hands on her skin.

The girl muttered a “thank you,” as Rafe whipped off his own shirt. Really, she should be the one dishing out compliments, Y/N thought, seeing that ripped physique that looked good enough to get a thousand likes on Instagram. Rafe knew he looked good, he wore it on his face as he undressed.

Y/N felt his thumbs undoing her jeans. She lifted her ass up, letting Rafe slide the last remnants of clothing off in a swift motion. She felt his fingers lightly graze her clit.

"Rafe." Y/N tried to say before Rafe shushed her.

"Shut the hell up." He said, annoyed. "I'm trying to concentrate so I can please my girl, alright?" He said with Y/N not believing what she was hearing.

Y/N blushed with her pussy becoming wetter upon hearing those words. She felt Rafe’s lips press just below her clit.

"Shit, Y/N. You’re fucking soaked. Are you always this wet?"

Y/N ignored the tinge of embarrassment she felt, not being used to all these direct and unashamed questions she was getting. She reminded herself that this was Rafe, the boy who said exactly what he felt, who was devoid of filters or shame.

"I've been soaked since I woke up in bed with you this morning." Y/N said honestly, which got the widest grin she'd seen from Rafe to date.

Rafe licked a little, getting a proper taste of her slick. He licked her pussy a few more times, almost like he was trying to get the last bit of liquid out of the honey jar.

"Fuck, Rafe." Y/N said, closing her eyes in pleasure. "Is there anything you're not good at?" She asked, still feeling him exploring tongue all over her.

"Getting you to text me back, apparently." Rafe teased as he climbed up her body, hanging his face over Y/N’s with only the strength of his muscles keeping him from smashing into her lips.

"Are you gonna hold that over me for the rest of my life?" She whispered.

Rafe smiled as he sunk down. “Pretty much." He playfully kissed at her neck to tell her that he was kidding. In response, he felt her legs wrap around his bare back, followed by a pair of arms that hung nicely over his shoulders.

"I really am sorry." Y/N said, feeling way more vulnerable than she liked.

Rafe kissed her again. "I know you are." He reassured. "I guess I'm just better at hiding how freaked out I was." He caressed her face. "It's not everyday a girl walks into your life and makes you question everything."

"You're giving me too much credit."

Rafe shook his head back and forth, waiting for her to stop trying to downplay what they had. "Not nearly enough." He said, finishing that little conversation and filing it away for another time.

He dug his hands underneath her body, hooking them on her shoulders. Each touch felt like he was marking his territory on the girl who folded to his every move and continued to lay there, letting herself be ravaged.

"Fuck me like this?" Y/N managed, feeling Rafe’s fingers pressed into her hips.

Rafe bit down on his lip, thinking that there wouldn't be any better position to do so. He had full access to her plump lips, her profusely dripping pussy, and just about every other part of her body that seemed to be hyper-sensitive.

"Of course." He said as he turned to kiss her shoulder blade. Rafe wanted to do a lot of things to her, but he wouldn't dare slow down the momentum.

"Oh.” Y/N breathed out as she felt the tip of Rafe’s cock push into her.

Since their last encounter, the only things Y/N had in her pussy were two fingers and Rafe’s imaginary cock she pictured fucking her every time she got herself off. Now, she had the real thing, and it felt a lot bigger than she remembered.

"You okay?" Rafe asked as he hung his head over hers.

"Yeah, it's just been a while." She admitted with a pained smile. “You know,” Y/N said as Rafe looked her in the eyes. “Kissing really does help.” She said shyly.

Rafe chuckled as he leaned his head down, hanging his lips so close above Y/N’s, but without touching. “Tell me what you want, baby." He said, coaxing what he hoped would be a clear and concise admission from the unbelievably cute girl.

Y/N resisted rolling her eyes, instead saying, "I want to kiss you while you fuck me."

"That's better." Rafe said as he leaned down and pressed their lips together.

With Y/N fully concentrating on his lips, Rafe pushed himself deeper into the distracted girl until he finally felt the soft flesh of her pussy on his cock. He watched her eyes widen as he did, followed by a series of strained moans that filled the halls of the fourth floor and anyone who happened to be in their rooms.

"I love your little sounds. It’s fucking music to my ears.” Rafe said as he played with her hard nipples.

"I swear I don't play them up for you." Y/N replied, regaining her voice as she relaxed. "It just feels too good."

Rafe winked. “I know you don't." He gave her a thrust. “And I don't play up how fucking good your pussy is, because I swear I could cum right now."

Y/N gripped onto his face, seeing his forehead dripping in sweat with those blue eyes cast upon her like meteors crashing down from the sky.

"Cum in me all you want." She said clearly.

Rafe let out a breath, loving how good those explicit words sounded coming out of that innocent looking mouth. He moved his hips, feeling that tight hole grip onto his dick as he pulled out slightly, like it didn't want him to leave.

"Oh, God." Y/N moaned, placing her hand over his.

The lack of sex had made her even tighter, with each motion feeling ultra sensitive. She felt Rafe’s hands move to her hair, tangling through the strands like velcro. Rafe thrusted harder, picking up the pace slightly. That handsome face hung over hers, giving her that hungry look as he continued to fuck into her.

His cock slammed into her at just the right angle, making her breath come in short, harsh bursts. Y/N’s eyes rolled back and she bit her lip, wrapping her leg tight around him, forcing him deeper. Rafe sunk down to kiss his prize, the one he'd been trying to win for weeks.

Rafe continued to fuck her hard at a steady pace, until he could feel her flesh quiver around him. Not slowing down, he leaned down and sank his teeth into the side of her neck hard enough to bruise her skin, his tongue stroking her gently.

"I've been holding on for far too long, Y/N.” He grunted

Y/N nodded eagerly as she bit down on her lip. "Please, give it to me." She caught his eyes. "Please, Rafe. I need your cum deep inside me.”

Rafe ground his teeth, forcing himself to move even faster, as he neared his own release. His hard member throbbed inside of her as he slammed in and out, and his nails dug deep into her hips as he reached his climax, pumping her full of thick, warm cum.

"You're mine." Rafe said as he unloaded into her, feeling that warm flesh pressed onto his cock as he shot.

Rafe gave himself a few more feeble strokes before pulling out. What followed was a rush of cum that oozed out of her pussy, completely covering her cheap bedsheets. He collapsed on top of her, his lips resting against her collarbone as he panted. Y/N lifted his chin and smiled, giggling between breaths.

"So, what now?" Y/N said as the room fell silent for a few minutes.

"We keep hanging out." He said simply. “Unless you want me to leave."

"No!" Y/N said a little too quickly.

The truth was, even before the sex, she'd already had such a good day. It was one of the rare occasions she didn't feel like the world was pushing against her — the nameless face at a new place with barely any friends and more work than she bargained for. It was like Rafe took some of that stress away in his own carefree style.

"We can watch a movie or something until we get hungry again." She said, enjoying the heat coming off Rafe’s post-sex body.

"Good." Rafe said, pleased. He winked at her. "Now, pick something for us to watch. I'm gonna judge you based on your choices." He teased.

Y/N rolled her eyes. "Something tells me you have shitty taste in movies." She replied, causing Rafe to laugh.

Rafe leaned over to watch Y/N hesitantly hovering the cursor over a few films as she scrolled through the main screen like she was trying to impress him with some obscure but amazing film only she knew about. It was cute, Rafe thought, though Y/N could pick the Twilight Series and he'd only pretend to complain.

He rested his head on her shoulder. “You smell like sex." He said, plainly.

"So do you." She replied.

Y/N brought her hand up and turned her face to his. She leaned in and kissed Rafe softly, before turning back to the TV. It felt good to kiss him without having to think.

TAGLIST: @lovedetlost @valeriiecameron @outerbankspov @ailee-celeste @adventuresinobx @tee-swizzle @pankowperfection @blueicequeen19 @maybankslover @drewbooooo @penny4yourthoughts @variety-fangirl @fangirlwithlou @thecameronchronicles @lafantasiaworld @softsatnin @glutenfreepeach @rafesmoon @poguesworld @drewsuncrustables @dreamingwithrafe @geniedetails @lilmaybank @kravitzwhore

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lemonandlime22 · 9 months

Text

No place like home...

Word count: 2.2k

Warning(s): Slight B6 spoilers, angst, believed character death?, slight gore mentioned in like one sentence

A/N: Based on this post, I've been wanting to write this for so long and I finally remembered lol. Don't ask abt the title just made sense in my head and im not changing it

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The sky was dark, it was early afternoon but no one would have been able to tell due to the thick dark grey clouds that covered every inch of the sky above this prestigious school. The sun seemed long gone with not a single ray making it through those clouds. The only source of light for the students and staff was the large overbloted beast with a mane of blue fire right in the middle of what used to be the prestigious Night Raven Collage.

Everything was in rubble, a mess with every step you took, and large fires that were scattered all throughout. It looked like a war zone, and might as well have been. Most of the student body had been evacuated to the other side of Sage Island long ago, and most of the staff stayed behind to take care of the destructive beast. A handful of students refused to leave, most insisting they could help.

Among these students was a first-year friend group, one of which was the magicless student that had lived in the abandoned dorm with the once small fiery beast.

Most of the first years earnestly instructed Yuu to evacuate with the rest of the students to RSA, but they refused, Grim was their closest friend if not family. They'd be damned if they were going to leave him when he was like this. Their friends soon gave up, they knew there was no point trying to change Yuu's mind when they had it set on something. But they made sure to keep them close so they'd be protected.

So many people were on the ground injured, all covered in bruises and burns from either being swatted at by the beast or just nearly dodging its fire. The more of those people Yuu recognized the bigger that feeling of dread and fear grew in their gut.

They saw so many upperclassmen just scattered around, like Cater that had been staying in the back but went just close enough to be able to cast a spell, but was hit with Grim's fire before he could do a thing and was knocked out when he hit the ground. Yuu could identify a few more people, they saw Ruggie's ear twitch as he laid face down, they couldn't tell if it was Jade or Floyd but they saw bright teal hair peeking out from the other side of some rubble.

Yuu knew they couldn't fight, they were basically useless in this battle, and like all the other overblots, a burden. They decided to make themself useful by trying to get as many of the injured somewhere safe as they could. They might not be the strongest but they are still capable of carrying someone.

"Epel! Come with me!"

"W-what!? I'm kinda in the middle of somethin' here!"

"Just come here, you're going to help me get these guys to a safer place!" Though the two were barely 15 feet apart they could hardly hear the others voiceover the beast's constant cries whether it was of pain or rage was unbeknownst to any.

But Epel understood what Yuu was getting at as they tried to pull Ruggie's unconscious out from some rubble and onto their shoulders. He soon followed his friend's lead and started using his unique magic to help carry more people at once. Neither Epel nor Yuu could see each much other, mutually agreeing to spread out so the injured could get to safety faster.

Yuu searched just off to the side in between two larger pieces of rubble, it was hard to see much of anything while inside. It was far darker than they had expected, Yuu could barely see an inch in front of them let alone the stray fireball coming straight for the pieces of concrete that leaned up against each other.

The magicless prefect only had a moment to realize what was happening and what was going to happen, just long enough to realize they wouldn't be able to avoid it. But it was still just a moment, a moment that was soon over and replaced with pitch-black darkness. The sounds of Grim's powerful roars, spells being cast, and orders being barked, quickly came to halt only to be replaced with... an alarm...?

*Beep* *Beep* *Beep*

Yuu shot up, nearly falling off their bed. Wait- bed!? Why would they be in their bed? Is- is this some type of afterlife or something? They turned the alarm off and sat on what on what they weren't to sure was their actual bed for what felt like hours before slowly sliding off it, weary of whatever had happened. They slowing began to feel around the room to see if this was truly real or just some sad dream. When they finished, they stumbled back, very unsettled by the acracy, they didn't want it to be real. No wait- yes, yes they did want this.

But if so then why was there such a deep pit in their stomach? They pushed that thought to the back of their head, they needed to focus on building the courage to walk out the door. What if their family was there? How would they face them after they had been gone for so long? Or did any time pass at all? Yuu's room looked the same so maybe..?

Yuu scanned the room once more just to make sure, and sure enough, everything was just how they left it. The clothes they had absentmindedly tossed around the room just hours before they were thrown into Twisted Wonderland were still scattered all around, and in the same condition they were before they left. Nothing had gotten substantially more dusty or anything that would show being abandoned for a year. Then again their family could have kept it clean...

As they thought of the possibilities a dreadful thought came to mind, what if it was a dream? A painfully realistic dream. Yuu had heard of baby/family dreams before which are dreams where you build a whole life and family years into the future. Could Twisted Wonderland just have been one of those? But- no... that- that can't be it... can it? Can all the relationships they built and the trauma they went through really just be a realistic dream!?

Yuu began to panic at the thought and quickly began to search their body for any proof that the past year was real. They needed it, it had to have been real! They had woken up in their pajamas so there was no chance there was any material possessions were on them. Any one of the many scraps and scars from their time in that school would be more then enough.

But... there was nothing... they looked over and over but still... nothing. No scars no scrapes. Nothing. Tears of frustration and desperation bleared Yuu's vision, they didn't know what to think.

Was it really all just a dream...?

The smoke slowly began to clear as the small fires were put out. The sky could almost be seen again, but it had grown a darker blue since the last time anyone on Sage Island had seen it. The battle had ended just barely an hour ago, the injured were being treated and those who were well enough were helping where they could. Grim miraculously survived his overblot, though he was unconscious and heavily injured. The staff of both NRC and RSA began discussing what should be done with him once he is well enough. Most of the uninjured were helping with the rubble and looking for more people.

Among these uninjured were some first years, but they were looking for one person in particular, the magicless Ramshackle prefect. Jack did his best to keep everyone calm but they were all quite frantic a worried, you were magicless and had no means of protecting yourself during this disaster. Epel was possibly the most frantic having been the last to have seen them. Eventually as the hours past, Yuu was the only person unaccounted for and many had joined the search. Luckily there hadn’t been any casualties so far but many were starting to worry that would change.

Riddle was the one that came across the tattered scolded piece of ceremonial robes that stuck out from under a large piece of rubble that lay flat on the ground with another large piece leaning on it as if they had been leaning up on each other before they fell. Riddle began to panic and called others around over for help to lift up the two pieces of concreate.

He had hoped it was just a ripped piece of the robes, but to his and the other's deep dismay, it was the full outfit with small splatters of blood lingering on it. Leona, one of the others that came to help lift the rubble, was very confused. This was way too little blood for someone who was crushed, actually, there was no viscera of any sort, save for the small spatters that could be easily explained away by getting scrapped or having a nosebleed. He was far from the only confused one either, after a moment of panic Riddle quickly realized the same, along with the others that helped.

So they continued the search, and for days as they cleaned and repaired the school they kept a keen eye out for the missing student. But no, not a thing.

The only thing left of Yuu was the robes, which Crowley cast a spell to concurred that it was in fact the prefects clothes. Everyone was confused, it was as if Yuu had just disappeared inro thin air.

Ace and Deuce refused to accept any answer other than Yuu being alive somewhere in Twisted Wonderland. Even going so far as to say the Mirror was wrong and that they did have magic and they used teleportation magic or something! And other very outlandish explanations like that. Epel, Jack, and Sebek were far more reasonable than the Heartslabyul duo but still had many questions and were shocked by how quickly the situation changed. First, they had to worry about how to stop and save Grim, then how they were going to stop Yuu from fiercely protecting Grim from whatever punishment he would receive from the headmasters. Then... how they would have to explain to the fiery beast that his dear friend Yuu might be dead.

And now, well they haven’t told him anything about what was happening since he woke up 4 days after the incident. Thankfully he woke up with zero memories of what happened. The first years refuse to allow anyone to even mention his overblot to him, at least not until they get any kind of answers or are able to find Yuu.

And until that time comes, if it ever will, Ace, Deuce, Jack, Epel, and Sebek all do their damnedest to keep both headmasters and the possible authorities off Grim’s back. Ace insists that Yuu knew Grim the best and should be here to defend him before any type of legal action is taken.

Eventually, too much time passes with no sign of the prefect there is no other way to take it than the passing of the young student. And Grim... he inevitably found out what had happened, his overblot and Yuu’s disappearance, or possible death.

I’d be lying straight through my teeth if I said he took it well, how could he have? His closest friend and only family was probably dead and just cause he didn’t want them to leave him!

Grim wasted no time running away, whether to find Yuu or just escape the headmasters and authorities no one knows. . .

Yuu’s family was worried, Yuu was perfectly fine, acting normal one day, then acting weird and out of it the next. But not just the next, they were acting like that for weeks. They would talk to and spend time with their friends and family but it never seemed like they were actually there, as if they were constantly off in another world. Every time someone asked what happened they would just brush them off saying everything was fine. Yuu began buying strange things, old warn books in Latin and other seemingly ancient languages, but also, so.. So many mirrors. That's all you could see in their room, just so many mirrors ranging in so many different sizes and shapes. Some had even been smashed, but Yuu refused to throw any of them away.

There was one mirror that they recently got ahold of though, it seemed to have enthralled them. They barley said a word anymore, let alone leave their room. The mirror was a large classic oval mirror, just over half the size of Yuu. It had a gold rim with intricate snake designs around each of the sides and a crown at the top. Truly nothing too special, you could find it at almost any antique store, but it was all Yuu cared about anymore.

All they did, day in and day out, was stair at the mirror as they cried. Sometimes Yuu’s family could hear faint begging coming from the teen’s room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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rogerswifesblog · 1 year

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Got an ask with Its all about the

How dose sam and buck react if they met rich reader while her and steve are out casual like they were getting some snacks or casual walk low key

Awww I love this ask, thank you! So here’s a little Drabble to that^^

Series Masterlist

My Masterlist

Summary: Your little coffee dates gets interrupted.

Warnings: none?

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Sugar!Mommy!Reader

A few weeks into your agreement and Steve felt quite happy. New clothes, a new phone and many nights he spend at your place enjoying some greasy food and your company. At first he had imagined only spending time with you when necessary, when he needed it, but now? He actually enjoyed being with you. Hence the little coffee date before his classes would start and you’d have to go to work.

You took a sip of your coffee, looking through the breakfast menu. It was Steve’s idea to come here, apparently he liked coming here quite often with his friends, especially because the prices were affordable and it was close to his campus.

Just then two men entered the café, but you didn’t give them much more attention. Having Steve in front of you was already enough for you. You may have fallen for the boy more than you should’ve, but it already happened so the least you could do now was to enjoy it.

But you did feel the eyes on you once again, making you look up. Both men looked at you and then back at Steve. It happened often. People judged you and Steve’s relationships-which wasn’t surprising. Steve was a collage student and looked like that, too. Especially when he wore the hoodie with his university logo, just like today. Sometimes you asked yourself if he did it on purpose to torture you, showing you the reminder of how much older you were, but that was of course not the idea behind it. He told you he liked the softness of it.

Besides, Steve had asked you a few times to dress a bit down when you two were out, putting away the fur coat or replacing the louboutin heels with normal heels so people wouldn’t immediately assume he’s a gold digger-but instead dressing down you bought him his own louboutin shoes and a couple dress pants. In the end you both agreed on not changing anything about the way you dressed, even when it meant people would stare. A few weeks later and you both got pretty used to it. Sometimes Steve even noticed the attention, especially when someone seemed jealous when you hold onto his arm, your red lipstick always staining his collars, neck and cheeks, the soft smiles just for him, the teasing touches so nobody notices, oh but they do…everyone can see how much you enjoy having Steve around. Even strangers see your eyes sparkling at him.

“I’m thinking about the French toast and eggs-“ “They made amazing eggs with spinach, try those”, interrupted another voice you haven’t heard before, but Steve apparently did since his cheeks turned a dark shade of red.

Smiling, you look up at the dark haired man with a man bun, right next to him a dark skinned man with a bright smile and a gap between his teeth, making him look even more sympathetic than he already seemed to be. “And you two are?”

Both men looked at Steve for a second, then back to you. “We’re Steve’s roommates-and best friends” “-probably only friends” The blue eyed interrupted his friends again, making you chuckle quietly, while you slowly slid to the side, making room for one of them next to you. Bucky immediately took the place, Sam doing the same next to Steve when he scooched over,

“Sam and Bucky, Steve told me about you two. Yet he didn’t mention your habit of interrupting other people, Bucky”, you smirked slightly, noticing rosy patches appearing on his cheeks, while both Steve and Sam grinned at that, Steve still looking a bit shy.

You smiled at Steve, raising your eyebrows lightly wanting for him to finally find his voice back, maybe even introducing you properly. He finally got the hint when you kicked his shin. “Sam, Bucky meet Y/N, my…girlfriend”, he cleared his throat, the blush that was slowly fading was now back. Up until now he had never introduced you to anyone, especially not as his girlfriend, but it felt nice. And true. He saw you as his girlfriend.

The smile on your lips widened while you looked down at the menu again. “I’ll have the eggs with spinach, then. And what would you like to have, boys?” You smiled, all men looking shocked at you-well, Sam and Bucky, Steve wasn’t fazed. He was used to you paying, that was the agreement. He wasn’t even surprised you wanted to pay for his friends either. Since the agreement had started you’ve always paid for Steve and for his groceries, which often was more than enough for all three men.

“We don’t-we just wanted to say hi-“ Sam started, but you shook your head. “I know, but you’re already here, so you can at least eat something, both of you”, with that you gave Bucky the menu, which he slowly took from your hand.

He looked at Steve for approval, which made the blond man chuckle. “She means it, really. Don’t look at me like that”, he laughed head shaking, while he leaned back.

A few minutes later a waitress took your orders, while you all made some small talk, Bucky and Sam always eying you up and down.

Of course Steve had mentioned you were ridiculously rich and a bit older, but they assumed only a few years, four or five (which probably was very stupid of them, they just never really knew how you got your money. Bucky imagined you had a rich father, the same thought occurred to Sam when he first heard about you, but now? ) They definitely saw a few gray hairs on your head, a few little wrinkles around your eyes.

But the more minutes went by, the more they realized Steve wasn’t only in for the money. They saw his eyes sparkle at you, especially when you laughed at his incredibly awful jokes or when you teased him about something. Your hand stroked over the back of his hand when he put down his hand on the table, making him smile to himself.

Bucky and Sam looked at each other for a second, before back to the lovebirds sitting next to them.

Yep, they’d definitely tease Steve about it. Totally.

Because Stevie finally found love, even when he wasn’t supposed to. But…they actually were pretty happy for him. He deserved something good after all that had happened in the last few years.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it!

Let me know! Support your writers by reblogging and leaving feedback!

Questions? HC ideas? Drabble ideas? Thoots? (For this au or in general) -> flood my inbox!😋❤️

Series taglist: @slutforchrisjamalevans @joannaromanoff @marvel-wifey-86 @buckysteveloki-me @patzammit @barnesboo1967 @sebsgirl71479 wanna be tagged? Be active (FEEDBACK AND REBLOGGING) and let me know!

❤️

#steve rogers #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers fanfiction #flood my inbox #steve rogers fluff #steve rogers x y/n #steve rogers x female reader #it’s all about the…#sugar mommy reader

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froggywritesstuff · 1 year

Text

jerk | mike wheeler

pairings: Mike Wheeler x g/n!reader

warnings: Mike's a bitch in this cause why not, swearing

request: Hey can I please suggest one where it’s a Mike wheeler x reader and Mike acts like he hates them because he is worried that if he doesn’t hate them he will admit his feelings so one day he walks in on them crying and feels horrible

A/N: 18+ readers DNI.

The cafeteria was buzzing, students laughing and chatting with one another, the teens sitting with Eddie Munson ignoring the disgusted stares from everyone else, being used to it by now. The Party members were talking and laughing with one another as usual, all except for the dark haired Wheeler boy, who sat looking rather blue at the table, his head looking down at his lunch tray, picking at the food with his plastic fork.

"Wheeler, what's going on?" Mike's head shot up at Eddie's familiar voice, "You look all sad. You better not be like that for the campaign tonight." he remarked, receiving a cheer from the rest of the party at the mention of the campaign.

"Nah, it's nothing." he lied, dropping his gaze back down to the mushy food on his tray.

Lucas rolled his eyes, "Someone's just sad that Y/N's not here today."

Mike's cheeks burned bright red, "No I'm not!" he denied.

The teens at the table all snickered and laughed at Mike's flustered expression, Eddie being the exception, who just furrowed his brows together in confusion.

"Y/N? By the way you always glare and roll your eyes at them, I assumed you just hated them."

Mike nodded at Eddie, "That's because I do hate them." he urged, though it seemed like he was just trying to convince himself.

"Sure you do," Dustin mumbled, rolling his eyes, "That's why you keep looking at them with heart eyes, 'oh Y/N, I don't know how to express my feelings around you so I'll just be mean to you instead, but I really really like you.'" he mocked, earning a death glare from Mike.

"That's not funny, Dustin."

Lucas snickered, "It's kinda funny."

Mike rolled his eyes, standing up from the table, forgetting about the crappy cafeteria slop people called food. It was the last thing on his mind. He ignored the calls from Lucas and Dustin attempting to apologise and exited the cafeteria. Mike made his way outside the building, striding toward the old wall phone in front of the building, mainly used for kids when their parents forget to pick them up or when people are just bored, but Mike had other intentions.

He hastily dialled the number he had engraved in his brain, brought the phone to his ear and listened to it ring. The dial tone ran through the phone for what felt like an eternity, before the beep sounded.

"Piece of shit," Mike hissed, slamming the phone back in its place. He ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. How was he supposed to go with his day now? He needed to see you. At least hear your voice. It was driving him crazy with you not there.

Mike could barely focus the rest of the school day, his mind racing with thoughts. Make that one thought. After all, he could only bring himself to think about you.

The second the bell rang for home-time, Mike sped out of school, no time to explain to Lucas and Dustin what the hell he was doing. He wasn't even sure what he was doing himself. Though he knew what he wanted to do. See you.

He sped down the streets on his bike, wind flipping in his hair, too pumped up on adrenaline to care about his legs burning from how fast he was going. He almost missed your house he was going so fast, and almost crashed into your mailbox. OR he might've crashed. Again, he was too pumped up to care.

He hurried to your front door, pounding his fist on the wood almost a hundred times, before someone finally answered.

"Who the hell are you and why are you trying to break down our door?!”

”Is Y/N here?” he asked breathlessly, only just realising he could’ve paced himself a bit more. He realised the person at the door was one of your parents and he definitely should’ve made a better first impression, but he didn’t have time to care.

”Huh?”

”Is Y/N here?!”

”Yeah. Are you part of their dnd team or something.”

”Party. Dnd party- yes.”

“I bet they’ll probably wanna talk to you then.” they said, opening their further to let Mike in.

”Why? What’s wrong?” he asked, practically sprinting inside.

”I doubt they wanna tell me. You’ll probably have better luck.”

Mike had his doubts about that, but nodded his head nonetheless, “Thanks,” he said, sprinting off to your room.

He hadn’t been to your house in ages; he almost forgot where it was. That thought alone made him feel even worse than he already did.

When he made it to your room he knocked, anxiously waiting for your reply.

”Come in,” you called.

Mike practically burst through the door at your words, but reality hit him like a brick when he saw your confused expression, and he realised he had no idea what he was doing.

”Mike?” he just stood there, not having the slightest clue of what to say, “what are you doing here?”

Mike opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again, trying his best to form words, “I. Uh… you weren’t at school today, I wanted to check if you were ok.”

You furrowed your eyebrows at him. The Mike Wheeler you thought you knew wouldn’t give a shit about your well-being. You thought he’d be jumping for joy when you weren’t there, “What does that mean?”

Mike took a breath, “I was just worried,” he walked further in your room, before noticing your face shiny with tears, “shit Y/N, have you been crying.”

You resisted the urge to wipe the tears from your face, knowing that’d just confirm his suspicions. “No.”

“Yes you have. Y/N, what’s wrong?”

"Nothing." you pressed, not wanting him to know.

"Then why are you crying?"

"I'm not."

"Bullshit."

"Fuck you."

"What?" Mike heard what you said perfectly fine. He didn't care if you had to curse him out for hours; he just wanted to know what was wrong.

You rolled your eyes, "I said 'fuck you'."

"Why?"

You stared at him in pure disbelief, "Why? Mike, you have been the biggest fucking asshole to me for months!" you continued when Mike stared at you like an idiot, "You're always rolling your eyes whenever I talk, I catch you death staring me, and whenever I try to ask you what I did wrong you just fucking ran away." Hearing you say that, he realised that was probably a dumb move. "A-and now you're here asking me why I'm crying and not going to the campaign tonight? It's fucking confusing."

"Y/N, I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a jerk to you. I just..." he trailed off, not wanting to finish his sentence.

You stared blankly at him, "What?"

"I-" he cut himself off with a groan, holding his head in his head, "I don't think of you as my friend, Y/N."

Despite your eye roll, you still felt your heart pang at Mike's words. "You made that clear."

Mike squeezed his eyes shut in frustration. He didn't know why he could never have a normal conversation with you. "No, I didn't mean it like that. I, ugh. I like you." he blurted out, immediately feeling his cheeks go red.

You stared at him, "What?"

"I like you Y/N. Not in a friend way."

You felt your heart rate quicken as you began to realise what he was talking about, "Like in a Max and Lucas way?"

He nodded, "And that's not an excuse for how I was acting, I just didn't know how else to deal with it cause I know you don't like me that way, and being a jerk was the only thing I knew I could do. I don't know how to be a good boyfriend, I know how to be a jerk."

You stared at Mike for a while, gathering up all your thoughts before you spoke, "You're wrong Mike."

"What? I wasn't a jerk?"

"No," you furrowed your brows, "You were definitely a jerk. You're wrong cause you said I don't like you."

Mike froze. "Huh?"

"I like you too Mike. When you're not acting like a jerk though, so fucking stop that."

"Oh." he sighed in relief, cheeks burning bright red. "I was not expecting that."

"Yeah, because you're also an idiot."

buy me a coffee <3

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verfound · 7 months

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Hey I'm tryin to find a fanfic and I'm wondering if you wrote it or remember who did. It's a one shot I think where Luka and Mari have been dating and one morning she's really tired and wears his jacket to class by accident, cue reactions from everyone else. Another thing I remember is Luka and his friends show up, who love Mari and Lila tries to say that the relationship is a ploy to make Adrien jealous.

I honestly couldn't remember if this was one of mine - bc it kinda sounds like something I've used before but I also tend to stay away from Lila/Salt Land so maybe not? After scouring the older one shots and finding nothing, I tossed it to the LBSCers.

Is this the one you were looking for? (Mari wears his jacket to class, too tired to realize until he shows up with his class, Alya hauls her ass for an interrogation at lunch where Lila tries to start shit.)

Macarons, Jackets, Jackasses - lovelyswriting

Against her efforts, she must have dozed off for a second, because the next time she looks back up, Miss Bustier’s walking into the classroom jerkily, peeved.

Marinette wonders if another akuma graced the school with its annoying presence again, her hand already inching to her purse, but then she spots the line of students trickling in after Miss Bustier. Marinette squints at the whole new lot of people—juniors, she realizes—hovering as a crowd in the corner of the room while Miss Bustier addresses the front of the class.

She promptly chokes on air when she sees a head of bright blue hair amongst them.

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clotpolesonly · 6 months

Text

Surfin' On A Sound Wave, Swingin' Through The Stars

“How much did Matthew have to beg before you dressed up like that?”

Ronan’s scowl was far less intimidating—not that Gansey was ever cowed by it, truthfully—in light of the large arrow drawn in blue paint on his shaved head. The bright orange tablecloth he wore slung, toga-style, over one shoulder only served to undermine the expression further as he climbed out of the BMW and slammed the door behind him. His smile retained its edge, though, at least.

“Four solid minutes of the word ‘please’, repeated over and over again, before Declan offered to pay my last two speeding tickets if I would just do it and make him shut up.”

Gansey fell in at Ronan’s side as he strode up the car-crowded driveway, the open front door of a modest two story house their destination.

“I’m surprised you took that offer,” he said. “I would’ve expected you to make Matthew plead for eight minutes more, even louder, just to spite Declan.”

“Declan’s face when he realized I had more speeding tickets that he hadn’t heard about yet was worth caving early.” Ronan kicked the tires of a rusty Buick and turned to look Gansey up and down. “What are you supposed to be, anyway? An aspiring yacht captain who misplaced his yacht?”

Gansey leveled him with an unimpressed look. “These are just my regular clothes and you know it.” He ignored Ronan’s unrepentant sniggering in favor of checking Blue’s text again. “Jane said she has a couple’s costume planned for us but wouldn’t tell me what it is, only that I should just come to the party in my favorite outfit.”

“Maybe she’ll be in bright-ass green and you can be highlighters together.”

“Ha very ha. Is Adam here yet?”

“Fuck if I know. Let’s find out.”

Ronan took all three porch steps in one long stride. Gansey followed in a more traditional manner. The house was loud and crowded with people he mostly didn’t recognize—Mountain View students, presumably, rather than Aglionby ones. Ronan was already halfway down the hall, no thought spared for sticking together, but his costume was brightly colored enough that Gansey had no trouble keeping track of him in the throng.

By the time he caught up to Ronan in what he assumed to be the living room, Gansey had located a drink and Ronan had located his boyfriend.

“Adam! I see you too went the couple’s costume route.”

The look Adam gave him in response to this statement said quite plainly that he disagreed with how Gansey was defining his terms, and that he didn’t have much respect for Gansey’s particular definition. But, as with Ronan earlier, his costume robbed the expression of its usual verve. Not even Adam Parrish could pull off cutting condescension while wearing a headband with a pair of tall paper machine lemur ears attached to them.

“I just got off a long shift at Boyd’s,” Adam told him, “and I’ve got an early shift at the factory tomorrow morning. This was the least effort I could put in and still justifiably call it a costume.”

“Still more effort than Dick put in,” Ronan pointed out, inviting himself into Adam’s space. Adam shifted easily to accommodate him, the two of them pressing together like lodestones. As one, they eyed Gansey’s favorite yellow sweater. Their judgment was more powerful in tandem.

Gansey flushed. “Blue has my costume!“ he said. “I didn’t just opt not to participate in the holiday. I am not the Ebenezer Scrooge of Halloween. I’m simply following instructions.”

Ronan made a whip-crack noise, as if he didn’t ask how high whenever Adam said to jump. As if he didn’t fall all over himself to fulfill Adam’s every desire. As if he didn’t currently have Adam’s hand in the back pocket of his jeans.

The quirk of Adam’s eyebrow and the wry tilt to his smile indicated that he, at least, saw the irony here. He didn’t feel the need to comment, though. Instead, he took a sip of his own drink and then used it to gesture back toward the hallway.

“Blue’s in the kitchen getting a beer,” he said. “Should be right back.”

Gansey perked up. “You’ve seen her?”

“I’m not telling you her costume.”

Gansey perked back down. “Why ever not?”

“Because it’ll be awful funny this way, and after working for ten hours on a holiday, I really feel like I deserve that.”

In lieu of disagreeing—because he couldn’t exactly argue the fact that Adam worked too hard and deserved a good laugh once in a while, even if it was at his dear beleaguered friend’s expense—Gansey downed the drink some girl in the hall had helpfully passed to him on his way in. He thought it might be rum and coke. Ronan could probably tell just by sniffing it, but Ronan was busy nuzzling his boyfriend’s ear; the real one, not either of the paper mache ones.

Gansey had just about made the decision to leave his friends to their canoodling and get himself another drink when a pair of very familiar arms wound around his waist from behind.

“Jane! Finally!”

He, regretfully, dislodged her embrace. There would be plenty of time for hugging after the great mystery of their costume situation had been resolved to his satisfaction. He thought he heard Ronan smother a laugh as he turned around, but that wasn’t important.

Blue looked radiant. She always did, regardless of what she wore, but this outfit in particular clearly had her pleased as punch. It was a purple dress of a rather more intact nature than most dresses Gansey had seen her don, with buttons up the front and a rounded white collar. More in line with her usual eclectic style, the dress was patterned with…well, a variety of things. Some were ironed-on patches, others looked like she might have embroidered them, and yet more seemed to be painted right onto the fabric. Gansey could make out planets and stars, light bulbs, a battery, test tubes, some snowflakes, several small animals, and was that a piece of cheese?

Her dark hair was even messier than usual, curls pulled back into a tiny puff of a ponytail. All of her hair clips tonight were orange. Her earrings were in the shape of sandwiches.

“Let me guess,” Gansey said gamely. “The delightful Ms. Frizzle?”

Blue’s nose scrunched up when she laughed. He’d been helpless to the charm of it since the first time he’d been granted the privilege of seeing it. Now was no different. He couldn’t muster up even a smidgen of annoyance at having been mystifyingly denied foreknowledge of this entirely benign costume, not with that adorable scrunched up nose on display. It did still beg a question, though.

“You said this was a couple’s costume,” he pointed out. “What exactly am I meant to—”

Blue shoved him in the chest, which struck Gansey as awfully rude and unwarranted. But she was still smiling, her bottom lip tucked neatly between her teeth in a way that meant she was particularly—and mischievously—proud of herself for something. Frowning, Gansey followed her gaze down to where she had made contact with him.

There, stuck to his chest, was what appeared to be a magnet. Or, more accurately, a decal of a magnet. One of the big, red, U-shaped ones, recreated here in thick red and gray felt that adhered quite happily to the old-fuzzy fabric of his sweater.

Gansey blinked at it, uncomprehending, until Blue reached out and stuck something else to him: a blue star on his left pectoral. Then followed a lightbulb, pressed against his stomach, and a little green planet attached to his shoulder. Blue’s smile grew with every felt cutout she pulled out of the pocket of her dress. It wasn’t until the word “wahoo!” was applied over his collarbone that Gansey finally made the connection.

He closed his eyes and reminded himself that he loved this girl with all his heart. Then he said, “Jane. Am I the bus?”

Ronan laughed so hard, he needed to sit down. Adam was red in the face, his lemur ears knocked askew, bracing himself on the back of the loveseat Ronan had claimed as his own. Even some of the partygoers whom Gansey didn’t recognize were tittering appreciatively. One of them actually had her phone out to take a picture.

But none of that was important. Because Blue had her head thrown back, her own laughter lighting her up like a thousand watt bulb. The nose was scrunched. And there was nothing Gansey could do in the face of that except purse his lips against the smile he could feel forming entirely against his will. There was very little dignity to be found in this position, but he was determined to keep hold of at least a shred or two.

That lasted right up until Blue grabbed him by the collar and tugged him down for a kiss. Against his lips, she said, “You’re the most magical bus on the block.”

“I don’t know that there’s a lot of competition for that title.”

“I’ll fight you for it,” Ronan tried to say through a renewed spate of giggles.

Gansey flipped him off without turning to look. Adam guffawed; at least it wasn’t only at Gansey’s expense that he could derive pleasure.

Blue said, “I wouldn’t want you as my magic school bus anyway, Lynch.”

“No, you’d rather ride around in Gansey.” Ronan clawed himself halfway up the back of the couch to point from her to him and back again. “In Gansey! In—!”

He was clearly attempting to say something else, but he was so thoroughly overcome with hysterics that he couldn’t manage to form the words. Knowing him as well as he did, Gansey would hazard a guess that it had something to do with pegging. Adam, whose laughter had reached the point of silent wheezing and oxygen deprivation, was weakly batting in Ronan’s direction as a desperate plea for him to stop. His lemur ears had fallen off entirely.

Gansey turned back to Blue. “Do you see what you’ve done?”

“What I did,” she said, smug as anything, “is win at Halloween.”

“I wasn’t aware the holiday was a competition.”

“Everything is a competition if you’re winning.”

A laugh of his own—overwhelmingly fond and entirely irresistible—bubbled up in Gansey’s chest. He tugged Blue in to wrap his arms around her and pressed a kiss to her messy mop of hair. “You’re a menace, do you know that?”

Blue snuggled contentedly into his embrace, patting his back, and said, “I know. But you love me anyway, don’t you?”

“That depends. Did you just stick another magnet back there?”

“Which answer gets me a ‘yes’?”

Either. Both. Truthfully, there was no answer on this earth that could earn her anything else. Not even when she had dressed him up as a semi-sentient shape-shifting vehicle from a children’s cartoon. Gansey figured the indignity was a small price to pay to be here, with Blue’s arms around him, surrounded by his friends’ happiness.

Still.

“Next year, I’m picking the costumes.”

#Bluesey #Gansey #Blue Sargent #Pynch #Ronan Lynch #Adam Parrish #TRC #fics by me #fanfiction

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writingmochi · 2 years

Text

cast: jay ✗ fem.reader (ft. enhypen’s 02 line, billlie's sheon (kim suyeon), and other idols)

synopsis: crossroads have always been a part of your life. every zebra crossing you pass, every train interchange you go through, every hallway you walk in on your way to class, every eye you encounter with or without greeting. no one seems to dare to cross your tangled crossroads unless you cross it to meet them on the other side. that is until jay—a candidate for the student council president—has crossed one path with one single chocolate

genre: coming of age, bildungsroman, melodrama, slow burn, slice of life, realistic fiction, romance, high school au, fluff, angst

word count: 39366 (39.3k)

warning(s): self-inflicted harm, blood, explicit description of drowning, mention of bullying, mention of death by suicide

message from the moon: this story is fiction and will also have dialogues in different languages, translation of the dialogue will be put at the bottom of the fic and have numbers at the top to easily refer to. i'm sorry in advance if i got the translations wrong cause i'm still a beginner in the other languages and thanks for the translator app for helping *thumbs up* ! (y/f/n) = your full name. jay and jongseong will be used interchangeably. also, first time writing a (mostly) silent (but active) protagonist yey!

first thing first, welcome back to my blog after my one month+ break! this was supposed to be for jjongssaeng's birthday special one-shot but for reasons stated on my post about myself taking a break, i moved it back to june :] secondly, i wanna thank @orpheyeux cause i got to be introduced to the genre of melodrama (boost to 14 steps and welcome) through her writings or just more genres other than the usual fluff and angst umbrella. thank you for reading and i hope you enjoy it!

if this fic has a soundtrack album, it will be this playlist ! | moodboard

the yellow sky slowly sinks down to greet the blue that reflects the ocean beneath it. the white clouds' transformation is almost complete as a few peach-colored spots are visible on the feather-like edges. seagulls gawking as they fly to the sky that you're looking at while leaning against the bright red yet rusty railing. the breeze that the sea blows lightly kisses your cheeks, making your hair flow along with the ends of the white top of today's uniform. the corner of your lips is signaling to your brain that it is tugging up, to greet the new day with a positive light like the ball of fire that is crawling up somewhere on the edge of the horizon of today. it makes a smile on your face, just perfect enough to make you feel good, and a muffled rumbling sound came from behind as it remains before falling into its normal state.

turning around to see the digital clock on top of the station's name, seeing the 07:30 with a blinking 'on time' words right beside the set of numbers, you see the blurry train coming closer and closer as the brake screech the rails beneath the pit the train will go by. people all around you—all uniformly wearing formal clothes with different types of bags on each of their figures—stood behind the faded yellow tiles on the edge of the platform as the train cars smoothly stopped in front of all the passengers, followed by a hiss as the door opens. the announcement coming from the speakers stops as the train settles down.

the commuters step into the train, some looking down to be careful of the gap. commuters of all ages and genders, from the most preppy to the most extravagant. all you can observe from your corner of the train car, but you choose not to. leaning against the small width wall between the seats and the sliding doors, you faced the door as it is closing. picking up the phone from inside your skirt pocket, wired earphones already plugged as you trail the wires up to the rounded buds already in both ears since you left home, you greet the music app interface and play the korean indie music playlist that you've curated, peeking from the corner of your eyes at the ocean, slowly getting left behind as the train runs away beside it. the place where you will stay for the next five minutes.

it took 1 hour and 22 minutes, give or take, and three different railway lines every weekday for you to commute to school from home. waking up at 06:30 to prepare yourself and help prepare with mom. by 07:15, you have to go to the station to get the 07:30 train that comes every 15 minutes. tirelessly exchanging from junction to junction to junction of hallways of people every time you walk to ride the various trains, making you able to sense the changing tracks one right after the other, like a sixth sense, by hearing how the metals clank beneath your feet as the train went by a large junction full of complicated tracks near seoul station. and always being able to know when to walk on the inside or the outside part of the sidewalk when you have to turn or cross a crossing.

for the longest time, you thought your legs might give in after a couple of times commuting for kilometers every school day. nonetheless, your legs have sustained, knowing that it has adapted to your overall main variety of mobility: walking. gaining the ability to sustain because of the small town where you are from, the ability coming from playing with friends on the asphalt road of the neighborhood, the sandy surfaces of the beach as it overlooks the blue space full of water, or the soft prickly tingles of the grass on the green rolling hills.

looking up at the morning sky, you see a few rays of the sun protruding out as it is covered by the high rises and tall towers, a much different view from home where the buildings are two stories high and the utility poles are the tallest structures existing there. you grip onto the straps of the backpack on your shoulder, seeing the enormous set of buildings behind bushes, trees, and brick walls with silver fences in between. crossing the last black and white stripes of the morning, you view cars driving before and after you crossed, cruising to the entrance of the complex. a few of their backseat windows are thinly tinted, making the people inside visible—all seem to be around your age. stalling to breathe, your pace slows down from the stable walk that you kept out on the road and transits between rail lines, readying yourself to face the same things you faced every day since the start of the second year.

arriving at the small building beside the front gate, a security guard guards the entrance as they greet the drivers of the cars that enter. turning around when they can hear footsteps getting closer, you're able to listen to a muffled "good morning" behind the wall of melodies from the earphone buds, giving them a small bow as you enter the complex where the buildings are now clearer to be seen. the car that the security guard checks whilst you enter stops in a cul de sac with a fountain in the center of it, letting out a girl who wears the same uniform as yours as she walks to the main building of the school meters in front of you. glancing at the phone you pull out as the screen automatically lits up, you see the time said that it is exactly 15 minutes before the first bell of the day rings.

seeing other students arriving at school in cars should have made jealousy bubble inside you, yet it is nowhere to be found. even though not used often, your family also has their own car that is only used for trips or special occasions. you always walk past the late 2000s sedan that dad maintains like a child of his own every time you step out into the open garage of your two-story home, then followed by hearing mom's blessings and reassurance as she prepares for the baked goods and coffee beans for the day. you go to school using public transportation instead, familiarizing yourself with the trains and their routes that you're using for the three years of high school or even more.

both of your parents were citizens of seoul, having lived the city life and its fast-paced lifestyle in their youthful ages. you remember a few weeks before the first day of high school at the dining table during dinner time, they mention that they met when they were classmates in their own high school. mom said that dad is the most chaotic person she has ever encountered—always seems to be caught and punished by the teacher for even trivial things—while dad said that mom was always perceived as the 'flower' of the school, “every guy in our school wants to be her partner” he said—which makes mom blush, resulting with her grabbing another glass of water to cool herself down.

by the time you arrive in their lives, they were fed up with the city's fast pace and decide to move to a town beside the sea near the suburbs—something they mentioned back in that same dinner from a conversation they have back when they were dating in high school—to start anew from a much lower level than they were back in the city. dad currently works at the port where he helps in managing the fishermen's ships after a time of fishing, mom owns her own cafe, operating underneath their home—of course, yours too—that sits on the second story. both are able to use their diplomas in a much more unconventional way than their peers working in a corporate setting back in the city.

you are a byproduct of your parents' 'laid-back but strict in some parts' style of teaching, a balance that they take years to master while also studying for their own diplomas when they realize they want to start a family together. they picked and sorted both their parents' teachings to them and their siblings to find the right ones to teach you. they taught you to be as tough as a tiger and also as gentle as a butterfly, sometimes letting you do rebellious things such as playing outside in the rain that causes you to have a fever the next day as a way to teach the cause and effect of decisions. you were blessed with having parents that are very attentive and can openly share each other's problems and opinions, seemingly making the three of you like long-time friends instead of a child and her parents that has a 25-year difference.

they also try to teach you about analog technologies and activities like how to read maps, buying you hardcover novels in every genre suit for your growing age, or using a phonograph while listening to dad's 80s and 90s LP vinyl collection. all of that so you don't have to rely on a smartphone most of the time, which you only received your first phone back in the second year of middle school. by that time, you don't even think about using social media other than a messenger app, seeing as both of your parents using their smartphones for phoning people or as an encyclopedia to search from. the only applications you have are a messenger app, a map, a camera, a browser to connect to the internet, and a music streaming app for your daily dose of music.

you used to never desire to go to school in seoul, being satisfied with going to the high school where your older neighbors learn. that is until one day, it all changes when you stared at a scholarship announcement for a high school on your middle school's main hallway's bulletin board, gaining an epiphany and announcing to your parents that you want to join, submit the application with the help of mom. however, at that time, you thought you were applying for a scholarship at the high school in the nearest suburban city near your town. that is until you read the announcement brochure again when you figure out the school you apply to. a school in seoul, not just a regular school, but the most prestigious in the country that only people with wealth and smarts can enter, and you checked your e-mail a few weeks before your middle school graduation to see that you achieved the scholarship.

at first, your parents were thinking about bringing you to school in their car—yes, dad's late 2000s sedan. that is until they calculated that it is going to be a two-hour or more drive because you have to travel on one of the main toll roads of the country to get there and it's usually full of vehicles, especially relating to logistics. that's when you decide to go to school by train when you saw a few students commuting in the seoul metro as you went back home after doing administrative paperwork in your future high school at the time. they let you cause they know you're ready, and they know you’re able to take care of yourself.

when you enter the classroom, you see all the other students of your class either on their phones updating their social media, some doing dance challenges, or some listening to music with their wireless earphones. you walk around them to sit on your seat at the back corner of the class right beside a window overlooking the large football field. the seat beside you empty, having no seatmate as your class has odd-numbered students with desks made for two, and how the other students perceive you as a 'weirdo' and not 'one of them' that seemingly disgusts them away to sit beside you.

the hauntingly beautiful harmony from the black skirts track covers the sounds of the newly trending western pop music that you don't follow, picking up your a5-sized drawing book to continue your mandala art. the strokes of the black ink in different styles, curving in a shape of a quarter of a circle, blinding you and sticks onto your retina that sometimes you can see the withered remnants of them every time you view the blue sky, like floating balloons that are only visible to you.

as the last note of the nearly two-hour playlist's last song stops, you were startled by the ringing bell and your homeroom teacher stepping into the class with a female student behind her. her clothes empty of wrinkles as her wide eyes sparkle from the lights on the ceiling, wearing an innocent face as she looks over the class. however, her eyes widen when she looks at one of the seats a column after the one beside you. glancing at them secretly, you see the group of people that made fun of you back in your first year—all of them sit in front and behind each other—looking at her with a mischievous glint in their eyes, resembling the ones that they gave to you even until now.

"good morning class! today we have a new student that will be joining us. you may introduce yourself." the teacher gestured to the girl with her open palm to go forward. the girl's eyes still frantically glancing back at the group before to the whole class, hands adequately rested in front of her as she lightly clears her throat.

"my name is kim suyeon, nice to meet you." she lets out a small smile on her face, which you unconsciously follow with a slight tug on your lips.

"you can sit beside (y/n) at the back." your hand instantly raises up as you heard your name being called so the girl, suyeon, can see the empty seat beside you. witnessing her light steps on her way to your desk, your eyes see her trying to settle down on the empty seat but instead, they focused on the people across from you, seeing their eyes looking between you and suyeon, still with the same glint and a smirk on their faces that sends chills forming on your skin.

as suyeon was going to sit on her chair, you grab her hand, making her pause her movement as you lightly push the stuff on the table in front of you to her side. standing up from the seat you sat, you shrug your open palm to your unoccupied chair as you see her shake her head.

"no, that's your seat," she replied. yet instead of accepting the denial, you pick your backpack up and switch them with suyeon's bag. your hands on either of her shoulders, guiding her to your previous chair as you then sit down in your new chair, giving a small smile only she can see as she is still stunned by your actions. from the corner of your eyes, glimpsing at the other side, you can see the same people before with a light sheen of wrinkles on their t-zone and frown on their mouth. subtly rolling your eyes, you return back to tidy up the clutter that is your belongings as you heard suyeon, who is now settled down on her new seat, mumble a "thank you."

your homeroom teacher, who is also teaching this period's subject, starts to present a slideshow about today's topic. the projector hanging from the ceiling beams the screen from the desktop at the teacher's table, presenting a slideshow about world history and early civilizations, currently landing on a few slides about famous mythologies of the world.

as a reader, one of your favorite books to read are classic books such as myths, folktales, and classic novels. your first time exposed to classical books is the odyssey, its pages landing you in ancient greece as you envisioned the trojan war with the help of the words and your imagination. being transported to the middle east with one thousand and one nights' stories to then the regency era as you read about the dynamic elizabeth bennett in the story of pride and prejudice.

you wanted to learn more about classics in the future and how it impacts the modern world after scouring through videos and photos of ancient sculpture depicting myths or cinema inspired by the classics you love. reading has always been your first love as you were always being transported from time to time in every page or book that you start to read, even making dad send a request to the carpenter of the town to make a custom bookshelf as your book collection is piling up in one corner of your room.

the black and white pictures of the greek deities' statutes and the ruined pantheon architecture filled the screen as knocks distract the class. all eyes are on the door as it opens when a dark-haired boy peeks in to talk to the teacher from afar and you see the look of recognition on her face. the door widens again as you can see another person holding what seems to be a small board. it completely opens as two boys enter the class, immediately able to hear the other students whispering around you about their presence, except for suyeon who looks confused from the corner of your vision. your gaze returns to the front of the class to discover that they are another entourage of the council's presidential election, now candidate number 1 finally visits your class after their opponents enters yesterday. candidate number 1 that everyone knows is park jongseong.

park jongseong, or as is called by everyone "jay", is someone who you hypothesize is much different than what you are. someone who was given everything on a silver platter, someone whose wants will always come true no matter how much he contributes to getting it. an urban boy living an urban life of glamour. you know, from gossip that you overheard like birds’ chirping, that his parents have influence both inside and outside of the school's environment, hearing that they're one of the main donators for the school. because of that, every school staff that you know respects him, maybe having an alternative plan so they can get their salaries partially because of their treatment to him or his parents. everyone seems to be smitten by him, maybe because of his signature smirk that never gets wider from what the people know to how much of a gentleman he seems to be.

you remember hearing people swoon when he decided to be a part of the student council and introduces as a candidate to be the president alongside candidate 2, park jisung, and candidate 3, bang yedam. all three of the boys have their own influences.

park jisung, coming from a family of athletes, even olympic level—also a jock himself—wishes to focus on helping with the finances of all sports clubs in school with an emphasis on making tournaments where other high schools will compete against each other.

bang yedam, coming from a family of artists both audio and visual—and a member of the theater club—focuses to help the art clubs in the school such as dance to sculpting, emphasizing making an art gallery where various students can promote their art like performing dances, releasing music, and overall to showcasing their creativity.

park jongseong, however, takes the middle route of everything to be as equal as possible, focusing more on making a school festival where they will invite celebrities like indie musicians to k-pop idols.

that's what you got from what he said himself underneath that black and white image of the greek deity sculpture from the projector, his eyes moving around the room as he has an eerily relaxed posture while presenting.

that's when you saw the other person, who you were finally able to identify as part of his campaign team after another thought, turn to him to give him a transparent box that you didn't notice he brought. you knew what was coming: an act of persuasion using food. you saw it happened with the other two, jisung giving away choco pies while yedam gives out boxes of pepero. and you weren't given any of the two by them.

you just sit there as jongseong walks to the tables and gives out the chocolate that you recognized are ferrero rochers. in your opinion, very much like the boy. having a luxurious appearance but giving a sense of familiarity and gentleness with the nutella that surrounds the wafer and hazelnut in the middle.

knowing in your mind that you won't get any, you continue drawing your mandala art as it takes time to distribute them. despite it, your thoughts drift towards suyeon that sat beside you, discreetly looking at the boy who is running for president giving the chocolate from the front desks and slowly walking to the back. you hope that even though she is sitting beside you, doesn't mean that she will not receive one. you don't want her to be treated like what you've experienced in the past year since you enroll here, being left alone, being invisible.

jongseong is now on the last row before yours where he stood by the glaring people on the other side of the class, some leaning their back against the wall in which the hallway is on the other side. you, rather than be distracted by seeing him, focus on your drawing book, letting the ink flows down the black ballpoint to the paper. your attentiveness can’t help to hear the footsteps coming closer and closer, wishing you were wearing your earphones instead so it helps to ease the pain of going to be ignored the third time. the first two didn't even walk near you after giving to the ones adjacent to you. so, you brace yourself, peeking slightly to see that he is now facing your desk.

you draw as slow as possible, wanting to focus all your might on it rather than on the boy who now stood in front of your desk. eyes tweaking up slightly then immediately down multiple times as you see him putting one foiled ball on top of suyeon's notebook beside your elbow, a small "thank you" can be heard as a sign of confirmation. now, he can leave as he finishes distributing all of the pieces, and you can bury down the aching that you’re going to feel as the aftermath.

that is until you see a rocher on the top corner of the page of your drawing book.

lifted your head up as fast as possible from the book on the desk, you see jongseong's hand retracting, making you stare between him and the wrapped chocolate sitting on the paper. rather than turning away immediately, he stayed for a few seconds. you gently put your palm against your chest with a slight furrow on your eyebrows.

'is this really for me?' is what you hope he receives from the gesture, which he replies with a nod to then give a small smile.

as he turns away with the empty box, your eyes follow him, sticking to the back of his neck, hands inching to gently pick up the chocolate to put it on your lap. feeling the gold foil texture with a small brown cup where it is used as a seat for the chocolate in the box. taking a deep breath, you glance at it, then up when you heard the door open, seeing the two boys taking their leave and jongseong thanking the teacher at the front for their time. you see a warm smile on his face as he took one final glance at the class, his eyes meeting yours, seeing his fingers slightly lifted up towards his mouth before closing the door. you hear suyeon munching and humming joyfully to the luxury-looking chocolate she is given, trying to turn away discreetly before she saw you and lightly scramble in her chair while apologizing, a smile formed on your face.

the chocolate still feels heavy on your lap. you took a glimpse of your classmates to see their gold foil on top of their table bare open yet as you wanted to have a taste, the doubt in your mind stops you. you were scared that if you've eaten this chocolate everything will change forever, and you don't want it to change for the bad. you rather feel safe in the bubble that you created where the pain is like a sword that is trying to penetrate the bubble until it pops. you glance at suyeon as she shyly licks her fingertips covered by the chocolate, wanting to nudge her to tell her to eat your chocolate instead.

however, you were reminded of what jongseong did. that was the first time you feel validated in a good way, that your existence is felt as a student rather than a doll where people can mock you for its entirety of going to school with a few substances on your face other than the skincare products you regularly use, having status as a scholarship receiver instead of enrolling in with on-person money—even though people outside of the school perceive that as an achievement—and your items such as your smartphone model that was released a few years older than the new one they have and can easily replace by each release.

you unwrapped the chocolate carefully as possible, not wanting the gold foil to get ripped up. seeing the chocolate ball with its sharp angles on the surface still intact as it hasn't been met by a human touch that spreads warm that can and will melt the outer layer. the teacher—who got her own rocher evidently by the leftover of the foil where its glint can be seen from afar—continues the presentation as the slide shows ancient china and its early civilization by the yellow and yangtze rivers. the teacher's lecture meets with thoughts inside your head as you still stare at your lap on the chocolate ball.

"you're hesitating to eat it." hearing the words coming from beside you, seeing suyeon glancing at you as you did to her minutes before. putting your lips into a straight line, you slightly lift the foil with the chocolate in middle to her, testing one of your hypotheses if she will accept your chocolate. it got horribly debunked when you got a reply with a head shake.

"it's yours," she speaks softly, your eyebrows raised as your lips fall back to their natural state. you look down at the chocolate one again, all the demons yelling from all sides inside the small space in your head about the repercussions you can get by eating it. but one sticks out in your mind.

"i don't deserve it."

you can see from the corner of your eyes the small shock on suyeon's face when she hears your voice. you also surprised yourself since you've been abstaining to speak at the start of the second year. still, the words are ringing in your head heavily that you need to let them out. you don't deserve the chocolate cause you haven't done anything to jongseong, you haven't done anything to the school like what he or the other two candidates have done, or the people in your class who have achievements such as a national level football athlete or a city-level student competition achiever in the subject of economics. you don't deserve it as you're the only one to walk to school instead of being brought with your own car or driving your own transportation such as a few students bringing a vespa to school.

"you do, (y/n)." suyeon speaks as she lightly touches your shoulders before putting her palm fully on them after noticing that you didn't flinch away from her soft and gentle touch, different than the rough touches you've experienced in your first year from hands as soft as hers.

"you do."

you lift the chocolate near your mouth, the outer layer melted as you can feel the stickiness on your fingertips. remembering jongseong that stood in front of you as he nods and smiles, finally letting go of your breath.

you guide the chocolate to your mouth and take a bite.

it is the day of the election and you walked out of the voting booth after being guided by a student council senior on how to vote. you glance behind to see suyeon walking out of the booth soon after, a small smile on her face which you also return as you waited for her. both of you walk side by side back to the hallway, seeing the next class standing in a queue, waiting for their turn to vote.

you didn't expect suyeon to stick by your side since the day she moved a week ago. knowing that she is more familiar with the middle and upper classes at the school, you expected her to have friends in other classes that she can go meet or sit with during recess, leaving you alone to treat yourself—by finishing the mandala art or doodle a rough sketch of a greek god statue courtesy of the internet and 'save image' button—as you eat the lunch that mom gave at the obscure corner of the cafeteria where you know nobody won't bother you because: they are too lazy to walk to a corner far from the main civilization of the cafeteria, or they don't notice you at all.

last week, as you were seated, reading hiromi kawakami's the nakano thrift shop alone, you see a tray being set down in front of your lunchbox and a figure sitting behind it, realizing from her features is your new seatmate. at first, your eyebrows were raised in confusion, your brain wired some reasons to make them do what they do. then she started talking, no, introducing herself more.

"i moved here from a school on the other side of the neighborhood."

"not many of my friends go here though. i mean i've seen some of them from middle school."

"ooh, i've wanted to read japanese fiction before."

what's nice, when you thought about it, is that she didn't push you to talk more given your small replies. she allows you to gather your mind up as she talks without making a ruckus, unlike the other tables. your mind slowly making up about the girl as someone who genuinely wants to be friends with you, considering her the first friend you made in high school.

she treats you like anyone else. that is because she doesn't know your real situation. you almost got caught a few days ago as the two of you are waiting in front of the lobby when she innocently asked,

"where's your car?"

and you can't say anything because you don't want her to leave you alone, retreating yourself back to what you felt in the first year.

she doesn't know that you stayed with her at the entrance because you walk to the nearest station to go back home, unlike her. yet, she doesn't comment much on how you wear wired earphones instead of wireless ones like the pair that she used, how you brought your own lunch where she can buy one at school. you wanted that to last until you are sure she is ready to know the truth, your truth.

as you are both seated in class, waiting for the announcement, the students around the room talk openly about who they choose for the election, you see suyeon leaning to your side from the corner of your eye, whispering, "i know we aren't supposed to share who we vote. but i vote jay, how about you?"

when the candidates were first introduced, you were contemplating if you should abstain from voting or not, leaving the ballot empty without any sign of you interacting with it other than touching it with your hands. you didn't want to vote not because all of the programs they brought out for their campaign is bad. you didn't want to vote because you want to be neutral, knowing that each policy or aspiration that they brought doesn't affect you significantly.

that is until last week when jongseong gave you the rocher.

as you stand at the voting booth, opening up the folded paper with the names of the three boys. your fingers are fidgeting, wanting to fold them again following the decision that has been decided.

however, your eyes glance at jongseong's name. and like a scene from a character flashback in a movie, you see yourself back at that time when he gave you a nod, the chocolate at the corner of the page you open. fast forward to when he almost left and find your eyes, using a small gesture of his hand to his mouth before closing the door.

the moment when you felt like your existence is appreciated, and you wanted to appreciate him back. so, using the marker they gave you in the booth, you put a check in the box beside jongseong's name and put the filled-in folded paper into the ballot box.

"same," you mumble back to her. immediately after speaking, a chime is heard from the speaker inside the class, making you sit back and straighten your posture on the chair as the static fills the air in the classroom. hearing the voice of the senior in charge of the voting that you remember is the senior that guides you at the booths, speaking greetings into the intercom, and announcing the results of the total amount of the votes.

"the elected president is…"

from your view, this is the first time anyone has ever looked tense, eyeing the speaker like it can come and attack them at any second if they look away. suyeon also looks intensely at the speaker, her hands interlock with each other on her table as you see from a quick glimpse.

you hope jongseong wins. a compassionate leader that can take aspirations for everyone, evident by the action he did last week to you. you want to help to fight the prejudice that you are different from what they are. a scholarship receiver hailing from a suburban of seoul, the only time someone received said scholarship as they haven't opened the program again. someone that is 'lower' in status. but, you aren't, and you believe jongseong wants to fight them too.

"bang yedam."

letting out your breath that you didn't know you held, cheering and clapping came from not just your class, but also the classes in the same hallway as yours, all are students in your year. you peek at suyeon who retracts her hand and has a neutral smile on her face, tilting her head as she faced you, concentrating on something else. you turn around to see the door of the class open and your peers flooding out of the class to gather in the hallway. curiosity got the best of you when the tables of the people that ridiculed you were now empty, you stand up and walk to the door of your class, suyeon following behind as you felt a human presence behind you, knowing that you both are the last ones in class.

students in your year created a human barrier and left an empty path in the middle, from the view that reaches your eyes. cheers coming from the left as you see bang yedam's grin and people congratulating him, patting him on his shoulder, hugging him as a way to say how proud they are.

despite the hollering coming one by one in the hallway, you see jongseong standing at the line across from you, right in front of the half wall barrier of the hallway, in between sim jaeyun also known as “jake”, the australian-raised genius and mathlete of your year, and park sunghoon, the national-level figure skater, who has their arms wrapped behind jongseong's back, still proud of him for being one of the vice presidents of the student council. he wears the famous smirk he is known for when yedam walks and turns towards him, giving a hug and a congratulation from the faint sound that you can hear little by little.

as yedam walked past the door of your class, you gave a small smile when both of your eyes slightly meet as suyeon's hands rested on either side of your shoulder, leaning forward so she can still see the commotion of yedam being bombarded by your classmates with their own way of congratulating.

turning your head away from the view, you met jongseong’s eyes which were already looking your way. the smirk is still evident on his face, however, you notice something from his eyes, seeing them tremble. you give a solemn smile and nod to him before turning around and walking to your desk with suyeon playfully waddling behind you, making you stifle your giggle as she grins brightly and return back to the seats. you shake your head to get rid of the subtle feeling from the boy that you have eye contact with.

the vision of jongseong's trembling eyes haunts you as you heard suyeon's voice calling your name, seeing her car that you've recognized now after seeing it so much stopped in front of her. you see her figure retreating to the car, waving goodbye towards you as she is seated in the backseat whilst pressing the window button down and continuing waving. responding with a small wave, you see her pout before her car drives away to the hagwon where she enrolls in.

many of your peers go to hagwons, private academies where they learn additional stuff to the subjects they learn from school or understand them on a deeper level. many of your schoolmate's parents are competitive when it comes to rankings so they enroll their children there, making them study until midnight or later.

your parents are against the hagwon idea even though both enrolled in one by your grandparents, coincidentally in the same one as well. yet, they skipped them to go hang out and have a date instead, both argue to ‘let teens be teens’ and let them have their free time so they don't stress themselves to death. nonetheless, your parents still give you liberty if you want to attend a hagwon or not, which you deny because you agree with their understanding and you wanted to help mom more as she has an influx of customers around afternoon and evening.

your parents mention why they do not agree with hagwons to you because one of their classmates, who they too mention is one of the best scoring students in their hagwon, died by suicide when they didn't get enrolled in any university that they want. you observed them that every time they mention 'hagwon' at the dining table, you can hear one or both of your parents sucking their breath as the air around the three of you feel tense. they still feel traumatized until this day. the talk makes you feel more concerned and you don't want their concern to rise if they knew you enter a hagwon to study until the end of the day and then some.

so, as suyeon's car turns the corner outside of the school gate, you begin to walk your journey back home, the same 1 hour and 22 minutes with the significant difference of it is much more crowded streets and stations as the time is approaching the rush hours for commuters, especially those who lives outside of the city, are coming home.

you walk on the concrete pavement, passing a greenhouse you cross by every day. a place that the school uses for planting and botany club, or when students have to study plants for a project. you heard the chirping of birds under the blend of blue and orange in the sky, seeing a small brick shack beside the greenhouse where the gardener puts the gardening tools, manure, additional seeds, and lawnmower. you stopped your movements when you heard grunts behind it.

ears piqued up in concern as your feet brought you to the brick shack, the grunts getting louder with the additional thumpings as you carefully walk to the back of the shack, seeing a black-haired boy wearing your uniform leaning his forehead against it, hands formed into fists as he continues to punch them into the wall. seeing his knuckles and skin around it full of blood and little scraps of brick, you grimaced as you step back on the concrete path surrounding the shack, making the boy turn his head towards you, your enlarged eyes also reflected on his.

it's jongseong, breathing heavily as he turns his forehead back to the wall, closing his eyes.

the same park jongseong that got the position of one of the vice presidents. the same park jongseong whose trembling eyes haunt you the entire day today. the same park jongseong that gives a small smile after giving you a chocolate a week ago. now looking like a crack vase that can be broken into smithereens by a single touch. you silently gasp, realizing what might have gotten him this way.

park jongseong, as you can define him, is someone who can get everything and always makes his wishes into reality. requesting new desks and chairs for all the students to his parents after he got a scratch from an outward spline of wood on his desk back in the first year, requesting the lunch menu at school to be more diverse other than stew and rice, both of them you heard from gossips shared by the cleaning staffs as you walk home last year.

but, he didn't get what he wanted this time. he isn't elected as the student president and it is why, you think, broke him. realizing his trembling eyes were him probably stifling to not argue or asking why people are not voting for him. he was finally able to let it out here, behind the shack, hidden from everyone as he doesn't want his reputation to be tarnished. until you found out.

walking forward towards him slowly, not wanting to startle him, you can see the creases on his face folding hidden behind the wall and his hair. your hand slowly reaching one of his fisted hands that rested in the dent on the brick wall, hearing his breath hitched as your skin meets his, gently enveloping your hand around his wrist as you can feel him slacken the hold of his fist, signaling to you to do whatever you want with it.

you see behind you a tap with a green hose connected to it, wrapped into a thick circle. you gently pull his fist away from the wall, seeing the blood blending into the bricks' lighter red color. your soft pull on his wrist also pulls his body as you walk to the tap, bringing him down to sit on the concrete path and feet on top of the grass gently as you pick up the end of the hose and turn the tap on. the water coming down the tap and into the hose as you kneeled in front of him, pulling his wrist to float on top of a patch of grass and the water hose right beside it.

as the water falls out in a steady light stream, you carefully let the water run on top of his hands, seeing the dirt, scraps, and blood flowing down following the curvature of his fingers to the grass. you peep at him as he hisses then lean forward so that his upper body is closer to the grass, eyes flicking between your hands helping to rub his hands and you who knelt beside him. you look up to see his face empty of emotion and no dried tears on his cheeks as he moves his other hand so it will get cleaned between the water and your gentle touch. you turn the tap off and let go of the hose as you sit by his side, resting his hands on top of your knees then reach to the backpack behind you and pick out a small pouch you call your mini medkit.

you packed your own medkit as you remember how many times you got hurt back in your first year because of the same people that sit across from you in your class currently, knees scrapped every time they pushed you down, making you always go to the nursery to get it treated. well, you don't want to burden them all the time. so, you packed up your own stuff instead, patching the wound up silently at your table or while waiting for the train to arrive on the way home, hoping your parents won't notice the existence of bandages on your knees or elbows.

the pack of bandages inside the pouch is full, still hasn't been used for this year. your ignorance of their taunts last year made them lazy to not do that again because you didn't react like what they wanted. you pull out a small bottle of antiseptic and a few sheets of tissue, staining it with the liquid as you dab it onto jongseong's wound, hearing him hissing while gritting his teeth. you mumbled out a small "sorry", making his eyes stick to your face instead as you continue to clean his wounds, pulling a few strips of bandage out, a colorful bunch that you bought at a convenience store near your house as the skin-colored one is sold out.

you wrapped them around the wounded joints of his fingers, the knuckles, and a few scrap skin around them, gently smoothing it out. you see his black backpack that you know costs more than yours sits behind him as you stand and walk to pick it up, jongseong's eyes on yours every time you take action as you kneel down and sit the bag beside his body.

you pressed your lips into a thin smile as you point behind you with your thumb, stepping away from his seated figure to the pavement beside the main road to the gate.

"wait!" you paused as you turn your body for the corner in front of you, hearing grunts and scrappings on the concrete path behind you.

"i'm jay," he spoke. you turn your head towards him, seeing one of his patched hands gripping the strap of his backpack that sits on his shoulder.

"i know," you murmured, he continue looking with his lips in a straight line. you realize how rude it must have been to just say 'i know' that you mentally slap your forehead.

"i'm (y/n)," you immediately replied back, lightly biting the inside of your lips because of the second-hand embarrassment.

"i know," he replied using your words, a slight smile on his face. your eyebrows slightly furrow hearing his answer. word of mouth does spread like wildfire, the same word of mouth you get to know him might be the same word of mouth that make him know you. he must have been thinking why would you help him.

"i've got to catch the train," you said back, him knowing you makes you openly communicate on how you get home. stepping away from the shack, leaving him behind, you walk to the gate where the security guard bids you farewell and you gave them a nod with a small smile.

as you arrived at the train station on your way to seoul station, you can see the rush hour commuters filling up the station. seeing from your phone that you are 10 minutes late from when you've intended to arrive, you untangled the wired earphones and turned the music on after you plugged them in your ears, pulling out your newest book you start to out from your bag as you see the front lights on the train coming from the dark underground tunnel. stepping into a pretty empty car, you instantly lean against the usual part of yours beside the door, one arm wrapping around and behind the silver handle beside the door as other passengers come in to fill up the middle area. you opened your book with both hands available as you lean back against the wall, starting your journey back home later than usual.

an hour and 22 minutes later, arriving at the same station you ride for the day as a few people other than you also stepping out, the sun has sunk into the horizon at exactly 18:00 on the digital clock of the station. you take your steps down the short flight of stairs and tap out using the transport card, seeing the lights at the buildings around the stations starting to light up one by one as you walk the thin road down the street and a few of the shopkeepers waving at you while walking past their shop. a small town where everyone knew everyone, other than tourists that visit of course.

turning the last corner, you see the warm light of mom's cafe under one other story. seeing her figure getting clearer, pouring stuff into cups behind the counter as you see kids younger than you sitting whilst playing card games on one table at the corner. the soft bell chimes as the door got pushed, and all the heads turn towards you. you give a smile as you see the kids wave and call your name, slowly walk to see the cards of halli galli laying on the table, before walking behind the counter, pulling your backpack off, seeing as it is your 'shift' starting for the next hour from the clock hanging on the wall near the cash register.

you've been trying to help mom for at least an hour after school since your second year of middle school, learning how her business works and how to greet customers, which are mostly the people in your town and your friends that went to the same school as yours. you never miss your time to help mom even though she worries that you might take a shower too late. yet, you insist, silently sitting your backpack by the entrance of the counter after arriving and taking your place at the cash register where mom can focus on making orders and cleaning up for closing.

that's when you heard the bell chime and two people with large backpacks stepping in. foreign tourists.

one of your town’s incomes comes from tourism as the people inhabiting there are smart enough to take care of their environment while also making interesting business. mom's cafe is one of the tourist attractions—reviews that you read said that her cafe has the right balance of minimalism, tropical, and traditionalism—serving staple snacks like dalgona to kimbap to serving freshly roasted coffee that is always prepared every morning.

you can hear the tourist muttering with each other. their backpacks are so tall it shows from their back as they walk towards the cashier where they skim-read the menu, talking with each other in a language that you can understand. german.

"Guten Abend¹," you spoke, making the two tourists' eyes widen as they smile warmly at you and a look of gladness seem to show their eyes for a split second. because from examining the words that you heard them say, they were confused about who should talk as it is not the urban setting they used to travel where people can easily speak in the lingua franca. introvert travelers, something you might aspire to be in the future as well.

"Was möchten Sie bestellen?²" you continue as they both stood in front of the counter, hands holding either side on the thick paper menu while you see their pupils from behind the counter tracing the fonts of the product the cafe is selling.

"Was empfehlen Sie?³" one of them asked, making you think about all the drinks on the menu that mom curated years ago when you got reminded of a few drinks you like that mom started putting on the menu in your first year of high school.

"Ich persönlich empfehle unsere Eisschokolade und Latte⁴," you said while pointing to the two variants of drinks, darting at them as they are staring from the menu and then at you. you look at mom who just taking a peep at you at the cashier, eyes trailing to the kids that looked at you bewildered, them knowing you that don't really like to speak but then speaking in a language so alien to them.

"Ich habe geholfen, den Geschmack selbst zu testen, und seitdem sind sie meine Lieblingsgetränke⁵." you leaned forward and jokingly whispered to the two tourists as they see you playfully moving your eyebrow, giggling between each other before they said they will get them with some baked goods.

as a daughter of a language and literature major, mom has always wanted her child to be multilingual like her or maybe more. as both of your parents now realized how important that is to be able to speak multiple languages as a child, they started to teach you other languages around the same time you learn your mother tongue, getting you to familiarize the many languages in the world through movies, songs, and books.

as one of your job is usually helping mom with her cafe since she is working mostly a one-woman-show for most of the time until holidays, you got to train the languages that you learned to the international visitors that arrived, asking what they want to order, listening in closely to how their accent works while improving yours to sound better. one of your goals in life is to learn an ancient language so you can able to read texts originally written in them such as latin or sanskrit.

"Auf Wiedersehen!⁶" you greet the tourist goodbye as you open the glass door for them, ruffling the hair of the kids that walked behind them who are starting to yawn while also doing high fives or fist bumps to them, closing the glass door as the kids walk into the street, immediately running on the asphalt roads to their houses.

you can hear the clicks behind you and the reflected lights on the glass puff out, the dark street lit by streetlights is now much clearer from behind the glass. you turn the sign at the door from 'open' to 'close' as you can hear mom calling your name. seeing her giving an endearing smile to you as you walk to pick up your bag and then to the back door towards the stairs to your home upstairs. resting for the night to repeat your routine once again by the morning, but you're starting to wonder about jongseong's hands you helped heal.

'have they gotten better?' you wonder as you settle inside your room, lighting up the candle at your bedside table.

a week has passed since the inauguration of the new student council members, and the memory of claps and cheers as each name is called to the stage while being introduced on which position they received starts to be brought back into your mind. you remembered seeing jongseong climb up on the stage as he walks to stand right beside jisung—who already has his own student council blazer, hearing claps and a few chants from his two friends that sat rows in front where you sat.

you and suyeon sat in the corner of the auditorium. some of your vision was obstructed by a pillar, yet, you can still view the council on stage as they took their bow, your eyes stuck to jongseong for a split second before you whispered to suyeon that you wanted to leave early, an uncomfortable feeling flooded your mind as you rather do something more productive like homework than stay. as you looked back towards the stage one last time to close the auditorium's door, you saw jongseong's eyes looking towards the door, towards a small silhouette he recognized as you who was stepping back and closing the door.

the slam of the door startles you from your gaze at the pattern of the bus right beside yours. your trance is covered by the music playing from your wired earphones as you see a teacher entering your bus, signaling to the driver that everyone is in. you look at the empty seat beside you where you put your backpack, the seat that was supposed to be for suyeon who is not able to go cause she has flu.

today was your school trip and you don't know where you are going. knowing the money your school has, they will probably bring you somewhere entertaining but also educating, renting premium buses with leather seats, buying fast-food chain foods and beverages that you all will probably get at lunch. you can hear the muffled talks of the people behind you even though the volume of the music you're hearing is nearly 50%, voices that crescendo as not only is your class in it, but also the other class right beside yours, jongseong's class.

sneakily turning your head, you glance at jongseong who is sitting in his two-seater with his bag and a neck pillow on the seat beside him, his figure turned around to reach his hand towards jaeyun and sunghoon sitting right behind him as they bicker. you remember jongseong's widened eyes when he steps inside the bus to see you sitting right at the front two-seater by the stairs leading down to the door, he paused on one stair as you turn your gaze away to your playlist, noticing in secret his friends nudge his lower back to quickly make him move forward inside, seating only two rows behind you on the other column.

resting your head against the cold window's glass, you can see the view outside, unlike your peers who immediately close their window with the tied curtain where they sat as if their skin will burn like a vampire would when they are exposed to sunlight. you can see the concrete barrier and the lack of motorcycles on the road, seeing the trees staying in place, unable to keep up to stay in your vision. feeling your eyelids slowly drooping from the soothing bus driving on the asphalt, your eyes see a blurry sign as it tells you where you are headed, now widening as you see the name of your suburban city nearest to your hometown. now way are we going there, right?

well, after viewing familiar buildings a few minutes later, you sit up straight on the leather seat as the bus enters the road that you usually see from time to time, seeing the back of other buses right in front of yours from the large front window. you see the entrance of the station you usually transit at when you go to seoul. the bus then follows the road as the sign of tall buildings slowly dissipates, arriving at a large parking lot for buses as you can see the building you haven't gone to in a long time. the aquarium.

as the bus hiss from the brake and stumble as it stops, you look at the blue-themed building with a few coral-reef-inspired sculpting on the roof of it. the teacher in front says that you only need to bring your important belongings to make it easier for mobility, so you slip your phone, earphones, wallet, and a pen inside your uniform blazer's large pocket as you stay put, waiting for the tangled queue to fix itself before stepping out last.

your feet lightly bounce from landing on the asphalt to queue up with your class as jongseong's class does the same. jongseong standing only a few people away from you as you can see other classes from the six classes of your year walking in line to the building, seeing a glimpse of the underground train station entrance where you used to visit here years back.

hands behind your back as politely as possible, you bow to the aquarium staff greeting you in as your homeroom teacher said that our job for today's study tour is to observe and make an essay about what we observed at home. the students let out a sigh of relief as you line up to enter the dark entrance illuminated by the lights coming from fishes and jellyfishes-shaped lanterns right beside the contrasting bright colors of the gift shop. as you step in, you see small aquariums on each side of the wall, and a few of your classmates leaning in closer to the aquariums as they see the sea creatures swimming inside.

you walk more inwards into the establishment, stepping on top of a glass floor where you can see the water and fishes swimming below you. yet, your vision is attracted to a rectangle pillar aquarium that extends from the ceiling to the ground full of orange-colored fish, the lights coming from below highlight the orange hue of the fishes in a right way and contrast it with the water's blue. you step towards it and lean forward to focus on one of the fishes, seeing it swimming across your vision as another small school swims to the other side.

what you didn't know was that someone was also observing the fishes across from yours, your eyes landed on theirs who are watching the school of orange-colored fishes.

jongseong's eyes trail down following the fishes as you can see his silhouette on the other side of the pillar-shaped aquarium, the rich blue hue from the light and the water's color making him have a vibrant yet monochromatic blue palette. his eyes landed on yours as you stood there, unable to move away. you straighten your spine as he follows, eyes looking at the fishes that doing rounds around the aquarium, slightly seeing jongseong's eyes still looking at you. you felt shudders coming up your shoulder as you look away from him to see a large screen-liked window that still looks large as ever from the memory of your childhood right behind jongseong's figure.

you walk around the pillar to the light blue-colored, large aquarium, seeing the large fishes like rays spreading their bodies as they swim, much more schools of fishes of different kinds swim all over the place as the decorations inside make it seem like you are seeing the ocean floor right as it is. footsteps are heard behind your figure and rested on your right side. peeking from the corner of your eyes, jongseong's figure stands there, looking up at the large aquarium glass. you turn back towards it as you admire the creatures swimming in harmony and peace.

"how can they look so graceful?" you muttered unconsciously. eyes moving all over the place as you followed new fishes that shows up in your vision.

"don't you live near the sea? you might see them before if you go into one." jongseong's words make you almost turn your head as you force it to pause. you never told him before that you live by the sea directly. the only time you mention you live by the sea was last year and he wasn't in your class last year. 'the thin walls have done its job right', you sighed.

"the last time i went into the ocean was 10 years ago," you mumbled, the corner of your lips slightly lifted, hoping he still be able to hear from your small volume. nevertheless, you took a side step closer to the boy as you want to tell him the words that are left on the tip of your tongue.

"and i almost died." he turns his head slightly towards you, seeing you give a nod with a tight lip smile.

sometimes, all the fantasies that you've read or watched got the best of you. you were in love with merfolks and sea creatures stories 10 years ago, believing that because you live near a sea does mean that you might find a merfolk friend or a talking fish sidekick that wants to be by your side.

you went into the ocean alone that day, already learned how to swim and float from practices mom and dad take turns to do for you. wearing your goggles, you swim into the water like what you trained before when you see something glimmer down there. you thought it was a treasure or even better, atlantis.

but, the dream must come to an end when you felt like you can't move one of your legs and you were in too deep, feeling yourself sinking down as you can only see the light being refracted by the ocean's water, air bubbles floating around you as you can see the surface of the water getting farther and farther from your goggle-covered eyes. fighting back to float is no use as your legs are numbing, closing your eyes to let demise take you.

that is when you felt you're being pulled up by your clothes, opening your eyes to see dad's blurry figure floating on the water from the salty water filling up the bottom of your goggle. his hands wrapping around you tight while he grabs a buoy and you can feel yourself being pulled.

that's when you grew to fear the inside of the ocean, a mild thalassophobia as a more fancy term. but, your fear came with a sense of respect as you seemingly can't look away if you came across one.

by the looks from where you stood, jongseong's fascination for the creatures of the sea seems to be new after taking some glimpses of him viewing the swimming fishes as large or larger than you two behind a thick layer of glass, sticking his eyes to one as it swims from the left to right then focusing on another afterward.

jay looks down to see an open palm right in front of him, trailing his vision to see you and your front side as the light illuminates it blue.

"do you want to get away and see the ocean yourself?" he turns to look at you facing him before looking away somewhere on his right, moving your head slightly to see the red numbers on a digital clock. the hand that you let out starts to tremble slightly, which stops when you felt something on it and felt it interlock between your fingers. it was jongseong's hands as he face back towards you, and you wrapped your fingers as well before dragging him away from the large aquarium window.

successfully sneaking past a few teachers and students thanks to the dim hallways of the aquarium, you both meet the sun outside the building where you guide him to run to the underground train station that you saw. walking down the stairs of the less-crowded station, you let out your wallet to pick up your card when you felt a tug, almost stumbling yourself before you find your balance. turning back towards the boy, you see him look between you and the wallet you're holding. him rubbing the back of his neck as he looks down.

"i don't have one of those cards for public transport," he said, making your eyes widen and your head tilt.

'what does he mean he doesn't have a public transport smart card?' was what crossed your mind when you realize why in a flash. jongseong spent most of his time in his own car, being transported here and there by his personal chauffeur.

suppressing a chuckle, you guide him to the machine where you can buy a transport smart card, him having a confused look on his face. you lean forward as you point to where he can put his debit card whilst pressing a few buttons on the touch screen. he pulls out his wallet and debit card to put it in the slot, giving you a nod as his confused expression looked at you picking the sparkly blue type of the various designs and the amount of money to be in the card, putting a specific amount—the exact amount to pay from when you go forth and back to the beach—as you know that he might not be using much after this.

seeing the transport card slotted out as he picks up his debit card, you pull it out and put it on his open palm, walking away first as you tap your own card at the gate. you looked back as you heard the same beep and him stepping to your side of the gate.

you lead him to the platforms—silently glad that there's only one line stopping at this station, seeing the train that is on its way to the opposite way you're going leaving, making you there with jongseong and a few security guards by each platform. you gently wrapped your hand around his wrist as he follows you to a seat underneath the sign of the station name at the side of the stairs. you looked down to let go of jongseong's wrist, drying your palm on the fabric of your uniform.

jay looks at you leaning against the wall behind him while looking down at your feet. he wonders if people notice you two disappearing or not, but by its looks, it is not your first rodeo in leaving class as you look as relaxed as ever. his eyes wandered to the unfamiliar train station he had never been to before, seeing the liminal space empty while advertisements banners also posters decorated small spaces at the pillars on top of a poster of, what he observed, a route map full of various colors of lines going vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. that's when he heard a muted chugging behind the glass window and door across from him, a dark concrete wall on the other side. he saw you straightening yourself up and standing up as you walk to the marked tiles on the floor where doors are, looking back at him before standing up by himself.

the train stops as the doors open and you both step into a pretty empty car. you point to the empty seats near you as jay walks to it and seats at the edge of the row, glancing at the seat beside him and you who instead stand in front of him, grabbing the handle hanging from the ceiling as the door stops and both of your body waver from the moving train.

"you're not gonna sit?" you see him looking up at you. you put your lips into a straight line and shooked your head, seeing him nod as the train runs on the rail, looking at the other cars from the windows at both ends from the one you are in, didn't see any uniform-wearing kids on the train. when the train stops at the first station of three that you have to pass until the end of the line, you see a mother and her son after finishing school stepping into the car. you put a small smile on your face as you can hear the son being excited to visit the beach that you and jongseong are also going to go to.

you've always wanted to have a younger sibling, seeing the little community of yours in a school setting where most of your classmates has sibling older or younger by a few years, being able to go to school and back together. but, as much as your parents try, they struggle a lot and ultimately give up by the time you almost drown yourself.

you were lonely, hearing stories from your friends about how their siblings and they play together while you lay on your stomach on your living room carpet, hearing the electric fan hum while you colored a coloring book until some of your friends ask you to go outside. instead, your loneliness is the one that grows your confidence even beneath your silent shell, being able to interact, in your mind, better than people in your town such as having connections with the storekeepers around the town.

you heard the last station's name—the name of the beach you're going to, walking towards the door as you heard the mother and son walking towards your vacant side. looking at jongseong who sat beside where you stand, you push your palm out which he instantly holds. the train stops and the door opens when you and he walk together, following the son that drags the mother with giggles coming from her as you climb the stairs out, tapping your card at the gate with jongseong right behind you.

the familiar saltiness of the sea can be smelled as you climb the last flight up to the surface, the mother and son that climbs before you two disappear into the light of the sky. you can hear the seagulls and the familiar sound of the rolling waves fading in as you step out, taking a breath of the air coming from the blue wavy ocean across from you, seeing the granite half wall blocking the sand on the other side. the empty road enables you two to immediately walk to where the wall is from the station entrance, steps following right behind you as you lean against the half wall while looking out to the view that you can't get enough of.

you felt jongseong's shoulder touching yours as he stood on your left, hearing him breathing in the air like you did before. you both face the south and see the sun that is now on its way heading west, you look to the east instead where he also leans against the wall. jay peeks at you as you look behind him to the horizon at the east, seeing a thin lighter shade of orange on the edge of the horizon, eyes squinting in confusion before you point your hand towards the east.

"my home is that way, kilometers away," you murmured as you inform someone at your high school for the first time where you exactly live. jongseong has known more about you by what he said back in the aquarium than you intended, making you just open up to him more than you do to suyeon even though you're closer to her.

yet, what is the meaning of close when you have helped him before? him joining you to leave his friends just so that you can stare at the ocean that is 70% of what the earth has? you still have lingering doubts in your mind that jongseong might tell you away since you can't take back the words you say seconds ago, but you also have a lingering thought that he can keep it a secret, the same thing you did as you didn't tell anyone about him hurting himself.

the walls in your school are very thin, as people say. anyone knows anyone's gossip and problems, crafting stereotypes that students can't seem to escape from, including you and even new students like suyeon who enter in the middle of the academic year. how you can know about the boy beside you is from the thin walls, allowing you to analyze people in your school more, something that you know you shouldn't take for granted knowing the elites you went to school with. and yet, you always like to be stealthy, letting out small pieces of yourself implicitly and for a small amount of time. they now know you don't live in seoul and studying there with a scholarship has given you hardship that you have to sustain, what if you're more flamboyant like them? more open? in your mind, it will ruin you more.

jay follows where your hand is pointed, the horizon there swallows the edges of the sky, water, sand, and buildings, not noticing that you're not beside him when he doesn't see your pointing finger anymore. turning around, he sees you stepping down a flight of stairs—not even five steps—to the sand on the other side of the wall. the indentation on the sand from your shoes can be seen as you walk near the water that receded back into the ocean. jay can't help but follow your figure as you took a step closer now on the wet sand, the wave rolling to the land as the water reaches your shoes, but you didn't flinch as it brushes your sole or even a few fabric on top of it.

you turn your head when you heard jongseong's light shriek behind you, can't stop yourself from letting out a giggle and take a stride towards him who looks down with an embarrassed smile on his face, his hand on his chest as you see him taking deep but erratic breaths. your hand naturally reaches out to him, holding his figure by the side of his upper arms, rubbing them as you can hear him now have a more stable pace. yours and his eyes met as you view his face, the small breeze of wind blowing your cheeks as the sleeves' ends of your uniform flowing from it. you let your hands trail down his sleeve and arms to his hands, finally noticing the light marks from his bandage-less knuckles and fingers from when you patch him, moving one of them away to lock the other with yours as he lets you drag him along the sandy beach away from the stairs.

a cluster of shells rested on top of the creamy sand, colors of mostly white and pastel hues of brown and pink attracting your eyes as you let go of jongseong's hand and walk to reach them, seeing the shiny sheen on the outside being reflected by the sun like pearls. you took tiny steps as you observe the variant of the shells being left by small crabs or other critters when you found a periwinkle shell that has such nice ridges and a solid color, then you crouch down and pick it up, brushing the sand outside and inside of it away as you put it in front of the sun, seeing some of the parts let the ray thinly pass.

turning your body around, you see jongseong's eyes on the shells with his hand beside his uniform pants. sneakily walk around his range of vision, you arrive at his side where he looks at you widening the pocket on his blazer, dropping in the shell you picked before closing it and give a light tap before you turn away and back to the shells.

you walk to where more shells can be found, crouching down as you try to see it closer, feeling the skirt around your legs brushing your skin as you see the abandoned yet beautiful items. you can hear your name being called from the sea as your eyes are slowly hypnotized by the swirling blues. a hand on the shoulder lets out a tiny startle from you as you see jongseong holding a shell of his own as he crouched beside you.

"for you," he said as he opens up his palm to show you a small ceriths shell, giving him a small smile as you pick it up and put it in your pocket when you notice a reminder notification on your phone lighting the inside of your pocket. picking it up, you see the reminder that you put before stepping into the bus earlier in the day and the time at the top. you straighten your knees as you look at jongseong while giving a solemn smile, he answers with the same look as he stood up and takes a last look at the ocean before walking away to the station.

you looked down at your hand and his tangled with each other, realizing that you've been doing it the whole time you went away with him as it swings from the moving train, trailing the hand that is holding yours to his figure that looks at the screen on top of the door. you pointed at the empty chairs again when you enter the car, instead, he took your hand in his and stood beside you the whole time. you wanted to let go, but as you felt his thumb rubbing against the back of your hands, you incline to not do it, letting it remain until you arrived at the station where the aquarium is at.

"yo, where've you been?" jay looks towards his friends both in their seats as jake asked him. he only tilts his head slightly as a tiny smirk grows on his face, looking at the window in front of him of you walking away to go somewhere. he wonders that since your home is close by, can you actually stay here rather than follow the others to seoul? in his mind, he knows that it might be a nuisance for you to go back and forth between the cities just because you go to school at one and home at the other, so he hoped you convince the teacher to stay like he wanted to as he stood behind to look at your silhouette in front of the blue sea.

he sees the teacher responsible for his bus stepping inside and counting the heads on the seats from the front of the bus. he can't help but look to the aquarium building you probably went into. where are you?

"okay, we have one more person left. please contact them if you know where they ar-"

"sorry miss…"

the teacher looks back as you emerge from behind her, now holding a gift shop bag with the aquarium logo and its aquatic design as you climb inside and step into your seat, which he does notice now the absence of a head beside you. the door closes as the bus hiss and drives away back to seoul. he leans back against his seat as he looks either to the window of grassy fields and forest of trees or your seat a few rows in front of him.

you, on the other hand, had continued to let the bag sit properly on the empty seat beside your own backpack. since suyeon is sick today and can't come for the trip, you made up your mind before the bus leaves to buy her a souvenir to wherever you go for the trip as you have some spare money to do so. putting your earphones in and taking out another new book, you spend the next hour riding from the suburban closer to your home and away from it back to the capital.

as you look at the dispersing crowd being picked up by their respective car, you felt the vibration on your hand as you successfully get suyeon's address, pretty close to a station as you recall the seoul metro lines you mostly memorize. pocketing the phone in your pocket and crouching down to tie your shoes before you took a step towards the pavement, you can hear your name being called. slowly looking up, you see an open window of a car stopped on the road in front of you, jongseong's figure sitting inside the backseat.

"where you going?" you heard jongseong say as you walk closer to his car, not wanting him to use too much of his voice. you pointed towards the bag that you hold and the gate of the school, seeing a beige-colored seat beside him with his school bag sitting on top, enough for you to compare the dark tone of the seats in dad's car that your family used from time to time.

"dropping it for my friend," you mumbled to help him gain the context. that's when you saw him looking at the bag you hold before replying.

"let me bring you there."

you shook your head as you give a small smile, comfortable enough to take the train instead as it is your main form of transportation.

"i insist. after bringing me to the sea."

you blinked your eyes as you looked at the other cars starting to leave one by one, getting reminded of what kind of setting you are in and how different it is from the ones you get from middle school where students are separated mostly by foot or bicycles. that's when you got reminded that suyeon doesn't know that you don't use a car to school. seeing jongseong moving towards the empty side of the backseat, you think that riding his car may be a good cover-up of the 'where's your car?' question she asked all the time as you finished the school day.

you gently open the car door in front of you as you enter the sleek black matte-colored high-class sedan, the interior much different from the outside when you see a man in the front seat, the chauffeur, giving a smile through the rearview mirror. smelling a citrus smell as you see the air freshener hanging at the front, jongseong slips his backpack to the floor of his seat as he glimpses at you closing the door.

"miss, can you tell me the address of the house?" you perked up as you heard the chauffeur ask, saying before that that you can call him mr. kim. as the car rolls down the streets of seoul after you told him the address of suyeon's house, you cannot help but look at the glass skyscrapers with their marble bases rising up into the sky.

the last time you went to visit your grandparents in seoul, you were sleeping in the backseat of the car so you haven't seen any changes after a long time of not going to downtown seoul with the commercialized street and the buzzing businesses more internationally known and invested. as the car enters the alleys like the ones you usually walk into when you're on your way to the school, you see cafes and restaurants with smaller retail stores then followed by a more residential area with stone walls acting as fences, the car stops in front of the exact number of suyeon's house with a glazed wooden gate at the front, a definite need for a middle-up class house in wealthy seoul.

walking to the white button that stands out from the dark grey wall, you press it, hearing a bell ringing as you can see the black dot on top, the house camera. as you live in a less-technologized house, you wonder why houses and apartments in seoul use cameras, but living in an urban setting is much more dangerous as you hear homicide cases being done in big cities like seoul and busan on the news.

you wait silently with both of your hands holding the straps of the bag, discreetly looking back to the car as you wonder what jongseong might be doing or thinking about you giving something as affordable as a souvenir to a friend.

the sound of the gate being open and a few sneezes right behind it makes you look forward, suyeon is standing in a casual outfit, her nose has a crimson tint to it and a tissue on one of her hands.

"(y/n), what are you doing here?" she asked as you give out the gift shop bag to her. her eyes slowly turn bright and picking up the bag out of your hands, seeing what you bought her as you let out a small smile.

"aww so cute. thank you and sorry for getting sick." she puts down the bag and hugs you, making you stumble back as you didn't count for the hug to happen.

"you must be suffering from how lonely you are." she then pouts, your giggle enters her ears as she pulls away from you after whispering.

"i don't want to make you sick." you patted her hands after what she muttered before she slips back inside while waving with the other hand not holding the bag, you let out a chuckle as she sneezes again after closing the gate.

you turn to face the way to the nearest station that you can ride on your way to seoul station when you heard something sliding. you see the window at jongseong's side being open, mr. kim also looks toward you.

"i'm gonna go to the station now, thank you for the ride," you muttered before turning away and you heard jongseong's voice.

"you can ride with me again, to safe less money." he tried to convince you. you tried to shake away your head as you don't want to burden him, but jongseong has insisted before. and by the looks of it, he will do it again if you tried to deny the offer. you let out a small nod before stepping onto the seat you sat on before.

as the car stopped at the entrance of seoul station, you turn towards jongseong and mr. kim for the last time as you mumble a small “thank you” before going out of the car to enter the station. jay didn't know he was holding his breath the whole time it happened that he finally let it out as you turn a corner inside the station. he looks down at his lap as he remembers what happened in the past hours between him and you.

"if i were you, i won't let her go."

"huh?" jay looks up to see mr. kim looks at him through the rearview mirror, and a small smile that looks genuine decorates his face.

"she's a nice lady. bringing her friend a gift because they can't go on a trip? i've never seen that kind of kindness in a long time." jay turns towards the station, still being able to see the remnants of you leaving the car as it walks farther and farther.

"ah… yeah…" jay mumbles out as his hands unconsciously go to the pockets of the blazer he still wore.

"did you two go somewhere other than the aquarium? you mentioned the sea before when talking to her." jay looks surprised that mr. kim notices what he is told as his hands slip into the pocket, feeling two items sitting there as he pulls them out. the blue transport card and shell you give to him now sat beside him in the middle between where he sat and where you sat.

"yes, we did."

jongseong asking you to hang out on the last day of final exams and school before summer vacation was the least expected thing you have ever thought. yet, here he is showing up behind you and suyeon who are talking about the exam you went through and what you are doing in the summer, her saying she'll be going to japan while you replied by 'going to the sea', which is half-true because you have to help mom with her cafe as it is the holidays. after he asks, you felt a nudge on your arm as you peek at suyeon's who is leaning to your ear.

"since when are you close with jay?" you turn your head to see her squinting her eyes, a smirk on her face as she teasingly wiggles her eyebrow, hoping that the boy she talked about didn't hear what she said.

you and she have been open up about both of your love life—or whatever that is called as a teenager—in you two's corner of the cafeteria. when you mention you never dated anyone, you remembered the shock on her face as she complains while complimenting how attractive in every aspect you are, making you shyly look down. since that day, she has been jokingly pairing you up with people in your year and a few seniors. it is a miracle that she hasn't mentioned jongseong yet when she remembered jisung, yedam, and surprisingly also jaeyun and sunghoon.

"a long story." is what you can reply to her as she raised her eyebrows playfully before sarcastically excusing herself to leave the two of you alone, the rest of her fingers excluding her pinky and thumb folded, forming a "call me" gesture before walking away, maybe even making her skip giddily given the good mood she has.

jongseong continues to talk about how he wants to bring you to lotte world, the indoor amusement park you haven't gone to but you are intrigued. you've seen multiple variety shows on tv shoot their shows there, specifically a running man episode years ago where they use the amusement park's roller coaster as a part of their game. you remember seeing a few adverts around christmas time where they promote their skating rink. the childish lens of going to an amusement park covers your eyes as you think back about how fun it must look on tv, and how it must be more fun to be there yourself. that's why you say yes, making you text mom that you can't come home early.

what you also not expecting was that instead of using his car and mr. kim's service, he walks beside you as you both walk along the pavement to ride to the train station nearest to the school. your startled face makes him inform you that he asked mr. kim to pick him up after you both finish and him wanting to explore seoul's subway, seeing the blue transport card you pick for him the last time you went together with a train. the surprise doesn't even come from you only, but also from the security guard as you both walk past them, seeing their widened eyes before a small grin on their face is formed as they greet you and jongseong farewell.

you mostly take the lead in riding the train and where you should stop and transit at, seeing students your age also riding the train who sometimes you catch their eyes looking at you two. you wonder if it is because of your uniform and school logo, jongseong who stands beside you near the walls as you know your school is famous with other people including its students—excluding you, or the fact that you openly hold his hand in public where gossip can just fly around. they don't even know who you are or even search who you are on the internet if they want to find out. the walls aren't just thin at your school, you realized. they can also be just as thin in the city of seoul.

as you both arrive at jamsil station, you both stride in the winding hallways that are getting thinner and thinner to see the lotte world entrance in front of you. you feel chills on your skin as the air conditioner hits you when you step inside and walk immediately to the entrance to pay for the entry. with cash money that you've held cause you don't buy lunch at school, you take them out and give them to jongseong as he paid using his card. seeing him almost denying your money makes you squint your eyes as you nudge it towards him, making him chuckle as he accepts them.

you see the vast openness of the top floor of lotte world where most of the rides are, seeing people with their crowds, children with their families, and much more people wearing school uniforms as it is a staple to wear uniforms to lotte world that you saw a uniform rental place before entering. you see the skating rink below full of a sea of people, wanting to do it too but don't know if the time is enough. your eyes wander elsewhere when you see a stand full of headbands with people surrounding it and people in uniforms wearing headbands of their own, making you walk towards it.

you see the different headbands as jongseong stood beside you. your eyes catch onto a gray cat ear headband as you pick them up, feeling the soft faux fur on the palm of your hand as you turn towards jongseong and place it on his head. jongseong's surprised look makes you giggle as you pick another one for yourself and walk to the cashier, your turn in buying the headbands.

"you do know, i'm allergic to cats, right?" he whispers behind you as you shook your head, pulling out your own debit card and giving it to the cashier.

"i picked cat ears cause you're very elegant," you replied when the cashier gives back your card and the receipt, putting the headbands on him and you.

"while i like to be lazy just like they do." you jokingly said as you turn around and walk away, leaving jongseong alone to collect his thought before following you.

you both made a promise to take turns in buying stuff as you express with a look of disgust on your face the idea that he should pamper you cause you are the opposite sex, making him chuckle as you both continue to wander around. you didn't know that it also includes which ride you're going to take when he asks you.

'me?' you pointed to yourself as he replied a "yes". so, you stopped him and point to the viking ride then to the 360-degree track at one corner by the other. you grab his hand and dragged him across the avenue to the roller coaster you point, realizing it is the same roller coaster you see from the running man episode some years ago.

you felt giddy as you prepped yourself to climb inside the cart after putting away your belongings and headband. as you've already felt secured in the seat after the staff secured your restraints, you look towards jongseong who stares at you, eyes trembling. you let out your hands towards him which he grabs as the cart surge forward, slowly climbing as you bite your lips looking at the ant-like people beneath you walking in the open space.

thus, you can't let your eyes open as the roller coaster cart goes down with the rail, screaming like the people in front and back of you. you heard jongseong's scream that makes you laugh so hard as you climb the 360-degree loop and another loop before you arrive back at the start, exhaling as you laugh from the excitement that jongseong follows as well.

stepping down from the ride, you see people crowding the avenue and hear the sounds of music from a marching band. the parade is starting and you jog to stand in the crowd that has formed, seeing the acrobats doing their performance, colorful colors of confetti fly all over the place, you and jongseong hold hands. as you heard the speaking voices and children's voices hooted in excitement, you heard people beside you speaking differently than the other, piquing your interest.

"¿Lo has encontrado?⁷" you turn your head to see a couple of tourists twisting the map. you understand almost everything you heard when you listen to them complaining.

letting go of his hands, jay sees you approaching some people and he follows you through the crowd to see you seemingly talking to them in a foreign language.

"¿Puedo ayudarte?⁸" he heard you say, making him raise his eyebrows.

"¿Puedes hablar Español?⁹" one of the people replied.

"Un poco…¹⁰" you said proudly. jay understood the last few sentences, having learning basic spanish back when he used to live in seattle and went to an american elementary school. as he continue listening then he got confused.

"Estamos tratando de encontrar la entrada a la montaña rusa¹¹." the other person beside them says as he sees you leaning forward while pointing at the map, he stood close enough to hear you converse using a much higher-level spanish than the ones he learned back in the US. seeing you converse freely like it's your second language. he sees you smile as the other two looks at each other before walking away.

"¡Muchas gracias!¹²" he sees you bow as the two tourists walk away.

"De nada…¹³" you replied as you give a small nod as the tourists cannot be seen anymore, looking down when you see the familiar hand holding yours.

"didn't know you can speak spanish…" he whispered as you turn to look back at him. your head tilts with a small smirk adorning your face before looking towards the big ship behind the crowds.

"let's go to the viking ride before it gets full." he lets you dragged him as you walk to the last ride of the day.

setting down the lunch and beverages you bought, you look around the cafe that jongseong brought you to outside of lotte world, he said that eating areas in the park are usually full around lunchtime, especially since tomorrow is the first day of summer vacation. so he brought you outside and walk to a cafe he found. you asked if he has been here before and surprisingly he hasn't, saying that he found them out when scrolling through recommended places on social media.

you sit there quietly, sometimes catching each other's eyes, and a smile tugs on both of your faces as the sounds of other people fill up the quietness instead with some clanks of utensils thrown in.

"thanks… for today and the food…" you murmured as he smiles back at you.

"you're welcome. really glad you enjoy it... i did some pre-planning unlike when you brought me to the sea." jongseong replied as you notice that you were the only ones in uniform in the cafe. looking back, you see him looking at the faded scars on the knuckles, the mark of the first time you truly interact with him.

"and thank you for patching me up." he added as you give a small wave of "no worries" that you hoped he can understand. he sighed as you gaze at him concerned, furrowing your eyebrows as you see him looking back at you.

"that day when i hurt myself… i was in a rage with myself for not winning the election." you heard him scoff as he straighten his pose.

"such a childish act if i thought back about it but that was the first time i've ever felt bitter about something." you slightly pouted your lips, hands paused as you try to be attentive towards him while he chuckled.

"i thought that my programs, visions, and missions are enough to be the pick as it isn't as lopsided as the others." he bobs his head, wetting his lips to help him continue to talk before a scowl starts to form on his face.

"and i thought that treating people equally is enough to make people vote for me." you look down at your food as you try your best to eat them up so that you don't lose appetite.

"that is until when i give you that rocher that it changes everything." your ears perked as you got mentioned and close your eyes as the doubts in your mind that day shows up and scream at you "told you so" that deafens what he is saying. but you shook your head away as it pauses to let you continue to listen.

"heard a rumor about me coinciding with you or such… making them turn off from voting for me to vote for the others instead." you wanted to blame yourself for that day after getting the full context from what he has spoken.

he lost because of you. because you accepted the chocolate and eat it after minutes to think about the consequences coming ahead and it became true. you felt disgusted with yourself that you've done such an act that damnifies him.

"but i don't regret it." you heard his voice penetrate through your thoughts. the sting in your eyes you didn't know was there slowly dissipates as your eyes raise to see him now looking at you.

"even with the rumors surrounding you, i get to see you in action when you give the new girl your own seat after her terrified look." your eyebrows raised as you blink rapidly from his perspective of the encounter.

"i was walking to grab my friend for the campaign when i see from the window. and that's when i started to think differently of you." his words make you slowly let go of the utensil you are holding gently on the plate in front of you.

"then when you helped patch me up? it solidified that you are a nice person without the glitz and glamour that i used to see on others around me." you let out a huge sigh as you take in what he said, sending warmth all over your body and your heart fell full.

you were mostly the same between what you do at home and school but the prejudice of you versus them just blinded the people other than suyeon who were probably around the same level as you mentally, deterred but resourceful. so you were starting to be glad that you did what you did to suyeon on her first day. all you wanted to do was to protect her and hopefully not see her being treated like you do.

"thank you for making me validated." your direct reply before continuing to eat.

jongseong is also alongside you when you ride to seoul station, sometimes asking you how many minutes it takes for you to travel between home and seoul, exposing to him the station name of where your little town is that you cannot take back, pinky fingers wrapped around each other as your other hand grip the handle on the train.

as you both stepped out of the train at seoul station, you brought him near the gate as the transit to the line you're going on next is the same way as the exit. you stood near the middle of the big hall as you wanted to let go of his pinky but instead, the grip tightens, making you lightly hit him on his arms before pouting.

successfully letting go, you walked away when you felt a tug on your wrist and your body being embraced in his arms, knocking the breath out of your lungs as he part away with a concerned look on his face when you smooth your hands against his, feeling your fingertips against the scars on his knuckles.

you looked around to see the digital clock as the train is almost coming, slowly letting go of his hands as you walk backward, waving your hand at him with a smile on your face before turning around to walk to your platform, leaving jay alone as he lingers his gaze at your retreating body before walking to the gate and meets up with mr. kim is at the parking lot of the station.

you lean your temple against the wall as you gaze at the sun setting down with its orange and purple sky as oohyo's song is playing in both of your ears, hands lightly wrapped against the metal handle to help your body not flail. another transit and another train ride later, you arrived at the station where the sun has fully disappeared and the moon and stars were much more visible, finally has their time to shine.

you see mom at the counter after saying farewell in a foreign language you understand to a solo traveler as they walked out of the cafe, seeing you entering with a smile on her face that you mimic back.

"how's your day?" you heard her ask as you put down your bag to help mom close the cafe. you replied with a thumbs-up, hearing her giggles entering your ears.

"so, who's this friend you went out with?" you looked from the corner of your eyes to see mom wiggling her eyebrows making your pursed your lips.

"it's just this boy that i helped and he helped me back," you said as little as possible, knowing that at dinner both your parents want to know everything. they are high school lovers after all and will tease you to death if they can find those little tendencies you're now having with the boy you mentioned to her, making the corner of your lips tug as you let out a smile.

the smell of roasted coffee sticks on you for the past summer as you return to the counters after serving the beverages. the whole summer vacation you have is used to help mom as your theories are true. not only are you doing full-time for her because of the increasing amount of customers, mom even opens more summer job applications for your friends in the neighborhood to help her.

today is exactly one week before summer vacation ends. you stay true to the words you said to suyeon when you tell her you're staying by the sea, seeing notifications by her giving you updates on going to harry potter world in osaka while you give a photo of the sea a few meters away from your home.

you have fulfilled your promise to tell her about your blooming friendship with jongseong, sometimes interchangeable with calling him jay even though you've always called him jongseong in your mind. you remember her talk with you in your bedroom, a reply saying along the lines of "i'm happy for you and i'll support you along the way."

the reminder of the words of support forms a small smile on your face as you help put the freshly baked pastries and cakes that one of your middle school friends give to you into the display case. crouching down to make it easier to put, you heard the ringing bell by the entrance of the cafe, making you straighten your feet as you look towards the entrance to greet the new customer.

it's jongseong, looking around confused before his eyes are now on you, a smirk showing up on his face after realizing he’s in the right place.

you rub your palm against your apron as you head to the cashier where he walks towards, stifling a chuckle as you can see your other friends teasingly look at you before going to the kitchen to help mom. you lean against the counter as you see jongseong looking at the menu in front of him.

"welcome, how may i help you?" you said with confidence in your voice. he risen his eyebrows while slightly biting his lips, looking up at you.

"can i order an iced americano and your favorite drink? both takeaways," he replied, making you chuckle as you look away while he continues.

"and your time, if you can. the drink is for you too, i'll buy them." you looked up as you pursued your lips to contain your smile.

you squinted your eyes as you lifted your apron slightly and widened your arms to the situation you're currently in, that's when you felt hands on your shoulder as you peek beside you to see mom.

"you must be jongseong…" she directly said as you turn towards her, not trying to panic as you see him nod with a slight crease on his face.

"i'm (y/n)'s mother, nice to meet you!" you see jongseong shaking his hand with mom's as he greets her, looking between you and mom as you see from the corner of your eyes her teasing smile.

"you know what? as (y/n)'s boss, technically, you can end your shift early." your eyes widen as you look at mom after hearing her words, opening your mouth and wanting to refute when she cuts in.

"but you're making his orders first before leaving. you can put the apron at the counter right beside the beans." mom said as you see her leave to talk with the other workers to see how they are doing. you looked back towards him as you nod and let your hand out for his payment.

he waited at the other side of the counter as you created your drinks, iced americano for him, and iced chocolate for you. the sound of you preparing the beverages filled the air between the two of you while you can smell the distinct caffeine smell. putting your apron down on the counter like what mom said, you picked up the two beverages and give one to jongseong, saying farewell to your friend that replaces you at the cashier as you see her giving you a wink before you teasingly roll your eyes and left the cafe. shaking the cup in your hand to help stir the drink inside as you walk mindlessly on the street with jongseong following behind.

"what made you come here?" you look towards him as he turns his head to see you.

"just wanting to visit you. last time we talked on that train you mention where you'd live. so why not visit?" you raise your eyebrows after hearing him.

"didn't you say you're spending your summer in seattle?" you reply as you recall talking to him about seattle on the train back from the cafe, where you found out is where he was born, and where he said he is spending his vacation for summer. remember that he told you he can speak basic spanish but when hearing you talk he was very confused, making you chuckle.

"i landed yesterday then spend the rest of my day sleeping before visiting here." he then yawns as you squint your eyes at him, shaking your head at how unbelievable he is.

you see him pulling out his trusty blue transport card as you looked at him in shock that made you cover your gaping mouth, hearing his chuckle before sipping his coffee. you're proud that he is brave enough to travel by himself by train following the route that you taught him with maybe the help of a gps, seeing how much he has changed to be independent and you hope to change for the better.

you both arrive at a street where the grass hills formed on the other side of the asphalt road, climbing up the faded dirt path as you glance to see him following you up the grassy field, seeing the kids flying their kites while a few are playing traditional games or ball games. you walk around them as they see you and greeted you, making you give a small wave before climbing a small grassy hill that is empty and a perfect view to overlook the field below and the sea right behind it.

brushing the grass like you used to do as a child, you sit down on the soft grass and straighten your legs and upper body, breathing in the clear air as you close your eyes to feel everything coming in close. hearing the same light crunch beside you as you glance at jongseong sitting down, posture similar to yours as the ocean's wind slightly blows his hair. he closes his eyes to feel the relaxing vibe exude by the summer's sun, the salty gust from the ocean, and the laugh of the children as you stayed quiet to let him be.

every weekend, you always tried to refresh your mind by sitting at the same rolling hills you sit currently. close enough to the sea that it doesn't trigger your phobia in some way. yet, every time you see the waters, you still can smile, enjoying the crashing waves while staring at the blue and white sailboat that is being rented on the docks at the beach, for locals and tourists.

while you sip on your drink, jongseong starts to drink his americano, letting out a refreshed sigh as he glances at you. you can't help but chuckle as you turn away to focus on the kids' colorful kites flying in the sky. how'd you hope that you can be as free as those kites like you right now for the rest of your years.

"after much thought and a trip away to seattle..." you turn your head slightly towards the boy beside you as he talks.

"i understand why you are so quiet." he looks towards your side profile, you staring blankly at the grass's top edge being blown by the wind. you hummed as you spared a look at him, seeing that he is feeling genuine.

never has someone thought your silence means something more than you. but as what you felt as the result of such atrocities you felt back in your first year, you realize being quiet is much better. as jongseong told you that he understands why you are so quiet gives a sense of connectedness that is getting closer and closer, not that jongseong and you aren't close but given the time between spring and almost the end of summer and your track record of not being good at making friends other than acquaintances, it is dynamic yet scary to think about.

"not speaking up my mind and just ignoring people all around you." he starts to speak, letting his breath out in a stable manner as he put down the cup on the grass while wiping his hand on his pants.

"feels kind of melancholic but it doesn't increase the pressure on your shoulder." you looked down at your hand as he continues, bobbing your head in agreement.

he continues to talk about what the people around him at school have been like ever since he gave the chocolate to you. yet, guilt still trying to crawl out of your gut as you listened, wanting to interrupt on how'd you felt by being the catalyst of what happened to him. in the end, he is telling you that he wants to try your thing too, to ignore the spreading words between the two of you.

you replied with nods as you pull out your phone and wired earphones, seeing him looking at the two items while you prepare yourself to listen to music.

"can i listen too?" he asked as you look towards him. you form a small smile as you give the other bud to him, the sound of the rhythm guitar filling up your ears as the drums followed right behind and the lead guitar's wails that makes you imagine images in your head.

"what band is this?" you turn towards him.

you replied, "the volunteers. an indie band." you see him nod as he follows you to stare at the ocean.

"any member that i know?" jongseong questioned as he bobs his head to the rhythm.

"hmm, maybe baek yerin cause she was from JYPE, she is the frontwoman." you bob your head as her voice filled one of your ears, glancing at him to see him bob his head. eyes resting to look at the blues and greens while you both continue to consume your drinks until the cups are empty as you both sit quietly together.

"you have great taste in music." he replied after a few songs, making you giggle as he continue. "it'll be fun to see them play someday," you respond with a nod as you gather both of his and your empty cups together.

"have you thought about what you want to do after graduating?" you heard him ask, peeping at him while also observing the fluffy clouds above you.

"studying classics in the modern world or around that field…" you muttered then look towards him, seeing his bewildered look before he fell out of his trance. you slant your head as you glance at him.

"probably studying between cooking, fashion, or music," he answered as you stared at him instead. you heard his dad owns businesses and you thought he will inherit that someday but you're stunned as his parents give him that much freedom.

many of the students in your class when talking about majors to take, they will pick around the area of economics, medicine, law, or engineering. you understand why they might pick them as you heard their parents might work in those fields too. many competition means they have to try for the survival of fittest. your choice of picking classics is probably a cop-out but at least you followed what you want to follow.

you sighed as you both stare at the ocean, your hands hugging your knees and your face muscles relaxing from the cool breeze. feeling something on your shoulder, you peek at the corner of your eyes to see jongseong putting his chin on your shoulder, glancing his eyes towards yours as you turn your head slightly. his hand is on your other side as you look down when you felt it on your waist. your nails can't help but slightly rub your fingertips as your mind is running all over the place, eyes wandering to the flying kites in the sky.

breath hitches, you move your hand to take his, making him lift his head up as you turn your head fully towards him. the scar on his knuckles almost fully disappears as your thumb traces them one by one. feeling his breath lightly brushes your face as you peek at him leaning closer, his forehead gently meeting yours as the hand that wraps on your waist moves to cup your cheek. both of your lips hover near each other, closing your eyes as you can't bear how nervous you are with him rubbing your cheekbones, then you heard the scream of the children down the hill and water dropping on your head as it gets heavier and heavier.

leaning away, you stand as quickly as possible so the grass doesn't get wetter for you to slip and fall, pulling the buds of each of your ears as you both run in the sudden rain to a bus stop beside the hills. you were glad you were wearing overalls with pants that can make you run fast. jongseong shakes his head as the water falls out of his hair, the sky doesn't even look dark like the rains you used to see as you put your hand out, the raindrops hit your palm. your shoulders slump as you see the kids walking around with their umbrellas risen to cover them up.

but, you want to go out, to feel the freedom you have right now.

feeling that your pocket is deep enough that it takes a few drops to seep into the inside, you step out as your turn back towards him when you see his raised eyebrows.

"come on, jay. you know you're brave enough." you talk louder than you used to do to fight the sound of the pouring rain as your eyes smile and spin around in the middle of the empty street, walking backward slowly as you jokingly taunt to leave him if he didn't follow. him stepping into the rain makes you grin as you stride to hug him, letting him feel wetter from your body, giggling as you lean back to see his defeated face before forming a smirk himself. letting go, you walk first to leave him behind as you walk down the wet road on the way to your home.

the memory of you playing in the rain for the first time comes back to you as you walk around, jumping into puddles where you heard jongseong's yelp that makes you laugh, swinging around the utility poles like you're gene kelly in singin' in the rain, chasing jongseong after he nudges you before you nudges him back hard, arriving at the cafe where mom looks at you two and throws you towels, seeing her shaking her head while you squeeze your hair into the towel as the sun is slowly setting outside with the rain covering it.

jay goes upstairs of the cafe after you gesture to him, seeing a small quaint home upstairs as he rubs his skin around his neck and arms with the towel your mom gave him. the home feels like a home, small enough but filled with decorations that feel like what a house should be. he stood by the stairs as you walk past him, not wanting to stand inside until you allow him even though you point to his shoes as you get yours off before stepping inside. he steps in after seeing you in a fresh new outfit, giving some clothes to him.

"it's my dad's. it's not much…" you gesture your hand as you look at his outfit, knowing that it costs higher than what dad has.

"it's fine…" he smirks as you point to where the bathroom is.

you were washing your hands to prepare for dinner when you heard footsteps coming from the stairs and behind you, sensing that jongseong is standing behind you to help heat up some food. that's when you heard dad and mom's voices coming inside the home, making both you and he turn your head towards the pair.

"jongseong, isn't it?" dad comes forward as you glance at him in front of jongseong.

"jongseong and jay are both alright, sir," he said with a clear voice, his hands politely sits in front of him. you heard dad hum before a chuckle.

"aww, jongseong. don't be nervous." dad wraps his arm around jongseong's shoulder as dad brought him away, hearing dad asking if he wants to stay for dinner as mom's giggles get closer as she helps you heat up and grabs the plates and utensils, still wearing her own apron as you see her plating the food in the pan.

as the last food came, you settle down in your usual chair, an empty seat beside yours now sits jongseong as you heard him and dad laughing from their conversation, glad that dad accepts him and jongseong accepts dad. as the four of you eat, there are a few times both of your parents interrupt to talk as they both teasingly look at you.

"so, jongseong, how did you and (y/n) get close?" mom said as you looked at her with wide eyes, turning your gaze towards him sitting beside you with a spoon in his hands.

"genuinely, we just clicked after…" he turns to you as you look at him, giving a small nod when he looks down to see your hand resting on top of his lap.

"she helped me heal my wound after i got hurt." you felt his fingers locking with yours as you look back at your parents that are chuckling like they're teenagers themselves. this was the first time you ever brought someone home and also your first time seeing your parents act like this, looking very youthful with creases showing as their face contorts into a smile, making them look 10 years or younger than they actually are.

"that's actually like one of ours first encounters, between me and (y/n)'s mom." dad continues as he tells one of the stories of how they met up when dad rested hidden behind the building after being pushed by his "friend" while mom helps to patch him up. you observed how four of you talk together and how harmonious it is.

they looked disappointed when he has to leave, handing you an umbrella when you waited for jongseong to pack his wet clothes up as you will guide him to the station knowing that the last trains are running, and you don't want to worry mr. kim or his parents. you both stepped down to the closed cafe, the room was dark with lights only coming from the hallway of the stairs going up and the streetlight outside with the rain still pouring down.

jongseong walks with you in the rain as you put the umbrella between the two of you, the streetlights lighting up the road as you both walk to the station. you see his hand reaching yours that is holding the handle, stabilizing the umbrella as you walk on the wet road, seeing water running down to the drain as you fight the little current flowing beneath your feet.

"so, jongseong huh?" you heard him say beside you, letting a chuckle out that you follow with yours as you bob your head.

"i felt awkward calling you jay, you know?" you lightly pout as you felt him nudge your shoulder.

"i only allow my parents, jake, and sunghoon to call me jongseong. but you?" you see him raise his eyebrows, "you get a pass." and that makes you smile as you can see the station in front of you two, crossing the road with rails in between the asphalt.

"oh sh- i almost forgot," he exclaimed as he rummaged the pockets of dad's old clothes, which dad said it is now his to pull out something glimmering under the raindrops-shielded streetlight. he holds onto your hand to open up your palm, putting down a cherry-shaped keychain. the light illuminates the red as it gets brighter beneath it and the stem leading up to the chain and hook.

"i know it's not much…" he mumbles while looking at your hand as you close it and lean towards him, giving him a small peck on his cheek.

"it's enough," you muttered as you can see two lights in the distance behind him, his train. you walk him to the covered entrance of the station while he looks at the train coming closer.

your hands wave as he steps onto the platform with the train coming to the station, seeing him wave you back as he steps into the train car. you take a few steps back as the train runs on the track, looking up to see the train runs on the rail in front of you with the crashing waves behind you.

as you arrived back home, most of the lights in your living room are turned off except for a few nightlights in a few corners. stepping inside your room with its own yellow nightlight that you put on while you change clothes, you set the cherry keychain down beside the shell jongseong gave you on your bookshelf, remembering that you kiss him on the cheek and almost on the lips as you caress your lips.

'what is this feeling?'

you wonder as you got reminded of interactions between you and jongseong like how you see your parents. even though quiet, silence is loud enough to give off the aura you both have, in a positive way.

both of your thumbs move on the screen on your phone as you zoom in on the written words in the image. eyes widen, eyebrows furrowed, and your tongue pokes the inside of your cheek; you stare at it amazed as the words in the image that jongseong sent you through the new contact of him you've just gotten earlier in the day have now registered in your mind. a colorful poster with lists of musicians performing that you realized was one of jongseong's main program if he won the election, now a reality as you read the few lines of explanation written former to the image being sent. how yedam actually likes the idea of the festival as a way for more teens in the area to have their own opportunity to enjoy the music culture of seoul.

what you can't believe is the names of the musicians you listen to with jongseong that day at the end of summer appearing there, combined with a few kpop acts such as tomorrow x together and lee heeseung that you know costs a lot of money. maybe they wanted to add more to the lineup and since the artists you listen to are more towards k-indie, it costs less than those idols that have a whole lot of staff in their entourage. but the appearance of a certain the volunteers and a few artists you introduce to him makes you think that he thought it thoroughly, inspired by the kind of music you listen to other than pop as a way to introduce them to others.

you almost slip your phone on the moving train when it trembles with the information as the main reason, almost embarrassing yourself in a car full of working commuters who just finished their job. you smile sheepishly at your foolishness and internally facepalms yourself when you stand upright to lean against the wall. then, you see a notification showing up on the screen as you stabilize yourself by holding on to the metal handle. a notification from jongseong.

"i bought you and your friend tickets so you can come together. i'll see you there!"

you nibble on your bottom lip as you hear the announcement of the station you have to transit in arriving soon. smiling to yourself at the thoughtful action from the boy as your heart and mind relax, followed by suyeon's notifications now showing up on the top, her caps locked words express how excited she is about the music festival in the middle of autumn.

after summer ends and you start to go back to school, you can sense the difference between this semester and your previous semesters where you are mostly alone—still as quiet as ever yet with a difference with suyeon right beside you. you both started to open up with each other. you remembered the shock and a drop you felt inside you when suyeon told you her perspective of her first day of school here and the revelation that the same group of people that belittles you in your first year was the same people that bullied her in middle school. telling each other stories about what you both experienced in the empty classroom as the others have left the school one day, giving gloomy smiles to each other after tell-all stories of your experiences of being left behind and ignored.

the biggest difference is the presence of jongseong in your day-to-day life. through small glances between each other as you pass the hallway, you both actively try to let things be as normal as ever, not letting the school knows the business between you two; knowing the tension it produced to know that their most respected student hangs out with the ‘unrespected’ student and a surprise on how peaceful their relationship is. yet, outside of school, you use two days each week after school walking through the street of seoul together. ‘cafe crawling’ as you like to call it when you both visit all sorts of cafes from the most minimalist ones, like the one he brought you after going to lotte world, or to a dog cafe where jongseong doesn't have to worry about sneezing too much while rubbing a head of a puppy. sightseeing the less-industrialized area of seoul where you sat down to enjoy each other’s presence as you read a book in a quaint and antique-looking bookstore while he is doing his student council business.

both of you started to introduce each other's friends to create the circle you once hope for when you entered high school. suyeon smirks the whole time as she looks between the two of you with jaeyun and sunghoon poking fun at jongseong to the death, making you hide behind your friend as you whispered jokingly how scared you are to them, introducing them to the little secret that is you and jongseong's relationship. still, when they asked if both of you are officially a couple, your lips went dry as you look at jongseong that sits across the booth of a restaurant all five of you are having for an early dinner after school.

you never officiate your relationship with each other as you just want to enjoy the flow of the journey. this was the first time you have ever been close to a boy which is more than what you experienced with the boys back in your neighborhood during your tween days, where you are active in playing traditional games and telling ghost stories at school nights—girls are there of course. but, holding hands? cheek kisses? that's what people consider as another step towards something more than friends. jongseong never really commented on it, which made you not want to ask him either. nevertheless, that nagging feeling is still stuck inside you until this very day.

as you and suyeon exchange the tickets to the bracelet that differentiates the holders and step into an unrecognizable atmosphere of your school grounds one weekend, the sun setting behind the school building slowly making the light turns on one by one. you see a stage erected in the middle of the football field as you can hear a voice that you recognized is baek yerin's and the band preparing their set while introducing the members, making you silently pull suyeon to go with you to the stage. people your age, even older, stood in front of the band as they played their first song on the stage, feeling a sense of fulfillment inside you.

"this is my first time seeing you this giddy." suyeon whispers into your ear as you felt her arms wrapping around your shoulder, now just realizing the muscles on the corner of your mouth are lifted so high as you quickly lower it down to save face, making the girl beside you laughs. seeing the band slowly getting into their element, mesmerizing you.

you stood there the whole time, not moving your feet or position as you listen to the songs you listen to through your wired earphones and phone now live in front of you. the speakers beside the stage booming out the live music being performed where you can recognize a tinge of difference that you can hear, as if your brain is supposed to pieces the melody, harmony, and rhythm together from the scattered wave flowing in the, now, night sky rather than the clean sound that enters your ears with your phone and earphones. you held on to a drink that suyeon bought for you as you can’t seem to look away from the stage for too long, bopping your head as the volunteers perform ‘violet’ with crashing cymbals and the chord strokes on the electric guitar, suyeon standing beside you as she drinks a cup of sprite of her own while bopping her head and moving her body to the music.

when the audience claps their hands as the band finishes their set, you felt your phone vibrates inside your pocket. pulling it out to greet the bright light, jongseong’s text can be read asking have you been enjoying it so far. your reply with a short "yes" but with a lot of exclamation marks as he sends a laughing emoji in reply. you look back to the stage to see another artist that you showed jongseong that day, meaningful stone, now on it as she and her band is preparing for their set. you can’t wait to hear her perform when your phone vibrates again and you see jongseong ask,

"can i see you?"

the sound of synth fading in surrounds the area as you hesitate to answer, your thumb seemingly not wanting to move on the keyboard. you wanted to meet him but if he is a crew, won't he be busy?

"aren't you busy?" you wrote as he then reply seconds after.

"the other crews under my care are doing their job so i'm free," he answered.

"go to him." suyeon says beside you as you turn your head to her, making you lightly jump and grip your phone tightly. you straighten your posture as suyeon chuckles, using your open palm to point at you then at her but you know what she will answer. "i'll be okay. go to your boy," she lightly pushes to guide you to the back of the crowd as you turn around to see her wave her hands and dramatically disappeared into the crowd, making you chuckle as you look down and wrote a "yes" to him.

when you read the location he told you to meet up, you let out a small smile as you look at the trees surrounding the school grounds. a speck of light behind one of them, knowing that only the greenhouse is built deeper behind the trees and bushes. you follow the pavement you usually walk to go out of the gates, walking the opposite way of everyone that just enters to see the performance and swerve off course when you are closer to where the greenhouse is and the little shack beside it. the path was dark only lit with a small yellow outdoor lamp sticking to the shack and the ones set near the greenhouse. you heard humming from the corner of the song that is playing right now. the song you introduced to him at that hill that summer.

"hey there, mysterious," you mumbled as jongseong looked at you turning the corner, leaning against the wall he used to punch his fist into with a smirk. your fingertips trace the brick wall as you walk closer towards him, feeling the dent that is left there right beside where he leaned against. he was wearing a crew outfit that you have seen a few of your peers wearing as you explore the field and a lanyard around his neck as he continues to hum, making you lean against the wall beside him, the dent right in the middle of the two of you. you look to the side to see the bright stage covered by the thick leaves and plants as the sound of the music disperses widely to the air, the soundwave only reaching where you at in a small amount as you heard it muffled.

"we've come a long way since that day." you turn your head towards him as he finally sounded, looking at the knuckles he slightly pushes out underneath the light of the moon and the lamps near both of you as the only sources of light that doesn't make you consumed in darkness. you look down towards it, the scars that he made and you healed in this very place, before letting your eyes track the areas where you sit that day covered in shadows yet silhouette is still visible, seeing a projection of yourself and jongseong that day sitting by the tap and hose where you clean him. your hand reaches out for his, so near yet so far as you don't want to lean in further, still afraid if you breach his space.

when he pushes his hand out to grab yours, you didn't get a few seconds to internally embrace that he made you smile as you felt your hand getting closer to your side again. jongseong now stood in front of you, making your eyes widen as you are trapped between his figure and the brick wall. you felt his fingers locking with yours as you look at his face, seeing one side of it shining because of the moonlight with a tinge of the orange from a lamp around the corner illuminating his ear; the other faded into the shadow yet since you see him often you can still able to trace them with your eyes.

you let your free hand reach up to lightly touch his illuminated cheek, making the light hit your hand instead as you glance towards his eyes where he slowly closed them. his head leaning more towards your palm as he lets out a huge breath, making your breath hitches for a second as his eyelids slowly open, a small smile adorning his face. you took a glimpse as his hand reaches up and cups your cheek near your jaw, him silently telling you that you can't move away, making you feel the same feeling as he is currently. nodding your head, his head moving forward as your lips meet each other, feeling your hand that was cupping his face getting stiff as you both lean away, his forehead on yours as you lean your head back, feeling the wall right behind it.

unconsciously biting your bottom lip, his hand moves from your jaw to your chin as he let his thumb press lightly under your bottom lip, letting it go from your teeth. your eyes can only see his as you blink before closing your eyes, leaning in first to let him know that it was okay as you felt the plump lips again. your hand now moves to stop at the junction between his neck and shoulder as both of you continue forward, not letting go anytime soon. as you felt the tip of his nose lean towards one side, you lightly push him close to you as both of your lips continue to mingle with each other. your interlocked hands gripping each other’s as you both continue, the small volume coming from the music is slowly getting muffled as you can only focus on the sound of your lips connecting and your heartbeat getting faster, taking in the air as he nibbles on your bottom lip before he moves back to its place that he has seemingly claim.

you didn't keep up with the time as you suddenly heard louder cheering than before from the stage, making you lean your head back against the wall gently as jongseong's nose tip brushed against yours. you tilt your head slightly to the side as you now recognized that lee heeseung is performing now. your eyes glance back at his face as he leans away so you can see him clearly, noticing how swollen his lips are as you think that it is the same as yours.

"i missed meaningful stone's set…" you murmured as you pouted, making him chuckle before giving a peck on your pouted lips.

"sorry… i just can't wait any longer," he replied lowly as he reach his other hand behind him to get your other hand and brought them in between each of your bodies with the other pair. you observe him looking at your connected hands, swaying them as you see him smile with adorning eyes. he slowly lifts his head to look at you as you waited.

"do you want to take it further with me?" he asked.

"dating you?" you mouthed as he nods, letting out a hiss before biting his lips.

how straightforward he is, you thought. you recall all the thoughts of when suyeon and his friends taunt the two of you to ‘just get together already’. dating was something you are not well-versed in as the closest you have to a "date" was some kid you played around with and you kiss each other’s cheeks back when you were five years old. the thought of having someone by your side and support you, and vice versa, has always been welcoming to you yet also making you intimidated. your closest example of a perfect couple is your parents and their healthy relationship, communicating their problems with each other as open as a book with jumbled words where only each other can read them clearly. you have to peek at one of the moments when you see dad crying as his head rested on your mom's stomach one day, the day after you almost drown. leaning your head against the wall as you listened from the slightly ajar door to a story of what happened to you from his side. you felt intimidated to have a perfect partner for yourself as your parents have with each other, soulmates as everyone says they are.

you didn't know that the partner that can push your intimidating thoughts away is jongseong. from the moment he gave you that ferrero rocher, deep beneath your heart, you know, he will stay in your life as it continues. understanding the click that jongseong described to your parents as you both hanging out for the sake of being with each other. how mom and dad said to you a few days after jongseong visited your town how nice he is and how you exude a more stronger aura of yourself after you met him.

taking a deep breath, you lick your lips before saying, "i do want to." which is then followed by a bright and light kiss from him before pulling away, sparks seemingly surrounding the two of you, making you both laugh as you gently move your hands that connect with his.

"are you free next friday?" you lifted your eyebrows as you squint your eyes at his question. ‘what is he planning?’ was the thought that crosses your mind before you nod slowly.

"since i met your parents before, i think it is the right time that you meet mine for dinner," he spoke as you internalized the proposal and understand his logic. he never told you much about his parents, only about how much his mom adores him as he is also an only child like you are. but, he did not mention his dad much as he described his old man as “more work-oriented” and taking only one day in the weekend to rejuvenate, which is having a dining table talk with the three of them, something that you realized was like what your family do. the idea of meeting the parents of your newly officiated partner—still awkward as ever to now put the label "boyfriend" attached to him even though you can start now seconds ago—intrigues you, in both good and bad ways. will they be as caring as he is or will they be like the other parents that your schoolmates have?

"okay sure," you replied before lightly pushing him away as you remind him of his work as a crew. giving him a small kiss on his lips before letting go of his hands, waving to him before walking back to where the stage stands as you knew that suyeon will ask about what happened between the two of you in your meeting.

friday was fast arriving as you wave at suyeon who is climbing into her car. you turn your head towards the parking lot where you scan the number plate of cars where you, slowly but surely, found jongseong's car. seeing the tinted silhouette of mr. kim in the driver's seat, you climb into the backseat where jongseong greeted you by grabbing your hand and bringing it to his lips to give the back of it a kiss. you put down your backpack and a small bag full of new sets of clothes as your mom told you that going home alone at night in the big city will not be a good idea and suggested that you should stay the night at his place instead. at first you were hesitating, 'first time meeting your boyfriend's parents and already staying the night' seems like a wild train of thought. yet, when you mention it to jongseong, he mentions it to his mom and replied how she is welcoming you with open arms. a seemingly different image of the cold and demanding parents that you often see.

letting out the breath you didn't know you held, the car arrives at an apartment complex that you can figure out by the elegant-looking white-painted wall and the security gate at the entrance, this is a home for important people or people that have the privilege to live there. not as tall as the apartment towers you've seen on the way there but wider in the sense that one floor equals one unit. the car stops in front of the entrance of one of the unit as jongseong step out from his side while you follow on yours. the car drives away down a sloping road as he brought you to the entrance and guides you into the open elevator, seeing him pressing the button with the number 3 on the panel of buttons.

he steps out as the elevator door slides open to walk to the only door available on the floor. standing back as he enters the code on the keypad by the door, you can't imagine how spacious it must be to have a floor of an apartment to claim as your own. the door beeps as you return your gaze back to jongseong opening the door where you can smell something cooking, a classical piece echos to the hallway as you step in and follow him to pull your shoes off.

"jongseong? is that you?" a woman's smooth-textured voice can be heard as he took steps forward on the marble floor as you can view the large living room with big sofas and a big screen tv planted into the wall with a large terrace right across from you, covered with various pots of plants. you don't dare yourself to move your feet anywhere while your head continues to the room that slowly extends to the side, seeing jongseong walks passed the dining table on the other side of the large room to his mom standing behind an island counter and in front of an open window. you can smell a familiar seafood delicacy being cooked as jongseong stood beside her, towering over her while putting a hand on her shoulder as you see her turn around. you felt your breath being taken away as you see one of the most beautiful women you have ever seen other than your own mom.

"welcome (y/n)," you heard her smooth voice addressing you that was bowing your head before you hear a pitter-patter on the floor, a figure stands coming closer as your eyes widen to see mrs. park. she looks like she is dressed up for the occasion underneath her apron, opening her arms wide as she engulfs you in a hug. you held your breath as you sheepishly smile at the woman's son back in the kitchen, him covering his mouth as you see his shoulders move from the unexpected encounter.

"oh, sorry…" jongseong's mom seemed to realize as she moved back her figure to then help smoothen down your uniform, you can't help to look towards her when she smiles. "you are a beauty. come, you can put your bags beside the sofa." you widen your eyes from the comment before doing what she said as you follow them to the dining table.

"i sure hope you like salmon." jongseong's mom spoke as she looks behind the shoulder at you standing near the dining chairs. jongseong seemingly looks at you as he then continues what he was doing, helping his mom cook the dinner. he did mention he wants to learn something relating to cooking before, so you assume he has his time behind the counters and stoves.

"i sure do, ma'am," you replied before you took a few steps to see the spaghetti and salmon being cooked side by side. it reminds you of the weekends when you usually made breakfast alone or with your parents in your kitchen that is smaller than the one you are currently in. back when you were going to school in your town, you always helped in making dinner too, usually stirring or sauté whatever mom puts. ever since high school, your schedule has switched up and dinner was always served, maybe a bit earlier, by the time you finished your journey back home. you pouted as you look at the mother and son duo that reflects you and your own mom.

you turn your body away as you see the home that looks bigger from the angle you stood at. a hallway at the end of the room beside the tv and one beside the wall of the shoe closet at the entrance. walking towards the window of the terrace, you can see the sky getting darker as the lights start to illuminate on the rising buildings of the city, a bit far from the hill the apartment complex is built on. the view is breathtaking as you have never seen the city like this before, reminding you of your view from your bedroom window is the streets of your neighborhood and a few streetlamps since it isn't tall enough.

your body perks up when you felt a hand on your shoulder. glancing to the side to see jongseong who stood beside you, leaning in to whisper to your ear, "dinner is ready."

he brought you and help you sit on the seat beside his where you can see the food and drink served on the plates with a few leftovers are serve in the middle of the table. you tugged your clothes to tidy them up as you sit on the soft cushion, observing his mom pulling off her apron and putting it on the island before taking a seat across from you.

"thank you for the meal, ma'am." you bowed your head before grabbing the utensils that sit on either side of the plate, looking between the pair as his mom gestured for you to try the food. your lips pursed as you nod your head at how tasty the food is before continuing, mrs. park lets out a sigh of relief, you hope, from across from you and puts both of her hands on her chest.

"i didn't know what you might like so i just thought that you like seafood as you live by one." his mom replied, making you lift your head before you slowly turn your head at your boyfriend who is just innocently eating beside you. lifting your eyebrows, he stares at you before quickly inhaling the food he’s eating.

"ahh… i told her where you lived after i visited you at your home." he said after finishing eating the food in his mouth. "she was curious about why my clothes were different than the ones i left with so i told her what happened, where you live, et cetera." you nodded as you looked down on your lap.

deep inside your brain, you knew that it will reach his parents someday. and yet, you still feel insecure about it. that their son hangs out, or even dates, someone that is mostly outside of their circle other than where they go to school at, whose habits and facilities are not as complete as what they have. your mind is slowly getting clouded by the darkness that you have pushed aside for months now as it meets an unknown factor that isn't included in their initial defense. in tiny steps, it regresses back to that faithful day in your class with the small ball of chocolate on your lap.

"i don't know what you have experienced." your focus comes back, now realizing you were breathing irregularly before looking up at jongseong's mom's concerned eyes. "but i heard stories between the two of you and i don't care about where you live or your wealth." your bottom lips tremble as you grip on the fork and knife.

"i can see how happy he is with you beside him." you see a hand on top of yours as you trail it back to the woman in front of you. a sincere look that is familiar in her eyes as she lets out a gentle smile, creases forming on the corner of it as the sign of how long they have experienced the world and its difficulties and how it seems that she likes to smile with her eyes. taking a deep breath while slowly blinking, you nodded your head before mouthing a "thank you" where she tightens her grip on your hand before continuing to eat.

having a small talk whilst eating with his mom reminds you of when jongseong eats with your folks, how she has the same glint in her eyes you recognized as she teases him in front of you, seemingly purposely embarrassing him as you can’t help but giggle at how the boy beside you reacts to it then gives up. some peaceful family moments you used to never believe happened to the elites at your school from the horror stories that you have eavesdropped on before in school. some sticking to you like a child of a chaebol that has various paramours to succession drama within families of lawyers, even suyeon's family who doesn't seem to care about her well-being that she has finally opened up to you, caring about her progress in her hagwon studies.

your head twitches as you heard a small beeping sound from the entrance of the unit. heavy steps echos on the hallway as it stops, seemingly taking their shoes off base on what is there. a figure wearing a suit and tie steps into the living room, turning their head to look towards the dining table.

"dad?"

"honey?"

jongseong and his mom both exclaimed as you can now see the clearer image of a man coming closer to the dining table, features that you can see on his face are also available on jongseong, albeit stronger. the man wears a stoic but gentle-looking expression as he walks to the chairs across from you and gives his wife a kiss on her forehead.

"i messaged you that my meeting was canceled for today." his voice is heavy but with a matte sheen to it, similar to jongseong but a bit rougher.

"ahh… i was cooking for a guest," she replied as she looks towards you sitting across from her, making her husband's head turn towards you, a slight tilt from his head when he finally can see your presence.

"and who do we have here?" he replies gently, hand resting on the back part of the chair his wife is sitting on.

"good evening, mr. park. i'm jongseong's-"

"girlfriend. she's my girlfriend." jongseong cuts you off as you see his hand grabbing yours that is holding onto a fork on the table, making you take a peek at him—pupils trembling—before returning your attention to the man, his dad.

the man acknowledges you with a pause and a nod before replying, "you look familiar." your eyebrows creases as jongseong’s dad walks to the sink to wash his hands and grab a set of plate and utensils for himself from the cabinet. what does he mean by that? you have never seen mr. park before today. does his comment mean that he has seen you when he went to school, recalling the memory of jongseong’s parents being donators and such? must be as that was the most plausible explanation you can create from the informational circumstances.

mr. park sits in the empty chair across from his son and right beside his wife. you discreetly took a glimpse at him, twirling your pasta with your fork when you notice that jongseong was glancing at you. his eyebrows were raised with you following before returning back to your food. has he also heard that small comment his dad made at you?

"any name for my son's girlfriend?" his dad suddenly asked. your head tilts up to meet the family before clearing your throat.

"my name is (y/n), sir," you answered. what you didn't expect was a small shock forming on the man's face before he composes himself. you took a peek at jongseong from the corner of your eyes, a confused look showing on his face while his mom’s confusion that started around the same as yours started to dissolve. a look of recognition enters the frame of her eyes after the words her husband said, gently slapping him on his arm so he is not leaving the sudden tension hanging.

"are you by chance (y/f/n)?" your eyebrows furrowed, bewildered by your full name being mentioned.

"ye-yes i am. how do you know my name…?" you mumbled the words that formed in your mind, hoping that your voice reach the man that sits diagonally from you. because of his answer, you start to question all the paths that you have to cross and go through to reach where you at now. searching if any of them has any trace of mr. park or not.

"i'm the person that sponsors your scholarship."

your head unconsciously tilts as the revelation slowly tries to make sense in your mind.

jongseong's dad is the one that sponsors your scholarship. he is the person that pays your school fees to go learn at the school you are enrolling currently. he might be the one that offered to open a scholarship at your school in the first place. and here he is, sitting at the dining table with you.

you're not one that easily believes in fate and destiny, having seen how hard working your parents or people around you are in gaining their place in the world, yours also. the idea of competition has been ingrained into your brain, even though you don't show how competitive you are unlike your peers who are ambitious in their own way. competition is what you went through to be able to enroll in your current school after all. but, you meeting and having a relationship with jongseong isn't a result of a competition, even though you see some tendencies of that at school of how people seemingly adores or adored him. the chances of the person you are dating has a parent that provides your tuition for the whole three years of school was so tiny it is almost impossible. nevertheless, because of it, you feel thankful to fate and destiny for making it happen.

"i mostly stayed in contact with your parents though. but i believe i've seen you before, might be before you were enrolling." he continues as you sit on the chair, stunned while looking at your half-finished meal on the plate, shaking your head at how a coincidence it must be even for jongseong's dad and mom that is now adorning a smile as she finally puts the pieces of the puzzle together.

"i-i don't know what to say other than a thank you, sir." you bowed your head once again before you look at the smiling family that are staring at you. jongseong's smirk adorns his face as he realized and internalized your actions and words.

"i mean, i should thank you too (y/n). no one has ever been with jongseong before especially romantically." the man cracked a joke that makes you chuckle as the tensions simmer down at the expense of jongseong's well-being, which he then whines to his dad before making a joke to them as you all finished dinner. how his dad asks about your parents’ well-being and how his mom tells her husband the romantically cheesy "dates" that you have to go through with her own words as told from the boy's perspective, some even shock you and it gains their peals of laughter. a harmonious relationship that you hope can reflect on yours too.

"can we talk about what happened at the dining table?" jongseong exclaimed as he puts his phone down on the mattress, the flashlight from it lights up the space as the duvet covers both of your figures and rested on your head as you sit in the middle of it. after dinner, jongseong introduced you to the guest bedroom right across from his where you’ll be staying for the night as his mom doesn't want anything inappropriate to happen tonight between you and his son with her husband saying that you both are too young for that, which made jongseong rolls his eyes before helping you settle down for the night. you didn't expect that he knocks on the door as you were going to sleep on the nicest bed you have ever slept in, persuading you to join him in his room to hang out between the two of you.

your relaxed and sleepy face takes in jongseong's room that, you can assume, is double the size of yours back in your home. seeing the black that you so associate him with makes a wooden accent wall in the room, a desk with a gaming set up while a small cabinet with textbooks rested on the lighter-colored wood outline against it. the anomaly that is easiest to see is the light-colored shell you gave to him, which is right beside the blue transport card you picked and see him use. both items are placed in front of frames of photos of little him and his parents. you were chuckling when you see a photo of his little body sitting in a sports car pretending to drive it when the light suddenly streams out and the moon's shining light seems to be brighter in the room. you turn back around to see him moving around the duvet while patting on the mattress, frantically picking up the duvet and resting it behind you to then sit up on his knees and pull them above you to create a new ceiling, enveloping both of you in darkness.

"yeah, we can. i was as shocked as you." you sit forward, crossing your legs as you felt your knees touch his when you decide to sit facing each other. his hand rested on his lap with your hands resting on top of your knees.

"what's the chances of that could happen? one in billions, right?" he asked similarly to what you thought about as you see him scrunching his nose while thinking, a habit you've recognized of him as you've seen it every time you've started to hang out with him. you dozed off as you recall everything that happened and trailed the road on how it came to be. that if you didn't get information about a scholarship, you might not even know jongseong. that if you didn't get accepted out of the people that apply, you can’t be in the same school as jongseong. that if jongseong didn't see you in your class helping suyeon, he might not offer you a chocolate, to then might help him win the election which results in you not helping him after he tried to hurt himself. the road goes on and on and on, yet you wonder what will become if you take the wrong road to cross, will you be able to be the you that you are right now?

"yeah… sorry i was dozing off, thinking about something," you replied as you realized he might have been waiting for his question to be answered.

"about?" he asked as he lean his head towards where his shoulder is.

"how we were both came from different roads but we turn the right way in each of every crossroads we face to reach here." you sighed as your hands gathered together on your lap, soothing each other as you collect your thoughts to summarize it to words.

"i wonder if we have taken another turn, will we be like this?" your murmur makes him hum as silence consume both of you, letting your mind go into a rampant as you take in the lit-up duvet above and around you. letting your eyes look down, you felt something warm touching your hands: his hands. the mattress beneath you move as you felt his breath in front of you, leaning closer to give you a kiss on your lips. your hands turn outwards as you move them to grip his that wanders, slowly leans away, and settles back in his space.

"this is what i felt and what i hope comes true every time." his hand cups one of your cheeks, making you rub against it in reflex as its warm transfers to your own. "that whatever road i take, they all lead to you."

your third year came and went by as fast as how light traveled. heaving from the heavy tests that you just go through, you dragged your feet as you look at the other test takers that almost looks the same as you after the uphill battle that is suneung. even though you didn't devote your entire three years of high school to it, you can't help yourself but be curious as to how your average knowledge will compare to those who have studied and dedicated their time to it. you didn't expect to be able to get into your choices as you picked the SKY universities that you always heard only accept those people that achieved the top 3% of the highest scores. that’s because your idea of university entrance preparation and announcements was thrown out of your head when you received an e-mail a few days ago.

bringing the lunch box bag that mom packed before you left in between your curled fingers and palm, you see her and dad standing at the entrance with their coats layering their clothes as the weather is getting colder. she said the day before that it is family support is important for suneung takers as both of your parents enter their universities through it, celebrating what is the hardest usage of a brain their children must endure. dad even mentioned that mom will be closing her cafe just for that day as they travel to seoul in his car, probably visiting your grandparents too while they wait for you. they were also as curious as you to see how their child has compared to others, knowing that you only studied for it since the day you registered to join, allowing usage of their disposable income to pay you for the registration and to see the results.

right beside them is jongseong's mom wearing a luxury-branded coat from how iconic its look is from the images you have come across on the internet, talking to your parents as it seems that she is slowly getting to know them after the whole positive debacle between yours and her family. you were just as shocked when you and jongseong pick the same place to take the test as you both didn't talk much about suneung, universities entrances in general are a very sensitive topic for kids in their final year of k-12 studies after all. as you stride heavily towards them, you see the three parents turning their heads to you as you greet your parents with a hug then bowing your head to jongseong's mom as a greeting, waiting for the boy to come out.

your third year can be summarized as a very chaotic and eventful year. starting with the new list of classes being shared a few weeks before the first day of your semester where you see your name with suyeon, jongseong, and jaeyun in the same column; sunghoon, at that time, has already moved to canada after you all are confirmed to pass your second year for his ice skating training as he might be drafted to more national level events. the four of you then started a group chat together—courtesy of suyeon—so it makes it easier for communication and group projects as most of them will be in a group of four, sunghoon being included so that, as jaeyun says, he can feel a sense of normalcy again where he hangs out with his two best friends and the entire entourage.

you remember on the first day of class, you see jongseong waiting for you on the stairs of the entrance, a small smile appearing on his face as he offers his pinky finger out to you. at first, you hesitated to accept it but you knew from what he communicated through his eyes that you recalled the talk the two of you have about trying to be open as a couple at school, how he at least wants to let people know that he is taken by you and you to him. so, you wrapped your pinky with his and enter the hallways together to your new classroom.

from your view, you can see the changes in people’s perception of you as you walk side by side with him, even though only two fingers wrapping with each is the link between both of you. you that were always being belittled in your first year and ignored in your second were now a center of attention that you didn't seek in in your third. how you can see people whispering about it, the walls getting thinner and thinner as another wall made of spoken words is slowly crushing it, how your wall was challenged by jealous eyes and confused glares.

yet, you two persevered. you two were numb about their words from your turning points that connected with each other’s and instead of weakening both of you, they made it stronger. well, not for jongseong as his partner in the council and your classmate, jisung, suddenly took a liking towards you. suyeon seems to notice it when she whispered that the jock is glancing towards you once in a while, even picking you for team games in p.e. classes—where it used to be an unpleasant experience for the last two years. jaeyun seems to also notice it after a few times it happened that you remembered hearing him speak to his friend as they sit behind you.

"come on, jay. you got her first. don't let it eat you up."

with suyeon turning back towards him to continue what jaeyun has baited for a conversation, "she's not even jealous of the people that still liked you last year."

you lightly slap her upper arm before turning around to tilt your head to jongseong, pouting your lips at how unbelievable he is to believe that you took a liking towards someone that fast. seeing the trust he exudes from his eyes firing up as he rolls his eyes and agreed with what his friends said.

after you see jongseong coming out of the building, all of you are headed to a restaurant for dinner that your parents suggest and will be paying as a thank you to the park family, especially mr. park, for paying your school tuition for the past three years. you remembered when you went home the next day after staying the night, waking up on jongseong's bed in his arms after a night full of deep conversations, that you told your parents about the coincidence that is mr. park that paid for your scholarship is his dad. you remembered rubbing on dad's shoulder as he accidentally choked from the surprise while your mom covers her mouth from the combination of laughter and shock, followed by the three of you discussing how it happened and how the chances of it coming to be. in the end, you can never solve it logically, but you started to believe in fate because of it.

"we are very welcome to be able to help (y/n) with her education." mrs. park says as you are all seated in a fancy western restaurant in downtown seoul, you glance towards jongseong as you felt his hand holding yours beneath the table. the park's matriarch slowly puts her hand behind his shoulder to soothe the boy's upper back while looking between him, you, and your parents.

"my husband is also very proud of the two especially (y/n)'s influence on jay. we talked about it at breakfast about how jay has now been a more independent city-dweller and plays outside instead of in his room." mrs. park added as your eyes widen from the sudden tease.

"mom…" you giggled as your boyfriend replied and jokingly rolls his eyes at his mother’s teasing in front of your parents, making your parents smile once again from the dynamic.

"okay sorry, son. but, on another note, because of (y/n), my husband wants to sponsor scholarships again, with more quota this time or maybe for every year." you felt something bloom in your heart after what mrs. park said, how you wanted to pat yourself on your back as you did ask mr. park on why he only opened the initial scholarship for one person and isn’t opening for your juniors. his answer was doubtful as it was his first time opening something out of his comfort zone. hearing his wife say what she takes from his husband also means that the doubt he has vanished when he sees how a great job you are doing.

“that is great to hear. i’m glad that (y/n)’s process can be any of help in such a motivational action and in helping others.” your dad replied as mom nodded, the parents smile at each other as they took a few glances between you and jongseong before returning back to the abundance of food on the table.

"is the date confirmed for the farewell trip?" mom suddenly asks towards mrs. park, transitioning the conversation to talk about the said trip.

it has been a tradition in your school for the parent committee to arrange a farewell trip for the students of the third year after suneung results, knowing how wealthy they are and how they want their children to feel as refreshed as ever after a long battle. the trip is no different than what your seniors have as they went to jeju island and rent an entire resort just for six classes of around 25 students. you went to jeju once when you were a child and you met your old friend, the ocean, but the air is feeling a bit different. maybe because of the more variable reliefs of geographical setting there and a few diving women that you remembered your dad met and talked to.

you started to let your mind wander elsewhere to the electronic letter that you received days prior, a piece of happy news in regards to your studies. wanting to study classics and/or ancient history, your parents wanted you to study in universities that serve the best courses in those majors, which are mostly from outside of the country. so, by the start of the academic year, you and your parents have scoured online on what international universities are the best in the major that you wanted to pursue, mom arranging what your requirements are to register, and dad helping in tying all the financial loose ends so your family’s finance will mostly be used to support you. as you waited for the start of autumn, your days were full of tests and interviews in universities on the other side of the world. your hard work paid off when you earn an acceptance letter through your email from the UK, saying that one of the universities accepts you there—one of the best in the world too. you jumped and cried as your parents enter your room, hugging and crying too at how amazing you are for facing such a rigorous process while you reminded them of the strategies all three of you have created to face it.

and yet, jongseong doesn’t know any of it. as much as you want to, you don’t want to stress him out as he is also going through a hustle to enter university. the topic is really heavy for kids your age that you didn’t mind if people never talk about it with you. is it a sin to be selfish about information relating to you and your future education when for the past three years you have been treated lowly by your peers? surprising them is a factor you didn’t think about when you made the initial plan, but you want them to know that you can thrive no matter how many people have ridiculed you. yet now, you worry about your future. your future with jongseong, because of that selfishness and how his openness to people around him that is going to be a disadvantage to you.

following the girl that has been your seatmate for more than one year and six months, you walk through the hallways of gimpo airport carrying your backpack and a duffel bag to the crowd that, you recognized by their faces as your classmates. suyeon wraps her arms on your shoulder as one of the parents that supervise your class helps to collect the bags to be checked in. seeing the abundance of suitcases compare to your carry bags makes you giggle internally. as many years have passed for you to adapt to their environment, you always have a different color that makes you stick out like a sore thumb. looking across the crowd, you see jongseong smirk as jaeyun taps his shoulder before looking away from you.

"you packed your shorts, right?" she gently says into your ear as you furrowed your eyebrows while shaking your head in disgust.

"it's almost winter. the sea is going to be too cold and you’ll be bombarded by the wind," you replied with a slight pout on your face from the imagination of it all. your friend burst out in her light laughter as she nods her head in agreement.

"i actually didn’t bring shorts. i don’t want to freeze myself no matter what happened," she replies as you heard the crowd that you’re going inside the security checks and the plane’s gate as the plane is departing soon.

pulling out the newest book you currently read as you sit in the seats of the airplane, you glance at the window beside suyeon who is bopping her head to your shared earbuds as the plane is rising up into the sky. the buildings and land getting smaller and farther as it reaches the level of white clouds, leaning your head against the cushion of the seat behind it. you look beside you to the seat across the aisle, peeking at jongseong that is sleeping on jaeyun's shoulder. jaeyun seems to notice you looking at them as he smirks while gesturing you to snap a photo of them, which make you chuckle and comply. it reminds you of that trip to the aquarium a year ago and how it changes both of your lives, how instead of the empty seats that you two respectively had back on that trip, it is now filled with your friends.

after an hour or so later, you step out of the plane to meet jeju island's clearer air and the sun beams reflect on the ground where the aircraft parks. grabbing your duffel bag from the baggage claim, you all enter the buses that are going to bring you to the resort. the trees decorate each side of the road and you can see the sea a few meters behind one of its sides. it gets obscure as your eyes enlarged on the large building of the resort appearing in your vision. the resort looks like some tropical-themed villas you have come across through advertisements on the internet. it made sense though cause jeju just feels like a different region in and of itself.

you enter the rooms that you have been assigned to with the keycard that you were given by your class’ parent supervisor, a quaint two single beds with a view of the rolling waves that you can always recognize even from far away. you sat on the bed that you chose while continuing a few paragraphs on the chapter you’re reading as suyeon is opening her suitcase at her side.

"we don't have any fixed itineraries right? just that we can't go out of the resort bounds today and tomorrow we're gonna hike in the morning, lunch at a restaurant outside, and the party tomorrow night?" she asked as you hummed while the phone on your bed vibrates, seeing jongseong's notification on the lock screen.

"what are you going to do today?"

checking the time on the clock on the corner of the screen, it is currently around the afternoon. your head perks up to look at suyeon pulling out the outfits that she'll be using and a mini ironing set so she can remove the creases late when she needs to.

"after we tidy up our luggage, do you want to eat a late lunch and then head to the beach?" you suggest to her and she immediately replies with a huge "yes" which you then relay to jongseong and then to the group chat.

you have never worn such a loose sweater and tight jeans before in your academic career, so you try gently stretch the ends of your sweater with your hands but it doesn't work, and it makes you sulk by the pathetic attempt as you walk to the restaurant the four of you have chosen. you see jongseong and jaeyun sitting on seats whilst reading the menu, jaeyun looks like he is video calling someone from his phone as you walk closer, recognizing the sound of sunghoon's voice. you bit your lips as you gently tap your boyfriend's shoulder which makes him turn his body, glancing at you then at your best friend before you both sit down across from them.

never have your social interaction felt so free as you talk with four of your friends, sunghoon yawning on the screen as a result of the different timezones making you all laugh. the five of us talks about all sort of stuff as sunghoon tells his tale of training for the competitions he's going to face and all of you tell your struggles of doing suneung, which made you tell them about your condition as someone living in the suburbs and how you don't go to a hagwon so the context for your case is clearer, jongseong adding a few things up for support. you see suyeon's shocked face as you told her everything you have hidden from her, how you don't live in seoul, how you don't go to school by car and instead use a train, how that picture of the sea you took was from the beach in your hometown.

"then whose car is parked near you when you came to my house and gave me the aquarium souvenir?" she genuinely asked as your lips formed a tight lip smile since the other three’s reaction to what you said.

you sigh as you answered truthfully, "jay's."

"aww, (y/n)." she opens your arms so you lean in and let her envelop your body. her muffled voice saying sorry multiple times if she ever hurt you in somewhere shape or form is coherent from your shoulder. you cooed as you see tears falling from the corner of her eyes from the amount of guilt that she suddenly gets hit with as you rub her tears before soothing her, making the three boys look at you two awkwardly before you gestured to them to continue eating.

your stomach was full when you find a sitting booth by the edge of the beach and the resort. the sky is slowly turning orange as you sit on the cushioned sit that surrounds a fire pit. you see a few other patrons of the resort on the beach, a few were playing beach volleyball while you see a few children making sandcastles. closing your eyes, you try to let go of all the clouded stress that has accumulated in your head, both as a result of your last year and the rest from high school that you haven’t let go of as it takes a much larger effort. however, that piece in your brain about your secret acceptance remains in place, even moving closer to a part of your brain that its neurons trying to purposely tell them. the words now starting to form on the tip of your tongue.

jaeyun sudden ice breaker didn’t help with your anxiousness. it is inevitable for the topic of universities and what you got and major in will be talked after suneung results are out two days ago. your prediction was right that you only got around 3/4 from the perfect score, an impressive result coming from someone that crams the topics being tested. your mood getting sulkier than before as you sit on the cushion between jongseong beside you and the roaring sound of the rushing sea water, looking down on your sandy shoes as the three converse a conversation you expected but are not ready to talk about.

"i got into civil engineering at the university of new south wales." jaeyun said, basically confirming he'll be in australia for his studies. a sentiment he has talked to you about on how he misses australia and brisbane in general.

"hagwon did me proud in suneung. psychology in korea university." suyeon puts her fist up in the air as you remembered her texting you her reaction to getting into a SKY university, nonetheless. a picture that she sends of half of her face and bloodshot eyes from crying is something you won’t ever forget.

"i still don't know. looking at the options first and i have a few results i haven't received yet." jongseong said before they all finally landed their eyes on you. as you sit on the soft cushion, you felt shivers running down your spine not caused by the flowing wind. you try to rewire your brain to be positive. 'it is happy news. your friends will be happy. he will be happy.' yet, doubt has always come in at the very end.

"classics and oriental studies in oxford," you whispered as you look at the grain of sand surrounding your shoes, a large oval is made with your feet in the middle when your attention suddenly breaks from suyeon's gasp of realization.

"you're hiding that you got into oxford from us?" suyeon said as loud as you four can hear, standing up from her seat to walk to you where she wraps her arms around, yet you didn't react. you didn't want to look up from the sand as you don't want to see how jongseong looked. is he disappointed that you didn't tell him any of your process in going there? you didn't feel his familiar touch when another pair of arms draped around you as you were still seated, hands straighten beside your body as your gaze looks at the fire woods in the fire pit.

slowly, you felt something climbing up your stomach and esophagus. covering your mouth as you don't want your lunch to get out before excusing yourself, standing up on the sand, and feeling something holding your wrist before you go. finally turning around to face your boy you scared you disappoint the most. and you did, cause you see a frown on his face and it causes your eyes to burn, wanting to let the tears out.

"follow me if you want to know everything." you gently pulled your arm away and wrapped your hands around your body as you get away as fast as you can. jay didn't even shiver from the sudden blow of the wind hitting his skin as he looks at you getting away further and further along the beach, turning around to see his friends in a pregnant silence from what happened. he shook his head as they confirmed that he also didn't know you got accepted in the university of oxford. he felt as if a pocket knife is stabbed on his back, small but lethal enough. do you not trust him enough to tell him your process? he can only sigh as he excuses himself from the two and takes a walk.

he can't help but feel doubt in his mind and heart about the relationship you have that you created for the past year and more. how the two of you treat each other equally and care for each other equally, sharing your trust with each other that he is willing to open more just so he can keep up with you, and you slowing down to live your life as a teenager with him. each step is getting faster as he observed the ball of light on the sky now visibly sinking down as the sky accommodates it.

his breath is taken away when he saw you in your element as you face the vast body of water near large boulders of rocks. the same image of you that got stuck in his head for the first time when the both of you visit the beach from the aquarium with a deep orange sky instead of blue. he can't help but admire you as he let the metaphorical pocket knife being pulled from his back and bandage with the view that is you and the sea. he observed how you stood the same way you did last year, near the shallow water enough that the wave crashing on the land touches the side of your shoes. he remembered how he jumped back because of it to then see you turn around and walk closer to comfort him, but he knows it is his time now as he walks nearer to the ocean to stand beside you.

your arms are still wrapped around your body as you gaze at the sun setting on the horizon. closing your eyes as you focus on the sound of the crashing wave and how your sense can feel it flow beneath your feet. the wind hitting your cheeks and lifting the ends of your sweater as you try to refresh your mind. but, it sticks back to jongseong's disappointed expression that you saw at a glance.

"i'm here." you heard the familiar voice from one of your ears, leaning your head down as you straighten your lips before slowly opening them and looking to the side. seeing your boy standing side by side as you can see the wave crashing on the land, making his shoes wet too. and he doesn't care as he continues to say, "so, oxford huh?"

you let out a sigh as you nodded, your guts consuming yourself slowly as you wanted to look away. but, you can't, not at him. you lick your lips as you added, "i'm not attending graduation either." truthfully speaking as you also attending a foundation course there before your own course starts after next summer.

you see him chuckle as he turns his body for you, veins showing on his arms as you see him clenching it into a fist. "do you want to know why i said what i said back there?" your eyes look back up to his face on how sad and furious he seems to look. you gestured with your open palms to him as you nibble your bottom lips. 'go ahead.'

"i wait because of you," he said loudly to fight the sound of the wind and chirping birds flying from the sky. you can hear the grit in his voice from how he spoke. gulping your saliva, you pouted your lips as the only thing in your mind is words of 'please forgive me'.

"i wait because i wanted to go and have a future with you, both of us. going to the same school or living in the same city." he gritted his teeth as he walks closer to you. you shook your head as you can't take it back what you said and what is—in the end—your choice. you suddenly realized just how your selfishness is now affecting people around you. in your mind, the good didn't outweigh the bad but you didn’t see it from another person’s shoes.

"i'm sorry…" those were the only words you can say, not wanting to step closer to him, not wanting to break his boundaries that you can see are starting to build up because of you.

"i was thinking you’ll be staying here when you said you’re gonna test for suneung. the farthest i apply to is the US both on the west and east coasts so i didn't apply to any universities in the UK, not even europe." he frustratedly said as you heard him groan out at the sea and the sun sinking down beside you, the circle of the sun creating limelight on the two of you as it feels like you two are in a bubble from the outside world.

"i just…" you heard him take a breath before letting it go immediately. "i feel selfish for even thinking-"

"no, you're not selfish. i'm the one that's being selfish here. i didn't even tell any of you other than my parents about my acceptance." you blurted as you let out your own frustration, probably the longest set of sentences that you have spoken to him without pauses.

“i just want to show the people that ridicule me that i can do it. that’s why i did it.” gulping your saliva down, wet tears are dropping down on your cheeks. you sniffle your nose as the wind blows against your face letting the tears trail away and being thrown away before you got rid of them yourself.

“that’s why i hid it from you and it was stupid of me to not even consider what you’re going to think about it.” the dam that is the filter between what you think and what you speak is bursting as you don’t hide any of your thoughts to him. slowly accepting the consequences of your actions and how it affects him. using your sleeves to wipe the remaining tears that are currently flowing down your face, you hear sniffling coming from beside you.

"i just… i can't live without you, (y/n)." he let out as he sighs before rubbing his nose from the itch that comes from the sniffles. you pouted as you took steps towards him, feet felt heavier from the wet sand.

"hey, yes, you can." you walk closer to him, but you just can't stay too close. yet, he wants to as he moves forward, lifting your sleeve-covered hands and placing them in their place on his cheeks as you unconsciously rub his cheekbones, realizing how watery his eyes have been and how it seems to reflect yours from how clear you can see your face from his pupils.

"for the 18 years you have lived,” you clear your throat whilst collecting the words, “i've only been there for around one and a half years, jongseong," you spoke your mind logically as you thread out all the consequences that are now being revealed inside it. that you’ll be leaving him even though he wanted you to stay: with him.

"best one and a half years of my life." he impulsively commented as he then coughs, you shook your head to tell him to not make this harder for you.

"this is the consequences that i bear. that you were the collateral damage of." you kissed the corner of his mouth as you rested your forehead on his. closing your eyes as you can't look in his eyes as you don’t want to feel the pain that clenches your heart again. holding his head in place with yours as his breathing calms from a sporadic pattern, following your relaxed ones.

"we can survive four more years without each other, apart timezones and kilometers away," you whispered so he can only hear. when he said how he wanted to have a future with you, your heartbeat got faster as it beats the blood around your body as a message to your neurons, that you know you felt the same. you let go of one of his cheeks to grab his hand and opens its palm, placing it on your beating heart.

"you have to know that i am only yours and i can see a future for us. we can do anything, schedule any video calls if you miss me, share what kinds of food we’re having for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, share each other’s song recommendations, and much much more" your sporadic answer as you lean back makes jongseong chuckle. you felt his other hand reaching and caressing your cheek with his knuckles, instinctively leaning in against it as you peek from the corner of your eyes at how the sun is already half sinking into the horizon. you see him move his head while biting his lips before he looks at you.

"i love you," he whispered and you paused.

love. it is the strongest choice of word that you have ever learned. if you love to do things, it tells you how devoted you are to do it. if you love something, it tells you how loyal you are to it. if you love someone, it tells you how you want them to be in your life. and it finally clicks in your mind, that feeling you felt when he visited your town that summer, how you spent your days listening to the combination of music and nature while staying silent right beside each other. how you kiss his cheek goodbye when you brought him to the train station in the pouring rain.

that is love and the seed has been growing for the past year since it was planted. cared for by the amount of time you stayed on his side and felt like your body and soul were in such peace. the number of kisses you and him unconsciously do when you two are officially dating. the amount of happiness you felt is also reflected when you see from his eyes.

"i love you too," you replied as he leans closer and give you a kiss, a soft yet passionate one that kick-started the ability for you to make it to the next for years where you won’t be with him all the time.

"let's make the rest of our trip worth it for the next four years, okay?" you mumbled in front of his lips before wrapping your arms around his neck and giving the same amount of emotions he gave to you back at him. your body stumbles as you felt the water moving beneath you, jongseong’s hand moves to your waist to hold you gently as you giggle, rubbing away each other’s tears and look into your mirrored bloodshot eyes and puffy nose.

giving one last peck on his lips, you grip his hands as you walk back to the resort that is now lit up with a dark purple backdrop of the sky behind it. you both looking to the horizon to see the tip of the circle is the only visible part of the sun, saying goodbye to you as it says hello on the other side of the world. the others were waving towards you when they see you two approaching, the fire pit now lit up as suyeon was making s’mores while jaeyun helps to roast them. jongseong’s hand that was holding yours moves to let his arm hold onto yours as you both sit on the cushion you were sitting on before. jongseong let out a huge sigh as you felt him leaning his head on your shoulder while suyeon gives you two sheets of tissue, pointing at her eyes and nose as you nod your head before using them and giving some to jongseong.

both of you mostly stayed quiet the entire night, the dancing flames reflects their illumination into your eyes. you shared your s’mores with jongseong as you can see he is slowly thawing but you don’t want to pursue more to let him think and accept your choice. jaeyun then starts to talk to you about how is your process where you told everything, your mindset, your strategies, and what you faced, and exchanged information with jaeyun about tips for living abroad, for you that is living alone. the night comes to an end when the wood is all burned and all of you go back into your rooms, you give jongseong’s hand a squeeze as suyeon drags you back to your room, turning your back on a boy now with a gentle smile on his face.

the hike at hallasan national park the next morning was beautiful. you and suyeon stayed back in your crowd as you both just admired the view nature has made while taking photos with your phone to remember. jaeyun and jongseong that were a few people in front of you and suyeon suddenly turn back when he suggests that all of you should take a picture together. suyeon quickly opens her phone and sets it up on your backpack that is on the ground, not getting the best angle of the park itself but your face looks nice to look as she presses her button while you and she are crouching side by side. the boys standing behind you as they lean down to pose for the camera, feeling jongseong’s hand on your shoulders as she takes the last picture before grabbing all your belongings and running to your crowd.

in the evening, you’re straightening the high-neck navy chiffon dress you have to wear for tonight’s final night of the trip which is the farewell party, resembling the waters of the ocean of your hometown as one of mom’s seamstress’ friend in the town helps in making. suyeon’s heavy makeup on your face makes you look like a whole person as she steps beside you wearing a spaghetti strap silver dress that accentuates the shape of her body. you picked up and put on the white blazer that you brought on your bed because of your lack of confidence in your body to cover it up if needed, and your pockets for all your important belongings. walking down the hallway in the white sneakers you have used since you arrived—as you have observed a trend of using sneakers with dress recently, you stepped into the hall that is rented for the night with suyeon holding arms with you. seeing the elegant silver-and-purple-themed decorations and the buffet served on the side with tables in the middle and a dance floor at the front.

suyeon and you were the centers of attention when you both walk inside, a few of your peers staring too long at you both when you caught them, making them flustered and turning their heads away from other than a few people that don’t which are the people you recognized has been nice to the of you. that’s when your eyes landed on jongseong across from you, wearing a simple white shirt, a pair of suit pants, and an adoring gaze in his eyes. he walks to you as you are to him, with jaeyun walking behind him as he poses some ridiculous expression on his face to make you and suyeon laugh. your hands were intertwine with each other in front of you, swaying your body as you see him taking in your outfit for the night.

“dress and sneakers?” he squints his eyes at you.

“you know i have a hatred for high heels…” you lean closer to whisper to him as his hand caresses yours.

“and the blazer?”

you lean back but stay close as your hand opens the other side of the blazer, letting him see the shoulder and the junction between it and your neck where the straps of your dress rested. “also useful if i ever get cold.” you added.

“you know you can just cuddle up to me, right?” jongseong puts his arm around your waist as you pat his chest from the sudden closeness. you rolled your eyes before giving him a peck on the cheek.

“or i can just get warm from the food that we’re having tonight.” you boop his nose before pulling him to the sit that jaeyun and suyeon have found and seated, which are yedam and jisung and their respective significant others. jongseong’s simmering jealousy for jisung to be glancing at you has subsided when you found out he’s now dating one of your classmates. you remembered that significant actions as you hear how he sighs at the appearance of the couple where you two arrived in the class. from what you observed since the three of them are leaders in your year’s student council, jongseong—who once was mad that he didn’t get the president’s seat—now has created a camaraderie with yedam and jisung, even after their period ended they still hung out a few times per month as he sometimes tells you about it.

walking in the line of teenagers waiting for food with its share of shenanigans and putting them down on the table as you hear your stomach rumbling, suyeon asks the four of you to take a picture at the empty photo booth on the other side of the buffet. you pull off your blazers and put them on your chairs as suyeon tells the others there to help keep an eye out on it. jongseong seemingly can’t help to put his arm around your waist as the four of you walk to the set, pressing a kiss on your bare shoulder that makes goosebumps form on your arms. you approach jaeyun as he is video calling sunghoon on his phone, greeting him when you see his sleepy face on the screen. it was your crowd’s turn to take a photo where all of you stood in front of the white backdrop. staring at the reflection of the four of you with sunghoon smiling from jaeyun’s screen as the pictures are taken.

the four of you did it again and again as no people are behind you as they were too busy eating. you and suyeon lean against each other as if you’re posing for a spy movie poster; suyeon and jaeyun battle it out to try to get points from you and jongseong on who is the most ridiculously decorated from the available props; jaeyun making jongseong piggyback him, and the last is you and jongseong stood closer to the camera lens so the cameras capture half of your body from the chest and up with various expressions and you kissing his cheek.

after finishing the dinner, the dance floor suddenly lights up as your schoolmates are stepping on it and let the dj play the music, from the party anthem to the karaoke galore, everyone seems to have a good time. so, when it came to the slow music, you were lightly nudged onto the dance floor because of suyeon as she winks at you. you see a hand showing up in your vision as you followed it to jongseong with his signature smirk. you accept his hands and immediately put yours on his shoulder, his hand resting on your waist and hipbone.

“i didn’t get the chance to tell you how beautiful you are tonight.” jongseong tells you as you furrow your eyebrows at the comment before calming yourself down, seeing him trying not to smile too wide as you patted his chest near his heart with a small grin.

the song continues as you slow dance to the music, telling him how sneakers are a perfect choice for you as you don’t have to worry about your balance, earning a small chuckle from him before he rested his head on your shoulder, giving a kiss on the side of the neck as you hear him whisper.

“i’m going to miss you.”

you rub your hand on his nape, whispering “i’m going to miss you too.” in his ear.

he leans back and rested his forehead on yours, feeling your breath meeting each other as the darkness consumes the room in the right shade, obscuring the others but still able to see the person in front of you clearly. you let your mind wander about your future with him, what you two are going to do after graduating, where you two will live, and if he wants to do more like getting married or having kids. you realize that in each scenario you were thinking if you were to have a partner, no matter what happens, you can see jongseong standing by your side.

your lips form a pout from what you were thinking in your mind. you felt a thumb caressing it, realizing jongseong’s warm palm is resting on your cheeks as his thumb parts your lips. leaning closer, you capture his as you send him all of the might and love you have for him. his hand caressing your cheek gives you a signal that he is also sending the ones he has to you too. one of the nights from the nights you’re going to have with him for the rest of your life.

it's jay's 21st birthday when he awakes in a parisian hotel, feeling refreshed from the jet lag he got after flying from new york city across the atlantic ocean. he opened his phone to see the notifications coming from his parents from hours ago, his mom telling him they're inside the aircraft and will depart soon. he can see another number notification above his family's group chat, a chat coming from you confirming what cafe you will be meeting for today from an hour ago before replying again.

"i'm on the train. see you *heart emoji*"

jay jumps from his bed to his open suitcase where he packs clothes he only prepares for the five days he'll be in france between paris and nice. picking out the perfect outfit for the spring weather as he replies back to you to then prepares himself as best as he can, feeling the warm water relaxes his tense muscles. preparing him for the first time he ever sees you in person in three years.

he regretted not being there to send you off at the airport three years ago. knowing that he can wait for his acceptance letter to arrive on his email when he waits for your flight with you and your parents. but, back then in his mind, if he was there, it will be harder for him to let you go and he will be on such a roller coaster of a mess of emotions in a public space between you leaving and his letter. so, when he sees the letter from new york university's steinhardt arrived and sees that he got accepted, he immediately sends a text to you, not expecting you to reply as soon as possible with a small "congrats :D" that just makes his heart bloom even more because of you.

jay opens his leather messenger bag after sitting down on the outdoor terrace of the cafe you both agreed upon meeting. pulling out sheets of paper with scribbles of music theory notes and a business proposal on the other from the music business major he is in. after he becomes a part of the crew of the school festival—which his dad said the council has continued for each year ever since—he felt like that is his true calling: bringing joy in creating an event to bring together musicians in their differing popularity and genre so they can reach the mainstream media and succeed in their career. even though he always has music playing in at least one of his ears, he didn't bother to put on his wireless earbuds for today so that he can hear the sound of the bustling city, the traffic, the sound of grilling coming from inside, people talking as they walk past him on the pavement, waiting for the sound of your clear voice.

"Excusez-moi.¹⁴” someone voiced out behind him. thinking it might be one of the waitresses serving the food and beverage that he orders, he turns around to see a woman wearing a creme turtleneck and plaid dress pants, carrying a small bag with a cherry keychain dangling on it. as he looks up at her face, his eyes widen and his jaw dropped.

"Désolé de vous déranger. Êtes-vous M. Jay Park ?¹⁵” he stood up from his chair as soon as you jokingly ask to him in french, gripping onto your saddle bag's strap while pushing the bridge of the thin-framed glasses you are wearing. feeling his hands immediately cupping your cheeks, he leans in to kiss you hard as your hands hold onto his upper arm to stabilize yourself. tilting both of your heads to the side to get deeper as it has been a long time since you finally see him. as many times as you want to meet up face to face, your schedule always does not match up; when you went home he just arrived at new york; when he flies back, you were departing to the UK. so it is a rarity for you to even be able to see him with your eyes, even though it will only take half of the day.

you lean back and wrap your arms around his neck, hugging him close as your head is buried in the crook of his neck, feeling his hands move around your waist and rubbing your head. squeezing him as hard as you can with him following, you lean your body back when your hand reaches to caress his face, still not believing you are finally able to see your boyfriend for a long time.

"hi…" you mumbled as you pouted your lips, feeling him rubbing the expanse of your back.

"hi, love. come, sit." he gestured you to the seat across from his as you put your bag down on the table and sit down, fixing your glasses as you see the printed papers on the table with scribbles of handwriting you recognized as his. suddenly making you remember the homework that has its deadline in three days, you rub your sweaty palms against your pants and finally feel the tiredness of using your legs to get here as soon as possible. you took your breaths as jongseong sees from across from you, concern in his eyes.

"sorry… i…" you clear your throat. "i literally just arrived at Gare du Nord and i immediately run here." you gulped your saliva as you felt his hands on your hands that were helping to open up your lungs. "good thing you pick a cafe near here when i told you i'll be using a train from london," you added as he giggled.

"i miss you too. don't worry i was panicking too when i see your notification that you are on your way," he reassured you as he leans in closer to give a peck on your hands. you asked the waiter for the menu as they served jongseong's orders, reading out the scribbles and contents of jongseong's work as he eats his breakfast, stealing a few glances at him before you look down at the music sheet that you can read some of the symbols. when your order arrived, that's when he started to talk.

"how's oxford?" he starts as you give a small chuckle.

"well, it's fun but i, of course, have my fair share of challenges to face. some you know from the video calls we managed to squeeze in on our five-hour time difference." he giggles when you mention the time difference and ridiculous scheduling you have to prepare just for a video call. even though you were only across the pond from him, he can see how torturous it must be for you and him to talk knowing your differing lives in your respective cities. your chin points towards him to let him to talk, "same question."

"well, new york city is just a different breed of city, to be honest. i'm glad that you taught me to ride the seoul metro or i don't think i won't survive there as i mostly use it to travel to campus." he rambled as you give a light pat on his free hand while the other holds a cup of coffee.

"my main mode of transport is still the train and having prior knowledge in figuring out routes really does help with me navigating through the london tubes and king's cross," you said as you remember one of the first times you rode on the london tubes from your accommodation to where you learn your foundation course. the iconic red circle with the blue stripe right in the middle is now your association with london other than the eye or even buckingham palace.

as you both sit around while finishing your order, jongseong sipping his coffee slowly to wait for you. the sound coming from you as you open your bag and pull out something gets his attention. you nudge it on the table towards him as he read the contents on it, a louvre museum tickets for the two of you in the afternoon, a smile on your face as he looks up at you. "we don't have much time anyway since i have to go back but that's my gift to you," you said as you continue your food.

around noon, you walked out of the train station on your way to the museum, your hand held tight to his as you walk around the street of paris. you told him the reasons why you picked to bring him to louvre as it is a place you are very interested to go to if you ever visit paris. "and i want to impress you with what i studied back in uni." you added as he laughed, telling you all the work he has done in new york city.

"wait, so if you arrived at the cafe at 9:30, when did your train depart?" jongseong moves his hand from yours to wrap around your shoulders while you look down at the gps in your phone pointing you towards louvre.

"06:00 in the morning. but, i stayed at a friend's house in london before going though." you raised your shoulders as you told him the logistics of it all. how the previous day you travel from oxford to london and meet up with a friend of yours that you meet in your foundation course, who is studying in university college london, and put your baggage there so you only brought what you needed for your journey here like your passport.

you approach the hidden-looking entrance with the "Le Carrousel Du Louvre" written on it by the sidewalk. you whispered to jongseong about how you learned the entrance to the museum from the underground mall that leads to the same place where the people entering from the pyramid will arrive. as you hold arms with jongseong, you have entered the museum grounds while switching your map to the museum map you downloaded from the website.

"where do you want to go first?" you nudged your shoulder to his as he turns his head.

"up to you." he replied as he looks down at the map in your phone whilst you help scroll it around "since you want to impress me, we can go to Sully Wing at level 0 and start from there." he winks as you guide him to where escalators are underneath the glass pyramid.

you felt shivers running down your spine as you enter a room full of statues and sculptures of beings you studied as the greek and roman deities. seeing the statues of gods like dionysus, artemis—or diana if using the roman name— with her hand on a doe's tusk, and smaller sculptures. seeing it up close as you took all the details of such sculptors being able to create such masterpieces back in the renaissance and before.

"this is athena of velletri, goddess of war and wisdom." you mumbled as you look up at the massive statue of the goddess on top of the pedestal. "i hope you don't mind me talking," you whispered as you felt him leaning his head on your shoulder.

"no, i don't. i love hearing you talk about what you studied. like, you did fangirl in front of me back when you were reading your book when we hung out." your palm presses against his lips to stop him from talking as you dragged him away from the crowd. walking and viewing the other statutes like venus de milo.

you also brought him to the eastern art and sculptures as you have just started your oriental studies where you currently learning about egyptian and the middle east. seeing a literal sarcophagus from egypt and a mini sphinx where you told about the egyptian mythology and history you have learned. you can't help but squeal when you see a few mesopotamian sculptures but also fill your sadness and anger boiling when you know that both of the exhibitions you see were pretty much stolen from their parts of the world. you really wished you could bring them back to where they were picked up after you graduate and be a curator or any other career you can think of.

both of you approach the statue of the winged victory of samothrace after taking a glance at the mona lisa room that is full of people. "mona lisa isn't in my studies anyway," you pushed him away as jongseong's laugh almost echos on the hallway, muffled by the people staring and taking a picture at the woman who smiles.

"winged victory of samothrace. that is the body of nike, goddess of victory, on top of the bow of the boat. sad to see that they're not able to fully restore the statue." you let out a small frown as you looked up to the marble statue. looking down at your phone, you see the time has already passed 15:00. you lean in to whisper to jongseong that you're going to buy him an early dinner before pecking his cheek, immediately making him grab you away from the crowded halls.

"that was eye-opening," he commented after you both order your food. he loves and misses having deep conversations with you, especially about how passionate you are about learning the world's history and society through art. looking outside to the lights entering from the glass pyramid as he felt your thumb caressing his that you were holding. you, on the other hand, want to memorize how his hands feel as you're going to be away from each other for another year before facing the world together.

"we should go to each other's graduation next year. me to nyc, you to oxford," you spoke your proposal as he lifts his hands that are holding yours to his lips, giving both of yours a kiss on their backs, before nodding. you heard the one of your phone vibrating on the wooden table as you see jongseong's screen lights up, his mom texting him that they have arrived.

you use your chin to point to his as he reacts a grab it, tapping something on the screen before pausing. he straightened his sitting position and adjusts his phone in front of you, a smirk forming behind his phone. "i want to take a picture of you to send to my parents. to let them know that you're here with me." he explained as you silently agree and pose a warm smile to the camera.

as the main course is served while you were eating your escargot, you were having deep thoughts about your relationship with him. time hasn't been on both of your sides because of your studies and your part-time job at the campus cafe. but, none of the connections has been tampered any other way. conflicts do occur especially in regards to canceling scheduled video calls, but you both tried to resolve them as fast as you can. you both don't want to have the same fight as the one you have back on your farewell trip three years ago. so you both tried to be as open as possible, venting to each other about a bad day even though you know he might not even wake up on his side of the world. you just have to wait one more year and he's going to be by your side at any chance, maybe you follow him to stay in the US, he follow you to stay in the UK, or you both go back and live in seoul or some other small town or suburban city.

you lean your head on his shoulder as you stood in the car of the parisian metro, on your way to Gare du Nord for your train back to london, letting your hands grip the metal bar so you don't sway as much. moments like this make you remember your train rides back home after cafe crawling, creases forming on both of your uniforms from how much you move around. simple things like this are what you try to remember in this convoluted world. just let your eyes rest to admire the little things, pleasant and not, the world has given to you and other people.

"why can't you just stay here with me and my parents? we can go to nice together," he whines as you see him pout when steps out of the train and in transit to your platform. you hold his hand as you stop at the bridge you have to cross to go to your platform, cupping his cheeks as you give a peck on his pouty lips, pouting your own lips too.

"i literally spent around 400 € of my money for today from both my living costs and wages from my job. leave me be, boy." he laughs after your rambling, looking down at the cherry keychain dangling from your bag. "i brought my seashell collection with me too, yours included." you said as you look up at him and the lights turning on as the sun seems to want to say goodbye today. looking at the clock as it says 19:05 and a train enters into one of the platforms, you know you have to say a goodbye of your own.

you felt your eyes starting to burn from the realization as jongseong stared into you and right into your seoul. your emotions overwhelmed you even though you have trained yourself to not cry when you have to part ways. jongseong's forehead now leans against you as you sob quietly, letting your lips meet his right in the middle. the kiss gives sparks and motivation in your head as you know you can make it and also reassures him that you are going to be alright.

"text me when you arrived in london." jongseong mumbles as you give a tight lip smile before hugging him, resting your head on his shoulder.

"i love you so much and happy birthday," you speak into his ear before giving a kiss on the shell, feeling his hands rubbing your back and then wrapped around your waist so tight.

"i love you too." he whispered back as you soothe his nape before letting go of his body. "i almost forgot." you see him open his back to bring out a pack of three golden-foiled spheres that made you grin. jongseong opens the plastic wrapper and pulls one of them out to give to you. you can see the ferrero rocher logo written on top of it with the brown cup underneath it, holding it gently in your hand as you smile by yourself, stifling a laugh.

"thanks." you lean closer and give a small kiss on his lips as you walk to the pedestrian bridge behind him, looking onto the tracks below you as you open the gold foil of the chocolate.

jay finally turns around to see you almost nearing the end of the bridge, wanting to see you one last time, not knowing that you turn around to do the same. you raise the chocolate ball in your hand to show him and take a small bite of it, giving a small smirk as he put his hand where his heart is before turning away. connecting all the roads together from the start of your relationship.

and now you know, that for the farthest he is in your life, he is only a crossroad away.

translations

German / Deutsch

¹Guten Abend = Good Evening

²Was möchten Sie bestellen? = What would you like to order?

³Was empfehlen Sie? = What do you recommend?

⁴Ich persönlich empfehle unsere Eisschokolade und Latte = I personally recommend our Iced Chocolate and Latte

⁵Ich habe geholfen, den Geschmack selbst zu testen, und seitdem sind sie meine Lieblingsgetränke = I helped to test the flavor myself and they've been my favorite drinks ever since

⁶Auf Wiedersehen! = Goodbye!

Spanish / Español

⁷¿Lo has encontrado? = Have you found it?

⁸¿Puedo ayudarte? = Can I help you?

⁹¿Puedes hablar Español? = You can speak Spanish?

¹⁰Un poco… = A little..

¹¹Estamos tratando de encontrar la entrada a la montaña rusa = We are trying to find the entrance to the roller coaster

¹²¡Muchas gracias! = Thank you so much!

¹³De nada… = You're welcome...

French / Français

¹⁴Excusez-moi = excuse me

¹⁵Désolé de vous déranger. Êtes-vous M. Jay Park ? = sorry for bothering you. are you mr. jay park?

taglist: @bubblejunnies @meowchikatt @endzii23 @reallysmolrenjun @msxflower @fluffywoo @camipendragon @hiqhkey

can’t tag: @kayalayadayla @ricepill @enchantedrose

#enhypen imagines #enhypen scenarios #enhypen angst #enhypen fluff #enhypen x reader #jay x reader #rsc: crossroads #cr: jay #cs: enhypen #sc: regina

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harufallinwonderland · 1 month

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Really short fic (I don’t think this could be considered A Drabble though) for my oc and @shinysparklesapphires oc (our yuusonas to be specific)

“AHHHHH” Rajin slams his foot into the huge monster sending it flying through the ground for about 50 destroying the trees in the way.

“FINISH IT” A yell from A man who looks about 18 behind Rajin holding A baby yelling with the man, once Rajin lands on the ground his ring starts glowing A bright white “PRECURE BLINDING LIGHT FLASH” he raises his arms then slams them down sending waves of white lighting at the monsters and A hand formed from the lighting piercing into the monster to grab A small animal like creature.

But before the hand can fully grab it A human like monster that looks entirely made from parts of construction machines slams A small wrecking ball into him sending him flying into the air then it jumps to the same level of height slamming him down to the ground he looked about ready to pass out his pure light blond hair turning back to its normal black showing how he is about to turn back to normal.

“CRAP…SHIT WHAT ABOUT THE TOWN” the man looked back to the town which already looks deep in shit from the brief moment the fight was in the city then he looks up to see both monsters charging at Haru one from above and one farther away coming straight at them “HARU” he quickly puts down the baby in his hand gently as he covers Haru from above getting slammed by the human like monster reverting him into his rabbit form.

“INASUKI” Haru tries to stand up but was kicked back down to the ground by the human like monster then it walks towards the baby leaving the other two to the big monster,the baby starts crying she looked at her unconscious brother and injured friend and mumbles out A incoherent baby “please don’t be mad”…..”LILY DON’T” Haru yells for dear life like he is about to lose everything then Lily starts glowing as she puts her hands up putting out A wave of energy making everyone freeze in place and 4 other rings like the one Haru has appear from the light making A circle in the sky along with Haru’s that flew off his hand summoning A huge portal sucking all 5 beings into it the monsters dissolveing when it enters the portal.

The portal lead to A tunnel of pure light with A weird feeling flow of wind which blows the human like monster way in A different direction Haru takes the chance first grabbing his rabbit friends, then Lily, then the rings “PLEASE DONT DISSAPER” he yells out to the baby as she closed her eyes and light forming A cocoon around her and turning her into A big crystals.

“….you fucking idoits” tears well up in his eyes putting on all the rings although only one of the rings glowed when put on the white one then he hugs the rabbit and crystals close as he goes to face what he assumes is forward in the light tunnel “I’m so useless”

“AND THAT WILL BE ALL WHEN IT COMES TO THE RSA STUDENTS VISITING US” Crowley says in front of the crowd of students in there ceremonials robes.

“Damn this was boring” Ace mumbles out.

“Huge waste of my time That I could have spent with my blue princess” Sapphy says

“Yeah over some people vistingggg why is the mirror glowing” Deuce points to the mirror that had A yellowish light on it most students backed away along with Crowley (the coward) and it was probably xem’s hero senses tingling but Sapphy runs up to the mirror taking out xer transformation item ready to take on whatever could come out the mirror untill “wait is that Har-“ BAAM

A headbutt straight to the head sending them both flying back for Sapphy but was able to get A grip on him and stop the fall, standing them both up some other students went to check on Sapphy (mostly Adeuce and Baritone) and then the sight of A knocked out rabbit,A crystal and his eyes giving away his recent tears all that could be said was “what happened?”

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soupedepates · 5 months

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Mister Kirshenbaum was a well-respected man in his neighbourhood in Zürich. He had come out of nowhere, and settled as a clockworker in his own workshop. He helped everyone, and if he knew you rather well he would fix your watch for free. By the time people got used to him, he was betrothed to the rabbi's daughter, the shy Zisel. She had been keen on clockwork since he was around, spending her time at the workshop when she had nothing else to do.

They talked for hours, or so it seems. Her smile brightened everytime she saw him. She brought him to dinner with his father - she still lived with her parents, being a PhD student. Her mother loved him instantly. Her father took him in private, for 'men talk' as he said, before welcoming him as his son.

And mister Kirshenbaum wedded Zisel, which was quite the event. Everyone tried to give some useful advice to the just married, and the crowd got quite worried the groom's family didn't bother to come. Kirshenbaum explained it was because they had had some issues and therefore went no contact; the community embraced him as its own child.

Zisel got a job in a lab, not her dream job but it was the first step. They moved onto a bigger flat, close to the workshop and the lab, with a spare room for a potential child. Fortunately, Zisel got pregnant.

They were ecstactic.

And they had twin girls. Judith and Romi. Two bright, beautiful girls, with greenish eyes and hazel hair.

"They took all after you", laughed Zisel, black haired and blue eyed. "Gosh, if you're right we will have two autistic girls at home", he said tenderly while holding his sleeping daughters. "But look, they have your nose and your smile."

The girls were, like their father, autistic. Kirshenbaum took care of everything, he knew the deeds, he fought for his children, he did everything for Romi and Judith not to resent their brain for being wired the way they were. Zisel became sick around their fourth birthday. She acted as if nothing was wrong, but as she coughed blood, as she fainted, as her body shook painfully, her husband couldn't be fooled.

"I'm taking you to the hospital."

It was cancer. She fought tooth and nail like a lionness. She tried to live as much as she could. But she ended bedridden at the hospital.

"We're going to see mommy, right?" Romi asked. "Sure thing, darling!" "Will she be able to go on a stroll with us?" Judith hoped. "If not it's alright..." "Yeah, I've brought puzzles!" Romi giggled. "If she's too tired we will just be quiet, it will be nice."

Kirshenbaum never felt so proud of his daughters, and they were his most precious treasure. They got out of the car, and entered the hospital. A pregnant woman with blue hair was chatting with her teenaged daughter looking at a tablet.

Their eyes met.

Mister Kirshenbaum had seen a ghost.

No, it couldn't be... No. Don't be stupid.

The girls were attracted by the blue hair, so unusual for them. He had to run after them and excuse them to the woman.

"I-I am sorry, madam, you know how this is at that age..."

As she didn't respond but still glared at him.

"I'm... sorry, I am sure I know you but I can't tell from where." "Oh, you do know me quite well, David", Tahel replied with a deep furious undertone.

#anger #oc #lpm #la peste moderne #did u see that coming uh #domestic angst #writing

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scully-xo · 2 years

Text

Fic: Quantum Files - part 1 of ?

Fictober, part 1

My version of fictober: No beta readers. Quick drafts. Incomplete, though outlined. Next chapter to follow in a few days. Tagging @today-in-fic @xffictober2022

AO3 Link

X-Files/Quantum Leap crossover, rated T, words 2629, Canon Divergence, Pining, Slow Burn (kind of)

Not much Quantum Leap here except the leaping and concept, it’s all XF. (You don’t need to know anything about QL to get this fic.)

Summary:

Mulder never went to the academy, he went to grad school. Did he make the right choice? As his dissertation defense looms on the horizon, he impulsively signs up for a study conducted by a few physics researchers on campus: the Center for Temporal Studies. It will change his life in more ways than one.

Fox Mulder was tired. So fucking tired.

His new advisor was a fucking asshole; but was she wrong? What hope did Mulder have of being a child psychologist when most kids hid from him for the first session. No matter how small he made himself, he would never be viewed as less threatening as his more feminine colleagues. And even if the boys and girls that came to him accepted him, he’d still need to convince their guardians, convince his peers that he was worth taking a risk.

He should have taken up the offer of that fucking FBI recruiter. Perhaps he’d be able to make a difference. He could find the bastards that did terrible things to kids and make sure they never hurt anyone else.

Six months. He had six goddamned months before he had to defend his dissertation. All the work was done, except for some administrative bullshit. Interviews conducted. Data collated. Papers written. But, in the end, would any of it matter?

Stress dreams for the past few weeks had made sleep a mere curiosity. Did he even remember what a restful night felt like? Eyes hazy, Mulder stood in front of the bulletin board outside the admin office and sipped his lukewarm coffee. What made him stop, other than a need to look at something, anything, except the scattered reports laying in his shared office, he wouldn’t be able to tell you.

Maybe it was something that caught his eye. A blue sheet of paper sticking out from under all the white ones. The symbol of electrons orbiting around its nucleus. Odd to see something from the science faculty slumming it in the humanities.

CENTER FOR TEMPORAL PHYSICS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ONE MONTH ON-SITE STUDY COMPENSATION PROVIDED MUST SIGN WAIVER!

One month, huh? He ripped it from the board, but instead of crumpling and tossing it into the nearby trash can, Mulder folded it neatly and placed it in the inside pocket of his blazer. His students were on break. It would, at least, allow him to delay his futile search for post-doc employment. And avoid the dreaded bi-weekly meetings; not even his advisor would get in the way of research.

A smile on his face for the first time in months, Mulder stepped outside the building that had been his life for more than two years. He blinked at the bright sun, took a deep breath and inhaled the crisp air of a chilly fall day. Finally, something new, something unexpected.

***

He felt out-of-place. Tweed blazer complete with elbow patches. Shaggy hair and lanky frame. Most of the students at the Physics building eyed him warily as he passed by, scurrying away when he opened his mouth to ask directions. He was an intruder, a stranger, alone. But he was used to that.

Fumbling his way through the dark hallways - why was it that the people studying light always had flickering fluorescence to guide them? - he finally found his way to the rooms listed for the study.

The door was locked with a keypad. “Gallagher-Singh Research Team” was plastered across the frosted glass along with a yellow radiation warning symbol. Just what was he getting himself into?

He knocked. Waited. Fidgeted, the blue sheet finally crumpling in his hands as he twisted it anxiously. After wiping his sweaty palms on his jeans, he reached for the door to knock again, but it opened under his knuckles.

He blinked. Before him, bright red hair bound in a high ponytail, face covered in a light dusting of freckles, was a young woman he did not expect to find. Her blue eyes blazed out at him, accusing him of something he wasn’t sure he was guilty of.

“You here for the study?”

“Uh, yeah. Hi.”

She cocked her head, raising a slim eyebrow. Then, she turned her back, opening the door wider for him to follow.

After a second’s hesitation, words strangely driven from his mind, he entered the room.

Underneath her crisp white lab coat, she wore black slacks and a collared shirt, buttoned up to her neck. Over the breast pocket, bristling with pens and tools in its necessary protector, was the name “Scully”. He said it silently, letting the feel of her name slide over his tongue.

She took a seat at a table, peering up at him as he paused and looked around.

The room was small, only about ten by ten, with a single table and two chairs in the middle. Floor to ceiling windows on the far side were closed off with horizontal blinds. Another door right in the center of them had another warning sign, this time in red. Mulder swallowed, but he sat across from Scully and watched her face.

As their eyes connected, she held his gaze. Clearing her throat, she tapped the clipboard laying in the center of the table. A pen laid across it, perfectly in line with the edges of the thick stack of pages, and he knew that she had placed it there herself.

“You’ll need to go through this waiver and sign everything before we can proceed. After you consent we can pick a date to start. Before wasting your time, and mine, this study will take place entirely on-site. You won’t be permitted to leave for the duration, unless there’s an emergency - death in the family, illness, etcetera. So if there’s any scheduling conflicts you cannot participate.”

“I’m free as a bird, Dr. Scully.”

While she gave her speech, her face had been serious yet perfunctory. But at his comment her mouth dropped open, a flush rising on her pretty cheeks. She dipped her head, hiding a smile.

“I’m not a doctor yet, Mr., uh…”

“Mulder, just Mulder.”

She looked at him again, nodding. “Mulder.”

He loved the way she said his name. “Will you, uh, be here for the study?” Please say yes.

“I’m the senior undergrad, so I’ll be here most of the time.”

“They always assign the dirty work to you guys.”

She flashed him a grin, then turned her attention back to the waiver. Tapping it with a neat, short nail, she raised her eyebrow at him. “I’ll be here if you have any questions,” she said, pulling out a sheaf of papers from the satchel at her feet. As she bent her head over her own work, a scrawling, neat set of equations that looked like an alien language, Mulder turned to the intimidating stack in front of him.

Sensing she wouldn’t want to be interrupted, Mulder took a deep breath and began to read. He took breaks though, to watch her - the way wisps of hair curled over the neck of her white coat, the way her tongue peeked out and her eyebrows drew together when she puzzled over a question. Whenever he had any question, he made sure to ask it.

***

The study specifics were vague, but Mulder was used to that with his own research. You couldn’t give participants all the information, otherwise their expectations would alter the results. What he did know was that he was going to be housed in the rooms past the red warning sign for the next month.

Her eyebrows rose when he said he could start the next day. A hint of a smile. After that, he vowed to do things every day of his confinement that would surprise her.

He only had a few things to do at home. Email his advisor. Tell his roommate to feed his fish. Leave a message on his mom’s answering machine. He couldn’t help but wonder if all those things were really necessary, though. If he disappeared tomorrow, would anyone realize it? Would they care? Would they be relieved?

Duffel bag packed with a few essentials, another fitful sleep, and Mulder was making his way back towards the white rooms in the physics building, two coffees in hand instead of one.

She greeted him again, wearing the same lab coat, but this time she wore dark jeans and a scoop necked green shirt underneath. Her collarbones swooped delicately over her pale freckled skin, and the smile she gave him at his gift of coffee made him feel like he’d done something right for the first time in months. As she led him behind the glass walls, he only took cursory notice of the surroundings. He’d be here for a month, he’d see it all every day. But he didn’t want to miss a second of what she said or how she looked at him.

After getting his things settled, Scully introduced him to the rest of the team. First to greet him, with a lopsided grin, was Mario, the middle-aged medical physicist, who cracked jokes at his name’s expense. Xin, the senior graduate researcher, waved from behind a bank of computer monitors, but didn’t look up. Next to her, leaning on the desk, was Sarah, the nurse who would take his vitals and monitor him throughout the study. Mahmood, a second-year undergrad, grumbled from a corner, his hands dusted with chalk as he wrote in the same alien language he’d seen Scully wrestling with yesterday.

“You forgot the second delta, Mahmood,” Scully called. He turned, then smacked his head with his palm, covering his forehead with white dust. Instead of wiping it off, he scrawled a few more symbols at the board and stared at it with his eyes drawn together.

“Don’t tell me any more, Dana. I’ve got this.”

“I know you do.”

Scully grinned, then guided Mulder to the center of the room. What stood there was a massive structure, something that looked like it belonged twenty years from now, rather than the eighties. Hard to believe the turn of the century was that close. Were they destined for flying cars and computer chips inserted in their heads? He could believe it, seeing the thing in front of him.

It looked like a chair, with straps on the sides; however it didn’t look appealing to sit in. He guessed that’s what he signed up for, though. Screens, like computer monitors, but flat instead of rotund, spiked out from the sides of it. The material of the chair itself was some sort of shiny blue metal. And on all sides, clear plastic, or glass, surrounded it. A clear phone booth, like he was going to enter it and leave as some superhero. Or, more like, be some sort of insect under examination.

He turned to Scully, who was watching him with her lip snagged between her teeth. If it was her doing the examining, he didn’t think he’d mind. What was it about her that pulled at him?

“This where you’re going to torture me?” he asked, nudging her with an elbow.

“Torture you with boredom, perhaps.” She didn’t smile, but didn’t pull away from him either.

“When do we start?”

“This afternoon. Get settled in, and prepare yourself for a few hours of sitting and doing nothing.”

“Sounds like heaven, but my ass won’t be happy.”

She flicked her eyes up at him, and he thought he saw something there. Approval, perhaps. He smiled, and something shifted. The moment sparked, lept between them. She tilted her head, and her mouth drew upwards in a ghost of a smile. Somehow, he made his way back to his room without turning back to stare at her.

***

A few hours later, Mulder was sitting in the futuristic-looking chair while Mario adjusted the straps. Scully hovered near them, but the rest of the group were clustered around a bank of computers behind a plastic shield. For the first part of the study, Mulder would be subjected to low dose radiation. About a hundredth the strength of something you would experience at the dentist, there was very low risk. Nevertheless, a lead apron was tied around Mulder’s groin beforehand.

“Don’t want to damage the family jewels,” Mario joked, giving him a wink and a pat on the shoulder.

“Yeah, uh, definitely not.”

When he left, Scully approached, laying her hand on his arm. “Comfortable?”

Mulder nodded, though as his arms and legs were fastened to the chair, his nerves began creeping up on him. He fingered the plastic case that laid around his neck. A monitor for his heart rate. Futile to pretend he wasn’t nervous, but he bit his lip and put up a brave face anyway. “Just tell me you’re not gonna shock me, doc.”

Scully smiled, and squeezed his forearm. “You won’t feel a thing. I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to it.”

“Alright lovebirds, we ready to get this started?” Mario stood a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest.

Blushing, Scully stepped away and nodded at her colleagues. “Ready, Mulder?”

“As ever.”

She hesitated, her eyes traveling up and down his body; inspecting Mario’s handiwork, presumably. It was her thesis on the line, her degree, after all. However, Mulder sensed something else underneath the professional concern. Wishful thinking, perhaps. After all this was done, he would definitely need to ask her out to dinner. Find out for sure. Until then, he was looking forward to a month in her presence, even if she was forced to be there.

She gave him a tight smile before closing him in his plastic prison, the lock snapping shut. The enclosure was transparent, but it distorted her slightly, making her look soft and fuzzy. Especially when she joined her team at the computers behind the other shield. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, even though it felt like he was looking at a dream version of the Scully he barely knew.

Supposedly, he would feel a slight vibration, hear a short buzz, and then it would be over. Nothing to worry about.

Scully raised her hands, and he could just make out her fingers as they counted down. Her lips as she said the numbers in deafening silence.

5…4…3…

He wiggled, adjusting his ass in the suddenly uncomfortable seat.

2…

That unbearable feeling of needing to move, needing to be anywhere else except in your body. Your skin feels tight. Your muscles cramp.

1…

>>> FLASH <<<

***

Mulder was no longer in a chair. But why did he think he was in a chair? He was lying on a bench, the hard wood pressing into his back. It wasn’t cold outside. Mid-summer, the sun shining bright and warm. The trees in full summertime lushness. Why did that seem wrong? And he was sore. A couple walked past, looking anywhere except at him.

Where the fuck was he? And… who was he?

He sat up, looked at his hands. Fingerless gloves, thick fingers with dirt under the nails. Rotund belly. Multiple layers of dirty, ragged clothing.

Wait. Why did it feel like he was a stranger in his own body? And who was Mulder?

He sat up, then laid back down, the pain in his head knocking him back. Then the nausea hit. Taking a few moments, he sat up gingerly and looked around. Beside him was a metal grocery cart filled with a random assortment of items. He felt possessive of them.

His hand grazed against something hanging on his neck, under all of his clothes. A faint whiff of familiarity. He pulled it out, fingering the nylon strap and the hard plastic shell. It looked like a beetle with no legs. White with holes in the side.

When he clasped it, the memories rushed back.

His family. Samantha. Samantha. Parents arguing. School. England. Grad School. His stomach clenched when he thought about his future. The study. Scully. Scully.

The fuzzy blue of her eyes behind plastic. Her fingers raised as she counted down. Her plush mouth.

He looked down at the stranger’s body he now occupied. What the fuck had just happened?

#xf fanfic #msr #txf #mulder and scully #crossover #quantum leap #fictober22 #quantum files #i write

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serendipiadorm · 2 years

Text

Serendipia Student Profile ~ Sable Asra

Theme song to listen to while reading ^^

Name: Sable Asra

Gender: Male

Age: 18

Species: Great Eared Nightjar Bird Bestialhuman/Tengu

Orientation: Pansexual

Birthday: 2/3

Zodiac: Aquarius

Height: 235cm

Eye Color: Lavender Blue

Hair Color: Black Violet Mix

Homeland: Mount Asra/Canterlita Wilds

Dorm: Serendipia

School Year: 3rd

Occupation: Dorm Assistant,Night Waker

Club: Myth & Folk Creature Club

Best Subject: Magic History

Dominant Hand: Left

Favorite Food: Peach Cobbler

Least Favorite Food: Most Meats

Dislikes: Bright sun,Being Seen as a Monster,Thunderstorms

Hobby: Entomology,Organization,Reading Romantic Novels,Helping Others with Classwork or Random Things

Talents: Flying,Singing,Nature Expert,Botany,Stealth

Elemental Magic: Flora/Dark

Unique Magic: To be reveal in early dorm story

OC’s Lore Summary: A birdman who likes to ensure others achieve their goals. Has issues with living near common people. He came to NRC along with his best friend Damian after learning that an educational place with Night in its name actually had a place for a nocturnal bird like him.

Personality: Very Kindhearted,has a goodwill and is a super helpful person to others even those who aren't his friends. He a bit clueless to some modern logic but learning via books each day.

Fun Facts: Sable seems to hails from Canterlita Wilds same as Damián. They've known each other for awhile and bonded in the wilderness to survive.

Sable actually is from a place called Mount Asra but thats all thats known about it is the name. He ventured to the Canterlita Wilds after leaving the mountain.

A lot of children call Sable a monster the first time they see him which he has gotten used to but he wonders what monster he looks like to them.

Sable is a vegetarian or he says so as he never eats meat but secretly he eats bugs. His favorite is moths.

He wishes to be the vice-housewarden since the previous one left but Damián never asked him so he just waits. He pretty much does everything a vice-housewarden does already.

Sable is the Night Waker. He wakes up the Serendipia students 1-2hrs depending for their classes that start at 7pm.

He often self doubts himself due to his height and way people see him. It's always monster 1st not a person never. He hates this so much he rarely leaves the dorm except for classes nowaday.

If by some miracle a person looks pass he looks different and genuinely starts to talk to him he is so happy and quite the chatterbox.

Sable can sing and does sometimes when doing dorm chores. Happy big birb hours when this is going on. He loves his dorm since the students there all got something different and accept that fact.

He is such a fast flyer he can zip around quickly. He never late for class.

He is a sucker for cheesy romantic novels & manga. He has so many and thinks about the normal/unique person falling for the kind/misunderstood monster trope a lot since he actually feels the same as the monster alot in these stories so where's his normal or unique person who'd love him freakish height and birdy legs in all?

He sometimes helps out at the Haven checking on the cats but they are menaces to him as they try to bite him after licking his legs and determine he tastes good he guesses but he still loves them just he hovers out of reach of them as he checks their food dispensers and clean litter boxes.

Sable is a Tengu Yokai but hides his true form so he can live a more normal life. Only Damián and few NRC staff know about this.

He mediates often to maintain a clear and negativeless mind as such thoughts tempt him into moods of mischief.

Small floating flames of purple appear randomly near Sable in this form but so long as he doesn't dislike you they don't burn you.

He can turn into this form with clear thoughts but it is a true test of willpower not to slip into temptation.

Before he could maintain it Sable used to play tricks on the farms & town thats near Mount Asra. He would swoop dive on people and steal their crops.

Took time for him to question if this was truly who he was. He left mount Asra to find himself so has since stopped playing tricks and messing with people.

#serendipia #twisted wonderland fandorm #twst fandorm #twisted wonderland oc #twst oc #oc profile #Sable

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shintsukibot · 1 year

Text

Info Dump for Off because aaaaaa idk. I like her ok?

First Name: Off

Last Name: On the moon surnames are not of importance but hers is Comm.

Nickname: Offey (affectionate nickname from Err), Purple Terror (people who don’t like her), Little Sis (by her older sisters) The Problematic One (by her parents)

Gender: Genderless, uses She/Her and is biologically female

Age: 28

Species: Mooninite

Sexual Orientation: Bisexual

Birthday: October 4, making her a Libra and her Chinese animal is the Water Ox.

Life Story: Off was born into a privileged high-class Mooninite family, the youngest of three females. Although she had a happy early childhood, once her older sisters got busy, she was left alone most of the time. Her parents were always working and rarely interacted with their children, leaving her to become very reclusive and timid and she turned to artistic hobbies to keep herself occupied. As a teenager, she developed a crush on a popular female student in high school but couldn’t get the courage to speak to her. Instead, she communicated with her online. This virtual friendship came to a head when the other girl proposed a secret relationship without going out in public and Off, desperate for companionship, agreed. This became more and more exploitive with Off being ignored by her crush in real life while being tricked into sending compromising photos of herself to her and ultimately the relationship was revealed to be a ruse for fun by the other girl, who posted the pictures for everyone to see and harassed Off when she confronted her. Off snapped and beat up her girlfriend in front of the other students and was removed from school. She was privately tutored after that point but Off turned to a life of petty crime and used graffiti as a coping mechanism for her anger and broken heart. Her parents merely scolded her for her actions and her sisters ostracized her for her behavior. Off, after moving out of her family’s house in a fit of defiance, has found a reputation as a street artist but lives with few connections and was overall depressed and short-tempered. That is until a chance encounter with two certain Mooninites, most notably a magenta male, changed her views on life for good.

Appearance

Eye Color(s): Deep electric blue

Hair Color: Bright electric purple

Highlights: None

Hair Style(s): None in natural form, but in gijinka, her hair is waist length and with choppy layers since she cuts it herself. Her long side bangs often hide her right eyes unless she moves it.

Skin tone: Bright orchid purple

Body type: In natural form, she’s very small, the same size as Err. In gijinka, she’s short but strong and most of her length comes from her limbs.

Height: In natural form, she’s the same height as Err, in gijinka she’s slightly taller but not by much.

Weight: On Earth due to its gravity, she’s 105 lbs, in gijinka she’s 120 lbs.

About her:

Personality: She’s reserved, reclusive and not much of a chatter. She’s very practical and can solve problems quickly should they arise but she doesn’t like to dwell on things for too long. On ye outside she seems cold and heartless but she’s in fact hiding a sensitive, needy side that requires a steady hand to keep her from falling into a spiral. She’s very observant of her surroundings even if it appears she’s not paying attention. You don’t want to cross her, her intense eyes reflect her strong will. She’s like a rattlesnake, hides from plain sight not bothering anyone unless the moment requires a strike, but she will give a warning before she make the move. She is very protective of the few she cares about, she will give serious threat to anyone who may be undesirable. On the inside, she’s very kind and loyal and full of emotional desires for company and intimacy which is something very,very few even know about.

Good Habit(s): She has quick reflexes and a keen eye for when things are going wrong or strange. Her fierce protective nature keeps anyone from messing with her or those cares about. She’s very honest about her thoughts and feelings even if she doesn’t share them a lot.

Bad habit(s): Her reclusive nature and cold, accusing expression often drives people away. She does not hold back on expressing disgust and makes it very obvious when she doesn’t want to be somewhere. She tends to draw her blades, quite literally, very quickly and her tense pose makes it hard to relax her. She also has little regard for authority and little respect for the high class, which makes sense given she was born into it but has suffered from the dark side of rich culture.

Like(s): Graffiti, blades, Blue Raspberry-flavored ice smoothies, punk rock music, loitering at a Spencer’s, platform shoes, Green Day, dark animated films, Err

Dislike(s): Rich people, preps, perfume, people washing away her art, flowers,

the color pale pink, high heels, huge jewelry, tiny dogs

Hobbies: Painting walls, collecting knives, making shirts, playing her turntables, smoking on roofs, gazing at sunsets

Allergies: None

Fear(s): Crowds, small tight rooms, being touched without consent

Strength(s): She’s quick to the draw and her small size gives her high agility. As a Mooninite she can survive without air but she can also fit into tight places thanks to her unusual size even though she’d rather avoid those situations. She’s very proficient with knives.

Weakness(es): Her size and flat nature are exploitable and also her fear of being stared at by crowds causes her to tend to avoid doing things that will catch attention.

Special Powers/Abilities: Typical of Mooninites, she can fit through many things, doesn’t need air and can survive in the vacuum of space, and can form a three-person Quad Laser with her sisters but she rarely does it.

Extra: She has an excellent music rhythm and great art skills but her reclusive personality prevents her from capitalizing these talents.

Talents and Dreams

Ambition/dream: To find someone she can trust and be close with, she seems to have found it with Err.

Occupation/Job: Street artist by commission, later she ends up purchasing and running a bar.

Best Class(es): She was great at music and physical fitness and is surprisingly competent at business

Worst Class(es): She finds writing and science to be boring.

Family and Friends

Parent(s): Her father and mother rarely interact with her since they are always working, hence their high income. She has grown very resentful of them as a result and doesn’t like to talk about them.

Sibling(s): She has two older sisters, Eski and Syntaxia. Eski is her elder by 7years and Syntaxia her elder by 5. She was close with them at an early age but had drifted apart from them substantially. Syntaxia is the only one of her family whom she communicates with consistently and positively.

Relative(s): She has a good relationship with her paternal aunt Nintekla, who babysat a lot as a child. Her first knife was a gift from her (it was plastic)

Best Friend(s): Doesn’t really have one, Err can’t count since they’re dating and Err’s best friend is Ignignokt.

Friend(s): Her most positive relationship is with her boyfriend Err. She gets along relatively fine with Ignignokt. She doesn’t like Noodles’s overly peppy nature but respect her as she knows she’s trustworthy. She shares Err’s enthusiasm over getting Ig and Noodles together as she finds it adorable.

Crush(es): Her first crush and revealed-to-be-false girlfriend, Soni, was the subject of her affections due to her “big boss”confident nature and authoritative pose. However, after her betrayal, she has grown to detest people of that kind. When she first met Err, she didn’t want to open herself to him out of fear but she was quickly attracted to him and after some events and slow, simple date-like activities she grew to trust him on a friendly and intimate level. They are going steady and happy in the current time.

Pet(s): At one point in her childhood she had a pet moon lizard named Paxx but it has long passed away.

Rival(s): Soni has amazingly tried to contact her a few times even in adulthood but ever since the incident of betrayal, Off has blocked and brushed her away. She stays that Soni represented everything she hates about her previous lifestyle.

Enemy: The rich and privileged as she likes to say. She had rejected her high class upbringing and lives in a small apartment on Earth with few belongings sans her knife collection and painting materials as well as the bare essentials, also her turntable and punk rock discs.

Extra

Scent: Like a warm hand cartridge

Blood type: None, in gijinka, her blood is the standard Mooninite type with is either 0 (bright red) or 1 (dark red). She is a 1. (For reference, Err is 0 and Ignignokt is 1)

Outfit(s): None, in gijinka she had a purple female Mooninite uniform, cut with a skirt to indicate her sex and some platform boots to make her appear taller.

Accessories: She has extra pockets under her skirt to hide her knives.

Makeup: She wears heavy eyeliner and mascara.

Scars: She has some cut along her arms from when she was still learning to use her knives to fight.

Tattoo(es): None but she does want to get some in the future.

Jewelry: None, she thinks jewelry is for stuck-up rich pricks. She is totally cool with studs and chokers though.

Favorites

Favorite Food(s): Burgers, she’s partial to In-N-Out since she really likes their signature sauce.

Favorite Drink(s): Slushies

Favorite Color(s): Black, red and violet.

Favorite Animal(s): Spiders and lizards

Favorite Number: 10

Favorite Season(s): Fall, the chill but decent weather makes it easier to be outside so she can paint.

Favorite Holiday(s): Spring Break, she sells a lot of art in that period.

Favorite Time of Day: Twilight as she enjoys sunsets.

Voice claim: Erica Mendez (as Ryuko Matoi)

#athf #aqua teen hunger force #athf oc #off #mooninites #character profile #offerr #I gave Err a badass knife gf who’s bi and paints walls #because fuck it I want the gremlin to be happy with another gremlin

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amagicdoctor · 2 years

Text

Character Design Corner #0

The Character Design Corner is a new series on the blog where I give you a look behind the scenes on how I design certain characters. Originally, I planned for this month to open with Doctor Strange himself, but before we get into the actual characters I thought it would be more important to quickly go over my art style. This will be used in reference to you readers, so you know where I'm coming from in the future. But don't you worry, next month, in September, we'll be getting into the science behind Doctor Strange!

For now, we'll be doing a very general art style overview. If you're an artist or love reading about how artist's produce their work, this is a series for you. Follow my art style journey below the cut:

!!!This is not an art guide or tutorial!!!

The drawing I want to use for this discussion is a fairly recent one that I've been happy with (see original post)

The first thing I want to get into is the way I draw. I'm a HUGE anime and cartoon fan, so that will typically find it's way into my general art style. If you're an anime fan, you should be able to tell that I try to capture that "big eye" and "detailed hair" look that a lot of anime styles have.

Also, emanata, which are emote symbols used in many different forms of visual media, are something that I use from the many anime and mangas that I read. Comic books and American cartoons use these too, but the ones I try to reference in my own work are visually inspired by anime.

The second thing I want to talk about is one of the most prominent parts of my work: the coloring style.

I really love using bright and hyper-saturated* colors in my work. It makes the drawings POP and it's the kind of coloring style that some of my favorite artists, who I use for reference, use too!

(*a term I coined for my own personal use, basically means those saturated colors on the top right of a RGB scale.)

Going with bright colors at the base of my work was originally inspired by The Simpsons, "The Simpsons are yellow because original creator Matt Groening wanted them to be eye-catching, and yellow is the most eye-catching color. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Groening knew he needed an eye-catching design to pull in potential viewers as they flipped through the television channels." (read here) In a world where people scroll so fast in the dash, having bright colors is going to pull them in and want to read and interact with the art much more!

But while the science behind using bright colors is great, I just use it mostly for the aesthetic. This does have it's downsides though.

When I'm trying to draw something with a "dark" color in it, Clea, for example, who I draw with dark skin, or Doctor Strange, who has black hair, I try to find alternatives to making that color light enough, yet still staying true to its original tone.

Now the reason this is a huge issue is because I don't like my base colors being darker than the line art. Over the years I've made a conscious choice to have a dark blue line art color instead of black. This was originally taken from advice I've seen other artist provide in their personal tutorials. Some of you artists may have heard the suggestion that you should not use the color black or white directly. Well I still use whatever I want, but I just don't use black colored line art anymore. Blue is my favorite color, so that's my designated line art color. Because of this, my base colors have to adjust as well.

The color black isn't used as my line art color of choice, so black cannot be used in my base colors either, it would be too dark for my line art. Instead, to match my dark blue line art color, I use different shades of blue. For example, in the picture above, you can see this in Doctor Strange's hair and Raven's suit.

I should also note that I'm not an art student, I'm completely self taught, so learning about "color theory" and balancing background colors with characters and the rest of the foreground is still a work in progress. I'm learning as I go, and while I'm not a master, the process is still fun!

Now that you all have a better understanding on my work, I hope you will look forward to next month. As a reminder, Doctor Strange will be the first character we look into next month officially starting off this series for real! And in that post I'll provide more detail than I had here. I can also take suggestions for the next characters to look into as well.

Is there anything here that I missed that you would like me to go over? I'll update this post as we go along in case I did. Feel free to send some follow up asks or comment about anything I should clarify.

#doctor strange #marvel comics #earth 616 #blog art #strange character design corner #concept art

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socially-awkward-skeleton · 2 years

Note

🍂🏞️📚👀 for ava, please!

🍂 What are their opinions on the different seasons? Which one do they hate and which one do they love and why?

Autumn is Ava's favorite time of year, there's a chill in the air, the leaves change color. She can dress comfortably in layers and can start wearing her leather jackets and combat boots again without sweating. Not to mention there's Halloween which is Ava's favorite holiday.

Spring is Ava's 2nd favorite season, the time of year when all the plants begin to bud and bloom. As a gardening fan this was the time of year when she could start planting and preparing her garden for the coming year.

Winter is Ava's 3rd favorite season, it's cold and harsh and dark. All her plants have died and its too cold to wear her preferred clothing. Growing up in Philadelphia she was used to the snow and the cold temps, she's really not a fan though.

Summer is the season Ava hates, its too hot for anything - her clothes are a definite no, black and leather do not mix with the heat of the sun.

🏞️ If your OC could travel to anywhere in their world where would they go? Why? If they could live there would they?

Back on Earth, Ava really wanted to go back to Germany to see where her family came from, to get in touch with her roots. She probably wouldn't choose to live there just because her life was more or less settled in the United States and not knowing the language would cause quite a few problems for her as well.

📚 If your OC was given some kind of forbidden knowledge, what would they do with it? Would they tell anyone? Use it for evil or good? How would it change their outlook on life, if at all?

If Ava was given forbidden knowledge she would likely tell those she trusts most, she doesn't lie well, she doesn't like having to lie, and that would be a burden too large for her to carry on her own. Ava would use it for good, or at least with the best intentions, and however she could help the most people. As for changing her outlook that would have a great deal to do with the type of forbidden knowledge, if it was some horrible thing that affected her more personally it could certainly change things for her. If it was something more general it may not affect her outlook but she would certainly want to set things right as best as she could.

👀 Describe your OC through the eyes of another person! (bonus + specify who)

So I know the obvious choice would be for Max, but technically I already did that in my fic "When A Stranger Calls" so I went a different route. Here's a quick drabble for you from Phineas' POV.

So many wasted lives, and she was next. Another face, another name, another colonist and their serial number. He'd found it easier not to try and think about who they were anymore. Something was different about this one though, he couldn't be sure if it was the distinct shade of lavender to her hair or the way her face had frozen with a certain look of fear and doubt upon it, but he gave in to his curious nature and started reading her file. She didn't seem all that exceptional, at least not in terms of some of the other colonists aboard the Hope. She was a medical student, that at least could come in handy in Halcyon. Her IQ scores were impressive, as were the notes made on her psych eval - overly confident bordering on arrogant, issues with authority, promiscuous, impatient, and most notably sarcastic had been underlined several times in thick black felt pen.

"Issues with authority..." Phineas chuckled to himself, "sounds exactly like what this colony needs."

He checked his watch, time had passed far quicker than he thought it had, there were no signs of cellular degradation, not a hint of explosive cell death.She had since begun to thaw, and in checking her vitals, he could tell that if he had been a younger man and not quite so married to his work he may have fallen for her at first glance. Her eyes were a bright blue in stark contrast to the normal deadening of so many of the colonists in Halcyon. She was healthy, strong, her muscles hadn't atrophied from decades of a poor diet and being worked to her limit. If she was going to be the one who survived, if she was going to be the one to help him, he supposed he could do far worse than...

"What was her name again?" Phineas checked her file once more, "Ah, yes, Ava Mueller."

#oc ask game #ask answered #Thanks for asking!!

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