#mandus who? i hardly know him.

[honeysidesarchived]

LYRA FAIRBANKS. THE JUDGE OF EDEN'S GATE.

thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

— for @faithchel ♡

#happy creation day baby love u love the work ur doing #nobody else is doing it like her #you know the ball gowns the knives the poetic lamentations the murder #mandus who? i hardly know him. #oc: lyra fairbanks #* #friends ocs #far cry 5 oc #fc5

[ohheyitsokay]

nicknames

Pairing: Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) x reader

Wordcount: 2.3k

Warnings: none to my knowledge, just a silly thought I strung out

Summary: the things we call each other are an intimate look into how we regard them

>>

“Why do you call him Mandalorian?” Cara was never subtle with you. You had been friends with her for years, and you should’ve known she would notice something after only a few days of your traveling with the three of them.

Shrugging, you looked at her. “I never told you?” You’d completed a lot of tasks together, as a very well balanced pair. And honestly you’d become close quickly, so it surprised you that she didn’t know you inside and out yet.

“I just feel like nicknames are too affectionate. On my home planet they're…” you searched for the word, not wanting to offend her, “intimate? Soft, maybe?”

Cara's dark eyebrows drew together.

“Mando… it sounds like a word some use for ‘dumpling',” you laughed, and her confusion broke - she grinned at you. “Mandu,” you offered, trying to explain. The words were similar under your tongue, thus the core of your problem.

“I cannot walk around professionally and call a warrior I just met dumpling.” And she nodded, laughing along with you.

It was too ridiculous, too cute, and far too intimate. Even without the double meaning, you didn’t want to be overly familiar with the Mandalorian. After all, you would only be traveling with him a few more days, and you’d hardly talked.

The mission went smoothly, however, and you were surprised to find that they offered for you to continue to team up with them. Another set of skills was welcome, and another pair of eyes on the little child was even more so. Your resolve stuck, though. It just didn’t fit, to call him anything other than the title he had given you. And you liked him a bit too much to open that door for yourself.

-

Din Djarin knew there was something special about you from the very beginning. He wasn’t sure if he liked it, at first, but certainly he had been very aware.

You were interesting, for someone in his field. Not at all the large, muscular fighter that he was used to seeing. But also not a seedy assassin. He’d learned quickly that your skill set came primarily in observation. You had no need to manhandle or shove your way to your bounty, instead choosing to melt into the background and watch until you’d identified the perfect strategy.

It made the first week of the job so much easier, he was content with the idea that you would travel and work with them. But then:

“How did you even know that corridor was there?” Cara was clearly excited by your field work, too. She was hardly paying attention as she walked through his ship into the cockpit.

Shoulders rising slightly, you followed her. “Micro-glitch in the holo-projection shield. I’m sure the Mandalorian's helmet identified it too.” You looked at him.

You looked right at him.

Effortlessly, your eyes found his through the visor. You were smiling a little bit, unaware of his state of shock.

Din had been wearing this helmet long enough to be used to never truly making eye contact with people. Sometimes a person got it right at random, but he could feel the difference – they couldn’t tell. But here you were, your gaze in his casually, like there wasn’t a solid layer between you.

He shrugged, reminding himself to get it together. As you turned back to Cara, he felt like he could breathe again.

Din had heard stories, children’s tales, of catching your soulmate’s eyes across the cantina - or maybe a palace room?, and being drawn together by fate. They were ridiculous, of course, but the very idea that you could bring up the memory was more than jarring.

Still, surely this was a one time thing, and he could forget about it.

For the first few weeks, it seemed like he was right. You rarely directed your gaze in his direction, anyway, being very professional and what he could only assume was shy.

You were more than happy to help with the child sometimes, and you talked freely to Cara, but in his presence you were polite and quiet. All your tasks were completed with efficiency and you would often complete other’s just because of who you were as a person. Normally, this was ideal for him - useless chatter had never been something he was good at. He was more than occupied making sure something was not breaking or mysteriously floating away, or they weren’t in danger. When you offered him silence, he should have been content to do the same, and watch the stars race by.

But… well, Din wasn’t sure he liked that either. Certainly it was strange to feel seen by you, but it felt worse that he could be making you uncomfortable, particularly as his comrade. And the more and more your eyes met his, the more it became exciting, and if maybe he wanted you to be even more than that.

So how could he get more if you hardly ever talked to him? Din shook himself, feeling silly for having zoned out in these thoughts. After all, he didn’t really talk to you, either.

-

After two months traveling with this strange little group, you were more than settled.

It took no time at all: you had hung up a spare scrap of fabric and made a little room for yourself, and the team functioned like a well oiled machine.

You got up before anyone else, this particular day, and were happy to enjoy the quiet sounds of the Crest as you checked everything needed for the day.

“Good morning, Mandalorian,” you heard the weight of his footsteps through the quiet halls. You didn’t even need to turn around, focused on correcting the flight pattern of the ship.

He had not questioned the use of the full title, had hardly questioned you at all. Outside missions, you two had only had a couple of actual conversations which seemed at first to be just fine. But there was a small nagging in the corner of your mind. His armor and helmet made reading his behavior hard, but you couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something was off between you two. His body language was … almost gentle with you, not the same as he was with the little one, but as if he was afraid you’d startle if he wasn’t.

Unbeknownst to you, he had grown to like the way you said Mandalorian. It rolled off your tongue, as if it really was his name, as if you liked to say it. Din had been increasingly nervous about making you feel uncomfortable, awkward in his efforts to learn about you enough to make you stay. The prospect of sharing pieces of himself with you had become an indulgent fantasy, if only he could figure out how to talk to you.

“Good morning,” you could hear the sleep at the edges of his voice, and the softness you’d learned to recognize.

You hummed for a moment, thinking, before adding, “Good morning too you, too, little one.”  You were rewarded with a sleepy little noise, and you smiled as you finished your task before turning towards them both. Thank goodness the child was awake, and you hadn’t caused any problems. His wide eyes were staring at you from above his father's armored forearm, and you smiled. It was these moments you were reminded of mandu – he was being soft.

You looked up to the Mandalorian, half wanting to tell him, but he stiffened: his shoulders rising and back straightening. Biting your lip, you averted your gaze.

“Do I make you uncomfortable?” you turned back towards the stars, letting him think in silence for a moment.

“No,” he said, and you both relaxed. Whatever it was between you was gone for now, and you sat together, listening to the child wake up fully and begin to babble. It occurred to you that maybe he relished these moments, the times in which there were no expectations weighing on his shoulders. You wanted to give him more of those, if possible, to thank him for accepting you into his fold. Besides that, you spent much of your work life manipulating people, and you certainly wanted to establish that you weren’t like that here.

“How did you do that?” his voice, clearer now, interrupted your thoughts.

“Do what?” the Mandalorian rarely initiated conversation with you and it caught you off guard.

“How do you know what… is happening? What is going to happen?” he tone was genuinely curious, and you had to think before you responded. Of course, he knew you mostly just took the time to be more observant, instead of throwing yourself in head first. That’s not what he was asking.

“People are the same wherever you go. The more you watch and the closer you listen, the easier they are to predict,” you said, trying to be both brief and candid. “I was almost no one where I come from. One day, I decided instead of hating that, to use it.”

A small, deep, thoughtful hum came from the helmet beside you.

Silence settled over you for awhile before he quietly begin to talk.

Din told you of his people, his creed, and for the very first time you felt as though you were actually getting to know him. It was nice, not being professional.

“Do you ever want to be seen?” the conclusion of his talking was another surprise for you. Of course, this man who had sworn not to have his face shown would wonder at your apparent comfort with it.

The question felt as if it was seeping into your mind as you pondered it. It occured to you that this conversation had made you ache to be seen by him.

“I think everyone wants that, in their own way,” you said, and as you finally turned towards him, he held your gaze and nodded.

-

For someone so smart, it was infuriating how you seemed to completely miss the way he was around you.

Din Djarin, a warrior, had finally mustered up the courage to ask you to help him with a bandage on his lower back. The gentle touches and soft brush of your skin against his were foreign, but wonderful.

Unfortunately for him, you had noticed his awkwardness and assumed it was your fault. Ever the problem solver, you’d found a piece of mirror and rigged some wire to hold cleaning pads. It effectively made it easy for him to patch himself up on his own – and ruined the chance for him to steal your touch.

His previous fear had been wrong – you were not soulmates across the room, instead comrades sharing the same space. You were not exactly story royalty, but in spite of that, he was still falling hopelessly for you.

The way you talked to people – who weren’t bounties – with care and kindness. How good you were at your job, and how nice you made their shared space. How you laughed and rolled with the punches that came with this lifestyle. Din had never met anyone quite like you, and beyond all reason, he wanted to know everything about you, share all of himself with you. But you were so clever and polite it made him want to bang his head against a wall.

He couldn’t stop trying though, to get closer to you. Previously, you and Cara had left him and the child occasionally for a personal missions, and it left his feeling strange the entire three days. When you came back his heart had felt light and he wanted desperately to hold onto that feeling.

It wasn’t the same, when Cara went out for the afternoon a day or two after the patch up incident. In fact, he quite enjoyed the jolt of excitement that came with a whole few hours of potential.

Din couldn’t finish his tasks fast enough, even putting the child down for an early nap before nervously setting out to find you.

As expected, you were settled in the common area, reading through articles on your upcoming bounty. He sat next to you, willing himself not to betray his heart with his behavior and scare you away.

He said your name, his blood pumping even before you met his eyes.

“Yes, Mandalorian?” he had no idea why he was so nervous. He’d rehearsed this moment in his mind, it had been aching to be brought to life.

“You… you can call me Din… Djarin.”

It was not exactly as planned.

You’re eyes, ever in his, were wide.

“Din Djarin,” you said it reverently, before saying, “I promise I will keep it safe.”

He held back a small groan. There you went again, being so considerate he was afraid you’d never actually use it.

The frustration overwhelmed him, filling him with boldness and he pressed into your space insistently.

“No,” he said, “Well, do, but use it, please. I cannot stand you calling me Mandalorian like nothing has changed since we first met. I trust you, use it.”

You were adorable, the fear of his confession was damped by how intoxicating it was to be close to you. His hands found you, turning your body in your seat so you were facing him, and settling on the tops of your shoulders. He gently tugged you into him, encouraged that you didn’t pull away, but relaxed into his touch.

“I don’t want to slip,” you said, your voice barely audible.

The forehead of his helmet was so close to yours, you could feel your breath bouncing off of the mask.

“Please,” he said, and it smashed through all the walls you had created.

“Din Djarin,” you said again, tasting it on your tongue. You felt metal above your eyebrows and realized your eyes had closed, savoring the intimacy of the moment. You didn’t open them, allowing your heart to beat at lightspeed, and the tingles radiating from his gloved hands flow through you.

He was being soft with you.

“What if we compromised?” you could hear the smile in your own voice, and he gave a rumbling hum. You wondered if he was as absorbed in this moment as you were, unable to think straight.

“Mandu,” you murmured.

He was silent for awhile, the only indication he heard you being his palms, which slid to where your shoulders curved into your neck.

You could almost hear him thinking.

“I don’t understand,” he finally said, nearly inaudible. Your hands had reached out for him, one wrapping around the armor on his forearm, the other in the soft fabric on the side of his neck. He was distracted, bliss clouding his brain.

“Dumpling,” you said, and if it were anyone else, he would have thrown you across the room. “When you are being my strong and capable leader, you will be Mandalorian,” you continued, unaware that your words and actions were making his whole body fill with warmth and pride. “When you are being yourself, at home with us, I will call you Mandu – it sounds enough like Mando that no one will know it’s because you are truly soft.” He found himself smiling, despite his embarrassment. For you, he was soft. “And I will call you Din when it is just us, and I can be with you as you are now.”

There was no question that these moments would come again. He had made you give in to reading him completely, without any personal doubts.

“Okay, cyar’ika.”

<<

Taglist: @fangirl-316 @scribbledghost

#din djarin x reader #din djarin #din djarin x you #the mandalorian x reader #the mandalorian #maybe i don't know people #THIS is the one i teased about #its a mess but i like it

[yslkook]

#deep dive (11)

#corporate masterlist summary: you receive some surprising news at work and you and jungkook go on your first mini-trip together in tokyo. word count: 11.2k warnings: cursing, alcohol, smut, a fight, discussions of mental health smut warnings- handjob, blowjob, fingering, guided masturbation, penetrative sex, overstimulation, a lil crying, excessive use of pet names lol a/n: another chapter that got away from me... our couple is moving along ladies!! as always ty @cutechim for ur inspiring enthusiasm!!

Surprisingly, after your outburst at work, you hadn’t been reprimanded at all. Despite being nervous to show your face to your boss and your coworkers, there was apparently no need to be nervous.

Because your boss was out on “leave”. Which, as Seokjin and Namjoon had informed you, was really just a way for the senior leaders to tell your boss and his boss to get their shit together.

Much more aggressively, of course. 

You’re surprised to see your boss’s office empty and his boss’s office empty as well. And then guilt begins to seep into your bones- had you gotten them fired? It was hard enough to land a job these days, and had you done that to them?

Jungkook catches your forlorn gaze and squeezes your hand subtly as he walks with you to your cubicle. Your side of the floor is relatively quiet today, as many people were out of the office or working from home.

He sits with you in the chair in your cubicle and pulls his laptop out to do some work on this breezy morning. You quite like these impromptu working sessions with him- even if you’re (halfway) in love with him, you both know where to raise the lines of professionalism.

But you hold his hand for a second longer, and he squeezes once more.

“What if I got them fired,” You whisper, careful to keep your voice low.

“Even if they did get fired, they deserve it. For creating a toxic workplace environment,” Jungkook says, so full of conviction that you almost believe it.

“Okay,” You say uncertainly, “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” He murmurs, giving you a sweet, bunny smile, “I’m sure.”

You nod, sighing heavily. “I’ll book a conference room, can you ping Sana and let her know we have to finish those deliverables for the workshop in August? So Namjoon can get his eyes on it…”

“Can’t believe it’s already May,” Jungkook mumbles, shaking his head, “Fucking crazy.”

“I know, right?” 

You pack up your laptop and your notebook in your bag and gesture for Jungkook to follow you to the conference room. He walks behind you, wanting to catch a glimpse of the way your dark green pencil skirt hugs your hips and your ass.

Nice.

Midway through your working meeting with Sana and Jungkook, you receive a ping from Hae-Ri herself. Jungkook raises an eyebrow at you when you stop speaking mid-sentence, your eyebrows furrowed in perplexity.

“Uh, I gotta step out for a few minutes. Can you two finish this off in the meantime?” You ask, pulling your green blazer on shoving your laptop in your bag.

“Yeah, I think we’re almost done anyway,” Sana says, eyeing you and Jungkook with suspicious eyes. She’s long suspected something was going on with you both. She’s not blind to the not so discreet heart eyes you both send each other, but she assumes you both are keeping whatever it is a secret.

Jungkook sends you a text right away. You tell him Hae-Ri asked to speak with you and that you’ll text him later.

Your heart is in your throat as you walk the two minutes to her corner office with a view but you keep your face as neutral as possible.

She’s already ushering you inside and closing the door behind her, telling you to take a seat.

“Do you want coffee or tea or water?” Hae-Ri asks, pouring herself a large cup of coffee.

“No, I’m okay, thanks,” You say, straightening your back as you try to calm your racing heart.

She sits in her big, fancy leather office chair (it looks like it costs more than the outfit on your skin) and she just looks at you, with her unnerving eyes. You say nothing, only meeting her gaze with the same intensity.

Hae-Ri breaks your impromptu staring contest first with a wide grin. 

“So,” She starts.

“So…”

“Do you know why I asked you to come in here?”

You bite your tongue, wanting to ask her “how would I know why you called me in here” but you refrain. “No…”

“Being the head of business development means that I have visibility to everything,” Hae-Ri says matter of factly, “And I’m sure you know that Namjoon and Seokjin sing your praises every chance they can.

“The reason I called you in here is because there’s an opening for a new team that’s gonna be managed under both Hyo-Jin and I. It’ll be a hybrid approach for managing new products, submissions and being part of the business strategy. The position would have a direct line to Hyo-Jin but a dotted line to me. And we think you would be a great fit for it. It’s an associate director level position…”

Associate director? You can’t help your jaw from dropping, that’s three levels up from your current position. It’s a promotion on top of a promotion.

Holy shit. Nobody’s ever recognized you in this way. You swallow a ball of emotion down your throat- of course, you complain about work, about your shitty boss. But never in your wildest dreams, could you have imagined that two of the heads in this area would recognize and recommend you.

“It’s a lot to think about and consider. The position will be posted on the internal career portal in about three weeks to a month. It’ll be a challenge, but I think you’re up to the task. Of course, there is no pressure if you choose not to apply. But talent and leadership should not go unrecognized.”

When you tell Jungkook what Hae-Ri said to you in the safety of your car, he’s far more excited than you are. He kisses your cheeks, your forehead, your lips and you can’t help but laugh at his antics.

“I’m so proud of you, sweetheart,” Jungkook breathes, “About time these people got their shit together-”

“It’s a lot to think about,” You muse, “A promotion of three levels? That hardly ever happens…”

“That just shows how incredibly amazing my hot, sexy, girlfriend is,” Jungkook says, earning himself a swat of his shoulder by your hand, “And it shows how shitty your boss was to let you fly under the radar for this long.”

You give him a small smile. “I have a few weeks to think about it before it gets posted. Hae-Ri said it should be up in mid-June…”

“We gotta celebrate,” Jungkook insists, dropping another kiss to your glossy lips. You laugh, feeling a little giddy along with him.

“It’s not premature?”

“We’re only celebrating the mere possibility.”

“Okay,” You nod, “Let’s go for drinks tonight with our friends? But can we just keep it between us? I don’t want to jinx anything.”

“Yeah, it can be our secret for now,” Jungkook winks, his hoops shaking as he laughs with you, “Stay the night tonight?”

“Maybe, I’ll see if Grandma is okay,” You murmur and Jungkook nods. A squeal (one that you’ll later deny) leaves your lips when Jungkook pulls you into his lap and presses kisses up and down the column of your neck.

“Now lemme show my girl how proud I am of her.”

It’s another night, a warm sticky night in June, where Jungkook stays over your house for the weekend. You don’t like leaving Grandma alone, despite her insistence that you have your own life. Jungkook understands, and it was actually him who had suggested spending the weekend at your place.

Your heart flutters at the thought of him. He had a late Friday meeting and had told you he’d meet you at your house around seven or eight that evening, and had subtly squeezed your hand in your cubicle in goodbye.

That was a few hours ago, and Jungkook had texted you letting you know that he was on his way. He had stopped by to bring flowers, a bottle of wine and some pastries for you and Grandma. They were Grandma’s favorites.

Grandma had insisted on making dinner for you and Jungkook, despite your protests. Your favorite aromas linger in the air and you contemplate having a few bites before Jungkook even arrives. You try to reach for a piece of mandu but Grandma swats your hand away, admonishing you for trying to eat before your boyfriend and guest even arrived.

Boyfriend. What a strange word.

A series of knocks. You eagerly step towards the front door, ignoring Grandma’s not so quiet snicker. 

“Hi,” You breathe out, feeling a little flustered. As if you hadn’t just seen him a few hours ago at work.

“Hi, sweet girl,” Jungkook says with a small upturn of his lips and you press a chaste kiss to his lips. It surprises him, how often you kiss him in front of Grandma. Even if they are quick, chaste kisses.

“You gonna invite him in or just stand there and let him get cold?” Grandma says from the dining room, peering over to you both with a hand on her hip.

“Yeah, you gonna let me get cold?” Jungkook asks with a wink and you groan. They always tag team you, but you don’t mind. In fact, you love it. You love that your boyfriend and your only remaining member of your family get along.

You pull him inside and take his bag from him, finally seeing the flowers, bottle of wine and box in his arms. 

“What’s all this?” You ask with widened eyes, “You didn’t have to, Jungkook…”

He always brings something when he comes over, and you always say those words to him. 

“His parents raised him better than to come to someone’s house empty handed,” Grandma says in approval, making Jungkook’s heart soar. Whenever Grandma gives an inclination that she likes him, it makes him smile. It’s endearing. You rub his cheek with your thumb affectionately and he scrunches his nose at your touch.

“I’ll go put your stuff upstairs,” You murmur, rubbing his back warmly and leaving him with Grandma. Jungkook pulls the sleeves of his sweater to his elbows to help Grandma put the food on the dining table, and your heart constricts at how well he fits with you in your cozy home.

You return to find three glasses of wine filled and a plate already set for you across from Jungkook. 

“Food’s so good, Grandma,” Jungkook moans, after nearly inhaling his entire plate. And then some.

“No thanks to your girlfriend,” Grandma snorts and shoots you a teasing smile when you protest loudly.

“Hey! You insisted!” 

You pout at both of them when they laugh at your expense, but their laughter makes you smile. Grandma asks Jungkook how work is going, how his family is. You only smile fondly at both of them, taking a backseat from the conversation. It amazes you, how quickly he’s taken to Grandma. You thought it would’ve taken a little more to pull him out of his shell. But he surprises you, as he usually does.

You clear the table and pour another glass of wine for you and Jungkook, who’s turning on your television to browse what movies or shows are available for watching. 

You sit next to him after dimming the lights, careful with the two glasses of wine. He’s careful about touching you, not wanting to offend or make you or Grandma uncomfortable. 

It’s endearing. You only smile at him, pulling the blankets up to cover you both and lean your head on his shoulder. He tenses up immediately, wanting to reluctantly move away from your touch but you squeeze his forearm in reassurance.

Grandma says nothing as she watches you both, only casting a knowing look to Jungkook. 

His cheeks flush at her gaze and he sinks deeper under the blankets, hiding his warm cheeks from Grandma. Grandma only chuckles to herself and you’re oblivious to both of them, eyes focused on the movie.

Grandma had long gone to bed, and you and Jungkook are cuddled under the blankets. Jungkook watches the movie raptly, oblivious to your stolen glances and almost touches. You sigh, wrapping an arm around his bicep and nosing at his neck. You absently push his hair away from his eyes, the pads of your fingers dancing over his scalp. It takes a few moments of you nipping his neck, your lips wet and warm against his skin for him to turn his gaze to you.

“Can I help you?” Jungkook asks, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Yeah,” You breathe, “Let’s go to bed, baby.”

“But the movie,” Jungkook protests, his lips breaking into a wide smile at the furrow of your brow, “I’m only kidding. We can watch the movie in bed after all, right?”

You roll your eyes, shoving his shoulder playfully but he acquiesces. 

You get through all of ten minutes of the movie once you settle in between his legs in your bed. Jungkook’s chin is over your shoulder, arms wrapped around your waist loosely. You wonder if he can hear your heart beating right out of your chest. He holds you so easily, as if he was always meant to fit between the spaces of your body.

You’ve changed into your pajamas, just a shirt and some shorts and Jungkook has as well. Into an oversized shirt and his boxers. 

Jungkook fully looks like your boyfriend, your baby, and it sends a wave of affection through you. Turning your head and shifting to look at him. His cut jaw calls for your attention and you press your lips there, to his neck and finally to his own lips.

“Can’t believe you’re mine,” You mumble, running your fingers through his dark hair.

“Are you mine?” Jungkook asks, pressing his forehead to yours. A smart comment is on the tip of your tongue, but it disappears from your mind quickly. The way he’s looking at you, as if you hold all of his warmth, makes you curl further into him and drop another kiss to his lips.

“Yes,” You exhale and your cheeks heat up when you pluck the courage to run a hand over his chest. Jungkook finds your shyness endearing- for someone a little rough around the edges, he’s not surprised at your softness.

“Baby,” Jungkook murmurs, the term of affection still making your heart lurch, “You can touch, sweet girl. ‘M all yours.”

You swallow, a little nervously. “Me too,” You say softly, “Want you to touch me, baby.” You lean your head on his shoulder, tugging him down to you and meet his lips eagerly. You deepen the kiss quickly, a moan slipping out of your mouth without realizing. You could kiss him for hours, the soft feel of his smooth lips against yours is addicting. Flurries of butterflies erupt in your belly when he nips your bottom lip playfully and you moan again, the sound shooting straight through Jungkook.

He pulls away for a breath, looking at you with hooded eyes. You’re about to dip your head for another kiss but he ducks his head to plaster his lips to your neck. The wetness of his tongue slides along the column of your neck, before he gently kisses you behind your ear. If you were standing, your knees would have buckled surely. Jungkook cups your face gently, rubbing your cheek as he buries his face in your neck.

“Jungkook,” You breathe and he coaxes an unexpected moan from your throat when he sucks and soothes your collarbones.

Jungkook pulls away with reddened lips and you immediately push your lips to his without missing a breath. He’s itching to let his hands roam, to squeeze and hike your shirt up around your waist before peeling it off altogether.

You run your tongue over his bottom lip teasingly and press your chest flat against his. He’s been so patient with you, taking it as slow as you had needed to. Jungkook has been following your lead this whole time, not wanting to overwhelm you. But you’ve been ready for him to take the lead and teach you. The last thing he wants to do is make you feel pressured.

And honestly, all Jungkook wants to do is make you feel good. And learn what you like and don’t like. He doesn’t think you even know what you like. He has a feeling of a few things that he is excited to explore with you.

Jungkook is not surprised when you take his hand and pull it under your shirt. The pads of his fingertips, brush lightly against your sides. You gasp at the sudden spark of his hands against your skin and impatiently slide up against him for more friction.

His hands are so big, so much bigger than your own, dotted in tattoos. You can hardly believe these are the hands that are squeezing you so gently and adoringly. But you’re impatient, and you pull your sleep shirt up and off of your frame to toss it to the side.

You want more. You want more of him and you don’t want slow. You want soft, but you’re ready for something a little more.

“My pretty girl,” Jungkook purrs, thumbs flitting over your tits, “Does my pretty girl want somethin’?”

“Just want you,” You mumble.

“Tell me,” Jungkook murmurs, fingers tracing over your tattoos with a featherlight touch.

“Want you to touch me,” You nearly whine, and he grins in satisfaction. One of these days, he’ll teach you what it means to beg. But not today. He palms your breasts, moaning into your neck just at the feel of your soft flesh in his hands. 

The sight of his tattooed hands on yours, his tattooed arms around you sends another bolt of arousal down your spine.

Your eyes close of their own volition when he pinches your nipple, a silent sound caught in your throat. And then his pliant mouth replaces his fingers, warm breath fanning over your chest. Arousal shoots down your spine and you squeeze your legs together without realizing it. 

It’s clear that he knows what he’s doing- not that you had any doubt in your mind about that. He’s told you that he’s had two serious girlfriends in college and the beginning of graduate school. You’re certain there were hookups in between and after. 

Your hips buck up, grinding into the air as you squirm in his arms. “Stay still,” Jungkook murmurs. You can’t help it, not really. But you try to listen anyway. “Open your eyes,” He coaxes you.

When you meet his eyes, they’re slick with desire and adoration. For you.

“Good girl,” He says, his voice low. The low timber of his voice sends a shudder through you and your eyes widen. Jungkook’s lips twist into a smirk.

“Will you let me make you feel good?” Jungkook asks, his hand ghosting over your thighs. Your hips jump at the sensation and he squeezes your waist. You nod eagerly. “Tell me, baby,” He says, his lips leaving trails of kisses down your chest and your belly.

“Yes,” You gasp, “Jungkook, please-”

He gives you a bright, bunny smile and your heart skips a beat. Adjusting you so that your back is flat against his chest, he kisses the back of your neck. His touch is constant on you- your belly, your waist, your breasts.

Jungkook palms your clothed pussy and you gasp sharply at the buzzing sensation suddenly filling your head. You reach behind him to wrap your arm around his head and tug on his hair impatiently as he rubs against you with quicker paces. 

You wonder if he even knows what he’s doing to you. From the wetness staining your panties, he just might find out soon enough. 

“Show me how you touch yourself, baby,” Jungkook murmurs, his voice husky in your ear. You’re certain cotton is filling his brain, because there’s no way he just asked you that.

“What?” You ask, and Jungkook chuckles at your speechlessness.

“Didn’t hear me?” Jungkook says, “Show me how you touch yourself.”

You’re stunned into submission, peering up at him with hazy eyes. Keeping your eyes on him, you shrug out of your shorts and your underwear in one fell swoop, leaving you completely bare for his gaze. Goosebumps rise on your skin when he says nothing, only drinking you in with wide, thirsty eyes.

Jungkook swallows. “Fuck.”

“What?” You ask, beginning to panic at his lack of a reaction. You close your legs instinctively but he pushes your knees apart, giving him a view of your glistening folds.

“Had such a big crush on you in school,” Jungkook mutters, “You didn’t even know, baby. And now I get to see you like this. Because you gave us a chance.

“And you’re so fuckin’ pretty,” Jungkook says, tugging your jaw to him and dropping a deep kiss to your lips.

“Thought you wanted a show,” You quirk the corner of your lips up and he chuckles against your neck. His hands tighten around your waist, pulling you closer to him and you feel something hard poking at your ass.

It makes your stomach flip. You bring your knees up to your chest and spread your legs wider. Jungkook’s breaths are staggered in your ear and he squeezes your tits as your hands slide down your chest to your pussy. You rub your clit, your hips jolting immediately and Jungkook holds you steady. 

You tease yourself, your touch barely there as your clit throbs. “Look at you, pretty girl,” Jungkook murmurs. You circle your clit with your middle finger, gathering your wetness before Jungkook seizes your hand.

It appears he’s growing impatient, too.

His much longer fingers replace yours, the touch sending another bolt of electricity through you. You imagine what Jungkook’s fingers feel like against you almost all the time, but reality is so much better than your daydreams. He rubs you lazily and you whine, wanting him to go faster. You put your hand over his as he circles your clit.

You don’t even realize that you’re moaning and squirming, pushing back against his hard cock purposefully. “Be quiet, baby,” Jungkook whispers, nipping your earlobe, “Grandma’s only a few doors down…”

Jungkook makes you feel like you’re in your own world, thoughts filled with nothing but sinful honey and him. You whimper as he rubs your clit faster and faster, your thighs beginning to close to lock his fingers in place.

“Jungkook,” You moan, cheeks heating up at the pitchiness of your voice. Jungkook hums in response, only pressing his lips to your neck and his other hand to your chest. You push back against him harshly, back pressed into his chest as if you’re trying to mold yourself into him.

You writhe in his hold, not used to the feeling of his long, thick fingers rubbing your folds. Jungkook pushes a finger into your throbbing pussy once you’re slick and you shiver, a broken sort of noise escaping your lips. Your moans are loud, and Jungkook is pleased but he presses his lips to yours to swallow your soft noises.

Your grip around his wrist is tight, as if to tether yourself to him. “Hey,” Jungkook says softly, nipping at your earlobe again, “Look, baby. Watch me, look how your pussy was made for me. You’re so wet, sweet girl…”

Glancing down to where his fingers were gliding in and out of your wetness easily, you let out another choked noise. He slips another finger into your pussy and you let out a shuddering gasp of his name, your nails digging into his wrist. The lewd sounds of his fingers in your wetness fills your bedroom and if you weren’t so consumed by thoughts of him, you might be almost embarrassed.

“Kook,” You mumble, your hips grinding into his touch to feel as much of him as you can, “Kook, feels so good…” You snake a hand behind you to sink into his dark hair and tug lightly, pulling a soft groan from him.

“Good girl,” Jungkook murmurs, leaving hot, open mouthed kisses down the column of your neck, “My good girl, my dream girl-”

Another rush of wetness floods his fingers at his words and he smirks into your sweaty skin. Your ass is pressed up against his hardened cock, but he wants to make you feel good first. He can worry about himself later. He bucks his hips into your ass and you push back at the feel of his clothed cock against you.

Your thighs begin to shake, a coil beginning to snap in your belly. It’s more powerful than it’s ever been- your own fingers had never brought you to the edge like this.

“You’re close, right?” Jungkook nearly slurs, high off of the sound of your noises, “My pretty girl’s gonna cum all over my fingers?”

You tug his hair harder and nod furiously, hips still bucking into his fingers. It only takes a few more rubs of your clit and pumps of his fingers for you to gasp and arch your back off of his chest. Jungkook immediately plasters his lips to yours to silence the sound of you cumming.

He’ll have to hear them fully. He needs to. But not tonight.

You pull away to gasp for air and your chest is heaving, eyes wide at the force of your orgasm from just his fingers alone. “Jungkook,” You mumble, wanting to see him. You turn in his hold, finally facing him and he’s just as lust blown as you.

You give him a lazy smile and wrap your arms around him, nosing at his neck. Before he can say anything to you, you roll your hips into his, meeting his clothed hardness. Jungkook drops his head against the headboard, groaning softly. His hands are planted firmly on your bare hips and you seemingly don’t mind that he’s fully clothed while you’re not.

“Rock with me, baby,” He murmurs, burying his face in your chest. Your legs are on either side of his hips and you comply easily, your breath hitching when he kisses marks soothingly over your breasts.

You wonder if you’re about to have the pleasure of seeing Jungkook cum again- it’s always beautiful, like the rest of him. Your hips feel like home to him, he squeezes and swats your ass gently. You only grin at him, pressing your forehead to his. His eyes nearly close in pleasure but he keeps them open, wanting to see you moving with him. A wet spot forms on his boxers from both of your arousals and he knows he’s about to cum soon-

And you do, too. 

“Y’r g’nna make me cum in my pants, like I’m fifteen,” Jungkook pants, eyes straining to stay open to watch you.

“Or like you’re twenty-one and you’re obsessed with your mentor,” You breathe, earning yourself a pinch to your waist, “Kook, ‘m close again…” You never cum this quickly after the first time. Jungkook brings out the best parts of you, it seems.

“Me too, baby,” He grunts into your skin, harshly covering your lips with his own. A spark blooms in your belly, slowly spreading and warming you up from within. It’s much slower and less intense than your first orgasm, but just as delicious. You’re sensitive as he rocks his hips into yours and you whine softly at the feeling.

You move to sit on his thigh and your hands shake for a moment before scratching his chest with your freshly done nails. Then his abs. Then his navel. 

“Can I?” You mumble.

“Can you what, baby?” Jungkook asks, amusement still in his eyes. You huff. He’s really going to make you say it.

“Wanna feel you, baby,” You murmur, meeting his eyes, “Wanna feel your cock in my hand-”

“‘M yours, pretty girl,” He replies easily, taking your wrist in his hand. You palm him from outside his boxers and you both groan- you from how big he is, and him from how warm your hand feels against him.

You shyly dip your hand down the waistband of his boxers but he stops you for a second. He wordlessly moves you from his thigh to the bed to slip out of his boxers so that he’s bare to you as well. After all, it’s only fair.

You can’t stop the soft gasp that leaves your lips or the way that your eyes zero in on his leaking cock. He’s so big in your hands and you can’t help but lick your dry, parched lips. Your cheeks are warm and for once, you have nothing to say- no quip, no snarky remark. 

You tug on his shirt impatiently- how had you allowed him to be wearing clothes for this long? Pulling his shirt off of him and tossing it to the floor, you allow yourself the luxury of letting your hands roam his honeyed skin. He’s somehow both cut and soft, tight and supple.

Despite the number of times you’ve seen him like this, you can never get used to it. Even if it’s not the first time his cock is hot and heavy in your hands, you can’t help but trace his tattoos with your free hand and feel a little in over your head.

“Kook,” You murmur, curling close into his side and drawing your knees up to your chest, “Baby, teach me.”

Jungkook groans, the sincerity in your voice making his stomach flip. He takes your hand and squeezes before guiding you to the tip of his reddened cock. You experimentally palm his cock, smearing his leaking pre-cum over his cock and he gasps, burying his face in your shoulder.

You stroke him slowly, watching and listening for his breaths. They’re heavy against your skin and he tightens his grip around your waist, trying to melt into you. 

“Faster, baby,” Jungkook says, his voice wrecked, “‘m so close-”

You pump him faster in your hands, making sure to be gentle with your grip. Jungkook looks down, marvelling at how big he looks in your hands. 

“Am I doing okay, Jungkook?” You whisper, dark eyes wide and unsure. With hooded eyes, he groans and kisses you, and you feel his moans vibrating through your body. He’s so close- he can feel himself starting to come undone, and with another few pumps, he comes all over your hand. Some of his cum splatters on his belly but he pays it no mind, only focusing on regulating his breaths. Without thinking, you lick at the tips of your fingers and swallow the little bit of his cum that landed on your hands. 

“I’ll go get a tissue to clean you up,” You whisper, searching for your shirt. When you find it, you stand up on shaky legs, only for him to yank you back towards the bed.

“Jungkook,” You scold lightly, and he presses his face into your belly.

“You believe me when I say you’re my dream girl,” Jungkook murmurs, ignoring your noise of protest. He looks up at you with bright, sparkling eyes. You swallow nervously, unable to handle the sudden bubbling of adoration you hold for this man.

“Put your boxers on, Jeon,” You mumble, pushing yourself off of him. You hear him laugh fondly. He knows you too well, he knows you’re repeating his words in your head. You emerge from the bathroom, looking a little unsure but still determined. Your hands tremble a little as you attempt to clean him up and he covers your hand with his own to guide you. Jungkook watches you flit around the room before standing up and tugging his boxers on.

He stands up and wraps his arms around your waist, his hands dipping under your shirt. Being in his arms immediately calms you down in gentle waves. He’s become such a calming pillar, a welcomed force in your life. You don’t think even your wildest, most romantic dreams could have ever conjured up someone like him.

Maybe he’s your dream boy, too.

Jungkook drops a kiss to your cheek, walking you back to the bed and laying you on top of it. He pulls the covers up over both of you and is half on top of you. You lean in for a kiss, stars shining in your eyes as you look at him. His legs tangle with yours when he meets your lips and pulls you in close.

“Goodnight,” You whisper when you pull away, “I think you’re my dream boy that I didn’t know I was dreamin’ about.”

With that, you turn your head so he doesn’t see how flustered you are. Your cheeks meet the cool material of your pillow and you pretend not to hear his low chuckle. He only squeezes your waist and murmurs a soft ‘goodnight’ to you.

You’d submitted your application for the associate director position that Hae-Ri had recommended you to apply to. You’d already had the first round of interviews, with the person who would be your direct manager and with Hae-Ri herself. And then you had another interview with Hyo-Jin.

You felt at ease and it felt more like a conversation than an actual interview. Which Jungkook and Jin tell you is because you made the smart decision to get to know them both months ago, before you decided you wanted a shift in your career.

But then Hae-Ri dropped the bombshell on you after the series of interviews. To be in the position, she recommended you finish your masters program at the graduate school you dropped out of (or any grad school that had the same degree). She said the company would pay for it and you could do it while you worked.

But still. It left a sour, angry taste in your mouth.

Jungkook knows, somewhere in the back of his mind. That the words that are about to spill out of his mouth are going to upset you. But he says them anyway, because he thinks you need to hear them-

“If Hae-Ri said that she had a spot for you if you went back to school while working for her,” Jungkook says slowly, “Then isn’t it a no brainer? Your boss sucks, you complain about him and you deserve-”

“Back to school?” You scoff, “Everyone’s gonna be so much younger than me-”

“What does that matter? It’s just a year, and you’ll have your masters degree! Yeah, it’ll be hard to do it with work but you can-”

“I don’t wanna go back!” You exclaim (maybe a little childishly), and cross your arms over your chest. Annoyance seeps into you and you try your best not to get irritated at Jungkook. You know there is truth in his words but you don’t want to hear it just yet.

You’re not ready to face school again. You’re not ready to be at the same place that you had found out Appa had passed away. You’re not ready. Or are you?

“Why not! You don’t need to go back right away, Hae-Ri said-”

“I know what she said,” You say sharply, pinching the bridge of your nose with your brows furrowed, “You don’t need to repeat to me what she said, Jungkook.”

“I don’t understand,” Jungkook says flatly.

You start to notice his eyes losing its usual warmth, reminding you of the days when he would look at you so coldly.

You shiver. He instinctively reaches for you and you let him hold you close for a minute.

But the words come tumbling out of you, your cheeks blazing and ears burning, before you can stop them. 

“I wouldn’t expect you to,” You mutter and he drops his hand from your waist as if he’s been burned.

Ice crawls through your veins, dousing you in something cold and unforgiving. You’re hurting him (again), and you can’t stop yourself. You can hardly stand yourself.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jungkook whispers, looking a little lost and a little heartbroken.

“It means you wouldn’t understand being too unable to take care of yourself to go to school,” You say, eyes narrow and jaw steeled, “It means everything’s come easy to you, Jungkook- fucking school, this fucking job-”

“That’s not fucking fair,” Jungkook says with a frown, “You’re deflecting and you’re being mean-”

You laugh. Mirthlessly. The hollowness seeping into your eyes makes Jungkook’s skin crawl.

“That’s me, baby. All I’m good at is deflecting and being mean. You haven’t caught on yet?”

“Stop,” Jungkook says firmly, hurt seeping into his voice as he levels his watery gaze at you, “You’re pushing me away. Stop it, baby.”

“Am I wrong?” You sneer, pressing your nails into your biceps. It hurts. You’re hurting him, it’s hurting you and you can’t stop running your mouth. You can’t stop the acid on your tongue or the daggers in your eyes.

You’re reacting this way just from the mere mention of going back to school. Pathetic.

“You have an opportunity to move ahead and you’re being stubborn about it because you don’t want to go back to school? I’m sure there are a lot of fucking hard memories associated with grad school but don’t take that out on me for wanting better for you,” Jungkook says coldly. While his eyes are icy, you still see the shine of unshed tears in them.

“I’m not being stubborn-”

“From all of this, that’s your response? That you’re not being stubborn?” Jungkook struggles not to raise his voice at you, feeling his chest burn with hurt.

“What else do you want me to say, Jungkook?” You throw your hands up in frustration, “I can’t make you understand-”

“I’m not telling you to make me understand,” Jungkook says, “I’m telling you to consider your future and your capabilities, you’re the one who fucking complains about work all the time-”

“Oh, well, sorry that we can’t be everyone’s fucking golden boy at work-”

“If you’re not gonna do anything about it, then don’t fucking complain-”

“Seriously? I can’t complain to my boyfriend now?”

“You’re missing the point, baby,” Jungkook sighs in irritation, pinching the bridge of his nose, “I can’t talk to you right now, not when you refuse to listen, and when you’re being spiteful.”

“W-what? What does that mean?” You say, nearly all of the fire extinguished from your belly at his words. He starts to put his jacket on, unable to look you in the eyes because if he does, he knows he’ll cry.

“W-wait, Jungkook,” You mumble, tugging his hand but he pulls it back as if you’ve burned him again, “Baby-”

“I can’t-” He squeezes his eyes shut, not noticing a few tears leak out. Your heart breaks in front of you- clearly you were too wrapped up in your own spiral of defense to realize how much your words were hurting him. “I don’t wanna be around you right now. Not if you’re gonna hurt me like this.”

“I’m-”

“I know you didn’t mean it, but you said it for a reason,” Jungkook says. His words make you tear up. “We can talk when you figure out why.”

“Jungkook,” You mumble, wanting to touch him but afraid he’ll reject you again, “Wait, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry-”

He looks at you long and hard, heart cracking a little bit at the sight of your sad eyes. But you did this and you need to figure out why you were so defensive over going back to school. He deserves better than you lashing out at him for the mere mention of it. He knows it and you know it.

Jungkook wants to kiss your tears away, but he’s hurting, too.

You want to ask for a kiss, for a text when he gets home. But you don’t, and he’s almost out of the front door before he turns on his heel and brushes his lips over your hair. 

You feel salty tears drop from your eyes with his touch as he leaves you with an unspoken ultimatum.

You end up texting Jungkook an hour after he left your house, just wanting to make sure he got home safely. It takes him ten minutes from when you sent the text for him to respond with a simple ‘yes’ and you’re too nervous to text him anything other than a simple ‘okay’.

You hold your head in your hands and groan to yourself, rubbing your temples. 

How could you say the things you said to him so easily, without regard for how it might hurt him? Just because the topic of school always set you off- and it always has for the last five years and change. No matter how much time has gone by, how far you’ve come in therapy… there’s always something.

You bury yourself under your covers and sniffle, finally letting yourself cry. A hole starts to unzip inside your chest and all you want to do is bury yourself in it. Your words to him, to the man who always has treated you with nothing but kindness and smiles, ring heavy in your ears.

He’s too good for you. He’s too good for you- he’s too golden and good for you. You’ll only bring him down, won’t you? With all of this baggage that he didn’t sign up for. There was no reason for you to verbally spit in his face like that.

His cold, hurt eyes are haunting. You can’t believe you put that look on his face. You’ve been on the receiving end of it because of your own actions too many times now.

It makes your heart ache and it makes you cry harder into your pillow. You don’t know how long it is that you lay there, but at some point, Grandma crawls into your bed with you and holds your head in her lap. She rubs your back as you cry and sniffle your heart out.

By the time Grandma gently coaxes you to tell her what happened, your chest hurts and your eyes are puffy and rimmed red. She only sighs and lays with you in silence, until she sighs again in that way that you know she’s going to voice her opinion to you.

“He only wants you to have a future that you deserve, even if that means confronting things you don’t want to confront,” Grandma says wisely, “Even if you don’t want to hear it for him.”

“I know. Shit, I know. I hurt him, I hurt him bad,” You mumble, fresh tears pooling in your eyes at the thought of his big, brown eyes looking at you in that heartbroken way.

Another forlorn sigh. “You can fix it. Just talk to him, sweetheart.”

“I know. I will. I don’t think he wants to talk to me right now. I think I should have a therapy appointment first,” You groan, rubbing your eyes, “I don’t know why the thought of school sets me off so easily. And Kook is the last person… I hate that I hurt him.”

“I think you know why the thought of school sets you off,” Grandma says, giving you a knowing look.

It takes you a few days of self reflection (and actively not spiraling into the very tempting black hole of self loathing) to finally understand your reaction to Jungkook suggesting you go back to school. 

It’s not like you haven’t had a similar explosive reaction before- Jin has always tiptoed about it with you. And Grandma has stopped bringing it up because you always shut down when the topic arises.

Perhaps now is a good time to examine why- after all, you’d only hurt your boyfriend’s feelings so much that he can barely stand to speak to you apparently. You both have been speaking normally, sharing chaste kisses when you can but you can tell he’s holding back a little, to give you both the space you need.

It’s only been a few days but you’re so sad without him. Knowing that you hurt him the way you did.

Jungkook feels like he overreacted a bit. He doesn’t want you to figure this out alone- he didn’t mean to just leave. But he couldn’t stand it, he couldn’t stand how… mean you were being. Mostly, he couldn’t stand how he knew you were doing it on purpose, to get him to drop the topic.

He hopes you can come to an understanding with yourself. But he wants you to lean on him when you need to as well.

So when you text him asking if you can come over later that evening, he immediately says yes.

You don’t text Jungkook when you arrive, only knocking at his door. He greets you with surprised eyes and pulls you inside immediately, pulling you into a tight hug right away.

He feels as if it’s been forever since he held you last.

“Hi, honey,” You mumble, feeling tired with longing, “These are for you.” 

It’s a bouquet of some of his favorite flowers, his favorite purples and pinks in your hands and he wants to kiss you in gratitude, but he follows your lead.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Jungkook replies and takes your bag after putting the flowers in a vase and takes your hand, leading you to his bedroom. You feel a little nervous, afraid of how much you might have hurt him. Afraid of what he thinks of you now.

But he pulls you into his arms and cradles your face in his hands, the tips of his fingers melting into the warmth of your skin. Your eyes well up with tears for no reason and it stuns you that this man affects you to this degree. Maybe you should be a little more surprised, but you’re not. Not really.

“Hi, baby,” He says quietly and your heart seizes. Jungkook says your name again and pulls you into his chest for another longer hug and you hum into the warmth of his torso. Your hands are hesitant, yearning to touch his arms, his chest, his face. But you have a lot you want to say before any of that so you pull away reluctantly and sit on his bed.

“C’mon, let’s lay,” Jungkook murmurs, pushing his black and grey duvet and squeezing your hand. You feel a little lightheaded but you follow his lead, relaxing in his embrace as he cuddles you from behind. His chin is hooked over your shoulder, arms tight around your waist, lips brushing over your neck. You hold his tattooed forearm, mindlessly drawing lines and circles over his skin.

“I have to say something,” You finally mumble after a few minutes and turn in his arms to face him. His touch is never too far, always around you- always gravitating to you and making you feel warm and safe.

“Okay,” Jungkook says, eyes wider than you’ve possibly ever seen him. You can’t help but want to kiss him, but you hold back. Just until you say what you need to say.

His hands are soothing over your back as he encourages you. So you tell him- you tell him how your last therapy appointment went. You tell him how you’ve reacted this way to anyone who bothered to bring school up to you whether it’s Jin or Grandma. You tell him how the thought of graduate school instantly takes you back to the day you were in class and you received a phone call from the hospital telling you that your father had passed away. 

You tell him how sometimes it feels like you’re living in a movie, a never-ending reel of the worst thing to happen in your near 30 years of life. But…

“It doesn’t feel so terrible these days,” You murmur, “It feels like an ache most times. But not as overwhelming as before… I think maybe I didn’t- I didn’t handle my grief in the best way. And it took me this long to realize it.

“You know, I started realizing it when I saw you that first day. In the office. When I was such a bitch to you-”

Jungkook stops the self-deprecating spill of your lips with a chaste kiss.

“You… you’ve changed me in a lot of ways, Jungkook. And I know we haven’t been together all that long,” You whisper, your voice choked and low, “I always want to be better for you, with you-”

You sigh, squeezing your eyes shut as your throat closes up. This is hard for you, to bare your heart out like this. But if there’s anyone you want to be vulnerable for, it’s Jungkook.

“What I’m trying to say is… you’re right. I can’t keep living in the past when I have opportunities to be better and it’ll be hard work to dissect those feelings but… I want to do it. And I’m sorry for what I said, for taking all of that out on you. You didn’t deserve that-”

“I’m sorry, too,” Jungkook murmurs, surprising you, “For telling you that you shouldn’t complain. Of course you should complain. And I want to be the one you complain to. I’m sorry for just… leaving when you were clearly going through something.”

“Jungkook, no,” You shake your head and push his hair back, thumbs gentle over his cheeks, “If you need space from me or for anything… you never need to feel bad or guilty for that.”

“Okay,” He says almost shyly, “I know it must have been hard to talk about this. So, I’m proud of you.”

“Yeah, but… I want to make this work with you more than I’m afraid of facing those memories and fears. And just in general, I mean, I just want to try to be better. And you’re worth it, Koo-”

He holds your face in his hands, eyes drawn to yours- stars meeting stars and you sink into his sheets at the calm, welcoming fire in his gaze. His lips are on yours before you can blink, swallowing any potential noise of protest that might come out of your mouth.

It’s only been a few days but you missed Jungkook, you missed his warm smile, the heat of his hands, the comfort of his broad shoulders and the way he fits against you. His nose is pressed to your neck, large hands instantly floating under your shirt to feel as much of you as he can.

“Koo,” You mumble, pushing lightly at his chest, “Are we okay? Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook mumbles, pressing his lips to the corner of your mouth. He tastes a bit like his mango chapstick (his current favorite). He leaves his lips near yours, pressing his cheek to yours as much as he can. You thread your fingers through his hair, dancing along his scalp and he sighs contentedly. “We’re okay and I’m okay. I wanna be here with you while we get through this together. Are you okay?”

You hum in agreement and wrap a leg around his waist, suddenly feeling very, very tired. His shirt is loose in your grip- he can tell how exhausted you are. Because he’s exhausted, too. Jungkook only holds you close under his covers and waits for your breaths to even out before falling asleep, too.

When August comes around, the final workshop for the big submission does, too. The last workshop will take place in Tokyo, which you’re excited about. Because you and Jungkook had decided to go to Tokyo to spend the weekend together. Meaning you’d be leaving on Friday evening to reach Tokyo around 9:30 PM.

You’d made sure Grandma would be okay, insisting that she call you or call Seokjin if anything happened. She scoffs at you but reassures you that she will. She says she’ll be spending most of her time with her close friends in the area, anyway.

You’ve only been dating Jungkook for four or five months now, and teetering on the edge of something more for maybe six months. You wonder if it feels too fast- the speed with which you open your bleeding heart up to him should scare you, but it doesn’t. It feels natural with him. 

You’ve both voiced your concerns to each other- fear that you were moving fast and would tire of each other. Or that you were moving too fast to properly assess your feelings.

But both of you agreed that you both felt comfortable and trusted each other enough to speak up if you were uncomfortable. So traveling together for a weekend didn’t feel terribly out of your comfort zone.

You were excited to be with him completely alone, too. Without the stress of work or Taehyung or Grandma to hear you.

Jungkook thinks you both need time alone, too. To see how you’d work as a pair. 

You’d taken it upon yourself to plan a few things around Tokyo for the weekend. You wanted to take him to a few places that Appa used to take you to. Maybe it was too much for a fresh relationship, but you want him to see the parts of you that grew up here, too.

You feel incredibly exposed, your heart and soul on display as you hold Jungkook’s hand in yours. Old memories of Appa and of this park spill from your lips fondly and Jungkook only listens with wide, sparkling eyes. Vulnerability drips from your tongue and he swallows it up eagerly.

A light breeze ruffles through his hair and you stop him mid-stride to stand by the lake. The clear water glimmers with the sun, blue and purple petals floating over the water slowly. You lean over the railing and Jungkook encases you with his arms on either side of you, his chest pressed to your back.

“We used to fly kites here,” You say wistfully, “Right over there-”

You point at the other side of the lake where trees shroud the corners with brightly colored leaves. “And always get food from the food carts right outside the park.

“And this is where I was that one time we were here for the workshop. I came here before that happy hour, too.”

Jungkook kisses your cheek and you lean back, letting your head rest over his shoulder as his arms snake around your waist. There’s nobody around, even though it’s relatively early in the morning. The only sounds that can be heard are your own breaths, and the softness of the birds chirping and the wind whistling.

“The happy hour when the night before I hurt your feelings,” You murmur, “I’m sorry I said everything I said to you. And I’m so sorry I was so… mean and bitter to you in the beginning. You didn’t deserve that.”

You turn in his arms, wanting to see him, and cup his cheek. Letting your thumb trace the mole below his lip and over his cheeks.

“I’m scared,” You confess, “I’m scared that I’ll ruin you and break your heart. Because I’m still in pieces sometimes. I like you so much but shouldn’t I seek love from someone else only after I learn to love myself?”

“I can love you as you learn,” Jungkook murmurs, kissing your forehead, “Self-love doesn’t mean you don’t have to accept love from others, baby.”

Another strong breeze tickles your face, caressing Jungkook almost tenderly. “Sometimes I like to pretend like winds like that are Appa and he’s saying hello,” You say sheepishly with a watery laugh, “I think he likes you.

“I’m scared, Jungkook. But I want to be scared with you,” You exhale, tears dotting your eyes and a small smile on your face. 

Jungkook pulls you close to his chest, wrapping his arms around you tightly and rubbing your back soothingly. “‘M gonna take care of your heart, princess. You’re always safe with me.”

You immediately burst into tears, because you trust him with your soft heart and you believe him. He only smiles at you, tears rolling down his own cheeks as he thumbs yours away. Jungkook kisses you softly, squeezing your cheeks together and you can taste the saltiness of your tears on your tongue. You deepen the kiss quickly, pouring all of your trust and respect for him onto your lips.

He drinks you up easily and bends his knees a bit to scoop you by your thighs and lift you up, even spinning you a bit as his lips stay pressed to yours. You pull away first with a dazed, watery giggle and push his hair away from his forehead to press a kiss there.

You feel weightless and airy in his arms, your hands steady on his shoulders as he spins with you.

You could love this man- you already love his wide, crinkly-eyed smile, the way the tips of his ears turn pink when you fluster him, the way he is so considerate and charming. 

“Jungkook,” You mumble, pushing his hair back again, “Take me back to our hotel, baby.”

Jungkook can’t keep his hands off of you, not with the dim lights of the hotel lobby making your hair shine, not when you stand in front of him in the elevator and lean into him as his arm lazily wraps around your waist to pull you closer. His nose tickles your neck as he drops kisses to your cheek, smiling against your skin when you laugh lightly. 

The elevator dings. You both stumble out, holding hands as if you’re love drunk on each other and it’s not 7:30 in the morning.

You push him against the door once you key yourself inside, impatient and hands wandering. A choked noise escapes his lips but it melts into a moan when you press into him. 

Jungkook can’t keep his hands off of you, not with the way you breathe his name out as if it’s spicy honey on your tongue. Your legs remain wrapped around his waist as he holds you by your thighs, his hands digging into them. You’re secure in his arms- the fact that he can hold you up so steadily, so easily has you rolling your hips into his and moaning into his mouth unashamedly.

“Shit,” Jungkook groans into your ear, a little desperate, “I want you so bad, baby.”

You hum in agreement, lips pressed to the spot behind his ear. The spot that you had quickly discovered in your relationship that he liked. He stumbles for half a second before dropping you to the large bed and hovering over you.

Jungkook impatiently tugs at your blouse, trying his best to unbutton it as carefully as possible. He curses under his breath, shooting you a playful glare when you giggle at him. He unclasps your bra easily and once you shuck it off to the side, his mouth is warm and wet against your bare chest. Your giggles turn into soft sighs of his name.

Ever since he had realized how much you like the feeling of his mouth on your tits, he couldn’t get enough. You’re so sensitive, almost all the time, and this time is no different.

You always try to push him away but coax him back for more.

Your small hands are ghosting over his chest, glazing over the ridges and dips of his abs and of his pecs. You tug on his shirt and pull it up and over his head, tossing it to the side to join your own clothes. His fingers are heated as you lightly scratch over the trail of hair dipping into his shorts from his navel, but you only tease him and palm him through his clothes.

You’re so impatient. You unbutton his shorts clumsily and gently yank his boxers and his shorts down his thighs, always surprised that he’s almost completely hard already. But it doesn’t take much for him to get hard with you. 

You spit into your hands and wrap a hand around his cock, lazily stroking him.

Jungkook’s eyes are wide, breaths staggered at the sight of your freshly painted glossy lilac nails around his cock. 

“Koo,” You mumble, “So big, Koo…”

Your face is warm as you meet his darkened, lust blown eyes. Jungkook catches the sliver of determination in your own eyes as you continue to stroke him- you’re determined to have him in your mouth.

The last few times you’ve tried haven’t gone so well- every time you’d tried taking him in your mouth, you’ve always coughed and gagged heavily to the point of your eyes watering and Jungkook felt bad and told you that you didn’t have to blow him.

“You don’t- oh, baby,” Jungkook groans, biting his bottom lip and struggling not to close his eyes when you take him past your lips. You try your best to control your breathing through your nose and alternate between teasing him with kitten licks and stroking him.

You look up at him from your spot on your knees and take him a little deeper, just like he taught you. Your eyes are already watering, vision starting to go blurry but you’re nothing if not determined. Your hands are loose around his strong, muscular thighs and you squeeze.

“Like that, princess,” Jungkook mumbles, watching you with half lidded eyes, trying to stop himself from fucking your mouth.

But maybe you want that.

“More tongue, baby,” Jungkook encourages, “Don’t forget to breathe through your nose.”

You hum around his cock, the sound inadvertently causing him to thrust into your mouth. But you squeeze his thighs in encouragement, wordlessly telling him that he can fuck your mouth if he wants to.

“Mmm, you feel so good,” Jungkook moans, hand cradling your cheek and wiping a stray tear, “Look so pretty like this…”

“You can take me, princess,” Jungkook murmurs, and you take a few more inches of him down your throat without gagging, “Good girl…”

Your belly flips at his praise and you’re eager for more to spill from his pretty, reddened lips. Jungkook curses, his voice low as his thighs tremble with each stroke of your hand and each pull of your mouth. He can’t get enough of you like this, you on your knees with wide, watery eyes just for him. Just for him.

His dream girl.

Jungkook abruptly pushes you away from his cock, saliva trailing from your lips with a pop! You look at him in confusion but he unbuttons your shorts quickly and tugs your panties away, hardly appreciating the new pretty purple panties you’d bought specifically for this trip. You hardly have an opportunity to pout about it, before he sharply kisses you, molding his hips to yours.

He swipes his hand over your pussy, getting a feel for your wetness. You’re so wet already, just from kissing him and from having his cock in your mouth.

Jungkook groans into your neck, biting your skin lightly and you gasp when he slides into your wet warmth easily. Wrapping your legs around his waist and reaching behind him to squeeze his ass, you kiss moans of his name into his heated skin.

“Koo,” You mumble raspily, breath hitching when he stills inside you, “I want you-”

“Gonna take care of you, my dream girl,” Jungkook says softly, cupping your face. Your heart stutters in your chest at the sincerity of his kiss, the stars in his eyes and the adoration in his touch. 

Something sweet is at the tip of your tongue but you swallow it down, instead losing yourself in his touch along your hips, your tits, your thighs. Anywhere he can reach you.

Jungkook presses his forehead to yours and rocks into you, again and again and again.

“One more, princess,” Jungkook says hoarsely, thumbing away your stray tears, “Gimme one more-”

You whine but it quickly turns into a broken moan of his name when he gently rolls his hips into yours and rubs your clit with his thumb. Your eyes are glazed over but focused on him, a thin sheen of sweat coated over your soft skin.

“I can’t…” You mumble, wrapping your arm around his shoulders and turning your face to the side. But you both know that you can. Jungkook’s eyes dip to the place where you’re both connected in between your legs and marvels at your puffy pussy. You widen your legs further despite the slight soreness already settling in for him to get a better look. His fingers ghost over your pussy and you shiver at the oversensitivity that his mere touch brings.

“Yes, baby, you can,” Jungkook says softly, “Nice and slow, just like this.”

“O-okay,” You reply, tipping your chin up for a kiss. You feel like jelly, like you’re floating on a cloud, with Jungkook right by your side. When you finally do cum, with soft, sinful murmurs of his voice in your ear, it’s quiet and warm. Leaving you buzzing from head to toe.

You clench around him, the feeling of his cock inside you becoming almost too much to bear. But you don’t want him to pull out, just yet. After all, your baby hasn’t cum and you can feel how hard he is.

“Koo,” You murmur, threading your nails up and down his very defined back, “Baby, you feel so good, make me feel so good…”

You won’t lie, sometimes the dirty talk feels clumsy to you as it comes out of your mouth. You think Jungkook is better at it than you are, and you’ve told him that, too. He only denies it.

You pull him down closer to you, your breath fanning across his cheeks. You squeeze around him despite your own sensitivity and he groans out loud, eyes closed. Jungkook sits you up and brings you into his lap with his cock still inside of you, throbbing with the need to cum.

You wrap your arms around his shoulders, fingers gentle against his scalp. You lean forward and nip his earlobe, giggling when his hips stutter. Your mischievous touch dips down his chest, scratching at his navel.

Jungkook abruptly cums into the condom, possibly harder than he ever has, with your gentle, feathery touches and your soft murmurs in his ear. He moans your name and holds you close, arms tight around you and keeping you plastered against his chest as he rides his high out.

“Holy shit,” You breathe with a slow smile. Jungkook hums and lays you on your back, laying with you for a second before pulling out of you and discarding the condom on shaky legs. You’d make a comment about how cute his ass looks, but you’re too tired to. You get cozy under the covers, watching him flit around the room with sleepy eyes. 

It’s hardly ten AM and you’re ready to go back to sleep.

You must have drifted off at some point, because Jungkook is wrapped around you, his head on your chest. He’d cleaned you up, too and you drowsily kiss his forehead before slipping back to sleep.

After all, the rest of the weekend is still yours. Work doesn’t begin in Tokyo until Monday.

tags: @koo-zy

#jungkook x reader #jungkook smut #jeon jungkook x reader #jeon jungkook smut #jungkook fluff

[justaghostingon]

Forgotten Alters Part 2

Buried Secrets

As the Academy readies itself for the Hunter’s big festival, Gyrus gains the chance to learn a secret about the god and himself.

The courtyard of the academy was bustling with activity. Magicians and casters of all types ran back and forth, some balancing gigantic barrels of paint, others with ceremonial white robes to soak in glowing powder so that no one got shot, and even someone driving a whole herd of wild boars through the center, fattened and grunting and ready to be doused in bright greens and yellows for the festival’s Great Hunt. 

Gyrus dodged around a stray boar, tripping backwards until he collided someone soft. He looked up to see the familiar face of his astrology professor frowning down. 

“Gyrus,” Professor Iro sighed. “Where have you been?”

“I was double checking some of the preparations for the release of the boars,” Gyrus lied through his teeth, not wanting to explain how he’d gone to his secret altar, again, to wish the Hunter good luck on the Great Hunt. He hadn’t been there, which Gyrus really ought to have predicted. The hunter might occasionally masquerade as a priest in Gyrus’ company, but he no doubt had better things to do to prepare than accept the well wishes of a random mortal who kept stumbling into his hidden altar. 

That didn’t stop the disappointed drop in Gyrus’ stomach at the empty altar though.

Professor Iro’s sigh brought Gyrus back to the present. “That’s priest work boy,” he grumbled. “Don’t go doing their job for them. They do little enough as it is.”

“They lead the Hunt!” Gyrus protested, feeling slightly offended on the priest’s behalf. “It’s their job to make sure that everyone has a good time, and that all the boars get caught!”

Professor Iro snorted. “Yeah, theoretically. All just an excuse to Hunt these so called ‘Great Beasts’ and try to imitate their god’s own Great Hunt,” Professor Iro waved a hand at the boars in the courtyard, now being sprayed with the bright green paint. “We’re the ones who actually have to create these ‘great beasts,’ to match the Great Traitor’s monstrous form,  and guide the less experienced hunters to a good catch while the priest frolic in the forest.”

Gyrus looked down at the ground, cobbled stones splattered in glowing emerald paint. The academy did put a lot of work into preparation for the Great Hunt, from painting the boars to guiding the poorer families towards the fattest finds. Still, “At least we’re not in charge of the cooking.” The feast afterwards could last for days, and the smell of blood and grease clung to the priest and peasants for ages after they prepared their kills. 

“Hunter grant us small favors,” Professor Iro muttered. “That reminds me,” he gave Gyrus a peircing look. “The headmaster wants to see you.”

He does?” Gyrus jumped. Running an anxious hand through his hair. “What for?”

“Not sure.” Professor Iro shrugged. “I’m just the messenger. But it sounded important. So whatever it is,” his hand squeezed Gyrus’ shoulder, “make the astrology department proud okay?”

“Of course,” Gyrus gulped. Mind racing. What had he done lately that would warrant a call from the headmaster himself? Was he going to get a reward for his latest project? But why a call to the office? Usually rewards were offered in big ceremonies. This sounded more like a reprimand. Or discipline. But it wasn’t like he’d done anything bad recently. Or anything worthy of reward either. Just his last paper on the Hunter... Oh no. 

“You okay there Gyrus?” Professor Iro’s brow furrowed. “You look kinda pale.”

“I’m great!” Gyrus pulled his lips into a terrible approximation of a smile. “Which way to the headmaster’s office again?”

“It’s in the west wing. Behind the big gold doors, where it’s been since day one.” Professor Iro raised an eyebrow. “Gyrus are you sure you’re okay?”

“Completely!” Gyrus began to back away. “See you at the Hunt!” Not bothering to see Professor Iro’s reply, he took of running west. He needed to find out what the headmaster knew, for the Hunter’s sake. He’d trusted him, Gyrus flashed backwards to their meeting, months ago.

----------

“You’re back,” The Hunter’s voice caused Gyrus to whirl around, the picnic basket of Mandu nearly falling from his hands. The god was leaning against the entrance, effectively cutting out Gyrus only exit. An ethereal light from outside bathed his skin and made him seem to glow. Or he was actually glowing. He was a god after all.

“You’re here!” Gyrus gaped. He’d been so certain the Hunter wouldn’t return, he so rarely manifested twice. Unless - “I’m not going to do the project!”

“Huh?” The Hunter cocked his head, stretching his arms up above his head. “Why not? Seemed like you were pretty excited.”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to hurt your...I mean I don’t think the Hunter’s going to like it if I broadcast this failed duality everywhere.” Gyrus glanced at the shadow burns on the wall.

“It’s just a school paper.” The Hunter rolled his eyes. “No one’s going to be consulting some apprentice caster’s first year paper for the next great religious guidelines.”

“Final year” Gyrus corrected, then shoved his hand over his mouth, realizing he’d just contradicted a god.

The Hunter merely raised an eyebrow. “Still an apprentice.” His eyes roved over Gyrus’ body, taking in his tense shoulders and his hand over his mouth. “Relax.” His voice softened. “You’re not gonna offend the Hunter. I’m a priest. I would know.”

Oh so he’s still pushing the whole human thing? Gyrus thought to himself. Ok. He could work with that. “I guess I’ll trust a priest’s word,” he smiled. “But if I’m failed for blasphemy, I’m saying I got it from you.”

“Fair enough,” the Hunter shrugged. His eyes fell on Gyrus’ picnic basket, and flashed bright blue. “Is that Mandu?”

“Yes,” Gyrus lifted it up, watching the hungry god with slight amusement. “Do you want some?”

“If you insist,” the Hunter waved a hand, trying to appear indifferent. Gyrus giggled.

-----------

“There you are Gyrus.” The headmaster stood up as Gyrus burst through the golden doors. 

“I can explain!” Gyrus cried, and the headmaster raised an eyebrow.

“I should hope so.” The headmaster smiled. “Considering this work on the Hunter’s possible connection to a star god is quite ground breaking.”

Oh no. It was just as Gyrus feared. “It’s just a theory!” He held up his hands. “I’ve not got that much evidence, and...” The headmaster held up his hand, and Gyrus’ jaw snapped shut. 

“Modesty is a virtue Gyrus, but not in academia. As it stands, your paper qualifies you for a very special duty for the Great Hunt.” The headmaster smiled, warm and inviting.

“It does?” Gyrus shifted from foot to foot. He’d never heard of any special duties involved. Was he going to have to guide some one important? He hoped it wasn’t the lord. He couldn’t stand that guy.

���Yes.” The Headmaster moved from behind his desk. “If you’d follow me, I can fill you in on the details as we walk.” He moved to the side to open a simple looking brown door off the side of his office. Gyrus hesitated, confused. This all seemed far too convenient. The Headmaster paused. “Gyrus,” his voice held a note of steel beneath the surface, and Gyrus felt his body jump to comply before he told it too. 

The hallway they stepped into was neat and well kept, with other little wooden doors lined up along the way, like any other hallway in the academy. Gyrus’ shoulders relaxed at that. Maybe his mind was playing tricks on him.

“...truly excellent work,” the Headmaster was saying, “how did you figure it out?”

Gyrus jumped, nearly tripping over his feet as he tried to figure out what the Headmaster was asking him, and what he was supposed to say. It was probably about the paper, he thought as he tugged at the edge of his shirt to buy himself some more time. But he didn’t want to explain about the altar, or about meeting The Hunter. He knew if he did it would be covered in scholars and magicians and priests. Call him selfish, but he didn’t want to share. Not yet.

“It was just a feeling,” he said instead. “The Hunter likes the stars.” 

“Does he now?” The Headmaster’s eyes narrowed, giving Gyrus a searching look. But Gyrus wasn’t paying attention, mind drifting to the first time he stayed over night at the altar. 

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

“Tell me about the stars,” The Hunter leaned back against the alter, looking upwards through the natural window to his constellation above. A stain of purple on his lips from the berries Gyrus had brought to spice up their daily picnics.

“What?” Gyrus blinked at the man across the picnic basket from him, hand halfway to the berries inside. “Why?” Surely the god knew everything already. If anything, Gyrus should be asking him that. There were so many secrets to the stars he’d love to know more about.

“You’re studying them aren’t you?” The Hunter said with a shrug. “Tell me about what you’ve learned.”

Well, if he insisted. Gyrus sat up, wiping the berry juice on his pant leg. “Stop me if i bore you,” he advised, knowing how long his rambles tended to run. The Hunter gave a nod, and that was all Gyrus needed to launch into a long lecture about astrophysics and the value of science in magic, a subject that only Professor Iro truly seemed to appreciate. The Hunter’s bright blue eyes focused on his face, sharp and interested, and never once did he interrupt him, even as the stars above faded to the blush of dawn.

-----------

 “Tell me, What do you think of the Hunter Gyrus?”

“I think he’s amazing.” Gyrus’s cheeks reddened at the daring of his own words. Hardly a normal thing to call a supposedly distant god. He hoped he didn’t come off sounding like a zealot or a priest.

“He is indeed.” The Headmaster’s voice is solemn. Gyrus glanced up at him, wondering if he’d met the god too, or if he was secretly a zealot. “Do you know why the academy is in this forest?” 

“Because it was a good place to build?” Gyrus asked, absently noting they were coming to the end of the hallway.

“No.” The Headmaster shook his head. “Because before we served The Hunter, we served his duality.”

“We what?” Gyrus stopped short. “Why doesn’t anyone know about this?” Surely this myth was preserved by the hunter’s priests, if it was still so relevant to the time. Unless... “Did I stumble on a Mystery?” Gyrus groaned. Everyone knew how protective priests were of their more sacred texts. If he’d accidentally found a secret from one of those, he was facing a severe scolding at best, and an indictment into the priestly order at worst. 

“Yes,” the Headmaster nodded gravely, and Gyrus’ heart sank. “But not for the Hunter’s priests. No. This is a Mystery of our own academy. A Mystery that today you are privileged enough to learn.”

“So you know which god the duality was.” Gyrus felt his curiosity bubbling up inside him. “And you’re going to tell me?” Induction into the priests would bore him to tears, but induction into the academy’s own staff? That was a dream come true. 

“Yes.” The headmaster stopped in front of the last door, solid Iron carved with an intricate designs of the Hunter among the stars. “Behind this door lies a secret we’ve guarded for a millennia. And today Gyrus, may open it.”

Gyrus reached to the heavily bolted handle, pulling the polished brass forward with a click and stepped inside.

The room was dim, and he blinked as he moved forward into the amphitheater, towards the only light streaming from a skylight four stories up. Was it that far to the surface? How had they gotten so far under ground? As Gyrus eyes adjusted, he realized they weren’t alone. Rather several people stood on sloping marble steps above them, cloaked in the shadows of the circular room. Gyrus turned his head to the center of the room, where a shallow pool lay at the bottom of the circular steps, water perfectly still, reflecting the image of the carved glass, above, the only light in the room. An eight pointed star.

“The Loadstar.” Gyrus’ legs gave out from underneath him as he gazed downwards at the symbol in horror. The great traitor himself. “But... no...” The Hunter wouldn’t. Not with him. 

“I’m afraid so.” The Headmaster said, and Gyrus heard the audible click of the door closing behind him. “Back before his fall, the Loadstar and the Hunter were in a duality, and to commemorate the occasion, the Loadstar placed the Hunter’s constellation in the stars. A trick, to distract the Hunter from his true intentions. Much like he used his patronage of our early institution to go behind the backs of the gods and plan his atrocities.”

“I don’t understand,” Gyrus shook his head. It was to much, to soon. The Hunter with the Loadstar? The academy serving the enemy? Nothing was making sense. Gyrus’ head was spinning. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because the Hunter took up our patronage from his duality, saving us from disgrace and destruction for one reason alone.” The headmaster lit a torch with magic, casting his face in shadow. “That when a human student with green hair and a love of the stars inevitably showed up and started asking questions on truths he shouldn’t know, we’d turn him over to the Hunter.”

The headmaster touched the torch to the ground, setting a ring of fire blazing around the circular room. In the new light Gyrus saw the faces of board members, professors, even Professor Iro stood among them, jaw set and eyes hard. 

“I don’t...” Gyrus shook his head, trying to make sense of the words coming out of the Headmaster’s mouth. “You think I’m the Loadstar?” That didn’t make sense. Gyrus clutched his chest. He was Gyrus. Just a normal human. A normal human who ate lunch with a god sometimes. But a normal human nonetheless. Wait. “The Hunter,” Gyrus gasped out. “The Hunter can vouch for me.” The Hunter wouldn’t have been so kind when he’d stumbled on the altar if he were his enemy. He couldn’t have known who he was and not told him. Right?

-----------

“You need to be careful,” the Hunter said, Mandu untouched at his feet.

“What?” Gyrus looked up at the Hunter, furrowing his brow in confusion. “Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know,” The Hunter bit his lip, frustration in his voice. “This shouldn’t be the first time. But it is. Someone’s been interfering.”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Gyrus shivered. If the god was worried, then whatever it was must be dangerous. “What should I be looking for?”

“I don’t know that either,” The Hunter shook his head. “Just promise me if something happens, you’ll come here. It’s safer. Probably.” He shot a dark look at the shadow burns on the wall.

“That is not very reassuring,” Gyrus admitted. And the Hunter glared. “But yes!” he raised his hands in defeat. “I’ll come here.”

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

Yes. The Hunter would save him. He'd told him to run to him. He wouldn’t shelter his greatest foe, nor his treacherous ex-duality. A strange confidence filled Gyrus as he raised his head to smile at the Headmaster. “ Summon the Hunter, he’ll clear up this misunderstanding.”

“We aren’t summoning the Hunter,” The Headmaster frowned. “Our reputation would never survive. To serve the Loadstar before his fall is one thing, but to attract him again and again as our academy always does? No. The priests would have us completely disbanded for heresy. There’s only one solution, which has served our founders for a millennia.” One of the professors threw an ax in the air and the Headmaster caught it with one swift motion. “We are going to kill you Gyrus, before the slumbering god awakens within you.” He raised the ax above his head.

The ax sung down and instinct took over. Gyrus dodged sideways, scurrying up the steps and away from the ax’s swing. He looked back for the exit, but the fiery cycle had sealed it off. Above him the professors began to press forward, weapons glinting in the light, and Gyrus took a step back down the stairs to avoid them. 

“You’ve got no where to run,” the Headmaster said, taking another swipe at Gyrus head. “Just surrender and I’ll make this quick.” Gyrus ducked, turning to run, but the amphitheater had nowhere to go. The headmaster chuckled behind him. “You don’t have to die by my ax,” he offered. “We’ve got fire and water too. Although I’d say my ax is probably the quickest.” Gyrus shook his head, picking up speed as he hurried around the edge of the pool. But the sloping steps were not made for running, and his foot slipped, sending him sliding down into the pool below. 

He screamed, kicking outwards as the dark water closed over his head, swallowing him. He tried to swim, but the water folded unnaturally around him, like a tongue dragging him downwards. Malevolent and cold. He looked back at the light of the stars, swimming above him through the murky water. Was the hunter’s constellation above? Or the loadstar? He wasn’t certain. His last thought as he faded to black was if the Hunter would miss the Mandu he couldn’t bring to the altar.

-----------

“Do you want to live?”

“What?”

“You heard me. You’ll die here. But I can save you. You can save you. Do you want my help?”

“Yes!”

“Say it!”

“I want your help!”

The world flashed white.

#room of swords #room of swords fanfic #strawbarrow drabbles #gyrus #kodya

[jaehyunhour]

the breakfast club | seven

art student!reader x art student!jaehyun college AU 

summary: in which you have to write a short film for one of your classes and somehow end up falling in love.

pairing: jaehyun x fem!reader

1526 words (finally the yn and jaehyun content we all needed).

yn arrives at doyoung and jungwoo’s home approximately 15 minutes after she sends her last text to them. she raises her hand to knock on their door, and in that moment jaehyun opens the door.

“yn!” he says, surprised.

“oh, hi, jaehyun. good to see you again! are doyoung and jungwoo here? they invited me out with you guys tonight.”

“yeah they’re just inside getting ready, go on ahead and make yourself comfortable i’m just going to go get the mail,” jaehyun says, letting yn into the house and walking past her to the mailbox.

inside, yn decides to sit on the couch while waiting for doyoung and jungwoo to finish getting ready. moments later, johnny comes downstairs and is surprised to see yn on the couch. he waves hi at her and mumbles a “hope you’re doing well,” while grabbing his shoes and going back upstairs to his room. jaehyun comes back inside, dropping the mail on the dining room table, and sitting on the couch across from yn.

“so how do you like seoul art academy?” yn asks. “jungwoo told me you just transferred.”

“it’s great so far! i went to another art school in japan up until now, but johnny is my best friend and somehow convinced me to transfer to seoul. i gotta say, it’s nice being home.”

“ah i bet it is! i’m jealous you got to go to japan, i’ve always wanted to visit but have never managed to get around to it.”

“if you ever decide to go, let me know. i still have an apartment there so i could house you and show you around, if you want,” jaehyun suggests.

yn smiles at him, “that sounds great! wow, thank you, jaehyun. that’s very nice of you.”

before jaehyun gets a chance to say anything more to her, doyoung, jungwoo, and johnny finally emerge from upstairs.

“let’s goooooooooo,” jungwoo cheers.

***

3 plates of tteokbokki, 4 plates of mandu, 7 bottles of soju, and countless pieces of kimbap later, everyone is sufficiently fed and significantly drunk. jungwoo has been trying to tell the same story for about 10 minutes, and continues getting distracted by johnny laughing at absolutely nothing. doyoung keeps looking back at the menu debating if he wants to order more food for everyone. yn is sitting next to jaehyun and she’s telling him all about her weekend trip to busan. jaehyun, by far, is the least drunk of the group. he’s never really liked to get shit-faced drunk, but he does like to have fun every once in a while. but right now, in this moment, what he likes is yn. maybe he’s a little more drunk than he normally gets, or maybe she really just is that beautiful, but he can’t help but be enchanted when she locks eyes with him.

“i-i i’m so sorry,” yn says, between hiccups. “i’ve just been going on and on, that must be annoying.”

jaehyun lets out a giggle. “no, it’s okay, i really don’t mind. keep talking.”

“okay,” she responds, smiling at him. she continues telling him stories about her friends and jaehyun really wishes he could focus. whenever she giggles in the middle of a sentence, he feels his face heat up but he blames it on the alcohol slowly creeping up on him. a strand of her hair falls in front of her face, and before she can reach up to fix it, jaehyun’s hand shoots up and tucks it behind her ear.

“o-oh. thank you, jaehyun.” yn blushes. he smiles at her, feeling his face heat up again. yn and jaehyun both subconsciously begin to lean into each other, but are interrupted at the sound of johnny bent over the side of the street dry heaving.

“aw fuck,” jaehyun says, standing up and going to his aid. “alright guys, night over.”

“y-yeah, i should probably go home. i can leave from here,” yn says.

“are you crazy? come back to ours, you can sleep on the couch if you’d like and we’ll take you home before class so you can wash up.” doyoung says, reaching out for yn’s hand to help her stand up. “i’ll call a car.”

***

“here you go, yn,” doyoung says, handing her a few articles of clothing. “my ex-girlfriend left these here a long time ago, i’m not sure how well they’ll fit but i’m sure it’ll be more comfortable than what you’re wearing now.”

“heeeey, thank you, doyoung,” yn says, still very drunk. everyone else has begun sobering up, but it’s always taken yn a little longer to feel okay again. she takes the clothes from him, “sorry about your ex, tell me about it some day when i’ll remember.”

doyoung laughs, “you got it, yn. you can go change in the bathroom.”

yn goes into the bathroom, changes quickly, and goes back out into the living room to sleep. while she was in the bathroom, someone set a pillow and blanket out on the couch for her. she’s about to lay down and get comfortable when she hears a voice behind her, startling her.

“i put out the blanket and stuff for you,” jaehyun says, walking up to her with a glass of water and some aspirin. “i’m going to leave this on the coffee table for you, for you when you wake up.” he sets everything down.

“jaehyun,” yn whispers. “come here.”

he steps closer to her, confused, and she grabs him by his shirt and pulls him close to her. she tentatively wraps her arms around his torso, nuzzling her head into his chest. he hesitates for a moment, before wrapping his arms around her and putting one hand on her head, petting her hair.

“thanks for taking care of me tonight,” she says, muffled by his shirt.

“i hardly did anything.”

“you’re nice, jaehyun.” yn pulls back and looks at him.

“thank y—“ jaehyun is interrupted by yn pressing a quick kiss on his lips.

“goodnight,” she whispers, laying down on the couch and falling asleep before jaehyun can even kiss back.

***

yn wakes up the next morning to the sound of johnny throwing up in the kitchen sink. she groans at the sound, feeling her head pounding and her stomach swirling.

“johnnnnyyyyy,” she whines, rolling over on the couch. when she opens her eyes, she sees water and aspirin on the coffee table, and whether or not it was for her she’s unsure about but she takes it anyway. she sits up, immediately reaching her hands to her throbbing head.

“is doyoung awake?” she asks. johnny is hunched over the kitchen sink, and nods at her question. after yn changes in the bathroom into her clothes from last night, she goes to doyoung’s room and knocks lightly on the door.

***

although yn went home that morning, ate, showered, and put herself together, she still felt miserable the entire day. she felt gross from all the alcohol she had the night before, her head was pounding, and she could barely remember anything that happened last night. the last thing she very clearly remembers is ordering the fourth bottle of soju. thankfully, she doesn’t have work today so immediately after school she comes back home to lay in bed. however, her after-school nap is interrupted by a knock on the door. when she opens the door, she’s surprised at who is standing behind it.

“jaehyun! what are you doing here?” she questions.

“you, uh, left your phone charger at our house last night. i figured you need it, so i brought it back to you.”

“oh! thank you, come on in. do you want a snack or something? i was just about to nap.”

“i’m okay, thank you. i’ll leave soon then, so you can rest.. how are you feeling?”

“terrible. i’m reminded why i don’t like drinking, and i probably won’t be doing it any time soon. i can barely remember anything from last night,” yn says.

“really? that sucks… i don’t really like drinking either. so, you don’t remember anything from last night?”

“nope,” she says. “the last thing i remember is ordering the fourth bottle of soju. i black out pretty easily.”

before jaehyun can respond, they hear the doors unlocking and someone walking in.

“yn, i came to— oh,” wendy says, noticing yn is in the living room. “jaehyun?” wendy questions.

“wendy?” he says in the same tone.

“you guys know each other?” yn chimes in.

“i could say the same to you, bub… jaehyun and i grew up together. after i left canada and moved here, my dad became best friends with jaehyun’s dad. yn, you know this, i told you about jaehyun a few times before.”

yn thinks, and then suddenly remembers how wendy felt about jaehyun while they were growing up. “oh! yeah, oh my god, you did tell me. wow, that’s crazy.”

“small world,” jaehyun says, nervously laughing and standing up off the couch. “yn, i’m gonna head out i have to go home and work on some homework, i hope you feel better.”

“thanks, jaehyun,” yn says, watching the door close behind him.

previous | next || au masterlist

#nct #jaehyun #jung jaehyun #jung yoonoh #nct jaehyun #nct 127 #nct dream #nct smut #nct fluff #nct reaction #kpop drabbles #kpop #kpop scenarios #nct social media au #jaehyun social media au #nct 127 smut #nct 127 fluff #nct 127 scenarios #nct angst #nct 127 angst #kpop fluff #kpop angst #nct jungwoo #nct johnny #nct doyoung #red velvet wendy #nct mark

[makecableboyfriendoffical]

Okay people a sample of what I’m working for ChangShin week.

Prince Lee Chang had waited than his father, to prove to all the people that believed he should not lead. He was going to make them eat their words. But he plenty of time for that later, right now he had to get through his coronation. Straighten his back, Prince Lee Chang walked towards his destiny.

** Several hours later***

The coronation had gone well, he had down his bows towards the heavens and his ancestors. Made his pledge that he would protect and care for his people. While the head scholar had made a speech of what makes a great leader, Prince no now King Lee Chang stole glances to his new personal bodyguard. Poor Yeong-shin looked so uncomfortable in his new clothing, like he kept excepting for someone to call out imposter. King Lee Chang knee that the silk made Yeong-shin skin crawl, but with his new position he couldn’t wear his basic cotton and wool clothing. Besides King Lee Chang loved how the deep purple complimented Yeong-shin’s tan skin. The two of them had just left the banquet still going on, heading towards King Lee Chang new private bedchambers. He had sent two of his servants to prepare a bath, some food, wine and the things to make tea if the mood strikes.

King Lee Chang enters his bedchamber and can feel some of the weight leave his shoulders. He turns to his companion which he almost can’t see because there is so much beading on his mymyeonryugwan. Yeong-shin still looks very nervous, still looking for an unseen enemy.

Lee Chang lets out a soft chuckle “ Will you please relax? I had Mu-Yeong double check everything. We are safe and won’t be disturbed. Besides I know you checked this place yourself at least thrice.” His guard’s cheeks take on a faint pink color to them. Whether it’s from embarrassment from being call out or still being unsure on his position Lee Chang not sure.

Before Yeong-shin can start to argue Lee Chang request “ Can you please bring the food and wine to where the bath is? I would like to eat while I bath.”

Yeong-shin gives a quick nod “ Of course your excellency.”

Lee Chang starts to remove his myeornyugwan from his head trying not to sound irrated “How many times do I have to tell you? When it’s just the two us there is no need to be so formal.”

“ I’m sorry your..” Yeong-shin catches himself

Lee Chang sighs and starts to undress “ It’s alright. Its been a long day and it was stressful on top it. We both need to relax. I’m heading into the tub, please bring the food with.” Without a word Yeong-shin went to get the food. This is not how Lee Chang wanted the evening to start out. He would rather Yeong-shin be in the room undressing him. But he knew that his tiger hunter was still unsure, almost shy about their budding realtionship. With the last of the clothing off, Lee Chang stepped into the tub. As he sank in a built up moan came out. The muscles were tired and weary, the almost too hot water felt good.

It had been almost 4 months since Lee Chang had first kissed Yeong-shin. They had been getting ready for one last battle with the Queen Consort and her monsters. Knowing full well that it could all possible go to hell that next day, Lee Chang took his shot. Kissing Yeong-shin for the first was all he wanted and more. If he didn’t think that Yeong-shin would burst into flame he’d kiss all the time no matter who was watching. Mu- yeong had alright caught them in a compromising position and so did Seo-bi. Seo-bi hardly blinked, just said about time and started with why she was there in the first place. Mu-yeong sputtered and stop several times. Lee Chang had told him that his new head of the royal guard better get use to seeing the majesty and his personal bodyguard like this. This statement made both men do an impression of koi fish. Yes he should told them at a different time but they both where there at that moment.

The clank of a dish being set down bring Lee Chang of his thoughts. A plate filled with cherries, plum, raspberry and pomegranate was on the side table, while Yeong-shin held a plate of mandu dumplings and hopefully a jar of wine under his arm. “ I though you got lost.” Lee Chang said as he reached for a cherry.

“ They had only the fruit plate and a jar of Makgeolli.” Lee Chang scrunched up his nose at the sound of that wine before Yeong-shin continued “ So I went and got you pork mandu and Bokbunja. I noticed you didn’t eat much at the banquet.” Yeong-shin poured a glass for Lee Chang handing the sweet smelling to him.

“ Still too many snakes for my taste. Once we cleared all of them out is when I will really celebrate.” Lee Chang takes a sip of the Bokbunja, the sweetness of the wine hitting the right places in his tongue.

[btskismet]

Kismet (Chapter 14): A BTS Jin imagines fanfic

First ever fanfic. Contains fluff and smut. Please read sequentially as it is a long story arc. Please provide feedback! My IG is btskismet.

It was their last day before they would go back home. She felt a massive pit in her stomach, just thinking that she would be flying back. His flight was earlier than hers and he felt bad that he would leave ahead of her.

Seokjin hugged her from behind in bed. He was quiet just as she was and it seemed like they were thinking of the same thing.

"Jagiya, we inside whole day. Ok?", he said in English. She nodded yes as a response. "Dinner with JHope?", she asked and he said later.

He handed her an earpiece and as soon as it turned on, he said, "I want to spend this whole day with you all to myself, ok?", Seokjin said. She looked back and said alright and received a long kiss as a reply.

They spent the whole day as if they were newlyweds on their honeymoon. They had sex several times and they would stop only to rest and recharge, if not to eat. He explored every inch of her body and they couldn't keep their hands off of each other. They wore their bath robes the whole time. At any point he would get aroused, Seokjin with pounce on her again so it didn't make sense to dress up.

He was tempted to cancel on JHope and Taehyung for dinner and karaoke but he kept saying that he wanted to hear her sing.

They also tried to watch a movie in Netflix which ended as a failure. As soon as the characters started kissing, they would reach out for each other, kiss and end up doing it again.

She discovered that he likes his neck being massaged as a means to get him turned on. He wanted her on top of him more as he enjoys looking up to watch her face when she came.

What she thought as the number of times that would make Seokjin totally spent was not even close to the actual number of times needed so he would become spent. He was hungry as he was virile and he really milked her dry. At the end of each time though, she felt closer to him as she now knew his breath, his scent, his taste, his touch, his everything.

~~~~~

"So, what was your nightmare about? Do you remember?", she asked him while they ate some pasta and steak brought to the room.

"It was the same dream I had but there were a few things that were new. At one point, you and I were cooking together. Another thing is there was something I was reading and it got me so sad and angry. I can't remember what.."

"Is that why you shouted no in your sleep?”, she asked.

"I think so.", he said. "It's weird. Why are we dreaming the same thing?"

"I know.", she contemplated as well. "Do you think we've met before?"

Seokjin looked at her, trying to consider the prospect. "I don't know. Maybe? Do you even believe in things like that?"

"No. But it's just so strange.", she replied.

Seokjin drank some soda. "Well, no use thinking about it now. We'll just stress ourselves figuring it out."

She nodded. Seokjin finished his food and so did she. As she was about to clear the table, Seokjin pulled her away. "Come on, we should have a warm bath now because I'm not done with you yet." She smiled and allowed him to lead her to the bathroom.

~~~~~

They met at a restaurant called Yakiniku Sanshirou which was not far from the hotel. Seokjin and her decided to walk since it was just 12 minutes away and the weather, though cold, was nice in the evening. They decided to meet JHope and Taehyung there around 9pm. 

They leisurely walked to the place as they were enjoying the quiet streets with several people walking. The location of the restaurant wasn’t in the touristy side of Otaru so there would be less people to worry about. Just the same, they reserved the booth at the back so it would be secluded.

Seokjin was looking at her as they were walking. “What?”, she asked. He smiled and then touched the tip of her nose. “Your nose is a little red... and cold!”, he said laughing.

She put her hand to her nose, concerned about how it looked. “Is it that bad?”, she said and felt conscious. He swayed his head. “No. It matches your cheeks since you’re pretty flushed.”

She had an expression of panic and started to look for her mirror in her bag. Seokjin laughed and stopped her by grabbing her hands. “Don’t do anything. I’m to blame that’s why you look like that.” He looked at her knowingly and winked.

“Yes, you’re the culprit. The many things you did to me... tsk, tsk...”, she said.

Frankly, she felt like her legs were about to fall off. She hasn’t had sex that much and that long EVER. It made her giggle inside just thinking about it.

The restaurant comprised of two floors and it looked like two container vans on top of each other. It had a simple facade with a glass door in front and lamps pointed at the restaurant name in Japanese. It wasn’t a flashy place but at 10 steps away, the scent of grilled meat wafted about. Seokjin quickened his pace when he smelled it and was eager to go in.

They were the first ones to get there. The first floor was filled with people but the second floor was hardly filled. The tables upstairs were more for smaller groups and the first floor catered to bigger groups. 

They checked the menu right away and Seokjin was thrilled that though it was a yakiniku, there was more Korean fare than Japanese.

Seokjin started ordering everything Korean in the menu as well as pork and beef to be grilled. “Have you tried yukgaejang before?”, he asked her. She swayed her head. “It’s beef and vegetable soup. Really good!”, he said and told the waiter they want one. “Ah! And Soju and Otaru beer! Kudasai? Arigatou!”

She looked at the English version of the menu and said: “Can we get some Stone Bowl Bibimbap? I love those.”, she asked. 

Seokjin smiled and ordered one. “Well, look at you! And I thought the only Korean food you eat is grilled meat and japchae...”

“Ha! I’m not as uncultured as you think. I appreciate Korean food as well, you know. I just can’t eat it if it is too hot.”, she interjected.

“Name the Korean food you eat then!”, he challenged her.

She counted and focused on remembering the names: “Bibimbap, japchae, bulgogi, kimchi... uh... samgyupsal, kim... pajeon, mandu, gimbap...”  

As she was providing her list, JHope and Tae arrived. She didn’t notice them and Seokjin didn’t make her feel that they were behind her, listening to her list.

“... Tteokboki, bingsu... and...”, she trailed off and covered her face with her hands, trying to recall the names.

“Ah! Lotte Pepero sticks and Calbee Honey Butter Chips!”, she exclaimed.

She heard loud clapping behind her which made her jump and Seokjin was laughing and clapping at her reaction. She saw JHope and Taehyung clapping. JHope was saying wow amazing while Taehyung was clapping softly though he had a calm expression.

Seokjin stood up and hugged both of them and then sat beside her. JHope and Taehyung sat on the other side. 

“You know lots Korean food, ah?”, JHope said in English. She smiled sweetly at him. “Yes, I like Korean food.” 

JHope, Taehyung and Seokjin started talking in Korean and she understood from Seokjin’s translation that they wanted to know the food they ordered. 

JHope asked for the earpiece from Seokjin and started talking to her. “So, looks like we will go to karaoke tonight! I heard from Jin hyung that you sing.”

“Not that much. I’m not as good as you guys.”, she said shyly.

“Ah, I am interested to hear this song Jin hyung messaged me about.”, he pulled out his phone to check the message. “Fly me to the moon?”

She smiled. “If they have it there, I can sing it. It’s a classic song so I’m not sure if they will have it there.”

“Well, let’s see! I want to hear your voice. Maybe you can help us in the next album!”, JHope chided. She said he was sweet and asked him questions about his Hope World album.

In the corner of her eye, she observed Seokjin speaking with Taehyung in a calm but somewhat formal manner. Taehyung was acting more cordially to him. She also noticed that he would steal glances to look at her talking to JHope and most especially in instances when Seokjin gave her a piece of meat or vegetable he grilled. He even cut up some pieces just for her to eat. Taehyung didn’t look annoyed or upset but more of taking stock of what he was observing.

~~~~~

Mash Karaoke was one of only four Karaoke joints in Otaru. It was on the third floor of a nondescript building, 15 minutes away by foot from the restaurant. They got to go there right away after their manager and staff dropped them off. They told the guys they would come back for JHope and Taehyung around 2am or earlier if they wanted to.

JHope said that he wanted to be the one to choose the room as he wanted it to be as spacious as possible. He had a tendency to dance if the songs they sing are upbeat and fun. Seokjin was pleased about JHope’s enthusiasm. Taehyung also was thrilled and looked at the selection of songs right away.

They started to sing some of the Korean songs that were on the list. As the beer and soju came, they started singing song after song. She wasn’t familiar with all the songs they sang but there was one that she recognized. 

Seokjin started singing the song he sang with JK in one Bangtan Bomb episode. “I know this song!”, she said to JHope. “This is Wildflower by Park Hyo Shin, right?” 

“Yes! Woowwww, you know it! Do you know a lot of Korean songs?”, JHope asked.

“Just a few that’s not from you guys. Most of the Korean songs I know are from your group haha.”

JHope then got her attention and pointed at Seokjin, who was looking at her as he was singing the chorus. She felt a little shy that he was paying attention to her as he sang. She knew the song was about love lost that couldn’t be forgotten. It made her feel sad and she knew that he chose this for the reason that they would be parting soon. She was really close to crying but he belted out the refrain and she was blown away. Ohmigod, he didn’t sound like this in the video, she thought. He really has improved in his singing.

They all clapped for him when he ended his song. She smiled and said it was beautiful. He sat beside her and kissed her cheek slowly. “Saranghae.”, he whispered which made her blush.

Taehyung then stood up and went close to the screen to sing his song. She wasn’t sure what song it was but it sounded very lonely. She looked at Seokjin, who was looking through the songbook for another song to sing. 

After he sang, she clapped and gave him a standing ovation. She surprised JHope and Seokjin but most especially Taehyung. “JHope, can you please let him know that it was beautiful and I’ve never heard this song until today but the  song matches his voice perfectly that he should’ve sang it originally?” JHope translated for her and Taehyung had a big smile after that. He said thanks and blushed slightly.

She noticed that the next song was also Taehyung’s choice: Someone Like You by Adele. She already had a chance to make Taehyung smile - she was thinking she could do more to make him comfortable with her.

“Jagiya, you haven’t sung anything!”, Seokjin exclaimed. She was surprised that he got the earpiece from JHope and passed the song book to her. 

“I know. Would you mind passing the earpiece to Taehyung please? I want to ask him something.”

Seokjin said ok but was a little curious as to what she meant. He took it off and explained it to Taehyung who looked at her as he wore the earpiece. “Hi. Yes?”, he asked.

She explained what she wanted and he was listening intently. He nodded and said sure. JHope and Seokjin were wondering what they were talking about but as soon as Taehyung pressed play for the next song, he handed one microphone to her. Seokjin and JHope clapped excitedly when they realized they were going to do a duet.

Taehyung started the first verse while she took the second one. She adjusted to the lower key best as possible and even had a chance to blend with Taehyung in several verses.

After the song, Taehyung gave her a high five since they did quite well together. JHope stood up to give them hugs and Seokjin shook Taehyung’s hand and hugged him. 

“Jagiya! You have a great voice. I’m sooo proud!”, Seokjin beamed. “Did I also do a good job in connecting with Taehyung?”, she whispered to him. Seokjin gave her two thumbs up. “Thanks for doing that. I think he’s more relaxed now and more open to you.”

They enjoyed more songs together. They sang several songs together from Psy, Girls Generation, Drake, some of their own songs and even Despacito (which Seokjin danced to). JHope also sang a few upbeat songs and when they were getting tipsy, they had a screaming match while singing So Chan Whee’s Tears. She found it so funny that they were all trying to sing/scream the chorus and they danced like girls.

As they started to get more drunk, she decided it was time for her to sing more. She asked the guys if she could sing her usual lineup of songs. “Since you three have had your own mini concert already and are super drunk...”, she expressed jokingly. 

“Yeah, come on!!!”, JHope shouted, red-faced and smiling. Taehyung, who looked a little sleepy, raised his glass of soju to her and mouthed the words go, go, go. Seokjin sat there, massaging her back loudly said, “Show them how it’s done, Jagiya!”

She sang a few songs in succession: Broken-Hearted Girl by Beyonce, Million Reasons by Lady Gaga and Katamoi by Aimer (which JHope recorded since he recognized it as a song RM shared via twitter).

Seokjin was impressed in her singing and kept hugging her after each song she sang. He also kept looking for Fly Me To The Moon but they didn’t have it which made him pout.

She cleared her throat and said, “First of all, I want to say I am very honored to have half of the famous BTS group here to listen to me sing tonight...”, she said, as they were hooting and Seokjin translating in the background. 

“My last song for tonight is a Japanese love song that I have not ever sang in public. But I will now and I am dedicating it to my jagiya, Kim Seokjin...”

She sang Final Distance by Utada Hikaru. Seokjin watched her with a smile as she sang it. JHope showed him his phone with the lyrics of the song in Korean. As he was reading it, Seokjin’s expression changed into sadness and quietly watched her sing the song with as much emotion as she could pour into it. 

--- to be continued ---

#bts imagination #bts imagines #btsjin #bts jin fanfic #btsimagine #btskismet

[doodledialogue]

Interview series - What after B.arch?

Interviewee: Ar. Maithily Velangi Post-graduation: Master of Landscape Architecture | SPA Delhi, India

Hello, Maithily! Please tell us about your university and program. How did you hear about it? Why did you decide to take it up? Well, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi doesn’t need any introduction. Right from when you enter Architecture field, every student knows of SPA!! I was looking particularly for the course in Landscape and in India. Having had worked in Landscape offices for approx. 4.5 years out of 6 years of working (before taking up Master’s), I was very sure of what I was looking for from the course. So given the colleges that offered this course here, this was one of the best, according to the reviews that I got from many professionals who I approached for advice.

Alright…Could you tell us more about it- What exactly about the university or program appealed to you? One was the location itself. Delhi had much to offer, in terms of exposure with practising professionals and interdisciplinary events that happen in Delhi (Architecture-based). Secondly, SPA as a brand itself carried more weight. Third, but most important to me was, it was out of my comfort zone. Ahmedabad (CEPT) or Pune (BNCA), which were my other two options, would have put me back to comfortable areas and being there, I couldn’t have judged my capacities to the fullest.

That’s an interesting way of looking at things! How was your experience at SPA? The overall experience was quite informative and it put forth various aspects in landscape discipline can intervene. The program was definitely intensive, I don’t remember getting even one weekend for myself! We were taught by many practising landscape architects, geologists, ecologists from DU, botanists from JNU and professionals from Government bodies like DDA, DUAC, etc. and they had a lot to offer from their experience and their own background of work. Hence, the teaching-learning process became interdisciplinary, which is a must when it comes to working in Design field.

That sounds fascinating! What lessons did you take from the experience? Never doubt yourself! When I planned my masters, I knew I was already a bit late and I would have to compete with fresh young minds knowing all the latest software and that I would lag behind. But no! I had a wrong interpretation of Master’s all together. It doesn’t push anyone back, with whatever knowledge you go, it will only push you ahead, make you more capable than you were!

OK… Note to self: Never doubt yourself! How was your program/university different from the others? I think this course at SPA particularly prepares outgoing students to solve design problems rather than being theoretically-oriented. The research part is kept minimal during the academic study. Students are required to address design issues and bring out tangible design solutions which are the need of the hour. To be frank, this can be either advantage or disadvantage depending upon where the graduated student works post-masters. But as I understand from various interactions, the program gives a higher edge up for the outgoing students.

Sketching exercise

Interesting… Which semester did you attend? How did you plan the entrance exams? I did give GATE to get a scholarship, but unfortunately, I didn’t get the required score to get the scholarship. But it surely helps financially. Every college has its schedule of application, interviews, etc. It usually happens around May-June every year. We need to visit the college websites and keep updated for dates.

Yes, of course! How did you manage the finances? Did you acquire a scholarship/fee waiver? I had to go for a student loan, given I had no financial support. Also, when I was supposed to be earning and sharing the household expenses with my husband - Rahul, I couldn’t possibly just take a break and go attending classes, leaving everything on him to pay! Yes! I was married when I did my master’s! Hence, I had to be on my own while he would be on his own here in Bangalore. The Canara Bank, Tilakwadi -Belgaum branch manager then (in 2013) went out of his way to help me out with the student loan, considering my accommodation and daily travel expenses as well apart from tuition fees and stationery. I am right now repaying my loan.

Oh! That’s quite a gritty story! Also, kudos to everyone who supported you on your master’s journey. Did your program have any research opportunities? I believe that every topic we study under any course we do needs research and homework. So it is up to us to choose whether to do it or not. As a part of the curriculum, we did have certain subjects which were research-oriented but as a separate research wing which would hire research assistants etc., we didn’t get that opportunity. Also, being a proactive person as I am, I always kept myself busy with student competitions, participated in workshops, seminars and was involved with every bit that came my way apart from being only into academics. This gave me good exposure, interaction opportunities and built up my professional and personal networking.

Class Photo

Okay… Most post-grad students work a part-time job while studying. Did you obtain any such opportunity? No, as I had mentioned earlier, the course was quite intensive and there was hardly any time to take up part-time job.

Do you suggest working for a while before post-graduation? Yes! I highly recommend work experience of at least 2 years before taking up post-graduation. Firstly, it allows you to find your field of interest and choose the right course that may suit you. There are many allied fields in Architecture, right from pure architecture, landscape, urban design, planning to product design, photography, Architectural journalism etc. Hence while you are working, you get some time to pause and think about other fields. Secondly, when you go for Masters with some experience, it will help you relate to the subjects that you are studying in a holistic way. You get an in-depth understanding which may remain superficial otherwise.

Right! Did you have any post-masters plans in mind when you went to do masters? Or did you ‘go with the flow’? Since I was already into landscape field before I took up masters, I knew I had to be back and into office again. I also had in mind that I wanted to get linked to academics. However, I would have liked to stay back in Delhi or go to any other city to see how work happens there and gain experience , but I didn’t allow myself that freedom and headed straight back to Bangalore – though Rahul had suggested me to work anywhere I liked for another two years and then get back!

Oh! And did you do a lot of travelling while studying? If yes, where? During our course of two years, we had to deal with various projects located at different locations within Delhi and even in other cities. For this reason, we got an opportunity to travel to various places like Udaipur, Mandu, Indore, Bhopal etc. Apart from this, other travels were more of personal trips, whenever a chance came by.

Documenting Mandu

Survey in Mandu

Wow! That’s certainly a lot of places explored! Could you tell us about how your master’s degree is helping you in what you are doing right now? It has opened up various windows in mind through which I can explore my field of work. It has helped me shape my vision and understand the extent up to which we, as designers can make a change to the society. It has helped me address a design problem or issues at different scales and at various levels. Above all, it has built up my confidence.

Tell us more about your current work and future plans. Currently, I am working as Assistant Professor at BMS college of Architecture, Bangalore. Apart from this, I do take up Landscape design consultancy. I also keep myself involved in paper writing and any research opportunities that come my way. I do have a few plans to explore practice and research, hoping that it will take shape soon.

Finally, what message would you like to give to future students of Post-graduate studies/ B.arch students? Under Graduation is mandatory, whichever field you choose. Many may opt to continue working post-UG and yes, there is no dearth of jobs in our field! But Post-graduation is something one does out of choice. It is one’s own decision to not to work for 1 or 2 years and undertake Masters Course. Hence, my message to all is to choose the right course, take it up seriously and not look at it as just another degree in your cap! PG isn’t a course, it is a platform for each one to explore their interests, push themselves to the maximum limit and bring out the best in them. Always remember, that you owe something to every other student/batch-mate who studies with you during Masters. Same way as you have taken it up with good intentions to absorb new learnings and gain experience, your colleagues too are there for the same reason. Hence, don’t just sit back and do what you are ‘supposed’ to do. Everyone does that. But it is very important that you offer your knowledge and opinions as well. By interaction, healthy competitive work and hard work, through questions, answers and sharing ideas, a rich process is generated within the course and that is what becomes fruitful at the end of the day, not just the degree or scores! As Rahul says, these years of Masters that we put in, no one has the right over it except you. No one will take it back from you; No one can give it to you. It’s up to you to make the most out of it!

Thank you Maithily for letting us interview you. Your earnest and detailed answers are much appreciated. - Doodle Dialogue

About Maithily Velangi B.Arch (GIT, VTU, Belgaum), M.Arch – Landscape (SPA, New Delhi) Graduated as an Architect from the KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgaum, India, and subsequently completed her Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. Currently, she is working as an Assistant Professor in BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore. She has worked in various firms specialising in Landscape and Design in Bangalore. As a design member in offices, she has worked on several projects of varying scales from detailed design of residential and institutional projects to master planning projects of larger scale. Mrs. Velangi has additionally participated in several national design competitions and workshops and also has been involved in research work. She has several Awards to her credits, recent one being the ISOLA Best Thesis Award 2015. She is also an active member of Indian Society of Landscape Architects and is involved in hosting events for ISOLA in Bangalore. She can be contacted at [email protected] for request of portfolio of works or for any other queries.

Ar. Maithily Velangi’s Master’s thesis summary: URBAN PARK Interfacing environment, heritage and culture. The 156 acres of forested area, of the colonial era, with a set of built mass which served as a Vaccine Institute then, sits in the suburb of Belgaum city, Karnataka. With increasing urbanisation and with growing requirement for land, this 156 acres of heritage land, which was lying defunct from 1977 till date is under great pressure for development. This thesis studies the fragility of this site against the unrecognised potentials it carries to justify the role it can play while being amidst the city. The problems of urbanisation are not just related to lack of open spaces but also other environmental and productive issues that a growing metropolis faces such as food production, water security, environmental issues such as air pollution, etc. Apart from quantitative lack, there is also a dearth of qualitative and consolidated spaces. Though this open space cannot address and resolve the environmental issues of the entire city, it can, however, situate itself to give an opportunity to cater to public health, urban requirements and local recreation. Apart from these basic notions of an open space functioning at the metaphysical level, it creates a sense of continuing heritage and culture for the city of Belgaum due to its historical importance. The historical relevance of the space was developed as a ground supported with ancillary facilities to function as integrated urban park for the city of Belgaum.

Final thesis presentation

Soon after jury

Award ceremony at Trivandrum-2014

© Not for republication. All text and photos belong to Doodle Dialogue.

#architecture #b.architecture #m.arch #postgraduation #postgraduate #interview #landscape #india #new delhi

[justaghostingon]

My Heart Loves You

A Strawbarrow drabble

read here or on ao3 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27217354 

Petnames and translations by @verraida

It was weird sometimes, how the automatic translator that everyone seemingly had worked. Most of their words were translated automatically, without much need to worry. But there were some that didn’t. Mandu stayed Mandu when be said it, and didn’t change into pork dumplings like it might if he himself were speaking English. Other phrases, like swear words didn’t change. Gyrus had several theories on this, ranging from happenstance to some arbitrary god not translating them for moral reasons. But the theory that stood out the most was that they didn’t translate when a word was just too emotional.

Kodya was the main reason for this theory, as Gyrus had noticed he had a habit of speaking in Russian when emotional. It was rarely anything more than an angry word or two, and it never caused them any kind of communication problems, so Gyrus was content to let it just be one more endearing fact about his apprentice that he hoarded away in his heart to think about on bad nights.

Except lately, he and his apprentice have been growing closer, no doubt helped along by the fact that Gyrus now woke up in his bed every other night, having been driven to seek out Kodya’s soothing presence by the horrible and unending. And now he was seeing Kodya in a more relaxed setting on an almost daily basis, he began to realize that Kodya used Russian way more than he’d thought. Specifically about Gyrus.

Like when Gyrus did something Kodya though was particularly stupid, he’d grumble, “сердцу мил, why are you like this?” Under his breath in an exasperated tone.

Or when Kodya had impressed the usually hostile realm denizens with his archery skills and they’d asked who Gyrus was, he’d introduced him as, “Gyrus, друг сердечный.” Gyrus hadn’t understood it, but apparently archery-loving realm denizens understand Russian, or their translators were just better than Gyrus’, and they began to treat Gyrus with far more respect.

And then there were the times when Gyrus was laying on Kodya’s bed, soothed by their joined hands in complete peace. Kodya would thread his fingers through Gyrus’ lose hair and whisper, “ты люб моему сердцу.” There was something musical about that phrase, even spoken as softly as it was, it felt like it echoed throughout the entire room, weaving Kodya’s soft voice with his affection like lyrics to a song Gyrus couldn’t quite understand. Gyrus kept still, hardly daring to breathe, knowing something important had been said that the translator had prevented him from knowing.

Which is why, Gyrus rolled up his sleeves, the mystery ended today. He’d been paying attention to the words, and although “ты люб моему сердцу” eluded him, he’d noticed some similarities between it, “друг сердечный” and “сердцу мил.” It had taken a lot of very careful listening, and far more concentration than the soothing spell allowed, but he’d finally figured out what they held in common: сердц.

He wrote it down on a piece of paper as he sounded out all the consents, “S ER D TS.” or Serdtse, if you followed English grammar. Huh, that didn’t look too bad. He hoped it translated into Russian when read, but he had a feeling he wouldn’t get that lucky. Still, it was a start. Now he just had to find Kodya and ask him about the meaning, read it out loud if he had too.

As if on cue, Kodya entered Gyrus room, causing Gyrus to jump. “Kodya!” he cried, trying to lean casually against the table like he’d meant to do that. He had the sinking feeling like he’d been caught doing something wrong.

Kodya frowned. “Is everything okay?” he asked, eyeing Gyrus’ ‘casual’ posture with some concern. Gyrus waved it away with a high pitched laugh.

“Everything’s fine! Fine! Well,” He brought a finger to his chin, trying to look as if this had just occurred to him. “Now that you’re hear, you could help me with a bit of a translation problem I’m having.”

Kodya raised an eyebrow. “Translation?” he asked, before shrugging, “sure. I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll do what I can.”

“Its this,” Gyrus shoved the piece of paper into his hands. “Can you tell me what it says?”

Kodya blinked down at the paper. “This just looks like a nonsense word to me,”

Gyrus winced. Of course it didn’t translate. “It’s Serdtse,” he said. Kodya froze, and Gyrus bit back a smile. So it did mean something important. He knew it! “What does it mean Kid?” he asked.

“H-heart,” Kodya bit his lip, and Gyrus stared. He hadn’t been expecting that. “Gyrus where did you get this?”

“From you,” Gyrus shook his head, still trying to grasp Kodya’s words. The Kid seemed to shrink at that. Gyrus figured he’d best give him some context, so he stopped looking so guilty. Unless, maybe there was a reason? Shut up. He told that part of his brain. “You call me this when you’re mad at me.”

Kodya scrunched his nose. “Why would I - Oh!” He gave a little chuckle. “This is a misunderstanding. I’m not saying Serdtse, I’m saying сердцу мил, it means ‘dear to my heart.’” Gyrus felt his eyebrows rise and Kodya blushed.

“It means you’re important to me,” he explained, I add it on when I insult you so you know you’re still important even when I’m mad at you.”

Oh. That was - really sweet actually. Gyrus gave a little giggle as he arched an eyebrow. “Can’t be nice in a language I understand can you?”

“Of course not,” Kodya crossed his arms, “then you’d know I wasn’t really mad, and you’d never listen when I scolded you.”  

Gyrus tipped back his head and let out another laugh. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kodya give a pleased little smile, and he remembered why it was he wanted to translate Serdtse in the first place. “What about the others?”

Kodya stiffened. “The others?” he asked warily.

Gyrus nodded. “This isn’t the only expression you’ve used with Serdtse in it, what about the other two?” What did you whisper to me last night? He doesn’t say.

“друг сердечный,” Kodya began, clearly knowing what Gyrus’ unspoken question was and ignoring it anyways, “means ‘friend of my heart,’” or something roughly translating to that.”

“Friend of my heart?” Gyrus felt his cheeks heat up. He liked to think they were close, but still, “I haven’t heard you call Nephthys that.”

“Yeah,” Kodya nodded, cheeks equally red. “Because she’s not you. She’s my best friend. but you’re - different, but kinda the same?” He avoided Gyrus’ eyes.

“I’m your very best friend?” Gyrus hid his cheeks in his hands, certain he was glowing like a Christmas tree. He’d always wanted to be someone’s very best friend. To matter to someone so much. 

“Right, sure,” Kodya shuffled his feet. “You could call it that,” Gyrus felt a bit like he was floating. 

“You’re my very best friend too,” he said as he linked their hands. He couldn’t help but notice how warm they were. Kodya glanced up, startled, before answering with a reassuring squeeze. 

And then, because he felt in that moment he could have asked anything and Kodya would have given it to him, he asked, “what about the last one, that you called me last night?”

Kodya’s hand tightened, eyes going wide like a dear caught on a landing pad on earth. “You heard that?”

“Of course Kid,” Gyrus swung their joined hands in a hope to get him to relax again, “I was awake.”

“Oh,” Kodya squeaked, and Gyrus cocked his head. Was it really that bad? Kodya sucked in a deep breath, then looked Gyrus straight in the eyes. “ты люб моему сердцу,” he said, voice firm, and Gyrus could tell whatever it meant, he meant it from the bottom of his heart. And Gyrus, for some strange reason, felt that whatever it was, he returned it.

“tie love mayonnaise serdtse?” Gyrus tried to say it back. Kodya snorted. 

“What did you just say?” he laughed as he tried to stuff his free hand in his mouth. Gyrus scowled.

“I said what you said Kid,” he pulled his hand back to cross his arms. “Its hard to say.” Kodya gave another laugh and Gyrus lifted his chin. “Fine,” stated crossly. “I’ll just stick to Serdtse.” 

“Probably for the best,” Kodya tried to sound reassuring, but the huge grin on his face said otherwise. 

“What does it mean anyways?” Gyrus asked, to try and change the subject.

“It doesn’t have a direct translation,” Kodya waved a hand in a manner he no doubt thought was casual. “Don’t worry about it.”

“What? Kodya!” Gyrus cried, but the man was already moving towards the door. “Can’t you at least try?”

Kodya paused, casting a glance back at Gyrus with a shy smile. “I’ll tell you one day,” he offered. “But for now, lets leave it up to translation okay?”

“Fine,” Gyrus rolled his eyes. “Serdtse.”

“What?” Kodya raised an eyebrow. “You know that’s just a noun right?”

Gyrus cast him his cockiest grin. “Until you tell me what I’m supposed to really say, I’m gonna call you Serdtse, got it?”

A strange shiver ran over Kodya’s body, and his grip on the door frame increased. “I’d like that,” he whispered. Gyrus beamed.

-------

ты люб моему сердцу = my heart loves you

#room of swords #room of sword fanfic #strawbarrow #kodya #gyrus #shameless fluff #special thanks to verraida for actually sharing real Russian pet names with me