#minhyun au

[itzynabi]

that’s so evie episode 4

posted: 10 march 2023

word count: 1.9k

warnings: none that i can think of

an: another week, another episode of thats so evie. episode 2 will come out when it comes out, dont even worry, just give me time. idk anything about pottery, i watched this video. the challenge can be found here. words in [] are captions. feedback and reblogs are much appreciated 💘

eve's masterlist // that’s so evie

“Hello and welcome back to another episode of That’s So Evie!” Eve greeted from inside a pottery studio. “Today, we are at Pottery workshop Yoho. It’s my first time coming here, so I’m very excited!” She shook her hands excitedly. “Today’s guest is… unworldly? Yes, that’s the right word for him. Please come out!”

[Kpop’s Prince Charming with master class acting. Making his long awaited solo debut, Minhyun!]

The staff cheered as Minhyun walked into the frame.

Covering her mouth, Eve laughed. “Why are you cheering so loud? You don’t normally cheer this loud.”

“Do they not normally cheer?” Minhyun asked as he stood next to Eve.

“No, they do, but… they’re not usually so energetic. Do you have a crush on today’s guest?” She asked the camera director, who shook her head and waved her hand. “Then why are you so excited?”

“Because he’s pretty,” one of the technical staff answered, causing Minhyun to blush.

Eve slowly shook her head in thought. “Have you never seen a pretty person before?”

[Butterfly princess struggles to understand the staff’s excitement]

Eve eyed the staff one more time. “Anyways, today’s guest is Minhyun. Please introduce yourself to the viewers.”

Minhyun bowed. “Hello, I’m Hwang Minhyun. Thank you for having me!”

“Thank you for coming,” Eve said. “How are you feeling today?”

Minhyun put his hand over his chest. “To be honest, I’m a bit nervous,” he said with a laugh. “I’m not really sure what we’re doing today, so I don’t know if I’ll be good.”

“Since you have been described by many as a ‘living statue’,” Eve began, snorting when Minhyun cringed. “I thought we should make pottery since it will be a statue of some sort. Is that okay?”

Minhyun nodded. “Yes. I think I’ll be good with that.”

“Good! And because I have no idea how to make pottery, we are going to need some guidance. Can our teacher come out please?”

A man walked into frame and the staff cheered for him.

“Why aren’t you cheering loudly? You don’t think he’s handsome?” Eve asked, causing the staff to cheer louder.

“Aigo, you’re very mischievous, aren’t you?” The teacher asked as he stood in between the two idols.

Eve smirked.

“She is,” Minhyun answered with a nod of his head.

[Minhyun already knows Eve so well]

“Please introduce yourself,” Eve requested.

The teacher cleared his throat. “Hello, viewers. My name is Park Insoo and I will be guiding Minhyun-ssi and Eve-ssi today.”

“One of my friends is named Insoo,” Minhyun said.

[Minhyun worked with Yoo Insoo on Alchemy of Souls. Park Danggu, we miss you!]

“How good do you think we’ll do?” Eve asked.

Insoo thought for a second. “Not that good, if I’m being honest.”

[Reality check]

“But that’s fine because it’s your first time doing this. You’re allowed to make mistakes.”

Eve nodded. “Also, one of the main points of the show is to just catch up with people as if you’re friends, so just address me casually.”

“Me too,” Minhyun added.

“Okay,” Insoo said. “Nabi-yah and Minhyun-ah. Got it.”

The group of three moved to a long table that had all their equipment.

“The first thing we want to do is knead the clay.” Insoo picked up his clay, Eve and Minhyun copied him. “We’re working with air dry clay and we’ll be making trays.”

“Trays?” Eve clarified.

“Yes,” he confirmed. “You can put your jewellery on it, or you can put vases on it– it’s up to you. The first thing we need to do is knead it to get rid of air bubbles. Let’s get started on kneading our clay. If it’s a bit hard to knead, then just add a few drops of water.”

The three got to working on their clay, kneading it very attentively.

“Minhyun, can you tell us about your album?” Eve asked, adding water to her clay to make it easier to knead.

“Yes. I’m making my solo debut with Truth or Lie and the title track Hidden Side. The title track is about how there’s many sides to me, but what you see is the real me,” Minhyun explained, smoothing out his clay.

She nodded appreciatively. “Sounds interesting. Which side of you would you say is your real side, though? Because you said what I, as an onlooker or a fan, see is the real you, but what is the real you.” She turned to look at him over Insoo. “Who is the real Hwang Minhyun?” She asked in a news reporter voice.

Insoo snorted. “She’s really good.”

Eve blushed, trying to use her fringe to hide her face.

“That’s a really good question,” Minhyun gushed, standing still. “Who is the real me?” He thought for a second. “I think… I don’t know,” he finished flatly, giving up on answering. He laughed, shrugging his shoulders. “I don’t know. I just sing the song. But that’s a very good question.”

“Right?” Insoo agreed. “Very professional.”

“This show is going to be very successful if you keep asking such amazing questions.”

Eve scrunched her face up. “Please stop complimenting me. I’m begging you.”

“Do you not like getting complimented?”

She shrugged. “It’s not that I don’t like getting complimented, it’s just I don’t know how to react and I end up feeling uncomfortable. That’s all.”

He nodded. “I understand.”

“Now,” Insoo started once he had checked Eve and Minhyun’s clay, “we’re going to use a rolling pin to roll the clay flat. Be careful not to make it too flat.”

After rolling out their clay, they cut off the extra pieces on the side. They rolled the clay once more, making it thinner and smoother.

“Trace out the shape you want your tray to be,” Insoo instructed, drawing a circle on his clay with his finger. Eve drew a water puddle shape and Minhyun drew a rectangle. After tracing the shape, they cut it out with a knife.

“What do we do with the extra clay?” Minhyun asked, holding the excess clay in his hand.

Insoo answered, “We’re going to use it now. We’ll roll it into a cylinder shape.”

“Like this?” Eve asked, rolling her clay.

Insoo nodded. “That’s perfect.”

“How long have you been making pottery?”

“Um, about thirty years.”

Eve gasped. “That’s older than Minhyun and I. You must be really old.”

Insoo laughed. “Nobody’s ever said that to my face.”

“I’m sorry,” she apologised, bowing her head.

[Baby chick who has no filter]

When they had all rolled their clay, Insoo cut it in half down the middle for them. They then applied water to the edge of their tray clay and put half of the rolled up clay on the water area, creating a barrier. They used a wooden stick to smooth it down, creating a seamless connection between the two clays and used their fingers to make it smooth.

“I’m doing better than I thought I would,” Minhyun said, inspecting his clay. “I really thought I was going to do bad, but I’m doing okay.”

“You’re both doing good,” Insoo complimented. “I’m impressed. Now, take your sponge, dip it in the water and ring it out. Then wipe it along your tray.”

“Are we washing it?” Eve asked.

“Kind of.” After doing that, Insoo clapped his hands. “That was really good. Now, they need to air dry.”

Eve scratched her nose and put her hands back on the table.

“You got clay on your face,” Insoo told her.

“Really?” She tried wiping it off, spreading more clay on her face. “Is it gone?”

“It’s on your hands, so the more you touch your face..”

She groaned. “Making pottery… it’s not easy. Just imagine if I tried to touch my hair. That would be the end!”

[7 days later…]

“We’re back everybody!” Eve shouted.

“How do you have so much energy?” Minhyun asked. “Even the other day, you were dancing after finishing each step.”

She shrugged. “I’m young. It’s in my nature to have energy.”

“Are you calling me old?” He asked, surprised. He looked to the staff behind the camera in shock before looking back at Eve. “How could you call me old? I’m your guest!”

“You’re so dramatic, no wonder you’re an actor,” she said, causing everyone to laugh. “Insoo, please direct us once again.”

“Yes.” He walked to a drawer and fetched their trays, putting them on the table. “As you can see, the trays have changed colour. That’s because it was fully dried.” Minhyun and Eve nodded. “Now, it’s time for the fun part: painting!”

“This is what I was looking forward to the most,” Eve admitted, holding her tray.

“Choose what colour paint you would like,” he said.

“Since you’re the guest, you should choose first,” Eve told Minhyun.

“Okay.” Minhyun picked black and white. “I googled some ideas yesterday, so I know what I want to do.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she admitted with a laugh. She picked pink, yellow and orange.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something,” Insoo said, picking purple and blue for his tray.

The three got to painting their trays.

“Minhyun, how do you feel about being known as a top visual?” Eve asked.

“What do you mean?”

She looked up at him. “A lot of attention is put on your visuals more than anything else. Do you wish more people paid attention to you singing, dancing and acting? Or even just to you as a person?”

He stared at her. “You’re really good at this,” he said with a laugh, shaking his head. “Wah, really… wah. I–I don’t even remember the question.”

[Minhyun is amazed by Eve’s interviewing skills]

Insoo repeated the question as Eve was too busy hiding behind the counter.

Minhyun nodded. “Yes. But my visuals are what sucks people in and then they later come to know about my personality and my talents and things like that. There are times I wish people paid more attention to my work than my face, but it helps. Because I get more acting opportunities.”

Eve hummed, having stood up when Minhyun answered the question. “So basically, your face is what people see, and everything else about you is your hidden side?”

“You’re a real pro!” He exclaimed.

“I’m so impressed,” Insoo commented.

Eve shook her head. “No, it’s just basic interviewing!”

“It seems very advanced to me.”

“Aigo, no!”

They continued painting their trays until they were finished.

“Now, we let it dry and then tomorrow, we can do the final step,” Insoo said.

“This is such a long process,” Minhyun commented.

“Right,” Eve agreed. She addressed the main camera, “See you tomorrow.”

[The next day…]

“Okay, everyone, it’s our last day of working on our trays. How has it been for you?” Eve asked her two guests.

“It was so much fun, I really enjoyed myself,” Minhyun answered. “Even though it’s taken more than a week, it feels as if it happened really quickly.”

“You two are the best beginners I’ve ever taught,” Insoo said, causing the staff to cheer. “I’m really impressed by how well you did everything.”

“Thank you, thank you,” Eve thanked. “Should we finish up now?”

“Yes.” Insoo fetched their trays and put them on the table. “As you can see, the trays have been painted, but they look dull. So we’re going to add a layer of varnish to the trays to add a glossy look. Just dip your paint brush into the varnish and apply a thin layer onto the top and then the bottom. You can add another layer if you think you need to, but I don’t think we’ll need to.”

The three applied the layer of varnish to their trays, talking as they finished up their pottery. Once they finished applying it, they showed them off to the camera, Minhyun first, Insoo second and Eve last.

“Thank you for coming on the show, Minhyun and thank you for being a good teacher, Insoo,” Eve said. “Please remember to support Hidden Side a lot. See you soon, bye!”

#reactions!!

tagging: @seolboba // @ateezivy // @ateezjuliet // @cafemilk-tea // @smh-anon

©️ kim nabi

#itzy 6th member #itzy added member #itzy additional member #itzy member au #kpop added member #kpop addition #kpop oc #kim nabi #eve kim #minhyun fluff #minhyun imagines #variety shows

[nctsplug02]

[6:12PM]

GENRE: fluff, smut, parents au, pregnancy au.

WARNINGS: the word giggle and laugh are overused in this, milf and dilf to twins (ages; 4), reader is pregnant (5 and a half months long), gentle parenting, kissing, breast play, nipple play, fingering, cum eating, oral sex (F receiving), creampie, breeding, degrading and praising.

AN| i put the actual request in my drafts and i went back to find it and it was buried all the way down under like fifty fucking other drafts. i feel like a damn hoarder, i apologize for not finishing most of them. ALSO, i know this isn’t a mark dad au request but.. just enjoy LOL! <3

the water runs and covers up your soft moans and giggles as mark kneads your breasts. “mark,” you whine with a giggle interrupting. “i really need to make dinner and you’re keeping me from doing so!”

mark nibbles on your neck and you let out a moan as he nibbles on your sweet spot. “marrrkk, please.” you could feel marks smirk as he nibbles on your neck and kneads your breasts.

screams and something being knocked down causes you and mark to pull away.

“i said stop it!” one screams.

“and i said i don’t wanna!” the other screams.

“mommy!” they both scream and you turn around, pulling yourself from mark.

mark sighs and follows you to the living room where your four year old twins are at. “okay, what’s goin’ on?” you walk in the living room with your hands on your hips.

“mommy! minhyun was—!” your youngest says.

“mommy! minjin, he—?!” your oldest shouts over your youngest.

“okay— nuh-uh, we aren’t gonna do this.” you say making a mouth-zipping gesture.

the two grumble and then your oldest shoves your youngest. “wha—? argh!” your youngest shoves your oldest causing him to stumble back and fall on his ass.

“mommy, did you see what he did?!” your oldest whines and points to your youngest who hovers above him.

you gasp when your youngest smacks your oldest. “okay, no— no, that’s enough! mark,” you turn to your husband who watches while laughing. “stop laughing and help me pull these two apart!”

you sighs and attempt to grab your youngest before he can jump on his older brother but your hand slips from his arm and your youngest throws himself onto his eldest. you pull your youngest off your oldest and you sit the screeching boy on the couch.

you go next for your oldest but when you hover above him, he sits up and shoves you.

“ah— minhyun!” you gasp.

“alright, woah, woah. you do not do that, minhyun.” mark marches up to the boy and gentle pushes you to the side. “you do not push or hit your mommy, do you hear me?”

“i’m sorry, daddy.” the boy cries to mark but mark shakes his head. “you need to apologize to your mom, that was very disrespectful of you. i genuinely thought i raised you better than this.”

the sobbing boy turns to you and lifts his arms, you sigh and lift the crying boy up. you balance the boy on your hip and you wipe his tears.

“i—i’m sorry, mommy. i’m really sorry.” the boy hiccups and your heart melts.

“oh, honey.” you kiss his forehead. “it’s okay,” the boy still sniffles and hiccups as more tears fall down his fat cheeks. “now you know to never ever hit mommy, right?”

“mm—mhm,” the boy nods, his body jerking every time he hiccups. you bring your son and you sit him next to his older brother.

you lower yourself onto your ass and you sigh. “now, minjin, can you tell mommy why you’re upset.” your youngest nods, wiping his tears with the back of his hand. “i wanted to w—watch paw patrol b—but minhyun said no and then he hit my arm a—and grabbed the control from me.” the boy wipes more tears that spill from his eyes.

you look at your oldest who shrinks with guilt. “and, minhyun, can you tell mommy why you’re upset.” the older one bite his lip and sighs. “i really wanted to watch daniel the tiger but when i told minjin, he said no and grabbed the controller from me!”

“okay, i understand that you both aren’t agreeing on a few things. why don’t we watch a movie that we all like to watch together, yeah?”

the two boys look at each other and nod.

“alright, my loves. can you both apologize to each other and give a hug to one another?” the two nod once again and they slide off the couch, coming together and giving each other a nice hug while apologizing.

“minhyun, what you saw minjin do is something you should never ever do. not to me, not to your dad, not to anyone.” your oldest nods.

“i love you two, very very much.” you say to them and you hug them both very tightly. “my sweet sweet boys.” you whisper, giving them both a kiss on the head.

you pull away and sigh. “now, should we coco, again?” the boys nod and cheer. “alright, looks like we have an agreement! i’ll have daddy put on coco for you two and then we’re gonna go back to making dinner, alright?” the two nod and sit on the couch.

you attempt to stand but the belly weighs you down and does you no justice. “damn it.” you mumble under your breath and then you turn on your side, pushing yourself up from your knees.

“geez, mark.” mark throws his hands up in defense with his mouth open as a shocked expression. “a little help would’ve been appreciated.”

“wha— baby, im sorry.” his voice becomes whiney. “alright, i don’t need another crying child. i’ve dealt with two and i don’t think i wanna make it three.” you go back to washing the veggies that sat in a bowl in the sink.

mark scoffs with a half laugh. “well, a little to late, babe. it’s gonna be three— especially with that baby that i knocked you up with.” mark rubs your belly and you tsk. “oh, shut up!” you shove mark.

“oh, my god.” you put a hand over your mouth. “i know where my sweet angels get their shoving from.. oh, my goodness.” you sigh and rub your temples. “i am a terrible mother.”

mark smacks your ass causing you to whine and jump towards him while holding your freshly smacked ass. “don’t say that ever, again. do you hear me?” you pout and nod. “good,” mark smirks. “i’m sorry.” he giggles and rubs your ass for you.

“gimme a kiss, pretty.” mark says, pouting his lips and wrapping his arm around the back of your head and the other arm around your waist.

you push your lips out and you go to your tip-toes, meeting marks lips and smiling when feeling him smile.

“m’kay, c’mon, let’s make dinner.” mark says patting and squeezing your ass, again.

“…mmhm, baby. and, i just wanna let you know how amazing you handled the situation. i’m so proud of you, mommy.” mark speaks to you softly while fluffing a pillow and stuffing it under your hips.

your mind is too drowsy to understand what he’s even saying, just too busy focusing on your husbands fat cock sliding back into your cunt.

“ahh’mark,” you push your hips back and mark softly giggles at you.

it was currently eleven at night, you and mark had tucked the boys to bed around 9:30 because 8 seemed a bit too early for their energies to run out.

you and mark had a short bubble bath time together but it was ruined by marks dick stabbing your back. mark suffered with blue balls while washing you and himself up before dragging you to the room and pushing you on the bed.

“nuh-uh, pretty. keep your hips down for me, alright?” you nod.

your back arches more when feeling droplets from marks wet hair drip onto your back.

“you’re so good for me, y/n.” mark says, grabbing your hips with one hand and using the other as something to hold himself above you. “so so good.” mark squeezes your hip.

“and, you’re not a bad mommy. i hear you say that again and i’ll edge you until i feel like letting you cum.”

you moan into the pillow tucked under your chin. “m—mark.. i’m gonna cum.” you pant. “already, baby?” mark chuckles and spanks your ass while slowing down his pace. “w—well, you’ve been t—teasing me all night—ngh!”

“mm,” mark bites his lip. “you have a very valid point, baby. but, i’m not sure i wanna let you cum yet.” you scowl, how could he do this? “mark, i’ve pushed two babies out of my vagina, this last one will be my third. if you don’t let me cu—!”

your rant comes to a stop when mark pinches your clit. “mhm, mhm. you were saying, baby?” you shake your head. “y—you’re so mean.” you huff.

“aww, don’t be like that. c’mon, baby, i’ll let’cha cum, go on.” mark says rubbing your clit.

an annoyed whine cranks up your throat and finally your orgasm comes.

“c—cum in me, mark. i wanna f—feel you cum in me.” mark tuts and shakes his head. “aww, baby. i’m not even close to cumming yet.”

you look back at mark with confused eyebrows and pouty lips when mark pulls out. “marrkk, why’d you—?”

mark flips you on your back and smiles widely. “beautiful.” mark bites his lips and reaches forward, his hands instantly grabbing your breasts.

“mark!” you giggle, arms squeezing together, collecting your pooling breasts. “you’re so pretty, you know that, baby?” mark says, tweaking your nipples.

“mark, stop it. just fuck me, please?” mark looks down and smirks. “you’re soaking wet, baby.” mark runs a finger down your slit and clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth and shaking his head.

mark leans forward and takes your left breast into his mouth. “you’re so beautiful.” mark mumbles, swirling his tongue around your harden nipple and moaning softly.

mark pulls away and rubs your nipple. “i wanna fuck your tits, baby.” mark whispers and stares up at you through his lashes. “m—my— you said my titties?” mark nods with a wide smile.

you bite your lip, “well, if you really want to.” you say with a shrug and shy grin. “of course i do, baby. especially with these big’ol milkers.” your eyes almost bulge from their sockets. “milkers?! what?!”

“that’s right, baby. i know they’ll fit perfectly around my dick.” mark cups your breast from underneath and jiggles your breasts with giggles.

“you’re not gonna fuck me anymore?” mark stops with your breasts and thinks. “mm, i got it.” mark climbs off the bed and runs to the closet, he retrieves this nude toned toy and baby oil.

it was a dildo. a vibrating dildo that mark had bought off an ad on pornhub. “remember this old thing?” mark asks you, climbing on the bed and turning on the toy dildo.

“is that—?” you gasp when mark slips the buzzing toy into your cunt. “hold that there for me, baby.”

your legs begin to shake and your moans become shaky.

mark crawls up to your chest and chuckles. “it’s been so long since we’ve done this.” mark says, squeezing some baby oil onto his palms and rubbing his hands together after setting down the bottle.

“say, how long has it been since we last titty-fucked?” mark says, rubbing oil onto your breasts and between the valley of them. “i—i think it was four years ago when i was pregnant with t—geez, i’m cumming!” you let out a shaky gasp.

make giggles and shakes his head. make uses the leftover oil on his hands and holds your breasts together. a whimper slips out of marks throat when he sees how beautiful and glossy your breasts are.

“fuck, i’m so hard.” mark mutters and slips his cock between your breasts. “goodness,” he sighs. “i almost forgot how amazing this felt.”

mark looks behind him and giggles when seeing you desperately attempt to fuck yourself with the vibrating dildo.

“i’m so glad your belly isn’t that big yet otherwise we would’ve had some complications, huh?” mark asks, turning back to you.

you nod and bite your lip while holding back from cumming. “y—ye—yeahhh, that’s gr—great, mark!” you hum violently from the vibration.

mark chuckles at you and shakes his head, continuing to thrust his cock between your breasts.

“amazing, love. you’re doing so well. just sitting here and letting me fuck your tits while you fuck yourself with that plastic dick.” mark scoffs.

“m—mark?” mark hums softly, tilting his head and watching as the tip of his cock disappear and reappear from the top of your breasts. “c—can we c—cum together?”

mark chuckles with a whine. “you’re the cutest, aren’t’cha?” you look up at marks eyes and frown. “please, mark?” you plead.

“alright, alright.” mark laughs, giving in.

a few minutes past and within those few minutes, you’re creaming over the dildo with mark shooting his white ribbons on your face.

mark moans lowly and dips his head back, his hips stuttering as he tries to carry on. “f—fuck, baby. gah!” mark hisses.

mark stands on his knees and smirks when seeing your cum-covered breasts. his cum just dripping from your breasts, down the valley, off your nipples, off your chin and jaw.

mark leans forward and begins licking the cum off your breasts. you moan and grab the back of his head, pulling at his barely short strands.

due to his fresh undercut, it was useless to be pulling on his short hairs.

“mark,” you giggle, lifting your chin when mark moves up to your neck and starts sucking all over. “stop.” you place your hands on marks chest.

“‘m sorry, you just taste so good.” mark gags a bit. “uh, beside that baby oil taste.” he rubs the back of his nape.

you laugh and rub his cheek, “markie,” mark hums and nods his head into your palm. “i want you to fuck me, again. please.” mark smiles widely and nods. “anything for you, baby.”

mark finds himself below you with your legs wrapped around his waist and his hands on your hips. marks hips driving into yours while the two of you moan and hiss at the pleasuring sensation.

“you’re such a dirty slut. begging to be fucked in many positions in one night. i love it.” mark says through his gritted teeth.

“markie, i want you to cum in me.” you moan out and you reach forward, grabbing mark by the neck and bringing him down so his stomach his with your bump.

“and, i want you to cum in me, now.” you whispers in his ear.

mark whimpers and humps into you. his hips thrusting desperately forward as he whimpers wildly into your ear.

“‘m gonna put a baby in your belly.” mark groans, grabbing one of your thighs and holding it up against his ribs.

you giggle at him. “markie, i already have a baby in my belly.”

mark groans and shakes his head, suddenly releasing into you without warning. it should’ve been clear when his thrusts started to get sloppy, again.

mark breathes heavily into your neck and pulls away from you. he pulls out and groans, watching as your cunt drips with his cum.

mark looks up at you through his lashes and brings two of his fingers to your pussy, teasing your slit and then slipping them in without a problem.

“m—mark,” you gasp, closing your legs on marks hands. “c’mon, baby. keep’em open for me.” he says softly as he works your gummy walls with his fingers.

mark pulls his fingers away from your cunt and lays flat on his belly. “‘m gonna eat your pretty pussy, alright?” you nod, biting your thumb nail.

mark dives into your cunt and groans, tasting the mixture of your cum and his together. “so sweet.” mark quickly says and dives back in.

“mark.. i’m sensitive.” you whine and gasp while pulling on his long locks. “god, ‘m gonna cum, again.” you cry out and squeeze your thighs around his head.

mark pulls and grips on your thighs while sucking and lapping up your juice. his tongue slurping past your folds.

you go through one last orgasm and finally, mark falls next to you.

he’s all worn out just like you. the two of you breathing heavily. both sweating and sticky.

you whine as mark brings you into his arms. “you’re sweaty.. and sticky.. get away from me.” you heave and mark lets out a laugh. “just wanna cuddle with you, baby.”

you and mark fall in another bit of silence, leading the two of you to sleep.

#ash talks #nctsplug02 #nct imagines #nct scenarios #kpop imagines #kpop smut #nct smut #nct 127 #anon #kpop fluff #mark smut #superm mark #nct mark #mark lee #mark fluff #mark lee smut #nct dilf #nct x reader #nct dad au

[blue-jisungs]

fast cars, slow kisses

summary. after a race with beomgyu, the night takes an unexpected turn

au. street racer (cars vroom vroom)!! also!! enha, lsfm and hwang minhyun cameo >_<

word count. 3,9k

warnings. uh so, yeah! blood, cursing (strong language if u will), one guy being misogynistic n talking shit, suggestive but not really, alcohol consumption

a/n. ngl i feel like it could be better? more racing n stuff but i’m pretty happy w the ending tho so… enjoy ^_^ also i never watched fast and furious so uh, that’s kinda ironic, aha!

also am i the only one who’s not over this concept? like i am still going insane thanks 😍

+++ if anyone is interested in reading a spin off about minhyun set in this au, go read crush on the track by one and only @slytherinshua !!! (i beg it’s so good)

the smell of gasoline filled your nostrils when you took a deep breath. with a corner of your eye you saw someone approaching you. tucking your hands in the pockets of your jacket you turn around to face them. it turns out to be your friends, le sserafim.

well, not all of them. lsfm – for short – is done with racing this season due to the training of their youngest members, who along with sakura, are walking towards you.

eunchae waved enthusiastically and you couldn’t help but mirror her smile.

“what’s up, youngsters?” you grinned, putting your sunglasses on top of your head.

“long time no see, huh?” sakura nodded and the younger girls high fived with you.

“y’know how it is…” you mumbled, leaning against your car.

“you’ve got this!” eunchae jumped excitedly, eyes scanning your vehicle

“of course i do. this beautiful beast never disappoints” a playful smirk painted on your lips as you noticed your rival in the crowd “and how’s your training going?”

“well we have to train more if we want to beat you some day but as for now… we’re pretty good” kazuha scoffed, earning a giggle from all of you

“oh, we better go!” eunchae stated upon seeing your rival’s car arriving “fighting! if you win you buy us tteokbokki!”

“yah!” you laughed after she ran off. sakura just shook her head

“beat his noisy ass” she hummed and you saluted dramatically

“yes ma’am”

your friends leave to watch you from the side. you and lsfm became friends even since they got into racing. being an only girl in your area got super boring so you were more than excited to see some new faces. chaewon and sakura used to race as co-drivers but then they formed a team and now they’re racing as they wish – with a co-driver or solo.

speaking of solo, you notice minhyun. he’s staring at your rival amused before looking at you. the former co-driver, now solo driver just like you, sticks his tongue out in a playful manner. you do the same, blowing a raspberry when you hear a laugh. you look at the source and notice beomgyu, your enemy.

quite literally.

“my arch nemesis” he whispered yet it was loud enough for you to hear.

“what’s up? ready to lose or should i give you some time to rethink your life choices?” you asked. beomgyu scoffed, crossing his arms.

“the only thing you’ll be rethinking is your future” he bit back, cocking an eyebrow.

“we’ll see about this one. if i keep winning with you all the time i might consider my next location though” a teasing tone of your voice made him roll his eyes “it’s getting boring, y’know?”

he was about to say something when a flagger approached the start line. you took it as a sign and both of you entered your cars.

as you reached your way to the top of racing world, beomgyu was quite the pain in the ass. you managed to win a couple of times against his teammates. and against him, too. but if someone was to draw a graph of the statistics it would be a sinusoid: you won one race, then beomgyu did. then you again, then him… over and over. you started getting sick of him in general: his snarky comments, loud shouting, the confidence in his voice, his ridiculously attractive voice–

“–‘s race! we have thursday’s child of tomorrow by together…!” the announcer pointed at beomgyu’s car, a loud round of applause hitting your ears. he dramatically wiped his eyes as if touched by the support and then winked at you. “and over here we have the first female champion of last year’s races! make some noise for furious!”

you lazily curled the corner of your lips, saluting. the nickname was a bit dumb and so obvious that you were inspired by fast and furious movie saga but at the beginning of your career you thought it was cool. eunchae told you once that after stepping out of the car you do look a bit furious no matter if you win or lose. which might be true because during the ride, you let your negative emotions go; hence the furrowed brows and all.

regarding beomgyu, you didn’t really know the origins of his nickname. it was creative, you’ll give him that. but in this sport the strangest nickname, the less chances the cops will find out your real identity… or so you hoped.

“ready?”

both of your cars’ exhaust pipes made a loud, growling noise. you looked at niki, the youngster who was the flagger today. you sent him finger guns and he did the same, a huge smile blooming on his face.

“three… two… one… go!”

with a gust of wind niki’s hair flew in different directions, both cars passing him by milimeters. before he managed to turn around to look at the vehicles, you were already far away.

you saw the neon sign that signalled you to take a turn. that’s what you liked about racing, too. sure, riding on a race track that you’ve already been to is nice. but the thrill of new locations is much more fuelling, especially after dark. the sun was about to set, sky glowing with vibrant oranges. normally you’d stop and watch but now you were busier with out catching beomgyu.

taking a sharp turn you managed to make him to slow down. shifting the gear stick to a another level, the car made a loud noise and you sped up. taking a glance at beomgyu in the mirror you huffed. asshole.

shaking your head you focused on the road, scanning the flashing lights of that showed you the directions. putting the pedal to the floor, knuckles turning white from gripping the steering wheel you took a deep breath.

because you were on a schedule and went first, you and beomgyu had to finish ten laps. then yunjin was racing with yeonjun and so on. you agreed on racing only for 10 so the younger ones have more fun. besides… tomorrow is saturday and you really needed to rest.

throughout the whole race beomgyu was in front of you a couple of times. thanks to your love and passion for making sudden drifts at turns, you managed to put him into the wall. he didn’t crash, of course, but had to slow down.

the sky gradually turned navy, the darkness overtaking the whole track. only a couple of red lights at the finish line blinked in the distance.

you opened your window when you started approaching it. with a whistle of wind you crossed it, cheers erupting from the crowd. beomgyu arrived shortly after you, just when you took off your helmet. niki walked up to you and cheered loudly. throwing your head back while laughing you patted his back. beomgyu walked up to you, a playful smile on your lips.

“i went easy on you” he grunted. you extended your hand, the manners stronger than your dislike towards him, scoffing.

“mhm, whatever makes you sleep at night” a hum left your mouth and he shook your hand. he was holding your hand a little too tightly but let go suddenly, eyes widening.

minhyun walked up to you, patting your back.

“good job. i wish it was a little brighter so i could see your drifting skills in full glory but i guess your win is good too” he hummed.

“shut up” you scoffed, punching his arm “are you staying or…?”

“yeah, i’ll stay for a bit. are you parking the car or should i do it?” he asked, pointing at your keys. minhyun kept your car at his place since it would be too suspicious for a average student to own a racing car.

“i’ll do it. maybe i’ll dig around in your garage” you sent him a toothy grin. minhyun just rolled his eyes.

entering your car again you noticed beomgyu looking at you with a pensive look on his face.

without giving it any more thought you drove away, turning on the radio. your heart still pumping with adrenaline, you let out a shaky breath.

beomgyu stayed until the end. yeonjun lost against jay, soobin won with sunghoon and niki raced with kai for fun.

“not your day, huh?” he heard heeseung’s voice. he turned around and grunted,

“tell me about it” beomgyu rolled his eyes and pointed at niki “he’s got some potential though”

“yeah… beer? me and some other guys are going to the bar nearby” heeseung grinned.

“you know i never say no to beer” beomgyu laughed “let me just tell my idiots”

a short moment later they all met up in the bar, except the youngest ones. some other fans that were watching the races were there too.

beomgyu let out a heavy sigh and looked over at heeseung.

“what?” he grunted upon realising his friend was staring at him.

“i’ve noticed something, you know?” the oldest member of enhypen racing team smiled mischievously.

“that’s what your eyes are for” beomgyu murmured and took a sip of beer.

“we know you’re salty after losing but let it go, beomgyu” soobin, his leader, nudged him. heeseung smirked and shook his head after catching yeonjun’s curious gaze.

“we’ll talk later, let’s change the subject. did you watch the football game yesterday?” he asked, a lively conversation breaking out.

an hour passed by and beomgyu had to go to the bathroom. he didn’t drink too much but his vision got a little blurry once he stood up.

after he finished and washed his hands, while leaving the room he overheard a conversation.

“that girl, huh? i don’t believe it” one man, who was bald, said

“what do you mean?” his companion asked

“it’s a girl, dumbass” the bald one laughed loudly as if it was the funniest thing ever “no way in hell she beat thursday’s child”

“yeah… it’s a bit weird” his friend grunted

“i bet they’re a couple. or she just slept with some guy to win… whore” the bald guy spat out.

adrenaline and alcohol rushing through beomgyu’s veins lead him towards the guy. it all happened in a blink of an eye: him grabbing the bald guy’s shirt, throwing a left hook on his face, the other guy’s screaming. the punch was so strong that the guy landed on the floor. beomgyu pinned him down and tried making another punch

“she’s skilled, you fucking misogynist” he spat out.

“what the fuck?” the bald man grunted and managed to duck the attack and roll away. beomgyu, a bit dizzy, stood up and realised what he did. well, too late…

“what’s your problem, man?!” was all he heard before a sharp wave of pain spreading through his face. he took a few steps back due to the impact.

“my problem? it’s you who can’t understand that women can be good at male dominated sports? or are you just jealous because your life is so pathetic?” beomgyu spat out and the guy grabbed his shirt.

“who are you to talk?!” before the bald guy hit him again, beomgyu put his forearms in front of his face in order to protect his face from getting hurt. then he took a chance and managed to get out of the man’s hold and attacked him again.

“wait, is that… beomgyu?” he heard heeseung’s voice.

“what? no, he’s here! right, beomgyu?beomgyu–?!“ soobin’s shouts faded when another throw was aimed at the brown haired boy’s head resulting in ringing in his ears.

if you weren’t in the kitchen, having a 2am snack, you probably wouldn’t hear the aggressive knocking at your front door.

still with the spoon in your mouth you opened the door and your eyes widened upon seeing… beomgyu.

“what’s up, baby girl?” he smirked, leaning against the doorway. you were to shut your door when you noticed the awful state of his hands… and face.

“what the fuck, choi?” you grunted, removing the spoon.

“i was just having a midnight walk and decided to pay you a visit” he sent you a toothy grin

“just tell me who did you annoy this time or i’m closing the door” you sighed, crossing your arms. you wouldn’t, though. his brow was busted, nose bleeding and not to mention the huge bruise forming on his cheek bone.

he sighed, scratching his neck. you saw a glimpse of his knuckles covered in blood.

“i just got into a bar fight, that’s all. you should–“ he started sheepishly.

“… see the other guy, yeah yeah. just… come in. don’t you have a first aid kit at your place?” you grunted and closed the door after he walked in “wait, how do you even know where i live?”

“uhh… spidey senses? also, that’s a quite pretty place you have here” beomgyu shrugged. you walked over to the sink, throwing the spoon in, hiding the ice cream you were eating and pointed at the table in your dinning room.

“sit down. if i see you snooping around you’re being kicked out. and kicked in your ass” you huff, looking at him threateningly. the light was better inside so now you saw other scratches on his face.

“yes ma’am” beomgyu breathed out and obediently sat down where you told him to.

he zoned out while looking at the picture hanging on the wall. you and minhyun, his arm thrown over yours as you did bunny ears behind his head. pft. you looked like a couple.

the sudden thud of you placing the first aid kit down on the table made him jerk, his knees jumping up and hitting the table.

“stop daydreaming and tell me what happened” you ordered, looking for hydrogen dioxide.

“i was just looking at your boyfriend” he grunted, missing the thundering look you gave him.

“minhyun is like a brother to me. i’d rather date you than him. besides, he already has a girlfriend” you mumbled, realising what you said. beomgyu didn’t seem to catch it though, so you moved on quickly “whatever. i’m patching you up so you owe me an explanation”

beomgyu sighed.

“we went drinking and… i just had to put some rational thoughts into some guy. with my fists, that’s all” he said and his eyes widened when you tenderly grabbed his chin and propped it upwards, forcing him to look up at him.

“we? also, are you still drunk?” you asked and your features suddenly softened “i’m sorry but this will sting a bit”

beomgyu hissed when you pressed a cotton pad with the liquid on it, cleaning his open wounds.

“me and my team and also heeseung, jay, jake and sunghoon” beomgyu sighed “and i’m not drunk. i was. but the fight really sobered me up, y’know?”

“i assume. so, if i call soobin will he tell me the truth?” the question left him silent. you wiped the blood trickling from his nostrils gently.

he sighed again, closing his eyes.

“you’re a bad liar, choi. i noticed it the first time we met” you laughed quietly but there was no venom in your words “careful, here i go again”

he focused on the gentle touch of your fingers on his chin. suddenly you halted and he could hear your focused breathing.

“are you hungry?”

his eyes shot open, widening in surprise. then, his lips curled upwards almost recreating a v shape.

“actually, i am. whatcha got?” he asked. you went to the kitchen and beomgyu brushed his fingers against the spot where yours were just seconds ago. returning back with some milk bread he just noticed the way your hands were shaking.

“so you just beat up a guy for fun?” you asked. beomgyu scoffed and grabbed the bread, sinking his teeth in it. gosh, he was starving.

you carefully put a bandage on his brow, your own knitting due to the focused state you were in. he was munching slowly and suddenly you realised how his cheeks were dusted in a pretty, pink shade.

“well… he was taking shit about you” beomgyu blurted out after he swallowed, looking at you with his big doe eyes. you’d assume his blushing was caused by the alcohol in his system but the truth is… beomgyu realised how you were standing between his legs, so close to him.

“what?” you whispered, frowning.

he shrugged and took another bite.

you grabbed a nearby chair and sat on it, grabbing his right hand. you put some hydrogen dioxide on the wounds on his knuckles too, causing him to curse.

“what the fuck? why didn’t you warn me?” he grunted with his mouth full. your mind was racing, and so was your heart. did this mean that beomgyu – the guy who hated you with passion – stood up for you? and got into a fight?

“stop thinking so intensely, you’ll pop a vein” beomgyu chuckled but it became clear to him what you just realised too “it’s not what you think, i still hate you…”

his voice trailed off. you bandaged his knuckles in silence, heart thumping against your rib cage so hard, you thought it might break out any second.

“…he was just being misogynistic, that’s all” he added quietly after a while.

“are you sure it’s not because you like me?” you teased with a playful smile and looked up, expecting him to throw a snarky comment at you.

instead, you were met with his soft gaze on you and his pretty lips slightly parted. your smile dropped slightly, eyes locked with his. for a while though because his gaze shifted to your lips momentarily.

you gulped, trying to shake off the urge to… kiss him…?

“all done. patched up. you should take a shower though because you smell like a bar itself–“ you mumbled, looking up.

“can i kiss you?” beomgyu breathed out suddenly, his ebony eyes sparkling with adoration.

you nodded slowly, grabbing his hand. you intertwined fingers with his gently, beomgyu stood up and leaned in, cupping your face with his free hand. it was a bit harsh and calloused against your burning cheek, but his lips; oh his lips. they were pillowy, making you melt into the kiss. it was nothing but a loving kiss, reassembling a way that lovers kiss after they reunite after a long while without seeing each other. slow but sensual made your head spin and heart race faster than your car couple hours before.

your other hand travelled to the nape of his neck, playing with his hair. beomgyu hissed suddenly, pulling away.

“did i hurt you?” you asked, eyes widening in worry. he shook his head, a goofy smile on his face.

“i thought i was dreaming for a moment” he murmured and his hand slid down to your chin, propping it up slightly “and i was getting uncomfortable”

the taste of sweet bread he was eating earlier lingered on your lips. beomgyu leaned in again but you playfully tilted your head.

“wait, are you really kissing me? your arch nemesis?” a teasing hum left your mouth. he just rolled his eyes

“shut up” he grunted and kissed you again, your lips curling into a smile.

air was knocked out of your lungs one more time, his plush lips a cause of that. this time though you could taste the beer on his tongue. which reminded you of–

you leaned away, beomgyu panting.

“what?” he breathed out, chasing back after your lips.

“i know i’m irresistible but take a shower, you stink” you let out a soft laugh “and we’ll talk in the morning, okay? you must be tired”

“oh… yeah, sure” he nodded.

you showed him the way to the bathroom and gave some fresh clothes (minhyun’s shirt that you stole once). then you had a fifteen minute fight about who’s going to sleep on the couch and eventually you got it (by winning in a rock paper scissors)

you would lie if you said that you slept well. no, it wasn’t the couch. your mind was racing with thoughts: why did he kiss you? will he remember it? because what if he was still drunk? will it… lead to something else?

you hated beomgyu, sure, but that was because you were rivals in what you did. you never really… met him. and this all… was different. nice. got your heart warming up. you promised yourself that once you wake up in the morning and he’s gone, you’ll act like none of this never happened.

the sound of metal clanking and the smell of… burnt food was what woke you up. jolting forward from the couch you saw beomgyu wandering around in the kitchen, humming something.

“you know that for arson you can be up to 10 years in prison?” you asked, lazily standing up from the couch. he squealed, surprised by your sudden appearance.

“you woke up” he laughed, taking a sip of tea.

“i did. and you’re trying to burn my house down?” you cocked an eyebrow, crossing your arms. beomgyu shook his head, placing two plates on the counter.

“i did. but i changed my mind and made pancakes” he hummed and took them to the dining room. you watched him in awe, heart fluttering. he stayed.

you sat down, staring at the food.

“i felt a little guilty you slept on the couch. and i was hungry, so…” he shrugged and started eating. but he stopped upon seeing you gazing at the pancakes with a small smile “i promise i didn’t poison it… although it was tempting”

“that’s not it. i’m just thinking… do you– well, why did you…” you trailed off, not sure how to put your thoughts into words. beomgyu understood, his features softening.

“y/n, the moment i saw you for the first time after the first race you won with taehyun i was whipped. i’m not kidding you” he said, your eyes widening. beomgyu chuckled, bright smile adoring his face “yes, i liked you. i have liked you for two years now… well, i still do… it’s just… the emotions after the race and all… we just didn’t start off too good and uh… shit happens”

you snorted, suddenly the way you caught him staring way too many times suddenly making sense.

“so if you want to forget about the kiss and all of that happened, i’d be sad but i’ll understand. and also… thank you. for patching me up and not… kicking out” he said, looking at the bandages on his knuckles

“i’m a bit surprised, i’m not going to lie… but… what do you want to do now?” you asked, blush creeping on your face. mischievous glint sparkled in his eye and you knew you’re doomed.

“i can take you on a date or two, for a romantic ride in my fast car” he smiled boyishly, suddenly leaning closer and whispering “and then we’d make it official and could make out on the back office of our usual racing track… y’know, keeping the facade we still hate each other…”

“shut up” you grunted, looking away,

“awwh, did i make you shy?” he cooed, pushing the plate with your pancakes closer “eat up and i’ll take you for a ride, huh?”

“only if we race there” you grunted, a smile lingering on your lips. beomgyu grinned and it’s safe to say it was the fastest way you’ve ever eaten (wolfed down) your breakfast.

[ masterlist <3 ]

taglist. @geniejunn ,, @luvhyun3 ,, @starlostseungmin ,, @elviransworld ,, @jnks6r ,, @sieunsgf ,, @ethereallino ,, @laylasbunbunny ,, @duolingofanaccount ,, @slytherinshua ,, @stxrseungs ,, @ka-ni-ma ,, @iliveforlixie ,, @ameliesaysshoo ,, @dazzlingligth ,, @mark-geolli ,, @l3visbby ,, @w3bqrl ,, @ddeonudepressions ,, @yourfavoritefreakyhan ,, @cinnamoroxie ,, @kazmura

#beomgyu scenarios #beomgyu x y/n #beomgyu fluff #beomgyu imagines #beomgyu txt #choi beomgyu #beomgyu x reader #beomgyu reactions #beomgyu au #txt au #txt fluff #txt reactions #txt imagines #txt x reader #txt fic #txt boyfriend #beomgyu

[linyki]

and we're live. — l.hs

## summary : ever since your freshman year of high school, you’ve been eagerly anticipating the day that you finally take over the leading position within your school’s broadcasting club. now that you’re a junior, your dream is finally within reach — well, until you learn that you have a fellow contender for the role. enter lee heeseung, the tall (and, unfortunately, pretty attractive) hurdle standing in the way of your success. will the two of you manage to settle your differences off-air, or is there only room for one mic? alternatively, lee heeseung has a crush on yn and is only competing for broadcasting club manager because he wants an excuse to talk to her.

## pairing : fem!yn x non-idol!heeseung ## feat : lesserafim (with cameos/mention of zb1, txt.) ## genre : highschool au, one-sided rivals to lovers, fluff, crack, pining. ## warnings : profanity, suggestive humour, death jokes (kms, kys), 13 y/o boy humour. ## status : ongoing. ## taglist : open.

## lin's love note : hi el oh el. im on summer break which means i have an excessive amount of free time. so... what better way to start off my break than by creating a smau !! this is vvv loosely based off of live on bcos i luv hwang minhyun. ask, dm or comment if u'd like to be added to the taglist !!

交 — profiles ! therapy group && wedgie warriors && priv

交 — chapters ! 🖇 : written 01 how to get away with murder (real) 02 that's bonkers 03 yunjin's solution 04 rizzphobic 05 let the games begin ! 06 live, laugh, laxatives 07 sherlock homies 08 revelations 09 get a grip 10 simp city 11 mission: secret admirer (🖇)

#⸃⠀and we're live !!⠀☆ #enhypen smau #enhypen #enha #enhypen fluff #enhypen timestamps #enhypen blurbs #enhypen fanfiction #enha smau #enhypen headcanons #enhypen imagines #enhypen scenarios #enha imagines #enha scenarios #kpop smau #heeseung imagines #heeseung drabbles #heeseung x yn #heeseung x reader #enhypen fic #heeseung scenarios #heeseung social media au #heeseung soft hours #heeseung headcanons

[dyemelikeasunset]

THIS IS SO DUMB... Bee convinced me to make a singer AU where Dom is a kpop idol and Mor is an indie singer-songwriter who ends up writing for Dom's girl group.....

Mor's got an indie girl vibe, think Teagan&Sara meets pre-TDE SZA meets Skylar Grey. meanwhile Dom would be the visual/vocal for a girlcrush group. Like if Wanna One/Nu'est's Hwang Minhyun was a girl

bonus…Dom's group…. they are all existing OCs of ours. Some of them are from secret projects and i can't believe i'm debuting them for a POP MUSIC AU LMAOO when will my love of music industry drama die _(:3」∠)_

#my art #dom and mor #kpop?? AU??? #long post / #ugh

[espresseo-cafe]

life is still beautiful | johnny | ch.4

genre: cappucino, romance, angst, university!au, dad!au, drama, slice of life

pairing: collegestudent!johnny x fem!reader

bean count: 5.6k

a/n: another weekly update on your coffee! got carried away with the word count 👀🤎 note: this is only a work of fiction, it doesn’t reflect the artists’ personalities in any way.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

“wow.”

your hand sheepishly scratched the back of your neck out of nervousness as yoohyeon complimented you, still feeling awkward about this. out of all people, yoohyeon had to pick you as one of her muses for her final project: your junior yeri, yoohyeon’s boyfriend minhyun, and sana from language studies, and four others from several departments whom you’ve only met at lunch earlier today.

“y’know, i might just as well perform your thesis.” you said as you turn from side to side to check one of the beautiful gowns she made, running your hand on the material that she used. she may be a workaholic, but she knew when to get things done. who would’ve known she would be able to design something so pleasing to the eyes.

the gown was a tube type; a bit loose yet flowy, boosting up your busts a little, and a slit down your left thigh. the colour would be a favourite: diamond silver with hints of very pale pink on the top and blue that the slid down to the bottom. lastly, intricate details of jewelry, lace, and flowers lined on it almost all over.

what made you awkward and uncomfortable to be wearing it was the fact that it was almost see through- so much that you felt like your body could be seen but not quite. it was confusing to explain it that you asked yeri to wear it instead at one point.

“bestie be careful with the deets! it’s my best work yet!” yoohyeon held your hand playfully but stopped when she saw your face pout. “hey y/n, what’s wrong?”

yeri and sana looked back to check on you as well. you looked up before making eye contact with yoohyeon, your eye twitched so evidently with nervousness that she knew she had to scram. you lifted your hands and pinched her cheeks, saying in gritted teeth. “i can’t go out in this tonight! i’m too exposed.”

yoohyeon squealed and yet let out a giggle, holding your slightly shaking wrists to stop you from squeezing her cheeks. “y/n, you look so, so beautiful. i wish you could see it because you are.” she turned to yeri and sana. “right, girls?”

sana hugged you from the back. “yes she is. you know even though i don’t stay here at the dorms anymore i know for a fact that you- y/n, have the best face without makeup. what much more if you actually wore some?”

you pulled a face so ugly that yeri messed up your hair, laughing. “yeah y/n.. except, just don’t do that.”

they swung you to the vanity and brought out a makeup palette and curler to get going. “i wonder just how many hearts will be swayed tonight.” yoohyeon grinned and you just held your breath hoping you could get through the night in one piece.

johnny stood by the backstage of the university outdoor hall, peeking out from the side to see people filling up the seats and bleachers. the lights slightly dimmed while the main focus was the walkway.

“three out of three.” he told himself. that was the number of times he was asked to model for the clothes his seniors made before they graduated. he was glad he didn’t have to do it this year, taeyong taking his place instead.

also he wouldn’t call it a blunder to model years before, but rather flattering because at least he had another image he could be besides being called a fathe-

his phone rang, disrupting his circle of thoughts. “yeah?”

“dude where are you?” jungwoo shouted from the other line, making johnny squeeze his face a little at the volume. “you’re needed by seulgi noona for the photography, she says you got the main camera.”

“yup i’ll be right there.” he said when he put his phone in his pocket, feeling a tiny tug from his jeans. “hey little buddy. sorry.. was i long?”

youngmin just patted his cheeks and smiled when johnny picked him up, who gave him blows of raspberries before meeting the others. he had to bring him along because his parents were back in america for his aunt’s birthday and no one was there to look after him.

“aww our little youngminnie bean is here for the night. auntie seulgi will be watching you while your dad goes for his rounds to take photos.” seulgi carried the almost two year old. “aw he really looks like you, john. same lips.”

johnny just laughed and his heart melted when youngmin’s lips started to quiver. “i’ll be back, okay? don’t give auntie here a hard time.”

“aren’t we going to have fun?” she patted the baby’s bum to stop him from crying, shaking the little toy rattle for him to play with while johnny took his leave. her attention swifted when she heard familiar voices of her juniors. “ah yoohyeon! how’s the preparations going?”

“superb, my last model finally didn’t chicken out.” she giggled, turning her head to youngmin. “is this.. ? johnny’s son? he’s grown so big now.”

“yeah he told me to keep an eye on him for a bit.” seulgi combed his hair back while she shortly carressed his cheeks, “so yeah, uh, your last model is y/n?”

yoohyeon nodded and it made her smile, “yes and she’s stunning.”

“great. she’s perfect for the design you whipped up.” her expression changed before looking around. “how is she though? she coping up well lately?”

“i can’t really say, she’ll open up when she’s ready.”

backstage, you stood beside sana and she noticed you were having the nervous jitters, she held your hand and squeezed them. “you’ll be fine. we’re queued to be the last ones out.”

“that is why i’m nervous, yoohyeon had to be the top student.” you faked cry and sana just poked your nose. “.. but thank you.”

outside at the seating area, kun, johnny, and mark lee sat together, the younger one writing notes for the article that the newspaper club would be featuring by the end of the month. johnny was the assigned photographer, former runway model. and kun being known as an all rounder, was in charge of the music being played but left it to the juniors so he was just sitting pretty.

“you think jungwoo would do good for his thesis? i’m kinda nervous on what he’d put out.” kun joked, making johnny laugh as he set the camera ready.

“trust me i think taeyong would save his ass from failing, i just don’t know how he managed to be at the dean’s list despite his grades, and retaking quizzes.” johnny said, taking some sample shots before turning to mark. “hey kid, mind if you swap places with me? i’ll be closer to the stage.” pointing to the camera he was holding.

“sure.” mark took his belongings, “wait- you’re johnny suh. the one with the ki-“ he paused when kun gestured the younger one stop the convo, knowing well that johnny didn’t want any attention for not being the one on the runway. “sorry.”

johnny raised his brow and smiled as he sat down, finding the younger one quite amusing. freshman, probably. his arm accidentally elbowed the person to his left, and muttered a ‘sorry’. his eyes met with the guy so familiar he wished he didn’t ask for a swap.

choi seungcheol just nodded, accepting his apology. johnny for sure didn’t want his mood to be ruined just by his batchmate’s presence, because in the first place, there was nothing going on between you and the guy. but johnny felt he was being challenged, and decided to just let the night pass and finish the work he was required to do.

the lights dimmed down, indicating the fashion show was about to start. he looked through the viewfinder taking snapshots of student models. jungwoo’s models and designs were showcased first, making yuta and johnny chuckle that they teased him for not having higher grades. the younger one rebutted that he only went first because people found out taeyong was modelling.

other works came out and being so indulged with fashion himself, johnny actually found the clothes on the runway quite boring though applauses were heard on each outfit shown said differently. well, it wasn’t up to his standards. the people who walked weren’t even walking right.

“when will something actually get your attention?” kun whispered to him, noticing him lowkey sighing quite a few times.

johnny just shrugged, not so sure himself.

“the final designs of the fashion show will be out in a bit! please welcome kim yoohyeon and her models!” the crowd cheered at the mention of her name, making sana, yeri, and yourself flick your heads at her. she only waved and gave you all a thumbs up.

you coughed and kind of panicked. you were the last one out but questioned why you were this nervous. you had these habits when you did so, not knowing until yoohyeon pointed them out. your neck slightly tilted, breathing short airs in and out, and your fingers crumble themselves into a fist. it was slow but enough to know you were entering anxiety.

however tonight was no exception for you to flop. yoohyeon had her reason to why she chose you for her final design. so you firmly decided to just suck it up and do your best because if anything, the last thing you want to do is to disappoint your best friend. she helped you so much during the darkest time of your life. and by golly, she still was.

with the thought of that, you were so proud of her nonetheless. she was one of the first people in your year to be graduating first since she skipped a year due to her talent. even flying to paris for an exchange programme.

yoohyeon cued for you to stand by, she gave you a smile that made you want to tear up. you smiled back and gave her flying kiss.

it was a minute interval, you had to wait for minhyun to come back and wait a little more before you go out. people were anticipating, knowing there should be eight models in total. and when you finally went out on the runway, johnny found himself mesmerised by you, almost forgetting to take a photo.

he wasn’t the only one in starstruck. he knew that the person to his left was also attentive to you, and in his peripheral vision, seungcheol’s mouth was left agape.

so johnny’s shaky brown orb found itself looking through the viewfinder once again. even though he wasn’t snapping a photo, he felt like he could see you clearer than anyone else in the room. and with that, he felt like he had an upperhand to the other guy.

you were a natural and he knew that might’ve been your first time modelling given the fact you were so nervous.

again he questioned himself just how could someone be so attractive. but, just like he noticed back at the dean’s camp last week, he noticed your eyes were tired despite being really stunning, beautiful.

the lights dimmed slowly and you almost slipped out a curse because it was something yoohyeon never told you about this segment of your walk. you looked around in relief that it wasn’t all dark. like something out of a fairytale, your gown started to light up from your chest downwards.

it was rare to see lights on the style of your dress, only seeing it on ball gowns and that made everyone gasp and clap louder. and because the gown was a pink and blue hue, the light made a combination of a very light lilac at the middle. the gems and sequins made it sparkle and that made you smile.

you felt like a princess and started to spin a little, even though it wasn’t required. but this was a chance that needed to be taken.

johnny smirked and took more photos, this was a first in the university, a gown lit up made by a graduate student.

“looks like we have a winning thesis.” mark wrote notes on his notepad, he elbowed his senior. “johnny sunbaenim, is okay for you to take good ones? we need a photo to feature for the university article, please.”

johnny let out a sniffle, “alright, order the sunbae to do things.”

“sorry, i didn’t mean-”

“since the hoobae said so, i will do it. he asked nicely.” mark hearing that made him feel at ease, one of the first people to not see him as a let down for being to be a writer/ author.

“y-yeah, thank you.”

once yoohyeon came out and walked one last time along with you and the others, confetti blasted from the ceiling, letting everyone know the show’s over. you walked backstage and had yourself changed, though makeup was still on, yoohyeon appeared and hugged you ever so tightly.

“sorry for not telling you about the surprise.” she cupped your cheek, “i know how the dark frightens you still but know that i’m always here for you. besides your whole concept is a reflection of our friendship.” her voice softened almost to a whisper. “you were with me in my darkest of times, like you’re the light.. ah i don’t want to tear up.”

you eyes welled a little, knowing that this thesis was something she would bring with her before she leaves for paris to continue her studies and internship next month. “likewise for me sis, you’re still looking out for me, and i’m still the same y/n.”

“don’t be, healing takes time. you know that. i’m older than you so i can tell you off whenever i want.” she hugged you and tried to change the topic by taking a lot of selfies and portraits before you both actually cry.

johnny was standing by the opened door and the curtain that was between you and him, not meaning to eavesdrop but he had to collect his backpack. healing? is she hurt? he shook his head and knocked.

“sorry, i need to collect a few things.” johnny pressed his lips to a small awkward smile, “hi, uh. you both did amazing tonight.”

“johnny! hi, long time no see.” yoohyeon gave him a side hug, “thank you-“ she looked at you and johnny’s flushed expressions. it was silent and something clicked in her that brough her into a smirk. something happened here, y/n, you obvious one.

your eyes looked elsewhere but to johnny, however that would be rude for you not to even talk to him. it had been a week since you both actually talked. “thanks, johnny. how are you?”

“busy with my classes among other things.” johnny scratched the back of his head. “listen, at the camp i forgot ask for your number. just wondering, when would be okay for you to hang out?”

yoohyeon nudged you because you weren’t answering, “y/n.. stop just staring at him. you’re making him wait.”

yeri stood by in front of this exchange, giggling as she took her items with her. “oh what is this? high school? you know there’s a carnival-”

jungwoo covered her mouth, not wanting her to ruin it for johnny, “anyway johnny hyung, we’ll see you back at the apartment!“

yoohyeon saw that as her way out knowing that she had forgotten plans after, “ah y/n, minhyun told me to meet him at the mall, i’ll see you at home, ok?”

you nodded at the commotion, the once noisy room became quiet in an instant. you smirked at johnny, “sorry i was in trance. um, anyway hi. so.. what’s this thing about a carnival?”

johnny laughed awkwardly, “y-yeah it’s the prize we won as champions at the dean’s listers camp last week. i got two tickets so i was wondering if you’d like to come with me.”

“hm carnival, i haven’t been there for so long. when do you want to go?”

“last day’s tomorrow and i got no one to go with.”

this time you laughed awkwardly, “so i guess i have to say yes?”

“that’s pretty much the plan.”

you crossed your arms, curling your tongue in your mouth, “sneaky, smooth.. but it’s giving the last minute guy.”

johnny laughed, his eye dimples showing. what you said was unexpected. “maybe because i save the best for last?” referring to the fashion show tonight, referring to you.

your heart thumped, which was unneccessary at this point. but this is johnny, the guy who had your mind occupied for the past week. “okay, i’ll see you tomorrow before lunch at the train station?”

“sure thing.”

“great. i’ll take my leave then, it’s nice seeing you. i know we’ve been busy after the camp. have a good night, johnny.” you waved, and johnny hitched a breath at the sight of you.

ah her phone number.

“y/n!” he covered his mouth because of his accidental loud voice. “uh, can i have your phone number?”

“calm down big guy, afraid to lose me?” you teased him but your heart was still beating repeatedly, giving him your phone number then leaving to rest for the night.

johnny held his chest, his heart hadn’t felt this a long while. he felt like a little boy who finally had a play date that seulgi caught him smiling like an idiot.

“hey dorkface, you finally can use your carnival tickets. good on you, for bringing y/n.”

she handed him youngmin, who already fast asleep and stretched. johnny licked his lips, trying to bring up something about you that he had heard earlier. “seulgi, you know y/n, right?”

seulgi looked at him while she tidied up her own belongings. “yeah, we had the same minors last year. what about her?”

johnny hesitated to ask further but he couldn’t help but be curious. “is she okay? i noticed that she looks tired often behind all that smiley aura she usually shows.”

he didn’t receive an answer immediately, seulgi had to think about it. though she knew it was something serious just about vaguely, she wasn’t in any position to share anything. “i can’t really speak for her because it’s personal. i don’t know the full details but if you want to know you need to gain her trust. that’s all i can say.”

“alright, thank you.” he slung his backpack behind his shoulder as he carried the already sleeping youngmin, shaking him a little. “also for this.”

he for sure want to get to know you more.

—

seungcheol looked at his phone, lip biting at the group photo of the crimson commanders at the camp. his smile was evident when you and him stood next to each other, arms crossed while laughing at other players.

jeonghan rolled his eyes and nudged joshua to take a look at their friend, the latter one laughed while chewing and talking, “dude stop smiling like that, it’s creepy.”

“yeah dude, you’re such a simp for her lately.” jeonghan shook his head, “are you sure she’s the one you’ve been looking for all this time?”

“oh yeah definitely, she’s the one.” seungcheol sat up from his bed, stretching his arms before they become numb. “do you think she remembers?”

joshua raised his brow, “you mean that night?”

jeonghan’s eyes widened, “don’t tell me you’re gonna tell her what happened. i don’t think she even knows or remembers anything about you.”

“that’s why it wasn’t a coincidence that i ran into her at the dean’s camp. we were meant to meet again.” seungcheol clicked on his phone once more, “and she might be the one i was matched with here on love click.”

“desperate guy called for desperate measures. you really are a creep, cheol.” jeonghan threw a basketball at him. “isn’t that app under construction at the moment? whoever created that sucks.”

“you’re just jealous because you weren’t matched with anyone, and that you got friendzoned by sowon.” joshua teased him, earning him a glare from the blonde haired guy.

“guys, i’ll make her remember. she can’t escape from this. though i do have an obstacle.” he tossed the ball back to jeonghan, “you know that guy johnny? from psychology? or was it medicine?”

“the one with the baby?” jeonghan spun the ball on his finger, “yeah he was in my biology class in year one. dude sure knows how to multi-task.”

“what about johnny?” joshua continued to eat, but still listening to the conversation.

seungcheol’s brows furrowed a little, “i don’t like the vibe i get from him for some reason. feels like he’s just going to be using her.” his friends questioned him how he was so sure about it and he just shrugged, “heard the guy has anger issues though, can’t seem to control his fits.”

“and where did you hear that from?” jeonghan threw the ball to joshua, who at this point nearly dropped his bottle of water.

“minji noona. she’s my maternal cousin.”

—

the day was sunny and bright, but not too much that it made your skin burn from the heat. the clouds got your back from covering the sun rays from peeking. today was exceptionally something you looked forward to, yoohyeon joking that it would be your first date ever.

and you were so nevous, but..

.. you wouldn’t call it a date though..would you? because as you looked at yourself at the reflection from a nearby shop window, you were all dolled up.

a floral dress in white, paired with your favourite sneakers. your hair done in a half do, slightly styled, and just a very light make up. “this should be fine, right?”your phone rung to see johnny’s caller ID appearing on your screen. immediately answering. “hello?”

johnny could feel his cheeks heat up, your voice made him nervous for today. his first hangout with you. he felt like he was going out for the first time. “hi, y/n. i’ll be there soon, did you wait long?”

you stayed silent for a bit, he sounded really nice over the phone. deep and raspy. “um not really, i just arrived like two minutes ago.”

liar, you arrived half an hour ago.

johnny chuckled, sighing a relief. “phew, that’s good. i had to do other things so i was afraid i’ll miss our meetup time.” you heard a little shuffle, “i’m about to exit and headed for the landmark clock tower.”

“okay, see you.”

you looked at your shoes, lips pressing into a line. the guy you were matched with in loveclick only sent you a message or two in a week, just sending stickers. you thought maybe he just wasn’t interested at all. so you didn’t bother to message him back.

in all honesty, you were happy right now. someone asking you out in all the years you’ve even existed. even though you did say you’d change for the better, no one really ever went out of your way to ask you out.

so johnny being the first one to do so made it all special.

“y/n!” you heard him calling your name, seeing his figure approaching closer under the bright sun that you needed to place your hand to see clearly.

your slightly squinted eyes became relaxed when johnny was already in front of you, carrying a toddler whom you recognised. “hey y/n, sorry i had to bring this little guy with me. meet suh youngmin, a year and 11 months.”

he had a son.

“h-hi, guys.” you kept staring at the little boy.

johnny noticed your confusion and amazement at the situation. “was it a jumpscare that i brought a baby? hope it didn’t ruin our date.”

you shook your head, “no. no, i’m completely fine with it. hi there, youngmin.”

youngmin looked at you while he had his dummy on, suddenly shrieking into a smile and almost dropping his dummy that johnny caught it in time despite him carrying the toddler in one arm. “whoa hey, easy there bud. why are you hyper all of a sudden? you weren’t like this on the train.”

his little arms stretched out to you, wanting you to carry him instead. so you did, and the little babe wrapped his arms around your neck. “i guess you like me, huh?”

johnny chucked, “y-yeah, oddly. he rarely goes to anyone for the first time. usually it takes three or more meetings.”

you smiled and patted youngmin’s back. “well i’m honoured, youngmin. shall we go to the ticket kiosk?” you walked ahead because youngmin was already pointing at the balloons.

johnny shielded his eyes, the noontime sun rays glaring at him. once his vision was adjusted and he jogged up just behind you, he had to stop in his tracks when the scene in front of him was something familiar, all too familiar.

then he realised you were the silhouette he encountered ages ago at kahi’s son’s party. his heart beated like crazy once again, maybe that’s why youngmin knew you in an instant.

“johnny?” you called him when you gave the admission bands, “let’s go have lunch first.” you smiled and held youngmin’s hand, “i’m kinda hungry.”

johnny was brushed out of his deep thoughts, “yeah, let’s eat. youngmin likes lasagna. are you okay with it?” your eyes lit up and he honestly thought it was adorable.

“no way, i was craving for lasagna!” you jumped a little and youngmin let out a bubbly giggle. “we’re best friends now. aren’t we, youngmin?” youngmin just put his hands on your cheeks, speaking gibberish under his dummy.

the carnival was packed with a lot of people, slowly filling the place with unbridled joy and laughter. you didn’t remember how long it was since you last went here. probably when you were five? it was when everything was still in place, when everything was still peaceful. it felt warm to witness the busy movement, colourful scenery, and full of.. families.

your attention was broken by youngmin who handed you a cutlery. you let out a gasp that he held a knife.

“oh. give it to me.” you said firmly, “you’re not too big yet to handle big people things.”

johnny was impressed how you handled youngmin. you sounded firm but gentle, your tone not heavy nor scary. just alright for the kid’s liking. “you’re pretty good at this, y/n.”

you shortly looked at him then back to youngmin, giving him a kid spoon to play with instead. “really? i’m still struggling and nervous sometimes. but i get by. i take ECE, you know?”

“ahh,” johnny crossed his arms, “early childhood education? no wonder.”

“i must’ve forgot to mention. did i pass the vibe check?” you teased.

“oh yeah definitely, on youngmin’s book.” johnny chuckled, “he really likes you.”

“maybe because i already ran into this little bear.” you poked youngmin’s nose. “at kahi’s son’s party. i’m the godmother.”

bingo.

“that’s no coincidence.” johnny sat forward, his hands interlocking. “noah’s my godson as well, shame we didn’t run into each other after all this time.”

“shame you left youngmin all alone under the dessert table.” you remembered, giggling softly when johnny’s ware ears slowly turned red. “i wondered who the responsible father was.”

“my fault, teacher y/n.” he playfully raised his arms in defeat. “but not my fault that i was surrounded by a lot of mothers and other ladies’ attentions. say, why weren’t you part of the circle?”

you smirked, this guy.. “maybe because youngmin here caught my attention the most.”

“that i can’t compete with.” johnny smiled, “he’s irresistible.”

“exactly.” you pointed at him as your order was being called by the staff. “oh there goes our order, i’ll go pick it up.”

johnny watched your back when you went to get the food tray. his heart warmed up once again today. talking with you was easy, it was like conversing with an old friend. one of the reasons why he wanted to hang out with you wasn’t because his friends pushed him to. it wasn’t because he wanted to jump into a new relationship straight away.

it was because of youngmin. he needed a mother figure, a role that his ex-girlfriend couldn’t keep and maintain. it had been so long since youngmin had interacted with someone so closely who was like a mother.

not that he expected you to be one, but you were such a natural. and seeing how youngmin opened himself up so relaxed and early with you felt like an elephant was lifted off of his shoulders.

“do you like auntie y/n? you seem to like her a lot little one, and you just met her recently.” he patted youngmin’s head as he drank water and he couldn’t keep himself from blushing on what the young one said after.

“mama.”

johnny coughed, grabbing a piece of tissue just below his cutlery. earning startled yet amused looks from other customers, he bowed his head in apology in return.

“here’s our lasagna, sides. and drinks.” you said brightly, and the scene in front of you made your heart warm: johnny coughing and youngmin giggling on the side. “seemed like youngmin said a funny joke that made you cough on your water.”

“oh you bet he did.” johnny wiped his mouth clean.

you sat down, grinning as you passed their food to them, “care to share?”

as if on cue, youngmin was about to blurt out ‘mama’ when johnny covered his mouth with a dummy. “that’s classified.”

you feigned a gasp, “jokes aren’t secrets, youngmin. what has your dad been teaching you?”

“let’s just eat, okay?” johnny held his cutlery, trying to change subject when youngmin held his hands together. for a toddler, this one knew table manners? and it shocked you that it made you giggle.

johnny chuckled, “alright alright, we have to say grace. my mom’s been teaching him that.”

you nodded and went with the flow, finding this whole thing very wholesome, “okay.”

the day pretty much went by quickly, playing several games and riding kid friendly rides. you’ve been staring at one certain ride since the beginning but was too shy in asking johnny because he brought youngmin along.

but johnny was sharp, he knew what you wanted and decided to take the ride with you because you did help him with minding youngmin almost the whole day. so he stopped by the kiddie pool where parents leave their kids to the staff for a bit.

“you sure leaving him there will be fine?” you asked, holding your sling pouch as you and johnny walked to the queue.

“he’ll be fine. i know one of the lady staff.” johnny reassured you, fixing his hair.

yeri took a peek from behind the column, seeing you and johnny talking very casually. “we’ll be fine, won’t we, youngmin?”

“you really had to tag me along?” taeyong dragged himself next to her, with two kids hugging his legs and one called him a prince while at it.

“well i need a second witness. in case no one believes us that those two actually went for a date.” yeri’s eye smile never leaving, so excited that her ship was starting to sail.

“yeah and made youngmin as their chaperone.” taeyong shook his head. “poor little guy.”

johnny didn’t know how long he was staring at you until you turned around and asked him to hold your bottle of water as you tied your shoelaces. he wasn’t sure how to act when it was just you and him, but he certainly didn’t want this to be any more awkward than it already was.

as you finally stood up, you dusted your dress when the person in front almost bumped into you- they had been messing around for a while now. johnny being the observant one, was quick to avoid the clash from happening by placing himself in between.

so now you found yourself leaning on johnny’s stomach, one of his hands holding your back and the other holding your forearm, this seemed familiar. “watch it.” he said sternly to the person in front. he turned to you after, “you okay?”

you hummed “mhm” and nodded quickly in response but all in your mind was:

abs, abs, abs, abs, abs..

the picture from the dodgeball game at the dean’s camp came running back to you and you felt yourself heating up.

johnny’s eyes squinted and placed his palm on your forehead.

shoot my forehead’s sweaty.

“you sure? you’re heating up.”

“i’m fine!” you flicked your head back and fake laughed to hide your embarrassment. “i’m really okay.”

johnny pulled an ‘i don’t think so grin’ but just let you off the hook ‘cause you did look fine. “okay then, teacher y/n said so.”

you held your chest and sighed, you would’ve been busted if you weren’t careful. but johnny was so cool back there that you couldn’t help but smile.

dummy he’s not your boyfriend, you thought.

after the ride was done and went to pick up youngmin at the kiddie pool, you decided to call it a day as the sun was starting to set into orange. dusk was approaching and it was better for you guys to be home by evening. johnny agreed and walked with you towards the exit.

you patted youngmin’s back as johnny carried the tired toddler. you carried the boy’s bag and johnny felt embarrassed that he needed to rely on you a lot today. he was relaxed when you told him it was alright.

when he took another glimpse of you, you were staring elsewhere and he felt you slightly shake, hand holding on his shirt. your eyes trembled a bit in fear and johnny’s brows furrowed, wondering what got you all shaken up until you mumbled.

“m-mom… d-dad…?”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

taglist: @titanmaknae29 @joepomonerof @lovesuhng @studyingthemind @cheyehc @kyeomooniee @geysuuuuh

#johnny scenarios #johnny fluff #johnny au #johnny angst #johnny oneshot #johnny fanfic #johnny series #johnny imagines #johnny drabbles #johnny nct #nct johnny #johnny seo #seo youngho #johnny suh scenarios #johnny suh fluff #johnny suh angst #johnny suh romance #nct scenarios #nct fluff #nct angst #nct series #nct au #nct oneshot #nct kpop #kpop scenarios #kpop fluff #kpop fanfic #nct #kpop angst #kpop series

[tbzhours]

universe

juyeon x you, soulmate au, royal au, angst

[summary] juyeon can see your past and you can see his future, yet he always wonders about the fallen tears in your eyes  [words] 2.3k [a/n] inspired by minhyun’s universe ♡

Juyeon had sneaked out of the palace grounds, wearing out of his royal attire as he walked into the crowded street market. He smiled, watching the harmonious business running smoothly in his town and the bargaining conversations filled with laughs and the birds chirping above. There was a proud look on his face before he walked past a jewelry stand, him taking a few steps behind to look at the persian blue bracelet that caught his attention. 

As if it was calling his name while the owner of the stand smiled silently, Juyeon reached for it as his hand brushed against another. He didn’t realize you were standing next to him, a stranger who he felt he had seen before. He became breathless, seeing your past run through his mind like he knew everything about you. 

For you, you could see his future. He was in a royal attire, holding your hand as he took you through the white flower fields. Your smiles were exchanged, your cheeks flush in red as your heart rushed throughout your veins. 

“You must be…?” Juyeon broke the silence, catching you staring still at him. He wanted to continue but he couldn’t leave your eyes too, astonished to find you, his soulmate, in such a crowded place. 

“And you must be… Prince Juyeon?” You assumed, knowing he’s really the prince of your town. There was a pause before he laughed. He never thought he’d hear his name being mentioned outside of the palace. He was fond of your small smile and his lips grew, quite amused at everything that was happening in just a matter of seconds. 

It didn’t take long for the day to turn to night when you both spent time together after that first moment, learning about each other more. You both were walking on the beach that night, your thoughts filled with just him as your heart calmed at the breeze. His hands were always on his back, one holding the other; you noticed. It must be the way of the royalties, you thought. It must be why he’s quiet. You stole a look and wondered what’s going on in his mind. 

Juyeon looked over at you, catching your gaze and it made him smile away when your smile grew as big as the shining moon. He wasn’t used to it, falling so easily that his heart kept racing at the sound of your breath. He didn’t even have the courage to hold your hand so he took a deep breath, stopping at the edge of the waves. Watching you go, he didn’t know if he was ready to take you into the royal walls.

It took you days to figure out Juyeon’s quiet nature. He was the next prince to be wedded and he must have been careful with his choices as a royal descendant. In fact, that was why it took a few weeks before he finally brought you in, meeting his father and mother, the king and queen, as well as the other important royals roaming in the walls. 

The visit was welcoming yet, a little off. All eyes were staring, like you weren’t invited; an intruder who wasn’t approved of. All wonderings about who you may be became real when Juyeon announced to them that you were the one he’d wed. 

Arrangements were made right away that you’d be living in the palace until the wedded day, which was in a few days. 

While the palace hustled, Juyeon sneaked into your room one night. He must do that often, you wondered when you were on the balcony of your room. The stars were dancing along beside the moon in the dark sky, as if they were whispering love secretly. You counted his steps to you until his arms wrapped around your waist from behind. You didn’t say a word and cupped his hands with yours. He planted a light kiss on your temple, somehow comforting enough that you didn’t have to turn around to look at his sweet face. 

“It’s hard, isn’t it?” Juyeon whispered, a sigh following when he looked up at the sky. Your light pat against his hand was an answer and when he turned to look into your beautiful eyes, he was smiling. It made you wonder how he could be so loving even at this moment of tension within the walls. “I can read it on your face.” 

It’s harder because of how comfortable his touches had become. Your lips peeked a smile then you turned yourself around so you could hug him back. Your hand found its way to his cheek, your thumb rubbing lightly there. Your feared eyes gazed in his as you whispered to him, “It’s not at all if you’re here with me.” 

Juyeon slowly kissed your lips, his lingering there in softness as if he never wanted to leave yours. He led you inside and laid you down on your bed. 

The way he touched you tonight, you knew you didn’t have to be scared of anything. 

The next morning, you woke up to a bad dream, a dream of him going through a course of losing you. You honestly thought all of those future scenes you kept seeing were over when you saw all of the happy moments of Juyeon’s life. They all seemed to vanish when all you could remember was you dying in his arms to what it seemed like the day of the wedding and the tears in his eyes, calling for you. 

Your outfits were hung in your room beside the vintage dresser and you remembered Juyeon slipping the bracelet that you both had reached for, onto your wrist last night. You thought it was silly of him to get a matching set and he had reasoned it was to remember your first meeting. That memory attempted to calm the tension in your mind as you held him tighter in your arms. 

You felt him moving, a guess that he had woken up at the sound of your beating heart. You faked a smile, looking up at his tired face that was so handsome. 

“Were you even allowed to sleep in my room?” You asked, which made him giggle, his voice vibrating ran through your chest. 

“Of course. I can do whatever I want.” 

“Really? Then I can do whatever I want too.” You planted a good morning kiss on his forehead. You could feel him smiling when he brought his hand up right behind your ear, giving you a kiss on the lips instead. 

There was a moment of silence when you both pulled back. Juyeon, of course, loved finding the sparkles in your eyes; they’re irresistible yet you found yourself seeing a blur. He caught it, his hand now at the edge of your eye to prevent any tears from falling. 

“Should we visit the beach today?” 

You enjoyed a nice breakfast with Juyeon before you were given a short tour around the palace. Quickly after, you both headed for the beach visit, like how you both had done the first time you both met. 

You both were walking, hand-in-hand, along the edges of the waters as he reminisced that night he couldn’t hold your hand. It’s amazing to him that he could now. 

You, on the other hand, haven’t asked him how his relationships were with the people of the palace, but instead, you were distracted by the way he smiled just now. He was in his head, you could tell and it made you smile too. 

“I have to wake up early tomorrow. The maids said it’ll take a while to get me in my outfit and makeup before we can meet.” Your arms swung together in unison as your bracelets brushed each other. 

“All of that just for me?” His smile turned into a grin and you were surprised that you almost laughed. 

“You mean, us.” You looked away at your walking feet, feeling them sinking into the sand in every little step as your laugh tickled his ears. 

“Of course.” Juyeon stopped in his tracks and pulled you to him so you could face him. The breeze was blowing against his hair while the sunset casted its orange light on the side of his face. Your eyes began to tear up, you’d blame the wind. His hand reached your cheek, caressing it, and he assured you, “And if anything happens, I’ll make sure to protect you.” 

You saw the softness in his eyes as he was probably thinking about what you’ve been through. Smiling was all you could do if you knew what would happen tomorrow. 

The next morning, Juyeon woke up to you not at his side. He recalled your conversation from the night before, seeing your white outfit gone. He couldn’t wait to see you. 

A few hours after he had gotten his black suit on, there was a knock on your door. He turned around from the mirror, not expecting a visitor, especially if he had been sleeping in your room. 

A messenger had relied on an order from the King, asking him to visit. Juyeon headed over to his father’s chamber, finding him looking out the window. It wasn’t a good sign, Juyeon sensed, and it must have something to do with you. 

The king turned around, expecting Juyeon there. 

“What is it that you had called for me, father?” Juyeon asked, his head lowering with an arm over his abdomen. 

His father cleared his throat and looked away. “I believe you knew about (Y/n)’s escape.” 

“They would not.” Juyeon looked up. His voice became stern, as if he was determined to fight for your life. “We are meant to be together, father. You know that.” 

“Your stars do not align, the fortune said.” His father had not given his son a look and he continued as he looked out the window again. “Even if they do, I do not allow you to marry someone I do not approve of.” 

“You know that’s not fair.” Juyeon took a step closer to his father though still so far. “What about you and mother? If you were able to be together, knowing you were meant to be, then how could you not allow me to face the same? Isn’t that the rules of life?” 

“You, my son, do not disobey my words!” His father finally looked at him when he raised his voice. 

“I must if you had taken away my happiness.” Juyeon confessed in a stern yet soft sound, making his father speechless. 

“You-” 

“Where have you taken them?” He interrupted and as he left the room, he had his sword in hand. 

On the way back to your room, Juyeon saw his mother walking, fast-pacing through a hallway. He followed her, noticing the locked door where she had walked away from and he knew you were in there. 

Unable to open it by hand, he had to kick it a few times before the doors opened. The room was dark as soon as the doors closed from behind. Looking in the distance, there was a glimpse of you in your wedded outfit but as he ran to you, he stopped at the sudden mirrors of you. His eyes widened, staring at each of them in confusion as if it was an illusion. 

It was a trap. Juyeon knew you were in one of them somehow, and he had to be careful when breaking these mirrors with the sword in his hand. Hurting you was the last thing on his mind as he took an attempt, breaking one after another successfully until there was only one of you. Seeing the real figure of you, last standing a few feet in front of him, clinched his heart. He was out of breath, watching how beautiful your tears wet your cheek. He walked up to you before you fell off your feet. He caught you in his arms before you could reach the floor. 

Slowly falling onto his knee with you in his arms, he whispered your name, in hopes that you’d open your eyes. The light from the little window at the end of the room casted a perfect round light against the both of you when you exhaled, eyes barely meeting his. 

“Sorry.” You managed to say. 

“For what?” Juyeon’s voice aspirated quietly because he didn’t want you to know he was crying. Your soft smile made his tear drop onto the side of your cheek where he was caressing. 

“I saw this scene yesterday, you using your sword on me… me dying in your arms.” You took a breath as he shook his head, his lips getting smaller. 

“You’re not dying, my love.” Juyeon whispered, his voice slow and shaking. He pressed a kiss onto the side of your lips then his arm found its way below your legs before he carried you up into his chest. 

Juyeon took you out of the palace walls through a hidden alley and into the forest where a treehouse was hidden within that you both only know. 

You heard the birds chirping the next day, finding yourself in his arms again. You realized how different what happened yesterday from the dream you just woke up from. You saw Juyeon walking on the beach with you, smiling like there’s tomorrow to look forward to and the presence of your bracelets for the first time in your dreams. When you looked up at him, you knew that this would be the last future vision you would ever see, seeing how happy he looked. There wasn’t a worry anymore about what would come. 

You snuggled in his chest, falling back asleep right when Juyeon woke up. He checked if you were still in his arms before he pulled you closer, even though all spaces were already covered. He planted a kiss on your temple before he sighed. His lips formed a little soft smile, knowing that happiness stays when you’re with him, just like how fate had brought you both together.

#tbznetwork #deobiwritersnet #the boyz scenarios #the boyz imagines #tbz imagines #juyeon imagines #tbz scenarios #the boyz #juyeon #royal au #angst #soulmate au #also hello! i may be back but shall see #i'm trying to write again;; #missed you & hope you all have been well ♡

[slytherinshua]

CRUSH ON THE TRACK genre ➳ fluff. racer au. warnings ➳ not proofread lol. pairing ➳ racer!minhyun x fem!reader. wc ➳ 2.2k. a/n ➳ a special surprise spinoff to this fic by @blue-jisungs!! hehehe i hope u enjoy axe 🫡

Truthfully, you had never seen the appeal of race cars. They were noisy and expensive, and the drivers did look cool, but the races were boring to you. Your father was a sponsor of the racing league, however, so you had no choice but to tag along to every season championship and watch the races. 

It was a rainy day— your favourite type of weather. You thought the cars looked a bit better on wet tracks, and if they happened to slip off, the race became more entertaining. You stood with the pit crew, watching as they made final adjustments to the car they were working on, fixing the tyres, and checking the aerodynamics, etc.

“Who’s car is this?” You asked one of the crew, noticing its burnishing design that stood out from the rest of the boring, monotonous cars on the track. It was actually kind of pretty, and that was a high compliment coming from you. You were rarely impressed by a design.

“Optimus. He’s pretty new, but he’s been winning like crazy.”

“Hm…” The name sounded familiar, and you quickly realised that your father was the one sponsoring him, and you also may or may not have giggled at the ridiculous name when you had first heard it. You decided you’d pay extra attention to him this race and see how he did.

You stepped out into the rain, the early morning dewy smell welcoming your senses. Times like this made you happy to be on the race track so often, though you were sure you’d be bad at driving the cars if you tried. You liked being a safe driver, and there was nothing remotely safe about the speed at which these cars could go.

“The race will commence in 20 minutes!” The announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers. You sighed and brushed off the water droplets from your varsity jacket. You would soon be kicked off the track and have to sit in the boring old stands and listen to the deafening sound of car engines and screeching tyres on the track. 

“Y/n! Can you give Minhyun his helmet?” One of the pit crew called out to you. You nodded and jogged to the table where a black helmet was sitting, picking it up and nodding at how consistently pretty this racer’s gear was. Maybe he wasn’t quite as shabby as the other racers on the track. 

You turned in a circle, trying to locate who you were supposed to give the helmet to, eyebrows furrowing as you only saw the pit crew and no racer in sight.

“Where’d that punk go?” One of the crew shouted with a laugh. They must be fond of Minhyun to joke around right before the race.

“Sorry!” You heard a shout and turned, seeing him run up. At least his race suit was already on.

“Here.” You passed him his helmet, silently in awe of the boy who looked around your age. He had a small face and pretty doe eyes that you had to force yourself to look away from. He was exactly your type.

“Where were you? This is the first race of the season where you’re solo.” Your father came up, giving Minhyun a firm pat on the shoulder.

“Sorry, I was talking with Furious.” He explained, running a hand through his brown hair, successfully taking your breath away. 

“Ah, your past co-driver? Did she congratulate you?”

Minhyun nodded, a lopsided smile spreading on his face. You subconsciously smiled with him. 

“Minhyun, I have a new assistant for you.” Your father announced with a smile, then, placing his hands on your shoulder, pushed you forward a bit. “Meet my daughter, Y/n. She’ll be working with you 3 times a week.”

Your eyes went wide. Minhyun smiled and offered his hand for you to shake which you took a little shyly.

“I’m honoured.” He grinned and released your hand as the 5 minute standby announcement played. Adorning his racing helmet, he stepped into the driver’s seat of the car.

//

Working with Minhyun was exhilarating. He had won that first race, and ever since, he kept on finding ways to outdo himself. He shaved seconds off his time, perfected his drifting technique, and, much to your dismay, somehow got even more charming. 

You were done for.

Your crush on him had grown to an enormous amount. Hiding something so unstable and uncontrollable as your feelings for him was a recipe for disaster. You were sure that one of these days, one of the times he got out of his car and slid off his helmet and ran a hand through his hair and looked at you with those piercing eyes of his, you’d let it slip.

Or, worse, maybe he already knew. You didn’t know how obvious you were being, or how good Minhyun was at catching on. Maybe he knew the first time he saw how pink your cheeks and ears got when he asked you to watch him race around the track or pass him his helmet. 

It was a cool sunny day, and you had arrived at the track before Minhyun. With your heart fluttering and something mixed between butterflies and a fire in your stomach, you started getting his car ready. You liked to listen to music while you did it, letting your mind wander through melodies as you checked the mechanics. 

Being so focused on his car, you didn’t even realise when the boy himself came up behind you. A gentle tap on your shoulder was more than enough to alert you, though, and you turned around swiftly, eyes meeting his.

“I could kidnap you so easily, you know?” He grinned.

“W-what?” You didn’t realise how frozen you were and how god awfully stupid you probably looked to the slightly older boy. He just laughed, light and airy and in a way that made your stomach do flips and colour reach the tips of your ears.

“Your spacial awareness is… wow, really really bad.” He continued, smile growing ever more teasing. He seemed extra confident this morning, which didn’t help with your extra-nervous demeanour.

“Shouldn’t you get ready to practise?” You suggested, thinking of the first thing that could distract him from coming any closer to you with that face that you had the very sudden urge to lean slightly forward and kiss.

No. That would be a disaster. You would probably be fired if you did that. Your father would ban you from coming to races and you’d never see Minhyun again. Not that he would want to see you again if you did, anyway. He would definitely be creeped out by it. Stupid, stupid thoughts.

You were able to slip back into the garage, muttering something about finding a tool. Minhyun just leaned against his car and watched you, a smile still playing on his lips. You were just so… adorable. And why was he only realising that today? Your mannerisms were so precious, and all he wanted to do was hug you. You’d probably fit into his arms just perfectly. The thought made him feel all warm inside.

Minhyun was the type to become extra cheeky and confident once he knew he had the upper hand. It didn’t take him long to note that not only did you like him as well, but that you also got flustered very easily. He used this knowledge to his advantage every single day. 

Minhyun had just finished his final lap on the new track, his performance as perfect as ever, shaving an extra 3 seconds off his time with his drifting skills improving on the corners. You would never get tired of watching him race. He stepped out of his car with a handsome grin, immediately coming up to you to ask how he did.

“You were okay.” You replied with a teasing smile.

“Only okay?” He frowned, fishing for a bigger compliment from you.

“Maybe slightly more than okay.” 

“Really?” He leaned a bit closer to you, face dangerously close in a way that made your cheeks flare up.

“Y-yeah, really.” You stuttered until he straightened again, giving you space to breath and calm down.

“You’d better be there for the race tomorrow. I have something to tell you.” He told you vaguely and walked off, not giving you anymore hints, but successfully piquing your curiosity. You were planning to watch, anyway.

//

It was the biggest championship race of the whole season. Minhyun had fought hard to be in the lineup and compete, and he was easily one of the most anticipated racers. Your motivational tactics had definitely helped him practise and improve his skills, all leading up to this very race. His growing crush on you had given him ample reason to show up to practise as much as possible, and the results were clear. He was racing better than he ever had.

“Most important race of the year,” Minhyun’s past co-driver, Furious, commented with a pat on his shoulder. She was here for support, and secretly eager to meet whoever this girl was who Minhyun couldn’t shut up about.

“I’m one of the best racers here. I’ll do fine.”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll do more than just fine. My money's on you for the trophy.” Furious smirked and then stood on her tiptoes to ruffle his hair, earning a scowl from the taller boy. “I’ll be in section A, not that you’ll have time to look for me while you’re busy racing.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you after the race.” 

You peered around the corner, watching them talk, feeling a strange mixture of jealousy and hurt swirl around in your stomach. Minhyun liked you… right? Right. There was no way he didn’t. Unless?

“Welcome to the championship race of the season, folks! We’ve all been anticipating this day, I’m sure!” You crept off to your seat at the sound of the announcer. The race would soon begin, and despite your unpleasant thoughts about Minhyun’s past co-driver, you weren’t going to miss seeing him race for a second. You watched Furious step up to her seat, a couple rows down from you but still in the same section. She was very pretty. 

“Let’s see the lineup, shall we?” The crowd's cheers were deafening as the camera panned down to the racers standing next to their cars on the asphalt. “And here we have the youngest, most loved driver of the season!! Everyone give it up for Optimus!” 

You clapped and screamed as loud as the rest of the crowd as the camera focused on him. He smiled cheekily and then turned to the crowd and blew a kiss. Right. At. Your. Section. You couldn’t help the blush that spread to your cheeks, but you quickly shut down your thoughts. The kiss was probably for Furious. She was in the same section, after all.

You didn’t have much time to linger on it, as the race soon commenced and your focus was entirely on Minhyun’s sleek red and black car speeding along the track. You watched in anticipation as he overtook the car in second place, obtaining it for himself. Now all he had to do was maintain it and catch up to first place. He managed that quicker than you thought possible, and the crowd erupted again.

You were on an adrenaline high as you watched Minhyun cross the finish line just barely before the car in second place. You stood up and raced down to the pit. You had never smiled so much in your entire life. You caught up to his crew just as he stepped out of the car and discarded his racing helmet.

Was it because he just won or was he always this breathtakingly handsome? Within a second of making eye contact, Minhyun was already running to you, sweeping you off your feet and into his arms, spinning you around slightly in a fit of laughter and the aftershock of just winning a race as prestigious as this.

“I knew you would win.” You rushed out, arms still clinging onto Minhyun’s figure, his gloved hands finding your waist, holding you close.

“Really?” He asked, out of breath, heart beating a mile a minute. You nodded quickly, face breaking out into a smile. “I love you.” He mumbled, leaning forward before you could process anything.

All your senses were filled with just him. It was all you could think of as he kissed you softly. Just Minhyun, and only Minhyun. You kissed him back, of course, and you decided it was probably the best thing you had ever experienced. His lips were soft and his hands held you close to him firmly. If you had a choice in the matter, you never wanted the moment to end.

When Minhyun pulled away, he hugged you again, arms circling around your figure tightly, face pressed against the side of your head. You felt as if you were flying amongst the clouds, giddy butterflies dancing around in your stomach at the thought that Minhyun had just kissed you. Feeling a boost of confidence, you pressed a quick kiss to his neck. He pulled back, half in shock, half in astonished delight.

“I didn’t know you had the guts.” He teased.

You laughed, “I have the guts to kiss my boyfriend.” You said simply, making Minhyun raise an eyebrow.

“I’m your boyfriend?” He asked, a smile curving on his lips.

“You are now.” You nodded, pulling him down for another kiss.

#﹒fics 𓈃 ⵌ #minhyun #hwang minhyun #wanna one minhyun #nuest minhyun #wanna one hwang minhyun #nuest hwang minhyun #minhyun fluff #minhyun fic #hwang minhyun fic #hwang minhyun fluff #minhyun x reader #hwang minhyun x reader #wanna one fic #wanna one fluff #nuest fic #nuest fluff #fluff #fanfic #fic

[renjunphile]

Kiss Me Lifeless | Jeongcheol

⇢ word count: 8.4k ⇢ pairing: svt's choi seungcheol / s.coups x yoon jeonghan ⇢ tags&warnings: exes to lovers!au, non-idol!au, fluff, some angst, one kind of dubcon kiss ⇢ synopsis: choi seungcheol spots yoon jeonghan first across the room in a basement bar. it's been 3 years and seungcheol's words and thoughts are all tied up. ⇢ notes: i am jeongcheol trash!! i really didn't know how to end this but i was desperate to send this out into the world!! maybe one day i'll re-do the ending, but for now, i hope you enjoy everything else :) as always, likes and comments are appreciated<3

i. it's my birthday

Seungcheol spots him first, one arm leaning on the bar top and the other swirling a whiskey gently as he talked animatedly to another taller, older man. Since when did Jeonghan drink whiskey? Seungcheol thinks to himself before scoffing; it's been 3 long and arduous years and everything he knew about the still-blonde boy had probably changed.

The lighting in the bar is dim for the moody ambience, but it seems like Jeonghan is glowing amongst the dark surfaces clad in a cream shirt and a cream blazer. Seungcheol's throat feels like its closing in on itself as he swallows deeply, eyes still trained on the man. How could this have happened?

"Seungcheol?" his coworker tries to catch his attention beside him when he noticed that Seungcheol had stopped listening to his rambles, "Seungcheol!"

Snapping out of his trance, Seungcheol reluctantly tore his eyes from the men at the bar as if he was scared they'd disappear the next time he looked back. Seungcheol looked across apologetically at his coworker, "Sorry Hyun."

"Who's that at the bar? Are you interested in one of them?" Minhyun inquires cheekily, nudging him lightly, "You should go up to them."

Seungcheol debates in his mind for a quick second whether to spill his secrets to his friend before deciding quickly against it. No need to trauma dump on a guy on his 5th shot of the night.

"It's no one," Seungcheol mumbles, "You know, we should get going. It's getting late and your wife is expecting you home."

Minhyun grumbles, but agrees, "I hate how responsible you are. It's a Friday night, but you're right. How are you getting home? I'm calling a taxi!"

"I'll get a taxi too. Shame you live on the other side of the city, Hyun. You can go before me; I just need to grab my things in the coatroom," Seungcheol urges, hoping for a quick escape.

Minhyun nods along, giving his colleague a quick hug goodbye before making his way to the exit. Seungcheol exhales deeply and looks out through the corner of his eye. Jeonghan and the man were still there, now joined by a shorter female.

All Seungcheol had to do was make his way discreetly to the coatroom, which happened to be in the direction of the bar. It was fine, right? Jeonghan was surrounded by people and there was no way he'd pick out Seungcheol moving quickly if he was engrossed in conversation.

Seungcheol huffs, gets up and trods towards the side-room determinedly. He sighs in relief when he makes it in one piece before handing the ticket to the worker and being handed his coat and satchel from work. Okay, all he had to do now was make it to the exit in a discreet fashion and it would all be okay and he could forget that this night ever-

"Seungcheol?"

Seunghceol's heart leapt in yards and bounds as his stomach dropped. Would he be a terrible person if he ignored the calling and just continued on his merry way? Would that hurt more or less?

While Seungcheol was debating and hosting an inner monologue, Jeonghan had wrestled out of the hurdle he was in and approached the man, placing a light hand on his shoulders, "Seungcheol?" he called again.

Seungcheol turned around with an awkward smile, meeting the soft (and slightly red) eyes of his former lover, "Oh, Yoon Jeonghan! Fancy seeing you here!"

Jeonghan spluttered as he looked around and assessed Seungcheol, "W-what are you doing here?"

"I just had some drinks with my coworkers. They all already left," Seungcheol tried to explain, pretending oblivious to the actual meaning of his words.

Alas, Jeonghan was a persistent one, "No, Cheol. In Seoul. What are you doing in Seoul? Coworkers? Don't you work in Daegu?"

Seungcheol's lips pulled up into another awkward smile and laugh, "Ah, no. I got a promotion that came with a relocation to headquarters. Here in Seoul. This was my welcome drinks gathering, though I started two months ago."

"Two months ago?" Jeonghan's eyebrows converged into a furrow, "No one told me you were coming back."

"Sorry," Seungcheol breathed out, "I kind of didn't tell anyone. Wanted to settle in and see how it'd go."

"No one at all?"

Seungcheol scratched the back of his neck, "No. Look, I don't wanna keep you from your people. I should really get going but it was nice to see you, Jeonghan-"

Jeonghan took a hold of his wrist and frowned, "Seungcheol, don't go yet. I have so many questions to ask. I-"

"Do you think that's the best?" Seungcheol interrupts gently.

A look of slight hurt and disappointment washes over the angelic features of the man in front of him, making Seungcheol regret the words that came out of his mouth.

Jeonghan bit his lip as he looked at his ex and it was probably the alcohol that prompted him to be so bold with his next words, "I missed you, Cheol. I wanna know how you've been!"

Seungcheol's eyes widened at the confession, his neck flushing in a deep red, "Oh. Don't you have someone at home that would object to that?"

He doesn't. Seungcheol knows he doesn't.

"No," Jeonghan mumbles, "Can't you stay a bit longer? I'm just with my coworkers; we go out for drinks all the time."

Seungcheol looks at his watch and then at the man. How futile; he'd spend a trillion years ignoring his duties just to spend time with his lover. Or he would have. He doesn't know the right thing to do anymore.

"I should get going," Seungcheol utters reluctantly.

Jeonghan's demeanour drops visibly at the rejection, "Do you have someone waiting for you?"

He doesn't. Jeonghan knows he doesn't. Or at least he didn't last time he asked.

"No," Seungcheol quickly corrects, "It's just- I don't know if this is right. It's been a while and-"

"It's my birthday," Jeonghan blurts out suddenly.

Seungcheol pales. The days in Seoul had all blurred together and he couldn't tell you what day it was. It probably would have taken him the morning to have realised that, but he guessed it was a bit past midnight on October 4.

"Oh, happy birthday, Jeonghan-ah."

Jeonghan face palms and exhales, "What I mean to say is that I'm having a birthday party tonight. As in later in the evening once the sun comes up and then goes down again. You should come."

The invitation truly took Seungcheol by surprise, "Look, Jeonghan. I don't know if that's such a good idea. I haven't seen everyone in ages and it's a bit weird for me to drop in like that."

Jeonghan shook his head vehemently, "No, no. It's perfectly fine. They'd be so happy to see you and I know they miss you so much and everyone's coming and- and Jisoo!"

"Jisoo?"

"Jisoo! Jisoo's flying into the airport in the morning and Seokmin is collecting him and I know you haven't seen him in 3 years so you need to come!" Jeonghan urged. When did he get this brave? He was truly surprising himself.

Ah, Jisoo. Their missing puzzle piece and the 3rd in their trio. Seungcheol and Jeonghan had met the American on the first day of college and they all instantly clicked and everything fell into place. He was their brother, their wingman and their platonic soulmate. Well, that was when Jeonghan and Seungcheol thought each other to be their romantic soulmate.

"Please, Cheol. It won't be awkward! Now that you're back in the city, we can all be friends again!" Jeonghan clapped. He was always the more optimistic one and that was what hurt Seungcheol when he walked away from Jeonghan's pleading tries of 'we can make this work!' 3 years ago.

The defences came bouldering down when Jeonghan tugged on Seungcheol's sleeve and pulled his angel eyes, "Please?"

"Fine."

The slightly tipsy boy squealed in delight and squeezed Seungcheol's wrist, making his blush deeper in colour.

"What's your number? I need to text you my address."

Oh hell, Seungcheol thought to himself. He was so, so screwed.

------

ii. does it hurt to say you miss me too?

Seungcheol thought Jeonghan's reception to him would be cold at worst, reserved at best upon seeing him for the first time in 3 years. When he awoke in the morning in the sweet confines of his own bed, he was quickly overcome with thoughts from the night previous. How in the world was Jeonghan so nice to him when Seungcheol walked away so easily all those years ago?

That's what Seungcheol loved about Jeonghan in the first place anyway. He was warm, inviting and so lovely to everyone he met, despite being the cheekiest boy with his friends. Jeonghan loved to tease and he loved to trick and he loved to play games, but when it came down to it, Jeonghan was dependable and caring.

Seungcheol had been pondering over the past 3 years repeatedly why he left Jeonghan. When he was all alone in his flat in the centre of Daegu, he'd look over to the other side of the bed and wonder how it would feel to have Jeonghan occupying the other side. When he was having dinner alone on the couch, he would dream of Jeonghan sitting cross-legged beside him, slurping up his food despite complaining that Seungcheol was a terrible cook.

There was absolutely no denying that Seungcheol missed him. He never stopped missing him. But he was the one to walk away, so it was not his choice and privilege to come back and beg for forgiveness no matter how hard he wanted to.

3 years ago, they had just graduated from college and living together in a studio apartment on a 6-month lease. They were coming up towards the end of it and all they had done since then was fight and fight and fight. It had baffled them both considering they lived together in their last 3 years of college so why were they fighting now? Jeonghan was pushing hours at the marketing office he had landed a position at, to try and impress his coworkers, meanwhile, Seungcheol was working at the convenience store every night and most days while scrambling to find a job in the field he actually wanted to work in: music. They would work and work and come home to each other tired and exhausted, which would just lead to fights. Seungcheol hated how he couldn't provide more for his lover and Jeonghan detested that Seungcheol was never present at home. Eventually, when an offer to work at a music studio in Daegu came, Seungcheol took it and left the next day.

In his wake, he left behind a trail of disappointed friends, but most importantly, a heartbroken Jeonghan who had pleaded him to stay. Seungcheol had a lot of regrets. Not answering Jeonghan's or his friend's call for months being one of them. He was weak and he was a coward and if he could turn back time, he would. Losing Jeonghan was the worst thing that ever happened to him.

A call on his phone tore him away from his memories and only then did Seungcheol realise he was crying. It was Joshua, surprisingly.

"Shua?"

"Cheol! Guess what? I'm in Korea! Surprise! I'm here for a week and a half and I was thinking I'd come down to Daegu to visit you in a few days or you could come up to Seoul? I really miss you and I just landed and Seokmin picked me up," Joshua babbled happily.

When Jeonghan and Seungcheol broke up, Seungcheol had lost touch with mostly everyone. He still spoke to Jihoon often due to their musical ties, which by extension meant he was still in contact with Soonyoung, who never left his fiance's side. Other than that, Seungcheol only maintained regular contact with Jisoo, his very best friend. The only thing was that Jisoo never brought up Jeonghan unless Seungcheol asked (which he did so every year on his birthday, but reluctantly at that).

Jisoo never had the trouble of having to split his time between Jeonghan and Seungcheol because he left soon after their graduation to do his masters in his hometown and stayed there after. Jisoo had no problem keeping in contact via texts and calls with either of them.

"Ah, sorry Shua. I'm really busy with work. I don't know how much time I have," Seungcheol plays off regretfully. He knew he'd see his far away friend later on in the evening but Seungcheol wanted to have some fun.

"Oh," Joshua sighed, "I get it man. I should have told you sooner; sorry. I have some news to tell you, but I see Seokmin now so I'll tell you later or tomorrow."

"Bye Shua."

The call clicks to an end and Seungcheol finds himself face to face with his lock screen that only has one notification on it from an unknown number.

[unknown] hey, it's han. praying you gave me the right number, otherwise dick move. my address is [x] and you can come like at 6 or something. no need to bring anything.

Seungcheol's phone buzzes again and he's so glad he doesn't have his read receipts on.

[unknown] oh, and good morning cheol :)

Seungcheol takes a few minutes to reply, not wanting to seem to eager.

seungcheol i'd never give you a fake! thanks for the invite. let me know if you change your mind about me coming. shua called me just now and i rejected him offering to come to daegu so don't tell him i'm coming

seungcheol good morning jeonghan

jeonghan no smiley face for me? it's my birthday! :( but i won't tell shua. i guess i won't tell anybody and it can be a surprise. i'm sure they'll be happy to see you

seungcheol i'm sorry. happy birthday again jeonghan :)

seungcheol but why are you being so nice to me?

jeonghan don't interrogate me, it's my birthday !!

jeonghan can a man not be nice to his friend?

seungcheol are we friends?

jeonghan can a man not be nice to his *ex-boyfriend? hey, the word friend is there

seungcheol so is the word ex

jeonghan i miss you, that's why

seungcheol what are you expecting from me?

jeonghan all i'm expecting from you is to come to my party. that's all, seungcheol

jeonghan does it hurt to say you miss me too?

seungcheol kind of

--------

iii. no hard feelings

He's nervous. More nervous than the time he met Daegu's finest- Min Yoongi- and wrote a couple of verses with him. He's trembling on Jeonghan's doorstep, hyperaware of the noise coming from the other side of the door. It sounded like there were people there already.

While Jeonghan said to not bring anything, it was only the polite thing to turn up with at least some food, so he was gripping a bag containing an assortment of cakes. He was pretty sure his knuckles were white and stripped of blood supply.

After a few deep breaths and a mumbled pep talk to himself, Seungcheol mustered up the courage to knock at the door. His whole body tensed when the noise cut abruptly and someone was bounding towards the door.

"Seungcheol-hyung?" it was Chan that had opened the door, a look of perplexity overcoming his features. Jeonghan was bounding towards him worriedly, as if he had meant to grab the door first, "Seungcheol-hyung, what are you doing here?"

At the call of his name, many more footsteps came rushing at the door, uttering his name in confusion. Great, Seungcheol thought to himself, all 12 of them had arrived and he was the freak in a glass box.

"Ah, let me explain," Jeonghan sighed dejectedly as he pushed everyone back into the living room. Seungcheol didn't dare to look any of them in the eyes nor speak a single word.

Everyone fell back in their previous positions, though now with eyes trained on their long-lost friend. That was an exaggeration- Seungcheol said happy birthday to everyone every year and kept up small conversations over social media.

"Yeah, you better," Seungkwan piped up. Seungkwan had been the one to maintain some kind of coldness towards Seungcheol, being overprotective and emotional. Seungkwan highly disagreed with what Seungcheol did and he made that known to him.

"Is this why you rejected me coming to Daegu?" Joshua was the only one to approach Seungcheol and envelop him in a tight hug, "I missed you, man."

Seungcheol could only just say back the same thing before Jeonghan began explaining.

"We met at the bar last night. We were both with our coworkers. I told him to come so he could see you all again. No hard feelings," Jeonghan clapped decisively at their college friends.

"What about you, Hyung?" Mingyu directed at Jeonghan, "No hard feelings?"

Seungcheol froze up.

"It's been 3 years, Mingyu. Time heals all, so be nice to your hyung. I know you all miss him," Jeonghan stares pointedly around at the boys with sheepish faces, "I know you stop talking about him every time I walk into a room, so here's my present for you. On my birthday."

"Gosh, you're such an angel," Jihoon drawls from beside his fiance before grinning at his stoic friend, "Man, loosen up. We're still your friends."

Seungcheol sighs and his face couldn't help but transform into a grin. Jeonghan took the bag from his fingertips with a whispered thank you, before disappearing into a foreign room.

"This is crazy," Seokmin utters, "I did not expect this."

Joshua has an arm around Seungcheol's shoulders and leads him to a space on one of the two couches between Minghao and Hansol. Thank God for Jisoo because Seungcheol doesn't know if he can trust his legs.

He was nervous, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly why. He had known his friends for years, some since college and some before. No one seemed like they actually hated him and no one was jumping on him beating him bloody and bruised. So it was good on that front.

But he was in Jeonghan's apartment. On Jeonghan's birthday. On Jeonghan's couch.

What did that mean?

"Are you back in Seoul for good, Hyung?" Minghao asks, perched on a dining room chair while swirling his usual red wine in a glass.

"Yeah, I got a promotion. They relocated me to their Seoul headquarters," Seungcheol explains.

"Then why didn't you tell any of us?" Junhui frowns.

"I don't know," he shrugs, "Was scared."

Seungcheol's breath hitches when Jeonghan returns to the room with the cakes he brought now laid on two plates that he sets on the coffee table. Seungcheol looks around. It was spacious and definitely much nicer than the apartment they had shared back in the day.

"Nice, huh?" Wonwoo claps Seungcheol's back as he walks past, "Jeonghan-hyung is rich now."

"I'm not," Jeonghan scolds with a faint smirk, before looking over at Seungcheol, "I worked hard for this. I worked a lot since I had nothing else preoccupying my time."

Ouch, that felt like a dig.

"Ah well, congrats Jeonghan," Seungcheol says politely. Jeonghan settles himself on the arm of the other loveseat that Soonyoung and Jihoon were occupying.

A silence falls upon them and Seungcheol cringes internally. Maybe it really wasn't the best idea to come.

Chan clears his throat before looking around and assessing the atmosphere, "So, drinks?"

There was a collective sigh of relief.

------

iv. these chickens won't pay for themselves

Seungcheol doesn't see Jeonghan for a while after the party. It takes a few weeks in fact for the two to reunite. The party had passed by quickly and went the same as always: Mingyu would get drunk the fastest despite his huge stature and Wonwoo would drag him out first (of course, accompanied with screaming, kicking, crying and whining from the giant), Soonyoung would get drunk next and would begin making out with Jihoon who would roll his eyes but secretly enjoy it, Seokmin and Seungkwan would load up the karaoke machine before they even got tipsy and sing from their hearts until they got a noise complaint and Jeonghan- well, Jeonghan would get drunk and cry.

That was when it got awkward.

At Jeonghan's first sniffle and wobble of the lip, Joshua had dragged him out into the square kitchen with an unreadable glance.

"Oh, you know that news I had to tell you?" Joshua began, "Well, I feel like I should tell you now, but I'm moving back to Seoul too!"

A grin became of Seungcheol's face as he hugged his best friend, "Oh my God? How come?"

"Well after two years of working in that drab company," Joshua rolls his eyes, "I found a job here! I'm basically here this week to meet with the company and sort some things out, then I'll be back two weeks after I leave! Isn't this great? All of us in the same city again?"

"Yeah," Seungcheol breaths, "No, yeah, it's great. Feels just like the old times."

A pitchy yell/son cuts through the apartment.

"Speaking of the old times," Joshua began, "I think it's best for you to go home. I don't trust Han in this state."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you know how Jeonghan cries when he's drunk. His topic back in university used to be his stress from schoolwork and his family, but the boys have told me that now, he cries a-"

"He cries about me?" a pang shoots to Seungcheol's heart.

"When he's drunk," Joshua adds, "So I think you should go home in case he says anything he doesn't want you to hear. We can take care of him."

It was useless to protest. There was no reason for him to stay anyway, so he quickly left without saying goodbye to the boys in the living room in fear of being around Jeonghan, who was sprawled out on the floor like a starfish, for too long.

Anyway, the next time he sees Jeonghan was at the supermarket which apparently was a good distance between both Jeonghan and Seungcheol's apartments.

Again, Seungcheol spots Jeonghan first in the dairy aisle, looking at all the different types of cheeses. Seungcheol smiles to himself briefly, remembering the younger's affection for cheese despite being lactose intolerant.

He debates whether to call out for him or not, but figures it doesn't hurt to, "Old habits die hard, huh?"

An adorable yelp comes out of Jeonghan's mouth as he jumps in surprise, but relaxes and then stiffens when he sees Seungcheol, "Oh it's you. Hi Seungcheol. What are you doing here?"

Seungcheol motioned over to his half-full cart, "Grocery shopping. You come here often?"

Wow, Seungcheol. So smooth. As if that wasn't the most overused line in the history of all conversation starters.

"I usually shop on Friday nights but I had a day off today," Jeonghan says while placing a packet of mozzarella into his cart, "Jisoo told me you're picking him up at the airport in a few days."

"Oh, yeah. He was going to get Seokmin to pick him up but I offered. Should have just let them do their thing."

Jeonghan scoffs fondly, "After 6 years, they're still as oblivious as ever."

Seungcheol smiles, "Yeah. Yeah, they are."

Jeonghan stares down awkwardly at his shopping cart and Seungcheol knew it was time to exit the conversation.

"Well, I should go. These uh, chickens, won't pay for themselves," Seungcheol flushes awkwardly, avoiding Jeonghan's eyes before moving away. God, he was such a mess around Jeonghan, even now.

He moves out of the aisle without looking at his former lover again and reaches the drinks aisle before he stops and scolds himself in his mind for being such a disaster.

Back in the dairy aisle, Jeonghan smiles to himself.

-----

v. it's like a quadruple date!

It takes another 2 weeks for their paths to cross again. Even though they have each other's numbers on their phones, neither dared to reach out again after the initial conversation on Jeonghan's birthday.

This time, they were the first ones to arrive at the restaurant where they were having a group dinner.

Seungcheol had waited in his car for a little bit when he checked the time and it was still 5 minutes until their reservation time. Not everyone was coming, as far as he knew, but he knew Jisoo, Seokmin, Jihoon and Soonyoung to come at the very least. If everyone maintained the same traits since college, then at least 80% of them would be late and Seungcheol knew this, but as soon as the digital numbers on his dashboard turned 7, he couldn't help but to head inside and wait at the table.

It was 7:05 by the time Jeonghan arrived, hair perfectly fluffy and his outfit baggy as always. It took 3 blinks from Seungcheol to realise Jeonghan was wearing a hoodie that Seungcheol had been looking for for 3 years. He decided against saying anything about it.

"Oh, I didn't know you were coming," Jeonghan said casually, sliding into the booth around the circular table.

Seungcheol gulped, "I didn't know you were coming either. Is this a problem?"

"No," Jeonghan said quite quickly, "No it isn't. I just didn't know."

A silence fell quickly between them and Jeonghan busied himself with the menu. Seungcheol visibly deflated at this action. They had been coming to the restaurant since the start of their college days and Jeonghan for the duration of those 4 years had gotten the same exact dish each and every time; Seungcheol found it hard to believe he'd had a change of heart.

"What, you don't get your spaghetti anymore?" Seungcheol attempted to tease, but his tone came out more accusing.

"I'm surprised you remember," Jeonghan placed the menu down softly, turning his face to meet Seungcheol's eyes. That made him nervous.

Before he could reply with something like, 'I remember everything about you', Jisoo and Seokmin came bounding over to the table giggling together in their own little world.

"Oh! You two are here," Seokmin smirked, "Did you come together?"

Jeonghan vehemently shook his head, "No, no. Seungcheol came first. I just got here."

Jisoo matched his companion's expression, "Sure, okay."

"Why don't we talk about why you two came together?" Seungcheol fired in defence, eager to take the attention away from them.

"Jisoo-hyung doesn't have his car yet, so I picked him up," Seokmin said as if it were the most obvious statement in the world.

As if it were like the old times, Seungcheol and Jeonghan sent each other an amused and unconvinced look before realising what they had done and quickly looked away.

Eventually, Jihoon and Soonyoung turned up and increased the distance between Seungcheol and Jeonghan and distracted the table with more updates about their wedding plans. Apparently, they had decided on a mocha cake for the middle tier of their 3 tiered cake and that Soonyoung had found his tuxedo.

"It's still a year away," Jihoon mumbled every time Soonyoung had a lightbulb moment of more updates he had to tell the group, but everyone knew that Jihoon was just as excited as his fiance to finally get married after years and years.

15 minutes in, Seungcheol was surprised to see Mingyu and Wonwoo come hand in hand walking with no care towards the table.

"We've already ordered," Joshua laughed. Those two were always the most late and that was only down to Mingyu and Mingyu only. He got distracted easily.

Mingyu took a seat next to Seungcheol and looked around before his face lit up and he delivered his next sentence in the most oblivious and innocent manner, "Oh my God! It's like a quadruple date!"

Jeonghan almost launched himself across the table to strangle the tall man.

-

vi. strawberry soju

Eventually, New Year's Eve comes around and Seungcheol feels like he's been in the city for years. He's truly settled into his job and he'd regained the same relationship with his friends. Sure, there was a large part missing, but even having Jeonghan in close proximity just by being in the same friendship group was enough.

Because they were all adults with full-time jobs and responsibilities, they weren't up to their same college antics of partying and getting all sweaty and drunk in a random house. Of course, they were all down to go to the club, but by general consensus, they decided on just a simple gathering at someone's house with chicken and beer.

It was at Jihoon and Soonyoung's house, which was where most gatherings were since everyone lived in apartments and the house was the place where they were least likely to get a noise complaint. Plus they always had a stocked drinks fridge.

Everyone had been there for a while, enjoying each other's company and getting slightly buzzed on beer and satiated with endless chicken. The karaoke had been set up again, but Junhui and Minghao had found the Chinese ballads section and were slumped on the couch on the verge of tears singing their hearts out. While everyone found their source of amusement in this, the two Chinese devils had found their source by next forcing everyone to tackle a Chinese song.

Seungcheol was curled up with a beer can next to Chan, who was babbling away happily about the new class he was teaching at Soonyoung's dance studio and how the kids were so talented. Seungcheol adored Chan's company, but eventually, Seungcheol excused himself to the toilet.

"It's down that corridor on the right," Jihoon pointed out.

"But hurry back!" Joshua called after him, "It's midnight in 2 minutes and we're counting down!"

It was always their favourite thing to do to count down as a group and it ended with everyone taking a shot together before turning to their partners.

Seungcheol rushed down the hallway that took him out of sight from the party in the living room and he quickly did his business and exited, but not before giving his face a quick splash with cold water to focus himself. He had been distracted all night by the sneaky glances that Jeonghan had been giving him. He kept catching the blonde's eye while in mid-conversation with someone else, and each time their eyes met, Seungcheol's heart would beat faster and faster.

"Oh shit!" Seungcheol yelled as he exited.

Jeonghan was leaning up against the wall outside the toilet, arms folded and a leg propping himself up. It was dark in the corridor as Seungcheol hadn't been bothered to turn on the lights, thinking his escapade to the bathroom to be a short and energy-saving one. The only light illuminating Jeonghan's angular features was the bathroom light that Seungcheol was about to switch off, but dimmed as the door shut behind him a smidge. He should turn that light off after, he thought to himself, but for now, he let it brighten the hallway.

"Do you need the toilet too?" Seungcheol offered awkwardly to the other boy.

"No," Jeonghan merely shook his head.

"Were you looking for me?"

Jeonghan shrugged, "I guess so."

"How come?"

"Why don't you text me?"

Seungcheol was taken aback by his directness and found it hard to string together the words to reply, "Uh, I'm sorry? I didn't know if you were open to that."

"Do you not want me anymore?" It was definitely the alcohol talking. Jeonghan was very honest when it got into his system.

"Jeonghan-ah," Seungcheol trailed off before being interrupted harshly.

"It's a yes or no question, Seungcheol."

Well, this was not how he pictured his New Years' Eve going. Seungcheol swallowed hard before letting the words fall out of his mouth, "I do, Han. But we're not together anymore. I broke your heart and I didn't come back for 3 years. It's not that simple."

"You were a coward," Jeonghan half-spat, "You didn't call or text or give me a chance to beg. Cause I would have, Seungcheol. I would have begged. I would have moved to Daegu and tried to fix our relationship if you even slightly implied it. I would have told you that I wish you took me with you."

Seungcheol flinched at the harsh words, but he knew them to be the truth, "I know. I was a coward. I thought our relationship had hit a dead end and I thought that you didn't want anything to do with me anymore. I thought I was giving you an out."

"You were giving yourself an out," Jeonghan snarked back, before his features melted, "But I'm asking you if you want to try again. Cause I'm here now and you're here and we're still single and no one I meet has ever lived up to you-"

"5! 4!"

The collective counting from the boys filtered into the dark hallway. Jeonghan's eyes were boring into Seungcheol's soul.

There were no words to describe Seungcheol's spinning head. He was elated, ecstatic, happy, but at the same time so confused.

"It's not so simple, Han," he repeated, "We need to properly talk about what happened."

"3! 2!"

"I still love you."

"1!"

Seungcheol blinked once and suddenly he felt hands gripping his shirt and pulling him close, and he tasted strawberry soju on his tongue. The familiar taste took him straight back to college and all he could remember was lovingly wrestling a blond boy against every surface to exist and when their lips would meet after whispered endearments and happy laughter, Seungcheol would taste strawberry soju.

Jeonghan's lips on his were hesitant as if waiting to be invited in. Seungcheol found his arm snaking around the slim waist of his once lover as he deepened their kiss and savoured in the familiarity of Jeonghan's kiss.

The noise of cheering cut through the silence and Jeonghan and Seungcheol pulled away and occupied the hallway with their laboured breaths.

Seungcheol was confused as to why he felt so conflicted. There Jeonghan was, asking for another chance when it was him that had his heart broken. It was Seungcheol who had left him regretfully, but it pained him to think Jeonghan was the one to say that he still loved him. How could Jeonghan love a man who broke his heart?

Seungcheol could only do one thing. He fled.

-

vii. i hate you

3 AM a few days later, Seungcheol was awoken from his deep slumber by the sound of his ringtone filling his dark room. He had initially thought it was his alarm waking him for another long day at work, but a quick glance out to the sky told him it was still nighttime, or at least the early hours of the morning.

Seungcheol picked up without even reading the name of the caller, "Hello?"

"Oh my God, Hyung! Thank God you picked up! Sorry to wake you up."

Seungkwan's distressed voice filled his ears and Seungcheol frowned, "Kwannie? Is everything okay? Do you need me?"

"Yeah, but it's kind of a difficult situation," Seungkwan began, "You know how me and Jeonghan, Jun, Hao, Hansol and Chan went out clubbing tonight?"

"Yes, on a Sunday night. I remember," Seungcheol almost chuckled to himself before remembering the panic that Seungkwan was speaking with, "Why? Is everyone okay?"

"Well, Jeonghan-hyung is crying," Seungkwan deadpanned, and for effect, directed the microphone over to a familiar wailing.

"You know he does that. Just stroke his hair and let him cuddle you. He'll fall asleep or throw up eventually," he recalled easily. He'd had enough practice to forget how to take care of drunk Jeonghan.

"We tried, hyung," it seemed as if Hansol had snatched the phone from Seungkwan, "But Jeonghan-hyung keeps crying and he says he wants to see you and he literally refuses to get up off the floor. He always cries about you, but he got really drunk tonight. He's been saying something about you running away and he won't stop crying. We got kicked out of the club."

Seungcheol's heart dropped, "Oh. Do you want me to come pick him up? I don't know how happy he'll be in the morning but I guess if he's asking for me... Anyway, I'll come now. Text me your address. Is everyone okay?"

"We all pretty much sobered up from it," Hansol sighed, "Thanks, Hyung. Please come quickly."

Seungcheol only threw on a hoodie and joggers and ran out of his apartment in his slides, heart beating and adrenaline pumping. Thankfully, they weren't too far away from his apartment and the roads were mostly empty. Sure, he may have broken a few speed limits, but his Jeonghan was on the floor crying for him.

He pulled up near the group on the kerb and quickly got out to assess the situation. Jeonghan was still on the floor cross-legged, leaning on Junhui's legs while Minghao paced in front and Chan was trying to comfort the poor man.

"Hyung!" Seungkwan called out, tone laced with relief, "Thanks for coming. We really couldn't help this time."

Seungcheol's eyes softened at the boy on the floor who was sobbing into his sweater paws. Seungcheol bent down and reached eye level with Jeonghan, "Hannie, I'm gonna need you to get off the floor."

Jeonghan's eyes snapped forwards to him,m and it seemed that at that moment, anger coursed through him. Jeonghan started pounding with his fists on Seungcheol's chest and thankfully, he was drunk so they didn't really hurt physically. His state, though- that hurt Seungcheol to see him cry like that.

"What are you doing here?" Jeonghan cried out, "I hate you! You always fucking leave!"

Tears welled up in Seungcheol's eyes as he wrapped his arms around the boy, encouraging him to stand up. Seungcheol didn't dare to meet the eyes of his friends who were definitely staring in shock at the scene playing out in front of them.

"I know Han. I know. I'm sorry for leaving and for running away," Seungcheol cooed. He had managed to wrestle the boy into standing, but his arms were still wrapped around Jeonghan, "Come on, Han. Let's get you home."

"I hate you," Jeonghan kept repeating. His beatings on Seungcheol's chest were reduced to taps as Jeonghan's cries faded down slightly. That was definitely progress, "I hate you so much."

"Do you know where he lives?" Minghao came up behind Seungcheol, "His keys are in his pocket."

"I got him, guys. Thanks for trying. Get home safe," Seungcheol murmured to his friends. Jeonghan was thrashing in his arms, but Seungcheol refused to let go, "Can someone open my passenger door?"

Junhui quickly opened the door and Seungcheol scooped up Jeonghan into a bridal style position in order to place him inside the car. It was definitely easier said than done because Jeonghan was very drunk and still crying a lot, but he managed to get it done with the help of Hansol who made sure Jeonghan's head didn't bump into the top of the car.

Seungcheol eventually got into the driver's seat after waving his friends away and sighed at the man who was still claiming to hate him. He put Jeonghan through a lot of pain and this was one of his first manifestations of it in front of Seungcheol. Jeonghan had always acted so indifferent and eager to get back together.

He reached over to secure the seatbelt over Jeonghan and quickly drove to his apartment. After a few more law breaks, they made it in one piece and Seungcheol was dragging a still crying Jeonghan into an elevator and encouraging him to take out his keys. In the middle of his babbles, he complied and dropped them onto the ground, but at least Seungcheol could open his apartment.

Jeonghan's cries echoed even louder in his apartment and it took 3 doors for Seungcheol to find his bedroom. As he expected, there was a glass of water and some hangover pills on the nightstand already. Jeonghan always prepared in the same way before a night out because he knew how he'd get. In the earlier years of their relationship in college, Seungcheol had been the one to prepare the water and medicine on the nightstand for Jeonghan, until Jeonghan himself caught on and began doing it for himself.

"Hannie," Seungcheol cooed again, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for hurting you."

"I love you so much, Choi Seungcheol," Jeonghan had cried out, "And I hate you for that. I was doing better and you came back and ruined it all."

Seungcheol managed to force a few gulps of water into Jeonghan's system and to take off Jeonghan's shoes and socks and he wrestled the drunk man into the bed. He turned on the fan as Jeonghan was fully clothed and was bound to get hot during his slumber, but Seungcheol was in no position to strip him.

"I know Han. I'm sorry. You need to sleep. Please get some rest."

Jeonghan's cries turned into whimpers as he buried himself into his sheets, "I love you, Cheol. Please stay."

Seungcheol sighed deeply as he pushed back Jeonghan's damp hair and placed a kiss on his forehead, "I'm not leaving again, Hannie."

"No, tonight," Jeonghan mumbled, "Please stay with me."

Seungcheol hummed, running his fingers through Jeonghan's hair repeatedly as he knew that to be the best way to coax him into sleep. He was perched on the edge of Jeonghan's bed, and as Jeonghan stopped moving around, Seungcheol was able to look around the room.

It was pretty plain. A bed in the centre, a desk with his gaming setup, a wardrobe in the corner and two nightstands on either side of the bed.

Seungcheol's eyes focused on a picture frame behind the water and when he processed the image, he felt tears gather on his lash line, ready to fall at the next blink.

It was a picture from their graduation day in their robes. Jisoo was grinning in the middle with an arm wrapped around both of his best friends. Jeonghan was on the left, a bouquet of flowers in his hands, but he was in mid-laugh, facing to the right where Seungcheol was grinning back at him affectionately.

It was the photo that Seungcheol and Jeonghan had displayed in the living room of their shared apartment, but Seungcheol hadn't realised that Jeonghan had kept it, let alone keep it on his nightstand. Had he had it up all these years.

He was snapped out of his daze by Jeonghan's snoring and realised he was crying.

-

viii. give me a chance

Jeonghan woke up with the worst headache he had endured in years. The blinding light from the window had directed itself into his eyes and no matter how exhausted he was, he was forced to wake up. He found himself still in last night's clothes, sans his shoes, but the fan was on and the glass was only half full.

Jeonghan looked to the other side of the bed. Empty, as always. Jeonghan quickly swallowed the tablet he had laid out for his hangover and downed the water, before groaning loudly at his antics. He could not believe how much he cried. Seungcheol had picked him up, right? God, he said so many embarrassing things, but they were all fuzzy in his mind.

"Jeonghan? Are you okay? I heard noises," Seungcheol burst into the room, causing Jeonghan to yell in surprise.

"Oh my God! What are you doing here?" Jeonghan screeched, covering himself with his duvet even though he was fully clothed.

"You asked me to stay!" Seungcheol defended, "I slept on the couch though!"

"Oh," was all Jeonghan could muster. Seungcheol had always been considerate of him in his drunk state.

"Anyway, I made breakfast," Seungcheol said sheepishly, "Sorry if you mind me going through your fridge."

"It's okay. Thank you," Jeonghan sighed, standing up and putting his slippers on, "Can I just change and wash up?"

Seungcheol nodded innocently before leaving the room and returning to the kitchen to attend to the eggs that were now a little over well done. Eventually, Jeonghan returned in pyjamas and dripping hair. He was always fast at showering and changing.

"How are you feeling?" Seungcheol placed a bowl of steaming rice in front of him as he sat down.

"Worst hangover of the century. I can't believe everyone let me get that drunk," Jeonghan scolded himself internally, "But thank you for getting me and taking care of me."

"No problem, Han. Anything for you."

Jeonghan tried to hide his blush as he looked at the clock, "Isn't it Monday? Don't you have work?"

"Yeah, but I called in sick," Seungcheol began, "I wanted to wait for you to get up so we can talk."

"Talk," Jeonghan breathed out, "Yeah, I guess we should."

"I just want to apologise," Seungcheol said, "For running out on you on New Year's Eve. I'm just so torn."

"That was a dick move. Again," Jeonghan uttered, "Why did you? Why are you torn?"

"You still love me, Han. You deserve so much better than someone who broke your heart," Seungcheol exclaimed.

"Isn't that for me to decide?" Jeonghan snapped back, shoving a mound of rice and egg into his mouth, "If you don't love me, just tell me. I hate this dancing around that we're doing with each other."

Seungcheol stammered, "I- It's always you Han. It'll only ever be you. I don't want to leave you again, but I want you to be sure of it."

Jeonghan scoffed and rolled his eyes, "Seungcheol, I'm the only one here that's been trying to get us back together. I'm the one that's putting my pain behind me and telling you that I still love you. Which of my actions say that I'm not sure?"

"I don't know," Seungcheol felt small, "I guess I'm being stupid. I just hate myself so much for leaving you that-"

"That you think you don't deserve me anymore?" Jeonghan finished, "Well maybe you don't. But we were together for over 4 years. We weren't fighting at the end because we didn't love each other; life just got hard and we weren't leaning on each other. All these years I've tried to move on, but I just couldn't stop loving you no matter how hard I tried and no matter how much you hurt me. I need you, Seungcheol. Just for once, consider how I feel and give me a chance."

"You're a better person than I'll ever be, Yoon Jeonghan," Seungcheol breathed out, staring at the man in front of him with something akin to adoration. For all the terrible things he had done, he was rewarded with such great things.

"I know I am, so come here and kiss me lifeless."

-

ix. shotgun

"What?" Seungcheol yelled into his phone, "You're doing what?"

"You hear me, Choi Seungcheol," Soonyoung giggled from the other end of the line, "Now get your ass over to the address in your best suit. You have an hour. And I assume you can tell Yoon Jeonghan too."

And with a click, the line dropped.

"Baby?" Jeonghan's figure entered the bedroom, "What's happening? I heard you scream."

Seungcheol looked up at his 2 month lover in amusement, "It was Soonyoung on the phone. I can't believe what he's doing."

"Is he going on another trip around Asia to see tigers again? Ah, can you even believe he's an adult?"

"No," Seungcheol wheezed out, "He's demanding we get to the courthouse within an hour in our suits."

"What?" Jeonghan's eyes widened, "Why?"

"They're having a shotgut wedding," Seungcheol grinned, "Soonyoung said they just can't wait 8 more months to actually get married so they're signing the papers today. Come on, Han. Let's get ready."

"Those crazy idiots," Jeonghan laughed, "It was Jihoon's idea, wasn't it?"

Seungcheol joined in with his lover's laughter as he wrapped his arm around the other and peppered kissed all over him, "Of course it was. Jihoon is so whipped for Soonie. Hey, maybe we should do something like that too."

Jeonghan rolled his eyes playfully as he untangled himself from Seungcheol's grip, "Slow your roll. We've only been dating 2 months."

Seungcheol's eyes brightened as he took Jeonghan's face into his hands and planted a passionate kiss on his lips, "But I've been in love with you for 9 years. A lot longer than Jihoon and Soonyoung."

It was true. They had met when Seungcheol transferred from Daegu to Jeonghan's school at the start of their junior year. Jeonghan had been tasked to show him around and to this day, Seungcheol claims it was love at first sight on the skinny boy with shoulder length brown hair. They had been inseparable all through high school, and Seungcheol followed Jeonghan into college and confessed on the third night that they moved out.

"Put a ring on my finger and maybe I'll consider it," Jeonghan smirked and pushed him away, "I'm gonna go to my apartment and change into a suit, so I'll meet you there?"

Seungcheol nodded, and Jeonghan connected their lips sweetly, "I'll see you later, Hannie. I love you."

"I love you too! I'm so excited to see you in your suit!"

Jeonghan let the bedroom door click shut behind him, leaving Seungcheol sitting on his bed in some kind of a daze. His best friends were getting married! They were having a shotgun wedding! They were crazy like that, he thought to himself.

Eventually, his mind and eyes wandered to the drawer in front of his bed that held his TV. In the third drawer, underneath his sleep shirts, he had buried a small and square velvet box that he had purchased impulsively at the end of his senior year. The ring that sat inside wasn't so expensive actually, but Jeonghan had pointed it out one day when they were walking hand in hand in the shopping centre. It had been on sale and maybe it was stupid of Seungcheol to dip into his savings and buy a ring, but he did.

Seungcheol knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Jeonghan then, and he shared the sentiment now. He knew that if he got down on one knee, Jeonghan would say yes. He knew that if he seriously suggested following in Jihoon and Soonyoung's footsteps and saying fuck it to everything, Jeonghan would say yes. They were each other's everything- each other's soulmates.

He snapped himself out of imagining what married life would be like with Jeonghan and rushed over to his wardrobe to pick out his best suit.

Soon, Seungcheol thought to himself, soon.

#jeongcheol #seventeen #svt #seventeen au #fic recs #jeongcheol au #exes to lovers #jeonghan #seungcheol #yoon jeonghan #choi seungcheol #jeongcheol fic recs #jeongcheol fluff #jeongcheol angst #jeongcheol fic #fluff #angst #kpop au

[marvelous-llama]

NU'EST recs

most of the mentioned works is 18+ NSFW, MINORS DNI

tumblr is based on reblogs not likes, so please reblog and comment under works you like. Show love to the authors and appreciate their hard work

<<next chapters

pls don´t hesitate to hmu, if any of mentioned links doesn´t work or you have suggestions for more fics... thank you so much for all the love and comments

OT5

one shots

series

one shots

Checkmate by @absconditum-imaginaerum

Jonghyeon x fem!reader (wc - 4.6k) friends to lovers, mutual pining - fluff, crack, suggestive

friends to lovers by @warmau

Jonghyeon x gn!reader (wc - 0.7k) friends to lovers, theatre AU - fluff

series

Step by Step by @doomdoomp3

Jonghyeon x fem!reader classmates to lovers, university AU - fluff, angst(ish) You’re in Law School and live in a big house with some of your classmates. The boys live downstairs and the girls on the second floor. You’re not too close with some of them, especially with the guys. But then, Easter is here and you can’t go home to visit your parents, neither Jonghyun can go. That’s when you two start to get closer. part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7

one shots

ghost of you by @kpopsfic

Dongho x gn!reader (wc - 1k) - angst kang dongho is left behind by the person he dreamed of spending the rest of his life with for reasons he has yet to discover, only to be disappointed when he uncovers the truth.

series

one shots

I Thought I Hated You by @prettywordsyouleft

Minhyun x fem!reader (wc - 3.6k) roommates, enemies to lovers - angst, fluff, romance Living with Minhyun and his incessant nagging was hard enough to endure, and yet as time went by, you found things to appreciate in him.

intentions by @goodnightkisseu

Minhyun x fem!reader (wc - 0.9k) university AU - smut Minhyun was someone you said that you would never get involved with. You knew the mask he hid behind, but when he reveals his true self to you, everything comes crumbling down...

Breaking Free by @prettywordsyouleft

Minhyun x fem!reader (wc - 4.4k) royal AU, arranged marriage - angst, romance, fluff Your whole life had led up to this point, marrying Prince Minhyun had been every girl’s dream. Except yours.

Mingle by @goodnightkisseu

Minhyun x fem!reader (wc - 3.2k) strangers to more? - fluff

The Art Of Brewing by @ongnable

Minhyun x fem!reader (wc - 3.8k) gumiho! Minhyun, supernatural, soulmates AU - fluff

Friends to Lovers by @warmau

Minhyun x gn!reader (wc - 2.7k) friends to lovers, university AU - fluff, angst(ish)

Morning Call by @baka-writings

Minhyun x fem!reader (wc - 0.9k) established relationship - smut You and Minhyun were on a late night date. After date you invited him to your place for a night, beacause he finaly had some days off. However it was just an innocent night where you just cuddle and talk then fall asleep in each other's arms. You don't want to rush things neither Minhyun wants so both of you feel comfortable.

drabble by @minhyuwun

Minhyun x fem!reader (wc - 1.8k) established relationship - crack, smut, fluff maybe inviting minhyun inside the fitting room w/ you wasn’t such a good idea

a fun night by @minhyuwun

Minhyun x gn!reader (wc - 2k) retrospective, strangers to lovers - fluff, crack lonely valentine’s night takes a turn when you meet a stranger

series

one shots

Plane Pals by @spacequokka

Mingi x reader (wc - 3.1k) - fluff Bumping into your celeb crush at the airport and sitting together on the plane.

Fated to the Past by @killjoy-loveit

Mingi x gn!reader (wc - 1.3k) soulmate AU, 1st person PoV, time travel AU With panicked breathing, I had to carefully but quickly maneuver through the building- over piles of rubble from the ceiling, under fallen pillars and branches the dangled through the ceiling.

series

#nu'est #nu'est recs #nu'est smut #aron #aaron kwak #aaron x reader #jr #kim jonghyeon #jonghyeon x reader #baekho #kang dongho #baekho x reader #minhyun #hwang minhyun #minhyun x reader #ren #choi mingi #ren x reader

[twogyuu]

tell me about cuffing season and gaslight, goalkeep, girlboss!

(ask about my wips!)

'cuffing season'

this one was born out of the spirit of being lonely the holidays if i'm being quite frank 🤣 it was also an ode to guitarist!wonwoo.

oc spends christmas with her best friend and her family at their chalet near a ski resort . . . wonwoo is her best friend's younger brother 👀

oc has always been very reserved when it comes to dating, but this season, she is determined to get cuffed and has plans to finally put herself out there and mingle when she's at the resort.

unbeknownst to oc up until the day before they leave for the ski resort, wonwoo just got out of a long-term relationship

overall, it's a story about growing up and growing apart, but eventually reconnecting in ways we least expect :')

there's also this joke . . . 👀

Irene mouthed a small ‘thank you’ and waved you off. On the contrary, Minhyun shouted, “Cuffed by Wonwoo!” earning a smack on the shoulder from Irene. You whipped your head around, throwing him a dirty look. Entertained by your distress, Minhyun let out a hearty laugh – it was almost ominous and sinister, as if he knew something.

. . .

'gaslight, goalkeep, girlboss!'

soccer!au in which oc is a secret fangirl of jeonghan, who is the underdog midfielder of the university soccer team. often times, his other members (read: mingyu and seungcheol) are fan favorites, but jeonghan prefers to do stay out of the limelight and live humbly.

unfortunately, the image of jeonghan is quickly shattered because when she meets him at a team celebration, he's quick to brush her off - and he's rude about it.

oc works at a crab shop . . . you know, the ones where you smack the crab shell to get to the meat inside? 🤣

jeonghan's team goes eat there one night and he's quick to recognize oc and accuses her of being obsessed/stalking.

so they form this rivalry.

i got stuck here, but some way, some how, they end up liking each other - something to do with bonding over the fact that jeonghan ends up making solo visits to the crab shop without his team despite not liking oc

gaslight = bc oc ends up in this limbo of 'do i like him? do i not?'

goalkeep = bc jeonghan decides that he likes her and when someone else tries to rizz her up, he starts acting kinda funny . . .

girlboss = bc oc is and that's why jeonghan likes her hehehe :) (and jeonghan gets the girlboss in the end lol)

unfortunately no snippet for this one bc the progress i made on this was so little, most everything is just bullet points rn!!!

thank you for asking, drops!!! i hope you find some of this rambling interesting hehe

#jeonghan x reader #jeonghan scenarios #twogyuu:ask games #twogyuu:writing

[multiphandomunnies]

wanna one

reactions

saying that you love them in your sleep

fans ship you together

you calling them your ideal type

gf is sad about eye bags

imagines

jisung

soulmate au

sungwoon

minhyun

seungwoo

jaehwan

daniel

jihoon

hating you

pantone 14-1513

woojin

jinyoung

daehwi

guanlin

bf! guanlin

#kpop #kpop imagines #kpop scenarios #kpop fluff #kpop angst #kpop reacts #wanna one #wanna one fluff #wanna one angst #wanna one reacts #wanna one reactions #wanna one imagines #wanna one scenarios #yoon jisung #kang daniel #park jihoon #lai guanlin #lee daehwi #ha sungwoon #hwang minhyun #ong seongwoo #Kim jaehwan #park woojin

[vallkyr]

Step Out

When the people you trust most leave you to get caught by the task force hunting you, what else is there to do but finding new allies?

Different account now but the gif has still been made by the lovely @agustdawn

Pairings: Chan x Kwangsun (OC), Chan x Felix, Minho x Jisung, Changbin x Hyunjin, Younghyun x Liam (OC), Siyeon x Jonghyeon, Aaron x Minhyun and other minor pairings

Genres: Angst, Emotional Hurt, Hurt/Comfort, some Romance and bits of Fluff in between

Tags: Dystopia AU, Rebels AU

Chapter Tags: -

Rating: Mature

General Warnings: Violence, Injury, Panic Attacks, Minor Character Death

Chapter Warnings: mention of injury, scars

Word Count: 12,904

Masterpost

< Previous Chapter |

Hey everyone! Step Out is back after two years! To be honest, I had a hard time writing Step Out since the allegations against Woojin started coming up and it didn’t change after the allegations turned out to be fake. I just couldn’t keep the story the way it was so I decided to replace Woojin by an OC. And since I was already changing things I went ahead and made some more changes (like also replacing Jae by an OC), edited everything I had uploaded and so on. I feel way more comfortable writing Step Out now so I hope that the next update won’t take quite as long. Until then, please enjoy the 9th chapter 💕

Chapter 9 - The burden of secrets

Numbers. So many goddamn numbers. A whole damn block of them. As though the mission wasn’t enough already. It’s all so damn overwhelming. Missions require all the concentration and energy Minho can muster and they always leave his brain exhausted, drained and lazy. And now he has to decipher the fucking message in this condition. He’s been fiddling around on his phone and sharpening pencils for ages now. Minho sighs as he peeks over to the sheet of paper on his desk, trying to get himself to get to work.

11111 111111

101 10 010 1110 110 000000 0011 1110 000000 0100 0 000000 0100 0010 00 000000 1110 0011 100 1000 111111

1 0100 0 0 1000 1 101 0011 0100 0 000000 101 0100 000000 101 1101 1000 000000 101 1000 010 001 111111

01 1000 000000 01 0011 0101 0101 000000 1001 1000 101 000000 101 00 010 0011 0 0011 0 1001 000000 101 0100 000000 1001 0100 000000 0100 0 000000 001 0011 1110 1110 0011 0100 0 1110 000000 1110 0100 0100 0 111111

011 1000 0100 011 0101 1000 000000 1110 101 0011 0101 0101 000000 100 0011 1110 0101 0011 0001 1000 000000 0010 1110 111111

1101 0010 1001 000000 0101 0010 111 000000 110 00 0100 001 000000 001 1000 111111

His head hurts just thinking about deciphering all of that. The first message was already a pain in the ass and the prospect of more and more and more messages like this is daunting. Why did he agree to that anyways? Talking is so much easier. Why does this shit have to be so complicated? Minho should probably make a table. So far, he hasn’t had the time for that, and he had hoped to avoid it for safety reasons. But the more he thinks about it, the more he feels like it can’t be avoided. He really underestimated how much work these messages would be. Minho sighs once again while he gets the writing pad from the drawer and places it on the table next to the message. He takes a pencil and a ruler and starts drawing his grid before gradually filling it. Letter by letter, code by code.

After an hour or so the whole thing is finally complete – at least Minho guesses it was an hour. Time runs as fast as a snail when you try to figure out what the letter Q looks like in your secret code. Minho hates that the code has to be this complicated, but it’s safety first and convenience second in this situation. They mustn’t risk the DIT spying into their communication. If anyone was to find the messages, they would surely give them over to that hell hole of an organisation. Just like the government expects of a ‘good citizen’.

Needing a bit of a change for his tortured brain, Minho decides to put everything aside for now and go downstairs into the kitchen. As expected, Spear B, Felix and Jisung have already started preparing dinner. The sweetest smile spreads over Jisung’s face when he spots Minho in the doorway and gestures for him to come over.

“How is it going?” How is it possible for someone to be this beautiful while peeling a carrot? If B and Lux weren’t here, Minho would love to hug Jisung right now. It would be so lovely to be in Jisung’s embrace, feel his warmth and just forget about his code-wrecked brain. But they aren’t alone. The others’ presence feels like a dark shadow looming over Minho.

“It’s exhausting,” Minho admits. “I wish there was an easier way, but meeting Virus regularly would be too dangerous even if he takes turns with Mercury.”

Jisung hums in understanding. “Then you’re here to take a break? I’m sure we’ll find something for you.”

“Yes please. I really need to get my mind off things a little.”

Without hesitation, Felix grabs his cutting board and sets it down in front of Minho. “Have fun.” His voice sounds overly sweet and the wateriness of Felix’s eyes gives Minho a pretty solid idea of what his task is going to be. Minho’s fear is confirmed when he looks down and is met with stinging in his own eyes. Onions. That explains why Felix was so quick to leave and find himself something else to do. Cutting onions definitely isn’t Minho’s favourite task, but at this point every distraction from that damn code is welcome. Even onions.

“Should have known I’d end up with that.” Despite the tears already forming in his eyes, Minho picks up the knife and gets to work. With the four of them all going about their tasks, they’re soon done preparing everything and can get to cooking, which Felix takes upon himself despite Minho’s protests. From then on Minho, Jisung and B are basically… useless. Everything they can do is keep Felix company and occasionally hand him ingredients. Jisung and Spear B soon start chatting with Felix occasionally chipping in when he isn’t too busy. Minho doesn’t have much to contribute except for a few sentences here and there. His mind is running a mile a minute and is completely empty at the same time. There’s so much to do, so much to think about, but Minho can’t seem to focus on anything. So many 0s and 1s are still circling through his brain.

“Dinner should be done soon,” Felix says before turning towards them. “Can one of you set the table?”

“On my way,” Minho says without hesitation. He is already getting plates from the cupboard when Jisung, who has been sitting on the kitchen counter since he finished peeling carrots, scoots over to him.

“Can I give you a hand?” When he sees Jisung like this, Minho almost forgets they had a mission today. Jisung looks calm and cosy in his oversized sweater that Minho is pretty sure is actually his own. He has been stealing more and more clothes from Minho lately, which should be annoying. But Minho finds it weirdly endearing. He could probably get his clothes back if he really wanted to, though he really prefers seeing them on Jisung over having them wait for him in the closet.

“Sure.”

Jisung slides down from the counter, helps Minho gather everything they need and carry it over to the dining room. Minho is about to go back to the kitchen and get glasses for them when Jisung stops him with a hand on his wrist. The little touch has Minho’s body shift down from forcing himself to function into just existing. He can finally let himself feel his tiredness and exhaustion without pushing it away. When Jisung tugs at his arm, Minho lets his heavy body be pulled away from the archway leading to the kitchen, into the privacy of the little dining room. “Are you okay?” Jisung’s pretty eyes are full of worry as he takes a closer look at Minho. “You seem so quiet.”

“Yeah it’s okay. I’m just exhausted and that message is eating my last brain cells.”

Jisung hums like he’s trying to come up with a way to make it better. Minho simply steps closer and lets his head drop onto Jisung’s shoulder. After a moment Jisung slings his arms around Minho and holds him close. Having Jisung hug him lets Minho forget about the code, about the table, about Felix and B in the kitchen, about everything. It feels like Jisung knocked over the glass of his mind and let all the stuff keeping him busy pour out before setting it down again. After a while Jisung starts humming a low tune and lightly swaying them back and forth. Minho can’t help but giggle as he closes his eyes and allows himself to sink deeper into Jisung’s embrace.

“You guys are taking ages. Do you need help with setting the table?” Hearing Spear B’s voice makes Minho tense up. He gives Jisung a quick slap on the butt that has Jisung smile to himself before stepping away from him. When Minho heads back into the kitchen, Jisung follows close behind him and helps him finish setting the table just in time for lunch to be ready.

Minho feels a lot more at ease when they’re eating. The weight of the day feels a little lighter now that he gets to have a break for once. Since Felix did most of the actual cooking, B and Jisung volunteer to do the dishes after dinner. Though hesitant, Minho goes back to decoding after clearing the table for them. He still isn’t enthusiastic about having to work again, but Minho’s brain definitely feels fresher after a bit of distraction and a tad of Jisung. Hopefully working with the code will be easier now that he has a table. He’ll just have to be a bit more careful now so nobody else gets their hands on it.

[-]

“Don’t stop.” Younghyun cracks an eye open to look up at Liam. Thankfully his request works and makes his boyfriend go right back to patting Younghyun’s hair.

“I should have gotten a dog instead.” Despite his words, Liam doesn’t stop or makes a move to get Younghyun’s head off his lap. “A dog would just fall asleep after five minutes and I could watch TV in peace.”

“A dog can’t cook dinner for you.” Noticing Liam directing a critical look at the empty pizza boxes, Younghyun quickly adds. “Not even on a good day.” As much as he loves cooking with Liam, after hearing that Jungkook is injured and having to deliver the news to Bambam Younghyun had been happy to just drop onto the couch and eat. He still feels exhausted, but it doesn’t matter anymore. Younghyun’s home.

“You underestimate my ability to teach a dog tricks.”

“My bad, I forgot your secret career as a dog trainer.” Younghyun fully opens his eyes and grins up at his boyfriend, who shakes his head and focuses on the TV again. “Speaking of dinner, Chan accepted the invitation. Is tomorrow alright?”

“Sure, I can go grocery shopping after work if we still need anything.” It takes a while before the question Younghyun was already expecting follows. “Any idea what we’ll cook?”

The same old problem. It’s been years and yet the struggle of ‘What can we cook?’ never gets any easier. “No, you?”

“Nope.”

“Fuck.” He and Liam start giggling. Younghyun really should have expected this when he invited Chan over. Deciding what they want to have for dinner is already hard enough when it’s just the two of them, but guests always make it even more difficult because they can’t bullshit their way through it and hope the result is edible. “I could ask Chan if he has any preferences.”

Liam gasps in fake surprise. “You’re a genius.”

“Bet a dog wouldn’t have been able to come up with that.” Younghyun chuckles.

“That’s it. Get off my lap.” It’s obvious Liam isn’t serious, but Younghyun sits up nonetheless and shifts to sit next to Liam. As soon as that’s done, he leans closer to kiss Liam’s cheek. Liam seems almost surprised. A little smile fills his face before morphing into a slightly suspicious frown. “What did you do?”

Younghyun rolls his eyes. Obviously, he cannot possible show affection if he didn’t screw up and accidentally wash a red sock with the white laundry. “Nothing. Just trying to thank you for your helping with delivering the news to my unit. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Liam’s gaze softens. “It was still you doing all the work,” he insists. “I just did my part to calm you down for that.”

Younghyun only hums in agreement. They don’t need any more words. Just locking eyes is enough for Younghyun to know Liam understands how important his support was even if he’s playing it down.

It’s Liam who eventually breaks the warm silence between them. “We should go to sleep. If we can’t manage to have a healthy sleeping schedule, you should at least get some rest after missions.”

Sadly he does have a point with that. Younghyun feels utterly exhausted after the mission and the situation surrounding Jungkook. It takes a bit of effort to get up from the couch, but they eventually make their way to the bathroom to get ready for bed. While they brush their teeth Younghyun watches Liam, who is already stripped down to his briefs and one of Younghyun’s shirts, run his hand through his hair, probably deciding that the dye needs to be freshened up in the near future. To anyone else the situation would look so mundane. But seeing Liam in all his half-dressed glory with toothpaste on his lips has Younghyun feel warm and fuzzy inside. The earlier ‘I’ll see you at home.’ is still present in his mind, because nothing describes what Liam is to him like the word home. Being with Liam makes Younghyun feel safe and at peace. No matter what happens, what might shake up their lives, they handle it side by side. Just like they have been doing for the past seven years already.

Younghyun is snapped out of his thoughts when Liam slaps him on the ass. “Did you fall asleep with your eyes wide open? You know you’re supposed to lie down and close your eyes first, right?”

“So that’s what I’ve been doing wrong,” Younghyun mutters while following Liam into their bed. He straddles Liam’s waist and bends down to kiss him while carding his hand through Liam’s chestnut coloured hair. When he pulls back, Liam has the softest smile on his face. They stay like this for a while, looking at each other, Younghyun twirling a strand of Liam’s hair around his finger. If it was an option for them, Younghyun would have asked Liam to marry him then and there. It’s not like either of them needs a ring or certificate whatever – the thought is kind of ridiculous to be honest – but the thought of making it official that they want to spend the rest of their lives together is kind of nice regardless. Though as things stand, they wouldn’t be able to get married no matter if they wanted to or not. At least not here.

“You know that I love you, right?”

“I do.” Liam chuckles. “Love you too, you sap.” Younghyun kisses Liam again and wishes him a good night before sliding out of Liam’s lap and into bed next to him. He falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow knowing that he’s home.

[-]

Jisung stops in the door frame to their room when he sees Minho still bent over the desk. Minho looks fully concentrated and totally exhausted at the same time, which is a shame considering how relaxed he had seemed after dinner. Did the little break change anything at all? How Jisung wishes he could do more for Minho. He already puts his all into supporting Minho, cheering him up and making sure he relaxes after a hard day. But it never feels like enough, especially not when Minho looks this worn out. “What are you up to?”

Minho jumps up like a scared deer and immediately scrambles to cover his notes with his arms and upper body. It’s a strange sight, like he’d defend those notes with his life. “Sungie. I thought you and Spear B were doing the dishes.”

Jisung carefully steps into the room and closes the door after himself. “We’re done?” This is odd. Jisung understands if he scared Minho because Minho was focused and didn’t hear him come in. But this? It’s almost as if he’s trying to hide something from Jisung. What can be so drastic about those papers that Jisung isn’t allowed to catch as much as a glimpse of them? “Is something the matter? You seem weird…”

“No, it’s nothing. It’s just that I made myself a table for deciphering the code.” Minho leans back in his chair, giving up his defence over the stack of paper. Though he turns them around nonetheless. He still refuses to let Jisung see a thing of what he’s written down. “I mean you know the drill. If you end up getting questioned about this-”

“The less I know the better.” Jisung scoffs as he walks over to the bed and lets himself fall down onto it. This is so frustrating. Even though he’s kind of relieved Minho isn’t keeping any actual secrets from him, it sucks that Jisung isn’t allowed to learn the code. He wishes he could help Minho with deciphering or writing messages or do anything else useful aside from assisting Minho in planning.

“Jisung…” Worry sounds through Minho’s voice as he gets up, follows Jisung to the bed and crouches down on the floor in front of him. Just hearing Minho say his name pushes the negative feelings back a bit. No matter how chaotic and awful things around them might get, at the very least they’ll always have each other. Things between them have been going so well. They used to spend basically every free minute together anyways, but they’ve become even closer since they’ve been living here together.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll just read a bit while you work on the messages.”

“You sure?” Minho’s gaze is so gentle that just looking into his eyes releases a swarm of butterflies in Jisung’s stomach. Jisung wonders if he’ll ever fully get used to the way he melts into a puddle around Minho.

“Yeah. Now hurry up and get everything done. The sooner you’re back the sooner can I start cuddling you.”

“True.” Minho is smiling when he rises from the floor again. He stops midway to place a little kiss on Jisung’s lips. “Can’t wait.” Jisung can’t wait either. The thought of burying his face in Minho’s chest and breathing in Minho’s scent while they snuggle as close as they can already feels so wonderful. It will be like heaven to fall asleep in Minho’s arms after the mission. Damnit, Minho really needs to hurry and finish those messages.

“I’m rooting for you!” Jisung calls. The chuckle sends a little tremble through Minho’s shoulders, which is the most endearing thing ever. Jisung takes a moment to look at Minho’s back, basks in the warm feeling that spreads through his chest from being around his boyfriend. It never ceases to amaze Jisung how strong Minho is. Everyone feels exhausted after their missions yet here Minho is, still fulfilling his duties even though he probably wants to just fall into bed and sleep more than anyone. It’s so much work to plan their missions and it must be even more tiring to keep track of everyone and everything during the mission itself. How Minho can stay on top of it all is beyond Jisung’s comprehension.

Deciding to stay true to his words, Jisung gets up from the bed, walks over to the book shelve by the windows and starts looking through everything. Since this is – or rather used to be – the bedroom of Changbin’s parents, most of the books are… not really to Jisung’s liking. There’s stuff about business tactics, handling human resources, and ways to relax at work as well as literary classics that bore Jisung just from looking at them. The depressing choice of books makes Jisung glad he decided keep some books he stole from Changbin’s sister on the nearby side board. Jisung picks one that looks interesting, lies down on the bed again and starts reading.

The book isn’t quite as good as Jisung had hoped –well, it’s only the beginning anyways – but it keeps him busy. After a while, there’s shuffling at the desk, which immediately makes Jisung peeks over the pages of his books. Minho rips a piece from a blank sheet of paper and starts noting down his reply. Even from across the room, Jisung can tell Minho is hurrying. As soon as it’s done, he jumps up, turns around and proudly presents the note to Jisung.

00011 111111

0100 1011 1110 0101 111111

0100 1011 0000 000000 0100 1001 001 100 11 000000 1011 01 000000 0101 1011 010 110 1 000000 0101 1011 1110 0101 111111

1 010 0001 0001 01 0001 000000 111 10 1001 1000 000000 100 001 011 111111

Jisung doesn’t know what it says, the only meaning that matters to him is that Minho comes towards him with big steps. Jisung barely has time to put the book in his hands aside before Minho is already tackling him in a hug. They nestle together, Minho lying on top of Jisung like a blanket. Jisung wraps his arms around Minho and starts rubbing his back in slow, soothing motions. “Are you going to bring that note to your mailbox today?”

“No, it can wait until tomorrow morning. I just have to make it before Virus’ shift,” Minho mumbles into the crook of Jisung’s neck. “I just want to sleep now.”

“You can’t sleep fully clothed though.” Jisung emphasises his point by pulling at the elastic of Minho’s sweatpants before letting it snap against his skin.

“Sure I can.” Minho already sounds half asleep. “Just watch me.”

Seeing no other way to motivate his boyfriend, Jisung pushes Minho off of him, earning himself a frustrated whine. Giggling, Jisung rolls Minho onto his back, gets onto his knees and pulls Minho up by the arms. “Come on.” Minho still pretends to be annoyed by Jisung’s attempts to get him out of bed, making himself deadweight in Jisung’s arms. But the smile on his lips says otherwise.

“You could just undress me here.”

“Tempting,” Jisung admits. “But I can’t brush your teeth here.” Minho groans in annoyance when Jisung finally succeeds in hoisting Minho off the bed and into a standing position. Thinking that this will be enough, Jisung turns to walk away, but is stopped by arms circling his waist. With Minho basically glued to his back, Jisung drags both of them to the bathroom.

[-]

Jungkook’s mind feels fuzzy when he wakes up to a dark room. He can’t even remember going to bed last night. Except this isn’t his bed. Or his bedroom. Where is he? Where else would he be? Is he staying over at someone else’s place? Once Jungkook’s eyes are used to the darkness he takes a look around himself. This is a hospital room. And he’s the patient. He vaguely remembers waking up in the recovery room and that he was transferred, but he must have passed out again right after. What happened?

And what’s that sound? Water? Why would water be running in the middle of the night? Jungkook tries to sit up, but the pain in his leg stops him. He remains propped up on his elbows to take another look around the room. He got a single bed room, so there’s no roommate who could be showering at absurd hours. It could be from next door though? That’s probably it, right? What else would it be? Jungkook lets himself fall back onto the bed and closes his eyes. He’s so damn tired. No matter he much he must have slept already if it became night in the meantime, he doesn’t feel the least bit refreshed.

Suddenly the water stops followed by the sound of the shower door opening and the rustling of a towel. It’s too loud to be from a different room. But who would be here? The walls are probably just thinner than Jungkook would have thought. He should be sleeping instead of worrying his head over weird noises. Jungkook is about to doze off when the bathroom door creaks, making Jungkook snap his eyes open and – for lack of a better memory – try to sit up again. Fucking shit.

“Hey, careful.” Jimin rushes closer to his bed. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes…” Jimin? Why is Jimin here? He was on the ambulance with Jungkook, right? Yes, if nothing else Jungkook definitely remembers Jimin holding his hand in the ambulance. But what is he doing in Jungkook’s room? Jungkook looks up at Jimin, only now noticing the towel hanging over Jimin’s shoulders. His gaze wanders farther up to Jimin’s hair that is dripping water onto his shirt. Jimin showered in his hospital room? “What are you doing here?”

“You don’t remember?” Jimin chuckles while pulling a chair over to the bed and sitting down beside Jungkook. “We talked after you woke up. I asked you if I could shower here and you said it was fine.”

“Uhm.” Jungkook’s mind is completely blank. He can’t remember waking up before or talking to Jimin, but he can’t imagine that Jimin would lie about something like that. Why would he, anyways? “I don’t know. I guess I fell asleep right after.”

“Looks like it. Sorry if I startled you.” A warm smile takes over Jimin’s face. How come he looks so gorgeous without even doing anything? There’s something so gentle and cosy about seeing Jimin freshly out of the shower wearing a plain, white shirt. Immediately, Jungkook’s thoughts start wandering again. He remembers the way Jimin held his hand in the ambulance, how much strength Jimin’s presence was giving him. If he focuses, he can still feel Jimin’s warmth. As much as Jungkook would love to stay right here, look at Jimin and wallow in memories, he really needs to get to the bathroom. Now. But he doesn’t even manage to get out of bed before pain jolts through his leg once again.

“Wait.” Jimin jumps up, fetches a pair of crutches from the end of the bed and hands them to Jungkook. “Do you need any help?” Even now that Jungkook’s injury has been taken care of, Jimin is still worrying about Jungkook.  Jungkook would find it sweet if he wasn’t so busy feeling guilty about it.

“I don’t know.” Jungkook is still wobbly when he gets up, but he somehow manages to get himself standing on his intact leg. Despite this, Jimin doesn’t seem totally convinced that he’s fine. He follows every single one of Jungkook’s slow steps as though he fears Jungkook might collapse any second. Jimin even pushes the bathroom door open for Jungkook, which is when Jungkook stops for a moment. “I think I can do the rest by myself.”

“You sure?” Jimin’s voice is smug as he tilts his head to the side and looks at Jungkook in a way that has Jungkook weak in his knees. And that’s even though he can barely see Jimin in the darkness of the hospital room. This is really the wrong moment to be whipped, Jungkook needs every bit of his strength his legs have in stock.

“Yes.” Jungkook definitely is sure. He’s never been surer in his life. A mere second later, Jimin breaks into giggles and goes to sit down in his chair again. Jungkook almost sighs in relief. He doubts his pride would survive Jimin helping him on the toilet. When Jungkook returns Jimin is still sitting in the chair, which almost surprises Jungkook. Part of him thought he might be having hallucinations from the anaesthesia. It’s only now that Jungkook realises Jimin is still in his uniform pants. The jacket that goes with it hangs from the back of the chair Jimin is sitting on.

“Is something wrong?” Jimin asks after Jungkook has apparently looked at him for a bit too long. His voice goes back to sounding worried so quickly it really bothers Jungkook. He doesn’t want to worry Jimin, especially not with something as simple as spacing out for a moment.

“You’ve been here the entire time?”

Jimin briefly looks down on himself before nodding. “Yeah. I didn’t want you to be alone.” He runs his hand through his still damp hair. “Besides I still need to interrogate you and report to the Corporal. That can wait until tomorrow though. You need to rest now.”

“So do you.” Jungkook finally makes his way back to the bed. In an instant, Jimin is back by his side, helps him lift his injured leg onto the mattress and get comfortable again. Jimin pulls his chair even closer, right next to the bed, and takes Jungkook’s hand into his just like he had done in the ambulance. Immediately, Jungkook’s cheeks starts heating up. Hopefully Jimin can’t see him blush in the dark. Gosh, why does Jungkook have to be so nervous because of something so simple? Jimin always makes him feel like some stupid teenager having his very first crush.

“I’m really glad you’re fine, Jungkook-ah.”

“Thank you.” What else could he say to that? Jungkook has no idea how he even manages to keep his voice in check, but he’s grateful for himself. At least that part of talking still works. Jimin holding his hand is still so foreign and it makes Jungkook’s heart race like crazy. How come this is actually happening for the second time in one day? “What did the doctors tell you?” Great. Change the topic when he’s getting emotional. Perfect. Exactly what Jungkook really wants.

“Not much,” Jimin admits. “Just that surgery went well and that you should be back on track in a few weeks. I’m sure they’ll tell you everything in more detail tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” Jungkook still has no idea what to say. Usually conversations with Jimin are so easy, but now there’s this strange tension. It’s not a bad one per se, but one that’s way more emotional than anything they’ve shared before. This is probably just because of the shock, Jungkook tells himself, Jimin must have been worried about losing a member of his unit. Jungkook tries his best to ignore the part of him that just wants to pull Jimin close and kiss him when Jimin absentmindedly rubs his thumb over the back of Jungkook’s hand. The little, maybe meaningless, gesture feels so damn intimate. Jungkook really needs to get a hold of himself, just because Jimin is holding his hand doesn’t mean he wants anything beyond that. But obviously, Jimin isn’t going to let getting a grip be easy.

“We should go to sleep now.” Seeing Jimin’s gentle smile in the dark, alongside his low voice and the words he’s saying make Jungkook’s mind run crazy. Even though he highly doubts Jimin is going to lie down next to him, Jungkook immediately wonders what it would be like. He’d give everything to experience going to bed with Jimin, seeing him in one of Jungkook’s shirts, hugging him from behind and making him smile by whispering ‘Good night.’ into his ear. Fuck, Jungkook should not be having these kinds of thoughts about his Lance Corporal.

“You’re right. Good night, Jimin-ah.” Jungkook kind of expected Jimin to complain about the lack of honorifics the way he usually does. But today he just shakes his head and smiles. What’s with him today? Jungkook isn’t sure whether he should be relieved or sad when Jimin eventually lets go of his hand. Though Jungkook is sure he doesn’t like it when Jimin retreats to his chair, despite expecting it. Even with the way Jimin leans back, it doesn’t seem comfortable in the least. He can’t really lie down, he doesn’t have any kind of blanket and without any kind of armrests, chances are Jimin might just tip over to the side. Jungkook feels kind of bad for making Jimin sleep like that. It doesn’t matter that none of this was Jungkook’s idea, Jimin decided it all on his own. “The bed is big enough, you know? You could lie down with me.” Oh dear lord, did Jungkook really just suggest they share a hospital bed?

The beat of silence that passes afterwards makes Jungkook’s nervousness so much worse. Was that offer too much? Did he make things weird? He went too far, didn’t it? Maybe Jungkook should have just kept quiet. But then again, there’s no harm asking right? It’s the least he can do when Jimin takes care of him like that. “That’s nice,” Jimin eventually replies. “But I think it would be safer if I stayed in the chair. I don’t want to hurt you while we sleep.”

“Ah right…” The answer makes Jungkook feel a little stupid. Of course Jimin wouldn’t lie down in bed with him. He shouldn’t have suggested that.

“It still hasn’t set in that you’re injured, huh?” When Jimin smiles all the negative thoughts come to a halt. Jungkook just really likes Jimin’s eye smile, when his eyes nearly disappear and his full lips curl up.

“Not really,” Jungkook admits. “Everything happened so fast.” One moment Jungkook was still going after I.N, the next Bora is dragging him out of the building. Something that happened in a matter of second will take him weeks to recover. It seems so ridiculous.

“I’m sure you’ll come to terms with everything once you have a bit of time to yourself.”

“Yeah maybe.” Even when Jimin wishes him a good night once again, leans back in his chair and closes his eyes, Jungkook has trouble looking away from him. Despite all the complicated feelings that come with it, Jungkook is really glad Jimin is here. He wouldn’t have wanted to be alone after this mess. Wasn’t that exactly want Jimin was going for? That Jungkook wouldn’t feel like he’s all by himself after everything that has happened? “Thank you for being here, it means a lot,” Jungkook mutters, a smile tugs at Jimin’s lips but he doesn’t say anything. Jungkook doesn’t know for how long he continues looking at Jimin until he finally falls asleep.

[-]

“Good morning you two. I’m Lance Corporal Kang Dongho of battle team unit C.” Despite the cheerful smile and friendly tone, Chan feels kind of intimidated by the man standing in front of them. Lance Corporal Kang is only a little taller than Chan, but with a noticeably broader built. And he’s definitely way more muscular than both Chan and Kwangsun. Aside from his physical appearances, just the words “battle team” leave an uneasy feeling in Chan’s gut. He still hasn’t forgotten the looks they got on their first day. Though at the very least, he can’t remember Lance Corporal Kang being among the people who death glared at them. So Chan has hope that the Lance Corporal wasn’t completely forced to work with them and may have even volunteered to work with them. One is allowed to dream after all. “The Corporals and Sergeant Park decided that it would be good for you to come along when our division marches out. It’s my task to make sure you are prepared for that.”

“We will go on missions with you guys?” Sitting in the office and being asked questions is one thing, but going out and actively fighting Stray Kids is different. Would they have to carry guns like the real DIT members? Would they have to shoot if they came across one of the members? The thought makes Chan’s blood freeze. He can’t do that. He can’t point a gun at them. He can’t go that far.

But he has to. Chan was resolved to do everything it takes, he mustn’t back down now.

“Exactly. Sergeant Park thinks it will be good to have you there since you know the way Stray Kids operate better than anyone else.”

“Okay…”

Kwangsun seems to notice his discomfort if the way he steps closer is anything to go by. Chan turns around to look at him, feeling a bit reassured by the hint of a smile on Kwangsun’s face. No matter what happens, he’s not alone. They’re going to do all of this together.

“What exactly is the plan?” Kwangsun asks after turning back to Lance Corporal Kang. Chan is pretty glad he’s taking over talking; he really doesn’t feel like doing it right now.

“Well first of all we’ll have to figure out your current skill level and which areas still need work in. Then we’ll have to make sure you meet the requirements of the DIT. After all we don’t want to put you at risk when marching out with us.”

“When are we going to start?”

“Right now.” Lance Corporal Kang beams at them. “There are some workout clothes for you on the table over there. We’ll practice every day after lunch break until 4pm. The people of my unit will be in the common room or with unit A so we have this room to ourselves for practice.”

Oh. Chan had hoped for a little more time to stomach the news. The thought of going after the rest of Stay Kids is still so foreign he doesn’t feel ready to start training for it. Contrary to him, Kwangsun doesn’t seem to have much of a problem with the situation. Without any bit of hesitation, he walks over to the table and grabs himself a set from one pile of the aforementioned clothes. They’re supposed to change here? In the practice room? In front of Lance Corporal Kang?

Chan takes a deep breath to steady himself. He may be a bit out of practice by now, but it can’t be that hard. Nobody is paying attention to him anyways, right? Then why is there still this fear bubbling up inside of him? He glances over at Kwangsun and the Lance Corporal, finding them still chatting. Good. At least there’s that. If he hurries they won’t see. Chan grabs the shirt from his pile of clothes, backs himself against the wall, quickly slips out of the shirt and into the new one. As soon as the fabric slides over his skin he starts to feel more at ease again. When he looks up, Kwangsun and Lance Corporal Kang are still talking about some workout. Neither of them seems to have noticed anything. Feeling a bit more relaxed now that the worst part is done, Chan takes the pair of grey sweatpants from the table and changes the rest of the way. He’ll really have to find a different way to do this if they’re going to continue training with Lance Corporal Kang.

[-]

“Good morning!” Jungkook frowns when a cheerful voice rips him out of his sleep. Why is hospital staff at war with sleep? Wouldn’t sleeping in be beneficial for his recovery or something? When Jungkook tries to sit up a bit, his gaze immediately lands on Jimin who’s still sleeping slumped on the chair. He actually stayed here all night? The nurse currently chattering about the beautiful weather today doesn’t seem to have noticed Jimin’s presence yet. Jungkook waits for her to look at him before lifting his finger to his lips and nodding over to the chair. The nurse freezes in her movements and breathes a silent “Oh.” as soon as she spots Jimin. Luckily, Jimin seems to still be sound asleep despite her loud voice. He must be a heavy sleeper. “Should I come back later?” the nurse mouths.

Jungkook nods, smiling when she gives him a thumbs up and leaves his room again. Still feeling incredibly tired, Jungkook lies down and tries to get comfortable again. But of course, he can’t seem to close his eyes when Jimin is right next to him. In his sleep, Jimin slid down on the chair a bit. His legs are spread far apart, his arms are crossed in front of his chest and his head is hanging low. The sunlight streaming in through the stark white curtains is playing with Jimin’s jet black hair. Jungkook is glad Jimin didn’t wake up when the nurse came in, not just because it gives him the opportunity to stare a little bit. (Yes, Jungkook is aware that’s kind of creepy.) Mainly, Jungkook is glad Jimin gets to sleep a bit more. Jimin really stayed here over night just so Jungkook wouldn’t be alone. He must have been so exhausted after the mission. Despite all the difficulties, Jimin chose being there for Jungkook over his well-deserved rest. Knowing that Jimin would do anything for their unit is one thing, experiencing it a totally different one. And having Jimin do it for him specifically has Jungkook’s heart race a little.

No matter how nice it may be to have Jimin care for him like that, Jungkook is worried about him. It’s probably ridiculous. Jimin knows his limits; he doesn’t need anyone to fuss over him. Even before Jimin became their Lance Corporal, Jungkook has always been impressed by his strength, both physical and mental. Jimin may have a handsome face and a rather slim build, especially compared to a lot of guys on the battle team, but that doesn’t mean he can’t kick ass. On top of that, Jimin knows how to lead a team. He has no trouble joking around with everyone but is well aware of when enough is enough and how to keep them on track when needed. It’s not surprising he was picked to become Lance Corporal after Jongdae left. Jimin is amazing as a person and as a leader. He gives so much when he doesn’t have to. And here Jungkook goes again, getting carried away when he allows his thoughts about Jimin to flow.

It’s crazy how tired operations – and thinking about your crush - can make you. Before Jungkook knows it, he’s dozing off again. Whether it’s for ten minutes or two hours, Jungkook doesn’t know, only that he wakes up when Jimin stirs awake on his chair. “Good morning,” Jungkook mumbles while pushing himself up into a sitting position.

Jimin rubs the sleep out of his eyes while sitting up. “Mornin’.” He rolls his shoulders before pushing his arms up to stretch, whining softly while he does so. Oh dear lord, Jimin looks so soft. So huggable. And just like that Jungkook is back to the fantasy of last night: sharing a bed with Jimin, seeing him in one of Jungkook’s shirts with dishevelled hair and a slow tired smile on his face. For fuck’s sake Jungkook has been having these kind of thoughts under control while they’re at work, why are his feelings acting up now? Is it because of everything that happened yesterday? Or is it just because they’re alone? When they do meet outside of work it’s usually with the other members of the unit. Jungkook is totally not used to getting to put his full attention on Jimin without worrying about anyone else getting suspicious.

“How are you feeling today?” Jimin mumbles. His voice is still a little rough, but Jimin seems to slowly be coming alive.

“Alright, I guess. But I haven’t tried to move yet so who knows?”

“Good, keep it up.” Jimin wags his finger at Jungkook and chuckles before getting up from his spot and starting to stretch his limbs. It takes all of Jungkook’s self-restraint, but Jungkook manages not to stare at the stretch of skin that is exposed when Jimin’s shirt rides up from the little exercises. “I still have to interview you on the whole incident.” Jimin doesn’t sound happy about having to conduct this interview in the least, but Jungkook guesses there’s no way around it. Since Jimin can’t seem to find anything to write on, he starts a recording on his phone and begins with the interview.

Even after having had more time to process everything, there isn’t much Jungkook can tell Jimin about yesterday’s events. The incident with I.N just happened too fast. Jimin asks him question after question, coaxing more details out of Jungkook than he thought would be possible. But in the end, it still doesn’t feel like much. After they reach the limits of Jungkook’s memory, Jimin thanks him and starts packing up his stuff. “I should probably get going. What time is it?” Truth be told, Jungkook is feeling a little disappointed that their time is over already. Well, it’s probably obvious that he doesn’t want Jimin to leave. It would be too good to be true if Jimin was able to stay with him.

“I have no idea,” Jungkook admits. He hasn’t even considered checking the clock until now. As he found out today, when he’s alone with Jimin time doesn’t matter. But sadly, it matters to Jimin. He checks his phone, groaning as soon as the screen lights up.

“Fuck, I should be at work already.” Jimin quickly puts on his jacket. “Sorry, I wish I could stay longer. Are you going to be okay?” No. Definitely not. Jimin needs to stay here and personally nurse Jungkook back to health.

“Yeah, don’t worry about me.”

Jimin smiles. He finally smiles again. Words can’t express how much Jungkook loves Jimin’s smile. “Great. I’ll make sure to drop by again after work. Behave until then.” Already about to leave, Jimin stops in the doorframe and turns around again. “Oh and Jungkook-ah?”

“Yes?”

“The way I know you you’re going to try and hurry to get back with us. Please don’t do that. I know it’s hard to sit around and wait, but you need time to recover. Promise me you’ll take things slow for now.”

Jungkook swallows around the lump in his throat. There it is again, Jimin’s worry. But combined with the little smile on his face, it doesn’t feel quite as heavy, makes Jungkook’s heart flutter rather than weighing him down. “I promise.”

[-]

“Happy Birthday!!!”

The cheers are followed by the sound of a party horn right before Yeji is yanked forward. Hyunjin laughs as Yeji stumbles over the threshold and right into Yuna’s hug. “Thank you,” Yeji says in between giggles. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Sorry we’re late.” As soon as she’s inside the apartment, Yuna rushes to the couch to hug Jisu and Chaeryoung too.

“Yeah, someone took ages in the bathroom,” Ryujin explains with a pointed look at her sister while closing the door behind herself and Yeji. Ooh, there’s definitely some tension there.

“You’re one to talk. Your hair is easy to fix, Unnie!”

It obviously takes Ryujin a lot of self-control to limit her reaction to an eyeroll before finally hugging Yeji. “Happy Birthday, Jiji-ah. Be grateful you have a brother.”

Yeji just barely stops herself from bursting out laughing. “Brothers aren’t any better, trust me.”

“At least I don’t lose half a rabbit in hair every day,” Hyunjin eventually joins into the conversation. He had planned to go unnoticed for a bit longer, as he usually does. Since the couch is facing away from the kitchen his chances would have been pretty good if he had stayed quiet. But one has to defend themselves against defamation like that. Yeji scoffs at him, but Hyunjin ignores it in favour of bringing two more glasses to the couch table for Ryujin and Yuna before taking a seat on the bar stool by their little kitchen island.

“Anyways-” Jisu claps her hands together, effectively ending the almost fight- “now that everyone is here, we can finally get to the gifts!”

“Right!” Chaeryoung hurries to get the large bag she had set down in front of the hall stand and takes out two pastel-coloured boxes with ribbons wrapped around them. She smiles sweetly while coming back to the couch. “This is for you.” She hands one the boxes to Yeji before approaching Hyunjin, her smile turning a little more subtle. “And a little something for you.”

What? “For me?” Hyunjin asks while looking at the little mint green box now in his hands. It feels almost weird to accept the gift from Chaeryoung. He isn’t particular close with any of the girls, even less so after Yeji’s injury. Hyunjin can hardly endure being in a room with them for longer than a few minutes, which is why he’s been avoiding that as much as possible. Why would Yeji’s friends get a gift for him?

“Yeah. It’s your birthday too after all. I mean it’s really nothing big, but we wanted to give you a present too.” The tips of Chaeryoung’s ears turn pink as she talks.

“Thank you…” The last time Hyunjin got a gift from someone other than Yeji was ages ago. Aunt Minyoung had never really bothered with gifts; she had taken Hyunjin and Yeji out to eat on their birthday and that had been it. So getting gifts from Yeji’s friends – people who barely even know him – it feels strange. In a good way but still… weird.

Hyunjin unties the sky blue ribbon, lifts the lid of the box and is met with baby pink fluffiness. He reaches inside and pulls out the soft little thing, examining it from up close. “A hairband?” Hyunjin tries not to sound too confused, he really does, but he has no idea how Yeji’s friends got the idea of giving him a hairband.

“Yeji said your hair is getting way too long and keeps bothering you. She joked that she’d have to either buy you a hairband or cut your hair in your sleep,” Ryujin seems downright proud at having exposed Yeji’s slander of Hyunjin’s hair.

“We thought we should intervene before things get out of hand,” Yuna adds to it. Yeji and Ryujin are both giggling behind their hands. With the bit of context, Hyunjin can’t help but laugh as well. It also makes him want to hide all scissors in their apartment and start locking his door before going to bed, but that will have to wait. For now, he sets the box down on the table and starts putting the hairband on, though judging by the new increase in giggles he’s not doing a very good job. Luckily Chaeryoung is quick to come closer and fix the hairband for him.

“There you go,” she chimes, smiling when she takes a step back to observe her work. Somehow Chaeryoung can’t seem to look away. Hyunjin must be a sight with a pink hairband on his head.

“Looking good.” Thankfully, her words turn the room’s attention back to Yeji. Having everyone’s eyes on him was getting weird. Hyunjin and Chaeryoung eventually go to join the others. They push the coffee table against the wall and take a seat on the floor since it’s already a tight squeeze on the couch with Yeji, Ryujin, and Jisu there. As soon as Yeji opens her present, she starts laughing. “That’s a lot of chocolate.”

“Not just chocolate,” Yuna points out with an amused sparkling in her eyes. “There’s something else, but you need to find it first.” All of the girls look incredibly amused when Yeji laughs and starts unloading various chocolate bars, small boxes of filled chocolates and the like one by one. Basically, all her favourite chocolate snacks are featured in this present. Soon the already cramped couch is overflowing with little boxes and packages and Hyunjin starts to wonder how all of that was ever fit into the box.

“I think I found it!” Proudly, Yeji presents the small box she discovered at the bottom of the box. Her eyes grow wide when she opens it and peeks inside. “Oh my god,” she whispers while lifting a necklace out of the box and taking a closer look at it. The necklace consists of a rather plain, thin, golden chain with a flat heart shaped pendant dangling from it. “You really got that engraved?”

As the only one not involved in the gift, Hyunjin is absolutely clueless. He leans closer to Chaeryoung, whispering loud enough for only her to hear. “What does it say?”

Chaeryoung moves even closer before whispering into Hyunjin’s ear. “I believe in myself.” That’s such a sweet gift, considering the special place those words hold in Yeji’s heart. ‘I believe in myself’ has been her preferred motivational phrase since forever, but even more so after her injury.

“That’s a nice idea,” he replies as quietly as possible. Chaeryoung beams proudly and thanks Hyunjin. By now, Ryujin is helping Yeji put on the necklace while Yeji is checking her image with the front camera of Jisu’s phone.

“Thank you all so much. I love the necklace,” Yeji says with a bright smile. “And the chocolate of course.”

“You’re welcome,” the girls reply all at once before breaking into laughter at their unintentional synchronization. Hyunjin can’t help but smile at the whole scene. Yeji’s friends are such a cheerful lot and it always catches onto Yeji as well. She’s more carefree, more joyful around them. No matter how much Hyunjin avoids spending time with Yeji’s friends, he will always be grateful for everything they do for her.

“So now that the most important item on the agenda is done, how about we watch a movie?” Ryujin suggests when the laughter quiets down.

“Why do I feel like you already have something specific in mind?” Hyunjin scoots closer to the TV console filled with their CDs, DVDs and so on. It’s mostly old, but nonetheless valued, stuff: movies they already watched as kids, their first CDs and music their parents used to listen too.

“Howl’s moving castle,” Yuna suggests. Her face lights up when Yeji squeals in excitement. It’s Yeji’s favourite movie. Or rather their favourite movie, but Hyunjin doubts he really played a role in that choice. While Hyunjin turns to search for the right DVD, Ryujin switches on the TV. Whitin a second, the light atmosphere sours. Hyunjin grows tense when he looks up at the TV and realises why: the news channel that’s currently on is showing a report about yesterday’s Stray Kids attack. Hearing the words of the news lady makes Hyunjin’s blood freeze solid, even though he already checked the reports. Usually seeing the newscast after their missions isn’t this much of a problem – which is not to say it isn’t difficult – but now, with all of Yeji’s friends here, Hyunjin desperately wants to get away from here as soon as possible. How the hell is he supposed to not expose himself in front of everyone when the newsreader is talking about the injured Private?

“That reminds me.” Yuna’s voice sounds like it’s miles away. “I wanted to ask you how things are going with work. Were you at the attack yesterday?”

“No, sadly not. My unit said I need to really prepare myself first. I don’t want to rush things and end up being a burden to them. I want to make sure I’m actually ready before stepping out with everyone else,” Jisu explains.

“Then where were you during the attack?” Chaeryoung chimes in. Hyunjin can feel himself grow more and more and more nervous every time one of them speaks up. His heartbeat is hammering in his ears. He turns his head directs a pleading look at Yeji, hoping that she will be able to help somehow. But judging by her expression, she doesn’t know how to stop the conversation without being suspicious either. The DIT is an important topic for Yeji’s friends and trying to stop them whenever they talk about it or Stray Kids would soon catch the girl’s attention.

“I stayed in the rooms of the investigation team together with a lot of the other new members. Bang Chan and Park Kwangsun were there too. It was so weird to be around them.” Rather than just weirded out, Jisu sounds outright disgusted though. “I mean I know they were questioned by Lieutenant Yoon and all and officially help us now, but it just feels wrong to trust them. They’ve caused so much damage and harm and yet they were sitting there like regular members of the investigation team.”

The words cut through Hyunjin like knives. It’s so easy to forget what the average citizen thinks of Stray Kids when he’s living his regular life. This is like a hit in the face. If that’s Jisu’s opinion on Nine and Kkul – or rather Bang Chan and Park Kwangsun – what would she think of him who’s still out there going on missions? What would all of them think? Hyunjin takes a look at the girls and feels more and more stings in his heart realising that none of them would let him anywhere near Yeji anymore if they had any idea he’s a member of Stray Kids. When he meets Yeji’s gaze, she seems to know exactly what’s going on in Hyunjin’s head. There’s so much sadness in her eyes. A silent “I’m sorry.” hangs between them, which only makes Hyunjin feel worse. Yeji is the last person who should feel sorry for this situation. She’s the one suffering the most knowing that the most important people in her life are pitted against each other.

“I need to go,” Hyunjin blurts out before his brain can even think about it. “Totally forgot. My boss asked me to come in earlier today and help with stocktaking.”

A frown flickers across Yeji’s face but she’s quick to get it under control again. “Do you really have to go? Can’t someone else do it?”

“I’m afraid not. Sorry, ladies.” It’s hard to endure the pitying looks Ryujin, Yuna, Chaeryoung and Jisu give him. Poor birthday boy can’t even enjoy the party because he has to work. They have no idea. They don’t know anything. Hopefully they never will. “I wish you lots of fun, everyone. Don’t do anything stupid. And leave a piece of cake for me.”

Hyunjin quickly goes to his room and throws his door shut, feeling a bit of relief from just being out of the girls’ view. He releases a shaky breath and tries to collect himself. Hyunjin needs to get out of here as quickly as possible, he can’t bear this any longer. The looks, the talking about Stray Kids, everything. Hyunjin grabs his bag, drapes it over his shoulder, strides towards the door.

“Be careful!” Yeji calls when he’s already halfway through the door.

“Will do!” Bam. Silence. Peace. Loneliness. Now that Hyunjin’s alone in the hallway, he can barely hold back the tears any longer. He tries to stay as quiet as possible while hurrying into the elevator. Only when the doors close does he allow himself to really let go. Hyunjin quickly presses as many buttons as possible before letting himself sink to the ground. More and more sobs shake through his body as he hugs his legs to his chest. He has no idea how Yeji was able to handle this situation. All her friends developed a hatred for Stray Kids, or any sort of resistance really, after what happened to her. Hyunjin can’t even imagine how much pain he would be in if all of his friends hated his sister to death.

[-]

On his way home, Seungmin feels nothing but exhausted. Usually meeting up with I.N is fun, even though they have to be careful not to draw any attention towards them. But after yesterday’s events, I.N was still upset and their meeting became draining. Seungmin had hoped hanging out together would lift his spirits a bit, but it hadn’t done much good. Maybe it had been stupid of Seungmin to think cheering I.N up would be that easy. He shot at somebody else just yesterday. It must have been very traumatic for him. Thankfully, by now news has gotten out that the soldier in question is only mildly injured. Seungmin doesn’t want to know what it would do to I.N if he had caused serious or even lethal harm to someone. He can’t imagine what that would have been like for I.N, knowing he risked or much worse took someone’s life.

Despite the meeting with I.N having been rougher than expected, Seungmin doesn’t feel relieved when he’s standing in front of his home. As much as he loves his family, he doesn’t like being around any of them after missions. Every look, every word riles him up, makes him feel like they’re seeing right through him. It’s ridiculous and Seungmin knows it, but that doesn’t stop this horrible feeling from clawing its way into his chest. He doesn’t bother saying anything when he enters the house. Excellent ears run in the family;  everyone knows he’s home. Though rather than a voice, the noise of the TV greets Seungmin. It sounds like a newscast. Damnit. Of course, they’re watching the news. They’re always watching the news. Seungmin walks closer to the living room and peaks through the door, feeling a bit relieved when he realizes the report is about some sports team.

“Where were you?” Seungmin’s mother turns around as soon as she notices him. “You said you were going to be home for dinner.” Right, he did say that. Somehow he had completely forgotten about that while he was with I.N.

“I’m sorry. One of my friends is kind of going through a rough time and needed help.” It’s the closest to the truth Seungmin can be. He hates lying, especially to his family, but saying he helped a friend isn’t actually a lie. In a way he and I.N are friends after all. Though a regular person probably wouldn’t consider someone whose name they don’t know their friend. That doesn’t change anything for Seungmin though. The members mean a lot to him, real names or not.

“During the attack, a member of the DIT was injured. According to the officials, the injury is only minor.”

The words make Seungmin freeze up. He hadn’t noticed when the news had moved on to the recent Stray Kids attack. “Uhm,” he stammers, trying to regain his composure. Damnit, he had managed to avoid seeing news about their missions in the presence of his family for so long. Why did exactly this mission have to break the streak? “Leftovers are in the fridge?” Finally, an idea.

“Yes,” Minseo confirms. “We made sure to leave enough for you.” Her smile is so sweet it hurts Seungmin that it doesn’t feel genuine to him right now. It just stresses him out even more. Thinking that his sister knows what’s going on, where he was or with whom is ridiculous. Minseo has no way of knowing he’s part of Stray Kids and if she did she wouldn’t be sitting here so calmly. But Seungmin can’t help it. When it gets to hiding his identity, he sees the worst everywhere.

“Thanks.” Seungmin turns on his heel and heads into the kitchen. He quickly grabs himself some food for himself and runs upstairs. When he reaches his room, he puts everything down on his desk and lets himself plop down on his chair. Seungmin closes his eyes and gathers himself. He’s alone. He’s safe. Nobody knows he’s DaN. Everything is fine. There’s nothing to worry about.

If only it was really that easy.

[-]

“Damn, I thought I was early,” Yeonjun notes while dropping his bag in front of the lockers. He isn’t entirely wrong. Despite going grocery shopping for lack of a better alternative, Hyunjin ended up coming in a lot earlier than needed. The emptiness of the bar was just too appealing to pass up on. This must be the first time he’s been here before Yeonjun; of course that wouldn’t go unnoticed.

“Ah yeah, my plans for the evening got cancelled so I thought I’d come in a little earlier, clean the counter and all.” Hyunjin is aware of how ridiculous his explanation sounds. Who the hell goes to work when they have free time? As expected, Yeonjun doesn’t seem convinced. Not one bit.

“Sure, because what else would you do when you have some time to spare?” Despite his words, Yeonjun doesn’t push it, instead starting to change into his uniform. Hyunjin turns his head away to give Yeonjun some privacy. Well, as much privacy as one can have while changing in a cramped room with another person in it. “Did you already refill the straws and napkins?”

“Yup.” Hyunjin nods even though Yeonjun probably isn’t looking at him. “Everything done.”

“Great, thanks.” Yeonjun walks over to the mirror, fixes a few strands of his auburn dyed hair before turning towards Hyunjin. “Since we have some time left before costumers come and we have no other job to kill time with, are you going to tell me what you’re running away from?” That much on not pushing it. Of course Yeonjun wouldn’t just let it slide.

“I had a fight with my sister,” Hyunjin lies, despite feeling horrible about telling more lies. The fact that he has gotten so used to this makes it even worse. He just comes up with stuff like this on the spot and is able to keep a straight face like it’s nothing. Admittedly, he isn’t always convincing. That’s only a matter of time though. Hyunjin knows he should be grateful for that ability, but he hates it. “I forgot to do the laundry and things kind of… escalated.” At this point, getting to be honest about things that aren’t related to Stray Kids in any way has become a relief. Something as simple as being allowed to mention Yeji already makes things feel a little easier. More normal. It’s so trivial, but Hyunjin enjoys still getting to speak some truth about himself.

Yeonjun nods despite the fact that he doesn’t really seem to buy it yet again. “And you’re hoping that will solve itself if you go to work?”

“Not exactly, but I needed to get out of our apartment,” Hyunjin explains. At the very least, that part is true. He couldn’t have stayed with the girls a single second longer. “Also, by the time I come home she’s going to be asleep. So we’ll have lots of time to calm down and talk about everything again tomorrow.”

Yeonjun shakes his head at Hyunjin’s reasoning. “If you ask me, you should do that laundry before your sister gets up.”

“Yeah, I’ll try.”

Yeonjun changes the rest of the way in silence. When he’s done, they walk over into the main room. It’s still too early for costumers and since Hyunjin already prepared everything there’s not really anything to do. Thankfully the topic of his alleged fight with Yeji stayed in the locker room. Hyunjin really would not have wanted to try and justify this stupid laundry story any longer. Their chatter now is kind of boring, but Hyunjin definitely prefers that over lies and excuses. For lack of a better way to pass their time, he and Yeonjun start examining the bottles on their work surface, checking which of them are close to empty and will have to be replaced soon. The downside of being busy with the bottles is that their conversation dies down, which leaves Hyunjin way too alone with the negative thoughts and memories of the party.

“Hyunjin-oppa! Finally!” Chaeryoung’s voice has never sounded this troubled, at least Hyunjin has never heard her like this. Of course three missed calls and urgent sounding messages weren’t going to be a good sign, but the panic in her voice seems more extreme than Hyunjin expected.

“What’s going on? What happened?” Every rapid heartbeat made Hyunjin even more nervous. Chaeryoung wouldn’t call him like this if it wasn’t serious. She never calls him. She barely even messages him. And since she apparently insisted on calling him specifically, there was only one possible reason. “Is something wrong with Yeji?”

“Yes she-” Chaeryoung gulped as though it was hard for her to speak. Hyunjin couldn’t take the wait, the moment felt like an eternity. “We’re in the hospital. The Red Cross Hospital. Please come here as soon as you can.” Hospital. Yeji was in hospital. Fuck. Hyunjin couldn’t stop the memories from crashing down on him: following the nurse through the hallways, knocking at the big dark door, walking into the sterile room. The images felt like dozens of bricks pressing down on Hyunjin’s chest. He could barely breathe.

“I’m on my way.” His voice sounded choked up, but Hyunjin couldn’t care less. He needed to see Yeji, see if she was fine. Even if it meant going to a hospital. What could have possibly happened? Part of Hyunjin wished that he had asked more questions, but Chaeryoung hadn’t sounded like she was in the right condition for lengthy explanations. Maybe there wasn’t time either. Fuck, Hyunjin needed to hurry.

The ride was hell to say the least. Hyunjin couldn’t stop himself from being nervous and fidgety. It didn’t help one bit that he had just come home from a mission that was now flickering across the screens in the subway. A weird feeling started spreading through Hyunjin when the news lady started talking about civilians getting hurt. That simply wasn’t possible. There were hardly any people around when they attacked, and the DIT was supposed to keep civilians away, so how would any of them get close enough to get injured? It was probably a lie, propaganda against them. That had to be it.

Getting out of the subway and that damned news report made Hyunjin feel a bit better, but only momentarily. Every step towards his destination made his heart race even faster and chest feel even tighter. Hyunjin hated hospitals. A hospital was the last place he wanted to be at, but there was no way around it. He would have to get his act together. For Yeji.

Hyunjin let himself be led into the waiting room by one of the nurses at the front desk, freezing when he saw Yeji’s friends. The girls looked like they had rolled around on the ground of a construction side. Their hair and clothing were covered in dust. Taking a closer look, Hyunjin noticed their reddened eyes, as though they had been crying. He also spotted several band aids on them and other, smaller cuts that weren’t covered. Ryujin had a bandage around her head. Hyunjin guessed all the adults around the girls were their respective parents. He scanned every face in the room, but Yeji wasn’t here. Oh god.

“Oppa!” Chaeryoung got up and jogged towards him. She talked louder than usual; normally her voice was rather quiet. Hyunjin only now realised it wasn’t just panicked, it was almost like she had headphones on and was trying to talk over music.

“What happened?” Sobbing caught Hyunjin’s attention, making him look up to find Yuna crying into her mother’s shoulder. “Where’s Yeji?”

“Stray Kids, they- they attacked the department of education.” No. No that couldn’t be the reason. They were careful. They were always careful. Yeji and her friends weren’t even inside the building; there’s no way they were hit by the explosion. It just couldn’t be. But the evidence was all around Hyunjin. “We were on our way to run some errands when everything blew up behind us-”

“What about Yeji? Is she okay?” Hyunjin could hear the panic in his own voice by now. He just had to know Yeji was okay already.

“I have no idea,” Chaeryoung admitted. Tears started to flood her eyes once again. She couldn’t seem to look up at Hyunjin any longer. “They’re still operating on her.”

“Costumers.”

“What?” Hyunjin’s head snapped up. Gone are the white walls and blindingly bright lights. The room is dark grey, the light subdued. This isn’t a hospital. Thank god. It takes a while until Hyunjin is able to focus on Yeonjun in front of him. “What did you say?”

Yeonjun doesn’t get to answer since he’s already taking some guy’s order. Still feeling a bit fuzzy, Hyunjin checks his watch. 8.03. They’re actually open by now. He must have zoned out for quite a while. As soon as the costumer is sent off with his drinks, Yeonjun turns towards Hyunjin again. “Had a nice time in dreamland?”

“Not really,” Hyunjin admits. The memory is still heavy like chains around his heart. He really tries his best not to remember that day, but sometimes it all just comes crashing onto him. Tonight is going to be anything but pleasant, Hyunjin already knows that. He never sleeps well on days like this, no matter how tired he is after his shift.

Yeonjun steps closer, speaking in a low voice. “Is this still about your sister?”

“Yeah.” Hyunjin takes a look around, making sure the two only costumers they have are far enough away. “I feel so bad for what happened. I should have just done the laundry and not started a fight about it.” Yes, very convincing. He got overwhelmed by the traumatic experience of fighting over household chores.

“Agreed.” Yeonjun smiles and pats Hyunjin’s back. “Hey, I’m sure if you apologise and do the laundry everything will be fine.”

“I guess you’re right…”

“Of course I am,” Yeonjun sounds almost offended Hyunjin would ever assume anything else. “That’s why you listen to your elders.”

Hyunjin rolls his eyes. “You say it as though you’re some 106 year old wise guy of the town. You’re one year older than me.”

“One year can make a lot of difference.” Yeonjun wags his finger in Hyunjin’s face. “Talk to me again in one year and see how much has changed.” Hyunjin tries to think of a comeback, but before his brain can provide him with anything another group of costumers walks in. Yeonjun winks at Hyunjin before going back to the counter and accepting the first order. Sighing, Hyunjin straightens his back, puts his costumer service smile on and starts helping Yeonjun prepare the drinks.

[-]

They’re really getting training now. Somehow just the thought lets a smile bloom on Kwangsun’s face. After all, none of the higher-ups would have agreed on sending them off to missions if they didn’t trust him and Chan, right? Okay, maybe trust is too strong of a word for that, but it’s definitely a good sign. In their situation every little step forward should be celebrated. Especially steps like this.

Kwangsun has a slight skip in his step as he walks into the kitchen, starting to look for stuff he can use to cook dinner for them. Though since they haven’t been grocery shopping in a while, there’s not really a lot to work with. They only have rice and noodles to be precise. Yup, plain rice would make a great celebration meal. Maybe Kwangsun should go grocery shopping? It’s not that late yet, he could go buy more ingredients to cook some proper meal for them. Kimchi jjigae would be awesome. If he’s already out and about, he should buy more than just the ingredients though. Some snacks wouldn’t hurt either. And they’re short on tissues and apple juice. Is there anything else? Kwangsun feels like he’s forgetting something. Don’t they need more shampoo too? Or is it soap? The answer feels within his reach but Kwangsun can’t quite grasp it.

“Chan-ah?” he calls, already leaving the kitchen. There’s no way both of them forgot, right? Plus, Chan might have wishes of his own, which Kwangsun would be happy to fulfil if Chan just replied. Still starved for a reply, Kwangsun walks down the hallway and opens the door to Chan’s room. “I’m going gro-”

Kwangsun freezes in the door frame, completely still. He forgot to knock, which was a mistake. Chan specifically requested it when they moved in. How did he not remember something that simple? Just having come out of the shower, Chan is still shirtless. That by itself really wouldn’t be a big deal if it wasn’t for the long, faint pink lines raking over Chan’s back. Most of them crisscross over his spine at the height of his ribcage, but some extend to his shoulders as well as lower back.

Chan’s entire back is covered in scars.

It only now dawns upon Kwangsun that he’s never seen Chan without a shirt, not even when in the practice room today. How did Chan even manage to change that quickly? And how come Kwangsun hadn’t realized how much Chan must have hurried to hide this? Or questioned how urgently Chan had insisted that Kwangsun knocks whenever he enters his room?

“What the fucking hell are you doing here?!” The aggression in Chan’s voice is so foreign. He’s never sounded like this, not during missions or while discussing plans or anything. Kwangsun’s heart drops to his knees. Chan is scary right now. His jaw is set and his face pulled into a scowl. His gaze has an intensity that has Kwangsun’s throat go dry. This is bad, this is really bad. Chan stumbles backwards and presses himself against his closet while trying to cover himself with the shirt in his hands. The mixture of anger and horror on Chan’s face makes Kwangsun feel like a monster, as though he murdered Chan’s family right in front of his very eyes.

“I’m sorry, I-” Kwangsun can’t seem to form proper words. He honestly has no idea what he would even say except apologising for barging into Chan’s room like that. Though he feels like an apology won’t cut it.

“Get out!” Chan screams, losing his patience. Kwangsun has never heard Chan yell before. “Get the hell out! Leave me alone!” He comes closer as though he’s planning to personally drag Kwangsun out of the room. Kwangsun nods hastily and rushes outside as quickly as possible. His heart is racing like crazy when the door slams shut behind him. The abstract painting on the wall next to Kwangsun trembles with the force of it.

“And fucking knock next time!”

#kdiarynet #sk writersnet #Stray Kids #Step Out #dystopia AU #rebels AU #violence #hurt #lots of hurt #some of the relationships may or may not only be pretend relationship(s) #Bang Chan #Lee Minho #Seo Changbin #Hwang Hyunjin #Han Jisung #Lee Felix #Kim Seungmin #Yang Jeongin #Kim Taehyung #Lee Siyeon #Kang Younghyun #Kim Jonghyeon #Kwak Aaron #Hwang Minhyun #Chanlix #Minsung #Changjin #Minron #BTS #Day6

[entoxii]

INTROOOOOO

Hi I’m Mai or seraphim or phim whatever tickles your balls 😊 (in the right way)

I’m asexual and my prns are: they/she/him (prefer they most of the time though)

Likes: Kpop, jpop, jrock, enstars, Vocaloid, anime, omori, South Park, undertale, fnaf , Studio ghibli etc

Dislikes: basically, assholes <3 skz and dream

(More info on likes skip if you want)

Kpop: TXT (Huening kai) SVT (Mingyu) ATZ (ot8) EXO ( D.O) NU’EST (Minhyun) and more!

Jpop/Jrock: Takayan, Fujii Kaze, Natori, Kenshi Yonezu, YOASABI, Lamp, bucktick, etc

Enstars: Chiaki Morisawa, hokuto Hidaka

Vocaloid: KAITOOO <3333 (song wise): Tokyo teddy bear

Anime: One piece (sanji) MHA (shigaraki) JJK( Nanami) CSM( kishibe/aki) TYG( Kaneki/tooru/Amon) TYR(Hanma) JJBA(Giorno/josuke) DN( L )

Omori: Hero, space boyfriend/Capt spaceboy

South Park: Butters, Kyle, Stan, Timmy, Kevin mephesto

Undertale: Sans fav AU: underfell , errortale

FNAF: Springtrap, withered bonnie (OG bonnie) puppet , Funtime Freddy

STUDIO GHIBLI: howls moving castle my #1

Carrd:

#kpop #seventeen #svt kpop #one piece #chainsaw man #kaito #kaito shion #five nights at freddy's #my hero academy #undertale #jpop #takayan #omori #south park #enstars #ensemble stars #death note #tokyo ghoul #tokyo revengers #jujustu kaisen #jojos bizzare adventure #txt #tomorrow x together #Spotify

[seokiepout]

masterlist

here is a masterpost of all of my fics, aus and drabbles! you can navigate through them from the following sorting.

although most of the works are rated g or t, there can be occassional writings with m, e or other important warnings so please make sure to read the tags before proceeding <3

SORT BY FANDOM:

♡ — stray kids

lee minho / han jisung

hwang hyunjin / han jisung

lee minho / lee felix

lee minho / kim seungmin

lee felix / yang jeongin

♡ — bts

jeon jungkook / park jimin

♡ — wanna one

hwang minhyun / kim jaehwan

kang daniel / park jihoon

#seokiepout #masterlist

[espresseo-cafe]

life is still beautiful | johnny | ch.6

genre: cappucino, romance, angst, university!au, dad!au, drama, slice of life

pairing: collegestudent!johnny x fem!reader

bean count: 6.8k

warnings: mentions of past traumas, mental health anxieties, breakups and etc.

a/n: it’s quite a long chapter, so take breaks in between if you can ☕️ happy reading! note: this is only a work of fiction, it doesn’t reflect the artists’ personalities in any way.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

never had you ever thought you’d feel something like this again. separation anxiety was also a trait you’ve come to develop at a young age. a pinch ticked your heart when you saw your best friend packing her luggage. it reminded you of the very thing your dad had done in the past.

he mentioned vaguely that he was leaving because of a living nightmare. this was different, yoohyeon was leaving to pursue her dreams. a total different reason.

she pouted at you, feeling sorry to be leaving you behind but she knew you’d still push her to go even if you’d become lonely.

“don’t pout at me like that, or i’ll cry for real now.”

she hugged you tightly, pressing her cheek into yours. “i know ‘cause what will you do without me? but don’t worry, you’ll be okay.”

you don’t know how to thank the heavens that you’ve met someone like her, yoohyeon was literally the sunshine to your withering flower. she was someone who always had your back, someone to listen to your frustrations and aspirations, and most importantly she was a long lost sister you’ve dreaded to have. she felt like family more than anyone else.

“will i?” you blurted out sadly, mirroring the pout she did a few seconds ago.

“of course. you’ve come a long way. and i’m proud with the progress you made.” her eyes smiled and it was contagious, “both physically and mentally.”

blinking your eyes to avoid waterworks, you popped your lips and held her luggage. it was time. “shall we go? eiffel tower’s waiting for you.”

she nodded and you went out of your dorms. as you reached downstairs, minhyun was already there with his car and johnny was with him- the latter’s car parked just behind minhyun’s- said he needed to return the yoohyeon’s blanket he borrowed for youngmin. you looked at her with a raised brow. “don’t be surprised y/n, i know there’s something going on between you two. sneaky lil puppy.”

your heartbeat spiked up, she figured out the crush you had for johnny and you haven’t even told her yet. “i don’t-”

“it’s obvious. i think everyone knows.” she teased, then looking to minhyun. “my ride’s here so i’ll go on first. take care of yourself y/n, promise me that.” the tightness of her hands on your shoulders showed that she meant what she said.

“yeah, you too.” you hugged her and rubbed her back, “don’t have too much fun with the french.”

“the only french i’m kissing is minhyun.” she winked at you, you shrieked and hit her arm for her implication so early in the morning.

you playfully shooed her away and minhyun started the car. johnny stood there silently and waved as well, remembering the favour yoohyeon asked him to do last week:

“can you do me a favour?” yoohyeon asked.

johnny put down the hammer, interested to what she had to say. “yeah sure, ask away.”

yoohyeon curled her tongue, sighing. “you know how i’m going to paris next thursday?”

“mhm. wait it’s next week already?” johnny’s eyes widened, “so you won’t be at youngmin’s birthday?”

she nodded, making johnny’s face turn sour and she knew it was just a playful thing he usually did. handing him a big box wrapped in green, she explained it was for the growing boy and to let him know she’s sorry for it. “the favour i ask of is about y/n.”johnny didn’t say anything, letting her continue.

“while i’m in paris, i need you to look after her. i realised she trusts you, other than me of course.” she hugged her arms, “it’s rare to see her open up her personality to someone else.”

johnny held in a smile, “we haven’t gone there yet.. you know opening up. you see she owes me a proper date, as friends.” he clarified. “apparently we got a ‘no secrets rule’ until a couple of dates.”

yoohyeon punched him, “ahuh, so you both are in the ‘going out on dates but still testing the waters’ stage. well, if that’s the case, take her out on the day i leave. she loves nature, so maybe you could come up with something.”

the guy nodded and gave a thumbs up, yoohyeon sighed a relief. she knew she could trust johnny, and of course she had something to gossip with yeri about. after all, their ship is starting to sail and they were one of the ones to remove the rope from the hook.

“also, bring these all the time.” she shuffled in her bag, seemingly getting something important. “she forgets these, you know, just in case.”

it was an inhaler for asthma and some pills for medication. yoohyeon’s lips pressed together told johnny that this was more than important. it was a road to recovery, confirming the conversation he didn’t want to eavesdrop two months ago.

“how severe is it?” he dared to ask, holding the items tightly on his hand.

“just pray it doesn’t get worse. she’s been through a lot. i’m sure you’ll know about it soon.” she patted his back, “thank you in advance, johnny.”

“yeah, no problem.” he assured her. “i’ll do what i can.”

the side profile of yours that he observed this morning revealed to him how resilient and strong, yet broken and vulnerable you were. a spark in him told him he needed to protect you. he wanted to, it was for the present and the future you, to heal from the past you tried your best to run away from.

he looked up, taking in the cool breeze before the sun rose up high. it was seven in the morning and he didn’t have anything special planned for the day since youngmin’s birthday was all set for saturday. setting his sight on vehicle he brought then back to you who was stretching at this point, he placed his hands in the pockets of his sweats, saying:

“this is a perfect day and time for a long morning drive. wanna come with?”

you twisted your back from side to side, the domino cracking relieving the tension of your spine. looking up at the sky, you seconded johnny’s suggestion, “sounds great but i haven’t even had breakfast yet.”

johnny hummed, turning around to talk to you properly. “we can go to a drive thru on the way. i know of a good spot where we can do sightseeing.”

your mood was lifted and did a little hop, “okay i’ll go get ready.”

the guy stopped you by gently pulling your wrist, making you look at him before you could go back up to your dorms. “no need, just wear that.”

looking at his large hand that wrapped your wrist, you got nervous for the sudden skin contact. how was he so smooth with making your heart skip a beat? and you quickly realised he could be feeling the gradual speed of the giddy heartbeat at that area, so you squinted your eyes at him for his fishy action as a cover-up.

“johnny,” you sighed, “.. i’m wearing pajamas.”

johnny took his eyes off of you and scanned your clothes. it was just a crop top t-shirt and a light pink coloured sweatpants. “i think it’s alright, we kinda match. after all, someone owes me a date.” he winked at you and held your wrist once again.

“i thought we weren’t counting anymore?” you laughed, following him to the car that was parked across the dorm building. thank goodness you brought your phone and house keys.

“i know but i remembered.” he opened the door, letting you in before he moved on to the driver’s seat.

glancing around the car, it was at the line between old and new. not that you were judging, it just somehow felt right. johnny started the engine, reversing the vehicle. his hand touched the headrest of your seat as he looked back.

it made your heart beat stupidly once again, it was so manly and attractive that you wanted it to stay that way. you stared at him when he drove towards the main road, even more so when he drove with one hand. ah, that was where you hitched a breath.

johnny felt the stare you gave and he found it hilarious. he peeked at you at a side eye and chuckled, taking this chance to tease you again. “what are you staring so intently at? the view’s perfect in front of you?”

“please, you want me to refer to yourself, johnny. i know where you’re getting at.” you echoed his chuckle and he just did so louder.

“no i’m talking about the view in front of us.” he nodded at road.

streaks of sunbeam that peeked along the trees made your clothes twinkle, sparkle even. looking at the said view, a small pull on the corners of your mouth made johnny stare at you this time. you were already beautiful in his eyes and the sunrays made you glow as you looked through the front.

his eyes trailed to your facial features and just a like a movie, the slow smile that appeared on your face got him all hooked on you. the way small wrinkles creased at the sides of your eyes and the way you closed them as if you took in the vitamins for some energy was hypnotising.

she’s so.. beautiful. he reminded himself.

his eyes found themselves staring longer than he thought, licking his lips and focused on driving. then bringing up his all time favourite coldplay playlist to suppress the intensive thoughts of you to the back of his mind.

your ears perked up at the familiar song, “hm, this is my favourite one, it calms me down.” turning the dial to volume up the music.

she likes coldplay.

johnny’s heart picked up its speed and he was probably close to being jittery and excited. the smile he contained on the inside finally made its way out. opening the car’s roof, it became brighter and he hoped the sun’s brightness covered his expression.

you gasped at the view by your side, the opened scenery of a beach below was stunning as you and johnny rode through the highway. the breezy wind flowing through your hair and as you inhaled its freshness, you’ve never felt this happy for a long time.

“nice ride you got here.” stretching your arms up high as if you were swimming on air. “i feel free.”

he gasped at you, “we’ve been driving for more than twenty minutes and you just noticed?” johnny laughed heartily, “i’m hurt. bosco’s hurt.”

your mind processed the information you just got. you let out a loud cackle, covering your mouth to not embarrass yourself. “your car’s called bosco?”

johnny’s ears turned red and pulled a face, “well technically it’s my parents’ car-“

“wait.. so this is not your car?” you gestured the car with your hands laughed even harder. johnny bit the insides of his mouth, feeling shy that he didn’t have a car of his own, yet laughing it off because it was true.

“i don’t have the means to buy one. i got a child to raise and put food on the table.” he turned right to a nearby gas station, “speaking of food, you must be hungry. let’s get brunch on the go, but we need to fuel up first.”

“you just can’t handle my attacks.” you nodded.

johnny was right. he had to work double for himself and youngmin. and that made you feel so much appreciation for the guy. when he got off the vehicle to fill in the gasoline, you couldn’t shake off the thought of youngmin’s mother.

who was she? why was she absent the whole time? how could she leave the two boys who was meant to be her whole world, alone?

she probably had her reasons, yet you were so curious to find out. you’re very nosy aren’t you? johnny’s voice echoed in your head, prompting you to slap your head for thinking way too deep in it.

as you did that, your phone dropped by your foot so you bent down to get it, meanwhile hitting your head on the glove compartment. it opened fully by the time you sat back up- the looseness of it confirming the car was quite old- revealing an a5 sized photocard of a younger johnny with a baby youngmin.

the sight of it was adorable, how johnny carried the infant in his arms as he fed him with a milk bottle. the handwritten caption saying ‘suh youngmin with mom and dad’ was heartwarming but what caught your attention was the girl seated beside him. she was probably the mother, but she was facing away from the camera that you couldn’t make out who she was.

you didn’t realise how long who were staring at the photo until johnny came out of the store after payment, making you put the photo back and closing the compartment, hoping it doesn’t open any time soon.

“okay now that’s all set, let’s go?” johnny fastened his seatbelt and starting the engine. “i’m starving.”

“brunch it is.” you awkwardly said, still looking at the compartment.

johnny drove through a fast food chain that had a pre-lunch option, then leading you both back on the road, not forgetting to bring you to a spot that overlooked the city. as the car came to a stop at the scenic viewpoint, johnny closed the roof and turned off the engine. you got out and the overview fusion of nature and cityscape in the morning gave you a gushing feeling of inner peace.

he took the ordered food, his footsteps scraping against the ground. the sound fading away from you, he called out. “y/n! i got a spot up top. it’s better up there.” gesturing for you to follow him.

it was a little spot at a mini veranda where a table and two chairs placed perfectly across each other, as if it were waiting for you both. the wind was relaxing, cooling off the heat you both had from climbing up a few steps just to get to up here.

and once again, he was right. it was so much better up here than below. coming here was such a good idea, and johnny was good at pleasing people by taking this route. so you both started eating in silence for a bit when your mind came back on the topic of youngmin’s mother.

you hated yourself for being this nosy. but curiosity got the best of you. what would johnny think? he probably was still in the process of moving on and it was a sensitive topic to bring up.

he caught you staring at him again and licked his lips before talking, “like what you see? i think that you might prefer me over the view out there.”

you threw a ball of tissue at him, “and if i say yes how would you react?”

“flattered ‘cause you might feel that way and confused ‘cause you probably lied based on this tissue you just threw.” he joked, playfully throwing it back to you. “but really, is there something you wanted to ask?”

you didn’t respond straight away, still trying to put the right words together to form a proper question. johnny took his time to wait for you, munching away until you shuffled and put your food down.

“i’ve been wondering for a while, and i hope this doesn’t weird you out or put you in a tight spot.” you locked your fingers together.

“hm? i’m okay, you can ask.” he smiled a little, still eating his food then drinking his cup of coffee.

breathing out a nervous puff, here goes nothing. “does youngmin.. still sees his mom?”johnny slightly dropped his cutlery and it wasn’t hard to miss this small reaction, then wiping his mouth with tissue. you panicked, looking at him and regretted what you asked. this was a bad idea. “sorry, that was unnecessary. i shouldn’t have asked-”

“no, it’s okay.” he smiled small, clearing away the empty containers. once settled, he thought it was the right time to open up. after all, you’ve been friends for a while now. “youngmin hadn’t seen his mom since the breakup. he sometimes still looks for her though.”

he shifted on his seat before he spoke again, “my ex was kim minji. i call her mj for short, while others call her jiu. we dated months before high school graduation and we called it quits six months ago.”

“that must’ve been hard to deal with.” you said, fiddling with your fingers. “how are you coping up?”

johnny shook his head, “still needs some getting used to. when youngmin arrived, we stuck together like superglue. she loved youngmin a lot but a year later she wasn’t acting like herself. she changed and i was trying my best to figure it out and talk to her about it.”

you had a feeling where this was going. “she avoided it and ghosted you and went with another guy?”

he looked at you, surprised at how you got that on point. “that’s right. wow, you actually hit the mark. i’m guessing you have a theory what happened next?”

you held your chin and thought for a moment, “maybe.. she fell out of love? you said she changed and you don’t know why.” you stretched, crossing your arms and continued to give a penny for your thoughts.

“don’t get this wrong, but maybe.. you didn’t spend much time with her just the two of you because all of the focus was on youngmin. you both interchange in looking after the child, got busy, and when you do have the time, you both were too tired to spend time alone. ‘cause you know, juggling between school, part-time, and housework could take a toll on both of you. then it became straining in the end.”

johnny just stared at you. even if you heard it only once, you seemed to have figured it out. and as for him; a psychology student, should’ve seen things from another perspective. after all, minji was a girl, like you. and hearing that made him feel shameful because his pride as a guy took over. he should’ve heard her out.

but how will neglecting responsibilities speak about her? how would it show an impression to others as someone who looks after a baby? it didn’t make any sense and he hoped they actually talked about it. however, he recalled the break up conversation, minji didn’t bother communicating with him at all even if he tried. that was why he was still bothered to this day and it still pained his heart.

“you’re probably right, y/n.”

he then looked at you, who had an innocent face yet spoke as if you lived way longer than him. it led him to want to know more about you, “again, i’m so amazed at how you analysed that in a short time.”

“that’s because it hits so close to home.” you spoke with assurance. “it’s all too familiar.”

johnny’s heart ached when he heard that. once again he felt shameful because how could he missed that? someone who spoke of experience saw things differently. you were a person who probably had more to face and what he had experienced was close to nothing compared what you did.

the gaze he held onto you got you relaxed a little bit, he was curious now. “my parents got married for the sake of it.. not for love. it was an arranged marriage from both parties.”

the boy sat forward with a confused look, “but, they had you. they must’ve loved each other at one point.”

you smiled bitterly, yet it was a sad one. “i’d like to think of it that way. but what was the point of having me and raising me if they didn’t actually love each other?”

“if not to each other, then they loved you.” johnny suggested, and he saw how it made your eyes water a bit. “they’re co-parenting for you.”

“i never felt it.” you pressed your lips, “they argued a lot for as long as i could remember, scolded me for the littlest things. then i had to face anxiety hearing their raised voices. i didn’t eat as much as well because i thought about it a lot.”

johnny didn’t want to jump to conclusions, however that wasn’t so true on your part that he thought otherwise. you said you were immune to it, but the tone in your voice hinted you longed for love from your parents.

he wanted to hug you right now, but he held himself back. you probably just needed someone to talk to, a hug right now would be weird. he was worried he might make you feel weird if he did so.

“things will be better. it may not be for now but for the future. sometimes parents think they’re right, even if they’re in the wrong. in some way, you’d still need to have a conversation with them; heart to heart, so you could voice out how you feel. can i ask something though?” he asked cautiously, you tilted your head in response.

“yeah sure, let’s hear it.” you drank from your bottle of water.

johnny had something in mind, he hoped he was wrong about it but with the way you talked about your parents, something was missing. sure, they argued almost 24/7 and it greatly affected you.

“did you do something.. that made them act the way they did back at the carnival?”

your chest ached. johnny pinpointed something you’ve never shared to anyone. it was buried deep, far back at the archives of your mind, never to be brought out to be checked.

johnny was a psychology major, and he knew better at discussions like these. he acted like a librarian looking for a lost book, a book with information that needed to be studied.

what if you wanted it to be found? what if this information was okay for this librarian to read? will he get anything beneficial from it? it was risky, but you knew you couldn’t keep it in for a long time. and if there was anyone you’d share this to, it would clearly be him.

he gave you time to talk, it was a sensitive issue after all. he was given a hint while you were talking, your hand kept holding your left arm since the beginning. was it a habit? or was a trauma that was deadly?

“it happened a month into uni, after i had left home. had to attend a funeral of a hotel’s shareholder and apparently saw them there. the greeting was same as the carnival, interrogated me.”

johnny shook his head, taking in that your remark towards your mom was normal.

“all of a sudden they started arguing. i tried to stop them because they were causing a scene. they just pushed me away and told me not to butt in. i was so hurt that i told them angrily that i wished i was never born. so i left, thought i could escape the reality that my supposed home was a violent storm.” your hand caressed your arm.

“i remember it was a rainy evening with thunderstorms and lightning, it didn’t help though. it mirrored the same situation back at home.”

johnny’s face darkened, his hunch was right.

“so i ran..” you said shakily, placing your hands on the table. “i kept running to find brighter skies and silence, screaming in pain and crying.. i focused so much on that that i thought i already found it.” you exhaled a deep breath, “unfortunately i found myself laying on a hospital bed, was told i got hit by a vehicle, ended up fracturing my whole arm.”

“y/n..” he leaned closer, and you noticed his eyes softened upon hearing that. he held your hands because you were shaking. “i’m so sorry.”

“don’t be, i’m actually glad i got it out of me. i feel so much better. my arm still has a metal rod in it so i could move easier.” chin pointing to your arm. and now that johnny looked back, he just realised that you carry youngmin using your right while patted him with your left hand.

“still.” he sighed, “it’s very brave of you. thank you, i’m glad you told me.”

“no thank you, for listening.” you told him, then your eyes lit up, “ah! it’ll be our secret, okay?” you smiled, eyes finding your hands on his.

johnny saw your eyes trail on where his hands were, slowly letting go so you won’t find him making a move on you. “you bet, i also learned something today.”

“which is?”

“that your heartbeat was so evident on your wrist.” he said, and your face heated up. did he figure it out? “must’ve been nerve-wrecking to share that.”

you mentally sighed, safe. “y-yeah. it’s been two years since that happened.”

johnny stood up and dusted his clothes, prompting you to do the same. “and here’s to more years on holding on to hope, to overcome.”

“yeah i hope so too. a lot has happened which is also why i don’t like driving, arguments, rainy nights. gosh i have a lot of hurdles to pass.”

marching down the veranda towards the viewpoint, you and johnny thought it would be nice to walk around the beach to burn the calories from your brunch meal. you looked up to the sky and you felt alive with the sun. funny how the beach was completely empty at this time. so you wanted to speedwalk and savour the moment.

the guy who took you here felt grateful he did what he did. it somehow helped him face the topic he completely avoided. johnny was even more so that he got to share it with you. even though his friends knew about it, knowing he could trust someone else made him feel at ease.

taking out his film camera, it was a part of him to automatically snap a photo of something memorable. because he was quite weak in recalling, he wanted this to be recorded so that he could look back into it, in case he forgets.

“don’t tell me you’re going to keep those from me. don’t be a creep.” you teased, johnny adjusting the film once more, saying that he wouldn’t keep any secrets from you now. you smiled back at him as you stretched your arms, gasping loudly when you spotted the distant horizon. you called out to johnny, “the ocean’s sparkling! isn’t it beautiful!?”

he smiled, and he looked through the viewfinder, seeing you pointing at the sparkles that seemingly made your day so easily.

“yeah, beautiful.”

—

rowoon exited the bathroom of his apartment, drying off excess water from his hair. he casually walked around his home with nothing but a towel and home slippers. not noticing his dad’s assistant sitting by the sofa, coughing intentionally to get his attention.

that startled the boy and he nearly slipped on the way to the kitchen, a habit of his to immediately eat after a long session in the shower. “oh shoot- i didn’t know you were here, junho.”

“ha, i didn’t know you danced like that. it doesn’t suit you.” he smirked, then frowning a bit. “and that’s junho hyung, quit the casual talking.”

the boy opened a pack of potato fries he managed to find on the pantry, munching on the saltiness he craved for to ease his tastebuds. “what are you doing here, anyway?”

“i got the stuff you asked for.” junho scuffled through his shoulder bag, giving him a file. “you’re safe for now from the court. you know you’re giving your dad a hard time with all of the freakshows you do.”

rowoon looked at the older guy with annoyance in his face, “and so? i’m having a fun time. let me enjoy my youth for once.”

“for once, my ass. you’ve been in and out of the police station so many times.” he complained, “please look after your reputation, young man.”

rowoon chuckled sarcastically, “chill, hyung. i got it all under control.”

junho rolled his eyes. even though he grew up with the boy, rowoon got on his nerves most of the time that he should’ve popped a vessel by now. “if you think you need to get your father’s attention by doing those, i think he got the message loud and clear.”

“beats me, doesn’t hurt to pick me up from the station at least.” he took the file, opening and revising it.

this time junho sarcastically chuckled, “what are you, nine? you’ll be cashing your dad’s money because he spends it on your bails instead of your college tuitions, don’t waste your future and talents like this.”

“it’s fine, he’s the head doctor of the university hospital’s surgical department anyway, college tuitions are easy for me.” he smirked then eyed junho from top to bottom and back to the top. “tell me the information you have.”

junho briefly raised his brows, taking another file from his bag. “that car accident you got somehow got involved in three years ago? the police are still investigating.”

“well that’s bad news and ruined my day all in one go. don’t worry, i’ll do something about it.” rowoon proudly crossed just arms. “oh and the girl’s alive by the way. alive and well.”

junho took off his glasses to clean them using the ends of his suit, “you’ve seen her?”

“you bet i did, she’s matured and bloomed. also saw a familiar face i haven’t seen in a while.” still eating on the fries as if it were a big feast to celebrate on.

“johnny suh?”

“in the flesh.”

——

unsaid words, unspokened feelings, unexpected encounters, undeserved. that was how johnny felt today after spending time together with you. he hadn’t felt this in a long tome, where he could be himself other than his family and friends.

he actually thought of reaching out to minji at one time, but he was having a dilemma if he should. was it worth it? he wasn’t too sure. he also looked back to the app he had on his phone, loveclick. he hadn’t touch that app for a while and put it behind, deciding it was useless.

you came out of the convenience store, holding two ice cream cones, and he saw the joy you had just by eating it. it was evident that you were having a good time. johnny had an idea and he felt stupid for not bringing it up. but his phone broke when he clumsily dropped it on the ground earlier and could never turn it back on. “let’s take a selfie, i realised we haven’t even taken one.”

you licked your lips, “cool, how many?”

it took about five minutes to take a decent one on johnny’s end because he kept saying that he didn’t look good in any of the shots. so you took a selfie instead, and spending the rest of the day walking around nature.

“shall we head back? it’s currently 6pm and it’ll take us about four hours to return to the city.” johnny asked, peeking at his watch and threw away his soft drink to the bin before you made your way back up to the car.

“okay.” you said, thankfully you didn’t have any part time or classes the following day, so getting back wasn’t a problem.

going back in the vehicle again, you fastened the seatbelt and settled your position comfortably. playing with your phone for a bit, johnny started the engine and drove down the scenic viewpoint. a few metres out the main road, the car slowly made a stop before suddenly shutting down.

that made you two look at each other worriedly. johnny tried to start the engine again, only to make a loud kickstart noise then stopping abruptly. he let out a curse in a whisper, “i can’t seem to start bosco, i’ll check go and check the battery and oil.”

he wiped his forehead with his arm, it was getting stuffy since the weather was really hot. johnny excused himself by taking his shirt off to wipe off the sweat building up, going out to open the hood.

as he did that, you mentally got mad at yourself for unintentionally staring.. because the last time you saw him shirtless was at the camp two months ago. just why is he smoking hot? “i’m not looking i’m not looking i’m not looking, i’m looking respectfully.”

“y/n! look at this!” he called out before going to the window next to you.

“i’m not looking!” you exclaimed, covering your eyes as you looked away from him.

“what do you mean?” he squinted his eyes, wiping his sweat once again, “come look at the hood! it’s smoking.”

oh.

you did as he said and saw the hood smoking out black: it meant engine failure. “the engine’s busted. can you fix it?”

johnny stared at you and gave you a side eye as if you asked the stupidest question ever, “i’m a 24/7 single dad i don’t officially own a car let alone have the knowledge to fix one so you’re asking the wrong person.”

you just laughed at it, facepalming yourself. “oh right my bad, papa bear.”you put your sleeves until it reached your shoulders and proudly told him “then you’ll be glad you have me.”

“oh you can do that?” he raised his brows in surprise, actually impressed with that revelation. “like fix the car?”

“no i mean by having me meant that you have an extra phone to use to call a tow truck.” you bit your lower lip, still smiling at the plan b.

“then what was the pulling up of the sleeves for?”

“it’s hot, duh.” you snorted. johnny actually thought you’d able to and it made you laugh harder, earning a pinch on the face. you tapped on the screen, smile fading when you found out your phone battery was 1% before shutting down. “oh s-.”

johnny’s smile also faded. “what?”

“my phone’s dead.” you turned to him. “got a charger or powerbank?”

“i don’t have any on me-”

rattles of summer rain heard in the distance, gradually becoming louder. it didn’t take long for your clothes (and johnny’s muscular body, again you’ve been avoiding eye contact), to be dampened by rain that was obviously going to be heavy.

“can this day get any worse? damn it!” johnny shouted, getting frustrated when he put his t-shirt back on.

you covered your view with your arm and chills went down your spine. you realised it was raining, and your anxieties spiked up. but you didn’t want to make johnny worry, so you put out your arm to hitch for a ride. the car had to stop in the middle of an empty road, with only a few to little of cars driving pass by.

johnny and yourself have been standing for a good minute, which felt like forever in this situation, when a tow truck fortunately drove by. johnny ran to stop the truck. the man eyeing him down when he got off his vehicle.

“well what are you kids doin’ here?” he took a good look at the brokened down car behind you both, “ah! this car needs some fixin’!” then facing to johnny, “young man, if you need to take your girl out on a long drive, you might’ve had it checked first before goin’ out. this car’s close to junk!”

you snickered a laugh and johnny got startled a little bit, smiling, “it’s technically my parents’ car-“

“oh yes it’s his parents’ car!” you told the old man, still holding your arm to your head. johnny pulled a face at you, holding you into headlock playfully.

“keep your mouth shut, you chatterbox.” he embarrassingly said but giggled while you apologised.

the old man looked up, “you guys don’t seem from around ‘ere. thankfully we’re close by a car mechanic who could fix your car and a motel for you to wait. though it’ll take hours for it to get the job done.” pointing to the car. “so you youngin’s should crash in and stay the night. the forecast predicted it’ll be raining heavy ‘til mornin’.”

you nodded, eyes squinted at him, “that’ll be great sir. thank you.”

“sorry kiddos, we’re fully booked tonight.” the old lady by the counter blatantly said while chewing gum, staring at the two in front of her who were completely drenched in pouring rain.

johnny approached the counter, “ma’am, we need a place to stay for the night. we’ll leave first thing tomorrow.”

the old lady grumbled a little, “did ‘ya even hear me? no. more. rooms. available.”

johnny formed his fist into a ball, his blood spiking up on how rude this old lady was. you didn’t miss this and decided to ask another way. “ma’am, if there aren’t any rooms left for single beds. is there any chance for booking a room with two twin beds?”

the old lady tipped her glasses back in place, “there should be one room left, beautiful lady.” she typed on her computer, and johnny scoffed at the contrast, “ah yes, we do have. i can book you here. okay! one couple suite for the night!” she said while getting the key for the room.

“couple suite-” you both said,

“he’s not my boyfri-”

“she’s not my girlf-”

“y’all want to sleep outside instead?” she frowned, pointing to the heavy rain just behind the door. “it’s free.”

johnny clicked his tongue, “why you-”

you immediately prevented johnny from dampening the counter any more by holding his body back with your arm, “we’ll take it! the couple suite.” you faked a laugh, giving her cash, took the keys from her and pushing johnny away from the reception.

both of you exited the elevator and you were so amused by his attitude earlier. “what’s with that, johnny?”

“she was so rude, and i asked nicely.” johnny laid his arms out in confusion, he shook his head and sprinkled his hair. “right?”

you just crossed your arms, “give it a break, she’s an old lady.”

“yeah and she feels so entitled, damn.” he sighed, walking towards the suite.

opening the door, you and johnny sighed as you both saw the king sized double bed. the air instantly changed and it made it awkward when two bathroom robes were laid in front of you.

“i-i’ll go for a shower first,” you stuttered, going to the bathroom immediately, taking the robe before closing the door behind you. holding your chest, this scenario wasn’t happening at all. slapping your face to keep it real, you started to shower.

johnny on the other hand, found an extra towel in the car. he wiped his hair and dried his body a bit to prevent it from being too cold. his ears picked up the tapping of fallen shower droplets, and he didn’t want to focus on that.

he turned the television on, he guided the remote control to flip through the channels, stopping momentarily on a love scene and immediately changing it to a weather forecast.

he remembered what taeyong had told him; and was relieved that he did, not wanting to jump to that. he had to keep his goal, befriending you was priority.

“stop.” he mumbled to himself. he then heard a knock, opening the door for the knocker.

“here’s a little welcoming gift from our staff to you.” the lady smiled at him before handing him a box, bowing her head then taking her leave.

johnny opened the box, expecting snacks as the packaging was a bento box. his eyes caught on something that made him let out a little noise. he didn’t even notice you were finished showering and was standing behind him. “what are you holding?”

“agh!” he closed the box, shouting louder and that made you mirror him as well, holding your arms close to you.

“what the hell?” you said, catching your breath. “why’d you do that for? oh- is that food?”

“room service.” he nervously chuckled, eyeing other things. “i ordered for myself so you can order your own too. i’ll go shower.”

he sprinted to the bathroom and closed the door behind him. his ears were really red at this point. opening the box, he took the item and flushed it down the toilet. “what the hell were the staff thinking?” after he finished showering, he spotted you eating food from room service, all comfortable on the bed.

in the end he decided to sleep on the sofa and he hoped he’d be able to get through the night.

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