#neoculturechristmas

[heartshyuck]

Pairing: Haechan x reader

Genre: fluff, enemies to best friends to lovers, college au

Synopsis: he was the sun but you liked the moon more.

Word count: 6.3k (I know it's literally double the word limit 🥲)

Warnings: swearing

a/n: this is dedicated to @bl--ankhaeji, for the secret santa (@neoculturechristmas ), I hope you have a great holiday and a happy new year <3 sorry I made you wait forever!

Beautiful was the moon, the way she gracefully arose to the sky shining down on earth guiding those who travelled late at night. Accompanied by the stars, she outshone all those no matter how much she showed of herself in the night sky. In winter she ruled the skies with her reign lasting even when the sun would emerge, she would still look mesmerising and for that reason you loved winter. With the moon high above watching over you and the white specs of snow that gracefully fell, illuminated by white light; you walked through the empty campus back towards your dorm, it was pretty late but there were still a few passing bodies that relieved some of your building anxiety. 

Once you approached near, your fingers had already begun to numb, the tip of your nose kissed with frost and your toes frozen in place despite the many layers trying to keep you warm. Your hands shake slightly as you try to lift the key to the lock, hearing your struggles to open the door your roommate comes and saves you as he opens the door before you can. The warmth of the house engulfs you and it's like a pair arms have wrapped round you, protecting you from the harsh cold outside, instantly you begin to warm up. 

"Why do you insist on walking back in a blizzard" Jaemin rolls his eyes and shakes his head as he steps aside letting you in and closing the door behind you. "Literally just call me or Jeno and we'll pick you up" he whines, as always nagging and telling you off in the most loving way, and it only makes you smile, genuinely touched that he cares so much about you. 

"Because Jaems you both have lives and I don't want to be a hassle" you say as you rid yourself of your outside gear and then make your way to the living room, him following shortly behind you.  Jaemin and Jeno are both good friends, more like brothers or as you like to put it, guardian angels that the goddess of the moon sent to you upon your new dawn here at Neo University. From showing up when you needed an apartment to being there to remind you to eat when you were studying late into the night, you were indebted to them forever. "You could never be a hassle," Jaemin argues. 

"Who's a hassle?" Jeno walks into the room, food in hand and he chucks you both your favourite snack and again you're reminded how much they take care of you. "Me. I'm a hassle" you raise your arm, waving your hand a bit and Jeno sits beside you, covering himself and you in a blanket as he shoots you his famous eye smile, that reminds you of a crescent moon. 

"Last I checked you were a y/n, not a hassle" Jeno giggles, you and Jaemin both rolling your eyes at his incredibly bad jokes, though you're used to them by now. After a good few seconds of him still laughing at the horrible joke, he clears his throat "anyways Jaemin is right but if you don't wanna rely on us, how about you get a boyfriend" he raises his eyebrows.

"Well sorry to break it to you but there are no decent guys in this uni" Jeno pouts and Jaemin quickly chucks in a "hey we go here too" in protest, but you continue within the same breath, "all fuckboys who truly do not give a shit about anything but getting their dick wet" you huffed out in obvious built up annoyance directed to the male species. 

"What about Renjun? He's decent and you guys are good friends" Jeno asks "surely if you're friends, he has to be decent" 

"I saw Renjun in diapers, his mum's shown me pictures of him as a naked baby, I could never date him;he's literally my brother" you list off the reasons as to why you could never see Renjun in that way, you had known each other since before you could walk. 

"Maybe you should stop brother zoning guys then" Jaemin says under his breath in a pout and you send slit eyes his way and he smiles at you in return. 

"Okay what about Haechan" and as those words fall from Jeno's mouth, laughter erupts from Jaemin. Again you roll your eyes for what seems like the tenth time in this conversation, Jeno is visibly confused by both your reactions as his eyebrows furrow and nose scrunches up slightly. "What's so funny" this comment only makes Jaemin laugh more and you throw a pillow at him in hopes of shutting him the fuck up but it doesn't. "Best joke you've ever told" Jaemin says in between laughs "she hates Haechan's guts"

"I don't hate him" you snap back at him and Jeno's confused look turns into a surprised one "hates a strong word, i just dislike him" you explain yourself but Jeno's expression is dying for a better explanation "I find him insufferable and annoying as hell" 

"But why" Jeno says almost in a cry "he's nice, fun and honesty is the mood maker. He's great." Jaemin nods along showing that he agrees with Jeno 

"If he's so great, you date him" you roll your eyes and it's a childish comment but the topic of Lee Haechan and him in general brings that side of you out. "I think he's self absorbed, thinking he's the center of the universe and lights up everyone's world" Haechan calls himself the sun and honestly it's obnoxious but fitting you think. To all those around him he seems like the sun, but even the sun is insignificant amongst the millions of stars in the universe. He's just the center of a solar system that's amongst millions of others. He's nothing special but he thinks he is and it sums him up pretty well you think plus you've always liked the moon more anyways. "Also can we drop my depressing love life and watch a movie" you sigh, it’s not like you weren’t already thinking about you being incredibly single, you didn’t need these two idiots to remind you. 

"Yeah please, she's hopeless anyways" and again you throw another cushion at Jaemin, landing square on his face,”I’m not wrong” he cries out, hugging the pillow “you refuse to get a driver’s licence too” and you jab him in the ribs with you elbow causing his to yelp, again rolling your eyes. 

A few days past and much to your relief the topic of both, relationships and Haechan don’t come up again but it was silly of you to assume that God would be so kind to let it drop so easily. Of course Jeno had to bring it up the next time he saw Renjun, “So i was the only one who didn’t know y/n hates Hyuck” Jeno whines a little too loudly in the cafe you all were seated in. It’s a small place, right on campus, decorated with strings of fairy lights that give off a warm hue to the place; it’s open all day and it’s here you found Jeno and Jaemins want for a roommate poster on the notice board. “Jeno can you be quiet, anyone can overhear and like i said i don’t hate him” your voice dropped into a whisper as if it could undo any damage Jeno may have done and you spoke through gritted teeth. 

"It's not like he's here" he argued back and as if he had summoned him Lee freaking Haechan walks through the cafe doors. He strides in with confidence circling around him, dressed in his infamous playboy outfit, the leather jacket and black combat boots, he holds a smirk across his face as he scans the room; all eyes are on him as the bell that hung above the door announces his arrival as if royal blood coursed through his veins. In these moments you understand why Haechan believes he is the center of the universe because here everyone orbits him, everyone but you. Everyone stops and stares, their eyes lingering at each step he takes and each expression he makes. Their weary of his eyes, just in case they stop on theirs, everyone but you because you couldn't care any less. The sun is blinding and it's irritating and you'd much rather avoid it, as he steps closer towards your table; recognising the boys that accompany you, he smiles and waves in their direction, you get up to leave. "I need to go" you blurt out, pushing your chair out abruptly, it scrapes against the floor, the screech making you cringe. "I'm gonna be late for my next lesson" you clear your throat of any awkwardness and grab your things before any of them could question or comment on the situation, you rush past Haechan not giving him a second look. 

Jeno's eyes widen at the scene that had just unfolded in front of him, his mouth slightly gaping, Renjun sighs and rolls his eyes before giving a welcoming smile to Haechan who stands there confused whilst Jaemin simply continues to drink his coffee, firmly believing if he act like it didn't happen, then did it really happen. "Is y/n okay?" Haechan asks with genuine concern in his voice and in the same breath he continues to question the three, "is it me or does she always seem to leave when I arrive?" 

The three sit there in slight awkwardness that hangs in the air, it's not hard to answer this question, the simple answer would be a yes. Another simple answer would be to just shrug him off and tell him you have a lecture, a lie but still a rather simple answer and before the lie could leave Renjun's mouth, the truth slips out of Jeno's. "Yeah she absolutely hates you" Haechan's smile falters and Jaemin chokes on air.  

"What the fuck Jeno" Renjun gawked, jaw hanging, there's a heavy silence and it probably only lasted a few seconds but it felt like forever as everyone just stared at each other, only breaking when Jaemin laughs a little raising confusion amongst the three others who stare back at him. "Good joke Jeno, best one you've told" he places hand on Jeno's shoulder and kicks him under the table. Laughter erupts from both Jeno and Renjun as they try and attempt to cover up the damage. "Yeah y/n just has a lesson" Renjun laughs out and tries to emphasise this to Haechan who's now laughing but with obvious hesitation in it, awkwardness still sitting in the air. 

"Oh shit, I just forgot I had to meet up with Mark" Haechan waves to the boys as he leaves the cafe, a sigh leaves his mouth as he finally exits the cafe, his shoulders drop and a deep breath he didn't know he was holding left his lungs. He sees your figure still in the distance and he's not sure what takes over him but his legs being to move.  Faster and faster, Haechan runs towards your figure that only seems to be getting further, maybe it was his pride that was hurt or maybe it was curiosity as to why you hated him or maybe it was because Haechan liked a challenge. 

The heavy steps and heaving breaths catch up to you quickly, getting louder and louder you stop and turn back, Lee Haechan stands chest rising and falling rapidly bent down with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath. "Haechan, what the hell are you doing?" He lifted his finger up indicating for you to give a minute for his lungs to catch up with his body, you roll your eyes and it’s action that doesn't go unnoticed as he begins to speak through his heaving breaths, struggling. “I heard you hate me” it’s breathy and deep but you make it out all the same, a wave or shock and slight embarrassment overtakes you, a heat rising up your neck and to your cheeks and you’re quick to shake your head, denying his allegations. “No. what? no i don’t-” you stammer over your words until you're cut off by Haechan, as always he’s the one that controls the conversation.

“Jeno told me” he clears his voice, finally have caught his breath, “by the look on renjun’s face and your reaction, he wasn’t lying” you grimace at his words “so I’m here to change your mind” Your mouth gapes as he stands there glowing in the white light that reflects off the snow, it angers you how beautiful he looks yet his ego is insufferable and too suffocating for you to focus on that. 

“Fuck you Lee Jeno” you mumble under your breath and haechan smirks at the comment, “honestly Haechan i don’t hate you” you begin to explain hoping you’ll get out of this, whatever this is. “I just don’t like you as much as others do and that’s normal”

“No it’s not” again your cut off and you’re pretty convinced he’s in love with the sound of his own voice with how many times it’s happened “you can’t hate me” and at this you scoff, eyes rolling back so far into your head you’re sure they’ll get stuck. 

“I have a lesson” you say turning on your heels, every conversation with Haechan is a reminder as to why you can’t stand him. He loves himself a little too much, he has a superiority complex that’s consistently being fed, he thinks he’s the epitome of perfection and he thinks he’s the sun, center of everyone’s universe. 

“What lesson, I’ll walk you there” he says as he follows your footsteps, prisoning you as he wraps his arm around yours, you're confused, shocked and baffled, legs stopping, as you look down at the junction where both your arms meet and you try to release yourself but his grip is too strong. “Come on, let’s go” he pulls you, not knowing where your lesson is. “You’re a history major right?” he keeps talking, not allowing you to even answer the question “so you must either be in building B or C, but since psych usually runs at this time in C, i guess your in B” again he doesn’t waste a second before pulling you towards the building he assumes is where your lesson is. You pull back, still in complete shock as to everything that’s going on, you just said you didn’t like him and by how quickly he was able to deduce where you next lesson is, you're pretty certain he knows you don't’ want to spend any time with him and of course he knows, the smirk is evident of that. He doesn’t care what you want, for his pride you must like him because the existence of your hatred itself is an imperfection of his, a cloud covering the sun. 

“Haechan just please leave me alone” it’s like you're speaking to a wall, completely ignored as he just navigates his way to your building, arm still interlinked with yours and every now and then when you try to pry your hand out, his grip tightens. “You’re hurting my arms” you deadpan and he turns back, loosening his grip and rubbing your arm. 

“Sorry” he laughs a little and smiles, you don’t know what it is but for the first time you’ve looked at Haechan and the irking feeling of wanting to punch his face isn’t there, his face looking a little less punchable. You shake your head, choosing not to believe the bubbling feelings of butterflies and warmth on your stomach as that smile replays in your head, again and again. You let him continue leading you to lecture, too tired to fight anymore. 

You don’t even notice when you’ve reached your destination blindly following Haechan, until he stops suddenly turning again as he flashes his brightest smile and it’s as if golden rays are dancing on your skin, lighting you up, sparking warmness in your chest. You’re flying too close to the sun. “We’re here” he says happily and finally releases your arm from his captive.

“Thanks” you mumble annoyed but not as annoyed as you thought you’d be, there was a warmth that comforted you, a woody musk that swirled around you placing you in a trance. Haechan glowed, ethereal he was with all his beauty on display and you realise if kept his mouth shut more often you probably would be just as in love as all the other girls but thank god he doesn’t have an off switch because you will not fall in love with Lee Haechan. The one who melts hearts and burns skin, everyone who’s got too close bursting into flames. 

“I’ll see you after your class” he waves turning back to the direction you just came from, your heart finally returning back to a normal pace the further Haechan walks away from you, the cold from the snow returning to your skin, finally your world has span on its axis away from the sun allowing the moon’s white light to cool you down and comfort you. 

Your lecture went on for about two hours, your eyes nearly closing towards the end as at this point not even caffeine isn’t getting you through these long days and you’re sure your lack of sleep is causing you to hallucinate, because there sat at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to building B stands Lee Haechan, Lee fucking Haechan. When he said see you after class you didn’t think he meant straight after class. Fear rises and you beg he doesn’t turn around. It’s fine you tell yourself, just don’t look in his direction and don’t draw any attention to yourself. You walk down the first couple of stairs, slowly thinking it’ll make you invisible or something and then comes the screams. Girls that flock past shouting Haechan’s names, he turns around and there he sees you, nose scrunched up as you cringe at the banshees and sigh in defeat as your attempt of an eclipse fails. 

Haechan waves at the girls as he walks up to you, snatching your folders out your arms he carries, “so where are we off to now?” he asks, grabbing your hands in his, your hands are cold, fingers frozen but his are warm, a never ending supply of heat emitting off of him. 

“I’m going to the library” you say, taking your hand out of his “no idea where you’re going to next” you smile at him, snatching your folder back. Haechan can’t help but smirk, he really loves a challenge.

“Oh wow what a coincidence, I was on my way there too” he smiles and takes your folders back out of your grasp, “so let me help you” you let a deep sigh out and close your eyes trying to regain some of your patience. You decide it’s best to not fight it, you walk past him letting him carry your folders and he runs to be by your side again catching your hand in his. You don’t know he’s playing but you allow it to happen, after spending two hours learning about medieval medicine, eyes closing slightly, you allow Haechan to warm up your hands. Some sun is good for you, right?

“So you just not gonna work” you look up from the book you’ve been staring at for the last thirty minutes, Haechan choosing your face to stare at instead, he only smiles at your word as he rests his head on his hand. 

“I am studying” he says with mock offence as if he’s been accused of something he hasn’t done, “I’m studying beauty” he smirks looking directly in your eyes and all though you roll them an unbearable heat still manages to rise up. “You hungry? we should take a break” 

“Why is my face boring you” you look down at the book, trying your best to stay focused but the universe really isn’t letting that happen today. For it places a giant burning ball of fire in your path, one that feels warm from a distance but once you instantly get too close you’ll combust, so you have to keep your distance not ready to give your heart up for anyone just yet. 

“No never” again in that sarcastic offended tone, that just irks you, seriously you’re impressed at your patience in not having punched him in the jaw by now. “But i thought you might be getting bored and studying History must make you hungry” 

“I’m not hungry, thanks” you cut him off, not looking up from your book hoping that the less interest you show, the quicker he gets bored. However, like you said, the universe is not allowing that to happen and your body betrays you for not feeding it earlier. Your stomach rumbles and it doesn’t help that the library is dead silent, the sound echoes and Haechan lets out a soft laugh.

“I think you are, don’t worry I’ll go get snacks” instantly getting up and heading towards the vending machine that awaits outside. This is it you think to yourself, this is your chance to escape his burning presence, finally be free and all you have to do is run out the door. Quickly you pack up your belongings, shoving everything into your bag before Haechan comes back and out the library door you ran, freeing yourself from his burning presence but not for long as he trails after you. As a kid you thought the Sun was following you as you would stare out the window of the moving car, thinking you were the center of the galaxy, only to find out you orbit the Sun instead but now as the sun trails after you, his legs speeding up to reach your side, you guess you are at the center of this galaxy. "Why do you keep running" he shouts as he tries his best to reach you

"Because you're insufferable, Lee Haechan" you shout back, still keeping up your fast pace, not taking a second to spare him a glance. 

"And you think you're not" he scoffs and sighs in disbelief, a sound that makes your skin crawl. “I hate to break it to you but you’re pretty annoying too” and the statement shoots straight to your heart, out of all people who was he to say that, causing your legs instinctively to turn; your fast and loud stomps directed straight at him.

“I’m the annoying one? Says the one who’s none stop bothering me for hurting his superiority complex. I’m sorry Haechan that you’re not as perfect as you thought you were, sorry that one person in this whole world doesn’t like you and I’m sorry you aren’t the center of my universe” you step closer and closer as you ramble about what about him just infuriates you and all Haechan can do is roll his eyes at you and even has the nerve to let out a small laugh that only seeps wrath further into your bloodstream, intoxicating you. Everything about Lee Haechan does that to you, his smirk, his attitude, his carved by the gods features and that damn smile. He’s a menace, the core of chaos and the true essence of calamity and yet somehow it’s exhilarating enough for you to crave his presence and it causes your skin to crawl, your eyes to roll. Too close and you’ll burn. “What’s so funny?” annoyance dripping of every word. 

“I just find it funny how you’ve placed me on a pedestal in your head of being perfect, superior and then decided to hate me because of it” he inches closer, heat radiating off his body , his lips so close to yours, you feel the words that next leave his mouth with each movement, his breath sending chills down your spine “the image of me in your head, isn’t my fucking problem” he steps back after finally being satisfied with how startled he’s left you, leaving you dazed as his words hit you hard. His warmth no longer there, you shiver yet his words still hang in the air as they plague your mind, repeating themselves again and again. He walks further away and you let him have the last say because you're sure he’ll be back, his pride won’t allow you to hate him for much longer, won’t allow you to block his rays of light. He’s right the way you perceive him isn’t his problem but that doesn’t mean he won’t go out of his way to change that and nor does it mean your perception of him is wrong, even if it’s just at surface level you know enough about Lee Haechan to predict his next move. He’ll be back. 

"Ugh" you scream out, letting out a deep sigh, eye's screwed shut as you let the snow fall on your face in hopes of letting it cool you down but then there's a burning on your wrist, fire swirling around you, sparks dancing on your skin and stars shoot through your bloodstream. You're pulled and pushed, swung around until your eyes land back on his, you should've known the sun never really disappears even when it sets, eyes burning red; anger, passion or lust you’re not quite sure but burning orbs are staring right at you. You don’t even have time to respond as both his hands reach up, gripping at the side of your face, holding tight as he crashes his lips onto yours. Your lips melted, his in a hurry as he harshly pressed against yours, passion overflowing in each rough movement, his warmth radiant and you welcome the burning sensation for once. Finally you move your lips against his. The kiss is messy, teeth clashing against each other occasionally, with his grip on your face tightening, you crumpling his shirt as you hold on as if you’d fall without support, his scent intoxicating and strong and you press your body further into his and it’s as if a knot has come undone. As if the air it’s self released a heavy sigh as it seems lighter and all fades away as you begin to float, lips moving in perfect unison until the last of the oxygen in your lungs is exchanged and the burning scorches your lung even after Haechan pulls away, with a heaving chest. “Try hating me with that” he huffs out, lips swollen and eyes glossy and again the sun sets. 

Again he leaves you stunned, holding on to your lips as you walk home in hopes that the warmth from them won’t leave just yet, the scene playing in your head over and over again as if it was the greatest blockbuster but a buzzing snaps you out of it and you flinch at the sudden noise. Your phone flashing bright with an unknown number, hesitantly you pick up. “Um hello” nerves evident in your voice

“I’m picking you up tomorrow at 5, be ready” and with that you roll your eyes, his voice still annoying your ears. “Also before you ask, Jeno gave me your number” he tells you as if he could hear your thoughts aloud.

“I’m gonna kill you Lee” you whisper under your breath and Haechan isn’t sure if it was directed at him or Jeno but he hopes it would be the latter and chooses to ignore it. 

“Anyways 5pm, okay” he repeated once again, asking for confirmation that you heard him.

“You really can’t just leave me alone, can you?” you whine in annoyance but Haechan finds it cute and it only pushes him more to continue bothering you. 

“And have you forget me and my handsome face, never could allow that now could we” he teases 

“Handsome? More like punchable, trust me i could never forget how much i want to just wipe that smirk off your face” you argue back, how could he even think you could forget him after that kiss. It’s all you could think about. 

Ignoring your comment, he continues “Yeah well 5 tomorrow, I’ll be waiting outside your place, dress warmly” he tells you for the third time and without even saying bye, hangs up. 

“Ugh stupid Lee Haechan” you kick some snow in your path as you continue to walk home. 

When you got home that evening you didn’t waste a second in trying to kill Jeno, trying would have turned into having killed Jeno if it wasn’t for Jaemin who had been there to hold you back. Yet that’s the last thing on your mind right now, now all you can think about is what to wear tomorrow. “Something warm” you keep repeating to yourself, mind wandering to where you'll be going instead of choosing something to wear and time flies past and before you know it, it’s already 5pm. Haechan is outside honking, being his usual obnoxious self, having no patience as usual. You run out the house, shoes not even on properly and quickly shooting Jeno a middle finger as he smirks watching you leave. He’s honking all the way until you sat down in the car. “You’re so annoying, you know that right” you tell him as you fasten your seatbelt. 

“Yes, you remind me every breathing moment” he rolls his eyes and starts driving, christmas songs playing. 

“Well if you weren’t so annoying every breathing moment, i wouldn’t have to remin-” your cut off by your own breath that gets stuck in your throat as you look down to find his hand holding onto yours that rests on your thigh and you see the smirk he holds on your face as he’s proud he managed to shut you up. “You were saying” he teases and you clear your throat as he laughs slightly. 

“Like I said annoying” you move your hand from under his yet it gets worse as he just rests his hand on your thigh, heat seeping through your jeans.

“You call it annoying, I call it charming” he turns to you as he pulls up at a red light, flashing you a beautiful smile causing you to scoff, crossing your legs, his hand drops off your thigh.

“Anyways where are we going?” ignoring his earlier comment, done with arguing for now. 

“Surprise” he tells you, taking your hand back in his, his grip loose and when you make no effort to move, an eternal smile is plastered on his face as his grip tightens. The music fills the car, you hum along to every song that plays. 

“Well then music major” you start up conversation again “how about you sing for me” you turn to him, hands still intertwined. Haechan only laughs at your request “hey I’m being serious, all the rumours that Lee Haechan is good looking, has a great sense of humour and can sing” 

“And you believe them?” he asks, still smiling.

“Well your jokes aren’t for me but humour differentiates, so prove you can sing”

“Ah, so you think I’m good looking” he comments, smile only growing bigger. 

“I didn’t say that” you scoff 

“Yeah and you didn’t say I wasn't” he retorts, smile turning into a smirk as he feeds his own ego. 

‘Are you gonna sing or what” you pull your hand out of his and instantly he pulls it back as he suddenly agrees to sing for you. 

“I sing like an angel hun, you’ll think you’re in heaven” he tells you again feeding into that forever growing ego of him 

“I’m sure i will” every word dripping in sarcasm as you roll your eyes. He wasn’t wrong though, you jaw hung ever so slightly as he sang along with Mariah Carey, compared to him she was nothing. The once vocal goddess outshined by Lee Haechan as his angelic voice drowned hers out. It was beautiful and he knew it, continuously he left you dazed. You were lost for words, you couldn't describe how beautiful it was and all that could leave your mouth in that moment was “wow” you let out a heavy breath.

“I know” he laughs at your reaction. The rest of the ride was silent, on your part at least as you focused on the moments Haechan would sing along with some of the songs, even his humming was pretty. He glew when he sang, shining brightest. 

Pulling up to the place, the light sparkles infinitely. Laughter rang through the air and there was warmth despite the snow that fell down. Your eyes lit up and for once being around Haechan didn't seem so bad. 

"The winter carnival it's my favourite. I come every year" Haechan tells you as he grabs your hand in his, leading you towards the entrance. 

"Oh and how many other girls have you brought here?" You tease him

"None" he turns to look at you and for once the fire that burns behind his eyes isn't blinding or intimidating, they sparkle. Instead of just the sun, a galaxy. You find yourself drawn into them, like a black hole he takes up all life around, light fading away until it's just you two by him. You move closer until you realise black holes destroy, the sun burns and you flinch backwards. 

You clear your throat before shooting him a smile that's well rehearsed "let's go" you say softly, gripping his hand and this time you take the lead. 

A few rides, hot chocolates and countless conversations, you find that Haechan isn't entirely what you thought he was. Yes he's confident, knows he's good looking and has swarms of girls after him but there's something about him that seems to balance it all yet you're not quite sure what it is but he doesn't allow you any moment to think anymore about it. Always dragging you from one stall to the next. 

"I'll win the big Teddy for you" he declares, chest puffed out and embarrassment strikes through you. You would have never imagined standing here, watching Lee Haechan trying to throw down all the pins to win you a Teddy bear. Everything feels so surreal, a warmth bubbles up inside you as you watch him, tongue slightly sticking out as concentration takes over and you can't help but smile. The sun's beauty, clear. He shoot a few times, each time turning to see your reaction, promising he'll get it the next one and when he finally knocks down every pin. He pulls you in his arms, happiness practically seeping out of him. You can feel his heart beat against his chest or was it yours you weren't sure. Pointing at one of the big blue teddys at the back he hands it over to you. You almost fool the sparkles in his eyes for adoration as he nears you again, a smile stretched along his face. "I told you I'd win it for you" he says, cocky as ever. 

"Thanks" you say so softly you're unsure if he heard but the smirk on his face says otherwise and thank god he couldn't hear nor feel your heartbeat as it fastened in pace, jumping and leaping against your ribs, answering to his voice. Your heart was ready to be his. That would've inflated his head a bit too much, and just when he couldn't do anything else to cause butterflies to burst, you watch as his eyes wander to a little girl, also trying to knock the pins down. 

"Do you need help?" He asks her softly as though she was made of glass, she only nodes in return but he picks her up, placing her on his shoulders so she had a better view. Her arms extend backwards as she throws the ball, knocking down all the pins. Haechan shouting words of praise and a smile lights up the little girl's face as she grabs onto a large teddy bear. 

"Thank you" she whispers, visibly shy once Haechan places her down and she hugs him. It was in this moment you could feel you were flying too close to the sun, heat rising, palms sweating and eyes sparkling as you watched him, the only source of light and the center of the universe.

Haechan begged you to go on one more ride with him before going home, the wind was harsher and the snow fell heavier and though the sun had set long ago, the moon’s reign seemed to be never ending. Your own sun was right by you, emitting light and heat endlessly, he held your hand and kept you close as you rode the ferris wheel to the top. The ride was silent most of the way, the occasional hum from Haechan as he stared out into the horizon, the dark sky filled with bright stars and the moon shining down, lights and Christmas decorations and a sfar as the eye could see white snow that illuminated under the moonlight.  Once you reached the top, he turned to you. Your breath hitching as beauty stood in front of you, a stone statue carved by the gods to show the ability of their power, a rival to the moon’s beauty, a rival to the sun light and warmth and a rival to billions of stars that envied the way he shined, forever burning. 

“So do you hate me now?” He asks a smirk always on that goddamn beautiful face of your and you can’t help but smile. Pulling him closer until he can feel your lips brush past his as you speak these next words. 

“Shut up, isn’t this where you kiss me” you crash your lips onto his and you can feel his heart stop, taken back by your actions yet he doesn’t hesitate to kiss you back, lips moving in sync and you can feel his heat overtaking your body, your heart leaping. You’re flying too close to the sun, your wing’s melting and you’re falling. Falling in love with the sun. 

© (jisungiest) 2021. All Rights Reserved.

#nctcreations #neowritingsnet #neothestars #neoculturechristmas #nct #nct 127 #nct dream #nct 2020 #nct fic #nct au #haechan #haechan fic #haechan fluff #haechan x you #haechan x reader #nct haechan #haechan Christmas #loml haechan #fullsun

[notnctu]

under the mistletoe | l.ty

lee taeyong x fem!reader genre - fluff, barely humor idk, very little bit of angst details - enemies to lovers!au, childhood friends that have been apart, high school!au warnings - explicit language, one mention of death, there’s a kiss scene lol word count - 2.7k  synopsis - the holiday season brings a change of heart this year. you see your old friend, now enemy, Lee Taeyong at Mark’s Christmas gathering and through snowman shaped cookies, you two re-kindle your old friendship. 

a/n - this is for @neoculturechristmas​ ‘s secret santa collab! this piece is dedicated to @soliverse​ :) hello lovie!! i’m your secret santa!! i hope you like it and im sorry that it’s not funny LOL thank you for letting me participate in such a fun holiday collab! im so happy to be able to write a fic for another writer:)

Through the heavily crowded Christmas party, through the people that dare walk in your way, you still see him in the midst of the chaos. Lee Taeyong stands only a few feet from you, in a ridiculous Christmas sweater and messy frosty hair. The universe is absolutely obsessed with placing you two in uncomfortable situations, as if the fuming feud between you two is not enough.

His absentminded actions cause him to foolishly knock over someone’s drink, what a fucking clutz. Rolling your eyes, you wander off in search of your good friend to announce your departure for the night.

“Already? Y/N, you got here like, five minutes ago.” Mark mixes the glass bowl that is filled to the brim with red sugary punch. Any forceful spin will have it spilling from the rim, and that won’t be the only mishap of the night that you witness. “What’s the rush? It’s Christmas Eve!” 

And before you can utter the blacklisted name to explain your sudden change of heart, the culprit walks in with his stunned puppy eyes that grow sharp and a frown at your appearance. There is a small spark in the shared eye contact until it completely drops and he returns to ignoring your presence. 

“Mark, where are your napkins? I spilled something in your living room.” It had to be a whole year since you’ve last heard his voice and you still remember his low cadence whenever he was trying to be cool. Cool and mysterious Taeyong, and how he lives up so perfectly to his title. However, there was a moment in time that you knew him for more than that. He was warm and comforting Taeyong. 

While he tried so hard to be winter on the outside, spring bloomed blossoms on the inside and a bright sunshine radiated enough for you to witness its glow. You wished to stay with his spring for as long as you possibly could, but like the changing seasons, Taeyong eventually changed with it.

“It’s in the upper cabinet.” Mark does not realize the initial situation in the room, merrily going back to his large bowl of delicious liquid. It takes one big sigh from you for your friend to finally realize the elephant in the room and the unknowingly stiff tension in the kitchen. Mark’s eyes grow a bit bigger and as subtle as he tried to be, he clears his throat, “I think Christmas is all about joining together and being in each other’s company. Stay, Y/N.”

Mark did not choose his words wisely as Taeyong peeks over his shoulder, catching the last words of his sentence. “You’re leaving already, Y/N?” That is the first time he’s acknowledged you in the past few years.

There is an internal battle of whether or not you should acknowledge him back. Crossing your arms, you grumble something underneath your breath. “Why do you care?” 

“I don’t.” Taeyong says sternly, making sure he asserts his nonchalant attitude. “Just sucks that Mark threw such a happy Christmas party for his good friend to leave.” He slings an arm around Mark’s shoulders, snuggling his face into the side of Mark’s chocolate colored hair.

And Mark dares to show a small smile of affection back. “Sorry that Y/N is always walking out on things. She does that quite often.” Before you can give him a piece of your mind, Mark shoves a snowman shaped biscuit in your mouth. 

Taeyong gets away laughing, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride as he walks to clean up his other mess. You groan, biting the head of the snowman off and glaring at Mark. “Why did you let him get away with saying that to me? And when did you become friends with him again? And why are your cookies so hard?” 

“Taeyong lost a friend, like a month ago. Just be a bit empathetic, please.” Mark wipes his hands on his apron and continues kneading at a random ball of dough. If it’s one thing that Mark always does too well is overachieving at his holiday gatherings. There is a reason why he’s head of the Prom Committee and student officer for event planning at your high school.

Washing your hands, the cold water bites at your skin. It’s been a really cold winter this year. When you dry your hands off, you scoot Mark over to make room for yourself to help with his endless amount of holiday treats.

“We’ve all lost friends, Mark. Sometimes people don’t work out with others and that’s just how it goes.” There is an underlying bitterness that does not seem to fade when you speak. 

“Speaking from experience, maybe?” Mark chuckles, but dismisses the brief second of giggles to a more serious and low tone. “Not that kind of lost, Y/N. He lost a friend forever, like this person is in a forever sleep.” 

The moment the words hit the air, a chilly draft sweeps at your ankles and you freeze in your place. And as you stand with dry flour on your hands and a person you thought you’d never become warm to again stands in the next room over, your heart softens at the information and immediate guilt preoccupies your system. 

“Oh… well you should have started with that, then.” You slightly graze a finger across your nose at the faint tickle. Your mind is running at high speed, merely wondering about all the pain that Taeyong possibly felt this past month and remembering how it’s difficult for him to process his feelings. 

“He actually wasn’t going to come tonight, until I mentioned you were coming.” Mark unloads a batch of fresh cookies from the oven and replaces it with another tray. The aromatics take you back to Christmas many years ago and the memory of Taeyong getting frosting everywhere you could remember. It took weeks to get the red and green stains out of the carpet, but the laughter made up for every clumsy mistake. 

Not completely sure where the melancholic spirit erupted from, you rinse your hands and grab two cookies off the still hot tray without another response. Hurrying off, Mark yells out, “Wait-- those aren’t decorated yet!” but you choose to ignore his pleas.

Why is it harder to find him in a crowd when you are actually looking for him? Perhaps the saying, the best things in life come when you’re not looking for them, holds some truth to it. But your feet take you directly to him; he sits at the leather couch with the burning embers from the fireplace reflecting in his eyes. 

Your abrupt appearance startles him a bit, but his face falls sullen when he sees that it’s you. Shoulders touching, you’ve missed the intimacy you two use to share. The blank snowman shaped cookie feels warm in your hand as you thrust it into Taeyong’s face. “For you.” 

Taeyong scoffs, pushing your hand away lightly and looking away from the pitiful undecorated treat. “This feels like a trap.”

“No trap. Just a truce. Remember the time when I got upset at you for forgetting me in the parking lot and I told you the only way to fix it was to buy me food?” Your hand begins to drop, but Taeyong catches your wrist and takes the cookie from your possession. He gently places your hand back onto your lap.

“I know no other love language.” You explain the reasoning behind the old memory. 

“Pretty sure food isn’t a love language.” Taeyong chuckles, like Christmas carols to your ears, he sounds like home. 

“It’s not, but they all require me to be too emotionally vulnerable and you know how that makes me feel…” Your voice unintentionally trails off the end of your sentence. Does he still know how you feel? 

Taeyong’s eyebrow raises subtly, catching your implication. “You’re still the same person you were three years ago?”

Three years, has it really been that long? You nod without needing to ponder the thought. There is a stark difference between change and growth. You are who you’ve always been, that is never going to change, but you’ve grown to be stronger and a little more independent.

“That’s not surprising.” Taeyong bites at his cookie, turning the figure in his hands as he stares off to reminisce about the past. He thinks about his pain. He thinks about his own self growth. “I’ve been thinking about you recently.” 

The bold comment causes your chest to burn and your throat to grow a bit dry. Taeyong finally looks up at you, eyes dropping between your own and your lips. He doesn’t shy away from staring, taking in how much you’ve changed appearance wise since you two used to be friends. His eyelashes dance against his skin every time he blinked and the white strands of his hair fall around his crown like snowflakes. 

“Why?” 

“I learned how important it is to have friends around you. You never know when you’ll never see them again. The falling out we had should not have ruined the friendship we built for so long.” It’s difficult for Taeyong to continue with his feelings. It’s not a secret that he’s liked you since you two were close, probably half of the room is well aware of it. But there has never been a moment where he was out right too vulnerable to you, he was and is afraid of showing his feelings. 

It’s an immediate body reaction when Taeyong leans in to you and you defensively back away. The confusion shows on your face very blatantly and his dreamy laugh rattles your bones. Taeyong’s hand softly caresses your cheek as his thumb brushes the tip of your nose. “You have some flour on your face.” This skin to skin leaves you speechless as his hot hand holds your cheek so delicately, making your heart race rapidly.

“Your Christmas sweater is ugly.” That’s all you can utter, out of pure panic too. Your eyes dip away and he retracts away from you, elbows on his knees as he leans forward and ducking momentarily to examine his choice of festive clothing. 

He laughs, “it’s called an ugly Christmas sweater for a reason. It’s better than wearing a lame red sweater and calling it festive.” It’s surreal how quick things settle back into being the way that it used to be. As if the last three years of silence and constantly pretending the other didn’t exist disappeared. Taeyong is back, he’s yours again. And you hope that he’ll be by your side for longer than you had let him go.

“Red is not my color, I agree, but green is definitely not yours.” You joke back and Taeyong ruffles your hair, just like old times. The holiday spirit practically wraps its arms around you two. The holidays are really about being in each other’s warmth. In this very cold winter, you’re happy to have found an old flame that kept you from frostbite for many years. 

“Y/N, we’re putting up the mistletoe.” An acquaintance interrupts you and Taeyong, quickly grabbing your arm to follow her. Your eyes dart between her and Taeyong. One thing you know no doubt about is that you aren’t leaving Taeyong alone again, so you take his hand without another second thought and drag him along with you.

You’re all ushered into the foyer and Mark is on a step ladder under the frame of his door. He notes Taeyong by your side and discreetly smiles to himself. He securely pins it to the wall and claps his hands together to gather everyone’s attention. “We’re going to blindfold two people and they’re going to have to kiss underneath the mistletoe.” 

Your hands grow sweaty at the thought of such a risky game and immediately, you two let go of each other’s hands without realizing the clutching feeling of each other’s anxiousness. “I don’t think I’ll be chosen.” Taeyong mumbles to you as Mark and a few other people unravel the blindfolds. Nevertheless, he doesn’t sound very confident and you notice Taeyong’s shifty eyes. 

“Right. Me either.” You shrug off, trying to hide slightly behind Taeyong’s stature. However, Taeyong instantly catches the uncertainty in your voice as well. 

“Aren’t there four couples in the room?” Taeyong whispers over his shoulder at you.

Crossing your arms, you roll your eyes at his obvious thinking. “Yeah, but Mark isn’t going to choose a couple to kiss. How boring.” 

Taeyong chuckles out of disbelief at your comment. “I’ll volunteer you if you want to really spice things up.” 

And your eyes grow wide at his mischievous suggestion, pinching at his arm lightly. Underneath the fleece, Taeyong feels sturdy and strong. It’s only another reminder that you two aren’t kids anymore. “Lee Taeyong, do not. I don’t want to kiss anyone in this room.” That might’ve been a lie, even if you didn’t want to admit it to yourself that you are just a little curious how Taeyong might have matured. 

“Everyone close your eyes.” Mark excitedly smiles and everyone obliges. You gulp the pooled saliva in your mouth, trying to manifest every possible hope that you aren’t chosen in this room of twenty people. Mark wouldn’t screw you over like that, would he? The more you pondered that thought, the more you believe that he totally would.

Then, you feel a hand on your arm and you’re being guided somewhere. A cloth covers your eyes and you’re quick to snarl, “Mark Lee, this is your only Christmas present. You get no more favors from me.” your cadence is only loud enough for him to hear and though you’re robbed of your sight, Mark’s boyish laughter says enough about his enlightened facial expression.

“This is what you get for trying to leave five minutes into my extravagant party I tried so hard to put on.” Mark sarcastically comments and pats your shoulders for a last indication of reassurance.

You hear footsteps in front of you and an uncanny presence of another in your close proximity. “Okay, everyone can open their eyes.” Mark cheers and it’s not like you can see much through the dark cloth that covers your eyes, but yours open anyways.

Gasps fill the room, slight hollering and cheering. The reactions cause an unsettling stir in your lower stomach. “Kiss!” and before you know it, the unknown person searches for your face and cups it gingerly. The feeling being very familiar to a scene before.

The both of you lean in and it’s difficult with the lack of sight, but people kiss with their eyes closed right? It’s not your first kiss, but also the sense deprivation is something different. When you tilt your head and go in for it, your noses bump together clumsily. You’re slightly embarrassed, your heart is leaping out of your chest from the sudden display of affection and you’re strangling Mark in your imagination.

“I’m sorry.” You whisper, but there isn’t a response back. Instead, your partner dives in without any trace of struggle. Their lips glide perfectly with yours and it’s almost like you’re kissing snow. Any form of awkwardness melts away; their hand on your cheek feels natural and comforting. Your heart yearns for this sense of security as the same warmth from the fireplace embodies your chest. 

When you two pull away, the room bursts into a loud chaos of cheers. Before you can take off your blindfold, you can feel everyone running toward the both of you to give you excited pats on your head and arm. 

“I can’t believe that just happened!” Your friend’s voice can be heard in your ear. As you lift off the cloth, you see him in the midst of the chaos. Through the heavy dog pile of overly joyous people, Lee Taeyong stands a few feet from you in his ugly Christmas sweater, messy frosty hair and a pink hue across his pale cheeks. 

He looks over at you and shyly smiles. “Hopefully that spiced things enough for you. Happy Holidays, Y/N.” He can barely process everyone else's excitement, but he feels joyous for once. After a long cold bitter winter, he feels warm. 

“Happy Holidays, you big goof. Good to have you back.” You push at his arm, laughing happily at the ridiculously wide smile he has on his face. You’re glad to see Taeyong smile again. 

#neoculturechristmas #nct-writers #kpopscape #neowritingsnet #neothestars #nct scenarios #taeyong scenarios #nct scenario #taeyong #lee taeyong #nct imagines #nct fluff #lee taeyong scenarios

[ncteaxhoe]

a cozy little christmas //

pairing: johnny suh x female reader

genres and tropes: fluff, romance, christmas au, college au, established relationship

warnings: none!!!!

word count: 1.2k

a/n: this is part of secret santa hosted by @neoculturechristmas​.

written for @jisunghoodieboogie​. hi cam! i'm indrani. nice to meet you non-anonymously hahah!! this is literally such a tooth rotting fluffy and domestic fic lol. hope you like this! merry christmas and a happy new year <33

the continuous knocking on your studio apartment door woke you from your afternoon nap. you groaned as you got out of your cozy warm blankets and put on a sweater.

you trudged to the door and opened it to find your six feet boyfriend in front of you with a wide grin on his face. your face lit up immediately and you jumped into his arms, almost making him fall down.

johnny let out a laugh and walked inside into the warmth of your home. he always liked how warm, cozy and inviting it felt at your place. you indeed made him feel all things warm. 

"johnny what are you doing here? i thought you were off to see your parents?" you asked him, still clung onto him and snuggling your face deeper into the crook of his neck. no matter what, johnny always smelt nice and comfortable, like home.

"my sister and her fiancé surprised my mom and dad at the last moment with tickets to spain." johnny spoke as he put down his bag and took a seat on the couch, you still wrapped around him.

"and so here i am." you pulled back and looked at him, a smile on your face. 

you leaned in and kissed him softly. his soft insistent lips brushed against your chapped ones. johnny let his tongue run over your lips, earning a giggle out of you. you broke the kiss for air, now blushing because of the loving gaze of your boyfriend. johnny pecked your lips once. and then again, and again and again, until you were a giggling mess on his lap. 

you got out of his hold after some more kissing and cuddled up to him. 

"i'm so excited." you mused out loud.

"this would be the first time we'll be spending christmas together right?"

"yup. i was ready to spend a lonely christmas wrapped up like a burrito." you giggled excitedly again and johnny placed a kiss on your head.

you flipped through the channels until you found something you liked on the romcom channel. you both watched a sappy christmas movie curled up in a blanket. you soon heard johnny's relaxed breath beside you and put the tv on mute. you looked at your sleeping boyfriend. his perfectly sculpted face, hair fallen in a messy way and his plump lips slightly parted. 

sometimes, you still couldn't believe you were dating johnny. just that one fortunate event of you getting lost in the other department while looking for a teacher. johnny had helped you in finding the teachers office, it being his department he knew the way around. he had even walked you till there, just to make sure you wouldn’t get lost again. and then that meeting at the campus store where you had hit it off. you smile remembering how smitten you were with this tall, handsome man.

you watched him sleep for sometime, running your fingers through his hair ever so lightly, so as not to disturb him.

you woke up a few hours later to the tv glaring in front of you and playing some other movie. you could see the sun setting outside the window. you were now parallel with the couch wrapped in your boyfriend's arms, who laid behind you, under the blanket. it was tight space, but you liked feeling johnny's warmth all over you. 

"how did i get so lucky?" you whispered.

but you remembered you didn't have extra groceries now that he was also here.

you moved around in his arms so that now you were facing johnny. your turning had woken him up slightly. he looked at you through half open eyes. 

"evening." you pecked his lips. 

"mmmm. evening baby." a smile appeared on his face. 

after a while and a cup of tea, you went to the grocery store. the weather was not so favourable, hence why both you and johnny were wrapped up in layers of clothes as you went to the supermarket. you huddled up to johnny as you seeked some warmth.

“ohmygod finally.” you remove the scarf from your face as you entered the warmth of the supermarket.��

as you were on the final aisle of frozen food, you realized johnny was nowhere near you. you started looking for him and that's when he suddenly came half-jogging to you, all excited and dumped a lot of glittery things in the cart.

"what's all this baby?" you asked him with a chuckle.

"i still can't reach, just a little further up." you spoke to johnny as he lifted you up so as to put the star on the top of the tree.

"decorations." he simply said and pushed the cart towards the checkout counter.

on your way home, johnny had pulled you even against your protests, to the christmas tree store and got a huge tree to be delivered to your apartment. but when it was up, you could see how beautiful the tree looked and how lively it felt in your apartment.

"no baby a bit more, i can't stick it like this." you could hear johnny's strained groans as he lifted you further up on his shoulders, him already balancing on the stool underneath. he was glad he worked out so much, so as to easily lift you anytime. 

"done!" you squealed and wiggled a little too furiously to get down, causing johnny to lose his balance on the stool.

"baby!" you yelped loudly and with a thud you were on johnny's chest while he laid flat on the ground.

"ow!" johnny let out while you laughed at your clumsiness. you rolled down from him and imitated johnny's position on his side.

"are you fine baby?" you asked in between laughs.

by this time, johnny was laughing as well. he turned to you and just nodded his head. both of you just laid on the floor until your laughter died down. then the both of you just stared at the tree from your positions silently, taking in how pretty it looked.

you moved your hand silently to intertwine with johnny's. he immediately laced his fingers with yours and gave you a tight squeeze, a small gesture which still made your heart flutter after all this time.

"should we move in together?" he suddenly said, half joking, and half hoping you'd say yes if you were ready.

your eyes widened at his question. "what?" you whispered.

johnny let out a chuckle at seeing your reaction. "just kidding baby." and started pulling you into his arms.

"no. wait-" you sat up, letting go of his hand. "are you serious? you're tone did not seem like you were kidding." you tilted your head at him, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips.

"i mean-" the boy in front of you started to sit up as well, now thinking it was maybe a bad idea to say his thoughts aloud, but before he could do anything you enveloped him in a hug.

"yes! yes! let’s move in together!" you squealed excitedly.

this time johnny's eyes were widened and he pulled back to look at you. "really?!" you grinned and nodded your head enthusiastically.

"this is the best christmas gift ever." your boyfriend pulled you in for a long and deep kiss.

-inna🌻

#nct-writers #neowritingsnet #kpopscape #unfortunatus: paradiso #nct #nct 127 #johnny suh #nct johnny #nct fluff #nct scenarios #johnny scenarios #johnny fluff #johnny imagines #nct imagines #neoculturechristmas

[lovingonrepeat]

Chemistry // Nakamoto Yuta

Pairing: Yuta/gender neutral reader

Genre: fluff, angst

Words: 2.6k

Warnings: enemies to lovers au, college au, some angst and also some fluff, reader sucks at science lol

A/N: Had so much fun writing this for @rae-blogging for the @neoculturechristmas project! I'm usually a smut writer but made an exception to write this piece for the one and only Nakamoto Yuta. I hope you have a great holiday! Sending lots of love!

This work is completely fictional. Feedback is welcome. Hate will be blocked. Thank you!

You always hated science, but never more than when Yuta was assigned as your lab partner.

You and Yuta had been feuding for as long as you could remember. You'd basically grown up going to the same schools, and somehow the streak had lasted all the way into college. You always managed to have at least three classes with him, and for some reason, he was always determined to outdo you at everything you did. It was like he had made it his mission in life simply to be better than you, and it was irritating.

You could more or less hold your own with every subject except science. You didn't know what it was about it, but you were miserably bad at all forms of it. So when your chemistry teacher decided to pair you with Yuta on the first day of the semester, you swore that the universe just had it out for you.

You tried your best to fake your way through knowing what you were talking about, too embarrassed to ask Yuta to explain anything to you, but it didn't matter. It was painfully obvious that you had no clue what was happening half the time, and really he was pulling all the weight in your partnership.

It pissed you off.

But you always wondered why he never said anything about it. He didn't offer to help you with the work, not after the one time he tried to explain something to you and you snapped at him, but he never complained either. In the back of your mind you were thankful, but you couldn't bring yourself to ever tell him that. Your group projects were the sole thing that was keeping you from failing the class horribly, since you couldn't rely on your test grades to do anything positive for you.

But telling him that would be validating him, and that would give him the satisfaction that he had been seeking for years. You weren't about to do that.

So instead you sat on your living room floor next to Yuta, staring down at your textbook as you listen to him talk about the current chemistry assignment as you pretend to have a single clue what was going on. You know he knows you've sorta tuned out, but he doesn't say anything. He just keeps talking, slowing down in some parts to explain more, and picking up and breezing through other parts as if he was born knowing this information.

You can't take it anymore. You have to ask him.

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

It stops him mid sentence, cocking his head and looking at you in confusion.

"What do you mean?" He asks, sounding genuinely bewildered by your question.

"This partner thing," you start, gesturing between the two of you. "You know it's lopsided. You're basically doing all the work. So where's the gloating? The showing off? Why are you being so nice to me?"

His face drops at your question, and you can see him trying to process what you're saying, trying to figure out how to respond. When he speaks, he doesn't answer your question.

"I don't show off," he says instead, and you have to stop yourself from laughing at him.

"Really?" You ask. "In tenth grade, you went around the classroom telling anyone who would listen how you got a 97% on our trig final when I got a 96%."

"It wasn't..." he starts, trying to defend himself, but you don't let him.

"In sixth grade, you spent the entire unit in music class telling me about how you've played guitar since you were a kid and that the class was so easy for you."

"I didn't..."

"In second grade, you challenged me to a foot race, and didn't shut up about it the entire year after you won."

"But I..."

"And you've always been better than me at science, so why are you not rubbing it in my face?"

The room falls silent, and you wonder if maybe you went a little too far, but there's no taking anything back now. When he speaks, his voice is quiet, sounding almost defeated, and he won't meet your eyes.

"I never wanted to rub anything in your face. I just wanted you to notice."

You don't know what to say to that, and you don't know why your heart lurches in your chest, either.

But for some reason, you can't stop thinking about it. It sits in the back of your mind, popping into the forefront at the most inconvenient of times. Like now, months later as you sit on the steps leading up to his apartment. You watch the snow fall gently as you rub your hands together for warmth, and your brain doesn't know whether to think about his words, or about the fact that you're definitely going to fail your winter final.

It's not for lack of trying, either. You just really weren't able to grasp anything you learned these last few units, and you weren't gonna be able to rely on Yuta to pull your dead weight along and get you a good grade. And if you failed this test, you might even have to take the class again next year and be behind.

You were screwed, and you hated it.

You're pulled from your thoughts when you hear your name. You look up and make eye contact with Yuta, looking slightly shocked that you're waiting outside his building on a day that you weren't planning on studying together. He wants to ask why you're here, but he doesn't get the chance to ask that. Instead, he asks a more pressing question.

"Are you crying?"

You're taken aback by the softness in his voice, a tenderness you've never heard from him before, and especially not directed towards you. You hadn't even noticed the stray tears that had fallen from your eyes, but you wipe them away quickly.

"I'm fine," you mutter, not meeting his eyes.

"No you're not," he says firmly as he moves towards you. "You're sitting on the stairs outside my building in the snow crying. You're not okay."

He had a point there, but you stay silent.

"What's wrong?" He asks, sitting down next to you on the steps, and it's the way he looks at you with such concern in his eyes that makes you break. "Talk to me."

In your entire time as partners, you hadn't talked about much more than the chemistry work you were working on. There was no need to. It's not like you were friends, or that you had believed he had any real interest in you besides how to one up you.

Until now, that is.

But you find yourself talking to him, crying into his coat about how scared you are about failing, about how dumb you feel that you can't understand it, and about the other things weighing heavy on your mind. You're not even sure why you decide to open up to him, but in the moment, he feels safe and that's all that matters to you.

He brings you inside when he finally calms you down, and you sit on his couch while he makes you some coffee, hoping it'll warm you up after sitting in the cold for so long. He sits down next to you when you accept it, wordlessly pulling out his notes and textbook and opening them up.

"What?" You start to ask, but he doesn't let you finish the question. He wraps an arm around your shoulders gently, and you feel the way your eyes widen at his action.

But he doesn't react to that. Instead, he flashes you a soft but bright smile, and for some reason, it makes the tension leave your body.

"We have a final to make sure you pass," he says definitely. "I'm not gonna let my lab buddy fail."

You don't even get the chance to question him before he dives right in, breaking down every chapter piece by piece. It's tedious work, and you know it must be even more boring for him, but after a few hours and some takeout later, you finally feel like you have a chance to at least skate by with an average score.

He insists on walking you home, making up some excuse about it being late and how the sidewalks can be icy from the snow. It's obviously BS, but after he just bailed you out, you figured it was the least you could do.

Plus, you would be lying if you were to say you weren't enjoying his company.

The walk is short, only fifteen minutes away, but it feels shorter than usual. Conversation flows easily and effortlessly, and it's a side of him you've never seen before.

He stops midway, bending down to grab some snow.

"What are you doing?" You ask him, and you can't help the chuckle that escapes with your question.

"We're gonna test your knowledge," he says. "I'm gonna ask a question, and if you get it right, I won't throw this snowball at you."

Your jaw drops, but you crouch down to collect some snow as well. You're smiling as you speak.

"Hit me."

And to your surprise, you do pretty well. He takes great pleasure out of being able to hit you with snow when you get the answer wrong, but he almost seems more excited when you get it right. In return, you ask him silly questions, from what his first pet was to how he got so good at chemistry to what luxury item he'd want on a deserted island. You throw snowballs at him whenever you feel like, pretending that he's given you a wrong answer, but he doesn't seem to mind.

"Okay, my turn to ask a question," you say after answering three of his right in a row.

"Okay. Whatcha got?"

You think it over for a second, but decide to just ask anyway.

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

His face drops for a second, and you wonder if you fucked up this moment. You guys were having fun, and you had to ruin it by letting yourself overthink. But he recovers quickly, dropping the snowball in his hand and slowly approaching you. But you can't help but notice the way his expression seems more serious, as if he wasn't joking anymore.

When he speaks, his words are hushed but full of conviction.

"Because you deserve it."

You didn't even notice the way that he approached you as he spoke. But suddenly he's here in front of you, and pulling you into a kiss before you even have a chance to process anything that's happening.

It's unexpected, but also sweet and warm and his lips are so soft that it leaves you breathless. It's entirely too short, with him pulling away quickly and searching your eyes. You try to say something, but nothing leaves your lips. He doesn't seem mad, though. He just smiles at you.

"You're gonna ace that final. I believe in you, okay?"

He has the audacity to just walk away after that, not even giving you a chance to respond. It's not like you knew what you would say anyway, but still.

You swear he's actively avoiding you after. You don't run into him as much on campus, and when you do, he manages to sneak off before you get the chance to confront him about anything.

You can't stop thinking about it, either. Yuta, the man who had basically spent his entire academic career trying to outdo you, had kissed you. After he dried your tears, made you coffee and gave you what was probably your only hope of trying to not flunk this final, he had kissed you while snow fell around you, and he was the thing that made you feel warm despite the cold in the air.

It left you feeling confused, and stirred up emotions that you didn't quite realize were there. But as his lips had touched yours, softly and as delicately as the snowflakes in the air, you felt your heart whisper out something you weren't expecting.

Oh.

You were really screwed now.

It's not until your final comes around that you see him again. He's forced to sit next to you as your lab partner, and as you take the test, you're positive that the only reason you didn't burst into tears midway is because of him.

So you don't let him get away when he tries to rush out as the bell rings. You follow him, grabbing hold of his backpack and pulling him into an empty classroom.

"I need to talk to you," you tell him, but his face is unreadable.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" You ask him again, not giving him a second before continuing. "Why have you been helping me so much? And why did you kiss me? I thought you thought you were better than me."

He sighs, and you see the way he almost looks resigned, but terrified. You don't know why, but you can't help the voice in your head that says that you hate seeing him that way.

"I never thought I was better than you."

"Then why..." You start to say, but it's him that cuts you off this time.

"I've been in love with you since we were kids."

You feel your eyes go wide, but you don't miss the butterflies in your stomach either. He keeps talking before you can acknowledge them.

"You never noticed me back then, no matter how hard I tried. So Taeyong had suggested to show off the grade I had gotten, and it happened to be better than yours."

He sighs, a sound full of regret and relief as he's finally able to get this off his chest after such a long time. You stand there silently, taking in his words and putting their pieces together.

"But you noticed me then. You cared. So I kept doing it, and I know it's stupid and I should've stopped and just worked up the nerve to ask you out but... I didn't want you to stop seeing me."

He lets his gaze fall to his shoes when he finishes, but his head shoots back up at your words.

"It's only stupid because I would've said yes if you would've."

It's his turn for his eyes to go wide, and you see the glimmer of hope shining in them. It looks so pretty on him.

He opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. You wait for him to speak, and when he doesn't, you do instead.

"So is there something you wanted to ask me?" You say, chuckling as you see it finally click in his head. He laughs nervously at your words as he gathers himself.

"Would you like to go out on Saturday?"

"I would love to."

He smiles when you say yes. It's bright and toothy and wide and healing, and you can't help but think about all the things you would say yes to if it meant getting to see that smile.

"God, how much easier things would've been if I had just asked that sooner," he says, groaning as he laughs at himself and you join in.

"Well I'm glad we talked," you say, pulling him back towards the exit of the classroom. You open the door, but stop him as he tries to walk through. You point upwards, and his eyes follow your finger up until he sees it.

The room was full of holiday decorations, and he can't help his heart from swelling in his chest as he sees that you pulled him under the mistletoe hanging from the doorframe. You don't give him much time to process after that, pulling him close and capturing his lips in a kiss that has you both feeling warm all over.

It's amazing how natural it feels for you to kiss him. When he pulls away to speak, that smile is back on his face.

"Me too."

Tagging @mingishoe @armysantiny ​ @domreaderrecs @97hoonie ​@lucas-wongs @drippinlovetalk @brooklynalpha @wildernessuntothemselves @loviejaehyun @skzctnightnight @capriccio-con-espressione @euphoricsunflowers @channiewoo @ninachocoo @rebecca-noona @calypsohan @idontknowapil @nct-writers @kpopscape as requested! Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list for future fics!

Read all of my fics HERE!

#neoculturechristmas #nct-writers #neothestars #kpopuniversenet #kpopscape #yuta #nakamoto yuta #nct angst #nct fluff #nct #nct 127 #nct 127 angst #nct 127 fluff #nct 2020 #nct 2020 fluff #nct 2020 angst #yuta fluff #yuta angst #kpop fluff #kpop angst

[neonun-au]

ginger & spice | kim jungwoo

pairing: kim jungwoo x fem!reader genre: straight up fluff, co-workers to lovers warnings: none word count: 2.1k

for the @neoculturechristmas​ event hosted by @lucaswithnoshirt​ and @bumblebeenct​

Hello T, @chittapornswife​~! 

Surprise, it’s me! It was nice to talk with you in those few messages, you seem so sweet and I really hope you enjoy the story! 

“So who did you get for the Secret Santa thing?” You coworker Ten asks while busying himself cleaning out the milk pitchers in the sink. The sun set hours ago, casting the cafe in the dim evening glow of the pendant lights swinging over the counter. You drag the mop across the floor, cleaning up after the last few customers have finally left the shop after closing time, and glance up at Ten. 

“Isn’t it supposed to be, you know, a secret?” He rolls his eyes at your response and sets the pitchers upside down on the counter with a dull clink. Even from across the room you can see the glimmer of mischief sparkling in his eyes. 

“Well, as long as you didn’t get me I think it’ll be fine,” he slips his apron off, tossing it into the backroom. “I think you’ll be quite interested to know who I got.” The teasing in his voice is obvious; you want to ignore him--finish your mopping and say your goodbyes for the evening--but curiosity grabs hold of you tightly and you take the bait. 

“Who?” You ask, trying to keep your voice level, eyes focused on the floor as you mop.

“Guess,” Ten grins, enjoying your growing frustration as you shoot him a quick glare. 

“I don’t know, Ten,” you sigh, hoping he will give in but he waits in silence for you to say a name. “Kun?” 

The name of your manager elicits a bark of laughter from your coworker as he shifts out of the way so you can mop behind the counter. “No,” he sings, teasing, “I think you know who it is. I think his face is in your mind right now, and I think you might be interested in a trade.” 

He was right, you knew exactly who he was hinting at. The warm, golden eyes that shine like the sun, hair the colour of honey, a smile that makes your heart swim inside your chest like a dolphin leaping through white foam waves, and a laugh that makes your soul sing. The name is on the tip of your tongue, but one look at Ten’s smug expression and you swallow it back down--stubbornly refusing to give in to his relentless teasing. Teasing that has been a nightly occurrence ever since he found out about your crush. 

“Jungwoo~” Ten sings the name anyway, not wanting to give in either and you sigh. 

“You don’t even know who I have, are you sure you want to trade?” With shaking arms you lift the bucket and drain the mop water, careful not to let it flood over the edge of the sink. Ten leans against the wall next to you, a Cheshire grin still stretched across his features. 

“Oh, I could be persuaded,” he replies. 

You set the mop and bucket back in their spot in the corner of the storage room and turn towards him, levelling him with a glare. “Fine, what do you want?” 

“Take my Christmas Eve shift,” he grins. 

“But I booked that off months ago,” you groan, debating between the chance to finally give Jungwoo some hint of your feelings and the appeal of not having to work the holidays. 

“If you really don’t want to, suit yourself,” he flicks the lights off and you head out the doors--keys jangling as you lock the shop up for the night. “I’ll just get him some socks.” 

You grimace as you watch Ten walk across the parking lot towards his car. With a heavy sigh you slip your phone out of your pocket and scroll through your contacts. 

[10:34pm] you: Fine, I’ll trade. I have Kun. 

[10:34pm] Ten: hehe thank youuuuuuu~

--

The cafe is strung up with glittery gold and silver garlands, casting a holiday glow over the faces of your coworkers as you all sit around the table, clasping tight onto boxes and bags and waiting for your manager to start the proceedings. 

You glance around, scanning the faces of your coworkers--looking for one, elusive face amongst the small group. Jungwoo was late. No one had heard from him as to his whereabouts, and despite Ten having texted him about 15 times over the past half hour, he was still nowhere to be found. You glanced down at the tin wrapped in snowman paper between your hands--twisting the ends of the ribbon around your fingers as you try to conceal your worry behind a smile. 

Kun claps his hands together, calling your attention to the head of the long wooden table where he stands, “okay, everyone! It’s been a good year for us, thank you all for everything you’ve done--”

“Thank you,” Ten leans forward, cutting off Kun’s speech before he has a chance to drag on, “let’s get this gift exchange rolling. We can get sentimental over a beer at the pub afterwards.” 

The exchange begins despite Kun’s disapproving glare aimed at Ten, and you sit back and watch as one by one everyone reveals themselves and passes around gift after gift. The pile of discarded wrapping paper in the centre of the table, a medley of colours and glitter glimmering under the pendant lights hanging above, grows before you as you nervously keep watch on the door--hope rising and falling in your chest in quick succession as each minute passes surrounded by the laughter of your coworkers. 

“______, you didn’t get anything?” Kun asks, brows knitted in concern. 

“Jungwoo must have her,” the mention of his name snaps your attention back towards all ten people as they sit with their eyes fixed on you--fingers still nervously tangled in the ribbon on your box. You can’t tell if it’s real pity in their eyes or just some cruel concoction of your overactive imagination, but you shrink under their gaze regardless. 

“Hey, _______. Don’t worry about it,” Ten leans forward, expression softened to a reassuring smile. All hints of teasing are washed off his face as he looks over at you, “I’m sure something just came up. You guys can exchange gifts on your next shift.” You nod, offering a smile in return. The thought of your freshly baked cookies hiding uneaten and forgotten in their tin until the next time you work with Jungwoo casts a heavy cloud over your mind, but you try your best to conceal it as everyone gathers their things and starts filing out of the cafe. 

“_______, do you mind locking up? You’re in in the morning right, so you have the keys?” Kun asks, propping the front door open as the last of your coworkers disappears into the darkness outside. 

“Yeah, I’ll lock up, no worries.” He says a quick thanks before leaving and you sigh, heading behind the counter to flick the lights off. The cafe dims and you’re left standing in the glow of the Christmas tree, clutching your unopened present to your chest. 

You contemplate just eating the cookies alone, bathed in your own self-pity, when the front door chimes open. “Hey,” Jungwoo waves towards you--shy smile stretched over his face. “I’m sorry I’m late.” 

“Oh,” eyes wide with surprise, you spin towards him. His soft brown eyes twinkle in the glow of the yellow and white lights of the Christmas display and you can feel your heart as it pounds insistently at your chest. You pull the present tighter to you in an attempt to quiet it--to keep Jungwoo from hearing it. “Umm, it’s okay. Everyone just left though, I think they’re going to the pub if you want to join them.”

“I know,” he laughs, raising a hand to run it through his hair nervously. “Honestly, I sort of...waited for them to leave.” 

The confession takes you by surprise and you can’t help the confusion from rising up in your expression. “Why?” 

Jungwoo steps into the cafe, letting the door close behind him. You watch as walks towards you--even in the low, amber lights you can see the thoughts racing through his mind as he steps closer. Your heart continues to race in your chest as he comes to a stop in front of you. His lopsided smile churns a cauldron of feelings in your stomach as you gaze at him, waiting for him to answer. He opens his mouth to speak and you feel on the edge of a wire before he shakes his head and fumbles through his pockets, “ah, right. I have a present for you.” He slips a small, delicately wrapped box out of his coat pocket and offers it to you. “I was your, uh, Secret Santa.” 

“Thank you,” you mumble, “oh, um, I was yours, too.” Thrusting out the box away from your chest, you clumsily exchange gifts--fingertips grazing against each other in a blaze of sparks under the twinkling Christmas lights.

You hold tight to the wrapped box, rubbing your thumb over the ridges of glitter that adorn the paper, and watch as Jungwoo tears into your gift. He snaps open the lid of the tin and gasps, glancing up at you in a combination of surprise and awe, “did you make these?” 

You nod, a soft laugh escaping your lips, and his grin widens, “I hope you like them.” 

“These are my favourite!” He plucks out a gingerbread man from the tin and bites into it--eyes closed, immersing himself into the flavour. You watch, anxiety gripping your chest, and pray that this batch turned out well. That none of the spices are too overpowering, that you used the right amount of sugar, that the gingerbread man is soft but not too soft. 

Jungwoo’s laughs around a mouthful of cookie, “it’s so good! You really made these for me?” His voice drops, softening slightly, and you nod. “Now I feel like my present isn’t enough,” he mumbles, scratching at the back of his head nervously. 

You peel the tape away from the fold of the paper, not wanting to tear it, and unwrap the small box. Jungwoo watches, gaze intent, as you open the lid of the box and pull out a necklace. A bright, silver star pendant shines under the glow of the Christmas lights and you feel the swell of emotions rise back up in your chest. “Wow,” you breathe, “it’s beautiful.” 

“I’m glad you like it,” he smiles, “here let me help.” Jungwoo takes the necklace from your hands, stepping forward and wrapping his arms around you. 

Your breath hitches in your throat at the proximity. He smells like ginger and the faint scent of coffee that lingers over everyone who works in the cafe. Familiar and intoxicating. Time stalls as you feel his fingers brush against the back of your neck, the gentle feeling of his breath as it breezes past your ear. 

You’ve been close to Jungwoo before, brushing up against each other behind the counter during afternoon rushes, a quick hug before he leaves for a long  break. But this moment, standing encircled in his arms in the soft glow of holiday lights around you, feels like the first time. The necklace settles around your neck, but Jungwoo doesn’t pull away. Blood rushes to your head, dizzying your thoughts as he leans in closer towards your ear, “can I tell you a secret?” Despite not being able to see his face, you can feel the warmth of his cheeks blazing next to yours. “I swapped with someone to get your name for Secret Santa.” 

“So did I,” you laugh, emboldened by his confession. He pulls back to face you, arms still wrapped around your shoulders, with a smile. 

“Really?” 

“Yeah,” you nod, grinning. Ten crosses your mind, his sly smile, and you wonder if he masterminded the whole plot briefly before Jungwoo raises a hand to brush a lock of hair from your face. 

“Why?” 

You hesitate, months of anxious thoughts raging up inside of you even under the warmth and welcome of his gaze. “Because,” you breathe, swallowing down the thoughts and facing your fears. “Because I like you.” 

“Really?” He asks, his eyes crinkling at the edges as he smiles. “I like you, too.” 

He leans forward, slowly, and you move to meet him halfway. Drawn in by the dim lights that sparkle around you, by the heady warmth emanating from him as he stands wrapped around you, and by the scent of spice floating up from his collar. His lips brush against yours and you can taste your cookies on them, pulling you in further with their lingering sweetness. Jungwoo smiles against your lips softly and you can’t help but do the same. Enchanted by the moment. 

He pulls away after a second, soft brown eyes gazing into your own--stars shining in their depths. “Do you want to go for a walk to see some Christmas lights?”

You laugh and lean in for another chaste kiss, soaking in the warmth of him as you linger against his lips. “I would love to.” 

The taste of ginger lingers on your tongue as you step out into the cool night air hand in hand--careful to lock up the cafe before you leave.

© 2020, neonun-au

#jungwoo #jungwoo fluff #neoculturechristmas #nct-writers #kconnet #nctcreations #czennet #kdiner #unfortunatus: paradiso #nct #nct fluff #jungwoo x reader #nct x reader

[dvrlingrenjun]

MATCHMAKER ⚯͛

genre: fluff, hogwarts au, winter themed, kind-of soulmate au (not really).

paring: gryffindor!jisung x house-neutral!reader (gender neutral? idk) ft. hufflepuff!chenle & mentions of stray kids felix but doesn't have a huge role.

summary: chenle trying to play cupid for you and jisung was awful, but his efforts weren't in vain.

warnings: mentions of food (honeydukes), chenle dipping like every 5 seconds idk

wc: >1.6k

rose’s notes: hello! like to start off by, this imagine doesnt have too many details about hogwarts. so i hope people who haven't read/watched harry potter understands mostly everything :> secondly, my secret santa is @dreamiehrs ! ah i'm sorry jenna it's a day late ;-; i hope you like this small imagine nonetheless. and lastly, thank you @yongiefilms for stressing, staying up with me to finish both of our works, and proofreading. couldn't do anything without you bitch <3

the soulmate thing i tried was: "when you kiss your soulmate for the first time your entire body glows" but a confession instead (ง •̀_•́)ง

to be honest, you didn’t know what your relationship with park jisung. it was confusing to say the least. one week he would watch the stars with you in the astronomy tower and hold your hand while running away from mr. filch’s wrath for staying up too late. but the next week he acts as if he was annoyed by your presence.

unfortunately for chenle, he was both of your best friends since year one. he was stuck in the middle of this unfortunate situation, hearing both of you rant about each other simultaneously. the endless conversations started to get to chenle’s head to where he could no longer focus on one thing for too long, debating with himself on the matters between the two of you. he desperately wanted the whole problem to be solved already, simply wishing for the two of you to finally be together.

so chenle had come up with an idea for you two to finally confess to each other. to play cupid and so he did. what he planned.

his plan started when you three planned to go to hogsmeade. so here you are, outside of honeydukes, sitting on one of the benches. it wasn't snowing yet but all of the leaves had fallen down the trees. you and chenle were bantering about whether or not every flavor beans were awful or not. while jisung focused on his pink coconut ice, paying no attention to the two of you. chenle sighs giving up on the mini argument, when a certain blonde guy caught his eye.

it was like a lightbulb turned on in his head, chenle found a way to leave the two of you alone. the plan starts now. chenle thought.

chenle stands up from the bench all three of you were previously sitting in. he calls out felix's name hurriedly, the older boy turning around just in time to wait for him.

chenle starts putting away his belongings including his every flavor beans you two recently argued about, and speaks.

“hey i need to work on a partner project with felix, i'll head out first. see you guys at charms class.” he waves goodbye at both of you before jogging to felix.

you blink, not knowing what to do. turning around to jisung, who still was focusing on the pink coconut ice. you opened your mouth to talk but ultimately decided not to, assuming that he isn't in the mood to converse with you. you turned away from the light brown hair boy, opting to eat your chocoballs in the awkward silence instead. much to chenle’s disliking.

seeing how the first time, flaking on you and jisung didn't work, chenle tried the same tactic one more time. this time, you three were at the library, you sitting next to jisung since chenle insists on having the free chair next to him. you were studying subjects like arithmancy and some other subjects you guys weren't the best at. when changing subjects to potions was when chenle said he would go to the restroom, he never came back. making jisung had no choice but to ask you questions about magical properties of some numbers he was having trouble with.

you were done with chenle’s shenanigans. looking for your best friend through the corridors, you finally caught sight of him walking through the courtyard talking to felix. the older noticed you walking towards chenle, wanting to give you two some privacy. he said his farewells to chenle and a nod towards you as an acknowledgment, walking away after.

“what? planning?” chenle asked innocently after his coughing fit was over.

“oh you know, the one where you ditch jisung and i multiple times.” you deadpanned, letting go of chenle’s shoulder.

you shook your head, giving up interrogating the boy, as long as whatever chenle’s planning isn't hurting anyone. then you don't care, you suppose.

a few days have gone by and winter break was emerging, making chenle’s matchmaking plans come to a halt for now.

it was christmas eve morning when you woke up to a loud knock on your bedroom door. you muttered a soft ‘coming!’ before getting off of your cozy bed. thinking it was one of your family members wanting for you to wake up early again. opening the door, you hissed at the person,

“what do you want.” your eyelids closing on themselves from being just woken up.

jisung raises his arm in defense, “easy there tiger, i just wanted to hang out with you during christmas eve.”

knowing that all familiar voice, you shut the door. there was no way you would allow for jisung to see you like this. you didn't bother looking for your hair brush, as you started to untangle the knots in your hair, while looking at a mirror to see if you looked okay.

jisung continued what he was going to say, even if a door was in the way. “i asked chenle to come with me to jump you but he was busy spending time with family. oh yeah i already asked your family to go out and they agreed.” jisung added.

“okay! i’ll go get ready.” you spoke before looking at your wardrobe, thinking what you should wear.

when you wore the clothing to your liking, you finally decided to open your door, wearing some heavy clothes for the snow. you saw jisung waiting out there with his muggle phone at hand.

you and jisung headed to the front door, seeing family members in the living room. you said your goodbyes to your family and left on your way to…

“wait jisung, where are we going?” you asked, looking ahead at the small snowflakes lightly falling down.

“we’re going to an ice-skating rink! how does that sound?” jisung eye-smiled, moving his head slightly to the beat of the christmas songs playing in the background.

“oh that sounds fun!” you liked the idea of ice skating with park jisung.

feeling a sudden breeze, you shoved your hands down your pockets, even though you wore really warm clothing it still was just as cold, the harsh wind biting against your not so exposed skin

seeing you shivering, he stopped walking and reached inside the paper bag you noticed earlier.

“here, i was going to give this to you once we got to the ice-skating rink but i think you would like this now.” jisung pulls his hand out and gives you white mittens that have a cute snowman on one of the corners of the wool. you grabbed the mittens, looking at how adorable the mittens are.

“oh thank you!” you smiled, putting on the mittens. carrying onto the ice skating rink.

when you two reached the rink, you grabbed your respective shoe sizes and finally got to the ice. holding onto jisung’s arm to stabilize yourself,

“did i mention i have never gone ice skating?” you brought up.

"no, but it's okay. you can hold onto me.” jisung offered.

you nodded taking the offer, fixated on trying not to slip on the slippery ice. everything was going well so far with some minor hiccups, until you felt a small dip in the ice making you plummet to the cold hard ice.

of course with you holding onto jisung, you brought jisung down with you. jisung catching himself on top of you.

“ah.” jisung blushed mumbling, he stared into your eyes, noticing how close your faces are.

you and jisung laid there, the both of you being absorbed into the situation. you saw the sparkles in his eyes. something in your gut tells you to confess right now. right there. and so you do.

“i like you,” you breathed out, you felt like you were glowing, you felt like nothing can stop you. “i like you so much, park jisung.”

you and jisung finally became a happy couple after the ice skating rink incident. at the end of the holiday break, you walked hand-in-hand with jisung to station 9⅓ heading back to hogwarts. you two met chenle on the train, he smiles widely noticing the skinship between you and jisung.

“so did my matchmaking skills pay off?” chenle asked, moving his pet owl to the side of the booth.

blush paints jisung’s cheeks, trying to deny chenle’s statement. “absolutely not.”

but chenle knew they had and so did jisung and you.

#neoculturechristmas #nct-writers #dreamwritersnet #nct dream imagines #nct imagines #park jisung imagines #nct park jisung #nct dream jisung #nct jisung #nct scenarios #nct dream scenarios

[chittapornswife]

A Merry Christmas Eve

A/N: hello!! @adamfoolcry it is me ur secret santa for the @neoculturechristmas​ secret santa fic!!!! i’m sorry i never got in touch with you :(( i tried to find a way to do so anonymously but you had the anon option off in your ask/submit box😭 it’s okay tho!!! because I uh creeped thru ur archives to try and incorporate your interests in this fic😳! I hope you enjoy it & have a very merry christmas! (also i have another lil gift for u seeing as u love sicheng a lot) :D 💗❤️💗❤️ And thank you to @bumblebeenct​ and @lucaswithnoshirt​ for organizing this! I hope you both have a wonderful christmas!❤️

type: Hendery x fem!reader genre: fluff, humour, enemies-to-lovers, coworkers!au warnings: swearing, mention of: fainting, medicine  word count: 4.7K

God, if you heard one more giggle coming from the other side of the book café, you were going to lose it. You were itching to throw the book in your hand in that direction, in hopes it would shut them up.

Unfortunately you couldn’t afford the damage costs if you did so you restrained yourself, choosing to take a deep breath instead, reminding yourself that there was only a couple more hours left before you could escape this hellhole. Well, it hadn’t always been a hellhole.

Working at the Sun & Moon book café had been like heaven when you first started. It was your dream job to work some place by the college you attended and especially somewhere that dealt with books. It was the best of both worlds since you could sip on a nice warm hot chocolate as you filed Jane Eyre and Northanger Abbey. But ever since he had come, everything had gone downhill.

“Hehe, thank you again~!!” The female customer’s disgustingly sweet voice disrupted the usually quiet place, making you wince. A soft but cheery “no problem!” came from the man who didn’t even bother asking her to to quiet down. The man who was also the sole cause behind this newfound ruckus and who always managed to get on your nerves.

Wong Kunhang or more commonly known as Hendery.

Ever since he had been hired by your manager who was desperate for staff, he had only brought misfortune upon misfortunes. There was no end to all the giggly high school and college age girls that would come in, vying for some sort of attention from him. Your manager, Doyoung, had told you not to complain about it, explaining that all the girls who came in for Hendery contributed to the store’s revenue. Yet you still couldn’t help being irritated by the fairly new worker who always had a bright smile on his face, making him look foolish and naive in your eyes but apparently “cute” to others.

It wasn’t even his smile nor his fangirls that irritated you the most about him. It was the fact that he was adored by everyone even though he was so shitty at his job. How everyone instantly praised and showered him with love when he couldn’t even do the basics of his job correctly like cleaning the equipment.

Perhaps you were also a bit peeved at the fact that when you had first started your job as a barista behind the café counter, your experience had been the complete opposite as you’d only met grumpy or rude customers. No matter how hard you had tried, people had treated you horribly. This was why you had permanently transferred over to the bookkeeping side of the store, feeling more comfortable dealing with silent, bound pages rather than bratty demanding humans.

“Um what was your name?” The flirtatiously high voice pierced your ears once more. You were already imagining the cutesy female lean close to the counter, trying hard to act innocent yet seductive for Hendery.

“How much do you wanna bet he’ll just point to his name tag like a goof and wave her off with his dumb smile?” Your coworker Yangyang, bumped his shoulder with yours, a grin stretched across his face. He was the only one who made work tolerable since the both of you got along really well with your similar taste in humour and hobbies.

You rolled your eyes and scoffed, “Yeah right, like any guy would pass up on a chance with a girl like her.”

You looked over at the café counter where the two were. The girl was drop dead gorgeous and was known around your college campus to be intelligent and extremely talented in makeup. She was one of those girls that no matter what she wore, she always looked stunning, like a model ready for a photoshoot. Hendery would’ve been a fool to turn down her advances.

But you were proven wrong. Hendery did exactly as Yangyang said, pointing to his name tag with a smile except he went above and beyond as he looked over her shoulder to the next customer asking, “How can I help you?”

Your jaw slowly opened in disbelief as you watched the poor girl redden and go over to the waiting area, trying to maintain her composure. As much as you were annoyed by her obnoxious flirting, you still felt bad that Hendery had embarrassed her in front of the people behind her in line.

Yangyang quietly laughed beside you causing you to elbow him aggressively, whispering, “Don’t be a jerk! He just embarrassed her!”

The floppy-haired boy shrugged his shoulders, mischief still in his eyes as he took the book you were struggling to file from your hands and nonchalantly said, “Well, she was the one who was being too pushy besides you know Hendery doesn’t think of things like that, he’s too naive.”

A part of you wanted to agree with him yet ultimately, you still chose to blame Hendery. Even if he was naive, he was far too annoying and goofy to work as a barista. God, you were lucky to have never worked with him so far, you silently thought to yourself as you pushed the book cart to the back. The day you two worked together would definitely be hell.

“I’m sorry what?”

You looked at your manager, Doyoung, in complete disbelief.

“You’re going to be working behind the counter with Hendery on Christmas Eve.” He repeated casually as he scribbled on the schedule sheet in the staff room you both were in.

Your worst nightmare had just come true. You were going to work alongside Hendery. But not just on any other day, on Christmas freaking Eve. Out of all the days, did it really have to be a day before Christmas? A day of holiday cheer and happiness was now going to be filled with misery as you dealt with Hendery’s messes and mistakes.

“But how? What about the café supervisors?” You asked him, hoping that he had missed a detail like forgetting someone else was available that day to work.  Although you were his subordinate, he had never treated you as such and so you felt comfortable enough to ask him things like this. 

“Well, I forgot that Claire asked for the day off and since you’re the only supervisor available that day, you’ll have to make do. Besides, there won't be any book filing tasks to do so it’ll just be the counter. If anyone has a question with the books then you’ll be able to help them anyways.”

You blinked profusely, trying every excuse in the book to get you out of the situation.

“B-but, I haven’t worked behind the counter in so long, I mean can’t I switch shifts with someone else?”

Doyoung snorted, pushing up his glasses as he walked past you with the schedule sheet, tacking it on the bulletin board beside the couches.

“Well good luck finding someone who’ll want to work on Christmas Eve.”

You scowled at the back of the sweater vest clad man, his back facing you as he fixed other posters on the bulletin board like the neat freak he was. Challenge accepted, Kim Doyoung.

Challenge failed.

Every single person you had messaged in the past couple of days was busy and had plans or was not even in town. Even supervisors from the other Sun & Moon book cafe downtown were unavailable. And since you lived on the college campus nearby, with no other plans, you were the only choice.

You stood outside the place, dread filling you up at the thoughts of how the night might go. The whole night before you’d had trouble falling asleep. Then you’d woken up in the morning only to feel a bit under the weather, only eating a couple crackers with tea before leaving for work. And now here you were, dressed in a christmas tree sweater with reindeer antlers on your head, wishing you could go back to the comforts of your dorm and just sleep through the day.

With a sigh you stepped in, the familiar aromas of coffee and lattes washing over you with a hint of that woody smell from the books.

Okay, you could do this, it was just one night.

It seemed already to be a bit busy as you made your way to the staff room, people sipping on their drinks and the sounds of pages flipping around you. It put a warm smile on your face; well, at least the atmosphere was cozy. Dropping off your things in the staff room, you stared at the red apron hanging on a hook in front of you, the horrible apron that you’d thought you’d never wear again.

But you had to keep a positive mindset. After all, maybe things would look up for you, maybe working with Hendery wouldn’t be so bad.

“Hey (y/n)!” Henry’s chirpy voice broke into your mental preparation, tearing apart any optimistic thoughts you had.

It was Christmas Eve though, the least you could do was put aside your annoyance and be kind to him. So you mustered up a smile and turned to look at him, however, the smile didn’t last for long as you saw what he was wearing.

Hendery wore a cream sweater with jeans, nothing that screamed christmas but with the red barista apron he had on it passed. But it was what was on his head that pissed you off. The boy had come in wearing a white beanie that said “loverboy” in red on the front and had white ears attached making him look like he was wearing a cat hat.

Was he serious? Or maybe this was just temporary, as the dress code strictly said that you couldn’t wear any type of hat inside, unless for religious reasons.

“Um, are you wearing that on the floor?” You pointed to his head, unable to stop the frown from spreading across your face.

He grinned, his teeth showing, making him look all foolish again.

“Yep! I just got it from a friend and I thought why not wear it today? It’s white so it totally goes along with Christmas!”

You closed your eyes, trying not to explode at his obnoxiously happy state and muttered, “Hendery. There is nothing Christmas about it, it’s just a white cat beanie. You do know that we can’t wear hats while working right?”

His smile faltered, apparently he was surprised at your reaction. What? Did he really think you’d like it? He should’ve known what was okay to wear and what was not. Besides, reindeer antlers and santa hats only cost a couple of dollars at the most and many people owned one so he could’ve borrowed from someone.

God, now you were beginning to have a headache.

“Uh, I didn’t know, I mean I uh forgot. Um I can’t take it off yet because I promised my friend I’d be wearing it for him when he dropped by. I mean if that’s cool with you, can I?”

He made that nervous concentrating face that you’d noticed in his first two weeks of working. But it only seemed to irritate you more as you aggressively put on your apron quickly biting out, “It’s fine. At least you’re in Christmas colours.”

The both of you went out, the tension seemingly visible as some people gave you confused looks from how you were basically speed-walking in while scowling.

At the moment you didn’t care about their opinions, your only mission was to do your job and close the store quickly then get out.

And as you got behind the counter you made sure to assign Hendery at the till while you made the drinks so there was less chances of messing orders up. But as around ten to fifteen minutes went by, your headache began to worsen. It got so bad to the point where, you could feel the sweat drip down the side of your face and your stomach was beginning to hurt as well.

Surely, it wasn’t that time of the month for you. The only conclusion could be that it was something you had ate before or maybe you were dehydrated.

But you couldn’t quit now. Instead, you tiredly let Hendery know you were going on a short break, unable to notice the concern on his face as he nodded and somehow made your way to the staff room. You were drained of energy and needed a quick sip of any drink as your eyes fluttered and a slight dizziness took over.

“Thank god for walls.” You mumbled as you leaned against the cool wood, closing your eyes and telling yourself that you just needed to make it to the staff room for an ibuprofen and some water and then you’d be fine.

However, things didn’t go as planned as the world started to spin and soon it all blacked out as you lost your balance and fell to the ground.

“(y/n)??? (y/n)??” A hand shook your shoulder as you softly groaned, absolutely exhausted. You just wanted to sleep, why couldn’t you ever just get some sleep?

“(y/n) please wake up, please just take some medicine and then you can go back to sleep.” The voice was soft, filled with concern but it was nice, comforting like the soft bed you were laying on; you wanted to hear more of it. So you obliged and opened your eyes slowly, mouth completely dry and lips even drier as you smiled at the figure in front of you.

It was the catboy.

His big eyes that were filled with panic softened in relief as you looked lazily up at him. Now that you thought about it, Hendery was fairly attractive with those big kind eyes, nice face structure and slightly wavy blond hair that went with his cream sweater and beanie. He always dressed nicely whether it was at work or the glimpses you saw of him and his just as wild friends at college.

This definitely had to be a dream, it had to be if you were thinking of Hendery in a positive light.

“Here, let’s get you up.” He whispered, putting his hand on your back and helping you to a sitting position on the bed. The walls were all beige around you and you realized that you were in the medical room at the book café. It was a smart idea by Doyoung that if someone wasn’t feeling well and needed a place for rest before going home or being picked up, that they could rest in there.

“How are you feeling?” Hendery murmured, staring at you with concern. You gave him a tired thumbs up, wincing slightly at the pain that shot through your side. This dream was definitely more realistic than others.

Hendery smiled at you, for some reason causing you to smile at him back. He gave you a glass of water before sitting down in the chair that had been put right beside the bed. God, did water ever taste amazing in a dream. 

“Um,” He spoke up, catching you slightly by surprise, “Do you remember what happened?”

Huh? You looked at him confused, what had happened? 

Hendery scratched the back of his head, moving his beanie and said in a serious tone, “You fainted by the staff room half an hour ago.”

Fainted???? Your eyes widened at his words. So this wasn't a dream? This was reality?

No wonder you felt so shitty, it was because of the dehydration. You mentally cursed at yourself for your current state. Wait. The café counter, you were supposed to be supervising for the night. 

If Hendery was here, then who was out there? 

It seemed that Hendery figured out your panicked look as he quickly said, “Don’t worry, I called Doyoung in and he’s covering us right now. When you fainted he called in the college med staff and they just told us you were dehydrated. They left a couple of minutes ago actually saying to wake you up and take the meds they left.”

Hendery seemed nervous as he said all of this, avoiding your eyes. 

“I-I’m sorry (y/n).”

You frowned, looking at the distressed boy, nothing like the naively grinning one you were so used to seeing.

“I’m sorry I didn’t do anything to help you when you were looking so tired working and made you stressed out with my stupid beanie.” He angrily took off the cat eared beanie, holding it in his hands grimly.

“It’s-” “It’s not okay.” He cut you off by surprise. Hendery sighed, “It’s Christmas Eve, a day that’s supposed to be filled with happiness and here you are, stuck with someone as dumb as me.”

“You’re not dumb.” You croaked out, taking another sip of the water, hoping that your voice would go back to normal.

“But I am. I know you don’t like working with me, I see it in your face every time we work and I thought that today I could make it up to you, but I couldn’t even see that you weren't feeling well. I should’ve asked, I should’ve just asked you to take a break rather than you going off alone.”

He looked so upset with himself that you couldn’t help but feel guilty for his reaction. Maybe you had been too harsh on the boy, he was just trying his best and maybe it wasn’t too great yet but he still had time to learn. You were in his position once.

“Hendery,” You softly spoke, “It’s not your fault. I was so mean to you for no reason, I’m so sorry. Your beanie is really nice too, I was just not in a good mood, I’m sorry. I also shouldn’t have come in today if I wasn’t feeling well. I just ended up being a huge burden to you and Doyoung.”  

Before Hendery could say something, the door opened and in came Doyoung, adorned in a lit up reindeer sweater with a santa hat and looking annoyed. But his hard stance softened when he saw you sitting miserably on the bed.

“Did you take the medicine?” He asked, scrutinizing you and Hendery, crossing his arms like a mom who had caught her child and their partner in the act. You shook your head making him roll his eyes and walk up to you, opening the medicine container all the while mumbling how you all never listened to anyone.

Doyoung then placed the pills in your hand and you swallowed them with the water, hating the horrible sensation that accompanied it as your throat was a pit parched still.

Right after you were done, he collected your cup of water, about to walk away and out the room when he raised his brow at Hendery, “Since she’s feeling better, shouldn’t you be back on till?”

“But she’s-” “I can look over her from here. It’s not busy out right now so you’ll be fine being alone for a couple of minutes.”

The big brown eyed boy looked back and forth between you and his manager, wondering if he should comply or not. Finally, with a sigh he got up and left. As soon as he closed the door, Doyoung pushed his glasses up his nose, turning to face you with an all knowing smile spreading across his face.

“So what’s with you and lover boy?”

You groaned, laying back in the bed, you were never going to hear the end of this from him now.

“Cut it out Doyoung, we were just apologizing to each other because we felt bad. You didn’t miss anything juicy.”

The preppy boy rolled his eyes, sitting on the chair that Hendery had sat on.

“If I hadn’t come in right then, pretty sure y’all would’ve started kissing or hugging each other passionately or something.”

You scoffed at his words. Just because you had thought of Hendery as attractive in that one dazed moment didn’t mean you wanted to make out with him right then and there.

“Doyoung just cause your love life is non existent doesn’t mean you can go start creating things in mine.” 

“Oh so Hendery is a part of your love life then?” 

You groaned again. Now you had dug yourself a hole with that one. The boy laughed and ran a hand through his hair saying, “I know you’ve been too busy hating on him to know this but the boy cares about you.”

Now it was your turn to laugh and you stared at the beige ceiling above as you replied, “I’m pretty sure any other coworker would’ve called for help if they’d seen their colleague passed out.”

Doyoung shrugged and got up saying, “True but I know your colleagues wouldn’t stay by your side the whole time with serious worry. Well, besides Yangyang but the both of you are good friends so...”

Now you rolled your eyes, “Whatever Dodo.”

He stomped his foot, “Don't call me that! You know I hate it! Besides, I’m still your manager at the moment you know! We are at work!” He frowned like a little kid having a tantrum.

You smiled at him, feeling a bit better from his hilarious antics as he left the room to go help Hendery.

Pretty soon it was close to closing time and Doyoung had already left as he unfortunately had somewhere to be, asking you multiple times if you were alright with it. No matter how much you reassured him he looked at your warily as if you were lying. It got to the point that both you and Hendery had to shove him out the door and threaten to lock it on him.

Now it was just the two of you. Since it was much darker now and the day before Christmas, most people had left and only one or two regulars remained, lounging about and reading. So you began to clean up with Hendery, all the while unable to shake off Doyoung’s words about how Hendery had cared for you.

It was probably just a one time thing. Maybe he was just an extremely sympathetic guy.

“Hey, you don’t have to do this, I can clean up. You can rest if you want.”

Hendery looked at you in the same way as Doyoung had, his cat beanie back on again. He’d only done adorned it once more after you had urged him to, saying that since Christmas was tomorrow it was fine if he bent the rules a little bit. It wasn’t like head office was coming in tonight plus you still felt guilty for being so mean to him.

He glanced your way with concern as you shook your head, “I’m fine now seriously. You don’t have to worry.”

But he kept worrying. Anything you did he’d offer to do for you or would simply take it out of your hands and do it himself. But on the bright side he was improving at cleaning the equipment.

You sighed as he closed the front doors and turned off the lights. Everything had been done and now you were able to go home, to the sweet comforts of your bed, finally.

“Are you all good to go?” You asked Hendery as he zipped up a big puffy red jacket and slung a bag over his shoulder. “Yep!” He smiled in your direction, analyzing you for the millionth time today to check if you were okay. As endearing as it had been at first, now it was a bit too exhausting.

“Okay, time for us to go!” You zipped up your coat as the both of you made your way to the front. You both got out and you locked the doors, checking that everything was okay. But before you could say a goodbye and a merry christmas and leave, Hendery stopped you.

“Wait! Um, I know it isn’t too much but I had a lil something for you.”

He reached into his bag and pulled out a small box that was all wrapped up. “I’m sorry for the shitty wrapping job.” His cheeks reddened as he fidgeted with his hands.

You were taken aback at the kind gesture but also felt bad that you hadn’t even gotten him anything. 

“Oh, Hendery! thank you! I’m so sorry I didn’t get you anything.” You said as he handed you the gift quickly saying, “It’s fine! You don't have to get me anything!” 

“Um should I open it now or tomorrow?” You were unsure on what was the most appropriate thing to do in a moment like this.

“Totally your choice!” He nervously laughed, hands still fidgeting.

“Right now it is then.” You murmured and began to unwrap the paper away, seeing a jewellery box with a tiny card on top of it.

“Oh um, you can read the card at home cause it’s pretty cold outside you don’t wanna get too cold by standing out for so long.” He blabbed again.

Frankly, you weren’t listening to his words and opened the card anyways, reading the thoughtful message written inside:

To: (y/n) 

Thank you for guiding me and helping me even when you’d rather not, I really appreciate it. I hope we can work more shifts together and that we get to see each other often. You have a very kind heart and I hope you know how special you are to each person you meet, especially me. I’m sorry for being so goofy all the time and I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From: Hendery :)

You smiled at the message before opening up the jewellery box to find a pretty sun charm bracelet.

“Oh this is so cute!” You squealed at the gift. Hendery let out a breath you hadn’t realized that he’d been holding and as you looked up at him, your emotions got the best of you as you enveloped him in a hug, moving side to side with joy. His body was so nice and warm, you totally forgot about the cold surrounding you. But as soon you realized what you had just done, you pulled away quickly.

Slightly out of breath from all the moving, the both of you looked into each other’s eyes in surprise. It was so intimate that you could smell his fresh cologne and see the tiny stitches in his beanie. He looked even more good looking, ethereal up close now that you were more awake. For once, you were the nervous one and felt your palms begin to sweat. You were about to pull away and apologize for the sudden hug when Hendery softly murmured, “You’re so beautiful.”

What? You held your breath, heartbeat pumping as you wondering if what you had just heard was correct or the medication had some side effects. Hendery calling you beautiful? You? The both of you going from enemies to somewhat friends to now attracted to each other? 

All of a sudden, he leaned in slowly making you close your eyes, waiting for his soft lips to be on yours. Instead, he kissed your forehead and your cheek whispering, “Merry Christmas Eve (y/n), I’ve been wanting to tell you that since I first started at Sun & Moon.”

You laughed at the way his words sounded. 

“You’ve been wanting to tell me Merry Christmas Eve since you started?” You poked fun at him, honestly just wanting to hear him call you beautiful once more.

Hendery grinned as he said, “Yes, exactly.”

He laughed before hugging you tightly again and the two of you stayed in each other’s embrace for a while, simply enjoying the moment.

Once you pulled away, a smile gracing the both of your faces, you wondered what was going to happen now. 

He cleared his throat, probably thinking the same thing as he puled away rom you and looked to the side asking, “I know this isn’t an ideal first date, I mea it could be a hangout if you want it to be, but do you wanna come back to my dorm for some dinner? My roommates are all outta town and same with the res monitor.” Hendery shyly asked, those big eyes slightly pleading you, making it hard to say no.

“I would like that.” You said before leaning and kissing him on the cheek, tempted by the clear, soft-looking skin.

What had first started as a horrible Christmas Eve was now going to end as the best Christmas Eve and an even better Christmas alongside Hendery. 

#neoculturechristmas #nct-writers #neoswitchnet #cznnet #nctcreations #secret santa #hendery fics #hendery au #wong kunhang #hendery x reader #nct x reader #wayv x reader #wayv fics #wayv scenarios #wayv drabbles #hendery drabbles #hendery scenarios #nct christmas au #nct soft hours #nct 2020

[seodami]

Neon green | LYY

Genre: soulmate au, fluff, friends to lovers, some frustrated feelings,...

Warning: none (besides cursing like 2 times)

Word count: 4071 (oopsie hehe)

Pairing: Trainee!Liu Yangyang x reader

Note: I am so excited for participating in the ✨NCT secret Santa event✨ I want to thank the organizers @neoculturechristmas for preparing such a cool collaboration! It is such a nice idea and I am really excited to read all the other stories. I really tried making it a bit winter themed in the beginning but oh well I think i failed haha. But if you squint ITS THERE I SWEAR :)) So this one is for you @theleemark :) I really hope you like it! Merry Christmas ✨

“Yangyang stop it!” You laughed while running away from the boy, who currently was chasing you like a maniac through the park. His arms were loaded with dozens of big white snowballs just ready to be thrown at you.

Your feet felt like they were sinking even further into the deep snow layer on the ground with each step you took. It was impossible to avoid your best friend any longer. And before you could complain further, the ice cold snow ball hit you right on your already pink cheek.

You let out a loud scream, not being able to move. The prickling pain of the cold snow overwhelming your senses.

Yangyang however couldn’t stop laughing looking at your face. Running the last few meters to you to catch up, he tackled you down into a hug, which unfortunately ended with both of you laying in the deep snow. Your jeans were soaking wet at this point. An icy feeling shuttered down your spine.

“Yangyaanggg...god I hate you.” You fumed frustratedly, hitting your best friends chest. “Get off me! You are heavy...” your weak arms tried to lift the boy above you up but bitterly failed.

Yangyang giggled into your neck, standing up by himself while helping you up as well. “Hey I’m not heavy. More like heavenly, don’t you think?” He wiggled his eyebrows teasingly with his usual smile as he posed like a supermodel.

As hard as you tried to keep pouting and stay angry at him, you couldn’t stop the laugh from bubbling up behind your hands. A grin immediately made its way onto his face. “Isn’t snow so dope? Like you can literally do anything you want. It’s like a movie.” He babbled excitedly.

You couldn’t help but secretly admire his beauty once again. Lately you’ve been catching yourself a lot staring mindlessly at him when he was busy. Even when it was just him pouring boiling water into a ramen cup. Maybe it was all the mushy lovey dovey Christmas romance content on Netflix you’ve been simping over the last month or just Yangyang himself but you were certainly sure, he definitely got more attractive in your eyes.

Still it was something you would never ever in your dreams confess to him or talk about. Especially since there wasn’t really any sign that you two were connected as soulmates. He was just...well...just your best friend. And you had to live with that.

You still remember the way you two became friends. It was a very fond memory of yours and little do you know, also for Yangyang. You both were in 5th grade back then, being the little Chinese kid who showed off his tiny German skills and the clumsy half Caucasian girl with braces. It was hilarious how well you two got along besides the differences.

You two were in the age were kids began to talk about soulmates and their soulmate connections. From writing on the arm to body switches or color blindness, everything was there. In school you briefly have learned about all the indicators and the bond itself, but you seemed to always be the odd one out. There had been no sign whatsoever. Nowhere on your body. Nothing. Niente.

It was frustrating at first. You found yourself way too often admiring older girls who already found their soulmate or had unique indicators. You were quite jealous of them back then.

But then you found out you weren’t the only person without a soulmate connection. There was Yangyang, who went through the exact same emotions as you did. Even if he didn’t want to admit it, he didn’t want to be lonely.

And that is how you two bonded immediately. After this, you were always together. You acted as if you were glued together, never leaving ones side. You felt safe around each other.

Adults always told you to wait and see. That yours would come sooner or later. But nothing. 9 years later and you and Yangyang still haven’t found your soulmate or anything related to soulmates. It still frustrated you at times but being the positive person you were, you just accepted it with the time.

From time to time a lot of people happened to mistaken you two for soulmates. It always made you think ‘what if’...

Your poor heart already had been through so much because of this boy. It wasn’t easy to ignore your small crush on him starting back in 7th grade. You were both growing and having loads of hormonal crises, so it was understandable at some point. But seeing that this crush hasn’t gotten any less since then, you were just totally lost.

‘Stop it y/n! He is not your soulmate! He is not...’

You snapped yourself out of your daydreams and staring as you found Yangyang smiling brightly at you. “Oh damn y/n, lately you’ve beeen really drifting off with your thoughts.” He noted as he slung one arm around your shoulder, walking with you towards your apartment, making sure to not forget your groceries at the side of the tree.

“I noticed...maybe I should just get some more sleep.” You mumbled in your sweater paws in order to warm up your freezing hands. The boy besides you let out an airy laugh while squeezing your shoulder affectionately. One habit he unconsciously took over, over time.

“Oh yes you should. Weren’t you like playing games up until 4 am last night? You sure you aren’t a zombie by now?” He joked looking over to you, you both nearly choking from air as your eyes met, making your hearts race a bit faster.

You nodded quickly focusing on the snow on the ground again. “I kinda suck. How do you sleep at 12 am already? You’re a wonder kid.”

He shrugged his shoulders, still watching you. “It’s in my genes to be a wonder kid.” His joke made you giggle slightly. Yangyang was as always Yangyang. And you found it incredibly charming. You could never deny that.

After the short walk from the snow covered park to your apartment with all of your hands filled with full grocery bags, you decided to bake some Christmas cookies before Yangyang had to head back to his shared apartment. Ever since he began training in SM entertainment as a trainee, he hadn’t that much time like he did before. But either way, you were incredibly proud of him and always happy to spend some quality time with him.

You were lucky that none of your roommates were home, visiting family over the holidays or hanging out with their partners.

It was probably the best that you were alone because you both made a whole mess in the kitchen. It was so much fun hanging out after a long time but it was a hell of a ride to clean it all up.

When the moon was already at its highest point and the night air got even fresher and chillier, Yangyang hugged you goodbye with butterflies dancing in his stomache. He would always treasure these moments with you and think about them again when he was so hardly trying to fall asleep. It was like his mind was full of you 24/7. Even if he tried staying focused on his tasks, it would most of the times end up with him thinking about your laugh and smile as you sat on the couch next to each other while making fun of the twilight characters.

He wanted to scream in his pillow how devestatingly in love he was with you at this point. You made him just so overly happy. He wanted to be near you so bad.

And people noticed. They noticed how Yangyang showed his deepest hidden personalities only to you. His playful and quirky side but also his soft and vulnerable. He simply could be himself around yourself. And you felt exactly the same. You would tell him even your deepest secrets. You knew he would keep them safe.

Yangyang was surprised to see his fellow roommates and friends still awake in the living room as he arrived home. Ten, Hendery and Lucas were all sprawled out on the couch, seemingly waiting for sleep to take over them. The flat was confusingly quiet despite the slight background noice of the TV.

“Hey guys I’m back! Why are you still awake?” It was silent for a short while before Hendery suddenly stood in front of him, making him jump by surprise.

The older boy watched him with a growing smirk and exciting twinkling eyes. “And? Did you tell her? Please say yes, we all stayed awake just to hear the news.”

Yangyang let out a sigh, he didn’t know he was holding and stripped out of his jacket. He knew this question would come but not this soon. “Just let me breathe for a second alright? I’m gonna tell you everything.”

Ten in the background let out an excited scream. “Yangyang! You did it? Ohh finally manning up and confessing...I see.” The teasing but excited tone in his voice was as clear as daylight.

“What? No... it’s not like that...” Yangyang tried to explain the situations to his friends as he walked inside heading towards the living room with Hendery behind him.

Groans came from all sides. “You didn’t?! Oh man I really thought you finally would. What are you afraid of?” The older boys words stung inside of the youngest. He shrugged his shoulders sitting besides Lucas on the couch, grabbing the nearest pillow.

“I don’t know. Like I really don’t know. She’s absolutely amazing and so stunning but...” he placed his head on the pillow with a deep sigh. “But...I feel like I’m just a coward. Just thinking about that we probably are not soulmates or never be an actual couple. It all sucks. I wish I could just tell her...”

All the boys were deep in their thoughts as they listened carefully to Yangyang sorrows and worries. They knew they needed to help the kid in some kind of way. This had been the fifth day he decided to confess but all the prior nights turned out to be a failure. He just wanted his heart to be opened by the one person he loves the most. But it felt like there was a thick layer of securing foam around it, just waiting to be ripped away. If it was just that easy...

“Hey...I know this might sound stupid but since you seem pretty lost...I might have an idea how it will be easier for you to overcome yourself.” Lucas suddenly interrupted his train of thoughts, smiling brightly at his roommates. “Oh lord...please don’t say something stupid.” Ten prayed next to him with his hand holding his forehead.

“Tell me more.”

And that was how the plan was born.

A bulletproof plan in Lucas and Henderys eyes.

And a totally stupid one in Ten’s opinion.

But Yangyang did it anyways.

Cause he was desperate, frustrated and so full of love, it was impossible for him to think 100% straight. And he did it only for you. With the intention of getting your attention in the fullest way.

It was dyeing your hair. In freaking neon green. Cause what’s a better way to show your feelings than dying your hair in your crushes favorite color?

A lot actually. But Hendery and Lucas were absolutely confident that it had something to do with the human psyche and the law of attraction or whatever they called it. Their belief: you will fall for him immediately by the time you see his hair.

The only problem with this was that this plan was obviously not thought through yet and that the only hair coloring product in this house that came the closest to your favorite color, which was green, was a bright neon green. Yuta brought it over once for Ten to dye his Neon green highlights. And Yuta indeed could pull it off.

But Yangyang began to regret ever listening to his older friends again. He looked ridiculous. Looking himself with a frown in the mirror of the bathroom at 3 am was definitely not how he imagined this day to end.

Lucas lightly joked that he at least looked somehow christmasy. But then on the other hand Hendery couldn’t stop laughing about his own joke that he found his list highlighter. It was a mess. Ten wouldn’t even want to look at his hair and when he did, all he could say was “I told you”. It was even more frustrating.

All he could do now was sleep and wish it all just had been a dream. He didn’t really had the urge anymore to show you his hair. All he wanted to do was think about you laughing and running in the snow earlier today. And he really nearly forgot his hair dilemma for the night.

You on the other hand decided to go to sleep earlier that night since you nearly hadn’t gotten any sleep at all because of your assignments for university. It was more than exhausting for you to stay up till morning to finish up all your projects. Yangyang had to force you to go to bed at the end of the day and you didn’t even complain with his soothing voice telling you stories, slowly tugging you to your dream world.

The next morning, you woke up groaning with a heavy headache. One look at your phone and you could see it was 6:30. With a long sigh you fell back into your comfortable pillows, scrolling through your phone. Why did you have to wake up that early again? Right...university.

After what seems definitely too short for your liking, you finally climbed out of your bed, trotting towards the bathroom. There was no sign whatsoever that the headache would just go away by itself.

But as soon as you looked at yourself in the mirror, you let out a deafening scream. Your heart was thrumming as fast as never before and your adrenaline was rushing through your whole body. You couldn’t find a way to properly breathe at that exact moment.

“Oh my god oh my god oh my god... please let this be a dream. Nonononono. Fuck.” You mumbled to yourself while your hands searched for support at the border of the sink.

Your eyes met in the mirror in front of you. Neon green eyes. Neon fucking green. That... that was not good.

There were so many questions in your mind all at once. But one thing was sure. You wouldn’t set a single step outside of this apartment. No one could ever see you like that. You looked like a monster. As you tried rubbing your eyes continuously or trying to find a contact lenses inside of them, you came to the conclusion that you were damned.

There were many possible explanations:

1. You somehow slept too less or have some sort of hallucination due to whatever.

2. Yangyang played a prank on you and is just waiting for you to call him.

3. You suddenly have gotten a really rare disease or disability over night.

Or the most likely one (except for Yangyang and his prank maybe)

4. You just found your soulmate connection.

Your eyes widen with realization and shock, as you came to the conclusion that this could be your possible soulmate indicator. You have learned so much about them in school and by yourself that you could easily tell what it was.

It was a rare connection. But it was possible. Having your soulmates hair color as your eye color. You were 80% sure that was the reason.

The other 20% you just thought about Yangyang. How he couldn’t be your soulmate. He would have told you that he was planning to dye his hair in NEON GREEN. What in the world was this even for a hair color?

You sat down on the floor to grasp your wilding thoughts and sort out your over rushing emotions. You couldn’t pinpoint why, but your thoughts drifted off to said boy every two seconds. It made no sense at all but your subconscious probably just wanted to tell you how stupid your feelings for the Chinese boy were. He still was your best friend of many many years. You knew this day would come. The day you would finally realize that you were no soulmates. Despite all your deepest wishes.

The whole situation was nearly ironic. Neon green eyes? That could only happen to you.

With wobbly legs you waddled over to your bedroom to pick up your phone. The blood from your hands nearly disappeared all at once and left your fingers cold as ice. You pressed Yangyangs caller ID without even thinking. You knew it was still very early and it was his free day but this was definitely an emergency.

Unconsciously you began biting your finger nails nervously, trying to think straight but failed. Everything was all over the place.

After the nth peeping tone, you could hear some dampened muffles on the other side. “Y/n? Why is- are you calling?” You heard the boys broken morning voice through the speaker, gently tugging on your heartstrings. Your heart wasn’t ready for this that early.

“Uhm...I ...well Yangyang? I kind of have a big problem and I cannot leave the house. Can you...if it isn’t too much trouble... I mean come over? I just- I really don’t know what to do...” you rambled on, not knowing what to say in a situation like that. He had to see it himself to understand. God that was awful.

More ruffling could be heard, followed by damp footsteps. “Oh...yeah sure. You sound really frustrated Y/n, is everything okay? Should I bring you something?” He questioned you with concern mirroring his voice. You shook your head, remembering he couldn’t see it.

“No it’s fine... I just need some really good advices. Its just weird. You will see when you come.” You explained to him, still biting your finger nails. “Alright I will be there in a bit. I’ll still bring you some chocolate tho, that’s always one solution.” Yangyang tried to lift up your seemingly worried mood, succeeding immediately and earning a chuckle from you.

“Thank you. You are the best. See you soon.” The line went dead and left you with a more comforting feeling than before. You were still sure everyone looking at you would scream out loud but at least Yangyang was there for you and could buy you contacts or whatever. You were always thankful to have someone like him in your life.

Not half an hour later, said boy rang the bell to your apartment. You prayed to god that none of your roommates got up because of the noice. You wouldn’t want anyone to see you like this... except for Yangyang.

In a hurry you put on a pair of sunglasses, you found on your dresser before running to the door to let him in. It wasn’t your intention to scare him away in the beginning, even though you know he would never.

The Chinese boy looked tired when you opened the door but you could still see the worry written on his face. He wore a black beanie and his long padded jacket. He looked absolutely adorable for you in that moment. But realization hit you when you couldn’t see any differences from yesterday. The heavy feeling immediately made its way to your heart. You felt horrible. You were right, he couldn’t be your soulmate. How stupid you were...

“Y/n what’s the problem? Why are you wearing sunglasses? Did you hurt your eye? Did someone hit you?!” Yangyang lowkey panicked. You dragged him inside, leaving him no time to remove most of his clothing items besides his dirty shoes.

You pulled him into your room exhaling deeply while pushing him gently on your bed to sit down. You stood in front of him still with your sunglasses on.

“I...I found out my soulmate indicator. I did right this morning.”

There was an indefinable silence in the air for a second. There was a slight drop in the boys facial expression. His heart ripped open like a bag of candy. Spilling all his content. “Wha-what...” was all he could mutter. His gaze drifting off to your feet, trying to get his thoughts straight.

“I don’t know I just...woke up like this...please don’t scream.” You scrambled nervously, taking off your sunglasses slowly and revealing your neon green eyes to him.

His mouth dropped immediately. With hammering heart and shaking hands he subconsciously reached for his beanie. If his emotions would ride the wildest rollercoaster, it would be this moment right now. Everything was all over the place but his heart lead it’s way.

Your big eyes fixated on the neon green mop of hair on top of Yangyangs head. It was hard not to forget how to breathe in that moment. “Yangyang...” you whispered softly, stepping closer and reaching for his hair, which was exact the same color as your eyes. “You...what?! Why didn’t you tell me? I was so... worried.”

He looked into your eyes, not finding fear or shock, no, there was happiness in them. Pure happiness, which surprised you immensely. There was a small smile on his lips. “Worried about what?” He reached for your hand. Emotions spilling over the top.

You sat down next to him, turning your body towards him. The blood was rushing so loud through your ears, it was hard to focus on your own thoughts. It was now or never y/n!

“About having someone else as a soulmate than... you. God it sounds so cheesy but it’s true.” You chuckled nervously wanting to chew on your nails but being stopped by Yangyang. His smile grew even bigger, letting it impossible for you not to smile.

He suddenly pulled you into a tight hug, giggling like a child. Your hands searching grip on his fluffy jacket. A warm feeling spread through your whole body. You felt wonderful. Like all sorts of sorrows and worries had been taken away from you. Immediately.

“I’m so so so happy Y/n... so happy.” He mumbled joyfully in your shoulder. He squeezed your body tight. “I wanted to confess to you. So many times. God I really fell hard for you and now I know why.”

He looked into your eyes once again, surpressing a laugh but still sending you heart eyes.

“I’m sorry but you really look ridiculous. I’m so sorry about that. I had no idea.” You nodded playfully glaring at him but still leaning closer into his touch, wanting to be even closer to him. It was a weird feeling. But everything just made sense to you now. Every single moment and feeling in the past. It was all because of your soulmate connection. You were soulmates all along and you never had a clue.

“Oh you better dye that hair back right now to black or you wait for neon pink eyes yourself.” You warned him playfully. “Even though you look like a Christmas tree... I mean it’s kinda cute.” You admitted playing with his hair in hope for him not to see your incoming blush.

Yangyang grinned to himself, unable to hold back his emotions as he saw your pinky cheeks from the compliment. He felt so giddy suddenly. “Hendery and Lucas were absolutely convinced that you would fall for me easier when I’d dye my hair in your favorite color. Unfortunately they only had neon green one left at this point in time. Please remind me to never trust them again. That was a horrible idea.”

Your heart swelled up by his words. “You did this because of me? Oh Yangyang...” your hand went to his arm. You would lie if you didn’t feel flattered in this moment. “You’re such an idiot... but a very very cute one.” You smiled at him in awe, “I appreciate it. But by all means please let us dye it back.” You both began to fall into a fit of laughter, unable to stop.

“Deal. This hair and your eyes should be banned from this country.” And with that you could proudly say that you finally found your soulmate. The person you were in love with all along. Your best friend and partner in crime. Liu Yangyang.

#neoculturechristmas #nct #nct dream #nct 127 #wayv #Yangyang #liu yangyang #wayv drabbles #wayv yangyang #yangyang imagines #wayv imagines #wayv imagine #kpop imagines #kpop #imagines #kpop fanfiction #kpop imagine #wayv soulmate #soulmate #soulmate au #kpop soulmate au #Yangyang soulmate #nct imagines #liu yangyang x reader #yangyang fluff #wayv fluff #nct fluff #christmas #nct soulmate au #yangyang oneshot

[sichengtual]

meeting taeil under the falling snow was your one long-standing traditions, tending to your feelings until they, like flowers, were ready to bloom in full.

— pairing: moon taeil x reader.

— au: soulmates.

— genre: fluff.

— word count: 1767.

— playlist: more than words — extreme; on the snow — exo.

for @seodami​, from your @neoculturechristmas​’s secret santa! i had a lot of fun writing this for you, and i hope you’ve been enjoying enjoying your holidays! here’s a little something for you 💓

You had always known both you and Taeil were creatures of habit. 

It had been clear, since the very beginnings of your relationship, that part of the reason you understood each other so well was because you functioned so similarly in the first place. You had met in between previously set scenes, noticed each other purely because of the way you blended yourselves right into each other’s lives so naturally, it was hard for you to tell when you had started to blend into one cohesive picture to begin with. 

He felt like a childhood friend and a mysterious stranger all at the same time: with the sense of familiarity that could only belong to a bond that has been created in the course of a lifetime, and the excitement behind getting to meet him almost once again every time he showed you a new side of himself. You had always known it was special, how he could make you feel known yet undiscovered with a single look, with something in his eyes letting you see the exact point where both outlooks intertwined. You had always felt it was unique, with the calmness behind his smile and the thrill behind his voice — and you had always been sure he had felt it too. 

Despite the brief four years of knowing each other, in a way, it almost felt like he had always been there. Like he had always belonged in your life just like you had always belonged in his, your meeting being the final piece of a puzzle that had been many years in the making, the finishing touches of a life’s work masterpiece. Him being in your life, somehow, made sense. 

And, as such, it became hard to imagine what it would have been like if he wasn’t. Looking back, there were so many things in your life you could connect back to Taeil, even when at a simple glance, none of them had really anything to do with him. He was just there, sunk so deep in the back of your mind that he was the sole protagonist of your thoughts and dreams even when he’s miles away.

The two of you held mirroring tattoos in the exact same way you had mirroring souls, each one of the lines drawn on your skin signaling the other that you were there.

But as much as Taeil lived inside of you as you lived inside of him, accepting the soulmate bond meant having to live life as two instead of one. It required commitment, and even though the two of you already knew you were gonna end up together, you agreed that feelings, just like flowers, can’t be pressured into blooming.

Taeil always met you at the Winter Carnival at exactly 7 p.m, as if on clockwork. He always waited next to the tallest lightpost, a bag of toasted chestnuts you’d share as you walked along the hundreds of small, fairy lights clad tents. Taeil would often stop and look at the little trinkets that were offered in the small shops, not buying anything unless you liked it.

“I just like doing it,” Taeil would always say. “It’s not that it’s anything big, it’s just something for you to think of me.”

You were sure he bought them to remember you, too. To look back and think of the colorful little trinkets he had purchased, recalling the memory of your hands brushing together as you walked side by side just as night started to fall. 

It was just you and him, meeting each other once a year before it got dark. In a sense, it was a sort of sign, reminding you of each other right before the new year rolled around. It gave you something to hope for, a sort of beacon at the end of the way. 

Just like that, just as time passed, you had started to fall in love with Taeil in the way people were expected to fall in love with their soulmates: completely and whole-heartedly. It almost felt like diving head first straight into the ocean, breaking through the icy waters in the promise of finding something so precious on the other end of the shore it gave you a rhythm to follow, a path to swim by. 

And you finally decided to tell him. 

Snow has just started falling when you leave the house.

It’s no different from every other carnival day: cool gusts of wind, warm spiced scents, bright flickering lights. People pass by you as you make your way into the fair, barely even brushing shoulders before they go back to being just a part of the background, holding no more significance than a brief locking of sights. Noises mix in together like an intricate score, voices and melodies composing an accompanying piece that set the beat not only to your steps, but to the scene as a whole. 

You’re surprised by how different it makes it feel; feeling happier with laughter and more neutral with the lack of it, occasionally setting your attention in the background accompaniments such as the soft ring of a bell or the muted honk of a horn. In complete honesty, it’s a picture perfect rendition of a scene only seen in movies, and it doesn’t help feeling like both you and Taeil could set its entire course with only a change in conversation. 

He’s waiting for you, holding a small white paper bag, like he always does. He’s dressed in warm, layered clothes, a smile on his lips only growing with each and every step you took in his direction. Small, almost translucent snowflakes are beginning to fall over his head, adorning the strands of hair that fell over his forehead, and you couldn’t help but think of just how much the current scene resembled one straight of a frame belonging in the Louvre. 

“It’s nice to see you again,” are the first words he says when looking at you. They carry a weight behind them, an actual sense of longing produced by the cruel passing of the time in which you were apart. 

His voice feels warm. 

“You got a haircut.” 

“Yeah,” he smiles. “Do you think it suits me?” 

“I think you’re absolutely rocking it.”

It’s not unusual for Taeil to grow shy. Even after the years and years you’d known him, he still blushes at your compliments, no matter how hard you try to convince him your words spoke nothing but the truth. He knew that, though, because your voice made everything sound like something he’s always been aware of. 

“Here, have some,” Taeil offers you a sheepish smile before he extends the paper bag in your direction. “They’re still warm.” 

Still looking at him, you take one of the chestnuts from the bag and propped it into your mouth, the salty top layer in the snack immediately melting in your mouth. Moving closer to him, you let your hand brush against Taeil’s free one, immediately following his steps as he starts walking. 

And, in all honesty, the atmosphere never stopped surprising you. Out of the corner of your eye you can see the light reflect upon Taeil, illuminating his face in an ensemble of warm, combining colors. You can only imagine the effect it must have on his eyes, bringing out their own natural glow in the exact same way it painted them in a kaleidoscope of different shades of Christmas. 

It’s funny when you recall this is the most magical night of the year. You think of having felt just that in Taeil’s embrace, having heard magic in his voice. You’re sure that his presence in your life is exactly what makes it magical, and get to feel just that when he takes your hand in his. 

“I’ve been thinking a lot about us,” Taeil says, his voice bringing you back from your haze. “About what we’re gonna do from now on.”

You nod, trying to get him to continue. You want to tell him you’ve been doing the exact same thing, thinking about moving forward, finally taking a step. But you wait until after he speaks, wanting to know what his stance is in the matter, getting to know both sides before pulling together a story. 

You can’t really make out what it is, but there’s something about Taeil’s voice that gives you hope. You keep walking through the growing crowd, having to move closer together to walk next to together next to the waves of people. Somewhere in there, Taeil finally laces your fingers together, feeling your heart growing warm.

“I know we decided to wait before we finally accepted what we are, and what it means for us,” he says. “We took what fate gave us and let it grow on its own accord, and now it doesn’t really feel like it was something made for us. It feels as if we’ve the ones that made it, growing closer because we wanted to, and not because it was simply imposed on us.” 

Taeil gives your hand a squeeze. 

“I’ve fallen in love with you the way it should be. It feels like I’ve been dreaming, somehow being happier in a dream that I’ve ever been while awake. And all this time, I was only dreaming of you.” 

You’ve reached the middle of the fair, coming to a stop next to your bench, right in front of the brightly lit carrousel. There’s a live band playing somewhere near, music reaching your ears right as you stop walking, and a strong scent of warm cider coming from somewhere in the tents. You turn to look at Taeil, looking at all the snow that has gathered on top of his head, and the slight blush on his cheeks that you can’t tell if it’s a product of his words or simply a reaction from the cold. 

You decide you don’t have to know.

“I’m in love with you too,” you say. “And not because of fate, but because of you. Fate only helped us find each other, but the rest grew from here. From us.” 

Taking a step in your direction, Taeil finally kissed you under a thousand flickering fairy lights. It was a change in the routine, a new tradition only but growing from an already existing one. Maybe the meetings under the snow were coming to an end, but you’d take a thousand sunny days by Taeil’s side over standing alone under the rain. 

Right there, with snow falling right on top of your head, you had never felt so warm.

#neoculturechristmas #nct-writers #nct scenario #taeil scenarios #nct scenarios #taeil x reader #nct x reader #nct fluff #taeil fluff #nct fic #taeil fics #mar.writing #i hope you like it !!! and it's so nice to finally meet you !!!

[meow-bebe]

Pairing: Ten x reader Genre: fluff, friends to lovers Word count: 1.3k Warnings: food mention(?) Tonight’s soundtrack: What You Waiting For - Somi A/n: written in participation of @neoculturechristmas​‘s sectret santa event

this is for @jaeyoonurl​! hi mar! as im pretty sure you know, im cosmo, and i got to be your secret santa for this event. i had a lot of fun coming up with this, and im truly sorry i ended up being pretty late, but it gave me a chance to remake the header and finish things up. I hope you enjoy this, and that the holidays have been good for you! <3

“So are you planning on going to Johnny's New Years party next week?” Ten asks as he flops down on the couch next to you, offering you a plate and a styrofoam takeout box.

You groan in response. “Is New Year’s really next week? I am not ready to deal with going to that party alone for the third year in a row.”

“Want me to be your plus one?” Ten jokes through a mouthful of food.

You roll your eyes. “I’m being serious.”

“So am I,” he wiggles his eyebrows.

You sigh out a little laugh, shoving a bite of food into your mouth. "Really though, I'm tired of everyone's slightly pitying glances because poor me still can't find anyone to tolerate me long enough to date me. It's been—" you pause to mentally count back— "six months since I've even been on a date." You sigh to yourself, eating in silence for a moment.

"What if I take you out?"

You raise your eyebrows at this. "And what's your intention with that?" Secretly, you wished it would be something slightly nefarious. Part of your dating issue stemmed from the fact that you were infatuated with your roommate, though you could do absolutely nothing about it. He wasn’t interested in you, and it’s not like you could force him to reciprocate your feelings.  

“I’m just trying to be a good friend,” Ten says, and secretly your heart sinks a little. Perhaps allowing yourself even the slightest bit of hope could cause more pain than living with the fact that he’ll never love you back. “You’re sad that you haven’t been on a date in forever, so I’ll take you on a date!”

--

Several days had passed, and the date with Ten had consumed your mind. It was all you thought of. Was he really just trying to be a good friend? Was there another intention masked beneath his proposition that lay closer to your own?

Ten hadn’t mentioned anything about it since he first brought the idea up, and you were starting to lose hope that he was being serious in the first place. He’s always been quite the jokester, but at the same time in all the years you had known him he had never once broken a promise or gone back on his word.

For the most part you had been doing your best to keep the churning mess of thoughts and emotions that came with this sudden proposition under control, but constantly doing something to keep yourself distracted could get exhausting and you had given up. Thursday early afternoons were your lazy time anyway, as it was the only day when you had several hours between classes, so you ended up back in your apartment and couldn't do anything productive anyway. 

So what better to do than sit around thinking about how you’re absolutely in love with your roommate who has given you no reason to believe he felt the same. Except for the invitation for a date he extended and then promptly never brought up again. Sure, it had only been three days and Ten had a tendency to forget to tell people when things were going to be happening, but overthinking seemed to be a talent of yours and unfortunately this was a topic that couldn’t be easily shoved under the rug. 

Just as you were ready to get up and actually start pacing, your phone dings. Grateful for any distraction, you lunge across the couch to grab it. 

[Ten: are you busy tonight?]

[You: what a stupid question]

[You: you know i do almost nothing]

[Ten: awesome! i’ll be home around five thirty to pick you up]

[Ten: don’t bother asking where we’re going, its a surprise]

[Ten: oh, and dress warm but cute ;)]

You roll your eyes at this, holding in giddy laughter and sending back an equally flirty reply. Perhaps your worries were unnecessary after all.

--

The sound of a key in the door alerts you of Ten’s arrival, and you hurriedly finish shoving all of your necessities into the pockets of the coat you had just been eagerly modeling for yourself in the mirror. Perhaps you had put a little more effort into your outfit than you usually would for a date. You wore quite a few layers, but your favorite coat and boots disguised the slight bulk, and the cherry on top of the whole outfit was the scarf Ten had gifted you a few years ago. 

“Hi!” you say, ducking out of your room to greet Ten. 

“Hi,” he responds, “ready to go?”

“Yep!” you say, following him out into the hallway and failing to keep the bounce out of your gait. “Care to tell me where we’re going?”

“Well that would ruin the surprise, wouldn’t it,” Ten finally gets the door locked and pulls it shut behind him.

“I suppose it would,” you huff out a melodramatic sigh, but can’t keep the smile spreading across you face down. “Well, come on then.” You take his hand, and though he refuses to look in your direction, you think you see a hint of pink tinting his cheeks. 

---

“How did you know I’d want to go ice skating?” you ask incredulously, staring up at the sky and the snow slowly drifting down through the air. After open skate had ended you had wandered around the city hand in hand with Ten until the sun set and you finally decided on a restaurant. "That's literally my ideal date."

"You've mentioned it a few times," Ten says, unable to hide the smile fighting its way across his face. He always tries his best to stay cool and collected, but the truth is Ten is a romantic at heart. 

“That was like once,” you say, letting your gaze slip away from the streetlights illuminating the snow and to your best friend’s face. 

“You do realise I actually listen when you talk right? Maybe more than I should.”

You brows scrunch together, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Ten’s fingers start to fidget a bit, and you squeeze his hand in encouragement. 

He takes a deep breath, refusing to meet your eyes as you stare up at him, curiosity shining in your eyes. 

“This is something that I probably should have brought up a long time ago, but things get away from you sometimes, you know. Especially when it comes to—”

You squeeze his hand again. “You’re rambling.” Ten had a tendency to just talk when he was avoiding something—about the topic of avoidance, something to steer the conversation elsewhere—but it was always the same, and you knew it annoyed him just as much as it did everyone around him. 

“Sorry,” Ten says, obviously steeling himself for the big reveal. You listen intently, ready for whatever he’s about to hit you with. “I….like you. A lot. Like in a romantic way.”

You were not, in fact, ready for this. “Oh. I, uh—”

“I know you probably don’t feel the same, and that's okay—”

“No! No, no, not at all.” Concern flashes through his eyes and you panic for a second, wondering if you’ve made it seem like you're attempting to communicate the opposite of your feelings. “Ten, I’ve liked you for more than a year.” 

A different type of surprise seizes his features now, and you choke down a laugh at the way his eyes seem ready to pop out of his head. 

“Seriously?” You nod, and Ten just about skips with joy. “You mean this whole time we could’ve—God, I could just kiss you.”

“So do it,” you smirk.

Ten’s eyes widen in surprise, but he tugs you closer to him anyway. “You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted to do this forever.”

“Actually,” you say, “I think I know the feeling.”

#neoculturechristmas #kpopscape #nct-writers #neowritingsnet #ten x reader #nct x reader #wayv x reader #nct scenarios #nct fic #nct imagines #ten fic #ten imagines #ten scenarios #wayv fic #wayv scenarios #wayv imagines

[soliverse]

winter promises - q.kn

pairing: gangster au!kun x student!reader

genre: angst, a tiny bit of fluff

warnings: mentions of violence, death, injury and bullying (they weren’t explicitly shown but they were mentioned by the characters. nothing too graphic or triggering.)

word count: 2323

ps: hello @strykiss​! I got chosen as your secret santa this year. I debated whether to post From Home or Winter Promises at the last minute but this was the fic that I promised you at my ask. Sorry it took a while :< I hope you liked it.

Winter Promises is a part of the Secret Santa Collab by @lucaswithnoshirt and @bumblebeenct. This is my very first collab and I’m thankful that you have let me be a part of it.

If you want to read the other fics created by the other amazing nct writers, just head over to @neoculturechristmas​ for the other secret santa entries.

networks: @nctcreations​ @kdiarynet @kpopscape

The harshness of the winter has never felt colder than today. Just a few weeks ago, you planned to visit your brother James and spend the rest of Christmas break together. Everything changed when you received a call from the police a few days ago. You almost broke down when they told you about your brother’s passing.

You lived in a different area from your brother because you had to go to school. All this time, you believed that your brother is a salesman. That’s how he was able to pay for college fees and living expenses. Little did you know, he was actually hiding a secret from you.

The police found his body after a gang fight. After a bit of an investigation, they discovered that your brother is actually a member of one of the notorious gangs in the area. He is one of the Guardias. They are people of the night, lurking in the shadows and can only be identified by the tattoo of a black wolf in their forearms. That explains why he wore those long sleeves all of the time whenever he visits, even when in the blistering heat. He just used the excuse that he had to look professional at all times

What’s worse about his death is you had no other living relatives. You were both orphans that got kicked out of the systems when you got older. Nobody attended his funeral but the priest and yourself.

You stood at the middle of the field alone, the cemetery wrapped in a think blanket of snow. You did nothing for the past few hours but stood there in front of his grave and stared blankly at his epitaph.

IN MEMORIAM

JAMES Y/L/N

March 31, 199x – December 20, 20xx

A LOVING BROTHER

Reading the engraved letters made you tear up again.

You just can’t believe that he had to die like this, that he had to lie to make you feel better. You wondered how much he had to suffer just seconds before he dies, recalling the horrible state of his body when they discovered him. Just thinking about it made you shake from anger and grief. It didn’t take long before you broke down and sat right next to the grave hugging your knees.

“Hey…”

You were interrupted by a concerned Kun. He pulled you towards him and wrapped his loving arms around you.

“Sorry for being late.”

You desperately needed someone that day and him coming meant the world to you. If there’s someone that will understand what you are currently going through, it would be him. Just like the two of you, he’s also alone because he had to study overseas. He had a brotherly bond with James, like he’s an extension of your brother. James would always tell Kun that he would be the one to take care of you while he’s gone. It’s safe to say that he still fulfilled that promise.

“I’m sorry you had to spend Christmas like this…”

Eventually, he took your hands to find a nearby bench that you can sit comfortably. He started patting your head and never let go of you until you stopped crying.

“I’ll be fine. Thank you for coming.”

He handed you a handkerchief from his pockets so you can wipe your tears away. His hand still remained your shoulders, patting it gently to calm you down.

“If it makes you feel any better, I got a gift for you.”

He started patting all over his winter coat and his pockets to look for something. Taking it out on one of his inner pockets, he pulled out a box wrapped with a tiny red bow on top. You opened it right away and there was a unique bracelet inside of it.

“Merry Christmas Y/N. I made a promise to James when he’s still alive...”

He took your hand and placed the bracelet in your palms.

“As long as you’re wearing this, James and I will always be with you…”

Your heart melted as he said this to you. You couldn’t help yourself but to hug him once again. His touch felt like summer on this cold, winter night.

///

About a few weeks passed by and your classes resumed once again. You used that supposed break to mourn over James and help yourself to get over from his loss. Kun had a part-time job to attend to, but he always made sure to check on you from time to time.

Wintertime still surrounded the area, but some people already took down their decorations and things went back to normal. As you skipped across the snowy road, you couldn’t help but stare at the thing that’s jingling in your right arm. You stopped on your tracks and held it up to the sky. Your eyes squinted, trying to look for something special in the bracelet that the Kun gave you for Christmas.

It was the single thing that made you smile every day. His words repeated in your head like a broken record and you can’t help but blush at the thought of it. You always this little crush on him even before, but his caring nature the past couple of weeks make your heart flutter even more. This made you unconsciously touch it. You raised your arm up to your eye level and you finally realized that the bracelet is held together by two wolves, one on each side of the bracelet. You wondered why this was the design that he chose, considering that it doesn’t look that girly. It was weird, but you just shrugged it off when you realized that you still have to walk to school.

///

You came just shy a few minutes before the class starts. The professor is still out of sight, so you bowed to greet everyone inside before you walk towards your desk. The class didn’t pay you any attention. It’s always been that way ever since you got admitted to the school. Making friends is hard when people judge you from the way that you dress or the life that you live in every day. You don’t get to wear nice cloths just like everybody else because you liked to save your money for things that are more important.

The other girls would roll their eyes out and point out how worn out your uniform looks or make gestures behind your back. It stayed that way for years, but you never had the guts to tell Kun or James. You have to be strong for yourself sometimes and just ignored their mockery.

You were taking out the textbooks from your bag when you overheard the other girls squealing excitedly at each other. One of them is your classmate Lilith. Everyone thinks she’s so cool because she has a gangster boyfriend that buys her expensive stuff. It’s probably another designer brand bag or something.

“It looks so pretty! Have you tried using it yet?”

You swear that you can sense Lilith’s condescending smirk even when your back is turned against her.

“I haven’t actually. But he said it’s suuuuppppeeeer expensive. Like, it’s worth more than anything he’s ever bought me. I can’t wait to use it at clubs tonight!”

She said in this exaggerated tone that you hate. She had this habit of making herself extra loud so that you’ll hear what she’s trying. You roll your eyes internally and just proceeded to open your notes and tried to recall the lessons that you had for the past few weeks.

“Are you sure? It doesn’t look that much…”

“Ugh…” She sounded so offended at her friend’s remark.

“This bracelet are only given to very special people. It means they are under the protection of the whole group. It means nobody is allowed to touch the very fiber of her being. I can basically do whatever I want and no one will stop me.”

Your hopes of concentrating on your lessons was completely thrown out of the window. At a desperate attempt to keep your sanity intact, you cupped both of your ears with your hands.

“Special, huh? Then why does Y/N have one too?”

“There’s no way…”

You yelped as you felt someone yank out your hand away from your head.

“What do you want, Lilith?”

She yanked it again towards her face and so she can get a better view of your right hand.

“Hey! Let me go!”

You tried grabbing your hand away from her at the same time that she lets go of your hand aggressively, the force sending you off to the floor.

“So, you got claimed too huh?”

You glared at her direction, but the bright red thing on her wrists caught your attention. It looked similar to your bracelet, the only difference being that it was red and the wolf was replaced with a silver dragon. It’s strikingly similar to the one you’re currently wearing.

“I wonder which lowlife scum you had to sleep with just so you can have one of those.”

She folded her arms and scoffed at your direction

“Of course. It had to be one of those filthy G-.”

A stern voice interrupted her from the front door.

“Watch your mouth, Lilith.”

The voice came from Kun, you looked incredibly pissed.

“Leave her alone. She just lost her brother.”

Lilith opened her mouth again but Kun just raised his eyebrows at her. His gaze seemed to be sending her a message that only the two of them can understand.

The stand-off have successfully shut Lilith down as she begrudgingly went back to her desk. The professor came right after, so Kun smiled sweetly at your direction before he sat down at his desk.

You got up from the floor and dusted the dirt off of your uniform, still completely oblivious at what just happened. It made you a bit more self-conscious now that everyone has their eyes on you. Thankfully, the professor caught everyone’s attention and your class proceeded as usual.

It didn’t take long before lunch break comes and the bell rang. As soon as the last professor left the door, everyone’s attention was back on you once again. You just sat there awkwardly as you waited for everyone to leave the classroom, not really sure what else to do about this situation.

Kun felt your uneasiness. He stood up from his chair and offered his hand to help you stand up from your chair. Your smile grew wider once again as you took his hand and you walked together to your usual place in the cafeteria.

The both of you took your seats and brought out your lunchbox with you. You took out your lunch, which was a simple meal composed of eggs, bacon and a cup of rice. When took out his containers, you remembered that your bestfriend is actually a bit of a masterchef. There were several varieties of home-cooked meals from his lunchbox. There are dumplings, warm chicken soup, and some of which you don’t even know the names of.

“I made extra so we can share...”

You can tell that there was extra care given to the meals that he made. This man just never fails to amaze you. Looking around the cafeteria, everyone felt the same way. Some of the other girls looked at you with what you can assume is jealousy written all over their faces.

“You know, the girls of this school hate me because they thought I’m your girlfriend right.” He laughed at your comment, his eyes completely disappearing from the stretch of his smile.

“If you’re actually dating me, then I’ll be the luckiest man alive.”

You felt heat coming up from your face, unsure if it was because of his laugh or the thing that he said. Instead of answering him, you took some of the fried rice that he made and stuffed your mouth to hide your embarrassment.

Time passed and you’re about to walk home as well. Kun called out your name and offered to walk you home. You felt some dirty glance being thrown away at your direction once again, but for once, you didn’t mind them.

“Just making sure got home safe.” He explained when you asked him on the way. It’s a sweet gesture from his part once again, but he’s been acting weird throughout the walk. His eyes kept on looking from left to right, as if he’s looking for something.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.”

He relaxed and his cheery self appeared in front of you once again.

As soon as you got inside your house and closed the door behind you, he started to walk along the snowy road. His uneasiness crept back in, looking left and right to make sure that no one is following him.

His whole demeanor changed as soon as he entered his territory. The apartment that you thought he’s staying in is actually the headquarters of a secret gang that’s meant to protect the whole city. Men lined up in his path, bowing at his presence. At his room, he took off layers of his winter clothing, finally revealing a secret that he’s also been hiding from you. It was a tattoo of a black wolf, only given to the elite members of Guardia.

He sat on his couch and grabbed his phone to dial someone’s number.

“Yes, boss?”

“Hey Xuxi, would you mind giving the Kids a call?”

“Sure. What for?”

“Tell Chan that one of his bitches is misbehaving…”

He rested his head and closed his eyes, reminded of how you were treated earlier by Lilith.

“If he doesn’t do anything about it, I will. Make that very clear to him, unless he wants me to break his other arm.”

“I’m on it, sir.”

The call dropped and his phone was now showing his wallpaper, a candid picture that he took without you knowing.

The other gangs have been becoming bold lately and have orchestrating attacks from left to right. Knowing them, he’s sure that they’ll be going after the next Guardia successor, you.

///

“Protect Y/N at all cost. It won’t take long before the world knows about her real identity.”

That is a promise that he’s willing to keep, even to his death.

#nctcreations #kdiarynet #kpopscape #neoculturechristmas #secret santa collab #nct #wayv #nct fic #wayv fics #kun x reader #qian kun #gangster au #winter promises #soliverse

[jisunghoodieboogie]

I thought I loved you | W.HY

Hendery X Fem!Reader

University and Dance AU

Angst with a dash of fluff

Warnings: Cheating

Word Count: 2.6k

@byunbaekby​‘s Secret Santa (hosted by @neoculturechristmas​ ) gift! I tried my best to make a university and dance au that would make you cry. 

“GOOD MORNING,” Your boyfriend sang at the top of his lungs as he entered your apartment. 

“Hendery, I swear if I get a noise complaint because of you, I will kill you,’” You replied, gathering your books into your backpack.

“If you kill me, who is going to be your handsome boyfriend to ward off sketchy guys at a party,” He asked, striking a pose. You picked up a pillow and threw it at him. 

“Kun,” You curtly replied.

“Kun’s not as handsome or intimating,” He rebutted.

“Okay, how about Lucas?” Hendery dramatically rolled his eyes.

“Too much of a flirt.”

“And you're not?”

“Oh wow look at the time! We better get going,” Hendery said with fake urgency.

You smiled and slung your backpack over your shoulder. You gave him a peck on the cheek.

“Shall we be off M’lady?” Hendery gestured toward the door. 

When you two arrived at the campus you were greeted by a very grumpy Ten.

“Here’s the coffee your lazy boyfriend asked me to buy,” Ten teased.

“Oh thank you,” You said, happily taking the coffee.

“Prince Eric at your service,” Hendery announced with an exaggerated bow.

“He’s not a prince. He’s a donkey,” Ten countered. You couldn’t help but laugh. Making you oblivious to Hendery’s loving stare.

“We have to get to class,” Ten nagged, not wanting to put up with the two of you anymore.

“Farewell M’lady,” Hendery sang. You waved goodbye as Ten practically dragged you away.

“You have that poor guy wrapped around your finger,” Ten sighed.

“I can’t believe the dance team competition is a week away,” Your best friend, Yeri sighed.

“It’s too soon,” You replied. 

“I’m excited. Are you going to the party tonight,” Yeri asked.

“No, I have too much homework to do,” You sadly explained.

“You are too responsible to be my friend,” Yeri teased.

Two arms rested on your shoulder as a familiar warmth rested on your back. “Boo,” Hendery giggled into your ear.

“You know you aren't very scary, right?” You teased, turning around to face your boyfriend.

“I am, too,” Hendery huffed. Yeri couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’m going to get going. See you two birds later,” Yeri quickly said before taking off.

“Are you excited for the party tonight? I can pick you up around 9?” Hendery excitedly asked. 

“I’m sorry but I can’t. My professor just assigned a paper due next week,” You explained.

“Why don’t I come over and we can watch a movie or something,” Hendery offered.

“Hendery, I really need to work on this paper so it’s done by the competition,” You insisted.

“Well, I’m sorry that I wanted to spend time with my girlfriend,” Hendery grumbled.

“It’s just one night,” You remind him.

“Yeah, but you have been avoiding hanging out with me all week.”

“I’m sorry, I actually care about my education Hendery,” You snapped. 

Hendery stopped in his tracks clearly angry and said, “I’m going to get going. See you later, Y/n” 

Hendery went to the party without you. He was still angry with you but he didn’t want to deal with it right now. He burnt out from school and the upcoming competition. He just wanted to relax and spend some time with you. Instead he was getting drunk at a party he didn’t really want to go to.

“What’s on your mind,” Yeri asked, pulling Hendery back into reality.

“Just thinking,” He said before taking a sip of beer.

“Did you and Y/n fight or something,” Yeri asked before taking a sip of her’s.

“Yep,” Hendery breathed.

“What about?”

“She has been spending so much time studying and I just wanted to hang out with her,” Hendery explained.

“When you're with Y/n you have to bend to her schedule,” Yeri smirked. She came closer to Hendery.

“Walk me home,” She asked, taking another sip of her drink.

“The party barely started,” Hendery remarked.

“Come on,” Yeri begged. She leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “I know a place where we can have a lot more fun.”

“Let’s go,” Hendery smirked.

Hendery was filled with regret when he woke up. He quickly left without saying anything and rushed back to his apartment.

He raked his hand through his hair realizing what he had done. He had ruined everything between the two of you. 

Your ringtone rang eerily through the air. Anxiety rushed through him as he stumbled to answer the phone.

“Good morning,” You sang softly through the phone.

“Good morning,” He answered.

“You sound hung over,” You teased.

“I may have had too much to drink last night,” Hendery admitted.

“We should hang out today. That movie you were talking about the other day is playing at the theater near you,” You explained.

“I don’t think I can today. I have a lot I have to do today,” Hendery lied. He was too scared to face you after what he did.

“Uh, okay,” You sadly replied.

“See you later,” Hendery said desperately trying to get off the phone. You echoed him before hanging up.

Hendery let a deep sign as he slumped to the floor. His body was exhausted from the last four hours he had spent running the choreography over and over. He didn’t want to stop. If he did he would have to deal with his guilt. With another sigh Hendery buried his face in his hands.

You slowly opened the door to the practice room, peaking in to see how your boyfriend was doing. Concern blossomed in your chest when you realized how exhausted he looked. You sat down next to him and slipped your arms around his waist.

“You look exhausted,” You said, resting your chin on his shoulder. “You really don’t need to practice this hard for the competition.”

He didn’t respond. Instead he took your hand in his and traced the wrinkles on your palm. You had been dating for nearly a year but butterflies still took flight in your stomach when you were with him.

“I love you. You know that right?” Hendery asked, squeezing your hand. He felt wrong saying it. 

“I do,” You smiled.

“Do you want to get some food?”

“See this is how I know you love me.” Hendery laughed pulling you up from the floor with him. 

Throughout the meal Hendery was unusually quiet.You knew something was wrong but every time you pushed he would go silent and trace the wrinkles on your palm. 

“Hendery,” You asked softly. He simply hummed in response. “I love you,” You reminded him. Guilt festered in his heart.

“I know,” He respond with a sad smile. He leaned close and pecked you on the cheek.

“Let’s get going. We have the competition tomorrow.”

Hendery opened the door to his apartment feeling exhausted and overwhelmed with guilt. He went straight into his room, ignoring the others, and flopped onto his bed. Leon jumped up and laid himself on Hendery's chest before loudly purring.

“What’s wrong,” Kun asked from the doorway.

“Nothing just tired,” Hendery instinctively replied.

“Well, it’s not nothing. Y/n texted both Ten and I asking if you were okay. Did you guys get in a fight or something?”

A shaky sigh left Hendery's mouth.

“I messed up Kun.” Tears pricked in the corner of his eyes. “I cheated on Y/n.” Kun sighed, taking a seat next to Hendery on the bed.

“Not only did I cheat on her. I cheated on her with her best friend,” Hendery admitted.

“So why did you cheat?”

“I don’t know. I got drunk after we had a fight and it just happened,” Hendery recounted.

“Do you still love her?”

Hendery opened his mouth to answer but hesitated. Something in him didn’t feel right saying no but it still wasn’t a yes. Hendery raked his hands through his hair as tears flowed down his face.

“Hendery,” Kun placed his hand on his shoulder. “I think you and Y/n need to take some time apart so you can figure out your feelings. It’s not fair to string her along.”

“I-I’m just scared I’m going to hurt her,” Hendery choked out.

“It’s going to hurt her more if you lie to her, Hendery.”

Hendery sat there silent for a moment, too overwhelmed by his emotions to do anything but pet Leon. 

“I’m going to get ready for bed. Try to get some sleep, okay? We can talk more about tomorrow,” Kun explained before leaving Hendery to think.

Hendery lied there simultaneously sleepless and exhausted. His mind was spinning violently around like a pinwheel in a windstorm. He hated that it was so hard to be responsible for what he had done. 

Anxiety was bubbling through the entire car as Kun drove. The radio was long forgotten in the early morning haze. Each of you was nursing a cup of coffee in an effort to stay awake. You were sandwiched between a very sleepy Yangyang and your unusually silent boyfriend. Despite how early it was you could still put together that Hendery had at least talked to Kun. Which gave you some ease on such  an anxiety inducing day. 

“We’re here,” Kun announced as he pulled into a parking space. “Good luck! I’ll pick you guys up around six but call me if you need anything.”

“We will! Thank you for driving us Kun,” You said as you exited the car. 

Hours anxiously passed by as other teams performed and you guys got ready. Hendery had returned to his semi-normal self. 

“Stop worrying,” he reminded you.

“I can’t,” You responded with a sigh.

“I’m sorry M’lady but it is illegal for you to worry.” For the first time in days Hendery goofy grin returned. 

“By who’s decree,” You asked, playing into the bit.

“By decree of your prince charming, Prince Eric,” Hendery dramatically bowed. You let out a bright laugh.

“Ten, don’t you agree? It’s illegal for Y/n to feel worried about the performance,” Hendery asked.

“Shut up donkey boy,” Ten spat annoyed by your joint goofiness. A ping sounded off from Hendery’s phone. He looked down and was immediately filled with dread. It was a text from Yeri asking him to meet her on the balcony to talk. 

“I’m going to grab some snacks, do you want anything?” Hendery asked. You shook your head and Hendery regretfully went to meet Yeri.

He knew he needed to talk to her. His plan was to tell you everything and ask for some time away from each other after the competition. He took a deep breath and opened the door to the balcony.

A half an hour went by and Hendery still hadn’t returned. With your call time fast approaching you decided to go and find him. You walked out to the balcony where you had Jeno saw Hendery go earlier. Shutting the door softly behind you so you could surprise him. You immediately froze when you heard them.

“You can’t tell her we slept together,” Yeri snapped.

“I have to Yeri! I can’t live with the guilt,” A voice that was unmistakably Hendery’s replied.

You felt sick. All of Henry's weird behavior started to click. 

“It will ruin everything,” Yeri insisted, her tone broken.

“I can’t keep lying to her,” Hendery replied.

“If you loved her you wouldn’t tell her,” She spat.

“I am telling her because I love her. What we did was wrong, Yeri. She deserves to know the truth. Even if it hurts her, it will hurt her more if she found out we were lying to her.”

“It will break her heart, Hendery.”

“I’m going to tell her, Yeri. It’s my decision not yours. The only reason I’m talking to you about this is so you know what going on.”

You felt a buzz in your back pocket and knew it was Ten texting you to hurry up. You couldn’t just stand there anymore.

“Hendery,” You stepped out with tears in your eyes. “It’s time to perform.”

Everything after that was a blur. You didn’t even realize what happened until Kun parked the car in front of your apartment building.

“Y/n,” His tone was comforting. “Do you want me to stay?”

When you opened your mouth to speak a rush of emotions hit your body like a high speed train. You nodded your head as you sobbed. 

Kun waited until you stopped crying to guide you up to your apartment. Kun directed you to take a shower as he cooked. 

The two of you sat on the couch in silence slurping ramen. It felt like a dream you were going to wake up from any minute. 

“Who’s going to pick them up,” You hoarsely asked.

“Johnny,” Kun simply replied.

The silence set back in leaving you to your thoughts. 

“Did you know,” You asked suddenly. Kun looked up from his bowl and nodded.

“Hendery told me last night,” Kun admitted.

“Do you know why he did it,” You asked. He shook his head.

Kun’s phone pinged. A small part of you hoped it was Hendery.

“It’s Ten, you guys won the competition,” Kun said, offering a smile.

“I’m going to go to bed,” You replied. You felt too empty to even care. 

“Do you want me to stay here tonight?” Kun asked. You nodded. 

He pulled you into a warm hug and said, “You are going to get through this.”

You thanked him and crawled into your bed. It was hours before you were able to fall asleep. 

The next morning you woke up to the wonderful smell of Kun’s cooking. You walked out of your room to find two beautiful plates for omelette rice. 

“Hey you, want some coffee?” Kun asked as he poured himself a cup.

“Thank you for everything,” You said after you sat down.

“Of course Y/n. You better dig in before it gets cold.”

“Have you talked to Hendery,” You hesitantly asked.

“Yeah, he asked how you were doing.”

“Has he said anything else?”

Kun hesitated. “I was going to wait after breakfast to tell you but he does want to talk to you.”

You sat there silent, unsure of what to do.

“I think I’m going to wait a couple of days,” You replied. Kun nodded.

“I think that’s a good idea.”

It had been a week since the dance competition. You had finally set up a time to meet Hendery to talk about everything that happened. Anxiety swelled in your stomach as you waited for him to come. You jumped when you heard the knock.

You opened the door to see Hendery staring at you.

“Come on in,” You awkwardly said, closing the door behind him. You wordlessly sat down on the couch together unsure how to start the conversation.  

“I’m so sorry,” His voice was broken and scratchy. “What I did was wrong and I will never be able to apologize enough for that. I was planning to tell you everything after the competition. I’m so sorry. I never meant for you to find out like that. I’m sorry.”

“Right now, Hendery I don’t think I can accept your apology,” Tears started well at the corner of your eyes. “Hopefully one day I will be able to but until then I just need some space.”

Hendery paused before saying, “I understand.”

“Why did you cheat,” You asked.

Hendery sighed, “I thought I loved you. I kept on denying it but just kept building up. I’m sorry I strung you along. That was unfair of me and I hope one day I can make up for that.”

You two sat there in silence. Unsure what your next move would be. “I should get going,” Hendery said.

“Thank you for coming,” You replied. You pulled him into one last hug.

“Goodbye, Y/n” He said with a melancholy smile.

“Goodbye, Hendery,” You replied sadly. 

#neoculturechristmas #hendery #wayv #wayv fluff #wayv angst #wayv drabbles #wayv hendery #wayv college au #wayv dance au #wong kunhang

[neoculturechristmas]

Will the account be reblogging the secret santa posts?

yes! that's our aim and we’re going to try and create a main masterlist for it so make sure you either tag us or use #neoculturechristmas so we can see it after it’s posted <3

#nct secret santa #neoculturechristmas

[theleemark]

christmas lights.

genre: strangers to lovers; royal au; lots of fluff

word count: 4091 

pairing: prince!johnny suh x princess!female reader 

synopsis: an arranged marriage between you and the prince from another kingdom whose name you didn’t even know. 

warnings: language (uhh i think that is it)

a/n: hello! happy holidays and merry christmas (if you celebrate it)! i hope everyone is having a good time! this fic is for my secret santa, @notnctu!! i tried to add angst but absolutely failed :( but i still hope you enjoy it! much love to you!! 

thank you for hosting this amazing event, @neoculturechristmas! this was really fun :) 

“Are you fucking serious?” You crossed your arms, scoffing in disbelief. 

“Does it look like I’m kidding?” Mark Lee said, leaning against your doorframe. Like all princesses (aka to-be queens), you, Princess of Astoria, had a personal knight or butler who would be by your side till the very end- and that was Mark Lee. However you and Mark became super close to the point where he was your brother from another mother. 

You huffed, tugging on your blouse to adjust the way it fits your body. “Did Mother tell you that I was meeting him tomorrow? As in a couple of hours from now?” 

Mark glanced behind your shoulder, checking the time. “Yes, the Winter Ball is in fact in a couple of hours. And yes, you will be meeting your future husband there.” 

Your lip formed a tight smile, moving aside to let Mark into your room. He gently bowed down out of habit from greeting the other royals before sitting down on your bed. Closing the door, you rushed over and flopped right beside him. 

“I think it's so stupid that I’m getting married off,” You started, staring up at the smooth ceiling.

“It’s a tradition in Astoria for the Princess to be married off once she comes of age,” Mark’s gaze lingered on you for a second before he let out a sigh. “Yeah, I guess it sucks but at least I’ve heard good things about your to-be husband. Cause some of the princes from other kingdoms are so terrible to the point where I don't even know if I can be civil around them.” 

“Is that so?” You raised an eyebrow at him. 

“Yeahhhh,” he stretched his limbs out and lied down next to you. “The drama I hear from the maids is very spicy.” 

You let out a soft chuckle before sitting up, turning your head to look down at Mark. “I don't even know what this guy’s name is though.” 

“Johnny,” Mark’s eyelashes fluttered open and shut as a small smile lingered on his face. “Johnny Suh. Prince of Neo.” 

The Winter Ball hosted by Astoria was an annual event that gathered all the surrounding kingdoms. Consisting of traditional dances, games of poker, and tons of food (including a chocolate fountain), it was normal for not only noble people to attend but also people who live in the kingdoms. 

Therefore the ballroom had to be gigantic- and it was. The fairy lights sprawled across the room, dangling from the ceiling like stars. Sky blue and white, Astoria’s colors, were splattered across the walls making the room feel open and inviting. Tables covered with sweets and appetizers lined the middle of the room, creating a zig-zag pattern. In the very front of the ballroom was a stage with ruby red drapes adorned with white snowflake looking crystals shining from the light.

The microphone that was front and center of that stage was where your parents would announce the news of your wedding, and just the thought of that made your stomach churn. 

“Good afternoon, Princess,” a woman with soft brown eyes and silky dark hair announced. You watched her through the mirror as she moved elegantly, hips swaying slightly. “I’ll be doing your makeup for today. Is there anything in particular that you want or I should know before starting?” 

As your eyes met hers through the mirror, a smile danced upon your lips before shaking your head from side to side. “Not really. Whatever you feel suits me, do it.” 

“Alright,” Her smile emulated yours as she picked up your moisturizer, pumping out a bit and dotting it across your face. “Let's get started, shall we?” 

“Holy shit, you look beautiful. L-like ethereal!” Mark exclaimed, wide-eyed. His grin took up the entire bottom half of his face as he saw you do a twirl. “The outfit, the makeup, the hair, everything works and makes you look stunning.” 

“Thank you, Mark,” you replied giddily, gently bowing down to greet him. 

Softly, you placed your hand into his and let him escort you into the ballroom that was now packed with people from a diverse number of kingdoms. Your heart was thumping and almost burst out of your chest at the thought that you would be meeting your future husband in less than a minute. Remembering what Mark said, you tried to not make any negative or super positive assumptions about Johnny- just a neutral perspective until you got to know him. 

“Calm down, ____. You’ll be fine, I promise,” Mark whispered in front of a large ballroom door. “Plus, I’m only a couple of feet away from you, shout for me if you need anything.” 

Opening the doors was like entering an entirely new world. Liveliness filled the room, and the smell of food wafted through the air. 

However, as people noticed your presence, the casual conversation was replaced with gaping mouths and awes- The Princess of Astoria was here. 

With one last look of reassurance, Mark let go of your hand and let you walk through the crowded room. Step by step, you had heads turning as you made your way up to the stage. On your way, you made sure to give everyone soft smiles until your eyes gazed over a figure in the background. Tall, with a smirk on his face and curious eyes. Who was he? 

As you got up to the stage, you stood by your parents who proudly beamed down at you.

“Greetings everyone. Welcome to the 70th annual Winter Ball of Astoria,” your father, the king, said through the microphone. “This year’s ball is endearingly special because I am proud to announce that my daughter’s marriage with the Prince of Neo, Johnny Suh.” 

Applause erupted throughout the room and glasses clinked from either end. Your eyes scanned the crowd to find the mysterious man from earlier, but he seemed to have disappeared. 

But then he was next to you- and wow. Although you could only see his side profile, you could tell he was ethereal. His sharp jawline angled eyebrows, and chiseled cheekbones seemed to compliment his styled black hair. The suit he was wearing was expensive- a rich black adorned with a silky satin dress shirt. The watch on his wrist seemed to shine like a diamond as he briefly adjusted it before locking eyes with you. 

You forgot where you were for a second. 

They say eyes are the window to one’s soul, and if that is true, Johnny Suh’s is the most beautiful. The deep brown pierced into yours, and everything faded. Your attention was on nothing but him and him only. Time warped and you didn't even notice until your mother, the queen, gently tapped your shoulder. 

Breaking the strong gaze between you two, a glass of champagne was passed into your hand. You raised it in the air, mimicking your mother. 

“To a successful marriage filled with respect and longevity!” Your father clinked his glass with Johnny’s father, King of Neo, before also doing the same with Johnny. 

You raised your eyebrows at Johnny, urging him to put his glass up to yours as well, but he just stared at you blankly before politely greeting your mother. 

Withholding a scoff, you greeted both his parents with a tight-lipped smile before taking a long sip from your glass. 

Let’s just hope this all goes okay. 

“Look he’s hot, but he's kind of distant. Cold almost,” you blurted to Mark as you packed your bags. As to adhere to traditions, the princess must stay with the husband-to-be a day before the wedding, which was in two days. 

“I mean at least he’s hot,” Mark shrugged his shoulders only to be smacked in the face with your shirt. “But seriously, I’ve heard that he's a sweetheart.” 

“Okay well, I guess not with me,” You said, slightly disappointed since you didn't even get the chance to talk to him. 

Mark let out a sigh before passing you a folded bathroom robe. “I’m sure once you start talking to him he’ll show more of his true nature.” 

“And if it makes you feel better, he probably thought the same way about you,” Mark suggested, chuckling as he did so. “You do have a cold aura when you aren't smiling.” 

“Really?” A surprised gasp left your mouth.

“Really,” Mark confirmed, reaching over to finish zipping up your suitcase. He patted it once to ensure everything was secure before placing it upright on the ground. 

“Now,” he started with a grin, “have fun with your future husband.” 

You rolled your eyes at him before flicking his head. “I’ll try, Mark.” 

You have never been to the Kingdom of Neo before, but you could already tell it would take some time to adjust. 

Neo was known for its music and weaponry- two contradicting things but also why Astoria decided to form a treaty with Neo in the form of your marriage. Astoria did have a handful of top tier blacksmiths and weaponry makers, but nothing like Neo. 

In Neo, every street has at least one weaponry shop and blacksmiths scattered across the kingdoms like stars. Each with their specialty, a diverse number of weapons comes with schools specialized for each one. Neo not only has weapons, but they damn well know how to use them. 

You have only been trained with a bow and arrow and a dagger, which you always keep on you. Although you are pretty damn good with it, you know that it's nothing compared to Johnny, who grew up with training his entire life. 

The engine of the car turning off halted your thoughts. In front of you was a massive stone castle with a rose garden around its perimeter. Johnny stood in between his parents at the huge front doors. He had a blank expression on his face- no excitement but disappointment either.

“Welcome, sweetheart!” His mother said, rushing up to give you a tight hug. A smile automatically took over as you squeezed her back; Her happiness was contagious. 

“I hope you enjoy your stay here,” His father comes and pats your back. “The wedding plans are practically done and now we just need to finalize them before tomorrow.” 

You gave him a silent nod as he ruffled your hair. Looking over at Johnny, you noticed his gaze was on you guys but his expression hasn't changed. He starts coming over when he notices you looking back at him. Your heartbeat began to quicken, and you quickly bowed down to greet him. 

Likewise, he bowed down and greeted you with a small, short-lived smile. “Welcome, Princess.” 

Stunned by his low pitched and raspy voice, your mouth gaped before you gathered yourself together. “T-Thank you.” 

Johnny turned around quickly, and you, along with his parents, followed him into the palace.

“Johnny,” his father announced. “Why don’t you give ___ a tour?” 

“Maybe they’ll get to know each other a bit as well,” his mother giggled in response, looking up her husband. 

“Yes father,” Johnny replied curtly, eyes shifting to your figure in between them. With a simple nod of the head, he silently asked you to follow him. 

Leaving his parents behind, you quickly-paced yourself to catch up with him, walking by him, shoulder-to-shoulder. 

The first place he took you to was the main room, one filled with gold adorned couches and expensive bottles of wine lining the walls. The silence was so thick you could cut it with a knife, but that all changed when he eventually showed you his room. 

“Yeah, this is my room,” he opened the door, and you were greeted with a dark blue room. Scanning the area, your eyes fell on a specific poster that seemed to stir up memories.

“You listen to Coldplay?” you asked, taking a closer look at the poster hanging above his bed. 

Johnny whipped his head towards you with brightened eyes and a grin on his face. “Yeah! I love them!” 

Mirroring him, a huge grin took over your face. He looked so happy talking about Coldplay, and the image of his smile was now embedded into your memory. “Do you have a favorite song by them?” 

“I’d say ‘Yellow’ or even ‘The Scientist’,” he replied giddily looking down at you. “What about you?” 

“Hmm,” you started, fingers grazing over the bouquet of sunflowers underneath the poster. “I’d also say ‘Yellow’, but ‘Christmas Lights’ hits different during this time of the year.” 

“‘Christmas Lights’ is so good!” 

“I can’t celebrate Christmas without it,” you laughed back. His deep brown eyes lightened at your response. 

Although the conversation was short-lived, your eyes caught a flutter of something outside. 

“Hey,” you pierced out the window. “Is it snowing outside?” 

Quizzically, Johnny walked over to his window. Peering over his shoulder, you saw flurries of snow coating the grass. “Yes, Princess, it is in fact snowing.” 

You frowned at the way he addressed you. “You can call me ___, you know?” 

“Okay, ____,” Johnny teased, but the way your name sounded in his voice just felt right. “It is snowing- and a lot.” 

“Well…,” Impulsively, you grabbed his arm and pointed outside. “You want to go out? Maybe have a snowball fight? Or not, that's okay-”

“No, no, no,” Johnny interrupted, bashfully looking at your hand before meeting your eyes. “Let’s do it.” 

“Just know,” he smirked, walking over to his closet and tossing you one of his coats. “I won't be going easy on you.” 

“Never expected you to,” you said, putting on his jacket which was way too big on you, but kept you comfy. You zipped it up and smiled up at him, watching his once cold demeanor melt.

Maybe Mark was right. 

Johnny was a master snowball fighter, and as much as you hate to admit it, he was a tiny bit better than you. Only a tiny bit. 

“Are you ready to give up?” He taunted with a gigantic snowball in his hands, ready to drop it on you. You slipped on the ground a minute ago and haven't stopped laughing, so Johnny took that as defeat. 

“W-wait please,” you pleaded, still in a fit of giggles as Johnny brought the snowball closer to you. “I surrender! I surrender!”

“Too bad,” Johnny shrugged and proceeded to drop it on you. 

“I’mf gomma kill you!” your words were muffled by the snow, causing Johnny to erupt with laughter. Huffing, you got on your feet and chased after him, throwing snowball after snowball. 

Chasing him around the front of the castle, you finally hit him with a snowball in the back of his head. 

“Ouch!” Johnny dramatically stopped and turned around. “I’m so getting you back for that.” 

Not being able to stop yourself you crashed into Johnny’s chest. The snow being slippery, Johnny slid backward but managing to wrap his arms around your waist, stopping you from getting hurt. His back hit the ground with a thud, and your eyes widened.

“Johnny!” Still on his chest, you looked up at him to see if he was okay. Sitting up, your right hand automatically cupped his jaw and the other lifted his head up from the ground. 

“I’m fine,” A small groan escaped his lips as he rolled over on his right side, facing your body. His face melted into your touch as his eyes fluttered open to see you. “Don't worry, cutie.” 

“Uh..” Your body temperature spiked, and you didn't know whether to blame it on chilly weather or Johnny calling you ‘cutie’. “L-let's go inside.”

“It is getting dark anyway,” With your right hand gripping his, you dragged him up to his feet. Johnny dusted the snow off from his pants and also dusted some off from the top of your head. The small contact made your heart flutter, and the feeling was taking over your mind. 

After eating with Johnny's family, it was time for you to get some rest before the wedding ceremony tomorrow. 

The maids guided you to an extravagant bathroom for you to wash up, and right after they pointed towards Johnny's room.

“Princess, you’ll be sleeping in Johnny's room tonight,” the maid said nonchalantly. 

“What?” You gasped, neck-snapping to face her. “W-we're not even married yet? Is that even okay?”

“Yeah,” she replied, handing you a nightgown for you to change into. “You two will be married in less than twenty-four hours so…” 

“Goodnight, princess,” she winked at you before gently pushing you in the direction of his door. “Sleep well before your big day tomorrow.” 

As the maid left, leaving you stunned, you turned the doorknob to Johnny’s bedroom. Taking a step instead, you expected an empty bedroom but instead, you were greeted with Johnny in nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. 

“I’m sorry!” you squeaked, covering your eyes and slamming the door behind you. You never attempted to imagine Johnny without a shirt, but now that you’ve witnessed the sight, you can't seem to get it out of your mind. The water dripping from his hair onto his chest, the flex of his biceps, and the toned abs made you crazy. Before you knew it, a blush settled across your cheeks and the heat seemed to fog your thoughts. 

“___, I’m dressed,” Johnny calling your name broke you out of your trance. “You can come back in.”

You hummed in response, cracking open the door to see him with his arms crossed. 

“Also,” Johnny grabbed a pillow from the bed and placed it on the small couch beside him. “You can take the bed, and I’ll take the couch.” 

“Wait,” you said, looking at the couch and then at him. “You shouldn't have to, I can take the couch-”

“It's okay,” he interrupted, raising an eyebrow at you as he sat down. 

Your mouth opened to retort back, but seeing no point you smiled at him and went to go change into your nightgown. The satin nightgown slipped over your body, and you patted down any creases. 

When you opened the door, leaving his bathroom, you saw Johnny cramped onto the couch. His body was shifting, turning right and left to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Guilt surged inside of you as you watched him squeeze himself into an uncomfortable position to ensure that you weren't uncomfortable. 

“Johnny?” Heart swelling with love, you gently tapped on his shoulder, causing him to shudder in surprise. “Do you want to sleep beside me on the bed?” 

Johnny blinked a couple of times. “Huh?” 

You pointed towards his bed with your thumb. “Join me.”

“A-are you sure? Wouldn't y-you feel uncomfortable?” He sat up, looking up at you.

“No,” You shook your head, laughing at his innocent eyes. “We can put a little pillow barrier between us.”

With his eyes, Johnny silently asked if it was really okay, and you rolled your eyes at him. You grabbed his arms and dragged him to the bed before you slipped under the covers. Taking a cylinder-shaped pillow, you placed it between the two of you before smiling at him. “Goodnight, Johnny.” 

Johnny looked at you with sparkling eyes. “Goodnight, ___. Sleep well, cutie.” 

And with butterflies in your stomach, your eyes fluttered shut, and sleep took over. 

The morning sun beamed onto your face, causing you to grumble. Your eyes peered open, and it hit you that you were not in your usual room- you were in Johnny’s room. With widened eyes, you tried to move but an arm with a strong grip on your waist kept you from doing so. 

When you turned your head to the side, you were met with Johnny peacefully sleeping. His forehead rested on your shoulder, and his breathing was steady. His messy hair sprawled across the pillow, and the arm that was not tightened around you was underneath his head. 

This was a sight you could get used to every morning. 

Not knowing what suddenly urged you to do so, you placed a small kiss on the top of his head before trying to squeeze out his grip. You knew Johnny was strong, but you didn't expect him to be this strong. And there was no way you would be leaving the bed anytime soon. 

Sighing in defeat, you laid beside him, finger twirling a strand of his hair until he finally let out a small groan.

“Morning,” you smiled, watching his face contort in tiredness. 

“Morning, cutie,” he grumbled. His morning voice was even deeper and much raspier, causing your stomach to churn. “Can we just stay like this for a second?”

“Sure,” you laughed, continuing to play with his hair as he snuggled closer to you. “What happened to our pillow barrier though?”

“Don’t know and don't care,” he mumbled into your shoulder. His hot breath tickled your skin, inciting butterflies, once again. 

Before you could reply, a knock on your door interrupted the moment. “Prince. Princess. Ceremony in four hours!”

“Four hours?” you say in disbelief. “Get up, Johnny. We need to get ready.”

“But ____,” he whined, pulling you closer to him. 

You rolled your eyes and flicked him on the forehead. Your heart swelled at how clingy he was. “If we're late, it's your fault.”

“That's okay!” he sighed with content, eyes still closed but a smile formed on his lips. “As long as I have you, I’m good.”

You and Johnny barely made it in time to your own wedding. 

Scrambling, the maids quickly got both of you ready and pushed you out the front door and into a large room where all the people from Neo and Astoria gathered. On an elevated platform, your family and Johnny’s family both awaited your arrival. Although you and Johnny entered the room from opposite sides, both of you walked up the platform and sat on the large gold-adorned chairs in the front of the room. Everyone's eyes were on you two, but you and Johnny couldn't get your eyes off each other.

“You look beautiful, Princess,” Johnny smirked, looking you up and down. “Blue has always been and will always be such an elegant color on you.”

“Thank you, my Prince,” you replied, hiding any bashful expression that may have resulted from his comment. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

His smile grew wide, causing yours to match his. 

“Welcome to the marriage between ___ of Astoria and Johnny Suh of Neo,” your father announced, patting Johnny’s father on the back. “Through this marriage, both kingdoms will form a lifelong alliance, and I am pleased to say that I am very happy about this.” 

“We will start by exchanging rings,” Johnny's father said. With a snap of his fingers, two rings were brought and handed to both you and Johnny.

You put your hand out, and Johnny gently took it. His fingers wrapped around the diamond ring and, carefully, he slid it onto your ring finger. Before he let go, he placed a small kiss on your hand. 

With a big grin, you took his hand in yours, sliding on the ring as well. 

Everyone erupted in joy. You look over to your parents, only to see Mark, who gives you a smile along with an “I told you so” look on his face. He mouthed “congratulations” and you couldn’t help but want to give him a big hug. Your mother and Johnny's mother seemed to be holding back tears while both fathers were excitedly toasting their drinks. 

Happiness oozed out of every person, which in turn made you feel so happy that you felt as if your heart would burst any second.

“Snowball fight after this?” Johnny jokingly whispered amongst the beautiful chaos that filled the room. 

“We just got married and you’re thinking about having a snowball fight?” you replied, teasing him a bit to see his reaction. 

“Well we could do something else,” Johnny winked at you. 

You scoffed at his suggestive thoughts, lighting punching his bicep. “Hold up, buddy. You don't even know my favorite color!”

“Shit, you're right,” His eyes widened in realization before he whispered back. “What’s your favorite color?”

“White, my love,” you giggled.

“My love?” He placed a gentle kiss on your forehead. “I think I can get used to you calling me that.” 

“You should,” you retorted. “Also wanna listen to 'Christmas Lights’ after this?” 

“Not a snowball fight, but I’ll take it,” Johnny chuckled before looking straight into your eyes. “Besides, I can’t say no to Coldplay.” 

“And I definitely cannot say no to you, cutie.” 

#nct #nct 127 #nct u #neothestars #neowritingsnet #nct writers #nct fluff #nct angst #johnny seo #johnny suh #johnny suh fluff #johnny suh fanfic #johnny suh imagines #kpop nct #nct fic #kpop fluff #kpop fic #nct u scenarios #nct 127 fluff #nct 127 fic #johnny seo fluff #nct royal au #nct 127 royal au #nct johnny #johnny seo scenarios #nct drabbles

[sly-merlin]

T h e      E n c h a n t e d      C a n v a s

Pairing :: doyoung x reader ft simmi and her moots

Word count :: ~4k

Genre :: Hogwarts soulmate strangers to ?? Fluff

Synopsis ::

Y/n , a muggle is called to Hogwarts not because of her exceptional talents but due to the fact that her soulmate is a pure/half blood studying in Hogwarts. Her destiny takes her from an average household to the enchanting world of spells and charms. Would she found the one she sought? or sh’d end up losing herself in the new world!

A/n :: this is a Christmas gift for lovely nini - @dvrlingrenjun​ under @neoculturechristmas​ event. Thank you admins for letting me talk to her. And nini!! I'd be happy if you enjoy this even a little bit. I hope you can get some time out from your responsibilities to relax and then we can cry over twice's beauty!! MERRY CHRISTMAS NINI.

With love ,

From simmi(stocking anon)

tagging :: lovely @danishmiilk​  ( warning :: donot expect too much) @astroboy-lele​ (oops! i opened discord and just remembered i was supposed to tag you furou! sowy)

networks :: @neowritingsnet​ @kafenetwork​ @nct-writers​ 

thank you aria @adamfoolcry​ for hyping me up!!!

"A MAGIC SCHOOL?DO I LOOK LIKE A FOOL TO YOU?" you screamed at your parents, their pleading eyes instantly making you guilty.

"Darling! That woman showed us what she's capable of. You can go and learn and it's not like you have much of an option." Your father said, caressing your arm.

They were right. The woman, who called herself the professor of Hogsy or something school, had explained to you the two tier unscripted path of your future. The first thing being that you were invited to study at an elite magic school, the evidence of which was provided by summoning your sketchbooks from your room. Second being, your soulmate was a boy of the magical community so you,inevitably, were a part of it and there was no escape from it. 

"I don't want to leave you alone!" Tears threatening to fall, you requested your parents. 

"Please sweetie. Don't make this harder than it already is. We do not have enough money to provide you with quality education. At least you are getting a chance to improve your life. Do not let this chance pass because of us. Besides it's like a boarding school. That lady did say you'd be visiting us twice a year and that too for two whole months! I see no harm sweetie. You possibly cannot refuse your soulmate right. They need you as much as you need them. So go and live your life. Make your parents proud!" 

Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry,

Year - third

"Then the battery is placed in this small compact space in a very specific way to make the clock work. This small cylindrical unit called battery has very complicated working so we'll discuss that next week. And this week,I won't be bothering you with any homework so go and enjoy. Have an enchanting day." Your professor dismissed the class with a brightening smile.

"Y/n" she called as you were packing your bag.

"Yes mam?" You asked her, hands respectfully crossed in front of your skirt.

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for the automated battery clock that you got. The ones we have are very old and it's a long and tiring process to ask for new ones. Do know how delighted i am to have you in my class. I'm glad you chose muggle studies as elective." She smiled at you and you bowed just a bit to show your gratitude and walked outside for your other classes.

Being a ravenclaw was all about wisdom, intellect, being sharp minded and laced with logic and creativity or this was what the book that prof McGonagall gave you read. The almighty sorting hat, the pillar on which walls of Hogwarts stood, had placed you in ravenclaw. Though the hat did contemplate between every single house, you ended up with ravenclaw. You believed neither in the semi-animate object nor the popular saying that Sorting hat knows you better than you do yourself for you failed to find your own kind. The smart ravenclaws were too bright for you. It didn't help that you were the only muggle in your year. You weren't able to keep up with them and if it haven't been for willy, your only friend in ravenclaw, you'd have ended up going home,without finding your destiny. Not that you were any better at the moment but life was fun with willy and aria, your hufflepuff friend. 

But nothing remains stationary right!

“How are you here already?” you questioned lazily.

“Arithmancy professor fell sick this morning. I've been free since then.” said Aria. You turned to William, who was busy toying with his alligator bracelet. “And you willy?” 

“Huh?” he mindlessly asked. 

“I asked, did you run away from divination again?” you repeated the question, changing the words to suit his ears. 

“Oh no! We just had a small accident in class today.” he giggled, his glasses falling off as he doubled over with laughter.

The potion classroom was soon jammed with third year fellows, all chatting in their own friend groups, enjoying the few minutes before they would be bombarded with over expectation of brewing a girding potion.  At the precise moment, the door was closed shut.

“STOP THE USELESS GOSSIP AND SPLIT INTO YOUR BREWING GROUPS. NOW!”

Prof. Snape thundered as all the students, without a second wasted, dispersed and settled. “Mr. brown.” he called a hufflepuff, “collect the ingredients and mr. kim, care to move yourself and help him.” he instructed two students who complied immediately. “Not that i expect any from you little incompetent students, you shall not prepare more than two vials of the potion or else i won’t hesitate to make you do your laundry in the same foul liquid. Understood!” his warning earned silent gagging from several students at the mention of the awful smell, of which you were not excluded. 

As you got busy in discussing the recipe, noise of shattering glass and a shrill cry pierced through your ears. Before you could raise your head to witness the happening, your left wrist burned as if it was set on fire. Knees buckling, you fell on the floor as sudden inflammation blocked your senses, heart wrenching screams leaving your throat.Your wailing alerted your friends as William instantly unbuttoned your sleeve to view the reason of your pain and gasped at the damage. 

“Prof. snape! Her soulmate mark is burning.” he shouted but your ears were too clogged due to choked sobs to feel the distress in his voice. You slowly opened your heavy eyelids as your wrist was pulled swiftly. With blurred vision, you saw prof. casting a spell,his wand releasing a blue light circling your mark which entered your wrist, momentarily soothing the pain. Your cries softened into tiny sniffles as the spell did it's work. You lifted yourself up with Willy's help while sloppily rubbing at the darkened spot. 

“Oh yes, it’d leave some itching and for the spot and further treatment, you need to immediately go to the hospital wing. Ms. y/l/n and mr. Kim, you both are excused and for your foolishness, 100 points from slytherin.” Upon his command, your head snapped towards the man standing across the room in dishevelled state,probably matching your own,his hand clutching his wrist, eyes holding your gaze.

“Out!” 

Nodding your head, you made your way out, the male following after you. 

Either you were too slow in your steps or he was too brisk, but he seemed to be way ahead of you. Gripping your tingling and heavy hand, you were tracing his path when a pair of shoes met your vision, halting you in the middle of the corridor. 

“It’s stinging y/n. We have to run!” and before you could reply, he was sprinting for the stairs, taking you with him.

“You both are in the same year?” the nurse asked, examining the burnt swans on your wrists. 

“Yes” you both replied in unison, eyes meeting for a second before you  averted your gazes. The head nurse noted something in her register before she went to extract some bandages and potions.

“is the skin still burning?" The nurse queried, taking doyoung's hand but he pulled his hand and pointed for you. 

"She's more hurt. Check her first please" he mumbled, noticing your incessant scratching and ragged breathing. She shook her head and proceeded with the treatment.

"Why were you playing with the potions?" She scolded Doyoung while applying the healing potion. 

"I wasn't!" Doyoung retorted as he straightened his back in defence. "It got spilled by mistake when I was finding seaho-RSES!" He screeched as the medicine stung.

"Seahorses are kept in see-through containers mr. Kim and don't you nincompoops know that golden marks are sensitive to heat. Why were you wearing a folded shirt in a potions class when clearly you were exposed t-

"The temperature madam!" Your eyes never left his face as you witnessed the misery he went through in the past few minutes and which you were going to experience in a few seconds. 

"Give me your hand miss y/n" 

The liquid ignited it again but as she massaged on it, the skin felt cooler than before and when she wrapped the white bandage, the sharp needles alleviated into cold jingling. You carefully glanced at doyoung through your peripheral vision only to find him staring at you with wide eyes. Saving yourself the humiliation, you tried to hide your face into your neck which only annoyed you further due to the wetness of your fresh tears mixing with sweaty moisture, creating what felt like a puddle but you endured it, calculating the weight of the outcomes.

"Do stop by every day for a change of bandage unless you want to live your whole life with black wrists which I clearly don't have any problem with kids!" She jested before leaving for her office. 

You stayed seated beside doyoung, the newfound soulmate, wondering if he was as nervous as you were. Fisting your clammy hands, you mustered all the courage you could, ready to introduce yourself but the greeting travelled back through your throat when he hopped off the hospital bed and departed without uttering anything. 

Your recently dried eyes were sprayed again with his callous action as millions thoughts ran through your throbbing head, heart constricting under the weight of silence. 

Did the man for whom you deserted the whole world for, rejected you?

"HE DID WHAT?" Aria hollered and looming forward, slamming her hands down on the table. At her reactions, you felt your own anger bubbling again but the disorder generated by the recent incident and William's reasoning, you stopped yourself from forming any conclusion.

"Will you calm down." 

"No willy, don't you want to rip that sly boy apart. How dare he! I’m going to- wait you told him before me! That's not fare." She whined, diverting her own attention.

“stop shouting aria. Let people eat in silence. An-and we don't know why he left. It could be--maybe he wanted to use the washroom or he wanted to hide his pai-

"Stop defending him willy or I'll pour this porridge over your head" willy pouted at her remark and slided down his chair to avoid her.

"Stop bickering and tell me what should i be doing now! I have a soulmate for god's sake!"

You had finally found the reason for your presence in the castle, your soulmate, kim doyoung and you didn’t know how to proceed.

"I guess wait y/n and at least you were saved from the awful odour of the gird today. Sicheng almost fainted in front of professor but that was a hilarious sight girl. You missed it" you saw rolling her eyes at the mention and you mirrored her reaction,resting your head on the table as Willy's ironic statement only intensified the pounding.

Wait! But for how long?

"YOUR FROG BRAIN DID WHAT?" Simmi jumped off the bed to face doyoung, her hand reaching for the transfiguration book.

"I-i- i got nervous!" He whined and cringed at his pathetic excuse. He was busy folding and unfolding his poor ear,apparently in nervousness, when his best friend thwacked his bicep with the heavy book.

He cried out loud, grasping his arm with one hand, “do you want to die!” he glowered at her. 

“How could you miss your soulmate when she was right there in front of you for two years." She said before working on his arm again. 

“I’m not the only one! She also missed me.” he reasoned, holding his hands up in refuge from her neverending attacks. “Wait!” he exclaimed, pondering over his words. “How could she not know I was her soulmate when almost everyone knows I've got a gold swan embroidered.” his face fell in despondency and the horrible and hurried conclusion his thoughts took him to. “Simmi what if she- what if she never wanted to find me and that-

“Merlin’s beard shut yourself up and mail your family. They need to know their baby boy is all grown up now!”

He nodded in acknowledgement of the suggestion but his wandering mind refused to rest until he was sure of his qualms. 

Maybe he should wait! But for how long?

My love was sleeping, but there was fragrance in the air

Doyoung roamed around in circles, his heart unevenly drumming, body so warm under the strain of muddled thoughts that the moisture was seeping through the bandage. The response of his parents, lying on his bed in the form of a letter, had relieved him of the worries of any prospective opposition. Not that he didn’t know his family, he wasn't too convinced how their family would address the sudden revelation of his soulmate being a muggle. You were going to be the first muggle in his family and the first ravenclaw after his great grandmother. The first line of the letter “we are elated to know that your soulmate is a human and not your piano” had eased him for the remaining part. Now that the dragon was out of the dungeon, the subsequent troubles were giving him splitting migrains. 

In the past week, he had tried to approach you after a painful shove from taeyong and simmi but he had to retreat due to your very malevolent comrades. The mental conversations he had with you continued to be in the confines of his head but nothing arrested him from searching for you in the crowds. You had always been there, in the same classes, in the great hall, in the corridors but you were nowhere when his eyes sought you. Just a week has passed and he found himself getting more and more conscious of your presence. He wanted to hijack and become a part of your convivial life yet he lacked the needed courage. 

So he resorted to wearying his legs by moving around. Maybe Some blood rush from his branches to brain would give him some clarity.

By degrees, the thumping of his spirit corresponded to the swooshing of the sea creatures.

He might have been too young to fall in true love but slowly, he knew, he was falling for that little golden swan.

Hidden from the rest, you were completing your assignment when the chair besides you was drawn out. You raised your head with the intention of getting the chair vacated for your friends but watching the Kim doyoung occupying the seat, you shot up instantly,ready for your escape. Fumbling with the ink and books, you whirled around only to be stopped by the boy.

 You glanced at him for a moment before pulling your hand ,which he was tugging at , back. 

"Stay. Your friends won't be coming today. I won't say anything. Please" he requested with his doe eyes looking up in a hope to catch yours. 

Wordlessly, you sat down.

He kept his promise. 

No word was spoken that day or the next day or the next week. 

The intense silence that engulfed you that day soon morphed into a tranquil one. The one of the familiarity, of the silent exchanges and of the growing unbreathed bond.

By the end of the month, the green leaves sacrificed themselves for the birth of fiery red ones as the days became shorter, the sun became mischievous and the gold on your wrists started gleaming more than ever.

One month later 

“Gamps’ law of transformation? Didn’t we read it last year?” doyoung asked perplexedly, taking the reins of the conversation, again.

“Prof. told me to prepare an assignment which would be used for the younger students.” you replied sheepishly, dipping the quill in the ink. 

“Pure ravenclaw” he muttered, looking lovingly at you. These days, he did it more often than he could count. He wanted to say more but the fear of your refusal always held him back.

“Not so much” 

you heard his muttering! He wanted to pry further but saved it for a later discussion. 

He shifted himself towards his own chair and worked on his sheet as the ticking of the grandfather clocks muddled with scratching of the quills filled the empty corner. 

It wasn't home but it certainly felt like one!

Two months later

“Give us our y/n back” aria whisper yelled to taeyong.

“She’s doyoung’s soulmate, doyoung is my best friend hence she is my best friend as well.” taeyong retorted, dramatically flaring his nostrils. 

“Don’t forget we live at the same place taeyong and simmi won’t be there to save you baboon face.” amused smiles adorned everyone’s faces as they saw both of them quarelling. Some things were always constant. 

You sipped on your hot chocolate that warmed you up as you and doyoung went through the revision for the last exam. Without being asked, he helped you with his encyclopedic knowledge. you were grateful for his assistance but never said anything for you felt like the feather silence between you was too delicate to breach. 

So you spoke through your eyes.

And he never failed to hear you.

Wrapping the scarf around your neck, you sprinted for the dining hall, tightly holding onto the white chocolates tightly. 

At the end of the hallway, you saw another figure running over in the same state as you.

“Did you get shorter?” he said, grinning ear to ear. Glancing up at him, you scanned through his features, in case you had forgotten in the christmas holidays. 

“This is for you!” you both said simultaneously, extending your hands

“Open it for me!” you requested.

Under the emerald covering was an elegant and vintage fountain pen, engraved and decorated with turquoise stones. “This is so beautiful.” you told him before taking it from him. You traced over the name kim carved onto the nib of the pen. You raised your brows in question to which he responded quickly , “it’s my great grandma’s. This is your Christmas gift from the Kim family. I know it’s small but you are invi-

“It’s precious. You are giving me a family heirloom when all i got are some homemade milk chocolates for you.” your smile faded as you avoided his sight.

“How did you know white chocolates are my favourite?” he exclaimed, a bit too loudly.

“Mom said you’d l-

Before you could complete your sentence, he prised the chocolate box out of your grip, sprinting for the great hall.

“OH KIM DOYOUNG! GIVE ME MY SHARE!” 

YEAR - FOURTH

“Why are you always so quiet?” 

“I’m never!” you defended yourself. 

Doyoung didn’t know why he was talking about it now and here, out of all places, in front of whomping willow.

“Tell me!” he pressed.

“I talk to a few and it’s enough.”

“Do you know you are intimidating?” you raised your chin to scrutinise the sincerity in his words.

“I am not!” 

“To those you don’t know you, you radiate passive energy. My slytherin friends wanted to introduce themselves but they got scared and ran away. Honestly, i was also a bit-

He trailed off, slouching on the bench as your eyes bored into his. His head hung low in apology for he knew, he must've crossed the line but for the first time, you decided to show him your dauntless side.

“Hogwarts did that to me.” you said, wearily. “I was happy with my parents, drawing and colouring in my art books when suddenly i was told that i’ve been living in a wrong way. That there is a secret magical place where i have a soulmate. I was angry because i had to leave everything behind. And then i was sorted into ravenclaw. And i was distorted when i found out that i wasn't smart enough for them. I couldn't solve the riddles! William was the one who showed me how to do it properly. It felt awful knowing that the only place that was supposed to be my home for next seven years wasn't the place where i belonged to.” you spoke calmly but doyoung felt your distress and let you continue without any interruptions. 

“I was an eleven year old. I never wanted to fend for myself in a place full of strangers. I -i imagined my life to be a canvas full of colours that i wanted to design for myself. The borders, the paint, the drawing, i wanted to design it for me. But then an owl screeched and i felt like someone had shortened my canvas and after all these years, i feel it’s completely disappearing.” it sounded like someone snatched the life out of your voice. But your visage remained soft, drawing doyoung in. 

“So you like art.” he asked with curiosity. 

“Yes. i love art.” you said, eyes fixed at the movements of the branches of whomping willow.

“Can you please teach me?” he urged and within a second , the air filled with the fragrance of your happiness.

“ why wouldn’t I. what do you wanna do in future doyong? Aria wants to arithmancer, william would be a healer and sicheng, he would be a star quidditch player.”

“I don't want to worry about it right now. Let’s just live in today.” he answered back, smile gracing his lips at the thought of a future with you.

You both relished each other’s company until the temperature froze the both of you.

Removing a  snowflake from your lashes, he made a promise to himself that he’d help you find something that’d put ice on all the bitter memories you had. 

YEAR - FIFTH

THE GREAT HALL

 “Doyoung’s got a howler!” yuta and simmi fist bumped each other, already too excited for the letter to be opened. Of all the howlers they have received, doyoung and yuta’s were record establishing and they expected mrs. kim to maintain the status quo this time as well.

The howler jumped in the air and as the seal opened, doyoung’s heart dropped at the voice. It was not from his mother but his sister and it shouted humiliation, if he was being polite towards her. 

“MS. Y/N!” 

You choked on the juice as you heard your name. 

“MY DEAR TO-BE-SISTER-IN-LAW, HELLO! I’M IVET, THAT DENSE DUDE’S LITTLE SISTER. MUM HAS SENT YOU SOME ART SUPPLIES AND SHE WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU COULD PAINT HER SOMETHING TO DECORATE THE EMPTY WALL IN HER ROOM. SHE’D BE DELIGHTED AND IF YOU GET TIME,PLEASE DRAW SOMETHING FOR ME TOO. AND DOYIE BRO! BRING ME CHOCOLATE FROGS FROM THE TRAIN! SHOP FROGS DOESN'T TASTE THE SAME. FORGET THIS TIME AND I’D MAKE SURE YOU REGRET YOUR EXISTENCE. I hope we can meet soon ms. y/n. By.”

The howler exploded and so did the whole room. Several snorts, chuckles, happy curses were exchanged as doyoung lowered himself under the table to avoid the shame. 

You checked your paint supplies attached with the howler and as your lips curved up, he knew what he was going to pursue in his life. 

Your happiness and immortality.

When i found you, there was magic 

“Mr. kim if you wish to ogle at ms.y/l/n instead of paying attention to my words then i’d suggest please fail your o.w.l.s so i don’t have to face your affection filled face from next year.” prof snape growled, throwing the head of vial on doyoung’s face. 

He was going to fail potions, you thought gesturing him to apologise.

“And 20 points from slytherin and 10 points from ravenclaw!” you both ducked your heads in an instant, forcing a poker face to save yourself from further trouble.

When i found you, rain smelled good

YEAR - SIXTH

When i found you, desires awakened

“No simmi! This is a slytherin dungeon. I cannot go inside!” you warned simmi, who, all of a sudden was adamant on showing you her room, at midnight. 

“I love you but please don’t call this a dungeon.” she held out her hand before you could correct her. “Yes i know this is practically a dungeon but we call it seascape.  Close your ears, you don’t wanna hear the password. You nodded, palming your ears.

“Yutaisthegreatestbeingintheworld” you snickered as she recited the words.

“Our prefect is a dung brain so please excuse.”

Door opened to darkness but a dim light slowly floated towards you as you walked inside “Nox”  your wand rose high up in the air. You made out doyoung’s figure and before you could calculate, the whole room resonated with a syncless birthday song.

And you knew, you were enthralled by this boy.

You heard my prayers, you answered my heart’s call

“I love you aria. Would you give me the honour of being the snitch of your life?” sicheng, aria’s ravenclaw soulmate confessed to her with a promise ring. 

“The ice prince finally melted!” You and william, hands joined, jumped in joy as you watched aria’s eyes glistened with glee.

You rushed upstairs to find doyoung as you forsaw the end of your wait.

Panting heavily, you dragged doyoung out of prof’s room, his step gracefully flowing with yours in a instant.

“What are yo-

“What do you smell in amortentia?” you stopped abruptly and asked him, gasping for air.

“Wh-a-t” he giggled nervously, his hand patting his chest to control his own breathing. “What has gotten ov-

“Answer me kim doyoung.” you whispered, strictly.

He was quiet but you understood the stillness of his heart veiled by the thumping and you felt him losing his composure when his hands cupped your face, 

"I-i smelled white chocolate, lovely lillies-

"Hurry up Kim." You hit his chest with your fist with requirement of the answer.

He chuckled, his bunny teeth enlightening his chiselled face while he looked at you like you were something special to him and you no more just wanted to feel it. You wanted him to say it, express it like he did when he read the poetry from your book or like the random scribbles on his notebooks. You wanted him to move on from the shy glances and profess that you were his and he was yours. 

he licked his lips as he gulped harshly before continuing,

"And you. You-your hair. Your lavender scent. Your innocence. Your d-dreams. Your colours. Your paints yo-

Pulling him by his tie, you placed your lips on his soft ones, leaving them with a smack. His hands wrapped around your waist to embrace you in the warmest hug you'd ever received from a loved one. As your head laid on his chest, you heard his heartbeat for the first time, making you feel closer to him than ever. 

"How would i ever requite your love Kim doyoung" you asked, closing your eyes.

"Maybe a portrait would do!" 

Kim doyoung became the canvas of your life,giving you the liberty to paint him in your colours and  your love and you became the smudged ink to his enchanted diary, without whom he would've failed to fill the pages.

You'd grow old but the swans born out of you would tell the stories of the years gone by.

#neowritingsnet #nct-writers #kafenetwork #nct scenarios #nct imagines #nct x reader #doyoung fluff #doyoung scenarios #doyoung imagines #nct fluff #doyoung soulmate au #nct soulmate au #doyoung x reader #nct dream #nct hogwarts au #hogwarts fanfiction #doyoung hogwarts au #nct angst #doyoung angst

[yongiefilms]

FILM | Together Alone

BASED ON | The NCT secret santa collaboration feature done by bumblebeenct and lucaswithnoshirt studios over @neoculturechristmas​ headquarters 

DEDICATED TO | My own precious secret santa, @sly-merlin​! This one is for you my love. I hope I did you justice for the type of fic you requested and I hope you like it! By the way I apologize for getting your present to you late.

STARRING | Huang Renjun and Female Reader

FEATURING | Lee Donghyuck 

GENRE | Romance, Drama, Angst, Fluff, Business centred, and Holiday centred

RATING | PG-13

WARNINGS | Thematic elements, suggestive references and implications, crude humor, language, mentions of death, a deceased parent, drinking, alcohol, and other adult themes

PLOT | Everyone knew him. The heir to the multimillion dollar company. Next in line to inherit the top pharmaceutical business in all of China and South Korea. For being only 20 years old he was the most accomplished person of his age. Set to become the CEO at age 21 on his birthday, nearly a few months away, there was nothing that could deter him down the road for further success. They say he’s envied by most, yet loved all the same. If only people knew who Huang Renjun really was without his family’s name plastered against the walls of society that gave him fame and fortune. Only one would have the chance to find out the truth of his reality and sometimes when that comes near the end of a year shutting close, not everything can end pleasant like one hoped. OR Happy endings might not exist in this messed up world.

RUNNING TIME | 6.4k

DIRECTOR’S NOTE | Happy Holidays, my loves! This work is in honor of you all and the amazing year you all gave me with your immense love as well as support. I appreciate every single one of you more than you will ever know so I wish happy days among you this season and new year. I love you and please enjoy! Also, shout out to my lovely proofreader, @dvrlingrenjun​, you’re the best.

1, 2, 3 Now Rolling...

“Fuck them all!” Huang Renjun yells out in frustration, leaning back abruptly in his black cushioned chair, his hands clutching tightly at his dark strands of hair.

The younger boy smirks at him, leaning against the pillar by his office. “Wouldn’t you like that?”

A glare was sent in his direction in retaliation. “Shut up, Donghyuck.”

“Sure, big guy,” he dismisses, the jab made at the older visible with the way his words cut through the air. “Still doesn’t render the fact that you have to go to this event like you always do.”

Renjun groans, his right hand going around his left wrist to play with the gold Cartier bracelet that rested there. A gift given to him when he turned the legal age of eighteen a few years ago. A gift given to him by his father, on behalf of his mother or so it was said. One that was a promise of luxury and achievement if he continued down the path they set out for him. His decision then when he was an adult to decide his fate, but that was only a lie. The bracelet was only a bribe for a materialistic life where he could be well off and if he stepped away then he would be stripped of everything that made him who he was. 

“I know, okay? We do it every year but that still doesn't take away from the fact that I hate it. I hate all of it.”

Perhaps his father was a part of that.

“Well,” Donghyuck drawls, shrugging his shoulders when he lifts his body off the pillar to take long strides in order to reach the other boy. “At least it’s out of town this year so I’m down...I mean free vacation.” He gives a toothy grin, his eyes sparkling of juvenescence and a thrill for adventure, mystery, excitement. At least one of them still had a childlike soul and a more or less normal life while the other was forced to grow up too fast in the spotlight where eyes were scrutinizing his every move before he could even walk.

They called it maturity, but Renjun calls it loss of youth. 

“You’re such a freeloader,” Renjun mutters, his hands stopping from playing with the bracelet to glance up in exasperation.

“Says the boy inheriting an almost billion dollar company without batting an eye,” Donghyuck snorts with an eye roll, picking at his nails that now gained all of his attentiveness.

It was true after all.

Renjun laughs in mockery. “You’re just jealous, so I wouldn’t be talking if I were you.”

Donghyuck sighs loudly for effect. “Cous, I wouldn’t want your life even if I tried. Some horrifying shit.” He shakes his head, obviously disturbed by the notion.

Renjun’s voice becomes small, yet firm. “It isn’t that bad...”

Donghyuck finally stops twiddling with his fingers to give the other the time of day with a look of obvious reluctance. “Uncle is scary, can you blame me?”

“Guess not, that man is my father.”

“Exactly and as much as I would love to continue this conversation,” Donghyuck glances at his crisp navy steel Bulgari watch, seeing the time half past noon. “I got to run, meeting with the boys soon and I just needed to deliver the message before that. Little pit stop if you will.” His hands flair out in a theatrical motion as if he were giving a bow.

“Oh?” Renjun raises an eyebrow, hands reaching out to get started on the stack of papers placed at the edge of his desk by his receptionist before Donghyuck’s surprised arrival. “Say hi to them for me.” He pauses in afterthought, knowing the younger’s antics. “Or not.”

Donghyuck’s boisterous laugh rings. He knew him so well. “Very funny, but oh, wait!” 

The increase in his tone attracts the older’s regard who was beginning to read through the proposal. “Yes?”

“Here,” Donghyuck states, reaching into the back pocket of his chinos to pull out a small black velvet box with gold edging. “An early present of sorts. I assumed you might like it.” He slides the box over on the desk where it is caught in the grasp of delicate hands.

“Proposing are we? You know we are related right?” Renjun smiles snidely, running his fingers over the soft velvet in wonder. It was rare to get a gift from Lee Donghyuck himself and with the right intentions at that. 

“It would be an honor and privilege to marry me, thank you, but no it’s just...open it when I leave. I’m not into that sappy shit as you know. I have a matching one too, but yeah merry early Christmas and New Years.” His easy grin widens as he winks to take backward steps to the exit of the office. Always one for a dramatic flare.

“Matching...we can’t be a couple either, Hyuck,” Renjun says, shaking his head while he puts the box down on his desk in wait.

Donghyuck flips him off and grits out a reply. “Shut up and be grateful for once.”

Turning his head back to his papers, he mutters, “Oh, I am.”

“Anyways, bye you fucker. Don’t drown in work,” Donghyuck lets out once he turns his back.

“Thank you for caring, delivery boy,” Renjun shouts as his cousin finally opens the door to exit after his much longer than anticipated stay.

Donghyuck’s hands still on the silver knob before he can fully push the door. “When don’t I? If you’re gone then that means I would have to inherit the company and as much as I would love the money, the fame, the attention, maybe even the girls...I don’t want that responsibility. You get me?”

Renjun rolls his eyes, spinning the black ballpoint pen between his index and ring finger. “Just say you’re lazy and go.”

“I am going!” Donghyuck exclaims while he turns his head over his shoulder, shooting the boy sitting at the desk that didn’t quite fit him well, another wink. “Bye for real, Junnie!”

The door at last closes and he is gone in a blur of colors.

Renjun mumbles under his breath. “I told you not to call me that.” 

His mother used to call him that and she didn’t have the chance to stay long in this world. Taken too soon is what they say, but maybe she was blessed before everything turned to stone. 

With Donghyuck’s departure, Renjun looks over at the lone box that was gifted to him, perhaps not a gift like the others that held no meaning, for this one was an outlier in the equation. Donghyuck never gave without meaning or gain so it had to be special.

He places his pen down and picks up the box, undoing the clasp that held it close. The box opens to a sight he has gotten used to, yet there was a disparity. In between the cushion of the velvet laid a beautiful silver Chopard ring. The band was simple in design, yet intricate with the signature ice cubes filled with small sparkling diamonds across the entire width. Renjun handles the ring with care once it is taken out of the box to inspect every detail. Not only was the brand engraved in stunning cursive on the inside, but Donghyuck had gotten the ring customized with the word family in the same writing on the opposite side of the inner circle. 

Renjun runs his fingers over the engraving, the words rough under his calloused hands. He hums in thought as he slips the ring on his middle finger, the radiance seeping in from the windows catching the precious metal. “Family...family...I haven’t had one in a long time.”

The truth is he had, has, but he was too blind to see. 

Family is not just those that are immediate, composing of a father and mother or even siblings. Family can also entail the greater extent from cousins to aunts to grandparents. Family can even be those that are not blood related like the friends a person surrounds themselves by. 

Renjun has family. If only he could acknowledge them before they too left him utterly alone. 

Alone was something Renjun was not for the days to come. 

A week later after his cousin delivered the news about the annual holiday vacation and company sponsored events that his family has been hosting since his late teen years, he was flown in a private plane against his will to a remote town near Busan, far off from the heart of Seoul. He would rather spend the holidays in the city where he grew up like all those past seasons ago, but his father decided there was a need for change, a mirror of one forthcoming in virtually three months. Usually those that made the trip came for the designated three days they were given which still involved work communications with scant room for relaxation depending on the schedules of selected individuals. However, if one was a Huang, which Renjun was the only one left along with his father that were at least part of the business, then departure and stay differed. Intermingled was the Huang winter vacation with that of business affairs, a factor that was born when the tradition started. His father always said to kill two birds with one stone when given the chance and this very situation was one he took hold of to morph into a personal gain. 

Nothing was ever as it seemed with his father, nor himself. One characteristic they shared among a hundred to a thousand polarities.

Albeit this time around, Renjun had fought against his father’s wants, which was not the first instance, but was one that ended in surprising success. Success he tasted on the daily, even if all was bitter with no room for happiness. However, this success was sweet with contentment, ending with an awfully horrid aftertaste. Convincing his father to fly him out along with the others on the 23rd of December instead of the 20th was a victory no less. At least he didn’t have to spend unwanted days in the presence of his old man longer than necessary. 

He arrives in wealth and social standing like he always did for once his black A.Testoni dress shoes hit the white tiled floor of the airport’s general aviation ramp building, everyone within his general vicinity, even those afar, are taking heed to his every need, that as of now are limited. 

A slightly older woman who he deems as his assistant, comes into view, her black Prada heels clicking loudly against the tile as she advances with a clipboard and her trusty cell in her hands to the boy. She cheerful speaks into the empty building, her smile unwavering. “Mr. Huang, I am glad you had a safe flight. I printed your itinerary for the next couple of days that I will hand to you once we are in the limo. Considering it is…” She glances at her Apple Watch Series 6 to check the time. “Two forty three as of now, we can drop off your luggage at the Lodge and get you settled into your room before your three fifteen lunch with Mr. Kim and his wife at the Yongsusan Café. You will be with them for an hour before the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend productively. Then at six o’clock the maids and stylists will come by to get you ready for the business meeting at seven thirty, following with a small dinner party with those same individuals, including their wives and children. Sounds good?”

Renjun does not even have time to reply before his assistant speaks again. 

“Yes, okay! Let’s get going then.” She turns on her heel abruptly, yet with expertise without room for error and begins taking steps away from the plane to the left. “The limo should be this way, follow me while your luggage gets loaded. The drive should not take more than ten minutes.” 

He has no choice but to accompany her as he would not be able to make a run for it, he will be caught within seconds. He tried once and that was only one failure amongst little to none in his book. 

His strides are slow and lousy as if he had all the time in the world to do as he pleased, when he in fact did not, far from it in actuality. Even so before he knows it he reaches the limo and is lurched forward in motion towards his destination for the next few days. The place his dad selected oozes with sumptuous intent, being a gorgeous mid-century modern wooden lodge that nearly looked like a manor upon inspection. As the limo pulls up to the front, Renjun is able to see the beauty up close that he is entranced by even if he seems unfazed. New places and people excite him more than he lets on for his life is dull, lacking fulfillment of an unknown tomorrow. 

The porter, who is situated in patience by the front doors, strides forward to open the door of the limo, permitting Renjun to step out with the authority and grace bestowed upon him. 

When he crosses the threshold into the Lodge he is met with an even better interior that rivaled that on the outside, but he is not allowed to ponder too much on the design before the head manager greets him.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Huang, it is certainly a pleasure for you to stay with us at the Lodge this fine holiday season. I am Gwan Jang-Mi and I will be showing you to your room today along with giving you a small tour of this place in order to familiarize yourself with the setting. If you look here to your left…”

Her speech is drowned out into obscurity as Renjun’s awareness shifts to another woman, one so stunning that he is surprised he did not take notice sooner. When sauntering through the entryway into the resting room that will be cleared out in the next couple of hours, a bar is situated to the left where you stand, arranging countless bottles of liquor to wine on the counter, no doubt for the little party later or for the meeting. Those men were heavy drinkers and needed alcohol to make it through the rest of the evening. Renjun did drink to drown his sorrows, worry, and anxiousness away, but he was not one to throw himself down a spiraling hole of darkness nor chaos that he could not get out of, for those consequences were ones he did not want to reap.

The soft sunlight peaks through the high guarded windows, shining down on your face that enunciates your features. For simply being in a black polo and khaki pants, you made it work and drew all attention to yourself without even knowing the power you held. 

The moment of admiration comes to a close when Renjun is ushered away from the ground floor to make way to his room in the upper levels, leaving you behind.

Yet that would not be the last time.

Time goes by slowly when there is no purpose, no meaning to the daily workings of one person in the masses of others. Renjun has experience in that regard, time always goes by slowly for him and exhausts him a great deal like a rotary clock that seeks no end. 

He was worn out by the time he got back to the Lodge in the early evening due to the stay with the Kims went longer than necessary and he was called elsewhere upon emergency to discuss future matters. He did not have time for himself like his assistant had plainly made known so there he was, collapsed head first into his silk covers, ten minutes to six. 

Instead of taking a long awaited nap he is ushered up and into more formal wear after a cleanse from the bustle of bodies that barge into his room. 

No privacy. No sense of normality. 

That is the normal. 

The next few hours go by in blur from him sitting in front of a mirror to have his hair styled to sitting in front of burly old men that were associates and inventors of the company in a grad meeting room with locked doors and the finest assortment of liquor that money can buy. 

He is out of the confines in no time, not even bothering to say one final hurrah before he lurches himself out the door and into the now cleared out resting room. One of the servers comes by then dressed in all black attire that was nothing of the typical black and white uniform, edging towards a usual guest. Renjun snatches a glass of sparkling champagne and gulps it down in one go off their silver platter, discreetly of course, for he has to look composed—sober throughout the entire affair. He always could hold his alcohol without a problem and he felt blessed to have that advantage. One thing he is proud of. 

He is whisked away not even moments after by one of the older investors, Mr. Han, to moreover chew over the end of the year budget and his stance on future decisions to be made in the new year. From the corner of his eye while listening to the man talk in a flamboyant manner, he sees his father standing with a glass of white wine happily talking to another investor, a more influential one, the most influential one of them all and his wife along with their daughter who was not even carefully surveying the room in search of someone.

Renjun’s eyes widen in shock, mumbling under his breath, “Shit.”

Mr. Han stops the flow of words out his mouth, his eyebrows rumpling together. He did not hear the swear word the boy uttered, yet he heard something in passing. “Pardon?”

Renjun shakes his head vaguely, bringing his third glass of champagne in the air as a sign of departure. “Ah excuse me, Mr. Han, but it seems I have been beckoned elsewhere.” His eyes shift over to his father who was not making direct eye contact with him, but Mr. Han did not need to know that little detail as he observes Renjun’s line of sight. 

Mr. Han chuckles brightly. “I see, well I must not keep you from your father.”

Renjun smiles. “No, you must not, but we shall continue this conversation later, Mr. Han. I am sure you have much more to say and I will happily discuss further with you.”

Mr. Han waves his hand in the air nonchalantly. “We shall. Now off you go.” 

Renjun nods his head, his lips still quirked up in a smile, this one more genuine than the last, as he makes a beeline towards his father to make everything seem more believable. Though once he no longer feels the eyes of Mr. Han on his retreating back he switches routes, going to the left rather than straight ahead. He circles around the opposite side, catching a stark mop of washed out red hair amongst the crowd in the process—Donghyuck. His cousin is not alone, however, talking rather freely with a girl he could not quite see in his peripheral vision. The grin on Donghyuck’s face is undeniable even with his back turned and the way Renjun hears the tiny giggles you are emitting, all is too familiar, which is the perfect cause for a disruption.

Renjun does not acknowledge his cousin when he arrives at the bar, the younger boy too immersed in conversation so he signals for the other worker that comes becking to his call. 

“A Negroni, on the rocks.”

The girl nods in understanding and turns to prepare the drink while Donghyuck still has not noticed his presence. The younger boy always did focus on what was in front of him rather than on his surroundings, contrary to his cousin that saw the whole picture. Two contrasting people surely with unlike futures ahead of them. 

The frosted glass with the reddish-orange liquid and topped with orange shavings is served to him a minute later, placed in front of him on a matching glass coaster.

He clears his throat loudly in an attempt to catch Donghyuck’s attention. “Thank you.” 

A method that proves effective since the younger boy finally turns his head to the right to see Renjun sitting on the barstool next to him, sipping casually on his high class Negroni. 

His eyes are wide, but he masks his shock with a subtle smirk. “Jun! Well, well, if it isn’t the mini man himself. How long have you been sitting there?” 

Renjun snorts into his glass, shaking his head at the dig Donghyuck made at his height, always one out for blood. “Far too long to have noticed your flirting from across the room, Hyuck.” It is now his turn to smirk, but Donghyuck’s own is still unfaltering.

“I take pride in my skills, glad you gave your time of day to notice.” He elevates his glass up then, filled most likely with a Nicolashka, his favorite holiday drink to date, and takes a sip himself, a move Renjun mimics.

Then your voice interrupts. “Sorry to cut in, but I have to get back to work. You’ve been distracting me for the last ten minutes, mister.” Your stern gaze is directed at Donghyuck from the latter statement. Although once your words are uttered, Renjun focuses his eyes on you, scrutinizing your appearance. The very girl he saw earlier today, the girl Donghyuck so happened to have a chance with before him—you.

Donghyuck laughs, the smirk morphing into a shiteating grin. “I told you, call me Hyuck.”

“Well, Hyuck, I have to get back to work...plus I am sure you want to talk to your friend.” Your gaze flickers to Renjun in that instance and lingers there longer than necessary that has him laughing to himself. 

Donghyuck’s charm only goes so far. 

The younger boy peers at Renjun when you utter out friend, and he smiles small in remorse. “Sadly, but do not let me keep you from your work.”

You turn your back on him, your eyes catching Renjun’s in the process before you look away from the intensity of the dark orbs. “I wasn’t planning on it.” 

You leave the bar area then most likely to put on an apron that Renjun noticed you had not worn throughout the entire duration. Donghyuck simply distracted you before the start of your shift and after, not a good trait to inherit. 

Donghyuck hums, but let’s the remark go as he fully turns to Renjun to start up that conversation. 

He raises an eyebrow. “Must you always keep me from having fun?” 

Renjun shrugs his shoulders, swishing the liquid in his glass. “Not always, but I was saving that girl from misery. You should be thankful that I care enough.” 

Donghyuck taunts. “Oh wow I feel so special.”

Renjun sternly eyes him, his voice lowering. “You should.”

Donghyuck’s lips open to retort a response, but no words are spoken on his end for his eyes look over the older boy’s shoulders and he catches sight of someone none of them truly like or have liked after the incident. He sees her.

“Well fuck, here comes the devil,” is all he makes out and the phrase enough has Renjun turning his own head hastily to see who he was watching. Such is when he sees his ex-girlfriend, Cha Yeona, prowling straight towards their way.

“I’m going to go...so good luck, mate. You’ll need it.” Donghyuck pats Renjun’s shoulder in departure and his gesture of sympathy, leaving him in the wake of a girl he really did not wish to see or converse with. 

Once he leaves the bar in quick speed, you come in at that exact moment, your eyes zoning in on the way Yeona’s dainty hand latches onto Renjun’s forearm in greeting. You turn away from the image, busying yourself with wiping down the glasses. 

“Oh! What a lovely surprise,” Yeona voices, letting her hand maneuver down to place on top of Renjun’s hand in which she gives him a faint squeeze thereof. He flinches from the contact, retracting his hand to slip into the pocket of his Burberry blazer while the other rims his glass. 

He peers at her intently, a potency that has her giggling nervously. His looks could kill whenever he was serious with a blank face and austere hollows of eyes. “Hello, Yeona.”

She sits down gracefully on the stool next to him, crossing her long unblemished legs over each other, her hands placed in her lap. Her smile is bright and makes him want to pull out his hair. She was always two-faced. “Hi Jun Jun! How have you been?”

He lets the pet name go, but does not glance at her again, looking over her head at the white lights strung outside. “Good.”

Silence engulfs them that has her fidgeting out of discomfort. He evidently did not want to talk. She reaches her hand out to touch him once more that has him leaning away. She sighs in defeat, retreating from the gesture. She would have to reach him some other way. “Well...I—”

He cuts her off from continuing, drowning the last contents of his drink before he pushes the glass away towards the server at the end of the counter. He puts a hand up. “Save it. I have no reason to talk to you again. Leave.” 

He arches his eyebrow when he sees she makes no move to leave and he chuckles darkly. “Do I have to tell you again? Or should I have security escort you out?”

She flinches from the tone of his voice and gulps, her throat becoming exceptionally dry. She hurriedly stands up, almost ripping over her heels and departs without a goodbye, not that he wished to get one from her. Her slim body covered in a blood red dress slips into the crowd and Renjun finally releases the breath he was holding. 

He tugs at the strands of his gelled back hair. “Fucking bitch,” he mutters, lifting a finger in the air to signal for another drink that the server speedily moves to make. 

“A little harsh, don’t you think?”

Renjun lifts his eyes to see you gaping at him, an eyebrow uplifted in fascination as you finally were in your uniform, a white cloth draped over your shoulders. Renjun runs his hand through his hair and scoffs from the remark thereafter. He was sure the stylists would be upset to see him dishevel their mighty work, but he could care less.

He shakes his head, the strands of hair rustling. “No, I think not. She deserves it.”

“Wow. Again, harsh.” You laugh mockingly and grab his drink that was slid over by your coworker to clean the glass again. You place the beverage down on the coaster which he takes with pleasure, muttering a small thank you that you can barely hear amidst the classical music playing in the background. Your hands make contact for a split second that has tingles erupting on your end, in a rather cliche response, yet he made no move of the feeling. 

There is quietness again that makes you flustered since you were never one to enjoy the muted scenery, always wanting a sound ringing in your ears. While Renjun enjoyed the still, always wanting a sound that faded in the wind and never made a comeback appearance. 

In a desperate attempt to keep conversation while making yourself busy by fixing up the bottles of alcohol, you propose a question that invades his privacy, whilst he never had privacy to begin with, a factor you were left in the dark about.

“So...um...your girlfriend?” You ask, in regards to Yeona that left some minutes ago. 

Renjun snorts, placing down his glass and interlocks his hand to rest his chin on, a move to focus solely on you. “Right. She’s my ex-girlfriend actually so you’re not entirely wrong.”

You mumble out a quiet, “Oh.” It was not your business to know his affairs after all, yet there was a voice nagging within that made you curious to find out every part of him.

The tranquility hugs the both of you once more, until he questions you out of the blue. 

“You want to get out of here?”

To say you are shocked is an understatement, since you are in fact bamboozled beyond belief. He says the declaration with so much firmness and certainty, it has your heart twisting on the inside.

You lightly laugh to mask the shock and turn around to really look at him, a look that he reciprocates. “I don’t even know you.”

A keen smile is visible on his lips. “Exactly the point. You have nothing to lose.”

You shake your head, leaning against the counter of the bar to stare into his eyes that look so lifeless, yet beautiful. “Maybe, but this is my job. I can’t just bail.” 

He leans his head closer to you, an act that allows you to a whiff of the Christian Dior Ambre Nuit cologne he wears and his minty fresh breath. “Of course you can.” His soothing voice turns teasing as he smirks. “Don’t worry I won’t tell.” 

You scoff to yourself, surprised by his mannerisms of outforwardness. You look around then to see if anyone is watching the two of you, but all eyes are elsewhere and you let out a sigh of relief. Another girl comes into the bar when you glance to the side, most likely to cover the next shift that was not yours quite yet, be that as it may you did have a break coming up. 

Renjun outstretches his hand in patience, his smirk slowly growing, even if it was borderlining a smile that you could see right through. He hums in anticipation and you give in.

“Okay fine, but not for too long,” you say as you rest your hand in his. The cold of your fingers meet his warm ones and you latch on for dear life, afraid to let go. 

He grins at you and squeezes your hand. “No promises.” 

Then he proceeds to drag you out of the bar, tugging you to who knows where. The tingle of a secret keeps you on your toes and you become giddy, laughing along the halls as he steers you left, right, straight, left, right, up...a never ending cycle of adventure.

“Where exactly are you taking me?” You ask after gaining the courage. He is intimidating in some regards, the thought of how he acted towards his ex-girlfriend as visible as day in your mind.

He shrugs, finally slowing down. “Who knows. Could be outside in the cold or near a fireplace in the warm. You will just have to see.”

“That certainly gives me no direction at all.”

He turns his head to look at you and stops suddenly, having you nearly crash into his back before he tugs you to the other side. He chuckles when he sees your horrified face from almost busting your nose. “That was the point, darling.”

You huff in annoyance when he continues walking, the pressure of his fingers around your own feels heavier as time drags on and your heart has no sense of calm, constricting with the name of endearment that slipped past his slim lips.

“Okay, we are here!” He announces and lets go of your hand, the bareness of his heat leaving you shivering. You take a step back from planting your feet firmly on the floor and glance around the room in which he stopped. It was one of the upper level rooms with strict access only to the most wealthy of the associates and investors. His family must be one of those highly regarded, if only you knew how highly regarded his family is, being the ones with the most status, the most affluent lifestyle. However, you would remain clueless.

“Oh, wow. The view up here is amazing.”

Renjun laughs, placing his hands in the front pocket of his slacks as he strolls around the room, glancing at the glowing fire that was left on and the books that were sealed shut. “Trust me, I am well aware. Why do you think I brought you up here?” He gives you an exasperated stare, peering past at the giant window you stood in front of that showcased the whole town, now covered in sleek white snow. It must have snowed while he was conversing with others at the party for when he arrived at the meeting hours ago, the land was void.

The white flakes are still falling outside, delicately covering everything in one uniform color that leaves you in awe and he is left admiring you, how at peace you are. How free you look, an emotion he never held onto in his entire life.

“So besides admiring this view, what are we doing up here?” You ask, your fingertips grazing the cool frosted glass of the window, seeing beyond to the endless landscape and twinkling stars along with lights of the houses nearby.

Renjun answers bluntly. “Admiring the view.”

You can’t stop the titters from escaping you and you roll your eyes, an action he sees through the reflection.

He steps forward, coming up besides your figure to look more clearly at the breathtaking scenery of a winter wonderland. “No, I’m joking...at least partially.” 

You giggle some more, interlocking your hands in front of you. “I didn’t know you had it in you to joke.”

It is now his turn to laugh. “Darling, I have a lot in me that you don’t know.”

You sigh solemnly, taking a step back to turn around, examining the other objects around the room. “Oh, I’m sure.” 

He is an enigma waiting to be unraveled, but you would not be the one to solve his case and that alone is an idea that scares you. 

Before you can get farther away, his hand wraps around your wrist, preventing you from escape. You peer down at his hand then up to his eyes, your eyebrows scrunching together in perplexity.

He does not speak, only drags you into him to where you are now chest to chest, only an inch of distance between your bodies. The closeness between the two of you leaves you breathless and gasping for air. His thumb carrasses your arm and runs down to the palm of your hand, enveloping his fingers around your skin. Your eyes are trailing the movements and you take a sharp intake of breath, curious as to what can happen next. He hooks his other free index finger under your chin to lift your face up so he can see you in distinct luminosity.

You have gazed at his eyes practically all evening, but nothing has prepared you for seeing him up close. He is even more handsome in full definition from the lines on his soft pink lips to his perfectly tousled hair. 

“You’re beautiful,” he mutters, his thumb running along your cupid’s bow. “Absolutely and breathtakingly beautiful.”

You gulp, the words drying up in your throat for what could you say to his compliment?

Then everything happens at once.

His hand moves to wrap around the back of your head and he tugs you closer by the other until you are pressed up against each other. He lightly pushes your head forward and contact is made. 

Lips against lips. Moving and moving against each other, taking all your breath away for the second time within a span of a few seconds. 

He lets go of holding your hand and wraps his arm around your waist, to pull you closer if such is even possible. To make the contact more tender and desirable.

You suppose desire is that which allows the moment to escalate further. From a mere innocent kiss to a fiery passion of craving for more. 

When your lips separate, he does not think twice before grabbing your hand once more and dragging you down the long corridor to arrive at his secluded room around the corner.

He opens the door with haste as you come tumbling in after him, grabbing, pulling, tugging until all that is left is just you and him.

The frantic beats of two hearts. 

The heat of skin pressed against skin. 

Simply two bodies that became one all due to the desire floating around the room and pushing you to the limit. 

You lost yourself in him that night and he in you. 

Lost to the pure ecstasy of pleasure during the season of joy and love.

Yet the season could also be one for giving and taking.

You wake to a cold bed the next morning.

Gone is the warmth of a boy who made you feel like you were on top of the world, someone special enough to demand notice and have anything that is asked for. 

Gone is the sweet nothings he whispered in your ear, the words of assurance, comfort, and false love that made you feel worth it and simply protected.

Gone is the long lingering touches of his fingers pressing into you and dancing along the lines of your body to explore and learn.

Gone is the feeling of his lips on your skin that was enough to ignite you ablaze and leave you seeing all the colors of the rainbow.

Gone is he—Huang Renjun. 

All that remains of the remembrance from the night is the note he left by the oak bedside table, one that crushed the dream of longing and hope within. One that slapped you with the crude reality of who he truly was, is, in a place that you did not belong to and never would. 

Thanks for last night, but it’s a one time thing. You can see yourself out. Happy holidays.

He signed the note with his initials, H.R. and his family’s embroidered seal. 

Then you realize in that moment, your bare body covered in his silk covers in the large suite he had all to himself, that the holidays are not for everyone. 

You can either be together with someone else or alone by yourself. 

Never the two. 

Always one or the other. 

You had hoped to be together yet alone with him in privacy to make your own memories away from prying eyes, but at the end of the day you were by yourself and he was too.

That is how life works in this sick, twisted world.

Men against men. Women against women. Everyone against everyone.

Alone.

Never together. 

Like he and you.

#dreamwritersnet #kwritersworldnet #cznnet #nct-writers #kafenetwork #nct scenarios #renjun scenarios #renjun imagines #nct imagines #nct fluff #nct angst #renjun fluff #renjun angst #renjun oneshot #nct dream scenarios #nct fics #nct oneshot #nct x reader #nct dream imagines #nct dream renjun #renjun x reader #renjun fic #huang renjun #nct soft hours #nct dream x reader #renjun x you #nct dream oneshots #nct x you #nct renjun #nct dream fluff