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fanficimagery · 10 months

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The Lost Girl

You just wanted to travel and forget all about the drama you left behind. You didn't expect to fall in with four boys who would become another family. Maybe more.

[Part One of Three]

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm- I'm alive? Surprise! I'm still in a bit of a pickle with where I want part two to go, but I figured if I post this now then I can't back out and delete it. I need your help, but I'll ask at the bottom so I won't spoil this.

Words: 7.9K

Santa Carla is the total opposite of Mystic Falls and you couldn't have loved it here more if you tried. You grew up with pageants and balls and trying to stay at the top of the popularity totem pole, but you secretly loathed every second of it. Not to mention your sister was a beacon for the supernatural, attracting vampires like no one's business, which eventually led to you getting caught in the crossfire and being turned at the ripe age of twenty.

Stefan Salvatore did his best to teach you how to feed and control your blood lust, but his techniques just weren't cutting it for you. So Damon took over, leading Bonnie, Matt, Elena, Jeremy, and Tyler deeming you untrustworthy. You don't know why they disliked your friendship with Damon so much, but their wariness of you only grew when you eventually befriended the Original Vampires that once sought to kill you, your family, and friends.

The last straw was when everyone started fighting over a cure for vampirism. They all thought there was enough of the cure to go around for all those who wanted it, but nope. There was only a single dose, and both Elena and Rebekah wanted it. So when you saw the lines being drawn, you packed a couple of bags and left to see the world.

The only person who knew of your travel plans were, surprisingly, Elijah and Klaus. Elijah was sad to see you go, especially since you were one of the only ones who he could trust, but Klaus was all for you seeing the world and experiencing life as you should have. You were more than content compelling your way through the trip, but the Mikaelson's were having none of that and gave you a card to use since they amassed a ridiculous amount of money over the years.

After deleting all social media, with the exception of a traveling Instagram account that was newly made, you bought a new phone and only gave your new number to Elijah and Klaus. You traveled abroad first, touring the most beautiful cities, museums, and seeing every landmark you could. You kept the Mikaelson brothers in the loop about everything that they sometimes surprised you by showing up for a week before flying back home.

For a year you saw all you could and then headed back to the States. You wanted nothing to do with Mystic Falls, Virginia, so you settled in California. Santa Carla was the most nitty gritty town you'd ever seen, and it was the last place anyone in your family would expect for you to stay in.

It was perfect.

With a new hotel having been built in Santa Carla, you compelled yourself one of the suites indefinitely. You didn't want to purchase a house in case you needed to up and leave, and having a housekeeper stop by weekly was perfect.

You stood out amongst the locals of Santa Carla, it seeming like everyone walking around either had some crazy hairstyle, hair color, or numerous piercings. And then there was you, skin untouched and the only piercings you had being those in your ears.

So after a week of settling in and compelling those who needed compelling, you finally decided to hit the infamous boardwalk.

The boardwalk, for some reason, feels like you've stepped into the past. Could be because of the music playing or the way everyone dressed, but you know you didn't actually slip into the past given the cell phones in people's hands or air pods in people's ears. The bells, whistles, and flashing lights make you giddy, taking you back to a time when you were excited as a child to be attending the annual fair Mystic Falls put on, but the attendees were the total opposites of those you'd find in Mystic Falls.

The employees in charge of the various game booths attempt to entice you to play, but you rather spend your cash at the crafts section of the boardwalk. There was no use in paying for a rigged game that made sure you lost ninety percent of the time when you could buy handmade crafts and help support someone's living.

After buying some handmade jewelry and a couple of shirts, you decide to eat. There's a Chinese place that smells marvelous as you stroll by, so you turn back around and enter the establishment. And then almost as soon as you're seated, a waitress comes by to take your drink order. You quickly skim the menu as she gets your drink, then order a bowl of Hot and Sour soup, a plate of Chicken LoMein, two egg rolls, and a pan of fried dumplings. The waitress seems impressed, and you merely laugh it off before sipping your Coke.

As you wait for your food, you grab a napkin and start ripping it apart piece by piece as you stare out the window you'd chosen to sit by. People pass by, uncaring for what's going on in the small restaurant, but then there are two boys that you just so happen to clash gazes with. Both fit with the eighties aesthetic- one with wildly tamed blonde hair that only a true rocker could pull off and the other with a dirty blonde, curly mullet. Both hairstyles are wildly out of place, even if they're trying to make a comeback now, but fortunately for the boys they can pull it off.

"Hey, chika, you want some company?" The blonde with the teased hair shouts so you can hear him through the window.

Holding back a wince at his loud volume, you shake your head. "Maybe next time!"

"Aw. Come on, babe. You're breaking my heart!" He pouts, even as his friend smirks behind his fist.

You shrug, grinning, but are saved from having to interact any further when the waitress appears with your food. As the food is set in front of you and you thank her, you glance at the boys one last time while giving them a wink before digging in.

You casually devour your food bit by bit, asking for a refill on your Coke only once. Then when you've had your fill, you ask for your leftovers to be boxed up. And as you walk outside, you hand said leftovers to a couple of teens digging through a trash can.

Walking around, you soak in the night time atmosphere. The sweat from the humans and the oil used to deep fry all sorts of food is rather distracting from the ocean scented air wafting in, but none of it is as distracting as the copper smell you pick up on one particular gust of wind. There doesn't seem to be any panic-induced mayhem on the boardwalk, so you figure someone must have cut themselves and is getting bandaged up.

A diner further down the boardwalk advertises milkshakes on its main window, and suddenly a strawberry milkshake sounds superb. So after making a quick trip inside to secure yourself a milkshake, you're back on the boardwalk once again.

No one has bothered you the entire time, but the moment you perch yourself on the railing to sip and people watch, one confident individual saunters towards you. It hardly takes you two seconds to realize this individual is in his teens obviously thinking you're a teen as well. But given you were twenty when you were turned and have spent a few years undead, you're so not interested in whatever this boy has to offer.

Before the individual can open his mouth, you hold a hand up to stall him and shake your head. "Stop right there. Not interested."

The boy's expression drops into shock before quickly morphing back into his too confident persona. "Aw, come on, girl. You look like you're in need of some fun."

"I am, but you need to be at least this tall-" you say while holding your free hand at least a foot above his head, "-for me to ride that ride."

There's a snort to your right, but you ignore it, even ignoring the presence that jumps onto the railing next to you before sliding their arm around your shoulder. "Sorry, kid. Maybe the next girl you hit on won't have a height requirement."

There's even more laughter and the boy rethinks his approach before scoffing and leaving. You grin, wrapping your lips around the straw of your milkshake and turning your head to your new companions. "Blondies one and two," you muse. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Just thought we'd play knight in shining armor," blondie one says. "I'm Paul. My friend is Marko."

"YN.."

Paul practically vibrates with energy. "So do I meet your height requirements?"

You laugh, uncaring when he steals your milkshake to sip from. "You may meet the height requirement, but I don't go for blondes. Sorry."

"Aw, chika, you wound me!" He feigns his hurt, holding a hand to his heart as you take your milkshake back. Marko can only laugh, shoving at his friend's shoulder when he leans a little too far his way. Once he corrects himself, he doesn't remove himself from your side. "So what's a pretty girl like you doing here all alone? Waiting for friends? Family?"

"Ugh, no." Your nose wrinkles. "Too much family drama for my tastes so I've been traveling the world for a little over a year now. Santa Carla seems like the least likely of places my family would think to look for me, so I'm staying as long as I can."

Marko seems interested as he leans around Paul to ask, "What's been your favorite place so far?"

"Tromsø, Norway," you reply.

"Why?"

"Because ever since I was a little girl, I've been obsessed with the aurora borealis. It's the best place to view it."

"Cool."

"Where are you staying?" Paul asks. "Maybe we can have a party one of these nights."

"Doubtful. I'm staying in a hotel suite and I have a feeling partying with you would lead to my place being trashed. No thanks."

Marko smirks. "Smart girl."

You grin and sip your milkshake as Marko comes around to lean against the railing on your other side. They ask some more about the places you've been, and you don't know what comes over you that you feel comfortable enough with these two to regale them with your tales of travel. In return, Marko and Paul tell you about themselves and their two other brothers. They tell you that they're all not originally from Santa Carla, but ended up finding each other throughout the years and made their own family unit in town.

Then just as you hop down to throw away your empty cup, the crowd seems to part as two individuals approach. Another blondie with a mullet and a brunette whose hair is almost as wild as Paul's. You can't tear your eyes from the brunette who is all too comfortable going shirtless with nothing but a weathered leather jacket hanging off his frame and some snug fitting jeans.

"Oh, I see how it is." Paul muses in your ear. "You like 'em dark haired."

You throw your elbow back, tearing your gaze away from the brunette in front of you to smirk over your shoulder at Paul when he grunts. Marko snickers at his brother's misfortune. "YN, this is David and Dwayne."

Both the new blondie and brunette nod at you, and you flash them back a faint smile. You're quick to toss your trash, then head back to your new friends. "Well, it was nice meeting you boys, but I should get going."

"Aw, come on, girlie. Hang for a bit more," Paul pleads, but you shake your head.

"Maybe next time."

"Will there actually be a next time or are you gently letting us down?" Marko wonders.

Your eyes roll. "We've only just met and you're already clingy?" You tut at him. Marko gapes and you wink at him. "Yes, there will be a next time. At least there will be if we cross paths again."

"We'll take that," Paul says. He slings an arm around Marko and smiles. "See you around, girlie."

The next afternoon, you decide to have some fun in the sun. You spend the early afternoon in your room, ordering room service and having a nice steak and fry lunch. While eating, you post a few pictures you snapped of the boardwalk nightlife, ferris wheel, and carousel all lit up. Then afterwards, you dress in a bikini before pulling on a pair of jeans shorts and a tank top. Only after slipping your feet into a pair of flip-flops do you pack a backpack with a beach towel, your phone, sunglasses, and some cash before taking your leave.

You're surprised to find that the beach isn't packed, so you pick a spot on the beach to lay out your towel and backpack. You spend a bit of time searching for sand dollars and shells, then go swimming in the ocean. Afterwards, you lay out on your towel with your sunglasses shielding your eyes. You doze on and off, and then just as the sun is setting you start to get up.

Shaking off your beach towel, you get rid of all the sand before folding it and shoving it into your backpack with your clothes. Then heading over to the beach showers, you rinse off all the sand and ocean water, and let yourself dry in the lingering sun rays before slipping your shorts back on.

In the middle of choosing what to eat, you hear catcalls and wolf whistles. You try to ignore it, hoping they're directed to someone else, but nope. They're directed at you. However, when you turn to glare and give the boys a piece of your mind, you find Paul and Marko beaming at you with their other brothers Dwayne and David just watching on.

Your glare vanishes and you roll your eyes as you slowly untense. "Do you guys have nothing better to do than check out girls on the boardwalk?"

"Nope." Paul hops off his bike and practically skips towards you. "What are you doing?"

"Heading to dinner. I spent most of the day on the beach so I'm starving."

"Ohhhh. What are we having?"

"I'm having pizza and wings. If you want to tag along, you buy your own."

"Done." He turns around and shouts, "Come on, boys. We're getting pizza!"

You shake your head and greet Marko when he approaches, smiling at the other two who have yet to speak up. Paul takes the lead and you walk side by side with Marko. The pizza place isn't far and you all head inside. You place your order first- a medium Hawaiian and a side order of boneless honey bbq wings. You accept your number tag after paying and then wait for your new friends to order as well. Then once they've got their own number tag, Paul leads the way to a large booth meant for a large group at the back.

Paul and Marko slide into opposite sides of the booth, and it only takes you a second to scoot in next to Marko before placing your bag at your feet. Paul gasps and you chuckle. "What? Marko seems less likely to continuously elbow me as I try to eat."

"That's cold, girl."

You wink at Paul and are surprised when Dwayne scoots in on your other side. David settles in next to Paul and his ice blue eyes practically pierce you. "So what's a girl like you doing out here all alone?"

"You mean Paul didn't tell you?"

"I'm asking you."

The coolness of his voice makes you arch an eyebrow at him, but Paul's snickering keeps you at ease. So in the end, you shrug. "My siblings and I weren't seeing eye to eye for a while. I had some money put away to take a trip out of the States, but my new found family wasn't having any of that and gave me access to their money. I've traveled for a year before coming back, staying in a place furthest from my hometown."

"Parents?"

"Dead." Paul's smile falters and you kick him under the table. "None of that. It's been a while. It's fine."

"How did it happen?" Marko asks.

You face him briefly before saying, "My sister had a fight with her boyfriend and asked our parents to pick her up from a party. They did, but on the way back home my dad somehow lost control of the car and drove off a bridge. A bystander found them, but by the time he dove under water, my dad made the bystander get my sister out first. My parents ended up drowning."

"Do you have plans on returning?"

"Eventually." Just then a waitress stops by to deliver your drinks. You grin as Paul immediately starts flirting, sipping your Coke as the waitress blushes and stutters before leaving. "These poor Santa Carla girls have no idea how to handle you, do they?"

"Not a clue."

As Marko and Paul laugh, you shake your head rather fondly. You don't know what it is about this group that makes you feel at ease with them, but you're glad to have some people to talk to while you're in town. Another group enters the establishment, a little unruly as they find themselves a table. One of them catches your gaze and you grimace when you notice him leering at you.

Feeling a little exposed, you reach for your bag under the table and pull free your tank top. You quickly pull it on and then free your phone while waiting for your food, not paying much attention to Dwayne who's shifting in his seat next to you. You do, however, notice when something is dropped on your shoulders and realize Dwayne has given up his jacket.

You freeze and quickly glance up at Dwayne, taking a moment to stare at all the bronze skin now on display, but his glare is directed at the table of troublemakers who are snickering among each other. "Uhh.."

"Just wear it."

"Okay."

Those are the first three words Dwayne has spoken to you and you absolutely do not shiver at the sound of his voice. Paul, Marko, and even David sense something else and you flip them off after slipping your arms through the sleeves of Dwayne's jacket. Then just as you go to sip on your drink, your phone starts ringing with a video call.

Big Bad Wolf, complete with a wolf emoji, is stamped across the top of your phone above a picture of a smirking Klaus. "Uhh, do you guys mind if I accept this?"

"Go ahead, girlie."

You accept the call, keeping it so that only you're on screen. "What do you want?"

"Is that any way to talk to me, love?" You roll your eyes, grinning, and Klaus chuckles. "What are you doing?"

"Uhh, I'm out to dinner with some new friends," you say.

"You've already made friends?"

"Mhm. Look." You turn so Marko is in frame. "This is Marko." Marko grins and nods. Then you flip the camera and catch Paul. "This is Paul and David is next to him, but David is glaring at me. I'm pretty sure he'd kill me if I put him on camera."

Klaus chuckles. "Fair enough."

"And then this.." You glance at Dwayne, but he merely arches an eyebrow at you. You grin and turn the camera on him. "This is Dwayne."

A split second later and then, "No."

"W-What?" You splutter. Paul and Marko choke on a laugh, and finally both David and Dwayne smirk. "What do you mean no?"

"Elijah!"

Your eyes widen. "Why are you calling 'lijah? Don't call 'lijah!"

Elijah appears next to Klaus and you groan. "Go on, sweetheart. Put your friend on."

"Marko? Or Paul?"

"Don't play dumb."

You grumble and put Dwayne on camera. "Absolutely not," Elijah says.

"You guys are embarrassing," you grumble. "He's literally only said three words to me."

"Mhm. And whose jacket are you wearing?" Klaus asks.

You pout. "I hate you." Just then you catch sight of two waitresses coming with your pizza. "Oh, look. Food's here! I'll talk to you gentlemen later."

"YN-"

"I'm fine, Klaus. I'm okay and I'm happy. I promise."

"Well okay then. Call me back when you get to your room."

"Will do, big bad wolf. Talk to you later."

You end the call just as a pizza is being placed in front of Paul and Marko, then yours is placed in front of you, and then another is placed in front of David and Dwayne. You're handed your boneless wings, and you happily wiggle in your seat. You're starving!

After you take your first bite of the sweet Hawaiian pizza, David asks, "So was that your boyfriend?"

"Ew. No." Your nose wrinkles and you quickly swallow your bite of food. "Klaus and Elijah are like my older brothers. They're the two who are funding my whole trip."

"They sound fancy with those posh accents of theirs," Paul muses.

"They are fancy," you admit. "They host balls and everything. I seriously hated wearing those dresses with a poofy skirt. They're so uncomfortable to sit in."

"No way!" Paul laughs.

"Mhm. Look."

As you eat some more of your food one-handed, you open the photos app on your phone and seek out the album from all the parties you attended. You hand your phone over to Paul, and Marko actually leans across the table to get a glimpse of the life you left behind.

As the two of them swipe picture after picture, laughing, you eat in peace. You even crack a grin when Dwayne picks off your tray of boneless wings, chuckling when he tells you it's payment for wearing his jacket. You end up having to tell the boys who is who every time they ask and deny any romantic relationship accusations when a picture of you dancing with Damon pops up. You admit he was a good friend up until his feelings for your sister clouded his judgment and you'd had enough of their drama.

Dinner proceeds uninterrupted, but it's when you get up to leave that the table of troublemakers from earlier causes an issue. With Dwayne's jacket returned to him, you follow the group as David leads the way out. You've just passed the table of leering individuals when a loud smack! resonates in the room and a brief stinging pain blossoms on your butt. You freeze, your new friends freeze, and then you're whirling around to glare at the culprit. You slowly look at the smug individual as his friends cackle like morons.

Anger flaring, your hand whips out and grasps the guy by the back of the neck. You slam his head down onto the table, causing him to grunt and his friends to fall quiet. You lean down so your mouth is next to his ear and grit out, "Touch me again and I'll rip your fucking throat out." You put pressure on his neck, causing the table to groan under the weight of the pressure. "With my teeth," you hiss. Pushing off the too quiet guy and facing your new friends once more, you shrug. "What?"

David, Dwayne, Marko, and Paul just stare at you before chuckling.

"You're scary, girl. I like it."

With a roll of your eyes, you step forward and push past Paul. "Come on. Show me what Santa Carla has to offer."

Over the course of a week, you hang out with who the locals have dubbed the Lost Boys. Paul and Marko treat you like a long lost best friend, Dwayne has taken to hovering over your shoulder, and David is pretty indifferent to your presence although he will stand up for you if need be. Your senses tell you there's something off about the boys, but you don't realize what it is until you scent the coppery fragrance of blood coming off of them one night they're late to meet you.

If they're vampires, they must be vampires who don't know who the Mikaelsons are because none of them recognized the family in your pictures. But you don't call them out, nor do you hint about yourself, at least not until you're walking on the beach one night and your senses are assaulted with the scent of a lot of blood and screams off in the distance.

Glancing around, you notice the boardwalk is empty and shutting down. The beach where you're at is empty as well, and as you speed towards the sound of terror, your suspicions are proven correct about the Lost Boys.

They're unlike any vampires you've seen, more brutal in their feeding than even the Big Bad Hybrid himself. Their vampire visages showcase a true monster, but for some reason it doesn't bother you as it probably should. They're sinking their fangs into necks, shoulders, torsos, and even skulls, laughing all the while their victims scream in horror.

In their feeding frenzy, they don't notice you standing just on the outskirts of the firelight. Limbs are ripped from bodies before being tossed into the fire, blood spraying carelessly across the sand. But the moment the frenzy dies down, you can't help but make an entrance.

Slowly clapping, you smirk as all four vampires freeze and turn towards you as you walk into the light. David snarls, his monstrous face still on display as Paul and Marko quickly change their features. Their expressions are a bit crestfallen as you continue to find amusement in this situation, so you walk towards Dwayne who has gone stoic. "I get the bloodlust, but do you guys have to be such messy eaters? Gross." You wrinkle your nose as you kick an arm into the raging fire.

"W-What?" Paul splutters.

Looking back at Dwayne, you reach over and run a finger through the blood staining his chest. Then popping that same finger into your mouth, you wrap your tongue around your finger and savor the fresh blood now coating your tongue. You feel the veins beneath your eyes slither to the surface and your fangs elongate in your mouth. Then meeting Dwayne's gaze, you flash him a fangy grin. "I prefer to compel, eat, and release, but you do you I guess."

"Holy shit. You- you're a vampire?!"

Meeting Marko's stunned expression, you wink.

"You have a lot of explaining to do," David says.

"Sure." You meet his now ice-blue gaze. "But only after you clean up after yourselves. This," you say while gesturing to their dismembered victims, "is sloppy."

You watch as David oversees the cleanup of their little section of the beach, burning the bodies and kicking sand over the spilled blood. Afterwards, they all take a dip in the ocean to cleanse themselves of their meal.

On the way to their bikes which are parked just a bit down the beach, Paul asks, "So how old are you?"

"Which age are you referring to? The age I was when I was turned or how many years I've been a vampire?"

"Both."

"I was turned at twenty," you say, "and I've been a vampire for less than five years."

"No shit? How were you introduced to this world?"

"That.. is a very long story. Why don't we get someplace where I can actually tell it?"

As their bikes get nearer, you hiss at Paul when he pushes you in Dwayne's direction. Almost as if it was expected of you to ride with Dwayne, he settles on the seat of his bike before offering you a hand so you can situate yourself behind him.

Hanging on loosely, you enjoy the ride and take amusement in the sudden turns and jumps they take to try and startle you. But instead of being shaken, you merely laugh and pinch Dwayne's side when you're jostled too much.

The drive to the cliffs that you know to be Hudson's Bluff, overlooking the disgruntled sea, is rather short. You have a moment to glance down a rickety, wooden staircase before the group is driving down them one by one. You're jostled even more as the bike is driven over various rocks and through a gaping hole in the fence that's meant to keep trespassers out. They drive into a cave where the bikes are then parked, and you climb off to follow Paul down a very humid path.

Swiping cobwebs, vines, and roots out of the way, you're then led into a cavernous room. There are shafts of moonlight lighting up the space, and then Paul and Marko fire up barrels all around the space. The place is trashed, but you quickly realize it's not a normal cave. There's a sofa, chairs, and a broken water fountain. There's what appears to be a long counter- or was it a desk?- and a tattered portrait hanging behind it.

"What is this place?" You ask as you glance around in wonder. They obviously made it their own- seashells and broken CDs hanging from every place available, as well as hundreds of melted candles over every surface. You even spot a mattress, pillows, and blankets hidden behind some type of gauzy material.

"This was the hottest resort back in the day," David drawls. "Too bad they built it on a fault line though. When the big one hit San Francisco in 1906, this place took a header down into the ground when it split open. It's been our home ever since."

"Nice." You plop down on a couch, sighing as you stare at each boy. "So what do you wanna know?"

"Everything." David takes a seat on a wheelchair, staring right at you. "Start from the beginning."

"Fair enough. I was born and raised in Mystic Falls, Virginia to parents who ran their own business. I didn't want for anything and ended up being a letdown when I wasn't into pageants as my mother hoped I would be."

"Did your parents even die by drowning?" Marko asks.

"Yes. That was true," you tell him. "After their death, my aunt Jenna took in me, Elena, and Jeremy. Both my siblings grieved differently, but when the new school year started, my sister did a complete turnaround when Stefan Salvatore entered the picture."

"Why do I get the feeling this Salvatore dude is a major player in your story?" Paul asks.

"Because he is. Unbeknownst to any of us, Stefan Salvatore was vampire number one. He was drawn to Mystic Falls all because of my sister Elena."

"Why your sister?" Dwayne asks, startling you. He rarely spoke up, but when he did, you couldn't help but be drawn to him.

"Do you guys know what a doppelganger is?" At their nods, you explain. "Elena was the latest human doppelganger. The previous doppelganger, Katherine, toyed with two brothers back in 1864. The Salvatore brothers, to be exact."

"Shit." Paul giggles. "Talk about a vampire novella."

"Anyway, Katherine toyed with Damon's feelings and made him fall in love with her. When she tried the same with Stefan, he resisted so she compelled him to love her. And then when it came to light that there were many vampires in town, every vampire was rounded up, vervained, and anyone who associated with them were killed. As it just so happens, the Salvatore brothers' father found out his sons were romantically linked with Katherine, so he shot them. Unfortunately for him, Katherine had been feeding the boys her blood, so when they were killed, they didn't stay dead for long.

"Fast forward to the present time and both Salvatores are now salivating for the newest doppelganger. Only this time, Stefan has fallen in love with Elena without any compulsion, and so has Damon. Katherine's apparently been keeping tabs on the brothers and she's not happy that Elena has the love of the brothers."

David makes a motion with his hand to hurry you along. "How did you turn?"

"Katherine has made it her mission to make Elena's life a living hell, so what better way than to kill one of her best friends and older sister?"

Paul gapes. "You're joking."

"Nope. The crazy bitch fed me her blood before snapping my neck, then smothered Caroline who happened to have Damon's blood in her system. When we woke up in transition and fed on human blood to complete the transition, half of our friends turned on us. We had to rely on Damon and Stefan to teach us to control our bloodlust, but things were never the same. And to top it all off, learning to become a vampire was the least of our worries."

"What's more important than knowing you've died and have to kill people to survive?"

"How about that one of the Original vampires- who is over a thousand years old, by the way- needs the blood of a human doppelganger to break the curse on him, so he decides it's his turn to make your family's life hell as well?"

"Oh shit. What curse?" Paul asks.

You slowly smirk. "Niklaus Mikaelson is not just one of the original vampires, but he's the one and only original hybrid. He's half vampire, half wolf, and one of the most lethal individuals that still walks this earth."

The boys fall silent, but then Marko speaks up.

"Hold on. The dude funding your trip around the world is the same person who made your life a living hell?"

"Yep," you muse. "We were at each other's throats for the longest time, then his sister killed my sister which turned her into a vampire as well, and there was just a shit load more drama with doppelgangers, witches, werewolves, and hybrids." You shrug. "Elijah was never truly terrible, so I spoke more with him first, but then Klaus really took the brother role to heart. The Mikaelsons have kind of adopted me, and my siblings and friends didn't take too kindly to that. So, to avoid all the drama, I left. And now here I am."

For the rest of the late night and early morning, you answer all questions you can. Paul and Marko are interested to see the differences between you and them, but David and Dwayne are more interested in learning about the Original vampires and their unique differences. Their biggest hangup, however, is that the sun has no effect on you like it does them. Sure you both will catch on fire, but it doesn't pull you to sleep the day away like it does them. You're a bit jealous that they can fly, but you're so much faster than any of them.

The moment David mentions the impending sunrise is your cue to go, so you bid farewell to your friends before winking at Paul and disappearing before they can even blink.

For the next couple of days, you keep yourself busy by running some errands for Klaus. You meet with vampires and piss off a couple of werewolf packs, but all in all the work gets done. You hadn't been able to keep in touch with the Lost Boys, so Paul and Marko whoop in cheer when they spot you.

"Well if it isn't Miss Mystic Falls," Paul muses. "Where the hell have you been, chika?"

"Sorry. Sorry!" You lean against the railing in between the group, grimacing. "I had a few things to do and since you're all allergic to modern technology, I couldn't text or call."

"Anything we need to know about?" David wonders.

Normally you'd say no, but Santa Carla is his territory and you don't want any bad blood with him. "Not really. I had a few things to pick up for Klaus and a few messages to deliver to some werewolf packs up North."

David frowns. "There are packs nearby?"

"The closest one is fifty miles out, but they're all pretty scared of Klaus and what he can do so they stay in line. If there's anything to worry about, it's any lone wolves who decide to take shelter in the woods around Hudson's Bluff and don't give a flying fuck about the Original Hybrid."

"Pft. We can take on a rogue werewolf if need be," Paul says.

"You say that now, but you won't be saying much when you get bitten by one. Remember, werewolf bites are lethal to us vampires." Paul's smugness dims. "Now who's good to eat around here? I didn't have time to grab some blood bags from the hospital."

"Stay away from the Surf Nazis," Dwayne says.

"Surf Nazis? What the hell kind of name is that?" Your nose wrinkles in distaste.

"A name that they've had since the eighties," Marko says. "It just stuck because they're still a bunch of racist and bigoted pricks."

"Fair enough. So, if I can't eat them, who can I eat?"

All four boys readily scan the crowd, excited at the prospect of picking your dinner.

"Do you have a preference? Male or female?" David asks.

"No junkies and I'm good with either male or female."

After mere seconds, David already has his pick. "On your three. Group of guys keep glancing this way. I'm pretty sure they're not checking Marko out."

You subtly glance at them and figure any one of them is good enough. "Alright. Since you guys are intimidating as fuck, you're gonna say goodbye and go do your own thing. Whoever approaches me first is dinner."

"Boo. You're no fun." Paul's the first hop off his bike, giving you a side hug. "We'll be watching from the roof."

"Of course you will." You roll your eyes, laughing.

Marko winks at you as he follows after Paul, David nods at you, but it's Dwayne who makes you arch an eyebrow at him as he glares at the group of guys before leaving. You chuckle at the oddness of it all before shaking it off and then pulling out your phone to kill some time.

It doesn't take long at all for someone to approach you and you easily fall into the role of the lone human girl way too easily. You chat for a bit and find out he's in fact in college, on break for a week and just looking for some fun. You tell him you're taking a gap year, just passing through Santa Carla and was hoping for some fun as well. His lecherous grin lets him know you have him on the hook.

"Wanna take a ride on the ferris wheel?" He asks.

"I'll do you one better. I say we visit an alley away from prying eyes without giving any ride operators an eye full."

"Oh, fuck yes."

Smirking in triumph, you hop off the railing and grab up the guy's hand. You briefly meet his friends' gaze before winking at them, leading their friend off to what they think is going to be a very good time. For you it will be, but for him? Not so much.

Once at an alley that doesn't have much traffic passing by either end, you lure the guy inside. In the middle of the alley, you turn so your back is against the wall and let him grab you by the hips. But as you cradle his face before he kisses you, you meet his gaze and say, "Don't scream. Don't fight. This will be painless."

The guy goes quiet, and you let your face change before his very eyes. He tenses, but he stays stock still without uttering a peep. Then reaching around to grasp the hair at the back of his head, you angle his head so you can sink your fangs into his neck. You drink and drink, satiating your thirst while listening for the first skip of his heart. When you've had enough, you clean his neck wound of any blood and then prick your tongue with a fang to smear your own blood on the bite wound. It heals after a minute, and you pull back to meet his gaze once more.

"When you get back to your friends, you're gonna be smug but also a little bit let down. Admit I'm the greatest kisser you've ever had, but before we could get to any of the good stuff, we were interrupted by a homeless couple."

"We were interrupted by a homeless couple," he parrots back.

"Good boy. Now to make things more believable..." You slowly smirk before pulling him close, capturing his lips with your own.

The guy is shaken out of his compulsion and his arms wrap low around your waist to pull you even closer to him. You kiss him roughly to make sure his lips appear swollen and even muss his hair up. But the moment you reach under his shirt and rake your nails across his back, causing him to groan, you hear someone drop down beside you.

One second, you're enjoying a kiss and the next your victim is shoved away from you. Dwayne practically puts himself between you and your meal as he snarls, "Get. Lost."

The other individuals drop down into the alley, and you meet three amused expressions. Paul and Marko are snickering quietly whereas David is smirking at his dark-haired brother.

"You alright there, Dwayne?"

Dwayne turns, expression unimpressed at David's question. Instead of answering him, he turns his stare on you. "What?" You feign innocence. "I had to sell it. His friends needed to believe I brought him in here for anything other than feeding."

"Whatever. Next time, just kill the guy."

As Dwayne stalks off, you smile at his back. The moment he disappears, you ask, "Was that- was that jealousy?"

"Yep." Paul skips to you, draping an arm around your shoulders. "Dwayne's always been possessive, but it's been a long time since he took real interest in someone."

"This is going to be fun," Marko muses.

You roll your eyes and sigh but can't help but agree.

Over the course of another few days, it's now very obvious that Dwayne's hovering wasn't just because you were a female. He most definitely knows you can take care of yourself, yet he's still there, but now he's openly snarling when someone looks at you a little too long. To placate him, you only ride with him and pull him into the V of your thighs when you're sitting on the railing. He starts tensing up the moment you all people watch for your next meal and other guys stare back, but the tension drops from his shoulders when you hop onto the railing, pull him into the V of your thighs, and hug him from behind.

Nothing intimate happens between you and Dwayne, but it becomes an unspoken rule among the small coven that you're off limits.

Everything seems to be going well until you meet the boys on the boardwalk one night and David looks livid.

Your smile instantly vanishes. "What's wrong?"

"The woods smell like fuckin' dog," he seethes.

Immediately your gaze snaps towards the sky and your heart sinks. "It's a full moon."

"We know. We're gonna try and kill this wolf for stepping into our territory and pissin' all over the place."

"What?" Your voice is lethally quiet as you meet David's gaze. "You have to be joking. One bite- hell, even one nip!- is a death sentence."

"We'll be fine. We just thought we'd let you know."

As they turn to mount their bikes, you swear. "Goddammit. Wait for me. You're not doing this alone."

You climb onto the back of Dwayne's bike, wrapping your arms around his waist as you glare at the others for their idiotic choices. They're quite solemn as they drive to the woods, and you keep your eyes peeled for the werewolf in question. As they come to a stop, you climb off and glance around the eerily quiet woods.

"So do you have any tips on tracking a werewolf?" Paul muses.

You gulp. "It's a full moon and this wolf most likely claimed these woods as theirs. It'll be hunting us."

The boys chuckle and start walking, combing the woods for any sight of the wolf. It isn't long until a twig snaps- a twig that neither you nor the boys have stepped on. You all freeze.

"Showtime?" Marko wonders.

You sigh. "Be prepared to run. Werewolves can match a vampire's speed on the nights of a full moon."

"We'll be alright."

Almost as soon as the words leave Marko's mouth, the werewolf rushes in. It takes down Paul by his knees, standing on his back and snarling. Before he can snap his jaws, you rush over and kick the werewolf to send it flying.

"What the fuck was that?!" Paul incredulously asks as he hurriedly climbs back to his feet.

"A werewolf," you deadpan. "Keep your guard up. It'll come back."

For a few minutes, it seems like the werewolf is toying with all of you. It keeps knocking down the boys, snarling before disappearing. You've kicked it off your friends three times by now, but the second you hear a howl in the distance, you and the boys freeze.

"There's a second one?" You ask. David shrugs and you bite your tongue to keep from giving him a verbal lashing. "It was stupid to do this on the night of a full moon. We need to leave right now, and I'll do my best to sniff out the werewolves tomorrow so we can handle them when they're in their human forms."

"How much harder can two werewolves be?"

"Pretty fuckin' hard, David. I know you're a badass and all, but we need to do this another night."

Before David can answer, Dwayne shouts. You whirl around, eyes widening at seeing a werewolf pinning him to the ground with its sharp teeth inches from his face. Without thinking, you fly at the wolf, tackling it off of him. You and the wolf scramble for the upper hand and you hiss when there's a pain in your shoulder.

Eventually, you manage to pin the wolf to the ground by its neck and shove your hand into its chest cavity to yank out its heart. With the wolf dead, you toss the heart aside. "Now will you listen to me? This was such a stupid fucking idea." The boys remain quiet, staring at her.

Actually, they're staring at your shoulder.

"What?"

Dwayne steps forward, carefully reaching for your arm and pulling you a step towards him. You frown, but then hiss when he moves the neckline of your shirt off your shoulder. "You're bit."

Your heart falls into your stomach and you quickly glance at the shoulder that you now realize is burning. Your eyes fill with tears. "O-Oh."

"Oh? Oh?!" Dwayne nearly shouts. "Werewolf bites are lethal, remember? How could you be so goddamn stupid?!"

Your bottom lip trembles. "I'm well aware of that, Dwayne. I was the one who told you to hunt the werewolf another night, remember?" You sigh and pull your hand free from his grasp. You take a moment to collect your thoughts before admitting, "There's a cure. Only a select few know and the cure is hard to get your hands on unless you're on friendly terms with those who have access to it. It's not my secret to divulge, so I was compelled to not say anything unless it was an emergency."

"What is it?" Dwayne asks. "We'll get it."

"You can't. But I can," you admit. "Let's just get to the cave. I have a phone call to make."

So, for part two, do we want the Mystic Falls gang to follow Klaus to Santa Carla or do we want the Santa Carla gang to visit Mystic Falls?

#the lost boys #the lost boys imagine #the lost boys fanfiction #lost boys x reader #the lost boys x reader #dwayne x reader #the vampire diaries imagine #the vampire diaries fanfiction #david #dwayne #paul #marko #klaus mikaelson #elijah mikaelson

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whispereons · 11 months

Text

Oracle!Reader Part 5

Masterlist - Part 1, Part 4, Part 6

Warning, I guess? Like I said last part, my AU has death and voilence. This one also has frisky(?) moment, no full NSFW

You aren't quite sure how long you have been sitting on this bench. The cats you were watching have already grown tired and were lazing around. The smoke smell was still faintly in the air and the sky was the same blue as before.

Couldn't have been more than 10 minutes then.

You should get up and leave. But to go back to the main area is to back into the fray. And you really didn't want to do that. With a heavy heart, you got up and stretched.

A loud crash and bang from around the corner startled you. You peer curiously in the direction and a pained groan is all you can hear. You walk over and see opened crates on the floor with fireworks rolling out of them.

Carefully you step around the fireworks to get to the heart of the problem. Yoimiya was on the floor with crates scattered around and a bell near her. The usually peppy blonde was clutching her head with a pained expression.

"Did you just get hit by that bell?" You say with a smile. You struggle not to laugh as you hold your hand out to her.

"Unfortunately, I did. Ugh, that really hurts." She takes your hand and slightly jolts from the electricity that your skin brings. You notice her action but don't put much thought into it, you pull her up.

"If we don't pick up all your fireworks fast, we'll probably lose some." Yoimiya smiles brightly completely forgetting her lost battle with the bell.

"You would help me? That's great to hear, I'd be looking all over Inazuma City for them without you!"

You start picking them up with her as you leisurely talked with her. Truthfully you offered more for yourself, as selfish as it sounds you just wanted a distraction.

The nearly mind-numbing or annoying task, depending on how far they rolled was easier with the chatty woman. Yoimiya knew how to talk to people, truly an extrovert with great social skills.

"That should be all of the fireworks. At least none of the boxes broke." You close the last crate and wipe the sweat from your brow.

"All thanks to you. I wasn't expecting anyone to be around since the ritual was in session. It should be finishing up though." She has an excited smile as she speaks and picks on two crates at a time.

Eager to change the subject you grab the last box and are about to pick it up. "No wonder you dropped it, carrying three crates would be too much-ugh. Damn, how much do these things weigh?"

You hurriedly position the crate in your arms to a more comfortable position as your grip tightens. You weren't weak but these things were absurdly heavy. You glance at her holding two of these monsters. She's not fazed in the slightest by the weight.

"The weight isn't too much of a problem, but the size was my oversight. I couldn't see while holding all 3 boxes and hit that bell. Thank you for carrying that one. Just follow me, we aren't too far from the drop-off location."

You inwardly sigh at now being stuck with the weight. But... You glance at the Yae Publishing House. Better than being stuck with Yae. You follow Yoimiya as you get closer and closer to the main area.

"Have you heard the rumors?"

"What rumors?"

"About there being an oracle! Really, it's only spread among the kids. They keep telling me that an oni, his name is Itto, keeps telling them about how he met the creator's oracle."

So, it's already starting. At least it's staying between the children right now, by the time Yae hears about it and connects the dots you'll be gone.

"Maybe it's true. You'll need to meet that oracle for yourself to be sure." You shrug and bump her shoulder. Playfully she bumps you back.

"I would love to meet them! Believing in fantastical things is a lot of fun. And if it turns out that they're a fake then I'll light them ablaze." You were suddenly reminded of Itto by how she spoke such vicious words with a bright smile.

"What if they prove that they are an oracle? What would you do then?"

"Ask if there is anything I can do to be awakened! I traveled to Sumeru with the traveler, and it was the closest thing to being awakened. Awakened acolytes can see all sorts of sights and stories."

The sparkle in her eyes was full of joy, no doubt imagining what it would be like for her wish to come true. The thought of your very low primogem count made you want to cry. 'Sorry Yoimiya, I don't think anyone is getting pulled at this time.'

Arriving back at the ritual area you can see the dead bodies being moved away and the blood being cleaned. You doubt they'd be able to clean up all the ashes today.

"Such a shame I missed out on it. But I would rather supply my fireworks for the finale festival than watch in a sweaty crowd."

To think that everyone here has grown numb to sight... Do people become less than cattle once they are dubbed a sacrifice? You follow Yoimiya around the slowly dispersing crowd to the back.

Ayaka is giving orders until she spots you both. Quickly she comes over with a smile.

"I'm relieved to see that you were with Yoimiya. Thank you for watching over the oracle in our absence."

"Wait-What?! They're the oracle?" Yoimiya comically looks between you and Ayaka's smiling faces.

"You just let me talk about the oracle while not telling me you're the oracle?" You finally laugh at that. Setting the crate down, you sigh in relief and speak.

"It was entertaining, I promise I was planning to tell you before we split paths."

"I'm torn between being embarrassed and happy. At least you know my wish now." She deflates as she holds the crates with a pout. It's gone as quick as it came and she's back with a sunny smile.

"Well, then Ayaka please lead the way for me to put these fireworks away. I can't wait for the final ritual to see them light up the sky."

"You just saw them last week, you're insatiable for fireworks. Y/N, I'll meet up with Ayato, Thoma, and you in a little bit."

Ayaka smiles softly and beckons Yoimiya to follow her. Yoimiya smiles cheerfully and waves enthusicastically before hauling all 3 boxes. Does archery really make your arms that strong?

"Y/N!" A shout of your name and hard armor meets your back as you're hugged from behind. It was just a quick hug before you spin around.

"Gorou, all done with that soldier?" He smiles widely showing off his fangs. He's holding your arms with his gloved hands as his tail wags.

"Yeah, sorry about having to leave so suddenly. Are you feeling better now? You don't look as bad as before."

"I'm feeling a lot better now. I didn't worry you too much right?"

"I mean, I can't deny that I was worried but you're all better now so that's all that matters. Remember if you need to talk about it, you can always come to me. I'd prefer it that way."

His whisper is low, and you strain to catch it. But he smiles with a blush and it's enough to dissuade you. He's helped you a lot, you didn't want to be too nosy. He's also one of the few that hasn't used you for information about the creator too. It doesn't bother you but it's nice feeling like he hangs out with you because he finds your company nice.

"It's been some time since I've seen General Gorou this happy. Are you a friend of his?"

Motherfucker- How in the world did you manage to run into Kokomi fucking Sangonomiya!?

You hadn't accounted for her appearance since she's usually on Watatsumi Island. She's way too good, like facing a kinder, fishier Yae. Hell, she managed to beat Yae in TCG and find the card snatcher in that event. This wasn't Ei but meeting Yae and Kokomi on the same day has got to be bullshit.

While you were internally dying Gorou took the initiative to introduce you to Kokomi with a happy grin.

"This is Y/N, they're an oracle for the creator. They even have the Kamisato Clan's approval."

"That is quite impressive, allow me to introduce myself first. My name is Sangonomiya Kokomi, I'm the divine priestess of Watatsumi Island."

"It's an honor to meet you Sangononomiya? Sanganonomiya? Sanganomiya?" Your voice gradually lowers as you butcher her name. Honestly, you were just hoping she would dislike you and leave. You did not want to have another Yae-level battle.

Purple glossy eyes watch you struggle with her name in amusement. You even managed to confuse yourself on how to pronounce her name. She can't help but laugh bringing a gloved hand to her mouth.

"You must not be a native Inazuman. You can just call me Kokomi, as an oracle and Gorou's friend I can trust that you're a good person."

Gorou beams at his superior's approval and his expectant stare on you makes you feel even more trapped. So much for getting her to dislike you.

"Thank you for your generosity, Kokomi. I've heard here and there how good of a leader you are. Both in and outside of combat. Your citizens seem to adore you a lot."

At least you don't have to pronounce Sangonomiya anymore. She takes a step closer and peers at you. She's good but not impossible.

"Thank you but I believe you aren't that different from me."

What the fuck is that supposed to mean. Gorou holds your hand with a confused face. Was he always this touchy-feely in the game? You can't remember well with Kokomi staring dead into your eyes.

"I'm the divine priestess for Orobaxi, a god that Watatsumi Island worships despite being deceased. And you are an oracle for the creator. All living beings in Teyvat worship the creator, our jobs may have more similarities than you think."

"Are you saying this because as an oracle I am a communicator between the creator and the people? While as divine priestess you carry out the will of Orobaxi to protect your people?"

She smiles knowingly making her eyes squint a bit. "Precisely. Wouldn't you benefit more from staying on Watatsumi Island? Maybe not permanently but you could learn a lot from staying with us."

Wait what? Does she think that you came here to help Narukami Island? Not a bad guess since you do have the Kamisato's approval. Is she trying to poach you?

"This isn't well known but I'm on a mission for the creator. I can't share all the details, but it involves me moving around Teyvat a lot. I already have transportation to Liyue all prepared. Thank you for the offer but I'll have to decline."

Gorou and Kokomi both have disappointed expressions with Gorou's being far more dramatic. Or maybe that was his dropping ears and tail exaggerating his look.

"I understand, the creator must come first. If the tides ever lead you back to Inazuma, please come and visit Watatsumi Island."

As adapting as water, she moves past her rejection and smiles softly holding out her hand. You grab it and shake her hand until you feel a familiar feeling. The feeling of eyes watching you and ears listening to you strikes you.

You release her hand and Gorou speaks to her about something. You can't focus on what they are saying as the feeling leaves you chills.

It must be Yae.

Now that you think about it, isn't it weird how Gorou and Kokomi are in plain sight with no Yae? Her rival, punching bag, and an easy victim are all in one group, surely, she would not hesitate to come over. Unless she's with Ei.

Jumping to conclusions, you are definitely jumping to conclusions. Forcing yourself to breathe easily, you smile casually as you can finally hear what Kokomi and Gorou are saying.

"Your Excellency, I've already moved that emergency shipment to the boat. We can wait for you to finish meeting with the Electro Archon."

"You should go on ahead without me. Whatever she has called me for doesn't sound like a minor problem."

"Even so, leaving you in enem-" Kokomi's look makes Gorou shut his mouth and backtrack.

"Right, right. Sorry, force of habit. But I would still feel more comfortable waiting till you are done, your Excellency."

"Okay, I understand your concern. Please wait in Inazuma City until I'm done." Gorou smiles at Kokomi's acceptance.

"So, you'll be staying a while longer? It's a shame you didn't come a day earlier. I'm leaving for Liyue today after all." You join in when you get a chance. The last thing you want is for Yae to notice how aware you are of her presence.

Kokomo opens her mouth to speak when yells of your name can be heard across the plaza. You all turn to see Thoma waving to grab your attention while Ayaka and Ayato calmly stand and stare at you. Or are they staring at Gorou and Kokomi?

You give a wave back to let them know you saw them. Turning back with a small and slightly sad smile you hide your joy at a perfect escape option.

"And that is my transportation calling me. It's been lovely meeting you Kokomi despite the short amount of time we spent together. And Gorou, you were the highlight of this festival, I'll be sure to seek you out next time I come."

Gorou seems to swoon at your words while Kokomi smiles at your words and holds both your hands. Her stare is unnervingly deep into your eyes. Fisheyes in the game and in real life are much different up close.

"You are quite the fascinating person. Whenever you do come back, Watatsumi Island is more than happy to greet you with open arms."

Your smile is gentle matching hers despite how you're secretly sweating bullets. She releases your hands, and you see Gorou smiling at Thoma who is clearly glaring at him.

Unlike humans, animals bare their teeth to threaten. That little tidbit of information comes to mind when you see that Gorou's grin is a little ferocious. It all goes away once he sees you looking at him.

"Y/N, whenever you come back, make sure to visit Watatsumi Island twice as much time as you spent here. I can show you even more stuff than what I showed you here."

"I will Gorou." You promise before petting his head. You weren't sure when you would get to pet someone like this again so you wanted to take advantage of it while you still can. Gorou seems to like it as much as you do. His eyes close and his tail wags a little as he angles himself deeper into your touch.

When you pull your hand off, he pouts a bit but waves to you as you walk to the Kamisato's. You carefully peek back to see Kokomi say something teasing to Gorou that makes him embarrassed.

Yae conveniently turns the corner at that exact moment and scares Gorou. Seems like you dodged a bullet at poor Gorou's expense. But it also raises a question. Did Yae intentionally wait for you to leave to join the group? If so, is it because she feels bad or because she doesn't want you hearing what she has to say?

Deciding to leave it be you turn back to the Kamisato's as you approach them. Once you're in reach Thoma sweeps you into his arms and hugs you.

"What a warm welcome. Missed me that much Thoma?" You say with a smile as Thoma sets you down.

"Well, I have to! You're leaving today, I have to make the most of it." He smiles a little embarrassed as he avoids your eyes.

"Totally not because I pet Gorou?"

"Totally."

Ayato covers his mouth with his sleeve and coughs with a not very subtle "Liar" in between. Ayaka swats his arm with her fan and Thoma playfully glares at Ayato.

You snicker at the familiar sight of them fighting and almost trip over a firework stick. Your near tumble makes them all pay instant attention to you. Ayato and Thoma are quick to put a hand on your shoulders to steady you as Ayaka picks it up.

"It's a few are still missing. I'll have to send a servant to put it with the others later."

"Damn, sorry Ayaka I thought Yoimiya and I got them all. Will you have enough for the final ritual this month?"

"Oh yes more than enough. We always order extra just in case something like this happens. It's a shame you won't be here to see the final ritual." She looks to the ground sadly as she finishes.

"Ayaka is right, it truly is a shame. The final ritual is the cumulative of everyone's efforts and the fireworks look beautiful at night. I mean you could always stay until then. The Kamisato Estate is always open to you."

Ayato speaks with a purposefully convincing tone. What is up with people trying to convince you to stay? First Kokomi and now Ayato? Without thinking too deeply you reply.

"The journey from Liyue to Inazuma is pretty long and unpredictable. And there's no way I can freeload on you guys for some fireworks. Next time I come over I'll stay longer to attend it. Besides I can use the teleport waypoints."

The second you say that is the moment you regret it. Great going, now you'll be forced back to Inazuma in less than a month!

Too busy insulting yourself for your own stupidity you don't see how Ayaka and Thoma light up. Eagerly she writes down the date and time of the final ritual before placing it in your palm.

"Oh, that's perfect Y/N! Now you can continue being an oracle the way you wished and make it in time for the festival."

Ayato seems far too calm and smug for this whole thing to just be your own mistake. There's no doubt Ayato was waiting for you to mention teleporting yourself. Probably in case there was some prerequisite. Which you definitely would have made up if he mentioned it first. No one else to blame except yourself.

"Thanks, Ayaka, I'll do my best to attend." You slip the paper into your bag and smile warmly. You can't out right reject it now but maybe later on you can make some sort of excuse to avoid attending. Either way you have time and if you do have to attend...

Then your luck and lies going your way will let you have a firm standing as an oracle that won't allow Ei to suspect you that easily.

Maybe you're better off faking your death and living with the Aranaras. As the creator you should have some sort of influence on creatures. Hopefully...

"So, since the ritual is done and the festival is coming to an end, I should be on my way to Ritou. What boat am I taking?"

"That eager to leave Y/N? I would have thought you would at least let me bring up the topic seeing as we housed you all this time." Ayato's eyes are narrowed as he looks at you. His hand is covering his face and his voice sounds annoyed.

"I would never want to overstay my welcome in your estate. How could I take advantage of your kindness anymore then I already have? Besides wouldn't kind hosts like yourself avoid making your guests unwelcome by bringing up the topic of leaving. I'm simply doing you a favor."

You speak with a mocking kind voice and bring out the fan he gave you to cover your mouth. His annoyed voice melts away as he laughs softly at your actions. You crack a smile too until he tips your fan forward to reveal your face.

"This fan will be your ticket to the boat. As promised, I selected the best boat, the Crux will treat you kindly when you board the Alcor. Captain Beidou is said to be one of the best captains and a crew member by the name Kaedehara Kazuha was once a loyal subordinate of the Kamisato's."

That was actually pretty cool. Beidou is said to have defeated a hydra in her character entry. Plus, Kazuha was a really popular character. You were fond of them both and thinking of meeting them with no worry of dying sounded amazing.

At least until you remembered how the Crux was known for 'daring' adventures meaning batshit dangerous sailing. They could all survive it because they either have a vision or training. But you? You weren't a fighter, nor did you have any powers. It's that stupid dilemma about what to do when you inventible encounter enemies again!

"Thanks Ayato, the creator seems to trust them both a lot too. To get to Ritou I'll need to pass Byakko Plain and Konda village. And that little shore area with loads of monsters."

Ayato pauses when you mention monsters. He didn't forget that you can't fight right? You look to Ayaka and she's avoiding your gaze. You turn a little more urgently to Thoma just for him to smile nervously.

"You all forgot that I don't have any guards, fighting skills and powers, didn't you?"

"It's not that we forgot when we were making preparations Y/N. Originally, I was going to accompany you but the Shogun suddenly announced a meeting this morning that will be starting in an hour. Ayato and I will be forced to attend leaving Thoma the only one to take care of the estate in our absence."

You feel a bit more frantic. Maybe if it was daylight, you'd just take the risk but nighttime? You have no intention of dying to a hilichurl or any other monsters, humans included.

"Can't a guard come with me then?"

"It seems that's our only choice. The guards are necessary for the festival due to the large number of people. And the amount only heightens at night but it's a risk we'll have to take. Your safety is priority, you'll need two guards at least"

You feel a bit guilty knowing that you'll be putting the public in danger. But the chance of someone dying without two guards is much lower than the chance of you dying without a guard. It's not a bad thing to have survival instincts, you tell yourself to ease the guilt.

"Wouldn't a better idea be for me to accompany them instead?" Someone butts into the conversation (rude) with a horrifically familiar voice.

Clips of the scene "Traveler, you're so dreamy~" echo throughout your mind as you remember his first birthday art posted on Reddit during a crisis that only caused more chaos.

Heizou walks with confidence to your group smiling innocently. Like he wasn't just eavesdropping on everything. You want to scream.

Who fucking cursed you?! You managed to run into everybody you wanted to avoid! Except Ei but you were starting to doubt that you'll be able to avoid her too.

Thoma throws Heizou a suspicious glance before standing next to you protectively. You wish Thoma was able to protect you from whatever Heizou's intuition is telling him about you. There's a large chance he heard you be referred to as an oracle.

Ayato and Ayaka keep their composure as Heizou stops in front of them who are standing in front of you. Seems like they all don't want him close to you. Is it because he's part of the Tenryou Commission?

"My, what's the caution about? I'm an upstanding member of the Tenryou Commission. With a vision too! I prefer not to fight but I am good at it." His voice was even more melodious in person. If only it wasn't hiding the absolute trap, you know he has behind his back.

"Considering that you were eavesdropping on our conversation for a while, I truly doubt your words. You always abandon or delegate your work to other people too. Can I really trust that with Y/N's safety?"

Ayato's words are as sharp as his stare. His eyes are similar to the depths of the ocean waiting to pull their victims into the freezing water. It really reminded you of when you first met him. Your relationship with him has improved in bounds and leaps.

"Now, now no need to be so hostile. I'm under Madam Kujou Sara this time. She was worried about the oracle and asked me to check up on them. I am the only other vision holder that's awakened in the Tenryou Commission. I can promise you that they'll make it to Ritou, they'll probably be boarding the Crux, correct?"

Heizou, to his credit, is good under Ayato's pressure. Probably from dealing with Sara all the time. Thoma clearly doesn't trust Heizou, Ayaka is seemingly neutral on the matter and Ayato is weirdly against Heizou.

"Were you not listening early enough to be sure what boat Y/N is going on?"

How didn't you notice Heizou listening? You were able to spot Yae right away, yet you missed him?

"The oracle is clearly an important person as they are directly connected to the creator. Only the Crux could provide a level of safety fit for them."

You saw Yae first, so you were always on guard for her. Did you unknowingly relax around the Kamisato's therefore preventing you from noticing Heizou?

"All it took was a quick deduction. I'm a detective for a reason." Heizou ends with a smile. Ayato though less tense hasn't let up his stare. The tension is killing you, but you can't afford to stay any longer.

Heizou only offered to figure out the mystery behind you and his intuition probably had a hand in it too. Going with him does mean dealing with whatever questions he throws at you, but it seems to be your only choice. You can't risk staying any longer and running into Ei.

You move away from Thoma's side and place a hand on Ayato's shoulder. You smile trying to lessen Ayato's suspicion.

"He doesn't seem to be a bad choice at all. Going with him means I'll be safe and so will everyone else. Like he said, he's an awakened acolyte with a vision. Sara wouldn't send him unless she was truly okay with it. She's very cautious concerning these things after all."

Ayato looks down at you with a vague feeling of dissatisfaction. If it was up to him, he would accompany you himself. Better yet he would keep you in Inazuma. He knows Ayaka and Thoma would be more than happy with that too.

But the longer he looks at you the more he knows that what he wants just isn't going to happen or work. The nervous smile you send him makes his heart flutter. With a sigh he nods.

"If that's what you wish Y/N then Shikanoin can escort you to the boat." And if his subordinate that is already stationed there reports back that you never boarded the boat then he knows exactly who to blame.

You smile feeling relieved that you won't have to worry about dying on the journey. Looking to Heizou you feel that relief turn to exhaustion as you imagine what the conversation during the journey will be like.

"You're Shikanoin Heizou correct? I'm Y/N, an oracle for the creator. Although I don't appreciate you eavesdropping, I am thankful that you'll be escorting me."

You walk forward and hold out your hand to shake his. Heizou looks at the two Kamisato's and honorary Kamisato behind you who are giving him varying levels of glares. Flashing a smug smile to them he shakes your hand.

"Don't mention it Y/N. You can just call me Heizou, we'll be spending a lot of time together on this trip after all."

You can tell he's saying that more to rile up the Kamisatos, but you tactfully ignore it and release his hand. Time to play damage control! Fun.

You turn around to face them with a grin. You were honestly going to miss them, a lot more than you originally thought.

"I can't thank you three enough for helping me out like this. Whenever I visit Inazuma again, the first stop will be the estate. Probably when the final ritual is occurring. If there's anything I can do for you, let me know, okay?"

They all gave you their own version of goodbye.

"I'll be eagerly awaiting your next visit." A sad but happy face hiding behind a fan.

"Come whenever, I'll make you more good food!" An excited and slightly melancholic expression.

"Don't sound so sappy, you make it sound like you'll die." A gentle look that alludes to the longing hiding behind it.

You can't help but feel a sense of dread rise up. As if the next time you see them won't be as happy as you think it'll be.

But that's the future. The future can always be changed. You shouldn't get so hung up and worried about something that is so far away.

To ease your worries and the sorrow you feel at having to leave, you wave to them with a bright smile. You follow Heizou who already began walking to Inazuma City's exit.

He isn't speaking, just quietly leading you through the city. You don't bother trying to break the quiet like you did with Ayato. You don't need Heizou's attention anymore then you probably have.

Your eyes trail over Heizou as you follow him. You try not to stare at his exposed sides but judging by the smile he gives you... He definitely noticed. Slu-

"Are all oracles supposed to be as perverted as you?"

"What do you mean by perverted? If you take my glances at you as perversion, then you're the perverted one. Aren't you cold?"

"It's not that bad. I'm sure you're at least a little warmer with that mask on." Here comes the questions.

"It's broken, any heat I could retained is lost through the cracks."

"Then why wear it? Surely the Kamisato's would gladly fund you more masks. So, what's so special about that mask? Why even wear it?"

Unlike Yae who was only interested in toying with you, Heizou is looking to solve the mystery. Plus, you had him which means he must feel the pull you give off as the creator. What's the point of being the creator if it only leads you to more problems?

Like it or not you're stuck in this situation and his intuition is like an otherworldly sense. Staying silent might lead him to arrest you, you can't risk missing the boat. So, you'll need to lead him around, a plan that just might work due to his own pride.

"Well why can't I? My mask isn't hurting anyone. Is your instinct as a detective telling you that my mask is important?"

"My intuition you mean. You're smart enough to get the Kamisato's trust and Madam Kujou Sara's trust. And I have a hunch that, that mask is connected to your oracle status."

"Doubting me huh? Well, you can't arrest me for wearing a mask or just looking shady so let's make this journey fun." You say with a smile as you both pass farms and the huge tree at the edge of the city.

"What are you proposing?"

"I guess you could call it a game. Your intuition seems sharp enough to pick up on any bullshit I spew. Ask me any questions and I'll give you cryptic answers. Maybe I'm lying, telling the truth, deflecting or a mix of them all. A test of both of our skills. If you can figure out why I'm hiding my face, then I'll tell you everything."

You actually mean it. Mostly because Heizou wouldn't believe you if you aren't being honest. If he can actually wait and listen to everything, then maybe he won't immediately attack you.

You know it's a stupid chance, but you can't risk being here any longer. You want to stop feeling scared of thunderous skies and lighting chasing your every move.

Heizou is quiet as he watches you while thinking. Should he accept this? His intuition won't stop nagging him to find the truth behind you. What does he really have to lose playing with you like this? With a smile he finally responds.

"Alright, let's see if you can keep the truth hidden as well as you think you can. Is that mask special?"

"Not really, I only took it because it was broken."

"Why would you take a broken mask?"

"The price of course, well the lack of price I mean." You only fibbed a little there. You have to test how well he can pick up on lies.

He hums in acknowledgement. It's clear he doesn't fully believe it. The game was right to dub him as a prodigy detective.

"That mask has the trademark of Mr. Sanden. He's a bit of a perfectionist, he doesn't sell any masks he isn't happy with. So how did you manage to get him to sell it to you?"

He's got home advantage too. But remembering Heizou's past made you recall his hatred for sin. You can't help but worry that he'll react violently if you admit your theft. That's what selective wording is good for!

"You got me. Sanden didn't want to sell it to me, but he eventually did let me leave with it. I'm thankful since the mask has served me well."

"Are you wearing that mask to deter certain people?" That little bait was a good deflection.

"Well, you could say so. Maybe I committed a crime that would be revealed with my mask off. Or I'm hiding an ugly scar behind it that I don't want people to see. It could be that I'm living a double life and this mask is the only difference between my lives."

You shrug and pass by the spot where you met the Arrataki Gang. Not for the first time you missed them. Sara included, at least you didn't need to think hard and fast on how to fool her.

"What do you think is the truth? Are they all true to a degree? Or are they all lies?"

Heizou hums and holds his chin looking like a true detective. You look a little closer to examine the moles beneath his eyes. It was pretty cool how he had matching ones. He snaps his fingers and points at you with mirth.

"Sounds more like two lies and a truth. Or maybe half-truth would be a better description. That double life choice seems to be on the right track."

He wasn't wrong, but the answer was much farther than a double life. You spot the teleport waypoint that you activated after defeating those treasure hoarders and nobushi. Are the materials you collected from them still bloody?

"Believe what you will. I don't necessarily need to confirm whether you got the correct answer."

"Getting a little defensive aren't you. Seems like I should ask you a little more about this topic. Where were you born?"

"I actually don't know." It's true, you had no clue what hospital or city you were born in.

"Then where did you arrive in Inazuma? Watatsumi or Ritou?"

"Neither I simply woke up on Seirai Island." You know he'll probably dig around for more information about this topic once you leave but you're okay with that. How will he tell which story on your appearance is true or false?

"I find it hard to believe that you don't remember anything beyond that."

"I don't have many memories before becoming the oracle. Realizing what I have to do ordered by the creator makes me believe that my past-"

Your rambling is cut off by the scoff he lets out.

"Man alive, no need to start preaching about the creator that I've personally experienced. I don't believe your words about the creator at all. And we got quite off topic, didn't we? Tell me, did the creator order you to wear that mask?"

What a question. Perfect time to test deflection.

"Would you stop asking me questions if I say that the creator did order me to wear it? Would you even believe me if I said that they did?"

"No."

"So, you're just asking to fuck with me?"

"Not necessarily, all these questions are just steppingstones to the truth."

"Fancy way to say that you'll ask me anything and everything."

"Glad to hear that you've already accepted your fate." This little shit.

You slow down your pace while passing by the temple. You feel a bit tempted to enter it to admire the murals. Heizou stops to watch you stare up at it in amazement. For an 'oracle' you seem mesmerized by the temple.

You jump a little as Heizou slings a arm around your shoulder and pulls you along the path again. Konda village is in sight and his breath is fanning over your ear.

"So, tell me Y/N, do you at least remember what region you were born in? Or at least lived in before becoming an oracle? Y/N isn't a very common name, in fact you're the first person I've met with that name."

"Well, I'm quite sure I wasn't born in Inazuma. I wouldn't call Seirai Island a home either." You nearly whisper as you stare straight into his eyes. You refused to be psyched out, not after all the other authorities you tricked on Earth.

He lets go of you and walks a little ahead of you. Frowning in confusion you speed up to match his pace. You barely catch the way his smile wavers a little and his hand toys with the baton on his hip. Was the previous proximity affecting Heizou too?

"What's wrong Heizou? For someone who I pegged as the teasing type you sure can't handle your own consequences."

Heizou smiles a littler wider contradicting how his eyebrows furrow. There's a large chance you're a criminal, something like that shouldn't have affected him so strongly. So why did you? Why did the heat of your body and smell of something sweet on you make him fumble like that?

"Speak for yourself, your heart was beating out of your chest."

"Even noticed my heartbeat huh? Sounds like you've got some sort of crush."

"You wish now stop trying to distract me. In fact, what about those writings on the temple walls made you so distracted."

"They were writing?" You questioned instinctively and immediately regretted it. The smile Heizou wears is victorious.

"Yes, it was. Do you know how to read?"

"No. Or at least not that well."

"Heh so that's a yes, just not in this language."

"Basically."

"Interesting and very believable. That writing was very old, but it was written in the universal language with Inazuma dialect. Meaning you should be able to at least recognize it as writing, but you didn't."

You're nervous but you calmly cross the stone bridge into Konda village. Heizou seems to want to ask something but the yells from parents interrupt him.

"Takeru! Takeru, you little rascal it's bedtime! Where are you?! Oh, where is he?" An older woman is calling out for Takeru who seems to be a child judging by the bedtime.

"Futaba! It's nighttime, it's not safe to be out this late! Futaba!" A much older woman with white hair is calling out too. You and Heizou pass by them a little concerned.

The sky is darkening but it's not pitch black just yet. Those children should probably still be out playing or something. Heizou hums and sweeps his eyes across the village.

"After I drop you off, I'll come back to make sure those kids came back fine."

"Is it normal for children to play without supervision?" The thought of kids playing outside when there are literal monsters around sounds unbelievable.

"It's quite common especially around villages like this where only elderly and children live. This is a farming village too so they're likely playing on the farm."

You nod and follow Heizou to leave the village by going under the flimsy looking gate. The sickle you picked up and put in your bag on whim still makes you uneasy. Your gut feeling made you pick it up and you aren't quite sure what to do with it now.

"I haven't forgotten about your slip up. So, either you lied about knowing how to read or you know how to read in a different language that has no roots in the universal language."

This guys just does not miss a beat. As you get closer to the beach area that leads to Ritou, you see a teleport waypoint. You couldn't activate the one in Inazuma City due to the crowd and Yae but this one could be used to your advantage.

You stop at the waypoint making Heizou look at you in confusion. You place a hand on the waypoint and relish in the new gold color it turns. Smugly you look to see Heizou staring at the waypoint with a shocked expression.

"Man alive, how did you-?"

He's cut off by a scream. It sounds like a young boy and you both look at each other in alert. Immediately Heizou turns and runs down the steps onto the shore with you following him.

The scream is joined by another scream sounding like a girl. You and Heizou follow it to the right and run past the waterfall and follow the dirt path. Blindly passing by a hilichurl camp you see a Fatui Hydrogunner and an Electrohammer.

You freeze up in fear as you watch a boy be slung over the Hydrogunner's shoulder and a girl try to crawl away from the Electrohammer. Heizou wastes no time to deliver an anemo infused punch to the Electrohammer giving the girl a chance to stand up.

You take a deep breath and move closer to hold the girl. She clings onto you in fear as she weeps loudly. You watch in a daze as Heizou continues dealing blows to the Electrohammer. At least until the Hydrogunner makes his move.

"Freeze or the boy drowns."

All three of you freeze as the Hydrogunner points to his gun to the boy's head. The Electrohammer hits Heizou straight in the chest with the war hammer knocking him back.

"Heizou!" You yell as you watch him hit the ground harshly. You yelp in pain when you're suddenly lifted up harshly by your neck. Struggling in his grasp uselessly until he squeezes your neck and throws you over his shoulder. The girl cowers and cries as she's yanked onto the other side.

Heizou stands up but stays in place as the Hydrogunner keeps the gun to the boy's head. You're about to wrap your hands around the Electrohammer's neck when he speaks.

"I wouldn't do that unless you want the boy to get blown to pieces."

You freeze before hanging limply over his shoulder. Everything is quiet save for the children's sobs. The Electrohammer starts walking farther from the city and the Hydrogunner does the same but slower.

You can only watch as Heizou's furious face gets smaller and smaller. They bring you and the kids to a camp close to Araumi. You land roughly on the floor with rope tied around you. A Anemoboxer who was waiting at their camp ties up the kids and drops them next to you. You give one last scathing glare before they close the tent flap.

Tense, you wait a few moments until you hear the muffled sounds of them talking. You turn back to look at the scared kids next to you.

"Hey, hey it's okay. We're going to get out of this, okay? Did you see that guy with me? He's a friend and he's really strong too. He's gonna get us out of here."

Their sobs slow down at your words and they look up at you. They have little scratches and scraps from trying to escape the Fatui.

"I want to go home, I wanna see Granny." "Are they going to take us?"

You shush them quietly to stop them from working themselves up into a crying fit.

"Me and my friend are going to make sure you get home safe. Why don't you both tell me your names? Mine is Y/N and my friend is called Heizou."

"I'm Takeru and she's Futaba." Takeru speaks with a waver as Futaba nods tearfully. They're still scared and the conversation between the Fatui is slowly turning into an argument.

"It's nice to meet you both, now I need you both to be brave and stay quiet for me." They both nod and you smile trying to offer some comfort. You couldn't let them take you and the kids' hostage again.

The ropes are tight around your torso and wrists, but they underestimated you. There is a pole in the middle of the tent with a wheel but it's the gear behind it that matters.

Carefully you move your legs until they are bent underneath you. You stand up and stumble a little to the gear. You can feel the sharp edges around the gear and smile.

At first you try to cut the large rope around your torso, but the rope is too thick and strong. You move your back higher against the pole so that the rope around your wrists is the one being cut.

Takeru and Futaba watch you in a mixture of fear and hope. You smile when you feel the rope give away and fall to the ground. With your hands free, you struggle a little to shimmy your bound arms to your front.

It's like wearing a really tight shirt with your arms still in it. Uncomfortable but not super painful. Once it's done you move to your bag that was thrown on the ground. Carefully you kneel and open it.

The game screen is deeper in the bag, and you shove your hand in to select the sickle you took from Konda village. When you pull your hand out it's weakly holding the sickle.

The kids smile as hope becomes clearer. The argument outside is getting louder. Yells of "this wasn't the plan!" and "we have to do it!" are making you increasingly worried.

Carefully you maneuver the sickle to cut the ropes without cutting your own shirt. The ropes break and you stretch your arms to get the blood flowing.

"Alright, I'm gonna get you both free but you have to stay quiet and listen to me or we'll get caught again."

They nod eagerly and you move behind them. You cut off the ropes and they stand up in a flash. But the loud sound of a punch cuts your victory short. Takeru and Futaba huddle closer to you in fear.

You smile kindly and hold out your free hand to them.

"Hold onto me, be prepared to make a run." They nod and grasp your arm as the sound of fighting gets louder. You walk closer to the tent flap and lift it to see the outside.

Heizou is fighting them all with a few wounds. The hit he took earlier must still be affecting him. This was not a good match up. Although the elemental shields aren't up yet, it wasn't an easy fight.

The Anemoboxer and the Hydrogunner are both healing and the Electrohammer is giving heavy electro blows. Not even mentioning the swirl that's happening. Once those shields come up, Heizou will have even more work to do.

The minute they have one of you hostage is when the fight is over. You can't let that happen. You can dodge but the kids can't. You eye the path and turn back to the kids.

"Listen carefully, you saw that dirt path they took us on? You need to follow it back to where me and Heizou found you. Just stay there and wait, okay? If anyone that you don't recognize starts coming. just hide."

You would rather them go straight back to Konda village, but you didn't want them at the mercy of the hilichurls either. They tremble but nod at your words.

You look out the flap sneakily and suck in a breath as the Anemoboxer starts heading towards the tent you all are at. Quickly you throw it open and drag the kids out with you.

The fighting freezes for a moment as the flap hits the Anemoboxer in the face and you push the kids in front of you. The Electrohammer and Hydrogunner look at you in surprise.

"Run!"

This springs the kids into action and Heizou delivers a charged up anemo punch to the Hydrogunner. Rain starts to fall, and the elemental shields were thrown up. The Anemoboxer has just doubled in your dangerous rating. The Anemoboxer reaches out for you making you jump back.

You just need to keep the Anemoboxer away from Heizou who's dealing with the other two Fatui Skirmishers. You keep dodging and running circles around him. You were mostly afraid of him using anemo to pull you in.

The fights weren't like watching it in the game. These guys bleed even while encased in the war machines. You hear the groan of the Hydrogunner passing out and smile crookedly. Was this fight finally going to be over soon?

The Anemoboxer leaves you to fight Heizou and you finally take a breather. Heizou doesn't stick to the Genshin game rules either. His catalyst follows him as he mixes up his normal attack pattern. Horrible timing but it's really cool watching him use anemo in creative ways that the game never showed.

The enemies seem to be in a rougher state. There's a three way stand off as they all stop to catch their breath. You see movement behind Heizou and feel your blood run cold.

"Heizou behind you!"

Heizou follows your words and just barely dodges the water blast from the Hydrogunner that was slowly getting back up. With one last fully charged kick to the head, the Hydrogunner falls down. The loud crack lets you know that he may never get up again.

The other two Fatui don't let the opportunity slip. With the Anemoboxer dragging Heizou closer, the Electrohammer slams the hammer down onto Heizou. You clench the sickle in your hand tighter as you can only watch in horror.

You stayed out of the fight for a reason, you couldn't fight you would only be in the way. But that's not an option anymore. Hearing his pained groans as he's punched by the Anemoboxer swirling the electro and rain spurs you into action.

While the Anemoboxer's back is turned you sneak up and raise the sickle. The spot in his back with no armor covering it seems to call to you. You slam the tip of the blade straight into it making him cry out.

You pull it out in a hurry and jump back as the wound bleeds more. The Electrohammer looks at you in surprise giving Heizou a long enough breather to get back up.

The Electrohammer and Heizou go straight back to combat as the Anemoboxer faces you. His huge gauntlets swing around trying to hit you as he coughs up blood. The ground is slippery, and it makes your dodging a little harder.

You jump closer to the boxer making him throw up his shield in reflex. Using the rain, you slide around him and slash his thigh to limit his speed.

The sickle's weight was clumsy at first but the more you traded blows using it, the more you came to master it. Gritting your teeth, you quickly stand back up after slipping from the wet ground.

Silently you urge Heizou to hurry up, you weren't sure how much more you could take. Your mask was starting to crumble but you pushed it to the back of your mind.

The boxer runs up to you in a flash not letting you back away fast enough. Reflexes are what save you from a punch to the face as you crouch and roll away. He's still bringing his fist back to defend himself giving you an opening.

You can tell something is different as you swing your sickle. Something about you is different that makes you wonder if you'll be able to finish the boxer once and for all.

Electro crackles around the sickle as you puncture his chest. The electro-charged reaction and wound seem to do the trick. The boxer stumbles and gasps for air.

You watch in horror and relief as the boxer falls onto the floor. You really killed again, and you used elemental to do so. You don't have a moment to stew on that though as you hurriedly dodge the now furious Electrohammer. The war hammer slams onto the ground and Heizou is quick to kick a projectile anemo shot to his face.

It knocks him to the ground, and you watch with unknown feelings as the mask he wears breaks. The fight is over, you and Heizou won. There's no time to wallow in self-pity, not as Heizou stumbles with a dazed expression.

You're quick to support him and he lays his bleeding head on you. You gently move his arm to wrap around you and do the same for him. His wounds aren't life threatening or serious, but he's been bleeding for a while. You need to stop the bleeding first.

Helping him gently you move him to lean against a small boulder. In a rush you go back to the tent and open your bag. You take out some of the leftover medical supplies you kept (stole) from the Kamisato Estate.

Slinging the bag back on you hurry to Heizou. The rain seems to be letting up as you examine him. His head is bleeding from a cut, so you bandage it first. His shirt is dyed red, and you lift it up and wince at the sight.

Multiple bruises and cuts cover his stomach and chest. That's gonna be a bitch to bandage, especially considering how much damage his back too.

"Sorry Heizou, this'll hurt." Heizou only weakly groans with his eyes screwed shut in pain.

Pushing the shirt as high as you can, you start wrapping it around him. Not the best solution but it's your only one with so little supplies. Heizou's consciousness seems to come and go as you finish and fix his shirt.

The thought of Heizou closing his eyes and falling asleep in such a state worries you. What if he passes out from blood loss and dies? Thoughts like that rise up and you grasp for anything to keep him awake.

"Hey Heizou, if you can respond to me in words. I'll tell you a big hint to my secret."

His eyes focus on you a little more. That's a good sign, nothing like baiting a detective like him with leads.

"Well, *cough* what hint are you *cough* going to give me?" His raspy voice and coughs worry you, but they seem to make him more awake.

"You were really close on me having a second life."

"That's it? That's a *cough* crappy hint."

You laugh at his remark trying to hide your relief. The fear of holding another cold body of someone you cared about still plagues you.

"If you want a better hint then you better drag it out of me as I drag you back to Konda village."

You support him as he chuckles at your words. He does his best to not lay too much weight on you but that's hard when his head is fuzzy.

The walk is quiet and with him so close you relish in the sound of his harsh breathing. It lets you know that he's still breathing, that you didn't fail.

You don't want to think about the person you just killed. So, your mind analyzes about the electro you wielded through the sickle instead. It makes a lot of sense that you can use the elements through a weapon as a medium. How could you have not realized that possibility?

If you continued training with it, could you eventually use electro without a weapon? Probably not but the idea of shooting electro is cool, nonetheless.

Takeru and Futaba are waiting nervously in the spot you instructed. You smile at the sight and wait till you are closer to call out.

"Futaba, Takeru! Over here!"

They smile at the sight of you both and run to meet you. Futaba frowns in worry at the sight of Heizou and you injured. Takeru tries to help by supporting his other side.

Heizou buries his head in the crook of your neck to hide the grimace of pain as Takeru touches the wounded area.

"Takeru, Futaba can you guys guide us to Konda village? It's an important job since we don't want to get ambushed by enemies."

Eyes wide they nod and walk a little ahead. They survey the surroundings seriously and nod at you firmly to show that it's safe.

Heizou keeps his head on your shoulder and mumbles. "Thanks, guess you're as perceptive as I thought."

You huff in amusement and continue supporting him until you all get to Konda village. The two women that were looking for the kids earlier spot you all and rush over.

They both hug their respective family members with tears in their eyes. It's clear that the kids aren't over the dangerous encounter.

"Thank you so much for saving Takeru and Futaba. You both seem very injured, please come to my house. I have some supplies that can help you both."

The village chief approaches you and Heizou with concern. You nod gratefully and help Heizou into the house. There's a small cot on the floor and Heizou lays down on it slowly.

Konda Densuke, the village chief comes back with a fully stocked medical kit. It's more primitive than the ones you are used to in Earth, but it'll work well enough.

"I'll leave you to it, once you're done, please come outside. I'll have something that can help that young man."

Quietly you thank the old man and turn back to Heizou as the door closes.

"I'm about to get pretty personal with your body, that's not a problem, right?"

"Why are you asking as if you weren't doing that earlier? Of course, it's fine, just don't be so obvious with your staring."

"If you weren't injured, I would hit you myself."

He chuckles and removes his cracked arm guards. You focus on taking out the bandages and ointment out of the kit. You leave briefly to wet a rag with water and come back to see Heizou shirtless sitting on the cot.

He smiles up at you seemingly more aware and alert. His bandages around his torso are stained red. Smaller cuts and scrapes cover his arms and legs. The bandage on his forehead is bleeding a lot less than before.

You kneel beside him and carefully remove the bandage on his head. Heizou bears the pain of you wiping away the dirt and applying the ointment well. The new patch is put on his head and your hands move lower to the bandages around his torso.

After unraveling it, you feel relieved that nothing has become inflamed or infected yet. The bruises on his back and front are tended to before you clean the cuts. You firmly wrap the new bandage around his torso. He only tenses up as you finish.

"This is only a temporary solution. Once we get to Ritou you should see a doctor."

"I will, I promise but I must say. This is some pretty good work, like you have experience doing this kind of thing. Care to tell me who you've helped before?"

He really is a nuisance. He was almost killed in a bad match up with three Fatui Skirmishers and his first instinct after properly waking up is to question you?

"Seriously? Not even a thank you? And my expertise comes from taking care of myself if you must know." Scowling with no real annoyance you put away the remaining supplies back into the med kit.

Heizou laughs at your reaction before placing a hand on your shoulder. He rests his head on the opposite shoulder and speaks softly. What is with this guy and leaning on you?

"You're right, thank you Y/N. Even with my suspicions, I'm still thankful that you helped me and those kids. I'm hoping that whatever secret you're hiding isn't one I'll ever have to arrest you for."

HIs bare bandaged chest against your back makes you embarrassed.

"Aren't you a bit too up close and personal with someone you're suspecting?" You say stiffly as he proceeds to melt even further into you.

"Getting shy?" He whispers teasingly. His face is dangerously close to your neck making you tense up further. You already knew that he was a flirt but isn't he moving too fast?!

Your face gets redder as his breath grazes your neck. People have tried to trick you in numerous ways before. That includes pretending to have fallen in love with you for information. Seduction never worked on you due to how untrusting you are.

But in Teyvat? Where the characters you found comfort in and loved? It was hard not to be affected or overthink things like this. While you were avoiding looking at him, Heizou took his time admiring you.

The flustered look on your face, your fingers drumming on your thigh. It was adorable how nervous you were. For a split second he remembered how comfortable you were around the Kamisato, how brightly you smiled. Did you get all flustered around them like this too?

A flash of jealousy engulfs him, and his body seems out of his control. His teeth lightly nip your neck making you stand up in a flash. Your voice is steady, but your heart is beating out of control.

"I'm going to see what the village chief had for you. Just stay here."

Watching you leave in a hurry makes him realize what he just did. Man alive, what the hell made him act like that? Despite the slight guilt from overstepping a boundary, he honestly didn't regret it. If he had a chance, he'd probably do it again.

When you come back in with two plates and a cup. Your face was back to normal, and your posture was relaxed.

"They were nice enough to make us some food and a drink to help with your blood loss. It's some citrus juice so make sure to drink it all."

Sitting down next to him, you pass him the cup and a plate. You eat the food and Heizou follows your lead. It's fine if you don't want to touch on what happened. Frankly he's still unsure why he's become so enamored by you as well. But at least he has a better grasp on you and your secret.

After eating everything you both return the dishes and thank the chief. The elderly women, Takeru, and Futaba all come out despite the dark sky. They thank you and Heizou asking if you need anything.

"Don't worry, I'm just glad no one got seriously hurt." Heizou tries to elbow you with playful intent, but you move out the way with a smile.

"Why don't you both stay the night? Those injuries must still be bothering you. We have extra room."

You only had some minor bruising compared to Heizou. The cuts and scrapes were no more than an itch to you. These kinds of injuries were normal to you on Earth. And you really couldn't afford to waste any more time.

"Thanks for the offer but we have to get to Ritou before the stars come out. Please stay safe."

You wave to them one last time before arriving back at the shore area.

"Seems like there's no more children being kidnapped, let's get across this area fast."

Heizou on the other hand seems content to just stroll along. Well, that wouldn't work for you, you could not miss the Crux. You stop letting Heizou walk a little ahead of you. He notices your absence and stops to look back at you in confusion.

You run past him and grab something from his side. You slow your sprint a little to face him as you raise your prize.

"If you want your jitte back then you'll have to catch me!" Spinning around you face Ritou's direction and continue running. You can hear Heizou kick sand as he chases after you.

He honestly could care less about his jitte. It's the sight of you smiling brightly as he tries to grab you that makes him continue chasing you. The wounds and injuries from the fight still ache but it's worth the pain. You're worth the pain.

You'll be leaving soon. You might be a fraud. Logic says that being so fixated on you so soon is dangerous and stupid. Yet his smile never leaves his face as he finally snatches his jitte out of your hand.

His intuition screams at him that you're so much more. That whatever you're hiding will bring him happiness of a lifetime. That you will bring him that happiness.

You stumble onto the stone pavement in Ritou as Heizou keeps his hand on your shoulder. You're both calming down from laughing at him nearly falling face first into the sand.

"How didn't you see that pile of crabs? Too distracted by me to focus?"

"What if I was? You can't tell since you nearly passed out from laughing at me."

"You can't blame me for that! I would pay good money to have seen you actually fall face first."

You walk past Ritou's town square as the docks and inspection tent get into view.

"Money huh? Is that the currency in your old world?"

You continue walking casually but there's no denying how you almost froze up.

"Is that the conclusion you've come to after all the questions?"

"My intuition tells me that I've barely scrapped the surface but I'm all out of leads. For now, my suspicion is that you come from another world similar to the traveler. Although I'm not sure if the creator ordered you to keep your identity secret. You do seem to be an oracle for them."

Psychology really was amazing. By getting Heizou so worked up about your mask, you managed to have him believe you to be an oracle. The minor fact of you not being from this world makes him feel accomplished in a sense. You let him figure out one secret to hide a bigger one.

"You really are a great detective. No one else has realized I'm not from this world but you. But that didn't answer my original question in the game. It seems like you lost Heizou, no secrets for you."

Stopping at the end of the stairs Heizou looks at you seriously.

"I really hate leaving mysteries unsolved."

"Then you'll just have to handle me being the mystery left unsolved."

"What if I just took your mask off right now? We both know I'd catch you even if you tried to run. Or better yet I could arrest you for any stupid reason just to take it off."

You can't stop the laughter that bubbles up inside you. You wipe the moisture from your eyes as your laughter turns to giggles. The main reason you were okay with traveling with Heizou despite his intense need to solve mysteries is because...

"That would utterly destroy your pride. I know that you dislike fighting, that the moment you're forced into combat while solving a mystery is when you feel like you lost. You take so much pride in becoming a detective that having to resort to force would be a low you'd never stoop down to reach."

He turns away with a relaxed stance. His head angled to the ground with a nostalgic smile.

"Guess you must have found out some of my private information through the creator. But you're right, I would never do that."

It's quiet as you two resume walking to the inspection tent. Ah crap, does the fan work as an ID for you too?

There's no line due to how late it is but there is a familiar person.

"Sara?"

She turns away from the inspector and looks at you with some confusion. The sight of Heizou next to you, so close to you, makes her frown.

"Y/N, a pleasure to see you again. I can only assume that you are leaving under the creator's orders but what are you doing with Shikanoin?"

"But didn't you ask him to check up on me?"

...That little shit.

Sara glares at Heizou as you mentally put the pieces together. Sara sees Heizou as someone irresponsible. There's a very low chance of her entrusting someone connected to the 'creator' like you to him. She would rather do it herself.

Ayato was right when he said that Heizou tends to skip or delegate regular Doushin duties to others. And that's because he has no interest in those jobs. Sara probably knows that full well and would rather avoid that outcome. Plus, Heizou even asked where you arrived on Inazuma even though you already told Sara that you woke up on Ritou.

"Shikanoin, that is not acceptable behavior for a Doushin. What explanation do you have for yourself?"

Sara's stern voice bounces off Heizou who is far too used to it. You didn't bother stepping in. Not only were you curious how he got to know all your previous information, but the sneaky bastard deserved it.

"Madam you really can't blame me for investigating on my own accord. Not only have there been some subtle rumors about a mysterious oracle, but you kept glancing at Y/N during the festival. As Y/N already knows, I listened in on their conversation with the Kamisato Clan for a bit before introducing myself."

"Even still, you know the proper procedures to investigate something. Now that you've already interrogated them, you should leave them be- What are those wounds?"

Sara's exasperated voice turns cold when she looks closer at you and notices the minor cuts on you.

"Were you attacked on the way here? Not only did the oracle get injured but you also investigated them in this state?"

Maybe you should step in now, Sara seems on the verge of throwing him in jail.

"It's fine Sara, some Fatui were trying to kidnap two children from Konda village, so we stepped in. Honestly Heizou did most of the fighting and is the real wounded one."

You smile and finish with an almost proud laugh. "It was impressive how Heizou had me fooled this entire time. I'm not mad at all so don't worry Sara. But thank you for being so worried."

You softly hold Sara's hands and give a grateful squeeze before pulling away. You step past her to talk to the inspector. This was gonna be a nightmare. You don't see the competitive glare Heizou and Sara give each other.

As you are denied exit permission due to your lack of identification, Sara and Heizou step in to help you at the same time. After a few minutes of Sara and Heizou vouching for you as third-party authorizers, you hand over the fan.

That seemed to be enough proof for them to hand you a stack of papers to fill out. You moved the monstrous number of papers to a crate. Paperwork that you had to touch to read before filling out, what a joy.

"I'll be leaving first. The Shogun requires my presence for an important meeting. Shikanoin, I expect you to be at headquarters to finish all the new paperwork you earned after pulling the stunt you did. And Y/N please stay safe on your journey, may the creator guide you."

"Thank you, Sara, good luck at the meeting! Oh, and please tell the Arrataki Gang goodbye for me too!"

Serious as always, she nods her head before leaving. Heizou moves to stand beside you as you start tracing the words to become readable.

"Why are you touching the letters? You didn't recognize or read the words on the temple so how does touching it help?"

"To put it simply I can read the words easier after I touch them. But shouldn't you be on your way too? Don't think I've forgotten how beat up you are. Go see a professional before every medical building closes!"

"Man alive, are you trying to get rid of me so soon? Why I thought we bonded so well over our time together."

You know he's just playing and teasing but the answer you give is sincere.

"I did, I had a lot of fun. Despite how annoying you were at times, I really enjoyed playing around with all the questions and answers. But I would rather suffer through all this paperwork alone then let you stay with me as hurt as you are. So do us both a favor and see a doctor."

His eyes widen for a split second before settling into something calmer and sweeter. Have you truly bonded with him enough for him to let such a pure expression show?

"Since you were so honest with me, I'll go now."

You smile gratefully and are about to voice your goodbye before he pulls you close to him. You stand in a stupor as his chest presses against yours. His whisper is low and earnest.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Y/N. I eagerly await your next visit to Inazuma."

He releases you before walking away smoothly. Robotically you go back to the paperwork and fill it out. It's probably best to not take his words as anything deeper than friendly. Heizou has always been a flirty character, you were nothing special to him… right?

The stars are out by the time the paperwork is handed in and you have permission to leave. Not wanting to look at the identification card they gave you, you stuff it into your bag for later use.

The Alcor is huge, there is only one crew member awake on the deck and you climb the ramp to speak to him.

"Hello, my name is Y/N, this is the Alcor correct? Here is the fan I was told to show as my ticket." You give the fan to him as he stares at it tiredly.

"I never really expected someone to actually bring it at one point. You must be Lord Kamisato's guest of choice. Come in and enter the doors on the right. The voyage itself is 15 hours but taking into account other things, the trip will take a whole day. Go get some rest."

He gives you back the fan, and you nod in thanks. As you walk past him to the right side, a voice calls out to you from the docks. Curiously you go the railing and look down to see Yae there.

You frown in confusion at her appearance. She must have arrived after you put in the paperwork. Surely, she overhears what Heizou said. Even so, the sight of the sly kitsune makes you automatically stressed.

"Catch." Is your only warning before a small box is thrown towards you. Catching it swiftly, you open it to see a mask inside it. It's a gold accented fox mask specifically designed to only cover the top of your face. The shine and lack of marks make it clear how new and expensive it is.

"An apology for bringing up an uncomfortable subject to you in our conversation. The war has affected many people but it's those in your position that suffered in ways others have not. I hope that whenever you come back to Inazuma, you'll have a lighter heart."

You close the box and smile at her with gratitude. It's a perfect mask for that creeping feeling of dread. This is now the second mask you've obtained from stealing. This mask could have been something different for someone who actually suffered due to the war.

Silently you wave at Yae before she leaves without any other words. You watch her form disappear around a corner as whispers asking, "Where is Captain Beidou?" and "Did she drag Kazuha to drink with her again?" roll off you. You can deal with that later.

The walk to an empty room below the deck is a blur. Your few belongings are on the table as you lay on the bed. The Anemoboxer that you killed rises up in your mind like a tide.

They were kidnapping children, that should be enough justification for their death. You don't feel like arguing that point. You also don't feel like thinking on how you'll deal with any future Fatui members either.

Instead, you ponder about the sickle you used that was encased in electro. If you activate other Statues of the Seven, could you unlock other elements?

Those were the only thoughts you allowed yourself to think about as you gradually fell asleep.

Well this took a while. If anything I blame the fight scene and Heizou being flirty. I did use my decently built Heizou and fought that exact squad of Fatui. He defeated two before dying (it was raining) meaning the outcome of that fight isn't off. I'm experimenting with different yandere types and how the interact. I'm sure most people would write Thoma and Gorou acting nice and trying to one up each other by being kinder while keeping their rivarly secrect. But I thought it was funnier if they were outright hostile and were very bad at hiding it. In case anyone is wondering, I will not be writing full on smut. I'm not sure how far I'll take it in terms of stuff like making out but it'll probably never get past a kiss or two. Maybe I'll change my mind but never smut. I'm far too embarrassed for that.

I never realized just how many characters I had to write until I put the tags. I don't want to know how many words it is but it's 13k. Which is honestly pretty good, I was expecting like 15-16k. I'm very glad that I split the chapter. With Fontaine coming close and the trailer out, I'll probably spend more time playing to make up the primogems needed. Maybe more readers will join with the new hype or players will read less due to the new updates idk.

Taglist: @vvyeislazzy, @nikqi, @the-dumber-scaramouche, @etherisy, @yourlocalstranger123, @ra404, @iruiji, @goldenglow149, @haru-tofuu, @lsleepysimpl, @bebobeboben, @yuyuzi-ling, @amidst-the-tempest, @resident-cryptid, @mxd1zzy, @mochicurls21, @nervouseaglelover, @thedevioussmirk, @yumuramma, @kwqsla, @undecidingfate, @ehjane, @game-savvy, @akiramirae, @sielt, @fluffy-koalala, @formacoon, @sxftiebee, @khxii-i, @ursinaw, @chuuya-brainrot, @sweetbills, @kazuchaos, @snowfoxnix, @bluebelony, @conspicuous-mayonnaise, @pencil-of-ashes, @ghostlyintervention, @taiformaifo, @sielt

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skyeslittlecorner · 2 months

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Sorry if you're neck deep in kiddie headcanons but it's too cute to pass up. Like we already got kings, but I need to see kiddie nobles. Mainly Hades because I'm weak. Making sure little Barbatos doesn't take off all of his clothes and throw them everywhere, having to chase down lil Glasy because he's trying to prank others into fight each other, or running around with scissors. And unintentional hide and seek with Foras because poor baby can't control his invisibility, and you're panicking because you think you lost him but in reality he's with you the entire time...maybe have to put a bell on him to know where he is.

AHHH THIS! I love it so much! The little ones from Hades are so chaotic and completely unintentional (apart from Glasyal, he is very intentional). But I bet Levi is a great father, after all, the whole country treats him like one.

The big brain of yours is truly amazing, from today I'm starting a kindergarten, goodbye romance interests, you are too cute as children- Just look at them!

Gehenna

All the little ones have gathered of their own in the living room, where Satan sits cross-legged in the middle of the fluffy carpet and fights with them. He's dishing out punches one after the other. Strong enough to push the kids away, but not to actually hurt them. You don't think he's ever had so much fun with his nobles! He decreed that he would be the evil king one who kidnapped the Descendant of Solomon, and now you sit on his lap while he fends off the little nobles.

Leraye and Paimon excel at scheming, having the most fun when they manage to hang onto Satan's biceps, and he tries to shake them off. Belial was smarter. He taught Jiyu how to make paper bullets and shot Satan with a slingshot, but all the bullets got stuck in his fluffy hair, so you pulled them out regularly.

Sitri is not so bold. At first, he sat huddled in the corner of the room, covering his ears with his hands. You made an exception for him and took him on your lap. The noise suddenly stops bothering him as he cuddles into your chest and leers smugly at the others. Little smartass.

The kids launching an attack quickly get tired. Only when they were scattered on the couches, snoring loudly, did Astaroth pull Zagan towards you. He put markers in your hands and demanded you to draw (or pet his little snake, as you wish). Of course, you didn't resist them, although instead of using a piece of paper, you started drawing on Satan's cheek. This couldn't end well, right? You were pinned to the floor. Who knows what happened next, because Astaroth covered Zagan's eyes, and Satan immediately threw you over his shoulder and took you to the bedroom. Kids had theit fun, now time for you.

Tartaros

You have never met such sweet and problem-free children in your life. You can take them wherever you want, to the palace, for a walk, shopping, they will always come back to you and won't go crazy like some do. Just shower them with love. Especially Eligos, who would like to stick to you and not move, just purring when you pet him and kiss him. He wrapped himself in all the ribbons he had - you had to help him with that so he wouldn't choke or trip - and now he's running from devil to devil because everyone wants to pet him. He is the total center of attention.

Bimet would love to count money, but he is so small that he doesn't really know how to count, so you have some piggy banks with you. He usually gets lost halfway through, but you managed to convince him that this means they are just bottomless and that he is infinitely rich. At first, he didn't trust you (or rather he looked at you in happy shock, because devils cannot doubt), but since Mammon supported you, he has no questions. Especially since the king gave him a basket in which to collect his own wealth, so he follows Eligos to the devils and demands payment for petting him.

Valefor is like an older brother who takes care of them, and it is mainly thanks to him that your walk is so peaceful and pleasant. If Eli flies too far, he will bring him back by the hand. If he falls, he will pet him, calm him down and bring you to kiss his scratched leg so that it doesn't hurt. If Bimet loses a gem or two from his basket, he will show him to pick it up. He keeps turning to you and Mammon to make sure you haven't gone too far. When you praised him for being as brave and responsible as his king, he grew happy and took even better care of the boys. Mammon is really proud of them, and you can see it in his smile. You are too.

Hades

You’re left alone when the king is occupied with work. Do you think it won't be easy? You're absolutely right. Of the three in your care, Glasyal is the nicest. And it's not because he wants to, he's just having fun as he follows you around and watches you struggle with the other two.

Even though Foras is invisible, Barbatos also constantly disappears from your sight. Look for windows where he can bask in the sun. Of course, the fewer clothes he wears, the more fun he got. Once you put him in a corset so he couldn't untangle himself, but Glasyal came with scissors. They almost gouged out their eyes. It was only when you put him in Leviathan's clothes that he stopped shedding them so much and instead cuddled up to them.

Foras is a problem because he isn’t. Literally. You can't see him, amen. He doesn't do it on purpose, but he has no control over his power. Will he be scared? Disappears. Sneezes? Disappears. Will he quarrel with Glasyal? Disappears. Glasyal especially liked the third one, and it brought the little pink devil to tears.

You were getting exhausted, but then the nooses around the kids' necks twitched like leashes being pulled by their owner. The father is coming.

"Enough. Be good." He will admonish them, but with a little smile wandering his lips. All the children will crawl towards him with complete adoration. This time they will hang in the air, not on nooses, but one by one having the honor of being held in their father's arms. Just take those scissors from Glasyal, really.

Avisos

Even though you expected this to be the most chaotic experience of your life, it wasn't that bad at all.

One child drops out because he sleeps. Bael, of course. When you picked him up from the desk, he's been sleeping for about four hours now, snoring loudly and nothing can wake him up. And you tried. Especially Amon, who first poked Bael in the cheek and waited for him to react, but when nothing happened, he just curled up next to him, because why not?, and went to sleep together.

You went to the bathroom for a moment and when you came back, Nabe was also lying in a pile. Also dragged to sleep by Amon, as you saw them holding hands. Stolas was the only one left, so you brought him, however, was a bit more reluctant and really wanted to go to Bathin, so you had to convince him. You took three chairs and threw a blanket over them to build him a fort, and in that fort, a nest. Only then did he settle down there contently.

Of course, Amon didn't miss anything, because he's conscious when he sleeps. He got out of bed and crawled to Stolas' nest. It looked (and was!) much more comfy. Stolas first shouted at him and tried to kick him out, but Amon lay there like a log. This little bird finally got tired and fell asleep too. You put all four of them in the fort, climbed in, grabbed a book and let them cuddle.

Beelzebub, who felt that something was wrong and decided to check on you, burst out laughing when he saw you with the kids. You dragged him along as punishment. Of course, he had priority over you. You laid on Beel and the kids clinged to both of you. When he saw them like this, it brought back memories. You'll learn a little about how he met each of the nobles and what his own childhood was like, as he tell stories and pet each child he talks about.

#whb #what in hell is bad #whb satan #whb beelzebub #whb leviathan #whb mammon #actually all their nobles too #skye's little talk

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pendarling · 2 months

Text

Bracelet Exchanges

"What's this supposed to mean?" Hero raised the bracelet to eye level and took in the smooth braided leather attached to a small bell.

Sidekick smiled sweetly, "Aww, who gave it to you?~" Their thumb ran along it. "It's a tradition during the festival that when someone likes you they'll give you a bracelet." They played with the bell. "And listen to that sound!"

They didn't get it, probably because this was Hero's first time attending the festival. They've never heard of a tradition like this, but whatever Sidekick said was likely true. In that case, Hero felt flattered to have been approached by a stranger and given the beautifully decorated piece.

The duo walked around for some time until Sidekick paused in their step. "Augh… maybe I shouldn't have drank so much at the cafe…"

Hero looked around and spotted a bathroom, "I'll wait for you out here. Why don't you use the restroom?"

"Ugh… my bladder is about to burst. Make sure not to get lost without me." They called back as they walked toward the door of the small building.

Hero watched them as they left, their eyes concentrating on the door until they could see Sidekick again. Hopefully, they didn't take too long. Sidekick had a habit of staring into the mirror for longer than needed.

A heavy weight landed on Hero's shoulder, and they snapped out of their thoughts, "You look lost." A familiar smile appeared, and Hero took a step back.

"Villain?"

"The one and only." They pointed at themselves confidently.

"Wh-what're you doing here?"

As if offended, Villain scoffed at them and dismissed their question, that cunning smile making its reappearance again, "Y'know, I had a feeling you'd be here, some stupid arrangement like this could easily lure the good little citizen in you right out."

Hero frowned at their comment; they made it seem like they were a lot more susceptible than expected. "I'm not easy to lure…" They grumbled, annoyed.

Villain aimlessly let their eyes explore their surroundings. "Really? Because right now there's hardly anyone around to notice you're dissaaperance."

Hero clicked their tongue, "This place is full of people."

"It's a lot more psychological, Hero. I'm more likely to get away with a crime solely based on the assumption that no one will step in to help you."

Hero looked at them, puzzled.

"The bystander effect. Search it up."

Their adversary had a bizarre way of making jokes; they sarcastically laughed and turned away. Just how long was Sidekick going to fix their hair? The door poured out dozens of other guests; children buzzed around with balloons and colourful hula hoops too big for most of them to utilize.

It was a summer afternoon and, by the looks of it, midday. Hero wiped the sweat from their forehead. They couldn't blame Sidekick for taking that many drinks, they supposed; it was sweltering out here.

The bracelet on their wrist chimed at the motions of their hand. Villain, who had been quietly observing them, took note of the small leather band. Their hand instinctively grabbed Hero's arm. "And what do we have here?" Hero turned their attention back at Villain. Their interest was piqued all over again, "Looks like our hero has an admirer now, hm?" They sneered.

Even though Villain's remarks were usually playful, this moment felt a bit… guarded. Hero was slightly put off before recovering their voice, "What? It's just a dumb thing." They pulled their hand away.

It didn't look like Villain took too kindly to being disregarded; their demeanour changed, and they crossed their arms. "Fine. Keep that shitty toy if it makes you happy."

Hero only shrugged but didn't notice Villain had already walked away until it was too late.

Sidekick had returned by then and looked the same as when they left. For whatever reason, keeping Sidekick busy for ten minutes had done Hero a favour.

"You're back."

Sidekick seemed much refreshed as they adjusted their clothes, "Yeah, there was a lineup in there. I'm just lucky there was still toilet paper."

The sun still beat down on them; Hero squinted in the distance, partially looking for shade and partly searching for Villain. They didn't like their abrupt departure; it wasn't like their usual self to leave without saying goodbye.

"Wanna get lunch?" Hero began walking toward the scent of food.

"Yesss, please." Sidekick patted their stomach, "I'm starving." They came up along the fence of the festival, a row of food stalls of all kinds stretched down the walkway.

The formation that they were sorted into allowed guests to be served from both sides of each food stall. Luckily, the city thought ahead and duplicated certain popular foods like the deep-fried corndogs, fries, and ice cream stalls several times around the area.

"Oooh… I'm thinking pizza." Sidekick said they waited for Hero's response.

The pizzas sold here were always larger than average, and Hero didn't have as big of an appetite as Sidekick. They glanced around for a second option. "I think I'll just get a poutine."

Sidekick pulled out their wallet and gave them ten. "They sell the good orange juice there, Hero pleeease get me one." They pushed the cash into their hand. "Keep the change."

"Ah, no, I'm not taking your money." They handed it back to them.

Sidekick shoved it in their direction again, "Just take it, just take it."

"No, I can't-- I can pay for your drink."

"I don't need it, it's extra change; pocket money."

Hero shook their head rapidly, but Sidekick eventually won and spun on their heel into the crowd as soon as they ensured Hero's grip on the note was firm.

"Sidekick!" their voice was chased away by the noise of the crowd. They might as well go along with what they were asked.

When Hero eventually made it to the stall, they spotted Villain again, as if they were in no way a threat to the other citizens. Their eyes met, and Hero had discreetly pushed their bracelet up their arm and out of view.

Villain beckoned them over. They were unsure if they should bravely face them, but now that Villain knew for sure Hero had seen them, it wasn't like they could leave.

"Waiting to eat too?"

"Just felt a little hungry." Hero mumbled.

They chuckled, "We have the same eating schedule, huh?" They grabbed their arm and pulled Hero into line with them.

"Villain, I can't step in front of other people." They hesitantly tried leaving, but Villain kept them close.

"Don't worry about it, these people will get their turn eventually. What's a few extra minutes gonna do?"

They didn't want to say they were surprised at all when Villain paid for their lunch and even for Sidekick's drink, but they were undoubtedly flattered to have it happen. They set it down on a nearby table and packed in the bottled orange juice and bill into their bag.

Hero shyly thanked them, although they knew Villain's eyes still stared harshly at the little leather bracelet. They honestly had forgotten about its significance, but Villain had made their point pretty clear earlier, so it should've been a sign.

"No need to thank me, consider it a gift." They reached out, and Hero flinched, "I'm not going to kill you, Hero." They laughed and took their other hand, slipping on a small chain bracelet.

They stood awkwardly, too intimidated to leave but unwilling to stay. "What's this?"

"You don't know anything about this tradition?" Villain grinned widely; a sort of satisfied realization must've hit them. They weren't sure what the deal was with every other person expecting Hero to know so much from what little information they'd been given.

"Why are you asking me like I'm supposed to be taking an exam afterwards?" They closed their bag and swung it back over their shoulders. Villain couldn't believe it. Hero wasn't even aware of the implications behind the bracelet. They didn't mind a little obliviousness from their rival as long it kept them entertained.

They licked their lips excitedly, "Enjoy your lunch, and don't take that off until the end of the day." Hero curiously stared at them for further insight, but Villain had only left them to their own devices as they made their way out of view.

As Hero returned to the pizza parlour, they found Sidekick sitting at a table under the shade of a tree. "Oh, thank God," Sidekick took the bottle from them and immediately rested their cheek against the calm exterior. "You're my saving grace, Hero." They reached an arm out to them, "I wanna tell you a secret." They leaned in as Hero pulled out their poutine and a wooden fork. "I honestly only came to this festival for the food and drinks."

Hero laughed, "You're so predictable." They took a bite and recalled the cash still in their bag, "Sidekick," They pulled it out and handed it to them.

"What? You're paying me back?'

They shook their head and swallowed whatever was left, "No, I--" they stopped themselves, "uh-- a kind stranger, paid for our stuff." If Sidekick knew they ran into Villain, they would worry. They couldn't have that while they were enjoying time together; it would ruin their day. Besides, Hero was always away at work; they might as well not make their break day about it.

Sidekick didn't mind much attention to what they said aside from slowly nodding as they drank from the bottle. They set it down and watched Hero for a few extra seconds, "You got a new bracelet."

They pointed at their wrist. Hero redirected their eyes to the silver chain. "Oh, yeah."

"Wow~ even as a citizen you're still popular with the public."

Hero smiled softly; if, in this scenario, Villain had counted as a regular person, then it would be true. "I wonder why it's different though." They played with it.

Sidekick pulled out their phone, "Give me a second. I wanna know too."

"Not even the all-knowing Sidekick has an answer?" Hero nudged them slightly with their foot, and Sidekick pushed them back in response.

"Shut up. I know that the leather one means they like you. Or loyalty, or something."

Sidekick looked up from the screen. "Okay sooo…" They scrolled, "There's a wooden bracelet that means desire to marry, a black one with a red stone is lust."

Hero scooted closer to Sidekick and tried to decipher what they could from the screen. "Where's the chain?"

Sidekick sat up, "Hold on. I can't see with your hair in the way." They watched Sidekick's eyes dart left and right as they read the page, "Okay, so the chain one basically means all three."

"All three?"

"Who the hell gave you that?" They took Hero's wrist, disbelief written on their face as they studied it. "Geez, they must have it bad for you. There's only like a hundred of these in the city."

Their eyes widened. "They aren't sold?"

Sidekick shook their head, "Tradition says you gotta give it away to another person. When you do find someone you like you gotta hand it to somebody new so they can give it to their love interest next, never sell."

Hero blushed deeply. They didn't consider that Villain might've liked them like that. Maybe they were naturally born stupid at blatant advances. "Oh…" they played with their hair, their other hand working at the fries around the gravy, too swept up in their thoughts to properly eat. Maybe they'd see Villain again, and next year, they'd give them a chain bracelet, too. It was only fair that they expressed their gratitude in some form.

~~~ MASTERLIST

#mutual pining #enemies to lovers #fluff prompt #heroxvillain #villainxhero #hero x villain community #hero x villain #villain x hero #pining #pining prompts #jealousy prompts

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brivinty · 1 year

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“The sun, proposed to the moon” ★

Featuring; Bakugou x Sweetheart Reader (female)

TW; Nicknames like; My love, pretty face, pretty. Summary: Everyone is confused about how Bakugou, is dating you because you're just too sweet. -Quick one-shot (Fluff) ★

---

No one could understand how it was possible for you to end up with Katsuki Bakugou, you’re such a sweetheart and he’s just the opposite. You’re always offering help to everyone while he’s yelling at anyone who asks him for help. But, when it’s just the two of you, he’s so sweet to you, holding your hand and giving you kisses and all, but you’ll never tell anyone that.

—

You and Katsuki were sitting together at lunch, you were holding his hand while swinging it back and forth with a wide smile while scrolling through your phone. “Eat,” Katsuki muttered watching the food in the bowl being untouched. And it’s what he cooked for you. “Mk, but how bout’ you suki?” You asked looking at how he doesn't have any food near him. “m’fine I’m not even hungry, eat, please.” He said sliding the bowl to you, edging you to eat up.

“If you say so.” You replied before letting go of his hand to grab the spoon and eat. Once you put the spoon in your mouth, your eyes sparkled in delight and katsuki laughed at the look on your face. “Katsu!! It's so good!!” you said enthusiastically. “Did you make it? It taste like something you'd cook.” you ask before scooping up some onto the spoon. “I did! So of course, that's why it taste so good.” He boasted with a smirk on his face. You couldn't help but smile at him before bringing a spoon to his lips. “Eat!” you say and he sighs before opening his mouth to taste it, and he knows he cooks well, but it was actually better than he expected.

“Kastu, you sure your not hungry? I don't mind sharing.” you say with a smile, and he nods his head complying. “I'll only have a little more.” he says and you feed him about five spoons, before he says he's full. Though since you two were so lost with each other, you couldn't hear the sounds of spoons and forks dropping to the ground and tables in what seems like shock.

“There’s no way...” Kaminari spoke, jaw dropped looking at the couple. “Did he actually…” The pink-skinned girl was in disbelief. “How does that, date THAT!?” Sero asked shaking his head in incredulity. “But I mean he looks.. Happy??” kirishima questions trying to stay optimistic. “Uh, I guess kiri..” Uraraka replied with an awkward smile.

“Wake me up when the bell rings?” Y/n asked putting her head down on his shoulder. “You tired?" The angry blonde asked with a surprisingly sweet tone, but not at all surprising to you. “Mhm..” You muttered sluggishly. “What time you went to bed, pretty?” He asked while wrapping his hand over your shoulder. “Around...3? in the morning...” You replied with a sweet yawn, and he shook his head disapproval evident all over his face. “That’s bad my love…promise me you’ll sleep earlier?” Katsuki asked with a deep sigh scratching your scalp lovingly. “I’ll try…” you said, and he smiled watching you grab his hand before drifting off into your nap.

“Did… Did THE Bakugou Katsuki… just, smile?!” Denki shouted in shock. “…Maybe it was like a smirk.. not a smile!” Deku said to reassure everyone the world isn’t ending. They watched Bakugou play with your hair with one hand, and use his phone with his other hand.

“But if we really think about it.”

“He genuinely loves her.”

#bakugou x y/n #katsuki bakugo mha #mha fluff #mha #mha fanfiction #bakugou imagine #bakugou x reader #bnha bakugo katsuki

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jienem · 9 months

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𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔖𝔩𝔢𝔢𝔭𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝕮𝖚𝖗𝖘𝖊

Sypnosis: The reader didn't know what caused her to fall asleep thus Vil planned to help her.

Warning: the reader is not Yuu but a dorm member of Pomefiore.

Your body feels heavy. Despite your best efforts at keeping awake, you felt your head betraying you in favor of sleepiness that started to creep in. You always rested enough to function for the day, but for the past few weeks, you started to fall asleep without meaning to. You visited a doctor for your strange occurrence, yet their answer was nothing, nothing too concerning. You tried other clinics, but they said the same. Just rest a lot more but you knew it wasn't simple. You thought your situation was a fragment of your imagination but your current predicament says otherwise.

You avoided some students nearby and waited for them to leave, then allowed your sluggish figure to slump on the ground as you laid your back on the wall. You inhaled some air, feeling your consciousness slip away. You were exhausted already, despite the sky's indication for today. You weren't too keen on your housewarden's scolding if he learned you missed an hour of class or two. But you couldn't move a muscle.

No doubt, if someone saw you, they would tell the housekeeper about you slacking off from class. It wasn't rare for someone to be caught doing such a thing, but you don't want a record for bad behavior during your time at NRC. You survived for the last two years; your third year wouldn't be any different.

But as you tried to stand up, you couldn't maintain your balance for a second before you fell again and couldn't get up without getting dizzy. With your current situation, going to the classroom would be out of the question. You would be dozing off for the rest of the lesson, and having your vice-housewarden as your classmate would no doubt relay the information to the housewarden. On the other hand, the mirror towards the dorm would be one of your options, but the risk of someone noticing you would be higher. The better option would be the infirmary. Crewel-sensei must know something about your predicament, but the thought of him dismissing your illness as fatigue would probably trouble you more.

You were totally lost as to what to do.

Still, asking him would still be the best, and you couldn't know until you tried. With that in mind, you tried to stay awake and lay your hand on the wall for support. But just after a few steps, you felt a presence behind you, looming over your figure. You turn around and gasp as you notice your housewarden's frowning gaze upon you. He was wearing the Pomefiore dorm uniform, indicating he had just come from the meeting. He wasn't using his usual hairstyle in favor of tying it behind his back. His light blonde hair glistened under the sun's brightness from the window, enhancing his beauty, but the sight of him makes you panic.

"Why aren't you back at your class? The bell rang a few minutes ago."

You were quiet as he waited for your answer. But as you just tried to explain, your head feels lighter, and you can't control your sleepiness anymore. The last thing you remember is the way his eyes widened before calling out your name.

Sometime later, you wake up in the infirmary. The ceiling greeted your vision as you tried to flutter your droopy eyes. You notice the sun's brightness has turned orange, indicating you have been asleep for a long time. You weren't surprised by how it turned out.

You glance around for any signs of your housewarden, but it seems he has already left. Though You weren't sure if you were off the hook or if sometime later there would be punishment waiting for you, You just hoped it would be the latter.

"What is this, falling asleep in the middle of the day? Didn't I remind you to sleep early at night?" Crewel asked as he noticed you were awake. You sit up from the bed, and frankly enough, you are still sleepy. Crewel noticed you were still unresponsive and gave you a bottle of liquid. You held the bottle up in your face as you stared. Curious.

"That potion was supposed to help you stay awake for a few hours," he replied as he noticed your confusion. You nodded your head, but the thought made you frown. You tried one of these after a few days of your supposed illness and even tried to make one that could help, yet none of them worked. But the scent rolling from the inside was much stronger than the one you drank before; maybe it will work?

You drank most of the liquid, yet you feel disappointed. The potion effect still didn't work the way you wished. Even if it wasn't, you were grateful to Crewel-sensei for giving you the potion. Drinking the remnants from the bottle, you didn't notice another person enter the infirmary until they were near enough.

"Oh my, Mademoiselle Little Flower! How are you? Did you sleep well? Does your curse happen a lot?-" His voice surprised you while Crewel left for his class in the afternoon.

Your vice-housewarden, Rook Hunt, started to ask you many questions, but you got lost in the middle. Dumbfounded. You wondered why he was here instead of waiting for you back at the dorm. Was it Vil who requested your presence as soon as possible? Wait, he did mention something about a curse.

"Forgive me for cutting off your questions, Vice-Housewarden, but ah, you mention a curse?" You frowned. You didn't have time to ponder more when he nodded his head as if it answered everything.

"Oui, Mademoiselle! Your condition was living proof of that. Come, let's go back to the dorm. Roi de Poison would explain more about your condition."

He didn't indulge you with more information and waited for you to stand up on your own. Instead of asking more questions, you stayed silent as you followed him away from the infirmary. You sometimes notice how he glances at your figure as you walk, keeping an eye out for you if you suddenly stumble without notice. You were grateful yet at the same time annoyed by how you felt as if someone had to help you with the most simple task, such as walking.

"Am I in trouble for not attending class earlier?" You asked after silence passed between the two of you. He laughs, and you realize your question sounds as if a child would get scolded by a parent. You flush in embarrassment. Thankfully, he took mercy on you, even just for a second, as he answered, still shaken from laughter.

"He was not Mademoiselle little Flower. He just wishes you should have said something about your condition earlier so he wouldn't be worried. You frightened our Roi de Poison, you see." Somehow, imagining Vil-san's worried expression about your passed out body was embarrassing. Out of all people, it had to be your strict housewarden to witness your devastating and unflattering moment.

You didn't speak a lot, but Rook didn't seem to mind your silence as he was busy praising Vil-san's beauty. Though you made some comments here and there, you chuckled a lot more when he exaggerated Vil-san's inspiring speeches.

Once back at the dorm, you notice your housewarden in the lounge, who is still wearing the clothes he was wearing earlier while talking to another student. The student carries two different shades of fabric as Vil scrutinizes each of them. He motioned his hand over the other one, complimenting the shade, before the other person nodded. Rook greeted Vil gleefully as he dismissed the other student. Vil turned to Rook, acknowledging him before he gazed upon your form. His eyes analyzed you as you mumbled your apology.

"Housewarden, I sincerely apologize for passing out on you earlier." You bowed, your hair covering the side of your face. His heeled boots appeared in your vision before his fingers held your chin up to look at him.

"Nothing to apologize for, my dear. Tell me, how are you?" You composed yourself under his gaze and let your hands fall to your sides. "I'm fine Housewarden."

He nodded and turn you side by side. You stayed still under his gaze as he ponder. "You can call me Vil. Tell me, when did your curse appeared?"

"A few weeks ago, around the time when we had a small celebration with our dorm." you answered truthfully, watching how their eyes frowned. Vil seems more conserved, while Rook seems thoughtful. You wanted to dismiss their concerns, but if you mentioned it to them, they would absolutely disagree.

"How many times does your curse become active for a day?" You paused, still a bit surprised at the term of the curse upon you. Back to the question: it was very complicated, to say the least. Sometimes it was different; rather than falling asleep, you would often feel lightheaded for the rest of the day, so you didn't know if your curse was active or not. You zoned out for a while, and Vil hit your head lightly to get your attention.

"How rude of you to zone out when we are talking." he scolded.

"My apologies, Vil-san. It's just, it's complicated. There were often times I fell asleep twice a day and it only lasted for twenty minutes; on the other hand, there wasn't at all, but rather I felt lightheaded for the rest of the day." You pursed your lips before continuing. "But these days, it's gotten worse. I tried to brew one that could help my cond-ah curse, but it wasn't strong enough." Your voice was silent on the end. There was silence until Vil folded his arm and said,

"Well, what do you think, Rook? Do you know something?" Vil turned to his second-command, and you did too. The two of you waited for his reply, but the hunter shrugged his shoulders, holding his hands in the air.

"Non non, at all."

Vil sighed at his second-command's lack of insight before turning to you once more. "Did you receive some gifts of some kind from anyone?"

"Not that I'm aware of, no."

Vil nodded, and you felt useless for not thinking too much. Rook clapped his hand, earning both of your attention, and Vil looked at him expectantly. Rook had his signature grin on his face as he pulled the two of you into his arms. You chuckle lightly while Vil looks dissatisfied. His uniform was getting wrinkled.

"My apologies, Roi de Poison, but let's enjoy this day before we think of a solution to Mademoiselle little Flower here, hm? What do you say, Roi de Poison?"

Vil was a little peeved by Rook's antics before nodding his approval. "Y/N, I'll personally talk to the teachers about your condition. I will let you know the details and what plans we were about to make tomorrow morning. Do you understand?"

"Vil-"

"Do you understand?"

You reluctantly nodded, and Rook instantly let go of the both of you, still grinning while Vil patted some wrinkles on his clothes. You bowed deeply to your Housewarden and vice with gratitude.

"Thank you so much for looking out for my wellbeing, Vil-san and Rook-san. I promise I will do my best despite my unfortunate circumstances; please bear with my presence for a while." You lifted your head only to see Rook wiping the tears from his eyes while Vil frowned at his behavior.

"Such a wonderful speech! Y/N-san. The curse you alone must face, the pain and sorrows you must endure, I truly hope you reach your happy ending, Mademoiselle little flower. Beauté, Marvelous!"

You chuckled uncertainly before turning to Vil with a smile. "If you excuse me, Housewarden, you bowed once more while Vil nodded. "Of course you must be exhausted, do you not? Rest; your complexion wouldn't do you any favors if you stayed up late." Somehow you had a feeling that not even a few minutes after you had gone into your bedroom, you'd fall asleep on the ground. Thankfully, your roommate was away for a while.

You smiled one last time before you left, leaving the two of them in the lounge. Rook glanced at his housekeeper with a knowing look in his eyes. "So what do you think, Vil?" He put his hand on his waist while watching the said person feign ignorance.

"I suspect something, but it was too early to tell. I suggest we monitor her for now; I'll be leaving now." Vil dismissed himself. His heels clanged on the ground before fading, leaving the vice-housewarden in his record.

"I do wonder."

Taglist:

@worldussysblog @daruderuyoo @growingupnrealizing @fluffle-bean @lucid-stories @ykiqlvr @savanaclaw1996 @hachiko-ko @luciel1 @yo4sblog @rosedasy

#twisted wonderland x reader #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #twisted wonderland #twst #twst wonderland #twst x reader #twst imagines #twst vil x reader #twst vil #twst vil schoenheit #vil schoenheit #vil schoenheit x reader #twst crewel #divus crewel #twst divus #twst rook #twst rook hunt #rook hunt

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intimacyequalsdeath · 3 months

Text

Will you be my Valentine?: Sugar Day 1 Thomas Hewitt

Welcome to day one of my Valentines fic event! This event will last 7 days and end very obviously on Valentine's day itself. Each of these fics will be simple cute little fluffy fics to celebrate the holiday. I hope you all enjoy <3

Notes: Minors DNI, Fluff, SFW, No real warnings. No specific descriptions of reader or pronouns are used. If pronouns are ever used, reader will go by they/them.

On most days, the gas station was boring. Boring as hell to be exact though you'd never say that around Luda. You sat there all day in hopes that some stupid lost college kid would roll into the middle of nowhere gas station desperate for directions of any kind to get the hell out of here. A shame really that the only directions you knew were to the Hewitt household.

The rusted old bell above the door chimed to alert you that someone had entered the station. Your head snapped up from the outdated magazine that you were flipping through for the hundredth time in hopes for whatever dull human interaction you could get from whoever rolled in. When your eyes met the patron though you were even more thrilled.

"Tommy!"

You squealed as the giant of a man lumbered into the station. He walked right up to the counter you were stood at as the slightest smile could be seen through the mouth portion of his mask. You leaned over the counter to press your lips against his and he welcomed the gesture.

"You came to see me, must be slow with the meant at the house?"

Tommy shrugged and gave a sort of "I guess so" look before holding up a finger as if to say "give me a second" as he turned to head back out to the front of the station. You watched with curiosity as he walked out of sight and then returned with a small cardboard box.

Over the top of the brim of the box you could see a bundle of some of the wildflowers that grew in the unmanaged field beside the house. You smiled as Thomas once again made his way back to the counter.

He produced the bouquet first. Handing it to you with a smile grunt and a fierce red blush poking through his mask.

"Oh tommy their beautiful!" You squealed taking the flowers from him and inhaling their scent. You loved the smell of the flowers that grew by the house that even Luda insisted on always having a vase of them on the dining room table, even if Hoyt bitched.

"Tell me you didn't get more grass stains on your pants that I'll have to wash out picking these though?"

A look of guilt took over the blush, and you couldn't help but to laugh.

"Tommy! I just got the stains from the last bunch of flowers you picked out!" you teased him.

You tried to sneak a peak over what else he had in the small cardboard box, he noticed this and softly moved the box out of your line of sight before pulling something else out from it.

There, now sitting on your counter from the cardboard box was a small teddy bear. It had mismatched eyes and various random patches of fabric covering holes in it's fur.

"Oh Tommy..." You cooed looking at the small plush bear. "He's adorable!"

You looked at Tommy and thought that if it was possible for him to get any more red he might actually explode.

"You did all this for me Tommy? Why?"

Tommy gave half a headshake and then pointed over to the old calendar on the wall. The calendar was the only thing that Luda kept up to date in the station since it helped her keep up to date with her far and few between doctors appointments in the next town over.

You walked over to the calendar and unhooked it from the wall. When you placed it down on the counter Tommy pointed to the 14th of February.

"This is what you got me for Valentines day then?" A smile etching your face.

Tommy nodded enthusiastically. Luda Mae must've told him about Valentine's day, and planted the idea for him to do something for you for it. When you rolled in and Luda finally was able to see a future for her beloved boy she was thrilled and would do anything to help you two along.

"I love them Tommy, thank you honey"

Tommy gave a "You're Welcome" grunt and a head nod. He took one of his giant hands and reached across the counter to cup your cheek, you leaned into his warm hand as he caressed your face.

The shrill ring of the rotary phone on the wall brought the two of you out of the trance, you walked over and picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Goddamnit is that blockheaded boy down there at the station?!"

Hoyt all but screamed down the line, you turned to look at Tommy who could obviously hear Hoyt yelling.

"Yeah Tommy's down here, why?"

"He just up and fuckin left! We have meat down in the basement to get cleaned up but as soon as he heard somethin' about goddamn Valentine's day he wandered off"

You smiled slightly and fixed Tommy with another look. Tommy shrugged and you could make out an up and down motion in his shoulders almost as if he was laughing.

"I'll tell him to head back Hoyt, Don't worry"

Before Hoyt could answer you had hung up. You made your way back over to the counter and put your hands on your hips.

"Thomas Hewitt" You playfully scolded the giant of a man. "Did you ditch your work to come and give me Valentine's day gifts?"

Tommy looked at you for a moment before nodding with an obvious smile peaking out from underneath the mask.

"Well, my shift here is done for the day, would you like to accompany me back to the house?"

Tommy gave an eager nod as you collected your flowers and the cute little bear and walked around the counter. He offered you his arm, as you tucked the bear underneath the one holding the flowers, and you happily accepted.

The rusted bell above the door dinged in notification as Tommy opened the door for you to step outside first. You stepped out into the warm February Texas afternoon as Tommy followed and reoffered his arm.

"If you get home and get your work done, I'll make you a very special Valentine's dinner for all your hard work?" you asked, looking up at him as you walked.

Tommy eagerly nodded as the two of you made your way down the abandoned road back toward the Hewitt house together. With nothing but the warm Texas sun, the breeze that cut through the humidity and a cute little patch work bear.

#slasher x reader #slasher fandom #texas chainsaw massacre #thomas hewitt #thomas hewitt x reader #texas chainsaw 3d #thomas brown hewitt #valentines day

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lecsainz · 10 months

Text

through the storm

pairings: charles leclerc x girlfriend!reader

request: Hi! Would you be interested into writing one for Charles, where the reader is going through some difficult time in life (struggling with mental health, work or "big life decisions", it's up to you), and he's being very supportive and understanding, offering help as well?

authors note: I was kinda hesitating on how to write this, but hope ya like it!

warnings: anxiety attack.

✩. . . masterlist !

It was one of those nights when everything seemed to crumble around me. Life had thrown me a series of challenges that left me feeling overwhelmed and drained. Struggling with my mental health, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. But there was one person who had always been my anchor in the storm - Charles Leclerc.

As a Formula 1 driver, Charles's demanding schedule meant we couldn't be together as much as we wanted. But every time we were apart, he made sure to be there for me, offering his unwavering support and understanding.

On this particular night, as I found myself on the edge of an anxiety attack, I reached for my phone and dialed Charles's number. His voice was a lifeline as he answered, "Hey love, what's going on?"

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I struggled to find the words. "I... I can't breathe, Char. Everything feels like it's falling apart."

"Take deep breaths, Y/NN (your nickname). I'm here with you." he said soothingly. "You're not alone, and you're going to get through this."

As I continued to sob, Charles gently guided me through a calming breathing exercise. His voice was a steady presence, reminding me that I was safe and loved.

"Focus on your breath, in and out." he said. "I'm right here, holding your hand."

His words were like a lifeline, grounding me in the present moment. Slowly, the panic subsided, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. "Thank you, Charles." I whispered, my voice shaky but filled with gratitude.

"I'll always be here for you, mon amour." he replied, his voice filled with warmth and love. "Do you want me to come over?"

"No, it's okay." I reassured him. "You have your race, and I don't want to distract you."

"Y/N, you're never a distraction. Your well-being is the most important thing to me." he said earnestly. "But if you need me, I'll be there in a heartbeat."

His words touched my heart, and I felt a surge of love for this incredible man who always put me first. "I know." I said softly. "I just needed to hear your voice. It always makes everything feel better."

"I'm glad I could help," he said. "Now, how about we talk about something that always makes you smile? Like that time we got lost on our road trip and ended up in that tiny, charming village?"

I chuckled through my tears, letting his stories and laughter ease the heaviness in my heart. We talked for hours, and with each passing minute, I felt my anxiety recede, replaced by a sense of comfort and love.

His presence, even through the phone, grounded me. I felt his unwavering support, and for that moment, the world didn't feel so lonely.

As the night wore on, I felt the weight of exhaustion setting in. "I'm so tired, Char." I whispered, my voice raw with emotion.

"Then rest, love. You need it," he replied, his voice filled with tenderness. "I'm here with you. Close your eyes, and I'll stay on the line until you fall asleep, okay?"

The simple act of knowing he was there, on the other end of the line, gave me the comfort I needed. As I lay in bed, Charles spoke softly, sharing stories from his racing adventures, making me laugh and smile through the tears.

Slowly, the sound of his voice lulled me into a peaceful slumber, and before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep, still cradling the phone.

Hours later, I awoke to the sound of footsteps approaching. Charles had kept his word and traveled back home, putting aside his racing commitments for me.

He entered the room, and our eyes met in the dim light. "Ma belle." he said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed.

I sat up, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. "Char, you should've raced. I didn't want to be a burden." I whispered.

He took my hand in his, gently brushing away a tear. "You're never a burden, love." he assured me, "Your well-being is my priority, and I'd do anything for you."

His love and dedication overwhelmed me, and I buried my face in his chest, finding solace in his embrace.

"I just want you to know that you don't have to face everything alone," he whispered, stroking my hair, "I'm here, and we'll face the world together, no matter what."

In that moment, I knew that I had found a love that was steadfast and unwavering. Charles was not just a talented F1 driver; he was my rock, my anchor in the storm.

As the night wore on, we talked about my struggles and fears, and he assured me that we would find a way through it all. His support and understanding gave me the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead.

In the embrace of his arms, I found a sense of peace and security that I hadn't felt in a long time. And as I drifted back to sleep, I knew that together, we could weather any storm that life threw our way.

#f1 fic #f1 x reader #f1 fics #formula 1 x reader #f1 x y/n #charles leclerc x reader #charles leclerc x you #charles leclerc x oc #charles leclerc x female reader #charles leclerc #charles leclerc one shot #charles leclerc imagine #charles leclerc f1 #charles leclerc fic #charles leclerc fanfic #f1 x you #f1 one shot #formula 1 imagine #charles leclerc x girlfriend!reader

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yournameloveskpop · 4 months

Text

Rival Hearts

Paring: Beomgyu x Reader

Style: school AU, angst, fluff, romance, friendship

Warning: some abuse, some manipulation, a bit of violence, cold beomgyu

Word count: 14,030

Y/N hurried down the hallway, her heart racing with the excitement of the first day of high school. She rounded a corner at breakneck speed, only to crash into someone heading in the opposite direction. Papers and books flew everywhere.

"Watch it!" the boy snapped. He had a long wolf cut that almost covered his eyes, giving him a mysterious, almost brooding look.

"I'm so sorry!" Y/N exclaimed, her cheeks burning as she bent down to help gather the scattered items.

"Don't bother," he retorted, swatting her hand away. "Just watch where you're going next time."

Taken aback by his rudeness, Y/N straightened up, her apologetic demeanor shifting to defiance. "I said I was sorry. No need to be so mean about it!"

The boy, who Y/N now recognized as Beomgyu from the rumors about his sharp tongue, glared at her. "Mean? You're the one not looking where you're going."

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Y/N couldn't help but notice, despite his attitude, Beomgyu was really handsome. But then she remembered his words, and her annoyance flared up again.

Before they could continue their argument, a teacher's voice cut through the tension. "What's going on here? And why are you two not in class?"

"We were just—" Y/N started.

"Lost," Beomgyu finished for her, his voice losing some of its edge.

The teacher, understanding it was their first day, let it slide and instructed them to follow him to class. As they walked, Y/N and Beomgyu kept shooting glares at each other.

"It's clearly your fault we're late," Beomgyu muttered.

"My fault? You're the one who bumped into me!" Y/N retorted under her breath.

Entering the classroom, Beomgyu's demeanor changed slightly as he saw familiar faces from middle school. But his relief was short-lived when he realized Y/N was seated next to him.

"Great," he muttered, rolling his eyes.

Y/N, undeterred, whispered, "Looks like we're stuck with each other."

Beomgyu just sighed, a reluctant smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. Despite their rocky start, there was an undeniable spark of intrigue between them. Class wasn't to bad as the two of them where to busy listening to the teachers lecture. As soon as the bell rang for next class y/n was up and already out of the room just so she didn't have to deal with him and focus on next class.

Beomgyu, still fuming from the earlier encounter, watched as Y/N made a beeline for the door the moment the bell rang.

He couldn't help the smirk that crept onto his face. "Well, that's one way to make an exit," he muttered to himself.

Meanwhile, Yeonjun, ever the instigator, elbowed Beomgyu playfully. "Hey, Beomgyu, did you give your new neighbor a welcome gift? Like, I don't know, a scowl and a cold shoulder?"

Beomgyu rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up, Yeonjun. She's just... infuriating."

"Infuriatingly interesting?" Hueningkai teased, waggling his eyebrows.

"More like a walking disaster," Beomgyu retorted, though his friends noticed the faintest hint of amusement in his tone.

"Seems like fate has a sense of humor," Jeongin added with a laugh.

Meanwhile, Y/N, still simmering from the earlier encounter, recounted the tale to Chaeryeong and her friends, who listened with amusement. "And then he just brushed me off, like I was some sort of annoyance," Y/N huffed, crossing her arms.

Chaeryeong couldn't help but chuckle. "Mr. Grumpy, huh? That's a good one. Fits him perfectly."

As they were talking, Chaeryeong's sister, Chaeyeon, along with her friends Yuna, Yeji, Lia, and Ryujin, joined them. "What's this about Mr. Grumpy?" Chaeyeon asked with a grin.

Chaeryeong quickly filled them in on Y/N's collision with Beomgyu. The group erupted into laughter, with Yeji adding, "Oh, that's Beomgyu for you. Always walking around like he's got a cloud over his head."

"Don't let him get to you," Lia advised, patting Y/N's shoulder. "He's known for his... charming personality."

Just then, Beomgyu walked into the classroom, Yeonjun in tow. His gaze met Y/N's for a fleeting moment before he muttered something under his breath and looked away. Y/N, feeling the sting of his dismissive attitude, turned her head, focusing her attention back on her new friends.

"He's like a storm cloud on legs," Ryujin commented, noticing the exchange.

Yuna, always the optimist, chimed in, "Maybe he's just misunderstood?"

Y/N snorted. "More like misbehaving. I've never met someone so grumpy in my life."

The girls shared a knowing look, their laughter filling the room as Beomgyu and Yeonjun found their seats. Y/N couldn't help but feel a little better, surrounded by her new friends and their light-hearted banter, even with Mr. Grumpy in the same room. The day seemed to stretch on with Beomgyu and Y/N finding new ways to annoy each other, their bickering becoming a source of entertainment for their classmates. Every time they crossed paths, it was like watching a comedic showdown.

"Oops, sorry, didn't see you there, Mr. Grumpy," Y/N said sarcastically, as they narrowly avoided another collision in the hallway.

Beomgyu rolled his eyes. "Maybe try looking where you're going, Mrs. Clumsy," he retorted, his tone dripping with mock concern.

Their classmates whispered and giggled, watching the two with amusement. "Those two are like a live-action sitcom," one student remarked to another.

Lunchtime rolled around, and Y/N found herself welcomed into the lively group of girls. They laughed and chatted, Yuna cracking jokes that sent them all into fits of laughter.

At a nearby table, Beomgyu sat with Yeonjun, Soobin, Taehyun, and Hueningkai, trying to focus on their conversation. Hueningkai said something that made them all laugh, but Beomgyu's attention was unwittingly drawn to Y/N's laughter.

He glanced over, catching sight of Y/N smiling brightly, her eyes sparkling and cheeks flushed from laughing. She looked genuinely happy, and for a moment, Beomgyu found himself captivated.

He quickly snapped out of it, scolding himself mentally. "Ugh, why does she have to be so loud?" he muttered aloud, his annoyance clear.

Yeonjun, who had noticed Beomgyu's brief distraction, teased, "Loud? Or just hard to ignore?"

Beomgyu shot him a look. "Hard to ignore because she's loud," he clarified, trying to focus back on his friends.

As the weeks rolled by, the dynamic between Beomgyu and Y/N didn't improve. If anything, their constant bickering became a staple of the high school's daily drama. Despite their best efforts to steer clear of each other, fate – or perhaps their teachers' mischievous planning – always brought them back together, igniting yet another round of heated arguments.

In the middle of a particularly tense chemistry class, Y/N accidentally knocked over a beaker, causing a minor spill. Beomgyu, who was unfortunately her lab partner for the day, let out an exasperated sigh.

"Great, just great. Can't you do anything right, Mrs. Clumsy?" he groaned, grabbing some paper towels.

Y/N, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and irritation, shot back, "Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Grumpy. Not all of us can be perfect like you."

Their classmates snickered, watching the familiar scene unfold. Mrs. Lee, their teacher, intervened with a stern look. "Enough, you two. This is a chemistry lab, not a battlefield."

Despite the teachers' frequent interventions, Beomgyu and Y/N continued to butt heads at every opportunity. Beomgyu's cold demeanor never seemed to thaw around Y/N, and she, in turn, bristled at his every word.

Outside the classroom, Y/N's popularity soared. Her easygoing nature and genuine kindness drew people to her, and she became known as the school's social butterfly. This only added to Beomgyu's growing annoyance.

One day, while hanging out in the cafeteria, Hueningkai couldn't help but gush about Y/N. "You should've seen her playing video games last weekend. She's insanely good!"

Beomgyu's ears perked up, his expression souring. "You hung out with Y/N?" he asked, trying to sound indifferent but failing miserably.

"Yeah, she's really cool and fun," Hueningkai replied, not noticing Beomgyu's growing irritation.

Yeonjun chimed in, his eyes gleaming with a hint of admiration. "And have you seen her dance? It's like she's born to be on stage. Plus, her fashion sense is off the charts."

Beomgyu scoffed, trying to mask his discomfort. "Dancing? Gaming? Fashion? What are we, a fan club?"

Yeonjun and Hueningkai exchanged glances, their brief looks hinting at their small crushes on Y/N. They quickly changed the subject, sensing Beomgyu's rising frustration.

As the months passed, Y/N's popularity continued to grow. She was admired for her authenticity and warmth, qualities that endeared her to both students and teachers alike. Beomgyu, on the other hand, found himself increasingly isolated, his gruff exterior and constant battles with Y/N setting him apart from his peers.

During a school assembly, Y/N was called up to receive an award for her contributions to the school community. The applause was thunderous, with students and teachers alike showing their appreciation for her.

Beomgyu, sitting in the back with a scowl, couldn't help but feel a twinge of something he couldn't quite place. "Why does she have to be so... likable?" he muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on Y/N as she graciously accepted the award.

Yeonjun, sitting beside him, nudged him gently. "Come on, Beomgyu, even you have to admit she's pretty amazing."

Beomgyu just huffed, turning his attention away. "I don't have to admit anything."

Despite his outward disdain, Beomgyu couldn't help but notice the way Y/N interacted with everyone around her. She was always surrounded by a group of friends, laughing and chatting animatedly. Her presence seemed to light up the room, a stark contrast to Beomgyu's more reserved and brooding nature.

In the hallways, whenever Beomgyu and Y/N crossed paths, their exchanges were always sharp and filled with sarcastic remarks. Yet, there was an undeniable energy between them, a tension that neither could ignore.

"Watch where you're going, Beomgyu," Y/N would say, her tone teasing yet edged with frustration.

"Right back at you, Y/N," Beomgyu would retort, his words dripping with sarcasm.

Their classmates often watched these exchanges with a mix of amusement and curiosity, wondering what the next chapter in the ongoing saga of Beomgyu and Y/N would bring. The two of them had become an enigma, a source of endless speculation and gossip.

Unbeknownst to them, their constant bickering and undeniable chemistry had started to draw more attention than either of them realized. Their classmates whispered and speculated, all of them eagerly anticipating the next encounter between the school's most unlikely duo.

The weekend had finally arrived, and Y/N was determined to enjoy it. Her first task: completing all her homework early on Saturday morning. After several hours of diligent work, she completed her assignments, freeing up the rest of her weekend. Feeling accomplished, she decided to treat herself by visiting the local record store to buy Metallica's latest album, a treat she had been longing for.

Upon entering the store, Y/N's mood lightened instantly. She greeted Mr. Kim, the owner, with a cheerful "Good morning!" and headed straight for the metal/rock section. Her eyes quickly found the prize – the latest Metallica album. As she reached out to grab it, another hand landed on it simultaneously.

Looking up in surprise, Y/N's heart sank as she saw Beomgyu, his expression mirroring her own annoyance. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Buying an album, what does it look like?" Beomgyu retorted, not letting go of the album. "I got here first, let go."

"No way, I touched it first!" Y/N insisted, her grip firm on the album.

Their bickering escalated quickly, catching the attention of Mr. Kim, who rushed over to mediate. "Hey, hey, let's not turn my store into a battlefield. How about a fair game to decide who gets the album?"

Reluctantly, both Y/N and Beomgyu agreed, curious about what Mr. Kim had in mind.

"Alright," Mr. Kim began, "first question: Name Metallica's drummer."

"Easy, Lars Ulrich," Y/N answered confidently.

"Correct!" Mr. Kim said. "Now, Beomgyu, name the lead vocalist."

"James Hetfield," Beomgyu replied, a smug look on his face.

"Right again. Next question: What year was their album 'Master of Puppets' released?"

"1986," Beomgyu said quickly, beating Y/N to the answer.

Mr. Kim nodded, impressed. "Y/N, your turn. Name the song Metallica won their first Grammy for."

"'One'," Y/N answered, her eyes narrowing in concentration.

"Tied now. Final question: What's the name of Metallica's first live album?"

Beomgyu thought for a moment before replying, "'Live Shit: Binge & Purge'."

Mr. Kim raised his eyebrows. "Correct. Looks like Beomgyu wins."

Y/N's face fell as Beomgyu let out a triumphant cheer, snatching the album and holding it just out of her reach. "Looks like victory is mine, Mrs. Clumsy."

Frustrated and disappointed, Y/N left the store, muttering about Beomgyu's childishness.

Beomgyu approached the counter to purchase the album, but as he looked at the door through which Y/N had exited, his smile faded. A twinge of guilt nagged at him. He hadn't really cared much about the album initially, but the competitive spirit had taken over when he saw Y/N reaching for it.

Mr. Kim, noticing Beomgyu's conflicted expression, commented, "You know, sometimes winning the battle can feel a bit hollow."

Beomgyu sighed, looking down at the album in his hand. "I guess," he murmured, his thoughts drifting to Y/N's disappointed face.

As Beomgyu walked out of the record store, clutching the newly acquired Metallica album, his triumph was tinged with an odd sense of regret. He had won the album, yes, but at what cost? Their rivalry, always simmering, had just intensified. He pondered over this as he headed home, the album in his hand a symbol of a victory that felt increasingly hollow.

Come Monday, the school corridors were buzzing with the usual energy. Y/N, surrounded by her friends Felix, Seungmin, Yuna, Lia, and others, recounted her weekend misadventure at the record store.

Felix, leaning against a locker, asked curiously, "So, did you finally get that Metallica album you were raving about?"

Y/N's expression soured. "No, thanks to Mr. Grumpy. He snagged it in a quiz-off," she grumbled, still feeling the sting of defeat.

Seungmin, his eyebrows raised in surprise, chimed in, "Wait, you're into metal? That's unexpected... and cool!"

Yuna, with a playful smirk, added, "Looks like you and Beomgyu have more in common than just your love for arguing."

Y/N rolled her eyes, "Please, the only thing we share is a music taste, unfortunately."

Their conversation continued, a mix of teasing and laughter, but Y/N couldn't shake off the irritation that Beomgyu had beaten her to the album.

Meanwhile, in another part of the school, Beomgyu was with Jeongin, Hueningkai, Yeonjun, and Heeseung, proudly showing off his Metallica album. The plastic wrap was still intact, untouched since he bought it.

Jeongin whistled appreciatively. "Nice win, man. But aren't you going to open it?"

Beomgyu shrugged nonchalantly. "Haven't got around to it yet."

Hueningkai, leaning over to get a better look, said, "You know, Y/N was after this album too. Funny how you both like the same stuff."

Beomgyu's expression hardened slightly at the mention of Y/N. "Yeah, a real riot," he muttered sarcastically.

Yeonjun, ever the observer, noted, "Seems like your battle with Y/N is more than just verbal sparring."

Heeseung, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up. "Hey, why haven't you removed the plastic? Isn't that the best part about getting a new album?"

Beomgyu glanced at the album, his fingers tracing the sealed edges. "I guess I was more focused on winning than actually wanting it," he admitted, a rare moment of introspection showing on his face.

The group fell into an unusual silence, each pondering over Beomgyu's confession. The bell rang, signaling the end of their break, and they dispersed to their respective classes, the album still wrapped in its plastic, a silent testament to the complex dynamics of high school rivalries.

Throughout the day, whispers and glances were exchanged between the two factions. Y/N's friends teased her about her unexpected musical connection with Beomgyu, while his friends prodded him about the unopened album.

In the hallway, Y/N and Beomgyu's paths inevitably crossed. They exchanged a brief, tense glance, both acutely aware of the album incident.

"Enjoying your new album?" Y/N asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Absolutely," Beomgyu replied dryly. "It's sitting on my shelf, still in its plastic glory."

Y/N snorted. "Typical. Win a battle but lose sight of the war."

Beomgyu raised an eyebrow. "And what war would that be?"

"The war of actually enjoying things, not just winning them," Y/N shot back, before turning on her heel and walking away.

Just as Y/N pivoted to walk away from Beomgyu, she collided head-on with someone else. Strong hands reached out, steadying her before she could stumble. She looked up to find herself face-to-face with Jeongin, who was grinning at her.

"Wow, are you okay?" he asked, a chuckle escaping his lips.

Y/N, still a bit startled, managed a laugh in return. "Yeah, just my usual graceful self," she joked, trying to brush off the embarrassment.

Jeongin's smile widened, and he teasingly added, "Beomgyu was right about the whole 'clumsy' thing, huh? But it's kind of cute, in a way."

Y/N rolled her eyes playfully. "Thanks, I guess. It's nice to know my clumsiness is appreciated."

His gaze briefly flickered past her to where Beomgyu stood, watching them. He then turned back to Y/N with a more serious expression. "Do you think you and Beomgyu will ever stop fighting?"

Y/N shrugged, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "I don't know. It's always him who starts it, and I'm not one to just let things slide. He'd have to stop first."

Their conversation was light, but it was clear that the ongoing feud with Beomgyu was a point of annoyance for Y/N. She didn't understand why he always seemed to target her, and it was exhausting to keep up the constant bickering.

Unbeknownst to her, Beomgyu's attention was fixed on their interaction. As he watched Jeongin and Y/N standing close together, chatting and laughing, a new, unfamiliar feeling simmered within him. He couldn't quite place it – it wasn't jealousy, surely. He didn't like Y/N, after all. But the sight of them together, so at ease, stirred something in him.

The bell rang, signaling the end of their break, and students began to scatter towards their classes. Y/N waved goodbye to Jeongin and made her way down the corridor, unaware of Beomgyu's eyes following her.

As she walked away, Beomgyu's gaze lingered on her retreating figure. The feeling inside him was unsettling, and he shook his head, trying to dispel it. He didn't like Y/N. That much was clear. So why did seeing her with Jeongin bother him so much?

The rest of the day was filled with the usual hustle and bustle of school life, but Beomgyu found himself distracted. The image of Y/N laughing with Jeongin kept replaying in his mind, accompanied by that strange, unsettling feeling.

After school, as he walked home with the Metallica album in his backpack, he couldn't help but think about Y/N's words from earlier. "The war of actually enjoying things, not just winning them." Her words echoed in his head, and he wondered if maybe, just maybe, there was more to their interactions than just mindless bickering.

As the school year drew to a close, the excitement for summer break was palpable. The students eagerly anticipated their well-deserved freedom, and none more so than Y/N and Beomgyu, who were ready for a respite from their constant bickering. Yet, there was a sense of curiosity in the air about what the new school year would bring for their ongoing rivalry.

During the break, Y/N kept busy with her close-knit circle of friends. She often met up with Yeonjun, Hueningkai, and others, making the most of the summer days. Beomgyu, though not particularly thrilled about Y/N's inclusion, found himself in these gatherings more often than not, thanks to their mutual friends.

One such day, Y/N and Beomgyu found themselves at a group hangout in the park, along with a large crowd of friends: Yeonjun, Hueningkai, Taehyun, Soobin, Jeongin, Wooyoung, Chanbin, Felix, Yuna, Lia, Chaeryeong, Chaeyeon, Ryujin, Yeji, and of course, Beomgyu.

Yeonjun, always the life of the party, was in high spirits. He turned to Y/N with a mischievous grin. "Hey Y/N, have you ever heard my rendition of Bon Jovi? I've been practicing just for you," he teased, strumming an air guitar.

Y/N laughed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please, spare us the torture, Yeonjun."

Beomgyu, who was sitting a little apart from the group, couldn't help but overhear. He watched, his expression souring as Yeonjun continued his playful serenade.

Hueningkai nudged Beomgyu, noticing his discomfort. "What's up with you? Jealous of Yeonjun's mad guitar skills?"

Beomgyu scowled. "Please, I could play circles around him."

"So, why don't you?" Hueningkai challenged with a smirk.

Beomgyu hesitated, then shook his head. "Not worth it. I'm not here to entertain Y/N."

Yeonjun, meanwhile, had grabbed Y/N's hand, twirling her around in an impromptu dance. Y/N was laughing, clearly enjoying the moment, but Beomgyu felt an irritating twinge in his chest at the sight.

"Looks like someone's enjoying the spotlight," Taehyun commented, watching the scene with amusement.

Beomgyu muttered under his breath, "More like hogging it."

The summer afternoon at the park was a mosaic of laughter, games, and shared stories, with Beomgyu sitting a bit apart, seemingly lost in thought. His friends were fully engaged in a spirited game of charades, but Beomgyu's attention was often drawn to Y/N, who was right in the thick of it.

"Man, you've been staring at Y/N the whole time. What's up?" Soobin teased, nudging Beomgyu.

"I'm not staring. Just... wondering how she manages to trip over nothing," Beomgyu replied, trying to sound indifferent.

"Sure, sure," Hueningkai chuckled. "Whatever you say, man."

Yeonjun, overhearing the exchange, joined in. "Come on, Beomgyu, admit it. You find her fascinating."

"Fascinatingly annoying," Beomgyu retorted, but his gaze unconsciously drifted back to Y/N.

As the afternoon wore on, they all took turns sharing funny and embarrassing stories. When it was Y/N's turn, she launched into a hilarious tale about a camping trip gone wrong, complete with wild gestures and comical expressions.

"...and then I walked straight into the tent pole!" Y/N concluded, sending everyone into fits of laughter.

Even Beomgyu couldn't help but chuckle, though he quickly masked it with a cough.

The sun began to lower in the sky, signaling the end of their day at the park. As everyone started saying their goodbyes, Beomgyu and Y/N found themselves awkwardly facing each other.

"So, uh, see you around, Y/N," Beomgyu muttered, not sure why he felt the need to say anything at all.

"Yeah, see you, Beomgyu. Try not to miss me too much," Y/N quipped with a teasing smile.

Beomgyu just huffed and turned away, but inside, her words left him feeling oddly unsettled.

As he walked home alone, Beomgyu replayed the day's events in his head. Y/N's infectious laugh, her storytelling, the way she had everyone captivated – it was all so irritatingly endearing.

"Why does she have to be like that? Why does it even matter to me?" he mumbled to himself, kicking at a stray stone on the sidewalk.

He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his thoughts about Y/N than mere annoyance. As he pondered this, the sun set, casting long shadows on the path before him.

The quiet streets echoed with the remnants of the day's laughter and conversations. Beomgyu couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension about the upcoming school year. His thoughts were a jumble of confusion and curiosity about his and Y/N's interactions. What did this all mean for their ongoing rivalry? And more importantly, why did it matter so much to him?

As the second half of the summer holidays unfolded, Y/N's presence in the group hangouts became increasingly scarce, leaving everyone, including Beomgyu, wondering why. Even Beomgyu, who would never admit it, found himself missing her usual lively banter and energy.

One day, when Y/N finally did show up, she was immediately surrounded by a flurry of questions.

"Where have you been hiding?" Yeonjun asked, his tone playful yet curious.

"Yeah, we've missed you at our epic video game battles," Hueningkai added, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

Y/N offered them a sheepish smile. "Just needed some me-time, you know? A bit of peace and quiet at home."

Her explanation seemed to satisfy most of the group, but there was a sense that she was holding something back. A few weeks later, Y/N had an announcement that piqued everyone's curiosity.

"I want you guys to meet someone special," she said, a mysterious smile on her lips.

The day of the introduction arrived, and the group eagerly awaited Y/N's arrival. She walked in, hand in hand with a guy none of them had seen before. The reactions were immediate and varied – gasps of surprise, amused smirks, and even playful jealousy from Yeonjun and Hueningkai.

"This is Hwan," Y/N said, beaming. "He's a year older and goes to a different school. Our moms are friends, so we've known each other for a while. But we only recently started dating."

Beomgyu, who had been quiet, felt a strange twist in his gut at the word 'boyfriend.' He eyed Hwan, his expression turning cold and dark. There was an inexplicable feeling of discomfort at seeing Y/N so close to someone else.

Hwan, oblivious to Beomgyu's reaction, greeted everyone warmly. "It's great to meet all of you. Y/N's told me a lot about her amazing friends."

The group chatted and asked Hwan questions, trying to get to know him better. Y/N looked genuinely happy, her laughter and smiles directed mostly at Hwan.

Beomgyu, however, couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling. He found himself disliking Hwan without even knowing him. "So, you've been ditching us for him?" he finally asked, his tone sharper than intended.

Y/N looked taken aback by his tone. "Well, Beomgyu, I didn't realize I needed your permission to have a life outside this group," she retorted, her tone matching his.

There was an awkward pause before Yeonjun stepped in, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, let's not start World War III here. We're just happy to meet Hwan, right, Beomgyu?"

Beomgyu's eyes narrowed as he watched Y/N and Hwan laughing together. His friends noticed his unusual silence and fixed gaze.

"Earth to Beomgyu," Taehyun said, waving a hand in front of him. "You've been staring at Y/N and what's-his-face all day."

Beomgyu grunted dismissively, "Just observing the new guy. He's... too nice."

Yeonjun chuckled, "Too nice? That's a new one. What's wrong with being nice?"

"Nothing," Beomgyu snapped. "It's just... it's not normal. No one's that perfect."

As Hwan tried to strike up a conversation with Beomgyu later, Beomgyu's responses were cold and brief. "So, I hear you're into rock music. What bands are you into?" Hwan asked, trying to find common ground.

"Various ones," Beomgyu replied curtly, not meeting Hwan's eyes.

Hueningkai, picking up on the tension, leaned in. "You know, you could try being a bit friendlier. He seems like a decent guy."

Beomgyu just shrugged, still watching Y/N and Hwan from the corner of his eye. He couldn't shake off the feeling of annoyance at seeing them together.

Later, as the group started to leave, Beomgyu's thoughts were still muddled. The sight of Y/N with someone else had irked him more than he wanted to admit.

The start of the second year at school brought with it the usual buzz and excitement, but for Y/N and Beomgyu, it also reignited their old rivalry. This year, however, there was an added layer of tension due to Y/N's new boyfriend, Hwan. Beomgyu's behavior towards Y/N had become more standoffish than ever.

As Y/N tried to focus on her friends and Hwan, Beomgyu's presence loomed larger, making it difficult for her to ignore him. His disdain for her new relationship was evident, his body language speaking volumes whenever she mentioned Hwan.

One day, their usual snide remarks escalated into a full-blown argument. As they crossed paths in the crowded hallway, Beomgyu couldn't resist a jab. "So, Y/N, still playing happy couples with Hwan?"

Y/N, already on edge, snapped back. "What's your problem, Beomgyu? Can't stand seeing someone else happy?"

Their voices rose, drawing the attention of their classmates. Beomgyu's expression was one of scorn. "Happy? Please, you're just blinded by his 'niceness'. It's all an act. Just because your moms are friends doesn't mean he's good for you."

Y/N stopped in her tracks, facing him squarely. "And what would you know about it? Why do you even care?"

"I don't care," Beomgyu retorted quickly. "It's just obvious he's not right for you."

Y/N's frustration boiled over. "That's not your decision to make. You're not my dad, Beomgyu."

Beomgyu scoffed. "Clearly, someone needs to be. You're not seeing the real picture here."

"What 'real picture'? That you can't stand the thought of me being with someone?" Y/N accused, her voice tinged with anger.

"That's not it," Beomgyu shot back. "He's just... too perfect. It's unnatural. You're falling for a facade."

Their argument attracted a small crowd, their classmates whispering and nudging each other. Hueningkai and Taehyun attempted to intervene.

"Guys, chill. This isn't the place," Heeseung said, trying to mediate.

"Yeah, you're causing a scene," Taehyun added, glancing nervously at the gathering students.

Y/N, ignoring them, continued, "Why do you even care? Why do you hate me so much, Beomgyu?"

"I don't hate you," Beomgyu replied, his voice lowering slightly. "I just... I don't like seeing you being fooled."

"Fooled?" Y/N echoed, her voice rising again. "By who, Hwan? Because he's been nothing but genuine."

Before Beomgyu could respond, a couple of teachers arrived, having been alerted by the noise. "What is going on here?" one of them demanded, making their way through the crowd.

Y/N and Beomgyu were both taken by surprise, their argument abruptly halted. "It's nothing, sir," Y/N tried to explain, but her voice was shaky.

"This doesn't look like 'nothing' to me," the teacher said sternly, looking at Beomgyu. "You two, come with me. Now."

As they were led away, Beomgyu glanced over his shoulder, calling out to Y/N, "Just watch, Y/N. Don't come crying to me when he turns out to be an asshole."

Y/N, her face a mix of anger and confusion, shot back, "I wasn't planning on it."

In the corridor, the group of friends stood in a tight circle, still reeling from the intensity of the argument between Y/N and Beomgyu. Yeonjun was the first to break the silence.

"Did you guys see Beomgyu's face? He looked like he was about to explode," he said, still processing the scene.

Lia nodded, her expression one of concern. "Yeah, and Y/N wasn't backing down either. I've never seen her that angry."

Yuna chimed in, "I think Beomgyu's been a bit too much lately. Ever since Y/N started dating Hwan, he's been acting weird."

"So you think he's jealous?" Taehyun asked, his eyebrows raised in curiosity.

"It's not just jealousy," Hueningkai interjected thoughtfully. "He's always been kind of harsh with Y/N, even before Hwan. It's like he's looking for her attention."

Jeongin agreed, "Yeah, it's like they've been in this weird dance since day one. He teases her, she snaps back. It's like they can't help themselves."

Soobin, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "I think Beomgyu might not even realize his feelings. He's always putting up this tough exterior, but with Y/N, it's different."

Yeonjun nodded. "Exactly. It's like he doesn't know how to express himself properly, so he ends up being mean or picking fights."

Lia sighed, "But that's no excuse for the way he's been acting. I mean, Y/N's in a relationship now. He needs to respect that."

Yuna added, "And Y/N's been trying to avoid conflict. She's been really happy with Hwan. Beomgyu needs to deal with his feelings in a healthier way."

Jeongin looked thoughtful. "You know, I wonder if Beomgyu even realizes how his actions affect Y/N. He's so caught up in his own feelings."

"Whatever it is, I hope they sort it out soon. It's affecting the whole group." Heeseung concluded.

As they continued discussing, trying to make sense of their friends' complex dynamic, it was clear that the situation had left them all feeling a mix of worry and frustration. Meanwhile, in separate classrooms, Y/N and Beomgyu were left to their thoughts. Y/N sat by the window, her mind racing. Despite Beomgyu's cold demeanor towards her, she couldn't deny the strange attraction she felt towards him. His presence always stirred a mix of emotions within her.

Then there was Hwan, kind and gentle, who had entered her life through their parents' connection. He was everything Beomgyu wasn't – understanding, patient, and warm. Yet, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing.

In another classroom, Beomgyu sat slumped at a desk, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He thought about Y/N and their constant bickering. Deep down, he knew his behavior towards her was more than just annoyance. The realization that someone else was making her happy, especially someone like Hwan, bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

"Anyone would be better than Hwan... even me," he muttered to himself, a frown etching his face. The thought surprised him, revealing a side of his feelings he hadn't fully acknowledged yet.

The school corridors buzzed with the usual end-of-day chatter, but for Y/N and Beomgyu, it was as if they were in a bubble of their own making. They moved through the crowd, deliberately avoiding each other, yet unable to stop the furtive glances that betrayed their mutual awareness.

Y/N walked with Lia and Yuna, her mind still replaying the argument. Lia, noticing Y/N's distraction, nudged her gently. "You okay? You seem miles away."

Y/N sighed, "Yeah, just thinking about the whole Beomgyu thing. I don't get why he's acting like this."

Yuna, always the more outspoken, chimed in, "Honestly, it's like watching a drama unfold. But you two need to figure things out. This tension is unbearable."

Across the hall, Beomgyu walked with Yeonjun and Hueningkai, his expression sullen. Yeonjun, glancing over at Y/N, then back at Beomgyu, said, "You know, you could just talk to her. Clear the air."

Beomgyu shook his head, "And say what? 'Sorry for being a jerk but I actually might like you?' That would go over well."

Hueningkai laughed, "It's better than this silent war you're both waging."

As the day wound down and they all walked their separate ways home, the air was thick with questions and uncertainties. The events of the day had only added to the complexity of Y/N and Beomgyu's relationship.

Y/N, walking home, couldn't shake off her mixed feelings. "He's so infuriating," she muttered to herself. "Why does he have to be so... so Beomgyu?"

Meanwhile, Beomgyu's thoughts were similarly conflicted. "What's wrong with me?" he pondered. "Why can't I just leave her alone?"

Their friends, meanwhile, continued to discuss the situation amongst themselves. "Something's got to give," Taehyun said. "They can't keep going like this."

Yeonjun nodded in agreement. "Yeah. It's like they're drawn to each other but too stubborn to admit it."

Lying in his room, Beomgyu stared at the ceiling, his mind clouded with thoughts of Y/N. Seeing her so happy with Hwan stirred a complex web of emotions within him. Turning to his side, his gaze fell on the still-sealed Metallica album on his desk, a tangible reminder of his and Y/N's tumultuous interactions.

Frustrated by the constant presence of Y/N in his thoughts, Beomgyu decided to visit the record store the next evening. He needed a distraction, something to focus on besides the confusing emotions swirling inside him.

As he rounded a corner in the store, Beomgyu's heart skipped a beat. There, in the midst of an argument, were Y/N and Hwan. Beomgyu's eyes narrowed as he noticed Hwan's grip on Y/N's wrist, subtle but firm.

The argument between Y/N and Hwan seemed to falter as Hwan spotted Beomgyu. His grip loosened, and Y/N quickly pulled her hand away, holding it close to her body. Beomgyu could see Y/N struggling to hold back tears, her expression a mix of anger and hurt.

Beomgyu, despite his complicated feelings towards Y/N, felt a surge of protectiveness. "Is everything okay here?" he asked, his voice betraying his concern.

Y/N, startled by his sudden appearance, wiped her eyes quickly. "It's nothing, Beomgyu. Just a small disagreement, that's all," she said, her voice slightly shaky.

Hwan, trying to regain composure, offered a forced smile. "Yeah, we're fine. Just discussing some... music preferences."

Beomgyu's gaze lingered on Y/N, sensing there was more to the story. "If you're sure," he said, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely convinced.

Y/N nodded, avoiding Beomgyu's gaze. "Yeah, we're fine. Thanks."

Beomgyu, still concerned, lingered for a moment longer before turning to browse through the albums. His mind, however, was far from the music in front of him. The encounter with Y/N and Hwan had left him feeling uneasy.

After selecting the Alice Cooper album he had come for, Beomgyu glanced back at Y/N and Hwan. They seemed to have calmed down, but the tension was still palpable.

Beomgyu's walk home was filled with conflicting emotions. The image of Y/N trying to hold back tears at the record store lingered in his mind, unsettling him more than he wanted to admit. Once home, he impulsively dialed Jeongin's number, needing to share what he'd seen.

"Jeongin, I need to talk," Beomgyu began, the moment his friend picked up the call.

"Sure, Beomgyu, what's up?" Jeongin's voice came through, sounding concerned.

"I was at the record store, and I saw Y/N with Hwan. They were arguing, and Hwan... he had a tight grip on her wrist. It looked really possessive," Beomgyu explained, his voice a mixture of worry and confusion.

"That sounds pretty intense. Are you okay?" Jeongin's concern was evident.

"I don't know," Beomgyu admitted. "It's bothering me more than it should. She looked really upset, Jeongin."

Jeongin paused before replying, "It's good you're worried about her, Beomgyu. Maybe you should check if she's okay."

Beomgyu sighed, "I don't know if I should get involved. We're not exactly friends."

Jeongin encouraged, "Maybe this is a chance to change that. Just a friendly check-in to make sure she's alright."

Beomgyu ended the call with a lot to ponder. Jeongin's words resonated with him, suggesting a new perspective on his relationship with Y/N.

The next day at school, Y/N appeared distant and tired, her usual energy noticeably dimmed. Her friends immediately picked up on her changed demeanor.

"Y/N, you look exhausted. Is everything alright?" Lia asked with a concerned frown as they walked to class.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just didn't sleep well," Y/N replied, trying to brush off her friend's concern.

Yuna, not convinced, prodded further, "It's about Hwan, isn't it? You can talk to us, you know."

Y/N managed a weak smile. "It's nothing, really. Just a small argument. I don't want to talk about it."

The friends exchanged worried glances but decided not to push her further. "Okay, but we're here for you, whenever you're ready," Lia reassured her.

Beomgyu observed Y/N from across the schoolyard, her usual lively spirit noticeably dimmed. Jeongin's words about reaching out to her rang in his ears, stirring a conflict within him. He wanted to help, but their history of antagonism left him uncertain about her reception.

As the weeks went by, Y/N's condition seemed to worsen. She became increasingly quiet, her vibrant energy fading. One day, Beomgyu noticed a bruise on her neck, poorly concealed with makeup. His usual annoyance with her transformed into concern, and he found himself walking towards her before he could change his mind.

Yeonjun, who had been chatting with Beomgyu, was startled as he watched his friend abruptly walk away. "Hey, where's Beomgyu off to?" he muttered, his eyes following Beomgyu's determined stride.

Approaching Y/N, Beomgyu blocked her path and firmly but gently took her hand, leading her to a quieter area. Y/N protested, "Beomgyu, what are you doing? Let me go!"

Ignoring her protests, Beomgyu pressed her gently against a wall in a secluded part of the schoolyard.

His voice was a mix of harshness and concern as he carefully pulled down her collar, revealing the extent of the bruise. "You thought you could hide that? He did this to you, didn't he?"

Y/N, struggling to maintain her composure, snapped back, "It's none of your business, Beomgyu. Leave me alone."

Beomgyu's expression was a mix of anger and worry. "I can't just stand by and watch this happen. I told you he wasn't good for you, didn't I?"

Y/N tried to push past him, but Beomgyu's hands on the wall beside her head blocked her escape. "You don't know anything about us. Just stay out of it," she said, her voice betraying her weakness.

Beomgyu, towering over her, softened his tone, the concern in his eyes evident. "Y/N, look at me. This isn't right. You don't deserve to be treated like this."

Tears began to well up in Y/N's eyes, her façade crumbling. "I thought... I thought he cared about me."

Seeing her vulnerability, Beomgyu's demeanor shifted entirely. He gently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting hug as she began to cry. "It's okay, Y/N. You're not alone in this."

As Y/N leaned into Beomgyu's embrace, her defenses crumbling, she found a sense of solace she hadn't expected. Her tears flowed freely, a release of the pent-up emotions she had been holding back.

Beomgyu, feeling the intensity of the moment, whispered, "It's okay, Y/N. Let it all out. You don't have to hold back."

Y/N, her voice breaking, responded, "I didn't know where else to go. I never thought I'd find comfort in you, of all people."

Beomgyu gently adjusted her collar to cover the bruise. "I know we've had our differences, but I can't just stand by and watch you get hurt."

Y/N, gripping his shirt, looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "Why are you doing this, Beomgyu? After everything?"

Beomgyu sighed, his expression softening. "Because no matter what's happened between us, I can't ignore when someone's in pain. Especially you, Y/N."

As they stood there, lost in the moment, Yeonjun and the rest of their friends appeared in the distance, having been led there by Yeonjun's concern.

"There they are," Yeonjun said, relief evident in his voice. "I knew something was up when Beomgyu bolted like that."

The group approached cautiously, sensing the gravity of the moment. "Is everything okay?" Lia asked, her voice laced with concern.

Y/N, wiping away her tears, tried to compose herself. "Yeah, I'll be okay. Thanks, Beomgyu," she said, stepping back from the embrace.

Beomgyu nodded, his gaze still protective. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here. We all are," he said, gesturing to their friends.

As the group enveloped Y/N, offering their support, Beomgyu stepped back, watching the scene with a mixture of relief and contemplation. The encounter had changed something between him and Y/N, opening a door to a new understanding and perhaps, a new beginning.

At their favorite spot in the schoolyard, Beomgyu, Jeongin, Hueningkai, Taehyun, Lia, Yuna, and Soobin gathered. The mood was unusually somber, their concern for Y/N palpable.

"Y/N's been really off these past few days," Lia started, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, she's not her usual self at all," Yuna added, frowning. "Her laugh, her smile... it's like they've just disappeared."

Beomgyu remained quiet, reflecting on his observations of Y/N. He had been keeping a close watch on her since learning about the issues with Hwan, though he hadn't shared this with the group. He couldn't help but miss the vibrancy Y/N usually brought to their group.

"I haven't seen her light up in weeks," Taehyun said, a hint of sadness in his voice. "Remember how she used to brighten up the entire place?"

"Yeah," Hueningkai agreed, "and now, there's no sparkle in her eyes anymore. She seems... different, more fragile."

Beomgyu felt a familiar pang of concern. He knew more than he let on, especially about Y/N's struggles with Hwan, but he chose to keep this to himself. He still remembered how Y/N had confided in him that she tried to break up with Hwan multiple times since that evening at the record store but found it difficult due to Hwan's abusive behavior.

Jeongin glanced at Beomgyu, recalling the call they had that night. He had a rough idea of what might be happening between Hwan and Y/N, but he kept his suspicions to himself, noticing how Beomgyu had subtly shifted from his usual annoyance to a more protective stance, albeit still maintaining his tsundere demeanor.

"It's just not like her to be this quiet," Soobin commented, looking genuinely concerned.

"Has anyone talked to her about this?" Jeongin asked, probing carefully, careful not to reveal his conversation with Beomgyu.

"Not really, she keeps to herself these days," Lia replied. "It's like she's building walls around her."

In the schoolyard, Beomgyu's thoughts were a mix of frustration and concern. He knew the group was worried about Y/N, but he couldn't fully disclose what he knew about her situation with Hwan. He decided to keep an eye on her and be there for her when she was ready to talk.

The conversation shifted as Chaeryeong's upcoming birthday pool party became the topic. Everyone was excited, but Y/N seemed hesitant. Chaeryeong, noticing her reluctance, persistently begged her to attend. "Come on, Y/N, it won't be the same without you," she urged, following Y/N around the school.

Finally, Y/N relented, "Alright, alright, I'll come. Just stop following me!"

That evening, Y/N prepared for the party. She dolled herself up, trying to bring some normalcy back into her life, but her efforts were interrupted when Hwan unexpectedly walked into her room.

Hwan's smile was charming, his aura seemingly kind. "Wow, you look amazing," he complimented her, closing the door behind him.

But as soon as the door clicked shut, his demeanor changed. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his tone darkening.

Y/N, attempting to maintain her newfound confidence, replied, "I'm going to Chaeryeong's birthday party."

"Really? And you didn't think to tell me beforehand?" Hwan snapped, his gaze turning menacing.

Y/N, though scared from his previous violent outbursts, stood her ground. "I didn't think I needed your permission. You're not my dad."

Hwan's anger flared as he grabbed her hair firmly. "Don't get smart with me, Y/N. Remember, I'm your boyfriend."

"So, it's okay for you to cheat on me, but I can't go to a friend's birthday party?" Y/N retorted, her fear mingling with defiance.

Hwan tightened his grip. "You can go, but I'm coming with you. And about the cheating – watch what you say about me."

Y/N felt a mixture of anger and fear. "Fine, come with me. But don't think you can control me," she said, her voice trembling.

Hwan released her hair, a smirk crossing his face. "We'll see about that. Let's go."

As they descended the stairs, Hwan's mother noticed them. Her eyes lit up at the sight of Y/N. "Look at you, all dressed up! Where are you two headed?"

Y/N opened her mouth to answer, but Hwan quickly interjected with a sweet voice, his arm around her waist. "We're going to Y/N's friend's birthday party."

His mother smiled, unaware of the tension between them. "That sounds lovely. Have a great time, you two."

Y/N, trying to maintain her composure despite Hwan's oppressive presence, managed a forced smile as they left for Chaeryeong and Chae-yeon's house. The prospect of being among friends at the party brought her a sense of relief, mixed with an undercurrent of dread due to Hwan's company.

Arriving at the house, Y/N rang the doorbell. Chae-yeon opened the door, her face lighting up upon seeing Y/N. She stepped forward and embraced Y/N warmly, then noticed Hwan. Her smile faltered slightly, a look of confusion crossing her face, but she didn't comment and welcomed them inside.

Inside, the atmosphere was lively. When Y/N entered the living room, everyone cheered, their faces brightening at her arrival. Chaeryeong, especially thrilled to see her, rushed over. "Y/N, you made it! Happy you're here!" she exclaimed, accepting Y/N's gift with a wide smile.

As Chaeryeong went to place the gift with the others, she offered drinks to her guests. Before Y/N could respond, Hwan interjected, "Y/N will have a soft drink, and I'll take a beer."

Chaeryeong gave Y/N a quick, puzzled look before heading to the kitchen to fetch the drinks.

Lia and Yuna approached Y/N, their presence bringing a semblance of comfort. "Hey, Y/N, glad you could come!" Lia said with a smile.

"Yeah, we've missed you around," Yuna added, her tone warm.

Yeonjun, Soobin, Taehyun, and Hueningkai joined in soon after, along with Jeongin, creating a small circle of friends around Y/N. She felt a bit more at ease, knowing Hwan wouldn't act out in front of everyone.

Beomgyu, meanwhile, watched from a distance, his protective instincts on high alert. The sight of Hwan next to Y/N stirred a mix of anger and concern within him.

When Chaeryeong returned with the drinks, she handed Hwan his beer and gave Y/N a 'soft' drink that was actually her favorite sweet alcoholic beverage, disguised as juice.

As the evening progressed, Y/N found an opportunity to slip away from Hwan, who was now engaged in conversation with a group of her friends. Seeking a moment of solitude, she wandered outside into the garden, where several people were enjoying the pool and the cool night air. Keeping her distance from the water, Y/N just wanted to breathe in the fresh air.

Soobin noticed Y/N by herself and walked over to join her. "Hey, Y/N, mind if I join you?" he asked gently, sitting beside her.

Y/N looked at Soobin, grateful for the company. "No, not at all. It's nice to get some air."

Soobin nodded, sensing her need for a calm moment. "You know, if you ever need to talk or anything, we're all here for you."

Y/N offered a small, thankful smile. "I know, and I really appreciate it. Tonight's been... a lot."

Soobin placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Just remember, you're not alone in this, okay?"

Y/N sighed softly, her gaze drifting to the night sky. "I'm just trying to figure things out. It's complicated."

Soobin sat alongside Y/N at Chaeryeong's birthday party, providing a comforting presence amidst the lively atmosphere. Their conversation flowed naturally, covering a range of topics.

"You know, we all really miss you hanging out with us," Soobin said gently. "It's not the same without your laugh and energy around."

Y/N offered a faint smile, her eyes distant. "I miss you guys too... with everyone."

"There's something else," Soobin added cautiously. "We've all noticed you don't seem as happy as before. You look... more tired, paler. Even Beomgyu's concerned, and he's usually so hard to read."

Y/N's thoughts drifted back to a recent encounter with Beomgyu. She remembered how he had found her alone, seen the bruises on her neck, and how he had offered her an unexpected moment of kindness and comfort. She longed to share her struggles with Hwan with her friends, but fear held her back. She was grateful, though, that Beomgyu had respected her wishes to keep it private until she was ready.

Their conversation was interrupted as Hwan emerged from the house, his voice falsely cheerful. "There you are," he said, lightly patting Y/N's head, causing her to flinch subtly.

Spotting the pool, Hwan's expression changed, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. "Hey, Y/N, how about a swim with me?" he suggested, trying to lure her away from Soobin.

Y/N hesitated, fear creeping into her voice. "I'd rather not, Hwan."

Hwan persisted, tightening his grip on her hand. "Oh, come on, it's a party! Swimming is fun, right?"

Soobin, noticing Y/N's discomfort, intervened. "She said she doesn't want to go in, man."

Hwan laughed it off. "It's just a dip," he assured, as he began to lift Y/N up.

Y/N's panic escalated; she cried out and struggled against Hwan's hold. "Please, put me down! I can't swim!"

Hwan disregarded her pleas, chuckling as if it were a joke. "You're just saying that. Come on, it'll be fun."

Several friends, aware of Y/N's fear of water, shouted for Hwan to stop, but he didn't listen. In a swift motion, he threw Y/N into the pool. The party fell silent as Y/N hit the water, gasping and flailing helplessly.

Beomgyu, watching from afar, felt a surge of fury. As Y/N struggled to surface, he rushed to the poolside, ready to act. Yeonjun was also prepared to dive in, but Beomgyu was quicker, plunging into the water. He reached the bottom of the deep end, where Y/N lay motionless, and swiftly brought her up to the surface.

Beomgyu gasped when he reached the surface but Y/N was unresponsive.

Yeonjun instructed everyone to back off, giving them space. Hwan, realizing the gravity of his actions, tried to approach, but Beomgyu's fierce glare and sharp command kept him at bay.

"Stay back!" Beomgyu yelled, his eyes blazing with anger.

Yeonjun, Hueningkai, and Taehyun formed a barrier, preventing Hwan from getting any closer. Meanwhile, Yuna and Chaeryeong rushed to find Chaeryeong's parents.

Chae-yeon confronted Hwan, her voice stern. "You need to leave my house. Now."

Hwan's expression darkened. "Leave? Seriously?"

"Yes," Chae-yeon insisted firmly. "Now."

Beomgyu carefully laid Y/N on the ground. Jeongin and Soobin hurried to fetch towels, while Lia went for dry clothes. Beomgyu checked Y/N's pulse and then, without hesitation, began administering CPR. He performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, followed by chest compressions, his focus solely on reviving Y/N.

After a tense minute, Y/N coughed violently, expelling water as she gasped for air. She turned to her side, her eyes meeting Beomgyu's, and clung to him, her body trembling from the ordeal.

Beomgyu wrapped his arms around her, offering warmth and protection. "It's okay, i got you. You're safe now," he whispered, his voice a mixture of relief and concern.

The crowd around them remained stunned, witnessing the dramatic turn of events. Beomgyu's quick actions had saved Y/N, and in that moment, the depth of his concern for her became evident to everyone.

Y/N clung tightly to Beomgyu, her body shaking with sobs as she sought comfort in his embrace. Beomgyu, feeling a mix of protectiveness and anger, held her close, his eyes scanning the area for any further threats.

Hwan, his demeanor rapidly shifting from concern to frustration, announced he was leaving.

He pushed past Yeonjun and the others, his voice firm as he addressed Y/N. "We're going home, now," he demanded.

Y/N, still nestled in Beomgyu's arms, looked up at Hwan with a mix of fear and defiance. She shook her head vehemently, her voice barely a whisper as she said, "I'm not going anywhere with you."

Hwan's expression soured. His attempt at an apology came off as nothing more than a bitter retort. "I didn't know you couldn't actually swim," he muttered.

"Oh really? Her crying and begging wasn't enough," solving but bit ignored by Hwan.

As he reached out to grab Y/N, Beomgyu's protective instincts kicked in. He pulled her closer, his voice low and threatening, "Don't fucking touch her."

The intensity in Beomgyu's eyes sent a clear message to Hwan – he was aware of the truth, and he was firmly on Y/N's side.

Hwan, realizing the situation was turning against him, straightened up and began to leave, but not before rudely nudging Hueningkai and Yeonjun with his shoulder.

Chaeryeong and Chae-yeon's parents hurried out, followed by Chaeryeong and Yuna. Their father eyed Hwan with a stern look as Chae-yeon led him toward the front door.

Soobin and Jeongin returned, each holding a towel. Soobin handed one to Beomgyu. "Here, you both need to get dry," he said, his voice laced with concern.

Jeongin offered the other towel to Y/N. "Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes reflecting the worry that everyone felt.

Y/N, still trembling, managed to nod. "I... I think so," she replied, her voice barely audible over her sobs.

Beomgyu, his gaze softening as he looked at Y/N, reassured her, "It's going to be okay. You're safe now."

Taehyun approached them, admiration in his eyes. "Beomgyu, that was incredible. You didn't hesitate for a second."

Beomgyu brushed off the praise. "I just did what needed to be done... beat Yeonjun to it though."

Yeonjun let out a playful huff and crossed his arms. "Yeah well, I let you have your time to shine for a change."

As the group rallied around Y/N, offering comfort and support, Lia arrived with dry clothes for Y/N. "Let's get you changed," she said gently, helping Y/N to stand up.

The atmosphere at the party had shifted dramatically from celebration to concern. In the midst of it all, the friends showed their unity and care for one another, especially for Y/N.

In a quiet room away from the party, Lia, Yuna, Chaeryeong, and her parents provided a safe haven for Y/N. Tears streamed down Y/N's face as she apologized repeatedly for ruining Chaeryeong's birthday.

"Don't worry about the party, Y/N. I'm just glad you're safe. That's all that matters." Chaeryeong quickly reassured her.

Once the initial shock subsided, Y/N began to open up about Hwan's abusive behavior, both mental and physical. "I've been so distant because... because of him," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I didn't know how to tell anyone. I was scared."

Chaeryeong and the others listened in stunned silence, their hearts heavy with empathy for Y/N's plight. Chaeryeong's parents discreetly excused themselves, allowing the girls to have a moment of privacy.

After the revelation, Lia and Yuna helped Y/N dry off and change into fresh clothes. Chaeryeong's parents, deeply concerned, decided to call Y/N's mother and inform her about everything that had transpired.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Beomgyu faced a barrage of questions from the boys.

"So you knew about Hwan?" Felix asked, his tone a mix of surprise and concern.

Beomgyu nodded, his expression solemn. "Yes, I knew. After I saw the bruises... I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Taehyun inquired, trying to understand Beomgyu's silence.

"It wasn't my place to tell," Beomgyu replied. "Y/N needed to come forward in her own time. I just wanted to make sure she was safe until then."

Jeongin added, "I had a feeling something was up after the call I had with Beomgyu. The pieces just didn't fit."

Yeonjun looked thoughtful. "It's hard to believe all this was happening right under our noses."

Hueningkai chimed in, "We need to be there for Y/N. Now more than ever."

Beomgyu's thoughts were elsewhere, though. As they talked about Y/N, he realized his feelings for her ran deeper than he'd admitted to himself. His heart fluttered at the thought of being there for her, not just as a rival or a friend, but perhaps something more in the future.

After changing, Y/N, Lia, Yuna, and Chaeryeong rejoined the party downstairs. Y/N, though still shaken, felt a sense of relief having shared her burden. She approached Beomgyu, her actions speaking louder than words as she gently gripped his shirt, seeking his comforting presence.

Chaeryeong's mother gathered everyone for a speech. "Tonight's events have been a reminder of the importance of friendship and support," she began. "We're grateful that Y/N is safe, thanks to the quick actions of her friends, especially Beomgyu. Let this be a lesson to us all to never hesitate to reach out for help."

The mood lightened as they moved to celebrate Chaeryeong's birthday properly. The cake was brought out, candles were lit, and everyone sang 'Happy Birthday.' The focus shifted to opening gifts, but the sense of community and mutual support lingered in the air.

As the party wound down following the cake and gift opening, Y/N remained close to Beomgyu, finding solace in his reassuring presence. The atmosphere had gradually shifted back to one of celebration, though the events of the evening lingered in the back of everyone's minds.

Guests began to say their goodbyes, thanking Chaeryeong for a memorable evening, carefully avoiding any mention of the earlier incident at the pool. As they departed, many of them approached Y/N with hugs and words of encouragement.

"You take care of yourself, okay?" Lia said, giving Y/N a tight hug.

Yuna added with a gentle smile, "We're here for you, always remember that."

As the crowd thinned out, Beomgyu found a quiet moment to talk to Y/N. "Are you going to be okay?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

Y/N nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm staying here tonight, and my mom is picking me up in the morning."

Beomgyu, relieved yet still concerned, impulsively pressed his lips against her forehead in a tender gesture, surprising both himself and Y/N. He quickly stepped back, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Y/N's heart fluttered at the unexpected contact, her cheeks warming as she touched the spot where Beomgyu's lips had been.

As Beomgyu left the house, he was still processing his impulsive action, his face a bright shade of red. Outside, Yeonjun, Jeongin, and the others were waiting for him. They immediately noticed his flushed face.

"Whoa, Beomgyu, what's with the red face?" Jeongin teased, elbowing him playfully.

Yeonjun raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in his eyes. "Did something happen in there?"

Beomgyu, still embarrassed, tried to brush it off. "No, nothing... I just... said goodbye to Y/N."

"So, just a goodbye, huh?" Hueningkai chimed in, grinning.

Beomgyu cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Yeah, just a goodbye. Let's go home."

As Beomgyu and his friends walked away from Chaeryeong's house, the playful banter continued, with his friends teasing him about his obvious affection for Y/N.

"So, Beomgyu, since when did you become so tender-hearted?" Taehyun asked with a smirk.

Beomgyu rolled his eyes, trying to deflect. "It's not like that. I was just making sure she was okay."

"Sure, sure," Jeongin chimed in, winking. "Just being a good friend, right?"

Yeonjun laughed, patting Beomgyu on the back. "It's okay, man. We all saw how you jumped in to save her. It's pretty heroic, and, well, kind of romantic too."

Hueningkai nodded in agreement. "Exactly! You looked like a knight in shining armor."

Beomgyu, feeling slightly overwhelmed by their teasing, let out a sigh. "Can we just drop it? I did what anyone would do in that situation."

Back at Chaeryeong's house, Y/N stood in the doorway for a moment longer, her heart still racing from Beomgyu's gentle kiss on her forehead. The gesture had been simple yet profound, leaving her with a feeling of warmth and care that she hadn't experienced in a long time.

Chaeryeong, seizing the opportunity for a sleepover, excitedly dragged Y/N to her room. "You're staying over, right? We can have a proper girls' night," she suggested enthusiastically.

As they settled into Chaeryeong's room, sharing her bed, Chaeryeong noticed the lingering smile on Y/N's face. "So... Mr. Grumpy has a soft side, huh?" she teased gently.

Y/N blushed, nodding. "Yeah, I... I didn't expect that from him. But it was... nice."

Chaeryeong giggled. "I think it's sweet. He really cares about you, you know."

Y/N lay back, staring at the ceiling, her mind replaying the night's events. The fear, the support from her friends, and the unexpected tenderness from Beomgyu all swirled in her thoughts.

"Yeah," Y/N whispered, a smile playing on her lips. "Maybe he does."

The morning after the party, Y/N sat at the breakfast table with Chaeryeong and her family, still processing the events of the previous night. The atmosphere was light but tinged with the remnants of concern. When Y/N's mother arrived to pick her up, there was a palpable sense of relief.

Chaeryeong, Chae-Yeon, and their parents greeted Y/N's mother warmly, inviting her inside for a more detailed conversation about everything that had happened.

As soon as Y/N saw her mother, she rushed into her arms, the emotions of the past few days finally catching up to her. Her mother, visibly upset and worried, held her tightly. "I'm here now, it's going to be okay," she whispered, her own voice shaking.

Inside, Y/N's mother listened intently as Chaeryeong's parents recounted the events of the party and Y/N's troubling situation with Hwan. She nodded gravely, her expression a mix of concern and anger. "Thank you for taking care of her," she said, her voice laced with gratitude and worry.

Later that day, back at her own home, Y/N found solace in the quiet and familiarity of her surroundings. The calm, however, was interrupted when Hwan's mother paid a visit.

Upon entering, Hwan's mother was immediately apologetic, her face etched with guilt and regret. "I can't express how sorry I am," she began, her voice trembling. "I had no idea my son... I never imagined he could do such things."

Y/N's mother listened, her expression stern yet empathetic. "I appreciate you coming here, but I'm sure you understand my primary concern is for Y/N's well-being."

Hwan's mother nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "Of course, I completely understand. I just wanted to apologize personally and let you know that I'll do whatever I can to help."

Y/N, who had been quietly listening from the doorway, felt a mix of emotions. She was relieved that Hwan wasn't with his mother, grateful for her understanding, but also deeply saddened by the turn her relationship had taken.

The visit ended with a promise from Hwan's mother to address the situation with her son and ensure that Y/N would no longer be troubled by him. Y/N's mother thanked her and gently ushered her out, her protective instincts fully engaged.

As the door closed, Y/N leaned against it, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew the road to healing would be long, but with her mother's support and her friends standing by her, she felt a glimmer of hope for a future free from fear and pain.

Monday morning at school marked a new beginning for Y/N. As she walked through the gates, a wave of relief washed over her, seeing her friends gathered, ready to support her. Yeonjun, Hueningkai, Yuna, Lia, and Chaeryeong were all there, their faces showing a mix of concern and happiness to see her.

“Hey, Y/N! It’s so good to see you,” Yeonjun greeted her with a warm smile.

Hueningkai nodded in agreement. “Yeah, we've missed you around here.”

Y/N felt a rush of gratitude. “Thanks, guys. It means a lot to me,” she said, her voice trembling slightly.

The group made a conscious effort not to dwell on the recent events. Instead, they focused on being there for Y/N, offering her the comfort and normalcy she needed.

Meanwhile, Hwan’s attempt to manipulate those around him by playing the good guy had fallen flat. Y/N’s friends and family saw through his facade and stood firmly by her side.

As they made their way through the school, the usual cacophony of Y/N and Beomgyu’s arguments was notably absent. The halls were quieter, but the silence was a welcome change.

Beomgyu, who had been keeping his distance, watched over Y/N discreetly, ensuring she was okay without intruding. His usual brash demeanor had softened, replaced by a quiet, protective presence.

Teachers, too, noticed the change. “It’s nice not to break up their fights for once,” one remarked to another.

Then, one day, as the Christmas break approached, Beomgyu decided to bridge the gap he had created. He walked over to Y/N’s locker with a gift bag in hand. Tapping her on the shoulder, he waited for her to turn around.

Y/N looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of him. “Beomgyu? What’s this?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

Beomgyu shifted on his feet, a hint of nervousness in his voice. “I... uh, got you something. For Christmas.”

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat, not just from the gift, but from Beomgyu’s unexpected gesture of kindness. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

Beomgyu shrugged, trying to maintain his composure. “I wanted to. Just... don’t make a big deal out of it,” he said, handing her the bag.

Y/N took the gift, her fingers brushing against his. “Thank you, Beomgyu,” she whispered, her eyes meeting his.

Beomgyu nodded, his heart racing. “Yeah, no problem,” he mumbled before walking away, leaving Y/N standing there with the gift.

As Beomgyu walked away, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and longing. He glanced back once, seeing Y/N opening the gift.

Inside the bag, Y/N found the Metallica album, still in its plastic wrapping, along with a few pieces of band merchandise. Her fingers traced the album cover, a smile spreading across her face.

“This means a lot, Beomgyu,” she whispered to herself, feeling a warmth in her heart.

During the Christmas holiday, Y/N and her friends found warmth and camaraderie in each other's homes, gathering for video games and junk food, sheltered from the winter chill outside. However, Beomgyu’s absence at these hangouts was palpable, leaving a void in their usual dynamic.

Yeonjun, seeing Y/N’s concern, reassured her. “Don’t worry about Beomgyu. I’ve seen him a few times. He's just sorting through some things.”

As they were deep in their gaming session at Y/N's place, the doorbell's chime interrupted their laughter. Y/N paused the game and walked to the door, her friends' curious eyes following her.

Opening the door, Y/N was surprised to see Hwan standing there, his arms laden with flowers and chocolates. “Y/N, please, I need to talk to you. I’m sorry about everything,” Hwan implored, his voice laden with remorse.

Y/N, taken aback, was at a loss for words. She didn’t trust his sudden change of heart.

Just then, Y/N’s mother appeared, her expression a fusion of anger and protectiveness. Lia, sensing the situation, hurried to Y/N’s side and gently pulled her back.

“Hwan, you need to leave. Now,” Y/N’s mother stated firmly, her protective instincts in full force.

“But I just want to apologize to Y/N,” Hwan tried to explain, his voice tinged with desperation.

“There’s nothing you can say to fix what you’ve done. If you don’t leave, I will call the police,” Y/N’s mother threatened, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Hwan, realizing he had no choice, reluctantly stepped back and left, his head hung low.

Closing the door, Y/N turned to find her friends gathered around her, faces filled with concern.

“Are you okay, Y/N?” Lia asked, her voice soft yet worried.

Y/N nodded, trying to mask her unease. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just didn’t expect him to turn up like that.”

Yeonjun put a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Y/N. We’re all here for you, no matter what.”

The group tried to return to their earlier jovial mood, but the shadow of Hwan’s unexpected visit lingered. As the evening wore on, Y/N’s thoughts drifted to Beomgyu. She wondered how he would have reacted had he been there and found herself missing his presence more than she had anticipated.

Y/N's mother, noticing her daughter's distant look, sat beside her. “You know, it’s okay to feel upset about this. But remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re all with you.”

As the days leading up to Christmas dwindled, Y/N received an unexpected message from Beomgyu asking to meet up. After his noticeable absence during most of the Christmas break, this invitation was both exciting and nerve-wracking for her.

Arriving at the café Beomgyu had specified, Y/N was surprised to find it was just him waiting for her. She had expected a group hangout, but the prospect of spending time alone with Beomgyu stirred a mix of anticipation and anxiety within her.

Beomgyu, who spotted Y/N as she walked in, greeted her with a warm, genuine smile – a far cry from the sarcastic smirks she had grown accustomed to during their arguments at school. “Hey, Y/N, over here,” he called out, waving her over.

Y/N approached, her heart beating a little faster. “Hey, Beomgyu. I wasn’t expecting it to be just us,” she said, a hint of surprise in her voice.

“Yeah, I thought it’d be nice to catch up, just the two of us,” Beomgyu replied, his voice calm yet sincere.

They ordered their coffees and found a quiet corner table. The initial silence between them was filled with unspoken words and shared memories. Finally, Beomgyu broke the ice.

“So, I’ve been thinking a lot about how things have been between us,” he started, his eyes meeting hers. “From that first day we bumped into each other, it’s been… quite a journey, hasn’t it?”

Y/N nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, I never would have imagined we’d end up here, having coffee together, after all that arguing.”

Beomgyu chuckled softly. “I know, right? I guess we’ve both changed a lot since then. I’ve been doing some thinking… about how I acted, and I wanted to apologize for being so difficult at times.”

Y/N was taken aback by his candidness. “I… wasn’t expecting an apology. I mean, I wasn’t exactly easy to get along with either.”

Beomgyu shook his head, a slight smile on his face. “Maybe, but I think I owe you one. I realized I might have been a bit too harsh at times.”

As Y/N and Beomgyu sat in the café, illuminated by the soft Christmas lights, their conversation continued to unfold with an ease that surprised them both.

“Remember that time we got paired for that science project?” Y/N chuckled, recalling one of their less antagonistic school moments. “We were both so convinced our method was better.”

Beomgyu laughed. “Yeah, and in the end, we had to combine our ideas. Turned out pretty well, though.”

The reminiscing led to discussions about their future aspirations. “I’m actually thinking of majoring in graphic design,” Y/N shared, her eyes lighting up.

“That’s cool,” Beomgyu nodded. “I’ve always known you were creative. As for me, I’m leaning towards music production. It’s been a passion for a while.”

The conversation then shifted to the topic of the Metallica album he had given her. Y/N, curious, asked him about it. “So, why did you decide to give me the album? You won it fair and square that day at the record store.”

Beomgyu hesitated for a moment, then admitted, “Well, I realized I never really wanted the album. I just... I guess I wanted to win that day. But after everything, I thought you’d appreciate it more. It was your favorite band, after all.”

Y/N smiled warmly. “It meant a lot to me. Thank you, Beomgyu. It was a really thoughtful gift.”

As they continued to talk, the initial awkwardness they had felt was completely gone, replaced by a newfound appreciation for each other. They found humor in their past misunderstandings and recognized the growth they both had undergone.

Eventually, the conversation waned, and it was time to part ways. As they stood up to leave, Y/N felt a sense of reluctance. “This was nice, Beomgyu. We should hang out like this more often,” she suggested, hoping he felt the same.

Beomgyu nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I’d like that. It’s been... surprisingly nice.”

They walked out of the café together, the crisp winter air greeting them. As they said their goodbyes, there was a moment of comfortable silence.

“See you after the holidays, Y/N,” Beomgyu said, a genuine smile on his face.

“See you, Beomgyu. Have a great Christmas,” Y/N replied, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment.

Y/N's walk home was filled with reflections on the evening she'd spent with Beomgyu. It was a refreshing change from their usual interactions, one that left her feeling hopeful and content.

After the Christmas break, school resumed with its usual buzz and energy. The corridors were alive with students sharing their holiday experiences.

One morning, Lia, Yuna, Yeji, Chaeryeong, and Y/N gathered with the boys, excitedly discussing their Christmas gifts and New Year’s celebrations.

“I got this amazing art set from my parents,” Lia shared enthusiastically. “Spent almost all of New Year’s Eve drawing.”

Yuna chimed in with a laugh, “And I attempted to bake a cake for Christmas. Let’s just say it didn’t turn out as planned.”

Their laughter and chatter filled the air until they noticed Beomgyu approaching. He seemed different – his usual wolf cut was now a bit shorter, and his hair was a uniform light brown, framing his face in a way that accentuated his features.

“Whoa, Beomgyu, looking sharp!” Yeonjun exclaimed as he approached, a wide grin on his face. “New year, new look, huh?”

Beomgyu shrugged, a slight smile on his face. “Yeah, thought it was time for a change.”

Y/N couldn’t help but admire the change. “It looks really good on you, Beomgyu.”

Beomgyu met her eyes, his smile widening a bit. “Thanks, Y/N.”

The group continued their walk to class, now with Beomgyu in tow. The conversation shifted to plans for the upcoming year, with everyone sharing their goals and aspirations.

As they walked and talked, Y/N noticed a new dynamic in the group. Beomgyu seemed more engaged, often adding his thoughts and even joking around, which was a pleasant change from his usual aloof demeanor.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class, and they all headed to their respective rooms. Y/N felt a sense of warmth in her heart. The new term was off to a good start, and she couldn’t help but feel optimistic about what lay ahead.

Throughout the day, Y/N found herself thinking about Beomgyu and the changes he had undergone. It wasn’t just his appearance; his attitude seemed different too, more open and approachable.

Later, as they gathered for lunch, the group found themselves discussing a class project due in the coming weeks. Beomgyu, surprisingly, suggested they work on it together after school.

“Sounds like a plan,” Y/N agreed, looking forward to spending more time with the group, and secretly, with Beomgyu.

As the day drew to a close at school, Y/N felt an undeniable sense of excitement and a sense of belonging within her group of friends. Beomgyu's changes, both in his appearance and demeanor, had infused a new energy into their dynamics, and she found herself increasingly curious about the new version of him.

Weeks after their newfound friendship, Beomgyu stood nervously at his locker, clutching a small bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates. Today was the day he had decided to reveal his true feelings to Y/N. The thought alone set his heart racing.

Yeonjun, standing beside Jeongin and Soobin, couldn't help but tease him, “If you guys spent two years arguing, it's pretty obvious you're into each other.”

Beomgyu shot him a glare but couldn't hide the anxious anticipation in his eyes.

“Go on, Beomgyu. It’s now or never,” Soobin encouraged him with a supportive pat on the back.

With a deep breath, Beomgyu steeled his nerves and approached Y/N, who was standing a few steps away, engaged in conversation with Yuna and Lia.

“Hey, Y/N,” Beomgyu called out, his voice surprisingly steady despite his racing heart.

Y/N turned, her expression lighting up with surprise and curiosity. “Beomgyu? What’s all this about?” she inquired, noticing the flowers and chocolates.

Gathering his courage, Beomgyu looked into her eyes. “Y/N, there’s something I need to tell you. I like you, a lot more than I ever admitted. I’ve felt this way for a long time.”

Y/N's eyes widened, a mixture of astonishment and delight dancing in them. “Really? Mr. Grumpy, I never saw this coming,” she teased, her smile broadening.

“Yeah, well, Mrs. Clumsy, I guess it was about time I confessed,” Beomgyu replied, his voice tinged with a playful warmth.

The two shared a laugh, their old antagonistic nicknames now taking on a fond, affectionate tone.

Y/N took a step closer, her heart fluttering with excitement. “I like you too, Beomgyu. I’ve been waiting for you to say that.”

In that moment, they both leaned in for a tender, heartfelt kiss. It was a kiss that encapsulated years of hidden feelings, a shared history of arguments and laughter.

Their friends watched from afar, cheering and clapping in support. Yuna and Lia shared a look of excitement, thrilled for their friend.

After the kiss, Beomgyu handed Y/N the flowers and chocolates. “For you, Mrs. Clumsy,” he said with a smile.

Y/N accepted them with a giggle. “Thank you, Mr. Grumpy. They’re beautiful.”

As they walked away together, hand in hand, a new chapter in their lives began. Their journey from rivals to friends had now blossomed into something more – a relationship built on understanding, laughter, and a deep connection.

The school hallways, once filled with their arguments, now echoed with their shared laughter and whispers of future plans. Beomgyu and Y/N, once known for their endless bickering, had found in each other a partner, a confidante, and a love that had grown from their unique bond.

Their story, which began with a collision on the first day of high school, had come full circle in the most unexpected and beautiful way. As they looked ahead, they knew whatever the future held, they would face it together, as a team, ready to navigate the joys and challenges of life side by side.

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