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hellfirelover · 2 years

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forever winter (ep. 5)

pairing: fezco x oc (belle)

18+

summary: fezco accidentally meets belle's family

sensitive topics (?): mmm nothing really. family drama

word count: 6k5

links to episodes: episode one : episode two : episode three : episode four

a/n: changed the 'cover' of this from a purple aesthetic to yellow bc i literally equated yellow to love for belle in episode one. so i should have made it yellow this whole time but... alls well that ends well to end up with yellow.

You ever going to let me know you?

episode song: i'm gonna be (500 miles) - the procalimers - cover by renee dominique

Episode 5: the beginning of a story

"Shit."

Belle tried to sleep in late this morning, but the biological clock inside her trained by early morning school alarms had taken complete control over her system. She awoke at around seven am, catching the time on Fezco's wristwatch that rested on the pillow next to her. The brunette tried to close her eyes again, curling her body closer towards his warm embrace, his chest against her back, his one arm under her and the other draping over her side. Yet, sleep never came again.

So, she tried to be patient and wait for Fezco to wake up. Belle placed her hand on the hand that he had placed on her stomach, interlocking their fingers together as she rubbed her thumb on his knuckles. This only made him pull her in closer. This sleeping embrace no doubt succumbing him to a deeper sleep.

She kept her mind occupied by the thoughts about what happened last night and smiled to herself when thinking about what led to their late-night activities.

Belle had no idea a simple introduction to her new roommate's drug dealer would become such a big part of her life. Who could have guessed that the first week out of her parent's watchful eyes Belle would be driving to a stranger's house party to pick up drugs from another stranger, whose kindness was referenced only by her newly met roommate, before making jello-shots for an upcoming college party? And who would've guessed Belle would spend that whole night talking to this man?

Now, she laid in his bed wearing his clothes, his arms wrapped around her body, his sleepy breaths hitting that nape of her neck. The feeling of his lips resting on her skin reminded Belle of the love marks he left all over her. She examined them more closely in the bathroom before joining Fez for bed. Belle happily ran her eyes over her body and inspected the few bruise-like areas developing quickly at the base of her neck. She ran her fingers across her breasts, tracing the evidence Fez left with his mouth.

She had taken pictures of herself for the future for her to look back on and remind her that it actually happened. Perhaps Fez would also like the reminder as well.

The early morning sun was slipping through the blinds of the bedroom window. The warm winter morning rays sprawled out on top of the couple under the green comforter. The redness of Belle's brunette hair highlighted by the light.

Growing too warm for comfort, as she had a whole human being clung to her under a thick set of blankets while she wore sweats for sleepwear, Belle shuffled out from Fez's cuddle. Careful not to wake him up, she tip-toed on the carpeted floor and closed the bedroom door behind her slowly.

She took her time getting ready for the day. She brushed out her hair and braided it leaving little wisps out of the braid to frame out her face. The braid leaving the neck exposed. Smirking to herself as she did this, secretly wanting Fezco's first view of the day of her to showcase what he had done to her last night. Belle brushed her teeth, having her own toothbrush here from many times that she fell asleep on the couch after getting a little too high.

Belle picked up her now fully charged phone with the goal of visiting her photos app to reminisce on the rawness of it all. Instead, her heart clutched in the middle of her chest at the notifications displayed on the screen on her phone. Her mother had called her seven times, leaving five voice mails, and forty-nine text messages in place.

Not even bothering with going through all the text messages that her mom had spammed her with last night, Belle instantly went to her voicemail.

"Belle, call me. It's about your sister she's gone missing and we haven't heard from her all day. She turned off her location and isn't answering any of my or your father's calls. Matthew and Charlie haven't heard from her either."

"Just got off the phone with Jill's girlfriend. She said the last time she saw her was at dinner at their house she was sure Jill was going back home afterward. Is she with you? Have you talked to her?"

"Belle, I don't know why we got you this phone if you're not going to pick up during an emergency like this! Your little sister is missing!"

"It's been eleven hours without any word from her. Tried making a police report but they won't do anything until twenty-four hours have gone by. When you wake up, I need you to come home."

"If Jill doesn't reach out to us in the next six hours, I'm taking this all to social media since those fuckers won't do anything about it. This is a sixteen-year-old girl, and they can't be bothered until twenty-four hours go by. She could be shipped to some sex slave factory for all we know by then! Please Belle pick up the phone I need to know if you've heard from her. Come home as soon as possible."

Belle walked out of the bathroom; her face stuck on her phone as she navigated her way back into the bedroom while frantically texting her sister.

Fez had woken up in her absence and was resting on the bed as he scrolled through his phone. He looked up at the intruder smiling at her presence, but his face shifted quickly watching as she frantically walked around the room trying to get her stuff together.

"Shit," Belle mumbled as she picked up her still wet clothes that were thrown in the hamper. She threw them back in settling on the fact that she would just wear these sweats back to her house.

"Babe, you good?" Fezco asked, sitting up with worry stretched across his face.

"I - um," Belle stammered, still looking around on the floor to get her stuff together. Where were her keys? Her purse? "Um, I-I need to leave. Um -"

"Hey, hey, hey," Fezco got out of bed and placed his hands on the frantic girl's shoulders. "What's going on? Did I-?"

"No, it's not that," Belle stammered out quickly, her eyes scanned the bed before returning to his face.

No, this had nothing to do with him. Last night was beautiful. His kisses perfection. His hands a work of God. She held no regrets about last night and needed desperately for Fez to know this and not assume her frantic behavior was post-coital regret. Her emotions were furthest from regret about last night.

She tried voicing this out to him, but the only thing that came out of her broken voice was, "My sister, my little sister, she's in-in trouble. I have to go home."

Her vision tunneled as she left the peace of the bedroom. She dialed her sister's phone again as she searched the living room for her purse and keys. The line ended and she re-dialed while throwing the pillows off the couch.

"Belle," Fezco's worried voice caught her attention as the call again went nowhere. She snapped her head to the side and saw him holding out her keys and purse that was resting on the dining room table.

Snatching both her items from his hands, Belle left the place in a daze. She didn't even realize she forgot to say goodbye before she hit the gas pedal. She didn't realize how scared she was about her sister until she realized her car wasn't moving as she forgot to put the keys in the ignition.

Unaware of how far she had gone in her thoughts, Belle jumped at the sound of tapping at her window. Fezco meanwhile had simply just watched as Belle ran around his place her mind in a million places, and it would've been cute to see Belle fumble forgetting to start her car before driving if it weren’t for the circumstances. He was scared for her. Scared of how distraught she was being this morning.

"C'mon, I'm driving you," Fez said through Belle's open window.

"No, I just-"

"Belle get out of the car. You’re not driving."

"Fez-"

"You're not driving."

She sat there for a second in the driver's seat, her hand shaking as she held her car keys. Too much was happening. Too much and too fast. Too fast and too scary.

"Okay," her voice barely a whisper as she followed Fez from her car to his.

The trip would only be an hour and a half, two hours tops. It was close enough for a day trip back home, but not close enough to visit all the time. Far away enough to have space, but not far away enough that she felt isolated.

The car ride was silent. The only sound coming from Belle giving him directions and the low music coming from the radio.

As they got on the highway Belle gave her mom a call.

"We found her," there was a joyful cry coming from the other line. "She came home a little while ago."

"Where was she?" A breath of relaxation left her mouth as Belle's whole body relaxed. Fez's hand rested on her thigh, rubbing his thumb up and down in a comforting manner.

"Your little sister was fucking getting drunk with her stupid friends and lost her phone at the park," her mom's joyful voice turned quickly to venom. "Can you believe that fucking shit? She doesn't understand the panic she put me and your father in. I was about to call the police!"

"Where is she now?"

"Locked herself in her room. Won't talk to any of us. She strolled into the house not aware we were looking for her. And after your father chewed her out, she just walked into her room and locked it. Let me tell you she's going to be fucking grounded forever."

Belle allowed herself to let out another breath of relief. She didn't care where her little sister had gone to or what mischief she had gotten herself into. She just cared that Jill was home and safe.

"Fuck, okay," she allowed herself to fall into a limp state of calmness into the passenger seat. She looked over at Fez, his face focused on the road ahead of him. "I was on my way but I -"

"But, what?" her mom interrupted, and Belle silently cursed herself. "If you're already on your way you might as well come. Charlie is already here, and I need someone to get Jill out of her room."

"I -" and Belle stumbled as she couldn’t think of a good excuse to not continue onward. They were already more than halfway there.

"How far away until you get here?"

"Uh, thirty minutes."

"Alright, Dad and Charlie are at the grocery store right now to pick up some bread for french toast. Breakfast should be done by the time you get here."

"Sounds lovely."

Belle said her goodbyes and put her phone back in her bag.

"All good?" Fezco asked, only taking his eyes off the road a few seconds at a time to look at the girl next to him.

She nodded, her attention to the hand that was placed on her thigh. The small physical comfort he provided made her heart swell despite the intense rollercoaster of emotions her sister had just put her through. The hand on her thigh reminded her that she was present in this moment.

"Yeah," she replied and recalled to him what Jill had gotten herself into. "My mom still wants me to come over, though. Maybe help get Jill out of her room."

"This stuff happen a lot?"

Belle furrowed her eyebrows at the question. "What do you mean?"

He went silent trying to form his next sentence correctly and appropriately, a slight nervous twitch from his hand breaking the perception of the hardcore drug dealer Fez sometimes held. "I mean like... Your sister getting in trouble like this and shit."

Belle shrugged, "I mean, Jill's always been a little out there. Probably has been grounded more than any of my siblings combined, and Charlie is a hassle. I just... I think she gets bored and likes to cause destruction."

"Like how?"

Fez was always good at this. It was something that both infuriated and delighted Belle. He was always asking the questions that caused her to share more than she originally planned. Causing her to share things that initially she assumed no one would really care or worry about. It wasn't just the curiosity in his questions, it was the desire to understand the situation or person fully in order to respond appropriately and provide correct comfort. Belle often found herself sharing more than she planned with him. Sometimes these conversations would be goofy. Oftentimes vulnerable.

"Well, her and my parents get in fights a lot. A lot of the time over stupid trivial things."

"Trivial things?"

"Yeah, like her grades or her behavior. Like one day my mom refused to take her out practice driving because she had got a D on her math test. And instead of just accepting her punishment she stole the keys and drove around the neighborhood herself. Ended up hitting a mailbox." Belle laughed at the memory, but Fez's somber face stuck.

"What happened after?"

"Oh, I drove my dad to where the accident happened so he could talk about it with the owner. I drove her back home while my dad followed up with the car Jill dented up."

"How long till she drove again?"

"Well, I just took her out for practice driving after that. Mom was too pissed about the situation and dad gave her too much anxiety when they went out."

"So, you had to fix it," she didn't like the bluntness coming from him.

"I-I suppose."

"And you're fixing this."

Belle didn't say anything. She just stared at him as he kept his eyes on the road. She was beginning to not like the way he was viewing her family situation. Granted most of the time when Belle brought up her family it was while she was under the influence and the topic was always in a rant or vent format. She was beginning to feel too vulnerable having another person learn how her family dynamic worked.

Because the thing about it was Belle didn't mind helping her family when they needed the support. She didn't mind staying close to home after graduating as she saw how much it hurt her mom to have her sons so far away. She didn't mind being a buffer between the mischief her sister got herself into. Belle did her duty as a good daughter and a good sibling. Every family was fucked up and anything to keep the peace Belle would do. It was the least she could do for a family that allowed her into their home.

"Look-" Belle began, as they grew closer and closer to her neighborhood "-I don't mind taking care of my sister if that's what you're getting at."

He looked over and instantly regretted the assumptions he was voicing. He didn't like how stern she was being, especially as the stiffness coming from Belle was due to his poking and prodding. "Nah, ma, it's not like that." He moved his hand to take her hand in his. "I just... whenever you talk about them you get upset."

Belle interlocked her fingers with his. She kept her focus looking out of the window. He was being truthful. Even in their first conversation, Belle confided about why she chose a school slightly far away from her family. How she needed a break from their constant hovering and expectations but felt too bad to go any further away.

"I get that," Belle admitted, "but I got to do what I need to do to keep it all together."

He brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed it.

Fez drove his car through identical streets. Each road was a carbon copy of the next. All neutral color walls and healthy cut lawns with extravagant flower beds. Though even the flower beds mimicked each other. Yet Belle managed to distinguish it all through the street signs and house numbers and the occasional piece of individuality a household allowed to be seen. It creeped Fez out. He felt like his state of residence sported the same old walls as well, but each was seeped with something different. There were stories to be told and dangers to combat. This housing development seemed too clean and too plain. Too many secrets and not enough accountability. The white picket fence lifestyle he never thought he’d have, and honestly was happy to be without it.

Yet, here he was, driving his girlfriend - or whatever they were - to one of these houses. To the place she lived in for two years when they moved here from Pennsylvania. He wondered if the house her family brought her up in back in Pennsylvania was the same way. He wondered about the house her biological parents raised her in. About the houses she lived during her foster care days. He was about to ask which house she preferred in her childhood when suddenly Belle pointed up the road where a broken-down yellow buggy parked in the driveway laid.

“There’s my house. You can just pull in in front of the buggy.”

“Do you want me to come in or -?”

Belle was already forming the word “no” when Fez suddenly stopped the car. A woman randomly appeared in the front of his car, smiling at the two sitting in the car through the windshield, both of her hands occupied with a gallon bag full of trash. Fez wondered if the older woman knew how close he was to running her over.

The women dropped the bags in the trashcan sitting at the end of the driveway. With free hands she waved at the couple frantically and motioned with her hands to come inside.

“That’s my mom,” Belle said, watching as her mom bounce back to the front door, giving them one last smile and another encouraging wave in before disappearing into the pristine single-family home. “Just park next to the buggy.”

Fezco carefully pulled next to the yellow car. “They still got this?”

“Yeah, it broke down when we drove it all the way to California when we moved here. It was just my dad and me and we of course broke down in bum-fuck nowhere, Idaho. Had to call a tow truck and pay him to drive it and us all the rest of the way here. Cost a shit ton of money, but you know, it’s the family yellow buggy.”

Without another look back at her suitor, Belle exited the car, shortly followed by Fez, and walked promptly through the black painted door.

Commotion broke instantly as they entered the foyer. Crosby, their ten-year-old golden retriever, came bounding for the two of them. He jumped onto Belle, welcoming her back home, and reminding her no matter how old he got the pounced would forever throw her off her balance. Crosby then turned his attention to the unfamiliar man and began sniffing Fez like crazy. He bent down as Crosby was sniffing his shoes and began petting him.

Fez looked up at Belle and had a sudden moment of panic.

“Babe,” he whispered under his breath in warning. He stood up and at once started taking her hair out of braid and moving strands to the forefront of her face and neck. He put up the grey hood of his hoodie she was wearing and tied the ends together allowing only her face and some hair to show.

Belle laughed at his erratic and random actions.

“Your hickies were showing,” he whispered in her ear. She continued to laugh but her face became bright red.

“Hello there!” The woman, Belle’s mom, came out of the kitchen and sauntered over to the couple. Her smile was joker-like. “Belle, I see you brought a friend with you!”

“Uh- yes. This is Fezco.” Belle did not expect to be introducing Fezco so soon and so suddenly. And just the night after he had his hands all over her. Not even 12 hours had passed since their first kiss. They hadn’t even had the opportunity to talk about the situation they were in.

“Nice to meet you, ma'am,” Fezco straightened up his stance and lightly shook her mom’s hand.

Belle didn’t like the calculations going through her mom’s head. Late-night calls ignored. No answer till morning. A strange man driving her when a family emergency is happening. And to top it all off they were both wearing clothes that were better suited for sleeping.

“Come on into the kitchen,” her mom beamed, loving the charming formality coming from the tall man standing in her foyer. “Your father and Charlie are having a french toast cook-off. Very rowdy.”

With another calculating smirk, her mom went back into the kitchen where the clanging of kitchen wear could be heard.

“Your mom seems like a very happy person.”

“I think she’s happy at the aspect that I brought you here.”

Belle could just imagine the stories her mom was cooking up.

The kitchen was just what Fez predicted. Clean and organized just like from an Ikea catalog. Even the messes the two gentlemen were making seemed deliberate to create an ambiance of some sort. Like someone was trying deliberately to sell the domesticated American dream.

Fezco couldn’t help but feel suspicious or feel like this was some sort of setup. It was all too easy. The mom had already liked the image of him in her home. The dad had greeted Fezco with excitement and thanked him for driving his girl home safe. The older brother was trying to secure Fezco’s vote for who had the best French toast. It was too normal, and they were acting too nonchalant with his sudden presence. These were the types of people that usually distrusted him from the beginning. Just from look alone and the way he talked. And Fezco never gave a fuck about other people viewed him to be. But he found himself quickly liking the idea of Belle’s family welcoming him so easily because this was Belle for Christ’s sake.

As soon as Belle finished her second slice of French toast, giving her dad her vote, her mom directed her upstairs to deal with her sister.

“Mom, I’m not going to just leave Fezco down here alone.”

“Honey, shush. Frezco will be fine with us.”

“Mom… it’s Fezco.”

“What did I say?”

“Frezco”

“Oh, so no ‘r’.”

Fez gave her a reassuring look, resisting the urge to give her a comforting kiss on the cheek, and took a third helping of French toast.

UPSTAIRS

Belle braced herself for that lay behind the sticker-covered door. Much to their mom’s dismay, the stickers ranged from rainbows to curse worse. From weed leaves and cats. The most accurate representation, in Belle’s opinion, of what kind of person her little sister was.

Jiggling the locked doorknob, she heard her sister yell, “Go away!”

“It’s Belle.”

There was a series of footsteps and a click of the lock. The door opened and Belle pushed herself through. Jill, just like her door, had taken control where she could in this family in her bedroom. The walls were painted black and covered in random scraps of drawings from a notebook and posters of bands and movies. Her bed was filled with an infinite number of pillows. Her closet lay half open with clothes falling out. Her blinds were all the way down and the only things keeping the room lit were the color-changing LED lights bordering the wall. The lights were currently purple.

Jill laid back down on her mountain of pillows with Belle following suit next to her. Her younger sister kept her eyes on the ceiling, but Belle could still see the dark under bags and her red glossy eyes

“So, what happened?” she asked making sure her voice didn’t sound accusing.

The dark, almost black, brunette-haired girl closed her eyes tightly and sucked in a deep breath. “I just hate her so much.”

“Mom?”

“Yes!” Jill whined, finally looking Belle in the eyes. She now noticed the smudged mascara. “She’s driving me up a wall. I have enough to worry about with applying for colleges, work, and my social life and mom is fucking still not satisfied with any of it.”

“Jill -“

“It’s not easy for me like it is for you or Matt or even Charlie. I don’t understand anything that is going on in school, they all think I’m just playing stupid when in fact I’m actually stupid.

“There’s always a fight in school and I’m constantly having to pretend to give a shit about who fucked who in my friend group -“ she paused and took in a deep breath “ - like I just hate being here and I hate mom for holding me to expectations that it’s obvious that I can’t handle.”

Belle’s mind raced with memories as Jill vented to her.

The first time Belle played the piano her body filled with joy. Touching the keys and making a melody. It was an instant rush of happiness. The dark memories and the echoing sound of the gunshot finally were subdued by the little white and black keys her fingers hit. But what Belle remembered the most about the day she first played the notes for jingle bells was the proud looks on her new parents’ faces. Belle and her dad would listen to classical piano music on the way to dropping everyone off at their schools. Her mom would listen in on most of her lessons always sneaking Belle a thumbs up when her teacher praised her on her skills. Each day after dinner she would sit on that piano bench playing and playing and perfecting her notes and finger movements. Never stopping until she had gotten it perfect. She needed it perfect.

The attention and praise grew as she began to write and compose her own pieces in high school. Performing them in piano concerts in front of live audiences and competing in tournaments. When they moved here, Belle began playing guitar at her new school. It overtook her and excited her to the possibilities of music outside of classical. Making modern music with lyrics that expresses your soul. In her advanced music composition class, she was introduced to programming and producing software. To her dismay, her parents looked down on anything that wasn't classical. The other instruments wouldn’t get prizes like classical piano did.

So, she continued with piano at home and secretly everything else at school.

She understood the frustration to live into a certain mold. Belle in her goals to get away from her home had also gotten away from the piano. But she also grew frustrated with Jill, because Belle had worked and worked so hard in order to have the skill and kept at it despite the urge to drop it all. What good would a fight do when it was just piano?

“Why the fuck are you wearing your hoody like that?” Jill asked after silence fell from her rant. “You look like tinky-winky.”

Belle pushed her sister and smacked her on the shoulder. “Not coming home the next time you run away.” A pause. “So, what happened when you ran away.”

Jill reluctantly told her story. At the dinner table, their mom had been going over her grades, again. “It was like the fifth time she brought them up in a week and I was sick of it.” Jill left the house and barged into her girlfriend’s family dinner. After eating, and still not wanting to go back home, she caught up with some of her friends and went running around the neighborhood. Drinking at the park, yelling up at the sky, disturbing sleeping neighbors. The angsty teenage stuff. She fell asleep at a friend’s house and woke up early in a panic about where her phone was. Alone, Jill, hungover as hell, retraced her steps until she found her phone at the park. “The only reason I came back home was because I just wanted to throw up in my toilet.”

“Well, you’re certainly handling everything well.”

DOWNSTAIRS

“So, Fez, what are you up to in life?” James, Belle’s dad, had questioned just as Belle bounded up the stairs. “Tell us about yourself.”

“Uh- well,” the dreaded question. Normally he didn’t care about sharing what he did. He sold drugs; people wanted drugs. What they do with those drugs is none of his business. It’s not McDonald’s fault people got diabetes from their food, not his fault with whatever happens to those who abuse his shit. But looking at the house and the pristine family standing in front of him, he wasn’t sure if Belle would like the idea of them knowing a drug dealer brought their daughter home to them in the early morning hours. “I took over my grandma’s business.”

“What kind of business?” Charlie interjected as he cleaned up the mess from breakfast.

“Convenience shop.”

Fez began to breathe normally again seeing their non-judging faces.

“You make good business?” James asked.

“We make good enough to make profit.”

Belle was still upstairs with her sister. No sign of movement from up there. After a lull of silence Nicole, Belle’s mom came back into the kitchen, her wide smile plastered on her face again as she pulled up her Facebook account on the laptop.

“Fezco,” Nicole took a seat next to her daughter’s new friend and set the laptop on the counter for both to see. “I want to show you some adorable pictures of Belle.”

Charlie barked out a laugh and came running up behind his mom and Fezco to look at the laptop as well. “Yes, let’s show Belle’s new guy friend baby pictures of her.”

Not picking up Charlie’s mean intent for this, Nicole continued through her Facebook to get to the photo folder dedicated to Belle. “Well, we only have pictures of her as little as eight. We do have one of her as a three-year-old sitting on Santa’s lap. Which is the only picture the adoption agency could find for us. But that’s framed and hung up in the bathroom.”

Charlie couldn’t help but laugh again. “Mom, why did you put it in the bathroom?”

“Charlie, shut up.” Nicole snapped, causing Charlie to only laugh harder. “Here Fezco, this is the picture of her the day we picked her up!”

The car was parked on the side of the road, behind them laid the beach. Six individuals stood in front of the car. A tall couple, younger versions of the parents he had just met, stood behind their children. The twins, Charlie and Matt had their lanky arms hung over each other’s shoulders and were giving giant smiles to the camera. Little Jill seemed oblivious that a picture was being taken and stared at the camera with her eyes furrowed as if the sun was blinding her. Then there stood Belle in the middle of it all. She held a soft smile, and her hands were clasped in front of her as she eyed the camera directly.

“Belle told me this story,” Fezco smiled, looking at the picture that displayed one of Belle’s favorite memories. “Told me yellow’s her favorite color cause of this.”

Nicole looked at Fez, her eyes watering, “Did she really say that?”

“Yeah. She loves that yellow buggy.”

Nicole continued to show Fezco pictures and videos she had downloaded onto her account. They were all jumbled about. They would go from one picture of her first day of eighth grade to a picture of her doing her make-up for Junior prom. Each time she told a little story about Belle. Her father too adding his perspective to some of the stories the pictures told. Charlie always trying to add in an embarrassing fun fact about her, causing Nicole to shoo at him.

And the more Nicole went over these pictures and these stories with Fez, the more unrecognizable Belle became to him. Feeling like these pictures and these stories were exposing so much Belle didn’t allow for Fez to see. What frustrated him was that he fell for her more and more after each new story about her past was told of him. It frustrated him that she would want to keep any of this hidden.

“Here’s a picture of Belle winning first place at the classical New Jersey competition -“ “- this trophy she got for writing and performing a piece-“ “-she wasn’t even at the school till junior year but they still wanted her to be class president-“ “-this competition won us a scholarship for her college-“ “-this is the first fish she reeled in-“ “-on the track team-“ “-another performance at another composition competition. I think she only got 3rd place here-“ “-oh here she is at graduation. I wonder if I have her valedictorian speech on here?”

UPSTAIRS

“No, but seriously, why is your hoody so tight around your face?” Jill had come back from the bathroom, washing the tear-stained mascara off her face. “You look like fucking tinky-winky.”

"If I tell you, you have to promise me that you'll talk to mom," Belle said as Jill joined her back on the bed. "She's going to keep Fez and me hostage here until I can promise her I got through to you."

Jill slapped her hand to her mouth in shock, "Fez is here?!"

Belle pulled her hoody string and flung her hair over her shoulders. With her hickies exposed Belle began to convey the events from last night. From the kiss at his store to the shared shower at his place. To now, her showing up in his clothes and him meeting her parents. All in under twenty-four hours.

"And to top it all off he's down there, by himself with mom and dad and Charlie."

Jill didn't even try to hide her laughter. "Belle!" She exclaimed, wiping a tear away and trying her best to calm the smile on her face. "This is the best gift you have ever given me."

"I hate you," Belle put her hood up again and covered her blemished neck with her hair. She stood up from the bed and went for the door. "You coming?"

Jill gave her big sister a solemn smile. "Listen, I just- I can't come down right now. Not with you and Charlie and Fez here. Mom's going to go insane on me and... well... I'll come out of my room today, I promise. Just -"

"I get it. I'll tell her you'll be out soon."

Jill lunged for her sister and hugged her. They looked nothing alike. Belle had golden chestnut hair, a kind face, and piercing green eyes. Jill sported curly black hair, soft brown eyes, and a dusting of freckles over her face. Jill held the features of the family. Belle held the heart of the family.

"Call me after you talk to mom. Okay?" Belle kissed the top of her little sister's head.

"Keep me updated on your boy," Jill couldn't help but joke, desperate to ease the uncomfortable vulnerability.

Belle closed the stickered door behind her and made her way back down the carpeted steps of her home. Walking back into the kitchen to assure her mom that Jill is okay and to give an escape route for Fez from her folks, she stumbled upon her mom, Charlie, and Fez scrolling through pictures of herself as her mom pointed out little details of the said picture and the story behind each photograph. Her father was on the other side laughing at the annoyed look his eldest daughter beheld walking into the show.

Belle cleared her throat and the three turned around. Her mom and brother looking as if they were caught in a crime, Fez with a giant smile on his face.

"Jill said she'll be out sometime today."

Her mom rolled her eyes and mumbled something that sounded like "selfish girl..."

"So," Belle walked over to the three of them and nonchalantly closed the laptop that was showing a picture of her taking swimming lessons in 6th grade. "We are going to head out now. Long ride home and I planned on shopping for school today."

"Getting your textbooks today?" Her dad asked.

"Yeah, and some new notebooks and pens."

"Are we going to have a better semester than last?" Inquired her mom. "You know, Fezco, Belle has such a good heart and such a smart brain. We were so disappointed when hearing that she failed! Our little girl... failing a class. Never thought I'd see the day."

The smile on Fezco's face melted away. The tension in the kitchen was noticeable by all. Belle's dad focused on cleaning the dishes. Charlie left the kitchen. Belle's posture straightened as if she was just stung by a bee at the base of her spine. The only one that seemed unaware of the tension was from the creator of said tension.

"We are going to go," she said stiffly, attempting to ignore her mom's comment.

The car ride home was a silent one again. The couple said their goodbyes before heading back into the car to go home. Fezco kept the radio on low and kept his hand intertwined in hers. Just the same as the car ride to the house.

He waited for her to start the conversation, but Belle was content with the silence. Her eyes never leaving the moving landscapes out of the window. Her hand limply laying in his.

Belle let her mind go into a numb state trying to erase the echo of her mom's parting words, "We were so disappointed..." Not only the words but who she said these words in front of. Yes, Fezco knew about the class she failed but there was more humiliation in being scolded by one's mom in front of someone you were in love with.

Fez's mind was racing from everything he learned about Belle's past.

"You never told me about piano."

Her shoulders tensed.

"Why would I? I don't play anymore."

"Why not? Seems like you were good. Shit, you were winning medals and everything. Why stop?"

She began to bite her nails.

"I just don't play anymore."

The car parked in front of Fezco's place. The engine went quiet.

"That's it? I just don't play anymore."

"Yeah, that's it."

He took the keys out of the ignition.

"I feel like I don't know you," He admitted.

Belle tightened her hold on his hand.

"You don't."

He turned to look at her, but she refused to meet his eyes. They read her too well.

"You ever going to let me know you?"

She dropped her head and stared down at her own lap where their hands lay interlocked with one another. She nodded her head and in a shaking voice she answered, "I'll do my best."

Episode 6: TBD

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oshbluepacific · 3 years

Text

Mixed Signals

Hi there! i’m sorry this request took so long, because i was having trouble with the plot and the characters :(( i’m sorry if it’s not exactly how you request it to be, but i really hope you like it!!

Type: Fluff/Angst

Character: Im Jaebeom (College AU!) x Reader (feat. Jackson Wang, BamBam)

Words Counted: 6K5+

questions and request are available / masterlist

You slower your pace as you passed the white line on the campus tracks. You walked around, before you could bend yourself, pacing your hands on your knees as you were trying to catch your breath.

“(Y/N), Lisa!” You heard your coach yelled. You turn your head to him as you stood up straight.

“If you want to get to the Olympics, you have to beat your own record! This is slow! I need you guys to be more, faster! More power on those legs! Push you limits!” He screamed, as if you were deaf.

“Take a one lap jog, then get your drinks, go!” He then blew the whistle before you could let out a groan and start jogging slowly around the field track.

Finishing a lap, you slowed into a walking pace before you felt a surprise a hit on the back of your head. You stumbled before you fell onto the ground as you heard people mummering behind you.

“(Y/N)!” You heard a familiar voice coming closer before you felt a pair of hands on both of your arms, helping you to get back on your feet. You looked to your side to see Lisa and Jaebum.

“You okay?” Jaebum asked, you exhaustedly nod your head as Jaebum turned to one of his teammates, giving him a death glare.

“(Y/N)! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!” You looked over to the source of the voice, to see Younghoon with a panic and guilt on his face.

“It’s okay.” You assured him with a. weak smile, raising your hand. Before you would move yourself from Lisa’s and Jaebum. “I can stand guys, it’s okay.” You told them, but Jaebum still had his hand on your waist.

“Jaebum, I’m fine…” You assured him, pushing his hands lightly from you.

He looked at you with concern in his face before you gave him a smile.

“Go, you’re still in the middle of practice.” You told him with a light laugh before he slowly backed away and walked towards his team.

You were lucky enough to have met Jaebum during orientation week. Once you settled in your dorm room, you took a walk around campus for the next few days, just to get the maps on which building is which. Your favorite location would be the track and the library. You would work on your assignments int the library. And in your free time, you would read novels and other interesting books that the library has to offer.

You were sitting on the floor,between the aisle, reading The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. When suddenly, a figure appeared. He was wearing a light blue hoodie with what looks like a pair pf cargo pants and sneakers.

“Hey, mind if I sit here?” He asked, in a quiet voice. You nodded your head before he could slump down on the floor. There was a brief moment of silent before you could ask him a question.

“Is this your usual spot?” You whispered, low enough for him to turn his direction from the book.

He nodded his head with a smile, “Yeah, is this yours too?” You nodded your head.

“Yeah, I guess I’m going to start sharing my spot with you.” You smiled, extending your hand. “I’m (Y/N).” You introduced yourself.

“Jaebum.” He took your hand before giving it a shake and he lets go.

Ever since then, you got to know Jaebum better and you both became best friends. You encouraged him to join the football team while he encouraged you to get your foot running on the field track. By the time you’re on your second year of college, you moved out of the dorm to a nice apartment and eventually, you’re the star athlete while Jaebum is the team captain. You both support and look after one another.

Since you’re the one facing championship, he would wait out for you until you finished practice—even if he didn’t have any practice on that day too. He knew you would always gulp down the water you always brought, so sometimes he would come down in the middle of your practice to bring you an extra cool, bottle of water. Once you forgot to bring an extra change of clothing, he actually lends you hist t-shirt. It was too big—but it works perfectly on you for him. He cares about you just as much you care about him.

A lot of the people are thinking that you both are dating and started calling you the ‘Star Athlete Lovers’. It was cute, you really wish that it was true, but when you looked at Jaebum, you think to yourself that he only sees you as someone he cares about—one of his closest friends. Or so you thought.

You finished practice just before the football team did. You took your shower and changed your dirty and sweaty wokout outfit into a pair of shorts and a tank top over the varsity jacket you borrowed from Jaebum. Your hair tied into a messy bun, whereas your running shoes were replaced with a pair of comfortable slippers. You sat on the empty bench as you were waiting for Jaebum to come out from the lockers. About 15 minutes later, he came out, looking fresh, and as always… cute.

“Hey, ready to go?” He asked as he got closer to you. He grabbed your bag that was sitting on the ground.

You nodded your head before you could walk closer to Jaebum as he put his arm around you.

“Hey Lisa… waiting for Bam?” Jaebum asked, turning to her as she exited the lockers room.

“He’s at the parking lot, where are you guys heading?”

“Parking lot.” You smiled.

“I’m joining!” She trotted herself closer to the both of you before you can wall towards the parking lot. You rest your head on Jaebum’s shoulder before he could turn his face to you.

“Something wrong?” Jaebum stopped his tracks as you lift your hand up, motioning him that you were fine.

“It’s your head, isn’t it?” Lisa asked. As lisa asked, Jaebum frowned and you couldn’t glare at Lisa because it’ll only make it obvious.

“No…” You lied, “My body is just killing me lately…” You groaned.

“Same here, I think I’m going to take a bath at home.” Lisa said, in a chirp.

“But, you just shower…” You pointed confused, looking at your running partner.

“Yeah, but they don’t have a tub!” She compained.

When the three of you reached the parking lot, Lisa saw BamBam just gotten out of his car. When he noticed Lisa, a wide smile appeared on his face before she could trot her steps to his boyfriend embrace.

“How was practice?” BamBam asked, as you and Jaebum were approaching closer to them.

Jaebum lets go of his arm from you momentarily to fish his car keys in his pocket before walking towards the back seat to place his bag and yours as well.

“Tiring! (Y/N) to hard hit on the head you know.” Lisa explained and now you didn’t hide your glare.

“Do you really have to tell everybody?” You asked her as you leaned yourself onto the hood of Jaebum’s car who was pasked right next to BamBam’s car.

“Someone power-threw a football onto the back of (Y/N)’s head earlier.” Lisa continued, as Jaebum was suddenly standing beside you.

“How’s the team Bam?” Jaebum asked BamBam about the soccer team.

“We’re good, we’re having a tournament starting in two weeks… I just hope that it’s not in the same day as your run.” Bam said, turning his face to Lisa.

“It better not be!” She pouted, “Hey, I’m starving! How about we go grab a meal? You know, just us four—like a double date.” She suggested.

“We’re not dating!” Jaebum pointed out, only to feel your heart sank and the butterflies died in your stomach.

“We’ll take a raincheck on that group dinner.” You weakly smiled at Lisa before you could lean your head on Jaebum’s shoulder.

“Uh-oh, somebody is getting a headache.” Lisa singed, and you just let out a sigh as you smiled. You could feel Jaebum’s arm around you.

“I guess I’m just tired, can you take me home?” You looked up to Jaebum before he rolled his eyes.

“What do you think I’m doing here?” He said. “Come on, let’s go home, I’ll see you guys later!” Jaebum said, getting on the driver’s side as you got into the passenger.

Lisa too, walked around to the passenger side of BamBam’s car waving her hands in the air as Jaebum turned his car engine on. You pushed the button to roll the window down, waving at BamBam and Lisa as Jaebum pulled away from the parking lot and drove away.

You massaged your temples, while closing your eyes halfway through the drive. Jaebum noticed how drained you look.

“(Y/N), is your head okay?” He asked, his warm palms placed on the side of your face.

“it’s okay… I think I’m just drained from all the running.” You assured him.

“I’m sorry about that, I should’ve caught it.” Jaebum apologized.

“It’s okay Jae, that’s why practice makes perfect.” You told him, trying to wash his guilt away.

“Do you want to stop by somewhere to get some medicine or food maybe?” Jaebum asked you and you nodded your head slowly.

“Food sounds nice.” You told him.

He decided to stop by a mini mart. He asked what you wanted to eat before he told you to just stay in the car and got out. 10 minutes later, he came back with a plastic bag what looks like filled with food, drinks and medicine.

“You didn’t have to buy that much… how much was it?” You asked him. When you were about to fish your wallet from your bag, Jaebum stopped you and shook his head.

“Stop that, it’s almost like you just met me 5 minutes ago.” He smiled at you, placing the plastic bag on the backseat.

“Come on, let’s get you home.” He chirped, shifting the gear before he pulled his car to drive to your place.

You opened the door to your apartment before switching the lights on and kicking your slippers off. Jaebum followed behind you, kicking off his shoes before shutting the door behind him. You placed your bag on the floor before you could walk to the kitchen to get yourself a glass of water. You gulp down half of it as Jaebum was laying out the food he had bought.

“You should change into something more comfortable.” Jaebum said, as he opened the cabinet to get himself an empty glass.

“Yeah…” You nodded.

“Do you want tea or just water?” Jaebum asked you, his hand was about to reach the box of tea.

“Tea is nice… I’ll be right back okay.” You walked past him towards yoru bedroom as Jaebum stayed to brew the tea.

When you came back, the food was already laid out perfectly on the table. You were wearing leggings and a sweater whereas your hair was loose down.

“How’s your head? Really…” Jabeum asked, taking a saet as you do too.

“it’s fine Jaebum… I’m just too tired, the ball didn’t hit me that hard!” You chuckled, assuring him that you were alright.

As the both of you were enjoying your meal, Jaebum shared about his class, and a book he’s been reading. He shared about how the football team is getting together and that they’re all excieted for the upcoming championship coming up.

“Please don’t tell it’s starting in two weeks too?” You pouted and he just chuckled.

“What if it is, in fact, starts in two weeks?” Jaebum, asked, and you just glared at him.

“Well then, I might have to dethrone you and find your replacement.” You grumbled and he burst into laugheter as his hand reached for yours.

“I’m kidding! You know I’ll be there to support you! That’s what best friends are for right?” He smiled. You smiled back at him but it felt like someone just threw a weight lifting equipment to your face.

Jaebum handed you some medicine before you both could clear out the table and you walked him towards the door.

“Thanks for driving me home and… taking care of me.” You smiled to him.

“It feels like it’s already my duty.” He placed his hand on the top of your head.

“Oh, wait your jacket!” As you spun around, Jaebum grabbed you by the arm pulling you into his arms.

“Keep it, I’ll let you know when I need it, I haven’t organized my closet just yet, it’s super full.” He said, and you just rolled your eyes.

“I thought you were going to organize them last Saturday?” You asked him.

“Yeah well, things aren’t always going as planned.” He said, and you rolled your eyes.

“Go, before it gets late.” You pushed his face lightly as he got his hand on the door handle.

“Alright, I’ll see you on Monday.” He smiled before opening the door.

You waved your hand at him before he did and closed the door behind him.

Jaebum stood there for a brief seconds before he let out a breath. He then walked away from the door down to the basement where he parked his car. The drive back to his place was quiet now. He fumbled through his keys when he arrived to the front door of his shared apartment with his roommate before entering.

He heard the sound of the TV as he kicked his shoes off and placing them on the rack. He found his roommate, Jackson was watching the NBA match.

“Hey, you’re home!” Jackson looked over his shoulder.

“Huh, not working today?” Jaebum asked, slouching on the couch next to him.

“Nope, something else came up, I had to take a day off.” Jackson explained.

There was a brief silent before Jaebum let out a heavy sigh and Jackson turned to him.

“Uh-oh… there’s the sigh, what happened today with (Y/N)? Jackson asked suddenly turning his attention to his best friend.

“Nothing happened.” Jaebum muttered, but he knew his friend didn’t buy it at all.

Jackson got his face close to Jaebum that he actually had to lean away.

“Dude—”

“What happened to her? Tell me, it’s bothering you.” Jackson said.

“First of all…” Jaebum then pushed Jackson’s chest back to where he was seated with his feet before he could sit back. “And secondly, I think I just screw myself up.”

“Oh no… what did you do this time Jae…” Jaebum doesn’t know whether his friend is supporting, or mocking him.

Jaebum told him about how you’re having a win in two weeks and how he had let a football flew across his hand and hit the back of your head. He even told Jackson about how he slipped the ‘that’s what best friends are for’ phrase and Jackson made a face.

“I know! I screwed myself over.” Jaebum rolled his eyes, before covering his face with the palms of his hands.

“Do you love her?” Jackson asked, raising his eyebrows before Jaebum could give him a glare.

“What do you think?” Jaebum asked but heldp up his hand.

“Look—” He then gets into a position. Before he started speaking, he took the TV remote and lower the volume.

“This is what I think…” Jackson started. “To me, you like her. But you don’t want to take anything to the next level—you don’t want to take the next step because you’re comfortable on where you are.

“She can’t show her that she likes you too because she doesn’t even know where you’re standing… and now you’ve just made that fine line between you and her, I bet she’s feeling hurt right now.” Jackson said, as he stood up from the couch and Jaebum just stare at him.

“Water?” Jackson offered. Jaebum nodded his head before Jackson could walk towards the kitchen to get some drink.

Jaebum went deep into his own thoughts. He wanted to take you out, but whenever he asked you, the word ‘hangout’ would always pop out. Whenever he said ‘I love you’ to you, he would follow a joke afterwards so that nothing gets awkward, when really— he meant those three words. Whenever he touches you, he tried to keep his cool, whenever you hugged him, he acts all gross but hugged you anyway because he likes being hugged by you. Whenever people teased about him with you, being ‘The Star Athlete Lovers’ the butterflies in his stomach comes to life, but he knew that he had to die that down so that nobody can see how he felt about you.

Jackson came back with two glass of iced water before handing Jaebum one and sat back down on the couch.

“She’s into you, you know.” Jackson said before he took a sip of his water, causing Jaebum to choke on his water.

Jaebum placed the glass on the coffee table before he could cough his way to catch his breath, wiping his lips with his hands.

“How’d you know that?” Jaebum asked, sill coughing.

“Jaebum… one of the boys from the fencing team actually try to get to her, but she turned him down… including me.” Jackson said and Jaebum raised hi eyebrow.

“I’m kidding!” Jackson slapped Jaebum’s thigh as he shook his head.

“But I know that she does…” Jackson said, his voice calm and assuring. “I saw how she looks at you, and looks after you. Remember when you both show up to my fencing?” Jackson asked, and Jaebum nodded.

“Yeah, the one where you accidentally slipped but win right?” Jaebum poked and Jackson rolled his eyes.

“I can’t believe you remembered that—but yes! When you left to get drinks, I saw the way she looked for you, I saw how her smile always grew from ear to ear, everytime you’re by her side. She’s like this radiant star whenever she’s around you!” Jackson pointed.

Jaebum stayed silent for a good second before he nodded his head.

“How do I make her believe that I do want to be with her?”

Jackson smiled, raising his glass. Jaebum didn’t know why, he took his glass and clinked it with Jackson.

“Well at this point, all you have to do, is to tell her how you really feel.” He smiled.

The week passes by so fast, the closer it gets to your championship. And without a doubt, Jaebum is always there to support you. When he didn’t have any classes to attend nor practice, he would pick you up from campus. And even sometimes he would take you out to eat dinner first before he could take you home. During the day offs, he would come to your place and joined relaxing stretching with you. He was that emotional support for you—he was this pillar.

The closer it gets the more nervous you felt. You’re running the tracks just two days before the championship because tomorrow would be your rest day.

“Alright girls, cool yourself down.” Your coach said as you and Lisa were panting and dying for oxygen to breathe. Lisa dropped to the ground, laying herself flat onto the red dirt.

“Let me be, I’m fine!” She breathed, raising her arm up. You placed your hands on your hips as you throw your head back.

“I think that’s enough for today, tomorrow is your rest day before the big championship, and remember—this might be an opportunity for you to represent your country in the next Olympic!” Your coach told you and you just nod your head.

You wanted that spot. You wanted to win, and to represent your country to an Olympic. This is why you always push yourself to your limit, why you always train so hard.

“Okay, you both cool yourself down first before you hit the shower and head straight home alright? Lisa, call of every plan you have with BamBam tonight!” He commaned Lisa before she sat up straight with a pout.

“Shucks.” She muttered.

“And (Y/N) tell Jaebum to make sure you get proper rest.” He said and you nodded your head, smiling at the detail that your coach pays attention to you and Lisa’s relationship. You don’t know if that’s creepy or cute.

When the coach left, you and Lisa were still sitting on the ground, enjoying the cold water while the sun was setting. The sky was showing its beautiful contrast of orange with blue.

“Are you nervous?” Lisa asked, nudging you by the shoulder.

“I am…” You nodded your head.

“I think you have nothing to worry about.” Lisa smiled, as she got up from the ground picking her bag.

“Why is that?” You chuckled.

“Because you got this. You got the speed, time and stamina.” She said and you just smiled at her compliment.

“Are you waiting for Jaebum?”

“Yeah, I’m about to text him though.” You said, not having any motivation to get your phone from your bag.

“Well, I have to leave okay, Bam is in the parking lot already, are you sure you’re okay here by yourself?” Lisa and asked and you waved your hand.

“Go, I’m going to hit the shower first.” You told her as you struggled to get your butt off from the ground.

“Okay, get some rest! See you later!” Lisa waved at you as she rushed to the parking lot. You watched her fading further before she could dissepear making the corner.

You fished your phone from your bag before you could type a short text letting Jaebum know you’re finished. Your thumb stopped moving before it could press the ‘Send’ button. You looked around the empty track. The gear turned in yoru head before you locked your phone and shoved it aback into your bag and started to take a walk on the track.

“One lap won’t hurt right?” You asked yourself.

But you lied to yourself, you ended up jogging around 3 laps and 2 laps full sprint. As you were cooling down yourself, you saw someone standing by the bench where you placed your bag. He was wearing a black hood, grey shorts and slippers. You jogged closer to see Jaebum with disappointment on his face.

“Why didn’t you call me?” He asked.

“I still wanted to run around…” You told him, as you gasped for air.

“I was getting worried!” He told you.

“Well, you’re here now, I’m fine.” You said, before getting the water bottle from your bag, taking a chug.

“You’re over working yourself… you muscle needs to rest too.” He pointed to you.

“I’m fine Jaebum! You don’t need to worry about me all the time, I’m not your girlfriend.” You snapped at him, taking a towel form the top of your bag to dry wipe your sweat away.

Jaebum was surprised that you suddenly snapped. You saw the hurt expression flashed on his face, making you feel guilty for the way that you act before he nodded his head. He was

“I’m sorry… I was just worried.” He suddenly apologized, which just makes you even guilty.

“Of course, you were.” You didn’t know where your attitude came from.

You packed your bag aggressively before you slug your bag over your shoulder.

“Let’s just go home.” You told him not having the guts to look at him.

He nodded his head in agreement, saying “yeah” under his breath. He walked ahead of you as you followed behind him.

You felt the tension between yourself and Jaebum as you walked towards his car. You opened the backseat door to place your bag as he went to the diver side. You shut the door before you could hop into the passenger seat as he turned his engine on. You sat there in silence, your body felt rigid against the seat. Jaebum didn’t even say anything. He stayed silent for the rest of the trip back to your place.

When he parked his car, you quickly got out and grabbed your back from the backseat.

“Are you coming?” You asked Jaebum, as he turn to you.

“Yeah, yeah…” He answered you turning the car engine off before you could shut the passenger door.

He followed behind you, when you both were standing in the elevator, you felt this moment of silence between you two. You knew it was slowly killing you. You looked over to him as he was leaning, against the elevator metal wall, as his eyes looking down, his face full of thought. When the elevator dinged, you turn your head back before he could catch you staring. You walked out and he followed behind you. you fumbled through your keys before you unlocked and opened the door. You stepped inside, kicked off your shoes. Jaebum entered your apartment as you walked inside and heard the door being closed behind you. You dropped your bag on the floor before you could open the door to your room.

“I’ll take a shower, I’ll be right back.” You told Jaebum before disappearing into your room.

You stood under the shower, closing your eyes as you try to take 10 deep breaths to get yourself calm. Washing your anger away. Once you felt you were calm enough, you hopped out and dried yourself before you could put yourself into comfortable clothes.

You walked out from your room to find Jaebum sitting on the couch, with his phone in his hand. You watched his thumb sending a quick text before he noticed you were standing.

“Hey are you feeling better?” He asked as he got up from the couch, shoving his phone into his pocket. He walked closer to you, holding your arms and you nodded your head.

“Yeah… I guess I’m okay…” You answered him nervously.

“Because I might have to leave right now.” He said, sounding even more guilty.

“What? Why?” You asked him.

“It’s… uh…” His phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it to take a quick peak.

“If it’s because I snapped to you earlier, then I’m sorry I was just—”

“Hey, it’s okay, you’re feeling tensed, you’re just… nervous.” He kicked it off.

“No, no, no… I was out of line, you were worried about me—look Jaebum.” You parted from his embrace and walked further enough so you could see him.

“I Shouldn’t have snapped at you like that, I mean—for god’s sake—you’ve always watch over me, you took care of me when I’m sick, you care for me—it’s as if you love me, but you’re giving me mixed signals and I’m just giving you mixed signals as well!” You blurted out.

Once you said it, you quickly covered your mouth with your hands and you watched Jaebum with his surprised expression.

“I uh…” You couldn’t think of any other things to say.

“(Y/N)—”

“No…” You shook your head, walking past him with tears, burning your eyes.

Before you could even make it back to your room, Jaebum grabbed your arm and pulled you, twirling you around before he could crash his lips onto you. You were surprised at first but the second you felt his arms around you, you gladly kissed him back, wrapping your arms around his neck.

You both pulled away from the kiss to catch each other’s breaths before you could look up into his eyes.

“As much as I want, to say, that I love you, and list off everything that I love about you, but I have to rush, okay? I’ll text you later.” He said giving you a quick peck before he bolted towards the door and left your apartment.

You stood there, speechless with million things going on in your mind. You wanted to scream, and chase after Jaebum, you wanted to cry thinking that much things are better left unsaid. You sat on the couch, replying—digesting what just happened earlier with yourself.

That night, you waited for Jaebum to text you, but nothing came. You eventually moved yourself to your bedroom before you drift yourself to sleep. You woke up just about noon, you didn’t blame yourself, you were tired and having a cranky attitude last night. You reached out for your phone and noticed a text from Jaebum.

FROM: Jaebeom

Hey

Firstly, I want to apologize I had to leave abruptly. Jackson got into a big fight at a bar and apparently it’s not fencing that got him hospitalize

I would love to talk over our conversation last night, but I would much rather do it in person. I hope you can get much rest now, tomorrow is you big day!! I’ll be there to support! But right now, I need to take care of Jackson for now, I’ll let you know if anything comes up or if I could swing by later tonight.

I love you.

You immediately dialed Jaebum’s number, and right after the third ring, you could hear his raspy, sleepy voice.

“Hello?” He answered.

“I-I’m sorry, did I wake you up?” You apologized, holding your body with your arm.

“No… it’s fine, I’m still at the hospital right now, Jackson is okay to get back home today.” He said, updating about his roommate’s condition.

“What exactly happened to him?” You asked him.

“Well, he got into a nasty fight apparently when he went out. He didn’t do anything, but someone accidentally hit him and then he joins the fight before someone allegedly hit his back with a chair.” Jaebum explained and you could feel your body went rigid.

“Oh my god, arrest that dude!” You exclaimed, climbing out of your bed and you could hear Jaebum chuckled.

“The person is injured as well, but right after this he’s heading to the police station for questioning. Jackson’s fine now, but he’s going to need a long bedrest after this… No work, no fencing practice and apparently he can’t join classes for a week—a total, bedrest.” Jaebum explained.

“Ah… I’ll make sure to come by to your place to take care of him as well then.” You told him before the silent between of you became awkward.

“Listen, Jaebum about last night—”

“Did you get my text?” He asked and you nodded your head before quickly realizing he couldn’t see you.

“Yeah—”

“Is it bothering you?” He asked.

“Maybe… it’s slowly driving me crazy if I think about last night.” You told him.

“I’m sorry, I promise we’ll talk about this when I see you.” He said.

“Okay.”

“Alright then, I have to go, the doctors are here, I’ll text you if I can come and swing by later.”

“Okay, oh, please, tell Jackson to get well soon.”

“Of course—Oh, and (Y/N)?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

Right after Jaebum hung up the phone, you felt those butterflies you’ve been feeling becoming even more alive than before. You thought about going to his place but you know it would only led to your uncontrollable emotions and arguments with him. You went with your day like nothing happened (only that Jaebum is super busy for you), letting yourself and your body get some rest before the big run tomorrow. The next day you couldn’t be more nervous. You haven’t heard from Jaebum for exact 24 hours, but you couldn’t blame him for not texting you because he’s busy taking care of Jackson.

You went to the stadium with Lisa and BamBam, since you asked her in advance the night before the event. The place was crowded since it’s all athletics competition being held in one stadium. Being the 100 Meter sprint, Pole Vault, Athletics Long Jump, Athletic High Jump, artistic Gymnastics and others.

“Man, this place is packed.” Lisa said, as she gave her bag to BamBam.

With annoyance on his face, he still took it and slung it on his shoulder.

“Is Jaebum coming?” Lisa asked, twirling around to look at you and you were surprised when she twirled. You lift both of your shoulders.

“I don’t know…” You answered her truthfully.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about him (Y/N), I’m sure he’s going to turn up some time.” Bam said, trying to get your mind off from things.

You changed into your running gear before one of the committees gave you a tag before helped you pinned in onto your clothing and told you that you should stretch before you start. You stretched your body before you suddenly felt a tap on your shoulder.

“Jaebum!” You wrapped yoru arms around him and you felt his hand on your back as he let out a laugh. “You’re here, I thought you’re not going to come!” You pulled away your face, placing your hands on the side of his face.

“Why the hell would you think that? I’ll always be here for you…”

You stayed quiet but you could feel your heart race.

“(Y/N), I know I left you feeling confused and mad… if things weren’t so urgent, I would be staying with you. I was going to walk to you about this, that night, but things took a turn and I had to rush. But you know what, enough about that and just—I love you, okay? I want to have a relationship with you. I’ve been wanting to go out with you since the first time I bumped into you in orientation week. I’m sorry that I’ve given you mixed signals, but I was because I was scared that you don’t feel the same way, and I thought that if this is the closest, I could get with you, it was okay as long as I don’t lose you.” He explained. His eyes darted elsewhere before he could look back to your eyes.

“As much as I want to talk about this again, you have a field to sprint on.” He said with a smile and you just giggled before he could lean down, pressing his lips onto yours.

“Goodluck. I’ll wait for you in the finish line.” He said.

You smiled as he jogged his way to the side of the finish line where BamBam was too.

When you heard the shot, you lift your body, moving your legs rapidly as if you never moved them before. You sprint as fast as you can, passing 1 person… 2…. Then 4, before you know it you were in the lead. But that didn’t slow your pace, it only made you faster. You felt your thigh burning already but the red line was at sight. You felt someone was coming closer behind you before you could see from the corner of your eyes that the runner is beside you. You picked up your pace and gotten yourself ahead. Just as you were about to hit the finish line, you felt a tug at your back, but you pushed forward, only to found yourself stumbling forward before you made impact with the ground and rolled around before you came into halt.

“(Y/N)!” You heard multiple voices but Jaebum’s voice stood out.

You tried to get yourself up, only to find Jaebum laying you back down as BamBam and your couch tower over your body. You watched your coach disappear, ranting and cursing out the unfairness while Jaebum can only just look at you with worry eyes.

“Are you okay?” He asked, breathing heavily, as you were trying to catch yours.

You swallowed hard. “I’m fine, but my right leg is hurting.” You told him.

Jaebum opened his mouth to say something but the paramedics pushed him aside. While they were throwing you all tons of question, you slowly try to get up and Jaebum was back.

“I’m okay, I’m fine, I just need some help to get up.” You told them, and they backed away.

Despite little scars and bleeding coming from your knee, you were okay. Jaebum and BamBam helped you to get back on your feet and sat you down on the side.

“Coach is not liking this…” Bam said, looking towards your coach who arguing with the committee.

You looked down to your feet. As you were trying to catch your breath, Lisa came with tears in her eyes.

“You okay? I saw that girl pulled you! She’s getting disqualified I hope!” Lisa cried crouches down to hug you.

“I’m fine… just at shock.” You told her, before she stood back up and BamBam handed her a water bottle and handed you one as well.

Jaebum stood up and let his hand slipped away from yours.

“Jae…” He didn’t listen and walked up to where your coach was having an argument with.

You watched as he got your coach calmed down before they both walked towards you.

“Well, clearly, she got disqualified, and… this is not how I imagined how we celebrate a victory…”

“You mean…” You moved your body forward, your heart racing.

“(Y/N), you’re in first place, you’re a champion!” He smiled and you could feel your little circle getting all excited and happy.

“Well, you know what this means?” Lisa chirped and your eyes widen.

“I have a shot in the next Olympic games?!” You asked, quiet shocked yourself, and your coach nodded.

“You’ve worked hard to get this far, and I will help you to get to the top.” He smiled.

He then told you to get some rest before getting home and wishing your speedy recovery before he went to the committee again.

You could feel your eyes burning, and your body bouncing from the ground, but still not getting up.

“I feel like I might cry! I’m so excieted and so happy but sad at the same time because ei can’t jump because my body hurts!” You cried and Jaebum sat by your side, putting his arm around you.

“I’m so proud of you.” He smiled.

“Congratulations sweetie!” Lisa cried, crouching down to hug you.

“Congrats!” BamBam joined in.

You tried to put your arms around them as you sniffled. “Uhm.. guys, it’s getting hard for me to breathe.” You said and they all quickly parted.

“We’re proud of you, do us proud later on too!” Lisa cheered.

“We’re thinking about heading out to get something to eat, do you want to come?” BamBam asked, and you turn to Jaebum.

“We’ll join you guys in a second.” He smiled, before Lisa and BamBam left.

“Well… are you happy?”

“I am… of course I am!” Smiled widely looking at Jaebum.

He watched your eyes for a moment before he slowly leaned in, closer to your face, pressing his lips firm against yours, giving you’re a sweet soft kiss.

“I’m really proud of you… I love you.”

“I love you too.” You smiled before he could give you a quick peck.

“Now come on…” He got up before he could slip his hands under your legs and back before he could lift you up from the ground.

“Let’s get you fixed up and get some food for you. because I have two babies to take care of and that is you, and my man baby, Jackson.” He laughed and you joined in.

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