#kdrama flash… can you imagine (i do not watch kdramas)

[danothan]

good morning

#danbles #the flash #eobard thawne #dc #i keep having awful dreams every night i wake up in a pool of sm sweat that i keep thinking i pissed myself. but no i’m just sweaty #this one wasn’t too bad tho. it was actually in the stylings of a kdrama somehow #kdrama flash… can you imagine (i do not watch kdramas) #dream journal

[alluringjae]

all i do is wait - kdy

All I Do Is Wait | So Close

⤑ summary: one day, kim doyoung was alive. the next, he wasn’t. he left you and the world too soon, but he made a promise: to look out and wait for you until the very end.

⤑ pairing: doyoung x female reader

⤑ word count: 22.7k

⤑ genre: angst (so much longing), major slow burn, fluff (if you squint really well), slight unprotected smut (not my forté) | ghost!doyoung, hotel del luna!au,  slight college!au, 40s to 90s!au (loads of flashbacks)

⤑ warnings: death, grief, explicit language, sexism (screw the patriarchy omfg), mentions and scenes of alcohol, drinking, smoking, war, unplanned pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion, ghost possession of humans (in like one scene only tbh)

⤑ playlist: fly away with me by nct 127 | all about you by taeyeon | doll by baekhyun and doyoung | give you my heart by iu | wait by exo | like a fool by nive and sam kim | falling by harry styles | lovers by anna of the north | fallingforyou by the 1975 | you are the sunshine of my life by stevie wonder

⤑ long author’s note: minors, beware of the warnings! i highly recommend you watch the kdrama beforehand so you would understand the universe, even if majority of the characters are from my imagination. i also did some prior historical research. though there are inaccuracies, this story is just fiction. importantly, i don’t own the hotel del luna series; they serve as the main inspiration but with some of my twists. i’m also bit rough with writing lately, so there’s also room for improvement. overall, prepare your heart.

i cried so much in the process.

italicized texts symbolize conversations in a dream call. *wink* *wink*

⤑ gif above not mine, ctto!  leave me some feedback, constructive criticism or hellos!

After all decades of waiting, it’s finally time.

As a soul still wandering in the living world, Doyoung’s options were limited. To peacefully go ahead into the afterlife or wait for his lover by working in the hotel for ghosts until she passed.

He’d chosen the latter, the betrayal he felt from the deities to have gone so soon.

And leave you behind.

But first, let’s take a trip down Doyoung’s journey; life, death, and after it.

1948

Kim Doyoung came from a well-off family. He was a university student, taking up journalism as a pre-law course. He wanted to right the wrongs and let justice prevail. Blessed by his privilege, he wanted to be of service to others who cannot afford it.

Both of you crossed paths at a university in Busan as seatmates. Right after the South Korean constitution granted women’s rights to education, immediately you aimed high and applied for the top universities in the city. After being homeschooled and self-studying under the books, the opportunity to go to an actual school was like a dream come true especially when you received acceptance letters from all of them.

Your first impression of him was that he was moody and quite snobby. When you politely asked him once if you can take a peek at his notes because you lost track of the professor’s lecture, he refused with an annoyed glare.

“You should try harder then.” You nodded in gratitude anyways, taking those words to encourage you. Though it still stung.

When classes that day concluded, you were so ready to return to the women’s dorm and take a breather from men. Since you were far from your village, maybe you would give a call to your father, your mentor all your life to seek his guidance on your professors’ lessons. Once you found your bike and placing your books on the basket in front, a light tap on your shoulder caught you off-guard and almost made you topple over.

“Oh, sh-”

“Oh my, I’m sorry for scaring you like that.”

When you directed your body to the source, it was none other than Kim Doyoung. He removed his blazer from class, resting it on his arm. He wore these suspenders and leather loafers, sporting the rich, preppy boy look. His eyes looked softer, apologetic by the way he gave a slight pout.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. It was rude of me to shun you like that.”

Unfortunately, it was rare to find young men like him to own up to their mistakes When you’re the only woman in that class, the majority of the boys are either snickering with judgment at your presence.

“Women are only meant to stay at home.”

“She’s weak. She won’t last here with the deep, legal terminologies the professors use.” Those insults aren’t new to you.

Doyoung seemed like a plot twist in the social narrative. You were surprised, to say the least, yet relieved.

“Oh, it’s okay. Considering I interrupted you from listening to the professor, I could’ve waited after class or as you said, study harder.” You accepted.

Doyoung still felt awful for his attitude, fiddling his briefcase. He struggled to express himself through words, understanding why many had this impression of him being cold. If he were to be honest, his actual initial impression of you was that you were hardworking and resilient, setting a new example of the modern woman. He thought that being too soft on you in class may look degrading, thus his statement from the class was just him treating you the same way as other boys who don’t study hard enough. Unfortunately, it backfired completely.

As a man who grew up with the belief to always pay respect to everyone without discrimination, he had to make it up to you somehow.

“It’s still wrong of me to say that to you, (Y/N). So-” He trailed on, opening his case to bring out one of his notebooks. Without hesitating, he handed it to you. “I took as many notes from the lecture on fallacies here. If there’s any way I can help you in the future, I’m more than willing to help you.”

This newfound kindness from a boy in this patriarchal university may be the silver lining in your current stay. You weren’t too sure if you would get a chance like this in the coming years, so you gladly took it. Noticing the engraved “K.DY” on the lower right side of it, which were his initials, it’s easy to identify that he was rich. But his attitude was different than the others.

Placing it carefully in the front basket, you steadied your body to the handles and pedals of the bike. “Thank you for this, Doyoung. I will return it to you as soon as possible.”

Knowing he was of help to you, he flashed a gummy smile. “No problem, (Y/N). If you want, we can review it before class too just in case the professor gives another surprise quiz.”

You let out a laugh, being reminded of your horrified face on a previous surprise quiz in the past. “Oh god, I flunked that quiz! Damn him.”

Ever since that conversation, it’s where your friendship started.

Going to university became more enjoyable and less daunting, having Doyoung defend you from other boys (even if you’ve told him so many times that you can handle it). After you found out that Doyoung’s status was more elite than you assumed, a lot of boys wouldn’t want to try and test him since their family lines would be at risk. You had a better focus on your academics, and if it weren’t for you, other girls attending university with you would’ve never thought women students would befriend the men. You were the shift in the narrative.

As lucky as you are to have a female support system in the patriarchal university, you found yourself always hanging out with Doyoung. He was filled with so much compassion in his heart and there were beliefs that you both surprisingly shared in your conservative society, deepening your bond. One of them was the sexist view of women as low-status people. He told you one time that thinking that way is like thinking his loving mother is undeserving of things in life. It’s an unacceptable concept, he added. You even met his mother at some point, and she’s a sweetheart.

Another was having the frustration towards those who shame on women who want to study and learn rather than to submit to the power of men so early in their lives.

“I’m so sick of people telling me to stop studying and settle down with some random boy. There’s just so much to learn out here!” You complained. It was one hot weekend that time, and you were both relaxing under the shade of a big tree by a flowing river. That spot is hidden, thus claiming it as your spot. Doyoung leaned by the tree reading while you rested on his lap. At this point, you’ve grown very comfortable with him. Doyoung sighed, putting his book to discuss his thoughts.

“Agreed. You seriously deserve so much better, (Y/N). People today just don’t get it.”

Huffing away that stress, your head tilted to get a better view of Doyoung.

“Doyoung, do you think things will get better for women in the future?” He admired your hopefulness in times of trouble. Stroking your hair to soothe you, he gave a positive reply.

“If we keep fighting for it, then we’ll progress. So let’s not give up, okay?” Your heart couldn’t help but leap.

As he looked at you with blooming flowers from the tree in the background, it was a matter of time where your initial feelings for him diverted into something more. The concept of butterflies in your stomach was only introduced to Doyoung in novels, but he wondered if it’s the exact feeling he was getting from you. From your intelligence to your sharp tongue to fight back the rude boys, the list goes on all the traits that he liked about you.

Weeks later, the questionable status of your friendship changed after he unexpectedly kissed you for the first time while stargazing at your special spot. It caught you off guard at first as your lips froze, him pulling away immediately. He rubbed the nape of his neck out of embarrassment, struggling to maintain eye contact with you.

“Oh shit. I’m so sorry, (Y/N). I screwed up everything, didn’t I?”

As much as the heat in your cheeks increased, you couldn’t deny that you liked it. You’re bold enough to do it again.

“Nope,” you shook your head at him. “Kiss me again, Doyoung.”

Like a movie, the first snow of the season drizzled down on the two of you.

Feeling braver, he leaned forward again to meet your lips again. You may not be experienced physically since it was your first, but that’s what all those romance novels you’ve browsed through are for. Forget the fireworks, people would compare the ideal kiss. It was more like everything paused so this moment can run on its momentum. Lips still locked, Doyoung gripped your waist so you can sit on his lap. As the friction intensified, his lungs needed to breathe for a second. Pulling away slowly, it was an opportunity to take a good look at you. Flustered, messy hair, swollen lips, he would’ve never known that the feelings were mutual.

“First kiss under the first snow? I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

1950

Dating Doyoung gave you the best two years of your life. He’d bike with you to your spot, recommend you new books to read, cook for you when you’re too lazy to at the dorm, and take you around the city he was ever so familiar with.

“Oh c’mon, let’s try this out!”

You dragged his arm to this new contraption that can take your photos in a flash. This was at an annual city fair, your first time to attend one. Because your small village couldn’t cater to these kinds of events, you beamed with excitement with all the amusement outlets such as rides, games and more. All Doyoung wanted was to eat and play few games, then return. He wasn’t much for photos, but because it was your first, he decided to go for it. Two people couldn’t fit the cushion, so you settled on his lap. One arm wrapped behind his neck, you inserted a few coins to activate the machine.

“So we have a few seconds before it starts, so you better smile, okay?” He ordered you based on the instructions of the machine.

The first shot was matching grins, the second showed your bright smiles, the third let your creativity wild with silly expressions, and the last was him pecking your cheek unexpectedly. The authentic surprise was captured.

“Let’s take another one so you can have a copy.” You insisted, searching through the small pockets of your purse for more coins.

“(Y/N), it’s okay. I don’t want-” He was cut off by the machine activating again as your coins entered inside.

“Too late, smile!” The first shot almost caught Doyoung in a frenzy, but he pulled it off with an open smile. The second expressed your laughter from your slyness, him sporting crinkled eyes when you let your tongue out and placed your hands near the temples of your head to mock him. To sort out your playfulness, Doyoung surprised you by grabbing your wrists to place them back on his shoulders. Without a breath, one free hand tugged you closer and his lips shut you up. You deepened your kiss by leaning forward and fisting the hems of his buttoned-up top. Kissing back was natural, not caring where you were and if the camera snapped your moment of intimacy. Doyoung always liked taming you with his kisses. You didn’t mind making out for a bit in the booth if it weren’t for the loud knocking from the side put a stop to your risqué antics.

“Yah! Take your making out session someplace, other people are waiting outside!”

The both of you could care less, laughing mid-kissing at the disturbance you’ve caused. It’s a thing when you’re young and in love, perhaps. Eventually, innocent kisses ignited an invitation to his bed.

“I’ve never done this before, but I want to do it with you.” You gave your full consent, laying on his soft bed in your undergarments. His entire family went on vacation, so you took advantage of it.

The way he crawled on top of you, his slender hands spreading your legs wide open like another novel waiting to be unraveled. Erotica was a genre you never explored, but Doyoung finds it as his guilty pleasure. Who would’ve known that the most prestigious, gentleman-like man of the university found amusement in sex? His lingering touches intoxicated your entirety, allowing him access. His tongue did you wonders, releasing these sensations you’ve never known was possible. Tugging on his hair as he passionately devoured your core for the first time, this knot in your core unwound and your vision went white for a split second. This rush of pleasure and exhaustion filled your veins, yet you craved more.

That night, giving each other your virginities, marked the first time you declared your love for each other.

Though there are times when dating wasn’t easy either, having prying eyes around you with judgment and the unavoidable stress from university, you’d sort things out in the end. After all, it’s in fights and arguments where you learn more about each other and grow from it.

If someone asked you to settle down already, Doyoung is the first candidate for your hand. You’ve sent letters to your parents talking about him and met his family.

“You’re the only girl who softens him up in this society of uptight men.” His mother whispered when you helped her wash the dishes after dinner.

As much light he brought to your life those two years being together, it turned into the worst and something questionable when the Korean war began.

You vividly remember the day Doyoung admitted to you his enlistment in the South Korean army. It was mandatory for men his age to serve. His dream to pursue law was to be put on hold, especially when schools were closing down. Though he’d try to confide with himself that serving in this war is another way to help his country, his nationalism outweighed his fear of death. Just as long as it brings them closer to a better tomorrow, he was willing.

Unfortunately for you, you were terrified shitless because again, it’s a war. If your childhood wasn’t enough to recall all those painful emotions from the past world war, you didn’t know what would. Being able to survive is a miracle, so there was no way you would let Doyoung go. The ignorance you gave towards him to protect your heart, moving to your aunt and uncle’s home in the same city after the university suspended classes since going back to the village was a big struggle.

So many villages have been bombed already, increasing your anxiety. All you hoped now was to be reunited with your family safely. It’s a good thing though they already left as soon as they could and are on their way to the city. One normal day while you were teaching your younger cousins how to read, there was a knock on the front door. Since your aunt was busy cooking dinner, you took charge to open it in hopes you’ll find your family on the other side.

However, it was none other than that someone you still couldn’t face just yet. He wore the familiar dark green uniform with black combat boots, his fluffy hair fully shaved even it’s covered by his hat. By the dirt on his face, he must’ve trained earlier that day. With a heavy backpack behind him, he’s on his way somewhere but you didn’t know where. You closed the door behind you so you can speak to him privately.

“What are you doing here, Doyoung? How did you find me?”

“I knew you didn’t want to talk for a while, so I gave you space. But today, I found out that I’m going to be stationed in Seoul tomorrow.”

Seoul was where most of the war was happening. Your heart was shattered.

“So I went to your dorm, but your roommate told me you moved out and gave me this address here.” He answered honestly with this new burden to top it off, not having the courage to look you in the eyes to avoid crying. “I needed to see you, (Y/N).”

“Doyoung,” within those times of separation, you re-evaluated if running away from him was the right choice. Even if he tried to convince you of the good things about being in the army, everything always comes at a price. War meant his life was uncertain daily. You just wanted him to yourself, to stay by your side, to help out in the war in other ways, but it would be selfish to stop him from his goals. So you gently embraced him, making him drop his bag to the side. With extreme fear comes your soft whimpers against his chest. Rather than running away so fast, you should’ve mustered all those remaining bits of courage to spend it with him. He must be feeling terrified too.

“I’m just scared for you. War doesn’t guarantee anything. Us surviving world war two is still miraculous.” Doyoung winced at your truthful words as he returned that embrace. There go his tears that he shed almost every night since he told you about his enlistment.

“I had no choice, (Y/N). My family and I would be in big trouble if I didn’t follow orders.”

“I know. I’m sorry I ran away, Doyoung.” You continued to sob as you feel him stroke your hair from behind. He knew well that it was one way to calm you down.

“If only we didn’t live in harsh times like this.” He sighed, longing for the same thing. He cursed whoever decided to make him exist during a painful time. He would trade anything for a more peaceful life.

“Stay here for the night, please.” You pleaded, not wanting to waste any more time.

Your relatives were aware of your relationship, allowing such a request. They trusted you enough to sleep in the same room, knowing all too well the struggles of being love during times like this.

Neither of you held back from the tension that crept into the room. This time, you led him through the first kiss while his body laid flat on the cushion bed. On top, straddling him fully. Leaving him soft kisses on his neck while teasingly unbuttoning his pajama shirt, your fervent lips trailed from his neck, lowering to his sculpted abdomen, until you reached the waistband of his pajama pants.

Only in books did you learn about how to please men, so this may be the only time you can test it out. Doyoung stiffened on your soft kisses on his hard-clothed member, glancing him seductively back and forth when you stuck out your tongue.

“Please,” He begged, tugging on your hair. “Touch me.”

Your lips wrapped around his tip before gently going lower to your limit, and slowly sucked on it back and forth. Whenever you’d want to catch a breathe, you’d lick the tip teasingly. Doyoung groaned, threading his fingers along with your hair. He’s so used to be a giver that receiving these sensations by you beats his hand. It was heavenly, yet so vulgar. The way you swallowed his cum rather than spitting it out even if the taste wasn’t favorable, you were too much in a daze to process how sudden he switched positions. While you sprawled devilishly under him, your fingers looping on his dog tag necklace to bring him lower for a kiss while feeling two of his fingers go under your panties to teasingly play with your slick.

“Don’t t-tease...” You stuttered, clenching at how fast he can get you stimulated with his fingers.

The whole night long was consumed with his body against yours, the wet sounds of deep thrusts and muffled moans praising each other. The following morning, your naked bodies remained entangled. He was still in deep slumber when your body clock alarms you to wake up. though you couldn’t move when he had his arm around you. The love marks on his chest that you’ve made were more exposed when the sunlight hits him, your fingers carefully trailing on it so he wouldn’t be startled. He needed all the rest he can get.

If only you can have mornings like this when war wasn’t in the equation.

Bidding goodbye was tough. Breakfast was too quiet, just like how he packed his remaining belongings and dressed back to his uniform. You watched him by the patio as he waited for the bus to pick him up. When one finally arrived, he turned around to face you once more. He understood that neither of you wanted to say anything. It would make things harder.

You had to stay strong for him because he was fighting the scarier people. But as he waved goodbye, this was your only exception. Just before he boarded the bus,

“Fuck it.” You mumbled to yourself, running to him as your life depended on it.

“(Y/N), what are you-” Doyoung stopped at his tracks, awaiting your sudden move. You shut him up by desperately placing your lips against his, having that a tiny sliver of hope that it won’t be your last. His hands cradled your face while your arms tangled behind his neck.

It wasn’t until the annoyed coughs from the bus driver stopped your actions. Patting your dress from crinkling, Doyoung left a kiss on your forehead.

“Wait for me, alright? I’ll be back before you know it.” He reassured you.

“Fight strong and stay alive, Doyoung. I’ll always be here for you.”

“I love you, (Y/N).” He caressed your cheek one last time, your hand cupping it.

“I love you too, Doyoung.”

Both of you made sure to write to each other, just anything to keep in touch from being apart.

Oh, if only you knew how long you’d have to wait before seeing each other again.

1951

Doyoung was stationed in the infantry division, always staying prepared for the plans his side made and the active attacks started from the enemy side. He’s lost count of the number of times he’s gotten critically injured and knocked out, but he fought through it with his upcoming plans in mind. How he must fight for the country and stay alive to see the change. How he wanted to have a future with you when everything settles down. It was his motivation every time.

But it took one surprise attack many months later from the enemy side to take it all away. When one of the senior officers was shot, he shielded him without hesitation. All these firing bullets were shot on his back, his legs wobbling from the impact. Due to the non-stop bleeding and lack of urgent medical attention, he painfully lost his life while holding on to his officer.

“Please tell my lover that I love her and I’m sorry.”

Those were his last words before he took one final breath and flatlined.

Seconds later, his soul flowed outside his body and froze at the trippy feeling while witnessing different officers and people on the medic team mourn in front of his dead body. Taeyong, one of the people he befriended from the medic team, tried to wake him repeatedly.

“Doyoung, please don’t joke around. Wake up, please.”

Even if he knew it was hopeless, he did his best to the point his entire team had to pull him away from his best friend’s lifeless body.

“No, he needs to live! He has a family, big dreams, and a girl waiting back in Busan!” He sobbed in his chest. Out of all the people he tried to resuscitate, Doyoung was the first friend that he came across on this occasion. Doyoung ached at this vulnerable sight, wanting so badly to be by his side. With these surprise attacks, death is more prevalent than ever.

“Kim Doyoung?” An unfamiliar voice called for him from behind. He spun around to find one woman in war uniform, though he’s never encountered her in the field, and a man in all black.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Manwol, and he’s the grim reaper. I believe you just died a few minutes ago, correct?”

The truth was piercing to accept, glancing at his lifeless body on the side with Taeyong and another close friend he made, Jungwoo, crying his heart out.

“Are you going to take me already?” He asked.

“Unless you still have things you want to accomplish in the living world, then you can freely go to the other side.” The grim reaper answered monotonously, very much used to this question.

“From the looks of it, you have a lot you want to do still,” Manwol observed from afar, all too familiar with the feeling. “If you come with us, I can help you accomplish them.”

If something stayed with Doyoung until his last breath, it was his skepticism with the supernatural. He was unsure if he can trust them because according to the books, once you’re dead, that’s it. It’s up to the people around him to speak good or bad of him.

“You’re uncertain with our intentions, aren’t you?” Manwol easily read through his stoic expression. “You’ll be surprised with how many things can debunk from the books if you let us, Doyoung.”

For the first time, Doyoung had no clue what and where to go next. No one wrote a book on how to act like a cold, wandering soul. His dreams were limited, meaning he has to find new ones or tweak them a lot to make it possible. Despite her reserved nature, he figured that Manwol looked like someone who knows what she’s talking about. With the grim reaper he’s read in children’s books, he wasn’t as frightening as he was portrayed.

This was his last shot.

“Guide me, please.”

The car ride alone there was messy and bumpy since it was peak war season. He wasn’t the only person who lost their life that night and riding in the vehicle. He recognized a few of them. It was saddening to find the playful Donghyuck, his youngest companion, beside him.

“I sacrificed myself to protect two unarmed nurses in the medic tent when some enemy soldiers charged inside.”

Another was the wise Taeil, who was stationed by the barracks. He was one of the people in the front of in line for battle.

“I thought they were fooling with us, and then suddenly fired multiple attacks. I caught on to it quickly, but they still got me.”

Doyoung remembered all those times he used to ask for love advice from him when it grew hard to be far from you. But that advice is no longer useful when he’s further away from you. He was dead, you weren’t.

Once the three of them arrived at their destination, it was an inn that looked destroyed from the outside, but very organized on the inside. Donghyuck and Taeil decided already what they wanted to do before they cross the other side. Doyoung, on the other hand, was still contemplating.

Manwol knew well how to spot a heartbroken person, being one herself. She wasn’t one to interfere with these affairs, but maybe she’d make an exception. Seeing right through him, he lived a fruitful life. She saw his sacrifice, picking up on his last words being dedicated for you, his lover. He didn’t die in vain.

When the two men were off to follow their plans, Manwol took this chance to approach the downcast man again.

“Is something you holding you back from going…” She questioned, staying by his side for a moment. “…or a special someone?”

“I promised my lover to fight strong and to stay alive while she promised to keep waiting for me. But here I am. She has yet to know that I didn’t make it and I can’t bear to see her in utter pain.”

“Death during a war isn’t new, Doyoung. A lot of promises become broken.”

“But I had so much I wanted to do with her after, Manwol. I can’t just leave her yet, I want to stay by her side even if we can’t see each other physically.”

Based on the information Manwol received about Doyoung from the inn staff, it came to her attention that he was fond of books. Thus, it gave her an idea.

“Doyoung, you’re very similar to the staff here. They all have goals that take years to accomplish, so I gave them a job here.”

“What are you offering me then, Manwol?”

“I have a library here in dire need of a librarian. With your interest in books, would you like to take it? After all, I’m implying that you’d want to wait for your lover to make up for your broken promise.”

Doyoung can’t deny that she was wrong. This was where his journey at Manwol Inn (then became Hotel Del Luna) started. Time worked a little bit differently as a ghost, but it’ll be worth it until you return in his arms one day.

On the day you regrettably received the letter from the military about the tragedy, life has turned for the worst. Upon seeing a soldier by your front step, it was only an innocent habit to give him letters for Doyoung and receiving new ones. However, his hand halted you to hand over a military logo imprinted envelope addressed to you alongside his tidy military uniform other letters from Doyoung.

His last letters.

You had no courage to even complete reading it when the first few lines weren’t enough to taunt you. Nothing could prepare for this dreaded moment.

“We regret to inform you that a report from the war office has confirmed that Kim Doyoung was a casualty of the sudden attack of Seoul. this letter formally declares that he was killed in action....”

Dropping the god-forsaken letter in your hands, you instantly locked yourself in your room. Your parents, who picked it up to read, came running to your door and tediously knocking for you to open it. But you didn’t listen, the heartbreak being too grave.

You tried so hard to keep it together these past months. but this kind of grief resulted in your feeble figure pouring into a heap of salty tears and loud sobs. Your back against the wall smoothly slid down until your butt landed on the floor. You clutched on to your gut that continuously stabbed you back and forth.

Betrayal was an understatement, yet it was beyond his control. War guarantees nothing.

But not when you needed him more than ever, especially when the biggest yet most unexpected news came upon you. All nausea and wild mood swings in the weeks that followed after he left weren’t normal, only to find out that you were expecting his child.

It was a secret you didn’t know how to confront through letters because it was best to tell him in person. Due to the situation, it was impossible. Only in your latest letter did you finally come clean about it, but it was now never to be sent because he has already passed away. Your entire family wasn’t pleased with this outcome but they didn’t shame you for it either. It was your choice and body after all.

They were concerned about how others will perceive you in the long run. An unmarried woman carrying a dead man’s child is taboo in this conservative society. Yet abortion is seen in a bad light too. You were stuck in a double edge sword, but you knew from the beginning that you wanted to keep the child. It’s a struggle, for sure, and your plans will have to wait.

Amid this bad luck, this unborn child is the last closest piece of Doyoung.

Amongst your unavoidable flow of tears that you knew must be stopped so it wouldn’t badly affect your child, you placed a hand on top of your lower belly. There was already an evident swelling bump, but your choice to continue wearing loose clothing to swerve from the public’s judgment covered it fine.

Well, for now. Only in the last trimester, it was going to be a challenge.

“I’m sorry you won’t be meet your father....” You spoke, rubbing it upwards. “....But I’ll make sure to take good care of you. You’re all I have left of him.”

Ever since Doyoung accepted Manwol’s offer, he never left his spot at the library. He was amazed at the endless arrangements of books. Even the western books his parents banned him from reading as a child were there. All this entertainment can distract from the long time he has to wait.

Except for today specifically, he asked Jeno, a new friend he made who also lost his life during the Korean war, to take over for a few hours when he found out that mail was to be delivered in Busan.

“Hyung, are you sure?”

“I just need to see her, Jeno.”

Doyoung expected the heartache when he saw you cry in your bedroom after finding out, and he couldn’t refrain from crying with you. Even as a soul, he’d do anything to cradle you in his arms and say that things will get better in time. How he wanted to tell you to take your time in life and that he’s willing to wait until your time comes. Whenever it could be.

Sadly, he was right there listening to you talk to your unborn child. The disbelief of in his reaction; he was supposed to be a father. Sure, he was relatively young. People won’t approve of it because you were unmarried. But it was an early start to settling down with each other.

It took him a while to accept his unfortunate fate, but for him to be robbed of this meaningful part in life was more unbearable to deal with.

From that point, he made sure to watch over you even if he was invisible. Even if Manwol advised him not to so it won’t complicate anything, he reassured that he has it under control. As a ghost without any grudges, what’s there to throw a fit at? He could retaliate at the enemy soldiers who shot him fearlessly, but they are nowhere to be found and he had no interest to turn into ashes.

The only time he assisted you was when you were giving birth. It was an excruciating process, sweating and breathing intensely. You let a scream every time you pushed, like any of the herbs or medications you consumed were wearing off. Your body wanted to give up as it weakened at the loss of blood.

Childbirth is no joke, having high mortality rates during these times. It was a tempting choice you’d want to take as Doyoung is no longer alive. But you knew it was selfish to leave your child as an orphan.

Doyoung couldn’t withstand watching you struggle anymore. If there was a trick Manwol taught him, it was to possess people. It’s often portrayed as a negative skill, warning him to only use it when it’s an emergency.

The pitiful way your eyes were drained off energy, he had to step in. Observing the midwife panicking on your side even if she was giving you support, he took his chance to possess her. Adjusting to this body, it made him glad to feel your warm hand again.

“(Y/N), your child is almost here.” The doctor positively announced.

“I want a breather. The grim reaper should just take me.” You complained as your mother wiped the endless drops of sweat on your forehead. Doyoung took it to heart, knowing death firsthand was no joke.

“Yah, don’t say stuff like that, (Y/N). This child is bound to be an amazing addition to your life.”

You didn’t know how your timid midwife would straighten you up, but it motivated you a lot more to finish the process. Little did you know.

She gladly accepted your firm grips on her hand, giving affirmative responses to keep you going. In moments you closed your eyes to push, you couldn’t help notice in the corner of your eye how from the physique of your midwife, you swore you saw him. His hand holding yours instead of the midwife.

Was this in the medication? For a moment, you let a tear not from pain but from happiness to catch a glimpse of him in your weakest moment. Every day, you were missing him.

It took almost half an hour before a small set of wails bore in the room while you harshly threw yourself back in the bed to recover your breathing patterns. It knocked you out for a while. Doyoung, still possessing the midwife, was handed the newborn by the doctor and tasked to clean her up.

“It’s a healthy baby girl.” the doctor confirmed as he wiped away the blood on the floor.

He was then brought by your mother to a designated room to bathe the relaxed newborn in his arms.

His newborn.

His desire to phase out of the midwife and use his skill to be visible while holding his child was strong. But it’s too risky since the midwife can catch him. He sucked it up and proceeded in what the books taught him on bathing a baby. During his break time, he’d read all the parenting books he could find. It’ll be rare anyways for him to use the tips, but he always wanted to stay prepared.

As the bubbles of the soap surrounded the relaxed baby, he washed her delicately to avoid her from waking up. He was just mesmerized at how you and he created something so precious. He used to be the type of man to be awkward around kids, but after catering to many children in the library and now his child, it started to change.

“Hello there, little one. Your mother needs you, so you better be good to her.”

Ghosts were highly discouraged to make any more emotional connections with the living because they’ll just end up being hurt, making it harder to move on. Exactly what Doyoung is doing was that, and the more he bonded with his daughter, it was a rekindled kind of pain. The kind when you separate family from each other. The same one he felt when he bid his parents good-bye before joining the war, only to never come back.

To top this off, the tiny hand of his sleeping daughter, whom he finally dried off with a small towel and wrapped in a fresh blanket, sleepily grasped on his pinky finger. Technically, it was the midwife’s, but he was in control.

Nonetheless, the innocent gesture got him both feeling on top of the moon and disheartened at the same time. As he curled it in a silly manner, noticing the size difference, he leaned down to leave a kiss on top of her forehead.

“I’m sorry I’m going to miss out on your life. But I’ll always be here for you, even if I’m in the shadows. Don’t ever question my love for you. Because I do love you, wholeheartedly.”

Kim Areum.

That was the name you settled with when your daughter was finally in your arms. It’s ideal to give Doyoung’s last name too because she is half of him. After resting for quite a while, you noticed how the midwife suddenly shook her body and took a loud deep breath when she helped out cleaning the area up.

“Are you okay?” You question, noticing her state of confusion.

“Uhm, yeah....” She narrowed her eyes to her environment. “Oh wait, you gave birth already? Wow, that was pretty fast...”

“Yes, you were right beside me the whole time...” You glanced sideways at her, suspicious.

“Oh wow yeah, I was.” She tried to laugh it off. “It was like I had an out-of-this-world moment or something. Oh whatever, I sound stupid.”

That brought you back to your early doubts. Whether or not he showed up or you were somewhat hallucinating. But not wanting to reflect too much on the impossible, you merely refocused to the peaceful newborn nestled in your arms.

She’s the only one keeping you alive in these hard times. She served as a reminder of him, thus you’ll hold on to her. From the outside of your window, all Doyoung can do now is to continue watching from afar every once in a while.

1954

Not much has changed in the past few years. You were either reading or taking care of Areum. Your family was lucky enough to have good housing, but getting important necessities such as water and food was a constant struggle.

With the war leading to lots of souls in the inn, he had to fulfill his mandatory orders to prepare souls to move on. He was joyful to be of service to others like he was back in the day.

Though lately, it’s still unavoidable for him to ponder how exactly are you and his daughter are doing. Once Donghyuck and Taeil went ahead for the afterlife, the loneliness began to creep in. Then a while ago, Jeno introduced him to a new group of children today checking out the library. Caught in a deadly car accident on their way home from school, he pitied how such bright kids left the world too soon.

These factors sparked his longing, plus there was still something above that: it was your birthday soon. Much to his luck, Manwol just received a new gift from the deities that might be his biggest help in coping.

“A dream call?” Doyoung inquired once he was summoned by Manwol to the meeting room, sitting across her.

“Yes, a call to anyone from the living that you wish to talk to in their dreams. Though this can only be used once per visitor. The deities pitied those with loved ones who want to see them physically. Thus, they invented this.”

“What are you implying?”

“Doyoung, you know well how easy I can read people even through their fake smiles. You miss her very much.” Manwol replied, holding up the phone to his ear. “This is your chance, Doyoung. Even if you can’t see them, they will see you.”

The first dream started with you sitting at your old spot by the river, in a simple dress Doyoung bought for you on your last ever birthday celebration with him. The forest looked breathtaking as if it was still pre-war times again. The river was still clear of blood and pollution. It must be spring, the flowers above you on the tree were in full bloom.

The sound of bike wheels stopping to park in the grass and someone humming changed your point of interest. There was the only person in your mind who would do that. Jumping from your seated position, you looked behind the other side of the tree only to find him picking up flowers from the branches. He was tall, not having much difficulty getting them.

The way he looked so peaceful and well-rested. This beauty and peace of mind he radiated, it was unreal.

“Doyoung.”

He clenched on the phone with his hand, his concealed yearning to at least hear his name on your lips again urged a tear to go down his cheek.

“Happy birthday, (Y/N).”

He handed you the flower bouquet he made for you. Meanwhile, he suddenly dropped it when you didn’t hesitate to sling your arms around his waist. Your head pressed to his chest, pulling him closer you could care less if you lost your breath. Doyoung felt that tight hug, gripping on the part of his uniform where you placed your head. He rubbed it as if it was your hair.

None of you spoke a word and gracefully paused to take a moment.

Time in a dream call works a bit differently than in the living world. Once you’re in session, one minute alone of talking is equivalent to 30 minutes in the living world.

Doyoung took his first call to catch up with you and say everything he never got to before. It was also where he confessed how he knew about your daughter. There were guilt and regret at how you could’ve told him in your earlier letters.

“You were scared, (Y/N). There’s no way I can blame you.” Laying against his chest, he comforted you. “By the way, she has your nose, you know.”

There was this wave of relief that splashed you after this big burden lifted. You can live a more untroubled life now.

“She has your temper though.” You jokingly say, putting you in a fit of giggles. It’s been too long since you experienced genuine humor.

“At age 3? Yah, I’m impressed.” He remarked with pride.

Since Doyoung wasn’t capable to be physically affectionate in the dreams, he was more on receiving them from you. In return, he gave sincere conversations even if they were a yearly thing. Talking about your daughter was one of your favorite topics. adolescence, teenage years, to university, there was so much to talk about. Doyoung would only use his dream calls on you on your birthday, making them more meaningful. Each one, you were both back to your twenties with different outfits and settings based on the differing decades.

“Don’t you feel burdened to wait for me?” You asked as his fingers brushed some of your hair back while you watched the sunset from a wooden bench.

“No, I’m not. there are still many things I want to fulfill before moving on. I also want to watch Areum grow up and help you in any possible. Only when these goals of mine and others are cleared, then I‘ll be able to rest well.”

“Will you be okay until then, Doyoung?”

“I broke a promise with you, (Y/N). and I want to make up for it.”

“What will you do when my time comes?” Your hand interlocked with his, squeezing it tight even if he couldn’t reciprocate it.

“I will shout out your name and hug you tight, my love. But until then, appreciate your life. Live it to its fullest. For me.”

Doyoung sensed your worry but comforted you that it’ll be okay. He wasn’t lying either when he said he wanted to do a lot of things too. Every dream call, his gut feelings were strong to know what you were going through in every call, giving you any advice to get you through them.

To count, he gave you almost 50 dream calls.

The late 1950s-1960s

After returning to university to finish your undergraduate studies when the war ended, you continued to pursue law school and taking the exams as you’ve wanted. But this meant moving to Seoul for better opportunities.

Doyoung celebrated with himself when he found out, not having to take the bus or ride the hotel car to Busan every time he wanted to see you two. Now, he could simply walk back and forth, managing it with his shifts.

Currently, he was taking a break in his office. The deities gifted him with a bunch of murder mystery books from the West, fully immersed in the storylines. Leaning backward from his chair, he was abruptly disconnected by a knock on his open door.

“Hyung, you have a special visitor in the lobby.” Jeno urgently informed Doyoung as he leaned on the side of his office door, out of breath. “It’s quite important if you ask me.”

Doyoung removed his reading glasses and put down his novel. Putting back his blazer on, he approached his younger friend and made their way down the hallway together hastily.

“Is it a family member who’s passed?” He questioned, slightly folding his blazer sleeves then adjusting the hotel pin on his chest pocket. By the tone Jeno spoke, it must’ve been serious. Although there’s no way it can be you just yet, he has no idea who was looking for him then.

The lobby was bustling with numerous souls. Some still fresh, some just roaming around, while others were preparing to pass the other side. Nothing new to it, until Jeno pointed out a specific scene in one corner of the room.

“Hyung, over there.”

Like an obedient puppy, Doyoung looked over to where Jeno’s finger directed. At first glance, by her long black hair, he recognized Manwol, who was kneeling in front of someone seated. It wasn’t until she stood up and shifted her body to the side to reveal that someone, patting her young head kindly.

She wore a ribbon on her hair, matching with the colors of her floral dress while carefully holding on to a piece of paper with her drawing. Due to the distance, he couldn’t make out what she drew. Though with her dazzling eye smile formed by her small eyes, he knew her too well.

“Areum.”

Right on cue, the young girl caught his entrancing gaze. With the widest smile, she exclaimed “Daddy!”

Manwol, who was right beside her, held her hand and graced their way to Doyoung and Jeno. The two knew she despised children, ordering them to keep a keener eye on them when they wander around so they don’t access the hallway leading to her office. Unexpectedly, Areum didn’t burden her the slightest. She brought a different aura, a very pure and full of love kind.

With the full moon shining at its peak, becoming present to the eyes of the living, she must’ve spotted the hotel from afar and her interest grew wild for it. Typical for girls her age. Not afraid of the risks, she followed any directions to get here. Coincidentally, she encountered Manwol in the front gate.

Manwol recognized her straight away, even when she glimpsed the drawing of her family she treasured in her chest. She still included her father, whom she was very much acquainted with. Though, she was puzzled by her sudden appearance. When Areum explained that her father lived in the hotel according to your stories, her heart fell to her gut. Indeed, she was right, but again, ghosts are discouraged to have connections with the living or anything related to it. However, her strong senses couldn’t disregard how much Doyoung yearned for his family. Lately, his only daughter when numerous children arrived at the hotel. He didn’t want to voice it out however because the other staff shared the same sentiments, so it would be insensitive so he just kept it to himself. But Manwol sensed it all too well.

She won’t tell anyone this, but she has quite a soft spot for Doyoung. She empathized with him the most since he came to the hotel, willing to do what it takes to make his coping and waiting worthwhile. She was still brash at times, but only when necessary.

Areum’s presence didn’t seem to harm anyone, charming anyone around with a smile and her words. Especially that smile, it shows enough of how much she’s Doyoung’s daughter. With a rough internal debate, Manwol welcomed her inside the magical hotel Areum described it as and tasked Jeno to call for Doyoung. It was a risk, but a needed one.

With Manwol innocently holding the young girl’s hand, she looked her down and asked her, “Is that your father from your drawing, Areum?”

Areum lit up as she tilted her head upwards to see her tall father, nodding proudly. “Yes, that’s him! The one my mom talks about in her dreams too!”

Doyoung’s heart swelled at her pride for him, not hesitating to kneel to her height. Arms wide open, he loudly called her out for the first time. “Areum!”

The young girl, letting go of Manwol’s hand, ran as fast as her short legs could like nothing can stop her, even if the lobby was packed. Soon enough, she’s at the grasp of her father, carrying and hugging her in circles. Light as a feather, he took in her scent and warmth. The racing beat of her heart pulsated against his chest, reminding how much life she’s filled with. It was liberating that she found him, even when he stood behind the dark shadows.

Once he put her back down, “What brings you here, Areum? Isn’t it past your bedtime already?”

She pouted, sulking at disobeying your rules. “I know, but as soon as I was ready for bed, I saw the hotel in bright lights just like mommy described. She said that only during the peak full moon it’ll be shown to very special people who are alive, and it turns out that I’m one of them, daddy.”

Hearing that title from her lips was something he would’ve never get sick of. He felt the validity more than ever.

The odds of being a human spotting the hotel during peak full moon was rare, earning perplexed looks by those who don’t see it. Doyoung never encountered a human waltzing in the hotel out of the bloom, so for his daughter to have this mystical ability was a gift in disguise. Maybe the deities knew how to cut off some slack and agony for wandering souls. This was an excuse to stop cursing them now and then.

“Wow, aren’t you a lucky girl for that?” Jeno, whom he forgot was by his side, patted her head similarly to Manwol. “Your father missed you dearly, you know?”

“Well, Mr. Jeno,” She picked up his name from his nametag. “I missed him too.”

Doyoung processed the features of the angelic girl in front of him, astonished at how you and he created someone so cheerful during a time of trouble. Aside from her eye smile, she had his gummy smile and curiosity, while she inherited your nose and intelligence. Cupping her chubby cheek, he pinched it with a cute sound effect from his mouth.

“Daddy!” She protested, slapping his hand away and dramatically covered her reddening cheek. “Not allowed to that, ever.”

Oh, you weren’t joking when you said she had his temper too.

Before he could defend himself, Manwol reentered their interaction. Like common sense, Doyoung got back on his feet but helplessly giving side glances to his daughter. Manwol giggled at his sudden formality before instructing Jeno to lead Areum to the carnival room. As Areum waves him goodbye for the meantime, Manwol added on.

“There’s a rise of kids checking in the hotel, unfortunately, so I wholeheartedly requested the deities to create an area dedicated for child-like fun. Just today, it’s finished in construction so it’s a great place for Areum to explore.”

“Manwol, I-” He was feeling overwhelmed, stumbling his words. “Why did you this for me?”

“You used your dream calls for (Y/N), but there’s never been a way for you to reach out to your daughter. And the way her glimmering eyes wanted to come in when she shouldn’t, I couldn’t refuse a chance for the two to reunite.”

“But what about the deities?”

“I’ll handle it. What matters is that you have tonight to spend with Areum. It’s the least thing I could do as you are one of my beloved staff,” She reassured, yet looked at him in a downcast manner. “But as much as possible, everything tonight must feel like a vivid dream to her. She’s not allowed to keep any knick-knacks from tonight either.”

Everything always came at a price. Doyoung was acquainted well enough, but he can’t lie to say that I didn’t ache. Nonetheless, Manwol having such a selfless side was completely new to him. That’s why he never asked for favors like the other staff since he’ll just get turned down or scolded like a child. Maybe she wasn’t as scary as to how they labeled her all these years he’s worked for her.

Manwol took Doyoung’s silence under the impression of internal conflict. In true Manwol fashion, she clapped her hands right in front of his visage, snatching him back to reality. “You’re wasting time, Doyoung! Don’t think about it too much right now. Now come on and dress up more casually, your daughter is waiting for you.”

Following her order, he bowed respectfully before zooming to his hotel room. She was right, he has to enjoy whatever is given. Demanding for more when you’re already dead is disrespectful to the eyes of the deities, considering that alongside your past life when you step into the afterlife.

From his uniform, he changed into a white long sleeve buttoned-up, which was layered under a lilac knit sweater, and black trousers. He styled his hair in a dandier way, applying gel then combing it upwards. He was only following the trends of the decade, basing it on the recently checked-in souls. Deities must’ve liked him a lot to give him a lot of gifts from time to time, making him completely disregard the money from the living world Manwol gives during his off days. Most of the time, his off days are spent either secretly observing you and your daughter, or reading more books in the library.

This one was like a change of scenery, his heart pumping once he exited to the elevator and rushed to the carnival room. And just as he entered the doors, the wave of nostalgia hit him instantaneously. It felt like he was in university again, bringing you around the bizarre contraptions and games for the first time for your amusement. A spark in your romance, so full of young love and naivety of what was to come.

He spotted his young girl wrapped around in the arms of Jeno, explaining to her about the wide range of rides as she licked on a rainbow lollipop. Once he showed up to the both of them, Jeno cautiously put her down so she can hold Doyoung’s hand.

“You deserve this, hyung. Make it worthwhile.” Jeno placed his hand on his older friend’s shoulder before leaving the room. Keeping it in mind, Doyoung kneeled again in front of his daughter. Her smiles were contagious, fascinated by everything she’s surrounded in.

“I’ve never seen anything like this, daddy.” That line sounded familiar, chuckling at the precious memory.

“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s have fun tonight!”

The bliss in tonight was never-ending, like the two of them were in their own world. Areum wanted to ride on a horse in a carousel first, which Doyoung agreed to. Lifting her, he held her by the waist as the ride started to go. She pointed out every object that she can see while Doyoung avidly listened, then telling her what each ride and game consists of in return.

Once they got off, her short legs scurried off to the game booth where rows of bottles were laid in front of her. Right beside her were the rings. Doyoung properly described the instructions, and on the dot, Areum went ham and started throwing the rings in random directions. By the way, her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pursed, her competitive side was evident. Doyoung observed as she either hit or miss, finding another trait of his in her.

You’d find it hard to believe, but she would’ve been a total daddy’s girl.

To her success, she squealed victoriously as she won and hugged her dad. One of the staff in charge rewarded her with new candy to munch on, and off she went to look for the next attraction to divulge in. Doyoung struggled a little catching up to her, but anything he would do for his daughter.

From a one on one balloon dart game, which Doyoung willingly let Areum won because she’s a fussy one, roaming through a mini house of mirrors, riding the indoor Ferris wheel, and many more, Areum was ready to move to the next venue after telling her father that she wanted him to read to her.

“Mommy said you’re a librarian here because you like reading. I like it too, can you take me there?”

Just like you, he was charmed by his daughter. “Alright, Areum. Let’s go there then.”

Before they made it through past the wide doors with the bright red sign above saying “Exit”, Areum’s attention was distracted by a black kiosk near the Ferris wheel. She followed her gut, changing her direction. Doyoung quickly followed her footsteps, only to turn up in front of a photo booth.

“Wow, are these where you can take instant pictures, daddy?”

Waves of nostalgia hit Doyoung as if he were on the beach, totally unprepared for the emotional impact. With Areum, he missed your presence more than ever. Having you there completed your family, and it could’ve been quite a reunion.

“Yes, Areum. How about you go inside and daddy will insert some coins so you can have your pictures taken?”

“But daddy, I want to take pictures with you! It’s only mommy that has pictures with you, and I don’t want to feel left out.” She threw a tantrum, crossing her arms.

Here she goes again, making it difficult for Doyoung to refuse. Even with Manwol only giving him one rule to follow for the night, he doesn’t want any bad memories to be made with his daughter. He’ll have to work it out one way or another later. In the meantime, he smirked before carried her out of the blue inside the booth. Her shrieks increased in volume, only softening after she settled on her father’s lap. Doyoung inserts a few coins, and swiftly enough, the contraption started to operate.

“Okay Areum, one photo strip has 4 solo photos in it. 4 smiles or poses, okay? You’re going to look at the lens there, in the shape of a circle. Then, the flash is going to show in 3, 2-” Right on time, the two smiled.

They had less than 10 seconds until the second shot, so the two pulled random funny expressions. Doyoung pouted his lips, while Areum stuck out her tongue. For the third photo, Doyoung kissed the top of her head while Areum poked her cheeks with her fingers. Lastly, Areum instructed her father to lower his head to her level so she can peck his cheek. His shock was perfectly taken, filling his heart with adoration.

Areum hating getting affection but loves giving it? Another trait of his.

The look of amazement Areum gave once she stepped foot on the endless library was priceless. She described how it was bigger than the national library in Seoul. While she strolled around the near shelves, Jeno, taking over his night shift, approached him with a bottled treat. But it wasn’t just a normal one.

“Manwol and I overheard that she liked strawberry milk, so Manwol told me to give it to you. It has the dream spell potion from Johnny’s bar mixed with flowers from the deities so she can’t see ghosts or the hotel anymore. Make sure she drinks it before she leaves this place.”

While Areum settles on the small couch with her chosen books, she patiently anticipated for her father to read to her before her yawning takes over her. She never tracked the time, but she’s gone way beyond her average curfew.

“Sleepy already, sweetheart?” Doyoung asked as he sat beside her, inspecting her drowsy state.

Areum shook her head, displaying all the books she got on the table in front of her. “Nope! Not until you read me a bedtime story.”

Doyoung scanned through her book selection, amazed by her choices. The Little Prince, Winnie the Pooh, Goodnight Moon, and a bunch of Madeline books from the series, he couldn’t decide! If only he could read them all for her.

A lot of those books he read growing up, and the same goes for you. Especially Madeline, which he discovered through you as one of your childhood favorites. By instinct, he chose the first book from the series, simply entitled “Madeline”.

“This one.” He patted his lap so she could sit on it, which she did without wasting a breath.

It was ironic for a librarian to have never read aloud for anyone during his stay. Maybe because no one asked him to nor he wasn’t into reading aloud. He preferred reading to himself, only helping those looking for specific books or recommending if anyone has a favorite genre. Maybe he’ll give it a shot now. This first-hand experience opened his eyes to a new type of intimacy, hearing the adorable reactions from his daughter as he read the life of Madeline in Paris.

“In the middle of one night, Miss Clavel turned on her light and said, “Something is not right!”.” Doyoung flipped the next page. “Little Madeline sat in bed, cried and cried-”

“She cried to get attention, huh?” Areum commented mid-reading.

“Areum, if she didn’t, she could get even sicker. We don’t want that, right?”

“If I cried like that, would that be enough to bring you back to me and mommy, daddy?” She wholesomely questioned, twisting her body weight so she could face him. “Mommy already has a way to reach to you, and I want something like that too”

Doyoung knew she was a smart girl, but she often denies the reality of some things. In this case, her father’s passing still hasn’t hit her, even if she possessed the mystical skill to see ghosts and the hotel. Doyoung felt cornered, so before he could think of a reply, he kindly asks her,

“Hmm, what do you have in mind, sweetheart?”

“Well,” She pouted as she fidgeted with her index fingers. “I read all your old letters to mommy, so maybe I can write you one every year.”

“What a great idea, sweetheart!” He cheered. “How will you give it?”

“Uh..” She paused to think, then a bright idea came to her. “During your birthday, daddy! Mommy and I still celebrate it if you don’t know, so I can offer it alongside the food.”

Doyoung played along, knowing that tradition of yours. Although it still aches him to show up on his death anniversary, he compromised by showing up on his birthday. He’d see his and your families celebrating, talking about the positive and fun things about him in his life. He observed his daughter a little more later when she got older and started talking. Whenever you praised him for something, there was hope and inspiration in her young eyes. It’s uplifting to discover that his legacy was seen in a good light. He’d never wanted to be seen as a bad guy to anyone.

“I’ll look forward to it, sweetheart. Promise?” He stuck out his pinky to her, getting curled in response by hers.

“Promise!”

Both of them chuckled, appreciating the moment. His long arms embraced her from the back, nuzzling his head on his shoulder. How blessed to have a daughter like her, but from a glance, the bottle of strawberry milk situated beside the pile of books gave a remembrance of one of his remaining tasks. It had to be done, but he hoped she won’t at least forget to write to him.

“Look! Miss Manwol wanted to give this to you.” He handed it to her.

Ecstatic, she cranked open the bottle cap and took tiny sips of it. “It’s so good, daddy!”

Doyoung softly laughed as excess milk drops dribbled in her lips, wiping it with his thumb. “Aigoo, you messy girl. Let’s continue, shall we?”

Cozying up to him again, Doyoung resumed his storytelling. Once he said the words, “The end.”, the small head of his daughter completely leaned against his chest. Snuggling for more comfort, he checked her current condition. Knocked out like a light, he puts the book down and cradled her for a second. The last time he did something like this was when she was born. She was tiny then, and now, she’s bound to outgrow his lap sooner or later.

This was his sign to bring her home.

He boosted her small figure, her head now planted on his shoulder and his hand resting behind the nape of her neck. Her legs were entangled in his torso when he showed up at the lobby again. It was much more serene, everyone checked in already.

“Aigoo, fast asleep already?” Manwol made an appearance without warning, alongside her personal driver Yuta and the bartender Johnny.

“As expected from my magic.” Johnny commended himself, stretching his fingers. That easily gave him a slap from Yuta.

“Can’t you be more sensitive to Doyoung?”

Not caring about those two, Manwol caressed Areum from behind. Inside her cold heart, she brought so much amusement. Even if she embodied traits from Doyoung, she stood out from his usual reserved nature. She had so much energy, and it’s a fresh sight. Manwol secretly peered at their father-daughter time in the library, and she sensed the love the two had for each other. Even if it’s unbearable to separate them, having tonight was a pleasure for all.

“Yuta,” She summoned him. “Drop these two to her house safe and sound. It’s too dangerous to walk in the dark right now.”

Bowing in response, he led the way to the elevator for Doyoung to follow. But before he took the first step, Manwol halted him by the arm. “You better come back, or the deities won’t be pleased.”

He nodded before he was sent on his way. Wasn’t this brutal?

The silence in the car ride is deafening, though he didn’t want to disturb his little girl either. Yuta peeked from the mirror now and then to check on the two, sharing the gloom of his fellow friend. Having something or someone so valuable from the living world makes it hard to leave it. He understood as he suffered a similar fate to him.

When they’ve arrived at their destination, Doyoung was quick to notice that the lights from your living room were still on. It’s too risky to waltz in through the front door, squinting for other ways to go inside. To his luck, the window of Areum’s bedroom was wide open. That must’ve been how she escaped earlier.

“Be careful, Doyoung. Her neighbors may be watching.”

“It’s around 4 am right now, Yuta. I’ll be fine.” He reassured, clicking open the car door with his daughter peacefully asleep.

Entering inside her bedroom, he gently put her down on her soft bed. Covering her body with the duvet so she wouldn’t get cold, he took one last lingering look before taking his leave. Manwol might be looking for him already. Pressuring even to know that Yuta was waiting outside for him and that the deities are looking down on him too.

“Daddy,” Her tiny hand tugged on his sleeve, stopping his movements. Her droopy eyes faintly ajar, wanting to capture these last dreamy moments. “Don’t leave me and mommy again.”

This retouched attachment between the two made things much more stifling to accept reality. Doyoung understood her fright and sighed, kneeling to her again. Patting her head, “I’m sorry but I have no choice, sweetheart. We don’t want daddy to get in trouble, right?”

She lazily nods, tugging on his sleeve again. “Can you sing me to sleep, daddy? You used to do that for mommy.”

He grinned, accepted her last request. Holding on her hand, kissing it, he quietly sings.

“Eonjebuteoinji geudaereul bomyeon….”

When the song reached its end, the soft snores from Areum filled his eardrums. Her eyes are fully closed, and her tiny head fell to the side of her pillow. Kissing her forehead, he whispered, “Good night, sweetheart. Daddy loves you so much.”

A cute sight to Doyoung, she occupied a huge part in his heart. Even if everything tonight will feel like a complete dream, it’s a memorable moment for Doyoung that he’ll treasure.

Initially, he planned to leave her bedroom the same way he came in, which was through her window. That’s all Manwol tasked him to do when he arrives at your house, but his heart selfishly desires to see you. Even if he was invisible now. His powers were weakening, twitching from being visible to invisible back and forth.

Never has he stepped inside your new house, and this could be his only chance.

The first thing he saw after leaving his daughter’s bedroom was the dining room. Tidy and organized, as expected from you. For the living room connected to it, the simple decorations invited him inside. Assorted photos hung in the wall and by the table near the front door, with a fresh bouquet of asters in a vase there too.

Alluring as it is, the only thing Doyoung couldn’t keep his eyes off the most was a sleeping you in pajamas, hunched over the coffee table on top of books and numerous paperwork. An empty coffee glass neared the edge, so he caught it before you squirmed again from your sleep.

The exhaustion from your life was constantly piled up one after the other. You’ve been studying hard at law school, balancing it with a part-time job as a teacher’s assistant at your university for undergrads and being a mom to Areum. Even seeing the pile of bills right by your side, you didn’t just need the help of your families. You needed him, as a friend, lover, and father.

Men were still viewed as the main breadwinners of the family, but you juggled both positions as mother and father. It was a vicious fate, and he’d do anything to share that challenge with you. For now, the only thing he could do is bring you to bed at least.

Taking you into his arms bridal style, completely knocked out, he only assumed the remaining door in front of Areum’s bedroom was your bedroom. Carefully kicking it, he graced your bed and laid you down elegantly so your sleeping flow won’t be disturbed. He put the covers on top of your body so you’d feel comfier.

Right in front of your bedside was a breezy open window, the moonlight creeping in to highlight your sleeping face. The wrinkles on your forehead started to show, a side effect of immense stress. It’s a trait no one wants, yet it symbolized aging and moving forward to the future. Doyoung envied you for it.

Besides that, you looked youthful as ever, seeking internal peace from the outside world in your deep slumber. His index traced the outline of your face, appreciating your glow. Trapped in amazement, leaving you will be more difficult. It’s been a while since he saw you up close in the flesh, but Manwol’s words daunted his mind. Just like his daughter, his lips softly pecked your forehead and to your ear, he said in a hushed tone, “Good night, my love. I’m so proud of you.”

Getting back on his knees to exit, he’s convinced that you and your daughter can detect a leaving presence and catch it before they do. On cue, your hand unconsciously grabbed his wrist. Your mind couldn’t make up what mental state you were in, but something in you vibed a known presence. One that you’ve yearned, one that you struggle to wait and see until your birthday arrives. Is he actually here?

Doyoung reacted immediately, his feet shuffling to face you again. Eyes still shut close, but your lips released a satisfied moan as you stretched your arms slightly.

“Is it my birthday already?” You mumbled incoherently, gripping on the unknown wrist. “Or am I just lucky enough to get a free pass?”

He rolled his eyes at your nonsense. “If this was a free pass, what would you want me to do?”

You weakly took a peek. It was blurry, probably caused by your sleepiness. But you recognized the silhouette of this stranger from the back of your hand. You clutched his grip, bringing his face closer to yours. Doyoung didn’t expect such a jerking action, almost falling limp if his other free hand didn’t grip on your duvet.

“Kiss me before you go again, my love.” You requested, mindlessly craving his touch.

Loosening from your grip, his palm cupped your cheek as he wets his lips. He made the first move, sweetly and slowly. Even at your unknown state, you returned with the same level of passion, brushing the hair behind the nape of his neck to deepen it. You haven’t kissed anyone like this in a very long time, too busy with your studies and motherhood. This refreshed your memories of what you missed, a warm tear escaping your eye.

No one will ever match up to him.

Doyoung’s deprivation of physical touch for you amplified, eagerness for so much more than this. Touching himself to the thought of you grew tiring, wanting to have you in the flesh by his side. It wasn’t until a bright car light from outside shun by your window. Yuta was an impatient one, but he had every right to be.

It was fulfilling while it lasted. His heart throbbed when his lips parted from yours, opening his eyes again. Your eyes stayed closed, but your lips hummed in satisfaction.

“Nothing changed in the way you kiss, my love.” You complimented, succumbing back to your deep slumber by pulling yourself further inside the duvet.

Doyoung grinned at your words, kissing your knuckle one last time. “I meant what I said, (Y/N). Sleep well.”

He tiptoed out your bedroom, deciding to exit through the front door. Again, no one would be awake at this time anyway. However, an antique-looking photo of him caught his eye. Taking a closer look, it was you and him by his garden, clutching on his arm under their family lemon tree and smiling during pre-war times. It was a funny story actually.

His father bought a camera for the first time and wanted to test it out. You were over at their house that day to study, and his father insisted to take a photo of the two of you as a first try.

“Oh come on, we must commemorate this new contraption! The first people can be titled “Young Love” or something like that!”

Doyoung cringed, whining, “Dad, that’s so corny!”

“I don’t care. Now hurry, join the frame with (Y/N) and smile!”

His father may present himself as strict and stubborn as one of the most affluent men in Korean society even after the war, but behind the scenes, he knows how to entertain his children. Doyoung’s childhood never had a dull moment. Oh, how wished he could follow the same fate as him.

This happy photo was a golden treasure to you, framing it so it could be preserved. It was one of your last traces of him, aside from Areum. Next to it, a much smaller photo of you and Areum was placed. Also all smiles for the two of you, Areum firmly sat on your lap and clasping her hands above her dress. You cut your hair during that time, showing the dog tag necklace that once belonged to him on your neck. You were really devoted to him, and he’s grateful, to say the least.

He knew he shouldn’t take anything either before going back to the hotel, but there was just no way he can’t take this one photo of his favorite girls with him. He already kept his photo strip of him and Areum from the carnival in his back pocket, so he’ll just have to work out the consequences then.

Returning to the car was bittersweet. He took one more proper look at your home, taking in all the positive energy to have such a loving family even if he can only watch from afar. While Yuta revved the car on, Doyoung deeply sighed from the backseat. What a spontaneous evening.

“I’m guessing you didn’t resist seeing your lover either, Doyoung?” Yuta commented, viewing him from the mirror. Raising his brows playfully, “Got caught in the VIP seat of you two lip-locking.”

“First of all, that’s creepy, Yuta. Second, you most definitely know what it feels like to be separated from your lover. Cut me some slack.”

“Whatever, that’s not my business anyway. But good luck to you if Manwol asked why there was a sudden extension.” The older friend shrugged, his foot pressing on the pedal to drive off the area.

“Keyword is if she asks. Now please, drive faster, Yuta. I have a shift to fill in now.”

Last night was a gift, but also an aching reminder of what could’ve been if he never died. The sun is slowly making its appearance again, bringing in another morning in this reality. Another work day for Doyoung, more waiting to be done.

Yet recalling his bonding moments with Areum, he’ll most likely get through another few decades. He yanked out his photo strip from the back pocket of his trousers, gazing at their authentic happiness. He muttered to himself,

“I’ll see you and your mother again, and we’ll all celebrate and rejoice. ‘Til then, my sweetheart.”

Meanwhile, ever since that peculiar “dream” with Doyoung, it left you with a lot of questions. Perhaps, it’s all just in your head. Though it doesn’t quite answer how one of your beloved pictures went missing. That’s definitely something you’re going to ask if your birthday comes up again.

Moving forward, his kind words pushed you to do your best. In the next years, you first became a family lawyer for a few years to get used to the field, but permanently shifted to being a public attorney because you wanted to be able to represent those who are suffering the most yet can’t afford the legal help to avoid it.

Just like what you and Doyoung aspired.

Balancing that with a kid was overwhelming, but with your and Doyoung’s families helping you out, your stress lessened.

You served as a huge inspiration to female college students wanting to pursue law. Since law is still perceived as a male-dominated field, you constantly pushed to make space for women in that workforce. It was also rare of you to lose a case because of the hard work you put into disproving every loophole and suggesting the correct punishments for the wrongdoers.

“You really outdid yourself once again, (Y/N). Or should I say Attorney (Y/L/N) (Y/N).”

“Shut up, Doyoung. Tell me more about your hotel staff friends. That Johnny guy seems very fun, and Jeno seems like a lovely boy.”

“Johnny’s a playful lad, always the life of the party. Jeno is like the younger brother I really wish I had. Donghyun-hyung is okay and all, but he’s so high maintenance.”

“Shush! He’s doing fantastic right now. He pursued acting like he always wanted.”

“He deserves it because he’s hard-working, like yourself, Attorney.”

You’ve never fallen in love the same way you did for Doyoung. Though you won’t lie that you’ve slept with a few men during nights out with your co-workers, committing to another man was something you had no time for. You always envisioned Doyoung as the one fucking you senseless.

People viewed it as stupid to be still lovestruck over your dead lover, but you’ve been called worst insults in your life that it doesn’t sting that much anymore. At the end of the day, your heart still soared and longed for Doyoung.

You just can never let him go.

“It’s still unfair to you, Doyoung. I should be ashamed.” The two of you were at a drive-in theater, watching from the trunk of his pickup truck. Your back laid against his chest as his fingers roam your torso in an upwards motion.

“No, you shouldn’t, (Y/N). It’s natural to desire human affection. I’m the one who should be sorry for not giving it to you.”He replied, completely ignoring the film.

You scoffed jokingly. “It’s silly how we’re so deprived of sex, especially with each other.”

“Oh, (Y/N). Don’t get me started, I’m suffering here with my hand alone while you can just find any available man.”

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry.” You surrendered, directing your head from the front to the back. “At the end of the day, it’s still your touch that still gets me weak.”

“My dear, on the day we reunite, brace yourself. I’ll show you who you really belong to.”

1973

Doyoung’s been on duty with reading books to children lately, and again, he’s aching to see what Areum’s up to. Rereading past letters from her from his birthday celebrations were driving him wild. After helping one young girl look for more books under the Madeline series, he had to make an exception. Just this once, and that would be it.

Even if he was under disguise, he desperately wanted to have just another brief conversation with her, especially that she’s a lot older compared to their last encounter. Doyoung witnessed her bloom from this imaginative young girl to a strong woman chasing after her dreams.

Like mother, like daughter.

He spotted her at a small bookstore to buy books for her classes and newly arrived ones from the States, very much interested in western literature. But upon seeing the peaked prices which were more than what she saved for, she put the book back on the shelf and gathered the ones she actually needed.

This was where Doyoung took it upon himself to offer his help. Staying long enough in the middle of the living and the dead, he was capable to turn visible.

“Stephen King, huh?” He inquired, scooting to her side and pulling out the book again to take a better look at it. He came across this book in his library, even if it was in English. “I see that you’re into horror. These books are in English though.”

Areum knew speaking to strangers is not a good thing, but if anyone reached out to her to talk about books, she can’t help but feel excited. “I’m interested in a lot of genres, and this book is pretty popular right now so I wanted to check it out. Besides, I’m reading more English books so I can become fluent one day.”

“You aren’t scared of the storylines?”

“I went through a life of hardships, sir. Nothing scares me anymore honestly.” Doyoung couldn’t help feel proud and sorry for her. Without questions, he led her to the counter and paid for all books despite her insisting not to.

“Sir, you really shouldn’t have. I can always come back for those books when I save up more.”

“It’s fine, really. With your taste in literature, you have a promising future as an author if that’s what you’re aiming for.” He complimented. Areum was frazzled at how spot on this stranger was, trying to convince him again.

“Are you sure I shouldn’t pay you back?”

“Pay me back by publishing your books.” He confidently stated, bringing out his wallet to pay the cashier. His astonishing kindness and encouragement for her are heartwarming, bowing with gratitude.

“Thank you,” She halted because she didn’t know his name.

There was no way Doyoung can disclose his actual name, so he just picked a random nickname some of the kids in the hotel who he read to coined for him. “I prefer giving people my nickname. It’s tokki.”

“Thank you, tokki. I’m Areum, Kim Areum.” She thanked him properly, struggling from carrying her things to shake his hand, but Doyoung signaled her not to.

“Nice to meet you, Areum.” He greeted back.

As Areum was more ready to part ways, Doyoung’s fatherly instincts activated due to the heavy box she held. Her dorms must be a bit far and it was already nighttime. Anything can happen.

“Excuse me, Areum. But do you mind if I help you with your books? It’s pretty late, so I just want to make you get back safe.”

Something in Areum was very willing to trust this man she just met. Sure, he was quite covered up, but it’s almost winter and maybe he didn’t want to catch a cold. Though, his intentions looked good. She’s heard stories about people getting robbed in these alleys, so she accepted his help.

Her dorms were a few blocks away, giving enough time to be acquainted with this man. Though he was the one mostly asking the questions and she answered them. She didn’t pry on it too much and went with the flow.

“Are you an only child in your family?”

“Yes. It’s also just me and my mom. I never got to meet my dad sadly. He died before I was born while battling in the Korean war.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” No matter how long it’s been since the war, the trauma of it all still haunted Doyoung.

“It’s been years so it’s fine. I found out recently that he risked his life to save his senior officer during a surprise attack from one of my uncles. If that isn’t bravery, I don’t know what is.”

“So you’re not mad at him for leaving?” He asked, hoping he didn’t cross boundaries either. He needed this closure.

“It was hard to accept at first. All my friends grew up with their actual fathers, and I felt outcasted. But there are just some things we can’t control, you know?  Besides, people always spoke of him highly and that makes me proud. Though,” She answered honestly, covering up the bitterness in her words in other not to disrespect him. “I’m pretty sure I saw him in a dream when I was younger.”

Doyoung’s heart leaped. So she may recall quite a bit. “Oh really? What was it like?”

“The only person I told this to is my mom. It felt quite unreal, honestly. I was around 7-8 years old at that time, and we were at a carnival, enjoying the attractions and stuff. Then we transitioned to this huge library where he read me a bunch of stories. One of them was Madeline, I believe. One of my favorites!”

Doyoung replays the fond memory in his mind. Time really flew by so fast.

“What a fun dream, it seems to be.”

Areum was elated at the best memory of her youth, smiling to herself. “It truly was. It felt like I was with him, you know. No matter how many times he told me he loved me there, I still respond the same way and that nothing has changed.”

“I love you too, Areum.” He mumbled quietly. That dream should not have been the only memory they have of each other. Neither of them deserved to be parted.

Soon enough, they arrived at the front doors of her dorm residence. Since it was strictly for women, she explained that she’ll carry the box from here on.

“Thanks again for the help, tokki. I’ll make sure to pay you back soon.” She spoke so casually because, for some reason, this mysterious man felt trustworthy. Her gut feeling may fool her, but she let it pass.

“Take your time, Areum. I wish you the best of luck.”

Before they went separate ways, something about her bitter words from awhile ago bothered Doyoung and he wanted to say something about it. Because looking into the far future, if he didn’t, he knew he’ll regret it and make moving on harder.

“Wait, Areum!”

Areum abruptly reacted to the shouts of her name, almost dropping the box. She faced again the mysterious tokki, who now had an awkward stance with his hand in the air waving at you.

“Yes, tokki?”

Compiling his thoughts, here goes nothing.

“This is quite random but your dad... I just know he loves you too. He’s also proud of you for being strong and intelligent. I hope you don’t forget that.”

Areum was baffled by his statement, but it was uplifting to hear that. Maybe this tokki guy was going through the same thing as her, so she didn’t want to judge too quickly. She was taught to never judge a book by its cover from you. By the quick blinking of her eyes, some tears dropped down to her cheek. She let out some sniffles on her way up to her dorm room, reassured that this stranger may just be correct. She heard what she needed to hear.

It’s been a long time since he reunited with his daughter, even if she’s fooled into thinking that the dream was just a dream. His status as a father was renewed. Even if he got a major scolding from Manwol upon his return at the hotel for ditching his shift.

“She blamed you in public? Oh no, my love.” You consoled your lover after he told you the tale.

A lot of iconic songs were released during this decade, so this dream accommodated it. It was set in a jazz bar, where all sorts of alcohol on display with assorted vinyl CDs by the platform at the end. Dimly lit with numerous empty tables and chairs, and it was only the two of you. Dressed to the nines for the occasion, your flimsy hands couldn’t stop playing with your hoop earrings. A definite staple while you swayed your hips to the beat of Superstition by Stevie Wonder.

Doyoung sat in one of the bar stools in a red v-neck top and flare pants, marveling at your physique and movements in that indigo romper. You could feel his fiery stare, your body flowing through the groove to capture him into your spell. The dream version of him always gets easily distracted when you act suggestive, especially when he isn’t in control physically. Only his words can he sort out.

Dancing towards him, you dragged his arms away from his seated position to lead him to the empty dance floor.

“Let’s dance off the stress, shall we?”

Pulling off the famous dance moves and grooving in freestyle, it was a blast. Both your young energies were in sync. From the funky beat, it shuffled into a slower yet soulful song. The unwinding mood could only mean that this dream was reaching its end. You took Doyoung’s arms again, placing one on your waist and the other interlocked with you. Taking the lead, you waltzed back and forth, twirling yourself in his arms.

Doyoung cracked a smile from the phone and in the dream, immersing himself in the lovely song. It was always played on the radio during the late-night shows, dedicated for the couples out there. With you, he could finally understand why couples request it every night.

“You are the sunshine of my life,” He sang along while feeling your heartbeat against his chest. “That's why I'll always stay around.”

“You are the apple of my eye,” You carried from where he left off, equally resonating with the lyrics. No matter how many times you’ve said or expressed your patience for each other, this song held a special place. It summed up everything you’re both fighting for.

“Forever, you'll stay in my heart.”

1980s

It came to Doyoung’s attention that there’s a new member of the hotel staff, and Manwol put him in charge of touring this new addition around and orienting them about the hotel rules. Considering he wasn’t busy, he went for it.

This person would be the replacement of Johnny, who finally passed through the afterlife in high spirits after his younger brother Mark took his rightful place as the heir of their family business. Originally, it was him, but his stepmother and stepbrother stabbed him alongside his father to get ahold of the power. Without proof, they led the business as she freely did, overworking Mark numerously and spending their money to their heart’s desire.

Doyoung couldn’t let this pass. Since Manwol hired a human manager back in the ‘70s named Kun to better facilitate human-related affairs for the hotel (taxes, bills, etc), he requested him to talk to Mark then introduce him to you.

Kun also made sure to inform you that this was Doyoung’s idea.

“This Johnny is the same Johnny that Doyoung talks about in my dreams? The one who brings the fun out of him every once and while?”

“That’s right, Ms. (Y/L/N). Due to the betrayal, he can’t move on until his stepbrother is taken down.”

The fact that Kun was a bridge to the two of you felt miraculous. Now and then, Doyoung tasked Kun to buy you flowers or coffee whenever they meet. Sometimes, he’ll ask him to send his letters to you too. In return, you replied to those letters, attaching pictures of you and Areum over time. He hung it up in his office, taking a look before every shift.

Kun didn’t mind being in the middle. While Doyoung gave her cases to work on, it makes it easier for him to wait for her. Doyoung was a guest first before being a member of staff, and as the human manager, he’ll make sure that he gets to move on too.

Even if you don’t accept cases from big companies, the touching way how Mark described his passed older brother persuaded her otherwise. He even opened up about watching his father and older brother get killed right in front of him. From there, he was held hostage for years and never told anyone about that night.

It was undoubtedly the biggest case in your career. Up until this day, everyone still talks about how complex and intense the battle was.

“Always finding a way to make justice prevail, Kim Doyoung.” You thought to yourself after gathering more evidence from Mark and Kun, working closely also with forensics and the police.

And that you did. With additional information on Johnny’s side, which helped find the empty puzzle pieces to prove his stepfamily’s guilt, they won the case. Life imprisonment and forced transferring of roles, Mark became the CEO. All those involved in hiding the truth got caught and fired from their positions.

You deserved your influential status, and due to your never-ending service, Doyoung found himself falling in love with you over and over again. Even from far away, you felt his connection and passion.

Currently, you were dealing with five cases, one of them being another request for Kun and Doyoung. It was for the murder of Yuta Nakamoto in the late 40s.

Being a migrant from Japan, numerous Koreans held grudges for their people. He was mistreated and disrespected, even if he had the most caring soul. He even found love, ready to get wed. But one normal evening after his job as a Japanese teacher, he was mobbed by Koreans and heartlessly killed. At first, he wanted vengeance. But after Manwol telling stories of souls burning into ashes when they get revenge, he changed his objective to watch the demise of all his killers, who became very influential people in Korean society.

Representing with you was his former lover, Sooyoung. No matter how many times she tried to appeal to the court in the past, no one paid attention because she was a woman and interracial relationships were taboo. Even if Yuta held a special place in her heart, she eventually got married to another man. In the beginning, she felt guilty, but after Yuta told her in a dream call that she shouldn’t be afraid to open herself up again, she never held back. And as a fellow woman who’s been ostracized, you sided with her.

She may not have her happy ending with Yuta, but it only felt right to avenge his wrongful death.

It’s a tough battle, these murderous men not owning up to their crime, and the public also discriminating the dead man by saying he deserved it. But you knew you could do it, even if it’ll take a while.

Back to the newbie, he was in his early twenties. He went by the name, Jaehyun. Just about to start his life, yet taken away just like that. Aside from being the next bartender, he has another position as the vinyl boy in the music section of the library. It came to Manwol’s attention that he wanted to pursue music when he was alive, listening to vinyl CDs or cassette players and taking singing and piano lessons growing up. While he figured out what he wants to do while moving on, he’d be in charge of organizing and playing music for the souls checked in. Sing even if requested, especially by the women who are charmed by his attractive looks.

He was a literal old soul, jazz being his favorite genre. Most of the time, he played Chet Baker or Frank Sinatra when it’s his shift at the bar. He was known for always showing his best and happy-go-lucky sides to everyone.

It took him a few years to start opening about his life, longer than most souls. But maybe because the trauma of it all stung. One night, when he, Doyoung, and Kun weren’t working, he mixed a few cocktails and completely fell off the radar.

“I was a part of a duo with one of my best friends, Hongseok. It was really fun to perform and make music with him, but then he suddenly got into drugs and had a ton load of groupies. I-I just couldn’t do it anymore with him if he wasn’t going to stop. Once I cut off ties with him, I was signed by a class A producer who loved my compositions. He even got me all sorts of opportunities to perform on TV, and I was so excited for it. But one week until I made my official debut, Hongseok reached out again with apologies, wanting to meet up so we can fix ties. I was hesitant, but I still give him the benefit of the doubt because we go way back….” He confessed, puffing out smoke from his cigarette and putting it down on the ashtray. Before he continued his story, he scoffed with profanities.

“That bitch. I fucking trusted him! I was too good to give him another shot. So after practice, he sent me an address to his apartment or so I thought. We were having drinks, just like old times. But something felt off feel when my mind started feeling hazy and I started coughing continuously because my stomach ached like crazy. He asked me if I was fine, and I told him I was. Then suddenly, baam!” He crashed his hands on the table, shocking the hell out of his two companions.

“Holy fuck, Jaehyun.” Kun cursed under his breath. Doyoung nudged him the shoulder to mind his language.

“The deities are watching you, Kun. Let Jaehyun-ie continue.”

So he did. “There I was, standing beside my dead body while Hongseok rummaged with surgical gloves through my bag to steal my notebook of songs. He planted cocaine on the table where I conversed with him, and also in front of my face. Beside my glass, he laid the vial of poison he used and called the cops. With fake tears, he cried on the phone saying that he came home to my dead body and a suicide note.”

Stillness between the three of them was filled with betrayal and disappointment. For a so-called friend, this must be the worst thing you can do to them. To lessen his suffering, Jaehyun brought back his actively lit cigarette and smoked it until all the tobacco was gone. Exhaling a dark grey smoke, he spat out.

“I-I couldn’t believe it, hyungs. I lost everything after making the wrong decision of seeing him. And now, he signed under that label that found me to “give honor to my talent”. How tragic that I suddenly took my life he’d say, oh bullshit! You took away my life because you were jealous!”

Kun decided to call it a night, requesting Yukhei who’s on duty to take Jaehyun’s upcoming shifts so he could calm down. Escorting his intoxicated figure out so the other guests won’t feel bothered, Doyoung contemplated if he wanted to forward another case to you. You’ve been getting so much workload lately, according to Kun, because your success rate is high and highly in demand.

“What happened to Jaehyun?” Manwol showed up from behind, sitting across him. “Did he finally tell his story?”

Doyoung mildly groaned, devastated by it. “He did, and it breaks my heart. He’s still so young, like me.”

“What are you going to do about it?” Manwol stirred the spare cocktail, ingesting it in one go. “Is it another case worth forwarding to (Y/N)?”

“If it helps Jaehyun move on, possibly. I know it’s hard to find staff these days, Manwol. Also, she’s stacked already. I don’t know if she’ll take it.”

She snickered, patting his shoulder. “You know if it’s from you, it becomes her priority. She loves you that much, you know.”

“I know, but I wish I could help her. In person. I would’ve been a lawyer and taken Jaehyun’s case if I were alive. Murder in the first degree, false reporting to the police, stealing, his persecutor is insane and still walking free.”

The fire of passion in Doyoung wasn’t new to Manwol, nodding as he spoke. He was capable of a lot of things, but the world just wasn’t ready to see it. She was more concerned at how the deities will react when he engages in human affairs again. Even if it helps a lot of ghosts move on, it’s highly discouraged to interfere with the living world. It’ll ruin the entire flow of the world.

Doyoung already knew what he got himself into, but it’s one of the few ways he still feels relevant. Always in service for anyone who needs it, dead or alive. If the deities take him away, it’s no joke that it’ll be a riot in the entire hotel.

“In that case,” Manwol’s piercing eyes scanned right at him, filling up his glass with vodka. Second to Doyoung, she grew a fond liking to Jaehyun. She never knew how much he’s been hiding during his stay. “Forward it no matter what. End his murderer’s career at all costs.”

Doyoung smirked, lifting his glass high to clink with hers then chugging it one go.

“I’ll investigate first with Kun to know more about Jaehyun’s life, then we’ll look for someone who wants to testify for Jaehyun to meet with (Y/N).”

Amid the craze and problems in the hotel, at least Doyoung was at ease with how successful his family. Areum became a well-known author for fairytales, got married, and had 3 kids of her own. She most definitely didn’t live down to Doyoung’s promise.

“Is he a nice guy?” Doyoung inspected the man who married his only daughter. It felt like yesterday they played around in the carnival room.

“He is, Doyoung. Intelligent and caring, nothing to worry about.” You calmed his shaking leg, resting your head on his shoulder while you watch the fireflies from the campfire set prepared by the deities.

“I’m just looking out for her, you know.”

“She most definitely does know, even telling stories about us to her kids. Our grandchildren.”

“It’s hard to believe that we’re technically old when we’re always young in these dreams.”

“Maybe it’s just you being used to your youth. Meanwhile, aging is beating my ass every day.” You joked, covering yourself up in the blanket you shared. Doyoung’s bottom lip jutted out, huffing at your mean comments.

“Yah, you take that back.”

“Make me.” You fired back, riling him up.

Doyoung in the dream attacked you by tickling your sides mercilessly. Your body uncontrollably arched back and forth, falling back to the blanket you sat at. He took the advantage to pin you down, gripping on your arms to the side. With his face near yours, you closed the gap with a cheeky kiss. His touch softened, allowing you to pull him lower by his collar. Your lips molded together in every movement, feeling his tongue lick your lower lip for entrance. You freely gave in, moaning filthily.

“Didn’t even have to test me like that, my love.”

How you wished this was longer, if it weren’t for the fast fading out, and morning has arrived again. A short-lived euphoria, yet it left your panties drenched under the covers. The arousal still ran in your veins.

“Kim Doyoung, you tease.”

Back to your real life, aside from bravely taking on controversial cases, there was a thrill in every case you did and it showed by your fast-paced talking and hand gestures. Whether you won or lost, mostly the former, knowing that you helped someone made your life more meaningful.

He often forgot how you’re a grandmother during your dream calls already as time flows differently within the living and the dead. They were the only way you can be youthful and energetic. But with your actual body, it began to weaken.

Early 1990s

Nature decided to take heavier measures on you physically. On one of the monthly visits to the doctor, she noticed something off with the checkup and tests. Especially in the chest area.

“Ms. (Y/L/N) (Y/N), I’m afraid that you have a growing lump in your breast.”

“Are you saying what I’m thinking?”

“If breast cancer is one of those though, then unfortunately yes.”

Areum was by your side that day, tearing up at her announcement. You, on the other hand, remained still and nodding at the truth. You’ve fought for a lot of things in your life, and you were so determined to beat this one.

Chemotherapy, medications, and scans are tiring and draining, but you managed to live for 2 more years. You’ve fully retired, and now and then, mentor the juniors with their cases. You’ve traveled to as many places as you can before the stages of cancer rose.

In your last months of life, you were bedridden in the most expensive hospital in Seoul, getting visits from Areum with her family, Jungwoo and Taeyong. As the latter served as definite friends to Doyoung, it was only natural to befriend them when they came into your life post-war. They supported Areum in any way they can too.  They’ve become a great company in your boring life especially in the hospital. Nowadays, Jungwoo loved sharing stories about his hyper grandchildren, who share similar traits to him, while Taeyong excitedly talked about his recent investment with a promising music company with the dream to debut talented individuals and go international in the long run.

“Mr. Lee Soo Man is dedicated to it! He hopes that next year, all his plans can start and be executed.”

“You’re always investing in start-ups, you know? You think this one will be bigger than the rest?”

“Music is universal, you know. Language barriers may be there, but music brings us together.”

Taeyong was always a delight to catch up with. However, you didn’t expect that conversation would be your last with him. A few days later, he suffered a sudden heart attack and passed. This was a sign that your time was coming. Your body falling more and more feeble every day as the disease fully took you over at night, the monitors always going on a high every so often.

It’s only a matter of time before you leave this life, and looking back, you’ve lived a tough yet productive life. Your daughter was happy and thriving in her career and family. You helped families and couples from their abusive households. You defended those with loved ones who were murdered, robbed, and lied to. You ticked off all you wanted to do beforehand.

Areum made sure to visit that night specifically as soon as she could. With your recent test results have been failing, her gut feeling kept insisting.

It’s a good thing she did.

Meanwhile, it was another day of work for Doyoung, just returning a bunch of books in their respective shelves after some teenagers left on the table. Before that, he bid Taeyong goodbye in the tunnel. It’s always nice to see a familiar face, so he couldn’t miss out on it. He shared any life stories he had with you, updating him about your state. Doyoung knew about it beforehand, and as selfish enough to look forward to it, it pained him to know you’re suffering. He only hoped you could fight through it.

“Doyoung-hyung!” Someone suddenly shouted, but he was shushed by an old lady reading her romance novel, who pointed at the sign that read “Keep quiet in the library”.

Doyoung was also annoyed, instantly nagging on the point person. “Kun! Can you read the sign? Jeez, this isn’t the first time so please-”

“(Y/N) is going off the monitor.” He blurted out. The news from one of the nurses he befriended buzzed through his phone. After finding out about his story, he wanted to help Doyoung especially when he was still alive. Doyoung may a part of the staff, but he’s still a guest. He dropped everything in his hands. Before he could race to the hospital, he changed into a specific outfit for this occasion.

This was it.

Areum was the only one by your side of your hospital bed, weeping due to your weak state. You didn’t want your other family members to witness this crucial moment. It stung that you’ll miss out on the futures of your grandchildren, but you were satisfied to just be a part of their lives. All this machinery trying to sustain your life served its purpose, but the illness you’re fighting was stronger.

“Mom....” Areum sniffled in her handkerchief, holding on to your boney hand. “I’m not ready for you to go.”

“Oh, Areum.” Your thumb caressed her soft palm as reassurance. “You grew up so well. An independent woman you are, you are so loved.”

“Mom, please....” She begged. “I can’t lose you too.”

You will never know how Areum held in her sorrow of not being able to grow up with her father. She hated the feeling of being fully abandoned. She wanted things and people to return to her, but she can’t make that choice. Being by her side all her life, losing you will be the hardest struggle she’ll have to face.

“Areum, you must understand...” You paused as a pang of pain in your chest stabs you. After a minute of enduring it, you continued. “...We are put on this world for a specific time. And if we’re called to leave, we must face it.”

She whimpered whilst holding on to your hand. She really thought you can get through this one like the rest, but your hair has gone, your body lost much weight, and your eyes lost their light.

“Mom, are you happy? You’ve fought through so much to get where you are. I can never do what you did.”

“Y-Yes, I am.” You stuttered, gracing a promising smile. “I had you, our families, and your father watching over me..”

The dreams you get on your birthday were fairytale-like stories that pushed Areum to become an author. She denied how unrealistic and supernatural they were at first. Another trait of Doyoung she got. However, when she noticed how wider your smiles are and energetic you get in the mornings after rather the feeling of distraught, she reckoned to believe they were something special. Despite knowing your love story and its downfall, she felt exhilarated at the things you and her dad did there. In a way, it brings him closer to her. But she still had that void.

“I envy you for that, mom. I wish I met him or at least came to me even if I least expected it!”

Oh, little did she know about that time in the bookstore back in the 70s. It was not coincidental; you and Doyoung planned it very well. You just played along to her complaint, alerted that this wasn’t your story to tell at this time. “Forgive your father just this once, okay? He never wanted this kind of fate for any of us. If one thing stayed constant in those dreams, it’s him always asking how you are doing.”

Her tears become uncontrollable, allowing herself to get puffy eyes and let it all out. “When you see him, please tell him I’m sorry and that I love him no matter.” “Oh, Areum. He knows that, so don’t worry about it.”

The clock was ticking for Areum before she’ll be asked to leave. With you bringing up her father again, she had one last question. Her courage to ask it was so little when she was young in fear you sulk and break down. It hurt her when the bad parts of your past tormented you.

“How much do you miss him?” The question put you in a point of self-reflection. The only person you’ve opened up to talk about him in detail was Areum. Even with your friendships with Taeyong and Jungwoo, there were some things you never disclosed with them. And never did they force you to answer because they can read you on the back of their heads: you’re still heartbroken, yet remained devoted to him.

“I miss him so much that even if this became my fate for accepting his notebook back in our university days, I would foolishly do it all over again. In those times he was no longer with us, it taught me to appreciate what and who we have in our lives because tomorrow is never guaranteed. From his impact, I learned to take care of myself again so I can take better care of you. I’m grateful you were born; he left a piece of him for me.”

“You’ve suffered so much, mom. I hope you can rest peacefully.”

“Thank you for never leaving my side, Areum.” A few tears escaped your eyes, infectious to your daughter’s gloom. “I love you.”

Meanwhile, Doyoung was right outside viewing you and Areum sharing your last conversation and goodbyes. As much as he looked forward to reuniting with you, he didn’t want to leave his only daughter alone. The deities should have shown her more mercy. Still invisible, he observed how Areum trembled when she heavily closed the door of your hospital room. Covering her sobs with her handkerchief, she took one last look through the small glass of the door. You dove into a deep sleep that would then be unawakened.

“I hope your next life is happier than this, mom, and you can cross paths again with dad and grow old with him too.”

Doyoung’s urge to show himself to his daughter to console her was overpowering him, but he restrained himself this time. A few hours later, your consciousness was faltering. Your five senses were losing touch one by one. Important memories of your long life played in your mind. Then your heart gave in and stopped beating. The doctors present there have pronounced you dead. The transition from your body to your soul watching it be covered by a blanket by the nurses was swift yet strange. You didn’t know where to go and what’s next. No book prepared you for this nor can you ask the doctors what to do. Standing there lost with so many questions, it only took someone’s enthusiastic calling for your name to soothe you down.

“(Y/N)!”

It hit you instantaneously that when your day comes, Doyoung would call for your name. Your old age and past illness really affected your memories. He was an honest man and kept to his word this time.

And there he was, just along the hallway.

This was no longer a dream.

This novel kind of exhilaration got you moving your feet, still sore and slow because you were still an old lady.

“Doyoung!”

You shouted back, over and over again before your boney hands slid open the door. At the same time, your old figure drastically and permanently transformed you back to your active twenties. Nothing physically hurt anymore and your energy was on an all-time high. Your room was the last on the floor, a dead end. The left side of the hallway was just a closed window pane.

When you stepped outside and turned to your right, there he properly stood. He wore the same suit and suspenders combination on the day he approached you on your bike. The actual soul of Kim Doyoung who was no longer behind the phone. No matter how many times he’s seen you from afar, it makes him lose his breath from the captivation. For once, he can see you without barriers.

You just realized how you were dressed back into the floral dress on the day you had your first proper conversation. It’s like you’re meeting each other again for the first time. The beeping sounds of the monitors, wheelchairs moving, and chitter-chatter exchanged by doctors went mute. Stunned, you couldn’t stop looking eye to eye at him, cherishing this special moment.

It finally processed to Doyoung that his patience and efforts paid off. In this journey of acceptance, while enduring its trials, it added up to this sweet result to be reunited with you. The adrenaline rush took control of your limbs, legs running to him on the other side.

As his arms widened for a hug, he spun and picked you around in the air. His arms firmly wrap around your waist while your head snuggled on top of his shoulder. You felt safe, warm, and alleviated. Once he put you back down, the overwhelming joy wasn’t keen to pull away from your lover. Doyoung’s lips somehow got closer to yours, your heart skipping beats and his familiar scent intoxicating your thoughts.

With Doyoung still having you wrapped in his arms, he took his awaited chance to close into your parted lips. The fluttering in your stomach was on overdrive, your entire body reacting immediately from his passion. One hand curled into a fist on the hem of his buttoned top while the other rubbed the back of his head. Your legs almost gave in, but with Doyoung’s strength, he held you tight. No previous kiss felt like this. You didn’t have to worry about getting caught by adults for such a provocative display of affection. Your roommate wasn’t going to splash water if she catches you getting frisky on campus. As for Doyoung, he didn’t have to get paranoid about what his classmates would say about their relationship. You were both in your own world for a while.

But wanting to catch a breather from his thrilling dominance, your lips hesitantly moved away first. You took your time to get lost in admiring his features. Wet, swollen lips, flushed cheeks, his dazed eyes, he was irresistible, to say the least.

This was how an almost 50-year build-up would end up to.

“My love, it’s really you,” You finally spoke, caressing your thumb on his flushed cheek. “You’ve been through so much.”

As lovestruck as he is, his pent-up tears streamed down instantly. Except they were tears of joy. All those years he held back.

“I’ve missed you so much, (Y/N). I’m just happy you’re finally here with me.”

He wasn’t joking when he said that the main lobby alone was exquisite after walking through the city. Aside from Kun, that’s where he introduced you to other staff he worked with, such as Jeno, Jaehyun, and the boss herself, Manwol.

“This boy stayed very loyal, you know?” She commended Doyoung. It was a rare thing with her cold-hearted and aggressive personality. “He read to a lot of kids, taught some of them too, and recommended great books for the souls to read. He listened to a lot of souls who wanted justice then forwarded them to you so they can cross the other side.”

An honor to hear from the owner herself, you glanced at Doyoung with so much love. Such a giver than a receiver.

Beside Manwol was someone whom you aspired to meet. Unfortunately, you never met the other boys you’ve helped, so this was a great chance to see at least one before moving on. Hearing about his case and the treachery of it, you made sure to work on it before you retired, eventually passing it on to one of your trusted juniors. So far, his side was winning and that’s all you wanted.

“Jeong Jaehyun.” You held on to his clasped hands as he bowed to you.

“Attorney (Y/L/N). I’m so grateful for what you’re doing for me.”

“Oh, just call me (Y/N). By the way, your side is winning, my dear. Your younger brother Sungchan is committed to clearing up your name, and that evil Hongseok will rot in life imprisonment for his crimes.” You updated him. Without self-restraint, his arms gather you in for a hug. Jaehyun wasn’t much for affection, but this felt like the right circumstance. In return, you hugged him back.

“Thanks to you, Johnny and Yuta are resting in peace.”

“And you are next, Jaehyun. My junior taking your case is topnotch, so you’re bound to get what you truthfully deserve.”

After sharing such a heartfelt moment, you asserted your attention to Jeno. Not going to lie, you’ve looked forward to meeting this boy the most. He was there with Doyoung from the very beginning.

“Doyoung-hyung gets giddy after he makes a call, and tells me everything that you’ve been up to.” Jeno joined in. “He gets grumpy though too, so I like pestering him around to light him up. Oh, I’ll never know what you see in him, (Y/N).”

That gave him a joking slap on the shoulder by Doyoung, signaling to cut it out.  

“Hyung!” He fakely cried, hiding his face behind Jaehyun’s shoulder.

You suppressed a laugh, eventually sputtering out like an engine. Doyoung sighed, failing to redeem himself. But it’s alright. A simple peck from you on his cheek got him all flustered.

“Aish, take your romantic shenanigans when you’re in your room, not in my damn lobby.” Manwol cringed, the evident love bug getting on her nerves. “Alright, everyone. Get back to work!”

Checking in your room was an experience. Since you’ve been to numerous places through the dream calls, there was one main thing you’ve missed to do with Doyoung. As soon as he lifted you by your thighs and roughly shoved his tongue down your throat, you were in for a heated evening. This dominant side of Doyoung when it came to sex was completely fresh. After diving into more erotica over time, he learned about visual porn through Johnny and Jeno. You can say that he studied it very well.

“Almost 40 years of waiting, (Y/N).” He trapped you from above, sliding one of his hands to your bare breasts until it landed on your clothed core. Rubbing up and down your clit in a torturously slow place, he smirked at your desperate whines. Your breaths turned heavy, soaked by his actions. “Remember when I told you to brace yourself back then?”

“Shit, Doyoung...”

“Shush love, I’m in control now. So be a good girl for me, alright?” He growled in your ear, sucking on your soft spot on your neck. You obeyed that night, unbuttoning his shirt impatiently only to reveal his toned abdomen then lowering his crotch to give it a tight squeeze.

He hissed against your neck, pushing your panties to the side and sliding in your wetness.

“You are asking for it now, love.”

A steamy night it was, making up for all those lost years.

The following day, the struggle to walk was real. Jeno even pointed out your limping when you were roaming around the library Doyoung worked at. You never had a younger sibling, but he acted like one. So you punched him in the shoulder to shut up. “Jeez, you’re both so physical. Let me live!”

“Jeno, you’re dead. Don’t say nonsensical things.”

You learned how this hotel’s main purpose was to guide and fulfill the last wishes of ghosts in the living world before moving on. When Jeno asked you if you still have unfinished business, you realized that there is one thing left. Even if you completed your bucket list, that one thing is only possible through the hotel. You and Doyoung sat across Manwol, monitoring your shared dream call like she always did.

“Is this really the only thing you want to do here, (Y/N)?” Positively nodding, she gave you the signal to lift up the phone.

Areum found herself in an unfamiliar forest nearby a river during the day. Even she’s always like playing outside with nature in her childhood years, this location didn’t ring a bell. In fact, she was physically back to being that young girl with the same mature mind in this dream.

She wasn’t a vivid dreamer like yourself, forgetting them as so as she woke up. Even in that “dream” with her father, there were so many gaps. So for this one time, she can fully grasp her surroundings. This dream must have a purpose, she wondered.

While she followed the path that the dream assumed for her to take, she then clearly caught a glimpse of a younger you at the end of that path. Running around and laughing in the grass.

“Mom!” She called out, moving at a faster pace. It’s a good thing this dream brought her back her agility.

At the end of the path, it unveiled you lying down on the grass. Wearing in a dainty dress that reminded her of the 50s, there was an unfamiliar young man beside you. His head face planted on the grass because you pushed him off your body when he tried to tickle you.

It turned out that she arrived at your favorite spot with Doyoung. She’s only heard stories of things you’ve done and talked about her, but due to the war, their spot was devastated. Soon after, it turned into a small condominium building overlooking the river.

“Areum!” You squealed cheerfully to hear her much younger voice. She tackled you in a hug, and you still naturally felt it from where you sat.

“My sweet child,” You cooed in her, patting her back. “How are you?”

“It’s been difficult, but I’ll get by in time.” That was the first thing she managed to say, the grief being very much fresh. No mother wants to be separated from her child, and you weren’t exempted. But that is how life works: you come then you go. The truth tends to hurt.

It was obvious to Doyoung that you were still saddened by leaving Areum, taking this opportunity to give you space and finally interact with his daughter. No disguises nor distance. While the most important women in his life are still hugging in the dream, he pulls himself off from the grass and brushes away some leaves from his hair.

“Areum, I see you paid me back by having top-selling books for children.”

Areum peeked from your shoulder to check who the other man was by your side talking to her. Once he was clean from dirt and leaves, there was the only person he resonated with her. From pictures and stories shared by you, the actual man was with her.

Her actual father was in this dream with her.

“Dad!” She abruptly pulled away from you to approach her father for a bigger hug. You don’t blame her for that, she deserved to see her father even for a bit.

Years of having that empty void only for her biological father, she could care less at this very moment

Doyoung has never cried in a dream call with you, however, this long-awaited moment with his daughter resulted in him softly bawling while feeling her hugs from the chair. He’s proud and at peace to move on not just as your lover or a passionate university student, but as a father.

In their moment of content, only there did it make complete sense to Areum at the unusual memory during the ‘70s at the bookstore wasn’t random. It proved that he really did his best to reach out to her in any way he could.

“This whole time, you were the mysterious tokki. I just thought it was a coincidence. I’m so sorry, dad, that I didn’t notice you.” She sulks. Doyoung in the dream pats her back while lovingly rubbing the nape of her head.

“Oh, Areum. Don’t feel bad. I just wanted to see how much my little girl became independent and studious.” He replies, comforting the disheartened child. “I read all the letters you sent me during my birthday. I was touched then and touched now for this moment. I am proud of you, my daughter. And my love for you never changed.”

The affirmation in his words put Areum in a state of joy, rekindling that spark from the 70s. “I love you, dad.”

Your last mission in this world was to have a special outing with your complete family. Regret was always prevalent in the past, wanting to do this and that but never pushed through. But not in this dream. Just the three of you, happy and carefree from it all.

Unfortunately, Manwol just gave a hand signal that your time was almost up. Time flies by so quickly when you’re fully immersed in something you’re enjoying. Doyoung wasn’t capable to bear the bad news, but with you by his side, you helped him.

“Areum, it’s time for us to go.”

Areum sighed, reality seeping back into the situation. One sleep isn’t enough to make up years of loss. However, she still managed to remain positive in those circumstances. “I wish things worked out differently for our family, but who knows what our next lives will take us?”

In an instant, the two of you in the dream gave your daughter a big group hug. One she’s always yearned for. It’s moments like this where you mustn’t take anything for granted with your family.

“I’m happy you’re reunited with each other, mom and dad. Rest well.” She whispers with a smile, feeling fulfilled. She can grace the living world without wondering how things would be like with a complete set of parents anymore. This dream call successfully filled that empty void in her heart.

Once you’ve bid your final farewell and hung up the phone, you and Doyoung can say the same. A little bittersweet, but it lightened all the burdens in your hearts. The both of you can ultimately rest peacefully and move on.

The timing was perfect for Kun to inform you that the car taking you to the bridge leading to the afterlife was ready.

Jeno, Manwol, Kun, and Jaehyun didn’t want to miss out on this moment, waving farewells to you both. This lifetime may have taken you away from each other physically for a long time, but you still held on to each other. Most people gave up, though it’s not wrong either. It’s better to let go rather than holding on sometimes.

But the both of you were different, something, not even the deities didn’t expect. It’s only up to them to decide if they’ll give you another chance to be together and relive a longer life. A very rare sight indeed. To be granted or not, your story set a standard.

That a love so strong is so patient it endured all the challenges and stress.

“On to the next life, Doyoung?” You asked him, leaning against his shoulder as the car drove under the tunnel. All at the end of it was merely a white sky, where a long bridge awaited them.

“Make sure you wait for me this time.” 

#nct #nct 127 #nct dream #wayv #nct scenarios #nct fluff #nct smut #nct imagines #nct angst #nct 127 scenarios #nct 127 imagines #kim doyoung #doyoung x reader #doyoung fluff #doyoung imagines #doyoung smut #kim doyoung scenarios #kim doyoung imagines #doyoung angst #nct x reader #nct 127 x reader

[svtntntn]

peace of mind

fake dating!au x co-workers!au

inspo: one of the sideplots from the kdrama 'romance is a bonus book' featuring lee nayoung and lee jongsuk

where taking work home has a greater meaning

——

"(y/n), honey. Answer your phone, you know better than to ignore your mother's calls, even after all this time. I wanted to let you know that Seungcheol is going to be in your neighborhood this weekend! He mentioned that he was visiting Joshua in preparation of the wedding and I think you two should catch up! If you would like, I can set a reservation at that one skyline restaurant for you both! Or I can set you up with someone—remember Kim Junmyeon? The doctor? He’s recently single! Call me, sweetie."

~

What was he doing here?

You're in the midst of laughing at some story Seungkwan and Seokmin were telling about the antics of their afternoon music class when you suddenly choke on your drink when your eyes catch on a pair of familiar brown ones across the room, the alcohol stinging your throat sourly.

You instantly dart around for your purse and your jacket, shoving them on quickly. Chungha pats your back in concern as you duck your head below the table, attempting to stay hidden from eye level.

"(y/n)? Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm alright! I-I just dropped something! Oh where did it go?" You maneuver around Chungha while keeping your head down, "I'll be right back!"

Keeping your head low, you manage to get pretty deep into the crowded bar until you run directly into someone's stomach, their hands finding your shoulders and lifting you up, "Ow—what the? (y/n)? What are you doing? Never mind that, where is everyone else? I got sidetracked with grading papers—"

"Shhhhh!" You put your hand to his lips and peer around the room again, scanning the bar for one person you're avoiding. "Mingyu! Will you please—shush for one moment, Mingyu!"

He wrestles your hand off his lips with a disgruntled groan, "What for, (y/n)? Why are you acting all weird?"

You can see Seungcheol weaving his way through the crowded bar to get to you but your eyes focus on Mingyu in front of you. He narrows his eyes, "is someone following you? Oh wait—is it some wronged parent from our school? Some ex-boyfriend of yours? I got it! It's that one guy who picked you up after classes that one time! He wasn't that handsome, he was actually pretty ugly, sorr—"

The words tumble out of your mouth before you have a single moment to even think about it, "can you for one second—pretend to be my boyfriend?"

Mingyu wordlessly stares at you as you repeat your question, pulling on his arm as you turn to see Seungcheol coming closer and closer, "Will you please? Mingyu, please? Answer me!"

"Ok, I’ll think about it.... one second." You let out a breath of relief and close your eyes, preparing to face the lion ahead till you hear Mingyu scoff, "done."

Your eyes flash open at his literal taking of your word, "why you! Kim Mingyu, the one time I ask—"

He waves off the whole-name spiel and walks away from you, "I'll be back."

"Mingyu!" You call his name but he continues retreating into the crowd until you can't see his figure anymore. Curse words directed at your co-worker are mumbled under your breath, the filthiest expletives leaving your mouth in an angry rush before you feel a tap on your shoulder.

"(y/n)?"

You silently pray before slowly turning around and plastering on the brightest smile you can, "Seungcheol, I haven't seen you in awhile."

The lights shine over his hair in an angelic way, creating a faint halo along the crown of his head, almost making you forget the fact he's practically your mother's lackey. "Well, you haven't visited home in a long time."

"You know very well why I haven't visited in a long time." You remind him pointedly, "my mother is an insufferable woman and that already is an understatement."

Seungcheol raises an eyebrow at your words, "She's just looking out for you, you know that."

"By being completely unreasonable and forcing me to go on blind dates every other weekend?" You volley back towards him sarcastically, "sure, she's worried about me. She just wants to make sure her only daughter doesn't become a lonely, old spinster."

"(y/n), imagine when you have your own children. You'd want them to live comfortably, wouldn't you? To watch them live without worrying about money or about having a roof over their heads, right? Your mother just wants what's best for you—"

"But that's not what I want," you emphasize, "what's best for me is to actually live my life! To worry and struggle, and work till midnight, a-and sleep till two in the afternoon! And go out with who I want to go out with and marry whoever I want to marry. That's what I want out of life," Seungcheol makes a face at you but you continue on, "yes I want to be comfortable and stable but on my own terms, on my own efforts."

Seungcheol snorts, "and how is that going?"

"I'm doing just fine, thank you very much." If you weren't in a crowded bar, you would have ordered a fresh drink to pour on Seungcheol. "I'm actually here with my co-workers for some drinks," you nod in the direction of Chungha and the rest of your workmates in the corner, who are cheering merrily at the next round of shots.

If you didn't know any of them, you definitely wouldn't think they'd be a group of teachers—nonetheless teachers for elementary students. "What are you doing here?"

"I’m visiting Joshua, he’s finally back in town after coming back from the States. He’s getting married next month, remember? You got the invitation, didn’t you?"

You nod as you remember receiving a white and gold envelope in the mail a couple weeks ago, the elegant calligraphy remarking the wedding details in due time and the RSVP at the bottom was left unmarked as it mockingly reminded you of your relationship status.

You knew you had to go to Joshua's wedding, but alone?

"If you’re going, maybe we could... you know, go together?" Seungcheol proposes, "I know it’ll save Joshua—"

Where was a drink when you needed one?

"(y/n)! Baby, I got your drink." As if on command, Mingyu sets down two glasses for you and himself on the empty table next to you, beaming his charming smile usually saved for the children and parents at the school.

You hide your confusion with a faux smile back at him, staring into him intently to try and read his mind, "Oh, thank you… baby."

"Of course, anything for my girl." Mingyu says warmly, his expression changing when he notices Seungcheol standing in front of you, "and you are?" His voice is protective as he takes a step in between you both. You almost want to snort at Mingyu's defensive nature as your fake boyfriend but you hold it back.

The scowl on Seungcheol's lips morphs into a forced smile, "Seungcheol, a family friend of (y/n)'s." Mingyu steps forward and shakes Seungcheol's hand with a slick grin before easily wrapping his arm around your shoulders and the other casually holding his drink. "And who are you exactly?"

Seungcheol’s eyes look to yours expectantly and you feel small under his gaze, "Oh, this is Mingyu—"

"I'm (y/n)'s boyfriend." Mingyu pulls a confident smile on his lips as he watches Seungcheol's jaw drop, pure satisfaction running through his body.

You take a pull from the drink Mingyu—your now boyfriend—got you before setting it down, hesitantly curling up into his arms and relaxing as Mingyu leans into you,  "Mingyu… babe," the foreign word makes Mingyu beam even harder at you. "Seungcheol is actually my mother's bodyguard, but moreso like the older brother I've never had. He's the only man that can put up with my mother and her incessant bullsh—"

Seungcheol corrects, "We've been family friends for a long time, she means to say." The patronizing tone in his voice makes you hide a scoff at his correction, "(y/n), how long have you and Mingi been together?"

Your boyfriend cuts in, "it's Mingyu."

"We've been together a couple months," you answer, counting your fingers and looking at Mingyu.

"Six months this weekend to be exact." Mingyu spits out with a proud tone, wrapping his hand around yours and letting them rest on your shoulder in plain sight. "(y/n)'s been working so hard, I planned for us to go out of town for a short vacation. I hear the beaches have been beautiful as of late."

"Happy anniversary to you two," Seungcheol cheers tensely, his lips pulled into that one fake smile that you can recognize from a mile away. He fills the awkward gap with a glance at his phone, his eyes reading over a text message followed by missed call notifications, "if you excuse me, Jeonghan and Joshua are looking for me."

"Well," you unwrap your hand from Mingyu's. "See you Seungcheol. Tell them I say hello, my mother included." You add begrudgingly.

"I’ll see you, (y/n)." Seungcheol gives you a brief hug, whispering you're always welcome back home in your ear before locking eyes with your boyfriend,  "Mingyu… nice to meet you."

As you step back into Mingyu's side, he returns a satisfied smirk to Seungcheol and raises his drink to him, "Seungcheol, it was a pleasure meeting you."

The moment he leaves your presence and walks outside of the bar, you untangle yourself from Mingyu's arms, a million thoughts in your head cascading all at once until you blurt out, "What was all that?"

"You asked me to be your boyfriend and I did it," Mingyu quips easily, "happy?"

"I actually am, thank you." You study his actions as he takes his glass and moves to a barstool at the counter, waving to the bartender for a round of shots for your co-workers in the corner. He acts normal this time, acting as if you and him weren't just all cuddled up with his arms and hands around you and calling you 'his girl.'

The juxtaposition is mind-boggling to say the least, but you have to ask, "why help me?"

"(y/n), we're co-workers. We help each other everyday, and tonight was no different. Your friend, mom's bodyguard, whatever he is—he was being a complete ass to you. I heard him talk to you; you don't disrespect someone's work or guilt them about their life choices, that's rude."

"Aw, look at you! All riled up, defending my honor. You should tell that to my mother, she’s always going on about me and my life choices," you muse out loud, a warm feeling spreading from your chest—was that the alcohol? "Who knew Kim Mingyu could transform into a knight in shining armor on command?"

Mingyu turns to you, "that and I know I'll never hear the end of it if I didn't help you and play along to fool Seunghyun."

"Seungcheol, his name is Seungcheol."

"I won't have to see him ever again, so what difference does it make?" Mingyu chortles, raising his beer to you. "Cheers, to the shortest, best fake relationship you've ever had."

You scoff at the sentiment but pause to clink your drink against his, "should I be offended?" You roll your eyes as he doesn't answer, waiting patiently for you, "fine, cheers."

~

"(y/n), baby, hi! It's your mother again. Answer the phone, as soon as you can. Seungcheol told me that he ran into you and he met your lovely boyfriend! Since when did you start dating again? And who is this man, Mingi? Mingyu? Minseok? I was getting worried when you stopped going on the dates I set up for you… Call me back."

~

Days pass by after your encounter with Seungcheol at the bar and your one time fling of asking Mingyu to be your boyfriend, and everything is normal. Lessons fly by, the children are more chaotic with every passing day, and you're wondering why lunch breaks can't be any longer.

Another fine day passes by when Mingyu's walking home to his apartment, carrying a pack of beers, essays to grade, and a fresh order of chicken for himself when a suited man stands in the middle of the sidewalk, halting him just before the entrance of his apartment. His dark brown eyes and icy stare slowly become familiar to him, the closer he gets to the blockade. "Uh, excuse me? May I pass through? I live here."

"Kim Mingyu, remember me?" The mystery man's brown eyes glare a deep, deep hole into Mingyu's brain and suddenly a laugh escapes his lips.

"Seunghyun, right? I met you at that bar not too long ago. You're (y/n)'s family friend, the bodyguard."

"It’s Seungcheol," he emphasizes with disdain, rolling his eyes at him, "and I have someone very important to introduce you to."

"So you’re the man dating my daughter." An eerily, eloquent figure rises from the bench next to Mingyu, a stern expression gracing her red lips while her neck and ears decorated with sparkling diamonds. Her eyes and nose are reminiscent of your own, leading Mingyu to the fact that this was your mother with the incessant, patronizing remarks and the endless string of blind dates set for you.

Mingyu nods just as she starts making a circle around him, coldly studying him with her lips in a thin, permanent line, "Kim Mingyu. Twenty-six years old. Elementary literature teacher alongside my daughter at the same institution. Graduated from university with top marks and honors. Spends his money buying his weight in food and yet he looks… lanky and unrefined. Resides alone at the same address for four years now?"

"Five years, actually." He mutters, gripping on to his bags tighter.

She clicks her tongue at him, her eagle eyes peering into his soul so deceitfully, "even though you seem to be a man of... tall stature and intelligence, I won't have you seeing my daughter. She deserves someone of her own status, her own class."

"Since when did you dictate (y/n)’s life?" Mingyu refutes, "(y/n) is her own person, she’s the only person who can make the choice to see me again, not you."

Your mother frowns before her lips curl into a cunning smirk, "what if I offered you something for your troubles? You could venture far and wide with this…" She pulls out a thick envelope from her purse and offers it to Mingyu, "like move out of this building? Out of this district? I wouldn't normally set the bar so high, but then again, it seems like you need it."

Mingyu curiously snatches the envelope from her hand, peeking past the flap to see a huge stack of crisp, clean bills. His eyes go wide at the sight of so much money in his hands alone, "oh—this is, this has to be more than a thousand."

"It's five to be exact." Your mother says unimpressively, "five hundred-thousand." Mingyu's eyes nearly fall out of their sockets as he drops the envelope, the stark white envelope falling from his hands and standing out against the gravel of the sidewalk.

"It's all yours if you agree to stay away from my daughter and never see her again." She callously smiles, the corners of lips raising a single inch.

Mingyu stares at the envelope with indignation, pure disbelief running through his mind. "You can't pay me to stay away from your daughter," he incredulously spits out as your mother's faux smile drops. "I-I'm in love with her and nothing you do or say is going to make me stop seeing her."

He can't believe the words coming from his own lips, but the charade must continue on.

At least your mother believes his bluff, because if his own mother had the very same expression yours did right now, he'd be on his knees repenting for his mistakes with a red mark on his cheek.

"You can't be serious."

"You can't be serious! What kind of mother pays to get rid of her daughter's boyfriend?" Mingyu rebukes, storming off past your mother and Seungcheol and up the steps to his apartment. He's alone listening to the quiet mechanisms of the elevator before thinking about what exactly just happened. "What in the world—"

txt msg to < (y/n) >

hey girlfriend

we need to talk

I met your mother

txt msg from < (y/n) >

huh?

can this wait till tomorrow?

wait my mother?

like MY ACTUAL MOTHER??

txt msg to < (y/n) >

tmrw at lunch

yes

my future mother in law

~

"(l/n) (y/n), pick up this phone right now. A teacher? Not a professor or a doctor? (y/n) please, did you not remember what I told you? And you work with him too? It is unprofessional and inappropriate to have a lover in the workplace. Answer me when you get this. Also, I set up a date for you this Sunday afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Seo's son, Johnny! He's visiting from the States and he runs his own business! It's a Fortune 500 company so it's definitely reputable! Don't stand this one up."

~

"I'd be lying to you right now if I said I didn't see this coming." You mumble as you take a bite of your lunch, Mingyu sitting across you with crossed arms.

"You what? You knew she was going to do this?" He incredulously shouts, lowering his voice when the other teachers shush him. Lunchtime was the one time where all the faculty could get away from the loud commotion of their students. "She's crazy."

You glare at Mingyu slightly and he murmurs an apology, "sorry—she's kinda crazy."

"I didn't think she'd actually do it, it's been months since she's shown up in my life."

"What kind of mother does that?"

"She's done it before, and it worked on a couple of my past relationships." You sigh half-heartedly. Mingyu's temper flares at the mere thought of men—no, boys—who chose money over you. "I wouldn't put it past her to throw money at any problem or obstacle in her way again."

"She researched me too, she knew how old I was, my job, how long I've lived in the same building. How?"

"What can I say? My mother does her research." You swivel your spoon in your bowl before looking up at Mingyu. "She's the type of person who will not stop once she sets her sights on what she wants, especially if it concerns me. She hovers and nags and annoys you till you're frustrated and you give into what she wants."

"Oh, she's going to nag me to death? What fun." He deadpans, but when you don't laugh at his joke, he apologizes again.

"Mingyu, it's not funny. It's my life that's at stake here."

"The only thing at stake right now is our peace of mind," he glances at the clock on the wall, "which we only have ten minutes of until we have to go back to our classrooms and start lessons again. Just… when you're here at school, nothing else matters, alright? It's just you and the kids and… math." You giggle at his attempts of comforting words. "When the bell rings and classes are over, you can deal with the outside world, ok?"

"Isn't this just me pushing my problems away and avoiding them?"

"Nope," he quips with a wink. "This is you concentrating on one problem at a time, as it just so happens. Think of it as one of your worksheets: you have a whole sheet of math problems, right? You can't half-solve one problem and then go back to it, you have to focus and finish that one equation before moving onto the next. Simple."

You stifle a laugh as he leans back, his face in a grin over his smart thinking. "Actually, you can half-solve a problem and then go back to it. It's called being stuck, Mr. Kim."

"Well let's think of ways to get you unstuck then, Ms. (l/n)."

"Me unstuck? Mr. Kim, we are in a public place, mind you!" You exclaim in false shock, just as your co-workers Joohyun and Sooyoung from the science department stroll past your table.

"What? No, I-I mean—" Mingyu gives up when he notices their appalled expression and he groans, "I can't win, can I?"

"Nope," you remark with a wink, matching his same tone as before. "Better hurry Mr. Kim, you have five minutes left before your peace of mind is at stake."

~

"(y/n)! Pick up the phone! Don't ignore your mother. I was visiting your neighborhood and stopped by your apartment, but you weren't home. I'll be in town till Sunday—you'll be home Saturday, right? Don't tell me you're seriously dating that, that teacher from your work! (y/n), please he's… a stick and there's something wrong with his head... If you're wanting to see someone, I set up a date with Dr. Park's son, Jinyoung for you! You remember him, right? He used to go by Junior when you two were younger? Tall, handsome, and he's a doctor too! Call me back."

~

"Hello, my darling girlfriend." Mingyu emphasizes with a saccharinely sweet tone, setting his lunch bag next to you in the staff room. He pulls out the chair right next to yours and stretches in his seat. "What's for lunch?"

"Morning, Kim Mingyu." When Mingyu gives you a look, you roll your eyes. "Morning, my handsome boyfriend." He beams at you at the title while you shake your head. "All I'm eating today is this apple." You solemnly hold up a bright green apple in your hands before rubbing your head. "I barely woke up on time today, so I grabbed an apple on the way out."

"Take some of mine," he pulls out his prepped side dishes and nudges them over to you, offering you his fork. "Go ahead, (y/n). I have more than enough food." You frown as he pushes the dish towards you again. "Save some for me, yeah? Don't act so eager now."

You smile and give in, taking a bite of one of the dishes, "my knight in shining armor strikes again. How could I ever repay you?"

"Feed me?" He opens his mouth and you shovel a big bite of his food on the fork, aiming the fork towards his mouth but immediately redirecting it towards you and into your mouth.

"In your dreams," you say with the mouthful. Mingyu hides his smile and rolls his eyes at your childish nature before jumping into his half of his lunch. You two eat in peaceful silence as more teachers enter the staff room, complaining and conversing about the children and their antics.

"So my mother called me last night and left me a voicemail, she even remembered you!" You announce with a smirk, "not by name, but as 'that, that teacher from your work.'" You copy your mother's tone of voice and straighten your posture to embody her completely.

"I upgraded from being your inappropriate, unprofessional lover to 'that teacher,' not that bad in a week's work."

"She's still not keen on the idea of me dating you."

"I don't get it. Any mother would be happy—ecstatic even, for me to date their daughter!" He grumbles, "I’m tall, handsome, considerate, I can cook, I clean after myself, I work with children on a day to day basis—what’s so wrong about me dating you? I'm the whole package… am I not?"

"Are you a doctor, lawyer, or CEO of a multi-million dollar company? Or do you come from old money?" You ask although instantly knowing the answer, "you’re not from… money, Mingyu. That’s why my mother doesn't approve of you—or of any guy I choose to date."

You pause to think of the other reasons your mother mentioned in the voicemail, "and she said you're too like a stick, and something's off about your head."

"What?" Mingyu's cutlery rattles against the table, "my head is perfectly shaped, and I'm not a stick, thank you very much! I have muscles, I'm fit and in shape!"

You hide your snickers using a napkin to cover your mouth, glancing around the room to see Joohyun and Sooyoung from the science department raise their eyebrows at Mingyu.

He sits back down slowly and lowers his head in his lunch, mumbling under his breath, "my head is perfectly fine."

You try to suppress the smile on your face as Mingyu angrily pouts at you, patting his arm gently, "mhmm, your head is perfectly fine, yes."

~

"(y/n), it's Seungcheol. I'm warning you that your mom and I are at your apartment again. I know she said she was leaving last night but it's just to make sure you're home. She refuses to leave the town until she sees you in person. Call me back when you get this... Also, are you going to Joshua's wedding? Maybe we could carpool? Or meet up? Just as old friends... call me."

~

It's late and Mingyu's tiredly grading homework assignments when there's a knock on his apartment door, his face showing pure confusion when he sees you on the other side.

You're taken aback by how natural Mingyu looks, how plainly he looks in house clothes and yet he's still just as… handsome? "Uh hi, can I come in?"

"I don't think I have anywhere else to go tonight, except here." You pout, "I know Seungcheol and my mother are still at my apartment right now and I don't want to deal with all that. Not tonight."

Mingyu nods and opens the door wider for you to enter. "This is a cute set up."

"It's not cute, (y/n). It's simple." He emphasizes, his arms sweeping over the studio apartment's monochrome theme.

"It's both cute and simple." You tease with a grin, removing your shoes and coat respectfully by the door. "Were you grading essays?"

"Yeah, but not anymore." He tucks the papers into his work folder and takes off his glasses. "Take my bed, I'll be on the couch."

Your eyes widen at the request, glancing at the length of the couch and then back at Mingyu. "No, I couldn't—"

There's a tired rasp in his voice, "(y/n), my apartment, my rules. Just take the bed."

You shift in direction of his neatly, folded bed and set your bag next to his nightstand, "also I know beggars can't be choosers, but do you have an extra shi—" An extra t-shirt and sweatpants land on the bottom of the bed as Mingyu heads to the bathroom with a wink.

"If you wanted to get into my pants, (y/n), you could have said so." He shuts the door as soon as he says it, leaving you no time to come up with a reply back. Not that you could come up with a comeback with your face all tinged pink.

He exits the bathroom and heads to the couch, settling himself under a spare blanket. "Good night, (y/n)." Mingyu turns on the couch and faces the cushions, his knees awkwardly bent in order to fit on the furniture and under his blanket.

"Good night, Mingyu."

There's silence in the apartment, save for the ticking of the clock and your tossing and turning in Mingyu's bed, his pillows and mattress crinkling with your every motion. Mingyu holds in the urge to turn to stop the couch springs from sounding so he lets out a fake snore in place of it.

"Wow, for a moment that sounded really realistic." You comment out loud and Mingyu lets out a huff before stretching out his legs, his ankles dangling off the couch's arm. "Are you sure you don't want your bed?"

He lets out another fake snore that's louder than the first.

"You know, you’re eerily good at that?" Mingyu grunts in confusion and you elaborate, "acting, playing pretend, faking stuff. You really didn't have to pretend to be my boyfriend that night."

"Yeah, that wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to pretend to be someone’s boyfriend."

"Oh my goodness," you tsk disapprovingly as you sit up in his bed. "Kim Mingyu—you're a professional heartbreaker, aren't you? I should have known."

He turns on the couch to face in your direction, "and yet, you're still here, coming back for more." You can imagine Mingyu's wink aimed directly at you even in the dark.

"Oh shut up." You toss one of his pillows at him from across the space, "I knew I should have asked Wonwoo or Seokmin to be my boyfriend, not you. Maybe they'd be a better fake boyfriend."

"Hey! I'm a way better fake boyfriend—I'm letting you take my bed and my clothes! You'd be sneezing if you were in Wonwoo's apartment because of his cats and Seokmin would be too loud for you."

"How did you remember I was allergic to cats?" You remember bringing it up once early on in the school year, before you even were close as colleagues and friends with Mingyu. It was for an icebreaker at a summer staff gathering to integrate the new faculty (one of which was yourself) with the current roster. 

That was over years ago and yet he remembered?

Mingyu hesitates, "I have a good memory."

You stare up at the ceiling and tap your fingers on the bed. "So Mingyu… what are you doing at the end of the month? More specifically on the last Saturday of the month?"

"It's not like I have that much planned ahead, so nothing right now. Why?"

"Uh, would you mind being my plus one to my friend's wedding? It's okay if not, I—"

"Yeah, I'd love to. I-I mean, no I don't mind." He stammers, shocked at his own clumsy response to you. He's a literature teacher for crying out loud—he was supposed to be good with words at the very least.

"Is Seungcheol going to be there? Isn't that the wedding you two were talking about the first time around?"

Damn his good memory, you frown. "I think so. He asked me if I wanted to carpool with him and be his date—I mean, plus one, but I'd rather not."

Why?

Mingyu admits it's too vague of a question to ask you, so he settles for something more specific. "You don't feel anything for Seungcheol, do you?" Mingyu carefully says, "like, you don't have feelings for him, right?"

"What? No no no," you sit up, vehemently shaking your head as if to explain yourself to him even though it's dark. "Seungcheol? No, I don't have any feelings for him."

"Like at all?"

You echo, "like at all. I don't really see him that way. He’s been my friend for so long, and I-I just don’t think of him in that light."

"He's not some ex-boyfriend, is he? Your mom hasn't tried setting you up with him?"

You fidget with the covers, tugging them close to your chin and inhaling the smell of the blanket. "No, you and Seungcheol are similar in that way, but with him, she wouldn't oppose it per say, but she'd rather me be with someone else."

"Who would you want to be with? Per say?"

There's a slight pause before you answer his question with another question, "Mingyu, are you asking me for my type?"

"Maybe," he hums.

"You just want me to say that you're my type, don't you?" You squint through the darkness to try and read him, but it's no use.

"If that's how you feel, then I wouldn't be upset." He responds cheekily, "are you saying I'm your type then?"

"Am I your type?"

"You can't keep answering my questions with more questions, (y/n)."

You flop back into the bed, dragging the blankets over your head. "Fine… what if I said yes?"

"That's still a question." Mingyu chimes.

"You didn't answer mine either!" You fight back, your voice muffled under the weight of the blankets. You lay there for what feels like ages, waiting for Mingyu's response but hearing nothing at all.

Maybe he actually fell asleep this time, you think, curling into a small ball and turning on your side.

"Yes." His voice is barely above a whisper, making you throw the blankets off yourself to ensure you heard him right. Mingyu clears his throat nervously, "what's yours?"

"So I'm Kim Mingyu's type, huh?" You muse out loud, just as he scoffs.

"You're doing it again."

"Good night Mingyu," you sing with a smile just as he complains again.

~

"(y/n). It's Seungcheol again… this time your mother and I left the city so you're fine to go back. Where have you been if you haven't been at your apartment for two weeks? Nearly three? Don't tell me you're living with what's his name, your mother's gonna have a heart attack if you are. She's already in denial after the PI's gave her the photos of you and him walking around and having dinner and going to his apartment building. See you at the wedding, I bet you're gonna look beautiful."

~

"(y/n)?"

You’re asleep on top of a mountain of papers on your desk, your arms neatly folded on top of the worksheets and tests you’re supposed to be grading. Your hair falls over your face and Mingyu delicately shifts the strands to see your closed eyes and rosy lips letting out a snore every minute or so.

He taps on your shoulder repeatedly before gently nudging you, successfully waking you, "(y/n)? Need help?"

"No, it’s fine." Your mind is still groggy and bogged down and you feel your dry eyes grasping for another minute of sleep. "I just need to go through these papers and grade them."

He chuckles at the sight of you closing your eyes for a single minute of sleep before haphazardly rising up and shaking your head. You blindly grab for your red pen and unclip the stack of papers, separating them by class period. The sound of a chair screeching against the linoleum startles you as you look up and see Mingyu drag a chair next to your desk.

"So, what do I need to look for?" Mingyu’s glasses are perched on his nose and his hand is clutching a red pen and you can’t help but fawn over the sight before you.

The dark night sky bleeds into the sunset as you and Mingyu grade your students’ worksheets, going through one period and onto another as the literature teacher asks you question after question to stifle the quiet.

"Why did you want to become a teacher?"

You rest the end of your pen between your teeth, biting it slightly, "why did you?" You volley back to him.

He quips childishly, "no answering questions with questions, remember?"

You smile before writing a letter grade at the top of the page. "Well, you may think this is very petty and cynical of me, but originally chose to become a teacher to spite my mother." Your pen rattles on the paper as you comment to study the times tables harder. "I told you how much money and financial security meant to her, and so she set me on the path to become a lawyer, to get my undergrad and then rush to law school to make money."

You set the pen and paper down on the table before standing up, stretching your limbs and circling around your desk as Mingyu stops grading to listen.

"But I didn’t want that, so I changed my major and completed a degree in education. All without her knowing until the very day I graduated. I chose this profession because helping children—as much as it wants to tear my hair out sometimes—it makes me happy, I'm happy to be teaching the next generation and making a decent pay out of it."

He sits against the edge of your desk next to you, rattling his red pen in between his fingers, "isn't it tiring? To keep on this petty fight with your mother? I mean, doesn't she just want what's best for you?"

You answer without hesitation, "yes."

"Yes what?"

"Yes. It is tiring to fight my mother and yes, she does want the best for me." You murmur lightly, "but if I don't fight her, she will turn me into someone I'm not—she'll turn me into everything she would have wanted, all her hopes and dreams in a picture perfect daughter. A trophy wife on the arm of some rich man—but that's not my dream. I don't want to become some doll or a replica of her, I want to be my own person, and make my own way in life and fall in love and marry whoever I want—even if he's dirt poor and a fool."

"Well, as the lowly fool with a couple dollars to his name posing as your boyfriend, I think you're doing a great job." Mingyu nudges your arm tenderly.

"Hey, you're not some lowly fool… you're just a fool." Mingyu pretends to cry and faint at the revelation, falling on your shoulder, "I'm joking! Kim Mingyu, don't pull this with me! I was joking!"

Mingyu continues to fake cry on your shoulder as you playfully nudge him off, not feeling his head bob up and down until you feel him hit your shoulder. Mingyu immediately yelps in pain and you begin fretting over him, "Oh! Mingyu! I'm so sorry! Are you okay? I—"

"I'm f-fine. I don't think I'm bleeding, or am I?" You stand in front of Mingyu and have him carefully move his hands from his face but the moment he removes his hands, he grins without a speck of blood on him, wrapping his arms around you and lifting you from the ground. "Ha!"

"Kim Mingyu! You can't do that, put me down!" You sulk with a huff, a laugh escaping your lips as he twirls you around on his shoulder. After enough attempts of you hitting his back and cursing his name, he carefully sets you back down, his hands still on your hips and eyes locked on yours.

Your heart's beating so loud in your ears as you're stuck in place, entranced by the fragility of the moment, of how close you two are together. Your first thought is that he smells good, that he smells like clean soap, like laundry fresh and hot out of the dryer. His warmth radiates off his skin and wraps you up in your arms, pushing out the cold chill in the room and out the door.

It's warm—you're warm and content but you can't help but think that you shouldn't be doing this. Everything between you and Mingyu is supposed to be fake—from the dates around the city to the dinners to hiding out and staying over at his apartment for days on end to your daily lunches to your feelings.

You weren't supposed to fall for him, not like this—not when the lines are so blurred and muddled to the point you can't tell fiction from reality.

You should have known this was a terrible idea.

"Mingyu, I—" you don't finish your sentence as Mingyu's lips covers yours, the soft skin pressing against your own with passion and fervor as his hands wrap themselves around your waist. You're in pure shock—frozen in place as he kisses you and you can't help but have a million thoughts racing in your head, all fighting and arguing on what to do.

He realizes you're frozen in place and detangles himself as if you're an all-consuming fire. The hurt is evident on his face, the classroom's white lights reflecting the glassy stare in his eyes. "(y/n)... I thought—never mind." Mingyu quickly takes his jacket and bag and races out of the room, his footsteps fading away towards the exits. You're left all alone in the classroom as you crumple to the floor, leaning against your desk still just as shell-shocked as before and your heart now in shambles.

~

"(y/n), it's Seungcheol… I know that I'm the last person you want to see or talk to… but I'm grateful we caught up at Joshua's wedding together. Being with you there felt… nice, I was happy to be there with someone I knew for a long time, someone I cared deeply for. I shouldn't have tried what I did… I apologize for that and I promise to never try that again for as long as we remain friends… I hope you can forgive my actions and accept my apology… and (y/n), I wish you the best, with him, without him, in whatever you do."

~

"Thank goodness today is Friday!" Seungkwan shouts with a blissful sigh, wrapping his hands behind his head with a wide grin. "The kids were so active during music lessons!"

"Easy for you to say. Half of the children fell asleep during literature lessons in the morning. Try talking to snoring kids for an hour." Mingyu mumbles, weakly mixing his soup with his spoon. He's thisclose to becoming one of his own students in his literature class as he listens to Seungkwan and Seokmin drone on about their children in the music classes.

He couldn't catch a single second of sleep knowing he was bound to see you today. Mingyu's done all he could to avoid you, from waking up early to staying out late to not be home when you come around, to leaving all of your messages unopened, to not returning your calls, he's done so much.

He couldn't avoid you here though.

"At least they're quiet and not banging on the drums or beating a tamborine till it's broken or screaming the words out loud," Seokmin notes. "You're lucky, Mingyu. You get the kids to read and write out whatever their imagination desires."

The door suddenly opens and there's a noise Mingyu instantly recognizes: your laugh.

"You won't believe the mess that Lee Youngjoon caused today in class today." You follow Chungha into the staff room and set down your lunch next to hers, just as she pulls a chair at the same table with Mingyu and the guys. "He nearly incited a riot during art class and started a paint war against the girls in the classroom! Why are children so rowdy these days? Did I even mention he started it because of his crush on Kim Miso? Seriously!"

Seokmin helps pick out dried paint in Chungha's hair with a shrug, "well, it's an age old matter that boys pick on girls because they like them and they don't know how to express that."

"Mhmm," you agree, sneaking a glance at Mingyu as you open your lunch box, "maybe it's because boys don't know how to… communicate their feelings properly, so they just act rashly instead."

Mingyu raises an eyebrow, catching your stare, "oh I don't think it's that boys don't know how to communicate their feelings. They do, they do it all the time; I mean, actions speak louder than words."

"All the time now, huh?" You quip with curiosity. "Then what's the point of words if actions are supposedly enough? Words still matter. Do they not, mister literature teacher?"

He chuckles at your callout, "no you're right, words do matter. But the problem is that some words make everything too real and some people are scared of that reality… or might not even want it and act like they do. You can pretend all you want and do what you want, but at the end of the day, don't you want something real? Wouldn't you want to risk it for a chance at something like that?"

You realize the weight of his words and hold back the urge to yell everything on your mind at him in front of the entire staffing of your school behind you, "yeah, that'd be nice."

"Wise words, Kim Mingyu, but how does this relate back to the children?" Chungha cries, almost in hysterics thinking of her classroom. Your eyes lock on him before you shift your gaze to the clock at the front of the room, watching the time slip by with every second. "I'm going back to my classroom, if anyone wants to help me clean, let me know."

"I'm going back to my classroom too." Mingyu packs his lunch away and rises from the table, avoiding your eyes and giving a tight smile to his friends.

You watch him leave the room before cleaning up your barely touched lunch, glancing at the time before rushing down the hall to the literature teacher's classroom, knocking on the door panel lightly.

"Mingyu, I want to talk to you."

"Well, I'm here," he grunts as he lifts stacks of textbooks from one side of the room to the other. You internally punch yourself as you blatantly stare at his arms, his stupid muscles contracting under the weight of the sets. "I'm listening."

"Are you really?" You pose back, watching him stride back and forth with the books as you lean in the doorway. He gives you a look and you listen to yourself, "okay, yes that was a terrible question. Umm, so I know I have a lot to explain—"

He stops, "I'm not asking you for an explanation. You don't owe me anything, (y/n). "

"I don't but I want to explain myself—I have a right to explain myself, don't I?"

He sets down the most recent stack of books on his desk and circles around to his chair, "you have ten minutes, before—"

"Your peace of mind is at stake, yeah yeah." You finish for him with a roll of your eyes, making him break his tough demeanor. You pause as he waits for you to begin, but you honestly didn't think you'd get this far. "I… you, uh—how do I even begin this?" You sigh, turning to the side and staring at the classroom's blank chalkboard.

"Okay, here!" You take hold of one of the chalk pieces and start writing down your name, Mingyu, Seungcheol, and your mother's names on the board, all in different corners. "Don't laugh." Mingyu hides his smile behind his hand as you write by the names.

"(y/n): teacher, daughter, Kim Mingyu's type, allergic to cats. Mom: mother, too much, desperately doesn't want (y/n) to be poor and alone. Seungcheol: bodyguard, older brother, too much #2, good intentions? And lastly, Mingyu: professional heartbreaker and expert level actor, teacher, (y/n)'s boyfriend?"

Mingyu's fingers tap on the desk impatiently, "(y/n), can you please get to the point—"

"Shhhh." You sternly quiet him with a pointed look, tapping on the chalkboard loudly. You quickly run through the story of your life, starting with your friendship with Seungcheol, your mother's endless string of blind dates, the rift of not contacting your mother for months, the night you recruited Mingyu to be your boyfriend, the dates, the lunches, the dinners, everything in between right to the moment Mingyu kissed you in your classroom.

"...and then you kissed me, and I didn't know what to do or say exactly because I was confused—none of this was to actually happen! I wasn't expecting any of it and because I didn't do or say anything, you left and started avoiding me." You circle Mingyu's name over and over again, the white chalk wearing thin. "You and I were supposed to go to Joshua's wedding that weekend, but with you avoiding me, I ended up going by myself and running into—"

"Seungcheol." Mingyu answers for you, a sour frown on his face at the sound of his name. "He kept asking you to be his date."

"His plus one."

"There's a difference." He gripes with contempt, his lower lip jutted out in annoyance.

"There is no difference," you huff, rolling your eyes at his impatient behavior and clutching an eraser in your hand. "Because he kissed me too and I didn't do anything about it."

"He what?" Mingyu rises from his seat furiously. "He kissed you? And you didn't do anything about it either? Why?"

"Why? Are you jealous?"

"Yes I am jealous." He confesses proudly, once again catching you off-guard.

"When Seungcheol kissed me, I realized a couple things." Mingyu's attention stays completely on you as you wipe Seungcheol and your mother's name from the chalkboard, "one, that weddings are not that fun when you're single and wishing you were there with your boyfriend... or is it your fake boyfriend? Or maybe it’s the guy who started off as your co-worker and then fake boyfriend and then you slowly realized that you wanted him to be your actual, real life boyfriend, regardless of what your mother thinks of him and his oddly shaped head."

Mingyu circles around you as you set down the eraser on the chalkboard's ledge, "and two, I realized that I should have done this the first time someone kissed me."

You grab Mingyu by the collar of his shirt and pull him to you, closing your eyes and pushing your lips to his messily. He tenses up from the sudden action but slowly melts into you, moving his lips against yours slowly and wrapping his arms around you.

The lunch bell rings over the intercom and you can hear the school doors open, the sound of shoes running against the linoleum squeaking and echoing in the hallway. You pull yourself away from Mingyu and bite your lip when you realize lunch is over.

"There goes our peace of mind."

"I think I found mine right here." He smiles into you, leaning in for another kiss whilst still wrapped in his arms.

.

#seventeen #mingyu scenarios #seventeen scenarios #seventeen au #kim mingyu scenarios #kim mingyu #kim mingyu imagines #mingyu au #kim mingyu au #mingyu imagines #seventeen imagines #my work #this is terribly long and I haven't written in ages

[sukirichi]

read the new chapters and aAAACKKKKK BESTIE???

y/n - ‘I was born to make everyone’s life a living hell’ maam this LINE?! JAW DROPPED, TIME STOPPED being insecure all her life and wanting to live up to the expectations to her dad just to have that sliver of attention from him, that sentence gives us a glimpse on how little she felt despite being accomplished, rather successful actually because she always cleans her boss’ mess have a lot of baggage to unpack. and when the secret was confirmed, her anger rejects all of the entity that ties with her past because both her parents deprived her for the things she was supposed to have– becoming greedy to fulfill those. then eventually, somehow, going back to her roots aka being humble after having the talk with her dad. As most of her insecurity started because of him and how she had to be the bigger person for his other family, clearing out the misunderstanding between them brought a sense of peace  while she’s settling in the restless turn of events.

and with our main man gojo, this guy, it is not wise to- 😤😤 how can you say you’re engaged after doing the body tango huh? esp when you said you want y/n to be your wife? oh gee and the revelation of his past relationship with mia and how he sees her in y/n is so fucked up. can’t help but think that satoru wanting to marry and be this lovey-dovey with y/n is just him reliving the moments that mia never gave him in the past. and y/n accepting that their current relationship is based on how they’re filling up the cracks in their needs and settling for the sake of familiarity. imagine how deep in love our girl is to keep satoru in her life 💔 im still in it for the second lead agenda

needless to say, everyone here needs a therapy so they can get their shit straight together 🤧🤧 (ノ•̀ o •́ )ノ ~ ┻━┻

BUT i know you mentioned this many times but laywer! naoya all poised and in his best behavior while helping y/n in her new situation has my heart go💕💕 winning lots of cases and is known in his field, he proved that he is both beauty and brains. and the pen spin??? man be pulling those fast spins either to distract or impress the person he is talking to flashing those perfect white pearls wtf now i can’t get that out of my head naoya brain rot 🥵🥵 also celebrity chef! sukuna in charge of all those delicious, exquisite cuisines? imma make myself broke just to taste his masterpiece🥲 ooh but how about him being a michelin star chef and owning a michelin-starred resto?! no doubt, left and right you see this man appearing on some high food magazine on the cover 😊😊 oh oh i also saw that supermodel! choso?? also his face is plastered on magazines AND luxurious advertisements ex. shibuya crossing! where most people be drenched in his glorious presence yea weird shibuya arc ref pls kill me and everyone talks how handsome and intimidating he is while he just have a rbf and only the closest people in his life get to see him drop that front 😌😌

with that in mind, imagine supermodel! choso being a godfather to the baby of y/n?? he would go soft immediately at the sight of the child and would probably love giving lots of branded clothes it will be good enough for more than a year ☺️🥲😭

oh and there is this one scene in chp7 that reminded me of the recent korean movie i watched i dont wanna say it in case you wanna check it out its called sweet and sour and oh god idk why but watching it, mind keeps on prompting your fics 😬😬 maybe bcos i some of your fic always had med related topics and the main actress role there is a nurse. i remember that you’re on your clinic training so maybe thats why 😳oohh pls don’t forget to take breaks and be safe heart and oh ur a psych major too? oh wow hi ig in relation to one actress in the sweet and sour fic, she was also in a kdrama the heirs- which was popular at the time with it being packed with some solid household actors and actresses. sky castle tho, ig it relates to the theme of reckless more because its mostly how parents from the upper class will mindlessly destroy someone’s life to attain their materialistic desires  🤧🙂

this fic, easily in my top 3 ‘heart belongs to who it dictates’ so many twists, so much drama and ANGST! YES BESTIE GIMME THOSE ANGST 🥲😌

i hope you’re doing well nowadays :’)) we need to find gege the best chiropractor to take care of his back, so good that it’ll make naoya respawn to life 🙂 suki i don’t think i’ll get tired of saying how much i love your work that it feels illegal im reading it for free 💔. i don’t really have much to offer, but im wishing you good health and success in your life :’)) aah i’ve mentioned this already but take care always 💕💖😊🥰

- 🍳

read the new chapters and aAAACKKKKK BESTIE???

y/n - ‘I was born to make everyone’s life a living hell’ maam this LINE?! JAW DROPPED, TIME STOPPED being insecure all her life and wanting to live up to the expectations to her dad just to have that sliver of attention from him, that sentence gives us a glimpse on how little she felt despite being accomplished, rather successful actually because she always cleans her boss’ mess have a lot of baggage to unpack. and when the secret was confirmed, her anger rejects all of the entity that ties with her past because both her parents deprived her for the things she was supposed to have– becoming greedy to fulfill those. then eventually, somehow, going back to her roots aka being humble after having the talk with her dad. As most of her insecurity started because of him and how she had to be the bigger person for his other family, clearing out the misunderstanding between them brought a sense of peace  while she’s settling in the restless turn of events.

and with our main man gojo, this guy, it is not wise to- 😤😤 how can you say you’re engaged after doing the body tango huh? esp when you said you want y/n to be your wife? oh gee and the revelation of his past relationship with mia and how he sees her in y/n is so fucked up. can’t help but think that satoru wanting to marry and be this lovey-dovey with y/n is just him reliving the moments that mia never gave him in the past. and y/n accepting that their current relationship is based on how they’re filling up the cracks in their needs and settling for the sake of familiarity. imagine how deep in love our girl is to keep satoru in her life 💔 im still in it for the second lead agenda

needless to say, everyone here needs a therapy so they can get their shit straight together 🤧🤧 (ノ•̀ o •́ )ノ ~ ┻━┻

BUT i know you mentioned this many times but laywer! naoya all poised and in his best behavior while helping y/n in her new situation has my heart go💕💕 winning lots of cases and is known in his field, he proved that he is both beauty and brains. and the pen spin??? man be pulling those fast spins either to distract or impress the person he is talking to flashing those perfect white pearls wtf now i can’t get that out of my head naoya brain rot 🥵🥵 also celebrity chef! sukuna in charge of all those delicious, exquisite cuisines? imma make myself broke just to taste his masterpiece🥲 ooh but how about him being a michelin star chef and owning a michelin-starred resto?! no doubt, left and right you see this man appearing on some high food magazine on the cover 😊😊 oh oh i also saw that supermodel! choso?? also his face is plastered on magazines AND luxurious advertisements ex. shibuya crossing! where most people be drenched in his glorious presence yea weird shibuya arc ref pls kill me and everyone talks how handsome and intimidating he is while he just have a rbf and only the closest people in his life get to see him drop that front 😌😌

with that in mind, imagine supermodel! choso being a godfather to the baby of y/n?? he would go soft immediately at the sight of the child and would probably love giving lots of branded clothes it will be good enough for more than a year ☺️🥲😭

oh and there is this one scene in chp7 that reminded me of the recent korean movie i watched i dont wanna say it in case you wanna check it out its called sweet and sour and oh god idk why but watching it, mind keeps on prompting your fics 😬😬 maybe bcos i some of your fic always had med related topics and the main actress role there is a nurse. i remember that you’re on your clinic training so maybe thats why 😳oohh pls don’t forget to take breaks and be safe heart and oh ur a psych major too? oh wow hi ig in relation to one actress in the sweet and sour fic, she was also in a kdrama the heirs- which was popular at the time with it being packed with some solid household actors and actresses. sky castle tho, ig it relates to the theme of reckless more because its mostly how parents from the upper class will mindlessly destroy someone’s life to attain their materialistic desires  🤧🙂

this fic, easily in my top 3 ‘heart belongs to who it dictates’ so many twists, so much drama and ANGST! YES BESTIE GIMME THOSE ANGST 🥲😌

i hope you’re doing well nowadays :’)) we need to find gege the best chiropractor to take care of his back, so good that it’ll make naoya respawn to life 🙂 suki i don’t think i’ll get tired of saying how much i love your work that it feels illegal im reading it for free 💔. i don’t really have much to offer, but im wishing you good health and success in your life :’)) aah i’ve mentioned this already but take care always 💕💖😊🥰

- 🍳

y/n becomes a real baddie when she’s pissed off 😫

hmm y/n wasn’t really working hard for her dad’s attention, it was more like she felt so left out and unwanted (she feels unwanted wherever she goes) that she just decided to pack up and support them from afar bcos to her, she’s so alienated in her dad’s family that she felt like she had to work hard to earn a spot in their table. she knows she’s the outsider but she wants to feel like she can be part of them, that she is also a child deserving of love and care, but becos her stepmom focused more on her actual kids and her own dad was too busy with his new family now, it made y/n feel that she had to do something to be worthy of that.

that’s why most of the money she made working in tokyo was still wired to her family; she put her brothers in school and supported them, all because she hoped it would make them accept her more. now, things are different because she finally found her biological family, but even if valeria and co. still don’t want her, y/n is now more focusing on building something that’s truly hers that no one can take away. yes yes, she did become greedy, but more for power than of acceptance. she got to a point she doesn’t care as much vying for her parents’ approval and now thinks her luxury gives her comfort; only because at least she has that much. like she said in the latest chapter, happiness was not what she needed, it was stability and money - all things she lacked before.

and yea she did go back to her roots! all of her issues started with her dad anyway but that part is slowly patching up 🩹💔 oooh actually your theory is right bestie 🧐 gojo found y/n interesting bcos she reminded him of mia, so the more she pushed him away, the more he’s like wait, i’ve been here before, let’s not repeat past mistakes but i can do better now. on the part where gojo talked to mia while she was asleep, notice how he said he’s given a second chance to do better now, all because he couldn’t do them with mia but he could with y/n.

ohhh actually y/n was the one who established that ‘fulfilling mutual need and settling for familiarity instead of being lonely’ type of relationship. gojo avoided her for weeks and he’s pretty settled in keeping his distance, but she was the one who sought him out. deep down, y/n is afraid if she doesn’t at least use him as an anchor to her more humble roots, then she might spiral out of control and end up like valeria, thus using him as a ‘distraction’ but in reality, she needs his comfort to be grounded.

SECOND LEAD AGENDA OMG LETS GOOO 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️ geto the fine fine option.

NO BESTIE MOMENT U MENTIONED LAWYER NAOYA I JUST KNEW I WAS GONNA SCREAM. okay but lawyer! naoya is so fine, i love his character so much bcos he’s a pure bean. originally, i was gonna make him an antagonist but i found he had more potential as a good, supportive character. HIS PEN SPIN HELPPP WHY COULDN’T HE JUST BEEN OUR BABY DADDY 😫 he pulls them fast spins bcos he’s nervous btw HAHAHAHA y/n can be quite intimidating and lawyer! naoya is sometimes too precious.

celebrity chef! sukuna is MEAN! he was pictured after gordon ramsay so lmao. omgggg sukuna being famous not only for his food but also his handsomeness 😳 he gets so cocky over how no one can get in his level while popping a battle of champagne, listening to ‘careless whisper’ while dancing to his reflection in the mirror 😤

also yoo supermodel! choso is THE hot shit 🥵 he’s so famous his schedule is packed for an entire year and a half and those are just for very selected brands and designers! ugh imagine going to work on the subway when you see supermodel! choso with rbf posing sexily and you swoon because he’s so sexy. plot twist that choso doesn’t know how to drive bcos as a kamo family member, they grew up with drivers taking them to and fro, so when his driver got sick and everyone else was busy, supermodel choso takes the subway himself and hides behind a face mask and cap while still wearing extravagant clothes that makes him stand out more. he does not have ‘subtle’ on his book at all.

and yeah people say he’s intimidating but its more his height and build + rbf! in reality, he’s just as soft and sweet as naoya, but both of them go into protective mode when someone they care about is being crapped on. and boy when they DO get into “what did you just say?” mode, better run away 🏃🏻‍♀️ supermodel! choso is also an heir to the kamo empire though not after the business, but he still has enough power to take you down in a second.

meanwhile, lawyer! naoya didn’t become this successful without being so savage yet composed he makes you question your entire existence before he drags you to court. lawyer! naoya is so scarily convincing that he can make you plead guilty even tho you did nothing wrong 💀

aaaah omg supermodel! choso LOVES babies actually! as the eldest child who looked after his brothers bcos the kamo parents are always away for work, being a father figure is so natural to him. i can picture him being the one who cries harder than gojo if the baby is born bcos he’s so excited, then reads poems to the baby before sighing that childbirth is such a beautiful thing 🥺

omg i know sweet n sour, the actresses are one of my faves tho i haven’t watched it yet! oooh they’re a nurse? i didn’t know that 🧐 i actually finish my short training in a week so i’ll be heading on to heavy majoring in psychology! wait bestie are YOU also a psych major 😳💕 oh and i see i see, sky castle *jots that down for future references* reckless actually has lots of significance in terms of the parents’ roles so i’m excited to see that! and aww thank you so much, can’t believe i made it in someone’s top three 🥺💕

HELP AHSKWKW i’m gonna call the best chiropractor in the world and send them gege’s way, i’ll cry a river if that’s what it takes to bring my boo back to life 😭 and noo baby the support already means a lot to me, i’m just happy to indulge in my hobbies and share it wih you all so thank you very much for everything 🥺 please take care of yourself too n have a nice day!! kith MWAH 💕

#asks with naoya's trophy wife #series: reckless #jjk: manga spoilers #anon:🍳

[sinfulcries2]

milkshake boy ; cai xukun

hello everyone! its my first REAL post sooo ive been watching idol producer lately and i fell inlove with cai xukun omg he is more beautiful than me anyways i hope you enjoy!

after a long day at school, you decide to get a milkshake and meet your future boyfriend

GENRE: fluff

WARNINGS: uhmm... sudden heart attack ^__^;

okay lets us prepare our hearts for this xukun imagines hdjwxbcje.

you were just a normal college student who took the course of performing arts and yOU WERE REALLY GOOD AT IT.

some companies scouted you but you rejected them all because you knew that you wouldnt have time for training because of school

if that aint me lmAO

anYWAYS

so one day your dance teacher taught a few moves that were new to you and your classmates so you had difficulties learning them.

whats worse is that your teacher assigned all of you and your classmates to create a dance with those moves in it.

and you were like ‘bITCH WTF ARE YOU SERIOUS MS.ZHOU??’

and it was like she read your mind and said “oH YES”

so you were determined to make the most creative and unique dance

class originally ended at 3:30 p.m but you stayed at the practice room dancing until 8:55 p.m

hOW HARDWORKING I CAN NEVER RELATE-

so you danced, and danced until you got the move right 

but like you kept messing up at one particular part.

at the middle of dancing, ms.zhou did a check on why the hell there was music coming from the practice room sO LATE AT NIGHT

to her surprise she saw you there working yourself out to the bone.

so she ran up to you and stopped you from dancing further.

“you need some rest y/n!!”

“no need-”

“yOU NEED REsT gO bAcK hOMe aNd sLeEp”

“yES MAAM’

so while you were walking home

and by walking i mean literally dragging yourself along the street with your school bag by your shoulder

you saw a milkshake shop not so far from where you were

and since you didnt have any water in your jug left, you decided why not buy some water from there.

so you walked and walked until you reached the shop

you entered the shop to get greeted by this hELLA ATTRACTIVE BOY

and you were like ‘omg i smell like sweat what do i do omg can i just shoot me he looks like full course meal iN a good way-’

and he shot you a bright smile

you swore your heart was beating 173600237 times per second

aND HE WAS THERE SMILING LIKE HE WAS ENJOYING YOUR PAIN

so you walked up to the counter

and he gave you a warm greeting

“hI WELCOME TO CHINLI’S”

im joking

“Hi welcome to idol projuicer, my name is xukun! what can i get for you?”

and you being distracted by his ethereal beauty you blurted out

“o-one strawberry milkshake”

because that was your favorite flavor

but you remembered that you had to buy water

tOO LATE THE RECIPT IS BEING PRINTED OUT 

so you pay for your drink and find a seat in the shop

after you find a seat you take a seat and scroll on your phone for a bit

sUDDENLY YOU HEAR A VOICE BEHIND YOU

“miss here is your strawberry milkshake”

and turns out its xukun dude who is also your waiter!

he flashes you a smile and puts the shake on your table

but you noticed he put chocolate ice cream on top with chocolate syrup!

so basically its now strawberry and chocolate

wHICH IS LIKE YOUR SECOND FAVORITE SHAKE FLAVOR

im sorry if it isnt omg 

so you unintentionally smiled and drank your shake happily.

xukun caught you smiling and he smiled too

he also swore his heart started beating 30572921637 times per second

see how theres more numbers

anyways the next day after school, you decided to go to that milkshake shop again

because of xukun and his shakes

mainly because of xukun

but anyways everytime you visited he would put some more add-ons on every shake you order.

the two of you got closer in just the span of a week

how?

one day you were craving his amazing milkshakes so you went there

and then while you were drinking, xukun walked up to you and built up a conversation

and the two of you cLICKED

why did he strike a convo?

he likes you mwahahaha

anyways aside from that in the span of two weeks

he gave you the nickname ‘beautiful loyal customer’

the owner of the shop, Mr.Zhang started to treat you as if you were his own daughter lol

the other staff, ziyi, justin, chengcheng, treated you as if you were their sister.

and best of all, xukun!gave!you!his!number!

and you became a squeeling dolphin when you got home

to the point your mom thought you were secretly a dolphin hybrid

one day while you and xukun were having a dinner date at the shop,

you remembered the dance you had to do

and the fact it was two days away made you scared af

so you excused yourself

sO LIKE YOU KNOW THAT DRAMATIC KDRAMA HAND GRAB?

THAT HAPPENED

he asked why you were leaving so early because it was unusual of you

so you told him “dance.learn.2 days”

he seemed to understand and he smiled at you

“i will help you”

and it was unusual because he didnt tell you he was also a dancer??

but you agreed anyways

so when the two of you reached the studio,

you played the music and started to dance to the song

xukun had heart eyes while watching you but also seemed to learn the moves quickly just by looking at it

so he noticed the moves you were messing up at and he taught you a few techniques and shit that would make you remember it and do it properly.

so after a while of teaching, he asked you to dance again but this time to apply the stuff he taught you

so you danced with the stuff he taught you

and when the song ended you heard xukun clap like a proud mom seal hybrid

and you also couldnt believe it because when you looked at your phone the song was done playing!

cONGRATS

so you ran up to xukun and hugged him tightly

and xukun was sHOOK  and you realized what you did and you pulled away awkwardly the two of yoiu being tomatoes.

but he broke the awkwardness and pulled out a mango milkshake out from his bag.

“yOU DID IT BEAUTIFUL LOYalL Y/N!!”

and the two of you would end up being a giggling mess

fastforward to the day of your presentation....

you got the second highest grade

zhengting being the first

but you were happy with your grade

soo when you went out of your school you saw xukun there waiting for you.

and you were like wtf why is he here

but he smiles only

“y/NNN i wANNA TAKE YOU TO THE MILKSHAKE SHOP AGAIN TO CELEBRATE!!”

and you giggled at his cuteness

so while the two of you were walking there and the two of you talking about life

he would lace his hand with yours

and you would be a CHERRY BOMB

and he would be there smiling widely while admiring your beautiful, flustered face

so once the two of you arrive at the shop

you would see that it was closed, but there were flower petals everywhere you would be so dumbfounded when you hear the song with the lyrics only being ‘balance’

and you hear someone with the voice of Mr.Zhang mutter a loud “cRAP WRONG SONG”

and after that a ballad love song would play

xukun would whisper a short ‘aish, mr.zhang’ but you would only giggle 

sooooo xukun would face you again and grab the both of your hands gently

he would be so nervous and shy omg pls save him

and he would blurt out

“uHMM Y/N IVE LIKED YOU FOR A LONG TIME NOW PLS DONT REJECT ME OMG IF YOU DONT LIKE ME BACK AT LEAST KISS ME OR SOMETHING IDK”

and you would only giggle and peck him on the lips

“ i like you too, my milkshake boy” you say and hug him tightly

he would grab your waist and kiss you LONGER

the two of you smiling into the kiss

when the two of you pulled away

xukun would give you a strawberry chocolate milkshake like when you first met each other

you would smile remembering the both of your first encounters and chuckle slightly.

xukun’s heart would go dugeun dugeun dugeun seeing your smile

and he would ask.......

“would you be my girlfriend?”

“yes of course”

“oUR MILKSHAKE BOY HAS FOUND HIS MILKSHAKE GIRL”

thats probably ziyi

everyone would cheer

and suddenly justin comes out of nowhere and plays careless whisper

while the two of you hold hands enjoying each others pressence

OMG IM DONE THIS TOOK ME 4 HOURS TO MAKE OML ANYWAYS HOPED YOU ENJOYED LOVELIES!

#cai xukun #idol producer #scenario #idol producer scenarios #cai xukun imagines #cai xukun scenarios

[stanbangttan]

THE DOOR GUY // Drabble // Yoongi x Reader

Summary: You are in Seoul, because of the job opportunity, stumbling upon your favorite producer, Yoongi in front of a restaurant.

Warning: fluff, angst, 

A/N: I hope you love this. I am a little late. But still. Happy birthday to you Nicole. You deserve the world ❤️ @nmmthings  Try to find the song. COMMENT. Requests are still open. Hop on.

Word count: 2k

We were in the foreign country and still my sister got more guys than me. She got one for now, or she accepted one, and as it goes for me I got zero, as per usual. She was gorgeous, of course, but did she have to say yes? I will dare to say I am cute too, it’s just that I am an introvert and she is an extrovert.  And the fuck, why am I the one who needs to drive her. This car is rented. If we even make a small dent, we’re doomed, and I am not so confident I ride well. I even take the metro to my studio. I am a good driver but still I am not comfortable driving in the new town. Especially where I don’t understand the signs or even what drivers are yelling at me. I love this city. I love everything about it. I couldn’t even imagine we would ever go to Seoul. Not when I was told I have a job opportunity of going, and even for a month. And with my sister. Visiting it and even get paid to live there. Did I save a country in my last life? However there were those bad sides of my trip. Not knowing the language entirely. Managing to find a translator in Korea was a plus, but getting my company to pay him as well was a long shot, that somehow worked out. I was a working on a project with SM entertainment for upcoming comeback of Red Velvet. I wrote and produced some of the songs with their producing team. I was chosen to help them to create new sound of their songs. Which I am pretty excited for. But that was not my goal. The one I would love to work with was actually Big Hit. Because I heard the idols produced their own songs which is something that blew me off. No one had that kind of freedom in Korean discography and succeeded at that. Made that money, became uprising star. So I got into it more. Starting following their work. I really am amazed how they put they all into the music. I love the actual freedom of making, artistic freedom and lyric writing they have. And they actually rock it really well. They got big. So I have entered Kpop market, hoping I will work with them one day. It’s a wish of mine to see the masterpiece in the making, live.

 I worked, while my sister enjoyed Seoul life. It’s an understatement to tell I was really jealous of her. She could enjoy life, meet boys and explore the town. Not that I couldn’t but still it was working. And I wouldn’t even hit on a guy or flirt in any way. But it would be nice to have a day off and explore the city. Namsan tower, Han river, maybe going to brunch in Gangnam. Feeling and acting boujee. Living a Kdrama? Maybe.. “You trust that tinder or whateveriscalled dating apps too much..”  I told Ana, as I drove her. She had full glam makeup, putting more lipstick in the passenger seat mirror. “Can you like chill.. It’s just for a coffee..” “Can we have a like safe word or text if you’re not feeling well or if he’s a creep or a dork so you can text me and I’ll call you to get you out and pick you up? At least do that for me, Ana. That is the least you can do.” I pleaded her. She is to naïve when it comes to internet. “Nicole, chill please.” I looked at her with piercing eyes, so she’ll understand this is no joke. I don’t really know why did I even accepted to drive her. “Okaay, listen, I will text you S.O.S. and you call me telling me something like I need to feed the cat, I don’t know..Is that okay?” She said with bored tone.

“Enough for me..” I smiled, as I put my eyes on the road. I dropped her off at this nice ass looking restaurant, and she kissed me saying goodbye. Maybe this is the last time I will see her, Korean mafia drawing her into prostitution… I watch too many kdramas, she’ll be fine. And this is too nice of a place for “just coffee”.. And she is too dressed up for “just coffee”. She lied again. I drove myself back to my studio, and worked a little more, so I won’t sit a home worrying about Ana.

 An hour passed and I lost track of time. My phone buzzed. Screen light fell onto my face, as I saw a text “S.O.S”.. I KNEW IT ANA. I TOLD YOU SO! HER BODY IS NOW BEING DRAGGED IN A ALLY, AND SHE SOMEHOW MANAGED TO TEXT ME. SNEAKY LITTLE BITCH. I dialed her number, hoping she’s not in the same room, at the same table with a serial killer. Oh please, pick up. “Hello?” , she askes like she doesn’t have my number ID. Good she’s alive and her mouth doesn’t have old sock to shut her up. “Are you in trouble, or just bored at the date? Say Oh hello if you’re in trouble.”, this isn’t the fist time she needed the way out. This is a constant routine for me and her.

“No, no, you’re not bothering. I don’t think I can. I am busy now.”, Oh, she’s just bored, she continued, “Kyungsoo, don’t you mind I take this call?” “No, not a problem.”, I heard male the voice in the background. He is quite polite. I know now why she is bored. She likes bad boys. She hates polite, mommy sons, that will hold the door for her, or tell her how beautiful she looks tonight. She will rather fall for the egoistic, full of himself guy, that will not pay attention to her whatsoever. “GET ME OUT OF HERE.” She fucking yelled, while in the bathroom, I suppose, because of the echo,” He is so boring, Nic. He talks all about his work, how beautiful I look or how he is really glad to meet me. He tells me we can explore city together and he will be my guide. Ugh.. I can’t.” “Maybe I won’t pick you up, maybe you deserve to bore yourself to death. Make him take you home. Know where you live. And bore you some more.” “Thank you so much. FUCK YOUR SAFE WORD, IF IT DOESN’T WORK.” She hissed. “It works for serious situations. Not when a guy is a gem and wanna take it slow with you. Would you rather him to take you to bed and not call you tomorrow?” “Well with his body, maybe I would like that more than this.” “Then tell him that.” I hung up. My phone buzzed again. A call. “ARE YOU INSANE? COME TO SAVE ME” “Me? New phone who dis?” “Will you please pick me up? I will do anything!” “Ok, I like this. I’m there in fifteen.” I would pick her up anyways. This is just a plus.

 I picked up my keys, well rented car keys, phone and a wallet. I don’t need anything else. I parked in front of the restaurant. I got my phone and keys with me. Ready to act out a scene. I didn’t watch all those kdramas for nothing. As I go closer to the door I inhale and exhale. I am not good in public speaking, or dealing with strangers. To be honest, I am horrible at that. And I do all of this because of Ana. I remind myself, Ana, because of Ana. You have to, Nicole. As I grab the door handle, still looking to the floor, something hit me, my phone and keys scattering to the floor. I stumble backwards, falling on my butt. I look up, and something was actually a door and someone was exiting the restaurant in a hurry. My face got even more shocked when in front of me, apologizing was Yoongi. The one that produces for Big Hit. Well for his group, and one of the producers. “Miane, miane..Shit..”, he hissed. All I understood was “SHIT”.. “What?” I said. “Oh.. I mean I am sorry, are you ok?” his gummy smile appeared when he saw me. I smiled instantly too.

He took my hands and picked me up. I cleaned my jeans while he grabbed my keys of the concrete. He took the phone and I heard that “SHIT” again. I turn quickly to look and as I thought. It broke. It still works but it’s broken. And it’s new. Dammit. I took so good care of it. When I turn my gaze back to him he has a horrendous look plastered on his face.

“Hey, look. I am so sorry, but I gotta run. My name is Yoongi.” He put his hand in front and I have shaken it. “Nicole..” I am still shocked. Fuck my phone. I met him. HIM. “Look Nicole, I am really sorry. I am willing to pay for it, or buy you a new one.” He put his hand behind his head, stroking his neck. Looking nervously for his ride, I guess. Still flashing his smile to me. “Oh noooooo, you don’t have to…” I made “no” movements with my hands. “I have to. It’s my fault. What’s your number? Do you have a Korean card or?”

He looked at me with sincere eyes. I really didn’t need him to pay for it, I will not even mention the act of buying me a new one. But will I miss an opportunity to give him my number and a possible call/texting with YOONGI!!!! Just because I don’t want my phone fixing receipt paid by him.. Well fuck it. I have nothing to lose.

“I have my card.. wait here.. “ I unlocked my car, that was parked behind me, took a my business card from my wallet. “Here you have both of my numbers, and an email.. and address to my producing studio..” he watched me closely, then started backing out. Did I overdo it? Dammit. I always do that. I get nervous. And I screw up everything. Shit.

“Okay!” he got a few meters away, still looking at me. Am I this weird or is he still shocked? And shocked by what? My card?

“I am not giving this because I want your money for the phone.. Just I would love to work with you.. or grab a coffee..” I added shouting, with a smile.  “Got it. Gotta go.” He said straight face, thumbs up. I got freaking THUMBS UP from Yoongi. Are you kidding me? Who even does that?

He’s weird. I am weird. WE’RE DESTINED.

Hmmm, I hope he didn’t misunderstood me for a fangirl. Well I am a fan, and a girl but of his work not an actual fangirl. Oh, fuck it. He totally did misunderstood.

WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU? Ana mouthed when she saw me. 

Okay, MA! MA! MA! The stage is mine. “Ana...Oh hi, youu...new guy.”, I turned the to Ana, ”BUT we must go. Munchie is vomiting again!” “WHAAT? MUNCHIE? IS HE GONNA BE OKAY?” She said with real tears in her eyes.This bitch outshines me again. “I don’t know we must take him to the VET. “ I said sadly. “OH NO, NOT THE VET. HE HATES THE VET. Kyungsoo I have to go. I hope you understand..” “Y-yea..” Poor guy doesn’t know what hit him. “I’ll see you around..” Ana said when she practically run away from the date. As we got to the car, Ana was laughing. “MUNCHIE? Are you serious. I was losing it out there. Don’t you know normal pet names?” “If you make another complaint, I will leave your ass hanging next time.” She made a zipper closing meme across her mouth. Not saying a word. “I thought so.” On the red light my phone buzzed. My broken ass phone lighted up. I took it to read the text. Unknown number. What the f-

 I CAN’T FUCKING BELIEVE.

I hope you liked it guys.  Find a song a s usual.  First one can give me a reaction/drabble idea to write. And I will.  

#bangtan #bts #fanfiction #fan fiction #fanfic #yoongi #suga #agust d #rm #jin #jhope #jungkook #taehyung #v #jimin #smut #fluff #angst #Oneshot #drabble #reaction #imagine #au #stanbangttan #bts fanfic

[betweenlifeandfiction]

Another me  (part 2)

Imagine you become someone else. That’s what happens to Kang Min Sun. After unclear circumstances she starts new life as Hana. That’s how she meets Kwon Jiyong and the rest of YG artists. At first it seems like a dream but nobody’s life perfect and soon Min Sun will learn this lesson.

Genre: melodrama/comedy/fantasty

It’s meant to be wrote in style of kdrama. Jiyong as a male lead and Seunghyun as a second lead. Reader as Min Sun/Hana- female lead.

Part 1

Kim Ha Na, more known as Hana. She debuted in 2014 as a solo artist after being the YG trainee. Her first album was sucessful and later she recorded two songs with T.O.P and G-Dragon. She also had few cameos in dramas. She’s said to have come back at the end of this year.

These were basic information about a person who was apparently you now. Or you was actually this person. In her body. Trying to figure it out was causing another panic attacks so you just decided to stay glued to computer and continue reading information about Kim Hana. You stucked in some apartment and before you left hospital, bodyguard had to deal with reporters in front of building. Until your leg was broken you had to act like you was really a person in whom body you lived. You had to act you remember things so you tried to find as much news about Hana as possible. You had to act that you’re not scared of a fact that you actually moved in time from 1998 to 2018.

Hana, you can search Internet on your phone. It’s uncomfortable to sit at the table woth plastered leg. You manager said and put this weird, flat thing on a desk. Your previous phone looked simpler but this one was colorful and had big screen without keyboard. It looked so complicated and it was locked by password that you didn’t remember.

Want me to help you to sit on bed? Manager asked you.

I.. I wanna eat ramen. you changed subject.

Ramen? You always eat greece salad at this hour.

You stopped yourself from making surprised face. Your manager came up to fridge. You would normally tell him to mind his business but you tightened your mouth to stop yourself from comments. This girl seemed polite and strict. Unlike you with your bad temper and laziness. You looked again at beautiful furnitures around you. This place looked expensive.

It’s a dream to live in so great apartment. you sighed to yourself.

That’s why it’s yours. This is one of your favourites, isn’t it? Man added and gave you your salad.

Do I have another apartments? you asked without thinking. He looked at you surprised behind his round glasses. Ah.. Right. Now I remember. Everything comes back to my mind.

You doubted it sounded reliably but it was better than nothing. Then your manager said he would leave your for a while to buy more products to your kitchen. It was so unusual to be treated this way. For the next week you literally studied from Internet about korean wave, idols and YG artists. Meantime you started private rehabilitation with doctor at your home. Even beautician came to take care of your skin and nails. You felt like a princess.

Ah.. What a beautiful life. you sighed and took another seafood from your plate. You was sitting on the folding chair in fluffy robe. Month have passed in the blink of an eye.

Hana, your mother calls you. your menager told you and he took your iphone from a table and handed it to you.

My mom? you said with enthusiasm before you realized he didn’t mean your real mom. It felt awkward at first but later you just acted like you really talked by phone with someone who was your mother. You planned to find out about her and leave this place after convalescence.

No. There’s really no need to fly from USA, mom. I’m getting better. you said at the end when Mrs.Kim suggested to visit you.

Anyway. I’ll visit you in nearer future. Call me more often.

Yes. Thanks. Bye, mom.

Few minutes later when you ened your conversation, your phone started to ring again. You saw a name on a lockscreen: Yang Hyun Suk.

Answer for me. you asked your menager.

Oh.. Ok. he mumbled. Yes, Mr. Yang? Here’s Park Dae Hyun. Yes. She’s better now. Doctor said she will be able to walk without struches soon. Meeting? Tomorrow? Yes, sir. I think we will handle it. Goodbye.

What meeting? you asked when Dae Hyun disconnected.

All artists have a meeting with CEO to sum up current projects and establish new things.

When next day your driver stopped a car in front of YG buildling, you couldn’t believe what you saw. Dozens of photoreporters and not less of fans gathered close to your car. Your manager told you to put sunglasses on and asked two bodyguards to go out first.

Hana! Hana! group of girls started to scream when you went on the sidewalk. You collides with your bodyguard’s back when he pushed away intrusive reporter. Now you knew you was said to hide behind sunglasses. Flashes of cameras were so blinding. Everybody around tried to come closer and take a photo or record you. Second bodyguard and your manager helped you to walk by crutches and enter entrance. When you finally came to elevator, you could say that you felt safe. Your manager opened a door to big conference room. All eyes turned to you.

Welcome back, Hana. Please, take a seat. you heard familiar voice. It was CEO Yang. You watched few videoclips with him during your stay at apartment. You actually got know about all of these people in room. Three man on the left were from Epik High. Then girls from Blackpink and boys from Winner. You still didn’t remember names of all of them.

Good morning. you said and you barely bowed.

Here’s free place. said a man with small eyes and prominent nose. It was Kang Daesung. Rest of members were sitting next to him on the right side. When you sat, you looked closely. You recognized that man behind dark glasses was T.O.P. You was curious if he was as handsome as on photos but you could only see his profile. The next one was a dark-haired man in weird clothes, G-Dragon. He had a face that even women could envy. Then it was maknae of Big Bang, Seungri. He looked at you and smiled at the same time with Taeyang who was next to him. You shyly bowed what was nothing like you but it was a first time when so many handsome men was looking at you at the same time. It felt so great to live like a celebrity and be a real beauty. Maybe I should live this dream a little bit longer? You thought.

Ok. If everybody’s present, let’s start. CEO annouced. He discussed with Winner about their tour and then he looked at you.

Hana-sshi, we’re glad that you’re fine. YG will take care about press but I would like you to give an interview after few months. Reporters are at the building so please, agree with Dae Hyun if you want to make a short statement. It’s the best moment when they know that you arrived here.

Yes. you answered shortly.

We will talk about that planned collaboration with GD when you fully recover. Mr. Yang continued. You stifled your moan, hearing this. So you was meant to start some project with GD? Shit..

We will talk it out when Hana will be in good shape. Meantime I will be re-writing a song. you heard Kwon Ji Yong.

That’s all right. CEO said and looked at you again. I hope it won’t take more than a month for you to be able to work again. I’m really rooting for this project but that schedule is not a problem for you.

I will work hard. You anwered just like these all idols from videos used to say. These informations helped you a lot to deal with this situation but after Mr Yang’s words you suddenly felt so helpless. Trainees worked hard for years to improve their singing and dancing skills. You had no preparation, you couldn’t sing or dance, you didn’t know how to talk with press and the most importantly you was different person with your own memories and experiences.

I’m fully responsible for someone’s sucess now. you whispered to yourself when you left a room.

What? your menager asked you.

Nothing. I need to go to bathroom. you suddenly said.

I can’t go to female..

I know. I’m able to pee on my own. Don’t worry. you interrupted him. He looked embarrased. You entered toilet and looked around. It was only you. You wanted to try again with phone call to your mom. You only wanted to hear her voice. The last time there was no answer. Maybe she changed her number? It’s been ten years. Your heart was beating so fast and then you heard someone’s voice.

Hello?

You froze. Female voice asked again. It sounded exactly like your sister’s. But she was living in Busan and you wasn’t that close.

H-Hello? you stuttered.

Who’s there?

You knew she couldn’t recognize you when your voice was different so you found a new solution.

Hello. Is it Mrs.Kang‘s phone?

Oh.. Yes. But she can’t talk. Your sister answered.

When can I call her then?

Who are you? She asked you after a while. She was always suspicious.

I’m.. Sun Min’s friend from high school. I lost her number and some of former friends wanted to meet up.

I’m sorry.. You probably didn’t know it. She said with tensed voice. My sister is dead for ten years.

Suddenly you wasn’t able to make any sound. You even couldn’t move. It felt like you was close to fainting.

I’m really sorry but I can’t help you. I thought that all of her friends knew. I’m at the hospital. Our mother had a stroke few months ago.

Then you could only hear her crying. And you was crying with her. On the other side of line. When you already disconnected and fell to the ground. Your sob mingled with a sound of falling crutches.

Mom.. I’m sorry. You sobbed loudly and touched your chest with pain. It felt like something was tearing apart inside of you. I’m dead, I’m dead..

What’s happening there? some low voice came out behind a door.

I’m dead.. I died. You kept repeating in silent voice. Tears were still falling. You saw long legs in black, laquered boots in front of you.

Hana? What happend?

You looked up. Choi Seunghyun was standing in the doorstep.

Where’s you menager? he kept asking. Some man behind him, moved closer and picked up your crutches. They both looked shocked and you slowly realized that you was sitting in the middle of the public toilet with probably blurred make-up and red eyes. This pain inside was so strong and you couldn’t do anything. And you didn’t want to move. Do anything.

Come on. Seunghyun said and grabbed your hands. You forced yourself to stand up.

Hana!

Your manager showed up. Tht other man gave you crutches and put sunglasses on your face.

That’s better when you’re leaving in front of many people. he suggested.

What’s going on? I only left to buy coffe. Your menager said.

Why did you leave her when you know she has problems with walking now? Seunghyun said with irritation. You looked into his eyes behind dark glasses. His eyes had so deep, dark shade and thick lashes.

Aish.. She always drinks coffe at this hour. I thought it won’t take that long. Your manager kept whining when four of you walked corridor.

Thank you. I’m thankful. You said to T.O.P and grabbed his hand. He shuddered with surprise.

Are you ok? You don’t seem good. Why did you cry? Men next to him- probably his manager asked.

It’s this accident.. you started and tears started falling down your cheeks again.

Aigoo.. She’s still stressed. Let’s go home, Hana. You can drink coffe in car. You manager said and took you by hand. Thank you for help. He said to T.O.P and his manager.

Hana, we’re family. You can count on us. T.O.P suddenly said. You nodded and went to elevator. It felt like this man was the one who understood what a real nervous breakdown meant. He seemed empathic. Maybe that’s why you grabbed his hand without thinking. It’s been a long time since someone sympathized with you.

#gdragon #choi seunghyun #big bang fanficion #t.o.p fanficion #gd fanficion #gd scenario #gd angst #yg scenario #big bang fanfic #gd fanfic #jiyong fanficion #jiyong fanfic #jiyong angst #big bang angst #gdragon fanficion

[heungtanbts]

re·al·i·za·tion

noun

The moment of sudden clarity when feelings are finally recognized, or are made aware for the first time.

It hit you on a Wednesday evening while you were at the gym as per usual. School was killing you, but you were determined to stick with your workout schedule, even if it meant sleeping an hour less or watching one less episode of your current favorite kdrama. Just exactly why were you so passionate about working out?

Ding!

[7:33PM] Jeon: If you’re not here in 5 minutes then YOU owe ME all you can eat KBBQ. 

Ding! 

[7:33PM] Jeon: AND ice cream.

It was as simple as that – you just couldn’t, wouldn’t, lose this bet with Jeon Jungkook. 

It was dumb how this all even started. It was during the most recent New Year’s party where you unknowingly vowed for the 3rd year in a row that your new year’s resolution would be to get fit. Everyone held their glasses up to that with encouraging shouts and cheers, except for one individual, who instead, just scoffed openly, shaking his head at you.

“Y/N, this is literally the 3rd year in a row you’ve made that same resolution. Either pick a new one or actually stick with it this time." 

You let out an offended gasp, slamming your champagne glass down on the table as you drunkenly waggled a finger at him, nearly sticking your finger up his nose. 

"Now ho-hold on just a s-second there, Jeon.” You drunkenly spat, “I could- I can totally stick to my resolution this year.”

“I’d like to see you try.” He rolled his eyes, taking another sip of his beer as he casually leaned against the kitchen countertop. 

“Wanna bet?" 

The rest was history.

It was only by some sort of supernatural phenomenon that you and Jungkook had grown up as childhood friends, seeing as though the two of you were nearly polar opposites. But you and Jungkook had at least one thing in common – you both hated losing. You’d make bets on everything, like who could bike to the end of the block the fastest, or how long it’d take for the traffic light to turn green, or how many steps it’d take to get from the dining hall to the library. But one of the many things you didn’t have in common was fitness level. He wasn’t called the muscle pig for nothing, and his dedication to his one true love aka the gym truly showed in his impressively toned and muscular physique. But you weren’t about to let his perfectly developed muscles deter you from taking on this bet, even with your complete lack of stamina and coordination. You just had to prove to him that this time would be different.

[7:35PM] You: I’ve been here waiting for YOU, you brat. You should owe me KBBQ just for being late.

"I’ve definitely been waiting here longer than you have.”

Hearing that familiarly annoying voice of his, you turned around with a automatic eye roll, your hands resting on your hips in disapproval. He stood there in his typical white cut out muscle tank and black adidas track pants, his body already covered in a light sheen of sweat from his warm up, bits of his dark locks sticking to his glistening forehead and the sides of his face. The girls nearby were probably drooling over him from a distance and whining about your presence next to him. But you didn’t care, he was just your dumb best friend and personal trainer, aka the person who made sure you stuck to your resolution and wasn’t afraid to call you out if you didn’t. 

“Yeah yeah, whatever you say Jeon. Let’s just get to it already, I have a new episode of Goblin waiting for me at home.” You waved a hand at him carelessly.

He flashed that trademark smirk of his at you, “Man, those are some wild plans you’ve got later tonight.” 

"Just shut up and help me set up the squat rack.” You grumbled, storming over to the weights closely followed by Jungkook’s haughty laughter. It was obvious just how much joy it brought him to piss you off, so much in fact that it made a lot of people to think that you two were a thing. But you were certain that the both of you knew that that would never happen. It was Jeon Jungkook for crying out loud, the infamous muscle pig, that dumb 3rd grader who pulled your hair until you agreed to become friends with him and still bugs you to this day – freaking Jeon Jungkook.

“You know, I’m impressed.” Jungkook mused while setting up the weights on the bar, “It’s been 3 months already and you’ve actually been consistent with working out the whole time." 

"Damn straight I have,” You asserted, beaming proudly. “You better get your wallet ready ‘cause I’m about to eat my body weight in KBBQ.”

Jungkook scrunched his nose in disgust, “So ladylike. Also, it’s all you can eat so I only have to pay once, dummy.”

“Whatever,” You shooed him away, setting yourself up in front of the bar, “I’ll make sure to pick the nicest, most expensive place to eat at then. Now let me squat in peace so I can hurry up and go see my husband at home." 

"Who, Gong Yoo?" 

"Who else?”

Jungkook just snorted and shook his head again, giving your cheek a playful pinch as he swiftly dodged your slap and made his way to the free weights nearby. At least now you were at the point where you could workout by yourself without him watching your every move like he used to at the beginning. When you had started out 3 months ago, you had no clue how to squat with proper form, how to rack the weights, or even how to open your locker in the locker room. It was a rough first month of him breathing down your neck (quite literally at times), counting out each rep and each set with that drill sergeant voice of his that you were beginning to despise. But even though you hated to admit it, Jungkook turned out to be a much better teacher than you had expected. That normally impatient muscle pig was actually very patient with you and gave you a lot of helpful constructive criticism, not counting the snarky jokes about your form he’d crack every now and then. It was easy to hate him whenever he made you do an extra set of abs or was super nitpicky about your squatting form. But without him, you definitely wouldn’t have been able to make it this far in the past 3 months and seen these kinds of results. He was your annoying best friend and personal trainer, but still surprisingly helpful and encouraging.

You began your normal rep of squats as per usual, having increased your weights since your last workout. And of course it was hard, but you were beginning to see why people like Jungkook were so obsessed with exercising. There was something so accomplishing about being able to lift heavier weights or squeeze in one more set you used to not be able to even imagine doing. Plus it wasn’t too bad of a feeling to hear Jungkook shouting across from the gym “Ayo, look at her go! Come on Y/N!” After all, even though both of you would never admit it to the other, you both knew that as your best friend, he wanted you to not only win this bet, but also become healthier. That twerp actually cared about you and your well-being, he’d just rather die than admit it.

“Come on now, lower, lower. Atta girl.” A voice in your ear chanted, bringing you out of your thoughts and back to reality. With a grunt, you straightened your knees and placed the bar back onto its rack, shaking out each one of your legs as Jungkook stepped around the bar to face you.

“Well damn, your form is nearly perfect now, if I do say so myself.”

“You say that as if you were the one squatting.��� You scoffed back at him.

“Hey, don’t forget, I made you,” He jutted a thumb at his chest cockily, “Your form would be nothing without your number 1 personal trainer by your side.”

You barked out a laugh of disbelief, “You’re being just a bit too modest here. Why don’t you correct my form just a little more, hmm?" 

He cheekily grinned at you, "Why, it’d be my pleasure.”

“What about my form?" 

Both of your heads turned in the direction of the high-pitched voice that interrupted your conversation, coming from the squat rack next to the one you were using. All you saw was a pair of hot pink yoga capris, a tight black workout tank, long straight hair tied up in a perfectly smooth ponytail, and a pair of large doe-like eyes blinking innocently at the both of you. She had a toned, lean body and stood confidently with her hands on her hips, her eyes completely glued to the tall male hovering next to you.

"Are you talking to me?” Jungkook pointed his thumb at himself again, only this time, without the slightest hint of cockiness. He was in utter shock, and you were right with him. Though he was popular among the ladies, he was always too afraid to interact with them and they also almost never approached him first either. You’d always tease him about this, given that he was literally almost twice their size more than half the time, and he’d just get super embarrassed and tell you to shut up. But this time, with a coy nod of her head in reply, he hesitantly made his way over to her, somehow looking both confident and terrified at the same time. But you knew he was definitely panicking on the inside.

You just shrugged it all off with a small chuckle at the thought of him inwardly freaking out about this whole situation, and instead, set up for your next rep of squats. But just as you lifted the bar onto your shoulders, ready to bend your knees and engage those thighs, his voice had you frozen in your position.

“You feel it where when you squat? No no, you should be feeling it in these areas.” You looked over and watched as Jungkook carefully explained to the girl the different muscle groups used during squats. But that wasn’t what had you cemented in your place. He looked so serious and focused as he continued to explain, like the gym rat and nerdy coach he was, but your eyes were focused on the way his fingers slightly brushed over the tops of her thighs and then made their way to the back of her thighs where he gently poked at her muscles there. His hand then trailed up her thigh to her lower back where it paused for a second, only to make its way to the front of her hip where he discussed the importance of keeping a neutral back. 

“So you want to engage your hamstrings, quads, and gluts without straining your back. Does that make sense?" 

She nodded but still had a perplexed look on her perfectly made-up face, "Can you check to see if I’m doing this right?”

With just the bar and no weights, she performed a squat, sticking her butt out in a slow, exaggerated motion. It was so slow and exaggerated that you couldn’t take it anymore. You knew when someone had a legitimate question about form and this definitely wasn’t one. Not when she was asking him to physically point out the muscle groups on her body again, and not when she clearly looked like she knew what she was doing. The fact that she would pretend to be a beginner just to get Jungkook’s attention was so absurd, so petty, and without even realizing it, it had your blood boiling. You didn’t even know why you wanted to rip his hands off of her and drag him back to your squat rack but you just did.

Suddenly the sound of metal weights clanking onto the floor had you squealing and jumping back in surprise, only for you to realize that you were the one that dropped the weights. The entire gym suddenly stopped what they were doing to stare at you and your predicament, including Jungkook and the stupid hot pink yoga pants girl. Embarrassment began to settle as a pink flush on your cheeks, but it only took Jungkook half a second to completely forget about the girl and rush over to your squat rack, grabbing onto your forearms with urgency.

“Holy crap, are you ok?!” He abruptly pulled you towards him, his eyes frantically scanning your entire body for any injuries, “Y/N, you know better than to just let go of weights like that. Hell, you even increased weights since the last workout! You seriously could’ve broken your foot or something! Are you stupid?!” The usual playfulness in his eyes was no longer there, completely replaced with concern and simmering anger bursting from within his irises, so intense it was almost more startling than the piercing sound of the weights crashing on the ground.

Dazed and disoriented, you stared up at him, your lips trembling, “I-I’m fine, really. I’m sorry, I just zoned out for a second and I-I don’t even know what happened-" 

"Jungkook-sshi?" 

The same girl called to him, subtly trying to get his attention again, but just the sound of her voice was enough to make your stomach churn. Why were you feeling this way? Why did his name leaving her lips make you feel so sick to the stomach? Why did the thought of him turning around at this very moment to go back to her side make you want to crawl into a hole and bury yourself alive?

But surprisingly enough and to your utter relief, he did the complete opposite. Taking your hand into his, he suddenly pulled you in the other direction, leaving the girl to call out to him again, only for him to ignore her completely.

"Whoa,” You nearly tripped over your own foot but he didn’t let up in speed, “Where are you taking me?”

“To the mats so you can lie down and I can check your body more thoroughly.” He mumbled in a low voice, never once turning around to face you, “Freaking idiot, you could’ve really hurt yourself, you know that? God, that scared me so bad. Like what if something actually happened to you? I swear, you’re going to be the death of me…”

It hit you on a Wednesday evening while you were at the gym as per usual. Seeing him with another girl, dropping the weights as a result, and scaring the life out of both you and Jungkook was definitely not a normal part of your workout schedule. But you also hadn’t expected to be hit with such a huge revelation on such a random, ordinary day like this. With Jungkook pulling you along and muttering profanities under his breath to hide the concern in his voice, you realized something that was both petrifying and eye opening.

Jeon Jungkook meant more to you than you had thought – so much more than you had thought.

#jungkook #jungkook scenario #jungkook au #bts scenario #bts au #bts imagine #whew this one was longer than expected #all for the muscle pig ~ hehe #the realization series

[kimchichigay]

first love with jaemin

dO YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING BEING NA JAEMIN’S FIRST LOVE AND HIM BEING YOURS MY HEArT alright before we start this is my first time making something like this so pls be patient with me

• ok this twerp would definitely be the kind to slyly drop a lot of subtle but not so subtle hints that he likes you before y'all started dating

• hints as in I’m talking about lOTS OF SKINSHIP AND BEING SUPER CLOSE AND INTIMATE WITH ONE ANOTHER BUT IM NOT TALKING ABOUT THAT KIND OF INTIMACY dONT GET YOUR PANTIES IN A TWIST YA NASTY

• like for example he’ll tuck your hair to the back of your ears like its nothing and then flashing you his million dollar smile

• or him telling you some cringey pick up line that is worth punching his beautiful face for poor chenle nearly threw up his lunch when he overheard you both

• BUT WHEN HE FINALLY THINKS ITS ABOUT TIME TO CONFESS HIS FEELINGS PROPERLY HE’LL BE THE CLUMSIEST LIL SHIT EVER

• HE BE TRIPPING OVER HIS OWN FEET AS HE MAKES HIS WAY TO YOU OR EVEN FALLING FACE FLAT oN FHE GROUND POOR BABY

• HE STILL TRIES TO BE COOL THO

• donghyuck, jeno and chenle makes sure to film everything down and probably make a meme out of his mishaps

• mark and renjun are probably just there for emotional support

• he’ll probably begin by wiping his sweaty (ew) palms on his trousers and nervously clearing his throat cORNY I KNOW

• you will most probably be like ??!??? at first but then you realise what was going on the second you saw the trash can moved behind jaemin. you knew this was bound to happen so you secretly kept it inside of you knowing too damn well jaemin will appreciate it if you pretend not to know anything for his sake

• this hopeless romantic smh

• “ok so y/n there’s this thing I’ve been trying to tell you all along. this may sound ridiculous but this takes so much courage from the bottom of my heart and the strength of jaehyun and yuta hyung’s fist to knock some senses into me. and if I don’t do this now johnny and ten hyung are going to call me a wimp and I have to buy them pizza later because I proved their point. I–”

• but who the hell said you were good @ keeping your mouth and excitement shut you can’t stand the tension anymore too either so lmaO

• “I like you too jaemin.”

• “pls do not interrupt me y/n”

• before he could say the three little words he’s been dying to say, he took a deep breath but stopped half way, opening his half lid eyes widely after his mind was able to process

• “wait what”

• “SHE SAID SHE LIKES YOU DUMBASS”

• “SHUT THE HELL UP DONGHYUCK”

• “can I come out now???” jisung’s head pops out of the bushes

• long story short jaemin was finally able to claim your heart that day and jisung got ant bites from hiding in the bushes for too long with the bouquet of flowers jaemin planned to give you after his confession

• the dream unit with the exception of jaemin also found their new source of entertainment from the video they got that day

• NOW DATING JAEMIN YES LETS GO ONTO THE DEETS

• NA JAEMIN IS DEFINITELY THE TYPE OF BOYFRIEND WHO WOULD SPOIL YOU WHENEVER

• he’ll get you small lil gifts of whatever reminds you of him

• that hair clip??? ITS CUTE BUY IT FOR Y/N that necklace?? A MUST BUY !! THAT LIMITED EDITION PIKACHU DOLL?? SCREW THAT VIDEO GAME WINWIN HYUNG WANTED HE CAN LIVE WITHOUT LIKE HE DID FOR THE PAST 19 YEARS

• he’d even turn up at your house at 2am with fried chicken if you text him at night saying you’re hungry GOALS YALL

• HES ALSO KIND OF LOWKEY LIKE YOUR 2ND MOM LMAO

• I call him dropping by your classroom during snack breaks/lunch breaks with food with him, knowing so damn well about your horrible habit of skipping on your meals

• he would force you to eat with him or at least take a few bites from the food he specially prepared/bought for you

• cOUGHS HE ONLY BOUGHT/PREPARED YOUR FAVOURITES COUGHS

• and didn’t he say he enjoys cooking in the dorm too?? imAGINE HIS HOME COOKED FOOD MADE WITH HIS LOVE

• I’m crying blood

• AND IF YOU REFUSE IM 999999% SURE HE’LL FEED YOU PERSONALLY

• “say ahh, y/n”

• “jaemin I said I’m not hungry”

• “stop lying through your food deprived mouth and eat!!!”

• “jAEMIN!!”

• “LISTEN IM NOT LEAVING UNTIL YOU FINISH THIS LUNCH BOX”

• JAEMIN WOULD ALSO BE KINDA PROTECTIVE BUT NOT CRAZY PROTECTIVE YKNOW

• HE’LL ALWAYS CHECK ON YOU IN BETWEEN TOILET BREAKS BY WALKING PASS YOUR CLASS AND TRYING TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF YOU THROUGH THE WINDOW

• AND THE SMILE OH NY GSKDNDN THAT SHEEPISH SMILE HE’LL GIVE YOU WHEN YOU TELL HIM TO GO AWAY IN EMBARRASSMENT JSNNDKEBXOEKE

• but lbr it’s either that really cute BF material kind of smile he be giving you through the window or that weird derpy smile he always has when he’s being dumb

• either way you’re embarrassed by this goofball

• and to add on to your embarrassment, he knows that some of your classmates may be watching the two of you so he’d blow kisses/make kissy faces at you

• he just absolutely loves to see you blush because it’s just so cute to him and he loves cute things especially you you’re his favorite cute thing and he wants to keep you by his side forever

• FIRST KISS YES

• YOU CAN NOT FORGET ABOUT FIRST KISS

• AND yALL KISS ON YOUR FIRST DATE TOO OMG SO IMA INCORPORATE BOTH PLS BE PATIENT WITH ME YALL

• because jaemin has been receiving lessons from his hyungs on dating it isn’t surprising that he brought you to the movies on your first date not because it highly suggested by his hyungs…

• you both agreed to meet outside the movie theatre and he was there an hour early and boy was he nervous as heck

• the older members were also there for a little while to prep him up aw how supportive

• sO after giving him half an hour long of prep talk and re-styling his hair (for running through them anxiously mULTIPLE OF TIME) ITS FINALLY TIME

• YOU TURNED UP RIGHT ON TIME AND YOU SAW HIM STANDING THERE OUTSIDE DAZING OFF INTO THE DISTANT

• HE LOOKS SO GOOD JUST STANDING THERE AND YOURE LIKE ‘tF HO W IN THE WORLD DID I END UP WITH HIM BLESS’

• pls excuse me for a moment here oh my god na jaemin is seriously one of the most attractive 16 years olds I’ve ever seen f U CK CALMD DJOWN

• ok lets get back

• IT WAS THEN YOU START TO FEEL THAT WEIRD FEELING IN THE STOMACH LIKE YOURE ABOUT TO THROW UP FROM THE NERVOUSNESS AND ANXIETY BUILDING UP INSIDE YOU

• BUT YOU STILL APPROACHED HIM ANYWAYS FROM BEHIND AND WHEN YOU FINALLY REACH HIM YOU GAVE HIM A LITTLE TAP ON HIS SHOULDERS

• POOR BOY WAS SO STARTLED HE JUMPED A FEW FEET IN THE AIR jk I was just exaggerating

• bUT STILL

• AND WHEN HE TURNED AROUND HIS JAW JUST DROPS THE MOMENT HE LAID HIS EYES ON YOU MAKING YOU BLUSH AND SHIT AND YOU COULDNT LOOK AT HIM IN THE EYES GOD DAMNIT SHDBNDSKDN

• SEEING HOW SHY AND EMBARRASSED YOU ARE BY HIM AND HE JUST LOVES SEEING YOU LIKE THIS ,, YOU BET MY LAST $3 THAT HE’D TEASE THE HECK OUT OF YOU

• “aigoo, my beautiful girlfriend looks even more beautiful than usual tonight. did you dress up especially for me?”

• I want to kms

• you’d just smack his arm and walk away, trying to hide your face. “let’s go buy the tickets before the show starts, you twerp…”

• the smile on his face would just become wider and he’d catch up with you, naturally reaching out for your hand and intertwining them together

• where the fuck did that nervous dipshit go and where the fuck did he find such confidence to become such a cheesy little shit

• jaemin also bought popcorn and drinks for the both of you and being the cheesy lil shit insist y'all share the drink with two straws while giving the excuse “i wouldnt be able to finish mine if we bought two” 

 • “I can buy my share myself” 

 • “nonono it’s too late for that now the movie is about to start and the line for the snacks is now really long lets go babe you don’t wanna miss out the beginning of the movie”

 • he holds your hand and leads you both inside the theatre and to your seats • “what are we watching again” 

 • “the conjuring 2” 

 • TOTALLY NOT TEN AND JOHNNY’S SUGGESTION 

 • “hmm,, ok… wAIT WHAT” 

 • you stared at him wide eyed and jaemin suddenly looked remorseful and he regrets everything especially listening to his hyungs who probably learnt all their “techniques” and “moves” from watching too much corny chick flick and kdrama 

 • “sorry, I should’ve asked you. do you want to leave right now? I can get tickets to see another movie.” 

 • THIS BOY IS LEGIT READY TO GET UP AND GET YOU TICKETS TO WATCH ZOOTOPIA IN THE THEATRE NEXT DOOR 

 • HE WILL DO ANYTHING FOR YOU 

 • but your cheapskate ass just grabs him and pulled him back down in his seat but not letting go of his hand 

 • “its fine jaemin, ive seen the trailer and my friends say it’s pretty good. let’s enjoy this movie shall we? haha.”

• though your face say yes but heart say no, jaemin was reluctant but eventually decided to sit back down when the lights went off

• “but if the movie gets too scary and you dont feel like watching it anymore you can always tell me, ok y/n? we could have dinner early or something, i’ll bring you some place nice.”

• instead of watching in the beginning of the movie, jaemin was watching you the entire time with a stupid smile of his face despite worrying over the fact that you might be scarred for life

• eventually you caught him and you had to forcefully make him stare ahead at the big screen instead. at first he was pretending but soon enough he was immersed in it

• this dipshit istg

• when the climax of the movie came, you knew what was going to happen and you immediately grabbed jaemin’s hand while following your instincts and hid behind his shoulder

• he was caught off guard at first lmao since he was too immersed in the movie that he nearly forgot that hes on a date 

• after realising you had grabbed his hand and possibly squeeze it for as long as the climax part of the movie lasted, he blushed and tries to bite back a smile from forming on his face

• and when he turned to look at you, seeing that you’ve curled up in the seat, ears covered with your other hand and eyes squeezed shut, he was this close into melting into a puddle of goo because you looked so cute and squishy and he just wants to hold you 

• and he did 

• i am trying not to scream as i type this 

• he skillfully wrapped his arm around your shoulders and pulled you into his embrace, stroking your hair as he teases you “aigoo my big baby i told you we should’ve watched something else instead.”

• you both went on to watch the movie like that, you clinging onto him like your life depended on it and him enjoying every second of it and lowkey wishes the movie to be longer

• when the creepy music in the background began to play as the second climax arrive, you were already gripping onto jaemin’s arm. being the perfect boyfriend material he is, he covered your ears. (BASICALLY JUST LIKE THE WAY SUNGJAE DID TO JOYIN WGM WHILE THEY WERE WATCHING A MOVIE I MISS THEM SO MUCH)

• but as soon as it was over (after all that exorcism and shit and everything becomes brighter), you’ll just look up and blush in embarrassment cos jaemin was staring back at you with a smug look on his face tHIS LITTL E SHIT

• you also notice that there are red marks on his arm from where you were grabbing him so you gasped and began apologizing for nearly tearing his arm apart during the movie while gently stroking his arm while rambling on and on about how sorry you are and also complimenting how he’s practically hairless 

• apparently you were rambling on too much that he couldn’t take it??? not in a bad wAY BUT it wasn’t just your rambles that was driving him crazy 

• it was your moving lips

• yes LiPSSSS gIRL YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS

• YOU GUESSED IT

• he kissed you 

• to shut you up 

• and to also finally man up and kiss you like how he should’ve 3 weeks ago when you both started dating

• mmMm gotta get me a guy like jaemin A++

• you were too stunned to kiss him back so you just stared at him wide eyed when he pulled away

• “i-what-huh-wait, jaemin-what-” you poor confused child

• “how did you know peach was my favorite flavor.” he wipes the corner of his lips as he said that with a shit eating grin, causing you to turn crimson.

• “what are you kids still doing here? the movie is over; leave.” 

• whoops 

• so basically that was how jaemin found his confidence and that was just only the beginning of this cute relationship and he just adores the heck out of you and loves you to bits you guys are practially engaged in his head and he hopes that not only you’ll be his first love you’ll also be his last iTSNT THAT THE CUTEST THING EVER

• i am crying blooODdd i hope you guys enjoyed this like how i enjoyed torturing myself ㅠㅠ

#nct dream #nct #nct scenarios #nct imagines #jaemin #na jaemin #nct 127 #nct u #taeyong #taeil #hansol #johnny #yuta #doyoung #ten #Kun #jaehyun #winwin #mark #renjun #jeno #donghyuck #haechan #chenle #jisung #nct dream scenarios #jaemin scenarios

[bowtomypain-blog]

day 11 - june 21st

I made plans.. link up w friends and have my life moving forward just like how he seem to be great at. As if we never existed in each other life’s. How does he do that?

So i left to the beach w LW.. as she was driving snd all i could think about was how i went to the beach w him last year. Our third and also my favorite date, before we became official.

I remember how we left at night time and I was hyper excited to spend it w him since it would be the first time at the beach 2016. (as i pass by the exit to Ventnor my heart fell dropping..) I remember he wanted to talk to get to know me better, we stood outside by the deck and just talk. Him holding me from behind. The breeze was nothing compared to the butterflies i felt in my stomache. He made me food middle of the night. I wore his tshirt and sat there and never felt happier as he prepared me some leftover wontons. That was just the start of it.

As we arrived to AC.. I tried hard to not let any tears ruin our girls day. I took deep breaths and open my eyes wide to not let any tears fall down. As i spoke about it out loud, pieces of me dropped. Who said it would be easier for each person you tell?

at the beach… (some throwback) We started w breakfast and shared omelettes and waffles, got coffee to bring to the beach. I remember i switched from reading his book, to watch kdrama to just tan in the sun. It was breezy and we even put our feet in the water to check it out. When we finally decided to put things in the car and just enjoy the boardwalk, the water and just talk. Having our first picture by the beach taken.. when he told me to look over and his move to take a kissing picture.

Can you imagine that all this went thru my head as i was laying on the beach? How much it hurted me but to my suprise no tears.. I kept taking deep breaths and just tried to keep my head up.

End of the day.. As I drove us back to the city, memories came flashing. Signs of NJ pop up and everything reminded me of which exit would take me to his house, which one would take me to his rental, which exit would take me to the basement he fixing up, which exit would be our potential future home, which exit would take me to his first baby (flip house), which exit leads to where but I had to keep my eyes forward to the city, the city he likes but wouldn’t live in. The busy life. The busy lifestyle to keep my mind off of him. Then. I cried. and LW offered to drive and I said no i be fine. Because little does anyone know, every damn time I drive.. i have my breakdowns. For no one to see, for no one to understand. My car has always been my baby but not til now has it been my lifesaver. A place i can call mine..

We hit the city and the rain pours down. Again i never felt so empty and lonely. I dropped my friend off and just wandered.. I went in-and-out in stores, nothing was tempting. No clothes would fit. Nothing was worth it anymore. I so badly wanted to spend spend spend my money to make myself happy but all i could think of was him. “save your money babe” - words that he would say all the time. Im saving anh. Im saving up for us, to invest in our future. For a life with you. Did you know that?