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ravenrothstr · 23 days

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I SHOULDN'T HAVE MET MY IDOL

summary. y/n chasing her dreams of working as a graphic designer at SM to meet Jaehyun, just to find out expectations are different than reality

genre. idol! au, fluff

words count. 12.0k

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

tags. @dulyrana

-- ★🎸🎧⋆｡ °⋆ --

You have been living in Seoul for almost five years now. Well, it wasn't the best thing that ever happened in your life but when you opened the email today, every bad day just flushed down the toilet in your brain.

Congratulations! I am writing to formally offer you the job for the trainee program on Graphic Designing and Creative Media for SM Entertainment Co. We strongly believe that your skills and expertise will help our company to reach great heights...

You read it twice, thrice, quadruple, quintuple and millions of times. It is just too good to be true. Tears stung your eyes like shards of glass, slowly recalling the hardships you had gone through throughout the journey.

It was cold when you finally left to finish your work on a Friday night during her first job in Seoul as an intern at a small firm. You looked at the phone to check the temperature immediately regretting how thin she dressed that day.

-11

The cold wash over your skin repeatedly as you freeze in front of the company. You threw your arms around yourself to hug, hoping to feel warmer. Just then, you heard footsteps approaching out of the company door in which you immediately recognised the person. It was your supervisor and head boss. You quickly gave them a warm smile and a gentle bow, although you were unfamiliar with that culture.

"Hello", you greeted. The head boss just grinned at you as he replied in Korean which made you struggle to understand but lucky enough to have your supervisor translating it for him.

"He's asking if you wanna join for a drink"

"Oh sorry, I can't drink"

"Ah it's okay, I'll let him know", just then the supervisor translated it to the head boss but a different meaning.

"Sir, she's not going. She's not like us", leaving a remark.

You definitely understood that, you managed to learn some Korean before she came here. The head boss gave you a side eye, looking down at you as he scoffs and heads off with the supervisor. You stared blankly towards their direction, hearing the supervisor continue to speak to the head boss. With the knowledge of the Korean language you knew, you mixed the puzzle of words to understand why the supervisor was complaining about you.

The supervisor had the right to complain, though, you thought.

You messed up big time that day. You had the design wrong again this time because you misunderstood the client during the meeting. It was hard for you to catch what they were talking about, every word seemed too fast for you and no one bothered to help or clear it out. By the time, the supervisor presented the new design, they were too furious. You had to remake the design repeatedly for the client until they were satisfied. They suffered a lot that day.

The emotions caught you as she looked down at the ground that is now turning into white snow. You dragged your feet to the studio she lived in, making your way to the bed. Thinking to yourself.

Have I made the right choice to come here?

This thought came up again when you was working as an assistant graphic designer at another firm when you witnessed the design that you spent sleepless nights on it to not be selected for the presentation. Your coworker, who had the simplest design, smiled widely when they presented hers in front of the client.

The unfairness killed your confidence as you grew smaller and smaller in the community. Sinking in the pile of majorities. With you timid attitude, it makes it easier to bully her at work. You did most of the editing, the hard ones, and the complicated ones and you never complained. Because deep down, you knew this work was what put the food on the table.

You closes the lights at the desk, making your way out of the office. You were again the last person to leave the office. Lifting up your face, you saw the snow falling to the ground. Significating another year's end. You took out the earphones you plucked them into your phone and brought it to your ear. Looking at your recent playlist, you picked a song for your walk back home.

Timeless - NCT U

You start walking back home as the song starts, it reminds you why you came here in the first place. It was no surprise to anyone that you would be moving to Korea since you were very influenced by the Korean industry ever since you were in high school. You loved everything about it.

Food. Music. Drama. Outfits and of course.

Idols.

Throughout the years, you stan a lot of groups but never beats NCT. It was everything to you. Your happiness, comfort, sadness. You named it. Nothing cures you more than them, same goes for other fans out there, you feel connected with them. Despite of being very immersed in fangirling, you is too just an average girl out there living her life.

“You really think I can have my internship in Seoul?”, you questioned your friend sitting in front of you.

"Of course, a lot of our seniors did it. You can apply for that program since you like kpop so much, you should go"

You shrugged your shoulders, even if you wanted to your confidence wasn't thick enough for you to crush all the obstacles you imagined and your friend was quick to notice that.

"Come on, y/n. You'll have fun there, and who knows you might meet Jaehyun. He's your bias right?", you smirked at her comment.

"He's everyone's bias. Besides that's too impossible to happen. You know fans and idols are separated by reality"

"And you know fans are dreamers, and you can't go into reality without waking up"

You didn't say anything. It was true that meeting up and being close to your bias is very delusional but as a fan who dreams for it to become true, you hold onto something called hope.

This memory was definitely a core reason for your hope to work somewhere near Jaehyun. The greatest thing about it is that you really loves your job and you love kpops. Therefore, you always find yourself pushing through the hardships of living there alone.

You stretched your neck from side to side as you relieved your tiredness from your work. It has been almost three months since you worked at SM as a trainee, and you like working there. Most of your colleagues treated you nicely, not to mention the bossy seniors but overall it was alright. However, it does dishearten the fact you haven't met any idol yet. You were starting to believe that trainees don't get any opportunities to meet any idols. Just then, you heard someone tap your shoulder softly. It was no surprise to you this time when you saw a familiar figure standing behind you. Your face immediately lifted up a smile.

It was your trainee partner, Beom Seok.

"Meet me at the pantry", he mouthed. You nodded as you headed to the pantry after him.

"Are you still working on the mood board for the new group debut concept?", Beom Seok asked leaning his back on the countertop and taking a sip of his coffee.

"Yeah, you know how fussy Daeun can be", rolling your eyes back as you stir your coffee next to Beom Seok.

He smiled.

"It's amazing, isn't it? You get involved in concept ideas for the new debut as if they are letting us decide what's the new trend-"

"Or our supervisor is just not that up to date with the latest edit trend of Photoshop so she's asking her little minions to explore it for her"

"Well, if you see it in that light. I can't stop you from being a pessimist, just like how you can't stop me from looking at how great you are"

You chuckled, Beom Seok is definitely a 'words of affirmation person' and he has a lot to share with you. The days go on as you continue editing your work, reconsulting it and repeating. She looked around the office to see who was still available. She felt relief when she saw Daeun and Beom Seok at their table. It was really a hectic week for them.

They decided to call it a day not long after, Daeun offered them to have dinner together saying she had to get rid of some nervousness for a crucial presentation but Beom Seok politely declined as he headed home straight away. Although you couldn't drink, you figured it wouldn't hurt to accompany Daeun. Besides, it was going to be at her apartment so you didn't have to send anyone home or worry about how to get back.

Your eyes widen when you enter Daeun's apartment. It was so white-coded, with the minimalist interior it makes the place warmer. Daeun opened her coat and tossed her keys at the table. Your eyes were scanning the room when you caught on something to your liking.

Regular-Irregular

"Unnie, I didn't know you liked NCT 127"

"Oh that?," Daeun responded while setting up the table.

"I was involved in their comebacks a few times before. Also, for the upcoming next year", she continues. "Tomorrow's presentation is about their comeback. It might be a bit tense even if they approved the concept",

You could only nod to her statement, not ignoring the jealousy you felt inside. In fact, you did come here with the hope of getting close to Jaehyun. Daeun showed you the ring book about their concept as your eyes read the title.

2 Baddies.

Daeun continued to show and explain to you about the concept, with the thought of her practising for tomorrow. You were all ears for it. With the cars and race suits, they're definitely gonna look amazing. As time passed by, Daeun took a sip from the glass. It was the fifth bottle of soju. Your eyes pulled closed at separate times as they fought to stay awake, the sleepiness was getting into you.

You squeezed your eyes shut due to the tiredness. The next thing you knew you were witnessing the sunlight rays through the sliding door across Daeun's living room. Your body shoots upright in the chair as your mind tries to deny the reality the sun is up.

"Daeun, you have to wake up or we will be late for work", you aggressively shake Daeun, hoping you shake her off from the drunkness.

But it was no use, she was still completely wasted from last night.

"Unnie you have a presentation today, get yourself together!"

Daeun begins to groan as she tosses and turns her body around. She was clearly not ready to go to work. You grumble in frustration.

"Daeun, I'll get going first. I am so sorry", you apologise. You quickly made your way out of Daeun's apartment and you headed to your house at the speed of light. Luckily, your apartment wasn't that far from Daeun's.

The clock on the wall of your office was showing you 15 minutes late. Your heart started pumping with the calves burning, breath forming clouds in the air from your face. Your feet fly over stones and leaves. The clock on the wall of your office was showing you 30 minutes late. when you entered. You tried your best to look calm in front of the others as you made yourself comfortable at your desk.

"Are you okay?", Beom Seok mouthed from his desk, next to you.

You just gave him a small nod and started to work as usual.

Daeun was nowhere to be found when they began to search her for the presentation. The voice of your senior teammate's roses as they called decline again. The clock struck near to 2pm, and the team got more and more restless of Daeun missing in action. You and Beom Seok kept your head low, trying your best not to get involve in this matter.

You secretly prayed for Daeun's appearance. You would be in great trouble if they knew you were with her last night. Just then, you heard one of your senior teammates answered a call.

"Daeun, where the fuck are you?!"

Your shoulders pulled back to the chair, letting out a long relief when you thought Daeun coming to the office anytime soon.

"What do you mean you're not coming? Did you drink last night?!", the senior scolded.

You could the shivers under your skin, making you turning into white. Daeun has always been a pain in the ass to the team but you didn't expect her to bail out on work last minute just like this. You tried your best to ignore the conversation and remind yourself it wasn't your fault for Daeun's action but you couldn't help when you heard the senior mentioning your name.

"You passing y/n to present because she revised the presentation with you?", the senior turned her head towards your direction.

Blood drains from your skin, and your entire body becomes impossibly still. There was no way they were letting you do the presentation just because your drunk supervisor said so.

Just before you can protest, you find yourself standing in front of the door meeting room with your other seniors rehearsing the presentation with them. They make sure to tell you all the ethics of the meeting and also remind you that the meeting will be recorded for their content.

"And also, there will be the members in the room so don't go throw yourself at them. Remember you are the concept creator and you must stay professional"

The comment made you stand rigid with terror, too overwhelmed to move. You're not ready for this, not in this way. But if you told your seniors now you couldn't do it, you felt like you were passing the burden instead of lifting it up for them. It's indeed your job and you are here for that.

You entered the room with your seniors and other teams. You assume they were all working together too for this comeback. The more you scan the room, the more nervous you get. NCT was definitely there at the end of the room with all cameras directing to them. What's happening was so surreal to you but you kept yourself composed as you focused on the meeting.

The presentation went well for you, although most of the time you were just filling it with compliments on how the members would look great with the concept because you had no idea what the presentation's content was. As soon as the director gave the cut queue, everyone started bowing at each other. The sight of NCT approaching you caught your eye and you immediately went into panic mode, making sure of a good impression.

You gave a smile and quick bow as soon you made eye contact with Jaehyun, the first member approached you. Feeling the butterflies in your stomach and your heart fluttering. Luckily he replied with the same smile before he spoke.

"Are you new here?"

"Yeah, but I'm just here to give the presentation on behalf of Daeun sunbaenim"

"Ah I see, I wonder too where was she"

He knew Daeun?, you scoff at the thought in your head as Johnny gets in your view.

"Well, hope to see you around. It was nice meeting you"

You again smiled uncontrollably at those words as you brought it to the dinner table with Beom Seok.

"I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE I NOT ONLY SAW THEM IN FRONT OF ME! THEY WERE CONVERSING WITH ME!", you said excitedly at Beom Seok. He only continued to grill the meat for you, just before you could continue fangirling Beom Seok raised his voice at the owner of the restaurant.

이모, 소주 주세요

"One bottle of soju, please". You took a hint he might be having a hard time at work today.

"Feel like drinking today? Should I invite Daeun?" you try to lift up the mood.

"No, it's okay. Just wanna have a drink with you"

"Beom Seok, let's get you home. You are really drunk now", tapping gently at his shoulder who's now putting his face down at the dinner table with a hand on the soju glass.

“You’re being… ridicu-lush… ’m not that drunk…”

You rolled your eyes at the comment. Beom Seok was totally wasted too at the other end of the table. And here you are, struggling with how to get him home after paying for the meal.

"Beom Seok, we need to get you home now", you said, trying your best to lift him up. Just as you made it to the door with Beom Seok, you caught into a familiar person covered in long black coat.

Oh my god

"Oh, it's you again", said Jaehyun.

"Hi-"

"This is really bad timing actually", you tried to laugh off the embarrassment.

"Are you okay? Do you need help?"

"Actually yes, he's quite heavy"

Is it really Jeong Jaehyun helping me?

He took Beom Seok's arm from you and continued to carry him.

"So do you know where he lives?"

"I- I don't actually too", Jaehyun laughed, clearly you guys weren't that close yet. Nor friends with benefits.

"We can take him to my apartment first, then we can search for his address"

"WHAT?! I don't think we are allowed to do that. Besides, if you know me, I should be the last per-"

"You're a fan, aren't you?"

The question caught you off guard, you could only stare blankly at him before Beom Seok's sudden nausea hit you back to reality. Seems like bringing him to Jaehyun's apartment was a good option.

You tried a few times to unlock Beom Seok's phone, while Jaehyun went out of the room to take off his coat. It took longer than you expected to unlock his phone. Apparently, the fingerprint or face ID wasn't working and now you had to figure out the passcode.

"Hurry up what's your passcode", you clench your hands in frustration, wanting to throw the phone away.

You closed your eyes, letting you a long sigh. This was one of the reasons you hate the idea of drinking. It brings you back to your childhood.

The image of your alcoholic father drunk on the sofa flashes before your eyes when you peck through the door of your room. Again today, he came in with another woman wrapped around his arms.

"Mom, are you done at the restaurant?". you said as soon as your mom picked up the call.

"I'm sorry dear, we're almost done. We're just closing, I'll be back soon I promise"

She said that every time.

And every time you called, you hoped for her to enter the house to witness this messy affair herself. Little did you know, the day your mom found out about the affair was the last day you ever saw your mother. If you knew she couldn't handle the news, you would have brought the affairs to grave. She must been having a tough time with her life.

"Hey, are you okay?", Jaehyun gently placed his palm on your shoulder, bringing you back to reality.

"Yeah, I'm just really tired"

"That's okay. You really should spend the night here-"

"NO", you quickly protest.

"I'm sorry, we should leave. I think his wallet is here somewhere and we can get a taxi from her-"

"I think it'll cause more trouble if you leave my apartment at night. I saw some sasaeng on our way back here"

You felt bad, this is your first time encountering your bias and you have caused much trouble for him. Seeing how persistent Jaehyun were, you decided to stay. Besides, he really didn't seem uncomfortable leaving the house at the moment after mentioning the sasaeng.

You opened your iPad as you made yourself comfortable on the sofa and started studying the repackage concept after the upcoming comeback for 127. Thanks to the impromptu presentation, you have the slides for the next comeback. You were focused on studying when suddenly Jaehyun went to you with a pair of white tshirt and a plaid sleep pants.

“Here, you can change into these if you want too and it’s okay too if your not comfortable doing so”

“Thanks, I’ll just stay in this outfit for a bit until I finish studying”

He smiled at you at your gesture, looking at how immerse you are at your job.

“So what are you studying?”, he asked as he sits besides you at the carpet.

“Well, from what i know this is the repackage concept for your comeback. You wanna have look?”

“Yeah, sure. Gotta make sure I look good in it”, he jokes.

You laughed at his actions. The night continues with both of you sharing experiences with each other, you share your concert experiences and how you ended up in Seoul while he shares TMI during their trainee's day. Both of you shared the warmth of the conversation together that cold night.

Later that morning, you left the apartment with Beom Suk once he was sober enough to walk. You made sure to thank Jaehyun for the night before you left.

—

As another Monday comes in, another chaos comes around. You and Beom Suk sat quietly at your desk, listening to the argument between Daeun and the rest of the team. Apparently, SM decided to sack off Daeun due to her inappropriate attitude lately.

It's been weeks since the Daeun incident. With no supervisor around, you and Beom Suk had little task to do and seems like everyone was just too busy for you guys. You question how the system and organisation really works. Regardless, you still try your best every day.

You sat in front of Beom Suk at the lunch table, your appetite was long gone along with your motivation. Beom Suk lets a sigh as he looks at you playing with your food. He saw 127 members entering the cafeteria. He thought it might be a good chance to lift up your mood, knowing how much you like them.

"Y/n, look it's 127", Beom Suk shakes your little hand, making you turn towards them.

"What's the use of that? Our work is not even close to that. We are to be sacked off too like Daeun unnie"

Beom Suk answered nothing, as both of you returned to your lunch quietly. Just as you entered the lift together with Beom Suk, you met the senior who was with you during the presentation.

"y/n it's been a while", she said, smiling at you.

"Hi, it's nice to see you too. This is my coworker, Beom Suk"

She exchanges bows with Beom Suk.

"I heard about Daeun resigning, it must have been a tough position for both of you"

"Yes, it is, do call us if there's any work we can help you with", you answered politely.

"Actually, we do have some work if you like. Do you have some time?"

You give it a look to Beom Suk, unsure if it's a good idea for both of you to jump at another team's work but you figured out Daeun used to be a part of another team as well and you guys had extra lunchtime so you decided to stop by. They showed you around with the NCT team, the album photo shoot, the fashion line and the choreography for the upcoming tour. It never fails to make you feel more proud of them.

Once the lunch hour was over, you and Beom Suk made your way back to your office floor and of course, you could not stop talking about how much you liked the concept and you had already imagined the fans (you) would react. His tender smile naturally reflected his genuine feelings, he was happy for her.

"But don't you think the youngest fashion designer looks familiar to you?", you asked Beom Suk.

"Well, I really couldn't tell. There were too many people back there"

Your mind went puzzled, you were so sure you'd made some of them somewhere but none of your memories rang the bells. You shook the thought off when the lift indicates the office floor.

"You think this colour suits him more?", Yun Hee asked.

"Hm yeah, Johny really suits any colour though but black does matches his hair"

"If then, let's go with shirtless! We can add more accessories", you were stunned.

"Suit yourself"

You have been visting 127's team lately with Beom Suk, the team also love that you were there often. They really appreciate your idea. You were there again with Beom Suk during their album photoshoot, lucky you, your design team allowed you and Beom Suk since there were not much work for you guys for the time being.

As you entered the room with Beom Suk, you can see the car in the middle of the set, covered with white wall around. When Yun Hee and the rest of the styling team entered the room, you knew the members was ready for the shoot.

"I think they look great!", Yun Hee whispered to your ear as she dash next you and Beom Suk.

You turn over your sight towards the members entering the room after Yun Hee.

You froze with your muscles locked in a momentary paralysis, surprise with the visual in front of your eyes. You felt your inner fangirl could scream any moment now, just like when they first appear at any concerts.

"Hey, didn't expect you here", Jaehyun said when he pass by you.

He was the last member to enter the room. It quickily snap you back to reality. Reminding you are here as a stuff at SM.

You were unable to think, you wanted to answer him perfectly that you eventually missed the chance. You just replied to him with a smile, as he made his way to the set.

The photoshoot went smoothly, you observe how they started editing the pictures as they also started shooting for the individual photoshoot.

Jaehyun started talking to you now and then whenever he was free, you were glad he did not ignore you completely after the incident at his apartment yet you can't help noticing youngest member of the fashion line had been eyeing you and Jaehyun all day. It definitely felt weird, more like she was stalking you.

"Are you feeling uncomfortable?", Jaehyun asked, he was quick to notice the situation.

"I am a bit uncomfortable actually, maybe it's because of the cameras", you lied.

"It's okay, just ignore them. You'll get used to it soon"

"You're saying it like I'm the one who is an idol", you joke.

"Well, if I would want to talk to you again, would it be in a situation like this too?"

Your mind went puzzled again.

"Do you mean you wanna talk to me more often?"

"Yeah, I would like to. It's nice to have a conversation like this once in a while"

A soft smile played on his lips, you stared at the in front of you. It cannot be more perfect.

You pushed the thoughts aside when they call Jaehyun for the individual shoot and offered you and Beom Suk to edit the photocards for the album, which both of you gladly took the job.

“Y/N?”

You heard someone calling you as you step out of the company, finally ending the day. It took you by surprise that it was the one was who calling you was the familiar fashion designer you talk about to Beom Suk the other day.

“Hi. I am Rose, I haven’t formally introduced myself to you”, she reach out her hand to you.

“Hi, odd to meet you here. Can i help you with anything?”

“No no”, she quickly cleared the assumption before continuing.

“I just wanted to invite you to dinner, since now we are on the same team”

She sounded very uncanny, but she was indeed really kind to the rest of the team and you wanted to get to know her more so you accept her invitation to dinner. It took you by surprise on how ordinarythe dinner was. Both of you exchanged stories and really had nice conversations.

“Are you 127 fan, y/n?”

“Yes, I am a fan. Although I do love my job as a graphic designer at SM, I won’t lie working with your bias is a good motivation”

“Is Jaehyun your bias? I saw you talking to him on the set today”

“He is, I’ve been a fan since-“

“Is that’s why you go to his apartment the other day?”, she confronted you.

That’s when it hits you. Rose was one of the sasaengs that waited outside Jaehyun’s apartment. Suddenly, everything makes senses to you.

Her gazed immediately changed when her intention was out. It creeps you out the fact she is working for the 127 inside the company. Having a lot of access and information about the members.

“You misunderstood the situation, Rose. It’s nothing like you imagined”

“I know it’s not like that, we know”, giving insight to you that she’s not the only one.

“I have an offer to make. How about you tell me about Jaehyun or what’s is in his apartment and we pay you and release a insight he is dating someone like you?”

You could not believe what Rose was doing. Of course it would be flattering that Jaehyun had a scandal with you but being paid for being in a scandal while you know it’s less that true is really beneath you. You felt insulted.

“I am not interested in selling Jaehyun’s name or to be in your dirty game, Rose. You know this is against the company and idols policy”

“We’re never know, y/n. I can already imagine how heartbreaking it is for you when Jaehyun reveals his true colours”

You remain silents. It is true idols are products of how the company have groom them to be and it will be devastating to know that they might not be the same as what you had pictured them. But you can’t let Rose get into your head, Jaehyun deserve to live as much as you do.

“Nice dinner with you, Rose”, you stood up from the table and leaving some cash enough to pay your portion of the dinner.

“You can always find my number in the group chat, y/n”

“Your just selfish because you couldn’t have your bias to yourself”, your turn your back to Rose, storming out of the restaurant.

—

Not long after, you and Beom Suk joined 127 team. Your previous team had a great conflict on the new upcoming team, where they are considering taking out some members of NCT. The conflict worsen day after day until they decided to discontinue the team for the time being. As a fan, you felt bad you couldn’t defend the members. The best you could do now is wait for the company to decide and give out an official statement before you and Beom Suk could continue your original work.

Today, you focus on editing the cover of the album. It’s due by the end of the week. The nearer the comeback date, the more workload you have. It gives you a lot of pressure, it’s the first time you handle editing for a comeback. You wanted to excel your work, especially for NCT.

Looking at the clock that strikes 10 p.m, you decide to wrap up your work. You search for Yun Hee, hoping she’s still around but she was nowhere to be found at her desk. So you thought she might be with the members for some measurements or final fitting.

You press the button to the practise room floor, you’ve been there a few times with Beom Suk when both of you worked on the content editing during the time both of you were waiting your own desk. Those moments definitely became core memories for you.

—

“Let’s have dinner together, y/n”, Johnny said to you, who was focusing on the editing.

“Pardon?”

“I said, let’s have dinner together. Everyone here is going. It’s hyung’s treat”, he grinned at the choreographer.

During that time, the incident with Rose was pretty recent so you thought it’s better for you to avoid being with them too much. Being at the practise room frequent was good enough for Rose to follow you around.

“I’ll have to rain check this one. I’m really sorry”

“Are you skipping dinner? Again?”, Beom Suk asked worriedly.

“No, it’s just that I really have to finish this editing so-“

“Y/n, it’s we have to finish this editing. Come on, I’ll help you out later”

“That’s not it, Beom Suk”

“Then why are you not going?”

Johnny quietly witnessed the situation, he too wanted to know why you have been skipping a lot of their invitations. At the corner of your eye, you can see Jaehyun was there too waiting for your answer.

It was hard for you to explain, you should told them about the sasaeng situation in the first place so that it won’t be complicated for you. You held back screams of frustration. Deep inside you felt mad at Rose for making you feel obligated to her, at the same time you were disappointed in yourself for being scared of her. It took a while for you to process your thoughts when you finally made the decision.

"You know what? Let's go", you said, closing the laptop in front of you.

Johnny and Jaehyun begin to grin ear to ear at your decision. On your way out of the building, the choreographer starts to counsel you on how you shouldn't stress out and give yourself a little fun along your career until all of you make it into the lift.

"Hyung, I think she gets it already", Jaehyun placed his hand on the choreographer's shoulder.

He certainly has saved you in that situation. You peek over your shoulders at Jaehyun. In moments of bliss, both lips curved into matching smiles.

All of you headed to the restaurant, and you tried your best to not walk closely or look too friendly to the members. You walked at the back of them, looking at the ground figuring out how things around.

"Y/N", you heard.

You immediately lifted up your head.

"Yes, Jaehyun. Is there something wrong?", you were concerned and he let out a chuckled at your action.

"I think I should be the one asking. You seem uncomfortable again"

"There's so much going on right now with the comeback", you tried not to spill out about Rose to him.

"Is everything okay? You know you can talk to me if you want to"

And that statement itself made you flutter, you smiled uncontrollably. Although you tried your best to hide it, it was pretty visible to Jaehyun. He couldn’t help but smile at you.

"I haven't sorted out my mind on this stuff that I'm not okay with, but I really should warn you to be careful with the people around you"

At the end of the day, you wanted Jaehyun to be happy and live comfortably just like a normal person except that you regretted saying that when his soft expression turned immediately to anger and worry.

"Has anyone been hurting you? You were blackmailed?", this was the first time you saw this side of Jaehyun and you wished it was your last.

"No, no Jaehyun. I'm fine. It's just I've been watching a few sasaeng fans videos during my work and it worries me that it's might be you going through"

Jaehyun came back to his normal state as you too tried your best to calm down.

“So your saying you want me to be careful of people around me?”

“Yes”

“Have you seen anyone suspicious around me?”

“Yes”, you spoke honestly, making an eye contact with him. He stared at your eyes, both of you stayed at that position for a while.

“Okay. I was about to tell you not to worry so much about things around and enjoy your times with us. Why don’t you help to keep an eye for me since I don’t know how is the suspicious person-“

You felt bad, you should’ve be the whistleblower and tell the company about Rose.

“And in exchange, I’ll spend more time with you”, Jaehyun continued.

“You mean more conversations? Because that’s the only thing we do”, you giggled.

“Yeah that would do, i can be your listener if you want someone to talk too. Plus, I like hearing you speak”

“Thanks, Jaehyun. I really look forward to that”, both of you smiled at your shared secret, making your way to restaurant to enjoy the rest of the night.

—

Once the elevator stops at your floor, you went straight ahead to the practise room area. You took a peek at the door, making sure it’s 127’s room before entering. You saw Yun Hee at the corner of the room measuring Yuta while the other members were practicing.

“Is everything okay?”, you asked, looking at how intense Yun Hee is.

“Apparently someone lose the measurements for the concert outfits, now we have to measure it all again”, she was so focus she couldn’t bother lifting up her face to you. You understood her actions.

“Was it you, Yun Hee?”

“Of course not. Do you think I take my job lightly?”

You were stunned at the sudden burst, Yun Hee was at her peck moment. Luckily Yuta was quick to address her.

“I don’t think she meant that way, Yun Hee”, he explained.

“It wasn’t her and I’m sure of it. The person who has been measuring us the same person all the time. It’s not Yun Hee”

“If she’s measuring it all the time, doesn’t mean she can use the previous measurements?”

“She doesn’t have all those, she’s new. I assume she lost the whole book or just didn’t bother to keep it”, Yun Hee spoke.

While you try to understand the situation, you heard the door swing open, followed with the sound of small steps close enough to tell they were running.

“There you are. You should be here the moment you lost the book”, Yun Hee said to Rose.

You didn’t like what was happening. Instead of helping Yun Hee, you questioned more Rose intention. Did she really lost the book or she’s just trying to get on people’s nerves? Yun Hee started scolding her, as you can Yun Hee has been in deep stress lately. The members are stop their practise and slowly approaching them.

It made you realise Rose really wanted to be noticed by the members. Regardless whatever it takes.

“Yun Hee let’s not do this here, you need to focus on what to do next”, you quickly reminded her before it gets worse.

Yun Hee looked at you sternly, as she let out a long sigh and looked at the ground.

“I’ll help you. We can get this done by tonight, I’ll call for Beom Suk. He’s always here”, you continued.

“No, we can’t. The members really need to rest tonight. We can’t drag any more time”

“It’s okay, Yun Hee. Yun Hee right, your name?”, Johnny asked.

“You can measure us quickly now, only we’re a bit sweaty now. Sorry about that. Here, measure me now”, he pick up the measuring tape and pass it to Rose.

Yun Hee smiled a little, she was glad to see people are willing to help. You softly put your hand at her shoulder.

“I’ll help too, okay?”, picking up another measuring tape.

Although you are not sure of what to do, but it won’t hurt to help. Jaehyun approach you while you were trying to figure out how and what to measure.

“Please measure me, miss”, he said, opening his arms straight to the side. Indicating he was ready, you laughed at him and played along.

“Okay sir. Please note this is my first time, I might need to measure you a few times”

“As you please, madame.”

You and Jaehyun had fun as you two played around when you measured him. Of course the other could see how the both of you enjoying each other’s company, so they let the two of you have sometime together.

“Y/N, can I check the measurements?”, Rose interrupt the laughter.

“Yeah sure, here is it. Is it okay?”

“Well, apparently there’s a lot weird measurements here. I think I need to remeasure him.”

She immediately took the tape and start to measure Jaehyun, pushing you slightly. Jaehyun didn’t like what he was witnessing, he reluctantly gave Rose a glare. Her intentions were clear to you, but you did not want to make things anymore complicated so you start help measuring other members.

The night was late after all of you finished with the measurements and as to make up to it, all of them decided to have some drinks that night.

You were about to make your way out of the studio along with other, when Jaehyun gently pulled your wrist.

“Hey, let’s walk together. To make up with the wrong measurements”, he trying to taste the water making sure your okay.

“Sure.”

The group disper off in their own direction heading towards home after the drink. Some of them were really drunk, unlike you. You're glad Beom Suk was there to make sure they didn't ask you much about why you weren't drinking.

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?", Beom Suk asked.

"Looking at your stand, I'll be the one walking you home. Thanks for offering anyway."

Beom Suk smiled at you as he waved at you before heading towards the opposite direction. Just then, Jaehyun ran out of the bar after you.

"Do you care for some midnight walks?"

Under the cloak of night, the Han River becomes a place of quiet contemplation. The rhythmic hum of traffic fades into the background, replaced by the soothing melody of crickets and the occasional splash of a fish breaking the surface. The city skyline twinkles like a jewel in the darkness and there was you and Jaehyun.

In the dark night, he sure shines bright to you.

You thanked all your bad days that led to this moment shared with him. Both of you stop at the fence of the river, looking down at the gentle waves of the river.

"Have you protected me today?", he broke the silence.

"I have", you said proudly, and he was glad.

"Funny how some of us come here, feeling depressed while some come here, feeling content", you continued.

"So how do you feel?"

"Healed."

He admired how you were able to feel content and appreciate the days, even when they were tiring or difficult. The more he got to know you, the more he could appreciate his own days.

"You are truly the strongest person I know, y/n," sliding his gaze slightly towards you as you did the same.

"I have great motivation here", you said smirking.

"What's your motivation?"

"NCT"

Both of you laughed at the answer. It felt a bit awkward for you to say it in front of a member, maybe because you never had to chance to join any fan meet or win a fan call event. Even though, saying it through fan meet and fan call would definitely be less embarrassing.

"I admire how fans have us as motivation and their pillar strength, making tough times easier. I envy that sometimes", he opened up to you and you listened to him dearly.

"What will shine the brightest to you will definitely come to you during the darkness. You'll find your light, trust me. You're my light!"

Jaehyun felt pleased listening to you. The night ended with you and Jaehyun walking down the street heading home to rest, filled with laughs and giggles along the way.

"I wish we could do this every night, it will heal me", you joke.

"Then let's do it."

Their gazes locked, and time seemed to pause, an eternity encapsulated within a fleeting moment following Jaehyun's heartfelt statement.

You contemplated what to answer him, and in that moment of uncertainty, you simply bid your goodbyes and headed your way, leaving him alone on the street, pondering the depth of your interaction.

“You looked really tired. Do you want to take a day off? I can help you out with the works”, Beom Suk looked at you worriedly.

“No, I’m really okay”

“Do you perhaps still hangover from last night?”, Yun Hee asked.

“No, Y/N don’t drink.”

“Thank you for remembering”, you grinned at Beom Suk.

As the members and rest of team entered the meeting room before they start the short briefing for the comeback and schedules. There will be a tour this time, it will be more work for the team and the members yet you can see how all of them were happy for this opportunity. It has been a while since they had a tour, looking at how much work they will be doing later really shows you how much NCT has grown.

“And that is all”, said the team leader, indicating the end of the meeting.

“Oh and the graphic team, don’t forget to submit the album for printing”, he quickly added.

You and Beom Suk nodded.

The editing team was chaotic that evening. The deadline for the album printing is today, and all of you gave out your last 100% for this.

“Please make sure you check the folder before sending”, the team leader reminded you and Beom Suk.

Both of you struggled with saving and making sure none of the graphic are pixelated. After so much trouble, you check one last time on the folder and clicked send.

“We did it”, Beom Suk reached out his hand for a high five to you as you replied it.

You sank your weak body into the chair, ready to end the day at the office.

The comeback happens smoother than you could have imagined. Everyone's spirits were high, eagerly anticipating the tour and embracing their new schedules with enthusiasm. Your friendship with Jaehyun continued to progress, deepening over time. Well, you didn’t go to Han River every night, but you and Jaehyun find time for each other perfectly. Moreover, you found yourself gradually overcoming your anxiety about Rose. Nothing could go wrong, you thought, as you filled your heart with each passing day.

You were making your way at the bar with Jaehyun, laughing on today’s inside jokes together. As you approach the red tent, Jaehyun automatically rise his hand lifting up the tent for you.

“Ladies first”

“Thank you”, you replied.

It took a while for you to search for the rest of the team and members. Most of the tables were taken by the time you reached. Although in the mid of your search, Jaehyun froze when he noticed Daeun at the table with the rest of them.

“Y/N, Jaehyun, over here!”, they called for you.

The rest of dinner was delight for you, it has been a longtime since the last time you met Daeun. You excitedly told her how well the concept is been going for the team that you. However, you couldn’t help but noticing how Daeun has been exchanging and taking glances at Jaehyun who was beside you at the table throughout the night.

It did made you feel uncomfortable, it felt like you were holding Jaehyun back from something so you decided to go out of the tent for a while with faking that you wanted some fresh air from the smell of alcohol and Daeun did seize the opportunity to approach Jaehyun.

Through the tent, you can see Daeun absolutely hit it off with Jaehyun.

“They really look good together”, Johnny said, taking you by surprise. He went out for smoke when he saw you peaking on them.

Only god knows how much you wanted to scream “NO!” on top of lungs to Johnny’s question. But again, you’ll suffer more living in this imaginary world of yours.

“Yes”, you answered. “They would be a perfect couple.”

Daeun comes over to talk to you when you return to the bar, but is only met with awkward conversation instead of the same boisterous talks you had. You wanted to blame it so much on Johnny’s statement that melded in your mind but deeply you know you was just upset if wasn’t you.

You would be lying if you say you didn’t cry yourself to bed that night.

“At least it’s sends me to sleep”, you thought to yourself when you woke up with puffed eyes the next morning.

Regardless it didn’t stop you from work. With those eyes, you sat on your desk the next morning and continue editing. Shallowing all the pain and heartache you felt last night.

—

The atmosphere among the office workers is tense and fraught with unease as you arrive at the desk that day. Beom Suk and the other colleagues are frantically searching through files or documents, while the team leader is furiously typing emails and making urgent phone calls. Your emotions run high, with feelings of anxiety and perhaps even panic palpable in the air. You aren't sure what's going on in the office.

"Yes, we are very sorry. We will address and amend the cover straight away," you hear the team leader say on the phone.

Your eyes widen in alarm. It was you who emailed the cover for printing. Just then, the team leader calls her out to the meeting room and scolds you about the mistake on the cover. Apparently, SM had printed out the album and released it. Soon, the fans noticed Doyoung was not on the cover, and the situation went viral on the internet.

As hard as it is for you to brush off the emotions, you begin going through the files again and resending the correct folder for printing. Despite the lingering anxiety, you focus on rectifying the mistake and ensuring that the issue is promptly resolved. Once the situation is handled and the correct files are sent, you step out of the office to take a moment to calm down. You sat on the bench on the terrace alone with your coffee when a familiar figure came next to you.

"Hey", said Beom Suk, you felt calm again.

"Can I cry now?", Beom Suk immediately taps on his shoulder and shoves it slightly towards you, ensuring you he'll be there for you.

It made you smile, even with tears rolling down your cheeks. You lean on towards him, putting your head on his shoulders.

"Beom Suk, I have something to tell you"

"What is it?"

"I didn't send the wrong file"

“What?” he asked, as if he hadn’t heard what had been said.

"I checked the files before sending, in fact, Doyoung was the last person I edited so I remember it clearly," you explain, trying to ease his confusion.

"I'm not sure how, but the email was sent twice, and the second one wasn't from me," you add, feeling a pang of frustration at the situation.

"Well, do you know who it is? You should really clear out your name," he says, his tone edged with frustration as he tries to stand up from the bench, ready to confront whoever is responsible. But you quickly reach out and hold his arm, stopping him.

"It's okay, you'll find out who it is later. Let's just stay like this for a while," you say softly, wanting to diffuse the tension and find solace in each other's company amidst the chaos.

That night, the members invited you out for a drink again. However, halfway through the evening, you begin to feel uneasy about being with them at the moment. You decide to personally apologize to Doyoung for the mistake. Thankfully, he forgives you and offers you some comfort, reassuring you that he didn't take it personally and urging you not to worry about it.

Grateful for his understanding, you thank him sincerely before excusing yourself from the bar. Despite their invitations, you feel the need to retreat and process your emotions in solitude, hoping to find clarity and peace of mind away from the distractions of the night.

At times like this, you can't help but feeling sad, wishing you could stroll along the peaceful Han River with Jaehyun by your side. But ever since that night with Daeun, your once-close friendship with Jaehyun has faded, The silence between you weighs heavily on your heart, leaving you feeling lonely. Despite longing for his company, the unspoken tension makes it difficult to bridge the gap between you two.

“Where have you been? Aren’t you supposed to protect me?”, Jaehyun smirked.

“Oh sorry, Jaehyun. Things got messed up again”

“Great, I like messes!”

You laughed.

“No, you don’t”

“I do, come on tell me what’s going on. You left the bar alone again last night”

The image of Jaehyun hanging around with Daeun flashes back in your mind. It was almost like your still at the bar.

“Nothing that big nor about the comeback, so don’t worry”, you continue to march on with your arms crossed, hoping Jaehyun would scoff off any minute but he caught you arm holding you back.

“Y/N, do you not want to talk to me anymore?”, he looked serious.

“Not today, I’m sorry”, as you push his hands away from you and walk off.

As you expected, he didn't try to stop you from leaving. You glance back at Jaehyun as he walks away, feeling regret. You realise you've become used to getting what you want lately, and now you're feeling greedy for his company.

You forget your thoughts as you see Rose passing by the corridor. Without hesitation, you march towards her and quickly grab her wrist.

"What are you doing?", she struggles to release her hand from your grip.

"I'm letting you know that the tricks you are playing are not funny anymore and you should stop hacking into someone's computer", letting go of her hand.

Rose smirks at you with a wicked gleam in their eyes. Behind those eyes, she enjoys how agitated you are. She can't wait for the next evil scheme.

"Looks like reality is finally hitting you, y/n", Rose said to you, making you frown.

"You really don't scare me, Rose"

"Of course, I don't. Your job will"

"And Jaehyun's true colours with do it themselves to you", she added.

You strode away from her, your footsteps thundering down the hall. Clouded by a storm of emotions and rage, you feel torn. Protecting Jaehyun means everything to you, yet your job is equally important. Juggling both was taking its toll, gradually wearing you out.

You were about to pick up a tray as you arrived at the cafeteria when Beom Suk approached you.

"Hey, have the team leader spoken to you?", grabbing your attention.

"About what?" you ask, your tired body making its way through the food section.

"The tour, we're coming with them"

You flinched at his words. After Rose hinted at her sinister intentions, you couldn't shake the feeling that it had something to do with the concert. It seemed like she knew all along that you were going to follow them on tour as well.

"No", you protest.

"Yes, y/n. Remember when you told me you wanted to travel a lot during your 20s? This is a perfect opportunity"

"Perfect opportunity for Rose", you thought.

Beom Suk was right. After returning from lunch, the team leader called for a meeting and announced that you and Beom Suk would be joining 127 on tour to work on the stage graphics. While others congratulated you happily and mentioned it as an opportunity to become a permanent member, your heart couldn't fully embrace the joy. Instead, anxiety crept in, overshadowing any sense of excitement you might have felt.

—

After weeks of sleepless nights, this morning you marked crossed on the calendar at your house, looking at the reminder that you wrote on today's date.

TOUR TRIP D-DAY

The nerves crept in, making the moment feel surreal. It seemed too good to be true, yet you knew deep down that you deserved this opportunity. You and Beom Suk had worked tirelessly for this comeback and tour, overcoming countless obstacles. Through all the challenges, you poured your heart and soul into your work, and now, you found yourself at the top. Despite the anxiety, you wanted to allow yourself to feel proud of your accomplishments.

"Hello, yes, Beom Suk?" you picked up the call, abruptly halting your daydream and bringing you back to reality.

"Hey y/n, sorry to break it to you, but we're having a serious problem with the flight tickets," Beom Suk's voice crackled through the phone.

"What do you mean?" you asked, your heart sinking.

"I'm with Manager Hyung right now, and it looks like our tickets, along with Jaehyun and Taeyong's, were not booked."

"WHAT?" Your disbelief echoed through the phone, mingling with a rising sense of panic.

You made your way to the company straight away after the phone call. As you reached the advertising and promotion floor, you spotted the member gathered on the couch near the entrance, their expressions reflecting a sense of hopelessness. A wave of pity washed over you, stronger for them than for yourself.

The manager went to get their flight tickets earlier this morning when they found out the reservations had been mysteriously cancelled by someone in the company.

The atmosphere filled with frustration and anger grew as they tried to rebook flights at such short notice proved difficult. Hours passed with no solution in sight. Jaehyun and Taeyong sat quietly, tired and disappointed.

In a tough decision, they sent Jaehyun and Taeyong back home temporarily while the rest of the members and team proceeded with their scheduled flight. It was hard, but it was the best decision they could make.

As they bid goodbye, promises were made to keep Jaehyun and Taeyong updated on the situation. With heavy hearts, they watched their friends leave, hoping for new tickets soon.

You remained there with Beom Suk, both of you tiredly trying to sort out the situation and waiting for the staff to deal with the new tickets. Taking a seat on the couch, you let out a long sigh of exhaustion. With your eyes closed, you lean back, resting your head against the soft cushions.

"Are you okay? You've been staying up the whole week to finish this work", Beom Suk asked, he was worried for you.

"I'm a bit tired, I should be sleeping on the plane by now"

"Just hold on for a bit, okay? It will be okay soon", you nodded to him.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting and uncertainty, a sense of relief washed over the room as the staff finally announced that the new flight tickets had been successfully booked.

You and Beom Suk exchanged tired but grateful smiles, your weary expressions giving way to a glimmer of hope. Both of you quickly gathered your belongings.

As you called Taeyong and Jaehyun for the pick-up at the airport, your heart sank when Jaehyun didn't answer his calls. Concern etched into your brow as you tried multiple times, each attempt met with the same silence.

Thoughts raced through your mind, imagining various scenarios that could explain his lack of response. The driver wasted no time and headed straight to Jaehyun's apartment. You and Beom Suk hurriedly made your way to his building, heartbeats quickening with each step. With the passcode provided by the manager, you swiftly punched in the numbers and the door clicked open.

Your eyes widen as you entered Jaehyun's apartment. The smell of the house felt familiar to you, even some of the stuffs seems familiar to you. Although it was hard to recognise where you seen them. Just then you found yourself in front of the master bedroom, the door was slightly open enough to have peek in and the view was a disappointment to you.

Clothes shuttered on the floor, both a man and woman clothes. You gather up all the courage you ever had in you as you lift up your head to the bed. You saw Jaehyun's naked body, sleeping with his arms wrapped around Daeun's naked body.

"At the end of the day, Jaehyun is a man of his own and I am a delusional fan", a bitter realisation settling in your heart.

As your eyes slowly turning into glass, Beom Seok quickily reach out the door knob slamming the door close. Hoping it was enough to wake up the lovebirds inside.

"Hyung, your flight leaves in 3 hours we need to go now", he screamed from the door.

Beom Seok turned his gaze to your stone figure. He knew how much Jaehyun meant to you, caught Jaehyun in bed with someone who is close to you definitely breaks your heart in pieces and Beom Seok can see that through your eyes.

"Y/N, please grab Jaehyun's luggage and passport at the living room. Take it down at the car, okay? Wait for me there", he said as he bends down to catch your eyes.

You wiped the drolling tears across your cheeks and responded to Beom Seok's instruction. The next thing you know, you witnessed Jaehyun and Daeun bid goodbyes. Giving them one last kiss before all of you made it to the airport after picking up Taeyong.

The fans ran everywhere, pushing each other and flashing their cameras and phones at them. Your body was definitely exhausted by now as you tried your best to make it through the crowd of fans following Jaehyun and Taeyong. As you continue walking, you feel your leg trembling like a jelly. With no hesitation, you held on to Beom Seok's wrist for support and whispered.

"I can't stand"

"Hold on to me, we'll find a place for you to sit at the gate", firmly fixing your hand on his arm, both of you continued walking like that until the gate.

Jaehyun watched the scene unfold with a heavy sigh, realising the toll their fame was taking on you. It pained him to see you and Beom Suk caught up in the chaos, especially now that you had witnessed his relationship firsthand.

Finally reaching the gate, you collapsed into a weary nap against Beom Suk's shoulder, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up to you.

"Y/N, we need to board the plane now", Beom Seok shook you gently.

"Oh really? Thank you Beom Seok, for letting me lean on your shoulder"

"No problem Y/N, you really needed that nap", he replied as all of you made your way to the plane.

"Yeah, I'd love to continue that in the plane. I'm reserving your shoulder again," Beom Suk smiled at your statement as he glanced at your boarding pass.

"But Y/N, your not sitting beside me"

"What?", as you searched for the seat number on your boarding pass.

Your heart skipped a beat when you made eye contact with Jaehyun as both of you boarded the plane. The stewardess asked for your seat, and even Beom Suk refused to believe it.

"I'm sitting next to him", you said to the stewardess.

Jaehyun helped put your bags in the compartment above before both of you made yourself comfortable in your seats. You remained silence at your seat, giving Jaehyun the cold shoulder, still hurt by what you had witnessed earlier.

Jaehyun, sensing the distance, felt the guilt for the discomfort he had caused. He gently reached out to offer you a blanket, and headphones when your's didn't work, and even adjusted the air conditioning, hoping to provide some comfort during the flight as he was determined to mend the strained relationship.

You stubbornly ignored his gesture, your gaze fixed firmly out the window. Jaehyun was unfazed by your actions and persisted, quietly asking if you needed anything or if you were feeling alright.

As soon as the flight dims the lights to indicate nighttime, your emotions overwhelm you once more. Tears welled up in your eyes as feelings of betrayal washed over you, you wondered why Jaehyun had toyed with your feelings if he wanted to be with someone else.

Trying your best to conceal your sobbing, you assumed Jaehyun was asleep. But as you struggled with your tears, a gentle hand reached out to touch your shoulder, surprising you. You turned to find Jaehyun looking at you with concern, his eyes filled with empathy.

"Y/N, are you okay?" he whispered softly, his voice laced with genuine concern.

You longed for Jaehyun's comfort and presence, but the reminder of his relationship status held you back. You missed him, yet you couldn't ignore the boundaries.

You couldn't bring herself to open up to Jaehyun anymore.

"I... I don't want to talk right now." you declined Jaehyun's offer of comfort, your voice trembling slightly.

It pained you to push him away, but you couldn't ignore the reality of their circumstances. With your decision you turned away, seeking solace in the solitude of your thoughts as you grappled with conflicted emotions.

As you reached the destination, you, Beom Suk, and Yun Hee went on an exhilarating tour of the country, exploring its sights and immersing yourselves in its culture in every free time the three of you had aside from work. Every moment was filled with laughter and joy as you created cherished memories together.

Meanwhile, the members dedicated themselves to rehearsals, pouring their hearts and souls into perfecting their performances for the upcoming tour. Their determination never wavered.

Amidst the excitement and busyness of the tour, you found yourself avoiding any mention of what had happened between you and Jaehyun. You pushed aside your feelings of sadness, burying them deep within as you threw yourself into the distractions of sightseeing and work.

One night, you found someone texting you in the middle of the night after work and the second you saw the text you knew who was it from.

‘Glad you found yourself a ticket to the tour. Suprise with his true colours yet? We are ready to have you here’

You were tempted to give out the details. It haunts you that you were tempted. The feeling of betrayal and anger lingers in your mind. Tears starts to gather in your eyes as soon you found yourself typing out Jaehyun caught in bed with ex staff, you couldn’t click send. It kills you to betray him.

He has nothing against you and so do you. Again, you reminded yourself what you use to tell Rose.

“Your just selfish because you couldn’t have your bias to yourself”

As you switch off the phone and tossed it aside. You tried your best to calm down, so you decided to go out of your hotel room and sit by the pool. No longer after, Beom Suk approached you.

At first, both of you shared simple and fun conversations but as time went on his usual cheerful character was replaced by a very serious look. You could feel the conversation getting deeper.

"Y/N, with what happened between you and Jaehyun, I just want to remind you it's okay to be sad and mad," he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

"But dwelling on those emotions won't change what happened."

You looked at him, each word carrying a weight that resonated deep within your soul. It was as if he had peeled back the layers of your heart, revealing the rawness hidden beneath the surface.

He placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. His eyes looked the same went he first offered you his shoulders, again he reminds you he'll be there with you for anything.

"I loved him," you confessed,

"And it hurts a little too much," your voice trembling with the rawness of your emotions.

The words carry out the heavy burden lifted from your chest. The emotions finally became too much for you to bear with tears welling up in your eyes.

That night, Beom Suk listened you tentatively. You told him everything that has happened between you and Jaehyun, along with the saseng you met along the way.

He comforted you with his words to your wounded heart. But as the night wore on, Beom Suk gently reminded you to focus on the task at hand – the upcoming tour.

"Y/N, I know it's difficult," he began softly, his voice filled with empathy. "But you're not alone. We're all here for you, every step of the way."

"Remember," he said with a reassuring smile, "fans are counting on us to deliver. Let's give it our all, together."

You nodded in agreement, grateful for Beom Suk's wise words and encouragement. Though the road ahead may be difficult, you knew that with Beom Suk by your side, you were ready to face whatever challenges came your way.

Bringing along the lingering tension between you and Jaehyun, you managed to pull yourself together for the tour, throwing yourself into your work with renewed determination. Each performance was a testament to your resilience, a reminder that you were capable of rising above the pain and focusing on the task at hand.

You also you had it enough with Rose after the night she texted. You realised that stooping to her level would only perpetuate the cycle of toxicity and invasion of privacy that had plagued Jaehyun's life.

So with Beom Suk encouragement, you courageously decide to report her to the company, determined to protect Jaehyun and members from the invasive tactics of sasaeng fans.

Soon the truth came to light – one of Jaehyun's stalkers was working at SM Entertainment, a breach of trust that sent shockwaves through the fandom. In response, the company took immediate action, terminating Rose's employment and sending a clear message that such behaviour would not be tolerated.

As the tour came to an end, you found yourself facing a new chapter in your career – working on the debut of a new boy group for SM Entertainment. The opportunity to spearhead such an important project filled you with excitement and anticipation, pushing aside the lingering thoughts of Jaehyun and the unresolved tension between you.

Yet, as the debut day arrived and the new boy group took the stage for their first performance, you felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over you. In that moment, all thoughts of the past were pushed aside, replaced by a sense of excitement for the future and the promise of new beginnings.

Years passed, and yet the situation continued to simmer, unresolved and unspoken, until this day. Despite the passage of time, the tension between you and Jaehyun remains an unspoken truth, a silent reminder of the complexities of love and the scars it leaves behind.

Jaehyun arrived at the wedding hall, he was dressed neatly in his black suit with his hair pulled up. An old man greeted him at the hall door which he assume is your father, soon he was escorted to his seat along with the members at the table.

"Glad you made it", Johnny patted his back, welcoming him next to his seat.

The light dimmed as they started the ceremony, all the lights reflected on the crystal chandelier making the hall look dreamy. The band starts playing a lovely melody at the corner of the hall.

"It's just too perfect", Jaehyun thought.

The guests began to clap their hands when they announced that the bride was entering. Jaehyun did not dare to face you, he kept his head forward to the stage while others were already admiring you down the aisle. Tangled with emotions, he knew he shouldn't have missed this moment of you. It might hurt him dearly but he would rather get drunk all night than miss your once-in-a-lifetime moment. He adjusted himself in his seat and turned towards to direction.

Your dress was serenely beautiful and looked ethereal in the soft light. With that smile you put on, it does show you are happier now.

He smiled, reflecting on the joy you brought into his life.

"She's really pretty", Johnny commented on the table.

"She is"

"Didn't you say you had a crush on her back then?", he whispered to Jaehyun.

"I did, it's just I found myself back to Daeun"

"Then, you should have married her!"

Jaehyun's eyes went back to you. How he imagine it was him next to you, instead of Beom Suk. Bitter truth, he was hopelessly in love with someone of the married couple.

"I should", he said while his eyes were serenade by you.

"I should have".

-- ★🎸🎧⋆｡ °⋆ --

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ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

Transit Love. (TEASER)

PAIRING: Taeyong + Oc, Jaehyun + Oc, Johnny + Oc, Yuta + Oc, Doyoung + Oc.

GENRE: Non idol au, Angst, Fluff, suggestive, slice of life, comedy.

SUMMARY: Embark on a journey of love, heartbreak, and second chances in 'Transit Love,' follow the lives of ten individuals as they reunite with their exes or forge new connections in a reality show like no other. With drama, romance, and intrigue at every turn, who will find closure, who will discover new love, and who will be left longing for what could have been? Join us as we dive into the rollercoaster of emotions that is 'Transit Love' and get ready for a ride you won't soon forget.

Word Count: 560

As the soft glow of the evening sun cast its warm embrace upon the city streets, Yuta found himself lost in a whirlwind of memories. "I remember the first time I met her," he murmured softly, his voice tinged with a hint of longing. "It was like the world had suddenly come alive, and all I could see was her smile." Yet, despite the passage of time, the ache in his heart remained as fresh as ever. "We may have parted ways, but her presence still lingers within me, like an echo of a love that refuses to fade."

Meanwhile, Johnny's thoughts drifted back to a time filled with laughter and whispered promises. "We had our ups and downs, just like any other couple," he mused, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But in the end, we both knew that it was time to let go." Though their parting had been mutual, the ache of loss still lingered within him, a silent reminder of what once was.

For Doyoung, the memories of his time with his former partner were a bittersweet symphony of emotions. "We were young and in love, with our whole lives stretched out before us," he recalled, his voice tinged with a sense of nostalgia. "But as time passed, we began to drift apart, like two ships sailing in opposite directions." Yet, despite the distance that now lay between them, his heart still yearned for the love they had once shared.

As Jinji reminisced about her time with her ex, a soft smile graced her lips. "They were my rock, my confidant, my everything," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "Even though we may have parted ways, our bond remains unbroken, a testament to the love we once shared." Though their paths had diverged, the friendship they had forged remained steadfast, a beacon of light in the darkness.

And for Taeyong, the memories of his time with his former partner were a delicate dance of joy and sorrow. "We were two souls caught in the whirlwind of fame and fortune," he reflected, his voice tinged with regret. "But as our careers began to pull us apart, we found ourselves drifting further and further away." Though he longed to hold onto what they once had, he knew that it was time to let go, to find his own path in the world.

As the night fell and the city lights twinkled in the distance, each of them found solace in the memories of their past loves, a reminder of the journey that had brought them to where they were today. And though their paths may have diverged, their hearts remained forever intertwined, bound by the invisible threads of love and longing, the stage is set for a tale of love, loss, and the journey to find closure. But as the participants of "Transit Love" embark on this rollercoaster ride of emotions, one question lingers in the air: Who is the ex-lover of each participant?

Join us as we unravel the tangled webs of past relationships and discover the true bonds that connect these individuals. With secrets waiting to be unveiled and hearts yearning for redemption, the stage is set for a captivating journey of love and self-discovery.

Get ready to dive into the world of "Transit Love," where every glance, every touch, and every whispered word holds the promise of a new beginning. Who will find closure with their past loves, and who will dare to embrace the possibility of a new romance? The answers lie within the pages of this captivating tale, waiting to be uncovered by you, the reader.

So, gather your wits and sharpen your intuition, for the game of love is about to begin. Who do you think is the ex-lover of each participant? Let the guessing game commence, and may the truth be revealed in due time. 🌟💔❤️

———————————————๑•̀ᴗ•̀) ̫ ─꒱

Hello, everyone! I'm markmeinyurass127, and I'm thrilled to share my very first NCT fic with you all. Get ready to embark on a rollercoaster of emotions with me! Your feedback and comments are highly appreciated, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts. Wishing you all a wonderful day ahead. Let's dive into this adventure together! 😽😽😽😽

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ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

Once Again 🤍

summary. jaehyun and his classmates go through the darkness of adulthood fill with bitterness, where both of them ended finding each other sparks in within

genre. high school! au, second chance love, fluff

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

Part I /Part II / Part III (1 March! ✨)

70 notes · View notes

ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

Once Again Part III🤍

summary. jaehyun and his classmates go through the darkness of adulthood filled with bitterness, where both of them ended finding each other sparks in within

genre. high school! au, second chance love, fluff

words count. 8.0k

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

--｡⋆✮ 🎧 ✮ ⋆｡--

You hold the wooden basket as you follow your mother around with Eunwoo. She wanted to pick flowers for your bouquet. It was a surprise to you that Eunwoo gladly came when your mother invited him, despite what he did to you few weeks ago.

“You have more flowers at the back of the nursery, maam”, the part timer insisted.

In no time, the part timer guided her yo the flowers. You quickly took the chance to confront Eunwoo.

“Eunwoo”, grabbing his sleeve.

“Yes, is there anything wrong, y/n?”

“Everything’s wrong”

Eunwoo didn’t say a word, he knows where this conversation is heading.

“Eunwoo, we don’t even love each other and we’ll never will”, you continue.

“That’s not true, I loved you throughout high school and university”

“You didn’t, you just care for me because you were scared you’re gonna left with nothing and I was the only one who gave you stability”, he avoided your eyes.

“Let’s talk this some other time.”

Your mother left as soon as she was done with the shopping, leaving you and Eunwoo behind. She thought she was giving some space for the lovebirds, little did she know, you planned on confronting him through lunch.

The waiter and waitress welcomes you as you entered the restaurant behind Eunwoo, giving them a bow as well. As you sit across from him, the weight of the relationship hangs heavily on you. With each bite, the tension builds, until finally, you set down your fork and lock eyes with him.

“Let’s call off the engagement,” you said in a calm tone.

“But…I can’t live without you.”

“Oh Eunwoo, you definitely can. I saw how good you are living without me”

Eunwoo's initial reaction is one of denial, but as you confronted with the truth, his defenses begin to crumble. The betrayal twisting in your chest, you maintain your composure, determined to seek closure to this chaotic relationship. You let out a sigh.

“Look, we’re never official, Eunwoo. The only thing that is official is yet the engagement announcement. It’s not your fault that you never loved me; this was all arrangements from the start.”

He stayed silent, realizes the depth of the hurt he has caused you. Deep inside, Eunwoo knew who only had feelings for Ye Won.

“We should let us go. There is nothing to hold on for between us. I don’t want to resent and force you to love me,” you continued.

“I’ll talk to our parents. I was the one who screwed up, I’ll man up to it”

You know how much Eunwoo needed this. The both of you have been following your parents' arrangements forever. You never stood up for yourself or even did something that you wanted. You got lucky that you had a passion towards architecture, but for Eunwoo, you felt way sadder for him. He never liked any decisions from the start.

A few nights later, Eunwoo finally spoke up to both of the parents during dinner. Breaking off the marriage and bravely telling them he wanted to marry Ye Won. He knows if it wasn’t Ye Won who is the one giving the stability then he should be the one.

The dinner was bizarre with both parents angry one second and then apologizing. You anticipated it all, feeling like you were only a prize to be won and Eunwoo didn’t like the prize. Through the chaotic dinner, you slowly approached Eunwoo that night after. Gently thanking him and praising his actions. He let out a soft smile to you, he knew he just had let go of one of the best things he had in life.

“I’ll always be here for you”, as he gave you one last hug.

—

Sooner or later, Jaehyun and Eunwoo continue collecting evidence at night planning out their big plans. But things got more complicated when there was a fire accident at the Tranquil Grove. Both companies needed to send proofs of their legal documents.

Panic rises when Evergreen Associates discovers the files from the Tranquil Grove went missing. Some speculated it was because of the long duration of the project causing lost of misplaced files, some speculated that the documents were never passed to Evergreen.

Jaehyun and Eunwoo knew all along this was Nexus Architects evil scheme, putting Evergreen Associates in bad shape to frame them for bribery. The court listening today was not good for Evergreen Associates once again as they failed to provide any solid evidence.

You looked at the reminder buzzing through your phone that morning, you took a look at the reminder.

SCHOOL REUNION, 6PM

Letting out a long sigh, bumping your head against the vanity mirror. You forgot the event that had been arranged; you got lost in the chaos between Nexus Architects and Evergreen Associates. But you have always promised yourself to attend reunion events as you never really contacted or socialized with any of them, so attending these events is your bare minimum effort.

A mix of nerves and anticipation courses through you. You take a moment to compose yourself, adjusting your outfit and smoothing down any stray hairs. Despite knowing that attending the event will inevitably lead to questions about the recent break off of your engagement, you understand the importance of facing the situation head-on.

With a deep breath, you step through the entrance, the familiar sights and sounds of the reunion greeting you. Gathering your courage, you approach the group of your former classmates gathered in a corner, their laughter ringing out above the rest, plastering a smile on your face as you prepare to engage in conversation and face whatever questions may come your way about your recent life events.

"Hi y/n, glad you made it", said Saerom, embracing you as you felt the hug was a little longer this time.

"Come sit, next to me", Miyeon said.

"Y/n, you're not wearing your engagement ring. What happened?", Chaeryong asked.

The awkwardness washes over the room. They had all silently agreed not to broach the topic of the engagement, fearing it might cause you discomfort. However, it seems Chaeryong was more interested in gossip than your well-being.

"Well, it's a long story. We actually called off the engagement."

"Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that. What happened?"

"Stop asking her things, y/n's going through a lot right now," Miyeon defended as she turned to face you.

"That must have been really tough for you. But you made the right decision if it wasn't meant to be."

"Of course, it was definitely a difficult decision, but I think it's for the best in the long run."

Miyeon smiled at you, hoping it gave you a bit of comfort.

As you settle in with the girls, you can't help but notice Jaehyun and the other guys, who are seated at another table across the room. Speculations about Jaehyun's whereabouts begin to circulate among the girls, each one offering their own theories and suspicions.

"Have you been seeing anyone lately?" Miyeon inquired.

"Not really. I'm taking some time to myself after the engagement,"

"Well, if you ever need a distraction, there are plenty of eligible bachelors in our batch," Miyeon teased playfully.

"Speaking of eligible bachelors, have you seen Jaehyun lately? He's looking even hotter than before," Saerom remarked, her tone tinged with admiration.

You couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at the mention of Jaehyun's name, but you tried to brush it off with a nonchalant reply.

"Hm, I hadn't really noticed," you said, attempting to mask your true feelings.

"Are you kidding? He's practically smouldering over there, sorry Miyeon," Saerom teases.

"Hey, Seokmin has his own charms", eliciting a round of laughter from the group.

Feeling overwhelmed by the chatter and the weight of socialising, you quietly slip out of the venue, craving a moment to gather your thoughts. Stepping outside into the cool night air, you take a deep breath, allowing the gentle breeze to soothe your frazzled nerves.

As you lean against the wall, your mind wanders back to the conversation inside. Lost in your thoughts, you're startled when you hear footsteps approaching. Glancing up, you see Jaehyun standing a few feet away, his expression unreadable in the dim light.

"Out for a smoke?"

"No, just taking in some fresh air"

You nodded, welcoming the comfortable silence that enveloped both of you as you absentmindedly played with the small stones at your feet. Jaehyun recalled your occasional need to recharge your social energy, understanding your quiet moments.

"Are you okay to talk now?"

"Yes", you said.

"I heard about the engagement," he says gently, careful not to overstep any boundaries.

For a moment, neither of you speaks, the silence between you heavy with unspoken emotions. Although he was there to comfort you the night you found out about Eunwoo and Ye Won, you were mostly left alone after the incident. You swallow hard, mustering up the courage to respond.

"It's been tough, but I guess it had to happen eventually, right?"

"I can only imagine," Jaehyun replies, his voice filled with empathy.

Neither of you says anything for a moment as you try to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"So, Saerom said you were looking really attractive back there," Jaehyun chuckles.

"She said that?"

"Yeah, she clearly did. 'He's practically smouldering over there'," imitating Saerom and both of you shared the laughter.

"So, do you think I was the hottest at the table?"

"You definitely were, but I've always liked your office looks"

"Office looks? You mean a suit and tie with comma hair?"

"Yes!", you confirmed with a grin.

"Well, in that case, I'll make sure to dress up like that more often," he returned your smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Looking forward to it," you said with a playful wink.

As the reunion winds down, the group gathers for final photos, capturing the moment. You smile for the camera alongside your classmates but feel exhaustion creeping in. With a nod and a wave, you bid farewell, ready to retreat home.

Near the exit, you notice a group of girls whispering excitedly, eyeing Jaehyun. Rolling your eyes at their obvious infatuation, you brush it off and head out, eager to leave the chaos behind.

The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense as the next hearing commenced. Lawyers from both Nexus Architecture and Evergreen Associates were poised for battle, armed with stacks of evidence and prepared arguments.

As the proceedings unfolded, it became clear that Nexus Architecture was determined to pin the blame for the bribery scandal on Evergreen Associates. With carefully crafted testimonies and falsified documents, they painted a damning picture of Evergreen company's alleged involvement in the illegal activities.

Despite the efforts to prove the accusations wrong and present their own evidence, the odds seemed stacked against them. The judge listened intently as both sides presented their arguments, weighing each piece of evidence carefully.

In the end, the judge announced that a verdict would be delivered at a later date, leaving both parties anxiously awaiting the final decision. As the courtroom emptied, the sense of uncertainty hung heavy in the air, with the fate of Evergreen Associates hanging in the balance.

You couldn't help but feel a surge of anger and frustration at the injustice of it all. How could Nexus Architecture get away with such blatant lies and deceit? And what would this mean for Evergreen Associates, a company built on integrity and honesty?

Regardless of the situation, you exited the court after a long day. How you wished the day would end sooner; in fact, nothing had ever given you a reason to long for a longer day or another day.

You bumped into Jaehyun unexpectedly on the bustling street, and his warm smile instantly lit up the surroundings with a charming grin.

"It's been a while, y/n",

"Hi, Jaehyun"

"Care to join me for dinner?", his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

The tensions ran high and emotions ran deep, you found yourself at a crossroads. Torn between the firm you want to protect your dignity and the desire to lean on Jaehyun for support in this harsh reality.

"I'd love to", in the moment of clarity, you chose love over pride.

As you continued to eat, you found yourself falling in love with Jaehyun's cooking all over again. It was your second time enjoying Jaehyun's cooking, and you couldn't get enough of it.

"Is it nice?", he anticipates your answer.

"It's delicious, you should open a restaurant"

"Really? Why's that?"

"So I can enjoy your cooking every day," giving him a playful grin.

"You don't have to wait for the restaurant, you can come over every day"

You felt your skin tingle, as you remembered he once confessed his love to you. You tried to keep yourself composed.

"You're really good at flirting, Jaehyun. Practise makes perfect?", you teased.

"Don't pretend you haven't kissed me", he countered.

"Oh my gosh, you win. Please stop"

As the evening progressed, you found yourself drawn deeper into his presence, the warmth of his smile and the comfort of his home creating an irresistible allure.

When Jaehyun casually suggested that you stay the night, you felt a surge of excitement mixed with nervous anticipation. Despite the butterflies fluttering in your stomach, you couldn't bring yourself to decline his offer.

"Are you sure?" you asked, trying to mask the eagerness in your voice. Jaehyun nodded, his expression soft and sincere.

"Absolutely. I wouldn't want you to go out there alone in the dark."

With a shy smile and a grateful nod, you accepted his invitation. As the night unfolded, you and Jaehyun found yourselves drawn to the tranquillity of his balcony. With the soft glow of the moon casting a gentle light upon you, you lie down side by side, your gazes fixed upon the vast expanse of the night sky.

"Remember when you confessed your feelings to me?" you ventured, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between you. Jaehyun's gaze softened, his eyes reflecting a mixture of nostalgia and affection.

"Of course I do," he replied softly.

"It was one of the bravest things I've ever done."

A soft smile tugged at the corners of your lips as you reminisced about the moment.

"And that time we kissed," you added, feeling a blush rise to your cheeks at the memory. Jaehyun's expression softened even further, his eyes filled with warmth and tenderness.

"I'll never forget it," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jaehyun took a deep breath, his gaze locking with yours as he sensed the right moment.

"Y/N," he began.

"I've been thinking a lot lately, and… I don't want to hide my feelings anymore."

Your heart skipped a beat as you waited with bated breath, anticipation coursing through your veins. A rush of emotions washed over you as you listened to Jaehyun's confession, your mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts and feelings.

"And so, I was wondering if… you'd like to officially date me?"

His words hung in the air, the weight of his confession settling between you. And in that moment, surrounded by the warmth of Jaehyun's presence and the depth of his emotions, you knew your answer.

"Yes"

You set the documents down on the coffee table in the living room and immediately began reviewing them after dinner. Ignoring the homeowner's presence, who was now tidying up the table.

“That’s not a very grateful way to thank me for dinner. I love you too much,” your boyfriend teased.

“Jaehyun, I love you, and thank you so much for cooking. Please let me go through this; it's for the hearing tomorrow,” you replied, focusing on the papers in your hands.

He grinned at you, unable to resist your adoring gaze. Coming over, he planted a kiss on your cheek, signaling his acceptance of the situation.

“What are you looking at?” he asked, peering at the papers.

“It’s the bank account numbers linked to the bribery.”

Jaehyun remained quiet for a moment, recognizing one of the account numbers as he went through the evidence a few times. It was your father’s account number. Unaware of his thoughts, you began to speculate about Jaehyun, fearing he might turn against you.

“I can trust you with this, right?” you asked cautiously.

“Yeah, of course. You can spend the whole night guarding me if you insist,” he reassured with a playful smile.

“I can’t, I have to get home and get to the court early tomorrow,” you explained.

“No, stay with me. I’ll go with you,” Jaehyun pleaded.

“Jaehyun, I’m sorry, but I really need to be with my company tomorrow,” you insisted.

“No, please. Spend the night with me,” he persisted.

“Okay,” you relented.

Jaehyun wasn’t comfortable with the emotions he felt after seeing your father's account number. He wanted to call Eunwoo and get to the bottom of the situation, but looking at you and considering how much you had worked for them, he pushed the thought aside, saving it for the upcoming hearing. That night, Jaehyun found it difficult to fall asleep, his mind filled with assumptions and scenarios.

“Y/N,” he called out in the dark, wondering if you were already asleep.

“Yes, Jaehyun?” you mumbled sleepily.

“Do you like this house?” he asked.

“I love it,” you replied, snuggling up to him.

“Let’s raise our little family here,” he suggested.

You felt a surge of joy in your heart, but sleepiness was overtaking you, so you simply cuddled closer to him.

“Y/N,” he continued.

“Do you think you’ll ever choose me over anything?” he questioned, his thoughts spilling out.

You sensed his insecurity, reminiscent of when he asked if you would wait for him. But knowing you both needed rest and not wanting him to go to bed questioning your love, you reassured him.

“I’ll always choose you, Jaehyun,” you affirmed.

You could hear Jaehyun let out a sigh of relief, his body relaxing against yours. Finally feeling at ease enough to sleep.

“Goodnight, Y/N,” he whispered.

—

Jaehyun dragged his feet into Eunwoo’s office the next morning. With most of the employees at the court, he seized the opportunity to inform Eunwoo about the bank account.

“Y/n's father's bank account is one of the ones on the bribery list,” he blurted out as soon as he closed the door behind him.

“The bank account only consists of Nexus’s employees, we checked. Remember?”, Eunwoo denied.

“No. It was clearly there in the list, y/n had it with her last night”

“So you’re saying that the list we got is wrong?”

“The list might be longer that we expect”.

Eunwoo and Jaehyun spare no time to investigate, tirelessly digging through mountains of evidence, hoping to find something that would clear Evergreen Associates' name. As they sifted through financial records and email correspondence, they stumbled upon a series of transactions that led straight to your father's accounts.

At first, they couldn't believe what they were seeing. Shocked and disheartened, Jaehyun and Eunwoo realized the magnitude of their discovery. They knew that confronting your father would not only be emotionally challenging but could also have far-reaching consequences.

The two of them decided not to execute any plans yet, as they both worried about the aftermath. It would definitely hurt you and they were not ready for that. Nevertheless, they understood the importance of uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.

Jaehyun spent the nights later with you over dinner, just like how you both pictured when you agreed on the relationship. Only now, Jaehyun was paying attention less and less as his mind became clouded with the truth.

“Jaehyun?” you snapped him into the present.

“I’m sorry, y/n. What were you saying?”

“I was asking if you wanted to rest. You've looked tired lately.”

“No, I want to have dinner with you. Let’s eat.”

Just as Jaehyun shoveled food into his mouth, his phone buzzed. You peeked at it. The message from Eunwoo lit up the screen, and Jaehyun quickly read it.

“Y/n, I have to step out for a bit. Do you mind waiting?” Your heart dropped.

The relationship was new, but you could see Jaehyun drifting off. You looked at Jaehyun, noticing his eagerness to leave the table. He insisted it was very important. You felt bad for stopping him.

“Okay,” you said softly.

Jaehyun left a kiss on your temple, gathering his belongings before making his way out of the apartment. You hated the emotions gathering inside you. You decided to leave the table, hoping Jaehyun wouldn’t be out long so you could have dinner together with him.

Jaehyun braced himself for the difficult conversations ahead. With a heavy heart, Jaehyun and Eunwoo decided to confront your father as plan. Armed with the evidence they had painstakingly gathered. They braced themselves, knowing that it would change everything and set into motion a chain of events that would shape the outcome of the legal battle.

Arriving at your father's doorstep, Jaehyun's hand hovered over the doorbell, his heart pounding in his chest. Eunwoo stood beside him, a steadfast presence amidst the uncertainty. With a deep breath, Jaehyun pressed the button, the chime resonating through the quiet neighborhood, signaling the beginning of a conversation that would change everything.

Back at the apartment, you waited patiently for Jaehyun's return, unaware of the turmoil brewing behind the scenes. The minutes stretched into eternity as you sat alone at the dinner table. Questions lingered in the air, unspoken but palpable, as you wondered about Jaehyun's whereabouts.

Finally, the sound of footsteps heralded Jaehyun's return, his presence filling the room with a mixture of relief and apprehension. His expression was inscrutable as he reentered the apartment, the weight of his secret conversation hangs heavily on his shoulders.

"Is everything okay?" you ventured, searching his face for answers.

"Yeah, everything's fine, let’s finish dinner first. We can talk later."

Jaehyun forced a smile, masking the truth beneath the surface. With a nod, you acquiesced, though the sense of unease lingered, casting a shadow over the remainder of the evening.

As the court proceedings unfolded, tension thickened in the air. Each moment was fraught with anticipation as the investigation delved deeper into the bribery scandal. Jaehyun's absence became increasingly noticeable, his presence dwindling as the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him.

The courtroom buzzed with whispered conversations and furrowed brows. The prosecution focused on the account numbers linked to the scandal, intensifying the sense of urgency. Meanwhile, Jaehyun's time was consumed by court sessions and late-night meetings.

You no longer went to Jaehyun's house for dinner, noticing a shift in his priorities and schedule. The once familiar routine of sharing meals and spending time together faded away, leaving a void in your heart where his presence used to be. The strain of the situation began to take its toll, widening the distance between you.

As the court rulings grew more intense, both you and Jaehyun found yourselves consumed by the legal battle, leaving little room for communication in your relationship. Days turned into weeks, and gradually, conversations between you became less, with each of you making less effort to maintain the connection. The distance between you grew, both physically and emotionally, as the demands of the legal battle took over your relationship.

One night, after mustering all your courage, you decided to broach the topic of your relationship with Jaehyun. With a nervousness in your voice, you asked him if he wanted to continue the relationship. His response was a brief "yes," leaving you feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

Amidst the tense atmosphere of the courtroom, one day Jaehyun stood up, his voice ringing out with conviction as he exposed the truth about your father's involvement in the bribery scandal. Gasps rippled through the room as it sent shockwaves through the proceedings. You sat in stunned silence, unable to comprehend the truth of what was unfolding before you. Jaehyun's words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the courtroom as the truth was laid bare for all to see.

You couldn’t believe what Jaehyun had done. As the judge delivered the final verdict, shutting down both companies, the weight of his actions bore down on you like a ton of bricks. Amidst the chaos of the courtroom, he tried to approach you, to explain his actions and confront the reality between you. He knew he needed to talk to you, but the timing just didn't seem to align.

Every time he glanced in your direction, you were engrossed in conversation with someone else. Each missed opportunity weighed on him, fueling his frustration and desperation to reach out to you.

Jaehyun found himself lost in the chaos of reporters and cameras flashing around him as soon he left the courtroom to find you, Jaehyun's thoughts remained fixated on you, the one person he desperately wanted to reach. With each passing moment, the reporters' questions and praise grew more deafening, drowning him in the chaos.

You stepped out into the cool evening air, the weight of the day's events heavy on your shoulders. As you walked away from the courthouse, you couldn't shake the feeling that you had left Jaehyun behind, grappling with the aftermath of the verdict on his own. But in that moment, your own emotions were too raw, too tumultuous to face him.

Each step you took felt heavier than the last, the echoes of the courtroom ringing in your ears. You couldn't bear to face Jaehyun, not when the distance between you felt wider than ever. And so, you walked alone, the weight of your decision bearing down on you with each passing moment.

You walk through the alley like a zombie, unmotivated with no will of living. Everything you had work for goes into waste. Never, have ever you thought Nexus Architecture would put the company to bribery. The tears falling at your cheeks warms your eyes.

“Shit”, you muttered to yourself.

Continuing to wipe it off as fast as the tears falling. You hated it, you hated your life. You hated everything that brings you here. The deep thoughts clouded your minds, it’s too fuzzy now. Your legs halted their positions, as if the weight of your thoughts were too heavy for you to carry on.

You brought your palm to your face. You were surprised when that action immediately made you sob in your arms. Wondering why the world is too harsh on you. Just when you were about to continue to walk, you saw Jaehyun’s figure across you. It was no surprise to him seeing you in this state.

“Y/N”

“Please move”, you rushed to pass him.

Jaehyun quickly grabbed your waist as you passed through.

“No, please listen to me”

“No, you listen!”, you raised your voice before continuing.

“You can’t magically appear in my life like this, expecting me to just follow whatever your instincts is or whatever you have ever plan in your life. Do you know how much this means to me? Do you even know what’s left for me? Even if your plan is to make this better for me, you definitely forgot that the one that has to go through is me”, your tears welled up in your eyes.

“Are you saying you rather be the one who bribe? You know how much I had to sacrifice? My childhood home, my comfort place, my time that i should have spent with you, my friends”, Jaehyun argued.

You cried harder. Not because of the situation you were in, but because now you and Jaehyun are only selfish in the relationship. Both of your silence sacrifices that you both never told to each other is taking it’s space in the relationship that now you both are not listening to each other but screaming as your heart that craves for recognition futhers.

Jaehyun looked away from you, it hurts him to see you in pain. He never wanted the company to close down, that was the last thing he thought it would be. But now that things had happen, he too was in lost state.

“Please leave Jaehyun”, you resorted.

Rather than feeling sad hearing your words, he felt anger. His pride could not accept this, he’s too used to being competitive that he took your words too literally without consider your emotions. With everything you have said, that hurts him too, he left you. Turning away stomping his feet and he didn’t look back. You body sank in your position, just like your heart.

“I should have never met her”, Jaehyun talks in his thoughts with rage as his mind flashes memories he shared with you.

“I should have never had lunch with her”

“I should have never sacrifice my time with her”

“And I should have never left her”

He felt the weight of his thoughts as he slows down when he came to his last thoughts. Remembering it has always been you to sacrifice for him, waited for him because you are the one who choose love over pride. Unlike him.

As you sat at a bench nearby, trying your best to calm down before you heard Jaehyun’s footsteps approaching you. You looked at him as he came kneeling in front of you, he rubbed your knee gently and faced you.

“I’ve done so much things to you that I’m not proud off, but my greatest regret is leaving you so please forgive me”, Jaehyun’s eyes turn into glasses.

“I love you and i always will. I know how much you hate to controlled but I’m not leaving you”

Your eyes welled up again.

“Can we go home now? Our home”

“You mean the cheery blossom road?”, he teased. It made you chuckle.

“No, silly. Your apartment, the one you planned to raise our family together”

“Oh you mean that? Sure, let’s go”, as he pulled up your hand to stand.

“Just to let you know, your my home”

You smiled, leaning into his arms that you had wrapped on.

“Jaehyun, I’m sorry too”, he softens to your words.

“If it ever makes you feel better, I forgive you”, your lips curled up at the memory you once said that to him.

“I love you too”

Jaehyun picked you up from the office today, a routine he had faithfully followed for the past year. Despite the challenges you both faced after the bribery incident, you and Jaehyun had embarked on a journey to rebuild your lives together. While it wasn't easy, starting anew was a refreshing change for you, especially after being accustomed to life in your father’s company. Jaehyun's bravery as a whistleblower had opened new doors for him, leading him to a promising position at a prestigious firm in Seoul.

“Hey,” he greeted you with a knowing smile, sensing the exhaustion in your demeanor.

“Hey,” you replied, feeling a wave of comfort wash over you as he took your bag from your shoulder and left a tender kiss on your cheek.

“Never been more proud of my love,” he whispered, his words filling you with warmth and reassurance.

You grinned in response, feeling a hint of shyness creep over you. You were grateful to have Jaehyun by your side, supporting you through every challenge and triumph. As you walked hand in hand with him through the bustling streets, a comfortable silence enveloped you, a silent understanding passing between you.

“Jaehyun, let’s dine out. I’m already hungry,” you suggested, breaking the silence.

“Well, do you have any preference?”

“Anywhere's good,” you replied with a shrug.

Jaehyun led you to a cozy restaurant nearby, where the two of you settled in and placed your orders. As you waited for the food to arrive, you found solace in sharing your day with Jaehyun, venting about the challenges and frustrations you had faced at work. He listened attentively, his eyes lighting up with adoration as he watched you express yourself.

“So, how’s your day?” you asked, turning the conversation to him.

“Nothing much,” he replied with a sheepish smile, a hint of panic flickering in his eyes.

You frowned slightly, craving more insight into his day, but you knew he was often reserved when it came to sharing. Leaning forward, you took his hand in yours, silently urging him to open up.

“Please tell me more,” you pleaded softly.

He smiled, grateful for your understanding, and began to elaborate on his day. Thankfully, the arrival of your food spared him from further interrogation.

After dinner, you retreated to Jaehyun’s apartment, where the familiar melodies of his favorite tunes filled the air. As Jaehyun disappeared into the bathroom for a shower, you couldn't help but sing along to the music, your voice echoing through the apartment. When Jaehyun emerged, toweling off his damp hair, you greeted him with a playful grin.

“Alicia Keys again?” you teased.

He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with affection as he joined you in the living room.

“You should join me next time,” he suggested, his voice laced with invitation.

“Hey, do you want to go on a date tomorrow? Let’s do something you like,” you proposed.

“Sure, how about an Ikea date?”

“I love it already!” you exclaimed, your heart swelling with anticipation for the simple yet joyful date ahead.

—

As you and Jaehyun wandered through the aisles of IKEA, playfully testing out couches and admiring kitchenware, he suddenly stopped in front of a display of cozy living room setups.

“Come on. Pick which colour”, he asked, taking out of the candle holder.

“Well, white does matches your living room”

“Our living room”, he corrects you.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he turned to you, a slight smile playing on his lips. You glanced at him curiously, wondering what he was about to say.

"Y/n, I really would to wake up to you every morning”, his gaze locked.

Your heart skipped a beat as his words sank in, and you couldn't help but feel a rush of anticipation.

"Are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?" you asked.

Jaehyun nodded, his expression earnest yet filled with warmth.

“I’m asking if you would like to move in with me”

The words hung in the air between you, the excitement of the moment filling the space around you. Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the IKEA showroom, it felt like the perfect setting for this important conversation. You had always dreamed of moving in with someone you loved, but you had also promised yourself that it would only happen if it was a step towards something more permanent.

"Jaehyun," you began,

"Moving in together is a big step and one that I've always imagined taking with someone I could see a future with. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Jaehyun. But I also want to make sure that we're both ready for this next chapter in our lives”, you were soft but firm.

He nodded, understanding your words. However, he couldn't lie that his heart drops a little upon your rejection.

"I understand. Just promise me you'll think about it, okay?"

The crisp autumn air carried a sense of excitement as you and Jaehyun made your way to the reunion venue, hand in hand. It had been years since you last saw your old friends, and the prospect of reuniting with them filled you with nostalgia and anticipation.

As you entered the bustling hall, you were greeted by familiar faces and warm smiles. Eunwoo, now a proud parent, stood at the entrance with his two young children clinging to his legs. His face lit up as he spotted you and Jaehyun, ushering you over with a welcoming grin.

"Y/N, Jaehyun, it's been too long!" Eunwoo exclaimed, his children looking up at you with curious eyes.

"It's great to see you, Eunwoo," Jaehyun replied, returning his friend's enthusiasm.

You were seated at the table, facing Seokmin and Miyeon. Their wedding had taken place just a few months ago, and the room was blooming with the happiness of their recent wedding. You smile as you observe the sheer joy. Miyeon couldn't resist showing off her sparkling wedding ring, and you couldn't blame her - it was gorgeous.

As you were staring at it, Jaehyun's gaze remained fixed on you. His eyes filled with adoration as he quietly reached out to hold your hand, taking you off guard before he whispered.

"We'll get there", making you smile uncontrollably.

The reunion was filled with laughter and reminiscing as you and Jaehyun caught up with old friends, sharing stories of your lives. As the conversation flowed, Miyeon, with genuine curiosity in her eyes, leaned in and asked you softly.

"So, Y/N, are you and Jaehyun living together now?"

You exchanged a knowing glance with Jaehyun before replying, a soft smile playing on your lips.

"Not yet, but it's something we've been considering."

Miyeon nodded understandingly.

"Don't worry, I know you'll make the right move at the right time", as she remembered how you handled your engagement with Eunwoo.

"I'm sure whenever you two decide to take that step, it'll be wonderful."

As the evening progressed, the event came to an end, and you and Jaehyun began to make your way back home together.

"Should I stay the night over at your house?"

You asked suddenly, catching Jaehyun off guard. Initially, the plan for the night was for each of you to return to your own homes, as Jaehyun needed to prepare for an upcoming business trip. Considering how intense the project was, you thought it might be better to give him space to focus on his work.

"Are you sure? I mean, I would love to, but I just don't want you to feel pressured into anything you're not comfortable with,"

Jaehyun responded, his concern evident in his voice. Recognizing the potential impact of your decision not to move in together on your relationship, Jaehyun took it upon himself to ensure you felt cherished and valued.

You remained silent for a moment, weighing the decision in your mind. Sensing your hesitation, Jaehyun reached out to reassure you.

"It's okay, love. Please don't feel any pressure about not moving in together. Our relationship is about what feels right for both of us and no one but us knows what that is," he said gently, his voice filled with warmth and understanding.

You let out a grateful smile as his words eased your worries, reminding you of the unwavering support and love he always offered.

"Okay, just promise me you'll always tell me if you're not happy or comfortable with something, okay?"

"I promise," Jaehyun replied, his gaze softening with affection.

"And promise to go out on another IKEA date with me before the trip?", he continued with a playful glint in his eyes.

You chuckled, your hand finding his as he squeezed it gently at your gesture.

"Absolutely. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"I'm glad to hear that," he said, feeling a sense of warmth and happiness wash over.

-- You and Jaehyun found yourselves strolling through the aisles of Ikea once again, the familiar atmosphere bringing a sense of comfort and joy as you wandered hand in hand, exploring the various furniture setups and decor options.

Jaehyun's eyes sparkled with excitement as he pointed out different items, sharing his ideas and preferences with you. You laughed together as you tested out sofas and chairs, imagining lazy Sunday afternoons spent lounging together.

As you admired a display of picture frames, Jaehyun suddenly took your hand and pulled you gently to a secluded corner of the showroom. There, surrounded by the quiet hum of the store and the soft glow of the lighting fixtures, he turned to face you, his eyes shining with emotion.

"Y/N", his voice soft yet filled with nervous energy.

You were puzzled, the both of you always had been comfortable with each other. Seeing Jaehyun like this worries you. Your heart fluttered at the sound of your name, your eyes meeting his with curiosity and affection.

"Yes, Jaehyun?"

"I'm a bit nervous actually," he admitted, his ears burning with a hint of pink.

Your heart swelled with tenderness, your love for him growing with each passing moment.

"I've known since the moment I met you that you were the one I wanted to spend forever with," Jaehyun continued, his gaze never leaving yours.

With trembling hands, Jaehyun reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, its contents glimmering in the soft light of the showroom.

"Will you marry me, Y/N?" he asked, his eyes shining with hope and love.

You place your hands on him, feeling the warmth and reassurance of his touch. Tears welled up in your eyes as you looked at the man standing before you, overwhelmed with emotion at the depth of your love for him. In that moment, surrounded by the familiar comfort of Ikea and the overwhelming presence of love between you, you knew without a doubt what your answer would be.

"Yes, Jaehyun. I will," you replied, your voice filled with emotion.

With a smile that lit up the room, Jaehyun slipped the ring onto your finger. As you held each other close, you knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and endless joy.

In your married life with Jaehyun, every day feels like a new adventure. You wake up to the sound of his laughter and the warmth of his embrace, grateful for the love and companionship you share. Together, supporting each other through every challenge and celebrating every triumph.

Your home is filled with laughter and love, where you can be yourselves and create cherished memories together. Whether you're cooking together in the kitchen, cuddling on the couch, or exploring new places hand in hand, every moment spent with Jaehyun is filled with joy and contentment.

Soon enough, your home is filled with love, laughter, and the sound of children's laughter echoing through the halls. Bringing an added layer of love and happiness to your marriage, strengthening the bond you share with Jaehyun as you raise them with care and devotion.

From sleepless nights to heartwarming milestones, you cherish every moment spent watching your children grow and thrive. As parents, you and Jaehyun work together as a team, supporting each other through the highs and lows of raising a family.

—

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the cosy living room, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy. Jaehyun sat on the floor, surrounded by his two young children, a boy and a girl, who giggled uncontrollably as he tickled them playfully.

"Stop, Daddy, stop!" they squealed, their laughter filling the room.

Jaehyun grinned, his eyes sparkling with delight as he relished in the precious moments with his little ones. You smiled at the view as you watched the clock on the wall from the couch.

"Jaehyun, it's past their bedtime", you reminded.

"Alright, alright, one more tickle and then it's bedtime," he teased, pulling them into a tight hug.

A smile played on your lips as you observed the heartwarming scene before you. Seeing Jaehyun interact with your children filled you with an overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment.

As the laughter subsided, Jaehyun scooped up his children in his arms and carried them over to the couch, where you were waiting with open arms. They snuggled up against you, their eyelids growing heavy with sleep.

"Alright, bedtime, little ones," Jaehyun said softly, pressing a kiss to each of their foreheads.

You tucked them into bed, whispering sweet lullabies as they drifted off to sleep, their soft breathing filling the room with a sense of peace and tranquility.

Once the children were sound asleep, you and Jaehyun shared a quiet moment together, savoring the warmth and love that filled your home. You both indulged in a late-night snack of instant noodles, trying to hide your guilty pleasure from the kids, not wanting them to develop a taste for such unhealthy food at a young age.

"How come you never give me any cute nicknames?" he asked, slurping his noodles. You chuckled, enjoying the banter.

"Well, I love everything about you. Even your name, Jaehyun."

"Do you want me to give you one?"

"Yes, please," he replied playfully.

After a moment of thought, you suggested, "What about Jae?"

"How about 'handsome'?"

"Jae it is," you agreed with a grin.

As the laughter echoed through the room, mingling with the soft glow of the lamp and the warmth of your shared affection, you felt a deep sense of contentment wash over you.

With a glance at Jaehyun, his eyes twinkling with love and happiness, you knew that you were exactly where you were meant to be. And as you leaned in for a tender kiss, surrounded by the love of your husband and children, you felt a sense of peace settle over your heart.

In that moment, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, as long as you had each other, you could weather any storm. And as you nestled into Jaehyun's embrace, surrounded by the warmth and love of your family, you knew that you were home.

--｡⋆✮ 🎧 ✮ ⋆｡--

#jaehyun #jaehyun angst #jaehyun fluff #jaehyun imagines #jaehyun scenarios #nct 127 #jaehyun x reader #nct imagines #nct #nct scenarios

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ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

Once Again 🤍

summary. jaehyun and his classmates go through the darkness of adulthood fill with bitterness, where both of them ended finding each other sparks in within

genre. high school! au, second chance love, fluff

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

Part I /Part II / Part III (1 March! ✨)

70 notes · View notes

ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

NCT Dream as K-drama tropes

cw: mentions of death in Jisung's part.

Mark Lee ; invisible strings theory

Mark would probably be that guy whom you met back when you were just a kid and years later, fate tied you two together and met each other again. Of course there's the conflict where one of you remembers and the other one does not. Or it can also where both of you don't remember at all and then when you two are officially a couple, you two will come to realized that you two have met back then because of an object or a faint memory.

Huang Renjun ; second male lead syndrome

Renjun!!! my sweet little angel. He's the living definition of the second-male lead. He can be your childhood friend whom you grew up with and has been liking you for years but couldn't muster up the courage to confess, that's why you fall in love with someone else. He'll be that type who'll comfort you when you're hurting but in the end, he couldn't have because you only see him as a friend.

Lee Jeno ; down-bad male lead

Jeno would be that boyfriend who will go against odds for his girlfriend. He's a golden retriever personified, that's why he'll follow you everywhere you go. He makes sure that you're okay and everything's fine. Very very protective of you, especially when there are guys who's near you. He can be dramatic about you but it's okay! That's just how he shows his love for you.

Lee Donghyuck ; small town boy and city girl

Donghyuck would be that small town guy who is loved by everyone in his neighborhood. He'll be that type who helps everyone and is very welcoming to everyone especially to you who's from the city. He makes sure that you're comfortable living in the town even though he gets annoying sometimes, but that's what makes him charming though.

Na Jaemin ; mortal and immortal

Jaemin would be that mortal turned immortal who is cursed or something. He's doing fine living a thousand years here on earth until he met you, who's a mortal. You two went against the rules of the living just for your love. It's either a happy ending where it doesn't matter if he's an immortal, he'll stay with you no matter what, or a sad one where you'll be left broken when he leaves you.

Zhong Chenle ; rich ceo and employee

Of course this one's too obvious. Chenle's not only rich but he's also smart. He's that comical male-lead who takes no bullshit with the family drama, he's just here to work and probably gush over you who's a strong-willed employee. He recognizes your skills but then he falls in love with you, earning a secret office love affair. Of course there's the fiance conflict, but Chenle will fight for his love for you.

Park Jisung ; reincarnations

Takes place in historical dramas, your relationship with Jisung is probably sweet and just a matter of young love, and then you two proceeds to die due to war or betrayal probably. Fast forward to the present time, you two reincarnated and crossed paths once again. You two probably have a faint memory of your tragic past lives and when you two remembered, you two will think that you're not meant for each other. But you two are!!! the present is a second chance for your love story to continue.

483 notes · View notes

ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

Once Again 🤍

summary. jaehyun and his classmates go through the darkness of adulthood fill with bitterness, where both of them ended finding each other sparks in within

genre. high school! au, second chance love, fluff

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

Part I /Part II / Part III

70 notes · View notes

ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

Once Again Part II🤍

summary. jaehyun and his classmates go through the darkness of adulthood filled with bitterness, where both of them ended finding each other sparks in within

genre. high school! au, second chance love, fluff

words count. 8.0k

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

--｡⋆✮ 🎧 ✮ ⋆｡--

The smell of paper and the whole aura of space are as peaceful as nature, bringing you and the other students in the library to a state of peace as if it were a treat to your minds. Well, at least that was what Jaehyun thought when he declined his teammates' offer of lunch.

He still couldn't bring himself to face Eunwoo ever since the incident at the couch office.

"Why him?"

"Why now?"

"How could he?"

Those are the only thoughts that crossed over his head for the past few days. He closes his book for the day, dragging his feet back to the class. He had his shirt unbuttoned at the top with his tie loosely dangling around his neck. He tries his best to keep himself composed, but there are times he wishes the world to shut its mouth for him to swear it out.

He closes the wooden door behind him as he walks into the classroom. With the class still half empty, he could see you taking your seat. Surely you too just arrived at the classroom. You were in your sports attire, wiping some sweat across your face with a small towel your friend in front of you offered.

"Thanks," you smile at her.

Jaehyun swings his eyes off you as he takes his seat, way back from you. Mingyu was already there by the time he got there.

"Is it true?" Mingyu asked, leaning forward to Jaehyun.

"What do you mean?"

"I heard y/n has been practising alone for the festival dance."

Jaehyun turned sharply to Mingyu behind him, his forehead wrinkled in surprise as the sense of heat rinsed in his body. Only god knows how much he hates this guy right now.

"What did you say?" he frowns, feeling agitated.

"She's been practicing alone. I thought you have known it already, you always stay longer to practice on your own."

He felt bad hearing that. Indeed, he stays a little longer, but he usually turns his back on both of you. He notices how you usually start warming up earlier before Eunwoo came, and he thought it was better for him not to face them. Not sure wonder it was the sight of Eunwoo or both of you dancing, but it wasn't something pleasant for him to look at.

"Why is she alone anyway?" he asked.

"Some said Choi Ye Won didn't like both of them together, but Eunwoo said he didn't need that much practice anyway. An open interpretation I guess,"

Mingyu shrugged his shoulders as he leaned back in his seat, clearly not interested in continuing the conversation. Jaehyun did the same, turning back to his seat.

The teammates took a glance over the door as a familiar figure walks into the court.

It was you.

You looked drained and exhausted today because you came after your art lessons. The red eyes and little eye bags under your eye didn't help you from hiding the tiredness.

Nor the sadness.

Jaehyun couldn't help but stare pitifully at you as you already took a seat between those benches. He saw you slowly leaning back in the seat, closing your heavy eyes, letting yourself drift into a short nap. There are a few minutes left before the training ends, which fits perfectly for you to rest.

He snapped out from his empathizing back to the court. With the focus in his eyes, he ends the training more passionately today.

The whistle blown by the coach woke you up, signaling the training over. The team disperses around the court before heading to the changing room. Jaehyun could see Eunwoo making his way to you as he said something to you. The nosy Jaehyun would want to walk closer to them just to eavesdrop, but he didn't. He thought it would be better if he left both of you alone, and for that, he picked up the ball and continued with his training.

As the teammates emptied the court, you slowly made your way to the opposite side of the court from Jaehyun. Everyone left the area, even Eunwoo, leaving only you and Jaehyun both minding your own business.

It's usually like this, but this time Jaehyun decided to take a peek at you in between his training. To what he and everyone assumed, you were indeed practicing alone.

He immediately stops his training and walks sternly to you. He now looks angrier than concerned.

"Where's Eunwoo?" he asked, taking you off guard.

You turned slightly towards Jaehyun, and a soft smile forms on your face.

"Hi Jaehyun," you were trying to avoid the question.

"Answer me!" he rinsed his voice with his eyes narrowed.

He scared you and made you flinch a little; you never heard him scream before. Jaehyun had always tried his best to be soft with you. He feels intense regret gradually taking over his head when he saw your eyes become watery after he screamed. He shifted his eyes immediately to somewhere else. It broke him to see you like this, although he knew he didn't mean it that way.

"Y/n, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I'm sorry-"

But your response was sharp, tinged with hurt and frustration. "Why did it take you so long to ask?" you choked out, tears streaming down your face like a torrent. Your voice, though not as loud as Jaehyun's earlier yell, carried the weight of your emotions.

"Are you... angry?"

You didn't answer; you folded one arm to your face, covering those teary eyes. How you wished it would stop anytime now.

"I asked you, didn't I? I've already said I'm sorry. Are you angry at me?" he pressed, desperation creeping into his tone.

"Where is he?"

"I don't know. He left... after telling me, once again, that he'll practice later," your response was barely audible, your words choked with tears.

You gasped between sobs, trying to fit words in when you could. For days you'd fought back the emotion, but you couldn't do it any longer. The emotions you felt were too heavy for you.

You sobbed so hard you began choking; it looked like you were not going to stop anytime soon. Without realizing, his eyes got teary too. Jaehyun hated that sight, this appearance of you buried with bruises of tears, he hated the eyesight so much that he stormed out of the court without a doubt. He wanted nothing more than to haunt Eunwoo, throwing a fist across his small face.

One for him.

One for you, he thought.

He ran down the stairs next to the court aimlessly. The heavier his steps got, the more he came back to his sense of rationality.

He has no idea where he is, and neither does y/n.

Breathless with anger, he closed his eyes, going silent as he tried to drag emotion back under where he didn't need to feel it. Grinding his teeth, Jaehyun exhaled noisily through his pursed lips as he palmed his face with his hand.

Once again, the rage almost took him over.

He quickly makes his way back to the court after realizing he left you inside alone. No explanation, no nothing. He was no better than Eunwoo after all.

Jaehyun longed to comfort you, to soothe your tears with a gentle touch or a warm embrace. But he hesitated, unsure if his presence would be welcomed in your vulnerable moment. Watching you cry broke his heart; he had never seen you so distressed before. Each apology he uttered felt inadequate, a feeble attempt to ease your pain.

"Y/n, I'm sorry," he repeated for what felt like the twelfth time, his voice tinged with regret.

But your response was weary, your eyes red and your voice strained from crying.

"You've said that already," you murmured, meeting his gaze with a mixture of exhaustion and sadness.

"I'll say it as many times as it takes, just to make you smile again," he reassured you, his voice filled with warmth. With a gentle touch, he wiped away your tears, silently promising to be there until your sadness faded away.

Your smile, though tinged with traces of sadness, warmed his heart. You reached out to him, and for a moment, you were lost in your own little world of understanding and empathy.

"I do feel better now," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

After what seemed like an eternity, your sobs began to subside, and Jaehyun couldn't help but smile in relief.

"Do you still want to practice?" he asked gently, his eyes searching yours for any sign of discomfort. You nodded, your eyes lighting up with newfound determination.

"Yes."

"Then let me practice with you," he offered, extending a hand towards you.

An enormous smile spread across their face as their smile deepened the wrinkles wizening their face. The thought of being each other companion for the evening sparks excitement in them.

"I've seen you practise with Eunwoo, I can try dancing with you"

"So-", Jaehyun continues. He let out one of his hands, palms shown in front of you while another bent behind his back and leaned down.

"Can I offer you a dance?", he smiled.

You giggled and laughed at his actions. It was a cheesy action but you loved how he felt comfortable with you.

"Okay", your eyes were alight with joy taking his offering hand in yours as a yes to his question gladly.

In no time, you radiate the same energy back to Jaehyun. Both of you drag each other to the wooden tiles that are now so-called the dance floor. You gazed across the wooden floor and, with a sudden burst of courage and warmness, your eyes sparkled with glimmer before lifting your head up to Jaehyun giving him a soft smile. As the imaginary thrumming rhythm of classical music whispered into their ears, you began to dance.

The two of you danced as if the music was playing in the background, the joy definitely brought both of you to your own new euphoric world. For a moment, all the bitterness of reality escapes them. The only things in their new world were waves of laughter and joyless. Neither of you wanted to leave this contentment.

As the math lesson droned on, your mind wandered, your fingers idly sketching in your notebook. You let out a sigh of boredom, your gaze drifting across the classroom.

Spotting Seokmin dozing off, you couldn't resist the urge to draw him. With a mischievous grin, you began to sketch, adding exaggerated details to capture his sleepiness.

But as you worked, your thoughts turned to Jaehyun, and before you knew it, his image began to take shape on the page. You hesitated for a moment, unsure if you should continue, but something compelled you to keep drawing.

By the time the bell rang, signalling the end of the lesson, you had finished your sketch. But before you could erase it, your classmate Saerom caught sight of it.

"What did you draw?" Saerom asked, leaning in for a closer look.

Your heart raced as you tried to think of an explanation.

"Oh, just some doodles," you replied dismissively, hoping to avoid any further questions.

But before you could erase the sketch, Eunwoo intervened, his eyes narrowing as he examined the drawing. Your heart sank as you realized he had recognized Jaehyun in the sketch.

Before you could react, your class president, Seokmin, announced a new topic for discussion: ideas for the upcoming school festival. Amidst the chaos of brainstorming, you couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of your stomach.

Eunwoo's discomfort was palpable as he observed Jaehyun and Mingyu exchanging smirks over the proposed idea, a confession booth. In truth, Eunwoo wasn't fond of the idea at all. He couldn't comprehend why some people were so hesitant to express their feelings openly, especially when it came to matters of love.

"I don't think that will work. The teachers are really against any activity related to 'dating,' remember?" Seokmin interjected, disrupting the class's momentary excitement.

A collective sigh swept through the room as frustration began to creep in. But before their disappointment could fully settle, Your voice cut through the air with a solution.

"We could propose it as a counseling booth—"

"—and keep both people anonymous," you suggested, causing all eyes to turn to her.

The classmates exchanged glances, surprised to hear you speaking up in class for the first time. For Jaehyun, your newfound assertiveness sparked an unfamiliar emotion within him. Unsure of what to make of it, he felt his heart leap in response to witnessing this side of you.

Indirectly, they signalled their agreement with the proposal, nodding slowly in unison.

"Hey, that's a good idea, y/n," Seokmin chimed in awkwardly, quickly adapting to the new dynamic.

"We all could do that, right?"

The class nodded in agreement, settling on the suggestion as they prepared to distribute tasks for the event. However, their planning was interrupted by Eunwoo's question.

"Do y/n and I still need to contribute to the booth?" he asked. "We'll be busy practising for the festival."

The classroom collectively sighed at his reluctance to participate, understanding that Eunwoo was trying to avoid additional responsibilities. They had grown accustomed to his behavior by now.

"You can be excused if you want," Seokmin offered before you interjected.

"I don't mind helping. I could assist on the day of the event before our performance," you volunteered.

The class fell silent, taken aback by your newfound assertiveness. The quiet, reserved girl they once knew was now speaking up and refusing to be overlooked. With your willingness to help, the class agreed to let her assist on the day of the event while they assigned tasks to others.

Jaehyun let out a heavy sigh as he sank down onto his haunches, attempting to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. He couldn't bear to face the reality of the situation unfolding before him: sitting in a room with Mr. Lee, the guidance counselor who should have been eyeing him for the scholarship, instead focusing on Eunwoo.

He had never wanted to escape a room more desperately.

"Come to think of it, Eunwoo has more potential," Mr. Lee remarked. "I spoke to your homeroom teacher. You're interested in becoming an architect now. There are plenty more scholarship opportunities in that field."

Jaehyun struggled to contain his emotions. This was the second time this month that Mr. Lee and the counselor had summoned him to their office, each time subtly indicating that they favored Eunwoo and were prepared to overlook Jaehyun.

In a fit of rage, Jaehyun threw open the door and stormed out, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. But as he prepared to unleash his pent-up frustration, he heard someone calling out to him, causing Jaehyun to turn slightly.

"We need to talk," Eunwoo said.

The basketball court was silent as Jaehyun and Eunwoo took their seats on the benches, bracing themselves for a difficult conversation. The tension between them hung heavy in the air, stifling any attempts at casual conversation. Finally, Eunwoo broke the silence.

"Let me take the offer," he said.

With those words, Jaehyun felt a surge of anger rising within him. The scholarship meant everything to him—it was his ticket to a better future, one that would lift his family out of poverty.

"They may not say it, but they're choosing me because my father has more to offer than yours. Enroll in the architecture course instead." Eunwoo continued.

Jaehyun stared at Eunwoo in disbelief, struggling to process what he was hearing.

"What?" he managed to utter, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Take the architecture student program offer. If this basketball issue is part of my father's plan, then he'll provide more than enough for you with architecture. But there's something you need to do," Eunwoo continued, his tone grave.

"You have to get into my father's company, Nexus Architecture and position yourself on the board."

Jaehyun felt a chill run down his spine at Eunwoo's words. For the first time, he found himself questioning Eunwoo's motives, his anger bubbling to the surface.

"Do you think this is a joke?" Jaehyun snapped, his voice laced with fury. "Do you live so comfortably that you can just dictate what others should do?"

"It's because I live comfortably that I don't have the courage to defy my father," Eunwoo replied, his voice tinged with desperation.

"They're planning to blame Evergreen Designs & Associates, y/n's company for fraud, and the next project site will be in your parents' neighborhood. It's an illegal project, approved through bribery," Eunwoo revealed.

"They're hiring inexperienced workers for the project so they can easily dispose of them afterward, and the fewer people who know, the better."

Jaehyun's shoulders sagged as the weight of Eunwoo's words sank in. It was a harsh reminder of the harsh realities faced by families like his.

"It's the game of the rich, and we're just pawns in it," a voice whispered in Jaehyun's head.

Summoning his resolve, Jaehyun met Eunwoo's gaze, his eyes filled with determination.

"So what do I do now?" he asked.

"You play the game," Eunwoo replied.

Jaehyun rested his head heavily on the desk, the weight of his unsorted thoughts and decisions pressing down on him. Lost in his own mental labyrinth, he didn't immediately register your gentle knocks on the desk.

"Maybe it's too soft," you mused to yourself, rapping slightly louder.

"Jaehyun, everyone is going to lunch. You should eat something," you urged.

Gradually, Jaehyun reoriented himself to the present, acknowledging your presence before quickly adjusting to a sitting position.

"Yes, you should too, y/n," he replied nervously, straightening his scattered stationery.

You offered him a soft smile before retreating to your desk, and he reciprocated with a shy smile of his own once your gaze shifted. His eyes lingered on the lunchbox you typically brought during their shared lunch breaks, and he found himself scratching the back of his head, mustering the courage to initiate a conversation.

"Urm, hm," he stuttered as he approached you, who looked puzzled by his sudden change in demeanour.

"Jaehyun? Are you okay?" y/n inquired, concern evident in your voice. His ears flushed crimson.

"Are you going to lunch at the school field again?"

"Oh yes, since I'm not practicing—"

"Can I join you?" Jaehyun blurted out.

"Can I join you today?"

As they made their way to a nearby bench, you wasted no time in starting her meal.

"I'll make it quick, okay?" you assured him, mindful of their past difficulties. Jaehyun turned his gaze to her, his hand resting on his knee.

"It's okay, you can take your time," he replied, a diagonal smile forming at the corners of his mouth.

In no time, his smile was mirrored by you. This side of Jaehyun was new to you, and you found yourself drawn to it. Memories of the shared experiences, like sightseeing among the flowers and dancing in the hall, flooded back to you, though the unspoken agreement to return to their usual aloofness afterwards lingered in your mind, questioning your significance to him. Breaking eye contact, you pushed her lunchbox toward Jaehyun as she began to speak.

"You should eat too, Jaehyun," you said, ignoring his confusion.

Jaehyun took a gimbap from her lunchbox, and the two of you made the silent lunch a routine that stretched over several weeks.

But as their classmates began preparing booths and Jaehyun became engrossed in the activity while you busied yourself with dance practice, their shared lunches gradually faded into memory.

That day y/n found yourself alone once more during lunchtime, your eyes scanning Jaehyun's vacant desk before you reluctantly left for practice.

As you reached for the door, your heart fluttered as someone on the other side. It was Jaehyun. Your eyes met, sparking a moment of anticipation in your chest. You held her breath, waiting for him to break the silence.

But as Jaehyun passed by without a word, the hope that had briefly flickered within extinguished like a candle in the wind. Leaving you standing alone in the doorway, grappling with the unanswered questions that hung heavy in the air.

The corridor echoed with the sound of their footsteps, each step a painful reminder of the distance that had grown between them. Your mind buzzed with a whirlwind of emotions, from frustration to sadness to a lingering sense of longing. You couldn't help but wonder if the silent lunches had ever held any significance for Jaehyun.

With a heavy sigh, you resigned yourself to the reality of their situation. As you turned away from the doorway, your shoulders slumped with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings.

The day of the festival arrived with an air of anticipation and excitement, as students buzzed with energy about the various attractions and activities planned for the day. Among the many booths and stalls set up on the school grounds, one in particular stood out—a counseling booth, discreetly tucked away in a quiet corner.

This seemingly ordinary counseling booth held a secret—it was actually a hub for love confessions where your class had plan out to use the guise of counseling to provide a safe and private space for students to express their romantic feelings to their crushes. Throughout the day, a steady stream of nervous and hopeful students discreetly made their way to the booth, each carrying a letter or message professing their love to someone special.

You welcomed the visitor with warm smiles and reassuring words, creating an atmosphere of trust and confidentiality as you were in charge of handling the booth that afternoon.

“Hi, who would like to talk to?”, you asked.

“I would like to talk to Jaemin from the freshmen’s”, the girl infront of you whispered quietly.

You had to laugh, you were familiar with the name as it was mention quite a few times this morning. With the information, you tapped Minghao, one of your classmates who were in charge of calling out the person and you directly the girl in a small stall for her to confess. The seats were divided by a window with a black cloth, so the confessor will kept anonymous.

As you make your way back at the counter of the booth, you smiled when Jaemin figure approached the small stall of the nth time today.

“Y/n, you can go now and prepare for the dance”, your classmate told you.

“Oh right, I almost forgot about that. Thanks for filling me in.”

Just when you were about to reach the changing room for your performance, Minghao took you ny suprise when he tapped your shoulders.

“y/n, someone’s looking for you”

—

“So this is what they felt”, you thought when you quietly sat at the small stall, not knowing what to feel.

There was a moment of silence before you saw a blurry image of the anonymous person entering across the black cloth window. It sort of familiar to you but you didn’t want to jump into conclusion that fast.

“Hm, hi y/n”

You recognise the moment the person called your name.

“Hi, do you have anything to say to me?”

“I do, I have a few actually”, you can see his blurry figure going through some notes at his hands before continuing.

“I don’t know where to start, but I think it’s better off I apologise to you first for the long due lunch incident with the basketball team”.

“It’s okay, that’s too far in the past. But if it’s makes you any happier, I forgive you and for the record, I too would like to apologise for making you my impromptu lunch partner”

“NO! Don’t say that”, you was startled by the sudden protest.

“I found those lunches very helpful for me. The field was really calming and looking back to it, you looked really-“

“Y/n, what are you doing here? We need to practice “, Eunwoo suddenly opened the stall door from your side, cutting out Jaehyun’s confession.

You were puzzled at his actions. He had gone for the whole day and now he just magically appears to have some practice.

“I’m in a middle of a situation here, can you wait?”

“Of course not, I’ve been waiting for you”, as he grabs your wrist, pulling you out of the stall.

In that moment, you despised Eunwoo. The practice was a mess. He spent most of the time on his phone and scolded you for minor mistakes. After practice, he left right away. You quickly changed into your performance outfit, eager to move on to the closing ceremony.

—

As the opening of the closing ceremony approached, Y/N stood nervously backstage, dressed in her elegant gown and ready to perform the slow dance with Eunwoo. However, panic began to set in as Y/N and the rest of the team realized that Eunwoo was nowhere to be found. Without Eunwoo, their carefully planned performance was in jeopardy, and Y/N felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Jaehyun scanned his surroundings that was filled with whispers in the air as Y/N's classmates exchanged worried glances, unsure of what to do when the ceremony went off schedule.

"What's going on?" Jaehyun asked Seokmin, standing beside him in the audience.

"I heard Eunwoo isn't coming, so they can't start the show," Seokmin replied.

"What? I saw him just a few minutes ago with Ye Won."

"Really? Ye Won mentioned she was leaving. Maybe Eunwoo went with her?"

Jaehyun's anger flares up as he realizes Eunwoo's absence. By that time, the realisation that Eunwoo hadn't shown up because of Ye Won hit you like a wave of ice-cold water, leaving you with devastated and betrayed. You couldn't believe that Eunwoo would let his secret relationship with Ye Won interfere with the dance, especially after all the time and effort both of you had put into practising together.

The sting of betrayal cut deep as you struggled to come to terms with the situation. You felt a mix of anger, hurt, and sadness swirling inside her, threatening to overwhelm her entirely. As you stood there, grappling with her emotions, You couldn't shake the feeling of being let down.

"Hey, Y/N," Jaehyun approached them, catching you and the backstage team by surprise.

"I saw you practising a few times, and I know the routine. Let me stand in for Eunwoo," said Jaehyun.

There was a hint of reassurance in Jaehyun's voice as he reached out to take your hand. He knew it wasn't the ideal situation along with his casual attire of a leather jacket and jeans but he was determined to make the best of it and ensure that your hard work and dedication didn't go to waste.

Together, the two of you stepped onto the stage, Jaehyun standing in for Eunwoo as they prepared to perform their slow dance. With every step of the dance, Jaehyun kept his gaze steady, his movements precise and controlled. He didn't want to let his emotions show, especially not in front of the entire school. Instead, he focused on supporting you, ensuring that you felt confident and secure despite the unexpected turn of events.

Deep down, Jaehyun's heart ached for you. He hated seeing her upset, and he wished he could do more to ease her pain. But in that moment, all he could do was be there, standing by you side as the both of you danced together on the stage.

Although his efforts to maintain his stoic facade, there were moments when Jaehyun's eyes softened as he looked at you, a flicker of warmth and concern betraying his otherwise impassive expression. But he quickly masked those emotions, channeling his focus back into the dance, determined to support you through the performance.

After the performance, there's a brief moment of silence as the audience processes what just happened. Some whisper among themselves, speculating about Eunwoo's absence and Jaehyun's sudden appearance on stage. You and Jaehyun stand side by side, the tension palpable between them as you await the reaction of the crowd.

Suddenly, applause erupts from the audience, starting as a few scattered claps before growing into a thunderous ovation. You and Jaehyun exchange a surprised glance, both relieved and grateful for the positive response.

As you step off the stage, both of you are met with a flurry of questions and compliments from their classmates and friends. Some express curiosity about Eunwoo's absence, while others praise you and Jaehyun for their impressive performance.

The festival drew to an end, and the atmosphere was a mix of relief and exhaustion. Students began to trickle out of the venue, their energy spent from a day filled with performances, games, and festivities. Laughter and chatter filled the air as friends said their goodbyes and made plans for the evening. The atmosphere between Jaehyun and you was a mixture of relief and tension.

You exchanged awkward but sincere words of gratitude, thanking Jaehyun for the unexpected performance and support during the festival. As the usual bus approached the stop, you both boarded it.

Then, the bus neared a familiar stop, and your heart fluttered with a sudden impulse. Without thinking too much, you leaned forward and pressed the stop button, signalling the bus driver to halt. Jaehyun glanced at you in surprise, curious about your sudden decision.

"Hey, isn't this...?" Jaehyun began, but you cut him off with a smile.

"Yeah, it's the cherry blossom road. I thought we could take a walk there," you said, voice tinged with a hint of excitement.

Jaehyun's lips quirked up in a small smile, sensing the significance of the place for you. Without hesitation, both of you disembarked from the bus together and made your way to the familiar path lined with cherry blossom trees.

The air was cool and crisp, carrying the sweet scent of cherry blossoms as Jaehyun and you walked side by side. There was a comfortable silence between two of you, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves and the soft murmurs of their conversation.

Suddenly, Jaehyun broke the silence, his eyes lighting up with childlike wonder as he reached out to catch a cherry blossom in his hand. His movements were graceful yet determined as if he was trying to capture a fleeting moment of beauty.

"What are you doing?", you laughed at his actions.

"I'm trying to catch a cherry blossom, to make a wish"

Both of you continued laughing at Jaehyun's determination, it definitely lit up the dark night. Jaehyun's eyes sparkled with excitement as he held the cherry blossom delicately between his fingers.

"Got it!" he exclaimed triumphantly, a wide grin spreading across his face.

You couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm, feeling a warmth spread through you at the sight of his joy. As Jaehyun gazed at the cherry blossom in his hand, a thoughtful expression crossed his face. You watched him curiously, wondering what thoughts were running through his mind as he held onto the delicate flower.

Finally, he closed his eyes and made a silent wish, his expression serious yet hopeful. When he opened his eyes again, Jaehyun's gaze met yours.

"Can I ask what you wished for?" you asked.

A playful smile danced on Jaehyun's lips as he looked at you, his eyes reflecting the twinkling stars above.

"Well, someone once told me it's better to wish for someone else," he chuckled softly. "I wished for you. And for whatever you wish for to be granted."

Your heart skipped a beat at his words, overwhelmed by the sincerity and tenderness in his voice. In that moment, it felt as if the world around you had faded away, leaving only the two of you immersed in a world of shared understanding and affection.

"You're silly, I wished for your happiness. So, are you happy?"" you teased affectionately.

"I'm happy with you," he confessed softly, his gaze filled with warmth and adoration. "Are you happy when you're with me?"

"Yeah, of course. Your my lunch partner"

Both of you laughed at your inside joke. As you both walked beneath the blooming cherry blossoms, Jaehyun couldn't shake off the weight of the decision he had been contemplating. The silence between you and Jaehyun was comfortable, but Jaehyun knew he had to breach the subject that had been weighing on his mind.

"Y/N," Jaehyun began.

His voice was gentle yet filled with uncertainty. Jaehyun took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

"Do you ever think about waiting... for me?", his words carrying a weight that hung in the air between them.

Your smile faltered slightly at Jaehyun's question, sensing that there was more to his words than he let on. You nodded, trying to suppress the unease that crept into your heart.

"I don't mind waiting," you replied, smiling.

Deep down, the feeling of uncertainty that lingered within you. You wondered why Jaehyun seemed distant lately as if he was hiding something. Little did you know, Jaehyun was wrestling with his own internal conflict.

For now, Jaehyun chose to keep his thoughts to himself, burying his inner trouble beneath a facade of calmness and composure. But deep down, the decision weighed heavily on his heart, casting a shadow over the blossoming relationship.

Years passed, and you never heard from Jaehyun. Eunwoo continued to support your life, filling the void left by Jaehyun's absence. Even with time, you couldn't shake the lingering ache in your heart, wondering what had become of Jaehyun and where life had taken him.

Meanwhile, Jaehyun immersed himself in the architecture student program in the States, throwing himself into his studies and accomplishing his and Eunwoo's mission. Yet, despite his determination to succeed, his heart remained heavy with the weight of the decision he had made. He couldn't shake the feeling of longing for the life he had left behind.

Until the day of the school reunion, your excitement surged within you as you attended the event, holding onto a small hope of meeting him again, perhaps reliving some of the memories from your university days. However, to your surprise and that of your classmates, he was nowhere to be found. Jaehyun was gone for good.

Eunwoo noticed the disappointment written all over your face after the reunion, and his heart sank for you. He felt guilty, understanding the intensity of the program and its demanding submission deadlines during that time. Thinking it best not to burden Jaehyun with this, he made the difficult decision to keep the matter to himself.

"Hey, do you want to do something? Anything would be good", Eunwoo asked, trying his best to cheer you up.

"I do, do you like to have some midnight walks?"

"Yeah sure, it's not too late for that."

Your face brightened with a glimmer of hope as Eunwoo agreed to accompany you. Leading him to the cherry blossom-lined road you once frequented with Jaehyun, you felt a sense of determination wash over you. It was time to let go of the past and create new memories, replacing the ones you once cherished with Jaehyun.

"Do you like it here?" you asked Eunwoo, looking for some reassurance.

"Yeah, it's nice," he replied, but his steps seemed slightly hesitant, and he glanced around with a faint furrow in his brow.

Your heart sank, realizing that this place didn't hold the same significance for him as it did for you and Jaehyun. Desperate to lighten the mood, you plucked a cherry blossom and extended it to him, hoping to share a moment of connection. However, he refused to take it.

"Let's keep walking"

You continued to study diligently ever since that fateful night, determined not to let lingering feelings and the past hold you back. It was time to focus and move forward. Before you knew it, you found yourself in your twenties, striding confidently through the doors of Evergreen Designs & Associates as a qualified architect.

Each day is filled with meetings and blueprints of projects, as you struggle to keep every in order. At night, you divert your tiredness to a glass of wine. Grasping on the temporary comfort it gives you.

As the anticipated moment arrives, Eunwoo stands in Incheon Airport, awaiting Jaehyun's arrival near the smoking area. Ignoring disapproving looks, he lights his last cigarette, finding a moment of calm in the busy airport. His thoughts drift to the day's tasks at Nexus Architects, where he's a qualified architect. He stubs out the cigarette when he sees his friend's arrival.

"You should have come out later; I haven't finished my cigarette."

"Let's just go," Jaehyun walks away with a grumpy expression, leaving Eunwoo standing in disbelief.

"You're welcome. I really don't mind picking you up at the airport."

It’s been a while since Jaehyun met Eunwoo. Even though both of them made the deal ten years back and are still very serious about it, they rarely keep in touch as for the time being, Jaehyun’s task was only to get himself on board at the company and today was the day.

Eunwoo slipped off his leather shoes at the doorstep before stepping into Jaehyun’s new apartment. The place had been fully furnished in advance when the company announced that Jaehyun would be stationed in Seoul. Jaehyun rolled his eyes at Eunwoo’s figure. Wondering out of all his high school friends, why is he still with Eunwoo.

“Do you have any cigarette? I wasn’t able to smoke the whole day at the company”, Eunwoo asked, heading to the balcony.

“I don’t smoke, Eunwoo”,

Filled his frustration, Eunwoo glared at Jaehyun. They were really the opposite of each other. He made his way to the island table as he sat, making himself comfortable while Jaehyun looked around his kitchen.

“You did great back there-”, Eunwoo praised.

“For all these years”

Jaehyun sighed. He had tried his best and push his limits to get where he is today. The memories flashback through his mind. Moving out his family to Seoul for a better and safer home, excelling the company’s student and internship program at the States and making his way to the project they aim for. He longed for some praise and rest, hoping to make the ends meet.

“Aren’t you curious about her?”, Eunwoo sudden curiosity took Jaehyun by suprise.

“I don’t know what you are talking about”,

“You definitely know what I’m talking about, she was one of our, a.k.a you, main reason of doing this”

“If you are going to talk about her, just spill it already”, Jaehyun said with all ears ready.

He wished to see you after all these years. How you were doing, did you long for him, did you even search for him. He wanted to know everything.

“She eating well, growing well, not to mention how she’s becoming into a beautiful lady over time-“, Jaehyun gave him a sharp gaze with a meaningful look of his own.

“And she’s about to be engaged with me”

There it was—the reality Jaehyun had been trying to deny, the true reason behind his eagerness to hear about your updates. He maintained his stoic expression, ensuring Eunwoo didn't see how swayed he was.

“I’m sorry, engaging with her about our family plan forever and it looks like they are still serious about it”

“Do you have feelings for her?”, Jaehyun confronted.

“Well, I do care for her, a big part of me wants to protect her”

“You’re not answering the question”

After a long pause, Eunwoo lifted his face from staring at his fingers that were playfully at the mug Jaehyun gave him. Making eye contact with Jaehyun, he embraced himself with courage.

“No, I don’t. I’m still in love with Ye Won”

“You’re a mess, Eunwoo”

Jaehyun could feel the rage building up inside him. He couldn't imagine how Eunwoo had been treating you, pretending and faking it all along. If his suspicions were correct, and you remained the same girl he knew back in high school, you would definitely be loyal and kind to him. He hated the thought.

After a late-night catch-up with Jaehyun, Eunwoo left the apartment. As the night grew darker, Jaehyun washed away his negative thoughts and went to bed.

You hurried into the convenience store near the company building, swiftly grabbing a sandwich and a can of coffee for your quick breakfast. The sudden meeting for the Tranquil Grove project disrupted your usual morning routine. This project, a collaboration between Nexus and Evergreen, held immense significance for you. It was the culmination of your parents' hard work, now entrusted to you to see through to completion. However, for Eunwoo and Jaehyun, it was merely a strategic move in their ongoing game, one they were eagerly waiting to execute.

As you pass by the can section, you swing the freezer open taking out the coffee.

"Excuse me," interrupting your action to close the freezer as the man took out another can of coffee and went straight to the reception.

"How rude", you thought.

You stood next to the man, waiting your turn to pay.

"I'll pay for hers as well"

Your fist tightly clenched in the other hand, feeling insulted. Feel that your mind made a poor decision in this situation when you grabbed the man's arm with ruthless pressure.

"Hey, do you think you could get away being rude just by buying me drinks?"

Your hands snapped back like they’d touched something hot as soon you recognised the person, his lips curled up to your reaction.

"Jaehyun?"

"Hi, y/n"

The two of you went to the Nexus Architects building together, learning that Jaehyun would also be attending the meeting. You used the short time to catch up with him, though it never seemed like enough. Just as you entered the building, you saw the board of directors gathered, including Eunwoo's father, whom both of you greeted with a bow.

"Let's grab lunch together; it's been a while," you offered, and Jaehyun nodded in agreement.

"Sure, you look great by the way"

"For someone who went MIA for years, you look great too Jaehyun"

His smile matches yours, in the moment as the two of you went back to focus on your work.

—

In no time, you found yourself irresistibly drawn back to Jaehyun, realizing he filled voids you didn't even know existed. With the work getting more intense, you find comfort in him giving you reassurance and stability that Eunwoo never gave you.

"So, tell me what was life like for you in the States",

You asked Jaehyun, leaning in with genuine interest as you sat across from him at the dinner table. He invited you over to dine at his apartment after a gruelling week, providing a much-needed break from the hectic routine.

His eyes lingered on your face, tracing every line, etching each detail into his memory. You found it hard to hold Jaehyun’s steady gaze, turning away with a shy smirk. His laughter echoed throughout the room, he found your actions adorable.

"It was nice. Though the cultural was a lot different from here, not to mention the winter", both of you laugh before his continues.

"But it nice to be at home, you know. Where the heart is"

You respond him to agree with his statement.

"How about you?"

You felt nausea churned your stomach. You did not want to remember how you got here, the lonely nights and competitive race in the reality world. You often yourself alone at the top. Now that your parents are arranging the engagement and wedding for you and Eunwoo, your heart aches.

"I... actually... I'm getting engaged to Eunwoo," you admitted, the words heavy on your tongue.

The silence took over the room after you announce. Jaehyun wanted to forget about the engagement, you deserve someone better. But he understood how you wanted to be honest to him and he was thankful for that.

"I'm sorry if this makes you uncomfortable. I should leave," you said, sensing the tension as you reached for your coat.

"No, no, no, no! Can we just… stay here for a while?" he pleaded.

"A dinner won't hurt, trust me," he lied to himself.

"Okay."

As you resumed your dinner with him, you couldn't shake the feeling that if one of you had been brave enough to stand up for your feelings, the engagement might not have taken place.

The hectic day took a toll in you, dragging your feet out of the building at night. Looking at the time, it was late for dinner as you glanced around looking at any restaurant open. Eunwoo was supposed to have dinner with you tonight but it was cancelled last minute resorting to your overtime.

As you walk around the street for a bit, you bummed into Jaehyun. With the engagement news out, it was a bit awkward for you to meet up with him like this. Regardless of the situation, he gave you a soft grin.

He gotten familiar with you schedules during the days both of you spent catching up with each other.

“Working overtime?”

“Yeah, you too?”

“Yup, those companies better pay us good”

Your laughter echoed the night as his follows you. The silence overtakes you later. You refuse to believe your reality at the moment, so did Jaehyun. Yet, in the face of uncertainty, your desire for love wins over your pride.

“Do you want to head for dinner together?”, you asked bravely.

The night deepened by laughter and shared giggles between you and Jaehyun, as if in that moment, the two of you were the only ones in the world.

“I hated the most when..”, he playfully makes you guess.

“when the meeting exceed one hour?”

“YES!-“

“It just too much for me”, you laughing.

“I hate the most when I work overtime”

“But you always work overtime, y/n. Are starting to hate your job?”

“No, it’s not like that”, you corrects him before continuing.

“It’s just I hate that I’ll feel tired over it and resort to alcohol”

He listens to you carefully. During your times with him, he never sees you drinking. In fact you always refuse to drink when he offered. It was a surprise to him you felt that way.

“Do you feel you don’t have anything else to resort too?”, he asked.

“Yes, and now that I have grown older I realise I never took some time to figure out how to distress”

Jaehyun's heart sank; he never liked seeing you unhappy. He quickly finished his drink, promptly paying for the meal at the reception. His sudden action caught you off guard, leaving you feeling bewildered. As he returned to the table, he gently took your hand in his, silently reassuring you without a word.

“Let’s get going”

“To where?”, you rushed to gather you belongings.

“To find how to distress yourself”, he said cheerfully.

Later that night, you and Jaehyun enjoyed like high schoolers. From arcades, to street shopping and finally karaoke.

“You can never miss out this. I miss this the most when I was at the States”

You can feel the excitement building as you approach a popular karaoke bar. Inside, the neon lights dazzle, and the energy is contagious as you flip through the songbook, choosing your favorites. With microphones in hand, you and Jaehyun sing your hearts out to beloved K-pop tunes, immersing yourselves in the music and creating unforgettable memories together.

“Jaehyun, I need to use the bathroom”, you tapped his shoulders in the middle of the song.

Unlucky for you, he was too immersed with the song to notice you urgent need. Jaehyun seems to be enjoying singing so much that you decide to left him in the room, as you drag your feet to door. You were about to open it but the familiar figure in the next room, stops you.

It was Eunwoo and Ye Won, lost in their own world of love.

"Hey, close the door. We can't let the fun escape," Jaehyun called out to you.

He approached you, oblivious to the situation, until he stood next to your frozen expression, ready to close the door. It was then that he realized the chaos Eunwoo had caused.

“Y/n, let’s just go. He isn’t worth your time”, he tried to get your attention.

“You knew about them, didn’t you?”

“Y/n, I didn’t meant for you to found out this way. He told me he was going to telling you, I really didn’t expect him to carry on with the engagement”

Jaehyun wanted to hug you so much, he’s been dying to do that ever since he saw you crying at the court. But he knew it would only make you uncomfortable.

“Let’s just go”

As you begin to pack your bag and rush out of the karaoke bar after using the bathroom with Jaehyun. Jaehyun insisted on walking on the cheery blossom road to your house. Too tired to argue, you simply follow him.

“Are you okay?”

“I will be okay”

“Please don’t say that”

“But I am going to be okay, Jaehyun. I’m used to this already and I see it coming”

Jaehyun remains silent, understanding the pain you're going through. Though neither of you was officially in a relationship, it's no secret that Eunwoo has a history of flings dating back to high school, while you waited faithfully for him. Now, on the brink of getting engaged to him, you can't help but feel naive for believing he would change.

“Jaehyun, I really like to spend my time with you here but I think we should go home”, your coping mechanism for alcohol is calling you.

“I refuse too”, he said sternly.

“Jaehyun, you’re always saying no to me. Please, I don’t feel good tonight”

“That’s why I’m not going to leave you tonight. At this state, you’re going to go back to drinking and make irrational decision. I am not letting you”

In a moment of raw vulnerability, you lean in and press your lips against his, seeking comfort in the warmth of his embrace that night of betrayal. But as much as he loves you, he gently stops you.

"This is not you," he whispers softly.

"Y/n, I love you but right now, you’re just confused”, taking your hands in his and massaging them delicately.

His words penetrate through the haze of your emotions, grounding you in the reality of the moment. With a heavy sigh, you nod to him as you lean into his chest.

#jaehyun #jaehyun angst #jaehyun fluff #jaehyun imagines #jaehyun scenarios #nct 127 #jaehyun x reader #nct #nct imagines #nct scenarios

86 notes · View notes

ravenrothstr · 2 months

Note

Kind of confused with the y/n or jaehwa… which one is it? 😅

ohh shit, it's y/n 😭definitely need to do a better job on checking before publishing 🫣

0 notes

ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

Once Again 🤍

summary. jaehyun and his classmates go through the darkness of adulthood fill with bitterness, where both of them ended finding each other sparks in within

genre. high school! au, second chance love, fluff

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

Part I / Part II

70 notes · View notes

ravenrothstr · 2 months

Text

Once Again Part I🤍

summary. jaehyun and his classmates go through the darkness of adulthood fill with bitterness, where both of them ended finding each other sparks in within

genre. high school! au, second chance love, fluff

words count. 9.0k

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

--｡⋆✮ 🎧 ✮ ⋆｡--

Jaehyun sprang into action, swiftly manoeuvring to catch the basketball tossed by his teammates. Just as he prepared to take a shot, the coach's whistle pierced through the air, signalling the end of today's training session.

"Aish," he muttered to himself, releasing a disappointed sigh before dropping the ball to the ground.

Fist-bumps were exchanged, mutual words of encouragement were shared, and the team dispersed towards the changing room. Jaehyun situated himself between Mingyu and Eunwoo, the sound of lockers being opened filling the air.

"Let's grab dinner at that restaurant we hit up yesterday. You know, the one that always hooks us up with extra side dishes. I'm starving," Mingyu suggested, casting a glance at Jaehyun.

"Yeah, sure. Eunwoo, you in?" Jaehyun inquired, turning to his teammate.

Eunwoo merely turned his head, offering Jaehyun a cold stare before wordlessly heading to the showers, brushing past Mingyu and Jaehyun without a word. The two boys exchanged resigned sighs, accustomed to Eunwoo's distant demeanor.

"Guess he's content living life solo. Seems to be his M.O.," Jaehyun remarked sarcastically, throwing an arm around one of his teammates as they made their way to the showers together.

Despite being the team captain, Eunwoo rarely joined his teammates for post-training meals. While he was undeniably popular and academically successful, Eunwoo's reserved nature and occasional self-centeredness set him apart from the rest, particularly Jaehyun.

As the boys finished showering and left the basketball court, Eunwoo diverged from the group, his footsteps leading him in the opposite direction. With a heavy sigh, he checked his phone, reading a message from his friend.

"Eunwoo, I just finished studying for tonight. How's your day?" you texted.

Replying as he walked, Eunwoo continued his solitary journey.

The bustling atmosphere of the restaurant was a stark contrast to the quiet camaraderie of the basketball court. Laughter and chatter filled the air as the team settled into their seats, the restaurant staff familiar with their boisterous antics.

"Hey, Captain, what's your game plan post-graduation? We're hitting 18, right?" Mingyu queried, glancing around at his teammates.

"Why are you never thinking about the future?" he prodded, leaning in towards Jaehyun.

"Stop with the 'Captain' nonsense. Eunwoo's the real deal," Jaehyun retorted with a smirk.

"I know that. We're just curious. Cha Eunwoo seems to have his future all mapped out. So, what's your play?" Mingyu persisted.

While Jaehyun wasn't averse to discussing his future, he couldn't provide a definitive answer. Unlike Eunwoo, who had clear goals, Jaehyun was still uncertain about his path forward. Focused more on sports than academics, Jaehyun's family's financial struggles added an additional layer of complexity to his situation.

"The future?" Jaehyun mused, pouring water into his friend's empty glass before resting his arms on the table, his gaze fixed on the surface.

"That's a strong word," he continued, meeting his friend's gaze with a serious expression.

"Eunwoo has powerful backers," Jaehyun remarked. "His destiny's practically written for him. He knows exactly where he's headed."

His friend nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth in Jaehyun's words.

"Anyway, let's call it a night. They're closing up shop," Jaehyun suggested, signalling for the bill.

The memory of that fateful night lingered in Jaehyun's mind as he walked home from practice. Stopping by a nearby convenience store, he purchased a pack of instant noodles before stepping outside. There, he encountered a man in his late forties seated on a bench—an encounter that would change everything.

"Evening, Mr. Jung," the man greeted, extending a hand for a shake, though Jaehyun's hands were full.

"Sorry, my hands are occupied," Jaehyun replied curtly, his guard up.

"My apologies. Let me introduce myself. I'm Mr. Lee, from the national basketball team," the man said, offering Jaehyun his business card.

Taking the card reluctantly, Jaehyun listened as Mr. Lee outlined an enticing offer—an offer that came with a condition: Jaehyun must become the team captain by the end of the semester's final game.

With a sense of foreboding settling in his gut, Jaehyun watched as Mr. Lee bid him farewell, leaving him to contemplate the weight of his decision.

The following day dawned with crystalline clarity, the school gradually filling with students as the morning sunlight streamed into Classroom 3-5, where Jaehyun found his seat. Despite sharing a class with Eunwoo, Jaehyun didn't pay much mind to him.

Entering the classroom with his bag slung over one shoulder, Jaehyun observed the usual morning bustle: some students gossiping, others hastily applying makeup in a bid to look their best. Meanwhile, Jaehyun quietly settled at his desk near the window, resting his head upon it in a familiar ritual, his hands cradling his head as he sought solace in a few moments of reprieve.

Uninterested in classroom chatter, Jaehyun often used these moments to steal a brief respite from his classmates. However, just as he teetered on the brink of sleep, the sliding of the classroom door disrupted his tranquility.

"Hey y/n, you're later than Jaehyun today," one of the girls remarked.

Y/N, another classmate, was an outsider known for your intellect and rumoured connection to Eunwoo. Speculation swirled that you might be engaged to Eunwoo in the future, inheriting both of your families' companies together. Nexus Architecture and Evergreen Designs & Associates. However, the gossip surrounding you led to disdainful treatment from your peers.

"Oh, really? We must have taken the same bus again," you replied with a smile, unaware of the snickers and whispered comments circulating around you.

Exasperated, Jaehyun heard the thinly veiled mockery directed at you, prompting a silent shake of his head before he sank further into his thoughts.

The shrill ringing of the lunch bell marked the midday break, prompting a rush of students streaming towards the dining hall. Among them stood you, patiently waiting in line for her meal.

"Oh, y/n, joining the lunch queue today?" a group of girls approached her, their tone laced with derision.

"Yeah, I forgot my lunchbox today," offering a friendly smile despite the thinly veiled contempt in their gaze.

The girls exchanged glances, stifling laughter before one of them jeered, "Aren't lunchboxes for eight-year-olds?"

Feeling the sting of embarrassment, you averted her gaze, your cheeks flushing with shame as tears threatened to well up.

Jaehyun observed the scene unfold with a mix of empathy and frustration. While he sympathized with your plight, he couldn't help but feel exasperated by the petty antics of their classmates. It was a reminder of the shallow nature of high school society, where appearances and rumours held more weight than genuine kindness.

Eunwoo's departure from the lunch table didn't go unnoticed, his actions stirring a silent curiosity among his friends, including Jaehyun. As Eunwoo made his way to the vending machine, Jaehyun's gaze trailed after him, silently observing the unfolding scenario.

"Hey, where are you going?" Mingyu's voice cut through the ambient chatter, but Eunwoo remained unresponsive, his focus fixed on his destination.

Undeterred by Eunwoo's lack of response, Mingyu exchanged a puzzled glance with the others at the table, his curiosity piqued by his friend's sudden departure.

Meanwhile, Eunwoo deftly navigated the vending machine, his movements smooth and purposeful. Yet, his concentration was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a girl, her presence laced with a hint of mischief.

As she leaned against the vending machine, a smirk playing on her lips, Eunwoo's demeanor shifted slightly, his eyes widening in mild surprise at her boldness.

"Taking care of your girl again, huh?" she taunted, her words laden with implication.

Eunwoo's response was measured, his expression unreadable as he absorbed her words. Though inwardly unsettled by her assumption, he chose to remain silent, his thoughts swirling with unspoken complexities.

"What do you mean 'my girl?"

"Isn't she yours? For you to take care of her that much?"

She moved towards facing the machine and continued to make her purchase. Eunwoo moved aside slightly, he just stayed quiet at her question. Are you his? He just never thought of sorting those feelings out.

"Choi Ye Won, next to meet you" the girl continued and held her hand out to Eunwoo.

He hesitated momentarily, his gaze flickering between her outstretched hand and her expectant expression.

"Not for now," he replied cryptically, his tone tinged with uncertainty as he sidestepped her invitation.

Returning to the dining hall, Eunwoo's attention was drawn to you, his presence a comforting sight amidst the chaos of the lunchtime crowd. With a small gesture of kindness, he offered you the bread he had purchased, a simple yet meaningful gesture that spoke volumes.

"Hey I heard you forgot your lunch box today so I bought this for you. Though you might get hungry waiting in line"

Meanwhile, Mingyu's teasing remarks drew a knowing smirk from Eunwoo, his response veiled in playful ambiguity. Though his feelings for you remained a mystery even to himself, Eunwoo's actions spoke volumes about the depth of his care for you.

As the conversation flowed around him, Jaehyun stayed quiet, watching everything unfold. Little did he know, these events would soon draw him into a tangle of feelings and drama, making him question his place in their high school social circle.

"Jung Jaehyun, Mrs. Jeon is waiting for you in her office," a classmate's urgent voice broke through the classroom's murmurs, startling Jaehyun from the brink of sleep. He blinked, his eyes slowly focusing on the speaker.

"Now? Why?" Jaehyun's voice was groggy with confusion.

"Yeah, she's been asking for you. You better go," the classmate insisted.

As Jaehyun made his way to the teacher's office, the atmosphere felt charged with tension. Mrs. Jeon's voice reverberated through the corridor, sharp and unforgiving, as she berated a student for not meeting her expectations. Mr. Kim attempted to intervene, but Mrs. Jeon's frustration only seemed to intensify, her words lashing out like whips.

"How can I be expected to calm down when I'm surrounded by students who don't take their studies seriously?" Mrs. Jeon's voice echoed with exasperation as she gestured emphatically at the papers strewn across her desk.

"But Mrs Jeon, Jaehyun here has been making an effort. He's submitted his homework on time," Mr Kim interjected, trying to diffuse the situation.

Mrs. Jeon's eyes narrowed in Jaehyun's direction, her gaze piercing through him like daggers.

"Is that true, Jaehyun? Or are you just another slacker like the rest of them?"

Jaehyun felt the weight of her scrutiny bearing down on him, but before he could respond, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Jeon," came the timid voice of yours, Jaehyun's classmate, peeking into the room.

It had been several days since Jaehyun last encountered you in the dining hall. As you now stood beside him, you respectfully bowed to both of your teachers. Mrs Jeon let out an audible sigh. Though the purpose of your presence was to meet Mrs. Jeon, it was Mr. Kim who took the initiative to greet her first, his warm smile providing a momentary reprieve from the tension in the room.

"Y/n, you're here early in the morning," Mr. Kim remarked, a hint of amusement evident in his voice as he continued, "Again."

Mrs. Jeon turned her attention towards you, preparing to deliver yet another admonishment.

"Y/n, you can't come in here every morning to ask about your exam marks. You need to socialize more with your friends," Mrs. Jeon began, her tone tinged with frustration.

"But school is for studying," you voice firm and unwavering.

The others fell into a stunned silence, captivated by your bold response. Mrs. Jeon, feeling the weight of her students' challenges, massaged her temples in an attempt to alleviate the emerging headache. Jaehyun, observing the unfolding scene couldn't help but murmur softly to himself.

"Interesting," Jaehyun whispered, his gaze fixed intently on you.

A few moments later, the school bell chimed, signaling the start of classes. Mrs. Jeon fixed them with a stern gaze before dismissing them with a curt nod.

"You, focus more," Mrs. Jeon's stern voice pierced the air, her finger pointed squarely at Jaehyun.

"And you," she turned her gaze to you, "go socialize more," her tone softened slightly.

As you both made your way through the bustling corridors filled with students rushing to their classrooms, you swung the door open, stepping out of the office with Jaehyun in tow. Just as you were about to dart off, Jaehyun quickened his pace and leaned in to whisper in your ear.

"If you want to socialize more, come eat lunch with me," he teased, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips, catching you off guard.

With a stunned expression, you froze in your tracks as Jaehyun chuckled at your reaction before darting off to their classroom, leaving you standing there, bemused by his playful antics.

The day passed in its usual blur of lectures and scribbled notes until the lunch bell brought a welcome reprieve. Jaehyun, struggling to keep his heavy eyelids from closing, finally stirred from his desk as his classmates filtered out of the room and towards the cafeteria.

As he made his way towards the door, a sudden blockade halted his progress. It was you, your innocent smile belying your obliviousness to the social norms.

"Jaehyun, let's have lunch," you said, holding your lunchbox.

Jaehyun stood there stunned, unsure how to respond. His mind went blank. He wasn't expecting you to be this ignorant but he wasn't that mean either.

"You just need to finish your lunch right? Let's eat somewhere else," said Jaehyun worriedly.

Gently redirecting you, Jaehyun guided you out of the classroom and away from prying eyes to a secluded spot beneath a sprawling tree in the schoolyard.

They decided to eat their lunch on the bench beneath a large tree in the school field, where you began to eat. It was a secluded spot, rarely frequented during lunchtime, ensuring they wouldn't be spotted. Jaehyun sat beside you, his hands crossed and feet tapping nervously on the ground. He hoped you would finish your lunch quickly, along with your lunchbox, to avoid drawing attention to their presence together.

"Are you okay?" you inquired, noticing Jaehyun's restless feet.

"Yeah, I'm fine, hurry up and finish your lunch," he replied, quickly grabbing your hand and pushing your chopsticks back into the lunchbox. You, being as innocent as ever, nodded and resumed eating your lunch.

"But—" you began, setting down your chopsticks. Jaehyun's concern grew as he turned to face you, waiting for you to continue.

"Why aren't you eating?" you asked, your gaze fixed on Jaehyun, realizing he hadn't brought anything with him.

"Did you forget your lunchbox?" you asked with a smile.

He simply nodded in agreement. Knowing that nobody brings a lunchbox anymore, he didn't want to waste any more time. You happily finished your lunch, grateful to have Jaehyun's company since you didn't have any friends to eat with at school. Having Jaehyun there made your day.

As you reached for the last gimbap from your lunchbox, Jaehyun breathed a sigh of relief. It was finally over; you had finished your lunch.

"Okay, finished. I'll get going," Jaehyun said, quickly standing up and walking away from you as fast as possible.

"Wait!"

Jaehyun forced himself to look back, a frown forming on his face. "What now?" he asked, glancing at you.

"Do you want to go to the basketball court together after class?"

"No," Jaehyun said sternly as he left.

Another school day dawned for Jaehyun. Stretching his legs off the bed and onto the floor, he raised his arms high, grazing the ceiling as he yawned. Glancing at the time, he realized it was still early, so he decided to walk to school that day.

Plugging in his earphones and selecting a song from his playlist, he enjoyed the peaceful walk. Lost in thought about his plans for the day, he reminded himself of his role as the basketball team captain—a responsibility he took seriously as a means to support his family and secure a better future.

Arriving at the school gates, he muttered to himself, "Basketball captain, no more problems."

Suddenly, he heard a commotion behind him and turned to see you on the ground, surrounded by scattered books. A girl who had walked past you was rolling her eyes and walking away.

"Hey, you pushed me!" you shouted after her, but the girl ignored your accusation and continued on her way.

Seeing you struggling, Jaehyun hesitated for a moment, torn between helping you and avoiding involvement with an outsider. He then ignores his inner conflict, he decided to lend a hand. Quickly gathering your books, he approached you and handed them over.

"Oh, Jaehyun!" you exclaimed in amazement. "Thank you for helping."

"Whatever," Jaehyun replied tersely, handing over the books before swiftly walking away. Though he wanted to advise you to be more careful, he found it awkward and opted for a brief response. Helping you was enough for one day.

You walked silently behind Jaehyun, heading to the same classroom as usual. Surprisingly, he didn't walk away or leave you alone. Given the possibility of being pushed or bullied on your way to class, you stick close to him. Jaehyun noticed you following him but didn't mind, although he hadn't realized he wasn't walking away until he reached the stairs. Your eyes met briefly, both quickly looking away.

Jaehyun cleared his throat nervously before speaking up, offering a warning. "You should be more careful," he said.

"I should, I'm sorry. I'll be more careful to not slip on my feet again."

"Not your feet, them," he corrected you. "You should be careful of people around you."

Jaehyun noticed you freeze on the landing step, just standing there. Wondering if he had said too much or if you simply didn't understand, he debated whether to approach you. Before he could decide, a group of boys approached, prompting Jaehyun to continue up the stairs, leaving you behind.

During class, Jaehyun found himself lost in thought, gazing out the window toward the school entrance. He was barely paying attention until the lunch bell rang, snapping him back to reality.

As students started leaving the classroom for lunch, Jaehyun noticed his teammates, including Mingyu, heading toward his classroom. A smile formed on his lips at the sight of friends who remembered him. Just then, you approached his desk, and he knew he was in for an awkward encounter.

"Jaehyun, let's have lunch," you said, holding her lunchbox.

Internally, Jaehyun sighed, wishing to avoid this situation. Before he could respond, Mingyu's face appeared at the door, witnessing them together. Sensing the awkwardness, Mingyu quickly shut the door again. Jaehyun seized the opportunity, grabbing your wrist and leading her to the field.

"Eat it now, hurry," he urged.

"Are you not comfortable with me?" she asked, sensing his discomfort.

The question caught Jaehyun off guard, while he was crossing his arms, tapping his feet nervously.

"What?"

"Are you not comfortable with me, Jaehyun?" you repeated.

Jaehyun blinked, realizing his behaviour. He glanced at you, who seemed saddened.

"If you're not comfortable, you don't have to eat lunch with me," you offered.

Sighing, Jaehyun realised he was treating you out of pity. He forced himself to buy some snacks from a vending machine and returned to the bench.

"Satisfied? I'm having lunch too," he said, opening his soda.

"Okay," you replied, beginning to eat.

They ate in silence, and when lunch hour ended, Jaehyun made you promise to let him go to class first. As they parted ways, Jaehyun couldn't shake off the feeling of discomfort and guilt.

A week passed, and Jaehyun found himself still having lunch with you at the field bench. His training and mood hadn't improved, and the basketball match loomed ahead. During the game, he drank the usual soda and ate a chocolate bar, feeling stuck in a rut. As the match concluded, Eunwoo's skill earned him praise and adoration from the crowd.

He threw your bag onto the floor as soon as he entered the house, frustration weighing heavily on him. Memories of the game replayed in his mind, each missed opportunity and fumbled play haunting him. Despite the team's victory, he felt like he had let everyone down, especially with Mr. Lee there to evaluate his skills. Exhausted, Jaehyun collapsed onto the bed, trying to accept the day's events before drifting off into a troubled sleep.

You sat alone at your desk, observing the bustling activity of your classmates as they rushed out for lunch. It caught your eye at Jaehyun's motionless figure, his head resting on the table. Probably lost in his thoughts. You could hear concerned whispers from his teammates filling the air.

"Let's give him some space," Eunwoo intervened, urging the others to leave him alone.

You approached Jaehyun's desk, hoping to share lunch with him and lighten him up a bit. But Jaehyun's response was cold and dismissive, hurting you.

"Y/n, can't you tell I don't want to have lunch with you?" he snapped.

His words cutting deep to you, as the feeling of shame and rejection washed over as you struggled to hold back tears as Jaehyun continued, criticizing you for being weird and clingy. With a heavy heart, you watched him leave you alone in the classroom.

As the door closed behind him, your emotions overflowed with tears streaming down your cheeks. You gathered your belongings and made your way to the field bench, seeking comfort in the familiar routine of her lunch break.

You walked to the field bench and made yourself comfortable. You could feel your small fingers trembling over the situation that had happened but forced them by opening the lid of your lunchbox without hesitating for a second. Everything stayed the same for you, except when the tears rolled down your cheeks.

The world has been harsh on you.

"And that is all for today," said the teacher, closing the book in front of him to indicate the end of the last period. You left the class with your other classmates, joining the students in the corridor. After spending your lunch crying, you feel drained.

"Y/N!", someone calls you from behind.

You recognised the voice immediately, as you turned towards Eunwoo running toward you.

"Going to art class again?"

"Yes, how about you?"

"Y/N, are you okay?" Eunwoo sensed something was wrong with your response. He gently pulled your arm.

"I'm okay, Eunwoo. Thanks for asking,"

"Do you want me to walk you there? I can tell the coach I'll be running a bit late for today's training."

How you wished you could nod. After everything that had happened today, the idea of someone accompanying you to the art centre would comfort you. But Jaehyun's words had shaken your trust in people's kindness.

"No, Eunwoo, thank you, but I'll walk myself today. You should go to practice," you declined.

"Okay then," Eunwoo hesitated before continuing. "I'll text you later."

You gave him a light smile and walked away from him. Glancing around at the surroundings on the route to the art centre, you were torn between going to art class or taking a day off. Your head and heart were at odds with each other, and with each step, your legs felt heavier.

Unable to bear it any longer, you found yourself walking back home, seeking emotional refuge with Haein, the caretaker. As you entered the house and found Haein arranging cushions in the living room, you felt a sense of relief wash over you, knowing you had someone to turn to in time of need.

A few weeks had passed, and neither Jaehyun nor you had been to the teacher's office since their last encounter. You took Jaehyun's warning about lunch seriously, perhaps too seriously. You found yourself overthinking your interactions with others and making efforts to connect with peers. Amidst all your progress, there was one thing you hadn't changed: her lunchbox. Meanwhile, Jaehyun had resumed having lunch with his teammates as usual.

"Eat up, captain!" Mingyu exclaimed with laughter.

Jaehyun smiled widely as he placed his tray on the desk and joined the rest of the team. It felt good to be back with them. Just as he was settling into his seat, he noticed Eunwoo with Choi Yewon. Jaehyun nudged Mingyu's arm and leaned in to whisper.

"What's going on with Ye Won and Eunwoo?"

"Her? You know, his new target," Mingyu shook his head.

"What? Behind y/n?"

"We all know about his schemes with y/n," Mingyu interjected. "He's just brazen enough to do it openly at school."

They glanced over at Eunwoo and Ye Won, who were clearly intertwined as they conversed. Jaehyun felt uncomfortable, he didn't the thought of you being betrayed like this. They decided to leave them alone and continue their lunch. Jaehyun then began eating ravenously.

"Hey, are you that hungry?" one of his teammates asked, but Jaehyun ignored them completely.

As soon as he finished his lunch, Jaehyun slammed his chopsticks down on the table and hastily announced, before rushing out of the dining hall, leaving his bewildered team behind.

"I'll get going, see you later"

Mingyu surveyed his teammates with frustration. The team was in disarray, with neither the captain nor the potential captain able to focus before their match. Mingyu clenched his chopsticks tightly, feeling the need to intervene.

"Someone needs to stop this," Mingyu declared fiercely.

"The weather is too great to have a bad day," you remarked to yourself as you sat down for lunch.

You had grown accustomed to eating alone in this spot, finding comfort in the gentle breeze and open space. It was a solace space for you only. Suddenly, you were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"What are you doing?" Jaehyun's voice came from beside the bench.

You looked up in surprise. "Jaehyun, why are you here?"

"Just... for nothing," he replied, taking a seat next to you with his hands in his jacket pockets.

"It's okay if you don't want to have lunch—"

Jaehyun turned to her, smirking. "Just eat your lunch," he said, cutting you off.

You returned his smirk and began eating, while Jaehyun couldn't help but smile softly at the action. He could sense that you had become more attentive and considerate toward others, and it felt reassuring.

After a few moments of silence, you glanced at Jaehyun, who seemed lost in thought. He looked distracted and anxious, you offered him your favourite juice.

"If you're going to space out for that long, you might as well enjoy a juice," she suggested.

Jaehyun sighed and accepted the juice. As both of you sat together, Jaehyun couldn't help but notice the tranquillity of their surroundings.

"Is this why you always have lunch here?" he asked, curious.

"Yeah, I find it hard to socialize at school, even during recess. So I come here to gather myself before continuing with the day."

"Jaehyun, are you okay?" you asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

He was taken aback by the question, feeling a surge of emotions. He was so close to telling you the truth of Ye Won and Eunwoo. How he wanted to save you from the betrayal.

"No, actually, I have something to tell you,"

Before he could continue, a few people approached the bench. It was Jaehyun's teammates. He quickly stood up, intending to explain the situation, while you were confused, not understanding what was happening as you looked on innocently at them.

"It's not what it looks like-" Jaehyun explained to them.

"So it was you all along," Mingyu pointed at you, ignoring Jaehyun before he continued.

"You were the one messing up with him"

"I'm sorry, who are-",

"You think you can hang out with one of us just because Eunwoo is your friend, right?!"

"This is not what it seems-"

"You getting bolder now. You think people like you now. Can you see people using you just especially Eunwoo? You no special, y/n"

They hurled insults at you, and Jaehyun's attempts to defend her fell on deaf ears. You could sense your eyes got teary, it wasn't even you who approached them in the first place. But Jaehyun was quick to realise your expression, he knew where this was heading. He immediately dragged his teammates away from you and brought them back to the class. They all left you alone on the bench.

Jaehyun was fierce, he walked in front of them in the dash.

"Jaehyun, I did a great job, didn't I? Don't worry, she's not gonna disturb you anymore", his teammate said as he smiled thinking he saved Jaehyun.

Jaehyun turned around to face him, looking at him in the eyes.

"I told you. It's not what it looks like!"

They were all startled at his action, he was really mad this time. People around them were starting to talk and gather around them. It seems like they were getting into a fight any moment now. Jaehyun looked around and gave out a sigh, putting his head down.

"Let's just go to class," he said as he entered his classroom door and closed it shut.

Your steps echoed through the empty corridor as you hastened towards the sanctuary of the girls' bathroom. Your heart heavy turns into tears threatening to spill, hiding within the confines of one of the stalls, where you allow yourself to finally release the torrent of emotions that had been building up inside.

As your sobs filled the quiet space, the sound was soon accompanied by the soft murmur of voices outside your stall. Startled, your tears momentarily paused as you strained to listen. Four concerned voices floated through the air, their words a mix of worry and compassion.

"Hey, what's going on in there? Are you okay?", one of the girls asked gently, her voice tinged with genuine concern.

"Maybe she needs a tissue," another voice suggested, practical and helpful.

A third voice chimed in, "I think she might need a pad instead. It sounds like she's crying because of that."

The girls deliberated amongst themselves, each offering suggestions on how best to help you in your time of need. Their voices blended into a comforting chorus of support, reaching your ears and offering a glimmer of hope amidst your despair.

Finally, summoning your courage, you slowly opened the door of the stall, revealing your tear-streaked face to the concerned girls outside. Without hesitation, you begin telling them what had happened over lunch. They enveloped you in a warm embrace, offering comfort and understanding without judgment.

Meanwhile, in the classroom, Jaehyun's anxiety mounted with each passing minute as he anxiously watched the clock. His worry for you gnawed at him, the weight of guilt and regret heavy on his shoulders.

Five minutes have passed.

Ten minutes have passed.

Fifteen minutes have passed.

His eyes peek around the class again as it stops at your desk. You're still not there. Jaehyun begins tapping his feet, his mind too begins to imagine every possibility that could happen to you.

'Is it possible you went back home already?', thought to himself.

Suddenly the front door of the classroom slides open. The whole classroom sways their heads facing away from the blackboard, even the teacher paused his lesson for a moment.

'Shit'

When you finally entered the classroom, your eyes red-rimmed and downcast, Jaehyun's heart sank. He could feel the weight of the whispers and stares directed at you, a tangible manifestation of the repercussions of your actions.

"I'm sorry, teacher. The toilet was really full, and I had to go number two," you explained as you bowed and made your way back to your seat.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere crackled with tension, rumors spreading like wildfire and casting a shadow over the basketball team's reputation. Jaehyun's stomach churned with guilt as he grappled with the knowledge that their actions had contributed to your pain.

Later, Coach Lee's voice boomed with disappointment and anger as he addressed the team. Eunwoo, in particular, felt the weight of the coach's words bearing down on him, the burden of leadership heavier than ever before.

As they endured their punishment of running laps under the scorching sun, Eunwoo's eyes caught sight of something on the bench where you usually sat. It was your forgotten lunchbox.

"It's okay Eunwoo, it's not your fault. We respect you as a captain", said his teammates.

Eunwoo looked at them, turning his head towards the back of him.

"He's right. I'm sorry, Eunwoo, everyone", Mingyu apologise.

'If only you held your anger on y/n, things would have been better", replied Ten, another member of the team.

"But I really can't hold it in-"

The teammates started bickering while they carried on with their laps. Eunwoo just shook his head at them, he took a glance again at Jaehyun. He was at the back of all of them. His eyes started to wander around, it stopped at something that caught his eye and made him a bit. It was the bench you sat at during lunch. There was a silver box on top of the sits. Apparently, you had left her lunchbox on the bench. Eunwoo notices it as he quickly looks back at Jaehyun to see if he notices it too. He quickly snaps out to distract him.

"Focus. Run faster! 30 laps to go!", Eunwoo shouted.

The next morning, you decide to arrive early at school. You realize you forgot your lunchbox in the classroom the day before and want to retrieve it before the school fills up. After all, the thought of leftover food sitting in your lunchbox is less than appealing.

As you push open the wooden door of the classroom, you notice Jaehyun, Eunwoo, and a few others who have already arrived. Ignoring their presence, you swiftly place your pastel brown bag on a nearby chair and hurry towards the bench on the field, seeming to cope peacefully with the aftermath of the previous day's incident.

"Is it gone already?" you exclaim, noticing the empty bench.

Kneeling down, you begin to search beneath the bench when suddenly, Eunwoo appears.

"Here's your lunchbox. I've already washed it," he says, gesturing towards the lunchbox in front of him.

"Thanks, Eunwoo," you reply gratefully, reaching out to take it.

"How did you know I left it here?"

Eunwoo hesitates, running a hand through his hair before responding, "We happened to train at the field yesterday."

"Well, that makes sense. Thank you, Eunwoo," you say with a smile, returning his gesture.

"I knew you were going to look for it. Let's go back to class," Eunwoo suggests, and you nod in agreement.

"Are you feeling better? Yesterday was rough for you," Eunwoo asks as you climb up the stairs together.

You don't react much as he expected, just humming at his question, signaling to him that you're okay now. Eunwoo begins to worry when he sees your response, his expression immediately changing as he steps on another riser above you.

"Y/n, don't take it to heart about what they said yesterday. Some people never think before they speak, they were just not in the right mind when they confronted you."

"It's alright Eunwoo. After all, what they say about me was right anyway. I saw that coming already."

As you reassure him with a soft smile, you demonstrate your adeptness at handling the situation. Growing up with both of your parents working as architects, you have become accustomed to direct and straightforward criticism, albeit often delivered in a gentler manner. You have learned to detach your emotions from such feedback and simply accept it for what it is. Even if some of the statements hold partial truth, you see little point in trying to argue or convince otherwise.

"That's not what I mean. You know I'm here for you because I really want to be, I'm not using you," Eunwoo says, offering a white lie.

"I know, that's why I said it's about me. It's true I depend on you a lot because I have no friends here, and it's harder now that you can't always be there to solve all of my problems," you pause before continuing.

"So just let me think it through for now."

Eunwoo doesn't say anything as he stands still in his position, knowing it's best for you to have some time. Deep down inside, Eunwoo understands that it's not about you needing him to solve everything, but rather his own fear of losing you. You have been there for him, even when he resorted to dirty tricks, and now that you are starting to grow apart from him, he fears being left with nothing.

Just as you are both lost in your thoughts, Jaehyun steps in, approaching the staircase. He immediately makes eye contact with you, filled with regret and the desire to apologize, but his actions speak otherwise.

-- This morning, Jaehyun's feet moved in a dash as he exited the bus, the cold breeze hitting him as he sped up. It was early, Jaehyun had already arrived at school. Without bothering to set down his backpack, he made his way to the school field. Jaehyun knew he had to retrieve the lunchbox before anyone else did. It was the only reason he could use to meet up with you again and apologize. However, to his dismay, the lunchbox was nowhere to be found.

His eyes widened in a fluster as he realised the lunchbox was missing. Without hesitation, he began searching for it. Pulling down the sleeves of his sweater, he warmed his hand with a breath before Eunwoo appeared, holding the lunchbox.

"Once again, you're second, Jaehyun," Eunwoo remarked, lifting the lunchbox with one hand while the other remained in his pocket.

"I never come in second. You're the one always taking what's not yours," Jaehyun retorted.

"Like what? The scholarship?" Eunwoo's words struck a nerve with Jaehyun.

"What do you mean?" Jaehyun asked, caught off guard.

"I know about it, Jaehyun. I'm just surprised you're doing this behind the team," Eunwoo continued, receiving a glare from Jaehyun.

The mention of the scholarship ignited anger within Jaehyun, but he restrained himself before it escalated into a physical confrontation.

"Keep it," Jaehyun said sharply, pushing the lunchbox back towards Eunwoo, causing him to sway his hand.

"I don't need those things to come in first," Jaehyun declared firmly.

He watched Eunwoo laugh at his words as he walked away, leaving him alone on the bench. At that moment, Jaehyun made a decision. He wasn't solely aiming for the scholarship anymore; he was determined to prove that he could surpass Eunwoo in every aspect.

During that lunch break, Jaehyun headed off to the library after finishing his meal. If he ever hoped to surpass Eunwoo, he knew it had to start with his mind. As he solemnly made his way to the library, everything felt unfamiliar to him. Awkwardly navigating between the shelves, he eventually found himself in the architecture section. Knowing that Eunwoo's family owned a renowned architecture firm in Seoul, with Eunwoo destined to inherit it, Jaehyun couldn't help but feel the weight of the challenge ahead.

Jaehyun let his gaze wander as he roamed the shelves, unsure of what to do next. Eventually, he selected a book that caught his eye:

"The Architecture of Happiness".

Finding a secluded spot hidden between the shelves, Jaehyun settled down on the floor with eager anticipation, immersing himself in the book.

As he delved deeper into the world of architecture, Jaehyun's passion and understanding grew. He began devouring more architecture books and design compilations, expanding his knowledge. Simultaneously, his dedication to basketball training intensified, with Jaehyun pushing himself harder late into the evening.

One night, after wrapping up the extra training alone, Jaehyun was startled to see you entering the court, still in your school uniform, your fingers fidgeting nervously as you glanced around.

"Y/n?" Jaehyun called out, bending his head slightly to confirm your identity.

"Why are you here?" he inquired as you approached.

"I- is- is Eunwoo still here?"

"Eunwoo left an hour ago. You should leave too," Jaehyun advised.

"I see. I'll head out then," you replied, making your way towards the nearest bus stop. Jaehyun didn't stop you, accompanying you silently to the bus stop. As you both boarded the bus, Jaehyun took a seat behind you.

"You could have just texted him instead of coming here yourself," Jaehyun remarked, leaning forward slightly. You flinched at his words, turning your head to look at him.

"He hasn't been returning my calls or messages lately," you admitted.

Jaehyun stared at you, his expression unreadable. It was clear to him that Eunwoo was spending more time with Ye Won, neglecting you in the process.

"You already knew, didn't you?" Jaehyun asked, subtly referring to Eunwoo's relationship with Ye Won.

You simply nodded in response.

The rest of the bus ride passed in silence. You immediately put on your earphones after your conversation, and Jaehyun followed suit, leaning back in his seat. Glancing at your reflection in the window, Jaehyun tried to gauge your emotions, but your stoic expression gave nothing away.

As the night grew darker outside, you stared blankly into the distance, your mind wrestling with conflicting emotions. Despite the calmness of the night, you found no comfort. Just as you rested your head against the window, Jaehyun pressed the stop button behind you with determination.

"Ahjussi, this is our stop!" he called out.

Your confusion only deepened as Jaehyun guided you off the bus before your intended stop. You followed him, your brow furrowing as both of you walked down a street adorned with cherry blossom flowers and trees.

"Why are you bringing me here?" you asked, turning your head to look at him.

"No reason," he lied casually. "You might like it here."

Jaehyun spotted a bench nearby, and you surveyed your surroundings. The windy night had transformed the streets into a scene straight out of a dream, with nearly pure white cherry blossoms tinged with the palest pink fluttering gently in the breeze. They seemed like confetti in the air, descending around both of you. You stood still, lifting a hand in front of you as if to catch the falling blossoms. Jaehyun watched you intently from his seat on the bench. Just then, a cherry blossom flower drifted down and landed delicately in your open palm.

"Jaehyun! Did you see that?" you exclaimed excitedly, your eyes sparkling with childlike wonder as you skipped over to him, the flower cradled in your hand.

A warm, tender smile spread across Jaehyun's face, his dimples forming as he watched you.

"Hurry, make a wish," he urged gently.

You immediately placed your other palm next to the first, closing your eyes tightly and bowing your head toward the flower. You made a silent wish in your heart before opening your eyes with a happy sigh, taking a seat next to Jaehyun. He couldn't help but smile softly at your infectious happiness.

"What did you wish for?" he inquired.

"That your life will be as happy as I was when the flower landed in my palm," you replied earnestly.

"You should wish for Eunwoo to reply to you. Why wish for someone else?" Jaehyun teased gently.

"Because the best kind of wish is the one made for others," you grinned back at him before continuing.

"It was tough when things weren't going well at my father's firm. But when Eunwoo's family firm and ours did a project together, we wished for their success, and it happened. It felt like a miracle, Jaehyun," you added, meeting his gaze.

He listened intently, feeling a connection to you as you shared your story. Your vulnerability opened up a new understanding between you both.

"Here," you said, passing the flower to Jaehyun. "Maybe one day, you can make a wish for me."

With that, you stood up from the bench and began to walk away after adjusting your skirt. Jaehyun watched you go, then turned his gaze back to the cherry blossom. The beautiful night filled with cherry blossoms remained warm in your memories as you both returned home, leaving behind a quiet night filled with delightful memories.

"Oppa, the school festival is coming up. Are you going to perform again?" a junior asked Jaehyun nervously in the corridor of the school.

"What?" he replied, staring at her blankly, trying to understand what she was talking about.

"Well, you always perform during the school festival. I was wondering if you're going to perform again this year."

"Oh," Jaehyun hesitated. With his father no longer around to practice with, he wasn't considering performing this year.

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I am," he finally answered.

Jaehyun's performances during the school festival always attracted a lot of attention from girls, which made him feel a bit awkward. However, he only paid attention to his friends and basketball team, and now to Eunwoo, whom he aimed to beat.

He entered the classroom after stopping by the library as usual. Closing the door behind him, Jaehyun made his way back to his desk.

"What? You said you went where?" you asked as your classmate who sat in front of her repeated her story.

Jaehyun smirked slightly. He was sure you didn't know about the mall the other girl mentioned.

Jaehyun went through the architecture section in the library like always, wandering his eyes around the shelves. As his eyes went from one book to another, none of the books caught his attention this afternoon.

He let out a groan as he made his way to a seat. He took out a small drawing pen he held in his pocket, letting his fingers sketch on a sketchbook he had bought. Just then, he heard your and Eunwoo's voices conversing on the shelf next to his table. Making his attention on you both, he turned his head before deciding to ignore you as he went back to sketching.

"Y/n," Jaehyun could hear a voice calling it across the library as it broke the silence.

He lifted his head from the sketchbook, just as he saw you approached by a student council at a shelf next to his table. Immediately hiding his face with his hand by laying his head on his stretched arms across the table, facing the opposite of you both. Making sure he did not get caught but he continued to eavesdrop.

"Hi Jihyo," you said to the student council.

"Oh, hi Eunwoo. Didn't see you there," she said to Eunwoo.

"Do you think you can perform during the school festival? We need someone to start the dance during the evening dance event," she continued.

"I'm sorry-? What dance?"

"The principal is finally allowing us to do a dance event as the closing of the school festival," she explained before she continued.

"We would like to have you and Eunwoo perform as the opening for the dance event. Both of you can perform a slow dance, you guys used to go to the same art elementary school," she convinced you.

Jaehyun on the other side wasn't liking what he heard, he was hoping you to turn down the offer as there was a long pause after the conversation. He gathered his strength to his legs, feeling restless over the eavesdrop. He was ready to leave the library before you could answer. Eunwoo noticed Jaehyun at the table as he stood when he decided to leave the room but your voice stops his actions.

"Okay, I'll do it if Eunwoo is okay with it," you said.

Eunwoo immediately made eye contact with Jaehyun across the shelf.

"Sure, I'll do it," Eunwoo answered, still eyeing Jaehyun.

"For you," turned back his head to face you who has on his shoulder level, looking up at him.

Your lips curved upwards at Eunwoo's actions. You're glad Eunwoo is trying to amend your relationship but your guts are telling you otherwise. You were already drifting apart from each other with Eunwoo sneaking around behind your back with Ye Won. As much as you're hesitating, your actions never did anything to avoid him yet you feel it's hard to push him away.

"Jaehyun," said you as soon you lifted your head, making eye contact with him.

By your tone and your face that brightens up when you see Jaehyun, he can tell you're more interest in him eavesdropping on the conversation than being selected for the dance. But your happiness drops in a split of seconds when Jaehyun just passes by you, ignoring you both and making his way out of the library.

Your heart sank.

It wasn't the first time you received cold shoulders from him so you faced the floor, brushing away the feelings.

"So you wanna start to practise tonight?" Eunwoo asked immediately after he noticed you, you must have felt small.

"Yeah, that sounds great."

"I'll meet you at the court then after training, the court should be big enough for us."

You nodded as you gave a soft smile at him before both of you made your way to the classroom.

Jaehyun takes a quick look over at the audience on the benches. Usually, there are a few of their teammates' girlfriends, but today you are sitting casually as you sketch in your sketchbook. He shakes off his wandering thoughts and brings them back to the training. Not long after that, the training ended and the team headed to the changing room. Jaehyun stayed at the court for some personal practicing.

At first, he was just minding his own business when suddenly Eunwoo came to court again. He could see from the corner of his eyes that Eunwoo went to you as you too walked yourself down the court from the bench.

"Are you done yet?" you asked.

"Yeah, let's start practicing."

You nodded.

Jaehyun went back to his training after hearing that and you too started your practice. From time to time, Jaehyun took a glimpse of you both. He was confused by his actions. His eyes couldn't help but lay on you and Eunwoo dancing.

"Just making sure everything okay," he clarifies himself.

He looked at how gracefully you were dancing. Surely it proves a lot that both of you were from a performing arts school. He left a smile as he romanticized the view of you both dancing.

Looking at both of you dancing reminisces back his memories with his grandmother. He used to learn some dances with his grandmother, as she was a dancer. He adores graceful movements when she dances, it softens a part of him. It could make the world around him shut for a moment, the only thing that was bright and warm was the dances.

"Mr. Jeong, please have a seat," said a man opening the door for Jaehyun, the sight of Mr. Lee and his couch filled his eyes in the room.

He's been here every now and then, just the sight of Mr. Lee and a few men in suits seems new to him. His guts are telling him something was off but for now, all he could do is casually takes a seat next to the empty beside Mr. Lee at the desk.

"Jaehyun," his couch speaks as Jaehyun sits down and continues his words that leaving a shock on Jaehyun's face, he lifts his face to the couch. It was hard to believe what he heard.

"How about giving the scholarship spot to your teammate Eunwoo?"

#jaehyun #jaehyun angst #jaehyun fluff #jaehyun imagines #jaehyun scenarios #nct 127 #jaehyun x reader #nct scenarios #nct #nct imagines

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ravenrothstr · 3 months

Text

My Forever Valentine

Pairing: bf!Jaehyun x gf!reader

AU: non-idol au

Word Count: 2.6k

Summary: Throughout your years together, Jaehyun had consistently taken charge of organising your Valentine's Day celebrations, even though it was his own birthday. But as your fourth anniversary approached, you decided it was your turn to take the reins. Yet, in your attempt to plan the day, everything seemed to go awry. Or... did it?

A/N: It's Valentine's Day and Jaehyun's birthday, and since he's my NCT bias, ofc I had to write this.

MAIN MASTERLIST

Jung Jaehyun.

Your high school sweetheart.

He was the epitome of popularity in all your school years. Handsome, intelligent, and accomplished in almost every aspect of life, he seemed to effortlessly excel in everything he pursued. If anyone ever doubted god has favourites, they clearly have not seen him. He was the embodiment of perfection, and he was all yours.

But you? Not so much.

Unlike your boyfriend, you weren't a social butterfly, didn't hold the captaincy of any sports team, nor were you a contender for the valedictorian title. You were simply an average university student, striving to ensure you progressed to the next semester without the burden of retaking any courses.

And yet, Jaehyun seemed to see something in you that even you struggled to recognise.

Despite your enduring status as the quiet and shy girl since high school, you somehow managed to capture the attention of the basketball team's heartthrob of a captain. It was on Valentine's Day of your senior year that he confessed his feelings to you, and as a birthday gift to him, you chose to accept his confession.

As time passed, you found yourselves celebrating your fourth year together. Initially, you harboured fears that your seemingly perfect boyfriend would eventually leave you once he came to realise how ordinary you were. However, each passing year proved you wrong as he continued to demonstrate his love and care, meticulously planning unforgettable Valentine's Day celebrations, even when it was his own birthday.

On your first Valentine's Day together, right after you said yes to being his girlfriend, Jaehyun swept you off your feet with a heartfelt surprise. He took you to your favourite café, where you indulged in boba and shared laughter over cosy conversations. From there, he surprised you with a trip to the arcade, where you both embraced your inner children, playing games and capturing adorable photos together, photos you still keep in your wallets to this day.

For your second Valentine's Day, he went above and beyond to make it memorable. He planned a full day at the amusement park, starting with a thrilling morning at the water park, where you splashed and laughed together, enjoying the refreshing waves and thrilling slides. As the sun began to set, you ventured into the theme park, hand in hand, experiencing the exhilarating rides and magical atmosphere. The day concluded with a hearty dinner, where you toasted to your love and the memories you had created throughout the day.

On your third Valentine's Day, Jaehyun surprised you with a romantic mountain retreat, whisking you away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Surrounded by breathtaking views and serene nature, you spent the day indulging in multiple couple activities, from hiking hand in hand along scenic trails to picnicking by a tranquil lake. As the sun dipped below the horizon, you cosied up together by a crackling fire, cherishing the warmth of each other's company.

As your fourth anniversary and Valentine's Day approached, a newfound sense of confidence and assurance settled within you, bolstered by your boyfriend's unwavering love over the years. Slowly but surely, you found it increasingly difficult to imagine your life without him by your side, and you were determined to make this February 14th one to remember.

With a flutter of anticipation, you recalled approaching him with a gentle smile a couple of weeks ago, "Jae, I'd like to be the one to plan our Valentine's Day this year. Can I?"

Initially taken aback by your proposal, his eyes lit up with warmth and affection as he wholeheartedly agreed, "Of course, my love. We'll do anything you want." He responded with a kiss on your head, his reassurance melting away any lingering doubts.

Filled with excitement and determination, you spared no effort in arranging the perfect evening for him. After much deliberation and meticulous planning, you managed to secure a reservation at an exclusive restaurant facing a famous beach in Seoul. They offered a special Valentine's Day package, promising a lavish fine dining experience, captivating performances, and the opportunity to dance the night away under the stars.

During the dancing session, you had already made plans to express your desire to spend forever by his side. Tradition be damned, considering all he had done for you, you didn't mind taking the initiative to propose.

Getting home from your internship that evening, excitement bubbled within you and Jaehyun as you dressed in your finest attire, ready for a night of enchantment. You slipped into an elegant little black dress while he donned a sharp ensemble consisting of a crisp shirt, tailored pants, and a stylish blazer. The anticipation was palpable as you imagined the unforgettable evening ahead.

With his hand in yours and his other hand confidently guiding the steering wheel, you began your journey to the famous restaurant you had miraculously secured a booking with, "I'm so proud of you, my love," He said, his voice filled with admiration, "It usually takes months to secure a booking here, but you managed it in just weeks."

You couldn't contain your happiness, leaning your head against his shoulder with a grin, "I know, Jae. I still can't believe we're actually going there tonight," You replied excitedly, "Johnny is going to be so jealous! He's been raving about this place forever."

Or maybe he won't be jealous at all.

"We apologise deeply, miss! We were just about to contact you to inform you of the sudden closure of our restaurant!"

Oh, you've got to be kidding me.

Your heart sank upon arriving at the restaurant, met with unexpected news. A sudden kitchen malfunction had forced the establishment to close for the evening, leaving both of you frozen in disbelief. The weight of disappointment lingered heavily as you stood side by side at the restaurant's entrance, all dressed up with nowhere to go.

It felt like all your efforts had been in vain.

Feeling a surge of frustration and helplessness, you cast a glance at your boyfriend, uncertain of your next steps. His expression mirrored your own, a blend of disappointment and disbelief evident in his eyes. Silence settled between you for a moment as you both processed the unexpected turn of events.

Unfortunately, leaving was definitely not an option. Situated on the outskirts of Seoul, the restaurant's distance from the city meant that returning now would consume too much time. Besides, the unpredictability of traffic congestion could potentially result in both of you arriving well past midnight if you were to depart at this moment.

Letting out a sigh, you reached out to grasp his hand, "Gosh, I-I'm so sorry, Jae," You murmured, the words tinged with regret, "The one time I took charge of our Valentine's Day plans, this happens."

His immediate frown of disapproval at your self-blame was evident as he gently cupped your face in his hands, "Hey, none of this is your fault," He reassured, his voice soft but firm, "No one could have predicted this. It's alright; we'll find something else to do here."

Ugh, can he be any more perfect?

He pressed a reassuring kiss onto your lips before scanning the surroundings, searching for a solution. Suddenly, a glimmer of hope brightened his expression as he spotted a 24-hour convenience store around the corner and the picturesque beach still stretched out before you.

"Perhaps a romantic evening is still within reach." He suggested, his optimism infectious as he swiftly removed his blazer and draped it around your bare shoulders, ready to make the most of the sudden change of plans.

Stepping into the nearby convenience store, you were both greeted by the inviting glow of fluorescent lights. The weight of earlier disappointment seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of warmth and comfort as you watched Jaehyun move gracefully down the aisles, effortlessly selecting your favourite foods, snacks, and drinks. Each item he chose, each thoughtful gesture, further solidified your desire to spend the rest of your life by his side.

With each passing second, the idea of being without him became unimaginable. In his presence, you found a sense of belonging and home that you knew you never wanted to live without.

Lost in the moment, overwhelmed with gratitude for the man you called yours, you couldn't resist the urge to hug him from behind. His smile greeted you as he turned to look at you over his shoulder, "Everything alright?" You nodded against him, replying softly, "Just wanted to be close to you."

The both of you were completely oblivious to the cashier rolling his eyes at the display and glancing away. However, any traces of irritation dissolved as soon as you both politely completed your payment and even extended well wishes for the remainder of his shift. Maybe, just maybe, he found the two of you a tad cute.

Emerging from the store with your arms laden with goodies, you made your way back to the beach, the cool breeze carrying the scent of saltwater and possibility. Settling down on the soft sand, your boyfriend made sure to keep you warm, tightening his blazer snugly around your frame, "Can't have you catching a cold, my love. Just tell me if you're feeling too chilly, hm?" Despite your long history together, his thoughtfulness never failed to make your heart flutter.

As the sky shifted into a tapestry of vibrant hues, you shared a playful exchange about the potential teasing from your friends regarding the unexpected turn of your date as you ate, "Ugh, Donghyuck is never going to let me hear the end of this. I was boasting to him just yesterday," You lamented with a groan, eliciting laughter from Jaehyun, "I'll give him a piece of my mind if he dares."

With the stars twinkling overhead and the gentle lull of the ocean as your backdrop, you couldn't imagine a more perfect setting for your makeshift Valentine's Day celebration.

Finishing the last of your kimbap, you leaned into his embrace, watching the moon rise over the horizon, your heart warmed as you felt him tighten his hold around you before tracing kisses down the side of your face, "I still can't believe we came all this way, dressed up and everything, just to be told the restaurant's closed. I promise next year will be better, Jae."

"It doesn't matter what we do. All I need is you by my side, my love," He whispered, nuzzling his face against the crook of your neck. You felt a rush of emotion welling in your eyes, quickly blinking it away, "Okay, okay, it's time for your birthday cake."

Giving him a quick peck on his cheek, you reached into the bag of treats you had gotten from the convenience store earlier. Pulling out a colourful cupcake adorned with sprinkles, you carefully placed a candle on top and lit it, shielding the flame from the gentle ocean breeze with your hand.

Clearing your throat, you began to sing the familiar birthday song, your voice mingling with the sound of the waves crashing nearby, "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Jaehyun..."

His grin widened as he listened to your melody, his eyes shining with affection. When you reached the final verse, you leaned forward, presenting the cupcake before him, "Come on, birthday boy," You teased playfully, "Make a wish."

With a nod, he closed his eyes and pressed his hands together, his expression one of quiet contemplation. After a moment, he whispered his wish into the wind, his words barely audible over the sound of the ocean.

Curious, you leaned in closer, waiting with bated breath to hear his wish. And when he finally spoke, his words filled your heart with warmth and joy, "I wish for you to be my forever Valentine."

Tears welled up in your eyes at his words, "No fair—I was going to ask you first. You're always a step ahead."

He chuckled softly, "I suppose you'll have to get used to it for the rest of your life. Are you up for that?"

Without hesitation, you leaned in to press your lips against his, "Are you kidding? Of course, I am."

As the moonlight cast a soft glow over the two of you, he reached into his pocket and retrieved a small velvet box. Your eyes widened in surprise as he opened it, revealing a dazzling ring nestled inside.

"I've been waiting for the perfect moment to do this," Jaehyun confessed, his voice filled with sincerity, "I wanted to propose to you this year, regardless of who was in charge of our Valentine's Day plans. And considering you hinted at wanting to ask me first, I'm assuming your answer is a resounding yes."

Your heart skipped a beat as you gazed at the ring, the significance of the moment sinking in. Speechless and overcome with emotion, you nodded fervently, unable to find the words to express the overwhelming love and gratitude swelling within you.

Jaehyun slid the ring onto your finger, sealing your bond with a promise of forever. With a soft grin, he stood up from his seat, extending his hand toward you with an overdramatic bow, "Would you care to dance, my beautiful future Mrs. Jung?" He asked, his eyes sparkling with love and excitement.

Giggling softly, you placed your hand in his, feeling a surge of joy at the thought of the future ahead, "I'd love to, Mr. Jung."

As the two of you swayed clumsily along the shore, the diamond ring on your finger catching the moonlight, the rhythmic sound of the waves provided a soothing melody. Your boyfriend, now fiancé, held you close, his gaze locked with yours as he pulled you in, resting his forehead against yours.

"If you still have any doubts," He murmured softly, lips brushing against yours, "I want you to know that this has been my absolute favourite Valentine's Day and birthday celebration so far."

Your heart melted at his words, and you nodded, feeling a wave of emotion wash over you, "I believe you, Jae."

With a dimpled smile, he leaned in, his lips catching yours in a loving kiss that conveyed the depth of your shared love. As you melted into his embrace, you realised that sometimes the most memorable moments are the unplanned ones. Despite the unexpected change of plans, you were content with how the evening had unfolded.

After all, even if you had been displeased with this Valentine's Day, there would be plenty more in the future to make up for it.

He's mine, forever.

Bonus:

Glancing at the time, you both agreed it was time to head home. As you gathered your belongings and approached Jaehyun's car, you were surprised to see the cashier from the convenience store earlier emerging from the shop and walking past you both, seemingly finishing his shift.

"Hey there, need a ride home? It's getting late, and we're happy to drop you off anywhere along our way." Your fiancé offered kindly, motioning towards his car.

The young man, whose name tag was revealed as Jisung, shook his head with a smile, "Thanks, but I'll be alright. I live just around the corner. You two have a safe journey back to the city, though."

You nodded in acknowledgement, watching as he continued on his way before pausing after a few steps, turning back to face you and Jaehyun, "Oh, um... congratulations, by the way. I saw the proposal from inside the store." He mentioned, nodding towards your ring, and both of you blushed.

With a sheepish shrug, he offered a light smile, "Happy Valentine's Day, and I wish you both all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you, Jisung."

As he made his way home, the young man couldn't help but shake his head with a small smile. Alright, perhaps he did find the two of you incredibly adorable. A part of him felt a warmth within, witnessing such genuine love between you both. It left him hoping to find someone just as special for himself someday.

Happy Valentine's Day to you all, my lovelies! Just another self-indulgent piece HAHA this is what happens when you've been single for way too long lmfao I'll pretend this is exactly how my Valentine's Day is going to go :)

Leave a message or reply to lmk if you'd like to be added (or removed, I'd understand) from my master tag list! As always, thank you for reading and I look forward to hearing all your thoughts! <3

Tag list: @cereal-simp @itstheghostofmypast @vantediary @green-agent @sharksandminhos

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ravenrothstr · 3 months

Text

Masterlist ˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗

disclaimer. the story is fully fictional. other names mentioned are just for the story and pure imagination, with no bad intentions

Once Again

summary. jaehyun and his classmates go through the darkness of adulthood fill with bitterness, where both of them ended finding each other sparks in within

genre. high school! au, second chance love, fluff

I Shouldn't Have Met My Idol

summary. y/n chasing her dreams of working as a graphic designer at SM to meet Jaehyun, just to find out expectations are different than reality

genre. idol! au, fluff

words count. 12.0k

#jaehyun #jaehyun angst #jaehyun fluff #jaehyun imagines #jaehyun scenarios #nct 127 #jaehyun x you #jaehyun x reader #jaehyun x y/n

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