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#he starts acting all dramatic again in the next set
charlietheepicwriter7 · 2 months
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H̵̩͋o̸̹͒l̶̢̑ď̸͕ ̵͔͛T̴̲̄h̶͙͋e̶̤͘m̵͍̋ ̷͓̈D̵̯͛o̶̡̅w̵̖̃n̵͝ͅ
Get in the Water AU: Original Post Ruthlessness
Ghosts were physiologically different from humans.
It was something Tucker and Sam didn't understand. They saw Phantom as "Danny with superpowers," not as a fundamentally different being.
Sometimes, Danny didn't understand either.
But his parents did. Utter disregard for the scientific method aside, the Fentons were the ones who learned how inhuman ghosts were: "Just emotions and electricity imprinted on ectoplasm, Danno, nothing to be scared of!" Snapshots of people at the moments of their deaths. The past and the present, incapable of contemplating the future.
And with his duality, Danny struggled to understand either of his halves.
As a human, Danny could move past his nightmare of a childhood, compartmentalize and think to the future, when he was fully healed and his past couldn't hurt him anymore. So when Dora, first elected Queen of the Infinite Realms - long may she reign - asked him to collect all the resurrected humans for a health check and assessment... when he'd noticed Damian Al Ghul-Wanye on the list... He'd thought up a little prank to pull on his long-lost brother. A cruel one, perhaps, but nothing harmful.
As a ghost, Danny couldn't move on. He could never forget that Sam led him to his death, that his parents negligence allowed for the stage to be set, that the lab they loved so much held both his home and his grave. Just as Danny would always be that fourteen year old, caught in that moments, he was still the 7-year-old Danyal Al Ghul who trusted his brother not to hurt him... and ended up poisoned.
Phantom wanted his murderer to suffer.
And Danny, much to his shame, had allowed it.
For a few weeks, Danny managed to ignore it. He'd gone after Damian first, so there were tons of resurrected on his list. He started with the more extreme cases first, like Constantine, but soon enough the next on his list was Ra's Al Ghul.
He'd asked Queen Dora to send someone else, anyone else. That he wouldn't be able to control himself if he saw his grandfather again. Instead of relieving him, she'd given him a knowing look and told him to follow his core's desire.
She never mentions it, but Queen Dora had been a murder victim too.
There was no showmanship, no dramatic reveal. Just Danyal, his grandfather, and the Pit.
Despite all Ra's Al Ghul's power, he was no match for a spirit hellbent on drowning him.
That's what Danny did to his grandfather. He'd thrown up afterwards, once he was human before. But the ghost in him relished the act; he could still feel Grandfather's throat under his hands, pulse fluttering against his palm as Danyal held him down. He struggled and shook as the Lazarus waters filled his lungs, burning away healthy tissue. Fingernails morphed into claws that sliced through the tender skin, blood leaking into the water, and water leaking into the blood.
It took a long time for Grandfather to die. Deep within Danny, next to his core, he knew it was what was deserved. That the murdered finally had justice. He was content with never speaking of it again, a secret between him and the waters.
And now it was going to happen again as Phantom's impulsive mind overtook Fenton's tactical one.
He'd known Damian was looking into him. Knew another confrontation was inevitable, what with two more of his siblings needing their health checks. But as Danny was stalking their mother, searching for the best way to abduct her (she was still his mother after all, he didn't want her dead... yet), Damian and his family confronted her.
Relief washed over him as only a normal amount of rage bubbled up at the sight of Damian, instead of the overwhelming, all-consuming fury he'd felt. Danny laughed at their arguments, at Constantine thinking he could put a living ghost to rest, at his siblings-unmet and his father-unknown, until...
Damian confessed.
His murderer confessed, yet as he continued to speak, to explain, the fury rose in him again. Because it wasn't a betrayal. He'd always thought Damian betrayed him, but no.
Through his own ruthlessness, Damian gave him the only mercy he could manage. And there was only one thing Danyal wanted now.
""̸̲̈́T̶͘͜ä̵̢li̸a̶̬̓ ̴̬̐A̵̛̪l̸̲̚ G̸̛̫h̶̺̏u̸̢̚l!̴̳̈́ D̷̩̕o̸͛ͅ ̶̝̍y̴͙͘o̵̙͐u̵̬̓ ̴̤͂k̸̡̑n̵͓̈́o̷͈͝w̷͖͂ ̷͓͑w̴̧̄h̵̲͌o̴̮̔ ̵̼́Ị̷̂ ̷̣̽a̵̳̓m̷̩̓?̷̝͒"̷̧͠"
It was her fault. She was the reason why he was dead, nothing more than a coward who couldn't go against her father for the sake of her children. She abused them, she struck his brother, it was her fault-
"Danyal," she answered. And Danyal grinned, fanged and sharp.
He approached, the waters of his birthplace lovingly brushing against his legs, consoling him the only way they knew how. They whispered revenge into his ears, madness into his heart, just as they had when he'd confronted Damian, when he murdered Grandfather. "You have much to answer for, daughter of the Demon Head," he said, voice echoing around the room.
Unrestrained greed filled her gaze. "You've returned to me, my son."
Danyal laughed, brutal and rough. "I've returned for you, Mother," he corrected. "Don't think this reunion will end well for you."
"You mean to hurt me, Danyal?" she crooned, all false hurt and fake love.
"I mean to kill you."
Genuine anger flashed across her face. "My son would never-"
"Y̵̺̆o̴̩͂u̸͉̕r̷̰͝ ̴͔͝s̵̡̉o̶̡̎ň̵̞ ̶̗̈i̴̘̍s ̸̦̐d̴̯̚ê̶͚á̶̩d̷̻̈́," he snarled, and Damian flinched. He was too close to Talia. "You wanted me dead... for being weak. For having mercy." He stared up at his mother's shocked form. "I killed Grandfather. Tell me, is that ruthless enough for you, Umi?" Talia flinched with just her eyes. He hadn't been allowed to call her Umi since he was three.
Their father stepped forward, the naked distress on his face contrasting with his battle armor. "Danyal," he plead. "You don't have to do this-"
"Stay out of this, Baba." The man's breathing hitched. "This doesn't involve you."
Constantine tried to talk him down next. "It does, kid. A Siren on your level can't stay around for long. It's time for you to rest."
Danyal threw back his head and laughed. "As if you could stop me, exorcist." No more delays. It's time for action. "I will drown you all before you can."
Danyal lunged. And despite his mother's decades as an assassin, she couldn't kill what was already dead.
He held her down by the throat, the attacks from Damian's family bouncing off him. "This is mercy," he cooed as she desperately clawed at his hands. "For me. For Damian. For everyone you will try to hurt in the future. Ruthlessness is the only mercy I can give you now." Her face turned red as she gaped for air and Danyal-
Was thrown back into the water.
Reorienting himself, he found John Constantine standing over his mother, protecting her from him. "̷̪͂E̷̺͐x̷̝̑ŏ̶̺ȑ̴͉c̷̟͘i̸͔̋s̶̮̀t̶̯͝."
And the Pit's water began to rise.
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obsessedwithceleste · 2 months
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Til It’s Gone
Theodore Nott x reader
Based on this cute lil request 🤗
Summary: It seemed like they’d always been there. An ever-growing thorn in Theodore’s side. He really didn’t realize what he’d had until it was gone. (Happy ending I swear)
word count: 3.2k
©️ obsessedwithceleste. all works posted here belong to me and should not be reposted or copied in any way or form.
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Theo let out a heavy sigh as he slumped into his seat, ignoring the cheery smile on your face as you turned to face him.
“Hi Theodore!” You chirped brightly, gaze landing on the tall brunette boy coming to sit next to you.
Salazar, here we go, Theo thought bitterly.
“Theo.”
“Right. Theo. How was your day?” You continued on, seemingly oblivious to his indifference as you scribbled mindlessly on your parchment.
Theodore wasn’t stupid. Quite the opposite in fact. He knew you liked him. That much you’d made rather obvious. Especially as of late. If saving him a seat everyday in this miserable class didn’t make it clear to everyone that you had a certain affection for the boy, then the notes dropped in his bag, or kisses blown from across the Great Hall certainly did.
The only reason Theo even accepted sitting next to you was because the seat was positioned perfectly to be just outside of Professor Binns’ field of vision, saving him the work of pretending to care about whatever topic the professor was rattling on about.
“I don’t see why you even put up with it all,” Mattheo often said. “Just reject them and move on with it.”
“Or at least stop sitting with them. You’re only encouraging them,” Enzo would add.
Yet, here he was, still sat lazily in the seat next to you. Theo didn’t particularly care that you fancied him to be quite honest. He’d gotten used to the same pattern of stoically ignoring your chatter, copying your carefully organized notes, and leaving. So long as you weren’t too annoying, he didn’t see the harm in sticking around. Besides it’s not like you weren’t easy on the eyes. And he supposed there was something to be said about the confidence with which you acted that set you apart from the general hoard of girls harboring similar feelings.
“Theo?”
Your voice snapped him out of his thoughts as he glances at you out of the corner of his eye.
“Fine.” He replied tersely before turning once more to stare blankly ahead.
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He’d changed his mind. Absolutely not. This was horrible. At this point, Theo wasn’t even sure if you actually liked him, or were only claiming you did as an excuse to see how much you could embarrass him.
“Mate, this is getting to be Weaselette levels of weird,” Draco said as their group stared in horror at the third year who had approached them warily in the halls with a poem to read aloud in hand.
Theo visibly shuddered, remembering the awful valentine the youngest Weasley had sent Saint Potter a few years prior.
“Save everyone the embarrassment and walk away now, kid,” Draco told the boy. “Go on. Scram.”
The third year didn’t need to be told twice and quickly darted off, away from the group of Slytherin boys.
“It isn’t even 8am mate. Where does that girl get the time to do all this?” Enzo grumbles as they made their way into the Great Hall for breakfast.
Theo simply ignores his friend’s comments, something he was getting used to doing, as they all sat down at their usual table.
They’d all seemed to have an opinion on you as soon as it became apparent that you had developed a crush on him, and Theo had just about had enough of his friend’s seemingly endless comments regarding his not so secret admirer.
The familiar small parcel tied neatly with a white ribbon that sat waiting for Theodore in his usual spot didn’t go unnoticed, starting the whole thing up again.
“For Salazar’s sake Theo, do you not find it creepy?” Draco asks, eyeing the package.
Theo rolled his eyes at his dramatic friend.
“I don’t care. You all seem to be more interested in y/n’s little stunts than I am, and I’m the one they’re intended for. They’re harmless. Just leave it and they’ll probably get bored eventually.”
“Yeah, or they’ll just keep it up thinking you’re playing all hard to get or what not,” Mattheo snorts.
Theo just glares at his friend, stabbing a sausage with his fork. Just behind Matt’s head, seated at a table with your own friends, Theo sees you blow a kiss his way, winking cheekily.
“Aw, they growing on you? Who would’ve thought dark and broody would be into golden girl herself,” Mattheo teases, earning him a sharp kick from under the table.
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“Morning Theodore,” you greet, as the brooding boy once again took his seat beside you, this time in potions.
“It’s Theo.”
“That’s what I said.”
You hear the boy let out a small snort and you smile to yourself. That was one of the biggest reactions you’d been able to get out of the boy.
Your friends often wondered why you so insistently pursued the grumpy Slytherin boy, despite his general apathy towards you, and honestly, it was as simple as the fact that you enjoyed the challenge.
It was like your own little game of cat and mouse. Constantly finding little ways to make the boy smile, even if he didn’t realize it was you. And the rush of excitement you got anytime you were able to elicit any sort of reaction from the boy was like a drug that kept you coming back for more.
You’d found that the best way to elicit such reactions was by staging little acts of public affection whether it be a kiss sent his way or an origami note perched on his desk. Each time, you could see the heat rise softly in the boy’s cheeks as he tried desperately to keep it at bay, sometimes even fighting back a small smile.
Today you had come to class a bit early in order to set up both you and Theo’s potion stations before the brown haired Slytherin arrived, taking extra care to gather enough ingredients for each of your potions. You weren’t even sure he realized that you were doing all this for him, but watching his satisfied smile as he brewed away made it worth it.
That was another thing you had grown to appreciate about the boy. While his friends were all rather light-minded and rowdy, his wit and level-headedness balanced out the group. Theo was smart, and didn't feel the need to make a point about it, flying under the radar of many of your classmates when it came to who had the best marks. Sure it was fun to tease the boy, but you also had a certain admiration for him that went deeper then the nonserious way you often conducted yourself around him.
The rest of the class passed in a sort of agreed upon silence as you worked on your potions. Of course you’d like to talk to Theo a bit, but you’d found he’d preferred the silence, usually not uttering more than a few words to you per class. It was something you could work on eventually you supposed.
“See you later Theodore,” you said brightly once you had finished gathering up your things. Joining your group of friends, you toss one last wave over your shoulder at the boy, smiling to yourself. He hadn’t bothered to correct you for once.
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The last thing Theo expected while roaming the dusty shelves of the library was to hear his own name being whispered from deeper within the maze of books he was searching through. The library was where he went to escape his friend’s incessant gossip about the rest of the school’s population, yet he was interested in what was being said about him. He didn’t often venture outside his usual group of Slytherins, so he didn’t know exactly what he expected to hear.
Following the loud whispers, Theo stopped, looming in the shadows once he was able to make out the dark figures of students huddled in one of the many rows of books.
“Sure Theo might be one of the most attractive boys in our year, but his head is so far up his own arse, it’s a wonder he can see straight.” A voice practically snarled as its owner leaned lazily against one of the shelves.
Theo felt himself immediately tense. Is that what they thought now? His fists clenched as he refrained from crashing through the shelves to give these snots a piece of his mind.
“Honestly, being an arrogant prick isn’t something to be proud of. He’s just like every other Slytherin who makes being a pure blood their only personality trait.” Another voice adds.
“Oh fuck off you two.”
Theo’s ears perk up, surprised to hear your voice join the chatter.
“Please, like you’re one to talk y/n. You’re practically blinded by desperation. Theo Nott is an utter prat and he treats you like shit. Have some bloody self respect.”
“I’m not desperate, you git. And Theodore isn’t an arrogant prick. There’s nothing wrong with having a little bit of pride. It’s not like you see him going around bragging about how amazing he is. If you’re going to talk about arrogant pricks, talk about Cormac. Or Draco even.”
“Whatever. That still doesn’t excuse his behavior towards you. I don’t understand why you insist on embarrassing yourself when he clearly has no interest in you. But he’s too much of a coward to say anything.”
“Oh for the love of- Theodore doesn’t owe anyone anything. Me included. I do the things I do because I can and I want to, and quite frankly it isn’t anyone else’s business but my own. So why don’t you two get your heads out of your own arses and stop worrying about me, and stop worrying about Theodore.”
With that, Theo listened as your footsteps slowly got quieter as you stomped away, your words ringing in his head.
Theo had never been in love before. But in that moment, he was beginning to see the appeal. Fuck that was hot as hell.
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For Theo, it all spiraled down from there as he finally began to see you. Really see you. And not just as some girl who had a silly crush on him.
It started with the notes. He hadn’t noticed before, but it wasn’t just him that you’d slip a note to in the hallway. After one particularly difficult transfiguration exam, Theo watched as you dropped a note with a chocolate candy attached into the bags of your friends.
Another day, he arrived to potions early to find you carefully setting up his station as he hovered in the doorway. After class, he didn’t rush out like he normally would and instead watched as you quietly slipped an extra copy of your notes to a student he knew struggled with the class.
And while you weren’t exactly blowing kisses to all of your friends across the Great Hall, Theo began to notice the way you didn’t hesitate to throw your arms around your friends, hugging them tightly when you got excited. Or grasping onto a hand as you wandered through Hogsmeade, arms swinging in carefree bliss.
It was about a month after Theo had begun his silent observations that he began to feel it. The slow pull away as your presence began to fade from his life. He almost didn’t notice at first. It had been about a week since he’d last found a note in his bag, or parcel waiting for him on his seat. You still smiled brightly at him if your eyes met from across the Great Hall, but now that he thought about it, Theo couldn’t remember the last time you’d blown a kiss his way.
It all came to a head the day Theo walked into History of Magic to see one of your friends sitting next to you in his usual seat, chattering away.
“Nice mate, they finally get the message?” Mattheo asks with a grin, elbowing him in the ribs.
Theo remained silent as he followed his friend to a seat in the back, eyes not leaving the spot where he should be sitting.
It continued on like this for what Theo thought was eternity. Salazar he missed you. Weeks passed filled with sleepless nights where he would stare at the ceiling contemplating where he had gone wrong. At the very beginning really, he thought dryly, remembering his initial feelings of agitation and annoyance. He wished he could go back and give himself a good smack upside the head.
The day Theo passed you in the hall and you didn’t even spare him a passing glance was the day Theo finally broke.
“Lorenzo.” He said, slamming the door of their dormitory open, startling his roommate.
“Theodore?”
Theo glares at the use of the name.
“You’re the romantic type. How do I do it?” Theo asked as he stomped his way over to his bed.
With a bemused look, Enzo swings around to look at his roommate, wondering if one of the ghosts had somehow possessed him.
“You want to know. How to do romance?” Enzo asks slowly, not fully believing he’d heard his friend correctly. Theo was probably one of the most emotionally detached people he’d ever met.
“Yes. Y/n. I want to make it up to her.”
"I thought we didn't like her?" Enzo said, growing more concerned for his friend's mental state by the minute.
"We didn't. But now we do, and I want to make things right."
Enzo blinked. Oh this was not going to be easy.
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As you sat in the court yard with a group of your friends, textbooks in hand as you attempted to study for the charms test the next day, your eyes flickered momentarily as a sea of green wandered by. Quickly you look away before your eyes could meet Theo’s and you try to turn your attention back to your friend’s idle chatter.
It had been what? A month since you’d stopped actively seeking out the boy’s attention. Maybe more. And you missed him. His sarcastic smiles and pretty eyes that seemed to be fixed in a permanent glare.
But you were also tired. Mostly tired of the snarky comments. “Have some self respect.” “So desperate.” The voices of your classmates echoed in your head, and eventually you began to draw back. You knew he’d noticed. You’d seen his eyebrows furrow in confusion that day you’d let your friend sit beside you in class. A pang of guilt washing over you. But it’s not like he showed any signs of wanting things to go back to the way they were. So you simply stayed away. Maybe that’s what he’d wanted all along.
Your thoughts followed you as you eventually made your way back to your dormitory, wanting nothing more than to wrap yourself up in a warm blanket and disappear. As you approach your bed however, you make out something that definitely wasn’t there when you’d left that morning. A gorgeous bouquet of little white flowers wrapped in thick brown paper, tied off with a silky emerald green ribbon. Stamped on the corner of one of the brown folds, the letters TN shown at you in gold curls.
“Oh those are beautiful!” Your roommate gasps when she sees the flowers. “Lily of the valley! Those can symbolize renewal ya know. Usually they’re given as like, an apology of sorts, or if someone wants to start over.” She tells you. Ever the herbology buff. “Who are they from?”
A smile grows on your lips as her words sink in and you press the flowers close to your chest.
“Just a special friend,” you reply.
After all the months of Theo's coldness towards you, you'd never quite allowed yourself to truly believe the boy would ever return your affection, but maybe things were beginning to look up.
Over the course of the next several days, you begin to notice little things that had Theodore’s name written all over them.
After the charms exam the following day, you find a note of encouragement written in Theo’s familiar scrawl dropped in your bag along with a bag of your favorite toffees. How he’d managed to get it there without you noticing was beyond you.
There were little things too. Your stations in herbology and astronomy were always set up and waiting for you when you walked into class. The book on ancient runes that you’d been searching for showed up on your bedside table. (You weren’t sure how he was doing that either, but you weren’t about to question it.) And there always seemed to be a comfortable smirk on Theodore’s face whenever your eyes wandered over to where he sat with his friends, eyes seemingly boring into you.
Now, you sat quietly in your own little nook of the library, quill in hand as you scribbled away at your ancient runes essay, the book Theo left you being quite helpful.
You were happy he'd found his way back into your life, happier still that he was actually making a point to be included in your life.
“You don’t mind do you?” A voice asks, startling you and causing ink to splatter against the parchment.
With shocked eyes, you look up to see Theodore standing next your table as if your thoughts had summoned him there. He sets his books down, frowning at your now ruined paper.
With a flick of his wand, the mess is gone.
“Sorry bout that,” he mutters, sitting down across from you.
You blink, not entirely convinced you’re not hallucinating.
“You know, I remember you being much more talkative,” he says, a sly smirk reaching across his face as you realize you’ve yet to say anything to the boy.
“I remember you being significantly less talkative,” you blurt out before quickly covering your mouth with your hand in horror.
To your relief, the boy in front of you lets out a low laugh.
"Fair enough. See you've been liking the book," he says, gesturing towards the open text.
"Oh yeah, I've been meaning to say something, thank you."
"Don't worry bout it. I never said thank you for all the things you did. Probably should've." He replies, looking down as he pulls out his own quill and parchment. "I am sorry by the way."
"For?" You ask, head tilting to the side in curiosity.
"Everything. Or for doing nothing is probably more accurate," he says, flipping open his text book.
You can tell that he's nervous as he fidgets with the corners of the book's pages, and you desperately want to ease the tension between the two of you.
A moment of silence passes between the two of you as you debate whether or not to say anything more, or go back to your essay. Finally, you look up at the boy that you had been chasing after for all these months, and remind yourself that he had actually been the one to go through all the trouble of seeking you out tonight.
Gathering your courage, you open your mouth to speak. "Theodore?"
"Yes, Bella?" he replies, eyes carefully following the lines of next.
"Would you like to join me in Hogsmeade this weekend?"
His eyes snap up at this, and you see the familiar hint of red make it's way into his cheeks once more.
"Only if I can have my seat back in History of Magic." The boy replies.
"I think I can have that arranged."
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Hi hi hi! I hope this lives up to all of your hopes and dreams, anon 🫶🏽
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w2sology · 1 month
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i would love if you wrote a lil sum ab reader doing random couple trends on tiktok w bogg!!! luv ur writing always x
10/10, harry lewis.
summary: you try to do the 'rating my boyfriend throughout the day' trend with harry.
warnings: allusions to sex
notes: i love this trend but it makes me feel so single so i hate it.
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you started off by recording you and harry when you two had just woken up, he was in the middle of one of his morning rants about the sizes of donuts and why they had to be agreeable to the price when you noticed the position you were in.
no matter how you and harry lay in bed, he always woke up slightly on top of you and eventually shifted until he lay fully on top of you. right then, his head was on your chest as his arms wrapped around you, one of his hands tracing random shapes on your waist, creeping underneath the night shirt you wore.
recording a small clip, you laughed at a comment harry made about being able to eat like a pig, before writing a caption on it.
4/10, forgets i'm smaller than him and uses me as his personal pillow in the mornings.
the next clip you recorded was after you had stepped out of the shower, towel and bathrobe on as you made your way to your vanity. preparing to start on your skincare and makeup for the day, you were interrupted by harry waltzing into the room with a cup of tea for you.
you decided not to bring up his allergy to knocking on doors before entering ("i've seen it all before, why do i have to knock?" he'd usually frown) but instead hold your hands to your heart as you awed aloud.
"you act like i don't usually do this, babe" he laughed at your reaction, kissing your lips as he set the mug down on the table.
"i mean you do, but still, it just warms my heart," you giggled that intoxicating giggle that harry loved so much, throwing your arms around his neck as you pressed your lips to his again.
10/10, brought me a morning tea 🥹🥹🥹
later on in the day, you lay on the couch with harry at your feet, your legs in his lap as he massaged your feet absentmindedly, considering his full attention was on the football match on the telly.
you should've known that when harry said he'd watch dubai bling with you, he's find a way to get out of it. and there he was, mumbling to himself as he watched chelsea fumble yet another attempt.
"fuck me, this is shit," he sighed, throwing his arms up and accidentally dropping them on your legs.
"hey," you frowned, moving your legs off of his lap. but before you could harry was grabbing them back to where they were.
"no, don't do that," he whispered softly, still watching the telly.
"harry," you groaned. "you said you'd watch tv with me, not this."
"i know, sweetheart, we can watch after it's finished, can't we?" he looked at you, fingers running up and down your slightly exposed leg.
"it's not the same though."
"you're right. what you want to watch is prerecorded and this is live," he smiled, quickly turning back to the tv and groaning aloud as a player received a yellow card.
pulling out your phone, you recorded a clip of harry with a frown on your face, stifling a laugh at how focused he looked.
2/10, chose football over me and also outsassed me.
later on in the day, harry wanted to get out for a bit of fresh air and he promised you ice cream from the new cafe that opened near you.
whilst you sported a hoodie of his over some leggings, harry stuck to the stereotype of the boyfriend that was never cold and wore a compression shirt paired with some nike shorts.
"i wish we had a dog to take on some of these walks with us," you sighed dramatically.
"don't push it, you know what happened to herb." harry shut you down quite quickly, reaching for your hand as you walked next to him.
you always found it adorable that no matter what setting you were in, harry would always find a way to make sure he was physically with you, mainly by holding your hand.
once you got your ice cream, harry walked ahead for you to open the door as you held the small tub. you knew what was coming, so you got out your phone to prepare to catch the moment on camera.
harry stayed ahead of you for a little longer, waiting for you to get your things together, scrolling on his phone as he did so. when he thought you were done, without looking back to check, he held his hand out for you to take, still walking ahead of you.
you couldn't help but squirm and awe on the inside at this seemingly nonchalant gesture as you took his hand, it was everything to you.
11/10, no explanation needed... just hand holding <333
back at home, harry was editing a video that he and the boys had filmed since it was his turn.
he had on his glasses and was sitting on top of the duvet of your bed, looking so... biteable. you couldn't help but want his attention.
when he put the laptop to the side for a bit you took this as your cue, rolling over from your side of the bed and straddling him, a leg on either side of his.
"you alright?" harry inquired, smiling at you with tired eyes. you nodded, a smile on your face as you inched closer and pressed kisses all over his face.
his hands gripped at your waist as you pressed your lips to his, groaning at contact a little. "y/n," he breathed out between kisses. "i have to finish... the video."
yet he made no attempt to detach himself from you.
pulling away, you looked at him with dopey eyes and a matching dopey smile.
"you're so pretty," you cooed, to which his cheeks warmed at.
"and you're not," he smirked, catching your lips with his before you could say something back. your hand tussled in his hair as you hummed into the kiss, never wanting it to end.
"okay wait, i really have to finish that video," harry sighed, pulling away with one last kiss to your lips. "i'm all yours after, i promise."
you nodded, sliding off of his body to cosy up next to him and watch as he edited some more, filming the last clip for your tiktok.
10/10, i'm so in love guys 😵‍💫
597 notes · View notes
sebscore · 1 year
Note
i live your writing! request for your gen z driver series! reader and the other drivers react to/make fun of rumours about her dating various drivers. thank you!
RUMOUR HAS IT
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pairings: f1 grid x driver!reader 
warnings: mentions of cheating (but not actual cheating). swearing. catch the friends reference. 
author's note: I immediately imagined the setting for this, it took me a while to get to it, but I hope this is how you imagined it as well! hope you enjoy it, darling! 
masterlist
• • • • • • •
Some of the young drivers were chilling in their own little corner before the driver's briefing started, catching up with each other after the summer break. 
The conversation was interrupted when Lando walked into the room. ''Oh, there he is! My wonderful husband. The apple of my eye. My honey pie.'' Y/N greeted him, the sarcastic tone accompanied with a fake smile. 
''Honey, you're here already! Did you take the kids to school?'' Lando went along with her small skit, taking the seat next to her. ''What do you mean? I thought you were bringing them? We've abandoned our kids, Lando.'' She continued, dramatically waving her hands around. 
The group watched in amusement, except George who seemed totally confused looking at the two younger drivers. ''What are you guys doing? I can't follow.'' 
''According to some news site, they've been secretly married for like three years and have kids.'' Alex explained to his friend. ''It's the funniest thing.'' 
''You have to read it, George.'' Charles chimed in. 
Pierre handed his phone to the Mercedes driver. ''Here it is,'' the Frenchman grinned, ''enjoy.'' 
George skimmed over the words of the article, already chuckling at the first words. ''A mutual friend of both drivers spilled the beans on their impromptu Vegas wedding and the family they started afterwards.'' He read out loud, bursting out in laughter. ''Who's this friend?'' 
''It's obviously Mr. Gossip Girl over here.'' Y/N pointed at Pierre who jokingly dropped his jaw and placed his hand on his heart. ''How dare you?'' He gasped. 
''Don't act so surprised, you're literally a bigger gossip than I am.'' She retorted, having the entire group agree with her. 
The focus shifted to George as he let out a huge snort which he quickly covered with his hand. ''Oh my god…'' The Brit pointed at something on the small screen. 
''What is it?'' Mick asked, trying to see what he was pointing at. 
George composed himself before speaking. ''They just posted a new article claiming Charles and Y/N are dating, and live together in Monaco.'' He cited, attempting not to burst out in laughter again. 
Pierre grabbed his phone from George's hands, wanting to read it himself. ''Where are they getting this from?'' He scrolled through the report, chuckling as their source was another ''a mutual friend''. 
''You're cheating on me?'' Lando exclaimed, dramatically widening his eyes. ''What about the kids, Y/N? Why would you do this to them?'' 
''Lando, it's not what you think!'' She argued, impersonating the voice of those old movie stars in Hollywood films. 
Y/N could see the McLaren driver clenching his jaw, desperately trying not to break character. ''I see how it is- I'm taking the house and the kids.'' Lando held his hand in front of her face, essentially blocking her from his view. 
''And I'm taking your money, and me and Charles will be spending all of it.'' She bit back, pushing his hand away. 
Lando seemed ready to give a comedic comeback, but was interrupted by a curly-haired German. ''What's all the commotion here?'' Sebastian adjusted the headband on his head, his eyebrows furrowed.
''Y/N cheated on Lando with Charles and now they're getting a divorce- Lando is taking the kids, but Y/N is taking all his money.'' Mick answered his friend, matter-of-factly. 
Sebastian frowned, feeling like he missed a few chapters in the story. ''Oh, uh, good for you, Y/N.'' He walked away from the youngsters, joining Lewis and Valtteri on the other side of the room. 
''Thanks, Seb!'' Y/N amusedly thanked him, ''I can never do anything wrong in his eyes.'' She told the other guys, grinning from ear to ear. 
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taglist :: @i0veless @missskid @missthem @rosesintj @evans-dejong @thehistoryone @dreamycloudsworld @formulazeesworld @muushmeg @topguncultleader @the-great-adventures-of-me @love13tter @xcharlottemikaelsonx @kiwisa @starkwlkr @nora_moon @princesselle2111 @valluvsu @thatsadsmallchild @babyyoda89 @milkbreadforlife @fxllfaiiry @hc-dutch @its-ash-not-grey @princessbetsy123-blog @mehrmonga @nyenye @screechingtrashkid @ahnneyong @holybatflapexpert @itsnotgray @beautycinders @scuderialavender @rowansshit @uhhevie @revengze @nylaslife @majx00 @multi-universe21 @jaydensluv @isasalom @gentlemonsterjennie1 @appledashhh @breathinfive @lighttsoutlewis 
@champomiel @ooohmickiyoursofine @koufaxx @flannelforthetoads @mysticfalls01 @ghostcorazon @mango-bear @totally-random-person @youkissedareaderinthedark @phoenix-luv @hamilton-mount @calcaneous @aurora-maria
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tonyspank · 9 months
Text
WHO?
Warnings: GN! Reader, fluffy + my poor attempts at humor
Summary: You find out who Jenna Ortega is.
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You stand in front of your kitchen counter, watching your monitor as your viewers load into the Twitch chat. You smile watching the chat fly with questions and comments. "Hi, guys!" You wave at the camera, fixing your apron. "Be grateful I'm even streaming this because it was so difficult to get my setup in the kitchen."
You move from the counter to your camera, adjusting it a bit. "There," you mumble to yourself, glancing over to the chat again. "Happy Anniversary." You read off the chat, beginning to smile, "Thank you!"
@coolasacucumber where's babygirl jenna
@teamed28 anniversary??? TIME IS FLYING BROOO
@Versalcool171 why they look kinda cute in that apron
@TggthegreatRede HIIIIII
You move back to the counter, "Jenna isn't here, she's out doing something. But that's good because I'm surprising her with dinner for our anniversary! I have a table set up and everything on our balcony." You tell your viewers. You then look around the kitchen, gathering all the ingredients you need.
Soon a donation message pops up on your monitor and the bot begins reading it aloud. "What does Jenna's farts smell like?"
You pause your movements, standing completely still for a few seconds before moving again. You ignore the question, acting as if you never got it, but the smile on your face gives away your amusement. "Uh, anyway."
You break the silence and continue with your task. You lift up a salmon, "I'm cooking salmon, rice and broccoli for bae." You look up at the chat, watching thousands of reactions appear on the screen. You begin seasoning your salmon with a mixture of herbs and spices, and then place it in the hot pan.
Another donation rings through, "Can you tell us the story of how you met Jenna? I love you so much by the way." You chuckle and reply, "I love you too! Sure, once upon a time..." You say dramatically, laughing at your own joke.
"I was streaming, you know? The usual, then I got a donation."
TWO YEARS AGO
You watch as your screen shows victory, winning another match of Overwatch. Leaning back in your chair, you listen to the donation ringing through your headset. "Have you watched the new Wednesday show on Netflix?"
You furrow your eyebrows as your eyes are fixed on the screen. "Nah, I haven't. Like Wednesday Addams?" You laugh and tilt your head, waiting for the next match to start.
As you wait you decide to check the chat.
@Yuanycat530 Jenna Ortega's in the show
@zenocentric you gotta watch it for mommy jenna
@Momismme3600 its sooo good stg
@amburntfreemansgf MASONS WATCHING STREAM
You sit back up in your chair, adjusting the hat on your head. "Who?" You begin chuckling, completely confused about what your Twitch chat was talking about. "Guys I don't know who Jenna Ortega is."
Suddenly, a flood of messages appear, all talking about Jenna Ortega and the new show she's in. You close out of Overwatch and start sharing your Google to the stream, typing in Jenna Ortega.
You quickly learn that Jenna Ortega is an actress and you begin to recognize her. "Oh, shit. She was in Scream 5 with Mason and David?" You turn your head to the chat before glancing back at the search.
You smile to yourself as you remember the movie. You search in Instagram, looking up Jenna's username, before following her and beginning to scroll through her posts. She was absolutely beautiful; you shock yourself as you can't believe you could forget someone so stunning.
@y/nsdirtysock NOT HER BLUSHING
@amburntfreemansgf IS THIS JOE GOLDBERG?
@mrsasfjerEgads SHES SMILING HELLA HARD
You're knocked out of your daze as your phone begins ringing. You fumble around for your phone, trying to answer it before it goes to voicemail.
You answer it and it's Mason, facetiming you. Mason's face lights up when he sees you. "Why are you going through Jenna's Instagram?!" He laughs and you join in, showing the camera Mason.
"Bro! Chat asked me if I watched her show. I forgot who she was!" Mason grins at his screen, "How could you forget Jenna Ortega?" You shrug and laugh, "I don't know!" Mason laughs again before he places his phone down on his desk, you do the same, rubbing your hands down your face. "Mason join me on Overwatch."
Mason raises an eyebrow, considering the offer. "Sure, but you know I'm bad at this." You smile, loading Overwatch back up. "It's okay, Daddy will carry you." Mason chuckles and playfully rolls his eyes. "Alright, let's see if you can actually carry me this time." Moments later, Mason is in your party, taking a sip of his water.
"My chat says, how did Jenna's profile look?" Mason grins reading off of his live chat on his own screen. You pick an operator, shaking your head. "Tell your chat to stop harassing me," you joke, your smile never fading. Mason chuckles and raises an eyebrow. "Oh, they're just curious. I still can't believe you forgot who Jenna is!"
"Dude! It completely slipped my mind,"  you admit, shrugging. Mason chooses his own operator before walking over to your character and using the "Hello" command. You watch as Mason's character waves and greets your character on the screen. "Imagine if you joined me on Saturday," he says playfully.
His eyes then widen, and he says, Oh, my god, you should join me on Saturday." You can hear the excitement in his voice as he continues, "It'll be so fun, swear, and! And Jenna will be able to make an unforgettable impression." You shake your head, watching your character run to the point.
"Are you trying to play cupid?" You joke, laughing. Mason chuckles and replies, "Well, maybe just a little. But seriously, it would be great to have you there. I'm sure everyone won't mind."
You raise an eyebrow, considering his offer. "Alright, I'll come." You finally agree, unable to resist his infectious enthusiasm. Mason grins triumphantly, clearly pleased with himself.
"Awesome! You won't regret it, I promise," he says, glancing at his chat, leaving you wondering what kind of unforgettable impression Jenna could possibly make.
You huff out when D.Va kills you, leaning back in your chair as you wait to respawn. "Chat. If someone gifts 100 gifted subs, I'll tattoo Jenna's face on my buttocks." You joke, a small smirk on your lips.
Mason chuckles, clearly amused by your playful banter. "Hey, don't underestimate the power of your chat. Who knows, you might end up with a masterpiece on your backside," he teases, wiggling his eyebrows teasingly. You laugh along, secretly hoping that no one takes your joke too seriously.
However, as you continue playing, a notification pops up on your screen indicating that someone has indeed gifted 100 subs. Your eyes widen in disbelief. "Ain't no way!"
A FEW HOURS LATER
*jennaortega started following you*
You rise from your bed, clicking on the Instagram notification that pops up on your phone. Ain't no fucking way.
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Jenna - So...Saturday? Will a portrait of my face be on your butt?
You - you would like that wouldn't you?
Jenna - I'd prefer somewhere everyone can see Jenna - Maybe your forehead is a better spot
You - lol, how about we get matching ones then? You -that way when we kiss we can really make it look like we have four eyes
Jenna - Kiss? Who said anything about kissing? Jenna - I'm not that kind of girl 🤨
You - oh, so what kind of girl are you? ;)
Jenna - The kind that doesn't appreciate these cheesy pickup lines
You - ooh, dairy free You - completely understandable You - from now on i will acknowledge that
Jenna - xxx-xxx-xxx Jenna - Text me on IMessage
You - yes ma'am! 🫡
Reacted ❤️ to your message.
ONE YEAR LATER
"Chat, I'll let you know I just woke up. Don't mind this..." You say, motioning over your face, as you try to rub the sleep from your eyes. "Sorry if I seem out of it. It takes time for my brain to boot up."
You don't notice the way your chat freaks out about the hickey on your neck, as your focus is still on trying to fully wake up. The hickey, a remnant from last night's passionate embrace, remains unnoticed by you for now.
@h5therx is that a mf hickey
@TheGrapeNinja WHO WAS SUCKING ON UR NECK
@twizzy1 @TheGrapeNinja��BLOOD THIS AINT EVEN MY NECK????
"Valorant, or Overwatch?" You ask, finally glancing over at your Twitch chat.
You notice a flurry of comments in the chat, with some viewers teasingly pointing out the hickey on your neck. You pause, staring at the chat, before quickly covering your neck with your hand, a blush creeping up your cheeks.
"Brooo, I didn't even know I had this," you mutter sheepishly, rubbing your hand over your neck.
The chat explodes with laughter and playful comments about your unexpected love mark. "Is she going to hear a word out of me." you mutter to yourself, talking about your girlfriend as you begin realizing that even the smallest details don't go unnoticed by your loyal viewers.
"Enough about my hickey! Pick a game!" You jokingly yell at your chat, reaching for a hoodie to cover up the mark. As you put on the hoodie, a donation comes through.
You pause for a moment, glancing at the donation message. "You said you were going to play Sims last stream. Don't worry about the hickey, we're just excited to see you play!"
You chuckle at the comment, grateful for the support and understanding from your viewers. With a smile, you reply, "Alright, alright! Sims it is then! Let's be delulu and create our dream life."
You start up the game and glance over to your chat. "Have you guys ever, like, gone to bed with like a thought or try to preload your own dream? Like, I be going to sleep with a specific idea or scenario in mind, hoping it will manifest in my dreams. It's like I'm trying to program my subconscious to create the perfect dream."
You pause, waiting for your viewers' responses, curious if anyone else has tried something similar.
@ricoottv Yes bruh I be dreaming about Gal Gadot dominating me fr
@24kGoldenRing @ricoottv 😨😨😨
@QuannMeline YESSSSS
As the chat starts flooding with responses, you notice that many of your viewers have indeed experimented with preloading their dreams. Some share their success stories, describing how they have had incredible adventures and even found solutions to real-life problems in their dream scenarios.
Others admit to having mixed results, with some dreams turning out exactly as they had hoped while others took unexpected turns. Excitement builds as everyone exchanges tips and techniques, eager to unlock the full potential of their dream worlds.
"I'm glad I'm not the only one." You chuckle and begin creating your Sim, carefully customizing every detail to make them as close to your ideal self as possible. You then put your face-cam side by side with your sim and ask, "Do they look like me?"
You wait for responses from your viewers, trying not to laugh at the potential comparisons they might make.
@tuneskixx it looks like u if u were mentally unstable
@47SH5T Y/N if they were off crack
@k0hjuh EWWWW
@Shaun Why the sim kinda 😍
"Me if I was off crack? Nah, that's wild." You say, rereading one of your subs chat. "Go to the gallery and find your love interest?" You read off, raising an eyebrow. Intrigued, you decide to take a break from creating your Sim and explore the gallery to see if there's a perfect match waiting for you.
There's a search bar, and without hesitation, you type in "Jenna Ortega." You eagerly scroll through the results, hoping to find a Sim that resembles Jenna Ortega.
Some of them look like her, and the others are far off, but you settle on one that seems to capture her essence the best. Excitedly, you click on the Sim and download it into your game.
"Guys, why does this actually look like Jenna?" You exclaim, unable to contain your excitement. "Yoo! They even have her cleft chin. But to be honest, Jenna doesn't really have a cleft chin, it only appears when she smiles or makes certain facial expressions."
@amburntfreemansgf nah bro a Jenna Ortega specialist
@AlexVsJay "jenna doesn't really have a cleft chin it only appears when makes certain facial expressions" 🤓☝️
@Shaun @amburntfreemansgf LMAOOOO
After adding a dog and cat to your household, you start your sim life as Jenna Ortega, her being your wife. You immerse yourself in the game, navigating through your and Jenna's daily activities and adventures.
"What the fuck!" You shout at the screen, your chat begins to fill up with messages at the sight of what's happening.
@mynames_jeff POV last night
@amburntfreemansgf sorry y'all jenna thought that was me 😅
@ricoottv OMGOMG
"Ya'll, I didn't tell them to do this! They real life just hopped out of the hot tub to make out." You tell your chat, watching as your sim and Jenna's sim kiss passionately. The unexpected display of affection between the sims surprises and amuses you, causing your chat to explode with laughter and comments.
You're so immersed in the game that you don't notice Jenna creeping into your room, a plate of cookies in hand.
@amburntfreemansgf BE SO FUCKING FOR REAL
@n6huh JENNA?????&1'
@t8lyer_44 I KNEW THEY WERE TOGETHER
@AlexVsJay Y/N has now becomepublic enemy #1
She sets the plate down on your desk, causing a wave of delicious aroma to fill the air. The smell wafts towards you, distracting you momentarily from the chaos happening on the screen.
You jump when you turn your head and see Jenna standing there, a smile on her face. Your eyes widen as you shut off your camera. "I'm live!" You say, forgetting that your stream can hear you. Jenna's eyes widen.
You two have been dating for quite a while, but you didn't tell anyone about your relationship.
"Do you think they saw me?" Jenna asks, her voice filled with concern. You shake your head before shrugging, "I don't know, baby. Shit, this is my fault. I should've told you I was live."
A donation rings through, catching both of your attention. You glance at the screen to see a message from a viewer, "Uhhh...the mic is on. Anyways, hi Jenna!" Jenna's face flushes with embarrassment as she realizes that your viewers heard everything.
Your jaw drops, and you decide to turn the camera back on again since it seems like the damage has already been done. You take a deep breath and address the viewers, "Well, I guess there's no hiding it now. Yes, Jenna and I are dating."
Jenna looks at you nervously, unsure of how the viewers will react. You continue, "We wanted to keep it private for a while, but that was kind of difficult." Jenna sits on your lap, waving at the camera. "Hi, everyone." You chuckle nervously, trying to ease the tension.
"We hope you all understand why we wanted to keep it quiet," you add, trying to reassure both Jenna and the audience. "But we also didn't want to hide something that makes us so happy." The viewers' reactions start pouring in, a mix of surprise, support, and curiosity.
Curiosity also makes its way to your and your girlfriend's faces as your Sims start to Woo-hoo in the hot tub. "Is...that us?" Jenna asks, her eyes widening with a smirk playing on her lips. You cover your face with your hands.
"Ain't no way, bruh." You mumble to yourself.
Another donation rings out, "DON'T ACT LIKE YALL WASN'T DOING THAT SAME STUFF LAST NIGHT. WE SEEN THE HICKEY!"
"AIN'T NO WAY!" You shout dramatically, causing Jenna to burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her hand to muffle the sound.
1K notes · View notes
sweetestdesire · 3 months
Text
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
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WARNINGS: hair pulling, extreme domination, mentions of masturbation, degrading speech, etc. 18+ readers only
PAIRING(S): Trevor Zegras x Fem!Reader
SUMMERY: in which Trevor Zegras catches Fem!Reader in a compromising position.
"Stop fighting with me! I've been given explicit instructions, and you're going on this date whether you like it or not."
Trevor groaned dramatically as Y/N tugged on his arm. "I already showered and everything, what else am I supposed to do, Y/N?"
"Um, put on a decent outfit?"
"What if I don't even want to go?"
"Too bad. You had the opportunity to back out when Mason asked you if he could set you up, and you didn't, so now you're going." She mimed dragging him down the hallway to his room. "As your best friend and roommate, I'm in charge of making sure you show up and look good."
Heavy footsteps fell on the floor as Trevor stomped after her. "As my best friend, I'd think you'd be on my side about not wanting to go."
Y/N and Trevor had been best friends since they were kids. Growing up next door to each other, they’d spent years playing basketball in his driveway in the summer or making snow forts in her yard in the winter. Even though Trevor was two years older than her, he had always let her be part of his life. He might have teased her mercilessly, but she knew he was always there for her. He had helped her with crushes, coached her through her first date, first boyfriend, and first subsequent heartbreak.
Y/N knew people thought it was strange. Here they were, early-20s, and living together platonically. She knew a good number of people assumed they would get together one day, but Trevor had never felt that way about her. It was kind of weird, at first, to bring dates back home and to know that he was across the hall from her bedroom, able to hear every little thing that happened.
Y/N let herself into Trevor’s bedroom as he trailed behind her. “Just watch. She's going to be super hot and sexy and funny. It'll be your last first date, you'll fall in love and have eight kids and tell everyone about how it was just love at first sight. And I can be cool Auntie Y/N and ride a motorcycle and buy them alcohol when they start going to parties in high school."
"You've never even been on a motorcycle."
Y/N grinned at Trevor from across his room as he stood in the doorway, head tilted in a pout. "I'll learn to ride a motorcycle.” She said.
"I don't know why you and Mason think that I need to be dating someone." He entered the room and flopped onto his bed. "Maybe I'm happy living the single life."
"At the very least, you need to get laid, Trevor." A startled noise came from his throat and she giggled as she opened his closet, searching through his clothes. "You used to have a parade of babes coming through here. Now you're all grouchy. It's clearly sexual frustration."
"That is so very wrong. Besides, not all of us need a 'parade of babes' in our rooms. Unlike you, I like to have a night off once in awhile. Rest up, you know."
Y/N snorted. "Are you calling me a slut?"
"Nah, you already know you're a slut."
They both lost it, and she threw a shirt at him playfully between giggles. "Try this on for me."
Y/N heard him shift off the bed behind her and reluctantly begin changing as she dug through his closet for a few more outfit options.
"So who is this girl, again?"
"Mason’s friend, Lauren. I've met her a couple times, she's super pretty and really sweet. Curly hair, kind of a boho-chic vibe. Lots of flowy dresses and such."
"Not exactly my type, then?"
"I thought your type was 'has boobs.'"
"I'll have you know I'm a man of discerning tastes."
"Ah yes, of course. And what is your type, then, exactly?" Y/N turned around, arms full of clothing as Trevor finished buttoning the shirt she’d thrown at him.
"You know..." Trevor trailed off. "Sporty, kind of."
"Oh, sure." Y/N rolled her eyes. "The shirt's not doing it for me. Take that off and put on this t-shirt with this shirt over top of it."
"Yes, ma'am."
"And these jeans." She tossed the jeans across the bed.
"Are you going to watch me change?" His hands worked down the buttons as he spoke, eyes crinkling.
"Oh, excuse me while I preserve your modesty." Y/N turned sarcastically as he laughed.
"Gotta leave something to the imagination.” He said. "Okay, how does it look?"
Y/N turned back around and looked over Trevor. "You'll thank me tomorrow after she leaves." She stepped across the room, adjusting his shirt and helping him roll the sleeves up to his elbows. "Now, tuck the front in just a bit. Perfect."
Trevor spread his arms as she looked over him. "Presentable?"
He looked great. As her eyes moved up and down, Y/N had the thought that Trevor was far better looking than he had any right to be. His jeans fit nicely, held up by a nice belt. And the rolled-up sleeves of the shirt he had over it showed off his forearms and highlighted his large hands.
Okay, she hasn’t been entirely honest. Y/N’s entire life, she’d harbored a crush on Trevor. She’d also spent her entire life stuck being seen as, at most, a younger sister. He'd helped her through her first date and first boyfriend, but her first heartbreak had been the day she’d seen Trevor with his first girlfriend. Her second heartbreak had been the day he'd blushed, embarrassed, as his friends teased him about hanging out with her.
“She's just my friend.” Trevor had shouted. "I don't like her like that!"
That had been years earlier, though, and while Y/N had never fully gotten over her little crush on Trevor, she’d successfully moved on with her life. She’d dated casually, had a few relationships, and certainly had her share of one-night-stands parade through her bedroom in their apartment. She’d also learned how to sneak them out in the morning, much to Trevor’s chagrin. He loved to give them a hard time the next day.
But, back to that particular moment, where Trevor was standing in front of her, waiting for her review of his outfit. In that moment, Y/N felt the small rekindling of the torch she’d carried for him paired with the sadness of knowing she was sending him into the arms of some other woman. She pushed those feelings away quickly, and grinned up at him.
"You look amazing. Want me to make sure you've got bacon and eggs ready for breakfast tomorrow?”
Trevor swatted her arm playfully and she jumped, more out of surprise at the sudden feel of his hand against her skin. "You seem pretty sure she'll be coming back here."
"I would if I were her. I did a hell of a good job cleaning you up."
Trevor arched an eyebrow at her. "You would?"
"You know what I mean." She refused to let him fluster her. "Anyways, you're right. Maybe you won't come back here."
"Ouch."
"Maybe you'll end up at her place."
He scoffed. "Sure, we'll see about that."
Y/N had to urge Trevor out of the house in time to make it to his date. When he finally left, she sighed. She had met Lauren a few times and she was gorgeous, and funny, and always looked put together. She tried not to be jealous. Trevor had seen her in all manners of complete unsexiness, from being an awkward, gangly teenager to sweating buckets after working out to that very moment, in ratty yoga pants and a messy bun. Y/N was quite certain she'd be back at their place after the date.
Y/N wandered around the apartment aimlessly before flopping onto the couch, not used to the time alone. Trevor hadn't been out much since he’s gotten injured, and she had gotten used to having him around all the time. Suddenly, everything seemed incredibly quiet and lonely. Normally, Trevor and her would have dinner together, and then they’d watch an episode of something, and then maybe he'd play video games while she read a book or headed out for the night. It wasn't like they spent all their time together, but it certainly seemed that they’d gotten into a comfortable routine.
Her plans had fallen through for the evening, though, and Y/N hadn't bothered to make new ones. Her best friend from college was supposed to be back in town, but her flight had been delayed. She had been looking forward to seeing her, so was feeling particularly let down. Regardless, she decided to make the most of having the apartment to herself.
After showering and slipping into a comfy pair of sleep shorts and a tank top, Y/N popped a batch of popcorn for dinner. Cracking open a beer, she settled in on the couch, picking a movie she knew Trevor would never want to watch. While he preferred comedies or thrillers, she wanted love and drama.
It certainly wasn't planned that the movie she picked had a heart-droppingly gorgeous male lead that ended up in a panty-dampening sex scene with the equally erotic love interest. Watching the two of them paw at each other in a clandestine love affair was more than Y/N could handle. Between that and the reminder of her attraction to Trevor, she was in a state of full arousal by the time the movie ended.
Wiping her fingers after finishing her popcorn, she glanced down the hallway towards their rooms. Trevor wouldn't be back for a while. She was certainly not a beautiful, cat-like actress in a satin emerald dress about to be pounded against a bookshelf, but just for a moment, she wanted her own steamy scene. She flipped the TV off and shuffled through the apartment to the bathroom.
Trevor and Y/N each had their own private drawers in the bathroom, and she left a small bullet vibrator in hers for the occasional bathtub excursion. She dug it out quickly and made to go into her bedroom, but paused at the door. Glancing behind her, she eyed Trevor’s bedroom door. Her heart started pounding, strong enough that she could feel the pulse in her neck and hear the thundering in her ears.
"No.” Y/N said out loud. Her and Trevor had their own spaces. It was her best friend she was thinking about, and he didn't deserve something so disrespectful as her masturbating on his bed. Especially since he might be bringing someone back to fuck there.
Y/N started back into her own bedroom, but paused again, throwing another look over her shoulder at Trevor’s room. Then again, she said to herself, it would be incredibly hot. She didn't give herself another opportunity to back out. She opened his bedroom door and bolted into his room. Gingerly, she crawled onto his bed over top of the blankets, lying on her back with her head on his pillow.
A scent that was distinctly Trevor enveloped her. Whether it was his body wash or cologne or a mix of that with his own sweat left on the pillow didn't matter to her. Y/N closed her eyes, inhaling as she imagined having Trevor in the bed with her. Balancing the vibrator on her stomach, she wriggled her hips, sliding her panties and sleep shorts down at the same time and taking care to put them on the edge of the bed where she knew she’d find them again. She held the vibrator in one hand as she let the other caress her stomach. Her hand moved underneath the fitted tank top, sliding up her stomach to her breasts. She had forgone a bra, and the friction of her tank top against her hardened nipples was intoxicating.
Y/N took her hand away from her breasts, trailing it down to the pool of moisture between her legs. The excitement and nervousness of being in Trevor’s bed was more than she could handle. She worked her fingers against the slick lips of her pussy, dipping them just inside her dripping entrance, before turning her vibrator on and immediately pressing it to her clit.
A muted sigh escaped her lips as the vibrations relieved her intense arousal. Her breath came heavily, and Y/N pushed her hips forward just slightly, grinding back against the vibrator. Trevor’s pillow was soft under her head and his blanket was cool against her naked lower half. She spread her legs a bit more, her hand wandering back up to her breasts. Tweaking her nipple, she stifled a moan.
Y/N pictured Trevor towering above her. He had long been a prominent image in her masturbatory fantasies. The addition of being in his room, surrounded by his things and his scent and in his bed where he fucked his other girls... it was more than she could handle. She wanted him so badly in that moment. She wanted not just the lingering scent of cologne, but she wanted his body, to feel the heat of him against her, pushing inside of her.
The slow knot of an orgasm begin to unravel deep in her stomach, and Y/N tensed in anticipation. She adjusted the vibrator against her clit, waiting eagerly to cum. She was so close, so ready, just teetering on the edge of orgasmic bliss when she suddenly heard the apartment door bang closed.
"Hey, I'm back!" Trevor called out.
Y/N had never moved so fast in her life as in that moment, panic coursing through her body as she sat up. Her fingers were slick and she fumbled with her vibrator, barely managing to turn it off. She snatched up her sleep shorts as she bounded off the bed, peeked into the hallway quickly to make sure he hadn't started towards his room, and practically hurdled across the hallway into her own room. Panting, she tossed her vibrator onto a pile of clothes and rushed to slip her shorts back on, nearly tumbling over as she tried to maintain her balance.
"Y/N?" Trevor’s voice was at the end of the hallway.
She popped her head out of her bedroom door, plastering a smile on her face that probably made her look a little crazy. "Hey!" Her voice was too loud, too upbeat. "How'd your date go? Did Lauren come back?"
Trevor eyed her warily. "Uh, no. She's nice, but we didn't have a ton of chemistry. So much for a last first date."
"Awe, I'm sorry to hear that."
"Are you okay?" He frowned. "Is someone in there?"
"Nope!" A slightly obnoxious giggle bubbled out of her lips. "Just... you know, probably should have eaten a better dinner and not drank a beer. Guess I can't hold my liquor that well!"
"That's bullshit." Trevor shook his head. "You're being weird. You sure everything's okay?"
Y/N nodded, not trusting herself to speak again, as Trevor walked down the hallway and into his bedroom. Her jaw clenched as he flicked the light on.
"Okay then. I thought you'd be hounding me for details."
"Tell me everything.” Y/N said obediently. "What happened?"
"Well, she's a vegetarian, I don't know if you knew that. So we probably shouldn't have gone to a steakhouse." He took off the dress shirt as he talked to her. "Also sounds like she met some guy on vacation that she has a thing for, but he doesn't live here. Never said anything for sure, but couldn't stop talking about him."
"That sucks."
Neither of them were looking at each other, and their eyes fell on the same thing at the same time. Her stomach dropped as she realized her panties were sitting on the edge of Trevor’s bed, just as he looked confused at the misplaced scrap of pink fabric hanging off his blanket.
"Y/N, are these..." Trevor picked up her panties, frowning down at his hand. "Why are these in my room?"
She froze in horror as any number of excuses flew through her brain. They got stuck to the sheets in the wash. Haha, it's a prank, bro. None of the excuses made it out of her lips as Trevor frowned down at his bed. The blankets were just the slightest bit ruffled, and there was an indent in the pillow where her head was.
"Were you in my room?"
Y/N grasped frantically at the flimsiest of straws, hoping he would end the conversation and they would never speak of it again. "No?” She didn't know who she thought she was kidding. The panic in her voice, the flush on her cheeks and chest, and the damp pink panties in his hand were more than enough to incriminate her.
"And you're definitely not hiding someone in your room right now?" His voice was low, the sarcasm barely hidden.
Y/N’s mouth was dry as she shook her head. Trevor stepped forward, making his way into the hallway. Shaking, she took a step back into her room as he poked his head inside. He glanced around, his eyes falling on the vibrator sitting on the pile of clothes nearby.
"So you weren't fucking someone on my bed, you were masturbating on it?"
Y/N couldn't physically speak. Her throat was as frozen as the rest of her, staring at Trevor. She hoped she didn't look as terrified as she felt, but she was sure her face was pale aside from the patches of skin that she could still feel burning. Whether the burning was residual from the almost-orgasm or a new reaction to the embarrassment she was feeling, she didn't know.
"Y/N, what the fuck?"
"I'm so sorry." The words came out stuttered, barely above a hoarse whisper.
"Why would you do that?"
Tears pricked in her eyes and an invisible grip seemed to clench inside her chest. Her lips were parched and she couldn't form another sentence. Y/N shook her head, trying not to let the tears fall.
Trevor was only a few steps away, standing in her doorway, and his face softened a bit as he seemed to notice her eyes watering. "Y/N, talk to me. Tell me why."
"It's not obvious?" Her voice was strained, as Trevor’s gaze stared directly into her embarrassed soul. Her hands trembled and she balled her fingers into fists.
"You don't think you owe me an explanation?" His voice was dark again, serious.
She tried not to choke on her words, despite knowing she had just fucked up years of friendship. "Because I'm attracted to you, Trevor." The words hung between them. "And because it turned me on."
Trevor glanced down at his hand. He was still holding her panties, the fabric tight between his fingers. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Y/N swallowed hard, trying to relieve the dryness in her mouth. "I've had a crush on you my entire life. You said you didn't like me like that."
"When did I say that?"
"You said it to a couple of friends years ago. They were teasing you for hanging out with me."
"Y/N, I would have been maybe 15 when I said that." When she didn't respond, he sighed. "You never admitted this to me because of something I said when we were kids?"
"When else was I supposed to say it? When you had a girlfriend? When you were done sleeping with some random hook up?" Y/N finally managed to string together a sentence without stuttering, but it was short lived. "I did something stupid and rude tonight, I know that, I'm sorry. But I never wanted to say anything because you're my friend and I didn't want to make things weird."
"So you just rubbed one out on my bed, thinking that wasn't the definition of weird."
The words stung and she felt one of the tears escape from her eye. Y/N wiped a hand across her cheek hurriedly, staring at the floor.
"How often have you done this?"
"Just tonight."
"I'm supposed to believe that? This was the first time and I just happened to catch you?"
Another tear fell. "I'm telling the truth." Y/N went to wipe the second tear, but Trevor stopped her. His fingers wrapped around her wrist firmly, but not painfully. She still winced, but he released her wrist and his hand moved up to her cheek, wiping the tear out from under her eye.
"Do you know how difficult it is for me to listen to a string of guys fucking you from the other side of the hall?" His voice was a low growl.
"You had your own string of women to fuck.” Y/N spat back. Her face burned, angry at her eyes betrayal as another tear slipped down her cheek.
"None of them were you."
Y/N finally looked back up at him, unsure of what to say. He was so close, just inches away from her. When had that happened? His fingers brushed under her eye again, drying her cheek, and the distinct scent of Trevor that had enveloped her on his bed was filling her senses yet again.
"What are you saying?"
"It's not obvious?" Trevor taunted.
Y/N’s body didn't know how to react. Trevor was so close, tantalizingly close, and part of her yearned to press against him. Another part of her wanted to recoil, bury herself in her blankets, and sob at her mortification. It was like being an awkward kid again, when Trevor would tease her until she got angry and tried to storm off, only to tell her he was joking and beg her to stay.
She felt goosebumps rise on her arms as he looked down at her, waiting for her response. Y/N couldn't bring herself to speak and just shook her head, casting her eyes back down the floor.
"Awe, come on, Y/N." The mocking tone to his voice was familiar, but she still didn't know what he wanted to say. "Alright, tell me this. Did you cum on my bed?"
Y/N grimaced, her eyes slamming shut as more tears threatened to leak out. He laughed at her reaction. "Come on. Did you cum?"
"No.” She whispered.
"Why not?"
"You got home before I was done." Even shut, a tear managed to sneak out of her eye. She bowed her head, but again, Trevor’s hand came to her face and wiped the drop off her cheek. He tilted her head up slightly, and she reopened her eyes to look at him.
"All that, and you didn't even finish on my bed?"
"Trevor, please." Y/N’s voice cracked as she tried to hold in a sob. "I'm sorry. Please stop making fun of me."
"I'm just joking." His voice was low, husky, and his body was closer than ever. She could feel his breath on her face. "You have no idea how hot you look when you're embarrassed, but I’m sorry for making you cry."
"Is this happening?" Y/N finally managed to ask.
"Do you want it to happen?"
Y/N nodded. Trevor’s lips were suddenly on hers, his kiss demanding and insistent. She inhaled sharply as his tongue probed her mouth, exploring her lips. The gap between their bodies closed as his arms wrapped around her. His cock nudged against her, already straining against his pants.
A startled gasp escaped her mouth as he bit down on her lip. Y/N’s pulse quickened as his hands explored her body, brazenly groping at her breasts and deliberately rolling her hardened nipples between his fingers. Trevor chuckled against her mouth as she pushed against him, eager for more.
"Stop laughing at me.” Y/N hissed. He responded by pinching her nipple hard, eliciting a high-pitched cry from her.
"I'll laugh at you all I want.” Trevor replied.
His mouth covered hers again, and his hands traveled down her body. Without so much as a moment of hesitation, Trevor slipped his hands down the back of her shorts and cupped an ass cheek in each of his hands. He squeezed, kneading her ass as he pushed against her body, grinding his cock against her.
Teeth grazed her lips again and he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth. Y/N cried out and he sucked harder before letting go. His hands squeezed her ass again, his fingers gripping her hard, before he let go and took his hands out of her shorts.
"Bed.” Trevor said simply.
"Mine or yours?"
He laughed, a wicked look crossing his face. "Yours first." A hard kiss punctuated his sentence. "I've listened to you fuck a million guys in here. Now it's my turn."
A flutter ran through her body at the implication being they’d fuck on his bed later, and another at the idea of Trevor listening to her get fucked from behind the closed door of his room. Y/N directed him to sit on the edge of her bed, then stood in front of him.
"How many times did you listen to me get fucked?" She asked.
His eyes darkened. "Enough to know I could make you cum harder and scream louder than any of them." An arm extended, reaching for her, but she stepped back.
"Were you jealous?" Y/N teased.
"Incredibly."
She bit her lip and toyed with the hem of her tank top. "Did you ever jack off listening to me?" Y/N flushed a bit, her voice going quiet again.
"Almost every time." His voice was earnest, eyes full of honesty and desire. "I imagined you getting fucked in every position you can imagine. Now, can I see if your tits are like what I pictured?"
Y/N swallowed hard, unable to think of a response. Meeting his eyes, she slid the tank top up over her head, revealing her breasts to him for the first time. It was his turn to be speechless for a moment, his eyes savoring the view of her body as she stood half-naked in front of him.
"Are they what you imagined?" She finally asked.
"Better." He reached for her again, and she moved to him like a magnet to metal.
As soon as Y/N was within reach, his hands were on her tits, and she moaned softly as he cupped her breasts in his hands. She let him fondle her for just a moment, before closing the gap between them even further by straddling his lap on the edge of the bed. She steadied herself on his shoulders as Trevor took the opportunity to dip his head down, kissing the top of her breasts.
"You missed your calling as a stripper, you know.” Trevor teased, licking between her breasts.
"Pretty sure you aren't supposed to touch the strippers.” Y/N gasped. His mouth found a nipple as his hands resumed their position on her ass, and he traced his tongue around her nipples, making her shiver. She ran her hands through his hair, holding him against her chest.
"Are you saying I should stop touching you?" He murmured.
"God, no." Y/N rolled her hips against him, and they both groaned as her pussy ground against the length of his cock. The softness of her shorts provided friction against her swollen clit, and she found herself repeating the action again and again as he ravished her breasts.
It clearly was working for Trevor, too, and his mouth left her tits as his head tilted back. Y/N wanted to be greedy; she wanted his mouth back on her nipple and his cock inside her and to cum on him again and again. But she also wanted to hear the noises Trevor would make if she put his cock into her mouth.
Y/N moved off his lap, standing between his legs as she reached down and unbuckled his belt. Trevor’s hands joined hers and he unbuttoned his jeans as she carefully unzipped them. His hips moved up just enough to let her pull his jeans down, and she dropped to her knees as she guided them down his legs.
Once his pants were off, Y/N gripped his cock through his boxers. A small grunt came from his throat as she traced her fingers up and down through the fabric. He was rigid, thick, and hot. From her position kneeling in front of him, she reached up and slipped her fingers into the waistband of his boxers. She thought briefly about going slowly, tantalizing and tenderly revealing his cock, but she was too full of fire to maintain that. Instead, she pulled them down quickly, freeing his cock in one movement.
The stiff appendage jutting out towards her was beautiful. Y/N admired his cock for a moment before flicking her tongue out to taste the pre-cum that dripped from his tip. Trevor exhaled loudly as her tongue made contact, and she took his tip into her mouth in response. Hands came to her head immediately, fingers pulling at her hair as she wasted no time sucking Trevor’s cock.
His breathing came heavily as she bobbed her head, feeling the thickness of his swollen cock filling her mouth. He was quieter than she expected at first, but that changed as he began pulling her hair harder and directing her to take his cock deeper in her throat. His tip pushed against the back of her mouth and she opened her throat as much as she could, swallowing his shaft as she reached up to cup his balls.
Trevor groaned loudly as she did, his hips thrusting forward just slightly. The sounds he was making shot waves of arousal through her body, and Y/N couldn't help but slip a hand into her shorts as she sucked his cock. Her slit was drenched and a soft, humming moan vibrated against Trevor’s dick as she touched herself.
"You look so fucking hot right now."
Y/N glanced up at him, eyes wide as her lips encircled his cock. Trevor looked back down at her, able to just see her hand in her shorts. Her fingers darted into her wet pussy quickly, and she let out another muffled moan against his cock, her eyes squeezing shut.
"Fuck." His hands tightened in her hair as she took him deep in her throat.
Y/N let him thrust into her throat a few more times before pulling back and letting him slip out of her mouth with a wet sound. “I can't wait any longer.” She gasped.
"Good." Trevor helped her up off my knees, pulling her in for another searing kiss as he pushed her shorts down.
Y/N wiggled her hips, letting them fall to the floor, and tugged at his shirt. Trevor removed it swiftly, bringing it over his head and tossing it towards the floor. They shifted onto the bed together, collapsing onto the covers as their arms wrapped around each other and their lips connected again, urgent and breathless. Trevor’s cock brushed against her bare thigh, tantalizingly close to the dripping pool between her legs.
Trevor grabbed her possessively, and he twisted her onto her back, his hands wrenching her legs apart. She half-expected him to sink into her immediately and moved to stop him so she could get a condom, but instead his head dipped down and his mouth nestled against her slit.
Gasping, Y/N arched her back slightly, and Trevor went to work eating her pussy. He lapped at her wetness greedily, his tongue licking along her slit and his mouth buried against her. Feverish moans escaped from her lips with each breath as he concentrated his ministrations on her clit. His tongue danced around her, and the agonizing ascent towards orgasm began in her stomach again. The climbing sensation built and built, the promise of cumming finally within her grasp.
Y/N glanced down at the head between her thighs. An expression of bliss filled Trevor’s face, his eyes closed beneath tousled hair as he feasted on her pussy. "Don't stop.” She begged, her fingers clutching at his hair. "I'm so close. Please, Trevor.”
Trevor could’ve stopped, could’ve continued the intense teasing he'd subjected her to since catching her masturbating on his bed. To his credit, he didn't. Instead, he sucked on her clit while pushing a finger inside her and curling it to hit her G-spot.
The effect was almost instantaneous, and her thighs clamped against Trevor’s head as she came. After such a long wait and the denial of her orgasm from earlier, it was one of the most intense she’d ever experienced. Her back arched as she ground against Trevor’s face, a blistering cry filling the room as her body shook. Heat radiated from her core as she came, writhing against Trevor.
As the heat gave way to a dreamy relief, her legs released Trevor’s head. Y/N slowly became aware of his tongue still gently lapping at her pussy, and that her hands were still entangled in his hair.
"Sorry." Y/N let go of his head, still trying to catch her breath. A gentle kiss was placed on her clit, which was still so sensitive it made her twitch. Then another kiss on top of her mound, and a third above that.
"Never, ever apologize for cumming like that." Trevor’s lips brushed against her skin as he spoke. "That was like magic."
Y/N could only groan in response, her body still overwhelmed with pleasure. He crawled up her body, a look of mock concern on his face. "Did I break you?"
Another groan, and she pulled him down to kiss her. She could taste the slight sweetness of her juice on his lips. "Fuck me.” She mumbled against his mouth.
Trevor didn't reply, just nipped at her lip one last time before pulling back and grabbing her pillow. His hands guided her to her knees and she flipped over, the pillow under her stomach as she propped herself up on her hands and knees. Second later, Trevor was behind her, the tip of his cock probing at her pussy.
"Ready?" Trevor asked, though his voice was struggling, as though he couldn't possibly wait another moment.
Y/N was more than ready. "Fuck me, Trevor.” She ordered.
He buried his cock inside her in a single thrust. Both of them made noises of relief as he finally sheathed his cock inside her, and his fingers dug into her hips as he paused there.
"Fuck, you feel amazing." His voice was husky, gasping.
In response, Y/N pushed her ass back against him. He grunted and thrust back against her, penetrating as deep as he could, and she let out a lustful breath.
"Fuck me.” She begged again.
Y/N wasn't sure how he had held back for so long. When Trevor began to fuck her, there was no stopping him. She squealed as he ravaged her pussy recklessly, shoving his length as deep as he could. The pillow beneath her was excellent forethought, as it wasn't long before her arms could barely support the force of his penetrations and she collapsed onto the bed.
Trevor wasn't having it, though. The fingers digging into her hip on one side left as he hunched over her, pounding inside of her as he reached around and grabbed her breast. Using it as leverage, he pulled her back up, almost lifting her to a full kneeling position. His other hand snaked down to her clit and he fingered it furiously as his mouth found her the back of her neck, nipping the skin there.
Y/N was at his complete mercy as he tunneled inside her, filling her as deeply and roughly as he could. She was sure the entire apartment complex could hear him making her scream. He didn't have me in that position very long, despite how amazing it felt. As gently as he could, Trevor lowered her back onto the bed, pumping inside her harder and harder until she was flat on her stomach with both his hands trapped beneath her. The motion made her aware that another orgasm was approaching, and she tried to hold still as he rubbed her clit.
"Close again.” Y/N moaned. "Shit, Trevor. I'm gonna cum again."
"Fuck, Y/N.” He gasped. "I'm close. Cum for me, baby, c’mon.”
Y/N didn’t know how he did it, whether there was a slight change in the motion of his fingers or if the pinch of her nipple triggered it, but as he ordered her to cum, she did. Trapped beneath his body, she strained against him as she burst over the edge, his cock still impaling her as she rode the waves of pleasure bubbling through her body. It was in that slight moment of blissful mindlessness that she distantly heard Trevor grunt as he came, his frenzied thrusting slowing as he finished.
Trevor’s arms grasped her tightly as his weight pinned her against the bed. Y/N could feel him softening inside her as they both tried to regain their footing in reality. When it became too much, she shifted against him.
"Can't breathe.” Y/N whispered.
"Fuck, sorry." His hands slid out from beneath her and he rolled onto his back.
Y/N drew in a deep breath and flexed her fingers and feet, the tingling sensation from the aftershocks of her orgasm slowly dispelling. Propping herself up on her elbows, she looked uncertainly at Trevor as he laid naked beside her. His head was turned towards her, studying her.
"Is this a thing now?" His voice was sleepy, but reflected the same apprehension she had.
"Do you want it to be?"
Trevor nodded, extending a hand towards her, inviting her to lay closer to him. "Do you?"
"I've wanted this for years." Y/N curled up next to him, their warm skin pressing together.
"Me, too." He laid a kiss on her hair. "Rule one, though. No masturbating on my bed without me."
"Rule two. Don't give me a reason to masturbate without you."
Trevor kissed her hair again. "I won't."
The two cleaned up and crawled back in bed together, both exhausted. As Trevor’s breathing deepened, Y/N told herself to remember to thank Lauren for being his last first date.
550 notes · View notes
polygonpiscine · 4 months
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🐢 🤎 🎄🐢🤎🎄🐢🤎🎄
As the aroma of baking cookies wafted through the lair, Mikey’s brothers couldn't resist gathering in the kitchen, curiosity piqued by the delightful scent.
Just as Mikey was about to suggest starting the decorating festivities, a devious idea struck him. With a quick glance at his unsuspecting brothers, he dipped his fingers into a nearby bag of flour and, with a dramatic flair, flung it into the air, creating a floury explosion.
"Flour fight, anyone?" Mikey exclaimed, a mischievous grin on his face. Raph, always the first to voice his disapproval, groaned, "Mikey, not again! We're gonna be cleaning flour out of the nooks and crannies for weeks!"
But before anyone could protest further, Mikey's floury antics had set off a chain reaction. Leo, caught up in the spirit of the moment, called out, “Hey Mikey, catch!" launching a flurry of flour directly at Mikey's unsuspecting face.
Mikey, taken by surprise, burst into laughter as the white powder settled on his orange mask. "Oh, you’re in for it now!"
While Mikey appreciated the playful gesture, Raph and Donnie were far from amused. Raphael's eyes narrowed, and he pointed a finger accusingly. "You two, knock it out, you’re acting like turtle tots.”
Donnie hastily checked his precious tech-wrist and goggles for any signs of flour intrusion. "This better not have damaged any of my equipment, Leo. I'm not kidding!"
Leo, attempting to defuse the situation, raised his hands in surrender. "Come on, guys, it's just a bit of fun. We can clean up after, promise."
Raphael crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Fun? Cleaning flour out of everything for the next month is your idea of fun?"
As the tension mounted, Mikey, still wearing a floury grin, intervened. "Come on, Raph! Lighten up! It's all in the spirit of the holidays."
Raphael's resistance wavered for a moment. He looked at Mikey, then glanced at the chaotic scene around him. With a reluctant smirk, he muttered, "Fine."
And just like that, Raph dipped his fingers into the flour and, with a surprising gentleness, flicked it toward Mikey. Laughter erupted as Mikey pretended to dramatically recoil from the light dusting.
Donnie, still somewhat exasperated, couldn't help but smile at Raph's unexpected participation. "Well, I guess if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?"
The floury chaos ensued as the brothers darted around the kitchen, leaving no corner untouched by the powdery substance. The laughter echoed through the lair, blending with the festive music that Mikey had cranked up earlier.
🐢🤎🎄🐢🤎🎄🐢🤎🎄
Happy Holidays! ❤️
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punching-pentagrams · 2 months
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Love in a Hopeless Place
Chapter 3
You guys!!! Thank you so much for all of the love so far! I makes me so happy to see people liking the story so far. Here is Chapter 3! xoxo, Dany <3
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Chapter 1|Chapter 2|Chapter 3|Chapter4|Chapter 5|Chapter 6|Chapter 7|Chapter 8|Chapter 9|
Lucifer x prostitute fem!reader Word Count: 2.6k CW: Prostitution, Slowburn, mentions of panic, anxiety, depression, hurt/comfort, bullying, slight manipulation
The next morning, light started to drift through the curtains of Lucifer's room again, like they did every morning. But something about this morning felt... different.
Lucifer felt himself return to the waking world, and his eyes fluttered open and he felt... actually kind of awake, for once? Lucifer sat up with a bit of confusion, partly from how he felt and partly due to realizing he was still in his mostly unbuttoned shirt and trousers from the previous day. Looking around, he tried to remember what all had happened the night before.
Seeing his bowtie on the floor, hat on a random table, and his jacket hug up on the mirror, he remembered that something different had happened the night before, but it was fuzzy. Eventually his eyes caught sight of a small note card that was left on his bedside table. He picked it up and read it.
'Thank you for inviting me to share the evening with you, for all it's ups and downs. It was an honor. You are welcome to call on me again if you are ever in need of company of any sort. Best Wishes, (y/n)'
Upon reading your name, Lucifer started to remember scenes of interaction from the night before. His first view of you near the door, kissing your hand, walking you into his room, you on top of him in your lace lingerie, you beside his bed with eyes full of concern, you holding out your arms as he ran into your hug, and the comforting darkness of your embrace as tears ran down his face while he slipped into slumber.
'Oh my god... Did I just cry myself to sleep in her arms? I hired a prostitute and all I did was fall asleep in her arms? Crying?! How pathetic am I?' he thought to himself. He looked back down at your beautiful handwriting, the way the letters curved and twisted, a small heart over the i in "Wishes", and thought about how gentle your eyes had looked when he was in so much pain. Such warm and comforting eyes. How his mood had shifted, and on a dime, it seemed that so did yours when you could tell something was wrong. Was that real concern? Or were you just acting? Honestly, if it felt that good... did he really care which one it was?
For once, he felt like he had actually slept, that he was more alert, not perfect, but something had improved after the last night. That did not feel like a coincidence. Something about being with you last night make him feel better, and he wanted more. He wasn't sure about sexual intimacy at this point, since something about that had seemed to set him off, but the comfort was nice. Would she be willing to come over again just to comfort and hold him like that?
He read the note again, 'You are welcome to call on me again if you are ever in need of company of any sort.' Company of any sort. Any sort. Anyyyy sortttt... But what did she mean by that?! Did she mean like, 'I'm here for you no matter what! We can hang out, we can talk, you can cry, we can fuck, just whatever! I'm your gal!' or did she mean like 'I'm down for whatever, hot stuff~, wink wink, nudge nudge, *insert lude hand gestures here*'
Lucifer would spend much of the next hour thinking way to hard about that one line of text you had written, mumbling to himself as he took a shower, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, got dressed, and once he got a look at himself in the mirror.
"Mayyyybbeeee... I'm thinking way to hard about this and she is just, I don't know, wanting to give me whatever support I need. What do you think about that!" he said to his mirror-self dramatically. He stared at his reflection for a minute before deciding to agree with himself on his last statement.
"That's what I thought" he said smiling and nodding to the mirror version of himself. "Now onto the next question... how long do I wait before requesting her again without looking like a total fucking creepy loser."
That question... would consume him for the majority of the afternoon, only to be quickly interrupted by the realization that he never paid you for the night before, which briefly gave him something else to panic about.
______________________________________________________________
You on the other hand, woke up and started the day the same as you always had, in your tiny room that you had been renting over the brothel. Most of the other girls from the Lounge also lived there, it wasn't required but it was easier in some ways, mostly for the nights that you had so many clients throughout the day that your body hurt and you could barely move.
It was not so great most of the time, it was loud and cramped, smelled of drugs and cigarettes, you could often hear the sounds of sex from the Lounge below, and some of the girls would try to steal shit. To minimize that, you just tried not to have a lot in your apartment other than a bed, a couch, a small table with a tv, and one of the best safes in hell that you could get your hands on the would fit in your small space for your money. It wasn't much, but it worked.
As you got up and started on your morning routine, your thoughts drifted back to Lucifer from the previous night, and wondered how he was doing. You weren't used to thinking about clients after you were off the clock with them, but you also weren't used to watching them have a panic attack and then cry themself to sleep in your arms. Or you know, being the most powerful being in all of hell for that matter either.
Something about that felt, soft, and nice. It made you feel like you did something possibly worthwhile for once. Who knows if it made an impact on him, or if he would even remember or care about you once he woke up, but something in you prayed that it did. How odd it was to think about that you had not just comforted a normal demon, but the King of Hell, a former high ranking angel, someone who had probably seen God or the highest orders of Heaven. It almost felt like it shouldn't be possible for angels to cry, surely they were not meant to know such pain? And yet, here was one, full of pain and torment probably beyond your understanding. It made you sick just thinking about it.
But that was not for you to concern yourself with, who knows if you would ever see him again. Plus, you had today's clients to focus on. Another day, another dollar. 'Hey, hey, hey, fuck my life.'
You head downstairs to find Cynthhhhia waiting with a shit eating grin on her face once she sees you, giving you a sinister laugh. You roll your eyes.
"Tch. What's got you in such a good mood this morning?" you scoff.
"Larry's been looking for you. You're in trouble," she says with venom in her voice.
Your chest tightens. Oh shit. What could it be? Did you miss your day to clean the dressing rooms? Did Lucifer call and complain about something you did? Were you gonna get fired? You try not to show it on your face, but you do stop walking.
"Why do you say that?" you say, trying to hold an even tone.
Cynthhhhia laughs with a hiss, "Apparently, someone forgot to get a payment from a certain customer last night."
'Fuuuckkkkkk!'
God damn it. You were so focused on taking care of him through his panic attack, then he fell asleep, and you completely forgot to ask for your payment. It also didn't seem appropriate at the time. You could work with this though.
You just laughed and flipped your hair, Cynthhhhia's expression shifted to confusion.
"Ohhhh haha, well ya, I mean that happens sometimes when you just fuck someone so good that they pass out, right? I mean we have all been there," you say giving her a big grin. Cynthhhhia's face changes to her normally prissy annoyance.
"Oh! Have you never had that happen? Oh, well. You'll get there." you smugly walk past her as you pat her on the shoulder. Cythhhhia aggressively shrugs off your touch and hisses as you walk past her. "I'll just go find him now, thanks for the heads up girlypop. Kisses!"
Nailed it. You loved shutting that bitch up, but you always wish it didn't have to come to that. But she wasn't the only one who could play a mean girl, you were just smarter about it. Now to go find Larry and put on a good show for him too.
You put on a panicked look and start to run around the brothel, asking around for Larry. After a few minutes, you find him out in the lobby, chatting with some patrons. You make eye contact with him, give a relieved smile and run to him.
"Darling, there you are! I've been looking all over for you!" you exclaim with your biggest sweetest smile.
"Babydoll! Excuse me fellas, I'll be right back," the pig-man says as he moves past the group of men he was standing with to meet you half way across the room. "What's going on? I didn't see a payment from your customer last night, and that's not like you," he said with concern in his voice, but not like a genuine type of concern. It was the type of concern that you had come to know as 'You better be giving me a good reason as to why I didn't get my money.'
You pouted and tried to look flustered, "Oh, honey, I'm so sorry! I just had such a good time and we got so into such a rough and dirty night of kinky sex that, I accidently fucked him so hard that he passed out! I didn't know what to do, so I just came back home and hoped you would be able to help me figure it out. I'm really sorry for getting so carried away," you finish with a bat of your eyes.
Ugh, you hated your own fake, ditzy, whiny voice, but you knew Larry was a sucker for it, and it normally got you out of some uncomfortable situations. Larry's face morphed into a smile and he let out a boisterous laugh before giving you a pat on the shoulder.
"Aww that's my girl! You know what, he's a first timer. So I'll cut him some slack for today. If he doesn't get me a payment by tomorrow, I'll give him a call, give him a day to recover from the high. Hopefully I won't have to send the Sharks after him!" he gave you a nudge in the ribs and you laughed along with him.
You were thankful that he bought your story, but you hoped that this wasn't going to cause trouble for Lucifer. Larry was friends with some of the Loan Sharks, and sometimes he told stories about the aggressive lengths that they would go to in order to get their money back, or take out the people that didn't pay. But, it wasn't your fault that Lucifer had forgotten to pay. Plus, you did not anticipate how last night was going to go, and you don't normally ask for payments at the beginning of the first meeting, that felt tacky to you.
Luckily, your worries were extinguished a few hours later. After your first few clients of the day. Larry came to find you again with a big grin on his face.
"Well, looks like we didn't need to worry, Mr. 'Lance' night came through with payment and an apology for not remembering to pay last night," Larry boasted with a sharp grin.
You try to hold back your surprise, "Oh? Did he come in to drop it off?"
Larry waved a hand, "Naw, he sent some lackey of his, all snooty and fancy like 'I was sent on behalf of Lance to give you his payment for last night and an apology for not paying after the appointment last night due to being incapacitated. He promises that this will not be an issue with future appointments' blah blah blah" he laughed, dropping the mocking pompous tone he used to mock the "lackey".
You laughed along with him, but internally you were caught up on the last part about "future appointments", was that a paraphrase? Or did the messenger actually say that?
"Ah, so does it some like I've secured a new repeat customer?" you ask, trying not to sound too excited.
"Sounds like it! I asked if he had wanted to schedule for his next appointment, but his lackey didn't seem to know. Said he would probably be in touch at some point. Oh also, here is the tip he left for you," he smirked. Larry slid your tip into your hands and headed off to pester one of the other girls for something.
Your heart fluttered. Lucifer wanted to see you again, possibly, and that made you feel good. You normally didn't care what customers thought of you, but you thought it made sense that this was an exception. This was the King of Hell himself. Who knows how he will want to interact with you this next time around, but you figured you should be prepared for both possibilities of comforting and sexual intimacy. Not something you needed to figure out right at that moment.
You then looked down at the money in your hand, and your eyes went wide at the amount of money in your hands.
Wait, holy shit. What?!
The tipped amount that was in your hands was more than you had ever seen at one time. This was probably the same amount the you would usually get tipped in a week, let alone from one client.
You quickly tucked away the money under your arm and made your way up to your room to hide the money in your safe. You did not trust anyone except Larry knowing how much you would be making in tips from 'Lance' if this was going to be a regular thing. Especially, Cynthhhhia and her hoard of goons.
As you got to your room, closed the door, and started to count through the money, you smiled. He didn't need to tip you this much, you don't know why he did, but it made you feel good. You didn't feel fully comfortable seeing this as confirmation of any sort of building blocks of connection, but it didn't feel like it was a negative sign either.
You didn't hear anything else for a few days, but soon Larry notified you that 'Lance' had called again to meet with you, scheduled for a week after your first meeting at happened. Larry also relayed a message from 'Lance', requesting that he "really liked that thing you did at the end of the night, and would really like more of that if it was possible." You smiled and nodded.
Larry asked what it was you had done at the end of the night, you replied with only a finger up to your lips, a wink, and the statement, "A magician never reveals her secrets."
_____________________________________________________________
Thank you again to all my new and returning readers and followers! I'm so happy I get to share this story with you all <3 Let me know if you want added to the taglistTaglist: @froggybich @wonderlandangelsposts @glowinthedarkbones1150 @marydragneell @crescent-z @superdinosaurnacho
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hyunjinspark · 10 months
Text
star lost with you | hyunjin au | part 15
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pairing: idol! hyunjin x artist! reader
synopsis: working in a quaint little art store, you’ve had the honor of meeting all kinds of people, but you’ve never met somebody like him.
there were many reasons hyunjin returned to his hometown; a getaway from the ephemeral and fast-paced life of the city, so he could fall in love with life again. he thought he was prepared for everything, to study art in the way that he’s always wanted to, but what he didn’t anticipate was meeting you. hwang hyunjin realises that sometimes, the best things in life happen unplanned.
genre: friends to lovers, so much angst, smut, fluff, set in the idolverse, mutual pining, unrequited love, forbidden romance, slowburn (!!!) soulmate au (kind of), star-crossed lovers
warnings: cursing, mature content, fancy drinking, mutual pining, sexual tension, so much angst, kissing, making out, dirty talk, fingering, grinding, dry humping, dom!hyunjin, jealousy, more angst
word count: 35K (ik the wc makes it feel v long but it’s really not that much haha)
a/n: im so excited to be coming back with this huge of a chapter for you guys. so much goes down and im insanely excited to share this next phase of my story with you. its v long so pls get comfortable with a blanket and snacks. I would recommend rereading the last chapter, if you can! thank you for still being here.
i recommend that you can listen to my star lost playlist here!
important: all works are fiction, and do not in any way represent the real personalities or real people, they exist only as faceclaims, and are fictional characters.
masterlist
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He had fucked up. Even in the dimly lit drive-in theatre, the guilt on his face was evident. Hyunjin had never looked this devastated.
“I need to talk to you” 
That’s what he had said. The gnawing feeling in your gut got worse. Those words together, in that order, was never a good sign. You knew as much, and you knew whatever he had to tell you was going to be something bad.
“Why did you leave in the middle of the film?” You asked, gaze darting between him and your friends.
Yuqi was staring wide-eyed, watching this unfold, soda cup clutched in her hands, and Felix…he looked beyond irritated.
The movie could still be heard all the way over here. You weren’t too far from the projection screen, and the speakers were right next to you. It was a horrible place to be having this conversation, but you couldn’t wait. 
What was he holding back?
You’d always felt the safest around Hyunjin, but every breath between you right now was uncertain. He was fidgeting, sliding the silver ring off and on his finger.
“I was on my way back to you when—” Hyunjin paused, and the veins in his neck were prominent as he strained to be heard over the movie, “—when Felix found me. He wanted to talk”
“Is Jisung okay?” You blurted, the first thing that came to your mind. He was nervous as hell, and that freaked you out.
Hyunjin’s eyes widened, “No, he’s okay”
“Look. Y/N—“ Felix started, stepping ahead.
“Can I please just talk to Y/N…alone?” Hyunjin interrupted, turning to your friends. His frustration was new to you.
“Of course. Now you wanna talk to her” Felix scoffed, and your gaze drifted to him. You felt so out of the loop and everything was far too dramatic.
A laugh escaped you at the absurdity of this situation, “What is going on? You guys are acting like the world’s fucking ending or something”
“I’m sure it’s not that serious” Yuqi piped in, as a way to comfort you, and Felix glanced at her in disdain.
Hyunjin seemed to be physically struggling between appeasing you and Felix, but he focused his gaze on you.
“It’s not” He reaffirmed, pausing to breathe, “Obviously. It’s not… that serious”
“You sure?” Felix mumbled, taunting the situation, and you’d never known Felix to be the one to poke a bear with a stick. 
His presence only added to your confusion and annoyance. 
What was he doing here? 
Hadn’t he just told you he couldn’t be friends with you anymore? Or whatever the hell he was going to say before you were interrupted?
You glanced at him, and the anger from your previous unresolved conversation surged back, “Lix. Can you just give us a moment alone, please?”
His eyes locked with yours in silent agreement, “Yeah. Sure. Whatever you want, Y/N”
“Yeonjun’s gonna be worried as hell about us” Yuqi spoke in a harsh whisper, grabbing him lightly by the forearm to lead him away, and even though you were embarrassed to have an audience, you were glad she was here.
You’d dragged everyone to the drive-in theatre tonight for the Jaws screening because it had seemed, at the moment, like a good idea. It was supposed to be one of the things on your bucket list. The list Hyunjin and you had made together.
A list of things to make you fall in love with your little town again, and you were only doing all of this because Hyunjin insisted. A silly excuse to be by his side, but it had worked. You’d seen the film they were playing tonight a dozen times, so yeah, you were only doing this so you could spend more time with him. 
Right now though, it didn’t seem like the greatest idea, and more like the culmination of a really bad plan. 
A confrontation you didn’t want. 
Knowing Hyunjin, he hated confrontations too. 
So, there must be a really fucking good reason why he was arguing with your best friend just now.
Felix mumbled something as they walked away, too quiet for you to catch amongst the sounds of the film. 
A cold breeze picked up.
The blinking yellow sign above you was malfunctioning, a buzzing sound escaping it, distracting you momentarily until Hyunjin’s face came into focus again.
He was so apprehensive, a concerned frown on his face. Guilty was not a good look on him.
You swallowed your anxieties, raising your voice louder, “Can you just please tell me what’s going on? You’re kind of freaking me out here”
“Nothing is going on like that, I promise. It’s just…Yongbok found something out and freaked out about it. He was upset at me but—”
“What did he find out?” You were impatient.
Hyunjin squeezed his eyes shut, and sighed, “He saw me earlier…at the station”
It took you a second to put two and two together.
“The train station…? What were you doing there?”
His eyes darted around the driveway, realising that this was probably the worst place to be having any kind of conversation. The noise of the horror film had drowned the two of you out.
“Can we go somewhere else? Where it’s quieter, please?” 
You didn’t think you had the patience. Your stomach turned every second that he didn’t tell you what was wrong. 
“Please?” He asked again, “I’ll tell you everything. I just want to get away from here”
What was so complex that he couldn’t just say it now?
It felt like a break-up except you and him weren’t even fucking dating.
Your gaze flickered over his face, frown lines on his forehead that didn’t suit him, and it was only now that you noticed the bags under his eyes. He hadn’t slept last night. He was too young to be so worried.
“Yeah, of course”
There was relief on his face at your agreement, shoulders relaxing, and he looked around.
The theater was in the middle of fucking nowhere.
Where would you even go?
Worry returned to his face, and you sighed, “There’s a loading dock, like a few minutes from here. It’ll be quieter there”
He nodded, following closely behind you as you led the way. 
You focused on the sound of your footsteps in the dirt to not completely freak out.
“Is everything with Chan fine?” You ended up asking.
“Yeah, he’s fine too” He fell quiet again, “I’m sorry you’re missing the movie because of me”
The noises got muffled as you moved further away.
“I really don’t care” You told him, “I’ve seen it before”
“Oh, okay”
You stopped at a chain-link fence, leading to a loading dock for various trucks and vans. It was dead right now, but it'd be brimming with life in the early hours of the day. 
“This is quiet enough”
This was also as far as your patience could go.
Hyunjin nodded, leaning his weight against the fence, running a hand through his hair, “I guess”
Another round of screams from the audience echoed through the area, and you shrugged, “Guess not”
He didn’t seem amused though, “They’re so loud”
“It is the best part of the movie” You told him, “They finally defeat the shark”
Hyunjin nodded, as if he’d forgotten what the movie Jaws was even about, “Right”
He looked like a wounded animal, afraid you’d get mad at him, but you didn’t even understand what you should be mad about. 
His hand peeked out from under his button-up sleeve. You reached forward, not thinking before slipping your fingers between his.
The gesture surprised him, and he glanced up at you with big eyes. He squeezed your hand, finding comfort in it.
“I was buying a ticket back”
You frowned, asking a question you already knew the answer to, “Back to?”
His breaths were shallow, in uneven intervals and his shoulders rose and fell with each anxious inhale and exhale. 
“Seoul” He clarified, biting his bottom lip. 
“Oh. Isn’t…it too early?” 
His gaze fell, eyes avoiding yours, “I was trying to tell you earlier, but I didn’t get the chance”
“Tell me now” You tilt his head up, fingers under his chin so he could look right at you.
He took in another deep breath, eyes staring into yours, “I…have to leave, Y/N. I have to move back to the city”
The words didn’t shock you.
That’s it?
You knew he had to leave. 
A weight lift off your chest at the familiarity of his confession, and you could breathe again, “Yeah. I…know that, Hyunjin”
His eyes widened, “You do?”
Your fingers settled on his jaw, to calm him, “I mean, I know that you can’t stay here forever. You were only here for the summer anyway”
Relief swirled his eyes at your calmness, “Um…yeah”
It felt anticlimactic. This was why he was so nervous, why Felix was so mad, why they were fighting?
You two stood so close, hand-in-hand, and this didn’t even seem like a big deal. Hyunjin wasn’t going to be holed up in this small town forever. Everybody knew it would always be temporary, so what was the drama for?
A breeze blew Hyunjin’s hair in his face, and you tucked the chestnut strands behind his ear, “Would you have to start packing soon?”
With that question, Hyunjin’s eyebrows furrowed again, “I already packed, Y/N”
“Already?” You laughed, there was a whole month left but he was already preparing, “You should’ve told me…I could’ve helped you.”
He frowned, and suddenly your name on his lips felt bitter, “Y/N…” 
Like it took effort to say, and like it broke his heart.
It felt like an apology, but you didn’t know what for.
You squeezed his hand, to let him know he had nothing to be sorry for, “Tell me…”
“No, you don’t understand. I’m — I’m not staying for the rest of the summer anymore”
Your heart squeezed, and suddenly you realised why he was so anxious. 
You needed confirmation, “You’re not?”
“I need to leave” He let out a breath, “Tonight.”
The words hit you like a punch to your gut.
Hyunjin explained further, to make sure you understood, but your head was already spinning, “My train leaves for Seoul… in a few hours” 
Your grip on his hand dropped, and you stopped touching him.
He stared at you for what felt like forever, eyes flickering between yours, “I’m sorry”
He’s sorry?
You had trouble speaking the words, “What? Tonight?”
His eyes were wide at your reaction, and at your tone. He thought you didn’t believe him.
And you didn’t.
Tonight was so soon, and in a few hours was fucking insane.
As you processed his words, the silence stretched for seconds, excruciatingly long.
He felt a stupid need to fill in the void, “My manager’s coming to pick me up. He doesn’t want me to make the journey back alone. He’s worried about a crowd at the station, in case the information leaked—”
Hyunjin kept talking, and explaining, but you’d stopped listening.
What the fuck was he even saying?
All of these technicalities.
You couldn’t even still process what he’d told you.
Yeah, you knew he had to leave but you didn’t think it’d be tonight. 
You didn’t think it’d be right now.
You weren’t prepared.
Each word he spoke was a lightning bolt to your heart, ripping chasms open in the perfect day you’d just had. 
It couldn’t be. You had so much planned with him. You hadn’t even gotten to the good part yet.
The sky lit up in bright white, blinding you.
You hadn’t even told him that you loved him...
The wind picked up, dust blowing into your eyes but you didn’t care. The lightning wasn’t just within you. There was a storm coming.
Hyunjin glanced up at the sky; dark clouds suddenly looming over you, but that was the least of your worries. 
“We should get inside” He realised, reaching for your hand, but you stepped away from him, pulling your hand out of reach.
His eyes were wide at the rejection.
“I’m sorry. You said that you’re leaving in a few hours?” You asked again, hoping this was just a horrible fucking joke, and you heard him wrong.
But he fucking nodded, not saying anything. 
Your stomach was beginning to hurt, a shooting pain through your body, and you felt dizzy.
Bile rose up to your throat at the suddenness of everything, “I don’t understand. You said you didn’t have to go back, not until the end of summer and—”
“I know” He interrupted, “I know that’s what I said, but things changed. The company needs me back, I don’t have much of a choice”
“But what about Kkami…and about the art classes?” Stupid questions, when all you wanted to ask was something else. 
“I canceled the classes yesterday, and Minho said he’ll look after Kkami until my aunt comes back to town”
Of course.
“Oh”
Of course he’d figured everything out. A man as precise as Hyunjin, of course he’d already solved for all the problems you couldn’t even foresee.
But what about you?
Your gaze fell from his, heart falling deep into your gut and maybe that explained the pain in you. You didn’t even know what to say. It was so much information, to process all at once, and pathetically, you mumbled, “I thought I’d have more time with you”
“I know, Y/N. I...thought so too” His voice was too soft, too calm, “But I’m sorry that we don’t”
Was he not affected by this? Why was he so calm?
In a few hours, he would be more than a hundred miles away from you.
That wasn’t okay.
But he seemed perfectly fine right now.
How long had he known this?
“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you before” He swallowed, and stepped closer. His hands glided up your arms, coming to rest at your shoulders. He squeezed the skin there, and maybe he thought it was comforting, but it just felt suffocating.
Your chest was pounding so hard you could hear your heartbeat in your ears.
You were still confused, so many questions in your head, “But that doesn’t explain why Felix was fighting with you”
Hyunjin sighed, “He…he thought that I wasn’t going to tell you”
There it was.
Your eyes narrowed, darting up to his, a new fear sinking into you, something you hadn’t even considered, “Wait. Were you not?”
His eyes widened, but his voice gave him away, “No. I was going to—”
You took another step back, and he dropped his hands from you.
“You weren’t even going to say goodbye, Hyunjin?”
He hesitated before speaking, “I was”
“When?”
“What?”
“When were you going to tell me? If you’ve already bought a ticket. You’ve already cancelled the classes. You’ve…packed everything. You’ve already given Kkami away. So, when…were you going to tell me?”
He squeezed his eyes shut.
And it was enough.
“You’re fucking kidding me”
“Let me explain, please--”
Another flash lit up the sky.
Thunder ripped through the atmosphere, and the sound startled you both, making you look up.
It wasn’t raining, not yet, but it would soon.
Immediately, you heard scrambling over at the drive-in theatre. All of the people would be exposed to the rain, and now they’d have to pack it up, and leave.
How fitting for a storm to pass through right fucking now.
You looked back at him, because this wasn’t like him.
The Hyunjin you’d come to know…would never blindside you like this.
You stepped further away, your sneakers tripping over the dirt and Hyunjin reached out to steady you, but you ripped your arm back, “You were just going to leave”
“I tried telling you yesterday, in the forest! You were the first person I was going to tell” Hyunjin exclaimed, eyes wide in what you could only recognise as despair.
In the forest, when you’d taken him to see the fireflies. Hyunjin had said he wanted to tell you something. He was trying to tell you this?
Sourness developed in your mouth, “What? Yesterday?”
“But you stopped me. You kissed me, and you said you didn’t want to know”
Your sadness was suddenly replaced by embarrassment, and bitterness.
“So…it’s my fault?”
“What? Of course not. That’s not what I’m saying”
Your emotions were toppling over, and you couldn’t manoeuvre them anymore.
You felt a surge of hopelessness, because he didn’t understand how important this was to you.
How important he was.
“If it was so important, you should have told me anyway! I obviously would have understood, and stopped kissing you. I’m not that dense, or …needy”
Hyunjin’s eyes were wide, like he couldn’t believe you.
“I know that you’re not. Of course, you’re not” He repeated, stepping towards you, “I knew how upset it would make you, and I’m so fucking sorry. I didn’t want to ruin the time we had left”
There was no justifiable reason for you to be this sad. He was only going to be a few hours away from here, but you’d dreaded the day he’d leave ever since you met him.
His life in the city was a whirlwind, and he didn’t have time for anything.
How would you ever stay in his life, or keep him in yours?
Your voice was shaky, “I’m not upset at you, Hyunjin”
“Really? Because it looks like you hate me right now” He laughed.
You sighed, looking him in the eye, “Of course not”
“I just don’t understand why I’m the last to know. You said that your manager is coming to pick you up…and you’re worried the information would leak. So does everybody know you’re coming back or something?”
He nodded slightly, as if his answer would hurt you, “The media knows. There’s going to be a crowd at the station, in the city when I get back”
So if you waited a few more hours…the morning papers would have told you anyway.
The thought almost made you want to laugh, or cry.
“We were having such a good time, at the Creek, and…I didn’t want to kill the mood, obviously I was right, because you’re so upset right now”
“Right. I’m sorry for being upset that you’re leaving Hyunjin”
He pulled you towards him, “Stop, please. This is…not how I wanted tonight to go”
“Then how did you want it to go?”
“I wanted to…stay up with you, and talk to you, and listen to you...until I can”
It sounded tempting. You’d do anything to have that.
But he was leaving tonight.
“Do you know when you’ll come back?”
“What?”
“To Daejon. Do you know when you’ll come back?”
He hesitated, “I don’t know. A couple of years, maybe then…”
“So after tonight…you have no idea when we’ll see each other again?”
“Yeah, but…you can visit me in Seoul, right?” He asked, a hopeful lilt to his tone.
Your head was still spinning, “Were you going to stay in touch with me?”
“Yeah. I was going to give you my new number—”
“Your new number?” You were confused.
“I have to change it…every few months. For safety”
Another lightning flash lit up his face, and then the first drops of rain followed. They wet your hair, dripping down your face, masquerading as tears.
“Yeonjun would be wondering where I am”
“What?” Hyunjin asked, but you needed to fixate on something else or you’d go insane.
“I have to tell him” You mumbled, more to yourself, reaching for your phone in your back pocket, but you’d left it back in the truck. A frustrated groan escaped you.
“I can tell him” Hyunjin spoke, immediately, pulling his phone out to text him. You watched as he did so. The bright phone lit up his face, as he typed in a text, but from here, you could see his fingers trembling.
The vendors were rushing to close all the food shops before the rain came in. The sound of people scrambling with their blankets and snacks to get inside. Car doors being shut, and engines being started.
“Please just let me explain, so you can understand what’s going on in my head”
You needed to calm down. This was always going to happen, and you shouldn’t be surprised. You shouldn’t be heartbroken and so fucking weak. 
You nodded, “Go ahead”
He grabbed your hand in urgency but you didn’t stop him, “I knew how upset it would make you, and I’m so fucking sorry. I knew the moment that I told you, it would be real, and is it crazy if I wanted the summer to last longer? I was being selfish and I wasn’t thinking”
You took a deep breath, his words calming you down by the second, “It’s not selfish. I..I’m sorry. I just thought you were hiding it from me, and…I got upset. How long have you known?”
“Barely two days” He admitted, and then, “That’s kind of why I was rushing through your list”
A laugh escaped you, at the lost innocence of that sentence, “What? My list is not… important, Hyunjin”
He frowned, “It was to me…”
The cold water draped over your forehead, dripping down your eyes, tracing your nose, falling into your mouth. You should be sane, and walk out of this storm before you both fell sick. Hyunjin was just watching you, and you think his heart was broken too. For a reason different to yours.
“A few hours…” You realised, and you were already losing time.
He squeezed your hand, “If you would let me, I’d like to spend them with you”
The rain intensified, transforming into a downpour, drowning out the last of his sentence. Everybody must have left the drive-in theater by now and that meant it was just you and him in the middle of this summer storm.
You felt like a broken record, “I wish I knew”
“Why?” He bent down to your height, voice softening, “It…wouldn’t have changed anything”
You took in a deep breath. He was right.
It wouldn’t have changed anything.
His eyes were exploring yours, apologetic, and you could understand what went on in his head. If you could spare Hyunjin the pain of something sad, you would have done the same.
He was getting drenched in the storm, and you’d feel guilty if he fell sick because of you, “Are you okay?” He asked you.
You suddenly felt numb. 
Why shouldn’t you be okay?
“I’ll only be a few hours away from you” He reassured you, and then chuckled softly, “It’s not like I’m moving to another country”
A loud honk pulled you out of the conversation.
Yuqi’s truck was to the side, parked on the dirt road, and Yeonjun was poking his head out of the window, “What the hell are you two still doing out there?”
You looked back at Hyunjin, swallowing, “We should go”
“Come on” He spoke, guiding you towards the car with his hand on your back. You rushed inside, arms around yourself to be warm. He went around the back, getting in through the other side, and he was completely soaked, hair dripping, “Sorry for getting your seats wet, Yuqi”
She told him it was fine, and Yeonjun turned round to ask, “Am I taking you straight home then, Y/N?”
Yuqi gave you a sympathetic look in the rearview mirror. Felix must have told her what the argument had been about.
You glanced at Hyunjin. He thought you were angry at him. Well, you were a bit. But never enough to ignore him like this. This was his last night here. Everything felt so sudden, and rushed, and you weren’t sure you’d even understood it, but you had be mature about this.
“No, I’m…not going home” You told Yeonjun.
Hyunjin raised his eyebrows, as if to ask if you were sure.
He was crazy if he thought you’d let him go without even saying goodbye.
“Can I come to your place?”
He nodded, in a single breath answering, “Of course”
Every second spent arguing over this was one less second with him. Yeonjun drove away from the loading dock, and time was slipping away and you glanced at Hyunjin. He was looking out at the town as it passed by, and he looked so fucking lost…or nostalgic.
Daejon passed by in a blur, as you drove to his house.
It would be selfish of you to think you were the only one affected by this. He was the one who would have to go back the life he’d left behind.
You drove past Aera’s, and Hyunjin’s gaze lingered on it, long after you’d already passed it. The car ride was quiet, other than the music Yuqi was playing, but you’d tuned it out.
Hyunjin’s eyebrows were furrowed as he watched the blur of trees and homes and places you’d come to spend all of your time in this summer. It was like he was trying to take everything in but Yeonjun drove faster than his memories could catch up.
His hand was on his thigh, fingers trembling still, and you don’t know if it was from the cold or if he was scared. 
Your heart squeezed in your chest. 
You reached over without thinking, hand settling over his, and immediately, he was calm.
»»———��-
Hyunjin’s room was ripped bare. 
The art had been taken off the walls, the paint canisters had been stashed out of sight, the mattress was naked of the blue sheets and comforter you’d grown to love.
Cardboard boxes lay under his window, taped up and sealed shut.
His art wasn’t decorating the room anymore, instead it lay packed under layers of bubble wrap and paper.
It was strange, because you’d only been here a few times, enough to count on one hand, but it felt like a loss. Empty rooms always made you sad. It signified the end of something.
Yeonjun’s room had stayed empty, and even when he visited home, he’d live out of his suitcase. After all, nobody took the time to hang back picture frames on the walls. 
Your gut tinged with sadness.
Hyunjin stood at the other side of the room, arms crossed, emanating a calm silence.
Your eyes met his, a strange resignation within them. You hugged yourself, arms coming round your body in a comforting embrace. 
The room was far too barren for your liking, but compared to outside, at least it was warm here.
With difficulty you found the words, “How does it feel? To see your room like this?”
He cleared his throat, and his hair was still wet, chestnut strands sticking to his skin, “Honestly?”
“Yeah”
“I don’t feel anything”
Maybe that was the saddest answer you could hear. 
Your indignant look made him clarify further.
His Adam’s apple bobbed before he spoke, “I…I know that’s weird. I thought I’d be sad, but I don’t really feel anything”  
“I get that” You nodded, leaning against the wall, movements mirroring his. 
“You do?” He tilt his head, fiddling with the pendant around his neck.
You did get him, but you can’t seem to elaborate.
After all, you’ve never had to deal with anything of this nature. 
You’ve lived in the same place your whole life. The same room. The same bed. The same view from your window every morning and night.
How could you know what goodbyes felt like?
“I thought I’d be sadder” He continues upon your silence, “I just don’t feel much of anything, and that makes me…feel sad. Shouldn’t I be just a little upset?”
“Maybe you haven’t processed it yet?” You offered.
He shook his head, frown lines on his forehead, “It’s not that”
You couldn’t comprehend what he felt, and all you could do was guess, “Maybe it’s too soon” 
His eyebrows shot up, as if he realised something utterly significant about himself. Yet he didn’t share it with you. He slipped his hands deeper into his pockets, adjusting his posture against the wall.
A black suitcase stood between you, and you wonder what he’d put in it. What was he taking with him? It was strange to imagine that his entire summer here had fit into just those four cardboard boxes. There must have been things he discarded, or gave away.
What did he leave behind?
“So…how will you take all this stuff back?” You asked, gesturing over to the boxes.
“I’m not. I’m just taking my luggage with me” He explained, “I just packed everything else so it’d be easier for my aunt to take care of the house when I’m gone”
When he’s gone.
“That’s thoughtful of you” You smiled, gazing at the other boxes pushed under his bed, “What about your art supplies? Are you taking them too?”
He shook his head, chuckling nervously, “No, I had no space in my bag”
Your eyebrows shot up, “How are you going to paint when you’re in the city then?”
“I doubt I’ll have time at first” He admit.
Your heart clenched. Another loss.
“But…when I do, I’ll just get new supplies” He continued, so simply.
Your eyes narrowed, “Hwang Hyunjin… do you have any idea how expensive art supplies are?”
A hint of a smile appeared on his face, “I know, but I have no choice. There’s an art shop in Hongdae. I’ve passed it a hundred times. I think I’ll finally visit it”
“You’re going to forget all about Aera’s then” You frowned.
He hummed, smiling at you, “I could never”
You smiled, and a comfortable silence fell upon you.
He moved across his room to sit against the desk, “I am kind of sad about putting away all my art though. They’re just going to collect dust forever”
“Maybe you can put them back up when you come back” You suggested.
He nodded, “Right. When I’m back.”
He traced a hand against his empty desk. Just a few days ago, it was full of clutter, flower vases, and pretty candles, and pencils of different sizes. The first night he’d come to Aera’s he’d bought a little canvas and a single pencil from you.
That was so long ago, and you smiled to yourself at the memory.
“You’re really not going to miss home, and your room?” 
“I have something of yours” He interrupted, ignoring your questions entirely.
“Oh…okay” Is all you can seem to muster.
He pulled open the drawers, and you move towards him. He’d cleared out everything from within them too. Including all his paint supplies, his knick-knacks, the hair ties… and that box of condoms you saw once…
Was he leaving that behind?
Or had he packed that too?
Maybe it’d be useful to him in the city.
The thought made you choke up, and you turned away, giving him space to look for whatever he was looking for. 
He finally pulled open the last drawer, and spoke, “I found it when cleaning, and uh, I don’t know how but I forgot to return it,”
You stepped forward to take a glimpse, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him.
“My sketchbook!” You realised, recognising the torn-up leather cover. 
Pulling it out, you flipped it open, seeing the sketches you made on countless train journeys, “Honestly…I didn’t even know you have this”
Hyunjin laughed, and your gaze darted to his.
It was the first he’d laughed like this since he’d told you he was leaving.
“I promise I didn’t steal it or anything” He admitted, “You never took it back after Felix’s birthday”
“That was ages ago. I guess I have far too many sketchbooks to keep count” You hummed, flipping further through the book, seeing the drawings Hyunjin had filled it with on the journey, when you’d given it to him. You felt him move closer to you, body stopping right behind yours.
You traced your fingers against the ink, trying not to get distracted by his breathing on your neck, “The beach cabin. You drew it”
Hyunjin nodded, looking over your shoulder at the picture, “I did. That was…a good night”
You craned your neck to look at him, a laugh escaping, “Really? I felt kind of bad for dragging you along for that whole trip. Ended up being pretty shitty”
He smiled, eyes flickering over you, “Not all of it”
You flipped to another page, but Hyunjin’s hand reached out to stop you. You looked at him questioningly.
“Uh…you can go through that later. We don’t have much time”
You nodded, keeping it aside. He walked over, sitting on the mattress, and stared out through the window. It was still raining fiercely, a thunderstorm raging outside.
 “If it wasn’t raining, we could have gone stargazing” He realised.
The disappointed in his tone pulled at your heartstrings, “Maybe it’ll pass soon”
He shook his head, “No, I checked — It’s going to be cloudy till noon tomorrow. I’ll already be gone by then”
“Oh”
It was hard to put his words into comprehension. 
He was really going to be gone. 
You’d gotten so used to seeing him all the time, everywhere. He would show up at your job, and he would go around town with you, and a part of you felt like he’d always be here to do that.
After a while, he sighed, “I guess I was looking forward to doing something cool with you…before I have to leave”
You stared at the rain, the droplets trailing down his windowsill, racing to the bottom, “This could be nice too. It hasn’t rained like this in months”
He nodded in silent agreement, and you watched the downpour, quietly, stealing glances at him. There was a sense of awkwardness and emptiness in the air. 
He wasn’t being honest with you about everything, but you didn’t want to push. It felt like he was holding back yet again, and you wish he’d just tell you everything on his mind.
Flashes of lightning lit up his face every few minutes, and he looked out at the dark garden like it held all the answers to life, and the universe. 
“Hyunjin…” You spoke.
He glanced at you, and his eyes looked sad. 
You were counting down the fleeting moments left with him. Was he too?
It broke your heart. Why was he so quiet when you only had a few hours together?
You couldn’t push him, but each second mattered.
So you walked over to him, kneeling on the floor so you could look at him, “What’s wrong?”
His eyes darted between yours, lips parted, as he thought over your question.
“I don’t know” His voice quivered.
You placed a hand on his leg, to ground him, “You wanted me to come over”
He swallowed, “I did”
“Why?”
“I don’t want to be alone right now”
“You’re not” You assured him, patting lightly on his knee, “What are you thinking about?”
“Shouldn’t I feel sad?” He asked, “Something has to be wrong with me”
“What do you mean?” You frowned.
“You asked me earlier if I will miss Daejon, but I only feel numb. I cried when I left Seoul, but why do I feel nothing leaving here?”
His words were heavy, and you don’t know if you were qualified to answer him, because you were too emotionally invested in this, and in him.
“Maybe you haven’t processed it yet”
He looked back at the garden, fence, and skies, “Yeah, I can’t believe I’m going to be back in the city tomorrow. It feels like a world apart, and I can’t really grasp leaving this”
“I mean, it is a world apart, Hyunjin”
He looked at you, “I feel like I never got the chance to settle here. It’s been so temporary. I always knew I was only here for a little while, and I can’t get myself to feel sad”
“It’s not like… an obligation, Hyun. I can’t imagine how it feels like to live two places. If you don’t feel a certain way, you can’t force it”
He nodded, quietly staring ahead at his garden.
He was stuck between two places, and two lives. He’d always told you about that. 
Even though he wasn’t sad, he didn’t seem happy either, so you said, “What are you looking forward to the most when you get back?”
“Meeting the guys” He responded, in a heartbeat, and then smiled at his own eagerness, “I’m also excited to just be able to do my job again”
“Yeah?” You asked, taking a seat next to him so you could be level with him, “Do you already have your schedule for the next few weeks?”
He nodded, “Mmh. It’s kind of crazy, but it’ll be nice to be that busy again”
You shifted closer to him, as did he, with the pouring rain in backdrop. It was isolating, but comforting, “What else?”
“Hmm?”
“What else are you excited about?”
Hyunjin’s lips pulled up into a smile, “To step into the dance studio. Man, I’ve missed that more than anything”
You smiled, “Yeah?”
“When I was a trainee, I basically slept there.” He hummed, and despite the obvious hardships he hinted at, his memory came from a place of fondness and comfort.
His eyes crinkled as he remembered something else, “It’s funny. It happened so often. Our manager installed a small bench there, so I could pass out on it, instead of killing my back on the hardwood floor”
“Wow. That’s so nice of him” You smiled, watching his eyes lit up talking about his home.
“I also can’t wait to get back to the recording studio. Chan told me details about the next album. Apparently, he, uh, wants me to have a couple of my own songs on it”
Your eyes widened, “Wait, what do you mean?”
As far as you knew, all of their songs were written by his team members.
“Um” He laughed nervously, crossing his legs, “Like songs I write just by myself, and produce”
“I didn’t know you write songs” You admitted, feeling stupid. Sadness settled in your stomach, as you realised there was so much you still didn’t know much about Hyunjin. 
There was so much you wanted to know, to discover about him. 
Hyunjin laughed, “I try to, I haven’t released my own yet. The guys usually take care of that, so this will be a first…I don’t even know what I’ll write about”
“But…have you written songs before?”
He nodded, “I used to write a lot on tour, but I never really felt confident enough to release them”
Curiosity flooded you, “What kind of things do you write about?”
He laughed, “You’ll be disappointed, it’s kind of cheesy…and mainstream”
“I don’t care”
He smiled, “You’ll be the first to hear if I finish”
“Are you excited to see Chan?”
He laughed, “Insanely. Jisung and Binnie too. I can’t believe I went so long without them. Hopefully they haven’t burnt the dorm down”
He grimaced at the thought, and then laughed, “And Jisung…man, I think I’ll squeeze the life out of him when I see him, and not let go. He’s been through far too much in my absence”
“They must be missing you a lot” You spoke, watching his fond smile. 
You would miss so many moments in his life. 
Crucial moments that would redefine him as a person.
You would miss the excitement in his eyes when he reunited with the boys again. You’d miss the work he would put into the self-composed songs, and the satisfaction of his smile when he finished.
So many little and bigger moments of happiness, the kind of things that make a person. 
The next time you saw him, he’d probably be so different from who he was now. 
You would both have changed as people, grown apart from each other.
But he was smiling at everything he had to look forward to, and that’s all you wanted in the moment. For him to feel happy.
“We still have a few hours left. It’s your last night. Is there anything in particular you wanted to do?”
Hyunjin tilt his head, “I didn’t really plan for anything… I was just hoping you’d spend it with me”
He already seemed so much more relaxed, and you were glad. 
“Do you need help cleaning anything or packing up?”
He shook his head, “I think everything’s done but…we could have drinks together, if you want?”
His last night in town should be memorable.
“That sounds perfect” You smiled, getting off the bed, as you followed Hyunjin back to the kitchen. 
He had changed from his storm-drenched clothes into simple sweatpants, and they fit him well, sitting comfortably on his hips. The hoodie was also simple, and it looked soft enough to touch, like it was made from the finest wool in the country.
“What do you usually like to have, Y/N?” Hyunjin reached up to the cabinets at the very top, his height allowing him to do so with ease, “I know that you liked the rosé when we went to the paint event, and I know that you absolutely hate beer”
You laughed at the memory, jumping up to sit comfortably on the kitchen counter. Hyunjin glanced at you briefly, smiling to himself at the position, and how you’d made yourself at home.
You thought about it, but you weren’t a big cocktail drinker, so you hummed, “I’ll have anything you’ll have”
“You’re easily influenced” He laughed, “What if you hate my taste?”
You smiled at him, swinging your legs gently against the counter, “I trust you”
He made a face, “Now I have to live up to your unrealistically high expectations of me. Isn’t that too much pressure for my last night?”
You threw your hands up in defense, “You’re the one who suggested we have drinks, Hyun”
He smiled, peering at the alcohol he had in his cabinet. There wasn’t too much, since he rarely lived here, and you don’t suppose his aunt was a big drinker.
“Have you ever tried a Dolce Vita?” He asked you, the drink's name slipping from his lips so smoothly, and you guessed it was Italian from his pronunciation, but Hyunjin made it sound so expensive.
“Can’t say that I have” 
He stepped towards you, body touching your legs, but still not close enough, “I think it’s your kind of a drink”
“What makes you say that?” You tilt your head.
He thought over his words, mulling them in his head, “It’s…classy. It’s elegant, and it’s…romantic”
You stilled, watching him describe it.
 “It’s pink, and…it has dark chocolate on top” He continued, and then smiled to himself, “It fits you really well”
You smiled, heat flushing to your chest, and cheeks, “What’s the catch?”
“I don’t have all the ingredients” He spoke, a soft pout on his lips, “But I can make you another drink, that you might like”
“When did you even learn all these recipes? I didn’t know you’re a connoisseur”
He laughed, stepping back towards the cabinet to check the ingredients, “I’m not, but Chan taught me a few. He and Kairi…make their own cocktails a lot”
“I hope I can meet them one day” You spoke.
Hyunjin glanced at you over his shoulder, “You’d love Kairi. She’s…so much like you”
You thought, still swaying your legs, “Does that mean Chan would love me too?”
He chuckled, and his shoulders shook from the action, “He kind of already does”
It was still pouring outside, and you looked at the droplets cascading down the kitchen window. It was kind of nice to be trapped in this house with him. It was a big place too, and it was empty, and just the two of you. It was like you were two kids playing house. 
Hyunjin was fiddling with different liqueurs, and you could hear the clinking of glasses, and spoons as he moved things around on the counter. You would help him if you could, but you had no experience in mixology and he had it handled. It was calming, to listen to the thunder, and just sit here.
“What are you making now, Hyun?” You asked, fiddling with the cuts in your jeans.
“It’s called the Queen of Hearts”
You laughed, “I have never heard of these names. Are they just for rich people…or something?”
He tsked, shaking his head “I’m not that rich, Y/N”
“Statistically speaking, you’re…like in one of the biggest bands in our country” 
He smiled softly at you again, “How do you know that? Did you read about me online?”
“Maybe I did” You flushed, “Sometimes you show up on my Instagram. Your fans are very loyal, you know?”
He laughed, turning around to look at you, and you could see he was shaking a liquid in a glass, “I sure hope you don’t believe everything you see about me though. There’s a lot of false news out there”
“So, what, you haven’t dated like every female pop star in the country?” You teased him, exaggerating.
He rolled his eyes, turning back to the counter, to put the glass down, “Did someone actually say that I did?”
“Of course not” You smiled, “That wouldn’t be a believable rumour”
“You’d be surprised what people believe” He laughed, and then paused to say, “I’ve only ever dated one”
Your eyebrows shot up, “A pop star?”
“Yeah”
You looked at him, and you were so curious suddenly, albeit a lot of it stemmed from envy. Whoever had the honor of dating Hyunjin…did they know how lucky they were?
Was in he love with her?
Was she?
You imagined it in your head — the dates he would go on, and the kind of romantic things he would say. He was already such a nice person to you, and you two were just friends. What would he be like…with the girl that he loves?
A pit of jealousy settled in your stomach, so deep, that it ached.
“So, um, I added less liquor to yours just so you can taste it. If you like it, I can give you some more” He spoke, turning to delicately hand you the wine glass. The drink was the color of champagne. 
You peered at the drink, “What’s in it?”
He tilt his head, thinking, “It’s a bit of gin, wine, and…some lemon juice. For the sweet flavour, I added a syrup to it. It’s dahlia…I think you’ll love that”
You stared at him as he explained it, “You’re kidding me”
You reached for the glass, but he immediately pulled it back before you could.
“Wait! I forgot something”
“What?” You laughed, “What else could possibly be missing? The tears of angels?”
He rolled his eyes, “Ha-ha”
You tried to grab it, “Just give it to me. I’m sure it’s fine”
He shook his head, pulling the drink away from your hold, “No, this is the last drink I’m making you. It has to be perfect”
“It’s also the first drink you’ve made me” You pointed out.
He laughed, holding up a finger, “Give me just one minute. I’ll be back”
He placed the glass back on the countertop, and slipped his shoes on.
“Wait, what?”
“I have to run to the garden for something” He told you over his shoulder.
“But there’s a storm out” You exclaimed, dumbly.
He pulled the hood up, looking back at you as he zipped it up fully, “I’ll be fine”
“Hyunjin, don’t go” You laughed, “I’m sure the drink is fine without it”
He shook his head, and he was already halfway out the door. As soon as he pushed open the wooden door, a gust of wind blew in, bringing with it tiny leaves and some rain. The thunder was so much louder now that the door was open, and Hyunjin ran out, shoes put on halfway, and it was so silly that he was doing all this for just a drink.
You waited with bated breath, but you couldn’t see out into the garden from here, so you had no idea what he was up to.
Minutes passed, and you waited in his kitchen, sat on the countertop.
“Holy shit. It’s fucking pouring!” He yelled, running back inside, and he was completely wet, from head to toe. He slipped off his shoes at the back entrance, walking to you barefoot.
“Oh my god” You mumbled, watching the water drip off him, “I told you it was a bad idea”
His fist was closed around something, and you wonder what he got from the garden.
He grabbed your wine glass, and dropped something in it, “You’ll change your mind after you try this”
He then smiled proudly, handing it to you.
Your eyes widened, as you peered into the glass. 
A pretty flower floated on top of the gin, its pink petals wet from the liquid, giving the entire drink an illusion of a pastel paint.
“A flower?” You asked, giggling in disbelief.
“It’s edible” He explained, smiling still, “It’s perfect for you”
“Did you get one for yourself too?”
“Mmh” He nodded, showing you his. The flower floated on the top beautifully, dissolving partially into the liquid. Your drinks looked beautiful together, ethereal and completely fitting to who Hyunjin was as a person.
“Aren’t you cold?” 
“I am” He admitted, and then looked just a tad regretful, “But I packed away all my spare clothes”
“Maybe you should’ve thought this all through” You giggled.
“To be fair, I wasn’t thinking” He shrugged, “It’s fine. It’ll dry out”
He reached behind his neck, peeling off his grey hoodie. The white t-shirt he wore inside rose up with the simple action, revealing his stomach in a glimpse. Like a teenage girl, your heart jumped at the little display of skin. He tossed the hoodie to the side, and stepped closer to you.
His hair looked darker when wet, almost a shade of black, sticking to his face and his cheeks. He puffed, pushing it back behind his ears. You noticed his pendant, stuck in the front of his shirt as he stepped closer to you.
You weren’t thinking as you reached forward, grabbing the thin silver chain around his neck and tugged it out, so it fell against his chest instead.
Hyunjin was frozen still at the action, darting down to see what you were doing and then looking back up at you.
Your hand was still on the chain, and every part of you wanted to pull him closer by it, so you could kiss him. Right now didn’t seem like a good time for that though. He was feeling all kinds of emotions and vulnerability …if he wanted to kiss you tonight, he would have.
The thought of letting Hyunjin go — without feeling his lips again — hurt you, but it was a reality you’d accept. You’d been all over the place with him recently, never having defined what it meant, or why you kept making out without talking about it.
Maybe it was just a summer fling for him, because he’d made it plenty clear you two could never be anything more.
You cleared your throat, dropping your hand, “Now, can we try the drink? I’m dying to taste it” 
He nodded a yes, and you held your glasses up, clinking them against each other. The sound echoed in the empty house. As you did that, he looked right into your eyes, and you felt a familiar shiver run down your spine. You lift the glass up to your lips, tasting the liquid, and Hyunjin watched you as you did so. His eyes on you made you feel a little shy, but that was soon overpowered by how good the drink tasted. 
It smelled, and tasted just like flowers and sweetness, and you let out a moan of satisfaction, “Fuck. That’s…revolutionary”
Hyunjin smiled, eyes crinkling, and only after that did he sip his drink. It tasted like a dark chocolate tart, and like flavourful berries grown on a farm.
“Have you ever considered…becoming a mixologist instead of an idol?” 
He laughed, stepping close to the counter so that he lingered at your footsteps. If you opened your legs up just a bit, he could stand between your thighs but you weren’t sure it was appropriate. So, you stayed the way you were, sitting on the countertop, and Hyunjin stood as close as possible, his lower stomach grazing against your knees.
“Maybe when I retire” He joked, swirling the drink around in his glass.
“No, but this is seriously so good” You told him, genuinely now, “Is there anything that you can’t do?”
“Stop” His face turned red, and he looked embarrassed, “It’s just a drink. I didn’t do anything else”
“Well, nobody’s ever made me a Queen of Hearts before” 
He glanced up at you, “They’re missing out on a great opportunity then”
“Mmh. I’m sure nobody’s dying to do that”
His smile fell, hand landing on your knee, “Don’t do that”
“Do what…?”
“Talk down about yourself”
You blinked. It really wasn’t your intention to do that. You were just being honest. Nobody you knew in your life, or in all of Daejon would ever make a drink like this for you. There wasn’t anything wrong with that, but it was just the truth.
So it was interesting that he interpreted it as such, as if your reply offended him.
“I wasn’t” You clarified, “I just meant…there’s not a lot of guys in Daejon with skill sets like yours”
The way you said it made you cringe, it came out sounding so professionally formal.
He looked up at you, sincere expression, “That’s…a compliment I’ve never got before”
You broke into a laugh, and absentmindedly put your hand over his, the one that rested on your knee. His hand dwarfed yours in comparison, but you drew circles over it as you talked, “Well, I have a gift and a burning desire for pleasing others or I’ll shrivel up and die”
Hyunjin laughed, squeezing your knee, and his hair was wet, but it was already beginning to dry up around his face.
“I like when you’re like that” He suddenly spoke, eyes focused on his drink, not you.
You took a sip of it too, watching him, “When I’m like what?”
“I don’t know” He looked up, “Confident. Funny. Yourself. Not…sad”
“You make it sound like I’m always depressed”
He shook his head, “You know what I mean”
“I don’t” 
He sighed, as if wondering whether to say it or not.
You drew a star on his hand, the one that rest on your knee, “Tell me. It’s our last night together anyway”
It seemed like that was the push he needed, and he placed his glass to the side, “The past few weeks you haven’t seemed the most…happy. I know that you were having a lot of trouble with your friends, and with the art program application” He trailed off, looking guilty again, “And because of me…”
You stayed quiet, letting him continue.
“I guess it was just not a great time for you. But tonight, when I’m talking to you…it feels like those problems don’t exist in the moment. I know I have to leave tomorrow, and I know you were upset about that, and you have every right to be, but right now…it feels like you’re less burdened somehow”
You didn’t know he noticed so many things about you, and so your heart warmed at just that implication. Hearing him recount what you’d been going through, you also felt a little emotional.
He looked up at you, looking a little panicked, “Or I could be completely wrong. You can correct me”
“No” You refuted, “You’re not wrong. I do feel…less burdened. I guess I just never thought of it like that. For me, it just felt like each day was getting progressively worse. I didn’t look at it from any other perspective”
“Yeah… but things will work out for you, Y/N” He said so simply, “I know that sounds preach-y, but… it may feel like everything in your life is going wrong somehow, but I assure you it’s not. Every bad day you’ve recently had…all of that won’t matter soon enough, and so you have to know that this sadness isn’t forever”
You blinked, staring at him. Absentmindedly, his hand slid further up your leg, drifting from your knee to your thigh. You let it.
He pushed his stray hair back with his other hand, tucking the strands behind his ear, “And I know how much this art program meant to you, I’ve had my share of failed dreams before, so I know how gut-wrenching it is, but this isn’t the end of your art journey. You know that right?”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Well, it can’t be. You have a gift, and…I know that it’s not going to waste”
You smiled, cheeks full from his words, “You have a gift too, you know?”
He locked eyes with you, and he was blushing too, and his fingers rest at your upper thigh now, “Yeah? What’s that?”
“You have...such a good heart, Hyunjin”
His eyes widened, hanging on to your every word.
“You’re the kindest person I know. It doesn’t sound like much, but…I’ve not met many people like you, genuinely good people. I respect that…a lot. You deal with so much bullshit in your life, but you still find a way to be happy”
His eyes lit up, a gorgeous smile appearing on his face, “Isn’t that the point of everything? The endgame”
You laughed, “It is. It what we’re all working towards. I just wish everyone else could be like you”
He smiled at your words, and you would miss this so much. The kind of ideas that you could talk about for hours. He looked beautiful like this. He looked like the most beautiful thing in the world when he was happy. He was shy too, biting his upper lip, and his cheeks were all red.
So you continued, to make that emotion last as long as you could, “I’m serious. You have such a kind heart, Hyunjin. You put your soul into everything you do, even if that’s just talking to someone at the grocery store or something. I think if someone met you, even for just a day in their life, you’d impact them forever”
His eyes crinkled with each sentence, bashful smile appearing, “Thank you”
You took another sip, and you watched him.
He was finishing his drink faster than you, and you just wanted him to be closer.
So, you lift your legs up, folding them on the counter, sitting cross-legged while facing him. His eyebrow shot up, for just a second, before he realised why you did that. He stepped closer, till his body was pressed to the counter, and his face was inches apart from you. 
He lift his glass up, indulging in the last drink, but his eyes stayed on you, and his hand was on your thigh again.
“Thank you for the drink and… for the pep talk. I really enjoyed that” You told him.
He placed his empty glass next to you, a sincere look in his eyes, “That’s what I’m here for”
You couldn’t stop yourself from smiling, and you felt like your cheekbones would hurt.
“Everybody deserves to have someone like you in their lives, Hyunjin”
He was smiling too, cheeks full, eyes twinkling, “You too, Y/N”
You went to sip your drink, but it was already empty and you stared at the glass in your lap, “I finished it”
Hyunjin stared at your lap too, and the petals in the glass balanced in the space between your legs, “Do you want another?”
“Another drink?” You looked up at him.
He nodded, and his cheeks were so flushed, so he was already a little tipsy, “We can make a stronger one”
“You have a train to catch in the morning. Is that a good idea?”
“I’ll be fine” He reassured you, “This night is more important to me than that”
You clutched the counter on both sides, and nodded, “Okay. Another drink sounds good to me then”
He nodded, eyes half-lidded, “Can I have your glass?”
You hummed, “Yeah” but you made no effort to give it to him.
So, his eyes flickered from yours, to the glass between your legs. 
Carefully, he reached for it, trying to grasp the thin stem. You didn’t move an inch, holding your breath. 
His fingers brushed against your inner thighs, and he stilled. But he didn’t say anything. 
He went straight for it, and grabbed the wine glass, so near to where you needed him the most. 
Careful, he lifted it up from between your legs, and then finally you could breathe again. He walked over to the cabinet, “What kind of drink do you want this time?”
“I’ll trust your judgement”
He busied himself yet again, explaining what he was making, using up all the leftover gin he had. You watched him as he worked. The t-shirt was fitted, and it was a little wet from the rain, sticking to his body tightly. That must be uncomfortable. 
As he moved about, pouring the gin into your glasses, you focused on how his back muscles flexed and relaxed. He was so good with his hands, as he worked swiftly and quickly.
Your head was already beginning to spin.
“You have anything to eat?” You asked.
He looked back at you, “Are you dizzy?”
“Just a bit” You reassured him with a smile, “I am hungry though”
He turned, hands on his hips, and you found it hard to focus on his face. The t-shirt was basically see-through at this point, sticking to every ridge and muscle in his body, clinging to him. 
“I might have some chocolate, but I don’t remember if I packed it in my suitcase already”
“You know what, don’t worry about it” You waved it off with your hand, “I’ll be fine”
He looked worried, “You sure?”
“Mmh-mh”
“And you’re okay to have another drink? We don’t need to” 
“No, we won’t get to do this again, so yes I’m okay”
This was your last night, your brain kept screaming at you, again and again.
He turned to finish garnishing the drink. His hair was still long enough to brush his shoulders, and it stuck to the back of his neck, and the shade of brown really suited him. You wanted to run your hands through it, feel the wet hair between your fingertips, scratch it with your nails. 
His girlfriend…she must have had the honour to do that, whenever she wanted.
Unlike you. You always had to wait for moments. 
Moments like the one in the Photobooth. Or under the fireflies.
The special moments you lived for.
You couldn’t just casually walk up to him, and kiss him.
You were a little tipsy, so you didn’t think twice, “Can I ask you about her?”
He paused, and asked you, “Her?”
“The pop star you dated” 
Understanding sank into his shoulders, and he handed you the glasses. The second round of drinks were ready. Standing opposite you, he crossed one arm over his stomach, drinking with the other hand.
“You don’t have to, if you don’t feel comfortable” You added, watching him carefully.
He didn’t seem uncomfortable.
He tipped his head back, drinking, and then looked at you, “You really want to know?”
“Yeah” You gripped the counter, and your drink lay to the side, untouched.
You added, “I mean she’s your ex, and…we’re friends. Friends talk about that kind of stuff”
He nodded, slightly, “They do”
You were relieved, never wanting to make him uncomfortable, but you were burning with curiosity.
“What do you want to know?” He tilt his head.
“How did you meet her?”
He suddenly relaxed, as if he’d been expecting you to ask much harder questions, “Oh, uh. She was training at the same company I was. On a different floor, of course. She was one of the top trainees of her year, and…we would practice at the same time, overnight. I bumped into her a few times then”
“Oh. Sounds like she worked really hard”
Hyunjin nodded, “I mean, we had no choice, but yeah…she was one of the few who really pushed herself. Some days it felt impossible to debut, so you really only made it if you worked your ass off, you know?” He then paused, as if wondering whether to say the next thing or not, but he did it anyway, “That’s what I liked the most about her”
Your gut clenched, but your curiosity overshadowed the jealousy that was eating you up.
“So…did you ask her out? Or did she?”
He took another sip of his drink, glancing briefly to the floor and then up at you, “Yeah. I had a stupid teenage crush on her”
The words were enough to make you finally pick up your drink, and perhaps you needed to be inebriated before listening to this.
A fucking crush. She must have been the luckiest girl in the world to be crushed on by Hwang Hyunjin. You wondered what she looked like, but maybe it was better not to know. She was a star, she was probably perfect.
If he ever told you he had a crush on you, you’d probably pass out. 
“Was that allowed…? To date another trainee?”
Hyunjin then laughed, shaking his head, “Um, not at all. It was forbidden”
Oh.
It was forbidden, but he did it anyway.
“You must have liked her a lot”
He hummed, swirling the liquid in his glass, “I was a stupid kid. I wasn’t thinking”
“So you regret it?”
He shook his head, “No. I needed the experience”
“Of dating?”
“That, but also…a month or so after we started going out, one of her friends was asked to leave the company because she was caught up in a scandal. A dating one. That made me realise that I was risking my entire life, and my dream, for…a girl”
“How’d you do it?”
“Do what?” He seemed confused.
Your body was alight with all of this information.
“Keep it a secret for that long”
He smiled a bit at the memory, “Um. We found ways. We’d meet after dinner, and during late-night practices. Sometimes really early in the morning”
You think you would die.
“Did you fuck?”
Hyunjin’s eyes shot up to yours, wide, surprised. 
You don’t know what the hell possessed you to say that, but you didn’t budge, indicating to him that it was okay to answer.
He slowly nodded, tongue poking his cheek, “Yeah. We did”
You were dying.
But for some godforsaken reason, you needed to know the details. As if the thoughts of his secret dating days was arousing to you.
“Tell me more”
He til his head, words at the tip of his tongue. He wanted to ask you if you really wanted to know, or why you were so curious, but he didn’t ask. 
You wouldn’t have asked if you weren’t prepared to hear the answer.
Hyunjin was staring at you, assessing every little detail of your facial expression, and you wanted to seem confident. You weren’t some kid. 
You could hear about him having sex, and not freak out.
Thoughts of him fucking some pop star should kill you, but it didn’t. Your core was tight, with anticipation, with imagination. You pressed your thighs together, waiting for him to talk.
“Um…” He paused, to take another sip. Perhaps he needed some liquid courage too sometimes, “It was never…we never had too much time on our hands. It was always quick. Rushed, but I think that’s where half of the thrill of it was. The fear of being caught anytime. If we weren’t quick, we wouldn’t have been able to…”
Your heart was pounding.
Images flashing in your head. 
He looked into your eyes, and you just nodded, for him to continue. If he looked at your hands, he would see your knuckles were white from gripping the counter too hard. 
“It was hot” He spoke, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed, “The secrecy. The…shared glances. Nobody but us knew what went on. During group sessions, we would watch each other…in the practice room. Working out. Dancing”
“And?”
It wasn’t enough.
His eyes had a peculiar expression, like he couldn’t understand why you wanted to know all this stuff, but he told you anyway, “And…on bad days, when she was frustrated or upset, I’d…be there for her. In the way that she wanted”
You took a large sip of your drink, the alcohol sour in your mouth, and your head was beginning to spin. In a good way. You were wet too.
You didn’t think you could ever feel this way. 
You were dizzy with want, and with desire, and his name escaped your lips in what was almost a complaint, “Hyunjin…”
“Yeah?” He was immediate to step closer, keeping his glass aside. He put his hands on either side of you, caging you in place, and his voice dropped so low, “Are you gonna tell me why you wanted to know that?”
“I don’t know” You mumbled, “I don’t understand it myself”
He leaned in, watching you, “You’ve had a lot to drink”
“I’m fine”
His voice softened, and he grabbed the glass from you, “I know, but…let’s not drink anymore, okay?”
“Why?” You whined, “It’s your last night”
He out a soft laugh, “It’s not like I’m dying or anything. I’ll only be a few hours away from you”
“A few hours is a lot. I don’t want you to be even a few minutes away” You complained.
He smiled, adoration in his eyes, “So, what do you want then? To stay with me all the time?”
You nodded, eyes closing, “That sounds fair”
He laughed, loudly, “Is it really? What about my job? Is it fair for me to leave all of that?”
“What about me?” You opened your eyes to look at him. 
He was so close, just inches away. His wispy bangs stuck to his forehead, grazing his eyebrows. His eyes were full of amusement, they were so brown, and so big. 
His lips were thick, tinted with the colors of the drink, and even little accidents like that made him look perfect, like he was sculpted by a great artist. You could admire him for hours.
He tilt his head, “What about you?”
You pursed your lips, feeling sad all of a sudden, “Are you gonna forget all about me?”
His smiled, hand tracing your cheek, “You really think so?”
“Your whole life is waiting for you back there”
He nodded, “It is…”
“You have so much to look forward to” You told him. So much more than what this life here in this little small-town could give him. 
He spoke, “Maybe that’s why I’m not sad. I guess because Seoul has always been my home”
Your heart felt heavy at his confession but you understood him, “Hyun…”
“I know. It sounds horrible. I was born here, and this is where my parents used to live before we moved, and this town should mean so much more to me. I feel like I’m betraying…that”
“You’re not betraying anyone, Hyun. You may not feel this town anymore but Daejon will still always be here for you. If you ever need it”
He glanced at you, eyes wide.
“And I will be too” You continued, “If you ever need me”
His mouth parted as he whispered, “Thank you”
You swallowed, staring at his lips, “What do we do now?”
His eyes flickered over you, and he was quiet.
Your heart was racing a mile a minute, and your mind too. 
“I don’t know” He finally spoke.
Your heart carried a sense of unfulfilment.
There was more that should happen. 
You could talk to each other for hours, and it was endless. Unfortunately, time was linear.
It was finite, and yours with him was coming to an end.
You’d been here for hours, yet it didn’t feel like that.
Hyunjin was staring at you, half-lidded eyes, and empty promises swirled within them.
You swallowed your sadness, trying to find words, “Your manager, he’s going to be coming here soon, right?”
“Yeah. His train will arrive…any time now” He glanced at his phone, “He’s almost here…”
“I should go before he arrives”
Hyunjin nodded, stepping back, “Yeah. He…he can’t see you here”
You jumped off the counter, suddenly unsure what to do or say. This was it.
He was going to be gone soon.
You stared at each other, at a loss for words. You couldn’t even cry. You just felt a certain numbness. The numbness he talked about. Maybe it was the gin.
You also felt like you were in denial, like he would return soon and you’d see him tomorrow morning. 
But the last time he left…he didn’t return for years.
Why would now be any different?
“I don’t know what to say” You mumbled, stupidly. There was nothing wrong with being honest.
He was leaving, and you couldn’t breathe. The air in your body wasn’t enough, and you were panicking because you didn’t know what to fucking say. Why had nobody prepared you for goodbyes like this?
In the movies, they were so dramatic, but real life wasn’t like that.
In the books, they were so romantic, but there was no time for love in his life.
Hyunjin’s expression softened, “You don’t have to say anything. I don’t want you to be sad. We’re going to meet again, and we’ll see each other soon”
You nodded, air returning to your lungs, “Right. You’re completely right, Hyunjin”
There was no need to freak out. He wasn’t dying, or anything. 
You didn’t want this to be some big deal. You weren’t going to cry, or make a scene. 
“It’s only for a little while” He shot you a smile.
“Yeah” Your palms were sweaty, and you wiped them on your jeans. You stared at the kitchen counter, and your wine glasses lay empty. You wish you’d asked for another drink. You wish tonight didn’t have to end. You wish time wasn’t linear, and you could go back.
Fuck. If you could change things, you would have gone back just an hour tonight, and you would have told him you were in love with him.
But it was too late now. 
He was just your friend, and he would stay in touch with you, like friends did. It wasn’t any different than what Yeonjun did when he left, or even Seonghwa.
“I should go” You stated, with finality.
Hyunjin nodded, then stepped forward, closing the distance between you until he stood an arm's length away.
“Thank you for coming over” He mentioned, “I wouldn’t have been able to sleep tonight anyway”
“Of course. That’s…what friends are for” You smiled up at him.
He suddenly seemed awkward, hands at his side like he didn’t know what to do, “Can I hug you?”
Why was this so strange?
Why were neither of prepared for this?
You’d never said goodbye to a boy you loved, so you didn’t know how it worked.
You wish there was a manual for this. But even every tutorial in the world couldn’t prepare you for the look in his eyes.
You got up on your toes, pulling him into an embrace, and he immediately hugged you back. His strong arms wrapped around your body, squeezing you in his grip. 
You could smell the rain on him, a faint hint of his cologne, his shampoo. You’d want to bottle up his scent, and keep it with you forever. The air smelt like the ground after it rained, and like an unrequited love.
You tried to memorise the shape of his arms on you, and the sound of his heart beat. 
Hyunjin let go of you, far too quickly, but it was what you needed, or you’d never leave.
You were in a state of fugue, indulging in actions, but not thinking, not feeling.
You found yourself at the front door, and you don’t remember how you got here. You looked back at him, “Text me when you get to the city, okay?”
He nodded, “I will. Don’t worry, okay?”
All your words seem stuck in you. They can’t seem to make it past your chest.
Maybe a part of you thought there’d be some grand declaration of love by now, but this was real life and those things never happened.
You turned to leave.
“Wait—” He suddenly spoke.
“What?” You asked, anticipation swelling within you.
His wait held so many promises. So much hope.
Wait, I’m in love with you too.
Wait, I’m fucking stupid for leaving you all alone in this town.
Wait, please don’t leave me without kissing me goodbye.
He retreated to the kitchen counter, “Wait — your sketchbook. Don’t forget to take that” 
“Oh. Of course” You grabbed it from him, fingers brushing against his. 
“Take care of yourself” He spoke, and it was so forced. It was the right thing to say, obviously. It’s what you told people when you wouldn’t see them again for a while. 
But it felt wrong, like you were both forcing yourselves to follow traditions, and patterns, but those never worked on the two of you.
You pushed open the door, and a gust of wind blew in. The storm had passed now, so you could get home safely, by yourself, all alone. 
Looking over your shoulder as you walked out, you felt nothing. He smiled at you, but it didn’t reach his eyes. His heart wasn’t in it. 
You were drained out, and all of your emotions were spent.
You held the sketchbook to your chest, focusing on the sound of your footsteps on the wet pavement, and not on Hyunjin’s house behind you.
You heard the door close behind you, and you squeezed the sketchbook a little harder, willing yourself to walk as fast as you could.
It felt like it would be the most emotionally draining moment of your life, but you felt so numb too.
You passed his front porch and bedroom window, and you remembered the first time you’d come over. How he’d shown you all of his art, and his painting. You’d been surprised to know how wonderfully his mind worked. 
Even back then, he’d asked if he could hug you. Always so…fucking nice. 
You were already forgetting the feel of his arms around you.
You stopped in your tracks, and you shouldn’t.
You turned around.
His house was beautiful, like him. 
Tomorrow, it would be empty.
Right now, it was so full of him, of his love, and of everything that made him him.
Your body took on a mind of its own, and you were walking. 
You were walking back to his place. It was stupid. 
What the hell were you doing?
You had no plan or idea of what you’d say when you got there, but that couldn’t have been your goodbye. 
You needed to see him one more time. Just another minute.
You raised your hand in a fist to knock on his door, but before you could, the door flew open.
He stood there, staring at you, eyes wide. 
His hair was messy like he’d run his hand through it a million times since you walked away, but that was only twenty fucking seconds ago.
“Y/N…” He spoke, breathing heavy as his eyes flickered all over you, and the fact that you’d come back.
“What… what were you doing?” You had the audacity to ask him when you didn’t even know what the fuck you were doing.
He was breathing so heavy, chest moving rapidly up and down, “I don’t really know. I was coming after you” 
Realisation sank in. 
You’d come back to see him again, and in the same breath he was coming after you. 
The world was really so cruel.
How could two people be so perfect for each other but be destined to be apart?
You couldn’t say anything, except his name, “Hyun—”
And in the same breath, his lips collided with yours, so hard and fast.
The impact was so powerful you stumbled back, but his arm was tightly wrapped around you, holding you up. 
It was tight around your waist, gripping you, and he was devouring you, lips moving against yours like they never should be apart. 
You were running out of time.
You kissed him back, hands coming up to his arms, gripping his biceps tight, fingernails digging in. 
Time was running and it was slipping away every second that the Earth was turning, but his grip on you was so strong that even a planet couldn’t come between you.
You stood at his doorway, on the threshold, halfway in, halfway out.
He’d never kissed you like this. 
His hand slipped into your hair, gripping onto it so tightly it almost hurt, tilting your head back and back as he towered over you. He kept kissing you, pressing pecks against your lips, bruising them.
Your hands drifted into the front of his shirt, and you gripped it in your fists, holding onto him for life.
“Fuck—” He mumbled, in a breath between pecks. Fuck, you’re actually fucking doing this again.
Your body was heating up, and he stopped to let you breathe, moving his mouth over your jawline and leaving kisses to your ear. You were putty in his hands, and he tilt his head the other way, pecking every inch of un-kissed skin.
“You came back” He breathed, pupils dilated as he looked right at you, and both his hands came to hold your face.
“I couldn’t go” You were panting, trying to get the air back in.
“I’m gonna miss you so fucking much” His lips trailed over yours again, tracing your mouth to memory.
“I know, I know” You nodded, realising that you were both tasting your tears. You didn’t even know you had tears.
The door was wide open and it was stupid to do this now, but it was everything. The wind prickled goosebumps up your arms, and legs, and you both kissed each other goodbye.
“Can I just say something?” He asked, breathing heavy. 
“There’s no time” You told him, kissing him again, and again.
He laughed slightly, “I’ll be quick”
You pulled away, “Tell me”
He was speaking quickly, trying to get all the words out in one breath, “I know we’ve said it a million times. I know we’re supposed to just be friends, and I know nothing can happen, but…I have no self-control around you. I’m so fucking sorry”
It didn’t make you sad. You’d heard it before, and you embraced it.
“Don’t apologise” You mumbled, and your hands drifted around his waist, feeling him up. 
Was it possible to want somebody so bad, knowing it would lead to absolutely nothing?
He swallowed, “I know we have to just be friends…but I’m so fucking attracted to you. Like an absolutely insane amount. It’s impossible for me to pretend I’m not into you”
Each word he said just made you wet, and you kissed him instead of answering. 
There was no time, because when were things ever easy for you?
You felt him up, all you could, hands drifting to his ass, and to the front of his pants, squeezing him through his sweatpants.
He left kisses on your jaw, and he felt you up too. His hand squeezed your ass, the other going up the front of your shirt. His fingers grazed your bra, and he pulled you even closer to him.
“Can I take you inside?” He whispered, ”Please, please, please”
“Hyunjin, I don’t wanna be interrupted” You breathed, because that’s what always happened. 
“Me neither” He mumbled into your neck, breathing in your scent, “We won’t… go there. We won’t sleep together”
You pulled back to look him in the eyes, because it sounded impossible right now, “Would we be able to stop before that?”
He nodded, “If you can’t, I’ll stop us. Don’t worry”
How could you say no? 
So he took your hand, fingers intertwining with yours, as you found yourselves back in his bedroom. Everything was put away, and his room was empty, but you sat on the bed and didn’t break the kiss for a second.
You didn’t have the luxury to go further, but you could just kiss. So you did just that.
He didn’t pull you into his lap, because you wouldn’t be able to control yourself if he did.
Instead, you sat cross-legged, facing each other, mouths meeting in the middle like two teenagers dared to kiss at a party.
He kept his hand in your hair, the other on your waist, and it was so innocent it was sweet. Your hands rested on his thighs, squeezing the skin through his sweats.
You didn’t know much time you had left, until he had to leave, until you were interrupted. You hope his manager never showed up. 
You continued to feel him up, memorising every ridge and muscle of his body, and he let out soft moans every time you touched him somewhere new.
“I’m so glad you came back” He mumbled, “I wanted you so much”
“Why didn’t you ask me?” You almost whined, kissing his jawline, “I wanted you too”
Things got more heated, and in a matter of seconds, he was pulling you closer to him. Your knees skidded across the mattress, as Hyunjin pulled you to him. 
Nothing was supposed to happen, but somehow, you were fiddling with the knot of his sweatpants, and he had unbuttoned your jeans, pulling the button out of its loop. 
You were dizzy with desire, and his hand slipped inside your jeans, at the same time that yours did into his sweatpants. Now you really did feel like teenagers — making out with your hands down each other’s pants.
It was hard for him because the waistband of your jeans were so tight, and he seemed frustrated. If you’d known this was going to happen, you’d have worn a dress, or maybe nothing at all, so nothing could stop him from touching you.
His fingers brushed against your underwear, and you were so fucking wet it was ridiculous. You bit back a moan, he’d barely touched you but you were burning.
Everything was spinning, and you were so high off off him. His fingers pushed your panties to the side, your arousal making it harder for him to do.
“Fuck…you’re really wet” He mumbled, and his fingers touched your core. You let out a moan at the feeling.
This was the first time he’d touched you like this, and you couldn’t focus on anything. Your hand in his pants stilled, as his fingers started to brush languid circles across your clit. 
Your head fell forward, against his forehead, and he didn’t even seem to mind that you’d stopped touching his cock. He was too focused on you. 
“Shh…I got you” He breathed, kissing your jaw, as he pressed his fingers against you, truly feeling how much you wanted him. You couldn’t describe the way he touched you, as if he was caressing you, fingers brushing against your folds so delicately. Nobody had ever touched you like this.
Your mouth parted, allowing Hyunjin to slip his tongue in, and his anxiety manifested in how intensely he kissed you, like he was running out of time, like this was the last time. You let him take control, as he controlled the pace of it, making out with you. Yet, making out seemed too crude a word for what he was doing. He was savouring every kiss - no half-kisses, no pecks - mouth crushed to yours like he wanted to devour you and you’d let him.
You’d been turned on since hours. You needed more. You gripped onto his bicep tightly, your other hand buried down his pants, hoping he would get the hint. His fingers prodded at your entrance, feeling you.
“Will you let me?” He asked, voice so innocent. You’d never said yes so fast before in your life.
Your lips grazed his ear, and then his cheek, “Please, Hyun”
He pulled back to look at you, “Are you sure?”
“Please”
“Stop me if it hurts, okay?” He kissed under your ear, and then in one swift move, he pushed a finger inside you. You stopped breathing the deeper he got, and you looked at him, mouth parted. 
It didn’t hurt. He could never hurt you.
“You’re so gorgeous” He mumbled, and then he pulled his finger back, before pushing it back in. An embarrassing moan escaped you, and he smiled at your reaction. 
“You like it when I do that?” He asked, and he was out of breath, just like you. He began thrusting out, and then back in, slow, lazy strokes, like he was still getting a feel for it, familiarising himself with your reactions and your body. But there was no time for slow, or careful.
“Holy shit” You mumbled, feeling like you’d pass out, “You can —You can go deeper, and faster too...please”
You had to make him feel good too. So you went back to work, wrapping your hand entirely around his cock. It was a different kind of feeling, to be doing this with all of your clothes still on. There was a small stain at the front of his sweatpants, and he was leaking already. The sight made you dizzy and crazy.
You brushed your thumb against his tip. He let out a moan, eyes fluttering shut, “Fuck. If you do that, I can’t focus on you” 
He then thrust another finger deep inside you, stretching you open, as if in retaliation.
Your mouth fell open in a moan, eyes squeezing shut, but you didn’t stop moving your hand over his cock, “But— but you’re distracting me”
You were both a mess of whimpers and moans, and he kept fingering you open, stretching you out. You’re sure his hand was dripping with your arousal, just like yours was covered in his pre-cum.
Hyunjin became impatient, bucking his hips for more friction, and you increased your pace too.  He whimpered, back arching, and cursed loudly, fucking himself into your hand. His hair was wet with sweat, sticking to his forehead, to his neck.
“Fuck, you’re so beautiful” You told him, pressing your mouth to his.
He fingered you harder. 
Your vision was a blur, and all you could focus on was moving your hand over his length. Something about making him moan, while his fingers were buried inside you, was so fucking hot. He was too big in your hands, and you wanted him so bad. But you’d made an agreement, and you couldn’t fuck, no matter how tempting it was.
Time ticked so fast, slipping from within you.
“Are you close?” He whispered into your ear, finger fucking you slowly. It was far too much to handle. You squirmed in his grip, “Yeah. Go faster, please”
He nodded, pressing a kiss to your lips and then increased his pace. You could hear how turned on you were, the wet sounds echoing through his room.
“It’d be easier without the jeans” He mumbled, fucking you open with just his fingers, frustrated at how the waistband restricted his movements. 
“Are you close too?” 
He hummed, “I’m so close. I could cum probably just from touching you”
His words shot another wave of arousal through you, and your core tightened around him, impossibly.
“Fuck — you just…got so tight. Did you like that?” He asked you.
You nodded, no coherent thought in your head.
“Shit, come here” He said, and he pulled your hand out of his sweatpants. You whined at the loss of contact, but he pulled you into his lap instead. His arm came around to hold you up, and you were sat right on his crotch.
“What about—” You went to ask, but he shut you up with a kiss. 
His hand slipped back inside your jeans, and he slid your panties to the side again, “Let me”
You nodded, putting your hands around his neck.
He was so hard under you, and experimentally he thrust up, the friction of you on him so much, and he breathed, “Shit. That feels...amazing”
Everything was spinning, except him, “Don’t stop”
“Remember what I told you?” He mumbled, hand gripping your hip, and you nodded. 
He’d taught you how to make him feel good, back when you were still in the Photobooth. So, you dragged yourself over his crotch, slowly. It was harder to do when his fingers were still inside you, but every little movement felt amplified. 
You didn’t care about anything but him, you didn’t need this to be slow, you didn’t need it to be careful. You just needed him, and that was perfect.
His head fell back, and you kissed messily, spit between your mouths. He was thrusting up into you, to the same pace that his fingers moved inside you. It seemed like that was really enough for him too. Every little contact drove you crazy, like it was your first time touching a boy, and his first time touching a girl. There was so much novelty in the way you two moved against each other, and no finesse. Everything was rushed, every kiss messy, each feeling intensified. 
You caressed the sides of his face, “I want you to fuck me, please”
His eyes widened, but he thrust up so hard at those words, “Y/N, we can’t”
“Please, just the...just the tip”
He kissed you, “I want to, so badly, but --”
“But what?”
He looked genuinely sorry, breaking away from the kiss, “I don’t have a...condom. I'm sorry”
Oh, the irony. You wanted to scream with agony, because you don’t think you’d ever wanted someone this bad before.
“I’m so sorry” He mumbled, kissing you again, but then his voice turned darker, “My fingers aren’t enough for you?”
You clenched, “No. No- they are”
He thrust both fingers in with so much pressure, stretching you open, “Is that better?”
You pressed your lips to his, wanting to kiss him through your orgasm, because your stomach was tightening and you were so close. Hyunjin deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue into your mouth, and he was suddenly so rough and intense but you absolutely loved that.
He was breathing heavy, eyes half-lidded and consumed with lust, just like you. His lips were so puffy, and swollen, thick and full, and so pink, and he was fingering you so perfectly. Your core tightened, and you pressed your mouth to his again, to let him kiss you because you felt so out of control.
“Wait— wait, I wanna look at you” He breathed, pushing both fingers in so deep, curling them just right. All it took was to look at him for you to completely let go. 
Stars dotted your vision, and you whimpered, your entire body trembling. 
“Hyun—” You buried your face in his neck, a white hot flash overtaking you, travelling from your core to your heart, to your head. 
He was still grinding against you, faster now, lips hovering over yours, chasing a high you’d both been denied for far too long. And just seconds after, he let out a long drawn out moan, hips twitching up into you, eyes squeezed shut as he cursed, “Fuck”
For a few minutes, there was nothing but the sounds of your breaths. 
He was breathing deeply, and his hair was drenched, sweat dripping down his face, and neck and chest.
He opened his eyes. You wanted to cuddle up in his arms and go to sleep. From the look on his face, he wanted the same. You stared at each others state, and slowly he pulled his hand out of your jeans. Sweat trickled down his chin. It sparkled like glitter. You traced his jawline with your hands, soaking up the sweat into your skin.
You didn’t say anything, but he wrapped his arms tighter around your body. You gripped the front of his shirt, squeezing it in your grip. His heart was beating so fast. 
“You okay?” He asked you, his voice so gentle.
You hummed, and you felt drained, but you felt exhilarated too.
His hand rubbed your back, soothing you.
You tilt your head at him, “You?”
A smile pulled at his lips, “Yeah. I’m okay”
You traced his pecs through the shirt, not wanting him to leave. It was criminal for this feeling to end, and for this pleasure to not be yours everyday. Nothing had ever felt this good, and even in your post-coital haze, you wanted him more. 
So you blurted, “What if I did it anyway?”
“Did what?”
“What if…I moved to Seoul anyway? Maybe I could go there first…and look for a job later. I know it’s crazy and impulsive but I’ve always wanted to live there and—”
You trailed off, at his expression.
“Do you think it’s a stupid idea or something?” You chewed on your lower lip.
Hyunjin’s eyes followed that movement, and his thumb traced your mouth, “No …it’s not stupid at all. It’s what you’ve wanted for a few years, right?”
“It sounds crazy and impulsive…because I don’t even have a plan of what I’ll do, but maybe...that doesn’t matter”
Before he could speak up, his phone buzzed against the nightstand.
He glanced at it, and then to you.
Just at that minute, you heard the cab pull up. Hyunjin sighed, closing his eyes, and you got off his lap. He peeked through the blinds, “Fuck. He’s here”
“I should leave” You stood, gathering your things. There was no time to ask for his opinion anymore. Maybe he didn’t want to tell you it was a batshit insane idea.
“Hold on” He handed you his sweatshirt, the one that had dried by now, “It’s a cold walk out. You sure you’ll make it home safe?”
“Don’t worry about me” You told him, squeezing his sweatshirt in your hands, feeling silly for blurting out such a spontaneously dumb idea that made it very obvious how much you loved him.
A car door opened outside, and his manager must have stepped out. It was almost four in the morning. You were going to be leaving through the back. 
His manager couldn’t see you here. 
You’d already said your goodbyes, in the only way you knew how to.
You stepped out onto the patio, but Hyunjin grabbed your arm, urgency in his tone, “You should do it, Y/N”
You turned, confused, “Do what?”
The doorbell rang.
Hyunjin spoke quickly, “What you were just talking about. Even if you didn’t get into the program you wanted, you should move there. To Seoul”
Your eyes widened, tears filling up suddenly, and you quickly pulled him into another hug, and he stumbled into your embrace, “Thank you for saying that. I think it’d feel less scary with you there”
His lips brushed against your ear, “It’s the least I can do. Being here was less scary for me, only because of you”
He kissed you a rushed goodbye, but for the first time that night, your heart didn’t hurt anymore.
»»————-
Your morning passed in a daze. 
Time wasn’t real, as you lay on your bed, counting down the seconds until his train. Minutes stretched into hours into seconds, and you must have been more tired than you thought, because you woke up to drool on your pillow. 
The sun told you it was the afternoon. 
You’d fallen asleep in the clothes you wore to the drive-in theater. Your underwear was still wet, and reminded you of him. You were smiling to yourself like a crazy person, as you dressed yourself for work, and you put his sweatshirt on. It smelled just like him, and as you walked to work, the grass and the birds and the houses all remind you of him. 
Was it possible to fall even more in love with someone?
You were distracted, often drifting into thoughts of his moans, of the sensation of his hand in your pants, but it was frustrating because the man of your affections was moving miles away from you by the minute.
Hyunjin’s first text came at a precarious time.
You had been packing a pink acrylic canister for a customer, and the pings of your phone were so distinctive, you instantly knew it was him. It had to be Hyunjin, he must have already reached home, and you had to hold back an urge to text him back.
The phone buzzed incessantly against the glass countertop, and the lady in front of you raised an eyebrow.
“Sorry” You apologised for the ringing, “I forgot to put it on silent”
She didn’t really seem to care, “Can I try a paint swatch of the pink before you pack it up?”
“Of course” You unscrewed the cap, dipping a stray paintbrush into it, so you could show her how it showed up on paper, “Is that good?”
“Um, do you have a brighter one perhaps? I don’t think my daughter needs this one” 
You nodded, glancing behind her, “I think it’s in the third aisle”
A few more pings from your phone caught your attention.
It startled you, making you squeeze the bottle in your hands, and pink paint dripped onto your fingers and the countertop.
“Shit” You mumbled, wiping it clean with a tissue.
The customer was still busy browsing the aisles, and Mrs. Aera would be less than pleased to see you using your phone on your job, but…
It was just for a minute.
hyun
heyy
shit im sorry i couldn’t call earlier
It’s been crazy
but i just got to my dorm
i just wanted to let you know i made it 
and i was planning to paint in the train journey over, but i totally passed out lol
you
hey :)
I was just thinking of you
im so glad youre home safe <3
that sounds like something i would do ngl
keep me updated!
tell me everything in detail later please im dying
hyun
sent a photo
can you tell they missed me a lot
It was a picture of him at a stairwell, surrounded by three boys you’d come to recognise as Chan, Changbin and Jisung. They were smiling wide, teeth on display and Changbin was making a kissing face toward’s Hyunjin’s cheek, lips pouted and ready. 
Jisung was pulling at Hyunjin’s other cheek, and Chan was laughing to the side, eyes closed in pretty crescents. 
you 
they’re adorable lmao
did changbin actually kiss u haha?
In the picture you literally look like a kid embarrassed by his parents  
hyun 
they won’t let go of me ever since im back
and yeah changbin even insisted on sleeping in my bed tonight..?
i had to reassure them im not going away anytime soon 
but its sweet
what are you up to?
i hope you weren’t too tired for work 
“This pink seems like a good shade, does it not?” The customer brought you back to reality, placing a canister on the counter, and her gaze fell to the stained countertop, “What happened to your hands?”
Your screen was now tainted with pink fingerprint stains, but you didn’t care, smiling at the texts you just received. Maybe things would be okay, even when he was gone.
»»————-
 The first time he called you from the city, was when you were at the diner, and you almost fumbled your latte at the ringing. 
Seonmi raised a questioning eyebrow as you pushed your coffee cup aside.
You picked up faster than lightning. 
“Hi” You spoke, into your phone, sounding just a little out of breath.
“Hey” His voice sent shooting stars through your heart, igniting you with a newfound energy at only eight in the morning. It was hoarse, and smooth at the same time.
You’d only been texting each other the past few days, he’d been rightfully swept into the whirlwind of his life, and you’d been dying to know how he’d been. He’d given you little updates, about how it felt to move back in, to get back to his job, at how he was welcomed back by his fans so grandly. 
You’d watched his return on the news — the number of people who were there to greet him at the train station was insane, and you’d felt so proud of him. He told you that they had to close a major exit of the station, just because the company hadn’t expected that many people to show up. 
It was the first time you’d physically seen the impact he had, and it didn’t surprise you at all. People with pictures of him, banners, and slogans and signs in every language just to welcome him back from his hiatus.
He was so loved by so many people.
It’d be selfish to want to keep him just to yourself.
“Are you outside?”
“I was just grabbing coffee” You explained, pressing your phone to your ear to drown out the sounds of the diner. 
“Man, I miss The Grove’s coffee”
You twirled the cup in your hands, smiling, “It misses you too”
“I thought I’d call you when I had time. I’m headed straight to the studio after this. Guess what? The stylists love what I did with my hair, apparently the blonde is an old trend now anyway, and now they want to capture this while it’s still fresh”
You laughed, “What? You mean the cheap haircut you gave yourself?”
He chuckled, “Mmh. Something about it is raw, and apparently perfect for my comeback”
You spun on your chair, “Well, they certainly know how to make the best of a situation” 
“We’re recording till late tonight. With the new album, we’re on the clock almost all the time. We have just under two weeks to finish producing it”
“For the entire album? Is that enough?”
“It has to be” He said, “I don’t mind. It’s what I live for”
You bit your lip, anticipation coursing through you, “Can I hear it anytime soon?”
He grinned, “You’ll be the first one”
He kept his promise. 
That night, he sent you a video. 
It’s a snippet of him in the studio, and you keel at the thumbnail before you’ve even opened it. His hair was messy, like he’s straight out of bed before recording, and bulky headphones sat around his neck. 
You hear someone counting down in the background, and you wonder if that’s Chan, his producers, or someone else to help with the process. The instrumental is muted, so it’s just Hyunjin singing the backing vocals.
Eyes squeezed shut, he’s lost in the verse of the song. The cadence and tone of his voice so distinctly different from when he speaks. It’s sassy, and it’s harsh, and the cleanest rap you ever heard.
You stared in awe, earphones plugged in, sat behind the cash counter in your break, and then you watched it again, and again, until you’re called back to your shift.
You think about the video all the while you’re at the store, and you called him as soon as you’re out.
“You were so good, the verse has been stuck in my head for hours and you sound cocky as fuck, but it’s not an annoying cocky. How do you even do that?” You were belting out compliments for minutes now, and Hyunjin sat at the other end, accepting them with flushed cheeks. He was so shy right now, a stark contrast to his singing personality. 
“Stop. You make me sound better than I am. You should…be telling me to get better” He complained.
You laughed, “You’re literally already perfect at it”
“When you visit me, I’ll get you access to the studio. You can watch me record it in real time” He suggested.
The thought excites you, and you imagine watching him from the couch, through the observation window.
You imagine him coming out of the booth to take a break, all sweaty and exhausted, and he would put an arm around you. 
Perhaps you’re influenced by far too many 80s movies. Still, you imagine excessively making out with him in the recording studio until his assistants have to physically pull you off each other.
Yeah, considering the industry he’s in, that could never happen.
Over the next few days, he also sends you videos from the dance studio, and all of your feelings for him build on top of each other, like a Jenga tower destined to fall. Every day that passes, a new block is added, and you don’t know how lucky you had to be to bump into him in your life.
He dances just like he kisses, with purpose and intensity, a certain romance behind his moves, and you become guilty of obsessively rewatching the clips he sends you, finding new details every time. 
He wears simple sweatpants to the studio, and he ties his hair up into a bun, and all you want is to be there to kiss his sweat away, and reward him after his long days of work. 
It feels silly to fantasize about caring for him, like you’re a seventies housewife, but you can’t help it. You want to massage the knots from his back, brush the tangles out of his hair, and kiss him between every dance practice. 
You realise how much he’s taken over your life and thoughts, even when he’s miles away. You don’t tell him all of this, but some days you can’t help but blurt your thoughts out.
“You’re messing with me every time you send me another video” You complain to him, “How do you contain all of that talent in a singular body?”
He laughs, but he doesn’t stop. He sends you selfies of him every day from the practice room, and he’s always glistening with sweat in them, throwing up a cheesy peace sign, and it’s your new favourite picture, until he sends you another the very next day.
You sit on your bedroom floor, fiddling with the strings of your hoodie as you talk to him, “What’s your schedule like right now?”
He’s at the headquarters of a high-end international magazine, in the waiting room as he talks to you. You can’t help but feel special that he takes out this time for you, “Well, I stay in the recording studio till late, and when I’m home…I’m trying to paint as much as I can before passing the fuck out. I just started a few days ago but it helps me destress. It gives me time to think about what happened in my day. It’s so…cathartic”
You smiled, so glad he found time to paint again, “Are you cheating on Aera’s with that art shop in Hongdae?”
He laughed, “Yeah. The cashier’s pretty cute here too”
You roll your eyes, “Funny…I hope you’re still making time to eat”
“Yeah, Jisung is my self-appointed manager for the moment. They’re smothering me with love”
“What, he cooks for you?”
“God no, he’d burn the dorm down. He just gets me my favourite takeout. Man, I missed takeout so much I didn’t even realise. There’s a Thai place down the street, and I’m basically surviving on it”
You rolled your eyes, “Yeah, Daejon isn’t boujee enough for a Thai restaurant”
He giggled, “I miss the hilltop bakery, although Chan introduced me to this cake shop. It opened just a month ago, it’s some European franchise but fuck if it isn’t the best pastries I’ve had”
You laughed, “It seems like you’re really enjoying yourself”
“Yeah. Everything’s really good”
“Yeah?” You stretch your legs out on your bedroom floor, and as you talk to him, you’ve been sketching in your notepad too, “How are the boys?”
He falls quieter, “Well…Jisung is still dealing with the fallout and backlash from that article. Did I ever tell you my company sued the media outlets who leaked the private information about him? All of his therapy notes and everything?”
“Yeonjun told me that there was some court case” You admitted, heart feeling heavy, “How’s that going?”
“It’s exhausting. There’s so many legal proceedings, but I have hope that Jisung will win the case”
You don’t know too much about this works, “Do you have to testify too?”
“If it comes to that, I will. Jisung wants me to stay out of that spotlight though. He says I’ve already been through enough with my hiatus”
You nod, “Then that’s probably for the best”
“I have to be careful though. The media seems to have a personal vendetta against us right now”
“God. That must be scary. Just take care of yourself”
“I am. Don’t worry. But the other day it was crazy, they surrounded our dorm and it made it impossible to leave”
Your eyes widen, “That doesn’t sound too safe. Can’t the company do something?”
He nods, “Our managers take care of it, but not much else can be done. The area outside our dorm is a public space. Legally, anybody can hang out there, and nothing can stop them from waiting for us”
You sighed, putting down your pencil, “You’re a saint for going through all of this, for your job”
He let out a bitter laugh, “It is my life, so I’m kind of used to it”
“That’s crazy” You mumble.
He nodded, “Hold on. They’re calling me in for the fitting now”
Your eyes widened, the prospect of him dressed up exciting you already, “Did they already show you the outfits you have to wear?”
He hummed, “They told me the theme too. You’ll love it.”
“Tell me”
He laughed, “I gotta go”
“Wait, what?” You protest, but he hangs up before telling you.
The pictures arrived at an unassuming time, catching you off guard.
Hyunjin had sent you ten different photos. You’d been wondering what the theme could have been for the past few hours, but it became very obvious as you scrolled through them all.
2000s fashion. 
Of fucking course.
In the first photo that you see, he was in a cropped jacket, the fabric shimmering under the changing room lights. His phone was held in front of his face, hiding his features and his hair was pushed back by a hairband. He still managed to make it look so sexy.
You stopped everything you were doing, scrolling through the myriad of pictures and outfits he’d bombarded you with.
The denim jeans fit snugly on his hips, patchwork across the thighs. 
You scrolled to the last one, and the jacket was unzipped. You realised why he’d said you would love it. He revealed a cropped baby blue t-shirt, with rhinestones across the hem. The shirt rose enough to show his bellybutton piercing and clenched abs.
You held your breath, staring at the pictures. A thin choker adorned his neck too, and he was slightly smirking in the picture.
He wanted you dead.
you:
wow.
hyun
is that all?
the photoshoot just ended so im going back
you:
i don’t really know what else to say
you look really fucking hot…like you’re so gorgeous in that
the outfit is…perfect on you
but i can’t imagine you ever wearing it here
it’s not your style, right?
hyun:
haha 
you know me so well
i really hate crop tops lol
but …
you
but?
hyun
i know you too :)
so i took a picture just for you
He sent it to you, making your heart stop.
In it, he was sat on the fitting room bench, legs spread. But this time…the rhinestone choker wasn’t around his neck anymore.
It was held between his teeth. 
It was so fucking sexy, you sat up in bed, staring at it, a feeling shooting through your body. You have to remind yourself how to breathe. You don’t reply for a few minutes, and he texts you again.
hyun
what, you have nothing to say now?
He’s so fucking cocky, but it makes you dizzy.
you
i hate you for that picture
hyun 
haha
i knew you’d love it 
»»————-
The next few days were a blur, and you felt a frenzied mess, like you were falling in love with him all over again. 
Hyunjin in Daejon was…a sweetheart, but Hyunjin in Seoul…was a fucking menace. 
You don’t know what it was that changed.
He’d tease you more often, exuding a calm confidence that tortured you at nights. 
Even though you couldn’t talk to him as often, the moments that you did were special. He’d send you pictures, snippets of his day, voice messages about how the album was going or random things the boys did at the dorm.
You lived through him.
In turn, you sent him parts of your life.
The way the sunset set perfectly against the Creek, the exorbitantly rich guests at the Château that were dressed to the nines, the sketches you drew and left unfinished but still sent him.
You found out through Seungmin that Hyunjin had donated all of his leftover paints to The Château, which were worth hundreds of dollars, just so they wouldn’t go to waste while he was away. You were once again, struck by how kind he was to have thought of that.
On mundane nights, he’d send you audio recordings of their unreleased songs, pictures from the studio of him, headphones slung around his neck, tired and weary eyes.
You tried to keep each other updated, not that there was much happening in your life at the moment. Still, you’d send him pictures of you with Yeonjun, of the store, of his favourite order at the diner. 
Every notification, every ping on your phone would send lightning through your veins, knowing it was him on the other end. 
In the days that followed, you heard his voice less, and instead read about his day in wrapped-up summary text messages, paragraphs that flowed for hours, leaving you to scroll through your phone. You’d make it a habit to sit in your favourite booth in the diner, as your paper straw turned soggy in the milkshake, you’d type out every single one of your thoughts. 
Vicariously, he lived through it too.
Your texts with him flowed like a personal diary, a newsletter on all the gossip in Daejon. You told him about the time you bumped into Hana at the diner, and she smiled at you, and you didn’t know what to do.
Somehow, he feels guilty for the rift between you and her, but you tell him it’s not his fault. If your friendship could be broken up by just a boy, it clearly wasn’t strong enough.
But then the next time you see her at the diner, she comes and sits across you.
You’re so shocked that you can barely process it, and she seems unsure too.
“Is there something wrong?” You asked her.
“Does something have to be wrong for me to talk to you?” She replied.
You shrugged, “Considering the last time we spoke—”
“I heard Hyunjin left town. Are you okay?”
You frown, feeling defensive, “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You two were close” She stated, obviously, “Everybody in town knows that”
Maybe it’s your closeness with Hyunjin that makes you feel brave.
You want to say something mean. 
You want to say something honest. 
Everybody in town also thinks he cheated on her with you, after everything she said at the Lakehouse party. 
After she yelled at you in front of everyone.
But you’re past that, so you don’t say it.
“I don’t really care what everybody in town thinks”
It’s tamer than what you had in mind, but it has the same intended effect.
Her eyebrows shoot up, and she’s clearly not expecting that response.
“That doesn’t sound like you” She finally said.
“Yeah, well maybe you don’t know who I am anymore. You haven’t talked to me in months”
“I’m sorry. Yeonjun coming back to town threw me off the loop. You know I never got over him”
“That doesn’t mean you can just take it out on me. I told you that night that…that I got rejected from an apprenticeship I’ve always wanted. You didn’t even ask me about that”
She sighed, running her hands through her hair, “I’m sorry, okay? I don’t really know what you want me to say. I’m not gonna apologise for being upset”
“That’s not what I’m asking you to do, Hana” 
“Then what are even saying? It’s been weeks since that fight. I thought you’d moved on from it”
You stare at her. The innocence in her big eyes, the curls in her hair, the princess corset top she had on. It doesn’t affect you anymore. You used to get so hurt by the things she said. So personally offended. You want to confront her, and tell her about it. You want her to know that she hurt you, but you’re so sick of drama, and of confrontations.
Right now, you feel past it. 
The past few months and all of the things she said still hurt you, and maybe one day you can make things up with her. You just don’t think that day is today.
So you stood up, and she stared at you, confused.
Grabbing your bag and sketchbook, you mumbled, “You’re right, Hana. I have moved on from this”
»»————-
One day, Hyunjin sends you a new painting he worked on.
It’s a vase of flowers. Dahlia.  
It’s rendered beautifully. The shadows, the texture of the petals, and the lighting on the glass.
“When do you even get the time?” As soon as he called you, you asked him, “You’re getting so much better, Hyunjin. I’m serious, like the art you made here…this is already on another level from that”
He smiled, “Are you proud of me?”
“Of course”
“Can you tell me how I can get better?”
You don’t feel too worthy of sharing your knowledge, and you tell him that. After all, you’re not an expert or anything. 
He shuts you down instantly.
“You’ve been painting since before you could talk” He replied, “I want your opinion, Y/N”
You sighed, staring at the picture, “I think your shadows are getting better. Have you tried using a wider brush for the water, with thick bristles? I think the ripples will blend much easier”
“Really?” He asked, “I think right now, it looks too fake somehow”
“Yeah, but I think that’s because you’ve drawn out every wave and the lines are too sharp. Try blending the edges so it fades naturally, okay?”
“Okay, I’m gonna try that this weekend”
“I’m really glad you make time to paint, Hyunjin”
He laughed, “It’s a necessity. I lose myself in it, and it’s just me and the canvas for all those hours. Nothing else matters”
“Sounds familiar” You smiled, “Maybe one day, if you have time, we can paint on video call together”
And then he called you that very weekend.
The computer screen illuminated your face and his, as you painted in the dead of the night. You were set up in your bedroom, an assortment of paintbrushes and watercolours surrounding you. You painted with your fingers, often getting distracted by Hyunjin across the screen. 
His space was cleaner, more organised because he had less space to work with. A bag of chips lay at your side and you pushed your hand into it, lazily munching on it as you watched him frown over a color choice. 
“I think you’re going to love the song I’m working on with Chan” He said, after a while.
“Yeah?” 
“It’s…a sexy, contemporary kind of R&B. I can imagine you liking it”
You only have one, predictable question, “When can I hear it?” 
He laughed, “We’re still writing it”
You hummed, focusing on blending the ocean in your canvas, dabbing at your canvas to experiment with a new style. You savour the moments, because he hardly has this time.
“Can I say something cheesy?” He asked, and you look up to see that he’s sipping on some drink. A fancy cocktail that Chan probably made him. In the back, you can see his bed, and his things, and you wish you can see his room in Seoul. 
You want to know what he decorates it with, and what clutter he has there.
“Yeah?”
The way he’s leaning over his webcam, you can see into his shirt. The navy button-up is loose, and the top few buttons are undone. The sleeves are rolled up, which was probably a good decision since his arms are stained with pink paint. His hands are busier too, with more rings and more bracelets on them.
Hyunjin’s more boujee in the city too.
His cheeks are suddenly red as he confesses, “When I get stuck in the middle of the writing process, I think of you, and it really helps”
You sat up on your knees, cherishing this new bit of information, “What do you think about?”
He flushed, “You know…just our time together. Chan teases me about it. He says you’re my muse or whatever”
He doesn’t say much more, but he’s so shy so you don’t ask. You don’t react as much as you want to either. You want to jump, or scream, or kick your feet giggling. 
It’s a moment you etch into your brain forever.
You’re his muse, and it’s fitting because he’s always been yours.
As the hour passed, your focus grew, and you almost forgot he was on the other side. Almost.
Hyunjin is focused too, and he’s humming a familiar tune. The call lasts for over two hours, and it’s the most you’ve talked to him recently. 
When you’re both done, you show him your canvas; he shows you his, and you marvel at his improvement. He’s painted a beautiful lighthouse, ocean waves crashing into the rocks, and he explained every color choice to you. 
You could hear him talk about his art forever, and you sit in awe, as he expressed his reasoning behind every aspect. He’s gotten so much better at art, and he’s really a prodigy. 
You then do the same, lifting your canvas up to show him the landscape, and he leans in really close to the camera, eyes wide as he takes it in.
“That’s beautiful” He mumbles, still staring at your painting, “I don’t know how you do it so well every time”
You smiled, because art was your favourite thing in the world, and Hyunjin complimenting it made your heart swell.
He was suddenly smiling, and he said, “I…also visited an art gallery last week. I met someone” 
Your eyebrows shot up, and your smile fell so fast.
People only said that in one specific context. When they were into someone.
“You met someone?”
“Yeah” Hyunjin smiled, “She’s…this prodigy. Chan introduced me to her, she’s so young and she’s actually the owner of the entire place and guess what she said to me?”
You didn’t want to know.
“I don’t know” You replied, hoping your indifference wasn’t visible.
“She said one day I could display my own work up there. Isn’t that fucking insane? I mean, I just started out with art”
“How does she know your work?” 
He didn’t comment on your lack of excitement, but he just said, “Oh, Chan showed it to her. I was embarrassed, but it was worth it”
“That’s really nice of her” 
He nodded, “Yeah. She was really sweet. And oh! The reason I’m telling you this was because she used to intern for Kim Jieong, maybe she can help you out with the--”
“No, it’s okay” You’re quick to interrupt.
He then asked why you haven’t applied to another apprenticeship again. 
You put aside your paint supplies, you’d lost motivation anyway. You dragged your laptop onto your bed, as you told him, “I told you. I’m not really confident, and I’m not looking forward to another rejection”
He stopped you before you can continue, “You’ve got nothing to lose then. Please, at least try. For me”
He’s sleepy, and his eyes kept closing, but he stayed up just to convince you.
You sighed, “Fine. I’ll apply, but don’t expect anything, please. You’ll be disappointed”
“You could never disappoint me” 
»»————-
Your days unfolded with a slow pace, summer fading away into the months of autumn. 
You found solace in your friends — in movie nights with Minho, in spending time with Yeonjun before he had to go back to work. After all, there was only so long he could be on vacation for. He had to go back to where he belonged. 
It was easier to not miss Hyunjin when you were occupied, busy with your endless shifts, navigating between finding time to paint but also to enjoy the leftovers of summer. 
The night they finished recording the album, Hyunjin called you drunk.
You’d seen him tipsy on a few occasions, but never like this.
He was laughing about something when you picked up, talking to other people at the party. The background was loud, and you struggle to hear anything. 
“Hyun?” 
“Guess what?” He asked you.
“What?”
“We finished the album. Like, for real. Every track is actually ready” He announced, and you hear a cacophony of sounds in the background, “We’re at my manager’s apartment, all of us, and the whole crew. It feels so fucking good”
“Congratulations” You smile, “That’s…really cool”
“Jisung made me drink…far too much” He giggled, “I liked the wine though, Chan found it in this cool store but then me and Binnie…we did body shots, and guess what? Chan fucking did body shots too! It was so insane. He also invited the girl from the art gallery, which is so funny. Apparently, she has connections in our industry too. She’s the daughter of --” 
“Wait, you did body shots?” You interrupted him, not really wanting to hear about the very successful artist prodigy girl in his life.
“It was insane. Just like Seungmin told us”
You could tell he was walking around the room, because he’d randomly trail off and talk to someone.
The more he rambled on the other side of the phone, the more you wished you were by his side. He must be standing near the speakers, because suddenly his voice would get drowned out by the music.
“I…can’t hear you, Hyun” You spoke, snuggling into your blanket. 
Your bed was the stark contrast of where he was right now; in a room full of pounding music, and you wondered what kind of parties they even had, or how wild they were. If they did body shots, they must already be pretty wild.
“Sorry” He apologised, walking off to a quieter area, “Can you hear me now?”
“Yeah, I can”
“Fuck. I miss you so fucking much” He suddenly mumbled, voice dropping, “Why aren’t you here?”
“I miss you too” Your heart squeezed, “But you should get back to the party—”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Is that Y/N?” A loud voice interrupted, and you heard a loud struggle on the other end, making you pull back from the phone.
“Give me the phone back, Changbin!” Hyunjin yelled.
You sat up in bed, “Hello?”
“Hey!” Changbin’s voice was louder than you expected, and he sounded really drunk too, “You must be the girl who stole him away from us for months and months. I have every reason to hate you”
“Stop!” Hyunjin spoke in the background, “Don’t announce it to the entire party”
“Now you’ve taken him back though” You replied to Changbin.
“Eh, you’re right” He laughed, “So tell me, on a scale of 1 to 10—”
“Changbin, give me my phone back!” Hyunjin sounded exasperated, and you could imagine them running after each other.
“Let me finish!” He groaned, and then his voice became clearer again, “On a scale of 1-10, how big of a dumbass is Hwang Hyunjin for—?”
“Fuck. Is that her?” Another person interrupted in the background, and you felt overwhelmed by the multitude of voices. 
“Jisung, can you please ask him to give me my phone back?” Hyunjin sounded annoyed now, voice further.
“I’m sorry, this prick won’t let me talk to you for five whole minutes!” Changbin apologised, and you’d never met him but his energy seemed exactly like you’d imagined.
Still, you could hear Jisung in the background, struggling after the phone, and it made you feel special. They were miles away at a fucking album party, but gave their attention to you.
“Is that Hyunjin’s girlfriend?”
Your eyes widened at the word.
Hyunjin’s frustrated drawl interrupted, further away from the speaker but you still heard it, “Stop, Jisung. She’s just my friend. How many times do I have to say that, and don’t announce it to the party!”
Your smile faded, stupidly. He was right. 
“Then I can have her?” Changbin interrupted.
There was another scuffle, until Hyunjin was at the phone again, “Hey, I’m so sorry. They…took you hostage”
A breathy chuckle followed, drowned out by his friends laughs in the background.
“That’s okay. Don’t worry about it” You fiddled with your blanket, “You should enjoy the party, Hyun”
“No, no, I called you because I missed you”
“I can’t really even hear you” You spoke, “We can just talk tomorrow. Please just have a good time tonight, okay?”
“All right. I’ll call you later” Hyunjin spoke, like he was distracted by someone.
“Who are you talking to you?” An unknown voice interrupted, and you guessed they were probably talking to Hyunjin.
And you heard Hyunjin mumble, “Nobody” before he hung up.
You laid back in bed, and it was too quiet, and you felt lonelier than ever.
»»————-
Fallen leaves drifted in the pool, from the canopy up above. One drifts towards you, and you picked it up in your hands, watching the water seep through the half-eaten leaf. It’s orange.
“The leaves are already changing color…or is it just me?”
“It’s just you” Minho answered, and you roll your eyes.
“What are you doing here all by yourself?” He asked, swimming over to you, “The rest of the party is over there”
“I’m not really interested in playing” You told him, looking over to where everyone indulged in a pool volleyball game.
“So you’re out here looking at leaves. God, I’m lucky to be your best friend”
“Shut up” You shove him, and he laughs, falling into the water.
As soon as he resurfaces, he splashes you.
“Don’t be annoying, Minho” You mumbled, rubbing the saltwater out from your eyes.
“You’re no fun” He grumbles, and lays on his back to float in the water.
You stare at the leaves floating around you again, drifting into a pattern, and a sole flower is in between them. A dahlia.
“Can’t believe summer is almost over” You remark.
“You sure made the most of it though, Y/N” He smiled, eyes squinting against the bright overhead sun. You don’t respond, and he lifts his head to look at you.
“What?” He asked, “You can’t deny that it’s the most eventful summer we’ve ever had”
You peered down at your nails, the paint was chipping off, “Right. Losing my best friends sure is memorable”
“You didn’t lose them, Y/N”
You gestured to the space around you, that usually would be occupied by Hana or Felix, “I don’t see them here”
Minho sighed, swimming closer to you, “What’s got you in such a mood?”
You shook your head, feeling silly for feeling this way, “Nothing” 
He rolled his eyes, “Tell me”
You sighed, fixing the straps of your bikini to avoid looking him in the eye, “Hana tried to talk to me a few days ago. She wanted to fix things, but I didn’t. Does that make me a horrible person?”
“Do you feel like a horrible person?”
You looked up at him, “No. I…chose my peace over another fight. I think I made the right decision”
“You knew the answer to that already, Y/N. Then what is bothering you?”
“Fine. Hyunjin called me last night, from the release party” 
“And that’s a bad thing…why?”
“Not really, I guess it put things into perspective. He’s…out there being successful and celebrating that success, and I’m here, doing absolutely nothing.”
“You’re at a pool party with me. That’s not nothing”
“You know what I mean” You sighed, leaning against the pool wall, “He’s probably even going to display his stuff at an art gallery soon. Some girl fell in love with his art…and he’s always busy…in a totally insane location, or doing something so fucking cool, and I’m in the stupid art shop”
His texts have been less than frequent. You understand, because he’s swamped with work. The press tour has been underway for a week now, and if he wasn’t at some fancy magazine building, he was probably holed up in the studio for re-recordings. There’s still time till the album's release, and if you know anything about the band, they’re perfectionists. They’ll work themselves to the bone, till the end.
“Well, yeah. He’s…an idol, with a crazy fucking life. You’re living a normal life. He would probably give everything to exchange places with you, and not have anything to do”
“I guess you’re right” You realised, and you glance up to see Yeonjun.
He’s laughing loudly, sunglasses on his head, as he throws the ball to the other team. He’s leaving soon, and this pool party is a going away gift. After all, he’s the only one of your friends with a pool. Yeonjun looks happy, and beautiful in the sun. It was low-key, exactly like Yeonjun wanted it, and you’re so glad Minho and him are on talking terms again.
“And I don’t believe you. That’s not why you’re upset” Minho spoke, blocking the boy from your view.
“Why can’t you just take my word for it?”
“Because I know when you’re lying to me. So tell me, what’s got you being so bitchy to your only friend within 35 miles?”
“Ouch!” He yelled, when you pushed him again.
“Stop being a smartass”
“You’ve been floating on cloud nine the past few weeks, what’s wrong now?”
You stare back at Yeonjun, as he dives to retrieve his sunglasses, and his other friends are teasing him.
“I never told you but I applied to an apprenticeship in the city” You blurted.
Minho’s eyebrows shot up, “What? Today?”
“No…a few months ago. At the start of summer” 
His brows were furrowed, confused, “Oh”
“That’s kind of why I’ve been working all these jobs…so I could save up one day and move to the city”
He swam closer to you, “Why are you telling me this now?”
You shrugged, and the water feels nice and calm around you, “I thought you’d hate me for it”
He’s quiet for a few minutes, “That’s not true. I’d like to think I’ve grown from when Yeonjun left. I mean I’m at his party right now. Isn’t that saying a lot?”
You smiled at him, “That’s probably why I’m telling you now”
Minho laughed, “So did you get it?”
“Nope” You sighed, “I wasn’t good enough for it”
“What, so you’ve given up already?”
You frowned, “No, but I’m still waiting on them to hear back. I contacted them again regarding my application”
Minho smiled, “Hyunjin knows, right?”
“Yeah”
“Of course he knows. You tell him literally everything. I’m gonna have to fight him one day”
You laughed, “I’d pay to see that”
He reaches forward, picking out a leaf stuck in your hair, “You really miss him, huh?”
“I hate texting him. It’s so impersonal and distant”
“Have you video-called him?”
You sighed, “Through my shitty computer screen, yeah”
“I think you need a vacation, Y/N” He laughs.
“I’ve been on vacation, like for months”
“No, I mean a vacation, away from your job, away from Daejon. Just go see him”
Your eyes widen and you looked at him, “Isn’t that a bit crazy? I mean, we’re not dating”
He rolled his eyes, leaning back in to float, “The day you stop worrying about what other people think, is the day you’ll live a much better life, Y/N”
He then begins talking about other things, but his words stick in your head, and an idea begins to form.
»»————-
You help Yeonjun pack, and on his last night in town, you sit on his couch again, talking about everything that was. He tells you of his consistent fights with Hana, and his efforts to rekindle their relationship which went in vain. It’s strange to think he came back to town, just to make things right with her.
He tells you that him and Hana have grown apart, and perhaps they were never meant to be together. 
He says that he’s letting Hana go, and it’s a bittersweet moment which you drink to. 
You think nothing could make you let go of Hyunjin.
When you get really tipsy, you fantasise of him even more, and scroll back through your chats, reading his old texts, smiling to yourself. Yeonjun catches you, and calls you a hopeless romantic, and you’ve never thought of yourself that way, but it rings true. 
You both lay in bed, and you talk until he has to go, and you realise how much you hate goodbyes.
»»————-
The next time Hyunjin texted you, you were sat at the steps of the art shop, waiting for the rain to pass. 
hyun
hey
sorry ive been filming all day
you
ohh, what have you been filming?
didn’t the album recording finish last week?
hyun
ah no the press tour is still left 
you
oh right, sorry I have no idea how this stuff works lol
hyun
right now we’re doing some promo content for a teen magazine 
after this we still need to go to a music video shoot
It’s for an american talk show
isn’t that crazy?
you
wow…
you’re going to be so popular
but i hope you can get some sleep
hyun
we’re filming till 4 am tonight
i doubt it
what are you up to?
you
um im stuck at aeras because of the rain :/
i always forget to carry an umbrella
hyun
you miss me?
You stared at the text, tears inexplicably filling your eyes, and you don’t know why.
It had only been a few weeks since he was gone, yet it felt like he was drifting away.
Of course you missed him.
You missed him an insane amount, and ever since he’d been gone, you’d been going through the motions of daily life, not even really enjoying anything.
He was so far away. 
You’d tried to not let the sadness overtake you, because it was silly and childish.
You missed his calming voice, and his hand in yours, and the taut string of tension between you every time you met.
You missed the uncertainty of Hyunjin.
The not-knowing.
With him, you could never tell. It could be a mundane afternoon, until it wasn’t. Until his hands were around you, and you were kissing, and you knew it was so wrong to be attached to that.
Your phone buzzed, and he was calling you, snapping you out of your thoughts.
“Hey” You mumbled, your voice softer and shakier than you intended.
“Is everything okay…?”
“Yeah” You swallowed, “Sorry, I was just about to reply”
“No, don’t worry. I just got worried. I thought—” He trailed off.
“What did you think?”
“I thought I crossed a boundary…or something”
You paused, trying to comprehend his words. All he’d done was ask you if you missed him. How could that be a boundary when you and Hyunjin had said so much more? Done so much more? 
Was missing each other not even okay anymore? Was it too much for him?
Another sob threatened to break at the implication.
“Y/N? Are you still there?” He asked, voice soft and calm, not knowing the storm it brewed inside you.
You mumbled, “Yes, I’m here”
“Okay” He spoke, letting you breathe.
“I’m sorry, I just…I guess I miss you more than I thought I would” You admitted, hoping it wouldn’t be too much for him. That it wouldn’t push him away.
“Oh” 
“Yeah”
“I…miss you too, Y/N” 
It calmed your racing heart.
“I wish I could see you” You fumbled through the words, “It’d make me feel so much…better”
Hyunjin was quiet for a while, “I’m sorry”
“It’s…not your fault” A smile graced your lips, because he had no reason to apologise for your lives being so separate from each other.
“It is. I’m sorry I’ve been away…I got really caught up with everything here. Seeing my friends again, having this life back, it was more overwhelming than I thought. But don’t worry…I’m doing really well here”
“Yeah?”
“I’ve been painting a lot more when I’m free, or when I’ve had a horrible day”
Your heart clenched at his tone, and the implication that it was only a few weeks since he was gone but he’d already had multiple horrible days. 
“Yeah? I’m glad it helps. That means…coming home wasn’t a waste”
“A waste?” He repeated, confused, “Why would you say that?”
You pulled at your laces, watching the rain fall at your footsteps, “Nothing, Hyunjin. It doesn’t matter”
“You seem…upset. Did I say something wrong?”
You pulled your knees up to your chest, away from the pitter patter of the drops, “I told you. I really wish you were here. I know it’s impossible”
“Yeah…”
“This morning, I was watching the news…about Jisung’s trial. How’s it going?”
“It’s…okay. He’s so tired already, he kind of just wants to settle but the company lawyers are pushing for more”
“I’m sorry. That sounds so exhausting” You bite your lip, because their lives are already as stressful as they could get, and this legal battle plays in the backdrop like a nuisance.
“They’re also restricting a lot of shit for us. We have to be careful each time we step out in public, and Jisung even has to monitor every phone call…same with Chan and Kairi”
“How long is it going to last?”
“Hopefully not too long, but anyway, that’s not important right now at all. You sound upset. How are you?” He asks, voice becoming softer all of a sudden.
You fear you’re going to sound like a broken record if you tell him you miss him again. These days you seem to fill all your silences with just those words. Would he get sick of hearing them? Is this how long distance relationships are like? Endlessly telling each other you miss them, but never being able to do anything about it.
Instead, you end up saying something absolutely crazy, “Hyun, can I come see you?”
You don’t intend for the words to leave your brain, much less your mouth. In fact, you didn’t even know you were going to say them. You haven’t had time to plan, but Minho’s conversation rings through you. You’ve been saving up to go to Seoul your whole life. You can spare a vacation. It would be worth it if it means you see him.
Hyunjin is quiet, and then he breaks the silence with a chuckle, “W-what?”
“Um, sorry that sounds out of nowhere. I just…I really want to meet you. I miss you, and it sounds like you’re going through a lot. Maybe it’ll help” You trail off, leaving the suggestion up in the air.
“I…I’m not sure, Y/N”
You nod, because it is crazy, “Yeah?”
“Yeah. Fuck, I’m so sorry but I…I don’t think I can meet you. Right now, with everything that’s going on, I honestly don’t have the time and…” He trails off.
You nod again, “Yeah. I understand”
“I’m sorry”
“It’s okay. It’s bad timing”
“It’s bad timing” He repeats, yet his tone is definitive and final.
You can’t seem to see a time in the future which would get better. After the album release, he was going to go on a press tour, and then start preparing for the next album, the music videos, the solo photoshoots…the world tour.
Hyunjin was never going to have time for this, and your throat becomes clogged with a broken dream.
He sighed, softly, “How are you going to get home then, if it’s raining?”
“I’ll wait it out”
“What if it rains till morning?”
You smiled, your silence saying enough.
“I’ll stay with you” He says.
Your brows shot up, “What? Don’t you have…a schedule or an interview to get to?”
His voice came in softly, “It doesn’t matter. I’ll stay with you, till the rain ends”
Now, you wished it would never end.
»»————-
The incessant abuse of your doorbell woke you up. It had been pressed countless times, and it was half past nine. 
Why the hell would anybody come to see you this early?
Last night, Hyunjin had stayed on the call as you’d walked home by yourself. You didn’t talk the whole way, of course. In between, he would be quiet, and you’d only hear the rustling of papers and his pencil as he sketched away in his condominium. You’d hear his breaths, and occasionally, he’d say something. 
In moments like this, he was a man of few words. You appreciated that, because it was nice, to just exist with him. Although, you were slightly embarrassed at how many times you told him you missed him.
Turning over in your bed, you pushed the pillow over your head to make the noise disappear. 
A buzzing of your phone, followed by another short bursts of the doorbell made you sit up.
Who could be here to see you, so urgently, and so fucking impatiently?
“What the hell” You mumbled, getting out of bed, and rushing barefoot on the cold tiles, to answer, and in your sleepy daze you hoped it was him. That by some miracle, Hyunjin had heard your wishes and come to see you.
On the other side of the door, with bagels in hand, stood Felix. 
A hood pulled over his head to protect from the rain, he certainly looked a vision. 
Your sleep disappeared, in lieu of confusion, “Yongbok?”
He smiled, perfect teeth on display, “Morning. I…see that you were still asleep”
You hugged yourself, realising how exposed you were in your sleep shorts and tank. Although that had never been a problem around him before, “I mean yeah…it’s barely ten”
He cocked his head, “It’s almost noon”
“What?” Your heart dropped, “You’re kidding me”
“I’m really not” He laughed, and then said, “Are you going to let me in? It’s freezing out here”
You realised he was standing in the pouring rain, and you stepped back, “Oh, of course”
You still didn’t know what he was doing here, but years of friendship fell back into place and you let him in.
He pulled the hood off, shaking his hair to get the water out, and looked apologetic, “Sorry, I just showed up. I did try texting you, and I thought you’d be awake”
“I got in late last night” You told him, still standing against your open door, watching Felix in your foyer.
“Oh, were you stuck because of the rain? You could have called me, I’d have come picked you up” 
“No, that’s okay. I was on a call”
Realisation crossed his features, “Right. How is he?”
Slight irritation coursed through you, “I didn’t say it was him”
Felix nodded, looking genuinely apologetic, “Sorry. My mistake.”
But of course, he was right because it was Hyunjin you were talking to, but you wouldn’t admit that now, and you held back a groan. 
His eyes flickered over your body, “Why are you still standing at the door? You’ll catch a cold”
“What are you doing here?” You hugged yourself tighter, well-aware that you didn’t even have a bra on, “The last time I saw you, you said you didn’t want to be friends with me anymore”
His eyebrows shot up, and he stared at you.
For a second, you did regret it. It was too early to fight. It was too beautiful a morning for this.
Until he laughed, nervously, “Um…that’s not what I meant. Is that what you got from it?”
You frowned, “What?”
He shook his head, “Um, I guess I really didn’t get the point across. I thought you understood me that night. Isn’t that why you’re avoiding me?”
Your head hurt, “I’m not avoiding you…You’re confusing me, Felix. It’s too early for this”
“I’m sorry, you’re right. Hey, look, why don’t you get dressed, and take a shower, and I can make us some coffee…and heat up these bagels by then? After that, maybe we could talk?”
“Talk about what?”
You couldn’t understand him.
“About everything. I realise I’ve been apologising for my actions, but never really explaining why I acted that way this whole time”
But he had been your friend your entire life…so you would hear him out now.
»»————-
He sat at your breakfast table, warm bagels laid out across a plate, with two hot cups of coffee.
You sat across him, pulling your feet up, eyeing his movements.
It wasn’t alien to you…this kindness of his. He had done this countless times before, showed up at your house uninvited, but this time was different, of course.
“I really am sorry for waking you up. I genuinely thought you’d be awake, I thought you had a shift at Aera’s”
“I haven’t had a shift at Aera’s on Tuesday, ever” You responded.
“Oh” He laughed, “Maybe I should have memorised your work schedule back when you started working there…I guess I always assumed it was a temporary job”
You bit into a bagel, unable to hold back your hunger, and it instantly melted in your mouth. A rush of endorphins flooded through you, and you sat back for a minute, letting the taste sit with you, letting your body wake up.
Felix watched you, a soft smile on his face, “You like them?”
“You didn’t have to bake these for me” You spoke, staring at your feet, perched on the chair.
“But I did” He reached his hand out, across the table, “How are you doing?”
You glanced up at him, “I’m…fine”
He frowned, “Your eyes are all swollen. I know what that means”
You pulled your hand back from his, “It’s nothing. I’m just tired of summer”
He sat back, eyebrows raised, “Those are words I never thought I’d hear from you”
“Well…you won’t really understand, Lix”
He slid the cup of coffee towards you, “Try me” 
You stared at him, eyes flickering between his, and then reached forward for the cup, “I don’t know. I feel tired of everything lately. I don’t really want to make an effort to go out. I go to work, and back, and so on. It’s kind of a futile existence”
“I go to the Creek every night. You can come with me”
You hugged yourself, “Yeah, but I just feel like there’s more I should be doing”
His tongue poked his cheek, “You mean…that art apprenticeship” 
You glanced up at him, heart heavy, “I lost that”
“I’m sorry. You could have told me, you know?”
You’ve been hearing that a lot recently, but you know keeping it a secret was the only way it could have worked. He said he would have understood, but you knew him better than that.
“I was afraid of losing you, but…” You laughed, “That happened anyway”
He shook his head, pulling his chair closer to yours, “At the drive-in theatre, when I said I didn’t want us to be friends again…I didn’t mean it like that. There was more I wanted to say, which I couldn’t”
“Wow, you’re really getting right to it”
He laughed, “What? So, would you prefer we talk about nonsense for another hour? I know why I’m here, I’d feel better if you know too”
You weren’t sure you wanted to hear this, but you nodded, “Keep going”
“I guess what I wanted to say was…” He paused, and when your eyes met his, you realised he was actually nervous.
“Yeah?”
His eyes squeezed shut, and then opened, “I was really fucking jealous”
“Of…what?”
He laughed, a sound you’d loved all these years, “Of…Hyunjin. Obviously. Who else?”
“Felix…we talked about this. You have nothing to be jealous about. Just because he’s in my life now, does not mean you can’t be”
He laughed, “No, that’s not what I’m jealous of. I don’t really care if he’s in your life”
“Then what?” 
He sighed, leaning forward, and this angle put him in the path of sunlight. It lit up his face, highlighting the freckles splashed across his nose bridge, and his cheeks, and you saw his lips part to form the words, “You love him.”
Confusion arising, you frowned, “Felix—”
“Let me finish” He laughed, “It’s…been obvious for months”
You were embarrassed, to say the least.
He tilt his head, “Has it not been obvious to you?” 
Your face flushed, from the frustration and the embarrassment, “What, my feelings for him?”
“No. My feelings for you"
He said it so simply.
So fucking simple, and you couldn’t even react.
You sat there, looking at him.
Putting together his words in your mind. Again. And Again.
You misheard him. You had to.
“Yongbok”
“It is what you think it is” He paused, “I really thought that you knew”
“You…” A nervous laugh escaped you, and it wasn’t your proudest moment, “You have feelings for me? You’re fucking with me, right?”
You wanted to ask why. But you didn’t.
“Since when?”
“I don’t know” He leaned back, “I…didn’t really realise it until, well, this summer”
“Oh”
“Yeah” He swallowed, “But I know that you don’t feel the same, and I was acting stupid. It was dumb of me”
You stared at him and don’t know how you didn’t realise this. How did you not put two and two together? You felt so fucking dumb for missing all the hints, and all the clues. 
“Yongbok. I…um, I don’t know what to say. Sorry, I’m just…overwhelmed and confused”
"You don’t have to say anything” He laughed, “You’re like…my best friend in the fucking universe. I know that doesn’t sound like much, because I mean, we’re twenty and best friends makes it sound like we’re in elementary, but it’s true. You’re literally the most consistent person in my life, and I’m always fucking happy around you. Not just happy, but at peace. I’m happy with Hana, and Minho, and Eunbi too, but with you, it’s like I’m home.”
You couldn’t look him in the eye, “Felix…”
“I’m sorry for all the times I yelled at you. I’m fucking terrible at holding back my frustration, and I was still navigating my…emotions. I could lie and say I never meant to hurt you when we had all those arguments, but I did. I did want you to feel the kind of hurt I did. That’s probably the biggest red flag” He laughed, “But holy shit, Y/N, you have no idea what it took for me to tell you this. With him being here, I just couldn’t because that’s so fucking cliche, it’d be like I was asking you to choose”
You stared at him, uncomfortable, unable to comprehend the extent of his words, “You should have told me”
“I’m telling you now. I know it’s awkward for you, but I have nothing to lose” He chuckled, “I’m not asking you out, or anything. I just want you to know because it was driving me crazy keeping it to myself. In fact, I was never planning to tell you, but the night of my birthday party, during that stupid spin the bottle game, when we kissed, I thought you felt the same”
You remembered the kiss. 
It had surprised you how much you liked it.
“I mean, you’re a really good kisser” You admitted, picking from crumbs from the bagel.
He laughed, “Am I?”
“Yeah” 
“I try” He smirked, and you know he was trying to lighten the mood. It was so typical of him to make jokes out of an awkward situation, “You’re a really good kisser too. I know after the party, I gave you a 7.5 on the kissing scale, but…I was obviously kidding”
You looked up at him, “Really?”
He nodded, still smiling, “I’m sure Hyunjin would agree with me”
Just like that, the bubble popped.
Your smile fell.
“Sorry” He apologised, “You guys have kissed, right?”
“Yeah”
“And he still went back to Seoul?” He laughed, “Man, being an idol really sucks”
“Yongbok…”
“Okay” He laughed, “I’m sorry. I was just trying to make you laugh”
You didn’t know what this was, or what to make of it.
What are you supposed to say that? You felt an obligation, to return his feelings, despite all the arguments you had in the recent months, you wish you could return them. 
You didn’t want to be the one breaking his heart, or anybody’s. 
Is this how Hyunjin would feel if you’d told him you loved him? 
Would you have also lightened your inevitable rejection by stupid humour? 
You don’t know what you can possibly say to Yongbok, to make things okay.
So later, when he’s helping you wash the cups, foam-filled hands, you ask him, “Are you going to be okay?”
Yongbok looks up at you, a soft smile on his features, and you again realise how beautiful he looked in the sunlight. His skin is lit up, a kindness in his eyes has returned, like a weight was lifted off his shoulders, and he tells you he’s okay.
He tells you not to worry, and that you owe him nothing. He then dips his hand in the foamy sink, reaching up to smear some on your nose, a childlike laughter filling your kitchen.
You wonder if you would feel the same relief, if you confessed the truth to Hyunjin.
»»————-
Your phone rings later that evening, and it’s Hyunjin.
He asks you if you’re okay, and if you’re better than you were yesterday.
You were on the brink of tears last night.
Today, you are better.
Yongbok’s words come back to you, and you wonder why you don’t love him. It sure would have made everything a little easier. 
Everything makes sense now, the way he’s been acting all summer, his behaviour around Hyunjin, and you feel a little stupid for being so oblivious to it.
When you drift off into thought, Hyunjin asked you again, if you were okay.
“I met Yongbok” You responded.
His voice lit up, at your rekindled friendship, “Yeah? What did you guys do?”
You tell him about the bagels, and the coffee, and because you can never keep anything from Hyunjin, you end up blurting, “He told me he loves me. That he has his entire life”
You don’t know why you say it. You’re looking for a reaction. Or for consolation.
But Hyunjin is quiet on the other end, and he doesn’t say much for the rest of the night, and you wonder if you should have just kept it to yourself.
»»————-
Hyunjin doesn’t call you the next day, or the next, or the one after that. 
You try to distract yourself, stealing away work hours into painting. 
Each brushstroke soothed you, and you pour out your emotions. 
Unrequited love is a bitch, and you feel guilty every time you see Felix, but he’s more than okay. You can’t imagine being the same. 
Your paintings end up all looking really sad. They make you feel sad when you look at them, and you realise you’re only painting of longing.
Hyunjin finally texts you.
It’s only to tell you that Chan and Kairi broke up.
He doesn’t say much more, but he doesn’t have to.
You knew what they meant to them, and perhaps this breakup impacted him more than them.
You go back to painting your solitude. 
It’s calming, under the glow of your lamp, tucked in a corner of your room, you lose yourself in your art. 
Autumn is closer than it was yesterday, and it makes you sad. Summer is further away in your past now, and so is he.
Hyunjin’s texts get less frequent, as the days go by.
You feel obsessive, you feel just a little crazy.
You feel like a teenage girl waiting for her crush to call back.
Your heart breaks a little more with each hour that he doesn’t call.
You’re worried all the time, if he was okay.
You read about the scandals on the news, and the rumours on the internet, and some of them involve him but most of them involve Jisung. 
Yeonjun keeps you updated on the trial, and all the press outlets that Jisung has sued. 
Hyunjin doesn’t have space in his life for a relationship, but as days pass, it feels like he doesn’t for a friendship either.
hyun
hey yn
im so sorry
i’ve had a horrible schedule the past few days
they’re really trying to make up for everything I missed
i haven’t been sleeping much and i just…haven’t got much time on my phone
my managers have been really strict
they limit my activities on there
but don’t worry im okay
i spend most of my time in the studio
i miss you too. a lot
His replies soothe you, more than your own art ever could. 
You fall into a habit. You check the news each morning, even before your first sip of coffee, worried if he’s okay.
Hyunjin keeps telling you he’s fine, and you force yourself to believe him.
He sends you pictures of his art, and you notice how much he’s improved. He’s using all of the techniques you taught him. He’s painting about all of his days in your hometown.
Other nights, you don’t hear from him at all.
You feel it falling apart, and your heart breaks.
One day, he asks you about Yongbok again. 
You question if you should never have told him about the confession.
»»————-
The day his album releases, you listen to it before anybody in the world, or at least you’d like to believe so. 
It’s beautiful, and it’s raw. It’s a mix of every genre you can imagine. Hyunjin sings about love like he’s been in it. The album is more beautiful than you could anticipate, and you can already see the headlines surrounding it’s success.
Felix takes you to a store in Samhae, so you can purchase it for yourself, and when you find yourself in a line of twenty girls talking about him, you feel like fighting them.
You borrow Yuqi’s car, so you can push the CD into the stereo, and hear it before you can even get home.
The music Hyunjin makes is beautiful as him, and you hear the vocal fry, and the cadence he speaks with, and you fall in love with him even more.
It feels like cheating, as Felix sits in the passenger seat, listening to the same songs.
You wanted to ask him what he thinks of the album, but you hold back.
When you got home, you sat in the darkness of your room, and listened to it again, just by yourself. 
You called him to tell him what you think of it, but he’s at a party and he has no time for this. 
So you end up keeping your thoughts just to yourself. 
»»————-
You stared at the letter mail within your hands.
It arrived a few days ago, but you hadn’t noticed it until now.
It had been lying in your mailbox, gathering dust, and you stood on the sidewalk, wondering how you the hell you missed it.
It was from the city.
Your heart dropped into your gut, as you ripped open the envelope, making sure not to damage the contents inside.
You took a deep breath.
Holy shit.
It was going to be a rejection.
It had to be.
You stood absolutely still on the pavement, unfolding the letter. It’s so thin you’re afraid you’re going to rip it.
You can’t read this alone. You wish Hyunjin would here, it’d probably feel less scary.
But you can’t wait either. You need to know now.
You scanned the paper, yet your brain couldn’t comprehend the sentences, and skipped forward, registering only certain words. Like a record skipping.
A word stands out to you.
Congratulations.
And then you go back to the start of the letter, trying to make sense of what you just read, but your heart is already beating out of your chest and you think you’re going to pass out.
Congratulations.
Kim Jieong would be honoured to have you join him as an apprentice for his Fall Program in Painting at the Atelier of the Arts in Seoul, South Korea.
You reread the words until they were seared into your mind, and into your heart.
You read them until the paper became wet with droplets, and you realise you were crying. 
On the side of the sidewalk. 
Then you read them again.
You folded the piece of paper into your pocket, and you texted the boy you loved.
hyunjin!
when can i call you?
i have something to tell you
it’s really important
You wait for his answer, but your message doesn’t deliver.
So you sat down on your front porch, trying to calm your heart but you’re bursting with excitement and anticipation. You’ve already texted Felix and Minho, but you’re only waiting for one person’s reaction.
You need to tell him now. 
He could be busy. He could be at work, or in bed, but you don’t care.
He has to be the first to know.
You find yourself dialling his number, and your hands are shaking, and your heart is trembling.
Hyunjin doesn’t pick up.
And you’re met with an unfamiliar message.
“We're sorry, you have reached a number that has been disconnected or is no longer in service.”
»»————-
THREE MONTHS LATER
»»————-
“Take my hand if you don’t wanna fall” 
You looked up, and Felix is smiling down at you, the sun a halo around his head.
He’s got pink skates on, and it suits him. 
The brightness of them stands out in the park.
“You’re awfully confident for someone who’s fallen over…thrice now?” Minho laughs, coming to stand next to you, arms on his hips.
“I’ll be fine, Lix” You smiled, tightening the laces of your roller-skates.
“Let me at least help you up” He insisted.
You nodned, letting him take your hand and pull you up. You’re inches from him when you stand up, and he smiled at you.
“See you at the rink in a few?” He tilt his head.
“I’ll see you, Lix”
He let go of your hand, and you miss the steadiness it gave you, but almost instantly Minho comes to your side. With a hand on your back, he leads you to the rink. You’re still getting used to these roller-skates, and you’ve fallen over more than you’d liked.
“Aren’t you glad I dragged you out here?” He nudged you.
“Sure” You smiled at him, trying to match his pace. 
It’s a beautiful day at the park. There’s a harvest festival, where Felix bobbed for apples, and you cheered for him. Then Minho forced you all onto the rink, bringing you a new pair of skates since you couldn’t find your old ones. As you skated around the park with your friends, it almost feels like the old days.
The leaves had changed color.
The days were shorter now, and the sun hung low in the sky, the temperature dropping to single digits.
With the onset of fall, you stopped swimming in the Creek, and the fireflies disappeared, and you never left the house without a cardigan anymore. 
Aera’s kept you busy, and so did the weekends at The Château. You and Seungmin grew even closer, and you found joy in interacting with travelling tourists, searching for artistic pursuits and adventure in your little town. 
Felix explored his love for baking with you, and you recreated everything in his recipe book… except for the strawberry streusels. Yeonjun consistently kept in touch with, and told you of his life in the city, the drama in his workplace, and about the cute new girl that sat across him at work. 
You fell in love with the palette of autumn, and all your artworks became tinged with shades of orange and red. All of your sweaters became tainted with paint splatters, and the walls of your room became full with your memories of the summer.
“Are you going to take these with you? I bought them for you, full-price mind you” Minho asked you.
You sighed, “I don’t know”
“There has to be places in Seoul to skate in” He thought, and grabbed your hand so you can speed up. You smiled, feeling the wind on your face, desperately trying to not lose your balance.
“I don’t think I have space in my suitcase” You told him, as he stopped. 
Felix is on the other side, and he’s smiling at you. He looks cute, and he’s with his sister. She’s in matching pink rollerblades, and Felix has spent more than an hour teaching her how to skate.
There’s a couple next to them, and they’re holding hands and skating, and they keep kissing, and your chest hurts with the thought of him.
You haven’t been able to talk to him in months…
He doesn’t even know you got into the program.
His number changed, and he closed all of private social media.
“Hey?” Minho said, turning your head to look at him, and he can read your mind, “You’ll find him once you get to the city, it’s only a matter of time”
You frowned, “How? I don’t even know where he lives…I don’t even know if he’s okay”
“Well, you obviously know he’s alive” Minho joked, “He looks pretty good in all the interviews they did”
“I’m just worried about him” You mumbled, “It feels weird to go this long without hearing from him”
“It’s probably something with the company. Hyunjin told you how controlling they were, didn’t he?”
“Yeah, but…he’s not a kid. How can they control this shit in his life?”
You’ve had this same conversation millions of times before, over the past three months, but you still can’t understand what happened. You had tried every way to get in touch with him, but with how famous he was right now…it was impossible.
It’s not even like you can go to Facebook and add him as a fucking friend. 
“I can ask Felix to try” Minho asked.
“No” You insist, “It’s not gonna make a difference. It doesn’t matter anyway. I’ll see him soon”
You can’t help but have hope. At the beginning, you were worried, and then you were angry but now you’re just confused. You know he’d never change his contact information without telling you, or even Minho, or Seungmin. 
Something went wrong.
A huge reason you’re excited to go to Seoul, is so you can finally meet him, and know what happened, how he’s been, and if he’s okay.
You heard Felix call out to you.
“Wait, Y/N” Minho grabbed your arm, “I’m sure he’s even more upset than you”
Over the past few months, Minho has discussed all of his theories with you, about what could have happened. He’s so sure, that Hyunjin’s company is involved. You want to believe him, because there’s no way Hyunjin would do this.
“What are you two gossiping about?” Felix asked, skating over to you, and from where you stand, he really looked like a fairy, long hair blowing in the wind.
“Nothing important” You smiled at him, “Wanna skate with me now?”
“Always” He grinned. You let him take your hand, and pull you around the rink, guiding you through groups of friends, children and couples. 
“What are you wearing to the party tonight?” He asks, after a while, and his hand landed on your waist, helping you balance.
“Whatever outfit I haven’t packed” You admitted, honestly.
“Come on, you’re the star of the night” He spun in front of you, “You should wear the blue dress, the one you wore to Yeonjun’s party last year”
Tonight is the going away party that Minho is throwing for you. You can’t believe it’s already time. You leave tomorrow.
Everything has been building up to this, and you’re so excited, you think you could burst. You’re anxious too, because everything has to go right, it’s only what you’ve been dreaming about.
Your acceptance letter is tucked into a book, and it feels like only yesterday that you found out, but it’s already been months.
The night you got accepted, Felix baked you a chocolate cake. You were too shaken up, and confused about the fact that you couldn’t get through to Hyunjin, but you had to celebrate.
Felix… distracts you from all your worries. You’re grateful for his company.
“I don’t want to be the star” You told him.
Felix rolled his eyes, “You deserve it, love, and you have no choice”
You had been anxious about Hyunjin for months, confused, and heartbroken, but you have bigger things to worry about.
The program starts in a week, and you don’t have enough time to prepare.
Yet, you’ve been preparing for it all your life.
The money you’ve saved up happens to just be enough for a studio apartment, and Yeonjun helped you find a place in a busy neighbourhood.
Not that it mattered.
You would sleep in the subway if you had to, if it means you’ll get to learn from The Kim Jieong. The artist you’ve looked up to all your life, your inspiration, your muse, and your everything.
Later that night, Minho helped you pack, and you take only what you need. You can’t afford to leave your supplies at home, like he did, so you packed all of them. You keep aside the tattered brushes, because the city kids would definitely disapprove. 
Your suitcase filled up quickly, with an array of watercolours, and acrylics, and pastels, and you compromised on your clothes.
You only pack your favourite coat, and your dark sweaters, and the skirts you didn’t wear here yet.
The going away party is small, and you love and hate every part of it. You wear the blue dress Felix wanted you to. Everybody there tells you you’ll do well, and you wonder if any of them secretly resent you, if they think you’re another person who gave into the city's false charms. Everybody who moves to the city from a small town is always celebrated, but you know you’ll probably be hated when you’re actually gone.
You’re in such a daze throughout, you don’t realise the importance of that night.
You’re not going away for long, but it’s still a huge deal.
The apprenticeship has a low acceptance rate, and they hardly take any students from Korea. It’s mostly international kids, and you can’t believe you get the chance to be amongst them.
After the party, you and Felix stay to help Minho clean up, and you stand on the threshold of the doorway, to catch your breath. Felix threw away the last of the beer bottles, and stood opposite you, leaning on the other end.
Your arms are folded behind your back, and you smile at him.
“I can’t believe Seonmi tried to get us to play spin the bottle again” 
You sigh, “I’m glad Minho shut them down”
Felix laughs, and then his shoulders sag as the laughter dies down, “How are you feeling?”
“Tired” You tell him, “But…I’m really fucking excited too”
“I can’t believe you’re leaving” He mumbles, for the tenth time that night, and he pushes his hands in his pockets.
“It’s not like I’m moving away forever” You tell him, “The apprenticeship is just a temporary program”
“But isn’t the point of it to get a job in the city?” He asks.
“There’s only a few spots open, for the people that perform the best”
“Then you’re definitely not coming back” He says, smiling, placing unwavering faith in you.
“We’ll see” You shrug.
“Is he coming to pick you up from the station?” He asks.
You nod, “If he can make it. He’s been busy recently”
“You promise to keep me in your life?” He suddenly asks, tilting his head. You notice his hair’s grown longer in the fall, falling to his shoulders. The blonde suits him, the glow of the porch lights sharpen his cheekbones, and the shadows on his face.
“You’d push your way back, even if I didn’t” You tell him.
He laughs, knowing it’s the truth, “I’ve had the privilege of knowing you since we were…kids. I’m never letting you go, you know that?”
His words are meant to comfort you, but the irony doesn’t fail to strike.
He must have noticed the fall in your expression, because he steps forward, “Hey, hey. What’s wrong?”
“I’m…kind of a little terrified” You admit, eyes downcast, watching the pink shoelaces of Felix’s worn-out shoes.
“You’ve been painting your whole life. Everybody’s going to fall in love with you there, I can bet my life on that”
“I only need Kim Jieong to fall in love with me” You joke.
“And he will. You’ll spare no one”
You swallow, “Thank you. I know you never really wanted me to move away. But I’m really glad you understand how much this means to me”
“I rather you be away from me than be miserable in this little town” He admits, and his finger meets the end of your chin. He tilts your head up, so you’re looking him right in the eye.
“That doesn’t sound like you” You mumble.
He rolls his eyes, “I know. The things I do for you”
You smile, “Thank you”
“I’m really gonna miss you” He admits, “You’ll come home for the next summer though, right?”
You nod, and his hand is still on your chin, “Of course. I’ll be here”
His lips pull up into a smile, and his eyes are bright, and the freckles on his skin look far too much like stardust right now.
“You’ll be here. That’s why summer’s my favourite season” He mumbles, but his voice is suddenly hoarse now, half of his words lost in his mouth. 
He’s staring right at you, and you feel the breath leave your lungs. 
It reminds you of the night of his birthday and how he came to your rescue, kissing you to save you from embarrassment.
“Can I kiss you?” He suddenly asks you, the depth of his voice prickling through you.
Apparently, he was thinking of the same thing.
The words throw you for a loop, but yet they don’t. 
He knows you don’t feel the same way for him. He knows that you’re in love with someone else. But he still asks. It’s a goodbye kiss. It doesn’t mean much more. 
So, you say yes, and he swallows your words in a kiss.
He presses you up against the doorway, but he doesn’t deepen the kiss. His lips move against yours, and his hands hold you, and all you can think about how is how different this feels.
It’s not that you’ve given up on Hyunjin. In fact, in a few days, you’ll be closer to him than you’ve ever been, under the same night sky, breathing the same air.
Your hands stay behind you, pressed into the doorway, and you feel the slightest urge to run them through his hair, but you don’t. 
Felix kisses you sweetly, and when he pulls away, there’s no awkwardness. He lets out a laugh, pulling playfully at your cheeks and mumbles something about making sure you don’t miss the train in the morning.
That night, when you’re packing away the last of your things, you reached for the sketchbook you had left at Hyunjin’s house. It laid by your bedside, but you haven’t opened it in weeks. You decided to take it with you, if only for the memories and the sketches you’ll make on the journey.
As you reach to put it in your suitcase, something dropped from within its pages and landed on the wooden floor.
Frowning, you bent down to pick it up. 
It’s a vertical photo strip, and when you flip it over, your breath stops in your throat.
It’s the pictures from the photobooth.
Of you and Hyunjin kissing, in the pink lights.
How the fuck did that get in here?
You’re absolutely sure he had deleted them, right in front of your own eyes.
It stirs memories within you, plunging you right back into that moment, the hot, heavy kisses that you shared, the tightness with which he gripped your hips, the urgency with which you touched each other.
Your core tightened, and you sit on the floor to take a breath.
You stared at the strip of pictures. Your first instinct is to text him, and ask where he got them, but you can’t even contact him. 
It’s another question you can’t wait to ask him, when you finally see him again.
A tsunami of feelings overwhelms you, and you know that you can’t blame him for this sudden rift between you, because you can still feel the intensity with which he held you, and moments like that can’t be temporary.
A new buzz runs through your veins, and you hold the photo strip tight to your chest, wondering when it would be real again.
»»————-
The stars in the sky were replaced by the skyscraper lights, as your train hurtled closer to its destination.
Clutching your ticket in your hand, your eyes were peeled to the window, watching the city skyline become closer, and closer, until the buildings loomed over you. 
You’d seen the city through pixels and in coffee table books but never like this. 
Your camera ran out of film before you’d even arrived, and perhaps you should have prepared for that. You couldn’t stop your excitement. Everything was new, and everything was gorgeous. You took pictures of your ticket, of your seat, of the view.
You have to document this. In every form possible.
The cute boy across you even offered to share a pack of Peppero sticks halfway through the ride, and you hoped everybody in the city was as kind as him.
There were more people at the platform than in the entirety of Daejon, and you held your bags tightly to you, making your way through the crowd. At a certain point, you weren’t even walking, just pushed toward the nearest exit, going with the flow of the crowd around you. 
Each breath brought a new scent, fighting for your attention in the crowd. The musty luggage that had travelled all over the country being dragged against the concrete. 
There must be a cafe nearby, because the aroma of coffee wafted through the air, and it wasn’t till the scent of pastries hit you that you realised you were starving.
There’d be time for food later.
The faint hint of cologne and perfume clouded your senses, different kinds of fragrances worn by the people who walked through the station.
It was overwhelming, a sensory overload, but you had expected this chaos.
You welcomed it.
He was waiting for you at the platform.
Relief flooded through you at the familiar face amongst the crowd. 
“Look at her” He remarked, a small smile overtaking him.
“Fuck” You ran up to him, navigating through the few people still in your way. 
His arms wrapped around you immediately, lifting you off the ground momentarily, and his scent was familiar and it was known, and it calmed you instantly. You buried your face in his neck, letting him hold you to his body in the crowd.
“You’re here” He breathed, pulling back to look at you, eyes wide.
“I missed you” You admitted, reaching out to grab his hand, “Thank you…for coming to pick me up”
He squeezed yours in return, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world” 
“No, I’m serious. Thank you, Yeonjun”
He stared at you, eyes crinkling in appreciation and love, “You don’t have to thank me”
The crowd moved around you, like a river around a rock, as you held him close to you. 
Everything was unfamiliar here, but him.
“Come on, let’s get you out of here” He smiled, grabbing your bags.
Walking out of the station felt like stepping into a dream you’d forgotten.
You’d studied these streets, and dreamt of these buildings, but now you stood amongst them. Awe and fascination swelled in your heart, and if it wasn’t for Yeonjun keeping a hold on you, you’d probably stop and stare at every little thing.
The neon lights danced along the alleyways, casting colors onto everyone around you.
It was so typical. 
It was just like the movies.
You picked up on snippets of conversations, leftovers of drama, but it was crazy, because for the first time, you didn’t know who they were gossiping about. There were no familiar faces or names, a reality you could never live before.
In the distant, you could hear street musicians and you stopped, pulling at Yeonjun’s sleeve, “Can we go see that?”
You’ve seen far too many Youtube videos about this, and you have been waiting to experience this yourself.
He laughed, gesturing to your luggage, “With all this stuff in our hands?”
“Right” You realised.
“Hey, we can always come back to this. Let’s get you settled in first, yeah?” He said, reaching forward to tuck your hair back in a gesture that soothed you.
“I know. I just…I’m excited. Sorry” You apologised.
“Don’t be sorry. I was the same my first day here” He said, sincerely, “I’m glad I have you to share this with. Although you’re already doing better than me, I was so overwhelmed”
You swallowed, “I am too, but…I want to be”
Yeonjun’s lips curled up into a smile, “Yeah?”
“I’ve thought about this moment for a long time, Jun”
“I know” He smiled, then tugged at your hand, “Now come on, we’re almost at your apartment”
You let him tug you along, because you were too lost taking everything in to navigate yourself. 
It was overwhelming, 
But you embraced it.
»»————-
“Are you sure this is the right building?”
“Mmh, I checked on the map. It’s definitely the red building”
“It…looks different than it did online” You said, staring at the apartment.
“I’m sure it’s nicer inside” He shot you a calm look. 
He grabbed the heavier suitcase, before attempting to push the door open. 
It didn’t budge, and he stopped, “Is the door locked or something?”
“Um, they told me it’d be open till six” You mumbled, glancing at your phone to check the time.
“Well, it’s certainly not open” Yeonjun muttered, trying to push it open with his shoulder. 
His efforts were met with no real results, and he released a frustrated sigh.
“Maybe I can try” You side-stepped him, lamely attempting to turn the knob.
“You know, it’s not that cold” Yeonjun rolled his eyes at the thick gloves you had on.
“It’s cold for me” You defended. 
Daejon almost had the same weather year-round. 
You weren’t used to the chill that came this up north.
“I pray for you when winter comes” He added.
You turned to him, arms crossed, “So…are we just going to stand here the rest of the night?”
“Why don’t you call the landlord?”
You bit your lip, “I wouldn’t wanna inconvenience him” 
Yeonjun sighed, dropping the duffel bag on the pavement, “You literally can’t get into your apartment. I think he’ll understand”
Your new life in the city was off to a great start.
“Maybe I can try again tomorrow” You spoke, “Could I stay at your place tonight?”
“Y/N” He stepped forward, placing a hand on your shoulder, “You can, but you’re not going to be bothering him, I promise you. This is kind of his job”
You stared at him, and sighed, “You’re right. But, before I call him, do you think there’s another entrance to the place? Maybe we’re at the wrong one”
Yeonjun looked up at the facade of the building. All the blinds to the apartment windows were shut, and he kept his hands on his hips, “I’ll check around the back”
“Thank you” You nodded, “I’ll try the door here”
You peeled off your gloves, turning the knob again, hoping that it might work this time.
You pushed at it with your shoulder, and to your surprise, the door burst open, plunging you inside. 
Somebody else had opened the door from the inside.
“Fuck” You collided with them, flushing with embarrassment.
“Whoa” He exclaimed, hands coming up to your shoulders, “Are you okay?”
“Oh my god. I’m so sorry” You stepped back, looking up at him.
Was everyone in Seoul a fucking model or something?
His hair fell into his eyes, sharp features and a jawline that immediately stood out to you. 
He seemed to be younger than you.
He observed your form, eyes flickering over your figure before he stepped back, to let you breathe, “Were you…breaking in to my apartment or something?”
“No!” You immediately responded in horror, eyes wide, “I…I’m Y/N”
His eyebrows shot up, “Is that supposed to mean something to me?”
“I’m the new resident on the sixth floor” You explained, voice unsure by the second, “Mr. Kwon didn’t mention me?”
“Oh” His eyes widened in recognition, “Right. He did. I didn’t think you’d be coming in today. Bad weather to be moving in”
“You’re right” You laughed, pushing your hands in your pockets, “So, uh…I’m Y/N”
He smiled, eyes crinkling, “Hi, Y/N. I’m Jeongin”
“Sorry about the door. I couldn’t get in” 
“It tends to get stuck in the cold sometimes” He explained, then looked behind you, “Is that all the stuff you have?”
You turned back, “Yeah. My friend’s gone around the block…to look for another entrance”
Jeongin smiled brightly, like he had no troubles in the world, “Well, I can help you get your bags up, unless you wanna wait for your friend to come back?”
“I’ll just tell him I got the door open” You explained, reaching for your phone to text Yeonjun. 
Your new neighbour, Jeongin, watched as you typed out the text, and then reached forward, to pick up the duffel you’d abandoned on the street.
“You probably shouldn’t leave your stuff out like that” He laughed, grabbing the handle of your suitcase, “Some scumbags are just looking for an opportunity like that”
“Oh” You realised, feeling dumb for leaving your things unattended.
Jeongin pulled your suitcase and duffel bag up the porch stairs, before shooting you a glance, “I’m guessing you’re new to the city”
“It’s obvious?” You laughed, feeling embarrassed.
“Don’t worry about it” He shook it off with a hand, as you followed him up the stairs, “I’m on the second floor, by the way”
You clutched the rusty bannister with one hand, craning your neck to observe the atrium. The centre of the staircase had a skylight, but it was pitch-black outside.
He glanced back at you, “If you ever find yourself stuck outside, you can shoot me a text. I’m almost always home”
You followed him up to the sixth floor, “Thank you, that’s really nice of you. Are you in university?”
He nodded, “I take my classes online though. You?”
“I’m here for an art internship”
“Where’d you move here from?” He asked, as you made your way to the door, and you handed him the keys. 
“Daejon. It’s a small town down south, near the beach and the mountains. You probably haven’t heard of it”
He turned to you, with a grin, “Sounds beautiful”
You unlocked the door to your unit, and thankfully this lock was easier than the one below. 
Flicking the switches on, you glanced around.
The apartment certainly was…something. 
It was a studio, unfurnished, one bedroom, one bath.
The walls and floor were bare, and there was hardly any lighting, but that could be fixed.
Everything could be fixed.
You had made it here, and that’s what mattered.
A little kitchen window looked out into a fire escape, glimpses of the city visible. 
It excited you already. You could set up an easel there and learn to paint this new landscape.
You’d brought no artwork with you…but the new paintings you made could decorate the walls, and soon the place would fill up with your new memories of the city.
There was so much potential.
“It’s not bad. Mr. Kwon gave you one of the better units” The boy commented, and you realised he was still here, as you’d been fantasising about your new place.
“Really? You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?” 
Jeongin raised an eyebrow, “Why would I want to make you feel better? We’ve only known each other like… thirty seconds”
Your eyes widened, and for a second you wondered if he actually meant it, before he burst into a laugh.
“Sorry” He giggled, “I was kidding. Did you think I was not?”
“And how would I know you were kidding? I just met you, like you said” You exhaled.
He laughed, walking back to you, “Why would I be so rude to you for no reason?”
You shrugged, hugging yourself, “I don’t know…maybe you’re an asshole”
“Ouch” He laughed.
“Who are you?” A familiar voice interrupted, and you turned to see Yeonjun stood at the doorway. His eyes were wide, and his hair was wet from the rain. You felt guilty for leaving him out in the cold, but he was more concerned about the stranger in your apartment.
“Who are you?” Jeongin asked him in return, “How’d you get in?”
Yeonjun’s eyes narrowed, “The door was open downstairs”
“Shit” He mumbled, “Mr Kwon will kill me”
“Why are you in my friend’s living room?” Yeonjun asked.
“I was helping her in”
Yeonjun shot you a look, and you shrugged, “What?”
Jeongin looked between the two of you awkwardly, “I gotta go close up downstairs”
“Sure. Thank you for letting me in by the way”
“Course. No problem” He smiled, pushing his hands in his denim jacket pockets as he left. 
Once he was out of earshot, Yeonjun shut the apartment door, and raised an eyebrow at you, “Who was he?”
“Yang Jeongin” You leaned against the kitchen counter, letting out a breath, “He opened the door for me”
“And you let him into your apartment. What if he’s a creep?”
“Relax, Jun. At least I’m inside now”
He looked around, observing the place, “Well, at least there’s no mold here or anything”
You stare at him, “Are you kidding me? The place is… perfect”
He laughs, “What?”
You run up to him, pulling him into a hug, “Thank you, thank you, thank you”
He wrapped his arms around you, “Someone’s happy”
You looked up at him, “Of course I am. This is what I’ve wanted my entire life”
“You didn’t seem this excited downstairs” He pointed out.
“I was worried for a second there” You say, “But now I’m so happy”
He laughed, “Fuck. I’m happy for you”
You let go of him, to sit on your new couch, in your new home.
“If I get some cute stuff and more lights, it’ll be nice, right?”
He walked over to the kitchen window, peering out at the view, “Just be careful to keep the blinds closed at night”
“Why?” You frowned.
“There’s a lot of creepy people in the city”
You smiled, dropping your head back on the couch, “I don’t care”
He laughed again, stepping over to you, “When do you want to unpack?”
“Is it crazy if I say right now? I kind of want to put all my stuff in place”
“No, it’s not crazy. You’re not tired?”
“I’ve been preparing for this my whole life, so no”
He chuckled, “I’m guessing you’re going to be saying that a lot”
He walked over to the bedroom, “It’s smaller than on the website. You’ll have to buy a bed”
“I know” You hummed, closing your eyes, to take everything in. If you sat here quietly, you’d be able to hear the sirens, the pedestrians, the noise from all the shops.
“Do you wanna order some pizza?” He asked.
“That’s perfect”
As the hours pass, you put away all your clothes in the wardrobe. Yeonjun helped you arrange the paintbrushes and canisters in a corner. You’ve only had enough space to bring two canvases and you balanced them against your bedroom wall. 
Yeonjun played an English rock band he’s lately been obsessed with as you emptied the last of your suitcase.
The pizza arrived in no time, and Yeonjun brought it upstairs.
You’ve opened the kitchen window to let the city sounds in, and he smiles at your amused expression. Your apartment faces a busy street, but you love it. There’s absolutely no silence, and you think it’ll help you fall asleep at night.
Sitting on the floor, the pizza box lay between you as Yeonjun told you about his favourite spots in the city. He was a little overprotective, telling you to avoid certain neighbourhoods, but you appreciate him.
“Are you excited to join the internship?” He asked, biting down into the pepperoni.
“Apprenticeship” You corrected him.
“What’s the difference?” He laughed.
“Look it up” You rolled your eyes, tossing a pepperoni at him.
He nodded, “So you’re sticking in Seoul forever then?”
You laughed, “We’ll see”
“You didn’t answer my question” He repeated, popping open a coke can, a hissing sound accompanying it.
“I am excited. Obviously” You smiled, “Nervous to meet Kim Jieong though. He’s like my favourite artist, ever, in the entire observable universe”
Yeonjun laughed, passing you the coke can, “I better be the first to hear all about your first day”
“Who else will I even tell?” You laughed.
He nodded, swallowing the crusts, and choosing to stay quiet.
It’s awkward. Hyunjin’s thought hangs in the air.
He doesn’t know you’re here.
He doesn’t even know you got accepted.
“We could do something crazy. If you want”
“What?” You asked, curious.
“You’re probably gonna hate the idea” He laughed.
You scoot closer to him, “Tell me”
He bites into another piece, “You know where he works. The Pegasus headquarters. It’s not too far from your classes”
You stare at him as he talks. The idea makes you feel like a stalker.
“I can’t just show up at his workplace”
“Isn’t that how you two met in the first place? He showed up to your workplace?”
You grabbed the coke can from him, “You’re clever. But no…that’d be weird”
“How else are you going to get in touch with him?”
“I don’t know, but it is so weird to think that we’re under the same sky now”
Yeonjun rolled his eyes, “You’re way too romantic. You know that you’re always under the same sky, right? No matter where you are on Earth”
“Shut up” You tossed a piece of pepperoni at him, “Don’t kill the mood”
“Fine. You’re breathing the same air as Hyunjin. I mean, if you really want to be romantic, you’ll probably bump into him sometime soon”
“There’s like ten million people in the city, Jun”
“Oh, now you’re logical?” He laughed. Yeonjun’s face suddenly lit up, and you know he’s had a terrible idea.
“What? Don’t tell me…” 
“I’m going to help you find him. That’s kind of my job”
“Finding people?” You laughed.
“No, tracking their digital footprints, and shit”
“How is that going to help us find Hyunjin again?”
“I don’t know. I’m still figuring that part out”
You rolled your eyes, and you lie down.
Your stomach is full, you’re tired, and the floor of your new place is cold, and you love it. You’re so happy. 
You’re right where you belong, and right where you were always supposed to be.
It feels right, and you smile to yourself.
“Do you want to go for a walk? Maybe we can explore your neighbourhood. You can get familiar with it” Yeonjun suggested.
You sat up so quickly, “That’s the greatest idea I’ve ever heard” 
So, he took you around the alleys, and you tried to memorise the names of the streets, and he showed you a coffee shop, and a Paris fucking Baguette. 
Your street is busy and full of life, even this late at night. Even from here, you could see the high-rise buildings surrounding you, glass houses, and everything is glamorous. 
“I literally feel like I’m inside a drama” You told Yeonjun, watching all of the little shops and snack stands. The mannequins in the window display wore clothes you could never get away with wearing back home.
But, you’ll wear them now.
It’s so much all at once.
He held your hand, introducing you to everything he knew of. 
You feel like a stranger in your own country. Everything is different here.
But you’re right where you belong, and as Yeonjun led you back home, you looked up at the sky.
It’s different too.
You realise Hyunjin was right all along.
There are no stars here. 
»»————-
It’s been less than a week, and you’re lost.
You’re not proud to admit it.
But the city is big, and you were only trying to find your way to The Atelier.
Cabs were expensive as hell, so you’d decided to walk, and take the trains but clearly you’d ended up in the wrong neighbourhood.
You called Yeonjun. Obviously.
“Look, Y/N. I still don’t understand what possessed you go visit your art building this late”
“I was impatient!” You admitted. Your classes don’t start for another week, but you wanted to check the place out. You couldn’t hold your excitement.
“You could’ve just waited for the weekend. I would have gone with you”
You snorted, “Right. What would you do in a place like that?”
“Hey, I can be artsy too” He retorted, “Now tell me what you see”
You stared ahead of you.
It’s busy, and there’s so many people. You turn a corner, and then another, and another. It’s already dark out, and the streetlights have twinkled on. You wish you could appreciate the beauty, but you’re so lost. 
Somehow, you’re not scared. You know you’ll figure it out. 
You’ve made it this far after all.
“I’m at a street with a thousand shops”
“So…every single street of this city? You’re so helpful”
“You’re not being very helpful either” You crossed your arms.
“Just go into any shop, and ask them where the art building is”
“What if they don’t know?”
“Then ask somebody else” Yeonjun suggested.
You survey the plethora of shops. Half of them have already shuttered down, and some are in the process of closing. 
There’s only one store that’s open. It looks like it sells snacks and drinks, but maybe they can tell you where you are. The fluorescent lights of it cast a harsh aura upon the streets, unmatched to the traditional aesthetic of everything else. 
“Okay. That’ll give me an excuse to get that expensive candy I saw at the station”
Yeonjun laughed, “I am appalled at how positive you’re being right now despite being in the middle of nowhere”
You walked up the little stairs, a chime sounding as you enter. 
It’s bigger than you expected inside. 
There’s rows and rows of snacks, shelves stocked to the brim. It’s local, different from a 7/11 franchise, but it’s just as organised. There’s a few people already in the store, and you walked past them, until you find an employee who can help you.
“Yeah, once I decided to stop being affected by every little thing, life became much easier” You joked.
You can almost imagine Yeonjun rolling his eyes as he said, “If only everything was that easy”
“I’m gonna ask someone who works here. I’ll call you after, okay?” You spoke into the phone, before hanging up.
There’s a girl, she looked friendly enough.
“Excuse me?” 
She turned, and she was chewing gum, “Yeah? How can I help you?”
“Yeah, could you tell me how I can get to the Atelier from here?”
You feel a little stupid. She’s probably wondering why you can’t just use your phone, but the streets here are so narrow, there’s no way it’ll be accurate.
Her eyebrow furrowed, “That fancy glass building?” 
You lit up in recognition, “Yes! Exactly that!”
“Um. I’m sorry, I don’t know. But Jae will know. His girlfriend goes there. I can call him if you want, he’s the back”
“Oh” You nodded, “That’ll be really helpful, thank you so much”
She looked around, “Are you gonna buy anything?”
You nodded, smiling at her, before she walked into the back.
Well, she was nice.
You tucked your hands into your jacket pockets, and looked around. 
You haven’t been to this part of town before. Well, you’ve only been here a few days but you must have got yourself really, really lost to end up in such a random place.
You waited for the girl to come back, and you watched the people around you.
You envy their sense of comfort, and familiarity.
There’s a couple, still in school uniforms, and they’re picking out candy.
There’s quite a few people in the store, baskets full of snacks, and iced coffee, and maybe you can grab one too, after you reorient yourself.
The shelf is front of you is so overstimulating, and there’s so many different types of candy. 
That’s another one of your favourite things here.
Brands you’ve never heard of or seen before. Imported sweets, from all across the world, and everything is expensive, but you don’t care right now.
There’s a huge box of purple candies.
It’s too much, even for you.
But you feel the need to treat yourself.
You reached for it, picking it off the shelf. Your eyes wander up.
There’s a boy.
Your heart skips a beat, and you think it almost stopped.
You’re dizzy.
The most beautiful boy in the world… stands on the other side of the shelf.
You’d recognise that stance anywhere. 
He’s in a dark trench coat and a cap is pulled over his head, and getting lost has easily been the absolute best mistake of your life. It’s the craziest coincidence in the world, and maybe now you really don’t believe in coincidences anymore.
You believe in destiny, and he has to be yours.
There’s no other explanation, no rhyme or reason for why else he would be here, right now, right here, at the same time as you.
He hasn’t seen you yet, and you relish in those few seconds of pure observation.
He looks exactly the same, as he browses through the aisle of cereals.
Your heart burned, and it yearned, and you couldn’t wait anymore.
You couldn’t stop yourself, even if you wanted to.
“Hyunjin?” You blurted, the excitement unable to be held back.
His head shot up to yours.
The blue box of cereal in his hand dropped to the floor.
And it really was him.
It actually was him.
There were no coincidences. 
He looked so gorgeous, and you can already feel his distinct scent. Your lips curved up into a smile, and your heart was beating out of its chest.
He was staring at you, eyes wide, lips parted.
His hair had gotten even longer, and it peeked out from under his cap.
“Hyunjin I—”
A woman stepped between you, picking up what he’d just dropped.
“Is this the one you were looking for?” She handed it to him.
Hyunjin tore his gaze away from you and nodded at her.
She looked at you, wondering what had his attention.
Your words were stuck in your throat, and your heart was squeezing in your chest, you thought you might collapse.
Who was that?
“Is there anything else you need?” She asked him.
He shook his head, gaze to the floor, “No. I’m good”
His voice. You’d missed it insanely.
“Perfect. The cash counter’s in the back though” She walked past you, and she’s not your problem anymore because he’s here. He’s actually here, in front of you, in the most random shop in all of Seoul. 
Hyunjin stepped out from the aisle. 
You’re standing in his way, “Hey—”
“Excuse me” He mumbled, his shoulder bumped against yours and he walked right past you.
What the fuck?
He didn’t even look at you.
Someone tapped on your shoulder, and it was the girl with the chewing gum.
Your eyes were still on him though, confused, and a fear began to settle in your stomach. He was standing at the cash counter, and his was head was ducked low, as the woman placed all of their shopping out of the cart. 
For a second, you wonder if you’re mistaken and if that’s someone else, but you know it’s him, but that doesn’t make any sense.
The girl employee spoke cheerfully, introducing a boy at her side, “This is Jae! He can tell you the way to the Art Atelier”
At those words, Hyunjin finally looked back, over his shoulder, at you.
His gaze met yours.
It definitely was him.
You were about to say something, but the words never made it past your lips, because he immediately looked away from you.
It was as if he had never known you.
Like you were a stranger.
The city of Seoul had never felt so quiet, as right now.
»»————-
⇐ masterlist ⇒
please let me know if you liked the chapter, or any thoughts on this part! thank you <3
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602 notes · View notes
auras-moonstone · 9 months
Note
hiiii idk if your taking requests but if u are can u please write like a heart breaking angst with jack and the reader but a sweet fluff at the end??? thank you so much <33333
i wrote this while i was on my period and i may have cried 🫣 hope you like it ! 💓
i know i miss you — jack champion
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word count: 2,809
pairing: jack champion x fem!reader
summary: the relationship between y/n and jacks starts to fall apart, and y/n can’t take it anymore. when jack stands her up, she makes a decision.
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WHEN Y/N FIRST MET JACK ON SET, she was very wary around him. He was charming, sweet, funny, caring—exactly the type she swore she would stay away from. Which is kind of ironic, isn’t it? Because those are qualities you usually look for in a person. But if there was something Y/N knew from working in Hollywood was: don’t fall for celebrities because they don’t have the best schedules for dating and you’ll get your heart broken. And Jack was exactly the type you couldn’t help falling for, so Y/N did her best to stay professional and have the least interaction possible. Did she succeed? Hell no. Jack Champion was the most social person Y/N has ever met.
“Jack, you need to stop talking. I can’t get your make-up done like this!” Y/N said, trying to sound annoyed but couldn’t help chuckling.
“Sorry. I’ll let you work” Jack apologised, his cheeks tinted a soft shade of red.
She melted at the sight. “You know I love talking to you. I didn’t mean it like that” she reassured him, not wanting him to get upset. “But they’re going to call you to do a scene and I’m going to get fired if you’re not ready”.
“Aren’t you being a little bit dramatic?” Jack laughed.
“Well, yeah, a little” she admitted. “And… done!”
“Thank you, you are the best!” he hugged her. “Are you ever going to get me fake blood or fake wounds?”.
“Are you subtly trying to get me to spill if you’re Ghostface or if you’re going to die?” Y/N crossed her arms in front of her chest.
“No! I would never use our friendship to do that!” he acted as if the accusation offended him.
“I’m really offended right now. Our friendship is over” she shook her head as she started cleaning the table.
“Let me buy you dinner tonight? You know, to win your affection back?” Jack spoke nervously, playing with his hands and looking at the back of her head.
Y/N froze. She knew they were walking on a fine line between friendly and flirting, and now he was crossing it. Her last relationship with an actor ended up badly—his interest to maintain their relationship deteriorated with the passing days until there was nothing she could do to save it. Y/N was left heartbroken and swore to herself she was never risking it again.
And then Jack came to her life with his cute dimples, bright eyes and dad jokes and completely swept her off her feet. Y/N fell for him in free fall—not being able to stop at all. And there she was now, unable to say no. Not wanting to say no. So she said yes.
And then one date turned into two, and then three and weeks later they became official. And everything felt perfect for the next few months, like they were inside of a romantic comedy. And life and fiction had one thing in common—the climax. And so the problems in their relationship appeared.
The filming of Scream 6 ended, which meant that Y/N and Jack could no longer see each other every day. They knew this would eventually happen, but they were positive they were going to be fine. Well, Jack was pretty positive, Y/N just hoped with all her heart her relationship with Jack wouldn’t meet the same ending than with her ex-boyfriend. Because she loved Jack with all of her heart, more than she had ever loved anyone else, and it scared her immensely.
The first punch in the heart came two months after they finished Scream 6: Y/N continued working as a make-up artist for movies and Jack had began filming Avatar 4, which required lots of time on set. She understood why his replies didn’t come as quick or why his texts weren’t long. He always made sure to add emojis and exclamation marks to let her know he wasn’t being dry, he just had short amount of time to talk to her—and she thought that was absolutely cute. They mostly face-timed or called each other, but as the production of Avatar continued, Jack grew restless; he arrived home very late and all he wanted to do was rest, so he started sending just texts.
And Y/N was very understanding, she knew how Hollywood worked. Not everything was going to be petals and pink all the time, they were going to have rough paths, especially because of work. What mattered is that both of them were trying their best to keep their relationship sane and intact. Until he stopped trying.
The calls were short and dry—she did most of the talking and he answered briefly. And texts? Well, she sent them but almost never got a reply.
“Y/N” he answered the called, lying on the couch of his trailer.
“Hey, babe! How are you?” she answered. Her phone was on speaker as she gathered her make-up stuff she had just used.
“I can’t really talk right now” he answered.
Y/N frowned “Oh, sorry. I thought you were on a break”
“I am, but you know… breaks are for taking breaks”
“Isn’t that what you are doing?” she asked confused, letting out a small laugh.
Jack sighed, Y/N could hear the irritation in his tone and she knew the fight was about to start “No, I’m not. I’m trying to rest but I know that if I don’t answer your call you’ll keep calling me and I’m tired”.
Y/N pressed her lips in a thin line, feeling like she had just been punched in the throat. “Right… sorry for bothering you. I’ll just… um- bye”.
She ended the call, and covered her head with her hands, letting the sobs escape from her mouth. Her chest felt like it was about to explode as she realized it was happening again.
Y/N left Jack alone for a couple of days, hoping that he would call her back and apologise, or at least be the one who texted first. But as it had been for a long time, Y/N was the one who took the first step.
hey love
hope you’re doing okay. sorry i didn’t text, been busy :(
our anniversary is tomorrow and i just wondered if maybe you’d like to come home to celebrate?
nothing fancy of course, maybe i can make dinner and watch a movie??
i love you 💖
He answered hours later.
hey babe🫶🏻!!
yeah, of course 💕
i’ll be there at 8, if that’s okay? i’ll bring dessert
i love you too💖!!!
Emojis. Exclamation marks. Hope filled her chest, maybe they were going to be alright. She went to bed with a smile on her face.
But the hope was short lived, because the following night, Y/N waited for three hours in the dimly lit kitchen, with dinner in front of her, the scent of the lavender candles surrounding her, with the red dress Jack loved so much on and the playlist they made together resonating in the room.
She checked her phone for the hundredth time, still no response to her texts. It was clear he had forgotten, so totally resigned, she blew the candles out, put the food back in the oven, put her pjs on and went to bed. The playlist—which now played love of my life by queen—still on as she cried herself to sleep. She decided then that it had been the last straw.
Jack arrived at her house at three in the morning. He entered the house, which was completely dark, and went to the kitchen. He stopped in his tracks, seeing the burnt out candles and a note lying in the middle of the table.
i don’t even know if you’re going to come
but the food is in the oven.
He cursed himself for having fallen asleep. The filming took longer than usual, and he just planned to take a thirty minute nap, which turned into five hours of sleeping. Jack’s intention had never been to stand his girlfriend up. In fact, he had prepared a whole speech apologising for having been the absolute worst boyfriend in the world. But he screwed everything up.
Jack walked upstairs carefully, and when he opened their bedroom door, his heart melted and broke at the sight of Y/N. She was sleeping with a frown on her face and dry tears on her cheeks—sign that she had cried herself to sleep, and that made Jack’s eyes water, as if her tears had ricocheted.
The tall boy sat next to her, caressing her cheeks softly while he tried to muffle his cries, but it was impossible. Y/N was the best girlfriend in the world: so patient, so caring, loving, understanding and sweet. And the only thing he had done was hurt her.
“Jack?” her sleepy voice interrupted his thoughts, and he tried to clean his tears fast. “What happened? Are you okay?” the worry in her voice was a punch in the gut. He had stood her up, on their anniversary, and there she was, kind as ever.
“I’m sorry” he sobbed “There’s no excuse, nothing happened to me, I just fell asleep for longer than I wanted. God, I’m sorry, love, I didn’t want this to happen” he grabbed her hand, squeezing it.
“Jack… I wish that I could say it’s okay… but it’s not. I have been so understanding, but clearly work is consuming you. It is your number one focus, and I get it, but that’s not what I need right now. I can’t do this again” her heart felt heavy in her chest, but she needed to do it. “I love you, more than I’ve ever loved anyone, but I think it’s best if we break up… I can’t go on like this”
Jack wanted to fight this decision, tell her how much he loved her, and that he got it now, that he was going to be a better boyfriend because he didn’t want to lose her. But he couldn’t be that selfish. “I understand. I just want you to know that I love you. And I’m really sorry for the hell I have been putting you through for the last few months, you deserve so much better. I loved you, I still do, please never doubt that”
“I know, Jack. Trust me, I do. But your work is important to you, more important than anything. And it’s okay” she tried to smile as she cleaned his tears.
“Can I, if it isn’t too much to ask, give you one last kiss?” he asked hopeful.
Y/N thought about it for a moment, and then nodded. Their last kiss was salty from their tears, and it expressed love, sadness, melancholy and regretfulness. Their fingertips explored everything one last time, trying to memorise the feeling of each other. And when they pulled away, they felt nothing but emptiness. That was it. They were over.
“Goodbye, Jack”
“Bye, Y/N/N”
Jack left the room and the bed that used to be theirs. They both broke down when the door closed, but they did their best to keep quiet so the other wouldn’t hear. This was supposed to be for the best, but it sure didn’t feel right.
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Y/N THOUGHT SHE WOULD FEEL AT LEAST A BIT BETTER AFTER HAVING TALKED TO JACK. Spoiler alert, it felt quite the opposite. It hurt more every day. Literally everything reminded her of him. Two days after the breakup she saw the cup he used to drink coffee in and literally cried for thirty minutes straight. She couldn’t listen to music because she always had a way of relating every lyric to him. And sleeping on the bed? Big no. The other side of the bed was cold and it still smelled like him—she always fell asleep on the couch.
Jack wasn’t any better. He messed up his lines more than ever, the food wouldn’t go past his throat, he was always on his phone looking at pictures of Y/N and him or reading their old texts. He was miserable, and everyone noticed.
“How are you feeling, man?” his friend, Romeo, asked. He face-timed Jack every day ever since the break up, wanting to check on him.
Jack sighed, holding his phone “Still the same. Today I heard Last Kiss by Taylor Swift and cried like a baby for hours. That was her favorite song”
“Holy shit, man. I’m tired of seeing you like this. You know what you should do? Go apologise. You had to lose her to realize what a dick you were being, and it sucks, but now you know. Tell her how you really feel. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?”
“Um, her saying that she doesn’t want to see me ever again and that I’m a piece of shit?” Jack asked.
“First of all, Y/N would never say that to you because she loves you. Way too much. Second, you don’t even talk or see each other anymore so what if she says that? It can’t get worse than this, but it can get better”
Jack frowned “You know what? You’re right!”
“Ah, my favorite words” he smiled smugly.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. I’m going to her house now” he said confident.
“Please shower first. I can smell you through the phone” Romeo said right before hanging up.
One hour later, Jack was standing on Y/N’s porche practising what he was going to say to her once he had the courage to ring the bell. He didn’t need to, through, because the door was opened by a very confused Y/N. “What are you doing here?”.
“Oh, hi. I though I didn’t press the bell” he said.
“You didn’t. I saw you through the security camera. Are you okay? You have been standing here talking to yourself for the past ten minutes”.
“You saw that?” Jack blushed from embarrassment. Y/N tried not to laugh as she nodded. “Shit”
Y/N took in his appearance. It had been almost three weeks since the last time they saw each other. His hair was longer, it didn’t have the shape of a mullet anymore but it still looked cute on him, he was as handsome as ever. But the bags under his eyes were very prominent.
“You look… good” Jack said, eyes taking her figure. She, just like him, had bags under her eyes, her hair was in a messy ponytail—which made her look adorable—, and her body was covered by a big cardigan. His heart stopped, it was his cardigan.
“You’re a liar, I look like shit” Y/N said.
“You still manage to look beautiful” he told her. “I’m surprised you aren’t kicking me out, so I’m just going to talk before you change your mind. Y/N, I know I have been the worst boyfriend ever. I didn’t take care of you like I should’ve, as you deserve. I’m sorry I put my work over you, I really regret it. Because, frankly, I miss you more than anything and these weeks have been the worst days of my life. I keep seeing you everywhere, everything reminds me of you. I have been a mess, and I know it’s my fault. But losing you is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. You are one of the most important people in my life, and I’m sorry my actions didn’t show you that. I love you, and I want to try again with you. I know our love is worth fighting for, and that’s why I’m here, I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. In fact, I’m sorry I ever left”.
Y/N wrapped her arms around his waist and cried “I missed you so much. I should’ve said something, I should’ve told you how I felt, maybe we could’ve work it out”
“No, love. Don’t. It’s my fault” he rubbed her back softly, putting his cheek on top of her head.
“I want to try again with you. I do” she said against his chest.
“Really? Are you sure?” he asked surprised. It was more than he deserved, she was more than he deserved.
Y/N laughed “Yes, Jack. I’m very sure”
And so he grabbed her by the cheeks and pressed his lips against hers. They both almost cried at the feeling of the kiss, hours ago they thought they wouldn’t get to do that ever again. The consuming kiss, her palms against his cheeks, his fingers in the back of her neck, the heat of their bodies—it all felt like coming back home after being homesick. When they finally pulled away, they both smiled and pressed their foreheads together.
“Can we take a nap together? I have been having trouble sleeping without you” Jack said, blush coating his pale cheeks.
“Me too” she admitted. “Let’s go. The other side of the bed misses you”
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grey342 · 7 months
Text
Grovel
Phil Wenneck x reader
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synopsis - You make Phil grovel after an argument
warnings - MDNI 18+ content, teasing Phil, slightly in public, P in V, no protection and Phil talking you through it (kinda).
authors note - Thank you guys for being so patient it means the world to me! I'm gonna try to post at least once a week but, school may get in the way of that fml. Thank you again for all the support and I hope you like this one. P.S- this was kinda rushed so apologies for that :)
please do not steal my work - belongs to @grey342
If looks could kill, I would've been dead as soon as I walked through the door.
There has been a bit of tension in the Wenneck household this week. Okay a lot of tension. It all started on Monday; Phil had to work late at the school again, which, of course, you had no problems with. However, the thing that bothered you was when he came home and revealed to you he was with that one colleague who has a massive crush on him.
Naturally being a grown adult, you communicated these concerns with Phil but, he claimed you were looking into things too much and he only has eyes for you. How cute.
So, you voiced these concerns to him yet again on Monday night. He claimed that you were being "dramatic" and "childish". Big mistake. You both started to go back and forth at each other until you ended the argument with the classic:
"you're sleeping on the couch tonight!"
Due to your stubbornness, the pair of you haven't spoken a word to each other since. It's now Friday night, the night you and your friends designated as the weekly get together.
You and Phil both agreed to act civil with each other but you weren't letting him get off that easy. You done your makeup exactly the way he likes, put on his favourite dress and, as the last kick in the teeth, put on his favourite matching set.
You had already everyone that you were going to run a little late due to work, so they all got started without you. You took an Uber to the bar and as soon as you stepped through the doors, you could feel his eyes burning into you.
You walk over to the table greet everyone and sit down next to him. The table began to converse with each other when you felt his breath on your neck.
"You think you're really funny don't ya?" He grunts.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." You respond, feining innocence.
"Oh you don't huh?" He retaliates slightly smirking. You shake your head slightly and join in on the conversation. He puts his hand on your thigh and grips it to gain your attention.
"I'm in the middle of a conversation sweetheart, don't be rude." You teased. He straightens himself and moves his hand higher. He slowly moves it higher and higher until he reaches underneath your dress.
You struggle to hide your smirk when you see him realise. He leans in his voice barely a whisper.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" You pull his hand out and place it on his lap.
"Control yourself Phillip, we're in public." You warn smirking as you notice the vein on his forehead, popping slightly. You love doing this to him. It's your favourite hobby; getting a rise out of Phil.
The dinner goes on and you've been teasing him non-stop, waiting for him to snap. It's when you hover your hand over his buldge and rub softly against it, he does.
"Okay so sorry to cut it short but we gotta go," he says standing and grabbing your hand, "Doug if you could call me tomorrow and give me our bill that would be great bye guys." They all mutter goodbyes as he drags you by the hand to the car.
He gets in and slams the door.
"What the fuck do you think your playing at? And don't even try to pull that innocent bullshit act. What is going on?" He exclaims.
"You know what's going on." You say avoiding his gaze. He scoffs.
"Are you seriously this pissed over her?"
"Yes, I am! And I know it's stupid but," you sigh, "I trust you with my entire life. But..I don't trust her and I know that's a ridiculous excuse but-" He takes your hand into his.
"Oh sweetheart, you should've told me this. If I knew you were this bothered by her I would've stopped talking to her months ago."
"Really?" You look into his eyes.
"Of course." He reassures.
"Now, don't think you're completely off the hook," you look at him confused, "oh honey, don;t tell me you thought you would get away with that little stunt you pulled at dinner." Your eyes widen in fear and excitement.
"Just wait until we get home."
Throughout the entire car ride, he seems freakishly calm. But as soon as you step foot into your apartment his hands are all over you as his mouth claims yours. You moan out of surprise and your hands immediately began to rake his back.
His hands reach your thighs, he lifts you up, your legs wrap around his waist, and carries you to the bedroom. He places you on the end of the bed and begins to strip down until he's in his underwear. You doing exactly the same. He stops dead in his tracks and his eyes scan you from top to bottom.
"Holy fuck baby." You go to take your bra off when he stops you.
"Leave it on." He demands and pushes you back onto the bed. Your mouths meet again in a wave of passion. His hands rubbing up and down on your thighs until he meets your core.
He begins to slightly rub over your clit through your panties making you moan in his mouth. He slowly picks up the pace but it's not enough to take you over the edge.
"Please.." You beg.
"Please what?" He taunts.
"Please let me cum." You breathe out.
"Oh I don't think you deserve that just yet." He pulls his fingers away and you whine at the loss of them. in the blink of an eye his boxers are off and he began pumping his dick. He pushes your panties over to the side and rubs his tip slowly over your slit. You moan at the sensation.
He pushes the tip in at an agonizing pace and you began to squirm out of impatience.
"What's wrong honey?" He teases.
"Please Phil.."
"Come on, you can do better than that."
"Please, please fuck me Phil."
"Atta girl." He says sliding all the way in. He gives you no mercy as he pounds into you, the headboard beginning to bang against the wall. He places his head in the crook of your neck, his grunts and whimpers vibrating against your neck.
"You think it's funny to tease me hm? Make you feel good?" He asks in between breaths. You whine, shaking your head.
"No, good. From now on 'm gonna prove to you everyday that you are ten times the woman she is." He moans and picks up the pace.
"She doesn't hold a torch to you baby, she never will." You moan loudly, feeling the pressure build in your lower stomach.
"Phil..?" Your breath quickens.
"Yes honey?"
"I'm gonna cum."
"Me too, hold on we'll do it together mkay?"
"Okay.." His hand moves down to rub you clit, you whimper in response.
"Ready," you nod your head rapidly, "cum baby, oh fuck, cum on my dick." The second he says that you let the pleasure consume you. You feel his cum shoot into you as he whimpers in your ear.
You place your hand on his head, slightly pulling on his hair. He looks at you with a playful smirk on his face.
"What?" You return the gesture.
"Round two?"
"Fuck off." You say chuckling. He leans forward claiming your lips. You smile into the kiss.
His head slumps on your chest and the pair of you let sleep take over.
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jongsie · 4 months
Text
DISTANCE — G. SUGURU
🎧 synopsis — Geto is upset because you won't be there to celebrate your 4th anniversary with him.
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🎧 au — actor! geto x gn! reader |🎧 ft — fluff!! a little bit of angst if you squint your eyes, and long distance relationship | 🎧 cw — geto calls reader baby, that's it though I think | 🎧 wc — 1194
🎧 raven's note — Look. I know Gojo won that poll... but I wanted to post for Geto. also going through a bit of a writer's block atm so this isn't the best 😞
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The actors moved quickly on the set, getting to the correct positions before speaking their lines. But something was amiss, Geto didn’t seem as enthusiastic as usual. Everyone on set could tell his mind was focusing elsewhere and not on acting. 
“Go talk to him,” Shoko nudged Gojo’s side. 
“No,” Gojo said, “I said hi to him this morning and he gave me the nastiest side eye.”
“I would too if I had to see your face in the morning,” Shoko replied, earning a dramatic and loud gasp from the man beside her. “What could he be thinking about?”
The two of them watched as Geto sat on the chair placed near a camera. He was scrolling through his phone, a small smile spreading onto his face before it was replaced by a look of sadness and longing once again.
Shoko and Gojo tilted their heads at the same time. Trying to guess what could be troubling their dear friend. 
“You both are idiots,” came Nanami’s voice from behind them. Both of them whipped around with a scandalized look on their faces.
“I am not!” they both exclaimed. It was kind of scary how in sync they were.
Nanami only moved to stand next to them. “It’s nearly Y/n and Suguru’s anniversary. He’s upset since she won’t be here because of her university.”
It felt like a light bulb appeared on top of their heads; everything fell into place.
You and Geto had been together for nearly four years, and your anniversary was in five days – this Friday to be exact. Usually it would be spent together, but because the university you went to was overseas the two of you hadn’t seen each other for a while. 
It also meant because of the situation there was a high chance that your anniversary would be spent apart. 
“Hey I know what we can do!” Gojo exclaimed suddenly, making Shoko and Nanami look at him with their eyebrows raised.
— ☆
“And cut!” The director’s voice sounded throughout the set. Maki and Nobara relaxed their forms at his voice. The latter rushed to go hug the former complimenting her on how cool she looked.
“Geto and Mahito we’re gonna do your scene next so ready up,” he said, turning to face them. The two nodded their heads before moving to see the stylists in case anything needed fixing up. 
Today was Friday and Geto was especially glum. More glum than he had been all week. He hadn’t even had the chance to hear his girlfriend’s voice over the phone yet either. Sure, the two of you did text each other, but it wasn’t the same.
Even if you had called, it still would’ve been different because you weren’t here with him. 
Geto knew the consequences to having a long distance relationship, both of you did. But the both of you also knew that you loved each other too much not to try it out. So you did and it worked out pretty well most of the time.
Even if there were moments when all you wished for was to be in the arms of each other, to fall asleep next to one another, to feel your partner there physically, and when every once in a while an argument happened, to make up face-to-face. 
But sometimes you have to give up something to get something else. In this case it was being close to one another. 
The sound of the director’s voice broke though his thoughts as he nodded before walking to get into position. Just before the scene started he saw Gojo running to get somewhere.
— ☆
You put the mask on your face before taking a deep breath. “Okay how do I look?” you asked, turning to face him.
He fixed the cap on your head before nodding at you. “Perfect, let's go inside.”
When you didn’t budge from your spot Satoru put his hand on your head giving it a pat. “Relax, it's going to be fine.” 
“I know,” you said. And you did. But still that didn’t mean that you weren’t nervous, it had been months since you saw Suguru in real life. Plus he didn’t know you were coming over because it was a surprise and maybe just maybe a little part of you was anxious about how he’d react.
You hoped he would be happy.
“Let’s go,” you said, beforing making your way to the door and twisting the handle to open it. Gojo followed behind closely, eager to see his best friend’s reaction. 
You walked closer and closer to where Geto was recording, the mask and cap hiding your identity in case any one noticed you. Finally you and your boyfriend’s best friend stopped a few meters away from the set.
Your eyes roaming around Geto’s figure as he did his job. The urge to run to him and hold him was so strong but you held yourself back not wanting to ruin anything.
You watched as Mahito said his lines and before Geto could reply to him he looked into your eyes.
It felt like everything had slowed down as you watched your boyfriend run towards your direction. Everyone looked at him confused, cameras that were recording capturing everything on them.
Stopping just a few centimeters before you Geto whispered your name. 
“Hi Suguru,” you said, and that was all it took for him to pull you into his arms.
Butterflies raised a storm in your stomach from how hard they were fluttering, you melted into the hug leaning all your bodyweight onto Geto. His head rested on top of yours which was in the crook of his neck.
“I missed you so much,” you mumbled out, arms tightening around his waist. 
“I missed you too baby,” he said, before pressing a soft kiss on your head.
Everything felt so peaceful at the moment.
But Gojo Satoru just had to open his mouth. “Ew couples.”
“Not our fault you have commitment issues Toru,” you said, sticking out your tongue at him.
Geto let out a laugh at your response. His heart felt much lighter than it had all week. You were with him and that’s more than he could’ve asked for. 
— ☆
Megumi, Nobara, and Yuji were hunched over looking at Nobara's laptop as she scrolled. Every few seconds they would stop to read something before a sound of amusement left them.
“What’re you three laughing at?” you asked, trying to take a peak. Geto stood to your left, his arm around your waist as he also tried to look.
“Here,” Nobara said, before holding up the laptop for you. Taking the device from her hands you click on the video that was displayed.
It was a video of Geto running to you on the day you had decided to surprise him. As you scrolled down the comments and retweets under the video made you let out giggles of your own.
“Who uploaded this?” Suguru asked curiously even though he had a person in mind.
“It was Gojo,” came Shoko’s voice from behind. And that was all the confirmation he needed before running to hunt down his best friend.
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© jongsie— all writing is mine do not plagiarize, cross post, repost, copy, translate, ect.
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bellewintersroe · 9 months
Text
Sebastian Vettel x RBDesignEngineer! Reader.
Set in 2013 during the GP, Jennifer is fresh out of uni and has made a name for herself within the F1 world. She joins Redbull-Renault as one of their engineer designers and easily fits into the team, forming friendships easily. Most of all, she captures the attention of three time world champion, Sebastian Vettel. Part 1- just an introduction to the OC and situation, please excuse my inaccuracies about the 2013 GP and design engineering im not a pro and was like 11 back then 😭😭 here’s the LINK to part 2.
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Australia, March 2013…
“And here… right through here is… our youngest, and my personal favourite design engineer. This is where all the magic happens.” The sound of Sebastian’s German accent caused my lips to lift as I took my head set off, spinning around in my chair. Sebastian was walking alongside a camera man, touring around the garages. It was pre practice day, only two more days and the 2013 GP would begin. Although I’d been hired for Red Bull back in October of last year, it had taken 5 months to get to this point of merciless training and shadowing to ensure I was good at what I was doing. The Red Bull driver made his way over, resting on the back of my large chair with an amused smile. “Hi.” I nervously giggled, pushing my hair behind my ear as my headset fell around my neck. “This is Jennifer, do you want to tell them what you’re doing today, Jennifer?” The use of my full, formal name was sending me slightly giggly as I gazed up to the blonde man. Maybe it was just him making me feel that way…
“Um… so, to put it in simple terms so it’s not so boring, we’re just checking all the components of the RB9’s- what Sebastian and Mark will be driving- to make sure we don’t need to make any last minute changes.” “And what’s your name again?” The camera man asked. “Jen, I never go by Jennifer.” I laughed, glancing back up to Sebastian again. Whenever our eyes met I found myself struggling to keep composure on camera. “Tell then a bit about yourself.” He then nudged me on, grinning down. He could tell I was getting flustered, but continued purposefully. “Nobody wants to know about me!” I laughed, attempting to spin my chair back around in embarrassment. Hiding behind my computer for the first two weeks was my safe haven, that’s what I’d reverted back to. “They do!! Tell us, how did you get into your position?!” Seb spun the chair back, sliding a hand down onto my very ticklish shoulder, squeezing as both my shoulders jumped up with a giggle.
“Sorry.” Seb breathlessly laughed. “Um- well I started here in October, I just finished my masters last year at Manchester in Motorsport Engineering- um… Im 22- I don’t really have anything else very interesting to say! Uh- I suppose I had- just had experience from working part time with my brother who’s an engineer when I was like… 15.” I explained.
“Clever girl.” Seb responded as I automatically gulped in response, looking up to him and awkwardly glimpsing back to the camera. I didn’t know how to act with that in my face. “And what’s this?” The camera zoomed closer in on my second screen, it was just information about F1’s plan to go electric next year and use Hybrid engines, but it contained private information. My hand flew up blocking the screen dramatically, “oh! Sorry, that’s a secret!” Seb burst out laughing. “Oh no!” I laughed, “don’t worry I’ll cut that.” Luckily the camera man turned away as I sunk back into my chair. I really hoped I didn’t leak some super, confidential information about Red Bull or I’d be facing the sack a mere half year into employment.
Sebastian flashed me another smile and squeeze on the shoulder before following the camera man and showing him around some more. When they left I let out an internal sigh. I’d known Seb for the same amount as everybody else here, but I just felt this immediate warmth to him. Once the intimidation had worn off (even now I still felt it) I could tell there was an instant attraction. At points it felt mutual, Seb would openly flirt with me, tease me, I know he was a charmer, but I couldn’t tell if I was being delusional or not. He was cuddly, funny, he always looked so deeply into my eyes whenever I explained something to him. I wasn’t sure how I’d deal with the feelings that would keep me on edge for a full season. The worst thing about it??? I had a boyfriend.
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neonoddeye · 2 months
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A lesson in physics | College! Gojo Satoru x Reader
In these trying times, I will provide: a college au! I actually wrote this as a birthday present for my best friend, but I wanted to post it here as well. It’s also my first chaptered fic, yay! I hope you enjoy :)
CONTENT INCLUDES: AFAB! Reader, cursing, Gojo and reader are both in college and everything is NORMAL and HAPPY, Gojo is a frat boy, enemies to friends to lovers, will be NSFW in later chapter (MINORS DNI)
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Monday, 12:00pm
Working with Satoru Gojo on a class assignment was a horror you only conjured in your nightmares. And as you look at the physics class assignment on your laptop screen, you realize you wouldn’t be waking up from this one any time soon.
“Oh god, him?” Your roommate Shoko joins your gaze of disgust as she glances at your fate. “You’re gonna end up doing the whole thing by yourself!”
“Don’t remind me” you whine, leaning back in your chair and placing a hand on your forehead in dramatic distress. “Can I switch with you?”
“Hell no, I’m securing this A with Nanami” Shoko laughs, patting you on the back as a poor attempt at pity. “But we’ll be praying for you.”
You and Shoko had just left said physics class, the two of you lounging at the library to get a head start on the week’s assignments. You couldn’t help but truly stress over your predicament instead of starting on your homework, however: everyone and their mom knew of Gojo Satoru and his infamous Kappa Alpha frat boy title. Ever since he was on your dorm floor freshman year of college, you’ve harbored a vendetta against him. While you were immune to his mesmerizing blue eyes and undeniable charisma, most of your friends weren’t, and pursued him in droves. With every poor girl’s broken heart that he stomped on, your hatred grew, until you infamously bashed him at his frat’s party that same year. While his reputation was almost impenetrable in the eyes of his male friends, you definitely did a little damage to him from the outside. Two years later, you never thought you’d have to deal with him again- until you both enrolled in the same physics class. Hell, you didn’t even think he had the brain capacity to handle a STEM major. And now, you have to work alongside him; you can’t help but question the universe and wonder what you ever did wrong to deserve this.
“Guess I’ll get his contact info” you sigh, pulling up the list of class emails and scrolling for his name.
“Hey! Y/N, right?” You hear a familiar voice ahead of you. Your lab partner, Gojo Satoru, has already found you in the library. The devil works hard, but Gojo works harder. 
“Hey Gojo” you reply monotonously, barely glancing at him over your laptop screen. He’s dressed like a poster frat boy, wearing a dark blue knitted sweater vest over a crisp white button-up paired with slim khakis. His paper white hair is unkempt yet tamed, and his irritating blue eyes sit behind round gold-rimmed glasses. His trademark smirk is replaced by an awkward smile as he approaches you; it’s good to know your blow at his ego was permanent.
“Uh, long time no see” Gojo continues while messing with his disheveled hair, “did you see we’re working on that project together?”
You can’t help but let out a belated sigh. “I sure did. You have any ideas for it yet?“
“Oh nah, I haven’t really looked at the whole thing yet. Do you wanna start it right now? I have time.”
“Oh uh, I have to leave for class in 15 minutes.” In reality, your next class starts in an hour; you just didn’t feel like talking to him right now. Still, you keep up the act by packing your belongings to head out.
“Oh that’s all good. Here,” Gojo hands you his phone, presenting an empty contact card for you to fill out. “Let’s set up a time to work on it later. We have two weeks, but I wanna get it over with”.
“Well, that’s something we agree on” you mutter, filling out your contact info on his cracked iPhone screen. You then hand his phone back to him and rise from your seat. “I’m usually free after 4pm. Just remember to actually text me back, Gojo. I know you’re not very good at that.”
“I will, I will,” he chuckles, holding up his hands in surrender to your threat. “Promise!” he holds up a pinky and winks at you, to which you roll your eyes and head back towards the door. You’re really hoping these next two weeks aren’t as difficult as you think they’ll be.
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Thankfully, Gojo actually responded, and the two of you agreed to Tuesday evening at the library. You’re currently waiting for your project partner at a cozy corner desk, taking out your notes and laptop to begin the assignment. It’s 5 minutes past the agreed upon time when Gojo saunters up to you; honestly, you thought he’d show up later or forget entirely, so you’re not upset.
“Sorry, club meeting ran a little later than usual,” he says as he slumps into the couch across from you, his legs dangling over the armrest. “I got you this, too,” he adds, sliding a Red Bull over to you. “I don’t know how long we’re working on this tonight, but I thought I’d get us both one, just in case”.
“Oh, thanks. I got something already, though,” you reply, picking up your thermos of espresso and politely pushing back the offering. “What club are you in?” It seems like you’re both attempting to make amends to make the project a little easier.
“I’m in an astrophysics club. It’s nothing much, tho”, he shrugs. We just talk about nerdy shit and occasionally do projects and stuff.”
“I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t expect that from you”, you lean back in your chair, now slightly interested in the man before you.
“Yeah, I actually do more than just party.” Gojo adds while taking out his own supplies. “Believe it or not, I’m not the same guy I was freshman year”.
“You’re gonna have to prove it to me, I’m afraid”, you retort. If he’s trying to charm you, it won’t work. 
Gojo clears his throat. “Anyway, here are some ideas I had for the project”. He slides his notebook closer to you, revealing a page full of bullet points aptly titled “project ideas.” His handwriting is messy, but legible, and as you read his notes you’re reluctantly impressed by his insightfulness and creativity. Gojo reveals that he actually stayed behind at his club to relay his ideas and ask for tips, admitting he was more interested in the material than he thought he’d be. As you lean over the table to point out one particular idea, you catch a hint of cologne from him. You can tell it’s not a cheap scent, with notes of mandarin and cypress above amber and leather. His hair is slightly neater than it was yesterday, and up close you can tell that his skin is flawless. You’re almost annoyed at his effortlessly attractive appearance; no wonder so many people fawn over him. 
An hour passes briskly, with the two of you making ample progress with the project. Surprisingly, the two of you work well together, even getting off topic a few times to discuss frivolous subjects. You learned that he likes watching cartoons and reading, and wants to go into research after college. You can’t help but feel a little guilty for holding a grudge over him for so long; it seems like he really has changed. 
After 30 more minutes, Gojo stands up to stretch. “Alright, we’re done with the outline”, he yawns, taking a sip of his Red Bull. “I don't wanna keep you too long, how about we call it for the night?” 
“Sounds good to me”, you yawn in response, closing your notebook. “It takes me a bit to walk home, anyway”.
“You’re walking home by yourself? At dark?” Gojo questions you with genuine concern in his words. “I can drive you home, if you want”.
“Oh no, I’m fine. I do it all the time”, you shrug.
“It’s no big deal to me”, he flashes a small smile. “I respect having the balls to walk home alone at night, but I’d be a dick to not offer”.
“Sure, why not. I appreciate it”. You smile back, getting up to follow Gojo to his car. As you walk with him to his car, the two of you excitedly discuss a new anime you’ve both been watching. You didn’t take him as the type to be an anime guy either, but he’s surprised you a lot today. When you get to his car, it’s as nice as you expect it to be: a slick silver BMW with a clean interior, accompanied by a new car smell. Of course he has money, too. He’s not a menace to society on the road either, and the low hum of his Spotify playlist accompanies the small talk. 
“By the way”, Gojo pipes up after a moment of silence, “I feel like shit for how I acted to your friends freshman year. You were right to call me out like that”.
“I know”, you reply, with a hint of playfulness in your tone. He chuckles in response. 
“No offense taken. But really, I hope we can be on good terms now. I had a good time, even if we were working on an assignment.”
“Unfortunately, I think I did too”. He’s pulling up to the entrance of your apartment complex, and parks neatly by the door. 
“Next time, how about we work at my place? Only if you want to though, just thought I’d suggest some place quieter”.
“I’m down”, you nod, “I could bring snacks, too”. 
“Sounds like a deal. See you on Thursday, Y/N”. He gives you a short wave as you exit his car, and even makes sure to watch you get inside safely. As you walk to your apartment, you battle with your renewed thoughts of the frat boy you once detested. After being alone with him for an extended period of time, you hate to admit that you can see the appeal; he’s handsome, charming, and seems to have mellowed out over the years. But should you really be giving Satoru Gojo a chance?
Fuck it, you might.
(Stay tuned for part 2!)
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mytaiyakeylover · 1 year
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i just want to cuddle.
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synopsis: all your super clingy and adorable boyfriend wants is for you to give him some attention.
pairing: mikey x gn!reader
a/n: this is my first time writing something on tumblr. i’ve only recently begun to use this platform, but i hope you’ll like this little one-shot🥰
warnings: none, just plain fluff and mikey being his usual overly dramatic self.
word count: 1.1k
series masterlist | next
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Manjiro sighed, a pout slowly forming on his lips. It had already been four hours. Four goddamn hours and you still haven’t as much as glanced in his direction. He just couldn’t help it. Did you not love him anymore? It sure as hell seemed to be that way considering the amount of time you were willing to spend doing math.
The boy groaned loudly, hoping to get your attention. He then closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh that conveyed his utter agony. Two minutes passed, then five, and finally six.
Manjiro peered at your silent figure through his lashes, his right eyebrow twitching in annoyance at the lack of attention he was receiving. How could you be so indifferent? After all, your boyfriend was lying sprawled on your bed in the same room where you were doing homework, and all you had to do was ask him if he was okay.
The blond puffed out his cheeks and crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at you. Another set of five minutes went by without any progress. You just continued to stare at that stupid, demon-like book, filled with evil spells and, perhaps, even guides on how to steal a gang leader's lover.
“(Y/n)-chan~!” The boy whined, hitting his knuckles against the soft cushion, looking very much like a five year old. You hummed in response, not quite acknowledging him so it seemed.
That’s it. Manjiro couldn't tolerate it anymore. It was seriously starting to get on his nerves. All the blond wanted was for you to come and cuddle him, not lying on this cold and empty bed as some cursed book was stealing all your attention from him. It was about time you made a decision.
Muttering a few curses for having to leave the comfortable bed, he quietly padded towards you, who seemed far too occupied with studies to acknowledge him. Carefully placing his chin atop your shoulder, he wrapped his arms around your waist and peered curiously over the worksheets. Don't get him wrong, he wasn't interested in the content in the slightest. The blond simply wanted to know what could have been so interesting that it made you ignore him for several hours straight.
He nudged your cheek, quite similar to the way a dog would whenever it wanted some attention from its owner. However, his nudge seemed to be a bit more awkward since his nose wasn't as long, causing his forehead to hit you slightly as well. You sighed at his stubbornness, tilting your head slightly to his side to make eye contact.
Manjiro was sporting his famous puppy dog eyes, a look reserved only for you and Ken. He released his grip on your waist and reached for the fabric of your hoodie, giving it a gentle tug. His pout deepened, and his bottom lip jutted out to make his point.
“Jiro~,” now it was your turn to whine. “I'd love to cuddle with you, but you know how important school is to me.” You blinked your eyelashes at him innocently, trying to coax him into waiting just a few more minutes. Manjiro could easily tell by your expression, as well as the lilt in your voice, since it was just slightly more sugar-coated than usual.
The boy shook his head in defiance, refusing to fall for that act again. You literally said the same thing an hour and a half ago. Did school really mean that much more to you than him?
“Forget school (Y/n)-chan,” he huffed, ignoring the appalled look you gave him as those words left his mouth. “Am I not more important?”
Manjiro was looking at you expectantly, eyebrows arched as he awaited your reply. The fact that you took so much time to answer did not deter him whatsoever, as he found the confusion in your pretty (e/c) eyes too adorable to make him angry. You were obviously taking his question very seriously, which you should, as Manjiro himself was not joking around. He did, in fact, want an actual answer from you.
“Of course you are, Jiro,” you spoke softly, eyes tinged with a hint of guilt that made Manjiro’s heart skip a beat. Perhaps you had taken his question a bit too seriously. Your hand went up to cup his cheek, eyebrows furrowing while doing so.
“I just want to achieve a stable future. I'm sorry if I've accidentally neglected you,” you said as the blond leaned into your soft, yet cold palm. He sighed contentedly, despite the coolness of your fingertips against his warm skin. Your hands always seemed to be so cold, even during the hottest days of summer.
A smile soon grazed his lips, onyx eyes twinkling with mischief. He nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck, peppering it with kisses as his hands once again snaked around your waist. Giggles escaped your lips as the boy suddenly lifted you, forcing a squeak out of you in the process.
Manjiro laughed at your reaction, finding it exceptionally cute. The blonde continued swaying with you back and forth until you both ended up falling onto the mattress. Snickers filled the room, your cheeks equally flushed as if you were completely drunk on each other.
Then he tightened his arms around you slightly. His forehead resting on yours as he held you trapped against the bed. “Jiro, get off, you’re heavy,” you gasped, words mixing with giggles.
“No more school, you got me?” He asked instead, that same pout from before reappearing on his face. Then, the boy repositioned both of you on the bed, laying you down more comfortably beside him. His arms were still securely wrapped around you, preventing any escape.
Manjiro closed his eyes after that, sighing dreamily as he inhaled your heavenly scent. Lips quirked up slightly as he felt your thin nimble fingers stroke his long ash blonde locks. Your angelic voice reached his ears as you started humming some song you had recently heard and grown to love.
As your lovely singing began to fade, Manjiro’s heart finally found a steady pace. For the first time since he had entered your room, did he realize that those four hours were worth the wait. Well, as long as he would get to keep you in his embrace afterwards.
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averysmolbear · 1 year
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Caught in the Act
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Pairing: Reiner Braun x f!reader
Word count: ~ 5.2k
CW: Minors do not interact, smut, f!reader, modern AU, slightly self ship coded (but not in a noticible way, I hope!) basic pet names used (princess, babe, etc), established relationship, light teasing, male masturbation (briefly), fingering, unprotected sex, creampie, cursing, not proofread, and if I'm missing any tags, please let me know so I can add them!
A/N: It's been awhile since I've tried writing smut so this is the first time in awhile and I'm still rusty so it's not nearly as descriptive as I could be but hopefully that'll come back to me as I attempt to write more little bits like this. This wasn't proofread so it'll probably have some mistakes that I'll maybe edit later.
Summary: You and Reiner have the day off but as you have plans earlier in the day, you decide to text your boyfriend a teasing photo while you're out. When you return home, you catch Reiner in the middle of pleasuring himself, which leads to you facing the consequences of sending the photo to him in the first place.
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Reiner hated that he wasn’t going to get to see you nearly as much as he wanted today. The two of you had the next two days off but you had appointments scheduled and you planned on going to lunch with your best friend. All of which meant that he was going to have to find things to do while you were out. You had already written out the grocery list and as much as the blond man didn’t want to go shopping on his own, he knew it would be something he could do so he didn’t spend all day at home pouting because he couldn’t cuddle with you on the couch.
As usual, Reiner woke before you and as much as he wanted to wake you up with kisses, he knew where that would lead and you had already warned him last night that he would have to keep his hands to himself as much as possible until you got home again. So he settled for gently brushing some hair out of your face before softly saying your name.
You woke up, blinking slowly as your eyes adjusted to the dim light in your bedroom. You smiled lazily at your boyfriend and leaned in to steal a soft kiss, laughing when Reiner grunted when you pulled back. You rolled out of bed, feeling Reiner’s honey colored eyes watching your every move. You glanced over your shoulder at him with a raised eyebrow and watched as he climbed out of bed as well.
“I’ll go make us breakfast,” you said by the time you were halfway out the door.
Reiner watched you walk out of the room with a sigh before getting out of bed as well. He dug out some clothes from the closet to pull on, not worrying too much about what he was going to wear. By the time he joined you in the kitchen, you were already cooking pancakes for the two of you. He huffed softly as he sat down at the table to watch you. What he really wanted to be doing was standing behind you with his arms around your waist but he didn’t want to incur your wrath either so he was trying harder than usual to behave himself.
You laughed as you glanced back to see him sitting at the kitchen table with his head in his hand, pouting. You shook your head at Reiner’s dramatics but didn’t beckon him over like you usually would. If he was going to try to keep his hands to himself, you weren’t going to try to tempt him. You didn’t have much time this morning before you knew you had to leave for a handful of routine doctor’s appointments. Today was the first day you had enough free time to schedule the appointments. Had you known in advance that Reiner was going to have the day off today too, you would have put off the appointments a little longer so you could have today and tomorrow all to yourselves.
You set a plate down in front of Reiner before sitting down by him. Your foot absently started to brush along his calf and he nearly choked on some of his breakfast when he felt it. The only reason you stopped was because you could see the way his face started to flush and how his chest was starting to rise and fall erratically.
You both chatted a little, with you reminding him that you should be home around 3 that afternoon and then you would be all his. It was a lot of time for your boyfriend to try to fill so he wouldn’t think of you too much but Reiner thought he could do it. When you got up from the table to get ready to clear it, he jumped up to do it first, shaking his head as he took the plates from your hands.
“Go get ready, babe. I’ve got this,” he said before leaning down to kiss you, the plates balanced in one hand. Unlike when you kissed him earlier, Reiner was slower to pull away from your soft, plump lips. When he did, he grinned to himself at the slightly dazed look on your face. “I’ll see you around 3.”
You headed for your bedroom, laying out your outfit for the day on the bed, before you shuffled off to take a shower. Reiner heard the water running and groaned to himself as he finished loading the dishwasher. The temptation to try to join you in the shower was almost too much for him to take. He headed down the hallway, stopping at the bathroom door and taking a deep breath. He had to steel his nerves before opening the door because he didn’t think he would have the willpower to stop himself from joining you otherwise.
“Y/N?” Reiner called out softly, poking his head in the door. If he stepped into the steamy room, he knew he would lose all resolve so he lingered at the door. “I’m gonna head out to go grocery shopping. If you think of anything that you need or want that’s not on the list, just text me.”
“Okay,” you said, not even bothering to look over toward the door. You knew what would happen if you did and you were still trying not to tempt the blond man. “Everything should be on the list though.”
“Mhm,” was Reiner’s absent-minded reply as he stared at the glass shower doors, just able to make out your form as he watched you. He suddenly shook his head when he realized what he was doing, clearing his throat. “I’ll see you around 3. I love you.”
You turned off the shower just as Reiner spoke but you didn’t move to exit the shower just yet. “I love you too, Rei.”
He quickly shut the door, feeling his pulse already starting to quicken the moment the water turned off. Reiner closed his eyes as he leaned his back on the door, trying to get his mind off of the thought of you naked on the other side of the door. He knew he could resist but part of him really didn’t want to wait until later today to ravage you. When he heard the blow dryer going, Reiner took another deep breath and pushed off of the door to put on his shoes.
It wasn’t long before he left, not wanting to linger too much longer. If he focused on the errands that he had to run, he would make it through the day. At least that was his hope. He knew he could probably even run to the gym to work off some of the sexual tension that he was feeling this morning. Anything to keep his mind off of you.
You hadn’t heard Reiner leave but you slipped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around yourself nonetheless. The house was quiet so you knew he had probably left. When you got to the bedroom, an idea started to form in your head. You wanted to give Reiner something to look forward to so you made sure you put on his favorite bra and panties set. It was one that he had picked out for you when you had been out shopping together and any time that you wore it, Reiner couldn’t keep his hands to himself.
Once you had it on, you moved to the full length mirror on your closet door, snapping a picture of yourself. You smiled a little at the photo after taking it and decided to wait to send it to Reiner later. You checked the time and knew you had to rush to get ready but you were out the door just in time to hopefully make it to your first doctor’s appointment on time.
*** *** *** ***
You had finished most of your doctor’s appointments and were now waiting in line at the pharmacy to pick up your prescriptions and some vitamins and supplements when your friend texted you about lunch. You texted her back that you would meet her in 20 minutes. Since your phone was still open, you smirked to yourself as you quickly sent Reiner the picture you had taken earlier with a ‘can’t wait to see you at 3’ added for good measure. You already knew what Reiner’s reaction would be when he saw the photo so you knew you would be in for it when you got home but that was the whole point.
Once you got everything and paid, you headed out to your car. Your phone went off and you checked it once you were in the car only to find what amounted to a keyboard smash from Reiner. It was quickly followed by a text calling you a little minx, telling you he was going to make sure you won’t be able to walk tomorrow. With a smirk, you texted back to tell him that was your hope before tucking your phone away so you could drive.
*** *** *** ***
Reiner knew he was going to need to work off the sexual frustration he was starting to feel after your text. He had gotten it while he was eating lunch at a small cafe. He had already shopped and put all of the groceries away at home, busying himself as best as he could. He had even gotten a bouquet of flowers to put on the kitchen table to surprise you. Since he didn’t want to be stuck at home, he had decided to go grab some lunch and to make a stop at a shop that he knew you liked where they sold handmade chocolates.
He had barely started to eat his lunch when the text arrived and immediately Reiner was shifting in his chair, trying to readjust himself. Your response hadn’t done anything to calm him down either. Reiner closed his eyes and softly groaned, trying to think of anything other than that photo you had sent him. That was when he decided the gym would be his next stop instead. His gym bag was still in the trunk of the car so he wouldn’t have to stop at home for anything.
He put his phone in his pocket to stop himself from looking at it again before he focused on the food in front of him. It was taking more of his willpower than he thought to keep his mind off of you though. But he knew he could do it. Because he knew when you got home, he was going to bend you over the arm of the couch if he had to so he could remind you how much he missed you.
*** *** *** ***
You had been surprised that Reiner hadn’t tried calling or texting you again but you made it through lunch without hearing from him. Your last appointment, the one with your therapist, was canceled due to your therapist having a family emergency so you headed straight home, hoping to surprise your boyfriend. You parked and headed for the door with a little bounce in your step, excited to see Reiner again after spending most of the day away from him.
When you opened the door, you heard the soft sounds of Reiner moaning and whimpering from the living room. You bit your bottom lip softly, feeling your breath catch for a moment before you slipped off your shoes. You quietly set your keys on the table by the door and left your purse by the door. You didn’t want to disturb Reiner after all as you started toward the living room. The sounds only got louder as you got closer and you could already feel your excitement growing.
You stopped in the doorway, softly gasping at the sight before you. Reiner was sitting on the couch, his t-shirt pulled up to expose his abs and a bit of his chest. He had his sweatpants pulled down just enough to free his cock, which he was furiously pumping with one hand while holding his phone in the other. You didn’t have to get any closer to know what it was that he had his eyes fixed on as he fucked his fist.
You could feel your body heating up, the throbbing between your legs starting to grow. If you kept silently watching Reiner, you knew that feeling would become unbearable but you also knew that he wouldn’t leave you unsatisfied once he became aware of your presence. The waiting would make it sweeter or that was what you kept telling yourself as you felt your legs shake just from hearing Reiner whimpering your name as his hand pumped faster and faster.
The phone fell from his hand as his head fell back, eyes closing as his hips bucked up to meet his own thrusts. His chest rose and fell frantically as he started to cum, the sticky stream coating his stomach as he continued to work himself through his orgasm. It was clear that he was trying to coax out every last drop as he grunted and groaned, your name obscenely slipping out from his slightly parted lips as Reiner started to pant softly.
“Fuck, baby,” you murmured but you clearly spoke louder than you had meant because you saw Reiner’s eyes open to fix his soft gaze on your face. Without realizing what you were doing, you had started to walk toward him, watching as his face flushed.
Reiner’s blush spread all the way to his ears as his face heated up with embarrassment. He started to quickly clean himself up, muttering some sort of apology as if you weren’t supposed to see him doing that just now. He pulled down his shirt and pulled up his pants as you stopped at the edge of the couch.
“You act like I’ve never seen you do that before,” you teased, your eyes slowly looking him over. “I’m usually the one getting all shy while you watch.”
Reiner swallowed thickly, shaking his head. “You weren’t supposed to be home yet.”
You let out a soft laugh as you sat down on the arm of the couch. You saw the way your boyfriend looked you over though, his pupils still blown and a lustful look in his golden colored eyes. Your body trembled a little as he started to shift to stand up, looking up at him with your eyes widened. Before he reached you, you slipped off of the arm of the couch and started to back away from Reiner, giggling softly.
He followed you, moving slowly but deliberately. He was like a predator stalking his prey. He wasn’t in any hurry because he knew it wouldn’t be long before he had you trapped. You weren’t looking at where you were going but Reiner knew that soon your back would be up against the wall. You let out a soft oof as your back hit the wall and Reiner chuckled, quickly closing the gap between the two of you now.
He pressed his large muscular body against yours, licking his lips. He looked like he was about to devour the most delicious meal ever and honestly that wasn’t too far from the truth because he was ready to devour you. His hands moved down the sides of your body slowly until he was able to lace his fingers with yours. He chuckled when you offered no resistance to him, pinning your hands above your head.
Reiner held them there with one large hand wrapped around both of your delicate wrists. He looked down at you with an almost lopsided grin on his face. He used his other arm to lift you easily and you immediately wrapped your legs around his waist. He pressed his hips hard against yours and you let out a gasp as you felt that he was hard again already.
When he captured your lips in a kiss, it was rough and hungry. His tongue didn’t politely ask for entrance into your mouth. Instead he pushed his tongue into your mouth forcefully but you didn’t hesitate to part your lips for him when you realized what Reiner wanted. You moaned against his lips, your hips rolling a little against him but he didn’t stop. He wanted to remind you that you were his with this heated kiss.
Just when you started to feel dizzy, needing to catch your breath, he finally pulled back from your lips. His lips were soon trailing messy kisses along your jaw as he worked his way toward the side of your neck. You tilted your head enough to give Reiner more access to the soft, sensitive skin of your throat and he took full advantage. He soon had you moaning and whimpering his name as his lips and teeth grazed your skin. He made sure to suck on the most sensitive spot at the crook of your neck, leaving a mark behind.
You were panting as he pressed himself against you a little harder, rocking his hips so his clothed cock rubbed against you. You whined softly, his name falling from your lips once more as you struggled slightly in his grasp. There was no getting away from him and he enjoyed the way you tried to squirm with his body pressed up against yours.
“You’re not going anywhere, princess,” Reiner roughly whispered before his lips brushed against your neck again.
“Please, Reiner,” you whined, begging him for something. It was difficult to say if you were trying to get him to loosen his hold on your wrists or if you wanted more of him although it was likely a combination of the two. You wanted to touch him, to show him how much you wanted him. The best you could do while pinned to the wall was to attempt to grind your hips against his.
He groaned as you moved in just the right way to create a delicious amount of friction between your bodies. It was only a hint of what would come but his hand released its hold of your wrists as he moved to slip that hand under your shirt until he was cupping and massaging your breast. You gasped but one of your arms wrapped around his shoulders as your right hand slipped into his hair.
As your nails lightly scratched his scalp, the movement of Reiner’s hips became a bit more deliberate. Each movement was nearly a thrust of his still covered cock against your still clothed pussy. Your back arched away from the wall as much as you could with your much larger and stronger boyfriend still pressed against you.
Reiner pulled you away from the wall, one arm firmly holding you against him although your legs around his waist helped. He didn’t say a word as he carried you to the bedroom, leaning down so your back was now pressed against the firm mattress of your bed. Immediately his lips were back on your throat even as he started to undress you. You were just as eager, pulling up his t-shirt and whining when you couldn’t get it over his head because his lips were still attached to your skin.
Reiner chuckled softly but he pulled back and let you remove his shirt, taking the opportunity to do the same to you. Both pieces of clothing were haphazardly tossed to the floor and soon after almost all of the clothes you both wore were lying in random spots on the floor. Reiner was completely naked but you were still in that bra and panty set you had put on this morning to tease him. He smirked as he looked down at you, letting his fingers play a little with one of the straps of your bra.
He let his eyes slowly drink in your form as you laid beneath him, a hunger in his eyes that was greater than any you had ever seen there before. He was kneeling on the bed, his knees on either side of your thighs. “Mm, kinda wanna fuck you just like this, love,” Reiner said, almost growling the words as he let his fingers trace the curves of your breasts. Soon his hands were trailing down your body and he chuckled as he watched you shiver and squirm beneath him.
His hands stopped at your hips and it wasn’t long before you were trying to spread your legs a little more for your boyfriend as one of his large hands slipped down between your legs. Every brush of his fingers on bare skin made your whole body tingle but when his hand reached the crotch of the lacy panties you wore, you nearly whined for more. He let two fingers slide in the side of your panties, slowly teasing you as he let his fingers explore a bit.
Reiner smirked at the soft whimpers that fell from your lips as your hips rolled upward slightly. You couldn’t seem to form words while he took control like this, your head too dizzy to focus on anything that wasn’t Reiner’s touch. He tsked softly and shook his head even as the tips of his fingers dipped inside of you, making you gasp.
“You’re so wet already for me already,” he said even as he pushed his fingers deeper, watching your eyes flutter closed. Reiner reached his left hand up, lightly grasping your chin and tugging to tilt your head up slightly. “Uh-uh, princess. Eyes on me.”
You slowly opened your eyes as you felt the pad of Reiner’s thumb brushing and tugging at your bottom lip. You parted your lips and bit down on his thumb before leaning your head up enough to take the very tip of his thumb into your mouth to suck on it softly. If you weren’t so wrapped up in the way Reiner already had you feeling dizzy as his two fingers pumped in and out of your pussy, you might have smirked at him when you heard your boyfriend grunt softly at the feeling of your lips on his thumb.
His long, thick fingers continued to work your core, groaning as he could feel your walls tightening around his fingers. Reiner slowly pulled his thumb from your mouth and reached down to pull the crotch of your panties to the side a little better, allowing him to push his fingers even deeper inside of you. His thumb, still wet with your spit, started to lazily circle your clit, making your back arch gently off of the mattress.
“You look so pretty like this,” he softly said as he quickened his pace, his cock almost aching. But Reiner wasn’t stopping until he made you come undone for him with just his fingers. He could feel how close you were already but he didn’t let up the pace, wanting to give you every bit of pleasure he could. “Fuck, y/n, you feel so good.”
You wanted to respond but anything that wasn’t a moan or Reiner’s name seemed to die on your tongue before you could form a response. Your hands were gripping the sheets beneath you, tugging on them as your hips rolled up to meet the thrust of his fingers. He knew just how to touch you so it wouldn’t be long now but you also knew if Reiner wanted to prolong this, he could. His fingers found that sensitive spot inside of you, hitting it just right with each thrust to make you lose all sense of thought.
“A-almost,” was the only word you could gasp out before your back was gently arching off the mattress again, your lips parted in a soundless moan.
Reiner groaned, his thumb changing the pattern he used to rub your clit. He felt your walls tighten even more around his fingers and his hips actually bucked at the sensation but he never took his eyes off of your face. He could see the blissed out look your features took on as he felt you starting to cum.
“That’s it, baby,” he cooed even as you whined softly, your body writhing beneath him. His fingers continued to work to draw out the pleasure you felt. He was almost certain that the sheets would be soaked by the time he was through with you tonight. “Shit, you look so good like this. Just a mess for me.”
You couldn’t keep your eyes open as Reiner continued to finger you through your orgasm, your toes curling as you repeated his name like a prayer. Your hips were rolling to meet each thrust of his fingers and you felt his cock brush against your inner thigh, which nearly caused you to cum all over again.
Reiner slowed his thrusts as he heard you whimpering, easing his fingers out of you with a self-satisfied smile on his lips. He waited until you were looking at him again, your chest heaving as you tried to catch your breath. Then he slipped his fingers, wet with your slick, into his mouth. He hummed around his own fingers, licking and sucking every bit of wetness off of them.
“Reiner,” you whined, your hips rolling gently in anticipation. You wanted more. You wanted him inside of you. You wanted all of him but you could tell Reiner was enjoying the tease right now. Still you watched him intently as his fingers slipped out of his mouth and he started to lean toward you.
You reached up and pulled him down toward you, making the blond man chuckle at your eagerness. Still he pressed his lips against yours, taking his time as he kissed you. You could taste yourself on his lips as you parted yours to brush your tongue along his seam of Reiner’s lips. He moaned as his lips parted and you slipped your tongue inside his mouth. Your kiss was hungry and filled with your desire for him and he started to ease the tip of his weeping cock inside of you as you continued to kiss.
Your nails lightly dug into the back of his broad shoulders as you moaned into his mouth. His hips moved to ease more of his throbbing cock inside of you as your right hand slid up until your fingers tangled into his short cropped blond hair. Your hips rolled forward as if to help him enter you completely and Reiner’s hands slid down until he was gripping your hips, holding you still as he paused his movements.
You whined softly as he pulled back from the kiss, trying to wiggle gently against his hold but it was no use. You weren’t going anywhere as Reiner kept his cock sheathed inside of you, both of you breathing heavily. Your eyes rolled back the moment that Reiner’s hips began to move again, pulling back and snapping forward. You tugged at his hair as his pace began to build slowly.
“That’s it, princess,” Reiner cooed, his voice rough with desire. His thrusts were growing rougher with each movement that he made. His eyes were heavy lidded but he didn’t pull his gaze from you, wanting to see every expression as he pounded into your pussy. “Take it. Take all of it.” 
It wasn’t long before the only sounds filling the room were the lewd sounds of skin meeting skin with each thrust of Reiner’s hips and the desperate whines and moans coming from each of you. He reached one hand out to grip the headboard while the other held on to your hip to keep you pinned to the mattress. Each of you panted and whispered moans as Reiner’s pace quickened.
“Ahh- ahh- fuck!” he groaned as he felt your walls tightening around his cock. His hips stuttered a little before he recaptured that steady rhythm from moments earlier. “You close, baby? Huh? F-fuck … come for me then.”
Your heels pressed a little into the backs of Reiner’s thighs, causing his thrusts to become shorter but no less rough. If anything, he found that he was able to fuck you harder and faster this way. Your eyes rolled back as your neck arched gently and Reiner took the opportunity to kiss and suck on the soft skin of your throat, trying to leave more marks on your skin so there would be no doubt who you belonged to.
Your orgasm ripped through your body suddenly, like a coil in your belly suddenly snapped, and it seemed to pull your boyfriend right along with you. He was whining softly as he came without warning, filling you with his cum. His thrusts were erratic but they didn’t stop as he rode out his own wave of pleasure. Reiner was panting as he finally slowed to a stop, pulling out of you with a sigh.
Your eyes fluttered open as you fixed your slightly dazed eyes on the man that was leaning over you. He was supporting most of his upper body weight with his arms as he watched you start to come back down from the high of him making you come. You couldn’t feel it yet but in the morning your body was going to be sore and there would be bruises on your hips and anywhere that Reiner had deemed fit to bite down or suck on your skin. Right now you were still running on adrenaline as you smiled lazily back up at Reiner.
He reached out and lightly brushed away some of the hair that had stuck to your sweaty forehead. He heard you hum softly, making him laugh. You were clearly still too blissed out to form words. Once he had caught his breath enough to speak, however, he shifted slightly to lay on his side beside you, pulling your body tight against his own before softly whispering near your ear.
“I’m going to get a bath going for us,” Reiner said as you turned your head toward him. He watched you nod and laughed yet again as you attempted to steal a kiss although your lips connected with the tip of his nose instead. “I’ll strip the bed and get the sheets washed too. Okay?”
You nodded as you felt him carding his fingers gently through your hair. You attempted to get up when Reiner moved and he shook his head at you. Still you stood on shaky legs, causing your boyfriend to swoop in and scoop you into his arms, carrying you bridal style as he headed for the bathroom.
“So stubborn,” he teased and you laughed softly as you rested your head on his shoulder. He carefully set you on your feet near the toilet and you held on to the counter while Reiner started to run the water, checking the temperature before plugging the tub to let it fill with the warm water.
“I’ll be right back,” he said as he headed to the door and again you nodded silently.
Once he was out of the room, you stripped down and quickly used the bathroom. You tried to clean yourself up a little but you ended up sitting on the lid of the toilet as you waited for Reiner to return. He smiled softly as he saw you sitting there before he quickly turned off the water. He held out his hand to you and helped you into the tub, moving to sit behind you. You sat between his legs and leaned your back against his chest, letting out a soft sigh.
In the quiet of the bathroom, the two of you let your bodies relax and your tense muscles unwind. Reiner held you, placing soft kisses along your shoulder occasionally. And while the two of you still had the rest of the night to yourselves, this moment was all that you needed.
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