#jeongin au

[deedeekpop]

© deedeekpop - all rights reserved. I don’t allow translation or reposting of my content on any platforms without my consent

Summary After you find out that you’re the DUFF of your friend group, you team up with the person who told you, so you can prove everyone wrong.  

Word Count 4.5k

Genres Fluff, crack, angst, childhood friends to enemies to lovers

Pairing(s) duff!reader x jock!Jeongin   (gn reader)

Warnings swearing, the reader is a bad friend, Jeongin is a bit of an asshole

A/N Sorry I’ve been inactive again. My job has been taking a lot out of me, and I haven’t been feeling best mental health wise. Luckily I’m feeling a little better and I’m hoping to become more consistent :). This is the start of a new sereis, let me know how it goes. 

Series Masterlist     Masterlist  

School for you had always been fairly straightforward, go to class, hang around with your friends at lunch, go to your respective clubs after school, then go home. It was a routine that you had gotten extremely familiar with, and that wasn’t about to change any time soon.

Your two best friends, Rose and Jennie, had been by your side since you were about seven, and the three of you were just about inseparable. Despite the fact that the two of them had a significantly higher social standing, and were miles above you on the confidence scale; you were happy to think that you grounded them back into reality. Plus it didn’t hurt that no one was looking at you, you could rock up to school in a banana suit and no one would even notice with your besties by your side.

Most school days were the same, avoid the annoying Queen Bee of the school, Luna, avoid your annoying player neighbour, Jeongin, and gaze at Seungmin, whilst trying to form a cohesive sentence. Then during breaks, you would spend your time writing for the school’s newspaper, something you were pretty good at. You had school down to a science, which was good because you got A’s in those subjects.

Today was like no other day, Rose and Jennie were invited to a party, with you as part of their package deal, and you had finally gotten to your locker for a moment of peace. You were a little put off by the entire conversation, with Luna acting like you weren’t even there, and treating you like shit when she finally acknowledged your existence.

You were grabbing your books for your next Spanish class, when he approached you, Jeongin. You groaned internally, his cocky smirk defeating any happiness you had. You had known Jeongin since you were a baby. You were next-door neighbours, which meant that the two of you had grown up together. Despite this, the two of you really didn’t get along, with the two of you having completely different interests. Also, he was dating Luna

“Hey, Y/N.” He grinned at you, you rolled your eyes.

“And for what reason am I graced with your presence?” You ask sarcastically.

“Just wanted to ask what film you were watching last night? Looked pretty freaky.” You had been watching the latest zombie film to come out, it was pretty freaky, but that’s besides the point.

“Were you spying on me?” You ask incredulously.

“It’s hard to miss a bunch of people running and screaming for their lives.”

You shake your head, grabbing your books, and closing your locker.

“Goodbye, Jeongin.” You say, huffing as you pass him. Hopefully, you could avoid him for the rest of the day.

The next two days at school passed fast, until its finally the day of the party. For some reason, Luna had decided to have the party on a school night, and Jennie and Rose were way too excited about it. The two of them had spent an hour at your house, giggling whilst trying to get you to dress up. This was Luna you were talking about, there was no way you were dressing up for her.

There was a nagging feeling in your head that maybe Seungmin would be there, but you didn’t want to get your hopes up. You were pretty sure he didn’t know you existed, and you didn’t want to put any effort just for your hopes to be crushed even lower than they already were. So naturally, you pull out your usual go-to party t-shirt and up the ante on the complaining.

“Come on, Y/N! This could be your chance to wow Seungmin!” Rose giggles like a little school girl.

“Yeah, he wouldn’t be able to take your eyes off you in something like this.” Jennie flashes something covered in brightly coloured sequins. That was not your style one bit, as much as they wanted it to be.

After talking them down, you make it to the party whilst it’s in full swing, separating with Jennie and Rose who make a beeline for the dance floor (somewhere you definitely avoid). You spot a glimpse of Seungmin, sitting with his guitar (and crowded by his adoring fans), there was no way you were grabbing his attention tonight.

Not paying much attention, you turn around and run into Luna.

“Watch where you’re going!” She growls, and not wanting to get into an argument tonight, you mutter a sorry and try to evacuate.

“You think you can just show up here and ruin my night!” She scowls.

“I haven’t even done anything, Luna.”

“Your presence alone ruins everything.”

“Ouch,” You say sarcastically. “Whilst I would love to stay and hear your creative insults, I have somewhere else to be.”

Ducking behind someone, you make your escape, hearing her huff in frustration. Making your way inside, you head towards the snack table. The house itself was like a glass maze, but it was worth it for the food. As much as you disliked Luna, you could agree that she had good taste in food, the spread was extravagant- not what you would expect at a high school party.

“Enjoying the food, Y/N.” Jeongin’s voice jumped in from behind you. You startled, almost dropping your glass of punch, but standing your ground.

“It was much better company than you.”

“Oh, I’m hurt. I have to say though, you’re usually in much better company. Where are Jennie and Rose at?”

“Already planning to cheat on Luna?”

“We broke up,”

“Again?” It was the third time this month.”

“Well, as a DUFF, you wouldn’t understand your friends being wanted.”

“I’m sorry??? Of course, I understand why my friends are so popular, they’re wonderful people. And what do you mean a DUFF? What the hell is that Jeongin!” Your voice was muddled with confusion and incredulity.

“A DUFF. Designated Ugly Fat Friend. Doesn’t mean your any of those things, just that in comparison to your friends, you’re less attractive and more approachable.”

You could not believe this, the fact that he had just openly insulted you. And he didn’t seem the least bit sorry, the same cocky grin smeared across his face. To put it simply, he infuriated you. How dare he say that to you! Sure you weren’t as conventionally attractive as Jennie and Rose but you had your own charms. How dare he dismiss that.

In your rage, you could only think to do one thing in return. Picking up a solo cup full of cheap beer, you fling it in his face. “Fuck you, Jeongin.” You mutter before storming off. You needed to get away from this party more than ever.

Over the next two weeks that one acronym floated across your mind, lingering like a bad smell that you were desperate to get rid of. It was beginning to affect every thought you had, and every interaction you had with your two friends.

What used to feel like a blessing, felt more like a curse. Why were you completely ignored compared to them, why did you constantly have people coming up to you and asking if they were single? Why was no one coming up to you and asking you if you were single? Then your mind began turning to other, more dangerous thoughts.

Were they using you, as some sort of doorman? Were you just there to make them seem more kind and approachable, that they look better to be associated with someone of a lower social status? You hoped it wasn’t true, that these years of friendship had been genuine, but you weren’t in the right state of mind to be making reasonable judgements right now.  

So there you were, silently stewing away whilst your two friends were attempting to engage you in some form of interesting conversation. But you had just had it.

“Do you think I’m stupid?!” You snapped.

“Y/N, why the hell would you think that?” Jennie was taken aback.

“We’ve known you for so long, we obviously don’t.” Rose in comparison was confused.

This contradiction only sparked your anger further. You almost went into a blind rage.

“I’ve had enough of you both using me. I don’t need you or want either of you anymore. My eyes have been opened to how you used me you sickos!”

You began gathering your things, only for Jennie to pull you back down.

“Stop being ridiculous. What are you on about?”

“You know, and it’s been going on for way too long. We’re done. Don’t talk to me.”

And with that, you stormed out of the cafeteria, leaving two very confused girls behind you.

It was definitely a different situation, being by yourself. You had never really experienced high school this way before, but your fears had been confirmed. You were completely invisible, now that the popularity that came with being friends with Jennie and Rose had gone. You didn’t get so much as a nod of acknowledgement in the halls anymore.

You began to wallow, this new unfamiliar predicament burying you. Until one day, an opportunity arose- willing you to dig yourself out of the hole of your self-pity and finally better yourself. You are not a DUFF, you will not allow yourself to be one.

This particular opportunity arose when you overheard your chemistry teacher talking to the person who had enlightened you. Jeongin.

“I’m sorry Jeongin, but I’ve talked to your coach and we’ve decided that it’s best you don’t play football until you can get your grades up.” Your chemistry teacher was solemn, unlike how you had seen him before.

“Are you sure there isn’t anything you can do? I promise I’ll get my grades up if you let me keep playing.” Jeongin pleaded.

“I’m sorry, but at the moment that isn’t possible.”

So you took your opportunity and pounced. Not long after, your chemistry teacher left the classroom, jeongin packing up his battered chemistry textbook. You entered the room again.

“Looks like you’ve gotten yourself into quite a pickle there, Jeongin.” You grinned, smugly.

“Look, if you’re here to gloat. There are places I’d rather be.” He huffed.

“Actually, I’ve come here with a deal. And if I were you, I’d take it.”

“What is this about, Y/N.”

“Remember when you called me a DUFF.”

“Are you still bringing that up? Look. If I knew you’d fixate on it so much, I wouldn’t have brought it up in the first place.”

“You basically called me ugly and fat, how else was I supposed to react?”

“Right, I’m going. See you later.

“Wait! I’ll tutor you. For chemistry.” You blurted out.

“I feel like there’s a catch to this.”

“I want you to de-duff me. There’s this guy I like, and I want to have a chance with him.”

“That’s it.”

“Yes, that’s it.”

“Well, you better hope that you’re a good teacher because I suck ass at chemistry. As for you, meet me at the mall after school. We’ll sort you out there.”

The mall was an eventful trip, something that you didn’t really expect from him. You arrived there and were quickly moved into a popular retail store, where Jeongin scrutinised several different styles of clothing on you.

“What about this one?” You came out wearing a pink outfit.

“Definitely not, looks like something Luna would wear.” He grimaced.

“What, am I not a convincing copy? Do I not give off the vibe I might murder you any second?

“No. You don’t have the murderous glare she does. You look way too happy.”

“Pink is such a happy colour though.”

“Not when she wears it.”

“Right, I’ll try something that doesn’t give you nightmares, then.”

After your mostly unsuccessful shopping trip, he then took to the second step. Confidence, which seemingly involved you aimlessly wandering around the mall on the prowl for men. This was definitely not your thing, you’d love to be doing anything else right now.

“I want you to go up to that guy and get his number.”

“Are you serious, Jeongin?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

“No, you look like you’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Just go up and talk to him. Worst-case scenario: you get rejected, and you never see him again.” He shoved you in his direction, giving a maniacal smile. Maybe you shouldn’t have chosen him specifically.

You stumbled up to him, almost knocking him over.

“Hey… nice weather today?” You awkwardly stuttered out.

“Not really, it looks like it’s about to rain outside.” The man grumbled, clearly uninterested.

“I don’t know, the rain can be nice sometimes…”

“What do you want?” He suddenly turned to you, unamused.

“Umm… would it be possible… only if you’re comfortable with it… Could I get your number?”

“Absolutely not.” And with that, he stormed off. You wanted to disappear, your face a flaming red. You glared towards Jeongin, currently almost wetting himself with laughter.

“That’s great, go up to another guy and do that again.” He choked out in between his cries of laughter.

“Not a chance. If you’re not taking this seriously, I can just go. But say goodbye to your tutoring.”

He sighs, sobering up from the hilarity of the previous situation.

“Fine, just try again. This time, just be upfront straight away. Just say something like, I saw you across the mall, and you looked super attractive.”

You scoffed, “That would literally only work for you.”

“Why would it only work for me?”

“Look at you, then look at me. There’s a very specific difference.”

“Now, that’s not the attitude we want. Right now, me and you are on the same level. You can totally do this.”

You sigh, slightly blushing at his embarrassing comment. You spent the next half an hour completing this task, going through about ten people before finally getting someone’s number.

You paid him back by studying chemistry notes with him, passing him the extra notes you made during class. You made him promise to do an hour’s revision each night, until his grades finally improved. This arrangement would work, you were sure of it. You were counting on it.

Things seemed to be looking up for you, until you reached the expected fall from grace that you were used to. Walking into school the next day, you were greeted with whispers and stares. You had never felt more popular in your life, it made you uncomfortable.

Finally, you were approached by a girl you didn’t really recognise, but vaguely remember seeing close to Seungmin. She looked around conspiratorially leaning in to ask something from you.

“Is it true that you have a crush on Seungmin?” She asked. Your heart immediately sunk, was that what they were all whispering about? How had any of them found out? Why was everyone so suddenly interested in you? Sure, your more recent interactions with Jeongin had been giving you a few stares, but this was out of nowhere. Why did everyone suddenly believe this, with no evidence?

You stuttered out a no in reply to the girl, rushing down the corridor to your locker. The only people you had told about your crush on Seungmin were Jennie and Rose. They hadn’t done this to you, had they? But then the answer became embarrassingly clear.

There she was, Luna, grinning at you in front of your locker.

“You should tell Jennie and Rose to quieten their conversations. It’s quite easy to overhear things if you want to. That is, if they even would want to talk to you anymore…” She gave a sadistic smile before walking off towards the girl’s bathroom.

You turned around, seeing the one guy you didn’t want to see. Seungmin. He avoided eye contact with you, quickly turning around and half sprinting down the corridor. Great. This is exactly what you needed. You needed to talk to Jeongin.

You sprinted over to Jeongin’s locker, only to find him flirting with a couple of cheerleaders. Rather than explaining anything to him, you grabbed his arm and pulled him into an empty classroom nearby.

“Woah, what’s this all about?”

“The entire school knows about my crush on Seungmin, thanks to Luna.”

“Seems like something she’d do.”

“Why aren’t you panicking?”

“Because this has given you a great opportunity to ask him out. He already knows now, what do you have to lose? Just ask him out.”

“You think he’d say yes?”

“Look. Y/N. Even though we haven’t always got along, I’ve known you since I was like two. You’re a good person, you have a great sense of humour, and you’re not bad looking. He’d be an idiot not to say yes.”

You blushed at Jeongin’s sudden compliment. It wasn’t that you liked him or anything like that, it was just unexpected, that’s all.

“Ok, I’ll do it. At least I can get over him if he says no.”

Leaving Jeongin in the classroom, you raced down the halls towards Seungmin.

“Um.. hey Seungmin.” You say, slightly out of breath.

“Hey, Y/N.” He gives an awkward smile. “What’s up?”

“I think you’ve probably heard it by now, but I really like you. And I was just wondering, if it’s alright with you, maybe we could go out sometime?” You hold your breath, anticipating the rejection sure to come your way.

“Sure, I’d like that.” It seemed like the world had faded away with his reply. You wanted to jump for joy, but you played it cool.

“Great, this Saturday?”

You were just arriving back from school when you heard it coming from Jeongin’s, the familiar shouting. His parents were going through a rough patch, and you could see where it was heading. As a child of divorce, you weren’t exactly optimistic about it.

You sent a text to Jeongin, are you okay? Minutes later he storms out of the house, slamming the door later. Seems like quite an obvious answer.

“Hey, are you okay?” Your eyes filled with concern.

“Do I look ok? Is any of this ok?” You were taken aback by him snapping at you, whilst you both had been hostile to each other previously, Jeongin had never raised his voice at you. He apologised immediately.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t take it out on you… it’s just every day now. I wish they would get a divorce already.”

“Do you want to go somewhere else, I know a great place to clear your head.”

He nods, and that’s all you needed. It wasn’t a long walk, a little into the woods. You come over to a mishmashed pile of wood.

“Wait, is this the den we built as kids?” He broke out into a grin.

“Yeah it is, now I just go here to think.”

“Didn’t even remember this place, I can remember now how long it took to build.”

“And look what our efforts gave us.”

“I don’t know about you, but it’s a masterpiece.” He says, sarcastically gazing over the pieces of wood.

“I’m glad you’re feeling a little better.” Bad idea, as soon as you mentioned it, his face drooped.

“I don’t know what to do, I just can’t deal with it anymore.”

“Don’t beat yourself up about it, it hurts at first, but in the long run it’s much better for everyone.”

“I know, it’s just different. I don’t even know if I can remember a time when they liked each other.”

“They loved each other enough to make you. I think that’s proof enough.”

He looked down at you, eyes welling with tears. “Thank you,” He sniffled.

“No problem, seriously, I’m here any time that you want to talk.”

And as though it was out of nowhere, he gentle grabbed your face and kissed you. He was gentle and passionate, careful but forceful. In fact, you couldn’t really explain the feeling of being kissed by Jeongin, though unsettling butterflies arose within your stomach.

Eventually, as though he had come to his senses, he pulled away, panic in his eyes.

“Sorry… uhh…. That was just to check in case…  I don’t know, you hadn’t been kissed in a while.”

“Is that what it seemed like to you? That I hadn’t kissed someone in a while.”

He looked at you guiltily, and that was enough for you. It was best to forget that this ever happened in the first place.

Desperate to rid your mind of the moment you had with Jeongin, you were glad that you were going on your date with Seungmin the following day. He had given you his address, but there had been no word on what you were doing. You were unsure whether to dress fancy or casual, but eventually decided that you’d rather dress up than down. At least then you’d look nicer.

You arrived at his house and he announced to you that he was just going to cook food here. It was sweet of him, having spent all this time cooking food for you. It had to mean something right? Maybe he did like you, more than he had let on.

Leaving you alone, you slowly inspected the dining room, he had asked if you were a fan of sushi and you readily agreed. You really hoped that this date would measure up to what you had been dreaming of, you really wanted your hard work with Jeongin had paid off.

Here you go, he suddenly entered the room, putting a plate of sushi down in front of you. You gave him an awkward smile and the two of you settled into an equally awkward conversation.

“So how did you get into music?” You asked.

“Well it’s always just spoke to me you know, it’s like when I see a person I always thinking of song lyrics. I love coming up with new riffs on my guitar.”

“That’s really cool, have you been working on anything recently? If your comfortable, I’d love to hear it.”

“I have actually, it’s for this one person that I really like.” You smiled, this had to be about you right? You were on this date, it would be really sweet of him to serenade you.

“Oh, and who is this person?”

“Ah… it’s actually your friend Jennie. I was hoping you could put in a good word for me?”

This couldn’t be happening, he wasn’t just DUFFing you this entire time. He brought you over here, made you sushi, just so he could have a chance with your former best friend?  You got up, eyes filled with angry tears.

“I can’t believe you! And I thought you were different. You must think I’m some sort of idiot.”

You barge out the door, only to find a takeaway sushi bag in the bin. He didn’t even bother to make food for you. Why had you expected anything from this man?

“By the way, you can tell the people who made it, that the food was lovely. Too bad that the company was shit!”

You stormed out, leaving him speechless, and beelining for the one place you needed right now. You needed to think, only the den would give you a clear mind after that ruckus.

Only when you arrived, it was already occupied by Jeongin… and Luna. Your heart sank, the two of them didn’t notice you, too wrapped up in making out. You couldn’t believe that you thought for a second he actually cared, when you had been vulnerable and shown him your place together.

This was really turning out to be quite a shitty night. You were done, whatever this thing was with Jeongin had to stop, because it was obviously becoming more important to you than it was to him. Now that you thought about it, the person who you wanted to be on a date with tonight was him. Too late now.

You had to right your wrongs, and the first thing you needed to do was see Rose and Jennie. You had really fucked up breaking off your friendship with them, being paranoid over some stupid phrase, when all it really came from were shitty people. You approached the two of them in the cafeteria, sitting down at their table.

“Hey” You greet them, avoiding eye contact.

“Why are you sitting with us all of a sudden? I thought we were using you?” Jennie raises an eyebrow.

“I fucked up, I’m sorry. I let some stupid comment get to my head and took it out on you.”

“Why would you do that? I thought you trusted us.” Rose pouted.

“To be honest, I’ve always noticed how you two were so much more liked and popular and more attractive than me. I suppose I was being insecure. I’m sorry, I don’t expect you to forgive me.”

“Of course, we forgive you, you idiot.” Rose flung you into a three-way hug.

“Just don’t do it again, okay? You’re a wonderful person, and you keep us together. Who was saying this shit to you anyway?” Jennie muttered.

“Jeongin.”

“And you believed him? When has anything reliable come out of his mouth?”

“He’s not awful, plus, this whole ordeal made me realise that I don’t like Seungmin. He likes you though, Jennie.”

“Well, I don’t like him. I plan on going to the prom alone.”

“Wait, so am I! That means that the three of us can all go to prom together. We made up just in time!” Rose squealed.

So that’s how you even ended up at prom in the first place, you admitted it hurt seeing Jeongin being paraded around with Luna. But at least he was happy with her. But you just wanted to let him know one thing, so you managed to corner him when Luna wasn’t looking.

“Hey, Jeongin.”

“Hey, I haven’t seen you in a while. How did the date go?”

“Well he DUFFed me, so I went to the den only to find you there…”

“Shit, sorry Y/N. I shouldn’t have taken her there, in fact, I-”

“It doesn’t matter, Jeongin. I just wanted to come over and tell you that I like you. You always told me to be upfront about it, so here I am. I know you’re back together with Luna, but I just wanted you to know.”

“Y/N, I-”

“What are you doing near my boyfriend?” Luna pushed between the two of you, “Why don’t you get the hell away from me before I make you.”

“You know, I didn’t really get you before, but now I do.” You look at her cooly, “ I get it, homelife must be hard, so you put down others to make yourself feel better. You act like everyone here is stupid, even your boyfriend, when in reality it doesn’t even matter. Just give it up, nothing’s going to matter after high school anyway, why are you so obsessed with it now.”

“Whatever, what would you know about any of that.”

“She’s right. In fact, I don’t even know why we got back together again.” Jeongin spoke up.

“You are not breaking up with me on prom night, we have crowns to win!” She snapped. He ignored her, looking straight at you.

“Do you want to get out of here?”

“I’d love to.”

@crazywittysassy​ @yoontaedotin​ 

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[bullet1ni]

IN Wonderland Ch. 3:

House Wolfe

pairing: prince!jeongin x executioner!reader (feat. skz changbin, hyunjin, exo sehun, enhypen jungwon, nct jaehyun)

word count: 6.5k

🔒warnings: apathetic! reader as per usual (although she's toned it down a bit for this chapter), blood (also less), nightmares, mental illness (possibly written inaccurately)

author's note: new characters yay (not really). consider this a filler chapter, the necessary stuff that comes before the interesting. that's probably why i procrastinated this forever it was literally so boring to write. my favorite stuff to write is dialogue and zooming in on moments, that shit comes easy to me. which is why writing a longer timespan is so fucking difficult for i apologize. enjoy. @tangerminie my favorite person, i await your critique and feedback :)

click here for the series spotify playlist

⚠️!Minors and sensitive readers proceed with caution!⚠️

Please don't copy or repost my work.

click here for the series masterlist

reblogs, comments, and constructive criticism are very much appreciated🙂

Preview:

The head fell from the body, spraying freckles of blood against your breastplate and thighs. The head rolled over and stopped, blank face up, against your foot.

You looked down, impassive, at the face, rapidly turning white as color rushed out of his cheeks along with blood.

"I have, Tripp Cohen." You turned around. "But I learned not to search for the answers to meaningless questions. Perhaps if you had done the same you would still be in possession of your head."

Over on the side, Count Axel's brows were furrowed, watching you in silent contemplation.

The two carriages rolled up the center of the crowd at a mind-numbing pace.

Many of the delegation's expressions, you noticed, had become rather fixed, and frankly, you couldn't blame them. How they got anything done at that pace was beyond you.

As they squeaked and groaned slowly to a stop, swaying slightly, each carriage was approached by footmen. They solemnly unfolded a set of steps in front of the carriage door. Then, the carriage doors were opened and their occupants each stepped out.

From the first, came a tall, handsome, broad-shouldered man with a perfectly cropped black beard, and cold eyes. The twisting silver and iron crown on his head indicated him as King Alvaro.

From the carriage behind, a tall, slender girl. Her porcelain features were dainty yet striking, but her eyes were the same hard, steely, gray as her father's. Her beauty was undeniable.

The two approached the foot of the stairs and gave matching slight bows. King Alvaro offered a wan smile. 

“Queen of Hearts, on behalf of Ohdria, I thank you for receiving us so gracefully.” His voice was deep and accented.

The queen stared at him.

Sehun leaned into her ear.

She gave herself a little shake, muttered to herself, then gave King Alvaro what you supposed was meant to be an apologetic smile.

“Oh, King Alvaro, you flatter me. We are so glad to have you." She held her hand out. He made his way up the stairs, kissed her hand, and stood straight again. The queen withdrew her hand and preened.

From behind her, Duke Sehun whispered something into her ear again.

She looked annoyed for a second, then shut her eyes and hoisted the smile back onto her face with some difficulty.

"King Alvaro, may I present my son, Prince Jeongin.”

She gestured towards you.

King Alvaro looked at you politely with his eyebrows raised.

“Ah, ...Prince Jeongin, how nice to meet you.” He smiled at you with bared teeth.

The situation was so bizarre, you had no clue how you were supposed to respond.

Thankfully, Sehun leaned into the queen's ear yet again.

She listened irritably, then here eyes widened and the queen shot you a look of surprise.

She whipped around to look at Jeongin, who had been standing on her other side, who was no doubt disassociating with all his might. His expression was extremely stony.

“Oh, oops, silly me." Her face reddened with embarrassment. "This is Jeonginie.” She gestured at Jeongin all the while shooting you a venomous look, as if it were your fault for existing in the wrong space.

You gazed back at her innocently.

When Jeongin and King Alvaro met gazes, Jeongin gave a low, solemn bow. 

“A pleasure to meet you, King Alvaro.”

King Alvaro looked over him with a sharp, calculating gaze.

“Likewise, Prince Jeongin. I have heard many things about you.” Jeongin met his gaze, eyes hardening to match the man facing him.

"Good things, I hope," he replied stiffly.

"A mixed bag, to be completely transparent, your highness." King Alvaro smiled the bared-teeth smile again.

The queen, seemingly unaware of the tense exchange happening beside her, swept her arm and spoke pompously.

“Come, gather your court members King Alvaro. Let us go inside the castle. We are preparing a feast and some exciting festivities.”

She beckoned.

“My servants shall help unpack your things and bring them to your rooms.”

King Alvaro turned away from Jeongin to face the queen. As he did, you thought you saw Jeongin's posture droop a little. You certainly saw unmistakable relief on his face.

“Very well, Queen of Hearts.” King Alvaro bowed graciously.

He turned to face his entourage. “Let us allow Wonderland to bestow upon us their hospitality and warmth.”

The throne room was crowded and noisy, nobles from Wonderland and Ohdria wandered the room, conversing with one another, occasionally snatching glasses of wine and beignets off the trays of the waiters dotted around the room. The queen and King Alvaro sat on twin thrones on a raised platform at the end of the room, surrounded by their advisors. Princess Laverne and Jeongin stood to one side talking quietly.

You edged your way along the sides of the room towards the exit. 

Just as you reached the door however, a server hastily stopped you with a bow.

"Lady y/n, your presence is requested at the throne."

You sighed inwardly and nodded. You made your way back, retracing your steps as slowly as possible through the crowd, towards the king and queen.

Upon reaching the thrones, you bowed your head and knelt on one knee.

King Alvaro looked down at you. Duke Sehun spoke from his spot beside the queen.

"King Alvaro, your majesty, please allow me to introduce to you, Lady y/n, the executioner of Wonderland."

"Rise, Lady y/n," commanded King Alvaro. You straightened up, looking into those cold eyes, matching your own gaze to his. He raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.

"I have heard much about you from our correspondence with your country. I look forward to seeing you in action."

You pointedly let his words hang in the air before speaking.

"Thank you, your majesty. I hope you won't be disappointed."

"Hm." King Alvaro inspected his hands.

Your eyes wandered a bit over to Sehun, who was looking on with a slightly worried expression. Just when you were about to ask if you could go (politely, of course), King Alvaro spoke again.

"Axel!" he called.

You didn't have time to wonder who Axel was, because a handsome young man stepped forward from where he was standing in the shadows behind the throne. His voice was pleasantly warm.

"Yes, my king?" He bowed low. King Alvaro turned his head to you.

"Lady, y/n, this is Count Axel. He is the executioner of Ohdria." Axel gave you a polite incline of his head, hazel eyes taking you in curiously.

"It is a pleasure, Lady y/n." He gave you a warm smile. You narrowed your eyes a little.

"Likewise, your excellency."

Sometime during your interaction with Count Axel, the queen had become aware of what was going on beside her. She butted in with ill-masked excitement.

"King Alvaro, what say you we let y/n and Count Axel go for a bit, so they can get to know each other? I daresay it should be most enlightening for the two of them."

King Alvaro looked at Count Axel. They exchanged a look, so fleeting that you thought you had imagined it. But when the corner of Count Axel's lips turned up slightly, you knew you hadn't.

The two men looked back towards you.

"I would lend my consent if Axel is willing."

Count Axel inclined his head.

"I would be delighted to get to know Lady y/n," replied Count Axel.

He fixed his easy gaze on you, and you returned it, expression polite, but suffice it to say, you would not be delighted. Axel seemed to sense the venom behind your stare but he just gave you an amused smile.

"Very well," shrugged King Alvaro. "They may go."

Count Axel descended the stairs and offered you his arm and another smile.

You looked at him.

'I am going to offer you exactly one graceful way out of this' is what you silently told him. His eyes crinkled slightly and his lips pressed together, suppressing a smile.

You extended your own arm out to him.

To his credit, he took your hand adroitly, kissed it lightly, then let go, retracting his arm and not extending it again. You gave a polite smile and bowed to both sovereigns. Axel copied you.

As etiquette dictated, you stood silently until the attention of both rulers was averted from you, and the second it was, you turned on your heel and walked away, Axel trailing behind you like an obedient puppy. He followed you in silence until you reached an exit.

You were stopped, right before leaving, for the second time that day.

"Pardon me, my lady." He put one hand gently on your arm. You spun around, giving him a flash of your eye, and he let go of you quickly.

"Your excellency?" He bowed his head apologetically before looking at you again.

"Yes, my lady, I was just wondering, would it be ah-unsuitable, of us just to leave unannounced like this?" You smiled cordially.

"Not at all, your excellency." Axel looked at you, opening his mouth to say something.

You tilted your head questioningly to the side.

He shut his mouth.

You gave him a nod, turned around, and led him out of the room.

Outside, you led him through the castle to the West Wing's second floor, where the guest staterooms were. You found the place swarmed with servants, Wonderland and Ohdrian alike, carrying trunks and parcels in and out of rooms. You stopped one of the maids rushing by you.

"Excuse me, ma'am." She gave a frightened start and quickly executed a deep, ninety-degree bow.

"L-lady y/n! What a surprise!" Her eyes darted from you to Axel feverishly. "And a guest!"

"Yes, this is Count Axel, the executioner of Ohdria." You quickly adopted a sweet smile and looked at him. He smiled back, bewildered by your sudden change in attitude. You turned back to the maid. "Could you please show me where Count Axel's room is?"

"Oh! C-count Axel! W-why how p-pleased to meet you!" She bowed even lower this time. "Yes, of course," she paused for a second. "Yes, Count Axel, this way please. Your excellency, my lady."

You smiled brightly at Count Axel again.

"Come along, your excellency! I'm sure our servants have prepared a wonderful room." He looked like he wanted to say something, but you turned before he had the chance to answer, following quickly after the maid. He had no choice but to follow as well.

She led you down the hallway to a closed door, and opened it for the two of you, peering inside as she did so.

"Here it is. Everything seems to be in order. Now if you'll please excuse me," she bowed apologetically. "I really should go back now. There's quite a bit to unpack still."

"Of course," you nodded towards her. "I'll help him settle in." You maintained the smile you had been wearing until she was well out of sight, then dropped it from your face immediately.

You turned to look at the count.

Count Axel had already caught up with your plan. He watched in wry amusement.

"So, my lady," he opened the door further and stepped inside the room. "Am I correct in assuming that this is where you're going to dump me?"

"Quite right, your excellency." He chuckled a bit at that. You stayed carefully beyond the threshold of the door.

"Up until now, I thought that you seemed rather...severe, for a child. How refreshing to know that certain adolescent conducts have not escaped you. Such as complete ignorance regarding etiquette."

You waited impatiently for him to get to the point. Upon seeing your expression, he let out an amused chuckle.

"I must say, what a way to treat a guest. Such disrespect is not tolerated in Ohdria." He looked at you. You met his eyes evenly, unimpressed.

"This is not Ohdria."

He shook his head with a smile. "You have such keen abilities of observation, my lady."

You scowled. "Don't mock me, your excellency."

"Not mockery, my lady," he raised his hands quickly to his sides. "Just observation."

"Well, I am flattered, to say the least, by your interest in observing me." You snapped back.

He chuckled again.

"Hm." He tilted his head, looking intently at you. "You're an interesting girl, Lady y/n."

You did not answer.

"I would be much obliged if you would come in for a minute and speak with me."

You paused

If there was one reaction to your rudeness that you had not considered, it was that Count Axel would invite you into his rooms to chat. It was true that you had dragged him away from the mingling and chatter to dump him here, and hopefully catch a few hours of solitude in your rooms before the festivities began, and would not end for what, as far as you were concerned, was forever.

It was also true that this Count Axel character was intriguing the hell out of you.

So you inclined your head politely and stepped through the doorway.

Axel shut the door behind you, seemingly delighted. He gestured to a little tea table surrounded by chairs and you sat down. He pulled up a chair and sat down as well, crossing his legs and lacing his fingers on top of his knee. You settled down into the cushions.

Count Axel spent several minutes just examining you, tilting his head this way and that, peering at your face. Finally, his curiosity seemingly satiated, he leaned back and spoke.

"First of all, Lady y/n, you ought to know that you, along with the prince, are rather famous, even outside your own kingdom. Tales of the two of you have spread far and wide, reaching even our distant nation. Whether this was a deliberate move on the part of your monarchy is in question. The validity of the claims is also a question."

He spoke with eyes softly shut. When he paused, he opened his eyes again. You were slightly taken aback by his bluntness. Axel seemed to be satisfied for the moment and was waiting for you to say something. You refused to oblige him. He smiled pleasantly.

"Lady y/n, I am an exceedingly patient man. I promise you, I would wait here until my death if need be, so it would be in your best interest to cooperate with me." You didn't reply. "However, since a response from you is not important at this moment, I shall continue. Where was I?" He mused. "Ah yes." His eyes fluttered closed again.

"Your fame, Lady y/n. It has made you a character of great interest amongst the king's court. We are all fascinated by you. Would you like to know why?" He opened an eye and fixed it on you. You raised an eyebrow.

"If it pleases your excellency."

Axel chuckled. You were getting tired of the sound, mostly because it meant that everything you were doing to irritate him wasn't irritating him.

He took a second to compose himself.

"Allow me to explain, then. As I stated before, you and the prince are equally famous throughout the lands. The genius and the...whatever you are. Executioner, perhaps, but it is my belief and the belief of many in the high court of Ohdria that you are perhaps just a bit more than that."

You cocked a little half smile. Axel tilted his head.

"Interesting. Would you care to tell me what you found amusing about that, my lady?" You threw an arm over the back of the chair.

"Just that Ohdria believes whatever stories or rumors that traveled all the way over there. By word of mouth. I was under the impression that you had to be intelligent to be part of the king's court." Axel maintained his smile but his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He spoke lightly.

"And yet, Wonderland requested that we bring one of our highest security prisoners to use in a...demonstration by the prince and yourself. Surely we hadn't gone to all that trouble for an execution? Believe me, my lady, the Ohdrian high court is far from unintelligent, we are far more perceptive than you would believe."

You narrowed your eyes.

"That demonstration is a matter between only the King of Ohdria and Wonderland. It does not concern you."

"True," he agreed. "My question was just to prove a point. At any rate, though much is known about the prince," here he leaned forward in his seat towards you. "Quite close to nothing is known about you. Where did you come from? Why did you grow up in the castle? We hear rumors and outlandish stories, but no provable facts. It really is a mystery."

"'Us' meaning Ohdria?" You raised an eyebrow.

"Well," Count Axel pondered this question for a little. "Not Ohdria the country, but the monarchy. The king."

"Couldn't it be argued that the king is the country?" You asked.

He frowned.

"Do not attempt to derail me or make empty talk, Lady y/n. I expect I'll get enough of that in the coming days from your nobles. Can't we agree to be honest and direct with each other?"

You raise your eyebrows and did not answer.

The two of you sat in silence.

Finally, you decided that you'd had enough. You wanted out of this conversation. Your curiosity was sufficiently satiated and this was becoming nothing more than a waste of time.

"Well, Count Axel, I'll only tell you this once, so listen carefully so you may relay this back to your king as I have no doubt you will." Axel unlaced both fingers and placed them carefully in his lap, looking expectantly. You gave him a hard stare.

"Does Ohdria really think," you leaned close and lowered your voice slightly. "That I have never asked myself these questions? Did you not think that I, too, once sought out the answers? Believe me, Count Axel, if there were answers to be found I would have found them."

Axel smiled politely.

"Perhaps you did not find them because you stopped looking." You looked at him skeptically.

"Who says I stopped looking?"

"I do, Lady y/n. In fact, I say you stopped looking a long time ago." He examined you, then examined his hands in his lap. "And I say that I am right. I am very rarely wrong."

You were silent.

What was he playing at?

The two of you sat quietly for a while. Finally, Count Axel stood up and smiled apologetically.

"Forgive me, my lady. I've kept you too long, haven't I? You have your places to be, and I have to find my way back to the party." He walked to the door and opened it for you. You got up and approached him. He was slightly taller than you, and he looked down at you. "I daresay it has been a most enlightening chat we've had."

You stepped out of the room and bowed.

"Likewise, your excellency."

His eyes glinted.

"Please call me Axel."

You stood against the wall of the execution hall, Axel beside you. On the floor, servants were scurrying to clean up and prepare the floor for the final prisoner of the day. The crowd buzzed in excitement.

Up on the queen's balcony, King Alvaro, the queen, Sehun, the black-robed crown-hat man, Laverne, and Jeongin sat, looking down at the festivities.

The headless body and the head were carried off. Blood was scrubbed from the ground. When the last servant ran off the floor, Sehun stood up and walked to the banister to address the room.

"Ladies, gentlemen, esteemed Ohdrian guests." He nodded towards the top box where the Ohdrian nobles sat. Several of them raise their champagne flutes toward him. "We thank you again for attending today's festivities. I would now like to announce the last prisoner for today."

The noise from the crowd swelled as the doors from the dungeon were swung open by the two Clubs flanking them. From inside emerged a figure, hands tied behind his back. He was standing straight, looking around with glinting eyes. When they landed on you, he held your gaze until you looked away.

Sehun was looking down upon him with disgust. More interestingly, however, was the queen. She looked down at him as well, and with unmistakable hatred.

Sehun noticed and whispered a few words into her ear, and she nodded in agreement. She looked back down at the prisoner with a vicious smile.

The man looked up at her, bared his teeth in a snarl, and spat on the ground.

The crowd erupted into roars of outrage. Sehun looked furious. He spoke loudly, voice shaking slightly.

"May I present to you all, Tripp Cohen, a criminal of the highest order. He stands before us on a charge of the highest severity, of treason against the monarchy of Wonderland, spreading lies and tarnishing the good name of our queen." He pursed his lips.

"For shame."

"For shame," echoed the crowd.

Tripp Cohen was shoved forward, a Club behind him jabbing his back with the butt of his spear.

Sehun turned towards you and Axel. "Today, we are fortunate enough to have not one, but two esteemed bringers of justice to perform for us. Count Axel of Ohdria and Lady y/n of Wonderland, take a bow! Let's have a round of applause for their outstanding performances thus far."

Count Axel bowed low and waved toward the appreciative crowd. You barely inclined your head, choosing instead to watch as Tripp Cohen was forced to his knees at the center of the room. The Clubs shoved his head to the execution block, untied his wrists, then retied them to the sides of the block.

Sehun addressed the crowd again.

"The privilege of retribution for Tripp Cohen's crimes will be given to our very own Lady y/n." The crowd, mostly consisting of Wonderland citizens, screamed their approval.

You sighed. At the center of the room, Tripp Cohen perked up, raising his head to look at you.

With the crowd chanting your name, you stepped forward. A Club appeared at your side, with your freshly polished axe. You took it from him. Tripp Cohen watched you as you approached him, eyes fixed upon yours.

He lacked the hysteria and or anger of the ones before him. Instead, he looked rather pleased to see you. Over the noise from the crowds, you barely heard him when he spoke.

"Lady y/n, a pleasure to finally meet you."

You lifted your face to peer up at the queen's balcony where it sat half-covered in shadow. Sehun gestured for you to go on. You looked back down.

"I bet this isn't how you imagined it." Tripp Cohen's face spread into a sideways smile.

"Actually, my lady, this is exactly how I envisioned it."

From the corner of your eye, you saw Count Axel watching the two of you intently. You walked to the side of the execution block, adjusting your stance. Tripp Cohen tilted his head sideways so he could look at you.

"I have planned for this moment all my adult life. To deliver my message and die. For Wonderland."

You pushed the visor of your helmet and raised an eyebrow, gripping the axe with your second hand. Tripp Cohen continued on.

"Because I know things. I know things that challenge everything we are led to believe, what I know could shake this kingdom and its monarchy to the ground."

You carefully adjusted your grip on your axe.

"Haven't you ever wondered who you are, Lady y/n?" His voice was hushed and urgent. You lift the axe above your head, allowing a moment of dramatic suspense, for it to gleam and shine in the light.

The head fell from the body, spraying freckles of blood against your breastplate and thighs. The head rolled over and stopped, blank face up, against your foot.

You looked down, impassive, at the face, rapidly turning white as color rushed out of his cheeks along with blood.

"I have, Tripp Cohen." You turned around. "But I learned not to search for the answers to meaningless questions. Perhaps if you had done the same you would still be in possession of your head."

Over on the side, Count Axel's brows were furrowed, watching you in silent contemplation.

Life with the Ohdrians in the castle was very different than what you had become accustomed to.

Three meals a day in the dining hall, under the scrutinizing gazes of the Diamonds, who whispered behind their hands to the Ohdrian nobles.

"No one knows where she came from, she just appeared one day," is what you overheard some of them saying in the courtyard one time.

Then there were the socials, tea parties, outings, balls, and whatever other excessive formalities that the Diamonds so enjoyed performing. Being starved for new gossip and chances to show off their wealth, they quickly befriended the Ohdrians and spared no expense in their entertainment. None.

The council was pretty much the same, and every night there were executions and a feast. As a result of all this, you had no time whatsoever to train.

So every night, you awoke, drenched in your own sweat, clenching the blankets until your knuckles turned white. Tears stained your face that you wished you could shove back into your eyes. The dreams always featured some mutant or the other.

One night, when you were once again wrenched awake by the vision of a grotesque, half-human corpse, someone was sitting beside your bed. There was a cool towel on your forehead.

Silently, you turned your head towards the silhouette.

It was Camille.

She sat gazing out the open window, eyes wide towards the gibbous moon.

When she turned, you shut your eyes and slowed your breathing. There was a rustling sound, and you felt the towel being lifted from your forehead. You heard Camille get up, and walk away.

You stared at the ceiling above you, hearing your heartbeat in the dark. A strange feeling filled your stomach at the thought of Camille, awake in the middle of the night to watch over you. It was a terrible squeamishness that you wished would go away.

When you heard the light footsteps returning, you shut your eyes again.

You felt Camille lean over you. You could smell her. It took everything in you not to cringe. She gently brushed the hair sticking to your forehead to the side. At that, you couldn't suppress the spasm in your upper body.

Camille placed a hand on your arm, and you stiffened even further.

"Oh, y/n," she murmured softly. "Your demons follow you through every world."

No address. No 'my lady'.

She smoothed out your covers and returned to her spot by the window. A dreamy, ephemeral night breeze drifted through the open window, gently nudging the curtains, carrying the words she whispered under her breath.

"I wish I had the power to protect you from them."

What.

The fuck.

The next morning, you refused to allow yourself to be dressed by the maids. Ignoring their slightly desperate pleas, you entered the dining room in your preferred attire of trousers and a shirt. The Ohdrians all looked scandalized.

You took your usual spot at the end of a sparsely occupied table against the wall. You were halfway through your porridge, when, at the High Table, Jeongin and the council members all collectively stood up.

The entire hall looked toward them, and Duke Sehun raised his hand.

"Apologies, everyone, please continue with your meal and excuse us. We have some business to attend to." He gave a polite smile and led the group through the hall towards the exit. He stopped to say something to Baron Jungwon, the youngest member of the council.

Baron Jungwon nodded and glanced toward you. The group continued on, but he hurried towards your table. You pretended not to see him until he was right in front of you.

"Lady y/n." You looked up and feigned surprise.

"Baron Jungwon! To what do I owe this pleasure?"

He looked slightly exasperated.

"No need to seem so overly enthusiastic, Lady y/n. It comes across as insincerity."

You bowed your head politely.

"Of course, my lord. Apologies."

He sighed.

"Lady y/n, your presence is requested in the council chamber at the nearest possible time. I'm to accompany you." Here, he heaved another sigh.

You pushed your plate away from you and stood up.

"I won't keep you waiting then, my lord." Baron Jungwon nodded tightly and set off at a brisk pace toward the exit. You followed at a more leisurely speed after him.

The two of you reached the council chamber, and he held the door open for you. You bowed before entering.

Inside, the council and Jeongin were already seated at the table. The queen was notably missing.

Duke Sehun cleared his throat.

"Please take a seat next to Prince Jeongin, Lady y/n." You slid into the empty seat beside Jeongin.

It had been a while since you had seen Jeongin, especially since the two of you saw each other daily for a long time prior to the Ohdrian delegation's arrival. When you settled into your chair beside him, you felt a sense of familiarity wash over you. It took you a couple seconds to realize that that sense of familiarity came in the form of smell.

Apparently, Jeongin smelled like...something. And...you knew the smell. All you could feel was surprise. You sat in somewhat of a stupor until Sehun spoke.

"Prince Jeongin, Lady y/n?"

You looked up. Jeongin cleared his throat and did the same.

"The council would like to inform you of several updates in your schedule." You shifted slightly in your seat.

"The demonstration for King Alvaro will be taking place in three days' time at ten o'clock in the morning, the day before the start of official closed-door meetings with the Ohdrian delegation. I know the two of you haven't had much time to prepare for it, so as of today, Lady y/n, you are excused from all events until after the date of the demonstration. Use this time to prepare however you will. General Changbin has already been informed." You nodded.

"Prince Jeongin, you are excused from all events as well, excluding your afternoon teas with the Ohdrian high court." Jeongin nodded too.

"Good. We are counting on the two of you to make an impression on the Ohdrians."

Sehun shifted a pile of papers in front of him and read something from one of them. He nodded and looked up at the two of you again.

"Now, one more thing. Lord Jaehyun will tell you about it." He gestured somewhere down the table, and the two of you peered in that direction. Lord Jaehyun waved his hand.

"Yes," he said, straightening up and looking down at his own piece of paper. "As the two of you may know, the queen's birthday is in five weeks. The council has put together a committee, of which I am the head, to plan her birthday festivities, and we have decided," he looked up at you both, "to include one of the private shows she so enjoys."

You and Jeongin just looked at him.

"It will take place before the evening feast."

Seeing your unenthused expressions, he smiled stiffly and nodded back up the table.

"That's all from me, Duke Sehun."

"Very good." Sehun stood up. "That's all for now, your highness, my lady. The two of you are dismissed." He held the door open for you and you exited the room, bowing to the council as you left. Jeongin followed suit.

You were about to head off when Jeongin tapped your shoulder gently.

"Y/n."

You turned.

"What is it, your highness?"

"Please call me by name."

You sighed.

"What is it, Jeongin?" He sighed too, looking down at his hands.

"The mutation I'm using is with fox and hare DNA. Agility and jump height." He didn't look up. "You know, so that it's not too..messy for the king."

"...So?" you asked, slightly cynically.

"Nothing." He looked up. "I just thought you might want to know, so you're not caught off guard. Duke Sehun said we need to make a good impression on the king."

"Okay." You tilted your head, giving him a skeptical look. "Thank you Jeongin, I think."

There was a pause. Jeongin looked at you, and there was a hint of conflict in his eyes.

"You're welcome, y/n," is what he finally said. He gave you a bow, turned and walked off, his steps purposeful and steady. You looked at his retreating figure, then turned and walked off yourself.

You found Changbin in one of the two courtyards surrounding the barracks, where the Clubs lived. He was directing a training session, barking orders at Clubs as they did push-ups and ran around the courtyard.

You stood half-hidden in the shadows of a pillar. He ignored you until you gave a quiet cough. Then he turned to look at you.

His eyes were as guarded and dark as ever.

"Lady y/n. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

You cocked your head to the side, with an eyebrow raised. You knew for a fact that the council had informed him of the presentation for the Ohdrians.

"Keep going," he called out to the platoon of jogging Clubs. Turning his back on them, he approached you, looking directly into your eyes.

You stared back, refusing to budge. After an interval, he gave a slight scoff and a bemused smile, though his eyes were still locked searchingly on your face. However guarded he could be, eyes were still the windows to the soul. You saw something more in General Changbin's eyes; something indiscernible to you. He pulled you out of this train of thought.

"Would I be correct in assuming you want to prepare for your performance for King Alvaro?"

You raised both eyebrows. Changbin turned back around to his Clubs, walking back to the center of the courtyard

"Bring it in for a second!"

The Clubs finished their lap, stopping in front Changbin, all panting slightly, foreheads covered with a light sheen. They huddled around him, and as they did, one of them spotted you, a tall, well-built soldier with a strikingly beautiful face.

You stood straight, but retreated slightly back into the shadows.

Changbin spoke to them for a minute, and you tuned out. When you directed your attention back to him, he was saying, "Hyunjin will lead the rounds until I return. Now go change, you all smell like horses."

There were grunts and noises of assent from the group before they all walked off, presumably to shower. The soldier who had spotted you earlier stayed behind.

"What's she doing here Captain?" you heard him ask Changbin in an undertone, voice ringing through the courtyard nevertheless.

"The lady requires my supervision to do certain activities she so enjoys doing," replied Changbin simply.

"Training?" asked the soldier. There was a silence in which you assumed Changbin nodded.

"What is she training for, Captain? And why must it be you who has to babysit her? Surely they can find someone else? You're more needed here." Changbin tutted lightly.

"You're more than capable of taking over my position, Hyunjin. Don't be so humble. Besides, it is by order of the prince."

"Still. It's not right for you to be absent all the time because of her."

"Curiosity killed the cat, Hyunjin, remember that," was all Changbin replied.

The soldier named Hyunjin was silent, then gave a short hum. You heard the sound of his footsteps fading away. Changbin stood alone in the center of the courtyard.

"Are you going to stay there forever, my lady, or shall we go do what you interrupted me to do?"

You stepped out from the shadows. Changbin walked away from you back into the castle. You trailed after him, content with letting him lead you through the hall to the training arena. Once inside, he waited for you to catch up. You stopped several feet away. Changbin licked his lips and put his hands on his hips.

"The council did brief me on this before, as did Prince Jeongin, on the nature of this demonstration. If you would warm up, my lady, while I prepare the session."

You obliged, and he walked over to the wall, where there was a little box on the wall. He lifted the lid, and pressed the black button underneath. A little red light turned on for a second, then turned back off. About thirty seconds later, a pair of servants entered the arena. Changbin met them by the door.

"If you two would please go fetch ten Clubs from the reserve gate guard and two medics from the prince's laboratory," he instructed.

"Very good, sir." The two servants bowed and left. Changbin disappeared into the weapons vault.

There was a five minute interlude in which Changbin was making clanking sounds in the weapons vault and you cycled through your warm up stretches. Finally, the vault doors were swung open again, and through them came the to servants, ten Clubs marching in perfect formation, and two medics, carrying a stretcher between them. The Clubs were, of course, wearing their signature blood red armor.

Changbin walked out of the weapons vault, leaving the door ajar. Upon seeing him, the Clubs gave a sharp, synchronized salute. Changbin nodded.

"At ease, soldiers." The Clubs snapped their hands back to their sides. Changbin addressed the room.

"Today's exercise will be like so: you soldiers," he gestured towards the Clubs, "will be standing in a wide circle around Lady y/n. You will be armed with some kind of missile, which you will utilize with the sole purpose of hindering the lady in the endeavor she pursues. Since we want these missiles to come back, we are using boomerangs."

He paced slowly back and forth.

"Each soldier will have two boomerangs. In addition to this, each soldier will be given a wood block on a string to wear on his person. You may wear it however you wish."

Here, he turned to look at you.

"Your objective here, Lady y/n, is to identify the wood blocks and put a knife in each one. You will have exactly ten knives. You may not inflict physical harm on any soldier. The Clubs may not fight you offensively, but they apply defensive techniques." You listened to all this with an impassive look on your face. Changbin turned back to the Clubs.

"Am I clear?"

The Clubs all nodded. "Good. You ten, go into the weapons vault. All your necessary equipment is on the big table in the center of the room. Touch nothing else."

So the next two days were filled, morning and afternoon, with similar activities and exercises.

"My lady, you have the grace of a newborn mule," Changbin said evenly, the afternoon before the showcase. He was standing against the wall with his cold look and perfect posture. He got up off the wall and advanced upon you.

"May I remind you, that the King of Ohdria has little to no idea about the nature of a true fight? He will not be looking at your technique, nor your skill. He will only care about the manner in which you defeat your opponent. In this moment, grace and fluidity are more important than efficiency."

You straightened up, fixing him with a piercing look, readjusting your grip on your knife, turning to face the pathetically beat-up dummy.

"Again," demanded Changbin.

You lay awake in bed that night, hands clasped stiffly on your stomach, staring blankly at the canopy of your bed. Your mind swam with possible combat maneuvers.

"Well," you thought drily to yourself, "it's not a matter of if, but how. Worst case scenario I pass out afterward." You yawned. A wave of drowsiness washed over you.

"Better try and avoid that though," you thought, as your eyes fluttered shut. "'Cause that situation has the potential to get real irritating."

And you were out.

#skz fanfic #stray kids fanfic #skz ff #stray kids ff #kpop fanfic #kpop ff #skz angst #stray kids angst #kpop angst #jeongin fanfic #jeongin au #skz au #stray kids au #kpop au #yang jeongin x you #jeongin x you #jeongin x reader #jeongin x y/n #yang jeongin #skz jeongin #skz fics #skz x y/n #skz x you #skz x reader #skz x oc #skz series #stray kids series #kpop series

[bf-skz]

24 to 25 days of SKZMAS | December 24th - Jeongin

pairing: Yang Jeongin x Reader

genre: love at first sight

synopsis: Jeongin is kicking his 3rd year at JY Publsihing as an underpaid intern. Life could be a lot more enjoyable if he would at last recieve the position he has been dreaming of... but his usual coffee runs make it more bearable once a new barista starts working at his regural coffee shop.

warnings: -

words: 1056

24th day of SKZMAS

December 24th

You haven’t seen Jeongin for the past week. You feared the worst, that he might actually got fired because of you. Because of your reckless advise that he took to the heart and now he no longer wanted to see you. But a couple days after your impromptu peptalk, a new intern entered your coffee shop and once he asked for the order you happily scribbled Jeongin’s name on one of the paper cups.

So he made it, you sighed to yourself with a relief when it happened. However, you couldn’t really shake off that eerie feeling you felt in your chest with his lack of visits. You thought you were close enough for him to tell you… to come running to you about the promotion but maybe you have mistaken his advances. Maybe he is just generally nice to catering employees and all this was just in your head.

It’s Christmas Eve tonight and as there was nothing else for you to do, you agreed to take on the morning shift yourself. Luckily, you close at one in the afternoon, so you still have plenty of time to go home and celebrate with your family.

The cafe is quieter than usual. You take it as a good sign that in this corporal area, where mostly offices work, there are only a handful of people who spend their holidays working here. The door jingles for about the third time that day, not much earlier before closing and you spin around to greet the incoming guest with the utmost cheerfulness. 

As Jeongin steps into the cafe, his attire makes you speechless on the spot. He has a long coat on with casual clothes, something that you thought you would never have the privilege of seeing him in. However, the most shocking part isn’t his outfit, but the huge box he is holding, neatly packaged in wrapping paper with a bow on it. “Merry Christmas.” 

“Merry Christmas to you, too.” you respond, smiling in amazement. “You shouldn't have… what is this?”

“You should open it to see.” He chuckles cheekily before handing you the present. “Why are you working on Christmas? Are you aiming for that promotion?”

“I'd love to say I do.” you roll your eyes, taking the box and placing it on the counter. “God, it's so big.” you huff as you place the box on a table, the one you sat by with him just a week ago. “I'm afraid I'm just a loser who has no one to spend Christmas with.” you explain with a chuckle as you start to unwrap your present.

“Well, that makes the two of us.” he smiles fondly, watching your movements. “I’m sorry I wasn't coming by but the company made me work tirelessly.” he chuckles. 

“Oh, love, please don't burn yourself out.” you say, glancing up at him and he is already watching you. There's so much adoration in his gaze… it makes your heart race. You finally open the present, and it's a thick coat, black and soft with padding. Also looking incredibly expensive. “Innie! Gosh, you really shouldn't have! I cannot-”

“We worked hard for that.” he grins. “I got the PR position and without you I wouldn't have gotten a raise. You deserve it.” he smiles. “Besides, you need something warm to the Christmas open-air-concert we are going to.” he adds, taking out two tickets from his coat’s pocket.

You are speechless for a second before you jump in his arms happily. Hugging his neck, you feel his arms wrap around you, and gosh, your heart is going to explode. “You did so well. I'm so proud of you.” you whisper.

“I couldn't have done it without you!” he admits, burying his face in the crook of your neck before spinning you around in his arms. “I was also thinking, if you might be free… it's kind of late to ask you though but… the office party is on the 25th and I was wondering if you’d like to join me as my date?” he finally blurbs out.

You pull back to look at his cute face, all blushed and warm and smiling at you beautifully. “That sounds like a great time. I'm in.”

“Oh, thank god it would have been embarrassing to turn up alone, after all I gushed about you to everyone.” he chuckles, booping your nose and still holding you.

“Stop being so cute!” you squeal and squeeze him in the hug. You generally don't believe in Christmas miracles… but this one, it can hardly be called anything else. “I think I might have annoyed Ryujin by always talking about you, too…”

“Is this why you are all on your own today?” he jokes with a playful glint in his eyes. “When do you finish? I can help you close up.”

“I am done for the most part, actually.” you grin and there is a moment of silence before you speak. “Do you think… would it be okay if I kissed you?”

“I think I should be kissing you.” he hums after a second of thinking, and he leans in to kiss you finally.

You giggle in the kiss, tugging him closer because you want to feel his whole being in the kiss. And oh, you do. He might look young and innocent, but Jeongin is an amazing kisser. He picks up on your rhythm in a second, and the way he kissed you makes your knees go weak.

He seems to catch on all your little movements and he grabs your waist to keep you grounded. Your tongues dance, lips melting against each other as they do. You are like water and fire, complementing each other perfectly.

“Innie…” you pull back breathlessly, because you feel like he could go on forever.

“Yeah.” he chuckles sheepishly but without any regrets. “Let’s close up and have lunch?”

“I'd like that very much.” you say, kissing his nose. “And then, you are coming over to help me pick an outfit for the party.”

“Yep, exactly what I had in mind.” he grins cheekily, his eyes resembling a fox. You slap his arm as you step back to close up the counter while Jeongin picks up a broom and gets to work as well. You wonder how on earth did you get so lucky…

to be continued...

#yang jeongin #jeongin #i.n #stray kids #skz #jeongin au #jeongin fic #skz au #stray kids au #stray kids fic #skz fic #jeongin x reader #24 to 25 days of skzmas #skzmas #mymercury #yourandromeda #bf-skz

[armysantiny]

...boy next door!Jeongin joins you at the convenience store table, offering the snacks he bought as you share a drink with him. The midnight summer breeze is unforgiving and you're more than glad that Jeongin isn't prying into how bad your day went. Or maybe he was thinking about it, judging by the concerned look in his eyes.

#Writer Elf Minnie #stray kids #stray kids jeongin #yang jeongin #stray kids drabbles #jeongin drabbles #stray kids fluff #jeongin fluff #stray kids headcanons #jeongin headcanons #stray kids au #jeongin au

[straylightdream]

𝔶𝔞𝔫𝔤 𝔧𝔢𝔬𝔫𝔤𝔦𝔫 𝔣𝔯𝔢𝔢𝔷𝔢

#stray kids #stray kids mob au #stray kids freeze #Jeongin #yang jeongin #baby bread #Jeongin au #jeongin mob au #Jeongin moodboard #jeongin mood board #stray kids mood board #stray kids moodboard #stray kids au #my mb #skz #skz freeze #kpop #kpop moodboard

[baby-yongbok]

Boyfriend SKZ!Fake Texts - They have a wet dream about you

Genre: Smut, fairly detailed. Like, its dirty

Warnings: mentions of unprotected sex (wear a rubber, yall), breeding (? - if you squint and only for Jeongin's), Jeongin is a tad bit possessive, It gets more dirty the further you get.

✧ Masterlist ✧

Chan

Lee Know/Minho

Changbin

Hyunjin

Han

Felix

Seungmin

I.N

#skz fake texts #stray kids fake texts #skz texts #skz x reader #stray kids x reader #skz imagines #skz scenarios #bang chan x reader #lee know x reader #changbin x reader #hyunjin x reader #han x reader #han jisung x reader #felix x reader #seungmin x reader #yang jeongin x reader #stray kids imagines #stray kids texts #skz smut #stray kids smut #skz au #skz #stray kids #stray kids scenarios #stray kids headcanons #skz ot8

[imagine-a-life-like-this]

Different ways boyfriend!Stray Kids say "I Love You"

Warnings : food, mentions of not doing well, brief suggestive in Changbin's

A/N : Been having a hard time the last little while, so I thought I'd make some texts to help me feel better. Hopefully they bring a smile to your face as well. Also if you like TXT as well, please check out my Worlds of Love series ! Thank you 💕

@mxnsxngie @maeleelee @babyboyquokka @weird-bookworm

#stray kids imagine #stray kids x reader #stray kids au #stray kids smau #stray kids fake texts #stray kids #skz imagine #skz x reader #skz au #skz smau #skz fake texts #skz #bang chan x reader #lee minho x reader #seo changbin x reader #hwang hyunjin x reader #han jisung x reader #lee felix x reader #kim seungmin x reader #yang jeongin x reader

[chan4evurrr]

skz texts | meeting the family

notes: i've been away for way too long but im back now!!! im still getting back in the groove so this isn't my fave text post i've ever done but i love the thought of meeting their families and how that dynamic would be. i have a few requests im working on but feel free to send me more i'm always down for your suggestions! xoxo gossip girli

WARNINGS: slight suggestiveness, some swearing, thats it i think but please message me if i need to put anything else!!

BANG CHAN

LEE MINHO

SEO CHANGBIN

HWANG HYUNJIN

HAN JISUNG

LEE FELIX

KIM SEUNGMIN

YANG JEONGIN

#skz fake texts #stray kids fake texts #skz texts #skz x reader #stray kids x reader #skz imagines #skz scenarios #bang chan x reader #lee know x reader #changbin x reader #hyunjin x reader #han x reader #han jisung x reader #felix x reader #seungmin x reader #yang jeongin x reader #stray kids imagines #stray kids texts #skz au

[astraystayyh]

please fall before i fall

jeongin x reader. best friends to lovers. they think it's unrequited love so a bit of angst. but they're just idiots. happy ending :))

summary : 3 times you saved jeongin's ass and the 1 time he saved yours (and ended up confessing along the way). holidays themed.

winter falls masterlist.

a.n. : i am very happy to finally post my first fic for the winter falls collab with my author xi hehehehhe i hope you'll enjoy this one <333 it's very light and fluffy she's the cute one!! oh and my song rec is i bet on losing dogs by mitski

One. 

Jeongin’s thumb hovers over your contact name, his rosy lip pulled tightly between his teeth. He hesitates for a few seconds before finally dialing your number. 

“What do you want?” you start which makes an incredulous snort escape his lips, a gust of powdery air materializing before his mouth from the cold. 

“How much do I have to pay you for you to come over?” 

“Ten thousand dollars. Cash,” you precise as he mouths along to what you say, already guessing what your next words would be. 

He's come to know you at an abhorrent speed these past few months; since you sat right next to him in your biology class, head buried in an oversized navy hoodie. Your perfume knocked into him like a gentle breeze— Sicilian lemon and white bouquet notes, nostalgic summer amid an unforgiven autumn. Memories of sticky fingers from molten ice cream and feet soles meeting the warm sand wafted in the air, alluring him to the kindness of a long-gone summer, you. 

That is why he talked to you at first, because you smelled nice, incredibly so. He tells you it's because he liked the pair of shoes you were wearing. 

“What if I brought you your favorite coffee?”

“Are you outside my dorm?” you squeal and he imagines you must be scrambling to get up, opening the curtains. He knows he's right as your figure materializes behind the window. “Hi,” you wave, a small giggle escaping your lips. He can't help the fond smile that draws upon his lips. 

He thinks he likes you a little. 

“Hey, please help me wrap my family’s gifts,” he pouts, waving the coffee in the air. Your order that he memorized by heart, not even meaning to, it was just natural for him to order you coffee every day, to remember your preferences as if they were his own. 

“Why are you here if we're going to your dorm anyways?” you laugh, leaning against the window. 

“Because I know I need to bribe you,” he sighs, angling his head to the side. “Are you not going to hang up and come downstairs? The coffee will grow cold.”

“I’m coming!”

An hour later, four gifts are resting beside Jeongin's figure, perfectly wrapped thanks to your skilled hands. He's lying on the warmed tiles, and you're right beside him, so close your knee brushes against his thigh now and then. 

He is keeping count, well, more so his heart, constricting in his lungs each time you touch. 

He's so aware of you, so much he's sure you’ve crawled into his skin, morphing him into nothing but a shell of you. 

Perhaps he likes you a lot. 

“You're an insane man. Who leaves gift wrapping to the last minute?”

“You're best friends with said insane man.” 

“Remind me how did that happen again?” you ask, propping your head on your elbow, and turning to the side to look at him. Jeongin has to pretend that the sight of you hovering over him doesn't affect him. That his eyes aren't drawn to your lips, heart dissolving at your feet, hoping to brush against your own. 

Please fall before I fall, he nearly pleads.

“Why are you so close,” he feigns disgust, pushing your face away with his pointer finger. 

“What? Does that fluster you?” you question, amused, bringing your face even closer to his. He scrambles away before a blush sprouts on his face, one he wouldn't be able to justify to your scrutinizing gaze. 

“As if. You're ugly,” his eyes squint, lips thinning into that particular smile he knows annoys you. He moves to the side swiftly, anticipating the shoe you throw at him.

“You're literally— remind me to never help you again, asshole.”

“I'm kidding. Thank you for today, seriously. I didn't know wrapping gifts could be this hard.” He falls back to the floor dramatically, banging his head against the tiles in the process.

“Well deserved,” you whisper. 

“I heard that.”

“Good,” you giggle, before gently massaging the spot where he has bumped his head. He purses his lips against one another, afraid of what words might escape the confines of his throat, vocal cords moving to the gentle rhythm of your touch. 

“Will you keep on being this clumsy, Innie? mm?” you muse, tone quieter. 

The nickname makes his insides churn, it is always so tender when it falls from your lips. No one has ever called him this softly before. No one has ever called his heart before you. 

He shouldn't be this clumsy with it. It is a fragile organ, akin to glass, easily breakable, so translucent— it'd be easy for anyone to peer inside and find you in it. 

“Yeah, I probably will.”

He'll stop liking you next year. He hopes. He'll try. 

Two.

Next year has come, familiar frigid winds pulling you to Jeongin’s heart, perhaps even more so than before, cementing your being into the nooks and crannies of his soul, perfectly so, as if it was destined for you alone to fill the emptiness inside him. 

Seasons have changed and yet summer remains, its essence stored safely within the notes of your perfume, it tickles his nose as you're seated on the countertop, legs swinging lazily while he scouts through his fridge. 

“Remind me why we're doing this again?”

“Because I made a bet with Yoon.”

“Your sixteen years old brother?”

“Yes.”

“You are in college.”

“I know.”

“Why are you taking it to heart?” 

“Because I have my pride,” he says solemnly, hand on his heart and you roll your eyes. 

“You literally begged at my feet fifteen minutes ago to help you.”

A year later, Jeongin stood beneath your window once again, phone brought up to his ear, hand hidden behind his back. You pick up on the first ring. 

“Look out the window,” he quickly says before you can even speak. 

“Hello, Y/n, how are you, Y/n, are you surviving with the cold—” you say sarcastically as you pull the curtains, the words dissolving in your tongue as he brings a single flower before him— you recognize its pink petals easily, Camellia, the rose of winter.

“I did not have time for coffee, but I plucked this off the sidewalk,” he offers, an amused grin on his face. “Help me bake cookies, pretty please, I'll be forever indebted to you. Forever and ever and ever and ever—”

“This is such a poor rendition of Romeo and Juliet, I'm afraid Shakespeare is suffering in his grave right now.”

“Do you think he knows of every theater play that was done to his story?” Jeongin muses.

“That's a good question actually. I hope he didn't see mine,” you shudder before your face pales. 

“You did not tell me you ever did that!”

“I'll bake your cookies and you'll never bring this up again.”

“Deal. My Juliet,” he smirks and you throw a middle finger aggressively to his face before hanging up. He shouldn't find it as endearing as he does.

“Because, my dear Y/n, this is my holiday reputation at stake. I kind of raised the bar last year with my gift wrapping.”

“You did?” you raise an eyebrow promptly at his words and he sighs, taking out the butter before leaning against the fridge.

“We did. Which is exactly why I need your help again. Imagine how embarrassing it would be if Yoon wins,” he shudders and a giggle finally escapes your lips.

The kitchen warms up at the sight of your smile.

“It's cute when you need me once in a while,” you say nonchalantly, hopping off the counter and moving to wash your hands. Jeongin freezes in his place.

“I always need you though,” he confesses quickly, swallowing the words, hoping that this way you wouldn't be able to taste the sincerity coating them, sticky honey dripping from his tongue whenever it speaks of you.

“Good thing you'll always have me then,” you beam, your words hanging into the air, oxygen suddenly harder to inhale.

“Gross,” he fakes a shiver, as his heart drops in his chest, breaks, and twists at the weight your words carry.

He'll always have you, but not in the way he wants to, your eyes would never soften at the mere mention of his name, and you won't think that a season blooms into every room he is in. He has you, but just a fragment of you, not how you have him, as a whole, heart, body, and soul. 

He's already fallen, a terrible, terrible fall.

“Will you help me or just stare off into the distance?” you ask, tilting your head to the side. He smiles bashfully, rolling his sleeves and sidling by your side to mix in the eggs, one by one, per your instructions. 

It smells nice in the kitchen, the caramelized fragrance of browned butter, sweetened by the sugar dissolving into the warm liquid. Tentative sunlight streams through the window, and it falls perfectly on Jeongin's face, highlighting his sharp features. 

Not that jeongin needs any additional light, he reminds you of spring, a flower blooming on his face each time he smiles, his dimples two youthful fountains the roots strive from, brightening his face even more. 

He tentatively glances at you as he adds the chocolate chips to the mix, only to find you staring forward. He misses the fond look on your face by a few seconds, the tinting of your features with soft hues of pink, of spring, of him. He always misses it, always misses you. 

Three.

"I can't believe you have 37 pairs of shoes but not one nice shirt.”

“It's 36, please count correctly,” Jeongin retaliates and you snort, flopping around in bed till you land on your stomach, chin propped up by your hand. Jeongin is still rummaging through his closet, head almost disappearing into the dark void of his wardrobe. 

“What do you need this for anyway?” you question, as you scroll through your phone mindlessly. Jeongin’s eerie silence causes you to look up. 

“Um. I have a date tonight.”

“Oh.” 

His words hang over the room like a heavy cloak soaked with rain, the oxygen sucked out of your lungs and ensnared within that singular gasp.

Jeongin swiftly turns around, before kneeling beside the bed, eyes brimming with a hopeless search— you are too focused on steadying your breathing to notice.

“Should I go?”

“I mean… Why are you asking me?”

“If you don't want me to, I won't,” he speaks in an overflowing sincerity, as though he'd willingly surrender the reins of his life for you to guide, should you only dare to ask. 

A breath, a pause, and he adds, “In case you'll be lonely tonight.” Your hope deflates in an instant, akin to a birthday balloon tossed into the careless hands of children. 

Pity, that's what he feels for someone who hasn't had a date in a year while he went on ones regularly. Although they never transcended beyond that first meeting, always a first date, never a second. He says none of the people he meets are his type. 

“I have a date too.” It was the truth, Suhoo had told you to meet him at the ice rink. You said you'd think about it. You knew deep down that your answer would be no, solely because he isn't Jeongin.

Perhaps it is too late for him to fall for you.  

“Really?” 

“Yeah, with Suhoo, you know, the guy in our Economics class.”

“He's nice.”

“Mm.” 

Could you lose something you never had in the first place?

“You should wear Seungmin’s white shirt.” 

“Yeah. That's what I thought too.”

“And bring them flowers. The rose of winter, maybe.” 

You had preserved the plucked flower he gave you in a vase. The pink of the petals liquefying and bleeding into the blush on Jeongin’s cheeks once he noticed. 

“That one's just for you.” 

Four. 

You're alone on the ice rink, the frigid winds assail your form, fingers numb from winter's cruel grasp. Suhoo didn't come after all, perhaps he was offended by you calling him at the last minute to confirm your date.

The chill of disappointment is more biting than the frost— you want to melt off the ice, you want your spring. You want your Jeongin. 

But he isn't yours, perhaps he will never be. He is too sought after, too captivated by the fleeting chase of someone new to spare a glance at you. 

But in this instant, you need him. You need him to hold your hands in his larger, warmer ones and get you off the ice rink. You need the sight of his familiar dimples and blooming smile. 

So, you call him. He picks up on the first ring. 

“Are you that bored on your date?” He playfully taunts, and his voice becomes a gentle breeze that stirs the emotions you struggle to contain. Tears cascade down your cheeks in an achingly familiar path. 

“I-Innie,” you hiccup, and you’re instantly met with the sound of scraping chairs against the floor, the hastening cadence of footsteps hurrying out into the street. 

“Did he do something to you?” He speaks so coldly, a tone so foreign to the warmth of your Jeongin. He shouldn't be tainted with winter too. 

“He didn't come. Can you p-please pick me up?” 

“I will. I'm coming in a bit, okay?” 

He finds you rather quickly on the ice rink, a sore thumb unmoving between the gliding bodies. He skates over to you, almost falling twice in the process. 

“You're so clumsy,” you snort as he stands before you, sobs racking through your body once more at the sight of him.

You weren't mad at Suhoo. You were heartbroken over Jeongin.

“I'll beat him up for you. I'll tell Changbin to help me too,” he smiles, hands fidgeting as they land upon your cheeks, trying their best to wipe away your tears.

“Please don't cry. I hate seeing you cry, Y/n, I really can't bear it." The tears only fall harder at his words, as if he's stringing them forth with each touch of his.

“Did he do something to you?” an unknown voice startles you and you turn to your right to find a girl looking at you then at Jeongin, a frown etched on her eyebrows.

“No, I'm her friend I didn't-”

“I wasn't talking to you,” the girl cuts him off and you laugh despite you, as Jeongin’s jaw hangs open, before closing once more.

“It's not him, thank you so much though,” you smile gratefully and she nods, eyes wary as she glares at Jeongin one last time, before skating away.

“I can't believe that just happened,” He exhales, a breath tinged with bewilderment, before he delicately encircles a hand around your back. Gently, he guides your head to rest against the comforting refuge of his chest.

“What are you doing?” you mumble against his navy hoodie, the one he borrowed from you. You can still smell your perfume on him. 

“I'm comforting you.” 

“You don't like hugs.” 

“It's different when it comes to you.”

You close your eyes, allowing the tide of his warmth to envelop you like a cascade of spring petals.

“Where is your date?”

“I didn't go.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I love you. I'm tired of looking for you in other people,” he quickly says and you peel yourself away from him, feeling as if his clothes were suddenly made of fire. 

“What?” you whisper, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“I love you,” he repeats, each word drawn out, much slower this time, his hands cradling your face, tenderly, as though holding the sun between his delicate fingers. “I'm tired of pretending you're not my summer.”

“Don't say things you don't mean,” your voice wavers. 

“I mean it. I've always loved you. You complete me in ways I didn't know were possible, and I know you only see me as a friend but-”

Your lips press against his, a culmination of aching desires that have lingered for two years. Distant laughter echoes in the background, ice cream melting onto your fingers, a soft breeze ruffling your hair, flowers blooming under the soft caress of the sun— two seasons melting sweetly into the kiss.

“You're literally so blind,” you giggle against his lips, and his smile widens, your noses brushing against one another. “I love you too, idiot.”

“You love me?”

“You're my favorite season.” 

“Don't steal my lines.”

“Hey—” he kisses you this time, the winter is long forgotten. 

Was it ever a fall if you caught him in the end?

#stray kids x reader #skz x reader #stray kids fluff #skz fluff #stray kids imagine #stray kids angst #stray kids fanfic #stray kids fanfiction #stray kids scenarios #stray kids imagines #stray kids reactions #skz au #skz fanfic #skz imagines #skz reactions #skz scenarios #skz angst #i.n x reader #i.n fluff #jeongin x reader

[gamerwoo]

[SKZ Imprinted] Jeongin: Youngblood

Anonymous asked: Hi rocket don't know if you've gotten any requests for jeongin's mate but I'm super curious about her. Can I perhaps request something with them? Maybe something leaning more on fluff since the other parts have been angst filled? If not, maybe full on angst is also the way to go!

Characters: Jeongin x female reader

Genre/warnings: werewolf au, college au, a little angsty but it’s mostly fluff, mentions of not eating and also depression

Word count: 6,915

Summary: Despite being the youngest of the pack, Jeongin has imprinted way before most -- if not, all -- of his brothers. Unlike his brothers, though, he never found the courage to tell you anything. But if what happened between Minho and his mate aren’t enough proof that Jeongin needs to figure out how to confess his biggest secret to you, he doesn’t know what is. So since he needs to figure things out fast, and his pack is zero help after everything that’s happened, Jeongin finds himself relying on someone he least expected just to make sure he doesn’t mess things up with you.

a/n: things in bold are in english. also might change the title of jeongin’s part because i can’t decide what i want it to be lmao

Previous | Next | Imprinted Masterlist

Shit had hit the fan, and the next few days were spent with everyone just trying to unpack everything and sort through their feelings -- namely Ryujin and Minho. However, the pack was also pretty upset with Minho’s mate -- and rightfully so since she almost got all of them killed -- and so they kept giving their two cents despite the fact that Minho had been essentially dead silent since coming back from the hunter HQ.

But this situation had also prompted Jeongin to start acting out again. The pup used to always run off on his own, but he’d gotten a little better at listening to his alpha and sticking around the area. But for the last few days, he was nowhere to be found. Chan searched everywhere and even called in for help looking for him, but Jeongin was completely MIA. His parents were naturally worried and were getting a little bit on Chan’s case about finding him, so he reluctantly had to call in someone else for help.

“You want me to find him?” Elsie scoffed when Seungmin had called her.

“If anyone could find a werewolf, it’s you and Ryu,” Seungmin sighed, “but...I doubt she’d wanna go. Look, we just need to make sure he’s safe. You don’t have to do it, but Chan’s willing to pay you if he has to.”

“How much?” she asked, eyeing her depressed sister from where she was standing in the kitchen. Ryujin hadn’t moved from the couch since coming home and she wasn’t eating much. Naturally, Elsie was worried, but she wasn’t quite sure what to do with her since she had similar issues to sort through herself. “My prices are kinda high.”

“He said he’ll borrow some through Changbin,” Seungmin replied, “though, he never really paid back what he owes, so... I guess I was hoping I could convince you to do it for free.”

The older girl scoffed, “And why would I do that?”

“Because deep down, you have feelings for me,” the smirk Seungmin wore could be heard in his tone.

Elsie frowned, “I’m charging even more now.”

“Okay, okay,” he sighed. “Because...I can talk to Minho for you and Ryu. He might rip my head off, but I figure this is a fair trade.”

“How’s that fair, dumbass? That pup can’t kill me.”

“You haven’t seen him when he’s like this.”

-

Tracking Jeongin down wasn’t necessarily the hardest thing to do, but it was a bit of a pain in the ass. Knowing his pack would not only personally go searching for him but also knowing they’d call in Seungcheol’s pack, Jeongin had to skip a few towns just to be alone. 

Elsie just so happened to live a few towns away.

Jeongin sensed her before he saw her, the hair on the back of his neck instinctively standing on end as his eyes narrowed and he slowly lifted his head from where he sat on a park bench. But once he caught wind of the vaguely familiar scent of his brother’s mate, all he did was sigh.

“Fancy seeing you here, kid,” Elsie said as she strolled over, hands in her pockets. She stopped in front of Jeongin and looked down at him. “Finally fed up with your brothers? ‘Bout time someone around here got their head on straight. Poor Jinnie’s still whining over that one dickhead.”

Jeongin really couldn’t tell if Elsie was sent to find him by his brothers -- it was a long shot she’d agree but he figured she’d eventually cave if Seungmin bothered her enough, which Jeongin knew he’d absolutely do -- or if she just happened to run into him and was trying to figure out if there was a reason why he left the pack so she could find a weak spot. Elsie was still difficult for him to read...

“Shouldn’t you be with Ryujin?” Jeongin asked, deflecting the elder’s questions. He wouldn’t look back up at her, though. He just stared at her dirty boots as she kicked the grass lightly every now and then. “You went through all that trouble for her just to ditch her and come complain about her?”

Elsie raised her eyebrows, actually taken off-guard by Jeongin’s attitude, “Alright, snippy, relax. I was just trying to lighten the mood.”

“And why?” he asked, suddenly looking up at her with a clenched jaw. “My brothers sent you after me, right?”

She shrugged, “Yeah, but I only did it because Seungmin promised to talk to Minho for Ryu.”

“So what, do you have to snitch on me now? Capture me and keep me at your place until Chan comes to pick me up or something?”

“I mean...I guess, but you’re an adult, right? 

Jeongin’s eyes narrowed and he studied Elsie for a moment. There weren’t any weapons or restraints on her that he could see. Actually, she was in some leggings, some old-looking t-shirt, and a jacket. She looked...somehow non-threatening.

“So...you’re not gonna tell anyone?” Jeongin quizzed slowly.

Again, she shrugged, “I don’t see a point. Besides, calling them over clearly won’t help whatever’s going on. Seems like it’d make it worse. So, I dunno, you can do whatever you feel you need to do.”

“...Why?”

“I dunno...I’ve been there, I guess.”

Jeongin made a face, “Are you relating to me?”

Elsie made the same face, “Fuck no. I’m just... Ugh! Look, kid, I’m trying to be nice! Ryujin likes you dogs so much, and I want her happy over everything else. If that means I have to keep you safe just to have Minho acknowledge my sister for five minutes, I’ll do it.”

“Well I’m not gonna go off and do anything reckless, so you can stop pretending to care,” he scoffed, standing up from the bench with his arms crossed. He wasn’t much taller than the older girl, but it still made him feel a little better that he had maybe an inch or so on her. “Tell Seungmin I’m fine and I’ll...go back eventually.”

Elsie sighed and dug around in her pocket. She pulled her phone out and handed it to Jeongin, “Here.”

Jeongin stared at the device in her hand in confusion, “...What?”

“Grab a coffee with me,” she offered, still offering him her phone. “I won’t call them unless you want me to.”

“Why...?”

She just shrugged, “Like I said: I’ve been there. Let’s talk for a bit, kid. Coffee’s on me.”

-

It was a little awkward at first as Jeongin sat across from the girl who’d been trained to kill him. She sipped her latte or whatever the hell she got, and just looked around the shop --  anywhere but at him. Jeongin leaned back in his chair, staring at his to-go cup and then letting his eyes flicker up to study Elsie again. 

Elsie suddenly nodded her head toward someone, muttering, “That guy has like, four teeth.”

Jeongin’s eyebrows furrowed before he whipped his head around to see some messy-looking man who was chomping on a breakfast sandwich. He was chewing very obnoxiously with his mouth open. He turned back to face Elsie.

“Why’d you point that out?” he asked.

She shrugged, “Don’t know. Figured I should fill the silence. It’s kind of uncomfortable to be honest.”

“You can leave,” he pointed out with a little venom in his voice.

But Elsie didn’t seem angry that he was giving her attitude. She seemed almost...impressed. One corner of her mouth twitched up a little, “Yeah, I guess so. But you still have my phone, so maybe you wanna keep me here.”

Jeongin frowned back at her, “No. I just forgot I had it.”

“Hey, it’s totally fine, kid,” she chuckled, hands up slightly in surrender. “I’m not here to judge whatever you’re feeling. Hell, look at me and Jinnie.”

He stared at her for a little longer, taking in her words. Then he let out a sigh and cast his gaze downward, one hand coming up to cup his drink.

“Whatever you’re going through, you can talk about it,” she promised in a softer tone that didn’t even sound like Elsie.

“How do I know you’re not gonna tell Seungmin?” he asked, still looking at his cup.

She let out a laugh, “If I gave that much of a shit, don’t you think I’d have called them already?”

“Okay, fair. Then why do you care about helping me? You hate werewolves.”

Elsie shrugged, “Yeah. But I’m nosy and I wanna know what’s going on with the angsty teen.”

Jeongin looked at her again, staring daggers, “I’m literally an adult!”

“Yeah, yeah,” she waved his words away. “So what’s the deal with the pack? Why’re you so pissed off? I wanna talk shit.”

The pup studied her for a little longer. Honestly, what did he have to lose? Chances were low that Elsie would tell his pack since she really only cared about them for her sister’s sake, and he knew none of his brothers would listen to him since they were so wrapped up in the Minho/Ryu thing -- he’d tried but it went about as well as he expected. The only reason they were worried now was probably because his parents were bugging them.

He sighed, “There’s this girl...”

“You imprinted, right?” Elsie guessed.

He nodded, “Yeah. Her name’s _____. We went to high school together and we ended up going to the same college. We’ve always been sorta friends but not good enough friends to really hang out outside of class. She’s like, the super nice popular girl, y’know? And I’m the weirdo who ran away sophomore year. But like, even when I came back home after that, she ran up to me and smiled and said she was glad I was okay.”

“Sounds like a goody-two-shoes,” Elsie commented in a thoughtless mumble.

Jeongin growled lowly.

She chuckled, “Sorry, my bad. I didn’t mean it like a bad thing. Honestly, that’s probably better. But, I’m assuming you’re going to tell me you haven’t told her anything?”

He shook his head, “Not at all. And now after what happened with Minho and Ryujin... I’m kinda terrified.”

Jeongin let out a short, quiet, sad laugh. Elsie watched him as he continued to just sit there and hold his drink with one hand, eyes on the table. 

“I mean...at least she’s probably not a werewolf hunter,” she offered.

“But who says I won’t scare the shit out of her?” he countered. “That’s a lot to put on a person. Like, admitting to being a werewolf is bad enough, but then I have to be like, ‘Oh, by the way, you’re actually my soulmate that I’m meant to be with for the rest of my life and if you leave me I will literally die. No pressure, though!’ If I were her, I’d file a restraining order.”

“Well yeah, if you say it like that,” Elsie laughed. “Dude, just like, become her friend and then come clean with the werewolf thing. And she feels a little of the pull too, so you can ask her on a date at some point and when you feel comfortable, you can explain everything. And if she ever asks questions, just be honest with her.”

“How do I get closer with her?” Jeongin whined. “I can hardly say two sentences to her.”

“Ask her to hang out or something, how should I know?”

“Oh, I forgot, you don’t have friends anymore.”

Elsie narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to make a witty comeback or to yell at him, but nothing came out. Jeongin even flinched a little, waiting for hell to rain down on him.

Instead, Elsie brought her cup to her lips and said, “Touché, kid. Touché.”

Jeongin let out a breath, looking back at his cup. He finally raised it to his lips and took a sip before setting it back down, still staring at the table.

“You’re not as evil as I thought you were,” he muttered.

She chuckled, “You’re saying that to a hunter who’s probably gonna be the reason your brother dies.”

His eyes flashed up to meet hers, “You haven’t technically denied him yet, have you?”

She let out a sigh, being the one to drop her gaze this time, “It’s...complicated. But we’re not talking about me, this is about you. Why don’t you wanna go back home?”

“They weren’t gonna listen to my problems and honestly, I’m really fucking stressed.”

“I get that. Sometimes you just need to be alone for a bit.”

“Speaking of alone, shouldn’t you be getting back to Ryujin?”

“Probably, yeah,” she breathed before standing up, taking her drink with her. “Wanna come? I can drive you home whenever you feel like going back.”

Jeongin looked up at her for a moment, weighing his options. But he finally stood and took his cup, “Yeah, I guess. She won’t be upset seeing me?”

“I think it’ll make her feel a little better that someone doesn’t completely hate her.”

“I mean...she almost got us killed.”

“Okay, well you can pretend like you don’t completely hate her, and then I won’t make you pay for gas on the way home,” Elsie smiled before leading the way out of the shop.

-

‘Just ask her to hang out. That’s all you have to do,’ Jeongin reminded himself as he walked onto campus alone, ‘Ask her to do something like go to the mall or grab lunch today. Something that can’t be skewed as a date. Something that won’t freak her out or come off too strong. Yeah, easy.’

Except it wasn’t easy because his heart was going a million miles a minute and his hands were shaking so badly that he had to hold onto the straps of his backpack that were resting on his shoulders.

Jeongin spotted you at the same time you saw him. Your eyes widened and you turned to run toward him, calling to your friends that you’d catch up with them later. Jeongin hadn’t been seen or heard from the last few days so you were excited to see him again.

Jeongin wasn’t necessarily someone you were super close with, but you always thought he was a sweet guy. Whenever you had to do projects in the class you had together, he was your first pick for your partner. He may have been a little troubled -- more so in high school when he ran away that one time -- but he was still nice. Maybe he was just misunderstood. Either way, you found yourself oddly having a soft spot for Jeongin.

“Jeongin!” you grinned when you got closer. You started to slow your run as you got closer, stopping in front of him and squinting against the sun to look at him. “Dude, where-- Oh damn, what happened to your cheek?”

He put a hand lightly where the bruise on his face was. He got it from the hunters and forgot in his nervous state that it was even there.

“Oh, uh, I walked into a wall,” he lied.

‘You sound like a fucking idiot,’ he told himself.

But, thankfully, you giggled, “I’ve been there. Where’ve you been the last few days? I asked your friends but they said they had no idea.”

His eyes widened slightly, “Y-you...asked about me?”

“Yeah, I was worried,” you shrugged. “I mean, I know you used to skip out on class a lot before but you had a pretty good streak going.”

The way you said it was like you were encouraging him; like you were telling him he was doing a good job. It made his heart flutter and his face warm.

“O-oh, yeah, u-um...” he stammered. “I went to visit a f-friend out of town for a few days...”

“I have all the notes and lessons if you want them,” you offered. Then you tried as confidently and as casually as possible to say, “Maybe we could go get dinner and I can help you?”

Jeongin’s eyes widened to the size of golf balls. He felt like his breath was caught in his throat. 

You’d been looking for a reason to ask Jeongin to hang out after class, and this was perfect. Were you nervous? Yes. But you’d had a little crush on him for a while and why not try? Especially after you thought he was missing again. You had to take the chance.

‘Say something, you idiot!’ Jeongin reminded himself after just staring with his mouth hung open like a moron.

“U-u-uh, y-yeah!” he finally stuttered, face redder than a tomato. “Yeah, th-that would be c-cool.”

“Cool,” you grinned. “Is tomorrow night okay?”

“Y-yes!”

“Awesome. I’ll catch ya then,” you nodded before turning to go to class. “Bye, Jeonginnie!”

He watched you go, his face burning. He didn’t move or breath or even think for that matter. He’d basically short-circuited.

“Yo, Jeongin!”

The familiar voice of one of his brothers pulled him away from his internal meltdown. He turned to see Felix and Sam, holding hands as Felix walked her to class.

Seeing the bright red color of the youngest’s face, Felix cocked his head to the side, “You good?”

Numbly, Jeongin nodded, “Y-yeah.”

‘Now what?’ he asked himself.

Because it was then, watching his brother and his mate walk away while their hands swung between them, that he realized he had to actually, y’know, go on this date -- or whatever it was -- with you, and he wasn’t sure how to do that. Jeongin had never even hung out with a girl alone who wasn’t one of his pack sisters! 

But he had seven brothers who clearly had experience. One of them should be able to help -- well, maybe not Minho right now...or Hyunjin... But maybe one of the mates could even tell him what to do, too.

For now, Jeongin had to get to class.

-

The first place he stopped was Felix and Seungmin’s apartment. Since they lived on campus, it was closer. He figured maybe at least Felix would have good advice considering him and Sam were doing pretty well. But when he knocked on the door, it was just Seungmin who was home.

“Felix is working,” Seungmin replied when Jeongin wondered where he was.

“Well...can I ask you for a favor?”

Seungmin sighed, “Not really. I’m kinda busy.”

“It’ll be really quick.”

“I have to go talk to Minho for Elsie, so I don’t really have time for this. Sorry, maybe ask like...Jisung or something.”

With that, Seungmin closed the door in Jeongin’s face. But the younger boy decided to take the advice, so he went to Jisung’s dorm across campus. Jisung’s roommate was some guy he was randomly assigned, so Jeongin wasn’t even really sure who it was who answered the door. 

Jisung moved his roommate out of the way before saying quickly, “He’s cramming for his math test tomorrow. He doesn’t want any distractions.”

“Do you wanna go grab an early dinner or something, then?” he offered.

The older boy shook his head, “Can’t, I’m on tutoring duty before I have to--”

“Jisung!” his roommate barked.

“Sorry, Jeongin!” Jisung gave him an apologetic look before closing the door.

He tried going to Chan’s apartment next, even though he already knew what would happen. Him and Changbin all but ignored Jeongin’s existence because Minho was depressed and couldn’t decide what to do about Ryujin. He tried texting Hyunjin to see where he was staying, but he got no reply. He tried calling but it went to voicemail. 

His brothers were no help, and according to all of them, their mates were busy, too. Jeongin had nobody to help him and he was supposed to be seeing you tomorrow night. What the hell was he supposed to do?

‘There is...one person...’ he reminded himself. But he quickly shook the thought away, ‘No, I can’t go to her. That’s stupid. She’ll think I wanna be friends or something. ...But desperate times...’

Jeongin sighed as he got off the steps that led to the apartment building he’d just left, walking to the nearest bus stop.

-

From _____: How does getting some ramen sound? I know a place not too far from campus :)

To _____: That sounds great! Did you want to meet there or meet on campus?

“Can you relax? Your hands are shaking so bad you can hardly type.”

Despite the spike in his heartrate when he read your text, Jeongin looked up from his phone to glare at Elsie.

Unfortunately, Elsie was his only hope for any sort of advice on what to do next. He was panicking and knew he would never survive this hangout without making an absolutely idiot of himself. But now he was starting to wonder if that would be worse than putting up with Elsie.

Elsie grinned as his glare, “You can’t get mad at me, I’m the only one who listens to you.”

“Yeah, for whatever reason...” Jeongin muttered. He dropped his guys and continued, “Th-thanks, by the way...”

“Yeah, don’t mention it,” she nodded, patting his shoulder. “Seriously, though. Don’t.”

From _____: We can meet up by our building! 6 sound good?

“I don’t even know what to do,” Jeongin stared at your text hopelessly. “What do I say to her? How do people keep conversations going without it getting awkward and boring?”

“Uh, I’ll let you know when I figure that out,” she snorted. “Hey, if you get into an awkward silence, you can always shift in the middle of the restaurant. That’ll really spice things up.”

Jeongin huffed, rolling his eyes, “Can you be serious, please?”

She shrugged, “I can only find it in me to help you so much.”

“Why are you helping me? You’re the only one who will even listen to me for two minutes.”

“Honestly, kid...it’s kinda sad. You’re like a desperate little lost puppy. Kinda tugs at my heart strings.”

“As if you wouldn’t kill me if your sister didn’t have the hots for my brother,” he scoffed.

Elsie laughed softly and nodded, “Yeah.”

“Nah,” a tired, quiet voice spoke up, entering the kitchen. Ryujin was wearing the exact same thing Jeongin had seen her in the day before -- the same thing she’d been wearing since Elsie brought her to her apartment. She walked by the pair to the cupboard to get a glass. “She’s getting a soft spot for you.”

Elsie looked enraged while Jeongin looked surprised.

“I am fucking not!” Elsie insisted as Jeongin asked, “Seriously?”

Ryujin turned to look at her sister, “It happens. You realize they’re not as bad as you were raised to believe. Doesn’t help that you’ve been looking after him for the last two days and letting him trauma dump on you.”

“Yes, I pity him,” the older girl clarified.

“Trust me, no you don’t,” Ryujin promised before turning back to the fridge. She opened it and grabbed the juice, pouring it into her glass.

“You can’t live off of juice forever,” Elsie mumbled, changing the subject.

“I’m still alive, aren’t I?” the younger sister deadpanned.

“Only because I have to fight you to jam food down your gullet!”

It was actually sad for Jeongin to see Ryujin like this. Yes, he had every right to be upset with her and hold his and his pack’s almost-deaths against her, but she used to be so bubbly and warm. Now she never smiled, her eyes were dark and didn’t sparkle anymore, and her aura was so...dark. She was a completely different person than the girl him and the pack had become so fond of. He had started to see her like he saw the rest of the mates: like a sister. So the fact she was like this now still made part of his heart hurt.

After putting the juice back in the fridge, Ryujin turned to look at Jeongin, “You want advice for _____? Don’t lie to her. Come clean the first chance you get. Don’t ever pretend to be anything but who you are.”

Jeongin just stared back, a hint of sadness in his eyes as he saw hers fill with tears. After a beat of silence, she left the kitchen, sniffling.

Elsie and Jeongin just stared at whatever, not knowing what to say next. But finally, Jeongin broke the silence.

“Elsie?”

“Yeah.”

“What do you think will happen? Between her and Minho, I mean.”

She sighed, “That’s up to him at this point. Your guess is better than mine.”

“What do you hope happens?” he asked instead, turning his head to look at her.

Elsie paused, biting her lip and thinking it over before replying slowly, “Despite how I feel toward werewolves...for her sake...I hope he comes around. I’ll...deal with it, I guess.”

There was another beat of silence before Jeongin said again, “Elsie?”

“Yeah.”

“I think you’re pretty cool,” he admitted sheepishly, “and...I really appreciate that you listen to me. You don’t treat me like a child. Thank you.”

Elsie smirked to herself and nodded before lifting her head to meet Jeongin’s, “Yeah, whatever, kid. Just don’t go telling anyone that I ‘have a soft spot for you’ or you’ll wind up like Minhyuk.”

“Who’s Minhyuk?”

“Exactly.”

-

“Just be yourself, don’t overthink it, and if all else fails, crawl out the bathroom window,” Elsie told Jeongin as she drove him to campus where he’d be meeting up with you. “I’ll come pick you up.”

“That last one doesn’t make me feel any better,” Jeongin admitted, rubbing his sweaty palms on his jeans. “Actually, it makes me wanna throw up.”

“Relax, it’s a joke, kid,” she chuckled. “It’s not gonna go that badly. Worst case scenario, you make a bad joke that doesn’t land or there’s a few awkward silences here and there. But that girl of yours seems too nice to like, walk out on you or something.”

“Sh-she’s not...my girl,” he mumbled, his heart skipping a beat just at the thought of it.

“God, you’d really think you’re just some pup newly in love,” she scoffed. “I’ve never seen a werewolf this lovesick from the pull.”

“Shut up,” he grumbled, his cheeks already heating up.

Elsie dropped him off in the parking lot closest to the building he was meeting you at. As far as his pack was concerned, they didn’t even know this date was happening. The only person who knew was Elsie, who never even mentioned it to Seungmin like she promised. Was she actually getting soft for the pup? She would never say. But either way, Jeongin appreciated that she somehow became the only person he could rely on. She promised to pick him back up in the same spot at 9, or any other time he updated her with. If needed, she’d go to the restaurant to get him, too.

After wishing him luck, Jeongin walked toward the building to see you were already waiting there with your purse slung over your shoulder, and your notebook held to your chest. He kinda forgot you were supposed to be helping him with the work he missed the last few days...

“Hi!” you chirped when you saw him.

“You weren’t waiting long, were you?” he asked as you jogged over to greet him.

“Oh, no!” you quickly reassured him. “Only a few minutes. But there’s a bus in 15 minutes that goes to the ramen shop I was telling you about.”

“Yeah, let’s go. Do you want me to carry that?”

“That’s okay, it’s just a notebook. It’s not--”

Jeongin held a hand out for it anyway. You handed it to him, trying to act totally casual even though butterflies erupted in your stomach. Why was he so cute all the time?

“Let’s go,” he smiled softly, turning to lead the way.

You weren’t really sure what to say, so you rambled about everything he missed. Jeongin didn’t know what to say either, so he let you ramble. He liked hearing you talk, anyway. And you seemed so interested in what you were saying, so he found it endearing. Little did he know you were just as nervous as he was.

Except he could hear the rapid beating of your heart. He chalked it up to you just being nervous in general, but he couldn’t help but think, ‘what if?’.

On the bus, you asked him about his trip to see his friend. He told you a little bit about Elsie and how she had a “thing” with Seungmin, but they were really...rocky.

“Do they argue a lot?” you asked, eyebrows furrowed.

“Um...more like bickering,” he said. “She kinda acts like she hates him, and he pushes her buttons, but...you can tell they like each other. I don’t know, old people are weird.”

That made you laugh, and Jeongin found his cheeks heating up once again as he smiled to himself.

The two of you sat at a counter together once you got to the ramen shop. You ate and studied, you tutoring Jeongin on what he missed. You were leaned in toward each other, knees practically touching since you were turned toward each other on your stools. You were so close you could smell his cologne and it made it difficult to focus. Your palms were clammy and your face felt incredibly hot -- maybe you could blame that last one on your food.

Meanwhile, Jeongin was too caught up in his own nerves to notice the patterns of how your heart raced a little faster when he got closer or smiled at you. He didn’t catch things that would’ve been blatantly obvious to any other werewolf. But it was okay because things were still going better than he could’ve expected. There were a few awkward-ish moments, but they were easily laughed off and made to feel way less embarrassing than they felt at first.

Between studying, the two of you began to learn little things about each other. Sure, you knew each other enough because of class and being partners, but the two of you never knew little things, like favorite colors or most embarrassing moments. In class and during projects, the two of you mostly talked about surface-level things like how Jeongin’s cat was doing that you saw when you went to his house to work on a project, or talking crap about the kid that sat behind you guys who smelled like onions and cinnamon all the time. Something about you two hanging out this time felt...different. And while maybe you did want it to be a date, you never specified that. And what Jeongin wanted it to be one, you never said it was so he didn’t think it was.

But...it kinda felt like one.

“Okay, sorry, I was rambling again,” you laughed softly as you tried to get back on track from rambling about some family vacation you went on.

“No, no, don’t worry about it,” Jeongin chuckled. “I liked the story. Though, I’ll never look at you the same knowing a dolphin stole your swim bottoms.”

“Yeah, you better watch out,” you giggled, “he can get very jealous.”

“Why would he need to be jealous?” Jeongin smirked.

Your eyes widened, and your cheeks had never felt so warm all night.

“U-uh, I didn’t mean-- I j-just--”

But then Jeongin was worried he made you uncomfortable, so his eyes went wide and his face began turning red, “Oh, I-I was just joking! I w-wasn’t--”

“N-no, I didn’t think it was weird or anything! I j-just--”

“No, you don’t have to explain, I-I’m sor--”

“No! Jeongin, I--”

“I’m s--”

“Jeongin?”

The awkward stammering finally came to a stop. Jeongin just stared at you with doe-eyes, waiting for you to keep talking.

“Is this a date?” you blurted, wanting to just take a chance and be straightforward.

He looked taken off-guard and you considered trying to take the question back, but instead he said, “I-isnt that up to you? S-since you asked...m-me?”

“I guess...” you trailed off, unsure what to say next. Were you supposed to confess to him now? Tell him you wanted it to be a date? Or was that weird? Did he even like you back?

“I-I--” Jeongin began to speak up and you gave him your full attention, which made him pause for a moment and rethink speaking from his heart, but he took a deep breath and pushed himself to do it. “I wouldn’t...mind if it was a date.”

“W-wouldn’t mind?” you repeated.

His face flushed a deep red and he mumbled as he looked down at his hands on the counter, “I’d...r-really like if it was, actually...”

He heard the way your heart raced at his confession and it managed to put him a little more at ease. 

“R-really?” you asked.

“Y-yeah.”

You nodded, trying -- but failing horribly -- to not grin ear-to ear. Jeongin looked up at you to see you trying so desperately to not smile like an idiot, and all it did was make him smile too.

“So it’s a date,” you giggled, trying to not squeal, either.

He nodded, “Y-yeah. A date.”

And while Jeongin was on cloud 9 with you for a moment, his heart suddenly fell into his butt.

After putting the juice back in the fridge, Ryujin turned to look at Jeongin, “You want advice for _____? Don’t lie to her. Come clean the first chance you get. Don’t ever pretend to be anything but who you are.”

Elsie made it seem like Jeongin had time to make better friends with you and then start to come clean, but now he had skipped several steps. So was he supposed to jump right in and tell you now? Or was he supposed to try to avoid the topic for a while as to not come off as a liar? But when he finally came clean down the road, how would he not come off as a liar? This was a big secret that you had to know. If he hid it from you, he was a liar nonetheless!

The thought weighed down on him as much as he didn’t want it to. He tried to carry on as normal, but you could tell something was off about him now. However, to avoid another awkward moment like the stuttering incident, you decided to wait until you were back on campus. You were nervous your excitement scared him.

The bus ride back wasn’t awkward, at least. It was quiet, but it was getting late and both of you were tired.

Once off the bus and you began walking back, you finally decided to ask what was going on.

“Are you okay, Jeongin?” you asked when it felt like he was about to say goodnight and leave.

He sighed and stared down at the grass, “Um...actually...._____, I...r-really like you.”

Your heart fluttered at the confession, “I-I like you too, Jeongin.”

“So...if I want to make this work, I need to be honest with you...” he lifted his head, and he looked scared. “I have to tell you something.”

-

Chan was frantic. How could Jeongin be gone again? He hadn’t seen or heard from him since the day before when he’d shown up at the apartment, but Jeongin didn’t say much before leaving. Him and the pack had been trying to get ahold of him but he wasn’t answering his phone, so they decided to go looking for him instead.

Chan drove with Hyunjin in the passenger seat, and Seungmin and Jisung in the back. They were trying to find any clue as to where he went, and his parents said they hadn’t seen him since he left for school. So they went to campus to try and follow his scent from there.

“Wait,” Seungmin suddenly spoke up as they drove to campus. Chan slammed on the breaks and him and Hyunjin turned around to face him. Seungmin’s eyebrows furrowed as he said, “Elsie’s nearby.”

“Elsie?” Hyunjin repeated. Then he scoffed and turned back around, sinking into his seat, “Does that mean traitor’s around, too?”

“That’s not the point,” Seungmin sighed. “I don’t know why Elsie would be around here.”

“Unless she has something to do with Jeongin,” Chan suggested.

“Maybe she’s kidnapping him!” Jisung gasped.

Seungmin rolled his eyes, “I doubt it.”

“Where is she?” Chan asked.

“Keep going toward the school,” he told him.

And sure enough, driving around campus and following Seungmin’s instincts led them to Elsie’s car parked in one of the empty lots. Elsie looked up when she saw the headlights, and groaned when she realized who it was.

Chan pulled up to her window, their cars facing opposite directions. He rolled his window down, so she reluctantly rolled hers down.

“Reason you’re hours away from home?” he wondered, his tone unreadable. She couldn’t tell if he was pissed or if he was trying to be nice.

“Um, I’m older than you and have a license and a car,” she grinned. “What’s it to ya?”

The back window rolled down, and Seungmin leaned over Jisung, “Do you know where Jeongin is?”

“Hm, shouldn’t his pack know where he is?” she asked sarcastically. “Or were you guys ignoring him again?”

“We don’t ignore him!” Hyunjin called.

“Yeah, that’s why you guys knew exactly where he was a few nights ago,” she nodded. “Oh wait, that was me. And it was me who made sure he was safe and brought him home. Maybe I should be getting a ‘thank you’ instead of the attitude.”

“Elsie, we’re serious,” Chan sighed.

“So am I,” she stated.

“If you don’t tell us where he is, I’ll get out of this car an--”

“Relax, dog,” she interrupted Hyunjin’s threat, nodding her head in the direction behind them. “He’s right there.”

The four turned their heads to see him walking with you.

“Were you waiting for him?” Jisung wondered.

“Is he with _____?” Chan asked.

You nodded and clicked your tongue, “Yeah, kid had a date tonight. You would’ve known that if you, y’know, talked to him. Instead I’m stuck playing pack mom because somebody’s unavailable.”

Chan just looked back at her and shot her a look before turning back to Jeongin.

They couldn’t quite hear what was being said, but they saw Jeongin backing up while you continued to stand there and stare at him.

“What’s he doing?” Hyunjin mumbled.

And then they saw him shift.

Jisung gasped, covering his mouth with his hands as he watched from the rear window. Chan was out of the car in seconds with Hyunjin, ready to run over there.

“Hold up!” Elsie got out of her car and went to stop them, grabbing Chan by the arm since he was closest.

Thankfully, Seungmin caught Hyunjin before he could even get a few yards away from the car.

“Let the kid do his thing,” she prompted.

“What?!” Hyunjin demanded.

“He knows what he’s doing,” she told him harshly. “Does it look like he’s going to hurt her?”

The boys looked back at the scene. You had stumbled backwards even farther with the initial shock, and you had continued to keep your distance. But as the pack watched, they saw you take a few hesitant steps forward. And then you closed the distance, standing right in front of Jeongin and reaching a hand out to his muzzle.

“See?” Elsie smirked.

Hyunjin scoffed and rolled his eyes, “Whatever, you were right. Big deal.”

Chan sighed, becoming visibly less anxious, “Alright, well...at least everyone’s okay.”

“And?” Elsie pressed.

Chan sighed again, but this one was more tired than relieved, as he turned to face the hunter, “Thank you, Elsie.”

She grinned smugly, “Yeah, you remember that I did this for you the next time you dogs wanna talk shit.”

“Your sister still almost got us killed,” Hyujin spat. “We’re not even.”

Their bickering was cut short by the werewolf trotting over to them. Jisung had gone into the trunk to get the spare clothes they kept back there, tossing a pair of sweatpants to Hyunjin while Jeongin shifted back. Then Hyunjin passed them to the youngest.

“So how’d it go?” Elsie asked.

Jeongin looked at her, then looked at his four brothers. He wasn’t sure what they were doing there, but his confusion was overtaken by the sheer joy and giddiness he felt, a bright smile taking over his face as he began to pull the sweats on.

“She said I’m cute,” he giggled.

“Did you tell her she’s the love of your life?” Hyunjin teased.

Jeongin looked at him, raising an eyebrow, “Did you?”

Elsie chuckled at the comeback -- along with the pack -- and Hyunjin turned to glare at her, “He’s been hanging out with you too much.”

“So does that mean we’ve got a second date?” Chan asked with a smile.

“She said she’d text me since the conversation was pretty one-sided,” Jeongin explained. “But it went well. She was kinda surprised, but then she got this big smile on her face and she said it was cool.”

“Well, at least you haven’t done the worst out of all of us,” Seungmin said, clapping his brother on the back. “Good job, Jeonginnie.”

Jeongin felt proud of himself for managing to not completely fuck things up, but his eyes flickered over to the werewolf hunter. He opened his mouth, but Elsie spoke up first.

“See ya ‘round, kid,” she smiled slightly with a nod of her head, getting back into her car and driving away.

#ficscafe #stray kids #jeongin #i.n #stray kids au #stray kids imagine #stray kids scenario #stray kids series #stray kids fanfic #werewolf!stray kids #stray kids x reader #jeongin au #jeongin imagine #jeongin scenario #jeongin series #jeongin fanfic #werewolf!jeongin #jeongin x reader #i.n au #i.n imagine #i.n scenario #i.n series #i.n fanfic #werewolf!i.n #i.n x reader

[taetr4ck]

SKZ AS YOUR DOORDASHER TEXTS !

stray kids x reader, no warnings — crack

a/n : i saw that one doordasher texts I FORGOT WHERE THEYRE FROM BUT THEY GOT ME LAUGHING FOR THE WHOLE HOUR LMFAOOOOOOOOO THEYRE SO RIDICULOUSLY FUNNY ICB (nct ver here LOL) (also seungmin’s and felix’s aren’t mine!)

⋆ taetr4ck, est may 2023. / requests open

#ᨳ ✦ % : from the monochrome film 🎞️ #stray kids texts #stray kids #stray kids reactions #stray kids felix #stray kids jeongin #stray kids hyunjin #stray kids bang chan #stray kids crack #stray kids imagines #stray kids au #stray kids x reader #bang chan x reader #changbin x reader #han jisung x reader #stray kids scenarios #stray kids seungmin #hyunjin x reader #stray kids changbin #jeongin x reader #seungmin x reader #stray kids i.n #i.n x reader #stray kids lee know #felix x reader #stray kids minho #lee know x reader #skz au #skz felix #skz

[bullet1ni]

IN Wonderland Ch. 2:

do you remember?

pairing: jeongin x reader (feat. skz changbin, exo sehun, g-idle soyeon, nct jaehyun, svt mingi)

word count: 4.6k

🔐warnings: graphic scenes, trauma, nightmares, psychopath!queen of hearts, sadist!queen of hearts, blood, violence, fire...? (does this count), descriptions of injuries, burns, etc., extreme apathy, nudity (you can't really tell it's only in the beginning), death of an animal, swearing, fluff if you squint really really hard (jeongin cares about the reader), angst-so fucking much of it

author's note: this one starts right where chapter 1 left off, so if you need a little refresh, chapter 1 is right here

click here for the series spotify playlist

⚠️!Minors and sensitive readers proceed with caution!⚠️

please don't copy or repost my homework

click here for the series masterlist

reblogs, comments, and constructive criticism are very much appreciated🙂

Preview:

“I don’t see why that’s important.” You looked at the painting, the countryside of greens and golds. “I need to train to make them go away.”

“Damn it, y/n.” he tangled his hands into his hair, tugging harshly. “Just tell me.” There was silence for a long time.

Until,

"He breathed fire. Remember?"

You shrugged the robe off, breaking eye contact by shutting your eyes. The effects of the recovery formula seemed to be wearing off. The prince's eyes scanned your naked figure, unbothered, then wheeled his vital monitor next to you from a wall.

His cold, slender fingers grasped your arm gently, strapping you to the machine, occasionally brushing your breasts, your neck, your collarbones. They were intimate movements, even erotic, but those words did not apply in this situation. The mile-high walls both of you had constructed in self-preservation did not allow room for such feelings.

 Two beeps in rapid succession indicated the machine whirring to life. The sound of Jeongin's pen scratching on paper filled the silent room. 

“Alright y/n,” he unstrapped you with the same freezing touch. “You can leave."

His eyes roved over your body, exposed, naked. How funny that something so beautiful, so divine and broken was right before his eyes, and he felt…nothing. No arousal, no attraction, neither pity nor sorrow. Just shades of gray that morphed and twisted in his gut. 

You pulled the robe back over your shoulders again and walked out of the room without looking at him. Making your way barefoot back through the plush, carpeted corridors, something gnawed at your stomach. You were lightheaded, and walking caused black to creep and recede against the edge of your vision. Reaching your room seemed to take ages.

Finally, the familiar door was swam in and out of focus before you. You reached out to tap a faint knock against it and the effort almost made you fall. The door was quickly answered by Camille. 

“My lady,” she hurried to grab you under an arm. Camille was dainty and thin, and her grip on you was weak and not at all reassuring. You wondered what would happen if you actually fell. You shook her off, wobbling unsteadily for a moment, before slowly making your way into room. Camille closed the door behind you and stood watching uncertainly as you lurched towards your dining table. You collapsed into the nearest chair.

“My lady,” Camille approached you hesitantly. “The medics sent word ahead to me…the kitchen prepared food. Would you like to have it now?”

“Yeah,” you rested your head against the back of the seat. “Is it here yet?” 

“Yes, it’s here, my lady.” She picked up a large silver tray from a table by the door and placed it on the table in front of you. “Do you…do you need help?” Her voice wavered a little. “I-I mean, would you like me to-”

“No.”

You cut her off, sitting up and taking the lid off a tureen of soup. The thought of someone feeding you was repulsive. You picked up a spoon and gave the soup a mix. “What is this?”

“Potato leek, my lady, and wild rice.” You took a sip. It was searing hot, and you felt it as it made its way down your throat. After a second, you felt a comforting warmth spreading through your limbs. It was really good.

You started eagerly on the rest of the tray, steadily eating your way through numerous bowls and plates. Camille stood in silence, watching for a second, then gave a slight shake of her head and left. 

When an hour later, hunger finally appeased, you pushed the tray away from you and wiped the edge of your mouth with your thumb, she reentered the room with a pitcher of iced orange juice and a glass. She set both down on the table, wordlessly poured the glass full, and lifted the tray of now-empty dishes and left the room again. You pulled the glass towards you and stared after Camille. 

Aside from the prince, she was the other cause for both extreme confusion and annoyance on your part. Your assigned lady-in-waiting, she was the person you saw the most.

Unfortunately.

Something about her made you uncomfortable. She was gentle, kind, patient-an embodiment of everything you couldn’t be. But perhaps the thing you hated about her the most, was that she tried her best to take care of you, when you were absolutely undeserving of anyone’s care. 

Once when you were six, a little while after you first arrived at the castle, you accidentally killed your pet rat. Her name had been Yoona. You’d dropped her from a third floor balcony by accident. At the time, the blood on your hands scared the hell out of you. Little did you know, she was only the first to die at your hands.

The first of a whole slew that followed.

Your six-year-old self had been horrified, to say the very least. You’d cried and cried for nights on end. Your caretakers, annoyed to death by your constant tears, had tried everything to make you feel better.

“It’s alright, y/n, she was only a rat,” they said. “It wasn’t your fault, it was a mistake.”

A mistake, your mistake, had taken a life, even if it was only a rat's life. Their words did nothing to help you. If anything, they made you even more miserable. 

That’s how Camille made you feel. Shitty. You downed the orange juice and shook your head to clear your thoughts. You turned your head towards the open doors of your balcony, looking to the sky. The deepest parts of the heavens were already purple, sparsely spread with twinkling, early evening stars. The edge of the sun cast a fiery red and orange glow on the rest of the sky. 

You stood up and walked out onto the balcony, looking down at the courtyard below you. General Changbin was talking to a group of Clubs, gesturing slightly with his hands. Long, purple shadows and rosy light spilled around them, contouring their faces. Changbin, sensing your gaze, lifted his head to look up at you.

His face morphed from easy, commanding, to cold and guarded all at once. You mirrored that sentiment. His eyes flashed steely as he gave you a short bow in acknowledgement. The other Spades, following Changbin’s gaze, looked up at you on the balcony. 

Several of them looked fearful or apprehensive, but others smirked and nudged each other. This didn’t bother you, not anymore. You knew what they were saying. The prince’s whore. The murderer. You did nothing to stop the rumors. Let them say what they want. As if they knew anything.

You rested your elbows on the edge of the balcony and looked up at the sky. The stars winked back.

The next morning, entering the dining room from your bedroom, Camille was busy setting the table. You sat down as she poured you tea. 

“Official news from the queen's council this morning, my lady,” she said, setting down the teacup in front of you. You picked it up and brought it to your lips. “They have been in contact with Odhria for the past month, discussing possible partnerships. A delegation will be arriving in three weeks.”

You picked up the cup and took a sip before replying.

"For how long?"

"A month, my lady. There are going to be so many events, so I’ll need to take your measurements for new gowns, today,” she continued. “It’s an inconvenience, but such short notice…”

“You can take them after breakfast.” You picked up a fork and knife and began cutting the omelet that was on the plate in front of you. Camille took your measurements when you finished eating, then left with the breakfast try.

You spent the morning wandering the rose gardens. They were quiet, filled with silent Spades with their buckets of crimson paint and tiny paintbrushes. They ignored you completely and stayed out of your way. The gardens were huge, you could get lost if you weren't paying attention.

It took around twenty minutes and about twenty thousand twists and turns to reach the center of the gardens. These parts were the quietest, as far from the castle you could get while still being in the castle.

The roses here were still snowy white, untouched by the paintbrushes of the Spades. The bushes towered above you, closing in, a little patch of cerulean sky or the occasional smudge of white cloud was all you could see of the outside world.

You did not leave the garden for lunch. Instead, lay on the grass, hiding in the silence, in the soft shadows, watching the clouds drift high above. You were doing nothing, but it felt like an act, trying to keep your mind clear. You only left when you heard a Spade approaching your hiding spot.

You could tell they didn’t expect anyone to be there because they were humming a happy little tune to themselves. It caught you off guard. Very few people in the castle were happy. You listened for a second, still, unmoving, then sat up silently and crept away from his voice, retreating into the maze of bushes again. 

Your plan had been to resist the need to train for as long as possible. And you tried, you really did. Still, you went looking for Jeongin the very next day. A servant opened the door for you as you entered his dining room where he was having lunch. You stood, looking at him, refusing to speak first. He looked at you over his steak.

“Well?” he prompted. “Surely you haven’t come to just watch me eat.” You looked at him until he looked down. When he lifted his fork to his mouth, you spoke.

“I want to train.”

He swallowed.

“I can’t let you do that. Tomorrow, maybe.”

You took in his words for about five seconds, then turned and left without a word.

For the next week, you showed up during his lunch without fail, and every day for the next week, the same words: ‘Tomorrow, maybe.’

One day, you were roaming the castle and discovered an empty sunlit room. It was dusty and unused, filled with strange paintings, unlike the ones in the rest of the castle. They were not of the queen, or the prince, or of you, or any other duke, lord, or baron. They were of rolling hills, and rivers, and sunsets. It was so different, you thought maybe everyone had forgotten about it.

You sat on the floor with your back against the wall, looking at the painting across you, of a lush countryside. You didn’t feel yourself drifting off to sleep, but you did. 

That day was when the nightmares returned.

They had first started when you were fourteen, shortly after you began the business with the mutants. You quickly learned that by training yourself until you dropped from exhaustion was an excellent way to keep them at bay. So you hadn't had any for several years. But that day, they came back with a vengeance, a horrifying, heart-stopping fury.

It was of a mutant, like they all were.

The man who breathed fire.

He had been and continued to be, one of the worst, eyes glowing bright red, face and body burned. Every time fire shot out of his open mouth, he screamed and clutched his neck, the fire burning his insides to smithereens. 

The fight had been long, painful, and bloody. He fought to stay alive with a feral energy, abandoning technique entirely and just trying to hurt you as much as possible.

You remembered how he had died. 

He was prowling towards you, snarling in pain and fury, eyes wild and crazed, like a rabid animal. Blood covered the two of you, both yours and his.

Angry burns and soot covered half of his body, the other half was already charred black. You had a large, heavy burn yourself, all along your left arm that sizzled and festered. He opened his mouth and roared as flames burst from his throat.

You leapt to the side.

He stumbled around wildly for a moment, trying to see through the smoke. You ran towards him, sword brandished and at the ready. He hissed and opened his mouth again, ready to blow.

You shoved the sword into his mouth. Deep, down, hard. The tip of the sword came out, glowing red, through his backbone. His flesh began to burn and smoke upon contact with the glowing metal.

The man, impaled, slumped down onto his side immediately. Blood trickled in spiderwebs over his face as he drew in laborious, hacking breaths.

You watched him.

His eyes met yours, and you saw tears spill from his eyes. They said it all. Sadness. Relief. Anger. Resentment. You watched life leave him.

You awoke to find Jeongin shaking you hard. Behind him, Camille, with her hands clapped to her mouth, and twenty something other people, watching you and whispering.

“Y/n, are you awake? Can you hear me?” his voice low, meant only for you. Your palms were sweaty as you braced yourself, sitting up from the awkward sprawl you had assumed during the nightmare. Jeongin sat back on his heels and let out a breath. 

“It was only a dream. She'll be fine.” He turned to look at the crowd. “Return to your original posts and do not speak of this.” With several low mutters and sideways glances, the group dispersed, exiting the room single file.

Camille hesitated at the door.

"Your highness, shouldn't she rest? I can bring her back to her room."

Jeongin shook his head.

"Thank you, Camille, but I would like to speak with her first. I'll send her back to you soon enough."

"Yes, your highness." Camille nodded and bowed herself out of the room.

You slumped back against the wall, squeezing your eyes shut. Even in consciousness, the man, burned and ruined, appeared beneath your eyelids, tears and blood mixing patterns on his face. 

“Which one was it?” he asked in a whisper, shifting a little to sit against the wall next to you. You were silent, ashen-faced beside him. “Which one?” he asked again. 

“I don’t see why that’s important.” You looked at the painting, the countryside of greens and golds. “I need to train to make them go away.”

“Damn it, y/n.” he tangled his hands into his hair, tugging harshly. “Just tell me.” There was silence for a long time.

Until,

"He breathed fire. Remember?"

Jeongin looked at you sadly.

He remembered. God, he remembered them all, and he remembered your face every time you saw what he did. Hopeless and desperate.

What was the use of being a prince if he couldn’t even control his own life?

He insisted on knowing your dream because he wanted to feel the guilt that you felt. He wanted to feel all the shame and self-loathing, because he deserved it. They were all a culmination of his work. He deserved it more than you, at any rate.

The man’s name was Micah. His crime, serving the queen tea that was too hot. She burned her tongue, and in return, Jeongin burned him. Literally.

Jeongin remembered Micah’s desperate convulsing during the first modification, the first burst of flame that almost caused him to die. But Jeongin, and his cursed genius, brought him to life again. When Micah sputtered to life again, his eyes crazed with agony and anger, he had burned the lab and all of Jeongin’s experiments to ashes. 

Jeongin thought that was fair. He had nearly killed Micah, then dragged him back from the brink of death, only to be killed again. Wrenched away any honor or self-respect that remained for the poor man. There are very little things worse than that.

“I need to train.” You repeated, voice was steady, if a little detached. 

Jeongin looked at you, then followed your gaze to the painting. The twisting in his chest became heavy, lowering into his stomach. He exhaled. 

“Okay.”

The following days were filled with hours spent in the training room, you at the center of the room with Changbin, Jeongin sitting against the wall with a notebook and a pencil, and preparations for the arrival of the Ohdrian delegation. 

The morning before the arrival of the delegation, you were summoned to the queen’s council chamber. When you entered the room, the entire council was seated at the long table, with the queen at the head and Jeongin at her right side. Looking up, the smile she gave you was big, every single tooth showing, with the enthusiastic air of someone who is unhinged. 

“Lady, y/n! So glad to see you.” She reached her right arm out imperiously and you walked towards her, knelt, and kissed her hand. It was rough and wrinkly as you ghosted your lips across it. 

“Your majesty.”

“My executioner.” she looked at you in the way someone might look at a very expensive car. You straightened up again. 

“Yes, lady y/n.” The queen’s closest advisor, Sehun, was the one who spoke. “Please have a seat. The council would like to discuss several matters regarding the Ohdrian delegation with you.” He pointed to the only empty seat at the table, on the left of the queen. You sat down. 

“Lady y/n,” Sehun began. “As you know, the delegation from Ohdria will be arriving tomorrow morning. The council recognizes that you are,uh…you prefer...solidarity within the castle, but we would like you to attend meals in the dining hall during their stay, in the name of respect.” He stopped there and waited for you to nod before continuing.

“In addition to meals, you are also required to attend every ball and event hosted by Wonderland.” You nodded again.

“Now," Sehun shifted in his seat ever so slightly. "we must discuss your duties as the kingdom’s executioner. We are planning executions for during meals, and Ohdria is bringing their own prisoners.Their executioner is also visiting, so you’ll get to meet them.” The queen nodded, assuming an all-knowing expression.

“This will be a good opportunity for you, my dear.” She smiled down the table at you. “You’ll finally get to meet someone like you!” 

‘Like you.’

You doubted they would be like you.

“Yes,” said Sehun dubiously. “How nice.”

“Ahem.” It was Soyeon, a sharp-eyed, brilliant and viciously gorgeous woman, one of the queen’s military strategists. “I seem to remember one more thing.”

“Oh, yes.” Sehun nodded. “We've arranged private showcases for the king of Ohdria and select close advisors. King Alvaro is bringing special prisoners, so that you and Prince Jeongin will have a chance to showcase your skills.”

You felt your blood running cold as the implications of the statement dawned on you. Jeongin seemed to be recognizing the same things across from you, and stiffened perceptibly. Sehun ignored this.

“Meaning, the prince will execute a genetic modification on the subjects, and you, my lady, will terminate them.” He turned to look at Soyeon. “Have I forgotten anything, general?”

“No, I think that’s it,” she replied. She turned to you. “Do you have any questions, Lady y/n?”

“I do,” said Jeongin.

Everyone turned to look at him, including you, surprised. He looked back at you.

“Of course. What is it, your highness?” Soyeon inclined her head towards him. 

“Why is it necessary for us - Lady y/n and I - to showcase our…skills? What does that have to do with our relationship with Ohdria?” There were mild titters from around the room. The queen rolled her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest. 

“Of course, you’re young, so it may not be immediately understood,” said Lord Jaehyun, a handsome man halfway down the table. “But you, your highness, are surprisingly clueless for a proclaimed genius.” More laughs from the councilors. 

Jeongin's eyes narrowed to slits.

“You forget your place, Lord Jaehyun, as do the rest of you.” Jeongin’s voice was hard and commanding, and the laughing faded rapidly. “Stop jesting and just answer the question from your prince.”

“Of course, your highness. Forgive me.” Jaehyun gave the prince a seated bow. “To answer your question, it is necessary to showcase your abilities because you are Wonderland’s greatest asset and Ohdria is a powerful nation, whom we would be well-served to befriend. Your abilities will show them what Wonderland has to offer. Lady y/n, on the other hand, would be a subtle reminder to the Ohdrians that Wonderland is a powerful nation, whom they would be wise to befriend."

“That, and we’re trying to marry you to Princess Laverne,” added Soyeon. Jeongin’s jaw dropped open. All the councilors looked taken aback. Sehun hurriedly attempted to settle Jeongin down, but the damage had already been done.

"Er, your highness. We were just going to-" Jeongin cut him off.

“You’re WHAT?! Why was I not informed of this?” He slammed his fist down onto the table. The queen gave a violent jump.

“Good heavens, darling! Please relax. Princess Laverne is a gorgeous girl.” She said this as if it settled everything, resting her hand on his arm.

Jeongin looked like he was resisting the urge to push her away. He just stared around the room in disbelief. Seeing the unamused expressions looking back at him, he stood up. 

“Very well. You all may do whatever you wish. Am I dismissed, mother?” He looked at the queen. 

“Of course, darling.” He left, door slamming behind him. “Don’t forget the mutations!” 

"General Soyeon," hissed Sehun, rounding on her. "Pray tell, why on earth did you think that was a good idea?"

"He's not a child, Duke Sehun. He should understand that his marriage would be made to benefit Wonderland," Soyeon returned sharply. "We should not treat him like a child, he needs to learn that his first duty is in matters of the nation." The queen, seemingly done with the meeting, was gazing up at the ceiling and twiddling her fingers.

"All that you say is true," Sehun agreed, "but don't you think you ought to have conferred with the council before disclosing such sensitive information? It seems to have distressed him."

Mingi, the council's historian, had been watching you for a while. He spoke up for the first time.

"Perhaps we shouldn't hold onto the lady, so as not to bore her with matters which do not concern her."

"A wonderful suggestion, Lord Mingi." Sehun turned to you. "Lady y/n, you are dismissed from this meeting unless you have questions."

You stood up, bowed to the room, and walked out after Jeongin.

Outside the room in the hallway, you became aware of your heart pounding in your chest and the buzz in your ears. You walked robotically through the castle in a daze. You weren’t really heading anywhere, but your feet lead you to the door of the training room. You found yourself staring at it blearily, wondering how you got there. You rested a shaky hand on the handle. 

When you opened the door, Jeongin was already inside, as if he knew you were coming. He sat against the wall in his normal spot, notebook and pencil lying at his feet, sitting with his elbows on his bent knees, head buried between his hands. He looked so small, so unlike a prince. You wanted to feel some empathy for him. He looked up and gave an empty smile when he saw you.

You moved closer to him as he ran his hands through his hair. You just stood there, unmoving, quiet, the only miniscule comfort you could provide. He buried his face in his hands again. After a second, his muffled voice spoke.

“You probably think I’m overreacting. I mean, it’s only marriage.” You pondered his statement. 

“You absolutely are. Why are you this upset?”

“You’ll think I’m ridiculous.” He leaned his head against the wall with his eyes closed, then opened one eye to peek at you. You only looked back. He sighed. “I would ruin her. I can’t love her. I can’t even pretend.”

“So?”

“Her life would be miserable.” You processed that, then your jaw dropped. "And it would make my life miserable. Well, more miserable."

“That’s what you’re worried about?!” You fought the urge to roll your eyes. Jeongin didn’t reply. “That is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard in my life. We ruin people’s lives all the time.”

“I ruin lives. You end them. It’s different.”

“How?” 

He looked up at you in disbelief for a second, then shook his head and looked back down. 

“You of all people should understand.”

“Care to spell it out for me?” He lifted his head to look at you. His features were carefully arranged in a neutral expression, but his eyes betrayed him, shiny and wet. His voice came out dark and quiet.

“Don’t you sometimes wish you were dead instead of this?” You looked at him carefully.

“Yeah.”

“Don’t you hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else?” You didn’t answer. “Don’t you?” You stared into those striking black eyes, glinting strangely. Your eyes flickered to the ceiling for a second. When you looked back down at him, they were steely and hard.

“You're asking if I’d ever wish this on anyone else.” He nodded. “I’ll answer you.” You leaned down until your face was level with his, looking him dead in the eyes. “I don't care. The whole world can go fuck itself for all I care.” You straightened up again. “Don't let that keep you up at night. Look what they made you.”

His eyes flickered to the ground. They stayed there. 

“Is that really what you think?” He looked back up at you.

“It is.”  

The Ohdrian delegation arrived the next morning. The queen stood on the steps to the palace, you on one side, Jeongin on the other. Behind you stood a large group of Diamonds and several of the queen’s Eights.

A Club from the watchtower came running up the path to the castle. He knelt down on one knee and bowed his head.

“Your majesty, the delegation of Ohdria has arrived. Permission to open the gates.” The queen grimaced.

“Of course, you fucktard. Would you have our guests just camp outside the walls?” The Club trembled.

“No, your majesty.” 

“Then go open the gate before I have you beheaded.”

“Yes, your majesty. Right away.” The Club stood up shakily, gave a low bow, and ran off. The queen poked the inside of her cheek with her tongue in annoyance.

Off in the distance, the main castle gate gave a loud groan. Slowly, the two halves of the door spread open, and the figures of the Ohdrians appeared. It was fifty or so people, nobles and court members on horseback, soldiers on foot. There were two big carriages, pulled by majestic-looking white horses. Servants held the reins of pack horses, heavily burdened with parcels and packages. The group slowly made its way through the sprawling front lawn, up the long path leading to the castle, and finally shuffle through the smaller courtyard gate with some difficulty. Beside you, the queen adjusted the crown on her head, fluffed up her enormous skirt, and arranged her features into a big smile. 

When the crowd finally came to a stop a few hundred yards away from the foot of the steps, the queen spread her arms wide in a welcoming gesture. 

“Welcome, good people of Ohdria. I am the Queen of Hearts, ruler of Wonderland!” The crowd split neatly in half down the middle, revealing the two carriages at the back of the delegation. The people on foot knelt to one knee, the people on horseback bowed their heads with respect. A man on a black horse, clad in sweeping brown robes and a strange looking hat-crown thing cleared his throat.

“Gracious hosts of Wonderland, the people of Ohdria thank you for your warm welcome.” His sonorous voice rang through the courtyard. “May I present to you, the crown princess of Ohdria, Laverne Wolfe, first of her name and fourth daughter of House Wolfe, and His Royal Majesty, the king of Ohdria, third of his name, seventh king of his House, Alvaro Wolfe.”

previous chapter//return to series masterlist//next chapter

#skz x reader #yang jeongin x you #jeongin au #jeongin fanfic #jeongin x y/n #jeongin x you #jeongin x reader #jeongin angst #skz ff #skz fic recs #skz fics #skz fanfic #skz jeongin #skz angst #stray kids recs #stray kids ff #stray kids fanfic #stray kids au #stray kids x you #stray kids x y/n #stray kids angst #skz au #kpop au #kpop fic #kpop ff #kpop angst

[bf-skz]

24 to 25 days of SKZMAS | December 16th - Jeongin

pairing: Yang Jeongin x Reader

genre: love at first sight

synopsis: Jeongin is kicking his 3rd year at JY Publsihing as an underpaid intern. Life could be a lot more enjoyable if he would at last recieve the position he has been dreaming of... but his usual coffee runs make it more bearable once a new barista starts working at his regural coffee shop.

warnings: -

words: 1056

16th day of SKZMAS

December 16th

Jeongin is standing out in front of the cafe shop, waiting for it to open. He is feeling a little silly as he stands there, the street fogged up and he can see his breath in the cold. During the last weeks, he has been visiting the store more and more, getting to know you. You told him yesterday that you will be doing the opening shift today and he was desperate to talk to you. All his little trips to the cafe were made better by your presence and that is why he is here now, two hours before he would start his own shift to talk to you in private. 

“Do interns start at 6am?” you ask as you arrive, standing behind him and you giggle a little as he jumps at the sound of your voice.

“Shoot, you scared me.” he grasps his jacket over his heart. “And for the record, it doesn’t say that I cannot come to work early.” 

“Whatever you prefer, handsome.” you shake your head with a grin and walk around him to open the coffee shop. You feel his eyes on you and you try to hide your smile. He is adorable…

“When do people usually come in here?” he wonders, taking off his jacket and hanging it up.

“Well, not at… 6:14am.” you tell him after a glance at the clock over the counter. To his little pout, you giggle. “Don't worry about it, yeah?” you wave it off and start doing your usual morning cleaning round. “We open at 6:30 but people usually start coming at around 7.” you tell him, wiping the counter, even though your coworkers cleaned everything up before closing last night. It doesn't hurt to be thorough, though.

“That’s perfect, then we can have coffee together. It's on me! Well, as long as you can make it.” he grins, leaning his hips against the counter and watching you from over his shoulder.

“From what I've seen so far, I would never let you make coffee behind my counter.” you joke, poking his shoulder playfully. “But sure, I think we could.” you say and you start on those right away. “How has your fight for a promotion been going?”

“It’s been going.” he lies through his teeth but you see right through him and after the look you give him, he goes on. “Not well. I don't think I'm ready yet.”

“Not ready for what?” you ask with a frown. “You've been an intern for years. Of course you are ready.”

“Maybe there is a reason I'm still an intern.” he shrugs. “Besides, if I weren't one, I might have never met you.”

“That's- you cannot compare these two things.” you say with a little frown, turning your back towards him. “That's your career, potentially your whole life… and I am just a barista.”

“Just? You should aim to be the manager here then.” Jeongin hypes you up with a smile.

“I could… but I'm not sure that's what I want.” you say with a shrug, pouring coffee for the two of you. “I like doing this. Serving people, making them smile, the small talk and the hands-on work. It's the best place for me.”

“If you say so. I would support you though. Imagine us two, climbing the corporate ladder, hand in hand.” Jeongin sighs, and the sweet aroma of the freshly brewed coffee hits his nose, shaking him awake.

“You are such a dreamer, little boy.” you say with a chuckle. You walk around the counter to place a mug in front of him, then sit down at the table. “I really like that about you.”

“Too bad I only daydream but never act.” he sighs, sitting down opposite to you. “You are very down to earth. I like that too.”

“We are a good match, wouldn't you say?” you ask, and watch his pretty face for a second, before adding. “I think you should stand up for yourself more, though. You will get that promotion, you just have to show them you are serious and they would be stupid to let someone as loyal and smart as you go!”

“I’m not sure… I don’t think they would lose much if they fire me since they only look at me as an intern anyways.” he sighs, taking a sip of coffee. “Uh lord, this is heavenly.”

“Well, but you know how everything works at the company. You probably have great connections, since you get coffee for so many different people. You are already someone who they can trust and with your brain, they could train you for any work, I'm sure!” you say, trying your best to fire him up. “Gosh, Jeongin, try to believe in yourself just half as much as I believe in you!”

“Stop being so nice to me.” he whines but his grin is unmatchable. “Your words are really… giving me a lot of energy. Listen, let’s make a deal.” 

“I'm listening.” you nod, smiling back at him. His smile is so gorgeous.

“I will try to ask for that promotion and you will aim for a higher goal than ‘just being a barista’.” he draws air quotes in the air as he repeats your words with a cheeky grin. “And we promise to support each other through it all.”

“Ah… how could I say no to that?” you ask, and his childish glee makes you laugh out loud. “I can't wait to see you slowly become CEO.” you add with a wink.

“And I can’t wait to see you own this place and many others.” he smiles to and that’s when the little bell above the entrance dings, signaling a new customer’s arrival. “That is your que to leave, I assume.” he says with a sad pout. 

“Yup.” you stand up with a sigh, patting his hair. “Coming back at the usual time today?” you ask as you tie your apron behind your back.

“Yes.” Jeongin nods. “Unless I get fired.”

“Jeez, you won't! Just go, or else you'll be late.” you wave him off with a giggle, stepping behind the counter. You serve the customer, and you think you see him watching you fondly from the corner of your eye, but by the time you've taken the order, he is gone.

to be continued...

#yang jeongin #jeongin #i.n #stray kids #skz #jeongin au #jeongin fic #skz au #stray kids au #stray kids fic #skz fic #jeongin x reader #24 to 25 days of skzmas #skzmas #mymercury #yourandromeda #bf-skz

[strayflowersstarsandlove]

EVEN.MORE!dad!skz 💟

i- I'm here to feed into the baby fever? 😬 I'M SORRY I LOVE YOU ALL

Part 1 Part 2

🖤hyung line🖤

🖤maknae line🖤

#stray kids #skz #hanjisung #hyunjin #bang chan #lee minho #jeongin #changbin #lee felix #lee know #seungmin #han jisung #straykids au #skz scenarios #skz x reader #skz fluff #skz stay #skz imagines #skz fake texts #straykids #stray kids scenarios #straykids imagine #hwang hyunjin #stray kids fake texts #skz x you #skz x y/n #skz x oc #stray kids imagines #stray kids x y/n #stray kids x reader

[diddybok]

Asking best friend!stray kids for their password

all characters depicted in my writing are from my own imagination and do NOT in any way represent nor reflect the people in real life :)

➩pairing: ot8 x gn!reader

➩genre(s): fake texts

➩warnings: swearing

➩author’s note: i’m sick and tired of paying for shit. i need a sugar daddy.

chris

minho

changbin

hyunjin

jisung

felix

seungmin

jeongin

ʚ hope you enjoyed ^.^ you can support me by liking, commenting and reblogging! it is heavily appreciated ᵕ̈ ɞ

i do not permit my work to be translated or reposted in any way, thank you.

© 2023 diddybok

g.taglist: @spacegirlstuff @chengmeiauau

#stray kids #skz fanfic #skz #stray kids x gn reader #stray kids texts #skz texts #stray kids au #skz x gn reader #stray kids seungmin #stray kids felix #stray kids jeongin #stray kids hyunjin #stray kids changbin #stray kids han #stray kids minho #stray kids bang chan #stray kids x reader #skz x reader #stray kids fake texts #skz fake texts #another day another slay

[baby-yongbok]

BFF SKZ!Fake Texts - You accidentally send them a spicy photo❤️

Genre: Smut with some chunks of fluff

✨️Masterlist✨️

Warnings: Felix is super sweet, Cursing, Seungmin goes straight into dom mode, Mentions of breaking traffic rules (I feel like ya'll know this but please be a safe driver. please)

Chan

Minho/ Lee Know

Changbin

Hyunjin

Han Jisung

Felix

Seungmin

I.N/ Jeongin

#skz fake texts #stray kids fake texts #skz texts #skz x reader #stray kids x reader #skz imagines #skz scenarios #bang chan x reader #lee know x reader #changbin x reader #hyunjin x reader #han x reader #han jisung x reader #felix x reader #seungmin x reader #yang jeongin x reader #stray kids imagines #stray kids texts #skz au #skz #stray kids #stray kids scenarios #stray kids headcanons #skz smut #stray kids smut #skz ot8