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nuoyipeach · 3 months

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Take A Chance

Bae Joohyun X Johnny Suh

warnings: mentions of cheating

A smile plastered on Joohyun's face as she watched her friend fly the spoon of baby food around and make weird noises before landing the food into the confused toddler's mouth, her father then bouncing her on his lap with a soft yay. It was ridiculous how Seulgi and Taeyong changed as people the moment they had married, and almost entirely when they had their baby recently.

Yet it was something she yearned for. And if not for what happened a year ago, she reckoned she would have had the same change.

"Sorry Joohyun." Seulgi finally spoke again after having stopped for the time to feed the fussy baby. "So, what about it? It's gonna be just us adults, you know, friends only. We'll leave her with my parents."

Seulgi had proposed a night out for the friends, just the adults for old times sakes. Joohyun thought it was a good idea, but then realised this might be the first time she'd attend any gathering after an entire year. She dazed off thinking, and Taeyong suddenly poked her arm, making her turn to see the sad smile on his face.

"Don't be disheartened because of that." he knew what she was thinking about, and sighed nodding her head.

Taeyong was the one who caught her ex-husband first, along with Yuta. The two had gone out to meet some friends at a restaurant, when he caught sight of Donghae sitting at another table with a woman, and Taeyong knew it definitely wasn't Joohyun. He decided to ignore at first thinking maybe it's a formal meet or relative, but he couldn't, especially not when they were touching each other so much.

When they got up to leave, he dragged Yuta out with him to sneak behind and watched them entering the car together, and much to his dismay, kissing before driving off. Yuta's eyes widened, and the two went home to their women and discuss what should they do. They all knew Joohyun was as dedicated and loyal a wife as she was a friend, and they'd all hate to see her waste time on someone so horrible, but they also knew how this news would break her.

Seulgi decided they should think a little to which Taeyong and Sooyoung agreed, Yuta however ignored this and went to Joohyun the next day at her office, and told her everything.

Shocked was an understatement, everything around Joohyun had just shut off from her senses. The man she loved and committed her life to betrayed her. She wondered if it could be a misunderstanding or lie, but knowing Yuta she knew he'd never say or do anything without making sure of it first. She left early that day, went home, and as if to kill her even more, saw the woman in her house. It didn't take long before her friends arrived and helped her out of the situation, Taeyong luckily being a lawyer who helped her through the process quick and easy.

She was so ashamed, heartbroken, and full of hatred, that Joohyun refused to go out or meet anyone for the longest time, even avoiding family functions knowing relatives would ask questions.

It had been a year since then, and she knew her friends were only trying to help her out of the hole she had sunken into. She had known Seulgi, Taeyong and Sooyoung since highschool, then met Yuta and Wendy in college. Over the years they had become closest of friends, and while some ended up dating each other, Joohyun ended up getting asked out by Donghae, a coworker, during her internship. After five years of being together, including three years of marriage, she wondered where did it go wrong for him to betray her this way.

Putting all thoughts aside, she agreed to the gathering, and was soon getting ready for the night. Taeyong had arranged for them to meet up at a bar, just the friends and plus one for Wendy to bring her husband, who she met through a blind date back in university. The moment everyone had arrived, Yuta proposed a toast, as well as announcing his and Sooyoung's wedding date in two months, leading to a much louder cheer from them. They would be the last of the friends to finally tie the knot, but as happy as Joohyun was for them, she realised she'd become the only one single despite being the first to marry.

She again put all negative thoughts aside, and joined her friends in whatever they talked about as they kept the drinks coming. It wasn't long before some of them left for the dance floor, the girls urging Joohyun to let herself loose a little. Feeling a little drunk she decided to go for it and let herself go as her body flowed with the music.

A sudden push lead her to trip over her heels, but before she hit the floor, and arm had wrapped around her waist. "Are you OK?" she heard a man's voice, and finally looked to see who had helped her. She nodded, and the man pulled her to stand up while she fixed hersef.

She turned to him again and smiled. "Thanks."

"Bae Joohyun?" she stared in shock, a little scared but mostly confused, as the man mentioned her full name. "Oh my God it is you! It's me, Johnny, from basketball remember. You were my senior partner from the girl's team."

Joohyun stared even more confused, studying the man's face a little, until the memory clicked and she gasped excitedly. "Oh my God! You! Yes!" she watched a smile spread on Johnny's face before he suddenly hugged her. She stood a little shocked before laughing and hugging him back. "It's been so long!"

He let go and smiled at her, and she noticed the look on his face. "It really has. Let's sit and catch up?" he extended his hand, and she nodded accepting his offer. He lead her to a couple of empty seats at the bar and helped hoist her up the seat, then offered her a drink.

"Wow, I see you're still ever the gentleman." Joohyun chuckled, remembering how this man had the best manners back in college. She had been his basketball partner for the two years she studied there and grew close, but sadly lost contact after graduating and switching university. "God, it's been like eight years since we last saw each other."

"Yea, I've wondered what ever happened to you." he sat next to her, passing her one of the drinks served.

"Well, after diploma I went for a graduate, then started working in cosmetic product development... yea, that's all really." she kept a smile, though inside it felt like her conscious was scolding her for leaving out the whole Donghae part.

"Cool, I always knew you were gonna aim high." they shared a laugh as he spoke, and took sips of their drinks before he continued. "Well, I started working right after college, at this tech company. I'm still there, I made head of testing facilities recently actually."

"That is so amazing!" Joohyun exclaimed, genuinely amazed and happy for him. He shrugged, when the look in his eyes suddenly changed as she noticed his eyes follow her hand holding her glass, before looking back at her.

"So, are you single?" the question caught her off guard, her body going still as she wondered what or how to answer. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. Just noticed you had no ring on." Johnny quickly tried to explain himself, but she only felt like she couldn't drag on hiding her life like that.

Turning to him, she smiled, albeit sadly. "It's fine." she waved her hand, biting her bottom lip as she thought of her answer. "I guess you could say I recently am single." she looked to see his lips pursed as he nodded.

A sudden smile crept onto his face, which he failed to hide despite trying as his eyes met hers with a glint. "I don't know if you knew, but... I kinda crushed on you back then." he could only laugh at her reaction, her eyes wide followed by a awkward chuckle. "I know, it's weird saying it now. I thought you were so cool, smart, beautiful."

"Oh stop." she hid her face in one hand, the other hitting his shoulder playfully. Joohyun wasn't new to getting hit on, but hearing something like this from a past friend made her shy. Johnny could only laugh at her, before looking at her with a nervouse look.

"Actually... since you are single, maybe we could go out some time?"

Her mood halted again, a litte longer this time. Her eyes met his genuine ones, except hers were filled up shock, and a slight fear. She didn't know what she was scared of, but hearing someone ask her out suddenly made her feel upset. Despite how many times her therapist and friends told her not to let what happen ruin everything else, she couldn't help it, especially when it came to relationships.

Johnny seemingly waited, though she noticed his face had switched, as if he was scared he might have offended her or something. He was a good man, from what she remembered about Johnny, she wouldn't have been this hesitant if this was before everything that broke her.

Hastily she drank up the remainder of her drink, deciding to just be out right honest with him. "Johnny... you're a great guy, and honestly if it was some other universe I know I would have said yes right away. But..." she swallowed the lump in her throat, hand gripping her glass tighter as she tried to keep herself from breaking down in a public space. "I went through a divorce, a year ago. He... cheated on me. And I know I should move on and not let it affect my life so much, but I can't help it. We were together for 5 years overall, and having all that just thrown away like it meant nothing just..."

By now she couldn't help it as a soft sob left her, quickly turning away and covering her mouth to try holding it back. It must have been the alcohol and overflowing emotions, because she could feel she was not able to hold it in. Suddenly, a warm body enveloped her from one side, arms wrapped around her and pulling her into their chest tight, one hand rubbing up and down her exposed arm.

"Cry, don't try to hold it in. You need to feel it to really be able to move on." Johnny's deep voice resonated around her, any other sounds from the people or club having gone silent as she finally dropped her head and allowed her tears to escape.

A louder sob left her, followed by another, and before she could get any more Johnny quickly turned her head and pushed her face into his chest, covering over the sounds so that she didn't garner any unwanted attention. He took off his suit jacket and placed it over her from behind before hugging her again, arms tightening every time her body shook from the pain she felt inside.

It took a good few minutes before the crying stopped, Joohyun now simply resting against his body as she slowly picked back up her energy. Johnny's hands were more loose around her, one on her back while another patted her head. She sighed at the contact, not remembering when she last felt like this.

Definitely not any time around the end of her marriage.

Slowly she pushed out of his hold, taking the tissue off the counter to wipe her cheeks. "I'm so sorry..." her voice came out quiet and broken. "We just met again after so long, and the first thing I do is breakdown about my piece of shit ex-husband."

"Hey it's fine." Johnny pulled his seat closer and sat down, holding one of her hands in both his, smiling sympathetically. "Thing is, when I saw you tonight, my feelings that I thought were gone came back, and I thought I'd take a chance. But if you're still not ready for a relationship yet, I can wait."

She looked at him, shocked and confused by his words. "Why would you? For me? That's... not fair to you Johnny..."

He snickered shaking his head. "Then how about we stay in touch, for real. Keep up with each other from now on."

>>>

Her friends found her much later that night, but Johnny had left by then, and they had many mixed feelings about her interaction with him. Some saying break it off, others saying keep in touch, Joohyun in the end asked them to stop talking about it and that she needed some space. Truth was, after that episode of breaking down, she felt empty whenever something reminded her about her ex. Usually when reminded of him, she would experience sadness, pain in her chest.

But now as she walked past his favourite brand of coffee at the store, she felt nothing. A smile sneaked its way onto her face, and when she realised it she quickly walked away, weirded out by her own emotions. As she continued her grocery shopping, her phone dinged signaling an incoming message. She saw the name, and decided to just check it right away.

Johnny: hey, you free tomorrow?

hi, yea so far. why?

Johnny: lets hang out, meet me here [location attached]

It had been five days since their fated meeting, and since exchanging numbers, Johnny had texted her three times of simply asking how she was. Seeing this sudden invitation to hangout, she hesitated a little, thinking what could this mean. After a minute of mental debating, she huffed and decided to just go for it.

sure, what time?

Johnny: hows 4pm?

sounds good

Johnny: great! cant wait, bye

bye, see you

"OK, since it's a kinda last minute thing, go for casual." Sooyoung rummaged through Joohyun's closet, checking the clothes one by one. "Here, this top with white shorts would be perfect." she proceeded to pull out a green knitted top, full sleeved and cropped just a little, and some white jean shorts.

Joohyun stared at the selection, nodding without much expression and just proceeded to change while her friend continued to find matching jewellery and pick out the makeup. Her mind was too busy thinking about this meet up with Johnny, what were they doing, how would things go, why did he even ask her out like this.

She was sure after her breakdown he might not bother meeting someone still sad about a year old divorce, but now she was nervous actually seeing him again.

Not long after Joohyun was driving herself to the location Johnny had sent. She had checked and seen it was around the mall, so they must be going inside as she figured. Reaching the place, she parked the car and sent him a text announcing her arrival, and he immediately responded to meet in front of a specific restaurant inside.

Still confused, she followed his instructions, and soon saw Johnny standing in front of the place looking around as if to find her. Which was true because the moment he saw her, he smiled and jogged over.

"Glad you could make it." he gave her a quick hug, to which she responded trying not to think too much of it. "Come on, it's gonna be fun." he took her hand and tugged her along across the mall.

"Where are we going?" she finally asked.

"It'll be fun, trust me." he winked, and she smiled a little unsure in response. Though her expression immediately switched once he stopped in front of an arcade, both kids and adults buzzing around noisily adding on to the sounds already coming from the games and machines. "Ta-da!" Johnny waved his arms around.

"Uhm... games?" she didn't know how to react, but he could only laugh noticing her very confused state. He took her hand and headed inside, getting tokens for them, then dragging her to the basketball game.

"Hope you remember your moves."

From basketball, to air hockey, to some on screen fishing game, Joohyun mindlessly followed the man around playing more arcade games. One thing for sure she knew, she was oddly enjoying it all. After the fishing, he tugged her to the whack-a-mole game next and handed her the hammer.

"I'm not very good at this." Joohyun said, despite getting in position to play. Suddenly his body enveloped her from behind, hands holding the hammer over her own, and she was glad he wouldn't notice her flushed face.

"I'll help." she held in a shiver when hearing his low voice right next to her ear. Before she knew it, he had already moved her to hit one mole, and she quickly put her attention back on the game. "Just imagine the thing, or person, you hate the most as the moles."

She didn't know if there's was a hidden motive under his words, but the moment her mind visualised her ex-husband as the face on the animals, a sudden surge of tenacity filled up inside her and she started hitting the toys with the best precision and speed. Johnny's hands were no longer on hers, but instead he held her arms to keep her steady as she really took out her frustrations on the arcade game.

As the game ended, with the colourful lights blinking and red numbers showed her score, Joohyun released relaxed breaths as she realised how much tension had left her body.

"Damn, I wouldn't ever wanna get on your bad side." she turned to Johnny as he joked, clapping at her successful play. "Let's try one more thing, I have a couple of tokens left." he took her hand and guided her through the arcade in search for something to use up the remaining tokens, all the while Joohyun remained empty minded. It had been more than a year, and as much as she thought she was over the anger, today's actions proved her otherwise.

She looked up as they came to a halt I'm front of a bright white box. "Photo booth?" she said aloud when seeing all the pictures people had stuck. She turned to Johnny who shrugged, showing that it costed just enough to use up the last couple of tokens. Biting her lip, she let out a sheepish smile and nodded, glad he seemed happy as he pulled her in along with him.

They took three shots, and Johnny took his time carefully editing them adding stickers and quotes before letting them print two copies. He took them from the dispenser and showed Joohyun, who didn't realise how much she had been smiling until she saw the photo strips.

The last one they took, Johnny had an arm around her shoulder and their heads just touched. She remembered how spontaneous it was that it made her smile so much.

"This is a big keep." she looked at Johnny as he spoke, putting his strip into his wallet. She felt a weird tug in her chest noticing that, but thought nothing of it as they left the arcade. Although it still played in her mind continously as they ate a quick dinner, and when he walked her to her car, and even as she laid in bed at home, she couldn't erase the feeling she had when with Johnny the entire day.

>>>

For three months, Johnny had been calling her up and taking her out on spontaneous outings. She didn't know of she could classify these as dates knowing she set her boundary about not getting into relationships yet, and so far he's kept to it.

But every time Joohyun goes home, she finds herself thinking back to their time spent together and smiles to herself. She tried hard to snap out of it and suppress this weird feeling, but it never works as they're soon out together again for something as simple as lunch at a cafe. This night as she looked at herself in the mirror while doing her nightly routine, she thought about herself.

She hasn't felt this good in so long, she forgot when was the last time she put in the effort to look good on a daily basis. It made her feel good inside and out, seeing her nails done, her hair styled, and most importantly, her skin was back to its highest health.

All thanks to the company of one person.

"Are you sure about this?" she sighed hearing Seulgi's voice in the group call, along with Wendy and Sooyoung. "I just want you to make this a clear conscious decision. You're not looking for a rebound Joohyun, remember that, it'll only hurt you again."

"I know." Joohyun held her phone in her hand, her chat with Johnny opened for the past five minutes as she talked to her friends. "He's helped me throughout so much... even after I told him I'm not ready."

Wendy spoke up this time. "How about one date first Joo? And tell him exactly so. You wanna go on one date with him, and if it really ends well for you you'll continue the relationship."

"What if it doesn't?" the question Joohyun feared the most. "What if I don't like him that way, but I don't want to lose him at the same time..."

"You will." Sooyoung's determined voice caught her off guard. "Joo I've been dressing you almost every date, and trust me, I've never seen you this excited to meet someone before. Even with... you know." she cleared her throat, all girls knowing exactly what she meant.

Joohyun thought about it, and figured her friends were all right. All she had to do now was take the step and give this man a chance. Their feelings were pretty clear to her at least, all that's left was to see how he would treat her. Sighing, she finally typed away into the chat.

hey Johnny, would you like to go on a date Friday night?

Johnny: yes! dinner and dance?

"Wow he's fast..." she mumbled, loud enough for her friends to hear and laugh at how smitten this man seemed to be. She shushed them before continuing.

sure, how's 7pm?

Johnny: perfect! I'll pick you up then :D

>>>

Despite dressing up for all her previous outings with him, Joohyun still felt shy at her current choice. Or more like her friends' choices. Sooyoung picked her a short satin red dress with spaghetti straps, and a cropped black blazer over it. Seulgi picked for her black sandal heels wrapped around her ankle. Wendy finally added on tips for her makeup and hair, all kept simple yet sultry.

They knew exactly what Joohyun liked, and she was glad their help made her look and feel confident. But all that confidence washed away the moment she received Johnny's call that he was waiting downstairs. Taking a last glance at herself, and a few deep breaths to calm, she headed down to the elevator to meet him in front of her apartment.

The moment she stepped out of the building she caught Johnny standing outside his car, staring intently at her. She bit her lip, and grabbed her purse strap tighter as she slowly made her way to him.

"Wow." Johnny awed, eyes studying hers as she stopped in front of him and smiled back shyly. "You look great." he carefully held her hand, eyeing her expressions, before suddenly dipping down and left a soft lingering kiss on her cheek. "Hope that's OK?" he whispered pulling away, to which she quickly smiled and nodded.

They headed out for dinner at a fancy restaurant, throughout which Johnny had been the most gentlemanly she had experienced from anyone. He helped her with her chair, let her order first, and even pick their wine. As they spoke, she noted how he'd attentively listen to her, reacting when needed, and whenever he spoke he would maintain eye contact with her.

Everything about him captivated her.

And a dinner date felt too boring for her to spend time with him. As they finished eating, Joohyun set her cutlery down and looked up at him.

"Johnny." she called, to which he hummed in response, a little nervously albeit. "Shall we go to a bar after this? Maybe the one we met?"

"All of a sudden?" he chuckled, confused by her sudden plan.

Joohyun nodded enthusiastic. "I really like spending time with you, and I feel like it would be fun for us, if you'd like to I mean." she watched his expression as he seemed to think through, relieved when he smiled and nodded.

To his entertainment, Joohyun was quick to start enjoying herself as she made her way to the dance floor upon entering the bar. Johnny got them drinks, and once finishing it, he placed both their empty glasses back at the counter, all the time keeping her close within his sight.

"Come on Johnny!" he laughed as his date grabbed his hand and pulled him closer to the crowd, before she started waving herself around. He couldn't believe this was the same woman who was all shy before, and loved every bit of her fun side as he did her normal.

Joohyun couldn't have been any happier. She couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun with a man. As far as she could remember, her ex wasn't someone who enjoyed such things, meaning she had to cut back on wild parties with her friends way before they even got busy. But with Johnny, she couldn't stop smiling watching him match with her energy, while also making sure she was safe in her spot.

At some point she spun around so fast, she tripped and bumped right into him, Johnny catching her with his body and arms as they both shared a laugh. She knew she was intoxicated, but not so much to miss the look in his eyes as she stared at him in a daze. He had his arms around her waist while her hands held his shirt, and suddenly she felt all warm and fuzzy.

Johnny was definitely caught of guard when she suddenly relaxed into his hold, leaning herself against his chest as her arms went around his torso. He didn't mind it though, instead he was glad she felt safe and comfortable in his arms as she hummed when he moved them side to side to the music.

He chuckled when feeling her weight getting heavier against him. "Alright, wild girl, let's get you home. Hmm?" he waited until she nodded against his chest, and gently scooped her up in his arms before heading out to his car. He sat her in and buckled her up before getting in himself and driving back to her apartment, where he carried her on his back up to her door. "Passcode?"

"Five... two... six... five..." she mumbled against his neck, and he shook his head laughing as he put in the numbers and went through the door.

He took his shoes of first, then hers, then entered until the living room where he finally put her down to stand. "Alright, where's your room? You should wash up before going to bed." he instructed her, but was met with a sleepy pout and head shake.

"I don't wanna..." she pushed off his hands and stumbled to the couch. "Too tired..."

"Oh Joohyun." the man shook his head, both disappointed and humoured by her behaviour. He decided to just make her stand himself, figured out which was her bedroom, then pushed her towards it, and to the bathroom. "Alright, I'll stand right here, and you get washed first. No sleeping until you're cleaned."

With a whine, Joohyun shut the door, and he sighed in relief when hearing the water running. Johnny really did stand at the door, smiling to himself as he wondered how much he loved this woman. He wasn't going to admit it just yet, knowing it was too soon for either of them, but he already knew he did. After all those makeshift dates, and today's real one that turned so wild and fun, he couldn't help think about the woman on the other side of the door being one of a kind to him.

And he loved anything one of a kind.

The door opened, and he looked to see she had changed into her pyjamas that she left in her bathroom earlier that day. "There we go, fresh and clean." he held her face and squished it, laughing when she furrowed her brows at him. "Go on, get in bed."

"Wait..." she stopped him pushing her, suddenly holding both his hands. Johnny looked at her, confused by the sudden shift in her mood as she stared back nervously. "Will you... stay the night?"

Even more caught off guard, Johnny for the first time staggered. "Do you, uhm, want me to? Or not?" he asked. Joohyun looked down, biting her lips, before looking back up and nodded. "Sure then, if you're alright with it." he took her hand again and lead her to her bed, helping her get in and tucking her in her blanket. He wasn't sure what to do himself, so just sat on the empty side next to her, when she patted the other pillow.

"You can lay here..." she mumbled sleepily, to which he nodded and laid down next to her. "Thank you for everything Johnny..." she spoke through a sleepy smile.

Johnny smiled back, turning onto his side to face her, his hand unconsciously tracing the sides of her face. "I'm glad you had a great time." he whispered, keeping his voice low so as to not break her trance.

"I'm sorry it took me so long..." his smiled disappeared at her words, confusion and worry displayed instead. "I know it was unfair to you... but you made me realise I was still hanging onto the anger... and you helped me leave it... I feel ready to move on with my life, with you..."

Even in her sleepy daze, Joohyun noticed the surprised look on his face with his brows raised, causing her to smile lazily as she stretched her back and suddenly shifted closer to him. Johnny's hand on her face remained, this time combing through her hair.

She looked at him a little seriously. "Are we on the same page?" she asked, her eyes like a doe's.

"On what?"

"I can't guarantee how soon... but I like you, a lot... enough to maybe get married?" a sudden lump stuck in her throat. "But I'm scared... if you're not with me... or if the same thing happens again..."

Johnny didn't know how to react. He did think this far into his future, but it was more of a what if thing than serious consideration. Now knowing she had similar thoughts changes everything. They were both old enough to make these decisions with complete assurance, and he did want to settle down soon himself.

He cupped her face, rubbing his thumb against her cheek. "Sleep Joohyun. You're drunk and sleepy, you'll need a clearer head for these things." he smiled, pinching her cheek to keep her from getting sad before he continued.

"But I do promise, if when you're ready, I'll be there for you. I'd be a lucky man to marry someone like you. And I promise I'd never do anything to hurt you. Anyone who betrays a person they've made a commitment to are assholes, and don't deserve someone as amazing as you."

With a smile, and a tear welling in her eye, Joohyun finally shut her eyes and within a minute was fast asleep. Unable to help himself, Johnny left a soft kiss on her forehead before closing his eyes as well, his hand still cupping her face, a few last thoughts about the woman in front of him circling his mind.

Especially how he can't wait for her to progress even further, and he'd be there for her every step of the way and in the end.

>>>

Hello anon! I was honestly excited cuz it's my first time getting a JohnRene request so thank you for that😊 I hope you enjoyed the story, tho ngl I myself found the ending a little lacking, so maybe a part2?🤔 idk yet but if ur up for it lmk hahah again thank you for the request & I hope you liked it❤️

#nct #nct 127 #red velvet #kpop fanfic #nctvelvet #fluff #angst #bae joohyun #red velvet irene #johnny suh #seo youngho #nct johnny #romance #nct fanfic #red velvet fanfic

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sasakihimari · 1 year

Text

←Part One, Strangers 2 Lovers

Lovers 2 Strangers

Warning: mature language; mentions of domestic violence; weapon usage

Genre: angst, fluff

Characters: kang seulgi; sasaki himari (original character portrayed by hirai momo)

Summary: What happens when two lovers bump into each other years later? Will their love resurface? Or will they be strangers to each other?

Author's note: Sasaki Himari is a character my sister and best friend created for different motives, however I have decided to use her with the intention to portray the reader being involved in the story for my fanfics simply because I adore the character and want to give her some exposure. You may replace her name with yours if it is of your preference, I just have a hard time continuously writing [Y/N] for an entire fanfic and figured this would be a easier way to do a Character x Reader fanfic.

Caution: Please keep in mind that I do not mean any hate towards any idol that might be mentioned in this fanfic and every idol's personality will be adapted and changed accordingly to fit the storyline. I love all the girls mentioned and would never speak ill of anyone.

Word Count: 9364

Now without further adue, let's get started...

❝Hana!❞ she cried out rushing behind the little infant, who ran around the house on tiny wobbly legs. ❝Be careful!❞ she'd cry out every time her heart dropped to her stomach as she watched the infant lose balance.

Sighing, Sasaki plopped down on the couch, absolutely exhausted, as the infant rested upstairs finally out for her afternoon nap. When Min and Kim had mentioned several times how having a child was no joke, she didn't fully take them seriously. And it wasn't that she regretted having Hana, but she certainly regretted not having their words taken into consideration to prepare herself.

Cherry 🍒 chat opened

Kyong, Ji-eun, Su-jin, Ae-ra and Mari

Ae-ra: [attachment photo]

Su-jin: Congrats on the pregnancy!

Ji-eun: Oh my, congrats!

Mari: Congratulations! And good luck.

Ji-eun: Oh! This reminds me! How's life going, unnie?

Mari: ... -_-

Kyong: Congrats!

Cherry 🍒 chat closed

Tossing her phone aside, Min let out a happy sigh as her head rested against her husband's chest. Their little ones both in school. Miyoung had just started first grade and DaeSeong was now in forth grade.

❝Jagi?❞ her voice soft, sleepy even as she tilted her head just enough to look at him and he looked down to let her continue, ❝I've been thinking... We have an extra guest room that's never been used.. what if I invite Mari to spend a few days here? Me and the girls haven't seen her since we left Seul. All of us can easily meet up since we don't live too far away but her.❞

❝Of course, honey. Just let me know when she's coming over. I know you miss her with her being all the way over in Japan.❞ he said offering her a tender smile before pressing a gentle kiss upon her head. Of course that she quickly stretched over to grab the phone she previously tossed. She dialed Himari's number and waited. Ringing once, twice...

❝GAH! No, no, no!❞ she rushed to answer the phone before the loud noise woke her infant from the nap, ❝I would have murdered you if Hana had woken up.❞ It was the first thing she said the second she had brought the phone up to her ear.

❝Geez, is that how you great your bestie?❞ she heard from the other line, followed by her best friend's laughter.

❝Is everything alright?❞ Sasaki asked now calmer, a sigh of relief escaping her lips as she checked the little screen on the baby monitor and Hana seemed unbothered.

❝Yes, yes! Everything's fine. Anyways, I'll go straight to the point. I've been thinking and I've talked to Changbin about it and he's on board with it so, what are your plans for the next few months?❞ Ji-eun spoke, a little too fast, which tented to happen when she was excited, earning herself a giggle from Himari.

❝Um.. I'm on family leave for indefinite time? Why?❞ a brow wrinkled as she awaited an answer. To say that she was confused would most definitely be an understatement, the tall female was beyond lost.

❝Why don't you and Hana come stay over for a few weeks? We can go out for lunch for the rest of the girls! And you can explore South Korea with Hana this time!❞ she squealed, nearly deafening the poor brunette on the other side of the call.

Himari paused. Going back to Korea could lead to a whole black hole of possibilities. Would she be okay if she accidentally ran into Seulgi? Would she breakdown? What if Seulgi had completely changed? But she missed them, all the cherry girls and the Red Velvet girls. But she'd never dare to meet with any of Red Velvet members.

❝Hello? Mari? You there? Hello?❞

❝Shit, um sorry... Um, sure. I would love to.❞ She said and Min let out a deafening squeak.

❝I'll see you tomorrow!❞ she exclaimed making Sasaki's eyes to open as wide as ever. Tomorrow!? How was she supposed to pack for her and Hana plus get tickets in such short notice!? To say that she panicked was.. being nice. The girl tossed the phone on the couch leaving Ji-eun talking to herself as she rushed to her computer to buy tickets.

Once purchased, Himari rushed into her room as quietly yet quickly as she could pulling out her suitcase from the walk-in closet and throwing it open on the bed before she started going through her clothes. Packing quite a few outfits for the following weeks she'd be away but before she could finish, the loud, deafening cries of the lungful infant were made heard down the hall and she threw whatever she was holding to the bed for further analysis as she went into Hana's yellow themed nursery.

❝Shhh, it's okay, mama's here.❞ she'd sooth as she scooped the child into her arms, pressing a kiss to her forehead as she walked to the armchair in the corner, sitting down and allowing the infant to latch herself to her breast. The phonecall never once crossed her mind again and if Ji-eun was awaiting her return, she could sit there all day. ❝Mama's taking you to see a new place, isn't that exciting?❞ she spoke ever so softly, a warm smile on her lips as her eyes met Hana's tiny orbs that lovingly stared up at her as she ate, all you could hear from her were little content coos muffled by the chest of her mother. Her little fingers wrapped around Sasaki's index finger.

Burping her as Hana finally released her food source, Sasaki sat her in the rather big playground on an opposite corner of the room for Hana to play while she reached for a second suitcase to pack Hana's clothes, diapers, wipes, hygiene products such as baby oil, shampoo and body wash to a baby toothbrush and toothpaste to brush the very few teeth she had, a few teething toys and little blankets. Of course she then prepared her daughter's bag with diapers, wipes and creams for her to bring with her into the plane as well as a backpack with her wallet, iPad and her Huawei phone.

Of course she had bought tickets for tomorrow at 5am, out of pure luck they were the only ones available. So now it was past midnight and she couldn't seem to put Hana to sleep so she could get some rest. But she had to be up as early as three in the morning to be at the airport by four.

Finally having set Hana in her crib out cold, she flopped onto the queen sized bed of her bedroom, falling asleep as fast as a snap of a finger. She was exhausted so it wasn't hard.

With the tiny asleep infant attached to her chest by the baby carrier, Himari had checked in and the suitcases had been taken from her with her respective identification on the handles and was now in line to board the plane. In a way, it came in handy it took her so long to put Hana down because now the little girl slept peacefully as her head rested on Sasaki's chest but on the downside, she was exhausted, an hour and a half of sleep barely did her any difference than having pulled an all nighter.

Upon landing, she went to collect her suitcases, a crying infant attached to her. The flight was two and a half hours long and Hana had awoken on the last half hour left. She had fed her as well as changed her, but Hana was in discomfort due to the new teeth pushing through the gums.

❝Shhh, it's okay, mama knows, sweet girl.❞ She'd say in an attempt to sooth her as she looked for the girls. When her eyes saw them, a bright smile plastered across her face, ❝You're gonna meet some of mommy's bestest friends today.❞

❝Mari!❞Ae-ra and Ji-eun exclaimed running towards her and she couldn't help but to chuckle at the excitement written all over the two girls' faces. The recently completed one years old infant seemed to hush, her tine hands grasping her mother's shirt in her fists.

❝Hi! I've missed you, guys!❞ Sasaki said with a smile as Kyong and Su-jin approached them. Of course that followed by them came a stranger she'd ever only seen from pictures. Changbin, Ji-eun's husband and two little angels holding each of his hands, ❝Is that your husband?❞ she playfully asked, ❝Pleasure to finally meet you, I've heard plenty about you.❞ she said now turned to him, setting down one of her suitcases to hold out her hand.

He chuckled, taking her hand, ❝Same goes around, my wife blabs alot about how you're the only one who doesn't live in Korea and she hasn't seen in years. It is nice to finally meet you.❞

As Ally took the children's hands, he insisted on helping Mari with the suitcases since she already carried an infant, a backpack and her daughter's bag, ❝It's not needed, seriou-❞ before she could even finish, he had already taken them and walked away making Min and the kids chuckle before she gestured with her head for you to follow them.

Ally strapped the kids to their respective carseats and hopped into the passenger's seat of the seven seat car next to the driver's seat. Sasaki strapped Hana to the little baby carseat they had installed for her. It was Miyoung's old carseat.

❝You really thought of everything, huh?❞ Sasaki chuckled, hopping into the seat next to her daughter's carseat.

❝Of course, it was my idea.❞ she laughed, looking back over her shoulder and once everyone was buckled up, her husband took off. Kyong, Su-jin and Ae-ra had already hopped into their cars and driven off to meet with them at Ally's house.

Pulling into their driveway, Mari found herself dumbfounded. And she thought her house was large.

❝We got one of our kids' old crib in your room so Hana can have her sleep, as well as the baby monitor. Don't ask, okay? We had been trying to gain the courage to give it to people but we just couldn't part with our kids'things.❞ she said as Himari hopped off the car and picked Hana into her arms. She grabbed her backpack and Hana's bag before going to get her suitcases only for Changbin to have taken them already.

❝Seriously, you need to tell your husband to chill. I'm not fragile.❞ Himari stated, half joking half honest, she didn't want to be a bother to anyone. He was already nice enough to have agreed to Ji-eun inviting Mari over for a couple weeks.

❝He's always like that. So get ready. He barely lets me do anything around the house as if I don't kick asses for a living.❞ she said with a chuckle, she had grown used to it and honestly it didn't mind her as much as it used to.

They all sat at the dining table. And by all I mean the Cherry girls along with their families while Hana sat in the highchair next to her mother's seat.

❝I'm so glad to see you less gloomy. Deciding to have a kid of your own to raise by yourself did you some good.❞ Su-jin teased, stuffing her mouth with the last bit of food in her plate.

❝Yeah, I agree. Don't you think it is time you find someone tho?❞ Kyong made the mistake of speaking without thinking and Sasaki's smile vanished without a trace and she looked down at her plate, picking at the food.

❝Solar!❞ Min scolded, she knew better than to mention a touchy subject like live.

❝What!? She can't possibly be hang on Seulgi unnie still! It's been almost four years...❞ she didn't see what she had said wrong. But that earned her a 'just shut up' look from both Ji-eun and her husband. ❝Quit looking at me like that! I'm speaking fac-❞

❝Ssss-sss-Seulgi.❞ Himari's head jolted up with widened eyes as she blankly stared at her daughter as everyone fell silent. All the girls had widened eyes and shock written all over their faces.

❝Mama.. mshbf.. Seulgi!❞ the infant sloppily clapped her hands with little giggles and babbles. No one dared to open their mouth. ❝Seulgi! Mama!❞ she babbled again.

❝I- O-out of every word... H-Her name had to be your second word?❞ Himari stuttered out. She was proud her daughter had managed to speak another word but her heart ached at the sound of her name. Pressing a kiss to her daughter's forehead, she excused herself ❝Su-jin, could you keep an eye on her for a minute? ...Thank you, please excuse me.❞ she exited the dining room to take a deep breath. 'God damn you, Kyong... Why did you have to bring her up..?❞

Washing her face on the bathroom sink, Sasaki let out another frustrated yet hurt sigh. Her face was clean, however she couldn't hide the red, puffy eyes of hers from the tears she silently let go of. That's when someone knocked on the door.

❝Aunt Mari..?❞ the voice was soft, too soft to belong to an adult which made her frown and slowly open the door. The six year old ran to her, wrapping her arms around both legs of the adult.

❝Miyoung?❞ it came out as a question, confused with the situation.

❝No sad.❞ the little girl said looking up at her and Mari couldn't help but to let out a chuckle. Such a precious kid.

❝Alright, alright. No sad.❞ she chuckled taking Miyoung's hand as the two returned to the dining room. ❝Where's Hana?❞

❝Su-jin took her to change her diaper.❞ Ae-ra- answered with a soft smile and Sasaki nodded. Ji-eun and Changbin started gathering the plates and glasses and taking them to the kitchen loading them into the dishwasher. Sasaki nodded and went to find both her friend and her daughter.

❝There you are. I told you mommy would be quick, see?❞ the girl said in a baby voice, it was weird to see Su-jin act like that but Sasaki shook it off, letting out a soft chuckle as Su-jin handed Hana to her.

Time seemed to fly by as the five of them, along with their families talked and played games in the Mom's living room and now, they were bidding their goodbyes at one another. Before they knew it the sun had set, the kids were all asleep in their respective rooms and so was Ji-eun's husband out cold in their bed as the two girls laughed and talked outside, sitting on the porch' steps.

❝We should probably get some sleep.❞ Sasaki said with a chuckle as she looked at the watch embracing her wrist. They'd been sitting there for an hour now and it was getting late.

❝Oh shit. Right.❞ the two then went inside and wished each other a goodnight before they went their separate ways.

RIIIING RIIIING RIIIING

Groaning, Sasaki turned the alarm off before Hana woke up to it but it was too late as the infant started crying. Slipping her feet into the slippers by the bed and picking her daughter into her arms, ❝Shhh. It's alright, mommy's right here.❞ she rocked her gently in her arms as her cries softened until she started cooking up at her mother, ❝Only you to make mama happy this early in the morning.❞ Sasaki chuckled, pressing a kiss to her daughter's forehead before feeding her. Once fed, burped and changed, Himari sat her in the crib with a teething toy to go get ready for the day.

❝Good morning.❞ she greeted Changbin with a smile, Hana attached to her hip, ❝Is Ji-eun still asleep?❞ she asked him, who nodded his head making her shake her head. Still the same sleepyhead. ❝I'm gonna take Hana for a walk to let her see around. Maybe go to a park. Just in case she wakes up and asks.❞

He nodded, ❝Alright, I'll let her know. Do you want a stroller for Hana? I'm sure my wife still has Miyoung's somewhere in the basement.❞

❝Really? That would actually be great, she's quite heavy after a while. Gamsahapnida.❞ Sasaki chuckled.

❝Hold on then, I will be right back.❞ and with that said, he left only to return a few minutes later with a dark grey stroller, ❝Here you go, I knew she hadn't thrown it away.❞ he said as he mounted the stroller for her.

❝Oh- You didn't have to, thank you.❞ Sasaki said with a smile, setting Hana down on the stroller and securely strapping her. ❝Have you ever thought about why she might be keeping this stuff?❞

❝No? Because she's emotionally attached?❞ his brow wrinkled at the question.

❝Perhaps she wants another child?❞ she teased him and his eyes went wide.

❝Why? As she said anything? Has she told you that?❞ he panicked making her start laughing.

❝Relax, I'm just joking. She never mentioned anything... Or did she?❞ and the relieved sigh he was about to release turned into widening eyes yet again, ❝Anyways, bye! Thank you for the stroller and all the help!❞ and with that said she walked outside, leaving him to wonder what she could possibly mean with that.

Pushing the stroller around, Sasaki stopped by a park she was walking by. Since there didn't seem to be too many children, she walked over to a bench and unstrapped Hana from the car letting her wobbly run off to play around, ❝Be careful!❞ she cried out with her heart in her hands, the only kids there were on the other side of the park since they were much older than her infant. Sitting at the bench, she watched a couple of twins wobbly approach Hana who came running back to her mother, ❝It's okay, Hana. They want to play with you.❞ they seemed to be around her age.

That's when someone sat besides Sasaki, looking through what looked like a baby bag and Himari's eyes went wide and she quickly turned to watch Hana giggling and playing around with the twins.

❝Mari!?❞ the oh so familiar voice called out in shock. It had been too long since that day. Too much had happened, ❝I-Is that really you..?❞ her voice broke as Himari couldn't help herself but to look into those brown eyes. She hadn't changed a thing.

❝Seulgi...❞

❝W-When did you get back..? W-Why didn't you tell me..?❞ she asked, her voice low as she bit back the tears that flooded her vision.

❝Yesterday... Y-You broke up with me remember..?❞

Two years ago

Her phone dinged, indicating a text had been received and a smile quickly formed across the brunette's lips only to be replaced by a hurt expression as tears swarmed her eyes.

[From Bear🐻] I can't do this anymore... I'm sorry...

[From Bear🐻] I love you.

[From Bear🐻] But I can't live like this...

Too hurt, Sasaki threw her phone across the room with a scream. It hurt too much. For the next few weeks, she wouldn't even bother to eat. She just laid there, sulking into her bed.

And it took her a long time to pull herself together and go back to work, and it took her boss a lot more work to help her get through the heartbreak.

❝I- Mari... You know neither of us could keep living like that...❞

❝Do you know how long it took me to get back from that..? It took me months. I didn't want to do anything. I kept thinking "what if she hates me now?" "Did she really mean those three words?" "When did it go wrong? When did I do something wrong?" "It's my fault" "You deserve it". But I never got to know... Because all you said was you loved me and yet you left me.❞ her voice was low, hoarse from crying. ❝But I'm the stupid one here... because even after two years I look at you the same way I did when we were together. Because no matter how long it has been. You're still the one holding my heart.❞

Seulgi found herself speechless, unaware of what to say. She had never gotten over her herself, but she had to keep pushing through regardless.

Sasaki wiped her tears as Hana ran up to her holding the twins hands, all of them giggling.

❝Mama! Mama! Fwiends!❞ she babbled out. Seulgi's eyes went wide.

❝She- She looks just like you... I-❞ Seulgi stuttered out wiping her own tears.

❝Mama! Hana fwiend!❞ the little girl said with the brightest of smiles.

You have your mother's smile... Sasaki thought to herself.

❝We should get goi-❞

❝NO! Fwiends!❞ Hana yelled, throwing a tantrum before running off and the twins following her. Both Seulgi and Mari stood there with widened eyes.

❝I-❞ Hana had never thrown a tantrum before. She was always well behaved and always so shy and quiet. It had Sasaki beyond shock.

❝Mari...❞ Seulgi's voice called softly as Himari sat back down with the shock, ❝Who is he..?❞

❝None of your business. But fyi, like I told you. You're the one who holds my heart. I had Hana by myself.❞ she said, looking at her right in the eyes before looking away and down at her lap, ❝But had kids of your own, I hope you're happy.. I really do.❞

❝I'm not-❞

She started, but Mari was already walking over to scoop Hana up who began to kick and throw tantrums in her mother's arms.

❝Hana! Stop! I'm gonna drop you!❞ she cried out carrying her to the stroller.

❝No! Mama! Seulgi! Fwiends!❞ she cried kicking and hitting her mother and her eyes went wide.

❝Did she just-❞ Seulgi started, not knowing what to think of it.

❝It is not what you think.. Solar mentioned you yesterday at lunch and she started saying your name... Not that you would care anyways.❞ she coldly said, her voice sounded so hurt as she strapped her daughter in the stroller who threw a tantrum.

❝Seulgi! Fwiends!❞ the infant cried pointing at Seulgi herself who had the twins next to her now.

❝H-How-❞ Sasaki stuttered out frozen in place. This couldn't be happening. Seulgi seemed just as shocked sitting there blinking at the infant who freed herself and attached herself to the unknown woman. Unknown to her, that is.

❝Hana, Ally's waiting for us.❞ she tried but the kid didn't seem to budge from Seulgi's leg.

❝Sweetie.. you have to go with your mama...❞ Seulgi tried but the infant took hold of one of Seulgi's fingers trying to pull her up to go with them.

Why did you have to be such a cute bear..? Himari sighed watching as Hana attempted to drag her and Seulgi seemed to compell to her wishes.

❝You- You still think I'm cute..?❞ Seulgi had frozen in her tracks and her words made Sasaki freeze too. Had she thought out loud? Had those words truly left her mouth? How could she be so stupid? ❝I think we should talk... Straighten things out between us...❞

Yeah, straighten isn't the best choice of words... We both know there's nothing straight about neither of us... Himari's eyes widened watching as a pink shade coated Seulgi's cheeks. Cute...

She would go back to her in a heartbeat... And everything would be different. She'd stay. As long as she got to keep her, she'd stay. She'd find another job. But she isn't a homewrecker, she couldn't. She wouldn't even dare to try to get her back. She has a family now, and she? She wasn't part of it. And she will never be.

❝There's nothing I have to say to you. Just- Be happy for me, will you?❞ she collected Hana, setting her on her hip and this time she didn't try to get away, she blinked up at her mother with teary eyes.

❝S-Seulgi bad? Fwiends bad?❞ the little kid babbled trying to understand why her mother seemed to want to walk away from them.

❝No, honey. Your friends aren't bad... They have a wonderful mama. Ally is waiting for us, that's all. The infant nodded then pointing at the stroller Mari pushed with her free hand. She sighed and sat her down, securing her daughter with the straps of the stroller.

I'm sorry Seulgi-ah... I love you... But I can't have you.

With tearstained cheeks, the two girls got back to Min's place and Ji-eun came rushing to the front door with a smile that instantly disappeared watch both the infant and her mother's tearstained cheeks.

❝Wha-What happened!?❞ she exclaimed out of concern. What could have possibly made her cry- No way... She couldn't have.. no, that's impossible. What are the chances..? Ji-eun thought to herself before rushing them into the living room where Changbin sat. ❝Jagi, could you please watch over Hana for a few?❞ once he agreed, she took Sasaki's wrist and dragged her towards her room upstairs making her stumbled all the way there.

❝Yah! Are you out of your mind!?❞ she grumbled freeing herself from Min's hold, rubbing her wrist, ❝Aish...❞

❝You saw her, didn't you?❞ she went straight to the point. Catching her off guard with that question, Sasaki lost balance, stumbling back as she fell into Ji-eun's bed. ❝Oh my God! You did! What happened!? Are those happy or sad tears!?❞

❝... Do I look happy to you? Tsk. What kind of question is that? It's been too long.❞

❝So? You love her, don't you?❞ Ji-eun asked with a tilted head, unsure of what seemed to be the problem.

❝So? It doesn't change anything. She broke up with me. To start a family. With someone else.❞ her hands clutched into fists as she clenched her jaw. As much as she wanted to be happy for her, her heart still ached. She was jealous. She wanted to marry her back then.

Three years ago, South Korea

❝Promise?❞

❝Promise.❞

Her fingers brushed through the beautiful brunette locks of her girlfriend's. She hadn't felt this at peace since her childhood when money wouldn't even cross her mind.

"I will marry you someday." Mari thought to herself as she looked down, gazing into her girlfriend's brown orbs. Everything about her was just so perfect.

❝Jagi? What are you thinking about?❞ she asked poking her nose as she stared up at her, her head on Sasaki's legs.

❝Hm? Oh, nothing. Just of how beautiful my girl is.❞ she said with a tender smile and Seulgi's cheeks were coated by a bright shade of pink.

She couldn't think of Seulgi laying with someone else without it making her want to punch them. But she would never do that to her. Seulgi didn't deserve that, no matter how much it had broken her.

Meanwhile at Kang's household, Seulgi had gotten home with the twins, tearstained cheeks on the three of them. The second her husband appeared, she quickly tried to wipe their tears as well as their own. But it was too late and he had seen them already, clutching his hands into balls.

❝Su-ryeon, Seok-hun.. go play.❞ his voice hoarse with anger as he pointed at the door of their playroom and the two infants nodded before wobbly running into the room. With the baby monitor on, he closed the door and stormed towards Seulgi who immediately flinched, closing her eyes ready for the impact.

He took a tight grip around her wrist before dragging her upstairs to their shared bedroom, ❝O-Ow! Y-You're hurting me!❞ and he smirked at that.

❝WHAT. DID. YOU. DO. TO. THEM!?❞ he yelled at her, slapping her between every word and tears quickly swarmed her eyes yet again.

❝I-I didn't d-do anything! I-I swear! I-I took them t-to the park and they met a li-little girl but the other mother had to lea-eave.❞ she cried out, trying to explain herself only to get a punch to her stomach. She fell onto the floor coughing up blood as she held onto her stomach.

❝Shut up! I should have taken them from you! You. Are. An. Awful. Mother.❞ he spit it out at her, kicking her yet again, he knew what those words did to her and it made him smirk.

She was silent, a few whimpers accidentally escaping her as he kicked her again before yanking her up from the floor, ❝Do what you do best and stay. in. your. place.❞ he retorted, throwing her to the wall and a loud whimper escaped her lips before she passed out, falling unconscious to the floor.

He smirked , picking her up and laying her on the bed before going back downstairs and into the playroom.

❝Appa!❞ the little boy and girl stood up excitedly, oh he was so good at hiding his wrongdoings. ❝Mama?❞ Su-ryeon asked looking up at him with a tilted head.

❝Don't worry, mama needed to get some rest, okay? Shhh.❞ he softly spoke, ❝What happened today? Why were you crying?❞

❝Fwiend had to weave...❞ they pouted looking down at the colourful floor.

❝Oh.. did mama tell you to say that?❞ he asked with his jaw clenched and both the little boy and girl shook their head no.

❝No, mama sad too.❞ Seok-hun tried explaining and the father nodded.

❝You don't know that... She could have decided to be a mother the same way you did.❞ Ji-eun suggested.

❝I saw the wedding ring on her finger, Ji-eun. I'm not stupid. Do you see anything like that in my hands?❞ she rose both her hands to show her before sighing and flopping down on the bed facing the ceiling making Ji-eun sit next to her with a sigh.

❝If that's the case... You need to let her go, Mari...❞

❝Do you think I haven't tried!? But everything reminds me of her. Here, in Japan, every minimal think remains me of her. It doesn't matter where I look, she's everywhere in my mind.❞ Sasaki sighed, wiping the new tears that had rolled down the sides of her face. ❝Can you watch over Hana for a while? I need to get some air...❞ she stood up and Ji-eun nodded.

She walked downstairs with Ji-eun, Changbin had Hana sitting on his lap as he played with her to keep her entertained, ❝I think he's more than happy to.❞ Ji-eun chuckled softly trying to cheer the older female who simply nodded, making her way out of the house with her phone. She put her earbuds and opened Spotify, playing Fine by Taeyeon as she started walking around without any destiny when she bumped into someone.

❝M-Mari..?❞ a weak, yet familiar voice called her name.

❝Y-You aga- What happened to your face!?❞ she cried out as her hand reached for Seulgi's bruised face ever so gently.

❝N-Nothing. I-I just mistepped and fell of the stairs at home.❞ the way her eyes adverted immediately to the floor, made Sasaki's blood boil.

❝Stop lying to me. Who did this to you!?❞

❞...My husband...❞ she mumbled under her breath and Sasaki froze in place.

❝You left me for someone like this!?❞ Mari took Seulgi's hand carefully before dragging her to Ji-eun's house.

❝You don't understand... It wasn't like that... H-He was threatening to find you and hurt you if I didn't!❞ she cried out following behind her.

❝W-What..? Why didn't you tell me!? I-I would've come right away... I would've kick his ass!❞

❝That's exactly why I didn't tell you... To keep you safe.❞ she let a few tears escape her eyes, sighing as they entered the house so abruptly it startled everyone but Hana who slept upstairs.

Sasaki didn't say a word to Ji-eun as she dragged Seulgi to the nearest bathroom, ❝God damnit, Ally! Where do you keep your first aid kit?❞ she muttered under her breath looking for one until she finally got her hands on one and quickly opened it.

❝Stay still.❞ the brunette said, pouring some chlorhexidine into a cotton swab before gently cleaning the open cut on her lip and Seulgi whimpered in pain.

❝What the hell just happened?❞ Min asked blinking in confusion as she stared out the living room door after watching Sasaki drag a bruised Seulgi inside.

❝I don't know! She left basically on the verge of tears and next thing I know she's walking inside looking pissed.❞ He shrugged, Hana sitting in his lap as the three of them looked at the door confused, Hana with her head tilted trying to understand why both adults stared that way.

❝How could you let him do this to you?❞ she asked, her fist clutching at the thought of him harming Seulgi, who flinched whimpering. Making Sasaki to step back in shock, she couldn't have thought she'd hit her right? ❝I-❞

❝Mari, I-❞ she couldn't finish her sentence as Sasaki walked out of the bathroom. Seulgi slowly walked out of the bathroom, only to find Himari standing there with tears in her eyes. ❝It's not like that, I swear... I would never once think you'd hurt me...❞ her arms wrapped tightly, ❝It's just- It's something my body does automatically... I guess it's somehow a defence mechanism... I-I'm sorry. I-I'm brok-mmmpf!❞

Sasaki couldn't take this any longer so she smashed her lips against hers, shutting her up. ❝Come to Japan with me.❞

❝What about the tw-❞

❝Don't worry about that, I'll take care of it. I'll bring them back to you, safe and sound. I promise. I won't let him take them. But you can't go back to that place. He'll kill you if he finds out.❞ Sasaki stated and Seulgi nodded with tearful eyes, ❝Where do you live?❞ With worried eyes, Seulgi hesitantly gave her the address. With a kiss pressed to Seulgi's forehead, Sasaki walked into the living room and dragged Ji-eun out of there before she spoke, ❝Where's your gun?❞ she asked making Ally's eyes widening in shock, worry and surprise.

❝W-Why? What happened!?❞

❝There's someone I need to get, but I need protection just in case something goes wrong.❞

❝What are you gonna do?❞ Min asked worriedly, afraid of what she might do.

❝I'm gonna get Su-ryeon and Seok-hun from their abusive father.❞ she spoke with such certainty. She had set her mind to it, there was no stopping her now.

❝Let me help you.❞ Ji-eun spoke but Sasaki quickly shook her head no.

❝No matter how things go, I will not be dragging any of you into this.❞ she stated and Ji-eun nodded leading her her safer, picking the gun out.

❝Thank you. If something goes wrong, don't let him hurt them.❞ she said putting the gun behind her back, stuck between her back and the waistband of the pants before pulling her shirt down to cover the rest of it. And with that said and done, Himari took off, driving off to the address Seulgi had given her.

She stopped by the front door with a smile, knocking on the door when a man opened the door, ❝Who are you? And why are you at my doorstep?❞ he asked with a wrinkled brow.

❝Oh my, how rude of me. I'm Seo-jin. I believe your wife must have forgotten to tell you, she called me to take the kids. She's planning quite a beautiful surprise for you.❞ with that said, she tried to act as kind as she could with a bright smile on her lips.

❝Oh, is that so? She isn't one to pull surprises.❞

Her eyes opened wide, ❝Omo, have I gotten the wrong house? Is this not Ms. Kang Seulgi's home? My deepest apologies.❞ she had no other choice at this point.

❝No, no. You got the right house. I will go collect them.❞ he retorted, walking off to bring the twins, ❝Su-reon, Seok-hun please behave at her care.❞ he said now kneeled in front of his undeserved children. They deserved a much better father.

❝We'll have lots of fun. Enjoy your alone time with your wife, sir.❞ she smiled taking each of the twin's little hands into hers before the man closed the door and she picked the two infants up, setting each on her hips before walking home. Once they were a decent distance from the house, she spoke to the two little kids, ❝Who is excited to go play with your friend?❞ and with that said the twins clapped excitedly their tiny little hands.

Finally at Ji-eun's house, she invited herself in with the spare key they lended her. ❝Why don't you call mommy?❞ the twins seemed confused, tilting their head as they looked at her.

❝Mama?❞ Su-ryeon asked confused and Seulgi showed up the second she heard her daughter's voice. She ran up to them, hugging the three of them.

❝Thank you... For bringing them back to me.❞ Seulgi whispered.

❝Hey, I'll do anything for you. Besides, I'm a mother too. I know how it's like.❞ Sasaki said with a tender smile as Seulgi took the twins into her arms.

❝Fwiends!❞ Hana cried out toddling into the hall making the two adults laugh and Seulgi set her children down.

❝Why don't you go play in the living room with Su-ryeon and Seok-hun, honey?❞ she softly suggested and the little infant took the twins hands and wobbly dragged them to the living room.

❝Do you think they'll be okay..?❞ Kang nervously asked, Sasaki reached for her hands, taking both into her own.

❝They already get along well, I'm sure they'll be okay.❞ she spoke with a reassuring smile as her thumbs rubbed gentle circles on the back of Seulgi's hands. ❝We'll leave the day after tomorrow. There's still 4 other girls I'd like to see before we leave.❞

❝Oh?❞ she asked confused, looking up.

❝The rest of Red Velvet, pabo.❝ she giggled with a soft shake of her head.

❝Oh, I should say goodbye as well... I haven't seen them in too long and now I'm leaving. They deserve an explanation.❞ Seulgi looked down with a saddened look.

❝You haven't seen them- That son of a bitch! I'm gonna kill him!❞ Sasaki hissed, ❝He didn't even let you keep your friends!? Who did he think he was?❞

Seulgi looked down and Mari sighed out of frustration, ❝Let's forget about him. I'm happy now.❞ with that said, Sasaki nodded wrapping her arm around Seulgi's waist before leading her into the living room where they sat down on the couch, next to Ji-eun and her husband while the three infants played on the little playground.

The two couples decided to watch a horror movie, each of their cuddling their respective partner. Oh how she had missed holding Seulgi in her arms. Eventually everyone headed to bed, Seulgi laid in bed watching as Mari put Hana to sleep, the twins already asleep in the bed with their mother.

❝Hey...❞ a pair of arms wrapped around Mari from behind, only then had she realized Seulgi had gotten off the bed, ❝Do you want me to try?❞ she whisper-asked.

❝You don't have to. It's o-❞ before she could finish, Seulgi took Hana who giggled and cooed up at her before yawning.

❝Fighing off sleep, huh? You tiny little girl, you need to sleep so you can grow big.❞ she softly spoke, rocking her in her arms. Mari watched in awe as she sat on the edge of the bed. Hana's Coors sushed as she snuggle her tiny body closer to Seulgi's before sucking on her little thumb as she drifted off to sleep.

❝How did you..?❞ Sasaki asked, mouth agape in shock.

❝Hm, secret.❞ she giggled, setting Hana down in the crib and climbing into bed, ❝Goodnight.❞ she smiled, pulling the covers over them and trying to fall asleep.

❝Goodnight.❞ Sasaki fell asleep almost immediately after.

Morning came and Sasaki woke up with the sun shining through the window, groaning she rose to her feet and placed her pillow in her place so the two s wouldn't roll over before walking downstairs and into the kitchen only to find Changbin there.

❝Morning.❞ Sasaki spoke from the doorway, ❝I'm guessing Ji-eun's still asleep?❞ she asked in an affirmation tone.

❝Good morning.❞ he greeted before chuckling, ❝You guessed it right. But the kids are in the living room watching TV.❞

❝Early birds, I see. Hana should be up soon too.❞ she chuckled, walking up to him, ❝Is there anything I can do to help?❞ she asked looking at the different ingredients and utensils displayed on the counter as he made something she couldn't quite figure out what for breakfast.

❝It's all good, don't worry.❞ he offered a smile and she nodded only for a sleepy Seulgi to join them in the kitchen with Su-ryeon and Hana on each side of her hips.

❝Morning, sunshine.❞ Himari softly spoke with a smile as she walked up to her, ❝Where's Seok-hun?❞

❝In the crib. He was still asleep unlike these two.❞ she said with a groggy chuckle escaping her lips.

❝Do you want me to take them so you can get some more sleep?❞ the taller female offered but the older seemed to deny, ❝Alright. We should probably go take care of inviting the girls for a lunch out.❞

❝I can't call them...❞ Seulgi sighed with saddened eyes making Sasaki frown in confusion but decided not to make questions.

❝Don't worry about it, I'll take care of it. Where should we go out for lunch tho?❞ she asked offering her a tender smile caressing her cheek.

❝We could go to that new restaurant that just opened about a week ago?❞ Kang suggested and she nodded, reaching for her phone, ❝I'll call them and let them know as soon as I feed Hana.❞ she said taking Hana who had began to fuss.

Sasaki walked to the bathroom with Hana, who instantly latched herself to her mother's chest. She was starving since for once she had slept through the entire night.

❝Omo, someone was starving.❞ she chuckled, surprised.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

❝Yes?❞

❝Mari, I've already invited the girls. Take care of inviting Red Velvet.❞ Ji-eun informed from the other side of the door.

❝Alright! Thank you! I will do so.❞ the older female spoke covering herself as Hana let go and burped her before walking out of the bathroom and towards the living room, setting her daughter in the little playmatt.

Reaching for her phone, she looked through her contacts calling the first Red Velvet member she found.

❝Mari?❞ a soft voice asked in a confused tone on the other side of the line.

❝Joo-hyun, hi! It's so nice to talk to you again, it's been a while!❞ Sasaki spoke, happy to hear her voice after a while. It had been nearly a year since the last time she had gotten the chance to call her, ❝I'm in Korea for a few more hours, I was wondering if you and the rest of the Red Velvet girls would like to meet us for lunch today?❞

❝I must say, it's nice to hear about you- Wait, for real? I would love to! But I don't live with the girls anymore.❞

❝Oh, I figured. But don't worry about that, I'll give them a call myself.❞

❝But wait, who's us?❞

❝Oh you know, us the Cherry girls.❞

❝Alright, alright! I can't wait to see you guys. Anyways, I'll let you get to do you, text me the address.❞

❝Will do! See you later!❞ with that said, she ended the call before looking for the next to show up in her contacts.

❝Soo-young! Hi! It's been a while.❞ Sasaki greeted the second the other tall female answered.

❝Mari? Is it really you?❞

❝Nah, it's Jesus.❞ she teased, chuckling softly.

❝How have you been? It has indeed been a while!❞

❝Mhm, which is why I'm calling. I'm in Korea for a couple more hours and I was wondering if you and the rest of the Red Velvet girls would like to join us for lunch?❞

❝Wait, you're in Korea!? Of course! Just send me the address and I'll meet you there.❞

❝Alright! I'll see you later then!❞ and another call came to an end and it wasn't even a minute later before Sasaki was on the phone with Wendy, who quickly agreed and then it was Yeri.

Time flew by quickly and now everyone sat at the restaurant table, the husbands had stayed home with the kids for the girls' date and the only one whose partner came along was Sasaki's since she was a member of Red Velvet too.

Halfway through, Seulgi excused herself to use the bathroom and had yet not returned and it started worrying everyone.

❝Hey, I'm gonna go check on Seulgi. I'll be right back.❞ Sasaki said and Irene got up too, going with her.

❝Seulgi-ah!❞ Irene called as soon as they walked in but there seemed to be no response, ❝Yah! Seulgi-ah! This isn't funny!❞

❝Seulbear, baby?❞ She looked everywhere but she seemed to be nowhere.

❝Wait, you two are together? I thought she got married and that's why she left us without saying a word!❞ Bae frowned in confusion, looking around.

❝Long story... But it's hers to tell you...❞ Himari sighed frustrated just as they came out of the bathroom empty handed. There seemed to be no signs of Seulgi and that's when Sasaki's eyes caught something just outside the restaurant. A mad dragging a girl into a black van. She sprinted, running as fast as she could but she was too late, ❝Fuck, fuck, FUCK!❞

She rushed back inside, picking her phone and calling 112. There was no way she'd let him hurt her again.

❝Hello? Yes. There's been a kidnapping of a 29 years old woman! Her name is Kang Seulgi! Her husband's going to kill her if we don't find her soon!❞ she cried out into the phone, her whole body trembling. Both of fear and anger. Everyone stood up, eyes widened, while Himari spoke on the phone with the police. ❝I saw the van's licence plate, it's...❞

Once the call had ended, Sasaki grabbed her things. ❝You girls should go home. It's safer.❞ she said to the Red Velvet girls who nodded softly.

❝Please find her...❞ Irene said as she collected her things.

❝Ally, please go home and make sure Su-ryeon and Seok-hun are safe and sound. Don't let him take them. I have to go to the police station.❞ she asked and she nodded softly.

❝I'll go with you.❞ both Solar and Su-jin said, gathering their things.

❝I'll go try to track the car that took her.❞ Ae-ra spoke as well, gathering her things.

Everyone parted ways, Red Velvet went home and so did Ji-eun while Ae-ra went to the company she works for to ask for help tracking the car and the three remaining girls drove to the police station to make their statements, of course, Sasaki had to tell them the truth about what happened to Seulgi during these last few years before they got there.

❝Jagi? Where are the twins?❞ Ally asked the second she burst into the house.

❝In here, honey.❞ he answered rather confused and Ally ran into the living room the second she locked the door and windows.

❝Good. I have to keep them safe while Mari is at the police station. Seulgi was taken.❞ she explained softly sitting next to the playmat the three infants played. ❝Where are Miyoung and DaeSeong?❞

❝They're in their rooms.❞ he answered and she nodded softly.

Ae-ra was already inside the building, talking to her boss about the situation at hand. Of course that, as soon as it was explained she was given authorisation to use whatever device and available team needed to locate them. And once she had their location, she texted it to Sasaki.

❝Ae–ra found her. I have to go.❞ Sasaki said to the two girls with her but both of them got up.

❝You’re not going alone. Are you out of your mind? Do you not remember what happened three years ago?❞ Su-jin stated, not giving her a choice and Kyong nodded in agreement.

❝I— Fine... I need to drop by Ji-eun's to get a weapon.❞ she sighed in defeat before stating.

❝We’re going to stop at my place, I have an idea.❞ Kyong said as everyone hopped into the car and took off towards her place. Once there, she led them to the weaponry room previously locked, letting them pick their weapon while she stuffed hers into the waistband of her cargo pants.

As the three were ready, they got into the car and Sasaki was the one driving this time. Speeding off to the address Ae-ra had sent her. Parking far enough not to be noticed, they hopped off the car and sneaked their way into the abandoned warehouse. They looked around, staying close to each other.

❝Looking for something?❞ a male voice spoke from behind them and the three turned around in an instant.

❝Seulgi!❞ Himari cried out, the older female was tied, with a cloth over her mouth as he held her with a knife pressed to her neck.

❝One more move and she's dead.❞ he retorted with a sickening smirk on his lips. Those words were enough to make Sasaki drop her gun and raise her arms, there was no way she'd risk it.

❝If you wanna hurt anyone.. just hurt me. But let her go...❞ she said looking at him, trying to come up with a plan and that's when something happened that shocked all of them, Ae-ra had sneaked behind him and hit him with the handle of her gun hard enough to knock him out and in a second Sasaki had ran to Seulgi, untying her and removing the cloth that covered her mouth, ❝I’m so sorry.❞ Himari said, pulling her into a tight, protective embrace, ❝I was so scared...❞ a relieved sigh escaped along with the soft tears.

❝Are you crazy?❞ Seulgi finally spoke making Sasaki's eyes widen, ❝You could have gotten yourself killed, pabo!❞ and before Sasaki could answer, she was yanked into another embrace as the sirens made themselves heard from afar, signaling that the cops were on the scene.

❝I’ll need you girls to make a statement at the station as soon as possible. And miss, you should go to the hospital.❞ a cop said while another cuffed the unconscious man that began to wake up.

❝Yah! Get off of me!❞ he struggled, trying to free himself.

❝You are under arrest for abduction and domestic violence. Everything you say will be used in court.❞ the cop spoke reading him his rights as he pulled him to his feet.

❝What nonsense is this? This girls set me up.❞ he tried but the officer remained silent, dragging him outside and into the backseat of the car.

❝Thank you for your quick work locating the victim’s whereabouts. It is thanks to you that she's safe and sound.❞ the officer said with a bow and all the girls bowed as well.

❝Come on, I'm gonna take you to the hospital.❞ Sasaki said, wrapping her arm around Seulgi's waist who nodded and walked outside with Ae-ra, Su-jin and Kyong in front of the two. This time Kyong Soon and Su-jin went into Ae-ra’s car, leaving Himari and Seulgi the car they had previously used. Sasaki hopped into the driver's seat after helping Kang into the passenger's seat and taking off to, not the nearest, but best hospital she knew in South Korea.

❝That was a close call.❞ Kyong Soon sighed relieved as she rested back onto the backseat.

❝Don’t tell me. For a moment, I thought we were about to lose both Seulgi and Mari.❞ Su-jin spoke after before turning to Ae-ra, who was focused on the road as she drove, ❝Thank you for coming. If it wasn't for you, they wouldn't be on their way to the hospital by themselves.❞

❝Are you still sure we shouldn't have gone with them? One of us at least?❞ the maknae asked, she seemed rather worried.

❝I’m sure. They need some time for themsel—❞ Su-jin was interrupted by the phone ringing. It was Ae-ra’s, who pressed the answer button on her car's little screen and surely soon enough Ji-eun's voice was made heard in the car.

❝Ally.. Ally!❞ Su-jin tried but it seemed useless as the female on the other end of the line spoke a little too fast.

❝YAH! ALLY!❞ Kim exclaimed out, shutting Ji-eun up. ❝Breathe woman! They're safe and sound. Mari's taking Seul to the hospital just for safety. He has been arrested.❞ she sighed as Ji-eun now spoke normally.

❝Oh– That's good!❞ she said and you could hear the relieved sigh that escaped her in the car, ❝I’ll call Mar—❞

❝NO!❞ the three girls cried out, startling the poor female and making her drop the phone.

❝Geez. Alright, alright. Why not?❞ she groaned with a roll of her eyes the others luckily couldn't see.

❝Because we didn't go with them so they could have some privacy, don't you dare ruin our plan.❞ Su-jin retorted.

Meanwhile with Sasaki and Kang, the two seemed silent until Seulgi spoke.

❝Thank you...❞ it was as low as a murmured secret someone didn't want you to hear, but she meant it.

❝For what?❞ Sasaki wrinkled a brow in confusion as her eyes took a quick glance at the girl sitting next to her before focusing back on the road.

❝Risking your life for me.❞ Seulgi said, staring out the window.

❝Yah! You know I'd do it again in an heartbeat.❞ she stated, shrugging at the end. She didn't see why she was being thanked.

❝I don't want you to...❞ Kang mumbled, and Himari simply went silent. ❝I would never forgive myself if I had been the reason you got hurt...❞ she completed after a while.

❝I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I did nothing to save you.❞ the taller female spoke, her hand reaching over to hold Seulgi's who stayed silent, staring out the window until Mari parked, hopping off and helping Seulgi out.

At the hospital, Seulgi went through different kinds of exams and tests just to make sure she was alright, once it was made sure she wasn't in any danger she was released and soon Sasaki was driving the two back to Ji-eun's place.

❝I wanna go back to Red Velvet...❞ Seulgi suddenly blurted out.

❝W–What do you mean?❞ Sasaki asked confused, looking at the road.

❝I miss performing...❞ she admitted, looking down at her lap.

❝I can't stop you from doing what you love...❞ she said softly pulling into the driveway, ❝If that's what you want then we'll manage. I'll quit my job in Japan and look for one here. But I'm not leaving you again.❞

❝I’ll go with you. To Japan. For a while until you quit. I'll help you with whatever you need until we come back.❞ she said with a smile, looking up at Himari who nodded offering a smile of her own.

It had been five years since they had gotten back together, a lot had happened but the two remained together. In fact, they had a beautiful wedding three years ago and lived in a rather big house in South Korea with their kids. Hana, Su-ryeon and Seok-hun were now six years old, attending the best primary school in Korea. Seulgi had returned to Red Velvet surprising all the ReVeLuvs and Himari, well Himari became a dance teacher at SM Entertainment, reaching young trainees.

And as far as it goes, they've had a happy life together.

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rosiehrs · 11 months

Text

YOU DON'T KNOW MY NAME ## bae joohyun

influencer!irene x fem!reader

SUMMARY ⤻ irene was a private influencer and y/n was an avid follower. you were extremely open about your admiration for the older girl. like every other fangirl, you want her to notice you – but she doesn't know your name. (and you don't know hers)

CONTENTS ⤻ smau, non!idol x reader, wlw, fluff, crack, minor angst, fangirling, pining

WARNINGS ⤻ dark jokes, strong language, suggestive jokes, large age gap? (reader is 21, irene is 32), will add more in the future!

FEATURING ⤻ red velvet, jennie kim (blackpink), im nayeon (twice), nakamura kazuha (le sserafim), aeri uchinaga (aespa), choi yena (soloist), kim gaeul (ive), shin yuna (itzy), more characters to come in future chapters ˆ-ˆ

STATUS ⤻ ongoing.

UPDATES ⤻ whenever i can!

PROFILES..! yena's charity work. millennials + yeri.

CHAPTERS

O1 – GET UP

O2 – dm her u won't

O3 – the beginning

O4 – yeri knows

O5 – opposites attract

O6 – default settings

O7 – compatible?

O8 – 'i always win'

O9 – unnie collector

10 – number exchange

11 – 'i'm almost there'

12 – date night (half written)

13 – burn the trauma suit

14 – friends

15 – filtered yn era (?)

16 – card reading

17 – kirby says hi

18 – stranded

19 – 'i see you'

20 – saviour (written)

21 – 'i don't like her'

22 – invitation

23 – realisation

24 - right but wrong

25 - close to you

26 - quote of the day

27 - blue

28 - every sunday

29 - pent up (written)

30 - let it all out

31 - call

32 - yena's right

33 - still stands

34 - thanks, nayeon!

more to come..

taglist (closed)

#irene x reader #bae joohyun x reader #joohyun x reader #red velvet x reader #red velvet imagines #kpop x reader #ydkmn!smau

1K notes · View notes

seullovesme · 2 months

Text

slow dancing in the dark » bae irene

pairing ⥬ joohyun x reader

genre ⥬ angst (fluff + smut)

summary ⥬ on her date, joohyun comes to the realization that there's nobody that she wants other than you. hopefully, she's not too late.

warnings ⥬ dom reader, sub irene, oral (idol receiving)

WC ⥬ 5.5k

part 1 | part 2

joohyun watched junmyeon's lips move as he talked on and on about his business deals at work. she would say she was listening to him, but she knows better than to lie. to be completely honest, her mind was in a different place.

this date was way different than the first.

their first date had felt so much more easygoing and fun, but only now she could tell the romance was missing. it felt like he was only talking about himself. she adjusted her hair and her dress, feeling oddly uncomfortable. this is not the same sweet charming guy she talked over phone with, and she was starting to see through his facade.

she was thinking of inviting you to join them earlier, before she had left, but obviously she wasn't going to make you tag along on their date because she didn't want you to actually meet him until they were officially dating like she had done with her other relationships. seeking your approval was always her number one priority because you knew her more than she did herself, and you were a little protective. nevertheless, you always closely examined each guy she brought to you, making sure that they had good intentions, checking if she had misjudged their motives. you were like the shield to her warrior.

maybe that's why she felt a little more awkward, or uncomfortable. she knew your presence made her feel safer and she was starting to feel uneasy with the man, sensing that he was slowly getting cockier and more rude as time passed. you never made her feel like this, never made her feel so little or inferior. clearly, he was trying to do that by flaunting big business words and bringing up his famous clients.

she knows that if you were here, you would've set him straight and told him off for making her feel upset. she blushed as she thought about you defending her like you usually did, always being straightforward and scolding someone if they even dared to hurt her. you were always the one to protect her, so of course she would've wanted you here tonight. she also would've enjoyed the dinner more if she could hear you talk about something dumb rather than this snooze-fest of a topic.

she also thought about whether you did want to come and were just afraid to ask. she's brought you on dates before, usually when she meets up with someone she doesn't know well. though, those relationships never lasted, they always ended it because they "knew her heart belonged to someone else".. anyway, you usually did everything together so it wasn't that odd for that to be the case. you did look quite down when you left her place.

"joohyun? you okay?" startled, she was brought back into the moment when she heard him.

joohyun locked eyes with the man in front of her, "hm? yeah i'm fine, why do you ask?" she put on a forced smile, trying to pretend like she wasn't ignoring his rambles.

he inspected her face. "it didn't look like you were really listening." because she really wasn't. this entire time she had been trying to figure out why this date was just boring. she hated to admit it, but this was not what she expected the date to be like. she thought it would be like the movies where she'd come to the conclusion that she had finally found her soulmate.

she could tell that he wasn't anywhere near to having that title. she needed a way out of this, any second longer hearing about how his business clients tried to finesse him and she may go crazy. "junmyeon, you're a good person but i really can't sit here and waste your time." she sighed at his shocked face, his ego clearly damaged. "i don't think this is working out for me."

"what? wait hyun—"

"don't call me that, there's only one person who's allowed to call me that." she said sternly. his eyebrows shifted and he wore an upset expression, but she didn't care. that was the nickname you gave her, so she never allowed anyone but you to call her that. not even her parents. it ticked her that he did, she always made sure that the precious nickname was reserved for you.

"joohyun," he corrected himself, "can't you just give me a chance? for me, this date has been great and i think ending things here would be stupid! i'm really the perfect boyfriend for you." he pleaded before reaching for her hand, but she dodged it, scoffing at his childish behavior.

she begins gathering her belongings, trying so hard to not roll her eyes at him. "who are you to decide what the 'perfect boyfriend' is for me? maybe i'm not wasting your time but rather my own." she stood up, looking down on him like he was scum.

he clicked his tongue in annoyance. "should've known a girl like you was only good for her looks." he muttered under his breath and leaned back in his chair.

she's fuming. "don't call me or contact me, or else." joohyun took her bag off the chair and began to speed walk away.

"or else what? you're going to get your loyal puppy you call your best friend to come and fight me?" that made her pause and she could hear him getting closer as he followed. "she'd probably do whatever you command her to. after all, she clearly just wants to get in your pants just like the rest of us."

a slap echoes in the now silent restaurant.

everyone watched as joohyun struck junmyeon right across the face, the sound of her hyperventilating and a couple of murmurs the only audible noises to her. she was mad, livid even.

"it is not your business what y/n does, nor is it okay for you to judge her like you know anything about her. you must have some nerve to think everyone is as much of an asshole as you. i've known her for years. i've been her best friend for years, and i've seen every side of her. i'll decide what her intentions are with me." junmyeon held his hand right over the cheek she slapped, bewildered by how hard she hit and how defensive she was of you. she muttered some other insults under her breath as she collected herself.

she took a deep breath and looked around, realizing that everyone was looking at the two of them. she felt a little embarrassed, not about defending you, but because she was disturbing the innocent bystanders who were just enjoying their dinners. she gave a small bow to apologize for making a scene, and glared at the man who was still standing there not saying anything.

she needed to leave asap. she felt so angry that she wanted to cry, so upset that she got involved with someone like this. at times like this, your consolation was all she needed to make the anger dissipate. "once again, don't try to contact me." joohyun made clear before storming off.

the moment she reached home, she took off her heels, switching them with house slippers, and threw her purse onto her counter after she got her phone from inside of it. she called her only pinned contact and waited to hear your voice.

instead, she heard her own voice in the form of a custom voicemail, the same one she made for you when you both were still in high school. "hello! if you are trying to reach y/n, she can't pick up the phone probably because she's too lazy to... anyway leave a voicemail or call again later!" why was it sending her straight to voicemail? joohyun was confused because you would always wait for her call, especially if you knew she was going out with someone in case of an emergency. it wasn't like her calling you was out of the blue, it was a regular thing. she could even recall the days you stayed up all night, saying you couldn't sleep because she didn't call.

she called once more and ended up with the same outcome. at this point she was already extremely upset, mostly with what went down at the date, and she wanted your comfort. she grabbed her keys and decided she would just go to you. either way, she wanted your presence, no, she needed it. it was like an urge that she could just not brush off, she needed to talk to you. without changing into her shoes or even changing her outfit, she got into her car and drove off.

once she reached your street, the first thing she noticed was that your car wasn't in your driveway. when she typed in your passcode to your door, she also noticed your shoes were also missing. usually when she came over, she would scold you for leaving your shoes all over the place as she put them away.

but this time, there weren't any shoes for her to pick up.

where could you have possibly been at 9 pm? the fact that you were more of a homebody made it even more odd.

joohyun went to your bedroom to lay on your bed, planning on just waiting for you to return. minutes that felt like hours passed and she felt herself nodding off, your comforting scent on your pillow lulling her to sleep. she was out cold by 11, still in her red dress as she didn't bother changing because she thought you'd be back sooner. otherwise, she would've just slipped into one of your baggy tees.

but as the sun rose and shone through the window of your room, you were still nowhere to be found. she shot up in a daze, looking around to see any trace of your return. nothing. you were still missing and she was starting to get nervous.

joohyun opened her phone and tried your number again, the same outcome. she called your parents, thinking it was probably the only place you would have been overnight, but even they said they had no clue where you were and that you weren't answering their calls either. joohyun apologized for calling so early in the morning and it was probably nothing to worry about, hanging up. she didn't want to drag them in and make them worried too, ultimately deciding to search for you on her own.

she was out of ideas, she had no idea where you were and joohyun was sick to her stomach just thinking about what dangers you could be in. you could be lying dead on the floor for all she knew. she curled up in your sheets and snuggled close to your pillow again, seeking comfort in it by hugging it and smelling it, imagining it was you. praying you were safe, she took a nap despite having just woken up.

five days had passed and joohyun was still in your bed. she only ever got up to cook something to eat using what you had, which was mainly instant foods because you relied on joohyun as she loved to cook you your favorites. when she met your mom for the first time when you were younger and she learned about all of your favorite dishes, she promised that she'd make all of them for you even if you grew up and learned how to cook on your own.

great. now she was crying again, it's like she was reminiscing memories of someone dead. she hugged her knees to her chest and sobbed. her worries got the best of her and she was not only worried now but also scared. it had been almost a week and there was still no sign of you anywhere, on your socials, your dms, nowhere. she felt like she was dying not being able to do anything but wait in your home.

she already called the people she knew and they didn't know, called your favorite places to go and they couldn't recall you ever showing up, and she didn't know what to do other than wait. was she supposed to report you as a missing person? joohyun was so lost, not knowing what to do. she sniffled as her tear ducts were completely drained and a wave of sleepiness hit her like a truck. your pillow was decorated by her tear stains and she just hugged it closer, wishing you would just send her a message that you were okay.

she fell into a deep slumber as it felt like the only thing she knew how to do in this state of mind. not even the sound of the front door being opened woke her.

when you had returned, you spotted joohyun's car in your driveway almost instantly having seen it so many times. what was she doing at your place? why wasn't she out with her boyfriend?

you quietly entered through the main entrance. even if it was your house and you could've come in as loud as you wanted, you wanted to avoid startling your sensitive best friend, assuming she was somewhere in here. there, you were at it again, unconsciously caring for the girl who belonged to another. reality sucked and you felt embarrassed that you cared so much when she didn't reciprocate your feelings after all.

the house was dead silent so with soft footsteps, you walked around in search of joohyun. as you passed the hall leading to your bedroom, you noticed how the door was wide open when you remembered shutting it when you left. for a second, you thought about the possibility that she had brought him to your house, but she knew you rarely let people into your house, let alone a total stranger.

you peered through the open door and saw a joohyun sized lump in your bedsheets with one of your pillows missing. silently, you fought the urge to just jump on top of her and throw away the five days of your friend's "therapy sessions" (you just cried on their couch and explained everything in incoherent words). you were supposed to be working on moving on, but seeing her again made it feel impossible.

you approached her as quietly as possible as she was quite the light sleeper, sitting on the empty space beside her. you gently peeled the blanket from her face, praying you won't be stepping over any new boundaries. she was just as pretty as you thought she was, but her eyes were puffy and a little red and there were faint tear streaks on her cheeks. you found your missing pillow, but it was stained with tears as well. not only that, but joohyun was still wearing that red dress she looked so beautiful in. that was what she was wearing when you last saw her though..?

before you put the puzzle pieces together, joohyun began stir awake. she felt the bed had sunken into and turned around to see you sitting there with a confused look. she stared at you blankly for a moment. "hyun?" it took a second for her to process that you were finally home and when she did, she launched herself at you, wrapping her arms tightly around your torso. you were taken aback by the force of her tight embrace, but you melted in her arms, rubbing her back as she started to cry into your shirt.

"you're back.." she mumbled into the fabric, inhaling your natural scent mixed with the scent of fresh laundry.

in a sudden burst, she put both her hands on your chest and shoved you back, forcing you to get up off the bed and stand as her breathing got heavier. her sweet expression quickly switches to an angry one and you are so confused by the change in her demeanor. you try to get closer to her given the distance she made, but she moves farther away on your bed.

shit, you should've known you were getting too cozy when she's already taken. you've gone and made her uncomfortable. nice one, dummy.

"hyun, i'm.. i'm s–"

"how could you..?" joohyun asked, her voice quivering as her eyes brim with tears. you felt a tightening sensation in your chest at the sight of the distressed girl. and to even think that you had hurt her when you worked so hard to protect her heart from all pain.

"hyun, i'm sorry. i–i truly didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, i was just thinking about myself."

she furrowed her brows. "what?"

"there's obviously a line and i didn't mean to overstep it, nor did i mean to disrespect junmyeon. i was just so used to our usual skin-ship that i wasn't thinking about it" once you say that, joohyun begins seething.

"are you stupid?! that's not the problem!" she blows up. "the problem here is that you decided to leave out of nowhere without even calling me or messaging me once! i called everyone, even your parents!! and i felt so hopeless not knowing what to do."

she had it wrong, you didn't think it was going to be this hard on her. you just wanted to fix yourself and heal your broken heart. "hyun, i wasn't–"

"i was here panicking when you were probably frolicking around, partying with other people, enjoying yourself. you just disappeared and i was worried.. i was so worried." the tears spill over, and she's now a crying mess. the gears in your head went into overdrive trying to understand her. she thought you were out having a blast, being a party animal? you..?

now you're upset. "me? 'frolicking around'? what, you think i was out clubbing or going to bars, doing something fun?" you asked with a mad tone.

the switch in your vocal tone caught her off guard."yes.."

you scoff. "seriously? that's not even close to what i was doing, but okay, whatever you want to believe joohyun." you ran your hand through your hair, sighing deeply, trying not to get mad with the way she accused you of something stupid. she was clearly not okay and you weren't going to get upset at her. "i'm going to leave, call me when you want to talk."

she fist tightened, her nails digging into her palms. "of course you are, you're good at leaving." she felt a surge of emotion through her veins. anger, sadness, she felt it all when you said that and she gave up. you bit your lip, feeling like you were about to boil over. she read into your expression of disbelief, "you know how hurt i was?"

"you were hurt?!" you yelled. joohyun flinched at your volume, which you noticed, but you couldn't just bottle this up forever and act like you were okay just to protect her. "what about me? i was hurt too when you made me sit through that date, watching you flirt and laugh with some man you met a few days ago. i was hurt when i watched you talk to him over the phone when we were supposed to be hanging out. i was hurt that someone you spent so little time with managed to steal you away from me so easily, even though i've been by your side for years."

you quickly tried to wipe the streams coming from your eyes, but they just kept pouring. joohyun sat there so lost, perplexed by your shouts.

"what.. what are you–"

"for years, i've been in love with you, joohyun."

joohyun's eyes widen and her arm that was holding her up gave out for a split second. her puzzled face made you want to laugh in pain. you spun around and made your way out of the room, desperate to get out as quickly as possible.

you snatched your keys off your kitchen table and stuffed them into your pocket, slipping on your favorite pair of shoes that you left randomly placed at the front door.

before you could even put on the first one, joohyun slammed you into the wall, pinning you against it. if it were any normal day, you would have let her do her thing and just stood there flustered, but you were over it. "joohyun, move." you command, trying to gently pry her off of you.

"no!" she cried, doing her best to prevent you from slipping out of her grip. she was really afraid that you were going to leave her this time.

"joohyun."

"so stupid.." she mumbles and you furrow your eyebrows. soon, you were going to get wrinkles.

"me, stupid?"

"you are! you really think i want that bumbling idiot?" she growled.

"well, yes? i saw how bright your eyes sparkled when you talked to him. you love him, i can tell." you remembered how stoked she was after the first date, spending her days on her phone, talking to him.

obviously, that's not how she recalls it. "how are you going to tell how i feel?"

"i'm not stupid joohyun."

"well maybe you are because i'm in love with you too."

you both just gaze into each other's eyes, feeling the tension lingering in the air. your eyes slowly shifted down to her lips that were slightly apart, listening to her breathing pick up its pace. you wanted to kiss her so badly, her plump lips so tempting to taste. seeing that you weren't going to make the first move, joohyun placed both of her hands on your cheeks and inched forward, capturing your lips into a kiss.

the leisurely kiss slowly turned into a heated make out. the sounds of your wet kisses were deafening, the entire place dead silent otherwise. she was starting to pin you more by leaning her body onto yours, pressing you completely into the wall as her hands snaked around your neck. it was making you dizzy, feeling her body on yours. you tilted your head and bit her lip, allowing you to slip your tongue in to explore her mouth. joohyun let out a small moan in return, surprising you.

you broke the kiss, your lungs crying for air as you try to figure out if this was going the way you hoped it was. scared she did something wrong, joohyun looked down and frowned. you put a hand on her chin, lifting her head up so you could continue. "joohyun. do you really want this?" she nods eagerly, her excitement showing through how quick she responded. "i need you to say it out loud."

"yes, please, i want this." she pleaded. without wasting a second, you latched onto her neck, sucking and biting, leaving purple marks behind. she tried not to moan in fear of making you stop again, which she did not want at all. the pleasure was overwhelming for her, overwhelmingly good at least. you picked her up and she yelped as she wrapped her legs around your waist, your hands supporting her underneath her thighs. while you carried her to your room, she pushed back your hair and pressed kisses on a sensitive spot under your ear.

you opened your door with your foot and went straight to the bed, laying her down on her back. "turn over." she listens to you and flips onto her stomach. you go for the zipper of the dress and slowly pull it down, revealing her silky skin and pink laced bra. you hum in approval of her choice on undergarments, enjoying the view from behind. she whines, protesting your speed, urging you to hurry up.

she brings her hand to yours on her back to take over, but you slap it away. "don't rush me, joohyun." the authority in your voice makes her quiver, the heat between her legs intensifying. "i'll make sure you know how to be patient by the time we finish here." you say with smirk, loving how you can affect her so easily as she lets out a breathy sigh.

once the metal reached the end of the zipper, you placed your palm on the lower part of her back, making her flinch at the contact. you pulled down the sleeves of the dress and undressed her, revealing her pink lingerie set which amuses you. you toss the dress to a corner, careful not to ruin it as it was a cherished gift of yours. your eyes traced her fame, admiring how gorgeous her body was in pink.

"you wore this to your date with that douche? you got all prettied up for him?" you ask, a little mad just thinking about her wearing such a lewd thing for someone other than you. she nodded and pushed herself up with her elbows, shifting to face you, a little shy that you were seeing her in this. she puts her arms over her chest and groin. you grab her arms firmly and move them out of the way, allowing you to see her completely. "funny you think he deserved any of this."

you let go of her arms and grope her right breast, to which she lets out a squeak. "this," you give her a squeeze, making her moan out. "is mine. understood?" she just nods again, eyes closed as she focuses on the works of your hand. you move your hand around to her back and feel for the hook of her bra, undoing it with one hand. you tugged it off, the sight of a topless joohyun absolutely one of your favorites.

you forced her back until she was laid down flat, latching your lips around her perky nipple. the new sensation made her throw her head back, her nipples very sensitive. she felt your teeth gently bite on her nub and soothe it with a swipe of your tongue. at some point, she stopped caring about being loud or not, it was very obviously going to be impossible to be quiet when you knew how to pleasure her so well.

your lips left her chest and slowly worked its way down to her stomach, leaving a trail of kisses every inch of the way. you looked through your eyelashes and saw that she was just watching you so intensely, clearly waiting for you to relieve the ache that was only growing the farther down you went. just to tease a little more, you started to go the opposite way of where she wanted you to go.

joohyun whined for the nth time and pushed your shoulders back until you were face to face with her clothed pussy. there was already a wet spot forming on her underwear, the smell of her arousal intoxicating. with your pointer finger, you press onto the wet patch. her whole body seems to react as she tenses up, crying out, and you snicker at how sensitive her body was.

"stop teasing me, please." she begged.

"fine." you began rubbing her heated cunt through the fabric, and all the tension left her body. her small whimpers fueled you to get straight to the main course. you take her panties and rip them, tearing them off of her so you could have full access to her sopping pussy.

"hey!" she sits up halfway using her elbows, "do you know how much this set was?!" it was like steam was coming out of her ears. joohyun always valued everything and took care of her stuff with care so that they would last longer. you just laugh and look at her, the fact that you didn't give a shit was written all over your face.

you hold up her torn underwear with one finger, "baby. i can buy you as many as you want, but you are not keeping this." you take the pink laced set and tossed it to the side. "as if i would let you wear this lingerie after you bought it with the intention of having someone else take it off of you." you muttered.

your eyes take in the sight of her fully nude with her legs spread open, her wetness glistening in the light. once again, she felt shy under your gaze and forgot that she was even mad in the first place. she tried to close her legs, but you palmed her crotch, your hand getting covered in her juices. the pressure you apply makes her moan as she slowly begins moving her hips, grinding against your hand.

you let her do her own thing for a moment, taking the chance to get impossibly closer. you remove your hand and replace it with your tongue, giving small kitten licks to her bundle of nerves, each paired with a small whine. joohyun gasped as you sucked her clit and swirled your tongue around it.

"fuck! h-haah, why are you so good at this.." she asked between breathy sighs. you let go of her nub with a small pop before dragging your tongue down her slit. she was soaked. you slurped up her wet, slick juices and dipped your tongue into her, making her emit sounds at a pitch you didn't even know she could reach. you pick her thighs up and put them on your shoulders. as you devour her, you circled her clit with your thumb.

her mind is foggy, the unholy thoughts of having you ravish her all day, every day being the only thing she can think about. no one knew how to treat her like you do, how to pleasure her, how to make her feel good. comparing you to her past relationships and few one-night stands, there was really no one better than you.

you pausing made her perk up, unhappy with the loss of contact. "no one better than me, hm?" your teasing smirk infuriated her, realizing that she let her last thought slip out. she put her hand on your head and pushed you back down.

"shut up, i didn't say that." she lied.

you took it as a challenge, a taunt. "oh really? so you need me to prove that there will never be anyone to please you like i do? consider it done, bae joohyun." you stopped talking and dove in, clamping your lips around her engorged bud. without warning, you plunged two fingers into her sopping pussy. she screamed out in surprise by the complete 180, going from soft and gentle to rough in the blink of an eye. the mix of your fingers thrusting in and out of her with the biting and licking of her clit brought her closer to her climax within minutes.

"fuck-!!" she put both of her hands onto your head, raising her hips trying to press herself harder against your face. "gonna cum, i'm gonna cum!" she warns, but her higher pitched tone with her antsy movements gave it away already. you sped up and curled your fingers into the spongy flesh. you pressing onto her g-spot sent her over the edge, her back arching as she gasped.

she went silent before her body started shaking violently, her soft, warm thighs crushing your skull in order to keep you in place and she came. you removed your fingers, but continued to lap up her gushing juices, making sure not to let a single drop go to waste. coming back down from cloud 9, she loosened her hold on your head, scared she hurt you because she needed an outlet for the pleasure.

all worry was wiped clean as you came upon with the biggest smile on your face, looking like a kid on a sugar rush. around your mouth and on your chin were the remnants of her orgasm, the thin coat shining in the light. she hummed, "i think you got a little something on your face." she joked, pointing to you. you poke your tongue and cleaned your lips, wiping the spots you couldn't reach with the back of your hands.

"all gone?" you ask. she shakes her head no and leans in, licking a strip on your face.

"there, all gone." she says innocently as she bats her eyelashes at you. she was so close that you could feel her breath on your face. she was so clearly staring right at your lips so you close the gap, smashing your lips into hers, allowing your lust and love take over. when you broke it to prevent yourself from suffocating, you saw how she's surprised by your energy. "what?"

"you thought i was done with you, hyun? i still have years of daydreams and fantasies that i need to fulfill. unless you're too tired?"

her surprised face transitioned to a snarky one, her energy matching yours now. "i'm never too tired to make up for lost time." she shoots back before pouncing onto you like a hungry fox hunting its prey.

the whole night was dedicated to you showing joohyun just how much you needed her, wanted her, and she got your message. she felt it in every touch and in every whisper.

you finally got the chance to express your deep and unwavering love for her. no more slow dancing in the dark.

#seullovesme » posted!#irene x reader #joohyun x reader #bae joohyun x reader #red velvet x reader #red velvet #bae irene #irene bae #irene smut #irene imagines #red velvet irene #bae joohyun #irene fic #red velvet fic

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itsbeeble · 4 months

Text

Gorgeous

SUMMARY: Minghao was the black sheep, though you'd never understood why. Maybe it's time you figure it out.

GENRE: smut, fluff, angst (MAJOR ANGST)

PAIRING: Xu Minghao x afab!reader

WC: 5.5k

SERIES MASTERLIST

PERM TAGLIST: @juyeonszn @winterchimez

SERIES TAGLIST: @captain-brie @nobraincellmode

18+ MDNI AGELESS BLOGS WILL BE BLOCKED

WARNINGS: this is actually really dark, infidelity, rich people core, p in v sex, exhibitionism (yn gets fingered in the back of her car while on the phone), minghao is possessive, stalker themes, criminal, mentions of blood, reader gets injured, a lot goes on actually i've never written something like this el oh el

A/N: this was NOT supposed to end up like it did, but I decided on a whim to do this. Thank you to @sungbeam and @mosviqu for beta reading this (even if some of it was very last minute). I hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did teehee

“Who is that?” You tilt your head, eyes trained in the direction of someone you’d never seen before at these functions. Your friend, Jang Gyuri, follows your eyes and kisses her teeth.

“Xu Minghao,” she brings her lips close to your ear so only you can hear her. No need for prying eyes and ears to hear what she has to say and spread unwanted rumors. “I’d stay away from him if I were you.”

“Why?”

Many people would have described you as innocent. You came from “new money” as they would call it. Your father practically struck gold when he decided in his early thirties to start a business. The company grew quickly, the products being released becoming popular all over South Korea and, eventually, internationally. You knew that you should pay more attention to his work, as you’d likely inherit it one day, but you can’t find it in you to care. With this recent rise to power, you’d been taking advantage of your seemingly neverending access to parties of all kinds. Galas, clubs, birthday parties for the spoiled brats that had been born into this life. You were a free spirit, never one to avoid cameras, and that made you dangerous in the eyes of many in this country. Gyuri told you that, though old money was never afraid of new money, new money had the power of intimidation.

She’d told you many names as examples: Wen Junhui, Choi Yeonjun, Lee Chan, Han Jisung, Bae Joohyun, Kang Seulgi, Chwe Hansol. Though their families weren’t necessarily liked, they held status among the wealthy children for varying reasons— proving their worth being the main reason, intimidation being another.

Xu Minghao, however, was never a name you had heard in these recent months. Maybe there was a reason for that, you note when your eyes meet his lidded ones and he flashes you a lazy smirk. Your cheeks heat up, and you turn your gaze back to Gyuri. She’s giving you a dirty look, her painted red lips pursed and her eyebrows knit together.

“He’s bad news, Y/N,” she warns. “Seungcheol will tell you about it, and he’d want you to be careful around him.”

“Seungcheol,” your voice is laced with venom, “is in the bathroom with Seo Yookyung. I don’t think he cares what I do, so long as I don’t ruin his reputation.”

“That’s not exactly what I would call a healthy relationship.”

Both you and Gyuri flinch, startled by the interruption, and turn to scold whoever jumped into a private conversation.

You fall short, however, your mouth partially hanging open with shock and, honestly, awe.

From afar, you could tell that he was attractive but now that he’s up close? You feel like you could sink and drown in him. Long dark hair, thin and pointed face, scrutinizing eyes. He was intimidating to most, this you could tell. But to you?

He was the most gorgeous person you had ever had the pleasure of laying your eyes on.

“Xu Minghao,” Gyuri’s tone is cold and she shuffles to stand just slightly in front of you, something both you and Minghao notice.

“Jang Gyuri,” Minghao mocks, sticking one of his hands into a pocket in his slacks.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you know by now that you aren’t welcome?” Her words are sharp, and it almost scares you. Gyuri, despite her reputation for being cruel, had always been kind to you. She’d been a sort of mentor to you, teaching you the rights and wrongs in terms of “rich behavior”. She taught you the right people to associate with, and the wrong people to associate with. However, she had never once raised her voice or made you feel unwelcome. Quite unlike how she talks to Minghao.

“I go wherever I please, Jang Gyuri.” Minghao sighs, a puff of air that makes a few loose strands of hair flutter out of his face. Then his eyes return to you, scanning your body but not in a seductive manner. No, he’s curious. You can see it in his eyes, behind the cold front he puts up. “And…who might you be?”

“None of your business—”

“L/N Y/N—”

You and Gyuri speak at the same time, and you shut your mouth quickly when she shoots you another nasty look. Minghao, however, is amused. One side of his mouth quirks up in a mild show of this, the corners of his lips picking up.

“So, which is it?” He inquires. “None of your business or Y/N L/N? I’m not a betting man, but I’d wager that it’s the latter.”

You poorly stifle a laugh, covering it with a cough.

“What do you want?” Gyuri hisses out, tapping a heel on the marble floor impatiently. Minghao presses his lips together, loosely shrugging his shoulders.

“Just wanted to see if I could buy your lovely friend here a drink.”

“She’s taken.”

“She,” you finally interrupt Gyuri and place a hand on her collarbone to gently push her back. “Can speak for herself. And she will need a few more drinks to make it through the night.”

Gyuri sputters out an argument, trying to get you to stop, but Minghao grins down at you and offers his arm. You gladly take it, giving Gyuri one more warning look before you’re tugged away through the crowd.

“You’re new money.” Minghao leans against the counter next to you while you sit on one of the few open stools left. There’s a martini in front of you, one that’s barely been touched since you received it a few minutes ago.

“Is it that obvious?” You tilt your head and Minghao smiles, his head dipping down a bit.

“Not entirely,” he looks back up and shifts his weight. “Only if you know what to look for.”

“And what, exactly,” you lean toward him, resting your chin on the back of your hand, “are you looking for?”

His tongue runs over his lip, eyebrows furrowing in thought.

“You’re interesting, Y/N L/N.” Evading the question.

“Oh?” You finally bring your martini glass to your lips, taking a small sip of the alcoholic beverage. “Why is that, Xu Minghao?”

“You don’t…you don’t know who I am, do you?” Your lips quirk into a small smile.

“No, I don’t. Is it something important?”

For the first time since you’d begun talking to him, he falls quiet in a way that shows discomfort. Your smile drops, and you lean back on your stool.

“Minghao,” you start. “Is there something I should know?”

You see a muscle in his jaw feather, see his eyes dance around you to see who was around. One of your hands falls to your lap, playing with the expensive fabric of your dress. Now he’s avoiding your questions.

“I’m…” he huffs out a breath, tilting his head back and scoffing out a laugh. “I can’t believe I’m saying this to someone I just met, but…there’s something about you that I just can’t place.”

“I’ve been told that by many people.” Minghao shifts closer to you, his arm resting on the back of your chair.

“What else have they told you?”

“That I can be a bit…straightforward.” His other hand is on the counter, and your fingers dance just a bit closer to his, the tips brushing together slightly. “That when I get nervous, I either talk too much or not at all.”

“And…?” He leans his head down a bit.

“That you’re bad,” your voice lowers, your lips curling into a smirk. “That I should stay away from you.”

“And I take it you don’t listen to these people, do you?” Minghao asks, his voice dropping an octave. There’s tension around you, something so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“Not at all.”

“What would they do if I asked you to leave with me?” His fingers finally lace with yours and you hum, pretending to think.

“Seungcheol might not like that very much.”

Minghao scoffs. “You know damn well that he left a long time ago.”

“But still…” you sigh and shake your head. “Someone has to be loyal.”

A nod from the man in front of you, and a sly smile.

“I understand, and I won’t make you do anything.” He squeezes your hand once, and you feel him slide a piece of paper into your palm. He waits for your fingers to close around the paper before he pulls his hand away. “You’ll know where to find me when you change your mind and drop him. And, when you do, I’ll be waiting.”

When he leaves the building, you feel like you can finally breathe. Your shoulders relax, your heart beating rapidly in your chest. You’re in the middle of trying to get your body under control when Gyuri stomps back over to you.

“What the hell were you thinking, talking to a man like him?” Her nails dig into your upper arm, scraping into your skin and causing you to suck in a sharp breath. “Are you stupid?”

“I don’t see what your problem is,” you sigh and finish off your martini before sliding off your barstool. Your feet are aching at this point, and you’re just itching to get out of this dress. “He isn’t as bad as you think he is.”

“Xu Minghao isn’t the man he’s seemed to convince you he is.” Gyuri warns you. “He’s a liar, just like his father is. He’ll hurt you, Y/N, and don’t come crying to me when he does. I’ll just tell you that I warned you and tried to stop you. I won’t help you if you get yourself tangled up with him.”

“It’s a good thing I won’t need your help then, isn’t it?” You retort, tearing your arm out of her grip and straightening your posture. “I know exactly what I’m doing, Gyuri, and I won’t let you or Seungcheol stop me anymore.”

“Gyuri tells me you’ve been talking to Xu Minghao.” Seungcheol looks at you in the mirror as he tightens the tie around his throat. You’re in the middle of sliding on another pair of uncomfortable shoes that will have your toes bleeding by the end of the night, and raise your gaze to look at him.

“I have. Only once, though.” Your eyes return to the ground to grab the second heel. For two weeks you had been talking to this…mystery man. You’d learned more about him every day, of his father’s scandals that would have left his family bankrupt had Minghao not come out and saved the company. You found it admirable but most chose to despise him, refusing partnerships and refusing to admit the good he’s done for his company and family as someone so young.

And, of course, you had only done this with a little bit of research and a quick phone call to the number he slipped into your hand. You’re sure Seungcheol knows this, knows that you’re too curious for your own good. This is something the two of you had argued about far too many times to count, and he’s since given up on trying to stop you.

“I’m sure that you’re aware of everything, then?”

“Aware of Minghao’s father or of your infidelity?” You rise to your feet, and Seungcheol freezes for just a moment before carrying on.

“Ah.”

“If you’re going to whore yourself out,” Your hand brushes against your boyfriend’s shoulder and you spin him around so you can tie the fabric around his neck. “At least do it where no one will see you.” Your lips are drawn into a tight smile and you rest your hand on his chest. “At least do it where no one will see you, my love.”

“I take it…” Seungcheol watches you walk away and listens to the clicking of your heels on the ground. “...that the engagement is off, then?”

“Correct.”

“What will you do?” You turn to look at the man you once tolerated, now finding him disgusting.

“I think that I’ll be just fine. I have an apartment, I have a family that loves me, and a thriving company that I need to learn to lead. You, however, should worry about your status once news of your actions hits the papers come Monday.”

Seungcheol nods slowly, his tongue digging into his cheek.

“I have a ride to the gala,” you make your way for the bedroom door, lips drawn into a thin line. “I will have someone collect my things tomorrow morning, so make sure everything is exactly as it is now because they will have a list and I will come for everything you have if your toy for the night has the gall to take my belongings again.”

Seungcheol looks at you for a long moment, watching you leave the room before choosing to follow you.

“And what of the deal your father made with my company?”

“Find someone else,” you shrug. “My father just wanted to make connections and you happened to give him the perfect opportunity to benefit both companies.”

“I could tell people, you know.” Seungcheol places his hand on the front door, stopping you from leaving. You turn to face him, your eyes narrowed. He doesn’t appear angry, yet he isn’t looking too pleased either. “That you had an affair. They would believe me. They would never believe someone like you.”

An easy smile passes over your lips, and you place a hand on his chest. “I don’t need them to believe me. Gyuri, on the other hand…” you kiss your teeth. “She can be quite the devil, no?”

“Gyuri trusts him?” Seungcheol asks and you can practically taste the disbelief.

“No, she doesn’t,” your lips draw into a thin line. “She does, however, trust me.”

A silent type of anger radiates off Seungcheol as you turn away from him again. This time, when the door shuts, he doesn’t follow you. You’re glad he doesn’t. It makes it much easier to steady your breathing and the shaking in your hands.

You arrive at the party alone this time. There is no Gyuri and no Seungcheol to protect you from the cameras, from the invasive questions, and the microphones shoved into your face. It startles you and before you can get one foot out of the door, your body freezes up. One of the guards your father hired yells something, and then there’s someone sliding into your car and pushing you back.

“Take a breath,” a soft, silky voice pushes through the yells outside the car. A hand cradles the back of your head, tangling in your long strands of hair, pulling you closer and tucking you into the crook of his neck. “Just breathe, love.”

Maybe it's the adrenaline, maybe it’s the freedom you now know you have, but suddenly you’re laughing and pulling away from Minghao. He looks just as stunning as the last time you saw him. Dark hair, narrowed eyes, lips drawn into a thin line. He’s wearing a suit similar to last time— all black, the top few buttons of his dress shirt undone.

“Are you alright?” His hand comes to your cheek, letting you nestle into his gentle hold. “Talk to me, love. Are you alright?”

But you just keep laughing, and then you’re clutching at his collar and yanking him toward you for a furious kiss. He freezes against you, one hand on your cheek and the other on your waist. It takes him a moment to reciprocate, to get over the initial shock and sink into you. His lips move softly against yours, forcing you to calm down and actually breathe like he’d requested.

After a few moments, you pull away and lean your forehead against his.

“So that’s what this is about?” Minghao murmurs. “You just wanted my attention, is that it?”

“Not necessarily,” you pull away from him, but he doesn’t let you go very far. His hand is just around the curve of your waist, holding you near to him. “I have other reasons.”

“And what would they be?” His lips press against the corner of your mouth, and you feel butterflies erupt in your stomach like a teenager in love.

“I like you, Xu Minghao.” God, you sound like one as well. “Very much.”

“I like you too, Y/N L/N.” Another kiss, this time tilting your head to reach the corner of your jaw. The car starts moving again, and Minghao calls out an address. His address, you assume.

“You’re gorgeous, Minghao,” He laughs against your skin, trailing his lips down your neck slowly. “It makes it hard, you know.”

“Makes what hard, my flower.”

“To focus. To talk to you. You make me so nervous, it’s infuriating.” Your breath hitches as he sucks gently at the skin above a vein. Your hand curls around his neck, tangling in his long strands of hair.

Minghao doesn’t respond, but you don’t mind. Not when he drags you into his lap, the fabric around your body now splayed across the backseat of your car. You can hear your phone ringing, but you ignore it until the sound disappears. You focus on Minghao, focus on the feel of his lips on your skin and his hands all over your body. You focus on swiping your tongue over his lip, on pressing forward until his back is digging into the door, the armrest uncomfortable against his spine but neither of you cares.

Your phone rings again and, this time, Minghao pulls away from you, tilting your chin up and handing you the slim device.

“It’s your father, I think.” His lips press against your jaw, and you exhale shakily. “Shouldn’t worry him too much.”

“Minghao—”

“Answer him.” His hand replaces his lips, giving your jaw a slight squeeze. “Or I will.”

The third ring comes, and you swallow hard. Minghao smiles, his lips curling up as he takes the phone from your hand and swipes on the green button.

“Y/N.” Your father’s voice is steady, and you can hear the exasperation. “What is this I’m hearing from Choi Seungcheol that the engagement is off?”

Minghao’s lips touch your neck again, his fingers sliding under the fabric of your gown to trace up your thigh. It takes all the power in your body to not gasp into the microphone, your eyes fluttering as he touches you.

“He— what did he say?” You briefly stumble over your words, trying desperately to keep a firm grip on your phone and nearly failing when Minghao’s hand dips past your lacy underwear. Two fingers prod at your core and your breath hitches. Your free hand drops down and grips Minghao’s wrist tightly. He shoots you a playful smirk, lips puffy from kissing you and from sucking at your neck. You let him go.

“That you’ve left him. That you had an affair with…” you hear shuffling on the other end of the line, and then a loud sigh. “Xu Minghao?”

“That would be a lie, father.” You inform the older man, and Minghao’s fingers sink deep into you. It’s a wonder you haven’t moaned into your phone yet but with the way his skillful hand pumps in and out of you, soon you very well might. His thumb pushes at your clit, and you let your head drop into his neck, begging silently for him to have mercy on your poor mind and body.

“Is that so?”

“Seungcheol had an affair. Well, several affairs. Minghao simply helped me realize that I wouldn’t—” Your voice cracks as a little whimper almost makes its way out of your mouth. Minghao leans his head against yours and you can feel his cheeks stretching into a smile as he continues to drag his fingers in and out of your sopping-wet walls. He scissors them a bit, and then you feel a third sink into you. Your legs begin to shake and try to close, and with his free hand Minghao grabs onto one of your thighs to hold them open. “—wouldn’t be happy if I stayed with him.”

You hope that the shaking in your voice can pass as upset tears.

“I don’t— It doesn’t matter if you end up happy. I want what’s best for you and the business. Marrying Seungcheol would have balanced this.”

“Marrying Seungcheol would lead to a miserable life and the downfall of two companies.” You snap back, and you hear Minghao beginning to whisper praises into your ear. With red cheeks and a swelling heart, your hips begin to roll down on his fingers. “Minghao, at least, will keep me happy and will benefit both companies in many ways.”

Silence on your father’s end, and a knot begins to form in your stomach.

“Don’t cum yet, flower.” Minghao murmurs, licking at the skin under your ear. “Wait until he hangs up.”

I can’t. You want to scream. Every curl of his fingers, every brush of his thumb against your clit. It’s all becoming too much for you. It’s incredible you’re able to keep yourself together while on the phone.

“Is this what you really want?” Your father asks, and your whole body shudders against Minghao.

“It— it is.” You gasp. Another pregnant pause. Fuck, it’s like your father wants you to suffer.

“Have him come by my office tomorrow for lunch. We’ll all talk then.”

You don’t get the chance to respond before he’s hanging up the phone and the car is rolling to a stop. Minghao rips his fingers out of you, effectively ruining the high you’d been approaching.

“You’re— you’re horrible.” You whine, watching as he brings his fingers to his mouth and sucks them clean.

“You love it, though.” He grins and slides you off his lap so he can get the door. Your body feels like jelly, your mind in a haze. You hardly notice Minghao tugging you by the hand, guiding you out of the car and to the front door of a beautiful house— so beautiful that it nearly takes your breath away.

Minghao’s arm is placed delicately on the small of your back, and you let him guide you into the house and up a grand marble staircase. You can’t begin to express the awe you feel. You can’t help the giddy feeling in your bones when you reach the top of the staircase and Minghao takes your hand. It appears, however, that he is feeling just about the same as you when he smiles so wide that you fear his lips would become stuck like that, and he drags you quickly toward a bedroom.

You let him press you down on the bed and let him kiss his way from your mouth to your jaw, down your neck, and begin to peel the straps of your gown down your body so he can expose more and more skin. You feel like you’re burning up, feel like your body is being set ablaze wherever he touches your body. The zipper along the side of the dress is tugged town, and you raise your hips so Minghao can peel it down the rest of the way and throw the fabric somewhere across the room.

“I should be mad at you for that,” you say to him, although you relish in the feeling of his lips trailing down the valley of your breasts. “That dress was a very expensive gift.”

“Oh?” Minghao’s voice is muffled, and he tugs your panties down your legs as he speaks. “From who?”

You watch as he begins to rid himself of his clothing, watch as he reveals every gorgeous inch of his skin to you.

“Seungcheol.” His gaze hardens when he sees you smirk.

“Then I should burn it, I think. Replace it with something newer, prettier, pricier.” He hovers his body over yours, lacing the fingers of one hand through your own and using his free hand to align himself with you. A pleased sigh is emitted from your lips as he sinks in, back arching as he begins to stretch you out.

“Is that so?” You breathe out. Your hands tangle in his hair, pulling his face closer until you can kiss him.

“Mmm.” Minghao hums against you, beginning to roll his hips slowly into yours. “I should burn everything that he has ever given you, I think.”

You can barely respond, your voice seemingly broken and replaced by gasps for air as he begins to thrust into you harder and faster and you can’t seem to get control of your body. He doesn’t care, though. He doesn’t care that you can only roll your hips into his, can only bite into his skin, and leave dark marks that he won’t be able to hide (not that he would want to). Knowing that you’re enjoying this, fucked too dumb to speak even though he’d only been inside of you for barely a few minutes, it’s all enough for him. It’s more than enough.

“What would he say if he saw us like this?” Minghao continues, his hands sliding down your legs and gently pushing them farther apart. “Hm? Would he stop me? Would he try to fight for you?”

You try to tell him he wouldn’t, but all that comes out of you is helpless babbles.

“I would,” he hisses, and the knot in your stomach returns. It builds and builds, growing tighter and tighter with each passing moment. “He doesn’t deserve you. He doesn’t deserve to touch you, to feel you.”

“And—” you finally manage to choke out a few words. “And what— what m-makes you—oh god, Minghao please— think that— that you do?”

“You already know why, my flower.” Minghao’s hips are slapping against yours at a pace— at a furosity— that you can’t keep up with, “Do you really need me to spell it out for you?”

The knot in your stomach snaps, your walls fluttering around him but he’s relentless. He pounds into you as your body convulses underneath him, your pathetic whines and moans turning into desperate wails.

“I’m better than him in every way,” Minghao grits out, desperately fighting off his own orgasm. “Do you know how long I’ve been keeping an eye on you? How long I’ve wanted to take you from him? You have no idea how hard it was to not take you into the bathroom that night and fuck you the way you deserved. I wanted so badly for you to be mine.”

Overstimulation begins to wash over you, becoming a pleasurable sting that you don’t want to go away. His cock twitches inside of you and his breathing becomes heavier. You can see him trying to say something more, but all that comes out of him is a heavy groan, and then his hips are stuttering against yours. Warm cum spills into you, mixing with your own, and spilling out onto the sheets beneath you. Your legs thrash in Minghao’s grip, but he pins you down as his hips slow. His hair is messy, his forehead tinged with sweat. You can see his mouth hanging open a bit, heavy breaths rolling out of him.

Do you know how long I’ve been keeping an eye on you?

The sentence replays over and over in your mind amidst the scattered post-sex thoughts.

How long I’ve wanted to take you from him?

Minghao rolls to the side, laying beside you on his large bed.

He didn’t say anything to you, and you didn’t say anything to him.

It was pure silence. A silence that allowed for clear thoughts.

Do you know how long I’ve been keeping an eye on you?

The drive to your father’s company the next day is…quiet to say the least. There’s an air of discomfort around the two of you and you’re unsure of whether it’s due to him having to meet your father or the conversation that will follow. Minghao, much like the night the two of you met and you’d asked about why everyone seemed to disapprove of him, was tense. His hands were set on his knees, squeezing tightly to the point of his knuckles turning white. His head is turned away from you, keeping his gaze on the city as you drive. It makes you nervous. Had you done something wrong? Was he regretting everything?

You swallow hard, mimicking his position and turning to look out the window.

Do you know how long I’ve been keeping an eye on you?

There had been something so off about the way he said that. You still couldn’t quite figure out what it was, and it had your stomach churning uncomfortably.

The feeling only worsens when you pull up in front of your father’s building and Gyuri is standing with Seungcheol. Both look upset, standing straight with their arms folded behind their backs.

“What is this?” Minghao murmurs, thanking the driver quietly when his door opens. You slide out behind him, taking his hand in your own as he helps you stand.

“I’m…I’m not sure what this is.” You admit, your eyebrows knitting together as Gyuri approaches you. “Gyuri, what’s happening?”

“You need to come with me,” she tugs at your arm, attempting to pull you away from your new lover.

“What?” Your hand tightens in Minghao’s, your feet gluing into place. “What— what are you talking about? Gyuri, what’s going on? What is Seungcheol doing here?”

“Y/N,” Seungcheol steps toward you, but Minghao is faster and pushes you behind him. Your hand dislodges from his, and you yelp as Gyuri practically rips you away from him. Your knees hit the ground, skin scraping against pavement. The door of the company building practically flies open, a few police officers filing out with your father taking up the rear.

“Father?” Your throat is closing up, too many emotions pulsing through your body.

“What is this?” Minghao is yelling. People are stopping on the streets to stare. Gyuri and Seungcheol pull you to your fight, and you don’t think you have the strength to stop them. “Y/N, WHAT IS THIS?”

For a moment, you’re afraid. He lunges for you, and two officers grab at him. He looks rabid, his eyes crazed and teeth bared like some animal as he yells and screams and kicks against the people holding him. Your father approaches you, relief replacing the typical stone-cold gaze he gives you.

“What’s happening?” You’re sobbing now, blood washing down your legs. Gyuri is crying with you, and Seungcheol’s hands are shaking.

“Are you alright?” Your father asks. “Did he do anything to you?”

“I— what—” you can’t breathe.

“Xu Minghao,” an officer speaks over the commotion. “You are under arrest for the crimes of criminal harassment, assault and battery, and extortion. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney—”

“GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF ME—” Minghao’s hand flies out, nearly clipping the officer in the jaw as he finishes speaking.

He yells obscenities, yells for you, at you, at the people around him. He curses wildly, using every name under the sun, threatens death upon everyone.

Do you know how long I’ve been keeping an eye on you?

“I’m sorry.”

Gyuri is sitting on the chair beside you as you get your knees treated. You stare blankly ahead of you, and she turns her head to Seungcheol, silently pleading for help.

“Y/N,” he says slowly, “do you understand what’s happening?”

No response.

“Minghao…we told you he was not the man you thought he was. You fell too hard, too fast, didn’t give us time to tell you everything.”

Silence. Gyuri starts talking again, not knowing if you heard anything they were saying.

“He’s…he was planning on using you, Y/N. Using you to get…to get your father’s company, just like he did with his own father. It…it was all fake. Everything you learned about him, everything we all thought we knew about him…it was all lies. It was in the small details.”

People always said you were innocent. People always called you naive. You trusted too easily, loved even easier. It made it easy to use you, to take everything you had and throw you to the side. Some people of new money were able to gain the respect of those of old money, but you?

No one would ever respect you.

Not after you fell for the gorgeous man, fell for his gorgeous lies and fantasies.

Thinking about him here in this hospital room…

Something about it makes you want to sink and drown and die. Maybe that would be easier.

“Can… can I leave?” you look up at Seungcheol, tears welling in your eyes. He looks heartbroken. “I want— I want to leave, Seungcheol. Can we leave?”

Heartbroken. That’s the look in his eye that you couldn’t recognize last night. It wasn’t anger, it wasn’t the realization that he had lost you.

“We can go. It’s over now.”

170 notes · View notes

twogyuu · 2 years

Text

Love Me Out Loud

Pairing: Mingyu x fem!reader

Featuring: BooSeokSoon, the rest of team ENFJ, Kim Taehyung, Irene/Joohyun, Younghee

Synopsis: Kim Mingyu was your first, but to him, he was for sure you were his endgame. One year out from university, no one expected you to be dating the former campus heartthrob. It's why you had to hide it from everyone – Mingyu's 14.5K Instagram followers, at least. However, the return of your childhood best friend Kim Taehyung to Seoul for a wedding, forces Mingyu to rethink the secrecy of your whole relationship.

Genre: Fluff, angst, smidgen of crack, established relationship, secretbf!mingyu, medschoolgrad!reader, childhood bestfriend!taehyung, bestfriend!younghee, title inspired by Chungha's Love Me Out Loud

Warnings: Use of profanity, mentions of food and alcohol, inaccurate statistics about couples, lack of communication, insecurities, yes I chose cliché wedding songs . . . I think that's it?

WC: ~14.6K

A/N: Surprise 🤡 This fic was inspired by Mingyu's IG thirst photos. Also . . . high-key low-key me projecting my beef with him onto the couple in this au😳 I deeply apologize in advance if the main conflict of this fic is kind of stupid 😭 I needed to . . . uh, vent out some steam :') Only Kim Mingyu can make me feel this deeply to the point where I can smash out almost 15K words in three sittings, despite recently declaring Vernon (and maybe Jihoon) as my new biases . . . (I am not proud).

I was this close to throwing out this fic, but @onlymingyus encouraged me to follow through with it, so here's the final result. Thank you for believing in my hot recycling writing when I can't, fam 😭

Other things: Per usual, this is unedited, so I'm sorry for any grammar and error mistakes. One of these days when I'm feeling ambitious, I will come back and fix them. This will probably be my last update in a while! I have a couple big exams coming up I need to focus on. I also need to work on those 1K fic drabbles (and finishing my 2 other series 🤡)! I'll be lurking around simping over Vernon, but for the most part, I'll see you all on the other side in a few weeks, hopefully having passed my exams with flying colors and with some new stories and updates in hand.

Last, Kim Mingyu if you're reading this: Sir, please love me back in my dreams at the bare minimum!!! 😭💔 #iykyk

Permanent taglist: @sleeplessdawn @woozarts @wonuziex @rockwidthyou @bibinnieposts @jeonghanniehae95

“He looks like a . . . a fuck boy.”

Her brows knitted together with a frown set on her lips, Younghee sank down into the wooden chair and shot you a concerned look. Mirroring her disappointment, though for different reasons, you pouted and lowered the image of your new boyfriend closer to your chest. Silently, you clicked the side button of your phone that turned your screen black.

“He’s not,” you mumbled, your feelings hurt that your best friend would think you were that dumb to fall for a fuck boy.

Younghee let out a heavy sigh, running her hands through her long wavy black hair. She tucked a loose strand behind her ear and clasped her hands together, tilting her head curiously to the side. “What’s his name again?”

“Mingyu,” you replied promptly, “Kim Mingyu.”

“Kim Mingyu, Kim Mingyu, Kim Mingyu,” she repeated like a mantra, tapping her chin curiously. She narrowed her eyes, “The name sounds familiar.”

“He . . . went to the same uni as me,” you added – not that it mattered a whole lot. Younghee didn’t know many of your friends from university as she didn’t attend with you when the both of you graduated from high school. Rather, she went down her own unique path, opting to attend culinary school and now owning her own bakery. Busy with your post-graduation and adult lives, the two of you hardly found the time to sit down like this and catch up anymore – it’s almost been a year since you last saw Younghee and had a lot to update her on, your relationship Mingyu being the main new occurrence.

Sucking in a sharp breath, she asked, “I don’t remember you talking about him.”

“That’s because I didn’t,” you cleared your throat and took a long sip of your own drink before replying. “We didn’t run in the same circles – I mean, we did, he’s friends with Seokmin and Seungkwan, but I was hardly around when he was because ya know, medical school is busy . . . We met after I graduated.”

“Ah,” Younghee nodded slowly.

“He’s really nice – a sweetheart,” you volunteered. You rubbed your arm, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Treats me well . . . and s-stuff.”

“I mean, I hope he does,” Younghee replied. She shrugged and turned back to her iced coffee, twirling the straw nonchalantly as the ice sloshed against one another inside.

You frowned and let out a heavy sigh. Your shoulders slumped forward. “What don’t you like about him already? You haven’t even met him yet”

“I never said I didn’t like him.”

“You said he was a fuck boy and keep giving me these weird looks.”

Younghee rolled her eyes. She hated how observant you were at the wrong times. “I said he looked like a fuck boy,” she pointed at your phone, “And I don’t know? It’s the air, the vibe, about him in his pictures? He’s definitely good-looking and you can tell he knows it – it’s like . . . arrogant?”

“He’s not–”

“And don’t lie to me, you can tell, the man has had bitches before you.”

“Okay and? We’re nearing our thirties, haven’t we all dated someone at this point?”

“You’ve never dated anyone before Mingyu and there’s a chance that there will be bitches after you.”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that,” you scoffed. As much as you loved your best friend, she was quick to judge and did not know how to filter herself at times. “Also, I did date before this! There was –”

Younghee pointed at you, her eyes wide and playful as she was trying to make a point. “Hoseok doesn’t count – you both were so shy, nothing came about it.”

Annoyed, you pressed your lips tightly, waiting for Younghee to finish rattling off nonsense about Mingyu. She wasn’t wrong per se, but she also wasn’t right. Mingyu was one of three major heartthrobs at your university, and unironically, they were best friends with one another: Kim Mingyu, Joshua Hong, and Lee Chan. Like those cheesy coming-of-age movies set in high school, people gawked at them in the hallways while they blessed everyone with their presence. Women flocked in their direction at parties, hoping at a shot to be their companion for the night, or perhaps even the next few months.

They each had their own charms, it just depended on what you preferred. Joshua Hong was the soft “indie” type. Seemingly lost in his own thoughts, daydreaming and sketching away in his notebook or strumming his guitar during his free time, the former Film major was quite the romantic. He was warm, kind, and soft-hearted. He was the owner of the gentle tinkling laugh that had women and men alike on their knees. Lee Chan was the youngest, but the boldest, of the trio. Effortlessly, funny and shameless, he was quite the flirt; yet known to be quite serious when it came to studies. And last: Kim Mingyu – arguably the most popular out of the three of them. He was a man written by a woman: Handsome, tall, well-built, respectful, and friendly. His photos on Instagram surmounted hundreds of likes within hours of posting them. Rumor had it that brands had offered him deals for modeling, but he always turned them down, opting to focus on pursuing his career in architecture instead. He was practically a university socialite, though that did come with a downside.

“Are you done?” you asked when you saw Younghee lean back into her chair and crossed her arms over her chest.

She nodded. “All I’m saying is you need to be careful with men who look like him. Looks can be deceiving.”

“I understand where you’re coming from and thank you for your concern,” you sucked in a sharp breath, “But . . . give him a chance? Mingyu’s . . . the first guy I’ve really liked in a long time.” You peered up at Younghee through your lashes, gnawing at your bottom lip. “I also thought he was going to be like that in university, up to when Seungkwan first introduced us: arrogant, only here for an ego boost and to play with me and go about his life, but . . . I don’t know, he has his flaws, but something’s . . . different about him. I promise.”

Younghee eyed you curiously, chewing the tip of her straw between her pearly white teeth. She turned your words in her head over and over like she was observing a stone in her hand. To her, Mingyu was an interesting shift from your type, which you had claimed your last crush, Hoseok, was. He wasn’t ugly, but from the first look, you knew that wasn't all there was to him like Mingyu. Hoseok was cheerful – he added color to your dull, gray life. His style was definitely unique to put it kindly, but he was supportive and got along well with all of your friends, especially Seokmin. She hadn’t met him yet, but one look at the picture of Mingyu wearing a black T-shirt reading, “ART THAT KILLS,” and coyly looking at the camera while putting on his headphones was enough to set off alarms in her head.

Younghee let out a sigh and dropped her empty plastic cup onto the table. Her lips contorted as her eyes wandered around the cafe before they landed on you. Reaching over to place her hand over your clasped ones, she leaned in, trying to read your face. Clearly, you were upset with her. She wasn’t sure if you were just so far up Mingyu’s ass that you didn’t see the red flags, or maybe, she was wrong and Mingyu really was a good guy, so you genuinely did like him.

“How long have the two of you been dating again?” Younghee asked.

“Seven months,” you mumbled.

She nodded. It was a sizable amount of time and you usually did have a good read on people to break things off before they got toxic – but maybe Kim Mingyu was a different breed. “And why is that I’m only finding out about him now? As your best friend, I kind of expect you to blow up my phone the day you made it official.”

“We agreed to keep it on the down-low,” you played with your thumbs, avoiding her eyes. Your mind flitted to the day, Mingyu and you talked about it on his old beat up blue couch. You still remembered the way his hands gingerly crept up to caress your own, his eyes silently pleading you to give him a chance. “A secret, if you will?”

“But I’m your best friend,” Younghee frowned. She felt her stomach churn, though she was trying to keep calm and let you explain your side of the story before she misunderstood.

“You are!” you exclaimed, covering her hands with yours now. You folded your thumbs over her fingers. “B-but for my sake, I chose to keep it a secret and I asked him to do the same – he was only doing what I asked him to do . . . Not many people knew about us. Only Seungkwan, Soonyoung, and Seokmin really did – Seungkwan set us up anyhow. Mingyu only told his friends recently too.”

“Okay,” Younghee replied slowly, “Why did you want to keep it a secret then?”

“I - I . . . Mingyu is, err, famous?” you offered.

“All of it in one go, girlie, don’t stutter,” Younghee encouraged you, “I won’t understand otherwise.”

You huffed out a breath, blowing off the fringes in your eyes. “This is so cliche,” you muttered, “But Mingyu . . . was the, uh, ‘campus heartthrob’ at our university. A lot of people liked him and, uh, you were right, he dated a lot of people before me. With those people, he . . . was very vocal about his relationship with them on Instagram – you know, like, posting cute couple pictures and stuff. You knew when they were together, and you knew when they weren’t anymore, or when he found someone else. As much as I like him, I don’t want everyone from university who follows him to be all up in my business – especially since we graduated already. I-I like my privacy and the small world I built in university. You know too, I hardly use my IG account.”

“Anything else?” Younghee offered, giving you the space to add any sparing details.

Biting your bottom lip, you replied, “I’m also scared about how my parents, especially my mom, will react when they find out I’m dating Mingyu . . . You know how they are.”

“You didn’t even tell your mom!?” Younghee exclaimed.

“I know I’m almost twenty-six and I shouldn’t be scared of my mother, but I am,” you wailed, burying your head in your arms. “I wanted to be sure before I introduced Mingyu to them, let alone, tell them about him because I’m scared they’ll give the same scolding you did – but worse.”

Younghee let out a chortle. She rounded the table to sit in the seat next to you, pulling your form into her arms. “You’re the cutest.”

“Stop finding joy in my misery,” you whined.

“But in all seriousness,” Younghee rubbed circles into your back, “I get it now. It makes sense why you kept it from me, especially when we run such opposite lives – you at the hospital and me at my bakery.”

You nodded, letting out a soft hum. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Though,” Younghee started teasingly. You glowered at her in annoyance, only eliciting a playful smile dancing on her lips, “You must really like him if you’re this cautious and scared.”

You shrank back against the window. “I’m just . . . not sure he feels the same. What if I do like him more than he likes me?”

“What makes you think that?”

“He’s Kim Mingyu, and I’m me – I didn’t see this coming.”

“Did he approach you, or did you approach him?”

You thought for a bit. “The former.”

“And what made you cave in?”

“ . . . Seungkwan?”

“You dated him for Seungkwan?”

You shook your head furiously. “No, no, no – I, um . . . Mingyu . . . after we met at Seokmin’s birthday party, we, uh, hung out a few times – as friends, friends only. But one day, he just casually asked me out on a date.”

“And how does Seungkwan play into all of this?” Younghee shook her head.

“At first I told him no because I thought he was joking, but he was persistent. The first time turned into a second, then a third, then a fourth. I thought he’d give up by the fifth time, but he asked again, and he probably told Seungkwan about it because shortly after, he gave me a good long talk,” you peered up Younghee, “You know, Seungkwan and his long talks.”

Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she chuckled and replied, “I know them the best.”

“But yeah,” you said in a small voice, perching your chin meekly on your hand.

“Well, I think he’d be blind not to like you as much as you like him,” Younghee reassured you.

You scoffed. “You’re obligated to say that as my best friend.”

“Y/N,” Younghee rolled her eyes, “You’re ambitious, pretty, humble, easygoing – you’re a fucking doctor for heaven’s sake. You’re everyone’s dream girl. Give yourself some credit.”

“I don’t know, Younghee,” you muttered.

Younghee wanted to shake you. As amazing as you were, your insecurity was one of the things that always seemed to get the best of you. It made her heartache that after all your achievements at such a young age, you still succumbed to self-doubt. If only you saw you through her eyes.

“When do I get to meet this ‘Kim Mingyu’?” Younghee asked, hoping to get your mind off of things.

“You . . . want to meet him?” you asked nervously instead.

She nodded. “I need to scope him out – make sure, he’s not here to play with my best friend’s heart.”

“Oh god – don’t. Soonyoung already gave him a hard enough time,” you chuckled at the memory of Soonyoung’s shocked expression when the two of you showed up hand-in-hand, the older man eventually pulling Mingyu aside and giving what Mingyu described as a “stern dad warning.” “But I do really want you to meet him . . . and he wants to meet you too.”

“Oh?”

“I talk a lot about you to him,” you nudged her in her ribs.

Younghee smiled and pulled you into another hug. “I’m happy for you, truly – though, I don’t trust Mingyu 100% yet. Come by the bakery after work or on the weekend sometime. We’re gonna play on my turf.”

“Younghee,” you warned, jokingly.

As you pulled away, your phone lit up, Mingyu’s caller ID, a photo of him with his dog Bobpul that he insisted on, displaying on the screen. Younghee wiggled her eyebrows at you playfully.

“Hello?” you answered, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. Younghee moved to press her ear next to your phone, hoping to also catch a word or two from your boyfriend.

“What are you doing right now? Where are you?” Mingyu asked softly. His voice was rasp and low as if he just woke up from a nap.

“I’m meeting with Younghee, remember?” you peered up at your best friend. She smirked at you, lightly slapping your shoulder in excitement.

Mingyu let out a soft hum. You heard ‘poof’ in the background, assuming he rolled onto his back and collapsed on his bed. “How much longer are you gonna be there? Do you work today? I miss you – I want to see you.”

“I don’t work today, but I was hoping to spend more time with Younghee,” you side glanced at her, heat creeping across your cheeks. She was angrily holding up her two pointer fingers in a cross, suggesting you cancel your plans and run home to Mingyu. You rolled your eyes and shoved her away. “You know I only get to see her every few months and I saw you two days ago.”

“Mmm . . . it’s been too long though,” Mingyu groaned.

“I’ll see you tonight? After the movie?” you offered.

“I wanna see you now,” he chuckled.

“Gyu.”

“Y/N.”

“You are insufferable,” you chortled.

“But you’re stuck with me, so,” you could just picture him skittishly shrugging his shoulders.

“I’ll come over after, okay?”

“Okay,” he pouted jokingly, “Don’t be too long, love.”

“Bye, Gyu.”

“Bye.”

When you ended the call, you were met with Younghee’s shit-eating grin. A moment of silence passed before she erupted in a thunder of squeals and giggles.

“You two are so gross, but so cute!” she latched onto your arm. “‘Love’? What other pet names does he have for you? Babe? Honey? Sweetheart?”

“Stop,” you groaned, reaching for your purse. “Let’s just go to the movies.”

“Sure thing, love,” Younghee winked facetiously.

. . . .

As promised, you returned to Mingyu’s apartment that evening. Initially, you had only planned on staying a few hours before returning to your own home; however, like more times than not, he managed to convince you to stay the night. Hence, why you were lying in the crook of his arm on his bed, wearing one of his many black T-shirts that were much too large for you, the hem hitting you below mid-thigh.

Because Mingyu couldn’t sleep unless it was completely pitch black, there wasn't a trace of light. He had chosen a windowless bedroom, so not even the slightest sliver of moonlight would seep through. Your only sense of him was his large body half underneath you and the steady rise and fall of breathing.

“I told Younghee about us,” you muttered, tracing invisible circles into his abdomen.

Mingyu replied with a soft hum, followed by a sigh of relief. You felt him shifting underneath you, turning until you were laying on his bicep. You peered up at him through your lashes, the light from outside reflecting off his deep brown irises shining like stars. Mingyu’s hair was getting long as his messy dark bangs were starting to skim the tops of his lashes.

Mingyu reached over and brushed a few strands of loose hair from your face, letting his fingers linger a little longer along the curves of your cheeks. He gave you a small smile. “And?”

“Do you want me to be honest or do you want me to sugarcoat it a little?” you whispered.

His smile grew into a grin – he was already expecting to not be well-received by Younghee as you’ve told him she was rather blunt and critical. It took her almost half a year to warm up to Seokmin because she claimed he was too nice to be true. Especially in the case that he was your first boyfriend in a while, Mingyu knew he’d have to be more than ‘nice’ for Younghee to welcome him into your life.

Mingyu slipped his arms lower, wrapping them around your waist. He pulled you closer to him; you automatically placed both of your hands on his chest in efforts to create some distance between the two of you. It wasn’t that you didn’t like his physical affection, but rather, you weren’t used to someone being so clingy and touchy with you like this before.

“Lay it on me, love,” Mingyu whispered, tucking your head underneath his chin. “I have to hold you in case it hurts too much.”

“You can just hold me if you want to, Gyu,” you giggled.

“You’re my emotional support teddy bear,” he insisted.

You rolled your eyes. Nonetheless, you found yourself snaking your arms around his waist as well. “Younghee thought you looked like a fuck boy.”

“Hhmm,” Mingyu hummed. You could already picture the slight pout setting on his face. You knew he didn’t like it when people made this assumption about him based on his appearance.

“She’s . . . kind of nervous about you for me,” you continued to explain. It was as Mingyu expected, “But . . . I reassured her that you were good and she wants to meet you – but she thinks we’re gross.”

Mingyu let out a breathy chuckle. “Why?”

“When you called, she overheard you calling me ‘love’,” you squirmed a little in his hold.

“Do you think it’s gross?” Mingyu asked instead.

You pressed your lips into a tightline, answering his question with silence. Had you been an outsider watching the two of you, you might have said the same thing as Younghee: gross. However, admittedly, the pet names he gave you like, ‘love’ and ‘teddy bear’ made you feel warm and fuzzy inside – almost special if you will. There was a small voice inside of you that questioned if he did the same with his various past girlfriends.

You buried your face into his chest, the scent of floral laundry detergent filling your nostrils. He must’ve pulled this out of the dryer recently. You felt a rumble bubbling through his body as Mingyu let out another chuckle at your reaction. You had a feeling, he already knew what you were going to say. You’ve only been dating seven months, but he already read you so well.

“Kind of,” you finally replied, your voice muffled by the fabric of his shirt.

“I . . . don’t blame you,” he reassured you. He planted a brief kiss on the crown of your head, while rubbing your back. “We are kind of gross, but . . . I wouldn’t have it any other way. I like it when you call me ‘Gyu.’”

“It’s not that special of a nickname,” you pointed out.

“It is when you say it,” he immediately replied.

You were glad he couldn’t see you right now as your cheeks grew warm. Again, you found yourself burying your face deeper into his chest – as if it could take anymore of you. Simultaneously, you were silently cursing yourself for swooning so easily at each flirt he shot your way. You shouldn’t let him have this much of an effect on you. What happens when the honeymoon phase is over? Will he still be calling you ‘love’? Will you still feel this special for doing the bare minimum?

“What are you thinking about?” Mingyu asked, his voice soft.

“Nothing,” you lied.

“You’ve been quiet for a while now though.”

“I’m just getting tired,” you sighed. You pulled back from his chest, fluttering your eyes shut. “We should sleep.”

Because he didn’t want to argue, Mingyu chose to leave it at that. Perhaps another day he’ll ask what’s been keeping you so preoccupied. With a deep breath, Mingyu turned and tightened his grip on you, molding his body against yours. He could feel you moving in his arms, trying to find a position to get comfortable.

“Good night, Gyu,” you whispered when you had stopped turning.

“Good night, love,” Mingyu replied.

. . . .

You spun around at the familiar sound of his Leica camera shutter going off. Mingyu smiled softly, a fond look in his eyes as he admired the photo on the back screen. Placing the pumpkin spice candle back on the shelf, you shoved your hands in the pockets of your peacoat and walked over to him. Leaning over, you tiptoed peering over his shoulder looking on as well. The picture was of your profile as you read the label of the candle, your hair spilling over your shoulder. You knew Mingyu loved photography and you could appreciate it, but you couldn’t help but frown at the thought of him taking photos of you unaware. You just didn’t like taking pictures unless you had to; they made you uncomfortable, even if it was just Mingyu. Silently, you nudged his side, snapping him out of his musing. Mingyu lowered his camera and turned to face you, a nervous smile dancing on his lips.

“Gyu,” you said softly, “You know I don’t like pictures.”

“You looked nice though,” he mumbled.

You frowned at him.

“Candid pictures are the best,” he tried to convince you.

When you didn’t respond, only pressing your lips into a thin line and looking away, Mingyu finally relented with a soft sigh. He only wanted to love and appreciate you for who you were and that included taking pictures. He wanted to show you, you through his point-of-view; yet, you didn’t want it. Hooking the red camera strap around his neck, he reached over to place his hand on the crook of your elbow, tugging you closer towards him.

“Hey,” he said more firmly this time. You peered up at him silently through your lashes. “I’m sorry, okay? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but . . . I just like taking pictures of the people I love.”

Though you understood where he was coming from, it didn’t necessarily make you feel any better. Especially when the Instagram images of Mingyu with his previous girlfriends have flashed through your mind.

“You’re beautiful and I just want to remember small moments like this with you,” his hand trailed from your elbow, down your forearm, naturally fitting them into yours. He gave you a reassuring squeeze. “But if you really are against it, I’ll stop.”

Guilt flooded your system at his words – it was the same unsettling feeling you had when you had asked him to delete his first Instagram story of the two of you. It was a photo taken by Seungkwan, Mingyu’s arm wrapped loosely over your shoulder while your head was tucked away in the nape of his neck with your arm resting on his chest – a closer look would reveal the bashful smile on your face.

“Why?” Mingyu had asked innocently through the phone when you had anxiously called to ask him the favor.

“I just like my privacy,” you had simply told him. “I would also rather . . . uh, keep our relationship out of the . . . public eye right now,” you chuckled nervously, “On the down-low?”

It wasn’t a lie, but it also wasn’t the whole truth.

“Okay,” he replied. Little did you know, his heart sank a little. He was excited for your relationship when it started that late spring – as corny as it sounded, it was as if the cherry blossoms bloomed late that year, just for the two of you to come together. Nonetheless, Mingyu wanted to try and be understanding and accommodating – you weren’t quite like any of the other girls he dated previously. “For future references though . . . would you be comfortable if I post pictures of us? Photography,” Mingyu let out a breathy, but nervous chuckle, “It's kind of a hobby of mine and I like sharing the ones I took.”

You had taken a minute to reply, your mind running at 100 miles per hour, weighing the pros and cons of the situation. It was as if the course of your whole relationship flashed before your eyes, the end seemingly soo and grim.

“I-I . . . um, for now, let’s not,” you stuttered, “Maybe as we go along I’ll be more comfortable – just ask.”

But as time continued, the situation didn’t seem to get better. Similarly to today, you’d only get quiet when he took pictures of you, quickly reminding him not to post it on Instagram. Though he was curious if there was more of a reason beyond your privacy, Mingyu never dared to question you. Yet, it made you all the more guilty as time went on.

He loved photography and he loved you – Mingyu was an altruistic and rather pure soul, so you knew his words weren’t without substance. You didn’t want to cut him off from his passion either – refraining from sharing your relationship was already a huge sacrifice for him. Mingyu was extroverted, confident, and unafraid to show himself to the world, and this included his photos and you. For that, you loved him, but you wouldn’t want him to change that for you.

“It’s fine,” you finally muttered.

Mingyu frowned, unconvinced. “Is it though?”

You pulled away from his hold, though not letting go of his hand. “J-just . . . give me a heads up next time okay? Like ‘hey, babe, I brought my camera and I might snap a few pictures,’ okay?”

A mischievous smile replaced the sullen look on his face. He cocked a curious eyebrow in your direction. “Babe?”

You rolled your eyes. “That wasn’t the point I was trying to make.”

Mingyu nodded, acknowledging your point. “I know, I know – I’ll let you know next time.”

“Don’t post it on Instagram,” you added.

Mingyu felt his heart drop into his stomach, unsettled. It’s been seven months and most, if not all of your friends knew at this point. Were you still so worried? Nevertheless, he shooed away the turbulent feeling and nodded. “Promise.”

Looking down at your watch, you tugged Mingyu along towards the exit of the store. “C’mon, it’s almost time to meet Younghee.”

He sucked in a sharp breath, nervous.

You chuckled at him, “Just be you and she’ll love you.”

“I purposely wore this jacket instead of my leather one because I thought it wouldn’t make me look like a fuck boy,” he noted as you pushed open the door. A clang sounded through the store as you walked out, being met by the crisp air of autumn.

You paused in your steps, turning to him and grabbing either side of his collar. Pulling him towards you, you placed a chaste kiss on his lips. “Mr. Kim,” you teased, “I think we’re past the point in adulthood where you can refer yourself to a fuck boy.”

“Mr. Kim? Are we getting–”

You pecked his lips again to stop him before he could say anything suggestive. “We’re not in university anymore,” you explained, “Nor are we . . . the young adults we used to be.”

“Babe,” Mingyu interrupted, dragging on the word. “You don’t have to be in university to be called a ‘fuck boy’ – Joshua has a full-time job and I can assure you, he still is one!”

“But you’re Kim Mingyu and you aren’t one,” you tilted your head coyly at him.

He pouted, stomping his feet. “I’m just still . . . mildly offended that she would think that.”

“Admittedly, I showed her a very hot picture of you,” you joked, hoping to take the edge off of him. You patted away an invisible crease on his jacket.

Mingyu wrapped his arms around your waist. His eyes darkened as he leaned in, replying in a low voice, “Did you now?”

“I did,” you placed two fingers on his forehead and pushed him away, eliciting a whine from him. You chuckled and marched along. “Younghee doesn’t like people who run late, so we gotta hurry.”

For a moment, Mingyu watched you walk down the street, your hair swaying behind you. He was grinning stupidly and happily, and people were probably staring at him on the street, but he didn’t care. Serendipity was the best way to describe your presence in Mingyu’s life. To this day, he still wonders why he didn’t notice you then when the both of you still attended the same university, your friend groups even clashing through Seungkwan and Seokmin. Nevertheless, he was grateful to have you now. You had problems and differences, but he was hopeful the two of you could work them out. You had to – it’s what people who love each other do when things get hard.

When you were a good distance away and noticed the lack of Mingyu’s presence, you turned around, eyebrows furrowed at him still standing by the streetlamp where you left him. He was grinning, though you weren’t quite sure at what. Just as you were about to call his name, he came jogging in your direction. Immediately, he linked hands with you and marched forward towards Younghee’s bakery again. Though he paid no mind to you, you stared at his profile curiously. Sometimes, you wondered what went on in that pretty head of his.

. . . .

Mingyu liked to think that he was a confident man, always willing to stand up to a challenge. If there was anything he wanted to do, he could put his mind to it and see it through. Yet, sitting here in front of Younghee with coffees that had grown lukewarm and half-eaten cranberry scones on the table, his cheeks burned with shame, the feeling of failure settling in the bottom of his stomach like a rock sinking to the bottom of a lake. Even with your presence next to him, Mingyu couldn’t help but feel like he had just flunked one of his university exams – it was like that, but ten times worse because he knew that there were no revisions.

To put it plainly, rather than this being a pleasant meeting between new friends, Younghee had just grilled him and Mingyu stumbled through it like a rat lost in the sewers. Interestingly, however, the first meeting seemed to go differently for Younghee, your friend, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms over her chest, with a sly, but pleased smile dancing on her lips.

An uncomfortable silence ensued. Underneath the table, you felt the warmth of Mingyu’s hand previously resting on your thigh leave your leg, nervously clasping his hands together in his own lap. His eyes fell from Younghee, choosing to take up interest in the creases of his hand instead. Mingyu’s short lashes fluttered quickly . . . almost as if he was blinking back tears? Concerned, you reached over and placed your hand over his, gently pushing them apart, so you could slot your hands in one of them. It didn’t require much effort as Mingyu knew, he needed your reassurance more than ever right now.

“Well, I should probably get back to work,” Younghee casually glanced down at her watch. “Gotta close the shop and prepare for tomorrow – lots to do.”

“Of course,” Mingyu replied softly. He looked up and smiled at your best friend, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

In contrast, Younghee grinned and leaned over the table. “It was an absolute pleasure to meet you, Mingyu,” her eyes flickered to you before they rested on his figure again. “I guess . . . you’re . . . much different from what I was expecting. I can kind of see why Y/N likes you now – I hope you stick around, get to know you better, make sure you’re the right fit for my best friend.”

“Younghee,” you warned.

She winked at you playfully. “I’m kidding, Mingyu – but really, it was a pleasure.” Younghee stood up from her chair and wiped her hands on her worn brown apron, stained with blotches of flour here and there. She extended a hand for Mingyu to take. “Come by again, okay?”

Mingyu was utterly confused at the invitation, but took her hand nonetheless. He moved towards the door of the bakery to grant you and your best friend a few moments of privacy to say your goodbyes. You were making your way over, adjusting your purse on your shoulder when Younghee suddenly called your name again. You responded with a soft hum.

“Joohyun’s getting married at the end of next month,” Younghee announced.

Mingyu watched the way you gripped onto the leather strap, your feet stuttering to a stop at the drop of the news – at least to him it was.

“Taehyung,” she continued, stretching out the last syllable. Mingyu noted the way your eyes visibly widen at the sound of the name, “He’s coming back for it, ya know?”

“Taehyung?” you choked. You spun around to look at your best friend, your mind reeled back to the lanky teenage boy with the round chocolate eyes and boxy grin, his hair neatly cut into a bowl cut. “As in Kim Taehyung?”

The space between Mingyu’s eyebrows dipped at the tone of your voice. It was definitely surprise, but was it the good kind? As in you were excited to hear again about this person? Or was it the bad kind, in which he left a dent in your heart? Either way, Mingyu did not have a good feeling about it.

Younghee nodded. “I’m surprised he hasn’t contacted you.”

“He hasn’t,” your voice trailed off, “We haven’t chatted for a while – lost touch the first or second year of university because we both got busy.”

“You’re going, right?” Younghee asked. You saw the way her eyes trailed to your boyfriend standing behind you, her lips pulled mischievously between her teeth. “With Mingyu?”

Right – Mingyu.

You didn’t have to turn around to know the way Mingyu’s lips were already set in a small pout, a crease between his sharp brows now softened in a dispirited expression. He thought he knew everything about you – good, straightforward communication and no secrets, like the two of you agreed. But why was this the first time he was hearing about Joohyun and her upcoming wedding when you seemed to have known for a while now?

Pressing your lips together, you nodded once stiffly. “Y-yeah, I think so.”

The hesitancy in your voice wrung Mingyu’s heart in a funny way.

“Good,” Younghee chuckled, hiding her smile behind the back of her hand. “Him in a suit would make for a dashing Instagram photo with lots of thirsty comments underneath.”

. . . .

“Who’s Joohyun?” Mingyu finally asked.

The two of you were on your way back to his car parked a few blocks away from Younghee’s bakery. The first half of the walk was oddly quiet, but you had chalked it up to Mingyu feeling disappointed about his conversation with Younghee. His usual charming ways did not quite work on the girl as it did with most people. You figured he needed his time and space to process the situation, only asking every now and then if he was okay and where he wanted to go for dinner. However, it seemed like it wasn’t Younghee on his mind, but rather someone else.

Mingyu reached into the pocket of your jacket, intertwining his fingers with yours that were tucked away inside. He eyed your side profile carefully, giving you a soft squeeze, waiting for you to return the gesture – it was your thing. He did this when he was nervous (which was not often) and needed reassurance, but too shy to tell you the truth out loud.

“She’s, uh . . . a friend,” you explained, squeezing his hand, “From high school.”

“How come you never mentioned her?” he pressed on.

“She wasn’t ever really relevant in our conversations,” you replied softly, “And we weren’t that close really.”

“But close enough to be invited to her wedding – in a month,” Mingyu huffed, “That you didn’t tell me about.”

“I-I was going to tell you,” you stuttered, “Ask you – eventually. I just wasn’t sure how.”

Mingyu let out a half-hearted chuckle. “How hard could it be? You know I would happily go anywhere with you.”

You shrugged, jostling your linked hands. “Our . . . agreement, you know?”

Even though it’s been months since the two of you decided to keep your relationship fairly hidden, it still didn’t fail to send a sting through his heart. He tried to be understanding and respectful of your values of privacy, but Mingyu liked to love loud. Holding your hands at events with friends, kisses out on the sidewalk, and cute Instagram photos of the most seemingly boring things were beautiful to him.

“How much longer do we have to keep it this way though?” Mingyu asked quietly.

“Mingyu,” you started slowly.

“I mean, at this point, all our friends know, right?” he pressed on, cutting you off. You could hear the exasperation in his voice overtaking his thought process. “Seungkwan, Seokmin, Soonyoung . . . I told Josh and Chan recently, and today we met Younghee.”

“I know,” you muttered, “B-but . . . there are just . . . so many other people who’ll be at the wedding.”

“I don’t care about those other people,” Mingyu deadpanned.

“And if I do?”

At this point, the both of you had stopped walking, your hands still linked. Mingyu searched your face for an answer – anything, yet you always managed to stay so stoic somehow. In contrast to him who wore his heart on his sleeves and his current emotions written all over his expression, your heart was hidden in the folds of your jacket while an expressionless mask shielded your true feelings. It made you seemingly strong, but sometimes, for him, Mingyu wished you would let your guard down and tell him what was bothering you.

“Is this about that Taeyong guy?” Mingyu asked abruptly.

Your eyebrows ticked, furrowing together momentarily before they returned to their places. A small frown on your face, you corrected him, “Taehyung.”

“Taehyung, Taeyong – tomato, to-mah-to.”

“Why are you asking about Taehyung?”

Mingyu shrugged, “I . . . dunno – you seemed pretty shocked to hear his name again and I was wondering why.”

“He’s just a friend who Younghee and I grew up with.”

“You seem to have a lot of friends I don’t know about,” Mingyu mumbled.

“He was a neighbor from down the street and we went to school together, but he ended up going to a different university. I really mean it when I say I haven’t seen him since the first year of university,” you quickly summarized, hoping to calm his nerves. “Any other questions?”

Mingyu twisted his lips, glancing at the crack along the curb. “Who was he to you?”

“A friend,” you answered promptly.

“Anything more?”

You shook your head fervently. “Why are you so curious?”

“I mean, Younghee specifically mentioned him. Seokmin and Seungkwan went to high school with you too, but she didn’t talk about them going,” he shrugged like a child upset on the playground, “Frankly, I’m curious – perhaps, mildly jealous.”

“Mingyu,” you frowned. You leaned in and wrapped your arms around his waist. “Taehyung was just a good friend of ours and neither of us have really heard from or seen him in a while. We see the other two fairly regularly. I’m surprised Tae’s even coming back for this.”

“Tae?” Mingyu repeated. You’ve only ever shortened his own name – he assumed he was special.

“Gyu,” you scowled at him for latching onto the miniscule change in detail.

Mingyu gnawed on the inside of his cheek. He should give you the benefit of the doubt, right? It’s been years and if there was something between you and this Taehyung, it would’ve happened already. If you said you were friends, then you must’ve been. He had no reason to question you otherwise.

Sucking in a sharp breath, Mingyu nodded and stepped towards you, bringing his hands up to your waist too.

“Okay,” he relented. He peered up at you, “But . . . the wedding?”

“What about the wedding?”

“Are we . . .” his voice trailed off, hoping you’d finish the thought for him.

But your answer was something he didn’t want to hear.

“I, uh . . . I do want to go with you,” you stuttered, “A-as my plus one.”

Visibly, Mingyu’s eyes lit up.

“But, I’m not sure yet,” you finished, your voice soft followed by a shaky breath. “Let me think about it, hm?”

The light in his eyes dimmed as quickly as they came. "What is there to think about?"

"It might not seem like a big deal to you, but it's a big deal to me – just . . . Be patient, okay?"

The corner of his lips sagging, he nodded slowly. “Okay."

Because that’s all he could do right now.

Be okay with it.

. . . .

Leaning against the pillar of the front office, Seungkwan cocked a curious eyebrow at you as you walked in, yielding a red lunchbox that you weren’t holding before you left. A wolfish grin grew as you neared with your eyes wide, silently warning him to keep any snark comments he had to himself. It didn’t deter Seungkwan from teasing you, however – it never did, especially when it came to Mingyu. Clicking his tongue against his teeth, he jovially joined your side.

“Mingyu came by again, didn’t he, love?” Seungkwan asked, using the nickname, he’s heard Mingyu call you more than a thousand times at this point.

“Shut up,” you grumbled.

“He packed you lunch too?” Seungkwan pointed to the red lunchbox in your hand. “You guys are so domestic.”

“He didn’t – I just forgot it at home,” you tried to explain as you got onto the metal crate.

“Oh so he spent the night?” Seungkwan pondered aloud, hiding a chuckle behind his hand.

Aggressively punching the button reading ‘9’, you turned to your supposed friend and glared at him. “Boo Seungkwan if you know what’s good for you–”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!” Seungkwan let out a boisterous laugh as the elevator door closed. He wrapped his arms around your shoulder. “I just think it’s very cute to see you so in love – I feel like . . . a proud mother, that’s all.”

You rolled your eyes, trying to shake him off your shoulder as the elevator door opened. If there was one bad thing about working at the same company as your friend, it’s the constant teasing when you were trying to be serious. The two of you weaved around the hallway towards the lunchroom, engaging in a light conversation about your weekends.

“Younghee finally met Mingyu,” you announced when the two of you settled down at a lunch table.

“Oh yeah?” Seungkwan stuffed the egg salad sandwich in his mouth. “How’d it go?”

“You know Younghee,” you shrugged, “She was all ‘no shits’ and serious – her talk was worse than Soonyoung’s! I’m pretty sure she scared Mingyu.”

Seungkwan chortled, taking a quick swig of his sparkling water to wash down his food. “Sounds like Younghee.”

“He did well though,” you nodded, poking your chopsticks at your vegetables. “I think she likes him enough for now.”

“Is she the last friend you have to tell?” Seungkwan asked, knowing well about your decision to keep yours and Mingyu’s relationship a secret from the beginning.

You paused, letting the chopsticks that were halfway to your lips drop with a clatter against the container. Your mind reeled back to the part you left out of meeting with Younghee: Joohyun’s wedding and Taehyung.

“Younghee brought up Joohyun’s wedding,” you started, your voice suddenly growing soft.

“And?” Seungkwan pressed on. He was confused with your change in demeanor.

“I . . . hadn’t told Mingyu about it yet.”

“Oh,” Seungkwan puckered his lips.

That was kind of bad.

“Then Younghee said Taehyung was coming back to town for it.”

“Oh,” Seungkwan reiterated, as if it couldn’t get any worse. He remembered Taehyung very well.

“Yeah,” you muttered.

Silence ensued while you picked at your food. Seungkwan watched you carefully, questions about your situation spinning in his mind as they always have since you asked him, Seokmin, and Soonyoung to stay quiet about your relationship with Mingyu. Initially, the request to keep it a secret made sense: it was a new relationship, let alone with Mingyu. However, the two of you got along so well, it didn’t make sense for you to be insecure now. You telling Younghee was the final step to ending all of this, no? From Seungkwan’s point-of-view, all your dilemmas and inner turmoil could be solved with one simple solution.

Holding his sandwich up to his lips, Seungkwan let out a sigh and shook his head. He looked up at you, his round eyes narrowed in confusion. “I don’t get it – why don’t you want people to find out about you and Mingyu still?”

You chewed slowly on your rice, taking your time to grind each piece and swallow it down with a sip of ice water. Seungkwan refrained from eating his sandwich until you replied.

Your eyes flickered hesitantly up at him before they fell on your tray again. Bringing your fist to your lips, you faked a cough, clearing your throat of your food.

“Y/N,” Seungkwan said sternly.

“I-it’s . . . too early, okay?” you stuttered.

“You’ve been together for almost a year now,” he deadpanned.

“It’s only been seven months,” you corrected him.

“And?”

“Mingyu’s best relationship lasted six months and we just barely made it past that,” you explained, the pace at which words were flying out of your mouth was astronomical. “I just want to make sure it’s not just a honeymoon phase and our relationship works out okay before it . . . gets out there. I’m comfortable with our close friends knowing, but not the whole world and Mingyu knows quite literally, the whole world.”

“What do you mean?” Seungkwan scrunched up his nose. “He’s friendly, but he doesn’t know the whole world – you're exaggerating.”

You sighed heavily, slumping over on the lunch table. “Unlike me, he’s quite friendly and makes friends anywhere he goes – it could be a rock and he’d somehow make relations with it! His Instagram following is also insane for a regular, non-celeb person.”

Seungkwan frowned and shook his head. “And that matters because . . .?”

You suddenly felt small and bare – vulnerable in a place where you shouldn’t be so. For some reason, however, the small voice at the back of your head told you that maybe you should share this insecurity with someone – and perhaps that someone could also be Seungkwan. “Mingyu’s been in a lot of relationships before me and, uh, I just . . . don’t want to be another girl who dated Kim Mingyu.”

Seungkwan’s eyes soften at your response.

“Is that why you don’t want to post a picture with him on Instagram?”

“Partly,” you shrugged, “Research also shows that 67 percent of couples who post about their relationship consistently are insecure and about 45 percent of those social media couples break up.” You sucked in a sharp breath and lifted your eyes to meet Seungkwan’s gaze. “And as you know, Mingyu’s past relationships kind of . . . followed that trend.”

“Aaaww, my dear, Y/N,” Seungkwan cooed. He ruffled your hair lovingly. “You really think Mingyu is unsure of your guys’ relationship, so he needs to upload pictures to reinforce it?”

You swatted Seungkwan’s hand away and brushed your strands back into place. “Shut up,” you grumbled.

Seungkwan smiled at you apologetically, stars shining in his eyes. “You really love him, don’t you?”

“Love is a stretch,” you stammered, “But like? Yeah, um, I like him . . . a lot.”

“Honestly, Y/N,” Seungkwan took a bite of his sandwich, “I don’t think you need to worry about anything. You’re different.”

“What do you mean, different?”

“Different from the previous girls,” he replied with his full. He took a swig of his iced Americano to wash the food down. “He’s different with you.”

“As in . . .?”

Seungkwan rolled his eyes, shooting you a look of disbelief – as if you grew antennas from your head. “I guess it’s not fair to assume you’d know, but I’ve been around when Mingyu dated other people and I’m currently around while he’s dating you, and honestly? I hope he keeps dating you. Of course, getting engaged and marriage aside, but I’ve never seen him so . . . calm and sure before? I’m not sure if ‘sure’ is the right word, but there’s a sense of stability and content – maturity, maybe? I haven’t seen it before. Sure the other girls might have been prettier or more fun, and he squealed like a thirteen year-old girl getting tickets to a BTS concert after amusement park dates, but with you? He looks like he’s actually having fun cleaning with you.”

You tuned out as Seungkwan continued to ramble on. It was indeed nice to get an outsider’s perspective rather than being stuck in your own head. Your friend was probably right, and you were being irrational. But that’s what fear did to you. Mingyu was understanding and you know if you brought it up eventually, he’d be more than willing to listen and reassure you to the world's end. There was a piece of you that still hesitated, nonetheless. What if he got mad at you?

“If you’re that worried about it, I’d just bring it up to Mingyu – he’s understanding and has a good head on his shoulders,” Seungkwan finally finished ou.

Stuffing your cheeks with rice, you gave Seungkwan a small nod. “I’ll think about it.”

. . . .

[unknown number]: hey

[unknown number]: this is tae :)

[unknown number]: kim taehyung from high school if you remember me haha

[unknown number]: younghee gave me your new number – i hope you don’t mind:)

[unknown number]: i just wanted to say hello and see if you were free to meet up?

A warm mug of coffee in his hand, Mingyu paused and stared blankly at your phone as each new message from Taehyung flashed across your screen. He frowned, tightening his abdomen as if it would do anything to control the nerves swirling in the pits of his stomach right now. Baseless thoughts flooding his mind, he failed to hear your padded footsteps behind him.

“Whatcha doing, Gyu?” you asked, reaching for your coat.

Swiftly, he turned around and smiled at you, though it didn't reach his eyes like most times.

“Ready?” Mingyu asked, avoiding your question.

He didn’t miss the way the space between your brows dipped slightly at him avoiding your question. You chose not to hound him on it, however.

“Yeah,” you untucked your hair from the collar and reached for your phone.

Holding his breath, Mingyu watched you carefully as you swiped at the screen. His heart sank a little when the little smile on your face formed at the new messages from an old friend. It was the smile he pictured you would have every time he sent you something.

Tugging on the arm of his jacket, Mingyu asked softly, “Who’s got smiling like that?”

You stopped in the middle of tapping away at a new message to Taehyung. You pulled your lips into a slight pout. “Like what?”

Mingyu waved his hand at your face before tucking them into his pockets. “Like that – the small one where you’re incredibly happy but you’re nervous to show it.”

You pressed your lips into a thin line, clicking off your phone and dropping it into your purse instead. You extended a hand for him to take. “Only you Mingyu.”

“You sure?”

“With my whole heart.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me it was Taehyung messaging you?” Mingyu muttered.

It was now your turn to frown. You didn’t have anything to hide from him nor was it the idea that he was snooping at your texts that made you upset. It was the fact that he was withholding his feelings from you. He was upset, jealous maybe, and he didn’t want to tell you.

“Gyu – are you still hung up on that?” you asked.

His gaze drifted to your hands. He rubbed small circles into the back of your skin, opting not to answer.

Gently, you pulled your hands from him and moved up to cup his cheeks instead, forcing him to look at you. He stared at you reluctantly with his puppy-like eyes.

“He’s just a friend, Gyu,” you reminded him, “No one’s taking me away from you.”

Mingyu gulped, scared. You’ve never been quite this certain with your words before. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

Wrapping his fingers around your own, he pulled them off his face, lacing them together in the space between you. He took note of the new coat of baby pink nail polish on your fingertips. Silently, he brushed the rough pads of his fingers over them – they were calloused from the barbells at the gym.

If you told him not to worry, there was no use in worrying, right?

You loved him and he loved you.

“Okay,” Mingyu finally relented.

“Let’s go get those groceries now, hm?” you hummed, tightening your fingers around his.

He nodded, his heart swelling once more. It was simple, grocery shopping, but it was in the ordinary things like this that were all the more precious because they were with you.

. . . .

“Kim Taehyung?” Seokmin sits back, wracking his brain for a mental image of the man.

Despite your reassurance, Mingyu was growing skeptical – more of Taehyung’s intention than he was of you. These past few days, you had been texting Taehyung non-stop and it was making Mingyu nervous. Your giggles were becoming more frequent and whenever Mingyu asked, it was always “back in high school Taehyung and I did this” or “Taehyung just said the funniest thing” when it wasn’t even that funny.

It was bearable until it wasn’t.

When you broke the news to him yesterday that you had agreed to meet up over coffee with Taehyung, it really pressed Mingyu into acceleration mode – nearly veering off a cliff.

Was Mingyu worried that you would intentionally cheat on him? Absolutely not – you loved him and it showed enough. You were just happy to see your childhood friend again. Admittedly, the two of you did have some pretty bizarre memories. The story of when Taehyung got Hot Tamales stuck in his nose in detention was quite entertaining – Mingyu choked on his salad at that one.

Was Mingyu worried that Taehyung might try to pull something funny and sweep you up from under his nose? Absolutely. You were smart, pretty, shy, but outgoing enough. You had a charm to you that was attractive and alluring. Not to mention, Mingyu has done his research (read: Instagram stalking) and Taehyung was undeniably gorgeous. His aesthetic was classy and sophisticated, sprinkled in with a touch of goofiness.

He definitely seemed to be “your type” – Taehyung was every girls’ dream type: a handsome gentleman with a touch of humor.

Hell, even Mingyu almost fell for the man.

Hence why today, Mingyu recruited the help of Seokmin to prevent you from falling for Taehyung and Taehyung from falling for you.

In an attempt to help jog Seokmin’s, Mingyu slipped his phone across the table, the screen displaying Taehyung’s Instagram page. Seokmin narrows his eyes curiously at his friend and reaches over for the phone, slowly scrolling through the pictures. As he gets further and further down, you could see the epiphany forming on Seokmin’s face.

“This Kim Taehyung!” Seokmin screeched. He snapped and pointed at Mingyu. The latter winced back in confusion at his friend’s sudden excitement. Hands clasped tightly over Mingyu’s phone, Seokmin leaned over the table as if he had a secret to share with Mingyu. “Taehyung from high school – yes, I remember him. He hung out with Y/N – and so Younghee by default too, a lot. I thought it was a little weird at first, but didn’t think much of it since they just seemed like good friends and he was a nice kid! He grew up on the outskirts of town, kinda grubby, to be honest, but very sweet and goofy – shy too.”

Seokmin wiggled his eyebrows as if he had the hottest tea to spill. “But,” he dragged out, “Senior year at someone’s graduation party, we found out he did actually have a crush on Y/N!”

Seokmin glances down at the pictures again, his eyes latching on a black and white photo of Taehyung staring mysteriously into the camera, a hand placed teasingly by his temple. His forearms were ripped. Seokmin shook his head in amazement, letting out a shocked groan. “Wah, I can’t believe he grew up to look like this! He’s gorgeous! Almost identical to V of BTS!”

Eyes downcast on the chipped mahogany table, Mingyu couldn’t help but frown at Seokmin’s reaction. If his friend was this excited and shocked to see Taehyung again, how would you react? Let alone, knowing the two of you were close friends too.

Seokmin finally took the hint when Mingyu remained quiet, calming down from his marvel. “I mean,” Seokmin coughed, thumbing through Taehyung’s profile some more, “He’s not that handsome – nothing compared to you Mingyu. You’re much better looking than him.” He stopped at a photo of Sesame plushies lined up on the couch. “I mean look at this – he likes stuffed animals like a kid!”

“Seok,” Mingyu deadpanned.

Seokmin shrugged back, mumbling a soft apology. He cleared his throat. “Okay, um, well, why are you asking if I know him?”

“Y/N’s meeting up with him tomorrow,” Mingyu explained.

“Aahhh,” Seokmin nodded slowly, starting to put the puzzle pieces together. “You’re nervous she’s gonna fall for him, aren’t you?”

Mingyu’s eyes flickered up timorously at him then downcast at his fingers.

“Eeeyy,” Seokmin dragged out, “Have a little faith in Y/N? She’s whipped for you even if she holds back a little.”

Mingyu frowned even at Seokmin.

“Okay, well maybe not a little – she holds back a lot, but she’s just nervous, okay?” Seokmin tried to reassure him.

“About what? I try my best to remind her she’s the only apple of my eye every day,” Mingyu pouted.

“I mean, I would be scared too if I was dating you,” Seokmin noted.

Mingyu furrowed his brows at Seokmin, wondering what his friend was getting at. However, that wasn’t the purpose of this meeting though. He had to get to the main point – it was easy to get caught up in tangents with Seokmin.

“I need you to help me tomorrow,” Mingyu started again.

“Huh?” Seokmin frowned.

“I’m gonna follow Y/N and Taehyung to their coffee thing tomorrow,” Mingyu told him, “Make sure he doesn’t pull any funny moves on her.”

“Mingyu, don’t you think that’s a little –”

Mingyu sighed heavily, cutting off his friend. “I . . . just want to make sure, Seok,” he fumbled with his thumbs. “I . . . really like Y/N – like really, really, really like her.”

“So you . . . love . . . her?”

“I . . . think so,” Mingyu pressed his lips into a thin line. “I just . . . don’t want her to slip out of my grasp.”

MIngyu looked like a kicked puppy, his eyes literally sagging at the thought of losing you. The sad expression on Mingyu’s face tugged at Seokmin’s heartstrings (granted, he cried very easily, but still). What's worse could happen if he just lets Mingyu follow you this once? Mingyu would only be reassured because Seokmin was sure you wouldn’t swoon so easily for Taehyung. If you had, you wouldn’t be here with Mingyu all these years later.

“Fine,” Seokmin sighed. “Whatchu got for disguises?”

. . . .

Detective trench coats, sunglasses, and a fake mustache.

Very original.

Seokmin rolled his eyes behind his Ray Ban sunglasses as Mingyu looked not very covertly over his menu, craning his neck to get a better look at you and Taehyung. A bell of laughter erupted from yours and Taehyung’s table. You threw your head back, covering your fabulous smile with the back of your hand.

“Can you hear what they’re talking about?” Mingyu whispered. “What’s so funny?”

“Mingyu,” Seokmin tugged at the fake mustache that his friend made him wear. Fuck, it was itchy. “You’re being ridiculous – why would we be able to hear what they’re saying? We’re literally on the opposite end of the cafe!”

“Am not!” Mingyu pouted. “You just need to listen better.”

“They’re literally just laughing like old friends,” Seokmin peeled the mustache off, wincing in pain as it tugged at his upper lip. “Mingyu, when you said we were following them, I thought you meant just standing from afar to make sure Tae doesn’t put his hand on her ass or something.”

Seokmin had expected his friend to protest in return, but Mingyu just remained silent. Through the sides of his shades, Seokmin could make out his hardened gaze was hardened on you and Taehyung. You were leaning over the table while Taehyung held up his cell phone aimed at the two of you. Seokmin presumed he was just taking a selfie. Your pink-glossed lips were spread wide in a happy grin, Taehyung holding up a playful peace sign. Why was Mingyu so upset?

“Uh, Mingyu?” Seokmin called.

Still no answer.

The moment Taehyung set down his phone, swiping at his screen, Mingyu whipped out his own device. He quickly logged into Instagram and typed in ‘thv’, pulling up Taehyung’s page.

“Mingyu –”

Aggressively, Mingyu pulled the toggle down to refresh the page. He did it again and again, until a new photo popped up in the upper left corner.

‘Reunited </3,’ the caption read under a photo of you and Taehyung he had taken just moments ago.

That was the last straw for Mingyu. Aggressively, he got up from his chair, nearly toppling it over. He ripped off his sunglasses and started walking – stomping, towards your table.

“Oh – oh my god, Mingyu! Stop!” Seokmin hissed as he lunged forward. Mingyu’s pace was a tad too fast for Seokmin, his fingers barely grazing against his coat. Before Seokmin knew it, they were both standing at the foot of your table and you were blankly staring up at Mingyu.

Taehyung peered up innocently, his face lighting up when he saw Seokmin.

“Seokmin!” Taehyung called cheerfully.

“H-hi!” Seokmin laughed nervously. He punched Mingyu’s shoulder, but his gaze was hard and set on you.

Taehyung looked back to you, then Mingyu, and back at you. He figured half as much as you and the tall, handsome man were acquainted with one another.

“Who’s this?” Taehyung asked curiously. He brushed his wavy bangs out his eyes, tucking hand into his pocket. A gentle smile on his face, his eyes scanned your boyfriend up and down, oblivious to the daggers Mingyu was sending his way.

“This is . . . Mingyu,” you explained hesitantly. It was as if time was moving through viscous honey, all eyes on you waiting for a further explanation beyond his name. Yet in this moment, all you could see was the man who’s name just slipped from your mouth. Usually, it tasted like cotton candy, but the shift from envy to desperation in his eyes as he anxiously gnawed at the inside of his cheek, waiting for you to tell them the truth, the taste of iron spreading across your tongue.

“He’s . . . a good friend,” you finished, your voice soft.

And that was the final nail in the coffin.

“Oh!” Taehyung chuckled innocently, already extending a hand towards Mingyu. “We’re the same. I’m Taehyung, Kim Taehyung – also a friend of Y/N’s. Nice to meet you!”

Silence, then a beat. Only the chatter of the other customers and the hissing of the espresso machine filled the air.

Mingyu pressed his lips into a thin line, clearing his throat and offered Taehyung a tight smile. “Pleasure to meet you, Taehyung.”

“Do you guys want to sit with us?” Taehyung offered, moving his Boston bag from the chair next to him, already making room for the two. “We were just about to order.”

Mingyu chortled half-heartedly and shook his head. “Thank you, but we should be on our way. Just . . . stopped to say ‘hello.’” Mingyu’s eyes flickered to you once more. “I’ll see you around, Y/N.”

And with that, Mingyu was gone.

. . . .

Coffee with Taehyung was anything, but fun after Mingyu and Seokmin’s departure. As much as you tried to stay engaged and keep up with his stories about traveling across Europe with his new job, it was clear your mind was elsewhere. You were on edge, eyes flitting to your watch every five minutes, your fingers tapping at your phone screen every chance you got to see if you got any messages from Mingyu (spoiler: you didn’t). It was Taehyung who cut the hangout short. He knew something wasn’t quite right between you and your so-called “friend,” but was a polite man and pretended not to notice. Taehyung fibbed and told you he had forgotten he had a meeting to attend instead.

After bidding him goodbye, you sped walk back to the safety of your apartment, already rehearsing in your mind what you would say to Mingyu when you call him later. You paid no mind to the fact that his car was parked in the guest lot. Nor did you bother to listen to Mrs. Lee who worked the front desk, when she tried to tell you she saw Mingyu coming in earlier, only offering her a brisk nod.

Hence, when you finally opened the door to your safe haven and let out a deep breath, pressing your body against the silver handle, you didn’t expect the familiar sound of Mingyu clearing his throat.

Your eyes shot up to find him sitting at your kitchen island, his elbows propped up on the table. The trench coat he was sporting earlier was draped over the chair next to him, suggesting he immediately came to your apartment after leaving the cafe. He had a key to your place after all.

Your breath hitched in your throat, unsure of what to say. You knew you had fucked up introducing him as a friend to Taehyung, but your thoughts were jumbled and you couldn’t dare face him now. All you had prepared earlier vanished from your brain.

You had to move (and think) fast as Mingyu was already making his way towards you, getting out of his chair. You pushed yourself off the door, preparing yourself to walk past him and drop your stuff off in room in an effort to give yourself a little more time to think. You should've known better that Mingyu would never let you make it that far though – not with this large of an elephant in the room.

Mingyu stood 187 centimeters tall and showed in his reach as his hand latched onto your bicep, stopping you abruptly in your tracks. His head turned robotically towards you, staring holes into your head. You could see in the side of your eye, the hurt in his face, silently begging you to say something.

Closing your eyes, you inhaled deeply before you spoke. "Can we not –"

"No," he said softly.

“Mingyu–”

“No,” Mingyu stated more firmly this time. His voice was loud and commanding, taking you by surprise. He’s never raised his voice at you before. You caught sight of his grip on the edges of the granite counter; he was holding so tight, his knuckles grew white.

“We’re not going to wait anymore – we’re talking about this now,” Mingyu continued. He took note of your stunned expression. “I’m tired and this is wearing on me, Y/N; I’m not sure how much of it I can take, but I also know I don’t want to lose you over something that could’ve been easily solved if we were just . . . honest about our feelings. I truly want this,” he waves his finger between the two of you, “to work . . . So please."

You gnawed the inside of your cheek, staring into his sharp dark brown eyes. You weren't used to them filled with so much sorrow and anger, and it pained you knowing you were the cause of it. As much as you were afraid of the dark path where this conversation may lead, you also knew it needed to be had if you wanted your relationship with Mingyu to progress – and you did.

With a heavy sigh, eyes downcasted on Mingyu’s hand on your arm, and nodded, silently agreeing to talk this through. His hand slipped down the expanse of your arm and laced his fingers with yours. His grip, but even in trying times, he held your hand ever so tenderly – because this was Kim Mingyu: unshakeable, yet soft hearted.

“Where do you want to start?” you asked quietly as the two of you settled onto your blue couch. He still hadn’t let go of your hand.

Swallowing harshly, you could see his Adam’s apple bob up and down. “Are you ashamed of me . . .? Of dating me?”

Your heart sank; though his words were minimal, the look in his eyes was deep. That was the thing about Mingyu. Perhaps he never cried in front of you (or anyone for that matter) and he never got outright angry, but one look in his eyes and they were a dead give away about the feelings swirling in his heart and the thoughts tumbling in his mind. Right now, his eyes told you heart was bruised and his mind was confused and set on one thing only: you.

“It’s not that Mingyu,” you muttered. You could feel your airway tightening, your esophagus growing stiff. It was getting hard to even swallow your own saliva.

“Then what is it?” Mingyu asked impatiently, “Why is it that you didn’t tell anyone outside of our mutual friends about our relationship? Why did you wait seven months to tell Younghee? Why did you introduce me as “a good friend” to Taehyung? Why can’t I post pictures of you, of us, on my Instagram, but Taehyung can?”

There was a long pause before you spoke again. It only grew harder for Mingyu every ticking second, he could feel an uncomfortable warmth spreading across his chest, threatening to boil over.

“I’m scared,” you replied in a small voice. If it hadn’t been dead silent, Mingyu probably wouldn’t have heard you.

“What?” Mingyu frowned. “What are you afraid of?”

“This,” you shook his hand, gesturing between the two of you. “Us. You and me. I’m . . . like, it’s too good to be true --you're too good to be true. And it's not even because you're handsome or whatever, Mingyu. It's your patience and consideration. It's your willingness to drop everything for the people you love. Do you remember that time Seungkwan got a flat tire? You had a big presentation at work, but rescheduled it and left early to go help him. You love so . . . so openly and loudly, not just through words.

"Sometimes I wonder if I even deserve you? I’m scared that it’s all a dream and tomorrow when I wake up, you’ll be gone. I’m afraid that I’ll grow too attached – fuck, I'm probably already in too deep, and when we don't work out, it'll hurt more than it needs to.”

Mingyu sucked in a sharp breath, nodding slowly as he digested your confession. So this is what Seokmin must’ve meant when he said he would be nervous too if he was you. Truthfully, it was hurtful to hear all of this, but not necessarily irrational. Mingyu too thought you were too good to be true – all his past relationships were rather vain, ending because he wasn’t who they had dreamed him to be. They found his love for architecture boring and when he couldn’t meet their expectations of extravagant dates, they pouted until Mingyu came running with flowers and chocolates. It got tiring - fast.

However, the difference was in that Mingyu trusted the process and let himself grow attached to you. Never mind the thoughts of no longer having you by his side while taking Sunday morning strolls or staying up until 4AM on Friday nights because you both thought it would be a good idea to try the Starbucks PSL at 8PM. He lived in the moment, and while this didn’t mean he didn’t think about a future with you, he wanted to relish in all phases of being in love with you. What hurt him was the fact that you harbored all these feelings to yourself, not trusting him to understand your emotions and insecurities.

"And is that why you want to keep us a secret? Because you're scared I'm going to leave you?" Mingyu finally asked.

"It’s not . . . Completely baseless," you muttered, looking away from him.

"Then tell me more."

"It’s stupid."

"I'm sure it's not." He raised his eyebrows at you, silently warning you not to be stubborn but also reassuring you that he just wanted you to be heard. He knew how stuck in your head you could get when you were overcritical of yourself.

"When . . . we were in university, I followed you on Instagram because you know,” you shrugged, picking through your mind to find the right words. “And I saw all the girls you dated and how . . . they didn't last.

“And one day, I was doing some light reading on Pledis Times and there was a study that talked about couples on social media . . . How they felt insecure and overcompensated with photos and videos of each other . . . And ultimately, most of them broke up. I, um . . . as much as I lo– I mean like you, I feared that the louder we were about ‘us,’ I’d just end up being ‘just another girl’ who dated Mingyu.”

It was nothing to be shameful of, yet, your cheeks burned. You couldn’t bear to look at him. As the silence between you grew louder, the urge to flee to the sanctuary of your room became overwhelming. You squirmed in your seat, inching away from him.

“Love,” Mingyu chortled. You felt him give your hands a squeeze in an attempt to stop you from moving.

“I told you it was stupid,” you muttered.

Rather than replying to you with words, however, Mingyu leaned over and captured your lips instead. He pressed against you with just enough pressure to reassure that you were his whole world, but not enough to scare you off. The kiss was firm, but tender – like Mingyu.

When he pulled away, an apology spilled from your lips as if on instinct. You weren’t sure why but you felt you owed him one. Mingyu shook his head slowly as rested his forehead against yours, while his fingers played with the loose ends of your hair.

“You don’t need to be sorry for your own feelings,” Mingyu said.

“I ended up hurting you though,” you whimpered.

Tucking your head under his chin, he hummed. “I think I’m more hurt by the fact that you didn’t tell me you were feeling this way. I just assumed you just wanted to keep things under wraps because we were a ‘new thing’ and wanted to take things slow.”

“I’m sorry,” you mumbled again.

“It must’ve been hard, hm?” Mingyu noted as he stroked the crown of your head. “I don’t know what else I need to do, but trust that I’m utterly heads over heels about you, alright? If you need me to tell you every day until you believe me, I will.” he tugged your hand out of your lap and placed it over his heart. There was a fast, but rhythmic thump.

”You feel that?” he asked.

You chortled softly. “Mingyu, I think I know where you’re going with this and it’s kind of corny.”

“I don’t care – you’re the only girl who has made me feel this way. The sight of you excites me, but it all feels . . . right. I’m scared, but I’m reassured things will fall into place in due time.”

You curled your fingers around his heart, letting his voice vibrate from his chest and flow into your ears melodically.

“As unreal as I seem to you, you are equally a dream I don’t want to fade either,” Mingyu continued to explain. “No one has ever sat patiently and listened to me ramble about cameras for two hours, let alone when you don’t know the first thing about photography. You match my ‘grandpa’ energy, willingly going on hikes with me on the trails hours away from the city to keep me company. Heck, you didn’t even blink twice when I accidentally sneezed on you or scratched my ass in front of you during the first month we dated.”

“Gyu,” you chuckled, burying your face into his chest.

He kissed the crown of your head. You could feel smiling into your hair. “Instagram, old girlfriends, old boyfriends–”

“Taehyung was a childhood friend,” you remarked.

“Old childhood friends,” Mingyu corrected himself, “And statistical data aside, it sounds like we’re both scared – and that’s not a bad thing, okay? It means we both care deeply about this relationship and neither of us would let it slip away so easily. That said, I also don’t want that fear getting in between us. I love you and I trust you – I could only hope you feel the same for me.”

And for the first time in your relationship, you decided you wanted to be strong for Mingyu – you needed to be. Too long you’ve locked away your feelings and let them run how you act around him with others. Rather than hiding away in his embrace and kissing him in secret, perhaps it was your time to love him just as loudly as he has loved you all this time.

Rising from his chest, you peered up at him through your lashes. There was nothing but adoration for you gracing his face, patiently waiting for you to say something.

“I do,” you replied hesitantly, “I . . . love you and I trust you too, and I’m sorry if I’ve struggled to show it, but I’ll be braver – I’ll change.”

“I don’t want you to change,” Mingyu cupped your cheeks, squishing them together. “I love you for you, and If you don’t want to be vocal about it, we don’t have to.”

You pushed his hands away and pecked his lips, shaking your head. “I want to – no more hiding. Let your 14.5K Instagram followers know that I’m utterly head over heels for you, Kim Mingyu.”

He grinned from ear to ear, his cheeks puffing up like marshmallows. He leaned over and gave you another breathtaking, yet simple kiss. How he was so relieved to be able to show you to the world.

“I have a lot of pictures to choose from, you know?”

. . . .

Joohyun’s wedding was a success – the blizzard outside and blustery wind seeping through the windows aside. Her and her new husband’s wedding photos were going to be absolutely stunning with all the winter white snow though, Mingyu had whispered to you during the ceremony. Bellies full of chicken and mashed potatoes, garters and bouquets tossed to all the single people, the reception was finally getting started. The DJ played bopped to the upbeat dance music, people starting to stream in and join the bride and groom.

Mingyu had an arm thrown over your shoulder, his hand resting on the head of your chair. Arms crossed, you leaned into his chest and watched your friends sing and dance happily to Tao Cruz's Dynamite. You had that smile on your face that Mingyu adored so much – the small one where you knew you were incredibly happy, but afraid to show too much of it.

Mingyu watched the crowd while pointing out funny occurrences on the dance floor. Soonyoung getting top excited and wrapping his tie around his forehead. Chan and Seungkwan were krumping in the corner as a small crowd formed around them. They both backed away when Seulgi pushed between them, however, a round of "oohs" and "ahhs" at her sharp and playful dance moves.

"Hello, Y/N," a familiar voice called from afar. Your attention turned to the source of the voice, your face spreading into a grin at the sight of Taehyung weaving through the tables. Though Mingyu knew he was ultimately no threat, he couldn’t help but stiffen at the presence of the other man.

Taehyung tipped his head in Mingyu’s direction. "Y'N's good friend," he teased, raising an eyebrow at you.

"Tae," you greeted him with an eye roll, "How's the party going for you?"

"Splendid," he tucked his hand into his pants pocket. "Got myself a nice cocktail earlier, caught up with Younghee, and even caught myself a garter," he pulled out the thing and waved it in the air.

"Gross," you chuckled.

He winked at you playfully and tilted his head at the dance floor. "What do you say, old friend? Wanna dance? Make it up to me when you went with Seokjin to prom instead?"

Instinctively, Mingyu found himself wrapping a hand around your waist, tugging you protectively into his side. Taehyung took note of this. "Your good friend is rather possessive."

You gave Mingyu a warning look, gently pushing his hand off your abdomen. You gave him a reassuring squeeze in an attempt to calm his nerves. "Mingyu’s actually my boyfriend."

Taehyung nodded. "I figured when he looked like he was ready to take me out at the cafe," he clicked his tongue against his teeth. He laughed at the sheepish look that crossed Mingyu's face. "It was worth a shot though," he shrugged, "In all seriousness, I'm happy for you, Y/N. He seems to like you a lot."

"Thank you," you turned and peered at him shyly through your lashes. Mingyu took it as a cue to press his lips against your temple.

"Alright, alright," Taehyung waved you off, shielding his eyes. "I'm gonna leave you lovebirds alone," he pointed at pretty blonde in a silk spring green gown sitting in the corner, her eyes wandering the venue. "I'm gonna go shoot my shot over there."

"Sure thing, buddy," you giggled.

He gave you both one last wave of goodbye. "The next wedding I see you at, it better be yours!"

"You caught the garter, Tae!" you shot back.

He gave you both one last boxy grin before he turned his back to you. Immediately, Mingyu let out a brisk 'tsk'.

"I like him, but he sure knows how to push my buttons," Mingyu huffed.

"It’s Tae," you giggled watching your friend approach the girl. She blushed when Tae extended a hand. "He teases a lot – it's his thing."

"Ladies and gentlemen, why don't we slow it down for the night?" The DJ tapped into his mic and announced, not giving Mingyu a chance to pout further. The gentle strumming of the guitar in Ed Sheeran’s ‘Photograph’ filled every corner of the room.

Mingyu brushed his lips gently against your cheek. His hot breath hit your skin as he asked, “If you won’t dance with Tae, will you dance with me?”

You rolled your eyes as if the answer wasn’t obvious. Your hand was already reaching for his own, leading him to the dance floor. Not letting go of him, you spun around to rest your free hand around his neck. The two of you settled into a gentle sway, Mingyu holding you by your waist and guiding you through the waltz. He grinned at you, his canines peeking out. Even under the dim lighting, his sharp eyes twinkled with fondness. Your face reflected his joy, the small smile spreading into something bigger.

You loved him and he loved you, there was no denying it.

“Bro,” Seungkwan sipped on his drink, nudging Seokmin. He pointed at you and Mingyu on the dance floor. Seokmin grinned widely, fishing for his phone in his pocket. He aimed his camera at the two of you, zooming in and adjusting the lighting to best capture all your features in the photo.

“They’re so in love, I’m kind of regretting introducing them to each other,” Seungkwan grimaced, swallowing down the bitter taste of his alcohol.

Seokmin slapped his arm. “Don’t say that – they look cute.”

Seungkwan leaned over and peeked at the photos on his friend’s phone. He nodded in approval at the one that captured your grin over Mingyu’s shoulder, your dress swirling at your calves very prettily.

“Post that one to the ‘gram,” Seungkwan chuckled.

“Ew, don’t say that,” Seokmin looked at him scornfully. “You sound like an old fart.”

“They’ll thank me later,” Seungkwan shrugged.

Even after your intervention, neither you nor Mingyu had posted anything onto the web to suggest that you were dating to your followers – not that it was a big deal to either of you at this point. If a good photo comes up, you would. It was just not on the forefront of your mind anymore and the both of you had been too busy to look through Mingyu’s gallery.

Seungkwan figured, if you guys wouldn’t be loud about your relationship, he would – it was the least he could do to support the Mingyu-Y/N agenda.

Nonetheless, it didn’t take an Instagram post to know you were mad about one another.

Without words, pictures, or even a peep of your voices, Kim Mingyu loved you loud enough and you loved him, equally as clear.

#mingyu x reader #mingyu angst #mingyu fluff #mingyu crack #kim mingyu #seventeen x reader #seventeen fluff #seventeen angst #seventeen imagines #seventeen crack

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luxora · 1 year

Text

Red Velvet -> {Crime AU} -> Falling for their next victim

Requested: No

Group: Red Velvet

Genre: Angst. Fluffish?

Warning: Weapons. Murderous thoughts. Mentions of blood.

A/N: Serial Killer Red Velvet

Irene

The only thing that could be heard in the bedroom was your rhythmic breathing as you slept beside Joohyun, the bed sheets pulled to your shoulders in order to protect your bare body from the cold evening air. Joohyun sat beside you, an oversized shirt draped over her shoulders, it being the only thing to protect her from the cold air, with a switchblade in her hands while her eyes were fixated on your sleeping face.

Flick.

Switch.

Flick.

Switch.

Joohyun expertly sheathed and unsheathed her switchblade, her delicate fingers tracing the handle of the blade while she continued to gaze at you face, her eyes gliding over the smooth skin of your cheek to your angular jaw to eventually your plush lips. Joohyun knew well enough how soft your skin was, ranging from your face to your hands, practically your entire body which she had traced the entire time the two of you tangled yourselves in her bed sheets, blissfully unaware of the happenings of the world as the only thing on both of your minds was each other.

She always has liked people with soft skin, especially with the lighter kind because it always reminded her of a blank canvas that was yearning for a splash of color to bring it to life. Joohyun would hardly consider herself an artist, but she did enjoy dallying in the artistic world, particularly in the human anatomy side of it because the human body was simply a work of art itself, something which has been an object of obsession for Joohyun ever since she was a teenager.

She would hardly call herself an abnormality, she simply had interests that tended to be more on the extreme side. She simply desired to have a more realistic approach to her art, and so she would aspire to gain inspiration directly from her topic of obsession...the human body.

Blood was sustenance to the human body, but also for Joohyun’s art. While it was predominately a bright red, it came in so many shades, especially when it was preserved over time outside the human body. It also stained so beautiful on art canvasses, and even though critics have claimed Joohyun’s work to be rather morbid in depiction, they could not deny her obviously talent of capturing the curves of the human body in various positions, as well to catch their realness in expression as they hold the mask of horror, pain, and fear.

Only the expressions aren’t masks, they are true captured images of all the people she has used to sustain her art.

You were supposed to be the next one to sustain her next artwork, to become her muse and sustain her inspiration until their is nothing left but your hollow carcass as she extracted every single living aspect of you in order to create her most perfect masterpiece yet.

Yes, Joohyun does form a relationship with her muses in order to wear down their walls before she strikes, but she has never gone as far with all her previous muses as she has with you. Friendships are what she forms best with her previous muses but with you it extended to more than just friendship.

She wanted you. She craved you. The idea of you leaving the living realm completely drove her mad with possessiveness, anger, and fear. She should not be feeling this way about you, she shouldn't be hanging off very word that came from your lips nor should she be feeling at her happiest whenever you smiled at her and wrapped your arms around her in a hug. She most certainly should not be feeling as complete as a person could be after spending a passionate with you.

Looking at you in her bed, wrapped in her sheets with her marks all over your body...she should not have allowed it to get this far since she needed to use you for your next artwork, and yet she did.

Joohyun never anticipated that she would eventually fall in love with one of her marks and yet she did just that, with you of all people. She had previously thought she had kept you alive for so long simply because she wanted to revel in your soft skin before it would be peeled away with one of her blades, but eventually she realized it was simply because she wanted to revel in your presence a little bit longer.

Another hour, another day, another month. Time kept passing and eventually Joohyun realized that she simply could not do it. Staring at your sleeping face now, Joohyun can not bear the thought of slicing through your soft skin with her switchblade. She could do it now, she could strike you in a painless instant and be done with it. But she couldn’t. Not to you, not ever.

“...”

Joohyun continued to gaze at you for a long while before she suddenly hissed in pain and turned her head to look at her hand, blood immediately seeping out of the cut she had unintentionally given herself while playing with her switchblade. While her finger was stinging from the pain, Joohyun did nothing to stop the bleeding. She instead gazed at the red substance that was flushing out of her body, its red gaze staring at her before dribbling down her hand and dripping onto her bare thighs as she sat in her bed.

Drip

It is almost ironic that her memorization with the human body drew her to her knew object obsession, it being the sleeping form beside her, blissfully unaware of the dark, twisted artist who would never let them go. Since you could not become her next artwork, you were going to become her everything. Although then again, you were that already, only now your were more permanent to her life that you previously expected.

Seulgi

Seulgi thought that she was being kind to you, involving you in her life despite knowing how it was going to end. You were a soft one, someone so tender that needed protection from all the horrible things in the world, and at the time when the two of you first met, Seulgi played with the idea of possibly playing house with someone before wiping them off from this horrible world.

Seulgi liked to consider herself a savior of some sorts. She always did love the charity cases simply because she felt so needed and powerful in the moment. To have someone so desperate for her, so yearning for her presence and protective embrace, Seulgi couldn’t help but get drunk off it. Perhaps she had some sort of addiction to the dynamics that developed between herself and somebody that yearned for her, or rather the supposed safety that she offered to others.

She had a power over them that others couldn’t have. She managed to twist them so much around her finger that eventually they were unable to go in any other direction except towards her. Seulgi enjoyed being the center of somebody’s world but eventually one gets tired of it. Or rather, Seulgi got tired of being the hero of somebody that was a lost cause with no hope of ever getting better.

That is what attracted her to you at first. You were completely and utterly hopeless. You had been living off the streets for months, having been kicked out from your previous shelter with nowhere to go, especially not to your parents since they were the reason you were forced to fend for yourself because they didn’t believe that you had any right to object to their desires for your life. You were strong-willed, she will admit that, but so incredibly naive about the real world.

She would have thought that you would have learned some skills already to care for yourself, but you had a slightly priveleged life before and so you became completely ruined when you were kicked out the house and disowned by your parents. You became miserable, helpless, and a downright lunatic because you came hooked on the substances that were provided on the street, that only racked up a massive debt that was impossible for you to pay.

You were lost, hopeless, and down for. Nobody would miss someone like you, hence why Seulgi became interested in you. She always went for people like you because your disappearance would not cause any raised eyebrows. You would be but another number that succumbed to substance abuse and homelessness. Nothing special and no one important. She was essentially killing two birds with one stone because she would be able to get her need for being needed satisfied, as well as have her usual cut-off enjoyment. It was perfect like usual.

...

But then she fell in love with you.

She didn’t even know when she had started falling for you. Perhaps it was when you had finally managed to find a stable enough job to bring some sort of income to the house. Maybe it was when you finally decided to start going to clean. Maybe it was when you had brought her a bracelet with your own money, having saved up to get it for her. Maybe it was when you had gotten a promotion and had brought home a bottle of champagne and your and her favorite takeaway dinner home to celebrate. Or maybe... it was when you started becoming her home.

The thoughts of ending you like she has done to all the others in the past was driving her mad, her entire mind and body telling her to do that, you hardly being much different from all her previous lovers and victims, but then again, to her you were different. You were nothing like the others before you.

You made her laugh more than she has ever laughed.You made her feel more cherished and adored than before. You weren’t like the others because instead of remaining the victim of the cruel game known as life, you have tried to work hard to become a contender to be dealt with. You didn’t want to be at Seulgi’s mercy. You didn’t want to kneel before her, you wanted to stand beside her, and oddly enough...that is where Seulgi wanted you to be.

The knife was under her pillow, she could do it so easily right now. You were snuggled up on her arms, back pressed against her front and sleeping peacefully, completely unaware of the war that was laying awake behind you. Seulgi could feel the handle of her knife, smooth and hard in her hands as she slipped her under its concealer, her eyes transfixed on the back of you head.

She could strike you like one would to a melon, just piece through your skull with the accuracy of a nail through a piece of wood. Or she could instead drag it along that beautiful neck of yours, make a gorgeous river of red along that smooth valley and simply watch you gasp for air as your blood drained out of your body. Seulgi has seen the sight before so many times so it would hardly be new, but the idea of your eyes bulging in shock and terror, the idea of you looking at her in absolute betrayal and heartbreak...she would never be able to handle it.

Instead of grabbing the knife, Seulgi instead wrapped both arms around your sleeping form, nuzzling her nose into your hair and inhaling your sweet scent, closing her eyes as she tried to fix the scent to her memory. Her body still ache pleasantly from the celebration the two of you had, your biting mark stilling slightly stinging on her neck but she could hardly care because her heart thundered at your close proximity.

Seulgi never anticipated falling in love with one of her marks and yet here she was cradling you as if she wanted to protect you from all the dangerous things in the world, including herself. And while leaving you would most likely be the wisest and safest choice because she didn’t want to develop the urge to kill you...she was simply too selfish to do that.

She can’t leave you and she doesn’t thing she could leave you. Her mind and heart were at war with one another and not even Seulgi herself knew which organ was going to win. But either way, it was in connection to you. You had managed to do the impossible and maker her fall in love and see herself more than a hero. She had instead become a victim in her own game. A victim of love who would only fall from grace due to her own pride and naivety.

Wendy

It would be so easy.

All she had to do was was wrap the rope around your beautiful neck and then tighten it. There would be no way that you would be able to defend yourself. Seungwan knew that she was stronger than you, proving it time and time again whenever the two of you wrestled on the bed or when the two of you roughhoused around the apartment. Seungwan has trained herself well into being physically prepared for anyone that she was attempting to add to her numbers and you would hardly be a challenge to her given you small stature and delicate features. You were about as fragile as a plastic Barbie Doll, one whose head could easily pop off.

Seungwan’s grip on the rope tightened as she stared at your back, your body crouched down as you hammered the tent peg into the ground, the tent making some sort of shape despite your multiple attempts of putting it up. Despite being so weak and fragile, you always tried to do things on your own, even when Seungwan was there to offer you the necessary assistance. Your pride was probably the largest thing about you, something which she has pointed out before but you always readily retorted back that she was just as prideful as you, if not more.

But Seungwan had a reason to be very prideful. After all, she has been living under the noses of the law enforcement for about five years now, and they still had no clue who was behind the ‘Phantom Murders’ that were terrorizing the entire city. While she did find the name cliche, especially with being dubbed as the ‘Phantom Killer”, she took pride in the fact that she has yet to have left an inkling to her connection to the murders. She has always been a very careful individual, her involvement in killing being no different, and it was not supposed to be any different when she came across you because you simply were another soon-to-be victim who would not be able to escape her grasp.

“Oh thanks Wannie, I needed more rope.” You said, turning around and flashing her a smile before holding out your hand to her.

...Although it seemed that you were unable to escape from her with different circumstances. Seungwan wordlessly handed you the rope, watching the potential weapon being handed off to the supposed victim as you turned around and began to unravel it, completely obvious to the swirling storm behind you.

“Did you even read the manual?” Seungwan suddenly asked, her eyes locked on the back of your head as she referenced to the mess of a tent that you were constructing. You turned around and flashed her a challenging glare.

“Instructions are for the stupid.”

“...So you think not following it will prove your intelligence in building the tent?”

“I don’t like your tone Shon Seungwan.” You said menacingly, raising a finger at her in warning. But instead of being intimidated, Seungwan just smirked. She then crouched down in front of you and glanced at your finger before looking back at your face.

“Oh? And what are you going to do about it?” She teased, flashing a predatory smile at you as you visibly became flushed by her smile.

“Well...I...”

Seungwan always seemed to always affect you in some kind of away, especially when she became particularly playful with you, just like she was being right now. So deciding to affect you even further, Seungwan leaned it to capture your finger in her mouth, sucking it gently for a few moments before it was suddenly ripped out of her mouth as you pulled it away in surprise.

You clearly were not expecting Seungwan to do such a thing, so you did not anticipate the force of your sudden retrieval of your finger to upset your balance in your sitting position. You had fallen backwards and Seungwan did not give you a chance to recover as she was suddenly following you. Seungwan had you pinned to the floor and on top of the misshapen body of the tent which was yet to be pitched up. Her hands were on your wrists and she was holding them above your head, literally pinning you underneath her body as she laid on top of you. Seungwan smiled wickedly as she leaned in to give your cheek a nip.

“What were you trying to say?”

“I...you are so unfair!”

“Oh baby...when am I ever fair?”

Seungwan did not waste a moment to smash her lips against your own, swallowing whatever protest you had with her mouth and tongue as she immediately set the pace with you, your body completely succumbing to her as you allowed her to do whatever she wanted to you. You willingly arched your body into Seungwan and didn’t even flinch when Seungwan took her previously owned rope and wrapped it around your wrists to make you entirely vulnerable to her touch, incompletely unaware of what she could do with it.

Such as ending your life for example.

...

It has crossed her mind many times but Seungwan knew that she couldn’t do it. While she could kill anybody in this world, you were the only one she could not lay a finger, knife, or electrical prong to. None of her killer toys could touch you. She would cut off her own hand than lay a hand on you.

You were hers. You were hers to cherish and love. You were hers not to kill. And she intended to never do that to you, no matter how much stronger the desire was becoming every day. She won’t give into it. That was a promise.

Joy

Sooyoung panicked.

She never panicked.

But in that moment, that was the only thing she could do because you were never supposed to find out the truth about her. She was going to get rid of all of her mementos, she had promised herself that she was going to exterminate any evidence that she had that could possibly lead to you finding out the truth. Or for anyone to find out the truth. She couldn’t lose you over it. Out of everything that she owned, she could not lose you. Not when you had become the thing that she has grown to treasure the most.

...

But she couldn’t treasure you if she was in prison.

Sooyoung simply had lost her mind when she arrived home to find you staring into the box where she had kept her moments, all of them being a sweet memory to a wonderful night that she could fondly remember. All of them were stained with blood because Sooyoung wanted a more personal piece of her victim’s to their belongings aside from just the belonging itself, but now it seemed that the symbolism that she had for herself came to stab her in the back in the form of her love turning around to stare at her with horrified eyes.

“Sooyoung...what is this?”

Sooyoung couldn’t even remember the words she had spoken to you. She could not remember what she uttered to you to try explain herself, to try calm you down and assure you that you were not in any danger with her. She couldn’t even remember when you had started running or when she had grabbed the vase that the two of you had bought together and chased after you. She could only faintly recall running into the bedroom and then throwing the vase, your head being the unfortunate recipient of the thrown object.

Seeing you fall to the floor in a slump, a pained cry leaving your lips before silence followed, it had made Sooyoung’s soul evaporate from her body. A cold sense of dread washed over her as she stared at your fallen body, a trail of blood slowly beginning to form a pool near your head as it leaked away from your body as you remained unmoving from the floor. Your name tasted like ash as she called it, her hands trembling as she slowly walked over to you and fell to her knees.

You didn’t flinch as she cradled you into her arms, falling back on the floor so that she could support your dead weight as you head slumped backwards as she pulled you into an embrace. Terror had started to claw itself into her chest as she slowly moved her hand to your neck to check for your pulse, fearing the worse, but then it eased way when she felt your steady heartbeat against her fingers. But then she felt your blood spread itself onto her hand that was supporting your head, and then realized that she was in fact stuck in a lose-lose situation.

You had found out her deepest secret, one that she never intended for anyone to find out because that would mean that she would have to face the law for everything that she had done with her playthings in the past. While Sooyoung had always made sure that no one would ever find out about her macabre hobby, she was always prepared to end the life of the possible unlucky victim who would stumble upon the truth about Sooyoung.

However...she never anticipated that she would ever fall for one of her victims, much less it being you.

Sooyoung was somebody who enjoyed loving someone else and being loved in return, but she was someone who got bored easily and she could never allow an ex to walk away with a beating heart because Sooyoung was someone who valuable her reputation and her secrets. She enjoyed her privacy and she knew that her playthings would eventually blab about either her lifestyle, past times, or inner secrets she was willing to inform them. She simply was looking out for herself and viewed her ‘hobby’ as an insurance to her own freedom.

Originally you were supposed to just be another lover to entertain her for a small while before she got bored again...only she never did.

You affected Sooyoung in a way nobody has ever affected her before. You left a mark on Sooyoung that would never be erased no matter how hard she tried. While Sooyoung has loved before, she has never fully experienced everything that came with being in love with someone. And you were her first. And most definitely her last.

Sooyoung never planned to stray away from you. You were it forever and she was not going to lose you...not even something like this can stop her from loving you. In fact...perhaps it made her love you more. You now knew everything about her, the worst part of her that nobody literally lived to know. That meant that you were special and meant to stay with her. She will love you for the rest of her life. The two of you can be happy and safe with one another. Sooyoung will never have to worry about you finding out...you knew everything now.

Terror and hope twirled themselves around one another as Sooyoung pressed her trembling lips to your forehead, her hand cupping the cut at the back of your head to apply pressure to restrict its bleeding. There was going to be a lot for the two of you to talk about once you woke up, and Sooyoung had a lot of explaining to do, and a lot of pleading, but Sooyoung can prepare herself for it. And you. She can prepare you for it as well.

She can’t risk the chance that you might call the police or run away from her again, so she needs to act quickly before you came back to the world of the living. But it will be okay. Sooyoung has gotten herself involved in messy situations before and this should not be much different. She just needs to tend to your wound and make you more...comfortable before you woke up again.

But everything will be fine. The two of you love each other. That should be enough for the two of you to get through this together.

Yeri

Yerim didn’t her eyes off you as you fiddled with the packaging of the small gift that she handed to you, her arms wrapped loosely around your waist while you sat between her legs while the fireplace in front of you blazed warmly, filling the entire room in wonderful heat during the snowy evening the two of you were trapped in. Your lithe fingers careful unpicked the transparent tape and pulled apart the wrapped to reveal a dark velvet box. She felt you freeze in her arms, prompting her to lean in to press a soft kiss to your jaw.

“Open it.”

You have always been good at taking orders and now was hardly even different as you slowly lifted the lid of the velvet box to reveal a red diamond ring, its shimmring rock gazing at you lovingly, similar to Yerim as she pressed another kiss to your jaw before whispering the question which has been swirling through her mind for the past few months.

“Marry me?”

Yerim didn’t flinch when you turned around to face her, your eyes still wide from shock and surprise with your mouth agape, but the crawling glee slowly appearing in her eyes was enough to not make Yerim panic and believe she was making the biggest mistake in her life. She knew that she wasn’t. You were the one thing she could never make a crawling from and from how in awe you were starting to become with her, Yerim immediately knew that she was right all along. She could only lean into your palm as you raised you hand and cupped her cheek, tenderly stroking her cheekbone.

“Are you serious?”

Yerim would think that giving you a diamond ring with its following question would be proof enough that she was certain about your and her future together, but she understood why you would ask such a stupid question. Neither of you have really discussed marriage, since Yerim always tended to avoid the subject as much as she could simply because se had things to clear up before she could fully commit herself to you. She never did inform you what exactly she was trying to clear up before she would discuss her future with you, and she intended for it to remain that way because it was a part of her life that she was willing to give up forever in order to be with you.

The past Yerim would slit her own throat before admitting that she was in love. She didn’t do love, especially since she learnt that it does not long, courtesy of her role model parents who made it their convince mission to convince Yerim that love was all but a chemical reaction that was forced to form between people. They were in an arranged marriage; therefore any love of forming between them was false and never to happen. They had enforced their beliefs into Yerim that love did not exist, and she did believe them for a while until everything had changed when she first met you.

Somehow for some reason, you made her become almost more human. Before she met you, she was not capable of feeling any guilt. Since her parents were cold and unlovable beings, Yerim perceived herself being the same as them, so she did not feel anything else except distant, minimal availability to the world. But upon meeting you, her Pandora box opened up and suddenly she was exposed to much all at the same time.

You taught her how to love. Even though she hardly made it easy for you, she became someone that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with and even though she never believed that she would find someone who would make her want to change...she was willing to do it because you were worth it.

You were someone who made her to become more that what she was. An heiress who literally got away with murder.

One good thing that her parents left for her was their incredibly wealth and endless amount of resources which can make things disappear. Yerim has exterminated every single link there was to her and all the crimes she has committed. Although she wouldn’t precisely call them crimes, more like her passing times, but now she was determined to find more hobbies, some which could hopefully be shared with you.

“Of course I’m serious. I love you.” Yerim said, staring at you with blazing love. You flushed at her easy confession, a smile crawling along your face.

“But you never said-”

“I have been thinking about it. A lot. And I have realized there is nothing else I want more in this world than you and my last name following your first.” Your laugh immediately made butterflies flutter in Yerim chest, prompting her to raise both her hands to cup your cheeks, leaning in to press her forehead against your own, forcing to feel her breath tickle your lips as she spoke, her eyes locked with yours the entire time. “So say yes already. Marry me.”

“You are so demanding.” You giggled, but you moved your hand from her cheek to grasp the back of her neck before nodding, love shining through your eyes as you gazed at her. “Yes. I’ll marry you.”

“Truly?”

You nodded.

And then Yerim kissed you.

Happiness was an emotion that she had learned to experience when she had made her first kill and got away with it. It was probably the reason she did it through all her teenage years and young adulthood because it was something she could do to make her feel accomplished and appreciated. All of her crimes have gone cold and with the efforts she had conducted now...they were to remain that way.

She could not have you find out the truth of her ugly past. To you, she was the emotionally troubled woman with terrible parents who was brought out of her shell because of you. She will keep that facade in order to stay in your life. The two of you were going to be bonded together in everyday possible, it was only right she cleared away the dirt mountain before she laid the foundation of her new life with you.

It was her job to take care of you from now onwards. She was not going to mess up like her parents did. She was going to do everything right with you by her side. That was a promise she was making to herself and to you right now.

Nothing was ever going to stand between the two of you. Nothing.

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revelwrittenscenes · 1 year

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You Need Me, I Don’t Need You

Irene x Reader

. . .

Genre: { Angst }

Themes: Insecurities, Jealousy

Word Count: 1187

Summary: When your secret relationship with the popular girl is jeopardized, will you want to save it?

Preview:

- - -

For as long as you could remember, you had always been the unpopular kid. You’d had a few close friends; apart from them, nobody else really wanted to associate themselves with you.

When Irene came along, you thought there was no chance she’d be interested in you. It wasn’t until your friends pointed out the fact that she had been flirting with you from the start, that you realized you had caught her eye.

You started dating not long after that. It had been thrilling in the beginning. You got to know Irene and found that she had a soft side she kept hidden from almost everyone else. You considered yourself lucky to witness these tender moments.

Irene had made you feel special and loved. Until she didn’t.

You noticed she never showed you affection in public. Yet, she had no problem showing skinship with her more popular classmates. It was rare for you to even walk together and when you did, she wouldn’t hold your hand.

It wasn’t until you had been assigned as partners for a class project that you brought it up, having to sit next to each other every day in class. You couldn’t feel excited about being with your girlfriend if she barely even acknowledged your existence beside her.

“Joohyun, do you-“

“I’ve told you not to call me that. It’s Irene.” She said, not bothering to look at you.

“Okay, Irene. Do you feel embarrassed being seen with me?”

She scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Is it ridiculous to want to hold your hand in public? To want you to actually look at me?” You couldn’t hide the hurt in your voice. The muscle in her jaw tightened, but she still wouldn’t meet your eyes.

- - -

Hope you enjoyed the short preview! You can read the full scenario in the link below (thanks for all the support!):

You Need Me, I Don’t Need You

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seunqwu · 2 months

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you was all i had left • 양정원

warnings - angst, mentions of death. - feel free to add more if i missed any!

— "Not being with you was hard enough. But not being able to see you next to me was even harder." —

You didn't know when the day was coming, the day you were gonna die. Leaving everything behind, your boyfriend, soon to be husband Yang Jungwon. He was the one who made you happy. Felt happier than you were before. He was your soulmate. He wanted to be there with you in every way possible because of how bad you were treated during your younger days, but due to work he wasn't able to. Keeping in contact with you was good enough for you so that he could keep going.

The day Jungwon came home from work, he got a call from you. But that wasn't you. His expression changed when he heard the word, "Car accident," that's when he realized he needed to be at the hospital as soon as possible. He tried to hold onto his tears as he was driving but tears just kept rolling down his face. "Joohyun, please be alive." He says in his mind repeatedly trying to think positive before not knowing that you had died at the hospital.

Jungwon seeing you being covered in a white cloth in a hospital bed, he almost dropped his whole body onto the floor because he couldn't believe that you were dead right in front of him. Tears kept falling through his face and he couldn't help but to cry even harder when he pulled down the white cloth over you, seeing cuts all over your face. He saw your hand and immediately held it while crying.

A year later...

Jungwon went to your grave since it's been a year since you passed. He brought you your favorite flowers, White Roses. He placed them in front of your grave. "I hope you're doing well up there, Joohyun.." He says as he tries to hold back his tears. "I just wanted to let you know that it's been hard for me to get past the whole thing.."

"So I hope I'll see you soon, my love.."

"Thank you so much for being there with me."

#jungwon #angst #enhypen #enhypen angst #enhypen ff

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iibonniee · 2 years

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Pairing: Park Jimin x Fem!Reader

Genre: College AU/smut

Rating: M

Warning: shy!reader, slight angst, smut, oral (fem receiving)

Word Count: 1.6k

Request: Hi!!! I saw that your requests are open yay! I was hoping for a Jimin x Fem Ready smut hehehe. I hope you don’t mind the typical popular basket ball Jimin player and shy? reader (she’s a good girl while Jimin is a bit on the wild side). They are both uni students. Thank you very much for this!! Take care 💜

Masterlist

Like a moth to a flame, Jimin’s eyes found her in the sea of freshly intoxicated college students. The high was very much present from the baseball win that took place just two hours ago. A pang of sadness took a jab at his heart the moment that he remembered she wasn’t in the crowd like he wanted her to be.

Another sip from the alcohol that sat waiting in his cup burned his throat, but it barely scratched at the surface of his slightly-breaking heart. Rather, it made him question what exactly went wrong between him and the curious girl.

A part of him was jealous as he watched Jungkook greet her with his cheerful smile, as if Jungkook himself wasn't aware of what was happening between the two of them. He didn’t know what exactly went wrong, and the longer he stood in thought, the more his brain ‌hurt from all the questions that ate away at him.

His eyes observed her movements - how she interacted with his friends, how Taehyung joined her with a smile of his own, how her smile was uncertain, how this simply wasn’t her crowd in the first place.

Jimin knew Taehyung was the reason behind her arrival. Jimin knew Y/N well enough to know that if Taehyung said something to her, she wouldn’t exactly let it go. She was as curious as the next person. She had every right to be - but the growing jealousy made Jimin want to hold such permission from her.

A simple blink and the five of them were gone. Frantically, his eyes flicked around the partygoers in hopes of simply just finding her - hell, even finding Seulgi or Joohyun would be good enough for him.

The hand that found purchase on his shoulder calmed him down for a mere moment. For a hopeful second, he wished it was her so they could talk, so he could simply understand something.

He couldn’t keep swimming in the endless sea of questions he found himself in.

Upon turning around, he met his friend Taehyung’s brown eyes. His head jerked towards the hallway and over the loud music he heard the faint words of “Truth or Dare”.

He was surprised when he met her gaze in the room that held all the waiting victims for the game. But, his surprise and hopeful happiness turned into anger the moment she quickly looked away from him just to start up a random conversation with Joohyun.

He found an open spot beside Taehyung, who wasted no time picking his first victim. Jimin wasn’t surprised when he turned toward the shy girl, but she surely was. Taehyung’s smile was wicked as he watched her chug down her drink with a sour face.

Jimin knew her far too well.

“Truth.”

But even as she gave her decision and hoped for a question that she could answer, the male beside him wasn’t going to budge, urging her to pick the latter.

“The first person who gets asked has to choose dare, home rules.”

Jimin didn’t miss the surprise that flashed over her face or the surprise that quickly turned into regret in just a few seconds. Taehyung had this all planned from the beginning, and if he didn't know any better, Jungkook was in just as deep.

The air was tense the moment Jimin locked the bedroom door. His gaze never once left hers as he watched her stand in the middle of the dimly lit bedroom. He finally had her where he wanted her. She wasn’t going to run out on him just yet.

He wasn’t going to allow her to. He needed answers.

“I missed you at the game tonight.”

“Tae told me you wanted space.”

“But, I don’t get it. Why would you avoid me?”

He was a rambling mess, asking her questions left and right. His drunken brain wouldn’t let him stop for a single moment. He wasn’t aware of how drunk she was, but the moment she started she kept going, and he wasn’t able to focus. His mind focused on how she fidgeted as she tried to make sense, the way she picked at her nails, unable to look at him as she bit her bottom lip. That little thing that never failed to drive him insane with desire.

His eyes rolled to the back of his head, his mind growing numb from the actions of the female across from him.

“I avoided you because I like you! I was scared–”

He wasn’t going to let her finish. He heard everything he needed to hear. His lips were on hers in seconds, grateful that she returned such passion. Jimin was just as greedy as she was. His hands were all over her body as if it was his mission and he was afraid to fail.

He wasn’t going to lose her again.

A gasp of surprise left the girl the moment her body met the soft cushions of the freshly made bed. Jimin watched as she propped herself up on her elbows, her eyes meeting his brown ones through hooded lids.

Her eyes told him how innocent she was. How much she trusted him.

With a whispered “Fuck”, their lips quickly met each other once more. Jimin’s hands were all over her body, eager to explore what he could. Her muffled moans were soaked up with greedy ears, hungry for all she could give him.

When their lungs cried for air, Jimin was quick to move his lips towards her neck, peppering it with soft kisses.

He made sure to leave nothing untouched.

The soft mewls that came from the girl above him made Jimin’s mind go hazy. Her whines were uncertain to an extent, seemingly unsure if she should allow them or not.

His eyes flicked up to her waiting ones. She was already more of a mess than he was.

Jimin knew he was growing needy. He itched for the urge to taste more of her. Her eyes gave him silent permission and within seconds, her jeans were off and he was kissing her underwear-covered pussy.

Her moans seemed louder the moment her pussy got the attention. Her fingers gripped the sheets, uncaring about the damage that would be left. Each sound that left her mouth was a song he desperately needed more of.

The smell of her arousal threw Jimin’s mind into a foggy mess within seconds. Such a sweet scent that he knew he wouldn't ever get over.

Pushing her legs open, his eyes never left hers, watching her through each movement carefully, as her underwear joined the floor. Teasingly, he kissed the corners of her legs, enjoying the sound of her pleas. One lick parted her folds, causing her to jerk in surprise and pleasure.

Jimin was slowly losing himself at the taste of her. The taste of her pussy mixed with her soft moans drove him into a frenzy of wanting more and more. His tongue focused on her clit as he inserted a finger, slowly gathering a rhythm. His free hand traveled up her stomach to meet her hand that was playing with her breast.

Her hands no longer grabbed at the sheets, rather they were now tangled in his hair. She used to be hesitant, but now she has the urge and want. Her pulling at his hair didn’t bother him for a second. Rather, he enjoyed the feeling of the slight burn.

Slipping another finger in increased her pleas. Her moans grew louder and her cries were all the same. Jimin knew she was losing control of herself. Even if she didn’t voice it, he would already know.

The second his fingers curled up was the second her body started quivering, her orgasm hitting her hard. A deep groan vibrated inside of Jimin as he tasted her essence.

Once he was done, his lips were back on hers, and her moan told him ‌she enjoyed the taste left on his lips.

The moment her hands reached for his cock was the moment he knew she was playing a dangerous game. Her once-shy eyes told him she wanted more, and who was he to not give it to her?

His clothes soon met with her own on the floor, both of them now almost fully unclothed. His eyes met her covered breasts, silently telling her to get rid of the barrier as he slipped a condom on. The moment he slipped in, he gave her a second to adjust. It was a silent struggle to not let go and fuck her.

He was in utter bliss.

Her nodding was all it took for him to start moving. His new addiction was her and how she felt around him. Tight and just perfect.

Her moans were like music to his ears, once again - needy and in search of a second orgasm. He knew she was all hot and bothered. She wanted more, and he would give her more.

Deeper. Faster. He’d give her his all.

His eyes watched as their bodies met. His cock was already wet and covered by the cum he had left behind. The scene drove him mad. How he had waited so long, just for her?

His teeth grazed his lip. He was no longer going to hold back his own moans. If the people outside heard them, he wouldn’t care.

She was his, now.

His eyes squeezed shut at the feeling of her cunt gripping his cock. He was so close to losing it, so close to falling over the edge, just for her alone. But it was her soft voice telling him to cum with her that fully pushed him over.

His body lurched forward, his arms catching himself before he fully fell down on her. Their heavy panting filled the room. Then, soft giggles came from Jimin. Her eyes met his, and no matter how foggy his brain was, he would always remember that he just fucked the one person that caught his heart the most.

#kvanity #bts smut #jimin imagine #jimin x reader #jimin au #jimin smut #jimin #bts jimin smut #jimin x reader smut

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nuoyipeach · 2 years

Text

Arranged & Deranged

Five: Progress

Bae Joohyun X Johnny Seo

For some days Joohyun tried her best to initiate some closure between the married couple. Instead of Ms Cho just doing the cooking, she did so with her help and made dinner for him everyday, his favourite foods according to Herin. She'd sit with him and try to talk, although he kept the conversations limited. At night she'd bring him tea when he worked, but all she got was a mumbled thanks.

Tonight as she brought him tea, she figured to try something else. As she placed the cup on his desk, his response the same, she peeked at him papers attempting to show interest.

"Can I help?"

Johnny looked at her, for what seemed the first time, his eyebrows furrowed as he stared confused.

"With the work I mean. I've done these things for my dad, so-"

"It's fine. Just go to sleep."

That hurt, but it didn't stop her. "Please. I'm bored doing nothing else productive... It's not like I'm gonna work for money-"

"What do you mean?" she shut her mouth immediately as he turned to face her, looking right at her.

Something she's not used to.

"I mean, I'm just helping..."

"Did you think it was because of paying? You're my wife, I don't want you to help because this is my job. You already do a lot of work at home, I don't think you need any extra load."

Joohyun furrowed her brows, confused by his words. "So, you don't want me to work?"

"No, I mean you already do so much at home, I don't want to seem like I'm using your kindness. Frankly I don't understand why you've been doing so much house work, we have Ms Cho, I hired her for a reason. If you do want to work somewhere, go ahead."

With that he turned back to his own work, taking a sip of the tea she brought. Joohyun stood for a few more second before humming and going back to her room. She jumped into her bed and stared at a distance, before taking her phone to text.

help pls

Yuta

wassup

Seulgi

relationship again?

Yuta

wdym again??

kinda?

he finally talked properly today,,, more like confrontation, but it's a progress

Taeyong

damn

anyways, he said he doesn't want my help with work cuz I already do housework despite having a maid

Yuta

imagine being that privileged to marry a future CEO, live in a penthouse & have hired help, but do chores to impress him💀

Taeyong

shut up🙄

Seulgi

not funny asshole😒

Yuta

oh please, you 2 don't know how she feels do you

with your ever so perfect relationship🙄🙄

Seulgi

continue Joo😑

anyways....

I just wanted to help out to talk with him more, but it doesn't seem to be working...

Taeyong

cooking?

nope

Yuta

you know what

you need to get out and have some funforget about him, I'm free tomorrow, let's go to the mall and you can have some self time

>>>

#nct #nct johnny #red velvet #red velvet irene #irene bae #bae joohyun #johnny suh #seo youngho #kpop fanfic #nct 127 #fanfiction #nctvelvet #angst #arranged marriage #fluff

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spithyuck · 2 years

Text

relationship guidelines | na jaemin

synopsis: Even if you didn’t want to admit it, the two of you would do anything to protect each other. Despite constant attempts to make Jaemin jealous, you still loved him, even if you think he doesn’t love you back. genre: fluff, angst, smut, childhood friends to lovers, mutual pining warnings: language, violence episode: four You woke in the arms of your friend—your best friend—your closest friend—your oldest friend.

If what had happened before didn’t your friendship, this definitely did.

You were crossing a fine boundary in your relationship and you couldn’t stand it; now he was talking about how he wanted to continue seeing you (hang out, sleep with him sometimes, but without dating) and nevertheless, your reply could have been shown through your expression.

“Think about it and tell me.” He smiled and walked off in the same clothes from the night before. Must he have zero respect for you?

What he felt wasn’t love. Maybe this had been his plan all along since he’d kissed you. Whatever he was doing, it was working—you had fallen for him, he’d done the complete opposite.

“You… what?” Renjun stopped in his tracks once he heard the words ‘i hooked up with Na Jaemin’ come out of your mouth, grabbing your wrist before you could walk any further.

“I slept with him. Now he wants to keep seeing me and keep sleeping with me, but without the dating part.”

Renjun’s eyes grew wider as each word came out of your mouth. “You’re kidding.” He took a deep breath, continuing to walk. “Nope.”

“Okay, I thought you got into a fight with him and you guys hated each other.” You groaned in pure annoyance. You could only hope Renjun would just assume that you’d made up and then had sex and then he told you he wanted to keep seeing you and hook up.

“We did. Then we made up, and then..you know,”

Renjun slowly nodded.

“Do you still like him? Like, have a crush on him?” You slapped his arm, “I’m not in middle school,”

“It’s not a crush…it’s…I just really like him, but he just wants to be my fuck buddy.” Sighing at your own realization, you stepped into the school and towards your classroom. “Bye, Renjun,” You smiled, waving goodbye and walking inside your class, where Jaemin, Mark, Jeno—everyone else was already sat.

You pulled out your notebook as well as a pencil, writing the material from the last class your teacher seemingly forgot to erase. You couldn’t help but gaze back to see Jaemin, already staring at you, making you quickly turn back to your notebook wide-eyed.

Mark turned to look at you, leaning backwards on his chair. It must’ve seemed as if he was waiting for you to say something, because he just continued staring until you looked up and asked him what was up.

“You know Jaemin’s burning holes into the back of your head, right?” He sort of whispered, trying not to peek over at Jaemin, who still stared. You nodded at his words. “Wave hello to him or something,” You shook your head. “Why not?” He said, you shrugged. “Oh my god, Y/N, just wave so he’ll stop looking at you. I can tell you’re flustered~…” Mark exaggerated the last word, causing you to quickly turn to Jaemin and quickly wave. He smiled at you, looking down at his work. “There,”

“Are you happy now?” You said, loud enough for even Jaemin to hear. “Jeez, be quiet.” He smirked at you, turning back to his friends.

A few minutes went by before your other friend, Joohyun, came up asking if you were going to get drinks with others. “Who’s going?” You asked.

“Your friends. Donghyuck, Mark, Jaemin...” She continued. “You get the point.”

After you agreed to go, she went off on her way—but your mind was only focused on the fact Jaemin was going to be there. He never went to parties, never went to get drinks with people. What changed him?

Your teacher entered the room, talking about stuff that wasn’t related to what she taught.

After the lesson was over, you tried to rush out of the classroom, but were stopped by the man you surely hadn’t want to come in contact with since that night.

“Do you want to get lunch together?” Jaemin smiled. It took you a good few seconds to force your head to nod up and down. “Okay. Let’s go,” He locked your arms together, walking out of the classroom and into the hallway filled with people who stared as they passed by. Mutters of, “is he dating her?”, “are they together?”, “she’s pretty”, “I knew they liked each other,” could be heard from miles away, and for the first time in a long time, you hated the attention you were receiving.

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jeskoholic · 1 year

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A Little Piece of You Chapter 12: X & Y

This is a chapter from an ongoing series. If you missed out on the previous entries, you can check my masterlist.

Previous chapter: Truth Among Lies

Word count: 8,850 Tags: Male OC x Girlfriend Wonyoung, Fluff, High School Romance, Angst Enjoy!

---

Jang Wonyoung…

Shinwon has a good point about everything he said hours back. It just never occurred to me how this all tied up almost in the same way it did before. Had I been ever-so careless with this, things might happen again; history might repeat itself and this time it might bring worse effects. He also had a good point that maybe this whole trauma thing was anchored way back in high school. After all, the reason why I was so hesitant on making a move was because I’m still fighting the shadow of the past.

Even after my friend and I split paths and I finally managed to reach home, the thoughts of a once-forgotten Wonyoung came onto my head once more. Surprisingly, even the thought of having significantly less sleep was behind me now; that library excursion definitely did its wonders and set me back on track. Well, if one problem was already out of the way, it seemed to have been replaced with another.

No matter how much I try to dissuade myself from it, it would appear that it always brought me back to that pivotal moment in high school. I was so much occupied with that thought that lingering in the background that I didn’t realize how quick I ate dinner with noona. She might have noticed something was off with me already, too. I attempted to wash it off by doing some works due on the following week, but even that yielded no results. Those thoughts plagued me again just like it did before. Wonyoung was once again in my head; something that I never viewed to be possible even until I finish University. I’m pretty sure I have forgotten about her already.

This won’t do. Distracting myself would do nothing for me.

With that, I decided to ditch the stack of papers on my desk and moved to fish something out of my drawer. This time, stacks and thick piles of papers, folders and certificates greeted me as I dearly rummaged onto something I knew I left at the lower-most part of the drawer. I was sure that I placed it in here; thrown into the very bottom as soon as noona and I moved to this apartment. There was no way that I would carelessly throw that around…

And there it was: a red folded piece of cardboard staying behind an ornate front cover. In front it bore the words:

From Jang Wonyoung to my Yoon Jae-in~

With love~

And included the date for our anniversary as well as the picture of her…

For its age, this thing was still as preserved as it could ever been. I thought that with time, it would naturally degrade in the bottom of my drawer and disappearing without even me giving a care for it anymore but surprisingly it kept up. I can’t seem to find the reason to throw it away and so I merely ended up keeping it and hoping that it would vanish into memory at some point.

Clearly, that was not the case. Reading it again at this time was never even in the slightest of my imaginations.

“Hey, Jae-in-ssi, can I come in?”

I heard the voice of Joohyun-noona come from the door, effectively startling me and as a result, Wonyoung’s letter fell out of my grasp and headed towards my desk. I turned my attention towards the door and she stood there with her head poking in further inside the room, dressed with pajama shorts that disappeared on the loose, oversized white shirt she had.

“N-noona…! I-I didn’t see you there! I didn’t hear you knock!”

“I assumed it was fine because you left it open, you little bean,” she said, nonchalant and only now did I realize that she actually holding a plate as she finally moved to walk inside my room. That shirt really looked familiar. I had a feeling that it was mine at some point. “You were so spaced out during dinner that I forgot to offer these to you. I thought we’d just share this here. Were you busy?”

“Oh no, actually I… I’m not. I’m just working on a couple of things and got distracted.”

“Oh my… is that… is that a love letter?” she said with a tone mixing curiosity and teasing. “Did someone give you that?”

My heart immediately skipped a beat as I attempted to hide it from her. However, as Joohyun-noona felt like an eagle swooping on me, she quickly swiped it up and brought it closer to her face. I didn’t even realize how she was suddenly beside me as if she just teleported.

“Omo, Jae-in, this looked like it came from a long time ago! Wait… it says here that it’s from… Wonyoung…? Is this ‘Wonyoung’ as in Jang Wonyoung, your ex-girlfriend from high school? Oh wait; it does say ‘Jang Wonyoung’…”

“I-It is, noona… please, I just stumbled upon it. That’s all there is to it. Please give it back,” I told her as I completely felt my cheeks flush red. This is so embarrassing.

“Why are you looking at this now? Do you miss her?”

I blushed red and my ears went hot.

“No, I don’t! It’s now what you think, noona. It’s nothing!”

“Ooohhhh… so you do miss her hmm? I’m envious. She must have been on your mind all these time. Here I am thinking that your noona is the only woman in your mind~”

“Noona, what are you talking about? Please, I need it back.”

Oh my god, what is going on?

I attempted to reach it out of her grasp, but then she was quick to swat my hand out of my reach.

I then heard Joohyun-noona giggle.

“Yeah, sure, I’ll give this back to you under one condition.”

“Which is?”

Joohyun noona pulled the extra-chair I kept behind the ladder and proceeded to sit on it. She then placed the plate of tarts on the table and proceeded to fetch a piece with the fork.

“You never told me anything about this Wonyoung girl aside from the fact that she’s your ex-girlfriend. I figured maybe, with all the spacing out you’ve been doing during dinner, that she’s a factor for that. Something must have happened recently that you’ve thought of bringing this out again. Go on. Start from the beginning. Unfortunately for you, little bean, I have a free sched tonight so I can listen to you all night long.”

“Yah, noona, I can’t just do that! It’s too awkward to even talk about her!”

“Why? You two weren’t doing anything inappropriate before, were you? Well, it’s up to you Jae-in… I could easily just read this and see what’s inside~”

Oh my god there’s not getting out of this now.

“Yah, that’s unfair! Okay fine, I’ll tell it to you, just please give the letter back. I’ll tell you everything from the start.”

I saw Joohyun smirk as she finally handed out the letter back to me. She immediately crossed her legs and went on off on a comfortable position, all while I sighed at the defeat of my sister’s hands once again.

Well, we might as well begin this…

How do I even start this?

It was so damn long ago…

“So… umm… Jang Wonyoung and I were school mates back in high school...I- I may have mentioned that before, but the thing is, we were never really classmates. We never ended up as such. It was a miracle that we even met the way that we did…”

“How did you two meet then?”

“It started when she found my number on a workstation computer, on a brochure I made for one of our technology subjects. We were just freshmen by then when she…”

---START OF FLASHBACK, APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS AGO---

The thrill of the approaching graduation day was already in the air as two young couple were busy eating their dinner in the midst of the incoming evening. Twilight sky had started to cover the skies, turning the red-orange hue of the heavens to its impending dark indigo. Like usual, the first batches of starts started to like the gazing horizon, but even then Yoon Jae-in seemed to be unfazed as he merely enjoyed the company of his girlfriend, Jang Wonyoung, on a small fast-food chain in Metro Station Mall. ENOZI Restaurant has always been her favourite ones, and it would only stand to reason for Jae-in to invite her there on their final dinner as high school sweet hearts.

Wonyoung had just finished her platter and was occupied on staring at her boyfriend of two years, appreciating the subtle details of his face that she always knew and loved.

“Time flies so fast, you know,” Jae-in said as he wiped his mouth with the provided napkin. “In just a couple of days we’re saying good-bye to our high school life. It was amazing, especially because I know I’m leaving with a special treasure in tow.”

“It’s not only you who’s graduating with a special remembrance, keep that in mind. If it was not for the high school, I never would have met you, my Jae-in~” the young lady Wonyoung said with a smile, stretching her arms to hold Jae-in’s hand from the other side of the table.

“I was actually talking about Kino and the others, you know. No one can compete against the treasure of friends.”

Wonyoung pouted.

“I’m just kidding; of course, the greatest treasure would always be you, my Wony~”

“Aish… you always know how to tick me off. How could you be a guy and be so damn cute? Your existence I in this very world seemed to be very illegal. I sure am going to miss seeing you every single day once we go to college… it kind of makes me wish that I chose Engineering as well instead of heading to nursing school. At least if it turned out like that, then I could be by your side every time that we’re at Univ. If I had it my way, I would not let you off of my eyes; not when there are a lot of girls in college who would attempt to take you away from me.”

“Hey, hey,” Jae-in replied, and this time he was the one who held Wonyoung’s hand tighter than she did to him previously. “Nursing school is not that far from Engineering. We’re merely separated by buildings, my love. Even if our schedule’s not in sync, I’m sure we can work things out in the long run. We always did, right? We graduated still being together, Wony. Our entire batch is literally looking up at us as the ideal couple of the sections, not that it matters to me, but it’s still something worth noting. We won’t be reaching that had we not have an already good impression with it.”

Wonyoung sighed.

“I get it, my love~ I do appreciate that everyone admires us for being the last standing couple of our year, but still… at least you have Kino, Shinwon, and Kyungsoo to be coming with you when you go to college; at least you won’t be alone on your stay there especially on the first few days, of which I think is the most crucial. I feel so alone already just thinking about it, maybe even envious going in there without you.”

“Come on now, my love~”

“Even your dreaded ‘girl best friend’ is there with you on that department. That thought alone makes me want to shift courses and stay in Engineering just so I could keep you out of that witch.”

“Hye, I know that you’re not in good terms with Y—“

The mention of the first syllable immediately earned Jae-in a glare from Wonyoung. She didn’t even hear the entire name and yet she was sure to react to it already. After all, there was one girl that she thinks has the greatest possibility of stealing Jae-in from her.

“Excuse me, with my best friend, but she’s not really that into me. I kept on reminding you of that. Come on, we’re just friends. We go way back and I trust her. I repeatedly suggest that you do too. She’s a nice person, really.”

“I know that you’re friends and all that… but the fact that the two of you are very close friends and she seemed to always end up wherever you go… it’s hard to not even get jealous of her, my love. I hope you understand what I’m feeling. I mean, she hates me and I know that. We don’t need to be friends just because you’re her ‘bestfriend’, that is if she views you on the same way you’re insisting as. I know for a fact that she really does not approve of you dating me, right? What could possibly be the reason for that? It honestly won’t come as a surprise to me in case it would turn out that she secretly likes you. The thought of it alone is already making my blood boil.

“She’s the last person I would like to see you end up with,” she concluded with a bitter tone, bringing her gaze down back towards their intertwined hands.

“Shh, come on now… it is not going to happen. My heart is yours and yours only my love. She will always be my best friend no matter what happens, and you will always be my jagiya.”

“It’s just… don’t you get why I’m so scared of that happening, Jae-in?”

The smile from Jae-in’s face faded in utmost subtlety while he recomposed himself for a reply.

“I… I know. That’s the reason why I was trying to distance myself from her. I’m not even talking to her these days…”

“Exactly… we started on the same way years ago. You and I were the best of friends before we decided to date each other after a year into our friendship. What makes it different that you and your… bestfriend would not end up on the same road?”

“Wonyoung-ah, please calm down. I love you, okay? Don’t forget about that. No matter how close Y—we are, we’re never getting close to how we ended up, right? Are you afraid because it was you who made the first move for me?”

Wonyoung visibly pouted and averted her gaze somewhere inside the room.

“Yah… I saw your fictional brochure for our technology subject. I just so happened to end up on the same PC work station as you were, oppa, and I just saw how beautifully designed yours was. I would even go out there and say that it was better than what I did, perhaps better than anything else I saw from my section. It even came as such a huge surprise that you included your real phone number. At least because of that, I found a way to talk to you. I pulled my luck and here we are…”

Jae-in smiled.

“It always felt like it was fated, you know. Maybe we’re really destined to meet each other from the very beginning.”

“Yeah sure, we really were destined,” Wonyoung said as she withdrew her hand and rolled her eyes away from Jae-in. “Until maybe this so-called ‘girl best friend’ of yours steals you from me, maybe.”

“Hey, hey, I won’t trade you for anything in this world. You’re my girlfriend, Jang Wonyoung, and always will be. We already did everything together, and I’m more than happy to choose you over and over again. I mean, come on now; you and I are each other’s’ firsts in literally everything. My high school life was fun because I had everything with you.”

Wonyoung planted her searing gaze back at Jae-in and proceeded to redirect it once again.

“Do you remember that I was the one who asked you for this dinner?”

“Mhhhmmm…”

“Well, as much as it feels weird to bring this out of nowhere, I actually have a surprise for you. This is not something that I’m bringing up just because you’re being jealous towards my best friend, but it is actually something that I always meant to give to you on this very evening.”

Wonyoung rolled her eyes and teased Jae-in, earning a chuckle from her boyfriend.

“Well, what if it is actually that case… show it to me, my love~”

“I don’t think I can come up with this on the spot. I promise you that you’ll love this. Wony~ someone actually called me earlier today, right before we wrapped up for the final grad practice and…”

“And…?”

“The scholarship that I found for you… they finally responded and… you’re in! You’ve passed the assessment exams and you’re a scholar on their program!”

At that instant, Wonyoung immediately dropped her act and wide-eyed Jae-in from the other side of the table. She didn’t even notice her mouth hang open at her surprise with the news. Somehow, with everything that happened in-between and during practices, the news of the pending scholarship response was quite unexpected. Jae-in knew that she would make it, and the release of the results could never have been a more perfect graduation gift for her.

“Oh my; that’s good news! Oh my god Jae-in… I’m officially a scholar? Oh my…!”

“See, I told you that it’s difficult to even make-up on the spot. I just received the call hours ago, like I said. I’ve been holding back the whole day and it was hilarious to have to tell it here in this circumstance.”

“Yah, I’m really happy… I genuinely am, but don’t think immediately that you’re forgiven just because of that. I’m still upset because of your best friend,” she then pouted. However, to Jae-in, it felt forced as Wonyoung was clearly happy with the news. He knew that she was putting on the act once again.

“Okay, you know what, how about we get out of Metro Station and go for a walk home?” Jae-in said, in attempt to change the subject into something else while giving his girlfriend a wide, toothy grin. “I’ll treat you with ice cream on the way home. After all, we need to celebrate! We’re graduating tomorrow, and together like we always would be. What do you think about that?”

The young woman’s pout eventually turned into a wide smile as she stood up. Wonyoung then brushed the long layer of dress she wore off of any crumbs that could have caught during the dinner, all before fishing her bright purse. Jae-in joined her and stood up as well, and as he turned his attention to his girlfriend, Wonyoung already had her hands outstretched towards his direction with her pink-painted nails in perfect display for him.

“I take that as a ‘yes’, I guess?” Jae-in asked.

“I would not have taken it if you weren’t so cute, you know. You can’t keep on doing this to me, because you know that I’ll always fall for it.”

“It’s your kryptonite; therefore it is my secret weapon. Shall we go?”

The young man then graciously offered his arm of which Wonyoung more than gladly wrapped her arm around on. Then, with a curt smile to the waiters and waitresses that served them, Jang Wonyoung and Yoon Jae-in left the restaurant heading to the ice cream store that he previously mentioned; the rest of the older patrons of the eatery admired the cute couple as they went on ahead.

---MOMENTS LATER---

It did not take that long for the ice cream session to push through as it was merely just a simple stop-by at Wonyoung’s favourite store. The night was fast approaching, and it was already close to eight in the evening when Jae-in and Wonyoung were walking down towards the road that lead to the latter’s house. Her hands wrapped on her boyfriend’s arm as well as having her fingers intertwined with his. Because of the chilly weather, coupled with the dress that Wonyoung wore that exposed the majority of her lengthy legs, Jae-in had to compensate for her by lending her his jacket so as to counter the cold weather. It was the sort of gesture that Jae-in always wanted to do, especially for his girlfriend because there was that feeling of assurance coming from his side.

In his head, they looked really cute together. He and Wonyoung were perhaps the perfect couple.

It was weird, however, that he even thought of offering Wonyoung her favourite Mint Chocolate in this time. It was even weirder that she didn’t even hesitate on grabbing it.

Regardless, the conclusion to their night date was about to come. That perhaps explains why Wonyoung was taking her utmost time walking with Jae-in; surely, even if she decided to walk on her normal pace, she would have gone home easily. Jae-in, on the other hand, didn’t really mind the development. After all, it felt like the last time as high schoolers after being in a relationship in high school for so long.

“Jae-in~” Wonyoung’s soft voice shot through the silence as they both approached the final corner to her home. “Can you promise me something? I will only ask this of you just once… and I hope you give me the answer that I want to hear…”

“What is it, my love?”

“Can you promise me that we’re still going to get through college like how we did in high school? Can you promise me that we would make this relationship work out in North Line… please?”

“Why does this sound like a wedding vow?”

The young girl curved her thin lips and stifled a soft giggle.

“Maybe it is… please, promise me, Jae-in. Promise me.”

“Okay, okay… I promise you, Wonyoung. I promise you that we would make this work no matter what.”

“Yay~ Thank you so much! I love you, my Jae-in~”

“I love you too, Wony~”

And so, every written rule of not showing affections in public was broken as Jae-in and Wonyoung hugged in the middle of the quiet street. It was fortunate that the evening was ripe, and no one else was there but the two of them. The hug was tight, sincere and very emotional, and what followed was the immediate soft peck of Jae-in’s lips courtesy of Wonyoung’s own.

The promise was given on that evening and it was all that Jae-in needed to survive his incoming college life, quite positive that whatever life could throw him post-graduation, he was happy because he had Wonyoung beside him. With that, Jae-in finally walked his girlfriend to her home and concluded the evening with a smile on his face, looking forward for what the next level of their relationship has in store for both of them.

---SOME TIME AFTER THE GRADUATION CEREMONY---

As expected, the graduation ceremony commenced as it normally would have and it was inevitable for the class to shed some tears on the incoming farewell. After all, they were saying ‘good-bye’ to the people that made the best years of their life truly enjoyable, and that included Jae-in with a couple of friends he met along the way. Lucky for him, he was one of the fortunate members of that batch who would end up going to North Line as opposed to other batch mates who would have to either head overseas or go to a new city. At least the separation anxiety from him was not that great compared to the others with him.

Lucky for him, and perhaps for Wonyoung, the ‘nation’s power couple’ of batch 20XX would head to the same school to celebrate their relationship ahead. It would not even come as a surprise to the rest of the class if Yoon Jae-in and Jang Wonyoung wound up marrying each other, because that was how strong they viewed their relationship. A lot of people would agree that they were perfectly made for each other; the couple that no one else could split.

The timeline amidst varying academic levels was uneven, and to compensate for the new school opening of North Line University, Jae-in, Wonyoung, and their other batch mates had to endure a good four-month long vacation to prepare for the adjustment. To him, it was a much needed break for all the years of studying he did during high school, and eventually promised himself to do all sorts of memorable antics within those four months to prepare him for the terror that is college. Apparently one of those memorable antics was dating Wonyoung as much as he could, and the other was perhaps joining Kino and Kyungsoo in playing their favourite online arena game while he was at it.

A month has passed and Jae-in was able to keep his promise to his girlfriend; perfectly juggling his schedule between his friends and soon-to-be college classmates as well as his relationship with Jang Wonyoung. It would be convenient as well, as Wonyoung had discovered quite a bit of a hobby for herself which was attending music class to be a cellist. One day, a date was schedule by Wonyoung herself, inviting Jae-in to a café that she always wanted to go to; a small and glass-filled bakery-café placed at the corner of one block.

Jang Wonyoung showed up that day looking as gorgeous as she could ever have been. Without the restrictions of high school uniform, she was able to showcase the beauty of her fashion sense wearing a floral blue dress and soft highlights in her hair, clearly fresh from her morning session at the music school. The huge cello was lodged in a case and plopped carefully next to the wall as she sat opposite Jae-in, who managed to somehow try to level with her clothing with a neat, mint sleeved shirt as well as white slacks.

“Of all the dates I’ve had with you, this honestly felt like the most ‘formal’,” he commented after swallowing a piece of pasta. “I kind of like it that it’s like this. Do you think we should do this more often, my love?”

Wonyoung nodded enthusiastically.

“Now that I’m able to wear whatever I want, I really am looking forward to showcasing you what’s on my wardrobe. I honestly have a lot of outfits that were shadowed by the uniform. I can even bet that you’ve never even seen most of them, my Jae-in.”

“Oh…? With the entire try out photos that you’ve been sending me through message, you still haven’t shown me most of your closet?”

“Honestly, it baffles me too that I have too much to wear. At least I could wear a lot of things and outfits before I get caught on with the mandatory nursing uniform again.”

“Well, you always suit whatever you wear, my Wony. You were always the fashionista and I love that about you.”

“Aww… but I’m pretty sure that you love everything about me as well.”

“Oh, and did I mention that you have a thing for words too?”

Wonyoung smirked and her red lips only ignited more of Jae-in’s interests towards her. Had she not been his girlfriend all these time, it would easily to mistake him as an assistant with how significantly underdressed he is.

“So… we’ve been here for a while now,” relayed Jae-in; as he continued the conversation after that short pause. “I’m still curious as to why you asked me out on this odd time. Normally you’d go for dates when it’s close to evening, so I would assume that there’s something going on. Does it have something to do with music class?”

“Oh, I’m glad that you introduced that before I could. It makes things a lot easier… and… yeah; it has something to do with music class. I really admire how smart you are, my Jae-in~ you seemed to have easily pieced things out even before I could tell it to you myself.”

He smiled in return before moving to hold her hand from across the table.

“I would not be your boyfriend for years if I didn’t have a hint the moment I saw those look on your eyes. Go on now, I’ll be listening. What is it about?”

“Well, I’ve been in music school since we started this four-month vacation and things have been going well for me. Of course, I owe it all to you who pushed me beyond my own beliefs and my own capabilities that I managed to get to this stage of this hobby… so I think it was just fitting for you to be the first to know that I got accepted at a recital.”

“Wait, are you serious? You’ve been in school for two months and yet you’re already invited to that? You must be really talented on that, my Wony~ Congratulations! When is this happening?”

That was when Wonyoung pursed her lips, hesitating before even moving to speak up once again.

“That… that is the catch… the thing is, the school had apparently started to expand their services on not just beyond Seoul itself but also on further districts and cities, so for this recital they decided to use it as a promotional event... What I’m trying to say is that… I got accepted at their offer for a recital but it would happen far from here. I would have to be away for at least a two weeks or so while the recital is being prepared and all. That would include practices, formal rehearsals and all that, as all part of the training regimen for the school.”

Jae-in knit his eyebrows. He honestly could not think of a reason why Wonyoung would not be so enthusiastic about it.

“Hey, you’re not thinking of not going now, are you?”

“I’m honestly considering it. It’s really far from here and… and I don’t want to be away from you that long.”

“Hey, hey, don’t worry about me. Come on now, this might be your huge break! The fact that you’re invited for a recital that fast must mean that they can see a huge potential on you, and I don’t want to be the person who would hold you back on that. I want the world to know of your talents Wony, because I know that you have a lot of them~ I want them to see how good you really are. Go. Don’t worry about me.”

“Are you sure about that?” she asked with her beady, puppy eyes.

“Of course… think about it, if you’re really missing me, I can go there. I can head there by foot, train or cab; whatever it takes I’ll be sure to be there when you need me. Plus, this is a huge adventure for us as a couple. We promised that we’d all go all-in before we head to college right, especially in terms of the things that would make both of us happy? At least by then, we won’t have any regrets. That would be the best thing that could ever happen for us in the long run. I trust that you already have friends there, so at least you won’t be too lonely without me.”

“I… I do have some friends there but… Promise me that you would call, okay?”

“I would, Wony. Of course I would…. I know you can’t stand being away from me for that long. Let’s make this work, okay?”

Wonyoung smiled.

“You never cease to amaze me, Yoon Jae-in. I’ll always be happy that you ended up as my boyfriend. I love you so much!”

“Oh you have no idea how lucky I am to have you, Jang Wonyoung. I love you so much.”

---TWO WEEKS LATER---

Jang Wonyoung relayed exactly how the following week would turn out and like she mentioned, there were limited amounts of time that she and Jae-in would actually even communicate. The first couple of days after setting Wonyoung off were perhaps the most interactive days ever. It was expected; as the entire music school was perhaps beginning to arrange their respective itineraries upon the new setting, the schedules and rehearsals weren’t that much prominent. This gave the young couple ample time to communicate together with phone and video calls that lasted for hours even beyond their own sleeping time, making sure to see each other on every minute they possibly could before things get really busy.

After a while, their vocal and visual communications were reduced to instant messaging as her rehearsals began to get frequent and eventually, hectic. Jae-in, on the other hand, occupied the huge amount of free time given to him by occasionally familiarising himself with the route to their new school, North Line International, while at the same time occupying himself with the presence of his friends. He always knew that Shinwon was a huge fan of co-op games and managed to find a newly-opened internet café not far from the university itself. It was a signal that drew in Jae-in, Shinwon, and Kino amongst other people they met in high school to test the new shop out. It was suffice to say that while Wonyoung was busy on her recital; Jae-in was also busying himself being connected by a lot of his friends before they eventually split for the university. Despite that, he still made sure that contacting Wonyoung would stay as an utmost priority, merely keeping the bond with his friends as something that would keep him occupied while he waited for her.

Soon enough, she would message him about the details. It would only be a matter of time before he would finally see his girlfriend perform with her talents. He knew that Wonyoung would amaze the world the first chance she gets, and he was the first person who never really ceased on believing on her.

However, despite developing a strong interest on a particular Multiplayer Online Battle-Arena game, Jae-in made sure to check on Wonyoung every day. He sent sweet, good night messages and morning wishes for her to be well; and all that despite her not really checking the chat out or even seeing it. Perhaps the practice was very tiring and he always accepted that as a good reason for her absence.

Two weeks passed. Jae-in and Wonyoung’s conversations were still as dry and minimal as ever but he still believed that she was busy and that things were being taken care of. The recital program must have extended, granted that she should be back at the city by then. Things might have adjusted considering she didn’t even mention when the performance day would actually be. Like usual, he spent the day on the internet café again being alone with just Kino as they both waited for the other members to come. The pair had just finished one game on a good note with Jae-in being overly happy with his performance in a support role.

“Damn, that was so refreshing. I wish all of our games could go that way,” he exhaled as he stretched his arms from the unit. “Did Shinwon and the other say about coming here? They’re supposed to be here now, right?”

“They are. Actually, I’m surprised that you’re the first one to even be here. You seem to have been going here a lot these days. Is everything alright?” asked Kino, returning to the matchmaking lobby but not placing them both on a queue just yet.

“What…? Of course everything is okay, man. It’s just… I guess you can say that my schedule became a lot more freed up. I’m going here earlier now because I want to be occupied as well.”

“I see… Jae-in, you know, you’re my friend and I… I usually don’t want to go asking these things because it’s weird but… are you and Wonyoung still dating?”

Jae-in immediately shifted his gaze from the monitor towards Kino, who sat beside him with a confused yet concerned expression.

“Of course we still are… she’s just busy nowadays, is all. I guess you noticed me going here a lot, that is because she’s busying herself so I figured I’d be busy here as well.”

“Were you two talking still even when she’s there for her practices?”

“Well… not that recently… she seemed to be really occupied. I feel like the schedule’s moved up as well because she never told me when the recital day would be on.”

Kino sighed and nodded silently. As much as Jae-in really was not a fan of how the conversation was developing, he chose to wait for the rest of Kino’s statement. It certainly appeared to be a huge introduction for something big about to come.

That small fraction of a minute filled with silence between them both was perhaps the most gut-wrenching he’s felt for a while.

“Yeah… about that… umm, you know that Wonyoung and I have the same general street heading home right? I… I actually saw her last night. I don’t know why you’re not aware, but she’s actually back here, man. I figured I’d ask because you didn’t seem to have an idea.”

“She’s here…?”

“Yeah, and that’s not all that. I saw her getting inside a car with a guy who’s about the same age as us. I don’t know man; it could be her cousin but… I can’t just keep myself from not telling you. I think it’s a personal responsibility as you friend.”

“Are you sure that it’s her that you saw? She would have told me already by now.”

“I’m positive that it’s her. I’ve been her classmate and I could not mistake her for another person. The guy, however, is someone I don’t even recognize.”

“That’s probably just her cousin, Kino. Also, I can’t see a reason why Wonyoung won’t tell me that she’s here already. If ever there was a reason for that, then maybe she’s planning to surprise me of something. I trust her, man. I’m sure she has her reasons. Don’t worry about it.”

“Well, okay then. Don’t think about it too much. In case I’m the one who is wrong, I’d feel such an idiot for even forcing ideas onto you. I just had to get it off of my system. I’m wishing for the best. In the meantime, let’s just have another game, shall we?”

“That’s good to know. Thanks man. Let’s go.”

---

Kino’s information had planted itself deep onto Jae-in’s head for the succeeding days. As much as he did not want to over think, it was indeed weird that Wonyoung had not even bothered to tell him that she’s back from the recital. In fact, there was no even update what happened during her stay out of town. However, Jae-in’s love and trust for her still came on top, which is the reason why he elected to simply wait for her to update.

Finally, his waiting paid off and Wonyoung eventually contacted him.

Jang Wonyoung apologized for disappearing for so long and so asked to head to the ENOZI restaurant once again, which was now renovated and renamed as ‘LOVE DIVE café’. The atmosphere was weird on that day; the sun had disappeared and was covered under a huge blanket of grey clouds as if rain was about to come. If not, it certainly served as a deep warning that something bad was about to come. Yet, there was Jae-in still optimistic and hoping that it was not the case.

Jae-in came at the scene first, reserving a seat nearby the window just as Wonyoung always loved. He elected to order before she did, having a large serving of the meat mix she always bugged him about the moment she comes back from the recital trip. The only thing that was missing that day was the presence of Wonyoung herself, and fortunately right after their respective orders were served, she finally came. Wonyoung’s fit for that day was a huge stray away compared to her normal, fashionable looks; settling merely on simple tucked white shirt over her long, slender legs covered with a long, brown coat finished with a high ponytail. She gave Jae-in a shy smile, nodded, and awkwardly shuddered before proceeding to sit opposite him.

“Wonyoung-ah, hi…! It’s really good to see you. I have missed you so much! How have you been?”

The young girl gave another set of unenthusiastic smiles before falling to a frown.

“Jae-innah… I… I didn’t actually come here to eat… but as always, I really appreciate that you ordered ahead for me… that’s always something that made me appreciate you more…”

“You seem so sad; my love… did something bad happen when you were away? Are you okay?”

As much as there were a lot of questions that he wanted to ask her, he did not want to flood her right away. He took things slowly like he usually did, and hopefully it would pay-off for him in the end.

“I am… s-sorry, Jae-innah… I know I’m the one who invited you here so… not eating with you after asking you out is the least thing that I should be sorry for. I’m just… it was a crazy two weeks… a lot of things happened…”

Jae-in reached across the table and held Wonyoung’s slender hand with his own, caressing her long fingers that were now rid of any sort of manicure. The sensation of her cold skin against his already told him that something was dearly off.

“What happened? Did you not make it to the recital? Did something happen? You weren’t messaging me for days and I thought…. But I trust that you saw my messages, right?”

“Jae-in… please don’t make this harder for me… I did. I admit that I openly read your messages but I can’t seem to find the correct message to reply with you. B-because… while I was away for a couple of weeks, I was able to delve into some thoughts and… I realized a lot of stuff, not just within myself but to us as a couple as well.”

Initially, the moment that Jae-in felt his girlfriend’s rather downtrodden mood he elected to bring the atmosphere up by greeting her with enthusiasm. After all he did miss the love of Wonyoung that was absent for weeks. However, now that she already set the heavy mood for whatever she has to say, Jae-in could only do so much and match her pace finally. Somehow the mood that the sky already gave was correct ever since he left the front door; something was bothering Wonyoung and he was about to find out.

“May I ask what those things that you… realized were?”

Wonyoung gulped.

“I love you Jae-in, but I don’t think we can continue on with this relationship anymore.”

The world may have crumbled at that instant.

Did he just hear right?

“W-Wony… w-what are you…? W-What do you mean that…?”

Wonyoung pursed her lips before proceeding to speak again. Every syllable that escaped her small lips was filled with hesitation and perhaps even pity.

“I have to end it now… because once I get… once I get as busy as I did when I was away, I can’t bring myself to stay in peace knowing that there’s someone who’s waiting for me. We know that college would be really busy and—“

“But we promised that we’ll make it work out, right? We promised each other after graduation that we’d do anything to keep this relationship intact right? You were even the one that made me promise that, so what happened?”

Wonyoung bit her lip and retracted her hand from Jae-in and hid it under the table. She then anxiously gazed around the café and pouted to her boyfriend once more.

“I… I know that I made you promise and I already feel bad that I’m telling this to you… but… I got really good with the recital and all… the school asked me to be a temporary aide in the music school, and I would teach younger musicians how to play… I figured, I would be really busy and so I would have less time for you... how much more can we manage this when we’re already at university, right?”

“Wony… I don’t get it. All of these things that you were telling me is a problem would only hurt us for a couple of months, so why are you telling me to end whatever’s between us before we even head to college? Are you worried that I might grow tired of waiting for you, is that what you’re telling me?”

“N-no… I know that you’re willing and you can do those things for me… but as a person in good conscience, I cannot just… I cannot just live with the fact that you’re waiting for me when I can’t even hope to continue on what’s between us… that would be too unfair. I have no idea how I would juggle both studying and doing my future commitments with the music school knowing that I have you being left unchecked. I cannot bring myself to do that to you…I know that you deserve more, my love, which is why I’m deciding to let you go.”

Jae-in’s shoulders sank. His temples were starting to fill with cold sweats as his heart beat heavily against his chest.

“Isn’t this being unfair to me? You’re already telling what you think I would do even before it happens… I promised it to you, Wony… I promised that we would make this work out… why are you telling me that you need to let me go now? What happened?”

“Jae-in, please… don’t make this harder for me… It’s already breaking my heart to ask too much of you… please…”

Jae-in’s face flushed red as he tried to keep himself as calm as possible.

“Is this what you really want, Wonyoung?”

“Jae-in…”

“Wonyoung… I love you. You know that. If this is really what you want… if letting me go was your absolute solution for your future problems… then tell me. If you need a couple of days without me to think, I’ll gladly give it to you. Please… I don’t want you to be deciding so impulsively…”

There was another silence between then. Perhaps even the outside skies have begun to catch up on the impending grief between them both as soft drizzles showed upon the window.

“Wonyoung,” Jae-in said, softer this time while he clenched his fist in frustration. “But if this is really what you want; if trading our two years of love and relationship for the fear you think would come in the future, I ask you to not tell it straight to my face. If you’re decided, if you think that this is the decision that was best for us, then leave. I will respect whatever decision you do, but please think about it thoroughly. We haven’t gone this far just for us to end like this. We’ve been through worse, and this is just the beginning. Are you sure that you want to give up on us already now?”

Wonyoung looked at him in disbelief, only to be met by Jae-in’s own gaze of pure stone-cold silence. Unlike her who was already showing signs of tearing up, Jae-in strangely looked composed. He merely looked at Wonyoung straight with his sharp eyes waiting for a decision.

He wanted to ask her about Kino’s hint. Jae-in wanted to ask Wonyoung if she’s doing this because her heart finally wavered for another man, yet in the end he knew he could not bring himself to do that. He trusted Wonyoung with all of his heart, and even with a sliver of illusion he would never think that she would even do that to him.

Jae-in trusted her, so he never pushed himself to ask the question.

A couple of minutes later, a dreadful screech coming from a chair being dragged across the floor were heard. Jang Wonyoung stood in front of him, tears flooding her puppy eyes down towards her cheeks. The somewhat forceful manner of her dragging the chair as she stood earned a good look from the handful of people seated beside them both, clearly giving a soft and curious gaze to the young couple who’s table lay food that were not even touched.

“I hope that you find the girl for you, Yoon Jae-in. I’m so sorry. Good-bye.”

And with one swift turn she disappeared, leaving a trail of her coat as she walked out of the café. The once enthusiastic image of ENOZI café seemed to have died down the moment it changed, leaving Wonyoung’s love for him with it. Yoon Jae-in gave one last look on his girlfriend not knowing that it would be the last that he’d see of her for a long time, still quite shocked that she just broke up with him in one quick swing.

---END OF FLASHBACK, BACK ON JAE-IN’S ROOM WITH IRENE---

“Wonyoung unfriended and unfollowed me on all of our socials after we broke up, but she forgot to do the same with my friends. About three weeks after we have broken up, Kino showed me a picture of her with a guy who turned out to be her new boyfriend, posted in Instagram in celebration of their first month together. I would not have cared whether it was out of spite or out of sheer desire to move on, until Kino positively recognized the guy to be the same person he saw Wonyoung share a car with on that fated night. In the end, I was attacked by my very trust for her. I thought that she would not even do something like that to me, but I guess even that long of a relationship is still not enough for her to choose me.”

“Oh my god,” I heard Joohyun-noona as she brought her hand to cover her mouth. “Three weeks…? Does that mean…?”

I nodded shortly.

“If I’m going to do the math right, Wonyoung might have met the guy in preparation for her recital back then. She repeatedly insisted that that was not the case, but the math just made sense. The fact that they celebrated their first month together shortly after we broke up meant that at some point she agreed to date him while we were still officially together. I don’t know what happened during the time that she was there but… back then I was too hurt and bitter to even think about it. I just let it slide and focused my attention on moving on from her.”

“Wow… I never knew that you had such a tragic experience with her. To think that she was even your first love back in high school… the audacity…”

“The impact was terrible on me, noona. I would say that after that, I got a bit scared to commit again because I was traumatized with what she did. I was truly traumatized on trusting girls. I kept questioning whether I was worth it or not, or whether it was my fault that I lacked on something that caused Wonyoung to cheat on me with someone else. I would say that it took a good while before I got confident with myself again. There were a lot of self-doubts.”

“So what happened to her and the guy; are they still together?”

I nodded.

“Kino’s still seeing her on her feed. I guess they’ve been together longer than Wonyoung and I have ever been.”

I turned towards Joohyun noona who froze on the spot, still having her hand over her mouth.

“But are you okay now?”

“There’s certainly that little ghost there… same reason why I never had a girlfriend ever since Wonyoung. I wanted to be ready.”

“As you should… well, there’s still one thing bugging me though, Jae-in.”

“What is it, noona?”

She then pointed towards the letter.

“If you and Wonyoung did not really end up well, and she was the reason why you’re revelling in your own traumas… then why are you still keeping her letter with you? If I were you, I would have thrown it away ages ago. It would seem to be a better option.”

“I don’t know noona… I always told myself to keep it for something… something like a reminder especially when times that I need to recall the worst episodes of my life thus far.”

“A reminder for what, exactly…?”

“A reminder of the time that I should not take feelings too lightly… a reminder that I should never allow myself to fall into the same darkness that I did after Jang Wonyoung… that I did not went through all that sad crap after her just to fall into the same place once again…

“It would serve as a reminder to not repeat the same mistakes I did ever again, noona.”

The fact that this showed up this time is just a perfect timing….

I have a feeling that I’m going to need that reminder very soon.

#kpop fanfic #kpop story #jang wonyoung #ive wonyoung #a little piece of you #red velvet irene #bae joohyun

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