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fantasyescapes17 · 1 year

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Patience (Part 1)

An elaborate charade- that is what your life has been for these past few years, and it has taken the help of more than one person to balance your delicate lies and secrets. Now entering your final season as an eligible young lady seeking wedded bliss, will you be able to keep up the act in order to achieve your dreams?

Genre: Choi Seungcheol x female!reader. Regency!AU (It's sort of Bridgerton-esque in the sense that I give zero attention to historical accuracy and prioritize aesthetics lmao) You are Jeonghan's sister so your last name is Yoon, but the reader has no other specific characteristics, physical or otherwise.

Word Count: 4.1k+

Part 2

Series Masterlist

"I'm afraid the upcoming season will be Miss Yoon's final opportunity to secure herself a decent husband," the obnoxious woman remarked.

She did not seem embarrassed that the subject of her gossip (i.e, you) sat immediately across from her in the lavish parlour and well within earshot. She looked straight at you and silently dared you to respond to her callous comment.

You did not indulge her. You merely sipped your tea.

"Oh, surely not," her friend replied with a hint of embarrassment. "You mustn't say that, Mrs. Patty! Miss Yoon still has plenty of time before we can write her off as an old maid. She should be perfectly eligible for another two or three seasons, I dare say."

"She might have been, if not for that darling younger sister of hers. I believe little Miss Mina is eighteen now, and will be making her debut in society next season. Am I correct, Miss Yoon?" Mrs. Patty demanded of you.

You couldn't ignore a question addressed directly to you. You placed your teacup on the table and nodded reluctantly.

"Yes, Mother believes that my sister should be ready to debut next year," you replied softly.

Miss Patty looked triumphant. "Well! There you have it! Anyone who has laid eyes on Miss Mina knows that she is the loveliest little creature and I am sure her paltry dowry will not prevent an eligible man from proposing to her. Miss Mina will be snatched up instantly- and then what shall happen to our dear Miss Yoon? With her younger sister married before her, she won't have a chance!"

The other woman frowned. "Indeed, Miss Mina is uncommonly beautiful. She will have her pick of eligible men."

You rose from your seat abruptly. "Pardon me, ladies. I shall call for some more tea and cakes- we seem to be running short."

You exited the parlour before they had a chance to object, and cursed your mother for leaving you alone to handle the guests. Mother should have known that these infuriating women would show up the instant they heard that the Yoons had arrived in London for the season.

You turned towards the kitchens, hoping that the maids would not offer to help and make your journey redundant. Luckily, the servants were busy unpacking and carrying in your family's belongings. It had been a long journey from the countryside to your London abode- but a necessary one. The Yoon family could not absent themselves from the London season when they had two eligible members of marriageable age.

You turned the corner of the main hallway and came face to face with the other eligible Yoon. Your half-brother, Jeonghan.

"Jeonghan!" you called out to him hopefully. "Are you going out? Will you take me with you?"

Jeonghan was in the process of lacing up his riding gear and stood to greet you. As your father's only son from his first marriage, Jeonghan became the heir to the entire Yoon estate upon your father's passing.

"I'm afraid not, sister- I am going out riding with the Lees. You would be required to bring a chaperone," he replied slyly, reminding you, quite unnecessarily, that you could not be seen in public in the company of other single men without a female chaperone present.

You sighed. "All right- but could you stop by the parlour room before you leave?"

"Why? So that Mrs. Patty may set up a meeting for me with her third niece? There are many things I would do for you, dear sister, but subjecting myself to Mrs. Patty is not among them," Jeonghan replied calmly as he continued to tie the straps of his riding gear. "I am sacrificing plenty for you already. I shall have my hands full at the Grisham's ball tomorrow."

You blinked. "What will happen at the Grisham's ball?"

"I have heard that a certain Mr. Hessington has expressed an interest in you. We shall have to take precautions to ensure he does not find the opportunity to express this interest in front of your mother."

"Oh dear. What does Hessington want?" you despaired.

Jeonghan smirked. "He wants marriage. They all do. That is the purpose of this elaborate charade of having a season and attending all these social events, is it not? To find a suitable partner in marriage?"

"Jeonghan, there is only one season left," you reminded him miserably. You reached for your brother's arm. "You must make sure nobody proposes to me this season. From next year everyone will focus on Mina and I will be forgotten- and once she is married then my prospects will be entirely extinguished. You must ensure nothing comes in the way of this."

Jeonghan sighed. "You must be the only woman in London who is actively trying to make herself less eligible for marriage."

"And I have been doing a wonderful job so far. Mrs. Patty said herself that I'm as good as an old maid next season if Mina gets engaged before me. And she surely will be. After that, they'll throw me aside with the old maids and governesses and widows."

"Six months more?"

You nodded eagerly. "Six months more. I will be in your debt forever, Jeonghan."

He sighed. "You certainly shall be. I've become nothing short of a villain in my step-mother's eyes since you persuaded me to tell her that I had reduced your dowry. She has most of the ton convinced that I am an evil brother stealing his sisters' rightful inheritance."

"But we had to do that. A large dowry would make me attractive to men looking to marry for a fortune," you reminded him.

Jeonghan sighed. "I know. All the same, I've set aside your money. You and Mina will have your dowries once this charade is over. All of the dowry, I mean, not the paltry amount I told your mother you would receive."

You shook your head with a smile.

"I don't need it."

"Don't refuse money when it's offered to you, good god, woman, have you lost your senses?" Jeonghan said lightly. He placed his hands on his hips and smiled back at you. "You seem more cheerful than usual."

"We're almost at the end of this charade. Six more months," you replied excitedly.

"Well, do try to look less cheerful. For all the ton knows, you're a woman with little dowry, no prospects, a prettier younger sister, and getting on in age. People will begin to wonder what you have to be so happy about."

You smiled to yourself.

You had plenty to be happy about. And Mrs. Patty and the rest of the ton could choke on their tea and biscuits- they would never find out.

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Your mother maintained a tight grip on your arm as she steered you around the corners of the large ballroom on the Grisham's summer estate.

Your arm was beginning to feel numb.

"Now," your mother said firmly. "Don't you be discouraged by what Mrs. Patty says. You're a young woman of good breeding and though you're not nearly as charming as Mina, there's nothing wrong with you. Lesser women than you have secured wealthy husbands, do you understand?'

You resisted the urge to sigh. "Yes, mother."

"But you mustn't become lax about this. You need to consider what might happen to us if … if that boy Jeonghan decides to cast us out. You and your sister must marry well before that happens."

You turned to your mother in surprise. "Mother! Jeonghan would never do such a thing!"

Your mother had very little love for her stepson and she was not shy about admitting it. "Well, he's already stolen half your dowries, there's no knowing what he'll do next. We may be on the streets soon. Even sooner, if he decides to marry and his new wife decides to be rid of us. Your marriage is important."

You sighed. "Yes, mother."

"Now put on a smile and look a little more graceful."

You took a deep breath and straightened your shoulders. It was a delicate line you walked in social events such as these. You had to look dignified and well-mannered enough to satisfy your mother, but not so captivating that you captured the attention of any potential suitors. It only got easier with time. You were older and consequently less attractive than the young girls in the room, and the ton would certainly have heard the news of your reduced dowry.

You tried not to make eye contact with any men as you quietly moved through the crowd like a wallflower. You were suddenly and abruptly met by a very tall man that appeared before you.

"Miss Yoon. May I have the pleasure of the next dance?"

You breathed a sigh of relief as you recognised the man. He had a mischievous smile on his face. "Mr. Kim! Oh thank heavens, I was worried that it was an actual suitor."

Mr. Kim Mingyu had the decency to look offended as he took your hand and swept you skillfully towards the dance floor for a lively waltz.

"Do you think that we would allow an actual suitor within ten feet of you? We've been doing this for three years now, Miss Yoon. We're professionals now, I dare say. There's one of us stationed in each section of the room and we are ready to intervene in case any man shows the slightest bit of interest towards you."

You laughed. "Well, don't I feel well-protected."

"You are."

"I'm very sorry that you all have to spend your social gatherings watching out for me in this manner. Hopefully, this is the last season that this will be required," you apologised honestly.

"Nonsense. I rather enjoy it," Mingyu chuckled.

You shook your head. "I don't believe you. Surely you would rather save your dances for a woman in whom you have a genuine interest? I notice that the young lady in cerulean blue over there cannot keep her eyes away from us."

Mingyu cleared his throat and took a quick peek in the direction you nodded your head. "Ah. Well, that can't be helped. She's better off without me in any case, I've garnered a reputation as a rake. Dancing with me would only tarnish her prospects."

You raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yes," he replied simply.

"I suppose I cannot argue- being in the unique position of not caring about my own prospects makes me a poor judge. May I ask what you have done to have yourself labelled as a rake by the ton?" you enquired.

Mingyu smiled. "Other than being naturally charming, rich and handsome?"

"I'm afraid those qualities make for an eligible bachelor, Mr. Kim, not a rake."

Mingyu merely chuckled without offering further explanation as the dance came to an end. He gracefully led you off to the side, where you were drawn into a conversation with some other co-conspirators- namely Mr. Lee Seokmin and Mr. Kwon Soonyoung.

"Miss Yoon," was the cheerful greeting you received from a grinning Mr. Kwon. "I hope your quest to prevent all offers of matrimony fares well? I am pleased to report that the ton seems to be losing interest in you."

You smiled gratefully. "You bring glad tidings, Mr. Kwon. But I heard that Mr. Hessington…."

"Mr. Hessington is being informed of your reduced dowry and impending state of poverty at this very moment," Mr. Lee Seokmin reassured you. His eyes subtly darted towards the other end of the ballroom where your half-brother was in the middle of a conversation with Mr. Hessington himself. You could not hear what was being spoken, but there was no mistaking Mr. Hessington's alarmed expression at whatever Jeonghan said to him.

"Delightful," you replied.

"We have further pleasant tidings for you," Mr. Kwon continued. His hand slid into his waistcoat and he cast a furtive glance around before withdrawing something and slipping it surreptitiously into your hands. You tucked it away into the folds of your gown hastily- but not before ascertaining that it was a small envelope.

Your eyes brightened in anticipation. "Could it be…"

"Indeed," Mr. Kwon replied with a large smile. "I was able to stop by a certain estate that shall remain unnamed on my way to London, and catch up with a dear friend of ours. He bid me to deliver a letter by hand that he dared not risk sending by post, lest it be intercepted by unwelcome parties. It will be safe, I trust, in your possession?”

You couldn’t hold back your smile. “Very safe, indeed.”

“I certainly hope so, because your mother approaches us and she looks rather red in the face.”

Your plans to sneak away to a quiet corner and read your letter were thwarted instantly by the approach of your mother. She was flushed and huffing, although she attempted to calm herself when she noticed that you were in the company of Mr. Kwon and Mr. Lee- while they were not the most eligible bachelors in the room, they were eligible and rich enough for your mother to greet them with her politest smile.

“Mr. Kwon, Mr. Lee. What a pleasure to see you in London,” she tittered. “I do hope you will find the time to call on us for tea later this week."

They both greeted her politely and accepted her invitation with the usual graces, before your mother took hold of your arm and steered you away from them.

"Is everything all right, mother?" you asked, concerned.

"All right? I have just heard- the most terrible news- Mr. Hessington had expressed an interest in courting you but that odious brother of yours has gone and told him about your dowry! I have half a mind to expose that conniving little man for what he is- a thief, a monster-"

"Mother, you must calm down," you insisted gently. "There must be some misunderstanding-"

Your mother was distraught. "Oh, what shall we do? If you are not married this season- we shall be left on the streets unless Mina marries exceedingly well but if that boy Jeonghan continues to ruin her prospects as well-"

"Nobody could ruin Mina's prospects. She is the sweetest, prettiest creature and you know everyone will fall in love with her when she comes into society. Perhaps we should accept that my time is coming to an end, mother…."

"No! No, you cannot give up, my dear. We shall find you a husband this season!"

You sighed. "Yes, mother-"

"Go, go back to Mr. Kwon and Mr. Lee- perhaps one of them will ask you to dance, they seem like nice young gentlemen and the evening is not yet over…"

You extricated yourself from your mother- but instead of returning to company, you slid along the length of the ballroom until you succeeded in finding a remote and private corner behind a table of refreshments and some heavy curtains. You eagerly pulled out the small envelope Soonyoung had given you and unfolded its contents as your heart swelled in anticipation.

My love,

It has been too long since we last spoke. I hope you and your family are well. Although I have met your brother a few times this year and heard news of you from him, it saddens me that you must always be so far away from me.

I will be travelling to London on business next week- I may not be able to stay the entire season, as you know well, but may I be so bold as to ask for a glimpse of your beautiful smile while I am in the city? I would be honoured if you would grant me a dance at Almack's on Thursday night. But do not put yourself to trouble, my love- if the thought of meeting me in public makes you uneasy or if your feelings for me have changed during our separation, know that I would never resent you. I desire nothing more than your happiness and well-being.

Forever yours

Your heart danced wildly as you tucked the contents back into the folds of your dress. It had been too long since you had received a letter from Seungcheol- a few close calls with your nosy mother intercepting your mail had made it too dangerous for him to write to you by normal post.

But to finally see him again after so many months apart! And on Thursday, so soon! You had to turn your face to the wall to hide your giddy smile. Three years of a secret, clandestine courtship had not diminished your adoration of the man in the slightest. You still felt as strongly for Mr. Choi Seungcheol as you had the very first time he smiled at you with his bright smile and took your hand in his gentle grasp for your very first dance, so many years ago.

You took a moment to compose yourself (it would not be appropriate to be seen looking so giddy) and slipped out of your corner. Your brother had been poking around at the refreshment table and he approached you when he saw you- Jeonghan's expression was grim.

"I think I shall avoid dining at home for the time being," Jeonghan told you drily. "I fear my step-mother may really intend to poison me for what I have done tonight."

You sighed. You were not ignorant of how much Jeonghan had sacrificed for your sake. "I am sorry for the trouble I have put you through because of all this, Jeonghan. I will try to calm my mother."

His eyes softened. "I don't require an apology from you, sister."

"Gratitude, then?" you offered gently.

"If you could keep your mother away from any sharp objects or poisonous substances, that should be sufficient recompense for now," he replied with a chuckle. "So. I heard from Mr. Kwon that a certain Mr. Choi will be in London in a few days."

You bit back a smile. "Yes."

Jeonghan patted you on the arm gently. "I am glad you will have a chance to see him. Perhaps we can arrange to have your mother occupied elsewhere for the evening…"

You shook your head. "I will handle mother myself, Jeonghan," you reassured him. "You have done plenty. "

Jeonghan looked contemplative for a moment. "I sincerely hope you and Seungcheol can be happy together soon, sister. I would not have put my own reputation at stake if I did not hold his character- and yours- in the highest regard."

You smiled. A genuine compliment from Jeonghan was rare, and that made it all the more precious. You squeezed his hand on your arm.

"Thank you, brother."

"Now- let us walk away quickly. I see Mrs. Patty approaches and she has that idiotic niece of hers right behind her…"

—----------------------------------------------------

The days trickled past slowly and painfully until Thursday evening finally arrived. Through your own clever manipulations, you had persuaded your mother to attend a card party being held by Mrs. Patty and to allow you to attend Almack's alone chaperoned by Viscountess Hong- one of the few married young women that your mother could be persuaded to entrust you with.

"I hope, Viscountess, that you will recommend my daughter to some of your acquaintances," your mother pressed. "You have done so well for yourself. I hope you can be a positive influence on her."

Viscountess Hong smiled. She had not been married long; her husband, Viscount Joshua Hong, had been renowned as one of the most eligible bachelors in London not long ago. It did not come as a surprise to anyone when their marriage was announced in the papers, however. The gossip-minded members of the ton had long known that Viscount Hong was smitten with a young lady of humble origins.

Your mother admired any woman who could achieve the difficult task of marrying above her station.

"I will be a responsible and careful chaperone, Mrs. Yoon. You may rest assured that I will take excellent care of your daughter for the evening," the Viscountess promised.

Your mother waved you off and you could not help the butterflies that erupted in your stomach as you climbed into the Hongs' carriage. Viscount Hong was waiting outside and greeted you in his usual kind and pleasant manner.

You thanked him nervously. "I'm very grateful for your invitation. I was worried that my mother would not be persuaded to let me visit Almack’s tonight without a female chaperone."

Viscountess Hong took your hand warmly. "Of course, we would never allow that! I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Seungcheol often this past year, and the man never smiles quite as brightly as when someone mentions your name. I'm afraid the man is quite devoted to you, Miss Yoon."

You felt shy, and bit your lip. "I-I do care for him a great deal."

Viscountess Hong beamed.

It was a pleasant carriage ride to Almack's- the Hongs kept you engaged in conversation and their friendly presence helped calm your nerves. As Viscountess Hong told you about the day she first met her husband, your mind drifted back to your own fateful introduction to Mr. Choi Seungcheol four years ago.

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The estate was magnificent.

"Oh! A marble fountain! It is so beautiful!" your younger sister Mina cried out in delight at the sight of the immaculate gardens and the enormous white fountain that towered in the centre, gently spouting water.

Your mother (despite being notoriously difficult to impress) also looked at the enormous estate and manor appreciatively. "Indeed, this estate is quite lovely. Perhaps we should plant some flowers like those back home. You say this manor belongs to Mr. Choi?" she asked your brother.

Jeonghan nodded. "Yes- Mr. Choi Seungcheol was a close friend of mine at Oxford. His father passed away two years ago and he inherited the estate. He was more than happy to invite us all to stay at the manor while I take care of some business here in Derbyshire. The weather is lovely here this time of year."

"Very generous," your mother remarked thoughtfully as a servant unloaded the marriage behind you. "And… is there a Mrs. Choi?"

Jeonghan smiled tightly. "There was. she passed away in childbirth four years ago."

"He is a widower, then. And has a child," your mother remarked, displeased.

Jeonghan nodded. "Yes."

"Pity," your mother whispered to you, as she took your arm and walked towards the manor out of Jeonghan's earshot. "I was almost beginning to imagine you being mistress of this lovely estate. But you may find a way to have a marble fountain without having to marry a widower."

You blinked at your mother in surprise. It was no secret that she had not been your father's first wife.

"But you married a widower," you said, surprised.

Your mother shot you a sharp look.

"Exactly, my dear."

Before you could question her further on this hypocritical viewpoint, the entrance to the manor burst open. Servants emerged to unload your carriage and carry your things inside. They were followed by a tall, well-dressed man with a handsome smile that you barely managed to glimpse before your view was blocked by your brother stepping into your path.

“Seungcheol!”

The two men shook hands warmly, and you could see from Jeonghan’s unusually relaxed manner that he carried a great deal of affection and trust for Mr. Choi. They exchanged greetings for a moment, before Jeonghan finally stepped aside and allowed you to feast your eyes on Mr. Choi properly.

“Seungcheol- allow me to introduce you to my family. My father’s wife, Mrs. Yoon- and my two sisters, Miss Yoon and Miss Mina.”

You curtsied without taking your eyes off the startlingly handsome man. Seungcheol bowed politely in return. His manner was calm and suited a respectable and confident man- but there was something in his large eyes that sparkled with liveliness and joy. You had seen handsome men before- Jeonghan often had friends over for dinner and you had spent time in society.

But no man had ever made you feel quite so giddy.

“We are very grateful for your hospitality, Mr. Choi,” your mother said performatively. “Your estate is lovely. My daughters and I were just discussing how delightful that marble fountain is.”

Seungcheol smiled and glanced at the fountain. “Ah- yes, that was my own personal selection. I am rather fond of it myself. And allow me to say, madam, that it is a pleasure to be host to you and your lovely daughters. Your arrival has been long-awaited- not only by myself but by certain other members of my household.”

It was only then that you finally tore your eyes away from Mr. Choi’s smile and noticed that another person stood behind him. A small, dark-haired boy of no more than four years old with the same bright eyes as Mr. Choi was clinging shyly to his father’s legs.

“Allow me to introduce my son- Jiwoo.”

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A/N: So this is my first time posting for Seventeen! I used to have a moderately successful fanfiction blog for a different kpop group on here a few years ago but I took a break and just wanted to start afresh since Seventeen is the only group I keep up with these days, and I miss writing.

I mostly plan to write some fantasy AUs over the next couple months (got some more regency, royal and other fantasy ideas brewing) so we'll see how it goes.

#seventeen fanfiction #seungcheol fluff #seventeen scenario #seungcheol angst #seventeen fluff #seventeen angst #svt #svt imagines #regency!au #historical!au #seungcheol x reader #seungcheol fanfiction #seventeen scenarios #s.coups #s.coups fluff #s.coups angst #s.coups fanfiction

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stayteezdreams · 4 months

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Snowed In

Plot: You and Seungcheol head to a cabin in the woods to prepare for a winter get away with the others. But plans change when a storm hits and the two of you get snowed in together.

Pairing: S.Coups | Seungcheol x Gn!Reader

Warnings: Mildly suggestive content (kissing)

Words: ~2.3k

Worry sat heavy in your chest as you stared out at the heavy snowstorm outside of your cabin. Seungcheol chatted nervously in the background with the owner of the cabin you were renting. From their conversation you knew there was a chance the power could shut off at any moment. You hoped you would have the heat running long enough to warm the large house before that happened.

You and Seungcheol made the decision to come to the cabin a day before the others so you could get everything ready for your winter vacation. You arrived late in the day due to traffic delays, and now the sun had set and the storm was getting stronger each moment. Now, you feared the trip might not happen at all.

You had texted the others, telling them to stay put until you knew how the weather would play out. The storm could last the night and be over by the morning, or you could be stuck the whole weekend, just the two of you. You felt anxious butterflies fill your stomach at the thought.

Seungcheol groaned as he hung up the phone. "This place apparently doesn't have a backup generator so lets get some stuff ready in case the power does go out."

You nodded as you ran to unpack and fetch any light sources and blankets you could find. Eyeing the small stack of wood by the fireplace you bit your lip.

"I hope that's enough wood."

Seungcheol looked over as he heard you, his own chest tightening with worry as he saw how small the pile of wood was. He knew with how bad the snow outside was, there was no way to make it to the storage shed to get more.

"We'll be alright." He said encouragingly, and you smiled at him in response with a nod, hoping he was right.

After you brought out some candles and flashlights, as well as locating all of the blankets in case you would need them, you made your way to your room to unpack your things.

Now alone in your own room, your thoughts began to wander. Not too far, but instead to the man you heard rummaging a few rooms away.

It wasn't a secret that you had feelings for Seungcheol. Not to you, not to the others, and not even to Seungcheol himself. You also knew he had feelings for you. But it was an unspoken agreement that nothing would happen.

It was never discussed, but you two knew each other well enough to know you were both afraid it wouldn't end well. Not to mention the fear of it accidentally becoming public. There was too much to worry about for you to really commit to a relationship, so one never formed.

Sometimes you regretted it, well, a lot of times you regretted it. And honestly, if he made a move, or confessed you wouldn't run from it. You'd be more than happy to be with him, but you had decided to never make the first move. There would be more risk for him in the relationship, so you left the final decision to him, as much as it hurt sometimes.

Your body froze as the lights flickered. You eyed them suspiciously as the wind outside blew harder, almost shaking the window panes.

"Uh-oh." You muttered to yourself, your heart dropping as the lights shut off, leaving you in pitch darkness.

Feeling around blindly for your phone, you had the sudden realization that you left it downstairs in the kitchen.

"Damn!" You cursed as you made your way slowly to the door.

"Seungcheol?" You called out, but heard nothing in response, sending an uneasy chill down your spine. "Where did you go?" You muttered as you stepped out into the hall.

As you collided with something you yelped out, as you felt an arm wrap around your waist to steady you.

Seungcheol's voice instantly soothed your alarm as he chuckled "Its just me!"

"God, Seungcheol! Why didn't you respond when I called out to you!"

"Sorry, I was trying to get my phone from my pocket."

"I left mine downstairs."

He chuckled softly under his breath as you suddenly saw his face light up in front of you as he turned on his phone screen.

Your breath caught as you realized just how close he was. Your hand was flat on his chest from when you collided. His eye caught yours and you saw a smirk playing at his lips, causing you to remove your hand and step away as his hand fell away from your waist.

His hand took hold of yours as he turned towards the staircase with a smile, "Let's go downstairs."

You followed him closely, stepping just behind him as you stayed in the light of his phone.

Once you retrieved your own phone, the two of you gathered in the living room, a faint white glow filled the room as the bright snow from outside reflected eerily into the cabin.

You could hear the faint padding of snow hitting the window among the howling wind as the storm raged on outside. Sitting on the couch, you leaned against the back as you looked out the window, seeing nothing but the violent swirls of white.

"It didn't get too warm in here but at least it's not freezing." He muttered as he turned on a few small lantern lights. After he lit a few candles he settled beside you.

You nodded as you hoped the temperature wouldn't drop too quickly. Putting your chin on the back of the couch, you stared out into the snow, unaware of Seungcheol's gaze as he studied you.

The dim light from the room lit up your face enough for him to see you clearly. He rested his head on his arm as he watched you watch the storm. He was filled with nervous excitement the whole way to the cabin. A feeling he was used to when he was around you.

Now, as you were snowed-in together, just the two of you, these feelings heightened. He could sense the tension of unspoken feelings between you, and the urge to act on said feelings grew stronger each moment.

He felt his heart jolt when you suddenly looked over at him, and smiled when your eyes met.

"I'm hungry."

He chuckled at the sudden profession, "Well we've got plenty of snacks. And if we make a fire we can heat the water for some noodles."

You hummed, "Snacks first, noodles later, I don't want to to use up all the wood." He nodded in agreement as he made his way to the kitchen to grab the snacks the two of you had brought.

As time passed slowly, the temperature in the cabin dropped, leaving you two no choice but to start a fire. You sat on some blankets close to the fireplace, as you set up the kettle. The warm glow and crackling wood, cast a comforting atmosphere around the cabin, and you momentarily forgot about the harsh storm outside.

"This is kind of fun." You admitted as you prepped some hot chocolate.

Seungcheol grinned as he prepped the noodles, "It is isn't it?"

You giggled softly and Seungcheol felt his chest clench. The longer the two of you were here together the harder it was for him to hold back. He knew he was tired of resisting his feelings, and avoiding a relationship, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up.

Earlier when you had run into him in the darkness, he didn't want to let you go, and now he wanted to hold you close and keep you warm. But would that be too much too soon?

Your heart rate began to rise as Seungcheol scooted closer to you, his knee pressing against yours. You distracted yourself by making two cups of hot chocolate, as you tried not to focus on his gaze as he watched you.

Handing him his cup, you noticed how he took the cup from you, his own hands caressing yours almost purposefully. The two of you sipped on your drinks in silence, before a sudden chill crawled over you.

Seungcheol didn't miss the shiver that ran through you, and immediately scooted closer, his shoulder now against yours. Taking the blanket he had draped over himself, he draped part of it across your back so you were both wrapped in it.

Your eyes shot over to him at his actions and he smiled almost teasingly, "I don't want you to get cold."

"I can just get another blanket." You mumbled out of nervousness as you gestured at the pile of blankets behind you.

Seungcheol glanced at them before he met your eyes again, "But I like this more."

He didn't miss the slight widening of your eyes as he said this and he smiled, his eyes glancing to your lips almost instinctively.

Looking back to the fire he cleared his throat. "I'm kind of glad this happened."

"You are?"

He nodded his head, "I miss spending time with you, just the two of us I mean."

Your heart was pounding heavily in your chest, as your gut clenched. "It has been a while hasn't it?"

Silent tension hung between you. You both knew the reason you hadn't spent time alone was due to your mutual feelings. The two of you were mutually and unconsciously avoiding each other for fear of giving in to your attraction.

"Do you miss it?"

You nodded in response and he smiled softly before nodding once and returning to the noodles he had been preparing before.

As you ate, little conversation passed between you. Both of you were lost in your own thoughts about each other as you both silently struggled with the same fears and reservations.

You timidly set your empty noodle pot aside as you felt Seungcheol look over at you. When he continued to stare, not looking away, you slowly looked over.

The look in his eyes made your breath catch. His gaze was soft, yet intense, and you could feel the emotion pooling behind his eyes.

Slowly, he reached over, and placed his hand on your cheek. "You're cold." He mumbled softly.

As he suddenly stood up, allowing the blanket that was draped across the two of you to drop, you stared at him in confusion. Picking up the blanket it, he draped it over you before he began grabbing the other blankets and lying them down on the couch.

Is he going to sleep out here?

"What are you doing?"

Seungcheol didn't respond as he grabbed some pillows and placed them on the couch as well.

You watched with a curious gaze as Seungcheol walked over to you before reaching down and scooping you into his arms.

"Wha-!"

You wrapped your arms around his neck as he lifted you, alarmed at his sudden actions.

He smirked as he plopped you down on the couch. You blinked in surprise as you stared up at him as he squeezed into the couch beside you before pulling you into his arms.

"We should sleep here. It will be warmer out here by the fire."

You attempted to get out some words, but apart from some bewildered sounds, nothing came out. Seungcheol grinned before he adjusted himself so he was lying face to face with you.

"We?" You finally muttered.

He nodded his head, grin remaining. Grabbing a blanket, he covered the two of you before he continued to stare at you.

"I'll put some more wood on the fire before we go to sleep but-...but for now I just want to stay like this."

As you stared at each other for a moment in silence, he slowly brought his hand to your face and caressed your cheek.

"I don't think I can do it anymore."

"Do what?"

"Avoid this. Avoid us. The reasons we had before... don't make sense to me now. I just want-"

As he paused with a soft sigh, your heat skipped a beat.

"Want what?"

"I just want you. I want to be with you."

Reaching up, you took his hand from your face and held it. You fiddled with his hand as you thought fr a moment. Seungcheol's chest tightened as he prepared himself for you to list of reasons why it wasn't a good idea.

"I want to be with you too."

His eyes bulged out for a moment as you spoke, making you giggle.

"You do?"

"Of course I do, you knew that well enough didn't you?"

"Well, I mean, yeah, but I- I meant I want to be with you now. Forget the reasons and excuses why we shouldn't, I don't care about those, I want to be with you."

You smiled as you nodded, "That's what I meant too."

He paused as he processed your words, and with a sudden boost of elation he leaned forward, pressing his lips against yours as he pulled you closer by the waist.

After a moment of surprise, you melted into the kiss as your hand gripped his shirt. He deepened the kiss with a sense of desperation, as he finally gave into his desires.

A sudden wave seemed to rush over the house as the lights turned on and the cabin came back to life.

You both pulled away with alarm before you locked eyes and chuckled. You hadn't noticed the snow outside was only soft snowfall now. As heat began blowing through the house Seungcheol shook his head.

"That didn't last long."

You grinned a him as you cleared your throat softly. "Can we still stay out here?"

He grinned as he kissed you again, before peppering a few kisses on your cheek and neck.

"Yes, absolutely."

xx End xx

I didn't know how to end this lol. Hope you liked it! This was my first time writing for S.Coups

General Taglist: @otsilliak, @brattybunfornct, @bahng-chrizz, @otakutrash669

-Taglist Form-

#Seungcheol x reader #seungcheol/reader #s.coups x reader #s.coups/reader #seventeen x reader #seventeen/reader #seungcheol imagine #s.coups imagine #seventeen imagine #seungcheol fic #s.coups fic #seungcheol oneshot #seungcheol fluff #s.coups fluff #12 days of christmas #seventeen fic #seventeen fluff

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simpxxstan · 7 months

Text

perfect complements: Series Masterlist

pairing: professor!seungcheol x professor!f.reader

genre: fluff, enemies to lovers, angst, smut

series summary: four and a half years of working together breeds familiarity, resentment, and everything in between. it's almost like living together.

series word count (till current chapter): 16.1k

warnings: slow burn!!, lots of verbal fighting, smoking, explicit sexual scenes (minors dni!), heartbreaks (but happy ending). will add on more warnings on the chapters as they progress, if needed.

chapter 1

chapter 2

chapter 3

chapter 4

chapter 5

chapter 6

... (ongoing)

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neonun-au · 2 years

Text

other people’s weddings | choi seungcheol

pairing: seungcheol x fem!reader, some mingyu x fem!reader other cast: soonyoung, jeonghan, seulgi, johnny (sorry to johnny for this), saerom cameo, jihoon mention genre: rom com, fake dating au, slight love triangle au, friends to lovers, idiots to idiots in love warnings: language, mature themes, some suggestive content sprinkled throughout and allusions to sex (nothing explicit at all), reader uses she/her pronouns throughout word count: 15.6k

“Remind me again: which wedding is this one?” you ask, head resting in your palm as you sit at your best friend’s kitchen table at 10:30am in your emerald green (and slightly stained) cocktail dress.

Seungcheol glances at you in the reflection of the mirror in front of him, hands halting briefly in the process of tying his bright blue tie. “You didn't bother to look at the invitation this morning?” His expression straddles the line between bemusement and annoyance. An expression you’ve come to know quite well over your many years of friendship.

“No,” you shrug, taking a small sip from your iced caramel macchiato. He audibly sighs. A performance of his annoyance with you–another thing you’ve gotten used to. “You know where we’re going, and since I’m going with you, I just have to show up and look pretty.” you wink at him as he levels you with a slight glare and furrowed brows. “Don’t look at me like that, we have like…six weddings to go to this summer.” Seungcheol rolls his eyes at the exaggeration before turning his attention back to the strip of fabric hanging around his neck.

You watch as his hands weave the tie together, his brows knit together in concentration. It was a scene you were destined to repeat time and time again this summer. For years weddings and marriages had been a distant thought on the horizon of your lives but as with all things in time, you grew to an age where friends, coworkers, relatives, and distant acquaintances had finally begun sending out those delicately calligraphed save the dates and floral adorned invitations.

The blessing and curse of having such a tight knit friend group meant you had all been invited to nearly every single one of these events; simultaneously giving you people to attend with as well as no easy way out of any of them.

So here you find yourself, on a balmy late June morning, in Seungcheol and Jeonghan’s shared kitchen, watching your friend fuss over his appearance and praying that the reception doesn't last past midnight so you can have time to watch at least one episode of Law & Order before you pass out on your couch.

As if on cue, the aforementioned housemate strolls into the kitchen. Beelining for the pot of coffee on the counter.

“Morning,” you greet him over your own drink and he turns around to face you with his eyebrows raised.

“You can leave the house before 7:00pm? Amazing, I thought you melted in the sunlight,” Jeonghan teases, a sly grin spread over his fox face and you bristle at the comment.

“Shut the fuck up Jeonghan, I’m not a vampire.”

“Could have fooled me,” he replies, dropping a single sugar cube into the dark black of his coffee, “this is the first time I’ve seen you in daylight in years.”

“We literally went out for brunch two months ago.”

“My point exactly.” You heave an exasperated sigh and glance over at Seungcheol, eyes narrowed, as if to ask ‘can you help me with this bitch?’ He just shrugs and shakes his head with a grin.

Instead of sparking an unwinnable argument with a friend who never learned how to quit, you shift topics, “Seulgi is meeting us there, right? Where’s Soonyoung?”

“Late,” Jeonghan answers, gratefully taking the bait and dropping the banter, “as usual.”

“What time does the ceremony start?”

“12:30, I think,” Seungcheol replies, glancing at his watch as he does so.

And at that–as if dialled into peak comedic timing–Soonyoung barrels through the front door; loudly tripping over the pile of shoes strewn haphazardly in the entrance, and careens into the kitchen entirely out of breath.

“Hey, sorry my alarm didn’t go off and I think my dishwasher might be on the fritz again cause there was water all over my kitchen floor and–” He’s stopped in his tracks–both literally and verbally–by Jeonghan thrusting a mug of coffee into his hands, “thanks.”

Soonyoung’s current hair–bright yellow, apparently–stands up on end, mussed still from sleep and what was no doubt a frantic four-block sprint here. His suit is mostly intact, though the tie is nowhere to be seen, and his black loafers are slightly scuffed at the tip. It would be a tragic sight if he weren’t so absolutely endearing about it all.

“So–” After a brief pause to take a breath and a sip from the mug while settling into the chair next to you, he picks up his monologue as if it had never been interrupted in the first place. “I had to mop up all of this old dishwater with like…my best t-shirt because it was the only thing I could find and thankfully it did get most of it up but I think Jihoon is going to murder me when he gets back to the apartment later,” he continues rambling as the rest of you share one long, knowing look. Seungcheol rolls his eyes–affectionately exhausted–and smoothes his finally tied tie down before heading down the hallway towards his bedroom.

“Soonyoung,” you turn towards your bedraggled friend, interrupting his raving. He glances at you curiously and you have to resist a laugh at the sheer innocence of the expression, “when did you dye your hair yellow?”

“Oh,” he giggles, reaching up to scratch at the back of his head. “Yesterday actually…do you like it?” there is a hopeful glint shining in his wide eyes and it prevents any potential criticism from leaving your lips.

Unfortunately, it does nothing to deter Jeonghan. “You look like a tennis ball,” he says, striding over to run a hand through Soonyoung’s mop of hair, “and it’s a mess. What did you do, trim it with a weedwacker?”

“No,” he laughs again–more nervously this time. Like a frightened hedgehog. “I just didn’t have time to style it this morning. You know, I think my dishwasher is really busted…”

“We can fix it, it’s fine,” you sigh, glancing up at Jeonghan who just stares down at you like the entire situation is beyond hope before setting down his coffee and disappearing into the bathroom. “Nothing to be done about the colour, though.”

“I thought it was sort of cool,” he says, dragging out the words like a kid dragging their feet at a playground. “Sort of punk, you know? Like Sid Vicious.”

“I mean…it’s not the worst I've ever seen on you,” you offer, an image of him with a blue and green polka dot buzzcut springing to mind, and he beams at the backhanded compliment. Jeonghan returns, handing you a tube of styling gel, and you get to work trying to tame Soonyoung’s mane.

It was how most mornings–afternoons, evenings, nights–were spent between the four of you (five, when Seulgi was around). Helping each other as much as you hindered and teased. Being in the same ameobus friend group since the early days of college will do that. The familiarity is almost too potent at times. You knew the ins and outs of each other. Every weakness, every strength, and every potential.

You know Soonyoung’s impulsive nature is born out of a nervous energy he could never seem to shake. A desire to change something about himself but never being able to fully realise what that thing is; so it just results in making an absolute disaster of his once healthy hair (not to mention many, many apartment bathrooms).

You know that despite Jeonghan’s constant teasing and poking, he cares deeply. That all of that mirth and humour was there simply to mask just how deeply those feelings of affection run. A river of love barely contained by a dam of wit and humour.

You know that Seulgi’s constant desire to keep herself busy and occupied comes from a similar sort of restlessness that resides in Soonyoung. She had to stay busy to stay sane. Thankfully for all of you, her business was more productive and lucrative and slightly less…colourful. Even if it did pull her away from the group more often than you would like.

And you know Seungcheol, you think, as he enters the room once more–spare tie clutched in his hand. You know the slope of his cheek, the curve of his lips, the absolute glee that lights up his face any time there is a karaoke machine present. You know good time party Cheol, and you know serious, responsible Cheol. So many facets of one man unfolded before you over your time as friends, and still you feel like there is something more hiding just beyond your reach. Something you hadn’t been able to put your finger on since the inception of your friendship.

The thought, one that comes to you more often than you would like to admit, slips free as Soonyoung squirms beneath your fingers and you remember where you are. “I think it’s good,” he says, and you glance down to see your unconscious handy work.

“Well,” you take a half-step back, cocking your head to the side and evaluating his appearance–slightly less like a dishevelled hedgehog, “it’s better.”

“Think it’ll attract some romantic interest?” he asks, turning around to face you and wiggling his eyes in that lurid way that you affectionately despise.

“We can only hope and pray that it doesn’t.” Soonyoung purses his lips together in a mock pout as you take your seat next to him again, shaking your head in horror at the thought of who might possibly see him illuminating the dancefloor like a neon tennis ball and go ‘yeah, that’s the guy’.

“Well, what about you?” he asks after a pause, shaking off the previous insult with his usual gusto.

“What about me?”

“Looking to meet anyone at the wedding?”

You scoff, shaking your head with derision, “absolutely not. The only people you ever meet at weddings are creeps or someone’s uncle.”

“I heard Johnny’s going to be there,” Jeonghan winks at you from the other side of the kitchen and you have to suppress a groan at the mention of the name. A groan suppressed by you, but immediately and very loudly vocalised by Seungcheol.

“Not that fucking guy.” His brows furrow together and you remember just how much barely contained disdain he has held for Johnny since you were seeing him for a brief (very, very brief) spell during the early days of university. “Who even invited him?”

Jeonghan slips into the seat opposite you, face lit up by the prospect of gossip, “he’s the groom’s third cousin. I heard there was some drama between him and several of the bridesmaids, though…”

“Unsurprising,” you state, tone dry.

“I also heard he was asking around about whether or not you were invited,” Jeonghan adds and you stiffen.

Johnny’s smug face swims up in your mind’s eye–twisted and warped by years of negative emotions surrounding your entire history together and you drop your head to the table with a dramatic groan. “Is it too late to RSVP with a no?”

“I’m afraid so,” Jeonghan sighs sympathetically.

“Just tell him you’re not interested,” Soonyoung offers and you snort at the suggestion. Almost amusing if it weren’t so frustrating.

“If only it were that simple. He’s not one of those guys that really takes no for an answer, he’s–”

“He’s a fucking dick,” Cheol grumbles, features pulled taut and firm. An unwavering, piercing gaze fixed on a spot on the wall above your head. The disdain, it seems, has not wavered one iota over the past five years.

“Basically,” you nod.

“So then…what can we do?” Soonyoung asks, clearly at a loss.

You shrug, all sense of hope you had for the evening to be peaceful–perhaps even fun–sinking further down the drain pipes of your own misery. The problem of ‘Johnny’ has been one that haunted you ever since you managed to finally unentangle yourself from his tornado of frat boy rampages. An entanglement that would probably have been impossible if Seungcheol didn’t threaten him with his life if he didn’t leave you alone.

Seungcheol.

A flash in the dark, a light in the cave. The idea sparks in your mind like a lightbulb flaring to life and you sit bolt upright, turning fully towards the man himself as he stands pensive with his arms crossed, leaning against the kitchen counter.

“I have an idea,” you exclaim, almost manic with the glee that fills your chest. The other three stare at you, eyes questioning, as you grin to yourself. Drunk on conspiracy.

“Cheol, be my boyfriend.”

“What?” If he hadn’t already been leaning against the counter you’re sure he would have fallen over. His eyes go wide, skin reddening at the edges.

“Not for real,” you explain and his body tenses. “Just for tonight.”

“How is that a solution?”

“Because,” you begin, stretching the word out like a deck of tarot cards–trying to make him see the vision. “Johnny is terrified of you and while he refuses to take a no from me, he’ll leave me alone when he sees us together as more than just friends.”

At the word ‘together’ Seungcheol’s shoulders stiffen even further–like the word is a rod in his back. He crosses his arms over his chest, stretching the fabric of his suit to its limits. When did he get so…broad? The thought comes unbidden and you brush it aside like a gnat.

“Why not Jeonghan?” he asks, grasping at straws.

You twist your head slightly to give your friend a once over, grimacing as he shoots you a sly wink in return, “no one would ever believe we’re dating.”

“You’re right,” Jeonghan nods solemnly as he takes a long sip from his coffee, “I’m way out of your league.”

“I’ll do it,” Soonyoung pipes in, offering his services as he sits spinning a ring around his index finger.

“Absolutely not,” you reply without a single thought, watching his expression fall into dismay at the immediacy of the response.

“What? Why not?”

“Because you're a human disaster,” you reply, gesturing to the slowly blooming coffee stain now marring the front of his recently dry-cleaned suit. “Besides,” you continue, “didn't you just announce your ‘hot girl summer’ on Twitter?”

“Hot grrr summer,” he corrects, “grrr, like a tiger.”

“Regardless, wasn’t hooking up with people at weddings on your to-do list? How can you do that if you’re fake dating me?”

“Good point,” he concedes with a resigned head tilt and you turn your attention back to Seungcheol.

His eyes are focused on you, expression intense but unreadable. You find yourself wavering ever so slightly under the pressure of it, heart fluttering in light wings of anxiety in your chest. “I would ask Seulgi,” you speak, voice low and slow. Aware that you’re treading on thin ice now. “But I think the threesome propositions would be worse than just fending off the flirting by myself,” you sigh for emphasis, hoping it might crack his facade.

The entire room takes a silent breath. You can feel Jeonghan waiting on tenterhooks beside you, eager as always to see what unfolds–a voyeur of disaster. Soonyoung continues playing with the rings adorning his fingers, but his eyes are cast in a curious gaze over the proceedings. You avoid glancing at either of them–afraid that doing so might lose you whatever ground you’ve managed to make with Seungcheol in this standoff. You hold his gaze as steadily as you can manage.

“It has to be you, Cheol. Please,” you pout–dropping all pretence and finally resorting to just begging, “you’re my only hope.”

His frown deepens, creasing the corners of his mouth. He looks at you, attention fixed on your face as he considers the situation. You know he’s going to cave, from across the room you can see his deep brown eyes softening as a result of your pleading. He has never been able to say no to you and you were sure this time wasn’t going to be any different–despite the butterflies raving in your stomach. Sometimes you worried you were taking advantage of him, but usually he seems so happy to help out.

He sighs–chest rising and falling with the strength of it–all his worries settling into the air between you and you hold your breath for the verdict.

“Fine,” he finally breaks, and you let out a small triumphant yell as he sits down in the seat across from you. “But I want to establish some ground rules.”

“Okay fair,” you nod, holding back the grin threatening to break across your face.

“No touching anymore than we already do,” he points a firm finger at the tabletop, emphasising the point and you stifle a small laugh at the seriousness of the gesture. “I don't want to make anything awkward once this is over.”

“I can't imagine that happening anyway, but fine,” you dismiss the concern with a wave of your hand in spite of his ever–deepening frown. “We need a backstory though.”

“We have one,” he raises an eyebrow and stares at you in slight irritation like a grumpy dog. “We’ve been friends for a decade.”

“Yes, but how did we get from friends to lovers,” you draw out the words, losing yourself in the fantasy and missing the slight tinge of pink that begins to colour the tips of his ears, “everyone is going to want to know.”

“Will they?”

“Of course, people love a friends to lovers cliché,” you nod, crafting the narrative in your mind as you speak it aloud. Jeonghan watches from over the top of his coffee mug, openly amused, as you spin the tale of your whirlwind romance. “It was freshman year of college when you first realised you were hopelessly in love with me and had been for years–”

“Wait, why am I the one in love with you?”

“It has to be you, Cheol, we need an unrequited love. It’s what builds the drama, keep up,” you explain, exasperated at his unwillingness to play along.

“Well, why couldn't your love be the unrequited one?” He asks, bottom lip jutting out in a slight pout.

“It’s just not realistic,” you shake your head, ignoring the way his brows knit together in response to the statement. “No, you’ve been in love with me for years, but because of some twisted sense of responsibility towards the friend group, and a hesitancy to disrupt the status quo, you've never said anything before. Not until last summer after a party when you were going to go home and sadly jack off to some old porn and I was gonna go hook up with some hot stud for a wild night–”

“Okay, we get it,” Seungcheol scolds from across the table but you continue without hesitation. Bulldozing through his pouting and continuing on with your monologue as if your audience were rapt attendees at the opening night of your play instead of your three best friends ranging in mood from pointed irritation to casual amusement.

“–and you watch as I’m walking away with him but you can’t stand it, so finally you throw away all thoughts of friendship and history and propriety and you run after me and confess.” You pause a moment, fixing your gaze back on Seungcheol–meeting his tired eyes with your own wide ones and pausing a moment for dramatic effect before capping off the backstory with a flourish, “it was all very dramatic and now we are truly, madly, deeply in love.”

“I see,” he nods, expression carefully curated to display only slightly restrained irritation–a dam holding back a flood as it threatens through the concrete of his resolve.

“So,” you conclude, leaning back in your seat, “what do you think? Sound like a solid backstory?”

“I think it’s over the top and it’s a stupid idea,” he levels.

“Cheol,” you begin to plead, but he shakes his head. A firm no. Seungcheol has been many things, in all the years you have known him, and firm was one of the more consistent ones. A trait he has leaned into as he grew older and had to shoulder more and more responsibility as his friends remained just as lackadaisical and carefree as they had been in college. A contrast to the plush, teddy bear softness you knew also dwelled within him.

“It’s a stupid idea and its going to do nothing except cause all of us,” he waves a hand around the room to indicate who he means by ‘us’, “especially me a massive fucking headache.” You implore him silently, eyes wide and brimming with emotion, praying he chooses to follow through on the (admittedly loose) agreement made moments before and not back out. The thought of having to face your past demons (er, demon) alone was a stone in the pit of your stomach. He heaves a final, heavy sigh, running a hand through his ink black hair, and leans over the table towards you.

“But,” he begins again, and you can hardly breathe against the force of hope in your lungs, “for you, just this once, I will do it.”

A triumphant grin breaks out over your face and you scramble out of your chair to wrap him in a tight hug–arms encircling his head and pulling it tight to your chest in the world's most awkward embrace. He struggles for a minute before finally accepting it and letting you rock his head side to side.

“You’re the best,” you exclaim, planting a loud kiss to the top of his head before releasing him as he swats you away.

Jeonghan sits cackling to himself in his seat, watching with blatant morbid delight at the entire scene. Seungcheol levels him with a glare after fixing the mess of his hair, “what?”

“I’m just excited to see how badly this ends.”

“You’re such a pessimist,” you scold, sitting back down in your seat and finishing off the last remnants of your coffee. “What could possibly go wrong?”

Wedding #1.

A venue of soft lighting and softer fabrics. Light pink chiffon draped over cheap plastic chairs to convey a dream-like scene on a budget. Your skirt keeps getting caught on the twigs and brambles poking out of the large floral arrangements dotting the aisles of the church. The ceremony is long and tedious, as they usually are, but the bride glows in her champagne coloured gown, and you feel a twinge of jealousy spark in your chest as the happy couple makes their way back down the aisle to the sounds of applause and congratulations.

“Wow, I didn’t know you guys were together,” the bride–Saerom, a closer friend of Seungcheol than yours–exclaims as you offer your congratulations to the couple in the greeting line after the ceremony.

“Yeah, surprise,” Seungcheol says as he stands next to you, arm linked around yours, and you have to resist the urge to jab him in the side with your elbow.

Instead you fix a saccharine smile to your face and meet her eye-to-eye, “yes, we’re coming up on a year now!”

She smiles back–room for nothing but love in her eyes, not now that she’s a newlywed–and congratulates you both with a quick hug. “Well you’ve kept it incredibly secret! But I guess privacy can be exciting sometimes,” she laughs, “honestly, we were all sort of wondering when you two might get together. Seungcheol has definitely talked about you enough.”

You feel him tense but you remain steadfast and beaming–happy that the ruse is working so well and incredibly grateful you did not end up choosing Soonyoung for the role as he loudly stumbles his way through the greeting line behind you. “We are very happy,” you grin, leaning up to press a quick kiss to Seungcheol’s cheek to seal the deal. “Congratulations again,” you beam as Seungcheol’s face takes on a hue similar to a fresh roma tomato, “it was a beautiful ceremony.”

As soon as the platitude is delivered and you’re safely out of earshot, Seungcheol makes a firm beeline towards the reception hall across the street–tugging you along beside him as your arm remains looped through his.

“What’s the big rush,” you ask as you stumble to a stop in front of the hall entrance, tearing away from his grip and readjusting the hem of your dress. “Trying to beat the line for the cash bar or something?”

“What did we agree on earlier?” he grills, staring down at you with darkened eyes–his face still holds onto a bit of the earlier redness although you can’t tell if it’s due to embarrassment, anger, or effort.

“What do you mean?” you furrow your brows, trying to remember what exactly it was you did agree on earlier before it hits you. “Oh, the kiss?” He nods once, firm and decisive, and you laugh, slapping him lightly on the shoulder as you do so, “Cheol, I literally gave you a kiss this morning, too. It is not out of the ordinary.”

He crosses his arms, displeasure evident on his face as you turn to lead him inside the hall to escape the midday sun and continue the argument in an air conditioned building. “I would call that more of an attack than a kiss, personally.”

“Okay, well I promise not to attack you again. Now what do you want to drink, I’m going to go talk to the bartender for a minute.”

“Just get me a whiskey on the rocks.”

“Okay, grumpy, as you wish.” You smile as he frowns at you–a common theme of the day–before heading towards the mostly empty bar. Eager to grab your first drink of the night before the entire congregation shuffles into the hall and makes it nearly impossible to get the bartender's attention.

You manage a few feet towards your goal before a pair of hands settle on your shoulders. “Wait,” Seungcheol mumbles behind you, fingers dragging lightly against you as his hands graze over your exposed skin. A wave of chills rolls down your spine at the nearness of him and you have to resist shivering under his touch.

“Wha–” you start to turn on your heel but he stops you–firm hands pressing against the back of your arms to keep you in place.

“Just wait a second,” he doesn’t elaborate, so you just focus on the feeling of his hands as they migrate to the base of your neck. A featherlight touch against the sensitive area. You can almost feel the expression of concentration as it settles on his face–one you’ve seen so many times before. His fingers grasp onto the neckline of your dress, adjusting something sight-unseen and as soon as it begins, it’s over and his hand falls away.

You feel him take a half-step back and a cool rush of air comes in to replace his warmth in the space behind you. You spin around to face him with an eyebrow raised in silent questioning. What was that all about?

“Your tag was showing,” he shrugs, eyes averted as if some sense of embarrassment is forcing his gaze away from you.

“Oh,” you reply, open-mouthed and staring, “thanks.”

“Anytime.”

You watch the bartender’s hands move as he pours liquid into shot glasses into shakers into rock glasses; watch as he dips in and out of ice and uncaps bottles. It’s like a dance, almost, how fluidly he moves and you feel somewhat mesmerised. So much so that you hardly notice as someone siddles up next to you at the bar, staring at your transfixed profile with open amusement on their face.

“Hey,” the person calls out and you startle, hand flying up to your chest to quell the thrum of surprise that jolts through your chest.

“Jesus!” you exclaim and he laughs. A familiar laugh, one you were simultaneously dreading and avoiding ever since Jeonghan mentioned he was going to be here. You curse yourself for letting your guard slip and wonder where Seungcheol is right now.

“Sorry,” Johnny laughs by way of apology, “didn’t realise you were so jumpy.”

“I didn’t realise you were in the habit of sneaking up on people,” you reply in kind, a scolding edge to the tone of your voice which he pointedly ignores. He waves the bartender over and orders an old fashioned before turning his attention back to you.

“I wasn’t sneaking anywhere,” he says, voice smooth as butter. Silk cloth draped over the cage of a snake, “you were just too lost in your thoughts to notice me.”

“Pity,” you mumble, plucking up Cheol’s whiskey and your own cocktail from the counter as the bartender sets them down in front of you.

You stand to leave, nodding out of courtesy, but he stops you before you can manage a step, “where are you going? I was hoping we could catch up a bit.” His smile is broad, a little lopsided and you are reminded of why you started seeing him in the first place. He was charming, in his own way. Even if it only extended to first impressions and shallow conversations.

“I have to get back to my friends,” you reply, nodding towards the table in the corner where they all sat. Seulgi made her appearance about 10 minutes before the ceremony began and is now sitting in her floral pantsuit arguing intensely with Jeonghan as Seungcheol watches you from his seat next to them, eyes trained on Johnny’s lithe figure. Soonyoung is nowhere to be seen, but you can hear his laugh from the opposite side of the room.

Johnny chuckles to himself, “the same old group, hey? Never let anyone say you’re not loyal.”

“They never have.”

“How are they all? How are you? It’s been a few years since we saw each other.”

‘Not long enough,’ you think and from the curious expression on his face you realise it was more of an outside thought. You clear your throat and cover it up with a smile, “they’re good. We’re all good. I’m dating Seungcheol now.”

His mouth drops a little in awe and you feel a small rush of victory at the shock in his eyes. It lasts a moment before he collects his expression back to an even neutral and smiles, “that’s nice. I was always sort of wondering when that would happen.”

It’s your turn to be shocked and he laughs a bit as you stand indignant before him, a drink clutched in each fist. “What do you mean ‘when’?”

“You guys were basically attached at the hip,” he explains and you scoff.

“Cause we’re friends, we just–” you pause before you can say anything further. The looming threat of destroying your own cover is present in the front of your mind. It had helped so far in diverting any unwanted attention from him, though the longer you stood there with him the more you were beginning to worry that maybe it wasn’t even that much of a concern in the first place.

“I’m just saying you guys make a good couple,” he laughs, holding his hands up in surrender.

It eases the knot of tension in your shoulders and you relax slightly, “thank you.”

“It’s too bad, though,” he stands up, swiping his drink from the bartop and angling towards you, “I was hoping we could maybe pick up where we left off. I remember how fun you were when you weren’t so uptight.” The knot of tension returns, raising your hackles in defense, as he winks at you before striding back off towards his own table.

You stand stock-still, open mouthed and seething, yes burning a hole into the space in front of you formerly occupied by Johnny. The annoyance overwhelms you for a moment, colouring your vision red, before you inhale–calming your rising heart rate–and spin around on your heels to head back to your table.

Or, you would have headed back if immediately upon turning around you didn’t smack full on into a firm torso–sending the liquid from the glasses in your hands flying out and splashing down to the parquet floor.

“I’m so sorry,” the man you crashed into apologises, hands on either side of your shoulders in an attempt to stabilise you and further prevent any disaster. You might be annoyed if you weren’t still frozen with surprise.

“Are you alright?” he asks, worry clear in his voice. The question pulls you out from your stasis and you finally manage to glance up from the pooling whiskey on the floor. All thoughts of Johnny and your previous sour mood vanish as you do.

‘Holy shit,’ you think–though when he colours slightly pink a second after you realise that you really do need to learn to stop vocalising every thought that crosses your mind. “Yes, fine. Sorry,” you laugh, taking a shaky step back so you’re not chest-to-chest with him any longer, “I should have watched where I was going.”

He’s cute. Tall, conventionally attractive, and smiling like a nervous preschooler on his first day in class. It’s endearing and you feel yourself losing any sense of reality as he stands blushing in front of you.

“No, no, it’s my bad,” he dismisses your apology with a wave of his hand and a soft giggle, “my friends say I’m the clumsiest person alive so you’re not the first person I’ve run into like this.”

“Oh? Well–”

“You might be one of the cutest ones, though,” he winks and you feel a pit open up in your stomach. Oh. “Can I buy you some replacement drinks?”

You glance down at your hands, each one still clutching an empty glass. You glance back up at him, still smiling in anticipation of a reply. You feel yourself on the precipice of something. One of those minor decisions that turns out to shake the foundations of your life. You’re standing there, on the edge of a cliff holding two empty glasses and you smile. Nodding. “Sure, that would be nice.”

Everything about him is easy. Easy to talk to, easy to flirt with, easy to look at. You marvel at how simple it is to slip into friendly conversation with him–to discuss the wedding, your lives, your plans for the next day. It’s not often you meet someone where an almost instant connection is established. The last time you can remember that happening was–

“Seungcheol?” Mingyu asks and you nod.

“Yeah, we’ve been friends since university. Do you know him?”

“No, the name doesn’t sound familiar,” he says, glancing down at the bartop. There’s a pause for a moment and you take a sip of your drink, waiting for him to vocalise whatever thought he’s forming. “Is he your…boyfriend?”

“Cheol?” you almost laugh, but remember the ruse you’re meant to be maintaining–the foundations already laid. “It’s complicated.”

“Oh? I don’t mind listening, if you want to talk about it,” he offers and you think you might really jump off the cliff at any moment now.

“There isn't much to tell, really,” you shrug, trying to play it off as casually as possible. “I don’t think we’re really going to last too long.”

“You seem strangely okay with that,” he laughs.

You join in, shaking your head at the ridiculousness of the situation as you laugh along with him. “The writing has been on the wall for a while,” you say, “it’s time.”

“Well,” he exhales, puffing out his cheeks as he does. “I’m sorry to hear that. I was sort of hoping we might…” he trails off, shaking his head as if to clear the thought away entirely. Erase it from the air it was spoken into. “It was nice to meet you.”

“You too,” you nod, shooting him a sideways grin despite the rising disappointment at the turn of events.

“Maybe I’ll see you around?” Mingyu takes a step back from the bar and you spin in your seat, watching him.

“I would bet on it,” you reply and he grins. One final, lopsided grin spreading over his face. A spark of hope lights up in the space between and you set your teeth in determination as you take both replacement drinks from the bar and stand up to head back to your own friends.

“Cheol,” you sing as you approach the table and he’s immediately on edge. You watch his mouth tighten into a line as he watches you sink into the seat next to him, eyes combing your expression for any hint as to what is coming.

“What?”

You smile, hoping it conveys a message of ‘everything is normal and fine’ and not ‘I’m here to ruin your night’. From the look in his eyes you don’t think it’s successful; nevertheless you press on. “Cheol, I need you to do me a favour.”

“Another one?”

“A final one,” you emphasise, hand on your chest in a mock-oath, “promise.”

“What is it?”

“I need you to break up with me.”

Jeonghan snorts across the table–exactly the sort of downfall he was anticipating, surely something he’s going to make fun of you for the next five years. You ignore him and keep your eyes fixed on Seungcheol as he narrows his gaze at you, clearly annoyed but there is a shimmer of concern underneath it all–as there usually is.

“Why?” he asks, “this was your idea, remember?”

“I know it was but…” you hesitate, briefly considering conjuring up some elaborate lie to get out of it with minimal embarrassment and pain but you meet Cheol’s earnestly confused eyes and you can’t bring yourself to tell him anything except the truth, “so there’s this guy…”

“Oh my god,” he groans, dropping his head into his hands.

“He’s so hot, Cheol.”

“He better be hot for all of this,” he says, lifting his head back up and running a tense hand through his hair, “if you want to hook up with him just go and do it, why do I need to be dragged into this?”

You recoil in horror at the suggestion, staring at him like the answer is so obvious it pains you that he doesn’t see it. “Everyone thinks we’re dating–”

“Yes, because you asked me to do it,” he interrupts but you hold up a hand to stop the protests with a heavy sigh.

“Yes, I asked you to do this and I’m asking you now to help me end it so I can get laid without everyone thinking I’m two-timing you.”

He groans again, tossing his head back in a gesture so dramatic you would be concerned if you didn’t know him so well. “This is ridiculous,” he mutters, “fine. Tell everyone we broke up, it’s fine. Just let me drink my whiskey in peace.”

“Oh no,” you shake your head, “we made a show of dating now we have to do the same for the break up or no one will believe it.”

Seungcheol stares at you–aghast–before turning to Jeonghan in an attempt to solicit some (any) help, but Jeonghan just sits sipping his wine with the widest grin possible stretched across his sly face. Exactly the outcome he was hoping for.

“Nothing to say?” he asks, still hoping for a lifeboat to climb onto to escape your plot, but Jeonghan just shakes his head–still smiling that same fox-like grin. Cheol sighs and glances around at the people gathered in the hall, one last ditch attempt at dissuading you. Soonyoung is absolutely useless as he lights up a corner of the dance floor–hair more of a mess than it had been when he showed up in the morning–feet flying as he engages someone’s kid in a dance battle.

With a final exasperated sigh Seungcheol pushes himself out of his chair. “Fine,” he grumbles, and you grin as he drains the last of his whiskey in one go before stalking towards the bridal table.

The entire thing is so easy, really, you don’t know why he protested so much. Some tense whispering to each other–just loud enough to be overheard and eavesdropped on, but not loud enough to really need to flesh out the reasons for the break up. You were lucky the entire wedding party consisted of gossip hounds, out of the corner of your eye while lowly hissing to Cheol about how you were planning on getting home later if all went well with Mingyu, you could see them craning their necks to try and hear.

One head shake and final strained sentence later, and Seungcheol stalks back towards the bar–eager for another drink–while you rush towards the bathrooms at the other side of the hall; making sure to pass by Mingyu’s table along the way.

Your heart races in a mixture of adrenaline and satisfaction as you round the corner out of the main hall, but you can’t help but take one last glance back towards Cheol. He’s leaning against the bar, tie loosened and hair tousled–his mouth is pulled taut and if you didn’t know he was acting you would be convinced that he was genuinely upset.

You blink him away as you turn down back the hallway, but the image of him standing forlornly at the bar lingers in the forefront of your mind until you hear your name called out from behind you.

“Everything okay?” Mingyu stands in the empty space between you and the main hall.

You inhale, mustering up the most melancholic tone possible and fixing your face into one veiled by a sort of seductive sadness. One that says ‘please make me feel better’, “looks like I’m available now.”

“Oh shit, I’m sorry,” he offers with an apologetic smile. Not entirely sure how to react. You have to tread carefully here. Not appear too overbearing to drive him off; project a pathetic enough facade to entice him in.

“It’s fine,” you say, “I just don’t think I should be alone right now, maybe…” you let the statement hang in the air between you–silently praying he takes the bait as he shoots a brief glance behind him.

“I have time. Do you want to go somewhere to talk?”

You pretend to hesitate for a moment, crossing your arms tight over your chest just enough to emphasise your cleavage while still looking contemplative. Just a moment, letting the question hang in the air, before you smile and nod–turning back towards the coat check room at the end of the hallway.

Bingo.

Twenty minutes later you’re pressed up against a wall of jackets with Mingyu’s face in your neck.

“Are you sure this is okay?” he asks, his breath hot on the skin of your neck and you nod frantically, begging for him to shut up and keep going.

“Yes, yes. Fine, it’s good.”

Despite your assurances he pulls away, meeting your needy gaze with his own, “I don't want to be something you regret in the morning because you were drunk and upset.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m fine with it.” You try to connect your lips back to his, pulling his face close, but he resists and you sigh. Letting him air his hesitations while his thigh is still propped up between your legs–pinning you to the wall.

“No, I don't want to feel like I’m taking advantage of you while you're vulnerable.”

A sweet sentiment, but right now you’re well beyond sweetness. You want to be ravaged–something akin to a bodice-ripper that you would read bored in an airport. Heated kisses in a coat check room, a sloppy hook-up that’s both messy and satisfying.

You try once more. “I am asking you to please take advantage of me. I allow it. Permission granted.”

His leg slips out from below you, arms moving to your shoulders in more of a comforting gesture and less of a lustful one. “I like you,” he says, a small smile of apology on his face, “I don’t want to ruin it by being too eager when you’re in a bad place. I think you need to process.”

‘But it’s not real!’ you want to tell him. You want to scream it at him; to knock some sense into his stupidly handsome head. Instead you just let him talk (sweet, very sweet) and watch as your potential hook up drifts away from you into the ether.

“Maybe we’ll see each other again, soon,” he says, voice hopeful. You nod, unable to really muster anything else as you pull your dress back down over your thighs–adjusting the straps so they cover your shoulders once more.

“I’m sorry,” he says, and you wish he would stop saying things as you and him slip out of the coat check room and head back towards the reception as it rages in full swing.

You wave goodbye to Mingyu, trying to keep the frown from etching too deeply into your face, before turning around to seek out your friends amongst the fray.

Jeonghan’s blonde head makes itself visible as you glance around the room; you weave your way over to the table and plop yourself down with a huff into the seat next to him.

“Back so soon?” he asks, surprised at the sudden return, “what happened to that himbo guy? Not a good lay?”

“No, nothing happened at all,” you sigh, reaching forward to grab Soonyoung’s cocktail and tipping it back, draining the glass despite his immediate protest at the blatant theft.

“Why not?”

“He said he didn’t want me to do anything I might regret,” you choke out a strangled laugh, “you know, because I was just broken up with.”

Jeonghan lets out a loud laugh, head thrown back in glee as you stew in bitterness next to him. It takes him a minute to collect himself before he can respond, wiping a tear away from the corner of his eye. “What a gentleman,” he laughs. “This is what you get for playing with feelings. At least that Mingyu guy is looking out for someone.”

“I wasn’t playing with anything,” you whine. You glance around the table to find Seungcheol to corroborate this, but the only sights that greets you is Soonyoung’s beet red face and Seulgi’s bored expression. “Where’s Cheol?”

“He went home,” Jeonghan answers simply.

“What? Why?” you ask, glancing around for a clock, “he never leaves before midnight.”

Jeonghan just shrugs, “he said he was tired.”

“When did he leave?” you twist around to get a view of the entrance, as if the man in question might spontaneously appear. A small bird of hope rises into your throat as someone stumbles through the doors, but it's quickly smothered when you realise it’s just Johnny.

“Pretty much right after you shuffled off to the coat check with tall, dark, and handsome.”

“Well…” you flounder, thwarted hookup almost entirely forgotten in the wake of your friend’s absence.

“Well what?”

“What do we do now?” you ask, floundering in the absence of the anchor of your friend group.

“Take an uber home whenever we’re done here, I guess,” he sighs, “why are you so worried?”

“It’s just so not like him.”

“Well, feel free to grill him about it tomorrow when we’re all hungover and miserable.” Jeonghan says with a shrug and you lean back in your chair, determined to do just that.

Wedding #2

You’re sweating through the fabric of the cocktail dress you bought on sale, traipsing across a field propped up on Seungcheol’s arm towards a massive canvas tent for the reception of the second wedding of the season. Apparently it was the vision of this bride to torture her guests with the combination of heat and isolation.

You had driven out at 9:00am to the small town venue, bouncing down the old highway in Soonyoung’s used Jeep and praying that the reception was going to end soon so you could head back to the motel and pass out in your pyjamas. The tent is decorated in what can only be described as ‘country chic’ and you baulk at the prospect of being forced to take photos on a pile of hay bales.

“Fancy seeing you here,” a familiar voice calls out over the din of the music. You glance up from your flute of champagne to find the source and come face to face with Mingyu. He’s wearing a similar blue suit to the last time you saw him, hair styled away from his forehead. A broad grin stretches over his handsome face.

“Mingyu?” you ask, barely concealing the surprise that flares up inside you at his appearance in front of you. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” he laughs, “didn’t know you were attending every single wedding this summer.”

“Just about,” you echo his laugh and return the smile, “just a plus one at this one, though, I fear.”

“Ah, well that’s alright,” he nods, “plus one means I still got the opportunity to see you. So I should thank whoever brought you along, I suppose.” He raises an eyebrow, clearly wondering who the person in question was.

“Yeah, well I think the person in question is currently getting very tipsy at the open bar,” you nod to your side to indicate Seulgi, currently chatting up one of the bridesmaids in her usual fashion–all big laughs and small touches.

Mingyu chuckles at the sight, but the light laughter fades as he notices the rest of your group leaning up against the opposite side of the bar, currently bickering over who knows what. Jeonghan flashes you a quick grin and a wink when he notices you staring over towards them and you give him a half wave before turning back to Mingyu. “Your ex is here, too?”

“My ex?” you ask, confused. He stares at you blank faced and you glance back towards your friends, eyes falling on Seungcheol’s unusually stiff frame–lips pulled into a taut line as he looks back at you from across the dancefloor. “Oh, you mean Seungcheol.”

“Are you guys back together or…?” you hear the hesitancy in the question and bring your hands up to wave it away immediately.

“No, no,” you laugh, “it was just…we stayed friends. Very amicable parting.”

“Oh,” he nods, casting a hesitant glance over to the man in question, “that’s good. I’m glad to hear it.” He smiles in relief and then seems to catch himself, “I mean not…glad that you, like…went through a break-up, obviously, I just mean–”

“It’s fine,” you laugh, trying your best to brush it off without letting the whole lie spill out in explanation.

“I just mean,” he continues, bringing a hand up to scratch at the back of his neck–frayed nerves on full display. You step outside of yourself for a minute as he stumbles over his words. Marvelling at the sight of such a large, objectively attractive man being reduced to stutters–because of you. The novelty tugs at something in your mind–a desire to see it through. To follow where this thread leads, to whatever end. If before he was just a handsome convenience, now he is an intrigue.

You tune back in as he seems to finally find the words he had been tripping over, “I just sort of…regret…how it ended last time. Maybe not completely regretting it, because I think I maybe did the right thing…?” he trails off, searching your expression for any hint of disagreement. Finding none, he continues, “what I'm trying to say is that I was having fun…with you.”

“I was too,” you assure him and he smiles again, eyes crinkling up at the corners.

“Good,” he breathes, “I’m glad.”

Conversation drifts and you take a breath to glance around the room. Your friends have scattered themselves about the room, Soonyoung and Seulgi each individually pursuing the same bridesmaid–each attempting to woo her away from the other with competing humour and drinks. Jeonghan has found someone to regale with his most recent horror story from work, and Seungcheol sits brooding on his own, leaning back with a glass of whiskey in a chair and staring out over the dancefloor. You briefly consider abandoning Mingyu and walking over to him–make some attempt to put him in a better mood, but the thought is knocked aside as Mingyu clears his throat next to you.

“Do you want to try again?” he asks, and you can hear the hope lilting in his voice.

“I don't think there are any closets here,” you laugh and he mirrors you once more with his own laugh. A sound you were growing rather fond of.

“No, I mean after the reception. Where are you staying?”

“Oh, at some motel in town,” you search for the name in the recesses of your brain but come up woefully short. “The West something. I can’t remember. Jeonghan told me, but I only listen to maybe 50% of what he says.”

“The Westley?” he asks and it sounds close enough so you nod in the affirmative, “that’s where I’ve got a room as well.”

“Well isn’t that serendipitous,” you smile, thinking that maybe the night was looking up after all. He nods, and you can see that he’s waiting for you to continue the invitation. To leap at the suggestion he has laid out before you but you enjoy watching him stumble over his words a bit so you remain silent–staring up at him in askance as you wait for him to continue the thought.

“If you want,” he clears his throat, glancing to the side nervously, “you could meet me there. At the motel, I mean. In my room…” he trails off, ears turning pink–matching tone with the bouquet of peonies hanging from the chandelier behind him. You pretend to consider it, humming as if you’re giving it quite a serious amount of thought even though you’ve already decided to take him up on the offer. “Only if you want to,” he adds and you finally deliver him some relief.

“I do want to,” you smile and his own widens in response.

“Great. Cool. I’m staying in room 213.”

“213,” you affirm the number and he nods.

“I guess I’ll…see you later?” Despite the mutual agreement, he still poses it as a question. As if you might have changed your mind in the past 10 seconds. As if he might end up alone in his boxers, sad and eating stale snacks from the vending machine.

“See you later,” you confirm, abating his worries. You watch as his lips stretch into a bright smile before he waves a quick ‘later’ and heads back over to the bar where his friends are tossing back drinks.

“What’s got you smiling so big? You look like you just got laid,” Jeonghan comments as you waltz back over to your own group of friends–face hurting from the force of your grinning.

“Not yet~,” you sing.

“What?” Seulgi whips around from the bridesmaid she’s chatting up, eyebrows raised in curiosity; the allure of gossip too strong for her to ignore. “With who? What did I miss?”

“Some himbo,” Jeonghan starts filling her in but you stop him with a light smack to the back of the head.

“His name,” you emphasise the word in an attempt to erase Jeonghan’s comment, “is Mingyu. He’s tall and handsome and nice and I really want to sleep with him.”

“Mingyu?” Seulgi asks, fully turning around in her seat now. Attention removed entirely from the now visibly annoyed bridesmaid behind her. Leaving an opening for Soonyoung to sweep in and distract her attention away from Seulgi and back onto the dancefloor.

“You know him?” Seungcheol leans forward, eyebrows raised. He had been pointedly ignoring you since you strutted back over from your run-in with Mingyu, but the potential for new information from Seulgi piques his interest.

“Sort of, yeah,” she replies, “my team at work had a contract with his bakery to–”

“He’s a baker?” you interrupt, glancing over to where the man in question is standing against the bar. The new information slots into your brain and you can feel your pupils transforming into heart shapes as you stare agape at him.

“Yeah, he is, it’s a cute shop. He gave us some free eclairs.”

“Okay, so what’s wrong with him?” Seungcheol asks, arms crossed over his chest.

“There’s nothing wrong with him,” you sigh, exasperated by the inquisition. “He’s just a guy, and you’re just jealous.”

“Jealous?” Cheol scoffs. A quiver of fear flashes across his face before it’s smothered by the more prominent emotion of annoyance.

“Yeah, jealous that I’ve managed to bag a date and you haven’t,” you’re grasping at straws. Looking for anything to defend yourself and your choices with.

He shakes his head, pushing himself out of his chair, “whatever. I wasn’t even looking for one in the first place.”

“Where are you going?” you call out after him as he steps away from the table. Your tone matches his annoyance in spite of yourself as you demand some explanation for his sour mood.

“To get a drink.” he replies over his shoulder, not bothering to look back as he does so.

Jeonghan laughs, stretching back in his chair before following suit. He lays a hand on your shoulder before stepping away and you glance up at him, curious. “Believe when I tell you that I’m saying this with love but,” he says, smoothing down your hair with his other hand, “you’re an idiot.”

His hands fall away and you watch as he meets up with Cheol and Soonyoung–recently abandoned by the bridesmaid–at the bar.

“Ignore them,” Seulgi says and you’ve never appreciated her presence more than you do now. “If you want to have some fun, who are they to stop you? Did you get his phone number?”

“No…” Saying it out loud makes you wonder why you never asked for it. “But I did get his room number. He told me to meet him there later.”

“Did you write it down?” she asks, taking a slow sip from her drink. The bridesmaid she had been talking to returns, slinging an arm around her shoulder and whispering something into her ear.

“I’ll remember it,” you say, confident in the strength of your own memory. 213. The number rolls over itself in your mind.

“If you say so,” she nods, attention already slipping back towards the girl draped over her and you lose yourself in the clinking ice of your own drink while the reception dances around you in glitter and champagne.

“How am I lost? There are literally only 3 floors in this place…” you mumble to yourself, walking through the first floor hallway. “Was it 113 or 102? Maybe 203…”

The small labyrinth of doors seems to grow with every frustrating step. Mingyu had left the reception tent about an hour before you, taking with him any chance you had at reconfirming the numbers or actually doing what you should have done upon first meeting him and getting his phone number. You mentally curse the three tequila shots you slammed back at 11:30pm with Soonyoung and continue on your quest, heading up to the second floor in an attempt to jog your memory.

The second floor presents you with nothing but a thicker haze of confusion. Numbers float around your head, taunting you as they dance in and out of your consciousness. 210, 222, 213, 203…the possibilities were endless and you weren’t too keen on knocking on every random door until you were greeted with the right face.

You sigh and head up one more floor to the third, finally settling on a number and poise your fist to knock. 312. It felt as correct as any of them had so far–which is to say, not at all.

Silence for a moment before you hear shuffling footsteps behind the door, the lock unlatching. You hold your breath.

The door swings open after a second and you’re greeted with an all too familiar face. “Cheol?” you ask as if you needed to clarify. He brings a fist up to his face, rubbing away any remnants of the sleep he was trying to get until you interrupted him.

“What are you doing here?” The confusion on his face mirrors your own and he glances over your shoulder, eyes scanning the empty hallway around you. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, fine. I was trying to find someone…”

He turns his attention back to you, fully, expression caught somewhere between amusement and exhaustion. “Forget his room number, did you?”

“No,” you mutter with a frown, indignant. Cheol looks at you, the truth dangling in the air like a signpost. “Okay, fine. Yes, I forgot.”

“So…” he starts, taking a step back away from the door, “what are you going to do now?”

“I don't know,” you sigh, pushing past him into the room and flopping down on the nearest of the two queen beds. “It feels almost hopeless to try and keep looking. I’ll just end up waking up more people.”

The mattress dips as Seungcheol takes a seat next to you on the bed. “Won’t Romeo be disappointed that you stood him up?” you sense the slight edge of derision in his voice but ignore it.

“Heartbroken, I’m sure,” you sigh before sitting up and glancing around. “Where’s Jeonghan?”

“In Soonyoung’s room making sure he doesn’t choke on his own vomit. He did a line of shots with the bridesmaids and Seulgi after we all left, apparently.”

“Naturally,” you snort. “That means Seulgi probably brought one of them back to our room too…”

“Do you want to go and check?” he asks and you shake your head without a second of further thought on the subject.

“Can I just stay here for the night? I’m tired of walking.”

He stares at you for a minute, brown eyes cast in shadows by the low lighting of the room. You slip your legs under the blanket, waiting for the confirmation, and snuggle into the warmth of the motel bed. “Fine,” he sighs, “but you get the other bed, this one is mine.”

“But I like this one,” you whine, wriggling deeper into the mattress, and he sighs again-like a weary father at the end of a long road trip. “Thank you, Cheol~” you sing your gratitude as he shuffles into the bathroom.

The frustration of the previous twenty minutes melts away as you settle into the room. Seungcheol’s luggage lays open on the floor and you slip out of bed to grab a spare t-shirt to sleep in while he’s still in the washroom. It’s an old one–one you remember buying for him in the early days of university after Soonyoung had managed to ruin the one he was wearing with a wayward bottle of ketchup.

You hadn’t realised he had held onto it for so long.

The washroom door opens just as you slip the shirt on over your head. You turn, facing Seungcheol in his own tee and he pauses a moment, lingering in front of you like a held breath before walking over to the other bed and pulling out his phone. “Hungry?”

“What?”

“Don’t think I’ll be able to sleep for a while so I figured we could just order a pizza.”

“Oh, yeah sure. I could eat.”

The pizza arrives 30 minutes later, handed to you by a bored looking delivery guy, and you pile onto Seungcheol’s bed to share the late-night meal. You eat in companionable silence, only the soft sound of Friends reruns as they play on the TV in the background.

“Do you really think there’s something wrong with him?” You break the silence in between slices and Cheol glances up at you, curious.

“With who?”

“Mingyu.” You don’t meet his eyes. Some sense of embarrassment at even asking–at considering his opinion on your potential hookups–forcing your gaze to remain fixed on the white comforter.

He tosses his crust back into the box as he considers the question. “No, he seems like a decent guy,” he admits, and you finally force yourself to look up at him. Cheol stares into the TV, eyes reflecting the flashing images as they project out into the room. You wonder if the same feeling that made you avoid his gaze is also forcing his attention away from fully facing you. “Do you like him?”

“I don’t really know him, but he’s cute,” you shrug, “and interested. Which is more than I’m used to.”

“Don’t be an idiot,” he scoffs, immediately dismissing the self-deprecation.

“It’s true, Cheol,” you laugh–resigned to the reality of your life. “I haven’t been with anyone in forever because I’m just tired of hoping. I don’t want to have to guess if someone likes me, I want to know.”

Silence creeps in again. You expected another dismissal of the thought, maybe a platitude in place of any actual helpful advice because this just was the reality of dating these days, but instead he just turns his attention back to the screen. Eyes swimming with unspoken thoughts.

“Anyway, I don't think it matters now after tonight.” You conclude the conversation, reaching into the box and taking another slice of pizza. A spot of grease drips down to your chin and you reach for a napkin.

“You’re so gross,” Seungcheol comments, leaning forward with a napkin before you even get a chance to grab one. The haze of melancholia dissolves from his expression and the corner of his lip quirks up in amusement. He dabs the spot of grease away with the corner of the napkin, the warmth of his hand sinking into your skin as he does so and you consider for a second what it might be like to lean forward and kiss him. The thought dissolves into mist as soon as he pulls away; like it has so many times in the past.

Wedding #3

Another Saturday in July, another distant acquaintance's wedding. You’re not sure at what point in your life you met so many people (presumably university) but you’re praying they all stop getting married during the same two month period.

The ceremony is beautiful, as they usually are, but long. The couple’s crusty white dog served as the ring-bearer and promptly peed all over the priests’ robes during the vows, which was the most exciting thing that could have possibly happened. Jeonghan managed somehow to get the entire incident on camera and you sit rewatching it before the dancing starts as the bride changes into her ‘reception gown’.

The third wedding of the season has taken a toll on the group. Seungcheol sits with his blazer unbuttoned, leaning back in his seat as he picks at the remnants of the slice of french vanilla chiffon cake they served after dinner. Jeonghan has lost the glint of mischief in his eyes, content mostly to settle back and watch the proceedings instead of actively engaging in any sabotage as he usually would. Seulgi leans casually against the bar while she chats with the hired bartender about the advantages of Chilean wine over French. Only Soonyoung remains, as ever, excited to be here. He readjusts the laces on his scuffed loafers, “to cut a rug,” he says with a wink, and prepares to launch himself onto the dancefloor at the earliest opportunity with one of the bridesmaids (or groomsmen, he’s not picky).

The evening begins as usual with the first dance between bride and groom–tastefully yet predictably set to ‘Your Song’ by Elton John–and devolves almost immediately into a rave as the already slightly tipsy guests take over the dance floor. Hours pass as nostalgia jam after nostalgia jam is blasted through the speakers and you collapse back into your chair after being spun around in circles by someone’s over eager uncle.

You glance over at Seungcheol. His tie is loosened, the knot pulled down an inch or two from the base of his throat, a slight grin pulls at the corners of his lips as he watches Soonyoung attempting to tango across the dancefloor with a poor, unsuspecting bridesmaid.

You watch as he tips back his bottle of beer, the Adam's apple curving the skin of his throat bobbing as he drinks. A thought occurs to you at this moment. Maybe less of a thought, and more of a feeling. One that has occurred to you many times before, in passing sometimes when your hands brush as you move around each other in the kitchen–the only two semi-responsible hands trying to get things together for a dinner party.

Sometimes it has occurred to you more concretely–more consciously. A feeling conjured up actively in your own imagination as you lay awake in bed, silently pondering how your life might shift if you ever acted on it.

That light tugging at the centre of your chest. A dull thudding as your eyes rake over the skin of his throat, as they travel down the length of his body. As you remember how many times you’ve been innocently pressed against him–camping, baking, beer pong.

Steady Seungcheol. A constant in your life since freshman year of college, during a class neither of you wanted to take but were both forced into due to missing multiple application deadlines and a need to fill credits.

Steady Seungcheol who was always there when you needed him. Who had held you while you cried, who had seen you through your messiest of days. Who had laughed with you throughout the years; celebrated milestones, cried with you when your family dog died, and who had unfailingly been himself throughout it all.

Steady Seungcheol who was so much more than that. Who was kind and brave–even when he would complain the entire time. Who was always around to help out anyone who needed his help in any form. Jeonghan, Soonyoung, Seulgi, friends, family, neighbours. You.

Looking at him now, that fleeting feeling that came and went throughout the years took on more shape. It began to solidify in your mind until you felt you could almost touch it, hold it. You wanted to peel back the layers of your skin and flesh and pluck it out for him to see. Hold it in front of him like a jewel to be appraised.

“Do you want to pretend to date again?” you ask, half dazed, and watch as Seungcheol leans forward–brows knit in concern.

“Has someone been bothering you tonight?”

“No, no,” you start to laugh, “no one has been hitting on me at all.”

“Oh, good,” he nods, expression still slightly tense. “Then…” concern bleeds into mild confusion, “why would we…?”

“I just,” you begin, inhaling. Preparing to pluck out the jewel and place it on the table in front of you.

I just want to try. To test out this feeling that has laid dormant in my chest for years, waiting for an opportunity.

I just want to feel close to you again. Closer than before.

I just want to see how good my hands might fit into yours.

I just want to see what this feeling actually means.

The song blasting out through the speakers fades out, allowing the noise of the wedding to filter into your small bubble. The feeling recedes once more, the jewel dissolving into the ether. Soonyoung’s laugh booms out through the canvas tent and you blink back to reality, meeting Seungcheol’s dark, questioning eyes as he waits for your response. “No reason,” you force out a laugh and take a quick sip of your own beer, “it was just a silly thought.”

The music shifts, the pace of the dancers slowing to an almost crawl as the playlist slips into a slow jam. A few couples linger, arms encircling each other as they sway to the hypnotic beat. Soonyoung collapses into the seat next to you, rousing your attention as he reaches for the remnants of your cocktail.

You swat his hand away with a soft ‘hey’ and he baulks at you, “I’m just thirsty,” he pouts.

“Then go get some water,” you pull the drink away from him and his pout deepens as he follows it, sprawling out over the table and whining like a wounded cat.

“But I want this, it looks good.”

“It is, that’s why–”

The bickering is cut short as a hand extends into view in front of you, outstretched towards your own in offering. “I’ll get you another one later,” Seungcheol offers and you glance up at him.

His tie has been re-tightened around his throat, hair straightened back up from its previously tousled state, and he stands next to you–smiling that soft-eyed smile of his and beckoning you to stand. “Come and dance with me.”

You stare up at him for a moment–a moment caught in time. Soonyoung and all thoughts of the drink fade from existence as Seungcheol comes into absolute clarity in front of you. How come you never noticed exactly how his mouth curls up higher on one side?

‘I’ve been staring at him for too long,’ you think in a panic shortly before slipping your hand into his. The sudden feeling of skin on skin shocks you to your senses and you find yourself following him out onto the dancefloor.

He picks a spot closer to the edge, further from the rest of the people still lingering about the tent. His hands come to settle on your waist, pulling you towards him, and you have to remind yourself to keep breathing.

You’ve been friends for years.

You’ve slept in the same bed together, gone on long road trips crammed next to each other in the back seat of someone’s rickety old car, and seen each other naked on the rare occasion when your more impulsive friends decide to go skinny dipping in the middle of the night during a camping trip.

So why was this moment–here swaying in his arms to some nondescript, retro love song–so incredibly potent for you. Why did it feel like your heart was being inflated like a party balloon and twisted into the vague shape of a poodle?

Looking in his eyes feels intensely like danger, so you rest your head on his shoulder as he moves you slowly around the dancefloor. His arms wrap tighter around you and for a moment you let yourself fall into the fantasy. For a moment it’s just you and him–like it has been so many times before–but deeper. His hand comes to settle at the small of your back and you feel an electricity flow from his fingertips directly into your stomach–tightening the knot of possibility.

And then as soon as it began, the feeling slips away as the song comes to an end and the party resumes. A rogue bridesmaid–tipsy with wine and frivolity–bumps into you and you stumble, Seungcheol steadies you on his arm before leading you back towards the table where you abandoned Soonyoung (who, in the time you were gone, has since downed both the rest of your drink and Jeonghan’s glass of wine).

You slip back into your seat and Seungcheol does the same, loosening his tie once more and casting his gaze back out over the rest of the tent as the night drags on, but you let your eyes linger on him. Tracing the line of his jaw, down his neck. Committing his profile to this new memory–the new feeling–before locking it away tight in the back of your mind alongside the word ‘impossibility’.

Wedding #4

Another weekend, another countryside wedding. You assume that maybe some bridal magazine or another must have been extolling the virtues of getting hitched out amongst the sounds of the birds and the insects. Away from the business of the city–away from the cars, the people, the air conditioning. It’s the only thing that could possibly explain why you find yourself walking unsteadily down another gravel road in high heels heading away from the reception tent.

The setting sun bathes the field in a golden glow and you have to admit to yourself that it is a picturesque setting. That maybe you wouldn’t mind so much getting married somewhere like this–doing your photoshoot out in the warmth and expanse of the great outdoors.

A voice calls out, softly at first and then more insistently and you’re pulled out of your reverie–glancing around for the source of the sound.

He comes into view, smiling and waving, as he weaves his way towards you through the throng of wedding guests making their way down the road to their cars. “Mingyu?”

“I didn’t think I’d see you again after the last wedding,” he says, coming to a halt in front of you.

“Ah, yeah,” you laugh, scratching at the back of your neck. “I’m sorry about that by the way, I got lost in the motel.”

“It’s fine,” he shakes his head, smile unwavering. “I mean, I won’t say I wasn’t a little bit disappointed, but I understand. We should have probably just exchanged numbers in the first place.”

“That would have been the smart move,” you nod, laughing.

Jeonghan clears his throat next to you, reminding you that there are four other people bearing witness to your impromptu reunion. “Are you coming? Or should we leave you behind?”

“Gimme a second,” you hush him.

“I could give you a ride,” Mingyu offers, avoiding the gaze of your friends as they stare. “third times the charm?”

If it had been three weddings ago, you would have agreed immediately. No hesitation. But something has shifted. Something intangible but powerful stays your decision for a moment–hovering in the back of your mind as you consider your options. “Hang on one second,” you ask him, hands out as if to keep him in place. As if he might disappear the second you turn away from him. He nods and you turn back towards your friends.

“Are you going with him?” Seungcheol asks as you stand in front of him–paralyzed by your inability to make a choice. Silently begging him to tell you not to go so that you don’t have to choose.

“I don’t–” you start, but the words falter as soon as they begin to make their way out of your mouth.

“Do you want to go with him?” he asks and you just stare at him open-mouthed. “You have to make a choice,” he sighs, clearly annoyed by this predicament you’ve found yourself in.

“I don’t know,” you stutter. Seulgi, Soonyoung, and Jeonghan are already halfway back to the car. Seungcheol is your last chance.

“Just go,” he shakes his head, handing you the crossbody bag you had asked him to hang onto halfway through the day. “Call me in the morning.”

That was it, then. Decision made. You turn back around towards Mingyu–handsome as ever in his sleek black suit jacket and tie–and offer him a lopsided smile. “Let’s go,” you say, feigning a cheerful tone even as a small bird of disappointment takes flight in your heart.

Mingyu’s parked in the other lot, he says. You take his arm to better hobble across the gravel pathway towards it, moving further and further away from your friends as you go. You make small talk for a while–chatting easily about what you’ve been up to since you last saw each other, how his bakery is doing, how you found the wedding. Again you find yourself amazed at how simple it was to slip into a rapport with him–almost too simple. Superficial, in its simplicity. You lose yourself in the scenery as you step closer to where he’s parked, letting the conversation drift away.

“I can’t imagine it,” Mingyu comments after a moment of silence, glancing over towards the reception tent as it sits mostly empty in the field–aglow with the light of lanterns and the remnants of the setting sun as the night slips into dusk.

“Can’t imagine what?”

“Knowing that the person you’re with is the one you want to be with for the rest of your life. To the point where you commit yourself to it,” he shakes his head, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt that way about anyone.”

“There’s still time,” you laugh. The romance of the day settles into your mind and you let yourself float along the river of thought as it carries you away, “I think I get it.”

“You do?”

“I do,” you nod. “It’s not a stars-and-butterflies sort of love, you know? I think you have to be with someone long enough to feel like you know everything about them, but still want to be around them anyway. They annoy you, but it’s only because you care about them and really can’t imagine a life without them.”

“Have you been engaged before?” he asks and you laugh again.

“No, but,” a thought dances in front of your face. Just out of the realm of tangibility. You reach out to grab it but it slips through your fingers. “I think I’ve felt it, I think–”

It lands suddenly–the thought. Planting itself square in your head and you feel your heart leap into your throat. “Holy shit.”

“What?” Mingyu asks, turning to you as you stop dead in your tracks.

“Oh my god,” you bring your hands up to your face, burying yourself in them out of sheer embarrassment. “I’m so fucking stupid.”

“Is everything okay?” he asks again, not bothering to hide the worry that is evident on his face. You look up at him, mourning the loss of what could have been for a brief moment before turning your mind to face the reality of what is in this moment.

“No,” you shake your head, “I mean yes, fine. I just…holy shit.”

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, more than,” you laugh–feeling giddy and manic with this new discovery. “I just realised I'm in love.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry Mingyu,” you take his hands in yours, squeezing his palms twice before dropping them and taking a step back. “You’re a great guy, for what it’s worth. I really was looking forward to sleeping with you.

“Thank you…?”

“I have to go.” You spin around on your heels, leaving him standing dumbfounded behind you. You can apologise more thoroughly later, but for now you have a deadline to meet.

Your ankle gives out beneath you and you stumble, narrowly toppling over before managing to right yourself; you grab at the fabric of your skirt, hoisting it up a foot off the ground to avoid tripping further as you cut across the lawn back towards the people you came with. Back towards Seungcheol.

“I want to go home with you.”

He turns to you, confused, as you stumble into him. His arm naturally comes up to support you, giving you a steady place to lean your weight onto. “Is everything okay? Did something happen?”

The concern, ever present for him and often ignored on your part, really sinks in this time. A warm blanket of care that would almost bring you to tears if you weren’t already afloat on a cloud of anxiety and love. “Everything is fine, I just…” you trail off, unsure of how to word your most recent revelation. Sure only that you didn't want to do it in front of every other person you know. “I just changed my mind. I want to go with you.”

“Umm, yeah we can drop you off on the way if you want to go back to your place?”

“No, no,” you shake your head, adamant and firm in your unspoken conviction. “I want to go home with you.”

“With…me?” You nod, watching the dawning of realisation as it crosses his face. His brown eyes widening, mouth dropping agape. A moment’s breath hangs in the air between you before he can bring himself to accept this new reality. “Okay”

The ride back to the city is silent. Or, the front seat is silent, at least. You sit in the passenger seat, watching Seungcheol out of the corner of your eye as he drives–face dimming as the light leaves the sky and is replaced by the soft glow of the crescent moon. The backseat is populated by four people eager to prolong the festivities as long as possible and this make this known–loudly–as Soonyoung proclaims they were all invited to his place for drinks after and that Jihoon “wouldn’t mind too much” if they just crashed in his living room.

The bundle of nerves that had been making its home inside of your stomach eases its stranglehold as the city comes into view. You let your gaze wander over Cheol as he keeps his eyes fixed on the road. His hair falls in a slope over the nape of his neck–longer than he usually keeps it. Everything about him, at once so familiar and yet still so new. It was funny to you how different someone appeared once your perception of them changed. Once those feelings that you had always kept behind some brick wall inside of you were finally set loose and accepted.

The nerves dissolve into some sense of anticipation as he pulls to a stop in front of Soonyoung’s apartment building and everyone piles out of the backseat. Jeonghan stops at the driver’s side window to say something to Seungcheol but you don’t manage to catch any of it–only enough to see him nodding in your direction in place of a proper good night.

The silence returns and remains as he weaves the vehicle through the city streets back towards his place. It remains as you clamber out of the vehicle, taking his hand as he offers it without a word, and as you step inside the dark interior of his home.

You follow him in silence up the stairs towards his room, not daring to give voice to the thoughts humming in the air between you. They shimmer in the darkness and light up the silence around you with their own song. Seungcheol’s hand never leaves yours. Not until he tugs you behind him into his room and down onto the mattress to sit next to him.

“I’m sorry I’ve been such an idiot,” you say, breaking the silence with what feels like the most genuine apology you can muster. For all the years you wasted wallowing in your own obliviousness.

He frowns into the dark of his bedroom, hand tightening around yours as it sits on his lap, “you’re not an idiot.”

“I am,” you insist with a soft laugh, “how many years have I been in love with you without realising? I think that’s pretty stupid.”

“Maybe,” he concedes the point with a hum. “But if you’re an idiot, then I’m the town moron.” His tone is so serious and considerate it makes you want to cry when all you can do is laugh.

“So we’re both stupid, then,” you laugh and he finally lets a small smile break through–expression cast in a soft glow of the streetlights leaking in through his window. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

His hand flexes around yours again as he considers it. You never realised how soft they were before–his hands. Soft, yet firm. Gentle in their strength. A pure and genuine reflection of his character. “I did try, a few times,” he confesses and you do what you can to mask the shock of it.

“When?”

“In university, the first time. And then later when we were all drunk at some housewarming party–Seulgi’s, I think,” he laughs, more to himself than anything. A memory recalled that you aren’t privy to. “Maybe my timing was just bad or…maybe it just wasn’t clear, but I sort of gave up after that.”

“Why?” you whisper the question. It feels like glass as it hands in the air–fragile. Like it might shatter at any given moment. You’re almost afraid of the answer.

“I was more afraid of losing you than I was of just…living with my own feelings,” he admits and you think you really just might start crying.

“Cheol…” you shift on the bed, moving to face him in the darkness. He follows, dropping your hands for the first time this evening so he can meet you eye to eye.

“Can I try again?” he asks. You move to say that he doesn’t have to, that you reciprocate everything already, but something shining in his eyes–even in the darkness of the room–stops you. He takes your hands back in his, running his thumb in small circles over the back of them as he speaks.

“I love you,” he starts and you feel your heart leap back up into your throat–grateful for the dim lighting shielding your face from his full view. “I’ve loved you since we met and you drive me absolutely insane, but what’s worse,” he emphasises, “is that I can't imagine my life without that. Without you.”

“I love you, too,” you breathe, setting free the words that had been so long trapped inside of you longing to escape.

“There was something I wanted to do the first time I confessed.” He hesitates a beat before you nod for him to continue, “I’m afraid it might be sort of…corny now, but–” another pause, another breath. Gathering courage in the darkness. His thumb stills on the back of your hand. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Of course,” you laugh and he exhales a breath that you didn’t realise he had been holding.

“Thank god,” he giggles. It takes every ounce of will in your body not to fling yourself on top of him at the sound.

“So are we…official now? Are we going steady?”

“Stop,” he laughs, relief still clear in his voice despite the annoyance at the teasing. The laughter dies after a moment, settling back into a stretched silence as you sit hand in hand across from each other on his bed. It lasts for a second, a minute, a year before he finally breaks it, inhaling a short, shaky breath, “should we…kiss?”

“I think so, yeah,” you nod, leaning forward to meet his lips even as you say it. The anticipation from earlier rises back up in your throat as you are pulled closer together. The gravity between you sinking your bodies into each other until finally–finally–your lips meet.

It’s awkward at first, for a moment, as you figure each other out. Figure out how you fit together in this new world. A moment of adjusting–bodies and worldviews–and then…it all clicks. And it’s easy. And you can’t imagine a time when you weren’t kissing him.

His arms move to embrace you and you sink into it, moving onto his lap and letting him pull you closer, closer, closer. For a few minutes it's all bumping noses and soft giggles between kisses before the atmosphere in the room shifts.

His fingers sink deeper into the flesh of your hips, your hands in his hair tighten their grip and you press your chest firmer against his-feeling his heartbeat as it races in time with your own. His breathing becomes more laboured as he moves to slip a hand under your skirt, raising the hem up your thighs to your waist. You slip his tie off around his head, eager to get through the layers of his suit and lay him bare before you.

A rustle of fabric as your dress hits the floor of his room, a siren ringing out through the clear night air, and you find yourself slipping past the point of no return. Easing into this new relationship like you’ve been together for a century.

At the end of the night, in the dark of the room as you lay against his chest and succumb to the fog of exhaustion, you feel his lips press firm against the top of your head, a soft whisper of “I love you” and you feel your heart inflate with the feeling of a dream fulfilled.

Wedding #5

Another summer, another wedding. You thought you were running out of friends and family who would bother to invite you to these events, but you find yourself decked out in yet another discount cocktail dress, sipping champagne from a rose gold flute glass as Soonyoung and Jeonghan argue about food.

“Oysters aren’t a crudités, you idiot, they’re an aphrodisiac,” Jeonghan seethes, glaring at Soonyoung as he sits assured in his stance on the seafood.

“The two aren’t mutually exclusive, crudités could be an aphrodisiac,” he pouts–an unnecessary gesture considering the topic at hand. Seulgi sits between them sipping a martini and glancing at each one like they’re the most intensely stupid people she has ever seen in her life.

“What is sexy about cut vegetables?” Jeonghan asks, crossing his arms over his chest. You fix Seulgi with an amused stare before pushing yourself out of your chair, she returns it before rolling her eyes at Soonyoung’s derisive groan.

“What does being sexy have to do with it?”

“Aphrodisiacs are foods used to increase sex drive!”

The argument fades into the background, joining the ambient conversations and music that fills the reception hall around you as you set off to find Seungcheol.

You spy him at the bar–as per usual–and slink up behind him. “There you are,” he says as you slip your arms around his waist, pressing your face into the space between his shoulder blades. He holds out an arm for you to nestle into his side, pressing a kiss to the top of your head as you do. “I was wondering where you were.”

“Just babysitting,” you sigh, sinking into his warmth–grateful for the sense of solidity and familiarity that he always offers you regardless of the setting.

“Can you make me a promise?” you ask, he hums in response indicating for you to continue. “When we have our wedding, can we avoid inviting those two?”

He laughs, head tossed back by the force of it. No need to ask for any clarification on who ‘those two’ referred to as Soonyoung’s voice rings out over the crowd with the word “APPETIZERS!”

Cheol presses another kiss to your head, still chuckling, “deal.”

if you enjoyed this, or any other of my stories, please consider reblogging or sending me an ask letting me know your thoughts! i would love to hear them~

#kwritersworldnet #seungcheol x reader #s.coups x reader #svthub #caratwritersclub #s.coups fluff #seungcheol fluff #seventeen fluff #svt fluff #seventeen x reader #svt x reader #mads.yn #mingyu x reader

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miabebe · 9 months

Text

The Legend of The Sea

"You're crying? You must be turning human, the MerFolk don't cry."

"Of course we do. Why do you think the Sea is nothing but salt?"

Pairing: Choi Seungcheol × reader

Genre: Heavy Angst, Romance, Implied smut

Word count: 14K (completed)

A/N: This was supposed to be a very long fic with lots of dialogue and lot of plot but I decided to take a turn and write a shorter version! It's very different from my usual writing style, it would be great to recieve your thoughts and comments! I'm considering writing a epilogue if the response is good :)

Tags: @xcynthiaaa @dr3aluv5 @unlikelysublimekryptonite @orcasandtea @letsplayitcool @idubutily

It all started the day you woke up on the beach with that unbearable pain searing through you.

The air was cool, the sand was hot; the seagulls were flying across the blue sky, the sound of the waves was like a beautiful melody – it was like a perfectly painted picture. It should have felt pleasant, it should have felt serene, instead you felt immense pain, like your guts were turning inside out and your chest was being split into two.

And it just wouldn’t stop. Even if you thrashed about in the sand or let out soundless screams clutching your chest, nothing could make the pain stop.

Except the soft laughter.

Someone else was here.

As the pain ebbed at the sound of a voice, fear came rushing in its place.

Someone else was here.

Your instincts told you to hide so you did, scrambling to your knees in the sand, crouching behind one of the many large boulders scattered around, trying your best not to be found. And to not let curiosity get the better of you….. until it eventually did.

You allowed yourself to peak, just a little, just to put a face to the voice and instead saw a bouncing fluffy cloud of white. Strange. You didn’t know clouds came down like that. Or that they had eyes, because suddenly, this one looked right at you.

You immediately retreated back into your hiding but it was in vain - within seconds, it made its way over and much to your surprise, jumped right into your lap, covering you in wet, eager licks. You panicked, trying to defend yourself, although it didn’t feel like much of an attack.

And that was when you saw him.

First, he was just a silhouette, a dark outline against the sun but when he crouched down to meet your eye, you realised he was the most beautiful thing you’d ever seen. He had such pretty hazel eyes, lighter in the middle, darker on the outside. Then there were the thick, dark eyebrows and thicker darker hair, swept back by the wind. He was wearing a white dress shirt, the first two buttons (unnecessarily) undone, the sleeves (needlessly) pushed up to his elbow. But your eyes were stuck on his lips – red, full of life and moving – he was saying something.

You can’t hear him, not with the way your stomach was turning and turning and turning and then unable to hold back, you gave in. You turned and doubled up, finally throwing up all that discomfort into the sand, breaking into a fit of cough. The man before you though, wasn’t fazed. Rather, he was efficient, quickly getting up, pulling you away from the mess gently and handed you the bottle of water he had on him. You refused - water was only making you more nauseous.

He didn’t insist, instead he unfolded a large piece of cloth, (later you learnt that it was called a picnic blanket) and threw it over you. It was only its warmth that you realised – unlike him, every bit of your skin was exposed. You held the fabric closer to yourself hoping you could just bury yourself in the sand instead of having to face him – something about the way he looked at you made you feel very vulnerable.

He then asked if you were feeling okay but only received silence as an answer. The truth was, you weren’t. Not only were you in the middle of nowhere, you had no idea why or how you got there. It seemed like he understood that; like he realised you were lost and needed help. When he got up and held his hand out though, you didn’t take it. Instead, you took support of the boulder behind you and got up on your own, only to lose your footing and stumble right into his arms. You instantly pulled yourself away and took another faltering step and then another, and then fell right back into his arms again. He was amused but didn’t say or do anything except watch you try, ankles sinking in the sand, knees unfaithfully giving away every time, until finally you gave up and took his hand. Slowly and silently, he led you far away from there.

That day you learnt his name was SeungCheol.

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That white cloud, Kkuma, was apparently what humans called a dog.

While humans efficiently seemed to walk on two legs and could converse for hours, dogs apparently walked on four legs and couldn’t talk. Though you certainly looked like a human, you often wondered if you and Kkuma were the same. You too happened to find long hours of walking and talking difficult and more than anything, you didn’t seem to enjoy the company of other humans that much. That’s why the last one month, you spent most of your time with Kkuma, far away from most people, all the way across the town, in a small settlement between the lake and the mountains, in Seungcheol’s cottage.

Seungcheol’s home was your safe haven. Rather, Seungcheol was your safe haven.

When you were with him, when you looked at him, you always forgot that it had been four weeks and you still had no idea who you were, that you had no memories, you had no life.

Because Seungcheol gave you a life. He taught you to walk the way you saw mothers hold the hands of their little babies, encouraging them to take a step forward. He taught you to read, scribbling away alphabets with you for hours on end, even when little children laughed at you for not understanding. He taught you that a fork was not the same thing as a comb and that water was used to wash yourself, and that fire was hot and burnt things.

He didn’t just teach you things, he cared for you. He noticed you liked the red and filled your wardrobe with red dresses. When you told him you really liked the taste of fish, fish was all he cooked for weeks. Though he never seemed to like being away from Kkuma, his little princess, he would always leave her behind to give you company whenever he left.

Seungcheol left the house every morning at the break of down. So did most men, you noticed. The lady who lived down the stone pathway told you that men went out to make money while their wives, who stayed at home, cooked for them. That day you tried to cook for the first time, and asked Seungcheol if you were his wife. He laughed, then choked on a fish bone and asked you to leave all the cooking to him from here on and so you did.

Every day, Seungcheol would cook before he left while you stood beside him, watching in awe, handing him whatever he asked for. You usually ate breakfast and lunch with the animals in the stable but you always had dinner with Seungcheol. No matter how long he was gone for, end of the day, he always made it back to you.

You watched the sun slowly setting behind the mountains. He should be here soon, which was why you shouldn’t be sitting by the lake anymore. Seungcheol always warned you to maintain a safe distance from it, to never go too near. He said it was dangerous, that people drown because they cannot breathe under water. You had seen it.

When the woodcutter’s young boy fell into the lake a few weeks ago, you watched him thrash in the water, struggling to come up. A few brave people jumped in to save him but the boy never came out again. Everyone in town was scared of the lake, they hated it. Only the old ‘crazy’ lady that lived by the edge of the forest ever went near it. She wasn’t afraid of it; she said the lake was barely dangerous - it was the sea that was bad. That it had terrifying monsters and horrors that should never be uncovered. She liked the lake and honestly, so did you.

You liked how it never really felt cold and how the temperature was always just nice. You liked how all the fish swam up to you whenever you dangled your feet in, sitting by the bank, how at peace it all made you feel.

But when you saw Hannie in the sky, you immediately pulled your legs out of the water and hid the wetness of your feet under the fabric of your long skirt. Hannie was Seungcheol’s other pet, a pretty, baby white dove. He wasn’t a pet, not really, he belonged to the skies but Hannie loved to follow Seungcheol everywhere and Seungcheol loved it just as much. Actually, the whole town seemed to love white doves – it was on their flags, their shields, their uniforms. Seungcheol said it was the emblem of the kingdom. You had no idea what that meant, and frankly you didn’t care much. All that mattered was that whenever you spotted this little white bird, instantly recognisable by the small tinge of red right in the middle of its chest, it meant Seungcheol was home. As it softly landed on the fence, right before the sun was completely engulfed by the mountains, you heard Seungcheol’s horse and opened the gates to let them in.

Over dinner, Seungcheol told you about the fight that broke in the marketplace. It’s a funny place the market, something always seemed to be happening there. On the weekends, you would follow him through it as he went vendor to vendor, making his purchases. The people of the market were actually sweet. They would always smile and try to talk to you but you could never bring yourself to talk back, you could never find the right words to say. Instead, you’d simply stare blankly then move closer to Seungcheol, holding on to him. Eventually, they all started assuming you couldn’t speak. You didn’t correct them and looking at your reluctance, neither did Seungcheol. He would simply wave them away, or shoo the kids who seemed to tease you. As long as you were outside, Seungcheol would never leave your side or your hand.

You didn’t like going out very much, the big crowds and all those loud noises were always highly uncomfortable but the few times Seungcheol insisted you come with him and said it would be fun, it was actually not that bad. He took you to the town’s lights festival, where every inch of the streets and houses was covered with the prettiest coloured lights, and also to the annual horse racing competition which was exhilarating beyond belief. Your favourite though was children’s drama day, when the little kids of the town participated in skits looking a lot, lot smaller than the original characters were supposed to be. He didn’t though, take you to that big feast that happened in the castle. You didn’t really mind – something about the castle was just very unnerving.

It stood tall and proud, all the way at the edge of the town, up a long winding route, at the edge of the cliff, looking down at the sea waters. Initially you had no idea what a castle even was, but over time you learnt that it was where the king lived. The king was the most important person in the town and supposedly the kindest, wisest and strongest man too. If you didn’t know better, you would have thought Seungcheol was the king. Afterall, he helped everyone in the neighbourhood, he solved the fights in the markets, he protected the settlement from the wild dogs and other beasts of the forest. But Seungcheol was not the king. The king lived in the castle and Seungcheol lived with you.

After dinner, like every other day, you sat in Seungcheol’s study, practicing writing your alphabets as he went through endlessly long scrolls of his own. Today when you handed him your work, he scolded you yet again for rushing through the last few lines. You knew you shouldn’t have but you can never help it because the faster you finished, the sooner Seungcheol would read to you. Granted you knew how to read now but you weren’t really good at it, not everything made sense. The small books were easy but they were boring - it was always about animals and children and other things. The big books were where everything interesting was.

Every night before you went to sleep, Seungcheol would bring out a book, sitting down by the fireplace and you would curl up next to him, leaning over as he read to you. Sometimes he would read out history, recounts of great wars and heroes and sometimes about legends, the fire breathing dragons, sea monsters, fairies in the woods. While you listened to all of them with the same fascination and curiosity, a selected few made you feel somewhat…..different – the ones about true love. About two people fighting all odds to be together. About two people wanting to be with each other more than anything.

Whenever Seungcheol read those to you, you somehow saw yourself in those words. Or rather, those words in you. You found that ‘quickening heartbeat’ whenever your hand brushed against the man beside you. His compliments made the ‘heat in your cheeks rise’. There was a constant ‘nervous fidgeting of the fingers’ when you were around him and sharing of the ‘secret glances’. Even now as he was reading you were looking at him, at the way his lips were moving and how soft they looked and wondering how much softer they would feel against yours.

When Seungcheol turned to you, sensing your eyes on him, meeting them without hesitation, you could have leaned in, you could have found out. But you didn’t; you didn’t dare. Instead, you looked down at the book, at the pictures of the prince and princess dancing, wondering if you too had a happily ever after written in your fate.

Maybe it was, because a few days later, when Seungcheol looked at you like that again, you didn’t hold back anymore. You didn’t want to. This time you leaned in, gently pressing your lips onto his, discovering much to your relief that they were indeed every bit as soft as they looked. His eyes widened when you pulled back immediately, but he didn’t say or do anything. Then a silence followed, heavy with confusion and anticipation and so many other things that you couldn’t quite fathom so you quickly excused yourself from there stating it might rain and you forgot to close your bedroom windows.

As you shut the doors of your room behind you, hand on your chest, you felt your heart racing away but you should have been at peace, right? You had finally plucked up the courage and satiated all that bubbling curiosity. Instead, you felt like you were going to lose your mind – now that you had a taste, you wanted more.

Days passed before you finally kissed him again.

It was on a rainy night and you were sitting closer to him than usual, as though the fire was not enough to keep you warm. It started the same way, first a few stolen glances, then a long silent stare and then you were kissing him, soft and sweet but this time he pulled back and you didn't let him. Instead you grabbed a fistful of his shirt, holding him close, whispering that you wanted to do it again. He listened, kissing you back but it was different this time and god did it set off something in you.

His lips became demanding, and his hands were everywhere - in your hair, running down your back, on your waist. He took your breath away, quite literally because he just wouldn't stop and you couldn’t breathe. You didn't want to either but after what felt like eternity, you had to break apart, feeling all giddy. Seungcheol then gave you the brightest smile and one last peck.

That went on for many more days. Sometimes it was sweet and simple, sometimes hot and heavy. Initially the books were your only witness then there were more. The peaking sun as he gave you a peak before he left in the mornings, the pots and pans of the kitchen while he focused on you instead of the burning bread, and kkuma, when he forgot to seek while she hid, his attention on your mouth instead. Everything was going blissful.

Then one day Seungcheol didn't come home even after the sun set.

You waited by the gate for a long time, but neither Hannie, nor Seungcheol, nor his horse could be seen. That was the first night you spent alone - shivering in the cold and terrified. The storms had begun outside, the rain was drowning everything in its way and as each hour passed, you sunk deeper and deeper into despair.

Even when the sun came up again the rain didn't stop, the pain didn't stop. Though you hadn't slept or eaten in hours you only thought about him. Even kkuma got tired of waiting and curled up in the warmest spot in the house but you stood by the door the whole time until you couldn't anymore.

Not when you saw finally saw Hannie in the sky but Seungcheol didn't follow. That was when you knew something was terribly wrong. You immediately grabbed a lamp and were ready to set off to find him on your own when you saw the paper tied to the bird’s little foot. I'll be back soon it read in the handwriting you recognised was Seungcheol's, a wave of relief crashing over you.

But it took very, very long for 'soon’ to come.

The rain had stopped, the sun had set, the sky had cleared and the stars were pitifully watching the way you sat against the door, desperately fighting your eyes threatening to fall shut. That was when you felt Seungcheol's hand on your face, gently tucking your hair behind your ear.

You instantly got up, throwing yourself into his arms and for the first time ever, broke down, sobbing into his chest. He held you like that for as long as you didn't let him go, softly patting you, telling you it was okay, and that he's home. There was apparently a landslide near the mountains and he had to help the people stuck there but you didn't care what his reasons were. You were never going to let him go ever again, you'd fight the sun from coming up tomorrow morning if needed.

Seungcheol simply laughed and said first you should fight your stomach, it seemed like it was struggling in there. It was only when you admitted you hadn't eaten since last night that he let you go and walked into the kitchen to whip you a quick morsel.

That night he said he was too tired to read to you. Instead, he placed a soft kiss on your forehead with an apology and was about to retire to his room when you held him by the hand, scared to let him go again. He tried to comfort you but the tears just wouldn’t stop, not until he cupped your cheek and kissed you, whispering about how he missed this, how he missed you. You confessed that you did too, and his absence made you feel terrible, like never before.

Let me make you feel good then he said. But if he wanted to help you, why did it seem like he was pleading? Like if you didn't agree he would lose it? So you agreed, letting him do whatever he wanted, whatever he needed.

His mouth was hot on yours, hands wandering all over and when they tugged the strings of your dress, you let out an inaudible gasp against his lips. He swallowed your words, undressing you slowly, with his hands and his eyes. You felt so bare, so exposed yet you didn't feel like hiding from him - you wanted him to explore you however he could and god did he do it.

If you thought his mouth on yours felt good, the places he put it now were wild. It was like he somehow knew every sensitive bit of your skin and went straight for it. He wasn't lying, this was better than good, it felt euphoric. He unravelled you with his touch, his hands in places even you hadn't felt yourself. You wanted more, you wanted so much more and he gave it, over and over again, letting you feel every inch of him, reaching as deep inside you as he could, like any distance between the both of you was unbearable. You let him consume you in his fire as the pain turned to a pleasure like never before, a coil tightening in the pits of your being. The both of you whispered each other’s names for as long as you could hold it until you finally let go and so did he, filling you with every last essence of him. As you laid side by side breathless, staring at the roof, you saw the stars have come down, swirling across the ceiling and you fell into a deep slumber.

When you woke up that morning, the sun was almost right on top of the cottage, half the day having already passed. Seungcheol didn't leave that day, instead he was right there, pressed against your back, wrapping you in his embrace, your limbs messily tangled with each other’s. When you tried to free yourself from him, he pulled you closer, burying his face in your neck, taking in as much of you as he could before he said he had to leave again. I'll come back to you, he promised and you did not let him see how tears brimmed in your eyes as you waved him away.

After that day though, you never cried again. Or ever slept in your own bedroom. Like promised every night Seungcheol returned to you and every night you lay between the sheets together, some days making love, some days simply talking and laughing away, some days just drifting away to sleep in each other’s arms. It truly felt like happily every after but you forgot, happily ever after was only for fairytales.

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It was just another normal day. The both of you had woken up as usual to the crowing of the rooster before dawn. You gathered the vegetables in the garden while Seungcheol made the most wonderful soup, perfect for a cold day. After he kissed you goodbye and left, you cleaned the stables, drew water from the well, tended to the garden, washed up, donned your favourite red dress, ate lunch, took a nap, played with kkuma, and finally, sat by the lake again, trying to catch your breath. It was the same routine as the last eight weeks.

As you unconsciously plucked on the grass, your mind couldn’t help but wander back to a question that had been plaguing you these days. Was this all your life was going to be? The same routine, waking up everyday knowing it was going to be the exact same as yesterday and will be the exact same as tomorrow? Sure, you loved Seungcheol and Kkuma and Hannie and this little life you had built together, but you couldn’t help but think if you were made for something more. This couldn’t be it right?

It wasn’t. And you were moments away from finding out.

You were so lost in thought, you didn’t notice Hannie in the sky until he landed right next to you, making you hurriedly jump to your feet to get away from the lake only for your damned dress to get tangled between your feet, making you fall right into the waters. Thank God Seungcheol had reached just in time to see you disappear under the surface and immediately dived in. Using all his might he pulled you up before you were lost in the depths, coughing and catching his breath as he crawled onto the bank.

That was the first day things went very, very differently.

Instead of greeting Seungcheol like you usually did every day, you shivered, walking away into the house to dry yourself. You didn’t change into another red dress but a blue on this time that made even Seungcheol raise an eyebrow in surprise. Dinner was not the same too. The kimchi which never ran out had finally run out, there was apparently no fish in the market today and seungcheol bought eggs for the first time. When he insisted you would like the taste, you tried it and you indeed did like it, a lot. He grinned at you and said you could always trust his word but how could you anymore?

He told you to stay away from the lake, that people couldn’t breathe under it but when you fell in, you could. In there you felt, if not more, just as alive and breathing and the water – it spoke to you. At first you were sure you were dying - you should have listened to Seungcheol, you should have stayed away but here you were in the middle of the lake, so close to death that you were hallucinating voices. But when you realised you were actually breathing, you listened.

Finish your mission Y/n. Finish the mission and you can become who you really are again. You can join the waters again.

You didn’t understand.

That night instead of a fairytale, you ask Seungcheol to tell you about the legend of the sea again so he did.

Centuries ago, back when there was magic on Land, there was an ancient war between two of the most powerful kingdoms of Earth – the Chois and the Kangs. They battled tirelessly, day and night, for months to the point where uncountable bodies began piling, resources began running out and even the heavens begged them to stop - there would be nothing left of the Earth this way. But that’s the thing about power – relinquishing it was not an option.

Finally, one unfortunate day, the Chois gained an upper hand in battle, forcing the Kangs to seek refuge in hiding. The Kangs though, disappeared overnight - though the Chois searched every corner of Land, they could not find them. It was only when they sort to use magic to find them that victors of the battle realised, they had lost their most prized possession – the Sceptre. The sceptre was like the motherboard of all magic on Earth – it was the source. After years of combing every inch of Land, the Chois finally came to the conclusion that the Kangs and the Sceptre were in the one place that no one on Land could reach – The Sea.

Indeed, powered by magic, the entire kingdom of the Kangs and all those who stood by their side had retreated into the ocean, making a life for themselves there. Using the magic, they kept themselves alive, preparing once again to battle for what they believed was rightfully theirs. But the Earth could not take another war, at this rate, nothing would be left and so, the Council of the Land and the Council of the Sea were formed, to keep peace between both kingdoms. After months of debate, both councils came to a Pact.

The Kangs were allowed to keep the magic but were forbidden from ever stepping on Land. The very magic they stole was used to strip them of their ability to breath air, forcing them to stay in the waters for life. The Chois on the other hand, were allowed to rule Land but were never to see magic again – the Land would not know of it and would not use it anymore. And most importantly, the Land and the Sea were never to meet. Every single ship in sight was burnt, boats were torn apart, walls were built at the border of every coastal city.

Over generations, not only did the Land never interact with the Sea but they began to fear it, malicious stories of monsters and merpeople making their way into children’s bedtime stories and fairytales. A few brave, rebellious souls would try to break The Pact and venture into the Sea but no one really lived to tell the tale.

Seungcheol said that there will never be anyone with a tale to tell because like all legends, this too was no more than just a story and a speculation. But for the first time, you don’t believe him.

Instead, you think merpeople truly do exist and as impossible as it sounded, you might just be one of them

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You looked at the pretty red dress you had laid out on the bed for today.

Today was important for more than one reasons.

Today was the annual citizen’s banquet, which meant it was the first time you were going to the castle. Today was also the first time you were going to see the king and most importantly, today was also probably the day you were going to find out who you really are.

You didn’t tell Seungcheol about what happened that day in the lake. Maybe because he believed that the Legend of the Sea was not true or because you yourself were not sure you entirely believed it, but somehow you, who told Seungcheol about everything, didn’t tell him about this. You needed more confirmation first, you needed to go into the lake once more.

But surprisingly, the lake you once liked so much looks more daunting now. You were not afraid of drowning, rather you were afraid what being able to survive the waters would mean. You kept avoiding it, telling yourself one day you couldn’t go in there because you had to brine the vegetables and that you had to bathe the cows or whatever other excuse you could find until one day all the chores were over and you ran out of excuses. You had to go in now.

Carefully looking around to make sure there was no one in sight, you sat down on the bank, put a foot first, then the other, then slowly lowered yourself in, submerging into the waters, kkuma’s barks fading out, the voices taking over.

Finish your mission Y/n and join the waters again.

It was true.

You weren’t imagining things, you were indeed breathing in there, the voices were real, everything was ridiculously real. It didn’t make any sense but it also really did. The water felt like home, like you belonged. You could swim much faster, better than you could walk. You felt stronger, more powerful, more like you in there. Even though the lake looked like it held darkness, you could clearly see everything below – the animals, the plants, the life, all of it. Oh, you wanted to join the waters, you wanted to be here forever.

But when you opened your mouth to ask what the mission was, only the gurgling sound of bubbles left you. Somehow just the thought was enough because you heard the answer soon enough and it sent a chill down your spine.

Kill the King.

You looked at yourself in the mirror, donning your dress.

The price for finding out who you were was to kill the king, the most important man in the town.

You couldn’t.

Taking the life of another could not be the price of your truth. So, you had decided to forget about it. It was wrong and unethical and whoever asked you of that had clearly lost their mind except….. it was you.

The more you thought about it, the more you could not deny it – the voice in the lake was your own, as though you had left yourself a message, a reminder. Why on Earth would you want to kill the king? Then again, how did you, someone who clearly belonged to The Sea, find themselves on land? Why was it that you remembered nothing?

Maybe killing the king had a bigger purpose, a noble one, after all, all kings were not necessarily good.

You had to find out. You had to meet him and see for yourself.

And as though the universe was aligning things into place for you, the night you decided to ask Seungcheol about visiting the castle, he mentioned that the king was arranging a grand banquet to which all citizens of the town were invited. He said if you were not comfortable you didn’t have to go but you cut him off much to his surprise, insisting that you want to attend.

That’s how days later you found yourself standing at the gates of the castle as the crowd of town poured into the estate on either side of you. Seungcheol was supposed to pick you up tonight but instead there was a carriage waiting for you, with a message relayed by the footman that he got caught up in something and will meet you in the banquet.

The banquet was arranged in a large hall right in the middle of the castle and it was perhaps the most stunning place you had ever seen. The stone walls were covered in drapes of red and purple, the large windows shining with the views of prettily trimmed gardens. There were beautiful paintings everywhere, statues of men in armour and food of all kinds being serve around. Almost the whole town fraternised under the large golden chandelier, each dressed better than the other, chattering away in small whispers. You stayed near the large pillars of stone, as far away from the crowd as possible, eyes still looking for Seungcheol, ears trying to tune out all that people were saying around you.

But you couldn’t ignore the loud sound of the trumpet as it echoes through the hall, followed by an announcement that the King had arrived. As your heart thumped away in your chest, he appeared, at the top of the stairs that led down into the hall, dressed in what you thought was rather simple for a king. You wanted to move closer to get a better look as he descended down the stairs but you realised everyone around you was bowing down to him so you mirrored it, staring at the white marble of the floor. Its only when a pair of pretty leather shoes appear right before you that you allow yourself to look up, facing the one person you were to see tonight – the king.

He was nothing like you hoped. He didn’t look malicious, or evil or like he was even capable of doing something wrong. He had the kindest eyes, crinkled with crows’ feet as he smiled at you so warmly, you felt nothing but comfort. Only one other person in this whole town ever made you feel safe like that. From the looks of his salt and pepper hair, he looked like he was aging, and the wisdom that came with time also shone on his face. He smiled so pleasantly, didn’t dress in a way that showed off all his wealth, and didn’t seem to harbour any sort of superiority because the moment the music swelled to life, he held his hand out to ask you, a commoner, for a dance.

The whole town looked at you as though they were waiting so you placed your hand on his, letting him lead you to the middle of the floor as everyone else immediately moved to pick partners of their own.

Seungcheol had taught you how to dance. When you expressed your interest to go to the banquet, he told you there would also be a dance accompanying it and showed you how it was done. He was so patient with you, even though you stepped on his foot and banged his head with yours a few hundred times, bursting into a string of apologies whenever you did. But he only laughed, holding you close and dancing with you through the rainy night. You wondered where he was right now but that was the least of your worries considering you were dancing with the man you were deemed to kill and to your absolute disappointment, you could not find one reason to do so.

You hoped so hard that you were right, that the king was a bad man and you were given this mission to make things right but he wasn’t. As much as you tried to not eavesdrop, you still heard whatever the people around you were whispering away. They were all in praises of him. They said he was a great man and under his ruling, the town was doing better than ever. They said the harvest was good thanks to him, that the they were safe from invasion thanks to him and were all living well thanks to him.

A part of you knew they were right – you had seen how happy and peaceful the townspeople always were, something that was only possible if they were in good hands. You could see for yourself what a wonderful man the king seemed to be and how everyone truly seemed to love and cherish him.

But a part of you didn’t want to believe that. You had to find a reason, something had to be wrong, you needed to justify why killing him was important. That was the only way to find out who you are.

And as though the universe which had been so helpful so far decided now was the time to create chaos, the trumpet echoes through the hall again, announcing the arrival of the crown prince. When you see the person standing at the top of the stairs, you instant freeze, feeling your guts twist the way they did the first time you ever saw him – Seungcheol.

Seungcheol was a prince. He was the crown prince of this land which meant he was the first born of the king.

That meant...... your mission was to kill the father of the man you loved.

As the townspeople gathered in the gardens below, you stood in a balcony of the castle, looking at the stars dancing in the sky.

The whole night you had been feeling nothing but numb. The moment Seungcheol had appeared you excused yourself from the king, rushing out of the hall, trying not to throw up. Seungcheol immediately followed asking if you were okay but you didn’t answer. You did not see things unfolding this way. Not only did you not find a single reason why you had to kill the King, now you had one for why you shouldn’t do it.

Seungcheol asked again, looking for answers in your expression but you just looked away, muttering that you had no idea he was the prince. He said he wasn’t trying to hide it from you, he just didn’t think about it. The whole town knew he was the crown prince so he never had to introduce himself that way. Besides, he didn't like to his status as royalty to define him so he didn’t usually mention it to anyone. As far as why he didn’t live in the castle was concerned, he started living in the cottage when he was 14 years old. That house was his mother’s, before the king and her fell in love and got married. After she passed away in the childbirth of her second child, he moved there so he could feel closer to her. His father too thought it was good for him to live among his subjects, to learn their problems and to gain their trust.

You had nothing but silence to offer in return. It was all too much, all at once.

The loud whispers of the town started fading out as the King walked in, standing among them. Seungcheol didn’t look too happy as he stared at the scene below him. He said he was worried about his father. You felt that churning feeling in your stomach once again. He said that he was getting old and it was getting harder for him to negotiate with neighbouring kingdoms, to keep war at bay. You didn’t understand what he meant.

He claimed the town was happy now but 3 months ago, nothing was going well. Their kingdom was under attack, everyone’s lives were threatened, the future looked very bleak. The king had somehow managed to save everyone then but unknown to the people, it was temporary. His father tried his best to negotiate and talk to the neighbouring kingdoms but there was no use – war has been declared against them yet again and he was worried King Choi was not strong enough for battle.

You held his hand stroking the back of it softly. He then apologised to you, confusing you even more. You asked him why but you had an idea already – he was taking his father’s place in war; he was going to lead the army.

You felt as though someone pulled the ground below your feet and Seungcheol’s grip on your hand was the only thing saving you from falling. As crown prince it was his duty and you knew and understood but the thought of being away from him again was killing you on the inside. He said he wouldn’t be gone for long but you know what war meant - there was no guarantee of him even returning.

You hugged him shaking your head, refusing to let him go or insisting that he take you along with him but he simply hugged you back claiming that was not possible, it was dangerous. He told you to move to the castle while he was gone. Here you would be taken care of, you wouldn’t be lonely and most importantly, you would have the chance to get closer to his father.

You froze.

Seungcheol let you go, making you sit on the moss-covered stone bench, sitting next to you. He said he wanted to leave you in good hands in case he didn’t make it back. You refused to listen to anything else, he promised he would always come back to you, that meant he had to come back. He laughed at your futile stubbornness, tucking your hair behind your ear, looking at you with a strange longing. You give him a soft peck on his lips to let him know he had no reason to long for you, you were always his. He pulled you in for more, taking your face in his hands, his mouth desperate against yours, like it was the last time, like a silent goodbye etched in his kiss.

It was only when the applause rang downstairs that he let you go, pressing his forehead on yours, sighing. You felt tears threaten your eyes once again as he caressed your cheek with his thumb softly, like he was trying to memorise how your face felt under his touch. He said he wished he had longer with you, he wished had done this earlier and slid onto the gravel floor onto his knees, looking up at you softly.

Marry me, he whispered, holding your hands.

You stared at him wordlessly as the sky behind you came alive with lights, fireworks prettily burning against the black canvas of the night. Maybe a few days ago if he asked you would have said yes without him even needing to finish. You would marry him right there and then but now you were torn. Kill the King. The words were constantly ringing in your head. How could you marry him if your mission was to…..

He understood your silence as hesitance, saying you didn’t have to answer now, you could tell him when he returned - that way he would have something he had to come back for. He then pulled out a small necklace from his pocket, making you wear it, saying it was a reminder of him while he was away. You touched the pendant, feeling it with your fingers. It wasn’t like any jewel you had ever seen - it didn’t shine, it was an odd shape and it looked rather dull. He said it was a shell and it was from the sea.

If he noticed your shocked reaction and stuttering as you asked him how he got it , he didn’t mention it. Instead, he answered that there was a path from behind his cottage that led to the other side of the forest, to a sea cave where land and sea met fearlessly. Before you came into his life, that was his favourite place to go - he often spent his free time there and that’s where he found this.

You wonder if it’s a sign from the universe, receiving a part of the ocean at a time when you didn’t know what to choose.

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The next morning, trumpets rang through the entire town, announcing that the neighbouring kingdom had declared war and the crown prince was leading the army to fight. People spilled onto the streets to watch the armoured and determined cavalry going to serve their kingdom, Seungcheol leading the troop all the way in front on his horse. You stood at the highest terrace of the castle, watching him leave, going further and further away, until the distance engulfed him and you couldn’t see him anymore. You barely had him to yourself for five minutes in the morning to say goodbye before he was called away. You convinced yourself that all this was temporary anyways, he would come back.

With a heavy heart, you walked down the wide corridors of the palace, kkuma following your every step. You lived here now. Seungcheol had people shift your few things from the cottage to his room in the castle. Though the bed was beyond comfortable and the room was bigger than the whole cottage you lived in previously, you didn’t spend much time in there. Instead, you roamed around the gardens and corridors or stepped out into the marketplace that you never ventured in without Seungcheol by your side. Any place was better than his room. It reeked of loneliness and most importantly, it overlooked the sea. As much as the breeze gave you unexplainable comfort, it was also a constant reminder of your mission.

As time passed, you found yourself less and less inclined to fulfilling your task. You tried your best to not let yourself be swayed but in vain – you could not help but like the king. He was nothing but welcoming and kind to you. Maybe Seungcheol told him or maybe it was just a constant in the Choi family, but he insisted that every night you join him for dinner. He would ask about your day and make light conversation, but unlike Seungcheol, he would retire early to bed. He was sick. You could see in the way he coughed through his meal, the way his eyes keep fluttering shut in tiredness towards the end of the night. Yet he did all he could to make sure you were alright.

He introduced you to the library in the castle and if you thought Seungcheol’s study had a large collection of books, this place was massive. Books were lined all the way up till the ceiling, there were all sorts of maps and globes scattered all over the room, shelfs lined with little trinkets and souvenirs from his travels. The King explained that Seungcheol like his mother, loved to explore and like him, loved science and this library was where it all came together. He used to be unstoppable ever since he was a child and his curiosity always landed him in trouble – the whole town was banned from stepping on the beach but nothing could stop him. He always wanted to explore the sea.

It surprised you to learn about Seungcheol’s fascination with the sea because he had always told you to stay away from water, that it was dangerous. You spent days of your time in that library, going through his journals and drawings, but didn’t really understand all the scribbles of notes he had jotted everywhere. You did see on the map though, the location of the sea cave that Seungcheol had mentioned about, wondering if you could get any answers there, but somehow you could never bring yourself to go. The answers of the questions you had so far had not been pleasant.

Then one day as you sat on the wooden floor of the sunlit room studying what looked like drawings of some strange contraption, Hannie appeared in the sky.

You immediately got up, running out of the room, down the corridor, up the stairs, all the way to the top, to try and see Seungcheol reappear where you last saw him.

He didn’t.

Clouds made their way, covering the strong sun, submerging the town in a strange gloom. It all felt too apocalyptic. You rushed to find the King, learning that he was holding court, making your way to the hall, stopping right by the door and hiding yourself to overhear the discussion.

The Chois were ambushed.

More than half the forces were dead or injured, many were missing and as though your greatest fear came true, Seungcheol was missing too. He was also very badly injured and no one had seen or heard from him in two days, it was highly likely he succumbed to his injuries. You refused to believe it. He said he would come back to you, which meant he would, you believed him. But no one else seemed to share the same faith as you. They were going to give up, surrender the throne to prevent an attack on the town itself. That was when to everyone’s surprise you barged in.

You insisted nothing was wrong with Seungcheol and they had to find him and finish this war. They tried to reason with you, tell you the facts but you refused to hear it. You questioned how they could give up so soon and why they aren’t even trying to find him. They claimed they had to clear out from enemy territory, that it could be dangerous going back there. You turned to the King hoping you could at least reason with him but his tired old face looks like he’s already mourning his son. You ran out of there, unable to come to terms with what was happening.

You would find him yourself if that’s what it took.

Rushing to the royal stables, you picked the horse that looked the strongest and forced its gates open, ignoring the crimson bleeding out of your hand as you cut it on the metal. Before the poor stable boy could stop you, you mounted it, riding out of the palace, into the unprepared town. People hurriedly ran out of the way, pulling their carts and children to the side, nothing but wind left behind as you raced through. You had your eyes on Hannie flying in the sky above you. You knew it could lead you to him, you just had to follow. You were almost successful in crossing the gates of the town, into the woods, when the royal guards caught up, surrounding you.

The head of security begged you to stop, that you were putting the kingdom in more jeopardy and you couldn’t let your desire to protect one man affect everyone. You wanted to argue, tell him that you didn’t care about anyone else and to insist that they let you go but when you turned and saw all the people stepping out of their houses to see what the commotion is, you let go the reins of the horse. Yes, finding Seungcheol was most important to you, but not at the cost of so many people’s lives. You knew better than that, you could never be that selfish.

As though Hannie sympathised, it landed on your softly shoulder, nuzzling your neck, cooing in your ear. You took him in your hands, the bloodied hand further darkening the red on its chest, a thought forming in your mind. You smudge the blood onto your fingertips, tracing a word onto its white, a word that you knew would bring Seungcheol back to you. As you set it free hoping it would find him, you watch the yes etched on it, praying to the skies that when it returns, Seungcheol follows it like always.

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You didn’t return to the castle after that.

Turning your horse in the other direction, you rode to Seungcheol’s cottage by the woods, the only place you felt close to him. The big room and big bed of the castle might be physically comfortable but nothing made you feel at peace like this house, your safe haven. You were curled up in the bed for hours now as the sun slowly began to descend behind the mountains. You just had to give it time. You kept telling yourself it wasn’t a matter of if Seungcheol returned but when. He would come back for you, he would fight all odds and come back, you knew it.

The sound of the horses neighing at a distance made you sit up. The royal guards must be here to escort you back to the castle now that it was getting darker outside. You didn’t want to go. You couldn’t stand being in that castle again.

Grabbing the oil lantern nearby, you soundlessly left through the back door, kkuma following you just as quietly. You thought you could just wait it out until the guards didn’t find you and returned to the castle but when kkuma began wandering away, you had no choice but to follow her. Not listening to your hushed whispers, with a mind of her own, she ventured into the forest and thoughtlessly, you followed. It’s only when the trees parted that you realised where you were – the sea cave.

You didn’t know what you were expecting when Seungcheol mentioned about this place but it was beyond beautiful. The crystal blue waves were racing back and forth on the golden sand, the stone wall of the caves were gradients of brown rocks and green weeds. There were holes eroded onto the roof, the evening sun softly pouring in and in that soft light you noticed in the corner, folded are some blankets and books that clearly belonged to Seungcheol – he indeed must have spent a long time here. Kkuma settled herself down in the warmth of the bundled cloths, as you placed the lantern on a nearby rock and kicked your shoes off, feeling the warm sand under your feet.

The water was inches away. The Ocean, the place that, if you had assumed right, was your home. Every bone in your body was craving to be in it, to submerge in it, to just feel alive in it once again. You walked ahead, taking one step after another, but the closer you moved to the waters, the further it seemed to be moving away from you. You quickened your steps, but the Sea kept retreating, pulling away. It surprised you to receive such hostility from waters that always looked so welcoming but not more than the voice that boomed through the cave, making you look around in panic. There was no one, you were all alone and kkuma too was fast asleep, like she didn’t hear anything. When you turned back to the sea, you bit back a scream, coming face to face with a woman, whose eyes were piercing into you, her lips curled into a smile as her voice echoed through the cave again.

I see you’ve finally found your way home.

Pain like no other seared through your head, making you fall to your knees in agony, your dress fanning out in the sand. As the woman bent down to your level, you scrambled back, swallowing the phantom lump in your throat, taking a better look at her. Holding a staff in one hand, she looked as old as time, her white hair and ragged clothes floating like she was still in the waters and that’s when you realised, she wasn’t actually here – it was apparition, like… magic. As though she read your mind, she confirmed it indeed was magic, that she controlled all the magic of the Sea - she was after all the Sea Witch.

You recalled Seungcheol’s story about how the Sea had taken away magic from the Land, watching the legend come to life before you as the woman floated a few feet above the ground, looking at you expressionlessly. Who am I? Do I belong to the Sea? Why am I on Land? You knew she was the only one who could possibly have the answers and she did - for a price.

She pointed at the shell on your neck, claiming it belonged to the Sea – give it back and you could have all the answers you wanted. You held it in your grasp; it was the only thing of Seungcheol’s you had with you. You could either lose it and learn who you are or keep it and walk away, return to the castle. You could let your forgotten past remain forgotten and think only about the future with Seungcheol.

But is there a future? She asked, reading your mind yet again. You knew what she meant. Seungcheol went to war and people died in war all the time. If he did not make it back, you had no place on Land, no home, no one to call your own. But if you were to find out who you truly are, you could then return to where you truly belonged. You tightened your grip on the shell, the pressure opening your wound, the blood spilling again. Giving up this necklace meant admitting to the possibility that Seungcheol will not return. How did that make you any different from all the others in the court who you lashed out at?

The Sea Witch looked at you fighting your own battle in your head. She held out her hand saying if it was meant to be, then Seungcheol would return to you, regardless of whether you had this necklace or not. You know she’s playing you but give in, ripping the chain from your throat and throwing it into the waters, watching it sink into the dark bottom.

The waves which seemed so afraid of you, raised themselves, almost as though bowing to you and the Sea Witch mirrored their action before straightening and looking up but this time, respectfully not meeting your eye.

What do you seek, Princess of the Ocean.

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You held the dagger in your hand tight, hands not shaking as you approached the dining room.

The moment you returned to the castle, the maids had told you dinner was served and the king was waiting for you. You washed up and changed out of your sand filled clothes into one of your usual red dresses. Maybe there was a reason why you liked red so much – maybe deep down you knew you needed to hide the blood on your hands somewhere.

You had to kill the King tonight.

You stood in front of the large doors, the dagger that the Sea Witch gave in your hands, hiding efficiently in the large fabric of your dress. Once you stepped in, everything would change. You would become the killer of Seungcheol’s father, but you would also finally be fulfilling your duty to your people, the MerFolk.

The Sea Witch told you the story from when it all began. The legends were all true. The merfolk were real, the life under the sea was real, everything you had experienced was real. 3 months ago, you were a part of the Sea, living a carefree life as the youngest princess of the royal family. Then one move by King Choi and everything changed.

Over the centuries even though the entire ocean was ruled by just one family, without the power of magic, land had split into many Kingdoms and many rulers. Unlike the peace in the Sea, Land was always at war with itself, neighbouring kingdoms attacking and occupying towns – they never got rid of the battle they thought they won. One such battle happened three months ago at the Kingdom of the Chois where they were invaded by their neighbours, the Hans. At the brink of losing war, King Choi did the unthinkable – he set sail.

His deep interest in the Sea, that his son eventually inherited, had led him to spend years of his youth designing and building ships, the last of which had been burned during the Pact. The Sea allowed his soldiers to take an alternative route to attack their invaders and drive them out but the moment the ships had touched the ocean waters, years of peace dissolved into chaos.

As the calm waters were shaken, towns under the Sea began falling apart – many merfolk died, many lost their homes, many lost their way back and among all the tragedies, the greatest one was losing your mother, the Queen.

Her death left the entire Ocean without a leader, without a protector. Your sister, the oldest in the family, who had been trained for years to take over as queen was missing, like many others in the aftermath. The kingdom waited for days for her to show up until it was not practical to anymore – the ocean needed rebuilding, it needed leadership and guidance. As the only one left in the royal family, you had offered to take your mother’s place as queen but the Council of the Sea refused. You were young and inexperienced and unlike your sister, you were not trained to take over the Kingdom. They wanted to hand the Sea to the Hwangs, another family who had their eye on the throne for centuries now and were willing to take up the responsibility of the Ocean.

You couldn’t let that happen, not only would it crush your mother’s dreams if the Kang lineage of rulers ended with her but also the Hwangs were notoriously famous for their aggressiveness. Under their hands, there was no saying what the future of the Ocean would look like. The citizens of the sea protested too – they were all on your side, they wanted you to rule and so the Council of the Sea and the Hwangs agreed – if you could prove yourself worthy.

Kill the King of the Land.

Blood for blood. Get revenge for the destruction of the Sea, that was the order. That was the price for you to get back your kingdom and 100 days was all you had to do it.

That’s when they called on the Sea Witch. Breathing on Land for 100 days would require very powerful and ancient magic, something only she was capable of. But it would not be so straightforward. The process would be excruciatingly painful, almost like becoming a new person, like being born again - quite literally because it would wipe out all your memories, everything you know of the Sea would be taken away. You would be sent to Land like a blank slate.

That meant you had 100 days to go on Land, figure out who you were, learn of your mission and complete it. Should you fail, not only would you lose your kingdom, but the waters had no forgiveness for those who disobeyed magic so ancient – you would join them again, but as sea foam.

Today was day 92. You only had 8 days left.

You pushed open the doors of the dining hall, eyes falling on the King tiredly slouched in his chair waiting for you. He must’ve fallen asleep because he didn’t move when you approached. You looked at face responsible for the death of your mother, the disappearance of your sister, the destruction of your kingdom and you felt numb. You still couldn’t bring yourself to hate him, but you also couldn’t walk away. Yes, if only he didn’t bring out his ships you wouldn’t have lost so much, you wouldn’t be here but you know like any other good king, he did it to save his people. And now you had to do whatever it took to save yours.

And then fate smirked.

Just as you raised the knife and were about to plunge it in his chest, you heard the fluttering sound of wings and on the balcony landed Hannie, looking more red than white. The knife slipped from your hands, landing on the floor with a thud as the king stirred awake. His guards burst into the room as the royal trumpets echoed through the night. You rushed to Hannie in the balcony, the one that overlooked the town, and saw the oil lanterns of the houses, slowly increase in number, getting brighter and brighter in the darkness. The king and his men departed immediately and so you followed them, holding Hannie in one hand and your dress in the other, running down the palace corridors and out the gate to see a crowd gathered.

As it parted, it revealed Seungcheol's horse and holding onto its reins walking it was Seungcheol, bruised and battered, blood splattered all over him, multiple wounds gashed open, barely but still alive. Take a staggering step at a time, he approached his father bowing and whispered, We won before collapsing into the gravel.

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Seungcheol was immediately taken away by the royal physicians as the king announced to the people that the war was over and the town erupted into cheers. You tried to follow the doctors to be with him but they closed the door on your face, asking you to stay out. So, you stayed right outside, the whole night, prancing about, biting your nails, as you waited for the news.

Instead, you were met with screams. You don’t know what they were doing to Seungcheol in there but he was evidentially in unbearable pain – you could hear in the way the screams ripped out of his throat, like he was in pure agony. It went on for hours and it was so terrifying to hear, you felt your heart shatter every time it rang through the halls.

Finally at the crack of dawn he seemed to calm down and the doors finally opened. He was deeply wounded and his body was beyond exhausted, he just needed some sleep, the physicians assured you and the king, who unknown to you had also arrived. You thanked them and hurried in to see Seungcheol peacefully lying on the bed, bandages wrapped all over his body.

You sat beside him as the king gently stroked his son’s hair both proudly and sadly, muttering that he would pray for him to heal soon. As you held Seungcheol’s hand in yours, the king requested you to stay by the former’s side till he woke up. You assured him you would, to which he nodded and to both your shock and horror, pulled out the dagger which you had dropped in the dining room the day before. You held your breath as he placed it on the table beside the bed, not even looking at you. I believe this is yours.

He knew.

He figured out that you had attempted to take his life, but the tired old man didn’t say anything as he left. Instead, the royal guards placed at the door told you what you needed to know.

You failed your mission. Not only had you let down your people, you were discovered and now you were to be tried for treason. You only had till Seungcheol woke up. Lips quivering, you held onto his hand tighter.

You didn’t know if fate was showing you mercy or prolonging your agony but it took almost 2 whole days for Seungcheol to finally wake up.

You hadn’t left his room since you had entered it. Not only were you not allowed to, but you didn’t want to leave Seungcheol’s side. You either sat beside him, or in the balcony overlooking the ocean for hours together with kkuma curled up next to you and hannie flying around in the sky. The two of them had been awfully calm, as though they too knew what was coming.

Finally, on the 94th night, just as you had closed the doors of his bedroom and prepared your bed to sleep, Seungcheol stirred awake. You immediately rushed to his side as his eyes fluttered open, and the moment they landed on you, he broke into the most peaceful smile. You sighed in relief, softly holding his cheek in your hand, asking him how he was feeling.

You said yes.

Hannie flew into the room like a reminder of your message to him but his words only pained you. Things had changed so much since then. Not only could you not marry him but you had now become worthy of his hatred. You don’t think you can bear to see anything but love for you in his eyes.

Leaning down you kissed him, whispering that you loved him and that you wish no matter what, he always remembered that. He didn’t seem to understand your words, still reeling in the happiness of your acceptance of his proposal as he pulled you into his arms, wrapping you in the embrace you were craving for.

As the two of you laid for hours together, wrapped in each other, he told you how they had been ambushed before they even reached the battlefield - someone had betrayed them. His horse had saved him, taking him away into the woods, far from his attackers but he was already very badly injured. It was Hannie who arrived with your yes that truly saved him. He knew he had to come back for you so he pushed through. He regrouped what was left of the army and infiltrated the enemy camp that was prematurely celebrating their victory and gained the upper hand.

You snuggled closer in his warmth, hoping he wouldn’t see the guilt on your face when he spoke of you like you were his saviour. Everything would change tomorrow. Tonight was your last night with him, your last chance to create a memory for him to remember you by. As he went on about how tomorrow morning he would talk to the king about the wedding, you kissed him, cutting him off. Tonight you only wanted to love and love you did.

Of all the nights you spent with Seungcheol, nothing felt like this. There was a strange desperation carved in the way you undressed each other, hands roaming, names whispered against skin. You took the lead this time, clambering on top of him and he stared at you like you were his whole world and more. Tucking your hair behind your ear, he told you how lucky he was to have you and you pushed the recurring feeling of guilt down and claimed him for yourself one last time.

A clash of hands, tongues and moans, he matched your need, leaving marks of love on your shoulder and chest. Burying your face in his neck, you held back the tears of pain and pleasure and a goodbye all dissolved in one as you came apart above him. Like always his arms held you in his embrace as though stopping you from losing yourself but it was too late. Everything had fallen apart already.

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When you woke up, the bed was empty.

Seungcheol was not in the room, neither were the maids scurrying in as usual, cleaning up and neither were the guards who were placed outside the doors all these days. You walked down the corridors which were overtaken by a strange emptiness, wondering where everyone was. It was late in the afternoon judging by the sun but the palace was looking bleaker than usual.

That was when your eyes fell on the flag of the kingdom hoisted down, flying low.

Mourning.

You rushed back towards the bedroom wing of the palace, heart beating erratically against your still lungs, till you found the royal physicians walking out of a chamber, looking dejected. The kings chamber.

As you got closer, you noticed the officials of the royal court had all gathered around, dressed in black, heads hanging, faces in sorrow. They parted, letting you walk in to see Seungcheol standing at the edge of the bed, looking down at the king who laid peacefully in a slumber he would never wake up from.

The moment you put your hand on his shoulder Seungcheol turned. He wasn’t crying but there was so much pain in his face, it made you want to take him in your arms and hide him there forever. But you didn’t. You rubbed his arms softly whispering that you will wait for him outside, knowing he needed time with his father, the last of his family.

But the moment you stepped out, the royal guards surrounded you, their spears pointing at you from a distance and you knew the time had come. By the order of the late king, after Prince Choi was awake, you were to be imprisoned for treason. For life.

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You might have been forced into a four stone walled dark cell for 5 days now but there was no greater prison that your own mind. As the moonlight creeped through the metal bars of the window on top, you sat crouched in the little dark space, leaning against the cold rocks. It was always so silent in here, you only ever heard the crashing of the waves against the walls, each ebb and flow reminding you of where you truly belonged.

With the king now dead, your mission was complete, you could go back home. You could go back to your people, you could take back your kingdom but somehow you lacked the strength or the will to fight your way out of here. It would mean facing Seungcheol, who in the last many days had not come even once to see you. With each passing minute in his absence a part of you was glad to not see the disgust he would hold for you but another was broken at the thought of this being the end of the love you shared. As you fought your inner battle as a lover and a princess, time, the one thing that you did not have, kept slipping away.

And then for the first time in 5 days, a shadow other than your own was cast in the moonlight. Seungcheol’s.

You stood up, taken aback by his presence after so long but more by the sound of the gates opening and the guards asking you to step out, leading you out of the prison cell. You were free.

It was only then in the light of the fire lit corridors that you saw him, dressed in finery like never before and on his head rested the whole responsibility of the kingdom - the crown.

It was no longer Prince Seungcheol, he was now King Choi Seungcheol.

Seeing him like that, your heart swelled with pride. When you found out Seungcheol was the prince you weren’t really as surprised as you should have been because it was only then that things made perfect sense. You had seen the king in him all along. One of the reasons that you loved him so much was because of what a good man he was, always thoughtful of others, always helping those in need, always looking out. No one was more worthy of being king than him.

But before you can say anything to him, the maids brought you away to his room, complaining that you needed a change of clothes and a good bath. As they helped you strip out and scrubbed your neglected skin, they talked about how Seungcheol was furious when he learnt of your imprisonment. He insisted that you be released at once but he could not do anything as the royal guards would only take orders from the king. Stubborn to get you released no matter what, he sped up the coronation, which was due two weeks later and was crowned king just hours ago. His first order as ruler was that you be immediately released.

You asked to be left alone for a bit, soaking yourself in the water after days now. Why did Seungcheol let you go? Did he not believe you tried to kill his father? Or did he love you so much that he was willing to forgive you for the attempt?

You couldn’t even ask him. He would not be free of the coronation festivities which apparently went on till sunrise and you didn’t have long before you had to return to the ocean – it was already day 99.

Maybe it was better this way. You had your duties like he had his. Maybe if you left without giving him an explanation and without getting one, it would be easier for the love between the two of you to die. It had to die. The two of you belonged to two different worlds. There was no a happily ever after written for this story.

You slid against the bath, submerging yourself into the waters, trying to breathe in peace again.

But the nightmare had not ended. The voices were not gone.

Kill the King.

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When you walked out of the bathroom, Seungcheol was there.

He was sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed in his usual simple clothes again. In fact, he was wearing the same white shirt as the first time you ever saw him. The irony was not lost on you. It was like fate was not tired of the joke after joke after joke it was playing.

You walked in, asking him what he was doing away from the celebrations when you noticed what was in his hands. The dagger. Your dagger.

It's been a while since I told you a story.

He looked up, meeting your eye in the mirror, his finger dangerously dragging against the blade.

Do you remember the legend of the sea?

Why was the talking about this to you right now?

There's more, he claimed, standing up, turning to you. In that blue sea of dangerous creatures and vicious beings also lived the most beautiful woman in the world.

You can hear your heart thumping in your ear.

One day, the woman of the waters found herself on land. She was sent with a mission.

You took a step back. How could he possibly know all this?

You may have forgotten everything Y/n. But I didn't. He walked up to you. You may remember only 3 months of our love, but I remember 10 years of it.

You didn't understand. You didn't understand at all.

The young woman had been interested in the Land and humans ever since she was a little girl. Even though the merfolk were clearly warned to stay away from humans and shallow waters were dangerous to swim in, she would always escape the barricades quietly, to see whatever little of Land she would.

Finally, when she was 14 years old, she discovered a little secret - a sea cave. It was the only place where the waters next to land were deep enough, where she could get close to the land without being in much danger. She would come there often just to look at the sand and the rocks but she never saw any humans.

Until one day, a young, 14 year old Prince, distraught at the loss of his mother had ventured into the forest all alone and found the cave.

You remember Seungcheol telling you he moved to the cottage after the death of his mother when he was 14.

The price was also just as interested in the Sea as she was in land but unlike her, he did the stupid thing of entering the waters - he immediately started drowning.

That was the day she saved him the first time. Holding her breath to the point she couldn't anymore, she pulled him onto the sand before disappearing into the ocean. The last thing he remembered was seeing her most beautiful face.

After that the prince came everyday. Initially the young girl never showed herself. He knew she was there though, deeper in the waters, lurking silently. He would come every morning and just sit in the sand doing his assignments, glancing at the sea every once in a while and when the sun would start to set, he would return. Slowly, much to his anticipation and delight, she started coming up closer and closer to the surface until one day when he was 16, Seungcheol for the first time, put his hand in the water and touched hers.

It was magical, like nothing he ever felt before.

Then he started to get reckless again, trying to enter the waters, almost drowning too, but this time she held his hand and taught him to swim. Of the many hours he spent in the cave, a few minutes were always in the water, swimming by her side, and the rest were just watching her glide through the waves.

When he was 18, he created something extraordinary. He had always been a bit of a science man but after years of trial and error, he had finally made a device - a little mask of sorts that could help him breathe underwater, for about an hour or so. He didn't have to hold his breath anymore - he was able to spend longer under the sea, longer with her.

When he went to show it to her, she had discovered a little secret of her own - weeds. Not any kind but a very particular one that only grew in the Sea witches house. She apparently used to work for one, to learn magic, like all her other siblings did. There she had come across these very special plants that allowed merfolk to breathe on land.

That was the first time she stepped on land. The moment she did, she succumbed to her knees, throwing up water in the sand. Even the weed had its downsides, the most important one being that its affect only seemed to last an hour or so. But the hour she had with him on land and he had with her in the waters were more than enough - Their worlds were no longer barriers.

That went on for years, these secret meetings. Initially it was just sharing laughs, then dreams, then the thought of a whole life together. He taught her how to read and write their language, she drew him maps of different lands, far away in the sea. He taught her about science and she taught him about magic. His stories about the land animals fascinated her and her stories about the sea creatures terrified him.

When he was 20, he kissed her for the first time. When they were 22, they made love and when they were 24, around a 100 days ago, she told him she had to come to land for a mission.

It felt like someone had knocked the air out of your lungs. How was any of this possible?

She didn't say what her mission was, just that she had something to do and she needed him to help her. She would apparently arrive on land with all her memories gone and she needed him to guide her to find her way back. He didn't understand but she didn't have the time to tell him more. She just handed him a shell necklace and told him to give it to her when the time was right, it would help her figure things out.

So did you figure it out Y/n? He took you hand, placing the knife laced with his blood in it. Was your mission to kill my father?

You shook your head slowly, still processing all the information.

"It was to kill you."

The moment you heard your voice again in that bath, you felt like your life just left you. You thought the mission was completed - the king was dead. Then why were you still hearing it.... except you didn't complete the mission. You didn't kill the king, you didn't use the dagger.

Now the king was right in front of you. The man you just discovered you had been in love with your whole life. The man who made you fall in love with him all over again. The man who you had to kill to stay alive.

But he didn't look even a little fazed.

The sky behind you was starting to get brighter. The sun was rising. The 100th day was nearly here.

"Its okay." He whispered, moving closer to you without an ounce of fear. "Do it."

How could he love you so much, enough to die for you?

You could feel the tears rolling down your cheeks. He gently wiped it away, shaking his head. You kissed the inside of his hand on your cheek, and then pulled him close, feeling his mouth against yours for what you knew was the last time.

As you whispered an apology, he assured you it was okay. That you were the most beautiful thing that ever happened to him. And there was no better way for him to go than you being the last thing he saw.

You took a step back.

"Till death do us apart."

And then another step.

"Till death do us apart."

And then another, till you reached the window overlooking the ocean, you back against it.

You smiled at him.

He was not the only one who loved you enough to die.

The sun had risen quite high by now. You were simply a silhouette against the light, an outline and soon a memory. Before Seungcheol could even realise what you were doing, you leaned back. He ran towards you, as you let yourself drop, only just missing his outstretched hand trying to pointlessly save you, taken away by the winds, taken away to the sea.

As the sun fully rose in the sky, the dagger in you hands landed in the ocean with a splash, sinking to the bottom slowly, disappearing from existence.

And around it was sea foam, finally reclaimed by the waters where it belonged, gently floating away in peace.

#seungcheol oneshot #seventeen seungcheol #seungcheol angst #seungcheol smut #seungcheol fluff #seungcheol x reader #choi seungcheol #seungcheol scenarios #seventeen series #seventeen one shot #s.coups #s.coups angst #s.coups smut #s.coups fluff

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altheasmeadow · 6 months

Text

The Change In You

WC: 1.4 K

Pairing: S.Coups X fem reader

Warnings: Body Image issues, mean mom

Choi Seung Cheol, The man was the definition of husband material. So when he finally settled down into a relationship you can only imagine both his and his members' excitement, especially when they saw his partner. She was the perfect mix of grace and chaos. The days spent watching her bickering back and forth with Minghao, Jun and Jeonghan were some of his favorites, or when she’d join in on the teasing of Mingyu and Dino, but his favorite thing about his love? She was so self assured, she had nothing to be insecure about of course, but usually women on the fluffier side of things in his experience tended to lean more towards the reserved side about their bodies.

The day he proposed he spent the night worshipping her beautiful curves, and he couldn’t think of a better way to spend the night honestly, he’d have spent the rest of his life in that moment if he could. He didn’t know if the high of being set to marry the love of his life would ever die down, until of course her mother had to start inserting herself where she didn’t belong.

It started small, miscellaneous things he would have never noticed if he didn’t know her inside and out. Her usual cropped tees and joggers were switched to baggier sweats and his large hoodies, her hair that was once always tied up to reveal her face started being worn down, looking dull and lifeless. He pulled her aside and spoke to her about her habits, but she denied everything; not trying to fight he stepped back to allow her to deal with her own issue, because she is in fact an adult who could make her own choices. It gradually got worse though, and his temper was flaring, trying to find any and every way to fix this situation without overstepping, But first he needed to know what was causing the situation.

“Hyung, It could just be pre wedding stress.” Wonwoo advised, trying to reassure the frantic male.

“There’s no way! She’s excited and planning it seems to be the only time she feels alive, the rest of the time she looks so drained.” Seungcheol gritted out frustrated about the situation.

“Look how about you call her and we all go out tonight, maybe we can pull her out of this together.” Minghao offered, feeling sympathetic toward the elder man who was usually very composed, this level of discomposure was a new form of tension nobody was prepared for.

“I think she’s having lunch with her mom, today I don’t want to disturb.” Seungcheol sighed, brows furrowing in thought.

“You know she’s been spending a lot of time with her mom since this all started happening.” Mingyu noted, face stuffed full of chips, oblivious to the look of horror crossing Jeonghan’s face.

The second oldest might be the only one who knows how bad her mother can get, while Seungcheol understood things weren’t the best he was still always optimistic and encouraging her to have a bond with her mother, meanwhile, Jeonghan absolutely refused to allow her to put effort into such a toxic relationship, anytime she was tempted to meet with her mother, Jeonghan “coincidentally” always had an emergency, but recently he had been way too busy with a comeback and hadn’t really noticed her going out. God was he annoyed.

“Call her hyung.” Jeonghan demanded, everyone looking towards him with confusion. Everyone was so used to the man being pretty much a tease 24/7 so the sudden narrowed eyes and the pull of his lips was strikingly stunning.

Realizing the severity, Seungcheol grabbed his phone and dialed his fiancee’s number.

One ring

His anxiety spiked a little as the second rang through and then the third, and finally on the fourth the call was answered and a familiar voice emitted from the call.

“Hi Love.” She sounded tired, and breathless, making Seungcheol even more confused about the situation.

“Hey Bub sorry for interrupting your lunch, I just wanted to know if you’d be up for dinner tonight with the guys, they really miss you!” He offered, pulling his thumb nail between his teeth, a horrible habit truly.

“Ah I don’t know, we had a big lunch today.” She responded softly, taking a deep breath.

“How about a game night then?”He tried again, only to earn a hum of indifferent in return.

Just as she was about to respond, he heard a door open and close behind her and the fumble of a phone, “Get back inside if you want to find a wedding dress that’ll fit you.” He heard his future mother in law’s voice chime, making his heart swell, they were wedding dress shopping?

The smile on his face dropped almost immediately after though as she continued speaking, “We can’t have you look like a cow, get back in there and run off those calories, then I’ll get you another salad after maybe if you work off enough.”

He heard the door open and shut after his fiancee asked for just another moment and received a scoff in return, before picking up the phone again.

“Baby…” He tried to speak but only heard her rushed words of “gotta go I love you.” before the call was ended, leaving Seungcheol in disbelief.

“Hyung?” Dino asked, carefully leaning towards his leader who looked like he wanted to punch someone, there was some shuffling and a door opening before everyone heard a stern, “Let’s go Coups.”

Everyone turned and saw Jeonghan standing at the door with Cheol’s keys in his hand ready to go, and before a breath passed Seungcheol took off, Jeonghan following shortly after.

–

A few broken speed limits later the two were outside the gym, of course there are many gyms in Seoul, however, only one was owned by his partner’s family.

“Are you ready?” Jeonghan asked, trying to make sure his leader wouldn’t completely lose his temper.

“I am.” Was all that came through the gritted teeth, before he pulled the door open.

It didn’t take them long to find the mother-daughter duo, seeing his partner panting with a red face as her mother taunted her almost set him off, however he kept his composure and approached the two, Jeonghan following behind with a deadly glare.

“Cheol? Hannie?” She asked, looking embarrassed at getting caught.

“Hi honey.” Jeonghan smiled sweetly towards hisbestfriend before returning his eyes to glare at her mom.

“Well hello boys, how can we help you?” Her mother smiled sweetly at the two, only to receive deadpanned expressions in return.

“You’re the reason she hasn’t been herself in months.”Cheol simply stated, causing the duo to look at him in shock.

“Ah no need to thank me.” The mother teased, turning back to her daughter with a grin as if to say ‘I told you so’

“There is no thanking happening here, you body shamed the most beautiful and confident woman I’ve ever met. You tore down her strong beautiful self for your own benefit. She and I have discussed her weight before. It is absolutely normal and healthy, she will not be continuing these stupid diets, atrocious workouts and enduring you projectiong your own god-awful insecurities onto her. If she doesn’t want to work out she shouldn’t.” He spoke with dominance, not allowing her to believe she had power in the situation for a second.

“And how do you know this wasn’t her idea?”

“Because if it was, she wouldn’t be hiding her efforts, she’d be proud of it, you might’ve birthed her but you don’t truly know her if you didn’t see that you were quite literally draining the life out of her, so what's going to happen is. If she wants to work out she’ll do it at her pace, she’ll also choose what to eat herself and not try to function off of small salads. She’ll rest properly, eat properly, and even exercise properly if she wishes. And it’ll all be of her will. Do not mess with the love of my life again, I’m not as friendly when I’m crossed a second time.” He basically spat at the women, as Jeonghan helped his lover up off of the floor, helping stabilize her shaky legs from the intense workout.

The three turned, leaving the stunned elder, who frowned upon hearing, “do you think we could get some food?” uttered from her daughter followed by a round of fond laughter.

#svt angst #svt scenarios #svt x reader #svt fluff #svt #seventeen x reader #s.coups #s.coups scenarios #s.coups imagines #s.coups fluff #s.coups x reader #seungcheol x reader

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gyuhanniescarat · 1 year

Text

Cupcakes & Kisses

there’s no way a snow day spent indoors with your boyfriend could possibly go wrong, right? then again… most people’s significant other isn’t choi seungcheol.

pairing: choi seungcheol x afab!reader

genres/tropes: fluff, smut (MDNI 18+, or you will be blocked), established relationship, slice of life, idol cheol, office worker au (feat. kep1er yu jin, fromis_9 ha young, le sserafim chae won), snowed in

word count: 3.3k

warnings: love-drunk cheol, pussy-whipped cheol, DIRTY TALK (i apologize for going off so much; you wouldn’t believe me if i said i wrote this while darl+ing & crush on loop), cheol has an oral fixation, fellatio/oral (m receiving), CHEOL IN SPECS (yes, this IS VERY much a warning; i’ve had a severe cheol in specs kink/brainrot for months as a result of this weverse live), a solid 2.2k of this is just PuRe FiLtH, my mind shifted to WONU’S “tasty” meme for a hot minute (i beg, pls don’t come for me🤭), heavy use of pet names (cheol calls reader… angel, darling, my love, princess, baby girl. reader calls cheol… cheolie, babe, daddy), light daddy kink (daddy is more just used as a title here), size kink (if you squint... bc i am a proprietor of the CHEOL MONSTER COCK agenda), mentions of breeding kink (be safe, stay protected from babies and STI's when being intimate with a partner y'all), cum play/eating, kitchen sex (idk, there’s no p in v action here, but cheol does get the gawk gawk 3000 so i put it here just in case), let me know if i missed something luvvies!

suggestive/smutty prompt no.12 “I think I can make you cum before the cupcakes finish baking.”

request: yes; long overdue; written for my winter event (so sorry for the delay, my dear annonie!! I hope you come across this post)

notes: Happy Valentine’s, my luvvies!! 💋💌🌹 My first fic of 2023 is here, and it’s for none other than one of my main bias wreckers… carats and seventeen’s general leader, our daddu MR. CHOI SEUNGCHEOL 🍒 I hope 2023 has been good to you so far, and I hope regardless of whether you have a valentine or not, you can use this time of year as a reminder to share your love with those who are most important to you.

a/n 2: thank you for the likes, but feedback and reblogs are always greatly appreciated (especially on my lengthier pieces) 💖

Waking up alone, to the feeling of ice-cold, empty bed sheets, this moment in time was undoubtedly the furthest from how you envisioned the day would go. But, you’re really in no mood to complain about that. Finding Seungcheol’s side of the bed unmade and devoid of his warmth is a relatively regular occurrence in the morning, as it’s not all that uncommon for him to fall asleep in his studio, or come home from practices, recordings, and schedules after you’ve gone off to work. But, you know for a fact that Seungcheol did come home by midnight and slept with you last night. Well… you’re 90% sure he came home. Yes, you were in a bit of a daze, but you vividly recall the dip of Seungcheol's side of the bed as two big, strong arms pulled you close, his distinct woodsy scent filling your nostrils as he snuggled up to you, resting his head in the crook of your neck. So, upon stretching your arm out and feeling nothing but the freezing, wrinkled white sheet, you are initially confused, but you just assumed he had something to attend to right away. However, you received quite the surprise when you made your way to the kitchen with the intention of making yourself breakfast.

Rolling out of your shared king bed, in your fluffy polar bear slippers and a pair of black satin sleep shorts which are covered by one of Seungcheol’s old t-shirts you stole when you first started dating… you stroll into the living room and push the curtains open. Tidying up here and there, you silently scold “yesterday’s you” for neglecting to at least clean up a bit instead of binging your favorite drama. Collecting the bit of trash left on the coffee table, you continue along toward the kitchen. Like a deer caught in headlights, you stand in place, in awe and disbelief of what’s in front of you. “C-c-cheolie?” You inquire, looking quizzingly at the presence of your boyfriend standing in the kitchen at 8 in the morning. He stands there at the kitchen counter with his jet-black hair perfectly fluffy and styled to perfection. Just a strand or two has strayed away from its place and is softly draping over one of his eyebrows. He is wearing his silver-rimmed, round-frame glasses with his famous balenciaga t-shirt and medium wash jeans, that only cheol can manage to make look fashionable. A cozy, college boyfriend, domestic Seungcheol with his specs on is a rare sight. So you find yourself silently appreciating this cheol, and thanking whatever forces have blessed you with this view.

“Mhmm. Mornin’, my angel. Did you sleep well, darling?” Cheol grins, taking you into his embrace and pressing soft, light kisses to the side of your neck. You melt right into his arms and bury your face into his well-defined, pillowy chest. “Mhm-hmm. I always have the best sleep of my life whenever you’re laying next to me, and cuddling with me, cheol.” You giggle, shivering from the chill in the air and the spine-tingling sensation of Seungcheol’s kisses. “Oh, I know, baby girl. You were clinging onto me last night as if I would disappear.” He chuckles, shifting to kiss you on the forehead. “I- I just want to absorb and cherish every chance I get to be in your arms, cheolie. I l-like it when you h-h-hold me close.” You shyly reply. “Anyways. You’re usually out of the house around this time. What are you doing here? Do you have the day off, babe?” You ask, switching subjects by sweetly laughing and looking up at your boyfriend in pure adoration.

“Ahh, yeah. I suppose I do, princess. I was getting ready to head out to the company, but then our manager texted me about an hour ago saying we wouldn’t be having practice today because there’s a bone-deep chill settling in, and most of the city is blanketed in thick billows of snow. What about you, my beautiful girl? Do you have to go into the office today, darling?” Seungcheol lightheartedly laughs, looking down into your eyes and pushing a strand of your wavy shoulder-length hair behind your ear. “Oh, uh-uh… well, my boss is out of the country on a business trip. So, I don’t have to go into the office, per se. But, Yujin unnie, Hayoung unnie, Chaewon, and I were going to meet up for coffee and lunch. Though, I’m guessing plans might change if it’s gloomy outside.” You explain, words slightly muffled by the fact you’re still leaning against Seungcheol’s chest.

Just then your phone dings, indicating that you have a new text. Pulling away from cheol a bit, you retrieve your phone from the pocket of your shorts. Cheol watches as you read the message, with a hopeful expression on his face. You pout a little bit as you read over the text Yujin sent through to the group chat. “Oh. I- I guess, I don’t have anything going on today after all. The girls all agreed it’s way too cold outside to even go cafe hopping.” You mutter, feeling a bit mopey about the news. A mischievous smirk spreads across Seungcheol’s face at the sudden revelation. Cheol wraps his arms around your waist again and sways you side to side. “How unfortunate, my love. Shall we have a stay-at-home winter date then, princess? Hot cocoa-” The man proposes, quickly getting cut off by you. “With mini marshmallows?” You cutely bargain.

He laughs as he pinches your adorably chubby cheeks. “With all the mini marshmallows you want, angel. And of course, whip cream, valentine’s sprinkles, and as a treat, some chocolate-covered strawberries on the side. I’m not some holiday monster, darling.” Seungcheol coos, pulling you closer, despite already being pressed up against you. “Of course, you’re not. You’re my Cheolie. You can’t be a holiday monster when you’re the sweetest boyfriend ever. Yes, yes, yes!!! I love the idea of all of that, babe. Oh, and c-can we?” You shyly ponder, cheeks flushing redder than a red panda. “What is it, baby girl? You can tell me,” he asks, trying not to coo at how adorable you look when you get flustered. “Can we bake some cupcakes? I-I wanna take some to give your mom the next time we go to visit her.” You ask. “You- Y-y-you want to give my mom some cupcakes when we visit her this weekend? Oh, princess. How could I say no to that? Of course, we can. God, I love how warm you are to my mum, as if she were your own. Well, I guess she kinda is your mum now since I intend to make you my Mrs. Choi.

The cupcake-making process was relatively easy one could say. Well, truthfully, it was about as easy as it possibly can be when you have a love-drunk, pussy-whipped simp named Choi Seungcheol in the kitchen. Every time you scooped some batter into the liners of the cupcake tin, you were met with a passionate, lingering kiss from your cheolie. Hell, at one point in the process, he even scooped up some of the batter on his middle and ring fingers, and held his fingers near your mouth, silently encouraging you to take his fingers in, wrap your lips around the digits, and lick the chocolate off. His eyes gloss over with lust, adoration, and love as you make eye contact while having his two fingers deep inside your mouth. “How is it, princess? Good? Is the batter tasty?” Seungcheol questions, biting his lip in an attempt to will his hardening arousal from growing bigger.

Awakening the little shit, teasing, scheming vixen within, you choose to take the course of riling Seungcheol up. “You tell me, cheolie. I think it tastes pretty good, but I could think of some tastier things around us. Can you?” You seductively purr, doe eyes and long lashes batting innocently. He scoffs in disappointment, but not surprised by the attitude shift from you. “Really? You’re gonna play it that way, princess. Do you really wanna go there? Because daddy can play just as hard, baby girl.” Seungcheol growls huskily, unleashing his daegu satoori in response.

Ever the mischievous, bratty sub you are, you don’t simply give in like that. Seungcheol may be everything you could’ve asked for and more… yes, he is the only man you’ll ever want to be intimate with. But that doesn’t mean he can just get it for free. Even the sexiest of men gotta work for it, right? Mustering the biggest puppy dog eyes you can pull off, you tilt your head to the side, clasp your hands together, and work it, “Come on. Oh. Daddy wants to play, huh? Well, guess what, daddy? Two can play that game.” You smile innocently and giggle, before kissing cheol on the cheek. After which, you take the first pan of cupcakes and stick them in the oven to bake. “Oh ho ho. I’m not letting you get away with that, princess. In the end, daddy’s gonna be the one laughing. On. Your. Knees. Now.” He warns.

“Oh, f-fuck. Yes, that’s it. You’re doing so good sucking on my cock like that. You’re daddy’s little cockslut, yeah?” Cheol groans, gripping your hair tightly into a makeshift ponytail. His head is tipped back and resting against the cabinet door behind him. You briefly pull off his length, a string of saliva connecting your lips to the tip. “Mhm-hmm. Yes, daddy. I’m forever daddy’s personal cockslut. Am I making you feel good, daddy? You curse so much and pull on my hair so hard every time your big, juicy cock bulges in my throat. Oh, does that turn you on, daddy? You’re already gushing so much and I’ve hardly done anything. Does the sight of my tiny mouth struggling on your thick member get you harder?” You suggestively moan out, jerking the man off, thumb and index finger not even touching while holding his dick.

You mischievously smirk up at Seungcheol’s reaction, taking his balls in between your lips and sucking on them, before eventually taking his cock back into your mouth. “D-did you j-just?? Oh my god! Did you just suck on my balls, princess?!” He loudly groans, accidentally hitting the top of his head on the cabinet handle. You pull away for breath again and giggle at the flustered and shaken state of your boyfriend. “Hehe. Yep. Did you like that? Did it feel good when I gave your balls some attention, daddy? They’re so heavy. Fuck, you’re holding so much cum for me, aren’t you daddy? I can’t wait to feel all your cum flooding inside my tight little cunt. You’ll fill my little pussy with all your cum, right, daddy? You’re gonna breed me and make me a mommy, yeah?” You lowly whisper, jerking his erection even more.

“Nghh. That was so fucking hot, angel. For a second, it felt like I went to another dimension. It felt damn good, princess. Shit, shit, shittt! You’re making daddy feel so damn good. Keep going just like that, and I’ll be unloading my cum down your little throat. Oh, baby girl, when I’m done with you, there’s no way you won’t be bred and knocked up with my babies. I’mma make damn sure you become the momma of my babies, princess.” He runs on, as his grip on your hair tightens even more.

“Oh, fucking fuck…. How did I ever manage to snatch up a beauty queen like you? Everything about you turns me on, angel. Your pretty eyes, the way you look at me so innocently even though I corrupted you a long time ago. Your cute hairstyles and how every one just accentuates your gorgeous face even more. Your soft, pink, plump lips that pout at me whenever you’re mad or want something. Or how your lips get so swollen every time we kiss or make out for a bit too long,” Your eyes glaze over further with lust and desire for Seungcheol. Moaning around his length, one of your hands can’t help but slip down toward your core and start rubbing circles on your clit. Fucking hell, Choi Seungcheol and his masters in dirty talk.

“And the way you struggle on my cock, yet take it like a champ. Your cute little hands and how tiny they look in mine. Of course, I can’t forget about your beautiful tits and how I can easily hold them in my hands. Oh, and the way your perky little nipples harden just from a little clit play. Or the way your breath hitches just slightly when I take them in my mouth to suck and bite on them. Oh, I can’t forget about your tiny, tight, soaking cunt. The way your little cunt stretches just to take my cock deep inside your walls, the way it tightens around me with every thrust. The way the stretch of my cock inside your cunt makes your stomach bulge every time I fuck you so good that my length kisses your cervix. And then there’s the way you so enthusiastically take everything I have to give you, even begging me to breed you like you’re nothing more than my little cumdump. ‘M close, princess. I wanna paint your pretty tits and cute little face in my cum. Can I, angel? Can I cover you in my cum?” Cheol pants, trying to stave off his impending orgasm. Quickly pulling off from his big, thick, throbbing dick with a pop, you press a quick kiss to the tip.

“Mhmm. It’s so fucking sexy when you talk like that. Oh god, I’m fucking soaking my panties now, daddy. I love how you get so love-drunk and pussy-whipped for me every time I suck you off, cheolie. Oh yeah? You wanna cover my face and tits in ropes of your cum, huh? Go ahead. You know you can do whatever you want to me. I’m yours, only yours. You don’t have to ask, daddy. Just wanna make you feel good, wanna be a good good girl for my daddy. Wanna be daddy’s little princess. Wanna do everything my daddy wants. Come for me, all over me, daddy. Don’t care if it’s messy, just want daddy’s cum. Paint me in endless ropes of your warm, thick cum. Let it go, babe. Come for me, please? I need your cum all over me, daddy. Paint me in your cum, and then fuck it into my little cunt, daddy.” You seductively moan, fucked out just from giving your man what is probably one of the blowjobs of his life.

“Oh god. Yes, yes, yes! Fuckkk. I’m coming. Oh shit, nghh. So good, princess. So so fucking good for me. Fucking hell. Oh fuck, it’s a lot of cum, darling. Oh god. Oh my god, yes. I’m coming- I’m fucking coming. Get ready for my load, baby girl. Daddy has a big load coming for you. You took such good care of daddy, and now, daddy’s gonna reward you with all his cum.” Seungcheol deeply groans, hands winding even tighter in your hair, despite already being inhumanely strong. When Seungcheol finally comes to his long-awaited climax, he takes one hand from your hair and grabs onto your chin, forcing you to look right into his brown eyes as he unloads every last drop of his cum on almost every region of your body. After he comes down from the haze of his high and gains some semblance of post-nut clarity, he immediately loosens the grip he has on your hair. Cheol brings his middle and ring fingers toward your chest, scooping some of his cum from the valley of your breasts, and brings his cum soaked fingers up to your lips.

You once again, welcome the presence of his fingers in your mouth. You close your lips around the two digits, this time instead of cupcake batter, you are sucking the remnants of his sweet and salty cum off his fingers. “Baby girl, are you really trying to make me pop another boner, right now? Because if you keep giving me bambi-eyes and batt your pretty little lashes at me one more time, I’m not gonna hesitate to take you back to bed and make good on my promise to you one sexy ass expecting momma.” Seungcheol huskily warns. “What if I want that, cheolie? What if I wanna be bred by daddy, like the little naughty cumslut I am? Hmm?” You laugh, sticking your tongue out to show that you swallowed the cum he fed you.

“Oh, just you wait and see. I’m gonna breed my baby real good. You’re in for it, princess. I’m not stopping till at least one of my loads takes and fertilizes in your womb. How is it, princess?” Cheol chuckles, watching closely as you lick your lips. “Mhmm. Oh shit. Mhmm… yes, daddy. So much cum… so so good. It’s so tasty, cheolie. You’re the tastiest, daddy. But, why waste your perfect cum when we could put it to better use pumping my tight cunt full of cum so much that I definitely end up getting pregnant with your babies.” You whisper, winking at the man standing in front of you. Seungcheol pulls you up, grabs a towel, and goes over to the sink to wet it. A few seconds later, he comes back over to you and helps clean you up a bit. Once he’s done, he throws it in the laundry pile along with your pajamas as well as his pants and boxer briefs. He washes his hands at the sink, then walks back over to you, pulling you in by the waist for a kiss. He can taste himself mixed with your cherry vanilla lip balm, but cheol is used to that by now. “C-c-cheolie!! What are you doing?” You squeal, swatting at his chest.

“Relax, angel. I’m going to stick the second batch of cupcakes in the oven now, but I wanted a kiss first. Why are you so flustered by me kissing you, princess? You weren’t so shy a minute ago when you were sucking the soul out of me thru my cock. Besides, is it now a crime to want to kiss my girlfriend?” Seungcheol remarks, once again cooing at how your adorableness levels increase whenever you get flustered. He sees how you pout in response to his coos, and chuckles before pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead and squeezing your hip with his free hand. You watch in silence at the humorous, yet somehow ultra-domestic sight of your half-naked boyfriend placing the baking tray of cupcakes in the oven like everything is completely normal.

A few minutes later, Cheol closes the oven door and sets the timer for the cupcakes on his phone. Seungcheol then turns to face you and opens his arms waiting for you to come into his embrace. Like a giddy school girl whose boyfriend is waiting for her in the car park, you jump into Seungcheol’s arms and kiss all over his face. He holds you tight in his arms, inhaling your sweet scent. Like a starved vampire, he begins sucking harder on the already forming hickeys along your neck. The two of you simply enjoy the peace, reveling in the silence, while being in each other’s presence for a little bit.

Seungcheol places you back down on the kitchen floor and stares deeply into your eyes, smiling cutely at you. The two of you maintain the comforting silence and deep eye contact for just a few more minutes before Seungcheol is breaking it with an unexpected question. You nearly choke on your own saliva as your eyes bulge out in shock at his question.

“The timer is set for 25 minutes. Okay, your turn now, princess. That should be just enough time for what I have planned. I think I can make you cum before the cupcakes finish baking. I’mma make good on my plans to return the favor. So, what’d ya say, darling? Shall we go ahead and put my skills up to the ultimate test, baby girl?”

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synthetickitsune · 8 months

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S.Coups (Seventeen) | Earrings fluff | 0.6k | gn!reader A/N: i now kinda wanna write this for all members?? askdhsk in other news, i'm trying to get used to wearing earrings lol

“Come here, come here, come here…!”

You know once he starts calling you like a distressed pet owner trying to get his baby to come to him that you’re in trouble. And here you thought you were being discreet.

So you, of course, play into his little roleplaying session and speed up your walk to the fridge, ditching it at the last second to walk all the way to the couch instead. You mean to only pick up your phone real quick when suddenly there are arms around your waist and your back meets a solid chest. Naturally you turn your head, only to be met with Seungcheol’s lips already pursed in a pout and his eyes conveying more about how betrayed he feels than words ever could.

“I can explain,” you sigh, slightly more defensive than you perhaps should be, and turn in his hold to put your hands on his shoulder, rubbing the tension away without any results.

“Why are you wearing Joshua’s earrings?” your boyfriend says, not swayed in the slightest, “What about mine? I got you those, didn’t I?”

“All of you got me a pair, I have the whole set,” you roll your eyes. A big perk of dating your boyfriend - free merch.

“Yeah, so why Shua’s? I haven’t seen you wearing mine yet,” he insists. You could tell him a white lie, but you know that’s not gonna work right now.

“Cheollie, you know these are more my style,” you tell him gently, “It’s nothing personal.”

“Oh, it’s very personal to me,” he grumbles, glaring at the offensive pieces of metal in your ears, “And you haven’t offered to change them for mine yet.”

“Babe…” you whine, your head lolling forward to rest on his shoulder. You can feel when he barely stops himself from kissing the side of your head like he always does. He’s not quite so successful in restraining himself from pulling you closer.

“You really haven’t…” you can hear the pout deeping in his voice. And it’s cheating, the way he murmurs it right into your ear, his voice deep and full of feeling.

“I never thought you’d ever order me what I should or shouldn’t wear,” you tease, “I’m not changing my earring because you’re being sulky.”

He huffs, leaning his head against yours with a long and dramatic exhale. He rocks you from side to side and you’re now sure if you’ve won or if he’s thinking about a comeback.

“But you like mine more, right?” he mumbles, “Like they mean more to you. You will take better care of them and never lose them, right?”

“I’ll take the best care of them. I’ll cherish them my whole life,” you rub your cheek against his shoulder, or maybe you just shake your head and he happens to be close enough. Either way, he can never win against you being cute for him.

“Good, then I’ll allow this,” he nods, brushing his fingers against your ear towards the earring.

“You know, I think you just want your name on me somewhere,” you hum, eyes closing in satisfaction when his fingers move into your hair and rub gentle circles over your scalp.

“I wouldn’t hate it,” he says and you can hear the smirk in his voice. And some part of you likes it, likes how possessive he could get, but most of your heart melts just imaging his sparkly heart eyes upon seeing you finally wearing his earrings, with his name on them.

Maybe you’ll surprise him when he’s having a bad day. Or maybe you’re gonna tease him just a little longer.

#seventeen scenarios #seventeen reactions #seventeen imagines #seventeen x reader #seventeen fluff #s.coups scenarios #s.coups fluff #s.coups x reader #svt fluff #svt scenarios #drabble #fluff

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jae-bummer · 11 months

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Right Here With Me

Request: hi! :) i feel like #19 on your recent prompt list would really fit to seventeen’s hhu, specifically to mingyu or seungcheol.. i adore your writing, thank you for putting in so much effort 💌

Prompt:

19) Taking care of your tipsy bias.

Pairing: Seventeen S.Coups x Reader

Genre: Fluff

You jumped as Seungcheol slammed his hand on the table. "Sing with me."

You blinked up at him in surprise. He was shimmying from side to side with the karaoke mic in hand.

"Coups," you sighed, crossing your arms. "We really need to get you guys back home."

"Noooo," he pouted, now his turn to cross his arms. "It's so lonely at home. Here is the opposite of whatever lonely is."

You looked across the table to Vernon who seemed to be thinking over the antonym of "lonely." Turning your eyes to Wonwoo for help instead, he gave a small shrug before taking a long sip of his water. To his benefit, he had been about as many drinks in as the rest of the guys but had chosen to hydrate about an hour ago.

"Come oooon, Y/N," Mingyu cooed, swaying behind Coups with the other microphone. "One more song!"

"One more song!" Coups chanted. "One more song!"

It wasn't long before Vernon and Mingyu had joined the chorus. With their shouting still in the background, Seungcheol stepped toward you and reached out to play with a lock of your hair. His eyes were half lidded and his plush lips pulled up at one side. "Come on, baby."

Closing your eyes, you sighed. "Coups."

Plopping on the bench beside you, he coaxed you into his side, and placed a wet kiss on your temple. "Pretty please? I love you soooo much. Why won't you love me?"

"Why is it that he always feels it pertinent to confess to you when he's drunk?" Wonwoo muttered as he watched with lifted brows.

"I don't know," you hissed, fighting your way out of Seungcheol's arms. "And what does me loving you have to do with you singing another song?"

"Everything," he said with a stubborn nod.

Wonwoo wasn't wrong. This was often Seungcheol's MO. You were best friends, even closer than that even. He was like a limb at this point. If you lost him, you wouldn't know how to function. That being said, the two of you had never explored a romantic relationship. You were mostly afraid of ruining your friendship, and he seemed to only think about it when he was intoxicated.

"He's so going to regret this in the morning," Vernon cackled, falling back into his seat.

"If you loved me, you'd let me sing one more song," Coups whined. "I'll even sing OUR song."

"We have a song?" you muttered. "Since when do we have a song?"

"Since," Coups hiccuped. "I heard it and thought of you."

"That's hardly "our" song then." You couldn't help but chuckle, plus, you were very curious to hear what Coups thought of as "your song."

"Pleaaaase," he begged. Sticking out his bottom lip, he gave you puppy dog eyes.

"Fine," you gasped. "One more song and then I walk you home!"

An award-winning smile took over Seungcheol's face as he sprung up and toward the karaoke machine. Flipping feverishly through his options, he finally seemed to find what he was looking for. Spinning around, he pointed a finger at you.

"This is for you, Y/N," he said in a low voice. You weren't sure if he was trying to be sexy or funny.

"Oh, this is going to be good," Wonwoo chuckled, pivoting himself to get a better look at the front of the room. Vernon already had his phone out and set to record.

You took a deep breath as you heard the intro to the song. Surely this wasn't what you thought this was.

"I've been drinking, I've been drinking," he crooned. "I get filthy when that liquor get into me - I've been thinking, I've been thinking..."

"Holy shit," Vernon hissed in between laughs. "This is the best day of my entire life."

You wished you were a turtle. If you had a shell, you would have something to crawl into and die. What was he doing?

"WE BE ALL NIGHT! LOOOOOOVE! LOOOOOOVE!" Seungcheol and Mingyu screeched at the top of their lungs as they began to grind their hips into the air.

"Well," Wonwoo said with a wince as he stood from the table. "That's enough of that."

Taking the few steps to cross the room, he tapped gingerly on the karaoke tablet. Within seconds, the music turned off, and the boys were left screaming in the open air.

"Yah!" Coups gasped, after he realized. "What did you do that for?"

"Everyone, I did that for everyone," Wonwoo muttered, gathering his things. "We have an early schedule tomorrow. Let's get moving."

You never had feelings for Wonwoo, but you could honestly kiss him right now.

"You heard him!" you yelled, pulling yourself to your feet as well. "Let's get moving!"

"Why didn't you like my song?" Seungcheol hiccupped. You were easing him up the steps to his apartment, holding nearly all of his body weight in the process.

"I liked your song just fine," you cringed, another flight of stairs behind you.

"You looked miserable," he pouted. "Why don't you ever take my confessions seriously, Y/N?"

"Because you don't take your confessions seriously," you muttered. Furrowing your brow, you counted the numbers on the apartment doors until you found his. "What's your code this week?"

"I can't tell you," he slurred. "It's a se-se-secret."

Pinching the bridge of your nose, you fluttered your hand toward the door. "Type it in then."

Seungcheol hiccupped again before slumping in the direction of the doorframe. Cupping his hand around the keypad, he eyed you suspiciously. "This is for my safety."

"I know, Cheolie," you laughed. "I'm not arguing with you."

Glancing back to the keypad, he stumbled back a bit. Catching him by the shoulders, you waited for the door to unlock.

"Why are there so many numbers?" Coups sighed, leaning against the door again and poking at the lock. "Three two's? Which two is the right two?"

"Let me try," you hummed. "Can you tell me what your code is?"

"My manager said not to tell anyone. Not even my mom."

"And you can change it as soon as I leave," you sighed. "If we can't get in, you're sleeping on the door mat tonight. And that's not very safe, is it?"

"Why can't I stay with you?" he asked, his eyes brightening with the sudden idea.

"Because I am not hauling you downstairs again and then another three blocks," you grumbled. "The code, please Coups."

"I like it when you call me Cheolie," he pouted.

"Cheolie, my sweet bean," you said, trying to contain your exhaustion. "Will you please tell me the code?"

"Mmm," he hummed, wrapping his arms around your waist and nuzzling into your neck. "Is my birthday."

"Shocker," you breathed, rapidly typing in the lock code. The door made a small buzzing sound before chiming that you could enter.

Stumbling into his apartment, you flipped on the lights and popped off your shoes before heading to the kitchen. Seungcheol, on the other hand, toppled to the floor and began yanking at his shoes.

Scanning the cabinets, you found his most spill-proof tumbler and filled it with ice water. Judging by the muffled sounds of frustration in the entryway, he was still taking off his sneakers.

Turning the corner, you could only sigh. He looked like a toddler sorely in need of a nap. "They won't come off," he said quietly before looking up at you.

"Here," you said, handing him the water bottle. "Drink."

Doing as he was told, he gripped the bottle with both hands, and leaned back against the wall. You crouched down, making quick work of his shoelaces before you managed to finally free him.

"Let's get you to bed," you murmured, motioning for him to take your hand. He slid his palm into yours before easing himself up.

"How could I go from feeling so good to feeling so awful?" he muttered.

"Funny how alcohol will do that," you chuckled, walking with him to his bedroom. "Arms up."

Setting his drink on his desk, he lifted his arms into the air and allowed you to pull his hoodie from his torso. Losing balance after the motion, he toppled onto the mattress, pulling you with him.

"Hey!" you groaned, immediately trying to separate yourself.

"Stay with me," he said softly, tangling his arms and legs around you. "Please?"

He was always affectionate when he was drunk, and you knew that. You needed to shut it down now before your heart could coax you into staying a little longer.

"I have to go home," you whispered, still not willing your body to move. You tried not to be amused as Seungcheol began pulling blankets around you and tucking them in.

"You are home," he whispered. "Right here with me."

You felt an unwelcomed warmth spread through your chest. If he wasn't so cute this would be a lot easier.

"Seungcheol..."

"Seungcheol, Seungcheol, Seungcheol," he continued quietly, settling himself in beside you. "Why do you always give me reasons why you can't stay instead of just trying?"

A little voice inside the back of your head repeated the old adage, drunk minds speak sober hearts. Coups was only clingy when he had too much to drink, but he had always been tender with you. Whether sober or inebriated, he was your person. You had never allowed yourself to think past platonic soulmates...but maybe...

"You're drunk," you countered. You felt so small in bed next to him. He was comfort and safety, even with soju on his breath.

"And you're scared."

He couldn't see the code to get into the apartment, but he could sure see right through you.

"It doesn't matter what I am," you whispered. "You'll regret this in the morning."

"No, I won't," he insisted. "Because I'll wake up with you next to me and I'll remember that drunk me did hangover me a solid.

I want you here, Y/N."

"Because you're drunk."

"Because you're mine," he said softly. "You always have been."

"Have I?" you whimpered. At this point, you were scared to break the spell. Scared that he would sober up and kick you out of his bed.

"Mhm," he cooed, pulling you closer. After placing a light kiss on your forehead, he chose to set his cheek there. "And I won't let go. Not even if there's a fire."

Anything that looked blurry now could be settled in the morning. How could you leave after that?

The Morning After

#s.coups #seungcheol #seventeen #svt #s.coups fluff #s.coups x reader #seungcheol fluff #choi seuncheol #seventeen x reader #seventeen fluff #seventeen fanfic #s.coups seventeen #seungcheol seventeen #s.coups scenarios #s.coups oneshot #seungcheol scenario #seungcheol oneshot #seungcheol x reader

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slytherinshua · 1 year

Text

[ 5:02AM ]

genre. fluff. cheol as a dad. warnings. mention of a baby (the horror 😶) and cheol abs (needs a warning) pairing. husband!seungcheol x fem!reader. wc. 324. a/n. randomly thinking abt cheol as a dad?? 😭 idk its random but hes so soft a lot of the time and it made me think abt him with babies...

“You look like such a dad,” You mumbled with a laugh, turning to your husband in the dark kitchen as he was preparing to make coffee.

“What do you mean by that?” Seungcheol asked, face scrunching up as if it was an insult, “I am literally a father. My newborn daughter is sleeping in our room as we speak.” He added as if you had forgotten.

“I know that. Obviously you are. But you just look like it right now.” You reinstated, hugging him from the back.

“I don’t have a dad bod…?” He said as if he was questioning the fact as well. You burst out laughing at the comment.

“I only meant you waking up at 3 am with me to help me feed her, and then you waking up again at 5 to make coffee and breakfast so I didn’t have to… It makes you feel like a proper father.” You slipped your hand underneath his shirt, feeling the very obvious and defined abs, “And of course you don’t have a dad bod, you work out almost daily.”

He shook his head, laughing at your conclusion and pressing start on the coffee machine. He turned around to you, hugging you closer. You reached up to brush some of his hair away from his eyes. It was growing longer again, black locks a mess from sleeping and waking up constantly.

“Should I say that you look like such a mom then?”

“That is unnecessary, but a very big compliment.” You smiled, breaking the hug to allow Seungcheol to start making breakfast. You poured yourself coffee as he did, watching from the side and keeping a good eye on the baby monitor as well. You were always paranoid that you wouldn’t hear her cries when she woke up. You and Seungcheol were trying your best to be the best parents you could, but there were a lot of challenges with raising a newborn.

↳ svt taglist: @kangtaehyunzzz,, @yeonjuns-bluehair,, @ddeonudepressions,, @hannahsophie0103,, @skz-minchan-enthusiast

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vividzzxz · 27 days

Text

🇹🇭🇮🇳🇬🇸 🇸🇪🇻🇪🇳🇹🇪🇪🇳 🇼🇴🇺🇱🇩 🇩🇴 🇼🇭🇪🇳 🇾🇴🇺'🇷🇪 🇴🇳 🇾🇴🇺🇷 🇵🇪🇷🇮🇴🇩. (Hip-Hop Unit)

-S.Coups

He would cuddle up to you early in the morning.

He would place soft kisses on the top of your head.

He would hold you close to him and rub his hands on your back.

He would clean up the sheets and bring you a fresh change of clothes if you've leaked through.

He would wait for you to finish taking a shower so he can help dry your hair and if he's feeling generous he would style it for you.

He would let you sit on the couch and cook breakfast for you.

Later on, he would bring you a glass of water a painkillers.

He would let you cuddle up close to him and watch a movie / k-drama.

He would often bring you flowers after work.

He would prepare the bed and also bring some scented candles so you can sleep peacefully.

-Wonwoo

He would wake you up with soft kisses.

If you're feeling bored, he would let you game with him.

He would purposely lose to see you happy after winning the game.

He would give you kisses once you win earning some giggles from you.

He would let you sit on his lap while he's gaming and when you fall asleep he would carry you to the bed.

Once you fall asleep, he would switch off his games and would come and lay beside you.

He would stay quiet making sure not to wake you up.

He would bring a glass of water and some painkillers and keep on your bedside table.

He would prolly keep his warm hands on your lower stomach area to relieve the pain.

-Mingyu

If he wakes up and sees you cooking, he would walk up to you, give you a back-hug and let you sit down while he's cooking.

He would bring the food to you while giving you pecks.

He would go out of his comfort zone to go to the store to buy you candies, hot pack, some warm food while he's busy.

He would surprise you with movie nights at home while cuddling you.

He would often bring his hand to you hair and fiddle with it.

He would let you lay on his lap while he peppers your face with kisses.

He would put a blanket over you if he finds you dozing off and switch off the movie.

He would lay you down in a comfortable position gently so you don't wake up.

-Vernon

He would wake you up with a glass of water to keep you hydrated.

He would pepper you face with kisses before you head to the shower.

He would cook you breakfast until you finish taking a shower.

He doesn't know how much pain you go through but he'll try his best to do everything for you so you don't feel more sick.

He would call his mom to ask for tips if he doesn't know about things.

He would often bring you some candies, plushies, hot pack, etc. to keep you distracted.

He would bring you some painkillers if you feel too much pain..

✧( ु•⌄• )◞◟( •⌄• ू )✧

-Note

I take requests for writing...

It can be from Skz, Svt, TxT, En-.

It can be based on smut, fluff, etc.

Link for the performance unit ver. https://www.tumblr.com/vividzzxz/746441925949898753?source=share

Link for the vocal unit ver. https://www.tumblr.com/vividzzxz/746400202282483712?source=share

THANK YOU !!

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fantasyescapes17 · 1 year

Text

Patience (Part 2, Final)

Word Count: 5.2k+

Part 1

Series Masterlist

The assembly rooms were crowded this evening. During the early days of London's season, much of the upper class was eager to gossip and speculate on which eligible young bachelors would finish the season with a ring on their finger.

Viscountess Hong's grip on your arm gave you some comfort. "I believe Seungcheol should be here already," she told you reassuringly. "The Viscount told me that he arrived in London earlier this afternoon… ah! There they are!"

A small group of men were gathered around a card table. You recognised many of them- including Mr. Kwon and Mr. Lee from the Grisham's ball a few days ago.

But it was difficult to pay attention to other people at the card table when the man you were passionately in love with sat there and looked up at you with wide eyes.

"Miss Yoon," Seungcheol said as he stood and came over to you without hesitation. There was a heavy pause. Multiple pairs of knowing eyes from the card table turned to watch you with interest.

You swallowed your nerves and smiled.

"Mr. Choi."

You shakily offered Seungcheol your hand and he did not hesitate to take it. He lifted it to his soft lips briefly- you longed more than anything to feel his lips against your skin, but your gloves and the watching eyes prevented you from pushing for anything more than this fleeting contact.

"I am delighted- it has been a long time since I have had the pleasure of seeing you in person," he said breathily. Seungcheol stepped closer and lowered his voice so that only you (and perhaps the Viscountess beside you) could hear him. His dark eyes sparkled mischievously. "You look even more beautiful than I remember."

Your heart leapt.

Seungcheol had always known how to make you speechless.

“I- erm-”

He stepped back again quickly. He was as conscious as you of the watching eyes. While those at the card table had been entrusted with the secret of your clandestine affair, it would not do to have any gossip-mongers catching wind of this. You were in love, but you were not young or foolish. There was too much at stake to be careless now. An uncontrolled display of affection would lead to a scandal- and was certainly not worth destroying the hard work of so many years.

Viscountess Hong tightened her grip on your arm and turned to her husband.

“Joshua- the dancing has not yet begun. Shall we take a turn about the gardens? I would like for my dear friend Miss Yoon to accompany us. And Mr. Choi, you look rather flushed. Perhaps you had best join us for a breath of fresh air as well.”

You bit back a smile. Viscountess Hong was not only very clever, but was proving to be an invaluable friend. You wondered how you would repay her.

Viscount Hong nodded at his wife. “Of course, my dear.”

You tried to stay calm as the Viscountess led you along with the two gentlemen out to the gardens. It was late evening- hopefully the approaching dusk would make it harder for your group to be spotted. In any case, the presence of the Viscount and Viscountess as chaperones gave your little venture an innocent appearance.

The Viscountess was speaking to you pleasantly about the upcoming ball that she and Viscount Hong would be hosting the coming week while your group turned about the walking path in the gardens. She led you to a small but thick copse of trees and glanced around furtively before stopping in her tracks and dropping her sweet smile.

“Well. We finally appear to be alone. If you walk a little farther you will reach a dead end hidden by bushes. Joshua and I will sit on this bench- nobody will be able to reach you unless they cross us and we shall divert them.”

You stared at her.

“I… are you sure it is safe?” you asked hesitantly. “If someone were to see us without you...”

Viscount Hong exchanged an uncharacteristically mischievous glance with his wife. “It is safe. You can trust us. Go,” he reassured his friends.

Seungcheol thanked him with a quick nod before disappearing further into the trees and you followed your lover eagerly until the Hongs were just out of sight. The trees brought the path to an end and Seungcheol turned to face you with a soft smile.

“My love…”

It appeared your thoughts were aligned. Seungcheol reached for your hands and expertly slid your gloves off in one fluid motion before bringing your bare hands up to his warm, familiar lips. He kissed the back of your hand, your knuckles, your palm, the tips of your fingers- over and over again until you finally twisted your hand and used it to cup his cheek.

“I’ve missed you,” you whispered.

Seungcheol’s eyes closed as your hands gently caressed the side of his face, and he leaned into your touch eagerly.

“I have missed you too. More than you can imagine,” he replied with a chuckle. “I am afraid Jeonghan has grown tired of me asking about you. But I cannot help it- hearing the sound of your name has been my only solace for the past many months. How have you been, my love?”

Your heart fluttered. My love. You loved hearing the passionate endearment from his lips. Seungcheol’s dark eyes opened and met yours with an expression of soft adoration that he reserved only for you.

“As well as I can be, considering the circumstances,” you told him pleasantly.

Seungcheol smiled and raised an eyebrow. “And what circumstances would those be?”

“The circumstances which keep me apart from you. My mother has promised that Mina will make her debut in society next season. I am confident that she will immediately become the centre of attention and Mother may finally admit that I have no other prospects- then she may be delighted at the thought of me marrying you, despite…” you trailed off hesitantly, realising that you had begun the sentence in a manner which made it difficult to complete.

“Despite my being a father and widower,” Seungcheol finished for you plainly.

You avoided his gaze. “Seungcheol, you must not-”

“My love, please. I am certainly not ignorant of the reasons we keep our affections secret. Your mother is not the only one who knows that you could do far, far better than me in matrimony. You are young and beautiful. You deserve to marry a man who can devote himself to you. You will not hurt my feelings by saying so. Indeed, you insult me by pretending that is not the case. Do not forget that I have received from Jeonghan a list of the numerous men that have sought your hand over the past three years.”

You looked up at him softly. “None of them could compare to you.”

Seungcheol covered your hand on his cheek with his own. “Sometimes I wonder if you deceive yourself.”

You bit back a playful smile. “I have often wondered the same- that perhaps you have cast some terrible spell on me to make me love you so. But then I remember that Jeonghan would never have encouraged our courtship if he did not think you were the perfect match for me. And I trust my brother’s judgement almost as much as my own.”

“Perhaps you should not trust him. What is this I hear about your dowry?”

“Oh- it is another lie. I thought it would ward off the fortune hunters, but I am afraid it has made Jeonghan look like quite the villain. He is not pleased. Hopefully he will be able to redeem himself in society soon,” you explained. “I owe him so much.”

“As do I.”

You took a deep breath and then removed your hand from Seungcheol’s face, choosing instead to clasp both his warm hands in yours. “How is Jiwoo? I have not seen him in many months. He must have grown so much.”

Seungcheol smiled again, as he always did at the mention of his young son. “He has grown. He remembers you well and asks about you frequently. The only reason he allowed me to depart for London this morning is because I promised to bring back a letter from you.”

“I will write one immediately,” you promised.

“I have often wondered whether I should ask him how he would feel if you became a part of our family,” Seungcheol admitted gently. “Perhaps…. it is because I am sure that he would be delighted at the idea that I have not asked. I do not want to disappoint him if things do not turn out as we expect.”

“Why wouldn’t things turn out as we expect?”

“Because, my love, we are not formally engaged and if you should finally come to your senses and decide that you want a better life for yourself than marrying a widower with a son… I would not want you to deny yourself for fear of hurting Jiwoo or me.”

You sighed. “That will not happen. We have had this conversation before, Seungcheol, so many times, and I have always told you-”

“I know, my love. I know. But the only reason you don’t receive five or six offers a year is because your brother goes to great lengths to prevent them, and-”

“It is because I go to great lengths to prevent them!” you insisted hotly. “Do you think I take this lightly, Seungcheol? Do you think I have thrown away my most eligible and crucial years in society on a whim? This-this entire charade, this act, all the lies- these are all because I love you and I want nothing more in this world than to be your wife one day. I want nothing more than to be able to stand up in society and call you my husband with pride. Do you not believe me when I say these things?”

Seungcheol lifted his hand to your face gently. “My love…”

“Well?”

“Of course I believe you. And I love you. Forgive me.”

Your brief burst of anger melted away. “We are closer than ever to having what we’ve dreamed of. Please don’t-”

You were interrupted by a sudden rustling in the bushes. You and Seungcheol jumped apart only to be relieved when only Viscountess Hong appeared. She looked apologetic.

“I’m afraid some other people have decided to take a turn about the gardens. We may be joined by company in a few moments. I hate to interrupt, but…”

“Of course,” Seungcheol replied as he dropped your hand and quickly ran a hand over his face. You composed yourself as well and took the arm that the Viscountess offered you. “We should return to the assembly rooms. I am sure the dancing has begun.”

You walked back with Viscountess Hong, allowing Seungcheol and Viscount Hong to walk ahead. The Viscountess gave you a teasing smile.

“Had a pleasant conversation?” she asked lightly.

You smiled at her gratefully. “I don’t know how I shall ever thank you.”

“I thought perhaps you may like to name your first child after me….”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You indulged in only one dance with Seungcheol that evening. Any more would certainly warrant suspicion, and you took care to dance with Mr. Kwon Soonyoung and Mr. Lee Seokmin immediately afterwards to ensure that it did not appear as though you were paying any special attention to Seungcheol. Then you retreated to the card tables where you could converse with your lover in a low voice, easily drowned out by the noisy laughter of his friends.

“I wish this evening would never end,” you whispered to Seungcheol as you pretended to concentrate on your cards. You were not even sure what the card game being played was. Presumably, you were losing money. “How much longer shall you be in London?”

Seungcheol’s eyes darted towards you, not allowing them to linger on your face for too long. “Only a few days. I shall probably stay until the Hongs’ ball on Monday- then I will need to return home. You know that Jiwoo cannot be apart from me for long.”

You smiled. “A feeling he and I share.”

Seungcheol returned your smile. “Yes, but you do not have the privilege of throwing tantrums and taking out your anger on your governesses. I fear his teenage years dreadfully.”

“Let the poor boy enjoy his childhood. Jeonghan has told me stories of your youth. I know that you were no angel when you were his age,” you said with a small giggle. “Yet you have grown into a gentleman. Jiwoo certainly will too.”

“Unless you come around and spoil him.”

You bit back a smile behind your cards. “I might.”

Seungcheol smiled and turned his attention back to the game as his turn came around. You looked around the room. You had not seen your brother all evening. You expected Jeonghan to be here. He was close friends with Seungcheol, after all, and surely had nothing else to do in London this evening. Perhaps he was tired of company.

You had just set down your cards, deciding that you were losing too much money to justify continuing this game when the Viscountess approached your chair and bent down near you.

“Miss Yoon. I am extremely sorry to have to interrupt your evening, but I am afraid I am quite exhausted and must leave for home,” she told you gently.

You looked up at her in surprise. “Oh- of course. Are you unwell?”

“Not at all. But my feet have been hurting for some time and I unfortunately as your chaperone, I cannot leave you behind here. The carriage is waiting outside”

“Of course. I understand. We shall leave at once,” you promised her. You turned to look at Seungcheol who had been listening to your conversation and gave him a longing smile. “You will be at the Hongs’ ball on Monday, you promise?”

Seungcheol smiled. “I have already accepted the invitation. I shall see you there, my love.”

—-----------------------------------------

“You smile too much in his presence,” your mother scolded you in a hushed voice. “Try not to expose yourself. We may not be in London but there are still enough people around to misunderstand your intentions and spread rumours.”

You bit back your smile. It was already the third week of your stay at the Choi estate. Little Jiwoo had announced that he wanted to have a picnic by the river and it being a warm spring afternoon, the rest of the household was in agreement. The Yoons and the Chois had set off, with neatly packed picnic baskets and blankets to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

“Would it be so very bad, mother?” you wondered innocently.

Your mother looked horrified. “What? Good heavens, child, what can you be thinking?”

Seungcheol was playing a lively game of catch with Mina and little Jiwoo on the grass a short distance away. He was incredibly patient with both of them. He made sure to throw the ball gently to Jiwoo, and offered Mina praise whenever she did well. Seungcheol’s bright smile and tousled hair shone in the soft sunlight, making it difficult to keep your eyes off him.

Choi Seungcheol was the most perfect man you had ever met.

You tried not to blush. “I only mean… we know Mr. Choi well, He is the same age as Jeonghan, and has been friends with him for many years. He is rich. He has a large estate, he is a gentleman and he has been so kind to us during our stay here…”

Your mother stared at you. “Are you a fool? He is a widower. He has a son.”

“Why should that matter? I don’t understand, mother.”

“You are too young, child. You do not comprehend the dangers of being a second wife. Mr. Choi already has an heir; an heir to whom you are not the mother. Even if you have further children with him, they will not be the ones to inherit his estate. If Mr Choi should die- as men often do- you will be at the mercy of that boy who may cast you out of the house and onto the street. Do you think he will have much love for his stepmother? You are a woman. Your future happiness and security relies on securing a position that nobody can question, a position that is not so precarious.”

You looked at your mother quietly. “Do you consider your own position so precarious, mother?”

“It was different for me,” she said dismissively.

“How was it different?”

“I was not as young as you. I was not as pretty as you. I was not as rich as you. I took the best position I could find and I am lucky your father was kind to me while he was alive. But you deserve better. You are one of the most desirable young women in society and you have no need to… to settle for someone like Mr. Choi.”

You looked down at your hands. “I see.”

“Trust me, my dear. Once we arrive in London next season and all the handsome young men begin vying for your hand, you will understand that you could do much, much better than Mr. Choi. I promise you.”

You turned away. Seungcheol had just caught a ball that Mina threw at him clumsily and as he turned his head in your direction, your eyes met. He gave you a warm, lopsided smile and brushed his dark hair out of his eyes before gesturing for you to join them.

“Miss Yoon! You should join our game- your sister Mina says you are a terrible catch and you must prove her wrong,” he called out to you cheerfully.

You laughed. “I am afraid Mina is quite right!”

“Then perhaps Jiwoo can teach you how to catch!”

You glanced at your mother for permission. She looked displeased but made no move to prevent you from joining their lively game. You quickly brushed off your skirts and walked over to little Jiwoo, who looked up at you with a big gummy smile that resembled his father’s.

“I’m afraid that I do not know how to play. Will you teach me, Jiwoo?” you requested.

Jiwoo nodded shyly. “Of course, Miss Yoon!”

You looked up and your eyes met Seungcheol’s once again. He was watching you with a quiet, admiring look in his eyes that made it difficult not to blush. Your mother was right about some things. Perhaps you did smile too much in Mr Choi’s presence, and perhaps you were too enamoured with the handsome widower. Maybe, just maybe, he was a little too taken by you as well.

But she was wrong about one thing.

You would not be settling if you married Mr. Choi Seungcheol for love.

—-------------------------------------------------

The Hongs’ carriage stopped outside your London abode and you bid farewell to your friends before rushing up the front stairs. A manservant opened the door for you. When you entered the lobby, you realised immediately that something was quite wrong.

One of your mother’s ladies maids looked distressed and cried out when she saw you.

“Miss Yoon! Oh, you must come quickly, your mother is in such an uproar!” she cried.

Your heart sank. “What…”

There was a loud crashing noise from the adjoining dining room and you could hear the muffled sounds of your mother yelling. You ran as fast as your heavy gown would allow and threw the door open just in time to see your mother throw a porcelain plate straight at Jeonghan’s head. He managed to dodge it and the plate hit the wall behind him before shattering to pieces.

“Madam, please!” Jeonghan yelled desperately.

You ran to your mother and grabbed her hand before she could reach for another plate. “Mother!” you cried. “Stop it, what are you doing? You’ll hurt him!”

Your mother turned to you, her face red and eyes wild. “What else shall I do? Do you know what that boy has done? He has proposed to Mr. Jeon’s daughter! After blatantly stealing your dowry and ruining your prospects and driving away your suitors, he has the nerve- the audacity- to marry and next he will throw us out of our home! How dare he? After all I’ve done for him since he was a child-”

You seized your mother’s arms. “Mother, please, there must be some explanation-”

“Ask him! Ask him- he is responsible for our current state!” she screamed.

You looked at Jeonghan. Your brother had turned to face the wall and was pressing his fingers to his temple. He looked stressed, and your heart sank in your stomach. This was your fault. Jeonghan was taking this abuse from your mother solely for your sake and it struck you how selfish you had been.

“Mother, sit down,” you told her gently. “Let us talk about this-”

She huffed. “I will not sit down! I am going to take our carriage straight to the Jeons’ manor and inform Mr. Jeon the precise nature of the villain that he is about to promise his daughter to! After destroying so many of your prospects I don’t see why he should be allowed to happily marry whomever he pleases!”

Jeonghan turned and looked at your mother, alarmed. This was the first you had heard of Jeonghan courting anyone, much less proposing to Miss Jeon, but that was a discussion for a later time. It was clear from your brother’s expression that the idea of your mother going anywhere near the Jeons’ home absolutely horrified him.

“Mother, you will do no such thing,” you told her firmly. “Jeonghan has not taken my dowry.”

“What?”

“I asked him to lie. The dowry money is safe and Jeonghan has promised he will give the full amount to me when I am married- only… only I have already decided who I wish to marry, mother.”

Your mother looked bewildered.

“I don’t understand. You have not received any proposals this season.”

Your lower lip trembled. It was difficult to reveal the secret that you had kept hidden from her for so long- almost as much for her sake as your own because you knew how she felt about Seungcheol. You knew that her disapproval of him stemmed not from any ill will towards him, but from her own insecurities and her love for you.

But it was not right to allow Jeonghan to bear the brunt of your problems any longer.

Somebody would be hurt tonight. Perhaps it was best for it to be you.

“Mother, I have been courting Mr. Choi Seungcheol for the past three years.”

Your mother stared at you in horror- she looked disbelieving for a moment but then a sudden understanding dawned behind her eyes. Her knees trembled and you kept a grip on her arm as she pulled out one of the dining room chairs and sat down shakily. She looked up at you with disdain.

“I warned you about Mr. Choi. He is a widower! He has a son!” she cried.

“I know,” you whispered.

“You know nothing! You are a fool! Is this the reason you have turned down multiple proposals over the last three years? I wondered why all those eligible men never-but- for heaven’s sake,” her fingers gripped the tablecloth in rage as she stared at you. “To go so far as to destroy your own prospects?”

“I thought… if my prospects were not quite so attractive….”

Your mother whirled around to face Jeonghan. “And you! Did it not occur to you to talk your sister out of this damnable courtship instead of encouraging her foolishness and enabling it?” she demanded.

“Mother, you cannot blame Jeonghan for everything-”

“Why not? He is the man of this household, he is responsible for safeguarding the virtue of his sisters-”

Jeonghan sighed and let his shoulders slump forward with exhaustion. “Madam. My sister's virtue is perfectly safe. But believe me when I say that she could hardly find a man more trustworthy or devoted to her than Mr. Choi."

Your mother looked more and more distressed as she realised that this was serious, that you and Jeonghan and Mr. Choi had been keeping up this charade for years now. She slumped against the chair and looked up at you with a defeated expression.

"You are making a mistake," she whispered.

You blinked back your tears. "Mother, I love him. And I love you as well. I know you have my best interests at heart, but please. Please allow me to make this decision for myself."

"He has a son-"

"A son whom I will love as my own."

She shook her head. "You are a fool. You are a blubbering fool, you will destroy your younger sister's prospects if you insist on making this unseemly match-"

"Then I will wait. I will wait until Mina comes out in society and is married, and only then will Seungcheol and I marry."

"That could be years."

"I have already waited three years. A few more will not kill me."

Your mother looked at you with an unreadable expression and then clenched her fists before standing up. She seemed to have reached some form of silent resignation. “Well. If you have arranged everything for yourself then I hardly see why my presence is required here. I shall retire for the evening. Do not follow me.”

Your mother stood and left. You were left alone with Jeonghan in the large dining room. Your knees felt weak- it was incredibly painful to be forced to reveal years of deception to your mother, but at the same time you felt as though an enormous burden had been lifted off your shoulders. You looked up at your brother shakily.

“Jeonghan…”

“Well, it is what it is,” he told you gently. “She had to find out someday.”

“Not like this.”

“Go to bed, sister. You must be tired. We will speak in the morning.”

You swallowed and nodded.

—----------------------------------------------------------------

The sunlight streaming through the sheer curtains woke you the next morning- you had slept fitfully all night and had a headache. One of the maids came into the room and hurried to your bedside.

“Miss Yoon- you must awaken! Mr. Choi Seungcheol has come to call unannounced this morning, and he is sitting in the breakfast parlour with your mother and brother!” she insisted.

You sat up.

“What?”

“Hurry- you must dress!”

You felt light-headed and allowed the maid to quickly help you dress and make you presentable. Once you had composed yourself you hurried down to the breakfast parlour, where you found your mother and brother just finishing their breakfast- and Mr. Choi Seungcheol sitting at the table with a cup of tea in front of him.

You swallowed nervously. “Mr. Choi-Seungcheol- what… what are you doing here?”

Seungcheol gave you a gentle smile but it was your mother who spoke up.

“He came to seek my blessing to make you an offer,” she told you tightly, while tearing some of the crust off her toast. “I will not pretend I am happy about this. I have put far too much effort to let you throw yourself away and marry beneath you. But considering how long you lot have kept up this charade and how many men you have already refused, I am no longer confident in my ability to persuade you to marry another man.”

Your heart leapt. “Mother…”

“You will not marry now,” she ordered firmly. “You will be quiet and announce your engagement only after Mina is wed. I won’t have your foolish decisions destroying your younger sister’s prospects. She deserves the best she can have.”

You nodded. “Of-of course.”

“And Jeonghan, you will immediately correct any misconceptions the ton may have about the dowry your sisters are to receive.”

Jeonghan smiled. “Of course, madam.”

“Then,” your mother replied as she dropped her toast back onto her plate and rose from the table. “It is settled. I will count on your continued discretion, Mr. Choi. I will not have my daughter’s honour questioned and I trust you will not take unnecessary risks or liberties until I have secured a husband for my younger daughter.”

Seungcheol stood calmly and bowed his head. “You have my word, madam.”

Your mother left the room before you could stop her. Jeonghan stood as well, and gave you a gentle smile and a reassuring pat on the arm before leaving the room so that you could be alone with Seungcheol. Your lover came towards you and took your hand. His dark eyes met yours hesitantly.

“Perhaps that could have gone better- but I imagine it also could have gone much, much worse,” he admitted.

You bit your lip as you looked up at him. “How did you know?”

“Jeonghan sent word of what occured last night. I thought it was about time I stopped hiding behind this clandestine affair like a child and brought myself to face your mother. She is not wrong to have her fears, my love. I thought it was my responsibility to try and convince her that her daughter would be safe and loved with me.”

“I… I….”

“It’s all right, darling. Come here.”

Seungcheol took you into his embrace. His strong arms encircled you firmly and you pressed your cheek to the soft fabric of his coat. This sort of intimate touch was rare, and as you wrapped your arms around him you realised that you were one step closer to becoming his wife, to being able to embrace him and feel him close to you like this every single day.

Seungcheol leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to your hair.

“I am sorry that we must wait longer,” he said to you gently. “I know it has already been so long. But your mother is right, we should not do anything that would jeopardise Mina’s debut in society next year. Your sister deserves the very best.”

You nodded into his shoulder. “I know.”

“Can you wait for me a little longer, my love?”

“You are lucky,” you told him with a smile as you looked up into your handsome lover’s dark, smouldering eyes, “that patience is not a virtue I lack.”

“I love you, my darling.”

“And I you.”

Seungcheol brought his hand to your chin and tilted your head up before pressing a soft, chaste kiss to your lips. It was more than you had ever dared to do before- but in the safety of your home with no fear of being seen, it was a liberty that Seungcheol could not resist taking. You closed your eyes and let out a soft sigh against his lips.

“Do you mean to steal my virtue before we are even formally engaged, Mr. Choi?” you teased him lightly as he pulled back, his dark eyes still focused on your soft lips.

Seungcheol smiled. “I suppose I shall try to make do with the heart I have stolen for now.”

You smiled and embraced him once more.

It would not be easy, you thought to yourself as you melted into his arms. But you would wait as long as you had to, for a chance at a lifetime with Choi Seungcheol.

---------------------------------------

A/N: Thanks to anyone who made it this far reading! I know this wasn't totally complete (in the sense it didn't go all the way up to their getting married) but I'm thinking of maybe showing that in a spin-off story through the eyes of another character? Does anyone want to see what Jeonghan's been hiding behind the scenes here, or maybe experience this world through the eyes of either Mina or Mrs. Hong? (or just a totally different member that didn't show up here?) Feel free to hit me with thoughts.

#seventeen #s.coups #choi seungcheol #seventeen fanfiction #seventeen fluff #s.coups fluff #s.coups angst #seventeen scenarios #s.coups x reader #seungcheol x reader #regency!au #fluff #seventeen reactions

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