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wavesmp3 · 4 months

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[csc] ode to you

inspired by 'daisy jones & the six'

pairing: choi seungcheol x reader (gn) genre: band au, strangers to lovers, angst wc: 13.7k warnings: cursing, heavy alcohol usage and often in an unhealthy way, one mention of blood (a terrible case of largely irrelevant side characters, an attempt at writing song lyrics, switching pov’s without any real indication, story existing in a vacuum of time and space loosely based off of 70s usa)

synopsis → The Numbers are a band well on their way to commercial success with Seungcheol as the dreamy front man, Soonyoung on drums, Joshua on guitar, Minghao on bass, and Junhui on keys. But all that changes the second you step into the studio to record “Begin Again” with them. The song is an instant hit, launching you from a singer-songwriter nobody to the biggest new name in music and catapulting the Numbers into a larger limelight than they’ve ever been in before. So with the entire country singing your song, the pressure is on for you and the Numbers to create an entire album that lives up to their expectations. But while pressure builds, something akin to feelings for the front man builds with it.

You go to knock again on the door, heavy footsteps and heavier breaths, but just as soon as your knuckles make contact with the heavy wood, the door swings open.

Jihoon looks disappointed. “You were going to knock again, weren’t you?”

You roll your eyes, pushing him aside and going straight for the marble bar cart you know sits in the sitting room off the formal dining area.

“You know you really have to work on your patience.” He says to you from the foyer, voice already sounding a bit far away. You always forget how big acclaimed-music-producer Woozi's house is. Although, you think, staring at the array of top shelf liquor arranged neatly on the bar cart, mansion is probably a more apt word for it.

You pour yourself a glass of whiskey.

Jihoon joins you in the room once you’ve already taken a seat in one of the brown leather arm chairs.

“How many glasses is that?”

You scoff. “I have a show at the Roxy after this.”

He hums, flicking the square paper in his hand.

You sit up slightly. “What is that?” Jihoon takes the paper over to the record player in the opposite corner of the room. He slips a clean black record out of the manilla slip and carefully places it into position. It doesn’t take long for the gentle hum of the record spinning around the platter to fill the room.

God, I love music. You think to yourself sitting back slightly in the armchair and allowing your eyes to shut.

“I want you to listen to this.” You hear Jihoon say, followed by the small pop of the decanter being opened and the quiet trickle and crack of liquor falling over ice. The sound of a bass overtakes the room. It’s somehow… gentle.

“Who’s it by?”

Jihoon doesn’t answer at first. You hear him sit down in the armchair next to yours while drums fill in the spaces of the songs and a guitar starts to hum along. And the sound that comes from the record player next–in all honesty, you don’t think Jihoon could have prepared you for. It’s a man’s voice, polished, in a way that you just know he’s been doing this for a while. His whole life maybe. There’s this rough, almost growly quality that amps the song up even more, and yet, simultaneously, his voice glides over the lyrics like honey spilling over the side of its jar. There’s so much depth in every note he hits. You don’t know if you’ve ever heard a voice–a sound–quite like this.

“Who is this?” You ask again once the first chorus comes to a close, opening your eyes and taking a proper look at Jihoon. He looks mildly amused.

“Have you heard of the Numbers?”

Seungcheol hurries into the studio from the car, guitar in one hand and lyrics in the other, fully expecting to get chewed out by his producer. “Jihoon, I’m so sorry. There was tra-”

Seungcheol stops in his tracks. The control room is empty. He steps back into the doorway and rereads the signage. He has the right room, so then… where is everybody?

“Seungcheol,” he hears a voice call for him from the recording stage. It’s Soonyoung, waving him inside and pointing at you. You smile at him, give him a nod of sorts. His eyes dart to Jihoon, giving him a look that says, who the fuck is that?

He walks into the recording booth hesitantly.

“Hey.” Jihoon says casually. “I don’t think you guys have met yet.”

You stand and approach him, sticking out your hand. Seungcheol just looks at it.

“The label thinks you guys would sound good on one track and want you to try recording ‘Begin Again’ together.”

He ignores your outstretched hand and looks straight at Jihoon. “Can we speak privately?”

—

Seungcheol had assumed he’d be the one getting chewed out in the studio today. Oh, how things have changed. He’s worked so hard on this song. More time and effort than he’s ever put in any of the band’s songs that came out before it. He can’t believe Jihoon would allow anyone else to try and taint it. “Begin Again” is his song. And he’ll be damned if he’s not the only one singing it.

Seungcheol’s ready to say all of this, but, “Before you say anything,” Jihoon doesn’t even let him speak, “I know how you feel about this. But the decision came from above me, okay. The Number’s last album didn’t do as well as the label hoped. They think another voice in the band could shake things up. And who knows, “Jihoon continues with a shrug that only makes Seungcheol fume more, “maybe this could be what you guys have been missing.”

Seungcheol cannot believe what he’s hearing. “We aren’t missing anything.”

“Don’t be dense.” Jihoon pans with a sideways stare. “I know you guys are good. I know you guys are gonna be big, but the rest of the world needs some convincing. Just try this, okay? This could be it.”

Seungcheol just shakes his head.

“I scouted them out myself. They’re a good singer and even better writer-”

“Writer?” Seungcheol nearly screams, arms flying to point at you through the control room window where the two boys are talking. “You want them to write on the song too?”

“They have a couple of…” Jihoon sighs, choosing his next word with extra precaution, “revisions.”

“Fuck that, Jihoon. I wrote a great song. It–”

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

“You wrote a good song.” Jihoon refutes, matter-of-factly. “You wrote a good song, and they,” he points at you, “they made it a great one.”

Seungcheol is speechless.

“Here.” Jihoon pushes a piece of torn notebook paper into his hands.

If Seungcheol wasn’t so aware of the line Jihoon was drawing, he would’ve pushed harder, but at the end of the day, Jihoon is his boss and his lifeline in this business. If Jihoon says so, really says so, then there’s not much Seungcheol can do to fight it. Seungcheol is stubborn, but he’s not a fool looking to waste his own breath. He looks back into the recording stage. The band looks happy chatting to each other. And you, well, you’re staring at him.

A red light flashes on the sound board beneath him. “Talk over the changes.” Jihoon says to the band and you through the intercom. “We record in ten minutes.”

—

“It’s nice to meet you,” you say to Seungcheol sitting on the stool in front of the second mic. Seungcheol’s never even seen a studio setup with two mics before. He swallows a scoff. “Jihoon showed me the song the other day, and your voice it—“

“What does this line mean?” Seungcheol cuts in, taking his seat on the stool next to yours. “I changed my heart. I morphed my mind. You don’t have the right to tell me I didn’t try.”

Your face drops immediately. “Are you serious?”

Seungcheol raises a brow–a challenge.

You let out a breath of pure disbelief, focusing your gaze just above his head, and hands starting to make motions in the air. “It’s about changing yourself to be with someone. It’s about them never acknowledging that.”

“That’s not what this song is about.”

You give him a pointed look. “What do you think the song is about?”

It’s his turn for the disbelief. “What do I think the song I wrote is about?” You don’t falter, not even for a second. Seungcheol grasps at the words, mouth agape. “It’s about redemption.”

“That’s too easy.”

“How is that too easy?”

“Look,” you huff, mouth opening and closing like you can’t decide what it is you want to say. You end up reaching your arm out, palm open like you want a fucking hi-five or something. In the back of his mind, Seungcheol wonders if you’re still waiting for the handshake he never gave. “Give me your original lyrics.”

He does, you snatch the paper keeping your eyes on him for a second too long before finding whatever it was that you were looking for. “Right here,” you say, finger pointing at the tattered paper and eyes darting back and forth between him and his lyrics. Your face lights up. You look like you're holding back a smile. You look… excited. “Here, in the bridge you wrote: take me home, welcome me on those familiar roads, embrace me in your arms, oh please, tell me I still belong.”

“What about it?” Seungcheol asks, almost forgetting that he’s upset at Jihoon for this whole arrangement, nearly forgetting that he’s supposed to not be accepting any of your revisions because for the first time in so long, he’s able to really talk to someone about his lyrics.

You look up at him fully, and almost sadly, you say, “You really don’t get it, do you?” Seungcheol looks down at the lyrics you gave him, scanning them again. Funnily enough, that line is the only one of his you’ve kept.

“The song’s not about redemption,” you tell him. “It’s about guilt.”

—

Seungcheol, you, and the band end up recording your version of the song. It’s a good song. It’s still his melody, his hook, and his bridge, but almost none of the lyrics are his. Just like that, “Begin Again” becomes as much your song as it is his. If he wasn’t so angry at Jihoon, maybe he would’ve had the mind to notice how good you sound singing it.

Choi Seungcheol is an asshole.

That you learned in the recording studio with him and haven’t been able to get out of your head since. Unfortunately, he’s got one hell of a voice and gift for creating a good melody. And him and Jihoon together in the studio, god, they’re magic. You went out and purchased The Number’s previous record after you recorded “Begin Again”. You haven’t stopped listening to it since.

It’s one day when you’re working a shift at the diner that you start humming the song playing over the speaker while grabbing an order from the kitchen. You don’t even think twice about it. That is until you make it right in front of the table whose orders you’re holding and start to hear your own voice.

You nearly drop the four plates of burgers.

You rush over to the jukebox, not believing your ears, not believing that your voice, your words, your song is playing for the entire diner to hear.

And there, right at the bottom it reads: “Begin Again” by the Numbers ft. you

“Holy shit.”

The desert wasn’t too far from home, but it could not have been more different. There was so much nothing for as far as your eyes could see. There was dust everywhere, all over the place, sifting up through the air and in your lungs. How are you supposed to sing like this?

You hear the bands’ voices come up from behind you.

“Hey,” Seungcheol says, coming up next to you and resting an arm on the same wood railing as you. “How are you feeling?”

“Great.” You answer truthfully. You could barely believe it when you got the call from Jihoon saying that they wanted you to play the festival along with the Numbers. Although, considering that your song is playing on every radio station, it probably shouldn’t have been as surprising as it was.

The crowd roars as the previous artist says his goodbye.

“Have you ever played for a crowd like this?”

“Nope.”

He nods slowly. “It’s a lot. The first time especially, for sure. But just go with it, and uh,” he smiles, towards the ground, “it’s a lot of fun once you get past the nerves of it all.”

You look at him, battling against the grimace forming on your face. “Is this pep talk for me or for you? Cause I’m fine.”

His smile disappears when he sees your face. You must’ve lost the battle.

He inhales sharply. “‘Begin Again’ is last. Come out after I introduce you.”

You nod, and he joins the rest of his band.

The crowd cheers when they get on stage. The first song starts with a familiar guitar riff and the pound of the drums, followed by the crowd going ballistic. You’ve been playing on stage for a while now, but only ever in small clubs with small crowds. You’ve never seen a crowd like this, and it makes you ecstatic.

You hear Seungcheol sing the final words of the song and Junhui play the final chords. And you don’t know if its the crowd or the shot of vodka you took during the bridge or the fucking look Seungcheol gives you, but something, something, makes you forget what Seungcheol said about waiting and walk right onto that stage.

Joshua and Minghao look confused. Seungcheol looks vaguely pissed. Junhui and Soonyoung barely notice. But you don’t register any of that. All you can think as you walk onto that stage, grin flashing and arms up in the air is: this crowd was fucking waiting for me.

You step up to your mic and wait until the crowd quiets down. You introduce “Begin Again” as a song you wrote. The crowd erupts. You look over at Seungcheol, smiling, no–grinning, loving how annoyed he looks. Minghao doesn’t miss a beat, starting the song immediately. Your body moves on its own, dancing to the song, belting out each note, and loving every second of it. It’s sometime during the second verse, the one Seungcheol sings alone, that you notice how entranced he is. His eyes are half closed, and his fingers fly across his guitar like he’s not even thinking about it. He smiles at the crowd. You think you hear someone faint. He looks your way then, right before the pre-chorus, smiling still as if he wasn’t just glaring at you. It hits you almost instantly: nothing else matters to him right now. He’s in it, like really in it, and the only thing he seems to care about is putting on a good show. He’s loving this as much as you are, and maybe that’s enough to prove that you and Choi Seungcheol are more alike than either of you think.

You leave your mic stand and start dancing towards him. His entire body turns towards you, waiting for you, his eyes following. You meet right in front of his mic just as the chorus begins. And you’re left with no choice but to stand next to him, singing into the same mic with your faces so close you can feel every ragged breath he takes, see the sweat rolling off his hair, and hear the blood pumping through his veins. Take me home. You both sing with your entire chest. Welcome me on those familiar roads. You see him turn his head to face you. You mirror the motion, and sing the next line looking right into his eyes. Embrace me in your arms. Have his eyes always been this big? Oh please, tell me I still belong. And of course it’s this line you’re singing to each other like this. Of course it’s the one line in the entire song that you didn’t actually write and the one line he did.

The chorus ends, and you slowly back away from his mic and move back towards yours. He rips away on his guitar, fingers still flying like it’s the easiest thing, all while never taking his eyes off you. Staring at you like he found something. Staring at you like it’s only you and him on that stage.

You don’t even remember the song ending.

Music flows through Northside Tavern. A jazz band is playing today, and the piano player keeps making eyes at you.

“I heard the show over the weekend went well.” Jihoon says into your ear. You just nod. “And that the label really liked what you did with the song.”

You laugh. “Not just the label. The whole country liked it.” You give one last look to the pianist, before turning to Jihoon fully. “I don’t know if you’ve forgotten, but I have a number one single.”

You head over to the bar and ask for an old-fashioned.

“Not just you.” Jihoon yells behind you to be heard over the cheers after the band’s last song.

You pivot. “Excuse me?”

“It wasn’t just you.” Jihoon flags down the bartender, orders a scotch, neat. “It was the Numbers too.”

The bartender slides over three drinks.

You lean in over the counter. “We only ordered two.”

Wordlessly, the bartender points to the other side of the bar. The piano player holds up their drink. Jihoon grabs his drink, and you grab the remaining two. You lift them both up towards the pianist who gives you a rather charming smile, and then take a simultaneous sip from the straws of both drinks. You taste your old-fashioned and what seems to be a margarita.

You and Jihoon make your way over to a booth.

“What I wanted to say,” Jihoon continues, “is that the label likes you with the band, and they want you to make an album with them.”

“An album?” You suck in your bottom lip, feeling a sudden rush from all the alcohol. An album is exactly what you’ve been pushing and working so damn hard for. So then why does this feel bittersweet?

“I think this is going to be a good thing.” Jihoon tells you sincerely, eyes softening. “You and Seungcheol…” he hesitates for a moment. You hate when he chooses his words like this, picking out the bad ones and testing out all the others. But perhaps you only hate it so much because you lack the ability to do it yourself. “You guys work.”

You take another long double sip of your drinks, squinting at Jihoon skeptically. “What did Seungcheol say?”

Jihoon’s mouth parts. There. There it fucking is. Running your tongue over your top set of teeth, you say, “you haven’t asked him yet, have you?”

“No, we haven’t asked him yet–”

“I can’t believe this.”

“–but the rest of the band is already on board, and we all thought it’d be smarter if you agreed before we asked him.”

You tilt your head slightly. You thought Jihoon knew you better than this. “I’m not saying anything until he does.”

“Be honest with yourself here,” Jihoon says seriously, pushing his drink to the side and leaning forward, “it’s no secret that you and Seungcheol don’t get along. And I get it; I really do. But I know you see it.”

You cross your arms over your chest. “See what?”

“Most people in this business spend their entire lives looking for what he and you found during the ‘Begin Again’ sessions and again on the stage at the festival. And most people fail. Don’t throw that away over whatever bullshit he gave you when you first met. Don’t throw away the chance you’ve been waiting for because of that. You guys belong together. Focus on that.”

You don’t say anything after Jihoon finishes his little speech. Instead you reach for your drinks and finish them both in one long, prolonged sip. You ignore his annoyed ‘tsk’.

Putting the empty glasses down and to the side, you nod up at him, pursing your lips. “Are you done?”

He takes a long, final swig of his drink. “Yes.”

“Ask Seungcheol first.” You pull out your wallet and drop a couple bills on the table. “Then, you can call me.”

Today is already off to a bad start.

Seungcheol had come into the studio ready to record and knock out at least 2 or 3 songs off the album today, but then Minghao wanted to talk about the album’s direction and Soonyoung wanted to request everyone to add as many drum parts as possible.

And it’s as he’s listening to Junhui and Soonyoung argue about the addition of piano solos, that you walk into the studio.

Jihoon welcomes you with a hug. Hansol, the sound engineer, offers to make you tea. Meanwhile, Seungcheol can’t understand why you deserve any kindness at this moment. Your session started an hour ago.

“You’re late.” Seungcheol says, bringing the rest of the band to notice your arrival.

You look at him with a smile, gesturing to the two boys who were just arguing. “Doesn’t really look like I missed anything.”

“We were talking about the album’s direction.” Minghao says from behind Seungcheol.

You nod, putting down your stuff and taking a seat. “Okay, shoot.”

Seungcheol puts his hands up. “Well since we’re talking about it. I’ve been working on a couple songs, and,” he hesitates, pulling out a couple sheets of paper that Jihoon helped him print and handing them out, “I think I might have something good that we can build the rest of the album off of.”

Everyone takes a moment to read. Seungcheol watches the room carefully. Joshua clears his throat. Junhui plays a loose note.

Your voice is the first that comes out of the silence. “Are you serious?”

He whips his head around. “What?”

“‘Will you still love me when I’m old? Will you still love me when I’m proud.’” You read aloud, before shoving the paper back towards him, that mocking smile still plastered on your face. “I’m not singing that.”

He scoffs, tongue swiping at his lips. “Why not? They’re good songs.”

You shrug. “They’re cheesy.”

“You haven't even read the whole thing.”

“I’ve read enough.”

“Are–are you… is this–I mean, like, you…” Seungcheol only knows one thing for sure right now: you might be the most insufferable person he’s ever met. “Jihoon!”

“Okay, you know what,” Jihoon’s voice comes through the intercom. You both turn towards it. “How about you two go home and figure out some way to work together instead of wasting my studio time. Write one song, just one, together, and the rest of us can go from there tomorrow.”

He slips a curse between a breath.

“Okay?”

You and Seungcheol look back at each other. It’s you who speaks first this time. “That’s fine with me.”

—

It’s a nice day out today. The sun shines through big clouds. There’s a nice breeze, and the roadways are empty. You’re sitting in the passenger seat humming something he can’t hear over the wind while Seungcheol drives. In all honesty, he doesn’t even know where he’s heading, but it might be the first time he's felt some semblance of peace with you around.

The announcer on the radio station introduces the next song. Seungcheol turns it up and sings alongside Kim Mingyu’s voice. You stop humming.

“You like this song?” You ask.

He quickly glances at you. “Yeah, who doesn’t.” The song was insanely popular a year or two ago. If you didn’t like it at first, you heard it enough on the radio and in every store until you did. Although, it doesn’t actually take anyone very many listens to fall in love with it. Unfortunately, the rest of Kim Mingyu’s songs never quite lived up to this one.

“I wrote this song.” You say to him, as if it’s the most simple thing.

“Oh, really?” Seungcheol replies with a chuckle. “You worked with Kim Mingyu?”

“Well, not all of it, but the melody and most of the lyrics, yes.” You tell him seriously, like you haven’t even registered that he thought you were joking. “I mean, worked is a strong word, but we did date for a bit.”

Seungcheol stops at a red light and spends it staring you in disbelief.

“Come on,” you say after a moment, “you really think Kim Mingyu wrote this song?”

Seungcheol listens to it again: They could never get it out of their heads. Like a scene on repeat. Like a mountain falling. Something unforgettable, but forgotten still. Something like you. Someone like me.

And instantly, it clicks–of course you wrote this song. Of course it’s the case that Kim Mingyu’s best song and one of Seungcheol’s favorites was written by none other than you.

He looks over at you while at another light. Your head leans back against the car seat, and your arm hangs over the edge of the open window. You don’t look like you’re enjoying listening to the song even if you are the one that wrote it. In fact, you look mildly annoyed, nose scrunched while inspecting your nail beds, teeth grinding.

Seungcheol changes the station thinking: why’d you let him take it?

Before he can really think about it any further, you sit up in your seat and point at the next light.

“Turn right up there. I know a place.”

—

When you had said that you knew a place, Seungcheol imagined that it’d be a coffee shop or an empty bar or anything other than the middle of the woods sitting on the rocks along a stream.

Although, he must give you credit: the setting you’ve taken him to is beautiful. There are birds humming and life strumming all around you. The water is a blistering blue that glistens and shines in the sunlight streaming through the trees like a million coins falling from the sky. The water has a small current running through it, and it beats against the rocks lightly, like the lightest, most gentle drum beat. The breeze is nice and cool on Seungcheol’s skin, sifting through his hair and past his limbs. And maybe the best part is how all around him, on every single side, he’s surrounded by green.

It would have been perfect, if not for the fact that you and him have been here for two hours and still have absolutely nothing.

“Okay,” you relent, after he turns down another one of your ideas for a song, “how about this melody?”

You start humming one of the worst melodies Seungcheol’s ever heard in his life.

“Absolutely not.”

You grunt frustrated, arms falling through the air. Your head follows suit, settling in your hands, face buried from his view.

“Why’d you even say yes to this?” You snap, looking up at him after a moment, brows furrowed and hands gesturing vaguely in the air. “If you have no intention of taking any idea I give you seriously, why did you say yes to this?”

“I didn’t.” Seungcheol reminds you. “Neither of us did. Jihoon kicked us out of the studio.”

“I don’t mean that.” You flare. “I mean letting me in to do this album with the Numbers. Why’d you agree to it?”

There’s a change in the wind. A sudden quietness that must be attributed to some insect dying. Seungcheol hadn’t expected you to ask this. He hadn’t even expected you to think it.

“It wasn’t…” he starts, looking for the words in the space between you and him. He looks up at you, hoping to find them there. Instead he finds hope in them.

Seungcheol has been in this exact spot before–sitting in front of someone that wants to believe in him and is asking him to give them a reason. He’s seen this before, and he has no interest in repeating his past mistakes. He sees no need to add you to the list of people he’s disappointed. With a short laugh, he says, “You know what, let’s just get back to writing.”

“Fuck that.” You respond immediately, grabbing at his guitar.

“What are you–”

“No. Fuck that.” You repeat, successfully pushing his guitar off his lap. “If this is going to work, you have to at least pretend like you trust me. Song writing isn’t just strumming on your guitar all day and hoping for the best. It’s vulnerability, and it’s pouring your heart and soul and life into something and praying that someone out there feels the same way. That’s what ‘Begin Again’ was. And every single person who listened and liked that song and every single person who sang with us at the festival is saying that they feel the same way. So, what are you so afraid of? Why do you feel like you can’t trust me?”

Seungcheol gulps. “Which question should I answer first?”

You inhale slowly. “The latter.”

Seungcheol just shakes his head. “I don’t know you.”

“Ask me then.” You say desperately, like it should have been obvious to him, “whatever it is that you want to know just ask it.”

Seungcheol nods. In truth, there’s a million questions he wants to ask you about everything, but at this moment, all those questions sink to the bottom of his mind and only one rises to the top and travels to the tip of his tongue. “Why’d you let Kim Mingyu take credit for that song?”

You lean back slightly at his questions. Looking away from him and towards the murky waters before answering. “Believe it or not, I wasn’t always like this.” You tell him, laughing lightly. “I used to let guys like you walk all over me.”

His heart jumps into his throat. He’s barely able to choke out a, “guys like me?”

You nod, still refusing to meet his eyes. “Guys who don’t believe that I have what it takes.”

“I never said that.”

“But you showed me.”

“When?”

You look at him then, squinting. He hopes what you see is genuineness. He asked the question sincerely. “When you were so quick and ready to dismiss my changes to the lyrics during the ‘Begin Again’ takes. When you let me join your band on this album, and then expected me to sing an entire record full of songs that mean nothing to me. I’m a songwriter, Seungcheol. It’s the one thing about me that no one can take.”

Something between intrigue and malice slips in behind his tongue. “So what can people take?”

You shake your head, smiling ever so slightly. “My turn. What are you so afraid of?”

Seungcheol inhales sharply. “Well, I’m afraid of dying and of heights and–”

“Stop that.” You cut in, like you really mean it. “Why are you so afraid to say what you really think?”

He sucks in his bottom lip, shrugging. “‘Begin Again’ was your song more than it was mine. What if people don’t like what I have to say? What if they can’t relate and just think I’m fucked up and crazy?”

Your eyes soften, and your smile lines deepen. It takes a moment for him to register that you're smiling, really smiling, at him. He’s never known a smile could feel so inviting.

“But what if they do?”

Seungcheol takes a moment to think about what you’ve said. And in that moment, whatever insect had died gets resurrected, returning to nature’s hum, filling his ears. Seungcheol looks all around him. The hum of life, the beat of water, the tune of leaves falling. He’s surrounded not just by nature and greenery, but also by music. And it’s erupting from every corner of these woods.

His eyes finally land on you.

“I think I found our melody.”

When you come into the studio the next day, the song is done. You went to sleep humming it still and running through the lyrics over and over again in your head.

“Let us sing it for you first,” Seungcheol suggests to the rest of the band with Jihoon listening in from the control room. “And whenever you feel like you got it, just hop in with what you think works, and we can refine and shape it from there.”

You watch the rest of the band as Seungcheol explains it. Minghao looks shocked, but excited. Soonyoung looks proud. And you can’t really read what the other two are thinking.

“Jihoon, are we good?” Seungcheol asks, turning around to the window into the control room.

“Whenever you’re ready.” Jihoon replies, voice filtering in through the intercom. You nod. Seungcheol nods. The rest of the band nods. Jihoon presses a couple buttons and says, “This is ‘Can You See Me’.”

Seungcheol starts playing the chords he found yesterday. You’re not sure why or how but it reminds you of those woods. His voice starts singing the first line of the song. You close your eyes and take it in. You join him for the chorus, singing alongside his voice feeling the words flow. It’s Junhui that joins you two first, playing a couple loose notes, testing things out. By the end of the chorus, he’s found it, playing a little more confidently and adding a whole new level of depth to the song. A depth that makes you feel like you’ve only ever known two colors your whole life and in a matter of seconds Junhui added in a third. Joshua joins in next, as your voice takes over for the second verse, playing off what Seungcheol was playing but making it his own. Seungcheol goes over to where Soonyoung’s sitting and says something to him in his ear. Soonyoung nods. Seungcheol goes over to Minghao, but Minghao shakes his head, already starting to play something. Seungcheol heads back to his mic right before the second chorus starts. You turn and sing the last line of the pre-chorus to him

And I know that you never trusted me.

He joins you for the chorus, singing back.

Can you see me standing from there? And can you see the blood on my hands? If I give you all of the parts to my heart, Will you care that I’ve been scarred and stitched up?

Soonyoung starts playing then, the drums filling in the last thing the song needed. You listen to the rest of the band play and marvel at how insanely talented they all are to pick up and play something that actually works after only a minute of hearing it. The song needs polishing, yes, but it’s got a good sound and it’s heading in the right direction.

You don’t take your eyes off Seungcheol, and he doesn’t take his eyes off you. And for the remainder of the song, you sing to each other.

The song ends. The last one playing is Junhui. And for a couple seconds, no one says anything.

It’s Jihoon’s voice that comes out of the silence first. “I’m a fucking genius.”

You smile at Seungcheol. He smiles back.

After recording and polishing ‘Can You See Me’, you and Seungcheol fall into a song-making rhythm of sorts.

(We don’t always have it perfect.)

“I feel like this lyric in ‘Puzzle Pieces’ doesn’t fit.” You say to Seungcheol, before muttering the lyric outloud. “It’s too shy. I don’t know. I just think it’s missing the mark a little bit, don’t you think?”

Seungcheol groans tiredly. “God, I can’t think about this anymore. Can we take a break? Go get some food or something?”

“Yes, but before we do, do you think ‘I see us standing in the distance’ or ‘I see you standing in the distance’ works better here?”

Seungcheol just stands ignoring your question and muttering ‘no’ repeatedly.

You follow, running after him and begging him to listen.

(Boy, do we fight.)

“I think there should be more drums in the hook.” Seungcheol announces after the third run through.

“Why?”

His eyes widen, sarcastically. “Because there should be.”

“Don’t do that.” You scoff, used to his antics. “Answer the question: why?”

He sighs, resting his hands on his hips. “It’s missing something. The song still feels empty. I mean, the lyrics allude to a love that’s blooming and growing between two individuals, but nothing behind the lyrics build up with it. There’s almost a disconnect between the words and the music.”

“I disagree.”

He scoffs. “All that for–”

“I think it works just fine without the drums, and if you add the drums it’ll become more suspenseful. The song is supposed to feel like falling.”

He shakes his head. “It’s supposed to feel like butterflies.”

“It’s supposed to feel like peace.”

(Sometimes you win.)

“Let’s vote.” Seungcheol suggests. “If you’re for the drums, raise your hand.”

Only Soonyoung (the drummer), does.

(Sometimes you lose.)

Jihoon presses the red button on the sound board, announcing to the recording stage, “Take 3 of Aurora. Seungcheol, try softening your voice a little for this one.”

“Jihoon, can we just try one take with me in it?” You ask him. “I think even if I were just singing a harmony or in the background of the bridge, it would add so much.”

“No.” Jihoon says, scribbling something down in his notebook. “I’m with Seungcheol on this one.”

“Jihoon, you haven’t even heard my–”

“This song doesn’t need your voice.”

(But sometimes, we get it just right and fit like the last two puzzle pieces.)

“No,” you say, shaking your head as Joshua and Minghao finish off the last chords of the song, “It needs to sound murkier.”

Joshua, Junhui, Soonyoung, and Minghao just stare at you blankly.

“Less cymbals, Soonyoung.” Seungcheol says over the speaker from the control room. “And Minghao, ride out the low tones more.”

You turn and see him. He catches your eyes, smiling slightly, reassuring you. Like he gets you.

From behind you, you hear Junhui lightheartedly mutter, “since when do they have their own language?”

Joshua and Soonyoung laugh, but you barely notice because you see him. You see the way his brows furrow when he’s thinking. You see the way he sticks out his tongue when he’s focused. You see all of it.

And for a moment, he sees you. All of you. And he doesn’t turn away from it.

Today’s songwriting session quickly turned into a field trip from the studio to grab food which then turned into you leading Seungcheol’s car to the beach. You and Seungcheol sit on a stone ledge, right where the sand begins, 20 paces away from the ocean. Between you sits leftover fries and your untouched song notebook. You watch the sun dip into the sea and listen to the waves crash over and over again. The wind pushes furiously, tossing his hair to the side and pushes his head away from it. It just so happens that away from the wind means towards you.

“So,” you begin, popping a fry in your mouth and dusting the salt off your hands, “when are you going to answer my question of why you let me in the band?”

Seungcheol figured this question was coming. He’s been avoiding answering it. “You really want to know?”

You look at him sincerely. “Yes.”

Seungcheol looks out to the water. “After our first album, Jihoon prepared a tour for us. It was this tiny tour, not even big enough for a tour manager. We played in the smallest venues with okay-sized crowds. I mean, it was barely a tour, really more of a way to get our name out there. And after the northern leg of it, I…” Seungcheol closes his eyes and sees moments from that tour flash behind his lids: strobe lights, bodies in bed, empty glasses, and negative pockets. Sometimes memories can feel like nightmares. “I was just in a really, really, bad place. By the time we were halfway down the east coast, I was barely even able to play. Jihoon saved me then. He saved my fucking life. But he had to cancel the rest of the tour in that process. The rest of the band, man, they couldn’t even stand the sight of my face. Minghao especially. It was Jihoon who ended up being the one to convince them to let me back in. I owe Jihoon my entire livelihood and my life. So when he asked what I thought about you joining the band for this album and when I saw how badly he wanted it to happen, I owed it to him to say yes.”

It’s been so long since he’s recounted that story, even to himself. It doesn’t hurt as much as it once did. That knowledge surprises him.

“Where are you now?” You ask suddenly, pulling him out of his head.

He turns to you. “What?”

“If you were in a bad place then, where are you now?”

The wind quiets for a moment; he feels a warmth overtake him in its absence. “Someplace better.”

He looks down, not even noticing the smile growing on his face, and catches sight of your notebook. He points at it, asking, “may I?”

You look down at it as well, grabbing another fry. “Sure.”

He flips through the pages of your notebook. The first half isn’t even songs. It’s snippets, words, singular sentences taking up an entire page. It’s only halfway through the book that it actually turns into something that could be called songwriting. He asks you about it.

“Ah, that’s when I met Jihoon.” You tell him, smiling fondly. Seungcheol puts the notebook down and waits for you to explain. “Before him, I had songs, but they weren’t real songs, you know? They were just some combination of all the snippets and sentences I had written down. But then Jihoon heard me play at the Eastern, and said that I had a good voice. He asked if he could give me his card so that we could talk more, and I said that I wasn’t interested in people who only saw me for my voice and walked away.”

“You’re insane.” Seungcheol mutters, baffled. He remembers the chance encounter he had with Jihoon right after he and the band moved down here to make a name for themselves. He remembers how hard he begged for the same chance Jihoon offered to you so simply. “So, how’d you end up working with him then?”

“He found me again at the diner I used to work at after that. I told him I still wasn’t interested, and he asked if I had written the song I played that night at the Eastern. I said yes, and he said that he was only interested in my voice because my songs weren’t there yet.”

Seungcheol chuckles. “So he’s always been an asshole then?”

“Oh yeah.” You nod, mirroring the sound. “He was an asshole about it, but he was right. And it was the first time that someone believed in me enough to think that I could be better. That is what made me want to try and write a song that would make him see that I’m as good of a songwriter as I am a singer. I spent a lot of time working and got out one good song. I sang it all across the strip. He finally saw me play again at Ben’s Garage. I let him sign me after that.”

“What was that song about?”

Your lips do this half frown thing that makes Seungcheol want to peer inside your brain and figure out exactly where it came from. “It was about what all songs are about.”

“Which is?”

You look at him like it’s obvious. “Love.”

It feels like a shot of sunlight through his veins.

Seungcheol drives you back home after the beach. You had gotten nothing done in terms of the album, but you felt happy, and you felt free. You watch him from the corner of your eye. You’ve only known each other for some months now, but it feels like so much longer. You’ve told him more about yourself and your past than anyone else you’ve met in your adult life. You’ve told him your deepest worries and darkest secrets, and he never turned away from you, not once. Instead he took your insecurities and turned them into beautiful melodies. He turned all your doubts into celebrations of hope. And he did it for you.

Suddenly, it no longer feels like you only met him when you recorded ‘Begin Again’ together. Suddenly, it feels like you’ve known him since you were a teenager and like you’ve been in love with him ever since. Your palms start to sweat. Your heart sinks past your lungs. Is it all those goddamn fries or him that’s making your stomach turn?

He turns onto your street. This is it, you think to yourself. This is everything I’ve been waiting for.

He walks you to your door, and you stand facing each other on your porch.

“This was nice.” You tell him, taking another step towards him.

“It was.” He mumbles, a lazy smile on his face.

You take another step towards him. He doesn’t move back. His mouth parts. You watch his lips, trace them with your gaze. You think about what it would feel like to kiss them.

“Do you want to come in for a bit?” The words come flying out of your mouth involuntarily. You barely register that you’ve said them. They didn’t come from your mind but from a tiny spot deep in your gut where the urge to take another step towards him lies. You give into that urge without thinking twice about it. You’re closer to him than you’ve been in months. The last time you were this close being that moment on stage during the ‘Begin Again’ performance. You’re surprised you remember that. His breaths then were ragged, uneven. His breaths now are barely there, like he isn’t even breathing. You can smell the mint he popped in his mouth when you left from the beach. You can smell whatever perfume he must’ve sprayed on his neck this morning.

And you’re so wholly aware of the fact that his eyes are looking at your lips.

He turns away from you and glances at your door, saying, “I should go.”

You feel something in your chest sink and sink and sink.

“I’ll see you in the studio tomorrow.” He continues. “We still gotta help Junhui figure out his part for ‘Puzzle Pieces’.”

And with that he’s off, and you’re left standing on the porch alone wondering how someone can look at you like that and then just leave. You look down by your feet and see your heart sitting there, next to your shoes. You leave it there and head it inside.

The next day, Jihoon cancels your studio time without explanation and reschedules you and the band for the following day.

When that day finally does come, Seungcheol doesn’t show up on time to help you and Junhui figure out the right notes to play for the song you wrote together like he said. Instead, he stumbles into the studio late with a song in his hand wearing the same clothes he wore with you at the beach. And that alone, feels like a betrayal of some sort.

“What’s it about?” Joshua asks.

He looks around the room, excited. “It’s about my new partner.”

You feel the urge to vomit all over the recording stage.

—

Jeonghan, it turns out, is Seungcheol’s partner’s name. Seungcheol had brought him into the studio a week after they started dating, and he’s been coming routinely ever since. As much as you hate it and as much as it makes your heart bend and break, Seungcheol looks really, genuinely happy with him. You wonder if he ever looked like that with you.

You really wish you hated Jeonghan, but you don’t. He’s actually quite nice and gets along with the whole band so easily. He even makes friends with Jihoon. You thought he might be a distraction to Seungcheol while writing and recording, but Seungcheol is more focused and productive and creative than ever. The song he wrote right after meeting him is good, like stupidly good. There isn’t a single word in it that needs changing.

With your help, Seungcheol writes another song about him, called ‘Light of My Life.’ It’s while writing that song that you find out that Jeonghan was never a stranger, and that day after the beach was not their first meeting. It’s Soonyoung who tells you how Jeonghan is from their hometown and how Seungcheol and Jeonghan used to date.

The day that you record ‘Light of My Life’ Jeonghan is also in the studio, sitting in the control room and laughing at something with Hansol.

You light up my life even when it’s dark. You both sing together. It’s an acoustic song; only Joshua stands behind you guys strumming the chords on his guitar. The rest of the band didn’t even come in today. You color my world even when I’m feeling blue. You glance over at Seungcheol. He isn’t looking your way. He’s looking at Jeonghan through the control room window. When I’m with you, I never feel alone. You think about the times when he used to look at you while recording. When you hold me, baby, I feel at home. Jeonghan looks back at Seungcheol. It hits you how beautiful he is, with his dyed silver hair and slender face. You don’t blame Seungcheol for writing such a beautiful song about him. You don’t blame yourself for helping him. I can’t believe this has happened to me. Seungcheol wrote this song for Jeonghan, but he wasn’t the only writer on this song. Right before the next line, Seungcheol finally finally turns and looks at you. I feel alive because of you.

Seungcheol turns back to the control room, and for the rest of the song, you wonder that if Seungcheol wrote this song for Jeonghan, who the hell did you write this song for?

—

A tune comes to you while you drive home that night. You scribble down a couple lyrics in your notebook as soon as you walk through your door.

Silver hair. Silver skin. Sliver of my heart you took with him.

Joshua throws a party that weekend. A housewarming for the house he bought with the ‘Begin Again’ checks. Stepping in through the foyer, you question whether you should be buying a house too. You forget that thought by the time you reach the drinks table.

After your hellos to the rest of the band and all the small talk with people Joshua wanted to introduce you to, you end up standing alone in his backyard, sloshing around the dark liquid in your cup. Truthfully, you’ve barely left your apartment all week. You hadn’t been in the mood for a party. But it’s nice out here. The air is fresh and crisp. The lights, which Soonyoung and Minghao enthusiastically and drunkenly told you they helped put up, are warm but not too bright. You imagine you’ll stay out here for the rest of the party.

“Hi,” you hear a voice say from behind you. You turn around only to find Jeonghan. You hope your face doesn’t betray you when you greet him back. “What are you doing out here?”

You gulp down a bitter sip of your drink. “Just wanted some quiet.”

“Same. Junhui started doing karaoke again.”

“Oof.” You groan sympathetically. “Already?”

He just nods with a laugh. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen all of them.”

You like Jeonghan. You really do. It’s just taken you until now to realize that you don’t really know him apart from small talk in the studio and the two songs Seungcheol wrote about him. “When did you move down here from your guys’ hometown?”

“Oh.” His chin juts out a bit. “I moved down with the band actually.”

You don’t hide the surprise on your face.

“I take it no one told you that then.” Jeonghan chuckles darkly. You shake your head. “Uh, well, yeah,” he continues, shoving his free hand into his pocket, “Seungcheol and I started dating right when the band formed. I used to do the photography for them. And when they proposed moving out here, I thought I ought to come with. And I did.” He gulps his drink. “It was good for a while. Really fun in the beginning. But then I got my job taking pictures for the paper, and they were doing the album. And well,” he looks at you like you already know what he’s about to say. You don’t. “It already wasn’t really working anymore by the time the album was finished. And then they went on tour…”

He leaves that part blank. But based on what you heard from Seungcheol about that first tour, you can piece together what might’ve happened. You question whether Jeonghan left that empty to spare Seungcheol or to spare himself. Then you question how he knew you knew about it.

“Oh.” Is all you say. You don’t ask about when they encountered each other again. You don’t want to hear it.

“You know,” Jeonghan begins again, “I actually used to watch you play at the Tabernacle.”

You groan immediately. You only ever played at the Tabernacle when you first started. You cringe thinking about what you might’ve sang on stage in front of him. “Oh my god. I’m so embarrassed to even think about those days.”

“No! Don’t be!” He reassures, kindly. “You were really good. I especially liked that one song that went like… The days were wide open, as far as the eye could see.”

Your heart nearly soars straight out of your body. You had forgotten about this song. You used to love it dearly. You join Seungcheol’s boyfriend for the second line.

The world was mine to take, but I’ve never been good at accepting things.

“You and the band together,” Jeonghan says a moment after you both stop singing, “it’s magical, don’t get me wrong, but that song,” he smiles at you, “it’s a damn good song.”

You can’t help but smile back. “Thank you.”

“Cheol showed me a couple of the songs from the album.” Jeonghan mentions, and it instantly and heartbreakingly reminds you who you’re talking to. You hate that he has a nickname for him. “They’re amazing.” You look at him. He seems genuine. “They’re so good and real and raw that it almost makes me wonder…” his voice tapers off, losing the sound to a small exhale that appears as if it was meant to be a laugh, “Nevermind.”

“What?” You poke, instinctively leaning in towards him.

He meets your eyes, creases running along his forehead and frown lines more prominent than ever. “It almost makes me wonder if there was something between you both.”

You swallow, pointing at your chest. Your voice comes out raspy without you meaning for it to. “Me and Seungcheol?”

He nods. “Yeah, I mean the lyrics in ‘Begin Again’—“

“That song’s not about me. Or about him.” You defend. “We didn’t even know each other when we wrote that.”

“What about ‘Can You See Me’?”

Your breath catches. Truthfully, you answer, “I don’t know what that song’s about.”

—

When you get home that night, you finish the song you started writing about Seungcheol and Jeonghan.

When you breathe in his lips, do you think of mine? What kind of songs were we making? Were they all lies?

“What’s it called?” The question comes from Soonyoung.

You look up from the paper in your hands filled with the lyrics you had completed over the weekend and after Joshua’s party. You notice he looks sad. You turn your gaze to Minghao. You can’t really tell what he’s thinking in that moment.

“Uhm–I don’t know. I haven’t thought of a title yet.”

Seungcheol walks in then. “What are you guys talking about?” He asks, setting down his stuff. Then, more to himself than to you guys, he murmurs, “And where are Junhui and Josh?”

Soonyoung and Minghao don’t say anything. Instead, when Seungcheol asks what you’re doing, they both look at you. You imagine even if Junhui and Joshua were here, they’d do the same. Have you really been this transparent? At what point did they put together all the pieces?

You hand Seungcheol the song. You have no idea what his reaction will be.

He just nods, like he has no idea what the song is about. Like he doesn’t see his name and Jeonghan’s scribbled in the margins.

“Call it ‘Silver Lies’.” He says.

Minghao makes a noise. “Call it ‘Silver Linings’.”

“Vote on it?” Seungcheol proposes.

“No.” You look at Minghao. He stares back at you. Something unspoken lies in the space between. “We’ll call it ‘Silver Linings’.”

A party rages around you. Flashing teeth and flashing lights. Another drink, another riff. You don’t even know where you are right now. You remember coming home after working on ‘Silver Linings’; you remember wanting to forget your own mind. This is the only way you know how.

You don’t even know how long it’s been.

This is what you do know: You’re sitting by a pool. Your feet are wet. You haven’t been this drunk since your 18th birthday. Choi Seungcheol is standing across the pool from you.

Your face breaks out in a smile. Sober you will regret that. Sober you will also regret how your first thought is that he looks beautiful. You’ll regret the fact that you finally, drunkenly but honestly, admit to yourself how pretty you think he is, how you’ve thought so since your first time hearing him sing, and how you’ve been so painfully aware of it ever since.

You let yourself fall in the water. Head sinking for a moment, before breaking the surface again. Floating on your back, you start humming the melody to ‘Silver Linings’ in your head.

Silver hair. Silver skin. Sliver of my heart you took with him.

You can’t tell if it’s the chlorine or something more pathetic that burns the corner of your eyes and runs down the side of your cheeks.

You feel something tug on your arm. The sudden jolt makes you lose your balance, falling beneath the water. You’re so fucking wasted you forget if you even know how to swim; you almost forget to not breathe.

You feel a pair of arms pull you up and hold your head above the surface. You know who they belong to. It strikes you in the back of your mind that this is the first time you’ve been touched by him. So maybe that’s why you relish in the feel of his arms around your waist and the way his hand grips at your hip.

He looks at you like you’re filth. Just as all your partners before him did. First they’re sweet and charming, but it always ends like this. In their arms, simultaneously wanting to be far away and fighting the urge to beg: love me, please.

Even if he wasn’t your partner, even if all he was was a hope and a ‘what if’.

You barely even register it when you say, “you're just like the rest of them.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” He rages back, not even acknowledging what you said.

“Nothing.” You tell him, smiling, wishing like hell that you believed it.

“You missed our studio time. We were supposed to record ‘Silver Linings’.” He fumes at you. “Do you know what time it is? Do you even know what day it is?”

“Do you know how much of a fucking mood kill you can be?” You bite back.

“What are you on?” He looks repulsed. You hate it. Hate the way that you showed him your whole heart and that he still looks at you like this.

Seething, you say, “What do you think?”

And that—that is what breaks him. What makes him lose his shit and start screaming.

“Jihoon is fuming at us!”

You barely notice it. Instead, you repeat in your head the words to the one song you truly, wholeheartedly wrote for him.

“The record label isn’t going to let this slide, you do realize that, don’t you?”

When you breathe in his lips, do you think of mine?

“You wasted an entire day of recording!”

What kind of songs were we making?

“No.” You say finally, voice coming out quiet. It sounds so misplaced and so wrong next to all the yelling between you two. “We wasted so much more than that.”

Were they all lies?

For the first time since you’ve seen him tonight, he doesn’t say anything back. He just stares at you, like he can see straight through. The party continues all around you. It never stopped. It never quieted down. And yet, it somehow feels like you and him are the only ones in this pool. Like you’re stuck in time. Like you’ve created your own world with him and that’s where you’ve retreated to now.

“Was any of it real?” You ask before you can stop the words. You hate how pathetic you sound. You hate how desperate it all is.

All he says before leaving you in the water alone is: “I’m with Jeonghan now.”

He splashes water in your face on his way out.

When Seungcheol walks into the studio, you’re already there, talking with Jihoon and someone else he doesn’t recognize.

“Hello.” He says cautiously to the group.

The man says hi back. You don’t look at him. Jihoon is the one that finally explains.

“Seungcheol, hey, this is Wonwoo. He’s from the paper, The Stones, and he’s going to be doing a piece on the band and the creation of the album. It’ll be an inside look into the process of making an album and a bit about the band itself.”

“Hey, man,” Seungcheol greets properly, extending his hand to shake. Wonwoo fumbles with a place to set down the pen and notebook in his hand for a second, before shaking it. Seungcheol doesn’t miss the way you scoff under your breath. “Wonwoo, right?” The reporter nods. “Anything you want us to do for you or for the piece?”

“No. Not at all.” He shakes his head profusely. “Just keep working on the album as you would normally. I might pop in here and there with questions, but other than that, it’ll be like I’m not even here.”

Seungcheol smiles brightly. “Well, you’re in for a treat today because we have a song to record.”

For the first time that day and for the first time since that night in the pool, you look at him. “No, we don’t.” He wonders if you remember that night, what you said to him, what he said back.

“Actually,” he reaches into his bag and pulls out a piece of paper he’s been working on for the past two days. He hands it to you. “We do.”

You read the lyrics silently for a moment, then frowning, you read them aloud. “I’m used to making games out of broken hearts. Silly me for trying to play around with yours.”

Wonwoo makes a noise. “Damn. I wonder who that’s about.”

You snap, whipping back around to Wonwoo. “What happened to ‘it’ll be like I’m not even here’?”

He mutters an apology and quickly scribbles something down in his notebook. You turn back to Seungcheol. “I’m not singing that.”

He ignores you and looks at Jihoon. “Let me see the song.”

You extend the paper out to him without taking your eyes off of Seungcheol. In Jihoon’s defense, he’s been working the hardest to keep the peace as early as when you recorded ‘Being Again’ together. Nonetheless, your face still morphs from hurt to angry. Seungcheol doesn’t blame you, but he also doesn’t really give a fuck.

Jihoon, sounding more exhausted than Seungcheol has ever heard him sound before, only sighs. “How about we just try the song?”

—

Recording first starts with the instrumentals. The rest of the band recording their parts exactly as Seungcheol heard it in his head.

Finally, with the rest of it recorded, he focuses on vocals.

He only wants you singing it.

“Take one of...” Jihoon starts, speaking through the intercom. “What’s it called again?”

Seungcheol answers: “‘We Are Not Done.’”

You’re the only one in the recording stage. Seungcheol sits in the control room with Jihoon, Hansol, and Wonwoo. The rest of the band is either home, in the lobby, or behind him in the control room. Seungcheol’s already demonstrated for you the general beat of the lyrics against the instrumental. You still hold the lyrics up behind the mic, brows furrowed at them.

“Pour me a drink I–for all…” Normally, you’re a picture of confidence in the recording studio, but your first attempt to sing the song is an absolute train wreck.

Seungcheol reaches over Jihoon’s shoulder and presses the red button. “Cut. What’s going on?”

You look through the window, exasperated. “I don’t get it. The words, they just–”

“It’s–Pour me a drink for all the fools made out of me.” Seungcheol demonstrates again. “I can’t live with myself half past 12–and it’s just like that for this whole verse.” He waits a moment. “Good?”

You stare at the lyrics, brows still scrunched together. “Yea.”

“Okay. Take two.”

You sing: “Pour me a drink for all the fools made out of me.” Your voice is timid, almost. Seungcheol’s never heard you sound or act anything close to timid before. “I can’t live with myself half past 12.”

“Cut.” Seungcheol stops you again. “You have to sound larger than life singing, like you don’t care if people see how fucked up you are.”

“Excuse me?” You nearly scream at him.

“I’m talking about the song.”

Jihoon shakes his head. “Take 3.”

You look mad now. At least that will be closer to what Seungcheol wants. “Pour me a drink for all the fools made out of me.”

“Cut.” Seungcheol can see you biting your tongue. “Sing it looser. Less restrained. Don’t worry about hitting the notes. Take 4.”

“Pour me a drink for all the fools–”

“Cut.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Even looser. Take 5.”

“Pour me a drink f–”

“Cut. Let your voice get ‘ugly’. Take 6.”

“Pour me–”

“Cut!”

—

(Wonwoo’s interview with Seungcheol)

Wonwoo: So, Seungcheol, I remember there being an impossible number of takes for the track ‘We Are Not Done’, specifically for the vocals. In the end, How’d you get them to sing like… that?

Seungcheol: Sometimes all it takes is a little push

—

(Wonwoo’s interview with you)

Wonwoo: ‘We Are Not Done’ is such a force of nature. How’d you end up singing it like that?”

You: Well, let’s just say that Seungcheol is really good at what he does.

Wonwoo: And what does he do?

You: He inspires.

—

The red light flashes again. “Take 32.”

The only thought you have when the blue recording light turns back on is that you fucking hate Choi Seungcheol, but you still want him and you hate that he knows that.

The track starts.

Pour me a drink for all the fools made out of me. I can’t live with myself half past 12. I’m used to making games out of broken hearts. Silly me for trying to play around with yours. I know you’re with someone new, But is that really true If you’re still thinking of my kiss and my tongue? I’m your wildest dream. I’m your best nightmare. You and me, baby, we are not done.

You’re beyond pissed driving home from the studio that day.

The first fucking day with the reporter and Seungcheol chose to make you look like an idiot. He chose to make you sing that song with Wonwoo sitting behind, taking it all in.

Not to mention that that was the first time you’ve seen him since he showed up at the party while you were trying to get over him the only way you know how. When he held you in his arms, made you feel so stupidly warm, and then left with someone else’s name on his lips.

You hate Seungcheol. Maybe joining the band wasn’t worth it. Wasn’t worth him.

Your vision goes red and all you can think is: isn’t he over this yet? Aren’t I?

Suddenly, there’s a bang. A puff of smoke. The airbag releases. Your entire body clenches, lurching forward and then back again harshly.

A crash, you register belatedly, staring at the hood of your car folded up like a piece of paper.

Paper.

You dig inside your glove box for your notebook and shove your hand in the space between the passenger seat and the center console to find a pen.

“What the fuck?” The man from the car you hit screams, stepping out of his car.

You ignore it. A song, you had it just then. You had it.

“You hit me!” He yells again, getting closer.

Your pen hits the paper, and it doesn’t stop until the song is on it. Not even when you notice blood drip. Not even when the man starts banging on your window.

Is it over now? Do you have the guts? To call it quits, baby, Say I’ve had enough. Is it over now? Can we say the words? I used to love you, Now I’m not sure.

(Wonwoo’s interview with you)

Wonwoo: What’s it been like working with the band? From ‘Begin Again’ to now?”

You: Oh, well, ‘Begin Again’ was a totally different story. I wasn’t really part of the group or anything. I was more just an outsider that Jihoon and the label had brought in. I changed up most of the lyrics, but the song was never really mine. I think it’s taken me a while to realize that. But, now, I mean, working on the album together couldn’t be more different. Seungcheol and I co-write almost all of the songs. It’s been a much more collaborative project compared to ‘Begin Again’. It’s been exhausting and tiring and life-consuming, but um, it’s been a lot of fun.

Wonwoo: So, going back a bit, if you rewrote all of the lyrics to ‘Begin Again’, how is it not your song?

You: Seungcheol already had some lyrics written for that song. I was just the one to figure out what he was really trying to say with them.

Wonwoo: Hm

Wonwoo: So what’s it been like working with Seungcheol?

You: Well, it definitely wasn’t easy at first.

Wonwoo: Why not?

You: I think we were both just used to writing alone. We learned a lot in those first couple writing sessions, and I think we’ve both grown a lot since then.

Wonwoo: What’d you learn?

You: We’re very similar people. We think about love very similarly. We have fought the same battles, and we’re both able to turn our pain and struggling into something beautiful.

Wonwoo: How would you describe you and Seungcheol’s personal relationship?

You: What do you mean?

Wonwoo: Friends, lovers, enemies, etc.

You: We have chemistry, but

You:

You: But I think that to write together there has to be love. What else would all the songs be about?

Wonwoo: Is that what ‘Can You See Me’ is about? Love?

You: That’s for each listener to figure out for themselves.

Wonwoo: You also said that you co-wrote most of the songs with Seungcheol.

You: Yes.

Wonwoo: So, did you guys co-write ‘We Are Not Done’ and ‘Is It Over Now?’?

You:

Wonwoo: No need to go into details if you’re not comfortable. I’m only really looking for a yes or a no.

You: It–

You: It’s not as simple as a yes or a no.

—

(Wonwoo’s interview with Seungcheol)

Wonwoo: What’s it been like working with someone else for the song writing on this album?

Seungcheol: It’s been hard. There’s a lot of push and pull for each word in each song, but I think at the end of the day, we’ve been able to put together an almost complete record of songs that we’re both proud of.

Wonwoo: It’s been said that the two of you have chemistry–

Seungcheol: Who said that?

Wonwoo: –do you agree with that?

Seungcheol:

Seungcheol: It’s not what you think.

Wonwoo:

Seungcheol: Look, whatever chemistry people think there is between us, I mean, it–it’s for the music and for the songs, not for each other.

Wonwoo: Are you saying it’s all fake?

Seungcheol: No, but it’s not real life either.

Wonwoo: So you guys fabricated some of it to sell records?

Seungcheol: I just don’t want people to get the wrong idea.

Wonwoo: Which is what?

Seungcheol: That there’s something between us romantically. There isn’t.

Wonwoo: Not even a little bit?

Seungcheol: Not even once.

The photo shoot for the album they decided should be in the desert. You’re not really sure why. Probably something to do with the desert show where you and the band first played together. You didn’t have a choice in the matter. If you did, you would have suggested the opposite. Maybe something on the shore. Nonetheless, you let them tell you where to sit and exactly how to do it.

The photographers look between each other after each flash of light in your face. Thank god they aren’t actors. You can read on their faces how much they hate each photo taken.

“You know what,” the head photographer says to the band, “let’s just take 5.”

You’re up immediately, walking away from the weird set they’ve put together and heading straight to the snack table. You say hi to Jeonghan standing there with a camera around his neck.

“Did the paper send you or did you come with Seungcheol?” You ask lightheartedly, picking at some grapes.

He laughs, fiddling with the lens. “No, not the paper. I just like to bring my camera with me sometimes. Plus,” he adds with a far off smile, looking up the hill at Joshua, Junhui, and Minghao talking, “reminds me of the old days.”

You look up past those three to where Soonyoung and Seungcheol are laughing at something you wish you were privy to. “I get that.”

“Actually, Seungcheol and I wanted to talk to you.” He says. His lips look pressed, eyes bright, fighting a smile but also fighting something else far beneath that. “Once the album wraps, we’re, uh, we’re gonna get married.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, I know. It was his idea, but I’m really excited about it too.” He tells you, abashedly. “We’re gonna keep it small, I think. Do it back in our hometown so that our families can be there and everything. I think most of the band is gonna travel back too to be there, and, uh, I know it would mean a lot to both of us if you were there too.”

You look at Jeonghan. You don’t really think he’s lying about the last part, but that still doesn’t make it any easier for you to swallow. “I don’t really know if that’s a good idea.”

“I do.” Jeonghan doesn’t falter. It reminds you of you before Seungcheol. You wonder where that version of you went. After a moment, his face softens, lips turning down a bit, but eyes looking as kind and as big as ever. You notice that his hair isn’t silver anymore.

“I know that it’s complicated between you and Seungcheol. And I’m not going to act like I get it because I don’t. But I like you and I know he loves you. If not for anything, then for this.” Jeonghan gestures to the shitty set they prepared. You look at it, chuckling. It’s shitty, yes. But Jeonghan’s right. This must’ve cost the label a fuck ton of money. “He and the band wouldn’t have any of this if not for you. You did that for them.”

You turn back to Jeonghan. Genuinely, you tell him, “Thank you.”

You open your arms to him. He welcomes it, hugging you back. You exhale. You can barely remember the last time you did.

“Congratulations, Jeonghan.” You feel him grin.

“Please come.” He requests.

You don’t know if you will. But you do know that you’re happy for him.

—

The next round of photos are no better than the last. You hope at least Jeonghan, who’s moved on to taking pictures of the scenery, is having a better shoot day than the label-hired photographers.

You find Seungcheol again during the next break, standing in the back at the top most part of the hill, sun shining down directly behind his head.

“Hey.” He says to you, not casually but not maliciously either.

You stop in front of him, just staring. Without you even meaning to, you frown. Seungcheol must notice. He tilts his head. “What’s up?”

You inhale sharply. “You’re getting married.”

His mouth opens, then closes. “I’m getting married.”

You shake your head. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I-it never..” He stops trying to find the words. You find that as more of an answer than anything he could’ve said. “I’m sorry.”

“Take me home.” You recite, thinking of the first window you ever had into Seungcheol’s heart. “Welcome me on those familiar roads. Embrace me in your arms. Oh please, tell me I still belong. It was always about him, wasn’t it?”

Seungcheol doesn’t say anything. You know him too well to think he would. Instead, he sucks in his bottom lip and turns his gaze to the ground. You bend your neck to see his face, see his red eyes. This is the only time you’ll have him like this again. This is it.

The only thing you have left to say to him is: “I hope you’re happy.”

—

When you go home that night, you drink yourself past consciousness. It’s only when you wake up with a pounding head the next morning do you see the song sitting next to you, written in sloppy, drunken handwriting.

Tell me was it worth all the pain Tell me would you do it over again Tell me was it worth the lights and your name Tell me was it worth the sound of my shame Tell me was it worth the album and the songs That I only sang thinking they were about us Tell me some it was true, not in my head Did we only kiss to sound how you wanted?

I know I’m not yours But let me your wildest dream You think of again On a bad night After a bad fight

(Wonwoo’s interview with you)

Wonwoo: Who wrote the last song on the album: ‘Not Yours’?

You: I did.

Wonwoo: When?

You: Right after the album cover shoot.

Wonwoo: What inspired it?

You: Well

You: I think that song had been singing in my heart for a while before I finally wrote it.

—

(Wonwoo’s interview with Seungcheol)

Wonwoo: ‘Not Yours’ is such a heart-breaking song. What was it like recording it?

Seungcheol: Believe it or not, it was one of the easiest.

(Wonwoo’s interview with Jeonghan)

Wonwoo: It’s nice to finally meet you.

Jeonghan: You too. If I can be honest, I really didn’t expect to be called about this piece.

Wonwoo: Oh

Wonwoo: I just like to get all sides of it.

Jeonghan: Okay.

Wonwoo: I wanted to talk to you about the album photo shoot.

Jeonghan: Oh yeah of course.

Wonwoo: From my understanding, the picture that was chosen as the cover, was one that you took. Is that correct?

Jeonghan: Yeah. I took it during one of the breaks.

Jeonghan: I mean props to the photography team that was hired, I’m sure they’re amazing, but it wasn’t hard to tell that they were really struggling to photograph the band.

Jeonghan: I just happened to have my camera on me, and you know, I had photographed the band in the past, so I just kind of knew what to look for. And when I saw Seungcheol and them go off to the side to talk, my eyes just happened to follow them. And

Jeonghan: Well, I don’t know what they were talking about, but you can see it in the photo, you know?

Jeonghan: They’re looking at each other like it’s a very important conversion. And well, let’s just say that I know Seungcheol very well, and he’s never been a good actor, so it must have been. And, and the sky is so blue and so clear behind them which, I don’t know, to me sort of represents how there’s nothing coming between them in this moment either. There’s nothing that isn’t being said.

Jeonghan:

Jeonghan: When I saw that, I just knew I had to capture it.

Jeonghan:

Jeonghan: I had no idea that Jihoon would want to use it for the album cover. I wasn’t thinking like that.

Wonwoo: Was it weird at all?

Jeonghan: How so?

Wonwoo: To capture a picture of your finance and his bandmate looking at each other like that?

(Wonwoo’s interview with Jihoon)

Wonwoo: So does the album have a name?

Jihoon: Yeah. Of course.

Jihoon: Aurora

Wonwoo: Can you tell me anything about the band maybe going on tour?

Jihoon: Well, can’t say anything for sure yet, but there’s definitely been some talk from the label about it.

Wonwoo: If there were to be a tour, are you able to give us a sneak peek as to what it’ll be like?

Jihoon: Hmm

Jihoon: Did you happen to see the band play the festival in the desert?

Wonwoo: No, I did not.

Jihoon: Well, I’ll tell you what anyone who saw that show would say.

Wonwoo: Which is?

Jihoon: Get ready for the best fucking show of your life.

(Wonwoo’s interview with you)

Wonwoo: I heard most of the band is heading back to their hometown for the break.

You: Yeah, they are.

Wonwoo: Do you plan on joining them?

You: No.

You: I don’t think I will.

Wonwoo: What do you plan to do during your time off?

You: Well, I bought a one way ticket to Italy, so that should start something. Maybe I’ll go to Nepal or Japan or Brazil after that. I haven’t really decided yet.

Wonwoo: So, traveling.

You: Yeah, I guess.

You: Can you believe that the festival show we did is the farthest I’ve ever been from home?

You: It’s time I saw a little more of the world.

Wonwoo: The fans are really looking forward to a tour. Can you speak to when you will be coming back?

You:

You: Who’s to say I will?

179 notes · View notes

mingyus-blackcard · 2 months

Text

ੈ✩‧₊ Paint an immortal love ੈ✩‧₊

Paring : Xu Minghao x Male reader

Word Count : 0.8k

Song : Strawberries and Cigarettes by Troye Sivan

Genre : Immortal au, angst to fluff

TW: Implied homophobia, death

A/n: This was requested, I got the inspiration to write this after such a long time!!! Feedback is much appreciated! Questions and requests are always open !

It was a losing game but he still chose to play.

Immortals falling in love with mortal was not forbidden, but looked down upon. It was considered to be crumbling a dried rose. A rose which once smelt of warmth, reduced to pieces of angst. Y/N and Minghao promised to stay together, yet they both knew it was promise which couldn't be kept. Those sneaky escapades of Minghao and Y/N had to be said goodbye, yet one wouldn't remember and one could never forget.

Minghao was an immortal who would just roam around the streets of the mortal world. The mortal art decepting how the they perceived the world, be it with a field of dandelions or a court full of thorns. The museums he visited displayed a pulchritudinous array of art, portraying god and mortal emotions.

It was one of those lonely nights, when the museum did not have much rush, the gale could be heard, a sign of the winters approaching.

Minghao was staring at the painting, the painting decepting two souls with intertwined hands, it was rumoured that the painter had painted it for him and his lover, homosexual relationships being a sin in the society. Minghao never understood the reason about being in love considered to be a sin.

"It's pretty, isn't it?"

Minghao looked back to see a guy staring at the picture as well, a small smile resting on his face.

"Indeed it is."

"If only the painter was a female, falling in love with him wouldn't be a crime."

The two of them stood in silence, the silence speaking way more than words could ever speak.

Minghao glanced at the guy next to him, features no less than a angel.

Brown hair which matched his caramel eyes, small lips with a settling smile, a rouge tint to his cheeks, probably due to weather.

"I wish I could relive this painting."

Minghao looked at the guy, confusion written all over his face. The guy seemed to understand that and gave a light chuckle.

"Experience the love of an artist, become someone's muse. Get my love immoratalized for this world. Let the world know what love can be."

"This painting depicts a relationship between two men, would you want that as well?"

"If love can cross borders, it can cross languages, why can't it cross genders?" The guy turned his full attention to Minghao, replying with a slight spark in his eyes, waiting for his response.

"Not all borders are meant to be crossed, exepcially when the other side has thorns."

"If no one crosses border with the fear of thorns, the path will never clear. Someone needs to cross the border and remove the thorns."

Minghao just smiled, never meeting a mortal with such solitary thoughts. He lent out his hand, a friendly gesture he hoped the guy would reciprocate.

"Minghao"

The guy gladly shook hands, flashing a bright smile," Y/N"

The hands which shook, created a bond which could only be broken by time. The two young men, ignorant of others around them, fell in love with each other deeply everyday. Be it reading the newspaper together, snuggled together in the bed, the noises of the coach in the background or their late night escapes in the pub, a beer in hand, flushed cheeks and eyes full of love.

Minghao was hesitant to start this relationship, knowing he will live on with just memories, but for Y/N, he was ready to give the happy memories and carry on with the bitter memory of losing the loved one.

Relationships are built on trust, yet Minghao could never have the courage to tell him that he was an immortal, that he would indeed keep the promise of loving him forever.

Yet as the leaves turn brown, the sky turns grey, the lover's blood lost the warmth, lost the red tint. Y/N passed away young, a death not deserved, a death placed upon him for fighting for his love, shot at a rally for letting men love men, for letting the seven colours fly, only for him fly away as white dove.

The color of Minghao's life left, the monotonous routine taking over. A whole lifetime at his disposal, yet he longs to be with angel. Years passed, yet that smile could never fade away from his mind. Minghao lived on, visiting the museum every fortnight. Staring at the painting which made his lover immortal.

The night was nothing special, the museum being empty at night, Minghal standing carelessly in front of the painting, remembering his lover when his trance was broken by an another guy, voicing his thoughts.

"It's beautiful isn't it? Only for their love to be forbidden."

Minghao snapped his neck back to see a guy, black hair, pale lips, different from his lover, yet the same glint in the eyes which he could identify in thousand other eyes, those eyes which made him smile like never before. The eyes which made him love, which made him realise the importance of a heartbeat, those eyes which stood before him

again, life giving him a chance again, a smile creeping on his face in years.

"Till death do us apart, yet the same eyes, the same I love you stands before me."

65 notes · View notes

kimbappykidding · 5 months

Text

Imagine starting a job at Hybe and catching the attention of none other than Mingyu himself but this isn't the first time you've met...

You'd always dreamed of becoming a professional dancer and you finally achieved that when you were offered a place a Hybe as a dancer. You moved to Seoul for the role and were ready to start your new life. You had some friends already in the city, and on your first night, they took you out for a welcome meal and drinks. While you were in a bar your friends noticed a good-looking man a few tables away looking at you but you didn't really care. When you came out with friends that was the only thing on your mind so he could be the hottest guy in the world but you wouldn't talk to him. This was pretty accurate considering the man was none other than Seventeen's Mingyu.

The man continued to watch you but you just ignored him. Then when you were walking to the bar the man called out to you. "Miss I think you forgot this" he called holding out a tissue to you and you paused "that's not mine". The boy hesitated before saying "are you sure because I'm certain it is. Do you want to check?". You shook your head "no it's definitely not" and went to walk away when he laughed. "Okay so it's not but I wrote my phone number on it and was trying to do a whole bit...basically I think you're really pretty and promised my friends I'd ask you out". You looked behind him and sure enough, his friends were watching. You smiled "that's nice of you but I'm not looking to date anyone at the moment, plus I'm out with my friends and so guys are the last thing on my mind". The man nodded "of course sorry for bothering you". You shook your head "no problem have a nice night" and walked away. When you got back to your table your friends asked why you didn't take the number and you shrugged "he was a stranger". "But a hot one!" your friend cried and you looked at her "and?". Your friends laughed "so you haven't become a huge softie when it comes to love and romance huh?" your friend asked and you shook your head "nope. That's just not who I am and nothing will make me that way".

You had a lovely rest of your night and enjoyed a peaceful weekend before your first week at work. You arrived on the first day and were given a tour. They told you you'd be working with a mix of Hybe groups but in particular you'd be with Enhypen, Le Sserafim and Seventeen. You didn't know tons about kpop, mainly just the iconic dances but knew Hybe had great dancers so we're excited. The tour took you to the groups' different floors and the final stop was Seventeen's. They weren't rehearsing and all appeared to be messing around which the tour guide didn't seem to like but you got a good glimpse at the guys and spotted one familiar face.

The guy from the bar! He was in there! You couldn't believe it and wanted to stay to make sure but were hurried along. The second you had a break, you pulled out your phone and searched the Seventeen members and got a name. Mingyu. One of the main visuals of Seventeen who you'd now be working...whose offer of a date you'd rejected. Luckily he had a reputation for being a nice guy so you figured he'd just pretend nothing happened or hell he might not even recognise you. The more you read about him the more you figured he was a guy who got tons of romantic attention. He probably found another girl 5 minutes after you so you thought he might not remember it and you weren't going to remind him. However, when you were introduced he dropped his water bottle loudly and suddenly, so you guessed he remembered you.

Mingyu planned to act like he didn't know you but he was pretty sure he'd blown his cover so just decided to come over to you. "Hi" he said nervously and you smiled back "Hey". "So last weekend?" he asked and you chuckled "I wasn't sure if you'd remember me". "Of course I would" Mingyu said "I obviously had no idea who you were and my timing is wonderful as always. I'm sorry if I made this uncomfortable". You shook your head "no not at all, it's fine". Mingyu smiled "good well welcome and I promise to be nothing but professional" saluting awkwardly and you could see the regret going through his eyes as he did i. You laughed slightly and smiled back "that sounds great and thanks for welcoming me" and did a mini salute back. Mingyu laughed and nodded "no worries" and walked away.

Some of the members had seen you talking but when they asked Mingyu what you were discussing he just shrugged "nothing I was just welcoming her". Scoups shook his head "of course you're flirting with the new dancer on our first meeting with her". Mingyu shook his head denying it but the boys didn’t let him drop it. “She’s totally your type as well” Jeonghan said and Hoshi nodded “yeah she looks like that other girl Mingyu liked!” and the others all nodded. “It must be fate” Dk smiled at him but Mingyu thought fate was too kind a word for you turning up at his work suddenly.

However the good news was nobody knew what had happened between you. The friends Mingyu had been with at the bar were kpop idols from different groups so his members had no idea what was going on. You weren’t going to tell them and were acting pretty chill so Mingyu knew you’d keep the secret safe…but that didn’t mean Mingyu forgot about the encounter. He found it hard to move on especially seeing you every day. He of course still thought you were pretty as he had that night in the bar but his attraction to you exploded the second he saw you dance. You were an extremely skilled dancer, your body could perform any style effortlessly and you picked up choreo easily. You looked very good when you danced and Mingyu felt even more impressed and attracted to you. Then as he spent more time with you he realised you were also very funny and he loved your cool blunt personality. You were very honest and a lot of fun to be around...which made everything so much harder for Mingyu. He was the type of person who couldn't hide his feelings well. His emotions were displayed clearly on his face and so he couldn't help acting a little differently with you and his members began to say he was "whipped" for you.

Whenever you entered a room Mingyu sat up straighter or stood taller which considering his height was very noticeable but Mingyu would pretend he hadn't seen you. He tried to act very blasé, leaning back casually on whatever was behind him or striking a pose which the members found hilarious. They also noticed how his wardrobe seemed to have lost material and now his arms were regularly out and his abs whenever he fanned his face with his t-shirt which was every few minutes. He claimed it was just the weather but considering he stretched right in front of you they didn't believe him. Then whenever Mingyu spoke to you he also adopted this cool guy routine and basically fell over himself to agree with you and seem macho. One day you said you didn't eat meat much and could easily go without it. Mingyu agreed with you making all the members nearly explode. He was full of smiles whenever you talked to him but pretended afterwards that he didn't really care.

After one such occasion, Woozi decided to say something. "So should we address the elephant in room...or well giraffe?" he asked looking at Mingyu. Several members guessed what this was about and began laughing but Mingyu was clueless. "What?" he asked when several people stared at him and Jeonghan smiled at him "Y/n". Mingyu froze, worried they'd heard he asked you out. "What about her?" he said in an unconvincing attempt to be casual. "Oh come on!" Seungkwan said "it's so obvious you're into her". "No I'm not!" Mingyu tried but Scoups laughed "yes you are! You're a mess anytime she walks near you". "Not to mention the sucking up, you agree to anything she says!" The8 pointed out. Mingyu tried to keep up his argument but they just didn't believe him and stopped listening to him.

"You should ask her out" Jeonghan said and Wonwoo nodded "yeah you'd have a good shot". "No no no" Mingyu said and The8 began to ask why. "I think she already has a boyfriend" he said and Seungkwan shook his head "no she doesn't I asked her". "Oh...are you sure because I swear I saw her with a guy the other day...". "He's scared" Scoups said laughing and the others joined in. "No I'm not!” Mingyu said which only made the guys tease him more. “You totally are” Jun said and Mingyu sighed “she’s only been here 2 weeks, why would I pounce on her like that?”. “Pounce on who like that?” a voice asked and Mingyu’s life flashed before his eyes as he realised the dancers had re-entered the room…but luckily you still weren’t here yet. It was a group of 3 dancers who had been with the company for ages and that meant they knew exactly what was going on. “Is this about Mingyu drooling over Y/n?” one of them, a girl called Mina, asked and all 12 boys exploded in laughter. They had luckily calmed down when you did re-enter but Mingyu was still on edge. He found himself watching you to see if any of the dancers whispered anything to you and you noticed. You looked up, saw him watching you and smiled. Mingyu smiled back trying to act casual but could feel how pink his cheeks were and could hear the giggles across the room.

The teasing continued all week and Mingyu was worried it was becoming more noticeable. At dinner Seungkwan insisted you sit with them and positioned you right next to Mingyu with a huge smile on his face. One day your car was being fixed and when Dino found out he insisted you get a lift home with them and the guys made sure Mingyu and you ended up with a car all to yourself. Then whenever the two of you were talking in practice Mingyu would feel the guys' eyes on him and it would make him flustered and blush. It was building and building until one day it was undeniable.

Mingyu was stretching before dance practice and you came in and saw him. You smiled and put your water bottle down on a table. Mingyu realised the table was probably a way better place than the floor so he came over and put his down too. "Copying me again?" you asked and Mingyu smiled "I can't help it if you just have a way more logical brain than me okay?". You smiled "it's okay you can borrow my brain power anytime" and patted his arm. DK, Hoshi and Scoups entered while your hand was on Mingyu's arm and DK let out a loud screech before Scoups grabbed him. They dragged him to the other side of the room but were all grinning and started whispering as soon as there was some distance.

There was no hiding what had happened and you turned your back to them before steping closer to Mingyu. “Do they know?” you whispered and Mingyu blinked “about what happened with us? No of course not”. You paused “then what happened there? They've been giggly for a while, has something happened?”. Mingyu’s mind went to panic mode and he shook his head and as Mina entered he just took the first excuse that came to him. “No don’t worry it’s not you they’re laughing at it’s me, see I asked Mina out”. “Mina?” you asked looking to her across the room and Mingyu nodded “yeah and they’re teasing me senselessly about it”. “Ow that makes sense” and then after a pause you smiled “congratulations!”. “Thanks” Mingyu smiled and he answered your polite questions about where he was taking her, how he asked her out etc the best he could. When he got away his first thought was he’d been really smart and dodged a bullet…but then he realised you worked with Mina and could ask her about it anytime, exposing his lie. So panic mode came back.

Mingyu wasn’t sure how he survived dance practice. He spent the whole time trying to catch Min for a talk and tensing anytime the two of you were near each other. You spoke for a little bit in between moves and Mingyu was sweating so bad! Luckily you didn’t discuss him and Mingyu had time to grab Mina and explain his lie.

"So you told Y/n we're going out instead of telling her you like her?" Mina asked and Mingyu nodded "yes". "Okay" she said laughing at how unashamed Mingyu was of that "so when will you tell her?". "I have no idea!" Mingyu said and she laughed again. "So what's your plan? We just pretend to date from now on?". "Well not forever!" Mingyu said and Mina relaxed thinking he'd regained his sanity but she thought too soon. "Just for a few months and then we'll stage a breakup but we don't have to act too differently". Mina blinked "Mingyu that is crazy!". "No it's not, I promise it won't be too much work". "But what if the guys think we are dating?" she asked "The8 knows my actual girlfriend!". "Well Y/n has no reason to mention it to them, I think she'll keep it on the down low". Mina shook her head "Mingyu you need to tell her you can't create such an elaborate scheme like this! It could ruin your chances in the long run". Mingyu sighed "okay okay fine just give me a week?". "A week?" Mina asked and Mingyu nodded "please and I'll have worked something out by then". "You'll tell her?" Mina asked and Mingyu nodded "sure" but what he really meant was he'd find some other way out of it. Mina was placated though and nodded "fine you get to pretend to date me for one week and that's it!" making Mingyu smile "thanks Mina".

So Mingyu had dodged a huge bullet and luckily, you never mentioned he was "dating" Mina to the guys. You kept it to yourself and ignored the members behaviour figuring it wasn't towards you. Mingyu thought his luck was finally changing and then he got a huge curveball.

Mingyu had dodged you as a dancer partner for a while now despite you being the second tallest dancer but no more. The choreographer finally paired you two together and Mingyu's head snapped up when he heard your name. You came to stand beside him, making sure not to look at him at all to show this wasn't a big deal. Mingyu was noticeably awkward around you and hesitant. In the dance, he had to grab your arm and pull you towards him but he was acting all cautious and you worried the choreographer would point it out and then all the guys would see it. "It's okay you can pull me properly" you whispered to him discreetly and he nodded "okay" and did it better. Your worries were for nothing as the choreographer actually really liked your pairing and used you as an example for the others. "See how rigid Mingyu's back is and how Y/n doesn't even look at him? That's the energy we want. You two have the song down naturally". "Thank you" you said and Mingyu smiled pretending it was acting.

You were partners all week because the choreographer liked you together so much so by Friday Mingyu was ready to burst. Mina said this was a good thing because his time was up and Mingyu agreed and planned to tell you that they'd at least broken up on Monday when you showed up at his house.

Seungkwan was throwing a party for his birthday and Mingyu had no idea he'd befriended you quickly enough to invite you to his birthday party. Then again Seungkwan made friends wherever he went so Mingyu expected a big turnout for his 3rd youngest member's party. Mingyu rationalised it wouldn’t be the end of the world and figured he'd just have a fun night with his friends and avoid you but everywhere he seemed to go there you were! Dancing and looking amazing or laughing with his members. He was going to get a drink and stepped into the kitchen to see the fridge open. He walked up to the door and saw it was you, he was going to walk away when he figured that'd be awkward so he stayed. You however hadn't even seen him and jumped when you turned and saw him, spilling your drink all over yourself. "Jesus Chris!" you said and Mingyu grabbed a towel "omg Y/n I'm so sorry". "It's okay" you said dabbing yourself but your top was white and it showed the stain easily. "But your poor top" Mingyu said now realising was becoming see-through and shot his eyes away. You noticed too and panicked holding the tea tower up to it. "It's okay I'll just erm...wait for it to dry". "I can give you something if you want?" Mingyu asked "and then you can swap back at the end of the night".

You agreed so headed upstairs together passing several of his members which didn't help his blush. They didn't dare say anything in front of you but it was so easy to see what they were thinking. Finally, they were out of sight and you paused at the top of the stairs making Mingyu almost crash into you. "Why did you stop?" he asked and you looked at him "I don't know which one is your room". "Of course why would you?" Mingyu asked and slid past you to lead you into his room at the end of the hall.

"Okay so let me find something for you...I'll try and get something white so it's similar" and he rooted through his drawers. Mingyu brought out a few options for you and you went into his ensuite to change. All his tops were big on you and Mingyu tried not to react to how cute it was or how it made him feel to see you in his clothes. Finally, there was one crop top that worked and you looked really good in it. You tucked it into your jeans and looked so cool in it which Mingyu never did. "Does it look okay?" you asked and he agreed it did. "You look really nice" he said before going to spread your t-shirt out on the drying rack.

"You know I have to say your bathroom is the cleanest one I've ever seen" you said and he smiled "yeah I like things nice and tidy". "I noticed and that's a wonderful quality, very impressive". Now Mingyu was blushing "thank you...you're impressive too. You just seem to pick up choreo so quickly. I know being paired with you has made me a better dancer". "That's so sweet!" you smiled "thank you but you're a great performer anyway. I've seen you in past music videos and I'm nothing to do with it". "You've watched my old videos?" Mingyu asked and you paused before nodding. "When I got the job and started I looked into you all and you were on the first one I looked at". "Because of what happened?' Mingyu asked and you shrugged "that was part of it but not all of it. You're very different from what I expected and I guess I just wanted to see more of that. I was trying to work you out so to speak". "Ohh" Mingyu said unsure what else to say "and what did you find?".

You paused unsure why you were feeling so flustered. It probably had something to do with being in a dimly light room with an attractive guy while you were wearing a top that smelt like him. "I found you very confusing" you admitted "just guys like you aren't usually so kind to your members and aren't so good at cooking and stereotypically feminine things". Mingyu smiled "me being able to cook confused you?". "Yes! Young guys, in general, tend not to know how to cook but especially the good-looking ones!" you said before realising you'd called Mingyu good-looking. Surely it wouldn't be a big deal? He knew he was good looking right?

"Thank you" Mingyu said blushing "I often get misconceptions because of how I look". "Pretty people problems" you said sighing sarcastically and Mingyu laughed "oh come on like you don't know! You probably have people asking you out all the time, especially when they see you dance". Now it was your turn to blush "sometimes but not often no...". "Really?" Mingyu asked stunned "that's crazy! Who wouldn't want you? I mean some people have no taste!" before realising he'd gone a little overboard. You were both blushing and neither of you knew what to say. "Thanks for not holding what happened against me I guess" Mingyu said and you chuckled "Mingyu, a good-looking guy asking you out is in no way offensive. You were sweet and respectful and even if everyone knew you'd have nothing to be ashamed of. I was with my friends that's why I said no". Mingyu sat up straighter and his eyes shot to you "really? That was why you said no?". You nodded "yeah that was the main reason...I think if I'd started work the week before I might've said something different though".

Mingyu had goosebumps all over his arms and he was staring at you in disbelief. He couldn't believe what you'd just told him and was cursing his past self for his bad timing. "So if I'd had asked you out at a different time you might've said...". "Yeah I think I would've" you nodded and Mingyu thought his head was going to explode. You could've been his but now...well right now all he could think of was you. You may as well be the only person in the world at this moment and he was overwhelmed with how good you looked and how much he wanted you. Mingyu moved closer to you and laid a hand on your arm. "Mingyu" you whispered seeing his expression and he nodded "what?". "I..." you started when a loud bang on the landing made you both jump and shoot apart.

"Mingyu?" you heard Jeonghan call "are you up here? I need your help". Mingyu rushed to the door and they saw Hoshi on the floor clearly a little drunk. "Help me get him into bed will you?" Jeonghan asked Mingyu before spotting you behind him "if you're not busy...". "No of course not" you and Mingyu both rushed to say, blushing like crazy. "Okay..." Jeonghan said, very much aware he'd interrupted something but you both rushed away from one another and he had more important things to worry about, like a drunk Hoshi at his ankles.

You rushed downstairs and Mingyu busied himself with helping Hoshi. You felt all warm and flustered and had no idea what had just happened upstairs or what else might've happened had Jeonghan not interrupted. Mingyu came back downstairs a little while later and the two of you stayed on opposite sides of the room. Mingyu told himself he’d catch you to talk to but he kept putting it off and then the next thing he knew you’d gone!

This made him very worried because you still thought he was dating Mina so must’ve thought he was going to cheat on her with you. You must be so disappointed in him and weirdly that made Mingyu the most upset. He didn’t want you of all people thinking he was a bad person and so he had to find you! He texted Mina and she said she knew where you lived because she’d dropped you off the other day. She gave Mingyu your address and minutes later he was on his way to yours. Woozi drove him because he hadn’t drunk tonight and Mingyu had. He sat in the passenger seat anxious drumming his hands on his legs and finally after what felt like an eternity of driving for both Woozi and Mingyu, they arrived.

You'd gotten home a little earlier and has just gotten in your pyjamas after washing your face when the door went. You opened it to find a very panicked-looking Mingyu. "Hi" he smiled "can I come in?". You froze thinking back to the last time you were alone together "erm do you think that's a good idea?" you asked. Mingyu's smile fell "please, I really need to talk to you" and you couldn't resist those eyes so you opened your door and he followed you inside.

"So..."Mingyu started "are you okay? After what happened?" he started but that seemed to open the floodgates. "Of course I'm not okay!" you criied and Mingyu blinked "because of what happened at the house? When we..." and you nodded. "But we didn't" Mingyu said "plus it's okay" he said getting ready to explain but you heard those words and got triggered. "Mingyu it is not okay! I like you but just because our thing in the bar happened before you asked Mina out doesn’t mean we get precedence”. Mingyu nodded “Y/n I know” but you kept talking. “And what we almost did was so bad! I can’t think of why we got so close! My best friend was cheated on so I know how horrible it is but I almost did with you and that’s worrying, to think you have the effect on me”. “No Y/n I don’t” Mingyu said but again you carried on “but you do! I was going to kiss you just because I wanted to so badly” you said “but I had my shot with you and I’ve just got to realise that and back off”. “No you don’t!” Mingyu said “I don’t want you to back off or go anywhere!”. “Mingyu that’s sweet but…” you started but Mingyu knew better than to let you start ranting again. “Y/n I’m not with Mina!” he said suddenly making you jump. Mingyu realised and patted your arm “sorry for saying it so loudly but it’s true and that’s what I came here to tell you! We didn’t do anything wrong because I’m not with Mina”. “You’re not?” you asked “but you told me you asked her out”. “Yeah I said that because I didn’t want to tell you the guys were laughing about us! Or well me”. “Wait so they do know about us?” you asked and Mingyu shook his head “no they could just tell I had a crush on you and teased me about it constantly…they still do” he admitted “because they could all see I was super into you without even knowing what happened in the bar”. You blinked “wow…you must’ve been really obvious then huh?” and Mingyu chuckled. “Yeah I wasn’t too good at disguising how I felt and that’s why I panicked when you asked”. You nodded “but just to clarify, you’re not dating Mina?” you asked and Mingyu shook his head “no”. “Good” you smiled “because now I can do this without feeling guilty” and you shifted onto your tiptoes and leaned up to kiss him.

After you separated Mingyu was so dazed he missed what you said and had to ask you to repeat yourself. "I said...did you tell the guys you were dating Mina too?". "No just you" he said blushing and you nodded "ah okay so I don't have to claim my territory or anything around them?". Mingyu shook his head "no but I mean if you want to that's more than fine with me". You smiled "I'll see what I can do" and that was music to Mingyu's ears. "I've never been so excited for work before!" he cried and you laughed.

"You know, I wasn't sure if I was going to go to Seungkwan's party tonight but I'm really glad I did". Mingyu nodded "I'm glad you did too...but I'm sorry I made you leave early. How about we go out and celebrate or something?". You nodded "and I've got the perfect place how about where it all began but this time, my mind is only on you".

"It's a date" Mingyu smiled.

#Mingyu #mingyu fic #mingyu imagine #mingyu x reader #mingyu x you #mingyu x y/n #mingyu seventeen #seventeen mingyu #seventeen fic #seventeen imagine #seveteen x reader #sevenreen x you #seveneteen x y/n #jeonghan #wonwoo #mingyu seventeen fic #mingyu seventeen imagine #seventeen mingyu fic #seventeen mingyu imagine

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shuastruck · 8 months

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SUNSHINE AND SUNFLOWERS

twenty three. 17 !!! that warm, fuzzy feeling

previous || masterlist || next

PAIRING || lee seokmin x female reader

GENRES || fluff, sort of childhood friends to lovers, college au, humour, angst

SUMMARY || when you entered college, the last thing you expected was to see your childhood friend lee seokmin in a sea of unknown faces. but just as you had expected, he didn't even remember you in the slightest. you didn't blame him; he had moved away in first grade and how many people remembered their best friend from kindergarten? but that didn't stop you from falling for his cute smile and sweet personality, so now you were stuck in love with a boy who barely knew your existence.

or, in which, if you were a sunflower then seokmin was your sunshine.

WARNINGS || none

A/N || it finnaly happened it finally happened (kind of-) ANYWAYS HOW DO YOU GUYS FEEL ABT THIS CHAPTER :D

if you want to be added to the taglist, send me an ask!

A/N: Please do tell me what you think about this story!! I worked really hard on it and I would love to know everyone’s thoughts on it~ Comments and reblogs are appreciated!

#sunshine and sunflowers.#seventeen x reader #dk x reader #dokyeom x reader #seokmin x reader #lee seokmin x reader #seveneteen smau #seventeen fake texts #seventeen fluff #seventeen angst #dk fluff #dk angst #seokmin fluff #seokmin angst #lee seokmin fluff #lee seokmin angst #dokyeom fluff #dokyeom angst

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animeniacss · 4 months

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So Close Yet So Far - Mingyu x Reader - Chapter 9 - Special Visitors

Synopsis: Your college friend, Kim Mingyu, has had a grip on your heart since the first day you met. Over the past few years, as you acquired more friendships and memories, those feelings only grew. However, recently, Mingyu has seemed a bit more distant, at least when it comes to any ideas of romance. It only gets worse when rumors fly that he's off to Japan to receive a marriage proposal! Unsure what to do, you wonder how you can keep Mingyu by your side without jeopardizing your friendship or your growing feelings. You never expected that waking up one drunken morning next to two hot angels would be your ticket into Mingyu's heart.

Genre: Romance, College!AU, Modern Fantasy, Comedy, Angsty

Length: approx. 6.9k words

Chapter 9 - Special Visitors

Mingyu and Joshua stood in silence for what felt like an eternity. Joshua was used to eternity. As he stared at Mingyu, he watched his features change. He was shocked; eyes wide at the seemingly calm individual shouting something so out of nowhere. He was confused; eyebrows narrowing as he tried to infer exactly what Joshua meant. It took a second, but he was soon angry; eyes narrow as he looked at Joshua once more. “I’m sorry…what?”

“You need to leave her alone.”

“Joshua.” Jeonghan tried one more time, but it was like he suddenly turned invisible.

“And who are you to tell me that?” Mingyu asked. He stepped closer to Joshua, who said nothing as he continued to stare right at him. “If anything, I’d like to know what happened so I can fix it. Weren’t you the one who was so eager to help me just the other day?”

“That was then and this is now. You’re the one who lied to her and made her upset. You seem to have been selfish the entire time and she’s the one suffering. And she won’t even tell you why because she knows it’ll cause you to feel guilty.” Mingyu hesitated a bit, his angered expression not once faltering. When he saw Joshua’s hand rub his shoulder, jaw clenching a bit as he continued to stand tall in front of him, Mingyu shook his head.

“Joshua,” Jeonghan repeated, but Joshua wasn’t done.

“She clearly doesn’t matter to you, since you have no problem swooning many girls across Asia so they drop everything and follow you home. What did you even give to Mina that had her run after you when you left?”

“What are you even talking about?” Mingyu asked.

“You know,” Joshua said simply. “And now Jeonghan and I are here trying to pick up the pieces and make her feel better because you have been seemingly nothing but secretive.” He scoffed. “I don’t know what she sees in you.”

“I can kick your ass, you know that?” Mingyu asked.

“Tch. You won’t. Not only because you don’t mean that, but she’ll never forgive you.” Mingyu’s eyes darted away for a second at the sassy remark, and Joshua shook his head.

However, Joshua only had one second to feel a new wave of confidence, because Mingyu blurted back with: “What? Do you love her or something?!” Joshua’s breath caught in his throat, and piercing pain shot from between his shoulder blades. It bolted down his shoulders and to the tips of each finger, before going back again. Over and over, the ping-pong sensation of this lightning bolt moved, trapped in his body and trying to get out. Joshua’s grip on his shoulder tightened before finally loosened. He dropped to his knees, taking a second for his entire body to let out a shaky gasp. “Woah. Shit.” Mingyu gasped, stepping back. “What the…?”

“Joshua.” Jeonghan hurried to his side, kneeling. Joshua looked over, using his free hand to rub ever-growing sweat off his brow. Jeonghan leaned close. “Stop it. You’re going to make a big mistake.” He quickly muttered a bitter yet terrified hiss between his teeth. Joshua nodded, shaking his head to bring himself back to reality. Slowly, he could feel his body calming down, the convulsing pains slowly dulling before disappearing to a numb pounding between his shoulder blades.

When he looked up, he saw a hand sticking in his direction. He followed the arm until it reached Mingyu’s face. His expression was neutral, no longer angry or ready to start a fight. Reluctantly, Joshua took his hand and stood to his feet. “Whew.”

“Are you okay?” Mingyu asked, clear confusion still written on his face like an open book.

“Yeah.” Joshua gasped out, nodding his head. He had no energy to continue being jealous of Mingyu. The idea of that feeling alone made his back throb in pain. He immediately felt Jeonghan take his arm.

“Let’s go.” He said. Joshua could not even argue, rubbing his shoulder as Jeonghan led him away from the swarming eyes of the crowd. Mingyu watched the duo disappear out of the view of the public eye, and for a second, Mingyu was tempted to follow to make sure Joshua was ok. Feelings aside, the pain on Joshua’s face felt thick, contagious even. Any who got close could catch that pain for themselves, taking some of it from his burdened shoulders. It made Mingyu shudder. Just then, he heard a voice behind him, pulling him from his thoughts. When he looked over, he saw you and Hoshi exiting the library. It took a second for both of your eyes to meet, Hoshi not taking long to see the both of you lock eyes as well. He put a hand on your shoulder, smiling sweetly at you in what seemed to read as reassurance. You looked back at Mingyu, waving your hand in his direction. Mingyu raised his hand as well. God, did he want to say something to you? He wanted to talk and walk with you on the way to class like you usually did. However, even from a distance, he could see hurt in your eyes, and he bit his tongue as he simply made his way to class, quietly holding back all of the things he so desperately wanted to say to you right then and there.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Jeonghan waited mere seconds for the duo to be alone to turn to Joshua, who still seemed a bit disoriented, before shouting: “Are you kidding?!”

“Huh?” Joshua asked, looking at his friend.

“You almost got in a fight with Mingyu. Why?”

“He upset her.”

“Don’t make excuses. You’re jealous.”

Joshua’s eyes went wide at the accusation. “Jealous? Are you out of your mind!?”

“Me? Aaaah, Joshua. Are you stupid? If you do this-.”

“I’m not doing anything,” Joshua said. “He needs to know that she’s upset for hiding secrets from her!”

“Yeah, and you acting like a jealous boyfriend is not the way to do it! You didn’t even ask me before you started talking to him!”

“I was able to handle it.”

Jeonghan snorted, shoving Joshua back by his right shoulder. Joshua flinched at the pain. “Yeah. Right.”

As you were heading down the path, you wondered where Joshua and Jeonghan were so close to your next class. It was surprising not seeing them by the library after class ended, ready to chat you up with their new ideas on how to fix your relationship with Mingyu and get Mina out of the way once and for all. The more you thought about it, the less it felt possible. You didn’t know how talking to Mingyu would feel going forward knowing that he held such a big secret from you, with no intention of you ever finding out. Without Joshua and Jeonghan checking on things in ways only they could, would you have figured it out?

“You’re getting angry over nothing! It’s fine.”

The sound of an angry, yet familiar voice, stopped you in your tracks and turned your attention towards its source. The trees surrounding the nearby picnic area that few students occupied were thick, but you saw what looked to be two figures at the top of the hill, close in proximity to one another as they talked. You stepped closer, and the yelling got louder:

“You almost flew into a jealous rage over the guy we’re trying to get someone set up with.” Jeonghan clapped his hands ferociously to the beat of his rant. “Not only that, if your body didn’t reject all that negative emotion, you probably would have punched him.”

“No, I-.” Joshua stopped himself, tongue pressing the inside of his cheek in annoyance.

Being correct was not something that felt rewarding at this moment, and Jeonghan groaned. “Envy is a sin, idiot,” Jeonghan said.

“I know that,” Joshua said. “Stop lecturing me. You’re not Seungcheol.”

“Yeah, you’re lucky I’m not!” He said. “If he finds out…”

“Don’t threaten me, Jeonghan.” Joshua crossed his arms. As you got closer, your shoulders slumped as you finally recognized the duo fully. I wonder what made them decide to get into one of their silly arguments here? You thought, especially when you saw that nobody else was around to witness the fight. As you hurried closer, it seemed the duo didn’t even notice as they continued shouting at one another.

“Guys?” you called. No response. “Hey.” You stuck your hands in between the duo, much as you always did. “Hey.” You said once more time.

“You’re going to ruin everything!”

“I am not!”

“What are you going to ruin?” You asked, hoping that if you inserted yourself in the conversation, it would snap their attention back to you. It did.

“STAY OUT OF THIS!”

The silence you so desperately wanted hit the three of you like a truck, and your hands dropped to your sides. Joshua and Jeonghan looked at you for a moment, then at one another. You nodded your head, before fixing the backpack strap that was digging into your shoulder from how hard you were gripping it.

“I’m sorry.” You muttered, before turning around and heading back down the path you came from.

“Wait,” Jeonghan called, but it fell on deaf ears, your walk picking up into a brisk jog as you hurried straight into the building of your next class. “Oh, no.” He looked at Joshua, who stared in the direction you hurried off to with an absolutely stunned expression.

“Oh, okay this really isn’t good, huh?” he muttered to himself, hand running through his hair as he tried pacing, hoping it would come up with a plan to help them solve this.

Nothing came to him, and he wished he could simply curl up in a ball and sit with that debilitating pain in his side. It hurt much less.

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Instead of going to class as you had intended, you found yourself sitting on one of the concrete ledges that led to the open practice field. The campus soccer team was out there now, practicing while the sun was still high in the sky. You pulled your knees to your chest, chin resting in between your knees as you watched them play. The image of Joshua and Jeonghan, the literal epitome of beauty, elegance, purity, and grace, in a screaming match, made your heart hurt.

“I didn’t think angels had it in them to fight like that.” You mumbled. “I hope I didn’t do anything, and everything is okay.”

“For what?” You heard a voice call from behind. When you looked up, you saw Mingyu walking over. His pace slowed just a bit the closer he got, but he motioned beside you. “Hey. May I?” You were hesitant, sure, unsure what the both of you would talk about. However, it beat feeling alone, and you nodded. Mingyu plopped down beside you, his feet dangling over the large wall that dropped to the very edge of the field. He was silent for a moment, resting his palms behind him like a podium and reclining back a bit. “Did you find Joshua and Jeonghan?”

“Yeah.” You said. Mingyu tilted his head as you squeezed your knees even tighter. “I think they’re upset with me.”

“What? Why?” Mingyu asked. You shrugged.

“They were arguing. I tried to stop them but they didn’t seem to want me involved.”

Mingyu thought back to how roughly Jeonghan pulled Joshua away a bit ago. He shook his head. “I don’t think that means they are upset with you.” Mingyu assured. “You just have to let them figure it out. They seem pretty close. I’m sure it’ll be ok.”

“I hope so.” You agreed, a solemn tone still lingering in your voice. As you glanced over at Mingyu, you saw his head tilt up to the sky. The glow of the sun tickled his features, eyes squinting a bit to not let its rays sting them too much. It got to the point where he raised a hand, using it as a shield to cover his eyes better. When he looked back at you, he seemed shocked to see you staring back. However, that didn’t stop a smile from creeping onto his face.

“You know.” He began. “Finals are coming up soon.”

“Oh, great.” You muttered. “That makes me feel so much better.”

Mingyu smiled. “I promised to give you a great birthday this year when they’re over. Even better than just chicken.” You remembered parts of that conversation, the both of you laughing in the car after a delicious and filling meal together. It felt so foreign thinking back. “I know you’re upset with me.”

“I’m not.” You quickly interjected. Mingyu frowned.

“You seem upset with me.” He stated.

“You didn’t do anything to warrant me being upset with you.” Mingyu smiled.

“I know that’s not true. You’ve been avoiding me for an entire week.” He confessed.

“It’s finals. You said so.”

“When had that ever mattered?” he asked. “I figured you needed space. I told the others to give you some too. I was worried someone like Seungkwan would try to meddle in and make it worse.” You shook your head, Hoshi’s smiling face flashing in your mind. “I must have done something. You don’t look at someone with so much pain in your eyes unless they’ve hurt you.” Immediately, you turned your face from his view, allowing him to laugh in amusement. “See? Told you.” The sound of him gliding along the concrete caused you to turn back in curiosity about his movements. He was sitting closer to you, and you looked up at him. “Whatever I did to upset you, I’m sorry. Please, let me make it up to you by giving you a good birthday.” You seemed hesitant as your eyes wavered. “I promise that I’ll make it worth a million apologies.”

“Why didn’t you say you were going to Japan to meet for an arranged marriage?” The words spilled out like warm liquid from a dropped glass, causing you to look as shocked as Mingyu did. He blinked, staring down at you as he tried to find the right words to say. “Mina told me.” You added.

“I had intended to turn her down from the moment I knew I was going.” He said. “I don’t know why she followed me here.”

The fact that you knew the reason clear as day made your heart speed up just a bit. “You didn’t tell any of us.” You said softly.

“I’m sorry.” Was all Mingyu could muster, the hurt in his voice once again obvious. “I didn’t know how to. It’s not as easy to share as a ‘sudden business trip’, you know?” a smile formed on your lips, and the beaming grin that formed on Mingyu’s face in return could have most likely been seen from a mile away. “Aah, perfect. I got a smile.” He took that as a sign to stand up, grabbing his bookbag and looking down at you. “Let’s change the topic. I hope you’re ready for the best birthday of your life.” He said. “I already planned the entire thing.”

“No, you did not!” You gasped, standing up beside him as he roared in amused laughter.

“Did to. It’s going to be awesome.” The both of you turned, ready to head back to class, when two more individuals stood in your way. Mingyu’s playful smile turned to a frown of disinterest, seeing Joshua and Jeonghan standing there in silence. When Mingyu stepped forward, you reached out and took his arm.

“I’ll see you later. Okay?” you said. Mingyu seemed hesitant, offering one more look at the men who had long since stopped their bickering, and had resorted to not speaking at all.

“Fine.” He said. “I’ll come by and see you at the café when my classes are done.” You agreed, waving Mingyu off as he brushed past the two angels and headed off down the path he was originally on, leaving the three of you alone. You knelt, picked up your bag, and put it on your shoulder. No words were able to come out of your mouth as you watched the both of them approach you, visibly upset by what transpired moments before.

When they stuck two strawberry milks in your direction, you looked up at them with a cocked eyebrow. You immediately caught their guilty expressions, motioning the drinks closer to you.

“Sorry.” They both said.

“Are you done fighting?” you asked.

Like twin parrots, they said: “Yes.”

“Promise?”

“Yes.” The parrots squawked.

“Even if it’s a joke?”

They hesitated there, finally sharing a glance since the three of you reunited. “…No.” You laughed a bit. Reaching out, you took both of the strawberry milks into your hands.

“I guess I will have to accept that, then.” The duo seemed relieved, and you looked between them once more. “Can I ask now what you two were even fighting over?” Again, the duo shared a look, seemingly unsure of how to respond. Your smile faltered just a bit before Jeonghan finally spoke up.

“Joshua got hurt.” He said. Both you and Joshua seemed shocked by the comment. When Joshua looked back over to you, you were already approaching him. You reached out, putting your hand on his arm, your gentle touch an attempt to help with whatever had happened. You felt Joshua tense at your touch, immediately looking away.

“What happened?” you asked. Seeing how worried you were, Joshua felt himself get flustered. Forcing himself to take a deep breath, he tried to provide you with an answer that would work.

“I just got dizzy.” He assured. “I’m okay, now. I think yelling with Jeonghan woke me up a bit.” Though he laughed, you did not seem convinced.

“Well, I have to work after class.” You said. “Promise you’ll go home and rest. Okay?” Joshua blinked. “If you got dizzy, you need to rest and eat well. Angel or not, you can’t let yourself get sick.” You turned to Jeonghan. “Make sure he rests when you get back to my apartment. I should have some painkillers.”

“Roger,” Jeonghan said. You nodded, turning back to Joshua.

“Rest.” You repeated in an almost motherly tone. “I can’t get through finals or celebrate my birthday if you two aren’t there to help me out.” You smiled. Joshua saw the tips of your cheeks tint pink as the next words left your lips. “Mingyu’s planning it.”

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Back at the house, Joshua was lying face up on the couch, eyes at the ceiling. You had long since gone to work, sending the duo back to your house with Joshua promising he would rest. And rest he did. He could hear Jeonghan in the kitchen, the liberty he’s taken using your appliances never once seeming to end. Jeonghan walked over, setting a steaming cup of tea on the coffee table. Joshua’s eyes fluttered around the room as he sat up. He couldn’t tell what felt hotter: the steam of the tea or Jeonghan glaring daggers into his back.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Yes,” Joshua said, taking the cup carefully into his good hand. He took a long sip, allowing for the liquid to course his body and hopefully overtake the still lingering pain once and for all. When he looked at Jeonghan, he saw him pacing the door. “What are you doing? She’ll probably be home soon.”

“I’m not waiting for her,” Jeonghan said simply. The stillness in his voice, one he hadn’t heard from his friend in a long time, made a shiver go up Joshua’s spine. He looked over, rising from the couch.

“Then who…” when Jeonghan turned his head, Joshua immediately blinked. “Jeonghan, no.”

“I had no choice,” Jeonghan said, and it seemed like it meant it. “You need to be reminded of what we’re trying to get back to instead of…whatever it is you’re thinking of now.” Joshua ran a hand through his hair as he began to pace the floor.

“Well, you can’t tell them anything!” Joshua said. “You’ll worry them for nothing!”

Jeonghan was silent for a minute. Then, he nodded. “Fine. I won’t tell them anything.” Joshua’s sigh of relief was heavy, and he nodded. As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. Jeonghan stepped aside, allowing Joshua to go and answer. He took a deep breath, shaking out his hair and assuring there was no longer sweat on his brow as he went and opened the door.

In front of him stood four men, all of them wearing a white button-up and a pair of slacks. Simply standing there allowed them to ooze elegance and ethereal beauty, without so much as speaking a word. Joshua scanned the four of them, the one in the center immediately getting his attention. His striking dark black hair stood out among the other's lighter hair tones, which varied from blonde to brunette. Not only was his dark hair noticeable, but Joshua had to dart his eyes up just a bit to catch a glimpse of his face. He had pouty lips and striking eyes.

“Seungcheol,” Joshua said simply. The leader of the group immediately grinned.

“Heeey, Joshua.” He said. Joshua sighed as the group walked in. He caught glimpses of his other brothers as well. He immediately got hugged by Seokmin, his smile incredibly wide.

“Hyuuuung~. It’s been too long.” He said, the excitement making Joshua unable to hold back his own. He saw the others follow in, Wonwoo quietly examining the area with curious eyes while the youngest, Chan, strolled in last.

“Is she here?” Chan asked curiously.

“Ah, no. She’s at work, but she should be back soon.” He turned to look at Seungcheol as he headed deeper into the apartment, hands in his pockets. He saw Jeonghan standing by the couch. It didn’t take long for Joshua to catch that Jeonghan suddenly had something in his hands, what seemed to be a piece of paper grabbed from your home printer. Joshua was still being hugged by a cheerful Seokmin as he headed back into the apartment, Wonwoo offering to close the door behind him. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Jeonghan called for us.” Seungcheol simply explained.

“Besides, it’s been a while since we’ve left heaven. We needed a break.” Chan stretched his arms over his head. “I said we should all go out to eat but got rejected, as usual.” Joshua hummed, nodding as he finally released himself from Seokmin’s loving hold. As his eyes fell on Jeonghan, he saw him grip what was in his hands. “What is that?” he asked.

“A welcome card?” Chan grinned in amusement. “You’re so thoughtful, Hyung.”

“Sure,” Jeonghan said. Without missing a beat, he looked Joshua dead in the eyes and flipped the card over, revealing text written in dark marker, one he must have found buried in your junk drawer. The room went silent as everyone read its words to themselves.

He’s fallen in love with her.

Joshua blinked. He glanced over at Wonwoo, who had wide eyes behind his rimmed glasses. He glanced at Seokmin and Chan. Seokmin had his mouth covered in shock, while Chan’s face held the anticipated grin of a younger sibling about to watch the eldest get scolded. The next thing Joshua knew, he was at Jeonghan’s side, gripping the paper and Jeonghan’s wrists in his hands. He saw Jeonghan flinch at the pain of Joshua’s tight grip, but only looked up at his friend with a straight expression.

“You said you wouldn’t tell, Jeonghan.” He hissed, voice trembling.

Jeonghan seemed completely unfazed by Joshua’s sudden panicked voice. “I didn’t,” Jeonghan said simply. Then, it hit.

“Hong Jisoo…” Joshua looked over, seeing Seungcheol practically staring him down. His eyes burned with intensity, the intensity of a leader and that’s why they addressed him as such back home. As Seungcheol got closer to Joshua, he could feel Jeonghan slither out of the way, practically protecting himself behind Wonwoo as the group waited to watch the scene unfold before them. Wonwoo turned his head, watching as the older angel rubbed his wrist.

“We’re about to witness history,” Wonwoo said. Jeonghan nodded.

Seungcheol took a deep breath before he finally spoke again. “Let me see…” he said.

“Huh?” Joshua looked confused. Seungcheol simply spun his finger in a small circle.

“Your wings.” He said. Joshua, not wanting to cause any more tension in such small quarters, turned around. He felt Seungcheol lift his shirt, exposing his back to all those behind him. The cold air made him shiver a bit in surprise, and he bit his lip. He waited to see what Seungcheol was going to do.

He did not expect Seungcheol to press a thumb to Joshua’s back, specifically in between his shoulder blades. The stinging sensation that coursed through his body mixed with the already dull throbbing he had, and made Joshua gasp, immediately turning around and yanking his shirt down.

“OW!” He shouted.

“Your entire back is red.” Joshua could hear a mix of disappointment and worry within the serious tone he forced himself to carry. “What were you doing just before this that it looks like that?” When Joshua didn’t answer, Seungcheol turned to Jeonghan. Jeonghan could feel that angry stare hit his chest next, and he blinked.

“Aaah, uhm.” Jeonghan pressed a finger to his chin. “Well-.”

“Don’t lie.” He practically begged. “I can’t help either of you if you lie.”

Jeonghan avoided Joshua’s pleading expression in order to get the words out. “Joshua almost got in a fight with Kim Mingyu, because of some events that caused her to get upset.” Joshua let out a defeated sigh, running a hand through his hair. Seungcheol looked back at him again. Despite not looking right at him, Joshua could see Seungcheol’s hand reach down to the couch, grabbing the throw pillow you had used the day before to sob into. If it was still damp, he had no idea. Seungcheol took a minute to examine the pillow.

THWACK.

“OW!” Joshua shouted, hands immediately going up to over his head as it ricocheted side to side. “SEUNGCHEOL!”

Laughter roared behind him – mostly from Seokmin and Chan – as Seungcheol continued hitting Joshua over the head with the pillow once. Twice. Three more times. “Are you out of your mind!? Do you want to stay stuck here forever?! Do you want to end up a fallen angel like-?”

“No!” Joshua shouted before Seungcheol could finish uttering a name Joshua was desperate not to hear. Finally managing to escape, he took a few steps back from Seungcheol. “It’s not like that situation at all. Nothing is going to happen.”

The amused laughter had stopped. Nobody looked convinced.

“Out of the both of you, you’re not the one I thought this would happen to.”

“Hey!” They heard Jeonghan shout, and his friends snickered in amusement.

Seungcheol sighed. “How did this even happen?”

Joshua sighed, shrugging. “I have no idea. I don’t even know what you’re talking about. I’m trying to help her.”

“You’re a terrible liar, Hyung.” Wonwoo pointed out, and Joshua groaned.

“Not only do you two fools get kicked to earth for running around distracting other angels with your ridiculously stupid pranks.”

“Jun’s wings still haven’t recovered, by the way.” Chan made sure to intercept. Jeonghan shook his head at the youngest angel’s comment.

“But now just as you’re about to solve the problem and come back, you pull something like this.”

“Seungcheol.” Joshua tried to speak.

“It’s like you don’t want to come back. How does this even happen with a girl you’re supposed to be helping get with someone else?”

“I know. I’m not trying to jeopardize that.”

“Clearly you are,” Seungcheol said. “You’re supposed to be a role model to humans, not try to romance them.”

“I’m not trying to do that,” Joshua assured.

“According to Jeonghan, you almost threw a punch at her boyfriend.”

“He’s being dramatic. I did not.” Joshua clarified. “Besides, he’s not her boyfriend.” Seungcheol scoffed, shaking his head.

“I cannot believe you just said that.” He muttered.

“Hyung we should trust him,” Seokmin spoke up, hoping to break up any tension. “If he said he won’t do it, he won’t do it. They’ll come back to us.” Seungcheol rubbed his temples in response as he nodded his agreement with Seokmin.

“I don’t think either of you guys realize how hard he stares at her,” Jeonghan said. Joshua looked at his friend.

“Why do you keep talking?” he asked. Jeonghan crossed his arms, his usually light and gentle face growing an annoyed pout.

“I’m not leaving without you.”

“You won’t,” Joshua said sternly.

“It doesn’t seem that way.”

“Oh, my-.” Wonwoo nudged him before he could utter the last word in frustration. Running his hands through his hair, he gripped the strands tightly, the brown tufts curling around his fingers as he was now the one to pace the room. For a second, he looked at the door and realized you hadn’t come home yet. When his eyes darted to the clock, he realized it was much later than he would have expected from you. “Where is she? She should be off work by now.”

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶So Close Yet So Far🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Work had never felt so long, especially knowing that Joshua was home recovering from whatever it was that hurt him in the first place. You had no idea angels could even get hurt, thinking it was simply impossible with the power of heaven or whatever. As you walked down the street, 15 minutes into your 30-minute walk, your mind kept racing with the events that happened just today. Joshua and Jeonghan’s fight, Joshua’s supposed injury.

I planned the entire thing. It’ll be worth a million apologies.

Mingyu’s warm smile popped into your head as those words enveloped you like a hug, attempting to wipe away all of your worries. You sighed in relief, hugging yourself as you continued walking. In the corner of your eye, you saw the lights of a 24-hour convenience store. Feeling your stomach rumbling, you made the abrupt decision to go inside and get a snack. Hopefully, that would help make the long walk home feel a bit easier, or at the very least, distract you. When you stepped inside, the teen worker quickly greeted you, finally taking a second to look away from his handheld game. The store seemed pretty dead. The first thing you did was grab a small bag as you scoured the aisles for something that tickled your stomach in just the right way. I should get all three of us something. You thought. Ice cream, chips, grab-and-go lunch boxes, and chocolate snacks were tossed into the basket to be purchased. Nothing seemed to tickle your interest in those aisles for what you wanted now, and you were starting to get discouraged.

Just as you were about to turn the corner one more time, into the milk and yogurt sections, another individual was standing in front of you. It seemed he had just popped up, but it could have also been his shorter stature that made you miss him in your frenzied search for something to fill your belly. “Oh.” You took a few steps back, and he looked over at you. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.” He said simply. You turned your attention back to the aisle, but it seemed were still looking in your direction. The both of you stood side by side for a quiet minute. It was very quiet, probably even the longest minute of your life. You tried to act natural, eyes glued to one snack. Then another, and another, hoping he eventually would go away. However, when you took one risky glance in his direction, you saw he was looking back at you. He had very porcelain skin under a set of jet black hair, half tugged up in a bun that left the rest dangling freely by his shoulder, and matching with his deep black tee-shirt and jeans. He had very defining features, and when he offered you a very simple smile, you saw his cheeks puff out just a bit. “You look lost.”

You shook your head. “Not sure what to buy.” You said. He wasted no time pulling something off one of the shelves, and handing it to you casually. When you took it into your hands, you saw that it was a large banana-flavored yogurt, covered in a green foil top. You looked over at him once more, and it seemed her had the same thing in his hands.

“I’m a fan of those.” He said.

“Thank you, uh-.” You stopped yourself when you realized you didn’t know his name.

“You can call me Woozi.”

“Woozi?” You arched an eyebrow in confusion. “Is that a biblical name, or-?”

He seemed to laugh at your joke, shaking his head. “No. It’s a nickname.” You immediately noticed him look away as a look of longing – one you knew all too well – trickled into his eyes.

“Ah, ok. Woozi.” You said, nodding your head.

“You can call me Jihoon if you want, too. I don’t mind.” He shrugged simply, popping a straw directly into the yogurt and sipping it, turning his head to the counter. You nodded, deciding not to press any further. After a second, Jihoon looked at you for a final time, seemingly wanting to ask one more thing.

“Do I have something on my face?” you asked when the quiet stare you were getting felt a bit unnerving.

“This might be rude, or random, or both, but…you look familiar?”

“Do I?” you smiled at him. Jihoon nodded. “From where? Do you go to my college?”

“No.” Jihoon pursed his lips to think for a minute. It took a second, but his fingers snapped together and his eyes sparkled. “Oh. You crying in a café a few days ago. About a 10-minute walk from here.” Your mind immediately flashed to the scene. You recalled unfamiliar hands trying to help you contain the coffee spill, but your eyes were so blurred and your brain was so foggy that you could hardly recall it. As the blurry image reformed in your mind, it smoothed out just slightly, the squiggly lines that once acted as features smoothing out to reveal Jihoon’s face. “I couldn’t place it at first, but….”

“I uh…” you trailed off as embarrassment, covered your cheeks. “Oh jeez, now I’m flustered.” You heard Jihoon emit a humored laugh. “It’s just a small world, I suppose.”

“Are you alright?”

“Yes.” You said. “Thank you for your help, I guess.” He put his hands in his pockets as the both of you headed to the counter to pay for the milk.

“Don’t think anything of it. I was stunned nobody else got up to help you.” Jihoon said simply. “Could you help me with something?” You turned to him again, surprised by his sudden request as you took out your wallet. He immediately raised his hand, before pulling out his own and setting what was clearly way beyond the price of the yogurt onto the counter. He thanked the man, walking out the door before you could even utter a ‘thank you’. “I heard there was a bar nearby. The Corner Tavern. Could you point me in that direction?”

You thought back to the fuzzy, yet memorable night when you first met Joshua and Jeonghan. You could still feel the tingling in your fingers as they pressed into the cool glass. “I actually live right there.” You smiled. “I’ll show you. Especially since you just bought all of this for no reason.”

Jihoon seemed relieved. “Thank you.” Escaped his lips as the both of you headed to pay for your belongings and headed in the direction of your house. The walk was quiet, with you unsure of what to say to this stranger. However, you felt a calming aura from him. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, hands in his pockets as he strolled alongside you, admiring the late-night scenery as the sun finished settling along the skyline. Or, maybe it was the knowledge that he performed a random act of kindness less than a week ago.

“Where do you live?” you finally thought to ask. Jihoon seemed startled by the question; he didn’t expect it. However, without missing a beat, he raised his finger and pointed down the first street you passed.

“That way.” He said simply. “You?”

You pointed in the opposite direction. “That way.” Jihoon nodded. “Have you lived around here long? I feel I’ve never seen you before today. I’m pretty good at getting to know the locals.”

“I’m not outside often,” Jihoon admitted. “I just was craving a drink.”

“I bet your friends would come if you asked.” You said. Jihoon shrugged.

“I don’t have many of those.” He admitted simply, sticking his almost finished yogurt back into his mouth and finishing it up. The pain in his voice made you frown. You felt how hard it had been the past week or so prepping for finals without your friends by your side, despite that being your own decision. Hoshi approaching you with advice made you feel that. You could only imagine not having any of that at all. He broke your train of thought by asking: “Can I buy you a drink?” The absolute forwardness of this man made your cheeks flush hot, and you looked away from him. All you could hear was his amused laughter. “Not like that, not like that.” He assured before you finally looked back in his direction. “Just to thank you for showing me the way over. Like I said, don’t go out much so it’s nice to have someone to talk to.”

“I have to get home...” You motioned.

“Ah, right.”

“But if you live as close as you say you do, we should hang out.” Jihoon glanced in your direction once again. “My friends are really nice. They always welcome new people into the group.” Jihoon watched as you pulled out your phone, scrolling through it a bit before turning it to him. He squinted at the moment, eyes adjusting to the bright light that hit him in the darkness as he studied the picture. It was a group shot of everyone mushed together in your latest study group. Joshua and Jeonghan poked their heads from the back as Mingyu knelt behind you, giving a thumbs up. Seungkwan’s face poked in through the corner just barely, and Minnie offered a peace sign beside Joshua. As Jihoon scanned the picture, he caught the image of a hand with fingers curled into a paw, and cheeks crushing eyes into crescent moons. “They’re really nice.” You said once again. “I haven’t been kind to them for a short time, but I know they’ll still be around when I need them.”

Jihoon seemed to really take in that last comment, nodding his head. “Wow. They must be nice, then.”

“Maybe I can text you one of these days and we can hang out.”

“Uh-.” Stunned by your unwavering kindness, Jihoon pulled out his phone and handed it over to you. You were quick to tap a few buttons, before handing it back to him. When he looked down, your name, phone number, and email were all stored inside. “You hardly know me,” Jihoon said. When you tilted your head, Jihoon added: “It’s not in human nature to trust easily, is it?”

“Mmm…” you hummed. “Are you trying to say you’re not to be trusted?”

“Heh, no,” Jihoon said.

“Then I don’t mind. Besides, if you turn out to be untrustworthy, the boys in the picture will beat you up.” After a moment to reconsider, you pursed your lips. “I think.” Jihoon had to laugh at the last comment. “I have to go now. For real. But I hope you think about it. I know we only met today but it feels recently I’ve been meeting new people left and right.”

“Haha, now who is the one getting flustered?” You laughed a bit at his comment, before waving.

“Goodnight.” You called. “Have fun.” Jihoon waved, stuffing his hands back in his pockets as he watched you head down the path you had pointed to. He was silent the entire time, holding his phone tightly in his hands as he watched you turn the corner once more, disappearing from his view under the cloak of the night sky. His mind went back to that picture that you had shown him of all your friends. Specifically, the one with the ridiculous-looking hand paw. He ran a hand through his hair, nodding his head as he muttered to himself:

“Not how I expected this night to go.” Spinning on his heel, he simply strolled down the first street he faced, the tavern becoming smaller and smaller over his shoulder.

When you arrived back to your apartment, carrying the bag in your hand, you overheard muffled chatter coming from behind your door. A brow arched in confusion, you strolled closer, hearing as what seemed like familial bickering getting louder and louder. “What the…” you were quick to open the door, swinging it open. “Hello?”

When six sets of eyes looked in your direction almost immediately, you flinched in surprise. Your eyes scanned every face, each more shocked than the last. When you landed on Jeonghan, he breathed a sigh of relief. When you looked at Joshua, he looked incredibly flustered and panicked. When you looked at everyone else….

…who the hell were they?

“Joshua….” You mumbled, eyes continuing to bounce between the four men scattered in your already cramped house. “Jeonghan…”

“Hm?” They said in unison, even the ones whose names you didn’t call, much less know. “What the hell are four more attractive men doing in my apartment?”

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sophisoph · 10 months

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#messy moodboard #moodboard #kpop icons #kpop moodboard #spotify #seventeen #messy icons #seventeen moodboard #svt #svt joshua #hong jisoo #seventeen joshua #svt joshua moodboard #seveneteen joshua mood board #joshua hong

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jalwoorideul · 2 years

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Have Fun

synopsis: How Heaven and Hoshi met

year: 2015

a/n: i was looking for a blonde saerom picture (because this was during ice cream cake era) but then i realized that saerom has never been fully blonde so let's just pretend that she has blonde hair in this gif for visual reference ><

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It felt like Hoshi ran a marathon over how fast his heart was beating at the moment. Today was his first ever music show and as much as he tells himself it's going to be alright, the thought of being at your debut broadcast stage is still nerve-wracking.

"Seventeen you're up next" The producer told the rookie group to prepare since the previous stage will soon end.

They were standing at the side, waiting to go up, along with other crew members and staff. Amongst the number of people that were already there to witness his group's debut backstage was a light blonde girl with delicate features getting her microphone and make-up fixed.

"It's Heaven sunbaenim" Soonyoung heard his groupmate Seokmin — who goes by the stage name DK and was standing beside him — whisper.

He had known her, of course. Member of SM Entertainment's newest girl group, Red Velvet, singer of the hit song Ice Cream Cake (which was undeniably a hit at the moment), amazing performer and singer, really pretty. And yes, he was a fan, so seeing her awestruck him.

She was a special MC for the day. The boys have been watched her on screen all day doing her job and now they're finally seeing her up close.

Heaven, or Haneul by her real name, must have noticed a pair of eyes looking at her. She was proven right when she turned her head to the side to notice a boy with hamster-like features with his eyes on her. The said boy's eyes grew wide when she smiled at him and bowed his head.

New group? She thought to herself. It was pretty evident that they were a bit nervous, and she couldn't blame them for it. Wow, they have a lot of members.

"Hey, do you know who they are?" Haneul asked the staff who was patching her up while side glancing at the group of 13 men. "Seventeen?" The staff answered.

The Red Velvet member nodded. A few more touches and she was done. She stood near the corner, waiting for her turn to emcee.

Haneul was silently watching the group. They were giving each other words of encouragement, some were shaking off their nerves, and some were practicing on the side. When she noticed one of them was standing near her, she tapped his shoulder and asked, "Excuse me, is this your debut stage?".

The boy turned around. It was the same boy who she caught looking at her. She took this time to properly read his features. He was sporting a near platinum blonde hair, his eyes were sharp and monolid. You could guess he was surprised to see her suddenly talk to him.

"Uhm yes sunbaenim" Hoshi said while bowing. "Oh no, please, it hasn't even been a year si ce I debuted" She let out a small airy laugh as she noticed him bowing extentively.

"You guys seemed nervous, I just wanted to cheer you on" She added onto her previous statement. This caught the attention of his other members. "I bet you'll do great" She encouraged them.

"Thank you Heaven sunbaenim" Some of them replied.

"1 minute" The producer yelled from backstage, signaling that it was their cue to go soon.

"Have fun out there!" She smiled one last time before the 13 men were ushered to go. Soonyoung smiled back and left.

Have fun. You'll do great.

Soonyoung remembered that moment.

And so did she. Ever since she talked to him, and had watched their undeniably amazing debut stage, she had been keeping an eye on his team and their music.

She became a huge a fan of his as much as he was a fan of her, and it made all their future interactions all the more interesting.

#jalwoorideul: heaven #heaven.writing #heaven.romance #red velvet additional member #red velvet oc #red velvet 6th member #red velvet #kpop additional member #kpop female oc #kpop oc #kpop female addition #hoshi scenarios #hoshi x reader #hoshi fluff #kwon soonyoung x reader #kwon soonyoung #seventeen x reader #seveneteen au

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redcarat · 2 years

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D-7 | SEUNGKWAN + GREEN

#17daysof17 #seungkwan edit #seveneteen edit #seungkwan #seventeen #svtsource #kpop edits #svtedit #svt gfx #cece's creations #ngl i think i cried ....this came out sooo good #i think tumblr fucked up the quality ...so click on the pictures for higher resolution TT

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jeonjaemark · 2 years

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↳ Where We Left Off | two | {prev./next}

au masterlist

summary: when y/n meets dk again after almost two years, she confesses to having a hidden pregnancy with their child. dk tries to be the best dad to his daughter but can y/n and dk build their family dynamic and start where they left off?

[a/n: another chapter has been posted. i hope you all enjoy this one!! i have made a taglist already for this au, so if you would like to be part of it, all you have to do is just send me anon and i will happily add you. i have been working on other chapters and will have a master list in the works soon. have a good weekend. -kate]

{taglist: @itsdnguyenxoxo @kpopjackie }

#seventeen #seventeen au #seventeen texts #seventeen scenarios #seveneteen smau #seventeen social media au #seventeen dk #seventeen dokyeom #dokyeom scenarios #where we left off #kpop texts #kpop scenarios #kpop smau #svt smau #svt social media au #svt scenarios #svt au #lee seokmin #lee dokyeom

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wasteitonserendipity · 2 years

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The Best Years: Day 5

Pairing: Mingyu x female reader

Genre: more fluff , Gyu being a Marvel nerd, slight crack

Warnings: none

“You can’t possibly be serious?!” Mingyu gasped on the other end of the Facetime call, absolutely disgusted and astounded.

In the few days you'd known him this had now become a thing. You'd face time a night while you either worked on chores or made food for dinner and more or less argue about your interests.

Tonight was Marvel vs. DC...

“Listen,” you tried to reason as you folded your laundry, “inconsistency and lack of budget aside, you can’t tell me that DC doesn’t have slightly better storylines.”

“I can say with one hundred percent certainty that that is not true,” he argued, “the only decent storyline within the movie universe was The Dark Knight Series… and that is IT!”

“Okay, I think we need to agree to disagree on this subject,” you laughed, shaking your head at how serious his face was on the screen.

“Next you’re going to tell me that Mint Chocolate ice cream is a valid choice,” he sighed, continuing to type away at his computer.

“Well…” you trailed off, making a face because you knew what was coming next.

“YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY JOKING RIGHT NOW!!!”

<<previous masterlist next>>

#The Best Years series #mingyu #mingyu fluff #seventeen writing #seveneteen fluff

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louiscarrotsxoxo · 1 month

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the secret charm: a larry fanfiction: chapter master list post

ongoing / enemies to lovers / to be 90-100k / part of a series / drama, royalty, action-adventure

A royal's secret charm school, hidden secrets, and an angsty enemies to lovers' romance of the ages.

In the humble town of Ethelle, lies a charm school for each royal to attend in the adjacent kingdoms, prince Harry Styles of Ethelle is the crown jewel of the school, all considering his sister Gemma Styles is the principal of Ethelle charm school, where all secrets are taken to the grave, unless you're the one six foot deep.

A rival prince Louis Tomlinson from the town of Lorxian attends the charm school for his final attempt at becoming king of his kingdom one day in the near future, though, centuries of bad blood prevent the two princes from becoming closer than anything but enemies, between secret clandestine rendezvous and breaking traditions long in the making, the charm school of Ethelle has secrets untold from mystical ancient curses to looming royal affairs oh so long ago, but the question is, will they be revealed?

Or will they stay a secret evermore?

It's safe to say, someone in the mystery ridden charm school has the secret charm, it's up to Louis to find out who… once and for all.

𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮| 𝘭.𝘴. 𝘢𝘶 ☆ ongoing

(l.s. fiction/fanfiction)

chapter links

CHAPTER ONE: THE RECKONING

CHAPTER TWO: THE WINDOWSILL WHERE THE BIRDS SING

CHAPTER THREE: PALACE LAW

CHAPTER FOUR: ETHELLE & INFIDELITY

CHAPTER FIVE: HOLD HER TENDERLY, LOVE ME SECRETLY

CHAPTER SIX: TODAY WAS A FAIRYTALE

CHAPTER SEVEN: HEAVY CROWN

CHAPTER EIGHT: FIRST DANCE, LAST KISS

CHAPTER NINE: SAPPHIRE AND EMERALD

CHAPTER TEN: KISS ME NOW, HATE ME LATER

CHAPTER ELEVEN: GOLDEN GRACE

CHAPTER TWELVE: OPEN HANDS, CLOSED HEART

CHAPTER THRITEEN: MIRRORS OF ILLUSIONS, RUMORS DISPROVEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: FUCK THE PATRIARCHY

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: JUMP THEN FALL

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THE BEAUTIFUL SOILDER

CHAPTER SEVENETEEN: MYSTERIOUS SHADOWS, SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: SUN AND MOON, BRIDE AND GROOM

CHAPTER NINETEEN: LOVE FOR HIRE, ROYALS ON FIRE

CHAPTER 20: TICKING CLOCKS, QUEEN ON WATCH

CHAPTER 21: ALL TOO WELL

CHAPTER 22: DANCING IN THE DARK AND THE CRYSTAL ENIGMA

CHAPTER 23: CHAMPANGE, NEW REUNIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

CHAPTER 24: THESE ARE THE HANDS OF FATE

CHAPTER 25: CHARMED EVER AFTER

CHAPTER 26: CHARMED EVER AFTER 2: THE RECKONING

CHAPTER 27: THE BRAVEST FLOWER

CHAPTER 28: OUR SWEET SECRET ESCAPE

CHAPTER 29: FOREVER AND ALWAYS

CHAPTER 30: NEW REVOLUTION, STAR-STUDDED REBELLION

CHAPTER 31: HOLD ME, FOR I AM THE ONLY SECRET YOU SHALL KEEP

CHAPTER 32: ROYALS AND REBELS, HARMONIES AND TREBELS

CHAPTER 33: THE CROWNING: HIDDEN TRUTHS

CHAPTER 34: THE CROWNING 2: CROWN AND SCEPTER, PROMISES OF FOREVER

EPILOUGE: THE LAST GREAT AMERICAN DYNASTY

important links

the secret charm's pin board!

the secret charm visualization/song inspiration playlist!

alternate covers!

(aka past alterations of covers that led up to the existing one!)

#Spotify #the secret charm #one direction #larry stylinson #larry stylinson au #royals #lorde inspired #betrayal #secret love au #secret lovers #beard/fake relationship #fake marriage #arranged marriage #love triangle #drama #mystery au

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prettyboysdontlookatexplosions · 1 year

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googling “how to stop thinking about the scene in the last act of thornton wilder’s our town when emily after viewing her old home from beyond the grave asks the stage manager ‘do any human beings ever realize life, while they are living it? every, every minute?’ and the stage manager says ‘no. saints and poets, maybe. they do some’ but specifically that scene as acted by a. j. langer in character as rayanne graff in the final scene of my so-called life episode seveneteen ‘betrayal’ the single greatest episode of television of all time every time the lady in my meditation act gives me an exercise to be more aware of my surroundings”

#i know that i am supposed to merely Notice the Thought without Judgment i am simply having a laff

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mingyus-blackcard · 7 months

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ੈ✩‧₊ Sarang ੈ✩‧₊

Pairing : Choi Seungcheol x male reader

Words : 1.1k words

Genres : Non-idol life au, Modern life au, Murder au , Cheating au

TW : Angst , Romance, Murder, Suicide, Heartbreak , Cheating

Music : Love in the dark by Adele

A/N : Inspired by the line ‘Even after seeing how it ended I'm still glad it began’

The media rushed to cover the latest case in town, the murder case of the lovers,. The accused had just arrived at the court room awaiting his trial while media swarmed around him trying to get some answers from him.

The accused was Choi Seungcheol, accused of murdering his boyfriend of 4 years, Y/N L/N. Acording to the reports, these two had met in the second year of college and started dating in the third. Among all their friends, they were popular for their strong feelings and their undying love for each other. After college, when both of them got jobs, they decided not to waste anytime and moved in together in the first and last house.

On the night of 3 October, at 10:36 pm, the police received a call from their house landline with a man named Seungcheol confessing to killing his boyfriend. The police rushed to crime scene and were shocked to see the front door open through which it could be seen that the accused was sitting with his dead boyfriend in his arms, bawling his eyes out, stroking the hair ofvictim and whispering words of love, knowing he would never hear them again. The police separated both of them and by the time he was arrested and the crime scene was investigated, the media had gotten a sniff of the case and their apartment building was swarming with media, with each one wanting to cover the shocking case of the lovely couple who met their tragic end when the boyfriend killed the other one .

The family of both the victim and the accused were informed and it was rather blatantly shocking as both families knew their child’s partner and had approved of them dating each other. To believe that a couple like them,who were on the path to marrying each other had been met with a end like this was unbelievable. Y/N’s family was beyond consolable, demanding why Seungcheol killed him despite him loving each other. Seungcheol had no response except looking at the floor with red eyes with tears at the brink of them.

When the day of the trial arrived, media was swarming outside to get a glimpse of Seungcheol. The trial had stretched for barely an hour, with Seungcheol accepting all claims and not trying to prove against any of the claims made by his boyfriend’s family.

With everything as clear as crystal, the judge passed the verdict, “After carefully reviewing the evidence and considering the gravity of this crime, it is with great sorrow that I must pronounce my verdict. The evidence presented in this court has established beyond a reasonable doubt that Kim Seungcheol is responsible for the murder of Y/N L/N. The court recognizes the complexities of emotions and motivations involved in this case, but the law must prevail. Kim Seungcheol is sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment after which he may be considered for parole as the verdict for the murder of Y/N L/N.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

After years of spending his verdict in the jail, Seungcheol never confessed to as to why he murdered his boyfriend. Yet, what was more confusing was the pendant he wore around his neck, a diamond ‘S’, which Y/N had gifted to him on their 3 anniversary. If he had loved his boyfriend so much, what was the reason of killing him?

Seungcheol had arrived his shared apartment with no energy, he was dead tired after a busy day of work and wanted nothing more than a hug from his lover. As soon as he entered the apartment, instead of being greeted by the warm smile of his lover wearing his shirt, he was greeted with the puffy eyes of his lover, sporting messy hair and cheeks all dried up from what he assumed were tears. Seungcheol rushed to his lover and was about to ask him when Y/N broke the silence by saying those four words which shattered him completely.

“I cheated on you”

Seungcheol didn't feel anything, but maybe that was even better.

Y/N approached Seungcheol with a knife, Seungcheol thought Y/N was about to attack him when the words which came out of Y/N’s mouth shocked him. Never in his own life, he had imagined his lover would ask him to kill him. He staggered behind, trying to ask Y/N if he was in his right mind.

“Darling, I am absolutely sane, I would rather you do it, the guilt is too much for me to live on a life without you.”

“ You don’t have to do this, we can talk about it, we can solve it-“

“This is not one your math problems Seungcheol that you can talk about it and solve it.”

“Everything will be ok, just leave that knife, we have solved our problems together. Don’t you remember the time you burnt my t-shirt, and bought me the same one thinking I would be angry ? In the end I still found out and I was anything but angry!”

Y/N gave a sobbed chuckle, and replied, “There is a difference between a t-shirt and a relationship Seungcheol !”

“It’s not like it can’t be fixed!”

“It can’t! I messed up! I broke everything ! Our love, you trust, everything !”

“Don’t do this Y/N, you know very well I can’t live without you ! All these years-, all these years I have woken up with your smile, slept to your voice, laughed to your dad jokes, cried to the movies we watched together, and most over, I have learned to love myself along with you. My whole life has been related to you ! You are a part of my life-”

“Stop making it hard for me !”

“If it is hard, then drop it, if you love me drop it , if I meant soemthing to you, drop it”

“Seungcheol-ah, you might be able to forgive me, but I can’t forgive myself, life is not always fair, and happy endings are not meant for all. My love, the life we had was worth it, and me saying goodbye won’t a change a thing. it doesn’t mean I am going to forget us. You were the first thing that brought me true happiness and you shall be the last. I love you, Seungcheol.”

Those words were the last he said before he stabbed himself with the knife, Seungcheol watched him fall with a smile, all the memories of them flashing before his eyes. His warmth left. His smile slipped away. His eyes dimmed. He left before Seungcheol.

Seungcheol rushed to hug the body which barely had any warmth left, he sobbed, blaming himself for this to happen, wanting nothing more but for Y/N to come back.

Him bawling his soul out led to nothing but reminded him of the emptiness, the room which was alone, the room which shall never be filled with lovers voice. They were soulmates, meant to be, but not meant to last.

Before picking up the phone and making that one call to seal his fate, he whispered, “Even after seeing how it ended I'm still glad it began, Rest well my angel.”

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kimbappykidding · 9 months

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Imagine you and Hoshi teasing Jun for his sexy scenes in Exclusive Fairytale and wondering why he gets so mad.

Jun knew the second he had to film hot scenes his members would rip him to shreds but he had no idea you would too. Most of his female friends either avoided the topic or told him he had nothing to be ashamed of but not you, Jun forgot you'd been indoctrinated by the boys too much.

You were a member of Fromis_9 and had been introduced to Seventeen through Seungkwan years ago but got along with all the guys. You were friendly with them but things really went to another level when Hoshi found out you liked tigers. Then he decide you were going to be his best friend and you happily jumped into his horangi agenda. From then Hoshi invited you to absolutely every event and you grew close to all the guys but Hoshi always gravitated towards you most.

Jun liked you from the first time Seungkwan introduced you. He thought you were insanely pretty and liked how cultured you were. You'd lived in Korea, China and Australia so were fluent in all 3 languages and were still so confident in your identity despite having multiple diverging parts. Jun admired your confidence and how you fitted into Seventeen so well. DK used to joke if you were a guy you'd have made an excellent member but Jun was very happy you were a girl and didn't want anything about you to change...except maybe Hoshi and you. You'd both said multiple times it was nothing romantic and had many chances to hook up but didn't. Considering you were very confident and Hoshi had zero restraint when drunk and still hadn't tried to kiss you, Jun figured you might both be telling the truth but why was Hoshi so touchy-feely with you? Jun's eyes would always go to his hand on your waist or the way Hoshi would sometimes link your arms or hold your hand. He didn't like Hoshi touching you but that got even worse after his show aired.

One day Jun came home and found all the members eating and joking. Jun spotted you immediately on the sofa with Hoshi and while the guys went to ask Jun how his day had been, Hoshi gasped and whispered something to you making you smile. "Wait who are we?" you asked and Jun paused because you always had his attention but the second Hoshi jumped on top of you he became horrified. You both raised your heads from being inches away from each other to look at him and Jun got it. You then made a noise and scooted down Hoshi's body to hide. The members were in stitches as Hoshi overreacted screaming at Jun before hugging you but Jun just laughed a few times, said "very funny guys, I'm going to go get changed" and left. The image of Hoshi on top of you and how comfortable and quickly he did it stayed with Jun for the rest of the week.

He hoped that would be it but it wasn't. It seemed anytime you and Hoshi got together you rilled each other up and would get all the guys fixating on Jun's hot scenes too. The two of you were definitely ringleaders and Hoshi seemed the thrive off your support and encouragement. Jun got it, if you laughed at something he did, he'd do it 1000 more times but this thing in particular sucked.

The time that finally broke Jun was when you were all at a villa Scoups had rented. It was just for the day but all the members and any idol friends were there too. So there was a nice mix of people but Jun didn't venture very far from you all day...and neither did Hoshi. Jun had only gotten a few minutes alone with you and it annoyed him. Why couldn't Hoshi just date you or back off? What was this in-between crap?

You'd just come out of the pool and Hoshi was trying to steal your towel because he'd misplaced his. Jun had happily joined in your telling off of him but then Hoshi's eyes lit up and he leaned in and whispered something to you. "Hey Jun, does this remind you of anything?" you asked and gestured to yourself in the towel. Jun nearly died in shock and asked "what?" a little panicked. When had you in a towel even been associated with you? Had he missed the best day of his life or something? In response, you just smiled and held the tower over yourself which Hoshi leaned in closer and said Jun's line to you when he was in bed with Miao Yi's character. You looked at him and Hoshi pulled you back down with him again perfectly in character.

Jun hated it all but the members found it funny and kept asking how you and Hoshi knew all the lines. "We watched it" Hoshi said and Jun looked at you "you did?". Hoshi answered for you "yeah of course we did! Well only your sexy parts" he said with a wink "Y/n and I don't like boring stuff". Jun hated when Hoshi answered for you because 1. he'd much rather heard your voice and 2. it made you seem like such a couple. Jun had enough so he just nodded "I'm glad you enjoyed it" and headed away from you.

He avoided you for the rest of the afternoon and figured this would be a more adult thing to do. Rather than being around you, silently pinning for you and getting hurt, he should just cut you off. He wasn't happy about it but figured you wouldn't notice so it would just get easier with time. He was wrong.

Later that night after everyone had eaten and had drinks, it got a little quieter. Some guys left, others headed off to bed and Jun was thinking of doing the same. He was sat on by the pool on his own and was watching the water when he saw your reflection suddenly appear. "Hey can I join you?" you asked and Jun looked at you surprised you were on your own before nodding "sure". You smiled and took a seat beside him. Jun didn't know what to say or do so he remained quiet and a silence stretched between you both. You broke it first.

"Are you okay?" you asked and Jun nodded "yeah, what makes you think I'm not?". You shrugged "nothing really, just you've been quiet tonight...did we annoy you earlier with our teasing?" you asked. Jun paused and your face dropped "oh god we did! Jun I'm so sorry!" you said putting a hand on his arm and Jun reacted without even thinking. "No don't apologies it's not your fault" he said not wanting you to ever feel sad. "Well it was partly" you argued "I never stopped Hoshi and we have been teasing you for a while. I'm sorry Jun, I promise we'll stop" you said giving him a lot of eye contact and Jun lapped it up. "Okay, thank you" he said and you smiled "no problem" and let your hand drop away from his arm.

"You're a good actor" you told Jun unexpectantly and he looked at you "really? I thought you only saw my cringey scenes". You shook your head "did you really believe Hoshi that I just watched your sexy parts? I'm not a perv Jun". Jun blushed and went to assure you he didn't think that but you were smiling and he knew you were joking. "I watched the whole thing and you were really good, very believable like I genuinely believed you loved Miao Yi's character" you said and Jun looked down blushing. "So believable it made me wonder is there anything there? Was any of it not acting?" you asked and when Jun started adamantly shaking his head you laughed, "You know you can tell me if there was! I wouldn't tell anyone". Jun finally found his voice "no of course not! It was just acting I'm not into her that way". You smiled "then how did you make it so real? I know it's acting but that emotion has to come from somewhere right? You couldn't just act that way with anyone" you said "or could you?" looking at him "are you that good you could even act like that with me?".

The thought of doing any of those scenes with you made Jun go bright red and you took that as a response. "Hahah fine, I get it" you said laughing and Jun shook his "no that wasn't my answer". You smiled "it's fine Jun, I get it would be harder to fake it with a person you know plus it'd be more awkward pretending to be in love with me wouldn't it?" you smiled. Jun however was not smiling. "Not at all" he replied, his tone fully serious "I could do it, would you like me to? Pretend now?". You blinked, lost for words at the change in Jun and didn't know how to react.

In truth, Jun didn't know what had come over him either. He just knew hearing you say you explain away his attraction for you and acting like he couldn't even be in love with you made him mad. So if you couldn't realise what was right in front of him, maybe his acting would help you. You soon recovered from your shock and smiled "don't worry I wouldn't do that to you" and patted his arm. Jun could feel the moment slipping away from his fingers and knew if he wanted to make something of this moment he had to act quickly.

"No" he said making you jump and look back at him "I mean I...I want to do it" he said and you blinked. "You want to do those scenes with me?" you asked quietly "to show me your acting skill?". That wasn't the reason why but that didn't matter to Jun. All that mattered was he got to show you how easy it was for him to do it with you. "Yes" he said and you looking down slightly bashful "erm okay give me a sec". You turned away from him and Jun wondered if you were comfortable with this when you turned back around "okay go, I don't know all the lines but I'll try" and Jun decided if he was going to do this he could;t hesitate. So he went for it.

Jun picked a scene that he thought had the best dialogue. It started out really heartfelt but then got quite flirty and sexy towards the end. You knew pretty much all the lines but seemed to hesitate every time Jun said his. He was thriving on being so honest with you and loved seeing the effect his words had on you. Then when the words didn't fit, he just went off script.

"I want you to know I think you're very beautiful and have felt that since I first met you. You light up any room you go into and I get excited whenever I hear your voice. You're all I want and could ask for. You're perfect Y/n" Jun said looking at you and blinked. He was really close to you and had a straight face. He had certainly proved he was an excellent actor and you almost believed this was real. "Jun I don't think they're the lines" you said "are you trying to prank me?" you asked smiling nervously. Jun shook his head not moving back, sending your heart racing. "I'm trying to be honest with you, you wondered how I could play a guy in love with his close friends? You're the reason". Your eyes widened slightly and you blinked "Wait you're being serious? You're not getting back at me for what happened with Hoshi?". Jun shook his head "I've always wanted you Y/n" and to finish the performance he kissed you.

The second Jun pulled back from the kiss his acting magic faded and he felt nervous again. You blinked your eyes open and fixed them on Jun. "so that wasn't acting?" you confirmed and Jun shook his head "no and it felt very natural to say those things to you". "Have you felt this way for a long time?" you asked him and Jun nodded "since I first met you" and your jaw dropped. "Why did you never tell me?" you asked. "Because I thought you and Hoshi might be secretly together and I didn't want to get in the way of anything". You shook your head "Hoshi is just a friend, we could say the exact same words to me and it wouldn't make me feel anything close to how I feel right now". "How do you feel?" Jun couldn't help but ask and you blushed. "Flustered, excited, so impressed with your skill, I find it quite funny the effect it had on me but mainly? I just think you're so hot and that was so sexy". Jun smiled "really?" and you nodded "I always thought you were hot and Miao Yi was really lucky to be acting with you. I imagined it wouldn't take much for her to act turned on by you and I can safely say I was right". Jun was a blushing mess but also couldn't stop smiling. "I'm really happy to hear you say that but don't know what to say in reply". You smiled and gently touched his hand "It's okay you don't have to feel pressure to say anything, all I really want to do right now is kiss you again". Jun smiled "then kiss me" channelling his confidence again and you blushed but before promptly shifting yourself into Jun's lap wiping the smile off his face "oh I plan on". This time the person wrapped around you was Jun and he loved it.

You were just working Jun up nicely, you could feel him getting agitated and fidgety when an idea occurred to you. "So that was why you got so upset by mine and Hoshi's teasing" you said pulling away suddenly. Jun jumped shocked and had to come to terms with you not being against him anymore before he processed your words. Slowly he nodded. "I didn't like seeing you act out those scened with Hoshi, how comfortable he was on top of you and how close together your lips were" Jun said his brow furrowing even as he thought of it. "I didn't like seeing any guy be like that with you" his hands going to your waist. "Except you?" you asked teasingly and Jun nodded "except me, I wanted you all to myself". You smiled and pulled back slightly. You leant on your hands and Jun gazed at you. You also looked down at yourself and then back to Jun "well you've got me haven't you? What do you plan to do now?". Jun smiled "I have so many ideas" and he lifted you back to him with one hand "want me to show you?" he asked. You smirked and jumped up off his lap racing to the rooms. You were quick and beat Jun there. "How did you know this was my room?" he asked unlocking the door and you smiled "I'm very observant...well with people I care about. I took note of your room as soon as we got here". Jun smiled "Y/n, have you been imagining something like this? Coming to my room?" Jun asked and you looked at him. "Concisouly? No but there have been a fair few dreams". "Dreams!" Jun cried "what do we do in them". You smiled "don't worry, you're not the only one good at re-creating" and locked the door.

The next morning, you woke up to find Jun wrapped around you. You smiled at how cute he looked asleep and gently poked him "hey Jun, you awake?". He made a noise in response and when you poked him said "I'm awake". You smiled at his sleepy voice "I'm just going to go shower and get some clothes from my room, okay?". "Okay" Jun said and he let you out of his arms and burrowed further into the bed. You padded over to your own, had a shower and got ready for the day. You went back to Jun's but he was still asleep and you were hungry so you joined the boys for breakfast.

"Y/n!" DK called as he saw you and you smiled "hey Dk, good night?". "Yeah I slept like a baby" he smiled and passed you a plate. You sat next to Dk, across from Jeonghan and Scoups. Some of the boys were still zonked like Jun and it was fun to see them appear with messy hair and squinty eyes. Hoshi appeared not long after and had a huge bedhead. You couldn't stop laughing when you saw him and Hoshi didn't take kindly to that. "What so funny Y/n?" he asked coming right over to you "is there something amusing?" he asked sticking his hair in your face and you pushed away by his shoulders. "Hoshi stop!" you laughed "I'm trying to eat" but Hoshi wouldn't and eventually he got tired. He wrapped his arms around your waist and sighed, resting his head on yours "it's too early Y/n". "Why are you saying that like I started this?" you asked and Hoshi smirked "because you always do" and carried on hugging you.

As Hoshi stayed that way you paused "hey Hoshi can you let go?" you asked. "Why?" he asked "you're soft and smell nice". "Yeah but I'm sort of seeing this guy and he would prefer if we were less physical". "Wait" Hoshi cried springing back "you're seeing someone?" which made all the guys look over. "Who is it?" Jeonghan asked and as you were searching for something to say, Jun appeared.

You saw him heading to the table and looked at him behind Jeonghan. The smart boy followed your gaze and smiled "no way!". Slowly the other guys got it and Hoshi cried "you're seeing Jun?" making the boy startle. Jun jumped and then looked at you as the guys cried out tons of questions to him. Jun blushed and you could see he was flustered so told all the boys to shush. "Hey leave him alone, I never said it was him". "Yeah but the way you looked at him does" Scoups said "wait shit is this new? Is that why you're looking at him like that?2. You blushed and then boys exploded again.

You pushed past them and went to Jun "hey so quick update, I told Hoshi not to touch me too much anymore because there was this guy and they worked out it's you". "You asked Hoshi to stop? So I wouldn't be upset?" Jun asked and you nodded "yeah...I don't want you to be uncomfortable and I'd only want you touching me like that anyway". Jun's face lit up and in front of everyone he leaned down and gave you a quick kiss. Everyone had assumed but still they overreacted with half cheering and the other half being disgusted. "we've seen you kiss too many times now Jun stop it!" The8 said. "Yeah but this was a real kiss not a fake one, it's totally different" Seungkwan argued and Woozi shrugged "so? I still don't want to see it" and you smirked "well suck it up Woozi! Jun can kiss me whenever he wants" and you marched the two of you back to your seats.

Jun was slightly nervous with all the attention but sitting next to you calmed him. He kept a hand on your leg to ground him and was back to normal in minutes. Once things had calmed and people stopped staring he leaned into you "thank you for saying that to Hoshi, when I woke up and you were gone I wasn't sure if you wanted to pursue this or not". "I told you I was leaving, don't you remember?" you asked and Jun blinked "no" which made you laugh. "Sorry that must've been scary, no I just wanted a shower and breakfast but I'm very much ready for this" you said. Jun smiled "I can't wait to get started" and then blushed again, his confident actor mask falling. You noticed and gently lifted his chin "you don't have to act around me, just be the normal Jun. I find him hot". Jun felt touched you could tell the difference and noticed the real him. "Okay I will" he said nodding and you smiled and leaned into him. Jun wrapped an arm around you and joined in with the guys' conversation. He decided all the teasing was worth it...because it got him you.

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Okay so of course I saw the clips of Jun in that tv show and had to rush to write this! Jun looks amazing in it...but it might kill all the carats out there.

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