My First | Renjun Fic #2
Title: My First
Genre: high school au, angst
Warnings: mentions of self-harm, divorce, abusive parent. please don't read if any of these topics make you uncomfortable
Word Count: ~13k
Author's Note: I originally posted this book on wattpad, but not many people read it. So I decided to consolidate the book into a full-length fic to post here on tumblr and my nct dream book on wattpad. I wrote this story years ago, inspired by a brief crush I had in high school. I really hope you guys like this story ^ ^
P.S. there may or may not be a sequel to this š
*song mentioned is Sorry Heart by NCT Dream*
š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖ
A small high school reunion was underway, hosted by Lee Haechan at a fried chicken restaurant he had opened some time ago. Even amidst his hectic commitments, Rejun made sure with his managers that his schedule would be done by the evening. After all, he couldnāt miss this occasion. Not when this was his chance to see her again.
He discreetly entered the restaurant, donning a mask and a black cap to maintain his anonymity until he had fully entered the premises.
Suddenly, he heard the voice of his old friend exclaim, āThere he is! The global K-pop sensation!āĀ
Renjun chuckled bashfully as a wave of applause and cheers echoed Haechan's proclamation. Taking a seat, he scanned the room, searching for a familiar face among his former classmates.
āShe should be here soon,ā Haechan whispered, his hand resting on Renjunās shoulder as a glass of soju was poured for him. Renjun nodded and allowed himself to unwind for the time being.
After a few drinks, the restaurant's front doors chimed, and Renjun swiftly turned his head to witness the entrance of two individuals. And there she stood, nearly everything about her appearance was the same since high school. Her hair remained long, now adorned with a reddish hue. The melancholy that once clouded her eyes was replaced with a sparkle he never saw in her before. The smile he loved so much hadnāt changed at all. Yet, he knew that smile on her face wasnāt because of him. But it was because of the man whose gentle hand rested on her back.Ā
Renjun couldn't deny that the sight caused a subtle ache within him, breaking his heart a little. He guessed he deserved this feeling though. Especially considering he was the one who had broken hers in the first place.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered the first time she laid eyes on him, a memory that stood apart from his initial introduction as a transfer student from Jilin, China, at the beginning of high school. She had been rather inattentive back then. This was that one moment when she truly noticed him.
In her oblivious state, she hadn't even realized they lived in the same neighborhood until that day. As was her usual routine, she got off the bus, and there he was, standing at the crosswalk.
Initially, she was about to walk straight to her house without a second thought. But her steps halted when she witnessed an elderly lady struggling with several heavy grocery bags. It was evident that the weight was taking a toll on her. Before she could rush to her assistance, the boy beat her to it.
āHalmeoni,ā he spoke kindly, offering a warm smile, āLet me help you.ā
He gently took the bags from the lady's hands, and the woman chuckled, tenderly pinching his cheek. She observed them strolling down the street, engaged in cheerful small talk. Their smiles were infectious, and she found herself smiling too.
As they completed their short trip across the street and exchanged farewells, he seemed to sense someone's gaze upon him. Before she could react, their eyes met. In that instant, her brain went into a mild panic, and she turned away, hurrying home without looking back.
No, it wasn't as though she had fallen head over heels for him on that day. Such emotions didn't come easily to her, it seemed. She had simply become more aware of his existence. Unfortunately, she had never mustered the courage to strike up a conversation with the boy. Despite attending the same school, she was absorbed in her studies and lacked the confidence to approach him. The art of making friends was something she had never been adept at.
She didnāt bother to say anything to him in school and she didnāt expect him to either. But for some reason, knowing that bothered her. She couldn't quite explain the feeling. After all, she didn't know him beyond that one act of kindness, even though she was sure it wasn't his first.
Little did she realize that this encounter had only marked the beginning of their story.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered the next day when he stepped into their homeroom. Their eyes met once more, a scene that could have been plucked from a clichƩ K-drama. For precisely three seconds, she maintained eye contact with him before her gaze dropped to her desk.
That was the day she finally recalled his name when the teacher called for attendance ā Huang Renjun. If not for his introduction, she might have not realized he was Chinese. Partially because she had initially believed his last name to be Hwang. His Korean proficiency further blurred the lines, matching her own.
Each time Renjun spoke in class, she couldn't help but be impressed by his fluency. A classmate mentioned that he had taken Korean as an elective at his previous school.
Nonetheless, she didn't engage in much conversation with him in the early days of the school year, despite the fact that they shared a classroom nearly every day, with their desks not being too distant from each other. Their circles of friends were also closely-knit. Besides the few friends she had made at school, she rarely ventured to talk to anyone else.
However, she found herself unable to cease her contemplation of him. Occasionally, her gaze would stray from her textbook, and she'd spot the dark brown-haired boy a few desks ahead. A slight lean to the left allowed her to observe him diligently taking notes during the teacher's lectures.
Before Renjun, she had never really paid attention to boys. To this day, she remained uncertain about what exactly drew her to him. Perhaps it was his refined facial features, their shared artistic inclinations, or the way he displayed irritation and endearing cuteness when angered. It might have been the enchanting hums he produced while listening to songs from his playlist on their bus rides home.
Some might have labeled her an obsessive stalker, but anyone would have noticed the same subtle details if they had taken a second to observe him. Living in the same neighborhood and attending the same school merely facilitated this connection.
Renjun and she were so close, yet so far away at the same time.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered their first real encounter quite fondly. It occurred close to the second month of school when one of her friends attempted to persuade her into joining their study group.
āYou should join us, (Y/n),ā her friend said, trying to convince her for the nth time.
She nervously bit her lip and hesitated, āI don't knowā¦ā
Her study habits usually involved solitary efforts or the occasional study session with a single companion. The idea of meeting up with a group of unfamiliar faces didn't particularly appeal to her.
Furthermore, her friend mentioned that part of the reason for forming this study group was to create opportunities for getting closer to some of the cute and popular guys in their homeroom. She couldn't shake the feeling that they wouldn't be doing much actual studying.
āCan you at least come to one meeting?ā her friend implored, holding up a single finger. āThat's all I'm asking for!ā
Reluctantly, she ended up agreeing because she didnāt want to disappoint her friend. After all, she knew that friend would never lead her into doing something crazy. Thus, she arrived at the cafe with the intention of sitting at the end of the table, where she could quietly focus on her studies and avoid interaction with the rest of the group as much as possible.
As much as she had hesitated about attending, she had always been an early bird when it came to events like this. Tardiness had always been one of her pet peeves. Little did she anticipate being one of the first to arrive.
To her luck, the one other person already present was him.
Her body froze as she entered the moment she saw Renjun seated at the empty table with his books spread out before him. He wore a light orange hoodie and round-shaped glasses. Her eyes shifted to the white sweatshirt she was wearing, and she habitually adjusted her own glasses, no longer self-conscious about dressing casually.
Noticing that he wasn't by himself anymore, Renjun's eyes met hers once more. It felt reminiscent of a few weeks ago, but she couldn't tell if he recognized her. Unlike the last time, she managed to resist the impulse to run away when he spoke first.
āAre you here for the study group too?ā he inquired.
For some inexplicable reason, words failed to escape her lips, so she simply nodded in response.
Renjunās smile put her at ease, āThat's a relief. I was beginning to worry that I was pranked into coming here alone.ā
āOh, I seeā¦ā She awkwardly averted her gaze, focusing on her shoes, unable to maintain eye contact for more than a few seconds.
He gestured to the chair beside him, āUmā you can sit here if you want.ā
Taking a deep breath, she composed herself before taking a seat. She did her best to collect her thoughts and not appear foolish.
āThank you,ā she murmured as she set her bag down.
Swiftly, she retrieved her homework, diverting her attention from the boy next to her. However, as she did so, her gaze accidentally met him once again. His smile was far warmer than she had imagined it to be.
"You're Kim (Y/n), right?"
āYou know me?ā The surprise must have been evident on her face because Renjun regarded her as if she had asked an obvious question.
āOf course. Weāre in the same class, and I've seen you in my neighborhood a few times,ā he explained. āHow would I not know you?ā
It dawned on her that she wasn't the only one who had noticed those coincidences that connected them. He had been aware of her existence all along. There was no reason for her to have felt invisible. Why had she entertained such thoughts before?
āOh, right,ā her eyes dropped to her homework in embarrassment.
Renjun chuckled and tapped his pencil on her notebook, āDid you understand the math homework?ā
āYeah, I think so,ā she replied as she skimmed over the math problems they had to solve.
Math wasn't her strongest subject, but it wasn't her weakest either. The same could be said for her other classes. She excelled in any class related to the fine arts.
āI'm not sure when the others are going to get here,ā Renjun remarked, āSo do you want to work on this and check our answers together?ā
āOhā sure,ā she said, picking up her pencil, relieved to finally engage in productive work. She had been worried that attending this gathering would be a waste of study time.Ā
However, she and Renjun were both diligent students, sharing the same goal of completing their work as efficiently as possible.
Working together in a tranquil atmosphere, she started to relax. But, eventually, their friends began to arrive.
āOh, you guys are here already!ā the friend who had invited her exclaimed. She sighed, a tad disappointed that everyone was here now. Still, she concealed her frustration with a smile and waved at her friend.
The study group unfolded precisely as she had expected, with little actual studying being accomplished. Most of the group members engaged in chatter and jokes. Renjun and she, on the other hand, remained seated at the corner of the table, quietly working on their homework and occasionally helping each other if they encountered difficulties.
After about two hours, everyone started to disperse. It was already dark outside as she stepped out. Since they were both headed in the same direction, Renjun suggested they take the bus together. He gave the excuse that it would be dangerous for her to go home alone.
With rosy cheeks, she glanced down at her shoes and allowed him to accompany her to the bus stop. His actions reinforced her initial impression of Renjun as a kindhearted person.
Upon boarding the bus, few words were exchanged. Yet, the silence between them didn't feel as awkward as it had earlier. She gazed out of the bus window, watching as cars and buildings passed by. Occasionally, she noticed him stealing glances in her direction from the corner of her eye, and she hesitantly turned around once, only for him to quickly avert his gaze. Perhaps her initial interpretation had been mere wishful thinking.
Her attention returned to the window, and she couldn't help but smile, reflecting on the subtle shade of red that colored his cheeks. It was undeniably cute.
As they disembarked from the bus, Renjun scratched his head and avoided her gaze.
"I guess I'll see you at school on Monday?"
She slowly nodded, "Yeah."
"I guess I'll get going then."
Before she could watch him leave, she suddenly called out, āWait!ā
When he turned back to look at her, she smiled bashfully, āIt was nice to meet you, Huang Renjun.ā In return, he offered a smile just as warm as the first time.
āSame to you, Kim (Y/n).ā
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered the change when she returned to school on Monday. Upon entering the classroom, Renjun warmly waved at her, and she shyly waved back before taking her seat. It felt peculiar to have someone other than Soojin greet her with such enthusiasm.
After their last class of the day, Renjun approached her desk with hesitation, inquiring whether she'd be interested in studying together more often. He mentioned that they got along well and he felt more comfortable studying with her rather than with the group from the previous day. The fact that Huang Renjun, whom she had never interacted with before, was extending this invitation felt unfamiliar.
āThere's a library near the school where we can go,ā he mumbled nervously, his confidence waning with each word.
In retrospect, she realized she should have declined at that moment, perhaps questioning why he wanted to spend time with her of all people. Turning him down then might have shielded her from the tangled web she was about to weave.
However, she couldn't resist a shy smile and accepted his invitation. Her rationale was that she preferred studying with one person over a large group, but also because she saw an opportunity to get to know the intriguing boy who had captured her curiosity.
Her hopes were met, as they began meeting at the library once a week to do homework or prepare for exams. Once a week quickly escalated to twice a week, and soon, they were seeing each other nearly every weekend.
Through those encounters, she learned quite a bit about Renjun, and she believed he was also getting to know her, to some extent. It would be a while before he truly understood her.
āHey (Y/n),ā he said one day, his tone laced with concern. āYou're not usually this quiet. Are you okay?ā
Lifting her head from her laptop, she met his worried expression, the first time she noticed how his chocolate brown eyes sparkled when the light hit just right. His soft gaze made her want to answer honestly, but she had grown accustomed to concealing her true feelings, even from herself. So, she responded with the same excuse she used whenever her friend posed that question.
āOh, I'm... I'm just tired, that's all! I'm fine.ā
He nodded and returned to his work without further inquiry, though she could sense his desire to probe deeper. Several such instances occurred between them, but she always held back, no matter how much she longed to reveal her true thoughts.
At times, she found herself wishing they hadn't crossed paths from the beginning.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered returning home each day, where her school life came to a pause and her personal life resumed. Upon entering through the front door, she was met by a towering stack of boxes and several others that crowded one end of the sofa. To any guest, it would appear as though they were in the middle of moving. However, they weren't. At least not at the time.
Ironically, despite her typically organized and minimalist lifestyle, she was no longer fazed by the clutter. Kicking off her well-worn sneakers and placing them on the shoe tray, she hung up her jacket and felt a wave of relief as she discarded her bag.
She picked up her bag once more, intending to carry it upstairs to her room. Just as she reached the top of the stairs, a voice interrupted her.
āKim (Y/n). You don't even say hi to your mother?ā
She held back from scoffing as her mother walked past her. Shaking her head, she continued to ignore her, as was her usual practice, and pushed open the door to her room. Her bag fell to the floor in the corner by her desk.
There was nothing particularly noteworthy about her room. She owned only the essentials: a bed, a dresser, an alarm clock, and a desk. However, it was the only place where the real her was revealed, not the persona she presented to the world, nor the facade of strength she wore despite being the weakest person she knew.
Taking a seat in front of her desk on the swivel chair, she sighed. Slowly, her hand reached for her sleeve and began rolling it up, revealing scars that had yet to fully heal. Ugly slashes of red and pink extended from her upper arm and stopped halfway at her forearm.
Laughing to herself, she clenched her fists. These scars served as a reminder of her brokenness.
Even someone like Huang Renjun couldn't rescue her from herself.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered the day after school when she was listening to music while waiting for the bus. As she scrolled through her saved albums, a message notification unexpectedly appeared.
Mom: (Y/n), I've started applying for job opportunities, but I'll also be receiving financial support from your father before leaving him. If you move in with me, you can have your own room and everything
After reading the message once, she took a deep breath and swiped it away. Gently inserting her earbuds into her ears, she turned up the volume on her phone, allowing the current song to engulf her ears, if only for a few minutes, to temporarily forget everything. However, her solitude was soon disrupted by someone taking a seat next to her at the bus stop. She immediately recognized him as Renjun.
āWhat are you listening to?ā he asked.
She removed one earbud and handed it to him, inviting him to listen along with her. He smiled and plugged the earbud into his left ear.
āOh, I know this song.ā His eyes lit up as he began to sing along. The current track playing was āDonāt Goā by EXO.Ā
While he sang, she stared at him in a daze. āI didn't know you could sing,ā she mumbled when the song ended.
Blushing, he cast his eyes downward. āI used to dream of becoming a singer like Rain or someone.ā
āDo you not want to be a singer anymore?ā
With some hesitation, he responded, āEntering the entertainment field is risky. The chances of someone like me getting in and achieving success are quite low.ā
Before she could offer a proper reply, the bus arrived, momentarily interrupting their conversation. As they took their seats, Renjun began recommending songs and other artists she should explore. Nevertheless, her thoughts kept returning to what he had said earlier. She understood why he held those reservations. Someone as cautious as herself couldn't disagree.
That summer, she and Renjun spent a lot of time together. There were no formal plans or scheduled meetups; their interactions occurred naturally. If she was in one place, he would show up, and vice versa. In their moments alone, he would sing a few songs when she asked.
Unbeknownst to her, she found herself captivated by his voice. It was so clear and pleasant to the ear. She struggled to comprehend why he had abandoned his dream of becoming a singer, as it was evident that singing brought him immense joy.
āYour voice is so beautiful,ā she mustered the courage to tell him one day. āI think if you debuted as a k-pop idol, you'd definitely make it.ā
He looked up and smiled at her. āThank you for saying that. But I believe it's wiser for me to attend university and secure a well-paying job.ā
āYou want to be just like everyone else?" she asked, wondering in the back of her mind if her question sounded too critical.
Renjun sighed, āIt's a naive dream that's long behind me now. It doesn't matter anymore.ā
Her lips formed a frown at his words, but she refrained from further comment. At the time, he seemed resolute in his choices. She had even thought to herself that perhaps it was for the best. If he had become a famous singer, he might have forgotten all about her.
Little did she know then how their lives would ultimately unfold, marked by contradictions.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered the last weekend before school was set to begin again. It was the first time she had been invited to his house, as his parents were away on a short trip to China, and he sought company. The idea of being alone with him at his place was intimidating, so she was relieved to find that he had also invited another friend to join them.
āUgh, thank goodness you're here,ā Renjun sighed in relief as he opened the door for her. āHaechan and I were arguing over which movie to watch.ā
Trying to stifle a smile, she rolled her eyes as she closed her umbrella and removed her wet shoes. She often found it amusing how Renjun and Haechan could switch from arguing to being the best of friends in the blink of an eye.
ā(Y/n), back me up here!ā Haechan implored when he saw her enter the room. āOn a rainy day like this, we have to watch a horror movie.ā
She had known Lee Haechan since kindergarten, and even then, he was quite popular among the kids due to his outgoing personality. However, she hadn't interacted much with him until Renjun befriended her. Haechan started tagging along when they hung out, not wanting to be left out.
Despite Haechan's love for provoking Renjun, he was much kinder to her. He would often try to get her to defend him when he got Renjun angry. Naturally, the three of them ended up spending more time together than with their regular friend group.
āIt's my house!ā Renjun complained. āAnd I don't want to watch a horror movie.ā
Haechan flashed a teasing glint in his eyes. āOh. You're probably too scared to watch one.ā
āI never said that I was scared,ā Renjun turned to her. āLetās just have (Y/n) choose the movie.ā
Her cheeks warmed from the sudden attention. Their arguments typically ended with her being the one to make the final decision. So, she suggested a compromise: they could watch one horror movie and one of Renjun's choices. The boys looked at each other and had a moment of realization.
She had to admit it was quite amusing to watch Renjun and Haechan scream at the scary parts and laugh in embarrassment during the second movie. The two of them got into a spat when Haechan spilled popcorn on Renjun, leading to more bickering that she had to mediate. Sometimes she wondered if they were really in high school.
By the time they finished both movies, they noticed the storm hadn't shown any signs of letting up. Renjun suggested that they sleep over for the night, deeming it too risky to venture out in the rain.
Haechan eventually dozed off, leaving Renjun and her as the only ones still awake. They sat on the floor in front of the sofa, contemplating what to do. After a few awkward silences, Renjun cleared his throat.
āDo you want to see some of my old pictures?ā she nodded eagerly in response.
He got up and retrieved a light brown photo album, which took her by surprise as she hadn't expected him to have so many pictures. They sat closer together, and he began to show her the photos.
āThese are my parents,ā Renjun gestured to the image in the top left corner. āAnd that's my grandfather over there.ā
She beamed when she noticed a school photo of a younger Renjun on the next page. Glancing up at him, she commented, āI didn't know you had a snaggletooth.ā
āOh, yeah, I did,ā Renjun shyly rubbed the back of his neck.
He pointed to his current smile, showing her his perfectly straight teeth. āBut I have lingual braces now, so it's not there anymore.ā
āBut why? You looked so cute!" she said, saving herself from admitting she found him cute no matter what.
He sighed, āOnly you would say that. If Haechan saw this, I wouldn't hear the end of it.ā
They continued to browse through the photos, and she paused at one page, her thumb resting on a polaroid at the bottom right. A younger Renjun sat on a bench, with a girl beside him.
"Who is this?" she asked in a softer tone, without realizing it.
Renjun gazed at the photograph with a hint of hesitation. Without uttering a word, she could tell that a whirlwind of emotions and memories had unintentionally resurfaced.
āShe was my first love back in my hometown,ā Renjun sighed. āOur parents were good friends, so we knew each other from a young age.ā
āWe only dated for a year. But back then, I used to think nothing could ever separate us.ā He wore a nostalgic smile that quickly faded. Evidently, his youthful hopes hadn't materialized as he had wished.
āIf you donāt mind me asking, what happened?ā she asked cautiously. Renjun paused and briefly looked at her.
āMy dad got a new job here in Seoul, so we moved in the middle of tenth grade,ā he explained. āI promised her... I promised her that we could still be together, that we could make it work.ā
She could see the regret and sorrow pooling in his eyes. āBut the last time we talked, she told me she couldn't handle a long-distance relationship. So she broke up with me.ā
That final sentence felt both empty and painful. She couldn't fathom how much he must have suffered. Neither of them spoke for a while, until she mustered the courage to ask how he coped with it all.
āTo be honest, it was tough in the beginning,ā Renjun admitted. āBut recently, I haven't been thinking about her as much.ā
She shouldn't have allowed herself to feel hope upon hearing those words. āHave you moved on since then?ā
āIt still hurts from time to time,ā he spoke honestly. āI cared about her a lot.ā
āThat's understandable,ā she whispered. āDo you think you'll ever get over her?ā
She tried to read his eyes when he looked back at her, but it was impossible. Instead, he shrugged. āI want to, but I'm not sure if I can.ā
From that moment on, she should have given up, knowing that she never had a chance to begin with.
Maybe then, she could have prevented all the heartbreak she had set herself up for.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered that one morning when she was getting ready for school. As she went to leave her things near the door, she heard her mother's footsteps emerging from the kitchen. Her mother's hair was disheveled, and she had gained weight from all the delivery food she had been eating. She couldn't remember the last time her mother had cooked.
ā(Y/n),ā her mother reached for her, but she instinctively backed away. The desperation on her mother's face quickly shifted to irritation.
āI'm your mother, I gave birth to you. Is this how you treat me?ā
āEommaāā
But her mother continued, āHow awful it is that you've turned out to be just like your abusive father. I can't believe he's brainwashed you.ā
Anyone else listening might have thought she was a madwoman. Her mother had become a stranger to her.
āAppa has not abused you. No one is abusing you,ā she tried to maintain her patience. āEomma, you need help. You're notāā
āSHUT UP!ā Her mother screamed, causing her to flinch. āYou don't know what you're talking about. How dare you disrespect me?ā
The heat of anger flushed her face. She yearned to scream back at her mother and tell her to stop, but she knew it would only add fuel to the fire. It wasn't worth it.
Before her mother walked away, she said something that she had been hearing frequently lately. āYou know what? Sometimes I wish I wasn't your mother.ā
Her fingers curled into fists. Her mom was always adept at being manipulative. As a teenager, she did her best to take her mother's insults maturely. But when someone you love hurls those words at you every day, it slowly chips away at you.
All she could see was red after that argument. She remembered searching for her razor blade and making multiple slashes across her arm when she found it. She didn't care about the stinging pain of the cuts or the fresh, warm blood trickling down her arm. Her thoughts were clouded with fury. She was furious at her mother for behaving like a child and at her father for allowing it to happen. She was furious at herself for not being able to do anything. Every night, she was kept awake by her mother's shouting, harassing her father for no apparent reason.
Trembling with anger, she walked to school. All the pent-up pain and bitterness were bubbling to the surface. She had tried so hard to be strong for her father and everyone else, believing she could handle everything on her own.
By the time she arrived at class that day, she could barely hold herself together. She kept her head down to conceal the evidence of her tears. She took her seat at her desk and tried to regain her composure, determined not to let anyone see the real her, the one filled with bitterness and misery.
āMorning, (Y/n),ā she heard his voice calling out to her. Renjun's desk was near the front, by the window, while hers was closer to the back. However, every morning, he would come over to discuss after-school plans or homework.
She hastily wiped away any tears and looked up, forcing a smile to hide her inner turmoil. By eleventh grade, they had become closer since the previous school year. She should have known that Renjun would see right through her. It took just one look for him to sense that something was amiss.
āSomething's up. What's wrong?ā
Renjun glanced down at her wrist, and she almost gasped when she noticed blood seeping through her uniform sleeve. Blinded by rage, she must have unintentionally cut herself deeper this time.
ā(Y/n), whatāā He reached for her arm before she could stop him. He paused before gently pulling up her sleeve, revealing the fresh cuts from that morning.
Renjun opened his mouth to say something but remembered they were in a classroom setting. He looked back at her, seeing that all color had drained from her face and her lip began to quiver.
āCome on,ā he prompted her, leading her out of the classroom.Ā
āRenjun, where are you taking me?ā
āTo the nurse's office. Now.ā
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered him pulling her into the nurse's office. Despite her protests and attempts to stop walking, he paid no attention and continued. When they arrived, Renjun had her sit down on one of the treatment beds while he retrieved the first aid kit.
As he lifted the rest of her sleeve, she found herself holding her breath. She said nothing as Renjun cleaned and bandaged her wounds, her gaze dropping to her arm. What was once fair in color and smooth was now marred by hideous scars. Most of them were faded white, while some were still pink. The new red marks stood out the most.
Numerous times, Renjun tried to catch her gaze. She could tell he wanted to know what she was thinking. After applying the last bandage and closing the first aid kit, she forced herself to meet his woeful eyes.
ā(Y/n)...ā He began, uncertainty in his voice. āWhatever you're going through that makes you hurt yourself like this, you can tell me.ā
They locked eyes for a brief moment, and she knew she was about to share everything she had been holding back. She loathed showing vulnerability in front of those she cared about. It filled her with a strong sense of self-hatred.
āI... I can't,ā she practically whispered.
Renjun was stubborn and wouldn't give up. He placed his hand on hers, gently squeezing it. āYou can trust me, I promise.ā
She stared at him for a moment before her facade, maintained for months, crumbled. Slowly, she began to confide in Renjun. She told him about her mother's drug problem and how it had nearly bankrupted their family. She spoke of the sleepless nights listening to her mother hurl insults at her father. It was the first time she had shared the news of her parentsā decision to end their disastrous marriage. Finally, she told him about the argument with her mother that morning and the hurtful things her mother had said to her.Ā
āHow could a mother say those things to her daughter?ā Her voice wavered as she continued, āWhen I've spent my whole life trying to...hoping for her to love me.ā
She waited for Renjun to say something. But he caught her off guard when he reached over and enveloped her in a tight hug. He patted her back gently and assured her that she had every right to be upset.
āYour mom must be crazy not to see how amazing you are,ā he said, using his thumb to wipe away her tears. āI'm sorry she said those things to you. You didn't deserve that.ā
She sniffed and shook her head. āI don't know why there's still some part of me that expects something from her.ā
"It's because you love her and want her to be healthy," Renjun responded.
She lowered her head and admitted, "I guess you're right..."
There was a brief silence between them. Renjun frowned, glancing around the room before standing up. He looked down at her with a mischievous smile.
āLet's get out of here,ā he suggested, nodding toward the door.
Her torn expression shifted to a confused one. āRight now? But we have class.ā
āThatās fine. Weāll just say you felt sick, and I offered to take you home.ā
āSo youāre suggesting we skip school?ā
āI mean yeah, why not?ā Renjun shrugged. āItās not like theyāre going to suspect anything bad from top students like us.ā
Her eyebrows lifted in uncertainty. She never thought she would ever hear Huang Renjun suggesting skipping class. She had never in her life done such a thing.
Tired of waiting, he took her hand and pulled her up. āYou should go have fun on a day like this. To clear your mind.ā
She could feel her heart beating faster when he held her hand. Slightly flustered by the situation, she just nodded and followed him to sneak out of the school grounds. They got on a bus and sat in the back rows. She didnāt bother asking Renjun where they were going. Her mind was still stuck on the fact that she had practically spilled her heart out to the boy next to her. She regretted telling him so much in her emotional state. But he didnāt appear to think any less of her.
Renjun ended up taking her to a small arcade filled with game machines, prizes, and neon lights. āHaechan talks about this place a lot. Itās my first time here, though.ā
She chuckled, āHeās going to kill you when he finds out you came here without him.ā
āI know,ā Renjun said and took her hand again. āCome on, letās go buy some tokens.ā
They played all sorts of games that day, such as racing and shooting ones. She thought she would be bad at the basketball game, but it turned out Renjun was worse than her. She laughed when he got pouty for not being able to score many baskets.
āOh, over there!ā She pointed out. āIāve always wanted to go to a photobooth with friends.ā
Renjun smiled at her sudden excitement. āLetās go do it, then.ā
The two of them went in and paid the machine to take some pictures. In a hurry before the camera started rolling, they picked out accessories for each other. She hoped Renjun didnāt notice the shade of pink on her cheeks as he set a white headband with cat ears on her head. On the other hand, she chose a pair of large daisy-themed sunglasses for him.
Renjun convinced her to try doing different poses. By the time the camera clicked for the last time, both of them were caught up in laughter. To her surprise, the photos came out well. In the last one, she saw Renjun smiling down at her, and she had her hands shaped as a heart. Anyone would have mistaken them for a couple.
She thought they would be done once they were finished with the arcade. But by the time they left, it was late afternoon. She hadnāt even realized the time went by. By then, the school day was already over. She said that they should just go back home now. Renjun looked at her with a slightly worried expression.
āWhy donāt we get some ice cream first?ā He pointed toward the frozen treat shop across the street. Reluctantly, she agreed and let him lead them to the place.
After getting their ice cream, they sat at one of the two-person tables outside. Subconsciously, she quietly observed him as he ate his green tea flavored ice cream. Why was her heart continuing to beat faster whenever she was around him?
āYou should eat yours before it melts,ā Renjun pointed out.
She was snapped out of her thoughts and glanced down at the mint-chocolate ice cream cone in her hand. Laughing nervously, she quickly took a small bite. āOh right.ā
Renjun chuckled and picked up the napkin near him. āYou have some on your lips.ā
Absent-mindedly, he reached over the table to wipe off the remaining cream off her mouth. Her eyes widened when she noticed how close their faces were. When Renjun saw the blush on her face, he coughed and sat back down in his seat.
Once the heat in her cheeks lessened, she took the chance to speak again. āI didnāt get the chance to thank you for today. Iāmā¦Iām sorry about this morning.ā
āYou donāt have to apologize,ā Renjun shook his head. āI justāif you ever feel like hurting yourself againā¦ā
He made eye contact with her when he said this, āCome to me, okay? Donāt feel like you have to carry all the burdens on your own.ā
When she didnāt say anything, he placed a hand on top of hers. It was the third time he did that today. āIāll always be here for you, (Y/n)-yah.ā
How she wished that she hadnāt taken those words to heart.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered Haechan narrowing his eyes at her as they waited for Renjun at the library. He seemed as if he was suspecting her of something. She hoped Renjun would come soon to break this weird tension.
āHow long are you going to stare at me like that?ā She glanced up from her schoolwork.
Ignoring her question, Haechan said, āYou and Renjun have been acting strange around each other.ā
She laughed incredulously. āWhat are you talking about?ā
āThe way you two look at each other is different.ā Haechan twirled the pencil in his hands with his fingers. āAnd youāve been hanging out a lot. Without me.ā
āHaechan, weāre just friends-ā
āYou like him, donāt you?ā Instantly, she froze when he asked. The corner of Haechanās lips curled upward into a smile.
āIāll take your silence as a confirmation.ā
āHowā¦how did you find out?ā
Haechan rolled his eyes as if the answer was obvious. āIāve known you since kindergarten, Kim (Y/n). Never have I seen you look at a boy before Renjunie.ā
It was true. She had no interest in boys unlike the other girls in her class at the time. She was always preoccupied with what was going on at home. Not just with boys, she had never made an effort to make many friends. Her mindset at the time was it was better to be alone, so no one could hurt her. Then Huang Renjun came along and changed everything.
She briefly scanned the library to ensure no one was paying them any mind, before leaning closer to the table. But that didnāt stop her from speaking in a hushed tone.
āYou canāt tell him, okay?āĀ
Haechan looked at her quizzically. āYouāre not going to confess to him?ā
āWhy would I? That would be too risky.ā
āWhatās there to risk?ā Her friend tilted his head. āYouāre single, heās single. You like him, and he probably likes you back.ā
Shaking her head, āThereās no way he likes me back. I think heās still stuck on his past relationship.ā
āHis first love back in China?ā Haechan scoffed. ā(Y/n), that was so long ago. And youāre here, right in front of him. I think you have a solid chance.ā
āItās not that easy, Haechan. Our whole friendship could be ruined, and I donāt want that to happen.ā
The boy frowned at her. āSo what? Youāre just going to do nothing and watch him go find someone else?ā
āHey, guys! Sorry, Iām late.ā A male voice ended their conversation. They looked to see Renjun waving to them and coming to their table.
āWhat were you guys talking about?ā he asked when he sat down.
Before Haechan could answer, she spoke up before him. āWe were just talking about the math test tomorrow.ā
āOh right. Let me get out my textbook so we can study.ā Renjun reached down for his bag. While doing so, Haechan narrowed his eyes on her again.
He did have a point. She certainly didnāt want to see the boy she liked with someone else. But she was too much of a coward at the time. Confessing to Renjun sounded terrifying just thinking about it. She could never bring herself to do it.
Back then, she shouldāve listened to her instincts.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered frowning at the empty desk in the corner of the room when she entered that morning. For once, there was no Renjun to greet her with his cute smile and wave. That was odd, she thought to herself. He was always in the classroom before her.
When she made her way to her seat, Haechan sat at the desk in front of her. His chin rested in one of his hands as he sulked.
āOur Renjunie is at home with a cold. Thatās why he couldnāt come to school today.ā
āHe caught a cold?ā He rarely got sick. But Haechan nodded in confirmation.
āRemember the other day when he forgot to bring an umbrella when it was raining?ā
āOh goodness,ā she sighed, worry swirled around her head. āMaybe we should go visit him after school.ā
Haechan smiled teasingly and shook his head. āNah, I donāt want to get in the way of your lovey-dovey moments with him.ā
āLee Haechan!ā She lightly pushed his shoulder as he laughed.
āYou know, itās really easy to make you blush? I can only imagine what happens when Renjunie is around.āĀ
She swore, the boy was purposely pushing all her buttons.
Regardless of Haechanās teasing, she still went to Renjunās house after school. She had asked the light-haired boy one more time if he wanted to join her. But he said that he had something else to do. Whatever that was.
Anxiously, she made her way up the front steps of his house with a bag in her hand. The school day was killing her, knowing that Renjun was sick and home alone. She had never so badly for classes to be over.
His mom was there to open the door for her. Even though they had been friends for more than a year, it was her first time meeting Renjunās mother. Immediately she recognized their similar facial features. āHello, how can I help you?ā
Almost forgetting her words, she straightened up her posture and bowed. āIām so sorry to bother you. But is Renjun home?ā
The womanās face brightened when she said her sonās name. Clasping her hands together, she smiled at her. āYou must be that girl he talks about all the time. Itās so nice to finally meet you!ā
Her eyes widened when she heard this. Renjun talked about her? To his parents? Before she could muster up a good response, Mrs. Huang was already ushering her inside the house.
āIām so glad you came,ā She said. āMy poor son is sick in bed. But I got called into work right now and his father already left in the morning.ā
She slipped off her shoes and gave his mother what she hoped to be a reassuring smile. āYou donāt have to worry Mrs. Huang. I came to make sure he was okay, so I can help watch over him for you.ā
āOh, thatās so kind of you. Thank you so much,ā She squeezed her hands and tried to get a better look at her. āTruly, Iām grateful that Renjun has a friend like you. He was so sad when we first moved here. But now heās so much happier.ā
She recalled the few times when Renjun told her he felt homesick. In the beginning, he told her a lot about his hometown and his childhood there. She couldnāt imagine what it was like to move to a completely different country.
āItās nothing, really,ā She told his mother. āYour son is a great friend of mine. Heā¦he means a lot to me.ā
After hearing his momās words, she remembered wanting nothing more than to stay by Renjunās side. She wanted to be there for him, just like he was to her. Even if he never knew about her feelings, she was okay with that.
Ms. Huang thanked her again before she hurriedly left for work. She told her that he was still in bed and his bedroom was on the left side down the hall.
āRenjun?ā She knocked before coming into the room. The walls were painted a pale yellow, and there was a window above his desk. His room was neat and simple, like hers.
Renjun lifted his head to see that she had called his name. ā(Y/n), what are you doing here?ā
She grimaced when she heard him cough. āYour mom just left. I came to drop off your homework and look after you for a bit.ā
āOhā¦but what if you get sick?āĀ
She smiled at his show of concern. āI should be fine. I have a strong immune system,ā she insisted.
He didnāt seem to be very convinced. But he reluctantly laid back on his pillow. She set her school bag down on his desk chair.
āThere are some things I have to prepare,ā She said, going toward the door. āJust rest here, and Iāll be back in a bit okay?ā
Renjun was too tired to protest, so he patiently waited for her to come back. It wasnāt like there was anything else he could do.
Moments later, she returned with a tray that carried a steaming hot bowl of porridge and a cup of tea. The sick boy peered up with a curious look in his eyes.
āThis is some congee I made. Itās good to eat warm things when you have a cold,ā she explained as she carefully placed the tray on his nightstand. Leaving the drink, she picked up the bowl to give to him.
Renjun smiled, but there was slight guilt in his eyes. āYou didnāt have to do that for me.ā
āItās no big deal,ā she said. āI made it the other day when my dad got sick. So I just reheated the leftovers that I had.ā
āBut stillā¦ā
Ignoring his nasally mumbles, she took the spoon and firmly put it in his hands. āYou need to eat to get your strength back.ā
He accepted the utensil sulkily and weakly took a bite of the food she made. She watched quietly as he ate. His face was paler than usual, and his dark hair was damp from his sickness. She hadnāt imagined a sick Renjun would be so cute. But somehow, she was surprised either way.
She stayed with Renjun the rest of the evening. After helping him take some cold medicine, they moved to the living room and watched some k-dramas on her laptop. Some laughter was exchanged at the funny parts. Occasionally, she heard sniffles at the sadder scenes in the movie. She wasnāt sure if it was Renjunās symptoms or if he was actually crying. Either way, she pretended she didnāt hear him.
āGosh, you're burning up,ā she said when she placed a hand on his forehead to check his temperature.
She stood up to get a cold wet towel to help him cool down. Sitting back down at the foot of his bed, she leaned over to gently dab the cloth onto his forehead. She could sense Renjun switching from staring at her to glancing over her shoulder. But she pretended not to notice. After a few minutes, she brought her hand down and asked if he felt any better. But he wouldnāt answer.
āRenjun?ā He looked back at her and gestured for her hand. He took it and placed her hand over his chest.
āWhy do you keep making me feel like this, (Y/n)?āĀ
His words meshed into the other. But she was still able to understand what he was saying. She stared at him in surprise, unable to find an appropriate response.
Renjun pressed his other hand over his eyes in distress. āAll Iāve been thinking about lately is you. I swear itās driving me crazy.ā
From hearing this, she was certain that this was just the fever talking. She didnāt want to give herself false hope.
āRenjun, youā¦should rest. I donāt think you know what youāre saying.ā She tried to pry her hand out of his.
Instead of letting her go, she felt his grip tighten around her wrist. Before she could say anything, her body was pulled down into a position where Renjun was right beneath her. She wasnāt sure if the sudden heat she felt came from Renjunās fever or from how flustered she was at the moment.
āHuang Renjun, what are youāā She tried to escape, but he held her in place. He brought her closer to where their faces were merely inches apart. His steady eyes marveled over her red cheeks and eventually moved down to her lips.
But before she could make another attempt to move off of him, he pulled her down so their lips could meet.
Her eyes were wide open when she processed what was happening. He had single-handedly taken her first kiss, and she wasnāt sure how to take it at the time.
Little passion was felt in the kiss. But there was so much yearning and desire. When she let go of any resistance and closed her eyes, she felt herself melting into his touch. Thisā¦ is something that she wasnāt aware she had wanted. I mean, what girl wouldnāt want to be kissed by the boy she liked?
Before the things could go any further, Renjun released his hands off her neck and fell back. He had dozed off in the next second, leaving her to be baffled by the situation.
She couldnāt recall what happened after. All she could remember was waking up the next morning on Renjunās couch with a dark blue blanket covering her. Slowly, she sat up and saw Renjun exiting a room.
āOh, youāre awake!ā He looked slightly better than he did the other day, but still a little pale. Self-consciously, she straightened her clothes and patted down her hair as he came to sit beside her.
āWha-what time is it?ā She sat up and reached for her phone to look at the clock. 10:15 am.
Renjun chuckled, āItās a good thing itās Saturday.ā
Warily, she placed her phone back down on the table in front of them. She looked at the boy beside her for a moment, wondering how to bring up the events that occurred the night before. She mustāve fallen asleep late, overthinking everything. If Renjun kissed her, that had to mean he felt something for her, right? Or were his actions from him being delirious?
āRenjun, about yesterdayā¦ā She started.
His eyes lit up, āOh right. I canāt thank you enough for staying and taking care of me. My mom told me to say thank you to her. She and my dad have already left for work.ā
āOhā¦it was nothing,ā she shook her head. āBut Iām talking about when you-ā
Renjun leaned back on the couch and sighed, āUgh I hadnāt been that sick in a long time. Honestly, some of the things from yesterday are hazy to me.ā
Her eyes blinked in confusion. āDoā¦do you not remember what happened last night then?ā
The boy furrowed his brows as he tried to think back. Seconds later he snapped his fingers. āOh yeah. The ice towel you used really helped to bring my fever down. I wanted to thank you for that too.ā
So he didnāt remember kissing her. Any hopes she had of Renjun might share the same feelings as she dissolved in an instant. Those optimistic feelings were replaced by perplexity and dismay.
Stupid, foolish girl. She was such an idiot to have such thoughts to begin with.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered the astounded look on Haechanās face when she glumly told him about what happened. They had met up at a cafĆ© later that afternoon.Ā
āHe what?!ā The boy across from her nearly jumped out of his chair.
She shot him a nervous glare, āHaechan! Can you please just sit back down?ā
āSorry, let me get this straight.ā He thankfully did as she asked. āYou were taking care of Renjun, and he kissed you. But he doesnāt remember it?ā
She dropped her head and nodded gloomily. āWhat am I supposed to do now?ā
āAre you sure he forgot?ā Haechan asked.
āI donāt know. If he didnāt, he obviously wants to pretend it never happened,ā she said, poking at the straw in her drink. Hearing herself say that only left her feeling more depressed.
Haechan sighed and gave her a look of slight concern. ā(Y/n), I really think you should just tell Renjun about your feelings.ā
āHaechanā¦ā
āIām being serious! At this point, you should just go for it,ā he sat up in his seat. āWhat could possibly go wrong other than him saying no?ā
She had sworn to herself that she would never confess to Renjun. Even if there was a small chance he might like her in return, she was too scared to risk it. He meant too much to her to lose him because of her selfishness.
āIf Renjun rejects me, heāll feel bad and have a hard time.ā Her shoulders faltered. āI donāt want to make him feel uncomfortable because of me.ā
Haechan crossed his arms, āBut that might never happen. Coming from experience, itās better to just confess your feelings and be done with it. Things might not go the way you want. But youāll feel better after.ā
āMaybe youāre right,ā she fumbled with the paper wrapping from her straw.
Haechan smirked, āOf course, I am. Iām always right.ā
āYeah, and what experience do you have?ā She questioned, referring to his prior words. In response, he put a finger to his mouth as a motion for her not to comment further.
āJust trust me, okay?ā
She dwelled on what Haechan said for a bit. Honestly, she wasnāt sure how much longer she could go being around Renjun without her heart exploding. Especially after they kissed. How long was she going to let herself live like this?
So for once and all, she followed Haechanās advice and chose one day to confess.Ā
She had to show that she wasnāt a coward and be a little braver for once. It was the most determined she had ever been about something. She was finally going to confront her feelings.
At least she thought she was.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered it was the beginning of autumn when she asked Renjun to meet her at the park one day. Aside from that, she had been trying to get out of the house more often. Things with her parents were still rocky. Being at school and spending time with friends allowed her to stop thinking about it all for a little while.
But that day was different. When she had finally decided to face her fears and just tell Renjun how she felt. She was beyond nervous, unable to keep her legs from shaking as she waited for him to arrive. She had repeated everything she was going to say numerous times the night before.Ā
Having never confessed to a boy before, she spent the past few nights searching for tips on what she should do. There was one site that said you should dress up for these occasions. So foolishly, she spent almost an hour picking the right outfit and makeup. She hoped Renjun wouldnāt find her being too obvious.
Before she could chicken out, she saw him walking down the street to see her. He was wearing a smile. She didnāt think about it then. But his smile wasnāt bright like the normal ones he showed her. This one was filled with slight apprehension.
āHey (Y/n),ā He came to her with hands in the pockets of his jacket. āWhat did you want to do today?ā
There was no way for her to back out anymore. āActually Renjun, thereās something I want to tell you.ā
āOh really? I have something to tell you too,ā Renjun scratched the back of his head. She was curious as to what he had to say. For a second she forgot about her plan.
They stared at each other awkwardly until Renjun cleared his throat. āYouāyou can go first if you want.ā
āOh okay.ā Tensely, her grip on the strap of her purse tightened. She told herself that she could do this. It was Renjun, after all. Why did she make this so hard for herself?
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to meet his eyes. āYou see, thereās something Iāve been hiding from you.ā
Renjun looked at her with slight concern, āHiding from me? (Y/n), you know you can tell me anything, right?ā
āI know, I know. Thatās why Iām telling you today because I donāt think I can keep it in anymore,ā She said. Here goes nothing, she remembered thinking to herself.
āRenjun, I likeāā
āHuang Renjun!ā She was stopped by an unfamiliar female voice from behind her. As she started to process her failed attempt to confess, she watched a look of astonishment appear on Renjunās face.Ā
She turned to see a girl about their age with short light-brown hair, wearing a yellow sweater over a white skirt. She ran over to embrace the boy in front of her.
For a moment, Renjun seemed to be at a loss for words. Then he slowly hugged her back and a name rolled off his tongue. āXiaomi?ā
She held him closer to her. āOh, Iāve missed you so much.ā
āIāI donāt understand. What are you doing here?ā He pulled away. Surprise and bewilderment were still evident in his expression.
Every ounce of glee was pouring from her eyes. āI couldnāt stand us being so far apart. It took me a while, but I convinced my parents to move us here.ā
āButā¦but how?ā
āYour father talked with mine and helped him secure a job at the same company,ā She replied. āIāll be going to the same school as you too!ā
(Y/n) stood there like a fool. They were speaking in Chinese. But it didnāt take an idiot to understand the situation. She was his first love. The one he told her about. She was here, she had come for him. And (Y/n) was justā¦there.
Renjun didnāt respond and glanced back at her. Finally, the girl turned to look at her. It turned out that she also knew how to speak Korean. But hers wasnāt nearly as good as Renjunās.
āIs this a friend of yours?ā
Suddenly snapping out of his daze, āY-yeah. This is Kim (Y/n). (Y/n), this is Xu Xiaomi.ā
Swallowing this whole new feeling of heartbreak, (Y/n) forced a smile on her face. āRenjun told me about you.ā
Xiaomi beamed, āHe did? How sweet.ā
She looked back at Renjun and clasped her hands together. āIsnāt this great, Renjun? We can finally be together now!āĀ
āI think Iāll get going now,ā She bowed her head. She didnāt think she could stand to watch any longer.Ā
Renjun called out to her but she pretended not to hear him. She woke up that day, barely ready for rejection. So many scenarios she had gone through and prepared what to say. But she didnāt expect that to happen.Ā
Yet, she had no idea that there would be more pain to come.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered Xiaomi being introduced to their homeroom the next Monday. She kept exchanging glances with Renjun throughout the class. She could hear Haechan, who was a few seats behind her, making gagging noises at the couple.
She hadnāt spoken much to Renjun since that day at the park. She wasnāt sure which was worse, losing the one chance she had to confess to her crush or witnessing him be reunited with his past lover.
āAre you going to eat your tonkatsu?ā Haechan pointed his chopsticks to her lunch, snapping her out of her brief daze.Ā
He was trying to act like everything was normal. But she could tell he was holding back what he truly wanted to say. Although Renjun or Xiaomi wouldnāt have heard him anyway, since they hadnāt arrived at the cafeteria yet.
When he asked, she pushed her tray toward the boy. āHave it all.ā
Her appetite had been lost over the past few days. Not only because of Renjun, she just had this mild pain in her head. Maybe her body was finally breaking from all the emotions she had been trying to hide.
Before Haechan could question her, she stood up from her seat. āIām going to go back to the classroom for a bit. Thereās an assignment I want to get ahead on.ā
When she approached their classroom, she saw Renjun and Xiaomi through the window. She was near the door, but they couldnāt see her. She didnāt know why she was inclined to stay. She wasnāt there at the beginning of the conversation. But she had heard the rest of it.
āTell me the truth, Renjun. Who is Kim (Y/n) to you?ā Xiaomi asked. She was no longer smiling brightly.
Immediately (Y/n) was alerted when she heard her name. When did she become the subject?
āXiaomiā¦ā
She frowned at him in dissatisfaction. āI saw the way you looked at her. Do you not love me anymore?ā
āWhat? No!ā Renjun denied. He quickly grabbed Xiaomiās hands and held them.
She wasnāt prepared to hear what he said next. āHonestly, (Y/n) is just a friend of another friend I made here, and weāve hung out a few times. Sheā¦she means nothing to me.ā
āAre you sure?āĀ
He gently lifted her chin and kissed her reassuringly before murmuring. āYes.ā
(Y/n)'s hand reached to cover her mouth, as she started to back away. A sob climbed up her throat. But she was already running before they could hear her. She couldnāt stop thinking about how naive she had been. How stupid she was.
To ever think for even a moment, that she would ever mean something to someone.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
She remembered her dad mentioning that he wanted to move back to Busan. After she had been born out of wedlock, he moved from his hometown to be with her mother in Seoul. Now that the divorce was almost finalized, there was nothing here for him anymore.
At first, she was against the idea. She didn't want to leave her friends and school. But as she thought about it more, she started to think that maybe it was for the best. She didn't think she could ever look at Renjun the same again. Not after he said those things. Yet there was this part of her that still harbored feelings for him. It left her more devastated than anything. Was she really nothing to him?
She was so sick of it all. But before she could leave everything behind, there was something she wanted to do first.
ā£ ā¢
Haechan was the only person she told that she was moving. She asked him not to tell any of their other friends, especially Renjun.
Surprisingly, Haechan was a lot more understanding than she expected. But he didn't hold back his anger when she told him about what she had heard the other day.
āDamn. That son of a-ā
She nearly hit him for swearing. āLee Haechan! He's still your best friend.ā
āI don't care if he is!ā Haechan saw the distress in her eyes and sighed. āOkay, I'm sorry. But I still think he was an a**hole to say those things.ā
Hating to admit, she kind of had to agree with him. Maybe Renjun wasn't the person she thought he was.
āThank you, for being there when I needed it,ā she said, avoiding eye contact.
The boy waved his hand dismissively, āYou're lucky to have such a smart and loyal friend like me.ā
Of course, he still maintained that ego of his. But then Haechan placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a sincere look.
āHang in there, kid,ā He said with a proud smile on his face. āI'm sure things will get better for you.ā
āWe're the same age, Haechan.ā
āShush, don't ruin the moment.ā
She shook her head and laughed. Despite everything, it was still nice to know that there was still one person by her side. The past version of her would have never even imagined being friends with someone like Haechan.
But on multiple levels, life had done its best to prove her wrong.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
At the end of the month, their homeroom teacher had an announcement for the class in the morning. But all Renjun could think about was the empty desk in the back center of the room. (Y/n) hadn't been at school this past week. Multiple attempts he had made to call and text her. But there was no response. It was almost as if she had disappeared all of a sudden.
āI know some of you may be wondering about your classmate that has been missing,ā the teacher looked around the students. āI came to tell you that Kim Y/n is no longer a student at this school and has moved away.ā
The sound of gasps and murmurs erupted among the class. Renjun shook his head, unable to believe the news. No, it couldnāt be true. Why would she leave without saying anything?
āWhere did she move to?ā One person asked. Renjun looked at his teacher with hope in his eyes.
But the man shook his head and stepped away from the podium. āI can't disclose that information, for her privacy's sake. That's all I have for today. Get ready for your English class.ā
When the teacher left, Renjun turned to find Haechan. He didn't seem the slightest bit surprised by this news. He had to know something.
āWhere is (Y/n)?ā His friend only responded with a glare.
āLee Haechan!ā Renjun's fingers curled into fists, quick to resort to anger.
Haechan shook his head and brought a light purple envelope from his bag. Without looking at him, he gestured for Renjun to take it. āShe asked me to give you this.ā
He hesitated before adding, āShe should be at the train station. But she doesn't leave until half an hour from now. That's all I'm telling you.ā
The envelope crinkled in Renjun's hands. He heard Xiaomi call his name. But he was already out the door, running out of school and catching a taxi. He had to find Y/n. He didn't care about the consequences.
Nothing else was on his mind except for her.
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
Dear Renjun,
A part of me hopes you will never read this. But if you are, that must mean things didnāt work out the way I had planned. And the purpose of this letter has changed from what it was originally supposed to be.
I know in our day and age that letters are old-fashioned. But I still loved the idea of them. I am writing you this letter because I am not brave enough to face you in person. I havenāt been truthful to you about some things. So here I want to clarify them. I hope you donāt mind.
I donāt remember how it exactly happened. But Iāve liked you for some time now. I think it was that day when I saw you helping that lady cross the street. I guess Iām someone who is easily swayed by kindness.
However, I didnāt realize my feelings until the day you learned about my secrets. That was when I knew I couldnāt keep myself from falling anymore. When we used to study together and hang out in the summer, I was the happiest I had ever been. I should thank you for that.
You had gotten out of a serious relationship and I wasnāt looking to date. I thought I was content with just being friends.
Then on the day you were sick, we kissed. Maybe you didnāt remember. Or maybe you didnāt want to. It was probably some mistake to you. Yet for a second, I thought there was a chance you liked me too. But I was very wrong about that, wasnāt I?
I know I mean nothing to you. But to me, you meant everything. You were the first person who knew my secret and comforted me. You made me feel like I didnāt have to hurt alone anymore.
I may not be your first love, Renjun, But you were mine. And I want nothing more than happiness and success in your future. Seriously, do something that makes you happy. Not because of any standards that are put on us, or the pressure that you give yourself. I hope that you can find your dream again and to someday see you shine brighter than anyone else.
Obviously, you donāt have to listen to me. But these were the things I wanted to say to you without any more regrets.
Sincerely, Kim (Y/n)
The letter crumpled in Renjunās shaky hands. He looked at the taxi driver with desperation. āAhjeossi, please hurry!ā He anxiously sat back in his seat.
So she did hear what he said that day. Why, why did he lie? Why had he been so foolish?
When he finally got to the train station, Renjun sprinted inside only to be crowded by the other people passing by. He tried his best to get through briskly.
ā(Y/n)!ā He called out as if he was insane. āKim (Y/n)!ā
He could care less about the people who gave him odd stares. His mind was focused on getting to her. He ran to find the public transport timetable. His eyes darted across the board and found the departures.
10:44 BUSAN KTX DELAY: 0 min
He was too late. She was gone, leaving him in his regrets and despair. The boy fell to his knees as tears streamed down his face.
āPleaseā¦please come back, (Y/n),ā Renjun cried, āDonāt go, Iām sorry. This is all my fault.ā
He knew that she couldnāt hear him. Every word that came out of his mouth was futile. She could not see him right now. But if she did, she wouldāve run back to embrace him and tell him not to cry.
All he could do was bang his fists on the ground, pathetically. ā(Y/n), Iām sorry. Please donāt leave me.ā
He said this, even though she was never his and he was never hers. This pain was worse than when Xiaomi had broken up with him. He didnāt think he would ever be able to move on from it. There were so many words that he wanted to say to her. Words that he shouldāve said to her before. Most importantly,
āI love you.ā
āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦āā¦ā¢ā¦ā”ā¢ā¦
{ five years later }
Here she was again, standing before him after not seeing each other since the eleventh grade. But she wasnāt alone.
āHey, everyone. It's been a while,ā she still seemed shy, but more reassured.
That was when his eyes found the person holding her hand. He was tall, handsome with jet black hair and a face that could charm anyone. If Renjun saw him in any other setting, he would have assumed he was some playboy. But in this case, the guy was looking at Y/n with tenderness in his eyes. Anyone would be able to tell he was completely enamored with her from just one glance.
Coincidentally, she met Renjun's eyes when she introduced the person next to her. āThis is Na Jaemināmy boyfriend.ā
āWah, he's so handsome!ā Her friends were awed as if he wasn't standing right there.āYou found yourself a good one, Y/n!ā
All Renjun could do was sit back and listen to the others asking how the two met and how long they'd been dating. He thought he should feel angry or betrayed. But for some reason, he didn't feel those things.
āRenjun, you should sing something for us,ā Haechan said later in the night. He gestured to the small stage near the back.
āI don't know, guysā¦ā
āOh come on,ā one classmate begged. āJust one song?ā
Eventually, Renjun gave in knowing it was the only way for them to stop asking. In the next few seconds, the singer found himself getting out of his seat and getting up on stage. He adjusted the microphone stand and connected his phone to the speaker.
Tightening his grip as the music started to play, inadvertently they made eye contact again. At just one glance, so many emotions swelled in his heart. Without her, he would've ignored his passion and moved on to live a meaningless life. But thanks to (Y/n), he was able to find his dream again and go after it.
Never would he forget how he hurt her with his foolish words. The song he was about to sing was chosen especially for her.
āWhy do I get sulky so easily? Am I this pathetic because of my small heart?ā He started to sing, tightly gripping onto the mic stand. āDonāt go, I know I was a bit too much. Can you forgive me for being regretful again?ā
As a professional, Renjun did his best to keep his voice stable, but it wasnāt easy. This song was written for her. He didn't know if she had heard it before. But he hoped it could convey the feelings he wasn't able to before.
Kim (Y/n), who he loved. Kim (Y/n), who he had hurt and brought him so much regret.
The same heartache he was feeling earlier returned as he sang the chorus, āTell me, why I let you down? Any chance I get I'm breaking down.ā
āI know it's my fault, but why is it so hard? To tell you that I'm sorry, heart.ā His gaze remained fixed on her as the lyrics gracefully flowed from his lips.
There was loud applause when Renjun finished the song. But he couldn't enjoy it. He just wanted to see her reaction. She was smiling at him with tears glistening in her eyes. That was all the approval Renjun needed.
When the event was over, he went outside in hopes to talk to her. His feet stopped moving when he found her standing under a large tree nearby. She was talking to Jaemin, who had his back toward him. She laughed at something he said.
Then a few moments later, the man took a small box out of his jacket pocket. Renjun watched as her eyes lit up in the utmost surprise. Renjun couldn't hear the conversation. But he was there when she mouthed the word āyesā and to see them warmly hug each other after.
Still, in her partner's embrace, she met Renjun's gaze once more. He knew that she was content by the way she smiled at him.
And he couldn't help but smile back. Was he envious? Of course, he was. He would do almost anything to be in that manās place. However, nothing could be done or changed.
He was happy for her because she was happy. No words could be exchanged. But none needed to be said. Their story had ended a long time ago.
They were living in reality, not some clichĆ© world where everyone got their happy ending.Ā
Where having a first love didn't necessarily guarantee they would be their last. But that didn't mean finding happiness was not achievable.
š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼ą¼š©ā”šŖ
66 notes
Ā·
View notes
ā¢ Code name: TANGO ā¢
Pairing: Rex X Reader X Fives
Summary: Being one of the best pilots you gain the attention of the republic. You become a getaway driver for the 501st battalion but when an assignment is given to Anakin, you find yourself between a rock and a hard place.
Warnings: Swearing, A creepy perverted fat dude (yea. It's a warning in itself), Fem reader, Very spicy (I may continue if I have modivation)
A/n: Sorry this took so long but holy water and grass for 50 cents š
(The sins I have committed in this one fanfic is scarry šš„) please lemme know if you want the extended version- this has been in my drafts for way to long tho so it's outta here.
Edit: Help why are so many ppl liking this post. I really thought this would be a major flop. Why is this even past 10 likes ššš
I groaned, "This slagger won't fucking work!" Grumbling to myself how nice it would be if R2 showed up to help. This ship is as stubborn as me, and it's getting annoying. My comm buzzed and I picked it up after I had let out a string of course words. "Yea?" I asked into the comm,
"We have a new assignment, we need you for this one so be up at the bridge. Were starting in 10 minutes." General Skywalker explained over the comm.
"Be there in a shake, General" I told him and ended the call before he could argue again how I don't have to call him general. I left the tools on the floor and went to clean myself up. I could hear footsteps coming down the hall behind me but I continued on, I'm being paranoid.
"Hey Tango!" I heard Fives call,
"You do know you only have to call me that on missions?" I called over my shoulder as I continued down the hall. Fives jogged up next to me and started to walk backward so he could face me.
"Come on, You know I know you love it when I call you that" He pointed at me and himself boldly, I only hummed and gave him a side glance that, to put it simply, said 'Sureee'.
"Whatever floats your boat Fives" I say before stopping at my door and punching in the code. "Cya later" I wave at him as I closed the door, chuckling quietly when you heard his pleas for you to let him in.
I walked into my personal bathroom and washed my hands from the grease quickly. I looked into the mirror and tried scrubbing away some grease off my cheek and forehead. I sighed and gave my face a little splash.
Then I walked back out and pulled my shirt off. I pulled a half decent shirt on and walked back out again. If I'm right I have about 4 minutes to get to the bridge.
I heaved out breaths and slowed in front of the bridge doors. I took a deep breath, fixed my ruffled hair and walked in still huffing lightly. "For a second I thought you weren't coming Y/n." Ashoka joked and I only smiled at her,
"You know me," I started and she joined in saying a phrase that went back between us both, "Fashionably late is just my/your style" We both laughed before getting back on topic, General Skywalker was waiting with a small smile on his face. A hologram near where the General was standing had a human male that was the definition of fat rolls, Don't make me throw up breakfast.
"Alright. We have been given intel that this mob boss, here," Anakin gestured to the hologram, "Is selling black market goods to the separatist. We either were going to get Ashoka or Y/n to be the distraction while Me, Rex and Fives sneak into here, his storage shed at these docks. We only need enough time to slip in, get evidence and slip out" Anakin gestured to another hologram that popped up, Anakin gulped and sucked a breath in, "So... Who's the distraction?"
I cut in immediately, "I'll go, Ashoka is too young to be trying to get an ugly mug that to touch her." I stated quickly placing my hand on Ashokas shoulder.
"She has a point, General. N-not that I want her to touch... That" Fives stumbled over his words as he explained himself. Anakin shook his head,
"We can do it another way-"
"Anakin." I walked up and patted his shoulder, "Just tell me for how long and I'll do it. I don't want anyone touching her, being the age she is."
Anakin huffed, a war raging behind his eyes, "Fine. But if I say get out of there, I mean it. No risking it."
"You got it, General." I smiled at him, "I've gotta dress the part though don't I?"
"How many times must I tell you? I'm tired of telling you? Just Anakin is fine" He huffed out a sad laugh and glanced away, "But yea, I'll get Ashoka to take the dress to your room. Be ready by 1930 hours and meet at the ship you were just working on. It's going down tonight, the council wants no delay." Anakin glanced back and sighed waving me away and worked on the plan with Rex. Me and Ashoka walked out of the bridge and down the endless halls.
I noticed Fives and Rex exchange glances multiple times throughout that whole thing... Maybe they were just worried about me. I zoned out of my daze when Ashoka tapped my shoulder, "Sorry what?" I asked, glancing down at her quickly.
"Go to your room and I'll grab the dress for ya" Ashoka repeated with a smile, I nodded and returned it. Ashoka parted off down another hall and I continued on down to my quarters. It was a good few minutes before I got to my room and I took the extra time I had to take a quick shower.
I turned the water off, missing its warmth already now that the cold air replaced it. A knock at my door sounded and I raised a brow as I peeked my head threw the bathroom door into my bedroom. "The door is open Ashoka! What are you waiting for?"
"Uhm.. what?" I heard Fives say,
"Goddamn it Fives. I have to go soon and aren't you meant to be getting debriefed right now?" I called back keeping my body in the bathroom, just in case.
"It's finished, Y/n, Ashoka told us Skywalker needed her help so she got me to take your dress.... And Fives just tagged along." Rex explained and I mentally cursed, Just had to be those two-
"Hey it's alright. Uhm I'm still finishing up in my bathroom so just put it on my bed, if that's not a problem" I said closing the bathroom door and started pacing in the bathroom waiting for them to leave my dress so I can get dressed.
The door opened with a hiss and I heard their light footsteps walk in then out again and the door hissed closed. I sighed as I walked out of the bathroom, then called out, "Thanks boys! Appreciate it!" A small call back from Fives was all I could hear and It made me smile lightly.
I walked to my bed that was in the corner of the room. I smiled as I picked up the dress. The beautiful royal blue silk cascaded down like a waterfall. At least I got to stay in our colours, I thought to myself.
I pulled the towel off and dried myself before slipping it on. I grimaced, "God fucking damnit" Was all I managed. The dress I had on had large slits on the side that let everyone have a nice view of my thighs, but thankfully covered up everything else.
I sighed but continued on, grabbing black high heels and putting on a black leather bracelet, it's my comm system. I brushed my hair quickly before grabbing my heels and running out barefoot. I have to make it in time.
By now I had run past many clones that may have or almost passed out, I was concerned but I kept runnin', I can't be late again. I ran smack into the doors because I forgot to open them but I quickly recovered and opened it, walking through. I cursed to myself and made my way over to the ship I was working on not 45 minutes ago. It's fine I was only fixing some small things.
"I sure hope I'm not late guys. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Late both... Times... ...uhm.. Why are you all looking at me like that?" I slowed down to a stop and shook the heels in my hand lighty. I was getting real nervous, this silence was stretching out forever. "Does it not look good-? I don't really have time to chan-"
"No, nono no. You look great. Really great." Fives waved his hands around, "Were just.... Stunned.."
"Uh-huh.... Well come on we don't have all night. Can't be dreaming about me, we got a mission to complete" I joked and stepped into the ship and waved everyone else in, "I thought I was late, Come on"
Ashoka had a mischievous grin on her face and I could hear the General whisper yelling 'no' repeatedly. Rexs' face was red and priceless and Fives suddenly found the floor interesting. The general and commander walked in with Rex and Fives close behind. I walked into the cockpit and started the small-ish ship up.
The ear piece was uncomfortable but I dealt with it in the end. We had split off earlier, me and Ashoka were dropped near the club and the others went off to the dock. Ashoka was only meant to be in the club and somewhere close to me for back up, and when I mean back up I mean if someone pulls a blaster on me she can help.
I walked in with a sway, god I hate heels, and made my way over to the bar. "Where is he?" I asked Ashoka, but quietly because the boys and us shared this comm frequency.
"To your right. In the corner with Twi'leks all over him." Ashoka whispered back.
"Got it, Thanks" I whispered before setting off toward the Mob boss. I could hear Anakin and Ashoka lightly arguing in my ear piece but I ignored them and stalked over to the target.
He got up and practically brushed off all the Twi'leks he had gathered and started walking away, Something must be up I thought. I put my path on his and 'accidentally' ran into him. God has he ever heard of a breath mint?
He looked me up and down like a creep. "What's a pretty girl like you doing in this part of town?" He drunkenly slurred, tracing a finger down my arm.
I grimaced but continued to do my job, "You first" I purred, trying my best to think of how much I saved Ashoka from doing this.
"Well if you want to follow me, I'll show you enough" His words were still slurred as he leaned forward.
"Well I'd have to turn that offer down. I'm only here for a drink." I thanked the maker I was a good lair because it came in handy at times like these.
"Just a drink, dressed in this?" He asked, fiddling with the front part of the silky dress.
I heard Anakin and Rex bark something in my ear and it didn't sound good. The target turned away a tad and checked his comm that was buried deep in a pocket, somewhere where I wasn't going to bother looking.
I forced my best smirk on and turned and walked away from bar and his 'hideout' altogether, hoping like hell he'd follow.
"Playing hard to get, huh? Two can play at that game" He growled as he caught up, pushing past people trying to catch up to me. I gulped and kept walking.
"We've got it. Get out of there Tango. Now." Anakin whisper yelled over the ear piece.
"Alright." I responded with before I whipped around and let my fist fly to his face. "Whoops my bad, my hand slipped" I growled and stormed off leaving him a wheezing heap on the floor.
I burst out the bar and pulled my heels off. I sat down on a random bench nearby and sighed a relief. Thank the maker I'm out of that mess.
Getting back up again proved to be a hard thing to do after getting hit on by a whale, but I did and I continued on to the ship pushing past people. I didn't know nights got this busy here.
When I finally made it back to the rust bucket I was given a big hug by literally everyone. Ashoka first, then the general, and Fives jumped in then Rex after him.
"Yea guys don't worry, I don't need any air today" I joked and they all let go of me a smidge but didn't let go fully.
"I'm sorry you had to deal with that" Ashoka mumbled into my dress. I hugged them back with a small smile growing on my face. "Hey it's alright-" I started,
"No, it wasn't. I could hear everything he said. That chakaaryc got a fist to the face for a reason." Fives growled.
*Translation- Rotten, Lowlife [chah- KAR-eesh]*
"Guys you can let go I'm not going to disappear. Come on we have to get back to the cruiser." I suggested, lightly tapping Anakins' shoulder and Rexs' back. They all slowly detached from me and looked around guiltily. I shook my head and smiled as I walked up the ramp and into the cockpit.
Once everyone was in, I took of back toward the republic cruiser. Tonight was not so great, let's just hope that dinner will be better.
I landed the old rust bucket in the hanger then stepped out of the cockpit. I followed the others out and saw R2 frantically coming over here. He zoomed straight past Anakin, who was going to pat him like a puppy, and continued over to me.
R2 skidded to a stop in front of me then bumped my leg. I smiled and patted him, "What's up with you?" I asked and kneeled down to be eye level with R2.
"Traitor" Anakin called jokingly but continued off to report the mission to the council. I smiled and patted R2 once again before standing to my full height. I started to walk but stopped and turned back to R2 when he beeped up a storm.
"Don't tell me you came here just to say sorry about not helping R2." I shot back, He beeped a reply and I scoffed dramatically, "R2, I swear one day you are going to get decommissioned because of how sassy you are"
He beeped then followed after me as I walked off. We chatted on my way to my quarters then went off by his lonesome once I had gone into my quarters.
I placed my shoes down and pulled my jewelry off. Just as I was about to pull my dress off a knock sounded at my door. "Yea?" I called, flattening my dress out and walking over to the door. A few more furious knocks later and I opened the door. Fives came tumbling with Rex close behind, their blacks were hugging them tight and I gulped.
I closed the door and rolled my eyes, "What have you two done now? You can't keep hiding here whenever you start something." Fives sighed and Rex huffed,
"Fives decided it would be a great idea to start a-... Why are you still in your dress?" Rex gestured at me and I only frowned.
"I was just about to take it off when you two barged in" I grumbled and stalked over to the baggy shirt and some skinny jeans.
"Wait- Hold on a damn minute" Fives held his hand up. I put the clothes back on top of the dresser and turned to the two boys. "We have managed to find something we can share."
"I'm interested... I gotta see it" I grinned and waved my hands around.
"Well... If you insist.." Rex and Fives glanced at each other before walking up to me. I raised my brow at Fives as he circled around behind me and Rex walked straight up to me.
I swallowed thickly and froze. Fives started tracing patterns on my hip and they had both pressed themselves against me. My hands stayed strictly at my side though because I had some good bad ideas.
Fives leaned in and whispered into my ear from behind me, "Found it"
I'm half mad and half thankful at myself right now... And I'm not sure which one takes the cake. I thought as my eyes carefully watched Rex and Fives. I gave a curt nod, and Fives shot up to attack my neck. Me and Rex met halfway and he eased into the kiss.
I could feel Rex and Fives' hands roam trying to carefully yank the silky blue dress off me. The dress fell with a light thud and they both pulled away.
I felt their eyes drag down my body and I shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. Rex rested his hands on my hips and Fives leaned in whispering a small few words of approval, "Hotter than I expected, Cyar'ika"
I smiled back at him as I felt his hands slither up my back toward my bra and unclasped it, slipping it off. Rex let out a strangled groan as my bra joined the dress on the floor.
I turned around to Fives and smirked, "You both better start, I'm feeling a little left out here"
They both started to yank their blacks off and I pulled my underwear off leaving it in the pile of my clothes. I leaned back against the wall and watched the show unravel.
I let out a heavy and shakey breath as they both finished and threw their blacks somewhere else in the room. "You alright with us doing this mesh'la?" Rex asked as he and Fives guided me toward my bed.
Fives sat at the edge of the bed waiting just as I replied, "Do your worst"
66 notes
Ā·
View notes