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manic-ass · 1 year

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//beautiful stranger

pairing: lee ten × oc (female) genre: strangers to lovers au! fluff, little bit of angst and hurt/comfort, oc is also a little insecure about relationship word count: 3380 summary: "sorry, i'm going to call you cher-cher, because i've heard colleagues call you that... i didn't know how to ask you this, but would you like to go out with me? don't get any ideas, i just want to thank you and have a little chat. i'll be expecting you on thursday after shift, hope you agree, t." a/n: strongly recommend you to listen to halsey's finally//beautiful stranger while reading. oh, and also, i'm sorry, but there are some phrases in french, it really makes more sense in french than in english. it's up to u wether u want to translate them while reading or no.

the first time he appeared in their coffee shop, cherry had trouble taking her eyes off him. he might have been an ordinary guy, just another parisian, but there was still something about his appearance that attracted. maybe the black hair, even from a distance it seemed unimaginably soft, the features themselves exquisite and refined. but when their gazes happened to cross, it was his eyes that she found most fascinating, dark brown, but the look was just like a sly cat's. for a second, he even smiled at her, the corners of lips barely lifting.

it was his first visit, not the last since that day － the beautiful stranger, as the girl had named him, had been coming to the coffee shop for months. anette had brought the same order for the second week: a pumpkin spice latte, two sugar, extra cream, and a slice of cheesecake. friend teased her for liking the guy, noticing the slight blush that covered her cheeks.

in love like a fool, she kept telling herself, anette only rolled her eyes at this. her friend had suggested hundreds of times that cherry should make a move to meet him and if she really liked the guy that much, maybe she should at least talk to him. the same was said by yuki, who started every phone conversation with the question "how is the beautiful stranger? have you asked him out yet?"

cherry laughed back, her friends so genuinely wanting to set her up with anyone that they were ready to attack any guy at which direction she breathed. but here's the problem － the beautiful stranger would stay that way, because no matter how she would embarrassedly look at him from under her lashes, no matter what she would giggle quietly, watching only for some of his actions.

'cause beautiful strangers only come along mostly to do her wrong.

"cher-cher, your beautiful stranger has left something at his table, think it's meant for you."

anette smiles slyly, winking at her friend. what kind of surprise could be expected there she had no idea, but seeing the note wedged between the coffee cup and the surface of the table, girl was confused. why had anette thought it was for her?

but succumbing to her curiosity, cherryl did get the note out, unfolding a neatly folded piece of paper. on it, in a slightly ornate handwriting, was written :

"sorry, i'm going to call you cher-cher, because i've heard colleagues call you that... i didn't know how to ask you this, but would you like to go out with me? don't get any ideas, i just want to thank you and have a little chat. i'll be expecting you on thursday after shift, hope you agree, t."

the cold air blew her hair strands that stirred in eyes, blocking girl's vision. there was still a freshness to it from the torrential rain that had been pouring non-stop for two days.

that thursday, however, the beautiful stranger was in her company, they walked it seemed until the wee hours of the morning, ignoring the cold, the bad weather, the fact that they both had to work on friday.

ten, beautiful stranger, had taken her for a night hours walk, luring her to an indoor amusement park. cherry felt as if he had pulled a star from sky for her.

adrenaline was still bubbling in her blood: they had to run to not miss the bus, cherry almost fell if ten hadn't caught her in time. her blood was boiling as well from the cold of the night, cheeks really turning cherry-tinted, hands tingling from the chill － except that ten's palms were warming her own.

of course cherryl knew that going to god-only-knows-where with a stranger wasn't the best idea, but for some reason she kept walking forward, clinging harder to the guy...

and when in the park he took his palms away from her eyes, the amazement she felt was immeasurable. there wasn't a soul in the dark park, yes, it was frightening, but the fact that the lights of the ferris wheel were burning brighter than the stars amazed the girl. ten noticed that her eyes were shining too, like those of a small child who was seeing something wonderful for the first time, it made smile spread across his face.

"bienvenue dans mon monde."

cautiously looking back at him, cherry smiled. In her beautiful stranger's world everything indeed was beautiful too.

"and is everything in your world like that?"

a soft laugh came off his lips. damn, how handsome he is, cherry thought. she marveled at how he still wasn't cold, except for his fluffy sweater he wasn't wearing a jacket, and the time had long since passed midnight. she was distracted from her thoughts by the touch of his lips to her cheek, that warmth spilling over her face. he lingers for a few more seconds, then replies:

"bien entendu."

"your eyes, so crisp, so green,

sour apple baby, but you taste so swe..."

"bon sang, qu'est-ce que..."

Phone rang in the middle of the night, and in the sack cherry manages to notice that it's three in the morning, saturday. with girls they had a good time tonight, that headache was already giving off a slight throbbing in the back of her head.

"bonjour, are you awake?"

sleep was relieved by the sound of his voice. ten's voice had a pleasant, velvety quality that she wanted to listen to for hours. perhaps even at a time like this she would have been glad to chat with him, but clearly not tonight.

"not anymore, what are you..."

he doesn't give her a chance to finish, interrupting.

"can i come in to see you?"

her eyes wide open in a flash, is he here? jumping out of bed, cherry runs up to the window, peering out at her beautiful stranger. god, she notices the familiar car and the figure below.

"ten, damn, lee, what are you doing here!?"

he seemed to notice her silhouette in the window because she heard a chuckle on the phone, they were still talking. she moved away from the window, sliding down the wall beside, until she felt the coolness of the floor, which brought her to senses a little.

"hey, cher-cher, think i saw you, but never mind... so can i come in?"

"god, ten, no," the girl felt horrible about the situation, and the headache punching a hole in her head, and everything else in the world. "don't think i don't want, it's just that girls are home and we've been drinking and also... oh, lord, just wait for me outside, i'll be right down."

"cher-cher, it's fine, i can come..."

"five. minutes. boy, be patient."

cherry pressed the reset button in passing, pulling on jeans lying on the floor, throwing on the first sweater she could find that wasn't even hers, it smelled of ten's perfume, girl grabbed her phone and bag from the desk.

as cherry left the room she spotted anette and yuki asleep cuddling on the couch, even managed to take a picture to remember. she was in such a hurry that she almost fell down on the steps. a cold wind was blowing outside, forcing to wrap herself more tightly in sweater, but the freshness somehow eased the pain in cherry's temples.

"hey."

despite the late hour, or early, he looked rather chipper. his black hair was tucked out of his eyes and his jacket sleeves were pulled almost to his fingertips. he was leaning against the car, looking suspiciously, and his smile was strained.

his embrace was warm and comfortable, making her want to fall back into sleep, but that was clearly not why he wanted to meet. pulling away a little, cherry wanted to ask what was wrong, but ten suddenly pressed his lips to hers, the girl clutched at his shoulders in shock, the kiss was insistent, a warm hand resting on the back of her neck, the other pressed her closer by the waist. ten bit down on her lip, earning a moan that escaped the girl's lips, his tongue sliding over the fresh bite as if asking permission for next move.

but behind cherry's eyes, albeit closed, were all a blur of red, that she involuntarily pulled away, ten reached after, but the girl managed to stop him.

"wait, wait, what's wrong, ten?" her palm rested on his cheek and with the pad of her thumb she stroked his lower lip, eyes trying to catch his gaze.

"it's okay, i just wanted to see you. very much." he stretched the fake smile again, which didn't hide the anxiety in his eyes.

"you're lying."

"cerise, how can you doubt my words?"

she rolled her eyes demonstratively at his reply, if he didn't speak up himself, then she'd have to make him.

"well you missed me, here i am. but i'd better get going now, it's saturday after all, i wanted to get some sleep..."

cherry had already turned to go towards the flat and felt his grip around her waist became stronger, pressing the girl's back against his chest, she felt his warm breath on her neck.

"don't go."

turning her face a little, she tried to look ten in the eyes again, this time he didn't look away.

"then tell me what happened."

"i'll tell you, but not here. it's cold outside, you're already shaking."

indeed, cherry didn't notice how every blow of the wind sent chills down her skin.

"i know a place to go, but it closes in a couple of hours, so let's get moving."

his lips faintly touch her neck before he releases the girl from his arms.

tears rolled down her cheeks in black streams, cherry had been sitting like this for hours, her mind full of thoughts about how unfair life was.

behind her was the embossed wooden door, the floor cold and the window wide open. today was a bad day at work, yesterday they had a fight and on monday everything was so good and right.

outside the door, anette and yuki were enjoying their beautiful life, while inside, and in her soul, there was a whole damn hurricane. cold late november wind was blowing through the open window, wet leaves were landing on the windowsill, and the floor next to it was already wet. she would probably get sick. she would have to take a sick leave at the cafe, she thought, minus her salary. it seemed such a trifle, but the thought made her want to cry even more.

there was a knock at the door, but she waited silently for what the person on the other side of the door was going to say, though the silence lingered, as if the person behind it was hesitant.

"hey, cher-cher, there's someone here to see you... and, we were actually going to ... uh," another voice could be heard outside the door, grudgingly expressing something. "... the shop... yeah, right, the shop!"

"anyway, we're out of here," yuki's voice said. "be a good girl and don't make us blush later."

ten, standing next to them grinned involuntarily, anette and yuki were completely different after all, yuki was an ulcer and anette more mellow, but he could see why cherry was befriending them. the blonde smiled sweetly at him as she heard some unintelligible reply from the other side of the door, as if trying to cheer him up, yuki patted him on the shoulder, "good luck mate" she whispered.

cherryl heard the door to the flat slam, and some movement could be heard behind her own. ten sank to the floor, no other choice, resting his back against the door that separated him from the girl. He knocked cautiously, waiting for any response.

"cher-cher, let's talk."

ten's voice was like honey in her ears as always, but she don't want to talk now. she was a little hurt, quite upset and had a bad headache.

"i don't want to talk now, i don't want anything..." she mumbled more to herself than to him. "...not to think, not to see, not to hear."

ten furrowed his brow, not particularly pleased with the barely intelligible babble of words. it looked like getting out of this situation was going to be a little harder than he expected since he was the only one talking.

"well," he took a deep breath before he began. "i'll do the talking then."

a chuckle was heard from behind the door, and ten smiled. he made himself comfortable by the door, his gaze drilling a picture of the three friends: anette with her sparkling hair, yuki showing her tongue to the photographer, and his cherry in the centre, she was hugging her friends, a red cup in her right hand, a bright smile on face.

"you see, cher-cher. everything in the world is a little more complicated than we expect. work, study, friendship, music, literature... and relationships too." he expected at least some sort of reaction from her.

cherry on the other hand closed her eyes, just trying to clear her head of unnecessary things while ten developed his thought.

"so, when people don't agree on things, you know, it's totally normal. because to be together with someone with whom you agree on everything is to stop evolving. because if you gave in to me every time you argued with me, i'd get bored. and so would you. vous savez ce que je veux dire, cherry?"

cherry hums, in fact, he was making a point, she understands that. and ten, without waiting for an answer, continues to speak.

"so this probably won't be the last time you and i fight. But, that doesn't mean we're going to be at each other's throats, pulling out shreds of hair and blowing our voices from screaming. the last one can be done in a more pleasant way," ten heard a chuckle, meaning he was clearly heading in the right direction. "it means that you and i are separate individuals, with our own views on life, and to some extent standing our ground is sometimes the right thing to do. because if you live in a complete idyll where no one ever says "no", then i'm afraid we'll break up." he was silent for a second, cherry tensed up, trying to hear the slightest rustle outside the door."et je ne veux pas de ça, cher-cher."

cherryl thought he was right. after all, you can't always agree on everything, then it would probably be a lie, which is worse than any truth. so they quarrelled once, cherry obviously isn't going to give it up halfway through, and neither will ten.

"ten," she said something to him for the first time in the long time they'd been sitting on opposite sides of the door. "i'll open the door, so be careful."

standing up, she more or less tried to wipe the dripping mascara off her face, but it was a pitiful sight, and her overall appearance left too far from desired － one stocking had come off to her knee, skirt was a little wrinkled, and hair was in a complete mess.

"hey, ten," she called out, resting her forehead against the wall by the door. "i look like a some kid's nightmare."

"open the damn door already. i swear, if you're not in some unicorn pajamas, you're going to really regret what you said."

cherry smiled, yes, that was her ten, inhaled deeply and pressed the door handle. the first thing she saw was a tired look on ten's face, but he was still smiling.

"you're smiling like some fool."

"and you're not wearing unicorn pajamas."

they stood like that for a while, just staring at each other, not taking a step towards each other, until ten holds out his hand to her.

she sinks into his embrace with pleasure, ten warm compared to the piercing cold of her bedroom, cradling her tightly, muttering something into her hair.

"cher-cher, regarde-moi."

she pulls her head away from his shoulder to look into his eyes. ten notices that her eyes are red from crying, he gently stroke her cheek.

"are we okay?"

"are we okay?" she teased him.

ten bends down to kiss her as cherry wraps her arms around his neck. he kisses her long because he doesn't want to let go, the girl puts her hand on his cheek, and so a couple more minutes gone by before they were interrupted by a message coming to her phone from yuki.

"are you two lovebirds done already, because anie and i are freezing our asses off."

cherry laughs and shows the message to ten, he joins her after giving her a final kiss.

"you can tell them to walk around a bit more. fresh air is good for health."

ten smiles at her with that same sly cat smile she loves so much, unable to help herself she kisses him again.

In the end, he put her in the right place.

slowly spinning in the setting light of the february sun, cherry felt butterflies flutter in her stomach. her hands slid up his shoulders until palm rested on the back of ten's neck, her fingers tracing the frizzy black hair. they had already grown back a lot since autumn, but cherry liked this new look of the lad, nothing seemed to spoil it.

"ten."

his eyes closed, they were so close his noses were touching, and on hearing his name boy smiled and hummed back. now he seemed so carefree and calm and... even content with something. cherry rubs her nose against his, which elicits a quiet chuckle, and ten presses her closer.

"beautiful stranger."

his eyes, dark brown glinting in the sunset light, open momentarily and the smile comes off his face. she wondered why.

"you haven't called me that in a while."

it came to her belatedly that he was right, anything but a beautiful stranger. perhaps because he is no longer the stranger who comes to their café in the summer. this is her ten － heart, soul and all that.

he's like a candy bar, stuck between her teeth, so sweet. like a light spring breeze, warm, enveloping the scent of leaves. like her favourite cherry to wait all year.

"indeed."

cherry gives in slightly forward, nestling against his lips. It still tastes like the wine and lemon pie they ate. ten always eagerly responds because cherry rarely initiated contact herself, he was literally able to count such times on his fingers, but not at all in rebuke to her.

he peppers kisses on her face and neck, hearing the ringing laughter in ears, sweet like honey. it's hard to believe that everything is happening in her small room, even though no one else is in the flat.

falling onto the bed they continue kissing, exploring all the exposed skin with their hands, cherry lovingly tracing the tattoos on his arms, feeling the muscles relief under her fingers. his touch spreads warmth all over her body, making her want only to be even closer.

"ten," his lips touch her collarbone and neck, moving higher and higher until he finds her lips again.

"ten, stay please," she whispers, only a few millimeters between their faces, eye to eye, she sees a fraction of incomprehension in his gaze, so he just leans in to kiss girl once more.

"i'll stay, why ask for it?"

hugging him a little tighter, cherryl can't let him go.

they lay like this for several hours until the day changed to evening and the evening to night. ten had long since fallen asleep, his head resting on cherry's shoulder, listening to her heartbeat, palm resting over waist.

carefully brushing his hair away from eyes, cherry speaks aloud, more to herself, not even thinking about the fact that he is asleep:

"my beautiful stranger, stay with me forever."

"then you will have to stay with me too"

she didn't expect an answer from him, lips touching her bare shoulder, cherry settling in a little more comfortably, pulling ten against her only closer.

it seems like it's finally safe for her to fully fall in love.

#wayv #nct #au #imagine #nct ten imagine #ten lee au #ten lee fluff #strangers to lovers au #ten lee angst #hurt/comfort #ten lee fanfic

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pipsqueak1507 · 1 year

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Yuta is judging you

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acescavern · 7 months

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END TO START - LEE TAEYONG X READER

Navi - M.list

Pairing: Soulmate!Johnny x Soulmate! reader, Taeyong x reader. ( Ft Mark, Jungwoo, Ten, Jaehyun, Taeil, Yuta. Mentions Jaemin once.)

Genre: Heavy angst my guys, soulmates au, neo frat au, university au, fluff, Hanahaki Soulmate trope.

Synopsis: Taeyong had been perfectly happy to sit back and watch you and Johnny be together. However, when he starts to notice certain behaviors that are all too familiar, he finds himself unable to watch you slowly die. Just because Johnny may not love you anymore... doesn't mean Taeyong doesn't love you either.

wc: 4.9k

Warnings: Heavy angst, Blood, Mentions of death, suffering, choking, johnny is unfaithful, it's a Hanahaki au so they basically cough up dead and thorned flowers. It's not a graphic description but there are descriptions of pain too, mentions of weight loss due to being unwell, Unrequited love, hurt, Taeyong's been in love with the reader since before her and Johnny got together, heavy rejection, soulmate rejection ( Just because i have written this does NOT mean that i think any one of the nct members would cheat or act thi way. this is pure FICTION.) Please let me know if i have missed any warnings

Note: Hi! I have a few fics in the works but I'm worried I wont get them done for Halloween. So, I am blessing you with this heart-breaking fic. I wanted to release this fic early as a thank you for all your love on Operation Rizz! Now, this is the same frat universe as all my other NCT fics. they can all be read as stand alone though, so don't worry! Any feedback is once again appreciated. I do not own the concept of Hanahaki.

Likes and reblogs are appreciated

Soulmates were supposed to be someone's everything—the one person who was meant specifically for them. Someone you can lean on and cherish, who would dote and adore you. Someone to dish out as much love to you as you unto them. To stay by your side and grow old together. However, some people are already at that stage when they meet their destined person. There was also the worry of some people not having a soulmate. Legend says that only the blessed are gifted with such.

Gifted? Yes. To many, the Soulmate system is a curse - depending on what type you are assigned to. Tattoos? Easy. Mind reading? Okay a little more difficult. Red string? That practically takes you straight to them. Eternal life? Near impossible! You could spend many years with someone you thought was a soulmate only to see a wrinkle and realize you aren’t made for each other at all. Seeing things in black and white only to suddenly be overwhelmed with color at a music festival and not know who the hell you’d bumped into in that massive crowd that could possibly be your soulmate. Not everyone even had a soulmate, they could be with whoever they wanted without consequences.

But there was one type in particular that nobody wanted. Hanahaki. Named after the fictional Japanese Hanahaki Disease. It comes from the Japanese words Hana - meaning flower and Hakimasu - quite literally meaning, to throw up.

In a soulmate's case, when they first meet each other a seed is awakened. It grows thorned roses - the flowers of love - cradling the person’s heart and twining around inside their lungs. For the most part, other than the occasional flutter and heartburn, it goes unnoticeable. So long as the soulmate reciprocates the feelings of love. But, should one soulmate start to fall out of love? The other will suffer terribly. The flowers will die, the spikey stems squeezing at the organs they were once gently caressing with love. Crushing in their anguish.

Of course, unlike the other soulmate types, there are two ways out of Hanahaki... Let the weight of the unreciprocated love drag on painfully until you die, or convince your health insurance to accept the cost of the operation to remove the offending plants. However, by the time one realizes they are soulmates, it is likely that the bond has already been unreciprocated.

Taeyong knew this. He knew this because it happened to him. He had once been on the receiving end of the agonizing scratch of dead rose stems climbing up his throat in a mess of blood and wilted petals. Taeyong had nearly died. He recognized the signs clearly and that was the reason he was so shocked to see them in who he did.

Johnny’s soulmate.

Taeyong first took notice when you walked through the door of the club. A celebration night to celebrate the frat’s anniversary alongside Taeyong’s new choreographer position in the dance studio he works in. Your face had a slightly paler tone and although you were doing a good job at keeping your breathing even… Taeyong recognized the telltale signs of a wince when you took the air in too harshly.

But when he saw Johnny approach you and press a loving kiss to your forehead, he scolded himself for thinking such things. Taeyong knew something was up though, your smile didn’t meet your eyes and when you congratulated him with a hug, he swore he could feel your body tremble.

He tried not to worry too much throughout the night but when he saw Johnny by the bar, his charming smile dazzled at some sorority girls that had been invited… Taeyong wondered where you’d gone. The disappointment within him only grew when he watched his best friend and frat brother go home with one of them.

So, maybe his suspicions were correct. A few weeks passed and he’d not seen a glimpse of you, Johnny hadn’t even uttered your name. The rapper hadn’t had time to sit him down and ask him about the incident. Until now.

Taeyong dabbed the sweat from his brow with the neckline of his shirt, swiping his water bottle from the floor. He shuffled toward his friend, watching as he grinned at his phone as he typed. He was talking to someone and Taeyong only hoped it was you. That you’d both mended things to stop it getting worse. The thought of it all being a misunderstanding had a relieved smile spreading across his face as he settled on the floor next to Johnny.

“You texting ____? Tell her I said Hey.” Taeyong said, twisting the cap off his drink to take a swig. Taeyong was almost taken aback at the irritated flash that crossed Johnny’s expression at the mention of your name.

If Taeyong wasn’t so observant, he would have missed it. Johnny shook his head, swiftly locking his phone when his leader went to peer over his shoulder. “It’s not. It’s Yuki.”

Taeyong’s eyebrows scrunched, posture freezing for a moment. “The sorority girl you went home with?” He tried to keep his tone level. Memories of the same thing happening to himself reoccur in his mind. “What about ____?” The question hung awkwardly in the air, Johnny staring at Taeyong as if he’d asked something ridiculous.

“What about her?” He shrugged. “Just because I do stupid things, doesn't mean I don’t love her. She’s my soulmate.” He paused, an almost defeated sigh sagging at his shoulders. “The only one I got.”

Taeyong took notice of the slight bitterness in his words. Almost as if he didn’t realize that he did it. “Do you?”

Johnny rubbed at the back of his neck, his mouth opening but no words coming out. Once again, a defeated shrug of his shoulders. “Yeah… yes.” He cleared his throat as his voice broke. “I’m sure we’d of noticed by now if I hadn’t.” Johnny left no room for debate, standing up with a clap of his hands to suggest they continue their lacrosse practice.

You knew. You knew Johnny’s feelings for you were dwindling. You were reminded every time you coughed. Reminded by the way your breath left you in an agonizing squeeze when Johnny would kiss your forehead.

But, even though you knew… it didn’t make you love him any less. You knew what he got up to when your nights weren't spent together. You didn’t do a thing, didn’t bring it up. You almost tried to ignore it. You loved Johnny. You always would. And, as long as you continued to love him, he wouldn’t have the same fate as you. You would never wish this pain on him even if he was the cause.

You wished you’d heeded Mark’s seemingly lighthearted warning at the beginning of your relationship. ‘He’s one of my closest friends but he doesn’t always do the right thing, just… please be careful.’ Mark had said one evening. You hadn’t truly understood why he had said it, nor did you get to question him before Johnny had slid his arm around your middle.

You understood perfectly now. Especially as a sharp tickle wheezed in the back of your throat, your eyes discreetly scanning the new text message from your seat at the very back row of English lit class. ‘Can we rain check date night again? Coach is being a hardass and wants us to stay late.’ For the third week running, the same excuse. Sure, you’d seen Johnny. But Thursday was always date night. Something you’d both stuck to like glue once before.

Pain twisted in your chest, your breath rough. You brought the sleeve of your hoodie to your mouth, attempting a discreet cough. It didn’t do anything for you, the feeling like you’d swallowed razorblades. The world felt like it was spinning for a moment and you had to close your eyes and count to ten to steady it again.

One look at your sleeve had you frowning. The next stage had started. You’d read about this. Discoloured petals. You’d only coughed up one but one was enough for you to be sure. With one last attempt at clearing your throat, you brushed the blackened petal to the ground.

Taeyong shared this class with you. Whilst he didn’t often sit next to you, he was mostly always on the same row. Not many people occupied the back row and so, when he heard the muffled hack come from your direction he had looked over, shoulders tensing as he watched you.

He approached you at the end of class, watching your sluggish movements as you shoved your laptop back into your bag. “____, Are you alright?” He asked softly, noting the sheen of sickly sweat coasting your forehead.

Lips pressed firmly together, you nodded. You were certain if you opened your mouth you'd start coughing and choking again but you didn’t want to be rude. “I’m fine.” Bad idea. “Sorry, Yong, I gotta go-” Taeyong had never heard your voice so scratchy and coarse. He had also never seen you flee so quickly before he could even open his mouth, your notepad falling from your unzipped bag as you vanished before his eyes.

As he knelt down to collect it from the ground, his fingers made contact with a velvety, withered texture.

A blackened rose petal.

The next time Taeyong saw you, you were much worse than he could have imagined. He had only turned up at your apartment because he assumed Johnny had left his phone at your place. He couldn’t really understand the rushed words of ‘Shit! I left my phone at her place, I’m already late!’ When Taeyong offered to go and get it, he naturally thought of your place.

So when you answered the door, he was standing frozen at the sight of you. Your eyes had bags under them that would put JFK airport to shame. Your complexion was grey, lips cracked and dry. Taeyong could definitely see you’d lost some weight too, your knitted sweater nearly slipping off one shoulder. His gaze caught onto the marks along your neck, long red streaks almost looking like you had been clawing at it in your agony. Your winced call of his name kicked his brain into gear.

“Now isn’t a good ti-” His hands flew out to rub and pat your back as your words were interrupted.

Taeyong’s heart broke as he watched you struggle. You couldn’t get your breath, your face turning red from the strenuosity. Taeyong backed you into your apartment, kicking the door closed behind him. He sat you on your couch, disappearing from view for a moment.

You didn’t even take note of what exactly was being thrust under your nose, only that it would catch what your body rejected. One of his hands held the bucket, the other sweeping your hair away from your face. It was all too familiar for him. Except for Taeyong, he had done it alone.

“It’s okay, ____” He hushed, palm flattened over your back to rub comforting circles. “Breath through your nose and count to ten. It helps.”

You did as such, shoulders relaxing as the air finally seeped into your lungs. You wiped your mouth with the back of your hand, sighing at the crimson residue that was becoming all too familiar. You opened your mouth to speak, only to be gently hushed once more.

“It’s okay, it’ll hurt too much if you talk.” He set the bucket down on the side table. “You should get yourself some grapeseed oil. A teaspoon a day should at least prevent the attacks so often.” Taeyong didn’t look at you as he spoke, his hands busying themselves with opening the small drawer to your coffee table in search of tissues.

“You mean this?” You rasped, pulling the small droplet bottle from your pocket, and setting it down on the surface before you. Taeyong’s eyebrows creased.

It was the exact same bottle he was sure he had. Though, catching sight of the label on the bottle he knew it was his bottle. ‘Taeyong’ scribbled messily on the labeled sticker. He looked at you expectantly.

“Johnny gave it to me.” Just uttering his name sent a pang of hurt through you, a wave of emotion rippling from your jaw to the tips of your toes.

Taeyong understood immediately, a deep sigh resonating as he nodded once. “He knows then.” To which you nodded, eyes fixed on your lap.

He had never seen you cry, and he would hate to admit it but your eyes looked pretty when you did. It was as if the glaze of tears enhanced the colors of your iris. “He doesn’t know it’s this bad. He thinks the tickle has just started.”

“____, you’re dying and you’re telling me Johnny hasn’t noticed yet?” To say that Taeyong was in disbelief was an understatement. The new knowledge that Johnny knew now had floored him.

Why? Because Johnny hadn’t once let it show. Taeyong had been around the guy all week and he was still the happy comedic genius he always was. Not a hint of anything bothering him.

“Yong, It’s okay. I..” You drew your knees up to your chest, patting the spot next to you for him. “I’ve come to terms with it.”

“Come to terms with it?!” He spluttered. “____, you are in your twenties! You can’t be okay with dying in your twenties.” His hand raked through his hair, eyes blinking rapidly like he couldn't come to terms with how calm you looked right now.

Taeyong could feel the anger bubbling up in his chest, his gaze hardening as he addressed you once more. “You know he’s been seeing her too, don’t you?”

You were silent, shame eating at your subconscious. “If I ignore it then he won’t have to be like this too.”

Taeyong sprung up to his feet. “Wake up! He’s out there living his life with no regrets and you’re the one to suffer? I can’t…” He shook his head, shoving his clenched fists into his pockets. “I’m sorry, I just-” With one last shake of his head, Taeyong left you there. The slam of your front door announcing his absence.

Johnny remembered the conversation between the two of you very clearly. He was convinced he still loved you a lot. Just not in the way you need. At first, he thought it was doubt, but as time went on he started to notice the dry tickly cough and the abundance of petals scattered in your trash. He was sure it wasn’t harmful yet, certain that he still held the love in his heart for you.

Johnny didn’t love Yuki. She was fun. She was different. She wasn’t you. He could spend time with her without any strings attached. It was freeing, knowing he wasn't destined to be with her no matter what.

He felt guilt at first. He didn’t like lying to you, but it was for his own selfish gain that he did. Johnny had seen Taeyong go through the pain and near death of a soulmate falling out of love, he didn’t want that for himself. Johnny had too much to live for, as arrogant and self-centred as that sounded.

He remembered what you said when he gave you the vial of grapeseed oil, how your shaky hands had placed over his own. How you told him it was okay, it wasn’t his fault. But Johnny couldn’t help but think it was. Johnny tried so hard to make himself love you still. Your words of comfort swirled in his mind and kept him up at night. ‘Nobody can help who they do and don’t love. Feelings change, People don’t’ You’d said to him.

Johnny felt ashamed. Being unfaithful to you whilst you still loved him with every ounce of your soul. Deep down, Johnny knew you only had two options he just hoped you made a decision before it was too late.

Taeyong had been seen by barely anyone all week. It was as if he was attending his classes and then picking up every extra shift or odd job imaginable. The Neos were even more shocked when Mark slapped a flier down on the dining table ping pong table in front of some of the brothers. A for sale flier, advertising their frat leader’s motorcycle. The very same one that he cherished and spent a fortune to modify.

“Do you think he’s in debt?” Jungwoo frowned, setting his beer on the table.

That question alone earned a chortled laugh. “Woo, we’re in university. We’re all in debt.” Yuta clapped him on the back. “But, on a serious note, He’s been acting super weird lately.”

Everyone launched into debate, trying to determine why Taeyong would be selling his pride and joy so suddenly. Conversation ceased when the front door opened and the man in question shuffled into the open-plan living space with an exhausted wave.

“Ty, are you actually selling the bandit?” The question came from Taeil, Neo frat’s oldest member.

Taeyong moved through the living area, taking a seat at one of the beanbags littered around the table. “Already sold it.” He bobbed his head in a nod.

It earned him many concerned looks. “Are you in trouble or something? Are you trying to cover the water bill from when Mark broke the faucet?”

“No, Jae. I’m not in trouble. It’s not for me.” He reassured, his voice dying down quietly. “It’s for ____.”

Everyone stopped. Mark locked his phone, Yuta stopped chipping at his nail polish, and Taeil nearly spat out his beer. Jaehyun and Jungwoo were already staring at him.

“Why?”

Taeyong took a deep breath, anticipating the question.It didn’t take long for him to catch them up to speed. “You haven’t noticed? I can’t watch her die. Even if she’s come to terms with it.”

“She’s not been to class for a few weeks. Professor Choi just straight-up skips over her name now. I’m guessing they know.” Jaehyun hummed.

“Hm, Jaemin said he saw her last week on his midnight ramen run.” Mark recalled, “Said she looked like something out of living dead.”

“Mark,” Taeyong gave him a warning look. The younger just shrugged his shoulders. “I’m going to book the operation for her. She doesn’t know. I just need the deposit. After that, it’s monthly payments. I can scrape enough together for the monthly just fine.” He looked pained. “Whenever I see her, it’s like I’m watching myself go through it again.”

One by one, Jaehyun, Mark, Jungwoo, Yuta, and Taeil offered their help.

The six of them didn’t make it known what their plans were but soon enough, after Taeyong had put what he had already saved with what the others offered, it was enough. He rocked up to the private medical center, cash in an envelope that was tucked neatly within the inside pocket of his jacket.

Taeyong was pleasantly surprised that he was allowed to schedule and pay the deposit on your behalf. Acting on best interest. The receptionist did stress that you needed to fill in the form and sign consent upon arrival but Taeyong was more pleased that he was giving you a chance at life. That there was a possibility that you could carry on.

What he didn’t expect, was your immediate refusal when he brought the leaflet and forms over to your apartment the following morning. The smile dropped from his face as you tried to hide away from him. ‘He could die.’ You’d cried at him. And whilst it had been proven he wouldn't, you were convinced.

“He won’t, ____.” Taeyong begged. “Please, you can’t just accept this.” The bed dipped as he sat on the edge. The many times he had visited you now, you had always been. The last time you got up to open the door, Taeyong honestly worried that you would pass away right there on the doorstep. He took your spare key after that.

Taeyong’s gentle fingers lifted the damp wash cloth from the bowl at your bedside, running the cool material over your brow and cheeks. A light smile twitched at the corner of your lips, the sensation easing your fever, only a little but it was better than before. He knew he wasn’t going to get many more words from you this evening. You’d exhausted yourself already for the evening. Taeyong was just content enough to sit here and care for you.

Honestly, before it was known that you were Johnny’s soulmate, Taeyong had hoped you’d notice him. He had often found himself wishing that it wouldn’t last so he could at least have a shot with you. His hopes were crushed when Johnny had run through the fraternity declaring you were both soulmates. Taeyong had made peace with the idea that maybe he was meant to be alone, satisfied just by seeing you whenever Johnny brought you over to hang out.

He never wished for this, though.

Tenderest of touches brushed your hair away from where it had clung to your forehead. Taeyong clicking on the standing fan in an attempt to offer you some cool relief. “Trust me, ____.” He whispered, voice brittle. “I went through this.” His confession had your right eye cracking open.

“Back in the first year,” Taeyong recalled. “Watching you and Johnny go through this… it’s like a mirror. I nearly died,” He picked up your hand, engulfing it in both of his own. “I refused the operation until it was nearly too late. For the same reason, actually.”

Your fingers twitched in his own, your index finger hooking around his thumb to offer comfort. You have suspected Taeyong had some close experience with this. Especially in the way he always seemed to understand your pain, the sad gazes, and his drive to help you. You had never expected that he would be the one in your position though. The meer thought had tears welling up in your eyes. You seemed to cry a lot around the man these days.

“He didn’t die though. Apparently, he just… coughed up the root.” He lifted your hand, the ghosting feeling of his lips against your knuckles. “I promise you, Johnny won’t die… At least think about it.” To which you nodded in agreement.

Taeyong made you soup, your favorite kind. You weren’t even sure how he knew it was your favorite but he did. He parted from you with a lingering kiss to your hairline. Just like every night. This form of unrequited love seemed to of hurt him more than his last.

He’d left the forms and leaflets on the empty bed space by your feet.

You’d asked Taeyong not to come over for the last four days. As worried as he was, he had to respect your wishes. You didn’t want him to see your sudden decline as you entered the last stage of the rejection. Meaning, that Johnny had almost fallen completely out of love with you now.

You were expecting it, Taeyong too. You and Johnny had broken things off the last time you saw each other. Both of you doing so without even having to clarify the matter. He was free. Almost.

Taeyong had been stressed all week, even his frat brothers had given him a wide berth. Many put it down to the lacrosse game the pending evening. Only a select few really knew that it was because today was the same day Taeyong had scheduled for your surgery.

He hadn’t known it was the same day as the game, Jungwoo uttering the words with caution the day before. Taeyong swore to himself that he thought he booked it for next week. He didn’t even know if you were going to accept it… Any time he brought it up you tended to change the subject.

How Taeyong managed to even pass the ball with steady swings amazed even himself, his hands hadn’t stopped shaking. He had nearly skipped the game in favor of being with you, but he knew he couldn’t. The game had gone smoothly, they were winning by one. In fact, Johnny had to take the penalty shot.

The whole field waited on bated breath, all eyes on Johnny as he just stood there, his expression morphed in such a way that Taeyong exchanged a look with Jaehyun.

“Seo! Take the damn shot already!” The coach didn’t even get through his ending word before Johnny’s form curled over, knees slamming into the ground.

Taeyong rushed over as his friend tore off his helmet and spat his mouthguard to the ground. He would worry about that later. Taeyong slid to his knees beside Johnny, his own helmet crashing to the ground out of his grip.

Johnny had never felt such pain. His airways were burning. The sensation in his chest felt like all the oxygen was being torn from him. The team crowded around him, blocking anyone else's view of the scene. A choked cough left his throat, a shout of agony following after. Petals. Blood. Stems. The flower was unwinding itself, pulling at the roots from within his chest and lungs.

The team managed to maneuver Johnny back to the locker rooms, it took four of them to carry him but soon the male was slumped against the tiles of the showers. Taeyong was beside him once again. “Cough it up Johnny, you’ll do more damage if you don’t.” He tugged Johnny’s arm to sit him forward, his fist thumping down in the center of his back. “Johnny, come on!”

To say Taeyong was relieved when Johnny finally started coughing again was an understatement. “You gotta carry it on, it’ll hurt but I’ve got you.” He pleaded over the sound of his friend’s cries and chokes.

Johnny doesn’t know how long he continuously coughed for. All he knew was the last one to shake through his body finally offered him release, Taeyong tugging him away from the mangled mix of plant and blood only to rip him, Johnny, from his shock-induced state by shoving him under the freezing cold shower stream - kit and all.

A big, clear breath left him.

“What the fuck, John?” Ten peaked his head around the corner, having raced in after the team to check on his best friend.

“Dude, that's your flower.” Mark grimaced, crouched down next to the offending object.

The announcement made Johnny’s spine straighten, and Taeyong hung his head. “What does it mean?” Johnny shakily stood, pressing the button to stop the stream of cold water.

It was fascinating how Johnny already felt better. He felt no pull in his chest, no weakness even after the whole ordeal. He felt new. But if he felt like this… then what had happened to you? The realization of what had happened weighed heavy on his guilt.

He turned to address the sort of traumatized, faces around him but it wasn’t him that spoke up. It was Taeyong. “It means I need to find ____.”

Taeyong had raced past his teammates and into the locker room without any further explanation. His phone cramped between his ear and shoulder as he tugged on his sweats at record speed. “C’mon, Petal. Pick up.” He swore to himself, only removing the device from his ear to throw on a t-shirt from his locker. It was a term of endearment he had taken to calling you of late, though quite often when you were too dazed to notice.

He ignored the looks of confusion from his friends. Well, from those other than Mark and Jaehyun. From the look on Johnny’s face, he was still piecing things together. Taeyong didn’t have time for that, snatching the keys for the beat-up Honda he had gotten recently and sprinting from the room.

Taeyong continued to call you on the way to your apartment. He had just hoped you’d gotten yourself to the appointment. He didn’t want to think about the possibility of losing you like this. He found himself afraid to enter your building, scared of what he may find. His head thumped against the steering wheel, eyes burning with unshed tears. You had to be okay.

His phone buzzed, body jumped when he saw your name flash on the screen. He swiped to answer, bringing it up to his ear with a relieved sigh. “____.” He listened to your breathing for a split second, registering the steady beeps in the background.

“Is he alive?” Your tone was filled with urgency but your voice was clearer than Taeyong had heard in weeks. It had a relieved laugh bubbling from his chest, salty droplets cascading down his cheeks and leaving his tear ducts with the tension in him.

“He’s fine.” He sniffled, rubbing at his face. “ Petal, you’re okay. I tho-” You interrupted him with a soothing call of his name.

“You were right.” He listened to you pause, the sounds of you sipping through a straw present in the receiver. “There are things I do have to live for.” You spoke quietly. “The first one being myself.”

He hummed in agreement, starting up the car again. “Yeah? I’ll be there soon and you can tell me all about the second, Petal.” He was rewarded with a breathy laugh. “What?”

“Petal.” You murmured, Taeyong could hear the slumber lingering back into your tone.

“Get some rest. I’ll be there soon.” He was about to pull the phone away from his ear when you quietly called his name again.

“Yes?” He hummed, clicking the hands-free and setting the phone into the holder on the dash.

“Can I tell you my second reason?”

“What’s that, Petal?” He smiled softly to himself.

“It’s you.”

©Acescavern - I do not give permission for my works to be copied, translated or reposted

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mystverse · 4 months

Text

07:15 PM

PAIRING : Ten Lee × Fem Reader

WARNINGS : None

"Come on, love! I wanna show off my girlfriend." Ten whines, you are still skeptical because you and him are equally famous in different fields. Ten is an idol, and you are a scientist. You never thought the relationship between him and you would work out because he's a star and you are a workaholic who loved staying in your laboratory over time. Oddly, you made it through and always found both of you in his bed cuddled together. You reduced your overtime working, and he made sure to come home at night when no one can disturb your peace. Soon enough, the rumors of Ten having a girlfriend and the picture of you spread in the news.

You got threats, true, but Ten made sure to stay with you, and you always had bodyguards around because of your dad. Still, that doesn't stop the hate from reaching you. You were scared because he was the definition of beauty, and you were nowhere near him. Yet his bewitching eyes are hard to resist, so you sigh, "The paparazzi?" Adjusting his shirt, slipping off your shoulder. Ten grins because he knows you are convinced, "Don't care about it." he shrugs, springing to his feet and struts to his closet. He brings a black off-shoulder dress with black lace in the waist area and hands, stopping a little above the knee and all black three piece suit for him. You look at him with dread as he plops down next to you with a smile, "I'm not as beautiful as you, Ten. I-" You start but cut off immediately, but his lips harshly swallow the words of self-depreciation from your lips. His lips taste like wine, as his tongue glides inside your mouth, and you pull away after a few seconds, "Don't you dare." He mutters breathless against your lips. Your cheeks red with the blood rushing to your face.

"So up for flexing us?" He asks, hushed as he pulls you up to your feet, "Yeah." You answer, flushing red again when his fingers trace your curves with a sly smile.

: MYST

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babbymochiiii · 3 months

Text

ON MY YOUTH: TEN LEE

↪︎pairing: idol! ten x ngs! reader ft. xiaojun

↪︎genre: angst

↪︎warnings: crying, conflicted feelings, minor yelling, confronting on ten's bs, break up, more crying, just angst after more angst

↪︎synopsis: you’ve noticed ten has been weird ever since his recent comeback, and with one text message it confirmed everything. But you weren’t going to let him do that to you through the phone so you confront him in person.

↪︎word count: 1.9k words

link to part 2 🧡

✨note: this fic is very much inspired by On My Youth by WayV…this song put me through all sorts of stages when I heard the English ver. 😭 idk about y’all but I felt like I was going through some sort of emotional breakdown 💀 but it inspire this fic so we gucci :P anyways, enjoy! 🧡

divider credit @plutism 🖤

We should stop seeing each other.

It was already a shitty day as it was due to work going south with the boss yelling at everyone, including you, and it was pouring rain as you walked home as you forgot completely about the umbrella waiting at the front door.

But this...this takes everything by the win.

You of course felt pure rage at the fact this was the way he decided to end things with you, coping the fuck out, but you weren’t about to be disrespected like this especially when you knew that this was going to happen. Ever since he left to do some small concerts and with his most recent comeback, he’s been distant and acting like you didn’t exist at all. You had your suspicions and mentally prepared yourself for the day but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t hurt you still.

You looked at the time on your phone and knew that you would find him in the practice room here and his members had reserved at this time. So, that’s where you find your feet taking you.

Once you reached the floor where you knew the majority of the big practice rooms were at, you walked down the hall straining your ears as much as you could so you could hear WayV’s music against the other SM artists. As you walked a little further down, you could hear WayV’s newest song blasting through the speakers. You picked up your pace slightly until you were at front of the practice room door. As you were in front of the door, you tried to control the heavy breathing as you took hold of the door handle. With one last breath, you opened the door.

Inside, you met with the members of WayV and staff members recording one of their dance practice videos. Through the reflection of the mirror, you could see Ten in the middle of the formation dancing passionately as he always has. You feel mesmerized by the way he dances so fluidly and with such precision. It was one of many things you fell in love with Ten.

Ten caught your gaze in the mirror which causes him to stumble in one of the moves and for Xiaojun to bump into him.

“Ten? You okay?” Xiaojun asked as he looked towards Ten, who looked like he’s seen a ghost. Xiaojun followed his gaze and saw your trembling form standing by the doorway. “Oh.” He said softly.

At this moment, all the staff members and WayV looked between you and Ten. The couple of staff members that had the cameras rolling stopped recording and lowered the camera.

“Can we talk?” You shakingly asked while maintaining eye contact with Ten through the mirror. Cursing to yourself internally for not holding onto whatever confidence you had left.

“I guess.” Ten said lowly with a shrug.

“Why don’t we all take a break and give them space?” WayV’s manager said with a gently clap of his hands as he gave everyone a straight smile. He eyed the two of you as everyone else walked out of the room before he followed them, closing the door behind them.

“What are you doing here?” Ten asks with a sigh as he looks anywhere else but directly towards you.

“Don’t act like you don’t know.” You almost practically whine as you started to feel all the emotions you were suppressing rise up to the surface, considering you never knew how to hide how you felt from Ten.

“Look, I don’t have the time to be playing your guessing game here.” Ten said with an eye roll as he finally looked towards you.

You bit down on your bottom lip to the point where you almost drew blood. You dug into your bag for your phone and pulled up the text message he sent you a couple of hours ago, that you only saw on the way out from work.

“Oh, that.” Ten said with a flat tone.

A scoff leaves your lips as you brought your hand down and tightly gripped at your phone. “Yes that." you mimicked as you tried to control your breathing.

“So, what about it then?”

You stared at Ten and really tried to understand what was happening here. How can he be acting like this? After everything… “‘What about it then?’ Ten are you that fucking dense?” You asked as you looked at him with a frown on your face.

“I said what I said okay.” Ten says as he turns around and grabs his water bottle from the floor.

“Ten, really? Like are you really going to be like this?” You questioned as you felt your eyebrows crease close together.

“I honestly have no clue what you’re talking about.” he said with a careless shrug as he took a swing of his water bottle.

“For God’s sake Ten! Talk to me!” You raised your voice as you started to walk on a thin line of patience with him.

With a roll of his eyes, Ten looked at you with an eyebrow raised as he waited for you to speak.

You stared at him with watery eyes as you felt all the bewilderment fall on top of your shoulders. You couldn’t understand why this has to happen now, not after everything you’ve been through with him. The more you look at Ten the more you get truly lost at who this person is in front of you.

“Why?”

Ten stared at you for another beat before he looked down at his feet with a sigh. “Because it’s not fair.” He said as he continued to stare at his feet like it's the most interesting thing in the world.

“Not fair?” you questioned back to him as you started to feel something within you turn in anger. As if you needed something more to add to the already fire induced anger inside of you.

“I just don’t find it fair that I basically get to live a life while you stay home and wait for me.” Ten said without missing a beat and looked at you with a straight face.

It was quite a blow... you admit, you weren’t expecting that to be his answer, but the pure anger and stressed feelings consumed your whole body, leaving you to feel overall exhausted at this point.

“Ten—” you sighed out as you closed your eyes tightly trying to understand everything that’s happening right now. “— you know very well that I was content like that. I was happy to wait for you to come home and spend time with you...why are you making this an issue now?”

“It just hurts my pride.” He says with a shrug.

“Your pride? Ten please, that’s such a fucking cop out.” You told you as you truly started to feel the weight of everything fall on your shoulder as you knew that this was it...truly the end of it all.

Silence wrapped around the two of you in the most gut-wrenching tension as you both just looked at one another. Each waiting to see what the other will say.

With a defeated sigh, you looked down at your feet with your eyes closed trying your hardest to not let the threatening tears escape. You weren’t going to let him do this to you.

“Two years...” You told him softly as you looked up and looked at him with a small smile and with tears pooling in your eyes. “Two years I have been so happy with you. We were happy. I love you so much that right now I wish I didn’t because it hurts Ten. It hurts too much.” you said with a dry chuckle as you started to feel your throat tightening and forming a lump in your throat as you started to feel everything wanting to discompose from within you.

“I gave you so much Ten. So much. But you used me — used me till the last drop. I’m burnt out at this point.” you said as one tear fell out of your eye and created a wet trail down your cheek.

Ten stared at you with slightly wide eyes, not truly believing that this is happening right now. Yes, he wanted to end things...but he didn’t know you’ve been feeling like this. Genuinely, he thought it would be how it has been lately. He would do something that would upset you, and you forgive him but that isn’t happening this time around. Ten felt himself start to panic internally as he looked at you slowly lose your composure in front of him.

“No amount of sorrys is going to fix what you just broke Ten. None of your lies are going to sugar coat this and make me “forget” everything you have done to me for the past months Ten...none of it. You fed me so much bullshit lately and you completely lost me.” you said with a sad laugh. “Knowing you, you’re probably gonna say something along the line that we’re too young and that you want to focus on your career.” you said as you watched Ten’s reaction.

You saw the way Ten sucked in a breath and how his cheeks turned a light pink as he continued to look at you with wide eyes.

“I knew it. So much bullshit Ten.” you said as you felt more tears falling down your face. “This is where we officially end things, yeah.” you softly said as you tried to hold in the rest of the tears as you turned around, starting to make your way to the dance practice room.

“Wait—”

“No Ten. This is what you wanted, right? I’m just making this easier for you, so you don’t have to keep lying to me.” you said with one last glance towards Ten’s figure. You swear you can see a tear fall down his face but you turned your face away quickly so you wouldn’t lose what’s left of your composure.

“Goodbye Ten.” you gave your final goodbye to Ten before you turned the doorknob and walked out of the room with tiny pieces of what used to be your heart inside of your chest.

Months have passed since that day you confronted and ended things with Ten.

You kept some small tabs on him here and there whenever fans would post about WAYV and their group or solo activities. This time though, you’ve noticed that they have come out with a new English version of one of their songs in their latest album.

Curious, you clicked the link that took you to YouTube, and started to play out the video for the song. Hearing the song for the first time and listening to the lyrics brought back those painful memories as you could hear the hurt in Ten’s voice as he sang his parts.

You looked at the song title as tears landed on your phone screen.

On My Youth...

A sad, watery smile formed on your face as you continued to listen to the song, and you couldn’t help but feel the need to miss him. You know you shouldn’t, but it was a two-year relationship that Ten decided to throw out with one stupid text.

As the song came to an end, you felt your chest rake with heavy breathing as you continued to quietly sob into your hands. While you used the sleeves of your sweater to clean the tears off of your face, there was a knock at the door.

Slowly getting up, you made your way to the door.

You stood at the other end of the door still with your chest rising and falling rapidly. Just as you reached for the doorknob, Ten’s voice was heard on the other side.

“Can we talk?”

Thank you for reading!!! 🖤 hopefully you guys enjoyed this story! I haven’t written angst in a good while and it took me awhile to get a crack in this story ✋🏼💀

Should I make a part 2? 🧐 lemme know in the comments/in my ask what you think! Should we see y/n and ten talk to one another or just leave it as is?? I’m genuinely curious to see what you guys think! 🖤✨

With much much love from me to you, mochi 🕷️

#nct #nct ten #ten lee #wayv #wayv ten #ten x reader #nct angst #wayv angst #nct x reader #kpop imagines #kpop #kpopidol #kpop angst #angst with a sad ending #breakup #crying #confrontation

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yutafrita · 9 months

Text

WITCH WAY DID YOU GO?

Jaehyun x Witch!Reader/ Warlock!Mark x Witch!Reader

Thank you @markleelately for the request <3 I hope you like it and that it was worth the wait!

WC: 3.1K

Genre: Angst, Fantasy, Thriller/ Mystery

WARNINGS: Mentions of death, missing persons case, references to the police, food, alcohol, mentions of psychological abuse, occult references and imagery, toxic relationship behaviors. Please read at your own risk.

The fortune teller tapped the old oak table three times, her eyes closed. Well, she wasn’t so much a fortune teller. She was just witch with a small amount of clairvoyance, but you had gotten desperate over these past three years. Rosé recommended her to you, and every other door had been slammed in your face.

“Hm… he’s alive,” the teller stated, her hand now twitching and her eyes moving rapidly under eyelids. You held back a groan. This was something you already knew- every spell you had done to see if Jaehyun was alive showed that he was alive- but no locator spell had proven successful. The human police force in this country had turned up nothing besides his engagement ring (he insisted he wore a small band with you while you were engaged), and everyone in the magical force was perplexed and unhelpful.

The magical force was also none too elated by you caring so much about a human, but you gave up on giving a shit after the first year Jaehyun disappeared.

“He… that’s strange,” her eyes snapped open, and she hunched over to bring something onto the table. Tarot Cards. You were going to kill Rosé. The fortune teller placed a major arcana down. “He’s stuck,” she muttered before she looked up and pointed to the card, “this is the tower reversed. It means-.”

“I know what it means,” you cut her off. You were over this game. “Averting disaster, fear of change.”

She wagged her finger, “typically, yes. But,” she placed her hand over the card, “for you, for us witches, this means something else. It means he’s quite literally trapped and afraid.”

You furrowed your brows. This was a new development. You had been told he was probably devoured by a creature, that he was obliterated, or even that he simply ran away from you. But to say he was trapped was something different.

“Trapped where?” you pressed, your stomach filling with nerves.

She sucked her teeth, her eyes meeting yours again, “I can’t see that. Someone far more powerful than me has placed a spell over your human companion.”

You blinked, “another witch has him trapped? Why?” you bit down on your thumb nail, trying to think. You hadn’t told Jaehyun that you were a witch, let alone for him to willingly go with someone who had magic abilities. The only other witch he had ever met was Rosé, and she wasn’t exactly interested in keeping him hostage.

“All I can tell is that there was quite a bit of jealousy put into this spell, it’s riddled with envy,” the fortune teller swatted the air around her as if she could feel the green monster itself.

“You’re not fucking with me,” you didn’t ask, but rather stated this.

“I don’t fuck around with other witches,” she chuckled, “I don’t want whatever the hell is going on with you to happen to me.”

“Great,” you sighed, digging through your bag to take out your wallet. Her hand wrapped around your elbow and you looked up.

“It’s… on the house sweetie. Here,” she extended the tower tarot card to you, “keep this. I need to get rid of this set anyways. That energy is bad for business.”

You entered your small studio apartment later that evening, the card still in your hands. You had been living in this country for three years, but still had unopened boxes strewn about. You didn’t mean to move here, but after Jaehyun went missing during your trip, you refused to leave until you could find him.

If only you did things differently that night-.

No.

You refused to wallow and blame yourself again. You needed to focus.

Your phone started ringing and you quickly answered.

“Why did my fortune teller call me crying?” Rosé asked. You shrugged, forgetting she couldn’t see you. This was your everyday disaster, you couldn't fathom a random witch with a small clairvoyance gift being so saddened by it they called just to cry.

“Well, she said the energy was so foul it brought her to tears,” Rosé then lowered her voice, “this sounds like some serious shit.”

“Rosé, the love of my life has been missing for three years. It’s kind of always been serious shit to me.”

“No, of course it is. What I mean is- whatever is happening, this magic is some serious shit.”

You sighed in defeat, a tear sliding down your cheek in frustration, “I know. I… I’ll talk to you later Rosé.”

She was quiet for a moment on the other end of the line, “I… you should come home.”

“I’m not doing this again. I’m not leaving until-.”

“Until he’s back I know but… I miss you. We all miss you,” you could hear her voice shaking, and for the thousandth time, you felt you heart break. You needed to find Jaehyun, but you knew in the process the other people who loved you were in a pain of their own.

“I know, I’m sorry. I have to go,” you hung up before she could reply, and you broke down crying. How many more nights would go by with you sobbing as you tried to figure out how he disappeared? Your tears were stinging your cheeks as you held yourself.

You missed Jaehyun. He always knew what to do to brighten his and everyone's spirits. Just being around him made the room brighter. His goofy sense of humor coupled with the sweet little dimples he had with his permanent smile… you couldn’t fathom never seeing him again.

Another day passed. Another week. Another month with no updated on Jaehyun.

You were able to pull some strings and get a job at the country’s Magical administration. You got it after the first few months of Jaehyun’s disappearance since your savings had run dry.

On this particular week at work you were walking to your next meeting when a faerie approached you.

“I’m taking you out on the town,” Lisa stated this as if it were a matter of fact. She was flying a foot off the ground, making it difficult for you to move around her in the crowded hall.

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes! Please? I have a friend visiting tonight that I haven’t seen in forever and I’m scared of it being awkward,” she pleaded, the glitter from her wings flicking off and making you cough. “He’s gonna bring a friend- he says it’s a warlock!”

“I’m not interested in being set up, Lisa.”

“You’re not being set up! He’s from where you’re from, so I thought it would be cool!”

Now this piqued your interest. There weren’t a whole lot of Witches to begin with, and even less warlocks to speak of, so for there to be a warlock from the same place as you meant you likely knew them.

“When and where?” you sighed. Lisa cheered and landed back on the ground as she told you all of the details, finally allowing you to go to your meeting in peace.

Jaehyun was the spontaneous one. You knew he would be happy you somewhat made last minute plans, even if you were just curious as to who it was that was friends with your coworkers friend.

You and Lisa later walked across the street to the bar, her wings concealed under a bulky sweater as she chatted wildly about her old college faerie friend.

“Ten is interviewing for the admin tomorrow but I promised I’d meet with him before,” she explained. As much as you liked to pretend moving here wasn’t lonely, that was far from the truth. Lisa was bubbly and affectionate, and has made you feel welcomed from the first day you met her- her friend, Ten, was just the same.

It was who Ten brought with him that made you surprised.

“Mark?”

“Oh, wow!” Mark leapt up from the bar top, rushing over and hugging you. “I haven’t seen you in years!”

“Three, to be exact,” you forced a laugh as you and Lisa sat across from the duo. Mark had grown up in the same town as you, Rosé, and Jaehyun. He was the only warlock in town, and you three would often meet once a week to practice your magic abilities. Warlock’s were naturally less powerful than witches, so growing up Mark was often behind compared to you two witches. “What are you doing here?”

“It’s the funniest thing- Mark and I are roommates and we both somehow got job interviews tomorrow for the administration.”

“Wow, what kind of luck is that?” Lisa laughed, and you forced a smile. You looked over to Mark and he sent you a wink, confirming your suspicions- he used a small luck charm to make it so they interviewed the same day. No luck charm would be strong enough to do more than that, but it still surprised you that Mark was even able to manage this.

Mark scored the job, of course. After speaking with him that night, you learned that he had been training non-stop and was able to compensate for his lack of natural magical ability with his sheer knowledge in all things spell casting. He ended up in your same department too, and oddly enough moved into a building close by, so you ended up walking to work together most days.

“Why do you walk to work instead of just teleporting in?” Mark asked one day. You didn’t know how to explain it- but doing a mundane task of just walking two blocks over helped remind you of Jaehyun. He loved morning walks, and even though it meant waking up an extra ten to fifteen minutes early, you loved them too.

“I just like how simple it feels,” is what you settled on. Mark shrugged. You knew he knew of your engagement- you wore your engagement ring as a necklace- and that he knew of Jaehyun’s disappearance, but he never asked about it. Mark was very open about his distaste for your human partner before you moved.

While it wasn’t exactly uncommon for a witch to marry a mortal, it was still deeply frowned upon.

“Yeah, Mark and I are going to the bowling alley tomorrow night,” you told Rosé one night as you poured over your notes. You were going through any spellbooks you could find to try and see about a spell as powerful as the one supposedly keeping Jaehyun to no avail.

“Oh, a date? That’s-!”

“Date? Absolutely not,” you couldn’t hide your laughter. “We’ve known Mark since we were all kids, he’s more like… an annoying brother.”

“A hot annoying brother.”

“Gross.”

“Admit it- he is hot as fuck.”

“I mean,” you paused, giving it thought before shaking your head angrily, “so what if he is? I’m engaged.”

Rosé was quiet again on the other end as you repeated yourself, “I’m engaged. Jaehyun’s alive.”

“Honey… he’s alive. Sure. But… wouldn’t he want you to I don’t know, live?”

She was right. Of course she was. Jaehyun was Mr. live-life-to-the-fullest- that’s how he went missing. However, you knew he wouldn’t want that to stop you. He’s so human, so sweet and positive.

So, when you went bowling with Mark, you pounded two shots of vodka to help quell your fears.

“Do you still have a crush on me?” you stupidly asked him after he beat you in bowling. His eyes went wide before he burst out laughing, his smile wide and his ears red with embarrassment.

“Why are you asking?” he asked through his laughter. You shrugged, looking away as you mulled through your thoughts.

“Do you still hate humans?” you asked rather loudly, completely disregarding the humans in the bowling alley now staring at you. Mark stood up, a nervous smile on his face as he wrapped an arm over your shoulder to walk you away.

“I don’t… hate humans. I said all those things because I had a crush on you and felt like you owed me something… I was wrong obviously and I’m sorry. And… I’m sorry about Jaehyun,” Mark looked you in the eyes as he apologized. It felt sincere.

“You said he wasn’t worth the gum at the bottom of your broom,” you reminded him.

“Yeah, and that was fucking wrong.”

“Yeah… well… we were younger and dumber.”

“Oh, for sure,” he laughed, and you joined in, ignoring the stares you got in the street.

“Hey, I have that board game we used to play.”

“Oh, witches brew? I haven’t played that in forever,” you chuckled at the memory of beating Mark almost every game.

“Yeah? Do you wanna come over and play?”

You followed Mark to his place and stayed the night, never at any point touching the board game.

*****

You and Mark got engaged a year after you started dating. He was smart, organized, and easy to be around. You didn’t have to think much around him- he knew exactly where everything in the chaotic mess of your studio apartment was, and even helped you move your stuff into his apartment with a randomly specific spell you had no idea even existed.

All this, and you still missed Jaehyun. You wore the ring Mark gave you on your left ring finger, and still wore the ring Jaehyun gave you on a chain over your heart. You had to get a new chain after Mark accidentally broke your first one, but you were fine getting one that poked out less.

The cops had officially called Jaehyun’s case a cold case and the fortune teller hadn’t offered anything new.

“Rosé will be here next week,” you told Mark one night after work.

“Oh yeah?”

“She insisted on helping me look for a dress.”

“I wish I was allowed to join,” he poked your arm, hoping for a change in your decision. He had taken over most of the wedding planning, but the dress and the wedding date were the two things you refused to budge on.

“You’ll see on the wedding day,” you offered, leaning in and dropping a kiss on his cheek.

The wedding day.

You were alone in your bridal suite, pacing up and down. You squeezed Jaehyun’s ring, your fingers trembling. You stopped in front of the mirror, staring at yourself.

Jaehyun proposed to you the day before he went missing in the forest. You two were on the trip you had been saving months for- a national forest that was beautiful and quaint. You remembered the feeling each payday of shoving a hundred bucks into the mason jar, and how excited you both were upon your arrival.

It was quiet, just the two of you, alone. It was a three night camping trip, and after Jaehyun’s proposal, you two spent that second night staring up at the stars through the tall trees.

“It’s beautiful,” you whispered for what felt like the hundredth time.

“It sure is,” Jaehyun whistled. His hand moved to grab yours, “but you’re still more beautiful.”

“Corny,” you teased.

And then, he said, “we should play hide and seek.”

You sat up, “are you a child?”

Jaehyun sat up too, and with only the moonlight you could still see his bright smile, “you make me feel like a kid- if that counts.”

You should have berated him. It was stupid. You agreed to stay within shouting distance, especially since you didn’t have signal on your phones. You should have said no.

But you didn’t. And you searched for hours. The cops searched for hours.

And now, on your wedding day, it’s been five years and a day.

You squeezed your eyes shut as you held back your tears, and moved to remove your necklace. It was almost time-.

“Beautiful,” the voice made your heart stop and your eyes open. This wasn’t real. You turned around, refusing to believe that he was here. You were trembling all over now, trying to decipher what you were looking at.

It was Jaehyun- exactly as you remembered him. In that same long sleeved shirt and cargo pants. His hair is no different in length or color either. He had been bleaching it blonde, and it didn’t even look like a single root had grown in all these years.

“You’re not real,” you whimpered. Without warning, Jaehyun rushed forward and wrapped you in a tight hug. You could feel his heartbeat pressed against your chest. He smelled as sweet as you remembered. His skin felt warm. He was real- this was not some figment of your imagination. You didn’t feel any magical illusion coming off of him. This was Jaehyun, somehow, in the flesh.

“I was so scared,” he whispered, his face burrowed in your neck. You gently moved back, having to force yourself to break apart from his hug.

“Jaehyun… what happened?”

He gulped, looking over his shoulder at the shut door before he took something out from his back pocket.

“I… He…” it was a tarot card that he handed to you. The tower.

“Who is he?” you were terrified, seeing that the card was ripped down the center.

“Who are you getting married to?” was Jaehyun’s response, and you felt your heart drop to your stomach. Mark… there was no way he alone could have this power you thought.

Unless…

“Rosé,” you spit out her name as soon as you heard your maid of honor answer her phone, “your powers.”

“You really want to talk about magic right now? I’m headed to your dressing room-.”

“No, do not come here,” you hissed, “Rosé… your powers are almost gone, aren’t they?”

The rustling on the other end stopped. You felt like a fool for only now noticing the change in your friend. “I… I can’t say anything.”

“It was Mark,” was what you replied with, and you heard a small whimper on the other end of the line. “He stole your fucking powers to trap Jaehyun in the tarot all those years ago, didn’t he?”

“You have to go before he finds out,” she was whispering into the line now, and you felt your stomach turn. “Please. I can keep everyone in the chapel for twenty minutes, but you two need to go now.”

“Thank you, Rosé.”

“Go!” the line went dead, and you looked back at Jaehyun.

Mark had kept Jaehyun in a frozen, petrified state in the card for five years. It seemed that, according to Jaehyun, that yesterday he just found himself back in the forest. You had made it out of town as he explained what he knew, an ache still in your chest.

“I just… knew I had to come to the chapel,” was what he said. That night, in the forest, right before he was trapped, Mark had appeared and was the last thing Jaehyun saw all those years ago. The terrible envy that filled Mark was enough to allow him to still Rosé’s powers, and he likely planned to steal yours as well if not for your friend’s warning.

“You’re not scared of me being a witch?” you asked Jaehyun, the engagement ring he gave you back on your finger where it belonged.

“I could never be scared of you.”

You knew you would have to face Mark again one day, and make him pay for the terror he had caused, but for now, you were more than willing to steal a moment of happiness with Jaehyun somewhere where Mark couldn’t find you two for a while. You two deserved that much.

Permatag! @nini0620

OTHER WORKS -> HERE

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ronjunnie · 12 days

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TEN FIC RECOMMENDATIONS

SERIES

ONESHOTS

break-up season (14.4k)

sleepless cinderella: ten (13.8k)

four years later (11.5k)

worlds apart (7.8k)

rest (1.1k)

TIMESTAMPS

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leemarkly · 6 months

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how it feels like to not be able to put down my thoughts and ideas abt a new fic into words

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mae-gi-writes · 2 years

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just for the night . ten

"It wasn't real. Until suddenly, it was."

Genre: fakedating!, fluff, pining, enemies to lovers sorta

----

"Ugh. Fight me."

"You wish," Ten smirks back at you in that obnoxious way of his and you swear you'd like to throw a brick at him.

It's Monday evening and raining. The warmth from Baro Baro Bakery is the only thing that's keeping your fingers from falling off altogether, and you honestly would not have been in such a bad mood, if it hadn't been for your insufferably cocky co-worker.

You focus on organizing the buns along the countertop, making sure that they are all aligned and well displayed while trying to ignore the dark-haired man leaning against the storage door, "don't you have anything better to do?"

"Better than watching you organize your buns? I don't think so."

"Do you really enjoy being here?"

"Couldn't have imagined a better way to spend my Monday," his smirk widens into a grin.

"I'm not coming with you."

He has the audacity of throwing you a look full of innocence, "I didn't say anything."

"But that's what you came here for isn't it?" you scowl back.

He pouts then, breaking all semblance of nonchalance as he holds up his clasped hands in an attempt to beg, "a night is all I ask. Please."

"We barely know each other, even less support each other's presence. This is recipe for disaster," you lean back, slide the counter door closed before looking over at him, "what do I even get from this arrangement?"

"This body as your boyfriend, and free food," he quickly adds when he sees you're about as murderous as chucking him out of the bakery altogether, "and my parents don't care who, trust me. They won't even notice."

Your scowl could've murdered him, "Why are you asking me?"

"Because you're the only option I have. The other girls will use this to their advantage--"

"Wow Ten," you let out an exasperated chuckle, "way to make me feel special."

"Well you shouldn't have asked--"

"If we do that, you'll cover my shifts for the next two months," you interrupt before he can retort back, "and give me all your free coupons that you get."

"Uh last time I checked I'm supposed to work up to thirty-five hours--"

"Do we agree or not?"

In the end, he had no choice but to comply to whatever ordeal you'd asked of him and you briefly wonder how bad are his parents for him to be so desperate. It isn't like Ten to ask for favours, especially not those that concern being his fake date for his cousin's wedding. According to Ten, his parents had been badgering him for ages to get himself a date or else they'd present him to someone else altogether -- someone fitting -- and fearing that they'd push him into the arms of whatever businessmen's daughter they could find, Ten had called for help out of desperation.

To say that the situation was out of hand is definitely an understatement. It's not that you don't know Ten. You do, having gotten acquainted during the last year of university when you'd decided to join the dance club, only to find that the said cocky asshole in question was actually talented, more so than others.

You're not quite sure yourself how you'd gotten such a bad first impression of Ten Lee. To be honest, nothing major had sparked fireworks between you, apart from the fact that you spent the first hour of dance class being picked apart and mocked for your lack of dancing skill.

"No, you're doing it all wrong. It's this way."

"A little higher. You need more power in your muscles."

"Do it again. No, not like that--"

It had been torture. It hadn't been fun anymore. And you'd already made up your mind to run away. Nevermind that you loved dancing in your free time. You found dancing in your bedroom much more peaceful and satisfying.

Alas, it seemed like the universe loathed youe plans for every time you tried escaping, you'd manage to bump into Ten himself. Needless to say that he dragged you to class whether it was against your will or not.

"I really don't think I want to continue--"

"Why not?" He'd raised an amused brow, "scared?"

"No, it's just--"

"Just what?"

That had done it. Never in your whole life had you been so determined to prove this little shit wrong. And so you stayed.

Now though, as you comb through your wardrobe in search of something to wear, it becomes increasingly apparent how bad of an idea this is.

The wedding is a monumental event in the Lee family. The celebrations last for three whole days, three whole evenings of family dinners and having to put on airs for people he doesn't actually like. But he does it, because of his unwavering loyalty to his family name and if not that, his grandmother, whom you learnt -- a few days before the wedding -- had been the mother figure he'd leaned upon his entire life.

"So you're telling me that nobody really matters, apart from your grandma whom I should impress?" you ask him one evening at Baro Baro as you're busy stacking the rest of the baked goods away in the storage area, "well, that doesn't put any pressure at all. Thanks for that."

"My grandma is...special. She doesn't usually speak much, so we never know what she might be thinking," Ten answers, "so I wouldn't advise you to say anything you don't mean."

"And yet, you're straight-up lying to her face?" is what you ask with a raised brow.

He has the decency to flush, "that's different."

"She wants you to get married?"

"Who doesn't?" he snorts, "practically everyone in my family is begging me to at this point, ever since Anong announced her marriage."

"What a tough life you have," you say dryly, cackling when he tosses the cleaning rag at your head, "I'm curious though...why me?"

"C'mon Y/N, use your head a little. Why you, of all people?"

"Even with logic that doesn't make sense Ten," you cast him a scowl, "so please, do enlighten me."

"For starters, you're not my type--"

Ouch. Well that didn't hurt at all. You scowl.

"--and there's no way I'm yours--"

"Damn right about that," you grumble out, reaching into the room behind the said young man to make a grab for the broom.

He follows you around the counter as you start sweeping at the floor, "--second, you have no attachments to me or my family, so that shouldn't be a problem when we have to break-up. Third, none of my family actually knows you, so we can practically make things up."

"You're a fucking walking cliché, Ten Lee."

"Wha--I am not a cliché."

"This is literally what romance novels write about."

"Are you saying I'm a romantic?" he grins at you, eyes sparkling in mischief and you grunt, shoving him out of the way in favour of finishing up your work. In all honesty, your bed sounds pretty damn tempting.

"You wish."

You've never really assisted at a wedding before -- the ones you went to as a child don't count -- so to say that you're not bothered at all would be a lie because admittedly, you're really quite curious about how this whole thing plays out.

"A wedding?" Your mother's stare is piercing, eyes boring holes into your skull. You, on the other hand, force yourself to keep gulping down your toast, "whose wedding is it?"

"Someone's cousin."

"And why are you invited?"

You try not to choke on your toast, coughing and quickly downing it with some scalding coffee that burns your tongue, "uhm--I--well, this-- my friend. It's my friend's cousin and he asked all of us to go."

"Who's this friend of yours?"

"Oh you don't know him, he's--" your mind panics, trying to scramble for any kind of information you know from your supposed boyfriend, "he's part of the dance crew I go practice with."

Your mother doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't push further and for that, you're grateful.

"We probably should go over the basics," Ten says as he walks you to the subway station after the night time shift. Part of you wonders whether he has another job, a stable income, or whether he's judt trying to figure out life, like you.

"Like how we met?" Your nose crinkles in distaste.

"We don't have to change all the facts. We met during dance class, and--and we staeted working on a piece together. For a competition."

"We'd have to make up an imaginary competition to prove it to them."

"Ah shit, you're right. Uhm, how about...we were working on something for...uh..." he's struggling and you would've mocked him if you weren't in the same boat.

"End of year performance," you shrug when he sends you a look, "it's not like we'll last till the end of the year. We're breaking up after three days."

"Yeah yeah, that works. Okay so, couple dance. And bam, we fell in love. I fell for your--uh--"

The way he glances over you makes your jaw roll. Does he really have to make it obvious that you're not his type? As if you're not aware of that already.

"Let's say I fell for your amazing sense of sarcasm."

You're not certain why it hurts, hearing it from him. But you brush it aside quickly, not wanting to dwell on it too much.

"No wonder you don't have a girlfriend," you snort.

"No. Don't and can't are too different things. In my case, I just don't want it."

"Yeah, because no one wants you," you mutter, before continuing in a louder voice, "and I fell for your sense of humour. Let's leave it at that."

"Deal."

"You owe me. Big time."

---

A few days later finds you decked in one of your sister's dresses, biting your lip nervously as you take in your reflection in the mirror. It's a simple one; black with a boat neckline that shows off your shoulders, curving along your chest, waist, all the way to your mid-thigh. One might think that it's a little too plain for such a thing as a wedding, but it's not like you'll be the center of attention. On the contrary, you wish to blend in with the background and if the dress helps, then so be it.

The doorbell ringing jolts you out of your small reverie. Casting one last look at your reflection, you sling your purse of your shoulder before wobbling your way down the stairs only to find your mother already opening the door.

Terror washes through you. Shit, you think to yourself as you quickly scramble the rest of the way down just in time for the door to reveal Ten's face.

"Hello! I don't believe we've met before!" your mother cooes in that sickeningly sweet voice of hers that makes you want to push her into the kitchen and away from the said young man, "you're Y/N's friend?"

"Indeed I am," Ten's lips curve into a smile as he bows slightly, "it's nice to meet you."

"Well if I knew that Y/N had such a handsome friend, I would've invited you over sooner!"

He laughs, "we actually work together so we're--"

And that's when his eyes find you.

There's surprise. Then shock, mixed in with something you can't quite decipher as he takes you in, your dress, down to the heels adorning your feet.

"What?" you half-bark at him, tearing your own gaze away to fidget with your purse when in truth, you just don't want to gawk at how handsome he is in his suit and tie.

"You clean up well," is what he replies, that same old infuriating smirk dancing across his lips and if you had imagined his shock a few seconds earlier, it's all replaced by his usual playful banter.

"Shut up--ow!" you recoil as your mother whacks the back of your head, "where are your manners, Y/N? Is this the way to talk to someone who's inviting you out?"

"Sorry," you don't mean it though, your scowl deepening as you notice Ten's face lighting with a devilish grin, "and stop smiling like that, it's fucking creepy."

"Apologies your highness," he bows in mock salute, before motioning toqards his car, "shall we?"

It doesn't occur to you that you're actually doing this, actually going to fake date for Ten Lee's sake, until you're sitting in his car and glancing at his side prpfile every now and then. It seems that Ten is just as wary, for he doesn't tease you as he normally does, for once actually allowing the silence to speak in his stead.

"Hey," his voice brings you back to reality. You blink at him, catching sight of the slight curl of his lips, "you look like you're about to shit your pants."

"Well maybe it didn't occur to you, but I don't particularly like lying to people," you reply snarkily.

"Who says we're lying, baby?" And with that, he makes a grab for your hand, intertwines your fingers together, and brings it up to press a chaste kiss on your knuckles.

You can't help but flush slightly, though you don't dare rip your hand out for fear of his driving skills.

"See?" He continues, dropping your still-entangled hands in his lap as hr turns a corner, "not that hard to fool people if you keep blushing like that."

"Oh fuck off," you really hope he can't hear how loudly your heart is beating.

He doesn't drop your hand until he has to park the car, swinging his entire arm back and giving you a glimpse of his collarbones peeking out of his shirt as he does so. You avert your eyes adamantly, cursing inwardly at yourself to just calm the fuck down.

Dim fairy lights illuminate the path up to the hotel venue where the celebration is taking place. Beautiful victorian pillars adorn the entrance that cascades with light flooding from the chandelier above. All around hanging from the ceiling are an assortment of potted plants, vines twirling down with such majestic beauty that it makes your breath away.

"How much did you say your family spent on this?" You croak out as you walk past the reception area in your wobbly heels. Ten, as if sensing your hesitances, places a hand on the small of your back, causing you to jolt at the sensation.

It's not unpleasant. Though it is strange, to have the warmth of his palm close to your skin.

"I don't even want to remind myself," he answers as he guides you down the white marble steps leading to a pavillon billowing with white trails.

People are already chatting by the makeshift stands adorned with the same vines, probably waiting for the said bride and groom themselves to appear. Ten leads you over to a pair of women, one older and sporting grey hair, the other looking like a younger version of herself, and you do not miss the way they glance at each other with smiles that suggest they're falling straight into your trap.

"Ma," it's when Ten calls her name that you manage a forced smile on your face, "grandma. How are you?"

"Chittaphon," His grandma is quick to embrace him, his mother following close behind.

"Hey grandma, this is Y/N. Y/N," Ten motions towards the said woman, "my grandma."

"Lovely to meet you," your throat feels dry athow intensely she seems to be studying you.

"And is this the girl you've been telling me about all this time?" His mother asks.

"Ma," Ten whines out, though the permanent grin on his face says otherwise, "you don't have to call me out like that."

"Oh as if she doesn't know," his mother retorts and without warning, makes a grab for your hands as she smiles up at you, "it's lovely to finally meet you Y/N. Ten's been telling me all about you from the moment you started dancing together."

"Oh did he?" You relish in Ten's sudden embarrassment as he is quick to splutter out, "that's not true!"

"Totally is," his mother replies, "and what a fine couple you make. When can I expect the grandkids? I'm not going to be there forever you know!"

"Ma!"

Ten's face is practically fire engine red at this point and though you should technically feel just as embarrassed, you can't help but cackle at his face. Cute.

No! Your mind screams out, no way.

But you don't have time to ponder over the new flurry of feelings when the wedding march starts blasting through the entire room and in a bout of panic, Ten's arm shoots out to drag you in the seat beside him, just behind his family.

He leans over, mouth barely brushing over your ear, "just a warning; my mother will probably ask you to ask me to propose." He shoots you a piercing glower, "don't you dare say anything."

"Aw, but she's just looking out for her son," you wriggle your eyebrows, loving the sudden turn of events, "wasn't aware that you'e already introduced me to your family before asking me out. How cute."

"Shu--"

"Chittaphon!"

A loud hush from his mother is enough for Ten to close his mouth, opting to throw you a scowl instead as you cackle silently. It seems that you've won...for now.

The ceremony is, undoubtly, beautiful and everything that a woman would ever want and you can't help but get caught up with emotion at the speech delivered by the grrom, a knot forming in your throat at the way he looks down at his soon-to-be wife like she's the most precious thing on this earth.

A brief thought crosses your mind; will there be anyone that will look at you like this?

Claps erupting through the pavillon makes you blink back to reality only to see the newlyweds walk by with brilliant smiles. Congratulations are thrown about in-between peals of laughter and, feeling Ten's hand weave through yours, allow him to tug you to the outer steps where everyone is gathered.

"What's happening?" You ask Ten in a murmur.

His lips quirk up, "oh best part, doll. Just wait," before he cocks his head towards the bride.

You turn towards the said beaming woman, bouquet clasped to her chest and before you know it, she's thrown it in the air with a whoop as the crowd gasps.

And it lands. Right in your arms.

Shocked, you drop it, scramble to pick it back up as cheers erupt through the crowd like an excited buzz.

"Congrats!"

"Oh my god, you're next!"

Ten's mother appears, beaming as she says, "so you will be next, I knew it!"

"Oh, uh--well, I'm not quite sure--" your words are interrupted by Ten's cousin rushing in to offer you his congratulations, "what an honour, Y/N! You have my blessing!"

It's so overwhelming that you freeze on the spot, unable to process that information until Ten manages to pull you away from the crowd around the corner of the pavillon, where you manage to catch your breath.

"Jesus," you can feel your heart hammering against your ribcage, voice breathless, "what was that all about?"

"Like I said, they really want me to get married," Ten shrugs, "you catching the bouquet doesn't help by the way."

"Well what was I supposed to do?" You glare down at the flowers as if hoping they'd combust if you glared hard enough, "give them back?"

He laughs at that, and surprises you by reaching over to push your hair away from your face before grabbing hold of your hand for the nth time that evening.

"Come on," his grin is wide, reaches his eyes and makes your stomach flip over, "let's not miss out on dinner. They have amazing sushi here."

True to his word, Ten is right about the sushi, for it all but melts in your mouth in a mixture of bold flavours that explode on your tongue. Even the main course -- either the option of a steak, grilled fish or beautifully cooked lentil burger for the vegans -- cannot compare to those tiny rolls of delight that make your mouth water with every bite.

Your table, despite being filled with his family, makes you feel at ease. They welcome you with huge smiles and friendly pats on the shoulder, before engaging you in conversation that makes your heart all warm and giddy. It doesn't matter that Ten doesn't love you as he should, you've never felt so comfortable with a group of people that should have picked your every flaw apart like vultures.

Instead though, they ask you about your own family, about where you grew up and what you want to be. His mother doesn't hesitate to pile up your plate when she notices it's empty, his uncle ready to pour wine the moment you're done with your glass. His cousins all fawn over you, telling you stories about Ten's childhood and his inability to make friends back when he was still young and wasn't accustomed to the country.

"He used to be so shy and reserved. I don't know what happened to him afterwards," one of the younger girls says with a snort, "he used to have girls over all the time."

"Wha--really now?" You can't help but raise a brow at Ten, who's in mid-action of grabbing some pork slices to add to his rice mountain.

"What?" He asks innocently.

"Apparently, your reputation precedes you."

"That's--stop feeding her lies!" He bursts out, half in annoyance and half in embarrassment as said cousins fall into peals of laughter, "you were always so fun to tease, Ten."

"Don't make me tell your mother about your secret night dates with that guy from your science class," he points an accusatory fork across the table.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

It's funny to see Ten in such an environment, away from your usual surroundings and from the way his eyes glow and the way his entire face crinkles up when he laughs, it seems that this night means more to him than he makes it out to be.

He catches you staring during the groom's speech after the dinner is cleared, and raises a brow in question before leaning closer, "you're drooling, doll. Speak up." He smirks.

You shove his shoulder with a scowl, "you're actually tolerable when you're not trying to be a know-it-all."

"Funny, I could say the same for you."

"Wow, nice comeback."

"See, you were doing so well up till now. One might even think you're in love with me."

The speed at which your cheeks colour deep red is instantaneous and you look away, hoping that he wouldn't see past the hair falling across your cheek.

But Ten is faster, leaning over his chair to catch a glimpse of your face, "aw," he coos at you, "you're blushing."

"Fuck you."

"Right now?"

The image is so vivid in your head that you can't help but swallow thickly, forcing your eyes to the happy couple feeding each other wedding cake as you grovel out, "you wish."

As if on cue and thankfully saving the tension building between the two of you, another round of applause fills the room as the newlywed couple makes their way to the dance floor. You focus your gaze on the pair, try hard not to let yourself cringe at the heat of the young man's eyes intense on yours.

And it's easier that way, to ignore the sensation of butterflies fluttering through your ribcage wih feelings you can't quite place into words.

You're glad when one of Ten's aunts drag him away to introduce him to some other family friends, leaning back with a soft sigh as you relish the quiet moment of peace. Because a little bit more and something would've shifted in the air between you, something dangerous. Something you cannot quite look in the eye yet.

And that something, in retrospect, is a mistake.

---

"Care for a dance?"

A few hours later finds you in the courtyard overlooking the lush green plains surrounding the villa, closing your eyes to enjoy the pleassnt hum of circadas and the gentle brush of the night breeze tingling the back of your neck.

It's where Ten finds you, on the bench amidst the foilage, high heels discarded at your feet while humming along to the distant beats coming from the dance floor.

You look up in surprise, eyes flitting to his extended hand to his face, "I'm not much of a dancer."

"You're literally in my dance crew, Y/N."

"Well, maybe I just don't feel like dancing today."

You'd hope that he wouldn't push further and just get back to the party. But as insistent as he is, you shouldn't have been surprised when he makes a grab for your wrist, pull you up as his other arm quickly cages you against his chest.

"We can dance here, no problem," he grins down at you, that same grin that makes your heart soften at the edges, "plus, you can't go to a wedding and not dance or you'll get seven years of bad luck."

"You just made that up."

"I just did," his grin turns bashful, "but hey, you're dancing aren't you?"

As much as you don't wish to give him the satisfaction, his smile is infectious. Soon, you find your own mouth curling up at the edges, "have I already told you how insufferable you are?"

"More times than I can count."

"It's not a compliment."

He bursts into laughter and you chuckle, shaking your head as he tugs you even closer as if on instinct, "you really are something, aren't you?"

You blink, "are you complimenting me?"

He wriggles his brows but doesn't answer, causing you to pinch his shoulder, "ow!" He jumps at the contact, a pout forming on his lips, "what was that for?!"

"For being an ass," you mutter while leaning into his shoulder and effectively hiding your embarrassment. In all honesty, Ten has been nothing but the best tonight and it's nothing but your pride that is holding you back from admitting such a thing.

That maybe Ten Lee isn't all that bad.

Oh come off it, your brain screams at you. He's been tormenting you all these years. One single night doesn't change anything.

You're so wrapped up trying to come up with a plausible excuse about Ten Lee that surprise jolts through you upon feeling the weight of his cheek pressing against the side of your head. His hand, initially at your wrist, brings it up to settle upon his shoulder before his other hand joins itd pair around your waist.

He'a humming, the softest tune of the music under his breath that makes you feel all tingly and giddy from goosebumps suddenly eroding across your skin. As much as you hate to admit it, being in his arms had never felt so...good.

Clearing your throat, you bite down on your lower lip as your cheek rests against his shoulder, "this is nice," you can't help but admit grudgingly, "you're not so bad of a partner."

He chuckles, "you're just saying that because it's cold and I'm warm."

You grimace, "I was trying to be nice."

A comfortable silence settles over you as a thought starts nagging at your subconscious. One that you cannot help to voice out after some time.

"You know," you murmur, "we don't have to pretend when nobody's around."

There's a pause. Then, he says:

"I know."

But he doesn't loosen his hold. Nor do you step away. And in the silence, there's some kind of understanding that blooms. It's warm, and crackling with a heat that sends liquid warmth down to your stomach.

Still, you stay in his arms, trying -- and failing -- not to enjoy the moment.

At some point, you're reminded of the wedding party still ongoing and reluctantly pull away when Ten suggests that maybe you shouldn't absent yourselves for so long. Though you have to admit to yourself that you're slightly disappointed as you walk back into the big hall, hanging a few paces back when he runs into some other family of his so as not to disturb their little reunion.

A pat on your shoulder causes you to turn to the source, only to find none other than the bride beaming at you.

"Hi!" She waves for good measure, a dimple on her left cheek, "I'm so glad you could make it, honestly. Y/N right?"

"Thank you for inviting me," you smile back, eyes unwillingly finding Ten's figure twirling a child in his arms on the dance floor. Cute. "Your wedding is lovely."

"Trust me, it was anything but lovely," she sends you a pointed look, "anyway, I'm glad I got to meet you now. Ten has been raving about you for so long that we started thinking you didn't even exist!"

Oh. Now that's interesting. You try to keep a poker face on, "raving about me? Are we talking about the same Ten here?" You try to joke.

"Please Y/N, that boy is whipped for you. If you knew how highly he spoke of you all the time, you'd marry him in a heartbeat."

Your chest tightens. You bite down on your lower lip, not sure how to respond to such a praise when in truth it's the furthest thing from the truth.

"And I have to say," the bride continues, not noticing your silence, "that I've never seen Ten so happy. I don't know what you're doing, but I think you're doing it really well--"

"What is Y/N doing really well?"

You don't have time to turn when sudden arms lace around your waist, a chin dropping upon your shoulder as you stiffen on impulse.

Ten, meanwhile, seems completely at ease pressing you to his chest, ignoring the pointed stare you're throwing his way.

Something jittery flutters in your stomach.

"None of your business," his cousin sticks out her tongue playfully, "we were having girl talk. Right Y/N?"

"Y-Yeah," and then, in a soft mutter that only Ten can hear, "what the fudge are you doing?!"

"Hugging you," you don't have to look at him to know that his smirk is there.

"Anyway, I guess I'll leave you two lovebirds to it," she winks at you, before throwing her cousin a dirty look, "make sure you get a ring on her finger soon. She's a keeper."

You make sure she's out of earshot, then proceed to elbow Ten in the stomach. He grunts, letting you go so that you can turn to throw him a scowl.

"What the fuck was that about?"

Hurt flickers through his face, but you go on nevertheless, "and don't tell me that was for your cousin. That was clearly unecessary."

"Chill babe," he holds up his hands in surrender, "just playing the part, is all."

"Well maybe you should've asked me before doing stuff like that."

"You were fine with me holding you earlier," Ten answers, a frown furrowing his brows, "so I thought that was fine too--"

"You don't get to decide that."

"Okay okay," his frown deepens, emotion swirling in his brown orbs as he lowers his hand, "fine. Sorry I did that, and--"

"And what's all this about you being crazy over me?" It seems like a dam has suddenly flooded through you, all sense of self restraint thrown out of the window as the words slip out like the sharp sting of knives, "your cousin thinks we're in love with each other! And she--she thinks there's a chance we might get married and-- what the actual fuck Ten, have you been lying to them all this time?"

Ten's mouth opens. Then closes. He opens it once more, only to fall short in the silence that prevails.

And as if this couldn't get any worse, a familiar soprano rings through the air, slicing through with an icy coldness.

"What is going on?"

You turn, and sure enough, terror rips through your chest as you spot none other than Ten's grandmother standing before you.

Oh shit.

----

You're not really sure what happened that night. After his grandmother found you screaming your head off at her grandson, she'd asked him for a private chat and before you knew it, Ten's mother had bundled you up in a taxi, smiling apologetically as if she knew about your little plan gone to wreck all along.

You hadn't seen Ten since, nor have you heard from him. A few days after the incident had you caving in to send him a simple text to ask whether he was okay, only to receive nothing in return.

Today marks a week and he hasn't turned up for work either.

You're not sure how you should feel about the whole ordeal, for it is true that he'd lied to his family, yourself, and had made a complete mess out of things. He should be reaping what he sowed.

And yet, part of you wistfully wondered whether the way he'd spoken to you, held you that night, had been built on a lie. His touch had been gentle, tender, almost affectionate.

And you find, to your utmost horror, that you don't mind it.

That night, you don't get a wink of sleep.

Maybe he's guilty and embarrassed by what he's done, and trying to disappear off the face of the earth, which means ignoring you completely. Although, since you had taken part in his whole masquerade, weren't you technically allowed to know whether he wasn't losing his mind, at least?

Your mind keeps on turning and sifting over everything that had occurred between the two of you that night, so focused on remembering how his arms had felt around your waist that you don't even realise there's a presence at the counter until they speak.

"Y/N."

You jump, a yelp dying at the back of your throat when you whirl around only to see the said young man, decked in a light blue hoodie and white-washed jeans.

Ten.

Your heart flips. There's a brief thought of panic; you wonder if you ook dishevelled.

Oh come on, Y/N. Who cares?

"Ten," your voice comes out as a weak murmur and you feel like slapping yourself for sounding like a wanton maid. Clearing your throat, you straighten, "thanks for ignoring me. Thought you got shipped to another country."

"Sorry, I was busy sorting out...stuff," he has the decency to look embarrassed for once, hand rubbing the back of his neck as he lookd around in an attempt to find a distraction.

Biting the inside of your cheek, you don't bother answering. Instead, you lower your eyes to the till, hands clenching into fists at your sides.

When Ten speaks again, it's a very soft-spoken proposition.

`"Look, I...I'm really sorry. About the lies, about everything really. I...there's no excuse and--" he stumbles over his words, pauses, starts again, "I'm really sorry, Y/N."

Your eyes flutter up to his then, and the amount of emotion swirling through his eyes makes your chest pinch with sympathy, throat tightening with emotion.

"Why?" You finally manage to croak out, "why the lies, Ten?"

A pause where he chews on his bottom lip, the silence ringing through your ears as awkwardness settles in the air.

"I was being stupid," he breathes it out, a broken echo of a murmur, "I thought that convincing my family beforehand would make it justifiable and I didn't realise until it was too late that I actually--actually like you, see you that way and...and next thing I know you're on my arm with that pretty dress and looking like everything I've ever wanted. And I'm sorry if I got carried away with it. I know you didn't like me that way and I--I wanted to at least have this night to daydream about what it would actually be like," he swallows thickly, takes another shaky breath, "to be with you."

You take in his words in silence, shocked at first at what he'd meant. And it isn't just about what he'd said but how he'd said it that resonates with you and makes your heart suddenly cartwheel in your chest.

The more you replay his words, the more it becomes clearer to you; standing in front of you, for a moment, isn't just Ten the boy who always finds faults, who always mocks you for everything that you are, but just Ten, the boy who got your heart beating like crazy when you danced together, the boy who flirted with you throughout thr wedding and who, without shame, is spilling out his hesrt for you take or break however you like.

He's probably anxious about the thoughts running through your brain and doesn't waste time to say, "I don't want anything out of this Y/N. Do with it whatever you like, but you deserved an explanation, at least."

Still, you open your mouth, only for nothing to come out.

"That's all I wanted to say," he turns away slightly, eyes quickly finding yours before dropping away, "I won't bother you again. Sorry."

And you watch as he turns his back and strides for the door, heartbeat suddenly roaring through your ears, blood pulsing along your brain as a knot coils in your stomach.

He's leaving, and he's going to leave without giving you the chance to even say something back, to give him an answer to his sudden confession.

You don't wait.

Your feet jolt forward and you barely realize you've called his name until he turns, just in time for you to hook your fingers onto his shirt and tug him in close enough that your noses brush.

The sight makes your breath stutter. You take a shaky inhale, feeling Ten's own body stiffen slightly, before he lets out a soft breath of his own.

Time stops on its axis, a pocket of infinity carved out for you and him as you softly allow your lips to press against his.

Warmth blooms, spreads through your limbs. Ten's gasp is silent, dying at the back of his throat.

Pulling back slightly, your teeth find purchase on you bottom lip as your orbs flit up to his in fear of what you'd find there.

Only to find nothing but deep, naked affection.

Your own breath staggers. Chest tightens, goosebumps blossom along your skin.

Ten holds your eyes as a silent question hangs in the air and after what seems like eternity, you open your mouth only for his hand to slip up to your cheek, cupping it in his palm before pulling you in.

He kisses you.

Fireworks ignite behind your lids. He tilts your head and you comply without much effort, quickly surrending to the way his lips move against yours, a rythm that drowns out the entire universe altogether. Your chests press together as one of his hands grips your waist, fingers pressing into the small of your back through your shirt, and a gasp falls from your mouth.

He swallows it up, mouth slotting against yours intimately as your hands find their way up his shoulders to wrap around his neck. He grunts softly as you kiss back, sighing into the kiss once your fingers card through his hair and doesn't hesitate to part your lips with his tongue to kiss you longer, harder. Deeper.

It's overwhelming, exciting. You can't get over how good it feels, about how good this feels.

You don't realise that he's backed you up to the counter until the cool wooden surface presses against your back, and as your lips part in distraction, Ten doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around your frame to haul you up before stepping between your legs.

"Ten!" You can't help but gasp at his boldness, but he only grins back, that same crooked smile you'd glimpsed of the night of the wedding.

"What?" He murmurs, breathless, nose skimming down to your neck and nuzzling the skin there. Liquid warmth pools to your core as you shiver, flushing upon feeling his fingers slipping underneath your shirt to rest on your naked skin.

His eyes are dark, intense with emotion as they lock on yours. Tilting his head and nose brushing yours once more, he doesn't hesitate to land another chaste kiss. And another. And another. Until your head is spinning. Until all you can feel, see, smell, is Ten. And Ten alone.

And when he leans in for another kiss, tongue dancing with yours, you welcome him with open arms, a small whimper muffled into the kiss.

Ten's chest rumbles before he presses againts you, and the contact makes you whine out his name in breathless stupor, a sound that causes him to smile into the kiss.

You part for air after some time, chest heaving as you lean back. The young man takes this as his chance though, lips finding their way to your jaw and presses a string of kisses right up to your ear.

It makes your toes curl in delight, even more so when he murmurs out, "I wish I could've done that sooner."

Bright red spots of colour bursts across your cheeks and your body squirms in reaction, trying to turn your head away as embarrassment rushes in, "well maybe if you weren't such a dick, you--"

You inhale sharply as his lips cage in the sensitive skin at your neck, a slow bite causing a whimper to fall from your mouth,

"T-Ten--" you try to stammer out, only to fall short with another strained gasp when he slowly starts suckling on the said patch of skin.

Your body jolts, hands grabbing fistfuls of his hair to pull him closer. You feel, at the back of your mind, the slow sensual caress of his fingers up your spine to trace the underside of your bra. You can't stop yourself from melting in his touch, head falling back to give him whatever he wants and the satisfied growl that leaves him makes your heart giddy, your stomach knot up deliciously.

It's only when he finally halts his attack and draws his mouth away that the realization hits you; you're making out with Ten Lee, in Baro Baro Bakery, and loving every second of it.

He must feel you stiffening in his arms, for his head tilts to the side in hopes of catching your gaze. And when he does, you blink at the rosy blush littering his cheeks.

"What is it?" He whispers, unconsciously stroking up and down your naked spine.

You shiver in his hold, though you lean into him as if it's second nature, "nothing," you mutter into his neck, "it's just weird."

"Weird?" He laughs.

"Yeah," you pull back slightly, "it's weird to think that just a week ago I could barely look at you without wishing to slap your face."

He scowls momentarily and you can't help but giggle, "don't look at me like that. It's true."

"Yeah maybe for you," he mutters, loud enough that it reaches your ears.

That causes your eyebrow to perk up curiously, "oh? Care to elaborate? Are you confessing something here?"

"Y/N, I literally just confessed to you."

"And I seem to have short term memory," your grin widens, loving how flustered you seem to make him with all those poignant assumptions, "are you blushing?"

"You are," he retorts hotly.

"Look at yourself, honey--"

Ten yanks you forward, chest pressing against yours and lips hovering over your own. His eyes are dark, stormy with self-restraint and that's enough to shut you up.

You swallow thickly as the corner of his lips curl up, teasing, "I could say the same for you. You're all talk until I make you speechless, aren't you?"

"Don't use my words against me."

Chuckling, Ten proceeds to press a chaste kiss on your forehead, "I'm not, doll. I'm teasing you."

Heat springs through the back of your neck and you try piecing words together to distract yourself from how close he is.

"So, uhm--" you stammer out, hating how his grin widens at your struggle, "you said something about liking me?"

"I did. And I recall you telling me you did too."

"I never said such a thing."

"Right. Yeah. You were too busy snogging my face off--" Ten's words cut off in mid-laugh while he catches your arm aiming to slap his shoulder, "oh god, you're so fun to mess around with."

"Fuck off, Ten!"

His laughter just increases tenfold and it's so catchy that you join in, grinning as you push away some of his hair away from his eyes, "you're an idiot," is what you declare.

His grin is so wide it's almost blinding, "am I yours, though?"

"If you want to be."

He moves so close he can kiss you if he tilts his head, "I want to," he whispers.

A smile breaks across your face and before you know it, your arms wind around his neck once more before you bring him down into a kiss.

----

“So you’re actually together?”

That is the first thing that bursts out of Ten’s mother’s mouth as her eyes dart between you and the said young man as if she can’t quite believe it herself. Your hands, clenched until white in your lap, are starting to sweat underneath the pressure of her gaze. It’s not that you fear her, quite the contrary, you’ve no doubt she’s an amazing mother with kind gentle eyes and never having raised her voice all her life at her children. But from the impression that you’d left that night at the wedding, there’s a very little chance that Ten’s mother actually wants to accept you back with open arms.

“Yes,” Ten’s hand slide into yours for good measure, breaking your fingers away as he keeps his gaze on his mother’s, “we didn’t start on a good foot, and I did ask her to accompany me because I — because I didn’t want you to worry. But whatever I said about likingY/N— this part is true.”

Silence descends as his mother’s eyes flicker from his face, to yours, then back to him. It’s clear that she’s confused. Heck, you would be too if your son suddenly turns up to say that he’s finally going out with his fake date after having caused a ruckus. Maybe she doesn’t want to trust you anymore. Maybe she’s already started finding someone else for Ten, someone more suitable, someone who doesn’t lie in the first place.

But all those thoughts fly straight out of the window the moment her face breaks into a grin too wide to be faked.

“Finally!” She claps her hands together in childish glee, her eyes crinkling up into half-moons, “I’m so happy for you! Wait till Grandma knows this! Oh Ten, I knew there must’ve been something more all along!” There's no way this could have been all fake."

Your head ducks shyly at her reaction, “I’m really sorry about that night,” you murmur out, eyes quickly straining to the edge of the table.

"As long as Ten is happy and you both are finally together for real,” his mother beams, “that’s all that matters, hm?”

You swear you could’ve hugged her. The thought is so strong it makes your eyelids water slightly.

You quickly blink the emotions away as you mumble out your thanks along with a shy smile that she answers tenfold. That is followed by Ten’s fingers squeezing your own gently, but firmly, a reminder that he, too, is here for you.

"Anyway, would you two like some mangoes? We just received a fresh batch from the neighbours," she's already standing up before you have a chance to say anything, quickly toddling out of the kitchen like it's her main mission.

"Your mom is so cute," you murmur out to Ten, who can't help but grin back at you. That same, crooked grin that makes your heart flutter in your chest.

"You know where I got my genes from?" He wriggles his brows, making you bump your elbow into his shoulder with a chuckle.

It's safe to say that your relationship has smoothened out ever since his confession. No more mockery or hatred, and that makes you wonder if there ever was any hatred to begin with, or just tension. Your sister likes to think you're the epitome of enemies-to-lovers trope and for once, you're not the one to stop her. Because it's clear from Ten's teasing demeanour and mischievous behaviour that it had always been his way of demonstrating affection.

"I was flirting with you all along Y/N," is what he says when you ask him about it while he walks you back to your house that night. His arms are full with sweets from their homeland that his mother had insisted you take, "you were just too blind."

"Well then, you suck at flirting."

He scoffs, "uh no? You're the one who can't take a hint."

"Making fun of how awkwardly I dance in front of everyone is not flirting."

He can't help but grin cheekily at the memory, "you were pretty funny though, admit it."

You show him the finger as response, which only makes him laugh even louder before landing a quick peck on your cheek, "c'mon, that was ages ago. Don't sulk with me now."

"I'm not sulking."

"You so are."

You growl at him, making him laugh even harder at the situation. And despite everything, you grin at the happiness stretched across his face like an ephemeral painting you wish to keep forever.

He's so beautiful. How have you not noticed that before? It's not his face, but more the way his face transforms whenever he's genuinely happy.

You wish you can engrave that picture in your head forever.

"Well, that's me." You stop in front of your house and without looking at your watch, know that you're thirty minutes after curfew. Though...your mom doesn't mind. Not when Ten is responsible.

His fingers catch yours, essentially drawing you back to him as he flashes you a sweet smile, "see you tomorrow?" He murmurs, bringing your knuckles up to press a kiss atop your skin.

You try not to let your blush show, "being all smooth now, are we?"

"If it's gonna make you blush, why not?" And he tugs you even closer until your foreheads touch. Then, in a movement so gentle you fear he might break, he allows his mouth to catch yours.

You all but melt, arms slipping around his shoulders as you deepen the kiss with a sigh. Ten grunts in response, pressing one last chaste kiss on your lips before pulling back to hug you against his chest.

He allows his head to rest against your temple, and when you hug him, you swear you can hear his heart throbbing in his chest.

419 notes · View notes

soupydumplingss · 10 months

Text

Sweet Venom.

Warnings: Female!Reader x Any NCT member (according to your imagination), angst!au, non-idol!au, reader is an alcoholic, unhealthy marriage, the male is cheating on her, the member is mentally unstable asf, reader is mentally unstable af in a way too, profanities (not much tho ig?...), reader cries in the end.

Note: Italics in "double inverted commas": ongoing conversation

Italics: reader is thinking

Normal letters: narration

The reader first starts the conversation and the member and reader speak simultaneously.

Prompt: "I can finally be me now. There's no serpent wrapped around my neck choking me. I'm free then."

Walking down the streets of Berlin, it's approximately 8:30 p.m. The bustling streets of the city are still full of life. A heavy backpack slung on one side of your shoulder, the first two buttons of your shirt unbuttoned with your tie hanging loose. Stumbling in your path, drunk, you just want to go home. As you fumble for the keys to your door, you suddenly drop something from your bag. A keychain. Specifically a keychain with initials on it. You kick it away somewhere.

After unlocking the door, you enter your house and lock the door. You kick your shoes somewhere and head to your room. Upon entering your room, a strange hit of nostalgia hits. A cabinet full of trophies, a heavy bunch of medals and certificates adorning the wall. Oh, what a kid I was, you thought. Now look at you, a working machine that runs 24/7 with little to no rest. You look at old pictures of yourself on the cabinet, smiling with your teeth on display. At least it's not fake.

Your younger self would've been proudly looking at you as the rich and successful woman she envisioned you as. But the current you isn't proud at all. Sitting in front of your computer on the topmost floor of your company, always working with a bunch of papers blocking your face, a failed marriage, all the youth evaporated from your face. You've forgotten about yourself, forgotten what happiness is, forgotten priorities. Did you forget your dear husband can still come into the house and see you in your heavily drunken state? Aren't you ashamed of picking another bottle of Hennessy from the cupboard in your kitchen and drinking straight from it?

"Why are you in my house again? To take the remaining of your stuff? If yes, then please be fast and get out."

"Just sign the papers and be out of my sight."

"So much for the man who himself was sleeping with another woman. And for the record, this is my house."

"You never gave time to us. She was there when I needed someone to stay by me, not you."

"So that's a good reason to break the vows you made in church? Remember who works harder."

"And that "who" forgets us. You've changed a lot. I love you very much, but she was just there."

"I think this proves that you were always unfaithful and ungrateful."

"You're moving from the fucking point."

"People who cannot express themselves properly stick to the usage of such crude words." You gulp the alcohol from the bottle.

"Still the woman who spits sweet venom even after being drunk. When will you stop this habit of returning home drunk?"

"It's my money. I can spend it as I want to."

"Baby, I left her. I want us to work out as we used to. I'll move back my stuff in."

Lies. That little stain of lipstick on your collar, a few long strands of the brunette's hair, her favorite perfume lingering on you, your puffy lips with a hint of pink on them, your hair ruffled. How much more lies will you feed me? You reek the smell of sex.

I don't think this will work out. I don't think we will work out."

Tears drop from the eyes of the man in front of you. He falls to his knees and hugs your legs while sobbing hard. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I won't do it again. I love you very much, honey."

You feel disgusted. Same old empty words, all lies. What's the point of this man using his words when it's all fake? I can literally see her in your car outside.

"I'll sign the papers just as you said. Be out of my sight."

You pulled your legs from his grip. As you take the pen from your pocket, you sign the papers and throw them on his face.

"As I said, be out of my range of sight with the remaining of your stuff."

You took off the beautiful diamond ring adorning your hand and threw it on his face. Drinking does help with unsolicited feelings.

He picked up his stuff and the ring while exiting the house. Finally.

A feeling of odd peace hits you. You feel empty. Were we ever meant for each other? Was it worth it? At least we both spared each others' remaining happiness, you thought. You went inside your room. Opening the door of your large bathroom, you fill the bathtub and hop in with your clothes on and the bottle of alcohol in your hand. You let the tap run. You're wet head to toe now. You think about the fight earlier. ""Still the woman who spits sweet venom after being drunk?" You were my sweet venom, the one who seemed as sweet as sugar but turned out to be a serpent." A fresh stream of tears leave your eyes, dripping down your face as you keep chugging the alcohol down your throat.

"I can finally be me now. There's no serpent wrapped around my neck choking me. I'm free then."

Author: help pls im a new writer 😭 i literally wrote this in 2 hours. forgive me if there is any error in the spellings. this story does seem very unclear without any context but somehow, it feels so right like this. I appreciate any support.

The above gif doesn't belong to me. Only the story and writings belong to me. Please do not copy my writings.

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breadcatcreations · 2 years

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Jeno is one of the softest boyfriends EVER! Like when it come to you he would o anything. But he also is going to fuck you into oblivion. Ughhh, Jeno loves you so much. Like he’ll be gentle but not at the same time. Like he’s choke your Intel your gasping for air, fucking you like he’s a dog in heat, spank you, mark you, and like edge you. But also while he’s fucking you, kissing you softly, holding your body close to his, asking if your okay, and ✨praising✨. This man is bound to have the best after care, I swear on my fucking life. He’ll press soft kisses to your face, cuddle you with his dick still in you, whispers little nothings in you ear, and either run a bath or just clean you up with a warm towel. Ughhh I need a sex life 😭😭

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woozten-x · 2 years

Text

#. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐨𝐲 | 𝐓𝐞𝐧

‹3 gif originally posted by highwaytoheaven (fyi this is their OLD acc!)

[ ; M.List including other Neos! ]

─ Synopsis: Perfection - there is no other word to describe him. He is the dream boy, the one that everyone falls for or at least has a soft spot for; he can possibly get anyone in the whole world to fall for him. Knowing him since highschool and being his best friend, you’ve tried your best to control your feelings for him After all, how could you possibly pursue your dream of love with Ten Lee?

─ Pairing: Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul (Ten) x Gender-Neutral Reader (use of they/them)

─ Genre: Fanfiction, Humorous Moments, Fluff/Wholesome, Angst w. Happy Ending

─ Disclaimer: I do not personally know WayV! This is a work of FICTION. ALL 7 members are mentioned and they appear throughout the story ─ Content Warning(s): Mentions of alcohol + actual intoxication occurs spoiler alert its ten & profanity used (f bomb used in like two sentences

─ Concepts: College!AU, Dance Major!Ten x Art!Major Reader, Opposites attract literally, best friends to lovers :), kinda a slowburn(?), The other members are there for lighthearted moments + Kun is a tired parent </3, reader fr a overthinker, Ten exposes himself when drunk, reader is literally friends with WayV + besties with Kun & Ten

─ Count of Words: 11.2k all for my first nct bias </3

─ Inspiration of the work: Dream Boy by Waterparks + “If you don’t trust me by now, tell me right now - what can I do just to keep you around?” (Low Low by Ten & Yangyang)

ෆ

Gossip - a curse seeming to float around all morning, once you started your class. Ears straining to hear every last bit of it and anticipation leading to animated reactions, as though it really mattered to them or personally affected them; but, even if you are one to always keep to yourself, you are always catching a glimpse of conversations. Whether they knew you were there or not, you knew some rumors with an untelling sign of being true or not.

Though, some may sound ridiculously stupid at times - you can’t help, but be a bit more awake than usual in the morning. For today, the topic of discussion is surrounding your best friend; somehow, the mention of his name is waking you up more than the coffee in hand after placing your stuff down. Sitting down in your chosen seat, you held your phone in your hands and looked down, acting distracted for the time-being to avoid looking too invested in such conversation.

Ironically enough, you are trying your best to not be nosy.

“Have you heard? Ten rejected Robin from the dance team!”

“Seriously? I thought they were dating already.”

“Turns out Robin had feelings for him for a while, but…”

Curiously yet subtly, you spared a glance at the students speaking to one another. You recognized them from the dance team of the University, knowing their faces since Ten Lee had hung out with them before outside of their dance practice and meetings; though, the names to label their faces was knowledge you didn’t possess. You never really cared, anyway. After such a dramatic pause, the one explaining continues - “But, he said that he likes someone else and apologized for not liking Robin back…”

A gasp falls from the other student listening, eyes wide as saucers and a hand covering her gaping mouth. You blink at the reaction, not exactly reactive to the news as you expected; maybe you should be a little more surprised, but it was expectant of Ten to be interested in somebody. After all, he is quite popular and he’s met many people, it could be anyone! You let out a small sigh, quite disappointed to hear the news however.

It’s a simple crush, you would repeatedly tell yourself.

You shouldn’t feel the tinge of jealousy for that very person, knowing you were no match for Ten himself. He is your best friend and a person who is far out of your league, you knew someone like yourself would never deserve him; even if you’ve seen the worst parts of Ten, he is someone you cannot have. Surely, the reality is quite damaging and harsh yet you adapted to this perspective of things - after all, you were nothing but the shadow in the background or the side character.

The replaceable and easily forgettable side character, to be exact. A person who isn’t surrounded by many friends who know you and isn’t always the first pick when inviting you to events. Fortunately enough, you are able to have Ten as your best friend - honestly, it was the most you could ask for and nothing more. Shooting your shot is completely out of the picture, knowing you will become another ‘Robin’ to Ten.

“Good morning.” Suddenly, a voice rings out and you look up from your phone to face one of the few friends you made during University. Dong Sicheng, a junior in University and only being a year younger, settles beside you with his own belongings and a yawn escaping from him. His lame greeting shows the lack of enthusiasm he has for the morning, and you smile back at him before putting down your phone - “Good morning. I am guessing you got ready last minute?” you say, eyes observing the male next to you.

His hair was a bit messy, a few stray strands standing up in a few places and it seems like he threw on whatever he could find - ah, you definitely recognize that hoodie from a week ago. Sicheng hums, “It’s a Monday. I forgot about this class.” he sighs while stretching out his arms and letting his body rest atop of the desk. You rest your chin on the basis of your palm after propping your elbow up onto the desk, “Did you stay up playing games or what?” you ask with a slight tilt of your head.

“God, don’t remind me…I regretted it. Dejun and Hendery were a pain to carry,” he groans and brings his hands up against his face to rub the tiredness lingering on his expression. You laugh, your gaze slowly returning to the dance students gossiping about their dance leader - the mentions of Ten’s name making you sigh, a small ache resonating in your heart. Is a crush supposed to hurt this much? Even so, how could you believe some gossip like that?

You never know if it is true! Knowing yourself however, you knew you wouldn’t bother to ask Ten himself about the rumors surrounding him.

Sicheng grunts, “It must be a pain to be so popular.”

You perked up at his sarcastic comment, looking towards him. “You heard about the stuff surrounding Ten?” you ask and Sicheng nods, another yawn escaping him while he sits up in his seat. “Considering how many people are on the dance team, it’s everywhere.” He said, rolling his eyes a bit; sometimes, he’s glad he doesn’t have the curse of popularity influencing his college life. Sicheng looks towards you a bit quizzically, “Did he ever mention to you and Kun about having a crush on someone? You seem surprised.”

“Um…No? I don’t know about Kun knowing, but I am definitely surprised. He always says he never has time for that type of stuff,” you said with a shrug and a pang to your heart. It was another reason why you never bothered trying - Ten’s passion for dancing and focus on becoming a dance teacher and owning his very own studio leads him incredibly busy in achieving such reality, rather than worrying about a little funny thing called ‘love’. If you were to ever confess, you knew your friendship with Ten would end up in shambles and possibly become a setback to Ten.

You never want to be a burden for him, after all.

Sicheng hums in acknowledgement to your words, “He always talks about everything but not at the same time. He is really something, especially to his own best friends.” He said and you simply nodded. Even during your junior year of highschool, befriending Ten is similar to a feline; someone who can be expressive, but chooses to be aloof with many things. You never minded though, knowing Ten trusts you enough to reach out whenever he does need it. But, even for years of knowing him, you wonder if you ever heard him talk about his past relationships.

The thought seems quite sour at the tip of your tongue. Someone having Ten as theirs? The very thought made you squirm in your seat, the greediness within your heart wishing to be that same person who possibly made Ten happy; at the very same time though, your heart aches as it knows his heart is not supposed to fit perfectly on the palms of your hands.

You didn’t deserve it.

The perfect fit for Ten is someone, but it wasn’t you.

No matter how many times you hope, reality is always willing to crush it like a bug scattering away from the truth.

. . .

Carrying your tray alongside your other best friend since highschool, you wait for the other male to pick up the desired food he wanted for lunch, the two of you accompanying each other in comfortable silence. Qian Kun, a classmate of yours when the two of you met then mutually knowing each other through Ten, places a few items on his tray before looking towards you - “They don’t have the sweet bread they usually have,” he complains with a disappointing sigh. Tilting your head towards the options on display, you could understand the disappointment the other had; it wasn’t impressive whatsoever.

“Maybe they’ll have it tomorrow?” you suggest, the words said in hopes of comforting your disappointed best friend of missing his favorite snack. He lets out a quiet ‘hopefully’, finally moving away from his spot and walking towards the usual table the two of you sat at; following after him, you felt an uncomfortable twist within your gut. It definitely wasn’t the bathroom calling, but the type to make you feel something is wrong. You glance around, wondering if your own intuition is leading you to some sort of answer in the cafeteria.

To no avail, you are left with no direct sign or answer to your bothersome feeling. The slight tugging causes you to feel a bit anxious, is it that serious? You try your best not to think too much, especially when sitting next to Kun. Knowingly, the other male would be questioning you and trying to solve the mystery with you; you've never been the type to say much about whatever is on your mind, surely that won’t change now. “Thank you for the meal,” Kun hums out before eating and you take off your backpack to place it onto your lap; hands unzipping and peeking inside. It seems like your own intuition was correct, as you rummage through your belongings to find something missing.

“Shit. I forgot my sketchbook,” you tut out with a sigh followed after and closing up your backpack once you realized. Kun looks towards you with slight confusion, “You forgot it at your dorm or in class?” he asks, unsure of where exactly you left it. Picking up the kimchi sitting in the corner of your tray with your chopsticks, “During class.” you reply back while taking a bite. Kun swallows a few more bites, concern expressing from his handsome face and you know he is going to say the ‘Really? Today must not be your day.’

Maybe it wasn’t. Was it about Ten? You could feel the distaste towards such an assumption, feeling like an overreaction more than anything. It was the start of a week, supposedly you are still begging for a longer weekend.

“You know, you should start packing up faster. I wouldn’t be missing out on the snacks they have!” A voice of complaint says, a tray placed down in front of you and you looked towards the owner of the voice - Hendery; a sophomore with long brown locks and doe eyes in University where you met him at a party with Kun a year ago, and you are still unsure on what his real name is. Another dark brunette male followed him after, sitting down in front of you once setting down his tray - Dejun.

“I was getting notes for the both of us since someone didn’t pay attention to the lecture!” Dejun argues back, the two of them bickering and you watch alongside Kun. It wasn’t too surprising, as Dejun and Hendery have been close friends along with another student - Yukhei; a tall, broad male who intimidated you at first, only to know he is a happy virus like Hendery. He is the same person who exposed Hendery’s passport, and now you and Kun have no idea what his real name is since everyone called him Hendery for whatever reason.

Though, the more you pondered on other possible names held accountable for Hendery’s identity, you cannot find another name that doesn’t fit him.

Once the two quieted down from their quarrel, Kun spoke up - “You two didn’t pay attention during the lecture?” he questions, seeming to only pay attention to the fact the two younger students didn’t bother to listen than their petty argument about packing up faster. Dejun shrugs, “I zoned out. But, you know what he did? He fell asleep.” He tells, dramatically turning to look at Hendery then rolling his eyes. “Maybe if you didn’t suck so bad at ranked, we wouldn’t be staying up!” the brunette exclaims.

“How long did you two stay up?” Kun says with disappointment, sounding like a parent becoming the mediator of his two children’s problems.

“Three of us stayed up until 4 a.m.” Dejun answers.

“Three?”

“Sicheng was with us!” Hendery discloses, exposing your first period friend and classmate. You raised a hand to speak up, “I can vouch for that. He was exhausted this morning.”

Kun loudly scoffs, “You three were staying up for games?” a loud sigh followed after while he shakes his head. He could never understand the three of them. Hendery gasps, “It’s more than a game! It’s ranked.” He defends, his hands lifting in exaggeration to his justification. You chuckle, until you see four familiar boys approaching the table; your eyes instantly moving towards one.

Keen on the details of his smile taking place on his pink lips and his usual sharp gaze softer than usual, his expression radiant as though the sun had captured his beauty. Black hair parted and neatly combed, no sight of any stray strands; he is well-kept, having no flaw when it comes to his handsomeness. No matter how many times you look at him, your own heart becomes steady as if you were in a state of euphoria - you are mesmerized by the most breathtaking art piece in the whole room.

“Has your parents taught you that staring is rude?” The playful comment saves you from the captivity you felt towards Ten. The raven-head standing in front of you and tilting his head at you, almost mocking you while you looked up at him; you felt a smile appear on your face, “I can’t stare at my pretty best friend?” You answer back. You weren’t one to always talk, especially in your loud group of your friends; but, you were one of the few who is able to keep up with Ten’s banter.

However, calling him your ‘best friend’ out loud felt undeniably wrong. Of course, it was only your own loyalty to the fact that you find him nothing more than a crush - Ten being your first love is a dream; a faraway dream whereas you could not capture, no matter how many times you leap.

“Eww!” yells out the youngest member among everyone, the blonde watching the two of you interact from the very start had cried out in disgust rather dramatically. Everyone at the table looked at him, “You two should get together at this point.” Yangyang simply said, Ten rolling his eyes and nudging you to move as he tried to sit beside you. Pushing Kun along the way, “Yah! You could have just sat on my side.” He protests while Sicheng sits beside him. Ten lets out an amused hum, wrapping an arm around you and pulling you close to his side.

You felt your breath hitch, the scent of cologne and a tinge of coffee reaching your senses once pulled closer. “I want to be close with the cutest Y/N~” he teases, speaking in a high voice to express his adoration for you. After knowing Ten for years, his own fake adoration for you always made you feel certain things; knowing damn well, you can’t cling onto the idea of seeing him as a ‘crush’ every time it occurs. He always acts this way, especially towards Yangyang or Sicheng, you aren’t exactly special. “Is my cutie blushing?” Ten points out, unknowingly you are sitting next to him with pink decorating your cheeks.

Suddenly, the obnoxious laughter of Yukhei is ringing in your ears, the others expressing their disgust or joining in the teasing about you. At this very moment, you wish you could be swallowed whole and disappear. “Shut up all of you,” you helplessly say while lifting up your own hands to hide your face and Yangyang points at you - “You can’t tell me that they aren’t cute together!” he says, the others nodding and agreeing.

Surprisingly enough, Ten didn’t bother to deny such a thing. He continues to smile and hold you close next to him, a sense of proudness radiating from him and you felt like crumbling at that very moment. What the hell is Ten doing? What the hell is everyone doing? Being the butt of some joke is not always fun, especially when it’s taking a toll on your feelings.

“I have to go!” you utter out amidst your embarrassment, finally moving to push Ten away and lifting yourself up from your seat. Kun looks at you, “Are you alright?” he voices out his concern, realizing they may have crossed a certain line. “Can I at least have your leftovers?” Yukhei suddenly speaks out, pointing at the food remaining on your tray; it was obvious the taller was changing the topic for the sake of everyone, or maybe he is seriously concerned about food being thrown out in the trash.

You clear your throat, “I have to get my sketchbook. I have art after this.” You said while pushing your tray towards the athlete in silent acceptance towards his request. Yukhei smiles, “Thank you~” he said happily. Thankfully enough, everyone else followed along with the flow of conversation - Dejun speaks up, “At the dorm or…?” his words trail off along with his confusion. Picking up your backpack, “In my last class.”

Ten watches you then flinches once feeling Yangyang subtly kicking him underneath the table. He meets eyes with the younger before looking at you, “I’ll go with you. It’s almost time to get to class anyway and our departments are close to each other.” He said, getting up and the others nodded their heads in acknowledgement towards his words. Hendery reaches over, “Gimme gimme.” he childishly says, picking up a few of your leftovers on the tray next to Yukhei’s. Kun waves a hand, “See you guys later.”

Leaving the cafeteria with Ten accompanying your side, you look at him in the corner of your eye; he looks ahead, his perfect side profile fully on display and it makes your own heart ache by his visuals. He turns his head to look at you, instinctively you turn to face him properly and meet his eyes - he smiles upon seeing your face, “Did I embarrass you a bit too much back there? I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.” He says, his voice sweet yet smooth in your ears.

You shook your head, “No…It’s alright. I wasn’t really prepared for the sudden change of topic.” You manage out an excuse, knowing it sounds confusing on what you really meant. You knew your friends long enough to know anyone can be targeted for teasing, you are no stranger to such tactics; maybe you are not used to being teased often? Oh, your brain is trying to make up every damn excuse on why you reacted the way you did. Deep down, deep in the depths of your heart, you knew that you were flustered because of Ten himself. Thankfully, Ten had no will to pry and simply accept your answer - “Alright, I am just checking.” He said, nodding his head.

You nearly forgot why you had left the cafeteria, almost walking by the class and you halted in your steps while Ten followed along. “It’s this class, let me grab it.” You say, ready to open the door and step inside before Ten reaches out and holds onto your hand. Pausing, feeling his cold skin against your warm hands made you shudder; Ten always had unnaturally cold hands, for some odd reason. You look towards him with confusion, “Is there something wrong?” You ask and he seems to be deep in thought.

The usual smile playing on his lips was transparent, completely gone to the eye; even when you tried to move your hand away, he had quite a grip on you to prevent you from moving away. Unusually so, he is serious. No, dramatic head tilt with a glare like he would do with hints of sass nor any expression of him teasing you with his actions - you were unsure whether to call out his name to lead him out of his trance or wait.

“Are you free tomorrow night?” Ten asks an unexpected question for such serious anticipation. You thoughtfully pondered, wondering if you are free; it was a Tuesday night and you shook your head with a small pout, “No. I have to finish this project I am working on by Friday and I was assigned with a presentation. Why?” You reply back with head tilting in mere confusion towards the male. A chuckle escapes from his lips, his somber expression cracked by his usual smile - “I expected you to be busy. I was going to invite you to a party tomorrow.”

His grasp weakened and he didn’t spare another glance to his hand occupied with yours. Breathlessly, your gaze shifts away from his face and onto the hand holding onto yours; Ten looking also, and he lets go to your dismay. Tinge of discontent flourishing throughout your body, your mind wishing you could hold onto him a bit longer and tighter. “A party on a Tuesday?” You laugh, relieving the tension between the two of you with a cursing warmth spreading across your cheeks; you are blushing like a fool again.

“I know right? Well, it is more of the dance team’s party but I decided to invite some of my friends other than Yangyang.” He sighs, seeming quite let down by your rejection. You wished to apologize and hopefully reconsider your plans, however your bad habit of procrastinating for art isn’t something to be taken lightly; considerably enough, you knew you needed an idea on what to draw then paint, which would take time to dry. You sigh, the time where you could hang out with your usually busy best friend wasn’t going to work out whatsoever.

“Let's hang out next time whenever we get the chance, okay?” You smile at him, compensating for the lost time between the two of you. Even the small moments of walking to class together wasn’t enough, especially since you want to spend time with Ten and Kun like the old days. “We can also invite Kun too when we do!” You said with excitement, a slight bounce on the soles of your feet and Ten couldn’t say ‘no’ to you. Seeing your cute habit of bouncing a little in excitement and smiling widely like a child during Christmas morning, Ten would have to be catching some miracle to see you like this. He misses you, after all. He nods his head, “Sounds like a plan~ Maybe we can talk about it once we graduate or towards the end of the year.”

“I would love that,” You say with a grin sent towards him. Ten’s eyes flicker away from your eyes to your lips, a temptation to your cute smile, but he holds back. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the right time to do anything. Remembering your original plan on why you ventured off with Ten, you exclaimed a quick ‘be right back!’ and left inside the classroom with Ten standing in front of the door. His smile fell away, a hand lifting up onto his chest and he felt his very heart racing. Shaking his head, he tries to calm himself down.

Albeit the many times he’s hung out with you, Ten’s own vision becomes clearer than before; it was a late realization, but the idea of love with you seems to become a desire. Other than his passion for dancing and education becoming his distraction, Ten hoped he could confess his feelings soon.

Unknowingly enough, Ten is hoping to catch the right time to give you a chance of love with him.

. . .

Seated on the wooden floor of your single room dorm, you stare blankly at your open sketchbook with the most uninterested look. It was a Tuesday night, the night where you are alone and stuck with the soft murmuring of the music playing for the past two hours - somehow, the same two hours had passed within two minutes! You realized the time passing by like sand falling between the gaps of your fingers, the surprise overtaking your expression; how the hell is it two hours later?

How the hell did you proceed to waste so much time doing nothing? You groan and raise your hands, placing them on your face while dramatically falling back. Your back hits the hard floor underneath, “I can’t think of anything!” you yell over your music to express your exasperation. For some odd reason, you couldn’t find any motivation nor any ideas on what to draw; regardless of the wasted time of pondering, you found no renowned idea to use for this project. Sometimes, you wished there was a prompt to follow this time.

However, what is an artist without any ounce of creativity? Maybe you should have gone out to that damn party to hopefully find some inspiration. It was a last resort and possibly will be your biggest regret, if you went - after all, it was a party with alcohol and you know damn well you will awaken in the morning with a hangover or feeling shitty in general from the aftermath of adrenaline.

Staring up at the ceiling, you drift away from reality. The melody of the music carries you elsewhere and you let out a deep sigh, the exhale letting your body relax; even in the midst of stress, you always find some ability to distract yourself from it. Daydreaming for hours is one skill you have, the skill possibly manifested from the past of being alone for the most part; suddenly, you are taken back to the past of your highschool years. There is always a saying of your middle school years being the worst, somehow both highschool and middle school became your worst - how the hell did you survive?

You’ve always been someone who is stuck in the background. A wandering shadow, who is never taking the spotlight regardless of the chance of it being open or not; if you were lucky enough, people would notice for some idle conversation and you simply fade back into the background once again. Maybe it was your fault for never trying in your friendships, but it’s not like you are surviving school for the sake of having friends - you’ve always been one stuck in the clouds, ‘head in the clouds’ as anyone would call it.

You were always stuck elsewhere, constantly engaged with your sketchbook. Even if you were lucky enough to find people who did talk to you, you were never the one invited outside of school; sometimes, you are lucky enough to be a side character who stands there without much purpose. People only spoke to you because they were either alone in the class or they were fishing out for answers for the damn study guide, regardless you knew you weren’t of much importance to anyone.

Even if you were lonely, you learned to deal with it until junior year of highschool. For some odd reason, you’ve grown interested in the position of becoming the manager for the dance club; why was there a manager position? You have no idea. Maybe it was because of the other sports clubs having at least one manager. The job was fairly easy, you didn’t mind staying at school during after school hours to help the teacher plan and promote. But, one particular day stood out most in comparison with others.

“Y/N, can you lock up the clubroom? I need to get home earlier than usual. Also, please sort these out too!” the teacher said to you, packing up her belongings and you looked towards her. For some reason, you couldn’t put a face to the voice; to you, she wasn’t someone you remembered too much of. Upon realization, everyone’s faces seem a bit blurry in the past. Regardless of the minor detail, like the memory goes, you accepted and took a mental note where the keys were to lock up.

Sorting through and finishing up the smaller tasks, you finally pack up to get ready and return back home. Tucking the sketchbook underneath your arm, the item you were attached to ever since and possibly the only thing that understood you more than others, you grab the keys and walk out the office. Closing it behind with a soft ‘click!’, you locked the door and walked towards the clubroom where the club members would be practicing for dance. Approaching the door, you hear the music softly playing from the inside and you confusingly look at the door.

Today was a day where all club members are home, resting up before the competition and you sigh to yourself. Who could possibly be borrowing the clubroom at this hour? Overall, this day! There were days to rest for a reason and you thought this club member is fortunate to know that the teacher wasn’t opening it, knowingly she could be strict when it comes to anyone’s well-being. Opening the door, you step inside and you see him. Possibly the most popular club member of the whole club and the one where everyone spoke good about, as you barely heard any negative rumors; the infamous Ten Lee. A foreign student from Thailand and a beauty, as every girl and boy is fawning over him. Honestly, he was a dream in comparison with everyone.

A boy with a passion for dancing but a competitive athlete, somehow outshining in every sport he tries. He is charismatic and easygoing, always melting the ice with others rather easily; he can be quiet at times, but he is always polite and bright whenever spoken to. It was hard to get on his bad side since he was such a likable, confident person. To you, he is the complete opposite.

Despite your presence, he did not stop dancing. He continues on, his sharp gaze hardened with concentration, as he maneuvers through the dance room; his steps are light, his movement fluid and smooth like he was possessed by the gods of dancing. Easily, he captures every beat of the music with his movement, dancing on with passion flaring - he is shining. Silently, you stood at the doorway, fascinated by the way he flows along the contemporary dance; it was breathtaking really.

Suddenly, he stops and his chest is heaving with eyes staring deep into his reflection; there were hints of anger in his very eyes, those passionate flames suddenly burning him up while he stood. Blinking away from the enchantment of Ten, you cleared your throat loud enough for him to hear - “Excuse me…” you spoke up awkwardly, lifting up a hand to wave for his attention. Ten whips his head towards you, “Huh? Oh, I am sorry. I didn’t hear you come in.” He said with a chuckle.

“No, it’s fine…I am just here to lock up the club room.” You say, eyes trailing along his toned body. Sweat glistened on his skin and his chest breathing heavily, despite him catching a quick breather; you furrow your brows in concern, “You should take a break, you must be really tired.” Although it wasn’t your place to interfere, you knew your teacher would lose her shit if one of her best dancers on the team was injured. He laughs, “I should huh? You are right.” He says with a nod and walks over to his bag and picks up his water bottle.

Ten leans down to pick up the bottle, “Before you close up, can I at least finish up this song one more time?” he says while looking at you through the mirror. His reflection staring directly at you in hopes you would not reject his last practice, you frown a bit but you nodded nevertheless; after all, no one can stop a person from reaching perfection. People with an overbearing amount of passion are always bewitched by their own arts, you understood where Ten was coming from. If anything, you are no hypocrite to intervene.

“I’ll be outside-”

“You can stay here, I don’t mind. You can be my audience~” Ten voices out, properly looking at you when facing you. As much as you wanted to deny his request due to not wanting to be a distraction; he seemed confident to not let that happen. You nod your head, quietly moving to the corner of the room near the door and sat down with your backpack dropping down next to you. He hums, walking over to the bluetooth speaker, picking up his phone and replaying the song he abruptly stopped when you first came in; you looked down at your sketchbook, opening it up while you unzipped a pocket to take out a pencil. Flipping to a fresh page, you decide to doodle for the meantime.

Though that was your original plan, your eyes moved away to see Ten dancing once again. Precise yet sharp with bits of elegance once the tempo slows down, he is moving like he was in his own world; you felt like an onlooker, captivated by the spell that was casted upon you unknowingly. He dances on, every fiber of his body flowing with devotion for what he loves most. As an artist, he is a moving masterpiece - any artist’s dream, as every emotion towards the art piece is spiraling with awe.

He is stunning. No, beautiful - a beautiful dream.

Within minutes the dance is over and he ends it gracefully, his eyes directly towards the mirror of his reflection. Then, at you. A smile appears on his lips once meeting your eyes, you are completely awe-struck and you slowly regain consciousness from your trance. Ready to applaud for his hard work, he suddenly collapses and your eyes widen - “Ten!” you panickedly call out, scrambling up onto your feet and the sketchbook tossed away while running over to him. Laying on the floor sprawled out, he began to laugh once you approached him.

“Your face…” He breathes out, obvious panic written over your features. Laughing softly, “I am okay.” He says nonchalantly, sitting up and you watch his face come closer. Instinctively, you lean away but he leans towards you - “How do you like it?” he says, warmth residing in your cheeks with the proximity. “It was…” You start, remaining to be taken aback by his boldness yet in your eyes, he looked like a child awaiting approval from their parents. Catching your breath, “It was stunning. Like…Like a masterpiece.”

What the hell were you saying? What were you doing saying the most cheesy shit? You felt the embarrassment pile up, but you waited for his reaction; he seemed just as surprised by your feedback. He tosses his head back and lets out a laugh, “Really? That is a high compliment from an artist!” he says while flopping back onto the floor. Flustered, you move away from him after knowing he needs no medical assistance; you sit there, getting a glimpse of your reflection of being red.

“Someday, you should show me your drawings.” Ten suddenly says, the request making you glance at him. He turns his head to look at you with a stupid smile on his face, “I showed you my dance before everyone else. It’s only fair, Y/N~” Your name rolled off his tongue and you were surprised he even bothered to remember you. Not most club members remember you yet the most popular who probably sees so many faces everyday, has bothered to remember your name?

The memory of first meeting your best friend is a pleasurable ache, to this day you still feel it. Regardless of the many memories after that particular one, you always feel the warmth plucking your heartstrings every time you recall this one.

Your phone buzzes beside you and you sit up from the hard floor, glancing at the empty page filled sketchbook and scoffing at the sight. You should really start your art project. Seeking out for your buzzing phone, you grab it from the bed beside you and open the text messages from Ten; coincidentally enough, he is blowing up your phone. Unknowingly, you are met with messages of your best friend begging you to pick him up from the party. Worry expresses from you, wondering what could have happened.

Suddenly, Kun’s message pops up.

Qutie Kun Can you pick up Ten? He won’t get in the damn taxi nor won’t he listen to me when I try to bring him back to his dorm.

Please pick him up, he is being an annoying bastard and I am embarrassed.

He is laying on the floor on the verge of throwing up or crying, I am not sure.

He’s drunk btw.

Laughing a bit at the messages from the stressed Kun, you knew he was dealing with a lot of responsibility from Ten being drunk. There are only a few instances where you encountered shit-faced Ten, it was mainly from him competing against the others during a drinking game; usually though, he only did it when it was you and the others drinking. Was the party so boring that he decided to ditch it with the others? Who knows. You wonder what blackmail Yangyang had taken this time.

Getting dressed with a warm jacket to fight off the cold night weather and tugging on a pair of comfortable sweats, you take a plastic bag in case of any mishaps that may occur when dragging Ten back to his dorm. Following the location and telling the taxi driver the situation, he agrees to take you and Ten back to the dorms of the university; you sigh and look out the window of the passing car, the streetlights glowing an orange throughout the streets. Double checking the time, it was only 1 a.m. and you had mistaken the night being much earlier.

Arriving at the house where the party was hosted, you heard the blaring music from the home itself. “Excuse me for a moment.” You say towards the driver, getting out and instantly seeing Ten being manhandled by Yukhei himself; the taller male had thrown him over his shoulder, the smaller male in his grasp whining and occasionally smacking Yukhei’s back. As expected, Yangyang is taking photos with his phone and the flash. Laughter is surrounding your familiar group of friends, a smile appearing when approaching them.

“Here comes Ten’s hero! Are you happy now, brat?” Kun calls out over the music towards the drunken Ten, the others turning towards you as you stand around with them. Greetings of the others are given to you, politely nodding your head to them while noticing two members gone - “Where’s Dejun and Sicheng?” Hendery instantly laughs at the mention of their names while Yangyang smirks. “Dejun is throwing up his guts in the toilet with Lose-Lose being his babysitter. He lost rock paper scissors on who takes care of him,” Yangyang answers back and you nod.

After knowing them for awhile, somehow rock paper scissors means more than a stupid children’s game. “How many did you guys drink?” You ask, looking at Ten to only see his face flushed and looking quite constipated; you wonder if Yukhei’s broad shoulder pushing into his gut is going to make him barf at this very moment. “Not a lot. Dejun drank on an empty stomach and well…Ten decided to drink a couple more than he needed to,” Kun sighs like a distressed parent explaining what his children did to cause such disappointment.

“Have you started on your art project yet?” Hendery asks and you instantly frown upon the mention of it. Kun instantly scolds you, knowing you are procrastinating like your life depended on it - well, maybe if you procrastinate hard enough it will disappear. Hopefully. “I will start on it soon! I just gotta figure out what to draw,” You say with a shrug. Yukhei suddenly points to himself, “Draw me!” he exclaims and you look at him with a raised eyebrow. “I’ll draw you if it's vote based for a grade!” You reply back, laughter erupting among all of you.

“I like it, picasso!” Hendery yells out, patting you on the back. Kun looks towards you, “Have you eaten yet?” He asked and you nodded. “Don’t worry about me, I already had dinner.” You say with a dismissive hand and suddenly the taxi behind you honks, and you glance over your shoulder then back at the others - “Shit, I forgot about him…I’ll take care of him!” You add while pointing at your best friend. Yukhei nods, “I’ll bring him to the car.” He states while you say your goodbye to the others while walking to the car with Yukhei.

You look up at the taller, “So, why are you carrying him?”

“He kept running away. We had to find him for the past 5 minutes before you got here,” Yukhei answers back with a laugh of disbelief. Somehow, his upperclassman is like a child when drunk. Walking up to the car, Yukhei carefully places Ten inside who is somehow still awake to your surprise; you bid your goodbye to the athlete, thanking him for his kindness for handling your best friend’s troublesome behavior. Getting in the car, you apologize to the driver. Sitting next to you, Ten let out incoherent mumbles under his breath while leaning towards you.

His head rests on your shoulder and you look at him, “You drank too much. I brought a plastic bag just in case.” You say while revealing the bag inside your pocket, Ten looking up at you and smiling. He is smiling widely, his eyes creasing like crescent moons had overtaken his round eyes; you chuckle, adoring the cute blush spread on his face. As the two of you return to campus, you pay the driver and help Ten out of the car. “Come on…” you beckon him, dragging him out as he seems too intoxicated to move on his own.

Helping him to his dorm, he drags his feet lazily and leans against you for leverage; you groan, gripping onto his waist tightly while carrying him. “Ten, it would be great if you moved on your own.” You sigh, walking to his dorm complex. His head rests against your shoulder, he sighs loudly - “I missed you…” he softly says, the words causing you to be dumbfounded. What the hell was that? You chuckle, reminding yourself he is drunk and nothing more. “Oh really? We saw each other during lunch today though,” You remind him while supporting him up the stairs.

Cursing in your head, you wished the damn dorm complex was responsible enough to fix the elevator. Ten chuckles, “I know. But, we barely see each other after…I missed you.” He repeats, nudging your shoulder with his head like a feline rubbing themselves against you for attention. You breathe a bit heavily from helping him and you turn to him a bit, “Over the weekend we can hang out, okay?” you say with a smile despite the difficult situation. The two of you just finished one flight of stairs, there are only two more to go!

Ten did not reply, but he goes up the stairs with you like a clumsy newborn deer on ice. You nearly got a heart attack when Ten stumbled a bit further for your comfort. “You know, I had a lot of regrets.” He suddenly says, the two of you reaching the top and you look at him. Eyes glazed over, his expression becoming serious and you could see a tinge of sadness in his eyes. You did not reply, not knowing what to say while you begin the last steps before reaching the end goal.

“I regretted…For not giving them a chance during senior year of highschool…During the beginning of university…It feels like i’ve wasted so much time.” He slurs, his words quiet yet his words carried on to reach you in this isolated room with him. “A chance…?” you question, mainly to yourself while Ten slowly goes up the stairs and you support him from behind. Suddenly, Ten leans against the wall - “I-I like them…No, I love them. But, I was so busy with other things that I didn’t go for it…” he said bitterly, tension evident in his body.

Soon enough, the pieces are coming together and you feel your heart drop by the realization. Ten is in love with someone. Ignoring the pain gradually growing in your chest, you tell him to go up the remaining steps, encouraging him to move away with this topic. Surely, he is a crush to you, but it hurts - it hurts more than it should have.

Ten nodded, slowly going up the steps. A tense silence follows the two of you once reaching the designated floor, you open the door and reach out to guide him however you stopped; you didn’t want to touch him - you were afraid to. Ten walks by you anyway, seeming to be oblivious to your agonizing attempt. Inhaling a deep breath before exhaling shakily, you follow after him. Ten looks at you, “I’m such an idiot right? I should have…I should have had them as mine.” He says with shame.

You looked at him, the guilt reflecting back at you and you held an indescribable feeling of pain. It was excruciating really, especially when you bite back every attempt to fall apart in front of him; you couldn’t do so, it wasn’t right. Ten was never yours to begin with. You force a smile towards him, “There’s always a chance for it. Just do it when you are ready.” You tried your best to comfort him, hoping those words are enough to drop this uncomfortable conversation. Helping him to his dorm room, Ten pats his pockets for his keys and he grumbles - “Help…” he mutters out helplessly. Staring at him, you sigh heavily and pat his pockets for him; you wanted to complain or joke, but it was difficult to. Even if he was right in front of you, you felt further away from him than before, like a dream beyond your reach.

You should have known, anyway - dreams are not meant to be grasped upon.

Finding his keys, you take it and push him aside to unlock his door. Tears welling up in your eyes with your back facing towards him, you wished you were at your own dorm; wishing for every emotion to sweep you off your feet, and simply let you rage with waves of anguish. Pushing his door open, you turn to him - “I am going to go now, okay? You go to sleep and make sure to drink water and shower tomorrow.” You tell him. Unexpectedly, once looking directly at him, the tears you tried to hold back stream down your face.

Surprised, Ten looks at you with worry - “Are you crying?” he asks the most obvious question, but it was an innocent inquiry of bewilderment. You sniffle and instantly lift up your hands to wipe away the tears, “I…I’m fine. Something got in my eyes.” You try to excuse it, run away from this very interaction at this very moment. As you wipe away, you feel warm hands touching your hands and slowly moving them away, you meet eyes with Ten looking hurt. “Don’t cry,” he says while his fingers wipe away at the streaking tears.

Wishing to push him away, he gently holds your face with his hands. “I love you.” He suddenly said, the words overcoming you with confusion and misery; you felt absolutely sick. You couldn’t trust those three words leaving his lips, your best friend…No, your first love is mistaking you for someone else. It has to be - after all, it was the only reasonable explanation due to his intoxicated state. “W-What?” You manage out, Ten staring deeply back at you like you were the only one in the entire world.

Is that how he looks at them? Is this how he looks at the love of his life?

“I love you.” He claims once more, the words weighing heavily in your mind with a painful ache. Before you could push him away, he leaned forward to capture your lips with his own; you stood frozen, unsure what to do. The alcohol lingering on his lips reminds you of the nightmare you are experiencing. You wanted to kiss back, however you came to your senses; you're not the one, not to him at least. Pushing him away, Ten looked at you confused and you felt more tears falling from your face.

“I have to go,” you voice out quietly before moving away and scurrying off. Leaving Ten behind, you heard nothing from him, as silence only follows after you; the silence is enough to let you know that you're not the one he was supposed to kiss or love tonight. You were simply a mistake, not supposed to hear those very words uttering out - your very own love for him crushed with doubt and the bleeding wound of being rejected. You aren’t enough for him.

He is your best friend. Your crush. Though, you know it wasn’t true.

You are nothing in comparison to the dream, who became your very first love.

. . .

Your back and legs ache, stiffly placing down the paintbrush onto the small table next to your wooden easel. Tiredly, you lift up an arm to rub your face against your arm to avoid the paint covered fingers from contaminating your face; you seriously don’t want anything near your eyes and mouth, especially harsh chemicals - everything still hurts, after all. Getting up from the stool, a groan emits from your lips while stretching your aching body, arms and legs - everything cracked, the silence of the spare art room disrupted by obnoxious cracks.

You could seriously pass by as an old person with the sounds leaving your body and lips. Heavily sighing, your gaze lands on the somewhat unfinished painting, the best word to really describe it was ‘almost’ since you needed more layers and a few touch-ups to satisfy the perfection you had towards it. After the incident two days ago, you’ve been avoiding the others and Ten like a plague; it wasn’t exactly easy, considering they are all worried and constantly blowing up your phone with messages from the groupchat.

Speaking of, your device buzzes and you walk over to pick it up - seeing the message of the groupchat you were in with your friends, you open it to see Hendery sending the message and continuing to type.

Chickendery Day 2 of Y/N missing lunch with us because they think we are not cool anymore

I would like to say I love them so much :( they were always so chill and willing to side with us against Kun <3

Djay I miss having to make awkward eye contact while i messily eat

im so happy that they don’t say anything

Ylang Ylang You look like Bella when you eat

stop treating it like they are dead

Chickendery THEY ARE DEAD IN MY HEART, YANGYANG.

Qutie Kun We are eating, put down your phone.

Y/N if you are seeing this, lmk if you need anything :) i can always drop something off if you want anything

Ylang Ylang favoritism at its finest

im going to go missing like y/n to be treated like a king next

Qutie Kun Shut up!

Ylang Ylang say it to my face, im sitting in front of you

good luck with your project y/n!! I know you are really busy

Smiling at the messages, you roll your eyes at the banter; it seems like Yangyang was the one to logically think you were busy with your project rather than blatantly ignoring them. After all, this wasn’t the first time happening - throughout the school years, they knew how dedicated you were to your art pieces. However, you know they find it quite abrupt, as you found no energy to reply to them to avoid the possibility of Ten randomly appearing in the chat to speak to you.

Seeing his name and thinking about him had reminded you of the weight in your chest, you felt like your own heart had shattered that night and was currently scattered. Every piece is heavy for you, having the inability to pick each one and repair yourself; you need time - time to heal from the injury you barely survived with, after that damn heartbreak. You never thought being heartbroken would hurt this badly.

Frowning and placing down your phone, you walk over to the sink in the corner of the room. Turning the knob and letting the rushing water coldly come in contact with your skin, you did your best to scrub off the dry paint marking your hands; cleansing underneath your nails and hands, you finished up with a sigh. You came to realize how you are sighing more than usual. Supposedly, it was reasonable - it feels lonely after ignoring your only friends. After drying your hands, you walk over to your backpack to unzip it and take out the packed lunch you brought.

It wasn’t anything special. In fact, it was a plain nutella sandwich with a bag of chips followed by a bottle of water. It was more of a snack than an actual meal, but you do have a reason for it - you needed to finish up your painting by today, as it takes time for the painted layers to dry before being fully finished. Quietly, you sit down on your stool and unwrap the sandwich to take a bite and turn to look at your artwork.

Near the window you sat, the sunlight glared through the glass and settled on you with a golden glow; the color scheme of your work looking vibrant to the eye, it was pleasing to look at. Even with your sudden heartbreak two days ago, you were able to have inspiration - inspired by the sudden emotions overcoming you, the figures you’ve drawn seemed familiar to you. Funnily enough, you decided to paint the same person who brought such a painful ache in your chest. It was bittersweet.

A dancer underneath the moonlight, a shadow standing still as the figure dances away without a damn worry in the world. It holds a sorrowful tone, the very message of the piece reaching out to you and making your own eyes sting; however, you haven’t cried ever since that day. Every teardrop was drained from you, thus you sat numbly in front of your easel with your nearly finished piece. This painting of emotions fully describes the unwanted feelings you held towards your best friend.

No, first love - it sounded more right this time.

Distracted by your painting, the knock made you jump a bit and you peek over at the door. You wonder if another student is thinking of using this room, regardless you've already told your own professor to occupy the room for the day; you clear your throat, “Come in!” you call out with curiosity wondering on who it could be. The door didn’t open right away, instantly you rise from your seat thinking it might be your professor - maybe he is carrying a box of supplies and is having difficulty in opening the door.

Oh, you wished that was the case.

The door opens to reveal him, the very same boy in your dreams where you wanted to have some sort of love with him. He walks in with hesitance, looking towards you with a wary look on his face; he smiles upon seeing you, but it was a smile unlike any others you’ve seen. He seemed timid. Ten clears his throat, “Sorry to bother you…But, I guessed you would be eating by this time.” He said a bit awkwardly, closing the door behind him and letting the thick silence settle in the room.

Isolated with the tension with him is suffocating, it makes you feel sick. Those feelings you’ve felt previously became intense again, but you weren’t crying; you felt angry really. Were you angry at him or at yourself? Who knows. All you know, it was a better feeling than the heartache you’ve felt for days and woken up with this morning.

“How did you find me?” You ask, your voice cold as though there was a gap between the two of you. Ten continues to smile at you, a nervous habit he had while rubbing the nape of his neck - “You are always cooped up in an art room whenever you are finishing up a project.” He says, the little detail causing you to grip onto your sandwich a bit tighter. He knows so much about you, how the hell could you stop being friends with him?

You calmed down, a sigh leaving you while looking down at your makeshift lunch. “Do you need anything? I am busy right now.” You blatantly tell with a lie, knowing it is lunchtime, you are no hypocrite who always reminds Ten to take breaks when you wouldn’t take one yourself. The smile falls from his lips, his eyes becoming softer, as though every ounce of vulnerability is revealed to you.

“I am sorry about that night…I didn’t know what I was doing. But, I wanted to talk to you about it.” He straightforwardly says, one trait you always liked about him. He was always to the point, even if it was another language; he is trying his best to convey what he wants. Although you admired him for hunting down the elephant stuck in your friendship currently, you knew you needed a clear head. You couldn’t take the chance of talking about it now. You shook your head, “I am sorry but I don’t want to talk about it right now.”

Your reply revealed disappointment on Ten’s face, the raven-head standing there with pursed lips; knowingly, he is biting his tongue in careful consideration. However, it seems like you didn’t expect him to continue speaking about it. “You completely misunderstood that night, I-”

“Misunderstood?!” You loudly exclaim, rudely interrupting him. Tossing the sandwich onto your stool, “I think you are the one misunderstanding. Ten, I told you that I don’t want to talk about this. I am really busy,” You say again, not wanting to ruin the motivation you had for your painting; even if he tries to fix with whatever happened between the two of you, you simply couldn’t stand looking at him. It hurt. For now, you wanted to avoid it at all costs. Ten lets out an inaudible sigh, “More than usual?”

“More than usual, Ten.” You answer back, scoffing at his somewhat sarcastic tone.

“Then make some time for me.” Ten replies back, his eyes nearly pleading as though he was begging for you to listen to him. Somehow, his attempt only made you explode; you knew you were supposed to be sad, but every broken piece in your damn heart is painfully twisting inside you. You needed to be angry. You step forward, “It’s always about you getting whatever you want huh? How many times do I have to fucking repeat myself?” you yell out, the sudden loudness making Ten flinch.

Tears well up in your eyes, “I am trying my damn hardest not to ruin our friendship. I don’t want to lose you…B-But, it hurts…” You admit shakily. Those words lowering, sounding like you are defeated; this constant war of trying to forget about everything, and how the denial you kept before is useless - you are in so much pain because of him. “It hurts to look at you. It hurts to think that you like someone that isn’t me…You’ve always been so bold, why haven’t you confessed to them?! For years, I didn’t know you loved someone else.”

Crying out with tears streaming down your face, your body quivers with every tear escaping. “Why couldn’t this happen before…Happen before I fell in love. It’s not fair,” You manage out while lifting up your arms to wipe away the rushing tears warmly rushing down from your face. Ten stood speechlessly, guilt expressing from his features while he stood before you - he never saw you break like this. Even when you were stressed with piled up work or when you became frustrated whenever things didn’t go your way, you were always trying to pull through; how the hell did he fuck up this badly to make you like this? This one misunderstanding, he felt incredibly stupid for getting drunk and confessing.

Though, it hurt. It hurt how you didn’t believe him.

“Y/N…” he calls out to you gently, approaching you and slowly reaching out but you quickly back away to avoid his touch. Achingly, he stares back at you, wishing to comfort you yet somehow his own intentions are only making it worse. “Listen to me…I was drunk, but it doesn’t mean I was lying. I love you, no one else. There is no one else that I love,” he explains while he refrains from touching you. Treating you like glass, as he believes once he touches you, you would break into a million pieces.

Trying to stabilize your crying, you try to process his words. You? Was it you this whole damn time? Wiping away your tears and sniffling, you look at him - “W-Why?” you ask, this innocent yet heartbreaking question only makes him feel more awful. He gingerly smiles at you, “Do I have to have a reason on why I love you? There are possibly so many things. I regretted not saying it sooner, and I am sorry for that.” He says while you stare back at him, unsure what to say or even do.

You lashed out at him for no reason, but here he was standing before you to only return your feelings with his own - his own love for you. The thought of being loved by Ten Lee is not one you expect, the slow realization only making you stunned; you overreacted and caused a stupid scene from a misunderstanding…How embarrassing.

“Y-You’re not joking right?” You question once again, the distrust evident and Ten nods. “I promise, I am not joking.” He chuckles out, noticing how you’ve calmed down and you try to find any words; as much as you weren’t prepared for a sudden heartbreak but this? You weren’t prepared for this either! You blink several times, recollecting yourself and he smiles while leaning forward. “May I?” he says while lifting up a hand, centimeters away from being gently placed on your cheek. Flustered, you slowly nodded and he placed a hand on your face.

“What can I do just to keep you around, Y/N?”

“H-Huh?” You let out while staring at him with wide eyes, faces inches away from a kiss. Ten’s eyes observe every detail of your red face, the tears long gone and he chuckles - “I love you. I love you so damn much,” he whispers before leaning in to tenderly plant a kiss upon your lips. The emotions from the last kiss are long gone, but simply replaced with warmth; this very feeling of where you are captivated by Ten, once again. Hesitantly, you return the kiss to let him love you and seal those three words with an action filled with honesty.

Pulling away from him, “I…I have to get back to work.” You remind him, remembering the project you had regrettably procrastinated on. He looks at the easel and laughs, turning back to you - “Really?” he says and you nod your head with a small smile. “Really, Ten.” You answer back, your first love nodding his head to only pull away to your dismay. For a brief moment, Ten looks around before grabbing another stool and sitting next to yours; you watch him, confused. “I’ll stay here to keep you company~” He states, crossing his legs and you awkwardly pick up your sandwich to sit down on your stool.

“You don’t have to…”

“I want to. This is our first date~” He playfully replies with, a blush spreading across your cheeks and you laugh. “This is going to be a boring one then…” You express, wondering if Ten is willing to sit for hours until it’s finished. “Think of me as your moral support.” He suggests with a shrug, making you more relaxed in his presence. You nod your head, “Okay then no complaining to me about being bored.” You jokingly say, his laughter answering back to you while you dip your brush in the water.

Sparing one more glance to Ten, you begin to paint once again. Despite your stinging eyes from crying and sniffling occasionally, you began to focus more into the little details to finish the painting.

On the other hand, Ten sits beside you and watches how you maneuver the brush against the painting. Every precise movement creates depth into your painting, he slowly turns to look at you - your eyes intensely focused on the project at hand, he adores how passionate you are. To him, you are one of the few people who understood him the most when it comes to dancing.

The day continues on, hours passing and you finally finish up with the little details on the final layer. You turn to look at Ten, who occasionally reminds you to take a break and would sometimes help in giving you more paint; but, after an hour or so, he got quiet. You looked towards him to see him dozing off, his head hung low with his phone long forgotten in his hand; you laughed while reaching out, shaking him gently to awaken him. With a few shakes, he lifts up his head to look at you and a smile instantly appears on his face.

“Are you finished?” He asks, lifting up his arms to stretch and letting a small moan to relieve the stress straining his body. You nod while looking at the painting, “Yep.” You say proudly, your first love leaning over to look at your painting and he widely smiles. The lights above in the class made his own expression radiant. “I love it. It’s pretty like a ballerina dancing~” he compliments, the words leaving him making you laugh. The same memory being recalled by him made you realize how important that encounter was.

Thankfully, the importance of that memory was never one-sided.

You look at the painting, “Is this the part where I collapse and you panic?” you add with a bright smile of your own. Ten laughs, “No. I have something else in mind.” He said while he leaned forward, lightly bumping his head against yours. You turn to face him, his forehead instantly resting against yours - “I want a kiss.” he remarks, awaiting for your reply to his request. “I love you…” you say quietly, the very words leaving your lips causing your heart to skip a beat. Ten leaned forward to kiss you and against your lips he softly spoke, “I love you too.”

Somehow, the dream you’ve longed for from afar was finally captured. Every thought of being the shadow is diminished, as you pursue this very dream for the sake of love. He is all yours to cherish and love for a possible eternity, the fondness towards him now permanent - your very first love is now yours.

A never ending dream with you now belongs to Ten Lee.

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