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mae-gi-writes · 11 months

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rile you up | lee Minho (xo kitty)

You’re Minho’s latest form of entertainment and he cannot just get enough of riling you up.

Genre: romcom, slice of life, school!au, minho is a little dick

———

“Fuck you, Minho.”

“What a ray of sunshine you are on this fine day.”

You grit your teeth together, almost grind them to nothing, and repeat the words with even more conviction, “I said fuck you.”

”Watch that tongue sunshine, might fall out if you’re not careful,” Minho’s grin just widens at the way your eyes have narrowed into slights. If looks could kill, he would’ve been shot int he head twice, revived, and shot once again. But thankfully for him, your narrow-eyed stare is nothing scarier than a cute kitten ready to take her claws out.

It’s a boring, rainy and muddy Wednesday afternoon and you really don’t want to be here, in English Lit, listening to professor Lau drone on and on about love and friendship in the verses of Lord Byron’s poems and how, if you read in-between the lines and analyze the intonations, the words, the onomatopieas, you’ll find a much deeper definition of Lord Byron’s feelings.

And Minho sitting right beside you is not making it much easier.

“You’ve got a pimple growing on your left cheek,” Minho squints at your face as you turn away, cupping your face with your hands as your eyes find the lock tick, tick, ticking at the far end of the classroom. Thirty more minutes of this torture.

“Can you just stop hyper-analyzing me like I’m some kind of lab rat?I’m really not in the mood for this right now.” You snap back.

“Woah,” Minho sighs before he shakes his head, “you really did wake up on the wrong side of the bed today.”

“And you, my friend, need to mind your own business.”

“Minho and Y/N.”

Professor Lau’s voice causes both of them to wince, physically, before looking up to see the said old man with bespectacled glasses, the book of poems in his hand and his eyebrows raised as though he expected better.

If you’re being honest, you really do enjoy Professor Lau’s classes, normally. Normally.

But not today. Today, you’re having a completely off day. You woke up late, you couldn’t sleep at all last night, and all the coffee had run out by the time you’d made it to campus. Your grades are suffering and you’re currently trying to ploughing through all the assignments without drowning.

And the worst of it all, you miss home.

You miss your mom. You miss your family, your brother with whom you would fight with at every occasion and play Mario kart with. You missed your grandma, your aunts, the food they cooked, the shared laughter, the smiles…

You’re in so deep in your thought process that you haven’t even registered that Professor Lau is telling you off until he calls for your name that brings you back to attention.

“—yes?” Your eyes flit up to Professor Lau’s and a wave of emotion suddenly takes its toll on you. You try hard to blink back the sudden burn of tears at the corner of your eyes, crawling up your throat.

“I was expecting better of your behaviour, miss Y/N,” he says, pointedly looking between you and Minho with pursed lips, “in my office after class. You’re up for cleaning duty.”

Great. That’s exactly what you need. After everything.

Fucking. Great.

———

“These pretty hands cannot clean,” these are Minho’s first words as the rest of the class files out to leave you two alone on cleaning duty and as you had predicted, there are papers all over the place, test papers and pens and pencils, “I’ve taken care of my hands all these years. I am not ruining it just to clean a classroom.”

“You are so freaking dramatic,” you roll your eyes, standing up to find the cleaning supplies that are stacked at the back of the class, in the storage closet, “let’s just get this over with and we can both move on with our lives and I won’t have to see you again for the rest of this week.”

“What’s up your arse, dude?” Minho follows you, one hand leaning on the doorframe as you start pulling out the duster, the cleaning rags and the shiny new broom that Professor Lau is currently obsessed with, “you’ve been acting really weird.”

“What?” You scoff, proceeding to hand him the broom because you know he’s never going to be the one on his hands and knees cleaning the floors, “I’m not. I’m just tired.”

“No, you’ve been acting off all week. You’re all snappy, your dark circles are so prominent you look like a walking zombie and you keep asking me to go fuck myself,” Minho rolls his eyes, “also, how do you use this?”

“Jesus chri—“ you make a move towards him, grabbing the hand holding the broom while struggling to circle his back and grabbing the other, “you keep that thing steady, then you brush the dirt from this one—“ you grip his hand and shuffle it over the floor in a sweeping motion, “until it goes into the pan. Got it?”

It's only then you realize the warmth emanating from Minho's back. If you move a little closer, you could press your cheek against him. He smells like something citrus and fresh mint and man.

Somehow, it makes goosebumps explode all over your skin. You step back abruptly, noting the heat searing through your palms where you had touched him just as he turns to face you, "you seem to be a natural at this. Why don't you do it?"

"I'm gonna take care of the floors," you're glad for the distraction that comes in the form of the rag, for there's a knot of heat in the middle of your chest and you're not quite sure how to deal with it, "let's just get this over with."

There's a long moment of silence as both of you focus on your tasks, which helps to calm down your nerves. Somehow, the sound of Minho's brush is conforting to hear.

Until he speaks up, "so you're gonna tell me what's wrong?"

"Why should I tell you, of all people?"

"Because there's nobody else around and seeing you all mopey makes me actually feel bad for you."

You wipe off the dusty corner by the teacher's desk, "Do you have any ounce of decency in you somewhere?"

"Not when you're involved," Minho snickers.

You whip around, throw the balled-up rag at him and smirk in satiafaction when it hits him square in the head, "ow--what the fuck, Y/N?!"

Glad that you managed to piss him off, you turn and continue, "oops sorry. My hand slipped."

It's not ultimately Minho's fault that you're more anxious, more easily irritated than usual. So you can't really take it out on him. But he doesn't make it any easier either.

Thankfully, the rest of the cleanup goes smoothly as butter and he parts ways with the excuse that he needs to go find his aupposed lunch date, to which you merely rolles your eyes and headed for the dining hall alone.

It doesn't normally bother you to be alone. On the contrary, you relish in those silent moments of freedom without having to hear an earful from Kitty and Q, or having Yuri complain about yet another one of her life's family miseries.

But as you find a vacant seat by the door, you can't help but suddenly feel a little small in a room full of people who seem to be right where they should be. And something in your heart constricts and clenches so hard it causes a soft sob to die at the back of your throat.

You grip your spoon a little tighter and bite down so hard on your lip that you feel the tangy taste of blood.

It feels lonely.

------

You're kind of sick.

Not physically sick.

Just sick of hearing christmas carols ringing all over campus. Sick of smelling hot chocolate in the air, sick of seeing luggages being dragged on vacation.

Sick of being here.

For an international student, returning home for Christmas was never an option. The airplane ticket is too expensive for your familt to afford, and you wouldn't ever impose that on them. But if you had to admit to that selfish part of you; you wished you were privileged enough to get to fly out at every chance you got.

Alas, that is not the kind of life that you live.

So when the doorbell rings at seven-thirty in the morning on Christmas Eve, you're more than surprised to find none other than Minho standing by your door with his hands in his pockets.

"Wh--Yeah? What do you want?" You frown upon noticing the lack of luggage behind him. Knowing Minho, he packed like a diva.

He hums and peeks inside your flat, causing you to shuffle into his peripheral vision, "what do you want Minho?"

"You're not packed."

"Wise observation, smartass."

He brushes past you and strides inside, taking his shoes off casually by the door, "why not?"

"None of your business."

He throws you an exasperated look, "you gonna keep being like this?"

"I don't know, are you gonna keep annoying the hell out of me?"

He can't help the grin that spreads over his face at that, "you're fun to mess around with."

"Well for your information, it's not fun. Not for me," you don't hesitate to walk over before grabbing onto his arm and tugging over to the door, "really. I'm fine. Now leave."

"I'm surprised you're not going home for Christmas," he continues as you're pushing him out of the door.

It stings, "why?"

"International kids usually do," he folds his arms, proceeds to lean into the open doorway and you got another whiff of his scent, "what? Daddy didn't want to pay for you this time?"

"My dad died. Two years ago."

There's surprise first, that flashes through his eyes. Then realization slowly dawns.

There’s some kind of weight in your chest. Like your heart has just broke.

"What?" You laugh but it's dry and twisted, "cat got your tongue? Too shocked to speak? Poor little Y/N, who doesn't have a father to pay off her credit card bills, right?"

"I didn't know--"

"Of course you didn't. You never asked."

"I'm--" he swallows, looks away, "—sorry."

You scoff, "don't. It's okay. I've been over it for the past two years."

It's not what he says but rather the way he looks at you that makes your insides shrivel up with dread and fear and the idea that he'll never look at you the same way ever again.

Because the thing is, no matter how much Mjnjo teases you, bullies you into oblivion, you do enjoy the attention, the banter. It's almost as if it's better than just being ignored altogether.

And amidst all his teasing and his annoying personaity, there are bite and smidges of Minho's kindness smattered in-between, flecks of tenderness that makes your heart soar, your brrath

To have such a man look down at you, pity you, makes you want to be sick.

"Y/N--" you cut him off before he can even try to make it up to you, "it's fine, Minho. Just drop it--"

"Wha--I said I was sorry, don't give me that look--"

"I said drop it!" You swerve around on him, anger bubbling from deep within your chest as blood pulses through, rushes through you, "for one goddamn second, can you just leave me alone?! I don’t need this—this constant bullying of your part! It’s tiring and it’s just so goddamn frustrating and humiliating so will you just stop?!”

The shocked silence that follows your sudden outburst is heavy. If the tension had been thick before, it’s now so hard you can barely cut it with a knife. You try to regulate your staccato breaths, try not to let your body take over your mind as you focus on breathing in, breathing out, breathing in. Breathing out. Just like that.

Calm. Like water. Like you’re a river that never stops.

“Just go, Minho,” your words are bitter. You can barely look his way, an overwhelming surge of irritation, guilt and hurt swimming through you.

Thankfully, the young man seems just as surprised as you are and leaves without even a backward glance. That’s when you finally cave in and allow your legs to crumble to your floor. Pressing your head against the door, your body instantly gives into the sadness that crumbles through you like used up tissue, soaking in all the tears that are suddenly cascading down your cheeks without restraint.

You cry yourself to sleep that night.

———

“Minho, I’m really sorry about my behaviour.”

You stare.

Your reflection stares back.

Shit. This doesn’t feel right. You close your eyes, exhale a soft breath, and open them once more only to find a set of familiar brown eyes gazing back at you.

It’s just the day after Christmas and though the majority of your friends were still off campus, you’re well aware that a certain Korean young man has decidedly stayed back because of his mother’s offshoot shooting commercial.

However, you still hadn’t gotten the guts to go back and ask him for a formal apology yet. Did you even need one when he’d been the one prodding you with a stick like he would with a nest of aggressive bees?

Oh well. You decided you’d be the bigger person and make the first move. As always.

So you look back to your reflection with renewed determination, take a deep breath before forcing the words out, “I am really sorry for my shitty behaviour, Minho, I should’ve—no,” you shake your head, start again and clasp your hands together for good measure, “I’m really sorry if I offended you in any way, I was hurt—no. God. I sound so pathetic.” You can’t help but curse at the mirror.

Inhale. Exhale. Deep breath. And you try once more, this time adding a small smile.

“I’m really sorry for everything that I said. I was being a bit insensitive and wasn’t in the right headspace—“ you break off with a frustrated snarl, “god! Why is it so hard to apologize to the dude?!”

“The dude’s standing right here.”

Shocked, you swivel around only to find none other than the said question in person leaning against your doorway, eyebrows raised and a semblance of a smirk lining his lips.

“M—Minho,” you feel like slapping yourself for sounding like a stuttering goldfish. Quickly, your hands smooth down your sweater, hiding them in the big bell sleeves as your eyes find everything — anything, to get off his face, “what—what are you doing here?”

“I was looking for you, actually.”

“Why?”

You’re still not looking, deciding that the faint crack in your dorm room is much more interesting.

Minho’s footsteps approach as he strides close, close enough that you get a whiff of his expensive cologne and restrain yourself from sighing out loud.

The bastard smells too good, you feel like crying.

“Why?” He scoffs, “isn’t it obvious?”

“Not really.”

“Alright. Fine,” you’re still not looking at him, which is why you almost jump out of your skin the moment you feel the gentlest graze of his fingertips at your jaw.

“Wha—“ you stutter, eyes flashing up to his on instinct.

Dark brown meets swirls of maroon. You almost lose your breath.

In the mid-morning light with sunshine falling over half of his face, Minho looks like he’d just walked out of some fashion magazine.

“What are you…doing?” You manage to murmur out. Barely.

It’s hard to concentrate when he’s right there, in your personal space, looking a little too dashing for his own good.

“You’re right. I was being a selfish dick to you two days ago,” his grip on your chin is firm, his dark eyes even firmer, “so I’m sorry if you took it the wrong way.”

You laugh, “wait—is Minho actually apologizing? To me?”

“Don’t get used to it.”

“But this is a legendary moment,” you fake a mocking gasp at him, “I should record this right now.”

“Don’t make me regret it, Y/N.”

Chuckling, your eyes crinkle up as you allow yourself to roam over his features, “okay okay, I’ll stop.”

Minho fidgets and doesn’t say anything back. Weird, considering that he has a comeback for everything. You feel his hand drop from your chin as he takes a step back, lips pressed together and face looking like he’s uncomfortable being here.

Do you make him uncomfortable? It’s not a sight you’re used to seeing. Something tugs at your heartstrings but you try and ignore it.

“What is it?” You ask instead.

“There is…” his eyes dart away, “something I need to tell you.”

“About?”

His hand drops. Instantly, cold swoops in.

“About me. And you.”

You squint, “Minho I swear, if this is one of your stupid jokes again—“

“I like you.”

You blink.

He gazes back. His eyes. They’re gazing straight at you. Focused. Intense. Hot.

So hot it causes a flame to burst in your chest.

Wait…your mind backtracks, what?

“You—“ your mouth opens. Closes. Opens once more, "I'm sorry--what?"

His eyes answer in his stead. Dark orbs swirling with a depth that makes your skin explode in goosebumps. You realize, all too soon, how close you are, how -- if you want -- you can diminish the space between just with one single step forward.

"I like you," he says it honestly. Somehow, you relish in the way he says it. Clear and transparent. No inside games, no beating around the bush, "maybe more than a little."

You sense a but. "And?"

He rolls his eyes, "and maybe I just don't know how to show it."

"You mean, acting like a five year old boy who bullies his crush for fun because he likes her?"

"Something like that."

"Okay," you drag out the word in hopes that it will hide the way your heart suddenly skips a beat, the way your legs feel weaker at the knees, "so what--what now?"

"Well, that's the part where you tell me you like me back--" Minho catches himself upon seeing you raise a brow at him, "--or not. Your choice, your rules, doll."

Doll? You can feel the flame bursting through your chest and squeezing your heart. It aches so much it hurts, though it seems that your smile can't help tugging at the corners of your lips as you watch him and despite his seeming nonchalance about the whole matter, there's the slightest sheen of pink that gives him away.

Cute. Your brain chants.

"Well," you tilt your chin up in what you hope is a confident manner, "you normally take a girl out to dinner first."

"Is that a yes?" Minho smirks.

"Did you hear what I said?"

"Yes, yes I heard alright. Fine," he sighs and crosses his arms over his chest, "tomorrow night. Dinner. Be ready by six. I'll pick you up."

"Tomorrow? But wait I--"

"You better be there, doll."

And with that, he swivels on his feet and walk away while whistling a soft tune, leaving your heart flooded with a tide of mixed emotions that erupt through your chest and butterflies running along your skin.

---

Minho: I'll come pick you up by six. Be ready then. Wear something cute but casual. Nothing fancy.

Y/N: i like how you're telling me how to dress up when you're the one who's supposes to be wooing me.

Minho: oh you don't have to worry about that.

The way he replies so smoothly has goosebumps running along the back of your neck and you squeeze your hands into fists. You're still sitting on your bed, trying to digest all this new information as another flurry of messages burst through your phone, probably fron Kitty's latest reaction your news.

Kitty: what?! Minho?! And you?! He asked you out?!!! Omg how did I not see this coming!!!

Y/N: i thought you were a matchmaker.

Kitty: well YEAH before he went and ruined it!!! Anyway, what are you WEARING?!

Y/N: i have absolutely no idea. He said something cute but casual, so I'm guessing there's not gonna be any fancy dinners or anything.

Kitty: omg!! Minho and casual doesn't sound right. Maybe he really is trying to woo you!!

Y/N: should I wear shorts? Pants? A skirt?

Kitty: definitely no pants. Maybe that cute skater skirt you wore to Yuri's party last semester?

So you do. The skirt's baby blue colour contrasts well with the simple white tshirt you decided to wear with it, and throwing on a beige cardigan and some white sneakers complete the look. You add a small blue bow into your hair to match, and take one last look at yourself in hopes that you're looking exactly how Minho wants you to--

No. That's the wrong way to go about it. Minho likes you. Yes. You. Not the girls he's always so uses to seeing. You don't have to impress him.

That’s how you meet him right outside your door, with your newly-found resolve as you catch the simple white tee and ripped jeans, hair styled just the way he likes it, just enough to make every woman’s heart swoon.

His eyes do a once-over, “not bad, Y/N. You clean up nice.”

“Not bad?” You scoff, “I’m sure there are much better adjectives to use.”

He grins, “we’ll see.”

Minho brings you over to the Han river by electric scooter, with you standing in front and holding on to the handlebars as he guides you across the street even though it’s technically illegal for people to do such a thing. But with the wind in your hair and Minho’s warmth at your back, you don’t find yourself complaining.

“Han river?” You raise a brow at him as he parks and pays for his e-scooter ride, “really? So cliche.”

“The Han River is a classic,” he looks at you pointedly, “and I’ll have you know, I’ve never brought anyone here before.”

“Ooh, does that mean anything?” You wriggle your brows and he scoffs, looks away, “shut up.”

You weren’t expecting him, of all people, to be a fan of romantic gestures such as this. But when he parks his scooter in favor of walking alongside you by the trail — even with his multiple complaints about the dirt being too dirty and people needing to revisit their wardrobe fashion — you can’t help but wonder how much effort he’s putting into just being with you. Because knowing Minho, walking on crushed grass and having his shoes in dirt is quite a big deal.

“Look, do you want to be swooned or not?” He replies when you ask him the question, even looks offended that you’d dared ask such a thing, “I thought girls loved it when boys brought them here.”

“Yes I know that,” your grin is so wide that you’re surprised it hasn’t broken your face in two yet, “and don’t get me wrong. I love it, but I never thought you—of all people — would bring me here, of all places. It’s just not…”

“Not what?” He scowls.

“Just not you,” you confess, and then, seeing that his frown seems to take a permanent fixture on his face, you quickly add, “so the fact that you’re doing it…thanks. It means…something. You know?”

Heat springs through your cheeks at the sudden confession and you quickly look away, anywhere, but not before glancing at Minho to see that he has a faint smile dancing across his lips.

As the evening wears on, you get to talk about everything and anything; from worries about your future and the rigorous routine of adult life, about which game box is better and which restaurant serves the best korean noodles, which Minho argues does not exist, considering that every single noodle joint in Seoul is a pro in making them.

"We're the city of noodles and gimbap, obviously there's more than one good noodle stop."

"You speak like someone who hasn't tasted Uncle Cha's food yet. You know, the snack from across the road to campus."

Minho's nose wrinkles, "nah I'm good--"

"Oh no you don't," you grab onto his arm before he has a chance to run away, "nu-uh. Let's go get them right now, actually."

Surprisingly awed by Cha's cuisine, Minho has no other choice than to grumble out a faint agreement. It's no secret that it makes your day.

"But the environment--" Minho shudders, "I think I saw a cockcroach scuttling about in there."

“Oh yeah,” you let your eyes follow the wall and trail back up to him, pointing at his face, “there’s one.”

Shoving you playfully, he pulls out his tongue in such a childish manner you can’t help but burst out laughing.

You decide to take the walk back along the Han River even if it makes a detour, stopping by a coffee shop to grab some hot chocolate. The city lights now illuminate the city like stars scraping the earth’s surface and you can’t help but feel amazed by how beautiful the scenery is, with the wind trickling through your hair and soft music from busking sessions in the background.

“I’ve never actually walked along the Han River before,” you confess to him as you gaze down at the black waters sloshing against the river edge, “thanks, Minho.”

He has the look of a satisfied five year old child who got a gold star for his best behaviour, “you’re welcome.”

“Who knew you’d be the one to bring me here?” You jostle his shoulder playfully before taking a sip of your hot chocolate.

“What’s that you’re implying?” He frowns.

“That you’ve surprised me and my expectations.”

“And that’s supposed to be a compliment?” He looks horrified and dramatic, “you’re harsh, Y/N. I’ll have you know, I haven’t—“ he stops himself just in time for you to swoop in and push, “yeah? You haven’t what?”

“Nevermind,” he sips his own drink and you notice the way his ears have turned red.

You giggle, “tell me, have you gone on dates before?”

“Wha—of course I have! What kind of question is that?!” You keep on laughing and laughing at his face, shaking your head as you try and muffle your chuckles the best you can, “oh god—oh my god, you never have. It’s written all over your face—“

“You talk too much,” he mutters into his drink and turns away from you, ears as red as a fire engine.

You nudge him, smiling, loving that side of him that he’s never really shown anyone before. Because you all know the cool, confident Minho. But this, this side of Minho is uncharted territory.

And you’re all here for it.

“Why not, though?”

His eyes narrow as he looks back at you, “what?”

“Why haven’t you brought anyone out before?’ You fidget with your cup, glad that it’s warming your hands so you can busy yourself with something, “because I’ve seen you, with different types of girls. All the time—“

“Yeah that didn’t mean anything.”

“But you still went out with them.”

“Is that jealousy I hear in your voice?”

“What?” Heat flushes through you, “no, I just—“

That’s when you feel it. His hand, fluttering up to yours. He pries your hold from your cup gently before bringing it down between you, fingers entangling with yours like they’re meant to be there in the first place.

And when your eyes flutter to lock onto his, there’s liquid warmth in those pools of brown, a tenderness you’ve seldom seen before.

“This is new too,” he murmurs then, “all of this.”

Your heart skips a beat. There are no words to be said.

You swallow thickly, look away, and don’t miss the soft chuckle that falls from his lips as he keeps swinging your hands back and forth between you, his smile a permanent fixture on his face. One that your lips mirror faintly as you keep walking back towards your dorms in comforting silence.

———

“Was that romantic enough for you?”

Minho’s question is met with a chuckle from your part as you finally reach your dormitory. A few stray students are still studying deep into the night, some already asleep on the deep blue couches in the common room as you make your way through, hands still entertained from earlier.

Your heart has been skipping and rollerblading into ecstasy ever since.

“Hmm,” you hum, even tilting your head in thought, “guess so. Though if I had any complaints—“

“You wouldn’t tell me, because there aren’t any,” Minho finishes for you, “right?”

“Oh i have plenty, but I’ll keep it for another time,” you flash him a mischievous smile. You’ve reached your corridor by that time, your words causing Minho to shoot you a suggestive look.

“another time?” He repeats with a cock of his brow.

You bite your lip and look away to avoid the fact that there’s a faint, yet growing smile on your face, “yeah. Maybe.”

The said young man’s lips pulls into a small smile, “I can work with that.” He murmurs, and something warm pools in the middle of your chest.

It’s hard to control yourself around Minho especially when he’s not being a little shit. Because the fact is; he’s very enticingly charming and likable.

“Well, that’s me,” you’ve reached your door then, glad that for once your dorm room is free of activity since both your roommates have gone home for the Christmas season, and turn towards Minho.

“Thanks you, for tonight,” your cheeks are warm with heat but you can’t resist grinning up at him, “I had more fun than expected.”

Minho sucks in a dramatic breath, “wow. I think i finally got a compliment out of your mouth.”

“Trust me, that’s me being nice.”

“I know,” he flashes a grin at you and before you know it, his arm has gone up to press against the doorway, caging you in and suddenly making you feel smaller than you are already. His body heat rolls into you in waves, the scent of his boyish cologne making you dizzy as your body leans into him unconsciously.

“So,” he breathes. He’s so close, so close that if you move just a little, your noses would brush, “since I’ve taken you out on a date, do I get to kiss you now?”

Air stills in your lungs. Your teeth find your lower lip.

“It depends,” your whisper is so soft he barely catches it, too enthralled by the way your mouth curves and moves with the words, “will you take me out again?”

“If her highness wishes,” Minho chuckles, tilting his head so that your noses brush. Electricity zaps through your body, goosebumps raising at the back of your neck, “I’ll take you wherever you want.”

Your eyes lock. There’s warmth, want. Desire swimming through his own pools of brown.

“Sounds like a promise,” you breathe, “so when will that—“

“Y/N.”

The way he says your name has a knot tightening in your stomach. Your body tenses in anticipation.

He’s gazing at you as if he’s only just seeing you. His lips are so close, you can feel his breaths on your lips. Hot against cold. He smells divine.

You’re so lost in your own daydream that you respond a few seconds late, “y-yeah?”

“Do me a favor?”

One hand cradles your cheek. You freeze.

“Hm?”

“Stop talking.”

And before you can do anything else, his mouth presses against yours.

Fireworks explode. Behind your eyelids. Through your body. Blood races and your brain goes fuzzy with want and desire as Minho’s other hand wraps around your waist to tug you in, his other hand clasping your jaw firmly as he kisses you. Once. Twice. He’s a good kisser, yet so gentle and tentative.

You’re taken by surprise for a few seconds, before you finally melt into him and kiss him back. A sigh escapes you as your hands go up to wrap around his neck, and the groan of satisfaction he lets out makes your entire nerves buzz with delight.

Tilting his head to the side to kiss you deeper, longer, you let out a gasp against his mouth as he pulls you even closer still, as if he can’t get enough of you. You haven’t realized you’re pressed to the door until your back meets the hard wood underneath and you yelp softly at the way his tongue swipes over your bottom lip to ask for entrance.

He kisses you softly, yet so firmly as if you’re the only thing keeping him alive, satiated. His hand at your hip moves up, tracing the back of your spine, the side of your rib cage before brushing against the corner of your bra and making you squirm while your hands curl into his hair. You tug, causing a grumble to echo out of Minho’s chest. His tongue darts in and you part for him like melted butter so that he can kiss you and ravage you without restraint.

Everything falls away, with only Minho being your anchor. You smell him, feel him against you, and want nothing else other than the dizzying rush that makes your stomach erupt with fireflies.

Your mouths part with a pop and he takes this chance to nip at your jaw, littering kisses down your neck before suckling on a soft patch of skin. Your body reacts instantly, curving into him as your lips part in a soft, minuscule moan. That’s enough to snap him back to attention.

He gazes up at you, chest heaving and all heavy breaths. His lips are swollen and red and just so beautiful. Hair tousled like he’s just tumbled out of bed and you quickly decide that’s the look you love best on him.

The curfew bell sounds and he curses.

“Minho,” you murmur when he leans in, noses brushing to capture your lips into his once more. You sigh, eyes falling shut as he takes your next set of words away.

It’s almost as if he’s drunk on you, as if he just can’t get enough.

The thought makes you shiver. Your heart swells with emotion.

“Minho,” you murmur once more against his lips. He groans, pulls away onto to bury his face into your neck and humming, “yeah?”

“Curfew’s in two minutes.”

“I know,” he’s pressing open-mouthed kisses over your collarbone and you can’t help but whimper and cradling his head closer to you despite trying to make sense of your thoughts.

“Y—You should go,” you stutter out but it’s almost like you’re talking to yourself. He’s clearly in his own world, suckling onto your skin and leaving purple marks to claim you as his. He pulls away, groaning appreciatively at the sight you make.

“Do I really have to go?” His dark eyes — darker than you’ve ever seen them — flickers over your features. There’s a kind of hunger to them that makes you shiver.

“Yes,” you stammer out, heart almost bursting out of your chest when the boy merely tugs you close before he rests his head atop yours. He holds you, breaths you in, and your eyes close on their own accord, taking in the moment like it’s the last.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” his whisper grazes the shell of your ear and you shiver. He pulls back and there’s the kind of crooked smile that makes your heart tighten, “goodnight, Y/N.”

“Good night, Minho,” you murmur and dropping a last kiss atop your temple, you watch him walk away, raising a salute with his hand as he does so.

———

A/N: GAHHH IDK WHAT I WROTE AND I GAVE UP AT THE END I HOPE IT’S ALRIGHT BUT ANYWAY I’VE BEEN OBSSESSED WITH MINHO THESE DAYS.

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raccoonbatz · 11 months

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INCHES IN BETWEEN US // Min Ho x F!Reader

Summary: Min Ho saves tipsy y/n from the party and sobers her up at his dorm.

Warnings?: Spicy, Enemies to Lovers!!, alcohol.

A/N: English isn’t my first language, so sorry if some sentences came out weird lol

—

“Y/n, come on!” Min Ho says as he grabbed your hand and tries to rush through the crowd.

“Why are you helppping me?” U said, slurring on your words trying to keep up to him.

Someone told the teachers about Min Ho’s party and now everyone was trying to leave the building to get back to the dorms.

Min Ho ignored your question as he pulled you through the crowd. You sighed and just let it happen. At this moment you didn’t really care anyways to be honest and you were lowkey glad the party was over. Everyone was involved in some kind of drama and left you alone. You haven’t seen kitty or Q anywhere the whole night.

After some time running u guys got back at the dorms

“Uh Min Ho my dorm is that way-“ You said kind of confused.

“Iknow.” He says as he pulled you into his dorm. He gently placed you down at the kitchen island on the chair.

“Wh-“ You tried to say something, but he placed a glass of water into your hand.

“Drink up.” He says as he leaned on the kitchen island in front of you.

“Why? Did you spike it or something?” You asked and chuckled

Min Ho sighed and placed his hands in his hair.

“No, y/n, as much as I find you annoying I can’t leave you alone when ur-“ he stopped for a bit and looked up.

“This much of a mess.” He finished his sentence and took the glass from your hands, taking a sip.

“See? It’s safe.” He said annoyed and gave u the glass back. U chuckled and took a sip of the glass.

“Is that why you’re helping me?” U asked and he nodded.

“Oh- so minnie isn’t a complete asshole?” You joked again, and he sighed.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m always so nice to you!” He says sarcastically and u laughed.

“Yea yea.. Where is maddison?” U asked and he looked at u confused.

“Maddison?” He asked and u nodded

“Ur girlfriend?” U said, still a bit tipsy

“She isn’t my girlfriend-“ Min Ho said but u interrupted him.

“Do you want her to be your girlfriend?” You asked, leaving a confused look on Min Ho’s face. U stood up to place the empty glass on the counter.

“N-no-“ He said while you were coming closer to where he was standing. U placed the glass onto the counter, now standing infront of him. U smelled his cologne, which smelled quite nice.

“U smell good-“ u said and he chuckled.

“And you’re still tipsy-“ He said and u chuckled. U looked up and met his dark eyes. You hated the way your heart beats when ur this close to him.

“Why do you hate me?” You asked, tracing you finger across his shirt.

He swallowed, grabbing your wrist.

“I-I don’t hate you-“ he stutters, which made u giggle.

“Well I don’t hate you either, so what’s all that tension between us then?” You said, leaving Min Ho speechless.

“You’re nervous?” You asked, slowly placing your hand on his shoulder. His reaction made you giggle.

“Y/n, w-what are you doing?” He stuttered once again, slowly letting go of your wrist.

“Something we should’ve done a long time ago-“ You said as you placed your other hand on his other shoulder.

You weren’t lying, this is something you guys should’ve done a long time ago. Everyone saw that you guys actually liked eachother, except for yourselves.

A small smirk appeared on Min Ho’s face, leaving you blush a little.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to do something you will regret tomorrow-“ He said softly. You nodded

“I’m sure-“ You said and before you could finish your sentence he picked you up. You wrapped your arms around his neck and he turned around, placing you on the kitchen island. You giggled a bit.

You looked into his eyes, feeling a weird feeling build up in your body, something that never happend before.

“Who thought, y/n being this submissive to me-“ he smirked.

“That’s the Min Ho I know-“ You said as you leaned closer towards his face. He grabbed your waist, pulling you closer towards him. His strong grasp leaving goosebumps all over your body. You grabbed the back of his neck and crashed your lips onto his, getting rougher and sloppier with the seconds. His other hand traveled from your lower back up. You break away the kiss, grasping for air. Min Ho started to nibble on your jawline, slowly going down to your neck.

“Min Ho-“ you whined, wanting more.

He softly started to suck on your neck, making you squirm in pleasure and leaving you hickeys. You soflty grabbed his chin, making him look up. While both breathing heavily u started to kiss him again, hungrier then the kiss before.

Without even noticing someone coming in, you heard a ‘Well, there they are.”

You and Min Ho shot up, breaking up the kiss. Your eyes met with those from Q, who was standing next to Kitty and Dae. You quickly jumped off the counter and stood next to Minho. Both feeling embarrassed.

“I told you so-“ kitty says to Q and chuckled.

“Sorry for the cockblock by the way-“ Q says

“No worries.” Min Ho says akwardly.

“Well, we’re going to bed, be safe!” Q says as they all walked towards their rooms. Min Ho turned back to you, chuckling a bit.

“That was akward-“ you try to say but Min ho placed a soft kiss onto your lips which leaves u offguard.

“I liked it tho.” He says as he wrapped his arm around your waist. You blushed.

“Me too.” You say as you place your hand onto the back of his neck.

“Wanna stay over? Maybe we can finish what we started.” Min Ho says and smirked.

“Only if this isn’t going to be a one night thing.” U say, looking in his eyes.

“I swear I want nobody else but you.” He says and smiles.

“Alright, Min Ho- lets go.” You say and chuckle.

Min Ho smiled as he started to kiss you again.

#minho x reader #minho xo kitty #minho xo kitty x reader #min ho x reader #xo kitty #xo kitty imagine #x reader

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pippipsquirtsquirt · 11 months

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Summery: when kitty arrives at KISS, she notices that there is something going on between Niah and Min Ho, who are supposedly best friends.

————————————————————————

“Come on, Niah, we gotta go over to the boys’ dorm, Min Ho is making breakfast.”

Niah groans and rolls out of bed and throws on one of Min Ho’s sweatshirts and some leggings before following Kitty out of the room.

Kitty smirks at the outfit and nudges Niah. “You totally like him.” Niah blushes and scoffs. “What? I so do not like him, I mean I love him, but as a best friend,” she stammers. Kitty simply rolls her eyes and laughs.

Once they make it to the boys’ dorm, Kitty jumps at the chance to help Min Ho, wanting to talk about Niah, as Niah sits on the couch with her knees to her chest since she was so tired.

Min Ho kept giving Niah concerned glances. She seemed like she hasn’t slept much at all, something that happens when she extremely anxious.

“You like her,” kitty says quietly. Min Ho blushes and looks away. “I do not,” he whispers. “You do, Minho. I get that she’s your best friend, but it’s ok to like her.” Min Ho pauses while looking at Kitty for a moment. “I don’t like her, I love her, Kitty. She’s my everything. She has a family at home waiting for her on the holidays, but she chooses to stay here with me so I’m not all alone. It’s not fair to her, I just love her so much that I can’t tell her to go home.”

Kitty smiles and looks over at Niah, who’s half asleep. “After breakfast you should go sit with her, you guys would be so cute cuddling,” Kitty says while giggling and Min Ho rolls his eyes while smiling as the two finish up breakfast.

Niah perks up when Min Ho shakes her carefully. “Breakfast is ready, come on, Love.” Niah hums quietly and follows Min Ho to the table. Min Ho has an arm around her shoulders the whole time, concerned by how tired she is and Kitty is on the other side just grinning at the two.

As soon as they finish eating, Kitty quickly takes their plates and shoos them to the couch. “I’ll clean up. You guys watch a movie.” Niah hums and walks over to the couch, reaching towards Min Ho to pull him down next to her. Min Ho smiles softly and wraps his arms around her and presses her head to his chest.

Kitty squeals quietly, and Min Ho hears her, sending her a glare before placing a kiss on Niah’s head and turning on her favorite movie.

Kitty takes a picture of this and sends it to Min Ho, causing him to smile softly once more.

Once Kitty realizes that Niah is asleep, she Neal’s next to Min Ho with a large grin. “You guys are so cute!” Min Ho rolls his eyes and hushes her.

Once Min Ho is pleased by the amount of time she slept, he lets Niah go back to her dorm to finish up homework with Kitty.

Min Ho grabs his phone once the two leave and goes to the picture that Kitty sent him, changing it to his lock screen with a goofy smile. He’s never felt like this for anyone. He’s used to his short term flings, a date, maybe two, sleeping with the girl, and heading home before she wakes up, no hard feeling about it. But with Niah it’s different. They’ve never done anything together, and he’s feeling butterflies in his stomach and smiling more then ever at just the thought of her. He’s never been happier.

“You guys were so cute in there, look at this picture!” Kitty shows Niah the picture, causing Niah to blush and hide her face with a small smile. Kitty smiles and sends the picture to Niah, putting it as Niah’s Lock Screen. “Kitty!” Kitty giggles and hands the phone back, noticing how Niah stops and stares at the picture, trying hard not to smile.

“Don’t give me that look Kitty. He’s my best friend, that’s it. Best friends do this stuff all the time! The picture on your Home Screen is me and you.” Kitty giggles. “But me and Dea are on my Lock Screen.” Niah rolls her eyes and throws a wadded up paper at her with small giggle.

Later that night, kitty heads down to where the party she had planned is, and made Min Ho go pick up Niah from the dorm.

Min Ho doesn’t even bother knocking before going in, something they never bothered doing since they knew each other so well. Each other’s dorm was like a second home.

Min Ho walks in and smiles when he sees her struggling while putting on a necklace. “Let me help you, Love.” Niah jumps at his voice, not realizing he was there til now. “Hey, Min. Thank you.” Min Ho grabs her necklace and brushes her hair out of the way, clasping the necklace and pausing to look at her in the mirror, finding her eyes are on him.

Min Ho slowly comes out of the trance she put him in and places a lingering kiss on her temple. “Let’s go. You look stunning by the way.” Niah bites her lip while smiling with a blush. “Thanks, Min. You look handsome as ever,” she says while fixing his ever so slightly crooked tie. Min Ho blushes slightly and grabs her hand, pulling her downstairs.

When Min Ho spots Kitty, he pulls her aside. “Has Niah ever said anything about, you know, having feelings for me?” Kitty shrugs with a smile. “Can’t tell ya.” Min Ho glares at her and she giggles. “Go over there, look her in the eyes and tell her how beautiful she is. You’ll know by how she reacts.” Min Ho grumbles at not getting a straight answer when he turns around to see Niah lost in thought while looking at him with a blush. Min Ho smirks and turns back to Kitty. “I think I have my answer already.” Without saying anything else he walks over to Niah. “Hey.” Niah blinks out of her trance and blushes. “H-hey, Min.” He grins and pulls her into his side and kisses her cheek.

He spends the rest of the night teasing her, trying to get the best reactions possibly while thinking about making his first move.

Later that night when he walks the girls back to her dorm and pulls Kitty aside again. “I need your help-don’t give me that look, this is the only time I’ll be asking for it. I need your help planning my first move.” Kitty claps with and excited jump and tells him her idea.

The next night after avoiding Niah all day to get ready, he has Kitty bring Niah to his dorm.

“Come on, Ni. We’re going to Min Ho’s.” Niah sighed. “Then why did I have to dress up?” Kitty rolls her eyes with a smile. “Let’s go.” Niah groans and adjusts her dress, which she’s not 100% comfortable in, but even she can admit that she looks cute.

When the pair get to Min Ho’s dorm, Kitty covers Niah’s eyes and opens the door. Min Ho turns around with a cute, boyish grin and pulls Niah to him while keeping her eyes covered before gesturing Kitty to leave.

Once the door is shut, Min Ho uncovers Miah’s eyes and she look at the amazing set up he had.

There’s a blanket on the ground with snacks next to it, and pillows on top of the blanket, one of her favorite movies ready on the screen. The light are dim, with the fairy lights that she made Min Ho put up awhile ago on.

“Min, what on earth? This is beautiful but what is going on?” Min Ho just smiles and hands her pajamas that match the ones he’s got on and shoved her into the bathroom.

When Niah opens the bathroom door, Min Jo is waiting for her and grabs her hand and pulls her to lay down on the blanket with him and pulling her to his chest.

“I’m in love with you, Niah. It’s been awhile since I’ve realized it, and it was only the other day that I admitted it to Kitty. You truly are my everything. You’ve made me feel things I’ve never felt, all that chick flick lovey dicey crap. I hate it but I love it at the same time. And I’m ready for a relationship, with you that is. I can’t picture myself with anyone else, hell, I can barely even look at another girl. I wanted tonight to be special. I know we’re best friends, grown up together even, but I want that to change. If you don’t feel the same, which I have a feeling you do, but if you don’t, tell me and I’ll gladly stay friends with you, but I love you, Niah.” Niah lays speechless, her head propped up on his chest while looking at him.

“Min, I-I love you too, but what, what if things go bad when we start dating? I can’t lose you, you’re my best friend, my everything and I couldn’t handle-” Min Ho cuts her off by pressing his lips to hers, something he’s been longing to do for the past few years.

When he pulls away, he caressed her cheek. “No matter what happens, I’ll be here. We’ll get through it together, hand in hand. You’re never gonna lose me, and I want you to be mine for the rest of my life, I get that we’re still young and in high school, but I don’t care. I already know what I want, and that’s you.”

Niah blushes and nods slowly. “Be my girlfriend, Niah.” Niah grins and nods once more. “Yes, forever yes, Min.” Niah is the one to kiss him this time and Min Ho grins in the kiss. He never really thought he’d ever get to experience this moment, but now that he has, he’s never gonna let go of her.

#xo kitty #min ho #min Ho imagine #min ho x reader #kitty song covey #to all the boys ive loved before movie

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asocial-skye · 11 months

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girls don't want boyfriends girls want yuri and juliana's relationship to be developed in season 2 instead of a cheap breakup plot.

#xo kitty #yuri han #yuri #juliana #yuri x juliana #listen i love these two so much #everytime i imagined having a relationship with a girl i imagined it to be like this #they both have so much potential okay #i want to see them flourish #see their love outside of the shadows #and if that potential is sacrificed ESPECIALLY at juliana's expense #i don't ever want yuri and kitty

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mazojo · 1 year

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Min Ho is kind of an ass but he is a funny ass

#YOU SQUATTER ALSKSKWKWK HE IS THE WORSTT he is kinda funny tho #second ep made me laugh out loud okay I am not excusing him being a little rat but I do enjoy rats sometimes #you know I was not gonna watch this but then I had nothing to watch so now y’all suffer with me down this rabbit hole #guys I have a better idea what if Kitty and Yuri kiss it would make this ten times more bearable #honestly I see what Dae did or whatever for his scolarship but he could have gone about this differently idk like this probs has an #explanation but idk….#her mom and Yuris mom also dated in the past idk if it’s #canon but it is in mi mind imagine the parallels kinda poetic #I will be back with more commentary bare with me fellas #xo kitty #min ho

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goldenretrieverjakezgirlbaby · 4 months

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My man, Sang Heon Lee ♡

#kpop #xo kitty #kdramaedit #kdrama #kpopidol #enhypen #kpop wallpaper #enhypen imagines #bighit #kpop icons #kpop multifandom #kpop wallpapers #heeseung #ask #bts #minho #choi minho

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neomujinjja · 5 months

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XO, Love You (4)

Pairing: non idol! Seunghan x reader

Genre: enemies (?) to lovers, fluff

Warning: not edited, some ooc-ness, some XO, Kitty influences

Synopsis: You and Seunghan don't get along despite running in similar circles. But after events pushing the two of together, there might be romantic feelings growing.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

You watched as Wonbin and Shotaro performed their dance. Today was the big day and you guys are scheduled two spots after the duo.

"We'll be okay. We've practiced this so many times now, you could do it in your sleep" Seunghan reassured you. He placed his hands onto your shoulders as the two of you stood off the the side.

"Thank you Seunghan". The two of you had grown closer during your practices, to the surprise of your guy's friends. You began clapping as Wonbin and Shotaro finished their performance. The two made their food way backstage where you gave them a hug. "You guys did amazing! I'm so proud of you guys" You told the pair afterwards.

"Thank you" Wonbin said as Shotaro wished luck you and Seunghan for your upcoming performance.

"Break a leg" he said as the stage manger came up to your group.

"You're on in four minutes" they told you and Seunghan before walking away again.

People clapped as the music ended. You let out a big breath before breaking your ending pose. The two of you walked off the stage with smiles on your faces. You pulled Seunghan into a hug once you guys were fully backstage. "That was amazing. We did great," you said, still holding the male in an embrace.

"Aren't you glad, you didn't back out now" Seunghan teased as he pulled away.

"Shut up" you laughed and slapped the boy on the arm. The pair of you made your way to the theater seats before the male stopped you.

"I have something to tell you"

"Okay"

"But not here. Let's go out to the hallway." You followed him out to the hallway. Seunghan rubbed his hands on his jeans as he cleared his throat. "Would it be alright to hold your hands?" he asked, looking into your eyes.

"Yeah, of course"

You allowed for the boy to grab your hands as you waited for him to tell you what he has to say. "I know that we only recently got close but I have to be honest with you before we get any closer. And I know that you viewed me as an asshole before this but I need you to know that I liked you. I've always liked you, maybe not the moment we met but since freshman year. I acted the way I did around you because I was nervous; it wasn't my intention to make you think I disliked you or to be an asshole. And I have nothing else to confess so it would be really great if you would say something".

"Seunghan, I will also admit that I did see you as annoying before all the practices. And I might not have liked you for as long as you have me but I've started seeing you in a better light. I'm not at the same level as you yet but I'm willing to get there if you'll be patient with me" you respond, as you looked at the male and your enjoined hands.

"Yeah, I can be patient" he said as he pulled you into a hug. "Here's to trying" he lightly joked. You laughed and nodded your head in agreement. The two of you walked back into the auditorium with your hands intertwined between you. You joined your friends at their seats, seating in the ones at the end of the row.

"Does this mean you still owe me?" Wonbin whispered to you as you settled down.

Bonus

"No chance, Wonnie.~ But I should thank you anyways" You whispered back to the long haired male.

"That's okay. Seunghan owes me anyways".

#kpop #kpop x gender neutral reader #kpop x poc reader #kpop x reader #kpop imagines #kpop fluff #riize seunghan x reader #riize seunghan #riize x reader #riize fluff #seunghan x reader #seunghan fluff #xo kitty inspired #xo kitty

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lostmymarbles · 11 months

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i’m soooo team make yuri and kitty roommates next year

#xo kitty #the tension imagine it #kitty x yuri

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maesfics · 9 days

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MINHO! * ੈ✩‧₊

oneshots

coming soon...

headcanons

coming soon...

#minho #minho imagine #minho smut #minho x reader #xo kitty smut #smut #minho fluff #xo kitty #minho x reader smut #minho x reader fluff

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ki-irke · 9 months

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☆ FANDOMS ☆

☆ The Maze Runner Masterlist ☆

☆ Formula 1 Masterlist ☆

☆ Lockwood & Co

☆ Outerbanks Masterlist ☆

☆ Grey's Anatomy Masterlist ☆

☆ New Amsterdam Masterlist ☆

☆ Julie And The Phantoms Masterlist ☆

☆ Shadowhunters Masterlist ☆

☆ Harry Potter Masterlist ☆

☆ Percy Jackson Masterlist ☆

☆ Victorious Masterlist ☆

☆ Teen Wolf Masterlist ☆

☆ Criminal Minds Masterlist ☆

☆ XO Kitty Masterlist ☆

☆ True Beauty Masterlist ☆

☆ Duskwood Masterlist ☆

☆ Formula 1 Masterlist ☆

Attention! Feel free to reqest characters and fandoms that aren't on this masterlist. I know more fandoms, but I'm too lazy to add everything here..

#teen wolf imagine #new amsterdam #greys anatomy imagine #harry potter imagine #percy jackson imagine #victorious imagine #criminal minds imagine #duskwood x reader #xo kitty imagine

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anarchistbitch · 1 year

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xo kitty is genuinely crazy cause imagine i hopped up on a flight to a foreign city and now i gotta fight the top ao3 tropes simultaneously while also in the 11th grade AND i have a sexuality crisis??

#ignore tags but the way i wouldve chugged chlorine like-#xo kitty #kitty song covey #han yuri #m

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mae-gi-writes · 11 months

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01. the note under your desk | minho (xo kitty)

”it all started with a note under her desk.”

genre: mentions of suicide, professional swimmer athlete! Minho x marine biology student! Reader (Nina Shim)

Thanks for reading <3 @myahwritesss @sparkysparking101 @suzzie63 @upsidedownjill @lovely-hao @lupinette @seoli-16 @rory-cakes

——— masterlist | 01. DEAR K. | NEXT ———

Everything sucks.

From the university, to the students that inhabit its walls, to the dining hall food that has nothing but salt to make up for its lack of taste, to the annoying jocks that keep partying every night, to the girls who can’t stop gossiping about who got laid first—

Yes. Nina Shim is convinced that everything sucks indeed.

Opening her door to her shared apartment dormitory, she catches sight of the stale pan that has been sitting over the stove for over two weeks, despite her reminder to her roommate this morning that this should be gone by the time she gets back. Nina sighs, pushing off her boots in one swift, clumsy motion before staggering over to the small kitchen island that makes up most of the kitchen space, grocery bags in hand her backpack still slung over her one shoulder.

October is almost over in Toronto and people have been hyping up the idea of Halloween since last week. As Nina puts away her stuff in the fridge, she takes note of the scattered pumpkin-coloured paper streamed across the couch, the paper-mache ghosts in a stack on the coffee table. Her roommate, as depressed as she states she is, is gearing up quite nicely for Halloween. Too bad she can’t be as excited to clean up her own flat space. Nina has been granted all of that in her stead.

And it isn’t that Nina wants to complain. She’s not one to, has a pretty high tolerance level if she says so herself. But the thing is, it’s starting to get on her nerves. She might not be as outgoing, as carefree, as Hanni is, but that doesn’t mean that she needs to clean up after the latter like a mother would do for her children.

She has a life, even if that extends to merely hanging out in the University Aquarium lab and checking in on the goldfish every now and then.

Her phone rings in the silent stillness of her flat. Nina quickly fishes it out from her back pocket, pressing the green call button before placing it at her ear, “hello?”

“Nina!” Her mother’s voice is so warm on the other end of the line. So warm that it makes Nina’s eyes sting with tears, “how are you doing?”

“I’m okay,” she forces the words, glad that her mother can’t see her face, for she would’ve read right through her like an open book. Instead, she puts away the remaining biscuits in the cupboard above her head, “and you? How’s dad? He’s feeling better?”

“Oh you know how he is, always so stubborn,” her mother sighs, “he doesn’t want to take his medicine! And then when he falls even sicker he complains like a baby! Aiya, sometimes I wish he would just stop making my life so difficult—“

On and on she goes and that causes Nina’s mouth to twitch upwards into a smile. She misses her mother dearly, more than she will ever admit, and hearing everything that’s been happening back home makes her feel a little better about being far away despite it all.

“—but Nina, tell me, how has your roommate been? Still as dirty as always?” Her mother’s question brings her back to attention.

The girl leans against the kitchen counter, “she’s alright…just, yeah—not clean. But what else is new?”

“You should report her, you know. It’s a violation of your space and if you can't cope then--"

"Ma it's fine. Just--leave it."

"I'm just saying it would help."

"Anyway, how's dad doing?"

"Dad's been...he's been good."

"Going to his appointments I hope?" Nina asks while pulling out a glass from the drying rack.

"Yeah, it's tough for him. You know how much he hates it."

"Yeah I know."

"And you? We never get news, Nina. How's school? Do you go out with friends? You should--" she's grateful when she hears someone call her mother from the other end of the line and quickly fishes for an excuse, "oh it's okay mom, you can go. I'll catch up on homework anyway."

Her mother leaves the call with another apology, and when Nina cuts off the call and tosses her phone back onto the table, she lets out a prominent sigh. Looking up at the ceiling, she forces her eyes to stay dry, to not cry. Because crying means that she’s giving up.

She’s never felt so alone.

———

“I can’t fail.”

Minho’s seatmate and good friend going by the name of Q, just chuckles before looking down at his friend’s paper, “uh sorry bud, but I think you already did.”

“What happened to you?” His other friend Dae asks with furrowed eyebrows.

“I don’t know, man,” Minho musses up his hair and moans as if the world is about to end. Well, to him it is.

“Maybe you need a tutor,” Q suggests as the class slowly starts to file out of class.

“Or maybe Mrs. Chung hates me,” Minho says snarkily.

“Or maybe,” Dae’s hand falls onto his shoulder, “you need to get your head back in the game. You haven’t really been focused lately.”

“Yeah he’s got a point,” Q says, “anything you’d like to get off your chest?”

“Girl problems?”

“Family problems?”

“Love problems?”

“Oh shut up,” Minho rolls his eyes, slinging his backpack over his shoulder as the trio exit the lecture hall and file out into the main corridor where lingering students are waiting for the next class to begin.

“You know what’s your problem?” Dae suddenly says.

Minho looks at him with a raised brow.

“You’re skipping too many lectures.”

“Aha,” Q snaps his fingers, “now that, my friend, makes a lot of sense.”

“In my defense I have to—“

“Yes yes, we know, you have a rigorous swimming schedule,” Dae rolls his eyes, “but I think maybe it wouldn’t hurt to talk to Coach Choi about it. He might understand.”

“You mean, he’ll kill me,” mutters Minho sourly.

“Or maybe you need help from someone smart,” Q reasons, “why don’t you ask uhm—what’s her name again? The girl who’s always sitting in the front row by the right corner?”

“Ah Kimberley Chen? Yeah she’s hella smart. I’m sure she can help you,” Dae says.

While it sounds like a good idea, Minho’s pride cannot take it. Him? Asking for anything from anyone? He’d rather eat chicken feet, and god knows he hates that stuff.

Though…that doesn’t mean he can’t ask her in secret.

So that’s what he decides to do a few days after their small discussion. He stalks her social media accounts with no success. Apparently, this Kimberley Chen character doesn’t want any distractions from the digital world, hence her lack of presence on Facebook or Instagram.

Minho had no other choice than to stalk her in-between classes. Finding out where this famous Kimberley Chen sits is an easy feat considering that she’s a creature of habit. Having gathered some information on her beforehand, Minho had found out that she’s actually in the block right after his lectures, meaning that he has full chance of getting his personalized note to her.

He waits for the right moment. As soon as the bell rings to dismiss class, Minho quietly sneaks between the rows of desks before smoothly slipping in the note in the shelf right underneath. Then, assuring that no one has spotted him doing such a thing, quickly walks out with his head held high.

He should probably mentally remind himself to check that said desk during their next lecture.

———

“There’s a study group happening in the library. You coming?”

Nina shrugs at her seatmate, knowing full well that it doesn’t matter whether she comes or not. The girl had just been asking out of politeness.

Honestly, her days at university had proven to her that it was almost impossible to make friends on her own. That, or maybe she had just been destined to be alone.

It hadn’t been the case in high school. Nina remembered the happiness, the excitement about attending events with her friends.

Now, she barely had any energy to get out of her house.

“Okay well, if you wanna come, it’s at three thirty,” the girl whose name she doesn’t remember gives her a quick wave of her glossy nail-polished fingers, “bye!”

“Bye,” Nina mumbles to no one in particular. She lets out a soft breath, waiting for the rest of the seats to empty out, before quickly gathering her stuff from her shelf underneath.

It’s as she’s packing up her books that a note falls from her stack. Curious, Nina reaches down to pick it up, turning the plain white letter over. No name. Weird.

Was it money?

Would it be rude of her to check?

It isn’t addressed to anyone, meaning that Nina isn’t practically breaking any boundaries by doing so.

Maybe it belongs to someone. Someone important.

She lets her curiosity get the better of her, breaking off the sealed tip and opening up the page as her eyes scan the contents:

Dear K,

My name is Minho. You’ve probably heard of me. After all, I’m on the professional athletics team. I’m writing you this to ask you for your services. I heard that you’re the top student in class. Well, since I am failing Mrs. Chung’s class, I would really like some help with some additional notes or some studying sessions. You will be rewarded for this.

Let me know if you’re down for it. Cheers.

Minho

Whoever this Minho guy is sure has some great nerve. Nina wonders who in the world would have such a big ego to write such a thing. It sounds almost too absurd to be true.

Wait…Minho. The name somehow sounds familiar…

Or not.

She crumples it up in growing annoyance and is about to throw it away, when she thinks better of it and slowly un-crumples the note.

Maybe she should answer back. Teach him a lesson. And what is this about “You will be rewarded for this”?

Uncapping a pen and flipping the paper over, Nina bends over the table and starts scribbling down her response. Satisfied, she then folds it back into its letter and places it under the desk.

Reward, my ass.

———

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