soombee

[soombee]

xviii. the party and afterparty

the weeknd reference 😈 but also reminds me of this fortnite meme, hella fluff btw🫩 about 1830wc idk i edited ts while reading thru it also do yall want a freaky ahh chapter for 19 😂😂😂🤔💭 LMK!!

you're halfway through your evening skincare routine when your phone buzzes

the again

and again

and AGAIN

riki :3 is calling...

you stare for a second before picking up,

y: yes?

???: yn

not his voice, not even close

y: …sunoo?

s: hiii, what are you doing tonight?

y: nothing as of yet, why?

s: wroong! you’re eating out with us

y: where? also where's riki?

j: busy, flirting w other girls or something

y: …what?

sh: he's joking

j: i thought it was funny :(

y: alright so where exactly are you guys?

jy: we’re at the barbecue place near the dorm, riki was being scared so we called instead

y: really?

s: he’s been all “should i ask her?” “do you think she’ll come?” “maybe she’s busy” like??

j: n now he's looking for his phone so pls let us know if you'd like to come so riki can go get u

y: you guys stole his phone??

s: borrowed, excuse me

y: you really think he wants me there?

s: he keeps checking the door every time someone walks in, it’s getting embarrassing

you try to hide the smile stretching across your face as you wipe your moisturizer off your fingers

y: tell him to come get me

s: okayyyyy :3

just as you’re about to hang up, you hear him shout in the background

“WAIT IS THAT MY PHONE??”

you stare at the screen, glowing with the “call ended” notification, then shake your head and finish tying your hair up. you're smiling, like, really smiling. who would have thought the idols on your screen would become your friends in a matter of days??

fifteen minutes pass, maybe twenty

you're fixing your products in the bathroom when you heard a knock at your door

you open it to find riki standing there, out of breath like he ran the whole way. hair a little windblown, cheeks flushed from either the walk or the embarrassment.. or the drinks, maybe all of the above

“hi,” he says, sheepish

you raise an eyebrow, “you lose something?”

he lifts his phone from his pocket, “i really have no control over my life :(”

you laugh, “so i’ve heard”

he watches you for a second, eyes scanning your face, your freshly glossed lips, your oversized shirt with the sleeves still rolled up from skincare 10 minutes ago

“you look cute”

"you're easy to please," you blink, “i legit look like i just rolled out of a coma”

“yeah,” he says, grinning now. “like sleeping beauty?”

you shake your head, locking the door behind him

“you're lucky i like eating,” you mutter as you start walking

he falls into couch beside you, “you like me too...”

you pause

he catches it, “i said meat”

"doesn't even make sense, ba—riki"

he’s smiles to himself, shameless, "yeah it does, baby"

"i said bariki"

"that's not even a thing"

"you're not even a thing"

"why r u blushing then??"

"whateverrrrr"

he practically doubles over in laughter, clutching his stomach like you hit him

“i'm telling the others you bullied me,” he wheezes, wiping the corner of his eye

you roll your eyes but still let him open the door for you like a gentleman, which he very dramatically does, sweeping his arm out and bowing a little (idk how fast u got ready tbh Lol)

“after you, milady”

“stop >.<”

“alr, babe”

“riki.”

he only shrugs, biting back a smile, “you started it”

by the time you get to the restaurant, it’s already loud from across the street. shouting, laughing, sizzling way too aggressively on a grill. it smells like charcoal and sal. you hesitate at the entrance, just as someone from inside spots you through the window

sunoo immediately slaps the table twice and yells, “yn!!!”

and suddenly, everybody's excited

riki pulls open the door and you’re pulled into the noise like you’ve always belonged there. jake makes space for you beside him. sunghoon moves his plate over to share his side dishes. sunoo's already asking you what you want to drink while jay silently hands you water

the energy is warm. just like your adorable girl group. you glance at riki across the table. he's leaning back, sipping his drink and laughing at something jungwon just said, but every few seconds, his eyes flick over to you

as the meat arrives, you’re passing tongs around, fighting over the last piece of pork belly. they make you laugh so hard you choke on your rice. jake tries to save you by slapping your back but riki swats him away like he doesn't want anyone else touching you (is he joking??? probably LOL)

you're halfway through your second plate when hee suddenly speaks

“do you guys wanna drink?”

you glance around, everyone agreeing without hesitation. riki's sitting across you, pretending to act cool, but his eyes light up when you meet his gaze

you squint, “you drinking?”

he shrugs, “only if you do”

sunoo giggles, “is this peer pressure?”

you roll your eyes, smiling, “sure. but i'm not gna look after you”

he pouts

“you're barely functioning sober,” you tease

“im very charming when i'm drunk,” he says, already sliding a shot glass in front of you, “excuse me”

jake’s already giggly after two glasses of beer. sunoo’s cheeks are pink. riki, who insisted he wouldn’t drink much, is already way drunk after his third shot of soju mixed with beer 😹😹

“ynnn,” he whines, leaning against your shoulder now, arm slung over the back of your chair (switched seats w jake), “this chicken’s looking at me funny”

“it's dead, ki”

he frowns, “you look better”

“hm?”

“you,” he says, poking your cheek with the most dopey smile, “you look so pretty. like stupid pretty. like how’re you even real..”

“oh bruh,” you mutter, looking across the table, “jay hyung help”

jay, who’s still grilling mean, only lifts an eyebrow

“you're the only sober one here”

jay glances at riki, now laying on your lap, “barely”

“can you call him an uber please?”

“sure,” jay pulls out his phone, “but…”

you look down to see riki pouting at you

“wna stay with you…” he mumbles

jay stares

you stare

“you heard the man”

sigh.

you pick riki up to his ass, arm wrapped around your shoulder, his cheek smushed against your scalp

you shift slightly to stand, “cmon riki, let's go”

but instead of moving, he slumps further into you, shaking his head

“that is NOT my nameee” he mumbles, burying his face in your shoulder

you pause, confused, “what?”

he whines again

you blink, “ri..ki?”

he shakes his head dramatically, hair tickling your neck

you sigh, feeling the heat rise in your cheeks, “okay... what do you want me to call you then”

he peeks up at you with the most annoying (not) smile EVER. “…baby”

you stare at him, deadpan “you're not real”

“i'm waitingggg” he sings

jay taps your shoulder from behind, mutters, "we gotta go, company car is here, goodluck w him lmfao"

you inhale sharply, "thank you so much hyung, see you again soon!"

as you say goodbye to the other members while they walk out (well, dragged out), you glare at riki and mutter under your breath

“…come on, baby. we need to go”

you say it under your breath, eyes flicking to the side, already bracing for his reaction

“that's more like it,” he hums, triumphant, stumbling with zero balance as he lets you drag him outside by the wrist, “fuckin love how u say it”

“you're so embarrassing,” you blush, feeling butterflies all over your body. you check behind you in case anyone’s filming this. surely, this is the kind of thing fans would go feral over. you, not even an "proper idol," hauling a drunk nishimura riki from enhypen to his car like his babysitter

he doesn’t seem to notice or care. he just giggles, still clinging to you, “y'smell nice..” dragging his words

sexy ahhh 👻

“you smell like samgyeopsal”

“still handsome tho,” he grins, knocking his forehead lightly against your shoulder as you unlock his car, “right?”

you roll your eyes, opening the passenger door for him, “in”

“wanna sit w u”

“riki”

"baby,” he corrects,

you shove him gently into the seat

you walk around to the driver’s side, sliding in and adjusting the seat because, of course, he’s all legs. you glance at the dashboard, trying to remember how he started the car last time you rode with him

“you're driving my car,” he says softly, almost in awe

“cus you’re drunk, genius”

“no, but like” he turns his body toward you, fully sideways, knees pulled up a little, “you look hot in the driver’s seat”

you bite back a laugh, “just shh”

“make me,” he counters

"not rn, ki"

the car starts with a low purr, ts definitely modded. you check your mirrors, pull away from the curb, and finally start driving toward your apt

but not even 5 minutes in, his hand finds your arm

not in a grabby way, just soft. settling over your forearm as if your presence steadies him more than the seatbelt wrapped around him. he’s slouched now, face tilted toward you, eyes half-lidded, hair falling into his lashes

“don't fall asleep”

“m’not,” he whispers, squeezing your arm gently

“u better not throw up”

“mm.. don't say that” he groans, “your voice is so nice, don’t ruin it with gross words”

“you’re so weird when you’re tipsy”

“i'm romantic,” he corrects, rubbing small circles with his thumb on your arm, “m such a good boyfriend, huh?”

your heart skips, you keep your eyes on the road, “you’re not my boyfriend,” you mutter

“not yet”

you grip the wheel tighter

“i'd be good to you,” he says suddenly, gently. he's not whiny, not teasing. just loving

you flick your eyes toward him, his gaze is on you again. not glazed or sleepy. clear, like maybe the buzz is wearing off just enough for him to mean it?

you don’t say anything, hands beading w sweat

“i'd buy you food all the time,” he adds, voice low, “tell you you’re pretty even when you’re mad. hold your hand when no one’s—hell, even when everyone's looking”

you exhale slowly, trying to focus on the streetlights, the red glow blinking ahead

“you're drunk”

“i know,” he says, “i still mean it”

your breath catches, but before you can answer, you feel a weight on your shoulder. “hey—”

“i'm not gonna sleep,” he mumbles

you glance at him. he's already dozing off, cheeks warm, mouth slightly parted, hair messy and fluttering with every breath

you sigh again, but this time, it’s not so annoyed

it's kind of fond

“…idiot,” you whisper

but you don’t push him away

not even when the light turns green, and your hand stays steady on the wheel while his stays warm on your arm, occasionally reaching one hand over to caress his face o(≧▽≦)o

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod @lalalalawon @cnnabonnn @emmarosess @rikidaze @dollceciito

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[soombee]

xvii. make out

YOU ALREAdy KNOW WHAY'S GOING DOWN. SFW THO!!! Also pls bare w me i dont jnow how to write kissing scenes (爆笑) 876wc yaz

you come out of your room looking like a psychiatric patient, sloppy hair, mismatched socks, set still on from last night. there he is, looking through your peep hole, God he looks so stupid

you don’t even register when you open the door,

"didn't i tell you to wait outside?"

"isn't that a bit cruel? :["

you giggle, looking through the fridge for something he can drink while he waits for you to get ready. then suddenly, he swoops his arms around your waist and carries you to the couch, onto his lap

you yelp, more out of surprise than anger, your hand still clutching a half empty bottle of instant coffee you’d meant to offer him

“riki!”

“you were taking too loonng,” he says, chin hooking over your shoulder like he belongs there, “i got lonely:((("

you huff, squirming a little in his hold, but you don’t really try to get up. your legs dangle off his lap, one sock inside out, the other halfway down your ankle, and you suddenly become very aware of how you must look right now... like a whole fucking zombie, like you’re not supposed to be loved this early in the morning (><)

but he holds you anyway, with ease and comfort, like it’s the most natural thing in the world, like you're the most beautiful girl in the world to him

"you could’ve just called me"

"i did. five times." he nestles into your neck, voice muffled, “went straight to voicemail”

“i was brushing my teeth!”

“then brushing took you thirty minutes”

“okay fine, i was singing too :p”

he chuckles, arms tightening around your waist, “so you were ignoring me”

“you were early! it's 9 am!”

he doesn’t argue, just leans back a little so he can see your face properly, eyes flicking between your lashes and your lips

“you’re cute when you’re defensive”

“you’re annoying when you’re clingy”

he grins, “then lucky you, i’m both right now :3”

you roll your eyes, trying not to smile too wide as you cover your lips, “i need to eat something before i kiss you, or i’ll die of embarrassment”

his gaze lingers on your mouth, “so you’re gonna kiss me now?”

you pause, you really should get ready.. fix your hair, put on matching socks, be less of a disaster. but his hands are warm on you, and his eyes are soft like he’s mesmerized by you. LOOKING LIKE THIS.

“so you dont?” you pout, cheeks hot

riki blinks, “huh?”

“u don't wanna kiss me ʕʘ‿ʘʔ”

his mouth parts, then closes, then parts again

like his brain lagged

you lean back, smirking now, turning in his lap just enough to toy with the strings of your hoodie, his hoodie, actually, but he hasn’t mentioned it, “it’s okay,” you say, exaggeratedly nonchalant, “i just thought you did. my bad.”

he narrows his eyes, “you’re fucking with me”

“maybeeee”

“you—” he tries to tickle your side and you jolt, nearly slipping off his lap, dying of laughter

“kii! i’m holding your drink!”

“drop it then”

you twist, trying to get away, but he locks his arms around you, “say it again”

“say what?”

“that i don’t wanna kiss you,” his grin’s a little too proud, “say it while looking into my eyes”

you bite back your smile, turning your head slightly, “you, nishimura riki, don’t wanna kiss me”

he leans in, “liar”

you shiver then scoff, “prove it then"

"yeah?"

and he does 😖😖

pressing a quick kiss to your cheek first, then your jaw, then the corner of your mouth, just to hear the way your breath hitches

you’re giggling still, but quieter now

like it’s getting harder to play it off

“y'still think i don’t want to?” he whispers

you pause, pretending to consider it. “mmm… maybe a little bit”

he laughs through his nose, “really?”

he leans in slowly, like he’s giving you one last chance to stop him, but you don’t move. you just watch him, eyes wide and waiting, heart caught somewhere between your ribs and your throat

his lips find yours with a softness that knocks the breath out of you. it's not rushed or showy. it's careful, like he’s been wanting this for ages. his hand cradles your jaw, the other caressing your waist, keeping you close like you might disappear if he lets go

you melt into him before you even realize it, your fingers curling into the front of his shirt

the kiss deepens as his mouth moves with yours, slow and patient, like he wants to feel every second of it, every inch of you. you taste the tiniest hint of mint, feel the quiet laugh he exhales against your cheek when you kiss him back harder than he expected

fuck he makes u so dizzy!! Σ(-᷅_-᷄๑)

when he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against yours, breath shallow. he doesn’t say anything at first, just smiles, eyes still half lidded, like he’s drunk on you

“…fine. i guess you do”

he grins, “took u that much convincing??” planting another kiss on your lips

you hit your forehead against his in fake annoyance

“shut up,” you whisper

“make me”

"i'm sooo going to"

so you kiss him again :33333

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod @lalalalawon @cnnabonnn @emmarosess @rikidaze @dollceciito

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[soombee]

xvi. make up

imagine it says am instead of pm Lol , prolly like 700 wc idk

it takes less than ten minutes from the moment you drop your location

you're still barefoot, hair messily tied back, standing at your apartment window when a message lights up your phone:

r: i'm here

you don’t think, just grabbed your keys and went

his car waited under a streetlamp, headlights dimmed. u slipped into the passenger seat without a word, gently pulling the door closed like you’re afraid too much noise might break the fragile silence between you

he doesn’t speak first either

just drove

it’s only when you’re near the river that he finally speaks

"i didn't want to say all that back there just because we were about to go live"

you glance at him. his hands are tight on the steering wheel, knuckles pale

“i meant it. all of it”

you nod slowly, "I know"

he parks somewhere empty, body shifting to face yours

then..

“can I tell you why i pulled back?” he asks, “the actual reason?”

you shift in your seat to face him, heart tight, “i mean yeah”

riki swallows, jaw tense, “to he honest, i was thinking about how every single crush i've had before you was never really love. i don't think i've ever held true feelings towards anyone before you.” he couldnt help but fidget with his fingers, "i feel like I've only felt attachment to the feeling of wanting to being liked back. i genuinely didn’t know how to handle it when i first realized my feelings. how to balance being a version of myself for the cameras, and also be honest with you. i thought i had to pick one” (damn word dump😿)

you sit with his words for a second, the air feels heavier now, but not in a bad way. like everything just became real

“i never asked you to pick,” you say eventually, voice quiet, “i just wanted you to be real with me, even if it was messy"

riki doesn’t look at you right away, he leans back in his seat, head resting against the headrest, eyes focused somewhere out the windshield

“i didn’t know how,” he admits

you chuckle, barely “i figured”

silence again, but this time, it’s gentler

outside, the water sparkles under the dim streetlights. the river moves slowly,

you pull your knees up to your chest, turning slightly in your seat to face him better

you glance at him, his eyes are on you now

riki breathes in, sharp and shaky, and for the first time in weeks, his shoulders relax

there’s something vulnerable in the way you’re both sitting. like kids playing pretend at adulthood,

“i wish i wasn’t so shitty at this,” he says under his breath

you giggle, “you’re not”

his expression changed into something more playful, "don't even joke"

the streetlight outside casts a soft glow over his face, shadowing the curve of his jaw, the slope of his nose, the slight part of his lips

damn he's perfect👿💔

“wanna go sit by the river?” he asks, a little awkward, already unbuckling his seatbelt

you pause, “right now?”

he nods, “unless you’re scared I’ll push you in”

you snort, the laugh escaping before you can stop it, “you'd cry if I dragged you in with me”

he grins, his first real one in weeks

“you wish”

you both climb out, quietly walking the short distance to the edge of the riverbank. he shrugs off his hoodie and sets it on the grass below you before sitting down

your arms brush but neither of you move away

the water laps gently below, cars pass distantly behind you, and somewhere nearby, cicadas buzz lazily into the night. the hoodie beneath you cushions the dampness from the grass, but, of course, you're still cold

you glance at him

riki’s sitting with his arms draped over his knees, fingers tangled loosely, eyes on the water but lost in thought. he hasn’t said anything in a while

maybe he doesn’t know what else to say

maybe it’s okay that he doesn’t

you shiver slightly, he notices

“cold?” he murmurs

you shake your head, “no, just..”you pause “can i…?”

he turns to you, brows slightly lifted, he softens almost immediately when he sees your eyes

he nods and that’s all the permission you need

you inch closer until your shoulder brushes his, then gently lean your head against him.

ykdw he smells good👅

he stills for a moment

then, barely a second later, you feel it, the slow tilt of his head as he leans just slightly toward you,

you're not saying anything

you're not doing anything

and still, it feels like everything

"i don’t want this to be weird,” you say quietly, eyes still on the river

he hums, "it's not"

you nod, "good"

you think you see him smile out of the corner of your eye

how cute😿

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod @lalalalawon @cnnabonnn @emmarosess @rikidaze @dollceciito

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[soombee]

xv. professionalism

after being bedridden for three days, i can barely eat and function like a normal person 🤬🤬 1230 wc heh.

the second to last live show was a blur. cameras rolling back stage, producers making sure they get good footage, stylists and idols making sure they looked perfect. you were in the middle of it all, your smile fixed in place for the cameras and the crew, but inside, you felt the same agony from the rehearsal (🫩🥀)

riki was a few feet away, going through a last minute check with his stylist. you kept your gaze forward, avoiding his direction. you could so feel his presence, it was like a magnetic pull was forcing your eyes to look at him. tho, he hadn't looked your way once

a bright voice cut through your thoughts, "yn-ssi! you look great!"

you turned to see sunghoon, his face is so fucking perfect. he was followed by the rest of his group, they're all so much brighter than riki's sad ass aura

"thank you, sunghoon-ssi," you replied, your smile becoming a little more genuine

jay chimed in, "you too riki, goodluck"

you laughed, talking for a few moments, the conversation was light and easy, about the show’s big night. it was a normal, friendly exchange, and it was exactly what you wanted, what you needed for the past 4 weeks actually.

meanwhile, a few feet away, riki stood frozen, he was supposed to be listening to his stylist, but his eyes were locked on you. he watched as you threw your head back and laughed at something sunoo said, a sound he hadn't heard from you in what felt like forever

he saw the way heeseung leaned in to show you something on his phone, how easy jake hugged your shoulders

his brows furrowed,

jake caught it immediately. he excused himself from the group, giving riki a teasing grin before walking over to him, bumping his shoulder

"someone's getting friendly with our co-host," jake whispered

riki doesn't respond, just scowled and adjusted his mic pack, "just being professional."

"riiight," jake almost laughs, "because you've been sooo 'professional' with her lately. are you still giving her the silent treatment?"

riki shot him a glare, "it's not silent treatment."

"oh really? what is it then?" jake leaned in, almost mocking him, "because she looked like she was about to cry after that last rehearsal, and you're the only one who can make her feel like that, riki"

jake's words hit him harder than they should have. he squeezed his hands into fists. "it's complicated"

"complicated, my ass," he muttered, shaking his head. riki looked over at you, now being called to your position by the stage manager

you were glowing, and it wasn't for him

"if you keep acting like that," jake warns him, "someone else is gonna have to step up and make her happy. she deserves that, you know" he glanced towards the stage, where you were already getting ready for your cue

riki's eyes followed jake's, his jaw tightening. why was he being so possessive??

(blah blah blah they went live)

the next break was absolute chaos. you were getting a rundown from a producer about the next segment, your mind already a thousand places at once, when a hand on your arm stopped you

it was riki.

his grip was firm, not cold, but not gentle either. without a word, he pulled you away from the crowd of staff and idols, dragging you around until he found a small, empty space. the noise from the studio was muffled but the air was thick with a new, much more personal kinda tension

"what?" you asked, voice was sharper than you intended, "we have to be back in seven minutes"

riki didn't answer, not right away. he just looked at you, his eyes stared with a mix of everything you'd been trying to forget,

"i..i wanted to talk to you," he finally said, voice quiet and a little hoarse🐴

"about what?" you crossed your arms, "about how you're pretending i don't exist? because i'm a little busy with my job right now, riki."

his shoulders slumped, he ran a hand through his hair, his perfect idol image is crumbling right in front of you, "no, yn, that's... i know. i know i've been a jerk. i haven't been... i'm sorry."

the apology was unexpected, and it made your heart ache even more, you didn't know if you wanted to accept him in your arms or run away from it

"sorry for what?" you pushed, you needed him to say it all, "for ignoring me? for acting like we were nothing after everything? you texted me every single day and then you just ghosted me"

riki's gaze dropped to the floor, his jaw clenching. he took a shaky breath, and when he finally looked up at you again, your own breath hitched

his eyes were glassy, blinking rapidly, biting the inside of his cheek, doing everything in his power to hold his tears back. you could see him struggling in the slight tremor of his bottom lip, the way his shoulders were tight and that had nothing to do with the show

it wasn't anger. it wasn't coldness. it was pure heartache. and you were watching it spill from the boy who was so careful about everything. he had been so cold, but seeing him like this was so.

"i didn't... i didn't mean to," he choked out, his voice barely a whisper, a sound full of a regret so deep it made you forget to be angry, "i didn't mean to make you feel like that. i.."

he trailed off, unable to say more. the tears weren't falling, but the sight of him fighting them was enough for your heart

you were watching him unravel

your heart clenched, you should look away, at least say something to break the tension. but you didn’t. you waited

riki exhaled, slow and trembling, and when he spoke again, his voice was barely audible

“i do want you,” he said. “i really fucking do"

you didn’t move, didn’t blink, just watched him

“but… i don’t want you to deal with me when i’m like this,” he continued, words tumbling out now like he’d been holding them back for too long. “when i’m dry. or chopped (i couldn't find a more serious word for it plz💔.) or just not ready to be anything. when i say shit and don’t mean it. when i get annoyed at everything for no reason" (pls i can't keep a straight face🫩)

you stare at him, frozen. your breath was caught somewhere between your ribs

you didn’t know when the tears had started forming in your own eyes, but you felt them now,

riki stepped back slightly, “i don’t expect you to say anything just yet. but… yeah," his voice was more honest than it had ever been

“i just needed you to know that it was never nothing for me.”

you didn’t move. couldn’t. his words echoed in your chest like they belonged there

riki’s eyes searched yours, waiting for something, anything

but just before you could speak

“yn! riki!”

a voice calls out, you both flinch

a PA stood at the edge of the hallway, headset half falling off her ear, “back on standby! live in two!”

you blinked as reality snapped back in,

riki took a tiny step back, hand slipping off your arm

“coming,” you managed, your voice thinner than it had been moments ago

he nodded

yn 0 , employment 10

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod @lalalalawon @cnnabonnn @emmarosess @rikidaze @dollceciito

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[soombee]

Ok. Dorry for the zero post yesterday i was sick asf 🫩 will post multiple td

[soombee]

Hellooooo! Can I be in your tag list cutie? (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ

YED BEBI!!! ur prof is so cute

[soombee]

xiv. am i muted

hope ts isn't too dramatic 😬😬 404 wc

you don’t know what you expected when you walked into the studio that wednesday morning, when you were called in to practice for tomorrow’s big show

no running cameras, no live broadcast

just a run through with cue cards and floor tape

but you still did your hair, duh

you still checked your reflection five times in the elevator

it’s been a few days since riki texted you back

short messages

no emojis

no tone

and none of it makes sense after how soft he was during last week's live

you spot him by the monitors. head down, immersed in his own world

of course he’s already here

you swallow your nerves and walk over, casual

“good morning,” you bow

he glances up

nods

goes back to his script

nothing more

…okay🫩

you sit beside him because it’s rehearsal and they told you to

but the space between you feels wider than ever

his shoulder used to brush yours when he leaned to read your lines

he used to point out typos, or whisper stupid jokes about the script

now, he’s silent. you peek at him

he’s scrolling, he doesn’t look upset, just. normal.

you don’t know why that hurts more

a staff member hands you both revised scripts

you thank her but he doesn’t even look up

you whisper, “did you sleep okay?”

he hums, noncommittal

that’s it, that's all he knows how to say

when you rehearse your first line, he doesn’t look at you like he used to

just reads his part with no enthusiasm

like this is a job

like you haven’t shared all those weird little moments backstage over the past month

and maybe he never really shared them with you

maybe you just imagined all of it

after rehearsal, you linger by the snack table

nibbling on something you don’t even taste

you hear his voice behind you, laughing at something a crew member said

and it’s not for you

it’s not yours

it never was

he walks past, nods again

“see you tomorrow,” he says, light and easy

your eyebrows furrow

you try to sleep early that night since tomorrow’s the second to last show

the biggest show this month

you want to be good, you want to look okay

you don’t know what version of riki will show up but you already know a part of you will hope for the sweet riki you thought you knew

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod @lalalalawon

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[soombee]

xiii. avoidant

sorry i was out all day🫩🫩🫩 nrxt chapter in like 2 seconds

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod @lalalalawon

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[soombee]

xii. anxious

OK. I finally decided on a yn!! (iamemilykwon on ig) no more using random faces LOL

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod @lalalalawon

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[soombee]

xi. uncertainty

man i love line breaks, 487 wc

you don’t wake up nervous anymore

not because the nerves are gone, but because you’ve made peace with them

like background noise now, always there, just quieter

the makeup chair feels less intimidating

you know the assistant’s name, aika

the set doesn’t feel as cold

you still rehearse your lines, of course

when you walk into the studio this thursday, you expect the usual

bright lights, matching outfits, short greetings, riki's teasing

but there’s something off

he’s already there

leaning back in your chair, legs stretched out, script in hand

he looks up

“you cut your hair?”

your brain stalls, he..huh?

he noticed?

“um yeah, it was getting long,” you say, brushing the ends

he nods

like that’s that

riki doesn’t bother you today

i mean, not right away

your cue cards get swapped last minute

you mutter something under your breath in uncertainty

and he just takes the wrong ones from you

holds the right ones out

“these are yours,” he says

calm, no smirk, no commentary

you narrow your eyes

“who told you i cried after the first taping?”

he just blinks

“you cried?”

you regret it instantly, thinking he knew

“i was joking”

a low hum, but doesn’t look away, he keeps staring at your eyes

on stage, ni-ki doesn’t miss a cue

but he glances sideways a lot

not at the camera

not at the crowd

at you

“you good?” he mumbles once during a clip break

you nod

but your voice feels a little too tight when you reply

“why are you being so weirdly nice?”

he doesn’t answer

just nudges your card back into your hand

“you’re holding it upside down,"

after the segment ends

you bow with the staff

he says something under his breath

you don’t catch it

but you hear him laugh to himself as he walks away

you’re not nervous anymore

you’re just confused

and somehow, that’s worse

⸻

you walk off set slower than usual

partly because you’re waiting for your heart rate to catch up

partly because you’re hoping he’ll say something again

but he doesn’t

you hear him laugh with staff down the hall

low and casual like it doesn't make your face all fucking red, like this job doesn't weigh on him

you wish you could do that

just let go of the pressure, and maybe even make his heart skip a few beats...

“you did good,” one of the producers says

you smile

say thank you

but your mind’s already two corridors away

you’re in the dressing room

half changed, half spaced out, when you realize you never actually said goodbye to him today

he didn’t tease you

he didn’t call you names

he didn’t smirk or act unbothered

he noticed your haircut

he helped with your cue cards

he looked at you like he knew you

and that’s the part you can’t stop thinking about

fuck riki. why the hell aren't you annoying?????

riki pov

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod

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[soombee]

x. opposites attract

bruh o wanna post the next chaptet sooooo bad rn pleaaaak. 496wc

you’ve been on the m!countdown stage for only two times now but your lines already fall into place like second nature

your feet hit the tape marks without looking

the camera lens no longer feels like it’s burning a hole through your forehead

but riki still throws you off

it’s not intentional (you think)

he’s just so composed, so unreadable

you’ve been convincing yourself that it doesn’t matter

you’re here for the job

not the boy beside you who says your name every blue moon

tonight, though, something felt different

you’re midway through your script, introducing a rookie group’s debut stage

your voice steady, smile fixed

then riki, reading his next line, glances sideways at you and adds, "our very own rookie mc seems impressed"

you freeze for half a second

that line wasn’t on the cue card

you feel your smile twitch

he’s still staring at you, blank faced, but his eyes are dancing

the camera pans back just as you blink away your surprise

“i am easily impressed,” you say, lips curling

riki shrugs, “guess that’s good news for them"

that wasn’t in the script

neither of you acknowledge it

but the tension buzzes under your skin the rest of the segment

your hand almost brushes his at one point and you actually flinch

he doesn’t look at you, but you swear you see the corners of his mouth twitch

you only realize how obvious it was when you check your phone backstage

you’re barely through one sip of water when the mentions hit

you shut your phone off

“you okay?” one of the stylists asks, smiling

you nod, smile forced

“was that too much??”

“are you kidding? that saved the segment"

later, in the hallway, you overhear two staff talking

“they’ve actually got chemistry now, huh"

“they’re finally syncing up, ts feels too real to be just co workers”

you’re not supposed to care

but something about the word real makes your heart trip

you're back in your apt, phone buzzing nonstop

issa & haylie are blowing up the group chat,

haylie has screenshots from every angle

issa sends you a screen recording of you flinching when you and riki's hand brushed against each other

even your own mother commented on the company’s Instagram post

you scroll through the hashtags

#mc_yn trending at #3 in korea

there's a screenshot of you and riki mid intro you're laughing, he’s not

“opposites attract?” one fan tweets

the replies are somehow worse

“he blinked when she blinked” what's that supposed to mean even???

“pls tell me I’m not the only one who saw riki linger on her??”

you try not to spiral

but then your manager sends a message,

“this globalization thing is going crazy!!! good job, yn :3"

you want to be proud

but your heart’s racing, and you’re not sure if it’s from the adrenaline or the boy who didn’t bother to say goodbye backstage

next thursday is going to be worse, isn’t it?

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod

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[soombee]

ix. off script

sorry for the writing chapters, i can NOT be creative with only pictures. more under cut, 834 wc

it's your first real day off since arriving in s.korea, and even then, you decided to wake up early

the soombee gc went awfully quiet ever since you got there, your timezones horribly mismatched. no one’s there to bug you with outfit opinions or complain about the weather being too hot or too cold. you're left with your own thoughts and a mirror you don’t feel like facing

so you decide to go out

the store isn’t even famous, a small streetwear shop owned by a famiky, tucked into a quieter part of the city. you only remembered it because someone had mentioned it once in an interview, riki, that is

you weren’t following him, obviously, that would be insane

you just like his style... that's all...

the bell over the door jingles when you walk in, and the scent hits first: wood, incense, faint laundry detergent

you trail your fingers over the hem of a hoodie that looks suspiciously like the one he wore last week. you flip through the rack slowly, pretending not to imagine how it’d look on you. or him..

“don't buy that one,” a voice says behind you, low and flat

you freeze

you turn, and there he is, unmistakable. of course he’s here, of course he’d catch you red handed trying to dress like him

your voice is half air, "why not?”

he shrugs, "olive? really? you look better in black”

you blink, and then squint, "you're giving me fashion advice now?”

he walks past you without answering, taking the recommended hoodie off the rack, putting it against your body

you hate how right he is

“also, I knew you copied me,” he mutters, not looking at you

you clutch the hoodie defensively. “i did not copy you,” turning back to the racks, "tell them to give me another stylist if you're that bothered." you side eye him

“uh huh,” he says, finally meeting your eyes

there's a silence. the kind that says too much, the kind that lingers

then he looks away again, turning toward the register, "ms kim said you’re off today"

“obviously. you too?”

he nods. “yeah, i'm just here to pick up a custom order"

you hesitate, "this your holy grail?”

“i mean, ever since trainee days. i like the peace here"

riki shifts his weight like he’s about to leave, then pauses,

“you coming to next week’s tech run early?” he asks

you nod slowly while thinking, “if i remember"

he hums

and then, like he didn’t just confirm he kind of waited around to talk to you, he heads to the door

the bell jingles again,

you look down at the hoodie in your hands, the black one

you hold it up to your chest and sigh

yeah, okay. maybe you are copying him

but he noticed...

and it's definitely doing something to your heart

30 mins later , @ the grocery store

you didn’t even know he was behind you until he spoke,

“nice choice,” he said, voice low, almost amused, eyes flicking toward the oat milk in your hands

"thank you, i actually just chose what i saw on other peoples carts since it's my first time shopping here—" you finally look up, then down..

it was riki. holding the same one.

you blink

“oh. hi.”

he smiles, barely

you don’t know what else to say, so you don’t say anything

................silence

he nods at your basket

“you cook?”

you glance at the sad selection inside: oat milk, instant noodles, overpriced granola, flavoured yogurt

“barely"

he chuckles

“same"

you both move at the same time to keep walking

you end up side by side

not planned

not awkward

not normal either

“didn't know you came here,” he said after a pause

“I don’t,” you answered too fast, "i just got here, if u didn't hear”

"hmmm," raised an eyebrow. “good taste then"

you swallowed. was that a compliment? was he being nice? did he know?

the line moved forward. you took a step ahead, and so did he. still behind you. close enough that you could hear him humming under his breath. and when the cashier waved you over, he pulled his hat further down like he was trying not to be seen

you paid in a rush, you had a color analysis appointment in 5 minutes. it's 10 minutes away.

so you didn't wait for your change

didn't say goodbye either.

you’re halfway down the block when you realize

you didn’t even ask if he shops there often

didn’t ask why he smiled like that

didn’t ask why it felt like he was about to say more

your phone buzzes, it’s the color analyst confirming the appointment

you reply with a thumbs up and an apology

but your mind’s still back in the aisle

with matching cartons and a “nice choice”

like it meant more than oat milk

ugh whatever

u're just overthinking it

just like what haylie said, youre a delusional bitch

yeah

it must be

it should be

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod

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[soombee]

viii. first day debrief

right after the live, 597 wc

the cheers and applause dies out slower than your pulse

lights dim, the cameras cut, and the studio becomes just another overly air conditioned room. the tension melts with it, but not completely

you look around for some snacks, staring at your reflection in the dressing room mirror. lips still intact, hair still perfect. although your cheeks feel warm and your ears are still ring from the adrenaline

glad that was over with... 5 more thursdays of this bullshit..

behind you, riki tosses his mic pack on the counter, stretching like he didn’t just breathe the same air as &team for the last 45 minutes with an entire country watching. he yawns, exposing a sliver of flesh, super duper casual

he catches your eye in the mirror, a tiny glance, nothing more

“you’re welcome for saving your ass during that fumble"

a slow grin curls onto his face as he pulls off his inears, "i didn’t fumble"

you turn your chair towards him, raising an eyebrow

"right, that's why you only said ‘baby’ instead of babymonster"

he shrugs, "for the record, i said 'welcome our next guest, baby' not 'welcome our next guest, baby__'”

silence, you make that one naruto face

you blink, deadpan, "huh.." turning your chair back to your mirror

he laughs quietly and you hate that it sounds kind of pleasing

the apt is dark when you return. you kick off your shoes by the door, not even turning on the light. just the soft glow of the 12th floor view lighting the path from hallway to the living area

you should shower. you should eat. you should call haylie back.

instead, you drop face first into the couch

your ears are still ringing from the stage. the countdown, the screams, the chaos. all of it felt like a fever dream. somehow, you’d smiled through it, bowed at the end, nodded like you knew what you were doing

but now, in the stillness of the dorm, your hands are shaking

you scroll aimlessly, half looking for fancams, half hoping no one noticed your voice cracked a little on the second cue card. you liked your hair today tho. you liked your outfit too, even if it matched his way too much

you pause, there it is

THE 10 sec clip. someone caught it. you adjusting his mic, your hands brushing, his eyes flicking down. the comments are already insane:

“the tension 🧎‍♀️‍➡️✝️”

“they’re literally dating idc”

you roll your eyes, a smile creeping onto your face

that was nothing, you were literally just helping him.

still, you watch it again. three times. just to be sure.

your phone buzzes,

a message from an unknown number?

r: you didn’t mess up

you sit up

another buzz

r: in case you were overthinking it

r: which you are

your heart stops for a second, who the hell is this?

you stare at the messages,

the silence in the room pressing in on you. no emojis. no explanation

then you realize that annoying, confident voice in text form

how'd he know you were overthinking it???

you don’t text back right away, of course, not to be rude but to not look desperate. you open your messages app, rereading it twice, thumb hovering

y: weird way to say good job

y: but thanks ig

no reply

just "read now"

you close your phone and fall back on the couch, pulling a blanket over your face

he's going to be insufferable tomorrow, you're sure of it

but for now, you’re smiling

just a little, the kind you don’t realize you’re making

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod

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[soombee]

vii. lights, camera, action

omg sorry if i use "weirdo" too much, im from ca 🥹🥹 562 wc

you woke up before your alarm, you couldn't sleep much anyway

your brain has been spinning since last night

you re-read the script until your eyes hurt, recited your lines in the mirror until you got tired of your own voice and smile

you even texted issa a photo of your breakfast but got nothing but a deadpan “bitch go to sleep"

the ride to the set felt longer today

no one’s around to joke about your nerves

no one’s there to steal your hair tie or tell you that your makeup looks "cakey today" even though you know it literally never is

you’re in a country that doesn’t know you yet, hosting a show beside someone who barely looks at you yet somehow still manages to make your heart skip for no reason,

is it hatred? i hope so

you arrive early of course

the stylist says “you’re glowing today”

you try to believe it, "you're too nice"

an assistant hands you your cue cards

you glance through them quickly, pretending to be calm, heart pounding through your chest

you already know every line but now they feel different

you feel different

then riki walks in

backwards cap, grey sweats, definitely too much confidence at 9AM

“hehe, our mc's are finally both here,” someone says, grinning

he barely looks your way

you pretend not to care

but you swear you catch him glance at you and smirked like he was plotting something

"like you know how to entertain girls." you mumble, glaring at his back

after being fitted and all, you both stand off to the side, waiting to be mic’d up

he stares at himself at the monitor ahead, fixing his appearance

you fiddle with your earpiece

silence stretches between you

your in-ears beep,

“30 seconds to standby,” the PD says calmly in your ear

You grip your cue cards tighter

then, casually

“try not to glare at me this time,” he mumbles

you scoff, rolling your eyes, “maybe if you tried to talk to me once in a while.”

he grins like that was the goal all along,

you fucking weirdo

the lights warm up

[INT. MNET STAGE – CENTER FRAME]

r: hello everyone, i am enhypen's riki

y: hello! i am soombee's yn

r & y: and together, we'll be your mc's for M!Countdown!

just as you rehearsed, your smile doesn’t waver and your voice doesn’t crack

but your fingers tremor slightly as you switch cue cards

soon, the camera cuts to the pre recorded break, you hear him exhale softly beside you

[INT. MNET BACKSTAGE, CAMERA OFF]

you sip your water, riki leans against the wall, beside you

“u okay?” he asks without looking at you

you respond with a nod

“i wasn't asking as your co host”

your eyes flick over to him, watching a monitor above, ive's music video plays, his expression doesn't falter

"i'm fine"

he doesn’t press. but he also doesn’t move away when your shoulders touch for way too long

[INT. MNET STUDIO – FINAL SEGMENT, LIVE]

your timing is perfect, the transitions are smooth

but there’s a moment, just before you interview the next group, where you forget the camera

you glance up at ni-ki, smiling

he's already looking at you, same old expression

⸻

“you were alright,” he says, brushing past you

you stare at him

“like i care" (you def do)

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod

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[soombee]

vi. no beef

day before shoot, mnet set. 456 wc

it’s barely noon but the fluorescent lights overhead already feel like it's gonna burn your eyes off just by looking through your peripheral

your hands are really shaky tho, despite the way your manager keeps saying “you’ll be fine, it’s just rehearsal!” as if that erases the cameras

the set’s too clean again, even the cue cards look laminated

you’re sitting stiffly in the host seat, lips moving as you mumble the script under your breath for the nth time, hair stylist complimenting your hair, telling you how well it holds a style

the prompter blinks slow, like it’s taunting you. you try not to imagine the live lights turning on tomorrow, or the thousands of eyes, or the more successful people you'll be interviewing for the next month, or worse, his—

“yn,” your manager calls from the side, snapping you out of your misery, “you look so pretty when you smile, just do that!"

natural, right

you nod, pressing your knuckles into your lap, already rehearsing how not to look weird when riki walks in. you tell yourself he probably won’t show up today, he’s done all of this before, this is your trial run, you’re the new girl.

except..

except the door swings open twenty minutes later, just as you’re practicing your timing on your jolly “hello everyone!” line

no fanfare, no warning

still hood up and mask on

that same annoying slouch in his posture

he walks in like he owns the studio

and technically, he kind of does, which is really fucking annoying.

he glances at the set, then at you

his gaze lingers half a second too long

you can’t tell what he’s thinking.. probably judging the way your script is half folded, or even your outfit choice (petty ass ho)

he walks past you with a bow to the staff, not sparing you any mind

just sits down on the couch like he hasn’t made your brain go static

you press your lips together in anger, glaring at him

“do they not teach greetings at hybe?”

you say, grouching

well, you mostly just whisper to yourself but you swear you see his mask twitch a little..

is he smiling?

the rest of rehearsal is cold,

dry runs, corrections, camera checks, over and over again

you try to focus on the cues and not the way your manager keeps smirking at you like she sees something blooming,

there is absolutely nothing blooming.

this is strictly corporate.

business casual, romance-less feelings.

you grab your water and scroll your phone during break but a post catches your eye,

a blurred photo in the studio, posted by your manager

you and him. from behind. sitting in the studio.

y: MAN WHAT THE HELL.

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur @offnexnam @xo-tilwod

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[soombee]

v. clickbaited

more after cut, 400 wc

you walk into the mnet studio with your manager trailing ahead of you, keycard flashing green as the heavy door clicks open

she’s talking fast, waving her hand around like a tour guide at 9am on too much caffeine

actually talking your ears off..

"this is the main set, that’s where the hosts sit, we have tech tests tomorrow, lighting might change, oh, and don’t worry about the angles, they’ll find yours" bla bla bla

you nod even though you’re not absorbing even half of it

everything’s too cold, too quiet

the floors are too clean

your name’s on a chair and it makes your stomach drop a little

your manager stops walking and turns to you

"are you okay, yn?"

you nod, flashing your smile at her, "just wanna get used to it"

right on cue, a stylist appears, holding two garment bags

the one in front is black and silver, very cool, very him, very nishimura riki

"ah! i hope you’re okay sharing a stylist with riki, yn!" she scratches the back of her head

you look inside the bags and blink

matching already? at least he's not here.. he's gonna think i copied his style, uugghhh.. (this is ur head voice)

the stylist smiles too easily, "i couldn't resist making you two match"

your manager laughs like it’s funny

you stand there looking at the outfit chosen for you, chrome hearts jewelry..

you get shoved into the fitting room before you can even react

ten mins later

"Wtf, this actually looks good on me" you stare at the mirrror

the stylist shrugs, "i'm here at your service, yn"

thirty minutes later, while your manager’s explaining the cue card flow again, the studio door opens unexpectedly. but you guys didn't expect any company today?

hood up, mask on, phone in hand, pants sagging

god forbid i live a peaceful life, why does he have to have such a handsome aura.

he sees you in your assigned outfit, eyebrows lift up, just slightly

"you really wore the copycat fit huh," his smirk irks you

your manager says hi, he bows and continues walking

"not even a fucking "hi nice to meet you" to your co host???" you whisper under your breath

your manager doesn’t hear you

but you swear you hear the stylist giggles from behind the rack..

tags @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies @lvfleur

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[soombee]

iv. it’s just two weeks

montage (speedrun)

wk.1

wk.2

wk.3

day of departure

tags: @enhypenlovre @letwiiparkjay @iheartshopping @haechology @verialuv @yuuuraaa @renlikecookies

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