#(i know it's not fully them to blame but the merch issues really seem to be a pattern that just isn't getting solved)

[yonpote]

hi...

[caldella]

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to Stolas that you like?

AND/OR

8. What’s something the fandom does when it comes to Stolas that you despise?

I thought you might like the choice to do a positive or negative post (or both!) 😊

Oh this is a good one! Had to think about giving one or two answers for a bit.

7. One thing I like: the creating!

Overall the Hellaverse has some of the most creative fans I've seen in a long time. From cosplay to art to fanfic to fan merch, it's incredible. I mentioned yesterday that Just Look My Way was basically my intro to the show. Paranoid DJ originally made that as a fan song back after Ozzie's. Without fans and what they create, especially for Stolas, I might have never checked the show out, who knows?

I also have a decent amount of fan merch (not as much as actual haha), and a lot of it is Stolas, so that falls into creating.

Some of my fan merch:

Second thing I like: the (productive) discussion!

Stolas has a lot to his story. Emotional neglect, a shitty life situation, domestic abuse, anxiety issues, depression issues, heavy behavioral masking, almost definitely neurodivergent (and I subscribe to the fan theory that he's autistic)... he's very complex. It's impossible to fully understand him without breaking down the how and why he got to who he is in the show. I see a lot of that, especially on here. And it's really interesting to discuss all of it and get standpoints/details that expand on him or make me understand things even I didn't get. I've had some incredible conversations about him and other characters, which makes me appreciate all of it even more.

8. A thing I don't like: misunderstanding/taking him at face value

None of the main HB characters can be taken at face value - they have way too much going on. I personally love when a story slowly develops to give us reasons/depth behind a character's actions, which is what they've done with Stolas. But I have seen some fans not understand it or complain that he was changed in S2, even though hints of all of this were already in S1 (seriously as someone who experienced an emotionally/verbally abusive family member, I started clocking the potential for that at Episode 2). People claim he's been 'woobified,' the ignore a lot of the behavior of other characters that might be similar, and they tend to pick apart his faults a lot. He does have a lot of them! But people hone in on the power dynamic the show starts him in and fail to see the deeper realities of it all. In fact, they seem to pick apart his faults more than other characters in the show. Stolas is a representation that being wealthy or from a good family doesn't shield you from abuse - that someone in a position of privilege can still be outcast and isolated. Someone can be comfortable in physical needs but emotionally miserable. I think someone here worded it that "the rich cannibalize their own" when someone among them doesn't fit into their strict expectations, and that's what Stolas is an example of. People who don't understand that really don't seem to 'get' what he represents, or they blame him for being abused. Blaming an abuse victim for their abuse really gets me. Escaping abuse isn't easy, no matter who or what you are, especially when you don't have a support system. And the point of his flaws are that his upbringing created a lot of them. He never had exposure to experience that might teach him better. My (least) favorite besides people excusing his abuse is when people want him to act more grounded in real/normal experience and social skills right away, when the show's gone to great lengths to tell us he's almost never had the chance to experience any relationship close to normal or healthy.

Thank you for the ask! <3

Link to the Ask Game for those not in the loop/curious to ask! (This is for any HB or even HH character or any other show/media I like tbh)

[gaycey-sketchit]

(Gary anon) Not gonna lie, but Journeys reminded me why I watch anipoke; or rather keep an eye from a distance, on its events and how you need keep your expectations reasonable, when it has pulled stuff like Thunder Armor and Tobias. (In TRio's case, the seriousness gets dropped after the halfway point, I think I even remembered that being "announced" in a trailer. Dawn's BW return was apparently mixed too, but most of the blame was put on Iris.

.

(Part 2) As if Dawn has never been snarky before. Really says something when some; just like with Misty during SM, think Iris' development was "improved" when she came back in JN. Gives away much of BW you watched) That, and all the continuity probably took a hit on things too. Just for the circumstances to get it to work alone. (When you're a byproduct of the series and its writing, the fandom is going bare the weight of the reception on you)

(Part 3) I don't think I've seen so much flak against the staff since XY, but that was mainly for one thing. Everything in JN has got attacked in every angle. (Even if there was a new Eeveelution, it's really hard for Chloe to fully come back from this, unless her [and Goh] continue into the next series and are given something a bit more consistent) Doesn't help that Yamper looked like it going to join her. (Apparently Tobias' VA caught it too. Wish them all well)

(Part 4) Well, we got a Goh poster coming up this month that looked similar to the Chloe one last month. Project Mew after the semifinals is looking more likely. (Also seem to have gotten the first sign of S/V anipoke merch, so we're probably get news on what's up soon and Ash's fate. If he does continue, I wonder if it'll be a new character that introduces Paldea to him or Gary works his magic again a third time)

(Part 5) The ultimate spectacle in the making of Ash meeting Red is upon us in Pokemon Masters. And more S/V news! Seems like they're trying to keep things more under wraps this time, but at least we got the new gimmick and more on the open world. I see most took to the new Wooper that dropped, and Fidough. And the new characters. xD

Fair.

Oh, I vaguely remember hearing about that.

Man, people look for any excuse to hate on Iris, huh. I wonder why. (I do not wonder, I think we both Know.)

Yeah, Journeys was ambitious, and there have been some... issues because of that.

I guess so, but man. The fact that some people direct more intense hatred toward Goh than I do toward characters that remind me of my actual literal abusers... I think maybe this fandom needs to chill a little sometimes. Acting like that about a fictional ten year old is weird.

Yeah, Journeys really has been picked apart for literally everything.

Alas. I mean, maybe they stand a chance at that, but I doubt that’d be received well either.

D: Covid’s been hitting so many people. Hopefully they can all recover!

Oh, makes sense. Honestly really excited to see how the Project Mew stuff plays out, I feel like I’m one of the like five people who’s actually enjoying that plotline.

Oh? I have to say I’m really hoping Ash will continue into Paldea because I would miss him too much if he didn’t. Would love to see Gary do his thing a third time.

That’s going to be fun! Excited for Ash to maybe be a playable sync pair? Ash Ketchum telling me good morning would be the ultimate joy.

I opted not to watch the SV stuff because I like to go into new Pokemon games with as little prior knowledge as possible (and proceeded to go on Twitter and mute as many relevant words/phrases I could think of for the same reason) but! Glad people have responded well for the most part! Hopefully these games will be received more positively than SwSh were, I do not want to go through that ordeal again. Just about three more months until release, that’s exciting!

[amor-fati-momento-mori]

Editing Break

Summary: You were visiting your boyfriend Grayson and so far the trip had been everything you imagined. Until he had to start editing his and Ethan’s new video. You understood but it didn’t meant you weren’t allowed to take a certain situation into your own hands. 

Words: 2.9k

Warnings: Smutty, smut smut

A/N: I randomly got this idea during a nap and then wrote it all after I took a shower. Enjoy!

It was a perfect California afternoon. The sun was high in the sky casting a warm glow over everything it touched. Nothing but clear skies as far as the eye could see. Well it would have been perfect if your boyfriend wasn’t still editing.

        You looked over form your spot on the bed to see Grayson hunched over his computer. While you could admire the way his muscles moved in his back as he was sitting there in nothing but his underwear, it wasn’t exactly the way you wanted him to be. He and Ethan had filmed in advanced and he wanted to get a jumpstart on editing since you only had a few days with them before you had to go back home. The cons of long distance, but the Dolan boy was worth it to you and he felt the same. You wouldn’t have it any other way.

        Except for the exact thing you were thinking of, the fact that you had been horny since yesterday with no satisfaction because of the damn editing. Grayson was up until 3 in the morning trying to finish it last night but got tired and ran into issues. You had given him a massage to help him fall asleep, but it had left you with nothing but your hand. Which hey it happens, you support the boys no matter what and understand how important getting their content up on time is. Sometimes you just couldn’t help it. You deeply craved being intimate with Grayson and it didn’t help that he was a fucking master at it. You had hoped this morning would be different. You made sure to get up early to cook him breakfast in bed, pancakes with a side of fruit with some orange juice to drink. Grayson couldn’t say enough kind words about how happy he was that you did that, so you joined him in bed to eat.

        Not long after you two had finished he had hopped over back to his computer to work again. You huffed to yourself, disappointed, but again you couldn’t blame him. The video did have to go out tomorrow. For a few hours you sat content, even going to clean the kitchen as well as do some laundry which you talked to Ethan during that time as he was getting his clothes out so you could put yours and Grayson’s in. Still when you returned back to the bedroom Grayson was in the same position.

        You weren’t going to waste the rest of the day though and began to put on your swimsuit. A cute bikini that was white with a cherry pattern all over it. You would have worn their new suits from the merch line but yours was still a mess from…well let’s call it the testing rounds of how they looked. Before you told Grayson, you were going outside for a dip, you looked him over one more time. This particular video was really getting to him and by the looks of it he was only getting more frustrated as his hand was rubbing his temple while he furiously clicked away at the clips in the editing program.

        “Oh my god!” He eventually groaned out, leaning back in the chair and rubbing both of his hands down his face with a sigh.

        “No, I’m your girlfriend, but I can try to help.” You joked, rubbing your hand up and down his arm to help soothe his irritation. He looked over at you, pausing for a moment to check out your body in the small swimwear before looking into your eyes.

“I’m sorry it’s just the stupid file won’t process the way I need it to and it’s pissing me off. Not only that none of these transitions seems to be working, it all looks like shit.”

        “A break never killed anyone, babe.”

        “I want to finish it now so I can spend tonight and tomorrow with you though.” Grayson said, his fingers capturing yours before bringing your hand to his mouth to kiss the back of it. You smiled at his sweet form of affection.

        ‘Well,” You chewed your lip, thinking about your next words carefully, “What if I can help you have a break both mentally and physically without moving?”

        Grayson raised one of his perfectly shaped brows at your suggestion.

        “How exactly are you going to do that? Weren’t you going to swim?” He asked, gesturing to your outfit.

        “Just keep editing, okay?” You told him softly, pointing towards the computer for him to resume his work.

        Confusion still in his eyes, Gray did as you told him returning to try and get the video to the standard he wanted it for tomorrows upload.

        You walked around his chair until both of your hands were positioned on his broad shoulders. You started massaging his shoulders similar to how you did last night. Digging deep into the tight muscles from being hunched over at the desk. Grayson was already letting out little moans at how good it felt as well as sneaking glances back at you to see exactly what you were playing. You did nothing but smile but continued your work down to his biceps, staying there for a moment before returning back to his shoulders.

        You trailed your hands slowly down his chest, grazing slightly over his nipples before tracing patterns all around his pecs. Leaning down you kissed chastely from his ear down his neck, just enough so he could feel you were there but not lean into it enough to get anything.

        “Baby…” Gray exhaled deeply, feeling his chest rumbled under your fingers which only made you happier.

        You firmly placed both hands on his chest now, running them up and down his abs stopping briefly to kiss his neck or circle a particular spot on his abdomen. You peeked over his shoulder to see if you were getting the bigger response you wanted, and bigger was exactly the right word. You could easily see the tent that was forming in Grayson’s too tight navy briefs.

        By now Grayson had given up trying to stay focused on the screen or even attempting to move around the clips in the order he needed. Instead his eyes were half hooded in pleasure but also not wanting to fully look away from the actions you were performing on his body. His hands were gripping the edge of the desk, not painfully but enough to keep himself in the position you wanted him to be in. Now was the time for part two of your plan.

        Walking to the side, your fingers continued to trail his abs, playing with the band of his underwear. You watched his chest as his breathing started to shift the closer you got to his clothed cock. Carefully sinking down to your knees on the hardwood floor, your hands finally moved from his chest to his thighs. After tracing the outline of his day n night tattoo, Grayson seemed to get the message and scoot back in his chair some, opening his legs. You couldn’t help but marvel at his thick thighs now that you were eye level with them. The art of them was admirable but nothing could take away from how the raw size and power of them made your heart race. You loved to grip them with your own legs or hands just to feel strength they held. There would be more time for that later, right now you wanted your own prize and it was sitting at attention right in front of you.

        You gripped the edge of his brief but instead of starting to take them off you played with the fabric in your hands. You wanted them off just as badly as Grayson did but you wanted to make him work for it a little. This was a gift but you couldn’t help but get off at the satisfaction of being able to get him to be even a little bit whiney and submissive for you.

“Please…” You heard Grayson mutter under his breathe but that wasn’t enough.

        “I’m sorry Gray, I didn’t quite catch that.”

        Unknowingly to even you he had rolled his head back so it was hanging back between his shoulders, but after your request he slowly brought his head up. He snapped his eyes open to stare deeply into yours, nothing was able to stop the immediate way your pussy clenched from his eyes. It got you every time.

        “Y/N,” Grayson licked his lips, you watched every movement his tongue made. “Please take them off.” He gritted out the last part of it between his teeth, not wanting to fully give into his submissive side in this situation. You let it go because of how much you wanted to give him and yourself pleasure as well as the fact that you know you could get him really begging later if you wanted.

        With no more hesitation you pulled his briefs all the way down, getting him to step out of them as well so they wouldn’t be in your way before tossing them in the direction of the bed. Your mouth salivated and you had no shame to admit it. Grayson had the most beautiful cock you had ever seen. No other man or even porn star could compare to him. It was crafted as a blessing to pussy that you thanked God every day for. It was thick, so erection that it was resting nicely against his stomach, highlighting his treasure trail. The tip was just rounded enough that it was a nice bulb but not overly mushroom. It made you even more wet thinking about how that first thrust forward to get the tip in always felt so heavenly. Currently it was dripping a steady stream of precum all the way down, coating the large vein that was pulsing down the side in a slick coating. Finally, you brought your stare to his balls which to be honest were larger than average but they matched the size of his dick so it made sense. They hung there neatly manscaped and heavy, waiting for your touch. The wait was over.

        You brought your hand forward to first take Grayson’s balls into your hand. You rolled them, gently in your hand reacquainting yourself with how they felt. You stayed here for a bit, making sure to give each one the same amount of attention before focusing fully on his shaft. You glided your pointer finger up the vein of his cock, collecting all of his liquid that had already been coming out before dipping your finger in the pool at the top. Pulling it away, watching the trail that connected your finger to his tip you brought it to your mouth. Loudly sucking and moaning around it, able to get just enough of his taste. You looked back up at him, your heat continuing to pool.

His eyes looked almost black from the angle you were at. You could also tell he was breathing heavily out through his nose to try and keep some of his composure, arm muscles flexing. One still had a grip on the desk while the other was in a fist on the arm of the chair. You knew he was doing this because you wanted to be in control while all he wanted was to grip your hair and force you down on his length. Sure, you had given him simple morning blow jobs or just cause blow jobs, it didn’t always have to be rough but there was something about choking on his cock that you just got off on so it was a normal scenario for the two of you. With the change of pace, it was always hard for Grayson to remain still for you to do your work when he knew what you could do and usually wanted.

        With this in mind you decided to ease some of his suffering. Instead of going bit by bit like previously thought out, you gripped his base and began to lower your mouth all the way down.

        “Shiiiiit-“Grayson moaned along with various grunt pounding his fist onto the chair.

        Keeping your jaw lax you soon had almost his whole member in your mouth. You could deep throat but Grayson was so large that there was never anyway you got the whole thing, but you were proud of what little space was left between your nose and his lower abdomen.

        There you stayed, soaking in the feeling of his entire cock laying in your mouth and pushing down your throat. This really was a gift for the both of you. You left it in there to make him fidget wondering what you were going to do next and to let the salvia gather in your mouth. Eventually wanting to breath out more than just your nose you slowly pulled off, leaving a mess of spit covered his cock as moved. Using this you regained your breathe you began to stroke him up and down fast, not wanting him to lose the feeling of your mouth on him too quickly.

You were the one now staring him in the eyes as you went in to lap at the tip. Swirling your tongue around it before dipping down in the slit and back out again. Taking long licks at the vein from his balls up back to the tip and down the other side, all while doing your best to keep your eyes locked together. You saw him slowly break down more and more with each move you made. You smirked before going back in to properly blow him. You bobbed your head up and down, not even coming all of the off of his dick before going back down again. Building a steady momentum before reaching down to play with his balls once more.

        “C-Can I-fuck- “Grayson breathing was erratic, his words not able to come out before his was biting the side of his hand. You didn’t need to say anything else to know what he wanted and just like earlier it was okay because of how much you wanted it too.

        You nodded the best you could with his dick still in your mouth. After that you felt a hand come to the back of your head to gently grip. Grayson did this to show that he was still letting you be in charge but he couldn’t go without touching you. He went with your head as you continued your momentum, letting the tip start to hit the back of your throat over and over. Grayson’s panting was all you could hear and it made you want to go even faster to hear him not be able to do anything at all from how deep you were taking him. You did pull back for just a second though, making Grayson let out an involuntary complaint.

        “I want it all. I want to swallow every, last, drop. Got it?” You told him, back to stroking him again holding him a little tighter to get your point across.

        “It’s all yours, baby girl.”

        The two of your shared a smile before you went back down on him with vigor. Tasting every glorious inch of his cock form tip to base. Continuously fondling his balls until you could feel them tighten in your hand. You kept his tip lodged in the back of your throat, swallowing around him and keeping him in place for when he finally came. Gray couldn’t get out the words but instead brought both hands to the back on your head before pushing you the rest of the way down on his length. He kept your head in place as he moaned out his finishing sounds. String after long string of cum shot down your throat, coating it in the salty yet for some reason addicting substance. He stayed in your mouth as you took it all the way down, making sure to get every last drop as you wanted and he promised.

        Once you were sure you got everything you finally pulled all the way off, leaning back on your knees. Grayson handed you a tissue from the box on the desk for you to wipe at your mouth. You thanked him before cleaning off. You stood all the way up before jumping at Grayson’s hands. He had grabbed at your ass with his large hands, holding one cheek in one bringing you in close to his side.

        “Time for me to return the favor.” He said happily, licking his lips once more.

“Nope!” You said cheerily causing the boy in the chair to stare at you.

        “Wh-What?” He stuttered out, his deep voice laced with uncertainty at what you meant.

        “That was to help you editing block, which I’m sure you feel better now. So, once you finish, come get me out of the pool.” You tossed in the trash can by the desk before leaning down to whisper in his ear. “I’m already wet, so just think about how soaked I will be before you can come get me.” You nipped at his ear and stood all the way up.

        You smiled and turned towards the sliding glass door in his room that led to the pool, making sure to sway your hips knowing his eyes would be locked on you. Turning back, you slid it closed to still see Grayson perplexed, naked on his desk chair as he watched you on the other side of the door. You winked, and this seemed to make reality sink in for him as he quickly turned back to his computer, not bothering to put anything on his body, to finish the edit so he could get back to your body. You laughed at him before making your way to the pool diving in wondering what would be in store for you once he finished his work.

[wannawrite]

Sweeter Than Candy

Wanna One’s Park Woojin X Reader

Fluffier than cotton candy

Word count: 3255

• summer’s here whooo it’s time to make extra cash [ to save for merch and concerts amirite ;) ] • you’re hella heart eyes for your new coworker • let’s see what happens hurh ;)

i’m the most unoriginal person to ever exist. Your job is at a damn candy store but that’s only because I was being all sentimental and emotional about the times my friends and I would go to the candy stores and pig out….sigh, it’s very far away from our homes though so we don’t go nowadays :((( Anyways, i hope you like it anon :)) , soRRY IT’S LIKE TWO WEEKS LATE I’VE BEEN STUDYING

- admin L

PS: will be edited soon [ 7/8/2017 ] 

edited: 7/8/2017 __________

Oh my god…..if he’s going to sneak another sugared fruit jelly into his mouth i’m gonna….yeah okay

You sighed, staring sheepishly at your coworker - Park Woojin - in a non-stalkerish, totally friendly kind of way as he popped yet another piece of candy into his mouth while working. He knew you were eyeing his every move and winked cheekily before speeding off to assist another customer.

It was finally summer and as much as you wanted to let your hair down and party, you also wanted to make some extra pocket money, a little could always go a long way. So, you had taken up your parents’ suggestion of working at the nearby candy store, The Sugar Shaker. Despite it’s… peculiar name, it was a very popular store and was constantly filled with people, be it young children from the neighbourhood elementary school, teenagers stocking up on their study snacks or even working adults giving into their candy cravings, everyone in this estate loved The Sugar Shaker. The atmosphere was always bubbly and lively, there was never a dull day.

Especially when you had a shift with Woojin.

You would be the world’s biggest liar if you said that his presence didn’t light up the entire room. Woojin was always so talkative and funny, albeit he could be really awkward and dorky on occasion but you only added those to the list of things you liked about the boy. He made you laugh at his silly jokes when both of you worked the latest shifts and showed his sweet side by telling you to go home early when he saw you dozing off on the counter.

“Go ahead at head home, Y/N. I can pack up. Your health is so much more important,” Woojin had told you, smiling despite how tired he was and showing you his snaggletooth. It only made him more and more charming.

When you refused to leave him by himself, he made you nap in the break room, using his black hoodie as a pillow. It smelled like his cologne so you really didn’t have any issues with it.

Woojin was rather popular with the girls’ around here, at school, at work, in the store, they all whispered and giggled about him. You couldn’t blame them, he was indeed made out of 110% boyfriend material.

Any girl would be lucky to have him…I just wish it was me….oh, he’s so-

“Y/N!” Your other coworker, the older and more experienced Hyonju unnie yelled, glaring at you but there was a playful twinkle in her eye. She was already in college and yes, had her fair share of boyfriends while you had never had one.

“Ugh, what am I going to do with you,” she said, not looking up from packing a customers bag of candy and once they had left, continued. “You keep admiring him from afar but never actually makes a move…ahh.”

You blushed bright red and returned to your original task of manning the till but your mind wandered back to Woojin.

No, no. Let’s focus, now…..but-No!

Hyonju unnie shook her head, snickering at you. She pinched your burning cheeks affectionately. “Awww, my cute dongsaeng is scared. Never fear, you started summer with a new job and we’ll make sure it ends with a new relationship!”

You swore under your breath, praying Woojin hadn’t heard whatever nonense Hyonju was spewing.

“How can I? Woojin’s way too good for me, it’s impossible,” you muttered, rather reluctant to admit the truth. Hyonju heard this and gasped, smacking your arm. “Don’t say these kinds of things! I don’t believe them for a second! Look, out of all these girls in the neighbourhood that admire him, you’re the best and probably the only good fit for him. Ahhh! So cute! Just date already!”

Woojin approached the cashier without either of you noticing. “What’s so cute?” He asked, his nose scrunched up adorably in confusion.

“Nothing! Nothing, nope!” You insisted, unable to look him in the eye for you were afraid he would pick up clues from Hyonju’s cocky smirk and your scarlet cheeks.

“Ahh, I get it, girl talk. It’s okay Y/N, if anything, I find you cuter. Don’t be demoralised.” Woojin patted your shoulder while grinning, before moving off to the other side of the shop. What he had assumed wasn’t exactly right and that was one of his dorky points, the appearance of his trait made you crush even harder on him.

It was tough to ignore Hyonju unnie’s surprised yet delighted expression and her constant teasing for the next few hours.

“Oh my god, stop it!” You hissed at her even though she hadn’t done or said anything.

Hyonju simply giggled, shrugging.

“The ball is in your court sis.”

…

The sun had barely risen over the horizon but you were already trudging in the direction of The Sugar Shaker. You squeezed your tired eyes shut, still groggy and half asleep. There was no real point in opening the shop at 8.30 in the morning, there were barely any customers. Perhaps the handful of high school students or kindergarten kids who had begged their parents to leave the house a little earlier to visit the candy shop. You really disliked this shift.

Part of the reason was that Woojin didn’t work this one with you but the later, afternoon one with the other pretty high school girl, Lisa. You couldn’t hold anything against her, she was a nice friend.

Ugh…Hyonju unnie is probably going to tease me all the way today, you complained internally as you approached the store. The neon light sign had yet to be switched on but the inside was already well lit. Puzzled, you slipped under the shutter, only to be blinded by the brightness.

Strange, unnie NEVER reaches before I do…ugh, what did she do?

You had to blink a couple times to allow your eyes to adjust to the new level of brightness.

“Unnie?” Your voice was still hoarse and not loud enough. “Unn-!”

Somehow, Hyonju had started unpacking today’s stock, random boxes were scattered everywhere and one of your characteristics of being clumsy clearly wasn’t helping. It didn’t hurt terribly but it sure ached when your back hit the cold marble floor.

“Oof!”

Footsteps pattered in your direction frantically, Hyonju was probably shocked as well.

“Oh my god! Y/N! I’m so sorry!”

Wait what….

Woojin?

!!!

You looked up so abruptly that you bumped your head on the shelf above. Woojin cringed in pain on your behalf. He shot you an uneasy look, smiling nervously while offering his hand for you to take. You accepted it gratefully, despite the throbbing pain at the back of your head.

“Uhh, thanks,” you muttered, suddenly fully aware of your hand in his and the close proximity between the two of you. Woojin seemed to realise it to, he dropped your hand and took a step back, the tips of his ears reddening.

“Ahh, it’s my fault anyways, I don’t know what time you usually show up and figured you wouldn’t be here for awhile so I just left the place in a mess. I’m sorry, Y/N! Forgive me! I didn’t mean it!” He blabbered but seemed sincere about his apology. Woojin hung his head, pouting. It was an adorable sight to witness and you couldn’t help but stare at him. Firstly, his hair was rather messy, hidden underneath his red baseball cap, it seemed like he too hadn’t bothered to do this hair. Secondly, despite is cheery aura, there was a sense of sleepiness and comfort that lingered around him. Thirdly, his snaggletooth was the cutest thing you had ever seen.

I think I’ve mentioned the last one before…….

Then, it dawned on you, “Wait? Why are you even here?”

Your heart starting beating at an abnormally quick rate, butterflies seem to come alive in your stomach.

Why?

“Oh! Hyonju noona had a change in her college schedule, so, we swapped shifts. The two of us now have three shifts together!” Woojin explained rather excitedly, however, you saw that he was still awkwardly playing with his hands and avoiding eye contact. You bit your tongue to stop yourself from allowing a giggle to emit from you.

“Ohh, I see. Well…uh, I’m here now. Let’s start work!” You high-fived him, he responded enthusiastically, beaming.

Oh unnie, what am I going to do now?

Silently, you thank Hyonju unnie but also dreaded working another shift with just two people. It made you more prone to messing up in front of Woojin.

Your hands brushed off imaginary dirt from your clothes, pondering.

At least this gave you a bit more time to grow closer to Park Woojin.

…

From time to time, Woojin would give you an encouraging smile, silently cheering you even though it was just your job. When there was no customers patronising the shop, he ran next door to that uber cool cafe and bought smoothies for you and him. Both smoothies were of the same flavour because, “I didn’t know your favourite so I picked my favourite but wasn’t sure if you would like that either so I asked my good friend Jinyoung who works there to recommend a flavour and he said that strawberry is nice. I’ll take you there to personally choose what flavour you want next time”. You found that gesture incredibly sweet and kind, your cheeks nearly tinged as pink as your smoothie ( which Jinyoung did a great job on ).

When Lisa and Hyonjun arrived for their shift, Woojin helped you to pack your things and even carried your tote out. He wasn’t having any of your protests.

The machine beep in a friendly manner right after you swiped your employee pass through the scanner, signalling you had clocked out for the day. You spun round, nearly knocking into Woojin’s chest. Fortunately, he reached out and grabbed your forearms, steadying you in time.

“Woah, Y/N. You’re so clumsy today,” he teased light-heartedly, sticking his tongue out you.

Even at the very front of the shop, you could here Hyonju unnie’s excited screams and shipping.

“‘C'mon, since I’m seeing your face so much, we should get to know each other. What do you want for lunch? My treat.” There wasn’t time for you to object, he had already began searching the internet for good barbecue places nearby. “I know noona told me about your secret obsession with meat one day. I’m sorry I know, Y/N. It’s okay! I like meat alot too.”

You weren’t sure if it made you feel better or worse.

“Yah! Shouldn’t you say something? It’s so unladylike!” You wailed in embarrassment, covering your face with your hands. ( rip admin L at family dinners lolololol i eat so much )

“Ah! Stop covering your pretty face…oh hey, you have really soft hands,” Woojin murmured in amusement as he ran his hands over yours, that small action shot dozens of tingles down your spine and sparks ignited all over your body. Woojin made you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

“Ugh, but why would I have to say anything about that? Girls need to eat too. Besides, I don’t care if you aren’t ladylike, as long as you’re a lady I like.”

You punched his muscular shoulder, letting out a small squeal of surprise as he laughed, which sounded like music to your ears. He was so angelic.

You knew that sad truth that it was just a joke between coworkers, almost-friends but a part deep inside of you yearned for whatever Woojin had said to be about you. He was the perfect friend and a dream boyfriend.

I wish he was into me, but he deserves so much better.

“Y/N! Hurry up! The faster we get there, the more meat we can eat!”

…

Seeing Woojin had suddenly become a frequent thing. Saturday was your off day and you always went on an evening run around the neighbourhood, making sure to be back before dark. You unexpectedly bumped into Woojin, playing basketball at the park’s basketball court. He was together with a few other boys, some you recognised as seniors and some you had never seen before. It was nice to observe their game as you stretched and cooled down somewhat. Woojin finally spotted you, he waved, “Y/N! Hello!”

Smiling, you waved back but suddenly grew aware of the multiple pairs of curious eyes staring at you. You shifted your weight from foot to foot uncomfortably, under the gaze of Woojin’s friends.

Woojin approached you. “Hi,” he said.

“Hey, what are you doing here?”

Well, he’s totally not playing basketball. Well done, Y/N.

“Oh! Uh, Guanlin…yeah that really tall guy…no not Daehwi…yeah, that guy, invited us out to practice with him and i don’t know why he’s nervous about tryouts for the competition team, he’s amazing! That guy is Jinyoung, the smoothie boy and Jaewhan hyung is the one wiping Jihoon’s face,” Woojin introduced, pointing at each boy respectively. “Hey, are you busy now? If not, join us. I-I think i-it will be fun! Like…more fun if you join us rather than now because…I’m rambling now aren’t I?” He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

Omg stoppp it, you have no idea how hard I have fallen for you.

“Sure! Why not? Don’t you see me too much at work though?” You joked, setting your water bottle down next to his bag.

Woojin rolled his eyes. “This is summer, I didn’t intend my holidays to revolve around work. C'mon, just catch a break, it can’t hurt. Won’t I still be seeing you tomorrow?” He slung an arm around your shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world but you could pretty much feel his nerves and awkwardness radiating off him.

You still hadn’t gotten over the fact how cute he was.

“Hey! Woojin, who’s this?” A friendly and kind looking boy asked as you approached, he smiled warmly at you. Was his name Daehwi? You supposed so.

Woojin waited till at least all of them were in earshot before speaking. “Hey guys, this is my… friend…and coworker! Uh, her name is Y/N,” he introduced hesitantly.

Various versions of ‘hello’ were chorused in response, all of them seemed welcoming.

“Oh, are you the Y/N who Woojin really can’t shut up about? He seems to really like being your friend,” Daehwi mentioned absent-mindedly, putting a finger to his lip.

There was an long pause, even the song of the crickets had become audible.

“Y/N, do you want to play with us? It’ll be exciting!” Jinyoung exclaimed, breaking the silence before bouncing the basketball a few times.

Seeing the hopeful look on Woojin’s face gave you the push to accept their offer. You smiled, nodding you head.

“Yay! Thanks Y/N!”

You felt you throat close and heart thud madly in your chest as Woojin wrapped his arm around you and pulled you closer to him. Your back leaned against his defined chest as he hugged you. Because of the sudden action, your shirt had ridden up a tiny bit so Woojin’s arm brushed against your tummy, right above your belly button.

The reaction was immediate, electricity shot through your veins, you felt icy shivers slip down your spine, leaving a weirdly pleasant feeling.

Neither of you pulled away until Jaewhan coughed and once he thought you weren’t looking, glared at Woojin, who in turn, burned bright red.

There wasn’t anyone who was cuter than him.

…

The summer was coming to a close much faster than you anticipated, it was a bittersweet moment. You weren’t sure if you could manage classes AND a job, the will to try was there but really, it was a tall order.

However, you had grown a lot closer to Woojin and even expanded your circle of friends.

Hyonju unnie was constantly cheering you on.

Meeting with Woojin to hang out became an extremely frequent affair, your parents were beginning to get suspicious but you reassured them that he was just your good friend. That was not a lie either, Woojin had become one of your best friends. There wasn’t a day that he didn’t text you to make sure you were all right.

You genuinely wanted summer to last forever, it was such a shame that it was coming to a close so quickly. So, savouring your last few shifts, you often prolonged tasks, especially if it was the shift with Woojin and Hyonju.

“Y/N!”

Woojin’s voice shook you awake, it appeared that you were dozing off at the counter again. It was already 9.45pm, The Sugar Shaker would close in 15 minutes.

Woojin rubbed your back, tracing small circles comfortingly. “Ahh, go and rest. I’ll be with you soon okay? Let me close up first,” he said.

You flopped onto the small sofa in the break room, and considered it a luxury. Grateful that Woojin pretty much left all his hoodies here, you grabbed one and snuggled into it for comfort. You heard him sigh when he saw you.

“Y/N, oh my gosh. You’re so cute. You must be tired, do you want me to call a cab? We can crash at my place,” Woojin suggested, playing with your hair.

“Come and cuddle,” you mumbled, you had no shame right now. Besides, was it not natural for friends to cuddle?

“C-c-cuddle? Me? And… Y-You?” He stammered but didn’t complain when you held out your arms, in fact, he gladly obliged.

“Woojin,” you began, pondering if you should confess your feelings for him.

Whatever, YOLO amirite? ;)

“Yeah? You okay? Are you comfortable?”

“Mhmm yes. Thanks. Uh, uh….I just wanted to say that… you’re one of my best friends…”

Ugh! What an awful start!

“Oh…thanks…” Woojin shifted in discomfort.

“But I want us to be more than that. I like you. Date me. Now or never,” Mustering up the courage, you declared bravely.

It was like Woojin could not believe what he was hearing, he took a double take, staring blankly at you. “Wha-what? Re-really? Me? Date you? What?….Yes! Of course!”

Then, he leaned in and kissed you.

Not on the lips because he closed his eyes and missed but just at the corner of your mouth, you found it the perfect 'first kiss’ spot.

Woojin’s eyes widened in horror. “I’m so sorry! I was aiming for your lips…no! I was going to kiss your cheek, not your lips! Not that I don’t want to kiss you on your lips but that-”

You cut him off with a giggle. “It’s okay, you can try again. I find your rambling adorable by the way.”

It seemed to give him a surge of confidence. Woojin smiled, he brought his lips closer to yours and cautiously pressed his to them.

You savoured every second, his lips were soft and velvety, just like you expected them to be.

When he pulled away, he pursed his lips together. “Mmhm, isn’t that the new green apple flavoured gummy?”

You blushed in embarrassment, refusing to admit you had nearly downed a whole packet of those. Of course you paid for it, with employee discount.

“Mhmm, it tastes good. Almost as sweet as you,” Woojin professed and nearly doubled over in laughter after.

The summer began with a new job, who knew it would end with a new relationship.