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whiskeyghoul · 1 year ago

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Pt.4 || She blinded me with science || [Spencer Reid x Goth!reader]

first chapter, previous chapter, next chapter

A/N: We are back again with another part! This one is a first, real, date with Spencer. I know the timeline of the museum doesn’t check out but let’s pretend it does. I think museum dates are the cutest and would love a Spencer who can info dump while walking around a museum. Also please enjoy this setup to some more conflict hehe. Please reblog when you do enjoy to help spread the fic, it is greatly appreciated.

WC: 2,8K

Tags: Fluff, goth reader, alt reader, pure fluff, first date, museum date, spencer reid, two idiots in love.

Warnings: None.

Your pov

“Do you want to go to a museum with me this weekend?” Spencer asked while he sat in the desk chair in your lab. You looked up from the stereo microscope, a little surprised by the question. Spencer had been taking his breaks there the entirety of the week, keeping you company as you worked or having lunch together. He’d brought you coffee about 3 out of the 4 times he had joined you. A very welcome gift during the long shifts you worked. You would have lunch together sometimes too. Eating, talking, getting to know each other a little better.

“What museum?” You asked with a smile, it would be a real date, outside of the confines of Quantico. “The national museum of natural history has opened a new hall about ocean life and conservation… I was hoping to go see it this weekend. If you want to come along.” He was looking hopeful, although a little nervous. Like he had been wanting to ask this for a while and had a certain fear of your answer. As if you could say no to him.

“Yeah, I’d love that.” You answered, watching as Spencer’s lips curved up into a smile. The focus on his lips jolted you back to the memory of a few days ago. When he had crowded you, looking like he was going to kiss you. Something in his expression changed to a certain level of possession. So close you couldn’t look away from him. The way his fingertips had brushed your skin so gently, it had been on your mind for the entire rest of the day. A little disappointed he hadn’t tried again. Then again there hadn’t been a similar moment. “Great, should I pick you up?” Spencer’s voice shook you out of your thoughts. He seemed excited now, you could see him biting the inside of his lip, keeping from fully grinning. “If you wouldn’t mind that. I could send you my address.” You spoke and he nodded his head in return, “I don’t mind at all.” He spoke a little softer than before. You smiled in turn and went back to your work.

It was Saturday morning when Spencer picked you up from your apartment. You had thought about changing your outfit about 6 times but finally decided it wasn’t worth it to change that many times. You had put on one of your better dresses, just a casual black with a nice flowy thigh length skirt with layers of black, ripped tights. Creating some flair with a multitude of accessories. Because it could be a long day you decided comfort was necessary. When you opened the door you saw his bright smile, watching as his eyes scanned down to take in the outfit. “Hey.” His voice was a little breathy. “Hey.” You returned with a smile. “My uh-” He swallowed looking a little nervous which was adorable to you. “My car is out front. Want to go?” He asked and you nodded your head.

His car, a cream volvo, was a little worn down but somehow you had expected that. Spencer seemed like the kind of person who would hold on to something until it falls apart. He walked around, opening the door for you and helping you in. There were two cups in the center console. The car smelled of coffee and a little like vanilla. “Thank you.” You said as you buckled yourself into your seat. Spencer smiled and closed the door, you watched him awkwardly walk around the car quickly to get into the driver's seat. “You ready?” He asked while turning the key, the engine coming to live with a little bit of a sputter. “Yep, ready. You brought coffee?” You spoke as Spencer looked around for him to pull out of the apartment complex parking lot. “Yeah, thought you might want some. It might be a long day.” He said before fixing his eyes on the road. “Thank you.” Your voice sounded soft as you looked at him, taking the coffee cup closest to you and taking a sip.

There was soft music playing over the car radio. Turned low enough for you to have a conversation but loud enough to fill any silences with comfortable sweet tones. It was mostly instrumental, which given Spencer’s history teacher-esque appearance was to be expected. His focus on the road gave you ample opportunity to let your eyes roam over his face. His profile was somewhat striking, he really was handsome. His hair curling at the back of his neck, not being able to stay slicked down by whatever products he used. You wondered what it would look like if he just let it curl naturally.

“What do you want to see most?” You asked and it caused Spencer to perk up slightly, he quickly looked over to you before returning his gaze to the road. “Well, there is a lot. I heard they have quite a large coral reef tank that is supposed to be modeled after an indo pacific reef ecosystem. I think that or the ocean systems exhibit. They have a massive 360 display with narration and it shows the complex aspects of the ocean and how it interacts with the atmosphere.” You thought you could possibly listen to him explaining everything in the museum if he wanted to. Hours on end to listen to his voice. “But there is also the first ever display of an adult coelacanth and a pup. They are considered living fossils by some, it will be so exciting to see the differences between adults and young ones.” He sounded so enthralled with the idea of everything he was going to see. His excitement only works to fan your own excitement. “I can’t wait to see them with you.” You said and Spencer once again turned to flash you his wonderful smile.

When you entered the museum you walked past the elephant in the entrance hall ready to head to the ocean hall. It was crowded, yet so incredibly beautiful. With the whale model hanging from the ceiling. Along with jellyfish that seemed a little whimsical. Through the middle ran a display with different sea creatures and their descriptions. Along the sides were similar displays. You felt a hand slide into yours, gently holding it and you looked up at Spencer. “Is this okay? I don’t want to lose you in the crowds.” He said as you watched the flush blossom on his cheeks. You interlaced your fingers with his, the size of his hand perfectly encapsulating yours, it was warm and so soft. “Perfectly fine.” You said and stood just a little closer to him. Together you traversed the displays, walking past different deep sea creatures, Spencer sometimes stopping to tell you something exciting he knew about the animal. You in turn try to surprise him with facts you knew, which he would smile at.

Once you saw the coelacanth and the giant squid you moved to the reef aquarium. Watching as fish would lazily swim by, or some of the corals moved with the current inside of the tank. You stood there, watching it together, so incredibly close that you rested your head on his shoulder. Feeling the warmth that radiated from him. Listening to him read out the information next to the tank was a wonderful experience. “Do you want to move on to the ocean system exhibit? It is supposed to restart every few minutes.” Spencer eventually asked. You tilted up your head to look at him. Catching him looking at you and your eye contact felt just a little electric. Those deep, soft, brown eyes. “Lead the way, pretty boy.” You smiled and saw something in his eyes change for just a second. His cheeks flushing once again.

Squeezing your hand a little tighter he pulled you along to the room containing the ocean system exhibit. The room was dimmed, there were seats lined up in a circle around the big globe that hung from the ceiling. It seemed to have already started as you came in, lights projected on it to show the earth and its oceans. Spencer pulled you along to one of the curved couches. There wasn’t a lot of space but he managed to find somewhere to sit. You squeezed in next to him, your thigh touching his, your hips close to him. His cologne was overwhelming like this, being so close in the dimly lit space felt intimate. Even with all the other people around. You felt his thumb rub over the back of your hand gently. A voice rang out over the speakers, starting to explain the ways of the ocean accompanied by music. You listened intently while watching the globe and the moving images projected onto it.

Spencer shifted besides you and you suddenly felt his breath fanning next to your face, his lips close to your ear. It made your cheeks flush, your heart rate picked up along with it. Waiting in anticipation for what he was going to say. “Did you know there is enough salt in the ocean to cover the entirety of the earth. It would be 500 feet thick if it would cover it in one layer.” He whispered the fact and it made you hold back a soft giggle. The moment had felt so intimate all for him to whisper one of his crazy knowledge facts. You turned your head to look him in the eyes, those brown puppy eyes looking at you with a hint of confusion. “Here I thought you were going to say something romantic.” You whispered, tone light and teasing. You watched Spencer flush, a hint of embarrassment as his eyes looked away from yours for a moment. “Sorry.” He apologized, you could see from his movement, the way his thumb stopped massaging the back of your hand, that he felt a sudden regret. “Don’t be. I still liked it anyway.” You whispered, the tip of your nose bumping against his. You felt him exhale in a short burst, like it had been a short gasp he tried to hide, or a certain surprise at the contact. A little rush of electricity ran through your body. A little voice in the back of your head urging you to kiss him.

“You did?” Spencer asked. You softly hummed your answer, tilting your head a little to angle your nose away from his. “Is this okay?” you asked and now it was his turn to hum a soft “mh-hm” which sounded so delicate, almost inaudible over the sound of the projection. Still, all your senses were attuned to him in that moment. You wanted to say something before closing the short distance between you but Spencer was one step ahead. He gently pressed his lips against yours, moving his free hand quickly to hold you in place. The size of his hand easily cupping your neck, keeping you close to him. The feeling made you melt into him, eyes fluttering closed as a soft sigh escaping through your nose. You finally got the kiss you have been craving for days. His lips still had the lingering taste of coffee, but with that sugary sweetness to it. It was a wonderful feeling that ended all too soon in your mind. When his lips left yours you tried to chase them. Not wanting to lose the feeling.

His chuckle made you open your eyes, realizing the lights had turned on and the once dimmed room had become substantially brighter. “That was nice.” Spencer voiced it softly but no longer in a hushed whisper. He had your lipstick on his lips which made your heart flutter ever so slightly. You raised your free hand, slowly wiping at the dark red stain to get it off. “Yeah, it was.” You said while touching his lips. His hand left your nape, taking your wrist gently and holding your hand still. He pressed a soft kiss to your thumb as he held eye contact. Breath hitching you didn’t know what to do. “Ehm… do you want to grab something to eat? At the cafe?” You stumbled over your words. “I would love a cinnamonroll.” Spencer said, a cheeky smirk playing on his lips. Yet you could tell there was a hint of giddiness there for him.

When he let go of your wrist it was like your body remembered how to move again. You stood up, glad the platforms under your shoes were solid, giving some stability to your slightly weakened knees. If you told your 17 year old self a guy who wore cardigans would have you weak in the knees you would have laughed. Spencer held out his hand which you gladly took. He led you to the café where you settled with a drink and something to eat before heading back into the museum. Wandering around past the different exhibits. Hand in hand.

When Spencer dropped you off back home later in the evening than expected you were absolutely giddy. He'd stopped on the way home to grab a bite to eat and you had been engrossed in conversation with each other. After that he asked you to put on the music you enjoyed, stating that ‘you've put up with his music, and I've quite liked what you played at the lab.’ which was a sweet sentiment. You were lucky to have memorized the only station that played the bands you loved. So the last half of the ride was spent with the cure, bauhaus, Depeche mode and many others as the background noise to your conversations. When Spencer parked in front of the apartment building you felt a little reluctant to leave. This had been the best date in years, well… the best and realest date you've had. “Thank you, for today, I loved it.” You spoke up as Spencer looked at you. He smiled that same smile again, the shy one, where he looked like he wanted to bite his lip to stop from saying something he normally wouldn't. “I enjoyed it too. I'm glad I asked you to come along.” His brown eyes lingered on yours. Keeping eye contact made the car feel incredibly small for a moment.

You unbuckled your seatbelt before turning, leaning over the center console and pressing your lips to his in a soft kiss. This time it was your turn to initiate it. His hands quickly managed to find their way to your nape again. Sliding up and into your hair. You moved so your left knee was perched on your seat. Your right hand softly cupping his cheek, the light scratch of a day old shave beneath your fingers. Parting your lips slightly, an invitation for him to take it further. When his lips moved with yours, a delicate dance that made goosebumps erupt on your skin. You wanted to be closer, to push your body against his but the damn center console was in the way.

When you pulled away from Spencer you watched his tongue dart out to taste his lips with a small breath. Smiling slightly, you bit the inside of your cheek, “I’ll see you on Monday at work.” you said and gave him a peck on the lips. He nodded his head yes, letting go of you, “I will text you tomorrow.” He said. You smiled at that. Remembering how Penelope mentioned his distaste for texting. You reached for the car door. “Wait.” Spencer spoke up which surprised you. You looked back to be faced with his pleading eyes. “One more?” he asked, “Please?” he added with a small smile. You rolled your eyes gently, before leaning back and giving just another small kiss.

This time when you opened the passenger door he didn’t stop you. Once you stepped out you gave another little wave before closing the door. You rushed up the steps to the complex door and turned back to wave at Spencer as you walked in, watching as he pulled out of the parking lot. When you reached your apartment floor you were still on cloud nine. Dreamily walking down the hallway to your front door. When you did turn the corner and your eyes landed on your front door. A little bag sat on the floor beneath your door clink. A wave of unease washed over you. A nauseous feeling settling in your stomach. You knew exactly who it was from. How they got into the building, no clue, but this definitely was the work of the one person you confidently could say you hate. Your ex.

Tag list: @luvkatryna @emma-e-a @littlemadamred @cultish-corner @styleiconsize0 @sarai-ibn-la-ahad @depressedbutartsy @mikariell95

#criminal minds #spencer reid #criminal minds fic #spencer reid fic #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid fluff #alt reader #goth reader #she blinded me with science #tumblr writer #museum date fic #part 4

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pnutbutter-n-j-elyy · 9 months ago

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When You Need Me Most | Part 4

Jeongin x Reader (implied female but can be read as gn!)

Pt1 Pt2 Pt3

MASTERLIST

It seemed that Jeongin hadn’t realized it only took the bare minimum to kickstart your fall.

And it seemed he took after the most dramatic hyung; thinking grand over the top displays of romance were the key to your fragile heart.

It started with the billboard.

You were on your way to the doctors, your tired eyes staring at the street ahead as you sipped on an iced coffee. You heard honking and looked at what the commotion was about. You realized someone a dozen cars up in the morning traffic was leaning out their window to take a picture of a billboard.

A billboard with your face on it.

Or a painting of your face. A pretty damn accurate one at that.

Damn you Hwang Hyunjin. Can’t you say no to your [precious little baby once in a while?

You felt a flash of embarrassment as you read the words adorning the billboard.

I love you, my nabi - YJ

You moved up in the sea of traffic at the pace of a snail as more and more people were taking pictures.

“Ahhh.” You said honking, feeling frustrated at the weird warmth rising in your chest.

Next it was a flash mob.

You were innocently walking towards the JYP building to bring the boys coffee when you heard familiar music echoing through the streets.

There were people crowded around the building which made sense since it was a hub of activity for many’s favorite idols. But there were way more people than usual.

Confused, you pulled out your earbuds and pushed through the crowd to find a group of masked people that looked oddly familiar in front of the building.

Once you came into sight the music immediately started- some gushy american pop song about love you loved blaring from three separate stereo systems.

Your eyes widened when you realized why these dancers seemed so familiar- ITZY, TWICE, NEXZ, Day6 - the kids obviously.

Your heart sank when you spotted Jeongin in the center, dancing with an infectious smile by the look of his eyes above the mask, his energy radiating as he led the group through your favorite song. As they finished, the crowd erupted into applause, and you felt your face flush with embarrassment.

“What do you think?” he asked, breathless and grinning from ear to ear as he rushed over.

“Think? Jeongin, you can’t just do things like that!” you protested, shaking your head, desperate to maintain your composure. “What the hell are you thinking?!” You grit through your teeth as you hide your face from people who were taking pictures. You were upset; but grateful at the TWICE girls for blocking the cameras that were pointing towards you and I.N. - they had quickly noticed that you were uncomfortable and being girls girls helped out. Your heart was pounding in your chest as you glared at Jeongin.

It's pounding because you're angry Y/N. Not because you’re totally swooning over this. Not because the crowd thinks we’re cute together and keeps chanting for me to accept…not because this is the most romantic thing I’ve experienced. It's because I’m angry. You tried to convince yourself.

“But I wanted you to know how much you mean to me!” he argued, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Now basically the entire company knows. And they support.” He said stubbornly.

“You’re insufferable, Yang Jeongin.” You said. He grabbed the coffee carriers from your hands and let out a soft giggle, the moment he turned away a smile resting on your face for a split second.

Days turned into weeks, and Jeongin’s antics only escalated. There was the movie theater rental. Then the 1000 roses.

The fucking blimp.

“Why do you keep doing this?” you demanded one evening, arms crossed and lips pressed tightly together. “This is ridiculous!”

Your cheeks were burning with embarrassment. Jeongin had invited you out to dinner and you were surprised by a serenade from the waiting staff. The attention from everyone made you feel like a bug under a microscope.

“Because I love you!” he shot back, a mix of frustration and affection in his voice. “Why can’t you see that?”

You huffed, trying to hold your ground. “Love isn’t supposed to be all...this! It’s supposed to be normal! I mean, you could just text me like a normal person! Or like take me on a normal date where I don’t have an entire restaurant singing me Frank Sinatra.”

“I want everyone to know how I feel! Especially you. Which is why I do it in public.” he responded, seemingly oblivious to your embarrassment.

“Your public image is at stake! What do you think people will say?”

His eyes dimmed momentarily but then brightened again with determination. “I don’t care what they say if it means making you smile! Which believe it or not Y/N I know you like these romantic gestures.”

“What’s next, Jeongin? A plane with a message?” you snapped.

“Would you like that?” he teased, his playful nature unyielding.

“My point is when is it going to stop?”

“When you become my girlfriend. So the ball is in your court Nabi-”

“Jeongin!” you groaned, frustrated. “This needs to stop! You’re making it impossible for me to breathe!”

He looked at you, genuine hurt in his eyes. “But Y/N-ah.” He whined. “I just wanted to make you feel loved.”

“No more Jeongin or the deal is off. You’re going to ruin your public image if you-”

You watched Jeongin shake his head at something behind you and when you turned you saw someone with a shocked and regretful face watching as a small heard of tiny dogs rushed at you. All with flowers in their mouths, and wagging tails as they dropped them at your feet and jumping up on their hind legs like circus performers.

You heard Jeongin groan in embarrassment.

You felt a mix of warmth and irritation flood you like a tidal wave. Such powerful emotions you felt tears fall from your eyes. “It’s too much! I love you, but I can’t handle this! You’re insane Yang Jeongin.” You couldn’t help but smile as the tears continued to fall, squatting down to pet the dogs as they happily yipped and lapped up your tears.

He blinked, confusion clouding his expression. “What did you say?”

You laughed and started wiping at your tears, not knowing what you were feeling.

“What?” You laughed out, not able to control the smile on your face, as you watched the dogs make their way back to who you assumed to be their trainer.

“You…said you loved me.”

You looked up at Jeongin, his face a mixture of shock and hope and excitement.

You quickly replayed the words you had said and your eyes widened in surprise. “I didn’t mean- I meant-”

Before you could finish, he stepped closer, cupping your face in his hands, his sincerity palpable. “You love me?” His eyes were wide and curious.

You felt your heart flutter, torn between annoyance and the undeniable warmth swelling within you. You had never been one to slip up your words badly, rather you said what was constantly on your mind.

But you were stubborn. Even though you knew you were so undoubtedly in love with him.

“Jeongin, you can’t just-”

His lips brushed against yours, soft and tentative, igniting a spark that made you forget your stubborn resolve. When he pulled away, his eyes searched yours, hopeful yet vulnerable. “This is the happiest moment in my entire life.”

You sighed, a rueful laugh bubbling up in your chest. “Me saying I love you is the happiest moment in your life?” You asked in disbelief.

“Hm.” He said with a sharp nod, eyes twinkling.

“What about your debut?”

“No. Nothing compared to this.” His energy was infectious, and before you could say anything else, Jeongin started bouncing up and down like a little kid who had just received the best gift in the world. His excitement was so intense that it became less of a bounce and more of a shake, his whole body trembling with joy.

You couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips as you watched him. “Jeongin, stop. You look ridiculous,” you said, though the fondness in your voice was undeniable.

He grinned wider, shaking even harder. “I don’t care. You love me, Y/N. You said it. That’s all I care about!”

You rolled your eyes, trying to suppress the warmth that flooded your chest. “You’re seriously acting like a child right now.”

"Then I guess I’m a child in love," he shot back with a wink, still practically vibrating with excitement. "You don’t understand, Y/N. You saying that… it means everything to me." His voice wavered, growing softer.

Suddenly, the bravado slipped away, and his eyes started to gloss over with tears. “I’m so happy, Nabi,” he whispered, his lips trembling as he pouted, struggling to hold back his emotions. His usually bright, mischievous demeanor melted into something raw, something unguarded, and the sight of it made your chest tighten.

You swallowed hard, caught between wanting to comfort him and feeling overwhelmed by the weight of it all. “Jeongin, I…”

He took a shaky breath, blinking rapidly as if trying to fight off the tears, but they brimmed at the corners of his eyes. “I know I’m ridiculous,” he laughed softly, the sound shaky. “I know the billboard, the roses, the flash mobs… all of it was too much. But I didn’t know how else to show you. I wanted you to see how much I-”

“Stop,” you cut him off gently, your heart aching as you reached out to grab his hand, squeezing it tight. “It’s not that I don’t see it, Jeongin. I see it. But…” you gestured vaguely in the air, your voice trembling. “You’re risking everything- your career, your image- all for me. I don’t want you to jeopardize all of that because of some grand gestures.”

His face fell, and for a moment, you feared you’d broken something fragile between you. He pulled his hand away from yours, running it through his hair in frustration. “I don’t care about my image, Y/N. I care about you. How many times do I have to tell you? You’re not listening!”

“I am listening. But you’re not being reasonable. You should care!” you blurted, your frustration finally spilling out. “You’ve worked your whole life to get here, to be where you are. And I’m just-”

“Don’t you dare say you’re just anyone,” Jeongin interrupted, his voice sharper now, filled with emotion. “You’re not just someone, Y/N. You’re my someone.”

You stared at him, your pulse racing, feeling the weight of his words between you. His eyes were wide, shining with sincerity.

“I don’t care what anyone says about us. About me. I don’t care what I have to give up, because you-” he stepped closer, his hands cupping your face so gently, his thumbs brushing away a tear that you didn’t even realize had fallen, “-are worth more than any career, any public image, or any of this.”

You felt your breath catch in your throat as his words settled into your heart, breaking through the walls you had tried to keep up. It was terrifying, knowing he was willing to sacrifice so much, just for you.

“Jeongin…” you whispered, shaking your head. “I love you. So much I’m scared sometimes.”

His eyes softened, and he gave you a bittersweet smile. “I love you too.” He said it so casually, like it was the easiest thing in the world for him, but it hit you like a tidal wave.

“What if-” you stammered, your heart racing. “What if-”

If this ends badly. You wanted to say. But you had no room because he leaned down without hesitation and kissed you.

It was soft, hesitant, and full of every unsaid word that had been hanging between you for so long.

Well, unsaid on your end.

The world seemed to slow around you, the chaos fading as his lips moved gently against yours, and for the first time in a while, you felt like everything made sense.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, his breath coming out shaky. “You keep trying to say you didn’t mean to say it,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “But I’m glad you did. Even if its not true…”

You opened your eyes slowly, looking up at him, completely disarmed. “It is true. It’s the truest thing I’ve ever said.” Your voice was barely audible, and Jeongin let out a relieved laugh.

“Thank God,” he said, placing his forehead on yours with a soft smile. “I’ll stop the blimps, the billboards, the flash mobs.” His hands slid from your face, falling to rest gently on your waist, his grip warm and steady. “I’ll stop all of it, if that’s what you want.” His nose brushed against your cheek, eliciting a soft giggle from you as he gave you feather light kisses.

You stared at him, your heart aching, unsure of how to respond. He was offering you everything, offering to quiet the chaos he had created, just for you. And yet, there was a part of you that realized something.

It wasn’t the grand gestures that overwhelmed you- it was the fact that they were for you.

“I didn’t need all of that,” you said softly, your voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t need the blimp or the roses or the billboard to know how you feel. I’ve known for a while…I was just too afraid to admit it.”

Jeongin’s brows furrowed in confusion.

You sighed, shaking your head. “It scared me. Loving you- being loved by you- it scared me. I was afraid that we’d lose everything we had if we…if we crossed that line. That we would end up like…” You frowned. “You're special to me, Innie. I didn’t want love to ruin anything.”

He let out a small, incredulous laugh, his eyes filled with so much warmth it nearly broke you. His eyes crinkled into those cute mischievous ones you loved oh so much. “Y/N, love isn’t what ruins things. It’s not love that causes the problems. It’s fear. Fear of messing up, fear of losing control. Fear that we’ll get hurt. And it’s not even really the fear. Its letting that fear control you.”

You swallowed hard, his words hitting too close to home. “But what if we do mess up? What if we ruin everything?”

He smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “We probably will. But that’s life, isn’t it? We’re going to mess up, we’re going to make mistakes. But that doesn’t mean we should stop loving each other. Or that we’re going to. You just have to push past those fears; those mistakes made, arguments had. You push past them and then your love grows stronger.”

Tears stung at the back of your eyes as you met his gaze, feeling the sincerity in his every word. He was right- love wasn’t the problem. It was the fear of it, the fear of losing something so good that kept you from truly letting go.

“You’re strangely profound tonight, Jeongin.” You giggled, more tears threatening to go. You cupped his cheek and caressed it, as he leaned into your touch looking you in the eyes. “Where’d my Innie go?”

“He grew up so he could take better care of you.” He responded softly. “I love you,” he said again, his voice full of quiet conviction. “And I don’t need a thousand roses or a flashing billboard to prove it. I just need you to trust me. Trust that we’ll figure it out together. Trust me that I’m not going to hurt you like everyone else. Trust me that I’m going to be there for you when you need me most.”

You bit your lip, nodding as a tear finally slipped down your cheek. “I do. I trust you.”

Jeongin smiled, his thumb brushing away your tears. “Good. Because I’m all in, Nabi. No more over-the-top gestures. Just…you and me.”

You let out a shaky laugh, leaning into him as he pulled you into his arms. “Just you and me,” you whispered, finally feeling the weight you thought would never leave lift from your chest.

(xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)

Two Years Later

The stadium was alive with the kind of energy only a sold-out show could create. The crowd roared with excitement, thousands of fans screaming as Stray Kids performed their final song of the night. You watched from backstage, your heart racing with pride as Jeongin worked the stage like the pro he was, every movement precise and electric.

He caught your eye for a brief second from across the stage and flashed that familiar grin, the one that still made your stomach flip even after all these years. You smiled back, knowing that even after everything, he was still the same Jeongin- your Jeongin. The one who would text you random memes at 2 a.m., who would bring you snacks even when you didn’t ask, who had once rented out an entire billboard just to make sure you knew how much he loved you.

It had been quiet since then. After that night two years ago, the grand gestures stopped. No more blimps, no more flash mobs, no more roses delivered in bulk to your door. It was just the two of you now, living a quieter kind of love- a love that didn’t need to shout to be heard.

But something in the way he looked at you tonight was different. His eyes sparkled with that familiar mischief, and you felt a twinge of curiosity in your gut.

As the final notes of the song faded out, Jeongin took a step forward, raising his hand to signal for the crowd to quiet down. His bandmates exchanged glances, a few of them smiling knowingly, and you furrowed your brows.

Something was definitely up.

“Thank you for tonight!” Jeongin shouted into the mic, in English his voice echoing through the stadium. His accent made you smile and you wanted to pinch his cheeks like the cute little baby bread he was- even if the way he looked now made him seem like “daddy toast” as Stay had put it oh so perfectly. The crowd cheered wildly in response, and you chuckled to yourself, always amazed at how much love and support he had.

But then, his voice softened. "Before we go...I, um...I have something I want to say. Or, well, maybe something I need to do." He glanced backstage, locking eyes with you again, and your stomach flipped for an entirely different reason this time.

Your eyes widened as he waved you over, the spotlight suddenly shifting in your direction. The crowd let out a collective gasp as they realized who he was looking at, murmurs of recognition rippling through the audience.

“Y/N-ah,” he called, his smile growing impossibly wider and his dimple showing. “Can you come out here for a second?”

Your heart pounded in your chest, and your feet felt glued to the floor. The staff nudged you forward, and you hesitated for a moment before stepping onto the stage. As you approached, Jeongin held out his hand, his eyes glowing with something beyond excitement- something deeper, more vulnerable.

Once you reached him, he took your hand in his, his grip steady and warm despite the fact that the stadium was roaring with thousands of fans. You could feel the eyes of every person in the room on you, but all you could focus on was him- Jeongin, standing there with that look in his eyes that made you feel like you were the only person in the world.

“I know I promised no more grand gestures,” he began, his voice soft but steady. “And I’ve been good, haven’t I?”

You chuckled nervously, nodding. “Yeah, you have.”

Jeongin grinned, but then his expression shifted, becoming more serious. “But the thing is…I lied.”

The crowd erupted in laughter, but you stood there, frozen in place, not sure what to expect.

He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving yours. “A few nights ago, I was drunk- like, really drunk- and I was crying. Like full-on sobbing to the guys. And you walked in and saw me crying and the guys recording me…?” He looked at you with an expectant gaze.

And it clicked.

You felt tears starting to form.

Jeongin spoke again, turning to Stay for just a moment. “For context I was crying because I was so drunk that I saw a picture of Y/N and I and was sad because I thought the person I loved most had a boyfriend.” He chuckled. “Even thought I was literally looking at a picture of us- and I am Y/N’s boyfriend.”

The crowd bursted out laughing again, knowing that was on point for their precious maknae.

Jeongin bit his lip, his eyes glistening with emotion. “But then my hyungs started recording again because I started crying again. Harder this time.” He swallowed. “Because I realized that I’m not your husband.”

Your breath hitched, and your heart felt like it was about to leap out of your chest. The crowd gasped, murmurs sweeping through the stadium again, but all you could focus on was Jeongin- his trembling lips, the way his hands shook just slightly as he held yours.

“I kept telling myself that I didn’t need to do something crazy to prove how much I love you. But then I realized…I want to. I want to do one last grand gesture.”

With that, he slowly dropped to one knee.

Your hands flew to your mouth, your eyes filling with tears as you realized what was happening. Deep down you knew he was going to propose once he brought up that story, but for some reason you didn’t believe it. But now there was no denying it.

The entire stadium fell silent, the weight of the moment settling in like a wave crashing down.

Jeongin looked up at you, his smile trembling as he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. “Baby…I know I’ve been over the top before. I know I’ve done a lot of wild, stupid things. But this isn’t one of them. This-” he opened the box to reveal a stunning ring, the lights catching the diamonds in a way that made it sparkle like a star, “ - is the one thing I’m doing because I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life.”

Your breath hitched, your vision blurring as tears streamed down your cheeks.

“Will you marry me, Nabi?” His voice cracked slightly, the vulnerability in his words breaking your heart in the best way possible. “Because I can’t imagine a life where I’m not the one by your side. I don’t need blimps or billboards. I just need you.”

The silence in the stadium was deafening, every single person holding their breath as they waited for your answer.

You swallowed hard, your voice shaking as you whispered, “Yes. Yes, Innie.”

The crowd exploded in cheers, the noise so loud it felt like the stadium itself might burst apart. But all you could hear was the sound of your heartbeat rising in your ears, pounding in your chest as Jeongin stood up, pulling you into his arms.

He kissed you then, in front of thousands of screaming fans, in the middle of the most important moment of both your lives. It was soft, gentle, and filled with so much love that it made your knees weak.

When you finally pulled away, breathless and laughing through your tears, Jeongin looked down at you with the same adoring smile he’d always had. “I guess I broke my promise about no more grand gestures, huh?”

You chuckled, wiping at your tears. “I think I’ll let this one slide.”

Jeongin grinned, his eyes sparkling as he slid the ring onto your finger. “Good. Because this is the only one that really mattered.”

You looked at the ring then up at Jeongin who was crying now too. Suddenly, it all became too much. The adrenaline, the disbelief, the overwhelming joy- it hit you like a tidal wave. You turned away from Jeongin, your chest rising and falling with uneven breaths, and squatted down, covering your face with your hands. The tears came pouring out uncontrollably, your entire body trembling as you tried to process everything that had just happened.

The cheers from the crowd were deafening, but you could still hear the boys- your boys; you family -in the background, reacting to what had just unfolded.

Lee Know tried to maintain his composure, but even he couldn’t stop the flood of emotions that broke through. He was crying, full fledged crying and clinging to Changbin which was a strange and unfamiliar sight to you. Changbin’s grin was impossibly wide, despite the tears rolling down his face. He leaned into Lee Know, giving him a hard smack on the back as if to say, “Can you believe this? Our maknae - our little baby did it.”

Chan, had crumbled into a full sob as well, his shoulders shaking as he wiped furiously at his eyes, looking at Jeongin with a mixture of pride and disbelief. He was holding onto Han, who was also crying but trying to comfort his hyung at the same time, patting his back as tears streamed down his own cheeks.

Felix, Hyunjin and Seungmin were all huddled up crying as well, trying to pull someone up onto the stage. You couldn’t help but let out an excited squeal as your favorite Aussie - sorry Channie, sorry Lix - came running to you from the crowd.

She didn’t care as she pushed Jeongin out of the way to fall onto the ground and hug her best friend.

“Oh my GOD!! Y/N, my love!!” Hannah cried as she clung to you, pulling back to look at your face.

All of them - every single one of them - were crying, their hearts bursting with happiness for the youngest member of their group, the boy they’d watched grow from a shy teenager into a man who was standing on stage, proposing to the love of his life.

And Stay…Stay was losing their minds.

It was as if they didn’t know whether to cheer, cry, or scream. Some fans had tears streaming down their faces, waving their lightsticks in support. A collective wave of emotion washed through the crowd as the realization hit- Jeongin, their precious maknae, was in love. Truly, deeply in love. And it wasn’t just some fleeting romance; it was real, profound, the kind of love you could only dream about.

Some fans covered their faces in disbelief, others jumped up and down in pure joy, and more than a few had collapsed into sobs, overwhelmed by the moment. Their phones were held high in the air, capturing every second of this life-altering event. They knew this wasn’t just a regular concert anymore- it was history in the making. Probably the most elaborate proposal one had seen. A story that would be told for years to come.

Jeongin stood there, watching you cling to Hannah with a soft, tender smile, and then, without saying a word, he crouched down beside you. He didn’t pull you up immediately, just rested a gentle hand on your back, giving you the space you needed to breathe, to process. After a moment, you peeked up at him through your fingers, a half-sob, half-laugh escaping your lips as you took in his watery smile.

“I’m really sorry for this,” Jeongin murmured, his voice still shaky with emotion, “but I couldn’t wait any longer.”

You shook your head, laughing through your tears as you wiped at your face. “I should’ve known you’d find a way to break your promise.”

He chuckled softly, his hand still rubbing comforting circles on your back. “Just this one time. I couldn’t help it, Nabi.”

Finally, you stood up, still feeling weak in the knees, Hannah letting you use her as a crutch, and Jeongin pulled you into his arms. He held you so tight it was as if he was afraid you might slip away, his chin resting on top of your head as you both soaked in the moment. He pet your hair as the rest of the boys crowded around, not caring about the stage or the cameras. One by one, they pulled you and Jeongin into the tightest, warmest group hug you’d ever been a part of - Hannah stubbornly pushing past her brother to join - each of them sniffling and wiping their eyes as they squeezed you both.

Lee Know, still crying, ruffled Jeongin’s hair with a grin, “I can’t believe you actually did it.”

“I can’t believe I’m crying,” Han muttered through his tears, which made everyone laugh.

“I can you’re a crybaby.” Seungmin said through his now quieted tears, which only made everyone laugh even harder.

Chan gave you a squeeze, patting your head, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so proud of you, Jeongin.”

You glanced up at Jeongin through the sea of arms wrapped around you, his face still glowing with pure happiness. As the boys and your best friend slowly pulled away, Jeongin took a deep breath, turning to face the crowd one last time. He was still holding your hand, his fingers laced tightly with yours as he raised your joined hands in the air.

“I just have one last thing to say,” he began, his voice resonating through the stadium as the audience quieted down. He looked at you with so much love, his eyes soft and bright. “A message for Stays.”

He looked at you and you nodded, having a sixth sense to what he would say.

Jeongin stood there, his voice steady but full of emotion, addressing not just you but every single person in the crowd. His hand, still holding yours, gave a reassuring squeeze, but his eyes drifted over the sea of fans- his Stays. His heart was laid bare, his words filled with a kind of truth that could only come from experiencing love in its rawest form.

“The problem is never that you loved someone or someone loved you…” he continued, his voice resonating across the stadium. “It’s how you choose to handle that love. How you react when it gets hard, when it feels overwhelming, when you’re scared of it. But love itself? Love doesn’t hurt you. People do. Choices do. But love…love heals.”

He took a deep breath, his gaze now sweeping the audience as if speaking to each of them personally. “I know some of you might feel like love is scary. That it’s a risk, that it can break you, or ruin things, or mess with everything you’ve worked for. But love doesn’t destroy. It builds you up. It pushes you to be the best version of yourself. It’s what makes life worth it.”

The crowd, which had been buzzing with excitement, grew silent, every word sinking into the hearts of those watching. Tears filled the eyes of fans as Jeongin’s vulnerability hit them all at once. The sincerity in his voice made it impossible not to feel the weight of his message.

“I know sometimes it feels easier to give up on love, to protect yourself from the possibility of getting hurt. But the truth is…love will always be there, waiting for you to embrace it. When you shut it out, you’re shutting out the best parts of yourself.” His voice softened, but the emotion behind it was more powerful than ever. “When you need someone the most, when you feel like you can’t do it alone, love will always be there. That’s what love is for.”

A gentle breeze seemed to sweep through the arena, carrying his words like a warm hug. He glanced at you, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he turned back to the crowd.

“So, don’t be afraid of it. Don’t run from it. Don’t think it’ll ruin things, because love will only ruin you if you don’t give it a chance. Trust me, I’ve had to teach that to people firsthand.” He turned to you and kissed your forehead.

“And I thought that I had to prove that fact with grand gestures, but in the end, all that matters is being there. When someone needs you most.”

He whispered to you.

“When you need me most, I’ll be there. That’s love.”

With that, he leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your lips, sealing the promise that he had made- not just to you, but to everyone who believed in love.

You smiled through your tears, reaching up to touch his cheek gently as you two kissed.

When you had needed him most he had shown up.

You had always needed him. And he had always been there.

And you knew he’d always would be.

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