#he's so careful and fragile with them 💔💔

[rhinestonesocks]

Crying at compilations of Michael Jackson kissing kids on the cheek

[fatoam232]

A Plea from the Heart: I Am Fatima, and This Is My Story

My name is Fatima, a teacher from Gaza. I used to work in a small school I loved dearly, planting hope in the hearts of children and teaching them that tomorrow could be better. But the war took everything away. My school was bombed, I lost my job, and our home was reduced to rubble. Yet, I refused to give up. I set up a small tent amid the destruction and continued teaching children, showing them that knowledge is a light that cannot be extinguished, even in the darkest times.

My husband, Akram, was my partner and pillar of support. But he was severely injured in an attack targeting civilians. His abdominal injuries are so severe that he can no longer work or even lift basic items. Every day, I see the pain in his eyes and feel the weight of helplessness, but I try to stay strong for him and for our children.

Our eldest, Manar, is four years old, and she’s missing out on her childhood amidst this devastation. Our youngest, Ibrahim, was born under bombardment just a year ago. He has suffered greatly due to the lack of milk and proper medical care. Yet, sometimes, he smiles, and in those brief moments, I find the strength to keep going.

We now live in a fragile tent that doesn’t shield us from the cold or rain. Every day is a new battle for survival. I write these words while holding my children’s hands, with nothing left but my faith in God and the hope that your kind hearts will hear our plea.

Please help us provide milk and food for our children, ease Akram’s pain, and rebuild even a small part of the life the war has destroyed. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a big difference in our lives.

I ask you to share our story and be our support during this harsh and unforgiving time.

Donation link

Ghost 90 verified

Les escribo con gran pesar. Pedí a alguien que creara una campaña de recaudación de fondos para mis hijos, para que pudiéramos sobrevivir a los bombardeos y el hambre. Se recaudó un total de $4,531. Desafortunadamente, los fondos nunca me llegaron😭, ya que fui yo quien cerró la campaña sin entregar el dinero. Este dinero no era solo para mí; era la esperanza de mis hijos de tener algo de comer para alimentarse en estas duras circunstancias. A pesar de la decepción y la traición, no he perdido la fe en sus corazones compasivos. Hoy💔 empiezo desde cero... con la única esperanza de que me apoyarán. Yo misma he creado una nueva campaña de recaudación de fondos💔 y les ruego que me ayuden de nuevo y compartan este enlace con la mayor cantidad de personas posible🫂. Ustedes son nuestra última esperanza.🙏❤️

[mohammed-alhabil]

URGENT HELP 🙏 "Please help my sick son before its too late, he needs 2000$ as urgent help for the healthy food, tent and other necessaries" 🙏

⚠️⚠️New worse update "9th, Dec: 🙏🙏I appeal to every living conscience and merciful heart to look at us with mercy and hasten to help us and alleviate our suffering.🙏🙏 Please don't leave my sick son Ahmed alone.🥹🥹⚠️⚠️

💔My sick son is starving, he's getting worse, his disease worsen his health.💔 The donations we've received so far is too low, I haven't managed to buy a new waterproof tent, blankets and clothes for my sick son, he is quivering daily, feeling very cold .

Also I can't buy necessaries, it's unimaginably expensive, the price of flour 25 kg is about 300$. Imagine that we haven't eaten even a loaf of bread for ages, vegetables are about 15$- 20$/kg.

Previous update: My sick son is in dire need of your help and donations, 18 days with total donations of 482€, 😞😞his curren disease worsen his health more and more and his immunity has become more fragile, taking into consideration that the weather is extremely cold in the tent.😞😞 My little son Ahmed needs your help to get better.⚠️⚠️

🙏🙏I'm sure you won't let him alone, so come on, help him and donate kindly🙏🙏

🚨🚑🚨Please help my innocent sick son evacuate from Gaza, his health status is on the line.🚨🚑🚨

🙏🙏♥️My little innocent son Ahmad wants to convey a message "through a video👇" for you, hoping that it touches your compassionate hearts and donate to help him.🙏🙏♥️

Hi! I'm Mohammed Al-Habil,31 years old. I have a family of 3 members.

I'm from Gaza but I've got displaced so many times from Gaza. I've got injured in the first week of this ongoing war, since that time I've been forced to leave my home to UNRWA center as a shelter. The nightmare hasn't finished, my dad has got killed in the fourth month of the war, leaving my mum and two sisters so we've taken responsibility of them in addition to my family.

This nightmare "war" has taken everything, my dad, my work, my belongings, my home which has been destroyed, my peaceful life, my peace of mind, everything!

We live in extremely hard circumstances. We have no water, no healthy food, no electricity, no healthy place, no source of money, no health care, nothing!

We live in an unhealthy environment full of diseases. I live in a tent that neither protects us from sunshines nor protects us from rain. I need a new waterproof tent which costs 1000$, my current tent is made from clothes, it doesn't protect us from rain and cold, I'm sure you'll help.

I've faced so many diseases including hepatitis and viral infection "causing fever" due to unhealthy food and environment. The food we eat is canned food although it is unhealthy and expensive.

In addition to that, my wife has faced hepatitis due to dirty bathrooms, unhealthy food and unhealthy environment we live in.

In addition to that my little innocent son, 2 years and 10 months old, has had an operation on his eyes. In brief, my life has become a miserable nightmare!

⚠️🚑Urgent medical update about my little innocent son, his health status is getting worse and worse.🚨 Recently my little son has visited the clinic, he has been suffering from a urinary tract infection "he has taken a medicine, co-trimoxazole" and this is as a result of the only canned food he eats because we can't buy healthy food.🚑⚠️

We are about to face famine, basic goods are extremely expensive even vegetables are extremely expensive and we can hardly find them.

Some kinds of food aren't available, for example, egg, baby formula, frozen meat, bottles of water. Prices are higher nowadays.

👉👉👉My campaign "pinned post" has been shared by @sayruq @a-shade-of-blue @gazavetters , so it's completely legitimate.👈👈👈

🚨⚠️Btw, my current vetted campaign is moving extremely slowly, donations are very few, low funds, so could you spread my vetted campaign and donate even little amount of money?

😞517€ out of 50k€ after 21 days😔⚠️🚨

We need more donations. Please boost my fundraiser "campaign".

My campaign is ✅️Vetted by @gazavetters, my number verified on the list is ( #298 )✅️

So please donate and help my little son and family.

Your donation helps us!

@90-ghost @el-shab-hussein @sayruq @nabulsi @neptunerings @flower-tea-fairies @appsa @a-shade-of-blue @sar-soor @commissions4aid-international @paper-mario-wiki @dlxxv-vetted-donations @writerqueenofjewels @the-ballerina-battle @riding-with-the-wild-hunt @girlinafairytale @khangerinedreams @maoistyuri @dykesbat @acepumpkinpatrick @thetownwecallhome @tsaricides @feluka @brutaliakhoa @kordeliiius @queerstudiesnatural @the-bastard-king @aria-ashryver @malcriada @vakarians-babe @bat-luun @mangocheesecakes @violetlyra @nightowlssleep @self-hating-zionist @staretes @friendshapedplant @yokohama-crackhouse @omiteo777

@timetravellingkitty @meaganfoskin @socalgal @briahyu @briahrogersss-blog @chilewithcarnage @aces-and-anime @ghelgheli @mahoushojoe @mahouprince @northgazaupdates2 @rhubarbspring @schoolhater @pcktknife @transmutationisms @sawasawako @terroristiclyscreaming @irhabiya @wellwaterhysteria

[shy9-29]

Secretly Yours ☆ 박종성

“academic rivals to lovers” - enhypen campus series

☆ Forced to be rivals in the classroom, you never expected to fall for Jay—the one guy your best friend swore you should never trust. ✉️ wc. 11.3k ⚠️ tw. swearing, bullying, teasing, name calling, third wheeling 💔 false runors 📝: this is honeslty so cute and 4/7 of the members are done! let me know if you would like to be tagged for Jungwon’s trope as I will be writing his next. 박종성 x f reader

🏷️ @starniras @dearestdreamie @tkooooop @xuevkim @deluluscenarios @starboy-library @melodiessvy @steddie-steddie @i-am-not-dal @nct-sticker-127 @elimelbe @wonbinceps

It was a typical Tuesday lunch, and yet, you were finding yourself struggling to swallow the lump in your throat as you sat across from Heeseung and his girlfriend. They were laughing, teasing each other, their smiles easy and natural, as if they were the only two people in the world. You couldn’t help but feel like a third wheel—no, not just a third wheel. You were a joke third wheel, the one that could only sit in silence and watch as your best friend basked in the comfortable glow of a relationship you’d never quite understood.

Sure, you’d been friends with Heeseung for years, but watching him and his girlfriend together, this… thing between them that was so tangible, yet so fragile, made you realize just how much things had changed. You’d heard the rumors, of course. Everyone had. Heeseung and his girlfriend were that couple—perfect for each other one minute, toxic the next. Always breaking up and making up, but never really fixing anything. Every time they fought, Heeseung would storm to you afterward, venting about how his girlfriend wasn’t understanding him or how she’d said something hurtful. But when the storm passed, he’d always go back to her, and you’d be left standing in the middle, a supporting role, a listener—but never more.

And you never caught feelings for him. You knew better. Heeseung was your childhood best friend, the guy you grew up with, the guy who knew all your secrets, and vice versa. He was like a brother to you, and you couldn’t ever imagine crossing that line. And Heeseung? He never gave you a second thought in that way. He had his girlfriend, and you had your quiet corner of the world, content with your own space.

But now, you were sitting across from them, trying to smile through the awkwardness, pretending you weren’t hurt by the distance that had grown between you two over the years. It wasn’t even about the relationship itself, not really—it was about the way things had changed. Heeseung didn’t come to you as often anymore, and when he did, it was usually because he was angry or upset about something. And you were fine with that—until today.

“So,” Heeseung started, glancing over at you with a tired look in his eyes, “you know that dickhead, Jay, right?”

You nodded, taking a bite of your salad, unsure of where this conversation was headed.

“I’m still pissed at him,” Heeseung continued, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t care how much time has passed—what he did to me and her… I’m never going to forgive him.” He stabbed his fork into his pasta a little too aggressively, and you couldn’t help but notice the bitterness in his tone. “He kissed my girlfriend. And not just once. Twice.”

You frowned, looking between Heeseung and his girlfriend, who was sitting next to him, quietly fiddling with her phone. She didn’t seem as riled up about it as Heeseung was. In fact, she looked a little… resigned.

“Relax, Heeseung,” she chimed in, her voice softer, almost pleading. “That was a long time ago. Can’t you just forgive him already?”

Heeseung shook his head, lips pressed into a thin line. “I can’t. I just can’t. Not after everything. I don’t trust him, and I never will.”

You were quiet for a moment, staring into your food, lost in thought. You hadn’t even met Jay in person, but you knew enough about him from Heeseung’s rants—how he’d screwed up everything by kissing Heeseung’s girlfriend, how he was always getting under Heeseung’s skin with his cocky attitude. You didn’t know Jay well, but you couldn’t help but feel a grudge against him, too. Heeseung had always been there for you, and now, it was your turn to have his back.

You glanced at Heeseung’s girlfriend. “I get it. He messed up. But if he’s really your friend, don’t you think you should at least try to move on? I mean, holding onto it forever—”

“I can’t.” Heeseung’s voice was final, cutting you off. “I won’t. I’ve tried, believe me, but it just eats at me every time I think about it. I can’t just forget.”

You stayed silent, unsure how to respond. It wasn’t your place to intervene. You had your own tangled mess of emotions, but you kept them locked away. The last thing Heeseung needed right now was for you to add to his frustrations.

At that moment, the door to the cafeteria swung open, and in walked Sunghoon and his girlfriend. Sunghoon was always the quiet one—the kind of guy who would sit back and observe everything with a detached calmness that almost seemed unnatural. He was an introvert, a man of few words, but when he did speak, it carried weight. His girlfriend, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. She was loud, energetic, and always talking, often dragging Sunghoon along in whatever conversation she had going.

They sat down next to you, and Sunghoon’s girlfriend immediately leaned forward, her smile wide and playful. “Hey guys!” she greeted before turning her gaze to you. “So, what do you think about Jay, babe?”

You nearly choked on your food. You had no idea what Sunghoon thought about Jay—none of you really did. He was the kind of guy who kept his opinions close to his chest. He wasn’t the type to engage in petty drama or gossip.

Sunghoon just shrugged, his gaze flicking to Heeseung for a second before returning to his girlfriend. “He’s whatever,” he said quietly, his voice neutral, as though the whole Jay situation didn’t even register. “Not my problem.”

His girlfriend rolled her eyes with a laugh. “You’re so boring, Sunghoon.”

But even as his girlfriend playfully teased him, you couldn’t help but feel that pull again—the strange dynamic that seemed to always exist between you, Heeseung, and now Jay.

You glanced over at Heeseung, who was staring at Sunghoon with a look that you couldn’t quite decipher. It was a mix of annoyance, jealousy, and maybe, just maybe, something else.

But you didn’t have time to analyze it. Because you knew, no matter what, the tension was building, and soon enough, you’d be caught in the middle of it all

And what scared you most? You didn’t know if you’d be able to get out of it.

You sat back in your chair, staring at the two couples in front of you. Heeseung and his girlfriend were whispering something to each other, their heads close together, their hands brushing occasionally as if the world didn’t exist beyond their bubble. And then there was Sunghoon and his girlfriend, chatting away animatedly, with Sunghoon’s quiet presence in the background, nodding occasionally as she continued her endless chatter.

You felt a pang in your chest, the weight of the situation pressing down on you. You were surrounded by couples. Two of them, in fact—both of which seemed so… effortlessly happy, wrapped up in their own little worlds. And then there was you. Sitting alone at the table, a third wheel, no partner to distract you from the uncomfortable silence.

You groaned, dropping your forehead onto your arms. “Oh my god, I feel so single,” you muttered, the words escaping before you could stop them. You couldn’t help it. The jealousy, the loneliness—it was starting to eat at you, just a little bit.

Heeseung didn’t seem to notice, too absorbed in his conversation with his girlfriend. Sunghoon’s girlfriend, however, let out a laugh, glancing at you with a teasing smile. “You’re totally single, huh?” she teased, raising an eyebrow. “Isn’t it fun?”

You glared at her, rolling your eyes dramatically. “Yeah, so much fun,” you replied, sarcasm dripping from your voice. “Can’t wait to be the eternal third wheel.”

“You’re not eternal,” Sunghoon’s girlfriend said with a wink. “You’re just waiting for the right person to come along.”

You glanced at her, unimpressed. “If the right person is anything like Heeseung or Jay, I’ll pass.”

At that, Sunghoon let out a quiet chuckle, and even Heeseung’s girlfriend smiled softly. But the moment quickly passed, and you were left with the same feeling—surrounded by people who had someone to lean on, while you were left to sit with the emptiness.

It wasn’t that you were against being single, but today, right now, it stung just a little more than usual. The couples’ laughter and shared glances were like a reminder of what you didn’t have. And that reminder was just too loud in the middle of this lunch.

You sat up, trying to shake off the bitter feeling settling in your chest. “Alright, alright, I’m not that dramatic. It’s just… you know…” You trailed off, hoping to change the subject.

Sunghoon’s girlfriend shot you a sympathetic look. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Just enjoy your food. And if it helps, I can always hook you up with some of my friends.” She gave you a mischievous grin, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

You smiled weakly but couldn’t quite shake off that feeling of being an outsider, watching the world go by in pairs.

It was much later in the evening when you found yourself sprawled across your shared dorm bed, dramatically burying your face in a pillow as the weight of the day’s fifth-wheeling trauma crashed over you all over again.

“I need someone so bad,” you groaned, voice muffled by the fabric. “Like, genuinely. I was fifth wheeling earlier today, Sunoo. Fifth. That’s not even normal. That’s just disrespectful.”

Sunoo, your roommate and longtime partner-in-chaos, glanced up from his skincare routine, dabbing toner gently onto his cheeks. “Honestly? I think it’s kind of iconic. Like, you’re the main character surrounded by background couples. It’s giving ‘independent baddie who doesn’t need a man.’ Very inspiring.”

You lifted your head to glare at him. “Inspiring? My entire lunch was a rom-com montage minus the actual romance. Heeseung and his girlfriend were being all cute and annoying, Sunghoon’s girlfriend was feeding him fries while he looked like he was contemplating the meaning of life, and I was there… chewing sad lettuce.”

Sunoo stifled a laugh. “Sad lettuce is such a vibe though.”

You dropped your head back onto the pillow. “I’m not joking, I actually feel like I’m gonna rot away as the token single friend.”

“Please,” Sunoo scoffed, moving to sit on the edge of your bed, legs crossed neatly. “Relationship stuff is so overrated. Love? Dumb. People? Dumber. You know Jake and his girlfriend? I still don’t understand how she took him back after that whole mess.”

You lifted a brow, glancing up at him. “What mess?”

Sunoo gave you a look like girl, where have you been?

“You don’t remember? Back when Jake and Jay had that idiotic bet—the bet?” He rolled his eyes and clasped his hands together mockingly. “Make her fall for me in a week or whatever.”

You blinked. “Wait. What?”

“Yeah,” Sunoo said, lips curling into a smirk like he’d been dying to spill the tea. “This was way back, before Jake actually caught feelings. But it was real. Him and Jay thought it would be ‘fun’ to bet on who could get someone to fall for them faster. Jake picked his now-girlfriend, and Jay picked some other girl from our econ class—Soobin, I think? Anyway, Jake actually started falling for her mid-bet and had a whole breakdown over it. Jay? I don’t even know what happened with his half. He’s a mystery.”

You sat up, your expression stunned. “So Jay actually did that?”

Sunoo nodded. “Mhm. He never really talked about it after. Most people forgot, but I didn’t. I don’t forget stuff like that.”

Your nose scrunched. “Ew. That’s actually disgusting.”

“That’s what I’m saying,” Sunoo sighed. “Like, love is not a game, babe. These guys out here are not serious.”

You chewed on your lip, letting the information settle. The grudge you already had toward Jay—planted by Heeseung and watered by years of side comments—suddenly felt validated. You didn’t know Jay personally, but from what you’d seen and heard, he was just another cocky guy who probably thought every girl wanted him. And now, knowing he made a bet like that? Your opinion of him sank even lower.

Still, a part of you was curious. Why did people still talk about him like there was more to the story? Why did Jake—arguably reformed—still hang around him? And why did you keep hearing Jay’s name pop up lately like he was some inevitable storm you were supposed to run into?

“So,” you said slowly, casually lying back down and folding your arms behind your head. “What do you think about Jay?”

Sunoo raised a brow, turning his head toward you like he was trying to figure out if you were joking. “Jay?”

You nodded.

“Honestly? I think he’s one of those guys who pretends not to care but lowkey cares a lot. Too much, maybe. He’s hot, I’ll give him that—but emotionally? Questionable. Like, he’s the kind of guy who’d flirt with you at 2 a.m. and then act like it never happened the next day. A walking green flag wrapped in red ribbon.”

You laughed, and Sunoo joined in, shaking his head.

“But,” he added, pointing a finger at you dramatically, “don’t let the face fool you. Pretty doesn’t mean trustworthy. Especially with Jay.”

You weren’t planning on letting it fool you.

At least, not yet.

It started with an eye roll.

Jay had made some snide remark about how your thesis summary lacked depth—depth, of all things—and you had to physically stop yourself from lobbing your pen across the lecture hall. You turned to him with the tightest smile you could manage and replied, “Right. Because the guy who spelled ‘Nietzsche’ wrong three times during last week’s debate is suddenly the standard.”

The professor chuckled like he was watching his favorite sitcom unfold. The rest of the class watched with that usual amused tension—the kind reserved for two people who were one sarcastic comment away from either ripping each other’s heads off or ripping each other’s clothes off. You refused to entertain the second option.

Jay was your academic rival. Has been since semester one. He was cocky, smart, and unfortunately, good-looking in a way that made your life more difficult than it needed to be. Every paper you aced, he had to beat by 0.5%. Every time you raised your hand, he’d follow with a rebuttal. You lived to make him eat his words. And from the smug way he smirked every time you got fired up, you knew he lived for it too.

Which is why when Professor Kim announced the University-Wide Academic Challenge, it wasn’t even a question who your competition would be.

And because the universe had a twisted sense of humor, they paired you with Jay for the regional prep rounds. As partners.

“I’ll drop out,” you told Sunoo dramatically that night. “I’ll pack my bags and transfer. I’ll fake my death and become a poet in the mountains before I partner with him.”

Sunoo had just blinked at you and said, “You’re so dramatic. Just destroy him with your intellect like usual.”

But it didn’t stop there. After a few forced library sessions and hours of silent research, the tension between you and Jay reached a boiling point. That’s when the bet happened.

“If I win,” you’d said, eyes narrowed, “you carry my bag, grab my coffee, and walk two steps behind me for a week.”

He had leaned forward, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “And if I win, you do the same.”

“And wear a ‘Jay is smarter than me’ sticker.”

“Deal.”

You shook on it like two enemies sealing their fates.

The week leading up to the challenge was ruthless. Debates in lecture halls, snarky notes left in shared textbooks, accidental shoulder bumps in the hallway that were never really accidental. You hated how good he was at keeping up with you. You hated even more that he made it feel… fun.

But after the results came in—after you tied, somehow, impossibly—you both stood outside the library, blinking in disbelief.

“Rematch?” he’d asked.

You tilted your head. “Or we just… call it even.”

He raised a brow. “Truce?”

You nodded slowly. “Truce.”

That truce, as it turned out, involved a lot of late-night study sessions. Whispered insults that started sounding like inside jokes. Accidental brushes of fingers that neither of you pulled away from. And eventually—somewhere between quiz prep and coffee runs—you kissed him.

The secrecy started right then. Because if Heeseung ever found out you were sneaking around with Jay—the same Jay he despised for “making out with his girlfriend twice”—he’d lose his mind. He’d call it betrayal. And you… you didn’t want to lose Heeseung either.

So you and Jay kept it quiet. A little rebellion, tucked between stacks of books and whispered under breathless kisses in quiet hallways.

You didn’t mean for it to become something real. But then again, you never expected him to look at you like that. Like you weren’t just his rival—but something else entirely.

And because you’d been spending a lot more time with him lately—strictly because of competition, of course, and not because of the way he furrowed his brows when he was focused or the way he actually listened when you spoke—you found yourself getting… curious. Against your better judgment.

You still hated him. That hadn’t changed. He was still Jay Park, your so-called academic nemesis, the cocky know-it-all who had allegedly kissed Heeseung’s girlfriend twice and made a game out of breaking girls’ hearts with Jake. Sunoo told you he was a walking red flag in designer sneakers. Heeseung said he was a traitor, a manipulator, a snake.

But… he also carried your books without asking last week. And when you fell asleep over your notes during one of your 2 a.m. study grinds, you woke up to find a neatly scribbled list of everything you missed—and a cup of hot chocolate, extra whipped cream, just how you liked it.

So yeah. You were confused. Just enough to want a second opinion.

You spotted him by the vending machine near the economics building, fiddling with the coin slot and humming some offbeat tune under his breath. Jake Sim. Jay’s best friend. The one person who might actually give you answers.

You inhaled sharply and walked up to him, half-regretting it before you even opened your mouth.

“Hi,” you started, awkwardly. “You probably don’t know me, but I know you, and this might seem kind of weird but—”

Jake turned to you with a crooked grin, eyes lighting up. “Oh, I know you.”

You blinked. “You do?”

He nodded. “You’re the girl.”

“What girl?”

“The one Jay’s always ranting about,” Jake said casually, like he wasn’t just detonating a bomb inside your chest. “The academic rival. The one who talks fast when she’s annoyed and refuses to take help on joint projects.”

You stared at him.

Jake just chuckled. “Yeah. He’s talked about you. A lot.”

Your mouth opened, then closed. “Right. Cool. Um… that’s not why I’m here though.”

Jake leaned against the vending machine, still smiling like he had front row seats to your mental breakdown. “Go on.”

“I… wanted to ask you something about Jay,” you said carefully, choosing each word like it was a live wire. “Just… some things I’ve heard.”

Jake raised a brow. “Let me guess. The bet thing? And the drama with Heeseung’s girl?”

You gave a cautious nod.

Jake sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Man, people don’t let that stuff go. Yeah, the bet was real. But it was forever ago, and he pulled out of it almost immediately. He felt bad about it. Still does, I think.”

You chewed your lip. “And the other thing?”

“The kiss?” Jake nodded. “It happened once, and it wasn’t what everyone made it out to be. She kissed him, technically. But it was before her and Heeseung were even together. Jay didn’t even know they were a thing yet.”

You didn’t say anything, trying to make sense of it all—trying to balance what you’d been told for months against the guy who now held open doors for you and left sticky notes with passive-aggressive compliments on your notebooks.

Jake tilted his head, watching you. “You like him, don’t you?”

Your eyes snapped up. “What? No.”

He grinned. “You do.”

“I hate him.”

“Sure you do,” he said, clearly not convinced. “That’s why you’re out here asking his best friend for the whole story.”

You crossed your arms, feeling caught.

Jake just laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell him.”

You shook your head, muttering something about this being a bad idea as you turned to leave, but you didn’t miss the way Jake called after you with a teasing lilt in his voice.

“He likes you too, you know.”

Jay won.

By half a point.

You stared at the scoreboard like it had personally betrayed you, your mouth slightly open, the air sucked right out of your lungs. Half a damn point.

Jay, standing just a few feet away with his stupid perfect posture and that smug little smirk, turned to you slowly, like he’d been waiting for this moment since the second you made the bet.

“Guess that makes you my servant for the week, huh?” he said, hands in his pockets, tone smooth as ever.

You rolled your eyes and shoved your notebook into your bag with more force than necessary. “You cheated.”

“I didn’t.”

“Then you bribed someone.”

Jay grinned, tilting his head. “Maybe I’m just smarter than you.”

You scoffed. “You’re not.”

“Then what does that say about you, loser?”

You almost threw your pen at him.

Almost.

But you didn’t, because that would be too obvious. Instead, you threw him a sharp glare and marched past him—only for him to fall into step beside you like he belonged there.

“You gonna carry my bag to class tomorrow?” he asked, eyes twinkling.

“Go to hell.”

“I thought we were already there. Seoul U, midterm season, and you owe me coffee for a week? Sounds like hell to me.”

You hated him. You should’ve hated him.

But you didn’t miss the way he was biting back a smile, or how he didn’t actually push it any further. Didn’t gloat. Just walked beside you, shoulder brushing yours every few steps like he’d forgotten you were supposed to be rivals.

God, you were so screwed.

You found Heeseung outside the library, hunched over his phone with earbuds in, tapping at his screen like the world was on fire. He looked up when you called his name, one brow raised as you approached.

“Hey,” you said, clutching the strap of your bag a little tighter. “Can we talk?”

Heeseung pulled out an earbud, eyes narrowing slightly. “What’s up?”

You hesitated. You didn’t want to start anything, but this was already eating away at you. The more time you spent with Jay—forced time, of course—the more those stories didn’t line up. He wasn’t half as bad as everyone made him out to be. In fact… he was kind of the opposite.

“Are you sure Jay’s really that bad?” you asked, quietly.

Heeseung straightened, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was trying not to react too fast. “Seriously?”

You nodded. “I just—Jake told me he felt super bad about the whole bet thing. Like he didn’t even go through with it. And the thing with your girlfriend? He said she kissed him. Not the other way around.”

Heeseung’s eyes darkened. “Yeah, well, of course Jake would say that. They’re best friends.”

“I’m just saying,” you pressed, “what if it wasn’t how you remember it? Maybe Jay’s not—”

“Don’t,” he cut you off, tone sharper than usual. “Don’t let him get to you, Y/N.”

You blinked.

He scoffed, standing and slinging his backpack over his shoulder. “Guys like him? They’re good at making people feel like they’re the victim. That’s how they work. He’ll play sweet, act like he’s changed, make you question everyone else—and then the second you trust him, he’ll flip it.”

“He hasn’t done anything to me.”

“Yet.” Heeseung’s eyes locked onto yours, voice low. “Just be careful. You don’t know him like I do.”

You swallowed hard, nodding slowly, but something inside you twisted at the way he said it. Like you weren’t allowed to find things out for yourself. Like he had to be right.

But… the thing was?

A part of you wasn’t so sure anymore.

The next day was actual hell.

You should’ve known Jay would milk the “servant” thing for everything it was worth—but still, nothing could’ve prepared you for how absolutely insufferable he was about it.

“Y/N, can you carry my bag?”

“Y/N, I’m thirsty. You know my order.”

“Y/N, I dropped my pen—oh, oops. Guess you better pick it up.”

It was like every five minutes he found a new way to get under your skin. And the worst part? He didn’t even need the help. You were ninety-nine percent sure he only asked just to see how long it would take for you to snap.

By day four, you were a ticking time bomb.

You were both walking down the hallway after study group, and Jay had just asked you—again—to grab his charger from the common room because he “forgot it,” even though it was very clearly hanging out of his bag.

You whipped around to face him, nearly knocking into his chest. “Do you enjoy watching me slowly lose my mind? Is that it? Is this fun for you?”

Jay blinked at you, clearly trying not to laugh. “Kind of.”

“Unbelievable,” you huffed, arms flailing a little as the rant bubbled up. “I’m starting to think you only won on purpose just to torture me—like some twisted revenge arc. What kind of narcissist actually makes someone fetch their charger—”

And then he kissed you.

Mid-rant. Mid-gesture. Mid-sentence.

It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t careful. It was bold and sudden and shut you up instantly, your breath caught between the syllable you were about to say and the warmth of his mouth on yours.

You froze, hands still hovering stupidly in the air.

Jay pulled back just enough to murmur against your lips, “God, you talk so much.”

You stared at him, wide-eyed, cheeks flushed.

And he just stood there—completely unaffected—like kissing you in the middle of a hallway was totally normal. Like your heart wasn’t pounding loud enough to drown out every rational thought.

“You—” You opened your mouth.

Jay grinned. “Still talking.”

You almost shoved him.

Almost.

Sunghoon wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. He never was.

But he had a way of being in the right place at the right time, or maybe the wrong place, depending on how you looked at it. And when he turned the corner of the hallway that afternoon, a quiet observer like always, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw you—mouth still pressed to Jay’s, your fingers curled in surprise around the strap of your bag.

He blinked once. Then twice.

Then, without a word, he turned and walked the other way.

Fifteen minutes later, he found his girlfriend standing outside the campus café, talking animatedly to her friend Stella about nail polish or hair gloss or something equally detailed. They barely noticed him until he slipped in beside them, calm as ever.

“Y/N and Jay kissed,” he said, like he was stating the weather.

Both girls gasped so loud half the quad probably heard.

His girlfriend whipped around to face him, eyes wide. “What?! Since when were you into gossip?”

He just shrugged, gaze flickering toward the library. “I saw it. Just now.”

Stella smacked his girlfriend’s arm. “Didn’t you say she hated him?”

“I did,” she breathed, already pulling out her phone like it would give her the rest of the story. “What the hell—?”

But Sunghoon leaned forward, kissed her cheek gently, and started walking away.

“Wait—where are you going?” she called after him.

“Library,” he said over his shoulder.

Because of course he was. Of course Sunghoon dropped a bomb and just casually strolled off to study like he hadn’t just flipped your entire social circle upside down.

Sunghoon was already at his usual study spot in the library when you arrived, clutching your bag a little too tightly as you scanned the rows of bookshelves like you were on some sort of secret mission.

He raised an eyebrow as you walked in, obviously distracted, your eyes darting around the room. You were definitely not here to study. The fact that you had only been in the library for a few seconds and your gaze had already flitted past the tables where students were hard at work said it all.

You weren’t here for Heeseung. Not at all.

Sunghoon didn’t miss a beat. He leaned back in his chair, watching you for a second, before sliding his glasses down his nose slightly and giving you a small smirk. “Hey, Y/N. What’s up?”

You jolted slightly, surprised to see him so casually lounging there. You shot him an awkward smile and then immediately tried to cover it up with a defensive shrug. “Oh, nothing. I’m just… uh, here to give Heeseung something,” you said, voice a little too high-pitched, almost like you were trying to convince yourself of your own words.

Sunghoon didn’t look convinced. He tilted his head slightly, studying you with a small, knowing smile. “Are you sure you’re here for Heeseung?”

Your heart skipped. “Yeah, of course,” you said too quickly, glancing nervously around the library again. “I mean, I just… I need to give him this thing and—”

“You sure?” Sunghoon interrupted, pushing his chair back just a little, his tone shifting slightly to something almost teasing. He didn’t buy it. “Because Jay’s in the cafeteria. Right now. Just thought you’d want to know.”

You froze. For a moment, it felt like the world had stopped. Your eyes widened before you quickly looked away, trying to hide the obvious flustered blush creeping up your neck. “I—” You cleared your throat, forcing yourself to straighten up. “I wasn’t looking for him,” you muttered, biting your lip.

Sunghoon didn’t say much after that, just shrugged casually and hummed a little tune under his breath as he pushed his chair back and stood up. His expression was unreadable, his quiet demeanor leaving you with an uneasy feeling in your stomach. Without another word, he simply smiled, offering a half-hearted wave as he walked past you.

You watched him go, unsure of what to make of the interaction. It was classic Sunghoon—quiet, observant, and always somehow getting under your skin without even trying.

You couldn’t stand how he could so easily see through you.

With a frustrated sigh, you picked up your bag and made your way out of the library, heading toward the cafeteria where you knew Jay would be. Even though your heart was pounding and your mind was spinning with confusion, you couldn’t stop yourself. You had to see him.

The thought of Heeseung’s warning echoed in your mind, but you pushed it aside. Sunghoon was right about one thing—things were already chaotic. Maybe this was the only way to make sense of it all.

You tried to calm your nerves as you walked to the cafeteria, but the closer you got, the harder it became to shake the doubt gnawing at you. Would you find the answers you were looking for, or would this just be another mess to clean up later?

When you stepped into the cafeteria, the noise hit you immediately—students chatting, trays clattering, the low hum of conversation filling the air. But despite all the noise, your eyes immediately zeroed in on Jay, sitting at one of the tables by the window, his usual carefree smile on his face as he joked around with his friends.

Your stomach flipped.

You didn’t want to admit it, but you were both relieved and anxious at the same time. He looked just as he always did—easygoing, confident, and annoyingly charming. The problem was, now you knew him differently. The things you’d heard, the things you’d seen—it was hard to look at him the same way.

You took a deep breath and walked towards him, trying to shake off the tension in your shoulders. As you got closer, you saw Jay’s head turn just as he noticed you.

His eyes lit up when he saw you, and despite the complicated mess you two had become, you couldn’t help but feel a flicker of warmth at the sight of him. He gave you a lazy grin, pushing his chair back and standing up in one smooth motion.

“Y/N,” he greeted, his voice low and smooth, like he wasn’t the least bit phased by the tension hanging between you two. “What’s up?”

You barely kept your expression neutral. “I need to talk to you.”

Jay raised an eyebrow, glancing at the empty seat across from him, then back at you. “Come on, sit down. You don’t look like you’re here to discuss world peace. I’m guessing you’re looking for something else.”

You hesitated, biting your lip. It felt weird being this close to him again, feeling the electricity between you like it was the first time you’d ever been in his orbit. Everything about this felt wrong. But you had to do it.

Sitting down, you met his gaze directly. “I’m not here to cause any more trouble. I just… need to know what’s going on between us.”

Jay tilted his head, his easygoing expression faltering slightly. He leaned forward, one arm on the table as if he was genuinely interested. “What do you mean? Between us?” His voice softened, and for a second, you could see the shift in him. It was subtle, but it was there.

You clenched your hands together on the table, trying to steady yourself. “You know what I mean, Jay. All of this—the bet, the confusion… what’s real and what’s not?”

Jay leaned back in his chair, the carefree smile from earlier slipping away, replaced by something more serious. “You still don’t trust me, huh?”

You swallowed, the words catching in your throat. “It’s not that. It’s just… I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

He was quiet for a long moment, his gaze lingering on you with an intensity that made your breath catch. When he finally spoke, his tone was different—he was no longer the cocky guy you used to know, but someone who seemed oddly vulnerable.

“Look,” he said, his voice quieter now, “I get it. Everything I did, everything I said—it was wrong. But I’m not that guy anymore, Y/N. I’ve changed. I care about you. I don’t want to mess this up.”

Your heart raced in your chest. You wanted to believe him. You really did. But the part of you that was still holding on to the past, to the version of Jay that Heeseung had painted, kept pushing those thoughts aside.

“I don’t know, Jay. It’s just… hard. You and I? We don’t mix well,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

Jay’s expression flickered. “I’m not asking for things to be perfect. I just want a chance, Y/N. A real one.”

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air between you, and for a split second, it felt like you were both on the same page—like everything that had happened before didn’t matter. But then, like a flash of lightning, the reminder of everything that had happened came rushing back.

You shook your head, pulling yourself back. “I can’t just forget all of it, Jay. It’s not that simple.”

Jay leaned in closer, his gaze intense. “I’m not asking you to forget. Just… don’t hold me to who I was.”

Your chest tightened. You were torn between everything you wanted and everything you feared.

“I’m still figuring it out,” you admitted, the vulnerability in your voice surprising even yourself. “But I’m not sure I’m ready for this… whatever this is.”

Jay didn’t respond right away. He just nodded slowly, like he understood, but there was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. “I get it. But I’m not going anywhere, Y/N. When you’re ready, I’ll be here.”

You wanted to say more, but the words caught in your throat. Instead, you just stood up, trying to make your voice steady again.

“I’ll… think about it,” you said, but your tone didn’t sound as sure as you wanted it to. You didn’t know if you were ready for this, but you couldn’t just walk away.

Jay gave you one last look, his smile returning, though it was softer this time. “Take your time.”

As you walked away, your mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. What did this all mean? What would Heeseung say? Would Jay really change, or was this just another game to him? You didn’t have the answers. Not yet. But for the first time in a long time, you weren’t sure who you were supposed to be angry at anymore.

The days that followed were a whirlwind. You and Jay decided to keep things under wraps—something about the secrecy added a layer of excitement, even though it made everything feel a little more complicated. You couldn’t bring yourself to tell Heeseung, not yet. The thought of his reaction made your stomach twist in knots. But with Jay, it was easy. Easier than you expected. He was surprisingly attentive when you needed him to be, remembering little details about you that Heeseung and others had long forgotten.

Jay was still Jay, cocky and smooth-talking, but there were moments where he’d let his guard down. The way he’d walk you to class, his hand brushing against yours as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The way he’d drop a joke here and there, making you laugh when you needed it most. You never thought you’d say it, but Jay wasn’t the player you thought he was—well, not all the time anyway.

Of course, he was still a bit of a show-off. You could never really take him seriously when he’d lean against the doorframe of your dorm, smirking, saying things like, “You know, I’m way too good-looking to be keeping this a secret.”

You would roll your eyes, trying to suppress your grin. “Yeah, you’re such a mystery.”

He’d chuckle, that cocky smirk still glued to his face. “I know, I know. You’re welcome.”

But underneath the bravado, he was kind, listening to you vent about your day, cracking jokes just to make you smile. For the first time, you felt like maybe this whole secret thing wasn’t so bad. But that didn’t mean you didn’t have doubts. It was all so new, and despite everything, there was still a little voice in the back of your mind reminding you of how messy things could get.

You weren’t the only one who had doubts, though. Your first real step in sharing this secret came one night when you were sitting in your dorm room, staring at your phone. Sunoo, always seemed to know everything before anyone else, had been eyeing you strangely all week. He’d been quiet, his teasing always bordering on serious.

“Sunoo,” you started, hesitating as he sprawled out on your bed, scrolling through his phone, “I need to tell you something.”

His head snapped up immediately. “Oh?” He raised a brow. “Spill.”

You took a deep breath. “I’m… I’m seeing someone. But it’s secret. And I know it’s weird because—” you paused, running a hand through your hair. “It’s Jay.”

The look on Sunoo’s face was one you’d never seen before. His eyes went wide, his mouth falling open as he blinked rapidly. For a second, he just stared at you, completely silent. Then, as if he couldn’t contain himself any longer, he exploded.

“What?!” he half-yelled, half-laughed, scrambling off your bed and pacing around the room in disbelief. “Hold up, hold up. You’re dating Jay? Jay. The same Jay who—”

“Sunoo, please—” you interrupted, raising a hand to stop him from getting too carried away.

“—the same Jay who practically ruined Heeseung’s life?” He flung his hands up in the air dramatically. “The one you’ve been bashing to me for weeks? And now you’re secretly dating him?”

You sighed, running a hand down your face. “Yes. But it’s not like that, okay? I know what you’re thinking, but things are… different with him. He’s not like he used to be. It’s just—complicated.”

Sunoo was still pacing, clearly trying to wrap his head around it. “Complicated? This is beyond complicated, Y/N! Do you know how much drama this is going to cause? Heeseung is gonna flip. I’m not even talking about how Jay’s gonna react when he finds out that you were hiding this from him. You’re already tangled up in all of this and now you’re—oh my god, why is everything in your life like this?”

You slumped back into your chair, feeling the weight of your decision. “I don’t want to deal with drama. But I like him, Sunoo. And I think he likes me, too. And… honestly, I don’t care what people think. I just wanted to tell you because I can’t keep this to myself anymore.”

Sunoo stopped pacing and stared at you with an intensity that made you shift in your seat. “You really like him, huh?”

You nodded, trying to hold his gaze. “Yeah. It’s… it’s stupid, but I do.”

There was a long pause. Sunoo looked like he was about to explode again, but then he let out a slow breath, sitting down beside you. “Okay. Fine. I’ll let it slide. But seriously—if you get caught, I’m not helping you out of this mess. You’re on your own.” He raised a finger and wagged it at you. “And I’m keeping my distance from all of this. I didn’t sign up for this chaos, alright?”

You chuckled, relieved by the fact that Sunoo wasn’t completely flipping out. “Thanks, Sunoo. I appreciate it. I promise I’ll figure this out.”

He leaned back against the bed with a dramatic sigh. “You’re lucky I’m your best friend. If anyone else tried to pull this, I’d roast them for the rest of their life.”

“Well, I’m lucky to have you, then,” you said with a grin.

Sunoo shot you a look of mock disbelief. “Just promise me one thing,” he said, raising a brow. “If Heeseung finds out and loses his mind, I’m not helping you clean up the mess. You’re on your own with that one.”

You laughed, feeling the stress of it all lighten a little. “Deal.”

Sunoo was known for two things: his impeccable gossip radar and his inability to keep a secret for more than 24 hours. And, of course, the fact that he loved to stir the pot. As soon as you had finished telling him about you and Jay, Sunoo’s mind started racing. He was already formulating what he would tell Heeseung the moment he saw him. He wasn’t going to be able to keep this juicy tidbit to himself, no matter how much you trusted him to stay quiet.

The next day, Heeseung was sitting in the courtyard, casually talking to some friends, but Sunoo could see it—the slightest shift in Heeseung’s posture when he noticed him coming. Heeseung raised an eyebrow as Sunoo approached, a mischievous grin forming on his face.

“You’re looking like you’ve got something to spill, Sunoo,” Heeseung said, his voice light but clearly curious.

Sunoo couldn’t help himself. He sat down next to Heeseung, his eyes practically gleaming with the excitement of what he was about to drop.

“You wouldn’t believe it, man,” Sunoo started, looking around as if to make sure no one else was listening in. “You know how you’ve been all worried about Y/N and Jay, right?”

Heeseung’s expression darkened, and his eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What about them?”

Sunoo leaned in, lowering his voice as if he were telling a state secret. “Well, turns out… they’ve been secretly dating. For, like, a while now.”

Heeseung froze for a second, the weight of Sunoo’s words sinking in. His jaw clenched, and he quickly glanced around, as if making sure no one had overheard the conversation.

“Wait, what?” Heeseung’s voice was quieter, almost a whisper, as if he couldn’t believe it. “How do you know?”

Sunoo, unable to hold back the excitement bubbling inside him, leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms, like he was watching a drama unfold. “I’ve got my sources,” he said, winking. “And it’s not just a rumor, Heeseung. They’re actually seeing each other. Y/N told me everything.”

Heeseung stared at him for a moment, his expression unreadable, but it was clear the news hit him like a punch to the gut. His face twisted in a mix of disbelief and frustration,and for a moment, it seemed like he might say something, but he stopped himself.

“Y/N would never—” Heeseung started, his voice shaking with a mix of anger and hurt.

“Oh, she would,” Sunoo cut in, nonchalantly. “She’s just keeping it under wraps, like some big secret. But honestly, it makes sense, right? All that tension, all that back and forth between them, it was bound to happen.”

Heeseung stood up abruptly, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I can’t believe this,” he muttered, more to himself than to Sunoo. “After everything, she goes behind my back like this?”

Sunoo could feel the anger radiating off Heeseung, and it made him feel a little guilty, but not enough to hold his tongue. “Yeah, it’s a mess, isn’t it? I mean, she’s been going on about how much she hates Jay, but clearly, something changed. Who knows? Maybe it was all that tension, or maybe she just got tired of waiting around. But whatever the case, it’s real. And if you ask me, I think you should be a little more worried about what’s coming next.”

Heeseung looked like he was about to explode. His fists clenched at his sides, and his face was flushed with a mix of confusion and rage. “I—I have to talk to her,” he said, his voice raw.

Sunoo shrugged, not caring that Heeseung was clearly on the verge of losing his cool. “I’m just saying, you might want to figure things out with her before she starts making it official with Jay. Things are already messy enough.”

As Sunoo stood up to leave, he turned to give Heeseung one last look. “You know where to find me if you need more tea,” he teased, before walking away, leaving Heeseung standing there, seething with emotions that were rapidly spiraling out of control.

Sunoo had done his part. Now, it was Heeseung’s turn to deal with the consequences. But something told him this was only the beginning.

You didn’t have to guess who was at the door. The feeling in your stomach told you everything you needed to know. Heeseung.

You stood frozen for a moment before you opened the door slowly, trying to act casual, though the nervous energy in your body betrayed you. There he was, standing at your door, his expression tight with something that looked like anger—and disappointment.

Heeseung glanced at you, then around your room, like he was trying to piece everything together. “What’s going on, Y/N?” His voice was strained, the usual warmth gone. “Why didn’t you tell me about this? Why didn’t you tell me about Jay?”

You swallowed hard, your heart racing. You weren’t sure how to answer. You could feel the weight of everything pressing down on you. The truth? Would he even believe you if you told him everything? Or would he just think it was another betrayal?

“Heeseung, I—” You began, but he cut you off, his voice sharp.

“Why, Y/N?” His voice cracked through the tension. “Why did you have to keep this a secret? Why with Jay? After everything?”

You could feel the guilt tearing at you, but you didn’t know what to say. The words were tangled up in your chest, but you knew you couldn’t hold back anymore. “I never meant to hurt you,” you said quietly, your voice barely above a whisper. You stepped back, leaning against your desk. “But… I don’t know. Things just happened with Jay, and I didn’t know how to handle it. You and I… we’ve always been so complicated, Heeseung. I never wanted to hurt you, I swear. But Jay and I… we’ve been spending time together. It just happened.”

Heeseung’s face hardened, his eyes narrowing at you. “So that’s it, then? You’ve been sneaking around behind my back with him?”

“No, that’s not it at all,” you snapped, finally feeling the frustration bubble to the surface. “I wasn’t sneaking around with anyone. It just… happened, Heeseung. We’ve both been playing these games for so long. And you—” You stopped yourself, realizing you were about to say something you might regret. “And you, you were always going back to her, your girlfriend, every time you fought with her. It was always me picking up the pieces for you. But no matter how much I helped, nothing changed. So… I stopped waiting.”

Heeseung’s face flickered with hurt, but it quickly morphed back into anger. “So you think I’m the one to blame here? You think I made you do this?”

Your voice cracked as you spoke, the frustration you’d been holding onto for so long finally breaking free. “I didn’t say that. But I’m tired, Heeseung. I’m tired of always being the one who’s there when you need someone to pick up the pieces. And I’m tired of holding onto something that’s not there anymore.”

Heeseung didn’t say anything for a long moment. He just stared at you, his expression unreadable. Finally, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what to say to you right now, Y/N.” His voice was low, almost defeated. “You know… I don’t even know if I can forgive you for this. Not right now.”

The words hit you harder than you expected. Your heart sank as you blinked rapidly, trying to hold back tears. “I don’t need your forgiveness, Heeseung. I’m just trying to do what’s best for me, for once.”

Silence fell between the two of you, thick and suffocating. You wanted to say something, anything to fix it, but you knew deep down that there was nothing you could do. Heeseung turned to leave, but then stopped, his back still to you.

“Do me a favor,” he said, his voice soft, barely audible. “Don’t do something you’ll regret, Y/N. You don’t have to do this. You’ve been so important to me for so long. Please… don’t lose yourself in all of this.”

You stood there, unable to respond. You didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what to do. You were already losing yourself, weren’t you? But maybe I’ve already lost him, you thought as you watched him walk away.

The door clicked shut behind him, but the echo of his words rang louder than anything else. You stood there in your room, motionless, heart racing and chest tight like it was wrapped in barbed wire. You hated how he still had that power over you—how a few words, a stare, and the sound of your name in his voice could unravel everything you’d built for yourself.

He was wrong, wasn’t he?

You weren’t losing yourself. You were just… figuring things out. You weren’t the same girl who used to drop everything the second he called. You weren’t the one patching him up anymore after every fight with his girlfriend. You were your own person now. Someone who laughed too loud at Jay’s dumb jokes. Someone who liked the way he challenged you. Who liked the way he looked at you like you were the only one in the room, even when you were surrounded by people.

But that didn’t mean you didn’t feel like shit.

You paced your room, emotions swirling inside you like a storm you couldn’t control. It wasn’t supposed to go like this. You weren’t supposed to feel this confused. Jay made things easy, simple. You bickered, you competed, you flirted, and—somewhere in between—you found something that felt a lot like peace. Even if it was messy. Even if it was sudden. But Heeseung’s words… they lingered like a bruise under your skin.

Don’t do something you’ll regret.

God. Heeseung always made things feel heavier than they had to be.

You collapsed onto your bed, staring up at the ceiling, and after a long moment, you grabbed your phone. Your fingers hovered over Jay’s name. You were supposed to call him tonight. To talk about this. To maybe make it official, if you were both ready.

But suddenly, you didn’t know if you were.

Not because of Heeseung. Not just because of him.

But because you didn’t trust yourself not to break the same way again. To fall into old habits. To blur the lines between right and wrong. You’d spent so long being someone else’s lifeline, you weren’t sure how to be your own.

Still, your thumb pressed down, and the phone started ringing.

If there was one thing you did know—it was this: whether it ended in a smile or a disaster, you were too far in to back out now.

Jay picked up on the third ring.

“Hey,” he said, voice soft, almost hesitant. Like he could sense the storm brewing behind your silence.

You swallowed. “Hi.”

There was a pause—long enough for you to hear the faint music in the background on his end. Then, “You okay?”

You almost laughed. Was that a question anymore?

“I don’t know,” you said honestly, curling your fingers into your bedsheets. “Heeseung knows. Sunoo told him.”

Jay sighed, like he already expected that. “Yeah. I figured.”

That made you sit up. “You did?”

“I mean,” he murmured, “I didn’t think Sunoo would keep it to himself for long. He kind of looked like he was gonna explode when you told him. I saw him bolt across campus like he was on a mission.”

You let out a breathy laugh, the edge of panic softening just a little. “God, I should’ve known.”

“Hey,” Jay said gently, “are you okay? Like really okay?”

You hesitated. “Heeseung said I’m losing myself.”

Jay didn’t say anything at first. Then his voice came, steady and careful: “Do you think you are?”

You looked down at your lap, tracing a pattern over your comforter with your nail. “I don’t know. Maybe. I just… I feel like I’ve always been someone to someone. Heeseung’s best friend. The girl who fights Jay in every class. The toxic ex. The girl who makes reckless decisions and kisses people to shut them up.”

Jay let out a quiet, amused breath at that one.

You went on, “I don’t know how to just… be. Without people talking. Without feeling like I owe someone something. Even you. I keep thinking—maybe I don’t deserve to want this.”

There was silence again. Then Jay said, “You do.”

Your heart caught.

“I know you think I’m still that guy from a year ago,” he continued. “The guy who played stupid games and made stupid bets. And maybe part of me still is. But the part of me that matters now? The part that looks at you and wants more than some stupid competition? That part’s real. And it’s yours, if you want it.”

Your throat felt thick.

“I want it,” you whispered.

He didn’t answer right away. But then he said, “Then screw what Heeseung says. Screw the rumors. Screw everything that came before. Let’s make our own version of this.”

You smiled faintly, tears pricking your eyes for no good reason.

“Okay,” you whispered.

“Okay,” he echoed.

And for once, it felt like the world might finally let you breathe.

Heeseung sat slouched on the campus lawn, fingers tugging idly at the blades of grass beneath him, lips pressed into a thin line as his girlfriend rubbed slow circles into his back. Jake and his girlfriend were sprawled out nearby, half-listening, half-whispering to each other in the shade.

“I just—don’t know, babe,” Heeseung muttered finally, eyes locked on nothing in particular. “He’s supposed to be my best friend.”

Jake’s girlfriend sighed, straightening up. “And he still is, Heeseung. You’re just being stubborn.”

He rolled his eyes and leaned back on his hands, scoffing. “So now I’m the bad guy for not being thrilled that my so-called best friend is sneaking around with her?”

Jake’s girlfriend exchanged a look with Heeseung’s. “It’s not like they planned it to hurt you. You said it yourself—YN never even liked him. And now she does. What, she’s not allowed to fall for someone unless you approve?”

Heeseung didn’t answer, jaw tightening.

His girlfriend turned to him, her voice softer. “I’m serious, Hee. Jay’s not perfect, but he’s always been there for you. You’re being an idiot if you can’t see how much this means to them. Especially YN. She’s finally… happy. Can’t you just show up for her the way she always showed up for you?”

Heeseung’s eyes flickered up to meet hers, conflicted and clouded.

Then she added, “Also… for the record? I kissed Jay. Not the other way around.”

Heeseung’s head snapped toward her. “Wait, what?”

She nodded, expression calm. “You’ve been holding a grudge over something you only knew half the story of. I kissed him. He was surprised. And yeah, fine, he kissed me back the second time. But we weren’t dating the first time it happened—you just never wanted to believe that.”

Heeseung’s brows furrowed. “And the second time?”

“That one was on both of us,” she admitted, leaning back. “We were technically together, sure. But you wanna talk about betrayal? Don’t forget you kissed Ina.”

The silence that followed was thick. Jake’s girlfriend blinked. Heeseung’s shoulders tensed.

“Okay,” he muttered after a beat. “Low blow.”

“Is it?” a familiar voice chimed in as you approached the group, arms crossed and a raised brow. “Because if I remember correctly, that was while we were still close. And Ina was my best friend.”

Heeseung shifted uncomfortably, eyes flickering toward you.

You smiled, tight and sharp. “But hey, let’s keep talking about betrayal.”

He didn’t have a comeback. And for once, neither did you.

The silence this time was yours.

You were leaning into Jay’s shoulder, fingers tangled with his under the table while the two of you quietly scrolled through your phones, pretending not to notice the tension that still lingered in the air after the whole fallout. Things had gotten messy—too messy—but somehow, here you were. Still side by side.

You almost didn’t notice Heeseung walk up until a familiar paper cup was set down in front of you with a gentle thud. You looked up, brows furrowed, ready to snap at whoever was interrupting—until your gaze landed on him.

Heeseung stood there, holding out another cup toward Jay.

“Regular milk tea. No boba. Less ice,” he said, almost grumbling it, eyes flicking away like the words tasted sour in his mouth. “Still your favorite?”

Jay blinked, clearly caught off guard. He didn’t move to take it right away. “…Yeah.”

You sat up a little straighter, eyes darting between them as Jay slowly took the drink from Heeseung’s hand. Heeseung scratched the back of his neck and looked everywhere but at the two of you.

“I figured if I was gonna try not being a dick about this, bubble tea was a decent start.”

Jay gave a short laugh, like he didn’t know if he was supposed to be amused or suspicious. “Thanks, man.”

Heeseung just gave a tight nod and finally looked at you—his expression unreadable. You couldn’t tell if he was annoyed, resigned, or genuinely trying. Maybe all three.

You offered a small smile anyway. “Thanks for mine too.”

He didn’t say anything, just gave a shrug like it was no big deal and walked off, hands shoved deep into his hoodie pockets.

Jay glanced at you, then back at the drink in his hand. “Didn’t expect that today.”

“Me neither,” you muttered, leaning into him again.

But even as you rested your head against his shoulder, you felt a pang in your chest. Because Heeseung still remembered.

You took a slow sip of your drink, the sweetness of the milk tea doing very little to wash away the bitter taste in your mouth. Your eyes were narrowed, staring at the cup like it had personally wronged you.

“I’m still pissed at Sunoo for telling Heeseung,” you muttered, voice low but sharp.

Jay chuckled beside you, leaning back in his seat. “Come on,” he said, nudging your leg with his. “You know Sunoo can’t keep his mouth shut for more than twenty-four hours.”

“That’s not an excuse,” you snapped, looking at him now. “He promised he wouldn’t say anything. And the second he had the chance to stir the pot, he dumped the whole damn thing.”

Jay shrugged, still smiling a little. “It’s Sunoo. He lives for drama. Honestly, I’m surprised he lasted that long.”

You rolled your eyes, annoyed that Jay was taking this so lightly, but you couldn’t deny he had a point. Sunoo was like a walking group chat—loud, animated, and incapable of holding in a juicy secret. Still, it stung.

“I just wanted to tell Heeseung myself,” you muttered. “I wanted to do it the right way.”

Jay softened, tilting his head. “I know. But maybe… it worked out for the better? He doesn’t look like he’s plotting my murder anymore. That’s gotta mean something.”

You huffed, leaning your head on his shoulder again. “Barely.”

“Hey,” he said, brushing his thumb against your hand, “he brought me milk tea. That’s, like, Heeseung-speak for I’m trying.”

You couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at your lips. “Whatever. I’m still mad at Sunoo.”

Jay laughed. “Yeah, well, good luck staying mad. He’ll probably show up at our door with a glitter apology card and a fruit tray in, like, an hour.”

You snorted. “Don’t tempt me. I’ll slam the door in his face.”

“No, you won’t.”

“…Yeah, I won’t.”

A couple of weeks passed, and despite the underlying tension, things had gradually settled into an uneasy but workable rhythm. You and Jay were still keeping things mostly under wraps—well, for the most part. Sunoo had already spilled the beans to Heeseung, though. You knew it was only a matter of time before the rest of the group caught wind of it.

So, after a bit of back and forth, everyone finally agreed to a “peace offering.” Heeseung, Jay, and even Sunghoon (with his usual reserved demeanor) had agreed to meet for a casual garden picnic—something to bridge the gap. The only catch? It was going to be a quadruple date. Your best friends and their girlfriends were invited too, making it a bit of a group outing.

The picnic spot was serene, surrounded by the soft hum of the city just beyond the park. The weather was perfect—bright and sunny with a slight breeze. It felt like the universe was giving everyone a little break from the chaos. You sat next to Jay on the checkered blanket, his hand casually resting on your knee. You both helped set up, keeping your movements natural and easy. But as soon as your eyes met Heeseung’s, you couldn’t shake the awkwardness that lingered in the air. He was sitting next to his girlfriend, shooting occasional glances at Jay. You could tell he was trying to keep it together, but the tension was still there, unspoken and heavy.

“Do you think it’s going to work?” you asked Jay, glancing at Heeseung and Ina from the corner of your eye.

Jay shrugged, not missing a beat. “We’ll see. It’s not like we can change everything in one day.” His voice was quiet but certain. His eyes were warm, though, focused on you as he squeezed your hand gently. “Don’t worry. It’s not a big deal.”

As the others arrived, Jake and his girlfriend came over, immediately cracking jokes and setting up a game of volleyball. Sunghoon and his girlfriend, too, joined in—Sunghoon, as usual, staying relatively silent while his girlfriend bubbled with excitement. She looked at him with a playful smirk, nudging him with her elbow.

“Babe, are you actually going to talk today, or are you just going to sit there being a statue?” she teased.

Sunghoon just shrugged, not bothering to respond. But there was a tiny, amused glint in his eyes. His girlfriend rolled her eyes and turned to you.

“So, what’s the deal with you and Jay? You two are still keeping things hush-hush?” she asked, her voice a little too curious.

You shot her a quick glance, unsure of what to say, but Jay was already speaking up. “What’s the point of making things complicated, right? Sometimes it’s better to keep things simple.”

But the laughter from the others couldn’t entirely hide the tension between Heeseung and Jay. You could feel the unspoken rivalry simmering beneath the surface. Heeseung, ever the protector, was giving Jay an occasional hard stare, especially as Jake cracked more jokes.

“Come on, Heeseung. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be,” Jake teased, nudging Heeseung’s shoulder. “We’re all just here to relax.”

Heeseung forced a tight smile but didn’t say anything. He took a deep breath and muttered under his breath, “Still don’t like him.”

Jay smirked. “Yeah, I can tell.”

“Awkward,” Sunghoon’s girlfriend chimed in from the other side of the picnic blanket, dramatically glancing between the two boys. “Is this how it’s going to be? You two have known each other for years, but now it’s this… weird?”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped. “I don’t know why everyone’s pretending this isn’t a little messy. It’s been weird from the start.”

But just as the tension began to settle back into that uncomfortable silence, Sunghoon—silent as ever—tapped his water bottle against the ground, glancing at you with a look that could only be described as amused. “So… when’s the wedding?”

You couldn’t help the blush that spread across your cheeks. “Shut up, Sunghoon.”

He just shrugged. “I’m just saying, if you two are going to be all secretive, you might as well just get married already.”

The laughter that followed made the air feel lighter, and for a moment, it almost felt like things could go back to how they used to be. The group chattered, eating, and playing games. Sunghoon’s quiet but steady presence made you feel like everything would somehow work itself out.

But you couldn’t deny the awkwardness still lingering between Heeseung and Jay. It wasn’t something that could be fixed overnight, and you knew that. Still, there was a small part of you that hoped, maybe hoped, this would be the start of something different—something better.

As the sun dipped lower, the golden light casting long shadows across the grass, Jay leaned closer, his arm resting around your shoulders. You let your head rest on his, the familiar warmth comforting in a way it hadn’t been in a long time.

He whispered, “It’s going to be fine. Just give it time.”

You nodded, grateful that at least for now, things felt right between you two.

It was messy, sure. But it was yours. And maybe, just maybe, that would be enough to make it work.

The sound of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the chatter of your friends filled the air, and for once, it didn’t feel like anything was about to fall apart.

Everything was still awkward. But maybe… that was just the start of something new.

enhypen campus series

[theoneandonlysourcandy]

HARLEY SAWYER X TOY READER

OK OK I KNOW IT SOUNDS BAD BUT READ IT, YOUR NOT A KID OR ANYTHING IN THIS PLSASE GUYS-also uggiivvoh it felt so awkward writing some of this WHYYYY and I’m so used to over explaining everything because of how character ai bots work I’m trying not too gjfjggjj

Machine Harley:

📺 - When He had been turned into this. . Machine, he couldn’t see you at all anymore. The one person he cared about-the one tolerable person-the one person he LOVED. Could he at the very least get to see you?

📺 - But, after the hour of joy, when he had managed to hack into the cameras and reunite with each other, it was like he had gained a part of himself again. He has very little sympathy and care in him, and all of it goes to you and you only.

📺 - He can’t help but feel some sort of resentment of you though, your like all the other experiments he made, those aggressive and bloodthirsty animals. But, your not like them, so why does he feel this way? Perhaps it’s just how he is.

📺 - He’d try his best to give you both a better life down here. There’s not much, but, it’s certainly better than how any of those pests are living.

📺 - He usually keeps you close, or, just watches you on the cameras. You and him need to be careful-your more fragile as a toy. Like, actually, what if your made of porcelain? Or stuffing-fabric is easy to tear, isn’t it?

📺 - If you break, he could easily fix you up, but he will be a bit mad about it. He told you to be careful, didn’t he? But, he can’t entirely blame you for it.

📺 - He’d randomly pick you up in a princess carry if he needs too. . Or if he just feels like it. And he can very easily, being a robot now. Your feet hurt? He’s carrying you. Your tired? He’s carrying you. Your perfectly fine? He’s carrying you. It makes him feel powerful.

Human Harley:

🩺 - He had no choice. He couldn’t let you die, it was his only option.

🩺 - He keeps you close to him most of the time. He misses you, even if your right there. It doesn’t quite feel like you. He wishes he could hold your hand one more time without it feeling plastic, or plush. . Or metal-you get it.

🩺 - He’d let you wear his lab coat, it’s a little big on you, but It’s comfortable. Plus, it makes you look smaller, and adorable.

🩺 - No way in hell would you ever be used like huggy wuggy or mommy long legs. If anyone tried to turn you into some sort of marketable plushie or even get the idea, he would be fuming. That is his wife! But they were only children.

🩺 - Your probably the one toy in that whole factory that’s around to roam freely, not confined to a cell or a game station. He’d keep you far away from any of the bigger bodies or the prison, though, even if you know what truly goes on behind the scenes now.

Chat this is so ass 💔

[bamfkeeper]

Blue Helpers.

RQ: 'Can I request reader (established relationship with night crawler) where reader is sick and the barmfs get so worried and try to take care of her, along side hurt' - @lillycore

Pairing: Kurt Wagner x GN!reader | warnings: Sick/illness themes

a/n: Doing quick little requests because I've been busy, I'm sorry 💔 I hope you enjoy this little drabble. Unedited. ;; wc: 1.0k

You coughed violently, your body shaking with each forceful expulsion of air.

As the fit subsided, you sank back into your bed, pulling the comforter tightly around you in a desperate attempt to find comfort. The pressure in your sinuses was relentless, a constant ache that seemed to radiate through your entire skull. It had been years since you'd fallen ill like this, and the sudden onset of sickness a few days ago had caught you completely off guard. You thought it was maybe food poisoning, but there was no way food caused you to be this sick.

Since then, you'd been confined to your bed, your body too weak to do much more than sleep fitfully and endure the various symptoms plaguing you. The combination of fever, congestion, and overall malaise left you feeling utterly gross, as if your own body had betrayed you.

Your persistent coughing didn't go unnoticed. The little blue imps were curious and concerned, cautiously making their way into your bedroom. They climbed onto the bed, their large yellow eyes blinking rapidly as they observed your weakened state. Their usual energy subdued with worry as they saw just how weak you were, radiating illness from your body. They stretched out their tiny arms towards you, but maintained a respectful distance, unsure of how to help or what to do. The bamfs huddled together at the foot of the bed, their gazes never leaving you as they tried to make sense of your condition.

It was clear to them that you were unwell - your pale complexion, the sheen of sweat on your brow, and your labored breathing were obvious signs. In their limited understanding, they couldn't comprehend why this illness had rendered you so completely incapacitated, so unlike your usual vibrant self.

One of the bamfs chirped softly, its tiny feet pattering across the bed as it approached you. It nuzzled against your cheek, its velvety body held a comforting warmth that provided a momentary respite from the discomfort of your fever. The gesture brought a weak smile to your face, despite your illness.

"Ach, kleine Schätze...bitte, give them some space," Kurt gently admonished, his voice a soothing murmur as he entered the room carrying a steaming bowl. He placed the bowl on the nightstand and lowered himself onto the edge of the mattress. His golden eyes met yours as he spoke softly, "Liebe...you must be feeling dreadful. Your temperature is quite high."

He reached out, his cool hand brushing against your forehead in a tender gesture. A reassuring smile played on his lips as he continued, "But fear not, I've brought something that should help."

Kurt lifted the bowl, wisps of steam rising from its contents. "I've prepared some Kartoffelsuppe for you," he explained, his voice warm with nostalgia. "It's a special recipe, freshly made and piping hot. My mother used to make this very soup for me whenever I fell ill as a child. It always seemed to work wonders."

You lifted your head weakly, mustering a faint smile despite your exhaustion. "It does smell good..." you murmured, the aroma of the soup tantalizing your senses. With some assistance from Kurt, you managed to sit up a bit more, your body still feeling fragile and unsteady. Kurt adjusted himself to sit closer, carefully holding the spoon out for you, his movements slow and deliberate to ensure your comfort.

As the spoon touched your lips, you savored each small sip. The soup was a symphony of flavors, each taste bud awakening to the rich, comforting blend. The warmth of the liquid spread through your body, contrasting to the chills of your fever. You knew you probably shouldn’t be eating hot soup with a temperature, but the soothing heat of the soup in your belly felt like a balm to your ailing body. You couldn't help but appreciate the deliciousness of the meal, a small pleasure in your current state of discomfort.

"Ugh, it's delicious, Kurt..." You sighed, savoring the food and relieved your stubborn stomach was accepting of the meal instead of instantly making you vomit it all up.

The bamfs huddled around you, their large eyes filled with concern as they observed Kurt feeding you. Their tiny forms pressed close, offering what comfort they could through their presence. Their simple minds grappled with the concept of your weakness as they witnessed Kurt carefully spoon feeding you.

If you were too frail to feed yourself, how could you possibly manage anything else? The sight of you in such a vulnerable state clearly distressed them, their usual playful demeanor gone as they made soft whining sounds against you. Their attachment to you was evident in every worried glance and gentle touch, they had become so needy for you ever since you and Kurt became an item, and they hated seeing you hurt in any way.

After finishing your meal, Kurt excused himself to fetch some medicine, leaving you to rest and recuperate. The bamfs remained gathered around you, their concern evident in their actions. With an eagerness to assist after seeing Kurt giving you food, they took it upon themselves to tend to your needs in his absence.

Their tiny hands struggled but managed to lift the large glass of water, offering it to you for a refreshing sip whenever you tried to reach for it yourself. They replaced the cool, damp cloth on your forehead after the rag had become too warm, splaying it on your forehead perfectly each time. The sweet things even attempted to massage your aching muscles with their small, three-fingered hands.

These loyal little imps refused to leave your side, their presence a constant and unwavering. When Kurt returned, he found you curled up on your side, surrounded by a protective cocoon of blue bamfs. They had nestled themselves against your belly and back, with some even perched atop you. Their warm, sleepy bodies provided a soothing heat, carefully balanced so as not to overheat you in your fragile state.

This living blanket of bamfs offered both physical warmth and emotional comfort, even with the few that had managed to weasel their way under your arm like teddy bears.

Thanks for reading <3

*BAMF*

Dividers by @/adornedwithlight | Photos on Pinterest, Bamfs from Nightcrawler 2014

[glossamerfaerie]

I feel like a lot of people focus on Nesta’s reaction to Gwynriel’s relationship once they go public. Maybe Nesta threatens Az to keep her girl safe. Maybe she tears up with joy for her BFFs. Maybe she’s speechless because she didn’t see it coming. And so on. But no one ever talks about how Cassian will react other than the obligatory joy and merciless teasing. “Surely he’s going to take revenge for Az’s disruptive chaperoning!”

Except… I don’t think that’s quite right for Cassian. He’s watched his brother pine after their mutual friend for 500 years. He feels incredibly guilty for sleeping with Mor just because he was jealous of Az’s crush. He’s been acting as a buffer in a fucked up situation that only ended recently. He knows how desperately lonely Az is. How much Az wants to find love. How fragile Az’s heart is despite his broody spymaster exterior.

I like to imagine that Cassian finds Gwyn in the Library, asking for a private word. He’s happy for them, of course, but he asks Gwyn for a favor. Cassian explains that he will support whatever Gwyn wants in this relationship, whether it’s being with Az or breaking up if she’s unhappy. All he asks is that Gwyn be gentle with Az’s heart and devotion, especially when it comes to ending things. Just… be careful not to shatter his heart.

Everyone assumes that Az can withstand any pain or blow. But Cassian knows better. Everyone else is worried for Gwyn in this relationship, but only Cassian is worried for Azriel. 💔🥺

[notsodelirious]

I just read your knight dick grayson x royal gn reader and I’m absolutely inlove with the forbidden love between the two. I need the sequel so badddddd

Knight Grayson means so much to me💔

idk if this is what people mean when they say write a little every day but here you go!

Synopsis: Dick finds you in your room while you’re getting ready for a ball celebrating your engagement

notes: SFW, also reader is mentioned to do a couple of feminine things (wear earrings, being led in a dance, etc) but that’s just bc I’m a trans guy who likes wearing earrings (reader is still gn)

tags: forbidden romance, knight!Dick Grayson, Royalty AU, bittersweet ending, political engagements, just abt 1k words, no use of y/n

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (current) | Part 4

“Your Highness? You called for me?” Dick called out through the door as he knocked before carefully pushing the door open. He stumbled when his eyes fell on you.

It was the night celebrating your engagement. Your father had thrown a ball in honour of it, and as much as you despised the idea, you didn’t kick a fuss: it was too late anyway. You would be married in 3 months time and it was too late for any tantrums to change the course of that. You’d received your orders and begrudgingly, reluctantly, you would fulfil them.

You stood in the middle of your room, absently neatening your attire—the maids had already helped you dress in all your royal regalia an hour before, before leaving you to collect yourself while they finished the preparations to welcome guests.

“Oh, Sir Grayson,” you said softly, feigned nonchalance as you turned away from the mirror to look at him. You tried not to blush under his gaze as his eyes roved over you, up and down before a gentle rose brushed over his cheeks too. “Come in. Close the door.”

He did so, shutting the door behind himself hastily, quietly.

“You look stunning,” he said as he approached. He rested his gloved hand on your waist, as he took to admiring you up close. He was also dressed in his finest, black and blue wrapped around his body, a heavy coat draped over his shoulders like a cape. It was customary of all knights in attendance to wear, but it was so distinctly him. He was gorgeous.

You held up a pair of earrings which he carefully took from you. He tilted your chin up before he opened the first earring to slip it into place. He tilted your head again to put the second earring in, holding your face as if admiring the jewellery and not the love of his life. “Ready?”

“Will I ever be?” you said softly as you turned to look back towards the mirror, where you could see the both of you stood side by side. Complimentary, paired like sword and shield, an image you knew in your heart to be true. But it was all just an illusion and soon you would separate again.

Dick didn’t say anything as his grip on your waist tightened just a little, and if you let yourself indulge in your delusions, you could almost imagine it was possessive. With the care he’d use to handle a delicate flower, he reached down for your hand as he stepped in front of you, holding your body close to his.

You couldn’t help but smile; you grasped his hand firmly in return, resting your other on his shoulder.

He guided you through the dance, shoes brushing against soft carpet as you stepped to silence of your room.

“Didn’t know you could dance,” you said teasingly, but not loud enough to disrupt the fragile quiet that had settled over the room.

“Ballroom lessons come included when being raised by Bruce Wayne,” he smiled back as he continued to lead the dance. “Why are you surprised?”

“Guess I didn’t expect the circus brat to know how to dance.” He laughed softly, dark locks falling in front of his face when he ducked down low. You couldn’t help but look up at him, the hand in his leaving so you can cup his face. Ocean eyes meet yours before his lips brush against yours. His hair was soft between your fingers as you tugged him down closer, mouth moving against his, as if he were your only source of oxygen.

By then your dance had slowed to a stand still. You pulled away, eventually in need of hair.

“Thank you.” Your words were soft, barely above a whisper while you wrapped your arms around his neck. He held you close in turn, holding your hips.

“It’s my honour, Your Highness.”

The sway that you resumed, a lazy shuffle more than anything, kept you close. You rested your head on his shoulder, while you let his hands roam where it never would be decent for any man to lay his hands. You hated the thought of moving away from this, from him, but the throne wasn’t yours to keep and your father’s knights not yours to keep.

“I’ll be here when you come back to visit,” Dick said, almost as if he were reading your mind. He placed his cheek against the top of your head as you continued to sway, nothing like the formal waltz before.

You shook your head. “Don’t wait for me,” you replied. “Find yourself a sweet girl who can give you the love and family you deserve.”

His grasp on you tightened again, holding you against him.

“I fear even if I tried, it’ll always be you.”

You chuckled wetly as you pulled away from him. The pads of his fingers brushed away your tears and he smiled down at you softly.

“I love you.”

You tilted your head to kiss his palm.

“I love you too, Dick.”

You both startled at the sound of a knock at the door. It was time to go.

He held his arm out to you.

“Ready?”

You took hold of him, bitter acceptance and love blooming in your throat.

“As I’ll ever be.”

•─────⋅☾⊱♰⊰☽⋅─────•

Hope you enjoyed! <3 so far, this series has been SFW but I’m ngl every other sequel I’ve thought of is NSFW and idk if that’s something people would be into for this AU—to be seen <3

[aventurineswife]

Also, can you pls when you have the time write something about braiding his hair? Swear I'm normal about Dan Heng IL, I just....😍😍😍😍😍

-Smooch Anon💋

The room is bathed in the soft glow of distant stars, their light filtering through the curtains and illuminating Dan Heng's silhouette. He sits in front of you, his back straight yet relaxed, long black and teal hair cascading down like a river over his shoulders. You reach out tentatively, fingers brushing the strands, feeling the subtle warmth radiating from him. He closes his eyes, leaning ever so slightly into your touch, though his expression remains as composed as ever.

"Are you sure you don’t mind?” you ask, voice a gentle murmur in the quiet.

He doesn’t turn, but you catch the slight lift at the corners of his mouth. "If I minded, I wouldn’t have let you anywhere near my hair." he replies, his tone dry but soft. There’s a faint vulnerability in his voice, a rare crack in the stoic armor he always wears.

As you begin, you gently separate his hair into sections, working with a delicate precision to respect both the silkiness of his hair and the intimacy of the moment. The sensation of your fingers threading through each lock feels like a gentle rhythm, something ancient and soothing, like waves against the shore.

“Does this remind you of anything?” you ask, curious if he’s had his hair braided in the past, perhaps in some distant memory of his life as Imbibitor Lunae.

For a moment, he’s quiet. When he finally speaks, his voice is softer, his guardedness just a little less present. "There was a time… long ago. When braiding hair was a part of ceremony. But it wasn’t a memory of peace," he murmurs, a faint sadness threading through his words. “I remember… friends. Comrades. We were preparing for battle. For them, braiding meant unity, a promise to stand together…”

You’re quiet, fingers still working through his hair but gentler now, as if honoring the weight of his memories. "Maybe this can be different,” you offer, “A new memory. Just the two of us. No battles, no promises to keep. Just… here.”

The suggestion makes him go still for a moment. He’s processing, you can tell, but you don’t rush him. Instead, you weave the braid with quiet care, each motion soothing and unhurried. Your hands pause, lingering for just a moment on his shoulder. The silence between you feels thick with unspoken words, emotions caught somewhere between his past and this fragile moment.

When you finish, you let your hand linger against the nape of his neck, gently adjusting the braid. “There," you murmur, leaning forward just slightly. "I think it suits you."

Dan Heng finally turns to look at you, his vivid green eyes catching the low light, soft but intense. His expression, usually so guarded, is something else now—something open, vulnerable. You can see the barest hint of a smile, the gratitude in his gaze.

“Thank you.” he whispers, his hand moving to cover yours for a fleeting moment before he lets go.

Your wish is my command, bestie!! 🤭✨💖Also YES, YOU'RE TOTALLY NOT SANE!!!

Sorry for not posting for a long time, I was giving an exam 😭😪💔

[shelovesosa]

Nanami X pregnant!Reader

a/n: Small Drabble,I miss my future family 💔

He comes home a little later now.

Not because he wants to, but because he knows every hour he works is one you won’t have to worry. He slides the door open quietly, sets down his briefcase, and finds you curled on the couch in one of his sweaters, both hands resting on your growing belly.

The lamp is dim. The house smells like lavender and lemon. And you—his entire heart—you look up at him with that tired smile like you’ve been waiting all day.

“You didn’t eat,” you say softly.

He walks over, kneels in front of you, and presses a hand to your stomach.

“I missed you,” he says instead.

You sigh, combing your fingers through his hair.

“She was kicking again.”

“I’m sorry I missed it.”

“No,” you whisper, “she waits for you now. Just like me.”

He closes his eyes at that. He never thought love could hurt like this. Not in the way that lingers even in stillness. Not in the way that watching you simply breathe could make his chest feel too small to hold all of it.

—

There are moments he wishes he could take your pain.

When your feet swell. When you cry at night because your back aches, or because your body is changing faster than your mind can keep up with. He runs warm baths. He rubs your ankles. He lets you cry into his chest, even when he’s not sure what to say.

Sometimes, he sings to you under his breath. Just a hum. Just something soft to fill the silence when you're afraid.
He kisses your neck and tells you you're beautiful until you stop shaking.

He wants to believe love can be enough.
Even if the world is terrifying. Even if he still has nightmares. Even if there are parts of him that are too quiet, too cold, too broken.

But when you rest your hand on his cheek and say, “She’s going to love you,”
he thinks maybe—maybe it will be.

—

You go into labor on a rainy morning.

He drives with a clenched jaw and one hand on your thigh, telling you to breathe, just breathe.
You squeeze his fingers so tightly he thinks you might break them.

He doesn't care. Hours blur. Time turns to water. But he never leaves your side. Not once.

By the time they admitted you, your pain had sharpened.

Time started to melt together—bright lights, nurses’ voices, monitors beeping, your hand squeezing his like it was the only thing keeping you grounded.

You cried once, in the middle of a contraction. Your whole body curled into him, and he couldn’t do anything but press his lips to your temple and breathe with you.

“You’re doing so well,” he said, again and again, his voice low and tender. “You’re strong. You’ve got her.”

Hours passed. Your cries turned guttural. He kissed the sweat from your brow and whispered, “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

And then—The sound of your daughter’s first cry. You sobbed, shaking, and Nanami looked down at the small, pink life that had just been lifted from the air between life and love and pain.

He couldn’t speak. Just stood frozen in place as they wiped her off and placed her into your trembling arms.

You laughed through your tears, “She’s here.”

He came closer. She was warm. Fragile. And real. Nanami sat beside you slowly, arms around you both, forehead to yours.
She let out a tiny yawn.

“She has your mouth,” you said.

“No,” he whispered. “She has your light.”

You rested your head on his shoulder.

He looked at her like he’d never seen anything more terrifying or more sacred. And when you reached for his hand, he gripped it back.

“I’ll protect her,” he murmured, barely audible. “Always. Even from myself.”

You closed your eyes. She breathed. You breathed. He breathed. The world didn’t stop. But in that quiet, sacred hour before dawn—
it finally felt like it could begin again.

[bisexualdiva]

ep 1: jk made fun of jms stomachache and not nurse him. so jungkook rude

ep 2: jk cuddled jm so jk whipped cutie

ep3: jungkook rude because he shot jimin with a water gun !😢

ep 4: jk says jm is prettier than the skies, jikook in the pool. back to lover boy jk

ep 5 : jungkook rude and abusive 😟 because apparently he was about to beat the pulp out of jimin.

i couldn't care less about solos and tkkrs but it's a pattern with you all🫵😭😭. these insecure jikookers always treat jm like a 5 year old and want jungkook to tick all the boxes in their perfect boyfriend to-do list. like gtfo and go breath some fresh air. nobody's beating anyone out of anger man leave them alone. and it's not just the travel show btw you people have been this way about jungkook since forever.

also this might be a reach but I think the reaction to that moment is because of the fanarts and fanfiction y'all consume 🤷‍♀️ like why the fck else do you think a grown man like jimin would continue to enlist with an "abusive guy". you just kept on reading all those fanfics depicting jimin as a frail and fragile person that you let it be his real life identity in your head. I don't see these insecure jikookers having the same reaction when jimin is doing all the "beating". maybe learn to differentiate between fanart and real life before passing judgements on a 10 year long friendship. fcking weirdos.

how I wish yall were somehow banned from watching the show 😔💔

[holy-amelie]

idk if it just me being depressed, but I want to live in sunday's dream. Live of escapism with nothing but joy. But I too know it's unhealthy.

AE!reader where joining the crew is their escape from their home planet, so they understand sunday's point of view of things, and to remind him he's not alone and they can grow out of it together.

idk if this is considered trauma dump or not, but if you're uncomfortable, it's okay to not write this too.

lots of love and I hope you have a good day

'Escapism' sfw (Sunday)

...when the world is too cruel ˎˊ˗

·.༄࿔ characters: Sunday, you

·.༄࿔ pairing: Sunday x g/n!AE!reader

·.༄࿔ cw: no tw, fluff and hurt/comfort, non-native english author, written before 2.7, but contains spoilers/leaks, be careful! Can be ooc but this is how I see him at the moment. You are from the Astral Express here.

·.༄࿔ a/n: thank you fror your request! And don't worry, love, I totally understand that feeling 💔 Sometimes I wish I could live in his dream too

Escapism is a refuge for the weary soul, a sanctuary where reality melts away. 

You, more than anyone else on the Express, understand how much we sometimes just want to escape the cruel reality and dissolve into dreams of a better world. That's why, back on Penacony, something in you resonated with Sunday's words.

That incomprehensible promise of paradise he dreamed of so much and sought so desperately.

But no matter how good his intentions may have been, their realization was not… Healthy. Not at all. Trapping everyone in a big, perfect dream with no choice was wrong, you knew that. Even if it was what your heart desperately wanted - a chance to escape reality.

Sunday was mentally crushed after all his dreams of a perfect future without pain and suffering were shattered. It had undermined his whole motivation, his whole purpose in life so much, that he was ready to be destroyed along with those dreams.

Waking up was the hardest part.

"Is there still a paradise?" he whispered, looking out the window at the star-studded canvas of space. "Or is there no place for wounded souls to rest?"

Sunday shifted his gaze to you, his eyes — shining pools of gold filled with endless sadness for everyone lost and abandoned in their pain. Something you've never seen in anyone else. Since he joined the Express, you've talked a lot, sometimes spending nights with a cup of tea away from prying eyes and ears. Underneath the leader's facade was a vulnerable, sensitive soul that was gradually revealing itself to you.

"I don't think this paradise exists," you replied quietly. "But… Even if it doesn't exist, if it can't be built for all who suffer, people are capable of creating safe havens for each other. Even in the most desperate times, people can create their own paradise. Small and fragile, but still."

It was a painful truth that you had to face, just like him. The way this world works, you can't just run away and hide forever. Locking everyone in a golden cage isn't the answer, too. Grief and joy go hand in hand. Without one, the other is meaningless.

He stared at you in silence for a while, trying to comprehend the depth of your words.

"You sound just like my sister," a bitter smile appeared on his lips and Sunday lowered his gaze. "In a good way."

For a while there was a comfortable silence between you, broken only by the hum of the Express' engines and Mart's loud laughter somewhere in the distance. Of course, it's hard to change your worldview at the snap of a finger, it really is, but Sunday tried. For his sister's sake, for the future, for… you.

"I understand how you feel," you said again. "I feel it too. The desire to find relief from suffering. But, Sunday…" you turned to him, and he tilted his head slightly, listening. "This world is complicated. Sometimes cruel, sometimes beautiful. Everyone has their own path, sometimes paved with suffering, and… Here at the Express, we can help those in need. And bring happiness back to them. Without forcing into anything. Without sacrificing our own happiness to create eternal paradise."

“Do you think I still have a chance to bring something good into this world?” he asked.

You just nodded. Despite everything, his soul was still noble and pure. If his intentions were channeled in the right direction, Sunday could be a ray of hope in the darkness for many.

“Then…” he smiled, much softer this time, not taking his eyes off you. “Will you be ready to find a new path with me?”

Of course. You will.

please, do not rewrite/copy/repost/translate my work without me knowing, you can always ask first, thanks

[anjeliquesworld]

ABC hc for Kageo or Nathaniel pls😞 take your time! I dont really see much writers for killer peter💔

Nathaniel ABC headcanon

Note: Im finally back and I've passed my exam I'm so happy y'all 😭Btw i'm also planning on uploading Kageo,Johann and Kim Soongu versions. As always hope you enjoy it✨

Cw: slightly nsfw,sadism

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A - Attention: Once Nathaniel has decided someone is "his," he would be impossible to escape from. Nathaniel’s idea of affection isn’t about giving space—it’s about keeping you close, always. You'd find yourself constantly in his presence, whether you wanted to be or not, and it might feel suffocating at times.Nathaniel’s way of loving you is intense, fiery, and unwavering.

B - Baths together: A relaxing bath together is one of Nathaniel's favorite ways to unwind after a long, stressful day. The intimacy of the warm water, combined with the closeness, allows him to be tender without the weight of his usual intensity. He loves the way your skin feels against his, the subtle way you two press together under the water, and the rare, gentle moments of quiet he can share with you

C - Candlelit dinners: Nathaniel adores planning candlelit dinners at home. It’s a chance for him to show you his softer side, where he can take care of you, cooking a healthy meal and showering you with romantic attention. The dim light, the soft music, and the warm atmosphere enchanting your beautiful face as he adores you.

D - Darkness: Nathaniel’s soul is haunted by darkness. It’s not just his profession, but also his personal demons that keep him from truly feeling at peace. His mind often goes to darker places, and he finds comfort in that darkness rather than seeking light.

E - Experiments: Nathaniel’s curiosity about life extends to dark experiments. He has a twisted obsession with the idea of improving human anatomy and testing the limits of the human body. He’s often caught sneaking away to perform experiments in secret, under the guise of research.

F- Fragility: He's surprisingly fragile when it comes to his younger patients.Nathaniel's love for children is beyond evident. He goes out of his way to make sure every child feels special and safe in his presence. Whether it's a patient who needs a check-up or just a quick visit, he has a special bond with them that transcends his professional role. His nurturing side is often seen in the way he interacts with every child.

G - Grumpy, but not to you: Nathaniel tends to be grumpy, especially when things aren’t going well. He can get snappy or irritated, but he reserves the softer side of himself just for you. When you're around, his grumpiness takes a backseat as he focuses on keeping you safe and happy. He might sulk or scowl, but he’s always attentive when you need him. You’re his exception.

I - Intellectual Pursuits: Nathaniel has a deep love for intellectual challenges. Whether it's reading philosophical works, solving complex puzzles, or researching obscure topics, he thrives on expanding his knowledge. One of his favorite hobbies is collecting rare medical texts and old anatomy books, appreciating the beauty in the history of science. He often gets lost in thought, dissecting concepts and theories, which sometimes leads to long, quiet nights of study. He also enjoys challenging you to debates or intellectual games, seeing it as a way to bond and sharpen each other’s minds.

J -Jealousy: Nathaniel’s jealousy is like a quiet storm, building slowly beneath the surface. At first, it doesn’t reveal itself with loud outbursts or obvious signs—he’s too composed for that. His patience thins, and he’s quicker to dismiss the things that don’t align with his expectations. He’ll test your loyalty, subtly pushing boundaries just to see how far you’ll go, even though he never openly admits it. And when you finally notice the shift, he’ll feign indifference, acting like nothing’s wrong—though beneath it all, he’s silently aching, craving the attention he feels slipping away.

L - Loyalty: Nathaniel’s loyalty is not unconditional. It’s based on whether his lover proves worthy of his attention and dominance. If he feels betrayed or disrespected, he has no qualms about showing just how vengeful and cold he can be. You would need to earn his trust, but once you do, Nathaniel’s loyalty is hard to break. It’s just… on his terms.

M - Master of Chess: Nathaniel enjoys playing chess, often using it as a metaphor for his twisted relationships with others. Every move is calculated, a mind game, a strategy to manipulate and control. He never plays for fun—it's always a way to exercise his intellect and control.

N - NSFW : Nathaniel would definitely enjoy a pet/master dynamic when it comes to intimate time. He would expect you to be obedient, submissive, and ready to follow his every command.He would treat you like a prized possession, and Nathaniel would relish in the control he has over you. He’s not kind, but he is always watching, always guiding, and always taking charge.

O- Ornate Jewelry: Nathaniel has a fondness for giving you intricate, one-of-a-kind jewelry. He loves to choose pieces that symbolize something meaningful between you two—these pieces are always carefully selected, reflecting your taste and style.He may not be overly expressive with words, but his gifts speak volumes: they carry deep meaning and obviously a sense of ownership.

P - Pain as Pleasure: For Nathaniel, pain and pleasure are intimately linked. He enjoys seeing you squirm—whether it’s from emotional pain, physical discomfort, or fear. He doesn’t take pleasure in meaningless cruelty; rather, he views it as a form of connection, a way of asserting his dominance and maintaining control. His sadistic tendencies are never random—they are a way for him to gauge your commitment and test your loyalty.

Q-Quite aftercare: He would be someone who would take aftercare seriously, focusing on emotional reassurance and support.He would bring you something to drink, gently caressing you hair as he tells you how well you did,how good you were for him.He values your well-being because he understands how intense and overwhelming your encounters can be for your body.

R - Rope Play: Nathaniel has a particular fascination with bondage, especially when it comes to using rope in creative ways to restrain you. He enjoys the process of tying you up, making sure the ropes are tight yet comfortable, and watching as you--all flustered and needy--surrenders to the control he has over you.

S - Sadism: To Nathaniel sadism it's a deeply rooted need to exert control, to bend others to his will, and to experience the twisted pleasure of seeing them suffer in both body and spirit.For Nathaniel, the pleasure lies in the imbalance of power, the unspoken agreement that his pleasure comes from your obedience, your pain, and your compliance with his rules. In his eyes, this dynamic brings clarity and purpose to the world around him—a world where he is always in control.

T - Teddy Bear in disguise: Though he’s often tough and unapproachable, Nathaniel has rare moments of pure softness.He might let his fingers trace your face as you sleep, his eyes softening when you smile at him. In those rare, tender moments behind the cold exterior, there’s someone who feels deeply, though he won’t say it. Instead, his affection will show in the gentleness of his touch, his eyes lingering longer than usual.

U - Underground Music: Nathaniel has an interest in obscure, underground music—especially genres with dark or melancholic undertones. He enjoys listening to lesser-known bands or artists who blend experimental sounds, industrial beats, and haunting melodies. When he’s in his private space, he often plays this music to match the mood of his thoughts, finding solace in the eerie tones.

V - Vintage collection: Despite his busy life as a doctor, Nathaniel has a love for reading, particularly historical fiction and children’s books. He often reads fairy tales or gentle stories to the kids in his care, both to calm them and to teach them important lessons about kindness and resilience. He even has a small collection of vintage children’s books in his office.

W - Water: Nathaniel finds peace in water—He often spends time near water when he needs to recharge, as it gives him a sense of balance and tranquility. It's his personal form of meditation, something he can’t quite explain but always turns to when he needs to think.

Y - Yearning for More Time Together: Though Nathaniel might not show it, he yearns for every moment he can spend with you. When you're apart, he’s already counting down the moments until he can see you again.But that's his personal secret.His quiet longing only strengthens the love he feels for you.

Z - Zero Tolerance for Failure: Nathaniel has no patience for failure — either in his medical work or his personal endeavors. If an experiment fails or a patient doesn’t meet his expectations, he can become unreasonably cold and ruthless, seeing it as a personal affront to his superiority.

.

.

.

.

.

-------------------------------------------------------🎀

[kathlare]

distant glow

Lando Norris x Amelie Dayman

Summary: Amid a snowy retreat in the French Alps with friends, Lando finds himself distracted by thoughts of Amelie, who's attending the premiere of her latest film in Mexico.

Wordcount: 1.5 k

Warnings: just fluff

full masterlist // request over here!

December 18th, 2024 - French Alpes, France

liked by wheels4lan, norrisnation, and others

norrislens: Lando was spotted today skiing in France with some friends ⛷️❄️ Looks like he's making the most of the winter break!

View all 10,019 comments

lanfan_44: bro really said “if she’s in America, i’m going to the Alps” 😭 → n4rry_nerd: @lanfan_44 long distance got him SKIING thru his feelings lol

glindaslayman: how’s he on a mountain when he’s already at the peak of boyfriend behavior → ameliecore: @glindaslayman don’t do that 💀

tiredbutmakeitcute: i miss when they were glued to each other → streamlanmelie: @tiredbutmakeitcute it’s only been a week and i’m already feral

ameliespinkera: ok but what if she pulls up in france next… → lanmelschedules: @ameliespinkera DON’T manifest unless you have evidence i’m fragile

mariobutmakeitfashion: he’s out there snowboarding and i’m here crying over their last insta dump 💔

lanxamebrainrot: THEY HAVEN’T TOUCHED FOREHEADS IN A WEEK I’M UNWELL → malewife_lan: @lanxamebrainrot forehead touch drought is real

lanmelieupdates: one thing about them? they’re gonna miss each other dramatically and publicly 💅

gfamelia: y’all ever miss a couple so bad you start editing old clips with lana del rey songs → clownmelie: @gfamelia “young and beautiful” is playing rn and i’m sobbing

wheels4lan: this man skiing like he’s not one phone call away from flying to new york → cryingindrs: @wheels4lan bro said "jet lag me, i don’t care"

amelieintheclouds: long distance is cute until you realize lando probs sleeps in her hoodie 😭 → formulaheartbreak: @amelieintheclouds HE 100% SLEEPS IN HER HOODIE

norrisnation: okay but they’ve def texted “look at the moon tonight” energy every night this week → glindagosling: @norrisnation stop i’m actually gonna scream

lanxamelieedits: when he gets back from the mountains and sees her again it’s gonna be game over for us all → backseatbjörn: @lanxamelieedits brace for forehead touches and soul-staring photos

-------------

Lando adjusted his goggles as the icy wind whipped against his face, standing at the edge of the slope with Max, Pietra, Martin, and a couple of other friends. The trip to the Alps had been Max’s idea, a pre-Christmas getaway to decompress before the holidays. Normally, Lando loved the thrill of skiing—his competitive streak made him race down the slopes faster than anyone else. But today, his mind was somewhere far away, thousands of miles south, in Mexico.

Max, gliding effortlessly next to Pietra, was chatting animatedly with her, their laughter echoing through the crisp mountain air. Lando couldn’t help but notice how Max reached out to adjust Pietra’s scarf or how she leaned into him with ease, as if the whole world existed only for them.

It wasn’t that Lando was jealous, he was happy for his best mate, but watching them stirred an ache in his chest. He missed her.

He missed the way Amelie would tease him relentlessly for his shit Spanish, her fingers absentmindedly brushing his as they walked. He missed the softness in her voice when she called him "Lan" and the way her laugh made his chest tighten in the best possible way. Hell, he even missed the way she bossed him around when they were deciding where to eat.

And now, he couldn’t stop picturing her on that yellow carpet, dazzling in whatever gown she had picked for the Wicked premiere. He had seen her walk a dozen carpets before, but there was something different about this one. It wasn’t just a movie—it was her movie, her moment.

—Mate, you coming, or are you just gonna stand there looking moody?— Max called, breaking Lando out of his thoughts.

—I’ll meet you guys down there,— Lando replied, tugging his goggles off and waving them on. —I’m starving anyway.—

Max shot him a knowing look but didn’t push. Lando had been acting like this all week, and everyone in their little group knew why. They might not have said it outright, but the way they kept glancing at him every time someone mentioned Amelie was enough.

Back at the chalet, Lando collapsed onto the couch as Martin turned on the massive TV for their lunch break. A tray of steaming pasta and bread sat in front of them, but Lando barely touched it, his eyes glued to his phone.

—Are you watching that livestream?— Pietra asked, settling next to Max with a steaming mug of hot chocolate.

—Yeah,— Lando admitted, not even looking up. On the screen, Amelie stood outside the theater, beaming as she greeted fans and signed autographs. She was glowing in a floor-length, pale pink gown, her blonde hair styled in loose waves that reminded him of the day they’d spent at the beach back in August. The press cameras flashed relentlessly, capturing every inch of her. She looked like an actual goddess.

—Fucking hell,— Lando muttered, more to himself than anyone else. —She’s unreal.—

—She really is,— Max chimed in with a smirk. —Don’t tell me you’re getting all sappy again, mate.—

—Shut up,— Lando shot back, but there was no venom in his voice. —I can’t help it. Look at her!— He gestured at his phone like it explained everything.

—You’re so dramatic,— Pietra teased, laughing. —We get it, you’re in love.—

—Yeah, well,— Lando said, shrugging. —Wouldn’t you be if your girlfriend was Amelie fucking Dayman?— He tossed his phone onto the coffee table, slumping back against the cushions. —It’s just... I miss her, okay? We’ve been apart for, what, four days? And it feels like a goddamn eternity.—

Martin chuckled. —You two literally spent a month glued to each other. You’re worse than a clingy teenager.—

—Yeah, but still,— Lando argued, rubbing the back of his neck. —I hate being apart. And don’t even get me started on how busy she’s been. I barely saw her in the weeks leading up to this trip because of the press tour. It’s like we’re finally together, but there’s always something keeping us apart.—

—Yet you make it work,— Pietra said, her tone softer now.

—Yeah,— Lando admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips. —We do. Somehow, we always figure it out. She’s... she’s worth it, you know?—

Max leaned forward, smirking. —You’re so whipped, mate.—

—Yeah, I am,— Lando said, not even trying to deny it. —But she’s whipped for me too, so it’s fair.— He grinned, thinking about the way Amelie would melt whenever he called her "Ames" or kissed the top of her head when they cuddled.

—Seriously though,— he continued, his voice dropping to something more genuine, —we’ve come a long way since... you know, the first time we tried this.—

The room grew quieter. Everyone knew about their rocky history, the messy situationship that ended in heartbreak for both of them.

—But this time’s different,— Lando said, more to himself than anyone else. —We’ve grown up. We understand that we’ve got our own lives and schedules and friends. And yeah, it sucks sometimes... being apart like this, but I know we’re solid. She makes me feel like... like I’m enough, you know? Even when I’m halfway across the world.—

Pietra smiled at him, her expression warm. —That’s love, Lando.—

—Yeah,— he murmured, glancing back at the stream. Amelie was still on the yellow carpet, laughing at something Kit Connor had said. He couldn’t wait to tell her how breathtaking she looked, how proud he was of her.

And in just four days, he’d get to hold her again. December 22nd couldn’t come fast enough.

-------------

liked by lanmeliedaily, lansthetic, and others

norrislandofanclub: Lando via Instagram Story 🥹💚

View all 41,100 comments

lanfan88: he really said "long distance? never heard of her" 😭 → glindaaurie: @lanfan88 he's holding on by a THREAD rn pls 💀 → skywalkerlani: @lanfan88 the way he reposted it like 0.3 seconds after wicked posted omg he's down BAD

ameliasmoon: “beautiful angel”??? yeah he’s not surviving this press tour

lanmeliedaily: drop the footage of him crying watching her interviews pls 😭 → maxfewtrellshrimp: @lanmeliedaily max probably has HOURS of it let’s be real

mclmelie: i’m so sorry but if my bf doesn’t post me like this i don’t want him

carstwtcore: lando’s officially entered his “i miss my girlfriend” era

queenglinda: this is my roman empire. this exact repost. the caption.

beachtownblondie: it’s been 7 days. man is in shambles. i love love.

latteforlan: i just KNOW he watched the whole livestream of the premiere with his little feet kicked up 🥺 → lansthetic: @latteforlan sipping tea and gasping every time she appeared onscreen lol

lilylanlover: he’s not gonna make it to christmas at this rate 😭 someone fly him to mexico

heyyitsnoor: everyone say thank you lando for making the bar IMPOSSIBLY HIGH

user7382: not y’all acting like he didn’t see her like a week ago 😭 → glossglindaa: @user7382 yes and??? it’s not ENOUGH. we are starving.

teaforlando: “beautiful angel”???? bro she’s gonna MARRY him now omg → poprocksmel: @teaforlando she better or i will. respectfully.

speedywithlove: he’s literally in france skiing and STILL thinking about her lmaooo → curlsontrack: @speedywithlove the grip she has… mother.

lansthetic: imagine being called a beautiful angel by LANDO NORRIS 😭😭😭 → starrydayman: @lansthetic i’d ascend immediately. straight up ghost out of my body.

charlottesmilez: this is his roman empire and i fully support it 🫡 → lanandmelz: @charlottesmilez no fr he’s gonna have a breakdown when this tour ends and she goes back on stage 😭

[11queensupreme11]

I need more Percy in Rekkyo sensen au!!!

Like what are the others thoughts on her?

Does she have her water powers?

Will Adam becomes obsessed with her, that something deep inside of him says that they're meant to be together. That they're perfect for each other. He was made for her? Like something in his souls believes this(the fragile connection it has to Eudorios)?

Does Dory's hornee ass for his mother so strong that it transcends universe.

And what would Percy's reaction to this. This guy may not be her son, but freaking damn look like her son.

so percy's been reverted back to her demigod self (no immortality, no godly strength, etc. she's basically what she's like now in arsenic blues but without the curse of achilles) but her godly self/abilities are pretty much locked away. she doesn't have a soul, but divine essence so her blood's still ichor, she just can't tap into her true self at the moment

(i'm making this shit up cuz i don't wanna talk about the whole soul issue LMAO)

so you know how in the other posts i talked about two different options of how percy would be taken by america? either the other proxy hero of the country she initially belonged to lost or she fought and lost???

so the whole tournament takes some time so i'd like to think that percy just bonds with aiden lmao. maybe cuz he's american like she was, so she can relate to him more. plus, he became a child soldier (i think he was 14 when he joined cuz his powers were discovered) so that's another thing she can relate to (technically everyone there's a child soldier but WHATEVER). aiden's whole thing is that he's pretty much.... empty inside. he's the perfect soldier tho; he kills whoever's he's ordered to kill, protects whoever he's been ordered to, etc etc. and percy realizes that and says something like "that's terrible! you should be able to live your life, make your own choices instead of following orders :( haven't you tried doing what you want?"

which is... well.... THE WORST THING SHE COULD'VE SAID TO HIM LMAO

cuz after he defeats her or the proxy hero of her country, he goes against the president's orders and happily declares "i want percy as my prize :D" and she's just like "huh :D"

😭😭😭

percy babes........ you set yourself up with that 😭😭 "make your own choices! 💖" "take what you want! 💖" well thx to ur encouragement, he did, and he chose YOU and decided to take YOU 💀💀💀💀💀

so percy becomes property of the american government alongside aiden LMAO (in this au, lets say he wins the entire tournament). the president's lowkey panicking cuz this is NOT what he wanted from percy's initial country, but it works out for him in the end cuz like

-- america now has TWO proxy heroes

-- aiden controls the skies/weather and percy controls the seas (well, she has power over a bunch of things too, but the seas are her main thing) which means america now has control over the skies AND the seas 💀💀💀💀

-- percy cares for the environment!!! she will absolutely help make the seas clean and safer for everyone!!!! so that's a huge ecological and economical plus for america!

anyway, yes, percy is completely baffled. bewildered. bamboozled. literally the whole reason she got so attached to aiden in the first place was cuz he looked so much like her baby boy, but with her traumatic childhood of being a child soldier with millions of lives on their shoulders 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

she was okay with the clinginess he started to show back at the tournament. it reminded her of her lil dory, so she thought it was cute 💔 she didn't think he was actually INTO HER asfvhdfbjhasfdv percy you dense lil dummy lmao 😭😭😭

the worst part is that aiden is literally a CELEBRITY too ashufvhf vhe had so many fans when he was introduced in the arena 😭😭😭 so he's definitely famous. i can imagine americans start shipping them together sdiuuhvidfvb tiktok ship edits of them are BOOMING lmao 😭😭😭😭 paparazzi are stalking them everywhere (percy's technically still a prisoner, so aiden's in charge of watching over her 💀), she keeps getting invited for talk shows, interviews, photoshoots??? etc.

ALSO YOU KNOW WHAT I JUST REALIZED. proxy heroes are apparently super rare cuz so far, every country just has one. but now america has two. a boy and a girl. (do you see where i'm getting with this?) in the manga, the us president and the science department were already talking about making copies of super soldiers like aiden, but now they got something even better: a girl proxy hero and a boy proxy hero. what if they had them BREED? 😭😭😭

and that's when percy fucking LOSES IT

percy finding out the american government want her to make super babies with the idiot who took her as a spoil of war who also looks a lot like her youngest son:

[whiteraven87]

The Flame That Never Fades - chapter 16: Dark Paradise (16/16)

pairing: Toto Wolff x Victoria Lorenz (Original Character)

summary: She's young, fiery, naive and blindly in love. He's older, married, powerful and dangerously irresistible. To him, she was an obsession, an escape, a desire. To her, he was everything. The Flame that Never Fades is a story of forbidden love in the world of Formula 1, born from lust… and ending in something that can never be undone.

warnings: age gap (28 years), forbidden romance, obsession, desire, dark romance, smut, infidelity, emotional manipulation, dominant older man, angst, longing, possessiveness, emotional pain, toxic dynamics, no promise for happy ending.

word count: 37k

read on: AO3 - Wattpad - Tumblr

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my other finished fanfiction: The Unstoppable Series - Masterlist [Toto WolffxOC]

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chapters until now:

Prologue 1: Middle of the Night 2: Frozen 3: Shameless 4: Lilith 5: Ruthless 6: The Machine 7: Ride 8: No One Like You 9: Sad Girl 10: Summetime Sadness 11: Un-break My Heart 12: Blue Jeans 13: Too Deep 14: Into Dust 15: Born to Die 16: Dark Paradise

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author's note to this chapter:

Some stories aren’t meant to heal. Some just burn — quietly, endlessly. ...this is one of them... ...please forgive me... 💔 — WhiteRaven87

Chapter 16: Dark Paradise

Even though you're not here, won't move on And there's no remedy for memory, your face is like a melody Your soul is haunting me and telling me that everything is fine But I wish I was dead No one compares to you I'm scared that you won't be waiting on the other side There's no relief, I see you in my sleep And everybody's rushing me but I can feel you touching me There's no release, I feel you in my dreams Telling me I'm fine Every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise No one compares to you I'm scared that you won't be waiting on the other side (…) But there's no you, except in my dreams tonight Dark Paradise - Lana Del Ray

The hospital room was steeped in twilight, broken only by the faint, rhythmic beeping of the monitor. The air smelled of sterility — of silence, of waiting. Everything in that room was cold. The light. The air. Even time itself.

Only her hand... only her hand remained warm.

Toto sat beside the bed, his face buried in his hands. He had not slept in two days. He had not eaten. He had not thought. He existed only for her — the woman who, for months, had been his sin, his salvation, his guilt, and his love.

And now she lay there. Still. Silent. Covered by a stark white sheet, with wires running beneath her fragile skin.

"Victoria... please. Come back," he whispered, his voice cracking. "Yell at me one more time. Tell me to go to hell. Tell me anything... just come back."

And then — as if, from across the great silence, she had somehow heard him — her fingers twitched, almost imperceptibly.

"Victoria?" he gasped, lurching forward.

Her eyelids fluttered, struggling to lift. Her gaze was unfocused, misted with pain and exhaustion — but when her eyes found him, she knew him. Recognition flooded her face, and though she no longer had the strength to cry, tears welled in her eyes.

"Toto..."

"I'm here," he breathed, clutching her hand. "I'm right here, my love. I never left."

Her lips trembled as she tried to speak, each breath a shallow, labored effort.

But her fingers clutched his hand with a desperate strength, as though she were fighting death itself to stay tethered to him.

"Our... daughter?" she whispered.

"She's alive," Toto said, his voice breaking into a thousand pieces.

"A little warrior, just like you. She's healthy. She's beautiful. She's perfect."

A faint, fragile smile ghosted across her lips — that familiar, bittersweet smile he knew so well, full of strength and unbearable fragility.

"Take care of her," she murmured, her voice barely more than breath. "Take care of her the way... I always wished someone would take care of me..."

Toto's body trembled as he leaned down, pressing his lips to her forehead, feeling the faint warmth still clinging to her skin.

"I love you, Vici... you can't even imagine how much," he whispered. "I never stopped. Not even when I ruined everything."

"I love you too..." she breathed. "Always... only you..."

And then — her breath hitched. Her body arched slightly, as though grappling with some invisible force. Her eyelids fluttered violently. Her lips parted once more — reaching for something — and then froze.

The monitor's steady beeping faltered, losing its rhythm.

"No... no, not now..." Toto cried out, screaming for the doctors.

Chaos erupted. Hands. Voices. The sharp, cold bark of orders.

The defibrillator charging. Silence. Another shock.

And then... the long, unwavering sound of a flatline.

"Time of death, 02:14," a voice announced with clinical detachment, cutting through the room with inhuman calmness.

Toto stood frozen, hollowed out from the inside.

Everything had extinguished — the world, hope, even breath itself.

He moved toward her, dropped to his knees at her bedside, and took her now-lifeless hand to his lips.

"You took everything with you," he whispered, the words cracking open his soul.

"Even my heart... Thank you... for every second. For her. For everything..."

In the nearby incubator, surrounded by sterile light and profound silence, their daughter slept - unaware that, at the moment she had entered the world, her mother had left it.

But love remained.

A love so vast, so powerful, that it would never be forgotten.

***

Victoria's house was silent.

Too silent — so quiet that the only sound filling the space was the soft, rhythmic breathing of the newborn nestled against his chest.

Their daughter's tiny hand clutched at his shirt with a fragile, unconscious grip, unaware of the enormity of what the world had taken from them.

Toto moved slowly through the house until he reached Victoria's bedroom — the very room he had no right to enter anymore, yet where his heart led him without hesitation.

Everything inside looked just as though she had only stepped out for a moment.

As if, at any second, she might return — her hair damp from a shower, her eyes flashing that disarming look that had once unraveled him so completely.

But she would not return. Not now. Not ever.

Carefully, he sat on the edge of the bed, cradling their daughter against him, rocking her gently.

A familiar, paralyzing pain gripped his chest — the suffocating ache of grief tangled with a love that had arrived too late to save her.

His gaze drifted across the room and fell on the dresser.

He rose and moved toward it with hesitant steps, as if already knowing that whatever he found there would break him a little more.

His hand hovered above the top drawer for a moment before pulling it open.

Inside, among notebooks, old photographs, and scattered papers, lay a letter.

Addressed simply: "Toto."

Her handwriting. Those letters he knew better than his own.

His heart stalled — and then hammered so violently against his ribs that he had to clench his jaw to steady himself.

He drew his daughter closer, held the letter in his shaking hand, and unfolded it.

He read.

Every word pierced him like a blade.

"I disappeared because I loved you too much..."

He squeezed his eyes shut, but the tears came anyway, spilling over, unstoppable, unwanted — yet needed.

"I know you loved me too. But not enough to stay..."

He trembled, clutching the letter to his chest as though he could somehow hold her close again, as though he could trap her words against his heart and never let them slip away.

One thought beat like a drum inside his mind: "I was too late..."

"I carry your child. A little girl."

He looked down at the tiny bundle in his arms. Her serene face, her delicate features — perfect and small. Her eyes were still closed, but he knew, deep in his soul, that when they opened, he would see Victoria staring back at him.

And he wept.

He wept as he never had before — out of helplessness, out of heartbreak, out of a love so immense it refused to be contained.

"I'm sorry, my love," he whispered through trembling lips, pressing their daughter and the letter both against his chest as though anchoring himself to them.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you. I'm sorry I failed to give you what you deserved. I'm sorry I loved you — and didn't tell you the way you needed to hear it."

He bent down and pressed a kiss to his daughter's soft head, breathing her in like a prayer.

"I promise you, Victoria," he murmured into the golden silence of the evening, "that for her... I will be everything I wasn't for you. I will be her home, her shelter. I will give her love, safety, and truth. She will never feel she is not enough. She will never have to hide who she is."

He lifted his gaze to the window, where the world outside was sinking into the molten glow of the setting sun.

This was not the end. It was the beginning of something new.

But Victoria would always be his.

Always.

Even though she was gone... 

Her Flame never fade. Her fire still burned within him.

And it always would.

Two Days Later

There were no cameras. No speeches. No crowds or flashes from reporters' lenses.

Only silence. Only the soft murmur of the wind stirring the crowns of the trees. And a small group of people — the ones who had truly known her.

Victoria was laid to rest on a hillside, overlooking the forest.

A place chosen together by Toto and Lewis. Together — even though each stood on the very edge of tears, on the brink of pain and that unspoken grief for which there were no words.

Lewis stood quietly at the back, hidden behind dark sunglasses, his mouth set in a hard, trembling line. He did not speak once — but he was there. He stayed. Throughout.

Standing beside Vasseur, a few Ferrari mechanics, George, engineers, and even several Mercedes crew members who had come — because they could not not come.

Susie was there too. And Jack.

Toto stood by the coffin, cradling their daughter in his arms — wrapped in a white blanket, her tiny head nestled against his chest.

She did not cry. As if she somehow knew that this day belonged to silence.

On the lid of the coffin, Toto placed a single photograph — The one taken on the day Victoria won her first race for Mercedes. In her black racing suit, her hair wild and tousled, her laughter erupting into the air as though the whole world belonged to her.

When the others slowly began to drift away, one by one, Toto remained behind a little longer.

He knelt beside her grave. Pressed his daughter's tiny hand against the wood of the coffin.

"She will carry your name," he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. "And I will tell her about you. About your laughter. About your fire. About that you were the love of my life."

The wind stirred the grass around them, whispering through the hillside.

And then, there was only silence again.

A silence in which all the words left unsaid still spoke — louder than anything else ever could.

Author note:

I know this chapter was heartbreaking 💔

Please take a deep breath.

The epilogue comes soon — and with it, a light that still burns in the dark.

-WhiteRaven87

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Next -> Epilogue

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