#highway 2 heaven
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quackerzzz · 6 months ago
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(Profundus by @misseligon)
It's the fan favorite and one of my favorites. Pentious does not have the same backstory as his leaks, mostly because I made this backstory before the leaks and also I find the leaked backstory lame lol.
Here, Pentious was once a cruel man who ran a weapons manufacturing business where he frequently berated and mistreated his employees. The weapons he built also led to a considerable amount of death.
But that's all in the past. After dying from smallpox in his early 40s, he's been reborn as a basilisk and frequently tries to become an overlord through violent takeover. Of course, this backfires constantly and he gets his shit rocked.
Design Notes under the cut
So when I first made this AU, wrath sinners were mythical creatures and greed sinners were reptiles, given we knew nothing about Satan at the time. But the closer we got to seeing Satan in show, I decided to switch them. After all, Greed was medieval themed in my rewrite and dragons go with greed. Wrath also seemed to be western themed so it worked.
And then Mastermind came out and Satan was a dragon lol. Oh well, too late to change now.
So with that in mind, I had to change Pentious into a mythical creature. I didn't want to change him too much, so I tried to find a good snake mythical creature for him. Eventually I settled on a basilisk, which are sometimes depicted as snake and chicken hybrids. The chicken part fits him just as well as the snake part, due to him refusing accountability for the carnage his weapons cause and also another part of his backstory not revealed yet ;). Also took away all his eyes because they were too confusing.
Not much to note from his outfit. I made him look accurate to an 1880s gentleman. Also replace his eye hat with googles on his hat.
The name Basil actually comes from an old fic from @ckret2 covering Pentious's backstory. It's really good and I'd recommend it (although it was written pre-show). It's called Basilisk in the Grass on AO3.
Here's him as a human in the form of an old portrait on his wall
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forever-paul-walker · 11 months ago
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Happy birthday to PAUL WALKER (September 12th 1973 - November 30th 2013)
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fierykitten2 · 6 months ago
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I’ve got a sore throat again. I think it’s from how all-out I went with singing Painkiller and Can I Play With Madness at the metal night last night (and maybe attempting to sing One by Metallica unfortunately I don’t know how that song goes, didn’t listen to it for probably over a year until yesterday and didn’t even recognise the song until maybe halfway through. I’m also not even 100% certain I’ve remembered the right name. It’s the one on …And Justice For All about a soldier who’s lost their senses and/or limbs). I hope it is because I got a cold 3 and a half weeks ago and don’t want another one
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rotagnus · 6 months ago
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your vibes + signs for you <3 🪷
hiii babies! i'm feeling inspired so here you go 💋💋. this weekend, take time to nurture yourself and relax. drink water, do some yoga, journal, treat yourself. you're all loved and valued.
as always, if none of these pictures speak to you, do not feel pressured to choose one hastily. messages for you lie elsewhere. enjoy, darling ! this'll mostly be blurbs about things that remind me of your vibes, so it's not exactly intricate, but i hope it resonates regardless <3 if they don't resonate, do not force yourself to take the message.
pile 1: aww you're giving the old school kinda love vibes. jazz clubs. birds chirping in the morning. really sensual and down to earth. are you an earth sign? unique nails. dark hair. thrifting god. you probably look really good in teal. your laugh is so beautiful. watercolor drawings from children's rooms. green eyeshadow. having the courage to change. power to the sensitive. unicorns and rainbows. warm food. the smell of the sea. clairo songs.
pile 2: peaceful mornings. whale songs deep beneath the blue of the ocean. farmers markets and sunny sunday mornings. misty shades. gold jewelry. long skirts. granny smith apples. music vibrating from the soul's very core. mazzy star. dark, dark blue. sweaters, no matter the season. glimmering eyes. taylor russell's beauty. intellectual and clever. old lamps. elegance. the sound of seabirds. the calmness after the storm. long highway trips. old internet.
pile 3: outfit of the day videos. angelic voice. third time's the charm. religion + spirituality. deep forests where the sun shines through the branches. mangroves. home-made food. creative hands. determination and power in the physical realm. museums and art galleries. unique features that steal breath away. jhene aiko. blood orange. summer is where i glow. surfboards. all natural. freaking gorgeous. lemonade. warm colors. short hair.
pile 4: dolphins diving through glimmering water. bath and body works mists. pink, all pink! hair care supreme. sweet tooth. littlest pet shop. shopkins. hibiscus flowers. water signs. green/brown eyes. tall divas. golden tongue. as free as a bird. lavender sunsets. others opinions do not define me. winged beings. motherly/fatherly. camisoles. long hair. left brained. bubbly and sweet. strawberry shortcake.
pile 5: bad bitch energy. accessorizing to the sky. heels. demanding authority. black eye makeup. catwoman. your own role model. old tumblr era. talented artistically. darker color scheme. red nails. bonsai trees. airports and travel. luxurious. old doja cat era. evanescent beauty. the desire to be seen. bleeding heart. cassandra complex. poetic in every single action. paris, france. multilingual. the breeze in august.
pile 6: the feeling of home. mountains. a chaste kiss on the cheek. hands folded in prayer. wavy/curly hair. horses running through fields. the warmth of the rising sun. so uniquely you. musky scents. candles lit. planting and weeding out gardens. pure love. a piece of heaven hidden in a person. savior complex. beautiful skin. patterns, stripes and polka dots. deer. there is never a right time to be happy--but there is always time.
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l0singsdogs · 4 months ago
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fanfic Idea: Dick Grayson and Jason Todd are forced to team up across the country in an attempt to become brothers again—or at least try to be. Think Supernatural-style road trip.
After a disastrous magical confrontation, Bruce, Tim, Damian, and Cassandra are trapped in an alternate magical realm—imagine it however you like—one they can't escape without a specific magical artifact. Jason has had experience with the occult, and Dick’s no stranger to magic either. Now, the two must travel across the United States, hunting down this lost artifact to bring their family back.
Why don’t they call in magical experts? Because they can’t. Maybe they’re being hunted. Maybe the cost is too high. Maybe it’s something only they can do—because this mission requires more than spells. It requires brotherhood.
So here they are: Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, not as Nightwing and Red Hood, but as two estranged brothers carrying years of trauma, silence, and unresolved pain—driving down endless highways, stopping at dusty gas stations, confronting angels, witches, demons, and whatever Midwest folklore you can throw their way.
They’re not just on a mission to save their family—they’re on a journey to rediscover their bond, to ask the questions they’ve avoided for years, to figure out why they are the way they are.
They drive Bruce’s old collector’s car—something he never took out, not even on Sundays. Maybe the fic starts with Dick living a quiet moment with someone (I imagine Kory, but insert whoever you like), and then Jason shows up out of nowhere with a line like:
“Dad’s on a hunting trip. He hasn’t been home in days.”
Yes, it's Supernatural-inspired. But this version is shorter, sharper, and more painful. Just two brothers, trying to reconnect and, maybe, start living a little again. Because life is complicated. Because they’re Bats. Because they’re the only ones who can save their family.
And yeah—Jason can totally use the All-Blades. Just had to get this out of my head after way too much Supernatural.
add new.
1. That each title is a song.
2. That in the end they have to go to a very old and even abandoned playground to collect their family. They literally have to enter a game called: Devil's Bridge, where they currently go to hell to find their family.
3. Everything remains in Georgia, like that song about the devil and the violin.
4. They have to live in motels and they can include original characters; and encounters with DC characters who are truly magical.
5. On a road trip, Dick learns that Jason doesn't have many memories and that the happiest ones or the ones that gave him the most peace are no longer in his head. Dick is clearly worried because his younger brother no longer remembers when they spent time in the snow.
6. Jason telling Dick that he saw death when he died (yes, the one from Sandman), telling him that he literally went to heaven for a while.
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sunderedstar · 8 months ago
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good books of 2024
according to meeee.
there is no order here, at least one of these was published ages ago, I'm just working my way through my 2024 timeline, godspeed spiderman. 🫡
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Metal from Heaven
surprise hit of 2024. top of the charts. stunning, spectacular. gorgeous. Metal from Heaven FUCKS. almost every single main character is an explicit spicy toxic hot mess of a lesbian committing literal highway/train robbery, the bad guy is literally named Industry, leading to such peak sentences as "I am going to kill Industry." the prose is synesthetic in a way that most writers cannot sustain for a full novel but which here culminates in a moment of pure blissful Neon Genesis Evangelion that I will not elaborate on due to spoilers. the author pulls out the FUNNIEST lines, and also the most abrupt and heartbreaking tragedies. we're not here to be subtle, we're here to put the pedal to the metal until the engine explodes. such a damning, whip smart condemnation of industry, capitalism, power. all in the form of Lesbians. also the phrase 'clown orgy' is mentioned. this shit is like gideon the ninth with CRUNCH. NSFW.
but don't take my word for it. take amal el-mohtar's.
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Absolution
Absolution is a hard book. requires thought and rigor at all times to absorb what's going on - and also a reread of the entire trilogy beforehand, because there's time travel nuance involved, which makes it next to impossible to sum up the plot coherently on its own without spoiling things. jeff vandermeer described it partially as 'fuck that alligator from the movie' and - valid. the first 60% had me; the later section...swapped gears drastically, which meant it took a while to hit its stride (aka until it reached Area X again). in hindsight I was just not prepared for one of the POVs to be the Freudian, violently stoned, unreliable narrator love-child of Karkat and Dave Strider whose perception/conception of the heart of the Southern Reach is extremely phallic. and then suddenly cannibalism happens. I liked Annihilation and Acceptance better, but damn. it almost feels like this should be the set up to another trilogy. much 2 think about.
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Yield Under Great Persuasion
I don't know why I didn't hear anything about this one before it came out! (instead, I only saw posts about rowland's other book released this year, running close to the wind - which sadly did not hit for me at all). Yield Under Great Persuasion is just ridiculous enough to be fantastic. stubborn little gremlin man, big mad about Pumpkingate years after the original inciting incident that set him at odds with his love interest, attempts to pack his little rucksack and run away from all his self-inflicted gay problems, fails, is forced to deal with said personal problems by direct goddess-intervention. you know it's gonna be good when the guys are hate-banging by page 2. a short, delightful mix of (extremely silly and low-stakes) enemies to lovers and hurt/comfort and working out your emotional and communication issues on page style comfort food. self-indulgent in a fanfic way that is rowland's trademark in a taste of gold and iron (which was also fantastic and probably deserves a reread now.) NSFW.
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The Spellshop
between this and yield under great persuasion there's an odd cozy fantasy pairing here. a self-isolated shut-in spellbook librarian who lives for her work escapes the fall of her city and sets up shop back in her old hometown on a severely magic-deprived island. there's some internalized trauma being worked through, against a simply charming backdrop of community and solidarity and magic spells. really. I was. charmed. which is a rare reaction on my part.
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The Hunter's Gonna Lay Low
the curveball of the list, The Hunter's Gonna Lay Low is a translated (gay) Korean web novel, and it's the perfect intersection of a decent translator meeting an author who knows what they're doing. notorious tumblr user @spockandawe has a write up of the plot and its major themes here, but in essence it hooked me with its hunter/super-hero meets Pacific Rim setting, its themes of gifted kid burnout and unacknowledged trauma with the weight of the world on his shoulders, and the fact that the author clearly plotted out all of this in advance, with minor details from the opening chapter being extremely plot relevant a hundred chapters later. also, the characters are FUN! the relationship compels me. clownery abounds in all the best ways, while the world-ending stakes are also scarily sky high. its translation is currently incomplete as far as I'm aware, which is literally this story's only downside right now, since you can read it online for free - but so much of the main story is up and translated already that it's hard to imagine how much higher the stakes can go, and I'm dying to know if these two make it through and get the happy ending they deserve. a delicious repast.
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Apostles of Mercy
I'm gonna rant here. this is the story of a series that got the redemption arc it deserved.
if you don't know, axiom's end is lindsay ellis's blatant Bayverse Transformers female lead alternate history fic. period. she has openly admitted this. you can easily and clearly pick out the Optimus/Megatron/Starscream expies. and that first book was GOOD. it understood the assignment. loved it.
then...truth of the divine happened. book two of the series. was frankly. god awful. it was like twilight's new moon, where the main character's depression saturates and therefore stagnates the entire narrative, in this case to its detriment. it dragged. the entire appeal of first book of the series is the bond between the main character and her new definitely-not-a-Transformer life partner, and book two managed to both sideline that - the entire point!!! the main thing you're reading it for! the alien time! - and introduce the most skeevy and (for me) unpleasant to read human hetero romance of all time. it was so unpleasant I actually forgot how bad it was.
somehow. somehow. palpatine returned. after I spent three years mourning what could have been. book three saved it. Apostles of Mercy addresses the whole damn skeevy toxic mess that was book two and refocuses on what matters - the alien love interest and a LESBIAN love interest. yes. it's true. once again the sapphics won. we now have a book where the main character is reliving lesbian sex memories as an alien-robot-insect-definitely-not-a-Transformer mindmelds with her so I mean. good job team? her love interest also acquires an alien life partner of her own to expand this into potential alien foursome range? the assignment is once again UNDERSTOOD. in terms of the action scenes, to quote myself while reading it, "I can't believe I'm saying this but you needed to channel far more Bayverse" [for book 2], and doing so for book 3 has produced a work of art. I would say skip book 2 entirely and thank me later, but experiencing how bad the series got at its darkest point is part of what made book 3 such an exhilarating high in comparison. possibly that was the goal all along, impossible to appreciate until now. I just need lindsay ellis to get the contract to write the currently-in-publication-limbo books 4 and 5. because the series deserves it. it only just got good again! NSFWish because I can't remember currently how explicit they got all these months later, forgive me.
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The Deep Sky
yume kitasei is new to me, but this book hit some interesting notes as a sci fi debut. it too is about gifted kid burnout and imposter syndrome, funnily enough, in a thoughtful take on the standard sci fi concept of 'a bunch of rigorously trained young adults are sent out into deep space as an ark to save a dying humanity' that actually does discuss how fucked up that is as a concept, both for the kids as they grow up under enormous pressure to win a spot on the mission and for all those people being left behind, in what might just end up being an overhyped waste of resources, since civilization sure is still kicking when they leave. the summary on the book is somewhat misleading - asuka, the main character, doesn't fall under suspicion until wayyyy late in the book, and spends the majority of it in a pseudo-detective role that is absolutely sanctioned by those in charge. she's not 'an immediate suspect' like the book blurb insists. go figure. it didn't knock me out of the park like most of the books above, but it was an engaging little read.
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The Bees
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a weird one from 2014, picked up on a whim - it's literally about bees! fictionalized bees! with personalities and priesthoods and caste politics and everything! I cried about it to be honest. very plotty, somehow all of it neatly taking place within the Lifecycle of A Bee™️, which takes some real craftsmanship to pull off and make compelling as a narrative. since I'm an unrepentant Raksura fan, I was like 'wow...how Raksura coded...' knowing full well that Raksura are dragon bee people, not the other way around. also the Raksura could never be as toxic (complimentary) as these bees are. 😂 it's just good literature your honor.
honorable mentions:
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Heavenly Tyrant
has not come out yet. but let's be real. it's on the list in anticipation. it's what she deserves.
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The City in Glass
I love nghi vo's work, have read and adored all of the singing hills cycle novellas. it took a month for my library hold on this book to be available. and then I promptly got distracted by metal from heaven and the hunter's gonna lay low 😂 I will read it!!! the first eight pages were good! vitrine's voice is very good! I've just had a very busy end of the year interrupting my everything. (update: I read two more pages and it immediately and promptly popped off. whoops. guess I'm reading that next. whenever I have free time again...)
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thelaurenshippen · 1 year ago
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okay, maybe the day after the show has ended is the worst time to try and get people to watch it BUT can we please get more people on tumblr to watch evil. let me share the ways in which it is everything tumblr always says it wants:
it's x-files meets supernatural - a psychologist, a priest, and a scientist walk into a bar get hired by the catholic church to investigate demonic possessions
kristen bouchard. woman of All Time. canonically bisexual psychologist mother of the best daughters ever, wants to fuck a priest so bad it makes her look stupid and also definitely murders at least one guy and probably seduces a nun. single handedly destroying the catholic church by making everyone horny
father david acosta, hot priest 2 electric boogaloo. mike colter being the softest catholic priest who also vividly hallucinates biblical visions and has sex dreams about a demonic version of his best friend
ben shakir. ben the magnificent. my perfect skeptic, my favorite special little guy who gets his head quantum fucked and starts seeing a djinn. but before that he's the driest, most reluctant demon hunter ever and the best accidental stepdad to four teenagers. ultimate girl dad. genuinely offers to kill someone for kristen but can't say I love you. if you have ben in your corner, I think you could kick god's ass
you want to watch something that isn't just another show about white dudes? the only lead who is a white dude is the villain and literally (?) a servant of satan
on that note, the ? after literally is because the show never actually confirms that any the supernatural shit is real. incredible needle to thread
the OT3 to end all OT3s. none of these people ever have sex with each other but they are SO in love and devoted to each other its insane. you think you know what a situationship looks like but you haven't seen three people have to pull over off the highway simply so they can all hug. they would kill and die for each other but mostly they sit on the floor and get drunk on tiny margaritas in a can
a nun played by andrea martin who is literally holding the braincell for the entire catholic church. she actually fights demons and is afraid of no creature in heaven or hell. I want her to be my grandma
I could go on forever and ever but you just gotta watch it. it's on paramount plus and netflix and you're gonna fall in love with it I promise
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bee-the-loser-recs · 9 months ago
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~✩✮✩ My Yuta One-shot Fic Recs ✩✮✩~
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★ Call me by your name By @yutaholic 17k, tattoo artist Yuta, reader gets tattoos, nurse reader, both have bad past exes, fluff, smut, slight angst, (mis)communication, alcohol use
★ Deep end By @yutaholic 22k, rich heir Yuta, bartender reader, mentions of arranged marriage, lack of freedom, smut, fluff, angst, kind of sugar daddy relationship, cigarette use
★ On my own By @yutaholic 16k, non-idol au, cheating partners, getting revenge on ex partners, falling in love, smut, angst, fluff, revenge romance, reckless, raunchy, brief violence, cigarette use
★ Convincing By @suhnshinehaos SMAU, university au, fake dating to real dating, shitty exes, basketball player Yuta, fluff, cute conversations, Yuta has a crush on reader
★ Spiked By @suhnshinehaos 0.78k, drabble, office au, fluff, spiked punch bowl, reader looks after Yuta, drunk Yuta, mutual crushes, promises of kissing when sober
★ In disguise By @tqmies 13k, Jungwoo x reader (x Doyoung x Yuta), college au, roommates, camboys, romantic Jungwoo & reader, foursome, smut, fluff, friends Mark & Haechan
★ Fuck the police By @loudstan Magic au, werewolf Yuta, police officer reader, reader can read minds, smut, slight fluff, imprinting, slight angst
★ Missing pieces By @woozten-x 18.8k, non-idol au, model Yuta, cafe worker reader, Shotaro is reader's brother, model Shotaro, living down the hall from another, homesickness, fluff, slight angst, comfort, teasing, jealousy
★ Hard to fake [part 1], [part 2], & [part 3] By @irregular-idol-imagines 1.7k & 1.5k & 1.9k, non-specified au, Yuta is a friend's roommate, creepy dates, help getting rid of a creep, fluff, suggestive & sexual nature, awkwardness, dirty talk, making out, phone sex
★ Kitchen flirt By @irregular-idol-imagines 600+, roommates to lovers?, humour, asking for outfit checks, making out, flirting, suggestive nature
★ One of the Girls [part 1] & [part 2] By @irregular-idol-imagines 1.7k & 1.4k, friends to lovers?, fluff, insecure & toxic date, verbal conflicts, stereotypes, drinking together, discussions of relationships & dynamics, "girls night", suggestive nature
★ Highway to heaven & Runaway with me By @justwritedreams 2.1k & 2.2k, college au, established feelings kind of, making out, suggestive nature, slight fluff, parties, friends NCT 127, beach holidays together with friends
★ Rum, eggnog and an accidental confession By @neonun-au 4.2k, holiday au, fake dating to get family pressures of your back, Christmas time, accidental confessions, fluff, pining, past university partners
★ Surprise By @jungcherie 10k, boss Yuta, secretary reader, parenthood au, abandoned child, mentions of them being Yuta's biological son, angst, slight fluff, friend Mark
★ Love me now By @kpophours 7.3k, non-idol au, tattoo artist and piercer Yuta, old college friends, past crushes, fluff, suggestiveness, slight angst, idiots friends to lovers, mutual pining
★ Fuchsia coloured sunglasses By @whereisten 28.5k, rockstar!Yuta, makeup artist reader, soulmate au, fluff, angst, some smut, different dimensions, comedy
★ Delphinium By @taelme 12k, demi god au, Hades' son Yuta, Demeter's kid reader, angst, in depth discussions of grief, parental loss, hurt/comfort, some fluff, comfort from Yuta, slight strangers to lovers
★ Tattoos and tea By @bellalikeskitties 1.9k, flower shop owner reader, tattoo artist Yuta, edgy x sunshine dynamic, cute, reader wants a tattoo, spending time together, fluff
★ Just like me By @bellalikeskitties 1.6k, demon Yuta, immortal au, reader has a sick sister, making deals & selling your soul, God's blessing, mentions of Doyoung
★ Cologne By @jaelvr 3.5k, college au, enemies to lovers, mutual feelings, Jonny is reader's brother, brother's best friend trope, fluff, angst, mutual feelings
★ Just between us [part 1] & [part 2] By @mrkis 9.2k & 14.4k, established relationship between Yuta & reader, inviting Mark to join them, smut, mentions of Winwin being included in their dynamic, slight fluff, teasing, discussions of the rest of NCT having crushes on reader
★ Train crush By @planetkiimchi 4k, strangers to lovers, meet cutes, non-specified au, red-haired Yuta, train crushes, asking one another out, fluff, cuties
★ Sweet deception By @neowinestainedress 19.5k, Haechan|Yuta|Jaehyun|Jaemin|Johnny|Jeno x reader, halloween party, smut, monsterfucking, demon Haechan, fairy Jaemin, incusub Jeno, tentacle monster Yuta, ghost Jaehyun, shadow Johhny, smut, plot twist
★ [1:24am] By @gyeomsweetgyeom Drabble, best friends to lovers, Yuta & reader have a habit of making out while drunk, frat NCT, other 127 members mentioned, pining, fluff, slight suggestiveness, mentions of weed
★ Limo By @springseasonie 1.5k, Yuta x reader x Doyoung, established relationship, polyamorous, smut, driving in a limo, high fashion event, sexual content, semi public sex
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eamour · 1 year ago
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2 ⋮ neville goddard booklist
hello again, babes! for all the people that want to read the original source of the law of assumption, i have prepared two lists that, together, contain all 15 books of neville goddard from 1939 to 1966. this is list two, continuing with 7 books from 1952 to 1966.
the power of awareness ⋮ 1952
1 ⋮ i am
2 ⋮ consciousness
3 ⋮ power of assumption
4 ⋮ desire
5 ⋮ the truth that sets you free
6 ⋮ attention
7 ⋮ attitude
8 ⋮ renunciation
9 ⋮ preparing your place
10 ⋮ creation
11 ⋮ interference 
12 ⋮ subjective control
13 ⋮ acceptance 
14 ⋮ the effortless way 
15 ⋮ the crown of the mysteries 
16 ⋮ personal impotence
17 ⋮ all things are possible 
18 ⋮ be ye doers 
19 ⋮ essentials
20 ⋮ righteousness 
21 ⋮ free will
22 ⋮ persistence 
23 ⋮ case histories
24 ⋮ failure 
25 ⋮ faith 
26 ⋮ destiny 
27 ⋮ reverence
awakened imagination ⋮ 1954
1 ⋮ who is your imagination?
2 ⋮ sealed instructions
3 ⋮ highways of the inner world
4 ⋮ the pruning shears of revision
5 ⋮ the coin of heaven
6 ⋮ it is within
7 ⋮ creation is finished
8 ⋮ the apple of god's
seedtime and harvest ⋮ 1956
1 ⋮ the end of a golden string
2 ⋮ the four mighty ones
3 ⋮ the gift of faith
4 ⋮ the scale of being chapter
5 ⋮ the game of life
6 ⋮ "time, times and an half"
7 ⋮ be ye wise as serpents
8 ⋮ the water and the blood
9 ⋮ a mystical view
i know my father ⋮ 1960
1 ⋮ i am
2 ⋮ i come with a sword
3 ⋮ the foundation stone
4 ⋮ the i'm-pression
5 ⋮ he who has
6 ⋮ circumcision
7 ⋮ crucifixion and resurrection
8 ⋮ no other god
9 ⋮ thy will be done
10 ⋮ be ears that hear
the law and the promise ⋮ 1961
1 ⋮ imagining creates reality
2 ⋮ dwell therein
3 ⋮ turn the wheel backward
4 ⋮ there is no fiction
5 ⋮ subtle threads
6 ⋮ visionary fancy
7 ⋮ moods
8 ⋮ through the looking glass
9 ⋮ enter into
10 ⋮ things which do not appear
11 ⋮ the potter
12 ⋮ attitudes
13 ⋮ all trivia
14 ⋮ the creative moment
15 ⋮ the promise
he breaks the shell ⋮ 1964
1 ⋮ intro and 1st act
2 ⋮ 2nd act
3 ⋮ 3rd act
4 ⋮ 4th act
5 ⋮ conclusion
resurrection · a confession ⋮ 1966
1 ⋮ chapter
2 ⋮ chapter
3 ⋮ chapter
with love, ella.
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cccakessslicemeee · 4 months ago
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Thinking about Sklonda and being the police chief of Elmvile... Like death is such a casual thing in a world full of adventurers and crazy shit. I would love love love to see what a day in her life look liked.
I also think maybe she's died a couple times herself and it's just another Tuesday at work. Probably doesn't say a fucking word to her son because it's 1. Work and 2. Probably really fucking ugly sometimes
I also like to head canon she's died a couple times where shit got bad and it took longer to revivify her so she has a moment with Pok but doesn't know it's him because angles tend to glow super bright and he just defaults to generic angle because his wife does not need the baggage of meeting her dead husband in heaven
Maybe he uses a couple spare hopes and wishes to send her back after giving her a moment to collect her thoughts
Maybe it breaks something in Pok a little bit that every time she comes out of her daze after popping into the after life she's immediately worried for Riz and she was just smacked by get away vehicle going 90 down the highway and it turned her into paste
He can't really tell her anything but he sits by her. Maybe they share a smoke. She sees this glowy asshole enough to talk to him about shit for a moment and then it becomes something of a confessional because the angle isn't go back to the mortal plain to air her dirty laundry
Sometimes she bitches and complains other times she's just so stressed the fuck out she doesn't talk at all. He wants to hold her hand and tell her he misses her so much but he can't because that's so fucked up. The best he can give her is a hand on her shoulder and a temporary moment of rest. Maybe he tells her she does incredible work and she's such an asset to the mortal plain.
Maybe she talks about how much she misses her husband and how hard things have been without him. She worries she isn't enough because a kid should have more than one parent and she can't be a dad and a mom, she's nothing like Pok
Maybe it gets harder letting her leave
Maybe he tells her to quit this shit because she's getting older and she can't do this forever, is she even enjoying life?
Does it matter if she's not? She has enough reasons to stay put..she's good at this police bullshit...but god is she tired?
And then she switches careers and hasn't been back since. In a way Pok's glad but he misses her something terrible. It was nice to be able to offer a kind word and touch her shoulder but now she's buried herself in work and hardly visits his grave. She's doing well for herself and she should be happy with that.
He should be.
Damn it would be nice if it rained in heaven.
Also like besides the sad shit Sklonda would be one hell of a cop. Like I'm saying she would be a menace and that's cool as hell. Let's not forget this bitch is ruthless. Riz had to learn it from somewhere.
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saythenametotheworld · 8 months ago
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Wonderland | l.yy (18+)
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A carefree spring break, a charming stranger, and unforgettable moments that felt like they’d last forever. You and Yangyang both knew it wouldn't, but boy, it was hands down the best spring break ever.
Campus Confessions masterlist
Genre: vacation romance, smut Pairing: Liu Yangyang x afab!Reader Warnings: mature themes, alcohol, explicit sexual content (18+) Notes: 20k words. Part 2 of the Campus Confessions series, but it can be read as a standalone fic. Listening to Wonderland by Taylor Swift. Genuinely, let me know what you guys think of this. I am very open-minded to constructive criticism. Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know them personally and do not claim they would ever behave like they were portrayed in this story.
Playlist: Highway to Heaven by NCT 127, Love Talk by WAYV, Untouchable by Taylor Swift, Wonderland by Taylor Swift
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“Didn’t you calm my fears with a Cheshire cat smile?”
Aruba was bursting with color—yellows, blues, pastel pink, and shades of orange. The buildings were vivid with these colors, almost as if they were smiling at you as brightly as the locals did. Even the road to the villa felt like a postcard—trees with twisted trunks that you’d never seen before were bent permanently toward the west, adorning a desert landscape. The ocean shimmered to your left, gleaming blue and inviting, sending reflections of sunlight dancing through the air.
Despite the beauty of it all, you couldn't wait to get to your Airbnb and take a cold shower. The long flight was straining, and the taxi ride felt like a sauna. Your friends weren’t much better—Giselle had asked the driver several times if you were there yet, while Ningning passed out beside you, half-asleep with the windows open.
By the time you arrived at the villa, your brains were too fried to think and picked your rooms at random. The villa was booked by two groups—yours and some strangers. You’d hoped it wouldn’t be awkward, but right now, you couldn’t care less and it seemed like the other group wasn’t there yet. You slipped into the first door you saw, dropping your bag unceremoniously onto the floor. Then you kicked off your shoes and stripped out of your travel clothes with your eyes fixed on the bathroom door ahead. Standing in just your underwear, you pulled your hair into a messy bun, already daydreaming about the cold shower that would bring you back to life.
And then, out of nowhere, you heard the unmistakable sound of someone clearing their throat.
You froze, hands still gripping your hair, and slowly turned toward the source of the sound. A man was leaning against the headboard of the bed, arms crossed over his chest, his gaze shamelessly roaming from your bare legs up to your wide eyes. 
“You’re welcome to stay,” he said, his voice warm and amused, “but usually, I’d buy a girl dinner first.”
You blinked, your heart skipping a beat as your brain scrambled to catch up. The embarrassment hit you fast. You grabbed the dress off the floor, flinging it over yourself with an urgency that only made the situation more awkward. “What the hell?” you managed, your voice coming out sharper than you intended. “Who are you?”
His grin widened, one brow arching as though he found your indignation charming. “Yangyang,” he said simply, like the name alone explained everything. “And you’re clearly not one of my friends, which makes this even more interesting. You must be with the other group.”
Right! This was a shared villa! “Yeah, well, if I’d known someone else was in here, I would’ve knocked,” you shot back, crossing your arms defensively, even though it didn’t help much—given the fact that you were still standing there half-naked.
“Ah, I see. It was my fault. I should've locked the door.” Yangyang’s eyes flickered with amusement, clearly enjoying your reaction. He stepped off the bed and walked toward you with slow, deliberate steps, but there was no real threat in his movements—just an unspoken confidence that radiated from him.
“Sorry,” he apologized, though his tone was far from sorry. “But next time, maybe try the door before you barge in and… unpack. I can’t be expected to play the gentleman if you don’t give me the chance to act shocked, you know?” 
You didn't say anything, conscious about the way he was looking at you now that he was closer. Only then were you able to get a good look at him—dark, neatly parted hair that framed his face, a downturned nose that balanced his delicate features, dark eyes with a glint of mischief in them, and lips curved in a soft, effortless smile.
He's cute, you caught yourself thinking. “Aren't you leaving?” you asked, cocking an eyebrow.
Yangyang flashed you a toothy grin, one that reminded you of the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. “Not without thanking you for the entertainment. I must say, it was a bold first impression.”
“I wasn’t trying to impress anyone,” you retorted, tightening the dress around your body. “Could you please just get out of my room?”
Yangyang shrugged nonchalantly, his gaze still scanning you with that unhurried intensity. “It’s not your room, sweetheart,” he said, his voice a little lower, more playful now. “I called dibs on it first. If you’re going to claim it, you’ll have to be more convincing.”
You huffed, looking away and hoping he’d just walk out of the door like he was intending to. Yangyang turned the doorknob but didn’t open the door yet.
“You know what, it’s all yours,” he said, making you glance at him. He was shamelessly ogling at your body, again. “You are making it a little hard to say ‘no’,” he added with a wink.
You gasped, a flush rising on your cheeks again, but before you could respond, he gave a lazy wave and stepped out. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving you flustered with a memory you wouldn’t soon forget.
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Later that evening, you woke up feeling rested but starving. The soft glow of sunset was pouring into the room from the floor-to-ceiling window, and the view from where you sat on the bed was majestic. You didn’t pass up the chance to grab your phone and snap a photo. After that, you rose and stepped out of the bedroom.
The faint sound of music and laughter drifted up from downstairs. You followed it, wondering if it was your friends while your stomach was growling with every step. Sure enough, in the kitchen, Giselle and Ningning were perched at the counter, drinks in hand and plates of food in front of them. They waved you over immediately.
“Finally! Thought we’d have to drag you out,” Giselle said with a grin, pushing a plate toward you. “Here.”
“Thanks,” you mumbled, grabbing a fork and digging in without hesitation.
“Did you sleep well?” Ningning asked, eyes glimmering beautifully—like they always have.
“Totally. I was so tired. I took a shower and just passed out immediately,” you replied, sighing dramatically. Then the memory of meeting Yangyang in the bedroom suddenly flashed in your mind. “Wait. We’re sharing this villa with other people, right?”
Giselle nodded. “Yeah. It’s really big. It has eight bedrooms. You haven’t explored it yet, have you?”
As you shook your head, Ningning said, “Our housemates just left a few minutes ago, actually. Said they’re going out to sight-see.”
“You’ve met them?” you asked.
“Yes,” Giselle replied, placing a finger on her chin, thinking. “Let’s see, there’s Hendery, Xiaojun, and Yangyang. They’re tourists from China.”
“Did they say anything?” you pried, wondering if Yangyang told them what happened earlier.
“We just introduced ourselves. You know how it goes,” Giselle answered. “Why? Did something happen?”
“Nothing,” you lied, looking away. “Just… wondering what they’re like.”
“They’re pretty chill, from what I can tell. Didn’t really hang out much, though,” Ningning chimed in.
“Yeah, they didn’t stick around long enough to make an impression,” Giselle added. “But they’ll probably be back later. Speaking of impressions, you should hurry and get ready. We’re going out tonight.”
The nightlife in Aruba’s Palm Beach Area was everything you’d imagined and more.
As soon as you stepped into the vibrant strip of bars and clubs, the energy hit you like a wave. The streets were alive with music blaring out from every corner, and the air was filled with the chatter and laughter of tourists and locals alike. Neon lights glowed in every direction, illuminating clusters of people moving from one bar to the next, drinks in hand, their faces flushed with excitement.
The first bar was packed, with music thumping loudly and bodies pressed together on the dance floor. The drinks were just as colorful and varied as the crowd—fruity cocktails with little umbrellas, classic mojitos, daiquiris, frosty beer bottles dripping with condensation. They came fast—colorful and sweet, and the three of you hit the dance floor almost immediately. Giselle and Ningning moved like they owned the place, and before long, you found yourself swept up in the rhythm too.
Ningning didn’t waste time—by the time you’d finished your first drink, a tall guy with a cheeky grin was already glued to her side, following her every move. She seemed to enjoy the attention but kept him at arm’s length, toying with him like a cat with a mouse.
You and Giselle, meanwhile, owned the dance floor. The music vibrated through your chest, your limbs moving in sync with the rhythm as you lost yourself to the beat. The drinks flowed, cooling your throat and warming your veins, adding a carefree edge to your movements.
Men naturally began approaching you and your friends. It was a strange but refreshing difference from back home. In Aruba, every guy seemed more confident and considerate, striking up conversations or asking you to dance without hesitation. When turned down, they didn’t linger or sulk—they simply moved on to the next opportunity, unfazed.
By the time you hit the second bar, Ningning’s admirer was still trailing your group, determined to win her over despite her aloof attitude. You and Giselle exchanged amused glances as you ordered another round of drinks.
“It’s like a buffet,” she whispered to you, her eyes scanning the room as she sipped her martini. Her sharp gaze flickered over the men who glanced her way, assessing each one.
“Too tall,” she muttered after one man caught her eye. “Too short,” she said about another. 
While dancing, a third guy approached her, but he was gone within a minute. Giselle rejoined you with a wrinkled nose. “His perfume was making me dizzy.”
You both giggled, shoulders bumping.
“What about him?” you teased, gesturing toward a handsome guy by the bar. “You danced with him, right?”
She shook her head with a dramatic sigh. “Thick accent. Totally not it.”
You couldn’t help but laugh as she dismissed each contender, whispering her sharp remarks to you before turning back to the dance floor. Giselle wasn’t just selective—she was a queen surveying her court, unbothered by anyone who didn’t meet her standards.
Meanwhile, you were simply enjoying the music and the atmosphere, dancing until your feet ached and declining the occasional offers to buy you drinks or join you on the floor.
Ningning found you and linked her arms with yours. You grinned, “Where’s your shadow?”
Ningning rolled her eyes. “Told him to leave me alone. I couldn’t stand him anymore.”
“Why? I think he was cute.”
“He is but—” she sighed— “his English is worse than my Spanish.”
You winced. “Yeah, that’s not gonna work.”
“Absolutely not.”
By the time you reached your fifth bar, the night was catching up to you. You slumped onto one of the stools of the tiki bar, grateful for the chance to sit after hours of dancing and wandering. Your friends were nowhere in sight, but you weren’t worried—they’d either found their own fun or were still tearing it up on the dance floor. For now, you just needed a moment to recharge.
“What can I get you, Miss?” asked the bartender, flashing a pretty smile at you. You smiled back, finding her bold red pixie cut and honey skin tone immensely attractive.
“I’m not sure,” you replied, unable to take your eyes away from her face. “What do you suggest?”
“Have you tried our signature cocktail?”
“Not yet, but you’re gorgeous so I’m gonna trust you. I’ll have one please.”
She chuckled lightly and her smile just made her even more alluring. “Your judgment is a little questionable, but alright.”
You scrunch your nose cutely, the alcohol making you less shy about acting cute in front of a stranger. As the bartender was making your drink, you took pictures and videos of the party around you, determined to collect as many remembrances of your first spring break trip as you could.
“It’s called Aruba Ariba,” the bartender said, placing the glass on the counter and pushing it gently toward you. “I’m surprised the previous bars didn’t give you one.”
“Well, this is the first time I asked for a recommendation. I like sticking to the drinks I’m already familiar with, so,” you replied, shrugging. “Thanks.”
You took a sip and let the flavors as well as the spice dance on your tongue before letting out a satisfied hum. “This is good.”
“Thank you,” the bartender replied, bringing a hand on her forehead as if she was tipping a hat in appreciation. She then moved to another customer who had just approached the other side of the bar. Meanwhile, you were happily enjoying your drink while scrolling through your phone.
“Mind if I join you?” A man had slid onto the stool next to you, flashing a grin that was meant to be charming but came off a little too practiced. Before you could answer, he flagged down the bartender and ordered himself a drink, then turned back to you.
“You look like you could use some company,” he said smoothly.
“I’m good, thanks,” you replied, keeping your tone polite but firm.
You expected him to leave, but he didn’t. “Aw, come on. It’s gonna be fun.”
“No, thank you.” You forced a small smile, hoping he’d move on, but he leaned in closer. He tried cracking jokes, tossing compliments your way, and making small talk that you weren’t interested in entertaining. When it became clear that your polite disinterest wasn’t working, you finally said, “I’m actually here with my boyfriend.”
“Oh yeah? Where is he?”
“He’s around,” you lied, looking toward the entrance as though expecting someone to walk through any second.
The guy smirked, clearly unconvinced. “You don’t have to lie. I can tell you’re not really with anyone.”
Before you could respond, the bartender stepped in. “Excuse me, sir, she said no. Leave her alone.”
But even that didn’t deter him. “Relax,” the guy said dismissively, waving off the bartender. “She’s just playing hard to get.”
You sighed, your patience running out, when suddenly an arm slid around your waist.
“There you are, honey,” a familiar voice drawled, soft but unmistakably amused.
Yangyang.
You turned your head just in time to see him leaning in, his free hand casually resting on the small of your back. “Sorry I took so long,” he said, before turning to the man beside you, the amusement in his eyes quickly cooling into something sharper. “Is this guy bothering you, sweetheart?”
The man blinked, caught off guard. “Are you with her?”
Yangyang tilted his head, giving a lopsided grin. “Of course, she’s my wife. We’re newlyweds, you know. Honeymoon and all that.”
The guy scoffed, still skeptical. “She’s been sitting here alone for a while. I thought she was lying about having company.”
Your patience snapped. “Shouldn’t you leave someone alone when they ask you to?”
The man waved you off, his tone growing defensive. “Women say ‘no’ all the time. You like being chased. You say no because you want to see if we’ll try harder.” He turned to Yangyang, as if expecting backup. “You know how they are, right?”
“Ah, why is a grown man barking like a dog?” Yangyang asked, looking bored, digging his ear with his pinky like he was trying to unblock it. “Even a dog’s bark is more pleasant than this.”
The man’s expression twisted. “What did you just say?”
Yangyang tilted his head slightly, his hand still resting casually on your waist. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I say that out loud?” He smiled, the kind that could either charm or infuriate someone depending on the context. “I meant to say, why is a grown man yapping like a toy poodle? All bark, no bite—you know what I mean?”
You snickered before you could stop yourself, then covered your mouth and looked away. The harasser didn’t share your amusement. His face reddened, his ego clearly stung. “You’ve got a big mouth,” he spat, standing from his stool and squaring his shoulders.
Yangyang raised an eyebrow, unfazed. “And you’ve got a small brain. It makes sense though, seeing how you can’t seem to take a hint.”
The man’s hand curled into a fist, his body tensing as he lunged toward Yangyang. You gasped, but before he could get close, two figures appeared seemingly out of nowhere.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Hendery’s voice cut through the tension. He stepped between the two, holding up his hands as if refereeing. “What do you think you’re doing, buddy?”
Xiaojun flanked him, his expression calm but his stance solid as he placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. “You don’t wanna do that,” he said evenly, his tone low but firm. “Not in here,” he added, nodding at the muscular, almost gigantic bouncers at the entrance of the bar.
The man glanced between them, his bravado faltering as he sized up the newcomers. Hendery’s casual grin didn’t quite reach his eyes, and Xiaojun’s calm demeanor carried an unspoken warning.
The man clenched his jaw, glaring at all three of them before finally backing down with a muttered curse. He grabbed his drink and stormed off, his pride clearly bruised.
“Was that really necessary?” Xiaojun asked, turning to Yangyang with a slight shake of his head.
Yangyang shrugged, a sly grin on his face. “He started it.”
Hendery clapped him on the back, chuckling. “You’ve got a real gift for getting under people’s skin.”
“Come on, now. If you ruffle my feathers like that, my head might get bigger,” Yangyang quipped, shooting them a playful wink before turning back to you. “You okay, honey?”
You let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, your heart still pounding from the confrontation. “Yeah but—” you took a deep breath— “Honeymoon? Really?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.
Yangyang shrugged, his grin returning. “Seemed like the easiest way to get rid of him. You’re welcome, by the way.”
You rolled your eyes, though a small smile tugged at your lips. “Thanks, I guess.”
“You guess?” he teased, leaning just a little closer. “Wow, tough crowd.”
Shaking your head, you turned to Hendery and Xiaojun. “Thanks to you guys too.”
“Anytime,” Hendery smiled.
Xiaojun crossed his arms over his chest, studying your face. “We’ve been here for a day and Yangyang’s already married. Aruba really is something.”
Well, you can’t really argue with that.
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At some point after the encounter with the creep, you were introduced to Hendery and Xiaojun, Yangyang’s friends. They stuck around at the bar, chatting over drinks and swapping stories. You learned that they were also on vacation from China and, like you, were incoming sophomores. Their easygoing vibe made it surprisingly easy to relax, even after the earlier drama.
“By the way,” Xiaojun said, eyeing you. “How do you guys know each other? We didn’t see you at the villa earlier.”
The memory of your mortifying first meeting with Yangyang made you roll your eyes. “You don’t wanna know.”
Hendery snickered, leaning on the bar. “It’s Yangyang, so he probably did something dumb and left a stupid impression.”
You exchanged glances with Yangyang, who gave you a knowing grin. Then he told his friends, “Let’s not talk about it, guys. Trust me—you really don’t want to know.”
Before you could respond, Giselle and Ningning appeared, weaving through the crowd with flushed faces and wide smiles. Giselle spotted you first and threw her arms in the air. “There you are! We’ve been looking for you!”
“Yeah!” Ningning added, her voice slightly breathless. “We found a place upstairs with amazing views. Where’d you disappear to?”
“She was busy fighting off creeps and getting married,” Hendery said before you could explain.
“Wait, what?” Giselle blinked, clearly taken aback. “Married?”
You rolled your eyes, heat rising to your cheeks. “This guy wouldn���t leave me alone, so Yangyang told him we were on a honeymoon to get rid of him.”
Giselle and Ningning exchanged amused glances before turning to Yangyang, grins tugging at their lips. “That’s kinda cute,” Ningning mused, her eyes sparkling. “Fake or not.”
“I see you’ve met our housemates,” Giselle said, nodding toward the guys with a warm smile.
The five of you chatted for a while before Giselle and Ningning eventually made their way back to the dance floor. Yangyang’s friends joined them.
“I’m not moving,” you declared, leaning back against the bar. “I’ve been walking and dancing all night. My legs are officially done.”
“Oh, come on,” Yangyang said, leaning closer with a mischievous grin. “I saved you. Doesn’t that earn me at least one dance?”
“Wow, so you’re holding that over my head now?”
“Absolutely,” he replied without missing a beat.
Yangyang headed for the dance floor, dragging you along. You opened your mouth to protest, but his grip was firm. Your legs felt like jelly, and the idea of moving even a little more was downright cruel. But Yangyang’s grin was so smug that resisting him suddenly felt like losing a challenge you hadn’t even agreed to. Against your better judgment, you let him lead you into the crowd.
Giselle and Ningning were pulling off ridiculous, exaggerated moves, laughing at themselves without a care in the world. Hendery, ever the show-off, attempted a wild spin that almost sent him crashing into a stranger, while Xiaojun kept it smooth and controlled, his steps simple but effortlessly cool.
Then there was Yangyang. He didn’t just dance—he owned the floor, his movements confident and effortlessly in sync with the beat. You hated to admit it, but he was good—like, really good.
At one point, he turned to you, holding out a hand. “Come on, Mrs. Liu Yangyang. Show me what you’ve got.”
You rolled your eyes but let him pull you into the fray. He spun you lightly, his grip steady but playful. Your initial reluctance faded with every step, and before you knew it, you were grinning and giggling.
Maybe it was the music, or maybe it was the way Yangyang’s friends treated you like you’d always been part of the group. Whatever it was, the tension you’d carried earlier had melted away, leaving behind only laughter and the steady rhythm of the night.
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You woke up to the sharp rays of sunlight streaming through the window. Groaning, you rolled over—only to realize you weren’t even in bed. The floor was as unforgiving as it was unfamiliar, with a crumpled pillow under your head and a blanket twisted awkwardly around your legs like a makeshift cocoon.
Foggy memories of the night before flashed in your mind—the taxi ride, Giselle belting out the wrong lyrics to Dancing Queen, Ningning laughing so hard she couldn’t breathe, and your voice joining the chaos with something equally off-key.
Dragging yourself to your feet, you grabbed a towel and stumbled into the bathroom for a much-needed shower. Fifteen minutes later, feeling somewhat human, you headed downstairs on a hunt for food.
In the kitchen, Xiaojun stood at the stove, flipping a ladle like it was a microphone as he hummed a tune you didn’t recognize. “Morning,” he said without turning around.
“Morning,” you mumbled, sliding onto a stool by the counter. “That smell is fantastic. What is it?”
“Hangover cure,” he replied, grabbing a bowl and pouring soup in it. “Chinese-style. Trust me, you’ll thank me later,” he added, sliding the bowl toward you.
“Later?” you chuckled, accepting the spoon he handed you. “I’m thanking you right now. Thank you very much.”
“You’re very welcome,” Xiaojun said with a smile.
Not long after, Giselle and Ningning shuffled in, both looking like they’d been hit by a truck. Giselle flopped onto a chair with a groan. “Remind me why we thought mixing tequila and rum was a good idea.”
“Because we’re dumb,” Ningning replied, reaching for a glass of water. “Morning, guys.”
“Eat first, complain later,” Xiaojun said, sliding bowls of steaming soup across the counter.
Hendery appeared from the patio. “That smells fantastic!” he cheered, hurrying over to Xiaojun’s side and peering into the pot. “Is there more?”
“There’s enough for everybody,” replied Xiaojun, handing the ladle to Hendery so he could help himself.
The kitchen island was quiet for the first few minutes, with only the sound of the spoon against china and satisfied hums from everybody filling the silence. Xiaojun’s soup was phenomenal, and you couldn’t decide whether it was because you were hungry and hungover, or because he was simply an amazing cook.
After last night, there seemed to be an unspoken understanding between your group and the boys. For some reason—probably last night’s shenanigans—neither group seemed awkward with the other. It felt like you’d known each other for a long time despite only meeting yesterday. And it also felt like you were one big friend group on a vacation rather than two separate groups sharing the same villa. You liked it better this way.
You were halfway through your portion when Yangyang appeared, looking way too refreshed for someone who had been just as wild the night before. He plopped into the chair next to you, his grin as bright as the sun you wished would dim.
“So,” he began casually, resting his chin in his hand. “Have you made your decision?”
You blinked at him, not saying anything but giving him an inquiring look. He smirked. “You know, the thing we talked about last night.”
It took a moment for the fog in your brain to clear, but then it hit you—his ridiculous offer to ‘show you a good time’ while you were in Aruba, whatever that meant. You shook your head, suppressing a laugh.
“Pass.”
Yangyang feigned a look of heartbreak. “Ouch. Can’t you at least pretend to think about it?”
You shook your head again. “Yeah, I’ll pass.”
Across the table, Giselle and Ningning exchanged confused glances, but Yangyang only winked at them. “Inside joke,” he said smoothly, leaving it at that.
The rest of the day was a blur of sunshine and downtime. Everyone had their own thing going on. Some were catching up on sleep, the others were watching TV, while the rest were just enjoying the down time after last night’s activities. Yangyang, however, was relentless.
You’d found a quiet spot on the patio with a book in hand, ready to soak up the calm. But you were barely a chapter in when Yangyang appeared, sitting onto the bean bag next to you with a loud sigh.
“Perfect day to say yes, don’t you think?” he asked, his voice filled with exaggerated optimism.
“Say yes to what?” you said without looking up, feigning ignorance.
“Come on, honey,” he replied, taking a magazine from under the table. “You know what I’m talking about.”
You turned a page, ignoring him. Undaunted, he leaned closer. “You’re missing out, you know. I’m offering you the ultimate spring break experience. What’s the worst that could happen?”
“I don’t know,” you said, finally glancing at him while he flipped through the pages of the magazine lazily. “Maybe you’ll turn out to be very terrible at it?”
He paused, meeting your gaze. “Oh, ho ho ho,” he chimed, mischief evident not just in his grin but in his tone. “The only way to find out is for you to try it for yourself.”
“Pass.”
What was so crazy about Yangyang’s offer? Nothing, to be honest. If anything, a hookup was basically part of a trip like this one. When you were planning the trip with Giselle and Ningning, you talked excitedly about beaches, island adventure, bar-hopping, and cute foreign boys. You might not have been as excited as they were to find a good-looking tourist who’d sweep you off your feet, but you half-expected to get cozy with one.
But it was different with Yangyang. Your first meeting was unconventional, and the way he casually asked you to be his ‘travel wifey’ was far from the whirlwind spring break romance you were imagining. So, it’s an absolute ‘no’.
You didn’t tell him any of this though, so he kept at it. Later, while you were swimming alone, enjoying the cool water against the heat of the afternoon sun, Yangyang showed up again. He stood at the edge of the pool, hands on his hips like some kind of self-proclaimed lifeguard.
“Still thinking it over?” he called out.
You swam to the edge, wiping water from your face as you looked up at him. “Don’t you have anything better to do?”
“What else could be better than trying to win over a pretty girl’s heart?” he admitted with a grin. 
“Wow, you’re persistent.”
He shrugged, “I’ve been told my persistence is part of my charm.”
You splashed water at him, but he dodged it with a laugh. “Keep playing hard to get, Mrs. Liu Yangyang. You’ll give in eventually.”
“Go away,” you shot back, though you couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips.
That evening, after the sun dipped below the horizon, the group gathered in the living room for a round of card games. You had just beaten Hendery in a particularly competitive game when Yangyang slid into the seat next to you, carrying two glasses of some fruity cocktail. He handed one to you with a grin.
“Bribery,” he said.
“For what?” you asked, accepting the drink but eyeing him warily.
“For you-know-what. I figured I’d at least sweeten the deal,” he quipped.
Before you could reply, Giselle leaned over from across the table. “What deal?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.
“Nothing,” you said quickly, shooting a glare at Yangyang.
“Inside joke,” Yangyang said again with a wink, taking a sip of his drink.
He didn’t stop there, though. While you were distracted helping Ningning figure out the rules of the next game, he whispered, “I’ll even let you win at cards if you say yes.”
You rolled your eyes but couldn’t fight the amused smirk that crept onto your face. “You haven’t even won one against me yet.”
He pointed finger guns at you. “That’s me letting you win,” he said, winking.
“You’re unbelievable,” you scoffed.
“And yet,” he replied, leaning back in his chair, “you can’t seem to ignore me.”
Yangyang was getting on your nerves. You could have shut him down for good, told him to leave you alone—but you didn’t. Maybe it was his ridiculous persistence, or the way his grin seemed to disarm you every time. Or maybe it was the infuriating fact that he wasn’t wrong—you couldn’t seem to ignore him. And somehow, you weren’t sure you wanted to.
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“You are not barhopping again,” Karina groaned in envy while you were on FaceTime the next morning.
“No, we’re not,” Giselle replied, checking herself out in the mirror while you were helping her tie her bikini top.
“Not right now, anyway,” you added teasingly, grinning at Karina’s expense. She had wanted so badly to come with you, but she couldn’t because she had to go back to her hometown.
Ningning was in front of the vanity, putting on some makeup. “You really should have come. Aruba is a dream.”
You could hear Karina sigh dramatically on the other end of the phone. “Ugh, I swear, it’s like you guys are living in paradise without me. I really should’ve come.”
“Well, you were too busy being all responsible and going back home,” you chimed, joining Ningning by the vanity to look at yourself. “You’d have loved it. The beach, the sun... we loved it.”
Karina’s voice was laced with playful sarcasm. “Yeah, yeah, rub it in. I’ll be here, in my hometown, living my best life... not.”
You couldn’t help but laugh at her dramatics, then turned to Giselle, who was now fiddling with the straps of her bikini top in front of the mirror. “You sure you don’t want to just rush over here last minute? We could all have the best time together.”
“Nah, I’m good,” Karina replied, but you could tell she was still slightly regretful. “Someone has to look out for you girls from here. I’ll just live vicariously through your snaps and photos.”
Ningning smirked. “We’ll make sure to flood your inbox with those so you really feel like you’re here.”
“Please don’t,” Karina said with a mock exasperated tone. “I’m already getting jealous just hearing about all the fun.”
Giselle adjusted her sunglasses, clearly amused. “You should have come, Karina. Aruba is everything you said it would be... plus a little extra.”
You caught her eye in the mirror, raising an eyebrow in her direction. Karina asked, “A little extra? What exactly does that mean?”
“Oh, nothing,” Giselle said quickly, turning away with a grin. “Just, you know, the whole vacation vibe...”
“My girl is not still moping out there, is she?” Karina asked, feigning strictness. “She’s not still thinking about some nerd called Huang Renjun, is she?”
You gasped. “Excuse me? Say it to my face.” You pouted at Karina. “I’m having a really great time. Thank you very much.”
“That’s good then.”
You grabbed your sheer layer top and pulled it over your head. “Also, don’t make it sound so upsetting. Renjun and I are still friends.”
Giselle scoffed. “Girl, Renjun and you weren’t anything else but friends.”
You rolled your eyes, mocking her. “Whatever. It’s all in the past.”
“Pretty sure it was just three weeks ago,” Karina teased.
You sighed. “Are we gonna hit the beach or should we just sit here and talk about my failed romances?”
Fortunately, they stopped teasing you and finished getting ready. You bade Karina goodbye with a promise to show her pictures and have fun. After grabbing everything you needed, the three of you hurried downstairs.
Giselle flicked her hair over her shoulder and wore her sunglasses. “Alright, let’s go make some waves, ladies.”
As you walked toward the beach, the guys were already lounging on the sun beds lining up the shore. Hendery was sprawled across one, his legs dangling in the sun, while Xiaojun and Ningning had already gone off to the water’s edge. Yangyang, of course, was right where you expected him to be—leaning casually against the sun bed, watching you approach with an almost predatory glint in his eyes.
His voice reached you first, as always. “What took you so long?” he asked, a smirk forming on his lips. “Did you take your sweet time dolling up for me?”
You didn’t even flinch. “Do I know you?” 
Yangyang laughed, his grin widening. “Give me one chance and you will.”
You raised an eyebrow as you placed your towel on the bed next to his. “I guess since I’m in paradise, I can tolerate this much of a nuisance.”
He sat up and leaned forward to you, his eyes never leaving you. “We may be in paradise right now, but I know I could take it up a notch. Make it feel more like paradise,” he said, his tone far too smooth for your liking.
You crossed your arms, trying to keep the irritation from your voice. “Didn’t you almost get into a fist fight with someone who couldn’t take a hint?”
Yangyang shrugged, leaning back on the sun bed. “I still haven’t heard the one definitive answer, so, yeah. I’ll keep trying until you say it.”
“Say what, exactly?” you asked, genuinely puzzled because you were sure you’d been discouraging his advances. If that wasn’t enough for a hint, then what exactly does he need?
“You haven’t really said no yet,” he said, closing his eyes with a smug grin. “All you’ve done so far is evade and dodge.”
You scoffed but didn’t say anything.
“It’s a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’, my dear wife,” he added, humming. “If you can’t give it, that means you’re not done thinking about it yet. I could still make you give in to my charm.”
“You’re very optimistic, did you know that?”
“Yes. I’m very appreciative too,” he chuckled, glancing sideways at you. “I’ll show you just how much I can appreciate everything about you if you say ‘yes’ to me.”
You held his gaze, unwavering with a glint of mischief. You wanted to say ‘no’, it was the most logical answer. But you couldn’t utter the word.
“Suit yourself,” you huffed. With a playful roll of your eyes, you rose to your feet and headed to the water. You could hear him laughing as you walked away, but you weren’t going to let him get to you that easily. Still, the way his gaze followed you made your pulse quicken just a little. The beach was warm, the water cool and refreshing, these were things you could always count on in this paradise—along with Yangyang’s relentless pursuit.
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You and your friends frolicked by the beach—swimming, taking pictures, enjoying citrusy drinks from the nearby tiki, and letting the salt and sun get soaked up by your skin. The boys were off in their own world, swimming ang fighting on the sand like school boys. At one point, Hendery roped you into a game of beach volleyball, sparking an intense competition between the girls and the boys.
You were winning the match, with your easy teamwork and general proficiency with the game itself. You won the first set and it looked like the second set was yours too, leading with a score of 22 against their 19.
The sand was warm under your feet as you and Ningning jogged into position, Giselle was already hyping up the team from the backline. Across the net, the boys were plotting their strategy with the seriousness of a championship game. Yangyang stood in the middle of their huddle, pointing and gesturing animatedly, while Hendery crouched low, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“Are they actually strategizing?” Ningning asked, tying her hair into a high ponytail.
You shrugged, hiding your smirk. “Let them think they have a chance.”
Giselle clapped to get your attention. “Focus, ladies. They’ve got height, but we’ve got heart.”
“And skill,” Ningning added.
“Mostly skill,” you corrected with a grin.
The first serve was Yangyang’s, and he started with a smug grin as he launched the ball over the net. It was fast, but Giselle intercepted it with a smooth dig. You set it up for Ningning, who spiked it perfectly, narrowly avoiding Hendery’s desperate lunge.
“Point for the queens!” Ningning yelled, pumping her fist.
The boys groaned, and Hendery rolled dramatically in the sand. “I need a sub!” he cried.
“You are the sub,” Yangyang shot back, flicking sand at him.
The game continued with fierce determination on both sides. Hendery proved to be a surprisingly agile blocker, while Yangyang was quick on his feet, diving for saves and trash-talking at every opportunity.
“Is that all you’ve got?” he called out after Giselle narrowly missed a serve.
“Keep talking, Yangyang,” she shot back, adjusting her sunglasses. “It’ll make our victory even sweeter.”
Ningning served again, and the ball sailed high over the net. Yangyang jumped to spike it, but you were ready, blocking it with a well-timed jump.
“Boom!” you shouted as the ball hit the sand on their side.
Yangyang stared at you, mouth agape. “Where did that come from?”
“From the talent I was born with, where else?” you said with a wink.
As the match wore on, the stakes grew higher. The boys managed a few lucky points, but the girls maintained a narrow lead. The final play was an intense rally, with the ball going back and forth across the net.
“Come on!” Hendery shouted, diving to save a near-miss.
“Mine!” Ningning yelled, running to the backline.
Yangyang jumped for a spike, but you leapt just in time, blocking it again. The ball tipped off the edge of the net and landed on their side. Then you girls erupted in cheers, jumping and hugging each other as the boys slumped to the sand in defeat.
“Unbelievable,” Yangyang muttered, shaking his head.
“Victory tastes so sweet,” Ningning said, doing another celebratory spin.
Hendery flopped onto his back, covering his face with his arms. “I’m never going to hear the end of this.”
“Correct,” Giselle said, grinning. “Now, about that bet…”
Yangyang sighed, waving his hand lazily in the air. “Fine. Full-course barbecue it is.”
“Yes and we get to pick what we’re putting on the barbecue,” Giselle added.
Yangyang rose to his feet and jogged toward the sun bed where his bag was. When he came back, he was waving the card in the air. “Knock yourselves out. Just don’t max it out, yeah?”
“Fair enough,” Ningning said, snatching his card. “Let’s go shopping, Giselle. I’m craving scallops.”
Xiaojun offered to join them, saying he’d make sure they got everything needed for the barbecue party.
As the others drifted away, you stayed behind, enjoying the quiet hush of the waves and the cooling breeze. Yangyang plopped down onto the sand beside you, stretching out with an exaggerated sigh.
“Great game,” he said, his tone light. “Even if it was rigged.”
“Rigged?” you laughed, raising an eyebrow. “You lost fair and square.”
“Sure, sure,” he said, leaning back on his elbows. “But I bet you all practiced in secret. No way Hendery and I could lose.”
“I didn’t think you’d be such a sore loser,” you teased, shaking your head.
“And yet, here I am, still hanging out with the enemy.” He grinned, his hair ruffling in the breeze.
The tiki bar server approached with two drinks, setting them on the low table nearby. Yangyang reached for one and handed it to you, his smirk still firmly in place.
“To the victors,” he said, raising his glass.
You clinked yours against his, laughing. “And to the losers who get to do all the work.”
Yangyang chuckled, leaning back and taking a sip. “How long are you guys here for by the way?”
“Two weeks,” you replied, savoring the sweetness on your tongue.
“Really? We’re here for two weeks too.”
You scoffed. “Wow, we’re so unlucky.”
The conversation flowed from playful teasing to lighter topics—the best dishes you’d tried on the island, the funniest moments from the trip so far, and the weird tan line you pointed out on his shoulder.
Yangyang stretched his legs out in the sand, inspecting his shoulder. “You know, this tan line is going to be a conversation starter. ‘Hey Yangyang, what’s that weird patch on your arm?’ Oh, you know, just me being the MVP of a beach volleyball game. No big deal.”
You snorted. “MVP? You lost.”
“They don’t need those details,” he said, waving it off with a grin. “But seriously, I’m loving this trip so far. I just know I’m gonna miss this place once we go back to uni.”
“Are you a freshman?” you asked, tilting your head curiously.
“Yeah. How’d you know?”
You shrugged. “I just assumed we were the same age, so…”
“You’re a freshman too?” he asked, glad to find something you had in common. “So, what are you studying? Something artsy, right?”
“Do I look like I’m studying something artsy?”
Yangyang leaned against the sun bed. “You don’t seem like the ‘numbers and spreadsheets’ kind of person. Figured you’d be one of those artsy types.”
“Well, I guess it counts since it’s Liberal Arts.”
“Which liberal art is it?”
“English,” you admitted, flattening your lips together, sheepish. “I know. Very basic.”
“Basic?” Yangyang tilted his head curiously. “I didn’t say that. I think it’s cool. English is interesting—grammar rules, stories, all that stuff.”
“Thanks, I think?” You took a sip from your glass. “I only picked it because I didn't really know what I wanted to do.”
Yangyang’s grin softened, his tone unusually thoughtful. “That’s fair. Not everyone knows right away. Sometimes, it’s better to explore than to lock yourself into something you’re not even sure about.”
You tilted your head, surprised by his response. “I guess so. But don’t you think it’s a bit lame? Everyone else seems to have a clear path, and I’m just figuring things out.”
He shook his head, his gaze shifting to the horizon. “I don’t think it’s lame. Most of the time, people stick to their clear paths because they’re scared of the unknown, not because it’s what they actually want.”
His words lingered in the air, carried by the gentle sea breeze. For a moment, you forgot the mischief in his smile and the teasing remarks. Yangyang, it seemed, could be more than just the guy who cracked jokes and flirted needlessly.
“Well, it happens,” you said, your voice quieter now. “You’re not so bad, you know,” you said, smiling at him.
“Only ‘not so bad’?” he asked, feigning offense.
“Don’t push your luck,” you quipped, but your tone was warm.
The space between you grew smaller as the conversation went on. You talked about anything and everything. During that, Yangyang’s shoulder brushed yours, his closeness oddly comforting. His laughter was contagious, and his gaze—bright and mischievous yet sincere—had a way of making you forget your initial impression of him.
“Are you laughing?” you asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh,” he said, clearing his throat. “I just didn’t think you’d do something like that.”
“What? Spend every passing day in the library just to see my crush?” you asked, making Yangyang chuckle.
“Yeah. I almost thought you were talking about someone else,” he laughed, his toothy Cheshire cat grin making you grin too. “That guy is lucky. He’s got you stalking him daily while I’m this close to getting on my knees just for an hour alone with you.”
You rolled your eyes. “Yeah, well, he’s nothing like you. You’re okay, but he’s on an entirely different wavelength. Now that I’ve thought about it, I realized we weren’t even compatible at all. He’s smart and knows exactly what he wants.”
“His loss,” Yangyang shrugged. “You’re probably too pretty for him anyway.”
“No,” you said briskly, shaking your hands. “You wouldn’t say that if you’d seen him. He’s way prettier. You have no idea,” you added, pressing your hands against your cheeks at the memory of Renjun’s beautiful smile.
Yangyang nudged your shoulder, making you glance up at him. “I don’t need to see him to know you’re prettier.”
The compliment caught you off guard, but before you could respond, you found yourself lost in his eyes. They crinkled slightly at the corners as he smiled, and there was something disarming about the way he looked at you—like he genuinely couldn’t see anything or anyone but you.
Yangyang winked and then looked away to break the silence. “You’ll find this hard to believe, but I used to spend a lot of time in the library too. Especially when it’s—”
“Yes.” The word slipped out before you could stop it, hanging between you like the weight of the moment.
Yangyang blinked, tilting his head. “Yes?”
You bit your lip, heat rising to your cheeks. “Yes,” you repeated softly.
His smile returned, slower and more genuine. “Finally,” he murmured, leaning in.
The world seemed to fade away as Yangyang’s lips met yours. The kiss was warm and light at first, but it quickly deepened, making your stomach flutter with butterflies you didn’t think you’d get from Yangyang. His hand found the back of your head, kissing you deeper as if he’d been waiting for it all this time.
When you finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours, his grin as mischievous as always.
“See?” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Told you I’d win you over.”
You laughed softly, shaking your head. “You’re insufferable.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he teased, his thumb brushing against your cheek as he pulled you into another kiss.
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Ten minutes. That was how long you sat there making out with Yangyang by the beach. Maybe it was even longer than that, you weren’t sure, you just knew it was long long. You were both laughing and giggling over nonsense, and he wouldn’t stop teasing you about giving in to him after pushing him away several times. 
If it wasn’t for Giselle calling your phone and asking why you weren’t back in the villa yet, Yangyang would probably still have you locked in his arms on that sun bed.
“Scallops, wow,” you exclaimed, peering over Xiaojun’s shoulder while he was working the grill. “Beef too? How much did you guys spend?”
“Enough,” said Giselle, chuckling darkly at Yangyang who was standing next to you with his hands on his waist.
“Oh man, you didn’t just let them splurge, did you?” Yangyang asked Xiaojun who just shrugged.
“You did tell them to knock themselves out,” Xiaojun replied, grinning.
“Babe, come try this,” Ningning called out to you, waving a spoon in your direction.
You jogged toward the table, curious, but Yangyang followed closely behind.
“Did she just call you Babe?” he asked, raising an eyebrow as you reached for the drink Ningning was mixing.
Ningning shot him a look. “Listen here, Mr. Liu. I know you’re into my baby, but I’m the only one allowed to call her that. Let’s get that straight.”
You laughed, your cheeks warming. “Ning Yizhou, please. Stop it.”
But Ningning and Giselle exchanged glances, their mischief practically glowing.
“Oh, they’ve definitely hooked up,” Ningning said.
“Totally,” Giselle added, nodding with mock seriousness.
“What? No, we didn’t!” you protested, your voice an octave higher as you glanced at Yangyang.
Yangyang shrugged, looking entirely too smug. “Not yet. But we’ll get there.”
“Go away!” you huffed, shoving him playfully toward the grill.
The barbecue dinner continued with hearty laughter and the smoky scent of grilled food filling the air. Plates piled high with scallops, beef, and seafood skewers were passed around, everyone digging in and teasing each other between bites. Xiaojun manned the grill with expert ease, the sizzle of the food mixing with the sounds of playful banter from the group.
“Xiaojun,” Ningning said dramatically, pointing her fork at him. “If you don’t become a chef, the world will suffer.”
Xiaojun chuckled, flipping a skewer with a confident flick of his wrist. “Thanks for the pressure, but I think the world will survive without my scallops.”
“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Giselle added, her voice mock-threatening.
Hendery, leaning back in his chair with a piece of grilled beef in hand, scoffed. “You’re all hyping him up too much. Watch him get cocky.”
Xiaojun rolled his eyes but grinned. “Just tell them you’re jealous.”
You found yourself laughing along with them, the whole evening filled with warmth and good company. The laughter seemed endless as you all shared stories, your plates refilled again and again, everyone thoroughly enjoying the meal and each other’s company. The tropical air was still, the night stretching comfortably ahead, like the perfect kind of pause before the whirlwind of activities you all had planned for the coming days.
As the evening wore on, the boys headed out to the bar as planned. Yangyang, as usual, did his best to persuade you to join them. “Come on, you really have to come. It won’t be the same without you.”
But you weren’t convinced. “You guys go ahead. We have plans tonight.”
Yangyang dramatically threw his head back, sighing as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. “Are you seriously just gonna let me mope out there by myself?” he complained, but the teasing glint in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t really upset.
You shook your head, laughing. “I think you’ll survive without me for one night,” you said, nudging him lightly. “Go have your fun.”
Once they were gone, you and the girls settled into the cozy confines of the villa for a quieter night. You poured yourselves some wine, the gentle music from Giselle’s playlist filling the space. It was a calm, slow evening, the perfect contrast to the hustle and bustle of the days ahead. The three of you sank into the couch, chatting and laughing, catching up on things you hadn’t had the chance to talk about during the day.
“This is exactly what I needed,” you sighed contentedly, sinking into the couch.
Ningning raised her glass, eyes twinkling. “Babe, you gotta give that guy a chance,” she said, her voice half teasing, half serious. “He’s so whipped. It’s pathetic at this point.”
You snorted, raising an eyebrow. “Pathetic? More like smug and overconfident,” you shot back.
“Exactly,” Ningning agreed, taking a sip of wine. “He’s trying to play it cool, but if you take that smug grin off his face, he’s just a massive simp worshipping your feet.”
You smirked, shaking your head. “You make him sound like some love-struck puppy.”
“Well, if the shoe fits,” Ningning teased, her lips curling into a sly grin.
Giselle rolled her eyes, but there was a softness to her expression. “You seem closer now, though? What happened back at the beach?” she asked, her gaze flickering between you and Ningning, clearly curious.
“We uh,” you paused, biting your lip at the memory of kissing Yangyang. “Nothing really. I gave him a chance. I mean, what do I have to lose? We’re in Aruba and Yangyang seemed like a really fun guy.”
“He is,” Giselle added with a nod, her eyes sparkling. “But not for me. I like it better when my options are open.”
Ningning raised an eyebrow at you. “That’s ‘cause you’re a slut,” she teased, giving Giselle a wicked grin.
Giselle blinked in surprise, then smirked. “Oh, I’m a slut? Which one of us was toying with some guy the other night only to send him back looking depressed and defeated? I’m a slut?”
Ningning’s eyes lit up, and she struck a playful pose, one hand on her hip, batting her eyelashes. “You and me both, Gigi. Let’s let this boring vanilla baby have her fun with her guy. We’re rocking this island,” she said, winking.
You laughed, feigning disgust, even though you were thoroughly entertained. “You guys are promiscuous,” you said, giving them a mock disapproving look.
Ningning tilted her head and flashed a confident grin. “You mean hot and fun?” she said, clearly proud of her carefree approach.
“Hot and fun,” you agreed, rolling your eyes but smiling. “And promiscuous.”
The conversation drifted from small talk to more meaningful topics, laughter occasionally erupting as the wine worked its magic. You all took turns talking about the things you were looking forward to most on this trip—the beaches, the hiking, the sightseeing, the endless opportunities to explore. Despite the excitement for the days ahead, there was something so refreshing about the peacefulness of tonight.
“I can’t believe we’re actually here,” Ningning said, looking around the villa, her wine glass cradled between both hands.
“I know, right?” Giselle added, swirling the wine in her glass. “It’s nice, though. We’ve got a packed schedule starting tomorrow, but I love this little downtime.”
You nodded, leaning back into the cushions, letting the peace of the moment sink in. “Exactly. I’m so excited for this trip.”
“We should probably get to bed soon,” Giselle said, glancing at her phone to check the time. The hike tomorrow would be an early one, and you wanted to be well-rested for it. “We’ve got an early morning.”
“You’re right,” Ningning replied with a sigh, stretching out her legs. “But this feels so nice, I don’t want it to end just yet.”
“I get that,” Giselle said, glancing at you two. “But I’m not about to regret a single minute of this trip by staying up too late.”
Eventually, the night wound down, and you all went to your separate rooms. You lay on your bed, your phone in hand, scrolling through your phone until you stumbled upon Xiaojun’s Instagram stories. His latest post showed him and Yangyang at the bar, Hendery beside them, clearly enjoying themselves. The music was loud in the background, the neon lights making everything look vibrant and alive.
You couldn’t help but smile, tapping through more clips. Yangyang, of course, looked like he was having the time of his life, though you remembered how much he’d pleaded with you to come. You thought it was sweet how much he’d wanted to hang out with you, though you knew he just wanted to bone.
“This guy is promiscuous too,” you muttered under your breath, grinning to yourself.
As you continued scrolling, the soft knocks on your door interrupted your thoughts. You froze for a second, unsure of what you’d heard. Then came the knock again, a little louder this time. You moved across the room in your barefoot, reaching for the doorknob. When you opened it, Yangyang stood there, his hair slightly tousled, his grin as effortless as ever.
“Did you miss me?” he asked, leaning casually against the doorframe, his voice low and teasing.
You raised an eyebrow. “You’re back so soon? I thought you’d be out until at least two.”
He shrugged, stepping a little closer. “Yeah, well, Giselle said we have to wake up early if we want to join the hike,” he replied, his tone light. “Can I come in?”
You hesitated for just a moment before stepping aside. “Don’t make yourself too comfortable,” you quipped.
Yangyang slipped inside, closing the door softly behind him. His gaze fixed on you, and before you could say another word, he pulled you into a loose hug, his arms wrapping around your waist. His nose brushed against your neck, and you felt his warm breath against your skin.
“I missed you,” he murmured, his voice muffled.
You rolled your eyes. “You’re just horny.”
Yangyang straightened up with an exaggerated look of shock and indignation on his face. “Wha—no, I’m—” He stopped mid-sentence, his mouth hanging open like he couldn’t believe you’d called him out so easily.
Crossing your arms, you raised an eyebrow at him. “What? I know I’m right,” you said, your tone light but smug.
For a moment, he just stared at you, then threw his head back in laughter, the sound rich and unrestrained. “You’re so cute,” he said, stepping closer again, his grin turning wicked. His eyes sparkled with that familiar mischievous glint, and you just knew he was up to something.
“Go away,” you said, turning your back to him with mock exasperation, though you didn’t really mean it.
“Aw. Don’t I get a kiss?” he asked, trailing behind you like an eager puppy as you headed back to your bed.
You stopped, spinning around to face him. “Just a kiss?” you asked, raising an eyebrow as you perched on the edge of the bed.
Yangyang tilted his head, pretending to think it over. “Hmm… I was hoping we could do more than just kiss.”
“Goodnight,” you said with exaggerated finality, slipping under the sheets and yanking them over your head. “Lock the door on your way out.”
“Come on, honey,” he whined, tugging playfully at the edge of your blanket. “I’ve waited my whole life for this.”
Peeking out from the covers, you shot him a skeptical look. “We’ve known each other for three days.”
His grin only widened as if you’d just confirmed something he already knew. Without missing a beat, he climbed onto the bed and slid under the covers, settling beside you. His arm snaked beneath your head, pulling you closer until his warmth enveloped you completely.
“I’ll just sleep here then,” he murmured, his voice softer now. “Is that okay?”
You sighed, taking a deep breath. The weight of his arm, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and the way his presence seemed to fill the room all felt… unexpectedly comforting. Like slipping into a cozy jacket on a cold winter night, his warmth wrapped around you, lulling you to sleep.
“Yeah,” you whispered, your voice barely audible as your eyes fluttered shut. “It’s okay.”
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You woke slowly, feeling the steady rise and fall of someone’s chest behind you. A weight rested lightly around your waist, warm and solid—Yangyang’s arm.
Oh. Right.
Your eyes fluttered open as memories of the night before came into focus—his teasing grin, the way he’d wriggled under your covers, and how his arms felt annoyingly comforting as you both drifted off. It was nice. Waking up with his warmth beside you was just as nice.
What you didn’t expect was the firm, unmistakable pressure against your lower back.
You froze, your half-asleep mind trying to convince you it was not what it felt like. But the more you became aware of it, the harder it was to deny.
Oh my God. That’s… definitely his...
Your face burned as you tried to wriggle away without waking him, but the movement only made you graze it. Yangyang stirred, letting out a soft, sleepy groan. Then his arm tightened, pulling you back against him—and the problem.
“Don’t move,” he rasped into your ear, his voice hoarse with sleep.
“Yangyang—”
“Shh. Please,” he mumbled, his arm tightening around your waist. “Just give me a second to, uh… recalibrate.”
You bit your lip, both mortified and fighting the urge to laugh. But then his grip on your waist loosened, his fingers brushing against the thin fabric of your shirt. The touch sent a shiver down your spine, and suddenly, you weren’t so sure you wanted to pull away anymore.
“Sorry about that,” he said, chuckling lightly. “Happens all the time.”
You turned your head slightly, catching the hint of vulnerability in his sleepy, lopsided smile. It was disarming, even in a moment like this. Or maybe especially in a moment like this.
“Must be hard for you,” you quipped, smirking because you were low-key proud of the pun.
His grin widened. “Very hard. Do you like it?”
“You wish.”
His hand on your waist slid up—testing, gauging your reaction. You didn’t pull away—instead, your fingers instinctively curled into the soft fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer. His touch grew bolder, tracing the curve of your hip and slipping under the hem of your shirt.
“Is this okay?” he asked softly, his breath warm against your neck.
Your heart hammered in your chest. This was ridiculous. Insane. And yet, every nerve in your body screamed at you to lean into it, to see where this would go. You’d spent the past few days brushing off his advances, telling yourself he was nothing more than a fun distraction. But at this moment, with the morning light casting soft shadows across the room, it felt like the only thing you wanted was him.
A long pause stretched between you, your eyes locked in a quiet conversation as you let the tension envelope the air around you. And then, biting your lip shyly—
“…Yes,” you whispered.
That was all the invitation he needed. Yangyang shifted, turning you on your back so he could hover over you. His eyes met yours, searching for any hesitation, but all he found was curiosity and anticipation. He leaned in, capturing your lips in a slow, exploratory kiss.
The kiss started slow, tentative, as if he were testing the waters. But when your hands slid into his hair, pulling him closer, all restraint fell away. He kissed you deeply, passionately, and every nerve in your body lit up like a firework.
Your mind was a blur, a tangle of disbelief and desire. How had you gone from playfully bickering with him to this? His touch, his warmth, the way he seemed to savor every second—it was almost too much, but you couldn’t bring yourself to stop.
“You sure about this?” he murmured, pulling back just enough to meet your gaze.
“Yes,” you said, breathless. “Yes.”
Yangyang chuckled softly, his tone both teasing and serious. “Just checking. I won’t be able to stop once I start, so no take-backs halfway.”
“Oh my god, Yangyang,” you huffed, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. “You’re ruining the mood. Just—come here.”
He pressed his hips against yours, and you gasped softly at the hard evidence of his desire. The sound seemed to spur him on and just as his hand trailed down the waistband of your pajamas, a loud knock echoed through the room, startling you both.
“Wake up, babe! Gigi said we’re leaving in fifteen minutes,” Ningning’s voice called out from the other side of the door.
Your heart raced for a different reason now as Yangyang groaned, burying his face in your shoulder.
“Seriously?” he muttered, his voice dripping with frustration.
You couldn’t help but laugh, your cheeks flushing as you gently pushed him back. “We should probably get up now.”
Yangyang shook his head, pressing a soft kiss to your collarbone. “Nope. I’m not going anywhere.”
Another knock followed, more insistent this time. “Babe! Are you still sleeping?”
“No! I’ll be out in a bit!” you called back, your voice a little too high-pitched.
“Okay! Breakfast is ready!” Ningning replied before her footsteps faded away.
Yangyang sighed dramatically, flopping onto his back. “Fifteen minutes? Think we can use five minutes and—”
“And ruin our first time?” you smirked, shaking your head. “I don’t think so.”
You rose to your feet, heading toward the bathroom, but Yangyang caught your waist mid-step, pulling you back on the bed and the sudden tug made you yelp.
“What do you mean our first time?” he asked, trailing kisses on your jaw down to your neck. “Are you looking forward to this?”
You rolled your eyes, exasperated. “Gosh, I hate feeding your ego so much.”
“Come on, wifey. Honesty is the foundation of every marriage,” he quipped, flashing his signature grin.
“We’re not married,” you shot back, pushing him off with a laugh. “Now go get ready. I don’t think they know you’re here, and it’s better that way. My friends are way too interested in my affairs right now.”
Yangyang gave a mock pout. “You’re kicking me out now? After everything we’ve been through?”
“Yangyang, I swear—”
“Okay, okay!” He held his hands up in mock surrender, slipping out of bed and wrapping you in one last hug. “I’ll see you at breakfast, honey.”
“Just go.”
As he left, you caught your reflection in the mirror, your flushed cheeks and wide smile revealing just how much his presence affected you. With a deep breath, you headed to the bathroom, already bracing yourself for the days to come.
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The Aruba sun was relentless, its heat bouncing off every surface and making even the thought of hiking unbearable. You and your friends gathered in front of a small station offering ATV rentals, a fortunate backup plan Giselle had arranged in case of unexpected situations like weather extremes.
“I thought we were going on a hike?” Hendery asked, squinting at the information board.
“It’s too hot for a hike right now,” Xiaojun replied, fanning himself with a brochure. “So we’re going there on ATVs instead. Same view, less sweat.”
You stood beside Yangyang, his arm draped loosely around your waist as he scanned the crowd of tourists. The weight of his hand was comforting, familiar, and yet it still sent tiny sparks through you.
Glancing up, you noticed the tan line on his shoulder. “Did you put on sunscreen?” you asked, nudging him lightly.
Yangyang glanced down, momentarily caught off guard by the question. “Hmm? Yeah. I think I did.”
“You think?” you teased, chuckling. “Did you even bring one?”
“No. I did. My mom made sure I packed it before we left. She’s very thorough about this stuff.”
“Your mom did?” you repeated, your grin widening. “She’s very thoughtful.”
He chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. “She nagged me a lot before the trip, though. She packed this entire bag of skincare, some fancy oil thing, and bug bite ointment. You should see it. The bag’s probably bigger than your pouch of skin stuff.”
You laughed, imagining it. “That explains why your skin’s so nice. She really knew what she was doing.”
“Do I have nice skin?” he asked, genuinely surprised. He touched his cheek as if testing the claim. “Huh. I didn’t realize.”
His lips suddenly quirked into a grin, and he leaned a little closer, lowering his voice just enough to send a shiver down your spine. “Have you been checking me out?”
Heat rushed to your face, and you quickly looked away, pretending to check on your friends. “Don’t get cocky. I was just being polite.”
“Sure, sure,” he teased, his hand squeezing your waist lightly. “I’m flattered either way.”
After securing your ATV tickets, the rental staff organized everyone into pairs. The sun blazed overhead, but the excitement in the air was enough to make you forget about the heat for a while. Your friends paired up immediately, and it came almost naturally for you to get paired with Yangyang.
It wasn’t even a discussion—he had claimed you before anyone could suggest otherwise.
While the group waited for instructions, Xiaojun laughed as he wiped sweat off his brow. “You girls really saved us on this trip,” he said, glancing at Giselle. “If it were just us, we’d probably be bar hopping every night and getting tanned all day.”
“And endlessly complaining about how there’s nothing to do too,” Hendery added with a grin.
Yangyang smirked, sliding his arm casually around your waist. “Speak for yourself. I was fully prepared to wing it.”
“You? Please,” Xiaojun shot back. “If you were in charge, we’d all be passed out on the beach right now.”
“Well, good thing you’ve got us,” Giselle chimed in. “I told you my itinerary wouldn’t let you down.”
“It’s a blessing in disguise,” Yangyang admitted, his fingers tracing small circles on your hip as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Your cheeks warmed under his touch, though you tried to act unfazed. “So, what you’re saying is, without us, you’d have no idea what you’re doing?”
Yangyang grinned down at you. “Exactly. What would I have done without you, my darling wife?”
You elbowed him lightly, trying not to laugh. “Don’t push it.”
As the staff explained the rules and safety precautions, Yangyang didn’t bother hiding how drawn he was to you. His hand shifted from your waist to your shoulder, and occasionally he leaned in close to comment on something random, like the mismatched helmets or a particularly enthusiastic tourist who was already revving their ATV.
Your friends noticed, of course. Ningning raised her eyebrows at you, a sly smile tugging at her lips, while Giselle gave you a look that screamed I’ll ask you about this later. But to your relief, they didn’t tease you outright. Instead, they exchanged knowing glances and carried on as if everything was perfectly normal.
The staff finally directed everyone to their vehicles, and Yangyang beckoned you over so he could put the helmet on you. “I’m driving so you better hold on tight.”
“Oh, so I don’t even get a say?” you teased, watching him focus on the buckle of the helmet.
“Do you want to drive?” he asked just as he finished with his task.
“No,” you replied without missing a beat. “But I still would’ve preferred it if you asked for my opinion.”
Yangyang chuckled. “You’re adorable. Alright, next time, I’ll ask you first,” he said, getting onto the ATV. You followed after him.
“Can I trust you?”
“Absolutely. Just make sure to hold on tight,” he said, glancing over his shoulder as you wrapped your arms around his waist. 
“Okay. Don’t get us killed.”
“Trust me,” he said, revving the engine. “I got you.”
The ATV lurched forward, and you tighten your grip instinctively, your laughter getting carried away by the warm breeze. You could feel Yangyang’s chest shaking with his own laughter as he expertly navigated the bumpy trail.
The ride to Conchi—Aruba’s famed natural pool—was as exhilarating as it was nerve-wracking. Yangyang seemed to live for the bumpy, uneven trails, pushing the ATV to its limits as you clung to him for dear life. Every sharp turn or sudden drop earned a loud squeal from you, and each time, he’d throw his head back and laugh like it was the best sound he’d ever heard.
“You okay back there, honey?” he called over the roar of the engine, glancing over his shoulder.
 “If I fall off, I’m haunting you!” you shouted back, tightening your grip around his waist. “Keep your eyes forward! Oh my god!”
“Sorry. I’ll drive slower,” he teased, though he didn’t ease up on the speed at all.
By the time you reached Conchi, your legs were shaky from gripping the ATV, but the sight in front of you quickly made you forget the rough ride. The natural pool sparkled under the sun, its turquoise waters framed by black volcanic rocks. Tourists crowded the area, snapping photos and dipping into the clear, refreshing water. It was a postcard-perfect scene, breathtaking enough to make you forget the heat and the crowd.
“Wow,” you breathed, hopping off the ATV.
Yangyang joined you, his hand instinctively finding the small of your back. “Not bad, huh?”
“Not bad?” You glanced at him, a grin spreading across your face. “It’s incredible.”
He leaned in closer, his lips just brushing your ear. “Told you I’d take you somewhere cool.”
You rolled your eyes. “Sure, you planned this whole thing,” you deadpanned, only playfully.
“Am I the best tour guide ever?” he asked, his grin shamelessly cocky.
“Yeah, yeah. Sure.”
The group split up as everyone wandered toward the water. Yangyang stayed glued to your side, his hand occasionally brushing yours as the two of you navigated the rocky path. When you slipped on a particularly uneven surface, he caught you immediately, his arm circling your waist.
“Careful,” he said, his tone softer now. “These rocks are sharp. Can’t have you getting hurt.”
You steadied yourself, his proximity making your heart do a weird little flip. “Thanks. Didn’t realize I brought my personal lifeguard.”
“Full service,” he quipped, winking at you. “Wait till you see my swimming skills.”
Down by the pool, Yangyang took off his shirt, revealing his toned, sun-kissed torso. You tried not to stare—tried really hard—but he caught you anyway, smirking like he’d just won something against you.
“See something you like?” he teased, tossing his shirt onto a rock.
You scoffed, though your cheeks burned. “Not at all,” you said, looking away.
“Uh-huh.” He stepped closer, leaning in as if to whisper a secret. “Don’t worry, honey. You can look all you want. It’s all yours.”
Before you could respond, he dove into the water, his laughter echoing behind him. You rolled your eyes but couldn’t hide your smile as you slipped off your sandals and joined him.
The water was cool and refreshing, a perfect escape from the blazing sun. Yangyang was everywhere—helping you find footing on the slippery rocks, playfully splashing water at you, and floating close enough that his arm would occasionally brush yours.
At one point, he swam up behind you, his hands gently resting on your hips as you stood by a shallow edge. “Having fun?”
You turned to face him, water dripping from his hair and running down his face. “Would be a lot more fun if you weren’t here,” you replied, but you didn’t mean any word.
“Aw, I know you don’t mean that, honey. Your cheeks will soon ache because you’re smiling too much,” he teased, poking your cheek.
You rolled your eyes, pushing a hand against his chest to create some space. “Don’t flatter yourself.”
But Yangyang didn’t budge. Instead, he caught your hand, his fingers wrapping around yours under the water. His expression softened, his playful smirk giving way to something more genuine.
“Thanks for letting us come,” he said, his voice low enough that only you could hear. “I like being here with you.”
You scoffed, masking the flutter in your heart with an aloof attitude. “As you should.”
The moment lingered, charged and electric. His fingers brushed yours again, sending a shiver up your spine. His eyes flicked down to your lips, and before you could stop yourself, you were leaning closer. The sounds of the pool faded, and all that existed was the warmth of his gaze and the soft rush of the water around you.
Just as your lips were about to meet, Giselle’s voice cut through the moment.
“Yangyang! Quit hogging my girlfriend and come take a picture!”
Yangyang groaned, his forehead dropping to your shoulder. “I swear, they’re like children.”
You laughed, tugging him toward the group. “Come on.”
As you two joined the others, cracking jokes and striking ridiculous poses for the camera, you couldn’t help but feel a flutter of anticipation. Yangyang was unpredictable and a little reckless, but he made you feel like the center of his world.
And, for now, you were perfectly okay with that.
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The rest of your Aruba trip unfolded like a colorful dream, a whirlwind of laughter, sun-soaked adventures, and moments that made your heart skip.
You zipped across rocky trails and sandy paths on the ATVs, the wind whipping through your hair as Yangyang stayed close behind, calling out dramatic warnings like, “Don’t fall off, honey—I’m not carrying you!” 
His teasing only earned him a shower of sand as you sped ahead, his laughter echoing in the semi-desert terrain.
At the Butterfly Farm, he pretended to be afraid of the delicate creatures, flinching exaggeratedly every time one landed on him. “What if it’s poisonous?” he whispered, eyes wide with mock horror. You laughed so hard you nearly scared off the butterflies, but you couldn’t help snapping a picture of him with one perched on his shoulder.
Everyone was having a blast, until the first week passed and Yangyang realized that Giselle’s itinerary left no room for boredom—or rest. Mornings started early, with breakfast by the pool where he would dramatically yawn and stretch, groaning about how Giselle was running the group like a boot camp.
“Can’t we just have one lazy day?” he complained, his head resting on your shoulder as you sipped your coffee.
“Nope,” you replied, amused. “We’re on Giselle’s schedule now. Resistance is futile.” 
He sighed, but the glint in his eye told you he wasn’t really upset. “Do we really need to see everything Aruba has to offer?” he asked, mock-serious. “Maybe I just want to lie on the beach and gaze into your eyes.”
“Okay, lover boy,” Giselle teased, standing up. “Get up and get ready to leave.”
“Come on, Yangyang. Think of it as building stamina,” Hendery said, patting Yangyang on the back.
“For what?” he asked, grinning wickedly.
“For you-know-what?” Hendery grinned, standing up after wiggling his eyebrows knowingly.
Yangyang, still grinning, glanced at you with expectant eyes. You rolled your eyes and said, “Bye.” Then walked away before he could say anything.
Each day blended into the next, packed with scenic drives, swimming and visits to historical landmarks. Through it all, Yangyang was a constant presence—sometimes exasperated by the pace, but always finding ways to make you laugh. Whether it was by stealing bites of your food, pointing out oddly shaped rocks and giving them names, or spinning you around on the sand just to hear you squeal, he managed to make every moment unforgettable.
It was chaotic, exhausting, and utterly perfect in its own way. And even as Yangyang grumbled about Giselle’s tight itinerary, you could tell he was enjoying every second—especially the ones he spent with you.
The evenings in Giselle’s schedule were reserved for beach bonfires, sunset sails, or dancing under the stars at local beach bars. That particular night, the group had taken over a corner of a lively beachfront bar, its warm glow spilling out onto the sand where tiki torches lined the perimeter.
Yangyang stayed glued to your side as usual, his hand casually resting on the small of your back or tangling with yours as you both sipped on fruity cocktails. His presence was magnetic, and no matter how crowded the bar became, you found yourself instinctively gravitating toward him.
The live band struck up a slow, sultry tune, and without hesitation, Yangyang set his drink down, pulling you gently toward the sand where couples were swaying under the open sky.
“What are you doing?” you asked, laughing as he spun you once before pulling you in close.
“Making my move,” he said with a grin, his hands settling comfortably on your waist. “Can’t let this song go to waste.”
You rolled your eyes but let him guide you, your arms loosely wrapping around his shoulders. The music was soft, and Yangyang hummed along, his head dipping slightly to meet your gaze. For a while, you just danced, his thumbs brushing against your hips in lazy circles. His face was so close, his eyes locked on yours like there was nowhere else he’d rather be. You tried to ignore the warmth spreading through your chest, the way your heart skipped a beat every time he moved closer.
Then he leaned in for a kiss—a soft one, long, unmoving, but it left a lingering warmth after he pulled away.
“When do I get you all to myself?” he murmured, his lips brushing against your ear.
The heat that rushed to your face wasn’t entirely from the tropical air. “You’re with me now, aren’t you?” you teased, trying to keep your voice light.
“Yeah,” he said, his grip on your waist tightening slightly as he pulled you closer, your bodies barely a breath apart. “But not like this. I want real alone time.”
“You’re just horny,” you replied, masking the flutter in your chest with a laugh. 
As special as he made you feel, you couldn’t let yourself forget why you were here with him in the first place. You didn’t want to blur the line between a romantic connection and what this really was—a spring break fling. He was just a travel perk, a handsome one but still temporary. You didn’t do relationships in a place where everything was temporary, and everyone was just passing through.
“You’ll survive,” you added.
Yangyang groaned dramatically, his head dropping back in mock defeat. “You’re ruthless, you know that?”
“Oh, I do,” you shot back, grabbing his hand to lead him toward the others who were gathered by the bonfire, roasting marshmallows and laughing at Hendery’s attempts to play guitar.
As you both rejoined the group, Yangyang kept his hand intertwined with yours. Despite the banter, the tension from your moment on the dance floor lingered, charging the air between you. You focused on the laughter with your friends, on the drinks being passed around, and the warmth of company and friendship. It was easier than thinking about how you and Yangyang could have something deeper.
“Who’s that?” you asked Giselle, pointing at the guy sitting next to Ningning across from you.
“Ningning met him at the kayak yesterday. I’m not sure if they agreed to meet here or if it was a coincidence,” Giselle explained, leaning closer to you. “They look cute together though, right?”
“That’s what I was thinking! He’s so cute. Ningning has been smiling from ear to ear all night,” you giggled, genuinely giddy for your friend, but it was easier to focus on them than the thoughts tugging at the back of your mind.
It was easier to smile and laugh about Ningning’s new interest than think about Yangyang. You didn’t want to admit it, but a part of you felt that same giddy feeling whenever Yangyang smiled at you, or when he touched you in ways that felt a little too intentional.
The night went on, stretching until late. A few hours later, as the fire crackled and someone started an impromptu sing-along, Yangyang leaned over, his voice low enough that only you could hear.
“For the record,” he said, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips, “I’ll survive, but don’t think I’m giving up that easily.”
You shook your head, laughing softly, but his words stayed with you, lingering in the air. “Didn’t think you would.”
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The morning started with high energy, the group gathering at the dock for your scheduled snorkeling trip. Giselle confidently led the way, tablet in hand. You’d been teasing her about her ‘vacation CEO’ vibes all week, but you secretly admired how smoothly everything had gone—until now.
“Name on the reservation?” the staff member asked, not even glancing up as they scrolled through their tablet.
“Giselle Uchinaga,” she replied with her usual crisp efficiency.
A frown crept onto the staff member’s face. “Hmm, I don’t see a Giselle Uchinaga here.”
Giselle’s expression faltered, but she recovered quickly. “Oh, I booked this weeks ago. Check again, please.”
You exchanged looks with Ningning, while Yangyang leaned lazily against the booth, clearly more entertained than concerned. After a tense back-and-forth, it turned out there’d been a mix-up—the tour company had double-booked, and there were no more spots available for the day.
The mix-up left Giselle fuming, her carefully planned itinerary crumbling right before her eyes. As she argued with the dock staff about overbooking policies, Yangyang stood off to the side, a lazy grin plastered on his face like he’d been waiting for this moment all week.
“This is a disaster,” Giselle groaned, throwing her hands up. “They don’t even have a backup option for us.”
“It’s okay. We can just go to the beach or something,” you said, offering an alternative.
“This was supposed to be the highlight of the trip!” Giselle shot back, shrugging off his hand.
You patted her back. “I know. We were excited for it too, but maybe we can try again tomorrow?”
“What about today?” Ningning asked and you shrugged.
Yangyang strode over to your side, still grinning. “How about this—we ditch the whole plan and do something way cooler?”
“Like what?” you asked, arms crossed but already sensing he was about to suggest something outrageous.
He didn’t answer, instead, he turned to Xiaojun and Hendery. “Bros, I think it’s time to do what we came here to do.”
Hendery’s face lit up. “Oh, you mean… that?” he asked, bouncing on his feet with excitement.
Xiaojun, on the other hand, appeared to be deep in thought, shaking his head. “No. I don’t think the girls would like that.”
“What is it?” Giselle prompted, looking a little impatient.
“Is it better than snorkeling?” Ningning asked.
Yangyang grinned wider. “Way better. Trust me, you’re gonna love it. And if you don’t, well… I’m used to being unappreciated.” He turned to the group, clapping his hands together. “Alright, troops, let’s roll. I know just the thing to turn this day around.”
“Is it dangerous?” you asked, narrowing your eyes.
“Only if you’re boring,” he shot back, winking at you.
That should’ve been your first clue.
Twenty minutes later, you stood on a pristine stretch of beach, the waves glittering under the midday sun. Kite-surfers were on the water, their colorful kites soaring against the bright blue sky as they glided across the surface. One of them caught a gust of wind and launched into the air, soaring for a brief moment before landing gracefully back on the waves.
“This is your plan?” you asked, incredulous.
“Yup.” Yangyang looked impossibly pleased with himself, his hands on his hips like he’d just unveiled the eighth wonder of the world.
“Kite-surfing?” Giselle asked, her voice tight. “There’s a reason we didn’t put that in the itinerary.”
“Because you’re scared,” Yangyang teased. “I get it. Kites are terrifying. I cried the first time I saw one too.”
“I’m serious,” Giselle sighed.
“I know. Look, we’ve been following your schedule all week,” Yangyang told her, pausing to raise a palm. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fun schedule, you totally nailed it! But a little chaos never killed anyone—well, maybe a few people, but we’re smart, right?”
“You could’ve at least warned us,” Giselle said, her tone teetering between exasperation and resignation.
“Where’s the fun in that?” Hendery chimed in, clearly in on the plan. He and Xiaojun were already chatting with the rental staff, signing waivers like this was just another day.
“This is insane,” Ningning muttered, her eyes wide with both fear and excitement. “We have to do this.”
You, however, weren’t so sure. Your eyes kept drifting to the surfers, the way the kites pulled them with such force. The idea of being at the mercy of the unpredictable wind, with the water rushing beneath you, felt more terrifying than exhilarating.
“I don’t think I can do this,” you muttered under your breath.
Yangyang turned to you, his expression softening. “Hey, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. But I think you definitely should.”
The crash course was a whirlwind of instructions and laughter. Hendery and Ningning were naturals, picking up the basics quickly and cheering each other on as they stumbled through their first attempts. Giselle grumbled her way through the setup but eventually got the hang of it, her competitive streak kicking in as she chased after the others.
Meanwhile, you struggled. The kite seemed to have a mind of its own, jerking wildly in the wind as you gripped the control bar with desperation. And Yangyang, naturally, picked it up like he’d been born to do it, showing off with spins and whoops that made you want to strangle him.
“Relax!” Yangyang called out from his board, effortlessly gliding past you. “You’re overthinking it!”
“Easy for you to say!” you shouted back, the kite yanking you forward before dumping you unceremoniously into the water.
Yangyang paddled over on his board, laughing so hard he nearly fell off. “You good, honey?”
“I hate you,” you muttered, pushing wet hair out of your face.
“No, you don’t,” he said, his grin infuriatingly charming. “Come on, let’s try again.”
The next attempt was better. The kite tugged gently, and instead of fighting it, you let yourself lean into the motion, trusting the wind to guide you. Your board skimmed across the water, the salty breeze whipping against your face as exhilaration replaced fear.
“I’m doing it!” you shouted, laughing uncontrollably as Yangyang cheered from nearby. Your other friends saw you doing it and started cheering for you too.
The thrill was addictive. With each pass, you grew more confident, your movements smoother and more deliberate. The water sparkled under the sun, and for a moment, you felt completely weightless, like you could conquer anything.
Back on the beach, you collapsed onto the sand, your legs shaky but your heart soaring. Yangyang dropped down beside you, his hair dripping and his grin smug as ever.
“See? You’re a natural,” he said, nudging your shoulder.
“Natural?” you scoffed. “I fell, like, ten times!”
“Yeah and everyone saw that,” he teased. “It’s okay, I still like you.”
The rest of the group gathered around, swapping stories of near-misses and minor victories, their laughter echoing across the beach. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, you realized this chaotic, unplanned day had turned out to be the highlight of the trip after all. You couldn’t help but glance at Yangyang. Despite his chaotic energy, there was something comforting about having him there, cheering you on and pushing you out of your comfort zone.
“Thanks,” you said quietly, nudging his arm.
He turned to you, surprised. “For what?”
“For, you know,” you said, gesturing to the ocean. “For making me try this.”
He smiled, a rare, genuine softness in his expression. “Aw. You’re welcome, honey. What would you have done without me?”
You scoffed, rolling your eyes but didn't argue. You were sure you would've been fine without him, that you didn't need him to turn the day around. But now that it has come to this, you knew you wouldn't have it any other way.
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As the sun began to descend, the sky glowed pink and orange, taking your breaths away with its magnificence. You didn’t pass up the chance to take pictures—lots of it. Everybody gathered by the beach, still in your rashguards, to commemorate the day.
Yangyang was an enthusiastic photographer, directing your poses and finding you the best spots by the shoreline. He complimented you the whole time to make you feel more confident. But after a while, the attention became a little embarrassing, especially when tourists walked by, giving you curious looks.
“Don’t look at them. Look at me,” Yangyang called out one more time, kneeling on the sand with one leg stretched out as he held your phone up. 
“That’s enough!” you whined, walking toward him and grabbing your phone. You scrolled through the pictures, skimming through them just to see the angle. 
“The lighting is really good,” Yangyang said, peering over your shoulder. “You look like a model, you know?”
“Thanks, although, you probably say that to everyone,” you teased, shaking your head.
“Nope, only the truly photogenic,” he said, smirking as he put on his sunglasses. “Which, clearly, you are.”
You laughed, stepping closer to him. “Well then, thank you. Come on. Let’s take one together.” You wrapped a hand around his arm, and he immediately grinned, his eyes lighting up.
“You sure about that?” he teased. “You don’t want me stealing the spotlight?”
“I think we both know you’re already doing that,” you shot back, your voice playful. “Now smile.”
Yangyang struck a dramatic pose, his chin tilted up and his sunglasses crooked in the most ridiculous way. “How’s this?”
You couldn’t help but laugh. “Perfect,” you said, snapping the picture.
Yangyang leaned in, peeking at the photo. “You’re lucky I look good in every shot. Makes you look better too.”
“Uh-huh, sure, Yangyang. Keep telling yourself that,” you teased, nudging his side.
He shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m just speaking facts.”
After getting dressed, the boys rounded everyone up with mischievous grins and promises of an unforgettable evening. Hendery called it, “Phase two of Operation Best Day Ever.”
“Phase two?” Giselle raised an eyebrow, grinning playfully. “Let me guess—something equally chaotic?”
“Not at all,” Yangyang replied, feigning offense. “This is the sophisticated portion of the day.”
You smirked. “Define ‘sophisticated.’”
Yangyang just waved for everyone to follow, refusing to spoil the surprise. The walk along the beach led to a dock where yachts of all sizes bobbed gently on the water. Their sleek hulls gleamed in the soft evening light, and your eyes widened at the sight.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” you said, stopping in your tracks.
“You guys booked a yacht?” Ningning gasped, squeezing your arm tighter.
Yangyang turned around, his grin as wide as the horizon. “Not just any yacht. This baby is our ride for the night.” He pointed toward a mid-sized vessel docked at the far end. It wasn’t the most extravagant yacht in the lineup, but it was undeniably impressive—its polished deck and elegant design exuded understated luxury.
“If you don’t know it yet, Liu Yangyang is rich,” Hendery quipped, slinging an arm around his friend’s shoulder. “See? Just casually throwing around yacht reservations like it’s nothing.”
Yangyang laughed, shaking him off. “If I were rich, we’d be on that one.” He gestured to a towering superyacht nearby, complete with a helipad. “But hey, this one’s cozy. We’ll call it charmingly attainable.”
“Charming,” Xiaojun echoed.
Onboard, you were greeted by the soft strains of instrumental jazz playing through the yacht’s speakers and a crew who ushered you to the deck, where a long table was set up for dinner. White linens and flickering candles added an air of elegance, and the faint scent of sea breeze mingled with hints of garlic and rosemary wafting from the kitchen.
“I have to admit,” Giselle said as she took her seat, “this is actually impressive.”
Yangyang shot her a triumphant look. “Told you. Sophisticated.”
“Don’t let it get to your head,” she replied, rolling her eyes playfully.
The first course arrived—a delicate seafood bisque served with freshly baked rolls. Hendery immediately dipped his bread into the soup, groaning with exaggerated delight. “This is what I imagine heaven tastes like.”
“Can you not sound like you’ve never had good food before?” Ningning teased, delicately spooning her bisque.
Hendery shrugged. “What can I say? I’m easily impressed.”
The banter flowed as smoothly as the wine being poured, laughter and stories filling the gaps between courses. You found yourself leaning back in your chair, soaking in the moment. The soft glow of the candlelight reflected off the water, and the gentle rocking of the yacht made everything feel dreamlike.
By the time the main course arrived—a perfectly grilled steak for some, fresh seared tuna for others—the group had reached peak comfort. Even Xiaojun, normally reserved around you girls, launched into a surprisingly hilarious story about his disastrous first attempt at surfing.
“So there I was,” he said, gesturing wildly, “upside down, tangled in the leash, and the instructor is just yelling, ‘You’re doing great!’ with his thumbs up.”
Everyone burst out laughing, Hendery nearly choking on his drink.
As dessert was served, the crew dimmed the lights on the deck, allowing you to enjoy the starry night. The sky was a vast expanse of shimmering constellations, the kind you never saw from the city.
“This really is the best day ever,” Ningning said softly, leaning against the railing.
Yangyang grinned at her. “You heard that, guys? Best day ever!” he called to the others, who cheered in response.
You wandered to the edge of the deck, letting the gentle night breeze brush against your skin. Yangyang joined you a moment later, holding two glasses of wine.
“For you,” he said, handing one over with a wink.
“Thanks.” You took a sip, glancing at him. “Okay, I have to admit—today was pretty incredible.”
He leaned against the railing beside you, his smile softening as he looked out over the water. “Glad you think so. But, uh, it’s not over yet.”
You raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really? What’s next?”
Yangyang’s grin widened. “Fireworks,” he said, pointing toward the open water with an exaggerated flourish.
You held your breath, anticipation winning over your skepticism. But after two or three minutes of nothing, you couldn’t help but glare at him. “You were lying.”
Yangyang burst out laughing, throwing his head back and stepping away as if to dodge your fist. He caught your hand instead, gently unfolding your fist and pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles.
“Sorry,” he said, his eyes warm and sincere. “This was last minute, so I couldn’t arrange the fireworks.”
You shook your head, a smile tugging at your lips. “No, don’t be sorry. Today was amazing. I was only a tiny bit disappointed because I thought there really were fireworks. Doesn’t mean you didn’t do well today.”
Yangyang chuckled and leaned closer. “Well, I might not have fireworks, but I can promise the rest of the night will be just as memorable.”
You shot him a teasing look. “Oh, really? What else do you have up your sleeve?”
“Nothing really. But I’m hoping for a miracle that would let me have my most-awaited alone time with you,” he replied, not even trying to hide his intentions.
You chuckled, but before you could say anything, Ningning gasped loudly, making everyone turn to her. She froze for a second, hand over her mouth as she looked at each of you.
“Why, what happened?” Giselle asked, looking concerned.
Ningning moved her hand from her mouth to her chest and revealed an excited grin. “Who’s up for a yacht party?”
Andre, the guy Ningning met when you went kayaking a few days ago, happened to be at the same pier as your group were. He had invited Ningning to his yacht party and told her to bring her friends. You’d met him several times, even hung out with him when he would join your group at the bars. You didn’t think he’d have his own yacht though, or that he’d invite you out there for his party.
“I mean, who could say no to a yacht party?” Xiaojun grinned, nudging the others.
“Right?” Ningning said, bouncing on her heels. “So, who’s in?”
The group erupted into enthusiastic chatter, all of them agreeing to go. You, however, found yourself suddenly feeling very tired, the events of the day catching up to you.
“Guys,” you said with a soft yawn. “I think I’m just gonna head back first. I’m a bit exhausted from all the kite-surfing earlier.”
“What? No,” Ningning said, shaking her head. “We can’t just leave you alone.”
“It’s okay. I’m passing up on this one too,” Yangyang said, casually putting a hand on your shoulder. “I’ll stay with her.”
Everyone exchanged knowing glances and smirks.
“Of course, Yangyang,” Giselle teased. “You stay with the tired one while the rest of us live it up on the yacht.” She raised an eyebrow playfully. “How romantic.”
The rest followed up with hoots and whistles.
Yangyang waved them off. “Alright, guys, don’t make it weird. We’re just keeping things chill for the night.”
“Oh sure,” Ningning added with a mischievous grin. “Just you two and a night full of... conversations, right?”
“Conversations!” Hendery affirmed, while Xiaojun was nodding beside him.
You laughed, feeling the teasing warmth of your friends, but the idea of a quiet night with Yangyang wasn’t bad at all. It felt surprisingly nice to have some space to just relax after an eventful day.
“Alright, alright,” Giselle said, finally getting the group moving. “We’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. Get some rest and have fun!”
You and Yangyang exchanged a glance, both of you shaking your heads with amused smiles as the others filed off the yacht to join Andre at the pier.
Once they were gone, Yangyang settled next to you again, his smile soft and content. “I guess it’s just us now.”
“Yeah,” you said, feeling a wave of comfort. “Just us.”
“Good,” he said, leaning back against the railing. “I can think of worse ways to spend the night.”
And with that, the two of you simply enjoyed the peace of the night, the quiet after the excitement, and the company of one another.
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With your friends gone, the yacht was suddenly quiet, the sounds of the water lapping against the hull and the occasional creak of the boat being the only background noise. The dim lights above cast a soft glow on the deck, creating a tranquil, almost intimate ambiance.
You and Yangyang stood there, side by side, the space between you two comfortable. You were scrolling through your phone’s gallery, examining the pictures you took all day, deleting the ones you didn’t like and saving the rest.
Yangyang took a slow sip from his glass of wine, his eyes glinting mischievously as he studied you. “How many photos did you end up taking today? I lost count,” he said, his lips curling up into a teasing smile.
You raised an eyebrow at him, playing along. “Being pretty in a beautiful place like Aruba comes with a responsibility, Mr. Liu Yangyang. I’ve got to take the pictures. If I don’t I’d be letting everyone down.”
Yangyang chuckled, stepping closer to you, his gaze flicking over your face as if he was taking mental snapshots of his own. “Yeah, well, you’re too gorgeous. One would think I’m just part of the background in your photos,” he teased, glancing down at his own clothes as if evaluating his outfit.
“Yes, well, I’m sure you’re honored. You’re welcome,” you chimed, eyes back on your phone. “Do you wanna take a picture right now?”
“Why?”
You glanced at him, shrugging. “Just because. Memories.”
Yangyang paused for a second, his eyes darkening as if he was considering something else entirely before he reached out, gently taking your phone from your hand. His touch lingered for a moment, a spark that you both seemed to feel, but he quickly turned back to the view, lifting the phone as if it were nothing more than a prop.
“Fine, but you better not blame me if you end up swooning at how good we look together,” he said, his voice light as he pulled you by the waist so you’re pressed side by side.
You rolled your eyes again, but it was clear you were enjoying this. “You’re so full of yourself,” you teased, leaning against his chest and smiling at the camera. Yangyang pressed the button, capturing a shot of you two with the ocean in the background.
“Here,” he said, handing the phone back to you. “Don’t fall in love with me. I know your camera roll is full of pictures of me and you.”
You checked the picture, sighing. “I would have loved taking pictures at the yacht party with my girls too.”
“Didn’t you say you were tired?”
You sighed, locking your screen and facing him. “Yes. Kitesurfing was such an exercise. I just want to lie down right now. When are we going back to the villa?”
Yangyang tilted his head. “Oh, I… uh. I was actually gonna ask if you want to stay the night. You see, I booked this thing until tomorrow morning because I thought everyone would be hanging out here until late.”
“Seriously?” you asked, looking around the wide and empty deck. “We can’t let it go to waste then.”
Yangyang’s gaze dropped briefly, shamelessly checking you out. “You know, we can make the most of it... if you’re up for it.”
You looked up at him, cocking an eyebrow. “Seriously, don’t you get tired of it?”
He groaned, stomping his feet as he buried his face on your neck. “This is the first time I’m alone with you in days. Honey, please.”
You chuckled, feeling his warmth against your skin. “Wow, desperation looks good on you,” you teased.
Yangyang lifted his head. “Desperate? Yes, I’m very desperate.” His eyes flickered down to your lips before meeting your gaze again. “It’s really hard to be patient when you’re always so beautiful and sexy.”
You felt a rush of heat spread through you, but you forced yourself to stay casual. “You say that to all the girls?”
He wrapped her arms around your waist, tugging you closer. “Not all of them,” he murmured, his breath brushing against your ear. “Only you.”
You swallowed. “You really think I’m gonna fall for that?”
Yangyang’s expression softened as he reached out, gently cupping your face with one hand. “I figured you won’t. You never fall for any of my tricks.”
You stared at him, completely aware of his intentions but you did not share his eagerness. “Yangyang, shouldn’t you set the mood first if you really want this?”
“Of course. It’s not that hard. Here, let me show you.” Before you could process anything, his lips were on yours—slow and deep, tasting like wine and something more, something raw. 
The kiss deepened, and the warmth of his lips on yours ignited something in you, a heat that you were very familiar with. His hands slid to your waist, pulling you closer, pressing your bodies together. You responded eagerly, your hands finding his chest, fingers curling into his shirt as you kissed him back, the pressure building with every second. His kiss was insistent, hungry, and you could feel the tension between you both heightening, like a spark just waiting to catch.
When he finally pulled away, his breath was ragged, his lips brushing against your ear as he whispered, “You have no idea what you do to me.”
You couldn’t help but smile, feeling that same pull you had all day, but now stronger, undeniable. “Then show me,” you challenged.
He didn’t need any more instructions. His hands moved to your back, gently urging you toward the cabin door as his lips found yours again. The playful mood from earlier had given way to something much more intense, the teasing now replaced by need.
The yacht swayed gently, setting a calm rhythm, but inside the cabin, everything was on the verge of unraveling. The lights were dim and warm, casting a yellowish glow on the walls as you stood by the bed. Yangyang took his time watching you, his lips curling into a slow, almost predatory smile when you finally met his eyes.
“Do you always stare this much?” you teased, your voice low.
“Only when I know what I want,” he replied, stepping closer.
Yangyang’s hands found their way to your waist, pulling you closer so he could rub your hip against his aching manhood. You tried not to gasp or show just how much your skin was tingling to be touched by him. You curled your hand on his shirt, tugging it twice, urging him to take it off. He took it off just as quickly, before wrapping his arms around your smaller frame and crashing his lips into yours.
Your hands wandered, taking your time to explore his body with featherlight touches. He shuddered under your fingers when you skimmed over the muscles of his abdomen until you reached the hardness between his thighs. The slight hitch in his breath ignited something wicked inside you, something that made you smirk.
“You’re not playing fair,” he murmured, his lips curving against your neck before trailing lower.
You didn’t get the chance to respond because his hands quickly slipped under your dress, fingers tracing the bare skin of your thighs with a touch that was both reverent and infuriatingly slow. Your knees threatened to buckle when his hands found your sex, sending warmth all over your body.
When his fingers pressed and moved, your head fell back, and a soft moan escaped your lips. He kissed his way down your collarbone, lingering on the sensitive spot between your shoulder and neck. Your fingers dug into his back when he sucked a mark in your skin, and the moan that you let out only spurred him on.
Yangyang hooked his finger on the strap of your dress, letting it slip off of your shoulders. Then he buried his face between them, taking a long sniff while tightening his embrace. He tilted his head back releasing a satisfied sigh before looking into your eyes.
“My dear wife,” he began, tugging on the other strap of your dress and letting it fall. “I won’t be able to stop. So if you think you’re gonna regret this, we can end it here and pretend it didn’t happen.”
“I won’t,” you breathed, running your fingers on his neck down to his chest. “I just know that I won’t regret it.”
“Are you sure?” he asked softly, his voice low and filled with meaning.
You answered with a kiss—hungry, unrelenting. It wasn’t soft or tentative; it was a claim, and Yangyang surrendered without hesitation.
He responded fiercely, competing with your hunger, as if the mere act of touching you wasn’t enough. You moved together, falling onto the bed, and the soft sheets were cool against your heated skin. When he pulled away from you, you panicked for a second, only to scoff when you saw him pull out a condom from his pocket.
“You knew this would happen, didn’t you?” you asked, rolling your eyes playfully as he tore the packet open. Your eyes followed his every move, and the view before you made you bite your lip in anticipation.
Yangyang chuckled seeing your reaction. “I didn’t. But I’ve been carrying one every day since the day you said yes to me.”
“Oh, so you’re always prepared?”
He shrugged, sporting a smug grin as he lowered himself, one hand reaching down to spread the slick that had gathered in your cunt. “You never know when the opportunity might arise.”
He kissed you again, a feeble attempt to distract you from what was happening down below. But it was no use, a guttural moan tore out of your lips as soon as he pushed himself inside, your back arching. Yangyang planted soft kisses on your neck and jaw, shushing you gently.
“You’ve got it. I know you do,” he whispered against your skin.
You got used to the stretch soon enough, and Yangyang watched your face carefully as he rocked inside you in a steady rhythm. Whenever he thrust deeper, your body would arch instinctively, and you’d let out a whimper, the sensation blurring your mind and blooming like fire through your veins.  It wasn’t just the physicality of his touch—it was the way it seemed to unravel you, as though he knew every nerve, every secret, and was intent on exploring them all.
He swallowed your moans with a kiss that only made you more feral. You responded in kind, legs wrapping around his waist, and hands threading through his hair and pulling just enough to make him groan against your mouth. Every thrust of his hips and every movement of lips evoked sensations that left you gasping and clinging to him.
The world outside faded—there was no yacht, no ocean, no stars. Only the two of you, lost in the raw intensity of each other. The bed rocked beneath you, a rhythm that seemed to echo your movements, slow and steady at first, then building, relentless and unstoppable. You were wild with need, and Yangyang was almost animalistic with the desire to unravel you, to watch you lose your mind in pleasure.
“Yangyang,” you whined, knees on your chest as he stretched you out some more.
Your movements grew more erratic and urgent. Each touch, each kiss, each whispered name built upon the last, until you were both trembling on the edge of something immense and unstoppable.
And when you finally collapsed together, your bodies tangled and your breaths ragged, the tension in the room slowly dissolved into something quieter, softer. When your eyes met, you didn’t say anything and just breathed in sync. Then after a few moments, you two burst out laughing, seemingly at a loss for words.
“You are… incredible,” Yangyang exhaled, reaching for your hand and bringing it to his lips.
“I know,” you quipped, giggling.
You rested your head against his chest, the steady thrum of his heartbeat soothing the wild rhythm of yours. For a moment, neither of you spoke, letting the gentle lull of the yacht carry you back to reality.
“I could stay like this forever,” you murmured, your voice soft, almost drowsy.
Yangyang chuckled slowly, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “You’d make me a very happy man.”
Your smile was small but genuine, and you closed your eyes. There was no way this would last forever, but there was no point in dwelling on it. All you could do, and all you wanted to do, was to enjoy it while you still can.
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The next few days unfolded like a whirlwind of adventure and adrenaline. By day, the group embraced the thrill of risky adventures. Cliff diving back in Conchi left your heart pounding, your squeals of hesitation turning into triumphant laughter when you finally took the plunge. Dune buggy rides through golden sands turned into wild competitions, Yangyang and Hendery competing to see who could kick up the biggest trail of dust, their boisterous energy infecting the rest of you.
Evenings were just as lively. Barbecue dinners became the highlight of the villa, the scent of grilled meat and vegetables wafting through the air as everyone pitched in. Hendery, the self-proclaimed grill master, charred the skewers more often than not, while Yangyang kept spirits high with his antics, attempting acrobatic flips with the food—earning him laughter and scoldings at the same time.
When the drinks came out, the nights grew rowdier. Card games devolved into noisy competitions, while Truth or Dare exposed embarrassing stories and hidden crushes. Laughter echoed through the villa as the group let loose, cherishing the carefree charm of this trip. But amid the chaos, there were moments when you and Yangyang slipped away, unnoticed—or perhaps ignored—by the others.
It didn’t take much—a glance, a whisper, or the casual brush of his hand against yours. Upstairs, the bedroom became your retreat from your chaotic friends. The air in those stolen moments were heavier, hotter, more intense. Yangyang’s teasing confidence would melt into something more fervent and more passionate as he shut the door behind you and closed the space between you.
The way he’d kiss you—slow, deep, and unhurried—never failed to make your head spiral. His hands would find your waist, tugging you closer as if you weren’t already pressed against each other’s bodies. The laughter you shared downstairs would transform into soft whispers, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of your neck as you tilted your head back, letting him take his time.
“Damn, you’re so beautiful,” he would murmur, his voice low and thick with affection. His words would hang in the air between kisses, and though his tone carried his usual cheekiness, there was a softness there that made you feel seen in a way you hadn’t expected.
You didn’t always make it to the bed right away. There were nights when the edge of the dresser became your perch, your legs wrapping around his waist as his fingers dug into your skin. Your gasps would be hushed, and your need would be urgent, and Yangyang’s eyes would be boring into you, observing your reactions and memorizing your cues.
During the day, the intimacy didn’t vanish entirely, though it was more playful than physical. You were always attached to the hip, and would sometimes wander off by yourselves. On one lazy day when your group decided to skip going out and just lounge around the villa, you and Yangyang stayed by the poolside, enjoying the sun and the quiet.
You were reading a book on the sunbed, occasionally flipping pages, while Yangyang played a game on his phone. It didn’t last long—he soon got tired of it and squeezed himself next to you, tugging your arm until he could rest his head there. He curled up beside you, his arms loosely wrapped around your torso.
You put your book down and rested your hand on his head, absently running your fingers through his hair. “Are you bored?” you asked, smiling as he groaned and nodded his head dramatically.
“Are you a puppy? Why are you acting like one?”
Yangyang laughed softly, his shoulders rocking, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he tightened his hold on you, his face pressed into your side. You continued running your fingers through his hair—dark, messy, and had a faint minty smell. Your eyes fell on a faint scar on his elbow, curiosity sparking again.
“What happened to this?” you asked, your thumb gently brushing the scar.
“Hmm?” He glanced lazily at his arm. “Oh, it’s a surgery scar. Got it when I was a teenager after a basketball injury.”
“You played basketball?”
“Yes. I loved basketball.”
“Did you dream of becoming a pro?”
Yangyang shook his head, a small, almost wistful smile tugging at his lips. “No. I dreamed of becoming a racer. Cars fascinated me more than courts.”
“So what happened?”
“Life had other plans,” he said with a shrug, his fingers drawing absentminded circles on your side. “My mom thinks racing equals instant death. Basketball? My knee begged me to stop. And now, here I am, working toward a business degree like a good boy.”
“Would you change anything?” you asked, cringing internally at how cliché the question sounded. But you wanted to know.
“Not really,” he said after a pause, his lips quirking up. “My grandma always said, ‘If something’s yours, it’ll come back around. Even if it falls out of your hand and rolls under the couch.’ So I just let life take its course. It’s a trip, and I’m just cruising.”
“Wow,” you said, your grin matching his. “That’s surprisingly wise.”
Yangyang smirked. “Well, my gran was very wise. She’s old now though and always asks if I’m on drugs or something.”
“Are you?” you asked, your voice light and teasing.
He grimaced. “She’s the one on drugs with all those maintenance pills she keeps popping every day.”
“You sound like a really fun guy,” you chuckled, pressing your cheek on his head. “I mean, I knew you were fun. I’m just surprised you could get more fun than you already are.”
“You’re so good at getting to know people.” Yangyang lifted his head slightly, his lips brushing against your shoulder as his gaze met yours. “Wanna go upstairs and get to know me better?” he murmured, his voice low and playful.
You flicked his forehead lightly, laughing. “That’s a hard no.”
“Wow, do you hate it that much?” he asked indignantly, and you just giggled.
There was something about the way he fit into your space—or maybe how you fit into his—that felt natural, like you’d been orbiting each other longer than just a few days. Your connection had deepened, unwittingly so, in the stolen silences and the shared laughter, in the way your walls had crumbled without you even noticing.
And yet, somewhere in the back of your mind, you couldn’t help but feel the faintest hint of unease—like a reminder that this was a story with an ending. But you brushed it all off. For now, the sun was warm, the breeze carried the faint scent of the sea, and Yangyang was nestled against you, warm and snug.
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The last three days passed in a blur. The energy had softened—fewer high-energy activities, more slow hours and gathering in the living room. Time seemed to slow down as the vacation drew to a close. The laughter was still there, of course, but it held some kind of weight, like everyone was trying to make each second count before the inevitable goodbye.
Yangyang and the boys still found ways to keep things lively. During the day, he joked around more than ever, teasing everyone relentlessly, especially you. Yet at night, when the group dispersed to their corners, it was just the two of you again—by the pool, on the patio, or simply sitting together in the dim glow of the villa’s lanterns.
That night, you found him leaning against the patio railing, his silhouette outlined by the faint light of the moon. He didn’t turn when you joined him, but his arm instinctively curled around your waist, pulling you closer.
“It’s going to be weird going back to normal,” you murmured, the thought slipping out before you could stop it.
Yangyang didn’t look at you, his gaze fixed somewhere distant. “Yeah. No sun, no ocean... no crazy adventures,” he said lightly, his grip on you tightening a little. “No you.”
You smiled, leaning your head on his shoulder. “I know I’m unforgettable, but you’ll survive, right?”
He chuckled lightly, and he finally looked at you. “Come on, be honest. You’re gonna miss me way more than I’ll miss you, won’t you?”
You feigned offense, placing a hand dramatically on your chest. “Excuse me? I’ve been the highlight of your Aruba experience. You be honest.”
“Highlight?” He arched a brow, his smirk widening. “I don’t know. The kite-surfing was pretty epic. The barbecue nights? Top-tier.”
“Okay, but who made those barbecue nights top-tier? Me. I’m the one who kept you from burning the villa down.”
“Fair point,” he admitted with a laugh, his shoulders shaking. “But you still owe me for losing that paddleboarding race.”
You gave him a look. “Liu Yangyang, we’ve been over this. You cheated. I was literally halfway to victory when you—”
“—skillfully redirected the board. Totally fair game,” he interrupted, grinning like the devil himself.
“Cheater,” you muttered, shaking your head.
“In my dictionary, it’s called, strategy.”
You shook your head, laughing softly. Then, like an unwelcome guest, a sudden thought struck you: what’s gonna happen in the morning?
Yangyang shifted, turning to rest his chin on your shoulder. “What’s wrong? Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?”
“Just conserving energy,” you replied lightly, nudging him with your elbow.
He hummed, unconvinced, but didn’t push. Instead, he started recounting some ridiculous story about the time he got stuck in a hammock and somehow managed to flip himself into a kiddie pool. His voice was animated, his gestures over the top, and you laughed until your stomach hurt, taking your mind off of things for a while.
That night, you shared the bed with him again, curled close like it was the only place you were meant to be. When you weren’t kissing, you talked about everything and nothing—the kind of conversation that stretched lazily through the hours. Neither of you dared to bring up what came next, but it hung in the air, unspoken yet understood. You could feel it in the way his hand lingered a little longer in your hair, in how tightly he held you when you finally gave in to sleep.
Morning came too soon.
The villa felt different, quieter, like it was holding its breath. Bags lined the hallway, and everyone moved with some kind of heaviness. Your friends hovered in the kitchen, trying to keep the mood light with jokes, but the laughter didn’t carry the same carefree weight it had days before. They talked about how Aruba was beautiful and that they wish to come back soon, how they were gonna miss the time you’d all spent together, and how everyone should keep in touch.
Yangyang, for once, was quiet, fiddling with his camera as he sat on the couch.
When you found a moment alone with him, the easy chit-chat that had carried you through the week felt harder to summon. Still, he gave you that signature smirk. “So? Did I or did I not keep my promise?”
“What promise?”
“That I’d show you a great time and make Aruba more memorable for you.”
“Barely,” you teased, though your voice wavered just enough to give you away.
He leaned in, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “Guess I’ll have to step it up next time,” he said, his tone light, even if his eyes lingered on yours for a moment too long.
You managed to smile, but the ache in your chest only deepened. There was no next time—not one you could count on, anyway. And as the villa was filled with the echoes of your friends’ chatter and laughter, you sat there and stared at Yangyang, memorizing the details of his face, his voice, and the way he made you feel.
The goodbye would come, as they always did. But for now, you let the moment stretch, hoping it might last just a little longer.
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The first day back in uni was always vibrant and energetic, with students darting across the quad, groups reuniting after the break, and the faint hum of music playing from someone’s portable speaker. You spotted flyers littering every wall, announcing everything from club fairs to house parties, the vibrance was nearly overwhelming after the lazy warmth of Aruba.
You adjusted the strap of your bag, glancing over at Giselle, who seemed unusually quiet as the two of you navigated through the crowd. “Thinking about Ningning?” you asked knowingly.
She sighed, kicking a stray leaf across the path. “Yeah. Feels weird without her. I wish she didn’t have to move.”
“She’ll visit,” you said, more confident than you felt. “And you can always crash at her place. It’s not like she’s on the other side of the world.”
“I guess,” Giselle muttered, but the corners of her mouth lifted slightly at the thought.
The two of you walked into the cafe and spotted Karina and Jaemin at a table by the window, their cups of iced coffees already halfway gone. Karina waved so enthusiastically it was a wonder she didn’t topple over, while Jaemin sat beside her, his arms crossed and a lazy grin on his face.
“Finally!” Karina exclaimed, throwing her arms around you and Giselle as if it had been months instead of weeks since you’d last seen each other. “Tell me everything! I want the drama, the chaos, the juicy stuff.”
“Relax, we just got here,” you laughed, patting her on the back.
Jaemin smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Wow, and here I thought you’d squeezed everything out of them over FaceTime?”
“Quiet, Jaemin,” Karina shot back, but her grin didn’t falter. “Did Aruba live up to the hype? Don’t leave anything out.”
You hesitated, your mind wandering back to late nights on the patio, the sound of Yangyang’s laughter, the weight of his arm slung comfortably over your shoulder. 
“It was incredible,” Giselle exclaimed before you could say anything.
The four of you talked about Aruba, the breathtaking beaches, the chaos of group outings, and Giselle’s over-the-top retelling of Ningning’s escapades. You also caught up on the little things—new professors, gossip about campus life, and the inevitable groans about upcoming assignments. It was like nothing had changed at all, like your time in Aruba was a fever dream and you were getting pulled back into the real world right now. Giselle’s accounts of everything you did and experienced on that beautiful island was proof that it happened though, as well as the pictures you took every day while you were there.
“Wow. Ningning is so pretty,” Karina commented while you were showing them pictures on your phone. “I can’t believe she left.”
Giselle sighed dramatically. “Ugh, I wish she didn’t have to move. Our group’s so scattered now.”
As Karina nodded in agreement, Jaemin swiped to the next photo. “Wait, who’s that?” he asked, pointing at the screen.
Your heart jumped—Yangyang’s grin stared back at you, sunlit and easy. Before anyone could look closer, you snatched your phone.
“No one,” you deadpanned, hiding your screen and sticking your tongue out playfully.
Jaemin chimed teasingly. “Did you get a boyfriend in Aruba?”
Giselle chuckled knowingly. “Oh, she got more than just a boyfriend. She got a husband in Aruba.”
“A husband?” Jaemin exclaimed.
You giggled. “Sorry you couldn’t come to the wedding,” you teased. “It was super exclusive.”
Giselle threw her head back laughing. “More like, sorry you couldn’t come to Aruba. It was for fun people only,” she added, shrugging playfully.
“Hey. Aruba was last minute. If you’d planned it ahead of time, I wouldn’t have agreed to go with my family to Korea!”
While your friends bickered, you glanced outside and saw the campus moving on around you like it always did. Yet, something felt different—like you’d stepped into a new chapter, leaving a part of yourself behind on a sandy beach far away.
“What are you doing?” Karina prompted, peering into your screen.
“Sending an entry to Campus Confessions,” you said, holding your screen just out of reach.
She blinked. “You follow that page?”
“No. I just submit entries,” you replied, showing her after you hit send.
To: LYY We found wonderland. You and I got lost in it, and we pretended it could last forever. -xx
Karina tilted her head. “Wait, does he even know what Campus Confessions is?”
You shrugged, slipping your phone into your pocket. “He doesn’t need to.”
You put your phone away, focusing back on your friends, their chatter pulling you into the rhythm of the moment. There was plenty to say about Aruba, but some memories? Those were yours to keep.
[fin]
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quackerzzz · 4 months ago
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(Velvette redesign by @p0rk-guts)
Sorry this took so long, I got caught up in life shit, but I managed to post our favorite jestercore vampire in time for April Fools.
Velvette is a very powerful alp (also known as an infestor) Overlord, hailing from King Mammon's court as his most trusted advisor. Every few years, she takes a random sinner body from the aftermath of exterminations and possesses it to use as a vessel. This current one is a vampire girl from the 2010s, which she dolled up to hide it's decay. She also tends to leave it around the V Tower, making Val or Vox clean it up. The Vees are a sort of found family, with Vox and Val being like her dads, but they'd all stab each other in the back if opportunity arises.
Design notes under the cut
Velvette's design (particularly her outfit) is based off a jester, since Mammon and the Greed ring are themed after medieval times and unlike clowns, jesters are meant to make fun of others. This could provide a fun contrast to Charlie, who I'd like to imagine she has a semi-rivalry with.
Ngl the vampire thing is 100% taken from Pork because I thought that was so fucking cool. Sorry but I don't think the doll thing fit.
Anyways that's it for the Vees byyeeeee. @freakenomenon here's your food
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thesafecafe · 2 years ago
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BBHMM
Summary: Yuta hasn't been answering your calls. It seems like he's completely ignoring you, so you decide to pay him a little visit.
CW: 18+, MDNI, violence (a slap or 2), mentions of substances, (weed, alcohol, cocaine, etc), cussing, slight angst, illegal activity, strip club owner Yuta x black fem reader, serious conversation between parents, tension, (Yuta isn't exactly over the reader and is whipped), suggestive, smut, dom reader, switch/sub leaning Yuta, he cums quick, reader is called mistress, finger sucking, handjob, thigh riding, hair pulling, making out, slight degradation (giving), ass slapping, I think that just about covers it! enjoy! Feedback is appreciated! (apologies to any Prius drivers in the audience 💀✋🏾)
Disclaimer: I do not believe that the members of NCT would act in this way , nor is it a representation of their real life actions or personalities. This is a fictional depiction for entertainment purposes.
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Yuta was ignoring you. You didn't think much of it at first. You knew he was busy with work most of the time, usually making a point to tell you he'd be busy or getting back to you later. But for the past few weeks, every time you would call, there was no answer. At first, you were concerned, since it wasn't like him to not answer. But it got to the point where instead of letting it ring, he'd send you straight to voicemail. That was what pissed you off. You couldn't stand not having good communication, especially since you had children together.
Your twin girls, only two years old, were always asking about their father. Constantly asking when they would talk to him, or see him again, it broke your heart when you saw their disappointment flickering across their faces when you would tell them he was busy at work.
And speaking of your children, you were also concerned for their needs. While you did work to support the three of you, your job only paid you enough to cover basic bills, clothes for the twins, and your groceries. Yuta usually covered everything else, from the rent and insurance to the twins daycare fees; he usually left a stack of bills on your bedroom dresser when he came to visit.
He insisted you didn't need to work, but you were stubborn. You felt you needed your job in case of emergencies. In case of times like these. While you hated to admit it, your babies depended on that money. Being an inconsistent parent was not going to cut it; you couldn't afford that. You didn't know what his problem was, but you were sure as hell going to find out.
You called your mother to watch the twins, leaving them in her care for the night. You waved one final goodbye to them before going back home to change. Your baby daddy had clearly forgotten who he was dealing with. If he thought for one second you were going to let him abandon his daughters, and only be a "sometimes dad," then he was sorely mistaken.
Club Highway to Heaven was packed. It was usually brimming with customers; slow days were rare. Due to its location, it was a popular nightlife spot, with minimal competition. Spotting that the line was wrapped around the corner as usual, you immediately pulled around to the back parking lot reserved for the staff.
No one would bother you about parking in the back, and there was a parking space Yuta had reserved for you. But as you pulled forward, you saw a car in the space next to Yuta's. A gaudy pink Prius with cat ears on top sat there, in your way. In your space. "Ohhh, I see what this is about." You laughed softly, shaking your head.
You chose a random space to park in, not far from the back entrance. You got out, quickly making your way to the door, and putting in the code. You knew Yuta never changed the codes to this place, in spite of your many warnings about safety. Swinging the door open, you step carefully into the club. Immediately, you are transported to a different atmosphere.
The purple lights of the club caress your skin, enveloping you into the overall ambience. As you walk to the main floor of the club, the strong smelling mixture of alcohol, sweat, and weed make you choke out a cough.
Passing through the main floor, you see many half naked women, some walking the floor while others slide down poles. A familiar Rihanna song blares through the club speakers. Bottle girls in outfits nearly as skimpy as the dancers run around with drinks, trying to service their sections as quickly as possible. Men and women alike were cheering and throwing money like there was no tomorrow.
'Business is definitely booming.' You thought as you crossed the floor, and walked towards Yuta's office. You stopped when you reached the door, guarded by a massive, familiar bouncer. "Andre, long time no see. How's it going?" Your tone was sweet, calm. It would put anyone who didn't know you at ease. But the giant man at the door knew the look in your eye. It meant business. "Not too bad miz' Y/N. Here for the boss?”
"You know it." Andre gave you a knowing smile and stepped aside, letting you pass into the office. You walked slowly inside, not wanting your heels to give you away. Inside the office, Yuta sat behind his desk. A woman, presumably a dancer, sat in his lap. Her hand was on his chest, as she laughed at something he said before you came in.
"Well what the fuck do we have here?" Your casual words startled the pair. Yuta jumped, knocking the girl onto the floor. You'd probably laugh if you weren't pissed off. "Oh shit, Y/N! What the hell are you doing here?" Yuta asked, quickly adjusting his coat over his chest, as if he hadn't just been being felt up by one of his dancers.
"What the hell am I doing here? Oh I don't fucking know Yuta, maybe checking in on my children's dumbass father, who apparently forgot how to answer a got damn phone call! You've seriously been ghosting me to try and get your dick wet?!"
You were yelling now, and you hadn't meant to explode like that, but it was the last straw. Seeing him sit there, seemingly enjoying himself, while you had been worrying yourself at home had pushed you to the edge.
You took a deep breath, trying to compose yourself. Yuta looked at the dancer, catching her eye. "Candy, can we get some privacy please?" The woman, who'd been sitting on the floor the whole time, quickly got up, fixing her outfit before trotting out of the room. When you hear the door close, you release the breath you were holding.
"Y/N, I'm sorry. Can you please let me explain?" Sighing, you nod, earning a gentle smile from him. He grabbed your hand, guiding you to sit down in one of the mismatched chairs he liked to keep around. "Don't think you're off the hook though Nakamoto. I'm mad as fuck, and I don't want excuses, I want answers."
"Okay Y/N, calm down, you know I'll give it to you straight. I wouldn't lie to you." You raised an eyebrow. "Okay maybe not all the time but- you know what, nevermind. I apologize for not returning your calls. Work has been busy." He gave a noncommittal shrug, but he wouldn't look you in the eyes. He was hiding something.
"So busy that you can't make time for your daughters? They ask for you every day. They haven't seen or heard from you in weeks Yuta! They ask for you all the time, and I have to be the bearer of bad news and hold them when they cry because their daddy is busy with 'work.' I've been calling, and you wouldn't know if they were sick or in need of something because you haven't bothered to pick up your damn phone.”
Yuta hung his head low, fiddling with the rings on his fingers. "You're right. I'm sorry. I was wrong for going off the grid like that, and you and my babies didn't deserve it. It's just been way harder lately to manage things.”
Yuta rubbed his face, and for the first time, you took in his full appearance. His coat hung off of his arms, exposing his tense shoulders. He looked paler than usual, and there were bags under his eyes, barely concealed by make-up. He looked tired. "Talk to me. What's been going on?"
"I... had to fire my head manager. He was sneaking in coke bricks for some of the dancers. And I've been trying to find the source, since every other day, a dancer is showing up high off their ass. I've got to hire new security, since some people like to sneak in." He gave you a pointed look. "And I'm not trying to 'get my dick wet' as you so nicely put it. I was trying to investigate."
You regarded him skeptically. "Getting felt up by your employees is what you call investigating? Okay Mr. Officer." Yuta rolled his eyes at you.
"Getting that close to any of the dancers is hard enough, but you just happened to ruin my meeting with one of the biggest suspects in here. Candy is a ringleader of sorts. She was fucking that manager, and I'm pretty sure he's still got her running coke in here out of spite. But I don't have enough proof, since the other dancers are scared of her. I needed to get the information somehow, but alas, here we are."
You thought back to the woman who'd been there just a few minutes ago. She didn't seem very imposing from the floor, (and clad in a skimpy pink two piece set with cat ears), but you knew you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Your eyes widened as you realized something. "So that's the tramp who was in my parking spot! With cat ears!"
Yuta's ears turned red. "You uh, you saw that?" He stuttered, embarrassed. "Hell yeah I saw it! It would be a bitch who drives a Prius. That ugly ass car." Yuta couldn't help the snort that passed his lips at that.
"In spite of all that though, I understand why you've been busier. But you still could've sent me a text back, an email, hell, a regular letter in the mail! Anything to tell me you were alright. You made me worried, Yuta. We promised to communicate, for the sake of our girls and to maintain a good emotionally safe environment for them. They need us both, and this inconsistent parenting can't go on. I'm willing to help you with whatever it is you need for this place but don't shut me out. That only hurts us all. Okay?”
"Okay. Again, I'm sorry. I'll do better Y/N, for you and my girls. You have my word." Yuta leaned across his desk, offering you his hand. Resting your hand on his, you held back a shiver as he kissed the back of your hand. His lips were warm and soft against your skin. The tension in your shoulders slowly melted away as he kept your hand in between his, rubbing it softly. It was a habit he'd learned, back when you were together, to help calm you down.
He committed all small habits of yours to memory, easily able to perceive your mood. Now, as he sat playing with your hand, his thoughts were whirling. He still felt guilty for the way he'd left you in the dark, and he felt extra guilty that you saw him with another woman on his lap.
Even though the two of you weren't together, he couldn't help feeling like he'd betrayed you. He suppressed the feelings that the ache of not being with you brought to the surface, opting to press on for the sake of his business. But the truth was that he wasn't over you. He hadn't been on the dating scene since the end of your relationship.
His dates with Candy were never anything physical. Tonight was as far as it had gotten. Internally, he felt repulsed at her constant advances; he was only trying to get information. But you weren't anymore aware of his lingering feelings than you were of his whereabouts the past few weeks. He wanted to make it up to you, and being the man he was, Yuta had an idea.
Bringing your hand up to his lips, he pressed another kiss against your skin, and another. "Boy, what are you doing?" You pulled back, but he gripped your hand. "I'm apologizing. Won't you let me show you how sorry I am, mistress?" A sudden, strong pulse thrummed between your legs. Your eyes widened, and so did Yuta's grin. Your cheeks warmed.
"Don't- Yuta, don't play with me like that-" You are cut off when he takes one of your fingers into his mouth, closing his eyes as swirled his tongue around it. He moaned, before sucking it deeper into his mouth. Your mouth hung open at his audacity. You'd forgotten how bold he could be; but your body remembered.
Your legs shifted on impulse, muscle memory betraying you. Yuta released your finger slowly, his tongue trailing the underside of it before letting it go. "Who said I was playing?" His voice was low, dripping in lust and desire. You felt another pulse, stronger this time, and the familiar, slick feeling of your arousal gliding down your thighs.
"Yuta..." You say his name in warning, but truly as an anchor for yourself. "Please? I promise I'll be good. I'll do anything you like. Whatever you want, I'll do it." You felt the temptation of his offer course through your veins for a moment or two, before you caved. "You'll do anything, hm?”
Standing from your chair, you walked around his desk. You straddled his lap, and cupped his face in your hands. "Yes. Anything." The words are barely out before your lips are on his. His lips were fervent against yours, and his arms slid up, trapping your waist against his.
You took control, pushing his head up for a better angle. Yuta let you use his mouth, letting you do as you pleased; sucking and licking your tongue against his, biting his lips, anything you wanted. Just like he'd said.
Breaking away from his lips, you pushed his jacket down, off of his shoulders. Taking the hint, he sheds the coat completely, and you run your hands along his skin. Your nails graze his stomach, earning a low groan from the man beneath you.
Grinning, you slide off his lap, shimmying out of your underwear. Sliding carefully back into his lap, you gripped onto his shoulders. Understanding your intentions, Yuta tensed his thigh, watching as you pushed yourself back and forth. His eyes glazed over. He loved watching you use him to get off. “I see you still haven't changed; begging me to use you like a whore.”
Yuta swallowed thickly, holding back a moan. He felt himself twitch in his pants. “What's the matter baby? You like being reminded how easy you are?” You looked down at him, but his eyes were locked onto your pussy, grinding into the leather material of his pants. You move your hand from his shoulder, up to his hair. You gently pull his head up until his eyes are on yours. “Eyes up here pretty boy. I asked you a question.”
It took a minute before he remembered your question, his eyes darting in confusion. “Yes mistress, I like it.” You chuckled, tightening your hand around his hair. He moaned, leaning into your touch. “Pussy makes you go all dumb, huh?” Yuta nodded, and you released him, letting his eyes fall back to you on his thigh. Eventually, you felt that familiar heat in your clit. Your eyes roll back as your orgasm pulses through you, and Yuta holds you tighter as you rock your hips through it.
When you stop, taking a few moments to catch your breath, you find Yuta staring at you. His gaze is heavy, intense in a way that has your breath catching. It was a familiar look. Your heart squeezed in your chest, but you ignored it, opting to distract yourself. “Your turn, pretty boy. Take those pants off.”
Yuta blinked, breaking his focus on you for a second, before his features shifted into a lazy grin. He picks you up, setting you carefully on his desk, before obeying your words. He unbuckles his belt with one hand, winking at you as he does, before sliding his pants off. “Show off,” You mutter as he picks you up again, placing you over the bulge in his lap.
You scoot back, giving yourself enough room to palm him through his boxers. “Aw, what's the matter, too scared to ride me?” Yuta bats his eyelashes at you, fake concern dripping from his words. You pull his dick out, not taking the bait. “The last time I rode your dick, you got me pregnant, and we don't need anymore surprises.”
Before he can come up with some snarky comment, you start stroking him, your hand squeezing up and down his length with just enough pressure to shut him up. Yuta threw his head back, moaning loud and unashamed. “Please, fuck, just like that.” He panted, feeling himself embarrassingly close to his high. He tried to hold back, wanting to savor the feeling of your hands on him.
But between the pent up frustration of the past few weeks, and his ever present desire for you, the sight of you focusing on his pleasure is too much; before he can warn you, his orgasm slams into him, crashing like waves. Your eyes widen a bit, but your hand doesn't stop, until you see his hips twitch, legs shaking from the intensity of his release. You move your hands, rummaging through his desk drawer for a towel.
His cum covers his legs, stomach, and your hands. You're sure some got on your dress as well, but it doesn't bother you as much as it probably should. You wipe your hands off before starting to clean him. “Easy there, pretty boy. Breathe.” You coach him gently, running a hand through his hair as his heavy panting slows to quiet, even breaths. When you're sure he's calm, you kiss his forehead, then his lips.
“I mean what I said Yuta. You'd better keep your promise or else I'll burn this bitch to the ground.” You poke his chest, and lean into his face. Yuta smiles at you, and for a moment, you're distracted by his beauty. “Okay, I'll be there tomorrow. I promise. I won't let you down, not again.” He slides his hand into yours, lacing your fingers together. He brings your hand up to his mouth, kissing the back of it.
Your heart flutters at the gesture. Your moment is interrupted however, by your phone’s notifications going off. “I should get out of here, I need to go to work in the morning.” You slide off of his lap, standing to adjust your clothes. You see your underwear on the floor, and you bend to pick them up. Before you can reach them, you are startled by a stinging slap to your ass.
You jump up, turning to glare at Yuta, laughing his ass off. “Sorry, I couldn't resist; it was in my face!” Your eye twitches, and the laughter in his throat dies. You decide to let him get away with it for now, opting to walk out of his office. “Wait! Let me walk you out at least!” You raise your hand to acknowledge his request, before stepping into the hallway to let him get dressed.
You are expecting to find Andre still outside, but instead of the massive guard, you come face to face with two dancers. One of them was the girl from earlier, Candy. “So this is the bitch Candy? He threw you out for her?” The other one’s nasally voice immediately makes you annoyed. “Yeah that's her.” Candy steps forward, getting in your face. “Look here, bitch, I don't-”
She is cut off when your hand collides with her face, knocking her backwards in her heels. She falls to the floor in a pathetic heap, before gathering her bearings. Shock paints her face. “Did you just slap me?” You tilt your head, looking down at her. “Nooo, I gave you a hug. What do you think?”
The other dancer stomps over to you, but before she can swing, you land another slap, knocking her to the ground with her friend. Just then, Yuta emerged from the office. “Y/N what's- going on…” His words die as he sees two of his dancers on the floor. From the expression on your face, he already knew what happened. “Yuta! She slapped us and we weren't-” He holds up his hand, silencing the lie about to spill from his dancer's mouth.
“Candy, Cherry, this is my children's mother. You will treat her with respect, and if I catch you doing otherwise, we will have problems. Is that understood?” Both dancers looked down at the floor, mumbling a weak “Yes Mr. Nakamoto.”
Yuta jerked his head, signaling for them to get lost. When they were gone, you turned to him, one eyebrow raised. “Sorry about them, like I said, it's been getting out of hand. Here,” Yuta took your hand, placing a large stack of bills in it, “let's get you home, so I can shut this place down.” He walks you down the steps, before a few members of his security team follow you through the club to your car.
Making sure you get in your car safely, Yuta shuts your door. You roll your window down to speak. Yuta beats you to the punch though. “Do I ever tell you how hot you are when you're mad?” You roll your eyes at him, and he laughs, taking your hand. “Tomorrow Yuta, remember.” You look at him expectantly. “Tomorrow. I promise.” He squeezes your hand, and all you can do is hope that he keeps it.
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Tagging: @ddeonghwassimp, @nirvanawrites111
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sunlxte17 · 2 months ago
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Enhypen playlist (nsfw and sfw)
Heeseung:
Cheating on you- Charlie Puth
Boyfriend- Ariana grande and social house
I wanna be yours- arctic monkeys
Snooze- sza
Jackie brown- Brent faiyaz
Nsfw:
Collide- justine skye
Swim- Chase Atlantic
Into it- Chase Atlantic
Rodeo- lah pat
Under the influence- Chris brown
Jay:
You get me so high- the neighbourhood
Highway to hell- AC/DC
Demons- imagine dragons
Bloodline- Ariana grande
Nsfw:
Slow down- Chase Atlantic
Wine Pon you- doja cat
Diet Pepsi- Addison Rae
Why’d you only call me when you’re high?- arctic monkeys
Jake:
Overdrive- post Malone
Peaches- Justin Bieber
Love yourself- Justine Bieber
Shout out- enhypen
Sweater weather- the neighbourhood
Good days- sza
Nsfw:
Moonlight- Chase Atlantic
Right here- Chase Atlantic
Get you- Daniel Caesar and kali uchis
Always- Daniel Caesar
Sunghoon:
Pillow talk- zayn
2 on- tinashe
Long way to go- Cassie
Boyshit- Madison beer
Brooklyn baby- lana del Rae
Nsfw:
Hotel- montell fish
Ohmami- Chase Atlantic
One of the girls- Jennie, the weekend, lily-rose Depp
Drugs and money- Chase Atlantic
Sunoo:
Love me not- ravyn Lanae
Sweet dreams- j-hope and Miguel
Tadow- masego, FKG
Obsessed- ayumu imazu
Moonlight- kali uchis
Nsfw:
Seoul city- Jennie
Coffee- Miguel
Champagne and sunshine- PLVTINUM and tarro
Fever- enhypen
Paradise- Chase Atlantic
Jungwon:
Cinnamon girl- Lana del Rae
Monster- Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendez
Effortlessly- Madison beer
Do you- Miguel
Seasons- wave to earth
Pretty boy- the neighbourhood
Nsfw:
Die for you- the weekend
Pussy fairy- jhene aiko
Deep- summer walker
Streets- Doja cat
Paradise- Chase Atlantic
Heaven and back- Chase Atlantic
Niki:
Lowkey- niki
Limbo- keshi
Sour times- Madison beer
Sweater weather- the neighbourhood
All the stars- Kendrick Lamar and sza
Not like us- Kendrick Lamar
Nsfw:
Slide- Chase Atlantic
Rodeo- lah pat
Boyfriend- dove Cameron
The machine- reed wonder and aroura Olivia’s
Daddy issues- the neighbourhood
Friends- Chase Atlantic
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tenpintsof-sundrop · 23 days ago
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The Titans (Un)Official Soundtrack - Season One
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If you want to listen to the Spotify version of the playlist - go here.
So, this is the finally complete version of the soundtrack! Unfortunately the Spotify version it is missing one of the songs because the very first song on the list is unreleased and only seems to exist in the world due to it being on Titans. I have also linked individual YouTube versions of the songs below in case you only want to listen to that one song.
This playlist only includes songs that were featured in Titans, not songs that were composed for Titans. Here, I have not discussed the orchestral soundtrack that was specifically composed for the show. I think it's really interesting that there are less and less songs per episode as the show goes on and becomes more serious.
Songs from Season 1, Episode 1: “Titans” 
1. “Alone” by Monogrenade - the song playing when Dick is fixing up his suit after beating up the drug dealers as Robin (I only found this due to the Titans wiki and apparently it's a "rare" song, so I am sad that it's not gonna be on the Spotify version)
2. “S.O.B.” by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - the song playing when Rachel is travelling on the bus to Detroit (this is one of my favourite songs from the show and what inspired me to make this list in the first place)
3. “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” by Tavares - the song playing when Kory wakes up in the car (I love the 70s theme around Kory, including the music)
4. “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer - the song playing when Kory enters the club (again, keeping with the 70s theme, which I love so much)
5. “Severed” by Decemberists - the song playing when Gar is stealing the video games and transforms back into his human form from the tiger (this is a song that I enjoy every single time I watch the show but this is the first time I have bothered to actually look it up. I had to Shazam it because they don't have any of the lyrics in the short segment and I love the full version so much omg)
Songs from Season 1, Episode 2: “Hawk & Dove” 
6. “Kids In America” by Foo Fighters - the song playing when Dawn has a flashback to Dove, Robin, and Hawk fighting together (Shazam was specific about it being the 1991 Demo version and I will keep that in mind when I make the playlists)
7. “Papa Loves Mambo” by Perry Como - the song playing in the background when The Family is first introduced 
8. “Atlas Hands” by Benjamin Francis Leftwich - the song playing from within the apartment when Dawn first opens the door to Dick and Rachel (implying that Dawn is playing it and it is her music taste) (it was playing so quietly under the dialogue and Shazam really impressed me with this one) 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 3: “Origins” 
9. “It’s A Sunshine Day” by The Brady Bunch - the song playing when Rachel is riding with The Family in the car (I do love that they also give The Family a very clear aesthetic with their music) 
10. “Sunny” by Boney M - the song playing when Kory and Rachel are in the car together, and it plays again when Kory beats up people inside the diner (this is one of my absolute favourite Kory songs with how it’s used) 
11. “Highway Tune” by Greta Van Fleet - the song playing when Younger Dick is joyriding the Porsche during the flashback 
12. “Keep It Comin’ Love” by KC & The Sunshine Band - the song playing when Kory and Rachel are at Scooter’s Roller Palace (again, I love that Kory has such a clear 70s theme) 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 4: “Doom Patrol” 
13. “Little Thing Gone Wild” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - the song that plays when Cliff comes down into the basement to check on Gar (another song that I really love) 
14. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC - the song that plays when Rachel watches Larry cooking in the kitchen (fun fact: my beloved cat was named after this song, and the presence of the song here easily makes the episode my favourite in Season 1) 
15. “Let’s Get Rocked” by Def Leppard - the song that is playing as Gar walks away from the kitchen to go and get Rita for dinner (so it’s clear that Larry is into classic rock - I love it) 
16. “Every Little Movement” by Mario Grigorov & Dwight Batteau - the song that is playing to introduce the dinner scene
17. “I Wanna Be Loved By You” by Marilyn Monroe - the song that is playing when Rita comes in for dinner (seemingly, intentionally backing her, someone themed as a vintage Hollywood starlet, with another classic Hollywood starlet) 
18. “We’ll Meet Again” by Frank Sinatra - the song that is playing as Doctor Caulder looks out the window, and the song that plays through the credits 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 5: “Together” 
19. “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree” by Tony Orlando & Dawn - the song that plays when The Family’s new father comes home 
20. “Fingerprints” by Kita Klane - the song that is playing when Dick and Kory start making out and then have sex at the motel 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 6: “Jason Todd” 
21. “Warung” by FRJ - the song that is playing in the background of the bar when Dick reunites with Clay 
22. “Oh Baby” by LCD Soundsystem - the song that is playing when Jason walks into the bar 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 7: “Asylum” 
23. “Little Dark Age” by MGMT - the song playing during Gar and Rachel's Uber ride to the asylum (and when I first discovered this during one of my rewatches, I loved it, because this is one of my favourite songs to just casually listen to) 
Bonus: the song Angela is singing while facing the wall is a folk song from 1955 written by Pete Seeger called “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?” 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 8: “Donna Troy” 
24. “Touch Too Much” by AC/DC - this is the song playing when Angela, Kory, Rachel, and Gar drive away in the stolen truck (“What exactly is this music?” “Uh, AC/DC.” “Not bad. I kinda like it.”) 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 9: “Hank and Dawn” 
25. “Like a G6” by Dev & The Cataracs and Far East Movement - this is the song that is playing while Hank and Donnie are at the frat party (I love how it sets the timeline perfectly and showcases what year Hank was in college) 
26. Concerto No.4 in F Minor, Op.8, 4 ‘Winter’: Allegro non Molto by Musici di San Marco & Alberto Lizzio - this is the song playing while Dawn is dancing ballet on stage (I copied exactly what Shazam said here, so I apologize if this is wrong - I also love the contrast of the song backing Hank being a generic ‘cheap’ pop song vs the song backing Dawn being such a classical ‘richer’ orchestral song, showing how they come from such different worlds) 
27. “If Only” by Maria Taylor - this is the song that is playing during Hank and Dawn's grief healing and bonding montage (I really love how sweet and fitting this is) 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 10: “Koriand'r” 
28. “Need A Little Time” by Courtney Barnett - this is the song playing when Dick and Donna are riding in the car, trailing after Kory 
Songs from Season 1, Episode 11: “Dick Grayson” 
29. “Wouldn't It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys - this is the song playing at the very beginning of the episode (and I love how thematic this is, because it's about an idealized unreal world, which Dick is now literally in)
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santacoppelia · 2 years ago
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The HUGE analysis - This season starts and ends with a discussion, doesn't it?
Ok, my loves. This was one of the really long metas I've been working with, and probably the one that has taken me the longest (because it depended a lot on rewatching the season time and again).
I couldn't help to notice that the fist interaction Aziraphale and Crowley have in season 2 is a fight, really. Yeah, we have the beautiful “in the beginning” sequence, with both of them being angels and happy and all the such (oh, how lovely, Neil Gaiman planting the seeds of why it will matter to us that Aziraphale will not be fighting the idea of inviting Crowley to Heaven, because he remembers that happy, careless guy). But after the intro, we see them having a big disagreement… And we end the season in the biggest disagreement they have had, probably, in 6,000 years.
I love over-analyzing and dissecting narratives and characters, and more so if I can use only what we’ve been shown in the screen. Therefore, I believe that the first fight of the season tells us a lot of the things we will need to know to understand the final fight of the season between them. Let’s take a look, shall we?
The first fight is motivated by having an amnesiac Gabriel in the bookshop.
They see the same circumstance: Gabriel in the bookshop means trouble with Heaven. He is also an individual risk, because he has menaced Aziraphale directly (well, Crowley under the visage of Aziraphale).
It affects each of them differently: even when they both panic, Aziraphale feels compelled to be kind to Gabriel (gives him a blanket and hot cocoa) while Crowley has a full-on panic induced reaction and gets defensive.
They propose opposite solutions: Azi wants to do the Good thing, taking the “higher road” (help Gabriel), while Crowley wants to do His Own thing: “Protect the precious, peaceful, fragile existence I have carved for myself”
At that moment, Aziraphale corrects him and marks a “we”, which is very interesting. But immediately after that, Aziraphale gets all "my way or the highway".
Crowley asks for clarification, with a well-leveled tone of voice: “Is this how it is going to go?”
Azi clarifies "no, I want you to help me!" But then he does the passive-aggressive thing: "if you won't, you won't". (oh, Aziraphale, how you triggered me here, my dear chap. I was angry at the character the first 6 times I saw this)
Therefore, Crowley is out. He marks a clear limit: “I won't. You are on your own”, and then storms out. No Eccles cakes would help him: he needs a breather and counting to 10. That doesn't help either.
Crowley only comes back after gaining an extra perspective: the "extreme sanctions" talk with Beelzebub.
When he comes back, Aziraphale will stand his ground: he feels he deserves an apology, which is delivered via a “I was wrong, you were right” literal admission (even when he probably wasn't "right", but that's their way... And they've been doing it since 1650, or so they say). Then they are able to work together again.
Now, let’s see how this dynamic plays out in their last discussion of the season:
They come from different sides of the same experience: Crowley went to Heaven to investigate and learned about the plans to continue with the end of the world, while Aziraphale stayed defending the bookshop. Then Crowley saves the humans, while Aziraphale solved the Beelzebub + Gabriel affair.
They haven’t had time to talk, as they get interrupted by The Metatron. While he takes Aziraphale, Crowley receives a visit from Maggie and Nina.
Each one of them gained an extra different perspective: Azi, the Metatron proposal (and veiled menace); Crowley, the pep talk/scolding from the couple they were trying to get together.
This makes them develop different solutions:
Crowley wants to finally admit what Azi has been saying all the season: they are a "we" (Azi said so when Crowley talked about his “precious, peaceful, fragile existence”; he said it again when talking about “our car” and reinforced it with the bookshop)
Azi wants to take the "higher road": go to Heaven, reinstate Crowley as an angel, so they can still work together.
Crowley sees the “usual dynamic” of their disagreements coming: it will be Azi’s way (or the highway). That has happened before, in front of our eyes, and not only in this season: it happened also in season 1, but we have already attested that it is still happening, and it is even “worse” (Aziraphale being a little “petty” with the “if you do, it is fine, but if you won’t, you are on your own” in the Gabriel discussion).
Crowley gets indignant. He asks, tentatively, if he told him where to stick it… And then he reinforces his belief. We are better than that, YOU are better than that, you don’t need them, I don’t need them; then he makes the first mention of the offer of getting back to Hell (which he hadn’t shared with Aziraphale), and makes a new point: I said no, neither should you!
Aziraphale goes back to the “you are the bad guys!” thing. Heaven being the side of Truth, of Light, of Good… It is not the propaganda Crowley needed for this move.
Crowley then clarifies the fallacy in his logic: when Heaven ends life on Earth, it’ll be just as dead as if Hell ended it.
Aziraphale then sees the "undesirable result" coming: Crowley is not going to accept, not with that argument.
Crowley makes his plead grow in urgency: Tell me you said no.
Aziraphale’s pitch of voice goes high (usually used as a sign of distress): “If I’m in charge, I can make a difference.”
Crowley understands. This is his “my way or the highway” moment. That’s why he comes up with the courage to make his half-proposal-half admission.
Crowley never gets to state out loud the “I want us to be together in a formal way” part. His voice breaks before he does so. He mentions all of the reasons they have to stay together, which Aziraphale already knows: we have been together for a long time, we’ve been a group (“our own side” was the way he always said it before) and we’ve spent our existence pretending that we aren’t (Azi also knows that! He has been working hard into making Crowley notice it!)
You can see, when they shoot Aziraphale’s face, he squints a little during that moment: maybe questioning, a little disbelief? As usual with Michael Sheen, it is a blink it and you’ll miss it moment.
After the grunt, Crowley proposes his alternative solution: going off together, using Beelzebub & Gabriel as an example that they could.
Therefore, what Aziraphale has just listened is what he already knew: yes, they are a “we”. Crowley wants to run away (he had proposed it twice during the Armageddidn’t, another pattern they have already established).
The next step is the usual way for Aziraphale: he reinforces his proposal: come with me, to Heaven. Ill’ run it, you can be my second in command. This idea has rubbed me wrong since the first time I watched this scene. Why remark the hierarchy? (not to say that I’m in Crowley’s side in here, but… It was weird and uncomfortable to think of them in a vertical power structure; they have always been equals).
Then, he goes back to making a difference, only it is “we” this time. Crowley is noticing he won’t back down… But Aziraphale usually doesn’t.
“You can’t leave this bookshop” works as a representation, a figure of speech. “This Bookshop” is “This life we have been building”, and they both understand it as such.
“Oh, Crowley… Nothing lasts forever…” For Aziraphale, it means he can leave this for something greater. For Crowley, it means… Actually, the same. But without him. Because he knows the “my way or the highway” side of Aziraphale, and none of them will budge. Aaaaand… that’s Crowley heart breaking. The rest of the scene happens with Crowley in “breakup mode”.
Aziraphale is used to “the discussion dance”. He Insists, “Crowley! Come back, to Heaven, work with me! We can be together, Angels! Doing good!”. He promises all he can: “come back, work with me, we can be together”, which have always been Crowley’s triggers to change his mind. However, the problem lies within the “angels doing good”. That’s the part that Aziraphale would need to let go before getting back to Crowley.
And then, he breaks down: “I need you!!” That has always worked! Aziraphale knows that Crowley loves being needed, he won’t leave his angel when in need, right?
And then, he gets angry. And he questions if Crowley has understood what he is offering, which transforms in an “I don’t think your exactly and my exactly are the same exactly” all over again.
Crowley is already brokenhearted, so he answers truthfully, as far as he knows. He understands how terrible the offer of going back to heaven is for both of them, and is not aware of the veiled threat in Metatron’s offer. He knows that going back to Heaven is a non-negotiable boundary, and Aziraphale is absolutely determined to cross it.
Aziraphale, then, does his passive-aggressive shit again: “I guess there is nothing more to say”. My guy, my love, you need to become better at negotiating with your loved one.
This is where Crowley decides to show, don’t tell, the hurt: no nightingales. And then… The “You idiot. We could have been… us” (no, you couldn’t, it was always too late!!! First the pandemic, which I’ve decided to treat as canon, then Gabriel. They never stood a chance).
In this context, Crowley’s kiss is a desperate way to say good-bye to the person he cared most for the last 6,000 years; also an angry way to regain some semblance of control and affect Aziraphale; and a final way to get some “closure”. Is there desire? Is there love? Maybe. But they are lost in a cocktail of emotions that have been stated during the rest of the discussion.
The angry “I forgive you”, which is also a usual dynamic for Aziraphale when he is angry with Crowley, gets there too late for Crowley to react to. He has already “checked out”. That’s why the “don’t bother” feels almost like an afterthought and comes after a small sigh.
After watching this 16 times, I’m pretty confident that the first thing Aziraphale mouths is a “no…” and then… he sobs a little. Michael Sheen, you’re a beautiful actor. The rest of it is a masterclass in using microexpressions to convey a whirlwind of emotions in under 2 minutes.
Sooooo... Did I hurt my own emotions while writing this? Yes. Did I absolutely need to do so? Also yes. Even when I like doing intertextual readings (and that's why I like bringing some theology to some of my musings), reading what is in "the text" (in the scenes we have watched, in the dialogues we've been shown) gives me an enormous amount of pleasure, and I find a lot of comfort in believing that most of the things that I'll need to understand and enjoy a great piece of media are being given to me inside it. And I believe Good Omens is a great piece of media!!
I have no Shakespeare to offer you this time. Let me know what you think!!
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