#introvert quarantine tips

[luvuwite]

do you have any tips or advice on how to properly socialize and make friends, both online and irl? i do not want to sound like one of those people, but i’m being so serious and genuine when i say that i’m autistic, awkward, and socially anxious, and basically shy and introverted, so understanding social cues and all of that has got to be the hardest thing for me 😭 you feel like a reliable source since you’ve got a lot of friends, it seems. i feel like these days, people can be so cold, judgmental, closed, and hard to read, in my pov, which makes going out of my comfort zone very, very difficult. you have no clue how many times i’ve been told to basically embrace being alone, but no one really wants to be lonely, especially after seeing people with many cool and funny friends, it can be a soul crushing experience sometimes. i’m actually curious, but you don’t have to answer this: have you ever been lonely, yourself? or have you always been on the social side?

I think after the quarantine in 2020/2021 there was a very noticeable shift in the people and how they act/behave, that's likely why you feel like everyone's so 'mean' nowadays, because it's sorta true that people and more noticeably the internet really shifted after that time frame. idk what happened but somethin def happened

trust me when i say this but making friends is still a genuine struggle as of date, in 2020 (or that kinda time frame) people were already depraved of IRL socialization, so almost everyone was open to making new mutuals/friends because the internet is kinda all we had atp, and that's when i had met 90% of the people who are friends as of date

i think nowadays im able to better understand myself and how i behave, as you get older you kinda stop relying so much on others opinions because you simply... don't have the time or energy to anymore 😭 because I occupy my IRL time with work, school, and art, i'm less available to the people who aren't super close to me, and more available to the people who are if that makes sense. i say try to find people who are willing to look for new friendships, who are people you see you can try to have a good conversation with

I found that having low-maintenance friends is honestly the norm and the most manageable, because honestly think abt it, would you really have the time to be CONSTANTLY talking to your friends, everyday, after spending all day in classes and then working weekends 9-5?

of course sometimes i get lonely, but i have it so much better than i had it probably 3-4 years ago when i was ACTUALLY alone and lonely, i tried to make myself look social (even as of now) to not only be a good model, but also to make the people around me feel comfortable enough to match that energy, or let loose and just quietly vibe around me, because in the end of the day we're all just people who want to have a good life and be able to be happy and relax, and i don't think there's a reason why i wouldn't want people to be able to feel that way when they're around me, kinda like having me be a "comfort" or somethin IDK LOL IM RAMBLING

sorry for the long post! but i hoped to have answered somethin

[ralphlanyon]

i was going through my notes and found an old write-up from 2020 of modern au headcanons for "the charioteer" characters during covid-19 quarantine (back when "how would fandom X characters handle quarantine?" was a tumblr trend). apparently this was how i was coping with the stress of peak corona times, lol. anyway finally publishing this, three years later!

laurie: his introverted homebody ass is THRIVING in social isolation and wfh. no more awkwardly dodging party invites from people he hates, being dragged to nightclubs, or having to see his stepfather. he gets to stay home all day with ralph and their dog and finish all the books he meant to read, and he is LOVING it. receives a lot of requests to show off his dog during his work zoom meetings.

ralph: is Doing His Duty by staying home on furlough but also going completely stir-crazy. tries to stay sane by feverishly working on dozens of home improvement projects and cleaning the house several times. basically the epitome of that ben wyatt “do you think a depressed person could do THIS???” meme. has gotten into numerous arguments with people at the supermarket who refuse to wear masks or are hoarding enormous supplies of toilet paper (one of these ends up going viral).

andrew: is very sad about being separated from the rest of his religious community now that the churches are closed, but tries to keep a positive outlook on things. shares a lot of resources online about how to help out and staying in touch with one’s faith during “unprecedented times.”

alec: overworked and sleep-deprived nhs junior doctor directly taking care of covid-19 patients. hasn’t physically seen most of his friends or family in months. writes lengthy screeds on social media decrying the dearth of ppe for health care workers and ranting about politics. frequently gets into online fights with strangers who think coronavirus isn’t a big deal. sends ralph unsolicited articles about self-care and mental health tips during a pandemic that ralph pointedly ignores.

sandy: also overworked and sleep-deprived, but much better at concealing it online than alec. has a popular medical instagram where he posts selfies of him and alec with lots of hashtags. obsessively binge-watches cooking videos on youtube in his spare time.

bunny: an essential retail worker who brings this fact up constantly in conversation. secretly flouting social distancing guidelines on his off days to go to parties and hook-up with men on grindr. has the most aesthetically pleasing cloth masks but can’t bother to wear them properly.

[funnyposts101]

"Why Being an Introvert is Basically a Superpower"

Let’s face it: being an introvert is awesome. While some may think it’s just a fancy way of saying, “I’d rather not go to your party,” it’s actually so much more. In fact, being an introvert comes with its own set of benefits that make us low-key superheroes. Here’s why living the introverted life is actually the best:

1. You’re Basically a Master of Disappearing Acts

Ever walked into a party, stayed for just enough time to say hello, then pulled off the perfect “Irish goodbye”? No one saw you leave because your stealth mode is unmatched. One minute you’re holding a drink, nodding along in a conversation about cryptocurrency, and the next—poof!—you’ve vanished like a social Houdini.

2. You're a Human Lie Detector

Introverts are champions of the quiet observation game. While everyone else is busy talking, you’re silently picking up on every eyebrow raise, eye twitch, and sigh. You know that Karen from accounting isn’t actually “totally fine,” and you’re pretty sure Dan’s “I’m just here for the free snacks” line is only half the story.

3. Small Talk? More Like Small Torture. But That’s Okay!

When you’re an introvert, you have a special talent for avoiding unnecessary conversations. Instead of chitchatting about the weather, you’d rather be figuring out how to rearrange your bookshelves for the third time this month. When you do get pulled into small talk, you’ve mastered the art of the polite head nod and "oh, that’s crazy!" responses until you can slip away.

4. You Have In-Depth Knowledge About... Everything

Spending all that time at home means plenty of opportunities to dive down the rabbit hole of your latest interest. Whether it’s learning how to make sourdough bread from scratch (thanks, quarantine) or memorizing facts about the Roman Empire, you’re a walking encyclopedia of obscure knowledge. Don’t be surprised when you’re a hit at trivia night—well, you wouldn’t actually go to trivia night, but if you did, you’d crush it.

5. You’re the King or Queen of "Me Time"

While others are desperately trying to carve out some time for themselves, you’re already a pro at it. You have no problem binge-watching an entire season of a show in one sitting or losing yourself in a good book for hours. You’re not "lonely"—you’re just having a Netflix marathon without interruptions, thank you very much.

6. Your Phone is Always on Silent... And It’s a Lifestyle Choice

You’re not a fan of spontaneous phone calls, and that’s okay. You know that if something is really important, someone will text (or better yet, email). Plus, having your phone on silent means you get to screen your calls like a boss. Pro tip: send it straight to voicemail and pretend you were “in the middle of something.”

7. You’ve Mastered the Art of the Perfect Excuse

“Oh, I’d love to come, but I’m, um…busy.” (Busy relaxing at home, that is.) Introverts are experts at politely declining invitations with creative but believable excuses. Nobody needs to know that your “plans” actually involve cozy pajamas and your couch.

8. You Have a Sixth Sense for Finding Quiet Spaces

Whether it’s at work, a crowded event, or even a family gathering, you can always find that one peaceful corner where you can recharge in solitude. While others are busy mingling, you’re silently celebrating the discovery of an unoccupied bench where you can scroll your phone in peace.

9. Social Battery Running Low? No Problem

When your social energy hits zero, you’re not afraid to call it a night. While others keep going until they drop, you know the power of a graceful exit. You leave before the exhaustion hits, ensuring that you always have enough energy for the *next* social occasion… even if it’s just in another six months.

10. You’re Great at Listening, Even If It’s Just to the Silence

While extroverts might fill the air with endless chatter, you’re perfectly happy to just *be*. Silence doesn’t make you uncomfortable—it recharges you. In a world full of noise, you’re the calm amidst the chaos, and that’s your secret weapon.

So, the next time someone asks why you’re not at the big office happy hour or why you prefer staying in on a Friday night, just smile and say, “I’m practicing my superpowers.” Because while being an introvert might not involve flying or invisibility (well, maybe a little of that), it definitely makes life a little bit more magical.

[halfpennythoughts]

Introvert Tips to Quarantine Day 5!

1) Learn how to say something in any language of your choosing (including fantasy languages like Elvish, Atlantean, Klingon, whatever). Colloquial insults are especially fun!

2) Go through your old photos (6 months or older). Send them to friends to remind them of the memories, organize into folders, print for scrapbooking, make into memes.

3) Either discover and try a new recipe, or make a cooking video (or snarky TikTok) of you making an old favorite so you can share noms.

[theweeklyperfectionist]

Dear Introverts in quarantine:

You are disadvantaged the most during quarantine, so this message is for you. Try to make the text or call one person a day, if you haven’t already. It may just be a “hey” or a “hi”, and I might be a hypocrite (I hate calling or texting anyone, much less every day), but you do need to text someone or talk to someone, wheather it is vurtually or you meet up (while meeting socail distancing requirements). I am trying my best to do this, and so far it is helping my mental health. Also, try not to overthink texts, and everyone is ten times less jugememntal than you think they are. That is your daily PSA!

[holyarchistud]

14.04.2020

Quarantine challenge

Week 4, Day 2

What is your biggest tip for not getting cabin fever?

Ya know, I'm an introvert at all, I don't know about it. For now, I'm dealing with it very well. Also I drive to my holiday house and walk my dog. I don't feel any pressure.

Tips:

Move your working space to the balcony, if it's warm enough. Sit near the window. Breaks. Comfy clothes. Ventilate the room.

[layer-dash-cake]

Staying inside and isolated is not as hard for introverts, who are used to it and have a rich inner world. Introverts playing extroverts to fit into a world that caters to extroversion are relieved to have judgement free time to recharge. Extroverts may feel an excess of energy that needs to be funneled somewhere, but will also make more efforts in isolation to reach out and stay connected. Each “type” can learn and borrow from the other. Staying in by choice is different than staying in by necessity and can take a toll on anyone. As more and more places put “stay at home” orders or quarantines in place, the larger the population of the displaced will become. Share your tips and tricks on working from home, staying sane, maintaining a routine with others who are newer to the game. Enlarge your community to include those people in your daily texts or weekly check ins. Find new things to try- workout regimens, puzzles, pen pals. As ironic as it is to say, take screen breaks. Don’t be on a screen for work and then spend the rest of the day on a screen to pass the time (being on speaker phone or video chat does not count). Your beautiful eyes need to rest, as does your creative, thoughtful brain. 

(c)2020 Layer-Cake All Rights Reserved

[purpe]

.

[ravenadottir]

❝lucas koh❞

lucas koh, 27, oxford, physiotherapist

lucas was drop dead gorgeous, and since the first time i saw him, it was over for me. his route was filled with so much thrill, emotion and intensity, i couldn’t skip on writing for him.

from villa injustices we should’ve get some apologies for, to the life he has outside of the show, i wanted to bring a full story for him. 

and his characters is just so goddamn full of surprises all the time! he can be a posh boy, but still care about the important things like love, friendship, values that most of the boys and girls don’t even talk about.

problematic? yes. but that’s a major factor that makes him so interesting and intriguing, his arc and motivations change throughout the game, and that just goes to show how real and amazing he is! (yes, i’m a simp. nothing to do here!)

‘if it wasn’t for you’ villa and pos-villa lucas’ perspectives, and yours, involving some of the most important happenings after ‘stick or switch’. it was important for the context to include these moments. after you win the first prize and leave the show,  the decision has been made. you’ll move in together, in his apartment. lucas will have several facets, and this story will explore his relationship with his parents, his past in uni, his life with you as a couple, and more.

title: lucas’ tale has had many titles already, and none of them really clicked! “posh”, “the right choice”, “power over me” and now this one, that i really think it will fit perfectly. it comes from a very specific passage in one of the chapters, but i can’t spoil it.

chapters

|one |two | three

original charcters’ sheets

anally koh / robert koh / emma

one shots

early domestic life

’confessions’ |pt1 |pt2

‘the same’ (”enemies to lovers”)

edits

teen / outfits

anon submission: shirtless lucas

headcanons

quarantine / general / general II

not fluffy / marriage / christmas 

his dirty preferences

on a trip / college / his bikes / pet peeves

lucas + introvert girl

how is he with social media? / most attentive boy

another non fluffy post / 10 years later

reaction: freaky text challenge / lucas’ character sheet

friends-to-lovers: lucas edition

casa amor: the jealousy

valentine’s day / veiny

if lucas didn’t bring blake back

more relationship!lucas

lucas x marisol x mc

general: lucas in the villa I

general: lucas in the villa II

alphabets

fluffy / non fluffy

guides/tips

guide to his route / more tips

how to guarantee rocco picks you

sweet!mc x lucas

writing lucas

asks/posts

his regret towards blake

if hope stole the money after winning with him

was he afraid of bobby’s connection with mc?

if his ex came in the villa

lucas and mc meeting after the show ends

lucas doesn’t want kids / gary x lucas

when would i place his birthday(s) being aries and leo

if “the one that got away” came into the villa

disaster recoupling

was lucas genuinely interested in mc?

bringing blake back was ooc

why i focused on his crush on hope on his fic

route: if hope was his second li

if he found out noah made a pass on mc

lucas x goth!girl / bachelor party

lucas x hope / his reaction to noah’s pass

anon: “he gives me christian grey vibes”

the dialogue about the recoupling, by the bean bags

their dynamics if seb was on s2

lucas x blake exit interview

where did the ‘big daddy’ come from?

lucas x dylan (s4)

he and henrik wouldn’t be friends if it wasn’t for the villa

lucas x the villa’s size

[bunnywritesmarvel]

Do you have any tips on adjusting to living on your own/away from family for the first time?

i dont have much advice considering ive only lived alone for like,,,, 3 days so far but i can tell you what ive experienced so far and my plan that i developed so my raging introverted tendencies dont isolate me lmao

this is very long and ramble-y so i apologize in advance LMAO

so far ive had some weird sleeping issues but im just chalking it up to im not used to sleeping here and also theres no curtains. just blinds and the street lamps outside are casting a little light into my apartment, so i doubt itll persist and ill eventually get used to the light and the new location and sleep just fine

ive always enjoyed cooking, so cooking and all that stuff isnt too new to me and i enjoy making myself dinner. if youre on a budget like me, definitely write out a meal plan and tick off any ingredients youll need for them and only buy those ingredients + any little snacky stuff you might like that wont blow your budget too much.

id definitely say just make sure you build up a routine, heres mine for example

after work i go to the gym, after the gym i come home and shower. after my shower, i make dinner. when i make dinner, i prep all the ingredients first and then cook, but as im cooking ill also clean the dishes i used that i wont need anymore. eat dinner, prep lunch for tomorrow, finish dishes, then i just kinda tidy up a little for like 5 minutes and honestly you can get a lot done in 5 minutes. put your clothes in the hamper, wipe down your kitchen counter/coffee table/bathroom sink, sweep up the little pile of crumbs on the floor, take the trash out, etc. just some small stuff, all the bigger things like deep cleaning can be done on a day off or when you have more time. after that i get ready for bed, wash my face, take my meds, have a lil snack if im still hungry then brush my teeth, etc

then after that i usually have an hour/hour and a half to do whatever i want. i try to aim to do something productive for myself that i'll also enjoy like work on a skill/hobby, maybe a read a little or write a little but theres also no shame in spending that free time binge watching youtube or netflix lmao

i also aim to go out with a friend at least once a week, usually a time when i know i wont have to get up early for work the next day so i dont have to worry about getting home in time for bed

also, if youre close with your family like i am and you still live relatively close to them, dont be afraid to admit when youre feeling lonely and to go visit them!! there will definitely be some times youll feel lonely living on your own, even it youre a raging introvert like me. theres nothing wrong with that, but just dont let it isolate you and keep you from going out and seeing people!

honestly, you dont even have to tell them youre feeling lonely if you dont want to, just text them or call them and ask if you can come hang out and take up the opportunity if they say yes! and if theyre busy or need a rain check, dont just stay in your apartment. if you can, go out and do something! get some coffee and sit down and read for a little bit inside the shop, or go see a movie by yourself. yeah, youre still technically by yourself, but going and doing something might still help the loneliness and you also might meet some new friends! maybe theres a local book club, or an animal shelter that needs volunteers.

i also hate the silence of my apartment, so i always have music or a podcast going, or my favorites playlist on youtube playing, something for just a little background/white noise that i wont have to pay too much attention to while i clean/cook/do whatever

honestly, just dont be afraid to reach out to people or ask people to check up on you every so often. im such a big introvert, i thought quarantine was going to be GREAT for me, but eventually i did get lonely and i started to feel terrible, so dont doubt that itll happen to you. dont isolate yourself no matter how much you want to

[ofgeography]

This Was Not The Movie I Was Hoping To Live In!!!! @ God I Was Thinking More Along The Lines of Johnny Tsunami Or Maybe What A Girl Wants With Amanda Bynes

hey moonbirds. weird fucking times, huh? like all of the maladaptive daydreaming i’ve done in my life--and babes!!!! i’ve done a lot--has not prepared me to be really, for real, in my real life, told by the prime minister of the united kingdom that i have to stay in my house for three weeks.

like, when i moved here, i thought: great! i’ll do a year abroad, maybe kiss a couple british boys, start saying things like “mate” and “i’m gutted :(” so that when i went back to the states all my friends and loved ones could roll their eyes at me and say, “that bitch was in london for a YEAR, why can she suddenly not pronounce the letter R” the second i leave the room.

like, what, it’s a crime for me to want to be able to put on MY bumble profile “american living in london. your coffee is bad” just to rile up british people?

it’s a crime to want to start every sentence with “well when i lived in london,” regardless of what comes after it??? 

“well when i lived in london we actually called it toilet ROLL. when i lived in london i just felt like people there GOT me, you know what i mean, i guess because people say i have a really british sense of humor. when i lived in london i just kind of realized how YOUNG america is, as like a COUNTRY.” 

so now i am here indefinitely, because of how we’re all on lockdown and i’m not allowed to leave my house. and like--duh, man. obviously, i have the ability to stay home and finish my course online, so of course i’m going to stay home and finish my course online. social distancing works etc etc etc. i’m just saying, like, this blog and my twitter are going to become INCREASINGLY unhinged as time goes on. i do not flourish in solitude.

i do feel like maybe COVID-19 is like. god’s way of giving extroverts the chance to finally be the Sanctimonious Ones Online. you know what i mean? like god read one too many “extroverts: TREAT YOUR INTROVERT KINDLY,” posts and was like ok girl. enough is enough.

let’s start a new trend of posts that are like, “Tips For Loving Your Extroverted Friend Stuck In Quarantine: if they send you 50 texts a day, just know it’s not about you. it’s the psychosis.”

the good news is just after i finished making that Very Good And Funny Meme i remembered that i’m NOT alone, that i have a boyfriend actually, or maybe a girlfriend, i don’t know. i’ve been calling my boyfriend Marv but that’s only because i don’t know Marv’s real name, because Marv is a pigeon that i hate who keeps trying to break into my house. 

guys do you know what to do about a pigeon that keeps trying to break into your house? because i don’t. i don’t know. 

i want to open my window but i do not want that creature in the same place that i live and eat, you know what i’m saying?

whatever. my whole point here is: we’re gonna get through this together. i will try to make you laugh while we do. no promises, but i will try. sorry if this blog gets real, REAL weird over the next few weeks. this kind of solitude is either gonna cure me of all my neuroses OR end with me, absolutely feral, being re-released into the wild.

love you guys. write in whenever you want.

[halfpennythoughts]

Introvert Tips to Self Isolating Day 4

1) Find one broken, annoying, or could-be-improved thing in your home and fix it up. Squeaky door hinge? Lightbulb that’s out? wobbly table? command hook you’ve been meaning to set up to make your closet a little more organized? Do it now.

2) Screenshare with friends over skype or hangouts and use MS Paint to play pictionary together

3) Pick one time-passing classic activity you’ve never tried before and give it a go. From jigsaw puzzles to crosswords to sudoku to word searches to online chess, maybe you’ve got a favorite hobby you haven’t even discovered yet.

[jjpmoans]

t’aimer sans cesse

↦ song: Hesitate from Eyes On You 

↦ lyrics: 'Yes, you, why are you making me this confused?/ I don't get you any more' 

↦ word count : 9k+

↦ genre : roommates to lovers

↦ warnings : fluffs, angst if you squint really hard

↦ summary : Park Jinyoung. You. Jeong Jaehyun. As complicated as it seems, you’d be honest when you said, you didn’t expect to be involved in this whole love triangle. Have you been missing signals or have he been sending you absolutely invisible signals? Is your radar broken? How have you not know? How have you been so dense? How long have you been foolishly hurting him?

↦ a/n : Hey everyone! I’m back with a new fic! I’m soo sorry it’s been a drought here on my blog. But i’m back and looks like Mr Jeong is joining us this time~ Anyways, this fic is written for the GOT7 Alive Fest on twitter and if anyone is interested, go check it out on @/GOT7_Alive_2020. They have both artists and writers joining the fest! Most of them post on ao3 and I am probably the only one who post on tumblr. Nevermind that, I hope you love the fic! Thank you for reading!

Morning classes are by far, the most hated part of your schedule. You don’t like waking up early, which explains why you’re not a morning person. You don’t remember when was the last time you met the morning birds and the sunrise since you usually wake up after ten in the morning and the sun is already up. You missed the chirping and the first ray of the morning but you’d trade anything for sleep at the moment. 

“Jinyoung.” you groan when you feel a finger poking your cheek and pinching it. You know it’s him, who else is patient to wake you up? Bambam and Yugyeom have long given up trying to wake you since you refused all their advances, even coaxing you with food. “I don’t want to wake up.”

You heard a few rustling and you exhaled in relief. Perhaps Jinyoung will let you off the hook and let you sleep this once. You don’t have that many morning classes, to be honest. You only have one, and that’s on every Tuesday. Usually you wake up and sign the attendance then go back to sleep since you had online learning for this semester, but since the situation has toned down and the university has reopened, today marks the first day of on-site class. 

“Hey, sleepyhead.” you hear his voice and a few seconds later, you feel your face getting wet and his palm softly applying cold water all over your face. Another dip into the basin and he returns his palm to your face with another round of wiping the cold water all over your face which he carefully presses it on your eyelids. “Wake up. You have class at nine.”

You grumble, turning away from him to continue sleeping but at this moment, you’re almost wide awake after he technically washes your face for you. You can hear Jinyoung chuckling and you’re positive now that he has successfully woken you up. “Urgh. I hate how you wake me up easily.”

“Not my fault that I’m an expert.” he laughs upon seeing you getting out of his bed and into the bathroom. “Hurry up. I’m taking you to breakfast.”

“For what?” you appear again with your toothbrush inside your mouth. 

“To eat, you dummy. Your class ends at eleven and you’d be starving by then.” he picks a book out of your shared bookshelf, flipping it to the page he left before. “Hurry up! I’m giving you ten minutes!”

You stare in disbelief at him and when he sees you’re unmoved, he throws you one of your small pillows to get you moving. “Tik tok, y/n! Move fast!”

“I can’t believe you shove me into the bathroom.” you frown when Jinyoung just laugh at your complaint. He indeed shoved you into the shower after you’ve been standing for too long while brushing your teeth. “We aren’t even late!”

“You’ll thank me later.” Jinyoung grins, walking into the busy cafe. People are getting their first coffee supply of the day and so do you. Jinyoung and you are both coffee people, it just made sense to start the day with a cup of iced Americano.

As usual, Jinyoung will queue up so you can find a seat for both of you while waiting. It’s easy to catch a spot in the cafe during the morning since most people pack to-go breakfast. So you carefully choose a table for two, a bit far from the counter and hidden from the excessive sun exposure but still be able to see people entering the cafe. 

It’s just an unconscious habit of yours, to watch whoever that passes through the door. It’s just amusing to you how most people fall into the same time schedule, about fifty people probably have the same class to attend and twenty seven of them need coffee before class. 

“Here.” a tray of drinks and food appears before you, you make space for Jinyoung to place the drinks out of the tray and put the tray away. It’s so obvious which one of the food is yours and which one is Jinyoung’s. He prefers to have croissants for breakfast while you prefer egg sandwiches since you’ll be fuller and can last until lunch time. “Saw anyone you know?”

You shake your head before taking a big bite of your sandwich, munching them happily. The man before you just laugh at your behaviour, fifteen minutes ago you were wrestling with him to get into the shower and now you’re just behaving like a child, eating her breakfast with joy.

He sees the corner of your lips smudged with the mayo and his heart skips a beat, wondering how can you be so adorable being so messy. He can’t stand someone munching loudly but here he is, watching the corner of your lips moving and the sauce is still there. So he extends his hand, wiping your lips and retracts to lick his thumb back, before going back to eat his own croissant.

You didn’t mind, it’s not actually out of the ordinary. Jinyoung smiles, knowing how comfortable you are with him. Sometimes he wishes you don’t, because right now he just wanted to let you know how badly he’s in love with you. 

But of course he can’t. As best friends, he can’t. His feelings aren’t worth the awkward encounters or the cold treatment you’ll be giving him once you learn that he’s in love with you. 

“Alright so for the assignment partners,” your professor announces, indicating the class is ending in ten minutes. During the quarantine, he has decided that all assignments will be graded individually since the quarantine was expected to run longer. However with the on-site classes coming to life again, he wanted to make the last assignment graded in partners, so that he can actually provide better materials for the lecturers audit session. 

You heard your name being called and you swear your breath hitches when another name follows yours, loud and clear. “Jeong Jaehyun.”

“Oh my god.” your friend next to you gasps, utterly speechless at revelation of your partner. You as well, are shocked and completely blank out. “Oh my god. You got the golden boy.”

“Oh my god.” repeating the phrase over and over again, your friend taps you multiple times and you feel your throat dried. One of the reasons why she’s so excited is because you’ve developed a crush towards the golden boy from the start of the semester and she knows. She, who goes by the name Mina, is your only friend from the same course.  However it was short lived since you only got three classes with him and the quarantine started. Either way, you’ve completely forgotten about your crush until he was brought up again, 

You took Mathematics as an elective just because you thought it was fun and you wanted to try it. Jinyoung couldn’t make it, Psychology students are always packed and you, as the Language student, have too much time to spare.

“Mina. this is insane.” you are having a minor breakdown and Mina isn’t helping, squealing when she sees Jaehyun walking over towards your seat, nudging you not so subtly. “My lord, don’t nudge me like that-”

He stops in front of you and for a second you forget how to breathe, extremely mesmerized by his presence. Here’s why he’s the golden boy.

You knew from a classmate that he comes from the Engineering faculty, taking Mathematics as one of his complementary subjects in order to fulfill his credit hours requirement for this semester. It’s a given that he excels in mathematics as he’s an engineering student but his other achievements make him even more dreamy and absolutely golden. 

Jaehyun is also very popular in sports, he’s one of the baseball club players, the one and only sport club that is making names for your university. It doesn’t need you to attend their matches to know how well he’s been playing. His fame makes up for it. They have been winning almost every match and well, he contributes about two third of the scores. Above all of that, he’s apparently a member of NCT frat, where every single member is magnificently handsome, carved and painted by god himself.

In short, he’s the standard boyfriend you’ll never get.

“Uhm.” okay he has a bit of a flaw — no, not a flaw. Despite how famous he is, he’s apparently an introvert. He gets shy quite easily, more reasons to like him. The tip of his ears will be red if he feels nervous or shy and you don’t know what is cuter than that. “Hey.”

You forgot how to talk just by looking at him. Never would you have thought you’d be able to talk to him, well given the situation and his social status, you have no doubt you’re out of his circle. It’s only when Mina secretly pinches your thigh that you manage to find your voice, clearing your throat to reply to him. “Hi. Sorry, I’ve been so rude. I’m y/n.”

He offers you a smile. Jeong Jaehyun offers you a smile. You can finally die in peace. “I know. I’ve heard a lot of things about you.”

Oh. What is this? How does he know about you? Scratch that, why would he know anything about you?

“Wha- what? Excuse me?”

He chuckles and Mina’s gasp is completely audible to your ears now, you have no idea if Jaehyun catches that. But you know he does, after all his ears won’t lie to him. “I know you. You’re Jinyoung’s girlfriend.”

Even nothing comes out from Mina, you know she’s laughing. Of course, your reputation is affiliated with Jinyoung. There isn’t any person on the campus who doesn’t know about you and Jinyoung. To say you’re Jinyoung’s best friend is absolutely underrated, so they upgraded your status to Jinyoung’s girlfriend. You’re so close to Jinyoung that it made a lot of his fangirls mad. Why? Because just like Jaehyun, Jinyoung is a member of a frat. 

GOT frat specifically.

Things got complicated and you got his fangirls harassing you to the extent of harming you in your own house during your first semester. After much consideration, Jinyoung figured that it is safer for you to stay with him instead. No one will be able to harm you in a frat house, mainly because he is there but also, his members are very protective of you too. 

Hence he got Jaebeom to go to the administration and arranged your residency exchange. You have no idea how Jaebeom managed to convince them since no girls are allowed to reside in an all boys frat. However he powered through and the news spread as fast as they could, making you officially Jinyoung’s girlfriend and off market.

“Lord, not this again.” you mutter quietly but goodness gracious of course he heard it. Jaehyun’s laughter resonates again and this time you decided to just fuck it. “Firstly no, I’m not Jinyoung’s girlfriend. I’m his best friend and I have no idea why people keep saying I’m his girlfriend.”

“Maybe because you act like a couple?” Jaehyun offers his thoughts. Probably it’s true, Jinyoung has a soft spot for you. Maybe because he feels sorry for what you’ve been through, however you don’t mind. You love when Jinyoung is being protective of you. It reminds you of how much he cared for you.

“Yeah. Nevermind that. Do you want to talk about the assignment?” you hate to ruin the moment but you figured he needed to go somewhere and you’re already holding him back. If you want to chit chat, you can do it when you meet for the assignment.

“Oh yes.” he quickly whips out his phone and scans the task given, quickly sliding his phone to your direction. “Okay so I’ve done question no 1 and just need you to look over them in case I did them wrong-”

He- what? He already did the assignment? Screw it, you’re in love with him already.

“So we just need to work on the second question.” he finishes his sentence and looks up to you, flashing his dimples away. Ah right, his deep dimples are exactly the reason why you’ve taken a liking in him. Whenever you have online classes, a strand of his luscious brown hair will naturally parted away from the others, his dimples showing up occasionally when he’s solving questions. Out of every single window on the screen, you’ve been intently watching his window, mesmerized by his good looking face. “I guess we can set the time and place for us to work on this?”

You unconsciously nod, before quickly snapping out of your thoughts. “Yeah, I’m actually fine anywhere. I’ll check my schedules and we can try to set any time for it?”

Jaehyun hums, hesitated before asking, “Will you be comfortable if we do it at my place?”

Another quiet squeal makes you roll your eyes, at this point Mina isn’t trying to be subtle anymore. Jaehyun has been laughing whenever she lets out any kind of noises, which embarrass you even more. “Wait- you mean NCT frat!?”

You can’t believe she just asked that. 

“Wow, y/n. Spare me some of your luck, please.” she tugs on your arms to which you shrug her off easily.

“Shut up.” you tell her before catching Jaehyun’s attention again. “I’m okay with NCT frat. I’ll text you before I come over?”

“Yeah,” he replies distractedly when his phone shows an incoming voice call, seeming important since he freaks out, whipping his head to the door. “Sorry, the boys are having some meeting and I need to go now.”

He hands you his phone, his dial pad showing up. “Put your number in. I’ll text you.”

If someone ever tells you that Jeong Jaehyun will offer his phone to get your number, even for an assignment, you’d definitely assume that they’re insane and tell them to stop giving you false hope. But now you’re filling your phone number in Jeong Jaehyun’s phone and it feels more like a dream than a reality.

Only when he’s out of the lecture hall that you’re able to breathe, accompanied by Mina’s never ending teasing. Lord, why are you being extra kind today?

Unknown Hey it’s Jaehyun :)

You almost drop your phone before making unrealistic noises, your heart jumping in joy. You don’t wish to disturb Jinyoung who’s studying at his table but this calls for celebration. 

“Oh my god!” you decided to let it loose and quickly dance in the middle of your room out of giddiness. Jeong Jaehyun has officially texted you and he’s waiting for you to reply. “Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh!!”

Jinyoung stares at your dancing figure with an eyebrow raised, his pen in between his teeth. To say that your sudden dance abnormal is an understatement, he’s been watching you do even crazier and dumber things in the middle of the night during examination weeks but that’s out of stress. So he lets you cool down – not really since you’re still grinning while holding your phone. Definitely, something is wrong.

“Wait how do I reply-” you fumble with your keyboard, thinking of a proper sentence. It’s been three minutes since his text and it’s the perfect time to reply back. You have to act like you didn’t wait for him to reply.

Y/n Hi! Yeap, y/n here.

What do you say more? Did the meeting go well?

You contemplate writing another sentence when his reply comes in, startling you in the process.

Unknown Have you checked your schedule? What day are you free?

Y/n I did and I am free on monday and wednesday afternoon, then friday evening. Hbu?

Unknown Oh crap. I’m only free on wednesday evening 

Golden boy curses too? Oohh, hot.

Y/n Uh… I don’t mind doing it on the weekend? If you don’t have practise or anything.

Unknown Unfortunately [Sticker] I have baseball practice in the morning. But

Y/n But what

Unknown Can we make it at night? We can do the assignment in the next two weeks.  I have an upcoming submission and I’m fully booked this weekend. I’m sorry I promise you I’ll provide you snacks.

Y/n What am I? Five years old? [Sticker] I don’t mind. The due date is still far away.

Unknown Oh so you don’t want snacks?

Y/n Shut up. Give me McDonalds.

Unknown Deal. A princess will get what princess wants.

Your heart skips a beat. He calls you princess? From the first text? This sounds like a frat boy attitude. For a moment you laugh at yourself, of course he is. He’s technically a frat boy.

“Okay you’re creeping me out.” Jinyoung finally stands up from his study table and proceeds to sit on his bed. Your study table is next to his bed while his study table is at the foot of his bed. “You’ve been smiling creepily while texting. Who’re you texting with?”

You quickly reply to Jaehyun with a sticker and lock your phone, facing Jinyoung who’s still confused about what’s going on. You can’t handle this alone and you need to tell Jinyoung. If anything, Jinyoung is the first person that shall know.

“You know Jeong Jaehyun?”

He gives you an incredulous look, of course, who doesn’t know Jeong Jaehyun? One must be blind and deaf if they don’t know the golden boy. “Really? You’re asking me this now?”

You dismiss him immediately, moving to sit next to him on his bed. “He texted me.”

“He texted you?”

“Yes!” you almost screamed at him but hold back and throw yourself on his pillow, kicking the air. “We got partnered for an assignment and he texted me!”

Jinyoung is absolutely clueless because he stares at you again, confused. “So? Why are you so happy about it?”

“Oh god Jinyoung! You don’t understand!”

“Then tell me! And for god sake stop kicking already!”

You sit back up and watch Jinyoung carefully, before explaining, “Jinyoung. A handsome boy, from NCT frat texted me. And he’s not just any NCT member, he’s the golden boy. The standard boyfriend-you’ll-never-have. The Jeong Jaehyun.”

“And he texted me. And he calls me princess!” You watch Jinyoung’s face contorted with disgust and you push him away roughly. He would never understand. He’s not having a crush on Jaehyun.

“So what? I can call you princess too. What’s so special?” Jinyoung has now moved higher on the bed and his hands are crossed. This is why you need a girl best friend. When you have a boy best friend they are so dumb and they can’t understand this joy.

“Oh god. Because he’s so dreamy and I got a crush on him!” you lunge towards Jinyoung and shake him, forcing the information to sink inside his brain. “My crush just called me princess, can you believe it!!???”

“You have a crush on Jaehyun?”

“Urgh. You’re so slow.” you get up and reach for the door, yanking it open. “I’m going to Jackson. He’ll be more enthusiastic to listen to my story than you.”

You close the door and leave Jinyoung alone, stoned and unmoved on his bed.

You didn’t realise it but the previous sentence left Jinyoung speechless, sending him into a shock.

You like Jeong Jaehyun? Oh shit. Jinyoung is in a deep deep shit.

“Hi.” the door opens, revealing Johnny who looks like he’s been expecting you for a while. 

“Oh! Y/n!” he screams, well not screaming but definitely a higher octave than usual conversation tone. “Come in! Jaehyun told us that you’re coming over.”

Like you have agreed, Jaehyun invites you to come over two weeks after You enter the house, a fresh smell greeting you softly. The layout of the frat is just like yours, except that it is bigger, well to accommodate 21 people in one house. There’s only a few minor differences from your house, like how the kitchen and the living room looks extremely bigger.

You spot someone at the kitchen and you nod timidly, showing your respect in someone’s house. Lord, you feel overwhelmed.

“Who’s at the door- oh!” a high pitched tone yell from the fridge and you see Lucas hugging a jar of milk, probably taking it out. “Jaehyun hyung! Your pretty partner is here!”

You blush at the nickname, quickly trail behind Johnny who offers to send you to Jaehyun’s room. You agree, you can’t possibly manage to find his room by yourself. Actually, you take your words back. This house has a different layout than GOT’s frat, definitely you won’t trust yourself around here. One mistake and you’d probably end up in a room with at least three naked men.

“I have no idea why you’d yell, Lucas.” Johnny comments, ascending the stairs. “Jaehyun can’t even hear you.”

“I know. I just want to call her pretty.”

“Oh god.” your face reddens when Lucas continues to tease you that by the time you reach Jaehyun’s room, you’re as bright as a tomato.

“Heyyy you’re here- wow what happened? Why are you so red?” as soon as he opens his door, Jaehyun bends over to see your reddening face, scanning for any suspicious injury. Johnny however, starts laughing and he’s lucky you just met him today or else you’d already jab him with your fist. “Come one, Johnny. Who did this to her?”

“Lucas that kid. He’s teasing her all the way up the stairs.”

“Oh.” Jaehyun laughs as well, beckoning you to enter his room. “Shut that one up for me.”

“Aite, golden boy.”

You manage to tone down your redness after fanning it while watching Jaehyun’s minimally decorated room, all in black and white, three beds lining up next to each other, the study table at one corner and their closet at the other end. It’s a big room and with three people living in it, it still has spaces to work on the floor.

“Sorry if you find it messy.” Jaehyun rubs the back of his head sheepishly when you seated yourself on the floor, in front of the folding table that he has prepared. “I forced Jungwoo and Jeno to clean the room since you’re coming over.”

“So if you find anything suspicious, just ignore them okay?” you chuckle at his choice of words, as if you’d probably find something. The whole room looks clean, or so how it looks. You doubt you can find anything.

“I’m serious. I always find questionable things and you don’t want to know what they are.”

“Oh.” now that is something you didn’t think of. You know how they always hold parties and a lot of people come over, but you definitely didn’t think of that. “Okay now I’m afraid to move.”

Jaehyun lets out a hearty laugh, seating himself next to you comfortably. “Don’t worry. Nothing can harm you here.”

“Knock knock!” instead of knocking, Haechan chooses to enunciate the sound and in a split second he opens the door, posing at the door frame. “The delivery man is here and I’m not rich to pay for it.”

Jaehyun sighs as he pulls out his wallet, throwing it to Haechan. “Swipe it.”

You turn to Jaehyun, halting in your calculation. “Did you really order McDonalds?”

“I promised you.” he says softly, looking back at his own paper. “What my princess wants is what my princess gets.”

You swear the air suddenly gets hotter and Jaehyun turns super flirty since his first text. You kept texting back and forth, the awkward texts have long forgotten, now it’s always him asking you about your day and sending memes he found on the internet. 

“Are we flirting now?”

“Depends on how you define flirt.” he smiles and that damn dimples show up again, impossible making you even more giddy. “I’d say, I’m being me.”

“This is how you are?” you look at him up and down, giving him a disapproving look. “Do you flirt with every girl you meet?”

Jaehyun comes closer to you, looking at you straight in the eye. “I’ll have you know one thing.”

“I never bring any girl into the frat. Not even hookups.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t do hookups.”

“But I’m just an assignment partner.”

“Definitely not for me.”

You later learnt that Jaehyun has ordered every single meal on the menu because he doesn’t know what you like. You almost got tricked when you came downstairs and saw the food untouched when all the boys were practically circling the dining table but no one touched anything. It’s only after you picked your burger, fries and drink together with Jaehyun’s food that Haechan sprinted towards the table and started the food war with others.

“You just have to ask me, you know.” you tell him while he walks you home, smiling sheepishly while getting scolded. “You wasted a lot on the meals.”

“It’s not wasting.” he defends himself. “I let everyone eat the remaining. It’s not wasting.”

“Yeah, that’s one thing.”

The walk home is silent, a comforting silent. His house and yours is just a few houses apart but he still insists on sending you home. It feels so short because just in five minutes, you fall in step in front of your house. Tonight, you experience something new. You experience another set of happiness, surrounded by Jaehyun and his friends.

It’s different from being with Jinyoung and the boys, it just feels like it. With GOT frat, you feel like home while with NCT frat, you feel exhilarated.

“Hey.” you hear Jaehyun calls, making you turn to him. “I want to let you know that I enjoy talking to you.”

Your features soften, of course, you like talking to him too. “Same here, Jaehyun.”

He grins, walking backwards. “Talk to you later!”

“Good night pretty girl!” you shush him when he shouts a bit too loud. He laughs, running to his house while screaming the same sentence, absolutely madness. You love talking to him, perhaps a bit more than he does.

“Jinyoung.” he calls, trying to shake the said male into reality. However he gives no response, staring into space making Jaebeom sigh in frustration. “Stop making that face. It’s obvious enough that you’re jealous.”

“What face?” Jinyoung glares, putting his Americano cup down and exhales shakily. He knows what kind of face Jaebeom was referring to. His annoyed face. “I am not jealous.”

“Oh really? Geez, I would never know,” Jaebeom rolls his eyes sarcastically. If looks can slice, Jaehyun must have been slaughtered by the Jinyoung’s total concentration water breathing form and poof! He’d be a verified demon slayer. 

“Shut up.” It’s been an hour and you are still there, sitting at the table by the window, talking to Jaehyun. He has been eyeing you since you entered the cafe and was about to call for you but realised that a certain male has followed you after, seating both of you further from people. He’s not mad, no. He’s a tad bit sad. He doesn’t like this unsettling feeling and it hurts even more when he sees Jaehyun’s concentrated eyes gazing on you.

He knows that gaze. That’s just how he looks at you.

Ever since you first told him that Jaehyun texted you, something has changed. You start spending less and less time with him and more time with Jaehyun. You start waking early and rush downstairs, just to go on a morning walk with Jaehyun. At night when it’s supposed to be your time with Jinyoung, you’d spend it talking to Jaehyun, if not texting all night.

You haven’t realised it but Jinyoung is extremely jealous. 

He never had you that enthusiastic with him. You’re always you, nothing special you’d change just for Jinyoung. And the thought of it makes him sad, sad that he’s actually just a friend. 

“I think you should tell her, you know.” Jaebeom starts. Ever since you revealed that you had a crush on Jaehyun, Jinyoung has been constantly broken. It’s like you pressed a switch inside his brain and he malfunctioned himself. It’s rare to see Jinyoung acting out of character but this is what love does to people. It made you go insane. “What’s the point of torturing yourself watching the woman you love talking to another handsome man with heart shooting out of her eyes?”

“So you agree he’s handsome?”

“Jinyoung.” Jaebeom shakes his head exaggeratedly. “It’s Jeong Jaehyun we’re talking about. We all know that NCT house has some magic shit going around because every single member from that frat is drop dead hot and handsome. Now don’t avoid this. Tell her before it’s too late.”

Jinyoung has officially gone blank. He wanted to tell her, he really does. Jinyoung can’t count those nights where he has drawn a perfect plan in his mind, watching you sleep while mouthing unsaid words to you. He really wanted to tell you that he loves you. He had been in love with you for so long, he has forgotten when exactly he harboured his feelings for you. All he knows, one day he woke up and he felt his heart threatened to burst at the sight of you. 

However every single plan has its flaws and Jinyoung’s plan involves throwing your friendship into the mix. If only he’s not afraid to risk your friendship, he would have tried his damn luck. He would have confessed and he wouldn’t give any damn whether you’d be awkward or not. Things will be easier if he has no attachment. Yet, this attachment is the thinnest line he wouldn’t dare to cross.

“I can’t, Beom-ah.” he sounds helpless, the most helpless Jaebeom ever heard and they are childhood friends. He knew Jinyoung since they were eleven and nothing, nothing  ever broke Jinyoung this bad. Jinyoung is never a quitter but this time, Jaebeom sees him quitting. “I can’t risk our friendship, Jaebeom. I can’t. I can handle her fawning over someone else but I can’t afford being apart from her.”

Jinyoung is never helpless but somehow, he’s helpless when it comes to you.

“So you’re going to let her date Jaehyun?” Jaebeom, though his heart wrenches seeing Jinyoung so broken, he’s not going to let Jinyoung give up. “Because I’m telling you, Jinyoung. Jaehyun isn’t playing. We know how someone looks when they’re in love. I’ve seen it on you and believe me or not, I saw it on Jaehyun.”

Jinyoung has never been unconfident. He’s always that one student who is constantly positive that it will turn out well in the end. He believes that even if it’s bad now, it will be better soon. Beat him but now, he sees nothing like that. He can’t bring himself to think that if he confesses to you it will turn out good. That even if something happens, even if you distance yourself from him, you will be okay in the end.

Because it won’t.

“Tell her before it’s too late please.” half pleading, Jaebeom just can’t see his friend being this lost. “Tell her even if it risks your relationship.”

“What if I lose her?” he can’t answer that, of course Jaebeom can’t. It’s not his place to make an escape plan, it certainly is not his place to come up with your answer. But there’s one thing he is sure of.

“Then she certainly doesn’t deserve you.” 

“I need to talk to you.” Jinyoung starts, watching you focusing on your screen. Like always, you are grinning, probably laughing at some TikTok videos that Jaehyun sent you. 

“One second, Jinyoung.” you quickly type a reply and lock the phone, setting it face down. Another thing that has changed ever since you started talking to Jaehyun. Before, you had nothing to hide but now? Jinyoung doesn’t know you anymore.

You’re now totally focused on him, your eyes staring straight into his eyes but it’s different. It doesn’t feel the same. It feels like you’re someone else. You’re not his girl anymore. 

“Jinyoung?”

“Hm?” it’s bothering him how foreign his name comes out from you. It’s been a month and if he counts, you probably utter his name only twice a day. “Oh yes. The talk.”

You are sitting cross legged on your chair, waiting patiently for Jinyoung to start. You realised it too, that you’ve been spending less time with Jinyoung. You do feel sorry for him and you have an inkling that he wanted to talk to you about it. Jinyoung rarely needs to have a talk with you unless he feels bothered, and now you can see how bothered he is.

Taking a look at him, you suddenly feel your heart wrenches. How long have you stopped giving attention to Jinyoung? He has this frown on his face now, sometime you never see before. His hair is a bit longer and his hair colour is a lighter shade of brown. 

Who dyed his hair for him? After all, it must have not been you, since you’re busy hanging out with Jaehyun. But usually, you dyed his hair for him, saying you’re the only one who knows how to dye hair properly. Now that you look back, this concern is probably bigger than you expected.

You’ve abandoned your best friend and you knew about it but you did nothing.

“Uhm.” Jinyoung clears his throat, snapping you out of your trance. “I don’t think it’s like- like a big concern.”

“And you know I don’t like complaining either.” he stops, gulping nervously as he continues, “I just feel like we’re too far away.”

“I came home and we’re roommates but I can’t feel you here.”

“You’re so near yet so far.”

You know it will hurt. You know Jinyoung’s choice of words are already the softest he would have chosen, yet it stings. It reminds you of how ungrateful you are, leaving him for someone you have a crush on. He is telling you how he is sad, sad that he gets nothing like before. Your attention is now unavailable for him. It hurts him and now he’s projecting them in words.

Now it hurts you.

“I’m sorry if you feel like I’m demanding. But I just don’t know you anymore. I don’t know how you are, or what you ate for lunch. We’re drifting apart and it hurts me.” he continues as you stay silent, feeling the guilt eating you alive. “I know you have someone new…..yet is it so easy to leave me behind?”

Jinyoung is officially breaking apart. He feels like he’s childish, pouring his heart out but this is about him. This is him demanding you to be fair. He can’t stop you from liking Jaehyun, he can’t force you to love him back. He just wanted to remind you that he’s there. He’s there and please do something. 

“Jinyoung.” your voice cracks, slowly the tears fall on your cheek. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m so sorry I made you feel this way. I was too blinded by the newfound happiness and I forgot you. I forgot you who have constantly made me happy.”

“I’m so sorry.” you cried harder, reaching Jinyoung and hugging him. “I’m so sorry I made you feel this way.”

You feel his body shakes and you know he’s holding back from crying. You hated yourself for making Jinyoung cry. 

Jinyoung isn’t weak, no he isn’t. He’s been too strong that it breaks his limit. He wanted to let go. He wanted to let go for once and he’ll be fine. If nothing goes right after tonight, he’s done tolerating. 

A few quiet sobs and some awful jokes later, both of you are lying on Jinyoung’s bed, holding each other close. 

“Jinyoung.”

“Hm?”

“Can I sleep with you here tonight?” you ask Jinyoung, rubbing his arm. It’s been too long since you sleep in his bed and now you feel nostalgic. You’re overreacting but really, it feels too long. 

“I thought you’re going to talk to Jaehyun?” he teases, earning himself a slap on his chest. “Ow! What was that for?”

You laugh, settling yourself comfortably in his embrace. “Say Jinyoung.”

“Hm, what?”

“Do you approve Jaehyun?”

He looks down to you, questioning eyes boring into yours. You know it’s too soon, you know perhaps it’s not the best time to bring it up. But you just want to know his answer.

“For what?”

“To be my boyfriend.”

Jinyoung wakes up feeling empty, his eyes stare blankly at the ceiling. You’re still sleeping in his arm yet he has this unsettling feeling inside him. Recalling your last question before you sleep, he inhales a deep breath.

Will you be happy? Will his approval make you happy?

Jaehyun is a nice guy, Jinyoung knows that. Looks aside, he has full potential to be the best boyfriend for you. Jaehyun is caring and also when he loves, he’ll love you to the fullest. It’s not a problem to approve Jaehyun, he won’t hesitate if that’s the only case.

However it’s not.

Will Jinyoung be happy with his decision? It feels like the burden has increased tremendously, from jealousy to pain in just one night. It seems like the one month is just a trial for Jinyoung, now he needs to be prepared to lose you for good.

With his fingers raking your locks, he watches you sleep soundly. This is probably the last time he watches you sleeping in his embrace. This is probably the last time he’ll see you wake up in his arms.

Lord, can you help me stop the time?

“Nope.” 

“Jaebeom-”

“Nope. I won’t let you be as stupid as you are.”

Jinyoung lifts his eyebrows, offended by Jaebeom’s statement. He’s just offering a suggestion yet Jaebeom calls him dumb? “Hey! What do you mean as stupid as I am?”

“Jinyoung.” Jaebeom sighs exaggeratedly, holding Jinyoung’s shoulder in place. “When I told you tell her, I mean tell her your feelings your dumb ass. Not just telling her how you feel when she forgot about you!”

“I’m not a dumb ass.”

“Well you look like that to me now.” It’s another evening where you went over to Jaehyun place to finish the assignment and Jaebeom has no other way than to confront Jinyoung about how weird both of you have been.

Yes, both of you have been weird. Specifically, Jinyoung.

The morning you woke up in his embrace, you didn’t notice something was off. Probably because you forgot how it felt waking up with Jinyoung but definitely, Jinyoung was different. As if he had a switch in him, he started avoiding you, keeping your conversation minimal.

You thought it’s just you but one day Jackson asked you why you were both eating separately, one person at the other end of the table, then you realised that Jinyoung had avoided you. Yes, he made it subtle and you never noticed it until someone pointed it out.

Jinyoung still let you sleep with him and still woke you up like any other morning. He just doesn’t talk as much as he did before. And you brush it off, thinking it as another awkward change that you brought upon your friendship.

“You’re not a dumb ass?” Jaebeom asks. “Y/n has been at Jaehyun’s for hours and you’re still here, like a wife waiting for her cheater husband? Oh you’re just unable to think rationally.”

“Shut up. She’s not a cheater.”

Jaebeom had enough of these awkward encounters. It seems like none of you figured this thing out and he needs his lively frat back again. “Then I suggest you do something about y/n. It’s almost eleven and she’s not home yet.”

“Like what?” Jinyoung is now irritated. He doesn’t have any control over what you’re doing and even if he wants to, he can’t. “I’m not her boyfriend.”

“And Jaehyun is not her boyfriend either. So go get her.”

“What?”

“You heard me. As the house leader, I’m ordering you to get her ass from that NCT frat and bring her home.”

“She can come home by herself. Jaehyun will walk her home.”

“Park Jinyoung.” Jaebeom grits his teeth, pulling the said man towards the door and without hesitation, throws him out of the house. “Don’t let me put up ‘No Jaehyun is allowed’ in front of the door. Go fetch her home by 12. I mean it, Park.”

Then Jaebeom slams the door shut, locking it from inside. Though Jinyoung clearly has the key, he knows Jaebeom probably locked the door using the other lock instead. So he stood outside, leaning against the wall.

What is he going to do? Knock on NCT frat and ask for you? No shit he’s not going to look like a desperate man. 

But indeed, Jaebeom is right. Jaehyun is not your boyfriend either and he has a valid reason to be worried and to go get you at his house which is only five minutes away. Yeap, valid.

“I must have gone crazy.” Jinyoung mutters as he exits the compound and starts walking on the sidewalk in a painfully slow pace. “I must’ve looked crazy too.”

Five minutes turns fifteen, courtesy of Jinyoung walking around the neighbourhood and standing like a stool against the lamp post, contemplating whether he’s going to knock on the door or not.

“Well.” he sighs, walking up the NCT house and stands nervously in front of their door. “Aite, fuck this.” he knocks, slow at first but gradually the third knock is loud, followed by fourth and fifth. He did it on purpose, he knows how boys can be. Yugyeom and Bambam can be so focused while watching Netflix that they can’t even hear any other noises.

Jinyoung fiddles with his hoodie sleeves, his heart beating nervously as he waits for someone to get the door.

“Who is- oh, Jinyoung!” Thank god, Taeyong shows up, not Lucas or Jaemin or else Jinyoung would have a hard time being less suspicious. “Why are you here?”

Now that’s another hard question? Does he simply say ‘well my roommate is here and it’s already 11.20 and why the fuck is she still here’? Or does he say ‘i’m jealous so i’m picking up my girl’? Nope. Nope.

“Uh. Is y/n here?” He hopes he doesn’t sound like a desperate man asking for his crush’s whereabouts because he feels like he’s one. “It’s- it’s 11.20 and uh Jaebeom is kinda mad? She’s not yet back.”

Taeyong takes like- 30 seconds to let the information sink in, before frantically shouting for Jaehyun. “Jaehyun! Tell y/n that Jinyoung is here to bring her home!”

An awkward silence follows him, well of course it’s awkward. All pairs of eyes are watching him from all directions, curious of why he’s here to bring her home? You have been patronising this house for like, two months now and suddenly he’s here to remind her of her curfew?

He hears you come down the stairs, shock paints your face as you see him at the door. Firstly, well since Jinyoung avoided you, you don’t know why he suddenly came to take you home. Secondly, since when do you need someone to take you home?

“Jinyoung.” you reach the door, Jaehyun trailing behind you equally as confused. “Why are you here?”

The amount of ‘why are you here’ irks him that by the time you ask him the same question, he feels like his blood is boiling. Why is it so hard to believe that he’s here to take you home? Don’t you realise what time is it already? Why are you still at Jaehyun’s? These voices inside his head are shouting at the same time and he just- can’t stop himself anymore.

“Why? I can’t come here now?” his question, as soft as he wanted to sound, didn’t come out well. It sounds plainly rude, like he’s picking a fight with you. “Do you know what time it is?”

“Not that. I’m just confused.”

“Jaebeom told me to come and get you.”

“But I can go home by myself.” you point at Jaehyun behind you, who stays silent between your conversation. “Jaehyun can walk me home.”

At this point, Jinyoung feels anger bubbling up inside him and if everyone squints really really hard, one can see that his jugular vein almost pops. All this ‘Jaehyun this and Jaehyun that’ is starting to get to him and honestly? He’s tired of listening to it.

“Can we just go home?” as much as he wants to scream at everyone, he doesn’t want to make a mess at someone’s frat. He knows how Jaebeom works hard to maintain a good relationship with other frats and how hard it is to clean after messes. “I don’t think we should be having this conversation here.”

You silently agree, bidding the boys goodbye and step out of the house. Jaehyun’s eyes follow you worriedly, as if he knows that you’d probably end up fighting with Jinyoung.

In your eyes, Jinyoung is irritated by the fact that you asked too many questions but in Jaehyun’s eyes, he recognises those emotions as anger and jealousy. He’s been asking you about your true relationship with Jinyoung, knowing that it’s impossible for one to be that close without any feeling involved. Tonight, he found out why. 

Jinyoung is in love with you.

“Taeyong.” he whispers while watching both of you getting further away from his house. “Fuck, Taeyong.”

“What?”

“I messed up.”

“What??” how come Jaehyun didn’t realise it from the start? Of course, when he first got close to you, he thought that you and Jinyoung are just best friends and given he never really gets to talk to Jinyoung, well he just didn’t think of that.

“Taeyong.” his frantic eyes find Taeyong, who is as clueless as ever. “Jinyoung loves y/n.”

The leader’s vision switches to the couple on the street, looking at them with wide eyes. “Oh fuck.”

“I don’t understand him!” you throw your hands, ruffling your hair. It’s been four days and Jinyoung avoided you like a plague, refusing to talk to you even if you cornered him every time you got him. “He’s like, really confusing.”

Jaehyun bites the apple, listening to your story intently. You have told him through texts but here you are again, ranting about how Jinyoung is the most useless communicator and it’s impossible to take the words out of him if he decided to give you cold treatment.

“So you said he’s been weird after you asked him if he approves me to be your boyfriend?” he asks again, making sure he had his point right. Just like four days ago, Jaehyun has concluded that Jinyoung indeed, has been in love with you for so long but you’re just dense to realise it. It’s been proven true, you have the audacity to ask Jinyoung about it and not feel guilty at all.

“Yeah.” you sit on the foot of Jaehyun’s bed, settling yourself comfortably. You hang out more at Jaehyun since Jinyoung looks like he’s about to become mute whenever he sees you in the house. You figured you could give him some space. “I’m so confused right now.”

Jaehyun nudges you with his foot, making you look right up to him. Jaehyun has been too comfortable with you, becoming close just after two months. He’s at that stage where he just calls you with his feet now. 

“You wanna know what I think?”

“What?”

“I think that Jinyoung is in love with you.”

“What the-” Shock is not enough to portray your feelings right now. It’s a mixture of shock, disbelief and suspicions. You don’t know if Jaehyun is playing around because right at this moment, his face shows no hint of joking. “Jaehyun! It’s not funny!”

Jaehyun rolls his eyes, annoyed with your ignorance. You’re the most clueless person he ever knows, and he knows Mark Lee! “Girl, listen to me.”

“What did Jinyoung say when you said I texted you?”

“He said, ‘so?’”

“And what did he say when you said you like me?”

“Is this another session to feed your ego?” you don’t trust Jaehyun, he has a lot up in his sleeves and you just knew him for two months. “I fed your ego too much, don’t you think so?”

“Shut up and answer me. What did he say?”

You roll your eyes. “He said nothing. Why are we doing this?”

“What did he reply when you ask about me being your boyfriend?”

“He didn’t reply. God, I don’t know where you are going with this conversation.”

Jaehyun takes another bite of his apple, munching while talking at the same time. “You see, he didn’t reply when you told him you like me. That’s fine, maybe he didn’t care. But when you ask him about me being your boyfriend, why didn’t he answer right away?”

“Well-”

“Because he doesn’t want to! Come on, Jinyoung can’t possibly tell you no right? You’d be too nosy and asked why.”

“Hey!”

“So what I think is, he likes you.” Jaehyun concludes, snapping his fingers in triumph. “Now the real question is, do you like him back?”

You shut up, eyes running away from Jaehyun’s. You don’t know, well you have no idea. You never thought about liking Jinyoung because you don’t want to risk your friendship. It might have crossed your mind a few times but you ignored the curiosity, you figured it’s the best to stay being friends.

Not that you don’t want to invest your feelings in Jinyoung, you’re just too afraid that it will backfire you. You don’t like rejection and you certainly don’t want to become awkward afterward.

“I don’t know.” you answer truthfully because really, you don’t know.

“Then find it out.”

You close the door to your room, putting down your bag on the floor and sit down on your bed. Jinyoung is at his study table, unmoved.

“How long are you going to give me cold shoulders, Jinyoung?” you ask, your feet kicking the air. You know he’s listening, even if he has his earphones in. That’s just Jinyoung style, to wear earphones so that no one bothers him, especially Jackson. Whenever Jackson comes over, he’d retreat when he sees Jinyoung stuffing them in his ears. “I know you can hear me, Jinyoung.”

“Let’s not fight anymore.” you look down, suddenly you feel sad. You feel like you’re losing Jinyoung. Is this what Jinyoung feels before? So near yet so far?

“It’s been hard without you, Jinyoung.” 

“The mornings are extremely cold without your laugh and the lunch is plain without you cracking up lame jokes. Dinner is boring because you avoided me and night…the nights are even colder without your hugs.”

“I know you’d say, ‘so what? You have Jaehyun so go and ask him to eat with you, crack up lame jokes and give you hugs.’ but I don’t want Jaehyun. I want you.”

Jinyoung has stopped writing, listening to you intently. You noticed this, which is why you continue, “Jaehyun told me that he thinks you like me.”

You didn’t realise it but Jinyoung stiffens at the mention of his crush on you, catching him off guard. He knows that someone will eventually tell you about this but he definitely didn’t think of Jaehyun of all people.

“I don’t know if it’s true. Jaehyun isn’t exactly the best fortune teller so I definitely can’t gamble with his words.”

“I just want you to know that you’re extremely important in my life. I never thought of putting you second just because I found someone new. In fact, I decided that I’ll stay as friends with Jaehyun, I don’t find him that attractive anymore.”

You stand up and walk over to his side, sitting on his bed just beside him, forcing him to face you. “So if that’s the case, can you please stop being jealous now? I don’t have anything to do with Jaehyun. We are not dating and can I please have my Jinyoung back?”

Jinyoung is frowning, his eyes scan you from the top to the bottom. “You don’t find him attractive anymore? Really?”

“Well-” you grin, crinkling your nose up playfully. “He’s still handsome. I can’t deny that.”

You feel more at ease, now that you’ve told Jinyoung what you’ve been wanting to tell him. It feels lighter, your brain and your heart. You hated the days where Jinyoung ignored you and you’re left imagining what you would do without him in your life. The thought alone scares you, the fact that you’ve been so comfortable with Jinyoung beside you and you never thought he’ll leave you for someone else someday.

“So you still like him.” Jinyoung confirms and turns around to his note again, picking up his pen. 

You scream, pulling him away from his work and tugs him nearer, trying to have all his attention on you. Jinyoung struggles to escape from your grips but fails miserably, laughing along the way. You join him, laughing together as you bring him nearer.

“Let me go, oh god. Since when you’re so strong?” he wrestles his way out of your grip again, hoisting you up and throws you on the bed easily. “Did you practise lifting Jaehyun’s dumbbells?”

“Yeah, I went there to exercise.” you reply deadpanned and laugh when Jinyoung tickles you as a revenge.

“Hey.” you call out, trying to get his attention again. Jinyoung’s arms have you caged, he’s on top of you while you lie comfortably on his bed. “Is it true?”

“What is?” Jinyoung’s eyes rake you face up and down, like how his thoughts are running wild inside his brain. He doesn’t know what to do, does he confess now? Does he confirm that it’s true? Does it mean you’ll be his? Can he do that? Can he kiss you?

“Is it true that you like me?” just as Jinyoung, you’re nervous. You’re conflicted. What if he doesn’t actually like you? What is Jaehyun really bad at guessing? You’re not surprised, nothing surprises you about Jaehyun anymore.

“What if it’s true?” 

“I’d be so happy.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve been thinking for a while and I don’t think i can ever end up with someone else other than you.”

“Oh yeah?” Jinyoung’s heart stops at your confession, then beats harder as he feels his adrenaline pumping his blood faster. “Can I kiss you now?”

You shake your head, watching Jinyoung’s eyes grow and a cute frown appears on his face. You wanted to laugh but you held back, looking straight into his eyes.

“Why not?”

“You haven’t said you like me.”

“Oh my god.” he curses, turning away from you when he feels his face grows hotter. “Fuck- fine. I like you. Are you satisfied?”

You laugh, nodding furiously. Jinyoung doesn’t waste any more seconds, diving right then to press his plump lips to yours, taking the perfect shape of your lips in his. 

Finally. His mind says, Fucking finally.

“God. finally.” he mutters to himself, somewhat trying to convince himself that indeed, he’s kissing you. “Oh god.”

“Do you know how long I have been dying to kiss you?” he reaches down to press another kiss on your temple, another on your cheeks, nose and your chin, then pressing the last one on your lips once again.

You chuckle under him, pressing your palms on his chest to hold him. “How long?”

“Too long, I’ve forgotten already.” his reply earns another laugh from you. 

Jinyoung moves to lie beside you, watching you play with the string of his hoodie. It’s funny how time works. About fifteen minutes ago you’re sitting on your bed, trying to fix things up and now you’re lying beside him after he kissed you breathless.

“I thought you’re dating Jaehyun.” he did. He really thought that after what happened, you’d hate him. “I hated myself for screaming at you.”

A strand of his hair falls on his forehead and you reach to swipe it away, pushing his locks behind. “Yeah, you’re quite rude.”

“Very rude.”

“I thought our friendship is ending.” you confess, eyes on his chest instead of his face. “I thought it’s the end of us. That you got fed up with me.”

“Then it turns out that you’re just a jealous boy.”

Jinyoung pushes your chin up, making you face him. “Just a jealous boy? You didn’t know how jealous I am when everything is about Jaehyun! Have you ever heard I talk about other girls? No right? See who’s rude now?”

Another laugh escapes you and you caress his face, calming him down. “I didn’t know, okay. I thought you were fine with it.”

“Yeah right.”

“But we’re here now, right? You don’t have to be jealous anymore.”

“Really?” Jinyoung’s finger finds your lock, playing with the strand. “Do you like me too?”

You really want to make him suffer a bit. Just a bit since he’s being a pain in the ass for ignoring you for one week straight. 

“Hmm, I need to think about that again.” you grin, sending Jinyoung into a series of screams.

“What the- out!” he pushes you off his bed with you hanging onto him while your laugh fills the room. “Get out of my bed!”

“Oh my god. I can’t believe you! Did you just play me?”

“Is my feeling that easy?”

“Get out of my bed!”

“Jinyoung!”

“Out!”

You don’t know about your feelings, just yet. But there’s one thing for sure. You love Jinyoung’s kisses. You can deal with that. But his petty ass? That calls for a serious mental discussion.

Copyright © 2020 jjpmoans. All rights reserved

[ Writings ]

[spellsthename]

~Spring Quarantine Study Challenge~

Well... I don’t know about you guys, but I’m still doing university from my childhood bedroom.  So to keep myself and you guys accountable I have created another challenge!  This challenge is going to be 110 days long!  Feel free to do prompts you like, all of them, some of them, or just follow the tag for the adventure!  I can’t wait to read what you have all posted!

Alright, now that I have everybody up to date on how this is going to pan out let’s get to the nitty gritty of what exactly we are going to be doing! There is going to be new prompts each weekday and similar reflective posts on Saturday and Sunday!

Tags for this challenge are going to be #SpringQuarantineStudyChallenge #SQSC #heyspell-studies and anything you’d like to add!  Feel free to @spell-studies and tag me with #heyspell-studies

~I’m going to do a read more so I don’t overwhelm your scrolling lol~

1. Mon. Jan. 25: Welcome back to another challenge! What are your goals?

2. Tue. Jan 26: What classes are you taking this semester?

3. Wed. Jan 27: what are you most excited for this semester/challenge?

4. Thur. Jan 28: Wanna post a work space pic?

5. Fri. Jan 29: TGIF what’s today’s ~vibe~?

6. Sat. Jan 30: How did this week go for you?

7. Sun. Jan 31: What’s the plan for next week?

8. Mon. Feb. 1: Favorite studyblr tip/quote?

9. Tue. Feb. 2: Shelfie!

10. Wed. Feb. 3: What are you doing as a study break today? Post a pic!

11. Thur. Feb. 4: Why did you join studyblr?

12. Fri. Feb. 5: Currently reading?

13. Sat. Feb. 6: How did this week go for you?

14. Sun. Feb. 7: What’s the plan for next week?

15. Mon. Feb. 8: Did you have a nice weekend? Did you take a good rest?

16. Tue. Feb. 9: Small goals this week?

17. Wed. Feb. 10: guilty pleasure show!

18. Thur. Feb. 11: How do you manage your time?

19. Fri. Feb. 12: Give yourself three compliments!

20. Sat. Feb. 13: How did this week go for you?

21. Sun. Feb. 14:  What’s the plan for next week? (also can I be ur Valentine!?)

22. Mon. Feb. 15: Currently listening to!

23. Tue. Feb. 16: Favorite study app? (or any app it’s your blog!)

24. Wed. Feb. 17: Cozy corner, what makes you feel cozy?

25. Thur. Feb. 18: Do you exercise? Do you have a favorite type?

26. Fri. Feb. 19: Tag some friends and write them a little note!

27. Sat. Feb. 20: How did this week go for you?

28. Sun. Feb. 21:  What’s the plan for next week?

29. Mon. Feb. 22: What is your study style?

30. Tue. Feb. 23: Do you study in your pajamas?

31. Wed. Feb. 24: What is your favorite doodle? Show us!

32. Thur. Feb. 25: Cursive or print?

33. Fri. Feb. 26: Handwritten or typed notes?

34. Sat. Feb. 27: How did this week go for you?

35. Sun. Feb. 28:  What’s the plan for next week?

36. Mon. March 1: How do you prep for class?

37. Tue. March 2: Blue or black ink?

38. Wed. March 3: Favorite type of self care?

39. Thur. March 4: How do you stay motivated for school?

40. Fri. March 5: What is your favorite vice?

41. Sat. March 6: How did this week go for you?

42. Sun. March 7: What’s the plan for next week?

43. Mon. March 8: Planner, bullet journal or?

44. Tue. March 9: To- do list!

45. Wed. March 10: Hydration station, how are you hydrating today?

46. Thur. March 11: have you ever tried a study tracker?

47. Fri. March 12: When was the last time you really treated yourself?

48. Sat. March 13: How did this week go for you?

49. Sun. March 14: What’s the plan for next week?

50. Mon. March 15: Halfway! Goal check in how are you doing?

51. Tue. March 16:  Share your to read list!

52. Wed. March 17: Share what you have read!

53. Thur. March 18: Shameless self promo! Drop your handles!

54. Fri. March 19: Any new goals?

55. Sat. March 20: How did this week go for you?

56. Sun. March 21: What’s the plan for next week?

57. Mon. March 22: What are you grateful for today?

58. Tue. March 23: What are you proud of yourself for?

59. Wed. March 24: Favorite sweet?

60. Thur. March 25: What makes you happy?

61. Fri. March 26: What are your strengths?

62. Sat. March 27: How did this week go for you?

63. Sun. March 28: What’s the plan for next week?

64. Mon. March 29: What is your weakness?

65. Tue. March 30: Can’t pour from an empty cup! How do you refill your cup?

66. Wed. March 31: What was the last compliment you got?

67. Thur. April 1: When do you feel most at peace?

68. Fri. April 2: Who do you admire?

69. Sat. April 3: How did this week go for you?

70. Sun. April 4: What’s the plan for next week?

71. Mon. April 5: What does your ideal work day look like?

72. Tue. April 6: What does your ideal off day look like?

73. Wed. April 7: Where do you see yourself in six months?

74. Thur. April 8: How would somebody else describe you?

75. Fri. April 9: What does your best life look like?

76. Sat. April 10: How did this week go for you?

77. Sun. April 11: What’s the plan for next week?

78. Mon. April 12: City or country living?

79. Tue. April 13: Paper books or e-readers?

80. Wed. April 14: Favorite study beverage?

81. Thur. April 15: What are your hobbies?

82. Fri. April 16: Favorite smell?

83. Sat. April 17: How did this week go for you?

84. Sun. April 18: What’s the plan for next week?

85. Mon. April 19: What language are you (or do you want to) learn?

86. Tue. April 20: Do you play any instruments?

87. Wed. April 21: When are you most comfortable?

88. Thur. April 22: Are you extroverted or introverted?

89. Fri. April 23: How do you handle life requirements outside of school?

90. Sat. April 24: How did this week go for you?

91. Sun. April 25: What’s the plan for next week?

92. Mon. April 26: Where would you study abroad if you could go anywhere?

93. Tue. April 27: Warm bubble bath or stress relieving shower after studying?

94. Wed. April 28: Favorite study snack? 

95. Thur. April 29: Do you best in the morning or the evening?

96. Fri. April 30: Would you consider yourself a romantic?

97. Sat. May 1: How did this week go for you?

98. Sun. May 2: What’s the plan for next week?

99. Mon. May 3: Favorite book?

100! Tue. May 4: View from your window!

101. Wed. May 5: Give some advice to younger studyblrs!

102. Thur. May 6: What time does your alarm go off?

103. Fri. May 7: Do you like to write?

104. Sat. May 8:How did this week go for you?

105. Sun. May 9: What’s the plan for next week?

106. Mon. May 10: Almost done! Take a peek at your goals how’d you do?

107. Tue. May 11: Game plan for final exams? 

108. Wed. May 12: How are you managing finals?

109. Thur. May 13: Hopeful! What’s your plan for break?

110! Fri. May 14: All done! Pat yourself on the back! What have you learned and/or what are you proud of!

[nanowrimo]

5 Tips for Practicing Self-Care and Adapting to the New Normal

Whether you consider yourself an outgoing person or someone who’d rather recharge in the quiet of your room, we could all benefit from some self care while we shelter in place. Here today with suggestions for self care for both introverts and extroverts is Wrimo A. N. Broadrick:

In a novel time where many people around the globe must keep physical social interactions to a minimum (or not at all) for mutual health and safety, I ponder a grand question: how can we as a society adapt and overcome? Existing research and general observations tell a story about the world’s current circumstances may affect people differently. And by extension, how the “stay home” movement impacts writing.

The environmental effects on an individual depends on many factors including personality traits and the situational context. Introverts and extroverts experience the world differently. In the global quarantine resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, introverts may be happy to stay at home in their own domain and bask in their own thoughts (at least, in my experience). Extroverts, in contrast, may have a more difficult time adjusting to a life of quarantine due to the lack of external social stimulation.

In relation to work (or in this case, writing) having the perception of environmental control can contribute to the ease of adaptation, according to D. H. Schunk (2016), the author of Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective (7th ed.). Schunk explains how evidence supports “that when people think they have control over their environment, they tolerate aversive stimuli better and perform at a higher level”. In a normal, non-quarantined world, introverts usually assimilate to an extroverted society, especially in the United States. 

For example, I am an introvert. I can sit in a busy cafe or crowded outdoor space on my lunch break with my earbuds in, and my pen, paper, and my coffee in hand for company. I can tune out my chatty peers and the constant movement in the background. I have the perception of control over my personal space. Thus, I can adjust enough to comfortably write in what I consider a chaotic environment. I adapt. On the other hand, someone with a more extroverted personality may prefer the noise of the chatter while writing rather than the carefully selected background noise of a cello that I prefer. 

Society’s reversal on what is considered acceptable socialization (for good reasons!) may put extroverts in a situation that requires adaptation. While the enforcement of social distancing is out of our hands, let’s take a minute to consider what is within our control:

Internal thoughts – Regardless of your personality type, you can take control of your inner dialogue, especially when you go down a metaphorical rabbit hole.

Reactions to your thoughts – Let’s say you do go down a rabbit hole and find yourself in a not-so-happy place. Take a moment to self-check and redirect! Are you thinking about something that is not serving you or preventing you from achieving your goals? Recognize that yes, sometimes you can be your biggest critic. However, you do not have to be. Have patience with yourself. You may be physically alone, but you are not alone in this!

Practice positive self-talk – This is important! You are in control of your inner voice. Be kind to yourself.

Practice self-care – Have you heard the flight attendant speech about why it is important to put your mask on before your children or spouse? Well, you cannot care for them if you are physically (or mentally) unable to do so! If you are not well, you cannot adequately care for yourself much less others. Slow down and take care of your body and your mind. This could be practicing yoga in the living room while you have your family and friends on video chat. Or, this could be weekly phone conversations with a counselor. Self-care is vital to your overall wellbeing!

Immediate personal space – When have taken care of your basic needs and are able to adapt to your situation, you now have control of your environment and yourself. You are freed to let your creativity flow through the keyboard onto your screen or from the ink of your pen onto the lines of your journal.

While our world’s situation may not be ideal for everyone, practicing self-care no matter where you are can help you establish and maintain personal control. Be patient with yourself. 

References: Schunk, D. H. (2016). Learning theories: An educational perspective (7th ed.). P. 381. Boston, MA: Pearson.

A. N. (Oberlander) Broadrick has a passion for education, philanthropy, writing, and data. Throughout her career, she commits to ethically utilize data to tell stories to make a positive impact in her community and beyond. She has a M.S. in educational psychology and research and a B.S. in communication arts. She is an avid practitioner of yoga with her family and has a deep appreciation for coffee, poetry and score soundtracks.

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynbroadrick

[af-answers]

Hey Artemis and all, what are your tips for how to keep busy during quarantine?

Artemis: You’re asking the right Fowl. As I’ve been in space for many months now with no choice of whether or not to venture outside, I have gotten quite good at entertaining myself. So here are my tips:

Maintain a schedule. Especially if you still have to work, like I do, having a schedule is paramount to keeping the days from rolling into one another. Even if your schedule is arbitrary (like, knit for 20 minutes, or play with the dog), put it on the schedule. It’ll give you a sense of accomplishment.

Take up a new hobby. Perhaps an easy-to-learn instrument, like the ocarina or ukelele.

Exercise. I know, this is rich coming from me. But I do have to exercise a couple hours a day now to keep my weightless muscles from atrophy. It doesn’t have to be treadmill running or the like (which I have to do, ugh), but it could be dancing, yoga, martial arts, etc.

Read. Leave your home by entering another realm through books.

Talk to at least one person on the phone per day. Even as an introvert, I find human-- or fairy-- interaction puts me very much at ease.

Holly: I’ve got a few quarantine tips of my own! A while back I was contaminated on the job and had to spend a few weeks in isolation. Here’s what I found helpful:

Watching TV. This kind of goes into Artemis’s “reading” suggestion, but I’m not much of a reader.

Get involved in online communities (perhaps involving said TV show fandoms?). Online forums are great for interacting with others on your own terms. And usually there’s someone online.

I also kept a diary. Spending so long alone, I had a LOT of time to think. Too much. So I wrote it all down: all the depression, anxiety, all the stupid thoughts I had and needed to share somewhere. Who knows, maybe it’ll be interesting to show someone else someday.

Artemis: I--

Holly: Not you.

Mod: Stay safe, stay inside everyone.