#oop one of the text boxes is wrong colour

[sleepsucks]

[libraryofloveletters]

Love Delivered To Your Doorstep

Evan Buckley x Reader

Warnings: fem!reader, mentions of cheating, break ups and killing/serial killers. (<in a joking context) 

Category: fluff for the most part. 

Word Count: 3.9k

Author’s Note: Doesn’t follow canon, it has a little of buck begins in there but it doesn't follow a strict timeline. It also is written like Buck moves to LA and has his apartment from the moment he moves there while trying to figure out what he wants to do. 

-----

Texting and calling was never your choice method of communication. 

Letters had always been more of your thing. 

Truthfully, they hadn't been your thing until your boyfriend moved halfway across the country for university. The two of you met in high school, freshman year and became inseparable since. Growing together and promising to always love each other no matter what -you always knew that couldn't be true but it never stopped you from telling him. 

When he told you that he was going to be applying to UCLA during your senior year of high school, it came as a bit of a shock to you. The plan was always going to college together, get engaged when you were done school and then married with a house by 30. 

You held out the hope of that being possible until the day he showed you his acceptance letter. 

You were incredibly proud of him but it was real now, he was leaving. 

You watched him pack up his entire life and uproot himself from New York and moved across the country. You sent the first letter to him at what was supposed to be his apartment. 

September 30th.

‘Hi baby! 

Just writing to see how you're settling in. How’s UCLA ? Have you gotten a chance to go around and get to see the place ? I know you’re there for school but you've got to live a little too. Hope your neighbours are sweet, your mom told me it’s a pretty nice place and it’s got a good view, sounds like your type of place. Hopefully I can come visit you soon. 

I started my classes last week. My chem professor is a pain in my ass already, he expects us to read an entire textbook in a week - well not exactly an entire textbook but you get the point. My biology professor is a sweetheart, she showed us pictures of her kids and talked about them for an hour, I didn't realize being a mother was so interesting but she was cool. Also showed us a video of an appendectomy that one of her colleagues performed last week. How are your classes and professors ? 

Did I mention I bumped into Sam at the grocery store ? Yeah, he’s back and he’s not fine to tell you the truth. He seemed like he was ready to snap but that might just be my judgment. He said to tell you hello if I spoke to you so- hello :) 

I’m going to sign off here, I know this one is short but I don’t have much to update you on. Life’s been pretty dull without you. Hope you’re having fun out there, soaking up the sun for me.

Write me back soon, I love you. 

Yours always, y/n’

You mailed the letter the next day, a few weeks had passed before you received a letter back. Except this letter had a different sender name but the same address.

October 22nd. 

‘Hi y/n,

This isn't your boyfriend. (I'm assuming that’s who you're writing too based on the context of the letter) I’m Evan, I live in the apartment you thought belonged to your boyfriend or maybe you got the address wrong, I’m not sure.  I know you were waiting for an update on all these exciting things that are happening at UCLA. I do not go to UCLA nor can I update you in anything exciting that’s happening there, sorry.

Anyways, the reason I'm writing you back is because I figured you’d want to know that this isn't the correct address and the person you were looking for isn't here before you send another letter and get no response. I was debating if I should have even written you back, but here I am, writing you back. 

Your professor for chem seems like an ass to be honest (hope that’s not rude) and your biology professor sounds great, is she hot by the way ? because bonus points for that. Anyways, are you studying medicine ? I'm guessing yes because of the classes you're taking. I'm thinking of signing up to become a first responder but I haven’t decided yet on what yet or if I'm actually going to do it. Anyways, good luck on your classes and the shitty chem professor. 

Hope you find your boyfriend (again, assuming) 

Peace out, 

Evan.’

To say you were shocked would be an understatement. How could the letter you sent to your boyfriend’s apartment belong to someone else ? Why was there someone else living in his apartment ? You dug through your apartment, searching for the paper he left you with the address, you finally found it buried in a drawer.

The address on the paper was identical to the one that Evan sent to you and to the one you sent prior to that. Either your boyfriend was lying or you were losing your mind. 

November 4th. 

‘Dear Evan, 

I'm sorry that I sent the first letter to you and as you guessed, I was looking for my boyfriend who seems to be a bit MIA right now. His mother says that’s the right address and the place that she helped him move into. So I'm not really sure what’s happening there. Anyways, sorry for unloading all of that on you. 

To answer your question, yes, I am studying medicine and no, she isn't hot. My bio professor is a 65 year old woman who loves her college aged kids very much. If that’s your definition of hot, then yes - she's got milf status

Have you decided yet if you’re going to sign up to be a first responder ? That’d be pretty cool. Imagine all the girls swoon over you and how many girls you’d pick up just for being a paramedic or a firefighter. 

Wait, are you into girls ? Or guys ? You know, whoever you're into, just imagine how many of them you’d pick up. 

Also, you’re not a murderer or anything right ? because I rather not answer questions when the police come asking about why I've been sending letters to a serial killer. 

Anyways, signing off for now. 

Yours always, y/n. 

ps. if you do end up bumping into or meeting a guy that looks like my boyfriend, (tall, brown hair, brown eyes. he’s got a pierced ear and a little butterfly tattoo by his collarbone- though not sure why or how you'd see his collarbone) let me know or tell him that his girlfriend is looking for him.

Double ps, what size shirt do you wear ?’

Buck laughed at your absurd question. A person he didn’t even know was asking what size shirt he wore. The letter was set on the coffee table with the rest of the mail, getting buried under all of the stuff he had on there. It was almost the end of December when he realized that he hadn't written you back yet. 

December 21st. 

‘Hey y/n, 

Sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. Things have been hectic over here. I’ve been doing some ‘soul-searching’ - I guess you could call it that and honestly, I don’t think if this whole first responders thing is for me. 

I tried out bartending or well, the technical term is mixologist and I’m liking it so far, I think i’m going to stick with it for now. 

How have you been ? How’s school ? Surely, you’re on break for the holidays right about now or at least when you get this letter. I hope that you're spending the break doing something fun. 

I’m not going to make this very long, I’m sure you’ve been busy with whatever you’re doing right now. 

Also, I’ve been meaning to ask. Have you located the mysteriously disappearing boyfriend yet ? I haven't seen anyone that fit your description. 

well, that’s not true- I did and just to be sure I asked to see his collarbone, he looked at me like I was a mad man so I guess it wasn't him ? 

Anyways, I hope you have a good holiday and you're probably gonna get this sometime between holidays, so merry belated (?) Christmas and happy New Years y/n. 

Peace out, 

Evan. 

ps. medium or large, depending on what it is. Hopefully that answers your question weirdo.’

January 13th. 

The morning of the 13th, he went down to check his mail. A box was there with his name on it, the return address was one he had only seen on an envelope. The box returned upstairs with him, setting it on the counter before opening it. 

Upon opening it, there was a letter and some colourful tissue paper with what seemed like a sweater under it. He opened the letter first.

‘Dear Evan, 

Happy New Years! How was your holiday going ? Did you do anything fun ? 

I’ve been good and school is good too, I'm almost done my first year, isn't that crazy ? Just a few more months to go. 

How’s your job as mr. mixologist going ? I'm sure you’ve met some wild people and heard some interesting stories. 

As for the boyfriend situation, that's over. I’m not surprised to tell you the truth but it still kinda sucks. Anyways, so what happened was that his older brother had come home from college last year and brought a friend with him. She went to the same school as his brother but transferred to UCLA- anyways long story short, they hooked up while he and I were still together and he moved in with her after his mom helped him move into the apartment I thought he had. 

But! I’m single and chilling now so it’s all good. (bonus, she cheated on him and left him so yeah) 

I got you a little something for Christmas and as a “sorry for unloading all my boyfriend drama on you” present. I was in the gift shop and it made me think of you. Do you celebrate Christmas? I forgot to check oops. If you don't, count it as a just a “sorry for unloading all my boyfriend drama on you” present? 

I got a large because I wasn't sure if it would fit. I hope you like it. That’s all for now.

Yours always, y/n.’

He unwrapped the tissue paper to see a blue sweater with the letters NYU on it. He smiled, he assumed that’s where you went. It was sweet that you took the time to get him something, even if it was a by the way thing. Not a lot of people would send something to a person they had been talking to via letters and halfway across the country. 

February 12th. 

2 days before Valentine's Day, your least favourite holiday of the year. You weren't looking forward to watching all your friends going on with their boyfriends and girlfriends. The mail had arrived while you were out, you picked it up and headed in. There were two envelopes with your name on it,  a plain white one and a red one. The red envelope was more squared than rectangular, you assumed it was a card- both had the same sender name. 

‘Hey y/n!

Thank you for the sweater, it was nice of you to think of me and get me something. I didn’t know we were doing gifts or I would have sent you something as well and yes, I do celebrate Christmas. 

My job as ‘mr. mixologist’ was going well until I quit. It just didn’t feel like the right fit for me you know ? I'm going to see what else is out there for me. 

Sorry to hear about your boyfriend, he seems like a douche. Who would cheat on you ? You seem great I mean at least you are on paper (did you get my joke, it’s hard to tell) 

Also, remember how I was thinking I might actually give that first responder thing a try? Imagine me as a firefighter, that’s pretty cool right ? 

So I kinda did a thing and signed up and then I got in. I started two weeks ago and it was kicking my ass at first but I've gotten a hang of it and things are going pretty well. There's three other Evans in my class so everyone calls me Buck-I kind of like it. 

The other envelope, hopefully you opened this one first, is a little something for you for valentines. Hope you like it. 

Peace out, 

Buck’ 

The red envelope was on your lap, you pulled the edges carefully not wanting to rip it. Inside was a plain white card with bright red letters that made you laugh. The cover read ‘I’m not sick of you yet!” Opening the card, a $20 fell onto your lap. There was a little message inside that went along with the cash. 

‘Since we aren't together and can’t spend valentines together, there’s some cash to get yourself a box of chocolates and a teddy bear. Happy Valentines Day y/n

Love, Buck.’ 

You smile, this was the first time that Buck had signed with ‘love, buck’ it had always been ‘peace out, buck.’ You tucked the card into the drawer, one you didn’t use very often so you knew it’d be safe there. 

*4 years later*

A few weeks had passed since Buck had last heard from y/n. His last letter to her was at the end of June, telling her all about the day he had spent at Hen and Karen’s. He always described every little detail so vividly that it made her feel like she was there with him- but it was now July, end of actually and moving into August. 

4 years had blown like nothing.

It felt like just yesterday he got the first letter in the mail. 4 years and they still had no idea what each other looked like but they knew every intricate and intimate detail about each other, their lives and the people in it. 

Y/n and Buck had grown rather close over the last few months- more than they already were. Y/n just went through a pretty shitty break up and Buck wasn't exactly big on relationships as of right now. 

He had just gotten home from work, his keys set on the counter when he realized that he forgot to check his mail. Stepping back out, there was a woman in the hallway and boxes scattered across her, leading into the apartment down the hall. 

She must be his new neighbour.

He wanted to go over and introduce himself but she was busy telling the movers where to set her couch so he decided that he would check the mail and then introduce himself when he returned so he did just that. 

Except, she was still busy. 

She leaned against the wall, watching the movers move what looked like a coffee table. She glanced up to see Buck walking by, she smiled and he returned the smile. 

Buck reaches his apartment, the mail in hand and steps in. He sorts through the pile, bills, ads, coupons and no letter from y/n. 

---

Your new apartment was a mess. You decided it was time for a change. You applied to a few hospitals after your break up and the one in LA hired you. So you dropped everything and moved- no family, no ties. 

A fresh start. 

It was a nice neighbourhood and the building was quiet. The neighbours you met were pleasant and welcoming. When you were having the furniture moved in, there was a blonde man who smiled at you and you assumed he lived in the unit down the hall because that’s where he stepped into. 

It was almost 11pm when you finally sat down. You had been on your feet all day and just wanted to eat something. The box with the dishes was beside the couch, you pulled the tape off and opened it. There was an envelope sitting on top of the stack of plates. 

Buck’s last letter to you. 

You must have tossed it into the boxes while packing and you forgot to write him back. Tumbling through the boxes, you find a sheet of paper and a pen from your bag. Sitting on the floor, the paper resting on an unopened box, you begin writing. 

‘Dear Buck, 

I’m sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. I quit my job, and uprooted my entire life. The break up sucked major ass as you know, so I decided it was time for a change. 

Guess where I decided to go ? 

Did you guess yet? 

No, not Canada, why would you guess Canada ? 

LA! 

Yeah, isn't that crazy that I ended up here of all places? Maybe we could get together one day (if you haven’t turned into a crazy serial killer that is.) 

Anyways, that’s why I've taken so long to write. I was packing when I got your letter and I tossed it in a box and just found it again. Anyways, I hope you’ve been good, how have things been at the station ? 

I promise I'll write again with more details soon, I just have to get settled in first. 

Yours always, y/n.’ 

Folding the paper, you slipped into an envelope. The address being scribbled into the back of the envelope. You were about to seal it when the building number caught your eye. 

It was the same number as the place you moved into. The same address, the building number, the same floor. 

The unit number was the only difference. 

There was no way you moved into the building that Buck lived in. 

You knew the address felt familiar when you saw the listing but you didn’t think anything of it nor did it occur to you that you knew the address. 

Stepping out of your apartment, looking at the number on the room and back down at the envelope in your hand. Buck’s apartment was down the hall. 

Part of you just wanted to mail it and keep things as it was but another part of you wanted to meet him, to see what he was really like in person. So there you were walking down the hallway at a quarter past 11 in the dead of the night to meet a man you had been sending letters to for the last 4 years. 

The end of the hallway, you stared at the black wooden door in front of you. Your brain weighing the options right now: he’s a sweetheart and welcoming and makes you feel comfortable or he’s a weird guy who’s been lying to you this whole time and you told him everything about you and now he’s going to kill you. 

Before you could register what you were doing, you knocked on the door. 

Glancing down at yourself, you were wearing a pair of old shorts and a t-shirt from high school that you found in a drawer while packing. Not an ideal outfit, maybe he’s sleeping and you can go home and change- the door opened, a man wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt stood there. He looked like he had just woken up. 

“Sorry, did I wake you?” 

“It's alright,” he yawned, his hand covering his mouth as he blinked away a few tears. “What can I do for you ?” he leaned against the door. 

“Um, this is an odd question-” you shifted, glancing down at the envelope in your hand. “Are you Buck ?” 

“I am, who are you ?” 

“Y/n.” 

You had never seen a man wake up that fast, he seemed surprised, confused and concerned all in one. “How- uh, are you- What ?” he mumbled. 

“I found your letter in the box after I moved, I moved into the apartment down the hall” you point to your left, Buck sticks his head out of the doorway and looks at the door you were pointing to. You were the woman in the hallway that he saw earlier, he knew you looked familiar. 

“I just wrote your letter and I noticed that the addresses were the same, just a different unit number so I decided to come check. Sorry if I bothered you, we can talk another day- it’s late and you probably have work” “Would you like to come in?” he opens the door a bit more, looking to you for an answer. 

“Um, okay sure.” stepping in, you can’t help but glance around. The apartment was similar to yours, the layout was a bit different though. “Can I get you something to drink ? Coffee, water ? A beer ?” he rounded the kitchen counter, you took a seat on one of the chairs by the counter. 

“Water’s fine, thanks” 

He reached for a bottle from the fridge, sliding it over to you. You gave him a smile, he leaned against the counter and was now looking- studying you. 

“I know we’ve talked to each other for 4 years but this is kinda strange” you chuckled awkwardly, Buck can't help but smile. 

“Yeah, it is, isn't it? but can I ask why you moved to LA?” 

“Well all of that was in the letter” you slide the envelope across the counter and he picks it up, opening it. Giving him a few moments to read, you watch his expression like you were hoping for some insight as to how he was feeling or what he was thinking. He let out a laugh, “how’d you know I'd guess Canada ?” you smiled at him, a small wave of relief washing over you for some reason. “Lucky guess I suppose” 

“Do you-” “What are-” the sentences cutting each other off, the two of you awkwardly smiling at each other. “You first” looking at him, he hums. 

“Do you have work tomorrow or are you busy ?” His eyes meet yours, you found yourself leaning forwards towards the counter- towards him. He made you feel comfortable, you’d go as far as to say safe, in a way you’ve never felt before. 

“No, I don't start until the 21st. Why ?” 

“I was thinking - if you're not busy and if you want to, of course. Maybe I could take you out for breakfast and I could show you around ? Or lunch or dinner ? Whatever works for you actually” he rambles, fiddling with his fingers to avoid eye contact. 

A small laugh slips past your lips causing him to look up, his brows furrowed as he studies your face, looking for an answer. 

“Breakfast sounds good, what time should I be ready for ?” 

“Uh, is 10 okay ?” he asks, you nod. “I’ll be ready for 10 then.” 

“Okay, I'll pick you up” he smiles. 

“Buck, we live in the same building.” 

“Oh right,” he chuckles, “well I'll be by yours at 10 then” the two of you smiling at each other. 

“Okay.” 

----

taglist: @advicefromnixxxx @dralexreid @keenmarvellover @beth-winchester21 @fernandaweasley2 @yikesyikesyikes95 @hotchsdarling @duhbar1975 @hailsstormthings @averyhotchner  @captainxholmes @venusrosepetal @luke-alvez​ @looney-literature @caitsymichelle13​ @artemishunter18​ @anxiousblanketqueen​

[shibalen]

1/2! Hi! could I have a male romantic hq matchup if thats ok? w a dark box + a jewellery box pls! I'm 5'5, she/her w long dark brown hair w the front half of my right side dyed white, green eyes + tan skin! I'm super bubbly, loud, naturally v flirty + my love language is physical touch! I LOVE working out + I'm a HUGE foodie. I'm stubborn + impulsive, luv rain/storms, coffee + PDA. I'm emotional, confident, bold, giggly, energetic + observant! I ramble but I'm a gd listener + v playful!

2/2 im v playful + luv teasing! I'm spontaneous, optimistic, passionate + ambitious but I tend to overwork myself. I'm empathetic + love comforting others, it takes a lot to make me super angry too! I'm pretty straight forward - I try my best to be upfront about my feelings! I LOVE autumn/winter, cooking, BOBA + outdoors (but also love cosy nights at home) I really value honesty + loyalty. my ideal type is someone tall, protective + doesn't mind physical touch! (I also luv late night adventures)

Sorry I ran out of characters but I just wanted to say thank you so much in advance! I literally had notifications on so I didn't miss your matchups being open lmao <3 a nickname incase u need it is Ains btw!

♡︎ matchup for @hvnlydmn

hello, dear! aww, i'm so happy you think my matchups are something worth not missing. thank you for requesting, hopefully you enjoy this!

haikyuu: i match you with . . .

osamu miya !!

• under that calm exterior Osamu is competitive and has a small wild streak in him. you would do good in bringing out that side of him more often with your extroverted nature !!

• he finds your boldness and passion endearing and will help you keep your feet grounded in cases your impulsive tendancies might cause trouble for you.

• while your external demeanours differ, you hold the same core values which is incredibly important. like you, Osamu prefers being honest and will understand your point of view even though he might have a different opinion.

• that being said, you're both extremely patient and heated arguments take place only once in a blue moon. even then you manage to work out your differences quite fast.

• maybe it's because of your profile pic but i get the feeling you were a fan of Atsumu first, being part of the cheering squad in high school.

• you had no problem approaching either of the twins despite their popularity. they liked your confidence and energy so quickly accepted you.

• at first you wanted Osamu to help you get closer to Atsumu, but oops, along the way you two ended up falling for the other instead ! your personalities complimented each other, plus you had lots of common interests !

• i love how your first impression dynamic is the fun ray of sunshine x the quiet chill one even though y'all can be equally chaotic and observant ♡︎

• Osamu puts action over words and likes showing you his affection through small, casual touches as you go about your day. locking your fingers, putting his arm around your waist or shoulders, caresses of your cheek/head/hands.

• also, giving you massages after a tough day !! it's sweet and intimate while you can talk about anything and everything, or say nothing at all ♡( ◡‿◡ )

• insists being the one to brew you coffee. he knows his coffee is the best and it's what you deserve.

• playful teasing 23/7 (including snack breaks) just saying. having a brother like Atsumu has had its effects.

• Atsumu and you sometimes gang up and lovingly bully him. don't worry though, even against the two of you Samu can stand his ground (or be petty and give you a cold shoulder to tease you even more).

• though if someone else starts crossing the line while they're teasing you, Osamu will lowkey throw hands. he won't make a scene but anyone with the guts to brother you should be prepared to face pain the consequences.

• your dates often consist of visiting new restaurants/food booths, home-cooked dinner dates or picnics + hiking. sometimes he'll join working out with you.

❦︎ darkbox, timeskip

• it started with the little things: missed calls, skipped dinners, forgotten good-mornings. with Osamu busy with the restaurant and you having your hands full with your own job, your schedules only seemed to drift further apart.

• but then the words you exchanged irl became less frequent and finally the physical touch between you faded nearly into nonexistence because you hardly even saw each other.

• it was like a ticking time bomb. Osamu and you were aware of it but neither of you knew how to stop it.

• though you talked through messages and calls it just wasn't the same. stressed and worried, you did your best to remain calm, however this only made things worse.

• to you, it felt as though Osamu didn't care about your relationship anymore since he always looked and sounded the same, ever so nonchalant. yet in truth he was trying his hardest to look composed so you wouldn't worry.

• in the end, you both saw it best to take a 'break' until your careers became stable again. the saddest part: you did it for the other though neither of you wanted to.

• to forget your depression you became more involved in your work than before, up to the point of overworking yourself.

• meanwhile, Osamu, too, drowned himself in exhaustion. no matter how stoic he appeared it was clear he was all but focused. he kept wondering if you were okay, eating properly, getting enough sleep, or even if you wanted to start seeing someone else.

• worries if you'd rather have broken up with him for good because he wasn't good enough.

• thank goodness Atsumu, being the better and smarter twin™, called his brother out on his bs. too bad Osamu was a stubborn bastard and took forever to realise he loved you too much to be taking some 'pause' from you.

• his blood ran cold and his heart dropped to his stomach, however, when you weren't answering any calls or texts for days. you always answered him after a day at most.

• gosh, he was so anxious something had happened to you that he cancelled everything to rush to your place.

• it turned out you were taking a a week off from the world after too much work and getting sick. all well and good but the boy almost stumbled to his knees from the relief.

• instead, being himself, he just went: "stupid. ya really have a talent for getting yourself into situations like these."

• but thankfully you knew what he meant and how to comfort him. obviously you both fessed up that despite the problems you didn't want to be apart from each other again.

• from that incident onwards you agreed to always openly talk about your feelings. even if it meant being a little selfish, you knew the other would always be there for you ♡︎

𑁍 jewellery box

— favourite memory with you:

after a loss at an important game, you were the one to cheer him up. it was mid-autumn so the nature was filled with colours. you invited him out to rake leaves and jump into the heaps. Osamu thought it was ridiculous at first but couldn't help but smile at your sweet attempts to help him. you weren't together yet back then but it was definitely the moment he realised he felt something stronger for you than friendship ♡︎

— favourite activity to do together:

cooking and taste-testing! it's just so domestic. he gets to cook and spend quality time with you—what could be better? also, image standing in front of a stove, just cooking, when he comes up to you from behind, quietly wraps his arms around your waist and nuzzles your neck.

— favourite place to kiss you:

your forehead and neck. he jokes you're too short for him to reach your lips when he actually just loves the intimacy of it, same with your neck.

— favourite nicknames to call you by:

short-stack, plum, Ains. just your own nickname or something silly/teasing. he doesn't think having a nickname is that important.

— favourite thing about you:

how empathetic and understanding you are. many have gotten the wrong impression of him of being aloof before, so he loves you for caring to look further than meets the eye. not only with him but everyone else as well.

runner up: Kotarō Bokuto

this is my first time writing the extra additions so feedback is warmly welcome. remember to take care ♡︎

[lovemychoices]

Before There Was You-5A

TRR x ROE

Three years ago while travelling in Europe, Eve Sommers was involved in a car accident. She woke up from her coma two weeks later with no memory of what happened to her in the past seven months. Three years later and still no recollection about what happened to her before the accident. But all of that is about to change. Will she finally know the truth? Will there be consequences?

*THIS SERIES PRACTICALLY THROWS CANON OUT THE WINDOW* YEET!YEET!

Characters belong to Pixelberry, I am just borrowing them.

Word count : 1800

Chapter Summary: Eve is finally in Cordonia! What are the obstacles she’s going to face? Will she fail or come out victorious?

A/N: This is my first fiction series so it will definitely not be 100% perfect, in other words be kind 😬Grammatical errors are expected 🤣 Feedback and comments are welcomed. If you think this series could be your cup of tea then let me know if you want to be added to the series tag list, also hit that LIKE and REBLOG button if you like what you read.

Catch up with the series HERE

Warning : I’m rating this PG18 cause there will probably be PG18 stuff that’s going to happen in future chapters. So if you read this series you acknowledge that you are 18 and above.

BTWY Tag list: @thecordoniandiaries @leelee10898 @ao719 @annekebbphotography @desiree-0816 @rainbowsinthestorm @emceesynonymroll @the-soot-sprite @carabeth @cora-nova @charliejane-blog @dcbbw @hopefulmoonobject @cmestrella @jlpplays1 @pixieferry @romanticatheart-posts

The ride from the airport to the palace was awfully quiet, Eve was still mad at Drake about what he said back in the jet so she didn’t feel like talking much. Maxwell, who sat between them, could feel the tension that came with the awkward silence. He wondered what happened while he was asleep on the plane, he tried to break the silence with a few of his jokes only to be ignored with more silence.

The SUV starts to pull over as it reaches the main entrance of the palace. Oh thank God Maxwell thought to himself, the silence was killing him. Eve steps out the SUV followed by Maxwell and then Drake. Drake quickly walks away leaving the two at the main entrance.

“Welcome to the Cordonian Royal Palace!” Maxwell beamed excitedly. “This is where we’re going to stay most of the time for the next five months. Come on I’m excited to show you your room!” He says pulling Eve by the hand and taking her into the palace before she could even take in all of her surroundings.

****

Eve enters her room and could not help but be amazed by how big it was, it was maybe four times the size of her room back in New York. The walls were painted a soft ecru colour and paired with gold trimmings. A beautiful giant antique chandelier hung in the middle of the room with a picture of a baby cherubs eating an apple on the ceiling.

“So I assume you have something to where for tonight.” Maxwell asks.

“Huh. Sorry. What?” She shakes her head and turns her attention back to Maxwell.

“You know for the masquerade ball it’s the start of the social season.”

“I’ve packs a few dresses for the occasion but I don't think I have a mask to go with the outfit.”

“That's alright, I’m sure they’ll have some you can borrow in the palace boutique.”

Maxwell's phone buzzes, he reaches for his pocket to see who it could be. “Oh look a text message from Bertrand, I gotta go he wants to see me. You’ll be fine without me till tonight right? He asks cocking an eyebrow.

“Sure…”

“Okay cool, the ball starts at 6 so don’t be late.” He informs her and leaves in a huff.

Eve opens her suitcase to get her dress ready when she realises she doesn’t know where the boutique was. She steps outside of her room to look for Maxwell but he’s already out of sight. She reaches in her pocket for her phone to call him but her battery is dead. Damn it! she thinks. “Oh well, guess I’ll have to find my own way to the boutique.” She murmurs.

A noble woman passes by and Eve tries to ask for some directions. “Excuse me miss, would you mind telling me where I can find the boutique?” She asks politely. The woman takes one look at her and grimaces before walking away, ignoring her question. Okay not much friendly people out here. She thought. lets see if I were a boutique in a big ass palace where would I be? Not paying attention to where she is going she accidentally bumps into someone.

“Oops! Sorry princess, didn’t see you there.” Leo apologises, she turns to face him and when she does he is take aback and eyes go wide open like he’s seeing a ghost from the past. “Eve?”

Eve cocks an eyebrow. “I’m sorry, have we met before?”

***

Three years ago - Paris, France

“Nice to meet you Eve, I’m Leo.” He smiled shaking her hand and she smiled back. “So what brings you this part of town?”

“Well I was actually going to take some photos by the Seine and check out the flea market when I got mobbed on the way.” She answers, her eyes go wide open when she realises she��s supposed to meet Ruby at the Louvre by now. She reaches for her purse but remembered her phone dropped in the river.

“Eve is something wrong?” Leo asked when he noticed she looked a bit worried.

“Um... So this is might sound a little awkward but would you mind if I borrowed your phone for a minute? I dropped mine in the river and I’m supposed to meet a friend at the Louvre right now, she’s probably worried that I haven’t shown up.”

Leo chuckles “I have a better idea, why don’t I take you there instead, it’s only a few minutes away if we take my motorcycle.”

Eve looks at him then at the motorcycle, she’s never ridden a motorcycle before. She bit her lower lip wondering if this was a good idea.

“I promise you it’s perfectly safe, do you trust me?” Leo grinned offering an extra helmet,

“Screw it.” She murmured under her breath and with a smile took the helmet. what could go wrong she thought.

***

“I’m sorry, have we met before?”

Leo doesn’t answer at first his mouth slightly open a look of confusion written all over his face.

“Eve? Is that you?” A familiar voice calls from across the hall. “Liam?” Eve smiles when she sees that it’s him. Liam walks up to her and gives her a long welcoming hug.

“I’ve missed you” He says

Eve closes her eyes taking in the scent of his sandalwood cologne. “I’ve missed you too.” She replies. They pull back a few seconds later. “Sorry I would have called but my phone died.”

“That’s alright as long as you’ve safely arrive, I trust Maxwell had everything in order? Was the plane ride okay?” He asks placing his hand on her shoulders.

“It was fine Liam, more than fine, thank you.”

“That’s good to hear. Oh , where are my manners?” He grins letting go of her. “Eve I'd like to introduce my older brother, Leo.” Liam says motioning Leo at the back.

“Oh you’re Liam's older brother!” Eve beamed, giving him a quick hug taking Leo off guard. She pulls away a few seconds later smiling. “Liam has told me so much about you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too Eve” Leo replies with a rueful smile. Of all the people in the world his brother could have fallen for it had to be her. He looked between the two rubbing the back of his neck. “Ah so, I need to go I’m sure you two have a lot of catching up to do.” He says and quickly turned on his heels walking the opposite direction.

Eve cocks an eyebrow as she watches Leo walk away. That was quick? She turns her attention back to Liam. “So... what's next?”

Liam heaves a sigh. “I wish I could stay and take you on a tour of the palace but i have a meeting to attend.” He took his hand in hers. “I’ll make it up to you tonight, I promise.”

“Then I shall be looking forward for tonight.” She grins. “By the way any idea where the boutique is? I kinda need to borrow a mask for the masquerade ball and I have no idea where I’m going.”

Liam chuckles. “It’s just around the corner.” He takes her right hand and kiss her knuckles giving a mischievous look. “Save me a dance tonight?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She replies with a playful wink. “Until tonight.”

****

Eve stood in front of the mirror making some final adjustments to her dress. She chose to wear a beautiful strapless scarlet red mermaid dress that clung to every curve of her body. She walked towards her dresser where her phone charging to check for any messages she might have missed. 10 miss call and 5 messages from Ruby. Oh crap I forgot to call and let her know I safely arrive Cordonia. Let’s see it’s should be almost noon there so here goes. A few dial tones later..

“Hey Red…”

“Omg! Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you all day! Do you know how worried I was?” Ruby bellowed.

“Yeah sorry, my phone died and I kinda lost track of time.”

“Yeah yeah yeah. At least you called. So how’s Cordonia treating you?”

“Hard to say I’ve only been here a couple hours, there was this really snobby woman I met and oh I did manage to run into Liam and his brother Leo—.”

Ruby spat out her drink when she heard the name. Could it be? Nah maybe it’s just a coincidence there are plenty of European guys out there with the name Leo last name Rys, could there? But just to be sure.

“Hello Red, you still there?”

“Oh yeah sure still here.. Hey Eve you wouldn’t mind sending a photo of Liam’s brother would you?”

“No, why would I have his photo and why do you want one?”

“Oh you know just.. to for some background check…” Ruby stutters

“Right…” Eve replies with a skeptical tone. “I don’t know, trying searching the Royal Archives online or something I’m sure he’s in it. Listen I love to continue this conversation but I’ve got an event I need to get you. Text you later on the details?”

“You’d better…”

They both hang up while Eve continued to get herself ready, Ruby quickly clicks on her googles app on her phone typing the Cordonian royal archives on the search engine. A few clicks later, her eyes go wide open when she finds out it Liam’s brother really is the Leo.

Ruby runs to her room opening her closet and taking out a box which was well hidden inside a secret hole in the wall. She opened the box and takes out a cellphone, which used to belong to Eve. She turns the phone on and looks through Eve’s phone book wondering if Leo still uses the same number. Couldn’t hurt to try.

Leo sat on the ottoman in his room staring up at the ceiling trying to wrap his head around what he just saw. He feels his phone buzzing in his pocket and takes it out, his eye go wide open when he sees the number that was calling. Could it be? Does she remember who I am?

“Hello?”

“You son of a bitch—”

Leo heaves a sigh. “Ruby it’s nice to hear from you again.”

“Listen you! I don’t know what shit you’ve got planned but if you—.”

“If this is about Eve, believe me I was as shocked as you are. And you know I would never do anything to hurt her intentionally ”

“Look I’m not mad at you for what happened in the past, that’s all in the past. But do you think it’s a good idea to be around her? What if she remembers what if she gets hurt again? Can’t you just leave?”

“Believe me I would if I could but I promised my brother I’d be here the entire social season to help him out, if I knew she was the one he was vying for I would have never made that promise and left before this whole thing began.” He shook his head. “Karma really is a little bitch.”

Ruby pinched the bridge of her nose trying to gather her thoughts and calm down. “Loook Leo, I’m sorry if I got all mad and shouted at you earlier on but you know how much I love Eve. I just don’t want her to relive all the pain she went through before a second time.”

“I understand and I promise, I’ll try my best to keep my distance.”

Ruby heaves a sigh. “I’m trusting you Leo.”

“I know…”

****

[hcneymilkks]

SHINee/ Super M Taemin ‘Hot Chocolate’

Requested on WATTPAD

Request your own oneshot here!

prompt numbers:

5. Spilling hot chocolate/coffee/a hot-fucking-beverage on the other and insisting on paying for a new drink and new clothes for them, unaware that they're rich and very capable of buying themselves another coffee. Besides, they don't know that this jacket is Louis Vuitton and cost more than the knock-off Gucci belt that had caught their eye in the first place (probably looking a little lower than the belt, but we digress). "So you wanna... hot chocolate and chill?" "If you ask me that one more time, I will dump my hot chocolate on you."

7. Being gifted tickets to see a family member overseas, but having to leave their S/O at home for Christmas, not expecting them to turn up on their doorstep on Christmas morning with a bouquet of roses.

Pairing: Taemin x Reader

Genre: fluff with some angst

Word count: 3.1k 

Flecks of snow landed on your eyelashes, propping your hood up higher to cover your face from the cold.

The drastic change from fall to winter had you feeling under the weather, walking to the nearest convenience store to buy some medicine, not wanting to bother Taemin.

You entered your shared apartment to smell chicken noodle soup boiling on the stove, your stomach growling like an animal. Taemin was humming a tune while stirring the soup, not realizing you entered until you wedged yourself in between the stove and him.

"Goodness Y/N! You scared me!" He quickly moved you away from the stove, not wanting you to get burned because you wanted attention.

"Sorry." A coughing fit came and went, reminding yourself to take the medicine.

He sighed and engulfed you in a hug, patting your back and then placing his warm hand on your forehead.

"You're burning up, let's eat and then you need to rest." You nodded, feeling the effects of the medicine you took just a moment earlier.

The rest of the day went by in a blur, Taemin forcing you to rest and kissing your forehead as you whined for his embrace, your eyes feeling drowsy and your mind filled with what to do on Christmas day.

_______________

"Hey, remember the time when we first met?" The Christmas holidays were coming up, and you felt better, your body finally getting used to the winter weather.

The pretend fire you had on the Television gave the living space a more home-like effect, the both of you lazing around on the couch drinking hot chocolate.

Taemin choked, as the hot liquid went down quicker than expected. "I do. Why so out of the blue?"

You shrugged. "I don't know, I just find it really embarrassing for me. I mean, you are so rich and handsome but also so kind. If you had made me go get your shirt dry cleaned I think I would have been broke forever."

He chuckled. "But you were cute so I let it off the hook." He winked at you and you cringed, feeling a blush creeping up...or was that from the hot chocolate. "Besides, I didn't really like that shirt and I couldn't do anything about it. My parents would disapprove of me giving the shirt away so I guess you became a blessing to my curse."

It was a bright fall day, the orange leaves crunching under your shoes. Coming from a stressful class you knew you needed a pick-me-up. What better way to go and get your favourite drink at the local coffee shop at Campus? Quick, affordable, aesthetic, a great study place too.

The bells chimed as you walked in, the fresh smell of ground coffee beans hitting your nose with the sound of milk being foamed, it was a heavenly place for the coffee lover.

"Can I get one hot chocolate please?" But for you, you couldn't let go of one specific drink.

"One hot chocolate for Y/N."  

Your hands clasped the open drink tightly, keeping your eyes focused on the ethereal leaf design made with the extra milk, adding a small dollop of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles on top. One second the drink was beautifully made, photogenic. And the next?

It was all over a man.

"Oh my goodness I'm so sorry!" You rushed to grab napkins from the drink counter, trying to wipe off the mess.

You accidentally touched the man's jacket and gasped. It was soft to the touch and a beautiful light grey colour, the amount of puff perfect to protect the owner from a cold. But yet, there was a stain not only on the white shirt the man wore but on the jacket as well. A brown ugly colour which stood out a hundred times more.

Trying to wipe it off, but instead smearing the stain, even more, panicking inside.

A hand clasped over yours, rough but smooth feeling at the same time.

"Hey, it's alright." You look up and into the eyes of Lee Taemin, the top student in your Chemistry department.

Shaking your head, you took another sip of the hot chocolate. "But Taemin really, just what happened with that shirt and jacket?"

"Well the shirt is gone, thank goodness for that. And the jacket, well...."

That was three years ago, never would you have imagined that your life would revolve around his. That the both of you knew, that you were soulmates, shared over a cup of hot chocolate.

A few dates here and there, never without a cup of hot chocolate and one of his awful pick-up lines.

"So you wanna... hot chocolate and chill?"

"Lee Taemin If you ask me that one more time, I will dump my hot chocolate on you."

Getting closer to him meant that you saw more than just his appearance. Although he is rich and finding out later on that the jacket and shirt you spilled your drink on was Louis Vuitton branded. Panicking aside, you didn't care about the money or the looks. His personality is what hit you the most. Gentle, kind, reassuring, always willing to listen to your problems, on and on.

He was the one.

______________

"Yo sis when are you coming home for Christmas?"

Two weeks before Christmas day and work had become more tiring than ever. Everyone wanted to get results out before the holidays, but that puts you into working overtime. Taemin was the same, the business booming with less paperwork and more physical work needed.

You sighed while washing the dishes, your neck cramping up as your younger brother Mark complained about how he and the rest of your family could only see you once or twice a year. It wasn't your fault that the company wouldn't give time off longer than six weeks total.

"Um, I'm not sure I'll be able to come this year. Work is getting busier and they need all the help they can get."

Mark sighed on the other side of the phone while opening a bag of chips and stuffing a handful into his mouth. "hy dun yu qut he job?"

"What?"

"I said why don't you quit the job?"

"Mark I already told you, I worked there for an internship and they liked me so I just stayed. Plus it's way easier than having to search for one." You washed the last plate and moved to the couch, your feet sore from standing.

"Doesn't your fiance have his own business? Can't he just hire you as his secretary or something?"

"Fiance? Mark we aren't engaged."

"Huh? But Taemin was texting me what kind of a ring to get you?"

"WHAT!?" Standing up as fast as lightning resulted in a stubbed toe. "Oops, I said too much. BYE SIS I LOVE YOU TEXT ME IF YOU'RE COMING HOME."

"MARK YOU LITTLE SH-" and the line went dead.

Massaging your baby toe, you grumbled. "What the hell was that?"

The lock jingled as Taemin opened the door, his cheeks a soft shade of pink wrapped up in a plaid scarf and a gray puffer jacket....yes, the same one you spilled the drink on.

"Baby I'm home, give me hugs." You laughed and ran to hug him, complaining at how cold he was.

"I was just outside!"

"I know but still!"

Christmas Music was softly played as you both were in the kitchen cooking a delicious dinner. Having too much wine even before the meal resulted in yet another spill, thankfully not on anyone's clothing.

Chatter about work became the main topic for tonight's conversations, Taemin complaining about Lucas and Chenle.

"I swear those two will be the death of me, especially Lucas. He's so tall and annoying sometimes, and too loud."

"But Taemin you let them work with you."

"...It was a mistake."

More wine and cuddles, picking a good Christmas movie on Netflix. You snuggled up against Taemin's side, working the remote while he drank his wine from his free hand. After deciding on Elf, you decided to finally ask what was on your mind the whole day.

"Taemin.....what was Mark talking about that you were trying to buy me a ring?"

Taemin choked again on his wine, spitting it back into the cup and cringing in disgust. "W-whatever do you mean darling? A ring? What ring? I see no ring?" he awkwardly chuckles as you eye him weirdly, pressing your hand on his forehead.

"Baby, is something wrong?" He shakes his head. You, on the other hand, don't buy it.

"Taemin you can tell me anything it's okay."

He takes a deep breath and stands up.

You, in your sweats and one of his oversized shirts and him, also wearing sweats and an oversized shirt. Elf playing in the background, the Christmas tree lit up. He figures there was no better opportunity than to do it here. Slowly, Taemin gets down on one knee and reaches in his pocket. A velvet box perched on his hand. Your reflexes immediately bring your own hands to your mouth, gasping when he opens the box to reveal a beautiful ring. Simple yet elegant, the light hitting all the perfect points of the diamond perched on top of the gold band, showing colours of pastel pink and purple.

"Y/N, I know we both probably don't look the best right now but I know for sure this is how I want to spend the rest of my life....with you. Will you marry me?"

_______________

"HOLY SHIT! I knew it!" You chuckled as you packed your luggage. Mark was cheering on the other side of the phone and you knew it would last ages.

"Alright alright, Mark I get it! He proposed the wedding won't be until a while okay?

Mark laughed. "Okay okay, sis I get it. By the way, are you coming? Mom and dad have been nagging me to ask you almost every day."

"...yeah I'm coming. Taemin got me a ticket to see you guys so pick me up from the airport at 3:00 pm tomorrow okay?"

The call ended shortly after that, packing all of the essentials needed for the one week trip. You admired the engagement ring, smiling. It was perfect.

But not everyone agreed.

Later that evening you and Taemin reached his parents' condominium, him ringing the doorbell as you held the still steaming fruit cake in your hands, nervous as ever.

The door swung open and Taemin's mother engulfed him in a hug, giving kisses to both of his cheeks.

"Hello, mother nice to see you again."

"Oh come in, you must be hungry." His mother moved her eyes to you, as you tried to bow but almost dropping the cake. She discreetly rolled her eyes and gestured her son to come in, leaving you to fend for yourself.

_________________

The clinking of glasses surrounded the home, small talk developing. What you thought was a small family dinner turned out to be a whole relative get-together for the holidays. You felt out of place in your dress not tailored to your style, standing beside Taemin for most of the night while you felt the chilling stares of disapproval.

Taemin gently placed his hand in yours, guiding you to the middle of the dining room table. With a clink of his glass, the room became silent.

"I have an announcement to make." he began. "As you all know my girlfriend Y/N, two days ago we have entered into a new chapter of our lives. We're engaged."

The silence, the moving eyes, you felt your stomach drop. Everyone goes back to their small talk and you looked at Taemin, showing a small smile. He bends closer towards you, his breath tickling your ears, "they will warm up to the news, it's still a little shocking to them."

After excusing yourself to use the washroom, you accidentally bump into Taemin's mother, who scoffs under her breath.

"Still clumsy as ever I see? You never learn."

You turn around. "Pardon me?"

"I see you forced my son to marry you? Why? What is your reason with him? Surely you're in it for the money?" Her eyes going cold.

"No! I would never do such a thing, Madam. He was the one that proposed to me. I love him."

Her eyes judge you up and down, taking sight of your second hand "fancy" dress. "Never will I let my son marry a commoner like you." With that, she walked away, your thoughts and tears clouding your vision, second-guessing everything.

___________________

The ride home was silent, your fingers fiddling with the ring on your left hand. Taemin humming to a song on the local radio.

His hand finds yours and you hold it like there's no tomorrow, fearing for what you will do next.

Your mind is split into two, your persona leaning more into option two. For even though it will hurt, it's better than to live your life in agony.

Once back at home you quickly remove your shoes and run to your shared bedroom, slamming the door. Taemin places down the keys at the entrance table and slanders over to the door, knocking it ever so lightly that if you weren't so close to the doors, you would have missed it.

"Love, are you alright? I know the silence at the party was unexpected but I promise you, every-" "Do you really love me?"

Taemin was taken aback, you had never asked him such a thing.

"I'm sorry?"

You opened the door and he saw you tear-faced. "Do you really love me Lee Taemin?"

"Oh Y/N, of course, I love you, why did you think I would ask you to marry me?"

You shrug. "Oh I don't know, maybe because you feel bad about me being poor and a commoner and you think that a handsome rich man like you would make all my troubles disappear." venom like words followed after that. Maybe it was because you had a little bit too much to drink or you couldn't take it anymore. But whatever it was, the last few words and the actions that followed made Taemin's heart break.

"Let's call off the engagement." and the ring was placed into his hand.

__________________

Mark had picked you up from the airport and didn't question your puffy eyes or tiredness. He simply drove you home and warned your parents beforehand not to ask anything about the engagement, hearing the news from Taemin.

You slept most of the time, while awake your mind wandered to the conversation from yesterday night with his mother, feeling disgusted at yourself.

Mark had knocked on your door to let you know he was running some late-night errands and that dinner was ready but you didn't have the energy to get out of bed.

That was Christmas eve.

Christmas day was a different story.

Trying not to make the mood so down, you acted cheery in front of your parents, like nothing happened. Throughout the day that act became real, with you cracking some jokes with your father like old times, and helping your mother cook.

Mark hadn't been at home for most of the day until the three of you sat down and waited. The doorbell rang not too long after. "Y/N honey please get the door."

Grumbling, you hoped it was Mark as you were starving. But you slammed the door right away.

The man you didn't want to see, was at your front door, in your home country. Carrying a bouquet of roses. What scared you though was how similar he looked to you. Red puffy eyes as if he had been recently crying (you covered yours up with lots of concealer), and a tired expression.

"Y/N honey who was that?"

"N-no one mom." You opened the door a tiny crack and Mark fully pushed the door open, dragging Taemin inside as well.

"Mom we have a guest over."

The roses were placed in an empty pot filled with water, the silence unbearable for you.

"So Taemin, how is the business doing?" Your father tried to make small talk with the man who he had only seen a handful of times.

"It's going well sir.....I'm preparing for the next big sales for New Year's."

Your father nodded and it was silent yet again.

"Anyone up for dessert?"

_______________

Hot chocolate was given to drink in the living room, but Mark intercepted and stopped at two, signalling his parents to watch the two people who haven't spoken in a day to each other.

A day to a one-person may seem like a normal thing to others, but for these two, their new chapter had been shattered and it was only a matter of time before it was lost.

You drank your hot chocolate with questions floating all over the place.

Clearing your throat, you decided to eliminate the elephant in the room.

"Why did you co-" "I'm sorry."

Silence.

"Y/N I'm so sorry for everything. After you left, I confronted my parents and my mother told me what she said to you." That hit a nerve, as you visibly winced at the fresh memory.

Taemin continued. "For years they wanted me to have an arranged marriage with someone they liked and who was in our social circle. I was willing to agree with it until I met you. Remember when I said you were the blessing to my curse? You didn't only save me from wearing that awful shirt."

You tried to stifle a laugh and he smiled. "But you also saved me from conforming to my social norms, to be the odd one out, to follow my dreams, to know what it's like to really fall in love. And I never, ever want to lose that."

Taemin placed his hot chocolate on the table, took a deep breath and slowly went down on one knee. He took out the velvet box from his pocket and opened up to reveal the same engagement ring. Although in a different country, the lighting hits the diamond perfectly.

"Again, I know you and I don't look the best right now, but I know for sure I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I will make sure nothing gets in our way and I will love you unconditionally. L/N Y/N, would you do the honours of becoming my wife?"

Placing your hot chocolate down, you wiped stray tears that came out of your eyes, hugging Taemin and mumbling yes. He smiles and hugs you back, pulling away to place the ring back on your finger, where it belongs.

The both of you share a kiss, accidentally pushing the table and spilling both hot chocolates, laughing.

For a sweet romance that started with a cup of spilled hot chocolate.

[upthenorthmountain]

Something Just Like This - Chapter 5

2617 words, which is unlike me, but here we go! Some more of this

Previous Chapters

Chapter Five

“I don’t know, Anna. Are you sure you’re ready for a new relationship?”

“It’s not a relationship! It’s, it’s a support group. He got divorced, earlier this year.”

“Have you slept with him?”

“No!”

Elsa said nothing. Anna hated that, how Elsa would let the silence sit until Anna tried to fill it. She hated more that she always would try and fill it.

“Look, I don’t know if it’ll go anywhere,” she said. “But he’s easy to talk to, and he likes me, and he’s a good kisser -” Oops.

“Anna! You said you hadn’t slept with him!”

“Oh, for - I know it’s not your area of expertise, but there is a world of difference between kissing someone occasionally and having actual sexual intercourse with them.” The fact that, if trees had the ability to magically turn into double beds behind locking doors, she absolutely would have slept with him, was an entirely different point. She didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad one that Arundel Print didn't hold their events at hotels like normal companies.

Another pause, but Anna held her tongue during this one, until her sister continued.

“I suppose. Are you sure you’ll be alright this weekend? I’ll come over if you need me.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll be fine.”

“Sure?”

“Sure.”

-----

The Sunday morning of the team-building weekend wasn't nearly as bad as Anna feared when she woke up in her sleeping bag, hungover and blushing bright red at the memory of how Kristoff had kissed her (in public by the campfire, and in semi-private - well). But aside from a few odd comments, no one said very much. They really do think we’re already doing it, Anna realised.

No one was very chatty at breakfast, anyway, and cleaning up the campsite didn't take long. Kristoff himself was the same as always, a little subdued but then everyone was. When she saw him Anna tried not to remember the night before, the way he had pressed his body against hers; soon, she just thought, and that kept her warm all the drive home.

-----

Of course she didn’t want to be getting married today. He was a cheater and a liar and she was well rid of him, she knew that. But there was the little part of her brain that still lived in the fantasy, where Matt was a good man and they loved each other and right now she’d be having her hair done, and putting on her dress; right now she’d be walking down the aisle. Now he’d be making a speech, all about how lucky he was to have her. By now she’d be someone’s wife.

It was that late-afternoon slump, just gone 4pm, when it was too late to really go anywhere but too early to think about dinner. Anna lay on the sofa and stared at the ceiling. There was nothing she wanted to do but she didn’t want to stay here, either. Her whole body felt itchy. Why would today not just end.

The doorbell rang. Anna turned her head to it and, for the first time in her life, gave serious thought to not answering it. It rang again. Ugh, fine.

It was a florist. Anna walked back through to her living room with the bunch of flowers, fumbling for the card. She was sure they were from her sister until she read it - Just remember, someone in IT thinks you’re pretty.

Tears pricked her eyes. Sweet. He was so sweet. She found a vase in the kitchen and put the flowers in water. Could she call him? He was probably busy. But she should thank him. A text, then.

thank you for the flowers

they helped on a hard day x

you’re welcome, I’m glad you liked them

is it the kind of hard day where you want company

or to be left alone

I don’t know

yes maybe

yes to which part

company

come over in a bit? If you’re free

of course

well need to finish up some things here

seven ish? And we’ll do something to take your mind off it

OK

thanks x

-----

At quarter to seven Anna realised she was still in her pyjamas. At least she’d showered, but she hadn’t brushed her hair. What did seven-ish mean? A bit before or a bit after? She was still scrambling into jeans and a clean top when the doorbell rang. Quick drag of the brush through her hair, no time for make-up, oh well. This was her face and if he didn’t like it -

Kristoff was wearing a shirt, and his nice jacket, and proper shoes. He’d been planning to take her out somewhere, clearly. Why was she such a disaster? The nice man had sent her flowers and wanted to take her out for dinner and she’d barely bothered to get dressed.

“Hi,” she said, then “sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

He followed her through to the living room.

“Sorry, I didn’t think you meant….I thought you meant we could hang out here.”

“We can do that.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just...not really with it today.”

“It’s fine, Anna.” He sat down on the sofa. “Have you eaten yet?”

“No.” She paused. “I had breakfast.”

“Not lunch?”

“No. I’m hungry.” She sat down next to him and took out her phone. “What do you want? Pizza, Indian - ooh, Chinese.”

“Chinese sounds good. How do you just skip lunch without noticing?”

Anna tapped on her phone and then handed it to him. “Choose what you want, my treat.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, away with your - chivalry. And I slept quite long. Just to pass the time. So maybe I had lunch but not breakfast rather than the other way round.”

She took her phone back from him and completed the order. “Thirty minutes and someone will bring me food. I love living in the future. Speaking of which,” she picked up the remote, “Netflix. I get to choose because I’m sad today.”

“I - do not know how to argue with that.”

“Good. Best thing about this flat,” Anna said, scrolling down the menu, “Is that it’s cabled so the broadband is excellent. Where I lived before it was rubbish. It’s pretty much the only thing I like about this place.”

“What’s wrong with your flat? It’s fine.”

Anna pulled a face.

“Well,” Kristoff continued, “Do you not like where it is? The location?”

“No, that’s okay.”

“Good, because that’s the only thing you can’t change.”

“It’s just all - beige.”

“You can change the colour of the walls, you know.”

“I know. I don’t know how.”

“Then pay someone else to do it. Or find a friend who does know how. Look -” He sat forward and looked round the room. “OK. Find a wallpaper you like - something colourful. Maybe flowers, yellow and green - do the wall behind the sofa. Pick a colour out from it, maybe yellow, and paint the other walls.”

“It’ll clash with the sofa. Which I did not choose, a friend was throwing it out.”

“You can get new covers for sofas, or just put something over it, a blanket or whatever. Get some cushions that go with the wallpaper. You know, things girls like.”

“Hmm.”

“What’s in all those boxes?”

“Books, mainly. Ornaments.”

“Couple of bookcases over there, then. Go to Ikea.”

“I can’t do flatpacks, it’s a disaster.”

“Jesus. Get some ready-made ones from somewhere else, then. Put some more pictures up.” He was looking round the room, and it was a moment before he glanced back at her and realised she was crying.

“Anna? Fuck.” He put his arm round her and pulled her towards him. “I’m sorry, just tell me to shut up.”

“S’not that - you’re right - I just -”

With his free arm Kristoff reached the tissue box on the coffee table and handed it to her. Anna pulled out a handful and rubbed at her face. “It’s just - I have to do everything. I’ve never lived alone before. I’m in my mid-thirties and I’ve never lived alone before. There’s so much, so many things, and I can’t…”

He rubbed her arm. “It’ll get easier.”

“What if it doesn’t.”

“Anna…” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “I think in a year or two you’re going to look back and think, wow. I mean - not just the wedding thing. You moved to a new town, and a new job, you put basically the maximum amount of disruption into your life all at once. It’ll work out but of course this is super-stressful. You’re right in the middle of probably the most stressful period of your life.”

“My parents both died when I was seventeen.”

“Really? Fuck. Second-most, then. But still. It will get better. It will, you just need to keep going.”

Anna blew her nose, loudly. “It’s shit,” she said, with feeling.

“Yeah, I know. But it was always going to be. Also, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you swear before.”

“I save it for when I need it. And you’re the one who just got divorced.”

“Yeah, but I still have the same house, the same job, the same friends. And my family around. And we’d been separated for a while.”

Anna rested her cheek on his chest and he kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to end up decorating this living room, aren’t I,” Kristoff said. “I’ve had a sudden premonition.”

“That’s a very kind offer, thank you.”

“Oi. You’re going to help.”

“If you tell me what to do.”

“Of course.”

-----

The food was reasonable, and old sitcoms as reliable a source of mild entertainment as always. Normally this would be a perfectly fine way to spend an evening, especially with a nice warm man to snuggle up against. But Anna still felt out of sorts.

Well, she had an idea about how to cheer herself up. When the episode finished, she pulled Kristoff’s face round to hers and kissed him. When he started to turn back away she kissed him again, and tangled her fingers in his hair, and then he understood and pulled her into his arms.

He wasn't as forceful as the previous weekend, but that was okay. When Anna turned a little in her seat and lay back against the sofa cushions, it didn’t take much encouragement to pull him along with her, to settle his weight above her, warm and safe. Anna wiggled her legs round until she could hook a foot behind his knee.

This was nice, very nice. Anna kissed him and tried to remember if she’d made her bed (no), and if she had any condoms (yes, but she couldn’t remember which drawer in her bedroom they were in) and what underwear she was wearing (cotton with a print of dancing owls, better get that off as quickly as possible).

She moved her lips from his to kiss her way along his jaw and onto his neck; when she reached his ear she whispered “Shall we take this to the bedroom?” in the sexiest voice she could manage.

Kristoff pulled back a bit, breathing hard. He pushed himself up on his hands and she waited, thinking he was just catching his breath. Then he kissed her gently on the lips, just once, and said “I think - I don’t think I’m ready for that just yet.”

He sat up. Suddenly cold, Anna swung her legs round to sit next to him. “Oh,” she said, looking at her hands.

“It’s not you,” he said quickly. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I just -”

“It’s okay. I mean, of course it’s okay.” Anna swallowed hard. “You shouldn’t do anything you don’t want to.”

“Of course I want to.”

“They why -”

“It just - means more to me. It’s not, casual. For me.”

Anna nodded, sniffed, and scrubbed at her eyes with the palms of her hands.

“Hey,” Kristoff said. “Stop that. Don’t start crying again over some old fart who’s so boring he only has sex with people he’s in a serious relationship with.”

Anna sniffed. “What do you mean, again.”

“You were definitely crying earlier. When I suggested you decorate your living room.”

She laughed but it turned into a sob. “I’ll stop, I’m sorry…”

He put an arm round her shoulder. “Would you like me to stay tonight?” he said quietly.

“But you just said…”

“I mean, just stay. Sleep here. So you're not by yourself.”

“I don't have a spare bed. And I don’t think you’ll fit on the sofa. So we’d have to - share.”

“That's fine.”

“You're sure? I'd like you to stay. If you're sure.”

“I suggested it, remember?”

“Okay, then. Thank you.”

-----

Kristoff left to fetch his pyjamas and toothbrush (which had made Anna smile when he said it; like a sleepover. Which she supposed it was. Had half the reason she wanted to sleep with him been because she didn’t want to sleep alone tonight? Let’s not think about that too hard, Anna).

She brushed her own teeth, and put on clean pyjamas, and made her bed and tidied up her room a bit. What if he changed his mind once he got home? Then you’ll be fine. Go to sleep, tomorrow is another day. Another day on which she should have been flying to Mauritius. Ugh.

The door buzzed, and it was Kristoff, with a rucksack slung over his back.

“Let’s do this, then,” he said.

-----

“Goodnight,” Anna said, and turned out the light. She kept her back to him, then thought, was that rude? But they were just here to sleep. She half-turned; Kristoff was lying on his back, and he turned his face to her when she moved.

“This is a bit weird,” she said, feeling awkward. “I mean, isn’t it? I’ll try not to - molest you in my sleep, or anything.”

“Believe me,” he said. “It's quite possible to share a bed with someone night after night and never touch at all.”

He didn't sound bitter as he said it, just sad, and Anna thought about how lonely that must have been.

“I'm sorry,” she said, rolling onto her back next to him. “I'm so wrapped up in myself today.”

“I think you're allowed to be, today.”

“What was she like?”

Kristoff hesitated. Then he said, “I don't know, about five foot six? Dark hair, blue eyes.”

“You know that’s not what I meant. What happened? I mean, if you want to tell me,” she added hurriedly.

Kristoff was silent for a while, and Anna worried she’d over-stepped. Then he said, “Lots of things. Lots of little things. But the one big thing was that before we got married we both said we wanted to have children one day, one day soon, then afterwards she changed her mind.”

“Oh.”

“Well, it wasn’t as clear-cut as that - there was always some reason to wait. For her. And...I don’t know. We started arguing about it a lot. And there were other things, too, but maybe we could have got through them.”

Anna put out her hand and found his.

“Last year,” he continued, “It was bad. But I remember, one evening - we’d had dinner and we were clearing up, and it was - calm - but I just remember knowing, so clearly, that it was going to end. That it was inevitable. And it was really...” He ran his free hand over his face. “It was really fucking sad.”

“I’m sorry.”

He squeezed her hand. “And here we are,” he said. “I survived. So will you.”

“Just about. But what now?”

“Now you go to sleep.” He squeezed her hand again and let it go. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight. And thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Go to sleep.”

[lavender-montgomery]

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019) - Thoughts [SPOILERS]

So I finished watching this movie about 51 seconds ago. I was very excited for this film when it was first announced. I only read one of the books when I was a kid and I don’t remember it, I was more a Goosebumps and Pointe Horror kid, however I was still excited. I saw the trailer I believe before Annabelle: Creation when I went with my friend, and we vowed to go see it in the cinema. Spoiler: We didn’t go see it in the cinema. I completely forgot. This was August 2019. It is now March 2020 and I have only just remembered, so I watched it for free online. Don’t tell the police. I’m kinda glad I didn’t pay to go see it, although I do feel it woulda been better in the cinema environment with the surround sound. If you’re watching this on a computer I 10/10 recommend wearing headphones/earphones. I put mine in half way through and it improved it greatly, even when my laptop was on full blast. 

So the film starts and immediately I notice it’s set in the past when President Nixon was a thing, so correct me if I’m wrong but I believe that was early 70s. I dunno, I’m British and don’t know much about American history. It also begins on Halloween - excellent, we’re off to a great, spooky start already. A touch I appreciated was the Halloween costumes the cast were wearing. Home made costumes of a spider, a clown and a witch. Loved them, kids don’t wear stuff like that anymore. I’d love to have costumes like that. So it starts off with the three main characters getting revenge on some bullies - pretty standard. One character annoys me when he takes it too far by throwing a bag of poop lit on fire into the bully’s car - which his big sister is sat in. Oops. Can’t help but judge this character already as that was pretty stupid. Didn’t bother me that much though as I’d forgotten about it until going over my notes just now. The kids hide in someone’s car at a drive thru, in comes the fourth main character, Ramone. That’s another thing I loved, the drive thu showing a black and white horror film on Halloween night, all of the old cars pulled up. That’s a rare thing nowadays, I think in the twelve years I have lived here I’ve only seen one drive thru - and I have kept an eye out always as I’ve wanted to go to one since seeing Greece when I was a kid. 

Obviously the kids make the stupid decision to go to the town’s creepy house that has a scary story attached to it. What else would they do? And also obviously they find a secret door no one has ever found so OBVIOUSLY they have to go through it and get locked in by the bullies. Duh.

I noticed this movie has a very dark colour scheme. I get that adds to the spookiness, but damn I’d like to be able to see what’s going on every once in a while. I kept adjusting my laptop and moving the screen but to no avail. 

What’s the scary story, you ask? There was a family who lived there who had a daughter named Sarah who killed a load of kids in the town who then killed herself. Please note the whole plot of the movie revolves around Sarah’s book of scary stories that come true and kill kids, and she writes in it in the afterlife. I was a bit confused about if this book killed kids before the movie was set and it was a known thing, or if it happened for the first time in this movie. I THINK it supposedly happened before but I can’t say for certain - I was texting when this was spoken about, my bad. 

Something that had me frowning was when they went into this secret room that was supposedly locked for a hundred years... The candles were lit. Why? How? I didn’t see any of the kids light the candles, but there they were, lit and burning bright as anything. Like I mentioned, they get locked in this room along with their big sister by the school bully they through the firey poop at. But the book sets them free. Somehow. 

Come to think of it, it must be known that the book has killed kids as they mention it. Silly me. So nerd girl Stella continues to read after being told it kills kids... Stella, are you thick? Characters like that drive me mad. She even took the book home. Dumb ass. Then again, she is a huge horror fanatic as her bedroom is plastered in horror film stuff, and she’s a mega nerd, so how could she not take the book? I would. It’s a bit spooky when she’s looking at the book later on and it isn’t finished and ink is still wet as it’s still being written. Reminded me of in Harry Potter.

I started to suspect this movie would be like the Goosebumps movies. It was more what the Goosebumps movies shoulda been - no offense to those movies or the cast, I just feel they were aimed at an audience younger than the book audience both old and new. 

The first monster we saw was the scarecrow. He was a bit creepy. I realised all the monsters in it are targeting specific kids with their worst fear. ‘You don’t read the book, the book reads you.’ The scene with the scarecrow made me think of umm I think it was called In The Tall Grass on Netflix, because of the dark corn field, the sound of the plants in the wind and the fact he couldn’t get out of the field. What I don’t get when the bully Tommy died, he turned into a scarecrow - why was this scarecrow not found? It still looked like him. 

Ruth. Ruth is one of the kid’s big sister. She’s beautiful. Not much to say on her really, she wasn’t in it THAT much. But she was incredibly pretty. 

I liked the part where Stella took the book back to the house then when she went home, Ramone found it in her bedroom. It was a bit cliche but it worked. 

The next monster we saw was a scary ghostly figure missing her toe. The kid this ghost was targeting stupidly hid under his bed while the door was being opened then only seconds later he emerged. Suprise surprise he was taken/killed. I’d be under that bed all night if it was me, stuff coming out seconds after the door is opened. He did a quick look left and right then that was it. Made me feel a bit grim when he almost ate this ghost’s toe in the stew in the fridge. Bit of background: the ghost walks around saying ‘who took my toe’ as the toe is missing off her/his body. Not sure why. I’m sure there was a reason why this kid was scared of this monster but I don’t remember it and for some reason I didn’t take note. Feel free to let me know and I’ll add it on. 

The next monster we saw wasn’t really a monster, it was spiders. A lot of them. Which, to be honest, is the worst one of all the horror characters as I am extremely terrified of spiders. The sister Ruth had them all crawling out of a ginourmous zit/spider bite on her face. It’s quite sad that she’s hospitalised for her breakdown and is absent for almost the whole rest of the movie. I quite liked her, woulda liked for her to be in it more. The scene where she’s covered in spiders reminded me of one of my psychosis hallucinations that I have bugs all over my body, hundreds of them running over me - before anyone asks, yes, it is scary. 

So for some reason there’s a character called Lulu who is an old lady who I think is blind and she’s a bit off her rocker. When she was a child she was friends with Sarah. She didn’t really do much for the story. The only benefit was they found out Sarah killed herself at hospital not at home, but I’m sure they coulda discovered that elsewhere. It’s a shame as she was a very interesting character. It was a bit creepy when the music box just like Sarah’s starts playing and Lulu sings along, then when Sarah’s book is shown the music stops. 

The sad part about Sarah is her family had her sent to the hospital and they lied about everything. Her own brother was her doctor, giving her electroconvulsive therapy and abusing her. No wonder she came back and killed a load of kids, she was put through a lot in her childhood when she was completely innocent, she wanted to help. She didn’t do anything she was accused of. In voice recordings of her interview she kept saying ‘I didn’t do it’ and you could hear her get electrocuted. This made me so sad, I really felt for her. She tried to save the kids by telling people what her family were doing to the water, so her family framed her. Tragic. It was a bit creepy when after this part, the recording they were listening to then spoke to them saying ‘I’ll tell you what you want to hear’. One of the creepiest parts of the film, sadly. 

The next monster we saw was the fat pale lady. She was a bit creepy and weird, my favourite monster out of all of them. She didn’t really do much, though. But her design was cool. The costume was so well done, she was chilling and realistic. The teen she was after couldn’t run away, no matter which way he turned she was there. I’ve had a nightmare similar to that, so the scene gave me a bit of anxiety. She looked how I imagined Umbridge in the Harry Potter books before she was in the movies. 

Broke my heart a little when the girl Stella was on the phone to her dad. He was so worried and wanted to help but he couldn’t. You could tell he really loved her, especially after everything they’ve been through what with the mum leaving. 

It took me ages to catch on - each monster/story is of the victim’s worst fear. 

Next monster was the Jangly man. He was also very well done. The way he moved was unnatural and creepy. I feel they overdone the dead look and sound effects but that’s okay. He was truly disturbing. I loved how he managed to squeeze between the bars in the police cell to get to Ramone. Also loved how he could dismember himself and put him back together. 

I appreciated how the film wasn’t reliant on jump scares like something I watched recently *cough* Brahms: The Boy II *cough*. The monsters in this mighta scared me if I was a young kid. 

So it ends with the girl Sarah who was writing the stories was doing it for revenge, and Stella talks her into stopping. Predictable ending but it worked. I liked when Stella became Sarah back in the past when she was locked up and they didn’t know she wasn’t Sarah. When Stella was locked in the basement, everything went back to normal and she was Stella gain. The creepy music box played again and Sarah appeared, angry. I felt the acting in this scene wasn’t great, it was like watching a year eleven GCSE drama duologue. 

When Ramone was drafted and he said goodbye to Stella, they shown that they had feelings but they didn’t kiss which I am glad about. That would have been a very cheesy ending to the movie. 

Is there going to be a sequel? It ended with Stella, Ruth and dad going on a hunt with the book as Stella thinks the book can bring back all the kids that went missing due to the stories. Will it work? Maybe in another movie? I kinda hope not. I most likely won’t watch it, this movie wasn’t good enough for a sequel. The script and cast were meh, the plot was eh, I’m rating it a 4/10 and that’s being generous. Wouldn’t recommend to others especially adults and I won’t be watching again - I am so glad I didn’t pay to go to the cinema to see this.

[txehyungies]

It All Started At A Coffee Shop

•Pairing: Taehyung x Reader

•Genre: Fluff

•Words: 3059

•A/N: Okay wow this is way longer than any of my other fanfictions. I kept procrastinating so it took me like a week to write oops. Anyways hope you like it!

•Summary: You meet Taehyung at a coffee shop and it turns out you both go to the same university. He asks you on a date and you get something to eat before he suggests that you go to his apartment. You go and meet his dog and fluff ensues. (please don’t judge my summary skills I know I suck at them lmao).

You can feel a pair of eyes gazing at you ever so subtly as you walk into the warm and welcoming coffee shop. It had started snowing outside and you were getting cold, so you came in to get a hot chocolate. Coffee wasn’t really your thing so you always got that. Walking over to the counter, you glance quickly at the calm eyes watching you. There he was, a boy with brown hair and cocoa eyes, wearing a black pea coat and a grey scarf. He blushes before moving his gaze away, becoming shy. You’re glad that he did though, since your cheeks turn a tint of pink in return. Once you received your drink, you walk over to the cute spot next to the fireplace. You love this spot because it always feels so comforting with the sound of the wood gently crackling. Soon after you sat down, the boy across the room gets up and walks over to you swiftly. He places his coffee down on the table that you’re sitting at.

“May I, uh, sit here?” He asks flustered.

You smile up at him, you didn’t think he would of actually made a move.

“Yes of course!”

He gives a relieved smile and sits down on the chair opposite of yours. You sip your hot chocolate, trying to hide the grin on your face.

“So, um, what’s your name?”

You look up at him, you realize you were staring at the ground because you were too shy to make eye contact.

“Oh, I’m Y/N, what’s yours?”

“I’m Taehyung” He holds out his hand to shake yours with a box smile plastered on his face. Your cold hand shakes his warm one politely.

“So what brings you here?” He sips his coffee.

“Oh, well it started snowing outside and I was getting cold, so I came in to get a drink.”

He nods in understanding, “Yeah, I just needed some time off of my school work. I go to university around here, it’s pretty stressful, but a coffee usually helps to calm me down.”

You were currently in university as well, what if he actually went to the same one as you?

“Which one do you go to?” You ask curiously, raising your eyebrow.

“St. James.“

You stare in disbelief, he actually goes to your university. How did you not see him around? You must of been too caught up with school work to even notice, but how can you not notice that amazing boy?

“You’re kidding, I go there too!”

His eyes widen in surprise, “Really? I’ve never seen you around.”

You shrug and take another sip of hot cocoa.

“So uh- maybe we could hang out sometime, maybe get something to eat?”

Wait, pause. Did Taehyung just subtly ask you out?

“Yeah sure, that would be great actually. Would tomorrow work?”

“Yeah, we can meet in the library if you want?”

“Cool. See you tomorrow then?” You start to get up from the seat.

“Yeah uh- wait!” He reaches out his hand for you to stay, you stop instantly and stare at him, “I never got your number.”

“Oh, right.” You chuckle and quickly grab a pen out of your purse and write your number on the napkin that was laying on the table. You hand it to him and he says a quiet ‘thank you’.

“I’ll text you, okay?” He watches as you head to the door.

“I’ll be waiting.” You smile and walk out into the cold outdoors.

The next morning you wake up more excited than ever. You’re meeting Taehyung at noon, you quickly shower and get dressed. Since you two seemed to have really liked each other yesterday, you tried to look your best. As you’re getting ready, you hear your phone buzz. You pick it up to find that Taehyung has texted you.

Taehyung: We still on for today?

You: Yup! On my way now :)

Taehyung: Cool, can’t wait to see you!

You grab your keys and put on your coat rapidly. Once you lock your door, you start heading over to the library.

When you walk into the library, you instantly spot Taehyung sitting on one of the worn out couches, looking at his phone. You decide to surprise him, so you sneak up behind him and put your hands around his eyes.

“Guess who.”

He chuckles softly and shrugs, “Hmmm, I give up.” He grabs your hands gently. He pushes them off of his eyes and looks up at you with a box smile. You giggle and move around to the other side of the couch to sit next to him. You flop down and put your hands on your lap.

“So, where to?”

He tucks his phone into his coat pocket and looks at you.

“Well there’s this really cute sandwich place down the street and their food is amazing, so I thought we would go there. Does that sound good?” He tilts his head.

You nod right as your stomach growls loudly.

“Aish, we should probably go now, you’re starving.” Taehyung stands up and holds out his hand. You take it and stand up yourself. The two of you don’t stop holding hands for the whole walk there. This was only your first ‘date’ but neither of you really seemed to mind.

Taehyung opens the door to the small shop and -being the gentleman that he is- lets you go in first. You both walk over to the counter to look at the menu hanging from the ceiling. Once you get your sandwiches, Tae takes you by the hand and leads you to the cute little spot in the corner, away from everyone else. You plop down on the booth seat and Tae joins you.

You take a bite from your sandwich, your eyes instantly widen at how great it tastes.

“Good right? I told you.” He nudges you playfully with his elbow, which makes you giggle.

“So what year of university are you in?” He takes a bite of his sandwich.

“I’m in my second year, how about you?”

“You’re joking, I’m in my second year too!”

You both laugh, and that’s when you realize how adorable his laugh is. It’s more on the silent side, so all you can see is him rocking back and forth in pure joy, but it’s adorable nonetheless.

“Man I never knew we had so much in common.” He calms down from his laughter.

“I didn’t either, wow”

“Hey so, would you want to come to my place after we eat? Just to hang out and stuff. I have a dog too, you’re not allergic right?”

You stop midway into biting your sandwich to stare at him in disbelief.

“You… Have a dog?”

“Yeah, I live in an apartment building that’s close to the university but not on university property, plus my building allows dogs so. Are you allergic?”

You ignore his question and continue to stare, “Taehyung, I love dogs.”

A box smile appears on his face.

“Well um… His name is Miso and he’s only a year old.“

“Aw~, what breed is he?” You suddenly get curious.

“It’s a surprise.”

“Taehyuuuuuuuung~,” You whine, “Tell me, pleeeease~!” You tug on his coat.

“Ah! Calm down.” He swats your hand gently away from his jacket, “If you come to my apartment, I can show you.” He smiles mischievously. This was Tae’s way of flirting, it was subtle, but you found it extremely endearing.

You cock your head to the side and squint at him. You knew you couldn’t resist his offer and you hated him for being able to be so sly. ‘That smooth little mother fuc-’ You’re thought was cut off by your mouth speaking on it’s own.

“Okay, fine.”

His box smile returns on his face, even bigger than before.

“Ya~!” He claps like a little kid that just got what they want.

“Let’s go before I change my mind.” That was a lie, you weren’t gonna change your mind, you just want to see how he would react.

His eyes widen and his hand grabs your wrist at lightning speed. He pulls you up off the seat and pulls you out the door. You realize that you didn’t even pick up your garbage.

“Taehyung!” You call out.“

He stops abruptly, worried he’d done something wrong. He turns his face to you with concerned eyes, his grip still on your wrist.

“Yes? What is it?”

“We didn’t pick up the garbage! We can’t be rude like that.”

“It’s fine, they pick it up anyway, c'mon!” Without any warning he starts sprinting, dragging you with him.

After a good 10 minutes or so of running, you finally reach his building, which is conveniently not that far from the university. Tae pulls you up the stairs and up to the floor that he lives on. When you get to his door, he swiftly pulls out his key and unlocks the door frantically. As soon as the door swings open, a small puppy comes running out from the darkness and jumps onto the boy next to you.

“Hello hello!” Taehyung chuckles lightly and lets go of your wrist to pick up the dog. He turns on the light so the dog can finally be revealed. When it comes into focus, you cover your mouth with your hand in awe. It was a cream-coloured chow chow puppy, his fluffy tail wagging in excitement from his owner’s return. The puppy was so damn fluffy that it looked like a tiny bear. You don’t even get time to process the situation before Taehyung speaks up.

“Here he is, this is Miso! I chose that name for him because miso means smile in Korean, and he would never stop smiling when I got him.” He hands the puppy carefully to you, placing it in your arms.

You hold it with one arm and pet it with your other hand. It’s fur coat was so soft, it felt like a blanket.

Your voice goes two pitches higher than it usually is as you talk to the dog in your arms.

“Aw hello~” You nuzzle your nose in it’s soft fur, which makes Taehyung melt right then and there. He gazes at you with fond eyes as you cuddle with the small dog. You put the puffy dog down onto the dark hardwood flooring and pet it one last time before looking up at Taehyung, who’s already staring at you.

“What?” You ask.

“It’s just… You and Miso are so…” He demonstrates what he’s trying to say but hugging himself tightly.

“Cute?” You try to guess what he’s saying.

He looks away, nodding bashfully. You giggle before taking off your shoes and jacket.

“So anyways… This is my place.” He guides you in and brings you into the main living area. His apartment was surprisingly really nice. It was very modern and new. There was black and white furniture and a giant floor to ceiling window that looks out at the university. The kitchen was attached to the living room, it had shiny white countertops with a stainless steel oven and fridge. The backsplash was made out of a white stone and it had black cabinets. You can’t help but stare at his place. It was way bigger than you had imagined, and much nicer.

“Like it?” He asks, sitting on the white couch facing the television in front of the big window and pats the spot next to him. You nod and walk over and sit next to him, not trying to sit too close just in case.

Miso jumps up on the couch and lays on your lap.

“I see he likes you more than me.” Taehyung chuckles and moves closer to you. Your heart starts beating quickly and a light pink bites your cheeks from his action. You both liked each other, but why were you so damn nervous?

“So… How do you like it here?” You ask, trying to keep calm.

“It’s nice, it’s way better than those crappy dorms.” He looks around the room.

“Definitely…” You look down, unaware of what to say next.

“You’re so shy~.” Taehyung nudges your arm with his elbow playfully, “Loosen up a little, it’s just me.” He gives a warm smile.

‘Yes it is just you Taehyung, and that’s enough for me to go crazy for you.’ You think to yourself.

You stare at the ground a second longer before finally building up the confidence to speak.

“I’m just gonna say it,” You look up at him, who looks at you with his mouth slightly agape, “I- uh, like you Taehyung.” You stutter, “This might sound cheesy but um, I don’t know if you like me the way that I like you?” You search for his eyes and once you find them, they don’t budge.

You can see a spark light up in his eyes as he stares back at you. He had liked you since the moment you walked into that coffee shop. Suddenly, Taehyung bites his bottom lip and leans in to connect your lips with his. He brings his hand up to hold your chin ever so gently. The kiss was slow and shy, almost hesitant. You realize how tense you are, so you try to relax with his touch. He feels your body become less tense and takes that as a signal to keep going. The kiss becomes less shy and more sweet. You wrap your arms around the nape of his neck to pull him closer to you. The sun is already setting and the reddish pink glow shines into the room. He detaches your lips for the briefest second to move Miso off of your lap so that he can get closer to you, then his lips are back on yours. He pushes you down gently on the couch and straddles you with his legs. Butterflies swarm uncontrollably in your stomach as you continue to kiss back. The kiss slows down until he gives you one long lasting final kiss. He pulls away blushing profusely.

“I’ll take that as a yes?” You giggle, and he smiles widely, his eyes turning into little crescents.

He can’t resist your cuteness, so he starts to tickle your stomach, making you squeal.

“Ah! Taehyungie~!” You squeak, unable to control your laughter. Your body squirms frantically under him, trying to get him to stop. His hands release you and he peppers kisses on your face.

You laugh uncontrollably, “Stop~” You whine, even though deep down, you wanted anything but for him to stop. He brings his face back up to look at you, and you can’t handle how absolutely adorable he looks. His hair is slightly tousled and curly, his cheeks are tinted pink, and his lips are red from kissing.

“Would you like to stay the night?” He blurts out. His eyes widen by his forwardness, “I mean like, you can… If you want.” If his face wasn’t really red already, it is now.

You chuckle, “Sure, it will be fun.”

His box smile returns and he places a kiss on your cheek.

“Want me to get something for you to wear? You probably don’t want to wear that, it would be uncomfortable.” He gets up off of you and on his feet.

“Yes, thank you.” You say and watch him rush into his bedroom. He comes back out a minute later with a pair of grey sweatpants in one hand, and a black hoodie in the other. He gives them to you and you go to the bathroom to get changed. The clothes smell like him, which made you feel warm and cozy. You walk out and see him standing with Miso in his arms.

“What would you like to do?” He asks.

You yawn, “I’m kinda tired actually.”

“I am too now that I think of it. Wait here until I get changed, okay?”

You’re too tired to actually respond so you make a quiet grunting noise and wait patiently on the couch. You feel your eyes suddenly getting heavy and you lay your head on the arm of the couch. Right when you’re about to drift to sleep, you hear Taehyung’s bedroom door swing open and his footsteps walking towards you. You try to get up but fail and fall back onto the couch.

“Here let me help you.” He picks you up and brings you to the bedroom.

You snuggle into his warm chest before he places you onto the bed. You’re eyes open to peak at his room. It’s modern like the rest of his apartment, and it’s lit up with fairy lights surrounding the headboard. Tae picks up Miso to put him on the bed with the two of you. The pup licks your face before laying down at the lower end of the bed. Taehyung gets into bed next to you.

“Did you think today was fun?” He lifts up the covers so the two of you could get under them.

“Mhm,” You reply, inching closer to the boy.

He wraps his strong arm around you and pulls you as close as you can get to him. You rest your head on his chest, his steady heart beats quietly in your ear.

“Thank you, by the way.” Your voice comes out muffled by Taehyung’s chest.

“For what?”

“For today, it made me really happy.” You reply, you sound like a little kid, but you don’t care.

“How so?”

“Hm… I don’t know. As corny as it may sound, it’s something about your presence makes me happy.”

At those words, he squeezes you tighter and kisses your forehead.

He chuckles lightly, “You make me happy too. Now sleep, you’re tired.”

You intertwine your legs with his and kiss his cheek before closing your eyes.

“Goodnight.” He whispers and kisses your head before closing his eyes himself.