#replies: dohyun

[nvrendngstry]

The weather is getting warmer now, are you interested in a night swim?

— @themuses-rp Serena

“A night swim with you?” Dohyun hummed as if in thought, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Who could pass up such an offer?”

@themuses-rp

[daheeful]

            dahee  held  his  gaze,  eyes  soft  but  steady,  determined  to  let  her  sincerity  speak  volumes.  as  shy  as  she  typically  was  around  strangers,  there  was  nothing  awkward  about  this.  how  could  there  be,  when  every  part  of  her  seemed  to  remember  him  from  a  life  already  lived  ?  the  connection  between  them  burned  far  too  brightly  for  discomfort  to  exist.  still,  a  flicker  of  her  bashful  nature  made  a  brief  appearance  before  she  reached  up,  brushing  her  thumb  across  the  corner  of  his  lip  to  gently  wipe  away  the  red  smear.  "  it  made  me  feel  sad  to  see  everything  you  had  to  go  through.  but  i'm  glad  that  i—  well,  minsun,  "  she  clarifies  with  the  faintest  smile,  already  imagining  the  phantom  scolding  if  minsun  were  truly  here,  though  something  about  him  seemed  to  calm  that  inner  voice.  "  was  there  to  help  you  out  with  your  tough  situation.  "  the  words  spill  freely,  heartfelt,  and  she  only  realizes  a  moment  too  late  that  her  hand  is  still  cradling  his  cheek,  thumb  lightly  tracing  the  edge  of  his  lips.

 the  pressure  on  her  thighs  startles  her  at  first,  causing  her  to  tense  up  instinctively.  but  the  tension  melts  as  quickly  as  it  came,  soothed  by  the  familiar  warmth  of  his  touch,  and  a  small  laugh  escapes  her  lips.  "  you're  thirsty  again  ?  is  it  really  that  hard  to  resist,  the  bloodlust  ?  "  a  hint  of  playfulness  dancing  in  her  tone  despite  the  very  real  curiosity  in  her  wide,  questioning  gaze.  being  new  to  all  of  this,  and  now  having  someone  she  could  actually  ask,  her  head  tilts  slightly,  as  if  searching  for  answers  in  his  face.  but  his  next  move  catches  her  completely  off-guard,  his  face  far  too  close,  his  words  heavy.  dahee  can  almost  hear  her  own  heart  drumming  in  her  ears.  "  then,  "  she  manages  after  a  hard  swallow,  her  throat  feeling  like  it  was  lined  with  sandpaper,  "  you  can  have  as  much  of  me  as  you  want.  "  the  confession  slips  out  with  surprising  ease,  and  even  she  is  taken  aback  by  her  own  boldness.  what  she  meant  exactly,  she  left  for  dohyun  to  decide.

 but  reality  has  a  habit  of  interrupting,  and  the  moment  she  hops  off  the  table,  a  fellow  member  of  the  school  paper  comes  strolling  in.  with  a  quick  bow  and  a  shy  smile,  dahee  keeps  her  cool,  reaching  for  dohyun's  wrist  as  she  murmurs,  "  excuse  us.  "  no  need  to  stage  a  live,  possibly  bloody  performance  in  front  of  unsuspecting  company.  once  they're  out  in  the  corridor,  she  turns  to  him  without  missing  a  beat.  "  let's  go  to  your  place.  "  her  voice  is  calm,  but  there's  a  clear  urgency  underneath.  after  all,  this  wasn't  the  kind  of  conversation  that  could  happen  in  the  open.  certainly  not  at  her  place  either,  where  siblings  lurked  like  nosy  shadows.  slipping  her  hand  into  his,  dahee  offers  him  a  gentle  nod,  her  voice  a  whisper.  "  lead  the  way,  dohyun  ah.  "  nerves  creep  up  again,  buzzing  beneath  her  skin  as  they  walk  side  by  side  through  the  crowd  of  students,  none  the  wiser  to  the  storm  that  had  just  passed  and  the  one  quietly  brewing  between  the  two.

       gaze  were  observing  the  femme  through  hooded  lids,  stare  holding  a  mixture  of  desire  and  the  greed  there  was  compulsively  consuming  him  slowly,  the  taste  of  her  lingering  on  dohyun's  tongue  and  it  took  everything  to  not  dip  head  forward  for  another  feast.  in  fact,  it  scared  him  just  how  eager  nerves  were  itching  to  just  push  forward  and  give  into  the  needs,  currently  washing  over  him   —-   that  losing  sense  of  control  which  hadn't  happened  since  his  sire  was  training  him  to  become  nothing  but  a  cold-hearted,  selfish  vampire.

what  keeps  him  level-headed  and  grounded,  was  the  look  dahee  was  sending  him   ;   something  so  mesmerizing  about  her  eyes  and  the  way  her  body  had  seemed  to  tense  up  against  his  own,  legs  doing  the  smallest  of  squeezes  around  waist  but,  everything  was  caught  by  him   —-   all  of  it  helping  him  stay  sane  in  the  midst  of  his  turned  appearance.   "  how'd  it  make  you  feel�� ?  seeing  everything  ...  "   curiosity  lacing  his  voice  but,  fingertips  were  tracing  at  exposed  skin  at  her  thigh,  platted  skirt  resting  higher  due  to  their  given  position  and  knee  highs.  the  question  almost  sends  him  into  an  overdrive,  fingers  gripping  around  her  thigh  as  hips  are  instinctively  pushing  forward   ;   pearly  whites  capturing  plumb  bottom  lip,  fangs  out  and  causing  a  small  rip  of  his  flesh  there.   "  don't  tempt  me  right  now,  dahee-ah.  "   knowing  he  wouldn't  be  able  to  hold  back  at  all,  dohyun  would've  let  go  of  anything  having  held  him  back  just  now.

the  clock  is  almost  traumatically  making  him  withdraw  his  fangs,  eyes  turning  back  to  normal  instantly  and  yet,  homme  doesn't  make  any  movement  of  leaving  the  position.  instead,  hand  comes  up  between  them  and  allows  thumb  and  index  finger  to  grasp  her  chin,  leaning  forward  to  murmur  out  subtly   ;   lips  dangerously  close  on  touching  hers.   "  you've  made  me  an  addict  of  you  now,  just  letting  you  know.  "   gaining  strength  to  finally  pull  away  from  her  and  the  warmth  they  had  created  was  completely  gone  within  a  second,  but  still  on  fire  in  places  there  shouldn't  be  explored  when  on  school  grounds.   "  want  to  go  somewhere,  or  do  you  have  classes  now  ?  "   hoping  they  could  be  alone  more,  to  keep  exploring  the  hidden  meanings  of  this  connection  but,  reality  hit  them  like  a  rock  out  of  nowhere.   "  i  got  a  free  period  now.  "   a  small  hint,  his  apartment  not  being  too  far  from  campus  but,  at  the  same  time  he  didn't  quite  trust  himself  to  be  alone  with  her  for  another  minute   —-   too  much  greed  lingering.

[someonegoood]

THE CORPORATE EQUATION chapter 1 ✫ jeon jungkook

after Jeon resigned as CEO, meeting his son —the new CEO— was not a good experience. Despite the tension, you notice hints of vulnerability beneath his moody exterior.

CONTAINS: corporate!au, ceo!jk, headofhr!reader, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, accidental vulnerability, mutual pining, emotionally unavailable jk, bickering turned bonding, fluff & angst :)

NOTE: this will be a mini series. thanks so much for reading!! this work is not revised and english is not my first language :)

my main masterlist! ❀ the corporate equation masterlist!

chapter one: the new CEO

Life has a strange way of changing in the blink of an eye. One moment, you’re comfortable in the routine of your daily life, and the next, everything shifts—like the wind knocking over an entire stack of carefully arranged folders. For you, this particular change had come faster than expected. Jeon, the former CEO, had resigned abruptly, leaving the company in turmoil. There was little time to adjust, and even less time to process what was happening.

Jeon had been a constant at the helm for years. His presence had shaped the company's foundation, and you had respected him for his sharp, calculated leadership. He had guided the company with precision and there was always an understanding that he could be trusted to keep the ship steady. But now, his son, Jeon Jungkook, was stepping into his shoes. You knew little about him, except for the occasional gossip that had floated through the company—rumours that painted him as cold, unapproachable and... gorgeous.

Today was the day. You went through your morning routine on autopilot. Coffee brewed in the corner as you brushed your hair, choosing practicality over flair. A pencil skirt, a pastel blouse, and your trusty blazer—a combination that felt like armour against the unpredictability of corporate life. You grabbed your bag and headed out the door.

At this time of the morning, the bus stop was alive with the quiet energy of early morning commuters. A mix of sleepiness and determination hung in the air as people shuffled about with their eyes fixed on their phones or the horizon. You settled into your usual seat by the window, gazing at the familiar cityscape rushing by. Buildings stacked against one another and the occasional cyclist weaving through traffic—it all felt comfortingly ordinary.

By the time you reached the office, the hum of whispered speculation filled the air. As you walked through the halls, exchanging polite smiles with colleagues, you couldn’t help but notice how everyone seemed to carry a certain tension in their movements.

Soojin appeared at your side. Her usual cheery demeanour was like a ray of sunshine cutting through the tense atmosphere. She was holding a steaming cup of tea, her neatly styled bob bouncing slightly as she walked. She started working at the same time you entered the company, therefore you've become really good friends.

“Good morning!” she chirped, setting her cup down on the counter. She leaned against it, her bright eyes scanning your stack of papers. “Prepared for our big meeting with the new boss?”

“Morning, Soojin,” you replied, offering her a small smile. “Yeah, just making sure I have everything in order. First impressions matter, right?”

“Absolutely,” she said, nodding emphatically. “But don’t stress too much. From what I’ve heard, Jeon Jungkook isn’t exactly the chatty type. Rumour has it he’s more about the Finances Department than the HR one.”

You gave a small laugh, though it didn’t reach your eyes. “I’ve heard that too. But, you know, I’m still hoping he’ll be open to ideas. We'll present the proposal for improving employee morale that I think could really make a difference.”

Soojin raised an eyebrow, her expression somewhere between impressed and skeptical. “Employee morale? The one Dohyun and you made up? Bold move. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great. But with all the talk about how cold he is, I wouldn’t be surprised if he shuts it down...”

“Maybe,” you admitted, straightening your papers and tucking them into your folder. “But I have to try, right? If we don’t focus on the people here, everything else will eventually fall apart.”

Soojin tilted her head, a soft smile playing on her lips. “That’s what I like about you. Always seeing the bright side, even when everyone else is freaking out. Just… don’t let him discourage you, okay? From what I hear, he can be a bit intimidating.”

You chuckled, though you couldn’t completely mask the nervous flutter in your stomach. “Honestly, how bad can he be? He’s human too, right?”

Soojin shrugged, her expression playful but knowing. “Sure, he’s human. But some humans are more like icebergs—most of them are hidden, and what you can see is cold and sharp.”

You shook your head, laughing softly. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“Hey, I’m just saying,” Soojin said with a grin, taking her cup of tea and stepping aside as Dohyun, another member form the HR team approached, nodding a greeting to both of you. The three of you started to walk towards the conference room. “Anyway, you’ve got this. Just be yourself. If anyone can charm an iceberg, it’s you.”

Her words were meant to be encouraging, but as you adjusted your blazer, you couldn’t shake the growing knot of anxiety in your stomach. If Jeon Jungkook really was as cold and impenetrable as the rumours suggested, this meeting was going to be anything but easy.

The long, polished table gleamed under the overhead lights, the leather chairs arranged neatly around it. You set your notebook and pen in front of you, taking a moment to mentally prepare for the meeting ahead. The other members of the HR team began to trickle in—Soojin with her ever-present cheerful energy, Dohyun looking focused as always, Joonho balancing his coffee precariously in one hand, and Minji projecting her usual calm authority.

The room was alive with small talk until the atmosphere shifted. A hush fell over the space as the door opened, and in walked Jeon Jungkook.

Your first thought was how young he looked, though the sharp lines of his suit and the intensity in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t someone to be underestimated. He exuded confidence, the kind that came with knowing you didn’t need to say much to command a room. His gaze swept over the table, assessing each face with a precision that made your heart quicken. When his eyes landed on you, they lingered for a fraction of a second longer than expected, and the weight of his attention was almost tangible.

He was handsome.

He took his place at the head of the table without so much as a greeting. His assistant, Hajun, followed closely behind, setting a sleek portfolio in front of him.

"Let’s get started," Jungkook said, his voice low and firm, cutting through the silence like a blade.

You straightened in your seat, your pen poised to take notes. The meeting began, and it was immediately clear that Jungkook operated differently from his father. He listened, but his responses were curt, his tone leaving little room for argument. When your turn came to speak, you offered your carefully prepared suggestion for improving workplace morale—an idea you were confident would resonate with his father, the former CEO.

“Good morning, everyone,” you began, glancing around the table before focusing on Jungkook. His dark eyes locked onto yours, and you had to resist the urge to look away. “I’d like to propose an initiative to improve employee morale and engagement. We’ve seen a lot of changes recently, and I believe it’s crucial to invest in the well-being of our team during this transitional period.”

But Jungkook’s expression didn’t shift.

After a few seconds, he decided to say something. “That’s too idealistic,” he said flatly. His voice was calm, but the dismissal stung all the same. Every team member looked astonished, “We don’t have the resources to entertain abstract ideas right now. We need to focus on tangible results, not wishful positive thinking.”

The room went silent, all eyes shifting between you and him. A wave of heat rose to your face, but you refused to let it deter you. Taking a deep breath, you squared your shoulders and replied.

“I understand your concerns, Mr. Jeon,” you said, keeping your voice steady. “But I respectfully disagree. Employee morale isn’t an abstract idea; it’s a measurable factor that directly impacts productivity and retention. If we don’t address the root causes of disengagement now, we’ll face bigger problems down the line—higher turnover, lower performance, and potentially a damaged reputation.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by your rebuttal. His pen paused mid-tap, and he leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze narrowing as he studied you. For a moment, the room was still, the air thick with anticipation. Jungkook didn’t speak immediately, his expression unreadable as his gaze lingered on you.

Finally, he nodded, though it was more an acknowledgment of your persistence than an agreement. “Noted,” he said simply before shifting his attention to the next person on the agenda.

As you sat back down, your heart was racing, but you kept your composure. Soojin shot you a quick, encouraging smile from across the table, and you gave her a subtle nod in return. Jungkook’s dismissal still stung, but you couldn’t help feeling a small sense of victory. You had stood your ground, and even if he hadn’t agreed, you knew you had planted a seed.

Whether he realized it or not, Jeon Jungkook was going to hear you out—eventually.

Despite his half-rejection, you couldn’t help but notice the long hours Jungkook kept. He stayed in his office long after everyone else had left, his office door always ajar, the flicker of his desk lamp visible through the cracks. Curiosity gnawed at you, as you were heading home yourself, you decided to stop by and check in on him. Your offices were facing each other, therefore you could see everything he was doing.

You knocked lightly on the doorframe, unsure of what kind of reception you would get.

"Mr. Jeon?" you began, your voice tentative. "I noticed you’re still here. Is everything okay?"

Jungkook glanced up at you, his expression unreadable. His eyes were sharp, calculating as they locked onto yours. "I don’t need a babysitter," he muttered before quickly returning to the papers in front of him. There was no warmth in his tone, no indication that he appreciated the concern. But there was something else—something beneath his cold exterior—that you couldn’t quite place. A flicker of frustration, of exhaustion, maybe. It was there, but only for a split second.

You had expected him to shut the door in your face, but instead, he let you stand there for a few seconds longer before the silence stretched uncomfortably between you.

"I just thought… maybe you could use a break. It’s important to recharge, too," you said, trying once more, hoping to break through that thick wall he had built around himself.

He didn’t respond, just stared at you as though trying to decide whether or not your presence was a disruption. When he spoke, his voice was lower, edged with something you hadn’t heard before—a mixture of stress and frustration.

"I don’t have the luxury of downtime," he muttered, his gaze turning back to the papers in front of him, his fingers tapping against the desk in a rapid rhythm. "My father was right to step down when he did. This place it’s too much to handle..."

You didn’t know if you were meant to hear this. Jungkook’s voice cracked just slightly as he spoke, a rare moment of vulnerability that cut through his otherwise unyielding exterior. But before you could respond, he snapped, his tone returning to its familiar sharpness.

"Just go. I’ll manage," he said, his gaze hardening once more as he gestured toward the door.

As you left, you couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Jungkook was difficult, a person wrapped in layers of pride and frustration, but there was something about that brief moment of honesty—something raw—that made you wonder if there was more to him than the impenetrable CEO persona he projected.

You didn’t know what the future held, but one thing was clear: this man, this new CEO, was not the cold-hearted figure he appeared to be on the surface. And perhaps, in time, you could find a way to break through that wall he had so carefully constructed around himself.

The HR office buzzed with an unusual energy, a rare break from the grind. Joonho’s birthday had turned the space into a small celebration, complete with an assortment of pastries from the bakery down the street. Laughter echoed as everyone gathered around, sipping coffee and chatting.

“Okay, okay!” Minji said, clapping her hands for attention. “We have an important task for you, sunshine.” Her tone was teasing, but her expression was determined as her gaze landed squarely on you.

You raised an eyebrow, your mouth still full of a bite of croissant. “Me? What’s this ‘important task’?”

Dohyun chimed in, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “You’ve got to invite Mr. Jeon to join us.”

You blinked, startled. “Jeon Jungkook? The CEO? Are you serious?”

Joonho nodded vigorously, his cheeks slightly pink from the attention everyone was showering on him. “Come on! It’s my birthday, and maybe you can get him to crack a smile. Plus,” he added with a sly grin, “you’re the only one brave enough to talk back to him.”

Minji, ever the voice of reason, stepped in with a gentle smile. “It’s worth a try. Even if he says no, it’ll show that we’re trying to include him. And who knows? He might surprise us.”

You sighed, setting your half-eaten pastry on the edge of your desk. “Fine, I’ll do it. But don’t say I didn’t warn you if he declines.” The team erupted into cheers and laughter as you smoothed down your blouse, squared your shoulders, and made your way toward his office.

The door to Mr. Jeaon's office was slightly ajar, but you hesitated before knocking. A voice from inside stopped you—a woman’s voice, clear and firm. You hesitated outside his office door, adjusting your grip on the folder in your hands, but before you could knock, a low, feminine laugh drifted through the gap.

"Come on, Jungkook," the woman purred, her tone smooth and teasing. "You can’t keep shutting the world out. At some point, even you need a little... release."

Your breath caught, and your fingers froze just above the door. The casual intimacy of her words, paired with the warmth in her voice, made your face heat.

Jungkook’s reply was quieter but firm. “This isn’t the time for distractions. You know that better than anyone.”

“Oh, please,” she shot back, amusement dancing in her voice. “You’ve been coiled so tight since taking this job, I’m surprised you haven’t snapped. What’s the harm in loosening up a little? Just for tonight? As we used to...”

The suggestion hung in the air, heavy and charged. You felt your heart hammer in your chest. Should you turn back? But the folder in your hands reminded you of why you were here—no matter how awkward it might be.

Gathering your courage, you knocked lightly, hoping the sound would cut through whatever tension had been brewing inside.

The voices went silent.

“Come in,” Jungkook called, his tone now sharp and businesslike.

You pushed the door open cautiously. Jungkook stood behind his desk, phone in hand, his expression unreadable. His tie was slightly askew, and there was a faint flush at the base of his neck. The woman’s voice was gone, though the faint click of a phone being disconnected told you she was still on the other end of the call just moments ago.

He met your eyes, and for a split second, you thought you saw something flicker there—annoyance? Embarrassment? It was gone before you could decipher it.

“Miss,” he said, his voice cool. “What is it?”

You cleared your throat, trying to push past the awkwardness. “I just came to invite you to join the HR team. We’re celebrating Joonho’s birthday, and we thought it would be nice to include you.”

Jungkook raised a brow, the tension in his jaw softening slightly. “I’m busy,” he replied, gesturing to the neatly organized stack of documents on his desk. “And I don’t need any of that.”

His words were dismissive, but there was a faint edge to his tone like he was still distracted by the previous conversation.

“I see,” you said, masking your confusion with a polite smile. “Well, the invitation’s there if you change your mind. Have a good evening, Mr. Jeon.”

As you turned to leave, you couldn’t help but wonder about the woman on the phone—and the look on Jungkook’s face when he thought no one was watching. Was he dating someone? Seeing someone? Or just a fling...? You suddenly stop in your tracks, You shouldn't be thinking about our boss's private life.

Later that evening, as the office grew quiet and most of your colleagues had left, you found yourself lingering in the HR office as every other day. The leftover pastries from Joonho’s birthday were spread across the table, and your gaze fell on the last remaining matcha cream puff, Joonho’s favourite and, coincidentally, the one you had secretly saved for Jungkook.

You still couldn’t shake the tension from earlier—the clipped way he’d dismissed your invitation and the strange conversation you had overheard. The woman’s sultry tone and Jungkook’s responses echoed faintly in your mind, leaving you with more questions than answers. But one thing was clear: whatever weight Jungkook carried on his shoulders, it was heavy.

You picked up the pastry and carefully placed it in a small box, folding the lid neatly. Grabbing a purple sticky note, you scribbled a simple message:

"Eat it, please! We would have loved to have you today – Miss Y/N"

It wasn’t much, but it felt like the right thing to do—a small gesture to remind him that someone in this office cared, even if he tried to push everyone away.

With the box in hand, you made your way to his office. The lights were still on, but the room was empty, his jacket slung neatly over the back of his chair. You stepped inside hesitantly, placing the box squarely in the centre of his desk. The sticky note caught the glow of his desk lamp, and you smiled faintly at the absurdity of it all.

Would he eat it? Would he crumple up the note and toss it in the trash? You had no idea.

You turned off the light in his office as you left, leaving the pastry and the quiet note behind. As the elevator doors closed and you descended to the lobby, you couldn’t help but wonder if this tiny act of kindness might crack the icy façade Jungkook seemed determined to maintain.

If nothing else, you’d tried—and that was enough for now.

The quiet hum of the office after hours was a rare solace for Jungkook. He leaned back in his chair, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose as he replayed Yuna’s voice in his head.

“Jungkook,” she had said, her tone dripping with something he couldn’t quite place—mockery, concern, or maybe a blend of both. “You can’t keep running yourself into the ground. You’ve always had this... obsession with proving yourself. It’s exhausting just to watch, honestly.”

Her words cut deeper than he wanted to admit. Yuna had always known how to push his buttons, her insight into his insecurities as sharp as ever. “You’ve been coiled so tight since taking this job, I’m surprised you haven’t snapped. What’s the harm in loosening up a little? Just for tonight? As we used to...”

He’d ended the call quickly, his jaw tight as he shoved the phone into his pocket. He hated that she still had that effect on him, that she could twist his emotions with a single conversation.

Jungkook exhaled sharply, trying to shake off the weight of her words as he pushed open the door to his office. He froze mid-step, his gaze landing on the small box sitting on his desk. The office was dim, lit only by the city lights filtering through the large windows, but the glow of his desk lamp illuminated the neat handwriting on a sticky note:

"Eat it, please! We would have loved to have you today – Miss Y/N"

For a moment, Jungkook just stood there, staring at the note. His brow furrowed as he approached the desk, setting down the files he’d been carrying. The box was small and unassuming, but the gesture felt oddly personal—out of place in the structured world he inhabited.

He peeled the note off the box and read it again, his lips pressing into a thin line.

You.

He thought back to earlier that day, to the way you had stood in his office, your invitation soft but genuine. He’d brushed you off, too preoccupied with Yuna’s voice still echoing in his mind to give you the consideration it deserved. And yet, here you were—persisting in your quiet, unassuming way.

Curiosity got the better of him. Jungkook opened the box to reveal a matcha cream puff, the delicate pastry perfectly intact. He hesitated, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts.

Why would she do this? What was she expecting in return?

But as he sat down and leaned back in his chair, the sharp ache in his chest from Yuna’s words began to dull. He picked up the cream puff, taking a small bite. The sweetness melted on his tongue, a stark contrast to the bitterness of these past days.

Jungkook glanced at the sticky note again, the corner of his mouth twitching as if it might curve into a smile—but it didn’t quite get there.

“Eat it, please,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head slightly.

For the first time in what felt like forever, he let the tension in his shoulders ease. The pastry wasn’t just a dessert—it was a reminder that not everyone wanted something from him. As he finished the cream puff, Jungkook placed the note back on his desk, staring at it longer than he intended.

“Miss Y/N,” he said softly, her name a strange comfort in the quiet of his office.

He didn’t know what to make of you yet, but one thing was certain—you were different, and that unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

previous / next

[alpha-trauma-novel-trans]

Chapter 83

Throughout the weekend, Wooyeon continued to pick up his phone and put it down. Every morning, noon, and night, Dohyun would send a timely message. When he was up, what he ate, and what his schedule looked like for the day.

While so much enthusiasm was coming, Wooyeon couldn't send him any replies. To be exact, he missed the timing when he tried to tell him that 'the doll wasn't a rabbit, but a desert fox.' 

It was a very basic problem, but Wooyeon, who was particularly inexperienced in human relationships, didn't have the talent to maintain a 'proper distance' and treat Dohyun casually.

[ Ji Suhyang's statement... "My son is not an illegitimate child."  ]

The articles were posted sometime Sunday morning. As soon as one article broke out, it flooded the real-time search rankings and even made headlines on the news of the three major broadcasting companies.

The story was the same as Wooyeon had seen: Suhyang had a child and the Omega she married 20 years earlier had passed away. Suhyang said she wanted to honor her late spouse and declared that she would not expose her precious child to the media just yet.

The problem was a coincidental university admission scandal that broke at the same time. The allegations were that a student's mother had paid their way into the university, and Wooyeon was naturally targeted. Suhyang denied the allegations, but the media wouldn't let up.

"Young Master, you shouldn't get off."

“...I can't not get off.”

And on Tuesday morning, Wooyeon headed to school and sighed as he saw the reporters lined up at the main gate. He knows he should be confident in times like these, but the fire in their eyes made him want to run for the hills, but if he did, the story would be that he had admitted to cheating on his admissions.

“You can't take pictures!”

“Don't cut in front of me!”

Wooyeon passed the noisy crowd while being protected by the security guards he hated so much. Luckily, the school gate kept outsiders out, so once inside the building, he had a chance to breathe. 

Although the students were still staring, but it was better than having cameras pointed at him.

“Wooyeon!”

Sungyu, who saw Wooyeon in the classroom, immediately ran up to him. When he asked if he'd seen the article and if he was okay, Wooyeon nodded in response to his classmates' stares. Sungyu shouted loudly as if he was trying to make them listen.

"Hey, what kind of bullshit is this admissions fraud scandal? There's no one who studies as hard as you!"

Several students flinched and shut their mouths. Judging from their behavior, there was a lot of back-and-forth before Wooyeon arrived. Well, he had expected people would talk, so it didn't really matter.

After the lecture, they headed to the club room together. A bodyguard followed them a step away, and Sungyu felt very uncomfortable with the situation. Wooyeon wasn't uncomfortable, so he followed him, unable to tell Sungyu that he might have to quit the club.

"We're here."

Garam and Dohyun were in the club room as usual. Garam being there was one thing, but Dohyun was another. Wooyeon didn't know why he was there when he should've been studying. No, he could guess why as soon as they jumped up.

"What the hell is this, seriously..."

Garam muttered under her breath as she ordered delivery. It seemed like she was reading a news article every now and then, and among them was a photo of Wooyeon returning from the US.

“How the hell did they know to take these pictures?”

"Probably... everyone knew. I didn't really hide it in middle school."

Reporters must have always been watching Wooyeon. They may not have written about it, but they were always sharpening their knives and waiting for the right time, and now that Suhyang openly talked about it, it was no wonder that they flocked to Wooyeon like a school of fish.

"At least the others didn't openly pick a fight with Wooyeon."

Wooyeon silently nodded at Sungyu's words. He wasn’t alone, and he had security guards with him, so it wouldn’t be easy to criticize him. No matter how annoying they were, if they were in their right mind, they'd keep their mouths shut.

“First...”

Dohyun opened his mouth very slowly as he looked at Wooyeon and Sungyu. Wooyeon, who had been unconsciously watching Dohyun, trembled and looked at him. Dohyun frowned with a serious expression.

“Be careful.”

“....”

“There are all sorts of crazy people in the world.”

It didn't sound like Dohyun. The worry in his eyes was so naked that his hair stood on end. Wooyeon didn't answer, and Garam looked back and forth between the two with a subtle glance. 

Dohyun's warning became reality when they were leaving the club room after lunch. Garam went to listen to a lecture, and Dohyun, who had some time to spare, followed them.

With a subtly tense atmosphere in the air, they came face-to-face with someone smoking in front of the building.

“Wow, who is this?”

It was a man with a bear-like build and a gruff expression. The way he was smoking a cigarette and making a face brought back memories from a few months ago.

'Instead, should Hyung be the Black Knight?'

“....”

How lucky. It was the guy Wooyeon had verbally assaulted and ran away from at the MT location.

“Hey, you won't even say hello to your Sunbae?”

“...Hello.”

Sungyu gave a small greeting, but Wooyeon ignored him and kept walking. Campus life was a mess anyway, so there was no point in looking good as a junior. The returning student blew out a puff of cigarette smoke at him.

“What an asshole. You're Ji Suhyang's only son?”

It was Dohyun, not anyone else, who reacted to those words. Dohyun, who had been giving off a bad vibe from earlier, stopped walking as soon as he opened his mouth. Ignoring that, the returning student openly continued to swear.

“Somehow you seemed expensive. I knew it when you started cursing.”

It was clear that he was a mountain of a man, but a mouse's worth of shit inside. Months later, he still talked about the time at MT. The events of that day must've been embarrassing to him.

“People like me can't recognize a chaebol...”

His voice was low and sarcastic. Wooyeon had a bodyguard, but he wouldn't step in unless a camera was pointed at him or physical violence was committed. The original promise with Wooyeon was like that, and Wooyeon was just going to pass by.

"Ah... Jinsang really."

A chilling silence descended. The atmosphere was created by a polite and gentle voice. Not only Sungyu, who was next to him, but even Wooyeon, who was expressionless, turned to look at him with bewildered eyes. The most surprised of them all was the returning student.

“...Hey, what did you say?”

The returning student dropped his cigarette and blinked. He looked like he couldn't believe what Dohyun had just said. Dohyun snorted and curled up his mouth as if to confirm it.

“Did you hear that? I was talking to myself.”

Sungyu's mouth dropped open and he grabbed Wooyeon's arm. It was meant to encourage him to stop Dohyun, but unfortunately, Wooyeon didn't have the time to do so. Meanwhile, Dohyun looked the returning student up and down and spat out a sarcastic remark.

“I thought you were deaf because you didn't get what I was saying, but I guess you just didn't understand.”

The gentle voice was as calm as ever. His tone hadn't risen, and he wasn't shouting harsh words. He just looked at the returning student with contempt, like he was looking at a bug.

“This isn't the first or second time you acted like an asshole.... Don't you ever get tired of it? If it were me, I'd be too embarrassed to come to school.”

"...What the fuck, did you pick up something strange from hanging out with Mun Garam?"

The returning student's face flushed red. Quickly, he stepped closer to Dohyun and tapped him on the shoulder. The returning student was bigger, but Dohyun was taller, so it wasn't very threatening.

“Say that again, what, asshole?"

“Sunbae, calm down and...”

When he couldn't take it anymore, Sungyu walked over to them. The returning student nervously pushed Sungyu away, who was holding his arm. Dohyun spoke indifferently as he watched him.

“Why, are you going to kill me?”

“....”

“Then hit me. I'll give you one hit.”

Wooyeon instinctively took a step forward. Suddenly, the returning student's eyes lit up with joy. Ha, he let out a sigh and grabbed Dohyun's shoulder.

“Hey...you think I can't hit you?”

Usually, stupid people had low ignition points. Even if he hadn't intended to hit him, he would have lost his cool the moment he was told to. Dohyun must have known that, but instead of panicking, he laughed. 

“Well, I don't think you can do it. Does your family have a lot of money?"

His tone was openly sarcastic. Dohyun met the returning student's gaze without pushing him away or backing away. The words flowed from his neat lips in the same even tone. 

“If you're going to argue, you should've done it after MT, not now, when you're bringing up something that happened months ago."

Wooyeon thought the Seonsaeng-nim who spoke coldly was quite unfamiliar. He'd only seen him get angry a few times, but this was the first time he'd ever argued with someone like this. It didn't stop there, though, as Dohyun started to make fun of him. 

“No way... are you that offended?”

“....”

"Then you shouldn't have opened your mouth in the first place."

Little by little, people started to stare. 

The returning student, perhaps conscious of the surroundings, let Dohyun go with his teeth clenched. He seemed to know that making a fuss in a place like this wouldn't do him any good.

Dohyun smiled with a kind face as he watched him.

“You didn't hit me.”

“...Ah, fuck!”

The returning student stomped off in a huff of frustration. He didn't forget to bump Dohyun's shoulder as he passed him, but Dohyun didn't stumble, and unfortunately, a sound that shouldn't have come out of his mouth did. 

“Ha, because I'm out of luck...”

He was the one who started the argument, but he was acting like he stepped in poop. Sungyu stamped his foot a beat later with an indignant face.

“Wow, what a mess! Hyung, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go, you guys will be late for class.”

Dohyun patted Sungyu's shoulder, trying to calm him down. The collar was a crumpled mess because it was gripped so tightly. Wooyeon watched him walk away and opened his mouth in a small voice.

“...Were you really going to hit him?”

Dohyun's gaze returned to Wooyeon. A pleasant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. As if he was glad that Wooyeon had spoken to him.

"Guys like that can't hit anyway."

He shut his mouth, unable to ask more. What would you do if he had hit you? Why on earth would you be so reckless? There were so many questions he wanted to ask, but none of them were without worry. 

“Isn't he going to start fighting with you whenever he sees you now?”

“It's better that way. I'm good at scratching.”

How much attention can you give someone without being in a relationship, Wooyeon wondered, walking slowly. However, no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't figure out what 'moderate' meant.

next chapter

[queenrogah]

𝐈𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 ― part five.

₊˚⊹ᰔ summary: Two childhood best friends who both shared their young love that is truly so unforgettable, but then their friendship was separated by unforeseen circumstances. After 20 years, they saw each other again in a summer getaway from a mutual friend of theirs. What would happen in that whole week of the getaway?

₊˚⊹ᰔ pairing: song kang x OC x rowoon

₊˚⊹ᰔ tags: fluff, angst, slow burn, slight bullying

₊˚⊹ᰔ word count: 3.9k

₊˚⊹ᰔ a/n: we're already in part 5 and will there finally be closure between eunji and hojun? or are you team eunji x taeha? hope you'll like this part!! xx

₊˚⊹ᰔ cast names: Song Kang as LEE HOJUN, Rowoon as KANG TAEHA, and Wi Hajoon as HWANG DOHYUN

← 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 | 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 →

SUMMER OF 2004

Eunji is finally on her second grade in school—getting excited that in a couple of months, she'll be in her third grade, meaning that her school supplies will be much more since she'll learn even more. Her notebooks will be bigger, her pencils will turn into pens, and her bag will be more minimalist than the one she owned today. Eunji aspires to change her personality every grade level, but there's something that will never change within her.

Her friendship with Hojun.

It's been two years since she met Hojun and in those two years, she felt happiness as she found a friend that she knew would never leave her side. Every bully or someone that would make Eunji feel sad, Hojun is always there. She always thought that Hojun is her guardian angel, minus the wings.

Eunji’s ears finally perked up when she heard the school bell ring, echoing through the bright, cheerful hallways. She sprang up from their seats, her eyes wide with excitement. It’s finally summer break. Eunji planned her summer break to hang out with Hojun and explore their neighborhood. She took her things and ran towards the hallway where Hojun’s classroom is, politely greeting the fourth grade students that are the same age as Hojun’s. Her smile went from ear to ear when Hojun finally left the classroom, but then the same smile faded when she saw a girl beside him.

Eunji hid behind the large plant in this hallway, eavesdropping on the two.

“What are you doing for the break?” The girl asked Hojun.

Hojun scratched the back of his head, “I am playing with Eunji, you know her right?”

Eunji smiled on Hojun’s answer, knowing that he’s really a real friend to her.

“Oh…Eunji, the second grader?” The girl said, with a hint of sarcasm in her voice, “She’s cool, but you should come hang out with us this summer.”

“That sounds fun,” Hojun replied, and Eunji felt her heart shatter, “But can Eunji come along?”

Eunji bit her lip, trying not to make a sound because of how happy she is. Hojun is always making her feel like she belongs with the other kids, regardless of their gender and age, because the other kids are just too cruel when they suddenly have a new kid in their group.

“Alright, she can come along. I’ll see you guys tomorrow at the park.” The girl finally bid her goodbyes and left Hojun in the hallway.

Eunji scrambled her way out of the same hallway and pretended that she’s waiting on Hojun to the entrance of the school. Feeling excited for her new playmates for tomorrow. Eunji finally saw the dark haired boy she’s been waiting for as she crashed herself onto him, hugging him tightly.

“Oh Jinnie! Are you waiting for too long?” Hojun asked, smiling down on his longtime friend.

Eunji smiled over the nickname her friend gave to her as she shook her head, “Nope. I just left my classroom.” She replied, pushing herself away from their hug earlier.

The warm afternoon sun greeted them like an old friend. The air smelled of freshly cut grass, and the faint sound of birds chirping made everything feel magical. This summer seems like the best one so far because of how perfect the weather is. Eunji can already imagine herself, Hojun, and the other kids enjoying games under the summer sun.

“Race you back home!” Eunji challenged, already running away from Hojun.

“Oh you’re on!” Hojun called behind Eunji, running faster than he did before.

Eunji laughed loudly as she ran for her life, the wind whipped past her face. Hojun is also laughing along, trying to catch up with his best friend. The sun hung low in the sky, painting the world in warm shades of orange and gold. The air smelled of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass as Eunji and Hojun raced down the sidewalks that led to their neighborhood.

“You’re never gonna catch me!" Eunji shouted, her laughter trailing behind her like music in the wind.

Hojun, who is grinning wide, pumped his arms faster. "Oh yeah? Watch this!" His sneakers pounded the ground as he closed the gap between them. Eunji's pigtails bounced with every step, and her heart thudded joyfully in her chest. The world blurred around them—just trees, pretty flowers, and endless possibilities.

Hojun finally saw his house and threw himself on the soft grass of their front lawn, catching his breath. He heard Eunji’s pants getting closer and watched her lay down on the grass beside him. Their tired selves just enjoying the summer sun and watching the clouds pass by in the wind.

“That’s not fair, you have longer legs." Eunji gasped for breath as she let out a cough.

Hojun laughed, “It’s not my fault you’re slow Jinnie!"

“I’m not slow.” Eunji protested, glaring at her best friend.

Hojun’s mother heard the two bickering at each other in their front lawn, she soon stepped out of their house and chuckled upon seeing the two just laying on the grass and staring at the clouds.

“Did you just arrive, my darlings?” Hojun’s mother said, smiling warmly on the two.

Hojun sat up from the ground upon hearing his mother’s voice, “Yes mom! It’s finally summer break again! We will be playing with the other kids at the park tomorrow!” He exclaimed.

Hojun’s mother chuckled, “Alright, you’ll truly make the most out of this summer break again. Don’t forget to look after Eunji too.” She reminds him.

Eunji smiled over Hojun’s mother’s words as she tried not to blush that hard. She really can’t wait for tomorrow where she can meet new kids and new friends.

Hide and seek. It's a game that is frequently played by Eunji and Hojun. They usually just play at either of their homes, but this day, it's different. It will happen in the park. Their parents would constantly say that they shouldn't play hide and seek in the park, since there are woods behind that park. Eunji was scared of the stories about the woods, she heard there are countless ghosts wandering around that area and big insects that are half her size. Hojun, on the other hand, was intrigued by the big insects their parents were talking about.

Today, Eunji finally met Hojun's classmates and they are starting the game. Hojun was it.

The afternoon sun filtered through the tall trees, casting patches of golden light on the ground. Eunji brushed the stray hair away from her face, grinning nervously at Hojun's classmates walking ahead of her in these woods.

“Why do we have to hide back here?” Eunji sheepishly asked, walking slowly behind the older kids.

One of them looked back at her and shot her a scowl as they taunted her, “Why? You're scared?”

Eunji swallowed hard, her chest tightening and her hands balled up in fists. After all her scaredy cat moments about the woods, she decided today that she'll overcome this fear.

“No.” Eunji half lied, forcing herself to move forward from her spot.

The other kids soon told her hiding spot and said that spot is the best one. Eunji soon crouched behind a huge tree, heart still thumping loudly in her chest. She's really praying hard that Hojun would just come and find her throughout the game.

Minutes have passed, then what felt like hours.

Eunji is only hearing the wind rustling the branches and the fallen leaves on the ground. The shadows of the trees looked like an unknown abyss on the forest floor. Her breath quickened as fear crept in.

Eunji stood up and looked around the area, tears now prickling her eyes when he realized everything. They left her there. Alone.

“H-Hojun…come find me now.” Eunji cried, still looking around the space that filled her deepest fears. She can't take it anymore.

Eunji just crouched down again, hiding her face in her hands as she broke down in tears. The heartbreak that she went through with those kids because her intentions are so pure and she really wants to gain more friends. But why, why does this always happen to her, every time with Hojun's friends.

“Jinnie! Eunji!”

Eunji looked around her again when she suddenly heard her name being called. Then after a few minutes, she saw the familiar dark hair that surely belongs to her best friend.

“Hojun?” Her small, shaky voice answered back.

Hojun followed the sound of the shaky voice he just heard until he finally spotted Eunji crouched down and drowning in her tears. Hojun ran towards her and helped her up, then gave her a bone crushing hug.

“You found me,” Eunji sniffled, trying not to cry even harder in her best friend's arms.

“Don't worry Jinnie. I'm here now.” Hojun comforted her.

That same afternoon, Hojun lost some friends, but he's still as happy as before, because he'll never lose his only friend and the friend who is genuinely happy when they're together.

“I actually don't have anything in mind on what we'll be doing today.” Dohyun said while pacing back and forth in the living room. Me and Taeha are just watching him while we're sharing a bowl of nachos on this sunny afternoon.

I was beyond happy when I heard Dohyun say that. No more teamworks and misunderstandings, and I want more sleep, sleep, and yes, sleep. And just me basking in the sun while overlooking the beautiful lake.

“Maybe like…a lazy day perhaps?” I sneakily suggested. Taeha agreed with me too.

Dohyun shot us a knowing look, “Lazy day? No, that's not in my vocabulary for this summer getaway.” He said, crossing his arms.

I rolled my eyes, slouching my back on this couch we're lounging on, “Then what are you planning? It's already 3 in the afternoon, and the others are still sleeping.”

Dohyun thought of it thoroughly, returning in pacing back and forth in front of us again. He looked out at the lake and scanned towards the bar. A smile soon appeared on his lips.

“What do you think of an outdoor party? I got lots of booze in the bar and I can get more. I can put pretty lights outside and music.” Dohyun suggested.

An outdoor party would look perfect by the beautiful lake just as I imagined. I nudged Taeha beside me, “What do you think? I like outdoor parties, especially with a view like this.” I grinned.

Taeha nodded in response, “If you like it, then I like it.” He warmly smiled back.

Dohyun clapped his hands in excitement that made me and Taeha tear our eyes from each other. Our friend was so excited for the outdoor party later that he immediately called Hongchul for help. Dohyun already told the others about the party and they are scrambling to find their outfits and the others are offering to help him.

Me and Taeha went back to our room to find an outfit that is suitable for a party. I just found two summer dresses that I still didn’t use. I laid the dresses on my bed and began comparing the two. My arms crossed and face scrunched in frustration.

“You’ll look good in white.” Taeha suddenly spoke behind me. I looked at him and saw him gazing back at me.

A blush crept on my cheeks again and looked back on the white summer dress on my bed, my breath hitched when I felt Taeha’s presence close to me as he took the white dress from the bed and put it in front of my body—visualizing what I would look in that dress.

“Yeah, you’ll look beautiful.” He smiled.

“You think?” I nervously laughed, trying not to look too flustered in front of him again, “I would put on some of my jewelry.” I tried to dodge him again as I went to my bedside table, rummaging through my jewelry bag.

My eyes looked out of the window and something caught my attention.

It’s surely Hojun who made his way to the trail towards the falls we took days ago. He’s all alone and that makes me wonder why he’s going back to the falls. I kept thinking about yesterday, where me and Taeha were in the balcony, his eyes that time were haunting me and making me overthink everything about us again. I didn’t even have the chance to talk to him after that, since he kept avoiding me.

That made me think that I should talk to him now. And maybe finally open up about our past, if he still remembers.

I closed my jewelry bag and decided to follow Hojun, but I stopped in my tracks when Taeha wondered why I’m leaving. “Where are you going?” Taeha asked while he’s still rummaging through his clothes on what he’ll wear tonight.

“Um,” I stammered at first, but soon found my excuse, “I’ll just go by the lake. I saw Yoobin outside too.” I lied.

Taeha bought my excuse again as he nodded, “Okay, I’ll come along with you after I finish deciding my outfit.” He smiled at me.

My heart dropped when I felt like I have been lying too much to Taeha, and I think he also deserves an explanation about my past and feelings for Hojun. Soon. I smiled back at him and soon bid my goodbyes, my feet quickly dragged me downstairs and outside the cabin. I glanced at the trail where Hojun walked into and soon followed after.

The woods were thick with towering different trees as I remembered, their leaves a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold. Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. I hesitated at the trailhead, wondering if I could walk through this path alone. But the thought of turning back left me feeling hollow. I had to know where Hojun was.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as I walked even deeper into the woods. My eyes kept looking around the tall trees and the thick bushes around them. The further I went, the quieter it became. The path narrowed, winding deeper into the woods, and the thick canopy above blocked out much of the sunlight. Shadows danced across the forest floor, twisting into shapes that made me think of that time again.

I just want to see Hojun, or I hope Hojun will find me.

A sudden crack echoed through the woods, and I froze in my spot, breath catching in my throat. My eyes darted around, searching for the source of the noise. Was it just a branch snapping under its own weight? Or was someone—or something—out there?

I remembered my seven-years old self again, where I was left alone by the other kids. Fear soon clawed at my chest, regretting why I entered the trail alone with this fear of mine. I crouched down and hugged my trembling frame, comforting and telling myself that I should overcome this.

Then, a familiar voice broke through the fear. "Eunji?"

My eyes flew open and saw them standing just a few feet away from me was Hojun, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "What are you doing out here?" He asked, his voice low but steady.

I immediately stood up and patted the dirt out of my pants, “I…I was walking around.” I tried to lie, but my trembling voice is giving it away.

Hojun made his way closer to me and I just stood my ground, my breath hitched when he suddenly reached over my hair, realizing that there’s a leaf resting there. He’s quiet—too quiet, his eyes looking around but mine. The silence between us is making me feel those years of longing because of our lost time.

“You shouldn’t be alone out here, it’s dangerous.” Hojun said in concern, “We should head back—”

“No.” I suddenly blurted out, holding his hand to prevent him from leaving. Hojun was surprised by my sudden remark, probably wondering why I wanted him to stay. I took a deep breath and finally gathered the strength to finally open up to him.

“Eunji—”

“2002. 23 years ago, I felt lonely as a child because I had no one to share my wildest imaginations and activities that I dreamed of doing as a child. My mother would play with me sometimes but then would just leave me alone playing because she had to make dinner for us, my father on the other hand would also play with me but he’s busy with work. I just dream to have someone who would be my very first best friend. Springtime came and I met one kid…that changed my life.” I exhaled sharply, trying not to cry in front of him.

My eyes found Hojun’s and again was trapped into his gaze. My heart automatically raced as I stared into those eyes, those familiar brown depths that had once been the backdrop to countless childhood moments. But now, there was something different—something deeper. My chest tightened with a longing I had carried silently for far too long.

I broke out a laugh and wiped away the small tears forming around my eyes, “This is absurd.” I whispered to myself, “I’m sorry for suddenly being emotional, and um…you’re right, we should head out now.”

I turn myself away from him, regretting that I just said everything earlier. When I stared into his eyes earlier, I knew that I’m already one of his forgotten memories and I am tangled with the fear of rejection.

“Jinnie…”

My breath hitched. Again.

Jinnie.

The childhood nickname I hadn’t heard in over twenty years. A name bestowed upon me by none other than Lee Hojun—my one and only best friend when I was a little kid, during those endless playdates and my unforgettable puppy love.

I return my eyes to him, heart racing. The same eyes I stared into earlier were now sparkled with the same warmth I remembered back then. Memories surged to the surface—Hojun catching me from falling when I first met him, the unexpected playdates our fathers would plan because they wanted to hangout too, racing home from school, and everything that made our childhood the happiest. We had been inseparable once, two halves of a whole, until life pulled us in opposite directions.

In the very moment, fate has pulled us back together again.

“Hojun…” I sobbed, the weight of those lost years pressing down on me.

Without thinking, without hesitation, I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around him, holding on as if letting go would shatter me. Hojun’s arms came around me instantly, strong and reassuring. We fit together as seamlessly as we had all those years ago. I buried my face against his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of warmth and comfort.

“I thought you didn’t recognize me since the first time we saw each other again.” Hojun said and that made me suddenly pull away from our hug and slapped his bicep, causing him to wince and stare at me in confusion.

“Me?! I thought you were the one who didn't recognize me!,” I raised my voice and paced back and forth before him, “So all this time, we—”

Hojun let out a laugh, “God, we really are still stupid, just like when we were kids.” He said, his gaze still on my pouty self.

I can’t believe we were feeling the same way for five consecutive days.

“Then why didn’t you make a single move? Even on the night when we were all alone by the lake.” I complained again, crossing my arms together.

Hojun lets out a deep breath, “Because I thought you and Taeha are together and I don’t want to make suspicions and ruin this getaway for Dohyun.” He explained, his voice filled with gentleness

I rolled my eyes, “But I already mentioned that me and Taeha are just friends.” I pout at him again.

I heard him let out a playful chuckle and noticed him getting closer to me again, then I was surprised when he pinched my cheeks—but he’s gentle, unlike the ones he would do to me when we were kids. That gummy smile in full view, making my heart do somersaults.

“You’re still adorable, Jinnie.” He chuckled before pulling his hands away from my cheeks.

Our moment was ruined when I suddenly felt a drop of water that touched my forehead. Hojun was also confused and looked up at the sky, without any warning, the warm sun earlier turned into gray clouds and rain soon began to pour. With the summer rain and Hojun standing before me, all I could ever think about is our childhood memories when we would play in the rain, not even caring that we could get sick the following day.

We just let the rain fully drench us, then our eyes met again, causing us both to break into laughter. Reminiscing about our good old days.

“How I wish we were kids again.” I deeply sighed.

“I hope not though.”

I furrowed my brows at him, “Why not?”

I noticed his eyes are on me right now, “Because I don’t want to go back to the time that I left you.” His expression tightened, a hint of guilt flickering his eyes.

“But…you needed to leave that day. It’s for the sake of your father.” I said, fighting the lump rising in my throat.

Hojun looked down on the ground, my eyes fixated over the droplets of water from his drenched hair, “I should’ve done this back then…”

“Done what—”

The world seemed to pause, the rain fading into background noise. My eyes widened when Hojun suddenly closed the distance between us again, his hand cupping my cheek with a tenderness that spoke of longing and regret. My skin burned under his touch despite the rain drenching us both.

And then it happened.

Hojun’s lips found mine with a passion that spoke of every unsaid word and every missed opportunity that is filled with longing. I melted into him, my hands tangling in his wet hair and his hands wrapping around my waist as the rain poured down around us. Not only the rain drenching my face, but also there were tears that shed with the droplets of rain.

The rain was relentless, soaking through our clothes and chilling our skin, but we didn't care. We kissed as if the world depended on it, as if that moment was our redemption, our only chance to rewrite our story that we didn’t like how it first ended.

Me and Hojun finally broke apart, gasping for air, I rested my forehead against his. Laughter bubbled from my lips, pure and joyous.

“What do you mean that you want to do this? We were just kids back then.” I giggled, playfully hitting his pec.

Hojun bites down his lips, “Yeah, you have a point.” He chuckled.

His arms are still wrapped around my waist and our eyes are still gazing at each other, “We’re really drenched right now.” I giggled again.

“I think we should really head back now.” Hojun said, pulling away from my touch.

I nodded and sighed, “Yeah, we really should.”

While we were walking back to the cabin, with our hands tangled together, I also mentioned the outdoor party that will happen tonight and Hojun was excited, since it’s been a while for him to attend a party and enjoy some booze. We also planned on seeing each other in the middle of the night by the lake again and catching up with our lost time. The warmth of Hojun’s presence beside me again was enough to erase the shadows of doubt, making my heart flutter a million times.

← 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 | 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 →

[miaroseindreamland]

A LITTLE HELP

Pairing: Changbin x femReader

Word Count: 1,689

Summary: A group of friends attending Chaeryeong's birthday party, with a particular focus on the friendship and relationship between Changbin, Chaeryeong, and you!

Warnings/Tags: Suggestive, alcohol, not consensual, aggression, violence, harassment, abuse.

A/N: I love Chaeryeong and Changbin's friendship. I love Itzy too so if you are a Midzy please follow <3

"I don't care," Changbin said, glancing at Chaeryeong.

"Are you sure?" She smirked. "His name is Lee Dohyun. And he will be at my party."

"Damn! I don't care!" Changbin crossed his arms, clearly uninterested.

"Well, he is kinda handsome. Y/N seems interested," she teased.

"I bet. She's always had a thing for dumpsters," Changbin remarked, prompting a chuckle from Chaeryeong.

"Just as yourself? You're calling yourself a dumpster." she quickly retorted, catching Changbin off guard.

"What did you say?"

"I..I said you're right!" Chaeryeong panicked. "Oh, I hear the manager calling me," she said, attempting to escape, but Changbin grabbed her arm.

"No! Y/N likes me?"

"No! I did not say that. I didn't!" She denied.

"Chaeryeong-nim, photograph time!" Chaeryeong's manager appeared, and Changbin released her.

"Hey! This isn't over!"

Chaeryeong left a frustrated Changbin behind who picks his phone to search for your number. When he finds it he starts to write a message:

Frustrated, you left your office to call Chaeryeong.

"It was an accident!" she exclaimed the moment she answered the phone.

"That's what I'll be saying after I KILL YOU!" you retorted.

"Y/N, calm down, please. I'm sorry. We were talking about Dohyun, and he mentioned something about you liking dumpsters and trash, so I called him that."

"He said I liked dumpsters?!"

"Oh god, I'm done! I'm not talking to you two again. Let's just deal with this tomorrow at my party." she said, and then abruptly hung up.

Next day, arriving at the club that night, you greeted Chaeryeong with a hug and presented her with a birthday gift.

"I should have come empty-handed," you said, as she chuckled.

"Oh, don't be silly. He's not coming tonight. Said he had some music to work on," she explained.

"As usual. Anyway, you look stunning!" you complimented her as she spun around to show off her outfit.

"Thank you!" she replied with a smile, and you watched as she greeted other arriving guests.

"You look beautiful," a voice interrupted. You turned to see Dohyun, a dancer who occasionally worked with Chaeryeong.

"Thank you. I didn't know you'd be here tonight," you smiled.

"Chaeryeong invited the dancing team who worked with their last tour."

"I see. I noticed your team is working with Stray Kids?"

"I'm not directly, but yes. Well, are you still up for a date?" he asked.

"Maybe," you said playfully. "You should show me today why I should go on a date with you," you teased, and he nodded with a smirk.

As the night wears on, the party's energy continues to escalate. To your surprise you notice Changbin seated on one of the couches, engaged in conversation with Chaeyeong, Chaeryeong's sister.

In the middle of the lively atmosphere, Dohyun's voice breaks through, whispering in your ear as he offers you a drink. Without hesitation, you accept, the liquid warming your senses.

You found yourself drawn to Changbin, but despite your feelings growing, you couldn't shake the disappointment that came with his consistent excuses whenever you tried to get closer to him.

"He doesn't want me? He doesn't likes me? I will show him" you whispered to yourself.

Your attention drifts back to Changbin who glace at you for a second, however his expression frowned when he sees you closer to Dohyun. As the drinks flow, inhibitions fade, and before you know it, Dohyun's hands were on your waist and in a fleeting moment he almost kiss you. Lucky you turned around, and once again your eyes search for Changbin but you couldn't find him.

Maybe he left. You thought and concentrated in dancing.

As the night goes on, the world seems to spin around you, and you feel increasingly lightheaded and disoriented.

"I'm going to the bathroom" you told Dohyun and walked away.

"You're drunk," his voice cut through the noise, dark and deeper. You turned around and gazed at Changbin.

"And?! What's it to you?" you slurred in response, clearly intoxicated.

"Do you want my attention that badly?" he chuckled, his tone tinged with amusement, as you rolled your eyes at him.

"Cocky as ever," you retorted.

"I'm just stating the facts. No matter where you look, you won't find me in Dohyun or whatever his name is."

"Jealous much? Maybe he'll actually pay attention to me tonight, unlike you ever did," you shot back, fueled by alcohol you drank.

"Drunk? If he does that, then he truly is trash."

"Like you?"

"I'm not trash. I would never take advantage of you. But you can choose what you want. Have a good night," he said firmly, before turning away.

Once inside the bathroom, you lean against the sink, trying to steady yourself as waves of dizziness wash over you. The warmth of the room does little to alleviate your discomfort, and you find it difficult to focus as you try to collect your thoughts.

You're taken aback as you remember Changbin's words, a mix of surprise and frustration washing over you

"Cocky" you said. "Why I'm so dizzy?" You asked looking at yourself in the mirror.

After leaving the bathroom, you find yourself seated beside Dohyun, your jacket now in his hands. Your eyes open as you take in the scene, the pulsating rhythm and vibrant atmosphere surround you, a whirlwind of emotions and sensations. Despite the chaos of the party, you find yourself alone with Dohyun in the couch. His lips touch your cheek.

"Do you want to go home?" He asked while his hands pulled you closer to him.

You started to feel Dohyun's hands on you, your voice trembles with fear and confusion. His touch is unwelcome, and you instinctively recoil, trying to push him away. Despite your efforts, you feel powerless against his advances, your heart pounding with a mix of panic and desperation.

"I will take care of you, I promise beautiful." He chanted while kissing your neck. Your eyes close as you fall almost unconsciously.

On the other side of the club, Yuna spotted the scene and quickly grabbed Ryujin, who was engaged in conversation with other guests.

"Unnie?" Yuna pointed, directing Ryujin's attention towards you lay down in the couch with Dohyun over you.

Changbin, on their side, glanced over and saw you attempting to push him away as he forcefully grabbed your wrists. His expression darkened as Ryujin hurried over to you.

"Hey! What are you doing?! "

Your eyes opened as you see Ryujin rushing to your aid, attempting to pry Dohyun away from you. Before Dohyun can react, he's forcefully shoved back by someone much stronger.

Dohyun, now on the defensive, finds himself receiving a punch that sends him crashing into a nearby table. Through the haze of confusion and fear, you catch sight of Changbin, who steps in to protect you and Ryujin from further harm.

"You sick bastard! You drugged her, didn't you?!" Changbin's accusation is met with denial from Dohyun, but the tension between them remains as they're separated by others at the party.

As the confrontation reaches its peak, Chaeryeong arrives by your side, taking charge of the situation and swiftly calling for security to intervene. With their help, Dohyun is taken away.

Chaeryeong tends to you, gently splashing water on your face in an effort to help calm your dizziness. Changbin's expression softens as he looks at you.

"She needs to go to the hospital." Ryujin said.

"No...I want to go home." You said weakly.

"I will take her to home." Changbin assured.

With a sense of assurance, Changbin carefully lifts you into his arms, a protective gesture that doesn't go unnoticed by Chaeryeong who trusting him nods.

Changbin pulls up to your building and parked his car close. Carefully he retrieves your keys from your purse and with gentle hands, he unbuckles your seatbelt and cradles you against him, allowing your head to rest on the crook of his neck.

With his coat draped around you to shield you from the chill of the night air, Changbin carries you inside your home, laying you gently on the bed before setting about making tea. When he finished, he placed the cup of tea on your nightstand and covered you, letting you sleep while he returned to your living room and lay on the couch.

During the night he wakes up with your voice and movement in your bed. He sees you moving on the bed as you try to take your clothes off. He helps you as you stay in your underwear. He quickly picks pajamas from your wardrobe and dresses you with it, he then covers you. Your hands lazily searched for his as he lay down next to you.

"take my bra..."you asked drizzly as he removed your bra at your request, you murmured his name softly. His gaze softened as he watched you, concern evident in his eyes.

"Why aren't you doing anything?" you slurred, his hands brushing against your abdomen. "Am I not pretty?" you questioned, your voice tinged with insecurity.

He reached out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. "You're beautiful," he reassured you softly. "But you're not in the right state of mind. I'll take care of you in other time, okay? Just rest now."

His hands intercepted yours as you searched inside his shirt, halting your movements.

"I said no, Y/N. Rest," he spoke firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. You nodded and pout.

"Can you stay with me?" you asked, a hint of longing in your voice, but he sighed in exasperation. He was only a man, after all.

"It's better if I don't," he replied, and you sighed sadly in response.

"I want to kiss you," you confessed, your eyes fixed on his lips as your hand reached out to touch them. Changbin leaned closer, his lips brushing against yours briefly, but before you could deepen the kiss in frustration, he pulled away from your grasp.

"Rest. I beg you. Don't make me do something I will surely regret." He pleaded as you nodded. "Your sister is almost here." He said and covered you again as he stared at you while your eyes closed.

Should I continue?

[nvrendngstry]

oral for dohyun — from serena

No | rather not | I dunno | I guess | Sure | Yes | FUCK yes | Oh god you don’t even know |

@adminnie

[oopsis]

             ❛  notice  you  ?  i  mean  yeah,  because  you  are  there.  ❜  trying  to  play  it  off  as  if  he  would  never  look  at  dohyun.  ❛  speak  ?  that  ..  ah,  you  want  me  to  read  it  ?  okay.  ❜  his  english  skills  were  not  the  stongest  but,  he  was  getting  there.  ❛  ah,  hyung  !  how  about  you  read  it  first  so  i  can  just  repeat  it  ?  ❜  he  suddenly  comes  to  stand,  twisting  the  book  on  the  surface  of  the  table  and  sitting  beside  the  male.  ❛  okay,  much  better,  now  we  both  can  read  it.  ❜  head  turning  to  look  at  dohyun  and  then  smiling.  ❛  go  on,  read  it.  ❜

       "  definitely  the  creepy  one  for  noticing.  "   a  surely  nod  while  a  smile  slowly  stretches  across  boyish  features,  reaching  over  to  open  minjun's  text  book  to  the  exact  chapter  that  homme  would  help  the  other  get  through  this  next  semester.   "  but  i  guess  you  just  notice  me,  eh  ?  "   smirking  slightly  before  end  of  his  pen  points  at  a  specific  sentence  in  the  book.   "  speak  this  little  sentence  for  me,  minjun-ah  ~  "   words  spoken  in  a  lazy  australian  accent.

[jongnorp]

"hello! i am incredibly interested in joining your roleplay, it looks so well thought out and like a wonderful place to write. i was wondering if there are any faces you or any of the members would like to see. male/female, i'm open to many!"

Hello, and thank you so much for your kind words! We appreciate them so much and can't wait to have you here with us! 🥰 As far as faces we'd like to see, I want to start by saying that we encourage everyone to build a muse that inspires them first and foremost, then land on the face-claim that best represents them! However, if you need some ideas to kick-start the process, here are a few that come to mind that we, the admins, would love to have around:

Meret Manon Bannerman (of KATSEYE, b. 2001), Cho Yihyun (actor, b. 1999), Charles Melton (actor, b. 1991), Tu Tontawan Tantivejakul (actor, b. 2000), Lee Dohyun (actor, b. 1995), Mun Kayoung (actor, b. 1996), Yamazaki Kento (actor, b. 1994), Kim Junmyeon (Suho of EXO, b. 1991), Archie Madekwe (actor, b. 1995), Lola Tung (actor, b. 2002), Timothée Chalamet (actor, b. 1995), Jenna Ortega (actor, b. 2002), Go Younjung (actor, b. 1996), Park Solomon (actor, b. 1999), Yara Shahidi (actor, b. 2000), Asaya Jurin (of XG, b. 2002), and Kim Dongyoung (Doyoung of NCT, b. 1996)!

Members, if you'd like to chime in, feel free reply to this post! 🥰

[krp1x1finder]

Hello, 18+ currently searching for long-term partners interested in roleplays on Discord or through Tumblr PMs.

I am mainly comfortable with mxm roleplay partners. OC’s preferred as I am not a fan of self-inserts. My FCs include Shinee’s Key, The Boyz Sunwoo, Actor Lee Dohyun, and Shinee’s Taemin. It’s unlikely I’ll write against younger/newer idols (5th gen specifically ).

I am a fan of both Idolverse and AU’s, so if you have any ideas you’re more than welcome to share them otherwise we can discuss the details together. If you don’t have anything in mind then we can easily come up with something together. I’m open to almost anything, although I have to warn I’m not a huge fan of fantasy-based plots. I don’t mind if NSFW elements are included, however, I will not write against fully submissive characters.

I’m hoping for someone that’s also enthusiastic about plotting as it’s pretty difficult plotting with someone who doesn’t seem interested. I’m not asking for a list of ideas, however, I don’t want to be the only one putting any effort in!

I’m not extremely picky about responses. I would prefer 3-4 paragraphs+ third-person. However, I understand writers block or just being bu, and im unlikely to mention as long as it’s not a reoccurring issue. Sometimes my replies can be long, however I also get burnt out, so, I totally understand. Anywhere from 3-4 paragraphs on average if , as long as it’s enough to keep the story moving.

I’d probably prefer someone who is capable of writing daily responses or at least one every few days as I tend to lose interest when there’s little activity, especially with no prior knowledge. I typically mention when I’ll be offline/inactive for days at a time, so I do ask the same.

Just like this post and I’ll get back to you!

🌸 !

[hamdeokcomplex]

mods, mwfcs?

oi meu amor, achou que não iamos responder tão rápido? já estavamos com a resposta na ponta da língua, então aqui está uma lista imensa de ideias de fc para todos os gostos! Aqui a listinha:

Sunmi (solista), Hyejeong, Seolhyun (AOA), Eunji, Bomi, Hayoung (Apink) Sooyoung, Yoona, Seohyun (SNSD), Irene, Seulgi, Yeri (Red Velvet), Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa, Rosé (Blackpink), Son Naeun (ex-Apink), Siyeon, Sua, Handong, Yoohyeon, Gahyun (Dreamcatcher), Mimi, YooA (OMG), Seola, Exy, Bona, Soobin, Luda, Dawon, Eunseo, Yeoreum, Dayoung, Yeonjung (WJSN), Nayeon, Momo, Mina, Jihyo, Dahyun, Tzuyu (TWICE), Saerom, Jiwon Hayoung, Jisun, Seoyeon, Chaeyoung, Nagyung, Jiheon (fromis_9), Soyeon, Minnie, Miyeon, Yuqi, Shuhua (i-dle), Yujin, Xiaoting, Dayeon, Chaehyun, Youngeun, Hikaru, Bahiyyih, Mashiro (Kep1er), Jinsoul, Kim Lip, Haseul, Heejin, Choerry (ARTMS), Vivi, Hyujin, Gowon, Hyeju (Loossemble), Eunha, Sinb (VIVIZ), Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha (Le Sserafim), E:U, Sihyeon, Yiren, Aisha (Everglow), Moon Sua, Suhyeon, Haram, Tsuki, Sheon (Billie), Goeun, Dosie, Ireh, Yuki, Chaein, Swan (Purple Kiss) Chloe Young, Emma, HU’E, Yunseo, (BADVILLAIN) Julie, Natty, Belle (Kiss of Life), Karina, Winter (Aespa), Youi, Lara (Dreamnote), Yeji, Lia, Chaeryeong, Yuna (ITZY), Sieun, Sumin, Isa, Seeun, Yoon (Stayc), Mayu, Xinyu, Nakyoung, Sohyun, Dahyun, Nien, Seoyeon, Jiyeon, Kotone,  (triple s), Yujin, Gael, Rei, Wonyoung (IVE), Sangah, Chowon, Nayoung, Hina, Juhyeon, Yujeong (lightsum), Wooyeon, Nana (Woo!Ah), Ruka (BABYMONSTER), Haewon, Sullyoon, Lily, Bae (NMIXX), Hanni, Minji (NewJeans), Jurin, Chisa, Hinata (XG), Rio, Maya, Ayaka, Mayuka (NiziU), Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo, Yel (H1-KEY) Soojin, Monday, Jihan (Weekly), Hana, Rona, Ririka (ILY:1), Chungha, Soojin, Kwon Eunbi, Chuu, Yves, Bibi, Yena, Chaeyeon, Jo Yuri, You Dayeon (solista) Somin, Jiwoo (Kard), Lee Mijoo, Krystal Jung, Suzy, Kim Sejeong, Jang Gyuri, Kim Minkyeung, Kim Doah, Kim Bomin, Jung Chaeyeon, Ahin, Zhou Jieqiong, Doyeon, Lucy (ex-weki meki), Ryu Dain, Kang Naeon Ji Hyewon, Roh Jeongeui, Jang Dabin, Jang Dan-a, Shin Seulki, Han Yulri, Kang Hyewon, Hina Yoshihara, Han Sohee, Go Minsi.

Shownu, Minhyuk, Joohoney, Kihyun (Monsta X), Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O, Sehun, Kai (EXO), Hwang Minhyun (ex-Nu’est), BM, Jseph (Kard), Lee SeungHyub (N.Flying), Woosung (The Rose), Inseong, Dawon, Taeyang, Zuho, Hwiyoung, Chani (SF9), Mark Tuan, Jackson, Bambam (GOT7), Young K, Dowoon (DAY 6), Jung Jaewon (solista), Ha Sungwoon (solista), Hongseok (Pentagon), Han SeungWoo, Sejun, Choi Byungchan (VICTON), S.Coups, Mingyu, Wonwoo, Vernon, DK, Joshua, Hoshi, Dino, Jun, The8 (Seventeen), Jaehyun, Winwin, Jungwoo, Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Jaemin (NCT), Sion, Riku, Yushi (NCT Wish), Yangyang, Xiaojun (WAYV) V, Namjoon (BTS), Jacob, Kevin, Younghoon, Hyunjae, Juyeon, Ju Haknyeon, Eric (THE BOYZ), Kim Jiwoong, Sung Hanbin, Zhang Hao, Seok Matthew, Ricky (ZB1), Seonghwa, Yunho, Mingi, San, Wooyoung (ATEEZ), Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Seungmin, I.N (Stray Kids), Beomgyu, Taehyun, Huening Kai (TXT), Keeho, Theo, Jiung (P1Harmony), Jay, Heeseung, Jungwon, Sunoo (Enhypen), Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Taesan, Leehan (boynextdoor), E-chan, Heechan, Lune, Junseo (DKB), Keita, Park Hanbin, Lee Jeonghyeon, Yoo Seungeon, Ji Yunseo (EVNNE), Shotaro, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee, Anton (Riize), Seunghan (solista), Kentaro Sakaguchi, Park Yuri, Yook Sungjae, Baekho, Rowoon, Woodz, B.I, Mika Hashizume, Jey, Cha Eunwoo, Joong Archen, Boss Chaikamon, Jeff Satur, Kim Dohoon, Lee Jungha, Lee Chaemin, Shin Hyunseung, Lee Wonjung, Lee Minjae, Woo Dohwan, Lee Dohyun, Lee Jaewook.

Não sei se faltou algum, mas se quiserem sugerir também só dar reply que acrescentamos!

edit: "listinha", a mod annika diz... "listinha"... são dois godzillas de sugestões, isso sim! — mod odette

[someonegoood]

THE CORPORATE EQUATION drabble #3 ✫ jeon jungkook

CONTAINS: corporate!au, ceo!jk, headofhr!reader, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, teasing, accidental vulnerability, mutual pining, emotionally unavailable jk, bickering turned bonding, fluff & angst :)

NOTE: this will be a mini series. thanks so much for reading!! this work is not revised and english is not my first language :)

my main masterlist! ❀ the corporate equation masterlist!

miiini taglist @haru-jiminn @parapiop7 @radcustoms @minniejim @jeonzll @vantelover1306 @bgfdcvbnjk @mar-lo-pap @lmaothv @jksusawife <3

❀ drabble #3: good... morning?

The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the office windows, casting golden streaks across the desks and walls. You stirred awake, blinking because of the light. For a moment, you couldn’t quite place where you were—until you felt something warm and heavy against your shoulder.

Your head snapped to the side, and your breath caught in your throat. Mr. Jeon. His head was resting against your shoulder, his features relaxed in sleep. His tie was undone, his hair slightly tousled, and his jacket—the one draped over your shoulders—still hung loosely around you. The night’s exhaustion had clearly won him over too.

Panic shot through you. Sitting up quickly, you accidentally jostled him awake. His eyes fluttered open, dark brown and bleary with sleep. For a moment, he simply blinked at you, his expression unguarded and soft in a way you’d never seen before. Then, reality hit both of you like a freight train.

“Good... morning?” Jungkook mumbled, his voice still husky with sleep, an almost shy smile tugging at his lips.

“Good morning,” you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. You glanced down, tugging at his jacket, heat rising to your face. “Um, thanks for this… I guess.”

Before he could respond, the sound of voices and footsteps echoed from the hallway. The HR team was arriving for the day, and the sudden wave of panic hit you like a tidal wave. You scrambled to straighten your hair and pull yourself together, but it was too late.

The door swung open, and Soojin walked in first, her usual energy on full display. “Alright, team, let’s-”

She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes locking onto you and Jungkook. Her gaze flicked to the jacket, the proximity, the unmistakable dishevelment, and her mouth fell open.

Behind her, Dohyun and Minji peeked around the corner. Dohyun’s eyebrows shot up as Minji let out a low whistle.

“Well, well,” Minji drawled, crossing her arms. “Looks like someone had an eventful night.”

Soojin recovered quickly, smirking as she leaned against the doorframe. “You know, there’s a perfectly good couch in the break room, boss,” she said, raising an eyebrow at Jungkook. “Or was this part of the emergency protocol?”

“Shut up,” you muttered, your face burning as you buried your head in your hands. Jungkook cleared his throat, standing abruptly and smoothing out his shirt.

“This isn’t what it looks like,” he said firmly, though the faint pink dusting his ears betrayed his usual composure. “The system crash required all hands on deck. We worked late, that’s all.”

“Sure,” Minho chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he strolled in with a coffee cup in hand. “Because ‘working late’ usually ends with someone’s jacket draped so… romantically.” He waved a hand in your direction, grinning. “Am I right, Hajun?”

Jungkook’s assistant, Hajun, who had just arrived, froze in the doorway. “Uh, I—I don’t know, Minho,” he stammered, clearly caught off guard. “But maybe we should… focus on the system recovery?”

“Good idea,” you muttered, grateful for the lifeline. You shot Minho a glare before standing, quickly shrugging off Jungkook’s jacket and handing it back to him without meeting his eyes. “Thank you. I’ll get started on the... the-”

"Morning debrief." Jungkook finished your sentence. You nodded stiffly, clearing your throat again as you avoided looking at the smirking faces around you.

“Let’s focus on work,” he said, his CEO tone snapping back into place, though his usual commanding presence felt a little shakier than usual. “We’ll regroup in an hour.”

As the HR team reluctantly dispersed, Soojin leaned closer to you, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “You know,” she whispered, “if this whole HR thing doesn’t work out, you might have a future in matchmaking… or being part of the match.”

You groaned, pushing past her as Minji and Dohyun exchanged knowing looks. Jungkook was already heading toward his office, but you swore you saw the corner of his mouth twitch, as though he was holding back a smile.

previous / next

[kyungdodohyun]

[Youtube] 230425 Dohyun liked & replied to some comments on his latest youtube video! 🥰

[sorryimananti-romantic]

chron omg i can't tell you how much i love you for this bc dazzling light is not my fav fic that i've ever written so to hear such high praise from you is making my heart melt like i read through this reblog twice and realised that i don't even remember what some points are about LOL but i shall try my best to reply 😭🩵

i like this blessing-curse of yours bc my blessing-curse is putting things off until the last moment (procrastination basically) and when i'm under pressure i actually produce better results LOL. but anyways glad this felt like a first read hoho

the speech was good? 😭😭 thank you so much that's prob one of the major reasons i wish to rewrite this fic (i think all authors can relate to some extent how we want to redo our old works) (but reblogs like these are what makes me keep them as they are LOL you can see my character growth thru these fics AHAHAHA)

okay first and foremost i must tell you that this fic is heavily inspired by the kdrama 'angel's last mission: love' and if you haven't watched it you simply must it's so good. the first scene you're pointing out was also taken from there (i think) (it's been so long bruhh)

i am almost convinced yeosang is a natural blonde except he slays dark hair colour so well too man is just perfect in every sense and ethereal is the word for him hence angel!yeosang.

OMG SEE I WOULD ADD DETAILS LIKE THESE IF I REWRITE you caress yeosang's feather and yeosang who's in the middle of a fight with some demons curls in on himself and starts giggling bc it tickles making the demons step back and wonder if he's insane-

i should have tagged this as stalker!yeosang mans was really testing us out there AHAHAHA but we love it when it's yeosang and when it's for valid reasons ig? 😀😀 also you're right sth about someone who's supposed to be calm in every sense losing their temper IS SO INCREDIBLY HAWT like i can't resist that even tho it's so overused its my fav thing to read

omg that line 'do you think the human could move on after being loved by an angel' reminds me of this post that i read in an image once (image lost to the void don't ask me what i typed in google search to find this) but this stuck with me so hard. i simply must share this :'))

AND YES THAT LINE i want to burn and you won't let me HOHO i'm ngl i was quite pleased with that line too AND THE FACT THAT IT'S ANGEL YEOSANG SAYING THIS JUST CHERRY ON TOP

ALSO WHAT DID MY GIRL SIERRA DO I FORGOT SKDJGHJDFG but yeah she was the comic relief that i remember (was she)

and dohyun poopiehead exactly there's no better word for him

DFHGHKDJHG was that sentence really moanworthy (i think i need to reread this fic) (i sometimes reread my fics when i want to go back to the headspace i was in when writing a certain fic but sadly haven't gone back to this one)

yeosang's wings and this scene is my fav part about this fic! thank you for comprehending it exactly the way i wanted to :'))

HIS REINCARNATION AS A HUMAN WE CHEERED HOHO ngl i had no idea how to make it work i'd prob change this part if i ever rewrite (i won't rewrite i don't have the stamina man 😭😭 ) but yeah what a sight him coming out of water with that pretty birthmark on full display what else do we need huh

WOOYOUNG THE DESIGNATED ATZ DON'T-LET-ANYONE-HAVE-A-GOOD-MOMENT MEMBER LOL he's just jealous yeosang has something else to boast about other than their years (centuries, in this case) long friendship methinks loll

this was so fun to read and reply to, really from the bottom of my heart thank you so much for reading again and reblogging with such amazing feedback. i hope your pillow is always cold, your socks are never wet, and that you find yourself an angel like this kang yeosang (with the cockiness and everything LOL)

also we're married now where do we go for our honeymoon? ;)

Dazzling Light

angel!yeosang x human!reader

genre and warnings: fluff, angst, suggestive, mention of su!cide, car accident, murder, mild violence

word count: ~25k

synopsis: yeosang's last mission as an angel is to prevent you from taking your life. however, you find a loophole when he tries to erase your memory afterwards, preventing him from moving on to the afterlife. as the two of you encounter each other a few times, yeosang decides to take your advice and live a little like a normal human before moving on, but ends up falling in love- forbidden and with consequences.

"I'm ready when you're ready!"

You put on your helmet after grinning at your best friend, kick-starting your bike, accelerating it a bit before looking back at her.

"On your mark, missy!"

You both stood at the line where you were going to start racing- you two weren't professionals, but this long road was empty and you both just wanted to race a bit, test your new bikes which you'd bought together.

As soon as you said the countdown, the two of you accelerated on a steady speed, hooting and laughing at each other, side by side as you drove at the empty road framing the hill. You went that extra notch by accelerating to a higher speed, ignoring your friend's warning with a shake of your head indicating that it was okay, and really, everything was okay, until-

Until a car drove straight at you from the sharp turn and you only had time to skid your bike away a little to avoid a crash, resulting in you plummeting down and crashing in a tree, your fall cushioned from the soft grass, only enough to save you but not enough to avoid a fracture or two.

But your accident wasn't painful- the crash you heard of vehicles colliding right after you fell was the most horrible sound you'd heard in your life, and your eyes went wide in horror as you realized-

You woke up drenched in sweat, muffling down your scream.

Your breathing was uneven as you turned your neck to look at the time- half past 5 in the morning. You shook your head, burying your face in your hands as you took a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm your heart down, the ache in your leg growing. But it was no use.

Your life was a mess. Everyone was still waiting for an opportunity to get rid of you.

As you lay down and shut your eyes, you decided it then. You'd finally give up. There really was no point in living anymore.

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

"What a day to be alive."

Yeosang stood at the edge of the roof of the 60-story building, looking ahead at the vast sky stretching endlessly with the sun shining through the fluffy clouds, instead of peering down at the traffic. He took a deep breath, inhaling in the fresh air, shutting his eyes close, revelling in the peace until he heard an ashy sound in the air and opened one eye to look at the message on a piece of paper.

Last mission. Save her from killing herself. 7 o'clock.

Yeosang raised his eye at the message, reading it again before burning it to ash with a simple wave of his fingers.

This wasn't an unusual order- as an angel, Yeosang had saved many from an untimely death, never questioning why he was saving only certain humans- he supposed they had a greater purpose to fulfil, something that would either change the course of time or wouldn't affect it entirely- as wrong as it sounded, because that made him wonder if certain humans were worth more than the others.

But this was his last mission. After a century and a half of maintaining a perfect record, always completing his jobs in the best way possible and abiding by the rules, he was finally given his last mission after which he could move on to the afterlife.

Yeosang sighed, trying to calm the nervous roiling in his stomach, which he was trying to convince himself was because of the anxiety of the last mission and whether it would go well, but really, he had a gut feeling that something was going to go very, very wrong this time.

Yeosang willed his wings to spread wide, spreading his hands and dropping down, almost diving down before finally flying upwards, wondering if he would ever be able to fly so freely in the sky again, wondering what the afterlife held for him, an abstract concept he'd been blindly following ever since he came into being as an angel with no past- or no memories- if he had one.

Flying into the endless sky, Yeosang smiled as a single tear left his eye. He would miss Earth dearly.

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

You sat in front of the mirror, brushing your limp hair, the paleness of your skin more obvious because of the dark circles under your eyes. A knock sounded on the door and Sierra, your housekeeper, entered.

"Good morning, miss," she straightened her blouse, going for the windows and spreading the curtains apart, "Lovely day today."

"Lovely," you scoffed, "Who's planning to murder me today? You can tell them to not try anymore- I'm wondering if I should end this once and for all."

Sierra narrowed her eyes at you, "Are you going to work properly at the office now? You really should be going back now- make some effort as the sole heir of your father's company."

"My father is handling it perfectly well," you simply said, pinning your hair back, "And his son can inherit the business. I don't want to be a part of anything, and I'm going to the office today to wrap things up."

Sierra stopped arranging your stuff as she heard that, turning to look at you. You completed your office ensemble by sliding your feet into the black pointy kitten heels, turning to Sierra, who was standing with her mouth open and she finally said, "But miss, he's not the legitimate heir, and he won't inherit anything unless you willingly hand it to him. And what's this about wrapping everything up? What are you planning? Not another one of your pranks, is it? I'll have a heart attack one day and you would be the cause."

You took your purse, "You'll know by tonight, no pranks this time- and don't wait for me. I'll be back late," you said and started towards the door, stopping abruptly and then turning to Sierra, the only friend you had in your lonely life, especially after the death of your best friend. You walked to her, awkwardly raising your hand and patting her shoulder twice, smiling at her and almost laughing when you saw just how surprised she was. "Don't get used to it."

"I... won't," Sierra laughed, "You okay?"

"Yep," you saluted, "take care, Sierra."

"You sound like you're going away or something," she frowned, "Not going to party tonight, are you?"

"Oh yes," you smirked dangerously, "Expect a fucking feast soon."

With that, you took your walking cane and left, Sierra shouting 'language!' at you, making you smile sadly. She would probably be the only one who'd miss you when you're gone.

You debated going without your driver- even if you had to party, your driver/bodyguard-of-sorts would always accompany you, whether you liked it or not. You really wanted your last moments of your life alone without someone shadowing you. You rolled your eyes as your driver opened the door with a knowing look and you sped towards the car, huffing loudly as you sat in.

"To the office, miss?"

"Where else would I go at this ungodly hour," you grimaced at him, making him stifle his smile.

Reaching the parking lot, you took the lift to the 10th floor where your father's office was, hoping to see his face at least once. It's not like you expected anything from him, and yet-

Yet as you neared his office, your limp became worse. You had been walking just fine earlier, not even needing the cane- an accessory most of the time but a necessity whenever you were nervous or stressed. You cursed yourself internally as you walked into his office, greeting the secretary.

"Your father is having an official meeting, and has a busy schedule today. How much time do you need?"

"Not more than 5 minutes," you told her, and she eyed you from under her glasses.

"Are you sure? He needs to be in a good mood for the next meeting especially."

You clenched your jaw, stifling to ask just what her problem was, "just... let me see him once. Please."

The secretary scoffed as she ran a hand through her blonde bob and took off her glasses, "Did I hear a please from your mouth?"

You leaned forward, mustering the most disgusted face you could manage, "Are you gonna report this to Dohyun too? Should I tell my father that you have the hots for my brother- at this age?"

"Step-brother," she corrected through her teeth, "And take a seat, miss. The meeting should be over in 10."

Satisfied, you did exactly that, staring at her and making her squirm in her seat as she tried to concentrate on her work. Exactly 10 minutes later, a group of men left the room, and she motioned for you to wait as she went inside, returning after a few seconds and saying, "Your father's asking if it's really necessary."

You felt your heart twist, getting up and ignoring her protests as you went inside, looking around at the unnervingly neat and arranged office, your father relaxing in his chair as he sipped his coffee. "Hello, father."

"What's the matter?"

"Just stopping by to say hello- I haven't seen you in days," you didn't bother taking a seat, "Not that you miss me or anything, but you could have asked for me."

"I was busy," he simply said, avoiding looking at you, making you smile a bit- you knew all about his engagements- something that involved women apart from work, "I have another meeting in 5 minutes and I'd like to relax, if you'd allow me."

"Of course," you said, walking around lazily, looking at the various frames in his office but finding no picture of you or your family, rather finding an abundance of your brother's, who practically worked at his beck-and-call. You looked at him one last time, hoping to find a parent in his face but really, it was devoid of such responsibility and feelings, "I'll be off then. Do try to relax more, will you?"

"When you start coming to the office more," your father looked up at you, "and start acting responsibly is when I'll finally be able to breathe."

"Right," you said, waving casually as you walked out, shaking your head at the lies that fell so easily out of his mouth.

You were just stepping out of the elevator at the ground floor when you ran into the person you least wanted to see, and you groaned out loud, "My day is already ruined."

"Good to see you too," Dohyun scanned you, "Your leg seems worse."

"It sensed you all the way from up there," you ran your finger dramatically up the path of the elevator, "And look- now I can't even stand."

Dohyun scoffed, "Leaving already? Without working? No wonder dad loves you so much."

"If he loved you so much," you neared him, "He'd have already made you the heir. But here we are."

His jaw visibly clenched at that- you'd hit his weak point. You didn't wait for a response, your limp better as you walked outside, frowning when the bright sun hit your eyes, taking your sunglasses out of your dress pant's pocket and sliding them on, motioning your hand for a taxi and getting in, asking to be drove to your favourite cafe, ditching your parked car and driver.

You spent the day drinking your favourite coffee with your favourite dessert, walking in the park- something you didn't normally do, listening to your favourite songs and having food from your favourite place, playing cards with a random group of kids at the riverside, laughing to your fullest for the first time in a while- stopping when you realized it was going to be the last. Finally, you went to your best friend's grave, putting down a single daisy- her favourite.

"Dajeong," your voice came out choked, and you looked up at the cloudy sky, "you miss me, right?"

The wind blew the stray hair that escaped your now tied hair, and you tucked them behind as a tear escaped your eyes, "Do you miss me? Do you want me to come join you? Or do you hate me for what happened?"

Silence answered you- and you decided that was enough. "Don't kill me when I come to see you, will you?"

You wiped your eyes, your limp getting worse as you dragged yourself to the bridge afterwards, the sun about to set, and you found the sunset to be beautiful and a bit sinister, especially with the way it was casting light on the river.

You'd jump off the bridge. But... you were going to die in style.

You struggled as you sat at the flat railing of the bridge, the few passersby giving you confused looks. You picked your cane and held it for support, standing up bare-feet now, breathing in the air as you faced the sun- you felt free.

"Fuck everyone," you said out loud, laughing a bit, "Here I come, Dajeong."

You started swaying your hips a bit- Dajeong loved dancing. Using your cane as a prop, you awkwardly danced a bit, pulling your hair tie out and letting them loose, laughing a bit, turning to see if you had an audience, but there was no one near. You shut your eyes, spreading your arms wide and laughing out loud.

"People could get the wrong idea," a voice sounded.

Your laugh died abruptly, "Maybe they're thinking right," you turned to the source, sucking in your breath when you saw probably the most beautiful boy you'd ever seen in your life. His pale hair was messy, and his features made you wonder whether god really did choose favourites- he was sculpted so well.

"Maybe you're wrong then," he tilted his head, hands in his pockets as he scanned you, "And don't smirk like that- it's making me nervous."

"Gosh, what a sight to see before I end my life," you muttered, "Look, pretty boy, if you're done, maybe you should go home now. Leave this crazy woman to whatever she's doing, no?"

He raised his brows at the way you addressed him, "Does your life mean so little to you?"

"Actually, it does," you nodded in confirmation, "I have no purpose. No one cares, no one wants me. I am a burden. And I don't know why I even told you all this, I just- leave me alone. Go on. Let me die in style without someone bothering me."

His light eyes shone, "Can't. And if you really didn't have a purpose, I wouldn't be here right now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Think about it- you were about to jump off, but you got interrupted. That clearly means now's not the time, dear."

"Who are you calling dear- ah!"

You were falling.

You'd raised your cane to point at him but ended up losing your balance and falling off, a scream of surprise leaving your mouth as you fell, and you wondered why dramas would make this moment slow because you couldn't process anything as you fell- you only saw the sky getting distant and the sound of the river nearing, fear gripping your heart and you shut your eyes instinctively.

All your breath was knocked out of you and you thought you'd hit the surface of the river, but then you were bent inwards as arms wrapped around you and you clenched your eyes shut before realizing you still hadn't drowned, opening your eyes-

You were flying.

"Holy-" you heard the loud flap of wings, turning to look at the source and your scream was soundless when you realized it was the same boy who'd been at the bridge. He rolled his eyes at you, especially when you wrapped your arms tightly around him as if you finally cared about living, landing you both at the edge of the river before drawing his wings back and you watched them disappear completely, his arms still around you.

"You have a purpose in life, believe it or not," he said, scanning your face and patting your cheek as if to comfort you who was out of breath, "it's why I saved you."

"What are you?" You managed to ask.

"What do you think?" He smiled, taking a step back, "You'll forget this anyway- I'm an angel, if you already didn't make the connection."

You were speechless, dumbfounded, and fell to the ground on your knees, feeling the absence of your cane. The boy- angel sat in front of you, holding your face, "Stay strong. You have a whole new life ahead of you- make most of it, will you?"

You scanned his face slowly, as if you could memorize it, looking away when his gaze felt too strong and laughing maniacally, making him surprised, "Great. I've gone mad now. I'll wake up and this would be a dream, right?"

"Well," he looked at you guiltily, "it is a dream. Now, I don't have all day-" he swiped a hand across your forehead, and everything went black.

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

It was done.

Yeosang had just completed his last mission.

If he was expecting fireworks, a cheer from his friends or even his heart to feel excited, he felt nothing. That odd feeling from the morning hadn't gone away, and he was dreading the unknown more with every passing minute.

Yeosang entered the abandoned church that was used as a disguise, an angel like him entering would find himself in the headquarters situated somewhere in the sky and he awaited his judgement, smiling when he saw his boss, an old man (another disguise) approach him. Yeosang bowed dramatically.

"It's been what- a hundred and eighty-five years?" His boss wondered, "You're still as dramatic as day one."

"Good evening to you too, now can you please sign whatever paperwork there is so I can move on?" Yeosang yawned, "It's been a long day, and I'm getting anxious."

His boss eyed him - Yeosang was anxiously hopping in his place. He waved a hand in dismissal, pushing his glasses up his nose bridge as he fished out a document from thin air, looking at Yeosang apprehensively before sighing and signing it, making him sigh in relief.

However, that sigh died down when the document set itself on fire, making both the men gasp in surprise, each just as confused as the other.

"Tell me this is a prank, because if it is, it's a really, really bad prank."

"Why would I do that?" The old man took off his glasses, rushing to the cabinet and searching for a book, opening it and flipping through the pages until he stopped abruptly, Yeosang now standing beside him as he read.

"Either you caused irreparable damage- which you didn't, I can vouch for that," the man sighed, "Or you took a life- again, not you. Or- did you leave a trace?"

"What do you mean a trace?" Yeosang frowned.

"It means that somehow, somewhere on this planet, someone is aware or suspicious about your identity- about you being an angel. It could be anything, boy."

Yeosang stumbled back, sinking into the chair as he thought- he had never interacted with a person more than needed- whenever he saved a life, he always made sure their memory was wiped clean too, so how could he have possibly left a trace?

"It could be anyone..." Yeosang groaned loudly, pinching his nose bridge, "Fine, what do I need to do? No wonder I had a gut feeling like something bad was about to happen."

The man shut the book, pity evident on his face, "Eliminate the trace you left. It could only be some human you saved- but you have saved a lot. You'll have to narrow them down to the ones that are still alive- even then, there's a possibility they may have passed this secret to someone else. We do not even know what exactly is the trace you left."

Yeosang bit his lips nervously, "I'm doomed. If I have to spend another decade on this Earth, I'll take my own life."

"Now why would you do that?" The man shook his head, approaching Yeosang and patting his shoulders, "Stay positive. You could be done within weeks or even a few years. What's a few more years to you?"

Yeosang only shook his head, wondering just where it had all gone wrong.

Meanwhile you woke up in your bed, blinking a few times before turning and looking at the time- it was 8 pm. You never slept in the evenings-

And you had no memory of coming back here- you'd gone to the office, taken a taxi... and gone home? Why couldn't you recall?

Sighing, you got up, rubbing your eyes and ringing for Sierra who arrived with a cup of coffee, "I was just about to wake you up because you would have only disturbed me during the night if you'd slept now," she handed you the mug and you frowned.

"When did I come home?"

"I don't know- I was in the backyard while you were gone, so I didn't realize when you arrived," she started towards the door, "unusual time to take a nap for you."

"I know right," you sipped at your coffee, and when she was gone and shut the door, you got up and walked to the window, looking out at the dark sky. It suddenly reminded you of the dream you had-

You'd gone to Dajeong's grave too. But as much as you tried to recall why you had been crying (usually you avoided crying at her grave), you couldn't recall anything you'd said, and you found a sinking feeling in your heart.

Feeling chilly, you set the now empty mug on the table and put your hands in your pocket, shrieking in pain when you felt something cut your fingers-

You abruptly drew your right hand out, a small cut much like a papercut running down your index finger, blood oozing out from it. You frowned as you carefully put your hand back in your pocket, feeling something unbelievably soft but shrieking again when you got another cut, muttering 'fuck it' and pulling it out-

It was a feather.

But it was no ordinary feather- it was almost shimmering and appeared to be translucent. Dazed, you ran your fingers along the feather, finding it unbelievably soft, but as soon as you ran your finger down, it cut you again, and you stared at your bloody hand.

What the hell was this thing? It was too big to be a bird feather, and too intricate to be man made.

You frowned as a memory tugged at you, but you really couldn't recall- however, one thing you were sure of now. The absence of your memory and this feather were linked. You put the feather on your shelf, but then decided against it, putting it in the drawer next to your bed, locking it, staring into the distance as you tried to sort your thoughts out.

As you shut your eyes and lay down, for a split second you saw wings- like an angel's, long and broad. But you dismissed it, getting up and walking to your mirror.

You needed to drink.

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

Your favourite part about drinking was how it would always make you so confident that you'd fold your cane and put it in your bag, not requiring it anymore. You could pass by as someone 'normal'. Even though your therapist had repeatedly forbidden you from drinking because of this reason, you didn't care.

You straightened your black blouse and skirt, your feet warm in long boots but your bare knees and thighs chilly. Ignoring the chill, you entered the bar, flipping your hair backwards as you made your way to the counter, sitting on a stool and ordering a drink, looking around at the people dancing or chatting.

You were always alone at bars.

But you'd always manage to attract someone's attention- you didn't hate that. It was amusing how they made an effort to get you to talk or loosen up, but as soon as you'd fish out your cane, they'd rush away with an excuse. No one wanted to be with someone who couldn't even walk properly, no matter how beautiful or attractive they looked, apparently.

You wiped at the red lipstick stain left at your glass absently when you felt someone slide into the seat next to you, muttering a hi, and you spared a glance at the lanky person next to you.

"Long night, eh?" He said, and you nodded, wondering if he was just initiating small talk or his intentions were... the same as so many others you'd encountered.

"You from around here?" He asked, and you nodded again, downing your drink. You really weren't in a mood to talk to anyone right now.

"Can you pretend I'm not here and just... drink? I want to be left alone with my thoughts."

He frowned at that, shrugging, "I can do that, but if you wanna talk about it..."

You muttered a thanks, sighing as he filled your glass and you downed it in one go. This could go on forever, so you pretended to check your phone when really you had nothing going on.

About an hour later, feeling lightheaded and confident enough to ditch your cane because of your now unnoticeable limp, you walked around the dance floor, swaying a bit, closing your eyes shut, losing yourself in the fleeting moments of when you felt free. You couldn't remember when you last felt so free-

An image flashed in your mind for a split second- you with your arms spread as you stood somewhere high, right at the edge.

You had to stop and open your eyes- it felt suffocating as you tried to recall the memory, forgetting it right after you'd seen the flash. Your breathing got irregular- no matter how much you tried to recall, it was no use. You made your way outside, almost running, laughing maniacally and bumping into someone-

"Sorry, pretty boy," you grinned at him as you continued running, forgetting why you were outside in the first place-

Leaving the 'pretty boy' Yeosang, the angel, with his mouth hanging open because he had recognized you, and he couldn't believe how different you looked and the coincidence- it was uncanny, with you both bumping into each other right after his mission- which was a one in a million chance in the first place- and then you calling him by the same term 'pretty boy'. Yeosang had to gulp as he came back to his senses, watching you stop at a distance and finally take out your cane as you walked for your car.

Though Yeosang was pleasantly surprised, he decided to shake this little encounter off as that one in a million chance.

He didn't mean to, but he found his eyes searching for you a few days later when you made your way to the same bridge you'd try to jump from- one that you crossed everyday on your way to the office.

Yeosang internally slapped himself- what was he doing wasting time trying to spot you in the populous crowd? He should be trying to find out about the trace he'd left.

He had tried. He'd gone through the archives of the past decade, narrowing down the list of humans he had saved to those who were still alive, and he'd paid a visit to quite a few of them. He told himself that the reason he found himself looking for you was because you were also one of his missions, one he had to now investigate, but he was lost. He had no idea how he'd know to find the trace. He had no idea what the trace was.

But he found himself following you unintentionally, watching you leave for the office looking like the girl that had needed saving, going to your friend's grave like the girl who needed to heal, and then going to party like the girl who needed nothing of that, who was strong enough to control the limp in her leg instead of it controlling her. And Yeosang was... intrigued. No human had caught his attention in nearly two centuries like you had.

Yeosang found himself in the same park as you that night, glamoured to be invisible as he watched you walk, noticing your limp wasn't bad at all right now but you still used the cane as a psychological support. He wondered if you were somehow the one he was looking for- you'd only met him a handful of days ago, and he'd watched you since. You hadn't done anything to raise his suspicions. It couldn't be you.

Then why was he here?

Yeosang laughed ironically as it started to rain, watching you curse out loud as you sat on the bench, deciding to get soaked just for the heck of it because stupid you had forgot to bring your umbrella. Yeosang decided he was here for a purpose. He fished out a single umbrella out of thin air.

You were just cursing yourself internally when you heard a voice say 'here', looking upwards first at the umbrella that now stopped the trickle of rain and then tracing the hand to the source-

He looked very familiar for some reason.

You sat speechless as you stared at him and he scoffed, "Only till the rain stops, unless you wanna go ahead and get soaked."

"No, thank you," you said, looking away, your brows furrowing in confusion and then you realized, turning your head sharply back at him, scanning his face-

"We've met before, haven't we?"

Yeosang almost dropped his umbrella in surprise before you continued, "You're that pretty boy I bumped into that day, aren't you?"

Yeosang gave you a side-eye, "You remember that?"

You raised a brow as you smirked, "I couldn't forget such a pretty face now, could I?"

"Are you... flirting with me right now?"

You laughed at his narrowed eyes, "I don't know, am I?"

Yeosang scanned you in confusion- he'd seen you flirt-interact with strangers in the bars you'd go to, always leaving them stranded or disappointed on purpose, sometimes by ditching them or sometimes by revealing your limp, but he hadn't expected you to do the same to him.

"You live around here?" You asked casually, and he shrugged.

"I guess you could say that," he shrugged, "What are you doing here in the middle of the night?"

"What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" You asked, folding your arms, and the two of you stared at each other, none of the other breaking.

"I asked first."

"Do I look like I care about that?"

"I was just... walking."

"Cool," you said, "I was just jogging. Nothing unusual, huh?"

"Nothing," Yeosang smiled despite himself, drawing the umbrella back, "Rain's over."

"Well," you got up, brushing your sweatpants, drawing your cane out, "Hope I see you again, pretty boy."

With that, you were off, and Yeosang wondered if interacting with you, a human he had saved, was right. Angels normally kept interactions with humans to the bare minimum, and he couldn't reveal his identity to you, ever. He shouldn't even be mixing with you- he really didn't want to mess up his situation more than it already was.

Which made him wonder why he was crossing paths with you so often. Could you be the person he was looking for? Though he racked his brain over the events of the evening that he'd save you, he couldn't understand how it could have happened.

Yeosang got up, taking out the list of the people he still had to investigate. He should not be wasting time.

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

You spent the next few days researching the feather, even when you'd told yourself not to think about it.

You couldn't help it- you were drawn to it, to put it simply. It's not like you were obsessed or anything, right? It's not like you were staring at it for the most part of the night and caressing it trying to avoid the cuts, right?

You were.

Sierra was not happy with the amount of band-aids on your fingers.

"It's like you're that annoying teenager I had to take care of again," she said one day, examining your hand, "remember when you used to be wild? No one could get to you."

"Well," you took your hand from her, "someone did. That annoying teenager died on the hill."

Sierra looked at you with her hands on her hips, "Not sure about the annoying part."

You stifled your smile at that, giving her a side eye as you slumped in the chair in front of the window, "Any update on that?"

"None yet," Sierra sighed, standing beside you, "You really, really think it was Dohyun?"

"If not him, then who?" You asked, "Who would have a good reason to kill me at that point of my life? It's not like our company was too big back then- you'd take potential rivals as possible suspects."

"True," Sierra said, "it's more suspicious because the company hit the jackpot right after that incident. Think they're related?"

"I'm not so sure about that," you leaned forward, "it's the only loophole about the whole thing."

Sierra nodded and left, saying she needed to catch up with some work and you got up, deciding to go for a walk, changing into a casual outfit of jeans and a black pea-coat over a plain white shirt. Tying your hair messily, you put your cane in your bag and told your driver to stay put. You didn't need a shadow- not today.

Not when you intended to actually party and forget about all the things that were messing you up- family politics, your leg, the feather-

And that boy you'd met the other day.

Truth be told, you had quite a few strange dreams about the same event already- you falling from a height, rescued by someone with wings, the feather of which very similar to the one you now possessed-

That someone who looked too much like that boy you'd met- unless it was your mind playing tricks.

And it was your mind playing tricks, what else? There was no way it was that boy, or anyone, for that matter. And you'd believe yourself if you'd stop thinking about the missing piece of your memory and the cuts that feather had given you.

You went inside the bar, making a stop at the toilet where you took out your makeup and applied some- if you'd gone out with makeup, there was no way your driver would have bought your excuse of 'going for a long walk'. Putting on some lipstick and mascara, you smacked your lips loudly, smiling at your reflection, unbuttoning the top two buttons of your shirt. You'd fit right in now.

All it took you was two drinks to muster the courage to get to the dance floor. You swayed along to the music first, glancing around to check if one of your father's goons was here, or worse, your step-brother's. Finding none, you relaxed, smiling at the man who clearly wanted to get laid approaching you, scanning you ever so slowly.

"So," he tried to strike up some conversation, "wanna dance with me?"

"Aren't we already?" You commented on how close he already was.

He smirked, taking that as a sign to get closer and you allowed that. As long as you were dancing, it was fine.

But then he bought you more drinks during that break you took, and led you to the dance floor again, this time his hands on your hips. You didn't miss the suggestive look in his eyes, but you did miss his hand travelling down your hip-

As you saw an all too familiar face exit the bar.

"Wanna come home with me tonight?"

You grimaced at how drunk he sounded, pushing him off of you, "I have to go home. Find another girl to dance with, will you?"

"Oh come on, we were just starting to have fun!" He protested but you just waved him off, securing your bag and putting a hand on the slightly open corner in case you'd need your cane, practically rushing out of the bar.

The cold air hit you hard as you exited the bar, making you feel a bit more awake as you looked around, finding the roads nearly empty. Were you drunk? Maybe you had just conjured his image. Sighing, you started in the direction of your home, taking a deep breath-

"Hey!"

You turned around, rolling your eyes when the man from the bar approached you, "We're done, go home!"

"Not so easily," he smirked, slowing down when he approached you, a seductive look in his eyes as he put a hand on your waist and the other to your face, which you slapped away before he could touch you, making him laugh sarcastically, "You can't just leave me stranded."

"I can," you glared at him, taking out your cane and unfolding it with a swipe, hitting his lower leg strongly enough to make him grimace away, "and I will. I owe you nothing."

With that, you went back to walking, a surprised scream leaving you when he pushed you, making you nearly lose your footing and you turned back to hit him again, because how dare he?

Instead, you found him pinned to the wall-

It was that boy.

He was holding his collar, glaring at him, "She's clearly not into you, so why don't you rush home?"

"Leave me the fuck alone-" The man tried punching him but he had him pinned against the wall, muttering something in his ear that had him scrambling off, while you stood with your mouth hanging in surprise.

"What the hell did you say to him?"

"You don't need to know that," he looked at you once as if to make sure you were okay as he brushed his clothes, turning around to go.

"Where are you going?" You asked before you could think, cursing yourself internally. He turned around, raising a brow at you.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" He asked, but he knew you weren't going to let him off so easily as you casually joined him as you walked.

"So, pretty boy," you grinned at him, "Got a name?"

He rolled his eyes, telling you his name- Yeosang- and you told him yours, "You've practically been everywhere these past few days, you know? But I don't think I've seen you before. Did you move to this area recently? Or here for a job?"

"Something like that," Yeosang muttered, hands in his pockets as he walked.

"Are you my guardian angel?" You wiggled your brows, "Though I must say, it's a little late for that."

Yeosang almost tripped on his feet, realizing later that you were only joking and referring to the incident that had just happened, not one which you'd forgotten, "I don't think a devil like you needs a guardian angel," Yeosang muttered, making you raise a brow.

"Devil like me? Please, I'm a saint."

Yeosang pretended to throw up at that, making you slap his arm, "How old are you again? Stop acting like a kid."

"How old are you?" You narrowed your eyes at him- he looked young enough to pass as a teenager, but mature enough to be-

"Definitely older than you," he laughed, and he wanted to tell you he was only a few centuries older than you.

You smiled at that. He had an incredibly pretty laugh too- everything about him screamed elegant. And something about him threw you off your element- which was weird, because was he making you shy? Why couldn't you muster up a smart retort anymore?

Yeosang noticed you staring at him as you walked, and he raised a brow at you, finally knocking you back into your senses. You were glad you didn't flush, because the last thing you needed was to give him that satisfaction. "Can you buy me a water bottle? We're like 10 steps away from the store."

"Sure," Yeosang said, and you waited outside, watching him walk (how could he walk like that?) and run a hand through his hair- gosh, everything about him screamed perfection.

As he came out and handed you the bottle, you thanked him, drinking a few gulps and looking at him again. "Thank you for earlier. I could have handled that, but... thank you anyway."

"Be careful next time," Yeosang said, and you rolled your eyes as you nodded, making him smile. He waved at you, taking off and you watched him go.

"Hey!" You called and he turned, his brows raised in question.

"Will I see you again?"

Yeosang scanned you, standing as if you were about to take a step towards him, your face flush.

"Maybe," he smiled, waving once again before leaving.

That night when you reached home, you took the feather out, a slow grin spreading over your face as you recalled the strange recurring dream that could very well be a memory. Sure, you had other things to do. You had to start going to the office at least thrice a week, but-

You had to test this theory. You had nothing to lose anymore anyway, and if you were wrong about Yeosang being the person from your dreams, it could end there. You'd move on, put that missing piece of memory in the box of unsolved mysteries, where you'd put the memory of your friend's accident too. Something you'd rather not open again after finally getting better.

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

Yeosang decided that it was simple curiosity that made him approach you at the bar three days later.

It had been days now that he'd been trying to find the trace, find any sort of leads, any clue, but somehow, at the end of the road, he'd always find (or see) you, whether he wanted to or not. What had started as simply spotting you by chance once had turned into a series now.

Maybe you were the person he'd been trying to find, was what he told himself. But if Yeosang was honest with himself, he was... intrigued. Something about you seemed different, and it wasn't because he was interacting with a human properly for the first time in quite a while. It certainly wasn't your devilish tendencies either. Something about your aura screamed different to him, and now that he'd stalked observed you for a while, he didn't know why he was in front of you, even when you seemed to not be the one who held the trace- whatever that damned trace was.

Yeosang nodded at himself as he decided that he had finally gone insane after waiting two centuries to move on and finding his path blocked because of a petty reason, which was why he slid so casually next to you, test the waters, and if he was lucky, you could turn out to be the one who held the trace all along.

What he didn't expect was the smirk plastered on your face as you turned to him and scanned him.

You couldn't hold it in, the grin, as you said, "Here to drink down your sorrows?"

"You could say that," Yeosang sighed, taking a little sip from his drink, "What about you? Here to break another heart?"

"Me? Nope, I'm trying to be a good girl now," you smiled, clicking glasses with him as he noticed your still bandaged fingers- now with some cartoon band-aids. He narrowed his eyes at you.

"Is the world finally ending?" Yeosang wondered out loud.

"You'd know better about that, wouldn't you?" You raised a brow, smirking at the obvious confusion on his face as he tried to read behind that statement. You decided to continue, "I don't intend to break hearts, you should know. Aren't humans so... weak? You give them some of your time and attention and they think they have your heart. Can't help but break it then."

"You're right," Yeosang sighed, "Humans really are weak."

"Right," you played with your glass, "Which makes me think if I'll ever be able to not break a heart. If there will be someone who would break my heart instead."

"And why would you want that?" Yeosang was curious.

"That ought to put me in my place, right?" You locked eyes with him, "Who am I to go around breaking hearts?"

"That's... true," Yeosang admitted, the two of you sharing a laugh.

"You know," you leaned towards him, "Sometimes I think I know you. Like I've seen you more times than I remember."

"Ah," Yeosang could play this game, and he leaned forward, "Probably been dreaming about me?"

However, he realized with dread that he was right as your eyes flashed, and you grinned shamelessly. "Now how would you know that, Kang Yeosang?"

The way Yeosang's ears went red had you grinning widely, and you patted his arm, "You can't play this game with me, Yeosang. I always win."

"You know what," Yeosang took your hand, putting it away, "I think I'd take that as a challenge."

You looked at him from underneath your curled lashes, and Yeosang felt his heart sink, because you were pretty. It wasn't your physical appearance that made you so, it was the way you acted and carried yourself. It was the confidence with which you grinned, shaking your head, as you said, "Challenge accepted."

Yeosang took a deep breath, sighing at how stupid humans could be sometimes, but he had to give you credit for having the guts to do that. And he had to slap himself internally because oh, he was treading on dangerous lines. So he smiled at you, filling your glass as the two of you clicked and downed your drinks.

After an hour of aimless and random conversation, Yeosang decided to take you home. "You're far too drunk to walk now."

"If you want me to take you home, you could just say so," you winked at him.

Yeosang rolled his eyes, "If you want me to take you home that desperately, you could have just said so too."

You threw your head back as you laughed, the sound of it music to his ears. "Fine, ugh. You can walk me home. Outside my door, okay?"

"Of course," Yeosang put a hand on the small of your back as he led you out, "Though, if you want, I could take maybe one or two small steps inside."

You slapped his arm, "You're getting better at this."

"You have no idea," Yeosang grinned, and you linked your arm with him as the two of you walked home.

"Where do you live anyway?"

"In the skies," Yeosang sighed, and you rolled your eyes.

"Sure, I may have called you an angel earlier, but that doesn't mean you can take it serious."

"But I am an angel," Yeosang looked at you, and you nodded.

"Sure you are," you began to laugh, making Yeosang confused as he took a step away from you, "An angel, from the skies. You must have wings too, eh?"

Yeosang was smiling in confusion as he tried to figure you out- just what was it that made you so damn cocky, as if you knew everything about him? He watched as you threw your head back and laughed silently, your bandaged fingers in your hair as you finally looked at him, "Tell me, angel who walks with mere humans like me, what do your wings look like?"

Yeosang couldn't tell if you were joking or not. He sighed, nudging you forward to the direction of your house, "Shut up, you're drunk."

"Sure I am," you said, stopping abruptly. You had one chance to find everything out, and you had to corner him somehow. He had to say it. You started taking off your band-aids, the cuts still looking as fresh as day one. "Tell me, does it look familiar, these cuts?"

"They certainly look recent, but..." Yeosang frowned- weren't they old? From a few days ago?

You gaped at his obliviousness- did he not know, or was he pretending to? You were growing impatient now, so you huffed loudly, taking out your cane- you couldn't walk without it now. Yeosang pursed his lips as the two of you walked in silence, finally reaching your house.

"Thanks for walking me home," you turned to him, scanning him, "you should go and do your angel duties now or something."

"When are you gonna stop teasing me about it?" Yeosang laughed.

"When you finally admit that you're the one who saved me that day on the bridge, pretty boy."

All the colour left Yeosang's face.

"You," Yeosang scoffed- he couldn't believe it. It had been you all along, "How do you remember? You shouldn't be able to."

"So it was you," you put a hand over your mouth in disbelief, "Why the hell did you save me? You should have left me to die."

"It's not like I wanted to," he practically sneered, "It was my last mission. Just a job. And I erased your memory- you shouldn't have been able to remember."

"Well, seems like you've grown rusty at that," you scoffed, "Last mission? What are you talking about?"

"Nothing you need to know," Yeosang took a step towards you but you stopped him, pointing your cane at him, making him look at the skies as if for help.

"Don't you dare come near me- and don't try to wipe my memory again. I have backup."

"You annoying little-" Yeosang lunged his arm at you like a cat's, making you laugh a bit as he muttered curses.

"Tell me, angel boy, are you allowed to curse?"

"At humans like you? Definitely."

You lowered your cane as you laughed at that, making him laugh a bit too- he really hadn't expected the situation to turn like that. "You wanna come inside and talk over a cup of coffee? Because my head's killing me right now."

Yeosang took the offer, the two of you entering your house, Sierra gaping dramatically at the 'devastatingly handsome boy' you'd brought home, and you assured her it was nothing like that, taking your coffee to the balcony, having a glaring competition as the two of you sipped on your drink, none of you saying anything.

"So," you broke the silence, "Is there a reason you've been everywhere these past few weeks? And don't give me that angel mission bullshit- you had one job and you didn't do it properly, clearly."

"I'm two centuries old, kid, and you're the only person who's managed to find a loophole- however you did. And right now my only concern is what's different about you- why your memories came back. You were my last mission- I've saved countless lives before, and you messed up everything for me."

You pursed your lips guiltily, then shook your head to bring yourself back into your senses- why do you have to feel guilty? You'd finally mustered up the courage to end your life and he just had to save you and bring you back to this miserable world. "You messed up everything for me too, believe it or not, so we're even. As for the matter about my memories coming back... what does that have to do with your last mission and whatever?"

Yeosang sighed, slumping back as he looked at the full moon, "I was supposed to move on to the afterlife after this mission, but I can't now, because I left a trace."

"A trace?"

"Humans shouldn't know about the existence of angels under any circumstances," he looked at you pointedly, "I can't move on until I get rid of the trace I've left. Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to find out the thing I've been running after for two centuries was snatched out of my hands because of a damned trace? I had no idea what to do- it could have been anything, but turns out... it's you and your exceptional memory."

"Well," you shrugged, "Not my fault, is it? There must be a reason I recalled my failure."

Yeosang raised a brow at your choice of words, "Humans. Ever so ungrateful. Well, I really have no idea why you're able to recall what I deleted from your mind. I'll have to look into that."

You didn't miss how distraught he looked, "I'm sorry about this whole thing though. Because of me..."

Yeosang shook his head, "It's really not your fault. But you know that I have to erase your memory to be able to pass on. And let's suppose I did get rusty back then and messed up. I should try again, don't you think?"

"Now?" You asked, and Yeosang nodded.

You stared at your empty mug that you still held in your hands. Were you going to forget about him and everything related to him again? You looked at him- apparently an angel. He leaned forward, taking your mug from your hands and placing it on the table, then taking your hands, examining the cuts. "You must have got these when I saved you. I may have missed it then. This is probably why you're able to remember."

With that, he ran his thumb over each scar, healing it in process, making you gasp- this really was happening. He really wasn't human. He looked up at you, "I'll give you a few moments to breathe. Then let me erase your memories of me."

You gulped, taking in his features now that he was so close to you, your heart beating fast because your hands were still in his, "Do you have to?"

Yeosang internally sighed at how your voice came out as a whisper. You had this effect on him that he didn't understand and was too afraid to try to. He smiled at you, tucking your hair behind, running the back of his fingers down your face, "It was fun while it lasted, wasn't it?"

You smiled- shyly- looking down, making Yeosang smile wider because you had the ability to get shy after all. You finally looked at him, "Okay. If that's what you really want. I shouldn't keep you from passing on to the afterlife- that sounds... wrong."

Yeosang laughed, "Afterlife is as much of an abstract concept for me as it is for you."

"Then why are you so desperate to go on?" You frowned.

"I guess I have nothing left here," Yeosang sighed, "I'm done with my missions. I have nothing more to do."

"You could always try finding love and settling for a while on Earth, but I guess your kind probably detests humans and thinks they're lesser beings?"

"Now why would I ever fall for a human? You know what humans are like."

You nodded slowly- he had a point. "Well, go ahead. Enjoy your afterlife- it's gonna be very boring without me there, you're gonna miss me."

"Definitely," Yeosang scoffed, taking one hand away from you and putting it on your forehead, "Listen... don't give up on your life. Whatever it is that's weighing you down, don't let it get to you so much. You're strong enough to get through it."

"Gee, thanks," you rolled your eyes, "I'll try."

"Also, what's the backup you were talking about?"

"The backup?" You frowned, realizing what he meant a second later, "Oh, the memory backup? I have none, I lied."

Yeosang shook his head at you, tapping your cheek as if lightly slapping you and you made a face at him, "Well, it was... nice? interacting with you. You're definitely better than other humans- less boring, if I have to say."

"That definitely makes me feel better," you scoffed, and Yeosang locked eyes with you as he put his hand back on your forehead.

"You're gonna wake up and not remember a single thing about me. Goodbye."

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

You had the strangest dream.

You woke up to the sun shining brightly making you shift your back to the window as you tried to recall the fuzzy memory.

You couldn't.

Annoyed that it was one of those dreams that felt good but you couldn't recall, you got up and took a shower, sitting in front of the mirror as you did your morning routine, drying your hair, humming.

Sierra knocked and entered, muttering good morning and going to your closet to pick some clothes for you, "Your father is going to have a meeting with you and Dohyun. You should… act wisely today."

"When do I not?" You rolled your eyes as she left, dressing in the navy blue suit she'd left out for you. Finishing your makeup and wearing light accessories with a watch, you took your cane- you'd definitely be needing it today. You could already feel that it was going to be one of those days.

As you sat in your car on the way to the office, you tried to recall the events of last night- you’d gone out for a drink, and then…

Then what?

You frowned- you were still worried about the absence of your memory from a few days ago and now you had another piece you couldn’t recall? You were never the one to get so drunk that you couldn’t recall the events of that time. Then what was the reason? Should you be visiting the doctor?

You reached the office, taking the elevator up to your dad’s floor and making your way inside, finding the old man reading the newspaper, greeting you with ‘good morning’, and you took the sofa seat in front of him.

“That son of yours never arrives on time,” you commented as you took your own newspaper.

“You’re rather early today,” your dad looked at you pointedly.

“Well, I had a few things to discuss with you,” you put one leg over the other, “I think we can both agree that I have been doing a better job than Dohyun ever since I came back.”

Your dad said nothing as he continued to stare at you, and you took that as a cue to continue, “I am your legitimate heir- not that that matters anymore. If Dohyun had been doing a good job, I would have gladly kept my position as COO. But… I really don’t think Dohyun is suitable as CEO now that you’re thinking of actually stepping down.”

“And you think you’re up for it?” Your dad’s brow was raised and you noticed the glint of hope in his eyes.

“You have to stay for a good few years here, dad,” you smirked, “you’re still far from retirement. We can keep working and take the load off your shoulders, but I suggest you stay till the last possible day. As long as you can manage.”

“What makes you think so? I am genuinely curious.”

“Dohyun… you have to have known that he only cares about his ‘title’ position, don’t you?” You raised a brow and your dad slumped back, not answering, “The minute you name him CEO, he’s going to make sure you’re out of the picture. Literally everyone in here knows that, dad.”

Your dad was looking outside the window as he sighed, “That’s what happens when you have kids and you promise them what you worked on all your life.”

“Yeah, but I think it’s unfair that Dohyun thinks like that. Because if it was me…” you were playing on dangerous waters now, “I wouldn’t want you to step down until you’re sick of working, to be honest. This company is our family legacy, dad. We don’t want to put it in the hands of someone who only cares about making money through whatever means possible, and we don’t want our reputation ruined.”

Your dad nodded slowly- you knew you’d gotten to him. The door opened, Dohyun entering with a little greeting and you looked at your father. “Do think about what I said. No rush.”

“Think about what?” Dohyun asked as he sat.

“Just this and that,” you said casually, “Coming from a meeting? Or did you sleep in?”

“I was busy,” Dohyun said.

“The sleep in your eyes says otherwise,” you pointed at him and he only made a face, your dad clearing his throat as he started to discuss business with you two.

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

It was two days later when you opened your box of albums that you saw that strange feather again.

You were going through a photo album of your high school years with a faint smile on your face, suddenly missing Dajeong and wanting to see more of her photos when you took out the box from your cupboard, going through albums until you came to the last picture of you, the feather tucked behind the photo.

You took it out- so strange yet so familiar- and you shifted it in the light- it seems to be reflecting some. You frowned as a sharp pain went across your head, caressing the feather absently. Where did this thing come from?

All it took was one cut from the feather for the memories to come rushing back, for Yeosang’s face to be imprinted back in your mind, your interactions coming like a flood and it took you a good few minutes to recall everything and sort the memories, gasping when you recalled the last conversation you had with him.

You had lied.

And you felt really, really bad. And a bit scared too.

He would probably come back for you. He’d somehow find out that he still can’t move on, thanks to you, and then he’d come for you, and you had no idea what he’d do now. Sure, he was an angel, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t do something to you.

You put the feather back, going back to your bed and pulling the covers over you as if you were hiding. That feeling in your heart that something was missing was now gone and replaced with an unexplainable fear and dread.

You couldn’t sleep that night.

Or the next.

It was finally when you went to the same bridge that you stifled your gasp when you saw Yeosang sitting on the same spot that you’d stood that day to jump off the bridge. A number of questions ran in your head, but the most important of them was why he was still here and hadn’t come for you.

You mustered your courage, the pain in your leg shooting out of nervousness as you struggled to walk to him without your cane, stopping a few feet away. He still hadn’t noticed you, and you took that time to admire his immensely beautiful side profile and how his hair glowed in the sun.

As if he had finally sensed you, he looked at you, his mouth opening in surprise and you shook your head at him as you smiled. “People could get the wrong idea.”

Yeosang laughed in disbelief, shaking his head back at you, “You… What are you? You keep finding me!”

“You keep finding me!” You countered as you stood next to him, “I was on my way, thank you. This was merely a coincidence, let’s not forget the number of times you’ve stalked me.”

“I did not stalk you. When it’s for a mission, it’s not stalking.”

“Whatever you say, pretty boy,” you muttered, and he laughed.

“How do you remember everything though? This is crazy- no one has ever gotten their memory back.”

“More importantly, why haven’t you moved on to the afterlife? Do you have any idea how scared I was that you’d come after me when you’d find that the trace or whatever still hadn’t worked?”

“You were scared?” Yeosang was smirking.

You rolled your eyes, “Why are you still on earth, angel?”

Yeosang sighed. “I… I didn’t report back. I was still figuring stuff out.”

You looked at him, “Stuff like?”

“Like how I really haven’t lived. Ever since I came into being, I’ve been working as a servant of god, carrying out missions, following that concept of afterlife like it was the light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. And now that I am at the end and ready to step into the light… I think I’m not ready.”

He saw the worry and confusion in your eyes and smiled a little at that, “And then there’s this matter of how even if I was ready, I wouldn’t have been able to move on because somehow, you’re not human enough.”

“What are you implying?” You were thoroughly offended.

“Nothing,” Yeosang laughed out loud, “How did your memory come back?”

“I actually forgot everything, but then I-”

You paused. Did you really want to tell him about the feather- the reason he wasn’t able to move on?

“I don’t like the look on your face right now,” Yeosang was starting to dread what was to come out of your mouth-

“Listen,” you sat up next to him, turning so that both your legs were dangling off, the river dark underneath you two, “You still are an angel, right? A few more days, or let’s say, months, won’t do you any harm, no?”

“Technically, no,” Yeosang urged you to continue.

“I have the trace- I know what’s gonna keep you from moving on to the afterlife, but… you don’t want to move on right away anyway, right?” Yeosang nodded hesitantly and you continued, “So why don’t we forget about the trace for now, relax and… roll on?”

“Roll on?” Yeosang raised a brow, “What do you suggest?”

“Well, since you’ve given me such a headache these past few weeks,” you looked at him pointedly, “I could use your help to uncover some mysteries. In return… you can ask anything of me. A place to live, a friend to hang out with, whatever you want.”

“Interesting,” Yeosang nodded slowly, “And if I decline?”

“I’m not telling you about the trace.”

Yeosang narrowed his eyes at you, “You’re threatening me? Really? Forcing me into this?”

“Oh come on!” You groaned, “You’re an angel, you’ve never had fun, have you? Because if you think my company was the most fun you’ve had in your life, boy, are you missing out on some real fun!”

“You do know you just dissed yourself, didn’t you?”

“Not the point,” you raised a hand, “What matters is that you need to loosen up. Chill! Have some fun, Yeosang. Live like a human for some time, mingle with people, just… live. And maybe help me when you feel like it. And when you’ve had fun… when you really want to move on, I’ll willingly tell you about the trace. You can move on.”

Yeosang took a deep breath, never breaking eye contact, “Why are you offering me this?”

“You remind me of someone,” you smiled, “She wasn’t as annoying as you though, mind you.”

Somehow Yeosang knew that you weren't lying. The emotions in your eyes as you recalled the 'someone' were the most genuine emotions he'd seen in your eyes so far, and that made him trust you a little. "Okay, let's say I agree. I live like a human or whatever, see what it's like- what if something happens to you, something that I'm not supposed to prevent? My trace might get lost."

"I'll arrange for that," you assured him, "though it hurts to think you won't prevent anything bad happening to me in the future."

"I shouldn't even be doing this," Yeosang motioned between you two, "angels aren't supposed to interfere in human's lives. Angels aren't allowed to change the course of someone's life, which is why I'm still wondering if I should just move on."

"But here you are interacting with a human who knows about you," you said, "is that alright? Hasn't my course of life changed already?"

Yeosang leaned forward until he was face to face in front of you, "Not if you forget everything forever."

You leaned forward as well, "I'd like to see you try again. You can't move on now, Yeosang, until I allow you to."

"Now let's make one thing clear," Yeosang tilted his head dangerously, his voice so low that it made you gulp, "If I wanted to, I could make you give me the trace right now. So don't think for a second that you have the upper hand here, alright?"

The way Yeosang's brown orbs turned nearly golden as if they were burning made your hands tremble and you had to clench the railing to stop it from showing. "Alright, alright, angel, I get that. You have the upper hand- I'll give you the trace whenever you want it. So let's pretend me not giving you the trace is what's keeping you from moving on and enjoy life on earth as a normal human, shall we?"

Yeosang grinned, his face changing in a second and it looked so innocent at that moment that you couldn't help it when your mouth fell in surprise. "I think we have a deal, human."

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

"Shut up if you don't want to look suspicious."

"I don't know what to say to your housekeeper, she seems scary," Yeosang unconsciously tugged at you.

You slapped his hand lightly, "You could probably burn her with a gaze and you're scared of her? Way to go, angel." 

Yeosang glared at you, and you turned to him, scanning him once- his white button-up shirt and black pants were both formal and casual enough to avoid suspicion for what you two were about to do. "Just… let me handle this. Don't say anything stupid, okay?"

"As if I would," Yeosang rolled his eyes and at that moment, Sierra entered the living room, stopping in her tracks when she saw Yeosang- since he had wiped her memory from the last encounter as well, she was practically meeting him for the first time, yet… her expressions were no different than when she had first seen him, and it made you scoff.

“Who is this young handsome guest of yours?” Sierra raised her brows at you.

“The new bodyguard who’ll be accompanying me when I don’t need one of dad’s goons to follow me, don’t worry, I’ll talk to father first thing tomorrow,” you assured her, and Sierra looked confused- you didn’t trust anyone, and for you to bring someone for the most important position…

“Can we talk?” 

You nodded, following her in the kitchen, leaving Yeosang wandering around the living room. Sierra grabbed you by your arm, “You wanna tell me who he really is?”

“Exactly as I said. I don’t know him from before, but he can be trusted.”

“You don’t know him and he can be trusted? I don’t think so, miss.”

You knew Sierra was concerned about your safety- the incident with your friend was the first attempt at getting rid of you but not the last, though the rest of them had been subtle enough to pass as mere misfortune. “I think yes, Sierra.”

At that moment, Yeosang entered, touching Sierra’s cheek lightly which made her look dazed as Yeosang planted the seed of trust in her, and you watched in wonder as Sierra’s expressions changed, now much more relaxed. Yeosang looked at you and you shared a nod, giving Sierra a moment to gain her senses. 

“How stupid of me, you must be parched. Coffee?” Sierra asked and Yeosang answered with a yes. Sierra shooed you two out to the living room and you turned to Yeosang, smiling. 

“I guess this is what you call fate?” You raised a brow, “If this wasn’t supposed to happen, you would have burned… wouldn’t you?”

“True,” Yeosang looked confused, “It’s strange how everything that’s been happening is apparently supposed to be happening. I’ve heard about angels burning slowly, almost fading away, if they did something they weren’t supposed to.”

“You feel alright, don’t you?” You scanned him once, “No burning sensation or something like that?”

“Nothing,” Yeosang pursed his lips, “I don’t like where this is going.”

“You’re in for a ride, pretty boy,” you laughed.

Sierra served you both coffee, guiding Yeosang about his duties and telling him he could stay in one of the many empty rooms in your house- you and Sierra along with the rest of the staff were the only ones living here anyway. Yeosang thanked her, and the two of you went to the balcony. As you sat in front of him, you felt nostalgic- it was just like that day when he had taken your memories. It seemed like forever ago, like a distant memory.

“Do you even sleep?” You asked, genuinely curious.

“If I feel like it,” Yeosang answered, and you made an impressed face.

“That’s convenient,” you sighed.

“So,” Yeosang relaxed in his chair, “are you going to tell me what I’m actually doing here?”

You took a deep breath. “About five years ago, my best friend Dajeong died in an accident that was meant for me- a car crash on a road that was supposed to be empty. After that, I’ve had enough near death incidents to call that a mere accident. It was me who was supposed to die that day, but unfortunately… they got her.”

“I’d say something about how your friend’s fate was that, but you probably don’t wanna hear it,” Yeosang looked at your grim face and shook his head, urging you to continue, “Who’s ‘they’?”

“I have high suspicions that it’s my step-brother, because who else would want me dead? And he has an obvious motive- he’s the illegitimate heir to our business, so he probably thinks his position is in danger, and getting rid of me might be his answer.”

“Makes sense,” Yeosang nodded, “And where do I fall in?”

“You, dear angel,” you leaned forward, “will help me expose whoever is behind this. I don’t have a problem with dying- they’re sloppy at their job, if I have to say. I’m doing this for Dajeong.”

“Alright, I understand,” Yeosang nodded. He wanted to tell you that the past was the past, but he supposed humans found it hard to let go of such things, much like angels who liked holding on to grudges. “But I hope you can handle the truth when it comes out. And I hope you can live with it and move forward, because… whether you admit it or not, you’re stuck in one place and you’re not allowing yourself to move forward. I don’t like that.”

You took a deep breath as your jaw clenched and unclenched, looking at the dark night sky. “I’ll… try.”

Yeosang got up, patting your shoulder once as if to comfort you, then going without saying a word. You sighed, slumping in your chair as you felt the ache in your leg come back. 

This was going to be a long journey.

—-------------------

“Yeosang, I can’t exactly work with you hovering over my head.”

“Yeah, it’s not like you’ve been glaring daggers at the screen. You’ve been working so hard,” Yeosang’s voice dripped with sarcasm and you bare your teeth at him. 

It was two days later that you two were in the office, Yeosang dressed in all black, and you knew no one believed you when you said that he was your bodyguard- he looked far too… angelic and ethereal to pass as a mere bodyguard. You were chewing your pen as you stared at him. “Can’t you… I don’t know, appear less ethereal? More human?”

Yeosang turned towards you, surprised at the comment. He knew he drew attention everywhere he went, even in his human form- which only made him appear human as best as possible- but he hadn’t expected something like a compliment from you- even though it was backhanded. “Blinded by my visuals already?”

“As if,” you scoffed, “You’re too pretty to pass as a bodyguard. Should we have… made you my secretary too?”

“Never too late to add that in my resume,” Yeosang grinned, “Plus, I’ll die of boredom if I have nothing to do.”

“Well, I told you now is the time to go ahead and mingle with humans,” you said, “I’ll call you before I leave- do you even have a phone?”

Yeosang fished one out of the air, “Now I have. But… I don’t really know how to ‘mingle’.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, “You seemed perfectly fine approaching me.”

“You’re different,” he said, and the intensity with which he said that surprised you both, making you raise your brows as a demand for an explanation. Yeosang sighed, suddenly finding the outside view interesting as he continued, “Something about you makes it easier to talk… probably because you don’t treat me like a god, like any other human would if they found out that I was an angel.”

“Oh,” you shifted in your seat, “Ever happened before?”

“Yeah,” Yeosang pursed his lips, “A few years after I came into being. There was someone… she found out and it was not good. Thankfully a friend helped out and made her forget.”

Something about his tone made you wonder if she meant something to him, but you didn’t question that. “If you want, I could try worshipping you, but you know I’d suck at that big time. I only love myself.”

Yeosang smiled at that, then turned towards you, “You don’t love yourself. Don’t lie.”

“Oops,” you grinned, turning back to your work, your head still running the conversation you two had. 

That evening, after a tour of the city, you took him for dinner at your favourite barbeque place, the familiar environment giving you a sense of comfort. Yeosang watched as you ate and sighed in relief, smiling at how you seemed like a totally different person when eating, nodding to himself as he concluded that at least you did justice to your food.

Your pointy gaze made him bow his head in shame- all evening, you had made it your mission to get him to interact with someone- a passerby, someone in the club he found attractive, a kid even, but he kept clinging to you, and you had to stop in disbelief because were angels so innocent and human-interaction deprived? You asked him if he had angel friends, and he had a handful. Then what made mingling with humans so difficult?

“First of all,” Yeosang had said, “Humans are scary. Angels are innocent- we aren’t as cunning and dangerous as humans. You humans are closer to demons in nature than you are to angels. Rarely do we find a human soul as innocent or pure as an angel. Usually it’s the kids.”

You made a distasteful face as you recalled that, putting more meat in Yeosang’s bowl, “Tell me, just what did you have in mind when you said you wanted to stay on earth a little longer? Because I really don’t see you getting anywhere, to be honest.”

Yeosang nearly choked on his food, drinking water as he thought of an answer, “I don’t really know. It was more of an impulsive decision, plus… you’re interesting. I thought other humans would be too, but they’re more scary.”

“I don’t know if I should feel flattered or offended,” you gave a painful smile, “Well, let’s give up on trying too hard. Just go along with the flow of time, help me with uncovering the truth and let’s see where we stand after that, shall we?”

Yeosang nodded, and the two of you fell in casual conversation, sharing stories from your past as you ate, Yeosang telling you about some interesting humans he’d encountered in his life while you told him about your broken family and Dajeong, the only ray of sunshine you had in your life. You only realized you had been smiling the whole time when you were back home and alone in your own room.

You didn’t wipe that smile off.

—---------------

“It’s your brother,” Yeosang announced two days later when he entered your office after taking a break- which was him just wandering around in the office.

“Step-brother,” you corrected as you turned to him, “What do you mean?”

“I checked,” Yeosang sat on the sofa, looking angry- could angels get angry? “He’s the mastermind behind the accident.”

“Duh,” you rolled your eyes, “That’s not news to me. How did you know?”

“It involves eye contact- I compelled the truth out of him. Don’t worry, he won’t remember.”

“Oh,” you gulped, realizing that if he could compel the truth out of anyone, he could very well ask you about the trace any damn day, “but… we need to somehow make him admit it, we need evidence. I don’t care about the attempts on my life- I just need some sort of evidence that he’s the one behind Dajeong’s death, and I need to obtain it… in a way that is not supernatural.”

“But here’s the thing,” Yeosang pursed his lips, “He’s not the one behind the attempts on you.”

“He’s not?” You frowned- now that was news. “Must be some rival of this company?”

“Perhaps,” Yeosang agreed, “You should look into it.”

“I don’t really care, they’re lousy, but… I guess I should inform father. You don’t have any idea how to obtain evidence, do you? Legally?” 

“No,” Yeosang pouted, and you smiled to yourself- it was such an innocent action. “Sooo, I guess my job here is over…”

“Hey!” You gaped at him, “What exactly have you done?”

“Don’t forget the fact that I just confirmed that it’s your brother, so you don’t need to look into other people,” Yeosang said as a matter-of-factly. 

“Right,” you clenched your jaw, “So, what now?”

“What- oh,” Yeosang realized you were asking whether he still wanted to stay on earth, “I’ll just relax and… mingle, I guess.”

“Right,” you smirked, “Go ahead. Mingle. I need to hear your progress every night, okay? And if you don’t make progress… I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.”

Yeosang put one leg over the other cockily, “And what, exactly, would that entail?”

Yeosang found that out a week later. 

“This is a very bad idea,” he shook his head and you clenched his hair, earning a hiss of pain from him.

“I told you not to move, you’re making this more difficult than it has to be.”

You were styling his hair- trying to achieve that messy look that you’d seen on him- that had been natural, but you remembered thinking to yourself how good he looked in that hairstyle- not that he looked bad otherwise. He was always, always looking so handsome and ethereal that you sometimes found it hard not to daydream about him.

And you would never say it out loud, but you were getting used to his company. You were getting used to him, and that was bad, because he would move on and you’d be alone once again-

“This looks good,” Yeosang brought you back as he said that, turning his head in different angles, “But do I have to unbutton all the way till here?”

Your eyes went to his slightly exposed chest- god really had taken his time sculpting him. You took a deep breath, nodding, “It’s gonna make you look hot.”

“This is bad,” Yeosang’s deep voice went high as he said that, pacing around, and you scanned him- dressed in all black and a leather jacket, he looked dangerous. He abruptly turned to you, locking eyes with you. “You’re going with me.”

“I am,” you confirmed, but he shook his head.

“You’re going with me looking like this too,” he motioned at himself, “go get ready. You need this more than I do.”

You put your hands over your hips, “I do not.”

Yeosang scoffed, “You do, because you’re gonna stay on this earth and you’ll be all alone without me. I’ll move on. I don’t need this- I’m only doing this because… I’m not ready. I think.”

You raised a brow at that, choosing to ignore the obvious confusion of why he was still here, “Well… I guess I could dress up.”

You came out of your closet a few minutes later, dressed in all black too- a top with lacy borders, your own leather jacket in your hands as you pondered over whether you should wear it or not, wide pants and heels. Yeosang scanned you rather slowly, watching you as you went to the mirror and applied red lipstick and mascara, turning to him and holding the jacket up. “Yay or nay?”

“I think we should match,” Yeosang smiled a little as he took your jacket, making you wear it, looking at you from the mirror.

“That’s not gonna keep people away, pretty boy,” you grinned at him, “Let’s go?”

“One last thing,” Yeosang said, taking the clip that was holding your hair in a messy bun off, surprising you as you protested a little, your hair spreading down and he put some in the front. “Done.”

Yeosang didn’t know where the courage was coming from, but it made him feel… things. Your touch made his heart flutter, and the way you sometimes looked at him… 

He really needed to meet someone else tonight.

But what was the purpose, Yeosang wondered throughout the whole ride, was he looking for a relationship? Was he looking for a friend? 

“I don’t know why I’m here and why I’m doing this,” Yeosang muttered as he found himself on the dance floor with you after a few drinks.

“You’re doing this because you need to live a little,” you told him, straightening his shirt.

There it was. The heart skipping a beat. Yeosang sighed, “I’ve lived long enough.”

“You know what I mean, pretty boy,” you said as you put your arms on his shoulder while searching for options for Yeosang in the crowded dance floor, “You haven’t lived until you’ve broken the rules a bit and felt the thrill.”

“And when I burn to death?”

You smirked at him, “If I was you? I wouldn’t care about that. As long as I have something to live for, something that I enjoy… I wouldn’t mind, you know?”

“I’m not sure I understand,” Yeosang frowned, “Why would I willingly burn myself for the thrill?”

“You ask yourself that when, for instance, you fall in love with a human,” you said, looking at him now, “I haven’t been in love, but I know that if I was an angel and I fell for a human… I wouldn’t care about burning.”

“Well, I care,” Yeosang rolled his eyes, “I value my life, thank you very much. I wouldn’t want to hurt the human as well- do you think the human could move on after being loved by an angel?”

“Now that sounds like something with a backstory,” you wiggled your brows, making him roll his eyes once again.

“There was an angel once,” Yeosang sighed, “Who fell in love with a human. The human loved him back equally, if not more. The angel started to burn slowly. It’s like small burn marks appearing on your body, growing and consuming you alive unless you stop. So, the angel decided to stop. He took her memories.”

“Oh,” you took a good few seconds as you ran what he had said again in your head, “That’s… not you, is it? The angel?”

“No,” Yeosang let out a short laugh, “You know me- I can’t even talk to humans properly. It was someone we knew. It’s why we keep the story close to our hearts because we know what it’s like. The angel… love consumed him even after he took her memories. It is hard to leave a love behind, whether it’s with a human or an angel.”

“And the human?”

“She could never love again,” Yeosang smiled sadly, “She tried, but… she just couldn’t. She knew, in her heart, that she’d never feel as loved again.”

“That’s… incredibly sad,” your face fell visibly as you said that, and Yeosang smiled, “Is this really a bad idea then? Me finding you someone?”

“Honestly? I don’t want to find love on earth,” Yeosang admitted, “I just want to… try living like a normal human, I guess. I’ve heard that angels used to be humans who died an unfair death, so maybe that’s what’s keeping me here.”

“Well,” you smirked, “You know what normal humans do? They hook up with strangers,” you smirked dangerously, pointing behind him, “And I think she’s interested.”

Yeosang turned, following the direction of your finger to the girl you had pointed at. He shook his head, but you poked his stomach, “Come on. Loosen up. It’s the falling-in-love that’s forbidden, right? Here’s the loophole. Go live like a human with carnal desires.”

But Yeosang’s grip on your waist tightened, whether it was out of nervousness or the emphasis for what he was about to say, you didn’t know. “I think I’ll stay.”

He didn’t tell the reason, and he didn’t need to, as he fixed his eyes on you and took the lead as you swayed to the loud rhythm, and you figured you didn’t need an explanation- his eyes were lighter as if they were nearly glowing, and you felt his gaze burning and overwhelming, as if he could see right through you. 

“You’re one confused individual, Yeosang,” you were taking in his features as you said that, “I think you don’t know what you want or are too afraid to say it out loud.”

“Or both,” Yeosang shrugged, making you laugh a bit.

“Definitely,” you shook your head, “What am I gonna do with you?”

Yeosang hummed, bringing you a bit closer, and you raised a brow at his boldness, “You could forget that I’m an angel for a while, forget everything else and just… live in this moment.”

You nodded. You could definitely do that. But… you were growing nervous, and the pain was dull in your leg. “One last dance, Yeosang.”

He didn’t take his eyes off of you the entire time, and when the dance was over, you were both frustrated and relieved- relieved because your leg needed a break, and frustrated because…

You could have danced with him all damn night. 

Later when you got home, you two sat on the balcony, your leg resting on the table as you sipped on your coffee, while Yeosang read a history book, shaking his head as he kept saying ‘they’ve got it all wrong’. You turned to him a bit, “Are demons… real?”

Yeosang raised a brow at your question- you usually refrained from asking about stuff like that, whether because you weren’t interested or because you respected that it might be private information, but even when you did ask something… Yeosang respected you for how you were curious about different things than other humans.

“Yes, they are,” Yeosang leaned back, “One’s right in front of me.”

“Ha, ha,” you rolled your eyes, “Do they look like you? I mean, like… humans?”

“Only the higher demons, and that’s because they can look like whatever they want to,” Yeosang flipped a page, “But they’re… horrible. Don’t interact with them, ever.”

“Yeah,” you waved a hand dismissively, “I bet they look hotter than you.”

“They may look hotter than me, but they’ll feed off of you and kill you.”

“Maybe it’s about time I meet one,” you joked, “I should be gone for good now. You’ll really miss my good company when I’m gone.”

“And who said you’re good company?”

“If I wasn’t,” you leaned forward, “you wouldn’t be spending basically the whole day and night with me.”

Which was true- Yeosang was very, very used to you now, whether he liked it and admitted it or not. And he really couldn’t leave you alone. He claimed it was the boredom and the daily life of a human intrigued him, which was his excuse to follow you around everywhere- including your office, sometimes wearing glamour and becoming invisible to all but you so the people around you wouldn’t question his presence. Yeosang was more curious than you about how humans lived, how they felt, what mattered more to them, and in return he’d answer questions such as these.

"I don't spend all day and night with you."

"Oh sure you don't," you nodded, "it's not like you live in my home, it's not like you even accompany me to the office. Sure you don't, angel. Tell me, can angels lie?"

This was why Yeosang liked you- you were somehow someone who could handle him. You were always equipped with retorts- you weren't boring like the other humans were. It's why he found himself in your company more and more.

"They can lie," Yeosang told you, and you gasped.

"So if angels sin, why are they called angels?"

"Our lies are different from yours," Yeosang told you, folding his arms as he thought about how to phrase it. "When we lie, it's to protect. Lies are our last resort."

"Ah," you nodded, "So that's why you always say 'I can't answer that' when I ask something weird? Because you don't want to lie?"

“Yes,” Yeosang watched as you massaged your leg, “Is your leg hurting?”

“Not really,” you said, “You must know by now- it’s psychological. Whenever I become nervous or stressed or excited, it starts to hurt.”

“I can’t take the pain away completely, but…” Yeosang’s hand was hovering above your leg as he stopped for permission and you nodded, which was when he finally put a hand on your bare leg- it was warm. “I can take it away temporarily when it comes.”

You watched as he caressed your leg, the skin of his hand incredibly soft, and you felt the dull pain in your leg vanish. “Thank you.”

Yeosang smiled, “Do you wanna go somewhere?”

“Are you taking me somewhere?” 

Yeosang got up, helping you up as well, taking both of your hands in his, “Close your eyes.”

You frowned but obeyed, and when the cold air hit your face, you opened your eyes in surprise, “Did you just… teleport me?”

“Yep,” Yeosang grinned, “Don’t worry, we’re still in the country.”

“Wow,” you couldn’t help but turn around- it looked like you were at the peak of a hill, and there were no signs of a city or a town around- just nature, in its full glory, the moon and the stars brighter than ever. You hugged yourself when you felt a shiver run down your spine, feeling a weight on your shoulder- it was Yeosang draping his jacket and arm around your shoulder, making you sit on the soft grass. 

“Someone’s in a good mood,” you smiled, and he only brought you closer, his body warmth making you lean in gladly as you sat shoulder by shoulder. 

“I used to come here sometimes,” Yeosang admitted, “Thought I should see it with a friend too.”

Friend. You smiled, “I know how it feels like. I used to travel a lot with Dajeong, but ever since she’s gone, I just… stopped.”

“They say everyone you meet leaves something behind with you, but also takes something from you- a piece of their soul for a piece of yours,” Yeosang looked at you, “Dajeong seems to have taken a lot.”

“She did, and she left so much behind too,” you nodded slowly, “I didn’t use to be so sarcastic, you know.”

“I like that,” Yeosang laughed, “Do you miss her a lot?”

“I do,” your smile was sad, “I don’t have anyone left anymore, Yeosang. And I regret not telling her how much she meant to me. I regret a lot of things.I also regret trying to end my life thinking that it was the only solution. Dajeong would have been so ashamed of me.”

Yeosang let you have a moment as you wiped your wet eyes, sniffing, and then you looked at him, “Do you regret saving me?”

Yeosang tucked your hair behind your ears, his thumb caressing your cheek absently as he stared in your dark eyes. "Never."

A tear slipped out of your eye at that, and Yeosang caught it with his thumb, wiping it. "I want to scold you for being foolish, but I don't regret saving you. I don't think I could regret anything I do with you."

"Really? You're lying, Yeosang." You shook your head.

"Yeah, maybe I regret it sometimes, when you're being... you. But this? This thing we have? I don't regret that."

You had to look away at that, because he didn't know it but he was so good at saying sweet things like that and making your heart pound twice as fast. And the worst thing was, he didn't realize it.

Or so you thought.

Because Yeosang, he never knew something could excite him and make his heart a mess when he was with you. At first, he had thought it was just because it was his first time interacting with a human properly or something, but when the two of you were alone like this...

He really couldn't control himself.

Especially when you looked away- he loved to make you flush- it didn’t happen much, but when it did, it made him feel giddy. And he would be called a demon for that, but he loved playing with you like this, whatever this was. Yeosang planted a kiss on your forehead, and it made you suck your breath, especially when he drew back and caressed your face.

“You don’t realize it, but you were a gift to Dajeong when she was alive. And to me… you are a gift to me too.”

You couldn’t help but smile, resting your head on his shoulder so he couldn’t see the blush creeping up your face. You thanked him, though, as your arm snaked around his waist.

“Two lonely creatures of god, sitting under a tree, one human and one angel,” you sighed, “this sounds like the beginning of a poem.”

"Sounds like a beautiful poem," Yeosang smiled, "But you should start calling yourself a she-devil-"

You slapped his back, making him laugh out loud, the sound of it resonating in your head as you laughed along with him.

—----------------

It was two days later when you’d sent Yeosang ahead to get you your favourite brownies from the cafe in front of your office (angels made surprisingly obedient servants, you were realizing) that you felt something was wrong. You only had to meet up with him at the cafe so you could find brownies ready because you had a bad, bad day at work and you simply did not have the patience to go and wait for the brownies to arrive, and you reckoned it was your bad mood that made Yeosang agree to go ahead in the first place, and now… you were regretting it.

As you stepped out the building, you took out your cane not because you needed it but for self defence if required. You spent a good few seconds scanning the perimeter but finding nothing. Taking a deep breath, you started to cross the footpath-

It happened way too quickly to process.

One second you were walking with the cafe in front of your eyes, Yeosang’s back visible as he turned, and before he could make eye contact, before your lips had turned fully into a smile, you felt hands around your mouth, stifling your scream, your eyes widening and it only took a blink of your eyes as you found yourself on height-

Two stories up a building at the edge, and this time, you screamed despite the hand on your mouth, but you were frozen- if whoever this was let you go, you’d fall to your death.

“Let her go,” Yeosang’s voice was almost a growl.

“Not so easily, angel,” you felt the warm breath on your face and a shiver ran down your spine because there was no way to describe his voice other than slimy. “And I don’t think you’re in a position to negotiate- not when I can drop your pretty little human to death.”

He did turn then, to face Yeosang, and you saw his eyes glowing with fury, his hands fisted. “What do you want?”

“Well,” the man- if you could call it that anymore, tightened his grip around your waist, letting go of your mouth to hold your shoulder, “I guess you’ve forgotten how we were in similar situations a century ago. Only, I was the one in your place.”

Yeosang rolled his eyes, and you frowned- just what was going on? “Petty revenge? Is that what it is? You know perfectly well that it was my job from the higher-ups, don’t you? Why don’t you go fight with them?”

“You could have left her alone if you had a conscience,” the man growled, “but oh no, you had to be the good angel and do your job. Tell me, angel, how do you feel now?”

You found Yeosang’s eyes go to the cane in your hand and then he met your eyes as if trying to convey something, but it was quickly replaced with a steel gaze. “Go ahead, demon. You think she matters? She’s just a mere human I’m spending time with as I delay going to the afterlife. You take her, I find someone else, or I move on. Do I look like I care about her?”

“If you didn’t,” the demon chuckled, “you wouldn’t have followed me all the way here.”

“You know me,” Yeosang put his hands in his pockets, rather relaxed, and your grip around the cane tightened as you found the demon’s arm relaxing a tad bit, “Good angel instincts take over before I can think. Come on, you could do better than that.”

You’d had enough of the drama- you dig your nails harshly with your free hand and swirled the cane to hit the demon’s head, running away from his grasp as you ran to Yeosang, “This guy clearly doesn’t care about me,” you motioned to Yeosang as the demon glared at you, lunging at you but you raised your cane, “You’re one lousy demon.”

The demon laughed out loud, “You both think you’re good actors? Tell me, Yeosang, have you really forgotten who I am? What I am?”

“Slimy demon,” you muttered as you wiped your arms, shivering as you took in his appearance- tall and dangerous and dark. You felt Yeosang near you, holding your arm protectively and you raised a brow as if to say ‘now you care?’

“I’m the demon of time, son. I’ve marked her because if not today, she’ll mean something to you in the future and that’s when I’ll come. Be prepared.”

With that, the demon disappeared in a smoke, and Yeosang sighed, turning you around and scanning you in detail, and you made a face at him. “Finally you care?”

Yeosang groaned as he rolled his eyes, “Don’t pretend you don’t know that I was acting.”

You smiled at that, shrugging away, “I’m fine.”

“I need to check if you’re scratched anywhere,” Yeosang shook his head, “It would be bad if he did.”

“Like how your cuts didn’t heal?” You asked and he nodded.

“But worse, because poison. My cuts were supposed to be decoration for your skin.”

You gaped at him, “I hope that was a really bad joke, Yeosang, I really do.”

Yeosang didn’t say anything, sighing when he finally stood straight and faced you, his face full of worry, “Are you okay?”

You realized then that you weren’t standing on your own anymore, you were using the cane and his arms for support, your body finally catching up with the shock. “I’m… okay.”

“Come here,” Yeosang almost whispered as he embraced you, your arms going around his waist as you rested your head on his chest and could hear his loud heart, “I’m sorry you had to go through that, I truly am.”

“It’s okay, I’m just glad you didn’t ditch me for the brownies,” you mumbled and Yeosang’s body shook as he laughed, squeezing you tighter in the hug like a kid before letting you go. 

“Come on, you’ll need the sugar. Close your eyes.”

You did and Yeosang transported you two to the empty lane behind the cafe, going inside the cafe, apologizing at the counter for delay and picking up the brownies, bringing them to your table with an extra cup of coffee. “Right on time.”

You smiled, digging right in- you really needed the sugar before you’d start panicking. “I still can’t believe he was an actual demon- he was, right?” Yeosang nodded and you wowed, “He looked normal enough. If his voice wasn’t so weird and he didn’t smell funky he’d pass as one hell of a hottie.”

“I can’t believe you just said that,” Yeosang threw his spoon back as he sat back to glare at you, and you laughed.

“Don’t worry, he’s not my type.”

Yeosang pretended to leave and you laughed, pulling him back, “I’m joking, it’s just how I cope with stress, okay? You’d rather I panic and start crying right here?” 

Yeosang considered for a moment and then sat back, making you mumble ‘thought so’. He shook his head, “I’ll admit, demons can look… somewhat charming when they want to. It’s how they lure humans.”

“What was he talking about though?” You asked, “What’s this century old business that he’s remembering now?”

“He’s the time demon and if he says he’s marked you…” Yeosang was thinking as he sipped on the coffee, forgetting that it was yours and you didn’t point it out, “It means… he wasn’t lying. And he marked you which means he might be the one who’s been teasing you with those incidents you’ve had after Dajeong’s death- lame attempts to make it less obvious but make you aware nonetheless.”

“Wasn’t lying about what?” You asked.

“That… you’d mean something to me in the future, which is why he’s after you to come at me.”

“I’m just hurt I don’t mean anything to you right now,” you were genuinely hurt but you pouted pretending you were joking. Yeosang scoffed.

“You don’t realize that he could have meant various things by that, do you? What exactly are you implying?”

“Nothing,” you waved a hand in dismissal, ignoring the smirk on his face as you put your elbows on the table, resting your face in your hands, “What are we gonna do now?”

“We do nothing except stay alert,” Yeosang said, “You’ll do nothing. I’ll… think and do something.”

“How dangerous is he?”

“Dangerous enough and then some,” Yeosang’s voice was grim, “I can’t win against him alone.”

“Oh,” you gulped, “I hope you have a good few strong angel friends."

You noticed just how distracted Yeosang was the whole day and the next, not talking much, just thinking and thinking. You couldn't take it anymore after that.

"Okay," you got up from your desk, "we're taking a damn break. I can't focus on anything when you look like someone stole your candy. Come on, we're forgetting everything for a while and relaxing."

Yeosang narrowed his eyes at you, "I'm not going to that damned club again."

"I'm not taking you there," you grinned, "Let's go to the beach."

Yeosang made a face but you shut him up, going to your closet and packing a bag of everything you'd need. You didn't intend to swim but you'd take a change of clothes in case these got wet. A hat, another for Yeosang, your sunglasses, and you were done. You basically dragged him to the kitchen as you packed another bag of snacks, bickering back and forth with each other and slapping each other's hands repeatedly, and Sierra who have been watching from a distance decided not to interrupt after all when she saw the smiles on your faces- she really didn't want to ruin the moment, though she did give you both suggestive eyebrow wiggles when you finally settled in the car to leave.

"I'm driving," Yeosang announced and you let him, taking the passenger seat and rolling the window down once you took the highway, your hair blowing as you hummed to the music on the radio. Yeosang couldn't help but sneak glances at you once in a while. 

"How come you know how to drive when you don't need a car?" You suddenly asked, "Do you even have a licence?"

Yeosang fished one out of the air and you rolled your eyes at how dramatic he was, "You'll get home in one piece, worry not."

"Do angels know other human activities too? Like cooking? Or… I don't know, painting? Can you write? Can you speak other languages?"

"I can do everything you can think of," Yeosang flaunted.

"Except being entertaining, it seems."

"You just have a bad taste of entertainment," Yeosang said, and you rolled your eyes, shutting up when your destination arrived.

You got out of the car, stretching hard and smiling in satisfaction because you had no one else here- it's why you always came to this part of the beach. It was usually always empty. "Great weather today, isn't it- oooh."

Yeosang was wearing sunglasses now- how did he look pretty in everything? He ran a hand through his hair as he rolled his sleeves and you internally swooned, cursing yourself because no, you could not have the hots for an angel. He looked at you, unbeknownst to the effect he had on you as he approached you casually, "Let's soak our feet."

The two of you found a rock to sit on, your legs soaking in the waves that came back and forth with the wind, and you sighed in satisfaction. "It's been too long since I came here."

"It's a good spot," Yeosang nodded, "You should come here often, you're already less cranky now."

"I should," you laughed, "The sunset is pretty too."

Yeosang nodded, turning his face to the sunset, his fingers brushing yours playfully as the two of you watched the sunset, sorting your thoughts out. You offered him some snacks which he declined, instead extending his hand. "Walk with me?"

You took his hand, the two of you walking along the shore, all giggles and mischievous grins when a wave would hit your feet and you'd spray each other. Yeosang squeezed your hand, "Thanks for bringing me here and… everything you've done for me. No human has been so good to me and none has been such a good friend."

"You're welcome, sir," you teased, loving how sunkissed he looked right now, "Thanks for what you do for me too. You've done more than you could imagine."

"Good to hear," he smiled, "You know what I like about you? You're not asking me weird questions or not taking advantage of me. Humans do that, you know. I thought you'd too at some point, but… I guess you care."

"Well, any human who did otherwise doesn't know how good you are," you shrugged, "They lost a good friend."

"Ah, when you say it like this," Yeosang fanned himself and you slapped his arm.

"Don't let it get to your head," you grinned.

"Well, I'm feeling myself today, so go on. Compliment me. I won't judge."

"Really?" You raised a brow, more in surprise when he turned, putting his arms on your shoulders as he swayed around, making you laugh. "Okay, well… you make a good errand boy."

Yeosang rolled his eyes, "And?"

"You're also not a painful sight to see, you know what I mean? Like, when I need to zone out, I can just stare at you instead of staring at something boring like the walls, you know?"

"Ah, are we playing this game? Should I tell you how much of a pain in my ass you are?"

You poked his stomach, "Shh. Okay, you're… not boring. You answer my questions."

"You ask nice questions."

"Yep," you nodded, taking a deep breath when you looked at him- the faint sun glow was making him look painfully beautiful. "You know what? You're beautiful, inside and out, and sometimes it's unbelievable. Sometimes I think you're not real, that you're just a character I've made up in my head to cope with whatever was going on. It makes me want to cry too, because I don't deserve you. I should tell you about the trace and tell you to move on, but I want to keep you to myself a little longer, if not forever."

Yeosang was surprised by your sudden confession, and you were blushing at this point as you shrugged, mumbling 'you asked for it' and Yeosang sighed, his hands snaking down your arms to hold your hands. 

"I'm real…" he gave your hands a squeeze, "And I… I could ask you about the trace. I could force it out from you but somehow… the only thing keeping me here is not the trace but you."

You frowned in confusion but then he brought your hands to his face, making you cup it, "I'm real, aren't I?" You nodded, dazed, and he continued, "You could keep me forever here. We both know we're only pretending that the trace is holding me back anyway."

You tilted your head in confusion as you ran his words in your head, and he leaned in to your touch, "Forget about whether you deserve me or not. I don't feel like I'm good enough for you."

"Yeosang- you're an angel. You are too good for me. Why would you think that?"

"I don't know," Yeosang's voice was barely a whisper, "I don't know what you're doing to me, but you make me feel… undeserving. You make me want to become better even when I'm an angel. I mean, I couldn't get better than this, could I?" He let out a laugh, "And yet…"

He brought one of your hands down to his chest, making you feel his heartbeat, "This is what you've done to me, and now I don't know what to do about it."

You bit your lips, smiling at him and then shaking your head when his gaze was too much, "Don't do anything. Especially not anything stupid."

Yeosang laughed, and you patted his face, about to draw away but he put an arm on your back and brought you unbelievably closer, gazing down at you, his lashes casting shadows on his face. God, he was making you feel things. You stared at him, shaking your head slightly in disbelief. "You're treading on dangerous waters- unintentional pun."

Yeosang smirked, "If I be damned, so be it."

"No, angel," you straightened his shirt, "You're gonna move on like a good angel. I'm gonna carry on with my life- Yeosang… Don't make me go there if you can't stay. Don't make it harder for me."

Yeosang caressed your hair, "I want to ruin you and myself. I want to burn, and you won't let me?"

"No," it took every ounce of your energy to say it, "I don't want you to burn. I would never do that to you, you understand?"

"I don't," Yeosang looked incredibly sad as he hugged you, swaying you back and forth and you inhaled, wanting nothing else but to stay in these arms forever where you felt safe and loved. "I should move the hell on, shouldn't I?"

You squeezed him tighter, "Stay a little longer, will you?"

Yeosang drew back at that, pinching your nose because your confused face was so cute, then kissing your forehead, lingering there. "Thank you."

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

"If you make that loud noise one more time, I'll ask security to accompany- no, throw you out," you glared at Yeosang.

"Security got nothing on me, human," Yeosang continued munching on his chips loudly, "Plus, it's no fun if you don't eat snacks like these loudly."

Your jaw clenched and unclenched as you wondered what to do with him, sitting in your office with feet on the table like he was the boss of you. You even considered revealing the trace so he would move the hell on.  "Why are you still here again? I mean, on earth and not moving on?"

"Well," Yeosang tried to remain serious but ended up smirking, "there's the threat on your head. I can't move on without doing something about it."

"Right," you hid your face as you smiled, "And the threat won't disappear if you just move on, eh?"

"Nope," the amusement in Yeosang's voice was thick, "What if you get hurt when I'm gone?"

You looked up at that, "No bullshit about 'all that happens is meant to happen' anymore?"

Yeosang laughed, munching on his chips haughtily, "You're not used to people actually worrying about you, are you?"

You shrugged, going back to work- or trying to, but all you could think about was how you'd cope with his absence when he would be gone. You looked at him wiping his fingers and folding the wrapper neatly before making it disappear with a wave of his hand. He caught you staring at him, raising an eyebrow in question.

"Yeosang…" you shifted in your chair, "When you're ready to move on… you won't make me forget everything about you like you did before, would you?"

Yeosang scanned your face for an answer, finding only confusion, "Not if you don't want me to."

"Oh," you nodded slowly, "And… what do you think would be better?"

"Depends on you," Yeosang's voice was cautious, "I could make you forget but…"

"But you wouldn't want to?"

You saw Yeosang's fists clenching and unclenching- oh, he was holding himself back. "I… I'll be back. If I'm late, go home without me."

Before you could say a word, he was gone and you sighed as you sat back. As if on cue, a knock sounded and you asked them to come in.

"Your brother's here to see you."

Now that was new. You nodded, Dohyun entering with a cheeky smile, looking around. "Where's that pretty plaything of yours?"

Two could play that game, "I see that old hag isn't following you around these days. Finally decided you prefer younger women?"

Dohyun scoffed, taking a seat, "Let's talk… business."

"I have literally nothing to talk to you about," you joined your hands, "so go on."

"You should call off your men. What you're looking for… you won't find."

You frowned. Men? What was he talking about? "You've got the wrong person, Dohyun."

Dohyun fixed his watch as he glared at you, "Are we forgetting about how you've been blaming me for your friend's death since years? And now you're sending your goons to do some sniffing around?"

Your frown must have been obvious because now Dohyun was confused too. You shook your head, "Yeah, I did blame you, I didn't find proof so I shut up. But what's got your panties in a twist now? Who's sniffing around?"

Dohyun scanned you for a good while before sighing, "Someone went to the station and asked for the case files and specifically brought my name into the mess. You're telling me that's not you? I don't believe you for a second."

"Now that's interesting," you were smirking, "Tell me, is there someone else who'd want to ruin you- other than me? There must be people, Dohyun, you haven't been exactly on the good side. If there's someone who has a reason to, you better tell me. Because they might be connected to Dajeong's case."

Dohyun thought about it- he had caused the accident, so who exactly was sniffing around if not you? He couldn't exactly admit that he was behind this, that he had only intended to hurt you and not kill you all together, that something had gone really, really wrong and he too had been living with the guilt. So he only got up, straightening his suit, "I'll… look into it and see who's sniffing around. I'll handle it, but if it's you-" he was pointing his finger at you and you raised your hands in surrender, making him draw back with a sigh, leaving the room.

This was getting really interesting.

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

It was almost midnight and Yeosang still hadn't come back home. 

You were wondering just what was wrong- was it something you had said? Did he perhaps move on? But he couldn't. So just where was he?

Even though you did not want to worry because he could be out for a walk or to relax or to take a breather from you or 'mingling' with people finally, you couldn't help but feel anxious, pacing in your room until your leg started to hurt and then sitting in the balcony, waiting and waiting.

You had almost dozed off when you heard an almost painful groan, turning abruptly and seeing-

"Yeosang, oh god," you got up abruptly as you saw just what state he was in- messy, a painful expression on his face and… injured. "What happened?"

Yeosang winced in pain as you touched his arm, "Not here- let's go to a room."

You took him to your room, making sure the path was clear and then making him sit on your bed as you scanned his body, "Were you in an accident or a fight?"

His eyes held guilt and you understood, and you lightly slapped his head, making him glare at you, "Angels are supposed to be the good guys and not fight. What got you in a fight?"

"I can't tell, and you should treat me first anyway."

You narrowed your eyes at him, taking a fancy looking bottle from him that he explained was a medicine to speed up the healing- something you shouldn't come in contact with because it would burn you. You took a cotton bud, applying it to his wounds one by one, watching with wonder as they healed in minutes, stitching themselves back just like yours had. Then he turned, unbuttoning his shirt and letting it down so you could apply it on his back, a large cut that looked like-

"It was him, wasn't it?" You finally asked, "The time demon. You went after him."

Yeosang didn't answer again- he couldn't lie, so he would keep his mouth shut. You sighed, pulling his shirt up his shoulders when the last wound stitched itself back, then turning him so he was facing you, putting the medicine aside and pulling his chin up with your fingers, making him look at you in the eyes as you straightened his hair. "Why?"

Yeosang was determined to keep his mouth shut, and you shook your head, smiling at how stubborn he could be. "I'm gonna make some wild assumptions and if I'm wrong, you can tell me so, yeah? So, did you go after him to get some revenge?"

Yeosang shook his head no, and you caressed his cheek, his light brown orbs almost golden.

"Did you go after him to get some answers?"

This time, he didn't answer. You continued caressing his face and hair, "You wanted to know something about how long he's been after me?"

"That's a yes and no," Yeosang was smiling, leaning in to your touch, and you internally sighed as your heart basically sank all the way down, maybe even 6 ft under you- you could stay like this forever. 

"And… you wanted to know about the thing he talked about- about how I'm supposed to mean something to you-"

"You already mean a lot to me," Yeosang held your wrists and brought your hands down as he caressed them, his head down, "I… I can't do this anymore. I want to take this step and yet… you're holding me back."

You looked up as you sighed, "I don't want to put you in pain, Yeosang. I don't want you to hurt because of me, I don't want to be selfish-"

"I'm hurting more right now, don't you realize?" Yeosang's brows were furrowed, "There's no way I could hurt more than this. So tell me, what's holding you back now?"

You pursed your lips, "What will I do when you… burn, just because I had feelings for you? What will I do when something happens to you?"

Yeosang was smiling in satisfaction- you'd finally said it out loud. He got up, planting a kiss on your forehead and then letting go. "I can move on then. Right now. I know what the trace is- I was just pretending not to. So I guess this is goodbye-"

"No-" you stopped, almost crying out of frustration, your arm extended as if to stop him, and Yeosang did it then. He grabbed your arm, bringing you in for an embrace, and you felt like you could disintegrate right there. His arms were secure around you and you felt every breath he took in your bones. 

"I don't care about the consequences. I'm already damned. There's no way I can go back now, without knowing what it was to love you, so please, just… let me love you."

You drew apart a little, looking into his eyes for any sign of doubt or second thoughts, and finding none, you brought his face closer, your noses caressing as you tried to calm your beating heart but how could you, when his grip around your waist tightened and he leaned right in, kissing you innocently at first and then almost growling as he kissed you again with pressure, abandoning the hold around your waist and holding your face instead, his fingers in your hair and on your neck and you clenched onto his open shirt as you kissed him back and you instantly knew with a small amount of regret along with the overwhelming satisfaction-

That there was absolutely no way you could recover from this. You were ruined, ironically, by an angel, and you could never love someone else after this.

You broke apart for breath, grinning when you saw the cheeky smile on his face, not saying anything but making him sit back on the bed as you sat on him, drawing his shirt back playfully as you peppered kisses on his face, his hands massaging your legs, your hands holding his face as you shook your head. "What am I gonna do with you, pretty boy?"

"I'd suggest some things but I'm sure they'd be inappropriate-"

"Ah, you sound… devilish," you grinned, kissing him again and he held your waist as you leaned into the kiss, your lips locking as if meant for each other, and you couldn't take how his kisses made your skin tingle, made you feel like you were high and on the clouds, and you never wanted to break apart, cursing yourself internally because you were human and had to breathe. 

"I think I know the reason this is 'forbidden'," you said, "I feel like I'm high on some really good drug. I want to keep feeling like this."

"I know what you mean," Yeosang nodded, "With angels and humans… we feel everything on a higher magnitude than we would with our own." 

You nodded, letting Yeosang pull you on the bed next to him, letting him get on top of you as he kissed you some more, excruciatingly slow and passionate that made your legs numb, every kiss on your skin making you shiver and moan, and then he pulled you in his arms, pecking your forehead as he mumbled sweet nothings until you both fell asleep in each other's arms.

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

"Miss- oh," Sierra cleared her throat as she entered and saw you getting ready and Yeosang still recovering from his sleep, his shirt unbuttoned and chest exposed, "Well, well."

"Sierra," you smiled at her as if Yeosang waking up in your room wasn't an odd sight, "Good morning to you too."

"Can I just say, about fucking time-"

"Sierra," you glared at her but laughed at how she cursed- it was the first time you heard profanity from her mouth, "What brings you here in a rush?"

"I have your brother on hold- why don't you have each other's number?"

"Because he's an asshole," you said, frowning as you took the phone from him, "I hope you heard that."

"Good morning to you too, sis," Dohyun said, "Just wanted to let you know that you might wanna look into your driver."

"My driver- what? Mr. Lee? Why?"

"Just… meet me in the office. I have something to tell you."

You frowned as he ended the call, waiting for Sierra to go before looking at Yeosang and telling him what just happened."

"Should I… feel him out?"

"No… Mr. Lee is… normal? He's been my driver and bodyguard of sorts ever since-"

Yeosang raised a brow as you paused, "Ever since…?"

"After Dajeong's death," you looked at him, "Are you sure Dohyun's the one behind Dajeong's death? What's a possible loophole in your whole compelling thing?"

"Well, he believes so," Yeosang said, "And that is the loophole. Anything he believes as the truth. He feels guilty too."

"We need to get to the office."

The whole ride to the office was rather quite, which was unusual because you and Yeosang were always nonsensical bickering during the morning. You only stared at Mr. Lee- the middle-aged driver who apparently worked for your dad before working for you.

It was half an hour later that Dohyun entered your office, looking at Yeosang as if to send him out, and Yeosang pretended to go but returned with glamour, invisible to all but you, giving you the thumbs up. Dohyun cleared his throat, sitting down.

"I'm only going to say this once, so you better hear me good," he said.

"Depends on what you tell me."

"Look, I was… involved in the accident 5 years ago. I had some part of it, but it wasn't supposed to happen," he looked at you and you could tell it was taking him a lot to actually say it, which meant there had to be something bigger than this, "I only meant to scare you. You were always riding those bikes and I just intended to scare you a little- no accident. But then everything happened, and I couldn't believe it, I thought I killed the poor girl. It took me months to finally accept my mistake, especially because I couldn't find the driver. You know how he went missing. But… the man I had actually put up with the job of only scaring you… he called me after a few months. He told me he had been on the run, that there was someone else that day who had stolen his car and caused that accident, and then he's been hell bent on getting rid of him."

"Okay, wait…" you processed everything as you stared at the blank page in front of you, "You thought it was you? You sounded like you were guilty a few days ago too."

"That's because of the phone call," Dohyun was fidgeting with his fingers, "It was vague. The man told me he wasn't behind this, that someone was after him. I thought this was his way of dealing or coping with the accident that he caused, that it was his guilt speaking, until…"

"Until?"

"He died. He was in an accident too. I only found out a few months ago. At first I wasn't suspicious, because accidents happen, you know? But with the person sniffing around on the case again… I knew something was horribly wrong."

"And what, exactly, did you find?" You were glad that your voice hadn't cracked.

"Mr. Lee, your driver," Dohyun's eyes were full of pity, "He might have been the one behind it. I don't have definite proof right now, but I did a background check- remember that one time when dad had his son fired just because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time? After making a scene and humiliating him?"

You nodded after a second- it happened when you were young and you'd heard some rumours about it. Dohyun continued, "His son was being bullied by his colleagues too. He was still a student, part timing here. He couldn't take it anymore. He committed suicide, and that's when Mr. Lee took a break. He returned as your driver right after Dajeong's death, didn't he?"

You felt nauseous now as you nodded, dreading what you were about to hear, "He's keeping an eye on you, on everyone. He's keeping an ear out for the rumour. He didn't intend to kill Dajeong. His target was you, because it would be… eye for an eye. He blamed the company, tried to sue us but returned with a clean slate- why would he return to the place his son died?"

You were glad Yeosang was behind you and rubbing your shoulders in comfort because you would have thrown up otherwise. "Dohyun… I… if this is one of those sick games of yours-"

"It's not," Dohyun glared at you but you could see the pain in his eyes, "Do you know how much courage it took me to dig into this again and tell you after years of holding it in and thinking I was a murderer? I care for you, whether you like me or not. You're still my half- sister, even if you're a stubborn bitch."

"Well, thank you," you said sarcastically but your voice was weak, "what do we do, Dohyun? Why hasn't he tried to kill me again?"

"I thought about it, and the only possible explanation is that either he's looking for a chance to take us both down together- kill two birds with one stone- or, he's trying to find something big, something he'd use to expose us. To ruin the company. Anything like that."

You finally let out a sob, putting a hand over your mouth as you rushed to the sink, heaving out the contents of the little breakfast you had, and though Yeosang was rubbing your back and comforting you, he let Dohyun do it instead when he came for you.

"I'm sorry that all of this happened. I'm to blame too. I never meant to hurt you or Dajeong. I used to play with you two when we were in elementary, remember? I would never hurt her or you- I'm human."

You wiped and rinsed your mouth, nodding. "I've hated you ever since Dajeong's death, because nothing else made sense. You know what I mean, right?"

"I know… I hated me too," Dohyun admitted, and you passed a sad smile- he was a victim in this too. 

"What do we do?"

"I've got men on it- they'll find something soon, don't worry about that. I'll take care of everything, just… you have to do me a favour. You have to act normal around him till we find something. Do not let him suspect anything. He's too clever. Can you do that?"

"I don't know," you looked at Yeosang and he nodded- he'd help you. "I'll try."

"You're a good actor," Dohyun teased, "You can do this. You have to."

You were glad Yeosang was with you- holding your hand all the way back home and talking with you about random stuff, distracting you, grabbing your attention whenever you tried staring at Mr. Lee. 

"This is so messed up," you slumped on the couch in your room while Yeosang asked Sierra to bring you something light to eat- perhaps a salad, because you weren't feeling well. "I cannot believe I've put my trust in the very man who killed my best friend."

"You couldn't have known," Yeosang shook his head, "Even I couldn't have known."

Yeosang made you eat a few spoons and drink water, and then held you as he gave you assuring squeezes, "Dohyun is going to handle it. You should just… sit back on this one. I know Dohyun has reason enough to see this to the end."

"You felt him out?" You looked at Yeosang, who was failing to stifle his smile.

"I might have, and I might have learned that Dohyun used to have a small crush on your friend."

You laughed sarcastically at first but then it turned to real laughter when you recalled how Dohyun used to tease her a lot, always tried to join you two when you were little. "That's… sad."

You wiped the tears that threatened to come out. "I… I need a break from all of this."

"And that can be arranged. You deserve it. Let's go somewhere, just you and me." Yeosang was caressing your face, "Let's live… and love."

You bit your lips at the tempting offer, but then your face fell, "Are you okay though? You don't feel any… burning sensation or something? Was that a bluff?"

"I'm okay," Yeosang assured you, "And I'll be okay. Don't think about that, will you?"

You kissed him, a few tears of guilt escaping your eyes and Yeosang wiped all of that away, holding you as he made plans to take you to his favourite places- he had a brilliant idea of teleporting you wherever you wanted, but you insisted that if he had to live like a human, he had to travel like one too.

And you did, long car rides to the beaches and the mountains, taking planes to all the beautiful sights in the country, walking through the streets for hours and hours, enjoying the street food, buying each other silly gifts like heart sunglasses or funny hats and then daring each other to wear it the whole day.

You had never laughed till your cheeks hurt and you had never loved so much that it made you cry because loving an angel, you found, was beyond overwhelming. And as you took a step further in your relationship, you both found yourself excited and terrified.

Excited because it was something new for you two, because every time he touched you, you felt warm, every time he kissed you, it felt like you could die, and Yeosang could say the same for you because he, too, had never loved like this and he could never.

But you were more terrified for him than he was. It was like he would willingly burn for you, and though you couldn't see it physically, you knew something was wrong. He tried to pretend he was as lively as ever but he was growing weaker, and you couldn't bring yourself to stop loving him just like he couldn't. It was like a candle and a fire- made for each other, and you knew that if one would vanish, the other would have no reason to exist either.

It was one night when Yeosang was sleeping that you came outside- you were at a cabin on the beach. You gazed at the full moon for a long time, hoping the wind would take away all the fear in your heart. 

You didn’t know how long you stood there thinking when you felt Yeosang approach you, smiling when he wrapped his arms around you in a back-hug. “What are you doing out? It’s cold.”

“Taking a breather from you,” you teased, and Yeosang pretended to be hurt. You sighed, wondering if you should tell him.

“Yeosang… Can we talk?”

“If it’s about what I think it is, nope,” Yeosang buried his nose at the crook of your neck. You rolled your eyes because he could be very stubborn, but…

“Yeosang… I think you should move on before something happens to you.”

“And there it is,” Yeosang mumbled, “I can’t hear you right now.”

“Yeosang,” you turned, almost crying, “You’re not yourself anymore- you’re not the lively, strong, active person that I met. I can see it, and I know you can feel it too. You’re hurting, and I can’t take it.”

“If I can take it, then you can too.”

“No,” you shook your head, “Think about me, will you? If something happens to you because of me, do you think I will be able to live with myself?” Yeosang’s eyes were incredibly sad as he looked at you, and you continued, “I wouldn’t want to live anymore- not after everything that’s happened. I can’t live without you if something happens to you because of me, but I think I can live with myself if you move on and I know that I saved you.”

Yeosang caressed your face, “Do you think I could ever find peace, and… happiness- whatever we think afterlife holds us for- if I move on? What will I do? If I’m without you for eternity, what will I do, love? You’ll live your short human life and die and maybe we could meet in the heavens-”

“Not if I go to hell,” you mumbled, and Yeosang pinched your nose.

“This is no time to joke. I cannot move on with the hope that maybe, if I’m lucky, I might meet you up there after you die. I simply cannot move on knowing that there’s a chance that we might never reunite again.”

“But… I cannot hold you back here, I cannot let something happen to you. I cannot be selfish.”

“You don’t have to be,” Yeosang’s voice was rough, “I’ll be selfish. You know why? Because I cannot move on knowing that you’d be living here without me hovering around you every minute. I cannot move on knowing that you’ll be looking at other people with the hope of finding love-”

“I could never love after this, you know that,” you put your head on his chest and he ran his fingers through your hair. 

“I cannot leave you behind knowing that you’ll be sad. I could make you forget, but… I am selfish, and if I move on, I would not want you to forget. But I cannot make you live with the pain, so… I’m not going anywhere.”

“That’s a very twisted logic.”

“Shh,” Yeosang smiled, pulling your face up with his fingers, “How beautiful you are, love. I don’t regret a single second of us, and I could never. If I burn loving you, so be it. If your kiss is the last thing I feel, I’d be the happiest.”

You rolled your eyes but kissed him, letting him pick you up and you straddled his waist as he kissed you back, still holding your face just as tenderly as the first time but a newfound desire in the way he kissed you this time, and perhaps it was the romantic breeze caressing you both that made you bolder, made you drop off only to push him back on the sand, kissing each other like it was the last time, and when Yeosang bent upwards, shirt off, he let his wings free, and you marvelled at the sheer majestic size of it. 

“They’re beautiful,” you ran your fingers across them, making him shiver, “You’re beautiful, Yeosang. I don’t know what you see in bland old me.”

“I see you differently than you do,” Yeosang kissed your temple, “And that’s enough for me.”

You straddle him again as you kissed him and his wings wrapped around your bare skin. You let the feathers cut at your skin everywhere even though Yeosang tried to hold back, and he had to draw away as he looked at you finally, small cuts decorating your skin, and he was terrified, because how could he hurt you?

“I’m okay,” you laughed at his expressions and he glared at you but healed every single cut with a kiss, and when he was done, he put his head on your lap, suddenly tired. You kissed his forehead.

“You’re growing old,” you teased.

“I’m just taking a breather before I make you mine tonight.”

If one sentence could make you moan, this was it. You had to look up at the sky to stifle it with a bite of your lips, and Yeosang tugged you down, mumbling dirty little things in your ear no angel should have been allowed to say till he finally caught his breath and did exactly what he had whispered in your ear in detail.

And as he made love to you for the first and the last time, you really couldn’t have known. Yeosang knew though. He knew he had little time with you. And he would be called a devil for it but he simply couldn’t fade away without imprinting himself on you, without knowing what it felt like to be one with the love of his life. He needed to feel how you’d clench at his hair through the pain, slice open your skin of your hands as you ran them passionately across his wings, he needed to feel every little sensation. 

And when he was done, he kissed you so slowly you cried. He drew back with a wet face, and as you wiped his tears, he told you he was sorry.

“For what?”

“For being selfish,” he said.

“I love it when you’re selfish, Kang Yeosang,” you called him by his full name- something he’d told you one of those nights when you slept in his arms, apparently his human name, “I love you, Kang Yeosang.”

Yeosang shut his eyes and you frowned as his skin got noticeably hotter, no time to comprehend anything as he pulled your shirt over you with a hug, telling you that he was glad he had met you and that he wished he had longer with you.

You couldn’t hold in your sobs when your hand passed right through him, as if he wasn’t real, as if he was just a figment of your imagination. The last thing you felt was a kiss to your forehead as he told you that he would love you even when he would not exist, and you did not know how long you simply sobbed as he disappeared right in front of your eyes, your wails ringing through the empty beach, crying because he left you all alone here, rushing to your bag that had Yeosang’s feather, the trace that you kept everywhere-

It was still there. And it made you sob harder, because you were only left with a feather, a reminder of his existence, and you were so, so cold without his embrace.

You heard a rustling, turning to see another man, his wings drawing in- an angel. You frowned, getting scared for a moment but he raised his hands as if to tell you that it was alright. 

“I’m Seonghwa, Yeosang’s friend- he must have told you about me.”

You tried recalling, taking a deep breath as you pushed in your tears, “Yeah- I think he did.”

Seonghwa draped your jacket on your shoulders as he sat next to you, “I’m sorry that you’re in so much pain. He asked me to come if something happened.”

“I’m sorry,” you cried, holding the feather to your chest, “He’s… gone. I’m all alone once again, I told him to make me forget him if it ever came to that, but he’s selfish, he shouldn’t have left me, he shouldn’t have loved me.”

Seonghwa let you cry as he rubbed your back, “There’s a reason you’re here right now with the memory of him. Whenever angels interact with humans, they take away their memory. If you’re still here with all the lovely memories… you were meant to love him, dear. He was meant to find you.”

You looked at Seonghwa, “I… am a mere human. How will I ever live with the memory of him, knowing what it feels like to love him? I cannot take it.”

“Humans do not understand, but they’re never given more than what they can take,” Seonghwa told you, “And you… you’re different, Yeosang said.”

You let out a short laugh, “I don’t know what’s different about me.”

“I know,” Seonghwa narrowed his eyes at you, “I don’t feel anything different from you… perhaps he was lovestruck when he said that? But he told me that just a few interactions later…”

“What are you on about? You’re being… cryptic.”

“Is that Yeosang’s feather?” Seonghwa almost screamed, and you looked confused as you held it in front of him.

“Yeah? The trace he left? I plucked it out when he saved me on his mission?”

“It shouldn’t be here,” Seonghwa said, “He- I’m sorry to ask this, but I must know, he burned, right?”

“Ouch, yeah,” you wiped your tears, “his skin got all hot and then my hand went through him and he… faded.”

“You’re telling me he didn’t catch fire? He did not literally burn?”

“I… did not realize he was supposed to literally burn, that’s cruel even for angels… Seonghwa, what are you on about?”

Seonghwa got up, mouth hanging open in disbelief as he paced around, and you were tempted to throw him in the sea because you wanted to be alone with your grief, not him acting like… Yeosang when he first met you. Seonghwa turned abruptly, narrowing his eyes at you.

“You… I should have known, dammit!”

“What are you so happy about?” You shouted at him, he was grinning like a madman.

“Yeosang didn’t burn. He’s not gone.”

“He’s not?” You gaped at him, “Where is he then?”

“I need to report this to the headquarters, someone might know what to do. You… keep that feather with you, okay? Do not lose it. He might come back. You should get home- grab your stuff, I’ll teleport you.”

“You better teleport me with my car then,” you mumbled as you got up, “And if this was false hope? I’ll personally finish you, angel.”

Seonghwa grinned as he nodded, “I can see why Yeosang likes you so much.”

—-----------------

Two months had passed.

Mr. Lee had been brought to trial with enough prove to convict him of Dajeong’s murder, and with you and Dohyun on this together, you two put down the walls little by little. Not exactly best friends but you could tolerate each other’s presence now, and that was enough. 

You decided to leave your company after all- your father was a particularly hard person to work with, and with the vicious cycle that Mr. Lee had started beginning with your dad… You couldn’t be bothered to stay here anymore. You took a month long break and then started learning and working alongside a sculptor that you had known since college. Somehow, you were pretty sure your new-found love for sculptors was because of a certain angel who you used to call a sculpture.

The angel who left you alone after loving you and giving you his all.

Seonghwa was still in contact with you- apparently, Yeosang fading away like that had been a first. Him and his friends were still looking around for any record of a past occurrence, but all in vain. It was a first, and you weren’t sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. You were very worried and perhaps it was the worry still eating you up that let your grief not swallow you.

Sometimes you’d wake up at night sobbing hysterically, muffling your screams on the pillow and hold on to Yeosang’s feather, an anchor at this point, and pray. You’d pray that he was at least all right, not hurting. 

You were just coming out from your workshop when you saw Seonghwa wave at you from a distance, and you motioned for him to wait, wrapping everything up, a dangerous spark of hope in your heart as you almost rushed to him, greeting him with a friendly hug.

“You look weaker than the last time I saw you,” Seonghwa shook his head, “Yeosang would be disappointed to know that I’m not taking care of you.”

“I am taking care of myself, I just…” you shrugged, “Give it some time.”

“Yeah,” Seonghwa nodded, “I may have found something. You might wanna sit before you hear this.”

You narrowed your eyes and sat down on the nearest bench and Seonghwa wondered how to word it to you. “The place where Yeosang was last… the beach, right? We found records of Yeosang when he was a human- nearly two centuries ago, it is the place where he died.”

“Oh,” you felt your heart sink, “You mean… die, like a normal human, and then he was… selected to be an angel?”

“Yes,” Seonghwa nodded, “Now, how does this connect to where we are at?”

“How?”

“You tell me,” Seonghwa smiled, “Kang Yeosang, the human, dies an untimely, unfair death. Two centuries later, he’s at the same spot with his love, and fades away, leaving his trace,” Seonghwa pointed at your bag, knowing you kept it with you, “Now, what could have happened?”

“He… did not die?” You shrugged, “I don’t see your point.”

“Tomorrow afternoon, be ready. We’re going to attempt reincarnation.”

“Bullshit,” you laughed in disbelief, “You’re telling me this could work!”

“Yes,” Seonghwa laughed along, “The way he faded, it's like people fade when they are to be reincarnated. It might be something similar, it might be nothing, but we have to try. I’ll arrive in your room so no one sees me, so… be prepared. And keep the feather with you.”

“Seonghwa, if… I’m gonna throw you in the sea this time, for real, if this doesn’t work.”

“You’re allowed to,” Seonghwa smiled sadly, “I’d throw myself in the sea too.”

You couldn’t sleep that night at all, either laughing in disbelief or crying because of the fear that it might not work. And the next afternoon, holding nothing but the feather, Seonghwa came into your room and teleported you to the beach, where some others were waiting as well.

Damned beautiful angels, each one of them. You’d heard about them, and Seonghwa introduced the 6 angels, each of them looking at you with mixed emotions. You couldn’t blame them. You’d taken their friend from them.

You turned towards the sea, the wind blowing your hair back and Seonghwa joined you, “I’m sorry if they don’t seem… happy.”

“I don’t blame them,” you let out a short laugh, “I took their friend. I understand them very, very well.”

Seonghwa rubbed your shoulder, “When the sun is setting… walk in the sea with the feather and drop it.”

“Drop it? In the sea?” You gaped at him, “Is this some sort of a sick way to take the trace away from me? Are you gonna make me forget later? Did Yeosang ask you to do this?”

“No, no,” Seonghwa shook his head furiously, “I can get the feather back to you if this doesn’t work, don’t worry. Just… try it. For Yeosang’s sake.”

You were sceptical, but there was a goddamned angel in front of you, so anything could work. You took a deep breath, waiting for Seonghwa’s cue. 

Your heart stopped when he told you to move. Each step felt like you were walking on a tightrope, that one wrong move and everything you were left with could disappear. You swallowed your sob as you walked further in the sea until you were waist down, and then placed the feather rather hesitantly on the sea wave, finding it glowing brightly as it floated-

You screamed when something grabbed the feather and pulled it down, you almost falling on your back as you took a few steps back, pondering whether you should dive right in and see what took the feather or wait-

“Step back,” Seonghwa called, pulling you back, and you screamed no, fighting back and wanting to dive right in, but Seonghwa held you strongly by your arms, and you kept struggling until-

Until he rose out of the sea, gasping for breath, his blonde locks sticking to his face-

Yeosang.

“Unbelievable,” you heard Seonghwa gasp, and this time he did let you go but you didn’t move, because were you hallucinating? Was this a trick?

But all it took was for Yeosang to turn and draw his hair back, his brown eyes still the same, and he stared at you two for a good while as if he couldn’t recognize you, but then he smiled.

“You keep finding me, love.”

You weren’t sure whether you were laughing or crying, and Yeosang nodded at Seonghwa as he approached you, caressing your face, making you look at him and you noticed something red at his temple, something that looked like a burn, but other than that, he was the same Yeosang-

“You’re human,” Seonghwa gasped, and Yeosang nodded, embracing you and waving at his friends who were cheering and crying from a distance. 

“I was so lost. Thanks for finding me.”

“You’re… really you, right?” You drew back, “Give me proof.”

Yeosang rolled his eyes and Seonghwa looked at you- his sassiness was enough proof. Yeosang whispered a memory from your first kiss that made you blush furiously and hug him again, properly, tears of happiness falling down your face. 

It took you a while to calm down as you watched Yeosang greet his friends, wiping your tears and pinching yourself to check if you were dreaming. You were almost convinced this was a dream and you'd wake up and find yourself alone in your bed once again-

"Not a dream," Yeosang joined you, holding your hand and giving it a squeeze.

"So you're… human now? And what's with the mark?"

"What mark?" Yeosang touched his temple where you were pointing, asking Seonghwa who was near, who only shrugged in answer saying that it could be some sort of a reminder that he was an angel once or something. Yeosang walked with you along the shore, smiling to himself.

"What?" You asked when you couldn't hold your curiosity anymore.

"This mark is the place where you've kissed me the most."

"Oh," you laughed, "that's… romantic."

Yeosang brought you in for a hug after kissing you, "Remember what I said? I'd burn for you. And I did, and now I'm back."

"You're late," you let the tears fall, "Two months. I'm glad it wasn't more, but… these two months were very hard for me."

"I'm sorry," Yeosang pouted as he pinched your cheeks, "but you have to say, if I wasn't such a selfish brat, we wouldn't be here like this right now."

You smiled, pecking his lips, "Glad you were. You better make me forget about all the pain I had to go through. But hey, you're not an angel anymore, right? Why are you still just as charming?"

"You're telling me I'm not more charming than before?" Yeosang pinched his nose bridge, "I should just go back in the sea-"

"Hey, hey, wait," you laughed, and Yeosang playfully twirled you, and you smirked. "Let me kiss you a bit before you go back."

Yeosang gaped at you, turning to his friends who seemed to be busy with each other, then turning to you who couldn't stop laughing. "You… way to make me feel welcomed."

"Come on, I know how much you're gonna enjoy when I tell you how charming you are when we're all alone," you ran a finger playfully down his chest, noticing the outfit being the same from last time, suddenly nostalgic as you hugged him, squeezing him tight against you and he hugged you back, understanding. "I missed you so damn much, Kang Yeosang."

Yeosang wanted to tell you how much you meant to him, how much he loved you, but he figured he'd tease you too. "Well, lucky for you, we are meant to be," Yeosang smiled, kissing the top of your head.

"That's lucky for you," you scoffed, "That your ass didn't catch fire, pretty boy."

"Hey!" Yeosang laughed as you ran away before he could poke you, and his angel friends watched the two of you chase each other like kids, Yeosang twirling you around when he caught you and then kissing you.

Wooyoung watched his best friend- now a human- laugh like a kid in front of his love. He looked at Seonghwa, brows raised in amusement, "Can I go throw up now?"

[alpha-trauma-novel-trans]

Chapter 98

The repercussions of the request were devastating. Wooyeon was tormented by Dohyun on the bed all night without even wiping off the water. At first, he held onto the pillow and groaned, then he held onto the sheets and cried. The act of going back and forth between fear and pleasure barely ended at dawn.

Wooyeon woke up just as the sun was reaching the middle of the sky. The sound of trickling rain shook him out of his slumber. He gently lifted his eyelids to reveal a sky filled with dark clouds. 

“...Ah.”

Wooyeon opened his mouth, and a hoarse voice came out. He blinked lazily, watching the rain trickle against the window. How many condoms did they use last night? As he thought this, a gentle voice spoke down to him.

“Did you sleep well?”

The man who had been tormenting Wooyeon all night stroked his hair with a loving touch. He kissed his cheek, close to his ear, and pulled him into his arms. He rolled over and snuggled into Dohyun's arms. 

“Your eyes are all puffy.”

Dohyun had a big smile on his face making him wonder what was so good about it. Unlike Wooyeon who was swollen, his face was smooth and clean. Wooyeon, who was feeling bad for no reason, lightly bit the hand that was on his cheek.

“Ouch.”

It didn't hurt, it was just a polite gesture. The funny thing was, Wooyeon was amused by the joke.

“What time is it?”

“It’s a little past 1. My throat is so sore, what should I do?”

“If you were like this...”

Wooyeon replied curtly and buried his face in his chest. Unlike Wooyeon who was wearing a large T-shirt, Dohyun was wearing only a pair of black briefs. It seemed like he had dressed Wooyeon while he was sleeping, but he hadn’t put on his own clothes.

'It's warm...'

Maybe because they were under the blanket, the part where their bare skins touched was hot. It felt like if he closed his eyes, he would slip back into a dream. However, Dohyun didn't let Wooyeon easily fall into the abyss of sleep.

“I have a birthday present for you...”

His ears perked up. He'd gotten gifts from Garam and Sungyu (bath salts and a cell phone case), but Dohyun's was different. 

“...What's the gift?”

Wooyeon's eyelids lifted slightly. Dohyun chuckled at the honest reaction. He interlocked his fingers with Wooyeon's left hand and brought his hand up to his face.

“This.”

His interlocked left hand, or rather his left wrist. The neatly designed watch reflected the light. At first glance, it looked ordinary, but the unique hands and the mark engraved on the side were a brand Wooyeon knew well.

"I thought you knew right away, but you didn't feel it?"

Wooyeon looked at his watch with his mouth wide open. Wooyeon, who had almost zero sense of money, knew the price of this brand. He could say with certainty that it was definitely not a product that a college student could afford.

“This... isn't this expensive?”

“Um...”

Dohyun stuttered, a little embarrassed. Then he winked and smiled.

"Well, I guess you could call it the price of being a good son."

Their eyes met for a moment. Dohyun, who had brought his face closer almost as a conditioned reflex, kissed him on the cheek.

“Happy birthday.”

It felt good to hear it again. Four years ago, it was the last thing he expected to hear from his teacher. Back then, Dohyun had disappeared before his birthday, but now they would be together even after his birthday.

"Actually, I wanted to give you a ring, but I couldn't because I thought it would be burdensome."

Various answers rose to the tip of his tongue. Thank you, I liked it, or it wouldn't be burdensome at all even if it was a ring.

Wooyeon cursed himself for his lack of words, but Dohyun curled his eyes prettily.

“It's a couple's watch.”

Only then did Wooyeon burrow into Dohyun's arms and express his emotions. Just one confession was enough, rather than ten greetings.

"...I like you, hyung."

"...."

"I like you so much."

He could smell the pleasant pheromones. It was a dry and fresh pheromone that he didn't know who it belonged to. Dohyun let out a ticklish laugh and hugged him as if to crush Wooyeon. 

They stayed in bed for about an hour after that. They didn't share any sloppy behavior like at dawn, but had a tangled, nutritious conversation. The topic was, 'How to make Seonsaeng-nim's birthday special.'

“Is it so strange to you that my birthday is on Christmas Eve?”

“It is, and I don't think I'll ever forget it.”

Wooyeon picked out Dohyun's birthday present half a year early. He's tall, so a coat would be nice, and a knitted scarf would look good on him. Since he got a couple watch, it seemed like it would be good to buy other things as a couple.

“Yeon-ah.”

Dohyun placed Wooyeon on top of his body and met his gaze. Wooyeon, who had been lying down like a puppy, lifted his eyes slightly.

“I'm just asking...”

Wooyeon didn't know what made him pause like this. It seemed like something similar happened last night. What was it? Dohyun asked him to go to his house together.

“Do you want to live with me?”

“...What?”

Wooyeon was wide-eyed and stunned. Unlike the suggestion to sleep over for the night, this was the kind of question he couldn't answer right away. Dohyun gently stroked Wooyeon's head as if telling him not to think too deeply.

“I've felt this since we started tutoring, but I think it would be too lonely for you to be alone in that house.”

His head went completely blank, the chaos of the past few days settling like a calm lake. Dohyun's eyes were as serious as ever as he spoke.

“I don't expect you to answer right away. You'll need the President's permission, and it'll be inconvenient. I also realize that this apartment is still dangerous because of the reporters.”

“....”

"Still, Yeon-ah. I want you to have a place to run to when things get tough."

It was such affectionate words that it almost made him cry. The voice was calm, but Wooyeon, who heard those words, wasn't like that. The scenery that would greet him if he went home right away, and the days that would repeat again. Because all of those things were so complicatedly tangled.

Honestly, he'd be lying if he said he didn't. If he had a place to escape from his prison-like home, his days would be easier than they are now. He wouldn't feel that suffocating lonlieness again.

“I...”

Wooyeon opened his mouth, frustratingly slow. Unlike when Dohyun told him to go to sleep yesterday, he couldn’t speak even after thinking for a long time. His throat felt stuffy as if someone had choked him.

“That's...”

Suddenly, something began to vibrate. It wasn't a message, but a phone call.

“...I think I have a call.”

Wooyeon sat up as if trying to change the subject. Instead of holding onto Wooyeon, Dohyun reached out and grabbed the phone on the nightstand. The call was Wooyeon’s phone.

“....”

As soon as he checked the screen, Wooyeon's face contorted. It wasn't a frown, but a pained expression. He stared at his phone for a moment, then sighed. 

“...I think I should go.”

Secretary Yoon. Those two words clogged his throat. Reality came rushing back like a bucket of cold water.

next chapter

[queenrogah]

𝐈𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 ― part four.

₊˚⊹ᰔ summary: Two childhood best friends who both shared their young love that is truly so unforgettable, but then their friendship was separated by unforeseen circumstances. After 20 years, they saw each other again in a summer getaway from a mutual friend of theirs. What would happen in that whole week of the getaway?

₊˚⊹ᰔ pairing: song kang x OC x rowoon

₊˚⊹ᰔ tags: fluff, angst, slow burn

₊˚⊹ᰔ word count: 3.1k

₊˚⊹ᰔ a/n: in this part, I enjoyed writing the first half and maybe I just wrote it a bit rushed in the ending, but for the next parts, I promise it will be better. Hope you guys like this part and leave some love! xx

₊˚⊹ᰔ cast names: Song Kang as LEE HOJUN, Rowoon as KANG TAEHA, and Wi Hajoon as HWANG DOHYUN

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I can't sleep.

The comfort that I've felt in this soft bed is wearing out as days goes by in this cabin. After those confusing feelings I've gone through with Taeha and Hojun, sleep evaded me like a mischievous shadow. I kept tossing and turning in my bed, just the sound of crickets outside only amplifies the silence in the room. Frustrated, I sat up from my bed, tied my messy hair back, and looked over at Taeha who was sleeping comfortably. I decided to go outside by the lake, maybe the fresh night air might help me clear my restless mind.

I silently left my bed and put on my sweatshirt over my thin pajamas. I successfully left the room without waking up Taeha, then brought myself downstairs and out the cabin. The cool grass crunched softly under my shoes as I made my way towards the edge of the lake. Moonlight danced on the lake's surface, casting silver ripples across the water.

I let out a deep sigh, inhaling the crisp air. It's really peaceful out here, the kind of peace that I've been yearning for all day. I hugged myself then closed my eyes, listening to the gentle lapping of water of the lake.

“Couldn't sleep either?” A familiar voice broke the silence, startling me from my peace.

My eyes flew open, and my heart skipped a beat. Standing a few feet away, hands tucked into the pockets of his hoodie, was Hojun. His dark hair was tousled by the breeze, and the faint glow of the moonlight highlighted his sharp features. My mind wanders off my memories of him being a kid, a cute kid playing with little me, then fast-forward to now, we both matured, our faces changed, and our relationship changed.

“Hojun, right?” I managed to steady my voice, pretending not to know his name in the first place, “What are you doing out here?”

“I'm about to ask you the same thing,” He shrugged, making his way closer to me, now he's standing beside me.

I tried to play it cool despite the sudden fluttering in my chest when he stood beside me, “The scenery of the lake really looks comforting, and I think the fresh air might help to sleep.” I replied while looking at the lake.

“Same thing.” Hojun agreed. I watch him take a seat on the large driftwood by the shore. He glanced back at me and saw his hand patting on the space next to him, inviting me to sit there.

Several thoughts ran in my head again before I could even process that he’s waiting there for me. I lowered myself onto the dock, the wood cool beneath my pajama pants. For a moment, me and Hojun sat in comfortable silence, listening to the gentle lapping of water against the shore. The night wrapped around us like a soft blanket.

“It really is peaceful.” Hojun said, breaking that deafening silence.

I feel very confused about this. I don't know if what I'm feeling is nostalgia or something more. I'm now thinking if I really miss him, this current him, or just the idea of who he was when I spent most of my time with him. Am I really holding onto memories or hoping to build something new?

I finally found myself smiling, feeling that strange sense of ease despite the unexpected interaction and my troubled mind. “Yeah, it is.” I agreed.

“You really did great in the volleyball game earlier.” Hojun chuckled.

I tried to hide my ashamed self, “Not without the massive help from the rest of the team. All of you are so good at playing volleyball.”

“Your boyfriend really did carry most of it.”

My eyes widened when I just heard that, “Boyfriend? You mean…Taeha?”

Hojun nodded his head, and all that I did was laugh and shake my head, “He's not my boyfriend. He's just a friend of mine.”

Hojun arched his eyebrow, “But why did you both look too close?” He asked, his voice in a teasing tone.

My brows furrowed together, “Aren't friends supposed to be close?” I countered.

I heard him chuckle under his breath again, “Yeah, friends are really supposed to be close.” He said, a hint of longing in his voice.

Is this the right time to ask him now? If he really knows me?

But I'm still tongue tied whenever I have to tell him about our past. I really don't know how to introduce myself or start explaining everything. Is he even having the same thoughts as mine? Or am I really erased in his memories already?

My train of thoughts stopped when Hojun suddenly stood up, “It's getting late. We should head back inside now.” He said, offering his hand to me.

With slight hesitation, I held his hand for the first time in years again. Thousands of butterflies erupted in the pit of my stomach. My eyes only glued on our hands lightly tied together. He helped me stand up from the driftwood and out of the lakeshore.

Then our hands pulled away again, but he left some of his warmth that's surprisingly filled with comfort. The night air was cool, tinged with the earthy scent of the trees and damp grass. Me and Hojun walked side by side along the winding path back toward the cabin, the sound of our footsteps muffled by the soft forest floor. When they reached the front steps, I was taken aback again when Hojun opened the door for me. I thanked him for that as we made our way upstairs. I stood in front of my bedroom door, stealing one last glance over at Hojun. I’m surprised that he’s still standing in front of his bedroom door, then soon found my gaze toward him.

“Goodnight,” Hojun murmured, his voice smooth in the silence of the night.

“Goodnight,” I replied with a brief smile.

Neither of us moved for a beat too long, the pause speaking volumes. Then, as if bound by an unspoken agreement, we turned away from each other, each stealing one last glance over our shoulder as we entered our own rooms.

The morning light crept through the windows of the room, soft and golden, warming my face. I blinked herself awake, but my mind was already elsewhere—back to the night by the lake, where everything had felt dreamlike. I finally shared a small yet unforgettable interaction with Hojun. I looked over at Taeha’s bed and I’m surprised that he’s there, reading a book from the bookshelf inside the room. I try not to break out a giggle upon seeing him so focused on the novel he’s reading.

“You look so invested in that book.” I sat up from my bed and tied my hair up in a bun.

Taeha was surprised upon hearing my voice, “You're up.” He smiled, “And yeah, I never thought I would like it.”

I watched him go back into reading again and I just made my way to the small balcony here inside our room. Taking in the beauty of nature and the fresh breeze. My eyes fixated on the shimmering surface of the lake and the people lounging by the shore. My heart starts to race when I reminisce about last night again and my lips curved into a smile. Maybe this is the start of something new again.

Clouded by my thoughts, I didn't realize Taeha had been calling me from the inside as I looked back at him, who was standing there with a concerned look on his face.

“I'm sorry…I was zoning out.” I apologized and entered the room once again.

Taeha took steps closer, “Are you sure you're okay? Are you still tired from the game yesterday?” He gently asked, my breath hitched when he suddenly tucked a piece of stray hair behind my ear.

“I’m…okay, I'm very much okay.” I stammered on my words, a faint blush appeared on my cheeks again.

Taeha softly smiled, “Alright, and by the way, Dohyun said that we'd just be doing painting activities today.”

My eyes gleamed in joy when I heard that we'll be painting today and Taeha knew that I love painting, judging by the excitement of what he said earlier.

“Finally, after the long walks and the dreadful volleyball game, I deserve this kind of activity.” I grinned.

I excused myself to change into some comfortable clothes for today. Taeha already made his way downstairs to greet the others, and when I finally left the room, my eyes darted over Hojun's door, which actually opened too, expecting his presence but then my smile faded—instead of Hojun, it was Haesoo who left his room.

I froze in my spot, my feet are literally rooted on the floor right now.

Haesoo glanced over and caught my frozen self. I'm surprised that Haesoo looked natural and so casual that she just came out of Hojun's room right now. There was no embarrassment or awkwardness in her—she just showed me that friendly smile and bowed to greet me before leaving the hallway.

Why do I feel betrayed? I'm not even that important in Hojun's life anymore.

I shake off my emotions before heading down the living room, finding the others socializing and having fun while doing their thing. I politely just greeted them and left the cabin with my head down. My heart stopped when I suddenly collided into something hard, or rather, someone.

I stumbled back, wide-eyed, but strong arms immediately steadied me. The loud thumping sound from my chest is the only thing I can hear until I looked up and met with those familiar eyes again.

It's him. Hojun.

“Are you okay?” He asked, his voice warm and steady. Making me think about last night again.

I pulled myself away from him, “I…um, yeah! I'm okay.” I stammered, my cheeks burning up again.

Silence took over us again, building that awkward atmosphere that's been going on since our first day here, “I heard we're doing some painting today. I'll see you later for the activities.” I excused myself.

I bowed my head down and started walking away, but then my feet stopped when I heard him say something behind me. Something that made me want to cry because of how long I've been wanting to hear it from him.

“Eunji.”

He finally said it. He said my name.

I turned around, trying not to let my tears escape my eyes, “Yes?” I put up a smile, showing that fake composure.

“Did you have a good sleep last night?”

I bit down my lip when it started to tremble and found myself staring down on the ground again. Then just gave him a small nod, “Yeah, I did. And I hope you did too.”

I can't stand my emotions right now as I immediately dismiss myself and walk away from Hojun, my feet dragging me towards the lake shore again. The soft lapping of the water touched my toes as I let out a deep sigh. Wiping off the stray tears that formed from the corners of my eyes. I looked up at the sky and just felt the warm breeze as it blankets me, comforting my worries.

My heart is screaming for joy when we finally got our own canvases for our painting activity today. The weather is perfect as we found our comfortable space here in the wide space between the lake and the cabin. Dohyun said that we should paint the beautiful view of the lake and it’s up to us if we will add more detail into the painting. Taeha is sitting beside me with his own canvas, and he’s been thinking deeply on what he will do with his painting.

“Just do a typical sunset vibe of the lake.” I said, laughing over his face because of how focused he looked right now.

Taeha scoffed, “You know that I’m not settling for less.” He smirked.

I let out a small laugh, “Of course you are.”

We both began painting now. Our eyes shifted from the lake and to the canvas as we tried our best to show the beauty of nature through the tip of our paintbrushes. I decided to paint not only the lake but also the cabin, with the orange hue from the sun embracing the sky. I was now in the perfect feeling while painting until I felt someone’s presence on my right. I looked and my eyes widened again, not even believing that it’s Hojun sitting beside me.

I watched him set up his canvas and then turned his gaze to me, “Mind if I join?” He asked.

“I…yeah, sure.” I stammer on my words again, looking away from embarrassment.

Hojun thanked me and started planning his painting. My eyes trailed over to Taeha, who is obviously glaring at Hojun, who is too busy sketching on his canvas. I reverted my attention to my painting again and took an intake of breath, calming myself of everything that is happening right now. These two men sitting between me are the ones who are making this summer getaway harder to enjoy, now they’re making it worse.

I just gathered up my strength and continued my painting, ignoring the fact that my hands were a bit shaky when I lifted the brush earlier. I was about to add more detail, I felt Hojun’s bicep brushing onto mine and noticed that he’s peeking on my painting. I scrambled around and tried to cover it—but it’s too late.

“Why are you even covering it? It’s pretty.” Hojun commented, and when he said that last compliment, his eyes found mine again.

I suddenly heard Taeha clear his throat to get our attention, “What about mine?”

I created a small space between me and Hojun again as I looked over at Taeha’s painting—it’s the lake in the early morning, where the trees are in the perfect green color and the sun is still rising. I see that Taeha made this because of his frequent early walks and I think it’s beautiful.

“It’s beautiful Taeha.” I smiled, “I love how you did the sunrise.”

Taeha had a victorious smile on his face as he looked over at Hojun, “Thank you Eunji.”

After that, there’s an awkward silence between us three right now. The undeniable tension between Taeha and Hojun is choking me, like it’s slowly torturing me on my spot.

“What do you think of adding gold on the sunrays?” Hojun suddenly asked, breaking the thick and torturing silence.

“I think that will be a bit flashy since Eunji’s painting is very subtle.” Taeha butted in, making my heart race on what is happening right now.

Hojun chuckled, “Subtle? I’m just saying that the painting needs more contrast, and with the help of the gold makes it more ethereal.”

I watched the two men squabble more about my painting, feeling a bit overwhelmed. I looked around to see the others already peering over to our direction, wondering why there’s a building debate happening right now. I get how Hojun comments about my art because he’s better than me in painting ever since we’re children, and Taeha is also gaining awards in college for those art contests in the campus.

“Okay, okay,” I held up my hands between them, “What if I’ll just do my own thing and you two stop trying to plan on every brushstroke? This debate is getting kinda petty.”

Taeha’s face tightened in frustration, “He started it.” His eyes are now on Hojun.

“I’m just trying to help. I’m just trying to make her painting stand-out from anybody else.” Hojun scoffed, arms now folded together.

Now the tension between them escalated again. Taeha shot Hojun a sharp look, while Hojun didn’t back down, just subtly glaring at Taeha. This is the first time I experienced this and I literally don’t know what to do.

“Forget about it. If this tension lasts longer, then I’m going to take my leave.” I said firmly and immediately left my seat, running inside the cabin and towards the balcony that is facing the trees.

I watched how the trees danced with the wind as the breeze swept over me as I stood here, my arms resting on the wooden railing. My chest felt heavy, weighed down by the emotions I couldn’t name, let alone share. I just needed air—space to breathe and think. It’s been four days since our first stay here and I didn’t expect that this would happen. Hojun and Taeha bickering? So freaking weird.

The soft creek of the balcony door broke my solitude. I glanced back, surprised to see Taeha stepping outside. His eyes were full of worry because of how I stepped out of that tension earlier.

“I’m sorry Eunji…for being too immature.” Taeha apologized, leaning against the railing beside me.

I shake my head at him, “It’s nobody’s fault. I just feel…overwhelmed about it. I just needed some air.” I forced a smile.

Silence took over us and only the gust of wind was heard between us. Taeha stepped away from the railing and he decided to let me be on this balcony, but then he stopped in his tracks.

 “That Hojun guy felt too comfortable with you. Is he really someone you know?” He asked.

Am I ready to tell Taeha everything? From those 20 years of constantly thinking about my childhood friend that miraculously came back in my life because of a summer getaway? My questionable feelings for Taeha is making my tongue tied. The thoughts tangled, looping into doubts that gnawed at my chest.

“I told you before, I didn’t know him. He’s just someone we know in this getaway.” I lied again, my heart thumping loudly in my chest.

As we stood here, a quiet comfort settling between me and Taeha again, I felt a strange prickling sensation—the feeling of being watched. My eyes found someone standing by one of the rooms, realizing that my eyes landed on him, on Hojun. I could see in his eyes that he eavesdropped something on our conversation and that made my heart sink. Before Taeha could catch him, Hojun already went inside his room.

But those eyes, I can’t forget it. His expression was unreadable, though his clenched jaw and the flicker of something sharp in his eyes spoke volumes. I hope I’m wrong in what I’m thinking.

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