13nickds

[13nickds]

Honey

IVE’s An Yujin x M!Reader

Note: yep....the actual finale for the puppy lmao

Appreciate @okaylikeschaewon for proofread and suggestions <3

(casual Yujin is best Yujin)

It started with the door slamming open like a hurricane had just entered the building.

"Did you miss me?!"

You were just adjusting your earpiece near the back corner of the practice room when the shout rang out, echoing off the polished mirrors.

There she was. An Yujin. The girl who just recovered from a cold. Dressed in an oversized black hoodie, cap backwards, mask slung lazily beneath her chin, and arms stretched wide like she was welcoming a stadium of screaming fans.

She spun once dramatically, nearly tripping over her own sneaker. “I have returned, baby-deul!”

No one even looked up.

Rei barely lifted a hand from her phone. “Boo.”

Gaeul didn’t pause stretching. “Was hoping you’d be out one more day, Yujin-ah.”

Wonyoung, sipping something from a straw, didn’t even blink. “I had peace for two whole days. I want them back.”

Leeseo gave her a thumbs-up with the flattest face imaginable. “Congrats on surviving your cold, unnie!”

Liz muttered, “Should’ve stayed in bed longer.”

Yujin clutched her chest dramatically like she'd been betrayed by her entire kingdom. “You traitors! This is how you greet your beloved leader?”

“Maybe if you were our leader,” Gaeul deadpanned.

You didn’t say anything. Not yet. You were too busy... staring.

Because despite the over-the-top dramatics, the usual diva behaviour, the fake outrage—she was back.

The hoodie sleeves were bunched awkwardly, her eyes were still a little puffy from lingering fatigue, and the end of her sentences cracked slightly from strain. But she was walking, talking, smiling.

And your chest, which had felt a little too tight for the past few days, finally eased. You caught yourself exhaling quietly.

It was subtle. You didn’t make a big deal of it. You didn’t walk over or say some awkward “glad you’re okay.” That would’ve only fed her ego.

But you couldn’t help but stare at her. You watched as she stumbled over her own feet, quite impressed at her attempt at playing off that lingering cough which you knew was bothering her.

Just like the soreness she carried, her hand subtly massaging her side. You knew it already, she was anything but slick.

So, as casually as possible, you shift towards the edge of the bench. Quietly, trying to avoid bringing attention to yourself, you cushioned the sharp corner from Yujin’s own clumsiness, attempting to prevent her from getting hurt.

Just like usual.

Only now, you weren’t just doing it because it was your job. You were doing it because she was Yujin. Your pain-in-the-ass favourite.

And nothing had ever felt more normal. Well…sort of.

When Yujin came back from her short sick leave, you told yourself everything was back to normal. You resumed your post—silent, alert, just another shadow in the background of their busy schedules.

But you weren’t just watching the group anymore. You were watching her.

It wasn’t conscious at first. Your eyes found her before anyone else. If she laughed too hard, coughed even once, or lingered behind the group for more than five seconds—your body moved on its own.

When the girls were filming a behind-the-scenes vlog at the park, you were meant to stay back with another staff member and keep your eyes on the crowd. The other members were off doing bits for the camera—Leeseo trying to race a squirrel, Rei spinning in circles for a TikTok, Wonyoung striking poses every five steps.

But your gaze was locked on Yujin, who had wandered to the edge of the walkway to wave at a passing toddler. The child’s mom smiled politely. Yujin beamed whereas you narrowed your eyes.

“Don’t wander too far,” you muttered into her earpiece.

She blinked, surprised, glancing around. Then she spotted you, arms crossed from thirty feet away, deadpan as usual.

She grinned. “Wow,” she whispered, loud enough into her mic for the whole crew to hear. “Even when I’m being adorable, I’m being pampered.”

"Yujin, what the-"

Later, at a crowded event where all six girls needed to take individual photos, you were meant to rotate between them. One minute per member, just a routine check-in.

You spent three on Yujin.

Checking the heels she hated wearing. Handing her a tissue even though she hadn’t asked for one. Fixing the mic pack on her back, even though a stylist had already done it.

“Oppa,” Wonyoung called, arching a brow from the side, “you do know the rest of us exist, right?”

You didn’t even turn. “Yeah, I just have a priority system. And you’re currently ranked... uhh…somewhere below the sound guy.”

The entire staff went, “Ohhhh snap-”

Rei nearly choked on her protein bar. “Oh my god.”

Yujin, gleaming like she just won an award, leaned into you and whispered, “Don’t let her live that one down. Please.”

Wonyoung huffed dramatically. “I hope she breaks your heart.”

You raised an eyebrow. “I hope she pays me more.”

That earned a laugh from even the manager, while Yujin clutched her stomach and leaned fully against your shoulder like it was her personal throne.

“See? That’s my bodyguard,” she said proudly. “Sassy and effective.”

You didn’t say it aloud, but you kind of liked the way she said my like that….or anytime she mentions you at all

Normally, you sat up front with the manager or quietly scanned your phone in the back row. Now? Now you were subtly adjusting the air conditioning whenever Yujin looked flushed. Offering her your water bottle without being asked. Ducking your head when she caught you glancing at her through the rearview mirror.

She’d tease you mercilessly every time. “Is this what love feels like?” “Are you writing a fanfic about me in your head right now?” “Hey~ blink if you want me to hold your hand.”

You’d scowl. “I can still push you out of this van.”

But your words lacked bite because even you couldn’t ignore it anymore. Your attention always gravitated toward her.

Not because she was a leader. Not because she was loud. But because, somehow, in a job built on staying detached, you had grown undeniably, stupidly, attached to An Yujin.

-

At some point, it became background noise, like the hum of fluorescent lights or the soft spin of a fan. Reliable. Predictable.

You and Yujin bicker. All day long. Since who knows when.

The other members had stopped commenting on it. They had stopped reacting to it.

…ok, honestly, they barely heard it anymore—at least not in the way most people would, just like this morning.

“Your hoodie’s inside out,” you muttered one morning as Yujin stomped out of the dorm in slippers and sleepy menace.

“It’s fashion,” she yawned. “You wouldn’t get it.”

“Of course I don't because it's dumb. I can see the tag.”

She tugged the hood further over her head. “That’s the statement piece. It’s commentary on how society’s always looking at labels!”

“Uhuh, deep,” you replied dryly. “Did you think that up just now or while brushing your teeth with your eyes closed?”

Wonyoung slipped past with a granola bar in her mouth. “Can you two keep the podcast quiet? Some of us are trying to ignore both of you.”

Gaeul followed, phone in hand, not even glancing up. “Volume down to level 3, please. We don’t need the full radio show this early.”

At rehearsals later, it continued like a well-oiled routine.

Yujin collapsed beside you during a break, sweat on her brow and water bottle in hand. You passed her a towel without looking.

“You always bring me the soft towel,” she mused, dabbing her neck with a satisfied sigh. “Does that mean I’m your favourite?”

“No,” you replied, eyes on the studio doors. “It means you complain the loudest. It's there in case I need to shut your mouth.”

“Tomato, tomato, same thing.” She grinned and leaned back, resting her head against your arm. “I bet you’d miss me if I stopped talking.”

“Please do, I’d throw a party,” you said flatly.

Rei, lying on the floor and scrolling through her phone, casually added, “Make sure I get an invite.”

“You’re not even listening!” Yujin pouted. "You guys are horrible to me…"

“We don’t need to,” Liz said from the other corner of the room, eyes half-shut in a power nap. “You two are like those podcasts people fall asleep to. Always talking, but somehow comforting.”

“Comforting?” you echoed, offended.

“...Comfortably annoying,” Rei corrected.

"Ah, right."

Leeseo raised a hand. “I used to get confused about who was mad at who. But now I know this is just how they say ‘I like you.’”

You and Yujin paused at the same time.

Then she nudged your side with a smirk. “See? Even Leeseo gets it.”

“Oh, shut up, An Yujin…” you muttered—but your voice lacked weight, and she knew it.

-

The moment came in their uncharacteristically quiet practice room.

No squeaky sneakers. No Gaeul’s weird warm-up playlist blaring through the speakers. No Wonyoung whining about muscle soreness like she wasn’t built from marble and ambition. No Liz sipping hot tea like a tired auntie in the corner.

Just quiet.

Oh, and An Yujin. Alone.

Yujin.

Long hair loosely tied, hoodie half-zipped, her speaker blaring a playlist of deep bass and dreamy vocals. She looked up at you with a smug, lazy smile—already brimming with mischief.

You stopped in the doorway. “Why are you here before everyone else?”

She didn’t even look up. “Isn’t it obvious?”

“Nothing about you is obvious.”

“I just want to see you.”

You blinked. Hard. “You saw me yesterday. And the day before. And every day since the beginning of time, apparently.”

Yujin finally looked at you through the mirror, her grin curling at one corner, hair a little messy, like she hadn’t finished brushing it. “Still….Not enough.”

You stepped into the room, letting the door click shut behind you. The sound echoed just a little too loudly in the otherwise quiet space.

“Yujin…I think you’re getting clingier,” you muttered, standing near the wall, arms crossed. “This is pretty risky. You’re like a cat. If I give you attention, you’ll never leave.”

"Technically, I am a puppy." Yujin huffed.

"Gosh, you're so annoyin- fine, you're like a puppy. Happy now?"

She laughed lightly and rolled onto her back, now doing lazy bicycle kicks. “Well, if you don’t, I’ll just start chewing the furniture until you do.”

“Wow, how great.” you deadpanned. “So you’re annoying and a health hazard.”

“Yaaaa~” she sang, dragging herself closer across the polished floor like she was in a zombie movie. “Why won’t you just say it?”

“Say what?”

“That you like me.” She paused at your feet, lying flat on the floor, staring up at you like you were the ceiling and the sun at once.

You felt your throat catch for a moment. “We’re not doing this now, An Yujin.”

“We’re alone.”

“Exactly," you gulped. "We’re not doing this.”

She propped herself up on her elbows. “What are you so scared of?”

Your jaw twitched. “You don’t need me to say anything. You know I—”

She stood in one smooth motion, suddenly far too close. “But I want to hear it.”

You stepped back once.

She followed.

You bumped against the wall.

She took another step closer.

Close enough that you could smell the faint citrus of her shampoo. Just close enough that you finally noticed her usual perfume that you've grown accustomed to.

Her eyes weren’t teasing now. No games. No playful nudges.

Just a girl standing in front of someone she trusted, someone she’d grown used to being around, someone she adored more than she probably should.

And suddenly her hands were on your chest, not pushing but resting—hot, firm, real. Her eyes searched for yours, less playful now. There was something sharper beneath it—soft, sure, and impossibly earnest.

“You bicker with me,” she said quietly. “You walk me to the van first, even when Wonyoung and Leeseo have the mic pack. You always pass me the bottle cap face-up when Liz is right next to you. You don’t even look at the others when I’m in the room. You make everything about me—except this.”

You didn’t expect it.

The way her hands slid up your chest to your collar. The way her breath hitched—just slightly—as she looked up at you with something that wasn't teasing for once.

“I like you,” she said quietly. “And I know you like me. Just say it, please…”

Her voice wasn’t flirty. It wasn’t smug. It was... earnest. And she didn’t give you a chance to answer. Not with words.

Instead, she leaned in and kissed you.

It was impulsive, but careful. Bold, but slow. Her hands curled into your jacket, gripping the fabric like she didn’t want to let go. Her breath was warm. Her body pressed close. Your head spun.

You hesitated, then melted into the kiss, the teasing and bickering dissolving into something urgent and real.

No hesitation. No duty. No job. Just her.

Just Yujin.

The moment was shattered by the worst possible sound.

Click.

The door  barely swung open when the members saw it.

“Yaaahhhhhh!!” Rei’s shriek might’ve shattered the glass panels.

“Get a room!” Wonyoung howled, spinning on her heel and sprinting back into the hallway as if her soul had physically left her body.

“My drink!” Liz yelled as her cup hit the floor, ice cubes rolling in every direction.

Leeseo immediately began filming like she already practiced for this with precision. “This is gold. Actual gold. Tiktok can wait — this needs to go on the big screen.”

Gaeul just stood there, rubbing her temple. “Freaking hell, I knew something was going on. I just didn’t expect to walk in on a freaking plot.”

You jumped apart like high schoolers caught by a teacher, your face hot and your brain already sprinting in every direction.

Silence.

You stood there like a moron. Words jammed at the base of your throat. Logic scrambled. Excuses? Gone.

They all stared.

And instead of reaching for a save, or fumbling for a lie, or brushing it off like you always did, you exhaled through your nose and muttered—loud enough for everyone to hear:

 “Yeah. I like her.”

Another explosion.

“Whoooaaa—” Rei clapped loudly like she was watching a drama unfold in real-time.

Liz kicked her fallen drink aside and clapped dramatically. “The tension is over. The ship has sailed.”

Leeseo gasped and started typing into her phone. “Do you think the fans know? Should we act surprised or should we leak it anonymously—”

Gaeul cut in calmly, “I’m never walking into a room alone again. Not with you two.”

But the worst part? Yujin hadn’t moved.

Well, Yujin froze for half a second. Then her eyes slowly, gleefully widened, lips parting in mock shock as if you had just confessed to a war crime. And then that smug, maddening smile spread across her face like wildfire.

“Ohhh?” she hummed, already basking in it. “You like me? You like me?”

“Don’t start. Don't even fucking start, An Yujin.”

“You like me,” she sang while playfully poking your cheek. “You likes me. You—my super serious, emotionally constipated bodyguard—like me.”

“Constipat- ugh, why did I confess to you of all people…” you muttered.

She leaned in closer, clearly loving every second. “Was it the kiss? Or was it the way I dramatically pinned you to the wall like in a webtoon? I practiced hard for this.”

“You wh- I will walk out of this room right now.”

“You can’t. You admitted it in front of witnesses.” She gestured to the chaotic peanut gallery behind her. “They’re basically our marriage officiants now.”

“Help,” you said, turning to Liz like she could physically remove Yujin from your personal space.

Liz just smiled. “Yeah, nah. You made your bed.”

“And now you get to share it~” Wonyoung chimed, practically giddy with amusement. "We're looking forward for you guys' wedding invitation~"

Yujin finally, finally leaned away—only to throw her arm around your neck and pull you toward her, all teeth and smugness and unbearable warmth. “Admit it,” she whispered smugly. “You’re relieved they found out. Now you don’t have to pretend you don’t adore me.”

“…You’re lucky I like you, Yujin."

She just buried her face into your neck from behind and whispered, “Took you long enough to say it, honey.”

You didn’t reply.

Because unfortunately, you did.

[13nickds]

Retired Mafia! Karina x Male reader, maybe a Sakamoto Days-esque fluff story? Maybe some aespa cameos too where aespa used to be the gang Karina lead and then all of them now are trying to have normal lives?

Love your stories !

“Katarina Days”

Synopsis: Your wife, Karina, used to be the deadliest assassin alive. Now she’s gone for a week — back in the shadows with her old crew to end the war once and for all. You stay behind at the café… but bad instincts don't die young.

Word Count: 5,521

Karina X Male Reader

The rain was heavy.

But what’s heavier?

Dragging a body.

Katarina, dressed in a black coat soaked to the lining, pulled the lifeless man through the alley with methodical, unhurried precision. His blood painted the pavement behind her like a ribbon of consequence, winding through puddles and cigarette butts. Another executive. Another open mouth. Another job done.

He'd begged.

They always did.

“I have kids,” he cried, breath wet with desperation. “I can pay you double. Triple—”

But Katarina didn't work for money. She worked for silence.

And he talked too much.

No one ever lived to tell the tale. Not because she enjoyed the kill—though she was good at it—but because gossip was the sharpest weapon in the world. Gossip unraveled empires. Toppled syndicates. And she wasn’t about to let some fool with a tie and a tendency to overshare take her down.

She dragged him behind an abandoned bakery and left him there. No one would check until morning. By then, the cameras would already be looped, the scent washed away, the city moving on like he never existed.

Katarina lit a cigarette and stood in the rain, the glow of the ember flickering against the sharp lines of her face. Cold eyes, sharper than any knife she owned. She had killed twenty-seven people this year. And that was on record.

Tonight was supposed to be her last job.

Not because she was tired. Not because she’d lost her edge. But because she was starting to wonder…

What came after perfection?

She turned off her phone. Let it die. Let the messages pile up, the unanswered questions from old clients and cautious allies.

She walked.

No destination. Just instinct. Just legs that didn’t know what rest meant. Every streetlamp that buzzed overhead seemed to whisper pieces of the life she’d buried — the faces, the codes, the cold nights curled beside a handgun instead of a lover.

Then she saw it.

A tiny bookstore. Sandwiched between a laundromat and a pawnshop. Warm yellow lights spilled from its windows like a secret invitation.

It wasn’t open late.

But the door was.

She pushed it open, slow.

Chime.

The bell above her head rang out softly — and for the first time in years, it felt like a welcome instead of a warning.

The warmth hit her first. Then the smell — aged pages, polished wood, faint lavender. Jazz trickled through the air like a lullaby in the dark. The world slowed. She blinked rain from her lashes and glanced around.

And then she saw you.

Behind the counter. Reading. Chin resting on your hand, a pen twirling lazily in the other. Your shirt was wrinkled. There was ink smudged on your cheek.

You didn’t even look up at first. Not until she stepped forward, her soaked boots leaving a faint print on the wooden floor.

You glanced at her, and you smiled.

No hesitation. No tension in your shoulders. No flicker of recognition. You smiled like she was a regular. Like she was someone.

“Hey,” you said casually. “Rough weather?”

She said nothing. Didn’t know how.

“Need any help?” you asked, setting your book down.

“…Mystery,” she murmured.

You tilted your head. “Like whodunits? Or spy thrillers?”

She stared.

What kind of question was that?

But you kept talking, easy. Effortless. Like the world hadn’t just shifted for her. Like she wasn’t a loaded gun disguised as a woman.

“Try this,” you said finally, walking around the counter. You didn’t even ask for her name. You just handed her a thin paperback. The Silent Patient.

“It’s not long. Got a killer twist at the end. Should suit your vibe.”

She looked down at the cover, then up at you.

Something warm curled in her stomach. Unfamiliar. Unwelcome. Dangerous.

You didn’t know what she was. You didn’t see the red on her hands.

And for the first time in a long time, she didn’t want to correct you.

Outside, the rain kept falling. Inside, Katarina stood in a pool of light and held a book like it might just save her life.

It had been thirty-two hours.

Katarina didn’t sleep.

Not because of a threat. Not because she was on edge. Not even because of guilt.

She was just… thinking.

About the man behind the bookstore counter. About his smile. His voice. The way he looked at her like she was just a stranger, and not a monster in disguise.

She stared at the book you gave her — The Silent Patient — for an hour before placing it gently on the table. She never opened it. She couldn't. Every time she reached for it, she’d see your face. That dumb, casual smile. Those ink-stained fingers. And then she’d feel something dangerous.

Something soft.

So she went back.

Same coat. Same boots. No knife this time. Not because she didn’t think she’d need it — but because she didn’t want to.

The bell above the bookstore chimed softly as she pushed the door open again.

There you were.

Hunched over a box of new stock. T-shirt hanging off one shoulder, sleeves rolled up, humming along to some indie band playing quietly in the background. You didn’t look up right away, but the moment the bell rang a second time, you turned.

Recognition flashed in your eyes. Then that same smile.

Like clockwork.

“You’re returnin’ this already?” you said, standing as she approached. “You either read fast… or never read it.”

You chuckled, warm, unbothered.

She froze. And for a second, the war machine in her head tried to pick a response.

Lie. Deflect. Walk out.

But she didn’t.

She held out the book, silent.

You took it gently, like you were afraid of bending the pages.

“I’m Y/N,” you said, offering your hand like you weren’t offering her a loaded gun. “And yours?”

Her mouth opened before she could think.

“…Katari—”

A breath caught. A reflex kicked in. Her real name nearly slipped out like blood from an old wound.

She swallowed it.

“…Karina,” she corrected quickly, voice flat, eyes unreadable.

“Karina,” you repeated, tasting the name like it belonged in a love poem. “Pretty. Suits you.”

No it doesn’t, she wanted to say.

You don’t know me.

But you just smiled again, turning to the side and waving her over.

“Well, Ms. Karina,” you said lightly, “how about round two? No pressure. But I’ve got another rec, and I promise this one’s got less psychological trauma. Probably.”

She hesitated.

Then, like a miracle or a mistake—she sat down.

It was supposed to be five minutes.

Ten at most.

She told herself that when she stepped through the door again. When the bell chimed and your voice floated in from somewhere behind the shelves, humming some forgotten 90s song like you were the last person alive in a dead city.

Just five minutes, she thought.

But five minutes turned into coffee.

Coffee turned into conversation.

And somewhere in between you asking, “Do you believe in soulmates?” and “What's your favorite action movie?”

“You don’t talk much,” you said, sipping slowly, seated across from her on the bookstore floor, legs crossed.

She stared at her untouched drink. Black. No sugar. You offered cream; she declined.

“Not used to talking,” she replied after a long pause.

You nodded. Like you understood. “Quiet’s fine too.”

That silence that followed was the kind that would’ve made other people uncomfortable.

Not you.

You sat in it like it was air. Let her exist without filling the void. Let her rest.

You didn’t ask what she did for a living. Didn’t question the faint bruises on her knuckles. Didn’t flinch when she casually flicked a fly off the table… with a precision that could slice glass.

“Hey,” you said after a while. “Just wondering…”

She looked up, eyes sharp. Ready.

“If you could disappear tomorrow… no debt, no drama, no unfinished business — where would you go?”

She blinked.

You smiled, lazy and thoughtful. “Sorry, it’s a dumb question. I ask people that sometimes. Not sure why.”

She didn’t answer at first. Didn’t know how.

Where would she go?

She’d never thought of leaving. Only surviving. Only silencing the noise.

But the question lingered. Grew roots. Hung between you like a promise.

“I don’t know,” she said finally. Her voice was softer now. Barely above a whisper.

“…Maybe somewhere it rains,” she added.

You grinned. “You’d like it here, then.”

Katarina stared at you.

And for a moment — one impossible moment — she wished she’d met you before she learned how to kill.

She left that night in the rain again.

But this time, she didn’t light a cigarette.

She just stood under the overhang of the bookstore, your number saved on her phone, her fingers hovering over it.

She didn’t text you.

She just smiled — the smallest smile — and walked into the night.

5 YEARS LATER.

The church was small. Hidden. White wood, pale blue trim, nestled between a cherry orchard and a hillside no GPS could find.

The kind of place no one could trace.

No suits. No guns. No assassins in the pews.

Just you, standing nervously at the front, your tie crooked and your palms sweaty. Your best man forgot the rings. The officiant was late.

And Karina — not Katarina — walked down the aisle alone, in a dress so simple it looked like peace. Hair tucked back. No makeup. No heels. Just her. Bare, human, free.

She looked terrified.

Not because she was unsure.

But because this — you — was the first thing she couldn’t kill if it ever hurt her.

You grinned when you saw her. Like always.

And she exhaled like the war was over.

“I never thought I’d get married,” she whispered at the altar, hands trembling only slightly in yours.

You squeezed them. “Yeah? I never thought I’d fall in love with a woman who knows exactly where to stab someone to make it look like a heart attack.”

She laughed.

Really laughed.

It was soft, breathless, and maybe a little dangerous.

“I love you,” she said simply. Honestly.

No guards. No code words.

Just the girl behind the ghost.

And when the rings finally came…

She slipped yours on like sealing a secret.

PRESENT DAY.

The smell of fresh coffee hit first.

Then ink. Toasted bread. Faint vanilla from the new candle you insisted on lighting every morning.

It was the kind of scent that didn’t exist in her old world. The kind of scent that didn’t mask blood or cordite or perfume sprayed over fear. It was honest. Warm. Human.

Karina leaned against the counter of the book café, hair tied loosely behind her head, apron slightly wrinkled from wiping flour on it when she thought no one was looking.

“Your handwriting’s getting worse,” she said, staring down at the chalkboard menu you’d written this morning.

You stood nearby, tucking books into a display rack labeled “Recommended by Him (Yes, He Cries Easily)”.

“Hey, those letters have charm,” you replied, grinning. “Also, you chose that handwriting two weeks ago. Don’t pretend like you didn’t say it was ‘romantically unpolished.’”

She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

It was always like this now.

Small. Soft. Safe.

Outside, the rain tapped lazily on the glass. Busan moved on without her. The city still pulsed — but she no longer needed to move with it.

Someone opened the café door. A chime rang out.

Karina didn’t even tense.

That still surprised her sometimes.

The woman who used to grip knives at every knock now greeted customers with napkins and warm tea. She didn’t check for escape routes anymore. Didn’t memorize shoe sizes in case she had to track someone through mud.

Now?

She remembered names.

Regulars.

The old man who always asked for books about jazz. The young college girl who ordered the same raspberry scone every Thursday. The kid who traded comics for free hot chocolate.

You came up behind her, wrapping your arms around her waist loosely, chin resting on her shoulder.

“She’s got that look again,” you whispered into her ear.

“What look?” she muttered, sipping her coffee.

“The "Legendary Katarina look.”

She smirked. “That’s just my face.”

“Well… I like your face.”

You kissed her cheek and she didn’t push you away.

Not this time. Not anymore.

Later that night, after closing, you watched her rearrange the shelves like it was an art form.

She wore glasses now. Just for reading. You loved them more than you should.

“You ever think about it?” you asked, sweeping up near the counter.

She didn’t need to ask what.

Her old life.

The throne. The name. The fear.

“Sometimes,” she answered truthfully. “Like a scar you forgot was there.”

You nodded.

Then: “Do you miss it?”

She turned, met your gaze. Quiet.

“No,” she said.

Just that. No.

Because it was true.

Outside, the rain kept falling.

Inside, the Queen of the Underworld brewed you a cup of chamomile, tucked her bare feet onto the couch, and rested her head on your shoulder.

THE NEXT DAY

“Excuse me…” The customer tilted their head, half-laughing, half-in-awe. “Sorry if this is weird, but—your knife skills are insane. Are you, like, a trained chef or something?”

Karina didn’t even look up.

The blade glided through the red bell pepper like silk. Perfectly even slices, each falling exactly the same width, stacked neatly like a deck of cards. She didn’t pause. Didn’t slow down.

Just kept cutting.

“Not a chef,” she replied coolly.

Just... accurate.

“Oh.” The customer blinked. “You should be.”

You watched the exchange from the other side of the counter, towel draped over your shoulder, sipping a cup of lukewarm coffee. You didn’t say anything.

You just smiled.

Because of course someone would notice.

She always chopped vegetables like they’d wronged her ancestors — with elegance, intensity, and laser-focused precision.

Karina finished the prep silently, hands smooth and steady, every move calculated but effortless. You swear she could turn a salad into a military operation.

When the customer walked away, still mumbling something about “auditioning for MasterChef,” you approached slowly, arms crossed.

“Still terrifying,” you said casually, nodding to the perfectly diced pile of onions.

She didn’t answer.

Instead, she turned to you, flicked a piece of carrot at your chest with the tip of her knife (landing it squarely in your apron pocket), and smirked.

“Still married to me,” she quipped.

You leaned in, voice low and teasing. “Only ‘cause you threatened me with a whisk during vows.”

Her smile was soft now. More real. It always was, when you teased her like that.

She reached up, brushing a bit of flour off your cheek with her thumb — slow, deliberate.

“Whisks are dangerous,” she said.

“I like living on the edge.”

She didn’t kiss you.

But she looked at you like she might.

Later, after the rush died down, you both stood in the back kitchen, dishes soaking in the sink, jazz playing low on the speakers.

Your hands brushed against hers while drying mugs.

You didn’t pull away.

Neither did she.

Karina leaned her shoulder against yours, cheek resting briefly against your arm.

No words. Just warmth.

The café was quiet. Rain tapped lazily at the windows again. And somewhere between the smell of soap and cinnamon pastries cooling on the counter…

You dried the last plate, stacked it gently, then turned to her.

“Wanna try the new cookie recipe?”

She tilted her head. “Only if I get to use the good knife.”

You stared at her.

“…You mean the one you keep hidden in the spice rack?”

She smiled. “Old habits.”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“I’m lucky you’re not scared.”

And that — that little exchange — was everything.

SOMEDAY LATER

You were scrolling lazily behind the register while Karina wiped down the espresso machine like it had insulted her family. Your phone wasn’t even loud, but she caught the screen mid-swipe.

A cat-shaped latte.

Too fluffy. Too cute. Too… unnecessary.

“...I can do that,” she muttered.

You looked up. “What?”

“That,” she repeated, pointing. “The milk art. With the cat. It’s just foam. How hard can it be?”

You stared at her.

Katarina—who once removed a man’s ring finger without smudging her lipstick—wanted to make a frothy cartoon cat.

You grinned.

“Oh, babe,” you said. “This I gotta see.”

Attempt #1 You got… a ghost. Probably. A shapeless swirl with one dot in the middle. Possibly haunted.

Karina blinked down at the cup, unimpressed.

“…It’s cute, baby” you offered.

Attempt #2 Somehow worse. Looked like a crime scene.

“You killed the cat,” you said, nearly crying. “It’s dead.”

She glared at you, then quietly took a sip like nothing happened.

“I’m calibrating.”

Attempt #5 It almost looked like a bunny. You told her it was perfect. She stared at it for a long time. Said nothing.

Then:

“I’ve sniped a man from 400 meters with wind. But this… foam… it defies logic.”

You walked up behind her, hugged her from the waist.

“Babe,” you whispered, “I love that you’re more upset about latte foam than the 400-meter thing.”

She scoffed.

“You’re impossible.”

“You’re adorable.”

And she didn’t say anything else — just leaned back against you, hand still gripping the milk pitcher like it had personally offended her.

The next morning, you woke up to her whispering, “...It’s all about pour angle.”

She was watching latte tutorials at 5:12 a.m.

Two weeks later — rain again.

But this time, the atmosphere wasn’t warm.

A man walked into a bar somewhere in Osaka.

He didn’t give his name. Just ordered neat whiskey, removed a flash drive from his coat, and slid it across the table to someone in a pressed suit with cold eyes.

The man in the suit plugged it in.

A grainy photo appeared.

Surveillance. Low quality. But unmistakable.

Katarina.

Hair pulled back. No weapons visible. Wearing an apron. Smiling — smiling — behind a café counter next to a man they didn’t recognize.

The man in the suit leaned back slowly.

He hadn’t seen that face in years.

“She’s alive,” the whisper came, low and sharp. “We always thought she vanished. Went ghost. Now look…”

“She’s retired,” someone said from the shadows. “She’s nothing now.”

The man in the suit didn’t respond.

Instead, he tapped his fingers once.

Then twice.

A quiet code.

Within minutes, it was out.

Across screens. Across borders. Across old encrypted networks long thought dead.

The bounty appeared in blood-red text on a dark forum:

TARGET: KATARINA REWARD: ₩3,600,000,000.00 (alive preferred, dead acceptable) Location: Onkyodon Cafe.

And just like that—

The hunt began.

THE NEXT DAY

His name was Juno. Real name? Probably not. No one in the Association used theirs anymore.

He was 24. Broke. Cocky.

And convinced he was going to kill Katarina.

He walked into your café on a Tuesday.

Rain again. Always rain.

The chime above the door rang sweet and innocent. The smell of cinnamon, coffee, and fresh paper hit him like nostalgia. He almost forgot he was here to kill someone.

Almost.

“Welcome in,” you called from behind the counter, smiling at him.

You looked normal. Soft eyes. Flour on your shirt. A band-aid on one finger — a paper cut, maybe. You looked like someone who'd never held a gun.

Easy.

Juno smiled back. Stepped forward. Casually scanned the shop.

And then he saw her.

Tied-back hair. Simple black apron. Kneeling behind the glass pastry case, adjusting a row of lemon bars like they were priceless artifacts. Hands delicate. Back relaxed.

The air around her was still.

And wrong.

Like a lake that was too calm.

He double-checked the photo on his phone. Grainy. Pixelated. But the jawline was the same. The eyes — even lowered — had that same cold focus.

Katarina.

“Can I help you?” she said, standing slowly, brushing powdered sugar off her palms.

Her voice was soft.

Polite.

Juno smiled again. “Yeah. Uh… latte. No sugar.”

You nodded behind her. “Coming right up.”

Juno watched her closely. She turned her back, poured milk.

Didn’t flinch.

No tension in her shoulders. No signs of a weapon.

Too perfect.

He slid a small capsule under his tongue. Numbed his nerves. Light stimulant. He’d rehearsed this. Quick slash, immobilize, cut the tendons—

But then she spoke again.

“You’re wearing cheap leather.”

He blinked.

“…Huh?”

Karina didn’t turn around. Just kept frothing the milk.

“Those gloves,” she said. “New. Not broken in. Not yours. Bought for a job.”

He tensed.

“Also, you’ve been standing in a wide stance since you came in,” she continued, tone casual. “Like you're ready to draw.”

The steam hissed.

She turned around.

No blade. No gun. Just that look.

“I haven’t stretched in years,” she said softly, setting the mug down in front of him. “But you seem like the kind of idiot I can warm up with.”

Juno moved.

Fast.

But not faster than her.

Crash.

Cup shattered. Table flipped. Your stool screeched back.

Juno lunged with a hidden blade.

Karina sidestepped like wind, caught his wrist, twisted.

Crack.

He screamed.

Then silence.

She leaned close, her lips near his ear.

“One rule,” she whispered. “Never threaten what I love.”

She drove her knee into his gut. His head hit the corner of the counter on the way down.

Out cold.

You blinked.

“Aww man those glasses where expensive.”

“Rookie,” she muttered, already pulling the Closed sign.

She locked the door.

You stood there in the quiet, looking at the crumpled body of a would-be killer on the floor of your café.

Karina wiped her hands on a towel. Calm. Composed. Beautiful.

You stared.

“…You’re kind of hot when you’re like this.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You have a weird type.”

You shrugged. “I don’t mind, I knew you before this whole cafe thing”

She walked over. Kissed your cheek. Then whispered:

“Take out’s on you. I stretched. I’m done for the day.”

LATER THAT NIGHT.

You found her on the balcony, barefoot in your hoodie, hair loose, wind brushing against her face like it missed her.

She wasn’t crying. But the look in her eyes — that distant, calculating stare — it was the one she wore before she killed.

You didn’t say anything.

Just stepped behind her, wrapped your arms around her waist, and rested your chin on her shoulder.

“…Made your debut again?” you asked gently.

She didn’t answer at first.

Only the sound of distant traffic below. Rain hanging in the air, threatening to fall.

Finally, she spoke.

“They want me back.”

You tensed.

“What's the bounty this time?”

“₩3.6 billion,” she said.

You were quiet.

She turned to you slowly. Face close. Voice smaller than usual.

“I thought I could stay hidden. That they’d move on. But if they’re offering that much…”

She trailed off.

You reached up, brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Do we run?”

She looked at you.

For a second, her old self flashed through — sharp, ruthless, untouchable.

“…No,” she said. “I’m not running from my own past. Not again.

Somewhere in Tokyo. Rooftop garden. High-rise under the name Y.Z. Imports — a shell company for blood.

Aeri, lounging in a velvet chair, wine glass in hand. Her expression unreadable. She was always Karina’s second — the tactician, the shadow.

Across from her stood Ning. Tall, sharp-eyed, humming softly to herself while polishing a blade she swore had tasted royalty.

Minjeong sat cross-legged on the edge of the balcony rail, wind whipping her short hair around. Calm. Still. That terrifying kind of still. Her expression blank, but her eyes—

Her eyes were mourning.

“She’s really alive,” Ning said flatly. “Living in Busan. With some boy.”

Minjeong didn’t blink.

“I want to see her,” she whispered.

Aeri gave her a look. “We’re not going to hug it out, Minjeong. She abandoned us.”

“She freed us,” Minjeong replied softly. “That’s why you’re still breathing.”

No one spoke after that.

Aeri tapped her nail against the wine glass.

“If we do this,” she said coldly, “we don’t walk away without blood.”

Minjeong nodded once.

“So excited,” she said.

It was late. Past 1 a.m.

You had gone to bed already. She promised she’d close the shop alone. Said she needed a little time, some silence.

Karina stood behind the counter, tying up the last bag of scones for tomorrow. The lights were dim, save for the warm golden glow above the espresso bar. Soft jazz played from the speaker. The world felt gentle.

She hadn’t felt this calm in days.

Then—

Chime.

The front door opened.

She didn’t even look up at first.

“We’re closed,” she said, brushing her hands off.

But then—

She heard the sound.

The way the door clicked shut.

The way the steps stopped short in front of the counter.

And a voice she hadn’t heard in years said:

“Didn’t think you of all people would settle for cinnamon scones.”

Karina froze.

Then looked up.

Three figures.

Aeri. All black. Hair long. Arms crossed, eyes sharp. Her voice was calm, but her presence screamed command.

Ning. Blade sheathed at her hip like it was still legal. Leaned casually against the wall, chewing gum, but her gaze never left Karina’s hands.

Minjeong. Soft sweater. Wide eyes. She looked like a ghost who hadn’t decided if it wanted to forgive or haunt.

Karina didn’t move. She didn’t speak. Not yet.

The café buzzed low. The air didn’t breathe.

Finally, Aeri spoke again.

“You really disappeared for a boy, huh?”

Karina stared.

Then calmly untied her apron. Folded it.

Placed it on the counter.

“I disappeared,” she said, “because I was tired of being owned.”

Ning scoffed. “So you opened a bakery. How poetic.”

“You think this is weakness?” Karina replied coolly. “I live without a knife under my pillow now. That’s strength.”

Minjeong stepped forward, quiet.

“We thought you were dead.”

Karina looked at her. Something cracked in her eyes.

“I was,” she whispered.

Silence.

Then: “You trained us,” Minjeong said. “You protected us. And then you vanished.”

“I left you alive,” Karina said. “That’s the only protection I could give.”

A beat.

Then, Aeri’s voice — colder now.

“The bounty’s real. There’s a war coming. They’ll burn this whole city to find you.”

“I know.”

“What are you going to do?”

Karina exhaled.

Walked slowly to the espresso machine.

“Make coffee,” she said.

“Then overthrow the whole association, if I have to.”

She handed Aeri a mug. Poured a glass of water for Minjeong. Tossed a biscotti toward Ning.

And just like that—

For one night only, the café became a war room.

No orders.

No guns.

Just the quiet reunion of four women who once ruled the world.

And might have to again.

The clock hit 2:42 a.m.

Rain tapped the windows. The espresso machine hissed softly in the background.

And at the corner table of your cozy little café, four of the deadliest women on Earth were casually planning how to dismantle an underground assassination network.

No bullets. No shouting. Just the soft scratching of pens and low, deadly whispers.

Karina sat at the head of the table. Calm. Collected. Sleeves rolled. Hair up.

Minjeong leaned over a rough map of Busan, drawing red Xs and circles over suspected safehouses. Ning tapped her knife rhythmically against her phone screen, syncing burner numbers to ex-members. Aeri flipped through a black notebook, her handwriting terrifyingly perfect.

The scent of jasmine tea lingered in the air.

No one spoke louder than necessary.

And then—

“Babe?”

All four turned.

You stood at the back hallway entrance, blinking sleepily, hair messy, wearing your favorite hoodie and one sock.

Rubbing your eye.

“…Are we being robbed?” you asked, deadpan.

Karina stood slowly. The other three tensed — instinctively, not aggressively.

“No,” she said softly, walking over to you. “Just…”

“A reunion.”

You looked past her.

At the knives. The maps. The empty espresso cups.

At the women who looked like they could kill you with a sugar packet.

“…Cool,” you said. “Anyone want toast or…?”

Ning actually laughed. Just once. A short, surprised snort.

Aeri closed her notebook. Minjeong gave you the smallest, warmest nod.

You just looked at Karina.

She looked… tired. But peaceful in a strange, steel-tipped way.

You stepped forward, brushing a hand against hers.

“Whatever this is,” you said softly, “I’m in. But you’re not doing it alone.”

Karina stared at you.

Then kissed your knuckles.

“You never had to be in,” she murmured. “But thank you for staying.”

Thirty minutes later…

You were in the kitchen making grilled cheese for four literal killers. Minjeong asked for extra cheese. Aeri said no crusts. Ning wanted hers cut diagonally or not at all.

"extra cheese? so much sodium for a late night snack."

Karina just stood beside you, watching like it was the first time she ever saw a home.

She packed light.

One hoodie. Two burner phones. A folded map. Three knives she didn’t bother hiding.

You leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. Watching.

She was quiet.

Karina didn’t say “I’m sorry.” She didn’t cry. That wasn’t her style.

But her hands trembled ever so slightly when she tied her hair back.

JUSTICE waited outside — Aeri behind the wheel of an unmarked van, Minjeong staring up at your windows like she wanted to say goodbye, Ning chewing gum like this was just another Tuesday.

You finally broke the silence.

“You said you were done with that world.”

Karina froze.

“I was.”

“Then why go back?”

She turned slowly. Her voice was calm — too calm.

“Because they found this world.”

She looked around the apartment. The plants. The socks you left on the couch. The photos taped to the fridge. Your life together.

“They found us.”

You walked toward her.

Stopped a few feet away.

“Do you promise to come back?”

She looked up.

Eyes steady. A little broken.

“I can’t promise safety.”

“Then lie to me.”

That made her smile. Barely.

She heard your voice.

Voice barely above a whisper. Not broken. Not strong.

Just real.

“I love you.”

Karina didn’t look up right away. Her hands paused at the knot. The city hummed quietly outside the window.

She stood slowly. Walked toward you. Stopped with only a breath between you both.

And for a second, her eyes flickered — not with fear, not with doubt.

But with weight.

Like she'd been carrying those three words for years but never found a moment quiet enough to lay them down.

She touched your face. Thumb brushed your cheek.

“I know,” she whispered. “I’ve loved you since the first time you made fun of my name and still offered me a coffee.”

You smiled. Just barely.

“It was a good name.”

“It was a dangerous one.”

“So was mine. Now we’re just... Karina and Y/N.”

“For now,” she said, smile sad but certain.

She kissed you.

Slow. Like it had to last the whole week.

Then she pulled away, hand lingering against your chest.

“When I come back,” she said, “you’ll hear it again. From me. For real.”

“That wasn’t real?” you teased.

She leaned in, nose brushing yours.

“No, that was me being selfish.”

She grinned. Finally.

“Real is coming home.”

And with that—

She turned.

Opened the door.

And left.

Not even an hour had past.

You stood in the quiet of the café.

The scent of her perfume still hung in the kitchen. The soft clink of mugs cooling in the sink. Outside, the van was long gone.

She was out there, fighting ghosts.

And here you were — apron still tied.

For a second, you stared at the photo pinned above the espresso bar. The one she didn’t know you’d taken — her asleep on the couch, flour on her cheek, curled into your hoodie.

You exhaled.

Then picked up your phone.

Scroll.

Tap.

[Dialing: “Mr. Ho”]

Two rings.

A voice answered. Groggy. Smug.

“Good Evening Sir, What can I do for you in this fine evening?”

You didn’t waste time.

“Wife’s gone for a week. I need you to take over the shop.”

A pause..

“Sure thing Sir, A vacation I suppose?”

“Something like that, Also remind everyone for a meeting..”

That got them quiet.

“As you wish Sir.”

You stepped behind the counter. Opened the drawer beneath the register. Pulled out a velvet box. Opened it.

Inside: not rings. Not photos.

But an old 9mm Pistol, still as shiny as the first time you killed someone with it.. And a phone. Still active. No apps. Just one function.

A dead channel coming back online.

“Sir,” another assistant said after a beat, voice lighter now. “You returning?”

Others quickly join the channel "Eh? A legend returning? what a beautiful world we really have."

You smiled softly.

“Not really. Just…”

Click. You slid the phone into your pocket. Took off the apron, pressing a button under the register and revealing a wall full of guns and gadgets.

“…Gotta make sure the wife’s safe is all. A husband’s duty, am I right?”

[13nickds]

—perfect escape

★ in which you find yourself waking up from a car crash after running away from a cheating partner. you meet a woman who changed your life for the better. soon you discover something about the reality you live in.

[heavily inspired by a filipino movie 'my perfect you']

sophia laforteza × fem!reader

7.5k words

⚠️ car crash, injuries, blood, swearing, angst, fluff

it was your girlfriend’s birthday. you got off early from work, your hands full of gifts—cake, balloons, flowers—emptying your wallet just to make her day special. you drove to your shared apartment, picturing her lounging on the couch, watching her favorite movie.

but when you stepped inside, the cake slipped from your grasp and crashed to the floor. petals from the bouquet scattered, the sound shattering the silence—and the two people clinging to each other.

your girlfriend, straddling a man you once called your best friend. shock and guilt painted their faces as they caught sight of you. she was half-naked, scrambling off him and rushing toward you, trying to explain, to reach you—but everything around you went silent. you couldn’t hear her words, nor his.

all you saw was betrayal, and anger burning in your chest.

“don’t fucking touch me,” you said through gritted teeth, anger simmering beneath your skin.

“yn, please, let me—”

“i saw enough. fucking leave me alone! we’re done!” you snapped, turning away, leaving behind years of love shattered by infidelity.

you slammed into your car, the engine roaring as you sped off before she could even knock on the window. your mind spiraled, tears blurring your vision as you cried out your pain on the empty highway.

you grabbed your phone, desperate for someone—your sister, your brother, anyone—but no one answered. frustration and heartbreak overwhelmed you, and you threw the phone out the window with a grunt of anger.

then, suddenly, a loud crash. your car veered off the road and tumbled into a ditch.

everything went black.

you could’ve died. but you didn’t.

instead, you woke up to a hard surface beneath you, a thin mattress and a rough makeshift pillow. cloths were wrapped around your head, hands, and torso. the room was shabby—wooden walls patched poorly, a tilted handmade table beside you with a basin of bloodied water and cloth resting on it.

you tried standing up and almost fell, but you caught yourself. limping, you made your way toward the doorway. the door was made of bamboo wood, looking fragile enough to break if you kicked it.

the glare of the sun stabbed your eyes as you stepped outside. you winced, blinking rapidly, letting your eyes adjust to the brightness. when you finally opened them, you were greeted by the sight of trees—countless trees stretching as far as you could see. a waterfall glistened in the distance, just within walking range.

your hearing returned slowly, the song of birds and the steady rush of the waterfall filling your ears. the air was different here—fresh, clean, and alive. it smelled like health itself, a sharp contrast to the city air you were used to.

you walked to the riverbank, noticing you were barefoot. dipping your feet into the cool water, you let out a relieved sigh as the refreshing chill touched your skin.

“enjoying yourself?” a soft voice asked.

you whipped your head around and saw the most beautiful woman you’d ever laid eyes on.

she noticed your stunned expression and giggled—a sound like music to your ears.

she walked closer and stopped a respectful distance away. she smelled like flowers... and fish?

the odd scent snapped you out of your daze, and you cleared your throat, scrunching your nose at the fishy smell.

she giggled again and wiggled a makeshift basket filled with fish.

“today’s lunch—fish,” she said, then walked past you to crouch by the water, washing the catch.

you looked at her and finally found your voice.

“where am i?” your voice was raspy and broken.

she looked up, smiling gently. “you’re in my home.”

you glanced around, realizing her house was the only one in sight.

“you live alone out here?”

“no,” she replied, eyes flicking to your bandages. “i live with daniel and carrie. they’re like my siblings, though we’re not related by blood.”

“how are you feeling? you looked pretty messed up when we found you,” she asked.

suddenly, everything came rushing back—the pain, the betrayal, the desperate need for comfort... then the crash.

you tensed, and she quickly stood, waving her hands in front of your face. the motion pulled you out of your haze, and you exhaled a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding.

“god…”

—

you watched as the woman gently removed your bandages, her hands careful not to cause you pain. the tenderness in her touch was a stark contrast to the chaos swirling inside you.

“we were on our way back from the village when we saw your car from a distance,” she began, finishing the bandage on your arm before sitting back down beside you on the bed.

“the crash looked pretty bad. honestly, it’s a miracle you’re still alive.”

you let out a heavy sigh and looked down at the bandages wrapped around you.

“thank you…”

she hummed softly and stood up.

your eyes followed her as she walked toward the doorway.

“i’ll be preparing lunch. you take a rest or something,” she said before disappearing.

you stayed seated and nodded. maybe sleep would help you forget the pain? you tried, but closing your eyes only invited the memories back. you huffed in frustration and sat up.

the quiet was suffocating, and silence only let your thoughts swirl and consume you. so you stood and walked out, looking around for the woman.

your eyes widened as a sudden realization hit you.

“i didn’t even get to ask her name…”

you found her in a makeshift shed, sheltering a small fireplace, probably used for cooking.

“i’m yn,” you called out.

she looked back at you, amused and slightly surprised by your presence.

“hi yn, i’m sophia,” she said with a warm smile.

“done resting?” she asked, turning back to her cooking.

“couldn’t rest. thoughts are restless,” you admitted, watching her move with calm purpose.

“must be some bad thoughts if you want to silence them,” she said softly.

you hummed in agreement, feeling a strange comfort in her presence despite the storm inside you.

when the food was ready, sophia brought you to a small table near the riverbank. the place was peaceful, the gentle sound of the flowing water creating the perfect backdrop for a calm lunch.

you thanked her quietly for the meal and watched as she ate with her bare hands. stunned for a moment, you soon followed suit, digging in with your own hands. surprisingly, the food was delicious, and you found yourself enjoying it more than you expected.

sophia watched you with a soft smile.

“so,” she started, making you look up.

“what’s your story, if you don’t mind me asking?” she said gently.

you swallowed your food and took a moment before answering.

“my ex cheated on me. i tried surprising her for her birthday, but turns out i was the one surprised—seeing her with my best friend.” you sighed, your chest tightening as the memory flooded back.

sophia listened silently, sympathy shining in her eyes as she nodded.

“i couldn’t handle it and just drove off. and here i am,” you finished, chuckling bitterly, biting your lip as tears threatened to spill.

your vision blurred as the tears welled up. sophia noticed immediately.

without a word, she stood and walked to the river, facing the waterfall. then, she screamed—raw and loud, her voice swallowed by the roar of the water.

you watched, stunned by her sudden outburst.

she breathed deeply, then turned back to you with a gentle smile. jogging over, she held out her hand.

“come on, let it all out.”

and so you did—shouting your anger, your pain, cursing your ex and your best friend, letting every bottled-up emotion spill free.

when the heaviness in your chest finally lifted, you sighed and washed your face in the cool river water. feeling refreshed, you stepped out and returned to sophia, who was now carrying a basket full of something you couldn’t quite name.

“how are you feeling?” she asked.

you smiled genuinely. “better.”

she nodded and handed you the basket. you looked inside, then back at her, curious.

“what’s this?”

she smiled and picked up another basket filled with what looked like animal feed.

“you said you didn’t want to think. so let’s do something to keep your mind busy. help me feed the animals,” she said, turning and walking off.

you followed her and spent the rest of the afternoon feeding two pigs and a dozen chickens, the simple task grounding you in the present, easing your restless mind.

with each step you took around the small pen, the weight in your chest felt a little less heavy. the sharp edges of pain and betrayal dulled, softened by the rhythm of this peaceful place and the gentle presence of sophia beside you.

you caught yourself smiling more often than not, the tension in your shoulders easing with every laugh that escaped your lips—soft, genuine, and unexpected after so long.

for the first time in days, your mind quieted. the memories that had haunted you felt distant, like shadows fading with the light of the afternoon sun.

sophia glanced at you, her eyes warm and encouraging. “see? sometimes, the best way to heal is to just be present. no thinking, no overanalyzing. just living.”

you nodded, feeling the truth in her words. the pain hadn’t disappeared, but it no longer controlled you. here, in this quiet corner of the world, you could breathe again.

when the sun dipped, casting a hue of pink and orange across the sky, you and sophia headed back to the small house nestled among the trees. as you approached, two new figures came into view — the daniel and carrie sophia had mentioned earlier.

daniel was a big guy, broad-shouldered and imposing at first glance, someone you’d imagine could beat you into a pulp without breaking a sweat. but as you got to know him, you quickly realized he had a soft heart and a surprisingly sharp, funny sense of humor that caught you off guard.

carrie was different. sharp-tongued and unapologetically blunt, she spoke her mind without hesitation. the first words she said when she saw you were, “oh, you’re alive.” you didn’t mind her rough edges; in fact, you found yourself amazed at how their contrasting personalities somehow managed to collide and coexist.

and then there was sophia — soft, gentle, and endlessly patient. she was like a saint in comparison, her calm presence a soothing balm to the chaos inside you.

together, they formed an unlikely family, and for the first time since the crash, you felt a flicker of belonging.

and before you knew it, days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months.

you felt like you belonged. this place had become your new home, your sanctuary—a world away from the hectic, suffocating pace of your busy office life in the city.

every morning, you’d accompany daniel to catch fish by the river, learning the rhythms of the water and the patience it demanded. then, you’d head out with carrie to harvest plants and herbs, her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude balancing daniel’s gentle humor. the bond you formed with them was like the siblings you never had, filling the hollow ache inside you that had longed for family.

in the afternoons, you’d go to the village with sophia, walking through the lush paths and sharing quiet moments beneath the canopy of trees.

the connection between you and sophia grew stronger with each passing day.

and maybe, just maybe, you allowed yourself to believe it was becoming something more than friendship.

you didn’t know exactly when it happened—perhaps it was the way she cared for you with a tenderness different from what she showed her siblings, or the way her eyes held something deep and untold whenever they met yours.

whatever it was, it stirred something in you—a fragile hope that healing could lead to something new.

—

the sun hid behind the clouds, the air fresh and cool, and the river waters looked so inviting. without hesitation, you slipped out of your clothes, leaving only your undergarments, before plunging into the river. the cool water spread through your body, washing away tension and filling you with a deep sense of relaxation.

you swam to a nearby rock, leaning your back against its smooth surface and closing your eyes, letting yourself fully unwind.

“enjoying yourself?” a familiar voice broke the quiet.

you opened your eyes and smiled.

“deja vu?” you teased, glancing at sophia, who returned the smile.

“mind if i join you?” you gestured toward the water.

without hesitation, she began to undress, causing a flush to rise in your cheeks. you quickly looked away, heart pounding in a way you hadn’t felt in a long time.

you heard her squeal and the splash of water. looking up, you saw sophia swimming toward you, a big smile lighting up her face.

feeling mischievous, you flicked water at her. her jaw dropped, eyes wide with surprise, before a playful grin spread across her perfect lips. without hesitation, she splashed water back at you.

soon, the two of you were locked in a playful splashing war. laughing, you dove underwater and swam away. sophia let out a shout and chased after you. you swam to a rock, climbed up, and hopped to another nearby one.

sophia followed but froze when she saw you slip and fall back into the water. she watched anxiously as you surfaced, then laughed when you looked at her with a grin. her laughter bubbled up too, and she jumped in, swimming over to you. she slapped your arm playfully before inspecting you carefully for any injuries.

“i didn’t hurt myself,” you said, amused by her worried gaze.

but you felt it again—that fluttering in your chest, the flip in your stomach.

“you idiot, you could’ve hurt yourself,” sophia muttered, then looked up at you.

you two locked eyes for a moment before you cleared your throat and chuckled.

“i’m fine—I survived a car crash.”

sophia playfully punched your shoulder, making you laugh. she climbed onto a rock and sat down, and you followed, sitting beside her. your eyes wandered to where she was looking—an old bridge, covered in vines and nature’s embrace. you’d noticed it before but never knew its story.

“want to go there?” sophia asked, turning to you.

you climbed the hill toward the bridge, hesitating before stepping onto the weathered wood. sophia walked confidently, as if the old bridge was brand new.

she turned and beckoned you forward. gripping the rails tightly for balance, you took a step. she giggled at your nervousness and reached out her hand. you grabbed it, and she pulled you close—maybe too close—causing you to lose your balance and crash against her.

you heard her heartbeat quicken, from calm to fast. you pulled back, clearing your throat awkwardly. sophia looked away.

“scared of heights?” she asked, trying to ease the sudden tension between you.

“not really. just that the bridge looks like it’ll collapse if i breathed on it.” sophia giggled softly.

“it’s stood through many typhoons,” she added, stepping toward the center of the bridge. from there, she overlooked the small house nestled below and the river that wound through the land—the place she had made her home, her sanctuary.

you stood beside her, taking in the view. it was so different from everything you’d ever known, yet it felt comforting—like the escape you didn’t realize you needed.

“don’t you miss your family?” she asked suddenly, her voice gentle.

you turned to look at her—her perfect eyes, delicate nose, soft lips—her perfect everything.

you swallowed hard before speaking, “i do. i really do…”

sophia’s gaze softened as she noticed your voice falter.

“i lost my parents when i was young. it was just me and my older siblings,” you sighed, the memory heavy on your heart.

“then my grandfather died, and that’s when the inheritance came into play. it tore us apart. my brother left overseas, my sister got married, and i was left alone.” a tear slipped down your cheek.

“ever since then… our relationship became one of strangers.”

sophia’s warm hand found yours, grounding you. you looked up at her, gratitude filling your voice.

“thank you for bringing me here… it… it really healed me. more than you know.”

sophia smiled, her eyes sparkling as the sun peeked from behind the clouds, casting a golden glow that kissed her skin. the sight stole your breath for a moment.

“beautiful…” you murmured.

her smile widened, her eyes curving into gentle crescents. your heart flipped.

“i should be thanking you for staying… even if it’s just for a little while,” she said, pulling you back from your reverie.

“i’ve never had someone like you in my life. ever. i almost believed i’d die a hopeless woman, but here you are—crashing into my life.”

she took your hand, intertwining her fingers with yours, and brought it to her chest, right over her heart.

“only you could make it beat this fast,” she whispered, “and i hope i’ll be the only one to make yours beat too.”

no words could ever describe the feeling blooming inside you—the way your heart seemed to explode with warmth, or how your stomach twisted in the most delightful way.

“you brought my heart to life, fixed whatever i believed was broken, and you make it go crazy—heck, i’d let you own it,” sophia giggled, pulling you close until your foreheads touched.

“then will you let me own it?” she asked softly.

you smiled, your voice steady but full of emotion. “with all of my heart, yes.”

her smile deepened as she closed the space between you, lips meeting yours in a gentle, tender kiss.

in that moment, you felt it—the fireworks bursting inside, confetti swirling in your mind, the drums of celebration pounding in your chest. every nerve in your body tingled, your heart racing, your lungs struggling for breath.

you pulled back slightly, breathless, but sophia wasted no time before crashing her lips to yours again. you giggled softly into the kiss, caught in the beautiful whirlwind of feeling alive.

—

the two of you stood in the center of the bridge, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of pink and gold. sophia rested comfortably in your arms, her warmth a comforting contrast to the chilly dusk air.

“did you know bridges are like threads?" you asked

sophia looked up at you, then turned to face you fully, wrapping her arms around your neck.

“why a thread?” she asked curiously.

“my brother once told me that bridges are like threads. they sew together lands to be connected. that’s why he became an engineer—to build bridges and bring lands closer.” pride swelled in your chest as you remembered the day he graduated, the joy in his eyes.

sophia smiled warmly. “that’s sweet of him.”

“but distance is good too,” she said suddenly, making you raise an eyebrow.

“how so?” you asked, confusion flickering across your face.

she pressed a gentle kiss on your cheek before stepping back, putting a good distance between you.

“stay there!” she called, stopping far away.

you chuckled. “what are you doing, sophia?”

“they say distance makes the heart grow fonder. that’s why i like distance,” she explained with a playful grin.

you laughed and whined, “but i like being close!”

“why?”

“because i miss you already!” you confessed, your voice soft but sincere.

sophia laughed, her eyes sparkling. “see? that’s my point!”

“alright! you proved your point—now come back to me!” you whined.

she smiled and walked back into your arms. you pulled her close and pressed a tender kiss on her head, making her chuckle softly against you.

the moment felt perfect—simple, warm, and full of quiet joy.

the two of you retreated to the house, hands intertwined and giggles coming out of your mouths.

daniel looked at you both before a grin broke in his lips. he nudged at carrie who looked at you both and groaned, handing her blade to daniel who wore a smug grin.

"told you they'd end up dating." he said, looking at a defeated carrie who lost their bet.

"ok, ok. you win, you have my favorite blade. now stop gloating and call sophia to make dinner before they start fu--"

"language!"

—

the night ended with you two nestled in the bed, tangled in each other's arms. her bare skin flushed against yours as you hold her waist, keeping her balanced on top of you.

lips pressed against each other, sharing a passionate kiss. sophia leaned back to breathe, her hands cradled your face as she looked at you with sparkling eyes.

"you're so beautiful." you whispered. she smiled and pressed a kiss on your lips.

"you never failed to remind me so." you kissed her nose, igniting a giggle from her.

"ill never stop doing so." you responded before letting your lips crash again.

“yn!”

“yn!”

“yn!”

everything was black.

you heard shuffling nearby and the faint, rhythmic beeping of a machine.

beep.

beep.

beep.

then a sterile smell invaded your nose—the faint scent of iron, blood, and a familiar perfume.

“yn, dear.”

that voice.

your eyes fluttered open to a blinding white ceiling. blinking, you saw an unfamiliar masked face leaning over you.

a nurse?

your gaze drifted around the room until it landed on two familiar faces.

“oh god, yn—she’s awake!” a man exclaimed, relief flooding his voice as the nurse checked your pulse.

your brother and sister sat beside you, their expressions a mix of worry and overwhelming joy.

the world felt surreal, but seeing them there grounded you—a fragile thread connecting you back to everything you’d left behind.

you tried to speak, but no words came out. your vision blurred, and you felt wetness on your cheeks—tears escaping despite yourself.

the two figures beside you stood up. your sister leaned in, gently taking your hand in hers.

she sobbed, her voice trembling with guilt, “i’m so sorry! i should’ve answered your calls! i’m so sorry!”

your brother knelt beside the bed, resting his forehead against it.

“i never should’ve left. i shouldn’t have. i should’ve stayed with you. i… i’m such a horrible brother…” he cried.

the three of you remained there, the room heavy with sorrow. your siblings poured out their regrets and apologies, while you stayed silent, your voice lost to your injuries, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions.

when everything finally settled, you found yourself alone in the room with your sister. she gently showed you pictures of her grandchild, her voice soft as she spoke, while your brother was elsewhere, talking quietly with the doctor.

“i really am sorry. i should’ve visited more regularly… i… i don’t know… i’m really sorry, dear,” she said, her eyes filled with regret. you squeezed her hand gently in reassurance.

if there was one thing you were weak against, it was your siblings. they were the only family you had left, and you cherished them deeply.

“it’s… fi… fine… i man… aged on… my… own,” you managed to say in broken, fragile words. her eyes widened, and a small smile touched her lips.

“you always let us go too easily,” she said with a sigh. you smiled faintly.

“love you… too much,” you whispered, she caressed your head tenderly.

soon, your brother returned and sat beside your sister. guilt weighed heavily in his eyes, but you reached out and took his hand.

“i’m fine, don’t be guilty now,” you said softly. he shook his head.

“no. i’m the eldest. i should’ve been there to protect you—I… i got so caught up with my dreams that i… i forgot i had a family…”

he confessed, lowering his head in shame.

the room was thick with emotion, but in that moment, the fragile threads of family began to mend, slowly weaving you all back together.

after dinner, you settled back into your bed, your body immobile beneath the many bandages and stitches that restricted your movement. with little else to do, you caught up with your siblings, their familiar presence a comfort in the quiet room.

“so, how are things going with your girl?” your brother asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

you frowned, the weight of the memory pressing down on you.

“sole reason why i’m in this state,” you answered simply.

he choked on his drink, eyes wide. “i’m sorry—what?”

“she cheated on me. i stormed out, sped off, then crashed,” you explained, voice low.

your sister shook her head, muttering under her breath, “knew she was a bitch.”

you sighed, then your eyes suddenly widened as a thought struck you. you began scanning the room frantically, touching your bandages, the bed, everything around you.

“sophia… sophia…” you called out, desperation creeping into your voice.

“dear, who’s sophia?” your sister asked gently, concern knitting her brows.

you swallowed hard, the name feeling like a lifeline in the fog of your memories.

“i woke up in sophia’s house and— and i met her siblings, daniel and carrie… s/n, how am i here?” you asked, your eyes fixed on the bandages wrapped tightly around your body.

“i healed—i healed. so why do i have these bandages? why am i in a hospital?” tears welled up, blurring your vision.

your sister reached out, trying to soothe you, but the flood of emotions was too strong. your cries grew louder, desperation bleeding into your voice. “sophia… i left her there! bring me there!”

your brother jumped up, rushing out of the room to find a nurse and doctor, urgently explaining your distress.

the room felt suffocating as you sobbed, the ache of separation from sophia overwhelming you, your heart aching to be reunited with the place—and the person—that had begun to heal you.

you tried to sit up, your fingers fumbling at the iv drip attached to your arm. panic surged through you as you struggled to detach it, desperate to get to sophia.

“yn, please! calm down!” your sister pleaded, gently but firmly holding you down despite your protests.

“no, sophia! i have to get to her!” you cried, your voice trembling with urgency.

just then, nurses rushed into the room, carefully but firmly restraining you. the doctor followed closely behind, while your brother stood nearby, wrapping his arms around your sister in a silent gesture of comfort.

the doctor spoke softly, explaining what he was about to do. before you could resist further, he administered a sedative. your eyelids grew heavy, your struggles fading as sleep claimed you, the desperate need to reach sophia lingering in your fading thoughts.

“yn, it’s time for dinner!” sophia called out, peeking her head into the room.

you looked at her, momentarily dumbfounded, before her perfect smile grounded you. you smiled back and walked toward her, wrapping your arms around her waist and pulling her in for a quick kiss.

“miss me already?” she teased, her voice light and playful.

“so much,” you whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her soft lips.

after dinner, the four of you settled outside by a warm bonfire. you sat beside sophia, leaning your head on her shoulder as you watched daniel and carrie bicker good-naturedly.

you smiled softly. “i met my siblings.”

sophia glanced at you. “yeah?”

“they said they were sorry. they apologized. i forgave them,” you shared quietly.

she smiled warmly. “you have a soft heart for family.”

“they’re the only ones i have,” you replied, feeling the weight and warmth of those words in the quiet night.

“and you guys are like family too...” you added softly. sophia smiled and pressed a gentle kiss on your cheek.

daniel noticed and tossed a small pebble at your feet. sophia glanced at him, and he rolled his eyes at her. “ew.”

sophia mocked him playfully before turning back to you.

“come on, carrie. let’s leave these love birds alone,” daniel said, dragging carrie inside the house—leaving you two alone.

sophia watched them go with a smile, then turned to you, settling in your lap and wrapping her arms around your neck.

you looked up at her, smiling. “what are you up to now?”

“we’re alone,” sophia said, her tone hinting at something mischievous.

you chuckled and pulled her closer, your arms winding around her waist. your noses touched, and you teasingly rubbed yours against hers, igniting a soft giggle from sophia.

“i love you,” she whispered.

“i love you too,” you replied.

back in the hospital room, your brother watched as you smiled and mumbled incoherent words in your sleep, worry etched deep in his eyes. your sister sat nearby, holding back tears.

“god...” she let out a sob.

your brother turned to the doctor who had just entered, sharing a look of concern.

“the crash caused significant trauma to her head, making it difficult for her to separate reality from dreams,” the doctor explained.

"she may be suffering from dream-reality confusion disorder," the doctor explained gently. "it can be caused by stress and anxiety, and the trauma from the crash might have triggered it. don't worry, though—it can be managed and hopefully treated with therapy."

your brother sighed, glancing at you as you let out a soft laugh, clearly enjoying your dream. your sister sat beside you, gently rubbing your head.

“i will arrange for her to see a psychiatrist once she wakes up,” the doctor added.

your brother nodded as the doctor left, then looked back at you.

“it’s like when she was a baby... laughing in her dreams...” your sister said softly.

the room was heavy with both hope and worry, the fragile threads of healing slowly weaving through the night.

you woke up to your sister’s worried face hovering over you.

“hey, you okay?” she asked softly, helping you sit up.

you nodded and accepted the cup of water she handed you. as you took a sip, your thoughts drifted to sophia, and a smile spread across your lips.

“i think i met the one,” you said quietly.

your sister looked at you, surprised. “really?”

your brother glanced at her, and she gave him a silent ‘let it be’ look before turning back to you.

you nodded again, eyes dreamy. “yes. she’s perfect. she loves animals, she’s gentle—she’s an angel, a saint. she’s... perfect.”

“i miss her now,” you muttered, looking down.

“well, you’ll see her again, right?”

you smiled. “yes. you guys should meet her. you’ll love her!”

your sister nodded, letting you ramble on about your love for sophia and how perfect she was.

later, once she’d tucked you into bed and watched you fall asleep with a peaceful smile, she turned to your brother, who wore a look of concern.

“she’s really lost it,” he said quietly.

“i feel so bad,” she replied. “she looked so happy talking about this sophia person, and it feels like we’re taking away her happiness.”

"well, it's for her own good."

—

you sat in the observation room, a table separating you from an elderly woman—the psychiatrist your brother had arranged for you.

“hello, yn. how are you feeling?” she asked kindly.

“i’m okay,” you replied simply.

the woman nodded, a small smile touching her lips.

“that’s good. you can call me dr. park.”

you nodded in acknowledgment.

“do you remember why you were hospitalized?” she inquired.

“yes, i crashed,” you answered.

dr. park nodded thoughtfully. “and what do you remember after that incident?”

you looked down at your hands, recalling the memories that lingered.

“i woke up in sophia’s house. she healed my injuries and fed me,” you said softly.

the woman smiled, but it wasn’t a comforting smile.

“well, yn… you were rescued, yes, but not by sophia.”

confusion clouded your mind as you looked at her.

“a passing car happened to see your wreck and called an ambulance. that’s how you were rescued,” she explained.

you shook your head, laughing softly. “no, that’s not true. sophia rescued me.”

“and where did she bring you?” dr. park asked, jotting notes on her pad.

“she brought me to her home, in the middle of the woods—there was even a waterfall and a river there!” you said, eyes lighting up.

dr. park nodded again, recording your words.

“and where is this place?”

“it was probably near the crash site—there was a small village too,” you added.

she nodded and looked at you. “do you know what the dream-reality confusion disorder is?” she asked, and you shook your head no.

“well, it’s a disorder where people under great stress or trauma struggle to separate dreams from reality. they confuse dreams as real-life experiences.”

“and what’s it got to do with me?” you asked.

“you might be experiencing it.”

you shook your head, frowning.

“no. sophia is real. i don’t have it—can we end this please?”

when the session ended, as per your request, you were escorted back to your room. your sister fed you gently while your brother spoke quietly with dr. park outside, the weight of your story hanging between them.

“she insists this sophia person is real, and that what she experienced in her dreams is true. i looked up the place where she crashed and the nearby areas—there were no waterfalls, rivers, or villages like she described, which further proves that she is indeed suffering from the disorder,” dr. park said as b/n nodded solemnly.

“she’ll need frequent therapy and your encouragement to follow through. so far, she’s very insistent, and if she’s not treated immediately, she might lose her grip on reality.”

b/n watched as you talked to your sister, mostly about sophia, his face etched with concern.

later, when you had fallen asleep and drifted into your dreams again, b/n spoke quietly to your sister.

“can you stop encouraging her?” he asked.

your sister looked at him, confused. “what?”

“you’re encouraging her—saying you’ll meet this sophia person and all that. her psychiatrist said if yn doesn’t get treated immediately, she could become derealized. do you want that for her?”

s/n sighed deeply and held her head in her hands.

“of course i don’t want that. i just want what’s best for her. but i feel so guilty taking away her happiness... i neglected her... you did too! we’re partly responsible for what happened to her,” she said, her voice heavy with remorse.

“i know. that’s why i’m doing this for her,” he said, pausing as your laughter echoed softly through the room.

your sister’s eyes welled up again, watching you laugh peacefully in your dreams.

sophia ran ahead as you chased her, mud clutched in your hands.

you both were on your way home after feeding the animals when sophia playfully pushed you into the mud. wide-eyed and jaw dropped, you scooped up a handful of mud and gave chase. her laughter and playful screams filled the air.

“yn! no! i’m sorry!” she pleaded, scrambling up a tree to escape.

you looked up at her with a grin. “come on, sophia!”

“no!” she yelled back.

you laughed, dropping the mud and raising your hands in surrender.

“alright, i won’t. you win.”

sophia eyed you suspiciously before climbing down—too soon.

you smudged her cheek with your mud-covered hand, making her squeal as you darted away, plunging into the river. she stood on the bank, yelling and smiling.

“yn! you!” she shouted, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

you laughed, washing the mud off as you heard a splash—sophia had jumped in after you. she playfully tugged you underwater, splashing as you surfaced, gasping for air and laughing.

“i’m sorry, okay!” you apologized, wiping your face.

your eyes met hers, and she pulled you close, wrapping her arms around your neck as yours instinctively circled her waist.

your lips met in a soft kiss, warmth spreading through your body despite the cool water.

the night air was cold, but inside the room where your dream unfolded, it was hot as you shared a steamy kiss.

sophia had long since removed her shirt, leaving only bare skin. her hands tugged at your shirt, urging you to remove it. soon, you were skin to skin, tangled in thin sheets.

“i love you so much, sophia,” you whispered, gazing into her starry eyes. her glossy, perfect lips curved into a smile.

“i love you too, yn.”

—

you sat facing dr. park again.

“daniel and carrie are like your non-biological siblings, you say?” she asked.

you nodded.

“and you say you and your siblings hadn’t been in contact since your grandfather’s death until now?” dr. park hummed thoughtfully as you nodded, connecting the dots.

“interesting...” she murmured.

“so, how would you describe your love life?” she asked gently.

dr. park watched you fall asleep, mumbling incoherent words and smiling, through the monitor. with your siblings’ permission, she had recorded your sleep to observe your behavior.

b/n, watching alongside, shook his head and sighed.

“her experiences in real life have somehow influenced her dreams,” dr. park began.

“firstly, she shared how down she was when the bond between you as siblings faded after your grandfather’s death. in her dreams, she meets two individuals, daniel and carrie, with whom she develops a sibling bond.”

your sister nodded, following along.

“secondly, she shared how her past relationship ended badly, and in her dreams, she meets a woman—perfect, as she describes her—and develops a relationship with her.”

dr. park sighed and gathered her thoughts.

“her dreams are a manifestation of her ideal world. the stress and trauma forced her brain to create an escape.”

“basically, she’s been bottling up all these emotions, and the fallout from her ex was the trigger—causing her to lose grip on reality and allowing her brain to preserve itself by creating a world where she isn’t hurt.”

—

b/n sat beside you as you stared out into the distance.

“yn,” he called softly.

you hummed in response and looked at him.

“remember what i said about how bridges are like threads?” he asked.

you nodded.

“yeah, i told sophia about it,” you said with a small smile.

he sighed, his lips forming a sad smile.

“maybe it’s time to cut that thread connecting you to sophia.”

your smile faded as you looked into his eyes.

“what do you mean?”

“i know how hurt you were when we didn’t talk to you for years and how your ex betrayed you. we’re very sorry you had to go through all of that alone,” he said, reaching out to take your hand.

“i understand why you had to escape, run away. but we can’t always run away, can we?” you looked at him, seeing tears welling in his eyes—something you hadn’t seen since your mother died.

“you’ve always been so strong, even as a small child,” he smiled, his voice cracking as he tried to hold back his emotions.

“and it pains me so much to see you running away, hiding in your dreams.” he placed a gentle hand on your head, rubbing your hair softly.

“i just want to see you be happy—not in your dreams, but here, in this world. and i will be with you, i promise. we will be with you.”

“so please, come back to us...”

you held your hands out, and he embraced you in a warm hug. tears fell as his warmth gave you the comfort you always sought when scared—the comfort you so desperately needed in those moments when it felt like the world had betrayed you.

—

you frequented your visits to the psychiatrist, following her advice and doing whatever she told you to do.

she said you were slowly getting better. your siblings agreed.

but sophia didn’t.

you were slowly forgetting the things you used to do.

daniel watched as you threw the spear in a flimsy, uncertain way. his eyes filled with confusion as you sucked in a breath and picked the spear back up.

“yn?”

he called softly. you looked up at him.

“yeah?” he took the spear from you, eyed a nearby fish, and with a steady hand, speared it, catching it effortlessly.

“you used to be good at this. what happened?” he asked.

you chuckled quietly. “i’m not. you’re the one who does the work. i only help carry the fish,” you said.

daniel looked puzzled, about to say something, but sophia cut him off as she grabbed your hand and pulled you along.

“come on, carrie needs us to cook!” she said, dragging you toward the kitchen.

you looked at her, confused, raising an eyebrow. “who?”

sophia stopped in her tracks and giggled. “silly! my sister, carrie! now, come on.”

you were genuinely confused. who was carrie again?

sophia pointed toward a girl in the distance, but the face was blurry, indistinct. “oh, carrie...” you muttered, but you couldn’t remember what she looked like.

her presence felt like a distant memory, fading just beyond your grasp.

—

“my psychiatrist said i’m slowly getting better,” you shared softly.

you and sophia stood on the bridge—the very same bridge where you had once confessed your feelings. thick, gray clouds covered the sky, blotting out the sunset’s warm hues. the heavy clouds hung low, casting a somber mood over the scene.

“that’s good,” sophia chimed, looking at you with a gentle smile. you gazed at her gorgeous face, but for a brief moment, her features blurred, catching you off-guard.

she noticed your sudden distraction and looked at you, puzzled.

“what’s wrong?” you shook your head, returning her smile. “just caught off guard by your beauty.”

she smiled back and playfully pushed you. “you charmer,” she giggled.

something in you felt heavy—maybe it was the realization that you were slowly forgetting her and everything surrounding her. you had learned to accept the treatment, and that acceptance meant letting go of the world you had created, accepting that sophia was a creation of your mind.

sophia noticed the look in your eyes. she pulled you into a gentle hug, resting her head against your chest.

“what’s wrong, love?” she asked softly, listening to the steady rhythm of your heart.

“i’m slowly getting better... and i’m slowly forgetting you,” you whispered.

sophia pulled back, concern clouding her eyes. “what are you saying?”

you looked at her and held her hands, flashing a sad smile. “i love you, sophia. i really do,” you said.

“but sadly, our love is something my mind created for me—to escape, to hide, to run away from the painful reality.” sophia smiled sadly, cradling your face in her hands.

“well, at least i gave you real love,” you chuckled softly. “yes, you did,” you nodded.

a tear slipped down sophia’s cheek as she leaned her forehead against yours.

“i’m glad,” she whispered.

“why?”

“because you grew strong enough to accept reality.” you smiled. yes, you did. accepting the truth was painful, but it was for your own good—even if it meant letting go of the memories that had helped you emerge from darkness.

“and now, i want you to forget us—me, daniel, and carrie. everything. move on. wake up. live your life,” she said gently. you nodded, tears rolling down your face.

“i love you so much,” she whispered, pressing a tender kiss on your lips.

you sighed and let yourself be swept into a passionate kiss of goodbye.

when you pulled away, a cry escaped you. sophia looked at you with a sad smile, tears adorning her cheeks, making her eyes shine like diamonds.

then it happened again—her perfect features blurred. you cried, reaching out a hand.

“goodbye, yn.”

suddenly, you couldn’t remember what she looked like. you fell to your knees and wept. the figure of a woman looked down at you before the fog swallowed her, leaving you alone on the bridge. you cried out, wailing until your voice muffled and the sharp sound of something snapping rang in your ears.

“yn!”

you woke with a gasp. you sat up and looked around, spotting your sister sitting by your bed, concern etched across her face.

“dear, what happened? you were crying,” she asked, gently rubbing your arm.

“i... i had a dream... a really sad one... like i was saying goodbye and a bridge falling apart,” you said, recalling the dream though the memory felt foggy. like something you always knew existed but couldn't quite pinpoint what.

—

“ms. yn, the client is waiting for you outside,” your assistant informed you, and you nodded.

you opened your office door and were greeted by the sight of an angel’s beauty. her eyes, nose, lips—everything was perfect. then you felt it: the flutter in your chest, the flip in your stomach, and a lingering feeling of something familiar deep in your heart, like you’d seen her somewhere before.

the woman smiled at you as your eyes met. pulling yourself out of the stunned haze, you cleared your throat and stepped aside to let her enter.

your gaze followed her as you gestured for her to sit. you settled into your seat, composing yourself.

“it’s an honor for us to be collaborating with you,” you said to the woman before you. she was the representative of the company your firm was partnering with.

she smiled again, her beauty almost blinding. something about her smile stirred that same feeling of familiarity in your stomach.

then she spoke, her voice smooth and soothing—like it had spoken to you before, like it had whispered sweet nothings in your ear, stirring memories just beyond reach.

“it’s nice meeting you, ms. l/n. i’m sophia laforteza.”

[13nickds]

𐙚⋆.˚　────  breakfast in bed °｡⋆⸜

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ – non idol!minji x fem!reader – established relationship !!

synopsis: minji serves face (and singular pancakes) and reader can’t fathom how she pulled such a pretty girl.

contains:fluff, reader is blind (glasses wearer), minji serving face card at 9 in the morning, but only cooked one singular pancake, a teddy bear, the teddy bear is a victim (of watching the lovebirds be loving), also minji is a model but its only mentioned at the end, its cuz she serves face card

a/n: omg tysm for so much love on my first ff like holy shiz bro 😦also i decided in this fic im changing from 3rd perspectitve to 2nd but ive never written in 2nd but i will from now on 🔥

birds chirped from the balcony as the sun shone into your apartment. in your bedroom, you slept peacefully with your girlfriend, minji, by your side. the sun had seeped its way through the curtains and onto the bed, even in your sleep, you could feel the warmth of the sun. 

you were awoken from movement in the bed; it seemed like minji was already awake. since when did she wake up early on her days off? you felt a soft kiss be placed upon your temple, making you melt into the covers. you listened to your girlfriend get out of bed and tip-toe out of the toom. when she left, you reached out for a teddy bear, left on minji’s side of the bed. you brought it close and snuggled into it before falling back to sleep.

you don’t know how long you’ve been asleep, but you woke up to a hand stroking your hair. you groggily hummed to the contact as slowly opened your eyes. you were still incredibly sleepy, ready to fall back to sleep in mere seconds.

“morning, sunshine,” you heard minji say. you’re not so sure if that’s what she said, the sleepiness messing with all your senses. 

you looked up to your girlfriend, squinting through tired eyes to try and see her clearer. you didn’t have your glasses on so, combined with how tired your eyes were, you could barely see anything. you blinked slowly a few times before you saw minji’s face a bit more clearer. despite not having glasses on, her beauty blinded you. you knew she was serving face at, what time was it? 9 am? sometimes, it baffles you how you pulled such a divine girl. you almost wanted to go back to sleep because of how much she glowed under the morning sun, it was too much.

“who are you? and why are you radiating with beauty right now?” you said groggily. through heavy eyes, you could still see minji smile softly with her cheeks going pink.

“so poor, tired y/n doesn’t even remember her own girlfriend?” minji said with a pout. “that’s too bad, especially since i made you breakfast too,” she continued.

it seemed like words came through one ear and went through the other because you just continued to look at minji with tired eyes. you watched as your girlfriend tilted her head and then chuckled. listening to her chuckle was like listening to pure honey. it was soothing and comforting in all the right ways and it made you feel alive. 

blinking away your sleepiness, you sat up from your sleeping position. you sat yourself close to minji, shoulder to shoulder, and leaned into her just slightly.

“so, i heard the word breakfast..” you grinned, feeling a bit rejuvenated. 

minji looked at you funny as you began to regain energy. you swore you could hear her mutter the words “big back” before smirking and handing you a plate. 

you still hadn’t gotten your glasses yet, so the plate kind of looked like a blob with a light brown blob on top of it. you reached out for your glasses on the bedside table to look at what your girlfriend had cooked up this time. 

“one singular pancake?” you asked, taken aback at how utterly normal this one singular pancake looked. 

you turned your head towards your girlfriend, who wore a big, proud smile. 

“bon appetit i guess!” you muttered before barehanding your pancake since minji forgot to give you utensils. but who would even need utensils when eating one simple pancake?

“so, how is it?” minji asked, still flashing a big ol’ smile at you.

“minji.. it's a singular pancake. what do you expect me to say?” you chuckled, but your expression soon dropped as you watched minji’s eyebrows furrow.

you felt a pang of guilt hit you for not complimenting her pancake. she did go out of her way to wake up early AND cook breakfast.

“you could at least compliment my pancake,” minji said with a “>:[“ expression, then poking your side. she knows you’re ticklish and so she smirks when you flinch. 

“i know minji, i’m sorry. your pancake is very good and thank you for making it for me,” you said with a soft smile. 

you lean into your girlfriend once more, resting your head on her shoulder as you continue eating your pancake. you feel minji kiss the top of your head before resting her head on top of yours.

“there’s more pancake batter in the kitchen by the way,” minji whispers.

“what?! there was more batter and you gave me one singular pancake??” you exclaim, getting up from your position and looking at minji with a bewildered expression.

minji grins widely and shrugs her shoulders with an “oopsies” to follow.

you attack her.

you place the empty plate onto the bedside table before turning around quickly and pouncing on your unexpecting girlfriend. you start to attack her sides, tickling her as much as you can before your attack backfires on you.

“how’s it feel to be the victim now?” you snicker as you continue to tickle her like no tomorrow. 

it isn’t long before she begins to retaliate and pounce on you. but, instead of tickling you, she pins you to the bed. you watch her with flushed cheeks as she positions herself on top of you. you watch a smirk form on her face, how her hair falls from gravity, the playfulness in her eyes.

“you’re so pretty, oh my gosh,” you say casually. you watch as minji’s cheeks begin to flush, and then suddenly she lets gravity do its thing.

“tell me something i don’t know,” minji mutters, crushing you with her weight. 

she turns the both of you onto your sides, face to face. your legs are intertwined with hers, with one of her arms wrapped around your body. your own arms are positioned between both of your chests.

“i would kiss you right now, but morning breath is a bitch,” you huffed, bringing both of your foreheads together.

“i know, you stink.” minji snickered. 

you watched her intently as she brought her lips to the tip of your nose, then your soft cheeks, and then to your temple. you giggled under her touch as she brought your foreheads back together.

“i should probably brush my teeth now. and also cook up the rest of the pancakes; i'm starving,” you whispered.

“so was my one pancake not enough? wow, i get it. you just hate me now!” minji dramatically declared, pouting with her hand on her chest.

you looked at her funny, then chuckled. “yeah, that’s why i’m going to make more.”

you quickly get out of bed before minji drags you back down, opening the door of your bedroom. 

you look back to see minji still pouting on the bed. the sun still seeped its way through the curtains, and it hit minji’s eyes lightly which made them glow. her hair is a slight mess from your tickle attack, but she makes it look good. her bare face glowed under the morning sun, and you couldn’t help but stare in utter awe.

“why are you staring? i thought you were gonna go make more pancakes,” minji questioned, wearing a confused look on her face.

“it’s nothing, you just look really gorgeous right now,” you shrugged as you watched minji look away with flushed cheeks.

“you know, with a face card like that, you could be a model,” you said with a smirk. 

“babe, i am a model.” 

“yeah, i have no clue how i pulled you.”

you walked out of the bedroom and headed towards the kitchen before you heard minji’s voice again.

“don’t forget to brush your teeth! i haven’t gotten any kisses from you yet.”

you paused, then turned on your feet towards the bathroom!

[13nickds]

chest pain

warnings — written in first person, non-idol au, student minji + student reader, angst, cursing, plenty of denial, more will be added as chapters are posted ^_^

notes — i was supposed to post an aespa oneshot for christmas but never got to it (-_-,) so minji angst is my christmas present to you guys !

001 a kiss..?

002 first and last

003 coming soon!

004 coming soon!

[13nickds]

The Daughter of the Sun

We were in the middle of lunch when you were struck by Cupid’s arrow—or maybe it was love at first sight. Honestly, it’s hard to tell the difference sometimes.

“Yo, you can’t be serious, Dino. The charge blade? That’s your favorite weapon?” you asked, giving me a look that screamed disappointment.

I nodded, unapologetic.

You grimaced, shaking your head as if to physically remove the thought of my “inferior taste in Monster Hunter weaponry” from your mind. “All I’m saying is—”

Your words trailed off as your gaze locked onto something—or someone—behind me. I didn’t even have to turn around to know.

“Who is that?” you whispered, your voice suddenly soft.

I turned my head just in time to catch the girl walking in. She wasn’t just pretty—she was radiant. Her smile was warm, effortless, and maybe just a little bit teasing as she waved. And you? You smiled back, dumbly, raising your hand in a sluggish, half-hearted wave.

For a moment, it was like the entire cafeteria fell away. I could practically hear the angelic choir in your head.

I had to snap my fingers in front of your face. “Yo, Earth to Cece. You back? Good, because you were three seconds away from drooling all over your lunch.”

You blinked rapidly, snapping out of it. “No, I wasn’t.”

“Yes, you were,” I said, grinning. “But it’s fine. Just go over and talk to her. I think she’s the new girl—the one who just joined today.”

You rolled your eyes like I was being ridiculous, but I could see the curiosity starting to get the better of you. It wasn’t long before you gave in, standing up and making your way toward her.

The girl—Yujin, as you’d soon learn—noticed you coming immediately. Her smile widened, and her eyes, big and soft, seemed to light up as you sat down across from her.

“Hi, I’m Cecila, most people call me Cece but you can call me anytime,” you said, attempting your calmest, coolest tone. To your credit, you almost pulled it off—if you ignored the slight stutter on your name.

Yujin’s smile didn’t falter. If anything, it grew. “I’m Yujin, legacy of Aphrodite,” she said, her voice carrying a natural warmth that only amplified her charm. Despite her short, tomboyish haircut and athletic build, there was an undeniable elegance about her—an effortless femininity that seemed to draw everyone in.

You stared, completely captivated, long enough for her to tilt her head in mild amusement.

“You okay?” she asked, snapping you out of it.

You inhaled sharply, suddenly realizing you’d been holding your breath. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” you said, scrambling to regain your composure. “Uh, so… who’s your godly ancestor?”

“Aphrodite,” Yujin repeated with a slight laugh, like the answer was obvious. “And you?”

“Oh. Uh, Odin is my dad ,” you mumbled, trying to sound casual. “But it’s no big deal, really.”

Yujin’s expression softened, her smile turning just a bit more personal. “I like it,” she said simply.

The cafeteria had quieted down, the rush of lunch fading into soft chatter and the occasional clinking tray. You sat across from Yujin, sunlight spilling through the windows and catching the playful glint in her eyes.

“So,” you said, swirling your drink nervously, “what’s it like being a legacy of Aphrodite? Do people just… fall in love with you everywhere you go?”

She laughed, the kind of laugh that made your heart flip in a way that wasn’t entirely comfortable. “Not exactly,” she said, her tone light but teasing. “It’s not like I have people fainting in my presence. Although…” Her lips curled into a sly smile. “I might have noticed someone smiling a little too much at me today.”

You felt heat rush to your cheeks, but you weren’t about to let her have the upper hand. You leaned back in your chair, trying to play it cool. “Oh yeah? Well, it’s a nice smile to smile at.”

Her eyebrow quirked, clearly amused. “Was that a compliment or a tongue twister?”

“Both,” you shot back, grinning despite yourself. “What about you? Do you always walk into rooms looking like you just stepped out of a magazine?”

She tilted her head, her gaze unwavering. “Depends. Do you always flirt this much with girls you just met?”

Your brain faltered, and for a moment, you forgot how words worked. “I, uh—” you stammered, scrambling for a response. “Only the ones who wave at me first.”

Her grin widened, and she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and closing the space between you. “So it was me who started it. Good to know.”

Your heart was pounding now, loud enough that you were sure she could hear it. Somehow, she had you walking a tightrope between exhilaration and disaster, and you weren’t sure which way you were going to fall.

“Alright,” you said, forcing yourself to hold her gaze. “You win this round. But let me ask you something—if you’re so good at spotting people falling for you, can you tell when someone’s about to ask you out?”

Her expression flickered with surprise, but the teasing light in her eyes didn’t fade. “I think I’m starting to get an idea.”

You took a deep breath, your palms sweating despite your best efforts to stay cool. “Yujin, would you want to hang out sometime? Just us? Not here, not with everyone else. Maybe grab some coffee, or… go on a walk or something?”

For the first time, she looked genuinely shy, her hand brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’d like that,” she said softly. Then, with a playful grin, she added, “But only if you promise not to drool.”

You groaned, dropping your head into your hands. “I’m never going to live that down, am I?”

“Nope,” she said, standing and slinging her bag over her shoulder. Before leaving, she shot you a wink. “But that’s okay. I like you better when you’re a little flustered.” She takes out her phone and hands it to you,

“Can you put your phone number in for me Unnie,” Yujin says teasingly and your heart races. You enter the number in and Yujin smiles.

“I look forward to our date Unnie,” Yujin says happily before she leaves.

You watched her walk away, stunned and grinning like an idiot. You hadn’t just survived that—you’d actually scored a date. You grin like a complete dork as you leave the cafeteria, clutching your bag tightly against your chest. Your head feels like it’s floating, every step lighter than the last. It takes a moment to find me, sitting in my usual corner outside by the training field.

I’m hunched over a collection of weapons, carefully sharpening the edge of my blade and oiling a set of throwing knives. The rhythmic scrape of stone against metal fills the air, and I don’t look up right away when you approach.

Still, you’re practically vibrating with excitement, and it’s not long before the words burst out of you. “I asked her out, and she said yes!”

I stop mid-motion, glancing up to see your face glowing with a mix of triumph and disbelief. A smile spreads across my face as I give you a slow, approving thumbs-up.

“Nice,” I say simply.

But you’re not done. You drop your bag and sit on the bench next to me, leaning forward like you can’t keep still. “We’re going out for coffee!” you exclaim, practically bouncing in place.

I smirk, setting down the blade and wiping my hands on a cloth. “That’s a solid start. Coffee’s good.”

You nod, your energy spilling over as you replay the moment in your head, grinning all the while. “So… any advice?”

I raise an eyebrow, thinking for a moment. “Talk to Sana. She’ll get you ready.”

You blink, caught off guard. “Sana? Really? You’re recommending her?”

“Yep,” I reply without hesitation, grabbing the next weapon in the pile. “She’s dated more women than me, so she’s got the edge. She’ll know what you’re up against.”

For a second, you stare at me, speechless, before breaking into laughter. “You’re serious? Sana, the queen bee daughter of Frey , is your go-to for this?”

“Hey,” I say with a shrug, “she’s the best when it comes to advice on dating. Just tell her what you told me, and she’ll handle the rest.”

You’re quiet for a moment, a rare pause where your excitement fades into something softer. Then, out of nowhere, you wrap your arms around me in a tight hug.

I stiffen immediately, caught off guard. We’ve never really been the hug-it-out type. Teasing, bickering, maybe the occasional high-five, sure—but this? This is new.

“Thanks, Dino,” you mumble into my shoulder before pulling away, your grin still impossibly wide.

I cough awkwardly, scratching the back of my neck as you grab your bag and sprint off toward the arts section. “Don’t make it weird!” I call after you, shaking my head with a small smile.

Watching you go, I let out a soft chuckle and pick up my blade again. It’s rare to see you like this—so unguarded, so excited. And honestly? I’m rooting for you.

You find Sana and Miyeon lounging in the arts section, where sunlight streams through the tall windows, casting warm, golden light across the room. Sana is perched on one of the tables, swinging her legs idly as she works on a vibrant watercolor painting of what looks like a summer meadow. Miyeon sits beside her, absentmindedly flipping through a book of spells, her fingers tracing glowing runes on the page.

Their energy couldn’t be more different. Sana radiates warmth and playfulness, like a summer breeze, while Miyeon is all calm elegance, her dark hair falling in waves over her shoulders as she hums softly to herself.

You hesitate for a moment, unsure whether you’re interrupting, but Sana spots you immediately and waves enthusiastically. “Cece! Hey! What’s up?”

Miyeon glances up, arching an eyebrow. “Did Dino finally bore you with all of his nerd talk?”

You grin. “Not yet, but give me time.” Then you take a deep breath. “Actually, I, uh… kind of need some advice. Sana, you’re the expert.”

Sana sets her brush down and leans forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Ooh, I’m intrigued. Spill!”

Miyeon closes her book with a soft thud, resting her chin on her hand. “This should be good.”

You scratch the back of your neck, feeling a little self-conscious under their expectant gazes. “So, I asked Yujin out—”

“Finally!” Sana exclaims, clapping her hands together. “I’ve been rooting for you two since she walked into the cafeteria.”

“Wait, you knew?” you ask, eyes wide.

“Of course,” she says, waving you off like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “I can practically smell a love connection. Summer instincts, you know.”

Miyeon snorts. “That’s not a thing, Sana.”

“It is a thing,” Sana insists, shooting Miyeon a playful glare. Then she turns back to you, her expression softening. “Okay, details. What’s the plan?”

“We’re going out for coffee,” you say, the words coming out in a rush. “But I don’t want to mess it up. I figured… you’ve got experience.”

Sana grins, sliding off the table and looping an arm around your shoulder. “You came to the right person. Coffee dates are my specialty. First rule: be yourself. Yujin already likes you, or she wouldn’t have said yes.”

“Second rule,” Miyeon chimes in, her voice smooth and teasing, “don’t overthink it. Trust me, nothing scares someone off faster than trying too hard.”

Sana nods sagely. “Exactly. Be casual, but not too casual. Compliment her, but don’t go overboard. And—oh! Don’t forget to order something cute. Girls love it when you have good taste.”

You blink. “Something cute? Like… what?”

“Like a lavender latte,” Sana says, grinning. “Or something with whipped cream. It’s charming.”

Miyeon rolls her eyes. “Or just order whatever you like. Don’t listen to her dessert propaganda.”

Sana sticks out her tongue at Miyeon, who smirks in response. The warmth between them is obvious, even in their bickering.

You can’t help but laugh. “Okay, okay. Be myself, don’t overthink, and maybe order something cute. Got it.”

Sana squeezes your shoulder. “You’ve got this, Cece. And if it goes really well, let me know. I’ll help you plan date number two.”

Miyeon chuckles softly. “You might want to survive this one first.”

“Hey,” Sana says, pointing at her girlfriend, “don’t scare her! Cece is going to do great.”

“Thanks,” you say, feeling a little more confident as you step back. “Really. I mean it.”

“Anytime,” Sana replies with a wink. “Now go make her swoon!”

As you leave, you can hear their voices behind you—Sana’s bright laughter and Miyeon’s low chuckle—filling the room with a comfortable, familiar warmth.

“Cece Wait!” Sana calls, practically dragging you back into the arts section’s small lounge area after you explain your coffee date. “If you’re going to Yujin, you’re going to need the right look. And lucky for you, I’m a genius at this.”

You blink, glancing at Miyeon, who still sitsnearby with her book, looking both amused and resigned. “Uh, I was just going to wear what I normally do…”

“Absolutely not!” Sana interrupts, already pulling you toward a mirror. “This is your first date! It’s the perfect chance to make an impression—show her who you are while cranking the charm up to eleven.”

You cross your arms, suddenly self-conscious. “And who exactly am I?”

Sana steps back and studies you with a critical eye, tapping her chin dramatically. “You’re Cece. Punk rock rebel with a heart of gold. The cool girl who can pull off eyeliner better than most people can pull off a basic smile. And—” She grins. “—you’ve got the best accessory.”

Your brow furrows. “Accessory?”

Sana lightly taps under your eyes, motioning to your reflection. “Your heterochromia, duh! Left eye like a fiery sunset, right like a stormy sky. It’s your secret weapon. Trust me.”

You glance at yourself in the mirror, then back at her. “So, what’s the plan?”

She lights up and starts rummaging through a nearby wardrobe where costumes and props are stored for performances. “We’re going to lean into your punk rock style but soften it just a little. Make you approachable while still screaming you.”

Miyeon looks up from her book with a small smirk. “She’s going to add glitter, isn’t she?”

“Not glitter,” Sana says with a wink, “but… maybe some shimmer.” She pulls out a black faux-leather jacket covered in silver studs and holds it up. “Step one: jacket. Punk classic. But underneath…” She grabs a fitted black tank top with delicate lace trim at the neckline and a loose, off-the-shoulder plaid flannel. “Balance. You want to show you can rock both edges and softness. And plaid is timeless.”

You hesitate as she tosses the pieces into your arms. “It’s not too much?”

“Not at all,” she insists. “Now for the bottom half—ripped black jeans and your combat boots. But!” She points dramatically. “Add some accessories. Maybe a chain necklace or a few stacked bracelets.”

Miyeon chimes in, her tone calm but teasing. “Or just let Sana pile you with jewelry until you feel like a chandelier.”

“I do not over-accessorize!” Sana huffs, then glances back at you. “Okay, maybe a little. But it works!”

She grabs a smoky eyeliner pencil and gestures for you to sit down. “And the eyes. This is the best part. Your heterochromia is stunning, so we’re going to highlight it—literally.”

You sit reluctantly as she leans in, her face close to yours as she applies eyeliner. “For the amber eye,” she says, brushing on a subtle touch of gold shimmer around it, “we’ll make it pop with warm tones. And for the blue-gray eye…” She switches to a soft silver. “Cool tones to match the stormy vibe.”

When she’s done, she steps back and grins. “Perfect. Yujin won’t know what hit her.”

You stand and glance at yourself in the mirror, turning slightly to take it all in. The outfit is undeniably you—a mix of edgy and effortless—but elevated in a way you hadn’t expected. Your eyes catch the light differently now, the subtle makeup amplifying their unique colors.

“Wow,” you murmur, half to yourself.

“I know, right?” Sana says, beaming. “Now, two last tips. One: lean into the eye thing. Make eye contact—it’s captivating. And two…” She pats your shoulder, her tone suddenly more serious. “Be confident. Yujin already likes you, Cece. This? It’s just the icing on the cake.”

You turn to her, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Thanks, Sana. Really.”

She waves it off, grinning again. “Anything for love. Now go knock her socks off!”

As you leave, Miyeon chuckles softly. “You should charge for this.”

“Nah,” Sana says, her voice warm. “Seeing Cece crush it is payment enough.”

…

The coffee shop is warm and cozy, with the soft hum of indie music in the background. The light coming through the window is golden, casting a soft glow on everything. You and Yujin sit across from each other at a small table near the back, each with a steaming cup of coffee in front of you. The tension is light, a mix of excitement and nerves hanging in the air.

Yujin leans forward slightly, her eyes sparkling as she takes a sip of her drink. “So,” she starts, setting her cup down and giving you a playful smile, “what’s the deal with your friends? You said you hang out with some pretty cool people.”

You laugh, the familiar warmth of the conversation easing your nerves. “Yeah, my friends are a bit… eccentric,” you say, running a hand through your hair. “I’ll start with Sana. She’s crazy about fashion and always knows how to make a scene, but she’s also super supportive. She has this, like, sixth sense for matchmaking, too.” You pause, thinking about how she helped you get ready for this date. “She’s the one who helped me with the outfit tonight.”

Yujin raises an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “I should have known! She definitely has an eye for style.”

“Definitely,” you agree, a smile tugging at your lips. “Then there’s Dino. He’s my brother, even though we’re not technically related. He’s… protective, but in a big brother kind of way. He’s always looking out for me, and honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without him. He’s a bit of a goofball, but I can always count on him.”

Yujin smiles bright before asking, “oh was he the one you were sitting with earlier? He tough looking. how did you meet him,”

You pause then answer plainly, “he hates when I tell this story but when I was on my first quest I was tasked to find my dad’s spear Gungir which had been stolen as a “prank” by Utgaard Loki. I met Dino on the way and he helped me get it and we’ve been inseparable ever since. He actually carried me back to the Celestial Country Club when I was injured. He’s guarded most of the time but he’s one of the kindest people I know. Also one of the most ferocious.”

Yujin smiles softly, her gaze warm as she listens. “You’re lucky to have people like that around you. Who’s his godly parent or ancestor?”

You sigh and reveal that you don’t know.

Yujin’s shock is evident in her tone as you hear her say, “you don’t know his godly parentage?”

You nod and reply, “he’s super guarded about it but with how he is I get it.”

Yujin nods amazed and says, “Well I know not to break your heart or else I’ll have that mountain of a man after me,” you chuckle and say

You shrug modestly. “Yeah, I am lucky to have him. What about you? Tell me about your friends.”

Yujin leans back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. “Well, I work with Wonyoung sometimes,” she starts, and a soft fondness enters her voice. “She’s the daughter of Athena, so she’s like a walking encyclopedia. Always quoting ancient texts or making strategic plans, like she's some mini genius. She’s pretty cool, though. I actually look up to her a lot.”

“Sounds like a real brainiac,” you tease, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, she is,” Yujin says with a playful smile. “But she’s also a lot of fun. She’s always dragging me into her random projects. Then there’s we actually used to be part of a bigger group called Izone and a smaller group called IVE later. They were cool but a massive undertaking when questing. So I wanted a break and came here,” she says, gesturing toward herself, “I was the group’s ‘charm’ specialist, I guess.” She laughs, making air quotes. “We’re all demigods, but somehow we make it work, and we have each other’s backs no matter what.”

Your heart does a little flip at hearing that. “I like that,” you say softly. “Having that kind of connection, especially when you’re in a world full of… well, other gods and monsters.”

Yujin meets your eyes, her smile softening. “Exactly. It’s important to have a good support system.” She reaches across the table, her fingers brushing against yours. “I think that’s why I like being around you, Cece. You get it. You understand what it’s like to have people who are always there for you, no matter what even if some of them are a little scary.”

Your pulse quickens, the closeness making you feel a little breathless. You try to play it cool, but your heart’s definitely speeding up. “Yeah, I do,” you reply, your voice quieter now, the flirtation settling into something deeper. “It’s hard to imagine life without them.”

Yujin’s gaze shifts to your hand, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of your palm before she locks eyes with you again. “I’m glad you’re not alone. And I’m glad we’re getting to know each other better. It feels… right.”

Your heart skips a beat at her words, and you can’t help but smile. “Me too,” you say, your voice slightly more confident now. “It’s like everything just clicked when I saw you. I didn’t even think twice about asking you out.”

Yujin’s smile deepens, her cheeks flushing slightly. “I’m glad you did,” she admits, her voice soft. “I’ve been hoping you’d make a move.”

You laugh, feeling a lightness in your chest. “Good to know I wasn’t the only one.” You pause, then lean forward, your hand slipping under hers as you gently brush your thumb over her knuckles. “So, now that we’ve got all that out of the way… how about a second date?”

Yujin’s eyes widen slightly, her expression a mix of surprise and excitement. “You’re already planning the next one?”

“Why wait?” you reply with a smirk, your heart hammering in your chest. “I’m pretty sure we can top this coffee date.”

She laughs, the sound soft and musical. “You’re bold. I like that.” She leans in just a little, her breath warm against your skin. “I think a second date sounds perfect.”

You’re sitting on the steps of the training field with Dino and Sana, sunlight spilling over the horizon. The air smells of freshly cut grass and sparring dust, a familiar combination that reminds you of home. You’re in the middle of recounting last night’s date, your cheeks flushed as you gesture animatedly.

“…And then, she said yes to the second date!” you finish, a wide grin plastered on your face.

Dino smirks, leaning back on his elbows. “Look at you, Casanova. I’m impressed. Didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Excuse me?” you say, mock-offended, throwing a small pebble at him.

Sana, sitting cross-legged beside you, claps her hands together in delight. “A second date already? I knew that outfit would do the trick!” She tilts her head, studying you. “Though, honestly, it’s all you. You’ve got that whole mysterious, ‘I-can-punch-a-dragon-but-also-bake-you-cookies’ vibe going on.”

You laugh, shaking your head. “Thanks, Sana. Pretty sure it wasn’t just the outfit, though.”

The banter is interrupted by the sharp sound of footsteps. You glance up to see a young woman approaching, her movements purposeful and her expression unreadable. She’s tall, composed, and intimidatingly poised—everything you’d expect from a daughter of Athena.

“Cece,” she says, her voice cool but not unkind.

You stand instinctively, Sana and I exchanging a glance behind you. “Hey...you must be Wonyoung,” you reply, a touch hesitant.

“I need a word,” she says, crossing her arms. Her gaze flickers briefly to Dino and Sana before settling back on you. “Alone.”

Your stomach tightens slightly, but you nod. “Sure.” You follow her a few paces away, aware of my watchful eyes on your back. I summon lethal tempo from the ether as this girl talks to you.

Once you’re out of earshot, but not eyeshot (I made sure of that) Wonyoung stops and turns to face you, her sharp features softened by the golden light. “I heard about your date with Yujin,” she begins, her tone neutral but tinged with something harder.

Your nerves spike. “Yeah, we had a great time,” you say cautiously.

She tilts her head, her expression unreadable. “Yujin is one of my closest friends,” she says slowly. “She’s kind, trusting, and—sometimes—too good for her own good. She doesn’t fall for people easily, but when she does, she gives her whole heart.”

You shift uncomfortably under her piercing gaze, but you hold your ground. “I really like her,” you say honestly. “I wouldn’t ask her out if I didn’t.”

Wonyoung takes a step closer, her voice dropping just slightly. “Good. Because if you hurt her, even accidentally, I will find you. And it won’t be pleasant.”

The weight of her words hangs in the air. There’s no malice in her tone, only a cold, unshakable certainty. You know better than to doubt her—Athena’s children are nothing if not precise in their threats.

You swallow hard, meeting her eyes. “I don’t plan on hurting her. Ever. I mean that.”

For a moment, she studies you, as if trying to decide whether you’re being sincere. Finally, she nods, her expression softening just slightly. “Good. Because she deserves someone who will treat her right.”

There’s a pause, and then she sighs, crossing her arms again. “Honestly, I don’t dislike you, Cece. You seem… decent. But Yujin’s happiness means a lot to me, so if you’re serious about her, then prove it. Show her that you’re worth her time.”

You nod firmly. “I will. I promise.”

Wonyoung holds your gaze for a beat longer, then steps back, her posture relaxing just slightly. “Alright,” she says, her voice lighter now. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As she walks away, you let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding.

Sana and I are waiting for you when you return, both of us were grinning.

“Well?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

You roll your eyes. “She just wanted to talk.”

“Talk?” Sana says, smirking. “That looked more like an interrogation.”

“Pretty sure I passed,” you reply with a small smile, though your heart’s still pounding. “Barely.”

I chuckle, clapping you on the shoulder. “If you survived that scary girl, you’ll be fine. Just don’t screw things up with Yujin, or you’ll have more than her to deal with.”

“Yeah,” you say, glancing in the direction Wonyoung disappeared. “Noted.”

A few days pass and you and Yujin go on a second, and a third, then a fourth, fifth, and sixth date, by that one the two of you have made it official y'all are truly dating. Which meant Wonyoung Sana, Eunbi (another friend of Yujin’s who I actually had a crush on) and I all had to endure y’all.

Wonyoung and Eunbi were cool. Wonyoung was one of the few people who I actually got into positive looping behavior with because she was one of the few people as smart as me.

The clang of metal and chatter fills the training grounds, but all I can focus on is Wonyoung’s voice, sharp and insistent like she’s trying to pierce me with her words alone. She stands across from me, arms crossed, her stance as calculated as her arguments.

“I’m telling you, the spear is the superior weapon,” she insists, her eyes narrowing at me. “It’s versatile, precise, and perfect for a demigod who needs to adapt on the fly.”

I lean casually on my training sword, letting her words roll off me like water on a shield. “Sure, if you want to poke monsters from a safe distance like some kind of scared tactician. A sword, on the other hand, is balanced and reliable. It’s the weapon of someone who’s not afraid to get up close and personal.”

Wonyoung snorts, her lips curling into a smirk that’s as irritating as it is strangely… I don’t know. Engaging? “Get up close and personal? Please. A sword is just a beginner’s weapon—something flashy for rookies who don’t know better.”

That gets a laugh out of me. “Flashy? You mean like you waving a spear around, pretending it takes more skill than it actually does?” I raise an eyebrow, waiting for her to take the bait. She always does.

Her cheeks flush—not enough to call her out on it, but enough that I notice. “Pretending? Oh, please. At least I don’t need a sword to feel like a hero. Maybe you’re compensating for something, Dino.”

There it is. I whistle low, shaking my head. “That’s rich, coming from someone who quotes Athena’s strategies like it’s gospel. Let me guess, you’ve got diagrams for how to defeat me in your back pocket?”

Her eyes flash, and I know I’ve struck a nerve. The thing is, I don’t mind arguing with Wonyoung. I kind of like it. There’s this weird energy between us—like every sharp word or sarcastic jab only fuels the fire. It’s not attraction. Definitely not. But something about it feels… satisfying.

“Don’t tempt me,” she shoots back, stepping closer like she’s ready to challenge me to a sparring match right here. “Unlike you, I don’t need to swing around a glorified kitchen knife to prove my point.”

I smirk, tilting my head. “You should work on your insults. That one’s getting old.”

“Maybe I just need a new audience,” she snaps, but there’s a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. She’s enjoying this as much as I am, even if she won’t admit it.

From the corner of my eye, I catch you watching us, sitting under the oak tree with Yujin. The two of you are completely absorbed in each other, all smiles and whispers, like the rest of the world doesn’t exist. It’s disgustingly cute, but I can’t bring myself to be annoyed. You deserve this.

Yujin leans into you, her head resting against your shoulder as she laughs at something you say. Her fingers play absentmindedly with the hem of your sleeve, and you don’t seem to mind one bit. You tilt your head down, brushing your lips against her temple in a soft kiss that makes her cheeks flush a warm pink.

“Look at them,” you say, nodding toward us with a teasing grin. “They’ve been at it for twenty minutes.”

Yujin giggles, shifting closer to you so her hand rests lightly on your knee. “I know. It’s kind of hilarious. They act like they can’t stand each other, but you can tell, right?”

You smirk, your voice low and playful. “They’re having way too much fun arguing. It’s basically flirting.”

Flirting? I catch the word and glance over at you two. I frown, annoyed but not surprised. “Don’t you have better things to do than narrate our conversation?”

You grin, completely unbothered. “Not really. You two are way more entertaining than anything else going on right now.”

“Yeah, seriously,” Yujin chimes in, her hand now fully intertwined with yours. She leans her head against your shoulder again, sighing contentedly. “It’s like watching an old married couple.”

“Married couple?” Wonyoung and I say at the same time, turning toward you.

“See?” You gesture between us, laughing. “You’re even in sync.”

I groan, pointing my training sword angrily at you. “You’re lucky I like you, Cece.”

“You mean love me, big bro,” you tease, tilting your head toward Yujin and planting a kiss on her cheek. “But don’t worry, we’re not judging. You and Wonyoung make a cute couple.”

I roll my eyes. “Say that again, and I’m not going on that double date you asked me to do.”

You laugh, leaning into Yujin and resting your head against hers. “Relax, Dino. You’re not fooling anyone.”

Meanwhile, Yujin’s attention is entirely on you. She shifts slightly, her free hand reaching up to trace the edge of your jawline. “You’re way too good at pushing his buttons,” she says softly, her voice dripping with affection.

“It’s a gift,” you reply with a grin, turning to capture her lips in a quick kiss that leaves her smiling shyly.

From across the field, I catch Wonyoung rolling her eyes at the display. “Do they always act like this?” she mutters.

I shrug. “ I don't know you're Yujin's best friend Cece is never this... mushy.” Wonyoung rolls her eyes

Her smirk returned. “Though I suppose it’s better than the alternative.”

“And what’s that?” I question genuinely intrigued

She smirks mischievously, “Watching you wave that sword around like it’s impressive.” she counters

I laugh despite myself, shaking my head. “You really don’t know when to quit, do you?”

She steps closer, her smirk widening. “Not when I’m right.”

And just like that, we’re back at it. Wonyoung’s voice rises to meet mine, sharp and quick, every word a challenge. My grin grows wider, feeding off the fire in her eyes. We’re locked in another argument about weapon preferences and battle tactics, our voices echoing across the field.

From the corner of my eye, I catch you and Yujin sitting together, her head resting on your shoulder as she laughs at something you said. You’re watching us with that knowing smirk, nudging Yujin and whispering who-knows-what into her ear.

“Your brother’s at it again,” Yujin says, loud enough for me to hear.

“Oh, he’s always at it,” you reply, your voice teasing. “Think it’s gonna end in another draw?”

I glance at you both, narrowing my eyes. “I can hear you, you know.”

You just grin wider, shrugging. “Good! Means we don’t have to repeat ourselves.”

I turn back to Wonyoung, my competitive streak flaring even brighter under your commentary. “You know what?” I say, my tone shifting as I step closer to her. “Let’s settle this properly.”

Her brow arches, her hands on her hips as she gives me that infuriatingly smug look. “If you’re propositioning me for something indecent, Dino, I’ll have you know I’m a noblewoman and—”

“No!” I interrupt, throwing up my hands. “Ew. Seriously. Granted, you’re gorgeous—anyone would be lucky to have you—but that’s not what I meant!”

From behind me, I hear you snicker. “Smooth,” you murmur to Yujin, who giggles.

Ignoring you both, I barrel ahead. “I’m talking about making a wager. Let’s put our skills to the test, once and for all.”

Wonyoung rolls her eyes, but I don’t miss the way her posture straightens, the spark of interest flickering across her face. “What could you possibly have that I’d want?”

I smirk, crossing my arms. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a chance to wield Lethal Tempo?”

Her eyes widen, the feigned disinterest slipping away. “Your enchanted weapon? The one that enhances physical and magical abilities and changes form?”

“That’s the one.”

She hesitates for half a second before nodding, the excitement in her voice barely contained. “Fine. You’re on.”

From the sidelines, Yujin gasps dramatically. “Oh, it’s serious now!”

You lean forward, resting your chin on your hand. “Finally. Some entertainment.”

Wonyoung glares at you both. “What are the rules?”

“No holds barred. First to yield,” I say, meeting her gaze head-on.

She lets out a low hum of approval, spinning on her heel to grab her spear. Light flares around her as she summons two glowing orbs of Lumina magic, the air around her practically crackling. “Let’s go,” she says, her voice laced with exhilaration.

I ready myself, shadowy energy curling at my fingertips as my Noxus magic flares to life.

“Wait,” you whisper, loud enough for Yujin to hear. “He can do magic?”

Yujin nudges you. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

“Didn’t know,” you reply, eyes fixed on the unfolding scene. “But this just got way more interesting.”

We race toward each other, spells colliding midair in bursts of light and shadow. Her Lumina magic clashes against my Noxus energy, canceling each other out as we close the gap. Our weapons meet with a loud clang, and for a moment, we’re locked in a bind, faces inches apart.

“Not bad,” she says, a smirk tugging at her lips.

“Same to you,” I reply, pushing back with all my strength.

“You two should kiss!” you shout from the sidelines, earning a burst of laughter from Yujin.

Wonyoung’s face turns bright red, but her grip doesn’t falter. “Excuse me?!”

“Don’t let them distract you!” I hiss, though I’m pretty sure my own cheeks are burning.

The fight escalates, each of us pushing the other to our limits. When she lunges, light beams trailing behind her spear, I counter with a sweep of shadow flames. When I feint, she’s quick to dodge, her movements sharp and precise.

It’s exhilarating.

“You’re brilliant,” she says between breaths, her eyes gleaming.

“So are you,” I reply, meeting her next strike with a parry. “This is the first time I’ve fought someone who can keep up with me.”

Her smirk returns, and for a moment, I catch something in her gaze—something raw and real.

We clash one final time, our weapons coming to a halt: her spear at my throat, my blade at her heart. A perfect stalemate.

The world around us seems to fade as we stare at each other, breaths mingling, the adrenaline thrumming through my veins. For a moment, it feels like it’s just the two of us, stripped bare by the intensity of the fight.

But then the cheers from the crowd reach us, snapping the moment like a twig. We pull back at the same time, collapsing onto the grass, our energy spent.

As the crowd dissipates, Wonyoung turns her gaze toward me, her expression unreadable. You see her say something to me but you can’t make it out, as you get closer the only thing you can hear is

I blink, caught between amazement and mild embarrassment. “You notice everything, don’t you?”

“Only the interesting things,” she teases, leaning back.

Before I can respond, you and Yujin stroll over, grinning like you’ve won the lottery.

“Good fight, both of you!” you say, tossing a coin in the air. “And thanks for helping us make a fortune.”

I groan, rubbing my temples. “You’re impossible.”

“Well, that was anticlimactic,” Yujin teases, walking over to you with a handful of coins. “But at least we made a killing off the bets.”

You flash me a grin, tossing a coin in the air. “Good fight, Dino. Next time, maybe you’ll actually win.”

I groan, covering my face with one hand. “You’re impossible.”

Wonyoung laughs beside me, and when I glance at her, she’s smiling, her expression soft and full of something I can’t quite place.

It’s late afternoon, the kind of day that hints at the crisp bite of approaching twilight. Yujin and you are back to sitting under that oak tree near the training grounds, sharing a small bag of candied nuts that Yujin somehow always manages to have. You and her laughing about something—a joke, a shared memory, or maybe just the ease of each other’s company. As I watched the two of you I feel happy for you. You gone through so much and here you are happy with the love of your life,

A little further off, I lean against a low wall, fiddling with the edge of my jacket as Wonyoung waves goodbye. Our sparring match has left me both exhilarated and exhausted, though her words about my heritage linger more than I’d like to admit. I glance toward you and Yujin, catching the light playfulness between you two, and can’t help but smile. Lost in thought I don’t sense a soft presence approaching behind me.

“You’re staring,” Eunbi’s voice teases from behind me.

I turn to find her grinning at me, her spear resting casually on her shoulder. Her short blonde bob catches the sunlight just enough to make her look like some kind of celestial warrior. “Admiring the lovebirds?” she asks, nodding toward Yujin and you.

“Just thinking,” I say, a little defensive.

“Oh is someone jealous?” she says, her grin widening.

I roll my eyes. “No not really?”

Eunbi steps closer, her tone shifting from playful to a little more serious. “Well that’s good. Besides you have me don’t you”

I blink at her, trying to decipher the meaning behind her words, but before I can overthink it, you call out.

“Hey, Dino! Eunbi! What are you two scheming about over there?”

Eunbi smirks and winks at me before turning to face you. “Oh, just talking about how cheesy and gross the two of you are.”

Yujin raises an eyebrow, leaning back on her hands. “Gross huh? We’ll see about that little Mrs Clingy.”

You shoot her a curious glance, already catching onto the playful rivalry brewing. “What are you suggesting?”

Eunbi crosses her arms, her smirk now fully playful. “Double date. Us four tonight.”

I choke on air. “Wait, what?”

Eunbi gives me a look, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “What? Don’t tell me you’re scared of a little old me.”

Yujin grins, catching onto Eunbi’s energy. “And what exactly is this supposed prove?”

“Who’s the better couple,” Eunbi says matter-of-factly. “who has the better vibes, who just… wins.”

You bursts out laughing. “Wins? Is that even how dates work?”

“It is now,” Eunbi retorts, her confidence unshakable. I look at you then at Eunbi then back to you so confused.

You shrug to me and smile teasingly  thenYujin looks at you, a gleam in her eye. “What do you think? Ready to crush them?”

You grin and lean forward. “Oh, absolutely. We’re winning this.”

I groan, rubbing the back of my neck. “Do I get a say in this?”

“Nope,” Eunbi replies, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward you all. “C’mon, Dino, we’ve got this. Let’s show them how it’s done.”

As we gather together, the lightness in the air feels contagious. I’m still not entirely sure how I ended up here, but the way Eunbi looks at me—half daring, half amused—keeps me from arguing.

“Alright,” Yujin says, standing up and brushing off her pants. “Meet back here in an hour. Best double date wins.”

You exchange a look with me and smirk. “Hope you’re ready, Dino.”

I sigh, though I can’t quite keep the grin off my face. “Im so lost! What’s going on?”

Eunbi gives me a triumphant look, and we walk off together, already brainstorming plans. In the distance, I hear you and Yujin laughing, the sound carrying on the breeze.

You and Yujin go to Sana and Miyeon who were at the preparing to go on a date of their own. They look at you both and Sana says, “Oh look at the two lovebirds”

You smile and say, “We need your help, make us look like a better couple then Eunbi and Dino.”

Sana smiled and Miyeon pouted as she looked at the two of you,

“What have you dragged Dino into?” Miyeon asks suspicious

“Nothing,” Yujin lies innocently

Sana being the love-drunk girl she was said, “who cares lets do it,”  

The smell of Sana’s floral perfume fills the room as she bustles around, her enthusiasm spilling over into every corner of the space. She rummages through a small chest of accessories, holding up necklaces, bracelets, and even a pair of matching rings with such fervor you’d think she was planning her own wedding.

“You’re lucky you came to me,” Sana declares, draping a shimmering scarf over Yujin’s shoulders. “If there’s anyone who knows romance, it’s yours truly.”

Yujin wiggles her shoulders and smirks at you. “Do I look fancy yet?”

“Like a bedazzled peacock,” Miyeon mutters from her seat by the vanity, one leg crossed over the other as she absently flips through a book of enchantments.

“Hey!” Sana shoots her a glare before turning back to you and Yujin with an exaggerated sigh. “Don’t listen to her. She’s just bitter she wasn’t invited to compete.”

Miyeon raises an eyebrow, leaning back with an air of indifference. “I have better things to do than play dating games with children.” She pauses, smirking slyly. “Besides, I’d win without even trying.”

Yujin bursts out laughing. “Bold claim, Miyeon. Too bad we’ll never know.”

Meanwhile, you’re sitting on the edge of the room, watching as Sana holds up different outfits in front of Yujin like she’s designing a mannequin. Finally, Sana turns her attention to you, her eyes narrowing as she sizes you up.

“Alright, Cece. Your turn.”

You blink, startled. “My turn? I’m fine—”

“Fine?!” Sana gasps, clutching her chest like you’ve just insulted her honor. “Honey, this is a competition! You can’t just show up fine. You have to look stunning. Jaw-dropping. Completely untouchable.”

Miyeon glances up from her book, smirking. “Good luck with that. Cece isn’t exactly the glamorous type.”

You shoot Miyeon a look. “I can clean up when I want to.”

“Prove it,��� Miyeon says, her tone challenging.

Sana claps her hands together, practically vibrating with excitement. “Yes! That’s the spirit! Now, come here and let me work my magic.”

Reluctantly, you step forward as Sana drapes a shawl around your shoulders, tilts your head to the side, and squints like she’s trying to unlock some great cosmic mystery.

“Hmm… We need something that says confident but approachable,” she muses. “Romantic but not trying too hard. Oh! I know—Miyeon, toss me that charm.”

Miyeon barely glances up. “Which one?”

“The one for confidence!”

With a sigh, Miyeon flicks her wrist, and a small charm on a chain floats across the room into Sana’s waiting hand. She immediately hooks it onto a bracelet and clasps it around your wrist.

“There,” Sana says with a grin. “Now you’re practically glowing. Yujin won’t be able to take their eyes off you.”

“Yujin already can’t take their eyes off her,” Miyeon deadpans, earning a playful shove from Yujin.

You glance down at the charm, then back up at Sana. “Does this actually do anything?”

“Oh, absolutely,” she says, waving her hand dramatically. “It amplifies your natural charm. Trust me, by the end of tonight, everyone in town will be talking about how perfect you two are together.”

Yujin sidles up next to you, sliding an arm around your waist. “I mean, they’re not wrong,” she says, flashing you a grin that makes your heart race.

Miyeon rolls her eyes but doesn’t hide the faint smile tugging at her lips. “Alright, lovebirds. You’re as ready as you’ll ever be. Go knock ‘em dead—or at least don’t embarrass yourselves too badly.”

Sana steps back, admiring her handiwork one last time. “You two are going to crush them. Eunbi and Dino won’t even know what hit them.”

Yujin winks at her. “Thanks, Sana. We owe you one.”

“You owe me three,” she corrects, shooing you both toward the door. “Now go! And remember, confidence is key!”

As you and Yujin leave the room, Miyeon leans back in her chair with a sigh. “You realize they’re going to take all the credit if they win, right?”

Sana smiles, sitting next to her and watching you both disappear down the hall. “That’s fine. I already know who the real mastermind is.”

As we gather back under the oak tree, the group’s energy is buzzing with excitement and a bit of playful tension. You, Yujin, and Eunbi look fantastic—Sana’s and Miyeon’s handiwork evident in every detail of your outfits and the effortless confidence you radiate. Then there’s me: trying my best to look presentable despite my height and less-than-tailored wardrobe. But the teasing grin on Eunbi’s face as she surveys me tells me I’ve at least passed her test.

We set off toward the first stop on our double date: a local chicken wing spot that you and I have loved for years. It’s one of those places where the smell of spices and crispy fried food greets you before you even step inside. The warm, familiar scent makes me feel like this might actually be a fun evening.

As soon as we arrive, your face lights up with pure joy, the kind that’s infectious. Yujin notices immediately, her brow quirking in curiosity as she glances between you and the restaurant.

“I love chicken wings!” you say, practically bouncing in place. Then, with even more enthusiasm, you add, “This is my favorite spot in town!”

Yujin’s expression softens, a small smile creeping onto her lips. “I had no idea you liked wings this much,” she says, slipping her arm around your waist as we head inside.

The four of us are seated at a booth near the back. The table is already stocked with rolls of paper towels, wet wipes, and an intimidatingly large menu. You and I launch into a discussion about which flavors to order, while Yujin and Eunbi exchange amused glances.

“You two are like kids in a candy store,” Yujin teases.

“Let them be,” Eunbi chimes in. “Chicken wings are serious business.”

After placing our orders—half the menu, it feels like—we settle in. As we wait for the food, the conversation drifts toward memories and stories. Yujin rests her chin on her hand, looking at you with a softness in her eyes.

“You’ve got to tell me,” she says. “What’s the story with this place? How’d it become your favorite?”

You smile, leaning back against the booth as you explain. “When I first got here, I didn’t know many people. This place was one of the first spots I found on my own. I’d come here after training, or when I needed to clear my head. It became like… my little safe haven.”

Yujin nods, her gaze steady on you. “That makes sense. You’ve always had a way of making things feel special, even something as simple as a wing spot.”

You roll your eyes, but there’s a faint blush on your cheeks. “It’s not that deep.”

“It is to me,” Yujin says, her voice quiet but sure.

The table falls into a comfortable silence for a moment before you glance at her. “What about you? Any places like that for you?”

Yujin tilts her head, thinking. “There’s this lake near my hometown. It’s surrounded by these big, old trees, and the water’s so clear you can see straight to the bottom. I used to go there all the time, just to think. It’s where I made some of my biggest decisions.”

“Like what?” you ask, curious.

Yujin hesitates, her gaze dropping to the table for a second before she looks back up at you. “Like deciding to come here. And… deciding that when I found someone who felt like home, I’d never let them go.”

The weight of her words lingers in the air, and for a moment, it’s like the rest of us aren’t even there. Yujin reaches for your hand across the table, her fingers brushing yours lightly.

“What about the future?” you ask softly.

Yujin smiles, a little mischievous but entirely sincere. “The future? I don’t know all the details yet, but I do know one thing: it’s you.”

You blink, caught off guard. “Me?”

She nods, her grin widening. “I mean, yeah. You, me… maybe a house. Maybe a ring.”

Your eyes widen, and Eunbi nearly chokes on her water.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa,” I interject, laughing nervously. “Are we seriously talking about this over chicken wings?”

Yujin shrugs, completely unfazed. “Why not? Wings are sacred, and so is this conversation.”

Eunbi shakes her head, muttering, “You’re all nuts.”

You, meanwhile, are still staring at Yujin, trying to gauge if she’s joking. But the look in her eyes tells you she’s not—not entirely, at least.

The arrival of the wings breaks the tension, and we dive into the feast, the conversation taking on a lighter tone. But the weight of Yujin’s words hangs in the back of my mind, and I can’t help but glance at you occasionally, wondering if you’re thinking about them too.

The four of us spend the rest of the meal laughing, debating the best wing flavors, and wiping sauce off our faces. It’s chaotic and messy, but it’s perfect in its own way—a night that feels like it could be the start of something bigger.

As the meal goes on, the atmosphere grows even more comfortable, and Yujin seems to have this way of zeroing in on you, Cece, that’s impossible to miss. Her attention is undivided, her questions thoughtful and genuinely curious.

“So,” Yujin says, picking up another wing, “did you always want to be this fearless, tough adventurer? Or was there ever a version of you who wanted something totally different?”

You pause mid-bite, caught off guard by the question. “I mean… I don’t know about fearless. I just wanted to prove I could handle myself, you know? Growing up, it was always like, ‘Oh, Cece can’t do this,’ or ‘Cece isn’t tough enough.’ So I guess I leaned into that—became someone who didn’t need anyone else to stand up for her.”

Yujin nods, her expression soft but intrigued. “That’s admirable. But you know, being strong doesn’t mean you can’t let someone else take care of you once in a while.”

You frown, a little defensive. “I don’t need anyone to—”

“I know you don’t need it,” Yujin interrupts gently, her eyes locking on yours. “But don’t you think you deserve it?”

That catches you off guard. The words hang between you two, and for a moment, you’re not sure how to respond. Slowly, your posture shifts—less rigid, more open.

“I… never really thought about it that way,” you admit, your voice quieter now.

Yujin smiles, her hand brushing yours on the table in a gesture so casual yet so intentional. “Well, you should. You deserve someone who sees you for all of it—your strength, your independence, but also the parts of you that don’t always have to fight.”

Your cheeks flush a little, and you find yourself toying with the edge of your napkin. “That’s… really sweet of you to say.”

Eunbi snorts from her side of the booth, breaking the moment. “Wow, Yujin, laying it on thick, huh?”

“Jealous?” Yujin fires back, completely unfazed.

Eunbi rolls her eyes, and I try not to laugh, but your focus remains on Yujin, who is now leaning in just slightly, her tone turning conspiratorial.

“So tell me,” she says, her voice dropping just enough to feel intimate, “what’s the girliest thing you’ve ever done?”

Your eyes narrow, though there’s a flicker of amusement in them. “Are you trying to say I’m not girly?”

“Not at all,” Yujin replies smoothly. “I just want to know what soft side you’re hiding under all that tough-girl charm.”

You huff, crossing your arms. “I can be soft! I… I’ve braided someone’s hair before. And I’m not terrible at it.”

Yujin grins, leaning back in her seat. “See? There it is. I knew there was a softer side to you.”

You try to hold onto your tough demeanor, but the way Yujin’s looking at you—like you’re the most fascinating person in the room—starts to melt your defenses.

“Alright,” you say, a bit more shyly now. “Maybe I like… flowers. A little. And pretty jewelry. Sometimes.”

Yujin’s smile grows. “There we go. What kind of flowers?”

“Why do you care so much?” you ask, your voice a little high-pitched as you try to deflect.

“Because,” Yujin says, her tone teasing but gentle, “if I’m going to spoil you one day, I should probably know what to get.”

That does it. Your tough-girl exterior crumbles entirely as your face turns bright red. “Spoil me?”

“Of course,” Yujin says, reaching across the table to take your hand in hers. “You deserve it, remember?”

Your fingers instinctively curl around hers, and you find yourself smiling—soft, bashful, and entirely out of character for the version of you everyone else knows.

Eunbi, watching this unfold, shakes her head. “Yujin, you’ve got her wrapped around your finger.”

Yujin glances at you, her expression smug yet affectionate. “She’s not the only one.”

I exchange a glance with Eunbi, and we both try not to laugh as you sit there, completely entranced by Yujin. It’s as if every wall you’ve built has been gently nudged aside, leaving you free to just… be.

By the time the wings arrive, the dynamic between you and Yujin has shifted entirely. Where you were once the confident, tough adventurer, you’re now sneaking glances at Yujin, blushing at her jokes, and even giggling when she teases you. It’s clear to anyone watching: you’re utterly lovestruck.

As the plates of chicken wings arrive, you’re practically glowing with excitement. The scent alone has you grabbing the first piece with zero hesitation, diving in with such gusto that it’s hard not to admire your enthusiasm.

Yujin watches you with an amused smile, taking her time as she picks up her first wing. “Wow,” she teases, “I’ve never seen someone eat wings like they’re on a mission.”

You shoot her a playful glare, your cheeks puffed slightly with food. “Don’t judge me. This is serious business.”

“Oh, I’m not judging,” Yujin replies, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. “I’m just trying to figure out how someone so cute can also be so intense.”

You pause mid-bite, a faint blush creeping up your neck. “Cute?” you mumble, trying to hide your reaction.

“Mm-hmm,” Yujin hums, taking a bite of her own wing. “Though maybe a little messy.”

You frown, swallowing quickly. “Messy?”

She gestures toward your chin, where a tiny streak of sauce clings. Without a word, Yujin grabs a napkin, leans in, and gently wipes the spot clean. The casual intimacy of the gesture has your breath catching, and for a moment, the world narrows to just the two of you.

“There,” she says softly, her eyes meeting yours. “Perfect.”

You blink at her, feeling suddenly shy but also oddly warm. “I—I could’ve done that myself, you know.”

“Sure,” Yujin says, her grin teasing. “But then I wouldn’t have an excuse to pamper you.”

Your lips twitch, and you try to fight the smile threatening to break through. “You’re really laying it on thick, huh?”

“Am I?” she replies innocently, though the sparkle in her eyes gives her away.

Eunbi, sitting across from you two, clears her throat loudly. “Okay, seriously, do you two need a separate table or something?”

“I wouldn’t mind,” Yujin quips, her gaze still fixed on you.

You roll your eyes but can’t suppress the laugh bubbling out of you. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” Yujin says with a wink, grabbing another wing as if this entire exchange is the most natural thing in the world.

As the meal continues, Yujin keeps up her playful banter, finding small ways to keep the focus on you. Whether it’s comparing whose wing sauce is spicier or mock-pouting when you finish the last of the honey garlic wings, she seems determined to draw out every smile and laugh you have.

At one point, she offers you the last piece from her plate, holding it up with a grin. “Here, take it. It’s the best one.”

“No way,” you say, shaking your head. “It’s yours.”

“Cece,” she says, her tone soft but teasing. “Take it. You’ve already stolen my heart. What’s one more wing?”

You groan at the cheesy line, but your smile betrays you as you take the offered wing. “You’re impossible,” you say again, though this time your voice is lighter, softer.

“And yet,” Yujin says, leaning her chin on her hand as she watches you eat, “here we are.”

Eunbi and I exchange glances from the other side of the booth, both of us trying not to laugh. It’s clear that Yujin’s relentless charm is wearing you down, and honestly, it’s kind of adorable to watch you go from cool and composed to completely flustered in her presence.

By the time the plates are cleared and the conversation shifts, you’re sitting a little closer to Yujin than before, and there’s an undeniable warmth in the air that even Eunbi’s occasional snark can’t dampen.

After we eat, Eunbi and I finally concede. Competing with Yujin and you feels pointless—it’s clear you’ve already won. Instead, we relax and let the night settle into an easy camaraderie as we all walk back to the country club/community center, the cool evening air filled with the quiet hum of conversation and laughter.

As we near the entrance, I stop and turn to you. “Oh, Cece, quick reminder—I won’t be here tomorrow. Or, uh, the rest of the week.”

You blink at me, confused. “Wait, what? Why?”

“It’s the Huntress Moon and Half-Blood’s Giving,” I explain casually, like it’s the most normal thing in the world.

Your expression shifts as recognition dawns. “Oh, right. Yeah. So where are you heading this time?”

“The sequoias and redwoods,” I say, stuffing my hands into my jacket pockets.

Eunbi perks up, her eyes lighting with interest. “That sounds like fun. Can I come?”

I shrug, smiling faintly. “Sure. Why not?”

Yujin, looking increasingly baffled, tilts her head. “Wait, hold on—why is Dino disappearing for two weeks? What is this Huntress Moon thing?”

You laugh, clearly amused at her confusion. “It’s… complicated.”

Yujin’s brows knit together, and you, ever patient, decide to elaborate. “Okay, so Artemis and her Huntresses come by once a year for the Huntress Moon. They team up with some of the major half-bloods—Percy, Annabeth, Piper, Reyna, Nico, and a few others—for a week of friendly competitions.”

“Friendly competitions?” Yujin echoes, clearly skeptical.

“Think Capture the Flag, archery contests, obstacle courses,” you say, grinning. “It’s basically Camp Half-Blood on steroids. Everyone gets really into it.”

“Okay…” Yujin says slowly, still trying to piece it together. “But why is Dino leaving did he do something to  Artemis ? I know the Huntresses were… you know, anti-guys, but they typically tolerate them?”

You smirk at the question, clearly anticipating it. “Oh, she Artemis hates Dino. She thinks he’s the reason I left the Huntresses.”

Eunbi and Yujin both squint at you, intrigued. “Wait,” Eunbi says, clearly fishing for drama. “Is he?”

You pause for dramatic effect, your expression unreadable for just a moment, before delivering the punchline with perfect timing: “No. Sana is.”

Eunbi snorts, and I can’t help but laugh along. It’s the way you say it every time—so dry, so deadpan—it gets me every single time.

Yujin, however, turns a noticeable shade of red. “Do you still like Sana?” she asks, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably.

“What? No!” you say, mock-offended. Then you flash her a playful grin, your tone shifting to something softer. “She’s way too old for me now—especially since I have a lovely lady like you.”

The words make Yujin’s blush deepen, and her embarrassment melts into a smile. “You’re so cheesy,” she murmurs before leaning in to pull you into a kiss.

Eunbi groans dramatically. “Alright, that’s our cue,” she says, grabbing my arm and steering me toward the exit.

I glance back just long enough to see you and Yujin completely lost in each other before Eunbi nudges me. “C’mon, let’s give them some privacy before we turn into third and fourth wheels.”

We step out into the crisp night air, and I chuckle under my breath. “So… you still up for the sequoias?”

“Absolutely,” Eunbi says with a grin. “Anything to avoid being caught in that level of PDA again.”

As we walk off, the distant laughter and warmth from you and Yujin linger behind us.

The next day, the sun hangs high in the crisp blue sky as you and Yujin sit near the gates of the camp, waiting for the others to arrive. It’s quieter than usual, with most of the employees and persons of interest busy preparing for the week’s festivities. Yujin leans back on her hands, watching the horizon as if expecting a battalion to march in at any moment.

“So,” she begins casually, glancing over at you. “You never really told me—what was it like being with the Huntresses?”

You shrug, the corners of your lips twitching in a small smile. “Strict, disciplined, a little overwhelming sometimes. But also… freeing, in a way. It’s like being part of a sisterhood. You know everyone’s got your back.”

Yujin hums thoughtfully before asking, “Then why’d you leave? Was it really because of Sana?”

You chuckle, a bit sheepishly, and nod. “Sort of. I had this… puppy love crush on her. You know how it is—being young, being dumb, thinking someone’s the coolest person in the world.”

Yujin raises an eyebrow, smirking. “And let me guess, she knew.”

“Oh, she definitely knew,” you say, laughing now. “But Sana was always kind about it. She never made me feel bad or embarrassed, even when I started realizing it wasn’t going anywhere. Still, it was distracting, and Artemis… well, let’s just say she doesn’t tolerate distractions. So I left.”

Yujin leans in a little, her expression softening. “Do you ever regret it?”

“Not for a second,” you say, meeting her gaze. “Leaving the Huntresses let me meet people like you. And honestly? You’re worth it.”

Yujin grins, her cheeks coloring faintly. “You’re so cheesy, you know that?”

Before you can reply, the air grows colder, a stillness settling over the camp. The distant sound of hooves and footsteps reaches your ears, and you both turn toward the woods. Emerging from the tree line is Artemis, flanked by her Huntresses. The goddess of the hunt looks every bit as regal and commanding as you remember, her silver hair catching the sunlight, her moonlit eyes scanning the camp like a hawk.

“Here we go,” you mutter under your breath as Yujin straightens beside you.

Artemis approaches with a measured grace, her Huntresses fanning out behind her. She stops a few paces away, her gaze locking onto you.

“Cece,” she says, her voice as cool as a winter morning. “Where is the boy? The one who follows you like a shadow.”

You blink, caught off guard. “Dino? He’s already gone you have nothing to worry about.”

Artemis narrows her eyes slightly, as if trying to gauge your honesty, then shifts her attention to Yujin. “And you are?”

“Yujin,” she replies, offering a polite nod. “Cece’s girlfriend.”

Artemis tilts her head, her expression unreadable. “A mortal?”

“No,” Yujin says with a small smile. “Aphrodite legacy.”

Artemis considers this, her piercing gaze flicking between the two of you. “You have potential. Have you considered joining the Huntresses? A life free of mortal attachments, dedicated to something greater—”

“Thank you,” Yujin interrupts gently, “but I’m happy where I am.” She glances at you, her smile widening. “With Cece.”

Before Artemis can respond, Yujin leans in and kisses you, a soft, lingering gesture that sends warmth rushing through you. When she pulls back, her grin is both playful and defiant.

Artemis exhales sharply through her nose, clearly displeased but not entirely surprised. Her gaze shifts back to you, her expression tightening. “So he’s not the reason you left,” she mutters, almost to herself.

“Nope,” you say with a hint of amusement. “But I’ve got to say, I’m really glad I did.”

Artemis doesn’t reply, though her lips press into a thin line. She turns on her heel, motioning for her Huntresses to follow. As they move deeper into the facility , one of the younger Huntresses shoots you a sly grin before jogging to catch up with the group.

You and Yujin exchange a glance, and she smirks. “Think she’ll ever let it go?”

“Probably not,” you reply with a laugh, taking her hand. “But who cares? I’ve got you.”

The two of you watch as Artemis and her Huntresses disappear into the community center/country club thing.

The sun reaches its peak, bathing the area in golden light as the unmistakable sound of approaching voices and footsteps filters through the woods. You and Yujin sit side by side, your fingers lightly intertwined as the air grows lively with anticipation. From beyond the tree line, figures begin to emerge, each one carrying a unique presence that sets the atmosphere abuzz.

First comes Percy, his dark hair tousled as if he’d just stepped off a wave. He’s flanked by Annabeth, her sharp gray eyes scanning the camp like she’s already analyzing every potential strategy for the upcoming competitions.

“Yo, Cece!” Percy calls out with his trademark grin, throwing a hand up in greeting.

“Hey, seaweed brain!” you shout back, smirking as Annabeth elbows him lightly for the nickname.

Behind them are Piper and Reyna, walking in step despite their contrasting energies. Piper’s laid-back aura is underscored by the ever-present glint of her dagger, while Reyna’s commanding presence seems to draw everyone’s attention without her even trying.

“Good to see you again, Cece,” Reyna says with a respectful nod as Piper flashes you a friendly smile.

The next group to arrive includes Nico, whose dark attire and quiet demeanor contrast starkly with the cheery gold glow that seems to follow Hazel and Frank. Magnus and his friends aren’t far behind, the son of Frey already chatting animatedly with Frank about some shared Norse and Roman connection.

“Wow,” Yujin murmurs beside you, squeezing your hand. “So many legends in one place.”

You grin, leaning a little closer to her. “It’s not every day all the major half-bloods get together. Trust me, it’s always a bit chaotic—but in a good way.”

As the crowd filters in, introductions are exchanged, and the energy becomes electric. Percy and Magnus immediately start comparing weapons, while Piper and Annabeth get into a friendly debate about which Greek hero would win in a sparring match.

Hazel and Frank join you and Yujin, their warm smiles making her feel welcome. “So, you’re Cece’s girlfriend?” Hazel asks, her tone kind but curious.

“Yeah,” Yujin says with a confident smile. “And you’re the couple everyone talks about, right? The power duo?”

Frank rubs the back of his neck, blushing slightly, while Hazel laughs. “Something like that. Welcome to the chaos.”

A short distance away, Nico is already rolling his eyes as Magnus tries to rope him into a conversation about the underworld. “I’m just saying,” Magnus insists, “Hel and Hades could totally—”

“No,” Nico interrupts flatly, crossing his arms.

Artemis and her Huntresses remain at the edge of the clearing, observing the gathering with a quiet intensity. Artemis occasionally glances in your direction, her expression unreadable. You meet her gaze for a moment, feeling a sense of closure in the acknowledgment.

The facility feels alive now, buzzing with the kind of energy that only comes when heroes gather. Yujin nudges you with her shoulder, pulling your attention back to her.

“So,” she says, her voice soft but full of excitement, “what’s the plan for all of this?”

You smile, the warmth in your chest matching the golden afternoon light. “Friendly competitions, maybe a little chaos, and definitely some memories we won’t forget.”

She laughs, leaning her head against your shoulder as the rest of the group continues to mingle. For the first time in a long time, you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be—surrounded by friends, legends, and the girl who makes it all worthwhile.

[13nickds]

here's the mistletoe (so go on and kiss me twice) : p. hanni

synopsis: it's last minute christmas decorating with your friends, and, as always, anything and everything is an opportunity for you to tease your girlfriend.

# : pairing ! nonidol!pham hanni x fem!reader

# : tags ! fluff fluff and more fluff, would you like a side of fluff with your order of fluff? yeah?, christmas decorating, short jokes (directed at hanni wbk), ft newjeans

# : wordcount ! 1.5k

# : warnings ! none

for the first time ever in the two years that you've been living with each other, all members of your friend group are home for christmas. obviously, you guys want to make it special, right? decorating the moment it hits midnight on the first of the jolly month?

...except everyone's been busy with finals and whatnot, and the only day that all six of you are free is the 23rd. two days before christmas, and a day before christmas eve.

early this morning, minji and haerin went out to go buy a tree. and you'll give it to them, it's a damn pretty looking tree. it leaves just enough room to spare for the topper to breathe, and it's body is the ideal shape for a christmas tree—like the ones you'd see on those holiday cards. putting those two on tree-hunting duty was a good idea, even if they were decided from losing a game of slapjack.

(that day still gives you the shivers. the air around haerin as she chose her victim to accompany her on her expedition was absolutely chilling.)

the rest of the jobs were decided by first come, first served. unfortunately, danielle and hyein called dibs on baking all of the sweet treats and pastries for the party, so that left you and hanni for decorations.

look, you love hanni. she's a wonderful friend and an even lovelier girlfriend. it's just... you know, with all the decorating... how are you supposed to resist making short jokes targeted towards her when everything gives you a chance to? and that's exactly how your trip to home depot went. every other aisle would have you lightly teasing your vertically challenged girlfriend, and every other aisle would have her scolding you or landing a half-hearted punch on your shoulder. ouch.

"you guys sure are late," hyein jokingly crosses her arms upon your arrival. her mask breaks almost immediately, and she has to stifle a giggle. there's spots of flour on her face, and danielle, who is beaming next to her, has pink frosting smeared on her cheek. looks like their baking session went a little haywire.

hanni huffs, swinging a horridly orange home depot branded bag over her shoulder to set down next to the freshly installed tree. "do you know how crowded home depot is on christmas eve eve?"

"must've been hard reaching for the last box of ornaments," minji snorts, leaning over from her spot on the couch to try to peek inside the reusable bag. hanni swats her hand away and proceeds to point and laugh at the ugly christmas sweater that the taller has donned.

you giggle at their interaction before placing the rest of the orange bags next to the one hanni put down and make a beeline to the open kitchen, where a tray of warm and decorated cookies lay. there's a broken snowflake-shaped cookie with unsightly neon turquoise frosting pasted messily on top, and you decide to put it out of its misery by plopping it in your mouth. "mmh, warm, buttery, and sweet. as expected, you two."

the baker pair share a proud look and a fistbump, and then a voice sounds out from right beside you alongside a crunch. "these are good."

startled, you look to your right and haerin's staring right at you with a gingerbread man—headless, because she bit off its head—pinched in a hold between her pointer and her thumb. you press a hand to your heart, "when did you get here!?"

she ignores your question, instead walking away to peer into the products you and hanni reaped from the warehouse. if you listened closely, you could hear the feline quietly hum the home depot theme song. unbelievable.

minji tries to start something, likely about how haerin got to look before she did, but danielle interrupts before she can even let a second word of complaint escape her lips. "let's get decorating!"

with the sunshine's interruption, the group breaks into laughter and minji takes the three orange bags to the dining table where their contents can be spilled out. ornaments, string lights in both tacky rainbow colors and the neat white ones, and other little trinkets and decorations—you really just grabbed everything that was left, not that it was a bad thing! it's just... really random compared to everything else.

"whoever's last has to decorate the tree," danielle calls out, a small smile settling on her face, and she places her finger on the tip of her nose, "not it!"

you got caught off-guard, and that ultimately leaves you as the last one standing. even haerin's in on it, the little devil—she's developing her own characteristic shit-eating grin and it's starting to piss you off.

"you're out, y/n," minji laughs, and her eyes subtly snap between you and hanni, "pick someone to work with you."

your gaze trails over to your girlfriend, who frantically shakes her head in distress. 'no,' she signals with her eyes, 'please don't pick me.'

hyein waves a swaying hand in front of you, a teasing glint in her eyes, "don't take too long picking, unnie, or else the beautiful tree they picked will be all for naught!"

well, you didn't have to be told twice. "hanni."

"nooooo!"

"i can't believe you chose me. i mean, couldn't you tell i didn't want to be picked? my own girlfriend betraying me, how could you?" the shorter girl grumbles, handing you an ornament to hang on a higher section of the tree. the two of you have worked through almost all of it after hanging four sets of string lights, two multicolored, two white.

"it's not that bad, han," you chuckle, expertly looping the red ornament's string around a branch. the leaves brush against your skin and it's electrifying—in a good way, of course. "besides, this way you don't have to complain about what kind of placement minji or hyein decided on, yeah? plus, you're the perfect height to reach those bottom branches."

hanni gasps in offense, her jaw dropped. "i'm not that short!" and she hands you the last ornament to hang: an otter with a santa hat.

you grin, taking it from her hand and pointing at the small plush, "this one looks like you."

"really?" she furrows her eyebrows.

you hold it up next to her face for comparison. "definitely."

after putting the otter plush in an empty-looking spot in the middle of the tree, you pick up a star topper and present it to your girlfriend, who looks at you with a deadpan stare. "you're not actually asking me to put it on, are you?"

"i'm deadass," you smile, "take it, i'll help you up."

hanni stares at you for a bit longer, as if she were waiting for you to break your expression and claim that it was a joke. unfortunately for her, you don't, only pushing the topper into her hands. "how are we even going to—ah, what the hell!"

you've gone and easily lifted your girlfriend up by the waist, just enough so that she could reach the top of the tree. she squirms in your hold, and you giggle at her struggle. "hurry up, han!"

"okay, okay! move forward a little, will you?"

with your help, hanni manages to perfectly place the star on top of the tree and returning her to the ground earns you a satisfied hum and a hug, which you reciprocate. out of character, but not unwelcome.

now done with the tree, you can finally look around to your surroundings where the entire house has been christmasified: string lights, plushies with santa hats, a winter village on the windowsill on top of a white cloth resembling snow, and a train track on another windowsill. there's shuffling from below you, and you lock eyes with haerin who gradually rises from her brief squatting position on the ground. a smirk slowly takes over your face. hanni tilts her head in confusion.

the feline stands on her tiptoes to dangle the mistletoe above you and hanni's heads, and once the smaller girl realizes what the plant was, her face explodes into a multitude of reds and pinks.

the others, witnessing this scene unfold, start chanting and playfully raising their fists. "kiss! kiss! kiss!"

you press your forehead against your girlfriend's. "looks like we have no choice but to kiss, hanni."

her eyes soften. "you're saying it like it's a chore."

you shake your head slightly in disbelief, scoffing. "i'm just saying, it's an honor to ki-"

before you could finish your sentence, you feel the fabric of your shirt get tugged forward, and soon you feel a soft pair of lips pressed against your own. the kiss is soothing but exciting, and you lean into the familiar warmth. nothing else mattered in that moment, all you can focus on is the way she tastes like mint—it's only a bit embarrassing that you might taste like the sweet buttercream cookie that you had earlier.

a burst of cheers erupt from around you, causing you to break away from the kiss. but you don't pay any mind to the others—instead, you pull hanni closer into an affectionate hug. you lean forward to brush your lips across her ear, smiling at how quickly it turns red from her blush.

"merry christmas, han."

hanni buries her face into your shoulder. "merry christmas, y/n."

a/n : MERRY CHRISTMAS it's still technically christmas for me so i'm not late I SWEAR ok i know that I said i wouldn't write any more fluff but that was a lie... i would be a devil if i ruined the holiday spirit with angst happy holidays!!

[13nickds]

winter wonders

girlfriend!minji x fem!reader

synopsis: a cozy christmas eve with cinnamon, cocoa, and peppermint sets the stage as yn spends the evening with minji and her family. amid festive decorations and shared moments, they navigate love, family dynamics, and their evolving relationship. between gingerbread decorating and intimate conversations, yn begins to feel like part of something bigger, but the night ends with a playful reminder that love doesn’t always follow the rules.

warnings: implied insecurity and unhappy family?; other than that none i guess it's just fluff :3

a/n: AHAHA back with another masterpiece (i hope) i’m trying a new writing style which are just basically my rawest thoughts so yeah this is very raw :D i hope you enjoy reading though. (early) merry christmas every1☃️🎄

a warm blend of cinnamon, hot cocoa, and peppermint fills my cozy apatment’s air. christmas is coming. the decorations have been set up, the trees have been decorated, and the gingerbreads were about to be frosted. i’m in my kitchen, still waiting for minji to come in through my apartment door with her smiley face, it’s 5PM, she should’ve done with her work. three minutes into the thought, the girl that had been occupying my mind finally arrives.

“ynn!” she excitedly exclaims my name with her hands up in the air. oh, she brought potter. i immediately handed minji her apron after giving her a quick peck on the lips. how was your day? i was meaning to ask before seeing her furrowed eyebrows and pouty lips, i grinned at the sight and get back to decoraring before she sense my gaze and caught me being an absolute loser when it comes to loving her.

fortunately, before i couldn’t resist the urge to once again kiss her lips senseless and possibly ruining yet another christmas eve activity. she looked up and with a soothing tone, asked me, “how was your day?” i was more than pleased when she asked that, she senses my thoughts, i like having my mind read.

“not much, since final season is over i’ve been focused on catching the hours i’ve been awake to study, i walked around the block near at three ans got brunch. how about you?” she has all my attention the moment those lips part.

“oh you know, it’s been a whirlwind lately,” she begins, concentrating on piping icing onto a cookie, “this morning, we had a photoshoot for vogue korea. they wanted to capture both traditional and modern concepts so we got to wear hanboks and some chic contemporary outfits. it was exhausting but so rewarding,” she pauses, selecting a gumdrop for her gingerbread man.

“after that, we had a meeting about our upcoming independent projects. since leaving ador, we’ve been navigating everythung ourselves—planning, scheduling, even managing our social media. it’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s empowering to have creative control.” her eyes met mine, a mix of excitement and fatigue, “honestly, it’s been nonstop, but at least i got to soend more time with you which is the best part of my day.” there it is again, the glimmer of her eyes washing over me. i don’t think i can continue this conversation—looking in her eyes too—any longer without a kiss or two so i went back to my gingerbread house and didn’t ask anymore questions furthermore.

“my parents invited you to dinner tonight. are you willing to come this year?” she used a softer, more tender vocabulary than last year. somehow, even after spending more time (with the girls) than ever to get used to the feeling of togetherness, i still feel a tinge of anxiety and annoyance when i picture a family dinner. a real family dinner. where everyone is included. she had tell me how her family is like at times. i thought for a second and replied, “do they know about us?” to my relief, minji smiled and nod, “they’re a lot more familiar with your name rather than the girls.” with a few words of reassurance we drove to her house after covering the gingerbread cookies with a nearby cloth.

i drove, she hasn’t got her driver’s license yet. “relax bro, they’re gonna like you. you’re a great person.” i muttered thank you though i wasn’t sure if i were even a good person to begin with.

“there! that’s my house.” i was mesmerized when i took my glance of the house. it wasn’t the traditional korean house like i imagined, rather, it was a modern, fully decorated house. i laughed realizing that her house has the most, what was the word again? crowded. yeah, her house is very crowded with all the christmas lights and decorations.

the first meeting with her family was surprisingly comforting to me. her mother shared the same gaze and speaking tone with her, offering me some pear juice—i politely accepted it and chug it down in one breath, i was nervous. we sat on the dinner table, everything is ready.

“you want galbijjim or roasted chicken?” minji whispered softly as she took my plate, her voice barely audible over the quiet hum of conversation. everyone else had already started eating, but she, as always, made sure i was served first. it was a simple gesture, yet one that spoke volumes—a habit she’d carried since the day we met, placing my needs before her own with an ease that felt like second nature.

“both.” i smiled for the first time after arriving at the house, my nerves has started to relax. the dinner table feels warmer than i expected, with the soft hum of conversations swirling around me. the glow from the christmas lights, which feel like they’re everywhere, dances across the room in little flickers, adding to the festive atmosphere. minji’s parents are seated at the head of the table, her mom, just as graceful as minji, making sure everyone’s glass is full and everyone’s plate is filled.

“so, yn,” minji’s dad says, breaking through the noise with his deep voice, “how’s life been treating you? what have you been up to lately?” his tone is casual, inviting—like he’s genuinely curious, not probing.

i clear my throat, suddenly aware of the quiet that surrounds me. “oh, uh, not much. just finished finals, so i’ve been... trying to breathe again,” i laugh softly, the nervous tension in my chest easing a little. “and spending time with minji, obviously.”

minji looks at me with a small smile, her hand subtly brushing mine under the table. it’s comforting, knowing that in a room full of unfamiliar faces, there’s this unspoken connection between us.

her mom laughs, a light, melodic sound that makes the whole room feel a little less stiff. “you two always seem so happy together,” she says, her eyes warm. “i’m glad to see minji with someone who makes her smile so much. it’s rare, you know.”

i glance at minji, a soft flush creeping onto her cheeks, but she doesn’t look embarrassed—just content. she catches my gaze, and for a moment, the world outside the dinner table fades.

“you guys have been such a great couple,” her dad adds, and i can feel the weight of the words settling in, almost like a compliment wrapped in a quiet approval.

i smile at minji’s parents, grateful for the warmth they’re offering, and without thinking, i reach for the galbijjim, placing a piece on minji’s plate before mine. it’s a small thing, but in this moment, it feels like the right thing to do—following the same simple gesture she’s done for me so many times before.

"thanks for having me," i say softly, almost shy.

her dad gives me a knowing smile, and i see minji’s mom glance between us before she turns back to the table, her face lighting up with the joy of the moment. there’s something peaceful about this—being here, in this space where i’m allowed to be myself without any pretenses.

the meal goes on, each dish more delicious than the last, and slowly, i begin to feel like part of the family. it’s the little things—the way minji’s mom keeps her eye on me, making sure i’m comfortable, or how minji subtly moves closer to me every time i glance her way.

when dessert comes, a sweet red bean cake topped with powdered sugar, the conversation shifts to quieter topics. minji’s mom shares stories from minji’s childhood, laughing about the times she was a little troublemaker, always getting into things she shouldn’t have. i find myself laughing along, feeling like i’m part of this intimate, warm circle, and when minji rests her head on my shoulder as we sit together, i think to myself that this is what christmas is all about.

there’s no pressure, no need for perfect moments. just us, together.

the night grew as the conversation grows, her parent had asked me about my future plans and intentions with their daughter out of nowhere. in the midst of that conversation, her brother came home with a couple of his friends. woah, they really all look alike. they sat on the floor, not long from where we sat but the milisecond frown that i made is enough to make minji aware of my uncomfyness.

“wanna go home? finish our gingerbreads?” she whispered once again. i also like when minji refers to my apartment as home, it makes me feel like i have succeeded in building a home i once never have. i nodded, “can i... can minji stay over at my place tonight mr. kim?” with a rush of courage i asked her father before stepping outside, “i promise i’ll be good, eh-” realizing how childish i must’ve looked i retreat to the car—after minji’s dad patted my back several times, approving.

as we drive back, minji is quiet, her hand brushing against mine as she hums softly to the music. it’s comforting, the way we don’t need to say much. just the presence of each other is enough to make everything else fade. i can’t help but smile to myself. i know there’s still a lot of questions ahead—about us, about where we’re going—but right now, all that matters is that we’re here.

as soon as we step into my apartment—home—minji pushes me up against the wall and started to kiss me all over the place. i pull away, chuckling nervously. “wait, wait. i promised your father i’d be good.”

minji grins, that mischievous glint in her eyes. “yeah, but i don’t,” she teases, her hands sliding up my shirt, her fingers just grazing my skin. “keep resisting me, and i’ll keep doing things to you.”

and just like that, all the uncertainty from earlier vanishes. i can’t help but laugh, my heart pounding in my chest. she knows exactly what she’s doing to me. but for now, as we stand there in our home—together—it’s perfect. i don’t need any more words.

[13nickds]

paradise

Kim minji x gn!reader

synopsis: a quiet day at home spent with food and laughter.

word count: 1k+

warnings: fluff; kim minji being domestic; overall just kinda lovey-dovey; horrible grammar, HORRIBLE HORRIBLE grammar (im so sorry); kinda proofread (?); idk i wrote this on my phone at 4 in the morning; short as hell mb :')

a/n: hiiii, this is my first time posting here, trying to build up my confidence in the writing department 😔, and i thought why not start with something nice like this, it's probably not any good but I tried. thank you in advance for reading!!!

the small breeze sifts through the half opened windows, curtains flowing slightly from the calm wind gently blowing against it. sunlight beamed into the crevices of your eyelids, slowly seeping into your senses.

you shift, attempting to cover yourself with your blanket with knitted brows, you reach over to the other side of the bed, patting it aimlessly in search of your lover to cling onto, but you find nothing in the midst.

letting out a low grumble at the loss, you bring your hands to your face. digging your palms in your eyes, attempting to rub the sleep out. still you let out multitudes of groans and sighs as you stretch, bones emiting a mild cracking noise as you reach up with your hands, mouth agape as you yawn.

you let out a puff of air as you relax against the comfort of your bed, flopping down your limbs dramatically. the warmth of your blanket suddenly not providing as much consolation as it did. you blink rapidly, trying to adjust to the harsh sunlight through the drawn-open curtains. you look over to the side, hoping that there's a chance that you just dreamt of her not being beside you, but alas, you find nothing, her side of the bed cold in contrast to the current sunlight.

you reluctantly pull the blankets off your body, shivering at the sudden change of temperature. sitting up, you rub your palms together, trying to create warmth as you yawn a second time. after hyping yourself up to get out of your 'bed nest', you swing your feet off your bed. your sole touching the cold hardwood flooring of your apartment. you hiss, immediately lifting your feet back up, glaring your bleary eyes down at the floor in betrayal upon ultimately finding your fuzzy slippers all the way across the room. cursing under your breath, you narrowly navigate the floor tiles 'the floor is lava' style, keeping yourself up on your tippy toes.

slipping into your source of warmth, you sluggishly swing the bedroom door open, dragging yourself forward to find your lover.

you sniff at the slight scent of food wafting through the air. you immediately perk up at the quiet whirling of the coffee machine and the sounds of music softly playing, you venture towards the source of the clatter.

you find minji in the open kitchen, back turned towards you, dressed in a casual t-shirt and shorts, one side of her collar unadjusted as it hangs off the edge of her shoulder. she faces the stove, her hands carefully adjusting the pan. you smile unconsciously as you see the Korean girl bopping her head along with the beat of the music, occasionally doing small little dance moves. nose scrunched as she focuses on not burning the food. chuckling quietly to yourself, you walk over to her, wrapping your arms around her middle and nuzzling you head in her neck.

she yelps, flinching slightly, "woah, you scared me!"

you let out a laugh, giggling at her reaction, "oh c'mon you big baby," you tease, voice raspy from sleep, "whatcha makin'?"

"tteokbokki," she smiles, pushing her glasses up slightly (UGHHHH omg sorry) with one hand, and the other gently caressing your knuckles.

you let out a content sigh, happy to be free of the burdens of working for a day, closing your eyes and melting further into minji as she continues her ministrations on the pan, using a spatula to poke the rice cakes once in a while.

"you okay, love?" minji says after a period of silence. glancing behind her to catch a glimpse of your face.

"mm...just wanna stay like this for a while," you grumble tiredly, "still waking up..."

minji chuckles, "well you're gonna have to move a little cause im done cooking,"

you let out a small hum, but still clings onto minji as she stiffly moves to plate the food, thanks to the human attached to her back. you giggle tiredly as she struggles to move, grunting dramatically with every step she takes, "dear..." she playfully whines as you finally give up, giving her one last squeeze as you release her from your hold, letting her continue filling the bowl with your respective breakfasts.

while she was occupied with the food, you get busy setting the table for the two of you, the action slowly becoming a tradition for you both as you alternate on setting the table and making breakfast on your off days.

you move to a drawer in the kitchen, pulling it open as you idly search for the utensils needed. ruffling around, you pick up forks and napkins and rinse them, setting them down on the coffee table.

you sniff, the sweet smell of tteokbokki fills the room as you move to sit on the couch, plopping down on the plush material, making sure the utensils set in front of you were in orderly fashion. you look at minji's form in anticipation as she (finally) finishes plating the food.

she walks towards the coffee table while balancing your cups and bowls and you move slightly from your place on the couch to help guide her hands to the table safely, making sure she doesn't burn herself accidentally.

she sits next to you on the couch and immediately leans her head on your shoulder, letting out a small groan, entertwining your hands together. you chuckle, tilting your head to rest on hers aswell, but not before placing a chaste kiss on her head.

"eat?" you mumble after a small while, minji nods her head in response as she moves to pick up a fork, digging into her food while you do the same, with music softly playing in the background.

you nod slightly, smiling as you're impressed by her cooking, taking more frequent bites. almost finishing your meals, minji nods suddenly, and quite agressively, a satisfied hum slipping past her lips as she smiles, you look at her questioningly as she points to the food, "i really outdid myself here," she says smugly, wiggling her eyebrows at you, expecting a compliment.

"hmmm..." you pretend to think as you take another bite, "it could use more salt..." immediately, minji let's out a dragged out protest as she pushes your shoulder. you laugh heartily while she continues moving you back and forth by your shoulders, continuing her complaints.

"ahh, ahh, I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" you grinned.

"say it tastes good!" she tackles you on the couch, holding onto eachother as you cackle.

"it tastes good, it tastes good!" you get out despite the numerous attacks you've received.

its until then does she release you, chest heaving from laughter as she collapses on top of you, both still a giggling mess.

you wrap your arms around her, smiling softly as you both calm down, until only soft breathing is heard. she sighs and nuzzles into the crook of your neck, placing a kiss there with the upmost gentleness, "every morning I fall in love with you all over again."

and just like that, with meals forgotten, you both relish in the feeling of being in love, and being loved.

[13nickds]

IVE Personality Reading

Okay, I am ready to get back to some request for them. Just needed a break from them for a bit, but now let's look into what strong personality traits are showing up for them right now.

Yujin (Monk/Nun/The Sun) She may be someone who is more on the spiritual side. She may utilize her time alone, so she can gather her energy. She seems like a sweet loving person, a ball of sunshine. She enjoys bringing happiness and joy to others. She could be the type that isn't into lots of money or materialism. She is more into doing things for her own personal development and growth. She finds ways to shine on her own and be positive. She may also do meditative practices that bring her peace and joy.

Gauel (Mediator/The Lovers) This is nice energy. She seems to be the type that brings people together. To help others come to an agreement or solution. She is the type to see both sides of the situation and help others come to a conclusion or agreement. She is respectful and kind to both sides, would not judge one side over the other. She may be in a situation now where she is mediating others at the moment. She can also be good at making decisions, weighing the options and making the right choice for herself. She doesn't seem to rush into things too quickly.

Rei (Slave/2 of Wands) Why does this make me feel she is obligated to work with someone right now with these two cards. I can see her being a pretty passive person who may prefer others to pull the strings for her. She is able to endure a lot, but I do feel she can be easily controlled by others. I feel she gets influenced a lot by others. I see her wanting to learn from others a lot and see what they know and learn from them. She wants to learn the perspective of others. There is a lot about the world she wants to know and learn, she may also want to travel more as well. I see her being a very curious individual.

Wonyoung (Child Eternal/Knight of Cups) Why do I see her not taking any romantic offers from others with this Knight of Cups rv, at first, I thought this was her energy and it could be, but I also got that vibe. She has a strong inner child. This desire to stay young. She can be very nostalgic and playful. She has an optimism and hopeful energy to her. A need to stay young with mind, body and spirit. She has a strong vivid imagination. I kind of get she doesn't want to be tamed by anyone, this could be potential romantic partners. She kind of just wants to be free to do her own thing. It is like she shuts herself off emotionally from them. This will be interesting to get into her ideal type reading.

Liz (Rescuer/8 of Cups) She might be the type that feels she needs to help and rescue others. She is a very supportive person who helps those in need when need be. I can see her doing humanitarian things or volunteering places if she could. It looks like she seeks personal and spiritual growth as well. She may like time alone and distance to reflect on her life and her decisions. She might also be the type that gets down at times and needs time alone. It is like she shuts off and distances herself. I think she likes supporting others, but for herself she rather deal with it on her own without the help of others.

Leeseo (Angel/Ace of Swords) Sweet energy. She seems very kind and loving. A peaceful aura, someone who helps those around her and protects them as much as she can. It is like she tries to lift up the spirits of others around her. Overall sweet person. She seems to have lots of ideas, she is a curious person, tends to approach things in an intellectual sense. It might be hard for her to follow through on her plans, she may have an idea, but she doesn't really go any further with that. She may be the type to start up a new idea and then others kind of do the rest. I can also see her being a curious person and a bit naive as well.

This was pretty easy to get through. Their energies seem pretty nice here.

[13nickds]

Hiiii! Can you do Yujin IVE personality on & off camera, please? Thank you so much for your time 🍀❤

an yujin: on-camera self vs off-camera self

asked on 11.10.2024

on-camera | 5 of cups rx, 10 of cups, the magician

in front of the public eye, yujin is extremely creative. she shows her optimistic side, also her creative self, she shows this side of her so much that she can overdo it.. like the ✨old times✨

off-camera | the empress, the tower rx, the emperor

behind the scenes she's more in tune with herself. i'd say that she has some sides she's hiding that can make her more feminine or more masculine. she can also hide secrets that can be very important or even parts of herself. there's definitely that side of her who appreciates her personal space A LOT and would prefer to not be an (publicly) open book.

[13nickds]

POLAROID LOVE

pairings: nwjns minji x nmixx 8th member! reader x nwjns hanni

synopsis: y/n did not intend to join the kpop industry but after her brother had convinced her, she's taken the industry by storm. what happens when she unintentionally catches the attention and heart of two members of the rookie group, newjeans that's taking everyone by storm?

tags: idol x idol! reader, reader is related to sim jake, wlw, angst, fluff, idol au, friends to lovers, slow burn, crack, smau, love triangle, reader is just dumb and oblivious half of the time

warnings: strong language, drama, cyberbullying, overworking, izone disbandment,(will add more as we progress)

featuring: newjeans, nmixx, iz*one, le sserafim, straykids' bangchan and felix, enhypen's jake

status: started (01/30/23) - completed (09/02/2023)

updates: whenever i can

PROFILES: freaky fishy fishy | new juice | iz*gone | the fimmies | the aussies

CHAPTERS:

00. what did i do this time?

01. PRETTY GIRLS MAKE ME PANIC

02. brought to you by hybe

03. she's a fan of yours

04. chan's room

05. new jeans

06. fimmies help me pls

07. NEW FRIENDS

08. HYEIN THE LUCKY NSWER

BONUS 01: oh i-

09. Jake the bitch

10. THEY'RE REAL (written)

11. i'll take them, thank you

12. i don't understand simlish

13. call me a dungeon master

14. just smile and wave

15. she's built different

16. why didn't you confess?

BONUS 02: dinner with newjeans

17. simping hours: open

18. right here (half-written)

19. just the two of us?

20. one point for rin

21. hanging out with rin

22. planning stage

23. confession from a mother of four

24. she by dodie

25. cute

BONUS 03: its a date

26. the night after

27. yoona to the rescue?

28. you. me. date?

29. mama meeting

30. uwu & cringe

BONUS 04: safe haven

31. snorlax and grim

32. team minyn or hanyn

33. delusions and confrontations

34. game on (half-written)

35. time out (written)

36. the actual minyn date

BONUS 05: can i have this dance?

37. lowkey

38. would you be so kind

BONUS 06: falling

BONUS 07: dis-bitch

39. mother…

40. the announcement

BONUS 08: jealousy jealousy

41. shake it off

42. yoona best girl

43. nmixx & twice (half-written)

44. practice practice

45. talk it out (half-written)

46. friends? (half-written)

47. d-day

48. whatever happens (half-written)

49. you have my heart (half-written)

50. girlfriends? (half-written)

epilogue: one | two | three

bonus: the shade | absolutely smitten

taglist [CLOSED]:

@lesbianslovesminji @sserajeans @trsrina @invusblog @haerinstolemyhrt @txtbrainrot @ddenoudepression @cfvgbhndun-new-blog @lcv3lies @rd0265667 @somsomishy @dream-chasers-things @captivq @limbforalimb @dmndtears @buuhsworld @oshyci @ksnu @falling-intoo-deep @sserafimez @hyukasverse @forever-in-the-sky2 @cixl-writes @wolfimini @j-wyoung @jisooftme @justme-idle @myahwritesss @paranoxic @edamboon @iluvhanni1

[13nickds]

home to you

pairing - wife!pham hanni x doctor!female reader

genre - fluffffffffff, FLUFF with soft angst

synopsis - life as a doctor is hectic, filled with constant emergencies and late nights. you come home late again, and this time, hanni's feelings of neglect hit harder than before.

warning - hanni cried, soft angst, feelings of neglect, busy life, kisses, again kisses, once again kisses, neck kiss, cheek kiss, lip kiss, 50% filled w kisses (my ass) and ur author is officially illiterate!

word count - i adore writing this kind of oneshot! there's smth sweet about married love. this oneshot reminds me of my own parents 😭🫶🏻 (pls request more of these types of fics, they fill my heart w joy ^^)

— requested!

the hospital was always busy.

patients coming in and out. doctors running from one case to another. and paperwork piling higher with each passing hour.

it wasn’t new to you; being a doctor meant long, unpredictable hours. but as the night dragged on, your mind was occupied by thoughts of home, of her.

pham hanni.

you let out a tired sigh as you entered the quiet apartment, the weight of another long day at the hospital pressing down on you.

you could feel the exhaustion in your bones, the endless hours of surgeries and patient consultations stealing away your energy.

but right now, there was something—or rather, someone—more important waiting for you.

the dim light in the living room was a clear sign that hanni hadn’t gone to bed yet.

it was well past midnight, and you knew she was likely upset.

you had promised to be home for dinner, but emergencies at the hospital had kept you late again.

the same story had played out more times than you cared to count.

and you knew she deserved better.

you quietly made your way to the bedroom, pushing the door open gently.

there she was, lying on the bed, facing away from the door. even in the dark, you could sense her frustration and hurt. her shoulders were slightly hunched, her body tense as she buried herself under the covers.

you knew she wasn’t asleep—she was sulking, and it broke your heart.

“honey…” you called softly, stepping into the room. she didn’t respond, but the slight stiffening of her body told you she heard.

you closed the door behind you and slipped out of your work clothes, changing into comfortable pjs.

with a quiet sigh, you slid into bed beside her, gently wrapping your arms around her waist, pulling her close against your chest.

she didn’t resist, but she didn’t lean into your touch either.

“hanni, i’m sorry,” you whispered into her ear, pressing a soft kiss to her hair. “i didn’t mean to come home so late. you know how the hospital can get…”

that’s when you heard the soft sniffle.

“babe?” you turned her gently, and that’s when you saw it—the tears clinging to her lashes, her pouty lips trembling slightly.

your heart twisted at the sight.

“you always say that…” hanni’s voice was quiet, but the hurt was clear. “you always say the hospital was busy… but i’m busy missing you, y/n. every day... i wait for you. every night i wonder if you’ll come home on time, if we can have a proper meal together, just once…”

her voice broke, and more tears slipped down her cheeks. she tried to wipe them away quickly, but you were faster, gently brushing them away with your thumb. “and tonight, i waited… i made your favorite dinner, but it went cold. you didn’t even text me that you’d be late again…”

guilt hit you like a truck, and you pulled her even closer, pressing your forehead against hers. “i know, love. i’m so, so sorry.”

hanni let out a frustrated huff, her tears not stopping as she continued her rant. “i’m always here waiting, but it feels like i’m the only one who cares about spending time together. i know your job is important, but i’m important too, right?”

your heart shattered at her words.

of course she was important.

she was everything to you.

you leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek, tasting the salt of her tears on your lips.

“you’re the most important person in my life, hanni. i’m sorry if i made you feel like you weren’t,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “i’ve been so caught up in work, but that’s no excuse. i’ll do better. i promise.”

she sniffled again, her arms slowly wrapping around your neck as she pressed her forehead against your shoulder. “you always say that too…” she mumbled.

“i know,” you smiled softly, despite the ache in your chest. “but i’m serious this time, my babe. i’ll find a way. you’re the most important person in my life, and i don’t want you to feel like you’re second to anything. every second i’m away from you, i’m thinking about coming home to you,” you murmured against her skin. “and now that i’m here, all i want to do is make it up to you. so, can i?”

she blinked, you smiled softly in return, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. it was soft, gentle, and full of the love you wished you could express more often. when you pulled away, hanni’s eyes fluttered open, and you could see the tiniest bit of relief in her gaze.

“you’re so cheesy,” she mumbled, blushing slightly.

you chuckled quietly, brushing her hair back from her face. “sorry.”

she sighed softly, her fingers playing with the hem of your shirt. “i just miss you,” she whispered. “i miss us.”

“i miss us too,” you whispered back, pressing a kiss to her temple. “and i’ll make it up to you. starting tonight.”

she bit her lip, her pout still firmly in place, but she nodded slowly. “okay… but you better mean it.”

a soft laugh escaped your lips, and you gently cupped her face, leaning in to kiss her properly this time.

your lips met hers in a slow, tender kiss, full of the love and apologies you couldn’t put into words.

she melted into you, her hands slipping into your hair as she kissed you back, her frustration slowly being replaced by the warmth of your affection.

you broke the kiss only to plant more gentle kisses along her jawline, trailing down to her neck. she shivered under your touch, her soft breath hitching as your lips found the sensitive spot beneath her ear.

“y/n…” she whispered, her voice breathy and soft. “that tickles…”

you hummed in response, trailing more kisses along her neck, your hands gently caressing her sides. “i love you,” you murmured against her skin. “i love everything about you.”

hanni squirmed slightly in your arms, a soft blush creeping up her neck. “you’re so cringy,” she mumbled, though you could hear the affection in her voice.

you chuckled softly, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes. “i’m only like this because i love you.”

she smiled, her eyes still a little red but much brighter now. “i love you too,” she whispered.

“i love you sooooo much, my hanni,” you whispered, leaning for more kisses. “you’re everything to me. everything.”

her hands tightened their grip in your hair, a soft whimper escaping her lips. “i love you sooooo much too,” she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. “just don’t keep making me wait…”

“i won’t,” you promised, your kisses growing more insistent now as you peppered her neck, her collarbone, and then back up to her lips. “i won’t ever make you feel like that again.”

hanni kissed you deeply in response, her lips parting slightly as you pressed into her, your tongues brushing softly against one another.

it was slow and sensual, a kiss that conveyed every unspoken apology and every bit of love you held for her.

you pulled her fully into your lap, holding her close as you continued to kiss her, your hands tracing soft patterns on her back, her waist, her hips. she clung to you as if she never wanted to let go, her earlier tears now replaced with soft sighs and gentle hums of contentment.

“and i’m sorry,” you whispered against her lips as you kissed her again, this time moving to her chin, her cheeks, her eyelids. “i’m sorry, i’m never letting you feel lonely again.”

she giggled softly, her arms tightening around your neck as she nuzzled into you. “you better keep this promise, doctor.”

you smiled, kissing her nose. “i will, i swear. i’ll spend every second i’m not at the hospital making sure you know how much i love you.”

hanni let out a happy sigh, her forehead resting against yours as she finally relaxed fully in your arms. “good. because i’m never letting you go either.”

you both fell into a comfortable silence, the only sounds in the room being your soft breathing and the occasional flutter of kisses as you held each other close.

you whispered sweet nothings into her ear, telling her how much you adored her, how beautiful she was, how lucky you were to have her.

and every time, she’d blush and giggle, her earlier sadness long forgotten.

you spent the rest of the night just like that, tangled in each other’s arms, kissing, cuddling, and making up for lost time.

and for the first time in weeks, you both felt completely at peace.

a/n - single life hurts 💔 (pfft no, i have my hanni 😽)

[13nickds]

second mom

pairing - kim minji x female reader

synopsis - you casually mention to your girlfriend that you’re starving, only to get caught for skipping dinner. :/

genre - fluff, chat + written (im becoming obsessed with this, someone seriously stop me)

warning - nothing :<

word count - 799

a/n - stay tuned for hanni's version😋

you barely have time to process what minji said before you hear a series of soft knocks on your door at exactly 2:35 am.

typical. she always keeps her promises.

groaning, you drag yourself out of bed and shuffle over to unlock it.

the door swings open, and there she stands, holding a plastic bag that smells suspiciously like instant noodles and… something else.

she’s in sweatpants and an oversized hoodie, looking a little too cute for someone who just stormed over here to lecture you about food.

“why didn’t you eat?” she says, narrowing her eyes at you as she steps inside.

“i was too lazy…” you mumble, rubbing the back of your neck.

minji doesn’t even wait for your explanation.

she heads straight for your kitchen. “you’re unbelievable, y/n.” She pulls out a pot, her expression focused. “seriously, if i didn't show up, you’d probably just starve yourself all night."

“okay, okay, i get it,” you sigh dramatically, plopping down on a chair by the counter. “but you didn’t have to come here at 2 in the morning…”

minji shoots you a look as she fills the pot with water. “no, i did have to. because you obviously can’t be trusted to take care of yourself.” she slams the pot down on the stove, looking far too serious for someone about to make instant noodles.

“i swear, i’m dating a child."

you pout. “you know that‘s a bit harsh, babe.”

she rolls her eyes. “harsh? you skipped dinner. again. do you want me to nag you?”

you lean forward, resting your chin on the counter. “you already do that…”

“y/n,” minji warns, turning back to focus on her noodles. she pulls out some vegetables from the bag, tossing them in with a surprising amount of concentration. “and don’t even think about falling asleep while i’m cooking.”

“i wouldn’t dare,” you snicker, watching her struggle to chop the vegetables.

she glances at you every so often, probably to make sure you‘re still awake, but mostly to glare at you for your cheeky comments.

soon, the kitchen is filled with the aroma of what you assume is her version of dinner.

minji serves the noodles in a bowl, the vegetables floating awkwardly. she sets it in front of you with a sense of pride. “eat,” she orders, folding her arms.

you pick up the chopsticks, taking a tentative bite.

honestly, it doesn’t taste half bad, but there’s this distinct burnt smell lingering in the air. you’re not sure if it’s from the noodles or the fact that she accidentally spilled something on the stove earlier.

minji watches you intently, like a mom waiting to see if her kid will approve of her cooking. “how is it?”

“it’s good, babe,” you say with a forced smile. “reallyyyyyy good.”

she narrows her eyes suspiciously. “you’re lying again.”

you cough awkwardly, but keep eating because you’re actually starving. “no, no, i swear it’s good. it’s just… different.”

“different how?” she asks, sitting beside you, grabbing a pair of chopsticks to try it for herself.

the moment she takes a bite, her eyes widen in horror, and she immediately spits it out. “OH MY GOD—WHAT DID I DO?!”

you burst out laughing, nearly choking on your noodles. “see? i told you! but hey, i’m still eating it, right?”

minji gags dramatically, grabbing a napkin to wipe her mouth. “you’re insane for eating this… how could i fail so badly?! i thought i did everything right… stupid minji...!”

you grin, setting the chopsticks down and reaching out to grab her hand. “it’s the thought that counts, babe. and i love you for coming over and taking care of me, even if your cooking needs some work.”

she looks at you, her eyes softening, the frustration fading from her face. “you’re lucky i love you way too much. next time, i’m ordering takeout.”

you tug her closer, wrapping your arms around her waist. “yeah, next time, maybe let the professionals handle it.” you laugh, pulling her onto your lap. “but thank you, really. you didn’t have to come all the way here just to feed me.”

minji pouts, resting her forehead against yours. “of course i did. if i don’t take care of you, who will?”

you smile, giving her a soft kiss on the cheek. “i guess you’re stuck with me then. bad cooking and all.”

she glares playfully, leaning into you with a sigh. “i’m gonna get better, you just wait.”

“sure, sure,” you tease, and she lightly smacks your arm. “owwh!”

but in the quiet of your kitchen, you’re just grateful.

grateful for her, and all her nagging. because at the end of the day, it’s her way of loving you.

and even if her cooking sucks.

a/n - minji's sooooooooooo girlfriend material 😔

[13nickds]

Honestly, the people who are siding with HYBE is disgusting. Why are you siding w pigs and bunch of imbeciles? Clearly, they didn't learn what is wrong and right. This issue could've resolved if those ridiculous executives talked it out w MHJ, but they decided to make it public and make NewJeans the center of the issue. Making them suffer 10x much worse. NewJeans is being targeted by some fandoms who are bunch of assholes. Because you have to be kidding me, siding with a billion dollar company that is very clearly didn't show any care for their artists at all. I've seen other kpop groups be mistreated then disband, I don't want that to happen to NewJeans, but if the treatment doesn't get better, then I prefer them leaving that shithole for the better. They deserve so much more. Fuck you HYBE.

[13nickds]

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | My love, forever ahn yujin x f!reader

-> warnings: kissing, bitchy waitress, girlies are lovesick, idk why they broke up?? this is from that poll btw:)

☆☆☆

You had work today, so you expected an alarm to wake you up from your dreams, a normal alarm, not the one with your ex-girlfriends face popping up on your phone screen, the alarm screaming “Wake up! It's your 3rd year anniversary with your pretty girlfriend!”

Yeah, hearing it now, after a few months of setting up that alarm, did sound cringe.

I mean, it would sound cringe, your ex-girlfriend yujin, did make you set that alarm up before you two broke up.

Anyways, forgetting that, before you get sentimental and shit.

You groaned, stretching your limbs hearing a loud crack, “ouch,  mei, I think your mamas getting old.”

You chuckled, looking over at your dog that was sprawled out on her little dog bed, “you probably think I'm dumb, but i know you understand me, so, i'll still talk to you.”

Getting out of your bed, you slipped your feet into the slippers that were placed by your bed and went straight to fetch mei her dog food, she always comes first, well, more likely, if you went to the bathroom, she would not make you relax, barking your ear off, so you decided to do the right thing.

After getting her food, water and petting for a while, she rolled over and went straight back to sleep.

You smiled, you have had mei for quite a while now, you and yujin got her at the start of your relationship, yujin said and you quote “in case we ever break up, which i doubt, one of us gets to keep her to think about the other!”

“But what about one of us that doesn't get to keep the dog?” you asked, “well, i didn't think about that,” yujin smiled sheepishly, “then let's get two dogs, what do you think?” you tilted your head, “woah! That's actually smart!” and you both broke out in fit of giggles.

And that's how you got two dogs, mei that you got to keep, and gaeul, that yujin got to keep.

Gosh, did that alarm got to your head that much or why were you suddenly thinking about your memories with yujin?!

You shook your head, pushing the thoughts of yujin and how happy you two were together away, getting up to get ready for work.

☆☆☆

You were walking mei around the park, you had just gotten off work and decide to take her on a walk, it would make you relax after a long day too, so, you took her leash and went out.

“Mei, shouldn't we sit down? My legs are killing me,” you whined out, like she could actually hear you.

Nevertheless, you took a little blanket out of your backpack, spreading it out on the grass, taking a seat.

“Let me get this thing off of you, so you can go run around for a while,” you took off her leash, and mei like she had been held hostage all this time, started running around like crazy, running up to people making them pet her.

You just laughed whole-heartedly, taking out your phone to film her.

After filming her for quite a while, you shut your phone off, dropping it inside your bag and instead taking out a pack of cigarettes and lighter, lighting it up and popping it inside your mouth.

When you looked up, mei was nowhere to be found, you got up in panic, picking up your things, running around, searching for her.

After finally spotting her next to a woman with her own dog, you quickly run up to them.

“Oh my gosh, mei, you scared the living shit outta me,” you fell to your knees, picking her up and hugging her tightly against your chest, “I'm sorry, she doesn't usually run up to people like that, i don't know, why-"

“I guess she just recognised me,” the woman's words made you stop in your tracks, “wow, it hasn't even been that long, and you already forgot me?”

Her teasing tone made you realize who you were talking to, and why mei, when she never does, ran like crazy to this mysterious, well, not anymore, since you figured out that the person was yujin.

“Oh, um, no i didn't forget you, just, didn't see your face,” you tried to reason.

“I didn't knew you still smoked,” she ignored what you said and changed the topic.

“Yeah, only once in a while,” you realized you still had cigarette in your mouth, so you took a big whiff before throwing it down on the pavement and smashing it with your foot.

“Good to hear,” she smiled, “see you around?”

“Yeah, of course, totally, most definitely...see you around,” you slapped yourself mentally, what the fuck?! Great, now you embarrassed yourself in front of her.

She just chuckled at your red cheeks, “cute,” she mumbled under her breath, hoping that you would still hear.

And you did, just tried to play it off.

With last nod towards your way, she turned around, tugging gaeul with her leash, that you just now noticed, was rubbing against your leg.

“Aw, gaeul, I'm sorry baby, i just noticed you,” you cooed, bending down to pet her, “how are you?”

Gaeul rolled onto her back, her paws flying in every direction, “she still likes your rubs so much,” yujin pointed it out.

“Yeah,” you dragged out, “you know, i was thinking, since we haven't seen each other for this past few months, what do you think about catching up over some coffee?”

You looked at her with a hopeful glint in your eyes, but her face told it all, “it doesn't have to be like a date, just two old friends catching up?”

“Y/n, i didn't even think of it as a date,” ouch, that hurt, “i knew what you meant, and yeah, I would like to catch up on with you over a cup of coffee.”

“Great, tomorrow around...” you looked down at your watch, calculating the time, “three p.m. is good for you?”

“Perfect actually, i get off work around two, so, I'll have enough time to get pretty for you.” She winked, before finally leaving.

“Mei, i don't like to brag, but i think we're about to get your mom and sister back,” you smirked, looking at yujin's figure that was almost out of sight.

☆☆☆

“Mei, baby, i have to leave you with your grandma today,” you stared at yourself in the mirror, adding final touches to your makeup and hair, “the mission “get mei’s mom and sister back", can only be done by me, you'll have to sit this one out.”

You scratched her head, walking towards and out the door.

Walking in the cafe, you looked around for the empty table to occupy for you and yujin.

“Hello, would you like anything?” the waitress came over, a girl with blonde, no, yellow hair, twirling it between her fingers.

“No, thanks, I-" she cut you off, okay, rude.

“Are you waiting for someone?” she put her hands down on the table, putting her whole weigh on them.

“Yes, i am, actually, so i would appreciate if you'd get back to your job, and act like a professional,” she straightened up her posture, a scowl attached to her face, “thank you, now, i would like a glass of water, before-"

“Actually, we'd like two cups of coffee,” yujin stepped out from behind the waitress, motioning her to get out of her way, “thanks.”

She flashed her a fake smile, “your coffee will be out in a few,” and walked off.

“Gosh, what a pain in the ass,” you groaned out, looking at yujin from head to toe, gosh, she looks beautiful.

Yujin's face went red, fiddling with the hem of her dress, before she took a seat in front of you.

“You said it out loud, you know,” she tried to stop her smile from forming.

“So? Did i lie?” you tilted your head to the side, small smirk making it's way on your lips, at the sight of her red as a tomato cheeks.

“Stop, you're making me blush,” she put her face in her hands, embarrassed to look up.

“Payback for making me blush yesterday,” you murmured under your breath, yujin missing it in a beat.

“What did you say?” she asked, finally straightening up.

“I said, you look even prettier with red cheeks,” you winced loudly, when she slapped you on the arm, very aggressively.

“Seriously, stop, i can't take it anymore,” she whined, unknowingly pout making it's way on her lips.

“Come on, I'm tryna win you back here, have some faith,” you suddenly stopped at your own words, shutting your eyes tightly, “I'm sorry-"

“It's okay, I dressed up for you anyway, hoping to win you back with my prettiness,” both of you broke out in fit of giggles, and you coffee arrived.

☆☆☆

“I miss talking to you,” yujin smiled sadly, looking down.

“I miss being with you, so, yeah,” there was a few seconds of silence, before that waitress broke it again.

“Your check,” she slammed it down on the table, waiting for one of you to pay, so you took out your wallet, paying before both you and yujin got up, leaving the cafe.

☆☆☆

You and yujin were walking side by side, you decided to walk her home, even though thousands of protests from her, you wanted to make this moment last even longer.

“Since when was your house this close?” you asked, staring up at the big apartment building.

“I don't know,” she let out a small giggle, “you can come-"

You didn't let her finish, crashing your lips against hers, her lips felt like soft, fluffy pillows against your own.

You two stayed like that for a few seconds, eyes shut, just lips pressed against each others, not moving an inch, before you finally pulled back.

“I don't-" “I want to get back together.”

“You don't know how long I've waited to hear those words from-" she didn't let you finish, pressing up against you, clashing her mouth against your owns.

Mei, i don't like bragging, but i thin the mission “get mei's mom and sister back" was a total success.

☆☆☆

[13nickds]

asleep .

synopsis; hanni was never big on physical affection... until she wasnt.

trope; hanni x 6th member!reader, fluff!

wc; 1.2 k

cw; n/a

a/n; i still dont know how to write but i heart hanni so its fine its OKAY its COOL !! just been listening to yearning music and stuff so BAM. aLSO!! i was also thinking of making "asleep among endives" the song attached to this... but idk i love the fluttery feeling of laufey.

It was a known fact by many that Hanni Pham was not one for physical affection— especially in public. Danielle trying to kiss her during a livestream? Dani-ed. Hyein trying to ask for affection? Rejected. Softly. Hell, even your attempts were futile most times. 

Trying to hold her hand in public? Swatted away. Wrapping your arms around her waist while waiting in a line? She's whining out like you’ve just stabbed her. God forbid you try to kiss her hand or cheek (you’ve tried. She screamed.)

You were the opposite of Hanni Pham. Physical affection was one of your top if not the top love language of yours. Every living and breathing moment you had to be in contact with one of the members. Squeezing Hyein’s shoulder reassuringly during an interview, absentmindedly playing with Haerins fingers in the car, tapping and poking Minji’s back just to be a nuisance. It was just a natural everyday habit for you. More often than not, Danielle is the one to frequently reciprocate— she was just as affectionate as you were, after all. It wasn't uncommon to find the two of you within each other's arms, practically melded into one another.

You’ve learned over time that not many people are fans of being touchy. Unfortunate, but that's what Danielle was for. You had come to terms long ago that Hanni would never be interested in indulging in your neediness— not genuinely, at least.

… Or so you thought.

This week has been particularly rough. Back to back to back plans, on top of packed schedules for weeks on end. NewJeans is practically dominating the world, and though the attention and growth to your career was great… you were only human. You were practically still a kid. The world doesn't completely change once you hit twenty.

After what felt like forever, Japan promotions have finally ceased, and you alongside the girls finally have a chance to breathe. You collapse into your dorm bed, welcoming the plush mattress and blankets as you sigh. You genuinely cannot remember the last time you’ve been able to fully relax without an upcoming schedule looming over your head, let alone relax in your own bed.

allowing yourself to be fully enveloped by the blankets and plushies, your eyes close. The muffled sound of Hanni in the nearby shower lulls you almost hypnotically into a drowsy state, leaving you drifting in and out of consciousness for the next few minutes. 

you just about nearly knock out on the spot before you suddenly feel a mass slip into the bed with you. It was a fairly familiar feeling. Though, normally you were the one crawling into the other dorm beds, this was still a welcome experience. Too exhausted to open your eyes, you softly murmur.

“Dani… what’re you doing here…” you say, before subconsciously wrapping your arm around the mystery figure.

Huh. Feels different.

“I.. It's not Dani.”

Your eyes immediately shoot open as the sound of Hanni’s soft voice rings out. Surprised, you look down at the girl in your arms, who’s already settled comfortably in your arms, face buried into your chest. She seems to be avoiding your gaze. Her hair was still slightly damp from her shower, with the iconic bobbed wig set off to the side for the night. Her skin was cool to the touch, a welcome contrast to your warm contact.

A soft, almost nervous chuckle leaves your lips as you’re still caught incredibly off guard. “Han?? Whats.. what's up with this?” You try to pick your words carefully, not wanting to scare her off during such a rare event— but to be frank, you were never good with your words and on top of that, you were half asleep.

“M’just tired…”

You must either be dreaming, or this isn't Hanni. Maybe it's Danielle disguised as Hanni? Has Danielle finally managed to crawl into Hanni’s skin before you could? Damn.

The feeling of Hanni’s face burying deeper into your chest snaps you back to reality, and you hold your breath. Body tensing almost comically at this point. What do you do now? She's never willingly brought herself this close to you before. What if she’s just toying with you?

Very hesitantly, you slowly use the arm that's draped over her form to rub soothing circles onto her back. Much to your relief, the vietnamese girl seems to take well to the touch, letting out a soft sigh against your chest as she practically melts into your touch.

“I-Is this okay…?” You quietly whisper, and you get a soft, “mhm..” in response.

Okay, now you’re definitely beginning to overthink this. How does Hanni even like to be touched? Everyone has their own preferences on how to receive physical affection, after all. Physical touch is an art and a skill very few can master, and you were determined to prove you were more than capable.

Danielle had always been a fan of you playing with her hair— especially in its naturally curly form. Maybe Hanni would like the same?

Slowly, your hand begins to trail higher along her back, soon meeting her long, dark hair. You begin to gently card your fingers through the silky locks, resulting in a soft, satisfied hum from Hanni in response. The vietnamese girl was always the one to get the most interesting haircuts during comebacks, though she always made the effort to keep her natural hair as healthy as possible despite everything it's been put through. You don't even know how many times a new wig of just about any color has been slapped onto Hanni’s head. 

Slowly, your fingers find their way up to her scalp. Her poor head must’ve gone through so much– nearly as much as Danielle’s, probably. Massaging her skin softly, Hanni becomes boneless in your arms. She loops her arms around your neck, pulling you impossibly closer as her head cranes towards your touch. The gesture leaves your heart fluttering.

It seems like the touch is unfamiliar for her as well. Her movements are slightly awkward, but not uncomfortable. Neither of you decide to comment on it.

After being practically Hanni-starved for god knows how many years, you’re over the moon. You wanted this moment to stretch on forever. The shorter girl is practically purring against you at this point, absolutely relishing in your magic touch. Your legs tangled together beneath the sheets as your shared body heat fills the room with a welcomed warmth. 

Now relaxing a bit more, you can fully take in the moment. The scent of Hanni’s shampoo fills your nostrils– peaches and cream. You had gifted her that shower set some Christmas ago. Nice to see it was still being put to good use.

The darkness envelops the both of you as a comforting silence passes. Hanni’s warm breath hits your neck as you feel her breathing steady, seemingly enamored by your touch. Her body feels soft, relaxed, and absolutely perfect against yours.

You still weren't sure exactly what prompted Hanni to come into your embrace in the first place. Maybe this would be the last time. Or maybe after another long work week, she’ll find her way back into your bed within the night.

But for now, you two remain comfortably entangled and engulfed by one another, the sound of soft snores filling the air as you slowly drift to sleep, feeling nothing but warmth within her arms.